Newcastle United have supposedly made a direct approach to sign AC Milan defender Malick Thiaw.
The Magpies have endured a pitiful summer transfer window, losing out on both Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko to Manchester United, while Alexander Isak remains steadfast in his desire to leave.
At the back, meanwhile, Eddie Howe's side have been persistently linked with a move for Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi, but Premier League champions Liverpool are also in the running to sign the England international.
Thiaw has apparently been identified as a viable alternative, and Fabrizio Romano claims that Newcastle have now touched base with both Milan and the centre-back's entourage over a summer deal.
However, the Rossoneri have no interest in parting ways with Thiaw, and unless the Magpies pay over the odds, the former Schalke 04 man will continue in the red and black strip next season.
Thiaw has two years left on his contract with Milan, whom he has scored one goal and provided two assists in 85 games for since his £8.1m move in 2022.
Aston Villa's John McGinn on October 26, 2024
Newcastle are also rumoured to be keeping tabs on Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn's future, but they may be fighting a losing battle to prise him away from the West Midlands.
On Thursday, it was reported that the Magpies had identified the Scotland international as a prime target, but Premier League rivals Everton have taken steps to try to beat Howe's side to his signature.
Sky Sports News reports that the Toffees tried their luck with an £18m offer for McGinn, but it was swiftly rejected by Villa, who have slapped a not-for-sale sign on the head of their captain.
While Everton have already lodged an official bid, Newcastle have not yet made contact with the Lions, although they are likely to receive the same answer should they formalise their interest.
McGinn's contract at Villa Park only runs until the end of the 2026-27 season, but Unai Emery still has no interest in losing his skipper during the current window.
The 30-year-old managed four goals and six assists in 49 appearances for Villa last term, taking his total for the Lions to 30 strikes and 40 helpers from 285 matches over the past seven years.
Aston Villa 'plot move' for Dominic Calvert-Lewin as Ollie Watkins backup
Everton's Dominic Calvert-Lewin on January 15, 2025
Onto a player who could potentially move in the opposite direction, Villa are supposedly weighing up a move to sign free agent striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin following his exit from Everton.
The England international is currently unattached after running down his contract with the Toffees, but he is not believed to be short of interest from the Premier League.
According to Football Insider, Villa are now seriously considering offering Calvert-Lewin a contract as they pursue a backup striker for established number nine Ollie Watkins.
However, the report adds that Emery may harbour understandable concerns about Calvert-Lewin's fitness record, as the 28-year-old has missed 50 games for club and country over the past three seasons.
Calvert-Lewin spent three months out of action with a hamstring injury in the second half of last season and managed just three goals in 26 Premier League games for David Moyes's team.
Villa have added to their offensive ranks this summer with the signing of Zepiqueno Redmond on a free transfer from Feyenoord, but he may be sent out on loan for the coming season.
Leeds 'receive striker loan offer' from Spanish club
Leeds United forward Mateo Joseph in March 2025.
Sticking with the attacking theme, La Liga outfit Mallorca have reportedly tabled a loan offer for Leeds United striker Mateo Joseph.
Whites boss Daniel Farke has confirmed that the 21-year-old is looking to leave Elland Road in the summer transfer window, and Leeds are therefore open to loan or permanent proposals.
Sky Sports News reports that Mallorca have tried their luck with an offer of a temporary deal, but it has not yet been accepted by Leeds, who are still pondering all of their transfer options.
Joseph still has three years left to run on his contract with Leeds, who are therefore reluctant to agree to an option or obligation to buy in any loan deal if his value increases with a strong 2025-26 season.
The 2003-born striker came through the Espanyol youth ranks before joining Leeds midway through the 2021-22 season, but he has only scored six goals in 73 games for the club.
Joseph played 39 Championship matches in the 2024-25 campaign, but after starting each of their first eight games of the campaign, he only appeared from the first whistle a further three times in the next 38 matchweeks.
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