Unfinished deals: Chelsea bet last minute on Toney, Spurs pursue Fati

August 30 - Chelsea could launch a last-minute £80million bid for 27-year-old Brentford striker Ivan Toney before the transfer window closes on September 1.

The England striker scored 20 Premier League goals last season before serving a ban imposed on him by the FA for breaking betting rules. Should a deal materialize, the player would not be able to play for the Blues until his suspension is served in February 2024.

Spurs have been in close contact with Barcelona star Ansu Fati, 20, after revealing his intention to leave the La Liga champions last week. The Spanish international inherited the famous number 10 shirt at Camp Nou and was even considered the next Messi on his club debut.

16-year-old starlet Lamine Yamal's breakthrough has catalyzed Fati's decision to part ways with the Blaugrana, as the talented youngster looks to lock down the left wing for years to come. Chelsea are also said to be interested in Fati.

Manchester City Youth Academy graduate Cole Palmer has been added to Chelsea's attacking wishlist as they look to strengthen their forward options even further. The 21-year-old played a key role in the Citizens' pre-season, scoring the equalizer in the UEFA Super Cup which saw the Sky Blues win the battle on penalties.

He also impressed during England's campaign to lift the EURO U21 trophy, where he scored the winning goal from a free-kick in the final after his shot was deflected by midfield by Liverpool Curtis Jones.

Manchester United have turned to Lyon's Argentinian left-back Nicholas Tagliafico, 30, in their latest bid to resolve their left-back injury problems. The move would reunite the former Ajax player with his former manager Erik Ten Hag, under whom he performed best at the Dutch club. The Red Devils have also been linked with Chelsea full-back Marc Cucurella after his €60m move from Brighton fell short of expectations and saw him drop down the hierarchy on the Blues' left side.

Besiktas set to offer controversial 21-year-old Manchester United striker Mason Greenwood a return to football after it was announced he would be leaving Old Trafford after the club were confronted to severe negative reactions from groups of supporters regarding his situation at the club.

Chelsea are also still considering signing absentee Joao Felix from Atletico Madrid, who spent the end of last season on loan with the Blues, after the 23-year-old Portugal international publicly stated he wanted leave Diego Simeone's team. Linked to Barcelona but with a move yet to materialise, a permanent return to west London could be what the player needs to rejuvenate his career after a €127m move to the Spanish capital four years ago.

Free agent Jesse Lingard is set to return to West Ham as the Hammers reportedly prepare a short-term deal for the former England international. Lingard impressed on loan at West Ham in the 2020/21 season, where he scored 9 goals for the club between the winter window and the end of the season.

Arsenal have reportedly rejected a Chelsea lead for England Under-21 star Emile Smith Rowe as they seek another attacking option to accompany Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku as new strikers.

Contact the author of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1693452472labto1693452472ofdlr1693452472owedi1693452472sni@o1693452472fni1693452472