Transfer news live: Newcastle bid for Isak replacement after rejecting Liverpool bid, Son makes Tottenham decision

Liverpool retain an interest in Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi, though they do not agree with Palace’s valuation for the defender.

The England international is out of contract next summer but Palace currently value him at £40m.

Having ended their trophy drought with Carabao Cup success last season, Newcastle United now have work to do in the transfer market.

Boss Eddie Howe has made it known that he is looking to work fast this summer, seemingly not wanting to repeat the sort of saga that saw Marc Guehi remain at Crystal Palace despite strong interest last summer.

The Saudi-backed club were without any major recruits over the past two seasons due to PSR rules, but started the summer with a big move for Anthony Elanga – with the Nottingham Forest winger joining in a deal worth £55m.

But they have already been foiled in their approach for Hugo Ekitike, who opted for Liverpool over the Magpies, and saw James Trafford sign for Manchester City instead of moving Tyneside.

The headline rather downplayed the significance of the news. “Lucas Paqueta update” was found on the FA website, a story ranked below “New clubs ready for FA Cup debuts”. Update? It could have been the end, given the existential threat to the Brazilian’s career. Indeed, until news broke last Friday that he was likely to be cleared, the expectation was that a lengthy – perhaps even lifetime – ban beckoned.

The FA’s language was rather dry; it was also different to Paqueta’s. The governing body described the allegations – that the West Ham midfielder had got booked deliberately in four different games, in instances of spot-fixing to influence the betting markets – as “not proven” rather than declaring him not guilty. They also said the regulatory commission had proved two breaches of Rule F3, relating to a failure to answer questions and provide information. A punishment will be determined in the future.

The Premier League will not bow to pressure to reduce in size from 20 to 18 clubs, says chief executive Richard Masters.

The Blues played almost a year of continuous football before the end of their 2024/25 season gave them a long-awaited reprieve, but will have to do it all over again with 11 months of competitive action culminating back in the United States for the World Cup – the final of which takes place on 19 July in New Jersey.

Along with their new kit reveal, Liverpool have unveiled the shirt numbers for each of their new signings, with Florian Wirtz given the number seven.

New keeper Giorgi Mamardashvili is given the number 25, with striker Hugo Ekitike taking 22.

Full-backs Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong take 6 and 30 respectively.

Club executives and senior football figures believe that the Manchester City financial casecould go until at least October before the initial outcome, as the controversy threatens to complicate another Premier League season. Some club leaders have even speculated that it might arrive in the campaign’s second international break, from 4-18 October, given previous patterns regarding similar cases.

An outcome was expected last season, given that the hearing concluded in early December. It has nevertheless rumbled on into the summer, and means another season faces potential upheaval and drastic change through possible points deductions. Manchester City stridently insist upon their innocence.

Luis Diaz gave up a shirt worn by some of Liverpool’s previous greats two years ago. He swapped from the No 23, donned by a young Robbie Fowler and then Jamie Carragher, for the more iconic No 7. He offered to personally reimburse fans who had bought the old shirt.

The probability now is that he won’t be making a similar offer. Diaz is giving up the number made prestigious by Kevin Keegan, Kenny Dalglish and Luis Suarez, trading the red shirt of Liverpool for the red of Bayern Munich. He had first asked to leave in 2024. He is getting his wish a year later.

Manchester United have made Benjamin Sesko their top striking target and have made contact with RB Leipzig about him.

United had narrowed down their search for a No 9 to the Slovenian and Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins before deciding to prioritise a move for the 22-year-old.

Alejandro Garnacho wants to join Chelsea this summer, with the Blues still keen on the winger after carrying out background checks.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea was Garnacho’s priority in January and he still wants the move this summer.

However, there could be a difference in each club’s valuation of the player, with Chelsea looking to pay around £30m and Utd valuing him closer to £40m.