Newcastle United eye £17m Tottenham target as intriguing Leeds transfer 'hijack' claim rebuffed
Premier League transfer news including the latest on Newcastle United, Leeds and Chelsea
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is now in the rear-view mirror, after the 48-team, 104-match tournament came to its conclusion with Spain emerging triumphant over Argentina in the final. Now that’s done and dusted, there’s a new pressing matter on the agenda: transfers. Premier League clubs are now working frantically to get the bulk of their business done before the start of the new season.
Players previously fully focused on the World Cup will now be ready to consider their club futures, and we’re expecting to see a considerable number of deals go through as Premier League sides gear up for the 2026/27 campaign. Over £1 billion has already been spent by sides in England’s top tier, and last summer’s £3 billion total spend could well be broken between now and the start of September.
Let’s get the ball rolling at Stamford Bridge, where Chelsea are starting to stir after a relatively slow start to the summer window. Marco Palestra has been their biggest signing so far, arriving in £43m deal from Atalanta, but now the club are set to crank things up a notch with the blockbuster signing of Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa.
On top of that, Talk Sport report that the Blues are now looking to strengthen their defensive options, and are continuing to progress in talks to sign France and Crystal Palace star Maxence Lacroix. Said talks are now believed to be at a formal stage, with the Eagles demanding at least £55m for the towering 26-year-old centre-back.
The story says that the player is eager to seal a move to Stamford Bridge, and that the Blues may offer some “fringe players” as part of their terms to get the deal over the line. It’s also suggested that the £52m Tottenham paid for Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton is being held up as an example of what the Blues should be expected to pay for a player of Lacroix’s calibre.
The 3AM Verdict: Chelsea’s transfer strategy in recent years has been utterly shambolic, but it appears that whoever is in charge of throwing darts at the Football Manager database printout has finally hit the bullseye. Lacroix will instantly upgrade the Blues’ defence, although such a hefty fee does raise questions over whether they can afford to strengthen in other areas also in great need of a revamp.
Newcastle United ‘identify’ Forest star as target
Next up, it’s over to St. James’ Park, where Newcastle United are scrambling to avoid another disastrous transfer window. Following last summer’s inability to land key transfer targets, things have got off to a similarly frustrating start, with the likes of Victor Munoz and Johan Manzambi opting to join the Magpies’ Premier League rivals at the last minute.
Versatile defender Neco Williams looks to be the latest player to take Newcastle’s fancy, with the £17m Nottingham Forest ace being “identified” as a potential signing for the North East side. A report from Football Insider claims that Man United and Spurs are also keen on the Wales international, but Newcastle are “optimistic” of winning the race to sign him.
The story goes on to claim that Forest, having already lost a key player in Elliot Anderson to Manchester City, are looking to keep the 25-year-old at the club. They’re said to have entered contract talks with Williams in the hope of extending his stay, and will hope that the arrival of new boss Oliver Glasner will be enough to convince the player to remain at the City Ground.
The 3AM Verdict: There’s been a real shift in transfer strategy from the likes of Spurs and Man United this summer, with both looking to sign Premier League proven talent. After an underwhelming 2025/26 campaign, Newcastle can’t afford to take too many gambles in this window and should follow their rivals’ example - bringing in a reliable performer in Williams would be a great decision.
Leeds United ‘hijack’ update
Last up, things were thought to be heating up in an emerging transfer battle between Ipswich Town and Leeds United, with both thought to hold an interest in Royale Union Saint-Gilloise goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen. Sport Witness now carry a report regarding Ipswich pressing ahead with move for the 26-year-old, who was previously on the books at Brighton.
The story says that recent claims in the Italian press suggesting that Leeds could snatch Scherpen were wide of the mark, and that Ipswich are very much in pole position to get the deal done. The player is also said to be “unaware” of any interest from the Whites, and that Ipswich have “nothing to worry about” in terms of a threat from their new Premier League rivals.
The 3AM Verdict: Leeds United have time to get themselves a new goalkeeper, but they do need to get a move on before pre-season properly kicks in. If we were in charge of recruitment at Elland Road - perish the thought! - then we’d go out and get Parma’s Zion Suzuki, who has been heavily linked with the Whites for the past few weeks.