Crystal Palace is refusing to give up on signing Conor Gallagher from Chelsea even though the Blues rejected their offers for his signature this summer. The midfielder spent last season on loan at Selhurst Park and he was one of the best players in his position in the Premier League. His form for the Eagles even earned him a place in the England national team and he will be keen to feature at the World Cup. Chelsea refused to sell him this summer despite interest from Palace and Everton and they expect him to become a key member of their squad. The midfielder will, however, face competition from several players to play at Stamford Bridge and Palace would be waiting to pounce and sign him. Matchplug understands that they will offer £20million – plus add-ons for his signature in the January transfer window if he does not cement a place in the Chelsea first team in this first half of the campaign. The midfielder might love the idea of moving to Patrick Vieira’s side after enjoying his time with them last season.

Arsenal has offered £20m plus add-ons to Aston Villa to sign Douglas Luiz on transfer deadline day. The Brazilian midfielder has entered the last year of his current deal at the struggling Steven Gerard side and he wants to leave. The Villans have been speaking to his entourage and have proposed a new deal to the former Manchester City man. However, he has now penned a new contract yet and Matchplug understands he is interested in the switch to the Emirates. Arsenal has started this season well after winning five of their five league games to remain the only Premier League club with a 100% record so far. However, they have lost Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny to injury and they know they must replace them to stand a good chance of maintaining their bright start to this season.

Liverpool is close to sealing a deadline day switch for Juventus midfielder, Arthur Melo, after struggling in this transfer window. The Reds had finished their transfer business early and hoped that was enough for them to carry on the season. However, they have been plagued by injury, especially in midfield and they have been struggling at this start of the term. Their manager, Jurgen Klopp, initially insisted they will not sign a new player, however, they have now been forced to make a U-turn and will now sign Arthur. Matchplug understands the midfielder will join them from Juve on a season-long loan deal as he also attempts to revive his career. He has struggled in Italy since he moved to Juve and this move offers him a unique chance to show he can still play football.

Manchester United players were happy when Cristiano Ronaldo asked to leave the club at the start of this summer. The attacker joined the Red Devils at the start of last season from Juventus and the team’s performance dropped. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was sacked by the club and replaced by their interim manager Ralf Rangnick. However, their fortunes did not change. They ended the term outside the Champions League places and Ronaldo does not want to play in the Europa League. He asked United to sell him for the right price and his agent has been offering him around to find a new home for him. Matchplug understands that United players were happy when he asked to leave because he divides the dressing room. The attacker reportedly wants his teammates to be the best and is constantly criticising them for their level of performance. With a few days left before the window closes, it remains unclear if he will leave the club.

Bournemouth has sacked Scott Parker after a miserable start to life back in the Premier League. The former midfielder helped them to gain promotion back to the English top flight from the Championship. Their return to the competition has not gone to plan so far, with Liverpool inflicting a 9-0 defeat on them at the weekend. They had previously lost 4-0 to Manchester City and 3-0 to Arsenal in league matches since their return. Considering the calibre of clubs they have faced so far, they shouldn’t have expected much, but the club’s executives believe they could have had a better start. Matchplug understands that they have now relieved Parker of his duty as their manager and a search for a successor begins. The Cherries would face Wolves in their next league game tomorrow at home and their fans would be keen to see how the team responds to Parker’s dismissal.

West Ham is close to signing Lyon midfielder, Lucas Paqueta after reaching an agreement on personal terms with the Brazilian midfielder. Paqueta is a long-term target of Arsenal and the Gunners were tipped to move for him in this transfer window. However, they have not pushed on with their interest and West Ham is now close to adding him to their squad. Paqueta impressed when he faced them in the Europa League last season and David Moyes now wants to add him to his squad. Matchplug understands that they have agreed on personal terms with him, but they must meet Lyon’s asking price for the former AC Milan man. They have submitted a second bid worth £42million for his signature, but Lyon wants £50million. West Ham is not expected to give up on the chase yet. The Hammers will likely improve their offer and the midfielder’s agent is now in London to help complete the transfer.

West Ham has been told to pay more money by Club Brugge for their captain, Hans Vanaken. The Belgian has been on the radar of David Moyes’ side in recent weeks as they look to add newer players to their squad. The Hammers had a great European campaign last season, but they finished in the Conference League place in the Premier League. They have started this season badly and want to back Moyes with the players he needs to turn things around. After securing the signature of Chelsea left-back, Emerson Palmieri, they have turned their attention to bolstering their midfield. Vanaken has been at Brugge since 2015, and he has made over 260 league appearances for them, scoring 80 goals. The 30-year-old has spent all his career playing in Belgium, and he knows this is his last chance to play in a top European league. Matchplug understands that he wants the move and has told his present employer. But they want the Hammers to pay more than the £9.2million plus £1.6m in add-ons they have offered so far.