Chelsea ‘ready’ to splash £60m on defender as Aston Villa look to exploit Leeds United release clause

The new Premier League season is now just around the corner with pre-season preparations almost done for another year.

From New York to Dallas and Japan to Germany, the Premier League clubs have been globe-trotting again this summer as they look to expand their brands while getting their players ready and fit for the new season. We now find outselves in pre-season purgatory, with the novelty of seeing teams back in action wearing off, while the yurning for competitive action front and centre,

Fortunately, we are now just a week away from the Community Shielf and two away from the start of the Premier League, and as excitement builds, we have rounded up all the latest transfer news and rumours surrounding the Premier League.

Saint-Maximin deal

Newcastle United are set to pocket their much-needed transfer windfall in their bid to balance the books.

Fabrizio Romano has tweeted: “Allan Saint-Maximin deal was never in doubt. Medical completed exactly 8 days ago, documents signed, no issues at all. Al Ahli will make it official soon. Al Ahli wanted to announce Mahrez before any other signing, then now ready to unveil one more star with ASM joining.”

Saint-Maximin is set to leave Newcastle on a deal worth £30million, and the deal will go some way in evening Newcastle’s books amid trouble with Financial Fair Play.

The 3AM Verdict: Another one heads to Saudi Arabia. Newcastle were almost forced to make this deal, but don’t feel sorry for them. The Magpies have spent huge amounts in their bid to become a top four club, and they are pretty lucky that their owners also own the majority of Al-Hilal, allowing them to get out of Financial Fair Play hot water by securing the sale of a player to another club under their control.

Adams release clause

Premier League clubs are now beginning to circle around Leeds United star Tyler Adams.

Leeds were growing quietly confident of keeping Adams for their Championship campaign, but they have suffered a fresh blow amid the publication of the midfielder’s release clause. The Athletic say Adams has a £20million release clause built into his contract that would not have been there had Leeds not suffered relegation.

It’s claimed both Aston Villa and West Ham are said to be interested in Adams, who was one of Leeds’ most impressive players in a disappointing campaign of last.

The 3AM verdict: Leeds will be extremely lucky if they can manage to keep hold of Adams in the Championship. He is a Premier League or top division player, something he regularly demonstrated last season, and indeed his career before signing up at Elland Road. Aston Villa have shown real ambition this summer, and Adams could do real damage in a midfield with Your Tielemans and others, while West Ham have also have European football to offer.

Guehi links

Chelsea are said to be preparing a big-money move for Crystal Palace and England star Marc Guehi.

The Blues have been relatively patient in this window as they look to balance the books after some crazy spending over the last 18 months or so, but the Daily Mail claim they are now ready to splash £60million on Guehi. The news comes after Chelsea lost Wesley Fofana to injury and likely for the bulk of the season.

The Blues need to add depth to that back line as a result, while also planning for the future given Thiago Silva’s age.

The 3AM Verdict: Chelsea seemingly have an unlimited amount of cash, although the sales of Kai Havertz and Mason Mount will have topped up their savings. As for Guehi, it’s clear the 23-year-old defender is one of the best up and coming players in his position in the Premier League, and given his nationality, it’s no surprise Palace are asking for so much. Chelsea need a defender, and Guehi is ready to walk into a starting role. That calibre of player is always going to cost.