News Focus
- West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes selects Manchester United ahead of Arsenal
- United captain Bruno Fernandes personally recommends compatriot to board
- Crystal Palace ready to meet £20m valuation for Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney
- Manchester City enquire about Chelsea defender Malo Gusto
- Arsenal target Club Brugge forward Christos Tzolis as alternative option
Manchester United have taken the lead in the race to sign Mateus Fernandes from West Ham United. The midfielder has informed the Hammers that he prefers a move to Old Trafford over Arsenal. This represents a significant blow to the Gunners’ transfer plans.
United captain Bruno Fernandes has personally recommended the deal to the club’s board. He has spoken highly of his fellow countryman. Technical director Jason Wilcox is also pushing hard for the transfer. He previously signed Fernandes during his time at Southampton.
Arsenal are now considering alternatives. The North London club are monitoring Christos Tzolis of Club Brugge. The Greek forward has impressed in Belgium.
Elsewhere, Manchester City have made enquiries about Chelsea defender Malo Gusto. The Premier League champions need cover at right-back. City are also tracking Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite alongside Manchester United and Bayern Munich.
Crystal Palace are prepared to meet Middlesbrough’s £20 million valuation for Hayden Hackney. The Eagles face competition from Everton for the midfielder’s signature.
Nottingham Forest are monitoring Inter Milan midfielder Davide Frattesi. The Italian appears set to leave the San Siro this summer. Newcastle United have submitted an official bid to Osasuna for winger Victor Munoz.
Barcelona continue to monitor Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez as they search for attacking options. However, defender Jules Kounde intends to remain at the Camp Nou. The French international is content with life in Spain.
Paris Saint-Germain and Atletico Madrid have opened talks regarding South Korean winger Lee Kang-In. Finally, Premier League referee Michael Oliver has withdrawn from the World Club Cup due to injury. He was scheduled to officiate the match between Ecuador and Ivory Coast.