The summer transfer window is gathering pace as clubs across England and Europe step up their recruitment plans before the September 1 deadline.
Negotiations are intensifying, medicals are being arranged, and several high-profile names remain at the centre of ongoing discussions.
From Premier League sides chasing reinforcements to Championship clubs finalising key additions, here is a look at the biggest transfer developments.
Derby Close to Bringing Back Sammie Szmodics
Derby County are on the verge of securing the return of forward Sammie Szmodics from Ipswich Town.
The deal will see the Republic of Ireland international join on a season-long loan that includes a compulsory purchase clause worth approximately £5.4 million.
Szmodics already spent the second half of last season at Pride Park, where he impressed enough for Derby to pursue a permanent reunion.
The forward originally joined Ipswich from Blackburn Rovers in 2024 in a transfer valued at around £9 million.
Meanwhile, Ipswich striker George Hirst is attracting interest from several clubs, with Stoke City among those monitoring his situation.
Everton Step Up Interest in Alistair Johnston
Everton have officially made contact with Celtic regarding right-back Alistair Johnston as David Moyes looks to strengthen his defensive options.
Celtic manager Martin O’Neill revealed that Moyes personally informed him that an approach was coming before club-to-club discussions began.
Although no formal agreement has been reached, Everton continue to assess the Canada international alongside other right-back targets.
Johnston, 27, has emerged as one of several candidates being considered as the Toffees reshape their squad ahead of the new campaign.
Manchester United Continue Monitoring Lewis Hall
Manchester United remain interested in Newcastle United left-back Lewis Hall, although they acknowledge completing a deal would be far from straightforward.
United are still evaluating the transfer market before deciding where to strengthen next.
Midfield additions remain a priority, while plans to recruit another attacker largely depend on Marcus Rashford’s future.
Despite interest from elsewhere, Rashford is currently expected to begin the new season at Old Trafford.
The club are also short of experienced options at left-back.
Luke Shaw is currently the only senior specialist available, with youngster Harry Amass encouraged to seek regular first-team football elsewhere.
Hall, who is under contract at Newcastle for another three years, would command a significant transfer fee.
Newcastle are also expected to reinforce their squad, particularly if Arsenal eventually submit a formal offer exceeding £80 million for captain Bruno Guimaraes.
Coventry Move to Reunite With Gustavo Hamer
Coventry City are close to completing a deal that would bring midfielder Gustavo Hamer back to the club from Sheffield United.
The Brazilian has just one year remaining on his current contract and previously became a fan favourite during a successful three-year spell with Coventry before leaving for Sheffield United in 2023.
A return to the CBS Arena now appears increasingly likely.
Inter Milan Refuse to Give Up on Curtis Jones
Inter Milan remain determined to sign Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones despite failing to meet the Reds’ valuation.
Liverpool are believed to value the academy graduate at roughly £30 million, while Inter’s latest offer was reportedly just under £22 million.
Earlier attempts to secure Jones on an initial loan deal were also rejected.
The 25-year-old has grown frustrated by inconsistent playing time and has only one year remaining on his contract, although Liverpool are not rushing to force a decision.
Inter sporting director Piero Ausilio has openly acknowledged the club’s admiration for Jones, while teammate Federico Chiesa recently revealed that the midfielder had asked about life in Italy.
Liverpool, however, remain relaxed about the situation as negotiations continue.
Bournemouth Agree Deal for Antonio Silva
Bournemouth have reached an agreement with Benfica to sign highly-rated central defender Antonio Silva.
The package is understood to be worth around £25 million, including performance-related bonuses.
Silva is expected to travel to England over the weekend to complete his medical before finalising the transfer.
The Portugal international featured for the full 90 minutes in Benfica’s commanding Europa League qualifying victory over St Gallen before preparations began for his move to the Premier League.
Leicester Strengthen Squad With Liam Cullen
Leicester City have completed the signing of Swansea City forward Liam Cullen on a three-year contract.
Although the transfer fee has not been disclosed, the Wales international arrives with the versatility to operate as a striker, attacking midfielder or winger.
Cullen is reunited with manager Russell Martin after previously working under him at Swansea.
He described Leicester’s ambitions and long-term project as major factors behind his decision to make the move.
West Ham Push to Land Arne Engels
West Ham United are intensifying negotiations with Celtic over midfielder Arne Engels as they search for a replacement for Mateus Fernandes.
The Belgium international has attracted widespread Premier League interest over the past year, with Nottingham Forest previously seeing offers of up to £25 million rejected.
Sunderland and Fulham have also monitored his progress.
After opening discussions with Celtic, West Ham are now attempting to reach an agreement that would bring the 22-year-old to the London Stadium before the transfer window closes.
Transfer Window Set for More Twists
With several major negotiations still underway and clubs continuing to identify priority targets, the final weeks of the transfer window promise even more movement.
Premier League teams remain active across multiple positions, while Championship clubs are also strengthening ahead of the new season.
As September 1 approaches, more deals are expected to accelerate, with a number of high-profile transfers still waiting to be completed.
