Transfer news live: Liverpool get Isak boost, Newcastle open striker talks, Sesko to Man Utd latest – UK Times

Tin foil hat, pinch of salt, open mind time.

Arsenal are rumoured to have rejected an approach from Real Madrid to swap defender William Saliba for out-of-favour Rodrygo.

The Madrid forward is on the market this summer with plenty of clubs, Arsenal and Liverpool included, being linked to signing him.

A report from Spanish outlet Defensa Central, as relayed by FourFourTwo, claims that Real have put forward a scenario in which Rodrygo signs for Arsenal and Saliba travels the other way.

It is plausible, but more so is Arsenal’s refusal to go along with it as Saliba is a crucial part of their defensive line alongside Gabriel.

The Gunners have also strengthened their forward line this summer and are less in need of Rodrygo’s services.

Chalk this one down to highly unlikely to happen.

Sky in Germany’s Florian Plettenberg says that Newcastle have added Randal Kolo Muani to their shortlist of trikers after their move for Benjamin Sesko fell through.

Kolo Muani is contracted to PSG until 2028 but the 26-year-old is highly rated and could be the perfect replacement should Alexander Isak leave.

Work will need to be done before this transfer even gets moving with Newcastle needing to consider a formal approach and the cost of the fee.

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Arsenal could make their first formal bid for Ebere Eze later this month as they wait for the proposed transfer of Fabio Vieira to Stuttgart.

The Gunners have targeted Eze all summer but rumours persist that Crystal Palace will insist that Arsenal pay the England international’s full release clause, which is around £68m.

The clause is set to expire around 16 August, though Palace could decide to remain firm in their valuation of the player.

Saudi Pro League side, Al Hilal, are closing in on a deal for Darwin Nunez after securing a verbal agreement with Liverpool, reports Fabrizio Romano.

The Italian says that the “club to club agreement is done”, with the Saudi club in talks with the Liverpool striker over personal terms.

Should this move get over the line it would open up funds for the Reds to pursue Alexander Isak further and up their initial bid of £110m and get closer to Newcastle’s valuation of £150m.

Lots of moving parts but a boost for Liverpool in their pursuit of Isak.

Manchester United are working quickly with the new season approaching fast.

On Thursday 7 August they agreed a £74m deal with RB Leipzig to sign 22-year-old forward Benjamin Sesko.

It was expected that the striker would fly to Manchester on Thursday evening and will undergo a medical on Friday ahead of his move to Old Trafford.

Sesko has signed a five-year contract and as part of the deal United will play a friendly against Leipzig, which is still to be arranged.

Sesko scored 21 goals in all competitions for Leipzig last season and has 39 goals in 87 appearances since joining the Bundesliga team.

Meanwhile, United’s move for Sesko will take their summer spending over £190m having also signed Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Diego Leon.

Welcome to The Independent’s transfer news blog where we’ll have all the latest rumours and done deals.

The new season of the English top flight is fast approaching, and with that will come the long-awaited return of Fantasy Premier League.

As pre-season gives us a glimpse of potential top performers, many players will have already picked their squads for the opening gameweek of the 2025/26 campaign, though even at this stage, new signings and potential injuries might change things.

Here are 30 players we think might be solid additions to your FPL side: