Harry Kane weighs future as Saudi interest grows
Harry Kane’s name is back in the transfer churn – and this time it’s not just about the Ballon d’Or. Behind the scenes, the England captain’s camp have held talks with Al-Hilal, with the Bayern Munich striker understood to be open to a move to the Saudi Pro League at some point down the line.
That does not mean he is packing his bags just yet. At 33, Kane is also keen to extend his stay in Bavaria, with discussions over a new Bayern contract already under way in Munich. Any dramatic late switch would need to move fast: the Bundesliga window shuts on 31 August, leaving little room for brinkmanship if Al-Hilal decide to push hard now rather than later.
Al-Hilal chase double England strike force
Al-Hilal’s recruitment drive is not focused solely on Kane. The Saudi champions are also trying to prise Ollie Watkins away from Aston Villa. The forward is reported to have agreed personal terms, but Al-Hilal have yet to lodge a formal bid with Villa for the 30-year-old.
The plan up front remains slightly murky. Some reports suggest Watkins has become the primary target after a move for Kane stalled. Others insist the club are open to landing both, building a heavyweight attack and letting them scrap for the No 9 role. For now, it is a puzzle with pieces scattered across two continents.
Gavi snubs Manchester United
One player who will not be heading to the Premier League is Gavi. Manchester United made their move, but the Spain World Cup winner has rejected the chance to join Erik ten Hag’s side and intends to stay at Barcelona.
It adds another layer of frustration for United supporters, who have watched a quiet window for headline arrivals while the squad is picked at from elsewhere.
United vulnerable as Napoli circle Zirkzee
The concern at Old Trafford is not just about who is not coming in. It is also about who might be leaving. Napoli have set their sights on Joshua Zirkzee, with the Dutch forward emerging as a target after spending much of last season battling for minutes off the bench under Michael Carrick.
Napoli’s search for a striker does not stop there. The Italian club have contacted Chelsea about Nicolas Jackson and have also asked Arsenal about Gabriel Jesus. Any move for Jesus, though, would require Napoli to offload one of their existing forwards first, a financial and tactical reshuffle before they could bring the Brazilian in.
Loftus-Cheek bid knocked back
Elsewhere in Serie A, Milan have shut the door on an approach from Coventry for Ruben Loftus-Cheek. The newly promoted Premier League side tested the waters with an £8.5m offer as they tried to bring the 30-year-old back to England’s top flight for the first time since his 2023 spell with Chelsea.
Milan were unmoved. Loftus-Cheek remains part of their plans, and Coventry are left to look elsewhere for the midfield experience they want to anchor their return to the Premier League.
Manchester City hunt midfield answers after Rodri exit
Back in England, Manchester City have been forced into a rethink. Rodri, the heartbeat of their midfield, has completed a move to Barcelona, leaving new manager Enzo Maresca scrambling to reshape the centre of the pitch.
Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton is one of the names on City’s list as they assess their options. The fee for the England international is unclear, a key factor for a club that has already spent £116m on Elliot Anderson this window.
City need control, United need star power, Bayern want clarity over Kane. The clock on the window keeps ticking, and the next phone call could tilt the balance of a season.
