Transfer Centre

Transfer rumours: James Overy to Manchester United, Aleix Garcia to Bayer Leverkusen and Adam Lallana to Southampton

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 01 June 2024

Transfer rumours: Overy to Man Utd, Garcia to Leverkusen, Lallana to Southampton

Sports Mole rounds up the latest transfer rumours, including James Overy to Manchester United, Aleix Garcia to Bayer Leverkusen and Adam Lallana to Southampton.

Manchester United are reportedly close to signing teenager James Overy.

The 16-year-old, who primarily operates as a right-back, left Australian outfit Perth Glory last year and has since made the move to England alongside his family.

According to the Manchester Evening News, Man United are close to securing a deal for Overy, with the Red Devils beating a number of clubs to his signature.

The report claims that Overy is attracting interest from a number of Premier League teams, but the 20-time English champions have offered him the chance to join their academy.

The youngster has been turning out for Newton Abbot Spurs since arriving in England but is now seemingly set for a move to one of the biggest clubs in world football.

Man United's new minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe is reportedly looking to target young players rather than established stars as part of his revamp of the club.

Girona's Aleix Garcia in action with Barcelona's Sergi Roberto on May 4, 2024 © Reuters

Meanwhile, according to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Bayer Leverkusen are stepping up their interest in Girona's Aleix Garcia, with the German giants determined to secure his signature.

The 26-year-old was in impressive form for Girona during the 2023-24 campaign, scoring three goals and registering six assists in 40 appearances in all competitions.

Barcelona have been heavily linked with the midfielder, who has been named in the preliminary Spain squad for this summer's European Championship.

However, various reports of late have claimed that Leverkusen are now at the head of the queue for his signature.

Romano claims that Leverkusen head coach Xabi Alonso has already made contact with Garcia, and the player has signalled that he wants to make the move to the Bundesliga champions.

A transfer fee is allegedly currently being discussed between the two clubs, but Leverkusen are confident that they will be able to get a deal over the line in the not too distant future.

Brighton & Hove Albion's Pascal Gross celebrates scoring their second goal with Danny Welbeck and Adam Lallana on September 16, 2023 © Reuters

Elsewhere, Southampton are allegedly in discussions with Adam Lallana over a return to St Mary's.

The 36-year-old will be available on a free transfer this summer, as his contract with Brighton & Hove Albion is due to expire at the end of next month.

According to The Telegraph, Southampton are in talks with the experienced attacker over a return to the club, who have earned promotion back to the Premier League.

Lallana previously turned out for the Saints between 2000 and 2014, becoming a first-team player for the club in 2006, and he represented them on 265 occasions in all competitions.

The Englishman then made the move to Liverpool, spending six years at Anfield before his arrival at Brighton in 2020, but his time with the Seagulls has come to an end.

Southampton beat Leeds United in the Championship playoff final at the end of last month to secure a return to the Premier League for the 2024-25 campaign.