Liverpool Ready To Pursue Move For £60m "Exceptional Talent"

Liverpool are now ready to battle Newcastle United for the signature of Marc Guehi, but Crystal Palace are set to hold out for bids in excess of £60m if they are to sanction an exit for the defender, according to a report from Football Insider.

Is Marc Guehi leaving Crystal Palace?

With Guehi currently contracted until the summer of 2026, Palace are under no pressure to sell him this summer, but there is growing interest in his signature, with a number of top Premier League clubs now said to be eyeing moves.

Tottenham Hotspur have previously been linked with a move for the Englishman, with north London rivals Arsenal also being named as potential suitors, as Mikel Arteta is keen to bolster his backline.

Newcastle and Liverpool have been competing for several of the same targets this summer, with the Reds ultimately beating the Magpies to the signing of Dominik Szoboszlai, while they are also competing for Sporting CP youngster Goncalo Inacio.

There may now be another battle for the signature of Guehi, according to a report from Football Insider, which details that Liverpool are now ready to fight it out with their Premier League rivals.

However, they have been made aware that the 6-foot defender will not come cheap, as Palace are set to ask for bids in excess of £60m, if they are to sanction an exit for one of their prized assets.

Spurs and Arsenal are also still in the frame, but there is a belief that Palace's asking price could make the difficult very difficult to orchestrate, even for the Premier League's elite clubs.

After dazzling for the second season on the spin at Selhurst Park, the Eagles are unwilling to let their academy graduate leave for less than they think he is worth.

Is Marc Guehi signing for Liverpool?

If Palace are unwilling to lower their asking price, it seems unlikely that FSG sanction a move for the 22-year-old, given that the owners are not exactly known for overspending on players.

Liverpool's net owner funding in the last five years comes in at second-lowest in the division, at negative £37m.

However, if the Eagles lower their asking price later in the transfer window, the up-and-coming centre-back could be a fantastic addition to Klopp's squad.

Hailed as an "exceptional talent" by members of the media, the former Swansea City now has four caps for England, having impressed at club level, averaging a 6.94 Sofascore match rating last season, a higher figure than Joe Gomez and Ibrahima Konate.

Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi.

Former manager Patrick Vieira has also heaped praise on the England international. saying: “He’s an ambitious player who wants the best for himself and wants to represent his country. He’s been working well, really hard.

“When you look at his performances for us in the year-and-a-half I’ve been here, it’s been really consistent and good.He just has to keep working like that and he will get a time to play in a World Cup and get a chance to represent his country."

Guehi is not yet the finished article, but he has proven himself at Premier League level, and has the potential to become a top player.

Celtic Eyeing "Aggressive" Free Transfer; McAvennie Reacts

Pundit Frank McAvennie has been reacting to a Celtic transfer claim regarding Leicester City defender Daniel Amartey.

Are Celtic signing Daniel Amartey?

The Hoops and Brendan Rodgers look set for a busy few months in the transfer market and have already made a start on their summer business, with a move for midfielder Odin Thiago Holm confirmed by the club.

Melbourne City attacker Marco Tilio looks like he could be the next through the door, and another player of interest appears to be Amartey, previously described as "outstanding" and “aggressive” by Rodgers.

Reports earlier this month suggested that the Hoops are prepared to contact Amartey’s agent ahead of a potential move to the Scottish Premiership.

The Foxes defender will officially become a free agent at the beginning of July, and McAvennie has been giving his thoughts on a possible free transfer.

Talking to Football Insider, McAvennie believes Amartey is the type of player Rodgers will want to bring to Parkhead and feels the Ghana international could be a “revelation” in Scotland, who go on to be sold for £20m if he impresses.

“That is the kind of player that Brendan is going to want. The Premier League is a fierce league, it is the best league in the world and it is a lot harder to make it down there than people think it is.

“He might not be getting in the Leicester team but he could come to Scotland and be a revelation.

“They can get him for nothing and if he does well they will sell him for £20m, that has been the blueprint of Celtic for years. He needs game time and he will get it at Celtic.”

Leicester City defender Daniel Amartey.

Who else could Celtic sign this summer?

Rodgers reportedly has a £30m transfer budget ahead of the 2023/24 season, and there has been no shortage of transfer rumours in recent days.

Former Celtic star Kieran Tierney, now with Arsenal, would consider a return to Parkhead this summer on a season-long loan, and the club could still bring in more players from Asia.

It is believed that a significant bid has been placed for winger Yang Hyun-jun from Gangwon FC, whereas Gwangju FC duo Eom Ji-sung and Jeong Ho-yeon have also been scouted ahead of possible Parkhead moves.

Amartey, who has made more appearances under Rodgers than any other manager during his career, would bring plenty of experience and versatility to Parkhead, should a deal go through, as he is capable of playing in defence or midfield, winning the Premier League and FA Cup while with the Foxes, and a move looks like it could be one to monitor.

Man City Transfer News; Guardiola Ready To Sign £240k-p/w Defender

Manchester City are ready to pay to complete the signing of Achraf Hakimi, with Pep Guardiola said to be a big fan of the Paris Saint-Germain star, according to a report from Football Insider.

What's the latest Man City transfer news?

Man City are planning to spend big on West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice, having submitted a £90m offer for the England international, although that proposal was swiftly rejected by the Hammers.

Central midfield is not the only position that needs strengthening, however, with Kyle Walker's future in doubt. A new right-back may be required, with the likes of Nahuel Molina and Hakimi being linked with moves to the Etihad Stadium.

It is detailed that Guardiola wants to build a side capable of competing on all fronts next season, with the PSG defender being identified as a player who could help them do that, and there has now been an update on City's pursuit.

According to a report from Football Insider, the Sky Blues are now "ready to pay" to complete the signing of the 24-year-old, as they hold a strong interest in his services.

Guardiola is said to be a big fan of the Moroccan, who features highly on Man City's shortlist of potential defender signings, but he would command a big fee. The Citizens' interest in the right-back comes amid doubts over the futures of Walker and Joao Cancelo, with the latter of the two set to leave this summer.

How much does Achraf Hakimi earn?

The PSG full-back is currently tied down to a £240k-per-week deal with the French champions, which is not due to expire until 2026, meaning his current employers will be in a very strong negotiating position this summer.

However, Man City are seemingly willing to spend big on the Morocco international, and there is every indication he could be worth it, given the threat he poses on the front foot.

In the past year, the former Inter Milan star has averaged 0.17 non-penalty goals per 90, placing him in the 93rd percentile compared to his positional peers, with a pass-completion rate of 89% placing him in the 98th percentile.

Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi.

Any player operating in a Guardiola system needs to be an assured passer of the ball, and the right-back fits the bill in that regard, while he has also been hailed as "sensational" by journalist David Amoyal.

Hakimi could be a perfect long-term replacement for Walker, and Man City should now look to test the waters with an opening offer – showing that Guardiola is not messing around in the market with midfielder Mateo Kovacic set to become the first signing of the summer.

Chelsea Considering Swoop For £76k-p/w Commander

An update has emerged on Chelsea and their ongoing plans to reshape their playing squad after they finished in the bottom half of the Premier League in the season just gone.

What's the latest Chelsea transfer news?

Mauricio Pochettino is in the market to bolster his options in the middle of the park and Sandro Tonali has emerged as a potential option instead of Brighton & Hove Albion's Moises Caicedo.

The Athletic's David Ornstein has reported that the Blues have had an offer of £60m turned down for the Ecuador international and that they are now considering a number of alternatives, including the AC Milan commander.

This is alongside their pursuit of a deal for Villarreal forward Nicolas Jackson, who is seemingly closing in on a move to Stamford Bridge from the Spanish side after agreeing terms with the Blues. The reporter tweeted:

"Chelsea have agreed terms with Nicolas Jackson + intend to strike deal with Villarreal. €35m clause if needed. 21yo striker has committed. + #BHAFC rejected £60m #CFC Caicedo bid 2wks ago – Lavia, Kone, Tonali, Barella among alternatives."

Ornstein's article, which is attached to his Tweet, does not reveal how much it would take to snatch Tonali away from the Champions League semi-finalists but the Italian international is on the club's list of targets this summer.

Who is Sandro Tonali?

The 23-year-old Milan ace is a defensive midfielder who has the quality to make an impact at both ends of the pitch with his defensive awareness and creativity.

Whilst it remains to be seen how much the Italian giants would demand for his services, Football Transfers estimates his market value to be in the region of €68m (£58m), which is significantly more than the €39.7m (£34m) he was valued at in June 2022.

AC Milan midfielder Sandro Tonali.

This shows that the young maestro, who scout Jacek Kulig hailed as "Il Comandante", has been building his value over the last 12 months and that Chelsea would be bringing in a player who is on the up, rather than a depreciating asset with no sell-on potential.

Tonali enjoyed a terrific 2022/23 campaign in the Serie A with Milan. The Italian commander, who was once lauded as “extraordinary” by former Brescia manager Eugenio Corini, averaged a SofaScore rating of 7.21 across 34 appearances in the division and made 2.6 tackles and interceptions and 1.8 key passes per match.

Only Thiago Silva and N'Golo Kante (both with a score of 7.26) averaged a higher rating in the Premier League and only Kante (1.9) created more chances per game than the £76k-per-week dynamo.

Tottenham In "Talks" For £51m "Massive Signing"

There has been an update regarding Tottenham Hotspur's pursuit of Leicester City playmaker, James Maddison…

What's the latest on Maddison to Tottenham?

According to Italian journalist, Rudy Galetti, the Lilywhites are said to have made contact with the player's representatives regarding a deal to bring the 26-year-old to north London, albeit with the Englishman – who could be worth around €60m (£51m) – also the subject of strong interest from Newcastle United.

Writing on Twitter, the respected insider revealed: "Head-to-head between #Tottenham and #Newcastle for #Maddison. #NUFC have a slight advantage – they consider about €60m a fair price – but the race is fully open. Both clubs are in talks with the agent of James, who wants the move after the relegation of #Leicester."

This follows a previous report from 90min that suggested new boss Ange Postecoglou has given his approval with regard to the signing of the former Norwich City man, with the midfielder set to be up for grabs following Leicester's recent relegation.

How could Maddison fit in at Tottenham?

While the Coventry-born ace has been utilised on the right flank in recent times at the King Power Stadium, it is perhaps likely that he will take up one of the attacking, number eight berths in Postecoglou's preferred, 4-3-3 system, helping to provide a creative hub in the centre of the park.

It is perhaps clear to see that the north Londoners have been missing that link between the midfield and attack over the past few years, with BBC Radio London's Phil Parry stating that "there remains a big hole between the defensive part of midfield and the front three" as the club "have still not replaced Eriksen."

As Parry went on to note, "both Son Heung-min and Dejan Kulusevski are runners and they do not have someone to pick the ball up in pockets, be intelligent and feed them accuracy", hence why the addition of Maddison could prove to be a "massive signing" – according to pundit Paddy Kenny.

Tottenham's Heung-min Son

While uncertainty remains over Kulusevski's future at the club – amid reports that Postecoglou is unconvinced by the on-loan Juventus gem – Son could be the man to benefit from Maddison's arrival, as the South Korean star looks to kick on from what was an injury-impacted 2022/23 campaign.

Having played through the pain barrier for much of the season, the 30-year-old 'only' contributed ten goals in 36 Premier League games, with that tally only likely to increase if given quality service by the Leicester gem.

The latter man – who also scored ten top-flight goals – showcased his creative flair after racking up nine assists and creating 69 chances in total, ensuring he ranked tenth in the division for that latter metric.

With Maddison also ranking in the top 15% among those in his position in Europe's top five leagues for progressive passes, he is clearly someone that looks to play forward at every available opportunity, thus ensuring that the likes of Son can regularly gain possession in threatening areas.

Such a partnership could then prove crucial in ensuring that Spurs are not once again solely reliant on the goalscoring exploits of Harry Kane – who bagged 30 league goals last season – in their quest to break down opponents.

Celtic Could Seal Masterclass By Appointing 37 y/o Coach Alongside Rodgers

Celtic are reportedly close to securing their replacement for Ange Postecoglou as Brendan Rodgers inches closer to a return to Parkhead this month.

Majority shareholder Dermot Desmond has held talks with the former Leicester City manager and a deal to bring him back to the Scottish giants is said to be 'all-but done'.

Rodgers enjoyed a terrific first spell with the club as he won a sensational seven domestic trophies in less than three full seasons at the helm.

However, his second stint in Glasgow could look a little bit different as it was recently reported that Hoops legend Scott Brown could be in the frame to form part of the Northern Irishman's backroom staff, after the Scotsman completed his first season in senior management with Fleetwood Town in England.

Would Scott Brown be a good appointment for Celtic?

Bringing the 37-year-old tactician in as part of Rodgers' staff could be a masterclass of a move by Desmond this summer for several reasons.

Firstly, the retired midfielder has a pre-existing relationship with the Celtic supporters and would be able to instantly reconnect with the fans in the stadium. He spent 14 years at the club as a player and should know exactly what the paying punters expect and demand from the side week-in-week-out.

Fleetwood Town boss Scott Brown.

The tenacious enforcer made a staggering 614 appearances for the Hoops during his playing career and won 23 domestic trophies in that time, including ten Scottish Premiership titles. This means that he knows the standards that are required to consistently dominate football in Scotland and can, therefore, make sure that the current squad is keeping up with that.

His performance in charge of Fleetwood in League One in the 22/23 campaign also suggests that he has the coaching ability to be an excellent addition to Rodgers' staff.

They had finished 15th and 20th in League One in the previous two seasons and the ex-Celtic man led them to a 13th-placed finish in the division. He also won four of his six FA Cup matches in charge of the club to take them to the fifth round for the first time in their entire history.

Former teammate Gary Caldwell hailed the Bhoys legend's work with Fleetwood as "fantastic" and the statistics back that up as Brown progressed the side in both the league and cup competitions.

Therefore, the 37-year-old boss could be an exceptional addition to Rodgers' staff if he is willing to make the move back to Parkhead due to his relationship with the supporters, his coaching pedigree, and his knowledge of what is needed to win consistently in Scotland.

Arsenal Enter Talks With "Incredible" £140k-p/w Star

Arsenal have entered talks with Ilkay Gundogan about a summer move, but there will be a great deal of competition for his signature, according to a recent report from Marca.

Is Ilkay Gundogan leaving Man City?

With Gundogan's contract set to expire at the end of the month, the midfielder has been linked with a move elsewhere, and there are reports that a move to Barcelona could be close, having verbally told the La Liga side he wants to join this summer.

However, the German is likely to have a number of other offers on the table, with clubs from Saudi Arabia said to be preparing huge offers, while French champions Paris Saint-Germain are also keen, according to a report from L'Equipe.

There is also a chance the 32-year-old remains at the Etihad Stadium, with Manchester City now keen to tie him down to a new long-term contract, having initially been unwilling to offer anything other than a one-year deal.

According to a report from Marca (via Sport Witness), Arsenal have now entered talks over a move for the £140k-per-week midfielder, however, there will be fierce competition for his signature.

PSG may push to sign the Germany international if they appoint Julian Nagelsmann as their new manager, while Barcelona will try to sign him as well.

Mikel Arteta knows him well from their time working together at Man City, and he believes the central midfielder could have the quality to help his side compete for the Premier League title.

Will Gundogan join Arsenal?

Now that City have changed their stance on offering the former Borussia Dortmund man a long-term deal, it would be surprising if he is willing to move to another Premier League club, particularly if Pep Guardiola's side win the Champions League final later tonight.

However, if the Gunners are able to win the race for his signature, the maestro could be a fantastic signing, given that he played a vital role for City in their Premier League triumph last season, registering eight goals and five assists in 35 appearances.

Hailed as "incredible" by members of the media, the Man City star also has a habit of delivering in big games – scoring four in his last three league games to help wrap up the title for his side before netting a brace in the FA Cup final.

Although he is now 32 years old, Gundogan is showing no signs of slowing down, and Arsenal should undoubtedly table a contract offer this summer.

Everton Considering Bid For £11m-Rated Brazil International

An update has emerged on Everton and their plans to improve their options in the final third heading into the summer transfer window…

What's the latest on Yuri Alberto to Everton?

According to GOAL, the Toffees are eyeing up a possible swoop to sign Corinthians centre-forward Yuri Alberto ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

The report claims that the club are considering whether or not to make an official offer to land the Brazilian forward's signature, but there has not been any contact between the two teams as of yet.

It is stated that Everton remaining in the Premier League has helped their cause and that Sean Dyche's side has the financial power to make moves in the market.

Who is Yuri Alberto?

He is a 22-year-old Brazil international who is valued at £11m by Football Transfers and his arrival would be terrible news for Everton forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

The England international scored a stunning 29 Premier League goals across the 2019/20 and 2020/21 campaigns combined, but his form has fallen off a cliff over the last two years.

Since the start of 2021/22, Calvert-Lewin has scored seven goals and provided three assists in 34 appearances in the top flight – including two in 17 this term.

Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

In the current season, the 26-year-old averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.74 across 17 appearances in the league and contributed with two goals and one assist, with a pass success rate of 61%.

Meanwhile, Alberto averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.88 and provided eight goals and one assist in 20 outings in the Brasileiro Serie A in 2022 and completed 68% of his attempted passes.

The former Santos man, who was hailed as "dangerous" and "powerful" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has plundered 30 goals in 94 Serie A matches throughout his career to date.

These statistics show that the ace, who is four years younger than the Everton striker, has the potential to be a reliable goalscorer for the Toffees if he can adapt to playing in English football as the finisher has proven himself in the top-flight in Brazil.

Calvert-Lewin, on the other hand, did not make big contributions for the Toffees in the top flight in England and was a liability for the team as the striker did not score or assist enough and gave the ball away too often with his loose passes.

This indicates that Alberto has the quality to come in as an upgrade on the England international and this would, therefore, be terrible news for the ex-Sheffield United man as it could lead to him being the second-choice striker and sitting on the bench week-in-week-out.

Newcastle transfer news on Ekitike

Newcastle United are reportedly now ‘working’ on signing Hugo Ekitike in the summer.

The Lowdown: Newcastle confident on Ekitike

Taking to Twitter, transfer insider Graeme Bailey has recently revealed that the St James’ Park faithful are ‘confident‘ of signing Ekitike this summer.

Expanding in his latest article for 90min, the journalist added that they hope to wrap up a deal ‘soon’ after Eddie Howe ‘pinpointed’ the 19-year-old as a target back in the January transfer window.

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A reported £33m move for Ekitike to move to the North East from Ligue 1 club Reims fell through on January’s transfer deadline day, and now it looks like the Tyneside outfit are going to return for him once the summer window opens.

The Latest: Romano’s update

Taking to Twitter, Italian football journalist and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has now revealed a ‘key’ update with regards to the Magpies and Ekitike.

He outlined: “Key days ahead for Hugo Ekitike’s future, he’s expected to leave Reims after great season. Newcastle are still working to sign him after January late negotiations, now hoping to beat Borussia Dortmund in the race.

“Ekitike will make his choice on the future soon.”

The Verdict: Get it done

With clubs like Dortmund – who will be playing in the Champions League next season and have lost Erling Haaland to Manchester City – showing interest in Ekitike, the Toon need to wrap up this deal  quickly if they are to secure his signature.

Dubbed a ‘very special‘ player earlier this season by his manager Oscar Garcia, the 19-year-old seems to have a huge future ahead of him, and some in France truly believe that he could be the ‘next Mbappe‘.

With 11 goals and four assists in 26 games across all competitions this term (Transfermarkt), Ekitike has burst onto the scene in his home country, and he would no doubt be an exciting signing if Newcastle can land him.

In other news, find out which ‘golden boy’ NUFC are still interested in here!

Manchester United make Christopher Nkunku contact

Manchester United have made contact over a possible move for Manchester City target Christopher Nkunku.

The Lowdown: Nkunku profiled

Nkunku, a France international, is primarily an attacking midfielder, although he can also turn out as a second striker or as a left midfielder.

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The 24-year-old has been described as an ‘explosive’ player, with Leeds United manager Jesse Marsch stating Nkunku has ‘no weakness’ during his time in charge of RB Leipzig earlier this season.

Nkunku has made 133 appearances for the Bundesliga side and has enjoyed a remarkable 2021/22 campaign, contributing to 52 goals in 49 games.

Manchester City have recently been linked with a summer swoop for Nkunku, but it looks as if the Red Devils are trying to get one up on their fierce rivals.

The Latest: United make contact

Sports Witness relayed an update from German outlet Bild regarding Nkunku on Thursday, claiming Manchester United have ‘spoken’ with the RB Leipzig star.

The report states that an offer in excess of €75m (£64.1m) could be enough, a figure that appears to be making PSG think twice.

The Verdict: Get it done

Nkunku has been one of the standout performers in Europe this season, so bringing him to Old Trafford would be an extremely exciting move under new boss Erik ten Hag.

Juan Mata and Jesse Lingard look set to depart this summer, leaving Bruno Fernandes as the only senior attacking midfielder available to Ten Hag.

Therefore, bringing in Nkunku appears to be a no-brainer, as not only would it make strengthen United’s options considerably ahead of Ten Hag’s first year in charge, but it would also be a big blow to Manchester City.

In other news: Man Utd now want to pip Liverpool to ‘dangerous’ £25m starlet; he’s considering a move. 

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