The summer transfer window is officially open until September 1, setting the stage for what promises to be a hectic spell as clubs move to strengthen their squads for the new campaign. Follow the latest updates from Simon Jones and the Daily Mail Sport team…
Colombian teenager closing in on Manchester United medical
Manchester United are poised to complete the arrival of highly rated Colombian youngster Cristian Orozco once he celebrates his 18th birthday next month.
Daily Mail Sport reported last September that Orozco had already agreed a pre-contract with United after the Premier League club reached an agreement with his current side, Fortaleza. The midfielder has stayed with the Colombian club this season because he is not eligible to formally sign for United until July 13, the day he turns 18.
Orozco, captain of Colombia’s Under-17 side, has attracted interest from leading European clubs thanks to his combative approach, ball-winning ability and relentless energy. His playing profile has even drawn comparisons with Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo.
United are expected to integrate him into their Under-21 set-up to begin with.
Read how Simon Jones first broke the story here.
Colombian prospect Cristian Orozco, 17, is expected to undergo a Manchester United medical on Sunday.
Koppen set for West Ham role
Nils Koppen is set to be appointed as director of player recruitment at West Ham.
Daily Mail Sport revealed in September that Orizco had agreed a pre-contract with United after they struck a deal with his club Fortaleza. He has remained with them for the season as he could not sign for United until July 13, when he reaches his 18th birthday.
Orizco, who captains Colombia at U17 level, caught the attention of Europe’s top clubs with his aggressive style of play and ball recovery and has been compared in style to Moises Caicedo at Chelsea.
United are expected to keep him with their U21 squad initially.
Koppen, who is FC Copenhagen’s technical director, still needs to obtain a work permit, but the intention is he will lead the recruitment of players though will not be responsible for the overall football operation.
The Belgian was formerly with Rangers and PSV Eindhoven.
Newcastle’s Steve Nickson was also linked with West Ham but, as Daily Mail Sport revealed, he is a candidate for a role with Wrexham.
Hammers in for Fatawu
West Ham have registered their interest in Leicester City winger Abdul Fatawu with the Championship side preparing for life without Crysencio Summerville.
Fatawu is with Ghana at the World Cup while Summerville is with the Netherlands squad and is attracting interest from Manchester United, Spurs, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid.
Leicester remain in discussions with Arsenal over the sale of 16-year-old Jeremy Monga. The Foxes also want a sell-on clause included.
Abdul Fatawu celebrates Ghana’s win over Panama at the World Cup last week
Wrexham legend Mullin to leave this summer
Wrexham striker Paul Mullin will leave the club this summer following the mutual termination of his contract.
Mullin, 31, played a huge role in Wrexham’s rise from the National League to the Championship with 110 goals in 172 appearances following his arrival from Cambridge United in 2021.
Newcastle add Nmecha to their shortlist
Newcastle have Germany’s World Cup midfielder Felix Nmecha on their shortlist this summer. The 25-year-old has a £73.5m buyout at Dortmund but a deal could be negotiated at a lower price.
The Magpies face losing Sandro Tonali, who is wanted by Tottenham, while Arsenal have seen an approach for Bruno Guimaraes rebuffed.
Nmecha is one of several midfielders they are considering and a deal to get him out of Dortmund would be expensive. However, he is admired and has been on the club’s and Eddie Howe’s radar for several years.
Manchester United have also been linked, but he is not thought to be near the top of their shortlist.
Craig Hope
Felix Nmecha has started all three group games for Germany at this World Cup
Brentford looking at Burnley’s Anthony
Brentford have added Burnley’s Jaidon Anthony to their list of transfer options.
The Bees are already keen on the winger’s Turf Moor team-mate Zian Flemming and they are exploring a move for Hoffenheim’s coveted Ivory Coast international flyer Bazoumana Toure too.
Spurs must give up 10 per cent of Bergvall cash
Djurgarden are due 10 per cent of any fee that Tottenham may receive for Lucas Bergvall. The Swedish midfielder is high on Nottingham Forest’s wishlist as they look to fill the void left by Elliot Anderson’s pending departure.
Spurs would want around £45m for the 20-year-old who is keen to find more regular playing time and fears options will be limited as Roberto de Zerbi pushes for Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali and West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes.
Lucas Bergvall in action for Sweden against Japan last night – both sides are into the last 32
Leicester defender eyed by Torino
Leicester City centre back Ben Nelson is attracting attention from Torino in Italy.
The 22-year-old, who can also play left back, has a number of clubs monitoring his situation. The former England U20 international has been on the radar of Manchester United previously and other Premier League sides.
Anderson set for City medical
Elliot Anderson will have his Manchester City medical in the coming days after the club agreed a deal with Nottingham Forest.
City sources insist the deal for the England midfielder, 23, is £116m (€135m), a club record, with no bonuses attached.
Read more on the move from Daily Mail Sport HERE
Newcastle dismissive of Arsenal move for Bruno
Newcastle are understood to be dismissive of Arsenal’s approach for Bruno Guimaraes.
Daily Mail Sport last night revealed the club were braced for the Gunners to make a move, with representatives in the UK gauging the market for the Brazil international.
He has two months to run on his contract.
Read more HERE
Bruno Guimaraes is at the World Cup with Brazil – who will face Japan in the last 32
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