The summer transfer window is officially in full swing, with clubs across Europe working against the clock before business shuts on September 1. Expect plenty of movement as teams try to land key signings and reshape their squads for the season ahead.
Here is the latest transfer news and behind-the-scenes market insight from Simon Jones and the Daily Mail Sport team…
Aston Villa agree move for Ruggeri
Aston Villa are closing in on Matteo Ruggeri after the Atletico Madrid left-back gave the green light to a move to Villa Park.
The deal is expected to give Atletico Madrid greater flexibility in the market as they prepare a potential move for Tottenham captain Cristian Romero.
Atletico Madrid’s 24-year-old left-back Matteo Ruggeri has agreed to make the switch to Aston Villa
West Ham back in for Solomon
West Ham have reopened negotiations with Tottenham as they look to strike a deal for winger Manor Solomon.
Discussions had previously stalled because of bonus clauses linked to West Ham winning promotion, with the Championship club viewing the proposed terms as excessive. However, both sides are now trying to settle on an agreement worth around £10million.
Hojbjerg is Newcastle’s surprise midfield target
Newcastle United are also monitoring the market and have shown interest in former Tottenham midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.
The experienced Danish international has been identified as someone who could help smooth the transition from losing Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali from their midfield.
Though far from the headline signing Newcastle fans would have been hoping for, the 31-year-old knows the Premier League well and could provide the steadying hand for their two young additions Sean Steur, 18, and Aladji Bamba, 20.
Newcastle United are interested in former Tottenham midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg
Hojbjerg has 97 caps for Denmark and has been performing consistently well for Marseille. Newcastle had previously tried to sign him in 2022 from Tottenham for £30m.
He joined Marseille permanently last year, after an initial loan, for £17m and worked under Spurs boss Roberto de Zerbi. He has gone on to make 75 appearances and score eight goals for the French side in all competitions.
Newcastle sport director Ross Wilson has been working through an extensive list of names but at least knows that Hojbjerg could hit the ground running and provide Matthias Jaissle with another experienced head in the dressing room.
Newcastle have previously enquired about Lucas Bergvall at Tottenham, Felix Nmecha at Dortmund and Angelo Stiller of Stuttgart as they try to find the right blend for their midfield.
Guimaraes, 28, has been sold for £75m this week and will be confirmed as an Arsenal player over the weekend.
Wilson said: ‘We didn’t want to sell him. It was a world record fee for a player his age.
‘What we had to weigh up was, very respectfully from Bruno with his behaviour towards us, very emotionally as well, effectively told us he wanted to leave and move on.
‘That doesn’t mean he can go but it certainly plays a part in what our thinking is when we hit a certain range of number. But there’s no part in saying it was part of our strategy and was in our thinking this summer — it wasn’t.
‘But we have got to be flexible and react to things that happen. It might have been in our plan to sign one player but we didn’t get him so we move on to another. We can only be honest about that.’
WITH CRAIG HOPE
United keeping tabs on Hall
Manchester United made a fresh enquiry for Newcastle left back Lewis Hall at the end of last month but were told he is not for sale.
As reported, Hall has been on United’s radar this summer as it is clear they need to strengthen that position with Luke Shaw, now 31, in the final year of his contract while youngster Harry Amass has been told he may be best leaving for first team football.
Newcastle want to strengthen in that position themselves and also want a right-back with Tino Livramento likely to move on.
They are among the clubs who have checked on 19-year-old Jorge Salinas at Racing Santander along with Aston Villa. But Newcastle see Salinas as one for the future rather than ready to go now.
Palace sign ex-Arsenal man
Crystal Palace have signed former Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu on a free transfer.
Daily Mail Sport understands the 27-year-old has signed a one-year contract, with the option to extend it by a further two years.
Tomiyasu, who made 65 appearances for Arsenal from 2021-25, spent last season at Ajax but missed most of the campaign through injury.
The Japanese international will provide depth at centre-back and wing-back for Pierre Sage’s side.
BOBBY MANZI
Eagles swoop for Gozo
Crystal Palace have agreed an £11million deal to sign Real Salt Lake winger Zavier Gozo.
The 19-year-old has been given permission to have a medical.
Real Salt Lake winger Zavier Gozo looks set to join Crystal Palace
Tigers pounce on Norwegian midfielder
Hull have signed midfielder Jens Hjerto-Dahl from Tromso for a fee around £8million.
The 20-year-old has penned a five-year contract until the summer of 2031, becoming the Tigers’ sixth summer signing.
Lukic likes look of Ipswich
Fulham midfielder Sasa Lukic has completed his Ipswich medical ahead of a £9m move. He is expected to sign a four-year deal.
Atletico remain in pole position for Romero
Atletico Madrid remain in talks with Tottenham for Cristian Romero.
Numbers have been discussed between the two clubs, though Atletico have yet to make a formal offer.
Daily Mail Sport reported in July that Atletico had rekindled their long term interest in the Argentina centre back, who also has Inter Milan keen to sign him.
Atletico Madrid remain in talks with Tottenham over Cristian Romero but are yet to table a formal offer
However, the Italians are struggling to meet his personal terms despite offering £34m to Spurs.
Arsenal had enquired to Romero’s representatives but that is unlikely with Diego Simeone and Atletico in pole.
Rodri sets sights on Barca
Rodri has informed Real Madrid that he wishes to join Barcelona.
The Spanish champions are now in official contact with Manchester City to try and agree a fee though their initial proposal is understood to be closer to £40million, well below their £68million valuation.
His representatives say out of respect to Madrid who were ‘class in their approach’, they were informed that the 30-year-old’s preference is to link up with Hansi Flick’s squad.
Rodri has informed Real Madrid that he wishes to join Barcelona
Wrexham target Ipswich keeper
Wrexham have asked about Ipswich Town’s Alex Palmer as an alternative solution to find a new goalkeeper for the Championship season.
The 29-year-old is valued around £3.5million.
Wrexham have also been talking to Sunderland about Anthony Patterson though he is priced around £8m.
Leicester City’s Harry Souttar remains a target too though Sheffield United are also in the mix for the Australia centre back.
Wrexham have asked about Ipswich’s Alex Palmer as a potential goalkeeping option
Coventry remain in talks over Hamer return
The Blades, meanwhile, are continuing talks with Coventry City over the sale of midfielder Gus Hamer.
The Brazilian is keen to return to Coventry and the chance to play in the Premier League. He has also spoken to manager Frank Lampard.
Click below for all the transfer developments over the last few days…
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
SATURDAY: Man United star becomes target for Spanish club
FRIDAY: Newcastle agree deal for goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek
