{"id":19437,"date":"2026-07-21T03:27:14","date_gmt":"2026-07-21T03:27:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/?p=19437"},"modified":"2026-07-21T03:27:14","modified_gmt":"2026-07-21T03:27:14","slug":"new-york-meeting-key-to-chelseas-maxence-lacroix-move-ipswich-close-in-on-20m-leicester-star-and-aston-villa-plough-on-with-move-for-nicolas-jackson-window-watch","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/?p=19437","title":{"rendered":"New York meeting key to Chelsea&#8217;s Maxence Lacroix move, Ipswich close in on \u00a320m Leicester star and Aston Villa plough on with move for Nicolas Jackson: WINDOW WATCH"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div itemprop=\"articleBody\">\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\"><span class=\"mol-style-italic\">It&#8217;s that time of the year again &#8211; the <\/span><span class=\"mol-style-italic\">transfer window\u00a0is now open until September 1 and it&#8217;s sure to be a busy period with clubs looking to make big signings ahead of next season. <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\"><span class=\"mol-style-italic\">Here are today&#8217;s latest developments from Simon Jones and the Daily Mail Sport team&#8230;<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"mol-para-with-font mol-style-subhead\"><\/h2>\n<h2 class=\"mol-para-with-font mol-style-subhead\">United in talks for Kone <\/h2>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">Manchester United have held discussions with representatives of Roma star Manu Kone but have yet to agree on any terms with his club.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">The 25-year-old, who made five appearances at the World Cup, is keen on a move to England and United have been evaluating various targets this month as they look for more energy in their midfield.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\"><span class=\"mol-style-italic\">For more on this story click HERE <\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"mol-para-with-font mol-style-subhead\">Doherty&#8217;s a Blade<\/h2>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">Former Tottenham and Wolves defender Matt Doherty has signed for Sheffield United on a free transfer.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">The 34-year-old has signed a one-year deal with the option for a further 12 months.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">Doherty left Wolves earlier this summer and Blades boss Chris Wilder said: \u2018You&#8217;ve got to be a seriously good player to have played as many times as he has for the likes of Wolves, Spurs and Atletico Madrid.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">\u2018Matt is a top pro on and off the pitch; he still has a real desire to achieve things in his career, and he wants to do that here.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">\u2018He&#8217;ll drive those standards we are looking for and bring the best out of others in the squad. I&#8217;ve talked about culture carriers a lot over the years, and that&#8217;s what I see in Matt.\u2019<\/p>\n<div class=\"artSplitter mol-img-group\" style=\"style\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"> <img decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-3aca9b02414bb8bf\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.com\/1s\/2026\/07\/20\/23\/110146131-15990243-image-m-9_1784587481215.jpg\" height=\"351\" width=\"634\" alt=\"Matt Doherty has been charged with driving standards at Bramall Lane\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" style=\"max-width:100%\" loading=\"lazy\" \/> <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">Matt Doherty has been charged with driving standards at Bramall Lane<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"mol-para-with-font mol-style-subhead\">Tolaj completes \u00a34m Robins move<\/h2>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">Bristol City have confirmed the signing of Lorent Tolaj from Plymouth for \u00a34million plus add-ons.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">The Swiss striker, 2,4 has signed a four-year deal at Ashton Gate and will wear the No 9 shirt.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">Tolaj scored 21 goals for Argyle in all competitions last season.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"mol-para-with-font mol-style-subhead\">Celtic eye Egypt star <\/h2>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">Celtic have made an enquiry for Egypt winger Haissem Hassan.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">The 24-year-old, who plays for Real Oviedo, starred at the World Cup for Egypt, notably in their brave 3-2 defeat to Argentina. He has one year left on his contract.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">Meanwhile, Ipswich have held talks with Celtic over a deal to sign forward Daizen Maeda.<\/p>\n<div class=\"artSplitter mol-img-group\" style=\"style\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"> <img decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-1945d77ee71d15a2\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.com\/1s\/2026\/07\/20\/20\/110144913-15990243-image-m-22_1784576829427.jpg\" height=\"466\" width=\"634\" alt=\"Haissem Hassan at the World Cup with Egypt team-mate Mo Salah\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" style=\"max-width:100%\" loading=\"lazy\" \/> <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">Haissem Hassan at the World Cup with Egypt team-mate Mo Salah<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"mol-para-with-font mol-style-subhead\">New York meeting could hold key to Lacroix deal<\/h2>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">Chelsea are working towards agreement on a fee for Maxence Lacroix as Crystal Palace push for \u00a360million.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">Palace have been holding out for maximum profit on the France international defender who is ready to leave this window.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">Chelsea co-owner Behdad Eghbali and Palace chairman Steve Parish who were in New York for the World Cup final met at the Aman Hotel near Central Park on Sunday.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\"><span class=\"mol-style-italic\">For more on this story click <\/span><span class=\"mol-style-italic\">HERE<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"artSplitter mol-img-group\" style=\"style\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"> <img decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-a5d676fb0304afb3\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.com\/1s\/2026\/07\/20\/20\/110144527-15990243-image-a-20_1784575212920.jpg\" height=\"423\" width=\"634\" alt=\"France's Maxence Lacroix played against England in the third-place playoff on Saturday\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" style=\"max-width:100%\" loading=\"lazy\" \/> <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">France&#8217;s Maxence Lacroix played against England in the third-place playoff on Saturday<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"mol-para-with-font mol-style-subhead\">Ipswich set for Fatawu <\/h2>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">Abdul Fatawu is having a medical at Ipswich Town ahead of a permanent move from Leicester.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">Ipswich are understood to be paying an initial \u00a320m for Fatawu plus add-ons.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">The winger hopes to join the Ipswich squad in La Manga.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">Ipswich are also in talks with Celtic over a deal to sign forward Daizen Maeda.<\/p>\n<div class=\"artSplitter mol-img-group\" style=\"style\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"> <img decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-424b187a58b6e436\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.com\/1s\/2026\/07\/20\/19\/110144049-15990243-image-m-8_1784572706218.jpg\" height=\"577\" width=\"634\" alt=\"Abdul Fatawu represented Ghana at the World Cup and is now set for Ipswich\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" style=\"max-width:100%\" loading=\"lazy\" \/> <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">Abdul Fatawu represented Ghana at the World Cup and is now set for Ipswich<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"mol-para-with-font mol-style-subhead\">Daka set for Hamburg medical<\/h2>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">Patson Daka will have a medical with Hamburg tomorrow ahead of signing a two-year deal.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">The striker was a free agent after his contract ran down at Leicester City and he has been talking to clubs in Spain.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">However, the Bundesliga side have made an offer of a one year contract with option for a further year and he is poised to sign pending his medical.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"mol-para-with-font mol-style-subhead\">Villa plough on with Jackson move<\/h2>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">Aston Villa are continuing to discuss a proposed deal for Nicolas Jackson at Chelsea.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">Daily Mail Sport reported on Saturday that Jackson has come up in conversation during negotiations over Morgan Rogers&#8217; \u00a3117million sale.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">A proposed transfer for Rogers, who started his Chelsea medical today, and Jackson was discussed a year ago and the Senegal international is well known to Villa boss Unai Emery.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\"><span class=\"mol-style-italic\">For more on this story click <\/span><span class=\"mol-style-italic\">HERE <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"artSplitter mol-img-group\" style=\"style\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"> <img decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-a810b158b50c8b0f\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.com\/1s\/2026\/07\/21\/00\/110138661-15990243-Nicolas_Jackson_joined_Chelsea_in_2023_but_spent_last_season_on_-a-1_1784589546378.jpg\" height=\"425\" width=\"634\" alt=\"Nicolas Jackson joined Chelsea in 2023 but spent last season on loan at Bayern Munich\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" style=\"max-width:100%\" loading=\"lazy\" \/> <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">Nicolas Jackson joined Chelsea in 2023 but spent last season on loan at Bayern Munich<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"mol-para-with-font mol-style-subhead\">How to show hand for Chalobah<\/h2>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">Como are willing to offer \u00a335million for Trevoh Chalobah as talks continue over the Chelsea centre back&#8217;s future.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\"><span class=\"mol-style-italic\"><\/span>Chalobah has been on World Cup duty with England and made a fleeting appearance against France on Saturday.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">Como had been rebuffed in their opening two proposals for the 27-year-old and are working to meet Chelsea&#8217;s valuation with a structured offer.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">Inter Milan have also discussed Chalobah as they want two centre backs but Como are hopeful they can conclude a deal for Cesc Fabregas.<\/p>\n<div class=\"artSplitter mol-img-group\" style=\"style\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"> <img decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-9d16d83478b2594b\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.com\/1s\/2026\/07\/21\/00\/110137133-15990243-Serie_A_side_Como_are_interested_in_signing_Trevoh_Chalobah_from-a-2_1784589546386.jpg\" height=\"425\" width=\"634\" alt=\"Serie A side Como are interested in signing Trevoh Chalobah from Chelsea\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" style=\"max-width:100%\" loading=\"lazy\" \/> <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">Serie A side Como are interested in signing Trevoh Chalobah from Chelsea<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"mol-para-with-font mol-style-subhead\">New arrival at Liverpool<\/h2>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">Alejandro Rosalen has been appointed Liverpool\u2019s new first-team goalkeeping coach. The 49-year-old Spaniard joins Andoni Iraola\u2019s backroom staff, replacing Xavi Valero.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">Rosalen was at Serie A side Napoli and previously spent eight years with Fiorentina.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"mol-para-with-font mol-style-subhead\">Gomes goes to Villa<\/h2>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">Aston Villa have confirmed the signing of Joao Gomes from Wolves. The deal is worth \u00a338m comprised of an initial fee of \u00a334m plus \u00a34m in add-ons.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"mol-para-with-font mol-style-subhead\">United land Thompson from Spurs <\/h2>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">Manchester United have signed teenage winger Tynan Thompson from Tottenham, subject to the registration, in a deal believed to be worth up to \u00a38million.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">It&#8217;s understood that United will pay \u00a34m plus up to another \u00a34m in add-ons to Spurs who will have a 15 per cent cut of any future sale.<\/p>\n<div class=\"artSplitter mol-img-group\" style=\"style\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"> <img decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-8b1cdda8c6dd94e8\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.com\/1s\/2026\/07\/21\/00\/110133059-15990243-Manchester_United_have_signed_Tynan_Thompson_from_Tottenham-a-3_1784589546387.jpg\" height=\"425\" width=\"634\" alt=\"Manchester United have signed Tynan Thompson from Tottenham\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" style=\"max-width:100%\" loading=\"lazy\" \/> <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">Manchester United have signed Tynan Thompson from Tottenham<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">Thompson, who was on the bench for Tottenham several times last season, scored 13 goals and contributed six assists across Under-18s and Under-21s games, including seven goals in as many UEFA Youth League fixtures.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">Thompson was involved in three senior matchday squads for Spurs last season and was on the bench against PSG and Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League. <\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">United confirmed the deal in a statement, saying: &#8216;Everyone at United would like to welcome Tynan to the club and wish him the very best of luck for the future.&#8217;<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\"><span class=\"mol-style-bold\">CHRIS WHEELER<\/span> <\/p>\n<h2 class=\"mol-para-with-font mol-style-subhead\">Rogers due for Chelsea medical<\/h2>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">Aston Villa midfielder Morgan Rogers is due for his medical at Chelsea today.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\"><span class=\"mol-style-italic\">Daily Mail Sport <\/span>reported yesterday that Rogers&#8217;s former club Middlesbrough will pocket around \u00a320.2million from Morgan Rogers&#8217; \u00a3117m transfer to Chelsea, which would represent a record sell-on fee in the Premier League.<\/p>\n<div class=\"artSplitter mol-img-group\" style=\"style\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"> <img decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-9eb1a4e865a5e728\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.com\/1s\/2026\/07\/21\/00\/110131333-15990243-Morgan_Rogers_is_due_to_undergo_his_medical_ahead_of_a_move_to_C-a-4_1784589546389.jpg\" height=\"502\" width=\"634\" alt=\"Morgan Rogers is due to undergo his medical ahead of a move to Chelsea\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" style=\"max-width:100%\" loading=\"lazy\" \/> <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">Morgan Rogers is due to undergo his medical ahead of a move to Chelsea<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">The ex-Boro midfielder is set for a move to Stamford Bridge after Chelsea struck a verbal agreement with Aston Villa, after Arsenal had failed to back up their interest with a suitable bid.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">When Boro agreed to sell him to Aston Villa, in February 2024, for \u00a316m, they inserted a 20 per cent sell-on clause on any profit generated from a future transfer in the England international&#8217;s contract.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"mol-para-with-font mol-style-subhead\">Diop discussing Portman Road switch <\/h2>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">Fulham defender Issa Diop is in talks over an \u00a38.5million move to Ipswich.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\">The 29-year-old played for Morocco at the World Cup and is discussing a four-year contract with Gary O&#8217;Neil&#8217;s side.<\/p>\n<div class=\"artSplitter mol-img-group\" style=\"style\">\n<div class=\"mol-img\">\n<div class=\"image-wrap\"> <img decoding=\"async\" id=\"i-dc4b6be373cef6b2\" src=\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.com\/1s\/2026\/07\/21\/00\/110130359-15990243-Ipswich_are_keen_on_a_move_for_experienced_Fulham_defender_Issa_-a-5_1784589546390.jpg\" height=\"434\" width=\"634\" alt=\"Ipswich are keen on a move for experienced Fulham defender Issa Diop\" class=\"blkBorder img-share\" style=\"max-width:100%\" loading=\"lazy\" \/> <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p class=\"imageCaption\">Ipswich are keen on a move for experienced Fulham defender Issa Diop<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\"><span class=\"mol-style-italic\">Click below for all the transfer developments over the last few days&#8230; <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\"><span class=\"mol-style-bold\">SUNDAY:<\/span> <span class=\"mol-style-italic\">Roma ponder new bid for \u00a350m-rated Crysensio Summerville <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\"><span class=\"mol-style-bold\">SATURDAY: <\/span><span class=\"mol-style-italic\">Revealed: The figure Middlesbrough are set to pocket from Morgan Rogers&#8217; move to Chelsea<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\"><span class=\"mol-style-bold\">FRIDAY: <\/span><span class=\"mol-style-italic\">Aston Villa sign Swiss World Cup star Johan Manzambi<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\"><span class=\"mol-style-bold\">THURSDAY: <\/span><span class=\"mol-style-italic\">Arsenal agree \u00a334m deal to sign Greek attacker Christos Tzolis<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"mol-para-with-font\"><span class=\"mol-style-bold\">WEDNESDAY: <\/span><span class=\"mol-style-italic\">Sunderland sign Belgium&#8217;s Thomas Meunier<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>It&#8217;s that time of the year again &#8211; the transfer window\u00a0is now open until September&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":19438,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"pagelayer_contact_templates":[],"_pagelayer_content":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-19437","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-chelsea"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19437","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=19437"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19437\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/19438"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=19437"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=19437"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=19437"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}