Celtic Interested In £60k-p/w "Star"

Celtic reportedly have an interest in Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay.

What’s the latest Celtic transfer news?

The Hoops look set to back Brendan Rodgers in the transfer market following his return as manager, with up to £30m available to the Northern Irishman over the coming months ahead of the 2023/24 season.

Celtic’s finances were handed a boost after Jota completed a move to Saudi Pro League champions Al-Ittihad in a deal worth £25m.

There have been incomings, though, with two players already through the door in Glasgow. Odin Thiago Holm has arrived from Eliteserien club Valerenga on a five-year contract, and Australian winger Marco Tilio has also penned a five-year deal, signing from Melbourne City.

There could be more to come, though, with Gangwon FC for forward Yang Hyun-jun a firm target and a £2.1m offer seemingly accepted. Former defender Kieran Tierney has been linked with a sensational return to Glasgow, and another Scot in McTominay has also been linked.

Football Scotland have claimed that with McTominay potentially up for sale this summer, Celtic and Rodgers have been listed as an interested party. Former Celtic defender Mark Wilson labelled the player as a “star” for Scotland but admitted that finances over a fee and wages could be an issue over any possible Parkhead move.

“When was the last player you heard who took a wage cut to move? There is very few of them.

"If you are tempting a player away from a club like Manchester United it is probably the opposite and you are giving them a few extra quid, and maybe the opportunity to play at the same level and with Champions League football. McTominay is a difficult one.

"I really like him and for Scotland he has been a star. He has that composure and he has played at a certain level where I think he would fit into the side. It's one, transfer fee and two, the wage – that is what it all comes down to."

Man United's Scott McTominay

Is Scott McTominay leaving Man United?

There could well be a clear-out at Old Trafford this summer, with up to 13 players reportedly up for sale, including McTominay. The central midfielder has progressed through United’s academy and has made 209 senior appearances in all competitions for the Red Devils.

However, he started just 10 Premier League games under Erik ten Hag last season and is out of contract in 2025, so could well be on the move over the coming months.

A move to Celtic has been mooted, although United’s reported £40m asking price could price the Hoops out of a move, especially when you consider their record arrival is Odsonne Edouard at €11.5m.

McTominay could be a shrewd signing for Rodgers and Celtic due to his experience at the highest level alongside his versatility of being able to turn out as a holding or central midfielder and even as a centre-back. But his price tag and £60,000-a-week wage could be a problem, as Wilson mentions, so a transfer could be unlikely.

Leeds Exit Rumour Emerges Regarding £30k-A-Week Ace

Leeds United are "willing to listen to offers" for goalkeeper Illan Meslier this summer, according to a fresh update regarding his future.

Is Meslier likely to leave Leeds?

The Frenchman has been an impressive servant for the Whites since joining from Lorient in 2020 – he previously spent a season on loan at the club – emerging as an exciting young 'keeper with a bright future ahead of him.

Meslier was unable to prevent Leeds from going down to the Championship last month, however, and his form left a lot to be desired during a key point in the campaign. The £30,000-a-week Frenchman has a deal at Elland Road that runs until the summer of 2026, but it seems increasingly likely that he will move on the pastures new before the new season gets underway.

A fresh update certainly suggests that that is the case, with Meslier seemingly closer than ever to heading out of the Leeds exit door this summer, with the club under new owners in the 49ers Enterprises.

Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier.

What's the latest on Meslier future?

According to Football Insider, the Whites are "willing to listen to offers" for Meslier in the coming weeks, with the 23-year-old told by those at Elland Road that he is "free to leave", should his valuation be met.

The report goes on to add that "Leeds had previously hoped to secure a £40million-plus fee for Meslier, but his poor form in the final months of the 2022/23 season means that a bid of £30million could now seal a deal."

In truth, it would be a big surprise if Meslier was still a Leeds player come the opening game of the season at home to Cardiff City in August, with a move away now looking on the cards.

Ideally, the Whites would keep hold of him, given his long-term potential – Jack Harrison has hailed him as "talented" and "fantastic" – but it is understandable why he wouldn't want to be playing Championship football next season, with Leeds also looking to bring in some funds.

For that reason, Leeds should cash in on Meslier, with his current contract situation putting them in a strong bargaining position, allowing what should be a hefty amount of money to go toward new signings.

While the Frenchman's form was undoubtedly poor at times in 2022/23, it will still be a blow to lose one of the most gifted young players at the club, but the hope appears to be that the sale can end up benefiting the Whites in the long term.

Journalist Expects "Busy Window" for Newcastle United This Summer

Newcastle United are expected to enjoy a busy transfer window this summer as the club look to build on the unbelievable success of last season.

How many players are Newcastle signing?

With the financial shackles well and truly off at St. James' Park, there have already been numerous reports linking Newcastle to a host of new faces. While no big deals have been completed yet, it could be a busy few months for Eddie Howe and his recruitment team.

Speaking on Sky Sports News's Transfer Talk Podcast, presenter Pete Graves suggested that the Magpies could bring in upwards of five new players during the transfer window.

"I think it will be an exciting summer," enthused Graves. "You'll see a combination of one or two big name arrivals, and then a sprinkling of three or four potential young, talented players".

Graves name checked James Maddison, Nicolo Barella and Conor Gallagher as potential targets, but the player closest to joining Newcastle at present is AC Milan midfielder Sandro Tonali.

The Italian is expected to arrive in the Premier League this summer and a deal upwards of £60m is reportedly on the cards. The Milan maestro has already made 130 appearances for Milan since arriving from Brescia in 2020 and is a 14-cap Italy international at just 23-years-old.

The defensive midfielder, who can also operate as a number eight, will captain Italy at the U21 European Championships this month, and will face France, Switzerland and Norway in the group stages.

Who else might Newcastle sign?

As Graves mentioned, Newcastle have been heaviy linked with a move for James Maddision of relegated Leicester City. The Magpies wanted the England international last summer but were rebuffed by Leicester, although the Foxes have now given up any hope of keeping the player at the King Power Stadium.

Midfield seems to be a top priority for Howe, although whether that will change once Tonali joins remains to be seen. The Italian could be joined by his fellow countryman, also mentioned by Graves, with Barella linked to Newcastle too.

Barella's asking price may rule out a transfer, however, with Inter wanting £80m for the 26-year-old. Tonali could be seen as a slightly cheaper and, most significantly, younger alternative.

RB Leipzig and Hungary's Dominik Szoboszlai and Nice's Khephren Thuram are other midfielders who have been linked, while Arsenal's Kieran Tierney has been touted as a potential new left-back for the club.

Newcastle Can Fix Worrying Area with "World-Class" £30m Ace

Newcastle United appear set to make it a double raid on Serie A as they look to add to the imminent arrival of Sandro Tonali by bringing in Federico Dimarco.

Widespread reports on Wednesday suggested Newcastle are increasingly confident of bringing in Tonali for a fee in the region of £60m, but the ambitious Magpies are not likely to stop there.

Newcastle transfer news – Dimarco a target for Ashworth

According to NUFC Blog, Newcastle sporting director Dan Ashworth has not just flown to Italy to speak to AC Milan about a deal for Tonali, but also Inter Milan regarding a move for Dimarco.

It would be quite the coup for Newcastle should they pull off the transfer, as Dimarco is a player who has been touted as a €35m (£30m) target for Real Madrid and Manchester United this summer.

The ten-cap Italy international still has three years to run on his San Siro contract, so Inter will not feel obliged to sell unless their valuation is met in full.

Where would Federico Dimarco fit in at Newcastle United?

It is no secret that Eddie Howe is after a new left-back this window to rival – or more likely replace – Dan Burn for the 2023-24 season and beyond. While Burn largely did a good job there last season, the fan favourite is not expected to start there in the Champions League next season.

Kieran Tierney had been strongly linked with a switch from Arsenal to St James' Park, but news on that front has gone quiet of late and it now appears Dimarco is Howe's favoured option.

It is clear to see why, too, as Dimarco played a big part in Inter's run to last season's Champions League final, starting ten of their 13 games – including the full 90 minutes of the 1-0 defeat to Manchester City in Istanbul.

Dimarco can play left-back and also left wing-back given his attacking nature, highlighted by his eight goals for Inter in all competitions last season. Indeed, The Analyst ranks the Italian in the top 2% of all defenders last term for goals scored across Europe's top five leagues last season.

No defender across Serie A, Ligue 1, LaLiga, Bundesliga and the Premier League performed better than Dimarco in terms of shots, touches in the opposition penalty box and chances created.

To put those figures into some perspective, Dimarco's 0.20 goals per 90 minutes last season, as per FBref, compares to 0.05 for Burn, who was also occasionally used at centre-back.

Dimarco assisted ten goals last season, meanwhile, whereas Burn did not set up a single goal, while the Inter defender's 2.01 shots per 90 minutes compares to 0.67 for Burn.

The former Hellas Verona loanee is also a threat in terms of his deliveries, much like Kieran Trippier on the opposite flank, earning praise from European football expert Carlo Garganese for his "world-class" crosses and set-pieces.

That is not to say Burn does not have his own qualities in other areas, and the same is true of Dimarco in terms of his weaknesses.

For example, Burn wins 2.43 aerial duels per 90 minutes, compared to 0.23 for Dimarco, while the latter is also second best in terms of tackles won (0.98 v 1.07) and blocks (0.80 v 1.21).

Ultimately, Howe must decide whether he wants to be cautious on that side of the pitch or integrate a player into the team capable of getting even more out of the likes of Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson. Should he go with the latter option, this move would no doubt be bad news for their current towering full-back.

In an exciting new era at St James' Park with Champions League football set to return, Dimarco is surely the man for Howe to go for.

Newcastle Could Sign Saka 2.0 In £69m Magician

Newcastle United are interested in completing a move for Barcelona winger Raphinha this summer after qualifying for next year's Champions League, according to reports…

What's the latest on Raphinha to Newcastle?

According to Spanish outlet Sport – via TEAMtalk – the 'first approach' has been made by Magpies technical director Dan Ashworth to sign the 26-year-old, who joined La Blaugrana from Leeds United for £55m last season.

The Brazilian is said to be reluctant to leave Catalonia but Newcastle are undeterred and hoping to enter formal negotiations over the coming weeks as manager Eddie Howe looks to bolster the ranks ahead of next term.

Xavi's LaLiga champions have made it clear, however, that they will only agree to a deal if their €80m (£69m) valuation is met, meaning Newcastle would have to break their transfer record to seal a deal.

Should Newcastle sign Raphinha?

Despite exceeding expectations and securing a fourth-placed finish in the Premier League this season, Howe is hardly going to rest on his laurels and will look to make waves in the transfer market this summer to consolidate their newfound stature.

While the Toon concluded the 22/23 league season with the joint-best defence, they finished sixth in the goal-scoring charts and signing someone like Raphinha could be the optimum way to increase the flow.

The Brazilian registered 22 direct contributions from 50 outings in Spain this term as his prestigious side secured the league title and would undoubtedly bring the side of prolific dynamism Howe craves to bridge the gap on the likes of Manchester City and Arsenal, who waged a spectacular title fight this year.

As per FBref, the 16-cap star ranks among the top 13% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for rate of assists, the top 15% for shot-creating actions, the top 10% for passes attempted, the top 22% for progressive carries and the top 3% for progressive passes received per 90, drawing parallels between his game and Arsenal prodigy Bukayo Saka's.

Barcelona forward Raphinha.

The 21-year-old England international, who like Raphinha loves to cut inside from the right channel onto his left, was arguably the offensive centrepiece of the Gunners' title-chasing campaign, scoring 14 goals and supplying 11 assists in the Premier League and ranking himself among the top 10% of positional peers for progressive carries and the top 2% for progressive passes received.

Hailed as a "superstar" by Charles Nicholas, Saka finds success driving up the field and wreaking havoc in and around the opposing area, something Raphinha could emulate on Tyneside given his similar skill set.

A "magician" with the ball at his feet – as former teammate Dan James once stated – Raphinha boasts all the attributes, and acumen to flourish under Howe's wing and with that in mind, he must be signed.

Arsenal Preparing To Make Offer For "World-class" £75m Star

Arsenal are preparing to make a renewed offer for Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo, according to a recent report from London World.

What's the latest Arsenal transfer news?

West Ham United captain Declan Rice reportedly has his heart set on a move to the Emirates Stadium, with manager David Moyes now believed to be interested in a swap deal, with Emile Smith Rowe going in the opposite direction.

It is unclear whether the Gunners are interested in a deal of that nature, with other reports indicating that a transfer fee has almost been agreed for the signing of Rice, however, he is not Mikel Arteta's only midfield target.

TalkSport reporter Alex Crook "wouldn't rule out" a move for Caicedo, alongside the England international, and there are now reports that Arsenal have started to work on a proposal for the Brighton star.

According to a report from London World, the north London club are preparing to make a renewed offer for the Ecuadorian, having missed out on his signature in the January transfer window.

The Gunners are planning to make a bid similar to the £75m package that was rejected in the previous window, at which point Brighton were adamant about keeping the 21-year-old. However, they are now open to negotiations.

There is an agreement that the Seagulls will allow the youngster to leave if a substantial offer comes in, with Arsenal now planning to test the waters.

Do Arsenal need Rice and Caicedo?

It is questionable whether Arsenal need to sign both players in the upcoming window, as they have very similar attributes, both particularly specialising defensively, with Caicedo ranking highly for interceptions completed per 90 over the past year.

Rice has averaged slightly more interceptions during that timeframe, however, the Brighton star recorded 21 more tackles in the Premier League last season with a total of 100, which ranked him second in the top flight.

Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo.

Given their similar skillsets, it may be wise for Arteta to settle on one of the two, and there are indications that Caicedo could be an excellent addition, having been hailed as "world-class" and "incredible to watch" by members of the media.

A fee of £75m is a lot for a player who has only regularly played in the Premier League for one season, but the Ecuador international was among Brighton's best-performing players last term, and should be more than capable of making the step up.

Ilkay Gundogan Scores Man City Stunner After 13 Seconds

Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan has stunned fans by scoring a brilliant goal after just 13 seconds before then scoring another volley in the second half.

What is the quickest-ever FA Cup final goal?

Meeting at Wembley in the FA Cup final, Pep Guardiola and co faced bitter rivals Manchester United with both aiming for a double.

Indeed, City have already won the Premier League and also have a Champions League final to come.

The Red Devils, on the other hand, have already lifted silverware at Wembley this season after beating Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final.

With so much on the line, both teams would have been raring to go but all of Erik ten Hag’s pre-game plans would have had to have been reassessed after just a matter of seconds.

Indeed, after a long ball upfield was nodded to the edge of his own box by Victor Lindelof, Gundogan volleyed the ball into the back of the net.

Incredibly, this moment of magic was the fastest goal in an FA Cup final. What’s more, it’s the first scored in the opening minute of the competition final since Louis Saha netted for Everton against Chelsea in 2009.

Supporters were blown away by Gundogan’s quality – as he netted another fine volley after United had equalised – and here are the best reactions on Twitter…

Supporters just couldn’t believe it.

Here’s his second goal.

Fulham In Internal Deal "Talks" For "Electric" £40k-p/w Star

Fulham are in “talks” with Willian regarding a new contract at Craven Cottage, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Is Willian leaving Fulham?

The Brazilian only joined Marco Silva’s side from Corinthians last summer and has impressed during his 29 appearances in his debut season, ranking as the manager’s overall second-best-performing player this term with a WhoScored match rating of 6.99.

The Whites winger, though, is already used to playing in the Premier League having previously undergone spells at both Chelsea and Arsenal so is no stranger to the style of play in England, hence why he’s likely adapted so well since putting pen to paper in SW6.

Willian, however, will be out of contract at the end of the season meaning that he could be set to depart as a free agent should the club not offer him an extension, but it sounds like work is already underway behind the scenes to retain his services beyond the current campaign.

Have Fulham offered Willian a new contract?

Taking to Twitter, Romano revealed that Fulham have now opened discussions with Willian over fresh terms, but admitted that there are admirers overseas that are keen to recruit him should he leave. He wrote:

“Understand talks are ongoing between Willian agent and Fulham over [a] new deal in order to stay next season. Nothing is done/sealed yet. There are more European clubs and Saudi League clubs interested in signing Willian.”

Fulham forward Willian.

Fulham will know how much of an integral part of their success Willian has been this season, and having been hailed “electric” in the final third by journalist Simon Collings, the left-winger being rewarded for his displays with a new contract would be nothing less than he deserves.

The Cottagers’ £40k-per-week attacker has ten goal contributions (five goals and the same number of assists) to his name in 29 appearances since joining, with this form having seen him receive three man-of-the-match awards, not to mention that he’s averaging 4.38 shot-creating actions per top-flight game which is higher than any other member of Silva’s squad, via FBRef.

Willian also provides the boss with wonderful versatility having operated slightly deeper in left midfield and even on the opposite flank as a right-winger over the course of the current term which is a great attribute to have, so making the decision to keep him beyond the summer has to be a no-brainer for the Craven Cottage board.

Aston Villa Still Bullish About Signing £150k-A-Week Ace

Aston Villa are not giving up hope of signing Manchester City and England midfielder Kalvin Phillips this summer, according to a new transfer report.

Is Phillips thriving at City?

While City have swept all before them so far this season, en route to a potential treble next month, Phillips is someone who has experienced a frustrating campaign individually. He joined from Leeds United last summer in a big-money move, in what looked like a natural step up in his career, but injuries have stunted his progress, while Pep Guardiola has also struggled to fit him into his team.

Prior to the final day, the £150,000-a-week midfielder has only actually started three games in the whole of 2022/23, with one apiece coming in the Premier League, FA Cup and EFL Cup, and he was once again linked with a move to Villa last month.

Unai Emery sees him as a strong addition who could help strengthen his team in the middle of the park. While the player himself is seemingly hellbent on remaining with City, a fresh update suggests that the Villans certainly aren't giving up hope.

Premier League, Manchester City, Kalvin Phillips, Pep Guardiola

Are Villa hopeful of signing Phillips?

According to Football Insider, Villa "are not put off by Phillips’ public stance that he has no intention of quitting Man City", and "believe City could be willing to cash in" as they look to raise funds for other signings."

The report claims that there are "suggestions behind the scenes at the Etihad Stadium that the midfielder lacks the mobility and quick one-touch passing game to thrive under Guardiola." Emery is thought to be a "huge" fan of the midfielder, and Villa are monitoring his situation as the season comes to a close.

While Phillips, who shares the same agency as Ezri Konsa, clearly wants to remain at City and prove his worth, there could reach a stage this summer where an exit materialises, should Guardiola deem him surplus to requirements.

It remains to be seen if that will happen yet, but if it does, Villa may well swoop, with the 26-cap England international a solid defensive midfielder who could add both technical quality and tenacity to the midfield.

He has been hailed as "phenomenal" by former Three Lions manager Fabio Capello in the past, such were the level of his performances at Euro 2020, and he has averaged three tackles per game in the EFL Cup this season, as well as 92.6% pass completion rate in the same competition, showing that he can be a force on and off the ball.

Rangers: Jordan Campbell drops £80m claim

A major Rangers claim has emerged over their potential financial position at Ibrox heading into the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

The Athletic’s Jordan Campbell has revealed that the club will make in excess of £80m over the course of the next two seasons if they win the Europa League later this month.

Rangers will qualify for the group stages of the Champions League by winning the Europa final in Seville next week and will receive a hefty financial boost for doing so.

Campbell tweeted: ‘ “Don’t you think they need the Champions League money here? I think so.” Jon Dahl Tomasson wasn’t wrong. It’s pivotal for Rangers but they’re just a game from securing the cash via the #UEL door. Looking at £80m+ over the two seasons if they do it.’

This sum includes their participation in Europe’s premier competition, winning the Europa League and their involvement in the UEFA Super Cup against either Liverpool or Real Madrid at the start of next season.

Van Bronckhorst will be excited

Gers head coach Gio Van Bronckhorst will surely be left feeling excited by the prospect of the club having more money at their disposal in the coming years.

The 47-year-old and Ross Wilson will be able to utilise the increased funds to attract a higher calibre of player, whether that is because they can afford bigger transfer fees or higher wages – or both. They would also have the lure of playing Champions League football, which could also be a factor in convincing players to make the move to Ibrox.

It will be the Dutchman’s first summer transfer window in charge of the club and he will surely want to put his own stamp on the squad by bringing players in. Being handed a larger war-chest will surely only help his cause, as he will be able to pursue quality signings who have the potential to improve the team.

Mateusz Zukowski, a young prospect, was the only player on whom Rangers spent a transfer fee in January as Amad Diallo, James Sands and Aaron Ramsey all arrived on loan, whilst John Souttar will join as a free agent at the end of next month. This shows that Van Bronckhorst has not had much to work with in terms of bringing in players with a long-term goal in mind.

Therefore, he will have the added motivation to do everything in his power to help the team win the Europa League later this month and will be excited by what doing so wouldl mean for the club off the pitch.

AND in other news, Ibrox sources: Gvb set for imminent Rangers deal that’ll leave supporters delighted…

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