- For all of yesterday’s developments – including Crysencio Summerville rejecting Roma’s last ditch hijack attempt – click HERE
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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…
Magpies swoop for £30m star
Newcastle United have agreed a deal to sign Monaco defensive midfielder Aladji Bamba.
The 20-year-old is due on Tyneside this morning for his medical after a fee around £30million was negotiated between the clubs.
The deal also includes a 15 per cent sell on clause for the France U20 international.
Bamba only made his breakthrough last season and has played just 18 league games but is highly regarded after his development through the France youth ranks.
Newcastle United have agreed a deal to sign Monaco defensive midfielder Aladji Bamba (left)
The Frenchman will bolster Eddie Howe’s midfield after the departure of Sandro Tonali to Spurs
Blues ramp up pursuit of Leverkusen teenager
Chelsea are stepping up their interest in Bayer Leverkusen winger Kerim Alajbegović.
As previously reported by Daily Mail Sport, the exciting Bosnia international has had interest from Leeds United, Arsenal, Aston Villa and Atalanta.
Leverkusen sold the 18-year-old to Red Bull Salzburg last year but, after an impressive season, took up their option to buy him back this summer for £7million.
However, the winger made such an impression in Austria, and on international duty with Bosnia, that a number of Premier League and Italian sides have been enquiring to see if Leverkusen are willing to make a quick profit.
His value was initially around £18m but after he scored a spectacular long-range goal in Bosnia’s 3–1 group-stage win over Qatar at the World Cup, and Chelsea were alerted, his valuation is now closer to £30m.
Champions Arsenal, Aston Villa and Leeds United met his representatives for talks as have Napoli, Roma and Inter Milan from Serie A.
Atalanta were considered to be in pole position earlier this month but Chelsea and Xabi Alonso were made aware of the opportunity and are now looking to strike a deal.
They have moved Alejandro Garnacho to Aston Villa and see greater potential in Alajbegovic who was named in Bosnia’s squad for the World Cup and made a big impact in Group C against Canada, Switzerland and Qatar.
Born in Cologne to Bosnian parents, Alajbegovic is quick, skilful and can play across the front line.
His father and agent, Semin, was also a footballer, spending his entire career in Germany’s lower tiers.
Chelsea are stepping up their interest in Bayer Leverkusen winger Kerim Alajbegović
Click below for all the transfer developments over the last few days…
WEDNESDAY: West Ham star Crysencio Summerville set for £60m Saudi Arabia move despite Roma’s late attempt to hijack deal
TUESDAY: Fulham plot £24m bid for Southampton’s Shea Charles… after Leeds have three bids rejected
MONDAY: New York meeting key to Chelsea’s Maxence Lacroix move
SUNDAY: Roma ponder new bid for £50m-rated Crysencio Summerville
SATURDAY: Revealed: The figure Middlesbrough are set to pocket from Morgan Rogers’ move to Chelsea
