Man United agree £50m deal for Andrey Santos… and we reveal how close Birmingham came to signing Illan Meslier before Arsenal approach: WINDOW WATCH

It’s that time of the year again – the transfer window is now open until September 1 and it’s sure to be a busy period with clubs looking to make big signings ahead of next season.

Here are today’s latest developments from Simon Jones and the Daily Mail Sport team…

United agree deal for Santos

Manchester United have agreed a deal worth £50m for Chelsea’s Andrey Santos.

While the midfielder is highly-rated at Stamford Bridge, he is not deemed a regular starter and officials were willing to allow him to leave for the right price. They sought £50m and United have agreed, with £48m upfront and £2m in add-ons.

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Barry moves to Hillsborough on four-year deal

Aston Villa forward Louie Barry is completing his move to Sheffield Wednesday.

The 23-year-old forward will sign a four-year deal at Wednesday with the deal also including a substantial sell-on clause.

Barry was on loan last season at Sheffield United in the Championship and then Stockport County in League One.

Wednesday are at St George’s Park this week in their first of two training camps. New addition from Leeds United Harry Gray is with them and they also hope to re-sign Barry Bannan from Millwall after he was given permission to hold talks.

Louie Barry spent time on loan at Stockport County

From Barca to Bromley!

Women’s Super League side London City Lionesses have continued their impressive recruitment wave after confirming the signing of Spanish midfielder Alexia Putellas.

The World Cup winner, 32, left Barcelona this summer after making 508 appearances for the club and will now head for Copperjax Community Stadium, home of League One side Bromley.

TARA ANSON-WALSH

Alexia Putellas is the latest impressive recruit for London City Lionesses

Kamada commits to Palace

Daichi Kamada has penned a new contract at Crystal Palace – keeping him at the club until summer 2027.

Kamada was Oliver Glasner’s first signing at Palace, joining on a free transfer from Lazio in 2024 having previously worked with the Austrian at Eintracht Frankfurt.

Despite Glasner’s exit, Kamada has opted to remain at Palace for the new season, signing a one-year deal. The 29-year-old midfielder has made 89 appearances for the Eagles, registering three goals and eight assists.

BOBBY MANZI

Blues miss out to Arsenal on Meslier

Birmingham are understood to have offered to make Illan Meslier their new number one at St Andrews but couldn’t match the terms on offer at Arsenal.

The former Leeds United goalkeeper was at Arsenal’s training ground on Tuesday prior to signing his contract and he will be understudy to David Raya and Kepa Arrizabalaga although the latter is considering offers and can leave for £5m.

Illan Meslier is set to become Arsenal’s back-up goalkeeper after snubbing an offer from Birmingham

Tommy Setford will be allowed to leave on loan if Kepa stays.

Meslier, 26, was a free agent after his contract expired at Leeds.

Donovan heads from Bees to Blades

Brentford’s Romelle Donovan has joined Sheffield United on a season-long loan.

The 19-year-old attacking midfielder joined the Bees from Birmingham last June and made nine first team appearances in all competitions.

Blades boss Chris Wilder said: ‘He’s an exciting player with a bright future and we’re delighted to have been entrusted with the next stage of his development.’

Brentford have signed Jaidon Anthony from Burnley and will add Callum Wilson after his contract expired at West Ham.

Arbeloa has sights set on Real stars

New Fulham manager Alvaro Arbeloa is keen to explore bringing players from Real Madrid to Craven Cottage.

Arbeloa, who departed Real in May, has signed a three-year deal with Fulham.

Left back Fran Garcia was one option who the Spanish giants have made available for sale, but he is expected to join Real Betis on a four-year deal.

Alvaro Arbeloa was named Fulham boss in the early hours of Wednesday morning

Argentine attacking midfielder Franco Mastantuono is another possible on loan, though there are a number of clubs keen to take the 18-year-old who cost Madrid £40m from River Plate a year ago. Forward Gonzalo Garcia is also on Arbeloa’s list.

Arbeloa worked closely with Madrid’s fringe players as well as their first team having been coach of their B team Castilla also.

Derry signs new deal before heading out on loan

Jesse Derry has signed a new six-year contract with Chelsea prior to joining Sporting Lisbon on loan.

The 19-year-old, who made his Premier League debut against Nottingham Forest last season, only to be forced off after a clash of heads with Zach Abbott, had interest from a number of clubs.