Man Utd launch intriguing Mason Mount transfer back-up plan as Fulham open talks with Argentina star

The summer transfer window is open for business and a whole host of big deals are believed to be bubbling under the surface as clubs across the Premier League prepare to return to pre-season training over the coming days.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a transfer window without a saga or two, and the futures of the likes of Mason Mount, Lionel Messi and Victor Osimhen have already fallen into that category in recent months. The future of one of that trio has been the subject of a big update in the media on Monday morning.

So without further ado, let’s have a walk through the latest speculation across the media as we await more eye-catching transfer moves to take place this week.

Red Devils make enquiries as Mount saga rumbles on

Manchester United’s attempts to complete a move for Chelsea and England star Mason Mount reportedly took another blow over the weekend when their latest bid was rejected by the Blues.

ESPN have now suggested the 13-time Premier League champions are ready to turn their attentions elsewhere as they look to add to their squad in a bid to build on an impressive first season under Erik Ten Hag. Three targets are said to have been identified and enquiries have been lodged for Brighton and Hove Albion star Moises Caicedo, Ajax winger Mohammed Kudus and FC Utrecht’s United States international Taylor Booth.

The report also states United are ‘working under a strict budget’ this summer and reveals Ten Hag is also keen to add a striker and a goalkeeper to his ranks as uncertainty remains over the future of David De Gea, who will be out of contract by the end of this week.

The 3AM Verdict: There is no doubt Mason Mount is Manchester United’s main midfield target for the summer transfer window but Chelsea are sticking to their demands and seem unlikely to move. Unless the Red Devils are willing to up their most recent bid significantly, it makes sense that they assess other targets. That said, you can not rule out this being agent talk to try and force Chelsea’s hand.

Fulham want forward admired by Wolves boss

Fulham have moved a step closer to securing the services of Sevilla forward Lucas Ocampos, who is believed to be a favourite of Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Julen Lopetegui.

Sky Sports have claimed the Cottagers have opened talks over a £12 million move for the 11-times capped Argentina international, who has just returned to the La Liga club after an underwhelming loan spell with Dutch giants Ajax. Ocampos has scored 39 goals and provided 17 assists in 161 appearances for Sevilla and has become a two-time Europa League winner during his four-year stay at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium - but could now be sold during the summer transfer window as the club looks to raise funds for new additions.

The 3AM Verdict: Fulham enjoyed a season of serious progress under Marco Silva last season when many tipped them for relegation, and they will know they will have to strengthen their squad if they are build on what they acheived. However, there are doubts over whether Ocampos will help them do that after he struggled to make an impact in the Eredivise with Ajax. It feels that £12m could be better spent elsewhere.

Turkish giants move to warn off interest from Premier League club

Turkish wonderkid Arda Guler is said to have every major club in Europe monitoring his progress as he continues to impress at domestic and international level.

Labelled ‘The Turkish Messi’, the 18-year-old scored six goals and provided seven assists in 35 appearances in all competitions for Fenerbahce last season and he bagged his first international goal last week with a stunning goal in a 2-0 home win against Wales.

The likes of Newcastle United, Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain are all said to have shown an interest in the attacking midfielder - but TEAMtalk have now claimed his current employers at ‘desperate’ to persuade the youngster to snub interest from elsewhere and remain at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium for one more season.

Guler will be offered a ‘big pay rise’ in return for staying another year - but Fenerbahce are asking to increase his current release clause, which is believed to stand at around £15m.

The 3AM Verdict: It already feels like wishful thinking to suggest Fenerbahce will be able to hold on to their prize asset, even if it is just for one more season. Given the calibre of clubs showing an interest in Guler, you would not blame the youngster for having his head turned and it would be a surprise if he does remain in Turkey at the end of the summer transfer window.