17 Jul 2026 06:01 BST |
5 min read
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FootballTransfers runs through the biggest rumours and gossip from 17 July, including the latest updates on Sander Berge, Michael Olise and Hugo Larsson.
Berge emerging as ‘serious’ option for Man Utd
Manchester United are continuing to discuss Fulham’s Sander Berge as a target as Michael Carrick’s side explore the possibility of signing a third midfielder this summer.
United have signed Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos in recent days but they could look towards bringing in yet another midfielder to replace Manuel Ugarte, who suffered a serious long-term knee injury this month.
Berge has been a long-term target for United and has continued to remain on their whittle down shortlist, largely in part due to his performances for Norway at the 2026 World Cup.
And, according to TEAMtalk, Berge is emerging as a ‘serious option’ for United this summer as the club look for a midfielder with Premier League experience who can operate as a holding player next season.
Olise rejects Real Madrid interest
Michael Olise has told Bayern Munich that he wants to remain at the club this summer despite interest from Real Madrid.
Reports had emerged this week that Olise was keen to join Real Madrid after France’s exit from the World Cup and the Spanish giants had allegedly been willing to offer more than €200 million for the winger.
However, Sky Sport Germany report that Olise has not asked to leave for Real Madrid and instead wishes to remain loyal to the Bundesliga champions.
Bayern have no desire to sell Olise regardless and are looking to extend his contract, which expires in 2029, with a salary bump being planned that would put the Frenchman among the club’s top two earners.
Man Utd and Newcastle eye Hugo Larsson
Manchester United and Newcastle have both held talks with representatives of Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Hugo Larsson as the race for the gifted young midfielder picks up pace, FootballTransfers have been told.
Sources close to the player have revealed to FootballTransfers that initial contact has been made by both Premier League clubs as they assess a potential move for the 22-year-old Sweden international, who is open to a move away from the Bundesliga side.
Neither of the Premier League clubs have yet made an official bid for Larsson, who has developed into one of the standout midfielders in Germany since his €9 million move from Malmo in 2023.
Any deal will have to be agreed through Frankfurt, who are in a strong negotiating position given their player remains under contract until 2029 and, as such, the Germans are holding out for a transfer fee in the region of €50 million – a sizeable chunk above the box-to-box star’s €27.6m Estimated Transfer Value (ETV).
While talks have been held with Larsson’s representatives, neither of the Premier League sides has taken the step of making an official offer for him.
Liverpool make Wharton top target
Liverpool have made Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton their top target this summer, having rejected the opportunity to sign Joao Gomes from Wolves, FootballTransfers can exclusively reveal.
The Anfield club spoke to the agent of the Gomes, who was prepared to move to Anfield on his existing terms. FootballTransfers understands that the Brazilian was eager to sign for Liverpool but he has since agreed a deal to move to Aston Villa.
Having weighed up that move, the Reds’ recruitment team had a change of heart and opted for a different type of profile, targeting Wharton instead.
If Liverpool are to prise Wharton away from the Eagles, they will have to spend big on him. The London side are targeting a price in excess of £100m (€118m) having seen Elliot Anderson leave Nottingham Forest to join Manchester City for £116m.
More rumours
Barcelona have been linked with a potential move to sign Spain defender Aymeric Laporte, who currently plays for Athletic Club. (Mundo Deportivo)
– Aston Villa are exploring a deal for Mexican World Cup star and Saudi Pro League top scorer Julian Quinones. (Football Insider)
Juventus goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio has emerged as an option for Leeds United. (Gazzetta dello Sport)
Fiorentina are ready to submit a bid to RB Leipzig to try to sign Johan Bakayoko on loan with the obligation to buy upon reaching certain conditions. (Nicolo Schira)
Aston Villa have agreed personal terms with Milan star Pervis Estupinian as a replacement for Lucas Digne at left back. (Fabrizio Romano)
