Transfer news, rumors, latest updates 2024: Man Utd complete Zirkzee deal as Onana nears £50m Aston Villa move

Brad Cox

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Transfer news, rumors, latest updates 2024: Man Utd complete Zirkzee deal as Onana nears £50m Aston Villa move image

The 2024 summer transfer window is open, as clubs look to improve their squads ahead of the new season.

The Premier League's opening weekend in 2024/25 begins on August 16, leaving teams with just under two months to prepare. Europe's major leagues all start at a similar time this year.

We've already seen one mega move, as Kylian Mbappe's Real Madrid deal was made official on June 3, but that won't be the last big-money signing of the window.

The Sporting News will be on hand to track the latest news, the biggest movers and most important rumors as the window progresses. 

MORE: Will Mbappe take Vinicius Jr's place on the left wing for Real Madrid?

When does the 2024 transfer window open and close?

This year the Premier League transfer window officially opened on Friday, June 14. This is when England's top-flight clubs can make deals official and have their new signings enlisted into the squad.

However, most European leagues will open their window on July 1, with the closing deadline set for Friday, August 30, slightly earlier than usual.

In previous years, the deadline has been August 31. That date this year falls on a Saturday, so Europe's top five leagues have opted to close the window on the Friday evening.

Clubs across all leagues can still sign free agents after the deadline, provided these players are unattached to any club as of August 30.

Transfer news, rumors, latest updates

Manchester United complete Joshua Zirkzee deal

July 14: Man United have announced the signing of 23-year-old forward from the Netherlands, Joshua Zirkzee. They've signed him from Bologna on a five-year deal with the option of extending the contract for a further season.

Zirkzee said: "I am a player who has always dedicated everything to winning; I’m ready for this next challenge, to go to another level in my career and win more trophies. It is a privilege to join such an iconic club. I have to take a short break now after being with the national team, but I’ll be coming back ready to make an impact straight away."

Chelsea ready sensational Ollie Watkins swap deal offer involving Conor Gallagher

July 14: According to the latest report from Football Insider, Chelsea remain interested in raiding the Aston Villa attack this summer. However, they have now turned their attention from Jhon Duran in favour of England hero Ollie Watkins, who scored the 90th-minute winner in a 2-1 victory over the Netherlands in the European Championship semi-final.

The Blues are considering a sensational swap deal for Watkins. The report claims that Enzo Maresca's side are willing to offer midfielder Conor Gallagher plus cash to prise Watkins away from Villa Park this summer.

Ivan Toney Eyeing Manchester United Move Post-Euro 2024

July 13: Brentford striker Ivan Toney has expressed his desire to join Manchester United following his participation in Euro 2024, according to recent reports. The 28-year-old England international, who played a pivotal role for his national team at the Euros, has caught the attention of several top Premier League clubs, including United, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Tottenham.

Toney’s career faced a setback with an eight-month ban for breaches of FA betting rules, but his impressive return has reignited interest from elite clubs. According to BILD, Toney’s agent has informed Brentford of his client's eagerness to move to Old Trafford this summer.

With 71 goals in 142 appearances for Brentford and a notable 20 goals in his last full Premier League season, Toney is seen as a valuable addition to any top club. Brentford, however, are reportedly holding out for a fee of around £60 million. Toney has openly stated his readiness for a move to a bigger club, setting the stage for a potentially high-profile transfer.

Aston Villa Nearing £50m Move for Everton's Amadou Onana

July 13: Aston Villa are on the verge of completing a surprising yet significant transfer for Everton midfielder Amadou Onana, as reported by The Athletic. Despite interest from European giants Barcelona and Arsenal, it appears Villa will secure the 22-year-old’s services for a fee of around £50 million.

The club has already agreed on personal terms with Onana, who joined Everton in the summer of 2022 for an initial £30 million.

The Belgian international has made 72 appearances for the Toffees, showcasing his midfield prowess over two seasons. Aston Villa's manager, Unai Emery, is keen on bolstering his squad, and Onana’s arrival would mark the third deal between Villa and Everton this summer. Previously, Villa sold Tim Iroegbunam to Everton for up to £13 million and signed Lewis Dobbin for £9 million.

PSG Launches Staggering £170m Bid for Napoli Stars

July 12: Paris Saint-Germain have offered a staggering £170 million to acquire Victor Osimhen and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia from Napoli, according to Corriere dello Sport. This ambitious bid underscores PSG's determination to strengthen their squad following the departure of Kylian Mbappe.

However, Napoli's stance could complicate the Parisian club's plans. While the Italian side is open to selling Osimhen, they are resolute in retaining Kvaratskhelia.

Osimhen, the sought-after striker with a £109 million release clause, has attracted interest from Premier League giants Chelsea, Manchester United, and Arsenal, although his hefty price tag has deterred these clubs.

Meanwhile, Saudi club Al-Ahli has also shown interest but failed to meet Napoli's valuation with their £80 million offer. Napoli's new manager, Antonio Conte, is adamant about keeping Kvaratskhelia, leaving Osimhen as the more likely candidate for a transfer. 

Bayern Munich complete Joao Palhinha deal

July 9: Bayern Munich have finally wrapped up a £42.3m/$54.5m deal to sign Joao Palhinha from Premier League side Fulham. 

The Portugal international saw a move to Bavaria collapse last summer, but a transfer has been revived in 2024, and he will now join up with his new club ahead of preseason training later this month.

Chelsea open talks with Borussia Dortmund

It's being reported by German outlet Bild that Enzo Maresca's side are looking into a deal that would see them sign Karim Adeyemi.

The 22-year-old featured in their Champions League run to the final last season and has been on the watchlist of many clubs around Europe. Dortmund signed him from RB Salzburg and has a contract until 2027. 

Man United agree personal terms with De Ligt

July 9: Bayern Munich reportedly want £42m for the 24-year-old defender and United are optimistic about making that deal happen for the Netherlands international, according to the Manchester Evening News.

United have also had a second bid of £45m rising to £50m rejected for Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite. It's been reported that Everton values him between £70m-£80m.

Bayern Munich confirm Michael Olise transfer

July 8: Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich has wrapped up a £50m/$64m transfer deal to sign Michael Olise from Crystal Palace. 

Bayern have been tracking the 22-year-old winger since the start of the summer following an impressive campaign for Oliver Glasner's side and he opted against joining another Premier League team with Chelsea also interested.

Arsenal push for Serie A defensive star

July 7: Arsenal are working on a deal to sign Italian international Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna. Despite finishing fifth last season, Bologna are looking to sell players, to balance their books.

The Gunners are still some distance away from agreeing a fee for Calafiori, who impressed at the heart of Italy's defence at Euro 2024, with Football Italia indicating talks are ongoing.

Man United in 'positive' double transfer talks

July 5: Man United are expected to be busy in the summer transfer window with Erik ten Hag retaining his position at Old Trafford.

Ten Hag is prioritising reinforcements in both defence and attack ahead of the 2024/25 season with Bayern Munich's Matthijs de Ligt an option at centre back.

As per reports from Sky Sports, United are engaged in 'positive' talks for de Ligt and Bologna attacker Joshua Zirkzee. The latter has a €34m release clause in his contract and the Serie A side have indicated he will be sold in the coming weeks.

Bayern Munich Secures Record Deal for Joao Palhinha from Fulham

July 4: Bayern Munich have secured a deal to acquire Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha for up to £47.4 million, setting a club-record sale for the London club. The German giants will pay an initial £43.2 million, with an additional £4.2 million in potential add-ons.

According to Sky Germany, Palhinha will sign a four-year contract with Bayern, but his medical will be postponed until after Portugal's Euro 2024 campaign, where they face France in the quarter-finals in Hamburg on Friday.

Palhinha, who joined Fulham from Sporting Lisbon in 2022, was previously close to a Bayern move last summer, but the deal collapsed on Transfer Deadline Day due to Fulham's inability to secure a replacement.

Savio posed to join Man City on five-year deal

July 2: Savio is enjoying an extended breakout season as the Brazil winger dazzles at the Copa America on the back of his heroics that helped Girona to the incredible feat of UEFA Champions League qualification in LaLiga. He scored nine goals and supplied 10 assists in Spain's top flight as Michel's men finished third.

The 20-year-old was on loan at Girona from French club Troyes, both part of the City Football Group. His impressive performances put him on the radar of the Premier League champions.

Savio's switch to City has been long mooted, with a fee in the region of €30m mooted for Troyes, who in contrast to Girona have suffered successive relegations under the CFG's stewardship.

Whether or not he would feature in Pep Guardiola's first-team plans remained up in the air but a report from The Athletic claims Savio will stay in Manchester instead of being loaned out, with City having identified the right wing as an area of need in their squad.

Newcastle announce Vlachodimos, Anderson and Minteh deals

July 1: Newcastle United have announced the signing of Greek goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos from Nottingham Forest, also confirming that Elliot Anderson has sealed a move in the opposite direction on a five-year contract for around £35m.

The club have also released official confirmation that 19-year-old winger Yankuba Minteh has sealed a permanent move to Brighton, seeing the Gambian leave for a reported fee in the region of £33m and signing a five-year deal at the Amex. Both sales were driven by the Magpies need to comply with the Premier League’s PSR rules before the end of June.

Chelsea prepare Alexander Isak transfer offer

June 30: Newcastle's need to stay within Premier League Profit & Sustainability Rules (PSR) could force them to sell key players this summer. A move to offload Anthony Gordon to Liverpool has faltered but reports from Sky Sports claim Chelsea are plotting an offer for Alexander Isak.

The Magpies could demand in the region of £100m to remain on track to meet the PSR deadline of July 1.

PSG to consider move for Man United's Marcus Rashford

June 28: Talksport suggests that Paris Saint-Germain are considering a move for Marcus Rashford amid uncertainty over his future at Manchester United.

The French club, preparing for Kylian Mbappe's departure to Real Madrid, sees Rashford as a potential target to bolster their attacking options. Despite Rashford's recent form dip and speculation, United aren't actively seeking to sell him but could be tempted by a substantial offer.

Chelsea approach Leicester City over Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall

June 27: The Athletic's David Ornstein reported that Chelsea had spoken to Leicester regarding the possibility of signing midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.

While the report stated that no offer has yet been made, the 25-year-old is said to want only to move to the London club if he decides to leave Leicester. Chelsea appointed former Foxes boss Enzo Maresca as their new manager earlier in the summer.

Man United facing battle to sign PSG's Manuel Ugarte

June 26: Widespread reports, including from Sky Sports, emerged over June 25 and 26 that Manchester United have earmarked Manuel Ugarte as a potential signing this summer.

The Red Devils are keen on bringing in a new midfielder and have been alerted to the fact that Paris Saint-Germain might be willing to cash in on the Uruguay international.

However, other European clubs, including Bayern Munich, are also said to be interested in the player. PSG are said to want to recoup most of the €60 million (£51.9m/$54m) that they paid to sign the 23-year-old a year ago.

Juventus reach agreement with Aston Villa for Douglas Luiz

June 23: Juventus and Aston Villa have reached "verbal agreement" on a massive three-player transfer deal, as per transfer guru Fabrizio Romano. 

The swap deal will see Douglas Luiz join Juventus, in exchange for Samuel Iling Jr, Enzo Barrenechea, and an additional fee of €28 million for Aston Villa. It is expected that the Brazilian playmaker will complete his medical with the Brazil camp, after which he will sign a five-year deal lasting until June 2029. 

The other two players are likely to go to England next week to have medicals with their new team.

A deal was said to be in the works before the transfer window opened. After countless twists and turns, we have now seen the typical "here we go" to bring this long-running transfer story to an end.

Michael Olise 'chooses' Bayern over Chelsea 

June 21: Bayern Munich look to have won the race for Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise after talks with Chelsea broke down.

According to The Athletic, Chelsea, along with Newcastle had spoken with Palace and the player this week but the Blues opted to pull out after realising the finances required were beyond reach.

That's led to Bayern pushing forward and the 22-year-old is now keen on making the move to the Bundesliga champions with a deal between the two clubs now set to be agreed.

Barcelona rejected Man United bid for Fermin Lopez

June 18: According to Sport, Manchester United approached Barcelona with a €30 million for Fermin Lopez. The publication says the offer was practically laughed at by those at the Catalan club.

It remains to be seen if United will go back in for the Spain international. The Red Devils are keen to sign a new midfielder, and Barca's financial troubles suggest a deal is not out of the question, although United are in no position to overpay for targets in this window.

AC Milan demand €175m from Saudi Pro League for Rafael Leao

June 17: The latest star name in Europe linked with a move to the lucrative Saudi Pro League is Rafael Leao. According to Tuttomercatoweb, Al Hilal are "serious" about attempting to sign the Portugal international winger. However, AC Milan are reportedly holding out for an astonishing fee of €175 million for the 25-year-old.

Dutch defensive star linked with Man United

June 16: Manchester United are pushing to sign a new central defender in the coming weeks with Raphael Varane already moving on from Old Trafford.

Alongside their ongoing interest in Everton centre back Jarrad Branthwaite, United are also looking at options on the continent, with reports from Sky Sports Germany claiming they have opened talks on a €50m move for Bayern Munich star Matthijs de Ligt.

Where to next for Romelu Lukaku?

June 15: Believe it or not, Romelu Lukaku is somehow still a Chelsea player. According to The Athletic, the London club are pushing to secure the full value of the £38million ($48.4m) release clause for the striker this summer. The question is who will be interested?

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, an Italian newspaper, Lukaku could link up with his former Inter boss Antonio Conte at Napoli if Victor Osimhen were to make a move this summer. 

However, the report states that the Italian outfit are unlikely to pay the full release clause and would look to sign him for around £21 million ($26.6m).

Man United make Jarrad Branthwaite transfer bid

June 14: Manchester United have reportedly made an opening offer for Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite. Branthwaite missed out on a place in Gareth Southgate's final England squad, despite enjoying a superb breakthrough season with the Toffees, and his club future is unresolved.

Everton could demand in the region of £70m, with his current contract in place until 2027, but reports from the The Times claim United's first bid is around £35m.

The report adds United are close to agreeing personal terms with the 21-year-old centre back but the two clubs are still way apart in their valuations of the defender.

Man United eye Canada star as Ivan Toney alternative

June 14: With Erik ten Hag remaining in place at Old Trafford this summer, attention has now turned to the transfer market, with a new striker a key objective for the Dutch coach.

Antony Martial's departure, and the inconsistency of his other forwards, has forced ten Hag into the market with Brentford's Ivan Toney his rumoured primary target.

However, with the Bess pushing for a transfer fee in the region of £70m, he could look elsewhere with The Independent claiming Canada international Jonathan David an option for a lower price.

Fulham knock back Bayern's latest Palhinha bid

June 12: Bayern Munich have had an improved offer in the region of £40 million for Joao Palhinha rejected by Fulham, according to Sky Sports.

The 29-year-old midfielder is in Portugal's squad for Euro 2024 and has four years remaining on his Fulham contract, with the option of an additional season.

Bayern, who recently appointed Vincent Kompany as their new head coach, are understood to retain an interest in Palhinha.

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Wrexham still plotting Gareth Bale offer

June 11: Wrexham's ambitions to make it to the Premier League continue at pace with the Hollywood backed Welsh side achieving promotion to the EFL League One (third tier) for next season.

Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney are expected to fund more signings in the coming weeks and the latter is not giving up on a wild move to sign retired former Wales and Real Madrid star Gareth Bale.

"Gareth Bale is still technically available! I don't know, I made the plea last year and I'm just going to tell Gareth that the offer's still on the table. 

"We'll let you off for golf, whenever you need to get off. As long as you come to training once or twice a week we can figure out how to get you 10 minutes on the pitch."

Bruno Guimaraes not interested in Newcastle exit

June 8: Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes has rejected rumours that he is looking to leave St. James' Park amid transfer links to Manchester City and Arsenal.

"I have a contract with Newcastle, I'm very happy, as I said, I know how much they like me, I know everything I've been doing for the club. In short, I have a contract, and I'm happy."

Chelsea sign Tosin Adarabioyo on free transfer from Fulham

June 7: Chelsea have officially completed their first summer signing under new manager Enzo Maresca, bringing in defender Tosin Adarabioyo from Fulham on a four-year deal. 

Tosin will officially join Chelsea on July 1 after his Fulham contract expires.

"Chelsea is a huge club and this is a full-circle moment for me," he said.

"I was born three miles away from Stamford Bridge and made my professional debut there. I’m very excited and looking forward to helping push the club in the direction we want to go."

European giants chasing Manchester City star Julian Alvarez

June 6: Manchester City forward Julian Alvarez is being tracked by Atletico Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain.

Argentina international Alvarez has been a crucial part of Pep Guardiola's plans since his arrival in Manchester in 2022 but there are doubts over his starting role next season.

Reports from Spanish outlet Marca claim Atletico are monitoring the situation, to see if Alvarez will push for an exit, and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has indicated PSG are assessing a possible move.

City are keen to retain Alvarez, but with PSG looking to fill the void left by Kylian Mbappe, there is the potential for a major bid.

Benjamin Sesko wanted by Premier League clubs

June 5: The Slovenian forward has attracted significant transfer interest following an impressive season in the Bundesliga, with both Chelsea and Arsenal reportedly keen to sign the 21-year-old RB Leipzig striker.

It's been widely rumored he has a £56 million release clause, which increases the likelihood of a move to England.

However, multiple reports have since indicated he will sign a contract extension in Germany after Euro 2024, but with an agreement in place that he can move on without issue in future.

Kevin De Bruyne considering Saudi move

June 4: Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne has hinted that he could be ready to leave the club, for a big-money deal in Saudi Arabia.

The six-time Premier League winner has a year left on his contract at the Etihad but admits that he has considered his options, including a potential lucrative switch to the Saudi Pro League.

De Bruyne told HLN: "At my age, you have to be open to everything. You're talking about incredible amounts of money in what may be the end of my career. Sometimes you have to think about that," he said.

"If I play there [Saudi Arabia] for two years, I will be able to earn an incredible amount of money. Before that I had to play football for 15 years. I may not even reach that amount yet."

You can read our full story on De Bruyne's likely next move here.

Brad Cox

Brad Cox Photo

Brad is a content producer for The Sporting News and has previously worked for the likes of Squawka and The Athletic. His career highlight to date is reporting from the 2022 UEFA Champions League Final in Paris.