Tottenham have agreed deals worth a combined £185m for two of the summer's most coveted midfielders, with Mateus Fernandes's switch from West Ham United already confirmed and Sandro Tonali set to follow after explaining his decision to move to north London.
Fernandes, the Portuguese playmaker, has left West Ham in an £85m transfer that Spurs announced on Thursday. The 22-year-old's arrival was followed by news that Tonali, the Italy international, has agreed a £100m move from Newcastle United and is due for a medical, having spoken publicly for the first time about his decision to join Ange Postecoglou's side.
“Tottenham agree £185m for Fernandes and Tonali; Chelsea sign Palestra; Onana leaves Man Utd”
Chelsea, meanwhile, have completed the signing of Marco Palestra and turned their attention to Rayo Vallecano defender Pep Chavarria. But the La Liga club have rejected an initial bid, appearing determined to keep hold of the 20-year-old.
At Manchester United, goalkeeper Andre Onana is set to leave on loan for Trabzonspor, the Turkish side where he spent last season. The Cameroon international has been told he has no future at Old Trafford, and United could receive up to £1.28m in bonuses from the straight loan, which contains no option or obligation to buy.
Liverpool and Arsenal are both interested in Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola, though the French champions consider him not for sale. Arsenal have also been tracking Leicester City teenager Jeremy Monga, but face competition from Manchester City after the Premier League champions made enquiries about the 16-year-old, whose club have already rejected a bid from the Gunners.
Manchester City's late interest in Monga threatens to hijack Arsenal's pursuit of the winger, who is understood to be in advanced talks with the Emirates club. Elsewhere, Spain took the lead in a World Cup game against Austria on Thursday evening, with Mikel Oyarzabal finishing a fine team move from Marc Cucurella's cross.