Monday’s briefing: Mbeumo on verge of Man Utd move as Rashford exit seems close

Monday could be a busy day for Manchester United with Bryan Mbeumo on the verge of signing while Marcus Rashford heads for the exit.

Sarina Wiegman is due to give a press conference in Geneva on the eve of England’s Euro 2025 semi-final against Italy, and is expected to address the racial abuse which has been directed at defender Jess Carter online.

Liverpool could also be making another move in the market but Newcastle’s frustration has continued.

One in, one out at United?

The Cameroon international is in the final stages of completing his transfer after United struck a deal with the Bees worth £65million plus up to £6million in add-ons.

But as Mbeumo comes in, Marcus Rashford is ready to move on, having travelled to Catalonia on Sunday evening as he closes in on a move to Barcelona.

PA understands a broad agreement has been reached on a season-long loan deal that would include an option to buy.

Carter target of “a lot of racial abuse”

England defender Jess Carter has revealed she has been the target of “a lot of racial abuse” during Euro 2025.

In a statement, the 27-year-old said: “From the start of the tournament I have experienced a lot of racial abuse. Whilst I feel every fan is entitled to their opinion on performance and result I don’t agree or think it’s OK to target someone’s appearance or race.

“As a result of this I will be taking a step back from social media and leaving it to a team to deal with.”

Football Association chief executive Mark Bullingham said his organisation “immediately contacted UK police” as soon as it was made aware of the abuse.

Liverpool close to deal for Ekitike

Liverpool are closing in on another big summer signing as they are increasingly confident of finding an agreement with Eintracht Frankfurt on a deal for striker Hugo Ekitike.

PA understands claims that a bid of £78million has been accepted are wide of the mark, with the clubs still negotiating the terms of a deal. However, personal terms have already been agreed with the 23-year-old Frenchman, who scored 15 goals in 31 games last season.

Arne Slot’s side have already signed Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez this summer, with Giorgi Mamardashvili linking up with the side after agreeing a move last August.

Eddie Howe admits to transfer frustration

At one point this summer it appeared Ekitike might have been heading for Newcastle, but the transfer window has so far not gone to plan for Eddie Howe.

Howe had to take on extra responsibilities in the market after sporting director Paul Mitchell’s exit in May, and so far they have only added Anthony Elanga to the first-team squad, while Howe has had to spend time fending off interest in star striker Alexander Isak.

“My wish was for us to do our business early and we certainly tried, but it wasn’t to be,” Howe said.

“We’ve had a frustrating time in terms of losing targets to other clubs. I’d be very open with that. That’s happened on several occasions.”