Sterling nears Chelsea exit door with Felix transfer agreed – Paper Round

Sterling close to Chelsea exit with Felix fee agreed

Raheem Sterling is closer to leaving Chelsea after the club agreed terms a deal to sign Joao Felix from Atletico Madrid for £42m plus £8.5m in add-ons, multiple papers are reporting.

Sterling was left out of the squad for Sunday’s match against Manchester City, and the arrival of Felix will see the England international fall further down the pecking order, prompting Juventus to potentially make a move for the winger.

The Daily Mail writes: “It is understood the Turin club would need to lighten their current wage bill before making a concrete move for Sterling, with forward Federico Chiesa among the players who could leave.

“It remains to be seen whether Sterling would be prepared to uproot his young family, who are understood to be fully settled in London, for a move to Italy.

“Nevertheless it is becoming increasingly clear that Chelsea are keen to offload the player they signed from Manchester City in 2022 for £47.5m.”

Al-Ahli consider increased Toney offer

Al-Ahli are weighing up whether to increase their bid for Brentford’s Ivan Toney, the Guardian reports. The Saudi Pro League side saw an offer of around £35m rejected.

The Arsenal and Chelsea target was not in Brentford’s squad on Sunday due to ongoing uncertainty around his future, but the club are holding out for a higher offer.

The Guardian adds: “Toney is in the final year of his contract but the club want more than £50m for him.

“The 28-year-old received an eight-month ban in May 2023 for breaching betting rules, forcing him to miss the first half of last season, returning in January to score four goals in 17 matches before being part of the England squad at Euro 2024.”

Man Utd in no rush on Ugarte

Manchester United will not rush in their pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain’s Manuel Ugarte, and the Guardian said they would be willing to wait until deadline day to try and sign the midfielder.

United believe PSG’s £51m valuation is too high, and hope over time they will reduce their asking price.

The Guardian adds: “Ugarte could be purchased now by United should PSG lower their asking price but the manager, Erik ten Hag, and the sporting director, Dan Ashworth, are prepared to bide their time to force a reduction.

“United are intent on making more sales before the window closes at 11pm on 30 August. The club would listen to offers for Victor Lindelöf, Casemiro, Antony, Jadon Sancho and Scott McTominay, among others.

“Fulham are interested in McTominay, having lodged a bid of about £20m at the start of the month. Yet United do not need to sell the Scot or any other squad member to finance a deal for Ugarte. It is understood that a move for Sancho to PSG either as a part of a Ugarte transfer or separately is unlikely.”

Forest want Nketiah

Nottingham Forest have continued talks with Arsenal in their bid to sign Eddie Nketiah, the Standard reports. Forest saw a £25m bid rejected, with Arsenal hoping for at least £30m for the striker.

The Standard adds: “Nketiah has been identified by Forest as a transfer target as they bid to bolster their frontline for head coach Nuno Espirito Santo. They are also interested in Feyenoord’s Santiago Gimenez.

“Nketiah, who was an unused substitute for Arsenal in their 2-0 win over Wolves on Saturday, scored six goals in 37 appearances for the Gunners last season. In total, he has scored 38 goals in 168 appearances for Arsenal.”