With the arrival of another summer, the much-anticipated transfer window has swung open, set to run until September 1. This period promises a flurry of activity as football clubs rush to secure key player signings in preparation for the upcoming season.
Today, we bring you the freshest updates courtesy of Simon Jones and the dedicated team at Daily Mail Sport.
Palace Rejects Query for Mateta
Unai Emery’s squad is on the lookout for a central striker, particularly as Al-Hilal intensifies its pursuit of Ollie Watkins.
Sources confirm that Crystal Palace quickly turned down Aston Villa’s interest in Jean-Philippe Mateta, even before any formal proposal was made.
Villa are also strongly interested in signing Nicolas Jackson from Chelsea. Informal discussions are thought to have taken place between intermediaries, with a bid expected in the coming days.
Watkins has also been offered a new deal at Villa. It is unlikely the 30-year-old would be allowed to leave before a replacement has been secured.
Reports Tom Collomosse
Villa have had an enquiry for French forward Jean-Philippe Mateta knocked back by Palace
Wrexham eye up move for Millwall’s Azeez
Wrexham are exploring a move for Millwall forward Femi Azeez.
The exciting 25-year-old also has interest from Brighton and Hull City.
The Robins are hoping the Nigeria international will be attracted by their ambitious project despite Millwall being rival promotion contenders.
Wrexham are also looking at Ipswich Town attacking midfielder Anis Mehmeti.
The 25-year-old Albania international only joined in January from Bristol City for £3.5m and scored his first goal for the club against Wrexham.
The move would mean him giving up the opportunity of Premier League football now though Wrexham hope to be there in a year’s time.
Meanwhile, Wrexham’s move for free agent defender Axel Tuanzebe looks to be off.
The exciting 25-year-old also has interest from Brighton and Hull City
Brighton enquire about Hull target Hernandez
Brighton have asked about Deportivo La Coruna winger Yeremay Hernandez.
The 23-year-old has been in the UK to talk to Hull City who have been trying to sign him but Brighton are exploring a move also.
Hull owner Acun Ilicali said: ‘We have to get the club side done and Yeremay also wants to come but it is a very vital, critical decision for himself.
‘This deal is a very hard deal but we are somewhere where it looks positive. He is young boy and it would change his life completely so he wanted to see where he would come. We will see in three, four days if this deal will be done or not. If it happens it will be a record for sure.’
Brighton remain in talks with Liverpool over the sale of winger Yankuba Minteh.
Though the 22-year-old wants the move, the clubs are some distance apart on valuation with Brighton wanting over £70m to reflect market prices.
The 23-year-old has been in the UK to talk to Hull City who have been trying to sign him but Brighton are exploring a move also
Blues keep tabs on Conceicao amid interest in Neto
Juventus winger Francisco Conceicao is back on Chelsesa’s radar in case they sell Pedro Neto.
Conceicao was bought from Porto for £36million and Juventus would want some profit on their outlay for the 23-year-old Portugal international.
Neto has interest from Al Hilal, Tottenham and Manchester City but Chelsea are asking £100m.
They also have an offer from Roma for Jamie Gittens but so far that’s too low, as a loan with option.
Conceicao is quick, technically good and robust for his diminutive stature.
Juventus would look to utilise any money from Conceicao for targets such as Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee.
Juventus winger Conceicao is back on Chelsesa’s radar in case they sell Pedro Neto, with Al Hilal, Tottenham and Manchester City all interested in Neto
Magpies reignite interest in Spurs’ Gray
Newcastle United have rekindled interest in Tottenham’s versatile midfielder Archie Gray.
The 20-year-old is still very much part of coach Roberto de Zerbi’s plans as he can cover various positions though midfield is his preference. He has also captained the team during pre-season.
Newcastle are speaking to Manchester City about Nico Gonzalez but Gray is also someone they admire.
After losing so much quality they are exploring a number of options to strengthen their squad and add Premier League experience.
Since joining Spurs from Leeds for £40million, Gray has made 81 appearances, often filling in at centre-back and right-back as well as midfield.
Tottenham will need to consider sales to offset their substantial summer spending, though they would prefer to sell others. Gray is valued over £60m.
Since joining Spurs from Leeds for £40million, Gray has made 81 appearances, often filling in at centre-back and right-back as well as midfield and has captained the side during pre-season
Joao Pedro signs eight-year Blues contract
Joao Pedro has signed his new Chelsea contract until 2034.
Chelsea have been determined to keep the Brazil international after he emerged as a target for Barcelona early in the summer.
The Brazil international joined the Blues from Brighton in July 2025 and made an immediate impact, scoring in the Club World Cup semi-final and final as Chelsea were crowned world champions.
His form continued into his first full season at Stamford Bridge, with the forward scoring 20 goals in all competitions.
While the club are willing to listen to offers for Liam Delap and Nicolas Jackson, the 24-year-old was named Chelsea’s new No 9 last week.
Joao Pedro said: ‘I am very happy to sign a new contract with Chelsea. I always dreamed of playing for a big club, and it means a lot to me to give my long-term commitment to this club.
‘Everyone is very excited for this season. We know we can achieve a lot of things. We have a great team, we have a coach who wants to win and has won already.’
Joao Pedro, who has signed a fresh eight-year deal at Chelsea, said: ‘I always dreamed of playing for a big club, it means a lot to me to give my long-term commitment to this club’
Baleba prepares for Man United medical
Carlos Baleba is due to undergo his medical today ahead of completing his £70million move from Brighton to Manchester United.
The 22-year-old is recovering from an ankle ligament injury but is expected to be fit towards the end of next month.
The deal was agreed early on Friday evening at £65m plus add-ons and a sell-on clause.
Newcastle target given the green light for move
Newcastle target Nico Gonzalez has been told by Enzo Maresca and Hugo Viana that he can leave Manchester City.
Gonzalez was ready to fight for his place but with City looking to sign two more midfielders they are realistic about his prospects of playing regularly.
Newcastle believe he is open to the move and is emerging as their priority on a shortlist of three targets.
Nico Gonzalez has been told that he can move from Man City amid interest from Newcastle
Newcastle have also registered interest in Christopher Nkunku of AC Milan, though RB Leipzig are more active on the situation as it stands.
Man City’s talks for Ayyoub Bouaddi are continuing, though Lille have been pushing for optimum price on the 18-year-old.
Man City forward Omar Marmoush is still expected to complete his move to Tottenham.
Villa circle free agent Germany star
Aston Villa have opened talks with free agent Germany international Leon Goretzka.
The former Bayern Munich midfielder is viewed as a high quality and experienced alternative to Joao Palhinha who is joining Benfica.
Goretzka, 31, has had interest from Atletico Madrid and Tottenham in recent months but Villa hope to progress in the coming days.
They have also made a check call on Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee who has the offer of a potential loan with obligation from Juventus.
Leon Goretza has begun talks with Aston Villa with the club seeking progress in coming days
Liverpool fledgling books Levente loan deal
Liverpool defensive prospect Ifeanyi Ndukwe is joining Levante on loan.
The 18-year-old does not qualify for a work permit in England as yet, so is having to be loaned out to play competitive football.
The Austrian youth international has excelled during Liverpool’s pre-season and the club have high hopes for his future.
First team football in a top league such as LaLiga is viewed as an integral next step.
He has travelled to Valencia to complete terms. Ndukwe also had interest from clubs in Portugal, France and Germany.
FRIDAY: Liverpool make improved Yankuba Minteh bid
THURSDAY: Man United progressing in Carlos Baleba talks
WEDNESDAY: Spurs push on with double swoop from Man City
TUESDAY: Crystal Palace land £11m American star
MONDAY: Liverpool unlikely to pursue PSG’s Ibrahim Mbaye