Sports Mole rounds up the latest transfer news and rumours, including Jorge Cuenca to Fulham, Matt O’Riley to Southampton and Sofyan Amrabat to Fenerbahce.
Fulham are reportedly in advanced discussions to sign Villarreal centre-back Jorge Cuenca.
The Cottagers began their summer transfer business with the addition of Ryan Sessegnon before they confirmed the signing of Emile Smith Rowe from Chelsea in a club-record deal.
Fulham are now set to turn their attention to the backline, with Marco Silva keen to add two new centre-backs, having seen Tosin Adarabioyo leave for Chelsea and Tim Ream enter talks with MLS side Charlotte FC.
According to the Standard, the West London club are making progress in their bid to sign Cuenca from Spanish side Villarreal.
The Cottagers are said to be in advance talks and are confident they can secure Cuenca’s signature for a cut-price £6.7m fee.
Cuenca, who joined Villarreal from Barcelona in 2020, predominantly plays as a central defender but can also operate as a left-back when required.
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Southampton preparing fresh O’Riley bid
Staying in the Premier League, newly-promoted Southampton are reportedly prepared to submit a new bid for Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley.
The 23-year-old is attracting significant interest after scoring 19 goals and providing 18 assists in 49 competitive appearances last season, helping Celtic win the Scottish Premiership and the Scottish Cup.
However, Brendan Rodgers‘s side are facing a real battle to retain O’Riley’s services, having turned down multiple offers from Atalanta BC and a reported £12m bid from Southampton.
According to Football Insider, the Saints are now preparing to table a fresh bid to prise O’Riley away from Celtic Park.
While it is unclear how much Southampton are willing to offer, they are believed to be considering whether to use Shea Charles in a player-plus-cash proposal.
Celtic are said to be interested in the 20-year-old midfielder, but they would rather complete a straight cash deal for O’Riley as they continue to hold out for their £25m asking price.
Southampton boss Russell Martin is well aware of O’Riley’s talents after previously coaching him during his time as MK Dons manager.
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Mourinho wants Amrabat
Over in Turkey, new Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho is reportedly interested in signing ex-Manchester United midfielder Sofyan Amrabat from Fiorentina.
The Morocco international spent last season on loan at Mourinho’s former club Man United, but he has now returned to Fiorentina after the Premier League club decided not to activate the player’s buy option.
While Man United could still look to re-sign Amrabat, he is attracting plenty of interest from other European clubs, including Juventus, AC Milan, Napoli and Atletico Madrid.
However, according to Tutto Mercato Web, Turkish giants Fenerbahce are the side that are pushing hardest to sign the defensive midfielder.
Fenerbahce have made contact over a potential move, with Mourinho keen to build a squad that can end the club’s 10-year wait for the Turkish Super Lig title.
The Turkish side could present Amrabat the chance to play in the Champions League main draw if they are able to negotiate the final two rounds of qualifying.