Transfer news LIVE: Postecoglou agrees terms, Mac Allister clause emerges, Man Utd step up Hojlund chase
The FA Cup final signalled the end of the English domestic season on Saturday, but for all clubs the transfer activity continues with the summer window opening on June 14
The 2022/23 domestic season is over in England, but the countdown to the summer transfer window continues.
In just 10 days time, clubs will be free to complete big money deals, with a number of stars already having moves lined up. Manchester United are seemingly closing in on Chelsea's Mason Mount, having made a formal approach on Saturday and reportedly even agreed personal terms. But the rebuild won't end there for Erik ten Hag, who continues to pursue England captain Harry Kane.
As for Man City themselves, the future of their Wembley match winner, Ilkay Gundogan, remains unclear. Tellingly, he declined to commit his future to the club after the game, with his contract expiring at the end of this month.
And after it was confirmed Lionel Messi was leaving PSG this week, another playmaker is on the move. Real Madrid confirmed yesterday that £100 million man Eden Hazard would be released this summer, could he be heading back to the Premier League?
Real are now eyeing a Chelsea star star to replace him, having signalled their interest in Kai Havertz. Mauricio Pochetinno's clear-out at Stamford Bridge is seemingly gathering pace.
Make sure you stay tuned throughout the day so that you don't miss a single development or rumour...
PSG are believed to be close to securing the signature of Real Madrid winger Marco Asensio, with the Spaniard set to leave the La Liga giants.
The winger is now reported to have passed a medical and could become a direct replacement for Lionel Messi, with the French champions appearing to be making early moves in the summer transfer market.
Marco Asensio has passed his PSG medical. He will sign his contract tonight.(Source: @FabriceHawkins) pic.twitter.com/3c7iFJGeYL
Manchester United are stepping up their interest in Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund.
United boss Erik ten Hag has made Tottenham striker Harry Kane his No 1 target - but Spurs are determined not to sell to a Premier League rival.
That has left United looking at other options and Denmark centre forward Hojlund is quickly emerging as a leading candidate and is available for around £40m.
Read the full story here.
Allan St Maximin has hinted at a 'turning point' in his career, with a summer transfer on the cards with the winger having fallen out of Eddie Howe's starting XI this season.
Having made just 12 Premier League starts, the star has posted to Instagram a video, with a caption explaining a turblent campaign for the Frenchman.
A post shared by Allan SAINT-MAXIMIN (@st_maximin)
Real Madrid could face an uphill struggle in their bid to sign Harry Kane this summer, with the Spanish giants' valuation of £68million, half of Daniel Levy's exprected asking price, as reported by AS.
Kane is believed to be the primary candidate to replace Karim Benzema this summer, with the La Liga club hoping to sign a world class striker.
However, the difference in valuation for a player whose contract expires next summer could lead to a transfer stalemate.
Bristol City have announced the signing of QPR defender Rob Dickie, with the 27-year-old making the move to Ashton Gate following three years in West London.
He will join on a contract until June 2026, with the option of a further 12 months and will officially change clubs when the transfer window opens on 14 June.
"As soon as Bristol City showed interest, I was keen on the move. Having spoken to various people here, the club have shown real ambition for the season ahead." Dickie said after his signing was announced.
"I’ve had a brief look at the squad. There is a really good blend of youth as well as experienced players and with the Championship experience I’ve got, I feel as though I can really add to that and bolster the squad."
Alexis Mac Allister has chosen Liverpool as his next club…and wants a deal completed before the end of the week.
He is due to fly back to his home country Argentina at the weekend to report for international duty, and after agreeing personal terms on a five year contract in principle with the Anfield club, is expected to undergo a medical within the next 48 hours.
Reds boss Jurgen Klopp has targeted the World Cup winner for some time as a key element of his midfield rebuild, and is now increasingly confident of getting the deal over the line.
Mac Allister has a clause in his current contract which allows him to speak to identified clubs - which he inserted when agreeing a new deal with Brighton back before the World Cup.
It is not a straight release clause, with the provision stipulating not a fixed fee, but a figure dependent on several factors, including the current status of the interested party.
But it is understood that Liverpool have now settled on a figure which is acceptable to Brighton under the wording of the clause, and will pay a fee thought to be below £50m.
Mac Allister himself has had interest from many big clubs across Europe, given that the fee is less than expected because of the clause. He was out of contract this summer, but agreed an extension in October for two more seasons, with the condition of a release mechanism.
Franck Kessie could leave Barcelona after just one season this summer, with the midfielder potentially part of a summer fire-sale at the Nou Camp.
According to Sport, Liverpool are considering a move to sign Kessie for a fee in the region of £30m as they seek to overhaul their midfield.
Kessie made 43 appearances in his first season at Barca, winning La Liga, but could be sold as Barca seek to balance their books in order to pursue other summer targets.
RB Leipzig are set to lose Christopher Nkunku this summer, with Chelsea believed to be nearing confirmation of a transfer which has been expected for a number of months.
Writing on Instagram, he penned a message to the fans of his current club, saying: "So good to have shared these moments with you all."
Nkunku finished as the Bundesliga's top scorer, with 16 goals this season and could now have cleared the path for his announcement as a Chelsea player.
Sergio Ramos has told Harry Kane: Real Madrid is the one club you must never turn down.
Real Madrid are targeting £100m-rated Tottenham striker Kane this summer as they look to replace Karim Benzema at the Bernabeu.
England captain Kane has got major reservations about moving abroad but Ramos insists he would be a perfect fit for Real Madrid. Real Madrid legend Ramos said: "My advice to any player is don't turn down the opportunity to play for Real Madrid - it is a special club who know how to win.
"He (Harry Kane) has an incredible physical presence - you can't score as many goals as he does in The Premier League and not be able to play the physical side of the game.
"But also he can play the technical side of the game as well and I don't think he gets enough credit for that. Yes he is a great goal scorer but also he is a great football player as well."
Benzema is quitting Real Madrid after 14 years and is set to move to Saudi Arabia and ex-Spain hardman Ramos says it will take a special player to replace him.
Ramos, 37, who spent 16 years at the Bernabeu, added: "He (Benzema) has contributed to so much success with Real Madrid you will never be able to replace him - he is one of those players who is unique in the history of Madrid.
"What you do need to do though is bring in a quality forward who can come in and score goals. Not everybody can play for Real Madrid as there is so much pressure and expectation - so it needs to be the right player."
Leicester City are attempting to tie down skipper Jonny Evans despite releasing six stars on Monday.
The relegated Foxes officially let go out of contract stars Youri Tielemans, Daniel Amartey, Ayoze Perez, Caglar Soyuncu, Papy Mendy, Ryan Bertrand and loanee Tete.
The 2015/16 champions are preparing for a major rebuild after dropping into the second tier on the final day of the Premier League. They need to cut costs with a wage bill at £182million after losing £92.5m in the last financial year. But the Midlands outfit still hope to keep out of contract skipper Jonny Evans, 35, who joined in 2018.
City have also exercised an option to extend the contract of Hamza Choudhury for a year until 2024. The club are yet to decide whether to keep interim boss Dean Smith after relegation or go for a new man with contenders including Steven Gerrard and Graham Potter.
Man Utd are thought to be monitoring Chicago Fire attacking midfielder Brian Gutierrez, with the talented 19-year-old playmaker having impressed in the MLS.
According to the Daily Mail, Gutierrez is also subject to interest from Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig. In addition, La Liga side Girona, part of Man City's network of partner clubs, are thought to hold an interest.
In 74 senior appearances to date, he has contributed 11 assists and two goals and much is expected from him.
Ange Postecoglou has agreed to become Tottenham's new boss - and will immediately oversee a major shake-up.
Tottenham will back the incoming manager with funds to spend and they are ready to rival Newcastle in the battle to sign Leicester's £40m-rated James Maddison.
They want a new keeper to replace Hugo Lloris with Brentford's David Raya on their hit list while Wolves defender Max Kilman has also been a target.
But they are also ready to sell captain Lloris who is ready to leave, Davinson Sanchez has also fallen out of favour while they postponed contract talks with Eric Dier until the end of the season.
Read more here.
West ham United could target Man United youngster Amad Diallo this summer, with 20-year-old attracting interest following an impressive loan spell in the Championship with Sunderland.
According to The Northern Echo. Diallo has been suject to interest from the Hammers, with a windfall expected from the sale of caprain Declan Rice.
Erik ten Hag had suggested that his future would be discussed, with a chance to come in to challenge for first-team opportunities next season, but he could also now be sold to fund further transfer activity.
Marcus Rashford is expected to sign a new long-term contract with Man United, with the forward remaining at Old Trafford in the face of transfer interest from PSG.
The Sun report that Rashford will remain at United for the long-term, with a new contract in discussion following his best ever goalscoring season.
Rashford scored 30 goals in all competitions as United finshed in third place in the Premier League, also winning the Carabao Cup during a successful campaign for the 25-year-old.
Former England captain Steph Houghton has signed a contrat extension to remain at Man City for another year.
The former England captain has returned to her regular starting spot this season after an injury-hit campaign in 2021/22 saw her miss out on Euro 2022. However, she has also not been selected as part of Sarina Wiegman's World Cup 2023 squad but will get the chance to continue her career at City.
"I'm over the moon to have another year to look forward to at this amazing club," Houghton said. "Manchester City has been my home for almost ten years, and I love everything about it – it's my club, and to sign for another year, I'm absolutely buzzing."
Aston Villa are interested in Youri Tielemans as they step up plans for a major recruitment drive after qualifying for Europe.
Unai Emery's side clinched a Europa Conference League play-off round spot on the final day when they finished seventh in the Premier League.
Now boss Emery wants to have two top quality players for every position in his squad. Belgian international midfielder Tielemans, 26, is available on a free after running his contract down at relegated Leicester.
Emery is now considering the ace as Villa prepare for their first appearance in European competition since 2010.
Emery also admires Villarreal's Pau Torres, 26, at his old club, where the stopper is entering the final year of his deal at the La Liga side.
Chelsea have confirmed their first summer transfer, with teenage Ecuadorian midfielder Kendry Paez set to join the club from Independiente Valle.
The 16-year-old will join the club after his 18th birthday and the Blues will hope that he can repeat the successes of compatriot Moises Caicedo in the Premier League.
Chelsea Football Club has agreed a deal to sign teenage midfielder Kendry Paez from Independiente del Valle!
Rangers are edging closer to signing Jack Butland from Crystal Palace, according to reports.
The goalkeeper spent the second-half of the 2022/23 season on loan at Manchester United but is now set to join the Scottish side.
Hull City will look to bring back former loan striker Aaron Connolly this summer, according to reports, following a frustrating spell at the MKM Stadium.
Connolly arrived from Brighton in January and started well, scoring a brace in the 3-0 win over QPR before suffering an innocuous foot injury in the draw at Stoke in February.
Manchester United are stepping up their interest in Atalanta striker Rasmus Højlund.
United boss Erik ten Hag has made Tottenham striker Harry Kane his No1 target - but Spurs are determined not to sell to a Premier League rival.
That has left United looking at other options and Denmark centre forward Højlund is quickly emerging as a leading candidate and is available for around £40m.
Højlund, 20, has earned comparisons to Erling Haaland because of his powerful 6ft 1in frame and he has also scored 15 goals in his first season in Italy with Atalanta.
Leandro Parades will be sold by PSG this summer.
According to reports, the Argentine will depart the French club this summer after spending the season loan at Juventus.
Nottingham Forest are preparing to take a financial hit on outcast Jonjo Shelvey after his bust-up with boss Steve Cooper.
Shelvey penned £65,000-a-week terms on a two-and-a-half-year deal when he joined Forest from Newcastle in January.
But the midfielder, 31, only made eight appearances and didn't feature again after clashing with Cooper.
The pair rowed in the build-up to Forest's 3-2 loss at Liverpool in April and Shelvey was not included in a match squad after for any of the Reds' final seven fixtures.
The duo did embrace on the City Ground pitch after survival was secured against Arsenal.
Jorge Messi has revealed that Lionel Messi wants to return to Barcelona this summer - after leaving PSG.
Jorge told Siempre Positivo: "Leo wants to return to Barcelona and I’d love to see him back to Barça. Barça move is an option for sure."
The latest episode of the Football Digest is here as Ned Keating and Sam Meade discuss the most recent football news - and transfer-related rumours from across the globe.
Listen here.
Manchester United appear to be closing in on the signing of Napoli star Kim Min-jae with a replacement already identified.
The Red Devils have been chasing the South Korean defender for the last few months as they attempt to bolster their defence. It has been reported that United officials have held numerous rounds of talks with the reigning Serie A champions regarding a deal and it appears that a breakthrough is close.
Napoli insiders are apparently confident a move will go through this summer and have already put plans in place to deal with his exit. According to CalcioMercato, United will activate the €60million written into his contract.
Read more here.
Atletico Madrid are plotting a move for out-of-contract Crystal Palace ace Wilfried Zaha this summer.
According to the Mail, Diego Simeone is keen to sign the Ivory Coast international on a free transfer.
Liverpool are moving closer to a full agreement to sign Alexis Mac Allister - and are hopeful of completing the deal this week.
The Reds have agreed in principle the outlines of a fee with Brighton, which would cover the clause allowing him to leave in his contract and has been reported to be below £60m.
And with personal details set to be finalised this week, boss Jurgen Klopp is increasingly confident of bringing in his first major signing of the summer before the end of the week.
The deal for the World Cup star would be seen as something of a coup for Liverpool, with interest from clubs across Europe in the 24 year old midfielder, who put himself on the world football map with some outstanding performances at the Qatar World Cup.
Karim Benzema is closing in on a move to Al Ittihad, according to reports.
Benzema's departure from Real Madrid was announced on Sunday and he is set to sign a two-year deal in the Middle-East.
Manchester City are considering a move for Borussia Dormtund defender Raphael Guerreiro on a free transfer this summer.
According to The Sun, City want to sign Guerreiro which will pave the way for Sergio Gomez to join Burnley on loan.
Youri Tielemans has been linked with a move to Aston Villa this summer as Unai Emery bolsters his squad.
The Belgian is out of contract at Leicester and Villa are now the favourites to secure his signature.
Get the FREE Mirror Football newsletter with the day's key headlines and transfer news straight into your inbox