Transfer Rumours: Chelsea home in on €85m Fernandez replacement as move greenlit

Tom Weber

• Updated: 14 Apr 2026 17:54 BST
• 6 min read

News

FootballTransfers runs through the biggest rumours from 15 April, including the latest updates on Victor Froholdt, Jan Paul van Hecke and Morten Hjulmand.

Chelsea want Froholdt

Chelsea are closely monitoring FC Porto midfielder Victor Froholdt, according to Correio da Manha.

The Denmark international has been a standout performer for the Portuguese giants after joining for €20 million from Copenhagen last year. The 20-year-old is fielding interest from various clubs, including Chelsea.

The Blues view Froholdt as the perfect replacement for wantaway vice-captain Enzo Fernandez. However, Porto will only sell if they receive a fee close to his €85m release clause.

Van Hecke to leave Brighton

Jan Paul van Hecke has decided to leave Brighton this summer, as per Voetbal International.

The Netherlands international is keen to take the next step in his career after the World Cup and has rejected the chance to sign a new contract with the Seagulls. His terms expire in 2027, so Brighton will have to sell this summer.

Chelsea have been strongly linked with a move for the Dutchman in recent days, as they are expected to target a centre-back with Premier League experience this summer.

Man Utd, Liverpool keen on Hjulmand

Man Utd and Liverpool are interested in signing Sporting CP captain Morten Hjulmand, CaughtOffside claims.

The Dane is expected to leave Sporting CP this summer after agreeing to stay last year, despite fielding interest from Man Utd and others. The Lisbon club appreciate that he didn't leave and will not stand in his way after this season.

Man Utd are once again interested in Hjulmand as they seek a replacement for Casemiro, while Liverpool are now also being credited with an interest in the midfielder.

Lampard to raid Chelsea?

Chelsea legend Frank Lampard could raid his former club with Coventry City this summer, TEAMtalk reports.

The Championship side are on the cusp of confirming their return to the Premier League for the first time since 2001, and Lampard is keen to strengthen his squad with high-potential players.

Specifically, Lampard is said to be keen to loan exciting winger Jesse Derry, who has been impressing in the Chelsea youth set-up since his summer move from Crystal Palace. The 18-year-old made his senior debut in the FA Cup in February.

Williams wants Man Utd

Athletic Club winger Nico Williams is keen on a summer move to Man Utd, a report from El Nacional asserts.

Despite signing a 10-year contract with his boyhood club last summer, the Spain international wants to move to the Premier League. He feels he would be Man Utd's ideal replacement for Marcus Rashford.

Bilbao, though, don't want to lose their star winger and will demand a fee in the region of €90m, which could make a move all but impossible given the additional costs involved. Clubs previously baulked at paying €50m for Williams due to the attached agent fees and other expenses.

More transfer rumours

Aston Villa are considering a move for Man City goalkeeper James Trafford amid Emiliano Martinez's uncertain future. (Daily Mail)

Nico Schlotterbeck has a €60m release clause in his new Borussia Dortmund contract that is already active this summer, but only for certain clubs like Real Madrid and potentially Liverpool. (Sky Germany)

Robert Sanchez is likely to leave Chelsea this summer, as the club are planning to make Mike Penders their No.1 next season. (TEAMtalk)

Eduardo Camavinga is keen to stay at Real Madrid, even though the club would consider selling him at the right price. (Fabrizio Romano)

Man Utd are interested in Sunderland midfielder Noah Sadiki. (TEAMtalk)

SC Freiburg goalkeeper Noah Atubolu is a target for Brighton should Bart Verbruggen leave the club. (Sky Germany)

Departing Man Utd midfielder Casemiro has agreed a two-year contract with Inter Miami. (RTI Esporte)

Football transfer news headlines today

Transfer Rumours: Man Utd chase Lewis Miley deal as midfielder agreement close

Arsenal Transfer News Today: €70m Gordon bombshell as Arteta decision made

Chelsea Transfer News Today: Van Hecke says yes to move as €70m verdict drops

Man Utd Transfer News Today: Nico Williams demands €90m Red Devils move after agreement reached

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