Hello and welcome to another edition of our transfer newsletter, brought exclusively to you.
My name is Simon Jones and, as well as writing regularly for the Daily Mail and MailOnline, I’m aiming to give you insight, news and the latest chat from across the globe on all the deals taking shape in this summer’s transfer window.
It promises to be busy once again in the Premier League as the likes of Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea look to splash further millions in a bid to close the gap on champions Manchester City while those teams who were relegated will be in fear of the proverbial vultures preparing to swoop for their best players.
Below, I bring you the latest news from across the globe.
Chelsea striker not keen on Saudi Arabia move
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is pushing to leave Chelsea on his terms.
Chelsea have an offer, understood to be worth £6million, from Saudi Arabia for the 34-year-old and are keen to accept with there being slim chance of a better bid arriving in the current climate.
Aubameyang endured a tough spell at Stamford Bridge following the departure of Thomas Tuchel who had explicitly asked for the Gabon international’s £10m signing from Barcelona. He was later cut from the Champions League squad and did well to end up with three goals in 21 bit-part appearances.
He had hoped for Barcelona to return with an offer but they have other priorities and Aubameyang now has interest from the MLS. However, to get the best move, a free transfer from Chelsea would be more beneficial to the striker and that is what his camp are hoping for.
Aubameyang is not alone in wanting a different football project to Saudi Arabia, Romelu Lukaku also wants to continue in Europe. Mauricio Pochettino has been told to try and work with the Belgian, which he is open to, however, Lukaku would prefer to return to Inter Milan – but they have so far only offered another loan.
Chelsea striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is pushing to leave on his terms this summer
With Kai Havertz’s move to Arsenal expected to accelerate after the international break, Pochettino needs greater attacking options. He may be surprised by Chelsea’s intended £30m deal for Villarreal forward Nicolas Jackson, who was heading to Bournemouth in January, but as Graham Potter and Tuchel will testify, life is full of surprises at Chelsea.
Talks over the sale of Mateo Kovacic to Manchester City are inching closer so discussions for Brighton’s Moises Caicedo have become more acute.
After seeing a £60m bid for Caicedo rejected earlier this month, Chelsea are resuming talks this week over a fee for the Ecuador international who is keen to join.
Brighton, for their part, will counter with a £40m offer for Chelsea defender Levi Colwill. So far, he is not for sale, but he wants to play. Brighton have checked on Sao Paolo’s 19-year-old defender Lucas Beraldo too as a precaution.
Should Caicedo talks fail to bear fruit, Chelsea have a long list of alternatives which includes Southampton’s £50m-rated Romeo Lavia. As Confidential readers know he is also well regarded by Arsenal and Liverpool.
Meanwhile, Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher is still to receive concrete offers this window.
Saudi Arabia hold court in London
The Hyatt Regency Hotel in London’s Portman Square has been a hive of football activity in recent days.
Known as The Churchill, the luxury five-star hotel, where rooms can set you back over £770 a night has played host to the likes of Barack Obama and is where Saudi Arabia’s football elite have been holding court to attract Premier League footballers.
The Saudi Arabia ministry of sport announced earlier this month that the Public Investment Fund (PIF) would take control of four teams in the Saudi Pro League: Al Ahli, Al Ittihad, Al Hilal and Al Nassr.
The latter are close to agreeing a deal for Chelsea’s Hakim Ziyech, Al Hilal are pushing to sign Kalidou Koulibaly for £20m, after agreeing £47m for Wolves’ Ruben Neves yesterday, while Al Ittihad have snapped up 32-year-old N’Golo Kante on a four year contract worth a cool £86m.
To boost Chelsea’s coffers even further, Al Ahli believe they now have a deal in place to sign Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.
That deal could prompt Chelsea to ask for Mike Maignan at AC Milan. Coaching staff like Brentford’s David Raya too but he is still expected to join Tottenham – if they can agree a price.
Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal are pushing to sign Blues defender Kalidou Koulibaly for £20million
Al Ahli believe they now have a deal in place to sign Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy
Walker willing to snub Bayern Munich
Kyle Walker is keen to stay at Manchester City and has opened talks over a contract extension.
Bayern Munich have been discussing a £15million move to sign the 33-year-old but Confidential understands he would prefer to extend his time at City if possible.
There had been rumours of interest from Liverpool too but it would be difficult to see such a transaction take place between the Premier League rivals.
Kyle Walker is keen to stay at Manchester City with talks over a new contract now underway
Spurs open to selling Hojbjerg
Tottenham may be ready to cut ties with midfielder Pierre Emile-Hojbjerg.
The Denmark international has two years left on contract and is unsure about committing to a further deal. New manager Ange Postecoglou is happy to move on while 27-year-old Hojbjerg is attracting interest from Premier League and Bundesliga clubs, including Bayern Munich.
The chat around England’s camp over the past week is that Leicester City’s James Maddison is keen to join Tottenham over rival clubs. Confidential reported Spurs’ keenness to sign the 26-year-old in April and they would like to add his Leicester teammate Harvey Barnes too.
Barnes though also has interest from Arsenal and West Ham and could be waiting until later in the window for his future to be resolved while Leicester determine his price.
Juventus want Leicester’s Timothy Castagne, Celtic are interested in Wilfried Ndidi while the Foxes’ talented teenage midfielder Tyrese Noubissie could be heading to Manchester City.
Tottenham may be ready to cut ties with midfielder Pierre Emile-Hojbjerg and clubs are keen
United look to snap up Fletcher twins
Manchester United hope to reach a cordial agreement on the fee required with neighbours Manchester City for Darren Fletcher’s twin sons Jack and Tyler.
Negotiations have yet to begin on the figures but all parties are hopeful a resolution can reached without need for arbitration and compensation.
Fletcher is United’s technical director and the fact his sons have been turning out at City’s academy has often prompted questions.
Fletcher wasn’t alone, however, as the sons of Wayne Rooney, Andy Cole, Robin van Persie and Phil Neville all had spells training at City too – which may have said more about the standard of United’s academy at the time.
Since, though, United have made strides to improve. Indeed, Kai Rooney signed for United in 2020 and has been picking up rave reviews, particularly after scoring against City in the U13 National Cup North Final back in March.
The Fletchers have been capped by Scotland at U16 level but faced each other in February this year when Jack was called up to represent England instead for a friendly tournament in Cyprus.
Manchester United are hoping to sign Darren Fletcher’s twin sons from Manchester City
Dykes attracts interest after Scotland heroics
Scotland hero Lyndon Dykes has reignited interest from Millwall following his goal against Norway on Saturday.
Dykes pounced to level late on against Norway in Saturday’s Euro qualifier before laying on the winner for Kenny McLean in their 2-1 win.
Rangers have joined the likes of Burnley in following the QPR striker but Confidential understands that Millwall, who bid to sign Dykes in January, are back in the frame for the 27-year-old.
Millwall have reignited interest in Lyndon Dykes after his goal scoring heroics for Scotland
Brighton ponder move for Leeds star Adams
Brighton have joined the list of clubs weighing up a £25million bid for Leeds United midfielder Tyler Adams.
Aston Villa, Everton and Nottingham Forest have all enquired for the 24-year-old amid rumours the USA international has a relegation release clause. However, Brighton who are braced to lose Moises Caicedo are looking at midfield options.
Brighton are also closing on a deal for Anderlecht goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen, who was wanted by Burnley and Manchester United.
Leeds are working to appoint a new manager at the moment and want a candidate who has experience of Premier League and Championship and ideally without compensation.
That would rule out former coach Carlos Corberan. The West Brom manager, although well-known at Leeds from his time as a coach, has a release clause around £2m and has yet to manage in the top flight. Scott Parker, Daniel Farke and Patrick Vieira remain among the contenders.
Leeds winger Tyler Roberts is set for a medical at Birmingham City today after the clubs agreed on a £500,000 fee with add-ons for the Wales international.
Brighton have joined the list of clubs weighing up a £25million bid for Leeds star Tyler Adams
No United enquiry for Pickford
Jordan Pickford is content at Everton and has not received any enquiry from Manchester United.
The England goalkeeper would have had to consider his options had Everton gone down but is happy playing regularly and, despite recent links, United have not yet made an approach.
United’s current budget means they can’t buy a top level striker as well as a top goalkeeper, particularly as they look to commit £50m plus to a deal for Chelsea’s Mason Mount.
Erik ten Hag likes Inter Milan’s Andre Onana as a keeper who could play out from the back to better effect than David de Gea but he would cost in the region of £45m. One possibility is that Inter do like some of United’s fringe players and a player exchange could reduce the fee.
Meanwhile, United want £2million for defender Eric Bailly amid interest from Real Betis. The 29-year-old, who cost United £30m from Villarreal in 2016, had a poor campaign on loan at Marseille last season and has been hindered by niggling injuries.
Jordan Pickford is content at Everton and has not received an enquiry from Manchester United
Stephens wanted permanently by Bournemouth
Bournemouth are working on a permanent deal for Southampton defender Jack Stephens.
The 29-year-old made 17 appearances for Bournemouth while on loan from Southampton last season.
Bournemouth are working on a permanent deal for Southampton defender Jack Stephens
Forest eye up free agent for left back spot
Nottingham Forest are looking at free agent Aaron Martin for their left back berth if they fail to prise Carlos Augusto from Monza.
Inter Milan’s interest has clouded their efforts to sign Augusto but Martin, 26, is available on a free transfer with his contract at Mainz running out.
Nottingham Forest are looking at free agent Aaron Martin (right) for their left back berth
