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Clock ticking on PL’s biggest saga and Man Utd exiles - Transfers to be done

With the September 1 transfer deadline fast approaching, several high profile deals are still to be done.

Undeniably the biggest in the English Premier League is Alexander Isak’s desire to get to Liverpool and end his stand-off with Newcastle United.

A move if far from certain however, as the Magpies chase a replacement for the wantaway striker.

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Manchester United are desperately trying to find suitors for multiple players they have outcast, banishing them from the squad and leaving them to train on their own.

Eberechi Eze recently finalised his move to Arsenal after Tottenham were seemingly ahead in the race for his signature, but his former Crystal Palace captain’s future remains uncertain despite strong links to title contenders.

Manchester City are one of those clubs and they may push hard in the coming days to secure a Real Madrid star and a Champions League winning shot stopper.

Scroll down for the biggest potential transfers before the September 1 deadline!

Ngumoha strikes late for Liverpool | 01:55

‘GOOD THAT PEOPLE ARE GETTING UPSET’: ISAK SAGA ROLLS ON

The Alexander Isak saga has been the most fascinating transfer story of the northern hemisphere summer window.

Isak poured fuel on the fire last week after being named in the Professional Footballers’ Association’s Premier League Team of the Year for last season, taking to Instagram to say, “when promises are broken and trust is lost, the relationship can’t continue”.

The 25-year-old Swede is under contract until 2028 and netted 23 goals last Premier League season to finish runner-up to Mohamed Salah in the golden boot race, but has been staying away from the club so far this campaign as part of his efforts to seal a move to Liverpool.

The Reds’ initial £110 million (A$229.9 million) offer was rejected by Newcastle as the Magpies are reportedly holding out for a £150 million offer (A$311.25m).

FILE - Newcastle's Alexander Isak celebrates after scoring his side's opening goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Liverpool and Newcastle, at Anfield stadium in Liverpool, England, Monday, Jan. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Jon Super, File)

The hierarchy at Anfield may be reluctant to push the price too high after splurging £116 million (A$241.5m) on attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen and £79 million (A$164.5m) on Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt - even if manager Arne Slot has insisted that his squad needs another striker.

Newcastle tested the waters of a transfer not being brokered by reportedly offering an olive branch to Isak to reintegrate him into the first team squad, although that was rejected by the striker.

Anthony Gordon, who previously played on a wing, replaced Isak up front in Newcastle’s draw at Aston Villa and dramatic 3-2 loss to Liverpool at home to start the season.

But Gordon was hit with a three-game ban after being sent off for a challenge on Virgil van Dijk, which made goalscorer cupboard look very bare for manager Eddie Howe.

Gordon Red Carded for 'Nasty' challenge | 00:40

It has exposed that Newcastle desperately need to find a replacement for Isak, if he is to leave, and a back-up striker too following the departure of veteran Callum Wilson to West Ham.

There remains a lot to play out, but Arsenal legend Thierry Henry believes it will be best for everyone involved if a move is completed.

“He’s up there with, if not the, best striker in the league at the moment,” Henry said on Sky Sports.

“He’s a great striker. What he can give you off and on the ball, the way he finishes, but when you have a player in this type of situation where he wants to leave, it’s good that people are getting upset, because when a player is not good and a club wants him out, I don’t see anyone crying for the player.

“I can understand the fans and the club, but I also can understand him. You always put yourself in a situation as a player where people might not understand if you don’t come to training.

“We never know the whole story, but all I say is that you cannot put yourself in a situation when you don’t come to train.

“In an ideal world, the best thing for him and for everybody is if he can leave, but I also do believe that when someone makes a mistake, if he apologises, then we can move on.

“If he scores goals and he starts to play the same way he played last year, the Newcastle fans will be okay about it.”

Isak absent for Newcastle v Liverpool | 04:50

‘EVERY PLAYER HAS A PRICE’: NEWCASTLE PUSH FOR ISAK REPLACEMENT

Isak’s future may be in the hands of Brentford, or perhaps Wolves, or maybe both.

Following manager Thomas Frank leaving for Tottenham, Bryan Mbeumo’s move to Manchester United and Cristian Norgaard’s to Arsenal, Yoane Wissa wants out of Brentford too.

The 28-year-old has been absent from the Bees opening two games of the Premier League with new manager Keith Andrews saying “it was not right” to include the forward in his squad.

Unlike Isak, the DR Congo international has still been training with Brentford, but he clearly wants out.

The London club do not want to lose another proven goal scorer - Wissa netted 19 goals in the league last season - but they may have to take the money and run.

FILE - Brentford's Yoane Wissa runs into position during the English Premier League soccer match between Fulham and Brentford, at the Craven Cottage Stadium in London, Nov 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Dave Shopland, file)

Newcastle’s initial offer of £35 million (A$72.6m) plus £5 million (A$10.4m) in add-ons was rejected, and Brentford may be able to pry more money out of the Magpies given the Isak situation.

That seems to be the approach Wolves have taken in regard to Jorgen Strand Larsen.

They rejected Newcastle’s initial £50 million (A$103.7m) offer for the Norwegian striker, who scored 14 league goals last season, and then also said no to Newcastle’s second bid of £55 million (A$114.1m).

The 25-year-old scored twice in Wolves’ 3-2 Carabao Cup victory against West Ham on Wednesday morning AEST, and Wolves manager Vitor Pereira made it clear that he wants to keep Strand Larsen, although hinted that the club has a price in mind.

WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 16: Jorgen Strand Larsen of Wolverhampton Wanderers during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Manchester City at Molineux on August 16, 2025 in Wolverhampton, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

“If it’s my decision, of course. Of course. Because he’s a very important player,” Pereira said on potentially keeping the striker.

“It’s not only about the technical and tactical, it’s about the character. He’s a player with character. I can imagine his mind in this moment because he listens to a lot of things, reading a lot of things, and then he keeps the commitment.

“Until now, Jorgen is our player. We’ll see what happens. I understand football. Football is football. Every player has a price, I believe. Even Messi or Cristiano. I understand football, but for me, he is very, very important for us. We’ll see what happens.”

Bruno sends vital penalty into row Z | 00:28

CAN MANCHESTER UNITED COMPLETE THEIR CLEAN OUT?

Manchester United are yet to earn any money from player exits this transfer window.

Marcus Rashford’s £325,000-a-week salary (A$674,380) is off the books following his move to Barcelona, but the likes of Rasmus Hojlund, Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho, Tyrell Malacia and Antony, who have all been exiled by manager Ruben Amorim, are yet to find new homes.

United have spent a combined £200 million (A$416.5 million) on new attacking trio Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko, and will be desperate to get some cash coming back in.

AC Milan pulled out of a move for Rasmus Hojlund, but Serie A champions Napoli are reportedly interested in a loan deal.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - AUGUST 09: Rasmus Hojlund of Manchester United warms up during the pre-season friendly match between Manchester United and ACF Fiorentina at Old Trafford on August 09, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images)

United set an asking price of £30 million (A$62.25m) to outright buy the striker who scored just four league goals last season.

Garnacho’s management have been in talks with Chelsea, but the two clubs are reportedly around £20 million (A$41.5m) apart on the asking price, according to ESPN.

Sancho was on loan at Chelsea last season, and the Blues backed out of the agreement to make the move permanent.

The 25-year-old winger recently rejected a loan move to AS Roma, holding out for more money.

Manchester United's Argentinian midfielder #17 Alejandro Garnacho reacts after a VAR (Video Assistant Referee) review showed he was offside in the build-up to scoring during the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Aston Villa at Old Trafford in Manchester, north west England, on December 26, 2023. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. /

Antony spent last season on loan at Real Betis, and the Spanish side were keen to make a move permanent but have struggled to meet United’s £39 million (A$80.9m) asking price.

Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce are reportedly interested in acquiring the Brazilian, so too are Saudi side Al Nassr, where he would play alongside Cristiano Ronaldo.

Malacia is proving most difficult to move with little interest in the former Feyenoord left back.

Irankunda scores UNREAL free kick | 00:36

LIVERPOOL CHASE REPLACEMENT FOR ‘ALL OVER THE PLACE’ DEFENDER

Plenty of intrigue continues to surround Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi with Liverpool and Manchester City both keen on the defender.

Guehi, who guided Palace to their famous FA Cup triumph last season, has made it clear that he is willing to stay, but that would give him the chance to leave as a free agent at the end of the season.

Palace chairman Steve Parish has said publicly that the best outcome for the club would be to bring in money for Guehi’s departure, which may prompt a move in the coming days.

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 24: Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest at Selhurst Park on August 24, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)

Liverpool have been the favourites all along with the 25-year-old England international viewed as a long term successor to 34-year-old Virgil van Dijk.

In the short-term, Guehi would also serve as a centre back partner to the Dutchman, with Liverpool great Jamie Carragher saying Ibrahima Konate has been “all over the place” in their opening two games of the season.

Reports say a move to Anfield is Guehi’s preference, but City are also reportedly interested in his services with Manuel Akanji, who Sky Sports reported Palace have inquired about, and Nathan Ake both a chance of leaving before deadline day.

Grealish stars in maiden win at new home | 02:57

CITY’S PUSH FOR REAL WINGER

Manchester City sent Jack Grealish on loan to Everton, and they may also send Savinho to Tottenham for more than £60 million (A$124.5m).

To fill the void out wide, City reportedly have their sights set on Real Madrid’s Rodrygo.

The 24-year-old Brazilian international has fallen out of favour in recent times, having scored 32 goals for Los Blancos in 173 appearances since joining the club in 2019.

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JUNE 26: Rodrygo #11 of Real Madrid C.F. looks on during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group H match between FC Red Bull Salzburg and Real Madrid CF at Lincoln Financial Field on June 26, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)

City manager Pep Guardiola said he wants Savinho to stay, but Tottenham missing out on Eze means they make an offer that is too good to refuse for the 21-year-old Brazilian.

That would open the door for Rodrygo to come to the Etihad.

Spurs down City, Gunners win - PL Wrap | 02:25

PSG SHOT STOPPER SET TO JOIN CITY

Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma has been keen for a move away from European champions PSG after they brought in Lille’s Lucas Chevalier as competition for the No.1 spot.

Manchester City are interested in bringing the Italian international to the Etihad, but it is likely contingent on finding a new home for Ederson.

The 32-year-old was recently left out of Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil squad for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers, and was left on the bench for City’s opening two games.

FILE - Paris Saint-Germain's goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma puts the ball back in play during the Club World Cup round of 16 soccer match between PSG and Inter Miami in Atlanta, Sunday, June 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson, File)

Manager Pep Guardiola instead opted to start new signing James Trafford from Burnley, who made a costly blunder in the 2-0 loss at home to Tottenham last weekend.

Galatasaray are reportedly interested in Ederson, while Manchester United had previously been linked with Donnarumma given their goalkeepers problems.

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