Express provides the latest transfer news (Image: GETTY)
On the eve of the summer transfer window, clubs across the Premier League and beyond are positioning themselves to enjoy success with their recruitment in the coming months. Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea are among the heavyweights expected to complete business sooner rather than later.
That's all from us tonight! Make sure to check back in with Express Sport tomorrow as we continue to bring you all the latest transfer news on the first day of the summer window.
Roberto De Zerbi’s move to Olympique Marseille will see Brighton pocket £5million, reports talkSPORT.
The Italian left the Seagulls at the end of last season after his contract was mutually terminated following disagreements re-emerging over transfer business ahead of the summer window.
De Zerbi is now closing in on a return to management, with Marseille agreeing on a three-year deal with the Seagulls boss.
Brighton will benefit from the deal as well though, with it being agreed in the termination of the ex-Sassuolo boss’ contract that his release clause would be reduced over time to ensure that they still receive a fee for his services.
Manchester United have reportedly taken a major step forward in their pursuit of Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite.
The Times report that they have agreed on personal terms with the England international’s entourage.
The Red Devils are yet to reach an agreement with Everton over a deal for the 21-year-old, though the Toffees are expected to demand a fee in the region of £70million to part ways with the starlet.
The negotiations are viewed as a ‘significant step forward’ by United, who are said to have agreed to pay Branthwaite a weekly wage between £150,000 and £160,000.
Jarrad Branthwaite is valued at £70m by Everton (Image: Getty)
According to The Athletic, both Premier League clubs are pushing to sign the 18-year-old centre-back, though there is an acceptance that Real Madrid are firm favourites to secure the signature.
Paris Saint-Germain are also keen on the talented Frenchman.
Former Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi reportedly rejected an offer from Manchester United.
The Red Devils have opted to stand by Erik ten Hag following a review of last season, though it has emerged that the decision came after alternative options were explored.
According to Foot Mercato, United recently made an offer to De Zerbi which was ultimately rejected by the Italian.
The ex-Seagulls boss is now closing in on a deal to join Marseille.
Bayern Munich and Newcastle have now also been in contact with Crystal Palace over Michael Olise, reports The Athletic.
The two outfits are said to have contacted the Eagles prior to Chelsea, with all three teams keen to speak to Olise’s representatives to sound out their interest and showcase their respective projects.
Chelsea have reportedly made contact with Crystal Palace over a move for Michael Olise.
The Mirror report that the Frenchman is attracting interest from Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester United and Manchester City are all among his suitors, but the Blues are keen to steal a march on their rivals by opening talks with the Eagles.
Palace are willing to entertain offers in the region of £60million to £70m for their winger, though Olise is keen to play Champions League football and thus it remains to be seen whether he will be open to heading to Stamford Bridge.
Erling Haaland's future could soon come into question as he enters the summer transfer window with a £175million release clause that overseas clubs can trigger.
But Rafaela Pimenta - a Brazilian lawyer who advises Haaland - has confirmed he's committed to Manchester City.
"I don't know - but I think the Erling Haaland project will last over time, over the next few years," Pimenta said.
"It will also depend on trends in football. In any case, one thing is certain today: Erling Haaland feels at home at Manchester City!
"He is one-thousand percent committed to the City project and is already looking forward to the new season with the club."
"[United's decision] could've been one of two ways. I'm sure that's what the board have been thinking about for the last couple of weeks," Sheringham told Express Sport on behalf of TG Casino.
"Would it be harsh to sack him after just winning the FA Cup? But then, is the form good enough in the Premier League?
"So I reckon they were juggling. It was the toss of a coin. It really was as even as that; that's the way I see it.
"I wouldn't have been surprised if they sacked him, but I'm not surprised they've given him an extended stay."
Emmanuel Petit has urged Chelsea to keep Conor Gallagher to ensure the club doesn't suffer a shortage of English players.
He told Betway: "It’s so important for English fans to see English players on the pitch.
"In my time with Arsenal, the back four were typical English players, and it was very important because they were the identity of the club.
"I know that identity is not there anymore in football, but come on, do you think Gallagher is the first one you have to sell? When I look at the squad, I think there are a lot of players to sell before him."
Chelsea have been questioned for selling players to rivals in recent years, including Mason Mount to Manchester United and Kai Havertz and Jorginho to Arsenal.
But Emmanuel Petit doesn't believe it's a major issue, insisting the Blues offloading those players because they didn't want them.
Petit told Betway: "Do they have the luxury to do that? Chelsea have to sell, there are probably some unhappy players at Chelsea who want to leave, so this is the part of club life.
"Do you think that Chelsea knew that Jorginho and Havertz were going to be successful at Arsenal? No. If they sold them, it’s because they didn’t want them to stay at the club."
AC Milan and Italy icon Massimo Ambrosini has backed Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori for a Premier League switch.
The 22-year-old enjoyed a sensational season in Italy and has been tipped as a good fit for Arsenal.
"Riccardo Calafiori, from Bologna. He has had an incredible season. For me, he has everything to play at the top level and be in top Premier League squads in the future," Ambrosini told OLBG.
"He can play at centre-back, at left-back and under Thiago Motta in Bologna he started to move into midfield and even play like a striker, he has everything.
"He loves playing with the ball, Bologna were one of the first or second teams in the Italian league for possession, so I think Arsenal would be perfect for him.
"He could play in the middle or on the left, maybe in Oleksandr Zinchenko’s role. It would be perfect for him."
Manchester United target Ivan Toney insists he's ready to complete a big move away from Brentford after representing England at Euro 2024.
He told talkSPORT: "Obviously, if it was to come, I would be ready. But I’ve got to remained focused and not let other things and other noise get the best of me and just focus on what I need to do for my club."
But while he remains a Bees player, Toney's focus is fully on performing for Thomas Frank's side.
"I’m a Brentford player. I have a year left. Going into a major tournament, that is my main focus now. But after this, I’ll be going back to Brentford and I will be a Brentford player still," he added.
"It’s nice to be linked with other clubs. But I’ve had this in the past. Nothing is done until it’s done.
"Like I said, I’m a Brentford player and I’m focused on doing well for Brentford for the upcoming season. That’s the main thing."
We're nearly there... just one day to go until the summer transfer window opens for Premier League clubs.
Join us throughout your Thursday as we look at all the brewing deals.
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