Premier League

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Chelsea have been active in the summer transfer window as they continue to build a youthful and dynamic squad under their long-term project - with RB Leipzig forward Xavi Simons and Ajax defender Jorrel Hato next on their radar.

The Blues have already secured several high-potential signings:

• Jamie Gittens – £48m from Borussia Dortmund. The England youth international arrived from the Bundesliga with a growing reputation as a direct, pacey winger capable of unlocking defences.

• Joao Pedro - a deal worth £60m from Brighton. Chelsea moved swiftly to secure the Brazil forward, who has impressed in the Premier League with his creativity, link-up play and finishing ability.

• Liam Delap - £30m from Ipswich Town. A powerful striker with Premier League experience, Delap adds a different profile to Chelsea's attacking options.

• Mamadou Sarr - £12m from Lyon. The 19-year-old centre-back joined as one for the future, bringing strength and composure in defence after progressing through the Ligue 1 side's academy.

• Dario Essugo – £18m from Sporting. A highly rated midfielder, Essugo is known for his tenacity and maturity, having debuted in the Portuguese top flight at just 16 years old.

• Estevao Willian - the Brazil winger joined the Blues from Palmeiras this summer after a £29m deal was agreed in May 2024.

• Kendry Paez - a £17m deal to sign Ecuadorian teenager Paez was agreed in 2023 but he has linked up with Chelsea this summer after turning 18 in May.

That's seven new additions already - many of them young, technically gifted, and attack-minded.

Which begs the question: how many signings are too many?

Do Chelsea really need more players, especially more young attackers? Or should the focus now be on balance, experience and cohesion?

If you do think more reinforcements are needed, where should they come - defence, midfield or elsewhere?

Get in touch with your views here

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We asked how excited you are about the arrival of Hugo Ekitike and what you expect from him in his first season at Anfield.

Here are some of your comments:

Callum: I expect some flair, goal contributions and someone who gels into our system flawlessly. I also want him to build strong bonds with the players on and off the pitch, like every other Liverpool player.

Stev07: Raw talent who will no doubt be polished by our management. He will gain plenty of advice and experience from our established players. I've seen plenty of him on Bundesliga highlights but not for a full 90 minutes. I'm sure he will be good addition to our squad and he was nearly half the asking price for Alexander Isak. The goals will definitely flow once he is up to speed with his team-mates. I'm looking forward to seeing him in action.

Dax: All our major signings have been under the age of 25. They have already proved themselves on the big stage. Ekitike is another one of those signings who is very quick, plays killer passes and can score. He, like our other signings, can read the game well. And still they are not even 25. The future for Liverpool is bright.

Neil: We expect him to work hard and progress himself this season. He is a young lad who will need to adjust to the league and develop physically, so judgements can wait 12 months. This new squad will take time to bed in. Champions League qualification will be enough this season and a cup hopefully.

Ian: A reasonable expectation is that Ekitike is going to be a big improvement on Darwin Nunez.

Bill: We won't spend that amount of money without having big expectations this season. I expect 25-plus goals and assists. Also depends where we play him or Florian Wirtz.

Gareth: Good all-round hold-up play, mobility and an eye for goal - and with all these terrific players around him he'll become even better. Very good signing.

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Simon Stone
Chief football news reporter in Chicago

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Bournemouth ended in ninth last season to equal their best Premier League finish - but midfielder Alex Scott feels the campaign as a whole was a disappointment.

When the Cherries won 3-1 at south coast rivals Southampton on 15 February, it took them to fifth in the table, which would have taken them into the Champions League.

But the following week's defeat by Wolves at Vitality Stadium started a sequence of underwhelming results, including a home loss to Ipswich, that generated just two points from six games.

With Crystal Palace winning the FA Cup - Bournemouth were beaten by Manchester City in the quarter-final despite taking the lead - the Cherries finished nine points off seventh spot and a place in Europe for the first time in their history, which owner Bill Foley had targeted before the campaign began.

"Ultimately, it was one of disappointment," Scott told BBC Sport when asked for his feelings about the season as a whole.

"We had so many chances to get over the line with results here and there.

"Obviously, it is the Premier League and anyone can beat anyone, but we really believed we could make a push and go for the European places.

"We dropped points and didn't finish as strongly as you need to in order to be a fighting team in Europe.

"It is one of those things we will learn from and we will be ready this season to push for it again."

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Barcelona have unveiled Marcus Rashford as their new number 14 after the forward completed his season-long loan move with an option to buy for £30.3m.

The 27-year-old made 426 appearances at Manchester United and has wished them "all the best" as he starts his 'next chapter'.

"The club is in a period of change, and they have been for a while," Rashford told reporters at his unveiling on Wednesday.

"I don't have anything bad to say as it has been an important part - not just of my career - but of my life. So I was grateful for the opportunity.

"But like life, not everything goes as simple as you thought and this is my next chapter. I'm fully focused on improving myself and helping the team win trophies.

"I have nothing bad to say about United. I wish them all the best and hope they are successful in the future."

Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent

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Chelsea are advancing with their interest in RB Leipzig forward Xavi Simons.

Talks over personal terms for the 22-year-old are under way, with Simons understood to be open to a move to Stamford Bridge and the Bundesliga club aware of the Blues' interest.

Sources have indicated Bayern Munich also hold a level of interest in Netherlands international Simons, but the German champions are currently focused on Liverpool forward Luis Diaz.

Arsenal have also been made aware of Simons' situation.

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We asked for your views on Evan Ferguson's loan move to Roma and whether it is what he might need to find his form again and potentially kick-start his Albion career.

Here are some of your comments:

Liam: You just have to give Ferguson time. We've seen what he can do at 18 but injuries have stopped him since. I'm sure if he can find his form at Roma he'll become an important player for Brighton again.

Martin: Good move for both club and Ferguson. He will learn a lot, and hopefully enjoy Italy. Great opportunity.

Luke: I hope he absolutely smashes it. He has had a rough couple of years and just needs to play. What a brilliant club to play for and head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has a track record with young players.

Bob: I hope the no-nonsense coaching of Gasperini will inspire Evan to release his immense talent and potential as a top-class striker.

Tony: It's an exciting move for him and I wish him well. He was unlikely to play regularly for us, and this gives him a chance to prove himself again at the highest level. The club will hopefully reap the benefits in either a fat fee, or a player returning to us at the top of his game.

David: Surely Evan has no guarantee of first-team football at a club like Roma, and may have been better off at a Championship side where he would play every week.

Peadar: How is this a good move? Established Premier League players have struggled playing abroad in a good league like Italy. If the goal is for him to play regularly and get his confidence back, he needs to drop to a lower level.

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We asked whether Brentford should be doing all they can to keep Yoane Wissa or sell the striker, following news he has left the club's pre-season base in Portugal for talks over his future amid interest from other Premier League clubs.

Here are some of your comments:

Chris: It's perfectly simple really. Wissa MUST remain at the club and we have to rebuff any offers for him. Wissa, Bryan Mbeumo and Christian Norgaard contributed exactly two-thirds of our Premier League goals between them last season (44 of 66). Irrespective of Wissa's age and transfer value, we have to factor in the financial impact of being relegated, especially with a rookie manager. Surely?

Elizabeth: If he's unhappy staying, perhaps it's time for him to go.

Allan: Although we always seem to recruit well and someone steps up to the plate, I think after losing our manager, goalkeeper, captain and our best forward in this transfer window, and despite buying in some good replacements, losing Wissa would be disappointing. But if he wants to go and they meet our valuation, then he should go.

Nick: Wissa is a fan favourite and clearly very popular around the squad. He also scored 19 non-penalty goals last season. All that is almost impossible to replace but I don't think we can stand in his way either. Close that transfer window now!

Peter: Never believed it's worth trying to keep a player who wants to go. Get the best deal and move on. I have total faith that the future is bright.

Nick: Wissa has been a great servant of the club and one of the hardest-working players on the pitch. He would be of serious value to any club and deserves a chance, similar to Mbeumo, to play at a higher level and in Europe. However, his value should not be underestimated and £25m is a joke - £40-50m would show the respect to the player that they really want him.

Rick: Mbeumo and Wissa have been great assets. however, with Mbeumo already gone and with all the other changes - particularly Thomas Frank and Christian Norgaard having also left - it's a chance to rebuild again for the future. There is a strong enough squad, and although sad to see him go, it's the right time for Wissa to earn a good sum somewhere else and for Brentford to cash in on this asset. Just when key players have left and you wonder how the Bees will manage, they always succeed in doing a little bit better. Look at Ivan Toney going - the team played even better without him. Same now with Wissa - the club get a worthwhile transfer fee and Wissa gets the big payout he deserves.

David: I've always rated Wissa since we signed him. To lose both Mbeumo and Wissa would be tragic. I trust there will be a plan but I'm glad I don't have to make it!

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Valencia's Cristhian Mosquera is flying to Singapore to join up with Arsenal on their pre-season tour, with the Gunners hoping to finalise a deal for the defender in the coming days.

The 21-year-old has been given permission by the Spanish club to join up with Arsenal, having already agreed personal terms.

So, what do we know about Mosquera?

He joined Valencia in 2016 as a 12-year-old, before making his first-team debut in 2022 when he became the youngest centre-back to play for the club.

Over the past two seasons, he has become a regular fixture in the Valencia defence, playing in all but three La Liga matches in the past two seasons. In 2024-25, he not only played the most minutes of anyone in the Valencia squad, but also the second-most of any outfield player in the whole Spanish top flight.

Even at his young age, Mosquera boasts impressive defensive stats. The 21-year-old won 70.7% of his ground duels in the league last season, comfortably the highest success rate of any La Liga defender to contest more than 100. He also won possession an average of 5.15 times per match, the third-highest figure in the division for players in his position.

Unsurprisingly for an Arsenal target, Mosquera also has strong passing numbers. Last season, the Alicante-born defender completed the most passes per match in the Valencia squad and also had the highest passing accuracy. His 90.5% passing accuracy is most comparable to Gabriel's in the existing Arsenal defence (90.2%).

Perhaps the biggest area for improvement is his aerial ability. Despite standing at 6ft 2in, he won 45% of his aerial duels in La Liga last season and had a worse success rate than those of every Arsenal defender in 2024-25.

The hope is that Mosquera has plenty of time to be coached into improving his ability in the air. Learning from dominant forces such as Gabriel and William Saliba should only make that process easier.

Simon Stone
Chief football news reporter in Chicago

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It has been Manchester United's target for some time to ensure Bryan Mbeumo was signed before they set off for Chicago and the start of their three-match Premier League Summer Series campaign.

They made it. But it was close.

United leave on Tuesday afternoon so they had less than 24 hours to spare before they were able to make an official announcement.

But now the £65m deal is done, we will start to get an indication of how head coach Ruben Amorim intends to piece his team together.

In theory, Matheus Cunha and Mbeumo will fill the two number 10 slots behind a main striker.

However, who occupies the two midfield slots behind?

Presumably Bruno Fernandes will be in one. The United skipper played there for 45 minutes in Saturday's goalless draw with Leeds United.

But neither Kobbie Mainoo nor Casemiro would appear to have the legs to operate alongside Fernandes and, even at £50m, there are doubts over Manuel Ugarte's quality.

And then there are the other players who could play in the number 10 slots. They include Fernandes and Mainoo but also Joshua Zirkzee and Mason Mount. What role is available for them?

And Amorim might not be finished in the transfer market just yet either, especially if he can unload unwanted quartet Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, Jadon Sancho and Tyrell Malacia in the same way as is happening with Marcus Rashford.

Amorim has got what he wants in Cunha and Mbeumo. But that does not mean his problems have gone away.

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Alex Howell
BBC Sport football news reporter in Singapore

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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says up to nine teams have the ability to win the Premier League this season.

The Gunners have finished second in the league for the past three seasons but have spent over £120m so far this transfer window on Martin Zubimendi, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Noni Madueke - and are currently working to complete deals for Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres and defender Cristhian Mosquera from Valencia.

However, the Gunners' likely title rivals have been busy, with Liverpool spending more than £250m, Chelsea - who won the Club World Cup - forking out about £200m and Manchester City also spending over £100m after starting the rebuild of their squad in January.

The messaging from the Arsenal camp on their pre-season tour where they play AC Milan and Newcastle in the Singapore Festival of Football is that they are ready to take the next step and win their first trophy since 2020.

When asked, despite the challenges, if he thinks Arsenal can win the title this season, Arteta was quick to answer: "Yes I do. It is getting more and more competitive each year. The level is increasing.

"We know that so our demands have to increase as well. But we have also been very active in the market.

"We have to improve the players we already have, which is a massive objective after that. And then, set the right fundamentals and the right principles in pre-season to get the team ready with the best possible shape and availability to start the season."

In Zubimendi, Arsenal have signed one of the most highly rated midfielders in Europe and a player who had other options to choose from before signing for the Gunners.

It is hoped that Zubimendi's quality and football intelligence is the missing piece for an Arsenal side that have missed out on trophies in recent seasons.

"Every year we have to see how things develop, but I see the right balance in terms of maturity, experience, youth, hunger - all these ingredients are there," Arteta said.

"The thing is there are another six, seven, eight clubs in the league that have the right ingredients to win and there is only going to be one winner.

"So we have to focus a lot on the things that we can control, that we can do, to achieve what we want at the end of the season."

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Alex Keble
Football tactics writer

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Along with Florian Wirtz and the two new full-backs, Hugo Ekitike points to a different Liverpool set-up.

In 2024-25, some 47 of Liverpool's 86 goals (55%) were scored or assisted by Mohamed Salah, who ran the right wing almost on his own as Alexander-Arnold drifted inside.

By contrast, Jeremie Frimpong is a very attacking, very wide right-back. That should take some of the pressure off Salah, but it might also see the Egyptian move infield to support the new creator-in-chief Wirtz, Liverpool's first proper number 10 in years.

Adding weight to that theory is Ekitike's history of playing in a strike partnership. He was arguably at his best in a 3-5-2 alongside Omar Marmoush at Frankfurt, with whom he regularly swapped positions in a fluid forward line.

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He was also more often than not playing in a two at Reims, where he made his name. Could Slot be planning something similar with Ekitike and Salah?

In a 4-2-3-1, Frimpong's aggressive wing play on the right could free Salah to drift inside and operate as something like a split striker alongside Ekitike, with Wirtz and a number eight sitting just behind.

That would certainly be direct, dynamic and straight-lined, and would certainly be ready for a turn towards fast-transitioning football next season.

But it's just one of the options available to Slot now he has such a versatile number nine leading the charge.

Ekitike can drop like Roberto Firmino or get in behind, can play alone or in a two, and can play transitional football or in a possession-centric side.

He is the real deal: the centre-forward of the calibre and tactical dexterity pretty much every 'Big Six' club has been looking for.

Whether Slot continues with Pep Guardiola-like patience or swings back towards Klopp-like verticality, Liverpool's chances of retaining the Premier League title just improved.

• Read more on Ekitike and Liverpool's tactics

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It has been a quieter transfer window than many would have hoped for at Newcastle.

Anthony Elanga, from Nottingham Forest for £55m, is the only first-team signing the Magpies have made, despite being linked to a plethora of other players.

They include: Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, Dean Huijsen and Hugo Ekitike, who have now all either completed a move elsewhere or are in the final stages of agreeing a deal.

"It has been a really frustrating summer," says Newcastle boss Eddie Howe. "We've been very close to signing several players and for different reasons - there's not one theme why we haven't signed more - we've ended up missing out on a few who would have made a difference.

"The one most important factor in any transfer is the player has to want to come to Newcastle. We're a very proud club and are proud of what we do, so any player has to feel that.

"If they don't, for whatever reason, I don't think it's a healthy transfer. Every player we have signed to this point, that's gone on to be hugely successful with us, has had that desire to come. So, for me, that's the number one thing.

"I'd say I'm hopeful rather than confident because we're not in control of the market or agents, players and other clubs.

"I can assure everybody we are a hundred per cent on it and trying to do things quickly."

Newcastle have also signed winger Antonio Cordero from Malaga, but the 18-year-old is expected to head out on loan next season to gain more experience.

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We asked for your views on Gabriel's statement that this season "will be different" after admitting Arsenal have "let a couple of titles slip through our fingers".

Here are some of your comments:

Matt: I mean you'd expect to hear it from a player. I'm not sure I'm convinced Viktor Gyokeres and Martin Zubimendi will complete the team. Still far too reliant on Bukayo Saka. Having Eberechi Eze on the left would mean teams are far less likely to double up on Saka and take him out of the game. That said, maybe Gabriel Martinelli will come good when there's a dangerman up front who can sweep in his cut-backs. Any true Arsenal fan is wary of optimism, but who knows? Trust the process everyone!

Rachel: I would love this season to be different! In reality we all know it can take time for a new team to gel together. With new players comes a change in the dynamic and although I'm confident the new signings will work out well, we could still be waiting a while before everything clicks.

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Guy: I don't share Gabriel's confidence. If you look at the squad this season I don't think it has improved from the squad we started last season with. We have seen our rivals make improvements though. I see us slipping further down the table and we will be fighting for top four rather than the title.

John: It's make or break for this team and the manager this season. We have to win big, simple as that. Players will leave if the title isn't won. We are signing big players so hopefully they produce the performances the fans deserve. It's time to stop talking and go out on that pitch and win.

Roland: I think it will be the same, but nearer to the eventual winners.

Kyle: Once we sign Gyokeres he'll have everything in place for a title push - the striker every fan has been crying out for the past few seasons, cover in every position and a rock solid midfield. However, that will leave nowhere for Arteta and the players to hide. It's time to finally put up, or shut up!

Vince: I'm cautiously confident we can make that final step this time. It looks like we finally have enough depth in quality to withstand the worst injury crisis, and are well balanced in terms of dependable seniors and exciting juniors. Get that forward in, bring Jesus back from injury and we should be celebrating something next May.

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Ben Mee says his former team-mate Bryan Mbeumo is "going to fit in and play" at Manchester United, after Brentford accepted a bid for the forward last Friday.

"Bryan's a top player," Mee told BBC Radio Manchester. "He'll add plenty of quality to the side.

"I'll be interested to see where he fits into Amorim's formation that he was playing last season."

The pair played alongside each other at Brentford for three seasons, helping the Bees finish ninth, 16th and 10th in the Premier League.

When asked if Mbeumo will impress Ruben Amorim with his training and work-ethic, Mee added: "Yeah, without a doubt. Being with him for the past few years and seeing his improvement - he's still getting better and better.

"Last season, his numbers speak for themselves. He was absolutely outstanding. You can see him wanting more and more.

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"The next step for him is to go and prove it on a big stage in front of 70,000 people each week.

"Bryan will be at it - he'll be on it. It's a big opportunity for him going to a club like United. He's a humble, down-to-earth guy and he'll be someone that will work hard.

"He's got plenty of attacking quality but he doesn't mind doing the hard yards, getting back in, defending for his team, and doing the ugly things as well.

"He's more than happy to run back for his team and that says a lot about his character.

"He decided early on that he wanted to go to Manchester United and that's where he saw himself. He's going to fit in and play there. It's a big stage for him and that's where he wanted to go."

Listen to the full chat on BBC Sounds

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We asked for your views on Kyle Walker-Peters, who has joined the Hammers on a free.

Here are some of your comments:

Tom: Solid signing. With the departures of Vladimir Coufal and Aaron Cresswell, KWP will provide much needed cover in the full-back positions for Aaron Wan-Bissaka and new boy El Hadji Diouf. Joining on a free with Premier League experience? Even better.

Denise: I think we needed some depth following Vladi's departure and Walker-Peters fits the bill. Good free transfer.

Kieran: Very happy. Will give good competition to Wan-Bissaka and Diouf and may even start a few while Diouf beds in. Hopefully being a freebie means there's a big-money midfielder and a big money forward on the way.

Colin: Has to be a great signing. Gives us strength in depth in the back line and he is a proven Premiership player. Can't see any downsides.

Simon: He is a Potter type of player and a good, versatile addition to the squad, particularly as a free transfer.

Richard: Absolutely. It's clear we have depth to add with all the outgoings so can't argue with a Prem-calibre player on a free. Not only that but with two wing-backs at Afcon in the winter, we need the cover.

Tom: Definitely good business: proven Prem player and was Southampton's best player last term. Let's hope he performs like AWB!

Bradderthehammer: Great free signing - in fact I'd have paid money for him. Saw him play us twice last season and he was the best player on the park in the second game. Now we need some legs in midfield.

Mike: No cost except wages, good business, decent player and good back-up for Aaron Wan-Bisska.

Alex Howell
BBC Sport football news reporter

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You can see why Mikel Arteta might be excited about the prospect of signing Noni Madueke.

His expected goals (9.6), his number of shots (80), touches in the opposition box (199) and progressive carries with the ball (242) were all higher than Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka in the Premier League last season.

Saka only played in 25 league matches compared to Madueke's 32, so it is a fairer comparison with Martinelli, who played 33 times.

Madueke also contributed a combined 10 goals and assists to Chelsea last season and could boost Arsenal's much-criticised attack.

Injuries plagued Arteta's side last season and they ended the season with limited options in the final third as they fell away in the title race.

Madueke is one of the most direct wingers in the league and Arsenal, who mainly play against teams who defend deep against them, could benefit from his eagerness to beat his defender and get a shot at goal.

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Noni Madueke says he leaves Chelsea with "nothing but fond memories" after completing a permanent move to Arsenal.

The winger has joined the Gunners in a deal worth £50m, with an initial fee of around £48.5m.

Madueke joined the Blues from PSV Eindhoven in January 2023 for £30m and has scored 20 goals in 92 appearances.

The 23-year-old was part of Chelsea's Club World Cup squad and came on as a substitute as they reached the final by beating Brazilian side Fluminense 2-0, before leaving to complete his move to the Emirates.

He also leaves the club as a Conference League winner having helped the side to the trophy in 2024-25.

In a message posted on his social media, Madueke said: "Dear Chelsea Football Club, I want to thank you for the Last three or so years.

"To every staff member that helped me along this journey, thank you. To my teammates - thank you for everything, I leave with only love and admiration for you guys. We achieved so much this season and I honestly wish you guys nothing but the best.

"To Enzo Maresca, it was a privilege to play under you, thank you for trying to better me as a player and as a person.

"Lastly, thank you to every single Chelsea fan. Thank you for the love, the praise and also the criticism, I appreciate it all. I leave here with nothing but fond memories."

The England international becomes the second Blues player to move to north London this transfer window after Kepa Arrizabalaga completed a permanent move to Arsenal earlier this month.

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We asked for your views on Sean Longstaff leaving his boyhood club for newly promoted Leeds United.

The 27-year-old academy graduate, who joined the Magpies' youth set-up in 2006, has just entered the final year of his contract and his sale would generate pure profit in terms of Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).

Here are some of your thoughts:

Anthony: Longstaff is a consummate professional who has served the club well. A local lad who always gave his best, a loyal and valued member of the squad, a great role model to the younger players. I wish him well and I hope he regains the form that almost had him being considered by England. All the best, Sean, but don't come back to haunt us like Chris Wood.

Ste: It's a difficult one. You need homegrown players for the Champions League and we will struggle to fill that quota in our European squad. However, PSR dictates a lot and this sale presents profit for a squad player. It's disappointing that a local lad has to leave mainly because of PSR.

Brian: It may be good in a business sense, but in terms of the squad needed for all of the games next season it's not clever at all, unless they can replace him with a better player. And so far the recruitment has been very limited...

Kegs: It's the right time and the right move for the club and the player to go their separate ways. Longstaff's opportunities, with an improving Newcastle squad, are becoming fewer and fewer, and he will certainly get more game time at Leeds. A good player in the Mike Ashley era, but he doesn't fit and isn't good enough for the current one.

Russell: Sean has been a great servant to the club for the past few years and seen us through really rough times. I'm glad he was around last season to win a trophy with his boyhood club, but if we want to progress it is time for him to move on. I wish him all the best. Howay, Sean, go smash it!

Chris Sutton
Former Premier League striker

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Bryan Mbeumo has done well at Brentford, but playing for Manchester United is very different. With respect to Brentford, there is no great expectation there.

At United, he will be expected to perform straight away.

He has experience, he is a good finisher, and his versatility is a big positive - he can play as a central striker as well as on the wing, cutting inside off the right on to his left foot.

But he has had one very good season where his numbers were very good, so the question is whether he can repeat that.

Consistency in those forward positions is what United are striving for, because they have not had it with, say, Alejandro Garnacho or Antony.

They are maybe thinking an older, more experienced player, who is more reliable, is what they need. That's Mbeumo - he fits into Ruben Amorim's system, and he fits the bill as proven Premier League quality too.

United's attack is clearly an area they need to improve. People talk about how the way they play at the back, with the back three Amorim wants, and it is a difficult system to play at times when you are trying to press high because all your players have to work hard and be really switched on.

That's why he has gone for Mbeumo, because I think he is someone he feels he can trust in all areas, in possession and out of it, with the work-rate and energy he needs - and goals too.

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Tom McCoy
BBC Sport journalist

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BBC Radio Leeds' Adam Pope has reported that Sean Longstaff is set for a move to Leeds United that would end an 18-year association with boyhood club Newcastle.

The deal is expected to be concluded for a guaranteed £12m - plus £3m in potential add-ons.

The North Shields-born player joined the Magpies aged nine and made his debut for them in 2018, having initially gained experience on loan at Kilmarnock and Blackpool.

His form during his first Premier League season meant he briefly became a transfer target for Manchester United, but the Red Devils baulked at the reported £50m asking price.

Longstaff has made 214 appearances for Newcastle, scoring 16 goals, including a strike in a memorable Champions League win over Paris St-Germain in 2023.

He was a regular starter in both 2022-23 and 2023-24, but lost his place last season. With Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Joelinton firmly established as the midfield three, Longstaff only began eight Premier League matches - none of which came after Christmas.

A move to Elland Road should give the 27-year-old the chance to play more regularly and would also see him follow in the footsteps of his uncle Alan Thompson, the former Bolton, Aston Villa and Celtic midfielder, who also had a stint with Leeds towards the end of his career.

How do you feel about Longstaff leaving his boyhood club? Does sentiment have to be put to the side, or is it important to keep local players?

Get in touch with your views here

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Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent

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Liverpool's interest in Alexander Isak was - or rather is - entirely genuine.

Newcastle United, at least publicly, have maintained that the 25-year-old Sweden international simply is not for sale.

But when the Reds stepped up their efforts to land the striker earlier this week, it suggested they had had some private encouragement to the contrary.

Even if their decision to focus on Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike comes to fruition, you can expect Liverpool's interest in Isak to remain.

As things stand, the former Real Sociedad forward will enter the final two years of his contract next summer - a juncture at which Newcastle face significantly more jeopardy.

Of course, Liverpool - with or without Ekitike - may enter next summer's transfer window believing they do not require another centre-forward.

But, if they do, Isak is unlikely to be too far away from their thoughts.

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With Brentford having already lost their manager and captain, they are now going through a period of seemingly never-ending transfer speculation around their star players, so we asked for your views on the summer of upheaval for the Bees.

Here are some of your comments:

Charlie: Losing Thomas Frank will be the biggest problem. We've sold a lot of top strikers before (Neal Maupay, Said Benrahma, Ollie Watkins, Ivan Toney) and survived, but there are a lot of core players now going. Jordan Henderson could be a good leader and Igor Thiago will hopefully play and be good. With all the money coming in, I can't understand why we're not going for Liverpool's Harvey Elliott - surely a good fit?

Carl: It is a massive summer for the club. We will need to recruit across the pitch to keep up recent levels. I would raid the unhappy bunch at Manchester United and give people like Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho their mojo back - in exchange for a fulfilling life with less money!

Darrell: Brentford fans expect nothing. Look at where we came from? The past 13 years have been one hell of a journey, but there is no doubt that the summer of 2025 is going to test the club's approach. Bring it on!

Stuart: A difficult summer with Bryan Mbeumo and Frank swapping mid-table obscurity for a relegation dog-fight, Mark Flekken heading off to Germany, Christian Norgaard off to sit on Arsenal's bench, and now speculation about Yoane Wissa. But it is not all doom and gloom. We have upgraded our keeper, Henderson is a perfectly able short-term replacement for Noorgard, Thiago will shine up front in place of Wissa, and hopefully we can get a deal done for Omari Hutchinson as a replacement for Mbeumo. The only uncertainty is whether or not our new manager can successfully make the step up. Come on, you Bees!

HerzyBee: Brentford fans embrace change as part of the club's development. We trust the management to fire up the conveyor belt of talent and replace those who have moved on. There is a bond of trust that the club looks forward but learns from the past. 'Little old Brentford' has gone - and the 'bus stop in Hounslow' moves onward and upwards...

Anthony: We at Brentford know what we are - a selling club. Every year we sell our star. Every year we are doomed by the media for relegation. Every year pundits are surprised by us and a new star emerges. Keep doubting us, because we revel in it! Here's to another year of critics being wrong!

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Newcastle's new winger Anthony Elanga says it was "perfect timing" to make his £55m move from Nottingham Forest.

The 23-year-old Sweden international has been training with his new team-mates in their pre-season camp in Austria and will be available to make his first Magpies appearance in Saturday's friendly against Scottish champions Celtic in Glasgow.

"It's been amazing," he told BBC Radio Newcastle's Matthew Raisbeck. "I've only been here a week, but it feels like I've been here for years.

"The way I'm getting on with the lads and the way they made me feel welcome is a credit to them - but also credit to me for opening myself up, wanting to learn and wanting to know them.

"I know there is a lot more to come. I'm just trying to take it day by day and enjoy it as much as I can."

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Elanga scored six goals and provided 11 assists for Forest in 2024-25 as they secured Conference League qualification - now seemingly upgraded to Europa League - but he believes it was the right time to move to Newcastle, who are in this season's Champions League.

"It's about looking at the project and what they're building here is something unique and special," he added. "Not taking anything away from Nottingham Forest because we had an amazing season there as a collective, and me individually - although I know I can do a lot more.

"Coming here, I want to showcase my ability and my talent with an amazing manager in Eddie Howe and his amazing staff.

"The players here will help me elevate my game even further and I think it is the right time for me. It's something I want to be a part of.

"The fanbase is so passionate about football. It was a no-brainer really. It is the perfect timing. I'm trying to take it all in and it's amazing."

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James Milner says he is "feeling good" after a "long journey" back to fitness.

Milner underwent routine knee surgery after a knock in training in August 2024 but complications with the operation led to a long period of rehab.

The 39-year-old returned after nine months out in the final game of last season.

"I'm not 100% yet. We haven't had too much of pre-season but I've been training hard," Milner told the Seagulls' media team from the club's training camp in Spain.

"Nine months is a long time out so that takes time but I've been working hard over the summer and come back in the best possible shape I can.

"After all the things that happened in the last year or so, I'm feeling good to be fair.

"The early part of the rehab was to just get the knee moving again so I could do my knee rehab. We tried everything in the gym and hyperbaric chambers, hot coals, all different types of therapies.

"Sean Duggan the physio was incredible. It's not a common injury. At that time it was a difficult ask to come back and play but through the physio department and Sean's hard work - it was a long journey and a difficult one but the challenge of coming back from it at my age was what drove me on."

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Milner is now preparing for his 24th Premier League season and is 16 appearances away from breaking Gareth Barry's all-time record. The three-time Premier League winner never thought about giving up despite his lengthy spell on the sidelines.

"I wouldn't say there was dark times but there was frustrating times," he added.

"There was times where I'd get to five or six weeks constantly then needed a break for two or three days, just a change of scenery to regain the focus and the intensity.

"I wouldn't say I got too down about it. There is the determination to get back and try and contribute and help the manager and club move forward. I want to have a more positive season this time round."