Man United could snatch £40m West Ham gem as Newcastle decide 'top' summer transfer target
The latest Premier League transfer news as Manchester United, Newcastle and more chase summer targets
The Premier League paused to take breath for a mere 48 hours between Gameweek 36 and Gameweek 37. The penultimate round of matches in England’s top tier get underway this very evening, as Aston Villa host Liverpool in the Friday night fixture. Both sides have all but secured Champions League football for next season, with top five finishes well in sight.
Other highlights of the upcoming action include West Ham’s trip to Newcastle United and Tottenham’s visit to Chelsea, as both sides look to claim a precious away win in an enthralling relegation battle. At the top of the table, Arsenal will look to edge closer to the Premier League title when they host Burnley, while Man City face a tricky trip to Bournemouth.
Off the pitch, we’re just one month away from the summer transfer opening, and the rumours are already starting to gather pace ahead what will be a hectic few months of wheeling and dealing. As June 15th draws closer, we’ve rounded up the latest Premier League transfer stories currently doing the rounds:
First up, we’re meandering our way down to Anfield, where Liverpool’s decision makers are presumably still frantically pacing their offices, wearing out the carpet as they try to figure out what to do about the Alisson situation. It’s been reported for some time that the Brazil international is likely to leave this summer, providing the Reds with a dilemma over who to make their number one next season.
Caught Offside now assert that Liverpool aren’t keen to move on just yet, and will look to keep him at the club for at least another season. The superstar stopper, however, is said to be “very tempted” by an apparent approach from Juventus - one which includes a particularly lucrative salary. Interestingly, it’s added that the Reds aren’t currently looking for an alternative option.
The 3AM Verdict: Alisson has enjoyed a glorious eight seasons at Liverpool, and with just one year left on his deal, leaving this summer would be in no way a betrayal - his legacy would remain very much intact. Given that they won’t get a huge fee for the 33-year-old, and the fact that they have Giorgi Mamardashvili as backup if required, the Reds should dig their heels in and keep Alisson for one more season, before letting him go on a free transfer next year.
Manchester United want another Fernandes
It’s over to Old Trafford next, where Manchester United appear to be ready to add to their admittedly minimal Portuguese Fernandes collection. With Bruno already on the books, they’re now turning to West Ham’s Mateus, according to Team Talk. They claim the Red Devils are leading the chase to sign the £40m man this summer, with the player said to be very much up for the move himself.
The report goes on to suggest that United have already made contact with the 21-year-old’s entourage ahead of the transfer window opening, and that they view him as potential successor to his namesake, Bruno. It also suggests they could form a midfield double act, but stops short of dubbing it The Two Fernandeses.
The 3AM Verdict: If West Ham go down, there’s no chance they’re keeping Fernandes. If West Ham stay up, there’s only a marginal chance they’re keeping Fernandes. Either way, they’ll make a hefty profit on what they paid for him last summer - a potential £80m fee has been floated around - which should at least help them sort out what will be a largescale summer rebuild. He’s been their standout player this season, perhaps only behind Bowen, and would surely thrive alongside higher quality players at Old Trafford. Get the deal done.
Newcastle United ready raid for Trafford
We’ll go from Old Trafford to a relatively young Trafford to round things off - Newcastle United have set their sights on Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford, according to Football Insider. They say that Newcastle will look to move on from Nick Pope and don’t intend to keep loanee Aaron Ramsdale at St. James’ Park on a permanent basis.
Leeds United and Tottenham have also been linked with Trafford, who looks increasingly likely to leave the Etihad Stadium this summer. The report goes on to reference the Magpies’ long running interest in the 23-year-old, and suggests that he’ll be the “best available option” the club can sign in the next transfer window.
The 3AM Verdict: Even during their worst times, Newcastle always seem to have a decent goalkeeper between the sticks. He’d be an excellent acquisition for the Magpies, in a position they do now need to strengthen. Signing Trafford before immediately bringing in Donnarumma was a baffling move from Man City, and you can’t blame the England international if he wants straight out this summer.