Carlo Ancelotti's Everton have acquired James Rodriguez from Madrid, while Sheffield United made a third signing in a single day on Monday, signing Chelsea defender Ethan Ampadu on a season-long loan. This season's transfer market has been quite lively and the trend is set to continue as we approach the 2020/21 season.
That said, here are the top transfer stories of the day:
Aston Villa launch £16m bid for Joshua King
Bournemouth have already lost striker Callum Wilson and winger Ryan Fraser to Newcastle United, and a recent report from the Daily Telegraph has confirmed that Joshua King is likely to follow suit, with Aston Villa launching a £16m bid for the forward. Villa had previously inquired for Wilson and reportedly offered £21m for the 28-year-old. But with the striker keen on working under Steve Bruce, the Villans pulled back from the deal, and are now targeting Joshua King, who scored six goals in the Premier League last season.
King has less than 12 months remaining in his current Bournemouth deal, and he could easily be lured with a hope of playing in the Premier League. For Villa, Brentford forward Ollie Watkins still remains a priority, while an interest in Celtic's Odsonne Edouard has also been expressed. Manager Dean Smith is keen on adding more firepower in attack after surviving relegation in the 2019/20 season.
Meanwhile, they have already signed full-back Matty Cash from Nottingham Forest for £16m.
Chelsea in talks with Edouard Mendy
Having already added a host of big names in the ongoing transfer market, Frank Lampard's Chelsea are now pushing to complete the signing of Rennes goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. Chelsea had previously made an £18m offer for the 28-year-old, but saw their bid getting rejected. As things stand, reports have it that the Blues are now set to launch a new offer - £25m, including add-ons - to complete the deal as soon as possible.
Chelsea are in advanced talks and really ‘confident’ to sign Edouard Mendy as new goalkeeper from Rennes [as per @JacobSteinberg]. The agreement is going to be completed on next days. Declan Rice still in the list as next target too. 🔵 #CFC #Chelsea #transfers
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 7, 2020
Journalist Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that the Blues are in 'advanced talks and are really confident to sign' the stopper. He further states that the 'agreement is going to be completed on next days'.
In other news, Emerson Palmieri's move to Inter has hit a rock after the Blues' asking price of £26m. It is understood that the Serie A side will wait until the deadline day to force Chelsea to bring down the asking price. Meanwhile, their striker Michy Batshuayi has attracted interest from the newly-promoted West Brom, while Tiemoue Bakayoko's loan move to AC Milan is still in process.
Lautaro "out of the market"
Barcelona's interest in Inter Milan forward Lautaro Martinez has been well documented, and in recent developments, the Blaugrana have yet again contacted his representatives, but Inter director Piero Ausilio insists that his player is "out of the market". Fabrizio Romano further confirms that there's no chance of the deal taking place in the near future.
Lautaro Martinez agents are coming to Italy. Barcelona contacted again Inter to re-start official talks for Lautaro, but he's now considered "out of the market" as Inter director Ausilio said. No chance at the moment. Barça are now in contact with Depay agents. 🇦🇷 @SkySport #FCB
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 7, 2020
Thiago will NOT be present @ Bayern training center for medical tests. Key days are coming.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 8, 2020
Liverpool are still pushing to get him but Bayern want €30m... and Koeman insists to have Wijnaldum as new Barça signing more than Thiago (appreciated by part of the board). 🔴 #LFC #FCB https://t.co/9atHfHYPVa
Having said that, Barcelona have now contacted Memphis Depay's agent as manager Ronald Koeman looks keen on working with his countryman on a club level. Meanwhile, the Barca board are also working towards the possibility of resigning Thiago Alcantara from Bayern Munich, but Koeman insists on having Gini Wijnaldum instead.
Feature image courtesy: AFP / Lars Baron
