Premier League transfer news latest involving Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Man City and more
The dust has only just settled on an exhilarating opening weekend of action in the Premier League, as the 2026/27 got off to a typically high octane start. Hull City humbled Manchester United, Brentford beat Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton battered Aston Villa, in what proved to be a highly unpredictable Gameweek 1 that delivered distinctly mixed results for FPL players.
placeholder image
Getty Images
Meanwhile, the summer transfer window is now into its final week, and Premier League clubs are moving quickly to get their last bits of business done before player trading comes to an abrupt halt at 11pm on Tuesday 1st September. Plenty of Premier League clubs are expected to be busy, with holes aplenty to fill for sides across England’s top tier.
Today’s rumours round-up begins at Liverpool, who rescued a late point at Newcastle United thanks to Dominik Szoboszlai’s last-gasp penalty levelling the score at 2-2. Their winger Cody Gakpo, who scored his side’s opening goal, is expected to leave Anfield before the window closes, with Tottenham said to be the frontrunners to sign him.
However, Fabrizio Romano has now claimed that Manchester City have joined the race to sign the left sided ace, as they look to find cover for the injured Jeremy Doku. It’s said that while Spurs have agreed personal terms with the Dutchman, City have now “made contact” with the player’s entourage, and could look to muscle past the north Londoners and hijack the deal.
The 3AM Verdict: There’s little chance that Gakpo will remain at Liverpool, as they push hard to bring in two new wingers. Spurs have just signed left winger Savinho from City, so a move for Gakpo would leave them a little heavy on that flank. Given the huge amount of money they’ve already spent this summer, it would be a surprise to see them land Gakpo too. City could well win this race.
Aston Villa eye up Mateta raid
Crystal Palace's Jean-Philippe Mateta has been linked with a move to Aston Villaplaceholder image
Crystal Palace's Jean-Philippe Mateta has been linked with a move to Aston Villa | Getty Images
Next up, it’s over to the West Midlands, where Aston Villa are presumably still reeling from their 4-0 thrashing at Brighton. Despite winning the Europa League last season, they’ve seen several star players jump ship to Premier League rivals over the summer, and striker Ollie Watkins looks set to be the next to leave with a big-money Saudi Pro League move.
According to The Athletic, Villa are now trying to sign Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, and have seen their initial offer knocked back. It’s not specified how much the bid was, but it’s said that it was “considerably short” of the Eagles’ player valuation. Mateta is believed to be keen to leave the club this summer, after five-and-a-half seasons at Selhurst Park.
The 3AM Verdict: Mateta would be a great signing for Villa, having established himself as a top class Premier League striker in recent seasons. He’d likely becheaper than Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson, and would be a far more reliable option to lead the line. Mateta, a seven-cap France international, has scored 42 goals across his last three Premier League campaigns.
Newcastle ready ‘final offer’ for Belgian gem
Matias Fernandez-Pardo has attracted plenty of Premier League interest this summerplaceholder image
Matias Fernandez-Pardo has attracted plenty of Premier League interest this summer | Getty Images
Our last stop is at St. James’ Park, where Newcastle United are looking to tie up a late window swoop for Lille gem Matias Fernandez-Pardo. That’s according to transfer insider Sacha Tavolieri, who says that the Magpies are poised to make a “final offer” to land the Belgian after previously coming up short with their bids.
It’s described as a “now or never” offer, which is likely to total around £51m all-in. The 21-year-old can play up-front or on either wing, and was linked with the likes of Chelsea and Liverpool earlier this summer. Newcastle are particularly light up top at the moment, and could well see £69m flop forward Nick Woltemade moved on before the window closes.
The 3AM Verdict: Fernandez-Pardo didn’t much of a look-in at the World Cup with Belgium, but he lit up Ligue 1 with Lille last season, scoring eight goals and providing five assists. He’s still a relatively raw talent, so signing him would be a bit of a gamble. Newcastle may be better off going for a more experienced option after getting stung with Woltemade last summer.
Read more:Aston Villa’s £35m target is a talented player – but would make a very strange signing