Deadline transfer news: Final deals that have been concluded.
Leeds sign Wales winger from Manchester United: Leeds have signed Daniel James from Manchester United for a fee believed to be £25m, more than two years after he almost joined the club on loan.
The 23-year-old Wales winger has signed a five-year contract. Leeds have kept a close eye on James ever since his move to Elland Road from Swansea collapsed in January 2019, with him moving to Old Trafford that summer.
“For me and my football career this is completely the right decision,” James told Sky Sports. “I had an unbelievable time [at Manchester United]. I made great friends, the staff and fans were amazing to me. It is my time to move on career wise. I am just looking forward to it.
“I am a different player. I had maybe only played half a season the last time I nearly signed here. I have games under my belt at the top level and feel I can add something here.” James scored nine goals in 74 appearances for the Red Devils, the last of which was in Sunday’s 1-0 win at Wolves.
He was facing an uncertain future at Manchester United, with fellow forward Cristiano Ronaldo returning to the club that he left in 2009.
He has 24 caps for Wales and is part of their squad that will play Finland in an international friendly on Wednesday before a World Cup qualifier double-header against Belarus and Estonia. James becomes Leeds’ eighth signing of the summer transfer window and will wear the number 20 shirt.
“The football department have been monitoring Daniel for a number of years and every member of my team has worked hard to get this deal over the line,” Leeds director of football Victor Orta told the club website.
“It is no secret that Daniel is a player we have been keen to acquire for a number of years and today we achieved our goal. “As a player we feel Daniel is an excellent fit for a Marcelo Bielsa team, he is quick, direct and works hard – we look forward to him joining up with the squad, finally!”
Tottenham sign Barcelona defender Emerson Royal for £25.8m: Tottenham have signed Brazil defender Emerson Royal from Barcelona for 30m euro (£25.8m) on a five-year contract.
The 22-year-old has spent the past two seasons at Betis, scoring five goals in 79 games. Emerson, who joined Barca from Brazilian side Atletico Mineiro in 2019, featured in Brazil’s run to the Copa America final this summer.
He will compete for the right-back slot at Spurs with Japhet Tanganga and Matt Doherty. The Premier League leaders are looking to offload full-back Serge Aurier.
Emerson played more minutes than any other Betis player last season as they finished sixth in La Liga to qualify for the Europa League. He has won four caps for his country since making his debut in 2019.
Chelsea make late move for Atletico Madrid’s Saul Niguez: Chelsea are making a late attempt to sign Atletico Madrid and Spain midfielder Saul Niguez. The 26-year-old was a key player as Atletico won La Liga last term, making 33 appearances.
Chelsea had thought a deal for Saul improbable but there is now confidence that a transfer can be concluded, probably on loan.
Sevilla earlier confirmed that they had rejected Chelsea’s “unsatisfactory” offer for France defender Jules Kounde. The Spanish club are standing firm over the fee required for Kounde, insisting he will not be allowed to join the Blues for less than his 80m euros release clause.
Sevilla sporting director Monchi said in a press conference a bid had been rejected for the 22-year-old. “The only formal offer from Chelsea came last Wednesday,” he said. “We weren’t satisfied with the offer, and it was linked to Chelsea selling a player. It was a decent fee but it didn’t meet our criteria.
“We haven’t spoken with Chelsea since Friday night.” The Blues have been heavily linked with Kounde this summer and were hopeful a deal could be reached following Kurt Zouma’s move to West Ham.
Kounde, who joined Sevilla in 2019, has made 91 appearances for the club and attracted the attention of many of Europe’s top clubs. “There’s been a lot of talk about moves made for Jules, the majority of which were rejected by the player,” added Monchi.
“If there was one club he liked the look of, it was Chelsea.” Chelsea must now meet the release clause – or submit an offer acceptable to Sevilla – if a deal is to be completed before the transfer deadline on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Chelsea defender Ethan Ampadu, 20, has gone on a season-long loan to Serie A side Venezia. The Wales international has also signed a new deal with the Blues, committing him to staying at Stamford Bridge until 2024.
Source – BBC News
