Man United rapidly accelerate towards completing £23m signing as Chelsea plot mega double transfer

Once again, we’re back with our regular morning round-up and review of the juiciest and sometimes strangest new Premier League transfer rumours – and we’re starting off with a big day of business at Stamford Bridge.

Sky Sports offered updates on several Chelsea transfer stories, including the claim that they are now “in talks” over the signing of both Ajax defender Jorrel Hato and RB Leipzig’s Dutch playmaker Xabi Simons – both players who have been linked with the Blues in recent days and who can now be described as clear-cut targets.

Hato, who has been a key target for Arsenal as well and seemed set for a move to the Emirates just a few weeks ago, is “one of a number of centre-backs” that Chelsea are said to have been looking at, and his ability to play at left-back as well probably won’t do him much harm.

There’s no word on a price tag or any details of where they are with the potential signing of Simons (who is likely to be worth at least £60m) but the report does hint that we may have to wait a while, saying that “any further signings at Chelsea are dependent on exits.” Elsewhere, Sky Sports also report that Fulham are “interested in signing” Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. That’s one sale, at least.

The 3AM Verdict: There’s not much detail here but this is more reputable outlet backing up rumours about interest in both Hato and Simons which has emerged over recent days. Fulham, meanwhile, are said to be asking about either a loan or permanent move for Dewsbury-Hall, who could form an intriguing double team with Emile Smith Rowe. Arsenal will need to get themselves together if they still hold any interest in Hato.

Manchester United ‘very close’ to key midfield addition

Over in Spain, meanwhile, the media are now absolutely convinced that Manchester United are “very close to an agreement” over the capture of Valencia midfielder Javi Guerra, according to Caught Offside.

Caught Offside do note that while some sections of the Spanish press clearly believe that United are deep into negotiations, there’s no word whatsoever from the British press, and that makes them wonder whether the more excitable outlets are getting ahead of themselves – and a separate article from Marca suggests that they might, but only slightly.

The Madridista newspaper claims that Guerra has turned down a new contract offer while United “continue to work behind the scenes” to make something happen. Valencia are likely to come back with an improved offer, they believe, but while they don’t think United’s interest is as far advanced as other reports suggest, they support the idea that it’s happening.

The 3AM Verdict: As Caught Offside rightly note, the lack of attention to this story in the UK offers good cause for scepticism. But in Spain they seem absolutely convinced that United are a long way down the line of this process, even though it’s been widely assumed here that United won’t be doing any more buying until they get some sales over the line. We suspect that remains the case, but interest in Guerra may well be genuine – but don’t expect a deal to be done in the next few days.

Nottingham Forest get ‘transfer tussle’ underway

We’ll wrap up with a story for Nottingham Forest fans, courtesy of Sport Witness – who relay news from Italy which suggest that the Tricky Trees may have sparked a “transfer tussle” over Hellas Verona defender Jackson Tchatchoua. Supposedly, Forest have made an “initial offer worth €10m” – that’s about £8.5m on our side of the Channel – but it’s said to be “unlikely” that Verona accept it, with both AC Milan and Inter Milan considering a bid as well.

The two San Siro sides are “both keen” on the Cameroonian full-back as well, but it’s said to be Forest that are “in pole position”, or who have at the very least made the first concrete offer. No word on the player’s own preferences in all this.

The 3AM Verdict: Forest have been linked with Tchatchoua repeatedly so we’re sure the interest is genuine, but we’re a little doubtful when it comes to the reliability of the primary sources from Italy – still, if Forest are to make a bid, they’ll be doing it around now, so they may well have scooped the English media on this one.