SIGNING DONE: Leeds United sign another £5m star player. Premier League counterparts worth £10million plus £2million in add-ons, which is a third proposal for the 27-year-old.

Leeds United are closing in on the signing of Newcastle midfielder Sean Longstaff in a deal worth an initial £10 million, which could rise to £12 million with add-ons. The 27-year-old, who has been with Newcastle since joining their academy nearly two decades ago, lost his starting spot to Sandro Tonali last season. With just one year remaining on his contract, both clubs have been negotiating a long-anticipated transfer in recent weeks.

The move would count as pure profit for Newcastle under Premier League financial rules due to Longstaff’s homegrown status. With the player keen on a switch to Leeds, agreeing personal terms is expected to be straightforward. His Premier League experience is seen as valuable for Leeds as they prepare for life back in the top flight.

Meanwhile, Newcastle continue talks with Burnley over goalkeeper James Trafford, though an agreement on the fee remains unresolved. However, manager Eddie Howe is close to securing one of his main summer targets – Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga. The £55 million deal is nearing completion, with the Swedish international expected to undergo a medical within the next 48 hours. He would link up again with fellow Swede Alexander Isak.

Newcastle are also looking to reinforce their defense and maintain an interest in Atalanta’s 21-year-old Giorgio Scalvini, who impressed in Serie A last season. With Callum Wilson now departed, the club is also searching for a striker to provide cover for Isak. Dominic Calvert-Lewin, recently released by Everton, has been offered to Newcastle, though a move is unlikely to happen until later in the window.

Over at Tottenham, Kota Takai has joined from Japan’s Kawasaki Frontale for £5 million, becoming the first signing under new manager Thomas Frank. The 20-year-old centre-back, known for his physicality and ball-playing ability, has signed a five-year deal. He joins a deep pool of centre-backs including Cristian Romero, Micky Van de Ven, Kevin Danso, Radu Dragusin, and 18-year-old Luka Vuskovic, a £12 million arrival from Hajduk Split.

Romero’s future remains uncertain, with Atlético Madrid showing strong interest in the Argentine defender. Despite his desire to play in Spain, Spurs would demand a fee of at least £60 million, which could be a sticking point for Atlético. Romero remains under contract until 2027.

Takai, a product of the same academy that developed Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma, made his senior debut at 17 and won the Japanese Cup in 2023. Named the J-League’s best young player in 2024, he also played a key role in Kawasaki’s run to the AFC Champions League final, including a standout performance in the semifinal against Al-Nassr, where he effectively shut down Cristiano Ronaldo and Jhon Durán. He made his senior Japan debut last September and has earned four caps to date.

Tottenham also remain in discussions with West Ham over a move for winger Mohammed Kudus, after seeing an initial £50 million bid rejected.