Man Utd in talks with Champions League finalist as Chelsea set transfer demands

After a slow start to the summer transfer window, things seem to be clicking up a notch as clubs across the Premier League prepare to return to pre-season training over the next week or so.

Speculation over possible deals is now constant and there are a whole host of possible moves said to be in the offing as managers look to strengthen their squads in a bid for success over the coming season. Of course, it is important to remember just how complicated the transfer market has become, with several parties involved in every deal that takes place.

There are selling club and the buyers, player agents and representatives, clubs officials on both side and a whole host of intermediaries. Gone are the days of premium rate phone lines giving you the latest speculation and the man down the pub that knows a Premier League star’s postman who told him he was heading elsewhere this summer.

So without further ado, here is some of the latest transfer speculation and our take on whether the deals could progress over the coming days and months.

Manchester United in talks with Champions League finalist

Onana! That’s his name. Manchester United are making a move for Internazionale goalkeeper Andre Onana as the likelihood of David De Gea’s lengthy stay at Old Trafford coming to an end increased when his name appeared on the Red Devils list of released players.

The Spanish stopper has been unable to agree a new deal with the 13-time Premier League champions and there has been some uncertainty over whether he fits the style of goalkeeper preferred by manager Erik ten Hag.

Gazetta dello Sport have now claimed United have met with Onana’s agent in Manchester and are keen to conclude a deal that would reunite the Nigeria international with his former Ajax manager. However, there is a stumbling block with Inter said to be demanding a fee in excess of £50m, almost double what the Red Devils are willing to pay.

The 3AM Verdict: This feels like a move that could run and run with the two clubs so far apart in their valuation of Onana. There is no doubt the former Ajax goalkeeper has been one of the most consistent stoppers in European football in recent years and it should be no surprise Inter are demanding such a high fee.

Chelsea set demands for versatile midfielder

Chelsea are looking to prune a sizeable squad this summer before new manager Mauricio Pochettino is given a chance to put his own stamp on the squad he inherited.

Several Blues players are believed to be in talks over moves to Saudi Arabian clubs with Kalidou Koulibaly and Edouard Mendy both set to follow former team-mates Ngolo Kante and Hakim Ziyech to the Gulf State.

But it is Welsh international Ethan Ampadu that is the subject of the latest speculation with the Evening Standard claiming the Blues are willing to allow the 22-year-old to depart this summer - but only if they receive an offer of £12m and a ‘sizable sell-on clause’. Ampadu has spent time on loan with the likes of RB Leipzig, Sheffield United, Venezia and Spezia over the last four season and it now seems a more permanent departure is on the cards if the right bid comes in.

The 3AM Verdict: It seems like Ampadu has been spoken of as a highly-regarded prospect for years now - yet he has still failed to make a significant breakthrough into the setup at Stamford Bridge. A permanent parting of ways could give him a chance to make a name for himself elsewhere and he is sure to be in demand.

Liverpool move on with bid for La Liga breakthrough prospect

Liverpool are set to face a major battle to secure the signature of Celta Vigo’s highly-rated midfielder Gabri Veiga as Jurgen Klopp aims to continue his overhaul of his option in the centre of the park.

Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo have claimed the Reds are preparing to ‘intensify’ their interest in the Spain Under-21 star but will face a challenge as they look to meet Veiga’s personal financial demands and Celta’s reported £34m release clause. Club president Carlos Mourino has already expressed his determination to ensure the youngster does not leave the La Liga club for a fee lower than the clause dictates.

“The clauses are in place and it is one of the requirements of La Liga,” Mourino told Cadena SER in April. “We are not going to sell Gabri Veiga, but they are going to buy him from us. Nobody has to negotiate with us. We know that there are clubs that have called, but we don’t know who has spoken with Gabri Veiga. There were other teams that called us asking if we would give them a hand”

The 3AM Verdict: Veiga’s future could well be one of the stories of the summer transfer window as several big-name clubs around Europe consider a move for his services. It is well known Liverpool want to overhaul their midfield options and the youngster would fit in to Jurgen Klopp’s style of play - but a move will not happen any time soon as Celta continue to dig their heels in over the fee demanded for the Spanish star.