CHELSEA are interested in signing Sporting Lisbon striker Conrad Harder, according to reports.
The Blues could re-enter the transfer market for a forward following the injury suffered by Liam Delap against Fulham on Saturday.
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Conrad Harder is attracting interest from ChelseaCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
Enzo Maresca’s side were on the brink of loaning Nicolas Jackson to Bayern Munich, having deemed the 24-year-old to be surplus to requirements.
Jackson was allowed to travel to Germany for a medical yesterday, only for Chelsea to pull the plug on the deal upon Delap’s injury.
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TRANSFER NEWS LIVE – KEEP UP WITH ALL THE LATEST FROM A BUSY SUMMER WINDOW
Benjamin Sesko made his Manchester United in Sunday’s defeat to Arsenal.
On the field, the £74million striker made little impact as his side crashed to a 1-0 defeat at Old Trafford.
But off it, Sesko leads a fabulous lifestyle full of glitz and glamour.
Napoli pushing for Hojlund
Napoli are pushing to sign Rasmus Hojlund from Man Utd, according to football journalist Gianluca Di Marzio.
Negotiations with United are understood to be entering the advanced stages, with Napoli requesting a loan deal with the option to buy.
United plot Real raid
Manchester United are reportedly eyeing a shock move for Real Madrid ace Eduardo Camavinga.
Red Devils boss Ruben Amorin is eager to add some defensive steel to his midfield before the transfer window closes on September 1.
Their interest in Brighton’s Carlos Baleba has reportedly cooled due to the “difficulty” in getting a deal over the line this close to deadline day.
And according to reports in Spain, United are now considering trying to sign Camavinga from Real.
It’s claimed the Old Trafford club are toying with the idea of submitting a £69million bid for the 22-year-old, who Amorim is said to be a big admirer of.
Sesko’s imminent announcement at Man Utd will make him the club’s third high-profile attacking signing of the summer.
His £74million fee from RB Leipzig raises the Red Devils’ spending in the department to over £200million for the window.
But transfer fees are not the only place they are splashing the cash this window.
Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko all slot into the list of the top 10 highest earners at the club after their arrivals.
Newcastle scramble after Sesko loss
Newcastle are considering a move for Porto striker Samu Aghehowa to bolster their attacking options.
The 21-year old is one of a few options the club are looking at according to transfer guru David Ornstein.
The news comes after Newcastle’s nightmare window was made worse yet again, as Slovenian forward Benjamin Sesko chose Man Utd over a move to the North East.
The Magpies are also looking at other options including Brentford’s Yoanne Wissa and Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins.
They have also reportedly been offered Juventus’ Dusan Vlahovic as part of a shock swap deal with midfielder Sandro Tonali.
Ratcliffe reflects on Carrington upgrade
Man Utd co-owner Jim Ratcliffe is pleased with the outcome of the works on Carrington.
He said of the project: “Following a review of the facility last year, we made a quick decision to invest significantly in the creation of a world-class performance environment for staff and players to reflect our ambition and vision for Manchester United.
“We are delighted with the outcome and are confident the new facility will play an important role in building a winning culture at the club.”
Club complete works on Carrington
Man Utd have announced the completion of the £50million redevelopment of the men’s first-team building at the Carrington Training Complex.
The year-long project, led by Foster + Partners under the direction of renowned Mancunian architect Lord Norman Foster, has successfully delivered a leading-edge, high-performance training environment designed to inspire collaboration, innovation and excellence.
The project, financed with part of the £250m of capital invested into the club by Sir Jim Ratcliffe last year, has been completed on time and within budget, more than a week before the start of the 2025/26 Premier League season. Equipment and technology have been upgraded throughout, with a focus on fitness, nutrition, recovery and team unity.
Designed with input from players and staff, priority has been placed on functionality, openness, and connectivity, with increased natural light and open workspaces.
Marcus Rashford is one of seven Barcelona stars at risk of not being registered in time for their LaLiga opener.
As has been the case throughout the last few years, Barca find themselves scrambling around in order to navigate LaLiga financial rules and register all their players.
With one of their highest-earners Marc-Andre ter Stegen a long-term absentee, the Catalan side felt that they had found a loophole in order to solve their issues.
In order to do so, however, club bosses need Ter Stegen to sign off on a medical report being sent to the league, which he has so far failed to do.
That means up to SEVEN Barcelona stars may be unable to play against RCD Mallorca, including Rashford.
Sesko delivery
Benjamin has touched down in the UK ahead of his medical with Manchester United.
The Slovenia international is on the verge of completing a sensational transfer from RB Leipzig to the Red Devils.
United have been battling Prem rivals Newcastle for the striker’s signature and stole a march on the Magpies on Thursday by agreeing a £74million deal with Leipzig for the 22-year-old.
The deal will see United pay an initial £66.5m and an additional £7.3m in add-ons.
When is Sesko’s unveiling?
Benjamin Sesko will complete his transfer to Man United today.
But his announcement may not be made today too.
Fabrizio Romano has claimed that the Red Devils will confirm the transfer on Saturday.
It is even possible that he could be presented to fans at the pre-season friendly against Fiorentina.
Sesko’s plan today
Benjamin Sesko is set to become a Manchester United player TODAY.
The Slovenian flew into Manchester last night on a private jet ahead of his £74million move from RB Leipzig.
It is thought that he will have his medical and sign his contract later today.
Hojlund suitor
Rasmus Hojlund reportedly has one named suitor this summer.
The striker could be allowed to leave Manchester United on loan following the arrival of Benjamin Sesko.
Fabrizio Romano has claimed that AC Milan are interested in the Dane and could make another move for him before the end of the window.
Transfer business
Here is a look at all the transfer business completed by Manchester United this summer.
Benjamin Sesko’s impending arrival is not included as he is yet to be announced.
VIKTOR GYOKERES is wearing the No14 shirt made famous by Thierry Henry and the Swede is also looking to become an Arsenal legend.
Unfortunately for the club’s big summer signing, he had just 14 touches on his Emirates debut before being replaced in the 62nd minute, so this will not be a night he looks back with fondness.
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Viktor Gyokeres was upstaged on his Emirates debut as Arsenal crashed to defeatCredit: AFP
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Forgotten £72m flop Nicolas Pepe opened the scoring against his old clubCredit: Getty
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But things only got worse as Arnaut Danjuma went on to score the La Liga sides thirdCredit: Reuters
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Martin Odegaard bagged a late consolation from the penalty spot but it wasn’t enough to win the game in normal timeCredit: AFP
Play Dream Team now!
Play The Sun Dream Team ahead of the 2025/26 season
Not that it really matters, obviously.
If Viktor Gyokeres fires the goals to end Arsenal’s role as permanent Premier League bridesmaids to clinch the title, and there is no reason why he cannot, the Swede will be forgiven if he takes time to adjust in north London.
On the night all eyes were on the new arrival from Sporting Lisbon, absolutely no-one had taken any notice of Villarreal’s Nicolas Pepe.
Villarreal’s Ivory Coast international scored the first goal and Karl Etta Eyong made it 2-0 before new arrival Christian Norgaard scored with a header.
Yet while we have spent the last few weeks talking about the need of a top striker, Mikel Arteta’s team will have to defend better than this, and sub Arnaut Danjuma made it 3-1 before Martin Odegaard pulled one back from the penalty spot.
Villarreal then won a penalty shoot-out 4-3 with another new arrival, Noni Madueke, missing the decisive spot-kick.
Gyokeres, who cost £8.5million less than Pepe, made his club debut as a 77th minute substitute against Spurs in Hong Kong but was given a heroes’ welcome at a packed Emirates.
If Arsenal are to get the best out of their new all-singing, all-dancing goal machine, they will have to give him more ammunition.
Equally, Gyokeres did not have a proper pre-season as he barely trained in Lisbon.
Arsenal’s 2025-26 third kit ‘leaked’ and fans absolutely love it
He will soon be in better shape and has another run-out on Saturday against Athletic Bilbao.
Gyokeres tried to score his first goal in spectacular style but failed to connect with an attempted bicycle kick from Bukayo Saka’s cross and he had few other chances.
In terms of the way he moves and the fact has blonde hair, it was a bit like having Nicklas Bendtner back at the Emirates although it is safe to say Gyokeres will do a bit better than the cocky Dane.
Arteta also gave second half Emirates debuts to Christhian Mosquera, Martin Zubimendi, keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga and Madueke.
Yet the comedy moment of the night was Pepe opening the scoring from close range and then refusing to celebrate.
Pepe arrived from Lille for that massive amount in 2019 and scored just 27 goals in 112 appearances before joining Trabzonspor on a free transfer in 2023.
Many Arsenal fans probably did not realise that Pepe was even playing in this fixture although there was a mixture of jeers and applause when his name was read out after scoring.
Etta Eyong scored at the far post for 2-0 before former Brentford captain Norgaard pulled one back with a far post header before the break.
The biggest roar of the night came just after the hour when 15-year-old Max Dowman was unleashed.
Villarreal caught Arsenal on the break with former Bournemouth forward Danjuma making it 3-1 before Dowman won a penalty and Odegaard, who replaced Gyokeres, got Arsenal’s second.
There was still a shoot-out although Madueke saw his shot saved with one fan shouting: “send him back to Chelsea.”
Meanwhile, Arsenal – yet again – have fitness concerns.
Both defender Riccardo Calafiori, who suffered an injury on the tour, along with Kai Havertz, were missing from the squad.
Mason Greenwood is on course to return to international football – but not with England.
The disgraced former Manchester United winger made his Three Lions debut in a Nations League clash with Iceland back in 2020.
Benjamin Sesko latest as United step up interest
Manchester United are growing confident that Benjamin Sesko wants a switch to Old Trafford, according to the Manchester Evening News.
The Reds have tabled a €75m (£65.3m) bid — with a further €10m (£8.7m) in add-ons — to land the RB Leipzig hotshot.
Newcastle have offered more cash, but the 22-year-old’s preference could prove decisive.
Harry is a man in demand
Manchester United have rejected a stunning FIVE approaches for Harry Maguire this summer.
The future of Maguire, 32, had been uncertain this summer as United eyed a clearout following their worst-ever Premier League season that saw them finish a lowly 15th place.
Sesko gave United what they needed before bid was placed
Manchester United are looking to close the deal for Benjamin Sesko.
But according to reports, the move was only possible after the club confirmed that the RB Leipzig striker wanted them just as much as they wanted him.
Ruben Amorim’s side are determined to bring in players who genuinely want to play for them — which is why they waited to hear directly from Sesko before making their move.
Forgotten Manchester United star linekd to Al Nassr
Al Nassr have made contact with Marseille over a potential move for Mason Greenwood, according to talkSPORT.
The 23-year-old only joined the French side from Manchester United last summer in a £26.6million deal — but is already attracting big-money interest.
Marseille are reluctant to sell, despite re-signing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on a free.
But it’s believed an offer of more than £85m could tempt the Ligue 1 club to the table.
The Saudi giants are watching closely.
United dealt Hjulmand setback
According to Italian paper Corriere dello Sport, Juventus have struck a preliminary deal with Morten Hjulmand ahead of a summer move from Sporting.
But the Old Lady are still haggling over the fee after their opening bid was knocked back.
Juve have reportedly offered a player-plus-cash deal — with Douglas Luiz included — to try and sweeten the pot.
David De Gea made over 400 appearances during his time at Manchester United.
This puts him above some of the club’s biggest legends in the Premier League era.
Here are Man United’s ten most capped players since the start of the Prem…
1. Ryan Giggs – 632 2. Paul Scholes – 499 3. David de Gea – 415 4. Gary Neville – 400 5. Wayne Rooney – 393 6. Roy Keane – 326 7. Michael Carrick – 316 8. Rio Ferdinand – 312 9. Denis Irwin – 296 10. Marcus Rashford – 287
De Gea set for return
Former Manchester United star David De Gea is set for an emotional return to Old Trafford.
The goalkeeper left the club in 2023 after 12 years at the club and is now at Fiorentina.
He will likely be in goal for the Italian side for the pre-season friendly match in Manchester on Saturday.
Rube Awakening
Ruben Amorim will use state-of-the-art technology to find out who isn’t pulling their weight at Manchester United.
Amorim has already banished Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho, Antony and Tyrell Malacia.
And he could be set to add a few more names to his “bomb squad” thanks to the implementation of the most elite fitness apparatus.
Amorim’s troops will this season wear STATSports’ Apex 2.0 GPS performance tracker vests during training and in matches to keep tabs on their respective outputs.
The trackers will provide “real-time kinematics” to the former Sporting Lisbon boss and his staff with a whopping FIVE MILLION data points over a 90-minute period.
The tracker is said to be 100 PER CENT accurate, meaning anyone deemed to be not pulling their weight will have no leg to stand on.
Jackson could leave
Chelsea star and Manchester United target Nicolas Jackson could be on his way out of West London, according to reports.
The Athletic have claimed that the striker is “increasingly likely” to leave Stamford Bridge this summer.
He has seen his competition at the Blues grow with the arrivals of Joao Pedro and Liam Delap.
He has been linked with mulitple clubs including Man United, Newcastle and West Ham.
BREAKING: Maguire update
Harry Maguire looks set to stay at Manchester United this summer.
The defender has regularly been linked with an exit from the Red Devils over the last two summers.
The Daily Mail have now claimed that offers from multiple Premier League clubs for him.
It is also added that the likes of Monaco and Marseille are both monitoring the England international.
Maguire is in the final year of his contract at Old Trafford this season.
What is happening elsewhere?
Follow our transfer blog to see all the latest moved that are happening in the transfer window.
Manchester United have reportedly performed a U-turn on the prospect of selling Kobbie Mainoo to help balance the books.
That’s according to former club scout Mick Brown, who told Football Insider: “There are a number of players Man United want to get rid of.
“From what I understand, Kobbie Mainoo is not one of them after a change of mind.
“The likes of Garnacho, Sancho and the others who have been left out of training in pre-season, that’s who the club are looking to raise money from.
“In my opinion, they should never have been considering letting Kobbie Mainoo go, it was a crazy idea.
“After he didn’t sign that new contract, it looked like he had decided he wanted to leave.
“That interest didn’t really come as heavily as they maybe expected, but I won’t complain about that.
“From what I hear, he’s going to be happy to stay into the new season and hopes he’ll be a bigger part of the team as Amorim is going to use him more regularly.”
Eberechi is eager to up sticks from Selhurst Park and move to the Emirates, it’s been claimed.
Fabrizio Romano said on his YouTube channel: “I’m told that the negotiation club to club has not started yet. But sources at Crystal Palace expect Arsenal to arrive for Eze.
“Why? Because Arsenal have been in contact for months now with the agents of Eze, because Eze is very appreciated by Arsenal, because Arsenal still want to add the player if they will have the opportunity to.
“They spoke to the player several times and the player is also very keen on a move. So Palace expect Arsenal to arrive.”
Merino talks Spurs loss
Mikel Merino reckons Arsenal’s loss to Spurs can be used as a catalyst for a solid start to the new Premier League season.
The Spain international said: “Obviously, winning is a priority for us, but in pre-season, there are other things that have a lot of value, like getting fit, keeping that connection with the fans here in this amazing city.
“We adapted quickly to the pitch, to the opponent, I think we dominated most of the game.
“The result is obviously the worst part, but we have to take the positives.
“Obviously, this feeling is going to be the gasoline for the season to keep growing, keep learning and hopefully go upwards.”
Arteta praises Dowman
Mikel Arteta has heaped praise on Max Dowman for his displays during pre-season.
He said: “I’m not surprised, he’s been really impressive with what he’s done again at his age, the way he has entered the matches and with that determination, that quality, that decisiveness I would say.
“The same with the other kids that played, so it was another exposure to them, which is not easy, especially at that age.
“They certainly have done so, so well and made a lot of people proud.”
MANCHESTER UNITED are in for an absolutely massive summer of transfer business at Old Trafford!
And the Premier League giants have launched an all-out bid to land RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, and it will take €75m guaranteed + add-ons & percentage of future sale, according to David Ornstein.
Elsewhere, the Red Devils and Newcastle are set to be locked in ANOTHER transfer battle to land Stuttgart forward Nick Woltemade, SunSport can exclusively reveal.
Manchester United signing Matheus Cunha revealed he has one of Marcus Rashford’s shirts at home.
Cunha made that statement just days after taking Rashford’s No10 shirt at Man Utd.
I always think about this shirt – the one I think about is Wayne Rooney, I grew up watching him play.
Many players, [Ruud] Van Nistelrooy, [Zlatan] Ibrahimovic.
I swapped shirts with Marcus Rashford also, I have his shirt in my home
Marcus Rashford
Bryan Mbeumo ‘frustrated’
Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo’s transfer saga continues to drag on.
According to the Evening Standard, Mbeumo is reportedly “frustrated” that he is yet to join United.
Man Utd have seen two bids rejected by the Bees for the forward, with the Red Devils yet to make a third offer.
It’s now been five weeks since the Cameroon international told his club he wants to move to Manchester.
Man Utd eye DCL – EXCLUSIVE
Manchester United are making a shock move to sign free agent Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who is available after leaving Everton at the end of his contract last month.
United boss Ruben Amorim wants to snap up Calvert-Lewin as the club juggle their finances and try to build a new forward line.
Insiders have revealed the club reached out to the striker about the possibility of a surprise move from Merseyside to Manchester.
Man Utd have already landed Matheus Cunha for £62.5million from Wolves and also bid the same figure for Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo.
But Amorim is also looking to offload attackers, Rasmus Hojlund, Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho and Antony all in the firing line.
If the Red Devils balance the books successfully then it could create a gap in the Portuguese tactician’s squad for a new man who can lead the line but would also be happy to be a back-up forward.
United set for Elanga windfall
Man United will bank a tidy figure from Anthony Elanga’s Newcastle move.
The Nottingham Forest winger looks set to join Toon in a deal worth £60million.
United are entitled to around 15 per cent after selling Elanga to Forest for £15m in 2023.
And it means they are set to pocket around £7m from his north-east switch.
Hojlund keen on staying
Rasmus Hojlund does not want to leave Man United this summer.
But the striker doesn’t appear to have many suitors anyway.
Inter Milan were linked before their purchase of Ange-Yoan Bonny.
And Hojlund now looks set to remain unless there are offers later in the window.
Jadon’s Italian job
Juventus are hoping to sign Jadon Sancho.
But Man United want £15million for the winger.
He is back at Old Trafford after failing to secure a permanent Chelsea move.
Juventus are now lining up an offer but Sancho’s £250,000-a-week wages remain a stumbling block.
ARSENAL are close to securing the long-awaited signing of Viktor Gyokeres.
The Gunners have been desperate for a centre-forward and now appear set to get their man.
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Arsenal are close to securing the signing of Viktor GyokeresCredit: Getty
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Andrea Berta reportedly flew to Portugal for face-to-face talks with SportingCredit: Getty
Gunners’ sporting director Andrea Berta flew to Portugal for talks at the end of last week to push the deal through, according to CNN Portugal.
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Manchester United have entered the race to sign Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Ekitike
Manchester United have entered the race.
There was a phonecall 48 hours ago where United were informed of all the payment details and the structure of a deal.
But the clear message was United will have to pay €100m in total.
Chelsea and Liverpool are also in the race.
Florian Plettenberg
Onana on his future
Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana hinted he may leave this summer.
Onana endured a rocky season at Old Trafford with a few erroneous displays between the sticks.
That has placed the keeper’s future at risk with rumours suggesting he could be on his way out.
The Cameroon international is now enjoying some time off and flew to Burkina Faso.
The 29-year-old went to support ex-Ajax team-mate Bertrand Traore and his great initiative as he opened the Bertrand Traore Foundation, which is committed to making a lasting difference to disadvantaged children in Burkina Faso.
The Cameroonian was then met by local media who asked him about his future at Man Utd and he suggested anything can happen with a cryptic response.
Onana said: “Will I leave? I don’t know, we’ll see!”
Bryan Mbeumo alternatives
Manchester United have identified two alternatives in case they miss out on Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo.
United are prioritising Mbeumo, 25, after signing Matheus Cunha for a staggering £62.5million from Wolves.
However, SunSport understand Tottenham have swooped in for the versatile forward after landing his manager from Brentford Thomas Frank and are planning a £70m raid.
And the Manchester giants are refusing to overpay for the Cameroon international, with the the Bees said to have slapped a fee in the region of £60m.
According to ESPN, that is why Man Utd are considering Bournemouth ace Antoine Semenyo and Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze as plan Bs.
Gyokeres agent speaks
Sporting Lisbon star Viktor Gyokeres’ agent has come in claiming he has proof of an alleged agreement that can allow his client to leave for less than his astronomical release clause.
Gyokeres’ agent Hasan Cetinkaya has become the latest to speak out about the situation.
That is after both the striker and Sporting president Frederico Varandas addressed the ongoing saga.
According to Aftonbladet, Cetinkaya stated he has written proof of the alleged gentleman’s agreement with Sporting that proves his client can in fact leave for a cut price this summer after turning down offers last year.
Mbeumo ‘prefers United’
Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo prefers a move to Manchester United instead of Tottenham.
That is according to Sky Sports, who report Mbeumo is “leaning towards” a switch to Old Trafford.
Spurs are discussing a move for the versatile forward internally after appointing Thomas Frank.
But even though the Cameroon international’s former Brentford boss has moved across London, he “still prefers” United.
However, Frank’s arrival at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has still made the 25-year-old more interested in going there than before.
Gyokeres ‘rejects’ Man Utd
Sporting Lisbon star Viktor Gyokeres has rejected a move to Manchester United, according to reports.
Gyokeres is now anticipated to make a transfer this summer with Arsenal one of a number of clubs tracking him
United had been tipped to make a move for the striker with manager Ruben Amorim reportedly keen to re-united with him.
But according to Record, the 27-year-old has decided not to move to Old Trafford, with the Gunners now his most likely destination.
The North Londoners are rumoured to have had a £55million bid rejected by Sporting.
That is understood to have been met with anger from the Sweden international, who reportedly had a gentleman’s agreement with the club to let him go for that fee.
Arsenal are believed to be preparing a second offer for Gyokeres but it is now up to his agent and Sporting to agree the terms of his release.
And if negotiations do not prove productive, Sporting will demand his £85million buyout clause is met.
I think for Man United it’s best to ship [him] out. If I was the manager I’d be a little bit similar to [Ruben] Amorim in the case of I just want team players.
I want a bunch of lads who are good, honest, hard working team players. And I don’t get that vibe from Garnacho, I don’t get that vibe from a few of the players.
You look at the full-time whistle after the Europa League game. You have Brennan Johnson doing an interview.
He looks like he hasn’t had a haircut for about three months, [hair] horrible all over the place, but his interview was incredible.
You could tell he’s a real nice lad, he’s hard working, he does everything for the team. Then you look at Garnacho. Fresh trim a day ago, dyed blonde ready for the final.
The full-time whistle goes, he’s sat on the pitch sulking by himself, not trying to get behind the other lads, picking them up, saying, ‘Well done we got this far’.
“And I think that there is the big contrast. I just want good lads, honest, hard working lads.
