Transfer News RECAP: Bayern Munich eye Palace youngster Wharton, Kalvin Phillips considering life away from the Premier League, Enzo Maresca to Chelsea and Kompany arrives at Munich

Right , it's 5pm, you know what that means... It's time to wrap up.

In all honesty, it's not been the most eventful day in the world of transfers, however, there is a lot still to come.

We still await the official announcement from Chelsea in regards to Enzo Maresca, but it's not too far away.

Thank you for following along with us today, it's been a pleasure as always. Enjoy the rest of your evening.

Goodbye!

Big, big, news in East Anglia!

Ipswich Town fans will be ecstatic because manager Kieran McKenna has signed a new four-year deal at the club.

It looked at one point that he could be leaning towards something new when clubs such as Chelsea, Manchester United, and Brighton showed interest.

However, despite all the links, McKenna has decided he wants to continue with the club he helped bring back to the Premier League.

The Ipswich fan I know will be bouncing off the walls right now.

To read more, click below:

While we are on the topic of Conor Bradley, I thought I'd raise this question.

Trent Alexander-Arnold has been a revelation at right-back since he broke through back in 2017. There are not many better.

However, is it time for him to move into the midfield?

While Jurgen Klopp enjoyed giving him the freedom to drift wherever he wanted, but still also operate him in the right-back role, Arne Slot might not do the same.

It begs the question, if Slot does move him into the middle of te park, does that mean Bradley becomes Liverpool's first choice right-back?

What do you think?

Could Conor Bradley be in line for a new Liverpool contract?

The Northern Irish full-back burst onto the scene in January of this year, impressing at right-back while deputising for Trent Alexander-Arnold.

The Reds are reportedly keen on tying him down to a new deal so nobody can pry him away from Anfield, according to TeamTalk.

It would be a good bit of business from Liverpool, Bradley is certainly a star in the making.

With Arne Slot coming in, his chances are only set to increase.

Want more Chelsea transfer news? Well, you are going to get it...

It is understood that the Blues are exploring their options in regards to signing a new goalkeeper.

The club's current number one is Djordje Petrovic, while Robert Sanchez plays second fiddle.

However, according to BBC Sport, with Enzo Maresca on his way, Chelsea are enquiring about the availability of Villarreal goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen.

This could be one to watch.

Another Chelsea man has been rumoured to be on his way to the exit door.

We know there is meant to be a mass exodus at the Blues this summer, but this one surprises me.

According to the Independant, Manchester United are interested in the Chelsea defender.

He joins a long list of United defensive targets, but in my humble opinion, I think he ranks highly on the list.

It will be interesting to see if this goes anywhere...

Chelsea striker Armando Broja has had a tough time of it at late, but the Albanian could be set for a new chapter away from the Premier League.

Broja's six-month loan spell to Fulham proved a real disappointment, with the forward failing to score a single goal at Craven Cottage, and Brazilian hitman Rodrigo Muniz kept him out of the side with superb goal-scoring form.

Fulham even had to fork out £4million to Chelsea for not playing him enough.

So what's next for the striker? Well, BBC Sport believe Monaco are interested in Broja ahead of next season, with Chelsea reportedly willing to sell him for a fee of as little as £25m.

It looks as though his time at Chelsea is coming to an end... and this time, permanently.

Silva Mexes is in fact the son of former Premier League cult hero Robbie Earnshaw, who came through the ranks at Cardiff before moving to West Bromwich Albion in 2004.

At the Baggies, the Welsh international scored against Manchester United, firing home a well-taken penalty to earn a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford.

Now, 19 years later, his teenage son has signed a deal with the Red Devils and looks set for a promising future in professional football.

How was that for a bit of Thursday trivia!

Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho proved just how important youngsters are to Manchester United earlier this month, as their two goals guided the Red Devils to FA Cup final glory.

The latest United starlet hoping to announce himself upon Old Trafford one day is 14-year-old talent Silva Mexes, who joins from Ipswich after showing real promise in their youth ranks.

Mexes' father used to play in the Premier League himself, having starred for the likes of West Brom, Derby and Nottingham Forest.

Can you guess who that might be? Here's a clue: He is the only footballer in history to have scored a hat-trick in the Premier League, the Championship, League One, League Two, the League Cup, the FA Cup AND for his country!

Hiring young managers really is the flavour of the month, isn't it?

Norwich have confirmed their appointment of 35-year-old Danish manager Johannes Hoff Thorup, who arrives from Nordsjælland on a three-year deal following David Wagner's sacking last week.

Most of you won't know too much about this guy, given his first senior managerial job came in 2023, but he certainly comes highly regarded after a promising campaign with the Danish outfit.

Will he fire the Canaries back into the Premier League next season?

Well, that was short lived.

Mail Sport now understands that Liverpool do not have any interest in Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins.

Any Liverpool fans that got their hopes up about that signing, I'm sorry to tell you, but it looks like it's not going to happen.

Thats the way of the transfer window, I guess.

When you bu an attacker, you want a sharp shooter that will provide you with goals, but also flair, and creativity.

Well, not all attackers that come through the door get the job done for their new clubs, and there were plenty that failed this year.

So, here is our front three...

Attackers: ANSU FATI - Brighton, BETO - Everton, ARMANDO BROJA - Fulham

Now the midfielders was a lot easier to collate.

The majority of the worst signings from last season came in the mifield, so if anythng, I didn't know which ones to leave out.

Here is what we ahve decided, though:

Midfielders: KALVIN PHILLIPS - West Ham, MASON MOUNT - Manchester United, ROMEO LAVIA - Chelsea

Simon Jones, Mail Sport:

Liverpool's Luis Diaz and Joe Gomez have emerged as targets for the Saudi Arabian Pro League as they look to attract younger players this summer.

There is a belief that both could be open to a move this summer following Jurgen Klopp's departure and the arrival of Arne Slot from Feyenoord.

Paris St Germain have also considered a move for Diaz though are assessing a number of options for the left wing position following Kylian Mbappe's departure.

This one is tough, most of the defenders who moved last year did pretty well, but I have tried my best.

Defenders: RYAN GILES - Luton Town, ROB HOLDING - Crystal Palace, AXEL DISASI - Chelsea, MATT DOHERTY - Wolves

Simon Jones, Mail Sport:

Aston Villa, West Ham and Arsenal are looking at USA U20 international Rokas Pukstas. The Oklahoma-born all action midfielder plays for Hajduk Split and has taken a colourful career path.

He started out at Sporting Kansas City's academy before having a trial with Manchester United in 2019 then spending time with Barcelona's academy. He moved to Hajduk Split in 2020 and has become a first team regular being an integral part of the side that won the Croatia Cup last year.

Pukstas has also recently joined the Niagara agency who represent the likes of Atletico Madrid's Alvaro Morata and Red Bull Leipzig's Dani Olmo who is a summer target for Bayern Munich.

Right, the time has come...

After deliberating with the Sofascore team, and thinking of the players I believe should go in it, we have collated out 11 of the worst transfers from the 2023-24 season.

We are going to start with the goalkeeper.

Goalkeeper: JAMES TRAFFORD - Burnley

Max Eberl, a Bayern Munich board member, on Vincent Kompany's appointment:

Vincent's two years at Anderlecht were exceptional, he coached the youngest team in Europe there. Then he decided to move to England. [Burnley] were promoted to the Premier League with a record 101 points and impressive football. That's why he's been on [our] list for a long time.

In terms of experience, we're now going down the path together with him. We had a long decision-making process when looking for a coach and I can say, "you save the best for last".

Vincent has everything except the experience of having worked at a top club so far. He has a great personality and his style of play suits FC Bayern perfectly, we want to be dominant, we want to have the ball. He also stands for that. We're delighted to have this coach with us and to take the next steps with him.

The two seasons Vincent Kompany spent as manager of Burnley were polar opposites of each other.

In one, he recorded a record-breaking 101 points in the Championship as the Clarets were promoted to the Premier League.

In the other, Burnley only reached a measly 24 points and got relegated at the first time of asking.

What was his overall record, though? Well, here it is:

Games: 96

Wins: 41

Draws: 24

Losses: 31

Points per game: 1.53

Vincent Kompany on people being shocked by his appointment at Bayern:

I think the aspect of being surprised is because you assume it is the only club that called and you only assume it because I am a private person. Maybe I was surprised by the first call but it wasn't from Bayern Munich.

For me, I know whatever club you are at you have to be internally on the same line. You have to have that feeling. I felt that and that is why the opportunity was so appealing.

Very, very interesting... I wonder who else reached out to him?

Vincent Kompany, new Bayern Munich boss, speaking to the media:

Well, the first impressions are very good. I've met a lot of friendly people. I know what a big club Bayern Munich is. I am very proud and very motivated to start. The season could start today.

As a coach, you have to coach who you are as a person. I grew up on the streets of Brussels... I want the players of Bayern Munich to be brave and have personality on the ball. I want the team to be aggressive. I want the team to represent my character, to be brave and aggressive.

We spoke about it earlier, now it's time to stay on the topic.

Vincent Kompany has been announced as Bayner Munich manager, and many people have questioned whether he is the right man for job.

Despite being a success in his first season at Burnley, he flattered to deceive as a boss in the Premier League.

Add to the mix that Bayern were desperate for a manager and had been rejected by several bosses, it just makes you wonder.

Who knows, though, his style of play when perfected could be brilliant for Bayern and their players, so we will have to wait and see.

Anyway, he has just spoken to the media, so we will bring you some of his best quotes.

Right I want to hear from all of you, again?

I love interacting with our readers and finsing out your thoughts, after all, you must have many during silly season.

Please let us know who you support and who you would like your club to sign. It will be interesting to see the results of this.

Leave your thoughts in the comments.

Manchester United fans, you will want to read this.

It is no secret that Jean-Clair Todibo is a target for United this summer as they look to solidify their fragile defence.

Todibo currently plays in France for Nice, so he already knows what it's like to play under Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos.

Mail Sport's Sami Mokbel recently sat down with the defender for an exclusive interview.

To read it on Mail+, click below:

Aston Villa fan: Liverpool might want Ollie Watkins but so would most clubs. The problem for them is he's on a long contract so it would be very expensive probably £100m. As a Villan myself I acknowledge that this too high but that's football today, ridiculously expensive.

Vincent Kompany is already eyeing up his first signing at Bayern Munich.

Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton has caught the eye of a lot of people since his move to the egales in January.

He has been pivotal to Palace's revival in the middle of the park, and it seems Kompany has taken notice.

The youngster is currently with England in the provisional squas for Euro 2024, that's how impressive he has been.

Is he on his way to Bavaria?

Let's have a look at how good Ollie Watkins was for Aston Villa last season, here are his statistics in the Premier League:

Appearances: 37

Goals: 19

Assists: 13

Expected Goals (xG): 16.93

Expected Assists (xA): 4.16

Goals per game: 0.5

No wonder teams want to snap him up. Will Aston Villa's Champions League qualification be enough for him to stay at the club?

Right, I have asked the question about Drawin Nunez, so now it's time to talk about Ollie Watkins.

So, as things stand, the interest from Liverpool is just a rumour, but if soimething did come of it, would it be a good move?

Watkins was superb for Aston Villa last season, claiming the Playmaker award with 13 assists and netting 19 Premier League goals.

Like Nunez, he make a lot of off-the-ball runs, he is energetic in the press but also diligent when he has the ball. A well-rounded striker.

But would he work at Liverpool?

If this summer transfer window is anything like the last, there could be a lt of movement towards Saudi Arabia.

Last year, the Saudi Pro League signed a high number of Premier League stars as they looked to bring eyes to the division.

Some players like Jordan Henderson lasted just a few months, but others have endured a better time.

At Mail Sport we took a look at how the former stars of the English top tier fared in Suadia Arabia, last season.

To read more, click below:

Dave, London: Keep Nunez, Watkins had a good season however...

Anonymous: Nunez is a far better player than Watkins.

Anonymous: I’d go all in for Nunez if I was [Daniel] Levy [at Tottenham]. Excellent player, gives 100% and bags of potential. Reminds me of Forlan at Man Utd. Got to Villarreal and scored consistently. Sure he’ll do the same!

Anonymous: Slot may want to work with Nunez. Watkins is 28, and Nunez is 24. No one knew who Watkins was when he was 24.

Some very differing and strong opinions on this subject...

So, later we will be collating an 11 of the worst Premier League transfers of last season, with the help of Sofascore.

But, before we do, we want to hear from all you. Any suggestions?

I'm going to start with one, and maybe it's a cop out, but Sandro Tonali...

That signing certainly did not go to plan, did it Newcastle United fans?

Moving away works for a lot of people, this would be good for Kalvin Phillips to read.

Mail Sport's Nathan Salt has dove deep into the last six months of Jadon Sancho and beyond, and how he has returned to form.

From an outcast at Manchester United, to a Champions League final with Borussia Dortmund.

Not bad, eh?

To read more, click below:

Nobody is doubting Kalvin Phillips' ability, but his career certainly needs reviving.

As I have already said, he was fluying just a couple of years ago at Leeds, but with limited chances at Manchester City, and after a nightmare at West Ham, he needs a change of scenery.

I could see him doing well in Serie A or the Bundesliga, but if he was to stay in England, he could be a great signing for some of the promoted teams.

Whatever happens, he just needs to get his sparkle back.

You have to feel for Kalvin Phillips.

The midfielder was adored and idolised while at Leeds United, and his performances in west Yorkshire and for England rose his stock through the rood.

But his move to Manchester City has been a nightmare, and two years and a loan to West Ham United later, Phillips is looking for a way out.

It seems a move away from England could be a possibility.

To read more, click below:

There seems to be some murmurs that transfer business under Julen Lopetegui could not be too far away...

Simon Jones, Mail Sport:

It is understood that West Ham are close to agreeing a contract with Wes Foderingham on a free as his contract at Sheffield United is set to expire. They are also still working on Brazilian youngster, Wesley, from Corinthians and Fabricio Bruno from Flamengo.

Alongside Brentford, the Hammers are also among the clubs asking about Luis Guilherme at Palmeiras, an 18-year-old winger who was on Liverpool's radar but the Reds have since cooled their interest.

Liverpool fans are divided on this.

I've spoken to some people who believe he deserves a chance under Aren Slot to prove he has what it takes up top.

Meanwhile, other supporters think that the amount of missed chances from Nunez prove he is not the right man to lead the line for the Reds.

Slot is known for bringing the best out of misfiring strikers, so he will relish the chance to work with Nunez, even if he signs other strikers.

But, what do you think, should Nunez stay, or go?

Right, let's steer away from Chelsea for a bit...

Liverpool fans, this could be big news. Darwin Nunez has provided for some fantastic moments for Liverpool during his two years at Anfield.

His raw talent and chaotic nature can bamboozle defences, but there are doubts over whether he is clinical enough.

Well, you know who is? Ollie Watkins.

And according to reports, new boss Arne Slot is a fan of the Aston Villa striker, and wants to bring him in to the Reds' front line.

Kieran Gill, Mail Sport, this morning:

I’d be surprised if we don’t get a club announcement from Chelsea today. We’d been waiting for agreements to be reached over the backroom staff but as revealed by Mail Sport last night, we now know the names of the eight coaches who will be supporting the work of Enzo Maresca, with another two appointments to follow down the line. So now we wait for Chelsea’s social media team to do their thing!

Speaking of Chelsea's transfer plans...

As I have already alluded too, we know that Enzo Maresca will be backed, however, there are going to have to be some players pushed through th exit door too.

Before making the signings, they need to raise the funds. It's set to be an extremly busy window.

To read more, click below:

Chelsea fan: Hey Ho, Sterling has to go!

Chris, UK: Doing what they always do, throw money at the problem.

Anonymous: If they get rid of Conor Gallagher the fans will erupt.

We all know that Enzo Maresca will be backed, let's be honest.

But what do Chelsea need?

Under the ownerships of Todd Boehy, it's fair to say that not all their signings have been a success

They have spent bucket loads of money, but as we all know, that is not always the right way to build a good football team.

They did go on a gret run under Mauricio Pochettino at the end of the season, and showed some real promise, but Maresca will still want to make his own stamp on the team.

What positions do the Blues need to recruit in? In my opinion, they need a striker, a centre-back, and a left-back.

Kieran Gill is our Chelsea man here at Mail Sport, and he has revealed what Enzo Maresca's backroom staff wil be at Chelsea.

There is one name in particular that you will recognise, but there may be some others that you don't.

It's a brilliant deep dive in to what Chelsea fans can expect from their new backroom staff. There is a lot of coaching talent.

To read who is set to arrive at Stamford Bridge, click below:

Kieran Gill, Mail Sport, on Wednesday night:

It’s still as is for Chelsea and Enzo Maresca – close but not officially confirmed yet. There’s always tomorrow!

In other news, I asked Chelsea about Cesc Fabregas yesterday because there had been some rumours that he could return to the club as a coach under the new manager. But it’s not one that’s going to happen. Not yet, anyway.

Fabregas set to stay with Como, newly promoted to Serie A. The former midfielder visited Cobham not so long ago. Have to wonder if any youngsters could be sent on loan to Como. One to watch.

This could be a loose term, but I am still going to use it...

2024 has been a big year for the movement of managers, and mosty, the decisions have been surprising.

So, after yesterday, what do we know?

• Hansi Flick appointed Barcelona boss
• Vincent Kompany confirmed as Bayern Munich boss
• Enzo Maresca closing in on Chelsea hotseat

Three very interesting appointments, or potential ones, but which manager will have the most success?

It's a new dawn, it's a new day... and it could be a new life for some players and managers.

Any Michael Buble lovers reading this, I hope you liked the reference.

Anyway, we are back togive you all the latest transfer news as well as updates on potential managerial appointments.

We had two of the latter yesterday with Vincent Kompany being confirmed as Bayern Munich manager while Hansi Flick was appointed at Barcelona.

We are still awaiting the confirmation of Enzo Maresca to Chelsea... It could be today, it could be tomorrow, but it looks liek it is set to happen.

We will make you aware when it happens as soon as we know!

Right, lets get this show on the road.