Man United 'preparing' £80m blockbuster transfer bid as Newcastle 'ready' to sign Serie A gem

The limbo between the the domestic season ending and the World Cup starting is almost over, and teams are stepping up their preparations ahead of the big kick-off in North America. Next week, Mexico and South Africa things will get things underway in the tournament opener, before South Korea face Czechia and Canada take on Bosnia & Herzegovnia in the two following fixtures.

Meanwhile, Premier League clubs are working away busily behind the scenes, wrapping up as many deals as possible before the World Cup gets underway. Man City are looking to push through a move for Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, Arsenal are keeping tabs on Bournemouth’s Eli Junior Kroupi, and Everton are keen on Middlesbrough Hayden Hackney.

We’ll start today’s transfer rumour round-up with a bit of a cracker: Tottenham have been linked with a move for Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo. That’s according to the imaginatively named Dutch football website Soccer News, who claim the Netherlands international wants to leave Anfield this summer, following manager Arne Slot’s exit.

The report says that Tottenham have “serious interest” in the versatile forward, with the north London club said to be working hard to convince the 27-year-old to join the new regime under Roberto De Zerbi. The move could see Spurs complete a double raid on Liverpool, having already convinced Andy Robertson to join on a free transfer.

The 3AM Verdict: The Reds paid around £37m to sign Gakpo from PSV back in 2023, and he enjoyed an exceptional season when they won the league in 2024/25, bagging 18 goals in all competitions. Spurs definitely need some better options out wide, and he’s got the speed and quick thinking on the ball necessary to thrive in De Zerbi’s system.

Man United ‘favourites’ to sign Tonali

Over to Old Trafford, where Manchester United’s midfield revamp is continuing after the capture of Ederson, whose arrival is set to soon be formally announced. They’re now said to be targeting Newcastle Untied gem Sandro Tonali, and could place a bid as high as £80m to sign the Italy international.

That’s according to Caught Offside, who back the Red Devils as favourites to seal the deal ahead of both Arsenal and Man City. The article claims Tonali is now United’s “top priority” and that Arsenal are more closely focused on West Ham United’s Mateus Fernandes - a player also thought to be on Man Utd’s radar. City, as mentioned, are moving for Anderson.

The report also suggests that Newcastle will initially demand a fee of “at least £100m” but the Red Devils could “test the water” with a bid in the region of £70m-£80m. It’s also suggested that, given the huge sales of Alexander Isak last summer and Anthony Gordon last month, the Magpies are in a strong position to play hardball when it comes to Tonali’s fee.

The 3AM Verdict: With Tonali in as well as Ederson, Man United’s midfield is starting to look seriously formidable. It would be a brutal blow for Newcastle, and a huge gain for the Red Devils. Add in a couple more signings, and you’d have to have them down as potential title contenders, especially with Liverpool and Man City set to undergo seasons of transition.

Newcastle United ‘pushing’ for Palestra

We’ll stay on Tyneside to round things off, following reports of a potential signing on Newcastle’s radar. Fresh reports in the Italian press, via Sport Witness, claim that the Magpies are upping their efforts to sign Atalanta right-back Marco Palestra, amid keen rival interest from their fellow Serie A side Inter.

The report notes that it will take an offer of around £43m to convince Atalanta to sell - around £10m more than Inter allegedly put on the table. Newcastle are said to have made “significant in-roads” in their quest to sign the 21-year-old gem, with the club apparently willing to stump up the asking price too.

The 3AM Verdict: Like Newcastle’s pursuit of Osasuna’s Victor Munoz, this story is starting to gather some serious momentum. It’s worth noting, however, that the report suggests Palestra is more keen on playing for Inter or Man City than Newcastle, with the lack of European football proving to be a real sticking point in persuading him to join.