The latest Premier League transfer rumours - with news from Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal, Wolves and more.
It’s time once more for 3 Added Minutes’ daily round-up and review of some of the biggest new Premier League transfer rumours – and we’re kicking off this morning with a story which should raise eyebrows right the way across Manchester.
Mainoo’s United future is “uncertain” after the club blocked him from leaving towards the end of the summer transfer window, and it’s not stated whether or not he would consider a move to one of his current club’s fiercest rivals.
Should he be wary of making such a switch he will have options, with Newcastle United said to be “particularly keen” on Mainoo while Chelsea are also a “serious contender” for his signature. It’s estimated that he would cost around £70m, but there is no set asking price at this early stage.
The 3AM Verdict: Much hinges on whetherRuben Amorim remains managerat Old Trafford of course, as a change in the dugout could easily flip the narrative, but as it stands a move seems more likely than not, probably next summer. As for whether City are really going to be in the bidding, it’s simply too early to say and we’d want more corroborating evidence as it’s all been hearsay thus far.
Wolves to make second bid for Serie A star in January
Over to a story from Sport Witness now, as they share reports from Italy which suggest that Wolverhampton Wanderers could take “a second shot” at the signing of summer target Christos Mandas after “missing out” earlier in the year.
Wolves supposedly had a bid of €29m (£25m) turned down by Lazio for their goalkeeper in the last transfer window but apparently some financial specifics make it more appealing for the Serie A side to sell in the new year – and that “could lead to a sale”.
Mandas has impressed when given starts but has as yet been unable to oust first-choice ‘keeper Ivan Provedel in Rome, although there’s no word on whether he’s keen on the move to Wolves. The Midlands side are said to have been monitoring the Greek goalkeeper for two years, but it remains to be seen whether they are “willing to move again.”
The 3AM Verdict: An admittedly speculative article but Wolves’ pursuit of Mandas is well-established fact at this stage and it’s worth noting any change of circumstances which could ease the passage of a deal. Lazio would supposedly net more profit on the deal if they wait until January and Wolves still seem to want a long-term replacement for José Sá.
Arsenal, Man Utd & Liverpool among side eyeing Birmingham City wonderkid
Finally, a story from The Daily Mail which alleges that a whole host of Premier League sides are “charting the progress” of 14-year-old Birmingham City goalkeeper Alfie Smith, who just became the youngest goalkeeper ever to play in the Premier League Under-18.
The 6’1” teenager, already a part of England’s age-group sides, has attracted the attention of teams including Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United and Manchester City, all of whom seem to have sent scouts to watch his performances.
Birmingham are responding by “trying to tie down” Smith to a new contract in the face of “increasing competition” for his signature. Whether they will convince the youngster to stay at St. Andrew’s remains to be seen.
The 3AM Verdict: It is, of course, impossible to know what Smith might do right now but it’s worth filing him away in your memory as a player to keep tabs on – and based on his performances so far, the four teams mentioned won’t be the last to do the same thing. Championship clubs usually fail to keep hold of their youngsters in the face of such interest.
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