The latest Premier League transfer news involving Newcastle, Chelsea, Everton, Man United and more
The summer transfer window is starting to come to life, with a handful of Premier League clubs dipping into the market before the competition to make new signings intensifies. A large number of players will have instructed their agents to dismiss all transfer talk until after the World Cup concludes, but plenty of deals have still gone through over the past couple of weeks.
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Tottenham have been nothing short of prolific, bringing in free agents Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi, as well as sealing a blockbuster deal to sign powerhouse defender Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton. On top of that, they’ve also nabbed goalkeeper Martin Dubravka from Burnley, after the Clarets suffered relegation straight back down to the Championship.
Today’s transfer rumours round-up gets underway at Old Trafford, where an intriguing update from Spanish journalist Marcos Duran claims that Manchester United have joined the race to sign Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez. He’s been hotly tipped to leave the Spanish capital this summer, with a host of elite clubs said to be on his tail.
Duran’s translated post on X reads: “In addition to Barça, Arsenal, or PSG, there's a team that, upon seeing Julián Álvarez's situation, spoke directly with the player's agent. It's MANCHESTER UNITED. They're back in the Champions League, they have money, and the memory of some (Man) City blows is still fresh. The agent obviously needs plan B, C, and D.
The 3AM Verdict: We really can’t see this one happening. If Alvarez goes, it will surely be to Barcelona, who’ve been pursuing him relentlessly since the end of the season. United do indeed have Champions League football to look forward to, but their priority is fixing their midfield and signing a new left-back. They don’t have an unlimited transfer budget, andwill look for a backup to Benjamin Sesko rather than replacing him after one season.
Newcastle United target up for grabs
Chelsea’s Liam Delap looks likely to be sold this summer, amid links to Newcastle Unitedplaceholder image
Chelsea’s Liam Delap looks likely to be sold this summer, amid links to Newcastle United | Getty Images
Over to Stamford Bridge next, where Chelsea look set for another summer packed with comings and goings. New manager Xabi Alonso will have more sway on transfer dealings than some of his recent predecessors, and looks likely to oversee a shake-up in the attacking department before the new season begins.
According to Team Talk, the Blues are now ready to sell striker Liam Delap, who had a dire first season at the club in which he scored just one Premier League goal. The report claims the club are wanting £40m to sell the ex-Ipswich Town striker, but could be haggled down as the window progresses. Newcastle United are said to hold a keen interest in the former Manchester City prospect, while Tottenham and Everton are also believed to be in the mix.
The 3AM Verdict: It was so long ago that Delap was being discussed as a future candidate to lead the line for England. It would be harsh to write the 23-year-old off after one bad season at Chelsea, where strikers have struggled in recent years - arguably since Diego Costa left in 2017. Delap would be a fine rotation option for Newcastle, and if they can get Chelsea down to £30m he could end up being a bargain.
Everton ‘accelerate’ move for top target
Hayden Hackney is a top transfer target for Evertonplaceholder image
Hayden Hackney is a top transfer target for Everton | Getty Images
Last up, it’s over to Merseyside, where Everton look like they’re finally going to seal the deal to sign Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney. The Toffees have been linked with the 23-year-old for weeks, but it’s been believed that Everton’s reluctance to meet Boro’s asking price - thought to be north of £20m - has put them off taking the plunge.
Football Insider now report that the Toffees’ potential sale of Tim Iroegbunam could be key in signing Hackney, with his sale likely to bring in a similar fee to the one Middlesbrough want for their star man. The story then rather contradicts itself, by suggesting that Hull City - a side closely linked with Iroegbunham - might not meet Everton’s valuation.
The 3AM Verdict: Hackney looks destined to be playing Premier League football next season, and it will most likely be with Everton. We’re surprised the Toffees are taking so long to get the deal done, given that they spent similar sums on three players last season. They’d do well to have a root down the back of the sofa for the necessary spare change to get the move completed.
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