Leicester manager Steve Cooper made it clear he wanted attacking additions, with Bilal El Khannouss following Jordan Ayew in the door. Ayew joined from Crystal Palace and another Palace forward, Odsonne Edouard, is undergoing a medical at Leicester ahead of a loan move. The fact Leicester have allowed striker Tom Cannon to join Stoke City on loan amid plenty of Championship interest suggests they are confident of wrapping up the deal for Edouard.
Arsenal are in talks with Chelsea over a loan deal for Raheem Sterling. The winger is open to the move and negotiations are advancing. There’s still a lot to sort out. Sterling has three years left on a deal worth £325,000 a week.
Odsonne Edouard is set to join Leicester on loan from Crystal Palace, with the France striker having a medical this evening. The 26-year-old started Palace’s last Premier League game against West Ham but has been allowed to depart Selhurst Park due to the imminent arrival of Eddie Nketiah from Arsenal. The England striker is expected to complete his £30m move before tonight’s deadline.
Edouard will join Jordan Ayew at the King Power Stadium and vie with Jamie Vardy for a starting spot having lost his place at Palace to Jean-Philippe Mateta. It is understood that his move is a straight loan with no obligation or option to buy.
Palace are also expected to confirm the signings of Matt Turner from Nottingham Forest and Chelsea’s Trevoh Chalobah on loan after Maxence Lacroix’s arrival earlier.
An update on Raheem Sterling… It appears personal terms will not be an issue. Now it’s down to Arsenal and Chelsea to strike an agreement.
🔴⚪️🤝🏻 Raheem Sterling and Arsenal, agreement between player and #AFC in case club decides to get it done.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 30, 2024
Raheem wants the move.
Negotiations ongoing between clubs with Chelsea open to finding solutions. pic.twitter.com/Flq5eRwhLG
Mahmoud Dahoud joins Eintracht Frankfurt
Brighton midfielder Mahmoud Dahoud has returned to the Bundesliga to join Eintracht Frankfurt in a permanent transfer. The 28-year-old made 14 appearances for Brighton after signing from Borussia Dortmund last June.
Arsenal are in talks with Chelsea over a loan move for Raheem Sterling. The 29-year-old is not part of Enzo Maresca’s plans this season and has already been stripped of his squad number. Any deal would have to be completed in the next few hours.
The clock is ticking!
Scott McTominay joins Napoli
Napoli have announced the signing of Scott McTominay from Manchester United. Erik ten Hag confirmed the move this afternoon during his press conference but it has just been made official by both clubs. The deal is worth £25.7million plus a further £5m in potential add-ons. United also have a 10% sell-on clause included.
The Red who lived his dream ❤️
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 30, 2024
Your United family wishes you nothing but success in this new chapter, @McTominay10 🔴#MUFC
Updated
Most ambitious move of the window? That mantle might belong to Birmingham City, who are pushing to sign Jay Stansfield from Fulham in a potentially record-breaking deal. Fulham had knocked back a package worth about £10m for the striker, who spent last season on loan at St Andrew’s, but the League One club are determined to get their man. The previous League One record was the £4m deal that took Will Grigg, another forward, from Wigan to Sunderland in February 2019. Birmingham have agreed personal terms with Stansfield, who came through the ranks at Exeter City, and the clubs continue to talk in terms of a fee.
Trevoh Chalobah is set to join Crystal Palace on a season-long loan from Chelsea. The defender has not been training with the first team and is not in Enzo Maresca’s plans.
Crystal Palace sign Maxence Lacroix
Crystal Palace have announced the signing of Maxence Lacroix from Wolfsburg. The centre-back has joined Oliver Glasner’s side in a deal worth around £21million. Lacroix has signed a five-year deal.
He said: “It’s like a dream for a young football player. I’m really happy to be here and arrive at this good team. I watched Palace’s last games and I was really happy for the coach, because I’d played under him before. I think it’s the right moment to move to the Premier League.”
Welcome to Palace, Maxence Lacroix 👀#CPFC pic.twitter.com/eApgUJftOu
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) August 30, 2024
Updated
As mentioned earlier, Brighton have been the biggest net spenders this summer in the Premier League. Fabian Hürzeler’s side won both of their opening games, leaving them second in the table. But, will the pressure get to them this season? Especially given how much has been invested. Brendan seems to think so…
He says: “Brighton have been enjoying a purple patch (well, purple-ish) over the last few seasons back in the PL, and they’re clearly doubling down on their ambitions; first, De Zerbi is shown the door for finishing 11th, and now they’re the window’s top net spenders by a comfortable margin. Fabian Hürzeler will be glad Tony Bloom is backing him, but for a top-half-but-not-big-six club, no doubt the board (and fans) are now expecting Great Things Indeed. Spend the dosh, feel the cosh.”
Manchester United have announced the signing of 18-year-old midfielder Sekou Kone. The teenager will join United’s academy before gradually moving into the senior squad. Kone signs from Guidars FC in Mali, his homeland.
The deal is worth around £1million. Kone was identified by the club’s international scouting network and backed by the new Ineos football structure. He is viewed as an exciting blend of technique and composure and is both footed.
We're proud to announce the signing of exciting midfielder, Sekou Kone! 🇲🇱🔴#MUFC
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 30, 2024
Updated
Thanks, Niall! Good evening! I’ll be with you until – and slightly beyond – tonight’s 11pm deadline. Strap yourselves in. Get some snacks. I have a feeling it’s going to be a chaotic few hours.
Just under four hours to go until the transfer window officially closes!
On that slightly downbeat note, time to hand over to Emillia Hawkins, who will steer this blog towards the looming deadline. Remember, you can keep up with all the deals as they happen, with our interactive guide:
“What we are seeing more and more are players on ridiculously inflated wages, who are impossible to shift because clubs who would otherwise want them simply can’t afford to pay them without upsetting other players they already have,” writes Todd Boehl Rick Harris. “No wonder the Saudi Pro League has been welcomed with open arms by clubs who have made utterly stupid signings and are now desperate to get underperforming players off their books.”
Very true, and it seems the vibe these days is very much focused on PSR, squad clearing and wage demands. Nobody seems that bothered about what the players might actually bring to their new club (which, for deadline day deals, is usually not that much).
The Bundesliga will be the first of Europe’s “big five” leagues to shut up shop – their window closes at 7pm (BST), with France at 10pm and then Spain, Italy and England at 11pm.
It’s still fairly quiet in Germany with the deadline approaching; Bochum have signed Koji Miyoshi from Birmingham, while Union Berlin have loaned in Lille striker Andrej Ilic. Wolfsburg have made a loan move for Slovakia centre-back Denis Vavro, while Bayern attacking talent Gabriel Vidovic will spend the season at Mainz.
Some thoughts from Arne Slot on Stefan Bajcetic’s loan move to Red Bull Salzburg: “I hope it will be a big year for him because he’s a very talented player because he’s been out for 15 months and I think he could become a very important player for us, only if he gets playing time now.
“If you are that young and you’ve been out for so long, the only thing you need is playing time. We think it’s the best for him to play at the moment, instead of maybe play a few times and then be on the bench for a long time. Then for next season, we’ll have a player, if he fulfils his potential, could definitely, definitely play for us in the future.”
“I noticed a lot of goalkeepers have moved on loan this transfer window,” writes Ben Chia. “It seems like the start of a trend where clubs have realised they don’t need a permanent backup keeper on their books, and getting an experienced one temporarily will do given how rarely they are called into action.”
On that theme, Matt Turner looks set for a season at Crystal Palace as backup to Dean Henderson, after Sam Johnstone left for Wolves earlier on. Arsenal are going to bring in Neto from Bournemouth, too – just awaiting official confirmation on that one.
Everton sign Lyon's Orel Mangala on loan
A Premier League done deal! Everton have sealed a loan move for Orel Mangala. The Belgium midfielder left Nottingham Forest for Lyon in January on a loan which only became permanent earlier this summer. Now he’s heading back to England, to try and plug the gap left by compatriot André Onana’s departure from Goodison.
Manchester United continue to work to complete the signing of Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain. The club expect to do so before the 11pm deadline, but the midfielder will not be eligible for Sunday’s visit of Liverpool to Old Trafford if they leave it late.
Newcastle are making a late move for Anthony Elanga – but Forest have turned down their £35m opening offer. In the studio, Curtis Davies suggests Chelsea should have maybe told Raheem Sterling they didn’t want him a bit earlier in the window, which is far too sensible a suggestion.
A couple of Prem-to-Champ moves to mention: Burnley have brought in Jeremy Sarmiento on loan from Brighton, while Preston are borrowing Josh Bowler from Nottingham Forest.
Updated
More on Jadon Sancho from Jacob Steinberg – it looks increasingly likely that the former outcast could stay at Old Trafford.
Manchester United happy for Jadon Sancho to stay unless Chelsea meet their terms. Remains a complicated deal with talks ongoing.
— Jacob Steinberg (@JacobSteinberg) August 30, 2024
Maxwel Cornet is having a medical at Southampton, with the Ivory Coast forward set for a season-long loan that includes an option to buy from West Ham. Cornet is out of favour at West Ham having barely featured since his arrival from Burnley two years ago.
Crystal Palace had been linked with a late swoop for the 27-year-old but it is understood that Southampton have won the race for his signature, having already confirmed the acquisition of Aaron Ramsdale earlier today. Palace are set to announce the signing of Maxence Lacroix imminently and are also expected to confirm Eddie Nketiah’s arrival from Arsenal for £30m before tonight’s deadline.
On Sky Sports, poor Kaveh Solhekol has been assailed outside Stamford Bridge by a man holding what looks like an imitation scrotum. The cameras have to cut away to Dharmesh Sheth, who could talk nervelessly about Chelsea transfer news lines even if a meteor were hurtling directly towards the Earth.
Thanks, Dave – good evening, everyone. Let’s start with a sounding of the DONE DEAL horn, stationed high above Guardian Towers. Liverpool midfielder Stefan Bajcetic is off to Red Bull Salzburg on a season-long loan, after a potential Barcelona move fell through.
Stefan Bajcetic has joined Red Bull Salzburg on loan for the rest of the season, subject to international clearance.
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 30, 2024
Best of luck, Stefan 👊🔴
And with five hours to go in this transfer window, I’m going to hand you over to Niall McVeigh to breathe fresh life into this thing. Will there be any dramatic late twists?
Some West Ham news this time from Jacob Steinberg although expect more Chelsea updates as the night goes on.
And this surrounds the Hammers’ Moroccan defender, Nayef Aguerd, who is attracting attention from Real Sociedad. The Spaniards are interested in a loan deal for the centre-back, who signed for West Ham in a £30million deal from Rennes in June 2022.
Ivan Toney has been offered a four-year deal in Saudi Arabia worth £300,000 a week, according to our own Ewan Murray.
It’s understood that Al Ahli are now trying to complete the final details with Brentford and the player’s camp following a medical in London.
Updated
A quick diversion from transfer news… here’s the latest Football Daily.
Here’s more from Louise Taylor on the Anthony Elanga to Newcastle link…
Newcastle have made an 11th hour attempt to sign Nottingham Forest’s former Manchester United winger Anthony Elanga but it looks a case of far too late. Eddie Howe has admired Elanga since the Sweden international deconstructed Newcastle’s left back Dan Burn at St James’ Park and Newcastle tried to sign him earlier in the summer but it seems a case of odds against now.
Sky Sports have posted a ‘net spend’ table and it’s not one you could have guessed at the start of the summer.
Top 6 net spenders (so far):
£152m – Brighton
£123m – Ipswich
£100m – West Ham
£86m – Man Utd
£79m – Tottenham
£66m – Chelsea
Manchester City are bottom with a net spend of £-113m. Two more million into the minus would have amused many.
Dan Christmas emails: “Has Ivan Toney actually agreed to the transfer yet? If people are condemning him for greed I assume that’s the case, but I haven’t seen any reports that say anything other than fee agreed. Not that I’ve looked that hard tbf - that’s where you come in...”
Okay, here’s the latest from Fabrizio Romano.
🚨🇸🇦 Al Ahli working on documents to complete Ivan Toney deal with Brentford and player’s camp.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 30, 2024
Main part of medical done in London and Al Ahli now proceeding to get it done after issues with Napoli/Osimhen deal.
⏳🏴 pic.twitter.com/tfYeP1pnl5
A Jadon Sancho update from Jacob Steinberg who says the winger’s move to Chelsea looks increasingly likely. It would be a loan with an obligation to buy but talks are ongoing.
Meanwhile, there’s been no movement on Raheem Sterling.
Perhaps there is some good news coming down the tracks for Newcastle.
It’s being reported that the Magpies could make a late swoop for Nottingham Forest’s Anthony Elanga. The former Manchester United wide man was linked with Newcastle earlier in the summer. A fee of £30million is casually being tossed around as a possible fee.
Here’s Neto signing for Arsenal… and deciding not to dress as a character from Harry Potter. By the way, you could have given me 500 guesses on who Aaron Ramsdale was supposed to be and I wouldn’t have come up Hagrid. Rene Higuita or Linda Lusardi surely better guesses.
✅🔴⚪️ Neto to Arsenal on loan from Bournemouth, deal completed. pic.twitter.com/ElCdz93d9v
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 30, 2024
In the list of ‘happy with transfer window’ managers, you’ll also find Aston Villa boss Unai Emery.
As Villa prepare for a Champions League campaign, the rough maths is a net spend of just under £20million with seven coming in and seven going out. The incomers include Amadou Onana from Everton for £50m and Ian Maatsen from Chelsea for £37.5m while Moussa Diaby (to Al-Ittihad for £50.5m) and Douglas Luiz (to Juventus for £42.4m) are among those sold for fees.
Emery told a press conference: “Yes, very happy because we did what we planned at the beginning and the squad we have now, with some very important players, like Tyrone Mings and (Boubacar) Kamara, (Emiliano) Buendia, they are coming back progressively.”
All three players are working their way back from serious knee injuries. Mings and Buendia missed the whole of last season, while France midfielder Kamara has been sidelined since February.
“Not yet Kamara and Mings,” Emery said. “But they are getting better and are very important players for us. Last year Jacob Ramsey didn’t play consistently and hopefully this year he’s going to play consistently during the season, with the level he was showing us before and even increasing his level. With other players we have added in the squad this year, I’m very happy.”
And let’s segue from Manchester United to Wayne Rooney’s Plymouth. A boost here for the Pilgrims with their young striker, Morgan Whittaker (30 goals in 85 games), staying put despite advances from Burnley.
Morgan Whittaker will not be sold by Argyle this late in the summer transfer window, Plymouth Live understands, despite late bids from Burnley.
— Chris Errington (@ChrisErrington1) August 30, 2024
Read More: ⬇️ #pafchttps://t.co/isZUfoYam2
Also in the list of transfers that seem a little weird is Scott McTominay’s move to Napoli. And it seems Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag didn’t really want him to go. Still, Napoli’s fans are happy.
“It’s a little bit mixed, I’m very happy for him,” Ten Hag said. “It’s also (a good deal) for us, but it is mixed because I wouldn’t prefer to lose him because he’s Manchester United in everything.
“He was so important for our team, for Manchester United, but unfortunately it’s the rules. We have to discuss the rules, when you have to sell and obviously homegrown and academy players bring more value, that’s not the right thing to do.
“But I think for everyone, for all parts it’s a good deal, for Scott he’s happy with it, for Napoli a very good player, but also for us.”
🛬 Scott #McTominay a Capodichino: l'accoglienza dei tifosi del #Napoli pic.twitter.com/JSbae7zBNH
— Il Meridiano Sport (@ilmeridianonews) August 29, 2024
What’s Ivan Toney playing at? Many observers seem infuriated – “madness”, “he’s giving up his England career”, “he’s only 28”, “it’s pure greed” - but here’s a take from Neil Atkinson of The Anfield Wrap. Toney certainly had plenty of thinking time when sat on the bench at the Euros.
Think Toney going to Saudi makes a ton of sense for him personally given his career to date. I don't like the reality of that but his career earnings to date versus the rest of the lads in the England squad will probably be around 10%.
— Neil Atkinson (@Knox_Harrington) August 30, 2024
Wolves boss Gary O’Neil admits the summer transfer window has not gone as he expected.
The West Midlands club have lost two key players in the form of Max Kilman and Pedro Neto to West Ham and Chelsea respectively, and are still working to bring some players in before the window shuts.
Goalkeeper Sam Johnstone was announced as their latest recruit on Friday after signing on a four-year deal from Crystal Palace but there may also be some outgoings as Fabio Silva and Daniel Podence are expected to be leaving the club.
The Wolves boss told a press conference: “As we progressed through the window we missed ones that we thought would help us for different reasons – sometimes financial, sometimes the fact they have gone before we were ready to do it. We weren’t able to do some bits we hoped we would and then the window became different for us towards the end.
“I did think the group needed some help from the outside and it didn’t go quite as we planned it to go so it falls on me to make sure we are still able to compete. We have more depth, but we’ve lost two top players that we know can perform in the Premier League week in week out – obviously Max and Pedro Neto, who can be one of the best players in world football – so more depth but we’ve lost two really big ones.”
(PA Media)
Updated
Here’s Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna on the potential deal for Chelsea striker Armando Broja.
Town have been exploring a loan move with an obligation to buy for Broja, who is carrying an Achilles problem but has still been called into the Albania squad for the upcoming international break.
(Peter Oh emails to say: “The medical news about Armando Broja’s ankle suggests that perhaps Chelsea aren’t quite as well-heeled as they’re made out to be.)
Anyway, those McKenna quotes. “There has been discussions with Armando (Broja), that is not a secret, and it is not a secret that he has got an injury issue. The clubs are ongoing with discussions, it has to be the right thing for all parties.
“It has to be the right thing for us – that he can come and have a positive impact at a point in the season. It has to be the right thing for Armando, as it’s a very important moment for his young career, and the right decision for Chelsea, so those parties are continuing to discuss. We will see what is right and hopefully the best resolution will be found by this evening.
“I think it is less likely than likely at the moment, but it is not impossible. It is a position that we have looked at to strengthen, to be deep and strong in that area and also because we have some injuries in our forward line.
“If it is not possible then we will progress with the squad that we have, which we have a lot of faith in, in all the players we have in the squad and the players that we have in those areas as well.”
Reports are also suggesting the Suffolk club have an interest in Middlesbrough striker Emmanuel Latte Lath.
Jacob Steinberg’s latest update features a goalkeeper, flight news and a coveted striker.
Djordje Petrovic has joined Chelsea’s sister club Strasbourg on loan. The goalkeeper is the fourth player to make the move this summer, following Andrey Santos, Diego Moreira and Caleb Wiley. Meanwhile my flight is delayed. And Chelsea still haven’t signed Victor Osimhen.
No more incomings at Spurs it seems but Ange Postecoglou believes Tottenham have had a good window with Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall, Wilson Odobert and Dominic Solanke all coming in to boost the squad.
“Unless something surprising jumps out at us in the last 11 hours or whatever it is, that’s it for us,” the Spurs boss confirmed ahead of Sunday’s trip to Newcastle. “If nothing else happens, there’s a couple probably moving out, I think it’s been another positive window. You want to go into every window and come out the other side of it in a stronger sense and I certainly feel that.
“The players we’ve brought in are already making a short-term impact and even in the longer term, I think they’re going to be really good contributors for us. I certainly think we’ve got a more well-rounded squad to deal with Europe, the extra games and whatever injuries we have. So yeah, I think it’s been a real positive window.
“I’m very happy. We’ve done a hell of a lot of work in 12 months, three windows. No doubts the squad’s changed. The demographic of the squad has changed, the suitability to the football I want to play, we’re much better equipped for that. There’s growth in the team, absolutely.
“We needed to do some fairly major work 12 months ago and since then we’ve gone a long way to getting the team to where we want to. There’s still more work to be done. It was never going to happen quickly. I don’t think it should happen quickly. When it does happen quickly, you’re more fraught to getting it wrong. So I think we’re in a good place.”
Tottenham are ready to sanction moves for out-of-favour duo Sergio Reguilon and Giovani Lo Celso.
Tony Hughes gets in touch via email.
“As an Aston Villa fan, I’m probably in the minority when I say that I feel bad for Carney Chukwuemeka. When you have people close to you telling you you’re better than the team you’re currently with - at the time lower Premier league level at best - you maybe listen to them. He wasn’t to know the trajectory Villa would take as soon as he left. Most times, the decision he made would have been the correct one for his career.”
For now, Chukwuemeka is staying at Chelsea although Manchester United continue to be linked.
Sheesh. Far from ideal. Still, not as bad as Tony Adams dropping Steve Morrow.
Staying with Manchester United, our own Jamie Jackson reports that it now seems too late for any potential loans for Antony or Christian Eriksen
Real Betis were interested in both players but wages proved a problem for the Spanish side.
Jamie also confirms that a loan more for Jadon Sancho remains a possibility.
Will it be red or blue for Jadon Sancho at the end of this window? And let’s not rule out white, black, yellow, purple, green etc.
🚨🔵 EXCL: Chelsea submit official bid to Manchester Utd for Jadon Sancho.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 30, 2024
Understand it’s initial loan proposal, similar to terms offered by Juventus but total package higher.
Sancho, OPEN and keen to joining Chelsea so up to the clubs/Man Utd to decide. pic.twitter.com/g7tRFOyzVn
England's Guéhi staying at Crystal Palace
It’s official: Marc Guéhi is staying at Crystal Palace. Newcastle’s pursuit is over.
Palace boss Oliver Glasner confirmed the news in his press conference, delivering the hammer blow to Newcastle fans that the 24-year-old England defender will not follow Joachim Andersen out of the Selhurst Park door.
Speaking ahead of the trip to Chelsea, Glasner said: “Yes, I can confirm that. But it was never really in doubt. First of all, congrats to Crystal Palace, the chairman and the everyone that they didn’t give in. Especially after the transfer of Joachim Andersen it was very important that Marc stays.
“Also thank you to Marc. We were always very close and talking a lot. All the rumours didn’t influence his performance, his mood, his personality. He always told me he’s not pushing to leave Crystal Palace and for me that’s the most important thing, that the players tell me that they like to play for Crystal Palace.
“Marc told me very often and acted in the same way and showed his fantastic character again. If the club doesn’t give in and the player doesn’t push too hard then that’s how it is. Marc Guéhi stays as a Crystal Palace player.”
Updated
More from Jacob as he clicks in and watches an important safety message.
Manchester United have held talks with Chelsea over Carney Chukwuemeka this week - potential for it to have been part of Jadon Sancho deal or a separate transfer. As it stands talks between the clubs on Chukwuemeka haven’t progressed. Midfielder wants regular football #mufc #cfc
— Jacob Steinberg (@JacobSteinberg) August 30, 2024
And, of course, it’s back to Chelsea again and there are two more links as they search for a striker.
Our very own Jacob Steinberg, just as he boards his flight back to the UK from Geneva, says that as the Blues realise an alternative to Victor Osimhen may be needed, they’ve held dialogue with Brighton over Ireland striker Evan Ferguson.
Other sources suggest Chelsea are also in the ear of Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin. There are likely more frontmen being assessed. Watch this space.
Thanks Xaymaca. And we’ll start with some Arsenal news, courtesy of Ed Aarons.
Mikel Arteta refused to comment on a potential loan move for Chelsea’s Raheem Sterling but hinted that there could still be time to do some business before the transfer window closes.
Asked whether the England forward could move across London, the Arsenal manager said: “You know that I cannot talk about another player.” Asked whether there may be any more arrivals before 11pm on Friday night, he added: “There’s still a few hours left so let’s see.”
Bournemouth goalkeeper Neto is having his medical at Arsenal’s training ground in Hertfordshire and is expected to complete a loan move to replace Aaron Ramsdale.
Arteta paid tribute to the England goalkeeper and wished him the best for the future. “Thankyou so much for what he’s done for the club, for the team and for myself,” he said. “He brought a lot of joy and charisma and was really good when he joined. He had a situation that was really good for him. He insisted that he’s really joyful when he plays and we tried to arrange that.”
Arteta refused to comment on Eddie Nketiah, whose £30m move to Crystal Palace is expected to be confirmed imminently. “When that happens we can talk about it,” he said.
Okay, that’s all the Chelsea chat I can manage for today. I’m handing over to David Tindall who will update you this afternoon.
Ipswich are back in talks with Chelsea over a loan deal for Armando Broja. Talks collapsed earlier this week after an achilles issue was picked up during the Chelsea striker’s medical.
Updated
David Ankers is back with a response to Ian Batch’s previous comment:
“The company that runs the club is subject to PSR, not the parent or sister company. If the football club bought the hotels back it would reduce funds for new players, so it is unlikely to happen. Any club can sell property assets to improve their financial position, and many have sold their ground or their training facilities for exactly that reason. Chelsea had hotels to sell. Newcastle don’t. This particular “loophole” would be closed if property purchases/sales were outside PSR scope.”
Here are Chelsea’s opening fixtures in the Conference League:
Gent (H); Heidenheim (A); Astana (A); Shamrock Rovers (H); Panathinaikos (A); Noah (H)
Updated
Senior executives from England’s top clubs have generally been conspicuous by their absence at this week’s European competition draws in Monte Carlo, with last-gasp transfer business holding sway over gladhanding at Uefa’s extravagant gala event. But Dan Ashworth, the Manchester United sporting director, was on hand to run the rule over their Europa League draw and dangle the tantalising possibility of a late deal or two at Old Trafford. “Let’s see what happens,” he said. “The window is still open for a few hours, we’ve got some conversations going on.” A few of them may have been put on hold while in the draw hall judging by the flood of missed calls to which he emerged. “Quite a few! I kept getting nudged by Sir Dave Brailsford, my phone was vibrating.”
Updated
More bad news for Chelsea.
Deal for Chukwuemeka looking unlikely as it stands. Tim Steidten a huge fan of the Chelsea midfielder but West Ham struggling to get a move agreed. Carlos Soler poised to join instead. https://t.co/5LOXmQ3mpt
— Jacob Steinberg (@JacobSteinberg) August 30, 2024
Gregory Crawford is equally exasperated with PSR:
The Chelsea hotel sales and sales of players to affiliated clubs seem to me to make the PSRs totally toothless. Do football leagues really want to get into transfer pricing disputes? Any time you bring in the lawyers the big clubs will win. Simplest solution seems to be hard rules: a club can buy from affiliated clubs but not sell, no sponsorship deals with affiliated entities, and so on. As an American I wonder how leagues with well-functioning competitive balance structures (eg the NBA’s salary cap) so easily (seem to) manage this issue?
Ian Batch’s thoughts on Chelsea and profit and sustainability rules (PSR):
“So presumably, Chelsea can keep selling the two hotels between sister companies every year for eternity. Clearly this nonsensical loophole must be closed.
Updated
Mikel Arteta confirms that new signing Mikel Merino injured his shoulder in his first training session. “Gabi landed on top of him and it looks like he has a small fracture probably. It doesn’t look good.”
— Ed Aarons (@ed_aarons) August 30, 2024
Breaking news: Oli McBurnie is better than Kylian Mbappé. Read all about it below.
Crystal Palace have agreed a deal to sign Matt Turner on loan from Nottingham Forest after allowing Sam Johnstone to join Wolves. The England goalkeeper’s move to Molineux for £10m was confirmed on Friday, with Johnstone having signed a four-year contract that contains the option of a further 12 months. Palace had explored a deal for Bournemouth’s Mark Travers but that was scuppered when Arsenal came in for Neto and will now bring in USA international Turner instead as cover for first choice Dean Henderson. The former Arsenal goalkeeper will have his medical on Friday.
Nick Hughes has little sympathy for a player on £325,000 a week:
“Can’t feel too sorry for Raheem - fantastic player that he is, he made the most of his talent to force through a move away from Liverpool, now the power is reversed as he’s on the out. Brutal business is top level sport, but well rewarded.”
Here’s a message from David Ankers about Chelsea being Chelsea.
“You are spot on in your answer to Gary Naylor at 12:41 BST.
It is worth noting that long contracts and sellling academy players are options open to other clubs too (and they have used them). You could argue that PSR should include fair-market price rules on transfers between clubs (similar to the newish rules on sponsorship by related companies), but I don’t think they are in place at the moment. The deal that smells most is the sale of the hotel, but I suspect even that is OK under the current regulations.
As a Chelsea fan I do not like what is happening but I think the club is within current rules. Should we blame them for exploiting them or the authorities for leaving loopholes?”
Newcastle have found it more difficult than Chelsea to work around the profit and sustainability rules. Read about Eddie Howe’s disappointing transfer window below.
Away from deadline day, the fixtures for the new look Europa League have been announced.
Manchester United: Rangers (H); Porto (A); PAOK FC (H); Fenerbahçe (A); FK Bodø/Glimt (H); Viktoria Plzeň (A); FC Twente (H); FCSB (A)
Tottenham: Roma (H); Rangers (A); AZ Alkmaar (H); Ferencvárosi (A); Qarabağ (H); Galatasaray (A); Elfsborg (H); Hoffenheim (A)
Rangers: Tottenham (H); Manchester United (A); Lyon (H); Olympiacos (A); Union SG (H); Malmö (A); FCSB (H); OGC Nice (A)
Ramsdale completes move to Southampton from Arsenal
Aaron Ramsdale has completed his move to Southampton from Arsenal for an initial £18m. The England goalkeeper was deemed surplus to requirements at the Emirates after falling behind David Raya in the pecking order and has now joined Russell Martin’s newly promoted side. Southampton will pay an initial £18m for Ramsdale, with up to £6m in add-ons that include a £1m bonus if they stay up this season. Arsenal are set to sign Neto on loan from Bournemouth as his replacement.
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I know I’ve been shrugging it off as Chelsea doing Chelsea things but really it boils down to a few things.
The most important of which is amortisation. Chelsea have spread the costs of players by signing them on long contracts. So instead of paying large upfront fees, they can reduce the annual transfer costs in an attempt to keep themselves within the regulations.
While much has been made of their signings, Chelsea have also offloaded a number of players, many of them homegrown. Homegrown players (academy graduates) count as pure profit, helping Chelsea to balance the books.
The final tactic is to sell assets to their sister companies. Cast your mind back to Chelsea FC Holdings Ltd’s £76.5m deal to sell two of their hotels to Blueco 22 Properties Ltd. As Jacob Steinberg reported “both companies are subsidiaries of Chelsea’s holding company, Blueco 22 Ltd.”
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Gary Naylor needs answers:
“Is there an explainer anywhere that accounts for how Chelsea can behave so very differently from 19 other clubs and yet still be within the rules? I know everybody shrugs their shoulders and awaits a Boehly takedown, but it can’t be right, can it?”
A message from Chris:
“Any thoughts on Chelsea’s completely dodgy transfer of Washington to their sister club for a nice profit on someone who has played 26 minutes of football.”
My thoughts: it’s just Chelsea doing Chelsea things.
Steve Claridge has some thoughts on deadline day:
In response to Simon Webb’s point about running down contracts: It depends if the player is more interested in money or playing and it might also affect their value to other clubs in the future. All good seeing out X years of your contract but if you are only warming the bench for that time you are going to have zero game-time from which potential suitors can judge whether you are worth transferring or not.
I also like to think (perhaps naively) that most players want to play and that the money is just a (very) nice side effect of playing and being good at it.
I don’t think it’s a viable plan really.
PSG’s Carlos Soler is not the only midfielder on West Ham’s radar. While they have agreed a deal in principle to sign Soler on loan with an option to buy, they are also in the running for Chelsea’s Carney Chukwuemeka.
The Chelsea youngster is keen for more playing opportunities and a loan move to West Ham would be hugely beneficial to his development.
It remains to be seen if West Ham would be willing to sign both Soler and Chukwuemeka, who moved to west London from Aston Villa two years ago. Tim Steidten, the club’s sporting director, is a huge fan of the Chelsea player.
West Ham are making space for incomings by loaning James Ward-Prowse to Nottingham Forest. Nayef Aguerd has interest from multiple clubs but has turned down Wolves.
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Thank you, David. We’re straight back into it with some more news involving er … Chelsea again.
And with that, I’ll hand you back to Xaymaca Awoyungbo again.
A bit more from Newcastle boss Eddie Howe as the clock ticks and nothing happens. That nothing including England defender Marc Guehi still not signing from Crystal Palace.
Asked if the club had “failed” this summer, Howe replied: “I’m not going to sit here and say it’s been a brilliant transfer window for us. I think everyone will look at me and think, ‘I’m not sure he’s telling the truth there’. I do try as far as I can to tell the truth.
“But it’s not been through the want of trying from anybody’s perspective and I think for me to sit here and say that would be totally wrong as well. Everyone has tried really, really hard to improve the squad to make sure we’ve got a chance of success.”
Chelsea are strong contenders to generate the most transfer content on deadline today and here are a few of the latest lines.
Sky Sports report that the Blues are edging closer to an agreement with Manchester United for the signing of Jadon Sancho. That could take the form of either a permanent or loan deal.
Raheem Sterling has been mentioned as a contender to go the other way although, right now, the winger looks more likely to stay put or make the move across London to Arsenal.
Fabrizio Romano reports that Wolves are set to sign teenager Saheed Olagunju from Chelsea for their Academy.
Caoimhin Kelleher has always done a great job for Liverpool in Cup competitions and when standing in for the slightly injury-prone Alisson.
But the signing of Giorgi Mamardashvili in a £29m deal would appear to cast doubt over the Irishman’s long-term Anfield future even though the Georgian will stay with Spanish club Valencia on loan for 2024-25.
Arne Slot addressed the situation in today’s pre-Manchester United conference and was pressed if Mamardashvili’s signing would force Kelleher into a decision on his future. “Maybe, but we have to make decisions as well. It’s not only the player. If you work at a club like Liverpool you need competition and we need a lot of good players,” said Slot.
“Mamardashvili is someone for the long future of the club, and I’m really, really happy with the goalkeepers we have at the moment. Caoimh is one of them, like Vit [Jaros] and Ali. We’re in a good place when it comes to goalkeepers for now and for the long term.”
Nottingham Forest are understood to have made a bid for Kelleher but their offer of £25m-30m was short of Liverpool’s valuation. Forest keeper Matt Turner was also reported to have been offered in that deal but it looks as if the American stopper is now heading to Crystal Palace on loan after the Eagles allowed Sam Johnstone to join Wolves in a permanent deal.
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Here’s Fabrizio Romano’s take on the two-into-one-won’t go Osimhen/Toney situation.
🚨🇸🇦 Understand Al Ahli will ONLY sign ONE between Victor Osimhen and Ivan Toney. This is the current plan.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 30, 2024
🔵↪️ Chelsea are still working in the background for Victor Osimhen in case he doesn’t give final green light to Al Ahli. pic.twitter.com/cTUHCFC13K
Thanks Xaymaca. Let’s start with some news from north of the border.
(From PA Media)
Scott Wright’s exit from Rangers was the first confirmed move of transfer deadline day in the Premiership. The former Aberdeen winger has joined Birmingham after 120 appearances and 12 goals for Rangers, including one in the 2022 Scottish Cup final. Wright has moved for an undisclosed fee reported to be around £300,000 and is reunited with Ben Davies, who moved to St Andrew’s on loan earlier in August.
They could be joined by Celtic midfielder Tomoki Iwata amid claims that Blues boss Chris Davies is going back to his former club for another signing from Scotland’s top flight. Celtic are expected to wrap up deals for Augsburg midfielder Arne Engels and Sheffield United defender Auston Trusty ahead of the 11pm deadline.
They have been linked with other midfield targets including Los Angeles FC’s Mateusz Bogusz, Dundee captain Luke McCowan, Switzerland Under-21 international Alvyn Sanches of Lausanne and Lyon’s Mahamadou Diawara. Celtic winger Mikey Johnston is set to finalise a permanent move to West Brom following a successful loan spell in the second half of last season.
Rangers have been linked with loan moves for Albania midfielder Nedim Bajrami, who plays for Italian side Sassuolo, and versatile Feyenoord defender Neraysho Kasanwirjo. The Ibrox club are still looking to offload players, with Todd Cantwell potentially moving to Blackburn.
Motherwell secured the Premiership’s first signing of the day by bringing Jack Vale back from Blackburn in a season-long loan.
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That’s all from me for now. I’ll leave you in the very capable hands of David Tindall.
Away from transfer deadline day, a Women’s Super League fantasy football league is growing. Read more about it below.
A more general transfer window take from Simon Webb:
“One thing that always puzzles me is why more players don’t run their contracts down and leave on frees. If your services are worth £x million to a new club, do you want a big chunk of that to go as a transfer fee to your current club? Or do you want to take it all yourself? Seems an obvious inefficiency in the market.”
In the case of Raheem Sterling, running down his contract is an option, but at 29, not playing would be a waste.
More Chelsea related thoughts, this time from John Culley:
“As an Arsenal fan, Sterling is intriguing. Arteta has taken one underperformer for Chelsea, Havertz, and brought out the performances we all thought were there. He could do the same with Sterling, who could do a really useful job, given his pace and the finishing ability he showed when at Man City and for England. We need a bit of variety and depth across the front line. But he is nearly 30 and with whacking wage expectations, so we shouldn’t pay much money for him, if anything at all.”
Here’s a message from Jonathan Phillips:
“I agree with Charlie Robinson’s assessment that Chelsea’s treatment of certain players appears mean spirited. It’s surprising that the so-called “bomb squad” members haven’t been more active in seeking transfers. However, I wonder if some of these players, particularly those who thrived under Pochettino, might be adopting a wait-and-see approach. Could they be thinking, “Maresca might not last the season, so if we hang on for a few months, we could get a fresh start under a new manager?” This strategy could explain their apparent lack of urgency in finding new clubs.
Forest agree loan deal to sign Ward-Prowse
Nottingham Forest have agreed a deal to sign West Ham midfielder James Ward-Prowse on loan for the rest of the season. There is no option to buy or obligation included in a deal that will boost West Ham’s chances of signing PSG mdifielder Carlos Soler.
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Fran Collins has an update from the Championship:
“Probably not a big issue when compared to Toney et al, but in the lower leagues my team, Birmingham City are going wild, apparently having offered £9m or £10m for Fulham’s Jay Stansfield. I can only hope they get promoted, because, if not, they could be screwed.”
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Wolves sign Johnstone from Crystal Palace
The 31-year-old goalkeeper Sam Johnstone has signed a four-year contract at Wolves after starting this season on Crystal Palace’s bench.
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Maupay leaves Everton for Marseille on loan
Neal Maupay is going on loan again after last season’s loan spell at Brentford. The striker, who has scored one goal in 32 appearances will not be a part of Sean Dyche’s plans this season.
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Charlie Robinson isn’t impressed with Chelsea’s treatment of Raheem Sterling, Ben Chilwell and Trevor Chalobah:
“I can’t help feeling uncomfortable with how they’re treating contracted employees, and how Chelsea seem determined to cut off their own nose to spite their face. Wanting these players out of the club is a perfectly fine and legitimate thing, but telling them they won’t get a single second of game time if they stay seems unnecessarily cruel, not to mention foolish. Say what you like about Raheem Sterling, but he can still do a fantastic job when needed for a top-half Premier League team which, let’s face it, is all Chelsea were last season anyway.”
Eddie Howe recently spoke to the press about Newcastle United’s activity this transfer window:
“With such a short time left, it is looking difficult. This window continues to be difficult for us. It’s a difficult situation with PSR & attracting the right players we think can make a difference. If we can’t do that, then doing nothing is perhaps the best option, as frustrating as that is.”
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It is expected to be a quiet day at Aston Villa, fresh from learning their Champions League opponents. Leander Dendoncker could leave on loan, to Anderlecht, and other fringe players could depart but no incomings are anticipated. Villa like the Feyenoord full-back Lutsharel Geertruida but, mindful of PSR parameters, a deal has been tricky to get over the line.
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Ben isn’t a fan of either striker going to the Al-Ahli:
“So where do we reckon Toney, Osimhen and co end up at when they inevitably tire of the Saudi league in ... let’s be generous and suggest 12 months? Inevitably their star will have faded, I reckon Osimhen does end up at Chelsea eventually but by that point they have bought two strikers who will need to be pushed aside to make room for the one they really want. Toney feels like he will end up with either a sideways move or a downwards one, so a Fulham or Everton (no offence to those fans!).”
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Al-Alhi don’t have space for Victor Osimhen and Ivan Toney according to Sky Sports. Securing deals for both strikers would see them exceed their transfer budget and violate their foreign player limit.
It’s been a frantic start to transfer deadline day. Read all about it here.
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Read more about the Raheem Sterling conundrum below.
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Here’s what Graeme thinks of the Toney deal:
“Given his age, ability and the fact he was being linked with some decent clubs (and Chelsea), there’s something quite depressing about Toney moving to Saudi Arabia at this stage of his career. I can just about understand the last big payday move but this is definitely not that.”
It’s hard to see Toney making his way back into the England squad if he plays in the Saudi Pro League.
Al-Ahli have agreed a £40m deal to sign Ivan Toney from Brentford. The Saudi Pro League side will be paying the England striker a huge salary – and they are not giving up their pursuit of Napoli’s Victor Osimhen. A wild day of spending in the Middle East. Toney, who has a year left on his deal, has been linked with Chelsea and Manchester United. It remains to be seen if a Premier League side comes in for him after seeing the price.
Arsenal consider Sterling move after being offered outcast
Arsenal are considering a move for Raheem Sterling after being offered the Chelsea winger. Mikel Arteta wants to add more depth in attack and there is a chance that Sterling, who has been told that he has no future at Stamford Bridge, joins one of Chelsea’s closest rivals.
The deal would not be easy to pull off given that the 29-year-old winger has three years left on a deal worth £325,000 a week. There is as strong a chance that Sterling will stay at Chelsea given his contractual situation, although Enzo Maresca has warned him that he will not play a minute if he does not move.
Manchester United are also one to watch given that they have held talks with Chelsea over a swap deal involving Jadon Sancho and Sterling. Sancho could still join Chelsea without a player heading in the opposite direction. Aston Villa, Juventus and Crystal Palace have been linked with Sterling.
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Jacob Steinberg has an update on the Raheem Sterling situation.
Darrien has a sense of humour:
“I might be late to the party on this one but I’ve just spotted Sean Dyche and the tough tackling Vinny Samways breakfasting together in a trendy Liverpool cafe. Rumours of a cool £2 million swoop doing the rounds in these parts...”
Al-Ahli agree deal to sign Ivan Toney for £40m
BREAKING: Al Ahli have agreed a £40m deal with Brentford to sign Ivan Toney 🚨 pic.twitter.com/G8jLpZgMEm
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) August 30, 2024
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Sky Sports are reporting that Al-Ahli have also agreed a deal to sign Ivan Toney. It’s not looking good for Chelsea.
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Arne Slot remained calm in today’s press conference. When asked about any last minute transfers he said: “Not expecting anything but if we see an opportunity, we could act.”
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West Ham’s focus is on outgoings, although they could still move for PSG midfielder Carlos Soler and have one more deal rumbling away in the background.
Much depends on whether they can raise funds. Kurt Zouma is set to head to Saudi Arabia on loan, assuming he passes a medical.
Nottingham Forest are interested in James Ward-Prowse and Southampton could sign Maxwel Cornet on loan, unless there’s a hijack from Palace. Nayef Aguerd has interest from multiple clubs but Danny Ings has no plans to leave West Ham.
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Understand that Ernest Nuamah could still leave Lyon before the end of the transfer window. The Ghana midfielder has interest from Everton and Nottingham Forest
— Ed Aarons (@ed_aarons) August 30, 2024
Enzo Maresca has made it clear to Chelsea’s outcasts that they won’t play for him even if they do not leave today.
That gives someone like Trevoh Chalobah a decision to make. The defender has interest from several clubs. It’s not a given that he leaves his boyhood club.
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Somebody has sent a solution to Chelsea’s problem into my inbox:
“If Sky Italy are correct then Toney won’t be going further east than Fulham Broadway - but the Bees should swap him for Raheem and Chilwell ( with a small cash difference?), thereby gaining a fine striker and cover for injury prone (but wonderful) Rico Henry on the left? This agenting thing ain’t so hard…”
Read more about Neto’s move to Arsenal below:
Arsenal are set to sign Neto on a season-long loan from Bournemouth after failing with two bids for Espanyol’s Joan Garcia. The Brazilian goalkeeper is due to have a medical on Friday after an agreement was struck with Bournemouth for a straight loan with no option or obligation to buy, with Neto set to provide cover for David Raya following the expected departure of Aaron Ramsdale to Southampton.
Chelsea representatives flew out to Italy last night in an attempt to convince Victor Osimhen to join them from Napoli. They are willing to break their wage structure to land the Nigerian but they are going to have to work extremely hard to stop him taking a huge offer from Al Ahli.
It’s never quiet at Stamford Bridge. Enzo Maresca wants a new forward and there is a chance of Chelsea moving for Ivan Toney. They are also in talks with Manchester United over a deal for Jadon Sancho. Another winger? It seems unnecessary. Raheem Sterling could easily end up staying at Chelsea today. We are also waiting to see if there are moves for Ben Chilwell, Carney Chukwuemeka and Trevoh Chalobah. I’m told it’s 50-50 for Chalobah.
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Chiesa’s first season at Juventus was his best, with 14 goals and 10 assists in all competitions (he notched a further one of each for Fiorentina before the transfer). Then came Euro 2020, where he began as a reserve but took Domenico Berardi’s place on the right of Italy’s attack after coming off the bench to score an extra-time goal against Austria. His goal against Spain in the semi-final cemented his reputation as one of Europe’s brightest emerging talents.
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Elsewhere in Liverpool, the Reds completed their first signing of the window. Read all about the Federico Chiesa deal below:
Here’s a prediction from Mark:
“I foresee a positive ending to the window for Everton, wiping away some of the current gloom around the club. It would be inexcusable not to use the remaining domestic loan so expect a London based player to travel to Liverpool for a late, late move. Have a great day and drink lots of Diet Coke!”
I think I’ll start with a coffee before opting for something stronger this evening.
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Here’s a prediction from Andrew Coxon:
“Chelsea miss out on Osimhen, bid for Toney but can’t get the deal over the line and end up keeping Sterling, Chilwell and Chalobah due to a lack of takers at the prices they’re asking. Circus continues…”
I wouldn’t be surprised Andrew. I wouldn’t be surprised.
BREAKING: Victor Osimhen will head to Saudi Arabia to join Al Ahli as revealed by Sky in Italy's Gianluca Di Marzio 🤝 pic.twitter.com/TXDOgWKEfc
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) August 30, 2024
Sky Italy are reporting that Victor Osimhen is heading to Al-Alhi . It’s bad news for Chelsea who will have to look elsewhere for a striker. Ivan Toney?
Preamble
Hello and welcome to this transfer deadline day live blog.
Today is the day. Buckle up for twists, turns and late drama.
A great deal of attention has been placed on Chelsea this window. They have signed a shedload of players and will be keen to shed the dead wood today i.e. Raheem Sterling and co. Expect more chaos today.
Outside of Chelsea there will be plenty of drama around the grounds as clubs try to secure last minute deals. Keep refreshing this page for updates and email me your thoughts.
