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 as clubs look to make big signings ahead of the new season.
Here are today’s latest developments from Simon Jones and the Daily Mail Sport team…
Bolton’s McAtee targeted by four clubs
Bolton Wanderers forward John McAtee is attracting interest from a number of Championship clubs, with Charlton Athletic, Cardiff City, Lincoln City as well as Sheffield Wednesday all understood to have made enquiries regarding the 27-year-old.
McAtee produced an impressive performance on the club’s return to the Championship on Saturday, registering two assists as Bolton secured a memorable 2-1 victory over Preston North End in their first game back in the second tier for seven years.
The Salford born forward, who turned 27 last month, has built a reputation as a versatile and hard-working attacking player capable of operating across the front line. He joined Bolton in 2024 and has made a significant contribution since arriving at the club.
His performance against Preston is likely to further increase interest, with a number of clubs now monitoring his situation as the transfer window enters its final few weeks.
McAtee, who turned 27 last month, has built a reputation as a versatile and hard-working attacking player capable of operating across the front line
Stoke’s Seko heads home
Japanese midfielder Tatsuki Seko has left Stoke City to join J1 League side Urawa Reds for an undisclosed fee.
The 28-year-old returns to Japan after two seasons in the Championship with the Potters, having arrived from Kawasaki Frontale in the summer of 2024.
Newcastle keep Bergvall in their sights
Lucas Bergvall is one of the names that remains on Newcastle United‘s radar in the final days of the window.
While talks have taken place for Bayern Munich’s Joao Palhinha, other midfielders are being considered.
Newcastle discussed Bergvall as part of conversations over the sale of Sandro Tonali to Tottenham.
Newcastle made further enquiries after Tonali’s sale but were told the fee would be over £50m for Bergvall.
Nottingham Forest are also expected to make another offer for the Swede.
Newcastle discussed Bergvall as part of conversations over the sale of Tonali to Tottenham and made further enquiries after but were told the fee would be over £50m
Villa close in on Suzuki
Juventus are hopeful of signing Emiliano Martinez from Aston Villa despite doubts over a finger injury.
The Serie A club are prepared to make an initial offer of about £6milljon pounds, plus performance-related bonuses.
Martinez’s advisors had agreed terms with Juventus intermediaries earlier in the summer and if the Argentina goalkeeper completes his move to Turin, he can expect to earn about £200,000 a week – a significant rise on his current deal at Villa which is around the £130,000 a week mark.
Villa are confident of replacing Emiliano Martinez with Parma goalkeeper Zion Suzuk
Villa are confident of replacing Martinez with Parma goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, who is likely to cost up to £30m – but would earn substantially less than Martinez.
If Martinez leaves, then Villa would have sold three of their top earners – Youri Tielemans, Lucas Digne and Martinez himself. This gives them breathing space with UEFA spending rules but also leaves the side lacking seniority, especially with Arsenal expected to make another move for Ezri Konsa this week.
Arsenal’s latest proposal was about £40m which does not come close to Villa’s £60m valuation.
Hammers turn attention to Piroe
West Ham have enquired after Leeds United striker Joel Piroe after hitting an impasse in talks for Troy Parrott at AZ Alkmaar.
The Hammers had an opening bid around £15m rejected for Parrott last week and remained in talks offering slightly more. They could yet make another offer but as it stands the deal is paused and they have enquired about Piroe with Leeds prepared to sell.
Dedic due on Tyneside tomorrow
Benfica right-back Amar Dedic is due on Tyneside tomorrow to undergo a medical ahead of his move to Newcastle.
Negotiations are at the final stages with a £29.5million deal in place for the 23-year-old.
The Bosnia international is likely to go straight into the team to play Liverpool next weekend.
Newcastle have also held talks with Bayern Munich over a move for Joao Palhinha but have other targets they are considering.
Coventry hold talks over £21m move for striker
As reported by Daily Mail Sport last night, Coventry City are in talks with Fenebahce over a £21million deal for striker Sidiki Cherif.
As well as agreeing to sign Nottingham Forest’s Taiwo Awoniyi, manager Frank Lampard wants Cherif who was a target for Crystal Palace and Wrexham in January.
The 19-year-old scored three goals in 14 games for Fenerbahce.
Neto a shock target for Al Hilal
Chelsea winger Pedro Neto is wanted by Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal.
Neto is also on the lists of Tottenham and Manchester City but Chelsea’s asking price is understood to be prohibitive.
Pedro Neto has emerged as a target for Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal
Tigers in for Betis star Garcia
Hull City are in talks for Real Betis winger Pablo Garcia.
The 20-year-old is valued around £7million by Betis. He made his debut for Spain U21s a year ago and has scored three goals in five games for his country at that level.
Hull have been looking for a winger after a proposed deal for Aston Villa‘s Leon Bailey stalled.
Garcia has become a key player for coach Manuel Pellegrini owing to his pace and goal contributions.
He came on as a substitute for Antony last night in their 1-0 friendly defeat at Inter Milan on Sunday. John Stones scored the only goal, coming off the bench to score on his debut.
Hull City are in talks for Real Betis winger Pablo Garcia (left)
Click below for all the transfer developments over the last few days…
SATURDAY: Aston Villa in talks with Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki
FRIDAY: Djed Spence completes £30m move to Inter Milan
THURSDAY: Chelsea waiting for Fernandez bid
WEDNESDAY: Man United target Carlos Baleba on Newcastle’s radar
TUESDAY: Roy Keane’s son-in-law linked with move to Portugal
