Transfer news LIVE: Gundogan returns to Man City, Villa want Sterling and Trippier could leave Newcastle

It was a statement of intent, by stepping back. When Manchester United were quoted £75m plus add-ons by Everton for Jarrad Branthwaite, the pursuit pretty much ended there and then. Some at the Goodison Park hierarchy were taken aback by the abruptness. They were convinced they would get it.

Dan Ashworth, United’s new sporting director, was adamant they would not. It was a point of principle. “Those days are over,” he was heard to say. Another line uttered at the top of Old Trafford was “the gold at the end of the United rainbow is no more” for other clubs.

Ilkay Gundogan has clinched his remarkable return to Manchester City by signing a one-year contract at the Etihad Stadium.

City’s Treble-winning captain has left Barcelona after a solitary season as he agreed to waive the last two years of his contract and leave on a free transfer.

Gundogan, who becomes City’s second summer signing, has agreed a one-year deal and will take the No 19 shirt.

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe is desperate to keep Kieran Trippier at the club amid speculation that he wants to leave.

The 33-year-old England international, who was linked with a remarkable January switch to Bayern Munich, was left out of the starting line-up for last Saturday’s Premier League opener against Southampton with Tino Livramento taking his place in defence and midfielder Bruno Guimaraes wearing the captain’s armband.

Reports since have suggested Trippier, who turns 34 next month, wants to quit Tyneside after a two-and-a-half-year stay during which he has played a pivotal role in the club’s return to prominence.

Sven-Goran Eriksson has said that he hopes to be remembered as a “positive guy” as the former England manager provided a farewell message.

Eriksson revealed in January that he had been diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer, and had “at best a year left to live”.

The 76-year-old’s life has been chronicled in a documentary for Amazon Prime Video, taking in the eventful five years in charge of England between 2001 and 2006.

Erik ten Hag is seeking improvements as Manchester United look to build on their opening day win in Saturday lunchtime’s trip to Brighton.

Having been retained as manager after ending a poor campaign with FA Cup glory, the Dutchman kicked off his third Premier League season in charge with a late victory on the opening night.

Substitute Joshua Zirkzee enjoyed a dream debut by securing a 1-0 win against Fulham at the death but Ten Hag knows there is plenty of room for improvement as they hit the road for the first time.

Mikel Arteta has revealed talks over a new contract at Arsenal will take place after the transfer window shuts.

Arteta’s current deal at the Emirates expires next summer, but the 42-year-old promised back in July there would be no issues over him signing fresh terms.

No announcement has followed but the Spanish coach allayed any fears amongst supporters ahead of the trip to Aston Villa on Saturday.

Ilkay Gundogan’s Manchester City return came out of the blue but Pep Guardiola had no doubts about bringing back their treble-winning captain when the opportunity arose.

The 33-year-old midfielder completed a stunning return to the Etihad Stadium on Friday just a year after leaving for LaLiga giants Barcelona.

Gundogan has signed a one-year deal with what he calls the “best club in the world” and Guardiola says he could make his second City debut against Ipswich on Saturday.

Both of these managers have done very good jobs, both of these clubs have made sizeable strides. One of them is nonetheless likely about to get criticised and told they need to do more in the next week or risk missing out on their objectives. And it almost doesn’t matter which coach it’s aimed at.

Such is the relentless, never-stand-still nature of the Premier League and the focus point of most outsider commentators, who see transfer necessities in draws and trophy pushes in victories, even two weeks into the season.

Southampton are in talks with Arsenal over a loan deal for Aaron Ramsdale.

The clubs are also discussing potential obligations to buy the goalkeeper if Saints managed to remain in the Premier League this season.

Sky Sports News report that Southampton are preparing a loan bid. But Wolves remain interested and Ramsdale is also on the list of goalkeeper targets at Bournemouth.

Arsenal want to make a permanent sale – or at least a loan that comes with an obligation to buy.

Ferdi Kadioglu to Brighton is a go says transfer guru Fabrizio Roman.

There is a deal in place for €30m as Kadioglu moves from Fenerbahce to the Premier Leagu. Personal terms were agreed two weeks ago for a potential five year deal.

A medical is planned for early next week.