‘Still our player’: PL giants butt heads; Utd’s next target revealed as Wrexham chase veteran - Transfer News

Newcastle United are holding firm in their efforts to prevent their superstar striker walking out the door to an English Premier League rival as plenty of other transfer moves are making headlines.

Manchester United have their eyes set on a Champions League winner, while off the back of a record hat-trick of promotions, Wrexham, have announced a significant signing.

The Welsh club, who are owned by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, have also approached a former United midfielder as they try to make a splash in the Championship.

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Tottenham meanwhile have become more active in the transfer market, securing the services of a highly touted Bayern Munich midfielder on loan.

Scroll down for the latest football transfer news!

Wirtz scores, Ekitike debuts for L'pool | 00:37

‘HE IS STILL OUR PLAYER’: MAGPIES DID THEIR HEELS IN

Newcastle have rejected Liverpool’s opening bid to sign unsettled Sweden striker Alexander Isak, according to reports on Friday.

Isak has been training at his old club Real Sociedad this week after reportedly telling Newcastle he wants to leave St James’ Park.

The 25-year-old has been linked with Liverpool since the end of last season and the Premier League champions are now believed to have formalised their interest with an offer of around £110 million (A$225.8 million) plus potential add-ons.

But Newcastle, who reportedly value Isak at £150 million (A$307.9m), remain keen to hold onto their prize asset and have rebuffed Liverpool’s initial bid.

Isak, who joined Newcastle in a £60 million (A$123.2m) move from Real Sociedad in 2022, scored 23 Premier League goals last season to help Newcastle qualify for the Champions League.

He has three years left on his Newcastle contract, but did not travel to Asia for the Magpies’ ongoing pre-season tour, with the club saying he had a minor thigh injury.

On Thursday, Real Sociedad confirmed he was at their Zubieta facility with his own trainers.

It was reported on Friday that Newcastle had told Isak he could agree a new deal containing a get-out clause for next year, but he responded by insisting he wants to move now.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has already bolstered his attacking options by signing Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike and Bayer Leverkusen playmaker Florian Wirtz during the current transfer window.

But the Reds are keen to make their forward line even more formidable by adding Isak as they look to win back to back English titles for the first time since the 1980s.

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe struck a defiant note earlier this week when he said: “He is still our player. He’s contracted to us.

“We, to a degree, control what is next for him. I would love to believe all possibilities are still available to us.

“My wish is that he stays, but that’s not in my full control.”

Sky Sports News’ Mark McAdam said the entire Isak situation is a “real headache” for Newcastle in what has been a tumultuous off season.

“It’s a huge problem for Newcastle of course. This should be one of the most exciting summers the fans have seen in a long time,” McAdam said.

“They won their first trophy in 70 years and got back into the Champions League. The feel-good factor around the club is unlike anything they’ve experienced for a number of years.

“And this is the summer where they could finally start to spend a bit of money without being shackled by PSR.

“But it’s not going to plan and it’s becoming a real headache. We’re in the transfer games, and it’s difficult to keep up with what’s going on there at the moment.

“When you’ve got the star man, the goalscorer, Alexander Isak with all this noise around him - and this isn’t going to going to disappear any time soon.

“Newcastle may not have him with them next season and they may not be as strong as they would like. There’s a lot of twists and turns to go.”

Liverpool have spent over £250 million (A$513.2m) so far in the summer window, with Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong and Giorgi Mamardashvili joining Wirtz and Ekitike at Anfield.

The Reds also remain keen on Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi but are reluctant to meet the FA Cup champion’s £40m (A$82.1m) valuation, given he will be out of contact and available for free next summer.

Liverpool agree $143M deal for Diaz | 01:06

MAN UTD CHASE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE HERO

After bolstering their attack with the signings of Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha from Brentford and Wolves respectively, Manchester United now have their sights set on a big signing at the other end of the pitch.

PSG shot stopper Gianluigi Donnarumma is in the final year of his contract and despite being in goal for their treble winning season, the Italian is set to face competition for the spot between the sticks with the Parisian giants reportedly closing in on signing Lille goal keeper Lucas Chevalier.

Sky Sports reported that Donnarumma is willing to battle it out with Chevalier for the first-choice role, and is in no rush to make a decision on his future but would be a significant upgrade for United on the much maligned Andre Onana.

“Gianluigi Donnarumma would be a massive signing for Man Utd - both literally and figuratively,” Sky Sports’ Peter Smith said.

“The 6ft5in Italy shot-stopper is an enormous presence in the goalmouth and is regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the business.

“It feels like Donnarumma has gone to even greater heights this season, playing a crucial role in Paris St-Germain’s incredible season.

“Commanding in Ligue 1, a shootout star against Liverpool in the Champions League and formidable with five clean sheets in eight games at the Club World Cup, Donnarumma would be a huge coup for United if they could get a deal done.

“Andre Onana has been in the spotlight since he had that let-off against Wolves in his Premier League debut and uncertainty about the current United keeper has fed the nervousness and lack of conviction about Ruben Amorim’s backline.

“His total of eight errors leading to goals since the start of 2023/24 is more than any other goalkeeper in the Premier League. Donnarumma would be a substantial upgrade.”

WREXHAM SIGN FORMER EPL DEFENDER, APPROACH EX-UTD FREE AGENT

Wrexham, the Welsh club who have pulled off back-to-back-to-back promotions under the ownership of Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, have confirmed the signing of Conor Coady from the relegated Leicester City.

The 32-year-old defender, who made ten appearances for England from 2020 to 2022, was signed for £2 million (A$4.1m) on a two-year deal despite interest from Scottish heavyweights Rangers.

Wrexham are also closing in on a deal for Sheffield United striker Kieffer Moore for a similar sum.

The Welsh international is an accomplished Championship goal scorer, finding the back of the net 60 times in 203 appearances, including playoff matches.

As Wrexham prepare for the first season in the second tier of English football since 1982, they have already made six permanent signings.

Josh Windass, Danny Ward, George Thomason, Liberato Cacace, Ryan Hardie and Lewis O’Brien are all confirmed additions, while the club also held talks with Christian Eriksen.

The 33-year-old midfielder is a free agent after he departed Manchester United at the end of last season.

The Danish international is reported to prefer a move to a top flight club, but is said to have been impressed by Wrexham’s pitch.

Sarr scores SCREAMER from near half-way | 00:25

SPURS SIGN ‘TOUGHEST TACKLER’; SEND RISING STAR OUT ON LOAN

Tottenham have secured the services of Bayern Munich midfielder Joao Palhinha on loan with the option to buy for £27 million (A$55.4m).

One season after leaving Fulham for Bayern for a fee worth up to £47.4m (A$97.3m), the 30-year-old returns to England after having made 25 appearances across all competitions for the German champions last season.

“Joao Palhinha left the Premier League last summer as the toughest tackler in the top flight,” Sky Sports’ Peter Smith said.

“His total of 152 tackles was more than any other player by a distance and was the standout trait of the Fulham enforcer.

“There were 13 yellows in that 2023/24 season, too, underlining the bite he brings to midfield battles. And that would be a welcome addition to Spurs’ play.

“Neither Yves Bissouma, Pape Sarr nor Rodrigo Bentancur are as ruthless at winning the ball back as Palhinha, who also ranked among the top 10 for interceptions during his previous Premier League campaign.

“Palhinha’s belated move to Bayern Munich didn’t prove to be worth the wait, with an injury disruptive and head coach Vincent Kompany ultimately leaving him on the fringes.

“But a return to London looks like a smart switch for the Portuguese and Spurs - and a daunting one for opposition midfielders.”

Spurs have already secured the signing of Mohammed Kudus from West Ham, as well as Kota Takai and Luka Vuskovic.

But they have also sent talented teenager Mikey Moore on a season-long loan deal to Rangers.

Former manager Ange Postecoglou made the now 17-year-old the youngest ever player to feature for Spurs in the Premier League when he handed him a debut more than a year ago.

Moore also became the youngest ever English player to score a goal in a major European competition when he put his name on the score sheet during a group stage win over Swedish side IF Elfsborg in Tottenham’s successful Europa League campaign.

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