Transfer news LIVE: Morgan Gibbs-White set for Forest as Cristiano Ronaldo wanted by surprise club

In the latest summer transfer news, Cristiano Ronaldo has been offered a way out of Manchester United - by former club Sporting Lisbon. The Independent understands that United’s disastrous 4-0 defeat to Brentford at the weekend triggered fresh discussions within the club over whether it would be better to part ways with the Portuguese forward - who is desperate to leave Old Trafford - and Sporting have emerged as a surprise suitor who can offer Champions League football and would be interested in a free transfer.

Meanwhile, United are one of a number of clubs interested in signing Chelsea forward Christian Pulisic on loan. The Independent report that Pulisic wants regular game time ahead of the World Cup and has also attracted interest from Newcastle United, Juventus, AC Milan and Atletico Madrid.

Elsewhere, Nottingham Forest and Wolves have agreed a fee for the 22-year-old midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White, who will head to the City Ground for an initial £25m that could rise to over £42m if add-ons are met. It comes after Wolves completed a club record £42.2m deal for Sporting midfielder Matheus Nunes. Follow all the latest news, rumours and done deals below.

Transfer news live

• Ronaldo offered way out of Manchester United

• United consider signing Christian Pulisic on loan

• Callum Hudson-Odoi ‘asks to leave Chelsea on loan’

• Done deal! Wolves sign Nunes in club record transfer

• Done deal! Arsenal sign forward Hurtig from Juventus

• Casemiro now Manchester United’s ‘main focus’

• Nottingham Forest and Wolves agree Gibbs-White fee

Watford reject second bid for Joao Pedro from Newcastle

19:40 , Karl Matchett

Newcastle continue their pursuit of Watford forward Joao Pedro, but the Athletic are reporting that a second bid has been rejected by the Hornets.

This latest offer was for £22m rising to £25m, they say, and it’s not yet certain whether the Magpies will return with a third bid.

Watford did already sell Emmanuel Dennis to Forest recently, which could strengthen their hand in negotiations.

United progressing in bid to sign Casemiro from Real Madrid

19:20 , Karl Matchett

Manchester United are making progress with the prospective signing of Casemiro, with the Real Madrid midfielder now considered a priority in the remaining days of the transfer window.

The 30-year-old has emerged as a target to solve United’s longstanding issues in the middle of the park, with the protracted pursuit of Frenkie de Jong no closer to completion.

Talks with Madrid for Casemiro are advancing after United negotiators visited the Spanish captial earlier this week, with a deal worth in the region of £60m mooted.

The Brazil international has three years remaining on his contract at the Bernabeu and has played an integral role in winning five Champions League and three La Liga titles since joining in 2013.

Casemiro’s starting status has come under threat, however, following the €80m signing of Aurelin Tchouameni from Monaco this summer.

Mark Critchley has the latest:

Manchester United progressing in bid to sign Casemiro from Real Madrid

Fulham still hoping to close out deal for Roma’s Kluivert

19:00 , Karl Matchett

Not a part of the first-team plans under Jose Mourinho, Justin Kluivert is searching for another new club after a couple of loans haven’t yielded quite enough success to force his way back in at the Olimpico.

Fulham want to bring him to London this summer and it seems a loan with a view to a £10m deal next summer is on the agenda.

He’s been linked with that move for most of the summer but the Mail say it’s progressing now and Marco Silva is “desperate” to land him.

Cristiano Ronaldo agent pushing Dortmund transfer

18:40 , Karl Matchett

Bild have a fairly wild-sounding claim that Cristiano Ronaldo’s agent is trying to get him a move to Borussia Dortmund.

The Bundesliga club signed Seb Haller to replace Erling Haaland this summer, but the Ivorian is facing a spell on the sidelines this season after discovering he has testicular cancer.

Karim Adeyemi and Donyell Malen are among their other offensive options at Signal Iduna Park.

The outlet claims he “absolutely” wants to go to Dortmund this summer as he looks for an exit from Man United.

Real Madrid believe Casemiro has decided to leave

18:20 , Karl Matchett

Casemiro “sees his future” away from Real Madrid and the chances of his departure are now “real and evident”, report Marca.

The Brazilian midfielder is the latest to have been linked with a switch to Manchester United and the Spanish outlet say he is in agreement with the offer on the table from Old Trafford - which Guillem Balague first claimed was €20m net, or about £38m a season in basic salary - before later halving that estimation.

There have been no talks between Real and the player to this point, Marca clarify.

Barcelona deciding between two right-backs

18:00 , Karl Matchett

Spanish club Barcelona wanted Cesar Azpilicueta this summer - that was pretty well documented before he signed his new contract with Chelsea to stay.

Now they have two more options in their sights with different links to north London.

The first is Juan Foyth, former Spurs defender who is now with Villarreal, with several reports saying his agents have already been in talks with the Camp Nou club. The second is Hector Bellerin, now back with Arsenal but without a clear route to first-team action after Takehiro Tomiyasu took that role last year and Benjamin White has started there this term. Sport say they are giving serious thought to landing Bellerin instead and a decision will be made soon.

Timo Werner reveals Chelsea exit came after ‘fun got lost'

17:40 , Karl Matchett

Timo Werner has opened up on his exit from Stamford Bridge, having rejoined RB Leipzig this summer.

“I had great success at Chelsea, but the fun got a bit lost in the end because I didn’t play regularly anymore,” he told the Einfach mal Luppen podcast.

“I think the coach’s system of play didn’t suit me perfectly. That’s why it was clear to me that I wanted to take a new step. I’m at an age where I want to play as much as I can.

“I really associate very great successes with Chelsea – the greatest of my career. It will always be a special club for me. I will also stay in touch with many of the players from the team.”

Youri Tielemans remains a ‘top' priority for Arsenal

17:20 , Karl Matchett

Arsenal have been linked with Youri Tielemans for most of the last year and the Leicester midfielder is still in their sights, according to the Que Golazo podcast.

The claim there is that the Belgian is still “top of the list” for Mikel Arteta this summer and he intends to make an offer if the Gunners can offload one or two more first.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles is one of those who could still depart, while Tielemans is now into the final year of his contract at the KP Stadium.

Casemiro set for Real Madrid talks

17:01 , Karl Matchett

Casemiro will discuss his future at Real Madrid with Carlo Ancelotti this evening as speculation continues over a potential move to Manchester United, Fabrizio Romano says.

Manchester United have made signing Casemiro their “main focus” over the final two weeks of the window, according to reports today, but the 30-year-old remains under contract at Madrid.

The European champions will respect Casemiro’s decision if he wants a new challenge but United will first need to convince the Brazil international of the move, which could be a challenge given their lack of Champions League football.

Steve Cooper on further Nottingham Forest signings

16:45 , Jamie Braidwood

With Morgan Gibbs-White set to become Nottingham Forest’s 16th signing of the transfer window, manager Steve Cooper hinted he will not be the last: “Yes, I definitely think there will be some more ins and outs. I don’t know who, or how many, which is obviously the next question. But there’s still the best part of a couple of weeks to go (before the transfer window closes) and a lot can still happen.

“There are certainly some areas we still want to strengthen in all the lines throughout the pitch. But it’s getting the right player and the right character that fits into our way of working, but that’s what we’re committed to doing.”

Full story: Morgan Gibbs-White set to sign for Nottingham Forest in initial £25m deal

16:30 , Jamie Braidwood

Nottingham Forest have agreed a fee of £25million, which could rise to over £40m with add-ons, for Wolves midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White.

Gibbs-White, 22, who spent the first half of the 2020/21 season under Forest boss Steve Cooper while on loan at Swansea, is set to become the East Midlands club’s 16th summer signing.

Cooper refused to discuss individual players or specific details when asked about further incomings on Thursday at the City Ground, but did confirm more new arrivals were expected.

It has been reported that Gibbs-White will undergo a medical within the next 24 hours.

Morgan Gibbs-White set to sign for Nottingham Forest in initial £25m deal

Wolves complete signing of Matheus Nunes in club-record deal

16:16 , Jamie Braidwood

Earlier today, Wolverhampton Wanderers announced the signing of Portugal midfielder Matheus Nunes from Sporting for a club record fee.

The Premier League club are understood to have agreed to pay Sporting an initial £38m for the 23-year-old, with a further £4.2m in potential add-ons.

That eclipses the £35m Wolves paid Porto for Fabio Silva – now on loan at Anderlecht – in 2020.

Nunes arrives on a five-year deal with a one-year option after two-and-a-half seasons with Sporting.

The Brazil-born player made his Portugal debut last year and has won eight caps in total, scoring one goal.

Wolves complete signing of Matheus Nunes in club-record deal

Manchester United turn to Thomas Meunier

16:00 , Jamie Braidwood

Manchester United are considering a move for the Borussia Dortmund right back Thomas Meunier.

The Telegraph report that any move for the Belgian international would be dependent on Aaron Wan-Bissaka leaving for Crystal Palace, where he is linked.

Meanwhile, Dortmund director Sebastian Kehl has insisted that Meunier is not for sale. “We currently see no reason to sell Meunier. That’s not in our plans,” he said, according to reports.

Rodgers does not expect Fofana to be leaving Leicester

15:45 , Jamie Braidwood

Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers expects Wesley Fofana to still be at the club after the transfer window shuts.

The defender has been the subject of two bids from Chelsea but both were rejected and nothing fresh has arrived in the last 10 days.

Rodgers has insisted all along that Fofana is not for sale and does not expect to lose him in the next fortnight.

“I don’t think so far ahead, the idea is that is he is a Leicester City player, ” he said.

“He is not for sale, the club have made that clear, unless anything changes on that I would expect him to be here.”

Brendan Rodgers does not expect Wesley Fofana to be leaving Leicester

Fulham explore option to sign Willian

15:31 , Jamie Braidwood

Fulham are exploring a move for the Brazilian winger Willian says The Athletic.

The former Chelsea and Arsenal forward is expected at the club’s training ground today with a view to agreeing a permanent move on a free transfer.

Willian tore up his contract with Brazilian club Corinthians earlier this month after spending only a year there citing online abuse he and his family had suffered in Brazil as one of the reasons.

The 34-year-old had been keen to return to London and looks set to join Marco Silva’s Fulham. Willian made more than 300 appearances for Fulham’s west London rivals Chelsea, where he won two Premier League titles, one FA Cup, one League Cup and the Europa League. He also has 70 caps for Brazil.

Winks gathering interest in Spain and Italy

15:15 , Jamie Braidwood

Speaking of... Tottenham Hotspur have made it clear that Harry Winks isn’t in the plans of Antonio Conte this year and are actively looking to move the midfielder on.

Clubs from Spain and Italy have shown initial interest in signing Winks on loan but there are still no concrete offers for Sergio Reguilon, who is another player Spurs are looking to sell.

Conte gives update on Tottenham’s transfer plans

15:00 , Jamie Braidwood

Antonio Conte has indicated that Tottenham’s transfer business is not done yet, as if players leave the club over the final two weeks of the window they must be replaced.

Tanguy Ndombele is close to joining Napoli on loan while Giovani Lo Celso, Harry Winks and Sergio Reguilon have all been told they do not feature in Conte’s plans for the season.

“We’re okay,” Conte told a press conference this afternoon. “But if someone goes away, for sure another player has to come...I have to replace this player. This is very important.”

Palace want to re-sign Wan-Bissaka

14:44 , Jamie Braidwood

Crystal Palace are looking to re-sign Aaron Wan-Bissaka on loan from Manchester United say talkSPORT. United paid £50m to bring the right-back to Old Trafford from Selhurst Park in 201 but Wan-Bissaka does not appear to be part of new manager Erik ten Hag’s plans.

The 24-year-old has not played a single minute of the Dutchman’s opening two Premier League games.

Wan-Bissaka came up through Palace’s academy and won the Player of the Year award during the 2018/19 campaign. Diogo Dalot is the first-choice for United this season but they are lacking depth at right-back.

talkSPORT understands the Red Devils are willing to loan Wan-Bissaka back to Palace but if they are able to sign cover at right-back before September 1st.

Brendan Rodgers gives Wesley Fofana update

14:30 , Jamie Braidwood

Brendan Rodgers has said there have been no further bids for defender Wesley Fofana as speculation continues over his future. Chelsea have been told that it will take a world record fee for a defender to sign Fofana while Rodgers added that he would be prepared to take the 21-year-old out of his squad this weekend due to the uncertainty.

Dortmund named as potential option for Ronaldo

14:15 , Jamie Braidwood

Borussia Dortmund have emerged as a surprising new option for Cristiano Ronaldo if he leaves Manchester United, according to CBS Sports.

Dortmund can offer Ronaldo Champions League football as well as the opportunity to win a league title in a fourth major European league, the report claims.

The Bundesliga side also need a striker after Sebastian Haller was diagnosed with a testicular tumor. Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid have again distanced themselves from Ronaldo.

Nottingham Forest close to £35m move for Gibbs-White

14:10 , Jamie Braidwood

Nottingham Forest are closing in on their 16th signing of the transfer window and new club record fee for Wolves midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White, according to John Percy of The Telegraph.

Forest have been chasing Gibbs-White, who started both games of the season for Wolves, for several weeks. It comes after Wolves announced their own club record signing of Matheus Nunes.

Gibbs-White, 22, spent last season on loan with Sheffield United are according to reports there are significant add-ons included in the deal.

Ndombele in Italy ahead of Napoli loan

13:59 , Jamie Braidwood

Tottenham midfielder Tanguy Ndombele has arrived in Italy ahead of his loan switch to Napoli.

The Frenchman was told he was not in Antonio Conte’s plans for the season and after arriving at Spurs for around £50m in 2019, the Serie A club will pay just £1m to take him on loan for the year.

Reports indicate that Napoli will have an option to buy Ndombele next summer. The midfielder spent the second half of last season on loan at Lyon but the French club did not choose to take him back.

Dele Alli in talks over move from Everton to Besiktas

13:45 , Jamie Braidwood

Dele Alli is in talks with Besiktas about a move to Turkey with Everton willing to let the January signing go.

The former England international could complete a loan switch with a view to a permanent deal in his second transfer of 2022.

Alli has made 13 appearances for Everton, failing to score, and will be allowed to go even though Everton are short of forward options, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin injured, Richarlison sold and Anthony Gordon wanted by Chelsea.

Dele Alli in talks over move from Everton to Besiktas

Marcelo no closer to finding a club

13:31 , Jamie Braidwood

Former Real Madrid captain Marcelo is no closer to joining another club as the offers to continue his career are not attractive enough to him.

The Brazilian left-back played for Madrid for 15 years before leaving at the end of the 2021/22 season after winning 25 titles with Real.

According to a report in Marca, the 34-year-old has no interest in heading to Qatar or MLS in America despite offers on the table.

Other teams previously linked with a move for Marcelo included La Liga side Valladolid, French team Lyon, Italy’s AC Milan, or Turkish outfit Fenerbahce.

Maybe Manchester United might be interested given they are trying to build Real Madrid’s 2018 Champiins League winning team...

Chelsea still with several targets before window shuts

13:15 , Jamie Braidwood

While Chelsea meet with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang this afternoon, the club has also not given up on deals for Frenkie de Jong, Wesley Fofana and Anthony Gordon - in what would be close to an overhaul of Thomas Tuchel’s squad - according to reports.

Meanwhile, academy boss Neil Bath has been handed a central role in Chelsea’s transfer planning this summer.

The Blues are understood to be closing in on completing a £12million deal for Inter Milan’s 19-year-old midfielder Cesare Casadei.

Chelsea have already recruited Aston Villa’s highly-rated 18-year-old midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka and the Blues are determined to continue chasing the game’s top young talents.

Chelsea academy boss playing key role in summer transfer plans

Casemiro now Manchester United’s ‘main focus’

12:59 , Jamie Braidwood

Manchester United have indentified Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro as their priority over the final two weeks of the transfer window, David Ornstein of The Athletic reports.

A pursuit of Frenkie de Jong ended in frustration and United have opened talks with Madrid over a deal for the 30-year-old Brazil international, who is under contract until 2025.

Casemiro is open to the move, according to reports, while Madrid also sense an opportunity to recoup a sizeable transfer fee. The European champions have already signed Aurelien Tchouameni for around £60m this summer.

Supporters Trust react to Jim Ratcliffe interest

12:45 , Jamie Braidwood

The Manchester United Supporters Trust (MUST) have insisted that any change in ownership of the club must be “the right change” amid growing optimism that the Glazer family could sell, Mark Critchley writes.

As The Independent exclusively revealed on Wednesday, at least three consortiums are weighing up whether to submit formal bids for United in the belief that the Glazers would be wlling to sell the club at a price of €6bn.

A spokesperson for billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe, chairman of chemical company Ineos and Britain’s richest man, confirmed his interest in buying a minority stake in the club, with a view towards taking full control.

United have refused to comment on the speculation surrounding the club’s ownership, but the supporters’ trust have now stressed that any new owners must be committed to the “best traditions of the club”.

Manchester United Supporters Trust reacts to Glazers sale optimism

Casemiro open to ‘new challenge’ at Manchester United

12:31 , Jamie Braidwood

Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro would be willing to accept a “new challenge” at Manchester United, the Telegraph report.

Casemiro is the latest midfielder to be linked with a move to Old Trafford, following Frenkie de Jong and Adrian Rabiot.

Real Madrid’s signing of Aurelien Tchouameni may influence Casemiro’s decision, according to Jason Burt.

And although the lack of Champions League football would be an obstacle, it is said Casemiro could be influenced by the right offer.

Done deal! City’s Delap joins Stoke on loan

12:14 , Jamie Braidwood

As reported by The Independent’s Mark Critchley yesterday, Stoke City have won the race to sign Liam Delap on a season-long loan.

The 19-year-old had attracted interest from a host of clubs this summer, with Burnley and West Bromwich Albion both looking into a potential loan.

Delap will join Michael O’Neill’s side, however, following in the footsteps of his father Rory, who played for Stoke between 2006 and 2013.

Pep Guardiola confirmed last week that Delap would be allowed to leave on loan, with Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez set to be City’s options up front this season.

Bernardo Silva to remain at Man City

12:00 , Jamie Braidwood

Manchester City will not be selling Bernardo Silva this summer, despite interest from Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.

The Times report that City will not entertain offers for the Portugal international, who has not told the club that he wishes to leave.

Silva started on the bench in both of City’s opening matches so far this season.

Chelsea set for crunch Aubameyang talks

11:45 , Jamie Braidwood

Chelsea are set to meet with the representatives of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang today to discuss a move from Barcelona, according to Nizaar Kinsella of the Evening Standard.

It has been reported that Aubemayang would prefer a move to Chelsea ahead of a potential switch to Manchester United if he leaves the Nou Camp this summer but reports say there is still work to be done to convince the striker to leave Barcelona after just six months.

Done deal! Arsenal sign Sweden forward Lina Hurtig from Juventus

11:31 , Jamie Braidwood

Arsenal have completed the signing of Sweden international forward Lina Hurtig from Juventus.

The Women’s Super League side have announced the transfer of the 26-year-old, who will link up with international team-mate Stina Blackstenius.

“Lina is an excellent forward who will bring power and dynamism to our game,” said Arsenal manager Jonas Eidevall.

“She has shone in the Champions League and international tournaments and we are delighted that she will be lining up for Arsenal moving forward.”

Atletico reject United’s bid for Joao Felix

11:15 , Jamie Braidwood

Manchester United have seen a £110m bid for Atletico Madrid star Joao Felix rejected, according to AS in Spain.

Atletico want to keep Felix, who wishes to remain in Spain according to reports, and have pointed United to the 22-year-old’s release clause of over £300m.

Meanwhile, Atletico appear to have poked fun at the speculation...

Liverpool’s Keita linked with RB Leipzig return

11:01 , Jamie Braidwood

It’s all quiet at Liverpool, with Jurgen Klopp confirming that the club’s transfer business is done for the summer.

One player linked with a move, however, is Naby Keita. The midfielder is reportedly wanted by former club RB Leipzig.

Keita is out of contract next summer so Liverpool are running out of time to recoup a transfer fee.

That said, with the injuries in midfield Liverpool are unlikely to sanction a move this month.

Tottenham linked with Atalanta’s Malinovskyi

10:45 , Jamie Braidwood

Ruslan Malinovskyi has emerged as potental target for Tottenham, if reports this morning are to be believed.

The Atalanta and Ukraine midfielder may favour a return to Champions League football after the Italian club failed to qualify for the competition last season.

Antonio Conte and Spurs have looked at Serie A over the summer, but any further incomings would have to be dependent on the departures of Tanguy Ndombele and Giovani Lo Celso.

Pepe open to Arsenal departure

10:31 , Jamie Braidwood

Arsenal winger Nicolas Pepe is open to leave the club this summer, according to reports, with Nice offering the chance to return to Ligue 1.

Pepe has fallen down the pecking order at Arsenal and has yet to feature for the club this season under Mikel Arteta.

Ndombele set for Napoli medical

10:15 , Jamie Braidwood

Tanguy Ndombele is set to have a medical with Napoli today ahead of his loan move away from Tottenham.

The France midfielder joined Spurs in a £50m transfer in 2019 but is not in Antonio Conte’s plans for the season.

Napoli are set to pay a £1m loan fee and there is said to be a £25m clause in the agreement that can be triggered next year.

Chelsea quiet on Gordon move

10:01 , Jamie Braidwood

Chelsea, meanwhile, want a different Anthony in Everton’s Gordon.

Everton rejected Chelsea’s opening offer of around £40m for the winger, who is said to want the move to Stamford Bridge.

The Toffees are under no pressure to sell this summer and Chelsea have yet to come in with a new bid.

Manchester United to renew Antony interest

09:45 , Jamie Braidwood

Manchester United are unexpected to table a new offer for the Ajax and Brazil winger Antony in the coming days, Sky Sports News are reporting.

United were heavily linked with the 22-year-old earlier this summer but the clubs were miles apart in their valuations of the player.

Erik ten Hag wants to work with Antony again after their time in Ajax but United will have to match the club’s €80m asking price.

Hudson-Odoi ‘close’ to loan move

09:29 , Jamie Braidwood

Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi is set to leave the club on loan before the end of the window.

The 21-year-old is frustrated at a lack of first-team opportunities under Thomas Tuchel.

And Borussia Dortmund, Newcastle United and Southampton are all options, but Chelsea do not want to the star to leave on a permanent deal.

Manchester United target new goalkeeper

09:16 , Jamie Braidwood

Manchester United have been linked with another surprise signing - this time the Everton goalkeeper Asmir Begovic.

United have yet to sign a back-up goalkeeper to David de Gea following Dean Henderson’s move to Nottingham Forest.

Tom Heaton is the known third-choice, and United have targeted Begovic as a potential No 2, according to the Telegraph.

Juventus remain favourites for Memphis Depay

09:01 , Jamie Braidwood

Juventus continue to lead the way for Barcelona forward Memphis Depay, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Barcelona need to shift players in order to cut costs and afford the deals they have already made this summer.

And it means the Serie A side are close to agreeing a free transfer with the Netherlands striker.

West Ham talks for Emerson transfer break down

08:45 , Jamie Braidwood

West Ham have pulled out for a move for Chelsea left back Emerson Palmeiri, according to multiple reports.

The Hammers had agreed a fee with their London rivals but were hesitant to meet the Brazilian’s wage demands, according to the Guardian.

Aubameyang prefers Chelsea move to United switch

08:30 , Jamie Braidwood

Chelsea have not given up in their pursuit of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, with the Telegraph reporting that the striker would prefer a move to Stamford Bridge over Manchester United if he leaves Barcelona this summer.

United have emerged as a surprise option for the former Arsenal striker as they look to add attacking options before the transfer deadline.

Done deal! Wolves sign Nunes in club record deal

08:15 , Jamie Braidwood

Wolves have completed the signing of midfielder Matheus Nunes on a club record fee from Sporting Lisbon.

The Portugal international has signed a five-year deal with the Premier League side and will cost around £42 million.

“We are very happy to welcome Matheus to Wolverhampton, and delighted to add another exciting young talent to Bruno’s squad,” the Wolves chairman Jeff Shi said.

“Matheus has had two excellent seasons at the top level in Portugal with Sporting and is widely regarded as one of the most exciting prospects in world football, so we are thrilled that he has chosen the Premier League and Wolves as the next step in what we hope will be a fantastic career.”

United eye loan offer for Pulisic

08:10 , Jamie Braidwood

Manchester United are considering a potential loan move for Christian Pulisic as the Chelsea winger seeks to earn more regular playing time away from Stamford Bridge, The Independent’s Mark Critchley writes.

The 23-year-old only made 13 league starts under Thomas Tuchel last season and has appeared as a substitute in each of Chelsea’s opening games of the new campaign.

Pulisic has attracted interest from Newcastle United, Juventus, Milan and Atletico Madrid as he seeks regular minutes before playing for the United States at this winter’s World Cup.

Yet United are eager to add to their squad after a miserable start to the season that has seen Erik ten Hag lose his first two competitive games in charge and are eyeing up a temporary move.

Manchester United consider loan move for Chelsea’s Christian Pulisic

Ronaldo offered Manchester United exit route by Sporting

08:05 , Jamie Braidwood

Sporting have offered Manchester United and Cristiano Ronaldo the option of taking their former prodigy on a free transfer, at least clearing a way out for one of the summer’s most contentious sagas, The Independent’s Miguel Delaney reports.

The Portuguese has made clear his desire to leave the club amid a disastrous summer on and off the pitch, culminating in Saturday’s 4-0 defeat at Brentford.

Ronaldo’s behaviour in that game formed part of the discussions the United staff had in the aftermath, as they attempt to work out how to navigate the team back to good form.

There is increasing debate within the club over whether it would be better to get rid of the megastar, although the hierarchy have so far been completely resistant. Joel Glazer is said to have been a particular backer of the Portuguese, both due to his goal return and his commercial value.

It is similarly open to question whether Ronaldo would agree to return to his boyhood club. He wants to stay in the Champions League, but at a level he feels he can win it again.

Sporting offer to take Cristiano Ronaldo on free transfer from Man Utd

Good morning

08:00 , Jamie Braidwood

Morning all, here’s a round-up of the latest paper talk to get us started.

Manchester United have reportedly reached out to Chelsea about the possibility of signing forward Christian Pulisic on loan. The Times says the Red Devils are seeking a season-long move to help boost their attacking potency, while the United States international is believed to be open to any move which gives him more playing time.

Staying at Old Trafford, The Telegraph reports club bosses are also considering signing Borussia Dortmund defender Thomas Meunier. However, any move is likely to be dependent on whether they are able to sell Aaron Wan-Bissaka back to Crystal Palace.

French outlet L’Equipe says Nottingham Forest are yet to reach a financial agreement with the Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar while Sky Sports Germany reports RB Leipzig have expressed interest in the Liverpool midfielder Naby Keita.