Eddie Howe has left his role as Newcastle manager just weeks before the start of the new Premier League season. Howe’s exit comes after nearly five years in charge with the 48-year-old taking the decision to leave following talks with the Newcastle hierarchy.
Marcus Rashford could leave Manchester United this summer with Tottenham Hotspur being rumoured as a potential destination for the 28-year-old forward. Rashford spent last season on loan at Barcelona having been exiled by former coach Ruben Amorim and returned to Old Trafford when the La Liga champions failed to take up his £26m option.
Michael Carrick is an admirer of Rashford and could reintegrate him into the first team squad but there are a few Premier League clubs in line for his signature. United, meanwhile, could be running out of time to meet Roma’s deadline to sign France international Manu Kone, according to reports in Italy.
Elsewhere, Liverpool have agreed terms with Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola, according to reports in France, but are still a considerable distance away from agreeing a fee for the French international. Barcola wants to join Liverpool, according to L’Equipe, but the European champions will demand £140m this summer as the Reds are now set to open talks with his club.
In one of the bigger stories of the summer Vinicius Jr has made it clear that he wants to remain at Real Madrid, according to Sky Sports despite interest from Arsenal. The Gunners have been plotting an audacious move for the 26-year-old Brazil star while he has one year remaining on his contract, but Vinicius Jr wants to agree new terms at the Bernabeu.
Follow the latest transfer news, rumours and reports with our live blog below
Liverpool looking at Arsenal target Ezri Konsa?
Liverpool are looking short at the back after the departure of Ibrahima Konate and uncertainty over the fitness of Jeremy Jacquet, Giovanni Leoni and Joe Gomez.
And the Reds are said to be ‘interested’ in Aston Villa defender and Arsenal target Ezri Konsa, according to TeamTalk.
The Gunners are expected to sign a centre-back after the injury to William Saliba and England defender Konsa is being considered, while free agent John Stones is close to agreeing terms with Inter Milan.
Chelsea sign Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix in £52 million deal
Chelsea have signed defender Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace for £52 million, with the France international agreeing a deal until 2032, the Premier League club announced on Thursday.
In a statement posted on the club’s website, Chelsea wrote: “Lacroix arrives at Chelsea with the reputation of being among European football’s most commanding centre-backs, as well as one of the fastest and best aerial defenders in the Premier League.”
Harvey Elliott eyeing second chance at Liverpool
Harvey Elliott hopes to reignite his Liverpool career under new boss Andoni Iraola.
“Everyone knows how much I love the club,” Elliott said. “I’ve supported them from a very young age so the feeling never goes of putting the shirt back on and representing the club.
“It’s a childhood dream. Every time I put the shirt on I want to give it 100 per cent.
“(Last season) I wanted a new challenge. I wanted to kind of go and explore something, come out of my comfort zone, (something) that I thought personally would take me on as a player.
“Unfortunately it didn’t work out but the way I see it, that was last season. Now I’m here, it’s kind of a second chance, if you want to call it that, especially with the gaffer and new coaching staff coming in, it’s a chance to impress-
“I’m here now and I’m trying to cement my spot in the team or within the squad.”
Barcelona join race for Bournemouth’s Junior Kroupi
Bournemouth sensation Junior Kroupi has attracted the interest of numerous big hitters, and now Barcelona have joined the likes of Arsenal and Tottenham in the race for the Frenchman.
That’s according to Marca, who cite Barca’s interest but confirm that Bournemouth do not want to sell.
His 13 Premier League goals last term set a new record for the most goals scored by a teenager in a debut season in the English top flight.
Bournemouth are under no pressure to sell this summer and have turned down an approach from Chelsea for their midfielder Alex Scott.
The Cherries sold around £200m worth of talent last summer when Dean Huijsen, Milos Kerkez, Illia Zabarnyi and Dango Outtar departed.
Man City ahead of Arsenal in race to sign Ayyoub Bouaddi
Manchester City are still in direct talks with Lille over a move for World Cup breakout star Ayyoub Bouaddi, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The 18-year-old is physical, composed on the ball and has a good range of passing, which has attracted the interest of some of Europe’s biggest clubs.
Arsenal have been linked but City are the club most interested in the Moroccan but could opt for him to join in 2027 rather than this summer.
Tottenham linked with Man City’s Savinho
Tottenham have been big-spenders this summer but their transfer business may not be done just yet.
The Times reports that Spurs want to sign a forward and Manchester City winger Savinho remains a target.
Savinho is said to be keen on a move, according to the report, and has informed City of his decision.
Spurs, who have signed Matheus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali this summer, would be required to pay £60m.
DONE DEAL! Chelsea sign Maxence Lacroix
The first of three signings this week for Chelsea? Jordan Henderson and Danny Welbeck may soon follow Maxence Lacroix, who has made the short hop up to Stamford Bridge from Selhurst Park. £52m the mooted fee, which feels like decent enough business for a player entering his prime.
Mauricio Pochettino in talks to extend USA stay
Mauricio Pochettino is in talks to extend his stay as USA head coach, according to Sky Sports.
Pochettino was appointed in September 2024 on a contract that ran until this summer’s World Cup, and led the co-hosts to the last-16 after topping the group.
Discussions are now progressing about an extension that will see Pochettino remain in charge of the USMNT until the 2030 World Cup.
Eddie Howe ‘detached from reality’ in final interview as Newcastle boss
Newcastle were thrashed 4-1 by Championship side Bristol City in a pre-season friendly on Wednesday evening and Howe was interviewed by the club’s official website in the aftermath.
