The summer transfer window is open until September 1, and clubs across Europe are already stepping up their plans ahead of the new season. With recruitment teams working quickly to secure targets, Simon Jones and the Daily Mail Sport team bring you the latest developments…
Brentford move in for Ivory Coast winger
Brentford are looking into a potential deal for Ivory Coast winger Bazoumana Toure, with the 20-year-old Hoffenheim wide man emerging as one of the players attracting interest from several leading clubs this summer.
Toure is right-footed and is most often used from the left flank, though his versatility means he can also operate on the right or through the middle as a central striker. His speed is a major asset, while his ability to beat defenders in one-on-one situations has also helped raise his profile.
Brentford had previously tried to move for Cologne’s Said El Mala earlier in the window, but the Germany Under-21 international was hesitant about joining as he waits to see whether a bigger club comes in. Newcastle are also admirers, while Liverpool have him on a reserve list if they are unable to land Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig or Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola.
The Bees are now hoping their pursuit of Toure proves more successful. He ended the campaign with five goals and nine assists from 29 starts, helping Hoffenheim finish fifth in the Bundesliga and secure qualification for the UEFA Europa League.
Bazoumana Toure has attracted interest from several clubs during the summer window
Leeds increase offer for Charles
Elsewhere, Leeds have submitted an improved offer for Southampton midfielder Shea Charles, with the package understood to be worth up to £25million.
The Elland Road side saw an initial bid turned down over the weekend, but they have now returned with a higher proposal as they push to sign the Northern Ireland international.
Leeds have already agreed a four-year contract for free agent Harry Wilson, formerly of Fulham, and want Borussia Dortmund’s Julian Brandt too.
They continue to work on adding goalkeepers and need a centre back.
Southampton, meanwhile, are in advanced talks with former Sunderland midfielder Dan Neil. The free agent, who was on loan at Ipswich Town, is close to signing for Tonda Eckhart.
Wolves and West Ham are also interested in the 24-year-old.
Kinsky closes in on new deal
Antonin Kinsky is closing on a new five year contract to cap a remarkable turnaround to his Tottenham career.
The 23-year-old was embarrassed by interim manager Igor Tudor last season when he was substituted following mistakes against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.
Questions were raised about what it would do to his mental state and whether he had a future at the club.
But, after gaining a second chance when Guglielmo Vicario required hernia surgery, the Czech has not looked back and played a huge role in keeping Spurs up.
Antonin Kinsky is set to sign a new five-year deal with Spurs
He also sacrificed his place in the Czech Republic World Cup squad to undergo a minor medical procedure and ensure his long-term fitness.
Manager Roberto de Zerbi is ready to hand him the number one starting spot next season with new signing Martin Dubravka adding competition.
Vicario is still expected to leave for Italy with Napoli and Juventus among those interested.
But for Kinsky the future looks remarkably different.
Talks over his deal are at the final stages and confirmation is expected soon.
The offer from Spurs also includes an option to extend the deal for a further year to 2032.
Cherries give veteran keeper new deal
Bournemouth have handed 38-year-old goalkeeper Fraser Forster a new one year contract.
Forster told afcb.co.uk: ‘I’m pleased to be staying for another year at AFC Bournemouth.
‘I’ve enjoyed my six months here and look forward to seeing what the group can achieve together going forwards.’
Head of football operations, Tiago Pinto, said: ‘He is a key part of our dressing room. We’re really pleased to be keeping Fraser here for the upcoming season.
‘His experience and contributions with his fellow goalkeepers last season were invaluable, and we look forward to seeing how they progress as a group again over the upcoming campaign.’
Gunners continue Monga talks
Arsenal are continuing talks with Leicester City over a deal for winger Jeremy Monga.
16-year-old Jeremy Monga is a target for Arsenal this summer
The 16-year-old is valued around £10m and is expected to sign a three-year professional deal with the Gunners when he turns 17 next month, prior to linking up with the first team for pre-season.
Monga also had interest from Manchester United and Newcastle but has been set on a move to the Premier League champions.
Bees keen on Flemming – as Burnley’s Bellamy move stalls
Brentford are showing interest in Burnley forward Zian Flemming.
The 27-year-old scored 11 goals in the Premier League last season.
Fiorentina, meanwhile, are exploring a deal for Burnley winger Luca Koleosho, who spent last season on loan at Espanyol and Paris FC.
Meanwhile, Burnley’s proposed move to make Craig Bellamy their new manager is back in the balance and they are talking to other candidates with Rob Edwards and Steve Cooper in contention.
Spurs ready to battle United for Fernandes
Tottenham are making a concerted effort to beat Manchester United to the signing of Mateus Fernandes from West Ham.
Tottenham’s arrival at negotiations is helping West Ham to push for their asking price of £85million.
Mateus Fernandes is attracting attention from Tottenham and Man United this summer
Spurs have attempted to be aggressive in this summer window in their bid to strengthen Roberto De Zerbi’s squad. They have not been deterred by West Ham’s demands and there was increasing optimism on Wednesday that they could agree a deal.
Manchester United are mindful of paying over the odds for the 21-year-old despite his obvious potential. They do have other options but remain in talks for the Portugal international as it stands.
Spurs want Fernandes as well as Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United for their midfield. They had a £75m bid rejected for Tonali last week and plan another offer soon.
Earlier on Wednesday, they agreed to sign goalkeeper Martin Dubravka on a free transfer.
The 37-year-old Slovakian international is another defensive reinforcement following the signings of Marcos Senesi, Andy Robertson – also on free transfers from Bournemouth and Liverpool – and Netherlands defender Jan Paul van Hecke, who cost £52m from Brighton.
Tigers make move for Raskin
Hull have made an offer for Rangers and Belgium midfielder Nicolas Raskin of around £12.5million.
The 25-year-old still has two years left on contract and is valued around £20m.
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