Latest Premier League News and Transfer Rumours

Here is our EPL transfers and news round-up from today’s papers.

Craig Shakespeare Passes Away

Former Leicester City manager Craig Leicester passed away yesterday at the age of 60. His family released a statement saying: ‍”It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Craig Shakespeare, “SHAKEY”. Craig passed away peacefully this morning at home surrounded by his family.

“Whilst the family are immensely proud of his footballing achievements as both a player and a coach, to us, his family, he will always primarily be a loving and loved husband, father, son, brother and uncle. The loss is devastating to us all and we would ask that privacy be given at this incredibly difficult time as we try to come to terms with, and mourn, the loss of a very special person.

“The family would like to thank and acknowledge the many prayers and good wishes sent during the past few difficult months, many of which we were unable to respond to but all meant a lot to Craig and the family.”

Apart from a playing career that spanned over 500 games for the likes of Walsall, West Bromwich Albion and Grimsby among other teams, he was the assistant manager of Leicester during their magical 2015-16 season. Shakespeare then took charge of the team in the aftermath of Claudio Ranieri’s sacking the following season, guiding the team through part of their Champions League campaign.

Everyone at EPLNews extends their sincere condolences to Craig Shakespeare’s family, friends and fans.

EPL Transfers

Nottingham Forest have completed the signing of Jota Silva from Vitoria de Guimaraes. The 25-year-old forward has signed a four-year deal with the Tricky Trees and the fee is understood to be £5.9 million, potentially rising to £10.2 million with add-ons. (Nottingham Forest official announcement)

Crystal Palace have announced the Premier League return of Ismaila Sarr from Olympique Marseille on a five-year contract. Sarr has played for Watford in the English top league for two seasons and now joins Palace for a fee believed to be around £12.5 million. (Crystal Palace official announcement)

In another bit of confirmed transfer news, Premier League newcomers Ipswich Town have signed 31-year-old left-back Conor Townsend from West Bromwich Albion on a two-year contract. The rumoured fee stands at £750,000. (Ipswich official announcement)

As per Sky Sports, Arsenal continue to ponder about the best way to secure the signing of Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino. It is worth noting that he has now entered the final year of his contract with the Spanish club and all parties involved are keen to seal a deal. Fabrizio Romano goes as far as to say that personal terms between Merino and the Gunners have been agreed, so now a transfer fee needs sorting, with Sociedad hoping to receive at least £25 million for their player.

West Ham are working hard on two fronts at the moment, according to Sky Sports. They are still in negotiations with Manchester United about the fee and payment structure for a deal bringing Aaron Wan-Bissaka to east London, while personal terms are not expected to be an issue as the player is keen on the move. It is a very similar situation in the Hammers’ quest for Borussia Dortmund striker Niclas Fullkrug, who wants the transfer to happen as well, but West Ham are ready to walk away if the finances are not right.

Speaking of Manchester United, they might have a better chance of finally signing Manuel Ugarte from PSG. Due to a new development that would see the French side seal a deal with Benfica for Joao Neves, they are now open to the idea of loaning Ugarte out for this season. The catch is that they are determined to recoup as much as possible of the £50.6 million that they paid to Sporting for the Uruguayan last summer, so PSG wants a substantial loan fee and a “high purchase option” after the 2024-25 season. (L’Equipe)