Transfer news LIVE: Man Utd agree midfielder terms, Arsenal identify new targets after injury blow, Liverpool hijack PSG bid

Chelsea have emerged as front-runners in the race to sign Kerim Alajbegovic, who impressed for Bosnia and Herzegovina at the World Cup.

The 18-year-old rejoined Bayer Leverkusen shortly before the tournament and The Telegraph reports that Xabi Alonso’s side are set to rival Juventus for the attacker.

Alonso was in charge of Leverkusen as Alajbegovic came through their academy, but he joined Red Bull Salzburg before making his first-team debut.

Bradley Barcola was part of France’s fearsome attack at the World Cup and Liverpool have now moved into the box seat to sign him from PSG as they hunt for a Mohamed Salah replacement.

Barcola was only a bit-part player for PSG last season and the French side are targeting either Yan Diomande or Maghnes Akliouche to upgrade their wing options, leaving the 23-year-old as potentially surplus to requirements. Arsenal are also interested but Liverpool have reportedly made an official bid, with PSG weighing their options.

When asked about his targets this summer, Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola said a wide player was top of his list.

“There are obvious situations where we need to sign players. Winger for example, we definitely need to sign a winger, but there are other situations where we will have to analyse what the market gives you, what is the cost, how we also see the players we have,” he said.

Arsenal are looking into a significant investment at centre-back with William Saliba expected to be out long-term following a major injury blow.

The France centre-back has returned from the World Cup 2026 with a back injury and while surgery is not required, he is expected to be out for an extended period.

The Independent understands that the Gunners will therefore pursue a new centre-back in the coming weeks as cover and are prepared to spend big to add depth to the position, rather than bring in a player on loan.

Although there is cover for Saliba in the shape of Piero Hincapie, Riccardo Califiori, Jurrien Timber, Cristhian Mosquera and Ben White, some of that group’s own injury issues and Mikel Arteta’s previous preference to avoid shifting his first-choice full-backs has led to a decision to spend again at centre-back this summer.

The Independent understands Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa and John Stones, available on a free transfer after his Man City contract expired, are both being considered.

Rafael Leao seems to have been linked with a move to Arsenal for a long time but Aston Villa now have interest in the Portuguese attacker and will have money to spend once the Rogers deal goes through.

Villa appear likely to sign ex-Brighton left-back Pervis Estupinan from AC Milan, with Lucas Digne set to move to PSG, and Unai Emery’s side have also discussed Leao with Milan.

Talks are not yet very advanced but the 27-year-old is looking to move on from the San Siro this summer and could be available for around £50m, with Spurs also keeping tabs.

Elliot Anderson has completed his £116m move to Manchester City and declared that, despite becoming their record signing, he can get better.

And the England international took a swipe at City’s neighbours by calling his new club the “kings of Manchester”.

Manchester United also wanted to buy the 23-year-old from Nottingham Forest before City smashed their transfer record by agreeing a £116m deal – which was set to make Anderson the most expensive English player ever, until Chelsea then paid £117m for Morgan Rogers.

Anderson, who has signed a five-year deal at the Etihad Stadium, has warned he has not reached his peak yet.

“I’m only 23, so I’ve got plenty of time to get to my best levels and I definitely think I’m not there yet and there’s more to come from me,” the former Newcastle midfielder said.

1. Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa to Chelsea) – £117m

2. Elliot Anderson (Nott’m Forest to Man City) – £116m

3. Sandro Tonali (Newcastle to Tottenham) – £100m

4. Matheus Fernandes (West Ham to Tottenham) – £84m

5. Jeremy Jacquet (Stade Rennais to Liverpool) – £53.7m

6. Johan Manzambi (Freiburg to Aston Villa) – £51m

7. Jan Paul van Hecke (Brighton to Tottenham) – £51m

8. Marco Palestra (Atalanta to Chelsea) – £48.6m

9. Andrey Santos (Man Utd to Chelsea) – £48m

10. Luka Vuskovic (Tottenham to Brighton) – £46m

Here’s the full story on Arsenal securing a replacement for Leandro Trossard, with Christos Tzolis brought in from Club Brugge. Tzolis has come on a long way since a pretty uninspiring stint at Norwich.

Charles De Ketelaere, the answer to a pub quiz question in a few years time as the only goalscorer against World Cup 2026 winners Spain, is attracting interest from across Europe.

And Corriere della Sera reports that Premier League clubs are pushing for the Atalanta forward’s signature.

Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich are also keen, with the Bergamo club quoting €50m (£42.7m) for the 25-year-old, who scored three and assisted one across five games at this summer’s World Cup.

Pep Guardiola has held talks about becoming Italy’s next head coach, Italian Football Federation president Giovanni Malago has confirmed.

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Malago said: “(Financial) exceptions have been made, exceptions that for example may concern the name that is so overbearing in these hours: Pep Guardiola.

“Exceptions for obvious reasons that I am not here to explain, but it is not certain that this thing will go through.”

Here’s a strange one – Tolu Arokodare looks certain to leave Wolves this summer, though is reportedly unhappy that the club won’t sell him to Fiorentina. Who wouldn’t want to live in Florence, I suppose? Anyway, the striker has suggested that reports of him forcing training to be cancelled are wide of the mark.