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Manchester United have made contact with Matthijs de Ligt’s ‘management’ ahead of a possible move, according to Christian Falk.

The Lowdown: Bayern rumours

The Netherlands international, who Italian football expert Carlo Garganese described as an ‘absolute monster’, has been heavily linked with an exit from Juventus this summer.

The 22-year-old reportedly has a €120m (£103m) release clause in his contract and is thought to be keen on a move to Bayern Munich. Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg revealed that a move to the Allianz Arena is ‘possible’ after De Ligt said ‘yes’ to a transfer, although it seems as if United may look to hijack any deal by the Bundesliga champions.

The Latest: United contact

According to Bild reporter Falk, the Premier League giants are ‘also’ interested in the centre-back and have ‘contacted his management’.

He added that De Ligt’s agents have told the Red Devils that they are only talking with Bayern at this moment in time, but it looks as if United are exploring a possible move for the 22-year-old.

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The Verdict: One to watch?

It looks as if United are keen on hijacking Bayern’s move for De Ligt, so it could be one to watch over the coming days.

The Netherlands international made 70 appearances under Erik ten Hag at Ajax, and it appears as if the United boss wants to add to his defensive ranks ahead of the new season.

Ajax’s Lisandro Martinez and De Ligt seem to be transfer targets for the Red Devils, and you’d like to think that either of those would improve United’s backline following a wretched 2021/22 season in which they shipped as many goals as they scored (57).

De Ligt is the second most valuable centre-back in world football behind Ruben Dias, as per Transfermarkt, so a move to Old Trafford would certainly be a statement of intent, with former United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar even likening the 22-year-old to Cristiano Ronaldo for his mentality and application in the gym.

Crystal Palace face plenty of Premier League competition for reported defensive target Chris Richards.

The lowdown

Palace have made two first-team additions so far ahead of Patrick Vieira’s second season in charge.

18-year-old winger Malcolm Ebiowei has arrived from Derby County, while goalkeeper Sam Johnstone has joined on a free transfer following his departure from West Bromwich Albion.

Richards, 22, belongs to Bayern Munich but has had two spells on loan at fellow Bundesliga outfit Hoffenheim. He’s predominantly a centre-back but has also recorded 18 out of 107 appearances as a full-back.

The Athletic reported last month that Palace have shown an interest in signing the American this summer.

Richards, under contract at the Allianz Arena until June 2025, is valued at £6.75million by Transfermarkt. He’d be competing with the likes of Marc Guehi and Joachim Andersen for a starting role at Selhurst Park.

The latest

According to a report from 90Min’s Chris Smith, Brighton, Leeds and Southampton are also now ‘watching’ Richards. It’s the Saints who are thought to hold the strongest interest at this moment in time.

Richards is even believed to have more suitors in Germany and France and wants to play regularly ahead of the Qatar World Cup at the end of the year.

The verdict

Richards is a very well-rounded centre-back. He’s accomplished in possession, ranking in the 82nd percentile among positional peers for progressive passes and above average for progressive carries (via FBRef).

He defends on the front-foot (83rd percentile for pressures and interceptions) and records exceptionally high volumes of blocks (99th percentile) and successful aerial duels (98th).

And on top of all that, he can also be a threat offensively, placing in the 80th percentile for total shots.

FBRef compare him to Borussia Dortmund’s Mats Hummels and Tottenham Hotspur’s Davinson Sanchez.

He’s a player who’s generated considerable excitement, featuring in the IFFHS Men’s World Youth Team in 2020 alongside the likes of Wesley Fofana, Alphonso Davies, Eduardo Camavinga, Phil Foden and Erling Haaland.

Indeed, BBC Sport journalist Raj Chohan says the ‘class’ Richards is similar to Fofana in that he’s ‘suited  to playing in a high line’.

He could be an excellent addition to Palace’s centre-back ranks, but it looks like they’ll have to fend off some serious competition.

Rangers have not been reluctant when it comes to bringing players to Ibrox from clubs across the border, either on permanent or loan deals.

In recent transfer windows, Rangers have brought in the likes of Amad Diallo, Juninho Bacuna, Leon Balogun and Calvin Bassey, among many others, from their neighbours.

One other player with whom the Ibrox outfit have been linked previously and who could continue the club’s track record of signing players from England is Manchester City midfielder James McAtee.

In 93 appearances for the Etihad Stadium club across their senior and youth teams, the midfielder has scored 44 goals and delivered 27 assists.

This highlights the impressive attacking prowess that he has at such a young age and shows why he’d be an exciting signing for the Gers if they are able to secure a deal for him this summer.

In fact, a move to Ibrox could see Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side pick up what could be their own version of former Man City midfielder David Silva.

In addition to being nicknamed ‘the Salford Silva’, the 19-year-old’s clear knack for scoring and creating goals shows just how similar he is to the Spaniard, who racked up 118 goals and 186 assists in 706 appearances for the Premier League champions.

Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville even suggested that the teenager, who is currently valued at £2.7m by Transfermarkt, is a clone of the former Etihad star.

Labelled a “massive talent” by Goal journalist Jonathan Smith on Twitter, McAtee only played 18 minutes of Premier League action for Pep Guardiola’s side last season.

This suggests that he is not towards the top of the Man City pecking order at the moment, which could make his chances of getting regular senior minutes next season appear slim unless he goes elsewhere.

With that in mind, a move to Rangers (either on a loan or permanently), where he’d presumably get the chance to play quite regularly, could be the ideal next step for the player and his development.

If the Citizens would be willing to negotiate a deal which would see their young midfield talent leave the Etihad this summer, the Gers should put themselves at the front of the queue to sign him.

AND in other news: Wilson can seal big Roofe upgrade as Rangers eye offer for “exceptional” £5m machine

Reliable journalist Ben Jacobs has revealed that Arsenal are set to hold ‘talks’ with Leeds United ace Raphinha this week over a potential move to the Emirates.

The Lowdown: Opening bid rejected

The Brazilian was a standout performer in what was a disappointing season for the Whites, and despite Jesse Marsch’s side avoiding relegation from the Premier League, he has now been linked with a summer switch away from Elland Road.

Barcelona links have of course been doing the rounds, alongside English top-flight teams Tottenham, Chelsea and West Ham, but it’s the Gunners who have emerged as the main suitor in the race for his signature.

Mikel Arteta’s men saw an initial offer for the winger rejected by Leeds last week, and it sounds like a second attempt may not be far away.

The Latest: Arsenal set for Raphinha talks

Taking to Twitter, Jacobs confirmed that Arsenal are very much interested in a deal for Raphinha and are set to hold talks with his agent later this week. He wrote:

“Told Arsenal have not ‘pulled out’ of trying to sign Raphinha.

“Raphinha does want to see if a Barcelona deal is possible (Camp Nou move always been of appeal). It’s complicated and may require Ousmane Dembele to leave, hence why this week is key.”

In a further tweet, the reporter continued:

“Raphinha’s representatives haven’t blanked EPL suitors. Arsenal have further talks scheduled with them this week.

“Leeds will hold out for around £60 million. Barcelona need to find those funds. Raphinha wants to assess all options, and one of them remains Arsenal.”

The Verdict: International advantage

Arsenal will be hoping that they will be able to beat their rivals to Raphinha when they take a second bite of the cherry, and they could already hold a huge advantage over their competitors in the race for his services.

The 25-year-old, who hailed a “technician” and “pleasure to watch” by BT Sport pundit Joe Cole, is a member of Brazil’s international squad, as are current Gunners stars Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Magalhães, and so their existing connection could play a significant role in convincing him to put pen to paper.

The next few days are likely to be crucial in terms of developments, but with 14 goal contributions in the Premier League to his name last season, Raphinha has the required cutting edge in the final third to be a brilliant attacking addition to Arteta’s starting XI next campaign.

An update has emerged regarding Tottenham Hotspur’s pursuit of a right wing-back in the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

Sky Sports journalist Lyall Thomas has revealed that Spurs may walk away from negotiations to sign Djed Spence from Middlesbrough, as they are yet to agree a fee with the Championship club.

Fabio Paratici is now plotting a potential swoop for Lens defender Jonathan Clauss as an alternative target to the England under-21 international.

The reporter tweeted: “Exclusive: #Tottenham and #Boro remain apart in their valuations of Djed Spence after latest round of talks in London yesterday. Still no agreement and #Spurs ready to move on if it can’t be done.”

He then added: “#Spurs, of course, have other options they can look at. Interestingly, one of those is the 29yo Jonathan Clauss at #Lens. He was statistically the best performing full-back in France last season acc. to @Wyscout.”

It has been reported by Ryan Taylor of The Express that the Ligue 1 club are open to cashing in on the right-back and will accept a fee in the region of £10m.

Conte would love him

Antonio Conte would love to have Clauss at Spurs next season, as he is an attack-minded defender who can make a big impact in the final third.

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Journalist Sam Tabuteau recently claimed that the 29-year-old has been “the name on everyone’s lips” of late, while Zach Lowy dubbed him “one of the best” wing-backs in Ligue 1, having been named in the division’s Team of the Season in each of the last two years.

His statistics in the French top flight are certainly impressive and indicate that he has the potential to be an excellent addition to Tottenham’s squad. In the 2021/22 campaign, he produced five goals and 11 assists as he averaged a phenomenal SofaScore rating of 7.38.

Along with his contributions at the top of the pitch, Clauss made an eye-catching 3.7 tackles and interceptions per match last term. He has the quality and fitness to get up and down the flank and make key contributions both defensively and offensively.

Meanwhile, Spence managed two goals and four assists in the Championship on loan at Nottingham Forest, making 2.9 tackles and interceptions per game.

These statistics suggest that Clauss – who is eight years older than the Middlesbrough gem – would be the better option at both ends of the pitch. Therefore, Conte would surely love to have him in his squad next term and will be hoping that a deal can be reached in the coming weeks.

AND in other news, Fabrizio Romano reveals huge Spurs transfer update which will have Antonio Conte fuming…

Manchester United have been linked with a multitude of centre-backs so far this summer, as they look to improve on some woeful defensive displays from last season, and one man who could steady the ship for Erik ten Hag is Braga’s David Carmo.

What’s the word?

Journalist Dean Jones has suggested that the Brazilian could be an option for the Red Devils this summer, after recovering from a long-term injury to produce some excellent performances for the Primeira Liga club.

When speaking to Football FanCast, Jones said: “David Carmo has, in the past, had a lot of interest but obviously had an injury that set him back. But he could become United’s own Konate if they want to go down that path.

“It’s an interesting one, he’s certainly on a few people’s radars at the moment, more like a watch list than a genuine target at this point. If United do get in [Jurrien] Timber, I’m not sure they’ll sign two centre-backs, but if for some reason they can’t get Timber through the door, they’re going to have to look at new targets.”

The news comes after United were linked with a swoop for the defender earlier in the month.

United’s own Konate?

Konate was a huge success for Liverpool in his first season at Anfield, with his only defeat in a Reds shirt coming in the Champions League final against Real Madrid.

The French youngster averaged a superb 7.18 rating from WhoScored for his performances in the competition, while he also made 11 solid appearances in the Premier League for Jurgen Klopp’s side.

Carmo is a year younger than Konate and is even taller than the former RB Leipzig man, standing at an impressive 6 foot 5, so he could perform a similar role to the Frenchman in United’s team next season.

Last season saw the Braga man recover from a serious ankle injury to play a big part in their Europa League run, as he averaged a strong 7.06 rating from WhoScored for his performances on the continent.

WhoScored suggests that both Konate and Carmo’s main strengths are aerial duels and passing, so the similarities are clear to see. If the latter were to be as successful for United as the France international has been at Liverpool thus far, he would surely prove to be a quality prospective addition at Old Trafford.

Previous reports have suggested that the Red Devils have held talks with Braga over a move for the 22-year-old, and with Timber’s move in doubt, it would perhaps not be a surprise to see an official bid made for Carmo in the near future.

In other news… Man United now ready to pay £35m to sign Premier League flop, he’s even worse than Matic 

Journalist Jacque Talbot has dropped an interesting claim regarding the future of Aston Villa striker Danny Ings. 

The lowdown: Surprise capture

Villa moved quickly under the radar to sign Ings with minimal fuss in a £25million transfer from Southampton last summer (Sky Sports).

Since arriving in the Midlands, the 29-year-old Englishman – who was lauded as a ‘phenomenal finisher’ by former Leeds United attacker Noel Whelan – has scored seven times and provided six assists in 31 outings for the Villans, a decent first season in most people’s books.

However, one journalist believes that Steven Gerrard – a former Liverpool teammate of Ings – could already be looking for life after the diminutive frontman.

The latest: ‘Might sound harsh…’

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Talbot has suggested that Villa may have already ‘outgrown’ Ings.

He said: “Injuries have hampered him a lot and he didn’t have the best of seasons.

“I think it might sound harsh, but Aston Villa have probably outgrown Danny Ings and he might be the sort of player that could be sold to a club coming up, maybe someone like Fulham could do with a Danny Ings.”

The verdict: Surely not!

Despite a checkered injury history that saw Ings miss an astonishing 85 matches whilst at Liverpool and regularly miss games for Southampton, the three-cap England man remained in decent health throughout last season at Villa Park.

One area Gerrard may look to address with the 108 career goal centre-forward could be his consistency. Having scored in his first two Premier League appearances for the club, the £19.8million valued ace then went five games without a goal on two separate occasions, lulls that will inevitably have a adverse impact on results.

That said, still under contract until 2024, following such a large outlay and with Gerrard likely to want more firepower in the ranks to accompany Ollie Watkins and the returning Keinan Davis, selling Ings is surely not on the agenda at this juncture, especially not to a domestic rival.

In other news: ‘I think…’ – Journalist makes claim involving ‘machine’ Gerrard wants at Villa, read more here

Former top flight striker Frank McAvennie has reacted to the news that Everton could be about to lose a massive behind the scenes component in assistant manager Duncan Ferguson. 

The lowdown: Wanted man

This comes as the 50-year-old Toffees favourite is strongly indexed with the vacant managerial position at Blackburn Rovers after a source informed Football Insider of the interest, following the departure of Tony Mowbray.

The Scotsman has been in situ at Goodison Park in a coaching capacity since 2011, having started out as an Under-18’s assistant before becoming a technical assistant and occupying the hot seat on a caretaker basis on three occasions.

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Now, after the appointment and subsequent relative success of Frank Lampard on Merseyside, Ferguson could be set to part ways with the Blues this summer…

The latest: McAvennie has his say

Speaking to Football Insider, fellow Scotsman McAvennie, 62, has suggested that it would be a ‘massive loss’ to the club were Ferguson to leave.

“He would be a massive loss if he went. He’s Everton through and through. He needs to be that go-between for the manager and the players at Everton. For a manager, it’s great to have Dunc on your side. I don’t know him and I don’t know what his ambitions are.

“But if his ambition is to become a manager then I always thought it would be for the Everton job. I’m surprised but if he wants to be a manager he has to go and try it.”

The verdict: Big blow

There can be no denying the potential departure of Ferguson would indeed be a bitter pill to swallow for the Toffees this summer.

One of the pillars of the club in recent years filled with turmoil, the towering ex-frontman may feel he has served his time as a bridesmaid and is deserving of a shot at the big job, and rightfully so.

However, the Everton hierarchy will no doubt be doing everything in their power to keep the experienced coach at the club to work closely alongside Lampard in what is hopefully the start of a resurrection on the blue half of Merseyside.

In other news: Everton: PSG ready to make move for Richarlison

An update has emerged regarding Newcastle United’s pursuit of Nathan Ake heading into the upcoming summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

According to talkSPORT, the Netherlands international is one of the centre-backs on the Tyneside club’s radar as Dan Ashworth plots his first deals as the Magpies’ new sporting director.

The report claims that the 27-year-old has been told that he is free to leave Manchester City ahead of the 2022/23 campaign, although it remains to be seen whether it will be on a loan or permanent basis.

Eddie Howe needs him badly

A deal for the defender will surely delight Toon manager Eddie Howe, as he badly needs Ake at St James’ Park heading into next season.

The Dutchman is a progressive defender who can help the Magpies to evolve their style into a dominant, possession-based system.

As per FBRef, Ake ranks in the 93rd percentile or higher for progressive carries, passes attempted, pass success rate, non-penalty expected goals + expected assists and non-penalty goals per 90 in his position across Europe’s top five leagues in the last 365 days.

Meanwhile, Dan Burn does not rank higher than the 58th percentile in any of those statistics and Fabian Schar ranks in the 45th percentile or lower in carries, passes completed and pass success rate. Newcastle captain Jamaal Lascelles sits in 54th percentile or lower in all of the aforementioned categories.

This suggests that Ake can be the centre-back that Howe needs in order to deploy a possession-based style of play, as the Dutchman has the ability on the ball to progress attacks out from the back.

The Citizens’ director of football Txiki Begiristain previously praised the 27-year-old, saying: “Nathan is a quality defender. He was a leader during his time at Bournemouth, and I am so pleased we’ve managed to bring him here. He’s strong and quick, and we feel he has the technical and intellectual attributes needed to excel in Pep’s setup.”

He has also been dubbed “underrated” by his fellow countryman and Liverpool centre-back Virgil van Dijk, with these comments highlighting how much he is valued within the footballing community.

Signed from Bournemouth for £41m, Ake has played in nine Premier League seasons by the age of 27 and averaged an excellent SofaScore rating of 7.08 in the 2021/22 campaign for Man City. He won 66% of his duels, including a whopping 73% in the air, as he showcased his ability to defend strongly as well as progress the ball.

Ashworth must now get a deal for the defender over the line, as Ake could be a vital cog in Howe’s system at Newcastle next season.

AND in other news, “I’m told..”: Journo drops “exciting” NUFC transfer claim that supporters will love…

Journalists Liam Kennedy and Jordan Cronin have revealed the list of players that Newcastle United might seek to move on from the club this summer.

The Lowdown: Newcastle’s 2022 revival

Exactly halfway through the season, Newcastle were 19th in the Premier League with just one win and 11 points from 19 games, staring relegation in the face.

A busy transfer window in January saw the arrivals of Bruno Guimaraes, Kieran Trippier, Dan Burn, Matt Targett and Chris Wood at St James’ Park. Fuelled by these new additions, the Magpies went on a sensational run of form in the first few months of 2022, remarkably ending the season in 11th place with a total of 49 points, averaging two points per game in the second half of the campaign.

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The Latest: Summer exits expected

Following the club’s success in the January transfer market, PIF will surely be looking to build upon this again in the summer. However, this time around, it is expected that a whole host of players will need to make way for the new arrivals.

Kennedy revealed in a Newcastle World Q&A that, whilst the majority of departures are to be expected, Jamal Lewis is set to be handed another chance at St James’ Park

He stated: “This list is getting quite lengthy. And I think we all know the candidates. So instead, I will list one player who I think might stay, despite it appearing as if he is heading out the exit door. Howe is keen to take a look at Jamal Lewis this summer, and depending on what happens in the market, he may well get a second chance at Newcastle.

“In my opinion, a player with all the tools to succeed, just needs a lot of decent coaching – and let’s be honest, that wasn’t forthcoming before Howe walked through the door.”

Taking a different approach, fellow journalist Cronin name-checked a few players that Eddie Howe could jettison during the summer.

He claimed: “Since Liam didn’t write the list of potential departures, I will… Yes, the most obvious are Freddie Woodman, Ciaran Clark, Federico Fernandez, Jeff Hendrick, Isaac Hayden and Dwight Gayle. I wouldn’t rule out others departing however – Miguel Almiron for example, i.e. a player you might not expect to go.”

The Verdict: Busy summer ahead

If Newcastle are to keep buying high-quality players who require substantial transfer fees, then it will be important that the club can offload some of the deadwood early in the window, so that the board have enough time to secure their transfer targets and stick within Financial Fair Play parameters.

Therefore, numerous incomings and outgoings are expected at St James’ Park this summer, as Howe looks to carry the positive momentum from 2022 so far into the forthcoming season as the Magpies potentially eye up a European finish.

In other news: Newcastle United: Journalists address Lucas Paqueta transfer links