FootballTransfers runs through the biggest rumours and gossip from 23 August, including the latest updates on Trent Alexander-Arnold, Nico Paz and Flavio Goncalves.

Alonso approves Alexander-Arnold signing

Xabi Alonso has approved Chelsea to pursue a deal for Trent Alexander-Arnold, with Real Madrid reportedly open to selling the right-back.

Alexander-Arnold has struggled for regular action at the Santiago Bernabéu following his departure from Liverpool, with manager Jose Mourinho frequently utilising midfielder Federico Valverde in defence instead.

While boyhood club Liverpool have also been credited with interest in a potential reunion, it is Xabi Alonso’s Blues who have reportedly surged ahead in the race to secure his signature, according to Si Philips.

Alonso previously coached the 28-year-old at Madrid, and a deal could prompt Chelsea to lower their asking price to offload Malo Gusto.

Chelsea and Man Utd battle for Sporting wonderkid

Chelsea and Manchester United could both be readying January transfer window moves for Sporting wonderkid Flavio Goncalves.

The 19-year-old, who can play on either flank or inattacking midfield, is under contract until 2030, and it’s understood that he is currently available for a release clause fee of €60 million.

According to CaughtOffside, United and Chelsea are among the teams eyeing deals of around €50m, with Sporting keen to get Goncalves to agree a new contract with a release clause closer to €100m.

Sporting are desperate not to sell, and will likely point to that €60m release clause, but it remains to be seen if the player himself pushes for a move.

Man Utd eye Ten Hag-approved Dutch teenager

Manchester United are among a host of Premier League clubs keeping tabs on FC Twente wonderkid Ruud Nijstad.

Nijstad has been a regular for Twente and his left-footed, physical profile has led to interest in a number of clubs, including United, who have watched him in action this year according to TEAMtalk.

The 18-year-old, who is 6 foot 5 inches, has attracted interest from Manchester City, Brentford, Aston Villa, Newcastle United, Everton and Sunderland, although a winter move is not expected.

United could be helped by the presence of their former manager Erik ten Hag, who is now technical director at Twente, with the Dutchman set to play a significant role in Nijstad’s future.

Chelsea monitoring Paz

Chelsea are among the clubs said to be ‘hot on the trail’ of Nico Paz after the Como star’s impressive performances this season.

Paz scored twice and created another in Como’s devastating defeat of Manchester United this week to take his tally to four goals and five assists in ten matches across all competitions this season.

Como paid Real Madrid €60 million to keep hold of Paz this summer but the Spanish giants have a new option to buy him back next year for €80m, with Chelsea also ‘constantly monitoring’ the 22-year-old, according to a title="Tuttomercatoweb" href="https://www.tuttomercatoweb.com/serie-a/chelsea-tracce-nico-paz-ombra-real-madrid-2285223" target="_blank">Tuttomercatoweb

Chelsea are named as a team who are ‘constantly monitoring’ Paz, having kept a ‘close eye on him’ in Como’s last two matches against Feyenoord and Fiorentina, although the Premier League giants would be required to ‘pay a fortune’ to win the race for his signature.

More rumours

Barcelona and Real Madrid are among the clubs already looking closely at Johan Manzambi after an impressive start to his Aston Villa career. (Football Insider)

Atlético de Madrid and Arsenal are competing to sign Brighton midfielder Diego Gomez. (Fichajes)

Galatasaray have cooled their interest in Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes.

https://www.teamtalk.com/manchester-united/bruno-fernandes-man-utd-galatasaray-decision-al-hilal-2027-transfer-exclusive

Manchester United full-back Diogo Dalot is reportedly attracting interest from Serie A giants AC Milan, Inter Milan, and Juventus. (Gazzetta)

Barcelona are keen on hijacking Manchester City’s pre-agreed transfer for MLS wonderkid Cavan Sullivan. (SPORT)