Born in the south east of Ireland, Simon put his life-long love of football to good use when he started a successful independent blog in 2010. That opened up an alternative route to a career in journalism, and having had work published across a number of sites and publications, Simon joined the staff at Spotlight Sports Group in 2018.
DONE DEAL – Aleksandar Mitrović – Fulham
Fulham have completed the signing of Serbian international striker Aleksandar Mitrovic for a reported £22m from fellow Premier League side Newcastle United.
Mitrovic hit 12 goals in 17 games on loan at Fulham last season as the Cottagers secured promotion to the top flight via the Championship play-offs.
The 23-year-old, who joined Newcastle from Belgian side Anderlecht in 2015 for £14.5m, has signed a five-year deal which runs until 2023.
“I’m happy to the moon and back,” he said.
“I’m very glad and happy and proud to finally be here and officially become a Fulham player. I have love for the fans. They’re amazing fans and I have a really good connection with them. This is a big club and last year we made history.We want to keep making big things – and with all the fans behind us I think we can go far.”
Our no.9⃣!#HereToStay 🔥 pic.twitter.com/T3Kr8YvBo2
— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) July 30, 2018
Joao Mario – West Ham
West Ham are reportedly interested in re-signing Portuguese midfielder Joao Mario on loan. Mario, who spent the second half of last season on loan at the London Stadium, has been told by Inter manager Luciano Spalletti’s that he isn’t in his plans for the season.
The 25-year-old has no shortage of admirers, as his former club Sporting Lisbon and La Liga sleeping giants Real Betis are also keen on him. (Gazzetta dello Sport)
Read More: Premier League 18/19 Title Winners and Top Four Betting Tips and Predictions
Adama Traore – Wolves
Wolves are interested in signing Middlesbrough winger Adama Traore, according to reports. It’s understood that the former Barcelona youth team player has an £18m release clause and Boro would not sell him for less.
The 22-year old completed more dribbles per game than any other player in the Championship last season. The attacker has represented Spain from U16 right up to U21 level. (Sky Sports)
Alfie Mawson – Fulham
Fulham and Swansea have agree fee for central defender Alfie Mawson. Mawson is expected to have a medical today and finalise personal terms with the Cottagers ahead of completing his transfer.
Fulham will pay an initial £15m that could rise to £20m for the 24-year-old whose performances were a bright spark in an otherwise dreadful season for relegated Swansea City. (The Guardian)
Read More: Premier League Team Focus: Fulham to feel at home in the Premier League
Tiemoue Bakayoko – AC Milan
New Chelsea head coach Maurizio Sarri is reportedly ready to sell midfield flop Tiemoue Bakayoko. Bakayoko has played in both of Chelsea’s pre-season friendlies against Perth Glory and Inter Milan but he already looks to be struggling to adapt to Sarri’s quick-passing game.
The 23-year-old has been at Stamford Bridge for a little over a year after he moved to London from French side Monaco. AC Milan are rumoured to be interested in the midfielder. (Daily Star)
Aaron Ramsey – Chelsea
Aaron Ramsey has emerged as a shock target for Chelsea. The Arsenal midfielder has an offer of a new five-year deal at the Emirates, but the Welsh international has yet to put pen to paper.
Maurizio Sarri is looking to reshuffle his midfield with Tiemoue Bakayoko and Danny Drinkwater set for a Stamford Bridge exit. That would leave space in the Chelsea squad for Ramsey to slot in to. (Sky Sports)
Geoffrey Kondogbia – Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham Hotspur have been informed that they will have to pay £70m to activate the buyout clause for Valencia midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia. Spurs have yet to make a single signing this summer as they struggle to make improvements to last year’s squad.
25-year old midfielder Kondogbia moved to Spain from Inter Milan last season, and the Frenchman won plenty of admirers for his combative play. (Daily Mail)
Anthony Martial – PSG
Rumorus from France suggest that Manchester United have offered Paris St. Germain the chance to sign wantaway attacker Anthony Martial. The Frenchman wants to leave United this summer, but the club are reluctant to sell him to a domestic rival.
United are thought to want around £70m for Martial, though as things stand, PSG believe the cost to be too high, especially given Martial’s sizeable wage demands. (Daily Mirror)
Read More: Nabil Fekir Caught in Career Limbo
Troy Deeney – Cardiff City
Cardiff are preparing a shock £12million move to sign Watford captain Troy Deeney. Neil Warnock has identified 30-year old Deeney as the man to lead the Cardiff City attack next season.
Deeney’s future at Vicarage Road is thought to be uncertain, though the Hornets are reluctant to part with the striker until they can find a suitable replacement. Deeney has been at Watford since 2010 and has scored 112 goals for the club. (BBC)
Marcos Rojo – Everton
Everton are leading the race to sign Manchester United’s Argentinean internatioal defender Marcos Rojo. Rojo has been told he can leave United, as long as any buying club meets their £30million valuation of the versatile defender.
Rojo signed a new contract with United in March until 2021, though that was done more to protect his market value rather than an indication of his future at Old Trafford being secured. Rojo played just 9 times in the Premier League for United last season. The 59 times capped international would have to lower his wage demands to make the switch to Goodison Park. (Telegraph)
Matias Vecino – Chelsea
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8URIyx6Gis
Chelsea are in talks to sign Inter Milan midfielder Matias Vecino, according to the latest reports. Inter are thought to want £32m for the Uruguayan international, who featured in each of his country’s matches at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
The 26-year-old played under new Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri at Empoli in 2014/15 and was an important member of Inter’s squad last season, racking 29 appearances and scoring 3 goals. (Sky Sports)
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