Matty Hewitt

Manchester City have reportedly held exploratory talks with Newcastle United over a potential transfer of Nico Gonzalez. Newcastle are seeking midfield reinforcements after the departures of Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes, while City are reshaping their squad following Rodri’s move to Barcelona. Gonzalez, signed from Porto for £52 million in January 2025, made 41 appearances last season but started only twice after January. Although he has expressed satisfaction at City, Newcastle may offer him a more regular role.

Manchester United have trained in Wroclaw ahead of their final pre-season friendly against AC Milan, with Marcus Rashford back in first-team training and included in the squad after an 18-month absence. Rashford’s return follows a productive loan spell at Barcelona, and Michael Carrick says he has rejoined the group in good form and is being treated like any other player. Benjamin Sesko and Matthijs de Ligt have also returned to training after shin and back injuries, although neither travelled to Poland. Several academy players continue to receive opportunities, with 15-year-old JJ Gabriel attracting particular attention as a potential future first-team player.

Jadon Sancho remains a free agent after leaving Manchester United and has reportedly been rejected by Fiorentina, who were concerned about his recent performances. The winger made 39 appearances for Aston Villa during a successful loan spell last season, but a permanent move has not materialized. A previous potential transfer to AS Roma also collapsed, reportedly because of agent fees. Sancho has been training at Flixton FC, whose owner clarified that he was not on trial and praised his conduct.

Manchester United are reportedly considering a £30 million move for Club Brugge left-back Joaquin Seys after Newcastle rejected an initial approach for Lewis Hall and reaffirmed that he is not for sale. United, Arsenal and Aston Villa have reportedly made enquiries, while Benfica and Porto are also interested. Seys has three years left on his contract, and Club Brugge are not under pressure to sell, but United are seeking a long-term successor to Luke Shaw as they prepare for a return to the Champions League.

Jadon Sancho remains without a club after Manchester United released him following unsuccessful spells at the club, Chelsea and Aston Villa. Former England and Aston Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor says he is seriously concerned that Sancho could retire as early as age 28, citing his reduced output and the likelihood that clubs may not match his previous wages. Sancho recently trained privately with tenth-tier Flixton FC, whose owner clarified that he was not on trial and defended the winger's professionalism. Al-Rayyan and the Saudi Pro League are reported as possible destinations.

Manchester United could pursue former Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic on a free transfer if Joshua Zirkzee leaves the club. Vlahovic and Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins are reportedly among the contingency options, but United are not actively targeting either player while Zirkzee remains. Zirkzee has scored nine goals since his £36.5 million move and is attracting loan interest from Juventus, Roma and Como, while Villa would likely demand a significant fee for Watkins. Vlahovic is seeking a major contract and Champions League football after becoming a free agent.

Marcus Rashford is expected to return to Manchester United for pre-season after Barcelona declined to activate its purchase option following his loan spell. Although the club remains open to a transfer, no acceptable bid has emerged. Former England player Micky Gray says Rashford must publicly explain his recent departures and be prepared to accept a reduced, part-time role behind newer attacking options. Gray also stresses that Rashford will need to regain peak fitness and produce greater consistency in the Premier League.

Manchester United could make an official approach for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins if Joshua Zirkzee leaves Old Trafford, with a fee of about £40 million potentially enough to open negotiations. Watkins is also attracting interest from Arsenal, while Fenerbahçe have already seen a reported offer rejected. Manchester United have recently signed Youri Tielemans from Villa, who are under pressure to raise funds to comply with UEFA regulations. The club has also sold Morgan Rogers to Chelsea and is involved in discussions over other departures.

Tyson Fury stopped Mariusz Wach after seven rounds at the Max Muay Thai Stadium in Pattaya, Thailand, dominating the 46-year-old Polish heavyweight. After the win, Fury again provoked Anthony Joshua, questioning whether Joshua has the courage to face him, while stopping short of confirming him as his next opponent. Fury said he would return home to rest after a lengthy training camp and suggested that a potential Fury-Joshua fight could be staged in New York, Ireland, London or Pattaya, depending on whether Joshua defeats Kristian Prenga in Jeddah.