Wolves close in on Barcelona’s £29m wing back Semedo

WOLVES expect to complete a deal in the region of £29million for Barcelona right back Nelson Semedo this week. The 26-year-old Portugal international could even be confirmed today on a five-year contract after talks accelerated over the weekend. Wolves signed Liverpool’s teenage defender Ki-Jana Hoever for £9m rising to £13.5m but Nuno Espirito Santo wanted a specialist wing back too to replace Matt Doherty. Barcelona had attempted to sign Norwich City’s Max Aarons as Semedo’s replacement with talks ongoing since June but their last offer of a loan with a £20m option to buy was rejected.

MANCHESTER CITY are continuing negotiations with Sevilla over a fee for centre back Jules Kounde. City proposed £46m for the 21-year-old who cost £21m from Bordeaux last summer. Sevilla say they want his £82m buy-out clause but there is a belief a compromise of around £60m could get a deal done, with Kounde keen. City have been pursuing Atletico Madrid’s Jose Gimenez but his buy-out is £96m. Kalidou Koulibaly of Napoli is considered too pricy.

FULHAM have opened talks with Sassuolo to sign centre back Marlon Santos. Fulham have offered £13.7m and must wait to see if the 25-year-old’s former club Barcelona match it as they have a buy-back option. Fulham had also asked about Watford’s Craig Dawson who has interest from West Ham.

CRYSTAL PALACE and Sheffield United remain at the forefront of talks for Liverpool striker Rhian Brewster. Liverpool want £20m plus a buy-back option. The club are also demanding £20m for midfielder Marko Grujic, who is a target for Hertha Berlin and Borussia Monchengladbach.

NOTTINGHAM FOREST are in talks with Aberdeen over a deal to sign centre back Scott McKenna, 23.

LEICESTER target Wesley Fofana was left out of St-Etienne’s squad to face Nantes yesterday.

WATFORD are discussing a move for Udinese defender William Troost-Ekong, 27.