Transfer news live: Man United hold Sesko talks, Eze keen on Arsenal, Liverpool’s Isak agreement – UK Times

Sky Sports reports that Napoli are looking at Raheem Sterling and Jack Grealish as alternative wing targets, though Bologna’s Dan Ndoye remains their priority.

Napoli have already seen a loan with an obligation to buy offer rejected for the Switzerland international, and face competition from Nottingham Forest.

Journalist Sebastien Vidal says Tottenham are believed to be preparing bid of around £45m for Bayern Munich’s Joao Palhinha.

The Portuguese was a semi-regular feature for the Bundesliga champions in 2024-25 but was hampered by an injury that kept him out for two months in the middle of the campaign.

Thomas Frank is said to be keen on bringing the 30-year-old defensive midfielder back to the Premier League – he previously spent two years at Fulham – with an offer expected soon.

Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte says the players have faith in Ruben Amorim to turn around the club after a terrible 2024/25 season.

“We have to improve things,” Ugarte told reporters on their pre-season tour of the United States.

“We are all very motivated, because we believe in the coach, we believe in what he wants and that is very important.

“Last year we made some changes, we changed our coach, we changed our formation.

“You have to have responsibilities when you play for United. Sometimes the connections take time to get to know each other. I already know the league, the rivals, which is important.”

Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez is reportedly being monitored by AC Milan and Juventus.

Nunez had previously been a target for Napoli, though the Serie A champions chose to sign Lorenzo Lucca from Udinese instead.

Both Milan and Juve are looking for a striker and have shown interest in the 26-year-old, though there have been no contact offers or bids from either club.

Saudi Arabia is still a possible destination too, with Al Hilal among his admirers.

Nunez has three years left on his deal at Liverpool, and it is believed the Reds would want around £70m to secure his sale.

Reports in the UK suggest that Aston Villa, Newcastle and AC Milan are there clubs considering a move for former Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

The 28-year-old is a free agent after his Everton contract expired, and it is suggested he could be a cost-effective option for both Villa and the Magpies, with both covering only his wages.

Fulham have made just the one signing this summer having become the last Premier League team to strengthen their squad with the signing of a new goalkeeper.

But, they remain interested in re-signing attacking midfielder Reiss Nelson on loan.

“Talks between the clubs are over a loan deal with a permanent element attached,” reports Sky Sports.

Of under pressure forward Rasmus Hojlund, Ruben Amorim said: “The important thing is that people focus on the goals and we suffer a lot because of the lack of goals. But I think not just the goals, but the way he (Hojlund) connects the play.

“Every time we have to kick the ball, we are kicking the ball when we are more pressed. The ability for him to hold the defender and to connect in the support is helping us a lot to play better. And we are playing better because he is playing better.

“I am really happy with Rasmus. I don’t know what is going to happen until the end of the market. The important thing is that the strikers that are here are working really well, are improving, are helping the team and that is the most important thing.”

Manchester United have been firmly rebuffed by Aston Villa after an informal inquiry over a possible move for Ollie Watkins.

United made the inquiry on Thursday evening but were told that Watkins ‘is not for sale’.

Watkins is just one of a few strikers United have looked at along with others including Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.

With a valuation of around £60m, Watkins is one of the cheaper options United are exploring and has proven Premier League quality.

If they do pursue a deal then it will be difficult to convince Villa to part ways with their man.

Sunderland have confirmed the signing of Granit Xhaka on a three-year deal.

The Swiss midfielder joins from Bayer Leverkusen, where he helped the club to an invincible domestic double in 2023-24.

Leverkusen, who signed Xhaka for about £21m two years ago, will receive £13m up front plus a potential £4m in add-ons from Sunderland.

Could this really happen? It’s quite possible now.

Foot Mercato in France are reporting that Liverpool have opened talks with Real Madrid winger Rodrygo.

The 24-year-old winger is out of favour under Xabi Alonso and could seek a move this summer.

L’Equipe also detailed how Rodrygo would “without a doubt” replace Luis Diaz, should the Colombian international leave this summer and now he has agreed a deal to make the switch to Bayern Munich.

Alexander Isak is seemingly next on Liverpool’s target list but should Newcastle remain firm in their £150m valuation, the Reds could target Rodrygo instead.