LIVE! Transfer news and rumours: Caicedo completes Chelsea move, Lavia snubs Liverpool for Chelsea
Hello and welcome to Sports Mole's live coverage of the latest transfer news and rumours from around the world of football on Monday, August 14.
Stick with us below to keep up to date with all of today's transfer rumours and done deals.
Today's key events
Liverpool to revive interest in Andre after Caicedo, Lavia snubs?
Liverpool are reportedly set to revive their interest in Fluminense midfielder Andre if they fail to sign Romeo Lavia.
The Reds are desperate to add strength in depth to the middle of the park after seeing their midfield options weakened by a flurry of departures.
James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all left at the end of last season following the expiry of their contracts, while Fabinho and Jordan Henderson have completed moves to the Saudi Pro League.
World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister has been brought in from Brighton & Hove Albion, but more midfield additions are still required if Liverpool are to compete towards the top of the Premier League table.
Arsenal's Gabriel Magalhaes wanted by Saudi clubs?
Saudi Arabian clubs are reportedly interested in signing Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes.
Clubs from the Saudi Pro League have been busy recruiting high-profile names from Europe during the summer transfer window.
The likes of Jordan Henderson, Roberto Firmino, N'Golo Kante, Riyad Mahrez, Karim Benzema and Sadio Mane have completed moves to the Middle East this summer.
Neymar is set to become the latest big-name player to join the league, with the Brazilian star on the verge of completing a move to Al-Hilal.
Man United 'set asking price for Fernandez amid West Ham, Burnley links'
Manchester United are reportedly prepared to sell defender Alvaro Fernandez this summer.
The 20-year-old joined the Red Devils from Real Madrid in 2020, but he has yet to make a competitive appearance for the senior side.
Fernandez gained valuable playing time during a loan spell with Preston North End last season, featuring in 39 Championship matches for Ryan Lowe's side.
Having returned to his parent club, Fernandez was involved in Man United's preparation for the new season, appearing in four pre-season friendlies against Leeds United, Lyon, Wrexham and Athletic Bilbao.
Monaco 'to make fresh bid for Arsenal's Balogun'
Monaco have reportedly retained interest in Arsenal's Folarin Balogun despite having an initial bid rejected.
The USA international had a sensational campaign on loan with fellow Ligue 1 club Reims last season, scoring 21 league goals during 2022-23.
Balogun scored the winner against Monaco in Reims' 1-0 success at the Stade Louis II back in March.
It would ultimately be one of a number of costly results for Monaco, who missed out on European qualification - finishing down in sixth.
Tchouameni 'not interested in Real Madrid exit amid Liverpool links'
Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni has reportedly snubbed interest from Liverpool after Moises Caicedo also rejected the club last week.
Even though Liverpool had a £111m bid accepted by Brighton & Hove Albion for the Ecuadorian, Caicedo made clear he only had intentions of joining Chelsea.
Chelsea have since signed Caicedo for £115m, and continue to rival Liverpool in the race to sign Romeo Lavia from Southampton.
The bidding war has seen Lavia's value increase to £60m and despite Liverpool agreeing a fee for the Belgian, his next destination is still unclear.
Man United 'quoted £60m for Everton's Amadou Onana'
Manchester United have reportedly shown interest in Everton's Belgian midfielder Amadou Onana.
The 21-year-old played 90 minutes in Everton's 1-0 defeat against Fulham on Saturday after featuring 35 times in his debut campaign at the club last season.
Man United are believed to be in the market for another central midfielder, especially after recent confirmed and potential outgoings.
The Daily Mail claims that United have firmed up their interest in the Everton man and the Toffee's would want more than what Southampton are set to receive for Romeo Lavia.
Bayern 'in talks to sign Man City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega'
Bayern Munich are reportedly in talks to sign Manchester City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega.
The 30-year-old joined the Citizens on a free transfer from Arminia Bielefeld last summer and has since provided cover for first-choice shot-stopper Ederson.
Ortega made only 14 appearances for Pep Guardiola's treble-winning side last season, including just three Premier League starts and two outings in the Champions League.
However, the German shot-stopper was an integral part of City's success en route to FA Cup glory, starting all six matches and keeping five clean sheets.
Lingard 'training with West Ham after Nott'm Forest release'
Jesse Lingard is reportedly training with West Ham United, who may consider offering the midfielder a contract.
The 30-year-old is currently a free agent after seeing his one-year deal at Nottingham Forest expire at the end of June.
Lingard failed to score or provide an assist in 17 Premier League appearances for Forest last season, but he did chip in with two goals and two assists in three EFL Cup outings.
Nevertheless, the midfielder fell down the pecking order under Steve Cooper during the second half of last season and played for just 60 minutes across three appearances since the turn of the year.
Nemanja Matic joins Rennes on permanent deal from Roma
Experienced Serbian midfielder Nemanja Matic has joined Ligue 1 side Rennes on a permanent deal from Roma.
The 35-year-old only joined Jose Mourinho's side as a free agent last summer, having departed Manchester United upon the expiration of his contract.
Matic came up with two goals and three assists in 50 games for Roma during his first and only season at the club, but the Giallorossi have strengthened in midfield this summer with the signing of Houssem Aouar and are close to sealing a loan move for Paris Saint-Germain's Renato Sanches.
As a result, Matic was given the green light to leave Roma despite his crucial contributions last season, and he has agreed to a two-year deal with Rennes until the summer of 2025.
Rennes sign Nemanja Matic
Nouveau portrait sur les murs rennais. 🎨
— Stade Rennais F.C. (@staderennais) August 14, 2023
Nemanja Matić, œuvre Rouge et Noir à admirer jusqu'en 2025. 🖼 pic.twitter.com/OtgRt4HkEv
Monaco sign Denis Zakaria from Juventus on permanent deal
Monaco have announced the signing of Swiss midfielder Denis Zakaria from Juventus on a permanent deal.
The former Borussia Monchengladbach man - who spent the 2022-23 campaign on loan at Chelsea - has penned a five-year contract with Les Monegasques until the summer of 2028.
Juventus have received a €20m (£17.2m) fee for Zakaria, who flattered to deceive at the Allianz Stadium since joining for just €10.1m (£8.7m) in January 2022.
Zakaria leaves Juve having made just 15 appearances for the Italian giants across all competitions, scoring one goal and setting up one more for Massimiliano Allegri's side.
Chelsea complete record Moises Caicedo signing
Chelsea have confirmed the signing of Moises Caicedo from Brighton & Hove Albion for a British-record transfer fee.
The 21-year-old has put pen to paper on an eight-year contract at Stamford Bridge with Chelsea having the option to extend that by a further year, potentially keeping him at the club until 2032.
The Blues have not disclosed the exact transfer fee, nor confirmed that it is a British record, but they are understood to have paid £115m for the Ecuadorian midfielder.
Such a figure sees them break their own record for the most expensive signing in British football history, overtaking the amount they paid to sign Enzo Fernandez in the January window.
Romeo Lavia 'chooses Chelsea over Liverpool'
Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia has reportedly decided to sign for Chelsea in the coming days.
During Sunday's 1-1 draw with Liverpool, Chelsea's midfield duo Enzo Fernandez and Conor Gallagher starred as they formed a new-look partnership.
However, with the Blues having seen their engine room become depleted of numbers throughout the summer transfer window, Mauricio Pochettino has been eager to bring at least one more fresh face through the door.
Barring official confirmation, Moises Caicedo will leave Brighton & Hove Albion for Stamford Bridge for what is a British transfer record of £115m.
Mario Rui signs new three-year Napoli contract
🤝 Mario Rui extends Napoli deal till 2026 👨🏫
— Official SSC Napoli (@en_sscnapoli) August 14, 2023
💙 #ForzaNapoliSemprehttps://t.co/9W6X4CMN7t
Watford's Shaq Forde joins Leyton Orient on loan
🙌 Leyton Orient are delighted to announce the arrival of Shaq Forde, who joins the club on a season-long loan from Championship side Watford.
Welcome to E10, Shaq!
Read in full 👉 https://t.co/80ZO8fj0ks#LOFC #OneOrient pic.twitter.com/dMWQIuXXCn — Leyton Orient FC (@leytonorientfc) August 14, 2023
"The club approached my agent a few weeks ago, and I knew I wanted to come here. The gaffer plays exciting football here, with a lot of pressing, and he sold the project that is going on here really well to me," he told the club's official website.
"I've had a couple of loan spells away from Watford already and they have been really good for my development. They've both been successful, and I'm hoping this loan can be too. I had a good spell at York last season, and I want to match, if not better what I did there.
"I can bring creativity, score goals, go forward well and help the team going forward, I'm really excited to get started. With the game tomorrow, I'll be getting straight into things, which I think is good for me. I can't wait."
Manager Richie Wellens added: "Shaq will bring us pace and power. He's a strong lad even though he's only 19. He had a great loan at York City last season, and Steve Foster speaks very highly of him as he has watched him on numerous occasions.
"He gives us a lot more attacking speed, and gives us more options. We're confident he can bring us goals, and he brings that exuberance to the squad, which I think we have been lacking recently."
Villa announce transfer of Egyptian teenager Khedr
Aston Villa have completed the signing of Egyptian youngster Omar Khedr from Zed FC.
The West Midlands outfit have been active during the summer transfer window, adding the likes of Pau Torres, Youri Tielemans and Moussa Diaby to their squad.
On the back of long-term injuries sustained by Tyrone Mings and Emiliano Buendia, manager Unai Emery will now need to replace those players.
Nevertheless, it appears that the Villa hierarchy want to place a certain focus on building for the future with Khedr being acquired from Egyptian football.
Broja 'to remain at Chelsea this summer'
Chelsea have reportedly decided to retain the services of Armando Broja for the 2023-24 campaign.
The Blues have enjoyed a busy summer in the transfer market, acquiring a number of players to replace a wide array of squad members who have departed Stamford Bridge.
However, Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital remain very much active ahead of the close of business at the end of the month, the focus firmly on getting a deal over the line for Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo.
Further additions are expected to follow in due course with each of Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia and Crystal Palace playmaker Michael Olise being linked with a switch to West London.
Chelsea 'aiming to complete £45m deal for Michael Olise'
Chelsea are reportedly pushing to complete the £45m signing of Crystal Palace midfielder Michael Olise.
The Blues have endured a highly-eventful summer transfer window, parting aways with more than a dozen players and acquire a number of younger replacements.
If reports are to be believed, Chelsea will complete the £115m addition of Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo at some point on Monday.
Shelling out that amount of money on one player at a time when it has been known that Chelsea need to make cutbacks to fulfil FFP criteria is expected to lead to the spending of Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital coming under scrutiny.
Man City 'readying improved bid for Lucas Paqueta'
Manchester City are reportedly preparing to submit an improved offer for West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paqueta.
Pep Guardiola in looking to bolster his squad further following the arrivals of Croatia internationals Mateo Kovacic and Josko Gvardiol from Chelsea and RB Leipzig respectively earlier this summer.
A new midfielder is believed to be on Man City's radar following the departure of Ilkay Gundogan to Barcelona, and West Ham star Paqueta has emerged as their top target.
The Citizens have been keeping tabs on the 25-year-old for some time and they explored a possible move for the midfielder last summer before he left Lyon to join West Ham for a club-record £51m.
Brighton to replace Moises Caicedo with Carlos Baleba?
Brighton & Hove Albion have reportedly identified Lille midfielder Carlos Baleba as a replacement for Chelsea-bound Moises Caicedo.
The Seagulls have allegedly reached a full agreement with the West Londoners to sell Caicedo for a British-record £115m, and the Ecuadorian's departure is said to be imminent as he has already completed the main part of his medical.
Brighton had agreed a £110m fee with Liverpool for Caicedo last week, but Chelsea have since tabled a better offer after discovering that the midfielder had made it clear that he would prefer a big-money move to Stamford Bridge over a switch to Anfield.
Roberto De Zerbi's side appear to have already lined up a replacement as journalist Fabrizio Romano claims that the Seagulls have submitted an opening bid for Lille teenager Baleba.
West Ham 'identify Kudus as Paqueta replacement'
West Ham United have reportedly identified Ajax attacker Mohammed Kudus as a potential replacement for Lucas Paqueta.
The Hammers are understood to have rebuffed an offer of £73.4m plus £8.6m in add-ons from Manchester City to sign Paqueta, as they are holding out for a figure closer to £95m.
Paqueta only joined West Ham last summer for a club-record £51m, scoring five goals and registering seven assists in 41 appearances as David Moyes's side ended the 2022-23 campaign as Europa Conference League winners.
However, the 25-year-old is said to have expressed his desire to move to treble winners Man City this summer and has allegedly agreed personal terms over a six-year contract.
Transfer rumours: Ramos wants Europe stay, Ajax to sign Akpom, Monaco keen on Lokonga
Sergio Ramos reportedly intends to sign for a European club later in the summer transfer window.
The defender has been a free agent since leaving Paris Saint-Germain at the end of his contract in June, Ramos having made 56 appearances across two seasons.
While the 37-year-old is not expected to be short of offers, the assumption has been that he will either sign for a club playing in MLS or Saudi Arabia.
However, according to Marca, Ramos instead wants to continuing competing at the highest level in Europe.
Kyle Walker 'to sign new Man City contract within days'
Manchester City right-back Kyle Walker is reportedly set to put pen to paper on a new contract with the Premier League and Champions League winners within the next few days.
The 33-year-old now has fewer than 12 months left to run on his current terms and was persistently linked with a move to Bayern Munich earlier in the summer.
Pep Guardiola's tactical switch often meant that there was no room for Walker in his starting XI, as John Stones took on an inverted hybrid role from the right-hand side of defence.
As a result, Walker only made 22 Premier League starts and was named on the bench for the Champions League final, although he did play the full 90 in the FA Cup final win over Manchester United.
Liverpool 'agree £60m deal to sign Romeo Lavia'
Liverpool have reportedly had a bid of £60m for Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia accepted by the Saints, but they must still fend off competition from Chelsea for his signature.
The 19-year-old is expected to leave Russell Martin's side after just one season following the Saints' relegation to the Championship for the 2023-24 campaign.
Lavia failed to make the grade at Manchester City and made the move to Southampton for £10.6m in 2022, contributing one goal and one assist from 34 games in his debut season.
The Belgium international still has four years left to run on his deal with Southampton, but a summer exit is seen as inevitable, assuming that an interested party meets his £50m price tag.
Aston Villa agree deal to sign Egyptian teen Omar Khedr
Aston Villa is pleased to announce the signing of exciting Egyptian talent, Omar Khedr, from Zed FC! ✍️
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) August 14, 2023
!يسر أستون فيلا أن يعلن عن توقيع الموهبة المصرية الشابة عمر خضر من زد إف سي 🇪🇬
Besiktas snap up free agent Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
⭕❌
— Beşiktaş JK (@Besiktas) August 14, 2023
Everton sign Jack Harrison on loan from Leeds
Everton have signed Jack Harrison on a season-long loan deal from Leeds United.
The 26-year-old underwent his medical with the Toffees on Sunday, but reports suggested that Aston Villa could pull off a late hijack of the deal after Unai Emery contacted the player directly.
However, Villa ultimately walked away from talks after learning of an injury Harrison is currently carrying, which some reports have suggested could keep him out for up to six weeks.
Everton confirmed in their announcement that Harrison is recovering from a hip problem at the moment, but described the injury as "minor".
Real Madrid complete Kepa signing from Chelsea
Real Madrid have completed the signing of Kepa Arrizabalaga on loan from Chelsea for the 2023-24 campaign.
The Spanish giants were left in need of goalkeeping reinforcements following an ACL injury to Thibaut Courtois which is expected to keep him out for the entire season.
Los Blancos have now confirmed the arrival of Kepa, who was deemed surplus to requirements by new Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino following the arrival of Robert Sanchez earlier this summer.
The Spanish shot-stopper will now spend the current season with Real Madrid, before returning to Stamford Bridge next summer as the deal is not thought to include any option or obligation to buy.
Liverpool 'among clubs interested in Sangare'
Liverpool reportedly hold an interest in signing PSV Eindhoven midfielder Ibrahim Sangare before the end of the summer transfer window.
The situation in Liverpool's engine room has been well documented in recent months, Jurgen Klopp seeing as many as five players in that area of the pitch depart for pastures new.
While the three exits on free transfers were planned, losing Fabinho and Jordan Henderson to Saudi Arabian clubs only materialised through the players in question pushing for the transfers.
As a result, Alexis Mac Allister has been deputising as the most defensive member of a three to mixed effect, Liverpool eventually being over-run by Chelsea during their 1-1 draw on Sunday.
Spurs considering Arsenal's Balogun as Kane replacement?
Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly prepared to consider an approach for Arsenal forward Folarin Balogun.
On Sunday afternoon, Spurs commenced their 2023-24 Premier League campaign with a 2-2 draw at Brentford, a day after Harry Kane had departed for Bayern Munich.
Richarlison led the line as an alternative to the club's all-time leading goalscorer, and Argentine youngster Alejo Veliz has been acquired as one for the future.
However, the Spurs hierarchy are expected to act in the transfer market before the end of the month in order to secure the services of another experienced frontman.
Newcastle 'ready to move for Tierney, Cucurella'
Newcastle United are reportedly keen to sign one of Kieran Tierney or Marc Cucurella before the end of the transfer window.
As a result of last season's fourth-placed finish in the Premier League, the Magpies have secured a spot in the Champions League group stages.
Eddie Howe has reacted to that achievement by bringing in the eye-catching additions of Tino Livramento, Sandro Tonali and Harvey Barnes.
However, Howe has constantly referred to Newcastle being required to remain on the right side of FFP, something which now requires more work with a further £134m having been spent this summer.
West Ham sign James Ward-Prowse from Southampton
West Ham United have confirmed the signing of James Ward-Prowse from Southampton.
The 28-year-old arrives at the London Stadium for an undisclosed fee - thought to be around £30m - and has penned a four-year contract to keep him at the club until 2027.
The move sees Ward-Prowse end his 20-year association with Southampton, having joined the club at the age of eight and progressed through the ranks to become captain of the senior team.
The midfielder made 410 appearances for the club across his 12 years in the senior team and missed just two Premier League games over the course of the last four seasons before the Saints suffered relegation to the Championship last term.
Transfer rumours: Harrison to Everton, Samardzic to West Ham, Akpom to Ajax
Everton have reportedly managed to hijack Aston Villa's proposed move for Leeds United attacker Jack Harrison.
The 26-year-old is expected to be part of a mass Elland Road exodus following their relegation from the Premier League and was initially thought to be close to joining Unai Emery's side.
However, according to The Athletic, Everton are now poised to sign the former Manchester City man, who was undergoing a medical with the Toffees on Sunday.
Sean Dyche's side have supposedly triggered a clause in Harrison's deal allowing him to join on loan for the 2023-24 season, and his move would likely be made permanent next year.
Welcome!
Good morning and welcome to another day of transfer news and rumours!
Before we get started with a look at all of today's biggest transfer talk, let's first have a quick recap of what happened yesterday.
Yesterday's top stories
Click here to read full details of all yesterday's transfer news and rumours
