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Pep Guardiola could be about to pull off another stroke of genius in the transfer market after winger Riyad Mahrez was linked with a move to Saudi Arabia.

Man City transfer news – Riyad Mahrez

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Mahrez has been subject to an approach from Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli.

Romano stated that the Algerian winger had been the target of a bumper bid from Saudi Arabia as clubs from the country target top talent in Europe with the help of the nation’s Public Investment Fund.

Mahrez has two years left on his contract at the Etihad Stadium, so the European champions would look for a sizable fee from Al-Ahli to let the winger leave the club.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Italian journalist Rudy Galetti confirmed the approach and expects a decision on the future of Mahrez to be made soon.

"We know for sure he received a big offer from Al-Ahli three weeks ago that he rejected. But a few days before the Champions League final, the Saudi Arabian club presented a new huge bid. The response of the player has not yet arrived and is expected soon," he said.

Could Guardiola repeat his Gabriel Jesus masterstroke?

One of the reasons Man City and Guardiola have been so successful in recent seasons is their ruthlessness in the transfer market.

Unlike rivals like Manchester United and Liverpool, City don’t fear letting club legends and fan favourites walk before their sell-by date, and Mahrez – who was previously hailed as a "genius" by both The Guardian's Barney Ronay and his former Leicester manager Claudio Ranieri – could be the next player to depart, despite still possessing much of the magician-like quality a treble-winning side needs.

The club continue to rebuild and reshape the team even while the team is performing on the pitch, as opposed to changing things once it is desperately needed.

Take the sale of Gabriel Jesus to Arsenal, for example.

City offloaded the Brazilian striker to their Premier League rivals for £45m last summer after signing him back in 2017 for an estimated £27m from Brazilian club Palmeiras.

The Spaniard let Jesus walk in his prime at the age of 25, and eyebrows were raised over the sale.

City wasted no time in replacing him, snapping up Julian Alvarez the same summer after agreeing a deal for the Argentinian in the January window.

Alvarez cost just £14m and has shown fantastic potential playing behind arguably the best striker in the world in Erling Haaland.

City legend Richard Dunne praised City for their remarkable work in the market.

Speaking to Virgin Media Sport, Dunne stated:

“The whole recruitment, they don’t make many mistakes.

“They did get it wrong at the start maybe with a couple of players here and there but now over the last three or four years every single player who has come in, you look at Alvarez, he was £15m, £16m so well affordable for the whole of the Premier League and most of Europe, but City were the ones who went out and got him."

The sale of Jesus not only made the club a significant profit but replacing him with the cheap option of Alvarez has worked wonders and created City more breathing room under the Financial Fair Play rules.

Mahrez, who cost £60m in 2018, could be another man who leaves the Etihad Stadium despite still having significant potential to help the side. It’s a smart business decision from Guardiola and City and allows more funds to be made available to City to spend this summer.

Leeds United are no different to any other English club, in that their fans absolutely love to see an academy graduate thrive in the first team.

So, for Daniel Farke, he must surely stick by the notion that 'you do not fix what isn't broken' with regard to one of his current starters.

Deadline Day marked a busy one for the Whites, who scrambled to add some much-needed depth to their squad before the window slammed shut.

Succeeding in doing so, they welcomed three new faces to bring their summer acquisitions up to nine, as a fine number to offset the 15 departures they had overseen.

One of their starring acquisitions at the eleventh hour came for just £5.5m, as they tempted Glen Kamara to trade Ibrox for Elland Road in order to aid their promotion charge.

How good is Glen Kamara?

The Finland international had starred for Rangers ever since moving in 2019 but admitted that "I feel I just needed a change in my career and Leeds is the perfect place to kick-start my career again" in his first interview with his new club.

After all, he had accomplished most of what was possible in Scotland, having won the Scottish Premiership and the Scottish Cup, as well as featuring in the Champions League. The 27-year-old is now set to bring a wealth of experience to Yorkshire, with the hope that he can recapture the form that saw him lauded during the 2021/22 campaign.

Maintaining a 7.01 average rating in the league, his six goal contributions and 1.3 key passes per game outlined his creative credentials, but paired it with a 91% pass accuracy and one tackle per game too, adding some solidity as well, via Sofascore.

All signs point towards Kamara being instantly thrown into the starting lineup given what he has achieved in the Scottish top flight, but it should not be that easy for him to usurp the exceptional Archie Gray after his start to the season.

How is Archie Gray playing?

Having only made his competitive debut in Leeds' Championship curtain-raiser with Cardiff City, the 17-year-old impressed many with his mature and combative midfield display in a 2-2 draw.

He has since featured in every single game across all competitions thus far, and earned special praise from club legend Jermaine Beckford on Sky Sports (via Leeds Live): "He played with such maturity, he was so confident on the ball. He didn't rush, he didn't panic at all. Everything about his game today was absolutely spot on, and if today is anything to go by, this kid has such a bright future ahead of him.

"He's in the right place to learn, he's got a little bit of everything in him. Phenomenal player, he did really well today."

Tom Elliott

16 years 02 months 25 days

Simon Walton

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Ryan Edmondson

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Aaron Lennon

17 years, 4 months, 13 days

Archie Gray

17 years, 4 months, 25 days

Although his 6.6 average rating perhaps does not emphasise the scale of Gray's influence, who is the son, great nephew and grandson of three former Whites stars, his 84% pass accuracy and 1.4 tackles does showcase that quality in possession and toughness in the tackle that has earned praise, via Sofascore.

The partnership he has struck up with Ethan Ampadu marks one of the few shining lights to emerge from a term where they have just one league win thus far, as the Wales international acts as more of a dictator to allow his teenage teammate to spread the play.

As such, the 22-year-old maintains an 86% pass accuracy alongside 1.2 key passes, 2.4 tackles and 2.2 clearances per game in the league, via Sofascore.

Another pundit, Michael Dawson, outlined the kind of creativity that this foundation allows Gray to showcase: "The ball from Archie Gray is absolutely sensational. He picks the ball up just on the right-hand side in his own half and hits a long diagonal pass to Sinisterra, who runs at Harry Clarke and he lets him get in the box, chop inside and whip the ball into the far post."

Although Kamara may be the outstanding option on paper, Gray has certainly merited a sustained period of first-team football to continue solidifying a fine partnership with the former Chelsea general.

Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing Paris Saint-Germain right-back Achraf Hakimi in the summer transfer window, and the Morocco international could be the man to replace the ageing Cesar Azpilicueta at Stamford Bridge.

Could Chelsea sign Hakimi?

According to Football Insider, both Chelsea and Manchester United are prepared to move for the 24-year-old defender ahead of next season after the Ligue 1 champions made it clear that they are open to offers for the former Real Madrid man.

It was suggested by the same outlet late last month that £60m would be enough to prise Hakimi away from the Parc des Princes this summer, with the Blues still said to be keen on signing him after missing out back in 2021.

Christophe Galtier's side are said to be frustrated at their lack of success in the Champions League and are planning a major rebuild, which could see regular starters such as Hakimi leave.

However, the latest report suggests that it is Manchester United who currently lead the race to sign the defender, given that he would prefer a side playing Champions League football next season – while Todd Boehly could be forced to sell before he buys next summer due to Financial Fair Play restrictions.

If he could be tempted into a move to Stamford Bridge, it could allow the Blues to finally get rid of club stalwart Azpilicueta, with the 33-year-old having struggled immensely in recent performances – with an own goal against Brentford and a horrible first half against Arsenal in midweek.

Could Chelsea ditch Azpilicueta for Hakimi?

Although the Spaniard is something of a club icon at Chelsea having made over 500 appearances since arriving from Marseille, it seems clear now that the 33-year-old is way past his best.

While he is contracted for another year until 2024, the potential arrival of Hakimi, as well as Malo Gusto and Reece James, would surely leave little room for the veteran defender at Stamford Bridge.

This season has seen the PSG man, who earns £247k per week, contribute an impressive four goals and three assists in 26 Ligue 1 appearances, averaging a strong 6.91 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

Azpilicueta meanwhile, has averaged a mediocre 6.52 rating for his displays in the Premier League, with no goals or assists to his name.

The Moroccan has also averaged far more tackles (2 vs 1.5), key passes (1.2 vs 0.5) and dribbles (0.9 vs 0.3) per game than the Chelsea man, so could be a big upgrade next season.

With Boehly wanting to oversee a youthful revolution at Stamford Bridge, it makes a lot of sense to swap an ageing has-been such as Azpilicueta for an exciting younger talent such as Hakimi, who was described as an "extraordinary" player by Brazilian legend Ronaldo during his time at Inter.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are reportedly interested in signing a striker from the Championship this summer.

Julen Lopetegui is set to “overhaul” his strike force, as per Sky Sports, in the bid to improve on this season’s woeful lack of goals.

Wolves are the Premier League’s lowest scorers this campaign, having found the net just 30 times in 36 games, 62 fewer than league leaders Manchester City.

With the future of Raul Jimenez in doubt, Lopetegui will have the chance to rebuild his front line with the hope to get his side firing again.

The club have been linked with a number of forwards ahead of the window, including Coventry City marksman Viktor Gyokeres and Barcelona’s Ansu Fati. However, there should be another option in the frame if Wolves are smart about things; Chuba Akpom.

What’s the latest on Chuba Akpom's future?

As per Sky Sports, Middlesbrough striker Akpom is a player “on the radar” of Premier League clubs this summer.

The former Arsenal forward’s contract expires next summer, as Boro extended his stay to an additional 12 months at the start of this season.

Wolves are currently 'leading the race' to sign fellow Championship forward Gyokeres, via the same report.

However, if a deal can't be concluded there then Akpom simply has to become an option for Lopetegui as he bids to steal him away from other top-flight sides.

What could Chuba Akpom bring to Wolves?

The 27-year-old Boro forward scored 28 goals in 40 appearances in the Championship this season, making him the top scorer just ahead of Gyokeres who registered 21 in eight more games.

Hailed as “incredible” by journalist Chris Wheatley after netting his 19th goal, the London-born striker was integral to getting Michael Carrick’s side to the play-off semi-finals.

Despite falling at the final hurdle to Coventry City, the campaign has been an unforgettable one personally for the Englishman, being named in WhoScored’s Championship team of the season – as per Sky Sports.

Boro’s near miss in the play-off semis has sparked rumours as to whether the forward will remain in the second-tier next term.

Wolves have been crying out for a goalscorer this campaign, and Akpom could be the missing piece to getting Lopetegui’s side firing in the Premier League.

By sealing aa deal, the former Real Madrid coach could sign his answer to the top-flight's most feared strikers, with Spurs star Harry Kane perhaps being the pick of the bunch considering he also learnt his trade for a while in the Football League.

The 27-year-old is actually averaging more goals per 90 than the impeccable Spurs talisman, with 0.7 per 90 minutes – as per FBref.

Although not boasting the assist count (2) of someone like Kane, Akpom's ability to drop deeper and play as an attacking midfielder shows there are further similarities. The former does that with great regularity in north London, having since become a “complete player”, as lauded by Zinedine Zidane.

Solving the lack of goals is the primary requirement for Lopetegui to tackle however natural goal-scorers are hard to find, and in the Boro star the Midlands club could retrieve a talent at the peak of his career and hungry for a breakthrough.

Only time will tell if Wolves will make a move for the 27-year-old, however with 28 goals this term, there’s no denying the club could land a much-needed talisman.

While the recent early exit from the Carabao Cup will no doubt have stung for Tottenham Hotspur, it has largely been a positive start to life under new boss Ange Postecoglou so far, with two wins and a draw from the club's opening three Premier League games.

Despite that solid opening to the new regime, it looks as if the former Celtic boss is still keen to further strengthen before the end of the window, with Fulham's Tosin Adarabioyo a player of particular interest to the Lilywhites.

How much would Tosin Adarabioyo cost?

Following reports linking Spurs with a move for the 25-year-old earlier in the summer, 90min has reported in recent days that the north Londoners still hold a strong interest in the 6 foot 5 titan, with the player 'set to move on' before the close of the window.

Read the latest Tottenham transfer news HERE…

As per the piece, Postecoglou and co are believed to have offered Eric Dier to the Cottagers as a potential sweetener in the deal, albeit with it yet to be seen whether the 29-year-old will move on this summer, after spending the last nine years at Tottenham.

With just a year left to run on his contract, Adarabioyo is likely to be available for something of a bargain fee if he is to depart any time soon, with a €15m (£13m) fee having previously been suggested.

How good is Tosin Adarabioyo?

Previously dubbed "immense" by former boss Tony Mowbray during his time on loan at Blackburn Rovers, it is fair to say that the current Fulham man has particularly blossomed since making the move to Craven Cottage back in 2020, having begun life on the books at Manchester City.

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The towering asset was particularly impressive last term as the then newly-promoted side comfortable mid-table finish, notably averaging a solid 2.2 tackles and interceptions per game from his 25 league outings – a better return than Dier achieved for instance (two tackles and interceptions per game from 33 appearances).

While, as stated above, Dier may be keen to stay put beyond the deadline, the signing of a figure like Adarabioyo could well help to nudge him out the door even if the Englishman does not head in the other direction to Fulham, with Bayern Munich having been touted as a possible option of late.

As per journalist Ryan Taylor, the former Sporting CP man is arguably "nowhere near the required level for what Spurs are trying to achieve", hence why he has found himself out of the picture under Postecoglou thus far.

One particular benefit of bringing Adarabioyo into the fold would be his ability to play out from the back as he notably ranks in the top 18% among those in his position in Europe's top five leagues for progressive passes, while Dier ranks in just the bottom 40% in that regard.

With the latter man having potentially outstayed his welcome – as pundit Frank McAvennie previously suggested that "Tottenham will not succeed with Dier in the team" – the signing of a standout replacement could well be what is needed for Postecoglou to finally send him packing.

Manchester United are in the midst of a potential takeover at Old Trafford and the 'fixation' on a preferred bidder being announced by the Glazer family during the process is 'unhelpful' to the process, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

What's the latest ownership news involving Manchester United?

According to The Daily Mail, Manchester United may not enter new ownership before the start of the 2023/24 campaign as the Glazer family haven't identified their preferred bidder to take control at Old Trafford.

Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani and the Nine Two Foundation alongside Sir Jim Ratcliffe's petrochemicals are still competing for different variations of control; however, the deadlock will not affect Erik ten Hag's £120 million summer transfer budget.

ESPN detail that several minority investment firms are also waiting to hear whether they have been successful in their bid to plough financial capital into the Premier League giants.

As per The Guardian, Manchester United staff are fearful for their job security due to the uncertainty surrounding the club's impending takeover due to a lack of information about the permutations of a change of hands at Old Trafford.

800-plus staff at the Red Devils are in the dark about their future as the ownership saga drags on at the club and it looks like they may have to wait a while yet to find out the new policies of whoever takes over from the Glazer family.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Jacobs has dropped some fresh insight into the state of play at Manchester United regarding their ownership situation.

Jacobs told FFC: "Those running the process are working around the clock now with both groups to try and get both offers in shape, which is highly atypical.

"This is also why the fixation with a preferred bidder is largely unhelpful, because if we were earlier in the process, you would have a preferred bidder, and then that preferred bidder would enter into a period of exclusivity and they would undertake due diligence and any potential final negotiation and it would be significant because the Glazers would have showed their hands.

"The longer the process has gone on, the less need in many ways there is to crown anyone a preferred bidder. Instead, the Raine Group and the Glazers can simply pick a winner. Until they pick a winner, there's no real need to place either of the groups or any minority investor in a period of exclusivity because every offer on the table is executional.

"If the Glazers don't, until they pick a winner, provide a period of exclusivity, then they can obviously have maximum competitive tension. Then, if or when a winner is named, we then wait and see whether there is a short period of exclusivity to effectively go through the process of acquisition, but that would still be different to a preferred bidder in a period of exclusivity."

What now for Manchester United?

Manchester United look like they will be in the grips of a takeover stalemate for a while yet. Despite this, other matters will also need to take priority over the next few months, with recruitment likely to be a key focus at Old Trafford.

Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount is a target for Erik ten Hag and the Dutchman has already seen a bid of around £40 million rejected for the England international, though is expected to return with an improved offer in the region of £50 million, as per The Daily Mail.

The Evening Standard also report that Manchester United are now 'favourites' to sign Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana this summer as rival suitors Chelsea have now dropped out of the race to acquire the Cameroon international.

But without a potential takeover, it will be intriguing to see how their transfer plans may be affected this summer.

Aston Villa are reportedly interested in Egyptian winger Ibrahim Adel, as Unai Emery eyes reinforcements this summer.

The Spaniard is off to a strong start in the transfer window, with partner Monchi overseeing his first signing by bringing Pau Torres into the set-up from Villarreal.

With Youri Tielemans also on board, Emery could equip his side further with signing Adel, who is a name on the target list of a host of clubs.

Could Aston Villa sign Ibrahim Adel?

As reported by 90min earlier this week, the Egyptian forward has captured the eyes of a list of Premier League clubs, including the Midlands outfit.

The report claims that the Villans have ‘expressed an interest’ in the 22-year-old, who currently represents Pyramids FC in his home country.

Chelsea and Newcastle are named among the list of admirers from the Premier League, with the hype surrounding the winger coming from his performances at the recent U23 Africa Cup of Nations.

How good is Ibrahim Adel?

Winning second prize is never easy, however, gaining a silver medal and the U23 AFCON Player of the Tournament prize makes missing out just a little sweeter.

As the captain of Egypt’s U23s, Adel was named as the best player for his ‘dominance and playmaking skills’, as per the tournament’s official site.

Having also gained four caps for the senior Egyptian side, the 22-year-old gem has been recognised as an upcoming talent, with the expectation that he will graduate from his homeland to seek a new journey in Europe.

Once hailed as being the “next big thing” and the “future of Egyptian football” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, there is little surprise that Villa are reported to be interested in the winger this summer.

Emery stated back in January that he wished to sign a ‘specialist winger’, which is something he could achieve by signing Adel, who is extremely versatile in playing along the front line.

Deployable as a striker or on either flank, the right-footed sensation is best utilised on the right side where he can fully exploit his strengths in front of goal.

It’s a good time for the Villans to seek interest in a winger, with journalist Tom Collomosse revealing in his Daily Mail column this week that Leon Bailey is for sale this summer.

Scoring just five times in 51 Premier League appearances, the £25m deal for the Jamaican was a mundane one for a player that was expected to lift off in the league on the back of impressive form in the Bundesliga.

The 25-year-old’s reportedly expected departure could leave room for Villa to swoop for Adel, who could prove to be a better option for Emery’s side than the former Bayer Leverkusen man.

Across 77 Egyptian Premier League appearances, the 22-year-old wizard has netted 21 goals, as well as registering seven assists in an imposing rise to fame in the beginning of his career, via Transfermarkt.

In terms of action in the final third, the youngster has highlighted more of a threat than Bailey over the past few years, and with a youthful spirit and a desire to breakthrough in Europe on his side, could explore further highs to his game.

Emery must act fast to win the race to sign the Egyptian, who with many interested parties coming forward, will be one to watch this summer.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are now keen on signing a "talented" starlet, who is wanted by a whole host of Europe's top clubs, according to a report.

What's the latest Wolves transfer news?

Wolves have not made the best of starts to the Premier League season, currently sitting in 16th place, having lost four of their opening five matches, and they have been particularly disappointing in a defensive sense.

At this early stage in the campaign, the Old Gold have already shipped 11 goals, the second-highest amount of any side in the top flight, most recently suffering a 3-1 defeat at home against Liverpool.

However, it is still too early for Gary O'Neil to hit the panic button, given that his side have faced tough opposition in Manchester United, Brighton & Hove Albion and Liverpool, and there have been very few recent links to any new signings.

One of the few players Wolves have been credited with an interest in is Portuguese free agent Xeka, with the central midfielder attracting the attention of a number of Premier League's clubs after his Rennes contract came to an end.

According to a report from 90min, the Old Gold are also keen on signing Boca Juniors left-back Valentin Barco, but it may be very difficult to win the race for the 19-year-old, as a number of Europe's top clubs are now vying for his signature.

Brighton are leading the race for the youngster, but the likes of Manchester City, Chelsea, Brentford and Nottingham Forest have all watched him in recent weeks, with Wolves also sending scouts to check on him.

Boca Juniors are keen to agree a new contract with the defender, as his current deal includes a release clause of just £8m, and they are hopeful he will be willing to extend his stay at La Bombonera.

Despite the £8m release clause, Football Insider have recently reported it may take a fee of around £15m to tempt the Argentine Primera Division club into a sale, although that is not likely to present an obstacle for the top English sides.

Should Wolves sign a left-back?

It may not be prudent for the Molineux outfit to shell out £15m on a new left-back, considering O'Neil already has a talented young option available to him in Rayan Ait-Nouri, who has featured in all five Premier League games this season.

Ait-Nouri ranks in the 93rd percentile for tackles per 90 over the past year, when compared to his positional peers, and the 97th percentile for successful take-ons, displaying his attacking threat, so left-back is not a position O'Neil urgently needs to strengthen.

That said, if Wolves were able to win the race for Barco's signature, he could be a fantastic long-term addition to the squad, having been hailed as "one of the most talented left-backs in world football" by football talent scout Jacek Kulig.

Kulig has also claimed the Boca starlet is "the future" of Argentinian football, but it seems unlikely he will make the switch to Molineux, considering the likes of Man City, Brighton and Newcastle are interested.

Manchester United have enjoyed a positive campaign in Erik Ten Hag's first year in charge and stand on the brink of being able to secure Champions League qualification for next term.

The Red Devils have already achieved silverware in the form of the Carabao Cup and also have the chance to claim the FA Cup trophy if they can get past Manchester City at Wembley Stadium in early June.

Looking ahead to the summer transfer window, bringing in a few quality additions will be on the mind of Ten Hag as he looks to build a squad capable of taking Manchester United back to the top of the tree in English football.

Tottenham Hotspur talisman Harry Kane has been linked with a blockbuster move to Old Trafford and could provide the x-factor in attack that has been missing at times in 2022/23.

From a defensive standpoint, The Sun claim that Napoli man Kim Min-Jae could be on his way to the Premier League giants, with Manchester United said to be keen to 'table an offer' to try and entice the 26-year-old away from the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.

What's the latest transfer news on Kim Min-Jae and why is he so highly regarded?

The Sun report states that Paris Saint-Germain also have a keen interest in the South Korea international and have held talks with his entourage amid the fact that he has a release clause worth £40 million that activates in July. Manchester City are also keeping an eye on his situation, though RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol is their preferred choice.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Dean Jones thinks that Kim would be a statement signing by Manchester United that could help to take them to the next level after hearing he could be on his way to Old Trafford.

Jones told FFC: "I just think having someone on that level would be hugely significant in terms of upgrading the squad if they could actually make it happen."

In 2022/23, Kim has made 44 appearances in all competitions for Napoli, registering two goals and two assists in the process, as per Transfermarkt.

ESPN estimate that Red Devils boss Ten Hag will have between £100-£150 million to spend on rebuilding his squad in the summer, though this may dramatically increase if a deal is completed by the Glazer family to relinquish their majority ownership of the club.

In terms of who Manchester United could upgrade on by bringing Kim to Old Trafford, Harry Maguire springs to mind as an obvious candidate, as he has been linked with a move to either West Ham United or Tottenham Hotspur, as per FootballTransfers.

Comparing the two players via WhoScored, Kim comes out on top in aerial duels won, clearances completed, pass success rate and average match rating, scoring 2.7 in aerial duels, 3.6 clearances, 91% pass completion and earning a match rating of 7.10/10.

On the other hand, Maguire comes in at 1.3 successful aerial duels won, 2.5 clearances per match, 85.8% passing success and being given a match rating of 6.57/10.

€61,731 (£53,637) per week earner Kim has also excelled in the art of passes attempted compared to his positional peers across Europe's top five divisions, having tried an average of 80.23 per 90 minutes across the last 365 days, putting him in the third percentile for this metric, according to FBRef.

As per Tuttomercatoweb via OneFootball, former Manchester United favourite Ji Sung-Park was full of praise for Kim's qualities as a domineering defender, stating in an interview: “Extraordinary, what a talent." He then added: “There is no doubt that he is doing extraordinary things, as a technical leader and personality in Naples.”

Journalist Fabrizio Romano shared quotes from Napoli boss Luciano Spalletti claiming that nobody in the world is a better defender than Kim at present, which read: "Kim Min-Jae is the best centre-back in the world right now. Kim does at least 20 incredible things per game. When he starts the run with the ball at his feet, he can get it into the opposition penalty area in 5 seconds flat!"

Manchester United are set for a huge summer as they find out who will control the purse strings at Old Trafford for the foreseeable future and Kim would be a major signing to kick off a new era for the club.

Newcastle United have made contact regarding a deal to sign Barcelona forward Raphinha this summer, according to reports.

Is Raphinha leaving Barcelona?

The Brazilian international only swapped the Premier League for La Liga last summer when he arrived at Camp Nou in a big-money move from Leeds United. He’s made 50 appearances in Catalonia to date, but there's a chance he could already be hitting the road once again.

Xavi’s right-sided winger still has another four years remaining on his contract, but after establishing himself as the manager’s joint second top-performing offensive player during his debut season, is attracting interest ahead of the upcoming window, in particular from St. James’ Park.

Speaking on his Here We Go podcast, Fabrizio Romano revealed last month that the Magpies, alongside top-flight rivals Chelsea, both hold an “interest” in the 26-year-old, but it sounds like it’s Eddie Howe who is the first to make an official move.

Are Newcastle signing Raphinha?

According to Spanish outlet Sport (via Sport Witness), Newcastle have “already made a first approach” to enquire about a deal for the man called a "phenomenon" by his international teammates. Barcelona’s attacker is “keen to continue” where he is, but it’s stated that the northeast outfit will “insist” on signing the player regardless of his stance.

The Magpies have “positioned themselves” and “would be willing to pay a fee” to bring him to St. James’ Park. The Blaugrana have made it clear he could “only leave” if they received an offer in excess of €80m (£68m), and the opportunity to play in the Champions League could end up “convincing” him to join.

Should PIF splash the cash on Raphinha?

Newcastle will already know what Raphinha is capable of having played against him several times during his spell at Leeds, where he was dubbed “frightening” by members of the media, and with that impressive form having continued since joining Barcelona, PIF should definitely test the waters by making an offer.

Barca’s left-footed gem, who is represented by D20 Sports, clocked up 14 goal contributions (seven goals and the same number of assists) in 36 La Liga appearances last season, with this high standard of displays seeing him collect six man-of-the-match awards.

The World Cup participant was also a major threat when providing for his fellow teammates having recorded 172 crosses and 117 shot-creating actions, which were both higher than any other member of his squad, as per FBRef, so should he put pen to paper in the near future, he would only improve Howe’s attacking ranks even further.