Brightons

Strasbourg are closing in on a move worth a total of £17.3m for Brighton forward Julio Enciso, with a view that he will play for Chelsea after a year in France.

The 21-year-old is expected to finalise terms over a contract in the coming days with Brighton including a sell-on clause in the deal.

Strasbourg are linked to Chelsea through their BlueCo ownership, led by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, with the move for the Paraguay international potentially the most significant since the £65.2m takeover in 2023.

There are significant connections between Chelsea and Strasbourg, who are managed by Englishman Liam Rosenior, with goalkeeper Mike Penders, Kendry Paez and Mamadou Sarr all on loan from Stamford Bridge.

Strasbourg have also signed multiple players from Chelsea, including Ishe Samuels-Smith, Mathis Amougou and Diego Moreira in the last two seasons, while there is a host of ex-Premier League talent at the club from former Brighton defender Valentin Barco and former Southampton forward Sekou Mara.

The Alsace club qualified for the Conference League last season through a seventh-placed finish.

Meanwhile, Enciso leaves Brighton having been left out of the squad for the opening draw against Fulham.

Enciso scored five goals for the Seagulls and spent the second half of last season on loan at Ipswich Town.

Manchester United make contact with Brighton over Carlos Baleba, Everton open talks with Manchester City for Jack Grealish, and Alexander Isak trains alone amid Liverpool pursuit.

Manchester United have contacted Brighton through intermediaries to explore a potential move for Cameroon midfielder Carlos Baleba, 21. (The Athletic – subscription required), external

Everton have opened talks over a deal to bring in England attacking midfielder Jack Grealish, 29, from Manchester City. (Sky Sports), external

Sweden striker Alexander Isak has been told to train alone at Newcastle United amid interest in him from Liverpool, while the 25-year-old also missed a family day for the players which was put on by the club. (Mirror), external

Newcastle have bid about €30m (£26.2m) for Germany defender Malick Thiaw but AC Milan have not accepted the offer as they want to keep the 23-year-old. (Gazzetta dello Sport – in Italian), external

Nottingham Forest are closing in on a deal to sign 27-year-old Brazil midfielder Douglas Luiz from Juventus, who could make a move for Forest and Ivory Coast midfielder Ibrahim Sangare, 27. (Gazzetta dello Sport – in Italian), external

Everton are also interested in Douglas Luiz and, like Forest, could look at a loan with an option or obligation to buy. (Mail), external

RB Leipzig are discussing contract terms with Liverpool and England Under-21 midfielder Harvey Elliott, 22, before they make a formal transfer offer. (Fabrizio Romano), external

Inter Milan could consider a move for Manchester United and England winger Jadon Sancho, 25, if they fail to sign Nigeria forward Ademola Lookman, 27, from Atalanta. (Gazzetta dello Sport – in Italian), external

Manchester City’s Mateo Kovacic, 31, has been approached by Saudi Pro League clubs this summer, but the Croatia midfielder wants to stay at City. (Fabrizio Romano), external