The summer market is back in full swing, with the transfer window open until September 1 and clubs across the game working to strengthen before the new campaign. Here are the latest updates from Simon Jones and the Daily Mail Sport team…
Chelsea step up interest in Palace star
Chelsea are stepping up their pursuit of Crystal Palace centre-back Maxence Lacroix, with the club preparing a proposal that could rise to £50million.
Daily Mail Sport revealed on June 15 that Chelsea had been holding talks over a potential move for the France international, who is understood to be open to the switch.
Lacroix, 26, has impressed consistently since arriving at Palace from Wolfsburg, and his form has helped secure his inclusion in France’s World Cup squad.
Although he has enjoyed a successful spell at Selhurst Park, Lacroix is now prepared to move on as he targets the next stage of his career.
Chelsea are stepping up their interest in Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix
Hull target SPL star
Hull City have submitted an offer worth about £12.5million for Rangers and Belgium midfielder Nicolas Raskin.
The 25-year-old has two years remaining on his current deal and is believed to be valued at around £20million.
Fabregas lines up move for Chalobah
Cesc Fabregas’s club Como have firmed up their interest in Chelsea and England defender Trevoh Chalobah.
The 26-year-old may be allowed to leave this window as Chelsea look to strengthen their centre-back department again with Como’s Jacobo Ramon and Maxence Lacroix of Crystal Palace among the names on their list.
Trevoh Chalobah could be heading to Italy with Cesc Fabregas’s Como showing an interest
Inter Milan and Premier League sides are also interested in Chalobah while question marks also remain over Wesley Fofana’s future.
Chalobah was a late call-up to Thomas Tuchel’s England squad after Tino Livramento withdrew with a calf injury.
Como made enquiries last week and are now willing to make an offer to test the water for the former Crystal Palace defender.
Derry prospect Liam Kelly on English clubs’ radar
Nottingham Forest, West Ham and Brighton are taking a look at Derry City prospect Liam Kelly.
Kelly became Derry City’s youngest-ever player in a competitive fixture when he was introduced as a substitute for James McClean in Monday’s 1-1 Premier Division draw against leaders Shamrock Rovers – aged just 15.
Kelly’s first League of Ireland appearance came in the wake of him collecting his Under-16 and Under-17 Northern Ireland caps from Aaron Hughes, formerly of Newcastle, who is now Technical Director at the Irish FA, last week.
The midfielder has been invited to train with the Premier League sides who have been following his progress
Spurs’ busy summer continues
Tottenham have signed goalkeeper Martin Dubravka after his contract expired at Burnley.
Dubravka, 37, turned down an offer from Wolves and Saudi Arabia to stay in the Premier League and said: ‘It’s an exciting time for me, a new journey and new experience for me and my family. I’m looking forward to it.
Martin Dubravka was a mainstay for Burnley last season and has now joined Tottenham
‘Everything moved pretty quickly and I’m really happy to be here. I’ve loved watching Roberto (De Zerbi)’s teams over the years and know all about his style, vision and the fantastic fans here.
‘Tottenham is one of the biggest clubs in the Premier League and I can’t wait to meet everyone and get started.’
Tottenham still expect to sell Vicario back to Italy, with Antonin Kinsky likely to be number one next season under Roberto De Zerbi.
Spurs remain in talks over Mateus Fernandes at West Ham and have also checked on Crysencio Summerville, who is currently away at the World Cup with the Netherlands, as part of their plans to sign two wingers this summer.
Manor Solomon is expected to leave this summer after three successive loan spells away from the club and Randal Kolo Muani has returned to Paris Saint-Germain following the end of his loan.
Kolo Muani has interest from Juventus, but the Italians may be priced out of a move as it stands. Juve are also interested in Vicario but face competition from Napoli.
They will go back with an improved offer for Sandro Tonali and are maintaining talks with Manchester City over Savinho.
Leeds confirm Wilson
Leeds have won the race to sign Harry Wilson on a free transfer. The Wales forward is set to leave Fulham when his contract expires at the end of the month.
Aston Villa, Benfica and Everton were among the other interested clubs.
The 29-year-old almost joined Leeds on Deadline Day last summer only for the move to collapse at the last minute.
Harry Wilson is swapping Fulham for Leeds when his contract expires this summer
As well as Wilson, Leeds have been exploring a move for Julian Brandt, who is set to leave Borussia Dortmund as a free agent and are in talks with Southampton for midfielder Shea Charles after their initial £20m offer was rejected.
Vitek targeted by newly-promoted clubs
Hull City are among the clubs circling Manchester United goalkeeper Radek Vitek.
Daily Mail Sport understands that the Tigers are among several Premier League clubs interested in Vitek, alongside fellow promoted sides Coventry City and Ipswich Town.
Radek Vitek impressed on loan at Bristol City last season
Although United want to avoid losing the highly rated young shot-stopper, they accept the situation is complicated by Vitek having two years left on his contract with a desire to play regular football.
Bobby Manzi and Nathan Salt
Xabi works his magic
Xabi Alonso played his part yesterday in convincing Marco Palestra to join Chelsea over Inter Milan.
Chelsea’s financial package was also superior, suiting all parties especially Atalanta. They were keen to have a sell-on clause also included for the Italy wing-back as they believe he will go on to an even bigger stage.
Alonso spoke to Palestra convincing him he had a key role to play despite the players already on Chelsea’s roster.
Marco Palestra played 37 times on loan for Cagliari last season
Malo Gusto has been linked with a move to Manchester City as a consequence but Enzo Maresca’s new club have yet to make contact.
Hendry signs new deal
Scotland centre-back Jack Hendry has agreed a lucrative new two-year deal with Al Ettifaq.
The 27-year-old, who is due to face Brazil for his country at the World Cup tonight, has landed improved terms with the Saudi Pro League club which make him one of the best paid players in the national team.
Hull City, Wolves and Burnley had shown interest in the former Bruges defender, who would have been out of contract this summer, but they were unable to compete with the finances on offer.
