Man United goalkeeper latest, Liverpool offer £120m for goal machine, Newcastle to sacrifice ‘phenomenal’ ace

This summer is shaping up to be one of the most exciting and unpredictable transfer windows of recent years. Club icons have departed, blockbuster recruits have arrived, and plenty of mouth-watering links remain on the rumour mill.

Let’s take a dive into some of the latest and potentially most game-changing Premier League transfer updates for Saturday, July 8th. There’s a lot to unpack even in just these few headlines but that’s the absolute beauty of the summer window.

Man United ready to make goalkeeper bid

With David de Gea officially no longer a Manchester United player, Erik ten Hag is ready to bring in his new No.1 and it’s all but confirmed that this will be André Onana from Inter Milan.

According to Fabrizio Romano, everything is now ‘all set’ for the Reds to launch their final bid for the shot-stopper. Personal terms have been agreed, both parties are expecting a deal to be ‘done next week’ and the all-important offer is due to arrive very soon before everything can be wrapped up.

Onana’s arrival will likely then green light the sale of Dean Henderson, who has been linked with a permanent move to Nottingham Forest. However, ten Hag has been holding fire until a new goalkeeper arrives at Old Trafford and that’s now just around the corner, providing all goes to plan.

The 3AM verdict: After parting ways with club legend de Gea, Man United really did have to step up and sign a suitable replacement. Not just to continue their positive run in the Premier League, but also to keep up appearances on the transfer market. Their closest rivals are all strengthening this summer and the Red Devils had to stay with the pack and with Mason Mount already over the line, this is another big statement from ten Hag.

Liverpool back on the Mbappe train

One of the biggest twists in this transfer window so far has come after Liverpool decided to resurrect their interest in Kylian Mbappé. The Reds have wasted no time in throwing their hat into the ring — offering a mammoth £120 million straight up for the France international, according to Edu Aguirre (via Sport Witness).

After signing two marquee midfielders, Jurgen Klopp is still on the look out for some extra additions but a new attacker was not one of his priorities this summer. However, a recent revelation from Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaïfi could nudge the Reds into a strong position to actually sign Mbappé.

With Real Madrid also interested in the superstar who has 212 goals and 98 assists in 260 appearances for PSG, Al-Khelaïfi does not want to see him go to Los Blancos. But with Mbappé’s contract expiring next season, the French giants must sell if a new contract is out of the question — so could it be to Liverpool?

The 3AM verdict: It’s almost hard to believe the Reds are back in the running for Mbappé, and yet, here we are. They seem incredibly keen on snapping up the devastating goalscorer and he would certainly be a lip-licking addition to Klopp’s current squad.

Liverpool have been without a typical, by-the-book striker for some time now, so signing Mbappé would be a massive statement move. However, how likely is it that he will choose Anfield? It’s incredibly hard to say, especially with the likes of Real Madrid also in the race, but it would probably be the signing of the year if he did pick Liverpool.

Newcastle willing to sacrifice first team star

Newcastle United are in hot pursuit of Harvey Barnes as they join the many clubs raiding Leicester City’s ranks following their relegation to the Championship. The Magpies are in pole position to sign the England international as they look to further bolster their squad ahead of a tough 2023/24 season.

According to Football Insider, the Toon are willing to cash in on Allan Saint-Maximin in order to make room for Barnes. They will need to clear room in the senior team to add the Leicester winger and the Frenchman is said to be on the sacrificial list, if it means ensuring Barnes arrives at St James’ Park this window.

Saint-Maximin has made a big impression and was hailed as “phenomenal” by former Newcastle winger Andros Townsend but it seems now is the time for him to to make a splash elsewhere.

The 3AM verdict: While there is no denying how lethal Saint-Maximin can be in front of goal, he has gradually become less of an option under Eddie Howe, especially after the signing of Alexander Isak. Last season, the Frenchman made 25 Premier League appearances but was limited to just 12 starts and contributed only one goal and five assists. Ultimately, moving him on makes sense as Newcastle continue this exciting new chapter under Howe, which sadly appears to be evolving without Saint-Maximin. Barnes will indeed face competition from Isak and Anthony Gordon for first team minutes, though.