A round-up of the latest Premier League transfer rumours - with news from Newcastle, Manchester United, Everton and more.
It’s time for this evening’s round-up of some of the biggest and strangest new Premier League transfer rumours you might have missed over the course of the day – and we’re starting off with a story concerning Newcastle United’s search for a Bruno Guimarães replacement.
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According to TEAMtalk, the Magpies have “made enquiries” about the availability of RB Leipzig midfielder Nicolas Seiwald, with the 25-year-old said to be seen as an “attractive option” by the club’s transfer team.
Nicolas Seiwald has 51 caps for Austriaplaceholder image
Nicolas Seiwald has 51 caps for Austria | Getty Images
Seiwald is apparently just one of several options under consideration and no offer has been made, with Newcastle simply sounding Leipzig out to find out how much the Austria international might set them back. There’s no word on what kind of figure could be required to seal a deal.
The article suggests that discussions are still continuing regarding Bayern Munich’s João Palhinha, and it’s not clear whether Newcastle would drop their interest in Seiwald should that deal materialise or whether they’re looking for two new midfielders following the loss of both Guimarães and Sandro Tonali.
The 3AM Verdict: A perfectly plausible rumour and Seiwald’s playing style certainly suits the way that Newcastle’s high-pressing midfield is set up – but even assuming the reporting is accurate, it’s clear that we’re in the early stages of exploring a deal, and a transfer isn’t imminent.
Manchester United target Belgian international full-back
Joaquin Seys was a member of Belgium's World Cup squadplaceholder image
Joaquin Seys was a member of Belgium's World Cup squad | Getty Images
Over to Old Trafford now, for a story from Sport Witness which suggests that Manchester United are “keen” on securing a deal for Club Brugge and Belgium full-back Joaquin Seys – a player routinely linked with Newcastle in recent months.
Club Brugge want to keep hold of Seys and apparently won’t consider selling him unless the fee comes in at a bare minimum of €40m (£35m), and Sport Witness mention local media reports which suggest that even that transfer fee might not be sufficient. United, however, are said to have “concrete interest” in the 21-year-old and could try to twist the Belgian outfit’s arm.
Seys is under contract for another three years, but seems to have dropped hints that he would be open to a move. It’s mentioned that Manchester United haven’t yet given up on signing Newcastle’s Lewis Hall, too.
The 3AM Verdict: There are a few reports circulating which strongly suggest that United would have to pay over the odds to get their hands on Seys, and they’ve avoided overspending so far this summer – their determination not to be gouged on the price is the primary reason that theymissed out on Mateus Fernandes, for instance. As such, we suspect that a deal isn’t overly likely, but if they get desperate towards the end of the window then perhaps they’ll loosen the purse strings a little.
Everton target Barcelona star
Héctor Fort has 30 senior appearances for Barcelona under his beltplaceholder image
Héctor Fort has 30 senior appearances for Barcelona under his belt | Getty Images
We’ll finish up with the latest word on Everton’s search for a new right-back, which comes courtesy of Football Insider – they reckon that they’re interested in Barcelona’s 20-year-old Héctor Fort.
Barcelona are said to be “ready to let [Fort] leave” with the rising star deemed surplus to requirements, and would be prepared to accept bids of just £15m. He’s said to be “very high” on Everton’s shortlist as they consider their options in a key position of need.
If Everton do make an offer, then they may face competition. Both Fulham and Borussia Dortmund are said to be keen on the Spain age group international, who spent last season on loan at Elche.
The 3AM Verdict: We’ve seen Everton plausibly linked with half a dozen right-backs at this point, and frankly it’s very unclear which players are their priority targets. Fort is available and may well be one of their options, but we wouldn’t care to place any bets on which player they end up signing to fill the void on the right side of David Moyes’ defence.