TRANSFER GOSSIP COLUMN: Everton eye audacious swoop for PSG outcast Hugo Ekitike,

The start of the season across Europe’s top five leagues is rapidly approaching – but many managers remain short of players they are after in a bid to deliver success. 

Plenty of movement is still expected – in spite of the millions already shelled out this summer – with championship-contending sides, as well as teams expected to struggle down the bottom, planning further business.  

Bayern Munich remain locked on landing Harry Kane from Tottenham, while Manchester United are expected to get a couple more through the door as they clear out some of their fringe stars. 

Manchester City could see one in, one out, in midfield with firm interest in West Ham’s Lucas Paqueta, while there is a sense that PSG are in selling mode after five players were brutally told they are surplus to requirements in the French capital. 

Here, Mail Sport takes a look at all the latest news and transfer gossip on Thursday. 

Hugo Ekitike has been told he is surplus to requirements at PSG – and there is lots of interest

Everton have made an offer for PSG striker Hugo Ekitike, with the young forward deemed surplus to requirements by new boss Luis Enrique. (Sky Sports) 

Barcelona are refusing to give up on signing Bernardo Silva this summer and are working ‘around the clock’ in a bid to snare the Manchester City midfielder. (Mundo Deportivo) 

Chelsea prepared to offload Kepa Arrizabalaga after completing Robert Sanchez deal amid interest from Bayern Munich – as German champions eye loan deal with option to buy. (Mail) 

Burnley have reached a verbal agreement with Aston Villa to sign midfielder Aaron Ramsey, in a deal worth around £14million plus add-ons. There is expected to be a buyback clause. (The Athletic)

Napoli remain locked in talks to give star man Victor Osimhen a mega-money new contract in a bid to ward off offers north of £100million from Saudi Arabia. (Sky Sport Italia) 

Napoli are eager to end any speculation over Victor Osimhen’s future with a mega new deal

West Ham star Lucas Paqueta wants to join Manchester City after bidding £70m for the Brazilian – but West Ham are desperate to keep him this summer. (Mail) 

Paris Saint-Germain’s desire to move on from Neymar could see club and player reach an agreement to terminate his contract, which is due to run until 2027. (UOL Esporte – in Portuguese) 

Manchester United sound out Bayern Munich’s Benjamin Pavard as the Red Devils look to find Harry Maguire replacement, with the centre back heading to West Ham. (Mail) 

Sofyan Amrabat is another target for United and Erik ten Hag, but the Moroccon midfielder is leaning towards a move to join Atletico Madrid. (SPORT) 

Brighton forward Julio Enciso is attracting interest from Italian champions Napoli this summer, as they plot a raid on the south coast club. (Telegraph) 

Leeds winger Willy Gnonto asked to be left out of the squad for their Carabao Cup win over Shrewsbury Town as he seeks a move away from Elland Road – but the Championship so far remain adamant they don’t want to sell. (Mail)

Italian winger Willy Gnonto is desperate for a move away from the Championship outfit