LIVE! Transfer news and rumours: Man Utd to make opening Hojlund bid, Ten Hag wants to keep Maguire
Hello and welcome to Sports Mole's live coverage of the latest transfer news and rumours from around the world of football on Friday, July 21.
Stick with us below to keep up to date with all of today's transfer rumours and done deals.
Today's key events
Chelsea confirm Aubameyang move to Marseille
Chelsea have announced that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has completed a transfer to Marseille.
The Gabon international departs Stamford Bridge less than a year after initially being signed from Barcelona, the hope having been that he would solve Chelsea's issues in the final third.
However, Aubameyang's time in West London did not pan out as he would have hoped, his former Borussia Dortmund boss Thomas Tuchel being sacked within a week of his arrival.
The 34-year-old did prove effective for the Blues during Graham Potter's early weeks at Stamford Bridge, but he could not maintain his performances and ultimately dropped significantly down the pecking order.
Postecoglou "not relaxed" about Kane's Spurs future
Head coach Ange Postecoglou has acknowledged that he is "not relaxed" about the future of Tottenham Hotspur forward Harry Kane.
With less than 12 months remaining on his contract, Kane is being heavily linked with a transfer to Bayern Munich, who have strongly hinted in public that they are keen on the England international.
As it stands, the Bundesliga champions are said to have failed with two official bids for Kane at a time when Spurs chairman Daniel Levy wishes to retain his services.
Bayern are expected to return with an improved proposal in due course, potentially aided by funds generated by the sale of other players in Thomas Tuchel's squad.
Forest 'close to agreeing deal for Man United's Elanga'
Manchester United are reportedly close to agreeing a price with Nottingham Forest for winger Anthony Elanga.
Despite initially showing promise in the first team after progressing through the academy setup, Elanga has dropped down the pecking order at Old Trafford.
Although the Sweden international was provided with 16 outings in the Premier League during 2022-23, he accumulated just 426 minutes of football.
The last of those appearances came on March 5 as United were thrashed 7-0 by Liverpool at Anfield, and United have been happy to listen to offers for the 21-year-old.
Aberdeen sign Or Dadia on loan
Defender Or Dadia has today joined the Dons on a season long loan, subject to successful completion of the UK immigration process. — Aberdeen FC (@AberdeenFC) July 21, 2023
"I am delighted to sign for a club like Aberdeen FC. It has a great history and a bright future ahead," he told the club website.
"I will do everything for this to be a success and I can't wait to meet the supporters at Pittodrie soon."
Manager Barry Robson added: "Or is an excellent footballer. He is versatile player who can play in a number of positions, so will further strengthen our defensive options.
"He is athletic, hungry and has a good mentality, all key attributes we want in our players here at Aberdeen.
"His arrival is once again testament to the excellent recruitment strategy we have in place at the club and I'm sure Or will be determined to make a positive impact during his spell with us."
Davor Zdravkovski joins Motherwell on two-year deal
The summer business continues 🇲🇰
Welcome, Davor. — Motherwell FC (@MotherwellFC) July 21, 2023
"Davor is an exciting signing for the club," said manager Stuart Kettlewell.
"He is someone who we feel, will fit into the system that we are trying to implement here.
"He's been in international squads, which shows the quality he has displayed in Cyprus and North Macedonia. The staff here have done an excellent job in scouting and getting the transfer done.
"The fact he's an unknown player to most Motherwell supporters, makes it more exciting for everyone."
Davor Zdravkovski added: "This is a new chapter and new challenge for me.
"I look forward to working hard with this club and will do my best to bring joy to the fans."
Lazio sign striker Valentin Castellanos
📣 @tatycaste11anos è un nuovo calciatore biancoceleste! #WelcomeTaty pic.twitter.com/VDckEkUtj3
— S.S.Lazio (@OfficialSSLazio) July 21, 2023
Silvano Vos signs new five-year Ajax contract
Silvano Vos has extended his Ajax contract until 2028.
— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) July 21, 2023
Congrats, Sil! ❌❌❌#ForTheFuture
Giuliano Simeone signs new Atletico Madrid deal, joins Alaves on loan
🤝 Agreement with @Alaves for the loan of Giuliano Simeone, who renews with our club until 2028.
— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) July 21, 2023
We wish you the best of luck in this new challenge! pic.twitter.com/wNOVcOu0PX
Joe Pigott joins Leyton Orient after Ipswich exit
Here he is! 💪
Leyton Orient are delighted to announce the arrival of Joe Pigott, who has signed a two-year deal at Brisbane Road.
Welcome to E10, Joe!
Read in full 👉 https://t.co/dW0pkNrUpI#LOFC #OneOrient pic.twitter.com/T3e2vmZlBX — Leyton Orient FC (@leytonorientfc) July 21, 2023
"I'm really happy to be here, and I'm looking forward to seeing what we can do next season," PIgott told the club website.
"The gaffer was a big part of me coming here. I had good conversations with him about myself and about what he expects from his teams. He really sold the club to me.
"I had my first session with the lads today and it was really good, I'm just excited to get going now and get some minutes under my belt.
"I know Idris from Ipswich and I've played with Max Sanders before, and they're great players and lads, so I'm excited to work with them both again.
"My first thoughts are just for us to continue on with the momentum from last season that the squad has built up and hopefully I can add to that."
Manager Richie Wellens added: "He's a focal point in terms of his size, but he's certainly not a target man.
"He's great with his back to goal and a really clever footballer. In terms of goals, he had a wonderful spell at Wimbledon which got him a great move to Ipswich and subsequently a loan at Portsmouth.
"He can play centre forward, but he can also play wide, so his versatility is something that could be really important for us.
"I think he needs to find a home and someone who trusts him to get back to his goalscoring form, but he offers an awful lot of qualities.
"He can score headers, tap-ins and free-kicks, he's technically a really good player and we think his qualities will really help us this season."
Kris Moore signs two-year Leeds extension
📰 #LUFC defender Kris Moore signs a contract extension, keeping him at Elland Road until the summer of 2025
— Leeds United (@LUFC) July 21, 2023
Millwall sign Wes Harding on free transfer
🫡 Welcome, @MrWesleyHarding...
The defender has signed for #Millwall! — Millwall FC (@MillwallFC) July 21, 2023
"Wes strengthens the squad and improves our defensive options in a number of positions given that he can play as a centre-back, full-back or wing-back," said Alex Aldridge.
"He has been an ever-present for Rotherham in the past three seasons and he joins us with a real desire to kick on again and establish himself in our team.
"Having worked with the manager and some of our backroom staff before, we also know that in Wes we are adding an excellent character and leadership qualities to our group."
Wycombe Wanderers snap up goalkeeper Laurie Shala
🧤 Matt Bloomfield makes his seventh summer signing!
— Wycombe Wanderers (@wwfcofficial) July 21, 2023
Laurie Shala has impressed on trial and signed a permanent deal this morning.#Chairboys pic.twitter.com/jJMl8sF5Um
Torquay sign Will Jenkins Davies on loan from Plymouth
🟡 BREAKING NEWS: United Agree Jenkins Davies Loan
TUAFC is delighted to announce that the Club has agreed a loan deal for Plymouth Argyle midfielder Will Jenkins Davies.
👉 https://t.co/R7Igz2NUbl#tufc pic.twitter.com/d90K0glWeP — Torquay United AFC (@TUFC1899) July 21, 2023
"I've very happy indeed that Plymouth have agreed to Will Jenkins Davies joining us on loan," said manager Gary Johnson.
"A midfielder who can play in the middle, or up front, or wide, a Torquay lad who has lots of energy and ability.
"We welcome him to Plainmoor."
Ephraim Yeboah signs first pro Bristol City contract
📣 Ephraim Yeboah has signed a three-year professional deal!
— Bristol City FC (@BristolCity) July 21, 2023
Peterborough sign Huddersfield keeper Nicholas Bilokapic
🧤 Safe hands
Transfer news brought to you by @da_recruitment.#pufc | #AD — Peterborough United (@theposh) July 21, 2023
"The next part of my development is to get game time; I feel this is the perfect scenario for me. I have been second choice goalkeeper in the Championship for the last two seasons so this is the right step in the direction for me and I am really excited about the opportunity," he told the club website.
"I spoke with the manager, he talked through the plans and what he expects and really sold it to me. I wanted to get it done as soon as I could. You don't really want it going on too long in pre-season, it gives me the chance to come in, get to know everyone and be good to go."
Manager Darren Ferguson added: "I am delighted to bring Nick to the club. He has great potential, is a good size, is good with his feet and has experience of playing football within the Championship last season for Huddersfield, big games too as they were trying to stay in the league.
"I felt when I came in last season when I did, we needed to go down a different route in the goalkeeping area, but it is a totally different situation now, we are at the start of the campaign. We have two young goalkeepers who can compete against each other.
"I like Nick's temperament; he is very calm and he fits what he needs. He brings a good size, he is an imposing, aggressive goalkeeper and I think he has got stacks of potential. I think the two goalkeepers will scrap it out and I am happy with that, they will push each other on."
Millwall sign Casper De Norre on long-term contract
👻 𝗕𝗢𝗢...#Millwall have completed the signing of midfielder Casper De Norre! — Millwall FC (@MillwallFC) July 21, 2023
"Casper is a player who we have pursued throughout the summer so we are delighted to have reached an agreement to bring him to Millwall before the start of the new season," said director of football operations and recruitment Alex Aldridge.
"He has been a key player for OH Leuven for a number of years and at 26 is entering the prime of his career, having played more than 150 games in the Belgian League as well as in European competitions with Genk.
"Casper will be a strong addition to Gary's midfield options as we continue to assemble our squad in this transfer window."
Transfer rumours: Balogun to Brighton, Maatsen to West Ham, Soares to Villarreal
Brighton & Hove Albion are reportedly ready to explore the possibility of signing Arsenal forward Folarin Balogun during this summer's transfer window.
There is currently widespread speculation surrounding the 22-year-old's future, with Inter Milan and AC Milan both believed to be interested in bringing him to Serie A.
Balogun scored 22 goals during an excellent season on loan at Reims last term, with 21 of those goals coming in the Premier League, but it is unclear whether he will stay with Arsenal this summer.
According to CBS Sports, Brighton are keeping a close eye on his situation, with the Seagulls keen to bring him to the club before the end of the transfer window.
Osimhen 'wants £104m release clause in any new Napoli deal'
Victor Osimhen has reportedly told Napoli that he will sign a new contract at the club providing that there is a €120m (£104m) release clause included in the deal.
The 24-year-old was in impressive form for his Italian side during the 2022-23 campaign, finding the back of the net on 31 occasions in 39 appearances, in addition to contributing five assists.
Osimhen netted 26 goals in Serie A, as Napoli won the title, while he managed five goals in six Champions League appearances, with the Blues making it to the quarter-finals.
The Nigeria international's future has been the subject of much speculation, with many of the leading clubs in world football said to be keen on his signature this summer.
Ancelotti "very happy" with Real Madrid's summer business
Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti has insisted that he is "very happy" with his club's summer business despite the fact that a world-class forward has not yet been signed to replace Karim Benzema.
Los Blancos have lost Benzema this summer, with the experienced striker moving to Saudi Arabia, and Joselu has been brought in to fill the void, signing on loan from Espanyol.
Jude Bellingham has been the biggest acquisition, arriving from Borussia Dortmund, while Arda Guler and Fran Garcia have also joined to boost the squad.
Brahim Diaz is also back after a loan spell at AC Milan, but Marco Asensio, Eden Hazard and Mariano Diaz have left alongside Benzema, with Ancelotti currently short of options in the final third of the field.
Man United 'ready to step up Sofyan Amrabat interest'
Manchester United are reportedly preparing to accelerate their pursuit of Sofyan Amrabat amid fears that they could miss out on the Fiorentina midfielder's signature.
The Morocco international was heavily linked with a move away from his Italian side in January off the back of playing a leading role in his country reaching the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup.
Barcelona are said to have failed with a mid-season move for the 26-year-old, who has entered the final year of his contract with Fiorentina.
The Catalan outfit are still thought to be keeping a close eye on his situation, while Liverpool have also recently been credited with an interest in the central midfielder.
St Johnstone sign Luke Jephcott
👀✍️ pic.twitter.com/nY4lADHSQz
— St. Johnstone FC (@StJohnstone) July 21, 2023
Birmingham's Nico Gordon joins Solihull Moors on loan
Good luck, @nicogordon25! 🙌
— Birmingham City FC (@BCFC) July 21, 2023
Plymouth sign Bali Mumba from Norwich for record-equalling fee
4⃣
Year.
Deal.
Welcome home, @BaliMumba8 💚#pafc pic.twitter.com/Y527UHmHmw — Plymouth Argyle FC (@Argyle) July 21, 2023
"I am so thrilled to be able to bring Bali back to Argyle," said Argyle manager Steven Schumacher.
"His pace, directness and positivity were huge parts of our success last season, and I know he was someone that the Green Army found tremendously exciting to watch.
"He gets fans off their seats – and I am sure they will be delighted to get to see him in green once again. I know I am!"
Ajax sign 16-year-old Lasse Abildgaard from Silkeborg IF
Lasse Abildgaard = For The Future 💫#ForTheFuture
— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) July 21, 2023
Atalanta boss sends message to Man United over Hojlund price
Atalanta BC head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has suggested that Manchester United might have to pay as much as €100m (£86.6m) if they wish to sign Rasmus Hojlund this summer.
The 20-year-old's future is currently the subject of much speculation, with Man United believed to have identified him as their number one attacking target during the current window.
The Red Devils are believed to be lining up an opening offer for the Denmark international amid suggestions that Atalanta are looking for around €70m (£60.1m) for his services.
Gasperini has admitted that a summer move for the forward is possible, but the Atalanta boss wants his club to hold out for the highest fee possible in the "unpredictable" market.
Jake Livermore joins Watford on one-year deal
Welcome to Watford, Jake Livermore! 🤝 pic.twitter.com/uQVUVMGpFV
— Watford Football Club (@WatfordFC) July 21, 2023
Burnley sign Nathan Redmond on two-year deal
Cool, cool, cool, cool, cool. 🚔 pic.twitter.com/l63SNiTJ4E — Burnley FC (@BurnleyOfficial) July 21, 2023
"I always had aspirations to play again in the Premier League. Burnley's project matches with my ambitions," the winger told the club website.
"The management team feel like they can enhance my game more and see the value I can bring on and off the field. It feels like a perfect match."
Manager Vincent Kompany added: "Nathan brings a wealth of experience from playing in the Premier League and more recently from his time in Turkey where he's been outstanding. We're looking forward to playing a big part in his next chapter.
"He's got a great work ethic, plenty of skill and a willingness to continue learning. He also brings his personality and character to this football club which will benefit the younger players here."
Ten Hag 'wants Maguire to stay at Man United this summer'
Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag has reportedly told Harry Maguire that he wants the centre-back to remain at Old Trafford during this summer's transfer window.
The 30-year-old's future is currently the subject of much speculation, having struggled for action during the 2022-23 campaign, starting just eight Premier League games for the club.
Maguire has also had the captain's armband taken away from him this summer, with Bruno Fernandes announced as the club's new permanent skipper on Thursday.
West Ham United are currently believed to be the favourites to sign the centre-back, with Chelsea not said to be interested despite recent reports linking him with a switch to Stamford Bridge.
West Brom quartet sign new contracts
We're delighted to announce @jamieandrews_8, Mo Faal, @bradfos1 and Aaron Harper-Bailey have all agreed new deals at the club! ✍️
— West Bromwich Albion (@WBA) July 21, 2023
Congratulations, lads! 💙🤍
Reims sign Reda Khadra from Brighton
Véloce, rapide balle au pied et déstabilisateur de défense : 𝗥𝗲𝗱𝗮 𝗞𝗵𝗮𝗱𝗿𝗮 est rémois 🇩🇪
— Stade de Reims (@StadeDeReims) July 21, 2023
L'attaquant polyvalent de 22 ans arrive en provenance d'@OfficialBHAFC !
𝙒𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙠𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙚𝙣 𝙍𝙚𝙙𝙖 ! 🔴⚪️
Joe Pigott leaves Ipswich Town
📰 Joe Pigott has left Town by mutual consent.
— Ipswich Town (@IpswichTown) July 21, 2023
Joe departs with the Club's best wishes.#itfc
Transfer rumours: Bournemouth want Darlow, Forest keen on Maatsen, Italian clubs chase Soumare
Bournemouth are reportedly interested in securing a deal for Newcastle United goalkeeper Karl Darlow.
Since 2014, the Englishman has been contracted to the Magpies, yet he has only made a total of 100 appearances in all competitions, a result of playing backup to different number ones and loan spells elsewhere.
During the second half of the last campaign, the 32-year-old represented Hull City in the Championship, making 12 starts in what is perceived to be a successful stint with the Tigers.
As a result, the Daily Mail claims that Bournemouth want to quickly wrap up a deal for the experienced stopper to boost their options between the sticks.
Huddersfield Town sign Chris Maxwell
👋 Welcome to the Terriers, Chris!#htafc pic.twitter.com/OcvC3SaQpQ — Huddersfield Town (@htafc) July 21, 2023
The 32-year-old goalkeeper joins on a free transfer and has penned a two-year contract at the club.
"I've always looked at goalkeepers and asked, 'can they win you points?' I've always liked Chris, as he's always made crucial saves when we've played against him," manager Neil Warnock told the club website.
"I think he's a good character and I like the way that he conducts himself. He's a good trainer too, and they're the attributes that I think you need.
"We've got a great 'keeper in Lee as well, and Chris' arrival strengthens that department."
West Ham's Krisztian Hegyi joins Stevenage on loan
Welcome to #StevenageFC, Krisztián Hegyi! ✍️
— Stevenage FC 🔴⚪ (@StevenageFC) July 21, 2023
Armando Broja 'keen to remain at Chelsea this summer'
Armando Broja is reportedly keen to remain at Chelsea for their first campaign under Mauricio Pochettino.
Earlier this week, it was revealed that the academy graduate would not feature in the club's pre-season tour of the United States, a period which includes five friendlies.
From the outside, the decision came as a blow to Broja who is currently attempting to get back up to speed after being sidelined since December with a serious knee injury.
The Albania international will continue to try to build up his fitness at the club's training facilities and potentially in games with the Under-21s.
Man United 'ready to submit opening Hojlund bid'
Manchester United are reportedly ready to make their first official bid for Atalanta BC forward Rasmus Hojlund.
Since the end of last season, it has been known that Erik ten Hag is in the market for a new number nine in a bid to resolve the team's issues in that area.
Although Marcus Rashford enjoyed his best season in a United shirt during 2022-23, Ten Hag is keen for alternatives with Anthony Martial expected to follow Wout Weghorst out of Old Trafford.
However, United have made little progress on that front, the likes of Harry Kane and Victor Osimhen proving too expensive which has, in turn, resulted in stronger interest in Hojlund.
Man United 'open to signing Jonny Evans on permanent deal'
Manchester United may reportedly contemplate handing a permanent contract to defender Jonny Evans.
Earlier this summer, the Northern Ireland international departed Leicester City on a free transfer on the back of their relegation from the Premier League.
During his final two years at the King Power Stadium, Evans was restricted to just 31 appearances in the top flight, 13 of them coming during their 2022-23 campaign.
Despite now being 35 years of age, Evans was always going to have several admirers in the market, albeit in divisions other than the Premier League with other clubs potentially being in a position to offer him regular football.
Welcome!
Good morning and welcome to another day of transfer news and rumours!
Before we get started with a look at all of today's biggest transfer talk, let's first have a quick recap of what happened yesterday.
Yesterday's top stories
Click here to read full details of all yesterday's transfer news and rumours
