A round-up of the latest Premier League transfer rumours - with news from Manchester United, Newcastle, Arsenal, Sunderland, Liverpool and Chelsea.
It’s time for our regular morning round-up and review of some of the biggest (and strangest) Premier League transfer rumours which you might have missed over the past 24 hours – and we start off today with a story involving both Manchester United and Newcastle.
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According to TEAMtalk, Manchester United have been “given huge encouragement” about the prospects of a deal for left-back Lewis Hall, who Newcastle supposedly “could sell” as the exodus of their best players continues.
Lewis Hall moved to Newcastle for a fee rising to £35m in 2024.placeholder image
Lewis Hall moved to Newcastle for a fee rising to £35m in 2024. | Getty Images
Apparently Newcastle are prepared for the loss of one of their star full-backs, and could be willing to let Hall leave so long as Tino Livramento stays put. United are “going to be” in the mix, it’s claimed, while the former Chelsea left-back is allegedly valued at around £60m.
Chelsea could make a move to re-sign Hall themselves following the departure of Marc Cucurella, it’s said, but neither they nor Manchester United have yet made a move of any kind. Hall, for his part, is “not unhappy” and doesn’t seem likely to force a move.
The 3AM Verdict: We’re doubtful that Newcastle will entertain offers for Hall as they don’t need or want any further sales, while United have bigger priorities and will only spend big money on a left-back if they have the cash left over once they’ve signed a midfielder and perhaps another forward. If Hall moves, it’s something that won’t happen until later in the summer, and we wouldn’t be at all surprised if he stayed at St. James’ Park.
Arsenal ‘targeting’ Sunderland star – with Liverpool as in the mix
Lutsharel Geertruida played 28 Premier League games for Sunderland last seasonplaceholder image
Lutsharel Geertruida played 28 Premier League games for Sunderland last season | Getty Images
Over to a story from Caught Offside now, who claim that Arsenal have “placed Lutsharel Geertruida on their shortlist” as they search for a new right-back this summer – with Liverpool also said to be “monitoring” the 25-year-old, who spent last season on loan with Sunderland.
The Gunners began “targeting” the Dutchman after learning that he could cost as little as €25m (£21m), and apparently appreciate his positional versatility – Geertruida has also played in midfield and at centre-back, and could offer cover at several positions.
Liverpool are also “interested” and are alleged to have held exploratory talks with the player’s representatives in recent weeks, although neither they nor Arsenal have made an official bid as yet. There’s no word on whether Sunderland would make any attempt to bring Geertruida back to the Stadium of Light.
The 3AM Verdict: Although not an inherently implausible story, we’ve seen and heard nothing which corroborates Arsenal’s interest as yet – and while Liverpool didtake a look at Geertruida back in January, we’re not convinced that their interest will lead to a bid this summer. The full-back’s future is up in the air, but we’re not sure that either Arsenal or Liverpool will end up being his eventual destination. We’ll see.
Brighton ‘could snatch’ Chelsea target
Honest Ahanor (right) made his senior Italy debut in Mayplaceholder image
Honest Ahanor (right) made his senior Italy debut in May | Getty Images
We’ll finish today’s rumour round-up with a story from Sport Witness, who cite Italian media sources in suggesting that Brighton “could snatch” Atalanta and Italy defender Honest Ahanor from the clutches of Chelsea.
A “potential battle” is brewing over the 18-year-old’s signature, with Chelsea and Brighton seemingly at the front of the queue – but Ahanor is also said to have “caught the attention” of Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle and Nottingham Forest. There’s no suggestion that any of those four sides have made any moves as yet, however.
Chelsea are said to be the only team actively “pursuing” Ahanor, although Brighton are also “looking at” him despite completing several recent signings at centre-back. There’s no word on how much money Atalanta might expect to receive for a player they signed for an estimated £17m just last summer.
The 3AM Verdict: Ahanor’s name is cropping up an awful lot in the gossip columns, and we suspect that there’s a hyperactive agent throwing names around somewhere in the background. We certainly doubt that so many teams are keen on what would likely be an expensive transfer, as Atalanta seldom sell cheap or let talented players leave easily. He may well end up in the Premier League, but a recent flurry of rumours may not tell us as much as you’d think.
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