Transfers: Villa Close In On Rashford Loan, West Ham Push For Ferguson

  Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford is set to join Aston Villa on loan in a deal that includes a potential permanent transfer, according to sports journalist Fabrizio Romano. In a post shared on Sunday via X, Romano reported that Villa will cover over 70per cent of Rashford’s salary as part of the agreement, with a £40 million buy option included in the deal. The England international is expected to undergo a medical today before finalising the move. Romano wrote: “Marcus Rashford to Aston Villa, here we go. Agreement in place on a loan deal with over 70% of his salary covered by Villa. A buy option clause worth £40m is also included in the contract, with a potential three-and-a-half-year deal to follow. Medical booked today.” Meanwhile, West Ham United are making progress in negotiations to sign Brighton striker Evan Ferguson on a straight loan deal until June. Talks are ongoing, with final details yet to be agreed upon with the player’s representatives. Elsewhere, Manchester United and Arsenal are in contact with Mathys Tel’s representatives as the Bayern Munich forward considers his future. With just 36 hours remaining in the transfer window, Tel still has a strong chance of leaving the German club, with United pushing for a loan move and Arsenal making another approach. In Serie A, Chelsea midfielder Cesare Casadei has completed a permanent move to Torino in a €15 million deal, while Nicolò Zaniolo has joined Fiorentina from Galatasaray after his loan spell at Atalanta was terminated. Flamengo also approached Arsenal in an attempt to sign Jorginho immediately, but the Gunners rejected the request. The Brazilian club is now working on securing the midfielder on a free transfer for next season. Meanwhile, Eintracht Frankfurt have activated a €16 million buy option for Belgian defender Arthur Theate, who has been in impressive form and is attracting interest from several clubs ahead of the summer window. With the deadline fast approaching, clubs across Europe are racing to finalise deals before the window shuts. Punch

West Ham Appoints Ex- Chelsea Manager Graham Potter,Head Coach

  English Premier League club, West Ham, has confirmed the appointment of former Chelsea boss, Graham Potter as its new head coach. “West Ham United is delighted to welcome Graham Potter as the club’s new head coach. The 49-year-old joins the Hammers on a two-and-a-half-year contract and will take charge of his new team for the first time when the Irons travel to Aston Villa in the FA Cup third round on Friday evening. “A highly-respected and sought-after coach, Potter has been awaiting the right opportunity after leaving his last role at Chelsea in April 2023 and was the Board’s unanimous choice to take the club forward in line with its objectives and ambitions. “Potter, whose progressive style and flexible tactical approach previously impressed at Swedish club Östersund, Swansea City and Brighton & Hove Albion, has a passion for a return to Premier League management and is relishing the opportunity to work with West Ham United’s talented squad of international players,” the club statement read on Thursday. More details later…