The summer transfer window is back in full swing, with clubs having until September 1 to complete their business before the new season takes shape.
Follow the latest updates from Simon Jones and the Daily Mail Sport team as the market continues to heat up…
Villa braced for another Watkins bid
Aston Villa are braced for Al Hilal to return with a fourth offer for Ollie Watkins. The England striker is understood to be receptive to a move, but Villa have so far resisted the Saudi club’s approaches and remain determined to keep the 30-year-old.
Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins is understood to be open to a move to Saudi Arabia
Villa have also strengthened elsewhere, with 24-year-old left back Ruggeri arriving from Atletico Madrid and goalkeeper Suzuki, 23, joining after spending two years in Italy with Parma.
Rangers, meanwhile, have completed the signing of right back Kosta Nedeljkovic from Villa.
The 20-year-old has joined the Ibrox club on a season-long loan, with a £4million obligation to buy included in the deal. That clause will be activated depending on the number of appearances he makes.
As Daily Mail Sport reported last week, Villa are also set to bring in Aaron Wan-Bissaka on loan from West Ham, with the move awaiting completion of his medical today.
The deal can become an obligation to buy at around £18million.
Toon’s Nkunku offer
Newcastle have been offered the chance to sign former Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku from AC Milan.
However, their priority remains to sign a midfielder first hence talks with Man City for Nico Gonzalez. Other targets are also being discussed.
Nkunku has been told he can leave Milan and has interest from RB Leipzig among others.
Liverpool defensive prospect in talks over La Liga move
Liverpool defensive prospect Ifeanyi Ndukwe is in talks to join Levante on loan.
The 18-year-old does not qualify for a work permit in England so is having to be loaned out.
The Austrian youth international has excelled during Liverpool’s pre-season and the club have high hopes for his future.
First team football in a top league such as La Liga is viewed as an integral next step. He also has interest from Portugal and Germany.
Winger Kieran Morrison is joining Sheffield Wednesday on loan today.
Liverpool continue to discuss a move for Bradley Barcola at Paris St Germain but a deal for his teammate Ibrahim Mbaye is unlikely
Konsa nearing Arsenal move
Arsenal and Aston Villa are closing on agreement for Ezri Konsa.
Daily Mail Sport revealed last week that Arsenal had improved their offer to £40m plus add ons and talks were ongoing as they try to reach a compromise.
Read the full story here.
Arsenal are also working on a deal for 20-year-old right back Habeeb Ogunneye from Manchester United.
Arsenal want players to boost their U21s squad and have also shown interest in United’s James Scanlon.
Gibraltar international winger Scanlon was on loan at Swindon Town last season.
England youth international Ogunneye had a spell at Newport on loan.
Baleba close to United switch
Manchester United are closing on a £65million deal for Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba.
Talks resumed for the Cameroon international in recent weeks after it became apparent his ankle ligament injury was not as serious as first feared.
Read the full story here.
Pogba tears up Monaco deal
Monaco have confirmed that Paul Pogba has left by mutual agreement, bringing his time at the Ligue 1 club to a premature end.
The 33-year-old former Manchester United midfielder is now a free agent and has been offered to clubs in the MLS.
Read the full story here.
Paul Pogba’s time at Monaco is over – with MLS clubs now considering a move for the former Man United midfielder
Farke reunites with Elvedi
Leeds have signed Nico Elvedi from Borussia Monchengladbach. The final fee is £6.5m rising to £8.5m with bonuses.
The 29-year-old Switzerland international centre back worked with Daniel Farke previously at the Bundesliga club.
James set for Wolves move
Rennes midfielder Jordan James is poised to finalise his move to Wolves today pending his medical.
The Wales international midfielder is joining on an initial loan deal with an option to sign permanently for around £10m.
He impressed on loan at Leicester last season scoring 11 goals in 34 games and had interest from Middlesbrough and West Ham.
Chelsea defender closes on Italy move
Chelsea defender Benoit Badiashile has arrived at Villa Stuart in Rome ahead of his medical this morning.
The 25-year-old centre back is joining Napoli on loan for around £2.5m with an option for the deal to become permanent at £23m.
Mamadou Sarr, meanwhile, is emerging as a target for Real Sociedad and Al Hilal.
The 20-year-old has been expected to go on loan in the Premier League and interest there remains.
The Senegal international was recalled from a loan at Strasbourg to provide cover last season and started in their FA Cup win over Hull.
Piroe party at West Ham
West Ham have signed Joel Piroe on loan from Leeds until the end of the season.
The deal also includes an option for it to become permanent, which will be activated should certain conditions be met, including West Ham winning promotion back to the Premier League.
Joel Piroe has joined West Ham on loan from Leeds
West Ham turned to 27-year-old Piroe after hitting an impasse in talks for AZ Alkmaar striker Troy Parrott who is joining Real Betis for £17m plus add ons.
Piroe, who has scored 73 goals in the Championship during spells with Leeds and Swansea , said: ‘I see West Ham as a Club that really wants to be in the Premier League, and I think should be in the Premier League.
‘With my experience, I think I can help the Club a lot to achieve what they want to achieve, and I think it’s a good opportunity for me to show what I’ve learnt and how I’ve grown as a football player over the years.’
Piroe finished the 2024-25 season as the Championship’s top scorer, helping Leeds United earn promotion to the Premier League.
The Hammers remain an option for free agent Jamie Vardy.
Potters snare Ipswich pair
Stoke have agreed a fee of around £6million with Ipswich for striker George Hirst and are also taking Ipswich full back Ben Johnson on loan.
Scotland international Hirst is to undergo medical later today. The fee will increase on performance related bonuses.
TUESDAY: Crystal Palace land £11m American star
MONDAY: Liverpool unlikely to pursue PSG’s Ibrahim Mbaye
SUNDAY: Juventus reopen talks for Spurs keeper Vicario
SATURDAY: Aston Villa in talks with Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki
FRIDAY: Djed Spence completes £30million move to Inter Milan
THURSDAY: Chelsea waiting for Fernandez bid
WEDNESDAY: Man United target Carlos Baleba on Newcastle’s radar
TUESDAY: Roy Keane’s son-in-law linked with move to Portugal
