Manchester United and Liverpool target Tyrick Mitchell: Wednesday's transfer round-up

Crystal Palace defender Tyrick Mitchell has emerged as one of the most watched names in the transfer market. Manchester United and Liverpool have shown growing interest in the 27-year-old English left-back, whose consistency in the Premier League has made him a target for both giants of the English game. That battle headlines Wednesday's transfer gossip, which also features Alejandro Garnacho, Morgan Gibbs-White and Julian Ward.

• Manchester United and Liverpool are competing for Crystal Palace left-back Tyrick Mitchell.
• La Liga clubs are tracking Alejandro Garnacho following a difficult start to life at Aston Villa.
• Bayern Munich are considering a move for England international Morgan Gibbs-White.
• Julian Ward is set to return to Liverpool as sporting director, a role he previously held in 2022-23.
• Arsenal plan to secure Declan Rice on a new long-term deal during the September international break.

Mitchell: a left-back wanted by the North West giants

Tyrick Mitchell has established himself as a regular in the Crystal Palace starting line-up over several seasons, and his form has not gone unnoticed among the biggest clubs in English football. At 27, the left-sided defender brings Premier League experience and a dependable defensive profile that fits both the Old Trafford and Anfield projects.

Manchester United have spent time searching for a reliable option on the left side of defence, a position hit by injuries and constant rotation. Liverpool, for their part, are keen to strengthen a back line that has undergone significant changes in recent transfer windows. Mitchell appears as a high-level option without the need to leave the Premier League.

Alejandro Garnacho on the radar of La Liga after Aston Villa loan struggles

Alejandro Garnacho is finding it hard to settle in Birmingham. The Argentine attacker joined Aston Villa on loan from Chelsea during the summer, but his involvement has not been as significant as expected. As a result, several La Liga clubs have begun monitoring his situation ahead of future windows.

The attacking midfielder, known for his dribbling and eye for goal, still holds a strong reputation across European football despite his uneven adaptation to Villa Park. His profile suits Spanish clubs looking for young talent from the major leagues, and interest from Spain could become an exit route if his role does not improve in the coming months.

Julian Ward set for Liverpool sporting director return

Liverpool are preparing an important change in their sporting structure. Julian Ward, currently technical director at Fenway Sports Group, is expected to take over as the club's sporting director, a position he already held during the 2022-23 season. His return would fill the gap left by Richard Hughes.

Ward knows the inner workings of Anfield perfectly, and his return points to continuity in the transfer policy that has delivered strong results for the Reds over the past decade. At 45, the executive would once again take on a key role in first-team planning.

Bayern Munich turn attention to Morgan Gibbs-White

Bayern Munich have set their sights on Morgan Gibbs-White. The Nottingham Forest attacking midfielder, a 26-year-old England international, is highly regarded by the Bavarian club, who are already working on potential reinforcements for the final third.

Gibbs-White has been one of Forest's most creative outlets in recent seasons. His ability to operate between the lines and his late runs into the box make him a profile valued in Germany, where Bayern are looking for young players with room to grow as they challenge in the Bundesliga and in Europe.

Arsenal look to secure Declan Rice on a long-term contract

Arteta regards Declan Rice as a fundamental piece of the Gunners' project, and the London club plan to use the September international break to finalise a new long-term contract. The 27-year-old England international currently has an option to extend his deal by 12 months, but Arsenal want to tie him down with a far more stable agreement.

Protecting key players is a priority at the Emirates. Securing Rice on a major new contract would allow Arsenal to distance any outside interest and keep the core of a side that has returned to challenging for the Premier League title.

Wirtz, Endrick, Vinicius and other transfer stories

Florian Wirtz's future is also shaking up the market. Liverpool remain fully committed to developing the 23-year-old German attacking midfielder, even though Bayern have sounded out his representatives in an attempt to lure him away.

In Italy, AC Milan and Roma are considering a loan move for Endrick, the 20-year-old Brazilian forward at Real Madrid whose departure would depend on the green light from Florentino Perez. Meanwhile, Chelsea are tracking Adama Jeng, a highly rated 15-year-old Gambian midfielder from Samger FC, with Bayern Munich, Benfica, Sporting and Paris FC also interested.

Barcelona have scouted 19-year-old Brazilian Arthur Dias of Athletico Paranaense, a player previously linked with strong interest from Tottenham. And from Spain comes a curious episode: Arsenal came so close to signing Vinicius Jr from Real Madrid in the summer that his own team-mates reportedly considered the move a foregone conclusion.

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