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Man United Interested In £900k-p/w Forward

Manchester United are still interested in signing Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian Mbappe, with his future up in the air.

Could Man United sign Kylian Mbappe?

The Red Devils and Erik ten Hag are after a new forward this summer after securing moves for Mason Mount and Andre Onana from Chelsea and Inter Milan respectively.

Anthony Martial is reportedly up for sale, which could leave United with no recognised centre-forward heading into the new season, should the United man depart. Atalanta’s Rasmus Hojlund and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Randal Kolo Muani have both been linked with moves to Manchester and talks have been held over the pair.

However, previously, Mbappe has also been linked with a sensational move to Old Trafford, with potential new owner Sheikh Jassim feeling the France international belongs at Old Trafford. The Qatar group were thought to be planning a swoop for the PSG star if they completed a takeover, but as we know, there has been no real progress in recent months in regards to taking full control from the Glazers.

However, when it comes to Mbappe, it looks as if a PSG exit is on the cards this summer, with the player informing the club he would not take up the option of a one-year contract extension next summer and is now up for sale. Mbappe has even been left out of the club’s pre-season tour of Japan, and it looks as if United are still keen.

Reliable Spanish outlet Marca provided an update on Mbappe’s future in the last 48 hours, amid interest from Real Madrid, who he wants to join. They claimed that “an important offer from Saudi Arabia” is about to arrive for the forward.

Three sides in the Premier League are also keen, one of which are Man United. It is believed that the Red Devils are interested in Mbappe, regardless of whether or not a Qatar takeover at Old Trafford materialises.

kylian-mbappe-psg-arsenal-transfer-gossip-arteta-edu-thierry-henry

How much could Kylian Mbappe cost?

Mbappe, hailed as "unstoppable" in the media, is thought to be on £900,000-a-week and was valued at £170m when the Red Devils were linked with a move for the 24-year-old earlier this year.

However, reports previously suggested that United’s summer budget stood at around £100m this summer, a figure which they have already surpassed with a £60m move for Mount and £47m deal for Onana.

Therefore, you’d expect that a move could be extremely difficult for those at Old Trafford to complete, especially if Jassim and co fail to seal a takeover relatively soon. However, Mbappe could be a game-changing signing in Manchester, helping to take Ten Hag's side to the next level.

The France international, who has scored at Old Trafford in the Champions League, has netted 212 goals and provided 98 assists for PSG in 260 games, showing how he could be the missing piece of the jigsaw in the final third.

United may not be able to compete with the likes of Real Madrid or sides from Saudi Arabia financially, but by the looks of things, the Red Devils are still looking at a potential move, making it one to watch.

Fabrizio Romano Spotted Playing Football In Twitter Footage

At this stage of the year, there seems to be more interest in transfers than there is in actual football. Indeed, it seems some fans would rather ‘win the transfer market’ than actually win a genuine bit of silverware.With that being the case, one of the undisputed kings of the summer window is Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano who has built up a reputation for breaking many of the best transfer stories over the last few seasons. In an interesting twist on things, however, instead of focusing on his transfer reporting as usual, supporters have been able to actually critique his footballing ability thanks to some recent footage that was shared online.

Can Fabrizio Romano play football?

Twitter user JD Football posted a short clip on social media of the transfer guru playing a game of football in the dead of night after a hard day’s work.

The video included a caption saying: “Football game after transfer news day at 2am… Here we go!”

In the clip, Romano showed that he wasn’t too bad with the ball at his feet either. Indeed, in one instance, he rolls the ball past his defender before curling in a fine shot with the outside of his foot to score. While in another brief highlight, he controls the ball superbly before flicking it in on the bounce to score again.

Romano saw the video shared online and took to Twitter to simply reply with the eyes emoji.

Fans had some fun with the footage too, sharing their own reactions to the surprising highlights package of the Italian journalist.

Which team does Fabrizio Romano support?

It might be a bit of a surprise to see that Romano is actually any good at football. After all, he once told Bleacher Report that he prefers transfers to actual games of football.

Indeed, he explained: “I feel excited when I get a big story. For me, it’s like scoring an important goal in a big match. I remember when Bruno Fernandes joined Manchester United; that was a good one for me. When you put in so much on one story, and I get the news it has finally happened, I feel excited.

“People ask me which team I support, but it is not about that. I am excited because of the way the signing will make people feel.”

He added: “I prefer the transfer window to the actual football matches! Of course I love games, but there is an excitement about working on the market and how things can change so quickly.”

According to SportsKeeda, Romano is a fan of Championship outfit Watford and has been since 2013 after witnessing their remarkable comeback against Leicester City in the Championship playoffs – you remember, the one where Manuel Almunia saved the penalty and then Troy Deeney immediately scored on the counter.

Supposedly from that moment on, the Hornets – who have an Italian connection as they are owned by the Pozzo family who also own Udinese – became the club for Romano and he even chooses them when playing FIFA career mode and Football Manager.

Declan Rice Departure Could Hinder West Ham Teammate Soucek

West Ham United midfielder Tomas Soucek could look worse following the imminent departure of long-time midfield partner Declan Rice, according to Sam Tighe.

What position does Tomas Soucek play?

Since his arrival at the London Stadium from Slavia Prague in January 2020, Soucek has made 155 appearances in all competitions, scoring 22 goals and assisting eight.

According to Transfermarkt, the Czech Republic international has played the majority of his games as a defensive midfielder. Across these games, Soucek played mostly alongside club captain Rice, with the pair forming a very strong partnership across 137 matches that has anchored the Irons midfield for the past three seasons.

That partnership is set to be broken up now, though, with the Englishman on the brink of sealing a record-breaking £105m move to Arsenal. It is a move that has been brewing for a while and a move that, in the eyes of Tighe, could have major repercussions for Soucek.

Speaking on the Sky Sports Transfer Talk podcast, journalist Tighe revealed that he believes the 28-year-old may look worse following the departure of Rice due to the loss of the support he provided on the pitch.

He said: "David Moyes is going to have a lot of money to spend here, but this is not going to be an easy task, because I think he needs to buy a new midfield.

"Declan Rice is irreplaceable, but also I think he makes the others around him better, and I think there are players in this team who are going to look worse because Rice isn’t there to support them and prop them up – and I think Tomas Soucek is a prime example of that."

How will Tomas Soucek look worse without Declan Rice?

The 24-year-old was the perfect partner for Soucek because their games complemented each other incredibly well.

According to WhoScored, the Czech player's strengths include aerial duels, blocking the ball and interception skills, whilst his main weakness is his passing. Rice, on the other hand, has passing as one of his key strengths, whilst aerial duels and interceptions fail to make his list of strengths.

This perhaps showcases why the partnership was so fruitful; whilst the England international would control the tempo, drive the ball forward and run the game with the ball for West Ham, Soucek thrives off of winning duels and tackles as well as popping up in the box to score.

West Ham United'sTomasSoucekwith Declan Rice.

The departure of the Hammers captain leaves a major hole in the side that needs to be plugged, and whilst the names that have been reportedly linked to the club are great players in their own right in Joao Palhinha, Edson Alvarez, and Denis Zakaria, none of them arguably shape up to complement the 28-year-old as well as Rice did.

When it comes to Palhinha, the Portuguese midfielder has tackling as a "very strong" strength according to WhoScored, however, skills such as passing and dribbling are not listed as a strength of his game, suggesting that both he and Soucek could end up playing the same role which could be very detrimental to the Hammers.

In the case of Zakaria, WhoScored lists passing as one of his weaknesses, as well as aerial duels and tackling. So whilst he would enable the Czech man to focus on his strengths as a player, he wouldn't exactly help out in terms of covering his weaknesses.

Alvarez seems to be the best option for the Hammers, with both passing and tackling listed as "very strong" strengths, whilst he lacks any major weaknesses, according to WhoScored. Whilst the Mexican's skillset could lead to a strong partnership in the future, there may be some teething problems initially if the two players are focused on the same parts of the game.

If West Ham want to avoid many settling-in issues, Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse could be a brilliant pick-up, with his strengths according to WhoScored laying in the creative and passing parts of the game, whilst tackling and defensive contributions are mentioned as notable weaknesses. This should allow Soucek to focus on his strengths with the 28-year-old England international alongside him to pick up the creative side of the game.

Everton Want "Clinical" £12m Gyokeres Alternative

Everton could finally be set to solve their long-held striking issues…

What's the latest on Joel Piroe to Everton?

That's according to Dutch outlet Voetbal International, who detail Sean Dyche's interest in Swansea City star Joel Piroe.

It is noted that the Toffees have the Dutchman on their wish list, and his affordability makes him a more attractive proposition for the cash-strapped Merseyside outfit.

With just one year left on his deal in Wales, all signs point towards an exit for the marksman who has dominated the Championship in recent years. Especially with a reported price tag of just £12m.

This would also mark a fine alternative to Viktor Gyokeres, who has also been a target of theirs. With his value at a far more lofty £25m, and many more suitors vying for his signature, it could be time to look elsewhere.

Is Joel Piroe as good as Viktor Gyokeres?

Both of these frontmen have starred in the English second division of late, yet a questionable price disparity has opened up between the two.

Especially when it could be argued that Piroe offers far greater value, given he is two years younger and has matched the scoring levels set by Sweden international despite featuring for a far weaker side.

Coventry City have finished above the Swans in the last two seasons, and yet the 23-year-old managed 19 league strikes most recently, and a further 22 with six assists the year before even that. It is no surprise to see his former boss Russell Martin having branded him "clinical" in the past.

Comparing these figures with Gyokeres, the gulf is not nearly wide enough to merit a £13m difference in prices. The 25-year-old would score 21 times and assist a further ten during last term's playoff push, building upon his 17-goal haul during the 2021/22 campaign.

The two share a frighteningly similar physical profile too, standing at 6 foot 2 and 6 foot 1 respectively, yet are both blessed with a blistering turn of pace.

It is these key characteristics that suggest they would take to the top flight with ease, and finally provide that focal point that Dyche was so sorely lacking last season.

viktor-gyokeres-coventry-city

With Dominic Calvert-Lewin having missed the bulk of their recent campaign through injury, Everton were the division's second-lowest scorer with 34 goals in 38 league games. If they are to once again avoid the drop, as they have done with some fortune in recent years, they will need a reliable source of firepower.

Piroe would provide just that for a cut price, and despite Gyokeres being the preferred option for many, there would likely be little difference in opting for this former PSV Eindhoven youngster.

Tottenham: Spurs Gifted Discount On "World Class" Defender

Tottenham Hotspur are also eyeing a move for Juventus defender Gleison Bremer amid their reported talks for other centre-backs, according to news out of Italy.

Who will join Spurs this summer?

Spurs have already sealed deals for goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, who joins from Empoli for £17.4 million, and England international playmaker James Maddison in a £40 million move from Leicester.

Ange Postecoglou will be thrilled by the start his new side have made, but with months of the transfer window remaining, the Lilywhites must not rest on their laurels and keep pursuing quality.

Reports suggest that Spurs are looking at signing a central defender as well this summer, coming after a 22/23 which saw Tottenham concede more league goals than any other side above 15th in the table.

Going by the numbers, Spurs have a glaring achilles heel which needs to be resolved, leading to rumoured transfer talks for Bayer Leverkusen defender Edmond Tapsoba and Wolfsburg star Micky van de Ven.

Fellow names on Tottenham's reported shortlist of defender targets include Palace's Marc Guehi, Wolves' Max Kilman, Manchester City treble-winner Aymeric Laporte, Roma's Roger Ibanez and Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo.

gleison-bremer-premier-league-newcastle-transfers

According to Corriere dellon Sport, via Sport Witness, another centre-back attracting Tottenham's interest is Bremer – just a year after he joined Juventus from Torino.

Spurs, alongside Newcastle United and Aston Villa, are named as the clubs targeting him this summer with this report relaying his price appears to have dropped from €80 million (£69m) to €50 million (£43m).

However, bizzarely, the discounted price tag still "seems to scare" Levy and co – so if Tottenham want to do a deal – they may need to put this aside or negotiate an even lower fee.

What's been said about Gleison Bremer?

As per WhoScored, the Brazilian marked himself out as one of Juve's best-performers per 90 last season, with Massimiliano Allegri handing him 30 league starts as an undroppable.

In that time, he averaged an impressive 90.2% passing accuracy out from the back and made more clearances per 90 than any other Juve player (WhoScored).

Bremer would be a solid option for Spurs, with CBS commentator Matteo Bonetti calling him "shockingly good" and "world class" during the player's Torino days.

"Bremer was *shockingly* good at Torino," said Bonetti on Twitter.

"Obviously not on the radar of many casuals because the team didn't draw many viewers, but my goodness, some of the games he had against the top strikers in the league… Genuinely looks world class."

Arsenal Eye ‘Generational’ £61m Gundogan Alternative

Arsenal have already enjoyed a busy summer transfer window, with Mikel Arteta keen to get his business done early in order to get them immediately integrated within his squad.

The Gunners enjoyed a fine recent campaign, but it concluded with little to show for it but their Champions League qualification. For all their progress, their Spanish manager will be far from content in allowing his team to slow down now.

Kai Havertz and Declan Rice are poised to be huge additions to his squad should they get both get secured, however, they each come with hefty price tags.

This makes the failed move for Ilkay Gundogan all the more frustrating, given his immense quality and availability this summer on a free transfer. Their interest was long-standing, but in the end, the allure of Barcelona proved too much.

ilkay-gundogan-manchester-city

In an effort to secure someone in a similar mould, perhaps the north London outfit could seek to reignite a rumour that has lost pace in recent weeks, by swooping for Dominik Szoboszlai.

Having showcased their willingness to spend big, the reported €70m (£61m) release clause could prove a minor stumbling block for the free-spending Gunners.

Is Dominiz Szoboszlai similar to Ilkay Gundogan?

The German proved to be an instrumental figure in Manchester City's recent treble success, starring in the Premier League and captaining the side to immortality.

He operated as the cornerstone of Pep Guardiola's revolutionary system too, occupying a role as a second number ten beside Kevin De Bruyne. Fortunately for Arteta, Szoboszlai is also well-versed in such a position and could offer fine balance to play next to Martin Odegaard within a similar philosophy.

Although the two boast varying physical profiles, they share an elite skillset and silky play style that has seen both shine in their respective leagues.

Gundogan recorded 11 goals and seven assists in all competitions last campaign, and yet when compared to other central midfielders across Europe, also ranked in the top 12% for pass completion, the best 17% for shot-creating actions and the top 4% for touches in the attacking penalty area per 90, via FBref.

When using Opta's player analysis tool, this same penchant for playmaking and dictating is outlined in the 22-year-old who posted 23 goal contributions of his own across all competitions, as he sits in the top 4% of positionally similar players in Europe for chances created.

Szoboszlai clearly excels with regard to creating chances, whilst his goalscoring and shots taken are similarly admirable. He could pose a true offensive threat under Arteta, and his youth makes him malleable, prepared to be turned into a world-class star.

After all, journalist Marcel Moeller had suggested he was a "generational talent" back in 2020, and he has only grown since then.

Offensively exceptional and with his whole career in front of him, the Hungary international has all the attributes to emulate Gundogan's success last season and even surpass him technically one day.

Tottenham: Spurs Hold "Behind-The-Scenes" Talks Over Star

Tottenham Hotspur are holding "behind-the-scenes" discussions over whether to move for Leicester City pair James Maddison and Harvey Barnes, according to Sky Sports.

Who could join Tottenham this summer?

Ange Postecoglou, despite not officially starting work until July 1, has apparently earmarked summer transfer targets and even held talks with chairman Daniel Levy over strategy last week.

Of the names apparently wanted by Spurs, it has been reported that they're chasing a star centre-back or two to strengthen their back line, as no side above Bournemouth conceded more goals than them last season.

Staying near their backline, long-serving number one Hugo Lloris could be on the way out this summer by his own admission, leading to serious interest in Brentford goalkeeper David Raya among others.

As well as in defence, there have been suggestions of a potential move for Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher, with the north Londoners also targeting Maddison and his teammate Harvey Barnes.

The Daily Mail reported on Thursday that Spurs had lodged a £50 million double bid for the latter pair. but according to Sky Sports, things aren't exactly as advanced as that.

James Maddison for Leicester City

The broadcaster does however claim that both Maddison and Barnes are certainly of interest, and Spurs are even holding "behind-the-scenes" discussions over whether to move.

"Transfer update from Tottenham," said Sky.

"In the market to strengthen in midfield and attack, we're told there is a strong interest in the Leicester pair James Maddison and Harvey Barnes.

"It's thought discussions are ongoing behind-the-scenes about whether Tottenham will formalise that interest, after club sources told us no official bids have been made for the players."

How much will James Maddison cost?

While the report concerns both Maddison and Barnes, we believe a move for the former is of far more importance, especially considering his fine form last season.

The playmaker stood out as Leicester's star player, averaging a higher match rating than anybody in their squad over 2022/2023.

Maddison also attempted more shots at goal and completed more key passes per 90 than all of his teammates, highlighting why Tottenham are displaying an interest.

The 26-year-old, who looks set to leave the King Power Stadium following Leicester's relegation to the Championship, could still cost a pretty penny.

Indeed, reports suggest the Foxes value their prized asset at around £60 million, even despite their drop to England's second tier.

Regardless, we believe this may well be a price to pay for such a capable threat.

Man Utd Closing On Deal For £51m "Colossus"

Manchester United appear to be closing in on a deal for Napoli defender, Kim Min-jae, following a significant update regarding the Red Devils' pursuit of the South Korean star.

What's the latest on Kim Min-jae to Man United?

According to Italian outlet Il Mattino, the 26-year-old is seemingly set to join the Old Trafford outfit at the beginning of next month, with United set to active the centre-back's €60m (£51m) release clause on 1 July.

The report adds that the former Fenerbahce ace has 'accepted' a contract offer of around €10.4m (£9m) a year from the Premier League outfit, with it looking as if a move to Manchester could be a matter of when and not if.

The 6 foot 3 ace – who has two years left to run on his existing deal in Naples – only made the move to the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium on a £16m deal last summer.

Would Kim Min-jae be a good signing for Man United?

If that deal is to go ahead as expected, it could represent a real statement signing for Erik ten Hag and co, with Kim having established himself as arguably the "best centre-back in the world" – according to departing boss Luciano Spalletti – after playing a vital role in Napoli's stunning Scudetto success in 2022/23.

The 49-cap "colossus" – as hailed by journalist Stephen Kasiewicz – notably helped to keep 14 clean sheets from 35 league outings en route to that title triumph, averaging a solid 1.6 tackles and 1.2 interceptions per game as a marker of his ball-winning dominance.

That physical presence – which has also seen the defender lauded as an "iron barrel" by teammate Kvicha Kvaratskhelia – is also shown by the fact that Kim ranks in the top 14% among those in his position across Europe's top five leagues for aerial duels won, ensuring he could prove a menacing proposition for any Premier League striker next term.

Man United's David De Gea

The major benefit of signing the £53k-per-week ace, however, could well be his quality on the ball, with the towering asset likely to help ease or cover up the shortcomings of long-serving United man, David De Gea in possession.

With the experienced Spaniard at times making the "whole team nervous" when trying to play out from the back – according to club legend Paul Scholes – the addition of a composed presence such as the Napoli rock could be just what is needed to bring a greater sense of calm to the backline.

That knack for getting involved in the build-up is shown by the fact that the one-time Beijing Guoan machine ranks in the top 10% for pass completion, as well as in the top 12% for both progressive passes and progressive carries, suggesting that he opts to look forward when in possession, rather than regularly playing back to his goalkeeper.

That could then aid De Gea – who has reportedly verbally agreed a new contract with the Red Devils – with current centre-back option Raphael Varane, for instance, perhaps less assured on the ball as the Frenchman ranks in just the top 35% for pass completion, as well as in just the top 48% and the top 25% for progressive passes and progressive carries, respectively.

To then have Kim alongside another forward-thinking option like Lisandro Martinez – who notably ranks in the top 11% for successful take-ons – would perhaps take the pressure off the man in the sticks, hence acting as a game changer for the former Atletico Madrid star and for Ten Hag.

Spurs Fans Fume After Hearing Transfer Harry Kane Wants

Tottenham Hotspur fans online have been left furious with Harry Kane after he supposedly recommended a transfer swoop for Harry Maguire.

Who will Spurs sign this summer?

Spurs have recently appointed former Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou as the club’s new manager and so plenty of focus is already on who he will want to sign this summer.

Of course, though, there is also a keen interest in who from the current crop will be leaving North London over the coming weeks and months.

Most notably of that bunch is Kane who has long been linked with an exit and is reportedly viewed by Real Madrid as a priority transfer target.

However, it sounds as though Daniel Levy could made a move in the summer window to help convince the 29-year-old striker to hang around a while longer.

Indeed, as per Matt Law of The Telegraph, Tottenham may look to sign Manchester United defender Maguire and this would please Kane who supposedly has a close relationship with the player and has, at one point, recommended Spurs sign the Englishman.

The journalist wrote: “Tottenham Hotspur have shown an interest in Manchester United outcast Harry Maguire in a move that would delight Harry Kane.

“The Spurs interest in Maguire is in no way linked to United’s desire to sign Kane and there is no suggestion of the potential for each player to move in opposite directions as part of the same deal.

“In fact, Tottenham’s interest in Maguire could be seen as a potential move to keep Kane, given the striker has previously recommended his England team-mate to the club and the pair share a close relationship from their time together with the national team.”

Harry-Maguire-in-action-for-Manchester-United

After the initial report emerged, it was soon circulated on social media, and it didn’t take long before some concerned Spurs supporters had their say on the matter.

He are the best Twitter reactions…

Some even joked Kane should be sold for the suggestion.

Liverpool Could Ditch Thiago For £70m ‘Crown Jewel’

Liverpool are interested in Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo, having just plucked Alexis Mac Allister from the Seagulls' ranks.

That's according to the Telegraph, who claim that while Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United lead the charge for the Ecuadorian talent, Jurgen Klopp's Reds could enter the race.

Albion will demand more than £70m for their 21-year-old enforcer, with the Gunners failing with a bid of that value in January – with his club unwilling to sell at the season's midpoint. Previous reports stipulate it could well cost as much as £80m.

Caicedo penned a new deal at the Amex earlier this year, but this is not expected to dissuade his mounting pile of suitors, and while Liverpool will seek prudence in the market this summer, a signing of his calibre could be too sweet to resist.

How good is Moises Caicedo?

Only last season, the £60k-per-week Caicedo plied his trade out on loan in the Jupiler Pro League before earning a winter recall and starting Brighton's closing eight matches of the Premier League campaign, scoring one goal and supplying one assist.

He has replicated his direct return this year, starting 34 times in the league, and now stands as one of the most robust and unwavering midfielders in the division, and the interest from the division's top outfits is unequivocally warranted.

For Liverpool, he is exactly the kind of energetic and unflinching midfielder Klopp needs to rekindle the former verve, with the Reds falling by the wayside this term and finishing fifth, now facing a campaign in the Europa League.

Described as Ecuador's "crown jewel" by historian Enrico Castro-Montes, the 21-year-old ranks among the top 6% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for pass completion, as well as the top 15% for attempted passes, the top 13% for rate of tackles and the top 11% for rate of interceptions per 90, as per FBref.

Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo.

While he boasts a somewhat different skill set to Liverpool's pass master, Thiago Alcantara, he could be the perfect heir to return the Anfield centre to its more industrious roots.

Thiago, for all of his flair and elegance, is incessantly tethered to the medical department and is out of contract in one year's time. Indeed, at 32-years-old Klopp will no doubt be seeking a successor. The German could well find that in Caicedo, a brute capable of easily displacing Liverpool's number 6.

The £200k-per-week Spaniard ranks among the top 3% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues for attempted passes, the top 4% for progressive passes, the top 4% for rate of tackles and the top 11% for rate of interceptions, illustrating the impact Caicedo could make, with Thiago heralded as "a special player" by teammate Andy Robertson.

Caicedo, who has been dubbed "terrific" by South American football expert Tim Vickery, has been riding the crest of a wave with the Seagulls this season and has led them to their first-ever European campaign with a sixth-place finish, and while Albion are on the up, the allure of playing a central role in the resurgence on Merseyside could leave Liverpool with an imperious new midfield enforcer.

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