10 transfers on brink of completion with just days of summer window left

Transfer Deadline Day is fast approaching with the clock ticking down rapidly towards the summer window slamming shut.

The usual blend of excitement, panic, pressure and nervousness is swirling as clubs bid frantically to get any last-minute deals over the line before it's too late.

The looming presence of Saudi Arabia has also made things harder as a number of big-name players turn their backs on Europe for the riches of the Middle-East.

But there are several transfers close to completion as we head into the final few days of the window that look to have beaten the last-minute rush. Here's a look at those we can expect to see signed and sealed sooner rather than later…

READ MORE: Man Utd get double transfer boost as Erik ten Hag lines up swap deal before Deadline Day

1. Joao Cancelo to Barcelona

This one has been in the pipeline for several weeks but Barcelona have still not been able to get their deal for Manchester City star Cancelo over the line.

It seems there is an agreement on all sides over a loan deal with an option to buy the full-back, but Barca's finances continue to provide a stumbling block.

When asked about the prospect of signing Cancelo before the deadline, Barca boss Xavi replied: "We’ll see. The board and the sporting director know what we believe that the team needs, but we are depending on our unfortunate financial situation and the salary limit. There are still some days left and we’ll see."

2. Dean Henderson to Crystal Palace

Looks like Manchester United's No2 will finally get his wish of a permanent exit as he prepares for a medical at Selhurst Park.

Henderson was thought to be returning to Nottingham Forest on loan until United blocked that move due to a lack of options in the goalkeeping department. However, Palace have tempted United into a sale with The Telegraph reporting that Henderson is expected to challenge for the No.1 spot under Roy Hodgson.

3. Altay Bayindir to Man Utd

With Henderson set to depart, United have moved quickly to line up a replacement in Fenerbahce stopper Bayindir.

The 25-year-old is being drafted in as cover for Andre Onana in a deal worth €5m (£4.2m). United had some concerns over a back injury and ran extensive medical tests but appear to be content with their findings.

4. Matheus Nunes to Man City

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Ok, there is still a little way to go with this one, but it seems a case of when rather than if Nunes will complete a switch to the Etihad.

City have reportedly already seen one bid knocked back but have returned with an improved offer and appear intent on making the Wolves man their next signing after moving on from West Ham's Lucas Paqueta.

Negotiations between both clubs are said to be in the final stages after City upped their bid to around £52m, which could be enough to get it done.

5. Folarin Balogun to Monaco

Arsenal are ready to say goodbye to hot prospect Balogun despite his goalscoring exploits in Ligue 1 last season.

The 22-year-old was joint fourth among the division's top scorers for 2022/23 after banging in 21 goals for loan club Reims. And he is now due to return to France permanently after the Gunners agreed his sale for €40m (£34.3m).

Chelsea were among the clubs interested in Balogun, though Monaco have pushed hardest for his signature as the report the striker underwent a medical at the weekend. Arsenal have managed to include a sell-on fee in the deal.

6. Romelu Lukaku to Roma

Jose Mourinho is set to be reunited with his former frontman at the Stadio Olimpico after Chelsea and Roma agreed terms over an initial loan deal.

Lukaku was completely out of favour at Chelsea even after the arrival of Mauricio Pochettino and looks set to end a nightmare return to Stamford Bridge with another switch back to Serie A. The 30-year-old striker confirmed to Belgian publication Het Laatste Nieuws: "I’m going to Rome to sign."

Lukaku has reportedly had to take a £7m pay cut to join Roma, while a loan fee is believed to be in the region of €5m (£4.2m).

7. Yuri Alberto to West Ham

West Ham look to be on the verge of reaching an agreement with Brazilian side Corinthians for forward Yuri Alberto.

The Hammers have been busy in the transfer market spending the cash generated from the sale of Declan Rice and have just sealed a deal for Mohammed Kudus from Ajax. Not content with resting on their laurels, Alberto looks like he could be next as negotiations continue, though there are still a few details to be ironed out before a transfer could be rubber-stamped.

West Ham's technical director Tim Steidten is also reported to be in talks with Sevilla over signing Youssef En-Nesyri, while Jesse Lingard is also still training with the club, though there is no indication as yet whether he will be offered a contract.

8. Timothy Castagne to Fulham

Fulham have moved to bolster their defence as Leicester star Castagne is set to undergo a medical ahead of a £15m move.

The Evening Standard report Castagne has agreed a four-year deal with the Cottagers and will be at the west London club on Monday to finalise the deal. Juventus and Crystal Palace also expressed an interest in the 27-year-old Belgian but Marco Silva made Castagne his priority defensive target and looks to have got his man,

Meanwhile, Sky Sports report Tosin Adarabioyo is expected to leave Craven Cottage to join Monaco, with Tottenham's Eric Dier being considered as a potential replacement.

9. Carlos Baleba to Brighton

Brighton have proved themselves to be masters of the transfer market and they are now closing in on their next acquisition in Lille midfielder Baleba.

The Seagulls have agreed a fee with the French club for the 19-year-old to help bolster their ranks following the departure of Moises Caicedo.

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano claims the deal could cost Brighton in excess of £25m when add-ons are taken into account, while Lille have negotiated a sell-on clause.

Baleba will undergo a medical on Monday before finalising his switch on Tuesday on a five-year deal.

10. A left-back to Man Utd

Deadline Day madness is becoming a bit of a habit at Old Trafford and this window looks no different.

While United are still pursuing a deal for Fiorentina's Sofyan Amrabat, the club are now looking to source a new left-back to help cover for the injured Luke Shaw.

The Athletic report United are in talks with Chelsea over Marc Cucurella, who the Blues could let leave the club on loan.

Meanwhile, the Mail claim Brentford's Rico Henry is on United's radar, but the club are keen to keep costs down. Tottenham's Sergio Reguilon and Barcelona's Marcos Alonso have been reported as potential options, and while United are yet to make a bid for any, it seems they are intent on landing someone to help Tyrell Malacia fill the Shaw-shaped void..

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