Transfer news LIVE: Man Utd close in on Matheus Cunha as Bruno Fernandes decision set to be made

Newcastle sporting director Paul Mitchell is to leave the Magpies after less than a year in his role.

Mitchell, who was appointed as Manchester United-bound Dan Ashworth’s replacement in July last year, will end his stay by mutual consent at the end of June.

His arrival on Tyneside reunited him with chief executive Darren Eales, with whom he had worked previously at Tottenham, although Eales too is due to step down for health reasons.

A club statement said: “Paul Mitchell, Newcastle United’s sporting director, will leave the club by mutual consent at the end of June 2025.

“During Paul’s tenure as sporting director, the club won its first major domestic trophy in 70 years by lifting the Carabao Cup in March 2025 and has secured Champions League football for the 2025/26 campaign.

“Paul leaves with the club’s best wishes and the Board would like to express its sincere thanks to him for his professionalism and diligent service.”

Chelsea have discussed a move for Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike, as they hone transfer plans now that they have qualified for the 2025/26 Champions League.

With Nicolas Jackson suspended for the final two games and Marc Guiu just 18 years of age, Chelsea had been left short in attack.

The club are now actively targeting a striker in the market with the French star high on their list, though they also have significant interest in Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres and Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap.

It is five years now since Leroy Sane left Manchester City for Bayern Munich, but the Germany international is now out of contract in Bavaria and readily available. One would thing there will be a fair few suitors for a proven performer – Sky Sports suggest that Tottenham have been given the chance to sign him as they look to bolster their squad after Europa League success earned a Champions League place.

Want an in-depth look at all of Liverpool’s top targets? Will Castle’s handy transfer guide has you covered.

Salah is staying, but Trent Alexander-Arnold’s departure has left a vacancy at right-back – one that looks set to be filled by Jeremie Frimpong. The Bayer Leverkusen defender’s deal could be done in the next couple of days after he underwent a medical 10 days or so ago.

So Bruno Fernandes may yet be Saudi Arabia-bound, and Mohamed Salah could have been, too. Richard Jolly reports on an intriguing revelation made by the Liverpool forward having committed his future to the club.

Bruno Fernandes has been sent a proposal by Al-Hilal and will reportedly have 72 hours to decide whether he accepts or not.

This is according to the Daily Mail, who say the offer sits at £700k-per-week for up to three years.

Al-Hilal are also said to have lodged a £100m bid to Manchester United directly.

Could Bruno Fernandes really be on the move? It seems these could be crucial days in determining the Manchester United captain’s future.

Richard Jolly had this to say on Aston Villa’s ‘underwhelming’ summer transfer window last year, and what changes could be afoot at Villa Park without Champions League money to fund their spending.

Villa surely face another juggling act in the transfer market. PSR remains a permanent consideration. Morgan Rogers’s dramatic improvement brings admirers.

Then there is the question of Ollie Watkins: fuming, in his own words, to be benched for both legs against Paris Saint-Germain despite being the only specialist striker owned by the club. Can relations be rebuilt? If not, Watkins will be hard to replace.

Cunha could be the first of a few through the door at Manchester United – but don’t expect a great glut of signings, Ruben Amorim has warned this week.