Transfer news live: Man Utd open talks over Bryan Mbeumo deal as Liverpool’s Florian Wirtz bid rejected

It’s already been a relatively frenzied start to the summer window, with some of Europe’s top talents seemingly on the move. Miguel Delaney explores the factors that are driving clubs into action…

A very good morning and welcome to The Independent’s continued live coverage of the summer transfer window, open briefly ahead of the Club World Cup with teams right around the world busy trying to get business done. We’ll have all the latest as the rumour mill churns and deals are concluded.

Manchester United’s rumoured interest in Brighton’s Pervis Estupinan makes sense, given the way he plays could fit a wing-back role in Ruben Amorim’s system. But the 27-year-old’s availability issues might ring some alarm bells at Old Trafford, after missing chunks of the past two seasons with injury.

Liam Delap will be a Chelsea player next season, signing a six-year deal. That almost counts as a short contract at Stamford Bridge.

Antoine Griezmann has committed himself to Atletico Madrid until 2027:

Maurizio Sarri has returned to Lazio as head coach a year after he resigned from the post, the Serie A club announced on Monday.

Details of the deal were not disclosed by the club but Italian news agency Adnkronos reported that the former Chelsea and Juventus manager Sarri has rejoined Lazio on a two-year contract with an option for a third season.

Sarri resigned as Lazio coach in March 2024, almost three years into his tenure. They finished seventh in Serie A in 2023-24, having finished second the previous season.

“Maurizio Sarri has returned home. His return is a choice of heart, conviction and vision,” club president Claudio Lotito said in a statement.

“With him we want to resume a path interrupted too soon, aware that together we can bring back enthusiasm, identity and ambition. Welcome back to your home Commander.”

Lazio finished seventh this season under Marco Baroni.

Jake O’Brien has backed Republic of Ireland team-mate Caoimhin Kelleher to establish himself as one of the best keepers in the Premier League as he closes in on a move from Liverpool to Brentford.

The 26-year-old was conspicuous by his absence from training with the Ireland squad on Monday morning having travelled to London with a view to tying up a move to the Gtech Community Stadium which could eventually cost the Bees £18m.

Kelleher, who picked up a league winners’ medal with the Reds this season, has made no secret of his desire for regular first-team football and with Mark Flekken seemingly heading for Bayer Leverkusen, looks sets to be granted his wish by Thomas Frank.

Everton defender O’Brien, who will hope to play alongside his fellow Cork man in Friday’s friendly clash with Senegal in Dublin, told a press conference: “It doesn’t take for me to say how good he is. I think everyone knows how good he is and what he’s achieved over the last couple of years.

“If it goes through, it’s a great move for him, to become a number one in the Premier League.

“It’s a great move for him, to go and play every week is very important and he’s more than good enough. Brentford have done well this season so it’s a club he can progress and do a lot at.

“I think everyone knows how good he is and how high his ceiling is. He can push on and do great things.”

Liverpool continue to pursue a deal to sign Florian Wirtz after their £109m bid was rebuffed by Bayer Leverkusen.

A firm offer was made on Friday but the Bundesliga side are holding out for a fee closer to £125m and talks are continuing.

Reports in Germany have suggested Leverkusen would be interested in signing a Liverpool player – midfielder Harvey Elliott and defender Jarell Quansah have both been mentioned – to offset the difference in valuation.

However, the Premier League champions have not held any discussions about any makeweights to help the deal over the line.

Manchester United face a crucial summer as Ruben Amorim finally gets the chance to shape his squad and transform his failing team into contenders at the top end of the table.

Now Amorim has a full preseason to prepare his side and a summer transfer window to mould his squad, before a season without European football to distract his players, and he must take full advantage. Not only is the manager’s future likely to be called into question should United struggle at the start of the 2025/26 campaign, but co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe will come under increasing pressure to deliver some much-needed improvement.

Ratcliffe has made clear that the money pot is not deep, so offloading high-wage players such as Jadon Sancho, Antony and Marcus Rashford will be key to funding the revolution, while there remains a question over the future of Alejandro Garnacho.