The summer transfer window is open until September 1, and clubs across Europe are already accelerating plans to strengthen their squads before the new season gets underway.
Here are the latest transfer developments from Simon Jones and the Daily Mail Sport team…
Blues sign England nemesis
Chelsea have confirmed the arrival of Argentina midfielder Valentin Barco from sister club Strasbourg, with the 20-year-old signing a seven-year contract at Stamford Bridge.
Barco, who made six Premier League appearances during his time at Brighton, joins following Marc Cucurella’s move to Real Madrid earlier this summer, although he has most recently been deployed in midfield rather than at left back.
As Daily Mail Sport reported in May, Barco was expected to make the switch to Chelsea at the end of the campaign after saying his goodbyes to Strasbourg supporters.
Chelsea are not finished there, with talks continuing with Rayo Vallecano over left wing back Pep Chavarria after the London club submitted an improved proposal.
Chelsea have completed the signing of England World Cup nemesis Valentin Barco (right)
Tractor Boys close in on new midfielder
Elsewhere, Ipswich Town are moving closer to a £16million deal for Burnley midfielder Florentino Luis.
As Daily Mail Sport reported last week, the Portuguese midfielder was leaning towards a move to Portman Road after they declared their interest even though Hull City had been in advanced talks over an initial loan for the 26-year-old.
However, Hull City boss Sergej Jakirovic revealed over the weekend that they were set to miss out to a club that was willing to sign him on a permanent deal.
Spurs target Liverpool star
Tottenham have made their interest known in Cody Gakpo but Liverpool have no plans to sell.
Liverpool, who continue to work on a deal for Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola, are looking to add attacking quality rather than lose it. Gakpo, 27, is one year in to a new long-term contract and with current market prices escalating for players of his experience, it would take a huge sum to change Liverpool’s stance.
Tottenham are also keeping a watching brief on Omar Marmoush at Manchester City as well as negotiating for Savinho.
Newcastle’s new No 1 completes medical ahead of transfer
Goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek has completed his Newcastle United medical in Spain, and is set to be announced as the club’s latest signing.
Newcastle activated his £25.7m release clause and the player travelled to La Manga on Saturday.
As Daily Mail Sport revealed, the 24-year-old Czech is being brought in as the club’s new first-choice option in goal.
Lukas Hornicek has completed his medical ahead of joining Newcastle in a £25.7million deal
Bournemouth bolster full-back options
Bournemouth have agreed an £11.2m deal with Sevilla for right-back Juanlu Sanchez.
The deal is worth £9.5m plus a potential £1.7m in add-ons while Sevilla retain a 10 per sell-on.
As Daily Mail Sport reported on Saturday, Bournemouth accelerated talks as they needed a right-back after the departure of Alex Jimenez to Fiorentina.
The 22-year-old Juanlu is a Spain international with four caps and had interest from Everton.
Wigan chasing Chelsea starlet
Chelsea midfielder Reggie Walsh is wanted on loan at Wigan Athletic.
The two clubs recently did business together when Chelsea completed the transfer of highly-rated 19-year-old midfielder Harrison Bettoni from Wigan on a four year contract.
Walsh became Chelsea’s youngest player to feature in the Champions League last season and will be hoping to build on his senior breakthrough during the 2026-27 campaign.
He figured briefly in the friendly defeat to Spurs in the Sydney Cup and was among several academy players involved as Xabi Alonso took charge of his first training session, alongside senior players such as Cole Palmer and João Pedro.
Walsh has returned to pre-season looking physically bigger and stronger so Chelsea are keen to see how he copes with more competitive game time.
Hammers chase former Spurs star
West Ham have joined the clubs showing interest in AZ Alkmaar striker Troy Parrott.
Como, Ajax, PSV Eindhoven and Real Betis have already made enquiries.
The former Tottenham academy graduate is in demand after scoring 31 goals last season.
Alkmaar though are reluctant to sell the 24-year-old Republic of Ireland international to a rival Dutch club.
West Ham have entered the race to sign former Tottenham forward Troy Parrott
Hull lead race for Norwegian star
Hull City are ready to fend off interest from Rangers and Cardiff City to sign highly-rated Norwegian midfielder Jens Hjerto-Dahl.
Cardiff had offered a club record fee for the 20-year-old from Tromso but Hull are offering him the chance to play in the Premier League.
The 6ft 4ins defensive midfielder has captained Norway at youth level and is an U21 international.
Hull are also advancing in talks for 18-year-old centre back Lucas Herrington from Colorado Rapids and winger Mohamed-Ali Cho from Nice.
Moore to go on loan
Cologne have asked to take Tottenham winger Mikey Moore on loan.
The 18-year-old has a number of options including an offer to return on loan to Rangers.
In the air tonight
Mathew Collins, the son of music star Phil Collins, has signed for German side 1860 Munich after impressing during a trial.
The 21-year-old midfielder has signed a contract until 2027 after joining the club’s first-team squad for pre-season, where he convinced the coaching staff with his performances in training and friendly matches.
‘Mathew has made a very good impression on us,’ 1860 managing director Thomas Probst said. ‘He integrated into the team very quickly and is an asset to us both on and off the pitch.’
Click below for all the transfer developments over the last few days…
SATURDAY: Man United star becomes target for Spanish club
FRIDAY: Newcastle agree deal for goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek
THURSDAY: John Stones seals Inter Milan move
WEDNESDAY: Man City push for World Cup wonderkid amid doubts over Rodri’s future
TUESDAY: Man United open to offer for four academy graduates
MONDAY: Leeds close in on deal for James Trafford
SUNDAY: Liverpool seek compromise on Bradley Barcola
