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Transfer battle: Fulham 'submit' bid for Man United target
![Marco Silva, who talked up Fulham s attackers after they netted four times to confirm Luton's relegation from the Premier League in a 4-2 victory at Kenilworth Road, May 5, 2024 [on August 8, 2024]](https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/thumbor/kr4n8EqMAVfe2XFlrrUO6LnZIyg=/640x480/smart/filters:format(webp)/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F32%2Fmarco-silva.jpg "Marco Silva, who talked up Fulham s attackers after they netted four times to confirm Luton's relegation from the Premier League in a 4-2 victory at Kenilworth Road, May 5, 2024 [on August 8, 2024]")
Fulham have reportedly submitted a transfer bid to sign Manchester United-linked Sander Berge from Burnley.
Berge made 109 competitive appearances during a three-and-a-half-year stay with Sheffield United, before he completed a move to completed last summer.
The Norway international was a regular fixture in the Burnley squad last season, featuring in 37 of the club's 38 Premier League matches.
However, he was unable to help Burnley stay in the Premier League and is now likely to leave the club before the transfer deadline.
Man United 'trying to force' lower asking price for midfield transfer target
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F32%2Ferik-ten-hag.jpg "Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag pictured on August 10, 2024")
Manchester United are reportedly prepared to wait until the deadline day to try and sign their midfield transfer target Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain.
It has been a busy summer at Old Trafford, with the Red Devils already splashing out around £150m on new signings, while they have also seen a few first-team players depart in recent weeks.
United signed Leny Yoro for £43m and Joshua Zirkzee for £36m from Lille and Bologna respectively last month, before securing the services of Bayern Munich duo Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui days before the start of the new season.
In terms of player sales, Erik ten Hag's side have bid farewell to the likes of Mason Greenwood, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Willy Kambwala and Donny van de Beek.
Done deal: Brighton confirm £40m club-record signing of Championship attacker
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F33%2Fgeorginio-rutter.jpg "Leeds United's Georginio Rutter celebrates on August 10, 2024")
Brighton & Hove Albion have announced the signing of forward Georginio Rutter from Leeds United.
The 22-year-old has penned a five-year contract until 2029 and joins the Seagulls for a club-record £40m after they activated his release clause last week.
Brighton have broken their transfer record for the second time this summer having previously recruited attacker Yankuba Minteh for around £33m from Newcastle United earlier this summer.
The Frenchman was a club-record signing for Leeds when he joined the club from Hoffenheim for £35m in January 2023, but he now departs 19 months later having made a total of 66 appearances in all competitions, scoring eight goals and providing 18 assists.
Arsenal 'make' huge transfer decision over new striker
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F34%2Farsenal_1.jpg "Matt Doherty of Wolverhampton Wanderers, Gabriel Jesus of Arsenal and Kai Havertz of Arsenal during the Premier League match on August 17, 2024")
Arsenal have changed their plans and opted against signing a new striker in the current transfer window, according to a report.
Heading into the summer, the Gunners were expected to strengthen their attacking options, either by signing a new starting centre-forward or adding depth to their wing positions.
They were linked with moves for Brentford attacker Ivan Toney and Sporting Lisbon's Viktor Gyokeres but were unwilling to meet either player's asking price.
So far, the club have only strengthened their defensive areas, making David Raya's move from the the Gtech Community Stadium permanent after his season-long loan and signing Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna.
Decision time: Out-of-favour Chelsea winger to 'consider all options'
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F32%2Fenzo-maresca.JPG "Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca on August 6, 2024.")
Chelsea winger Raheem Sterling is reportedly keen to hold showdown talks with the club's board before making a decision over his future.
Having played some part of each of the club's six pre-season friendlies, the expectation was that the 29-year-old would be selected in the squad for Sunday's Premier League fixture with Manchester City on Sunday.
However, Sterling was a shock omission from Enzo Maresca's first team selection, his representatives almost immediately releasing a pre-planned statement to address the situation.
They requested "clarity" over the decision made by the new head coach, despite several reports suggesting that Sterling was informed on Friday.
Arsenal to announce new signing within 24 hours?
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F29%2Fdani-olmo.jpg "Spain's Dani Olmo celebrates scoring with Nico Williams and Mikel Merino on June 30, 2024")
Arsenal are reportedly closing in on agreeing a deal for Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad and are expected to announce his signing in the next 24 hours.
The Gunners' only significant addition to their first team this summer has been Italy international Riccardo Calafiori, who joined from Bologna.
Their other notable moves include converting David Raya's loan into a permanent transfer from Brentford and securing a few deals to strengthen their academy.
Merino's omission from La Real's matchday squad for their 2-1 loss to Real Vallecano on Sunday has only intensified speculation about a potential move to the Emirates Stadium.
Too expensive: Arsenal attacker pricing himself out of move?
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F15%2Fmikel-arteta.JPG "Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta pictured on April 9, 2024")
Arsenal are reportedly set to face a difficult time as they look to offload Reiss Nelson this summer.
The 24-year-old has fallen behind a number of senior stars in the pecking order at the Emirates, including Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka.
As a result, Nelson only featured in 15 Premier League matches for Mikel Arteta's side during 2023-24, with the attacker making just the single top-flight start.
Overall, the former Feyenoord loanee managed just 23 appearances across all competitions for the Gunners last season, five of which arrived in the Champions League.
McTominay replacement? Man United 'launch' bid for Championship star
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F33%2Ferik-ten-hag.jpg "Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag on August 16, 2024")
Manchester United have reportedly submitted their first bid for Burnley midfielder Sander Berge.
The 26-year-old arrived to the Premier League as a major coup for Sheffield United during the January transfer window of 2020, when the Blades were threatening to break onto the European stage under Chris Wilder.
Despite playing a significant part in United's promotion-winning campaign of 2022-23 under Paul Heckingbottom, Berge crossed top-flight battlelines to join Burnley last summer.
Regardless of his best efforts during 37 Premier League appearances last term, the midfielder was unable to prevent Vincent Kompany's Clarets from suffering an immediate return to the Championship.
Enquiry made: Arsenal 'contacted' by Premier League rivals over goalkeeper
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F32%2Fkarhei.jpg "Arsenal goalkeepers Karl Hein and Aaron Ramsdale warm up ahead of the match on August 21, 2023")
Arsenal have reportedly received an enquiry from Wolverhampton Wanderers for Aaron Ramsdale.
The 26-year-old has endured a stressful 12 months in professional football, falling down the pecking order at the Emirates for the title-chasing Gunners.
Since the arrival of David Raya in North London on loan last summer, Ramsdale has played just 11 competitive matches for Mikel Arteta's troops.
After impressing in between the sticks during the 2023-24 term, the Spaniard has now moved permanently to Arsenal for £27.5m, leaving Ramsdale's future at the club in serious doubt.
What next for Sterling? Which five clubs could sign frustrated Chelsea attacker?
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F34%2Fraheem-sterling_1.JPG "Chelsea's Raheem Sterling on August 11, 2024")
With less than two weeks of the summer transfer window remaining, Raheem Sterling's future at Chelsea has been called into question following a controversial statement from his representatives.
After being left out of the England squad for Euro 2024, Sterling returned to Chelsea training early ahead of pre-season to link up with new head coach Enzo Maresca.
The 29-year-old was involved in all six of the Blues' pre-season friendlies and it was widely expected that he would feature in some capacity against his former club Manchester City on the opening weekend of the new Premier League season.
However, Sterling was surprisingly left out of Chelsea's matchday squad by Maresca, who watched his Blues side lose 2-0 to the reigning Premier League champions on home soil on Sunday.
Wolves to strengthen defence with former West Brom player?
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F33%2Fgary-oneil.JPG "Wolverhampton Wanderers head coach Gary O'Neil on August 17, 2024.")
Wolverhampton Wanderers are reportedly toying with the idea of making a move for Burnley defender Dara O'Shea.
Earlier in the summer transfer window, the West Midlands outfit cashed in on club captain Max Kilman who signed for West Ham United in a £40m deal.
Former club Maidenhead United received a 10% sell-on fee as part of the previously-agreed terms with Wolves, yet the Premier League outfit were effectively making pure profit in the eyes of the division's Profit and Sustainability Rules.
However, despite the coffers being further boosted by the sale of Pedro Neto for £54m, Wolves are yet to further loosen the purse-strings as has been anticipated by their fanbase.
Chelsea 'reach full agreement' to sign Felix on long-term contract
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F29%2Fjoao-felix.JPG "Portugal's Joao Felix pictured on June 26, 2024")
Chelsea have reportedly made the breakthrough with Atletico Madrid regarding a deal for Joao Felix.
Earlier this month, the Blues appeared to be uninterested in a reunion with a player who scored just four goals during a 20-game loan stint in 2022-23.
However, after a deal for fellow Atletico player Samu Omorodion broke down, Felix emerged as the most likely alternative player to leave Madrid for London.
Negotiating such a transfer is deemed imperative for Conor Gallagher to move to Civitas Metropolitano in a separate deal, with both clubs eager to bolster their position with the relevant financial regulations.
Will he play tonight? Leicester confirm Skipp signing from Spurs
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F33%2Foliver-skipp.jpg "Tottenham Hotspur's Oliver Skipp pictured in March 2024")
Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed the departure of long-serving midfielder Oliver Skipp to Leicester City in a deal apparently worth over £20m.
The former England youth international departs for the King Power Stadium after a 19-year spell in North London, having joined the Lilywhites academy at the age of five.
Skipp progressed to make 106 senior appearances for Tottenham in all competitions, scoring one goal and setting up two more as he earned the trust of Mauricio Pochettino, Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte.
The midfielder made another 24 appearances in all competitions last season, but he was never a first-choice player under Ange Postecoglou, who has preferred Yves Bissouma, Pape Sarr and Rodrigo Bentancur in the engine room.
Magpies to swoop on Merseyside? Newcastle 'eye' Liverpool man as Guehi alternative
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F29%2Fmarc-guehi.jpg "Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi on November 11, 2023")
Newcastle United have reportedly identified Liverpool defender Joe Gomez as a potential alternative to Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi.
The Magpies are keen to bolster their options in the centre-back department before the summer transfer window shuts, and Guehi has emerged as their primary target.
However, Eddie Howe's side have been left frustrated in their negotiations with Palace, who have allegedly rejected four bids for Guehi from the North-East outfit.
It is understood that Newcastle's latest offer, allegedly a club-record bid, was deemed 'not enough' by the Eagles, who value Guehi in the region of £65m and remain determined to keep hold of the 24-year-old.
Shock exit on the cards? Key player 'agrees' to leave Barcelona this summer
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F34%2Fgundogan.png "Barcelona Midfielder Could Leave Nou Camp Before End of Window on August 19, 2024")
Ilkay Gundogan has reportedly reached an agreement with Barcelona to leave the club this summer.
The 33-year-old joined the Catalan giants last summer on a free transfer following the expiration of his contract at Manchester City, where he spent seven trophy-laden years.
Gundogan quickly established himself as a key member of Barca's first-team squad under former boss Xavi, scoring five goals and registering 14 assists in 51 appearances across all competitions.
The Germany international hit the appearance requirements last season to extend his contract by a further 12 months, meaning that he is now tied to Camp Nou until June 2026.
Sterling to Serie A? Juventus 'attempting' swap deal to sign Chelsea attacker
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F34%2Fraheem-sterling.jpg "Chelsea's Raheem Sterling on August 11, 2024")
Juventus are reportedly exploring the possibility of signing Chelsea attacker Raheem Sterling as part of a swap deal this summer.
Sterling's future at Stamford Bridge has been called into question after he was surprisingly left out of the matchday squad for Chelsea's opening Premier League game of the new season - a 2-0 defeat to champions Manchester City on Sunday.
The decision made by new head coach Enzo Maresca to omit Sterling led to the player's representatives releasing a statement prior to kickoff publicly seeking "clarity" over the attacker's future.
Part of the statement read: "As a camp, we have always had positive dialogue with, and assurance from, Chelsea FC in relation to Raheem's future at the club, so we look forward to gaining clarity on the situation. Until then, we will continue to support Raheem's desire to start the new season positively."
Transfer news and rumours today: Forest want Gimenez, Benfica winger to Napoli
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F16%2Fsantiago-gimenez.JPG "Feyenoord's Santiago Gimenez celebrates scoring against Lazio on October 25, 2023")
Nottingham Forest have reportedly made an official approach for Feyenoord forward Santiago Gimenez.
The East Midlands outfit have already put together an impressive array of talent in the final third, Ramon Sosa having recently been added to the mix at the City Ground.
However, speculation persists that Nuno Espirito Santo could sign a third frontline striker behind the likes of Chris Wood and Taiwo Awoniyi.
According to Fox Sports MX, Forest have put together a proposal worth in the region of €25m (£21.3m) for the Mexico international.
Belgium international to St Mary's? Southampton 'in race' for 22-year-old
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F34%2Fmandela-keita.jpg "Mandela Keita of Royal Antwerp on July 28, 2024")
Southampton have reportedly been joined by a number of clubs in the pursuit of Royal Antwerp midfielder Mandela Keita.
The 22-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough campaign in the Belgian Pro League last term for Antwerp, making 29 league appearances, with 25 of those coming from the start.
A defensively-minded midfielder, Keita is renowned for his ability to protect the backline from the base of the engine room for Jonas De Roeck's troops.
The youngster commenced his professional career at OH Leuven in 2021, appearing on 40 occasions for the club before switching to one of Belgium's elite outfits during the January window of 2023.
Liverpool star at risk of leaving Anfield in summer of 2025?
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F34%2Farne-slot-john-henry-liverpool.png "Liverpool Owners Reminded of One Player Arne Slot Can't Live Without on on August 19, 2024")
Liverpool's owners are reportedly 'cautious' about handing star attacker Mohamed Salah a contract extension.
Speculation over the 32-year-old's long-term future at Anfield has been rife for some time, with the Egyptian having now entered the final year of his contract.
Salah has earned legendary status during his hugely successful seven-year stay on the red side of Merseyside, scoring 212 goals and providing 90 assists in 350 appearances as well as winning a total of seven trophies.
The attacker's form dipped towards the end of last season, netting just three times in 11 games, and a public spat with former boss Jurgen Klopp on the touchline at West Ham United in April led to speculation that Liverpool's No.11 could depart this summer.
Man United 'drop interest' in two free agents after double signing
Manchester United have reportedly ended their interest in defenders Mario Hermoso and Marcos Alonso following the recent arrivals of Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui.
After spending around £52m to recruit 18-year-old Leny Yoro from Lille earlier this summer, manager Erik ten Hag was keen to bolster his defence further with the additions of two familiar faces from his days as Ajax boss.
Indeed, the Red Devils have spent an initial £38.5m to sign De Ligt and an initial £15m to bring in Mazraoui, with both players making the move to Old Trafford from Bayern Munich.
The defensive pair moved to Old Trafford last week and just a few days later were selected in the matchday squad for Man United's narrow 1-0 win over Fulham in their opening Premier League game of the new season last Friday.
Al-Ahli 'remain in talks' with England international after £35m bid rejected
![England's Ivan Toney pictured during the warm-up on June 25, 2024 [IMAGO]](https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/thumbor/Xj6V-QFDZg_GAuTdGataEHggWQQ=/640x480/smart/filters:format(webp)/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F26%2Fivan-toney.jpg "England's Ivan Toney pictured during the warm-up on June 25, 2024 [IMAGO]")
Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli reportedly remain in talks to sign Brentford striker Ivan Toney this summer, despite failing with a £35m offer.
The 28-year-old has been the subject of intense speculation throughout this summer, with teams in the Premier League having initially held an interest in the England international, who has scored 72 goals in 141 appearances for Brentford since joining in 2020.
Manchester United and Chelsea have both been credited with an interest in Toney, but it is understood that the former are not planning to make a move for Brentford's No.17.
The same can be said for Chelsea, who are believed to be prioritising other targets including Napoli's Victor Osimhen and Atletico Madrid's Joao Felix.
Transfer news and rumours today: West Ham want Abraham, Las Palmas keen on Vinicius
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F29%2Fjulen-lopetegui.JPG "Julen Lopetegui pictured on April 1, 2023")
West Ham United are allegedly contemplating whether to reignite their interest in Roma forward Tammy Abraham.
The Hammers have been one of the most active Premier League clubs during the summer window, strengthening their options in several areas of the pitch.
Niclas Fullkrug is a new addition to the final third, with the Germany international having the credentials to earn regular starts in Julen Lopetegui's new-look side.
Nevertheless, according to Football Insider, West Ham have not given up hope of trying to tempt Abraham into a return to London.
Sporting emerge as favourites to sign Barcelona forward?
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F23%2F40%2Fruben-amorim.jpg "Sporting Lisbon coach Ruben Amorim before the match on October 5, 2023")
Sporting Lisbon have reportedly emerged as the frontrunners to sign Barcelona forward Vitor Roque on a permanent deal.
Last July, the Catalan giants agreed a deal with Athletico Paranaense which saw the prospect make the £25.6m switch to Camp Nou.
On the back of his 28 goals and 11 assists from 81 appearances for the Brazilian outfit, the hope was that Roque would provide competition for Robert Lewandowski.
Instead, 19-year-old was limited to just 319 minutes in La Liga, scoring two goals from his 14 appearances which were largely from the substitutes' bench.
"Time will tell" - Simeone addresses future of Chelsea-linked Felix
Diego Simeone has suggested that Joao Felix remains in contention to represent Atletico Madrid despite persistent speculation regarding a transfer to Chelsea.
Felix spent the 2023-24 campaign away from Civitas Metropolitano, making a total of 44 appearances during a loan stint at Barcelona.
Despite his return to his parent club, it was expected that the Portugal international would soon find a new team for the upcoming season, it perceived that he does not feature in Simeone's plans.
A return to Barcelona was mooted, as was a transfer to Aston Villa, yet Chelsea are now known to be the frontrunners for Felix's signature.
"We will clarify the situation" - Maresca speaks on Sterling omission
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F33%2Fraheem-sterling-chelsea-todd-boehly.png "Raheem Sterling Stance on Chelsea Future on August 13, 2024")
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has hinted that Raheem Sterling may have to leave Stamford Bridge before the end of the summer transfer window.
Throughout pre-season, Sterling was a regular fixture in the Blues squad, participating in each of the six friendlies without playing more than 63 minutes in a single match.
The expectation was that the England international would be selected among the Chelsea substitutes for Sunday's Premier League opener with Manchester City on Sunday.
Instead, the 29-year-old was the major surprise omission from the squad, leading to his representatives releasing a statement to express their surprise at the decision soon after it was made public knowledge.
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F23%2Fgambling-online.png "Footer logo for GAMSTOP"){kind=small}
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F06%2FGambleAware%20Secondary%20Main%20Grey.png "on February 3, 2024"){kind=small}