Bayern Munich had made a late attempt to hijack Chelsea’s move for Jamie Gittens but it seems as if the Borussia Dortmund winger is nearing a return to a club where he spent a short stint as a youngster. The Athletic say a seven-year deal is in place and could be done “imminently” for the Englishman, who will turn 21 shortly before the start of the Premier League season.

There was a time when Liverpool looked to a German prodigy at Bayer Leverkusen as they sought to add another dimension to their attack but didn’t get him. That time was 2017, the Bundesliga wunderkind was Julian Brandt and the reason was that Jurgen Klopp, initially an advocate of his compatriot, was persuaded to switch his attentions to Mohamed Salah by Michael Edwards and the recruitment team assembled by Fenway Sports Group.

Fast forward eight years, when Brandt has had a fine career but Salah an exceptional one, and Liverpool have brought in the next generation of German playmaker. Florian Wirtz has cost an initial £100m; it could rise to a British record £116m if add-ons are triggered. It is already a club high: it could be a third overall record set in the FSG era after the most expensive prices then ever paid for a goalkeeper (Alisson, £65m) and defender (Virgil van Dijk, £75m). FSG can make the statement signing and balance the books. When they go big, it tends to be for a player they feel will be transformative.

We reported earlier how Arsenal are seeking alternatives to Benjamin Sesko, and whispers from Paris suggest Bradley Barcola may be among them. L’Equipe believe that the Paris Saint-Germain forward is a target for the London club.

According to Sky Sports, Juventus are exploring a potential move for Jadon Sancho.

Sancho is expected to leave Man United this summer after spending last season out on loan at Chelsea, who opted to pay a fine to not make the move permanent, and both Juventus and Napoli are interested.

The report states that United are willing to sell the winger for around £25m.

Corriere dello Sport claims the move will only happen if Juve fail in their bid to capture primary target Francisco Conceicao from Porto.

Kepa Arrizabalaga is expected to complete a move to Chelsea this week, reports Sky Sports.

The Spanish goalkeeper is expected to be in London this week to finalise terms with the Gunners to become their No 2 behind David Raya.

It will be a £5m fee to Chelsea, following his loan deal to Bournemouth.

Newcastle have tabled a £45m offer for Nottingham Forest’s Anthony Elanga.

Eddie Howe is keen to boost his wide options, with Chelsea’s Noni Madueke also linked.

Ibrahima Konate has rejected Liverpool’s latest contract offer, reports the Guardian.

Out of contract next summer, Konate has been linked with a move to Real Madrid, under similar circumstances to Trent Alexander-Arnold.

The 26-year-old has emerged as a key part of Arne Slot’s side when fit, with the Guardian detailing the issue currently with the latest offer is “the structure of Liverpool’s offer”, leaving the player “disappointed”.

After billionaire businessman John Textor sold his 43 per cent stake in Crystal Palace for a reported £190m, he is keen on remaining in English football.

The Star reports that Textor would like to invest in Championship club Sheffield Wednesday.

Textor has an ownership stake in Lyon, but the Owls would not complicate that role unless they qualify for European football in the near future.

Peterborough United Kwame Poku is a target for Rangers, reports the Sunderland Echo.

Russell Martin's side are keen on the Ghana midfielder, but newly-promoted Sunderland could also compete for the 23-year-old.

The midfielder scored 12 goals in 27 League One appearances last term.