Transfer news LIVE: Merino heading to Arsenal, Villa want Sterling and Trippier could leave Newcastle

Raheem Sterling has been linked with a possible move to Aston Villa, according to The Guardian.

Chelsea have made it very clear that the England international is not in Enzo Maresca’s plans for the squad, and he has not been included in the two matchday squads this season, and his number has been given to new signing Pedro Neto.

Unai Emery is hoping to add another attacker to his squad, but Sterling’s wages could prove a problem. He is reportedly on £325,000 a week with three years left on a deal.

Villa might be willing to consider a loan deal, but the wages again might cause an obstacle.

Liverpool want to nab Jarrad Branthwaite from local rivals Everton, according to The Sun.

The reported deal could be up to £70m to secure the services of the highly-rated 22-year-old, who has already been a target for Manchester United this summer.

Not quite a player transfer, but Sky Sports are reporting that part-owner John Textor wants to sell his 45 per cent stake in the club, with the intention of looking at a possible takeover of Everton.

Textor reportedly visited Everton’s training ground on Wednesday.

A statement read: “We can confirm that we are interested in selling our interest in Crystal Palace, largely so that we can pursue a relationship with the Everton club and community.”

Newly-promoted Ipswich have added to their ranks with the signing of Sunderland’s Jack Clarke.

The initial deal is reportedly worth £15m with a further add-ons that could take the total to £20m.

Clarke is expected to have his medical at Portman Road later today.

Good morning and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage and updates from the latest transfers and news in football today.

First, just a quick update you might have missed, Michael Obafemi has joined Plymouth on-loan from Burnley for the season.

Former Belgium international Kompany, who replaced Thomas Tuchel in the dugout, has been working to restore order in the Bayern ranks and instil confidence among his players.

The Athletic are saying that West Ham are keen on signing Carlos Soler from PSG but will need to sell off players to make funds available.

Talks are ongoing over a season-long loan with an obligation to buy, plus a long-term contract, as West Ham work on sales after a summer of spending.

Max Kilman, Jean-Clair Todibo, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Crysencio Summerville and Niclas Fullkrug have all joined, with Guido Rodriguez, another midfielder, also arriving.

Marc Guehi was always going to be in demand after Euro 2024 and so it has proved with Newcastle boss Eddie Howe identifying the 24-year-old as his top summer signing.

Newcastle have reportedly had four offers rejected by Palace, with the latest said to be worth £60m plus £5m in add-ons.

Guehi showed his continued commitment to Palace by captaining the side at Brentford, but Eagles fans will remain nervous that they could lose him and fellow defender Joachim Andersen, a Fulham target, before the window closes.

Sky Sports and The Athletic are reporting that Kieran Trippier is prepared to leave Newcastle before the transfer window closes with Everton a potential destination.

Trippier was the first signing by the Newcastle’s new ownership in January 2022 and has been a central figure in the club’s rise to the top half of the Premier League.

The 33-year-old was an unused substitute in Saturday’s opening-weekend victory over Southampton after Eddie Howe selected Tino Livramento at right-back.

The captain’s armband, which Trippier has worn for most of his time at St James’ Park, has also been given to Bruno Guimaraes suggesting that the defender’s playing time this season will be limited.

Trippier has two years left on his contract but wants to play regular football even if that means at a different club.

Everton have held initial conversations with Newcastle to express interest in bringing him to Merseyside on loan. Everton manager Sean Dyche and Trippier worked together while at Burnley between 2012-2015.

Ivan Toney appears to have played his last game for Brentford after being left out of their Premier League opener against Crystal Palace.

The England striker missed Sunday’s 2-1 win with Bees boss Thomas Frank revealing his absence was due to “transfer interest” and that Brentford opted to leave him out.

Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli are reportedly keen and £60m would secure the services of the 28-year-old who has one year left on his contract.

The Saudi side remain far away from that valuation however as do potential Premier League clubs Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United who have moved on to other targets.