Szoboszlai signs new Liverpool deal until 2031; Aston Villa close on Joao Gomes

Dominik Szoboszlai scored 13 goals for Liverpool last season. Photograph: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC/Getty Images

Szoboszlai Commits to Liverpool Until 2031

• Contract extension ranks among his "top three" life moments
• Leeds close to signing centre-back Tarik Muharemovic

Dominik Szoboszlai has given Liverpool and head coach Andoni Iraola a significant boost by signing a new contract that runs until 2031. The midfielder, who was the team's standout performer during a difficult final season under Arne Slot, had two years remaining on his previous deal and had noted several times last season that little progress had been made on an extension.

Following months of negotiations between Liverpool's sporting director, Richard Hughes, and Szoboszlai's representatives, the 25-year-old has now put pen to paper.

"It's maybe my biggest day," he told Liverpool's website. "There are a couple in front of it – probably when I signed for Liverpool the first one and when I got my baby, of course, but in my football career, I can say this is in the top three."

The Hungary captain has developed into a key figure for Liverpool since his £60m move from RB Leipzig in 2023, scoring 13 goals last season. He has been tipped as a future captain, though his earlier comments about the contract had raised concerns over his long-term future.

"I think I can do even better," he said after signing. "I think that's why I'm sitting here, because that pushed me since I was a kid – that it was never enough. And I'm thinking the same now. I want to set the example. I want to be an example also for everyone, as much as I can.

"When I signed, I said I want to win everything. That didn't change for a little moment either. It stayed the same. I want to win everything that is possible in this country, also let's say the Champions League."

Aston Villa Close In on João Gomes

Aston Villa are closing in on a €45m (£38m) deal for João Gomes, with the Wolves midfielder flying back from the relegated club's training camp in the Algarve on Thursday to undergo a medical. Villa have long admired the Brazil international, who was also wanted by Atlético Madrid.

João Gomes has been identified as a direct replacement for Youri Tielemans, who joined Manchester United after they triggered a £35m release clause. Villa are also close to finalising a club-record £52m deal for Freiburg's Johan Manzambi, the versatile Switzerland midfielder who was one of the breakout stars of the World Cup.

Additionally, Villa are working to sign Pervis Estupiñán from Milan, reuniting the Ecuador left-back with manager Unai Emery, who previously worked with him at Villarreal. Lucas Digne is poised to join Paris Saint-Germain in a £10m deal.

Leeds United Close to Defensive Reinforcements

Leeds are close to strengthening their defence after agreeing a £34m deal with Sassuolo for Bosnia and Herzegovina centre-half Tarik Muharemovic. The transfer is being finalised with no hitches anticipated.

Tarik Muharemovic, who played in all three Bosnia and Herzegovina matches at the World Cup, is joining Leeds. Photograph: Jeff Chiu/AP

The 23-year-old made three appearances at the World Cup and will replace Pascal Struijk, who has joined Brighton. Muharemovic was a regular starter for Sassuolo in Serie A last season and, like Struijk, is left-footed.

Leeds are also looking to restock their goalkeeping department following the departures of Karl Darlow and Illan Meslier to Manchester United and Arsenal respectively.

Coventry City Sign Aurele Amenda

Coventry City have made Eintracht Frankfurt defender Aurele Amenda their third signing since promotion. The 22-year-old Switzerland centre-back said Frank Lampard was a major factor in his decision to move.

"After the first call with the gaffer, I felt the trust," Amenda said.