The summer transfer window is open! Transfer Talk brings you all the latest on rumours, comings and goings and, of course, done deals!
TOP STORY: Manchester City's Grealish could consider leaving in January
Jack Grealish He wants to fight for his place at Manchester City this season, but Football Insider reports he could be tempted by a January move if he remains on the periphery of Pep Guardiola’s side in 2024-25.
The 28-year-old was believed to be considering his future at the Etihad Stadium earlier this summer, but has impressed in pre-season and is determined to fight back. Jeremy Doku for a place on the left side of town.
However, if Guardiola leaves him out of the starting XI in the opening weeks and months of the campaign, he could be tempted to sign in the January transfer window, with his former club Aston Villa at the front of the queue of interested clubs.
Grealish started just 10 Premier League games for City last season and his influence has weakened since Doku arrived in 2023. He was subsequently left out of England's Euro 2024 squad.
Grealish believes he is fitter than ever and will be hoping to prove his worth to Guardiola when the new season gets underway with the Community Shield next weekend, but it appears he is also willing to leave if it means playing for the first team.
PAPER GOSSIP
– Atletico Madrid are considering alternative plans in case their aim is to sign the Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher fails, with a signing for Valencia Javi Guerra An agreement has already been reached. Fabrizio Romano reports that Atletico officials have an agreement in principle with the 21-year-old and his representatives and are willing to proceed this week if Gallagher rejects their proposal. Atletico have already strengthened with the additions of Robin Le Normand and Alejandro SorlothGuerra would become the third signing, for 25 million euros. The Spaniards are now just waiting for Gallagher to decide on his future.
– Chelsea join the race for the Celtic midfielder Matt O'RileyThe Sun reports. Blues manager Enzo Maresca sees O’Riley as the perfect replacement for Gallagher, who has rejected a new contract and is considering the aforementioned move to Atléti. Celtic have already rejected a bid from Southampton believed to be in the region of £14m for O’Riley, 23, with £20m thought to be the fee that would likely get the Scottish giants to agree a deal. Atalanta are also interested in the Danish international.
– Bayer Leverkusen are looking to strengthen their defensive options and hope to sign Joel Matip as a free agent, reports Florian PlettenbergLeverkusen are considering alternatives in case… Jonathan Tah Should the club consider him a good short-term option, Matip is an option who has no verbal agreement but is likely to sign a contract until 2026. Talks between the two parties have been positive, although the 32-year-old is also considering other options.
– Inter are the latest club to join the race for the Juventus striker Federico IglesiaJuve boss Thiago Motta has told Chiesa he is free to leave, and with a year left on his contract, the Old Lady will be hoping to recoup something for the 26-year-old before losing him on a free transfer in 12 months. Juve's €40m valuation has so far put off potential suitors, and Nerazzurri President Giuseppe Marotta hopes to reach an agreement with Inter's Serie A rivals. Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are among other interested clubs.
– RB Leipzig have rejected Barcelona's offers for the midfielder Dani OlmoBarca are keen to land the 26-year-old Spanish international and have so far submitted a proposal that meets Leipzig's valuation of €60m, but only in instalments and bonuses. The German club are willing to let Olmo go to his preferred club, Barca, but are refusing to negotiate with Barca unless he returns with a significant one-off payment. Leipzig are willing to be patient and are in no hurry to let one of their star players leave.
