Everton are reportedly among the teams to have expressed an interest in signing one-time Liverpool midfielder Arthur Melo during the summer transfer window.
The 27-year-old memorably made just one appearance for the Reds during a nightmarish loan spell from Juventus in 2022-23, but he made his mark at Fiorentina last season.
Arthur recorded two goals and four assists in 48 matches for La Viola, helping his former loan club reach another Europa Conference League final, where they fell short against Olympiacos.
Now back at Juventus, Arthur still has two years left to run on his contract with the Bianconeri, but he is not likely to be given the chance to revive his career under Thiago Motta.
According to The Mirror, both Everton and Leicester City could give the former Barcelona man a shot at Premier League redemption, while Wolverhampton Wanderers are also in the picture.
Serie A new boys Como are also believed to be interested in the midfielder, but Cesc Fabregas's side would need Juventus to fork out a portion of his wages.
Leeds United 'open talks' over left-back deal
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Dropping down a division, Leeds United have apparently begun talks to sign PEC Zwolle left-back Anselmo Garcia MacNulty.
The Seville-born defender - who represents the Republic of Ireland at youth level - began his career at German outfit Wolfsburg, but he failed to make the grade in the Bundesliga.
However, MacNulty enjoyed a breakthrough Eredivisie season with Zwolle last term, chipping in with two goals and two assists and catching the eye of teams across Europe.
According to Football Insider, Leeds have now made contact with their Dutch counterparts to discuss a deal for the defender, whose contract expires in the summer of 2026.
The Whites have apparently identified the Irish youth international as an ideal replacement for Junior Firpo, who is in talks over a return to Spain with Real Betis.
MacNulty stands at 6ft 3in tall and has also won eight caps for Ireland's Under-21 side, captaining them on two occasions from the heart of the defence.
Premier League striker set for permanent exit?
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Back down another level, and Birmingham City - who were relegated to League One from the Championship last season - are supposedly looking to bring Jay Stansfield back to the club for good.
The Fulham-owned striker made a significant impact on loan in 2023-24 with 13 goals and three assists in 47 matches, but he could not prevent Blues' slide to the third tier.
Stansfield is now being put through his paces with parent club Fulham, who have him under contract until 2027 with the option of a further year, but it is unclear whether he has a future at Craven Cottage.
A separate report from Football Insider claims that Birmingham are now in discussions to re-sign Stansfield on a permanent basis, and Fulham are open to a sale for the right price.
Birmingham are supposedly prepared to offer as much as £6m to sign the 21-year-old, not far off the £7.9m they paid Liverpool in 2004 for Emile Heskey, their most expensive signing of all time.
Stansfield has played just eight matches for the Fulham first team since coming through their youth setup, scoring once in a 2021 EFL Cup win against - ironically - Birmingham.
Tottenham Hotspur youngster leaves on loan
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One of Birmingham's League One rivals have strengthened their ranks with the signing of a Premier League player, as Barnsley have captured Matthew Craig on loan from Tottenham Hotspur.
The 21-year-old enjoyed a positive spell at Doncaster Rovers during the second half of last season, scoring one goal and setting up two more in 20 games as his erstwhile team reached the League Two playoffs.
Craig has now moved up a division with Barnsley and expressed his pride at making the move to the official Tykes website, saying: "It's been really good so far.
"I've looked around the ground – which is beautiful – a really good stadium. The people I have talked to already have been really welcoming, it's been good."
Craig also represented Watford's youth teams before joining Tottenham, whom he has made one senior appearance for, coming off the bench against Leeds on the final day of the 2022-23 Premier League season.
The midfielder was part of Spurs Under-21s' Premier League 2-winning squad last term, and he represents Scotland at youth level.
Ben Knapton
