Manchester United move for Carlos Baleba as transfer market heats up

Manchester United are closing on what would be a third midfield signing of the summer, having lodged a £60m bid for Brighton’s Carlos Baleba and moved to the brink of an agreement for the 22-year-old.

United have tracked the Cameroon international for more than a year, first identifying him as a target last summer. At that point, Brighton were holding out for a fee in excess of £100m after his breakout campaign. A difficult season since then has changed the landscape. The valuation has dropped, United have returned, and they now look to have struck a deal at a far more palatable price.

The offer on the table stands at £60m, with United prepared to increase it by a further £5m to get the move over the line. The expectation around Old Trafford is that Baleba will make the switch, adding another powerful, athletic presence to a midfield that has already been heavily reshaped in this window.

Liverpool open door to Curtis Jones exit

On Merseyside, Liverpool have entered negotiations with Inter Milan over the sale of Curtis Jones, with the Italian champions pushing again to bring the midfielder to San Siro.

Talks between the clubs are active but no agreement has been reached yet. Inter have revived their interest, and Liverpool are understood to be ready to do business for around €35m (£30m). At that price, the academy graduate could be allowed to leave, breaking a long association with his boyhood club.

Liverpool’s own plans are still evolving. They remain keen on Bradley Barcola as they reshape their attacking options, having stepped back from a move for his PSG team-mate Ibrahim Mbaye. The French winger stays firmly on their radar as they look to refresh Jürgen Klopp’s former frontline under the new regime.

Arsenal move fast for Konsa after Saliba blow

Arsenal, stung by the serious injury to William Saliba, have moved decisively to reinforce Mikel Arteta’s defence, agreeing a deal worth around £51m with Aston Villa for Ezri Konsa.

Arteta had made a right-sided defender a priority as Arsenal prepare to defend their Premier League title. With Jurrien Timber only just back to full fitness and Saliba facing a lengthy spell out, the need for cover alongside Gabriel Magalhaes became urgent. Konsa, 28, fits the brief: Premier League proven, comfortable on the right, and tactically flexible enough for Arteta’s demanding system.

He is expected to compete with Cristhian Mosquera to deputise for Saliba next to Gabriel, giving Arsenal depth in a position that derailed their previous title challenge. Konsa could make his debut in emotionally charged circumstances – against his former club Aston Villa next week.

Tottenham weigh double swoop as De Zerbi reshapes Spurs

In north London, Tottenham are exploring the possibility of a double attacking move, with interest in both Omar Marmoush and Savinho as Roberto De Zerbi pushes for more firepower.

Savinho has been on Spurs’ list for some time. They considered a £50m move for the Brazilian winger last summer and have kept close tabs on his development since. The admiration has not faded, and he remains a serious option as they look for pace and creativity out wide.

Spurs are also keen on Marmoush, whose versatility across the front line appeals as De Zerbi oversees an expensive overhaul of a squad that only just avoided relegation last season. The Italian wants sharper, more ruthless attacking options; the club hierarchy know they cannot flirt with the drop again.

United rebuilding their midfield, Liverpool ready to cash in on a homegrown talent, Arsenal paying big to protect a title defence, Spurs arming De Zerbi for a more ambitious campaign – the Premier League’s heavyweights are moving early. The question now is whose gamble will define the season.