Transfer news LIVE: Manchester United to announce Bruno Fernandes today, Chelsea target Dries Mertens plus latest rumours, gossip
Don’t miss a done deal as we approach the final 48 hours of the window
Sign up to Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter sent straight to your inbox for free
Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter
It’s going to be a busy end to the transfer window as the Bruno Fernandes saga nears completion after Manchester United made a breakthrough over a fee, which promises to be around £46.6m with a further £8.5m in add-ons. The Red Devils may finally deliver Ole Gunnar Solskjaer the upgrade he needs amid an injury crisis involving Paul Pogba, Marcus Rashford and Scott McTominay. While there will be much more away from Old Trafford as Tottenham Hotspur appear keen to be innovative to salvage their hopes of beating rivals Chelsea to a top four place: namely through a surprise Olivier Giroud, who is unwanted by Frank Lampard and now Jose Mourinho is eager to sign the French striker on an 18-month deal to cover for the injured Harry Kane – though it remains to be seen whether the Blues will accept a deal from a direct rival.
Serie A clubs are always active late in the window and Barcelona promise to make a significant move late on as they bid to replace Luis Suarez. Rodrigo from Valencia is the most likely option, though they will have to pay up, with Los Che knocked back when they asked about Nelson Semedo being sent to the Mestalla as part of the deal. Liverpool FC are sitting easy at the top of the Premier League and did their business nice and early with the signing of Takumi Minamino from RB Salzburg, though Jurgen Klopp may yet send out a youngster on loan for experience.
Arsenal have been quiet, with Mikel Arteta still assessing his squad and utilising his youngsters before making key decisions on the first team squad. Pablo Mari appeared to be the first signing of Arteta era but the Brazilian centre-back was sent back to Flamengo with a deal seemingly collapsing. Look out for Krzysztof Piatek too, Spurs and Chelsea have been mentioned, with AC Milan possibly open to a loan deal after the Polish forward’s struggles this season saw the Rossoneri snap up Zlatan Ibrahimovic to drive their second half of the season.
Please allow a moment for updates to load
Here, you can see every Premier League side’s dream signing before the deadline, with the last few hours bound to be pivotal in deciding both the top four and European places and, especially, who is relegated.
Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl confirmed new signing Kyle Walker-Peters will not be in the squad for Saturday's Premier League trip to leaders Liverpool, but he is confident the full-back can make the most of the opportunities ahead.
"I think he can learn a lot and if a player wants to come to us a hundred per cent, then he is always welcome," Hasenhuttl said.
"The whole package is something we can develop and this is our goal.
"It is important for him to learn as quickly as possible. He cannot play against Tottenham in the FA Cup (replay), but then we have two good weeks to prepare for the Burnley game and this time, he will need."
Could Manchester United's striker search be over?
The Times report they have turned to Salomon Rondon, formerly of West Brom and Newcastle fame.
They say that having missed out on AC Milan striker Krzysztof Piatek they will now look to thrash out a deal for the 30-year-old Dalian Yifang forward.
The coronavirus epidemic has caused the Chinese Super League to be indefinitely suspended leaving some of the competition's star names now assessing their options.
Estudiantes have signed Marcos Rojo on loan from Manchester United.
Salomon Rondon has emerged as a loan target for Manchester United, report the Times.
The Venezuelan striker now plays in China with Dalian Yifang after failing to land a permanent move with Newcastle last season.
And United are desperate for a new forward after the injury to Marcus Rashford and Krzysztof Piatek likely to join Hertha Berlin for £23million.
Crystal Palace have agreed a £16m fee with Hull for Jarrod Bowen, the Mail report.
The 23-year-old has 16 goals and six assists this season in the Championship.
Manchester United have confirmed the signing of Bruno Fernandes for an initial £46m on a five-and-a-half-year deal.
“My love of Manchester United really started when I used to watch Cristiano Ronaldo play and ever since then I have been a big fan of this great club," he said. "For me to now play for Manchester United feels incredible, I have worked hard to get to this moment and I can promise the fans that I will give everything for the badge to help bring us more success and trophies.
"I want to thank Sporting for everything they have done for me. It is surreal to hear the nice words that have been said about me from players that used to play for this team.
"A massive thank you to Ole and everyone at Manchester United for the trust they have shown in me and I can’t wait to start to repay that on the pitch.”
Sheffield United have broken their transfer record to complete the signing of Sander Berge on a four-and-a-half-year deal from Genk.
Paco Alcacer has completed his move from Borussia Dortmund to Villarreal.
Valencia had provided stiff competition for the 26-year-old, who scored 26 goals in 47 games for the German side, but Villarreal eventually pinned the striker down to a four-and-a-half-year contract for a fee of €23m.
Hertha Berlin have confirmed the signing of Tottenham and Manchester United loan target Krzysztof Piatek.
Barcelona director Guillermo Amor says no new striker will be arriving before the transfer window closes.
The Spanish champions had made enquiries over Valencia's Rodrigo and Ajax's Dusan Tadic.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies