Gameweek 4 of the 2026/27 Premier League campaign gets underway today, and it’s set to be another enthralling set of fixtures as the title race, relegation battle and scrap for European football qualification continue. Highlights of the upcoming weekend action include the Manchester derby, and Newcastle United’s trip to take on Leeds at Elland Road.
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Off the field, clubs are still evaluating the work they did in the summer transfer window. Manchester City were delighted to seal their big-money move for Enzo Fernandez from Chelsea, while Everton will still be trying to figure out just how they managed to mess up no fewer than six transfers on Deadline Day.
Today’s rumours round-up begins at Old Trafford, where Manchester United are preparing to face their fierce rivals Manchester City on Sunday afternoon. Despite revamping their midfield over the summer, they failed to sign a new left-back. Things have now got even worse, with their top target Lewis Hall signing a new long-term deal with Newcastle.
According to Team Talk, the Red Devils are now moving swiftly to establish new options, and have apparently made Bournemouth’s Adrien Truffert a “top target” going forward. It’s said that the ex-Rennes gem would likely cost around £60m, and that United could try to sign him in January. It’s suggested that a move to Old Trafford “may prove impossible to turn down”.
The 3AM Verdict: United will be kicking themselves after wasting a whole summer batting their eyelashes at Hall, only for the England international to stay put. They need a new left-back before next summer, but signing top quality players in January is always a tricky business. Truffert has proven himself to be a top quality Premier League star, and would be well worth the hefty investment - if they can convince the Cherries to sell.
Liverpool ‘keeping tabs’ on Rayan
Bournemouth face a fight to hold on to star winger Rayanplaceholder image
Bournemouth face a fight to hold on to star winger Rayan | Getty Images
We’ll stay at Bournemouth for our second story, where their star right winger, Rayan is believed to be attracting increasing interest from Liverpool. The Reds bagged Bradley Barcola for a stunning £123m over the summer, but his signing arguably didn’t quite solve the problem of replacing club icon Mohamed Salah, who left at the end of last season.
Football Insider suggest that Rayan could be their chosen candidate to be their star man on the right, with new boss Andoni Iraola believed to be keen on reuniting with one of his former key players. The Reds are said to now be “keeping a close eye” on the 20-year-old, amid rumoured rival interest from fellow Premier League side Newcastle United.
The 3AM Verdict: Rayan has the potential to be a superstar, and the fact he already has six international caps for Brazil despite playing for an arguably unfashionable club shows just how highly rated he is. Bournemouth will likely demand an arm and a leg for the ex-Vasco da Gama gem, but Liverpool’s new £300m kit deal is expected to help them keep up their mega spending.
Aston Villa target sees asking price shoot up
Martin Baturina made history by scoring Como's first ever Champions League goalplaceholder image
Martin Baturina made history by scoring Como's first ever Champions League goal | Getty Images
Last up, it’s over to the West Midlands, where Aston Villa are looking to pick up their first three points of the Premier League season this weekend, when they take on Nottingham Forest at Villa Park. Unai Emery’s side are believed to still hold a keen interest in Como midfielder Martin Baturina, after seeing a £47m offer turned down in the summer.
According to Italian outlet Tutto Mercato, the Serie A side are set to increase their star player’s asking price to £69m, and could push it even higher if he continues to impress. Manchester United and Tottenham are also believed to be watching the Croatia international, who scored in his side’s 4-2 World Cup opening loss to England back in June.
The 3AM Verdict: Baturina is a really exciting young talent, playing with a side who are making waves both in the Italian top tier and the Champions League. It would be a surprise to see him leave in January, especially if Como are still in the Champions League, but next summer could be a possibility. £69m isn’t an outrageous fee either, given how wildly inflated most transfer fees are now.
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