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…
Villa braced for another Watkins bid
Aston Villa anticipate a fourth bid from Al Hilal for striker Ollie Watkins. The England international is open to the move but so far Villa have rejected their advances and want to keep the 30-year-old.
Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins is understood to be open to a move to Saudi Arabia
The latest bid of £38m was rejected on Tuesday evening. Villa maintain interested in Chelsea‘s Nicolas Jackson and have confirmed the signings of Matteo Ruggeri and Zion Suzuki.
Left back Ruggeri, 24, joins from Atletico Madrid, while goalkeeper Suzuki, 23, arrives after two years in Italy with Parma.
Meanwhile, Rangers have signed right back Kosta Nedeljkovic from Villa.
The 20-year-old has moved to Ibrox on a season-long loan, with a £4m obligation to buy, which will be triggered by the number of games he plays.
As Daily Mail Sport revealed last week, Villa are signing Aaron Wan Bissaka on loan from West Ham pending his medical today.
The deal can become an obligation to buy at around £18million.
Baleba close to United switch
Manchester United are closing on a £65million deal for Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba.
Talks resumed for the Cameroon international in recent weeks after it became apparent his ankle ligament injury was not as serious as first feared.
Pogba tears up Monaco deal
Monaco have confirmed that Paul Pogba has left by mutual agreement, bringing his time at the Ligue 1 club to a premature end.
The 33-year-old former Manchester United midfielder is now a free agent and has been offered to clubs in the MLS.
Chelsea defender closes on Italy move
Chelsea defender Benoit Badiashile has arrived at Villa Stuart in Rome ahead of his medical this morning.
The 25-year-old centre back is joining Napoli on loan for around £2.5m with an option for the deal to become permanent at £23m.
Mamadou Sarr, meanwhile, is emerging as a target for Real Sociedad and Al Hilal.
The 20-year-old has been expected to go on loan in the Premier League and interest there remains.
The Senegal international was recalled from a loan at Strasbourg to provide cover last season and started in their FA Cup win over Hull.
Piroe party at West Ham
West Ham have signed Joel Piroe on loan from Leeds until the end of the season.
The deal also includes an option for it to become permanent, which will be activated should certain conditions be met, including West Ham winning promotion back to the Premier League.
Joel Piroe has joined West Ham on loan from Leeds
West Ham turned to 27-year-old Piroe after hitting an impasse in talks for AZ Alkmaar striker Troy Parrott who is joining Real Betis for £17m plus add ons.
Piroe, who has scored 73 goals in the Championship during spells with Leeds and Swansea , said: ‘I see West Ham as a Club that really wants to be in the Premier League, and I think should be in the Premier League.
‘With my experience, I think I can help the Club a lot to achieve what they want to achieve, and I think it’s a good opportunity for me to show what I’ve learnt and how I’ve grown as a football player over the years.’
Piroe finished the 2024-25 season as the Championship’s top scorer, helping Leeds United earn promotion to the Premier League.
The Hammers remain an option for free agent Jamie Vardy.
Potters snare Ipswich pair
Stoke have agreed a fee of around £6million with Ipswich for striker George Hirst and are also taking Ipswich full back Ben Johnson on loan.
Scotland international Hirst is to undergo medical later today. The fee will increase on performance related bonuses.
TUESDAY: Crystal Palace land £11m American star
MONDAY: Liverpool unlikely to pursue PSG’s Ibrahim Mbaye
SUNDAY: Juventus reopen talks for Spurs keeper Vicario
SATURDAY: Aston Villa in talks with Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki
FRIDAY: Djed Spence completes £30million 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
