Man City hold interest in Enzo Fernandez with Chelsea prepared to sell midfielder
Xabi Alonso said he wants players that “feel a desire to play” for Chelsea after Enzo Fernandez was left out of the squad for Thursday’s win over Luton.
Chelsea are open to Fernandez leaving before the transfer deadline, but Manchester City would need to pay more than the £120m asking price the Blues set earlier in the window.
Alonso has dismissed reports in Argentina that Fernandez asked not to be involved in the game against Luton and speaking ahead of Sunday’s Premier League game at home to Brighton, Alonso said: “We need the players that are in the best situation to play.
“We need to take everything into consideration, players that are in good moments, players that are not feeling that energy to play. For me it’s very important that they feel that desire to play and to have good preparation.
“We talked, and we decided that (for Luton) it was better not to be part of the squad. He’s a top player, there’s no doubt about that.”
Mike Jones31 August 2026 04:00
Man City target Cody Gakpo but one hurdle remains for Liverpool to sanction sale
But Liverpool are unsure whether they can allow Gakpo to go as they consider whether City’s late move would give them time to bring in further signings.
City are looking for replacements for Savio and Omar Marmoush, who have both joined Tottenham, for an initial £75m and a loan that will become a £60m purchase respectively.
Mike Jones31 August 2026 02:00
Julian Alvarez misses training again before Atletico Madrid’s deadline for offers
Atletico Madrid have given Arsenal target Julian Alvarez a deadline of Sunday to decide his future, with his options either to consider a move to the Premier League champions or stay at the club.
Atletico’s chief executive said the Argentina star will “never, ever” be sold to Barcelona, his preferred choice, with Alvarez now considering his options.
The 26-year-old will not feature in the squad to play Sevilla this weekend after missing three consecutive days of training, with boss Diego Simeone confirming his absence.
Mike Jones31 August 2026 00:00
The Bruno Fernandes show gives Manchester United lift off in Premier League
The United captain scored a hat-trick and set up another goal as his team ran riot at Old Trafford.
Richard Jolly30 August 2026 23:00
Newcastle are pursuing a deal for Matias Fernandez-Pardo.
The Belgium international hit eight goals in Ligue 1 last term.
(Getty)
Jack Rathborn30 August 2026 22:00
Liverpool linked with talented young Belgian goalkeeper
With speculation linking Giorgi Mamardashvili with a move away from Liverpool, the Reds have been linked with Lucca Brughmans to replace him, reports Sacha Tavolieri.
Bayern Munich are also keen on the Genk starlet, but the Reds would like the Belgian goalkeeper to back up Alisson Becker, adds the report.
At just 18, the Belgium Under-19 international could be developed behind the Brazilian until the time comes to move on.
Jack Rathborn30 August 2026 21:00
Karim Benzema to leave Al-Hilal?
Karim Benzema is set to leave Al-Hilal, Foot Mercato reports.
The former Ballon d’Or winner joined the Saudi Pro League in 2023 after exiting the Bernabeu following a legendary run with Real Madrid.
And after a spell with Al-Ittihad for three years, and a short spell with Al-Hilal, including 57 goals in total, the 38-year-old is now available for a new adventure.
Karim Benzema starring for Al Hilal against Al Faisaly (Reuters)
Jack Rathborn30 August 2026 19:00
Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo chooses Manchester City as new club in shock move
An extraordinary transfer about to happen, it seems: Cody Gakpo is heading to Manchester City in what is thought to be a deal worth around £85m!
Multiple reports tonight say Gapko has chosen City over Spurs (or indeed staying at Liverpool), despite the competition for places at the Etihad.
His mind was made up by the signing of Bradley Barcola at Anfield, and now Liverpool will try to bring in another player to replace Gakpo before the deadline.
(PA)
Jack Rathborn30 August 2026 18:30
DONE DEAL! Ollie Watkins leaves Aston Villa
After six years at Villa Park, Ollie Watkins is bound for Saudi Arabia as he gets his move to Al-Hilal.
Harry Latham-Coyle30 August 2026 18:12