Villa eyeing surprise Watkins replacement?
Ollie Watkins could be nearing a move to Saudi Arabia as Al-Hilal hope to bring in the Aston Villa forward.
He did not feature for Villa during their woeful 4-0 defeat to Brighton on Sunday and Unai Emery may be considering keeping the striker after such a performance.
But, should he leave then Villa will need a replacement.
One of the names on the rumour list is Joshua Zirkzee who faces an uncertain future at Manchester United.
Zirkzee is well down the pecking order at Old Trafford and there is a willingness to let him leave – for the right price.
United would probably prefer a permanent deal with Juventus and Napoli alreaduy registering their interest in Zirkzee.
The likelihood though is that he goes out on loan with an option or obligation to buy. Would that tempt Villa to move for him?
(Getty)
Mike Jones24 August 2026 10:36
Liverpool discover Yankuba Minteh price after Brighton reject two bids for winger
The Reds have seen two bids, with the highest £60m, rejected for the Brighton winger as Andoni Iraola assembles his squad for a debut campaign after an opening weekend draw at Newcastle.
Richard Jolly24 August 2026 10:22
Dominik Szoboszlai insists Liverpool ‘should have won’ after salvaging a draw against Newcastle
The Reds began a new era in the Premier League under manager Andoni Iraola, though they found themselves a goal behind within five minutes after Anthony Elanga raced clear and slid past Alisson.
Chris Wilson24 August 2026 10:17
Yildiz to Arsenal rumours shut down
A possible alternative to Julian Alvarez was identified by Arsenal in Juventus’ Kenan Yildiz.
But he will not making the move to the Emirates and his manager, Luciano Spalletti, has shut down any speculation.
Of the 21-year-old’s potential transfer her said: “I am perfectly relaxed, because dealing with Yildiz is easy for me.
“They can offer whatever they like, I want Yildiz here and will always put him on the field. He’s a perfect lad to talk to, he’s mature, and knows he doesn’t need to rush anything. His future is already important staying at Juventus, not because there are other clubs who want to spend €100m for him.
“We are all convinced that we can show the total potential of Kenan, and he is a potential phenomenon of football. The fans are convinced too.”
Kenan Yildiz of Juventus controls the ball (Getty)
Mike Jones24 August 2026 09:58
Jaissle has two-word response to Lewis Hall transfer rumours
Matthias Jaissle responded to rumours that Newcastle left-back Lewis Hall could leave the club this summer and possibly go to suitors Manchester United.
Speaking of the rumours the new manager said: “No chance, no chance.”
Michael Carrick’s Red Devils want to strengthen their left side and have their sights on Hall who played an outstanding game against Liverpool on Sunday despite a last minute error that led to a match-saving penalty for the Reds.
Jaissle was adamant that Hall is not for sale and with so many Newcastle outgoings already this summer the club is in a position to hold firm with their stance.
Mike Jones24 August 2026 09:38
Gabriel Martinelli in talks over Saudi exit
Arsenal are in talks with Al Hilal over a deal for winger Gabriel Martinelli, The Athletic’s David Ornstein reports.
The Brazilian was not included in Arsenal’s squad for their opening Premier League win against Coventry on Friday and previously turned down a move to Galatasaray.
BBC Sport adds he is free to leave the club this summer, with manager Mikel Arteta making it clear to the attacker that he is not in his plans.
Will Castle24 August 2026 09:19
What’s going on with Bradley Barcola?
Will Liverpool sign PSG winger Bradley Barcola? That’s been one of the lingering questions throughout the transfer window and there still isn’t a definitive answer.
Signs point to it being a possibility as Barcola was left out of PSG’s two most recent matchday squads but a report from RMC Sport says that PSG boss Luis Enrique is not including him, nor Ibrahim Mbaye, until their transfer situations are resolved.
Both players have been linked with Liverpool.
However, in Barcola’s case the French champions aim to receive £140m plus for the winger while Liverpool want a much lower fee.
French media have said that an offer between £111m and £128m could be negotiated. In either case Liverpool will be paying a premium for the forward so they move ahead with their pursuit.
(PA)
Mike Jones24 August 2026 09:00
Arsenal will need to offer close to €150m for Julian Alvarez if Atletico Madrid are to consider selling their forward, that’s according to The Athletic.
The Spanish club will not sell him to Barcelona, which is good news for Arsenal, but the Premier League champions will not move until they have spoken to Alvarez’s camp.
They want to be sure he is willing and happy to move back to the Premier League before committing to the transfer and negotiating with Atletico.
Mike Jones24 August 2026 08:45
Manchester United close to Carlos Baleba announcement
After a dire opening game against Hull City, which they lost 2-0, Manchester United are in need of a pick me up.
They may get one in the coming days with the announcement of Carlos Baleba as a new midfielder.
The Red Devils agreed a £70m deal (£65m + £5m add ons) with Brighton to sign the midfielder who underwent a medical with United at the weekend.
There have been no updates since so we can assume Baleba passed the tests and is closing in on a switch to Old Trafford.
Baleba has long been of interest to United and he will join Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans as part of Michael Carrick’s midfield rebuild.
Carlos Baleba could finally be on the move to Old Trafford (Cody Froggatt/PA) (PA Archive)
Mike Jones24 August 2026 08:40
Julian Alvarez open to Arsenal switch
Julian Alvarez has been rumoured to favour leaving Atletico Madrid this summer and was jeered on his return to the pitch against Villarreal yesterday.
Barcelona and Arsenal are the main parties interested in his signature but it seems as though Atletico will not sell him to a LaLiga rival.
That opens the door for a move to the Gunners which Alvarez now seems open to.
Fabrizio Romano says talks between Arsenal and Atletico took place on Friday to try and get a deal done. They understand Alvarez’s preference to move to Barca but want to remain up to date over the next week in case an agreement can be made.
It doesn’t as though a move is near but this could progress quickly as deadline day approaches.
Mike Jones24 August 2026 08:20