Brentford are nearing an agreement to sign Lens midfielder Mamadou Sangare in a deal reportedly valued at around £40 million. The Mali international, 24, is seen as a potential replacement for Jordan Henderson, who is set to join Chelsea on a free transfer. Discussions between Brentford and Lens have been ongoing for several months, with Crystal Palace also expressing interest in Sangare. Palace is managed by Pierre Sage, Sangare’s former coach, adding a competitive edge to the negotiations.

Sangare has expressed a strong desire to move to the Premier League, and Brentford aim to conclude the transfer before their London rivals. In addition to Sangare, Brentford are pursuing other midfield reinforcements. Tottenham midfielder Pape Matar Sarr, 23, is among their targets. Despite interest from Turkish clubs, Sarr is reported to be open to remaining in London, although his first-team opportunities at Tottenham could be limited after the arrivals of Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes. Brentford are also engaged in talks over Ousmane Diabate, an 18-year-old midfielder from Genclerbirligi. However, Diabate is viewed more as a long-term prospect, amid competition from Spurs.

Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest remain interested in Chelsea striker Liam Delap. The forward’s prospects for playing time may diminish following Chelsea’s expected signing of Danny Welbeck from Brighton. Delap, a former England U21 international, has also attracted attention from Everton and Newcastle. Clubs are reportedly seeking details on the terms required to acquire the striker.

Former Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu, currently a free agent, is training with Crystal Palace during their pre-season preparations in Como. The 27-year-old recently completed a short-term contract with Ajax, where he made nine appearances, hindered partly by a hamstring injury. In addition to Palace, Italian Serie A clubs Venezia and Sassuolo have shown interest in the Japan international.

In other developments, Chelsea goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen has departed the club’s pre-season camp in Australia ahead of a move to their affiliated side Strasbourg.