Transfer news LIVE: Chelsea close on De Jong and Aubameyang as Man Utd fight for Rabiot and Gakpo

Chelsea are leading Manchester United in the race to sign Frenkie de Jong, and the Blues are ready and waiting to sign both the Dutch midfielder and his Barcelona teammate Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang should they leave Spain during this transfer window.

Chelsea have got loose agreements in place over personal terms for both players and are just waiting on Barcelona to give the green light to sell them, according to Sky Sports, while Spanish outlet Sport reports Chelsea are also closing in on a deal with Barca of around £68m for De Jong. The Times adds that De Jong would prefer Chelsea to United as a destination, and that Chelsea are also ready to put forward a final bid for Leicester’s wantaway defender Wesley Fofana.

Meanwhile Manchester United continue to pursue Cody Gakpo, the PSV midfielder, but he has hinted he would stay in the Netherlands should PSV get through the Champions League qualifying phase – they play Rangers later in August. United have been heavily linked to Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot, but negotiations have stalled over the 27-year-old’s bold wage demands, according to Gazetta dello Sport.

Follow all the latest news, rumours and done deals below.

Transfer news and rumours

• Chelsea ready to submit bid to Barcelona for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

• Chelsea also leading Manchester United in race to sign Frenkie de Jong

• United moves for Adrien Rabiot and Cody Gakpo in doubt

• Newcastle open talks with Benfica for forward Goncalo Ramos

Lokonga eyeing up Milan

13:54 , Michael Jones

Arsenal could see move players leave before the end of the summer with Albert Sambi Lokonga reportedly in talks with AC Milan.

The Belgian arrived in a £15.8m move from Anderlecht last summer and featured 19 times in the Premier League for the Gunners. However, the 22-year-old midfielder provides Arsenal with useful squad cover and a few eyebrows have been raised over his potential exit.

According to il Corriere dello Sport, talks between the AC Milna and Arsenal are gathering pace with Mikel Arteta ready to approve Lokonga’s exit.

The cuurent rumour is for a season’s long loan deal but the finer workings are still to be resolved and it is uncertain whether Milan will secure an option to sign Lokonga at the end of the temporary switch.

Depay joining Juve?

13:48 , Michael Jones

Sky Sports in Italy are reporting that Juventus are ready to offer Memphis Depay a two-year contract if he can get free from Barcelona. The forward has only a year left on his Barca contract and the club are ready to come to an agreement that will allow him to leave.

However, Chelsea’s interest in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is complicating matters with Barca reluctant to lose both strikers this summer.

If Aubameyang departs Barcelona will keep hold of Depay. Juventus, understand this and are considering alternate options to partner Dusan Vlahovic.

One of those is Arkadiusz Milik, who plays for Marseille and another is Manchester United’s Anthony Martial. Martial is currently injured and he has been central to Erik ten Hag’s plans during the summer, featuring as his number nine before the knock.

What are the 10 most expensive transfers in football history?

13:42 , Michael Jones

The 2022 summer transfer window has been full of shocks, record deals and big-money signings.

Money is always a central talking point of a transfer window with it more in focus than ever before due to the eye-watering deals that have been brokered in recent years.

Here Sarah Rendall takes you through the highest price tags on the planet:

1: Neymar - Barcelona to PSG - €222m (190.5m)

Neymar tops our list and he is head and shoulders above the rest with a whopping €222m figure.

He signed for Paris Saint-Germain in 2017 from Barcelona and he has since won three Ligue 1 titles, three French Cups, three French Super Cups and two French League Cups.

He now also gets to play with former Barca teammate Lionel Messi who signed for the club last summer.

What are the 10 most expensive transfers in football history?

13:37 , Michael Jones

The 2022 summer transfer window has been full of shocks, record deals and big-money signings.

Money is always a central talking point of a transfer window with it more in focus than ever before due to the eye-watering deals that have been brokered in recent years.

Here Sarah Rendall takes you through the highest price tags on the planet:

2: Kylian Mbappe - Monaco to PSG - €145m (+€35m) (£124.4m +£30m)

French forward Kylian Mbappe signed for Paris Saint-Germain from Monaco in 2017 and he has impressed as one of the brightest young players in the world.

He has won three Ligue 1 titles, three French Cups, three French Super Cups two French League Cups, was the 18/19 Player of the Season and is regarded as one of the best players in the world.

He was expected to leave for nothing to Real Madrid before signing a bumper new contract to remain in the French capital.

What are the 10 most expensive transfers in football history?

13:32 , Michael Jones

The 2022 summer transfer window has been full of shocks, record deals and big-money signings.

Money is always a central talking point of a transfer window with it more in focus than ever before due to the eye-watering deals that have been brokered in recent years.

Here Sarah Rendall takes you through the highest price tags on the planet:

3: Joao Felix - Benfica to Atletico Madrid - €126m (£108.1m)

Forward Joao Felix signed for Atletico Madrid for an eye-watering amount in 2019 from Benfica.

He has won a La Liga title at the club but he will have plenty of opportunity to bag more trophies as he signed a seven-year deal with Diego Simeone’s side.

What are the 10 most expensive transfers in football history?

13:27 , Michael Jones

The 2022 summer transfer window has been full of shocks, record deals and big-money signings.

Money is always a central talking point of a transfer window with it more in focus than ever before due to the eye-watering deals that have been brokered in recent years.

Here Sarah Rendall takes you through the highest price tags on the planet:

5 and 4: Antoine Griezmann and Philippe Coutinho - Atletico Madrid to Barcelona / Liverpool to Barcelona - €120m (£102.9m)

Antoine Griezmann and Philippe Coutinho bagged their spots in the top ten for the same club - Barcelona.

Coutinho joined the Spanish giants in 2018 from Liverpool and the midfielder won two La Ligas, two Spanish Cups and one Spanish Super Cup.

While Griezmann signed for Barca in 2019 from Atletico Madrid but enjoyed a bumpy ride before returning to his former club.

What are the 10 most expensive transfers in football history?

13:22 , Michael Jones

The 2022 summer transfer window has been full of shocks, record deals and big-money signings.

Money is always a central talking point of a transfer window with it more in focus than ever before due to the eye-watering deals that have been brokered in recent years.

Here Sarah Rendall takes you through the highest price tags on the planet:

6: Jack Grealish - Aston Villa to Manchester City - €117m (£100m)

Jack Grealish’s boyhood club Aston Villa wanted to keep the star so much they wrote a £100m release clause into his contract when he re-signed in 2020.

“City are the best team in the country with a manager considered to be the best in the world - it’s a dream come true to be part of this club,” Grealish said upon signing for City.

“Over the past 10 seasons, they have won major trophies consistently. Pep (Guardiola) coming here has taken them to the next level and the football this team plays is the most exciting in Europe.”

What are the 10 most expensive transfers in football history?

13:17 , Michael Jones

The 2022 summer transfer window has been full of shocks, record deals and big-money signings.

Money is always a central talking point of a transfer window with it more in focus than ever before due to the eye-watering deals that have been brokered in recent years.

Here Sarah Rendall takes you through the highest price tags on the planet:

7: Romelu Lukaku - Inter Milan to Chelsea - €115m (£98.7m)

Belgium international Romelu Lukaku broke Chelsea’s club transfer record when they signed him last summer from Inter Milan.

Much was expected when Lukaku returned to Stamford Bridge but the less said about the spell the better as he returned back to Inter on loan after just one year.

What are the 10 most expensive transfers in football history?

13:12 , Michael Jones

The 2022 summer transfer window has been full of shocks, record deals and big-money signings.

Money is always a central talking point of a transfer window with it more in focus than ever before due to the eye-watering deals that have been brokered in recent years.

Here Sarah Rendall takes you through the highest price tags on the planet:

9 and 8: Paul Pogba and Ousmane Dembele - Juventus to Manchester United / Dortmund to Barcelona - €105m (£90.1m)

The French teammates managed to bag deals worth the same amount to clock a joint spot in the top ten. Paul Pogba joined Manchester United from Juventus in 2016 and at the time he broke the Premier League transfer record.

His spell didn’t go to plan, however, and after an underwhelming six years he has returned to Italy.

Meanwhile, Ousmane Dembele signed for Barcelona from Borussia Dortmund in 2017. The winger has won two La Ligas, two Spanish Cups and a Spanish Super Cups with the club.

What are the 10 most expensive transfers in football history?

13:06 , Michael Jones

The 2022 summer transfer window has been full of shocks, record deals and big-money signings.

Money is always a central talking point of a transfer window with it more in focus than ever before due to the eye-watering deals that have been brokered in recent years.

Here Sarah Rendall takes you through the highest price tags on the planet:

10: Gareth Bale - Tottenham to Real Madrid - €100.8m (£86.6m)

Bale moved to Real Madrid from Tottenham Hotspur in 2013 for €100.8m and it seems to be money well spent.

At Real Bale has won four Champions League titles, two Spanish Super Cups, a Spanish Cup, two La Liga trophies and four Club World Cup titles.

The forward did fall out of favour under Zinedine Zidane and so he went out on loan back to Spurs for the 20/21 season before leaving the club permanently in the summer of 2022.

Mikkel Damsgaard completes Brentford transfer as Thomas Frank hails ‘another classic signing’

13:00 , Michael Jones

Brentford have signed Denmark midfielder Mikkel Damsgaard from Sampdoria for an undisclosed fee.

The 22-year-old has signed a five-year contract with the Bees and will link up with the squad in training ahead of Saturday’s home clash against Manchester United. The move is subject to international clearance.

Brentford head coach Thomas Frank told the club’s website: “Mikkel is, in my opinion, another classic Brentford signing.”

Mikkel Damsgaard completes Brentford transfer as Frank hails ‘classic signing’

Bailly to reunite with Mourinho?

12:50 , Michael Jones

Roma manager Jose Mourinho wants to reunite with Manchester United centre-back Eric Bailly ahead of the transfer window closing, according to a report by Inside Futbol.

Bailly has been heavily linked with an exit from Old Trafford throughout this summer and Roma have frequently been mentioned as a possible destination. Mourinho brought Bailly to United back in 2016 and is keen to bring him to Italy.

Bailly has also been linked with a possible move to Fulham.

Burnley bring in Tella

12:42 , Michael Jones

Southampton winger Nathan Tella has agreed to join Burnley on a season-long loan.

The 23-year-old has made 33 Premier League appearances for the Saints including 14 last season mostly from the left-wing, but he can also plan on the right and as a second striker.

Tella came through the Arsenal academy before moving to Southampton in 2017.

Laird heading to London?

12:34 , Michael Jones

Manchester United defender Ethan Laird is set to join Championship side Queens Park Rangers after a proposed loan move to Watford fell through.

the 21-year-old Laird had provisionally agreed to join the Hornets on a season-long loan last month, but talks subsequently cooled off after Watford signed Mario Gaspar.

The Hornets signed the Spanish right-back on a free transfer from Villarreal, meaning Laird was no longer assured of regular football this season, something that is viewed as crucial to his development.

Everton target new midfield option

12:26 , Michael Jones

Everton have switched their sights to Red Bull Salzburg midfielder Mohamed Camara after hitting an impasse in talks for Idrissa Gana Gueye, according to the Daily Mail.

The Blues were thought to be at an advanced stage with a deal to bring back their former midfielder Gueye but have been unable to find a mutual agreement with Paris St Germain for the 32-year-old

They are reportedly moving their attention to 22-year-old Mali international Camara.

Harvey Elliott signs new five-year Liverpool contract

12:18 , Michael Jones

Liverpool have rewarded Harvey Elliott with a new deal to keep him at Anfield until 2027, even though he had four years remaining on his previous deal.

It is the third contract Elliott has signed with Liverpool in just over three years, after joining from Fulham in 2019 and then getting an extended deal 13 months ago.

But a pay rise reflects their policy of giving improved and long-term contracts to players who they have impressed and who they want to tie down.

Harvey Elliott signs new Liverpool contract

Elliott signs long-term deal with Liverpool

12:12 , Michael Jones

19-year-old Harvey Elliott has signed a new long-term contract with Liverpool until 2027.

Elliott joined the club from Fulham in July 2019 and made six Premier League appearances last year though he missed most of the season through injury.

The previous year he enjoyed a successful season on loan with Blackburn in the Championship playing 41 games and earning 18 goals and assists.

Bernardo Silva ‘happy’ at Manchester City but could still leave this summer

12:08 , Michael Jones

Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva insists he is happy at the club but has not ruled out leaving this summer.

The 28-year-old has been linked with Barcelona all summer and last week manager Pep Guardiola said he did not know if the Portugal international playmaker would still be at the club at the end of the transfer window.

Silva, who said he has an “honest” relationship with the club, has not ruled out a move but admits City will not let him leave unless they receive an acceptable offer.

Bernardo Silva ‘happy’ at Man City but could still leave this summer

Gakpo to stay at PSV if they reach Champions League

12:00 , Michael Jones

Cody Gakpo has admitted he is more likely to stay at PSV Eindhoven this season if the club qualify for the Champions League’s group stages amid interest from Manchester United.

PSV beat Monaco to reach the Champions League play-off round and will face Rangers in the last knockout stage before September’s group stages.

United can only offer Europa League football this season so victory for PSV over the Scottish side could be the latest damaging blow to Erik Ten Hag’s side.

“We must first focus on and try to make it to the Champions League. Then it is more likely that I will stay,” said Gakpo after PSV’s win over Monaco.

“I don’t think I have said anywhere that I am leaving, so there is definitely a chance that I will stay. I’m open for a cup of coffee with the management - or coffee for them and water for me. We’ll see how it goes.”

Premier League and EFL to allow water breaks amid UK heatwave

11:53 , Michael Jones

Premier League and EFL matches this weekend are set to feature water breaks as England faces another period of high summer temperatures.

The Met Office has issued an amber extreme heat warning which came into force on Thursday and covers the rest of this week. It covers much of the southern half of England as well as parts of eastern Wales.

It is understood any match in the EFL or Premier League where the temperature is forecast to hit at least 30 degrees Celsius is set to feature a cooling break midway through each half to enable players, coaches and officials to rehydrate and cool down.

Premier League and EFL to allow water breaks amid UK heatwave

Fulham in the picture for Kluivert

11:45 , Michael Jones

Fulham are interested in signing Roma’s Justin Kluivert, according to Thursday’s Gazzetta dello Sport.

The Netherlands international has returned to the Serie A side after spending the previous campaign on loan at Nice where he scored six goals and made six assists from 31 matches in all competitions.

Fulham are said to have competition from the Ligue 1 club to secure the winger’s services.

The23-year-old has less than 12 months left on his current deal, and the newspaper states Marco Silva’s side are ‘ready to offer’ €9.5m to Roma to secure his services but it is unclear whether the Cottagers will be able to meet his wage demands.

Freuler to Forest?

11:38 , Michael Jones

Nottingham Forest have signed 12 players during this transfer window and are close to completing a permanent deal for Atalanta midfielder Remo Freuler.

The fee under discussion for the Swiss international is thought to be €9m (£7.6m). Will they get this one over the line as well?

Chelsea could spend another £180m this summer

11:30 , Michael Jones

Chelsea’s new co-owner Todd Boehly can’t be accused of not backing the manager after a summer of huge spending looks set to continue.

Tthe Blues have spent around £160m already in order to land Raheem Sterling, Kalidou Koulibaly, Marc Cucurella and Carney Chukwuemeka.

Now talkSPORT believes they could splash another £180m to get deals for Frenkie de Jong, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Wesley Fofana and Cesare Casadei over the line.

Manchester United have spent three months trying to sign De Jong for an agreed £72m but Chelsea are now confident of hijacking the move with the only stumbling block being Barcelona’s refusal to pay the midfielder’s £17m deferred wages.

Chelsea boss, Thomas Tuchel, is pushing to sign his ex-Borussia Dortmund striker Aubameyang, who only moved to the Nou Camp in January but is no longer part of Barca’s plans following the signing of Robert Lewandowski. The Blues could snap him up for around £12m and Tuchel wants to formalise the club’s interest with a bid.

At the same time, Chelsea are moving for Leicester defender Wesley Fofana. After two bids for the French centre-back were rejected, the latest worth in excess of £70m, the Blues are expected to table £85m, which would represent a world-record fee for a defender.

Finally, Chelsea are also being linked with a £12m move for Inter Milan’s highly-rated midfielder Cesare Casadei although Arsenal are also interested in the 19-year-old which could spark a bidding war between the London rivals.

‘Unsure future’ for Bernardo Silva

11:22 , Michael Jones

Bernardo Silva has revealed he is happy at Manchester City yet doesn’t no what will happen with rumours linking him with a possible move to Barcelona.

“I’ve always said that I’m happy here, but I have no idea what’s going to happen,” he told ESPN. “We’ll see, honestly. My relationship with the club is very honest.

“I’ve been open with them and they know what I want. If I stay, I’m very happy, and I will always respect this club and give all my best. If not, it’s football and we’ll just see what happens.

“They always say to all of us that if you’re not happy, you can go. Of course, they are in business and they want the right amount of money for letting us go, but personally it’s a relationship with the club that is very respectful. They have always been honest with me and I have always been honest with them.

“As I said, I will always respect my relationship with Man City, with the fans, with the staff, with my teammates, so whatever happens happens and for sure, it will happen in a very respectful way.”

Chelsea waiting on Frenkie de Jong to approve deal

11:15 , Michael Jones

Chelsea are confident they have beaten Manchester United to Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong but they still need to persuade the Netherlands international to leave Spain, according to the Times.

The 25-year-old reportedly wants to stay with the LaLiga club – but if he is forced to move the paper says he is thought to prefer the opportunity to play Champions League football with the Blues.

Football rumours: Chelsea waiting on Frenkie de Jong to approve deal

Nottingham Forest interested in Dennis

11:08 , Michael Jones

Nottingham Forest have made an opening bid for Watford forward Emmanuel Dennis.

The newly promoted Premier League club continue their summer spend as they hope to build a squad good enough to keep them in the top-flight.

The Athletic reports that Forest have put in a bid of around £20m – including add-ons – to Watford for their 24-year-old forward and Forest seem to be the only club interested in the Nigerian at present.

Dennis was relegated with Watford last season but contributed 10 goals and six assists to the campaign and remains one of the team’s stand-out players.

He joined the Hornets last summer from Club Brugge and is contracted at Vicarage Road until 2026 making any deal for Forest a potentially expensive exercise.

Watford will have targets of immediately making it back into the top-flight and Dennis could be crucial to their success this term. It seems unlikely that they’ll let him go for just £20m... but you never know.

Newcastle bid for Ramos

11:00 , Michael Jones

Striker Goncalo Ramos has gotten off to a blistering start this season with three goals and three assists in Benfica’s opening three matches.

He’s drawing interest from a few clubs including Paris Saint-Germain and Newcastle United who have been preparing a bid for the 21-year-old.

Sky Sports’ Pedro Sepulveda reported that the North East club were set to put in a bid of around £25.5m to bring the striker to the Premier League.

Aarons to Man Utd?

10:52 , Michael Jones

Put this one down in firm rumour mill territory but there are rumblings that Manchester United are looking at potentially bringing in Norwich City’s Max Aarons.

Aarons has attracted plenty of interest in previous transfer windows but still plys his trade at Carrow Road having come through their academy and cemented his place as a first team starter.

The 22-year-old has made 168 appearances for Norwich and was a key part of previous promotion-winning campaigns while also impressing on his outings in the Premier League.

Last month The Sun reported that the defender was valued at £15m by Everton and these murmurings over United’s interest don’t include a fresh valuation.

If this turns out to be true expect Norwich to push for a higher price given Manchester United’s financial firepower and the limited time the Canaries would have to find a replacement.

Everton ‘exploring’ striker options

10:44 , Michael Jones

Everton are exploring the possibility of signing Scotland forward Che Adams on loan from Southampton.

According to The Athletic the 26-year-old Adams is on Frank Lampard’s target list as the Everton boss looks to fill the hole up front left by Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s injury and Richarlison’s departure to Tottenham.

Calvert-Lewin is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines which leaves the Toffees with only Salomon Rondon to call on as a target man.

21-year-old Anthony Gordon was tasked with leading the line for Everton’s first outing of the new season last weekend against Chelsea, which highlighted Lampard’s need for reinforcements in the attacking third.

AC Milan consider Arsenal midfielder Lokonga

10:37 , Lawrence Ostlere

Football Italia claims AC Milan have opened talks with Arsenal’s 22-year-old midfielder Sambi Lokonga as they aim to bolster the team.

The report says it is more likely he leaves on loan than a permanent switch, and that Milan are also considering Hellas Verona’s Adrien Tameze and Sassuolo’s Davide Frattesi.

Arsenal move ahead of Liverpool in race to sign Yeremy Pino

10:33 , Lawrence Ostlere

Villarreal’s Yeremy Pino could soon be playing his football in London.

Liverpool are interested in the 19-year-old but it is Arsenal who have made a £33m offer for the winger which is set to be accepted, says Metro while citing Spanish outlet AS.

The teenager would join summer recruits Gabriel Jesus, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Fabio Vieira if he moved to the Emirates.

Millie Bright signs new three-year deal

10:18 , Lawrence Ostlere

Chelsea have tied down Millie Bright to a new three-year contract.

Bright was one of the stars of England’s successful campaign to win Euro 2022 and the Blues’s vice-captain is now ready to continue her long relationship with the club.

Bright said: “Chelsea, the fans, the club, the people. Thank you for all your support so far. You’re my home and I can’t wait to continue fighting for more trophies. Cheers to the future!”

Villa sign England’s Rachel Daly on three-year deal

10:12 , Lawrence Ostlere

Aston Villa have signed European champion and England international Rachel Daly on a three-year contract.

The versatile Lioness played left-back in Sarina Wiegman’s Euro 2022-winning side but can also play higher up the pitch, with Villa manager Carla Ward intending to use her talents up front.

Harrogate-born Daly, 30, makes her return to England after playing for the Houston Dash in America’s NWSL, with previous spells at Leeds, Lincoln Ladies and West Ham.

Ward said: “This is a big signing for us and one we’ve worked hard on completing. Rachel is a top forward and a proven goalscorer.

“Having performed admirably at full-back this summer, she showed us that she is a player you simply need in your team.”

England star Rachel Daly signs for Aston Villa

RB Leipzig beat Manchester United to Benjamin Sesko transfer

10:04 , Lawrence Ostlere

RB Leipzig have confirmed the signing Red Bull Salzburg‘s Benjamin Sesko in the latest high-profile deal between the sister clubs.

The 19-year-old Slovenia international will stay with the Austrian champions this season before starting a five-year contract with Leipzig next summer.

Manchester United were one of a number of clubs interested in Sesko but Leipzig have won the race.

“Benjamin Sesko is one of Europe’s best young talents and has a great amount of potential,” Leipzig technical director Christopher Vivell said in a club statement.

Sesko joins a stellar list of deals between the two clubs which were both owned by drinks firm Red Bull until 2017 when Uefa intervened over integrity concerns in the Champions League.

PSG’s defender search continues

10:02 , Lawrence Ostlere

And PSG have eyes on Leipzig’s Mohamed Simakan should they fail to pull off the signing of Milan Skriniar from Inter Milan.

Marseille consider Manchester United’s Eric Bailly

09:52 , Lawrence Ostlere

A couple of reports from L’Equipe now: first, Marseille are looking to sign Manchester United defender Eric Bailly after completing a deal for the free agent Alexis Sanchez.

Sanchez was confirmed this week and now Marseille are looking at adding a defensive recruit. Bailly has struggled to hold down a regular place in the United team and with the arrival of Lisandro Martinez this summer, there is even more competition for places at centre-half.

The 28-year-old Ivory Coast international is also thought to be wanted by West Ham and a price tag of around £7-8m has been reported.

Ismaila Sarr on the move to Premier League?

09:44 , Lawrence Ostlere

There are contrasting reports over the future of Ismaila Sarr.

The Daily Mail claims Manchester United’s technical director Darren Fletcher went to watch the Senegalese winger in action for Watford against West Brom on Tuesday – where he scored a remarkable goal from his own half – while various other outlets claim Leeds United are closing in on a transfer for the winger, with a price agreed and only final details to confirm.

Sergio Gomez set to move to Manchester City

09:33 , Lawrence Ostlere

Manchester City are pushing ahead to sign Anderlecht’s Spanish defender Sergio Gomez for a fee of around £11m.

The transfer could be announced on Thursday, according to the Daily Mail, and Manchester Evening News reports City will look to sign another left-back regardless of whether they seal the deal for Gomez.

Timo Werner thanks ‘special’ Chelsea fans as return to RB Leipzig confirmed

09:25 , Lawrence Ostlere

Timo Werner has thanked Chelsea fans as his move back to RB Leipzig was confirmed.

The Germany forward returns to the Bundesliga club - the club he left for Chelsea back in 2020 - in a deal understood be worth £25m.

Chelsea paid £54million for Werner, with the 26-year-old playing a pivotal role in the Blues’ Champions League triumph in Lisbon in 2021.

“Today marks the end of my journey with Chelsea FC,” Werner posted on social media. “I am incredibly grateful for the time I spent at this special club.

“At this point I would like to express my appreciation for my teammates, the coaches and staff, and especially for you, the special supporters of Chelsea Football Club.

Timo Werner thanks ‘special’ Chelsea fans as return to RB Leipzig confirmed

Romelu Lukaku reveals ‘anger’ at return season at Chelsea

09:17 , Lawrence Ostlere

Romelu Lukaku is determined to use the “anger” from an underwhelming campaign at Chelsea to impress again with Inter Milan.

The Belgium striker has returned to Inter on loan for the new season, moving back to the club he left to re-join Chelsea in a £97.5m deal during the summer of 2021.

Former Everton and Manchester United forward Lukaku failed to hit the heights of previous spells in England, but still finished with 15 goals.

Lukaku, 29, intends to prove the critics wrong by having an impressive second spell with the Nerazzurri.

Romelu Lukaku reveals ‘anger’ at return season at Chelsea

Spurs poised to sign new left wing-back

09:04 , Lawrence Ostlere

Tottenham will go ahead with a medical for Destiny Udogie next week, according to Football London.

The 19-year-old Italian defender is set to be the next recruit from Serie A to join Antonio Conte’s Spurs revolution.

Udogie came through the Hellas Verona youth system before spending last season on loan at Udinese, and officially joining Udinese permanently this summer. But the left-back is now on his way to Tottenham, and could either challenge Ivan Perisic and Ryan Sessegnon for the wing-back role or could go back out on loan.

Udogie was directly involved in eight league goals last season for Udinese.

Newcastle open talks to sign Benfica’s Goncalo Ramos

08:47 , Lawrence Ostlere

Newcastle are in talks with Benfica over 21-year-old Portuguese forward Gonçalo Ramos. PSG are also interested in Ramos, according to Fabrizio Ramano, but there is nothing agreed and the race is open.

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe was asked directly about Ramos this week and said: “I’d never comment on individual players, I don’t think that’s right. It’s disrespectful to the club that the player represents. We’ll do our business in private. There are many teams in Portugal and players we are looking at to find the best ones to make us better.”

Manchester United chase Cody Gakpo

08:27 , Lawrence Ostlere

United are also interested in signing Cody Gakpo, the PSV midfielder who won the Eredivisie player of the year last season after scoring 21 goals in all competitions.

The Dutch international winger is highly rated by Erik ten Hag and the United manager is desperate to add to his attacking options, given the departures of Edinson Cavani, Juan Mata and Jesse Lingard, as well as the ongoing legal case surrounding Mason Greenwood and the doubts of the future of Cristiano Ronaldo.

But Gakpo has hinted he would stay in the Netherlands should PSV get through the Champions League qualifying phase – they play Rangers later in August. “We must first focus on the second leg against Monaco and try to make it to the Champions League,” Gakpo told reporters. “Then it is more likely I will stay. I don’t think I have said anywhere I am leaving, so there is a chance I will stay.”

United struggling to meet Rabiot wage demands

08:21 , Lawrence Ostlere

The news doesn’t get much better for Manchester United this morning. The club have been heavily linked to Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot, but negotiations have stalled over the 27-year-old’s bold wage demands, according to Gazetta dello Sport.

Rabiot’s mother Veronique does all of his negotiating directly with clubs and she is famously tough when it comes to Rabiot’s financial demands.

The player has only one year left on his contract and Juventus are keen to sell for around £15m, so it comes down to whether United can satisfy his salary expectactions.

Chelsea lead United in race for De Jong

08:14 , Lawrence Ostlere

Chelsea are juggling multiple deals right now and Frenkie de Jong is another one of those on the shopping list.

Spanish outlet Sport reports Chelsea are also closing in on a deal with Barca of around £68m for De Jong, and that Stamford Bridge is his preferred destination over Manchester United because he wants to play Champions League football.

However, 90min reports United have not given up trying to sign the midfielder and remain confident over their verbal agreement with his representatives.

Chelsea ready to submit bid for Barcelona’s Aubameyang

08:08 , Lawrence Ostlere

Let’s start at Stamford Bridge where Chelsea remain incredibly busy in this transfer window.

Chelsea are leading Manchester United in the race to sign Frenkie de Jong, and the Blues are ready and waiting to sign both the Dutch midfielder and his Barca teammate Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang should they leave Spain during this transfer window.

The Mail reports this morning that Thomas Tuchel wants Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to lead the Chelsea line and the club are ready to submit and offer to Barcelona for the striker.

Transfer news live

08:05 , Lawrence Ostlere

Follow all the latest transfer news, rumours, gossip and done deals after the Premier League’s return.