Express Sport is on hand to keep you up to date with the latest transfer news (Image: GETTY)
The 2024/25 Premier League season begins in under two weeks, in what is a stark reminder for clubs at both ends of the table to kick into gear in the transfer window. Negotiations will need to be accelerated if teams are hoping to have their new signings integrated into their squads ahead of the opening weekend of the campaign.
Manchester United and Chelsea have both been busy already this summer, though their respective pre-season defeats this weekend have highlighted why their work is far from complete.
The Red Devils were beaten 3-0 by Liverpool in a crushing defeat on Saturday night, with goals from Fabio Carvalho, Curtis Jones and Kostantinos Tsimikas. Chelsea were equally poor against Manchester City, losing 4-2 in a loss which highlighted the gulf in quality between the two clubs.
The performances may be enough to push both sides into considering more signings than previously anticipated. Express Sport provides LIVE transfer updates and gossip below...
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
That's all from us tonight! Make sure to check back in with Express Sport tomorrow as we continue to keep you up to date with all the latest transfer news.
Man Utd add three names to their midfield shortlist
Manchester United are exploring several different options as part of their search for a new defensive midfielder, having decided against pursuing PSG’s Manuel Ugarte.
According to The Telegraph, the Red Devils have shortlisted a host of potential targets, including Burnley’s Sander Berge among the options being explored.
Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi, who has been heavily linked with Arsenal previously, is also said to be an option for United.
Palmeiras playmaker Richard Rios is said to be on the shortlist as well following his sensational Copa America campaign with Colombia.
Denzel Dumfries is reportedly snubbing contract extension talks with Inter Milan until the summer transfer window closes.
According to The Athletic, the Dutchman is focused on leaving the San Siro before the end of the month, with the chance to replace Aaron Wan-Bissaka at Manchester United viewed as an ‘appealing’ opportunity.
West Ham are pushing to strike a deal for Wan-Bissaka but personal terms are not yet agreed as the ex-Crystal Palace star would like to join Inter.
Thus, a swap deal could be struck between the clubs, though United are favouring a move for Bayern Munich’s Noussair Mazraoui at this stage.
Denzel Dumfries is set to become a free agent in 2025 (Image: Getty)
Teenage starlet Mikey Moore has reportedly agreed to sign a professional contract with Tottenham later this week.
The forward has been one of Spurs’ breakout stars in pre-season and may have give Ange Postecoglou something to think about heading into the 2024/25 campaign as the Aussie looks to assess his options in the final third.
According to The Athletic, Moore has agreed to pen his first professional deal with Tottenham on Sunday when he turns 17. He will sign a three-year deal with the north London outfit after being offered a ‘better salary’ than Spurs have offered a player under 17 previously.
Gallagher yet to travel to Atletico Madrid due to Alvarez deal
Conor Gallagher’s flight to Spain has been pushed back due to Atletico Madrid’s ongoing negotiations with Manchester City, reports Fabrizio Romano.
The England international was set to fly to his new club today but a ‘three-way domino’ has not been agreed and therefore the midfielder is yet to travel.
Atletico have agreed a deal to sign Alvarez from City this summer but personal terms are yet to be sealed. The contract on the table for the Atletico is not what the Argentina international expected and thus the deal is at risk of collapsing.
Chelsea are also locked in talks to sign Samu Omorodion.
Brighton are plotting an ambitious move for Mats Hummels, reports Sky Sports Germany.
The Germany international is currently available as a free agent after leaving Borussia Dortmund when his contract expired.
New Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler has spoken to Hummels to discuss the project on offer at the Amex Stadium, though the centre-back is keen to explore all of his options, which would include retirement.
DONE DEAL! West Ham sign Rodriguez on free transfer
West Ham have officially confirmed the signing of defensive midfielder Guido Rodriguez on a free transfer.
The 30-year-old arrives at the London Stadium after leaving Real Betis at the end of last season.
He was part of the Argentina squad that won the World Cup two years ago as well as their recent Copa America triumph.
Rodriguez's arrival marks West Ham's sixth signing of the summer window under new boss Julen Lopetegui.
West Ham United is delighted to confirm the signing of Argentina international, FIFA World Cup and two-time Copa Am\u00e9rica winner Guido Rodr\u00edguez \ud83c\udfc6\ud83c\udde6\ud83c\uddf7
PSG have opened talks with Manchester United about a potential move for Jadon Sancho, according to Sky Sports.
It is said that Sancho would be open to joining the French champions despite burying the hatchet with Erik ten Hag following their public row last season.
Discussions are thought to be ongoing at club level but nothing is agreed yet, while personal terms are not expected to be an issue.
Liverpool are stepping up their search for a new midfielder after identifying a mystery target, according to The Athletic.
The report states that Arne Slot wants to prioritise the signing of a deep-lying midfielder ahead of the start of the Premier League season next weekend.
The Reds are said to be pursuing a target who is not currently playing in England's top tier.
Liverpool are the only Premier League club still waiting to make their first signing of the summer window.
Neither player will come cheap, though, with Gomes reportedly valued at £60m while clubs previously linked with Andre have been quoted a fee of around £30m.
Chelsea have reportedly scheduled a medical for Brazilian teenage sensation Gabriel Mec after striking an agreement to sign the player from Gremio. The Blues are believed to be preparing to stump up £20.5million to secure the services of the 16-year-old but will have to wait until April 2026 to welcome him to Stamford Bridge due to his age.
According to Brazilian outlet Globo, Mec will undergo a medical in his homeland in the next few days, before putting pen-to-paper on a five-year deal at Stamford Bridge.
The teenager, who plays as an attacking midfielder, is yet to make a senior appearance for his current club but will be able to press his claims for a starting place in the months to come before making the move to England when he turns 18.
Liverpool are potentially set to sign Alisson Becker's replacement with the Reds reportedly 'determined' to land Georgian goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili. It is claimed that the Premier League side will pay Valencia around £26million to acquire the shot-stopper, who shone at Euro 2024.
Liverpool are reportedly keen to ensure they have a long-term replacement should Alisson's powers begin to wane over the coming years. According to Spanish publication Relevo, Liverpool negotiators are set to meet with their Valencia counterparts this week to thrash out a deal for Mamardashvili.
The report claims that the Reds view Alisson as their first-choice goalkeeper for another year but are concerned that Mamardashvili's price tag could increase over the next 12 months. They also risk facing fiercer competition for the 23-year-old.
Liverpool are reportedly keen to sign goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili this summer (Image: GETTY)
Liverpool have decided to let Ben Doak leave on loan this summer after assessing his performances in pre-season.
Leicester City and Southampton have been joined by Brentford in pursuit of the 18-year-old, who is viewed as one of the brightest talents to through Liverpool’s youth ranks in recent years.
A straight loan deal is the most likely solution for Doak, but Express Sport understands that the Reds intend to take all options into consideration, including those which involve permanent buy options.
Manchester City and Atletico Madrid are in discussions to finalise a transfer fee and payment schedule to secure the signature of Argentina striker Julian Alvarez, according to Sky Sports.
City are said to be demanding at least £70million for the player after signing him from River Plate for just £14m at the start of 2022. Talks between the clubs have been positive and a deal is moving in the right direction.
West Ham have confirmed the signing of Niclas Fullkrug from Borussia Dortmund. The 31-year-old, who bagged two goals for Germany at Euro 2024, joins the Hammers on a four-year deal.
West Ham United is delighted to announce the signing of Germany international centre-forward Niclas F\u00fcllkrug.
The prolific striker joins the Hammers from Borussia Dortmund on a four-year contract for an undisclosed fee.
Chelsea star Marc Guiu has hinted at a potential departure from Stamford Bridge despite only sealing his move to England last month.
The young talent made a £5million switch from Barcelona to Chelsea in early July. Since then, he's featured in every match of Chelsea's pre-season tour across the US.
“I still don't know if I will go on loan. I hope to stay, I'm working for it. He (Enzo Maresca) told me there was an amazing sporting project full of young talent, that he wanted me to be a part of it and that he had a lot of faith in me and my skills and capabilities,” Guiu revealed to the Daily Mail.
Tottenham Hotspur are pushing to progress their interest in AFC Bournemouth striker Dominic Solanke, according to reports.
The Telegraph claim that Solanke features high on Spurs' striker shortlist after Ange Postecoglou made it clear that he wanted to bolster his attacking firepower.
And it's said that Tottenham could strike a deal lower than Solanke's £65m release clause if they offer favourable payment terms.
United have splashed £88.5m on Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro so far but reportedly want at least three more additions.
With just five days until the start of the season against Manchester City in the Community Shield, Ten Hag has insisted that INEOS are looking to do more deals.
"This new leadership team is really eager to do business, to make deals, and they are on it," Ten Hag explained.
"But if the timing is there we have to make it. If the opportunities are there. I don’t know, I can’t say in this moment, but I am sure, when they are there, they will go for it."
Everton are reportedly among the clubs circling Joel Matip, who is yet to complete a free transfer after his Liverpool contract expiry earlier this summer.
According to CaughtOffside, Everton are battling Premier League rivals Fulham and Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen for the 32-year-old defender's signature.
Matip's representatives are claimed to have met with all three clubs, informing them of the desired terms in a potential deal.
Everton are expected to accelerate their interest if Michael Keane or Mason Holgate depart in the coming weeks.
Everton are interested in Joel Matip. (Image: GETTY)
Former Arsenal winger Nicolas Pepe has joined Villarreal on a free transfer, signing a two-year contract.
The Gunners flop spent last season at Trabzonspor, scoring six goals in 23 games, after the termination of his contract at the Emirates Stadium by mutual consent.
He will now try his hand in La Liga as he attempts to get his once-promising career back on track.
Pepe joined Arsenal in 2019 for a then-club record £72million but registered just 27 goals in 112 appearances.
Atletico Madrid have reportedly lined up an alternative midfield signing if Conor Gallagher rejects to complete a £33million switch from Chelsea.
The La Liga giants have agreed a deal with Chelsea but haven't yet received the green light from Gallagher, who is out of contract at Stamford Bridge next summer.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Atleti have now reached a verbal agreement to sign Valencia's Javi Guerra with the club and the player's representatives.
They plan to develop their interest early this week if Gallagher refuses to join.
Atletico Madrid could walk away from Conor Gallagher. (Image: GETTY)
Chelsea have reportedly joined the race to sign Celtic midfielder Matt O'Riley this summer.
According to The Sun, the Dane has several suitors from the Premier League, including Brighton and Hove Albion and Crystal Palace. Southampton are said to have seen a £14m bid rejected.
The report adds that Chelsea have identified him as a potential replacement for Conor Gallagher, who is the subject of a £34m offer from Atletico Madrid.
West Ham United are overseeing two medicals today as Julen Lopetegui's recruitment spree continues.
According to Sky Sports, Niclas Fullkrug and Guido Rodriguez are completing the necessary checks before sealing their moves.
Travel issues are said to have delayed their arrivals in the UK on Saturday, and there are no issues with the deals.
Both announcements are set to come in the next two days. Fullkrug is joining for £27.5m from Borussia Dortmund, while Rodriguez is a free agent after his Real Betis contract expired.
Bayern Munich sporting director Max Eberl has addressed speculation linking Matthijs de Ligt with a move to Manchester United this summer.
United are also hopeful of luring De Ligt away from the Allianz Arena this summer, having already seen an approach for the Netherlands international rejected.
Bayern chief Eberl has now spoken out about the links, refusing to be drawn into speaking about the speculation whilst De Ligt remains on his side’s books. He told Sky Sports Germany: “I will comment on the reasons when the time comes. It is not yet that time.
“Matthijs played very well here for two years and that is why many fans like him. Nevertheless, you have to think about how you decide and also how the boy feels. He is still a player for FC Bayern. And as long as he is, he will get all the support from us.”
Matthijs de Ligt has agreed on personal terms with United (Image: Getty)
Agent of Juventus star endures unsuccessful England trip
Fali Ramadani, the agent of Juventus outcast Federico Chiesa, reportedly failed to stir up interest in his client whilst in England.
According to Corriere dello Sport, Ramadani had hopes of encouraging offers from several Premier League clubs whilst in the country, but left empty-handed.
Chelsea, Tottenham and Manchester United are among a host of clubs who have been linked with Chiesa previously after it became clear that he does not feature in Juve’s plans for next season.
Arsenal have reportedly held talks with the representatives of Manchester City star Julian Alvarez.
The forward has been heavily linked with a move away from the Etihad Stadium, with the Gunners emerging as one of his suitors.
According to HITC, Arsenal have spoken with the Argentine’s entourage to discuss a potential deal, with Mikel Arteta and Edu said to be keen admirers of the versatile forward.
The Gunners would need to cough up at least £70million to test the resolve of City this month.
Liverpool have joined the race to secure the signature of Marc Guehi, reports The Sun.
The Crystal Palace star has been heavily linked with a move away from Selhurst Park this summer, with Tottenham and Arsenal said to be among his suitors.
Newcastle recently opened talks with Palace over Guehi, though Liverpool are now in the frame for the England international and prepared to join the ‘bidding battle’ for the defender.
A fee in the region of £75million would be required for the Eagles to part ways with Guehi.
Chelsea have joined the race to sign Celtic star Matt O’Riley, accoridng to The Sun.
The Blues are said to have shortlisted the playmaker as a replacement for Conor Gallagher, who is closing in on a move to Atletico Madrid.
Southampton are desperate to secure the signature of the 23-year-old and hope that his relationship with Russell Martin, who he worked with at MK Dons, proves decisive in their pursuit.
Brighton are also long-term admirers of O’Riley and have earmarked the Denmark international as a potential Pascal Gross replacement.
Matt O’Riley has been heavily linked with a move away from Celtic (Image: Getty)
Liverpool have reportedly rejected an offer for £15million from Southampton for Fabio Carvalho.
The Athletic report that the Reds are not keen to loan the Portuguese playmaker out this summer, though permanent offers will need to be markedly higher than Southampton’s opening offer.
Carvalho is keen to be a regular started next season, may that be at Anfield or elsewhere.
Noussair Mazraoui is not the only star who is reportedly set to undergo his medical at Manchester United in the coming days.
According to Sky Sports, Chido Obi Martin is set to complete a switch to the Red Devils, with his medical pencilled in at Carrington.
The 16-year-old striker - who left Arsenal earlier this summer - could be one of two new arrivals next week.
The Gunners were keen to retain the services of the teenager but he has opted to join the Red Devils instead following extensive talks with several key figures at Old Trafford.
Manchester United are closing in on Noussair Mazraoui with the player’s medical in England reportedly now booked.
United have been locked in talks with Bayern for over a week, and they now appear to be closing in on the Morocco international.
According to Foot Mercato, the Bundesliga outfit have now ‘authorised’ that Mazraoui can join Erik ten Hag’s side soon.
A deal is described as ‘almost done’ and Mazraoui will now fly to England in the next few days to put pen to paper at the Theatre of Dreams. United have booked the ex-Ajax star’s medical for Tuesday, with personal terms already agreed.
The forward has been heavily linked with a move away from the Etihad Stadium this summer after it emerged that he had doubts about his future at the Etihad Stadium, with Atletico Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain among his suitors.
According to The Mirror, Arsenal are willing to push for Alvarez if he becomes available this summer as well.
The Gunners are prepared to table a ‘significant bid’ if it becomes clear that Alvarez will be sold by City. Pep Guardiola has reiterated previously that his side will not retain the services of unhappy players, though it remains to be seen whether the Argentine is willing to change his stance on an exit upon his return for pre-season.