Premier League transfer news latest including stories involving Aston Villa, Everton, Crystal Palace and more
The summer of 2026 is shaping up to be one to remember, with the FIFA World Cup already providing some shock results, last-gasp goals and brutal thrashings as 48 nations battle it out for the iconic trophy. England will head into the weekend in high spirits, after defeating Croatia 4-2 in an all-action encounter that saw Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford among the goals.
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Off the pitch, the summer transfer window is now well underway, and Premier League sides are scrambling to get their priority signings on board, with a number of teams already making headway. Liverpool stunned Newcastle by hijacking their deal for Victor Munoz, while the likes of Spurs and Man United look set to have a particularly busy few weeks of player trading.
Today’s rumour mill round-up gets underway at Selhurst Park, where Crystal Palace are preparing for a new era following the arrival of manager Pierre Sage. According to Italian outlet Tutto Juve, the Eagles are now set to enter the race to sign Juventus striker Lois Openda, in what is proving to be an increasingly complicated situation.
The latest story suggests that new Palace boss Sage is a fan of Openda, and the south London side are said to be the most advanced of a cluster of interested Premier League clubs including Leeds, Nottingham Forest and Everton. The player’s relatively wages are said to be an issue, but with Juve potentially willing to allow the Belgium international to leave on loan, it could work out as an affordable move for Palace.
The 3AM Verdict: Sage knows Openda from his time in France, when the 26-year-old was at his best. He clearly thinks he can get a tune out of him, but his two goals in 34 games last season make the move a real risk. So long as Palace wouldn’t have to pay too much in terms of wage contributions, a loan deal with, crucially, no obligation to buy could be their best move.
Aston Villa emerge as surprise striker contenders
Aston Villa have been linked with a bold move for Newcastle’s Nick Woltemadeplaceholder image
Aston Villa have been linked with a bold move for Newcastle’s Nick Woltemade | Getty Images
Next up, it’s over to Villa Park, where an intriguing story has emerged linking Aston Villa with Newcastle United striker Nick Woltemade. Caught Offside suggest there have been some “differences in opinion” between the German striker and manager Eddie Howe in terms of the player’s best role, which could see him leave after just once season at St. James’ Park.
The story suggests that Aston Villa, along with European duo Borussia Dortmund and Atletico Madrid are “keeping an eye on the situation”, and that the Magpies are willing to entertain offers. Interestingly, it’s claimed that Newcastle would be okay with taking a £10m loss on the £65m they spent to sign Woltemade last summer, with a £55m bid deemed enough to seal the deal. It’s also said that the supposedly interested clubs would prefer a loan deal with an option to buy.
The 3AM Verdict: The story concludes with a quite a bombshell, suggesting that the majority of their “sources” expect Woltemade to leave this summer. That’s quite a claim, given that the player still has five years left on his deal, and has only had one season to prove himself. We reckon he’ll have another campaign at least to show his worth at Newcastle.
Everton keen on World Cup starAyase Ueda
Everton have been linked with Feyenoord forward Ayase Uedaplaceholder image
Everton have been linked with Feyenoord forward Ayase Ueda | Getty Images
Bringing us to a close, it’s over to the Hill Dickinson Stadium, where Everton are on the hunt for a new striker. Beto and Thierno Barry managed 16 Premier League goals between them last season, but the club are hoping to find a more reliable goal-scoring option to drive the club on next season.
According to Team Talk, the Toffees have taken a shine to Japan international Ayase Ueda, who scored 26 goals in 40 games for Dutch giants Feyenoord last season. The report suggests he could be available for around £30m, and notes additional interest from the likes of Leeds and Brighton. Chelsea’s Liam Delap and West Ham’s Taty Castellanos are namechecked as potential alternatives.
The 3AM Verdict: £30m isn’t half bad for a striker as prolific as Ueda, but for every Luis Suarez plucked from the Dutch top tier by Premier League sides, there’ve been about five versions of Alfonso Alves. Delap had a shocking debut season at Chelsea last term, but he could thrive in a different tactical set-up under Moyes. We’d go for him over Ueda.
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