Alonso wants Fernandez to stay
Xabi Alonso has refused to confirm whether Enzo Fernandez has told him he wants to stay at Chelsea this season.
Fernandez has been the subject of interest from Manchester City and there is an expectation that he will leave Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea imposed a deadline of Friday last week for bids around their £120m valuation though City did not budge.
Alonso is preparing for the new season with Fernandez in mind but things could still change as deadline day approaches.
Mike Jones20 August 2026 17:46
Crystal Palace manager Pierre Sage believes that Romain Esse will leave the club before the end of the window.
Club Brugge were interested in the winger but that door has closed and Sage has had his say on what could happen next.
“To be honest, I think he [Romain Esse] will leave because we will have not too much time to give to him and it’s the best thing for him to find another solution,” he said.
“Sometimes, it’s just about honesty. If the player – for the moment – needs minutes to become the player he will be, it’s better for him and for us.
“That’s why he is not with the team for the moment.”
(PA)
Mike Jones20 August 2026 17:25
Barcelona halt pursuit of Alvarez?
Could this open the door for Arsenal?
Barcelona have reportedly halted their pursuit of Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez who is also a target for the Premier League champions.
Barca had previously put in a bid of €100m (£85m) which was rejected by their LaLiga rivals.
Arsenal do have funds available but Atletico are reluctanct to sell Alvaraz and the amount needed to placate them may be too much for the Gunners to stomach.
One to keep an eye on as the window heads towards deadline day.
Julian Alvarez has been linked with Arsenal (Bradley Collyer/PA) (PA Wire)
Mike Jones20 August 2026 17:05
Crystal Palace boss gives update on Adam Wharton’s future amid Man City links
Pierre Sage is confident Crystal Palace can retain Adam Wharton but played down rumours of a Wilfried Zaha return in his first press conference in charge of the Conference League champions.
The former Lens manager, who in June was appointed to succeed Oliver Glasner at Selhurst Park, also provided his assessment of Palace’s transfer window wishlist, including prioritising a replacement for Maxence Lacroix, who has departed for Chelsea.
Manchester City are the latest club rumoured to be seeking Wharton’s signature, and while Sage does not doubt the midfielder’s potential to attract a considerable fee, he believes the 22-year-old has not hit his ceiling in south London.
Harry Latham-Coyle20 August 2026 16:45
Liverpool make offer to sign Minteh
Liverpool have made an offer for Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh as they look to bolster their attacking options.
Minteh is one of Liverpool’s options to boost attacking prowess in the wide areas following the departure of Mo Salah.
The 22-year-old is currently injured but would be a savvy signing should Liverpool get their interest over the line before the window closes.
(Getty)
Mike Jones20 August 2026 16:45
Man Utd target Barcelona star to upgrade at left-back
Manchester United look poised to add Carlos Baleba to their squad.
And their focus could soon turn to a new left-back.
Alejandro Balde’s camp have been approached, with the Barcelona star content at the Nou Camp, yet United could offer a starring role under Michael Carrick, reports Fabrizio Romano.
(Reuters)
Jack Rathborn20 August 2026 16:30
Crystal Palace linked to French midfielder after Wharton speculation
Crystal Palace have made a move for Kevin Danois of Auxerre, reports Fabrizio Romano.
The Eagles could pay more than £25m for the 22-year-old midfielder.
A France Under-21 international, Pierre Sage could acquire the player boost his central midfield options, despite links between Man City and Adam Wharton.
Jack Rathborn20 August 2026 16:15
Man City move for Savinho replacement
The Palmeiras winger would come in as a replacement for the Tottenham-bound Savinho.
The Brazilian giants are hopeful of retaining the player, though City could pay the €100m release clause.
The same club sold Estevao Willian to Chelsea in a move worth up to €57m in 2024.
Allan Elias in action against Cerro Porteno’s Diego Ivan Chaparro Martinez in the Copa Libertadores (Reuters)
Jack Rathborn20 August 2026 16:00
West Ham to sign Man City super talent on loan?
West Ham have struck a deal for highly-rated talent Divine Mukasa from Man City, reports Fabrizio Romano.
It will be a loan deal for the former Hammers academy product.
The Championship club will not have an option to buy, with a medical to follow in the coming hours.
The attacking midfielder spent time with Leicester on loan last term, scoring twice in 15 appearances.
(Getty)
Jack Rathborn20 August 2026 15:45
Why Liverpool should lament the loss of another local as Curtis Jones joins Inter
There won’t be a real homegrown presence at Liverpool this season with Jones following in Trent Alexander-Arnold’s footsteps in leaving for a move abroad, Richard Jolly writes – and there’s a sense things could have turned out differently.
Harry Latham-Coyle20 August 2026 15:30