TRANSFER NEWS is picking up with the domestic football season on the verge of reaching its conclusion.
The window will open on July 27 and close in October, following the restart of the new campaign on September 12.
Follow all the latest gossip and rumours below…
HEND OF THE BRIDGE?
Dean Henderson nis reportedly stalling on a new Manchester United contract amid interest from Chelsea.
The Mirror claims Frank Lampard is ready to pounce for the £55million-rated Sheffield United loanee, who is seeking assurances on his Red Devils future from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
It’s reckoned Henderson, 23, is wanted back at Old Trafford next season following some poor performances from David De Gea.
United are said to be offering a new and improved contract as they look to secure the England hopeful’s long-term future.
However, Henderson wants confirmation that he will be the club’s No 1 next term = whereas Solskjaer still sees De Gea as his go-to goalie.
So that could open the door for Chelsea, who are looking to replace Kepa Arrizabalaga.
WRONG GEA FOR TITLE
United can't win the Prmeier League unless they replace David De Gea with a world-class keeper, says Old Trafford legend Roy Keane.
The Spaniard kept his 13th clean sheet of an error-strewn league season in the 2-0 win over Leicester on Sunday to secure Champions League football at Old Trafford next year.
But even then he got away with some questionable handling from a scuffed Kelechi Iheanacho shot as Jamie Vardy looked to pounce.
And Keane, never one to mince his words, is adamant Ole Gunnar Solskjaer needs to recruit a better No1 to challenge with the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool.
The former United skipper told Sky Sports: “I’ve never been a big fan of his. He makes far too many mistakes, big mistakes that cost United big points.
“We talk about recruitment, it’s a difficult part of the game. That’s just my opinion. If Manchester United want to challenge for league titles, they need a better goalkeeper.
DON'T LET CHELSEA NAB EMILIANO
Arsenal legend Ian Wright is “frightened” Chelsea could nab Gunners' keeper Emiliano Martinez.
Frank Lampard's side are on the hunt for a new keeper with Kepa Arrizabalaga totally out of favour under the gaffer.
Atletico Madrid No 1 Jan Oblak has been the prime target – but Manchester United also appear keen on him.
That has reportedly led Stamford Bridge chiefs to turn their attention to North London.
Martinez has impressed mightily since coming in for the injured Bernd Leno.
Wright believes Chelsea's qualification for the Champions League and Lampard's success in bringing through youth could persuade Martinez to go elsewhere.
CITY SET TO BEAT UTD TO TORRES
Manchester City are reportedly close to signing Ferran Torres for £27million.
Goal claims the Valencia winger, 20, has agreed a five-year deal to replace Leroy Sane at the Ethad.
Pep Guardiola sold the German to Bayern Munich when he rejected a new contract.
And the decision has now paved the way for Torres to become City’s latest attacking addition.
It was claimed the Champions League hopefuls would have to splash out nearly £40m.
But Torres has entered the final year of his Valencia contract and the LaLiga side do not want to risk losing him on a free transfer next year.
The impending deal means City have seen off competition from rivals Manchester United and new Premier League champions Liverpool.
GOMES' TEARFUL EXIT
Heurelho Gomes has revealed he will be leaving Watford at the end of the month after the club were relegated from the Premier League.
The 39-year-old – who will leave Vicarage Road when his contract expires – was seen sobbing after the Hornets lost 3-2 away at Arsenal on Sunday.
The result means that Watford's five-season spell in the English top-flight is over – just a year after the club finished in 11th spot and were runners-up in the FA Cup final.
Gomes was initially set to depart the Hertfordshire outfit after their defeat to Manchester City at Wembley last season, but was persuaded to stay for another term.
But after managing just three games for Watford in all competitions this season – and failing to play in the Premier League in the last two years – Gomes has announced his time has come to an end.
In an emotional Instagram post, the Brazilian said: “It's hurting and will hurts (sic) for a while!
“Not because of myself, maybe I'm the least affected, I knew one day it was going to come to an end for me, but I feel for the fans, I feel for my team-mates and friends…”
UTD FACE BATTLE OF WILL
United are at risk of missing out on the signing of 15-year-old defender Willy Kambwala, according to reports.
Old Trafford transfer chiefs are believed to have made an offer of just under £1million for the highly-rated teen earlier this month.
Kambwala plays in central defence for Ligue 2 side FC Sochaux – who rejected the offer.
United are reported to have been interested in France Under-16s star Kambwala for “several weeks”.
But respected French journalist Loic Tanzi claims Sochaux have absolutely no intention of letting their star man go.
He claims the club have offered him a “project with a professional signing in the coming weeks”.
KOP JOIN UTD AND ARSENAL IN OZAN HUNT
Liverpool have joined Manchester United and Arsenal in the transfer hunt for highly-rated young defender Ozan Kabak, according to reports.
The recently crowned Premier League champions are already turning their attention to strengthening for next season.
Dejan Lovren looks set to leave Anfield and if he goes, Kabak could be the man to replace him.
Bild report Klopp has set his sights on the 20-year-old centre-back with talks already beginning.
With his contract running until 2024, current club Schalke are in a commanding position over the fee.
It’s reported that they will want at least £32m for the Turkey international.
GO FOR A NOU START
Barcelona are reportedly eyeing a shock summer move for Manchester United outcast Diogo Dalot.
ESPN claims the Portuguese full-back, 21, could be heading to the Nou Camp in a surprise switch after making just four Premier League appearances this season.
Dalot joined United from Porto for £19million in 2018 and was tipped to become a future Old Trafford star.
However, he has only played 34 times in all competitions during his three years in England.
And Ole Gunnar Solskjaer does not appear to have Dalot in his future plans, with the likes of Brandon Williams and Timothy Fosu-Mensah pushing past the defender in United’s pecking order.
However, Dalot could be handed an extraordinary reprieve by Barcelona.
The Spaniards have lost their LaLiga crown to Real Madrid and are looking to add to their squad.
POGBA DROPS STAYING HINT
Paul Pogba has hinted he is staying at Manchester United as he relishes qualifying for the Champions League.
The Real Madrid target has transformed his fortunes post-lockdown, with SunSport exclusively revealing ten days ago he is close to agreeing a new five-year contract.
And after a 2-0 win at Leicester secured third spot, the French World Cup winner posted jubilantly: “Let’s gooooooo Champions League baby.”
Pogba, 27, has bounced back from injuries to unite well with £55million January signing Bruno Fernandes in central midfield.
Meanwhile, interest from Real and especially old club Juventus appears to have cooled as the coronavirus crisis hits clubs' finances.
DO I YOT LIKE THAT
Arsenal have been handed a major blow in the race to sign Dayot Upamecano after he agreed a new contract at RB Leipzig, according to reports.
But the Gunners will be encouraged that his deal is set to include a release clause.
According to Sportbuzzer, RB Leipzig have ensured they won't lose him for free by getting him to sign a new deal.
Although it won't prevent his admirers from matching his release clause which is set to be around £53million.
Leipzig had similar tactics with striker Timo Werner when he penned a new deal before Chelsea activated his clause.
ANGEL DELIGHT
Ex-Manchester United starlet Angel Gomes has been thrown a career lifeline by French club Lille, according to reports.
French outlet RMC Sport claim Ligue 1 Lille have begun talks with London-born Gomes’ advisors.
The England Under-20 midfielder left Old Trafford last month after talks over a new contract broke down.
Gomes, 19, had been with United since joining their academy at the age of six.
He made ten senior appearances, including half a dozen this term for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer‘s side.
But despite leaving the Red Devils, Gomes could still get some European action next season as Lille will play in the Europa League.
RAM RAID
Chelsea are set to be offered Arsenal icon Aaron Ramsey by Juventus in a shock swap for Jorginho, according to reports in Italy.
Maurizio Sarri is set to raid his former club to sign out-of-favour Jorginho this summer.
And TuttoMercatoWeb have suggested the Italian boss could use Ramsey as bait in a straight swap deal.
Jorginho has grown frustrated since the season restarted, with N'Golo Kante and even youngster Billy Gilmour preferred, before the Scot's injury.
The Italian could now be offered an escape by ex-Chelsea chief Sarri.
ON THE BAL
Norwich have signed hot prospect Bali Mumba from Sunderland for an initial fee of around £350,000.
The England U19 midfielder rose through the ranks at the Stadium of Light and made his debut aged just 16 in 2018.
Despite entering the final year of his contract, fans are furious at losing one of their most talented youngsters.
Boss Phil Parkinson previously said Mumba, 18, was not going to sign a new deal and that the decision to cash in was taken by the club’s hierarchy.
Mumba made 10 appearances for the Wearsiders, having spent the latter part of last season on loan at South Shields.
TIME TO PARTEY
Atletico Madrid defensive midfielder Thomas Partey is reportedly open to joining Arsenal as Mikel Arteta looks to bring him to the Emirates.
The 27-year-old is understood to be the Gunners’ No1 target this summer as the North Londoners look to assemble a squad capable of challenging for a top four spot next season.
Arsenal are believed to have limited funds available this summer, and should the club lose in the FA Cup final, they will not be competing in Europe next term.
And because of their lack of finances, Goal claim that they will struggle to pay his release clause of £44million.
But they have been boosted in their pursuit of the player, with Partey reportedly keen to make the move to the Premier League club.
…
Inter are stumbling over the cost of the deal and will ask Sanchez to more than half his wages to stay at the San Siro.
And Football Italia write how they will also offer Perisic as part of the deal.
United were on the brink of signing the Croatian in 2017 before the deal collapsed at the final hurdle.
Perisic is deemed surplus to requirements at Inter having spent the season on loan at Bayern Munich.
The German side have opted against signing him permanently despite him featuring 22 times in the Bundesliga.
SWAP SHOP
Inter Milan will look to land Alexis Sanchez on a permanent deal by sending Ivan Perisic in the opposite direction, according to reports.
Antonio Conte wants to make the Chilean's loan move a permanent one after hitting a rich vein of form towards the end of the season.
Despite his slow start to life in Italy due to an ankle injury, the 31-year-old has scored three and assisted six in his last eight appearances.
United are keen to offload Sanchez this summer and get his whopping £500,000-a-week wages off their expenses.
But Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is adamant he'll only let the flop leave permanently with the club currently still contributing £300,000-a-week to his salary…
T-AKE A CHANCE
A dramatic end to the Premier League season saw Bournemouth and Watford relegated alongside Norwich City.
And the Championship-bound trio will face a tough task to keep hold of their star players ahead of next season.
Chelsea have been linked with bringing Cherries centre-back Nathan Ake back to the club.
And SunSport have pulled together a star-studded XI of players that have been relegated who could be snapped up soon.
…
And they view him as the ideal long-term replacement for Gerard Pique.
But City are reluctant to lose their talented teen.
Negotiations over a new contract stalled due to the coronavirus pandemic but will resume again now the league season has finished.
He could treble his wages by penning a five-year deal worth £40,000-a-week plus bonuses.
GAR-SEEYA
Barcelona are plotting a transfer swoop for Manchester City defender Eric Garcia this summer.
The defender, 19, left the LaLiga giants in 2017 to move to the Etihad.
He has since gone on to break into Pep Guardiola’s first-team plans and appeared 13 times in the Premier League.
Now Mundo Deportivo claims his performances have caught the eye of Barcelona…
DEJAN LEAV-RON
Jurgen Klopp has paid tribute to Dejan Lovern who has left Liverpool after six years at Anfield.
The Croatian is on the verge of signing for Russian side Zenit St Petersburg.
NO SAN-K YOU
Manchester United have had an £89million bid for Jadon Sanco REJECTED by Borussia Dortmund.
The Red Devils secured Champions League football with a 2-0 win over Leicester yesterday and are not hanging around as they look to splash the extra guaranteed cash.
Reports in Germany from Bild, extraordinarily claim the German side have batted away an offer that comes close to 100million euros.
Former Man City youth product Sancho has been consistently linked with a move to the red side of Manchester for months but the Red Devils will have to try again if they want to bring him to Old Trafford.
…
Before the last set of fixtures were played yesterday, 28 top-flight games were made available outside the subscription model.
That included four live games that were screened by BBC.
Those matches released averaged 1.9million viewers, which is up 36 per cent on the number that watched Sky Sports in that same period.
Today’s report states a broadcasting executive told them: “Momentum is building for a serious conversation about the way we negotiated future rights deals with the Premier League.
“Give free-to-view fans a taste of what the subscribers get is likely to give them an appetite to want more.”
ARMCHAIR BOOST
Premier League matches may be shown on free-to-air TV in coming seasons after its success in lockdown.
Armchair fans could be set to enjoy even more action as pay TV executives consider future “hybrid” rights agreements.
Sky’s viewing figures were boosted by over a third for matches also aired beyond its subscription service, according to The Telegraph.
And they state “broadcasting insiders believe there is now a compelling business model for future shares with free channels”.
Their report also states “several broadcast executives believe ‘momentum is building’” after unprecedented co-operation between freeview and subscription channels over recent months…
OUT FOR THE COUT
Philippe Coutinho is likely to sign for one of Arsenal, Leicester City or Tottenham Hotspur this summer, according to reports.
The £142million Brazilian has been cast aside by Barcelona, having spent the 2019-20 season on loan at Bayern Munich.
Coutinho is claimed to see his future back in the Premier League, and has been patiently waiting for the season to finish for his potential suitors to have a clearer idea of their budgets for this summer.
According to Sport, Coutinho's agent Kia Joorabchian has been negotiating with Premier League clubs “for weeks” as he aims to engineer a return to England for next season.
He said: “We are looking to see if any opportunity arises in the Premier, where he has already triumphed.”
TROY STORY
Troy Deeney admits he could walk away from Watford following their Premier League relegation.
The Hornets skipper scored against Arsenal yesterday but failed to inspire his side to a great escape.
Deeney said: “I honestly don’t know if this is going to be my last game at Watford or in the Premier League.
“If I do ultimately stop playing for Watford as of now I’ve had a great run.
“Things happen in football.”
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