Salah picture becomes clear as Liverpool 'make decision' on £35m transfer

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Liverpool have no plans to make a late move for PSV Eindhoven winger Johan Bakayoko in the summer transfer window, according to a report.

The 21-year-old has lit up the Eredivisie for the Eindhoven giants over the past couple of years and had apparently been identified by Liverpool as an ideal successor to Mohamed Salah.

Bakayoko came through the PSV youth system after leaving Anderlecht in 2019 and has been involved in 42 goals in 87 games for his current side, 22 of his own and 20 assists.

Last term, the Belgian international shone with 14 goals and as many assists in 48 matches, and he has already scored one goal and set up another in his first two appearances of the 2024-25 season.

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Third time lucky? 'Improved' bid expected for Man United midfielder

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Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay is reportedly expected to be the subject of a third and improved offer from Fulham.

The Cottagers are believed to have already seen two bids rejected by the Red Devils for the Scotland international, whom they have identified as an ideal replacement for Joao Palhinha.

Fulham's second offer for McTominay was supposedly in the region of £20m, and the Cottagers turned their attention to other targets after failing with that approach earlier this month.

Since Man United last turned away Marco Silva's side, Serie A giants Napoli have joined the race to sign McTominay, as confirmed by their sporting director Giovanni Manna over the weekend.

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"Blocked" - Chelsea facing battle for sensational Osimhen swap?

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Napoli chief Giovanni Manna has claimed that a prospective exit for Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain-linked striker Victor Osimhen is currently "blocked".

The Nigeria international's desire to leave the Italian giants this summer is no secret, and he is believed to be at the heart of an intense two-way fight between the Blues and Les Parisiens.

Osimhen's Napoli contract - which he extended last year - includes a release clause worth around £113m, but the club are no longer insisting that the option needs to be paid in full for him to depart.

Instead, it was reported last week that Chelsea were close to agreeing a three-player swap deal, which would have seen Osimhen head to Chelsea and Romelu Lukaku and Cesare Casadei join Napoli, who would have also received £38m.

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'No player like him' - Manager confirms Arsenal interest in Euros star

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Real Sociedad head coach Imanol Alguacil has confirmed that Arsenal are trying to sign midfielder Mikel Merino after he missed their opening La Liga loss to Rayo Vallecano.

While the Gunners were initially thought to be targeting a midfielder of Martin Zubimendi's profile, they quickly switched their focus from a number six to a number eight such as Merino.

The former Newcastle United man failed to make the grade in the Premier League during his time at St James' Park, but he quickly made an impression at Sociedad and was part of the Spain squad that won Euro 2024 this summer.

With the 28-year-old now in the last 12 months of his deal, Sociedad are resigned to losing him for this summer, and it has been claimed by The Times that Arsenal are nearing an agreement over a €35m (£29.8m) deal.

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Pole position: Everton 'best-placed' to sign Barca forward

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Everton are reportedly best-placed to sign Barcelona forward Vitor Roque.

The 19-year-old joined Barcelona from Athletico Paranaense in January after registering 28 goals and 11 assists in 81 competitive appearances for the Brazilian.

He struggled to force his way into the side last season, starting just two of his 14 La Liga appearances under Xavi.

While there has been a change in manager, Roque's situation has not improved since the arrival of former Germany boss Hansi Flick.

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Newcastle 'lining up' move for Barca attacker

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Newcastle United are reportedly prepared to submit an offer for Barcelona forward Ferran Torres.

The 24-year-old spent time with Valencia and Manchester City before completing a move to Barcelona in January 2022.

Torres, a Spain international, has made 114 competitive appearances for the Catalan giants, scoring 25 goals and providing 13 assists.

While he has featured in over 100 matches for Barcelona, Torres struggled for regular game time last season, starting just 13 league matches under Xavi.

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Late transfer: Napoli chief addresses Man United ace amid exit talk

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Napoli sporting director Giovanni Manna has refused to rule out a move for Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay before the end of the summer transfer window.

Fulham are believed to have failed with two offers for the 27-year-old in recent weeks, but there is still a chance that the Scotland international could leave Old Trafford before the market closes for business.

Napoli are said to be one of the clubs showing an interest in McTominay, with Man United's asking price for the midfielder thought to be around £25m.

The Italian outfit are also being heavily linked with Brighton & Hove Albion's Billy Gilmour, and Manna addressed the transfer talk before Napoli's Serie A clash with Hellas Verona.

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Liverpool 'make decision' on midfielder search

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Liverpool have reportedly decided to delay their pursuit of a new midfielder until the January transfer window.

The Reds overhauled their midfield last summer, recruiting Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo.

Despite making those additions in 2023, Liverpool have been looking to sign a number six for Arne Slot's first season in charge.

Liverpool identified Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi as a top target, and they appeared to be on course to prise him away from La Liga.

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Old Trafford exits: Five players who could leave Man United before the deadline

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Manchester United are expected to sign at least one more player before this summer's transfer window closes for business, with a new midfielder wanted.

Paris Saint-Germain's Manuel Ugarte is the club's leading target, and it would not be a surprise to see the Uruguay international soon become Man United's fifth signing of the market after Joshua Zirkzee, Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui.

However, there will also be departures, with the club under pressure to make some sales in the final stages of the market for financial reasons.

With that in mind, Sports Mole looks at five players who could leave Old Trafford over the next couple of weeks.

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Camp Nou exits: Three players who could leave Barcelona before transfer deadline

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Barcelona have made two signings so far this summer, bringing in Pau Victor and Dani Olmo, but there are expected to be more incomings before the end of the month.

The Catalan outfit's financial situation means that there will also have to be departures, with a number of players being linked with exits.

Some big decisions will need to be made over the next couple of weeks, and with that in mind, Sports Mole looks at three players who could leave Hansi Flick's side before the transfer window closes for business.

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Third-tier switch? Ipswich defender 'in talks' over loan exit

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Ipswich Town midfielder Cameron Humphreys is reportedly being lined up for a move to Wycombe Wanderers on loan.

Possessing a professional contract at his boyhood club in East Anglia, the 20-year-old graduated from the side's academy to make his senior debut during the 2021-22 term, while the Tractor Boys were still plying their trade in League One.

Since then, an American takeover and the arrival of up-and-coming manager Kieran McKenna have turned the fortunes of the Portman Road club around.

The Tractor Boys finished second in League One during the 2022-23 season before repeating the trick a year later in the Championship, earning promotion to the Premier League for the first time since 2000-01.

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Toney exit: Will Man United make late move for Brentford man?

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Manchester United are reportedly not considering making a move for Brentford forward Ivan Toney in the latter stages of the transfer window despite the recent speculation.

Toney was left out of the Brentford squad for Sunday's Premier League clash against Crystal Palace, with Bees head coach Thomas Frank admitting that "there's some transfer interest" in the England international.

"There's some transfer interest and because of all that we decided not to involve him today," Frank told reporters ahead of the clash with Palace.

"Ivan is a top player; he's been fantastic for us over four years but we also showed, last year especially, that we can win without him."

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Attacking move: Man United 'in advanced talks' over deal for 22-year-old

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Manchester United are reportedly 'in advanced talks' with Greek side Panathinaikos over a permanent transfer for Facundo Pellistri.

The Uruguay international made the move to Old Trafford from Penarol in 2020, and he has represented the 20-time English champions on 25 occasions, but he is yet to score a goal and has only provided two assists.

Pellistri spent the second half of the 2023-24 campaign on loan at Granada, scoring twice in 15 La Liga appearances, before returning to Man United over the summer.

The 22-year-old was used off the bench in the Community Shield last weekend, with the forward surprisingly being introduced at right-back, but he was not in the squad against Fulham in the Premier League on Friday night.

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Clarity required: Sterling's agents release statement after Chelsea omission

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Raheem Sterling's agents are seeking "clarity" from Chelsea regarding the forward's future after he was surprisingly left out of the Blues squad for Sunday's Premier League clash with Manchester City.

The 29-year-old has another three years left to run on his contract at Stamford Bridge, and he had been expected to be a part of manager Enzo Maresca's plans during the 2024-25 campaign.

However, Sterling has been left out of the squad for the London club's Premier League opener against the reigning champions.

The Englishman's representatives are now seeking "clarity", as they had expected that their client would be involved against Pep Guardiola's team.

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Man City 'preparing' to offer star player significant pay rise

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Manchester City are reportedly prepared to offer Rodri a significant pay rise to extend his stay with the club.

Rodri has developed into one of the world's best midfielders since joining Man City from Atletico Madrid in the summer of 2019.

The Spain international has made 257 competitive appearances for the Citizens, chipping in with 26 goals and 30 assists.

As an influential player in the Man City side, Rodri has helped the club win four Premier League titles, two EFL Cups, the FA Cup, the Champions League, the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup.

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"Close to leaving" - Emery confirms imminent Aston Villa transfer

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Aston Villa head coach Unai Emery has revealed that Alex Moreno is close to leaving the club.

On Saturday evening, the West Midlands outfit kicked off the new Premier League campaign with a 2-1 victory at West Ham United.

One of the notable absentees was Moreno, a player who has been a regular under Emery since his arrival during the 2023 January transfer window.

However, with Lucas Digne having remained in the West Midlands rather than move elsewhere as once was speculated, the 31-year-old does not appear to have a future at Villa.

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Transfer news and rumours today: Fernandes to Southampton, Lo Celso to Fenerbahce

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Southampton are reportedly in discussions with Sporting Lisbon over a potential move for Mateus Fernandes in the latter stages of the transfer window.

The 20-year-old came through the youth system at Sporting, and he has represented their senior side on 10 occasions, including two outings this season.

However, according to the Daily Mail, Southampton are in discussions with the Portuguese giants over a move for Fernandes, who is said to be valued by his current side in the region of £16m.

Sporting boss Ruben Amorim confirmed on Saturday that Fernandes is leaving this summer but did not mention any potential suitors for the attacker.

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Skipp-ing away: Tottenham 'agree' midfielder sale for over £20m

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Tottenham Hotspur have agreed to sell Oliver Skipp to Leicester City for a fee north of £20m, according to a report.

The 23-year-old was once heralded as one of the most exciting prospects to emerge from the Lilywhites' academy and has made 106 appearances for the first team since coming through the youth ranks.

Skipp has scored one goal and set up two more for the Lilywhites in that time, rising to prominence under Antonio Conte after initially making his breakthrough under Mauricio Pochettino and Jose Mourinho.

However, the former England Under-21 international had always struggled to cement a regular place in the side, and his fortunes did not change when Ange Postecoglou took charge last summer.

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Wolves to press ahead with formal offer for Neto replacement?

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Wolverhampton Wanderers are reportedly preparing to up their attempts to acquire a replacement for Pedro Neto.

Last weekend, it was confirmed that the West Midlands outfit had sold arguably their star man to Chelsea in a deal worth in the region of £54m.

Seeing the Portugal international depart Molineux was a considerable blow ahead of the new campaign, even if Wolves do possess ready-made alternatives.

Daniel Podence, Chiquinho and Goncalo Guedes have all remained at the club on the back of loan spells elsewhere during 2023-24, the former two being introduced as substitutes against Arsenal on Saturday.

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A rival to Haaland: The stat that highlights why Villa should not sell Duran

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A late goal from Jhon Duran ensured that Aston Villa started the new Premier League campaign with a 2-1 victory over West Ham United on Saturday evening.

His ruthless finish from inside the penalty area was particularly notable after the 20-year-old had been linked with the Hammers for a number of weeks earlier in the summer transfer window.

West Ham had seemingly earmarked the Colombia international as their priority option to become first choice down the middle of Julen Lopetegui's attack.

Having opted against paying in the region of £40m for Duran and signing Niclas Fullkrug as an alternative, West Ham have now seemingly moved on from the former Chicago Fire man.

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Unexpected U-turn? Barcelona midfielder 'hands in transfer request'

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Barcelona midfielder Ilkay Gundogan has informed the club of his desire to leave before the end of the summer transfer window, according to a report.

The 33-year-old made an immediate impact at Camp Nou upon his arrival from Manchester City last summer, making 51 appearances in all tournaments and contributing five goals and 14 assists.

Gundogan's Barcelona baptism preceded a positive Euro 2024 campaign with Germany at an individual level, where he scored one goal and set up two more as the hosts reached the quarter-finals.

The midfielder only signed a two-year deal at Camp Nou upon his arrival last year, though, meaning that he is now in the last 12 months of his terms, although both parties can agree to an extension until 2026.

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'Breaking the door down' - Arsenal outcast making desperate exit attempt?

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Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale is allegedly 'breaking the door down' to seal an exit from the Emirates Stadium this summer.

The England international's future in North London has been called into question ever since he lost his place in the sticks to David Raya at the start of the 2023-24 campaign.

From September 2023 onwards, Ramsdale's only opportunities came in inconsequential Champions League games, cup matches and Premier League meetings with Raya's former club Brentford, whom he could not face while on loan.

Ramsdale was guilty of mistakes in both league meetings with the Bees - one of which briefly proved costly as his clearance was charged down by Yoane Wissa - although Arsenal still ended up winning both games.

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Beaten at the eleventh hour? Chelsea 'suffer huge blow' in Osimhen chase

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Chelsea's proposed triple swap deal for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen has supposedly been plunged into fresh doubt due to an 'eleventh hour decision' that the striker could make.

The Blues have been pursuing the signature of the Nigeria international all summer but were initially rebuffed by the 2022-23 Serie A champions, who insisted that his £113m release clause was to be paid in full.

Chelsea could not justify forking out such a fee while splashing the cash on numerous other players, but the arrival of Antonio Conte in Naples reignited hope that a deal could be done.

The former Chelsea boss is determined to reunite with Romelu Lukaku following their successful relationship at Inter Milan, leading to suggestions that the Belgian and Osimhen could move in opposite directions as part of the same transaction.

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Transfer news and rumours today: Nketiah to Everton, Humphreys to Burnley

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Everton are reportedly planning to come forward with a loan offer for Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah before the transfer window shuts.

The England international is Mikel Arteta's third choice number nine behind Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus and is expected to leave in search of regular game time this month.

Prospective moves to Marseille and Bournemouth both collapsed for Nketiah, though, as the two outfits instead swooped for Elye Wahi and Evanilson respectively.

The striker's exit from the Emirates has therefore been plunged into doubt, but according to Football Insider, Everton are set to make a loan approach within the next couple of weeks.

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