Chelsea striker heading to Atletico Madrid?
Atletico Madrid are looking at Nicolas Jackson, The Independent understands.
After suggestions that Jackson could join Aston Villa, as a potential replacement for Ollie Watkins, who has been linked with a switch to Saudi Arabia.
But Jackson, who has fallen out of favour at Stamford Bridge and failed to do enough to convince Bayern Munich to convert a loan into a permanent deal, may now head back to La Liga, having starred for Villarreal before signing for Chelsea in 2023 for £32m.
Nicolas Jackson in action for Chelsea in pre-season (Getty)
Miguel Delaney20 August 2026 11:20
Newcastle and Hull battle for US starlet
Newcastle and Hull face stiff competition from RB Leipzig for New York Red Bulls forward Julian Hall, reports Ben Jacobs.
The 18-year-old is in demand, too, with Atletico Madrid making an approach.
Hall has nine goals and four assists in 19 starts and became the second-youngest player in MLS history at 15 years and 190 days of age.
Red Bull New York forward Julian in action against Orlando City (Reuters)
Jack Rathborn20 August 2026 11:10
Axel Disasi heading for Palace
Axel Disasi is heading to Crystal Palace, the Independent understands, after a paid loan was agreed with Chelsea.
The French centre-back, who thrived on loan at West Ham last season, will now head to Palace to replace Maxence Lacroix, who bolstered Xabi Alonso’s Blues this summer in a £52m deal.
Disasi joined Chelsea from Monaco in 2023 for £38.5m and has also spent time on loan at Aston Villa since falling out of favour at Stamford Bridge.
Axel Disasi looks on during his time with West Ham last season (Getty)
Miguel Delaney20 August 2026 10:56
What are Premier League’s new SCR rules and how will they affect clubs?
Premier League clubs will be bound by new financial rules this season. But what is SCR? And what has happened to PSR? Get your head around the initialisation with Jamie Braidwood’s handy explainer.
Harry Latham-Coyle20 August 2026 10:50
The Premier League is back – and so is Copa Independent! Our flagship football podcast has a new look for the new season as Lawrence Ostlere, Miguel Delaney and Richard Jolly gather to preview the campaign ahead. Can anyone stop Arsenal? Who will go down? And what trends should you be looking out for? Available wherever you get your podcasts, or here.
Harry Latham-Coyle20 August 2026 10:30
Hull accelerate talks for Real Betis winger
Hull City are hoping to boost their survival hopes a deal progressing nicely for Real Betis winger Pablo Garcia.
The 20-year-old is a target for the Tigers, reports Sport in Spain.
The Under-21 international broke through last season for the Seville-based club and has three goals in five caps for that age bracket.
(Getty)
Jack Rathborn20 August 2026 10:15
Liam Delap training separately to Chelsea squad
Could Liam Delap leave Chelsea? There is a bit of a striking logjam at the club for Xabi Alonso to sort out, and it appears last year’s signing is among a group of players training away from the first-team squad. He has also lost the No 9 shirt – ominous….
Liam Delap is training away from the Chelsea squad (Getty)
Harry Latham-Coyle20 August 2026 10:00
Everton are tracking Como winger Assane Diao, reports Teamtalk.
The Senegal star might cost in the region of £50-60m.
The 20-year-old arrived in Italy from Real Betis last year and scored twice in 17 Serie A appearances under Cesc Fabregas.
Diao featured in the 5-0 win over Iraq for Senegal at the World Cup this summer.
(Getty)
Jack Rathborn20 August 2026 09:45
Why Carlos Baleba could be the missing piece in Manchester United’s new midfield
As reported earlier, Manchester United are closing in on a deal to sign Carlos Baleba from Brighton. Lawrence Ostlere explains how the midfielder will fit in with Michael Carrick’s side – and why he could be just what they need…
Harry Latham-Coyle20 August 2026 09:30
Barcelona put move for Julian Alvarez on hold?
It had been presumed that Julian Alvarez was bound for Barcelona after Atletico Madrid exiled the striker from their squad – but reports in Spain suggest the Catalan club are pursuing other targets. ESPN suggests that frustration has grown over Atletico’s unwillingness to sell, which could force the champions to look elsewhere.
Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez (PA Wire)
Harry Latham-Coyle20 August 2026 09:15