With the transfer window closing on Tuesday night, clubs across the Premier League are scrambling to finalise deals, with Everton and Newcastle United among the most active in the market.
Everton have entered discussions with Monaco over a move for striker Folarin Balogun as David Moyes looks to reshape his forward line before the deadline. The 25-year-old, who came through Arsenal's academy before loan spells at Middlesbrough and Reims, joined Monaco in 2023 and was named the club's player of the season last term after netting 13 goals in 30 Ligue 1 appearances, according to reporting figures cited by the Guardian, though the Independent puts his tally at 19 for the campaign. Balogun is not expected to extend his contract with the French side.
The move is tied to Beto's expected departure from Goodison Park. The Portugal-born forward is set for a medical with Fiorentina after the Serie A club had an offer of around £15m accepted. Beto has been a regular contributor since his £25m arrival from Udinese in 2023, scoring 25 goals in 113 appearances while sharing striking duties with Thierno Barry last season.
Balogun's profile has been raised further by his exploits at the World Cup, where a red card was controversially rescinded. The Independent reported that his suspension was lifted after intervention from United States president Donald Trump, who spoke with Fifa president Gianni Infantino.
Everton's activity does not stop there. The club is also negotiating with Tottenham over multiple deals that could see Richarlison return to Merseyside four years after leaving in a £60m transfer, alongside a possible move for Iliman Ndiaye in the opposite direction. Talks are also progressing to reunite Moyes with Jack Grealish, who spent last season on loan at Goodison Park and remains outside Pep Guardiola's plans at Manchester City despite his £100m price tag. On the defensive side, Everton are close to solving their long-standing right-back issue, with Fulham's Kenny Tete a target for a fee in the region of £9m. However, the Toffees have opted against selling academy midfielder Harrison Armstrong to Nottingham Forest following pushback from supporters, with Moyes reportedly reluctant to part with the youngster.
At Newcastle, forward Nick Woltemade is edging closer to a loan exit to Juventus, just a year after his club-record £69m arrival from Stuttgart. The Germany international has found it difficult to adapt to the demanding tactical systems implemented first by Eddie Howe and now by Matthias Jaissle. Juventus have opened talks over a deal worth around £5m in loan fees, though Borussia Dortmund remain interested as well. Newcastle's willingness to let Woltemade go may hinge on bringing in a replacement forward, with Lille's Matias Fernandez-Pardo the priority target, followed by Stuttgart's Bilal El Khannouss given the slow progress of talks with Lille.
Other Newcastle players could also depart before the deadline. Winger Jacob Murphy has attracted interest from Nottingham Forest, third-choice goalkeeper Nick Pope is seeking regular first-team football elsewhere, and Besiktas continue to monitor Joe Willock, although his impressive form under Jaissle may keep him on Tyneside.
Elsewhere, Crystal Palace are set to complete a loan signing of Atalanta defender Honest Ahanor, who will join Chelsea permanently for £40m next summer. Palace, who have made a difficult start under new manager Pierre Sage, are also closing in on Colombian wing-back Daniel Muñoz from Nottingham Forest for around £22m, though a bid for goalkeeper Dean Henderson was turned down. Liverpool are said to be tracking Palace winger Ismaïla Sarr, but the south London club are determined to keep both Sarr and midfielder Adam Wharton, a player also linked with Chelsea.
Meanwhile, Hull City have expressed interest in taking Chelsea midfielder Dario Essugo on loan after he fell outside Xabi Alonso's plans following his move from Sporting last summer.
Based on reporting from Guardian Football and The Independent.