The summer transfer window is open until September 1, and clubs across the country are already stepping up their plans for the new season.
Everton will go back in for Hackney after Boro turn down £18m bid
Everton are expected to resume talks over Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney after seeing a latest offer worth around £18 million turned down.
Crystal Palace are also preparing to enter the race, with Middlesbrough understood to be holding out for £20 million plus a further £5 million in add-ons for the Championship Player of the Year.
Mail Sport understands Everton’s proposal was made up of an initial £11 million, with an additional £7 million included in performance-related bonuses.
Hull City have also registered an interest and are willing to match Middlesbrough’s valuation, although Hackney is believed to favour a move to David Moyes’s Everton.
Hayden Hackney was named Championship player of the season
Middlesbrough were willing to accept a lower fee from Ipswich Town last year, but the club now feel Hackney’s value has risen after further development, even though he has just one year left on his current contract.
Crystal Palace, who have appointed Pierre Sage as their new boss, have indicated they will come closer to £20m.
Everton have interest from Ipswich in their midfielder Tim Iroegbunam and are still to finalise agreement with Idrissa Gana Gueye on a new contract.
Cucurella seals Madrid move
Chelsea have confirmed their £51.8million sale of Marc Cucurella to Real Madrid – £47.5m plus £4.3m in add-ons – all hastily agreed and completed at the request of new Madrid manager, Jose Mourinho.
‘Everyone at Chelsea FC would like to thank Marc for his efforts during his time at the club and for the role he played in our recent achievements,’ read a Chelsea statement. ‘We wish him every success as he begins the next stage of his career.’
Kieran Gill
Newcastle step up talks for Munoz – with Osasuna holding out for £34.5m
Newcastle United are expected to step up negotiations for Osasuna winger Victor Munoz this week.
Despite reports, those close to the deal say Real Madrid do not intend to take up a buy-back clause nor do they want a new clause inserted after he has spent a year at his next club. They believe no ambitious buying club would accept those terms.
The 22-year-old is with Spain’s squad in USA and has opened the door to a move to the Premier League though there is rival interest from Roma and Bayer Leverkusen. Manchester United have not followed up any interest, as it stands.
Munoz is represented by Niagara Sports agency, who also look after the likes of Barcelona’s Dani Olmo and Joan Garcia plus Alvaro Morata at Como.
Though discussions have taken place with Osasuna they have yet to fully develop and progress is anticipated this week.
Victor Munoz’s buy-out clause is £34.5m and Osasuna want the full amount
The Spanish side want £34.5million, the player’s buy-out, and Newcastle are looking to structure the payments.
Munoz began his youth career with Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy before moving to Real Madrid.
Newcastle want to add younger players going forward with the likes of Wolves’ exciting 18-year-old Portuguese attacker Mateus Mane also on their radar.
They also want Atalanta right back Marco Palestra but face serious competition for the £45m-rated Italy international.
As reported by Daily Mail Sport in April, Manchester City’s James Trafford is also back on their list despite the addition of Reims keeper Ewen Jaouen for £18.5m last week.
Meanwhile, head of recruitment Steve Nickson is not expected to move to West Ham, despite reputed interest.
Premier League new boys in for Braga stopper
Hull City have opened talks for Sporting Braga goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek.
The Premier League new boys want two keepers for their return to the top flight and are understood to have offered £12.5million plus add-ons for the 6ft 6ins Czech Republic international who is part of his country’s World Cup squad.
The 23-year-old is interested in the move but Braga want more for a keeper who has also attracted interest from Leeds United, Inter Milan and Porto in recent months.
Hull also want to add a second keeper on loan.
Braga goalkeeper Lucas Hornicek is at the World Cup with Czech Republic
They made a bold enquiry for Bayern Munich’s Alexander Nubel, but he is holding out for a bigger club.
The 29-year-old was on the bench for Germany in their 7-1 win over Curacao last night and has spent the last three seasons playing regularly for Stuttgart in the Bundesliga while previously enjoying two seasons on loan with Monaco.
Hull have sent scouts to the World Cup and are also exploring the Croatian market.
They would like to discuss a deal with Manchester United for Toby Collyer, who they had on loan at the end of last season.
It is felt the 22-year-old would benefit from a full pre-season, and develop into a midfielder capable of making an immediate impact in the Premier League.
