Category: Liverpool

Located on the corner of Renshaw Street and Ranleigh Street, it was the flagship store of the Lewis’s empire and began in the 19th centuryDickie Lewis’s statue on Ranelagh/Renshaw Street junction(Image: Liverpool Echo)While it has been more than 100 years since the renowned department store Lewis’s first welcomed shoppers to Liverpool city centre, for those who grew up in Merseyside, the iconic building still serves as a familiar landmark in the city.Located on the corner of Renshaw Street and Ranleigh Street, it was the flagship store of the Lewis’s empire and began in the 19th century. Founder David Lewis arrived in Liverpool in 1839, aged 16, and served his apprenticeship with a firm of tailors before setting up his first small shop at 44 Ranelagh Street in 1856, selling men’s and boys’ clothing.When Lewis died in 1885, the Ranelagh Street store was the city’s largest department store, with the founder having expanded his reach to Manchester, Sheffield, and Birmingham. Lewis’s was famously known for selling tea for just 2s and is claimed to have been “instrumental” in making it the nation’s favourite drink, the ECHO previously reported.The Grade II-listed building was built to replace the original store, which was destroyed in Luftwaffe bombing raids during WWII.The shell of Lewis’s building after the Second World War, May Blitz in Liverpool. Earlier that day had been crowded with shoppers. 3rd May 1941(Image: Mirrorpix)For decades, it remained a cornerstone of local life where countless people from across Merseyside were employed or spent their weekends browsing. Fond memories of the store often include the fragrance of the perfume department, the bustling food halls, and the essential family tradition of visiting the legendary Christmas grotto for a festive photograph.In 1991, the entire retail chain was acquired by Owen Owen, which was later taken over by BHS billionaire Philip Green. However, by 2001, the Liverpool branch stood as the sole survivor of the Lewis’s legacy until Owen Owen eventually went into administration in 2007. Lewis’s was then closed in 2010 by owners Vergo Retail.Yesterday, Tuesday (June 23), the ECHO reported that it was announced that the iconic, Grade II-listed Lewis’s Building is being marketed on a freehold basis.The first meeting with Santa at Lewis’s department store in Liverpool, December 1992(Image: Mirrorpix)READ MOREGlobal commercial real estate advisor Avison Young and joint agents Area have been appointed to market the striking building. The building has been partially redeveloped, with current tenants including the 126-bedroom Adagio aparthotel, which accounts for 86,000 sq ft as well as a Pure Gym.But the remaining space within the building is now being sold as an opportunity for further development, including nearly 70,000 sq ft of self-contained office facilities (The Department) and the remainder of the former department in shell-and-core condition at 138,492 sq ft.Situated on the corner of Ranelagh Street in the city centre, the site also includes three retail and leisure units totalling 37,149 sq ft, each with independent access off Renshaw Street and Ranelagh Street, plus a basement.Lewis’s building in Liverpool(Image: Photo by Colin Lane)The area has already been earmarked for large-scale regeneration, including the £5bn expansion of Liverpool Central Station Gateway, which sits directly behind the Lewis’s Building.The property has more than £800,000 of annual income from rent currently secured, with Adagio Hotels’ lease set to expire in 2043, and Pure Gym’s in 2032. Those marketing the site insist it presents an “unrivalled city centre investment and redevelopment opportunity”, with potential uses including education, life sciences, hospitality, residential and student accommodation.David Winterbottom, of the principal, capital markets team at Avison Young, said: “The Lewis’s Building is an iconic cornerstone of Liverpool city centre, and we expect to see strong interest as this historic site comes to market.“The property presents a truly unrivalled opportunity for mixed-use redevelopment, offering exceptional flexibility for a wide range of future uses. Positioned at the intersection of Liverpool’s thriving retail, office and innovation districts, the site benefits from significant planning potential across residential, leisure, commercial and cultural sectors.“Liverpool city centre has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, driven by significant inward investment, and this landmark asset is now poised to be reimagined for the next generation, reflecting the continued regeneration and growth we’re already seeing across the wider city region.”For further information, or to arrange an inspection, you can contact David Winterbottom or Chris Ward at Avison Young.

By Rune Gjerulff@runegjerulff

Bayern Munich, Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool have all reportedly made contact over the possibility of signing Borussia Dortmund and Germany midfielder Felix Nmecha.

Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images

Interest surrounding Borussia Dortmund midfielder Felix Nmecha has increased following the central midfielder’s impressive performances for Germany at the World Cup.According to Sport Bild, Bayern Munich have made contact with the player’s representatives to explore a potential move.Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool have also registered their interest in the 25-year-old, while Real Madrid are also reported to be among his suitors.With Nmecha under contract until 2030 and no release clause active until 2027, Borussia Dortmund are under no pressure to sell and would prefer to keep him beyond the summer.Still, a summer move cannot be completely ruled out, with the report claiming that an offer of €100 million would make BVB consider cashing in on the midfielder.According to Sport Bild, Nmecha’s release clause is set at €80 million from 2027 and drops to €70 million from 2028 onwards.

June 22nd 

©TM/IMAGO

The summer transfer window has officially opened and while the main attention is on the World Cup, clubs are working away on major deals. For most clubs, planning will already be complete and they will have identified which players they want to sign, and which players they want to sell.
Managers will be constantly assessing their squads with sporting directors and recruitment staff scanning the market for potential deals this summer. The rumour mill is still gathering pace and we’ve collated some of the biggest current transfer stories – you can access the full rumour mill below.
Today’s biggest transfer stories

Real Madrid are monitoring Ayyoub Bouaddi after his impressive start for Morocco at the World Cup. The 18-year-old is one of the most valuable teenagers in the world and he’s expected to depart Lille this summer with Madrid considering a bid.

Roberto De Zerbi wants to sign Cody Gakpo from Liverpool this summer and Tottenham will offer him a leading role in their rebuild. The 27-year-old is contracted at Anfield until 2031 but Liverpool could sanction a sale this summer to provide Andoni Iraola more funds.

Arsenal are increasingly confident that Morgan Rogers will decide to join them this summer. Several leading European clubs want to sign the Aston Villa star with Arsenal the leading contenders to secure his signature.

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The top stories and transfer rumours from Monday’s newspapers…PREMIER LEAGUE
Inter Milan have failed in a second attempt to sign Curtis Jones after a £21m offer fell considerably short of Liverpool’s valuation – The Times
Ipswich are working to finalise the appointment of Strasbourg’s Gary O’Neil as their new head coach – The AthleticWORLD CUP
Declan Rice has revealed that he is managing a long-standing hamstring issue at the World Cup – Daily Mail
America appears to have fallen in love with England – with both police and FIFA officials left stunned by the hometown support the Three Lions enjoyed in Dallas – Daily Mail
Canada’s vice-captain Stephen Eustaquio did not train on Sunday, three days after Canada’s 6-0 win over Qatar – The AthleticCRICKETBen Stokes did not believe he breached the team curfew that made him the subject of an investigation while his England team were being thrashed by New Zealand at the Oval – Daily Mail

Kayla Bibby, 41, submitted a 30-page application as the tower’s owners receive “strong expressions of interest”16:36, 21 Jun 2026Kayla Bibby with St John’s Beacon(Image: Liverpool Echo)A woman hopes to realise a dream she has held for 20 years by turning St Johns Beacon into a New York-style digital advertising board.Kayla Bibby, 41, from Bromborough, has submitted a 30-page application to the owners of the tower as she hopes to turn the former chimney, revolving restaurant and radio station into a “sky bar” and advertising space she describes as “the beacon that never sleeps”. Last week, the ECHO reported so many proposals have been submitted for the tower that representatives have had to extend the deadline for submissions.It has been more than 18 months since London-based landlords, Rivington Hark (RH) launched a formal Expression of Interest (EOI) process to find new operators for St Johns Beacon, seeking multi-operator proposals to transform the Grade II listed structure. RH said it would listen to “all ideas” for the beacon “however wacky” they may be.Kayla, who described having a 20-year career in civil engineering, has a long-held fascination with the tower, and in 2021 formed a company with the goal of turning the structure into a “digital lighthouse”.She told the ECHO: “I’ve been getting off at James Street station for 20 years, and the first thing I see when I walk up is the tower. I always thought, ‘They need to do something more with that;.”Kayla Bibby with St John’s Beacon(Image: Liverpool Echo)Kayla would like to see the top of the tower, which carried a banner for Liverpool ‘08 Capital of Culture for many years, turned into a huge digital advertising board. She submitted several renderings of the idea alongside the application.Kayla said: “Other major cities around the world are doing the exact same thing. I think this is precisely what Liverpool should be doing.”I might not have the money to fund it all myself, obviously I don’t, because it’s going to cost an enormous amount, but hopefully my idea gets shortlisted.”The display would be running 24/7. It would always be on, day and night, but the visual content would change throughout the day so that no two days are ever the same.”As part of the project, Kayla would like to see the junction of Ranelagh Street, Lime Street and Renshaw Street filled with digital advertisements in a project she calls “Ranelagh Circus”. The concept would see the area around the Adelphi and Lewis’s filled with digital screens, inspired by New York’s Times Square and London’s Piccadilly Circus.Part of Kayla’s proposal for the tower would see the radio station studios stripped out and replaced with a ‘sky bar’. She added: “Leaving a building like that empty for that length of time is an absolute waste. We need to do something productive with it very soon, but it has to be something special.”St Johns Beacon on Basnett Street, Liverpool(Image: Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)The landmark, known to many as the Radio City Tower, has been vacant since the station moved out in late 2024, with increasing speculation surrounding its future. The 138-metre building was completed in 1969, with the famous revolving Tower Restaurant opening at the top of the building in 1971. For the last quarter-century, the tower was occupied by Radio City.Radio City, rebranded as Hits Radio, made its last broadcast from the tower on Christmas Eve 2024. St Johns, the management company for the tower, market and car park, said that the building was in need of remedial work after the last tenants, Bauer Media, moved out after almost 25 years.These works are now nearing completion, and multiple offers and “strong expressions of interest” have been made by companies hoping to occupy the tower.St Johns Centre director Neil Ashcroft previously told the ECHO the firm would “take the time to ensure we secure the right use for the Beacon’s long-term future.”The ECHO reported last year that there had been multiple offers made by firms hoping to take up residence in Liverpool’s St Johns Beacon.The deadline was scheduled to expire on Friday (June 5), so the ECHO reached out to representatives of St Johns Beacon to ask about the results of its search for ‘expressions of interest’.A spokesperson told us they were delighted with the response thus far, and due to the scale of interest, they had extended the deadline by a few days.

Liverpool remain locked in talks with RB Leipzig over Yan Diomande, with the Bundesliga club holding out for around £112m(Image: Getty Images)It has been five years since British football made a player its first £100m man when Jack Grealish traded Aston Villa for Manchester City.Grealish, whose release clause with Villa was triggered by City, moved following a European Championship campaign where England had finished as runners-up to Italy.And since City made Grealish the first nine-figure capture on these shores, five more players have followed.In the winter of 2023, Chelsea signed Enzo Fernandez from Benfica for a fee that could rise up to £106.8m. Just a few months later, the Londoners fended off strong interest from Liverpool to land Moises Caicedo for £115m, including add-ons.OPINIONThat same summer, Arsenal signed West Ham United’s Declan Rice, for £100m, making the England international the joint third most expensive signing in Premier League history alongside Grealish behind Fernandez and Caicedo.And last year, it was Liverpool’s turn to seemingly shatter their modus operandi under owners Fenway Sports Group by landing Florian Wirtz for a fee that could rise up to £116m, from Bayer Leverkusen, before making Alexander Isak the most expensive player ever in Britain at £125m.Many observers concluded that this was evidence that Liverpool, as Premier League champions, was aggressively shaking off its FSG-imposed policy of self-sufficiency.However, people inside Anfield saw it differently: last summer’s £440m spending spree was largely financed by a lack of spending in the four previous transfer windows and the Reds also recouped around £200m from player sales.Liverpool, historically, have always fronted up the big fees for players they believe are worth it and eight years on from their respective £75m and £65m signings, the transfer fees of Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker are no longer a talking point. Get it right and the discourse around cost falls silent.FOLLOW OUR LIVERPOOL FC FACEBOOK PAGE! All the latest news and analysis from Anfield on the Liverpool Echo’s dedicated LFC Facebook pageIt’s largely why Anfield’s key decision makers, like sporting director Richard Hughes and FSG’s CEO of football Michael Edwards, are more than comfortable with making Yan Diomande another eye-wateringly expensive signing.Liverpool made it known they are willing to put together a package worth up to £86m for the Ivory Coast international, which would net German club Leipzig €100m when converted.However, the Bundesliga club are reluctant to sell and are holding out for closer to €130m, which would cost Liverpool £112m. With a £26m gap in valuations as things stand, some negotiation will be needed before a decisive breakthrough is made.Big-money fees, of course, are nothing new in the Premier League. While there may ‘only’ be a half dozen players purchased for £100m or more, it’s certainly a level of outlay the elite clubs are becoming more at ease with handing over for the right talents.In the most recent financial results, published in February, Liverpool posted revenues that broke the £700m barrier for the first time in English football history.The Reds’ bottom line came in at £703m, which saw them top the Deloitte Money League for English clubs and fifth across Europe, behind Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain.With £100m players like Wirtz and Isak signing six-year deals as opposed to the standard five, Liverpool have an extra year to amortise the cost of those transfers, bringing down the fee that is being paid annually as a result.It’s largely why Chelsea have been so keen to sign their players to long contracts, like Caicedo, who penned an eight-year deal when he joined from Brighton. That means the Londoners are paying £14.3m a year off from the Ecuador international’s transfer fee.Such a practice means a six-year deal for Isak is costing Liverpool £20m per year, which, when the annual revenues are reaching £700m, is seen as a manageable enough fee at Anfield.It’s why Liverpool are willing to once more pay close to £100m for a transfer target in Diomande.Over the course of what would also be a six-year contract for the 19-year-old winger, a rough outlay of £16m per term won’t unbalance the financial equilibrium if revenues of around £700m are being generated annually.Of course, these figures don’t operate in a vacuum and the Reds’ post-tax profit on those recent financials stood at just £8m. But given their model, where virtually every penny is reinvested, a small profit indicates that there is a healthy operation behind the scenes.Qualification to the Champions League has also been an important factor, enabling the club to spend at a different level given the financial security of a revamped competition that earned Liverpool just shy of £97m for their charge to the quarter-finals last time out.Liverpool’s desire to continue growing off the pitch led them to announce a new senior vice president of marketing & digital this week.Hannah Pym will now be tasked with overseeing further upticks in departments such as marketing, media, product and technology, as well as further strengthening the club’s global marketing and commercial ambitions.Commercial revenue increased by £15m in the most recent financial results, accounting for £323m of that £703m figure. Media revenue also rose by £60m to £264m and the jump on the bottom line from the previous set of results was as much as £89m.It will largely be Pym’s job to further build up those numbers as the club explores ways to drive revenues further in a competitive market.It’s often difficult for supporters to see the correlation between off-the-field appointments and the addition of commercial partners to forward strides on the pitch but as Liverpool continue to negotiate for someone who could yet become their third £100m player in Diomande, it’s clear what the end game is at Anfield as the squad building for Andoni Iroala continues.Get YOUR Liverpool FC NewsletterGet the best Liverpool FC news and analysis straight to your Inbox courtesy of the Echo!It’s as simple as 1-2-3.Open the Echo’s newsletter preference centre RIGHT HERE.Open up Sport.Choose Liverpool FC and hit Subscribe.

The pub is named after the famous cannon that once boomed across the city every afternoonThe One O’clock Gun in the Royal Albert Dock. Pictured Rob Swift, operations manager(Image: Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)Standing proudly on Liverpool’s historic Albert Dock, The One O’Clock Gun is more than just a waterside pub, it’s a reminder of the city’s maritime past. Housed within the Grade I-listed Britannia Pavilion, part of the world’s first non-combustible warehouse complex, the venue, which opened in 2021, sits among the same brick, stone, and cast-iron structures that helped make Liverpool one of Britain’s most important ports.Named after the cannon that once boomed across the city every afternoon, signalling one o’clock for dock workers, sailors, and residents from 1867 until 1969, the inspiration behind the pub is firmly rooted in Liverpool’s history. Today, while the ships and warehouses serve a different purpose, The One O’Clock Gun is a popular stop for visitors and locals looking to enjoy a pint in one of the city’s most iconic waterfront locations.The pub’s operations manager, Rob Swift, 36, from Heswall, chatted with the ECHO about breaking into the industry, how customers can support their local, and the importance of giving new visitors to the city a “Scouse welcome”.Operations manager of The One O’Clock Gun in the Royal Albert Dock, Rob Swift(Image: Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)How did you get into the pub industry in the first place?My first ever job was a kitchen porter, but I always had an interest in cocktails from a very young age. My first cocktail bar job was at Alma De Cuba.I’ve been the operations manager at The One O’Clock Gun for around eight months, but I’ve worked for the company for about 10 years. I started as a bartender at Ma Boyles, and then I’ve kind of done everything you can do in a lot of different sites. I like the atmosphere you get from a nice pub or bar. I’ve got a love for pubs like any good Brit.What is the significance behind the pub’s history/name?When you’re walking around the docks, you can see a gun located on the inner quay. It would be fired at 1pm [to allow ship’s captains and dock workers to synchronise their time pieces].I believe it [the pub building] was originally a leather shop that sold bags and belts, but this is the first time it’s been completely revamped into a pub.The ‘Snug’ inside The One O’Clock Gun in the Albert Dock(Image: Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)READ MORE ABOUT LIVERPOOL PUBSWhat’s your best-selling drink?We sell a lot of Guinness and Cruzcampo. We’re very sort of pint-heavy. There’s nowhere better than the Albert Dock for a pint on a sunny day. When you look towards the inner quay towards the Tate, and there’s a little gap in the buildings, the sun will come down. There’s nowhere better to sit.What is it about your local community that you love?We have a few regulars. Our main one is a guy called Tony, who comes in most days and has two Cruzcampos. He’s a lovely fellow who lives close by.The thing with the Albert Dock is that it’s a very touristy spot, so we get a lot of tourism, so it’s really important to us that we show people good Scouse hospitality.Inside The One O’clock Gun in Liverpool’s Albert Dock(Image: Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)A lot of the time, we get visitors where it’s the first time, they’ve stepped into a British pub or a Liverpool pub. Sometimes, we get people off the big cruise ships, and we’re the first impression of what Liverpool is like, so we want to be a good introduction for people.Being on the docks, there’s not as much housing around here as there is in a suburb, so we don’t get as many regulars as you would in other pubs, but we still have a few who live around here and come in, and they’re great.We pride ourselves on our hospitality, warmth, and authenticity. Sometimes pubs can feel a bit transactional, but we definitely try to make people feel welcome when they come in by having a chat and providing that old-school kind of hospitality. I think it’s really important nowadays, especially with people not going out as much and having as much disposable income.The One O’Clock Gun in the Royal Albert Dock(Image: Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)How can people support their local pub?Just by getting down to them and embracing them. It’s a hard time for hospitality, and we know that people have to choose whether they go out a lot more now. So when you do decide to go down to a pub get involved in the atmosphere, have a chat to the people on the table next to you. Trying to create that community is really important.Also don’t be afraid to try something new, it’s never too late to try a Guinness.That community base is really important. Being a flagship for people entering Liverpool for the first time, we want them to have a good time and see what the city is about, even if it is just a little pint in the pub.Do you want your pub or know a pub that deserves to be featured as the Liverpool ECHO’s next Pub of the Week? Send an email to rebecca.mcgrath@reachplc.com

June 19th 

©IMAGO

The summer transfer window has officially opened and while the main attention is on the World Cup, clubs are working away on major deals. For most clubs, planning will already be complete and they will have identified which players they want to sign, and which players they want to sell.
Managers will be constantly assessing their squads with sporting directors and recruitment staff scanning the market for potential deals this summer. The rumour mill is still gathering pace and we’ve collated some of the biggest current transfer stories – you can access the full rumour mill below.
Today’s biggest transfer stories

Michael Olise is reportedly Real Madrid’s main target this summer but it remains highly unlikely that he will depart Bayern Munich. The 24-year-old is one of the best attackers in the world and reports have suggested that Madrid are willing to pay €220m for the France international.

RB Leipzig have rebuffed an offer from Liverpool for Yan Diomande. It’s understood that the offer was €90m plus €10m in add-ons and the Anfield club are expected to test the Bundesliga club’s resolve with an improved bid – you can read more on that story here.

Barcelona and Liverpool have emerged as the main contenders to sign Micky van de Ven this summer. The 25-year-old has a long-term contract with Tottenham but there’s a feel that he could ask to leave with Spurs already acquiring two new centre-backs.

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A Como star is linked with Man Utd while Liverpool are said to have rekindled their interest in a Juventus midfielder…
With so much transfer talk doing the rounds, we’re here again through the summer to sift through the bullsh*t and highlight the whispers that might have some substance.
Each day we’re ranking the top 20 rumours involving Premier League clubs, the higher the link, the more likely we feel they are to become done deals.
So we start with the tittle-tattle…
20) Marcus Rashford – Manchester United to Barcelona
Not only have Barca refused the chance to sign Rashford for £26million, they have already spent three times that amount on the winger’s rival for an England place. Some slap in the face, that, even if there are noises suggesting Barca are of the belief that they can pull United’s pants down to keep Rashford where he wants to be. Of course, United would be daft to even consider it which, apparently, they aren’t. So the England star will be heading elsewhere.
19) Khephren Thuram – Juventus to Liverpool
With Victor Munoz ‘hijacked’ and a move made for Yan Diomande, Liverpool are also eyeing midfielders. Among them is Thuram, who Juve are reported to be open to selling for £30million before the end of the month to help balance their books. The Reds are among a cluster of clubs eyeing the 25-year-old and they were interested when he moved from Nice to Turin in 2024. But Liverpool need to shift midfielders first, which seems unlikely given the tight timeframe.
18) Martin Baturina – Como to Manchester United
Reports in Italy are linking United with the Croatia midfielder, who smashed in his country’s first equaliser against England. Villa too have been credited with an interest, but at this stage, it smells like United are being used, probably by the player’s camp, to whip up a frenzy around the 23-year-old who moved to Como last summer from Dinamo Zagreb. Now he’s supposedly valued at between four and five times that amount.
17) Diogo Costa – Porto to Chelsea
Chelsea have made do without a reliable no.1 for too long, but that could change if they move decisively for the Portugal stopper. Which they appear some way off doing. Costa is valued at £51million by Porto, so he won’t come cheap.
16) Lewis Hall – Newcastle to Chelsea
Chelsea are being linked with Hall after Cucurella made a swift exit for Real Madrid, and the Newcastle defender is certainly being eyed by the vultures circling St James’ Park. So a return to his boyhood club could make sense, but we suspect Chelsea might at least try to appear a little more clever than simply buying back a player they sold three years ago.
15) Morgan Rogers – Aston Villa to Arsenal
At least half of the Big Six is keen on Rogers, who Villa are open to selling for the right price. Which, apparently and entirely reasonably, is above £80million. This, we reckon, is Rogers’ most likely move this summer, though Arsenal’s interest in Barcola could scupper any hopes the England star might have of playing for the Gunners.
14) Enzo Fernandez – Chelsea to Real Madrid
You just know Fernandez was green with envy when Marc Cucurella got the move he craves, and Real could yet come back for the Argentina midfielder. Apparently, Fernandez is Jose Mourinho’s ideal midfield signing but we cannot see them stumping up the kind of cash Chelsea would demand for a player they paid £107million for in 2023. If this drags, Fernandez’s behaviour towards the end of the window could be interesting…
13) Bradley Barcola – PSG to Arsenal
Fabrizio Romano says Liverpool are keen on Barcola, which we’re sure they are but they have other priorities around wingers much closer to the top of this list. Arsenal, though, are preparing to make an offer for the PSG star, according to The Independent. But they need to raise the cash first through sales, with Gabriel Jesus, Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli all potentially on their way out.
12) Crysencio Summerville – West Ham to Manchester United
Apparently, United are talking to West Ham about their winger as they look to strengthen their options on the left. That isn’t one of United’s top two priorities this summer but we assume they see an opportunity in the Hammers’ relegation. Summerville, currently starting for Netherlands at the World Cup, is valued at £50million but United can afford to wait for time to motivate the Irons to come down on that figure.
11) James Trafford – Manchester City to Newcastle
After being taken in by Pep Guardiola a year ago, the England goalkeeper knows he has to get away from the City bench this summer. Newcastle don’t hold a grudge for being turned down when Trafford returned to his boyhood team, but they are not the only club interested. Spurs are also being linked. This could come down to who creates room in their goal for Trafford quickest.
10) Adam Wharton – Crystal Palace to Liverpool
It’s pretty quiet around the Palace midfielder for whom we anticipated a big market this summer. That could yet materialise, with Liverpool and Chelsea most closely linked. And Liverpool are said to be ‘accelerating’ their interest.
9) Hayden Hackney – Middlesbrough to Everton
This one appeared to be almost done but Boro and Everton still seem some way off on the fee, with the Toffees seeing the offer of an £18million package rejected. Boro, apparently, want something closer to £20million plus £5million in add-ons, which puts enough distance between them and Everton for other clubs to swoop.
8) Guglielmo Vicario – Tottenham Hotspur to Juventus
Juve are said to have looked at Alisson and Jordan Pickford, then cast their eye over Emiliano Martinez. But Vicario is now in the Old Lady’s sights, perhaps because he’s the most available of the four Premier League stoppers. Villa have proven themselves to be no pushovers when it comes to Martinez but Spurs would be receptive to an offer for Vicario after a wretched season for the Italy keeper. Handily for Spurs, Napoli are also interested, but they have keepers to sell first, which could prompt Juve to move.
7) Sandro Tonali – Newcastle United to Manchester City
Tonali’s agent has been trying to manufacture a move out of Newcastle since at least the start of the year, with Spurs the latest Premier League club to be linked with the Italian. But Manchester City are said to be ‘undeterred’ and fancy themselves to pull off the deal. Lads, it’s Tottenham.
6) Jack Grealish – Manchester City to Everton
Grealish enjoyed his season at Everton, who certainly enjoyed having him. So another year on loan with the Toffees seems to suit all parties. Though we also aren’t ruling out something coming out of the blue for the England star.
5) Mateus Fernandes – West Ham to Manchester United
The most likely mover of the two Hammers players to be linked with United, because the Red Devils’ need for midfielders is greater, while Fernandes seems the savvier buy. Again, though, the only way this gets done quickly is if another of the Portugal star’s suitors makes a decisive offer, prompting United to pull their finger out rather than squeeze the relegated Irons all they can. West Ham wanted £100million, apparently, which they have now reduced to £85million. They will have to come down a fair bit further too.
4) Yan Diomande – RB Leipzig to Liverpool
This link is a climber, despite Liverpool having an offer rejected by Leipzig. The Reds might have been blown out for now but their intent is clear, even if they may regret not getting this one done before the World Cup. Apparently, Liverpool offered a package worth around £86million, but Leipzig are expecting something in excess of £100million, especially with PSG keen. But they have a chain involving Bradley Barcola and Liverpool are said to be willing to pay more than the Parisians. So it’s a ‘no’ for now, and the Reds want it known they are considering other options, including Barcola, but we expect Diomande to be a Liverpool player before the summer is out.
3) Luka Vuskovic – Tottenham Hotspur to Brighton
Our assumption was that Brighton and Tottenham would find common ground over Vuskovic given the two clubs’ motivation to sign the other’s player. But Spurs have got their hands on Jan Paul van Hecke while simultaneously rejecting an offer of £35million for a player yet to wear their colours competitively. Brighton, apparently, do not intend to go any higher. In which case, we have ourselves a stand-off. Given Vuskovic is keen to go, we anticipate Brighton doing what’s necessary, even if they refuse to be made a patsy by Spurs.
2) Elliot Anderson – Nottingham Forest to Manchester City
City have seen a couple of offers rejected, the latest being £106million plus add-ons that could take the fee to £120million. We cannot see City getting this far only to walk away. This will get done, but it probably won’t be swift. He was excellent in England’s World Cup opener v Croatia.
1) Ederson – Atalanta to Manchester United
All done bar the signing, apparently. United seem to have got a good deal for a midfielder who could prove to be one of their most important signings of a busy summer.

Two Merseyside venues are vying for accolades in the Great British Pub Awards15:41, 18 Jun 2026Updated 15:41, 18 Jun 2026Daniel Gillbanks and David Scowcroft, owners of The Dog & Collar on Hope Street in Liverpool(Image: Liverpool Echo)A Liverpool city centre venue is in the running to be named the “best town pub” in Britain. The Great British Pub Awards have announced this year’s finalists across 18 categories which include titles like “best community pub”, “best country pub” and “best town pub”.The awards honour hardworking teams across the country for delivering great settings, customer services and places for people, communities and pets to feel at home. Only two Merseyside venues have been named finalists in more than 100 entries. The Dog & Collar on Liverpool’s Hope Street is vying for the title of “best town pub” after opening just over a year ago.Since opening in February 2025, the Georgian Quarter pub has built a reputation for its cosy taproom snugs, open fires and relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. The venue is led by 32-year-old Daniel Gillbanks, from Aigburth, who runs Group Road Trip Hospitality alongside business partner David Scowcroft. Together, they are behind The Dog & Collar, PINS on Duke Street and Almost Famous on Parr Street.Daniel Gillbanks and David Scowcroft, owners of The Dog & Collar on Hope Street in Liverpool(Image: Liverpool Echo)On receiving the nomination, a spokesperson told the ECHO: “To be shortlisted just 16 months after opening is a huge moment for everyone at the Dog & Collar. It feels like real recognition for the work the team has put in since day one.”Being considered in the Best Town Pub category means a lot to us. It reflects everything we have tried to build here. We wanted to create a pub for everyone, but more than that, we wanted to show what else a pub could be in Liverpool city centre, and it is gratifying to see that ambition recognised on a national stage.”The process from here is a rigorous one. It includes an unannounced visit from the judging panel and interviews with members of the team which only adds to how meaningful it would be to win. More than anything though, this shortlisting is a reflection of how hard the team have worked to get us to this point, and we couldn’t be prouder of them.”The second Merseyside nomination goes to Bootle’s Lock & Quay, which hopes to take home the “best community pub” award. Tucked away beside the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, the pub has been welcoming patrons for more than 10 years, come rain or shine.The Lock & Quay in Bootle, with Liz Bromilow and Ben Ashcroft pictured(Image: Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)Originally named The Little Merton, the pub was acquired by the charity SAFE Regeneration – which operates from the adjacent old St Mary’s School building – back in 2014.Initially, the charity planned to use the site just for a one-off fundraising event. Fast forward to today, and the Lock & Quay still stands proud, billing itself as Liverpool’s only microbrew pub.The Lock & Quay has received a number of awards specifically for its community feel, including At the Hero Awards the PubAid’s Community Pub Hero Awards.Both venues will learn whether they are victorious on Wednesday, September 23 during a ceremony in the First Direct Bank Arena in Leeds.