August 31, 2021 at 7:59 AM EDT
Wolves struggling to reach agreement for Sanches
Wolves are struggling to reach an agreement with Lille to sign Renato Sanches on loan.
As things stand the move is off. Lille, who signed Sanches for around £20 million in 2019, are unwilling to let the 24-year-old go without the prospect of a sizeable fee at the end of a season-long loan.
Wolves are still looking to bring at least one player in today. As for outgoings, they remain confident of keeping both Adama Traore and Ruben Neves at the club, with no bids yet forthcoming for either player.
Tim Spiers·Wolverhampton Wanderers Correspondent
August 31, 2021 at 7:53 AM EDT
Fulham set for a busy deadline day
Fulham will be active on the final day of the transfer window and are hoping to replace outgoing midfielder Andre-Frank Anguissa.
The west London club are set to lose the Cameroon international to Napoli today, who has undergone a medical in Rome ahead of the loan move which is understood to include a buy option worth €17.3 million.
Fulham will be aiming to replace Anguissa and have previously made a tentative enquiry for Betis midfielder William Carvalho, and had a bid for Swansea captain Matt Grimes turned down over the weekend.
A right back is also thought to be sought today, if an opportunity materialises.
Outgoings are possible, with Cyrus Christie available for free however as of this morning, there is no deal in place yet. It is though understood that Jean Michael Seri is set to stay at the club after his fresh start under coach Marco Silva.
Fulham have already confirmed one departure today, with young midfielder Ben Davis joining Oxford United on a permanent deal, as reported yesterday on these pages.
Peter Rutzler·Fulham Correspondent
August 31, 2021 at 7:40 AM EDT
Chelsea refuse Hudson-Odoi loan amid Dortmund interest
Chelsea have blocked Callum Hudson-Odoi’s attempts to leave on loan and he will remain with Thomas Tuchel’s squad.
Borussia Dortmund were leading the race for the winger’s signature having promised him regular first-team football in his favoured position on the left wing.
Hudson-Odoi reported back for pre-season training at Chelsea last month determined to fight for his place, but failing to play a single minute of the first three Premier League games sparked concern over how much he will be involved.
English clubs, including one Premier League outfit in the top six, have made an enquiry too but to no avail.
Ahmed Shooble·News reporter
August 31, 2021 at 7:32 AM EDT
West Brom trying to find club for Zohore
West Bromwich Albion are attempting to find a club to take £8 million flop Kenneth Zohore, but it is increasingly unlikely deadline day will bring any business at The Hawthorns.
Zohore signed two years ago but spent last season on loan at Millwall. He has failed to impress new boss Valerien Ismael but attempts to offload him today seem unlikely to reap rewards.
Even if Zohore were to leave, Albion’s incoming business is almost certainly complete.
Albion have not invested any of the money they received from Al Hilal for Matheus Pereira in transfer fees but have no room for manoeuvre on their wage bill.
Steve Madeley·West Bromwich Albion Staff Writer
August 31, 2021 at 7:30 AM EDT
Sevilla sporting director Monchi speaks on Kounde
Sevilla’s sporting director Monchi is giving a deadline day press conference and has discussed the possibility of defender Jules Kounde moving to Chelsea
Monchi said: “The only offer from Chelsea for Kounde was last Wednesday for an amount we didn’t like. It was not enough for us. We responded with a counter-offer which had a deadline of Friday, to allow us to be able to sign a replacement. They did not respond to that counter-offer before Friday.
“Koundé’s clause never went up to 90 million euros. It has always been 80 million. We met at the end of May to discuss our targets for the window. I’m happy with how it’s went, but not 100% satisfied. There have been some factors such as the salary cap that have affected the plans.”
Dermot Corrigan·La Liga Correspondent
August 31, 2021 at 7:24 AM EDT
Olivier Ntcham undergoing medical at Swansea
Olivier Ntcham, the former Manchester City and Celtic player, is currently undergoing a medical at Swansea City.
Ntcham, a technically gifted midfielder who can operate as a No 10 or as a No 8, is a free agent after leaving Celtic in the summer.
Newcastle showed an interest in signing the 25-year-old Frenchman in January and briefly considered him again this summer.
It is understood that there are still some financial details to be resolved before the deal with Swansea can be completed.
Stuart James·Football Writer
August 31, 2021 at 7:22 AM EDT
Rangers defender Nikola Katic to head out on loan
Rangers centre-back Nikola Katic is heading on loan to a Croatian club, The Athletic understands.
The 24-year-old has played 59 times since joining from Slaven Bulepo in 2018.
He enjoyed strong runs in the team during his first two seasons under Steven Gerrard but was dropped several times after a lapse in concentration.
His progress was halted last summer, though when he suffered a crucial knee ligament injury that kept him out the whole season.
Rangers have built up his fitness this summer but he needs to play football after such a long time out.
It is expected that there will be a recall clause in the deal, as is common when a player is being monitored.
George Edmundson left for Ipswich Town this summer while Jack Simpson, who Katic will have to dislodge as fourth choice, has not played much football since joining from Bournemouth in January.
There could still be a future for Katic with Connor Goldson and Leon Balogun’s contracts only running until next summer as it stands.
Jordan Campbell·Rangers Correspondent
August 31, 2021 at 7:17 AM EDT
Hector Bellerin set for Real Betis loan
Real Betis have reached an agreement with Arsenal for the loan of Hector Bellerin.
The deal does not include an option to buy the 26-year-old. It is understood that the parties are working on the final details of personal terms, with Bellerin set to take a pay cut to join the La Liga club.
Bellerin will undergo a medical in London this afternoon ahead of flying to Spain.
David Ornstein·Football Writer
August 31, 2021 at 7:14 AM EDT
Brighton complete signing of Marc Cucurella from Getafe
Brighton have completed the signing of Getafe left-back Marc Cucurella on a contract until 2026.
The Athletic understands that the Premier League side have matched the £15 million release clause in Cucurella’s contract.
The 23-year-old flew to England yesterday to finalise the formalities of the deal.
Cucurella, a silver medalist with Spain at the Tokyo Olympics last month, has been trailed by Brighton throughout the summer.
Ahmed Shooble·News reporter
August 31, 2021 at 7:12 AM EDT
Celtic’s Edouard undergoes Crystal Palace medical ahead of move
Odsonne Edouard is undertaking a medical at Crystal Palace ahead of the completion of his £14 million move from Celtic.
The France under-21 international will become Palace’s seventh signing of the summer window after the fee was agreed with the Scottish club on Monday evening. The deal could potentially rise as high as £18 million in add-ons, depending upon the success Edouard enjoys at Selhurst Park.
The 23-year-old had long been tracked by Palace, who first expressed an interest in the forward in late 2019 as they sought to add more firepower to their ranks.
Ahmed Shooble·News reporter
August 31, 2021 at 7:08 AM EDT
Liverpool’s Rhys Williams to complete loan move to Swansea
Liverpool defender Rhys Williams is likely to complete a loan move to Swansea, The Athletic understands.
A deal for the 20-year-old, who made 19 first-team appearances last season, is currently being negotiated between the two clubs.
Following the arrival of Ibrahima Konate earlier in the summer it means a similar repeat of game time for Williams would be unlikely this term.
Williams, who is an England youth international, has made just one appearance so far this season and that came during Liverpool Under-23s win at Everton.
Ahmed Shooble·News reporter
August 31, 2021 at 7:04 AM EDT
Wolves’ Morgan Gibbs-White to join Sheffield United on loan
Ahmed Shooble·News reporter
August 31, 2021 at 7:00 AM EDT
Lingard set to stay at Manchester United
Jesse Lingard is set to stay at Manchester United, with the 28-year-old determined to feature for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team this season.
West Ham United have looked at signing Lingard all summer after his successful loan spell during the last campaign but were reluctant to commit to the £30 million asking price.
Other clubs have inquired about Lingard too, however the player has wanted to stay at Old Trafford since reinvigorating his career at the London Stadium.
United have instead agreed to sell Daniel James to Leeds in a £25 million deal rising to £30 million and feel Lingard has a role to play this year despite the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo.
United are well stocked in the attacking areas, with Anthony Elanga a young winger who will be kept at Carrington rather than allowed out on loan. A number of clubs have asked about taking Elanga for a season after Ronaldo’s signing changed the dynamic at United, but Solskjaer feels the 19-year-old is best served staying in-house.
On the incoming side, Saul Niguez will not be joining United. The Atletico Madrid player has been available for loan and United are looking at central midfield as an area to strengthen. But they did not take up the offer for talks on the 26-year-old.
It was set to be a relatively low-cost initial fee but Saul’s wages, of around £200,000 per week, would have placed him towards to the top of United earners.
Laurie Whitwell·Manchester United Correspondent
August 31, 2021 at 6:57 AM EDT
Sima set to join Stoke on loan after Brighton signing
It is understood Abdallah Sima’s likely loan destination once he signs from Slavia Prague is Stoke, where he will join Brighton’s on-loan defender Leo Ostigard.
The Athletic revealed yesterday afternoon that Sima was close to signing for Brighton.
Andy Naylor·Brighton & Hove Albion Correspondent
August 31, 2021 at 6:52 AM EDT
Valery set to stay at Southampton
Yan Valery is set to stay at Southampton after being linked with a loan move away from the club.
The 22-year-old has impressed Ralph Hasenhuttl since returning for pre-season in July and is a player the Austrian wants to keep hold of.
Valery provides Southampton with added depth in defence and the club’s manager has prioritised strength in numbers ahead of the 2021-22 campaign.
Greek side Olympiakos were reportedly interested in the Frenchman but it’s understood Southampton want to keep hold of him.
Dan Sheldon·Southampton Correspondent
August 31, 2021 at 6:43 AM EDT
Accrington Stanley to sign West Brom youngster Jovan Malcolm on loan
League One Accrington Stanley are signing teenage West Bromwich Albion forward Jovan Malcolm on a season-long loan.
Malcolm, aged 18, signed his first professional contract — a three-year deal — this summer having figured in Albion’s run to the FA Youth Cup final last season.
Steve Madeley·West Bromwich Albion Staff Writer
August 31, 2021 at 6:36 AM EDT
Spurs unlikely to sign attacking players today
Tottenham are not expecting to add another attacking player to the squad today.
Spurs had been looking for one more forward in the last few weeks: they had agreed a loan deal with Wolverhampton Wanderers for Adama Traore before Wolves pulled out.
Spurs were also interested in Ilaix Moriba, but he went to RB Leipzig who offered him more guaranteed playing time.
But on the last day of the window, Spurs are not counting on adding one more attacking player to Nuno Espirito Santo’s squad before the window shuts.
Jack Pitt-Brooke·Football Writer
August 31, 2021 at 6:31 AM EDT
Sunderland poised to sign winger Leon Dajaku
Union Berlin are set to sign Bayern Munich striker Leon Dajaku and loan him straight out to Sunderland.
The Black Cats have agreed a deal and have the option to sign him on permanently at the end of the season.
The 20-year-old has been on the radar all month and the League One side have now agreed a deal and are about to announce his arrival.
Dajaku made his Bundesliga debut for Stuttgart aged 17 and then moved to Bayern in July 2019.
Sunderland boss Lee Johnson also considered a number of other strikers but decided that Dajaku was the top choice.
Meanwhile, striker Will Grigg could leave the Stadium of Light as he seeks a move closer his family base in the Midlands.
Gregg Evans·Aston Villa Correspondent
August 31, 2021 at 6:23 AM EDT
Saido Berahino set for return to English football
Saido Berahino is on the verge of a return to English football, with an unnamed club in talks to sign him before the transfer deadline tonight.
The Athletic understands that a permanent deal is in place between Berahino’s current side, Zulte Waregem, and a new team.
Personal terms between the two parties still need to be completed before the move can be finalised.
Berahino, 28, played for both West Bromwich Albion and Stoke City before moving to Belgium to play for Zulte Waregem in 2019.
David Ornstein·Football Writer
August 31, 2021 at 6:21 AM EDT
Joao Felix won’t be heading to the Nou Camp
Atletico Madrid playmaker Joao Felix will not be joining Barcelona on loan this summer, an Atletico club source tells The Athletic.
Deadline day speculation in the Catalan media said that Barca had contacted Atletico about taking the Portugal international on loan for the season, with Blaugrana coach Ronald Koeman having publicly called for more attacking reinforcements before the window shuts.
However, Atletico are clear that Joao Felix is going nowhere – “Joao Felix is indispensable for us,” a rojiblanco source says. “This is not happening.”
Dermot Corrigan·La Liga Correspondent
August 31, 2021 at 6:17 AM EDT
In case you missed some deals from last night
Ahmed Shooble·News reporter
August 31, 2021 at 6:04 AM EDT
Some updates on Nottingham Forest…
Nottingham Forest full-back Jordan Gabriel has joined Blackpool in a deal thought to be worth around £750,000.
And the Championship club are working to sign Tunisian international Mohamed Drager from Olympiacos to fill the void, with the final details of that move currently being ironed out.
Gabriel, 22, had a successful loan spell with Blackpool last season, helping them to promotion from League One and is understood to be keen to pursue the opportunity of regular first team football.
He started as Forest drew 1-1 at Derby last weekend but would have found himself down the pecking order again once Arsenal loan signing Jordi Osei-Tutu recovers from a hamstring problem.
And Drager, 25, is set to arrive from Athens as competition and cover for the right-back spot. He has 18 international caps and previously played for Freiburg and Paderborn (on loan), before moving to Olympiakos in September 2020 for 1 million euros.
Paul Taylor·Nottingham Forest Correspondent
August 31, 2021 at 5:41 AM EDT
An update on Spurs’ right-back situation
While Tottenham Hotspur are working to complete a deal for Emerson Royal from Barcelona, they are no longer expecting to find a new club for Serge Aurier today.
Spurs have been looking to move Aurier on all summer but with only hours remaining in the window, Aurier is now expected to stay at the club, where he is now in the final season of his contract.
Matt Doherty, who arrived from Wolverhampton Wanderers last summer, is also expected to stay at Spurs.
Jack Pitt-Brooke·Football Writer
August 31, 2021 at 5:39 AM EDT
Nat Phillips likely to leave Livepool
Liverpool defender Nat Phillips could leave the club on deadline day.
There has been plenty of interest in the 24-year-old centre-back this summer and Anfield officials are expecting offers in the coming hours.
Phillips, who has two years left on his contract, played an integral part in helping Liverpool qualify for the Champions League with his performances in the second half of last season. He has since dropped down the pecking order following the signing of Ibrahima Konate and the return to fitness of Virgil van Dijk, Joel Matip and Joe Gomez.
Liverpool have been adamant all summer that Phillips wouldn’t be loaned out and it remains to be seen whether that stance changes as the deadline approaches. He’s valued at around £12 million.
If no suitable bid is forthcoming then Liverpool will keep Phillips as defensive back-up and then reassess the situation in January.
James Pearce·Liverpool Correspondent
August 31, 2021 at 5:34 AM EDT
Maitland-Niles to meet with Arteta over his future
Ainsley Maitland-Niles plans to meet with Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta at the club’s training ground on Tuesday afternoon to request to move to Everton.
The Athletic revealed on Monday that Maitland-Niles, 24, had been the subject of a bid from Everton. Rafa Benitez’s side made a loan offer for Maitland-Niles with an option to sign him permanently.
Arsenal entered into talks with Everton but the offer has not yet been accepted, with the club telling Maitland-Niles he would be staying in north London. But later on Monday Maitland-Niles made clear his desire to leave Arsenal on social media.
On Monday afternoon Maitland-Niles posted a message to his Instagram page which read: “All I wanna do is go where I’m wanted and where I’m gonna play.”
Arsenal now need to decide whether to accept an offer for Maitland-Niles — or keep a player who has publicly said that he wishes to leave the club.
Maitland-Niles is under contract until 2023.
David Ornstein·Football Writer
August 31, 2021 at 5:23 AM EDT
ICYMI: Drinkwater signs for Reading on loan
Reading have signed Danny Drinkwater on a season-long loan from Chelsea.
The midfielder has had a difficult time since moving to Chelsea from Leicester City in 2017 in a transfer worth £35 million. He has had time on loan at Burnley, Aston Villa and Kasimpasa. Drinkwater has only made 12 Premier League appearances for the west London side, scoring a single goal.
Drinkwater, 31, won the Premier League with Leicester in 2013-14 and has picked up three England caps.
Ahmed Shooble·News reporter
August 31, 2021 at 5:14 AM EDT
Arsenal working to sign Bologna’s Tomiyasu
Arsenal are working on a deal to sign Takehiro Tomiyasu from Bologna, The Athletic understands.
Discussions are under way but a potential deal is dependent on other player movements at the club before the deadline on Tuesday evening.
The Japan international is a versatile defender who can play both centre-back and right-back — the latter being a position Arsenal are looking to strengthen. Arsenal believe he can operate as a hybrid defender, playing on the right-hand side of a back four, but helping them build up play in a three.
David Ornstein·Football Writer
August 31, 2021 at 4:33 AM EDT
Jordan Henderson signs new Liverpool deal until 2025
Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson has signed a new contract which ties him to Anfield until 2025.
The England international’s previous deal had two years left to run and this extension will take him up to the age of 35. The Athletic revealed earlier in August that Henderson was expected to end the uncertainty surrounding his future after striking an agreement in principle to sign a new long-term contract with the Anfield club.
Ahmed Shooble·News reporter
August 31, 2021 at 4:27 AM EDT
Liverpool’s Cain set for Newport loan
The Athletic understands Jake Cain is likely to join Newport County on a season-long loan. It is also understood Liverpool will have an opportunity to bring the academy midfielder back in January if necessary.
Assistant manager Pep Lijnders has been key to the deal given his good relationship to Newport boss Michael Flynn. It is thought the League Two side will present Cain with the perfect opportunity to experience some much-needed senior football. The 19-year-old has spent a lot of time in and around Jurgen Klopp’s first-team recently.
Last season he featured in nine out of ten matchday squads in the Champions League. Klopp views Cain as “a very modern No 8” and likes the player’s humility, unassuming personality as well as his eagerness to learn.
Caoimhe O’Neill·Staff Writer, Liverpool
August 31, 2021 at 4:23 AM EDT
Pjanic close to a Serie A return…
Some interesting news from out Spanish football reporter…
Ahmed Shooble·News reporter
August 31, 2021 at 4:18 AM EDT
Nkounkou likely to join Standard Liege on loan
The Athletic understands there is a strong possibility that 20-year-old Everton left-back Niels Nkounkou will move to Standard Liege on a season-long loan today.
Talks are ongoing between all parties ahead of this evening’s deadline. A slightly surprising one when you consider Nkounkou was the sole cover at left-back for Lucas Digne. Everton also lost the promising Thierry Small to Southampton this summer.
Patrick Boyland·Everton Correspondent
August 31, 2021 at 4:10 AM EDT
Bowen to stay at West Ham
Jarrod Bowen will not be leaving West Ham United today, The Athletic understands.
The forward is on a shortlist of attacking players Liverpool have been monitoring following an excellent 2020-21 season with David Moyes’ side.
A deal was always unlikely to happen in this window but Liverpool will continue to follow his progress.
Meanwhile, it is understood that Jake Cain is also likely to move to Newport County on loan.
Simon Hughes·Staff Writer, Liverpool
GO FURTHER
Keeping Bowen this summer is central to Moyes’ vision for his young, hungry West Ham side
August 31, 2021 at 4:06 AM EDT
West Ham confirm Vlasic signing
West Ham have announced the signing of Nikola Vlasic from CSKA Moscow.
The Athletic understands that West Ham have paid a fee in the region of £25 million for the playmaker, who has signed a five-year contract with the option for an additional year.
Vlasic, 23, moved to CSKA Moscow on a permanent deal in 2019 after a year in the Premier League playing for Everton.
The Croatia international made 19 appearances in all competitions for Everton during the 2017-18 season, scoring two goals, which both came in the group stages of the Europa League.
Ahmed Shooble·News reporter
August 31, 2021 at 4:02 AM EDT
Wolves’ Traore not expected to leave while Sanches loan deal in deadlock
It is understood a move for Wolves’ Adama Traore is very unlikely to happen unless a massive bid in the region of £50 million were to be put in by Tottenham Hotspur or anyone else.
Meanwhile, a loan move for Renato Sanches is said to be at a deadlock on the club-to-club terms. The Athletic understands the deal is very much hanging in the balance as it stands.
David Ornstein·Football Writer
August 31, 2021 at 3:49 AM EDT
Willian leaves Arsenal by mutual consent ahead of move to Corinthians
Willian has left Arsenal by mutual consent and has joined Brazilian side Corinthians.
The 33-year old had two years remaining on his Arsenal contract. Willian signed a three-year contract at the Emirates Stadium in the summer of 2020, but after a disappointing first season in north London, both the player and Arsenal are open to the possibility of him leaving.
Willian came through the youth system at Corinthians, and has spoken previously of his desire to play for the Sao Paulo club again.
To find out why Arsenal are so willing to let Willian leave, have a read of James McNicholas’ piece below.
Ahmed Shooble·News reporter
GO FURTHER
Arsenal’s Willian problem
August 31, 2021 at 3:36 AM EDT
Juventus announce signing of Kean on loan
Juventus have announced the re-signing of Everton striker Moise Kean on a two-year loan worth €7 million.
He joins the Italian side two years after he moved from the Serie A club to their Premier League counterparts in a deal in the region of £25 million.
Kean has struggled to make an impact since arriving at Goodison Park in 2019 and spent last season on loan at Paris Saint-Germain, scoring 18 goals in 40 matches across all competitions.
Ahmed Shooble·News reporter
August 31, 2021 at 3:31 AM EDT
Brighton’s Khadra to join Blackburn on loan
Brighton winger Reda Khadra will join team-mate Jan Paul van Hecke on loan at Blackburn Rovers, subject to medical clearance.
The deal was arranged by the clubs earlier in the window, depending on the 20-year-old German’s recovery from an ankle injury.
For more on the winger, have a read of Andy Naylor’s piece below.
Ahmed Shooble·News reporter
GO FURTHER
Reda Khadra: Direct, ‘interesting’ and full of promise for Brighton
August 31, 2021 at 3:29 AM EDT
Juventus announce Ronaldo departure
Juventus have announced the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of his return to Manchester United.
The club said on their website: “Today, after three years together and 133 appearances, 101 goals scored and five trophies won, that chapter has come to an end…. The paths of CR7 and Juventus have gone their separate ways.”
To read about Ronaldo’s return to United, have a read of our inside story below!
Ahmed Shooble·News reporter
GO FURTHER
Ronaldo’s return to Manchester United: How the deal was done
August 31, 2021 at 3:24 AM EDT
Bournemouth hopeful of signing Lowe and Christie
Bournemouth hope to complete the signing of Jamal Lowe from Swansea City after agreeing a fee that is believed to be around £1.5million, rising to £2million. Swansea are confident of signing a replacement for Lowe, who scored 14 goals in the Championship last season.
Bournemouth are also pushing hard to sign Ryan Christie from Celtic. Burnley are still in the hunt for Christie but Bournemouth hope that the prospect of a regular starting place in a team that will be challenging for promotion from the Championship will prove persuasive.
Burnley should have more success with their pursuit of Connor Roberts. A deal with Swansea for the Wales international is at an advanced stage, with the full-back expected to sign for Burnley today. Roberts is out of contract at the end of the season.
Stuart James·Football Writer
August 31, 2021 at 3:11 AM EDT
Good morning
Good morning and welcome to our live coverage of transfer deadline day.
Ahmed Shooble·News reporter
https://theathletic.com/live-blogs/transfer-news-live-deadline-day-latest-ronaldo-mbappe-camavinga/X47s1pEboZT1
