Transfer news LIVE: Man Utd close in on Matheus Cunha as Bruno Fernandes decision set to be made

A former Manchester United player with close connections to Sporting Lisbon one assumes will not be on Ruben Amorim’s list of targets is Cristiano Ronaldo – though it appears that the ageing forward could be on the move.

Manchester United are in the mire – a dreadful Premier League campaign, no European football next season, and a ideological manager with a mismatched squad in need of an overhaul. But Ruben Amorim spoke with optimism that there are brighter times ahead for the club on Sunday – Richard Jolly explains what he, and Manchester United, need to succeed…

In a predicament, somewhat, are Aston Villa, so impressive at times this season (and very nearly conquerors of PSG) yet finding themselves one point short of a Champions League return. Richard Jolly explores how the club may navigate the next couple of months.

So it won’t be Paul Mitchell overseeing the summer business for Newcastle – though Eddie Howe is confident he will get the backing to build on Champions League qualification.

Newcastle sporting director Paul Mitchell is to leave the Magpies after less than a year in his role.

Mitchell, who was appointed as Manchester United-bound Dan Ashworth’s replacement in July last year, will end his stay by mutual consent at the end of June.

His arrival on Tyneside reunited him with chief executive Darren Eales, with whom he had worked previously at Tottenham, although Eales too is due to step down for health reasons.

A club statement said: “Paul Mitchell, Newcastle United’s sporting director, will leave the club by mutual consent at the end of June 2025.

“During Paul’s tenure as sporting director, the club won its first major domestic trophy in 70 years by lifting the Carabao Cup in March 2025 and has secured Champions League football for the 2025/26 campaign.

“Paul leaves with the club’s best wishes and the Board would like to express its sincere thanks to him for his professionalism and diligent service.”

Chelsea have discussed a move for Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike, as they hone transfer plans now that they have qualified for the 2025/26 Champions League.

With Nicolas Jackson suspended for the final two games and Marc Guiu just 18 years of age, Chelsea had been left short in attack.

The club are now actively targeting a striker in the market with the French star high on their list, though they also have significant interest in Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres and Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap.

It is five years now since Leroy Sane left Manchester City for Bayern Munich, but the Germany international is now out of contract in Bavaria and readily available. One would thing there will be a fair few suitors for a proven performer – Sky Sports suggest that Tottenham have been given the chance to sign him as they look to bolster their squad after Europa League success earned a Champions League place.

Want an in-depth look at all of Liverpool’s top targets? Will Castle’s handy transfer guide has you covered.

Salah is staying, but Trent Alexander-Arnold’s departure has left a vacancy at right-back – one that looks set to be filled by Jeremie Frimpong. The Bayer Leverkusen defender’s deal could be done in the next couple of days after he underwent a medical 10 days or so ago.

So Bruno Fernandes may yet be Saudi Arabia-bound, and Mohamed Salah could have been, too. Richard Jolly reports on an intriguing revelation made by the Liverpool forward having committed his future to the club.