Transfer Rumours: Bradley Barcola deal accelerates as surprise Man Utd talks start

Updated: 22 Aug 2026 18:29 BST | 6 min read

Tom Weber | Writer

Multilingual sports writer who specialises in European football and American soccer.

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FootballTransfers runs through the biggest rumours and gossip from 23 August, including the latest updates on Bradley Barcola, Joshua Zirkzee and Lautaro Martinez.

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Barcola confidence

Liverpool are likely to strike a deal for PSG winger Bradley Barcola before the deadline, Fabrizio Romano believes.

The two clubs have been locked in direct discussions over the France international for weeks. The seeming lack of progress on a potential deal is due to the fact that these negotiations are taking place verbally rather than via official, written bids and counter-offers.

Liverpool have proposed various fees and deal structures during these talks. They have made it clear that they will not pay PSG's reported asking price of €170 million for Barcola, but a breakthrough is expected, with both clubs maintaining a strong relationship.

Villa make Zirkzee enquiry

Romano also reports that Aston Villa have enquired about Man Utd forward Joshua Zirkzee.

The Netherlands international is an option for the Birmingham club should they sell Ollie Watkins to Al-Hilal and fail to strike a deal with Chelsea for top target Nicolas Jackson.

Zirkzee has also fielded interest from several Serie A clubs in recent weeks, but things haven't developed on that front as his Italian suitors have struggled to make the sales that would free up the necessary resources and squad space for his signing.

Martinez to Barca squashed

Barcelona's links with Inter striker Lautaro Martinez are nothing but "unfounded rumours," as per Gazzetta dello Sport.

The Argentina international has been touted as a potential alternative to Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez, but Inter consider the striker untouchable this summer. Some reports have claimed that personal terms have already been agreed, but this is a "mere fantasy."

There has been no contact between Inter and Barcelona. Nerazzurri CEO Beppe Marotta and head coach Cristian Chivu have both made it clear that Martinez is not for sale at any price.

Real Madrid's next signing

Real Madrid are closing in on a deal to sign Racing Santander starlet Sergio Martinez, AS writes.

The 19-year-old scored a remarkable goal in Racing's first game back in LaLiga, which prompted interest from several high-profile clubs. However, Real Madrid moved quickly and indicated that they are willing to pay more than his measly €3m release clause.

Martinez has reportedly greenlit the transfer despite the fact that Real Madrid are planning to initially have the midfielder feature in their Castilla team, albeit with the possibility of regularly training with the first team.

Late Ait-Nouri exit?

Juventus are exploring a late-window move for Man City left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri, Tuttomercatoweb claims.

Manager Luciano Spalletti feels that his squad needs reinforcements on the left side of the backline. Real Madrid defender Alvaro Carreras would be the preferred option for the position, but a deal is considered too complicated.

Talks with Man City aren't any more straightforward, however. Ait-Nouri only joined for €36.8m last summer, so he is likely to prove too expensive for Juventus. Moreover, the Cityzens will surely be reticent to lose more players given the exodus they have already experienced.