Thomas Tuchel has admitted the summer transfer window risks unsettling his England squad at the World Cup, warning that players' phones will 'still blow up' despite the tournament being their sole focus. With several members of his 26-man squad facing uncertain club futures – including midfielders Elliot Anderson and Morgan Rogers, both expected to move – Tuchel faces a delicate balancing act. 'If I said to the players not to deal with it now, their telephone will still blow up,' he said. 'I can see the distraction if clubs want to sign you, and sporting directors, agents and coaches are trying to get you on the phone, of course it is a distraction.' Tuchel recommended players make decisions before the tournament, but acknowledged that is not always possible. 'We're not alone in this, it's just how it plays out,' he added.
Manchester United chief executive Omar Berrada, meanwhile, has insisted the club will not be pressured into overpaying in the market – a stance shaped by past mistakes. United emerged from a cycle of lavish spending on the likes of Casemiro, Antony, Jadon Sancho and Donny van de Beek to adopt a more data-driven approach. That strategy paid off last summer with the early signings of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko and Senne Lammens, all of whom helped United finish third and return to the Champions League. 'The template for what we did last summer will be replicated,' Berrada said on United's Inside Carrington podcast. 'We have a clear plan. Whatever decisions we take will not just be for the short term but the long term.' United have already agreed a £35m deal for Atalanta's Ederson, who will undergo a medical before pre-season, and are interested in West Ham's £80m-rated Mateus Fernandes. They also want a striker backup for Sesko and a left-sided player.
“Tuchel fears transfer talk could distract England at World Cup; Man Utd vow not to overpay.”
Elsewhere, Arsenal have received an update on Julian Alvarez, face a battle for Rogers and have made a bid for Michael Olise, according to reports. Newcastle have set an asking price for Sandro Tonali – a figure that 'does not scare' Arsenal. At West Ham, David Sullivan has resigned with immediate effect, vowing to fight 'false' allegations.