Manchester United are close to making their next moves in the transfer market

Manchester United are close to making further inroads in the transfer market – and some deals could be completed this week. It’s a crucial summer for United as they look to build on the progress made under Michael Carrick over the second half of last season.

With Champions League football a welcome addition to the schedule, Carrick needs a stronger, deeper squad than the one he ended last season with. United also need to move players on, either permanently or on loan.

They have already strengthened their spine with the arrivals of Andrey Santos from Chelsea and Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa but at least one more midfielder is set to follow.

Clubs are also in a rush to get their finances in check before July concludes to meet financial fair play regulations. Here’s a rundown of the moves that could potentially go through this week…

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Manu Kone

United are believed to have agreed personal terms with the Roma star, who is valued at around £50million. Corriere dello Sport reported over the weekend that United still hadn’t made a concrete offer and are ‘moving slowly’ over the signing.

That is said to be frustrating for Roma, who are eager for the deal to go through this month to avoid copping a hefty fine from UEFA. They have a settlement agreement with the governing body to ensure their losses do not exceed £51.25m but have until July 31 to prove they have stayed within financial limits. Therefore, they will be pressing for a deal to go through in a matter of days.

Radek Vitek

Having impressed on loan at Bristol City last season, the Czech keeper will be on the move again this summer. With a route to the United first-choice looking blocked following the arrival of Karl Darlow as chief back-up to Senne Lammens, Vitek could leave permanently.

A return to the Championship is on the cards, with Middlesbrough among the clubs to hold an interest in the 22-year-old. With the start of the Championship season less than three weeks away, they may want to get a deal over the line sooner rather than later.

Joshua Zirkzee

The Dutch striker appears to have little future at Old Trafford. It’s evident Carrick isn’t keen on the 25-year-old, although United can probably forget about recouping the £36.5m they paid for Bologna in 2024. A return to Italy is likely, with Juventus reportedly interested.

Altay Bayindir

Another player with no future at the club, Bayindir has been granted extra post-World Cup leave to complete his departure. The Turkey keeper, who didn’t play at the World Cup, has been linked with a return to his homeland with Besiktas.

Bayindir has not played for United since his error in the 3-1 defeat at Brentford in September. The team lost seven of the 17 games he started, conceding 31 goals.

Marcus Rashford

It would be a surprise if the seemingly never-ending Rashford saga concludes this week, but don’t completely rule it out. The forward’s career is in limbo after Barcelona declined to convert his loan into a permanent deal.

United are eager to get him off the wage bill, but are reluctant to sell to a direct rival. As it stands, Rashford will join up with the United squad in August, unless another club decides to take the plunge on the enigmatic forward before then.

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Over 300,000 people have been forced to evacuate their homes as wildfires continue to rage across Spain and France.

At least one man has been killed in Spain and dozens others have been injured including at least 68 firefighters in France.

Government officials from both countries have commented on the historic nature of the blaze, with Madrid’s regional president Isabel Díaz Ayuso describing it as “the worst fire in the history of the region”.

“The fires ‌which are hitting our country have reached a level that has never ​been seen before,” French ‌prime minister Sebastien Lecornu wrote on X on Saturday.

Lecornu promised that over 1.5 million face masks would be provided as even areas unaffected by the worst of the blaze saw air quality deteriorate and smoke spread.

Below we look at the areas affected and evacuated as a result of the wildfires.

Follow the latest updates here

France

The entirety of the Cap-Ferret peninsula has been cleared as the wildfires spread throughout the Gironde region, burning in Le Porge and Saumos.

The fires appeared to be advancing towards the French city of Bordeaux after the flames continued to spread, with several suburban regions on the city’s outskirts evacuated on Saturday morning.

This included the evacuation of large parts of Bordeaux’s suburbs, including the areas of Le Haillan, Eysines ​and Merignac.

French officials told Sky News on Sunday that they are considering a total evacuation of the city of Bordeaux – the sixth largest city in the country – if needed.

Local prefect Sophie Broca described the fast-spreading blaze throughout Gironde as an “XXL fire”.

Another major fire began further along the coast near the town of Biscarrosse in the Landes region on Thursday afternoon with several of the surrounding areas also evacuated for safety.

The French army has also been drafted in to help with the crisis as the inferno showed no signs of slowing down.

Over 220,000 people have been evacuated across France as it is experiencing worsening drought conditions following a heatwave and water shortages.

Spain

The government of Spain has declared a national emergency as the worst of the fires burned close to the country’s capital of Madrid, which is home to 6.8 million people.

Regional president Ayuso said that that conditions had been made worse by a combination of high temperatures, wind and the merging of blazes.

The Spanish interior ministry reported that a total of 70,000 people had been evacuated from villages outside Madrid.

One man died in Manises, near the Spanish city of Valencia, the ​country’s ⁠interior ⁠ministry has said, after he was found in a car ⁠in ​a ravine hundreds of kilometres away from the severe wildfires spreading near Madrid.

While Spain’s meteorological agency Aemet said that the fire risk remains at “very high” levels across vast areas of the country and “extreme” in the north-east and east, the threat was “lower that in previous days” in central and western Spain, according to an update on X on Saturday.

Spain’s health minister Monica Garcia warned people to be mindful of the air quality across Madrid as she advised residents to stay in doors and pay special attention to vulnerable people.

“Due to the fires, today’s air quality in Madrid is not good, with PM2.5 levels well above those recommended by the WHO,” she wrote in a post on X on Saturday.

“Avoid physical activity and staying outdoors. If you go outside and there is smoke or ash, use an FFP2/95 mask and goggles to protect your eyes. Seek medical attention if you notice difficulty breathing, chest pain, or shortness of breath.

“Pay special attention to vulnerable people around you. Stay informed through official sources and follow the instructions from emergency services.”

Other areas impacted by wildfires include parts of Scotland where a major incident was declared following a blaze in Cairngorms National Park, with smoke drifting as far as Aberdeen nearly 150 miles away. Parts of Italy and Tunisia have also been affected.

Manchester United continue to push for more transfers this summer ahead of the upcoming Premier League season

Manchester United are pushing for more reinforcements as they continue their pre-season tour of Europe. Michael Carrick has welcomed Youri Tielemans, Karl Darlow and Andrey Santos to Old Trafford.

The United boss needs to build a squad capable of competing domestically and in the Champions League. Paris Saint-Germain are next up for the Red Devils before Leeds and then a reunion with Ruben Amorim against AC Milan.

Carrick could have another transfer through the door before the next fixture as Manu Kone has reportedly agreed personal terms to head to Old Trafford. And another target in Carlos Baleba is desperate to join him as the Brighton star explores the possibility of a United move.

Here, Mirror Football examines the latest coming out of Old Trafford.

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Manu Kone agrees transfer

Kone has reportedly agreed personal terms with United. Corriere dello Sport suggest that the Roma midfielder is keen to join the Premier League side, with a fee yet to be agreed.

It is understood that United are in contact with Roma and plan to submit a bid of around £42.7million (€50m). Real Madrid withdrew from the race for Kone after seeing their £34.1m (€40m) offer rejected.

Saudi side Al-Ahli and Chelsea are also interested and Kone’s fee could rise to £51.2m (€60m) if a bidding war ensues.

Premier League star requests Utd move

Baleba’s camp have reportedly got in touch with United once again to suss out a move to Old Trafford. Fabrizio Romano claims that the 22-year-old’s representatives have made contact and is keen to work under Carrick.

The Brighton midfielder was pushing for a move last year and sees United as his dream destination. The Seagulls were demanding £100m for his services, which stalled any potential deal.

However, Baleba’s transfer fee has fallen to around £70m and could be an option for United after this significant drop in value.

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Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.

Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.

Cambridgeshire is home to many beautiful villages, such as the lovely Grantchester and its meadows, the riverside Hemingford Abbots and Castor. But they’ve all been beaten to the top spot

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The prettiest village in Cambridgeshire has been crowned.

When it comes to fair-looking spots across the country, there are plenty to choose from.

There is Grantchester, located just two miles south of Cambridge along the River Cam. It is famous for its links to the poet Rupert Brooke, its iconic Grantchester Meadows, and for taking afternoon tea at the Orchard Tea Garden.

Hemingford Abbots is another classic. It’s a highly sought-after riverside village near Huntingdon which features 16th and 17th-century thatched cottages. Its peaceful setting along the River Ouse makes it one of the most picturesque spots in the county.

And who could forget Castor, made up as it is of dry stone walls, thatched cottages, and a stunning 12th-century church. It is also home to the ruins of a significant Roman palace.

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As pretty as all of these places are, they’ve been beaten to the top spot by Elton.

“Elton’s highlight is Elton Hall, a magnificent 15th-century estate that has been home to the Proby family since 1660. The Hall’s gorgeously furnished interiors – including a library housing ancient manuscripts – and its serene Victorian gardens make it a historical treasure,” writes Love Exploring, which placed Elton at number 41 on the overall England list.

“If bored of Elton Estate’s 3,800 acres, visitors can meander through woodlands of the Nene Valley, and areas bursting with local biodiversity. Additionally Elton Mill, a three-storey watermill on the River Nene, hints at the area’s industrial heritage.”

There are plenty of reasons to visit Elton.

Its main draw is Elton Hall, a historic country house that’s been in the Proby family for over 300 years. It’s a genuinely striking place, part Gothic in style, set in over 40 acres of land, including formal gardens, woodland walks, a lake, a large yew hedge, a walled garden, and a water garden.

The house and gardens are open to the public at certain times of year, with guided tours and occasional events like outdoor concerts and art exhibitions.

Beyond the Hall itself, a few things make Elton a good base for a day out. It’s two miles from Fotheringhay, where Mary, Queen of Scots, was executed, and the atmospheric ruins/church there draw many visitors.

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Elton sits near Ferry Meadows Country Park, offering good cycling and walking routes toward Peterborough. Burghley House, an Elizabethan stately home, isn’t far.

Neiter is Oundle, an historic market town five miles away, home to the Talbot Inn. It is built from stones of the ruined Fotheringhay Castle and reportedly contains the staircase Mary Queen of Scots walked down to her execution.

The prettiest villages in England

1. Devon: Clovelly
2. Staffordshire: Ilam
3. Wiltshire: Castle Combe
4. Cornwall: Mousehole
5. West Yorkshire: Haworth
6. West Midlands: Bournville
7. Suffolk: Lavenham
8. North Yorkshire: Thornton-le-Dale
9. Norfolk: Thornham
10. Lancashire: Downham
11. Gloucestershire: Painswick
12. Dorset: Cerne Abbas
13. Tyne and Wear: Tynemouth
14. Derbyshire: Tideswell
15. Cumbria: Grasmere
16. Somerset: Dunster
17. East Sussex: Alfriston
18. East Riding of Yorkshire: Thixendale
19. County Durham: Staindrop
20. South Yorkshire: Wentworth
21. West Sussex: Amberley
22. Kent: Chiddingstone
23. Worcestershire: Inkberrow
24. Isle of Wight: Godshill
25. Hertfordshire: Kimpton
26. Herefordshire: Pembridge
27. Greater Manchester: Worsley
28. Greater London: Hampstead
29. Berkshire: Sonning-on-Thames
30. Buckinghamshire: Turville
31. Oxfordshire: Faringdon
32. Surrey: Shere
33. Bedfordshire: Woburn
34. Lincolnshire: Tealby
35. Leicestershire: Quorn
36. Cheshire: Christleton
37. Merseyside: Port Sunlight
38. Essex: Finchingfield
39. Bristol: Winterbourne
40. Warwickshire: Barton-on-the-Heath
41. Cambridgeshire: Elton
42. Nottinghamshire: Edwinstowe
43. Shropshire: Much Wenlock
44. Hampshire: Hurstbourne Tarrant
45. Northumberland: Alnmouth
46. Rutland: Seaton
47. Northamptonshire: Stoke Bruerne

By CAROLINE PEACOCK, SHOWBUSINESS REPORTER

Published: 19:36 BST, 26 July 2026 | Updated: 03:43 BST, 27 July 2026

Gianluigi Donnarumma has tied the knot with Alessia Elefante in Italy.

The Manchester City goalkeeper, 27, married his childhood sweetheart at the Chiesa Madre di San Giorgio Martire in Locorotondo, on Friday.

Alessia, 29, looked every inch the doting bride in a strapless lace corseted gown with sheer polka dot arm sleeves.

Meanwhile Gianluigi wore a white tuxedo jacket with smart black tailored trousers.

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The happy couple were seen throwing their arms up as they walked out the doors of the church as husband and wife.

Gianluigi’s football mates were in attendance, including Pep Guardiola, Sandro Tonali, Paolo Maldini and Nicolo Barella.

Man City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma had tied the knot with Alessia Elefante in a lavish Italian ceremony  

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The stunning occasion was attended by his teammates including Erling Haaland and his partner Isabel Haugseng

Erling Haaland was also seen in attendance with his partner Isabel Haugseng Johansen. 

Later in the evening, Erling made sure to get the party started as he led a Viking row on the dance floor.

In a viral clip shared on social media, the footballer could be seen behind the drum during the chant.

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The routine sees one person set a rhythm by striking a drum twice before everyone seated nearby leans back and forth in unison, chanting the word as they go. 

Their wedding comes after the pair quietly completed a civil marriage earlier this year.

They announced the news on Instagram in May with an Instagram post that read: ‘Long-term contract signed.’

Although they had known each other for years, the pair officially started dating in 2016.

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This was at the time Gianluigi was emerging as one of Europe’s brightest goalkeeping talents at AC Milan.

Alessia, 29, looked every inch the doting bride in a strapless lace corseted gown with sheer polka dot arm sleeves

Meanwhile Gianluigi wore a white tuxedo jacket with smart black tailored trousers

The happy couple were seen throwing their arms up in the air and sharing a kiss as they walked out the doors of the church as husband and wife

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Although they had known each other for years, the pair officially started dating in 2016

Join the discussion

Do footballers’ extravagant weddings set a bad example or simply celebrate their success?

Alessia, who is an interior designer, has remained largely out of the spotlight but has been spotted in the stands at his matches.

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She moved with him from Milan to Paris after his switch to Paris Saint-Germain in 2021 before the couple later relocated to England following his high-profile move to Manchester City.

The couple welcomed their son, Leo, in 2024.

Later that year, the footballer popped the question in Paris during a romantic candlelit surprise.  

Police were called to incident on Saturday evening

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Four people, including a baby, have died and one person has been injured after a crash on the A38 near Derby late on Saturday (July 25).

Emergency services were called at around 1pm to the stretch of road between the A50 Toyota Island and the A516, where a red Hyundai carrying five people had left the carriageway and hit trees. Police confirmed on Sunday that two women, aged 18 and 30, and a 36‑year‑old man were pronounced dead at the scene.

“A baby girl was taken to hospital where she was sadly pronounced dead a short while later. All four were passengers in the vehicle,” a spokesperson for Derbyshire Police added.

“The driver – a 33-year-old man – was taken to hospital to be treated for serious injuries where he remains today. He has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. All those involved are from Leeds in West Yorkshire. Our thoughts are with them at this most distressing time.”

Officers closed the road for several hours following the fatal incident, as detectives and emergency crews operated. It has since been reopened.

The relatives of those involved have been notified and are being supported by specialist officers, the force confirmed, adding that anyone who witnessed the crash is urged to come forward.

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Derbyshire Police would also like to hear from anyone who has any dash cam footage which may have captured the incident. Information can be passed to the police on 101, quoting incident number 26*442464.

You can also anonymously contact the independent charity CrimeStoppers, on 0800 555 111, or by visiting the CrimeStoppers website by clicking here

Around 77,000 hectares have been affected by the fires in Spain, minister for ecological transition, Sara Aagesen, said on Sunday.

She added that the wildfire burning in the Ávila region is the largest in the country’s recent history.

Among the residents evacuating surrounding areas is Olga Congacha, 50, who had to flee her village Robledo de Chavela, west of Madrid, in a haste.

She said she felt “panicked” when she was told to leave her home.

“I didn’t know whether to cry or what. It was a moment when you feel awful,” she added.

Returning to her home briefly on Sunday to get medicine, she said the streets were deserted and her house had been covered in ash.

Authorities say winds were pushing the wildfires near Madrid to the south and away from the capital, but have forced the evacuation of more villages in its path.

More than 90,000 people have been evacuated from the regions around Madrid and Ávila.

By the early 2000s, British Asian culture was breaking into the mainstream.

In the middle of that shift was Bobby Friction, who now presents on BBC Asian Network.

“The revolutions of the 1990s paved the way for the riches of the early noughties,” he remembers.

” ‘Goodness Gracious Me’, for us, was monumental – that specific British Desi humour was on national TV.”

Seeing members of the cast who were from the same parts of London as he was felt, he says, “like the revolution wasn’t just in my head, it was happening across the country”.

“In 2002, Radio 1 decided to do a South Asian music show, and Nihal Arthanayake and I were chosen to present it.

“My ambition since the age of 15 was to be on Radio 1 playing South Asian music.”

That same year, Asian Network went national, and Desi DNA launched soon after.

“Suddenly you’re in this new era which has already started when the other era hasn’t even finished yet.

“At that time, if you were young and South Asian just coming of age, it was very, very different compared to even 10 years before.”

She made a direct plea to the new Prime Minister

Andy Burnham has acknowledged a plea from a bride not to ‘ruin’ her wedding which is happening in the shadow of the new Number 10 North.

The government’s new northern headquarters, currently based in Heron House facing Albert Square in Manchester city centre, was officially opened by the new Prime Minister who made his first visit on Friday (July 24).

He is expected to work from the new hub at least once a week whilst other cabinet ministers are expected to work there on a regular basis.

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There was a police presence outside the building, which also houses GCHQ’s North West base, throughout the week. This then ramped up on Friday with a large police presence including armed officers patrolling the area around it.

Mr Burnham’s security convoy was driven straight into the building in the morning and metal fencing was also erected around the front entrance. He did however come out to greet crowds who had gathered hoping to catch a glimpse of him, telling them: “I love you Manchester.”

The registry office is based in the same building, with the entrance being around the corner on Lloyd Street.

A number of bridal parties could be seen making their way into the building as police stood guard nearby.

And one bride-to-be has issued an emotional appeal to Mr Burnham ahead of her nuptials. In a video posted on TikTok, titled ‘Andy Burnham please don’t ruin my wedding’, Saz Burwin said: “I saw you set up your new gaff, Number 10 North, at Heron House. I saw it on the news, gorgeous, love what you’ve done with the place.

“But I’m actually getting married there on the 21st of August and on the news today, the place was surrounded with police, bollards, all sorts. A lot of stuff that wasn’t there before.

“My trouble is, I was planning to get nice photos like after, the registry office, outside, and I’m just a bit worried that all of this is kind of ruining the vibe.”

Saz, who has been documenting her wedding preparations on the social media site, continued: “So I would really appreciate it if you were maybe not there that day. I mean, you’re welcome, you’re invited. But maybe without the escorts, the police escorts. The guys with the rifles and s**t, because I’ve got a content creator coming.

“So I don’t really know what we’re gonna do if it’s surrounded by the military and police, you know. Just something to think on. No pressure. But if you could, you know, give them an hour off. I am just a little bit concerned about that, if you could let me know.”

Mr Burnham responded to her post saying: “Noted Saz.”

A 39-year old man was arrested after calling for help after the two-year-old began struggling to breathe, with paramedics administering a NARCAN nasal spray which the boy responded to

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A toddler has nearly died after overdosing on cocaine, with first responders forced into action after the two-year-old was found struggling to breathe. Police on the Jersey Shore in the United States confirmed they have arrested a man, 39-year-old Alexander T. Moles, on charges of child endangerment after a July 20 callout in relation to a sick toddler. When first responders arrived, it was discovered that had been on his way to hospital, driving the two-year-old to A&E as he was having difficulty breathing. Paramedics administered two doses of Naloxone nasal spray – also known as NARCAN – to the boy, to which he responded. NARCAN is an anti-opioid drug which has no effect on a patient if there are no opioids in their system.

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The two-year-old boy was then transportedto Cooper University Hospital Cape Regional for further medical attention, with blood tests later confirming the tot had tested positive for cocaine.

Police officers later found a pill, tinfoil packets labelled “tapentadol hydrochloride,” a clear plastic bag containing a white, powdery substance, and several short plastic straws following a judge-ordered search of Moles’s Airbnb, according to an affidavit.

As per a statement released by prosecutors in New Jersey, a joint investigation was then initiated by the Wildwood Police Department and the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit. A spokesperson said: “Through the investigation it was determined that Alexander T. Moles was vacationing at a residence in Wildwood, New Jersey when the two-year-old male became ill.

“As a result of the initial investigation, on July 21, 2026, Alexander T. Moles was arrested and charged with one count of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, a crime of the second degree; one count of Possession of Cocaine, a crime of the third degree; one count of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, a Disorderly Persons Offence; and one count of Possession of Prescription Legend Drugs, a crime of the fourth degree.

The Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office added: “Prosecutor Sutherland advises persons convicted of a second degree crime are subject to a term of imprisonment of five to 10 years in New Jersey State Prison. A person convicted of a third degree crime are subject to a term of imprisonment of three to 5 years in New Jersey State Prison.” The 39-year-old was arrested and placed in the Cape May County Correctional Facility, but was released three days later on bail with conditions.