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Transfer rumors, news: Man United, Man City fight for €80m Sporting star Hjulmand

ESPN

Jul 22, 2025, 04:17 AM ET

Sporting CP captain Morten Hjulmand is wanted by both Manchester United and Manchester City, while Barcelona defender Jules Koundé is a potential target for Pep Guardiola. Join us for the latest transfer news, rumors and gossip from around the globe.

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TRENDING RUMORS

-- Manchester United and Manchester City are set to go head to head for Sporting CP captain Morten Hjulmand, according to A Bola. The Portuguese giants have already made clear they won't be bullied on transfers as they continue negotiations with Arsenal over Viktor Gyökeres. And with the 26-year-old Hjulmand, Juventus backed out of a deal after offering €30m-€40m but being told they would have to meet the midfielder's release clause of around €80m. The report says that Man United, who have not giving up hope of signing Gyökeres, are most interested in Hjulmand, with former Sporting coach Ruben Amorim eager to be reunited with both. Hjulmand, a Denmark international, also interests City with Hugo Viana having left the Portuguese club for Man City to become sporting director.

-- Manchester City and another "top-tier club" have made enquiries about Barcelona defender Jules Koundé, as reported by RMC Sport's Fabrice Hawkins. Even so, there have been negotiations for several weeks regarding a contract extension with Barca for the 26-year-old and a positive outcome is hoped for by all parties. The France international already has a contract that runs until 2027 but the Blaugrana value him highly and consider him as the world's best player in his position.

-- Manchester United have failed with a surprising attempt to sign Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez on loan, as reported by the Daily Mail. This comes with André Onana being ruled out for the start of the Premier League season due to a torn hamstring, but the idea of loaning the 32-year-old was immediately dismissed by Villa who value him in the region of £40m. It is unknown whether the Red Devils are willing or able to meet that figure, but the situation is expected to play out over the coming weeks.

-- Chelsea want £80m-£100m for Nicolas Jackson with Manchester United among the Premier League clubs looking at the striker, as reported by Sky Sports. Jackson is also the topic of interest from clubs in Europe and Saudi Arabia, but there is no pressure for the Blues to let him leave as the 24-year-old has eight years on his contract. Liverpool being willing to spend £79m on Eintracht Frankfurt's Hugo Ekitike has contributed to that valuation.

-- Corriere dello Sport has offered an insight into Napoli's search for attacking reinforcements after they stepped back from Atalanta's Ademola Lookman. They could look for a formula to bring in Manchester City winger Jack Grealish to reunite him with Kevin De Bruyne, it is an uphill battle to sign Dan Ndoye with Bologna demanding €45m-€50m, Liverpool's Federico Chiesa could be an option on a permanent or loan deal, while RB Leipzig's Antonio Nusa is also on their list of options.

CONFIRMED DEALS

- Manchester United announced the signing of forward Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford for a transfer fee sources told ESPN was worth in excess of £70 million. Read

- Former Real Madrid goalkeeper Keylor Navas has reached a deal to join Liga MX club Pumas from Newell's Old Boys. Read

- Italy striker Mateo Retegui has joined Saudi Pro League side Al Qadsiah from Atalanta, signing a four-year contract. Read

EXPERT TAKE

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OTHER RUMORS

-- Further talks have taken place between RB Leipzig and Chelsea regarding Xavi Simons, with Bundesliga club wanting at least €70m for the attacking midfielder which the Blues are not prepared to match. (Florian Plettenberg)