The summer transfer window is officially back in full swing, with clubs across the country working against the clock before business closes on September 1. Expect a hectic few weeks as teams try to land key signings and reshape their squads for the new season.
Here is the latest transfer news and behind-the-scenes updates from Simon Jones and the Daily Mail Sport team…
Everton and Palace advance in swap deal talks
Everton and Crystal Palace are making progress in negotiations over a potential swap deal involving Brennan Johnson and Dwight McNeil.
McNeil, 26, was valued at around £20million when a proposed switch to Palace fell through in January, and the Everton winger is now entering the final year of his contract.
Everton and Crystal Palace are moving forward in discussions over a swap deal for Brennan Johnson and Dwight McNeil
Talks between the two Premier League clubs have since gathered momentum, with both sides now exploring a compromise that could suit everyone involved.
Johnson has long been admired by Everton and David Moyes, with interest in the forward stretching back to his time at Nottingham Forest. He moved to Palace in the winter window for what was then a club-record fee, but has struggled to produce his best form, fuelling the belief that a fresh start could be the right outcome.
McNeil was left frustrated after missing out on a January move, although he later worked his way back into Moyes’ plans at Everton. If the remaining details are resolved, both players could be granted permission to undergo medicals early this week.
Meanwhile, Palace are keen to offer a new contract for Jefferson Lerma while Club Brugge are pushing to agree a £10m deal plus sell-on for Pakace’s Romain Esse.
Digne returns to PSG
France defender Lucas Digne has completed his return to Paris St Germain from Aston Villa on a three-year contract.
The 33-year-old full-back, who featured in six of Les Bleus’ World Cup matches, had two years left on his contract with the midlands club, with PSG triggering a release clause.
Digne, who started his professional career with Lille, made 30 Ligue 1 appearances in a three-year spell at PSG until 2016, when he moved on to Barcelona.
France defender Lucas Digne has completed his return to Paris St Germain from Aston Villa
He told PSG’s website: ‘I am very honoured to be returning to Paris St Germain following the wonderful experience I had here more than 10 years ago.
‘I am particularly impressed by how the club has developed over the years. The working conditions at the Campus are exceptional and reflect the club’s ambitions.
‘I can’t wait to start this new chapter and put all my experience at the service of the team. Once again, I will give my very best to defend the colours of Paris St Germain.’
JAMES DUTTON
Chalobah’s Italian Job
Trevoh Chalobah has completed his move from Chelsea to Italian side Como in a deal worth more than £30million.
England defender Chalobah departs Stamford Bridge for an initial £25.7m plus a further £5.1m in potential add-ons, as revealed by Window Watch last week.
The 27-year-old has signed a contract until 2031 with the Serie A club, who are managed by former Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas and are preparing for their first season in the Champions League.
Trevoh Chalobah has completed his move from Chelsea to Italian side Como in a deal worth more than £30million
Chalobah made 151 appearances for the Blues, including 47 last term, after joining the club’s academy at under-nine level.
He said: ‘I’m thrilled and honoured to be here at Como. It’s an ambitious, rising project and working with manager Cesc Fabregas again is truly special.
‘I can’t wait to bring my experience to the team, feel the incredible atmosphere at the stadium, and connect with the fans. I will give my absolute all every single day to make history together’.
JAMES DUTTON
Sunderland target Ipswich keeper
Sunderland are showing interest in Ipswich Town goalkeeper Alex Palmer.
The 29-year-old has emerged as an option for Regis Le Bris’ side as Wrexham continue to push for Sunderland keeper Anthony Patterson who is valued at £8m.
Palmer is also on Wrexham’s radar should a deal for Patterson fall down.
Ipswich face Sunderland in the first game of the season.
As well as Palmer, Ipswich have Christian Walton returning from injury and have signed two new Dutch keepers in Kjell Scherpen and Kayne van Oevelen.
The latter may yet go out on loan and Ipswich are among the clubs that have held interest in Newcastle United keeper Nick Pope.
Man City striker in talks with Southampton
Manchester City striker Divin Mubama has agreed to join Southampton on loan for the season.
The former West Ham forward did well on loan at Stoke City last season up until he suffered an ankle ligament injury in January, incurred by a hefty challenge against QPR.
Manchester City striker Divin Mubama has agreed to join Southampton on loan for the season
He has bounced back to full fitness though and has impressed on City’s pre-season tour scoring two goals, including a composed finish against Inter Milan, and weighing in with an assist.
The 21-year-old has had interest from a number of Championship clubs including Preston North End, Middlesbrough and Derby County.
Swedish international heads to Hull
Hull City have signed Sweden international Elliot Stroud from Swedish side Mjallby for around £3.5million.
The wing-back has joined on a four-year contract, which includes an option for a an extra year.
The 24-year-old played in all four of Sweden’s matches at the World Cup.
West Ham make opening Parrott bid
West Ham have made an opening offer understood to be worth around £15million for AZ Alkmaar striker Troy Parrott
West Ham have made an opening offer understood to be worth around £15million for AZ Alkmaar striker Troy Parrott and are exploring a deal for Arsenal’s Reiss Nelson.
Parrott, their leading goalscorer last season, started on the bench for Alkmaar’s opening league game against Den Haag on Saturday.
The Hammers are prepared to break the Championship record of over £17.5million to get Parrott amid competition from Porto.
Nelson has been on the Hammers’ radar before and has attracted interest from Fulham and Benfica in this window.
The 26-year-old had an indifferent campaign on loan at Brentford last season.
The Hammers had been pursuing a loan for Sunderland’s Simon Adingra but he picked up an injury and has been wearing a protective boot on his left foot.
United keen on Page
Manchester United are interested in signing Leicester prospect Louis Page.
The 18-year-old midfielder has made 21 appearances for the Foxes and won EFL Apprentice of the Year last season.
Arsenal and Aston Villa have also expressed interest in the England Under-20 international but it is understood he wants to join United.
Louis Page has impressed for Leicester and is on the radar of some top sides
Charles closes on Fulham move
Fulham have agreed a £30million deal with Southampton for midfielder Shea Charles.
The 22-year-old is expected to undergo a medical in the next 24 hours and will sign a five-year contract with the option for an extra year.
Read the full story here.
Willock on Besiktas radar
Newcastle midfielder Joe Willock remains a target for Besiktas.
The Turkish side are working on an offer for the 26-year-old but believe Newcastle’s current asking price is too high.
Joe Willock is a target of Turkish side Besiktas this month
Newcastle are continuing to work on a £13m deal for Marseille’s Pierre Emile Hojbjerg.
They want an experienced midfielder to work alongside new signings Sean Steur and Aladji Bamba.
Read the latest on Newcastle’s summer transfer business here.
Race to sign Tuanzebe heats up
Free agent defender Axel Tuanzebe is attracting interest from Saudi Pro league and Premier League sides.
The 28-year-old centre back had an impressive World Cup on the back of a challenging season with Burnley in the top flight and is ready for a new challenge.
Axel Tuanzebe is drawing a lot of interest from both English sides and abroad
Everton and Brentford have looked at the former Manchester United academy graduate and he has drawn attention from abroad also.
He made 16 appearances and scored one goal last season and spent the two previous seasons with Ipswich Town.
Hamer closes on Cov return
Gus Hamer is due to undergo a medical after Coventry and Sheffield United agreed a £6million deal for the midfielder.
The package for the 29-year-old is worth £6m plus add-ons.
Hamer spent three years at Coventry between 2020 and 2023, becoming a real fans favourite scoring 19 goals in 132 appearances.
Blades manager Chris Wilder hinted last week that Hamer had asked to join Coventry and had already spoken to Frank Lampard. His medical is scheduled for today.
Click below for all the transfer developments over the last few days…
SATURDAY: West Ham and Tottenham agree £5m fee for Manor Solomon
FRIDAY: Rodri tells Real Madrid he wishes to join Barcelona
THURSDAY: Man City target new goalkeeper after James Trafford sale
WEDNESDAY: Aston Villa braced for fresh Arsenal bid to sign Ezri Konsa
TUESDAY: Man City step up chase for Chelsea’s Pedro Neto
MONDAY: Newcastle reject Arsenal bid for Bruno Guimaraes
SUNDAY: Chelsea seal deal for England’s Argentine nemesis
