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It’s that time of the year again – the transfer window is now open until September 1 and it’s sure to be a busy period with clubs looking to make big signings ahead of next season. Here are today’s latest developments from Simon Jones and the Daily Mail Sport team…
Leeds weigh up bid for Southampton’s Charles… after his play-off heartbreak
Leeds United are weighing up a move for Southampton’s £20million-rated midfielder Shea Charles.
The Northern Ireland international has also been on Manchester United’s radar as he was signed by their sport director Jason Wilcox from Manchester City in a £15m deal, while he was at Southampton.
Charles thought he had scored the winning goal in the play-off semi-final against Middlesbrough only for his club to be excluded from the final on the back of Spygate, as exclusively revealed by Daily Mail Sport.
Leeds want to strengthen the centre of their midfield after tying down captain Ethan Smoadu to a new long-term deal.
Shea Charles scored the winner in the play-off semi-final against Middlesbrough – before Southampton were kicked out over the Spygate scandal
They also held extensive talks with Sporting Lisbon’s Hidemasa Morita, the 30-year-old Japan international, who is available on a free.
However, 22-year-old Charles suits their profile as they look to bring in younger, homegrown players who have greater re-sale value as well as the ability to improve their squad immediately.
Charles, a tidy, technical holding player who has the legs to break forward, has also attracted attention from abroad with his performances for Northern Ireland.
Following his composed display against France earlier this month, Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill stated that Charles’s disciplined performance against elite opposition proved that the Southampton midfielder is ‘ready for the top level’.
Rice signs on again at Rangers – and set for Kilmarnock loan move
Rangers midfielder Bailey Rice is signing a new contract with the club before heading out on loan to Kilmarnock next season.
The 19-year-old had a contract offer from German side Schalke and was offered the chance to play for Jong Ajax. Premier League sides also showed interest but Rangers made a concerted effort to get him to stay and he has committed his immediate future to the Ibrox club.
Bailey Rice is set to move to Kilmarnock on loan
After he suffered an injury-hit campaign with just one League Cup appearance last term, Rangers’ new manager Derek McInnes sees the benefit of Rice gaining more regular game time at Kilmarnock.
There he will be under the watchful eyes of Neil McCann and assistant Billy Dodds who steered Kilmarnock to Premiership safety last month and hope to kick on next season.
City eye PSG defender after he turned down new deal
Manchester City are in talks to sign Paris Saint-Germain defensive prospect Hermann Malonga.
The 18-year-old has turned down the offer of a contract with PSG and has agreed on a five-year deal in principle with City.
Malonga has represented France at youth level and was scouted extensively in the UEFA Youth League playing for the European champions.
Malonga moved to PSG in 2021 from US Senart-Moissy Jugend. He has yet to make a first-team appearance and sources in France believe City will look to loan him out to gain experience.
City are looking at building central defensive options with question marks over the future of Ruben Dias, who is among several names on Real Madrid’s list, and Nathan Ake.
Josko Gvardiol, who had interest from Madrid and Barcelona, has agreed a new contract.
Now Manchester United eye double swoop from West Ham
Manchester United are discussing a double move for West Ham pair Mateus Fernandes and winger Crysencio Summerville.
Paris St Germain have also discussed both players but have other targets they are working on also.
United have made midfielder Fernandes a priority and have Netherlands international Summerville in their sights too.
Key will be the price as West Ham want up to £140million for the pair but United will be looking to pay considerably less.
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In case you missed it – click here for all of yesterday’s developments including Chelsea targeting Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix
