Football news LIVE: Wirtz set for Liverpool medical, Bournemouth sign Kerkez replacement ahead of exit, Chelsea in Club World Cup

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Updated: 17:45, 16 Jun 2025talkSPORT.com has all the latest news, views and reaction from the world of football.

Bournemouth have confirmed the arrival of Adrien Truffert from Rennes, opening the door for Milos Kerkez to join Liverpool.

Meanwhile, Florian Wirtz is set to complete his Reds medical ahead of his British-record move from Bayer Leverkusen.

Tottenham have announced that Mathys Tel has permanently joined the club following a loan spell last season.

And Leeds have made their first summer signing ahead of their return to the Premier League.

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Waiting on WalterCrystal Palace are set to complete their first signing of the summer transfer window, according to multiple reports.

32-year-old goalkeeper Walter Benitez has completed a medical and is expected to officially join the club very soon.

Benitez will arrive at Selhurst Park on a free after departing PSV at the end of his contract.

He was an ever-present during the Dutch side’s league-winning season, but he is now set to depart after three years at the club.

The Argentinian will compete with Dean Henderson, as Palace prepare for their upcoming European campaign.

Jaka in the boxLeeds United are closing in on their second signing of the summer.

The Whites added Lukas Nmecha over the weekend, and have now reportedly agreed a deal for Jaka Bijol, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Daniel Farke’s men are set to pay Udinese 22 million Euros for the defender.

The centre-back has already agreed personal terms with Leeds and is set for a medical soon.

ConfidenceNewcastle United feel they have a strong chance of signing Joao Pedro, according to reports.

The Daily Telegraph’s Luke Edwards states the Magpies are now set to open talks with Brighton over a move for the Brazilian.

The Seagulls rate Pedro at around £60 million, meaning he would be the Toon’s second-most expensive buy after Alexander Isak.

Newcastle did try to sign Pedro in 2022 only to see the deal collapse, but they are back in for their top target.

However, talkSPORT understands that Chelsea and Liverpool are also monitoring the situation.

Credit: Reuters’It’s a real shame’Borussia Dortmund’s CEO, Hans-Joachim Watzke, has claimed it’s disappointing that Florian Wirtz is joining Liverpool.

The Reds have agreed a deal worth £116 million to take the German international from Bayer Leverkusen.

He will have a medical Friday and sign a five-year deal.

However, despite finishing 25 points behind Bayern Munich last year, Watzke has claimed he would have liked to see Wirtz at the Allianz.

He said: “It’s a real shame that a player like Florian Wirtz is leaving the Bundesliga.

“I wouldn’t have had a problem at all if he had gone to FC Bayern. That would have been better for the Bundesliga.”

Credit: GettySettalkSPORT understands that Florian Wirtz will undergo a medical t Liverpool on Friday.

The Reds have already agreed a British-record transfer fee for the German international.

They are set to pay Bayer Leverkusen an initial £100 million with a further £16m in add-ons.

Personal terms have been agreed, with Wirtz to stay within Liverpool’s wage structure.

As long as the medical is complete without any issues, he will join Arne Slot’s team.

Credit: AFPNearlytalkSPORT understands that Milos Kerkez’s proposed move to Liverpool is getting closer.

The Cherries confirmed the arrival of Adrien Truffert from Rennes earlier today, which is expected to accelerate the transfer of Kerkez to Anfield.

The Hungarian left-back is the club’s top target to come in at left-back.

Andrew Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas are currently the options there, but the former is getting older and has been linked with a move away.

Meanwhile, Tsimikas has never been able to nail down a starting spot.

DoneBournemouth have confirmed the signing of Adrien Truffert from Rennes.

The left-back joins the Cherries on a five-year deal, and the club are paying 17 million Euros.

His arrival is widely expected to be the catalyst for Milos Kerkez to join Liverpool.

The Reds have identified the Hungarian international to add competition at left-back, and the two clubs have been talks over a deal for some time.

But with Truffert now at Bournemouth, Kerkez’s proposed transfer might accelerate.

Speaking to the club’s website, the Frenchman said: “I’m really happy and proud to join AFC Bournemouth. It’s a great opportunity for me to keep progressing and to be part of an ambitious project. I felt the club’s confidence in me from the first discussions, and I’m excited to get started.

“It’s a dream for any player to play in the Premier League. It’s one of the best and most competitive leagues in the world. I’m looking forward to testing myself at this level, facing top players every week, and helping the team achieve great things.”

Nearly theretalkSPORT understands that Brighton’s proposed move for Diego Coppola is complete.

The Seagulls are set to pay 11 million Euros to Hellas Verona for the 21-year-old.

The defender has agreed a five-year deal with Brighton to move to the Premier League.

There are no add-ons to the fee, and it should be announced at any time.

‘We need to do something’Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has indicated that the Blues will definitely sign a left winger this summer.

Jadon Sancho won’t be joining the cub after they refused to pay the £25 million obligation to buy from Manchester United.

Instead, Chelsea opted to pay a penalty fee.

They have also seen a move for Jamie Gittens from Borussia Dortmund stall.

But Maresca has tried to ease any fears Chelsea fans might have.

Speaking ahead of their opening game at the Club World Cup against LAFC, he said: “Jadon is not with us so for sure that is a position [winger] we need to do something.

“We have Noni [Madueke], Pedro [Neto] and Ty [George] only as the proper wingers so something for sure is going to happen.

“When the transfer window is open, for sure, we can do something.”

Credit: RexDeal closeWolves have agreed a €23million fee with Celta Vigo to sign forward Fer Lopez, talkSPORT understands.

The 21-year-old Spaniard is a product of Celta Vigo’s having only made his senior debut last December.

Lopez has been likened to former Spain striker Iago Aspas, who excelled at the beginning of his career with Celta Vigo.

However, Aspas struggled to replicate the same form when making the move to the Premier League having scored just one goal for Liverpool.

Credit: GettyTalk about FrankBrentford forward Bryan Mbeumo appears to be backing Thomas Frank to be a success at Tottenham.

But Mbeumo, who is subject to transfer interest from Manchester United as well as Spurs, now managed by former Bees boss Frank, didn’t get sucked in to talk about where his own future lies.

“He has done so much for me,” Mbeumo told Sky Sports at the Canadian Grand Prix.

“He has trusted me from the start, developed the team so well, developed me as a human and a player so much and I wish him all the best and wish he is going to do well.

“He knows everything. He is really smart, he knows where he wants to bring the team and how he wants to play and he has been fantastic for Brentford.

“He is going to have some time to adapt. He will have more games and more expectation but I am sure he is going to do well.”

Credit: GettytalkSPORT understandsParis Saint-Germain have stepped up their interest in Bournemouth defender Illia Zabarnyi, talkSPORT understands.

The centre-back is understood to be keen on a move although there’s no agreement between the two clubs at present.

Zabarnyi has been on Bournemouth’s books since January 2023, and has enjoyed a strong season for Andoni Iraola’s side.

However, Bournemouth may be reluctant to sell the Ukraine international with the Cherries already waving goodbye to centre-back Dean Huijsen this summer.

Meanwhile, left-back Milos Kerkez is expected to join Liverpool in this window.

Credit: GettyNot another one…Real Madrid are reported to be working on a deal to sign another Liverpool defender on a free.

According to Marca, Los Blancos are long-term admirers of Ibrahima Konate and they are already eyeing a move.

His contract runs out in the summer of 2026 and Real will be lurking should he not sign a new one at Anfield.

It means the French centre-back may end up departing just as Trent Alexander-Arnold did this summer…

Alongside Konate, Marca’s report also includes two more names, including Arsenal youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly.

Valencia defender Cristhian Mosquera is listed too, as Real make some early preparations for some free agent swoops.

Credit: GettyConfirmed After talkSPORT brought you the news that Leeds were set to complete their first summer signing earlier today…

The club have now confirmed the arrival of Lukas Nmecha.

The German joins from Wolfsburg from July 1, once his contract with the Bundesliga club comes to an end.

He becomes Leeds’ opening signing of the window as they look to strengthen their squad for their Premier League return.

A statement on their website tells fans a bit more about the type of player Nmecha is and what he’ll bring to the team.

It reads: “Nmecha adds versatility to Farke’s forward line as the team prepares for a return to the Premier League with his ability to play in the centre of the attack or also on the wing.

“Standing at over six-foot in height, he also offers a strong physical presence.”

The statement ended: “Having fought off competition from other Premier League sides for his services, everyone at Leeds United looks forward to welcoming Lukas to Elland Road.”

Second approach?Liverpool are reportedly considering a move for Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon this summer.

The Reds previously held talks over potentially signing Gordon before the start of last season.

But the England international went on to sign a new deal at St. James’ Park in October after interest cooled.

However, The Sun report that Liverpool could now return for the boyhood Reds fan – and it might cost them £100million.

On the matter, talkSPORT’s chief football correspondent Alex Crook said: “The Gordon one is interesting.

“It’s one I’ve always kept in my back pocket, as one that could be revisited, because he was very close to joining Liverpool this time last year, really close.

“To the extent where the deal was down to the final stages, and I think Newcastle just decided, we actually can’t part company with this guy.

“So it wouldn’t surprise me if there’s still an itch there on Liverpool’s part that needs to be scratched.

“But I think it would take a big offer, and maybe they’re going to have to get players off the payroll before they would look at that.”

‘A symbol of Italian football’Italy legend Genaro Gattuso has been officially named the new manager of the Italian national team.

Gattuso won the World Cup while playing for Gli Azzurri, making a total of 73 caps for his country.

He has most recently managed Croatian side Hadjuk Split, while also previously coaching AC Milan, Napoli, Valencia and Marseille.

“Gattuso is a symbol of Italian football,” said Italian Football Federation chief Gabriele Gravina.

“The Azzurri jersey is like a second skin for him. His motivation, his professionalism and his experience will be fundamental to face the next Nazionale challenges.

“Aware of the importance of the objective we want to achieve, I thank him for his availability and the total dedication with which he accepted this challenge.

“He shares the FIGC’s project of overall development of our football, with the Azzurri strategically at the centre.”

Turned downLeyton Orient have rejected a £1.3million bid from Charlton for Ethan Galbraith, talkSPORT understands.

Swansea have also shown an interest in the ex-Manchester United midfielder, who starred for the O’s last season.

Galbraith played 42 games in League One and played a major part in taking Orient to the Play-Off Final.

The Northern Irish international’s side were beaten by Charlton at Wembley, and now his former rivals are trying to sign him.

But the Addicks’ bid of £1.3m has been turned down as they look to strengthen for a Championship campaign.

As good as Yamal Former Chelsea winger Willian has spoken very highly of the club’s new signing, young star Estevao.

The 18-year-old signed for the Blues last summer and will officially join the squad after the Club World Cup.

Estevao is rated as one of the best up-and-coming players in world football and Willian has piled praise on him.

The Brazilian believes his compatriot can follow a similar path to stardom as Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal.

He told ESPN: “Without a doubt, he has a lot of potential, a lot of quality. The player has the advantage of still being so young, but with great potential like Lamine Yamal, they have a similar style.

“I hope that he can be very successful here in England playing for Chelsea, he can win many titles, score a lot of goals with the Chelsea jersey and he will help to win titles over the years.”

Willian added: “My advice is that he dedicate himself to the fullest.

“In England, football is quite different to what he is used to. When he gets here, I think he needs some extra work at the club.

“I’m sure he has a very good head. There’s no need to argue about his quality; he has more than enough quality to play for a big club like Chelsea.

“But I hope he can adapt as quickly as possible and get into the style of play here to be very successful.”

Credit: GettyBusiness beginsLeeds United are set to complete their first summer signing as they return to Premier League football.

talkSPORT understands that the Whites are close to bringing in Lukas Nmecha on a free transfer.

Nmecha is out of contract at Wolfsburg after spending the last four years at the German club.

He scored three goals in 19 Bundesliga appearances last season.

The 26-year-old forward is a Manchester City academy product and departed Pep Guardiola’s side in 2021.

Nmecha has also had a loan spell at Middlesbrough and with Belgian side Anderlecht throughout his career.

New deal talkSPORT understands that Richie Wellens is set to sign a new contract as Leyton Orient manager.

Wellens has been at the helm since 2022 and has led the club from League Two to Championship contenders.

The O’s were beaten in the League One Play-Off final by Charlton at Wembley after finishing sixth in the table.

He had reportedly been eyed for multiple jobs in the second tier.

However, Wellens now looks set to commit his future to Orient.

Credit: GettyAssessing optionsGary O’Neil is a contender to replace Chris Wilder should he depart Sheffield United, talkSPORT understands.

Wilder’s future with the Blades is in doubt after the club’s hierarchy met to discuss summer plans last week.

It is believed some board members are in favour of keeping him.

However, others prefer a change of direction after they were beaten 2-1 by Sunderland in the Championship play-off final.

Now, should Wilder go, O’Neil is an option to take his place.

The former Wolves boss is yet to return to management since being sacked by the Premier League side in December.

Credit: GettyHere to stayTottenham Hotspur have confirmed Mathys Tel has joined the club on a permanent transfer.

It marks the first permanent deal of the Thomas Frank era.

Tel initially joined Spurs on loan in February from Bayern Munich and helped them win the Europa League.

In a statement, the club said: “We are delighted to announce the permanent signing of Mathys Tel from FC Bayern.

“Mathys joined the Club from the Bundesliga side in February on loan until the end of the season with an option to make the move permanent.

“We can confirm we have agreed a deal with Bayern that will see the France Under-21 international sign a contract that will run until 2031 when his current loan deal ends on 30 June.”

Credit: GettyStill pushingViktor Gyokeres is determined to force through a move to the Premier League this summer, talkSPORT understands.

Arsenal and Manchester United have both held talks with Sporting Lisbon striker Gyokeres’s advisers.

talkSPORT understands that the Swede is open to joining Man United to link up with his former manager Ruben Amorim.

But he has been forced to publicly hit back at comments from Sporting’s president in recent days.

Reports in Portugal claim Gyokeres is threatening to go on strike amid claims the club have upped their asking price.

And it seems he won’t be giving up on a move anytime soon…

Credit: AFP’A strange decision’ Cameron Burgess has departed Ipswich after four years, with his contract expiring this summer.

And he has instantly signed for their EFL rivals Swansea City.

Burgess played a big part in the Tractor Boys’ rise up to the Premier League, featuring 18 times during their top-flight campaign too.

However, he has opted not to sign a new deal after their relegation, instead joining fellow Championship side Swansea.

The 29-year-old’s decision has shocked some Ipswich fans considering their position as one of the promotion favourites next season.

Swansea finished 11th in the second tier last campaign.

One supporter wrote: “Our best defender in league one, our best defender in the championship, and our best defender in the premier league. How are we letting him go on a free?”

Another said: “What a strange decision”

“Outrageous decision that??” a third fan wrote.

Credit: GettyDone deal CJ Egan-Riley has officially departed Burnley to join Marseille.

The 22-year-old was a key part of the Clarets’ defence as they secured promotion back to the Premier League last season.

But after rejecting a new long-term contract at the club, he has opted to head to France for a fresh challenge.

He joins three other English players in Ligue 1, linking up with Angel Gomes, Jonathan Rowe and Mason Greenwood.

Egan-Riley will be part of the Marseille team that are playing in the Champions League next campaign.