Newcastle Could Rival PL Club For £42m Star

Newcastle United have joined Manchester United in their interest for Napoli defender Kim Min-jae, reports Fabrizio Romano.

The 26-year-old has been linked with a move away from the Serie A champions this summer, and the Red Devils are currently the front-runners.

Newcastle have also taken an interest, though, and could try to hijack a move for the defender if the opportunity presents itself.

With the Magpies securing Champions League football next season for the first time in two decades, the club have their work cut out for them this summer as they look to bolster the squad and build on last season's Premier League success and adding Kim would be a great start.

What's the latest Newcastle United transfer news?

After a strong transfer window last summer, it seems Newcastle are aiming to repeat the feat this year, with the club already linked to several major names and some figures heading out of St. James' Park as they prefer for European football.

Chris Wood is the first sale of the summer for Eddie Howe's men, as the forward recently completed his permanent transfer to Nottingham Forest after he spent the last year on loan at the midlands club.

Newcastle have also announced that Ciaran Clark and Matty Longstaff will be let go in the summer, but the club have been linked to some exciting incomings.

Former Manchester City academy graduate, Felix Nmecha is reportedly a target for the Magpies, with the Wolfsburg midfielder seen as a viable option to add to the club's midfield.

While their priority is building for the upcoming season, Newcastle have also had an eye on the future, recently signing 18-year-old winger Yankuba Minteh, before immediately loaning him out to Dutch champions Feyenoord, with the plan being to assess his first-team potential once he returns next summer.

As they continue to strengthen the side, stealing Kim's signature out from under United's nose would be a huge statement of intent.

What has Fabrizio Romano said about Kim Min-jae, Manchester United and Newcastle?

While United are currently the favourites to land the South Korean, reports that they've agreed a deal with Napoli aren't true, reports Romano.

Speaking on his Youtube channel, Romano said: "There are many reports of a done deal with Manchester United coming from Italy. Guys, at the moment, nothing is done. This is not a done deal yet."

Romano also went on to reveal that Newcastle, as well as several other clubs, were interested in Kim, saying: "There is also interest from Newcastle, but also other clubs are interested in Kim, so the race is absolutely open, trust me."

With a release clause of £42m being activated early in July, the Magpies will have to act quickly if they're to beat United to a potential deal.

Man United Transfer News; Possible £26m Offer To Sign "Monster"

Manchester United are ready to table an offer of €30m (£26m) for Lille midfielder Carlos Baleba, according to reports from France.

What's the latest Man United transfer news?

ESPN have recently given an overview of the midfielders Man United could consider if they are unsuccessful in their pursuit of Chelsea's Mason Mount, with Moises Caicedo, Mohammed Kudus and Taylor Booth all being named as potential options.

West Ham United captain Declan Rice remains a target, despite heavy interest from the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City, and the Red Devils are currently considering whether to test the waters with an official bid.

With both Fred and Scott McTominay potentially on the move this summer, Erik ten Hag may be tasked with bringing in multiple new options in the engine room, and Baleba is now emerging as a target.

According to a report from La Voix des Sports (via Sport Witness), Man United are now ready to put €30m (£26m) on the table to sign the Lille midfielder, who has been attracting the interest of several Premier League clubs.

Ten Hag's side and Newcastle United are named as the "most insistent" clubs, meaning a transfer battle could soon be on the cards, although the report stipulates we might need to wait a few weeks before there is any movement.

Who is Carlos Baleba?

The 19-year-old has only just started to establish himself as a first-team regular for Lille, having now made a total of 21 appearances, however, it is clear to see why Paolo Fonseca has kept the faith with the youngster.

In Lille's final home game of the season, the Cameroonian performed very well in a deep-lying midfield role, receiving a 7.4 SofaScore rating after winning seven ground duels, the joint-highest figure of any player on the pitch.

Erik ten Hag

Not only that, the starlet also has some very impressive attacking qualities, ranking in the 99th percentile for successful take-ons per 90 over the past year, when compared to his positional peers, highlighting his remarkable dribbling ability.

Teammate Remy Cabella has hailed the up-and-coming Lille star as a "monster", while also adding that it is "very, very hard to stop him" due to his "incredible strength" on the ball.

If Baleba continues his current trajectory, he could go on to be a top player, so Man United could be pursuing a star in the making, however, he is still very young, and he may not immediately become a regular starter.

West Ham: Moyes heading into transfer tussle for "sensational" free agent

Journalist Pete O'Rourke's "well-placed source" has shared an interesting update West Ham United manager David Moyes' transfer plans, concerning Jesse Lingard.

Who just signed for West Ham?

The Irons, helped by new technical director Tim Steidten, secured the signings of Edson Alvarez, James Ward-Prowse, Konstantinos Mavropanos and Mohammed Kudus over this summer.

West Ham's brand new quartet come in to replace the departed Declan Rice, who joined Arsenal in a deal worth £105 million, and striker Gianluca Scamacca after his return to Italy with Atalanta.

Moyes' side have started the new Premier League season with aplomb; remaining unbeaten over their opening four matches with three wins and a draw.

Striker Michail Antonio, despite two arguably lacklustre seasons prior to this one so far, has lead the West Ham line brilliantly as Jamaica's international ace seemingly replicates his 2020/2021 form.

West Ham United'sMichailAntoniocelebrates after the match

However, a potential injury to the 33-year-old is a real possibility given their hectic fixture schedule; including a plethora of Europa League matches from now into the festive period.

Antonio's history of fitness issues are a serious cause for concern at West Ham, and bearing this in mind, there have been reports that the east Londoners could take to the free agent market in search of more attacking options.

Moyes ultimately failed in his attempts to bring in a new striker to replace Scamacca on deadline day, despite their last gasp push for Paris-Saint Germain forward Hugo Ekitike.

One option who could provide forward depth is Lingard, who despite not being an out-and-out centre-forward, has proven in past seasons that he can contribute with both goals and assists at West Ham.

Jesse Lingard

The 30-year-old free agent was training at Rush Green in a bid to maintain his fitness level, and reports claim he has actually impressed on-lookers at the club.

Now, journalist O'Rourke has shared an interesting update on Lingard's potential return to West Ham on a Bosman.

The reporter writes for Football Insider that Moyes and co are now facing a battle with two other clubs from Turkey for the ex-Man United ace, so if they're to sign him, West Ham need a formal offer to table fairly soon.

That is from his "well-placed source"' sharing that Galatasaray and Fenerbahce are likely landing spots if West Ham don't make a move.

What happened to Jesse Lingard?

The ex-Nottingham Forest ace hasn't been able to showcase his rip-roaring 20/21 form at West Ham, where he bagged nine goals and five assists in 16 matches.

Lingard has instead endured being on the periphery at both Man United and Forest since then, perhaps explaining why he is still available for hire.

However, we if the player can replicate his brilliant displays whilst on loan at West Ham two years ago, they could be landing a "sensational" free agent.

“He (Lingard) looked like someone going nowhere but he’s been sensational at West Ham," said Nigel Winterburn to The Sun in the summer of 2021.

"I think there’s a conversation to be had at Man Utd as to whether he’d fit back into their plans,” Winterburn told The Sun. “If not, he’s had this success at West Ham, so I don’t know why he’d want to sign elsewhere. He knows the club, so I think West Ham would be favourites to sign him.”

Beale Eyes Rangers Move For £4.5k-p/w Machine

Glasgow Rangers will end the campaign trophyless for the first time since 2020, and this will turn the summer transfer window into arguably the most important one since the Ibrox side were promoted back to the Premiership in 2016.

Michael Beale has a tough job on his hands and there will likely be some players moving on from the Gers, with Antonio Colak potentially one of them.

The Croatian striker has enjoyed a decent debut season at the club, scoring 17 goals in all competitions, yet he has struggled during the second half of 2022/23, starting just five matches under Beale. According to The Scottish Sun, the club could listen to offers for the Croatian hitman during the summer transfer window in a bid to move him on having rejected approaches from German and MLS outfits in January.

Beale obviously has his own targets in mind, and gaining a fee for Colak will allow him to fund these transfers. However, who could potentially come in and replace the 29-year-old ahead of next season?

Could Rangers sign Viktor Gyokeres from Coventry this summer?

Football Insider has claimed that the Light Blues are keen on signing Viktor Gyokeres from English Championship outfit Coventry City during the summer. However, they value the Swede at £20m, which could prove to be out of their price range.

Much will depend on whether the Sky Blues can achieve promotion to the Premier League via the play-offs, as if they lose to Luton Town, Beale may have a slightly better chance of securing a deal for the striker.

His goalscoring threat would certainly make him an instant hit at Ibrox. Across 49 matches this term, he has scored 22 goals and grabbed a further 11 assists, which is higher than any Rangers player, with James Tavernier registering 27 goal contributions – suggesting that Gyokeres would be a worthwhile addition to the first team if he could replicate his form in Scotland.

Sunderland boss Tony Mowbray lavished praise upon the player, even comparing him to Erling Haaland, saying: "He looks a yard more powerful and a yard quicker than everyone else, he’s a really confident boy.

"The way he buys himself space to shoot is pretty impressive and Coventry did well to hold onto him, he looks a really talented boy.

viktor-gyokeres-premier-league-everton-transfer-news

"Who is too fast, too strong and too big – you would suggest Haaland is like that and Gyokeres in this league looks a yard faster and stronger than the players he plays against in the Championship."

It appears as if the £4.5k-per-week machine needs to make the step up to the next level, and joining Rangers, where he would play Champions League football, could well be an ideal move for him.

Beale will be keeping an eye on the play-off final next week, that’s for sure.

Leeds Eyeing 57-Year-Old As Their Next Manager

Leeds United have reportedly "opened talks" with Carlos Carvalhal over becoming their new manager this summer, according to a fresh rumour regarding the search for a new boss.

Which managers are Leeds linked with?

It has been a period to forget at Elland Road over the past 12 months or so, with the club getting through three different managers en route to being relegated from the Premier League.

Amid the new takeover from 49ers Enterprises, Leeds are now working hard on finding a new boss, with so many different names linked with the job in the weeks since their relegation was confirmed.

The likes of Brendan Rodgers, Graham Potter, Steven Gerrard, Carlos Corberan and Scott Parker have all been mooted as potential successors to Sam Allardyce, but no clear favourite has emerged in the race yet.

Now, a new name has been thrown into the hat – someone with plenty of experience in English football in the past.

Are Whites in talks with Carvalhal?

According to iG Esporte [via Sport Witness], Leeds have "already opened talks" in "recent days" with Carvalhal, suggesting that he is considered a strong option to come in and lead the promotion charge at Elland Road.

The 57-year-old is "free in the market" currently, having left his post as Celta Vigo manager earlier this year, although Brazilian side Atletico-MG are also believed to be eyeing him up.

Carvalhal could be an interesting appointment by Leeds if they get a move over the line, having previously managed Sheffield Wednesday and Swansea City in the past. He got the former into the Championship playoff final in 2016, and the semi-finals the following year, although he only lasted approximately six months with the latter.

The Portuguese is now a hugely experienced manager, having taken charge of teams all over the world, from Sporting CP to Besiktas, and he also won the Portuguese Cup with Braga in 2021.

There are question marks over whether Carvalhal is the strongest contender to come in, though, considering the likes of Rodgers and Potter are arguably more highly thought of currently, having been established Premier League managers for a while now, despite admittedly both losing their jobs earlier in the campaign.

Meanwhile, someone like Daniel Farke has won promotion from the Championship twice in the past, during his time at Norwich City, which is something Carvalhal has never managed, so he could be a safer pair of hands.

Ex-Goalkeeper Laughs Off Arsenal’s Rice Interest

Former England goalkeeper David James has questioned why Declan Rice would choose Arsenal over his old side Manchester City this summer.

What did James say about Rice?

The Declan Rice transfer saga has been in full flow for weeks now, with news that Manchester City are ready to enter the race for the midfielder's signature only furthering the discourse.

Arsenal have seen two bids rejected for the 24-year-old already and their attempts to sign Rice have just been made significantly harder as Man City have joined the hunt for the West Ham captain.

The choice will prove to be a difficult one for Rice too, who has a big decision to make ahead of one of the most definitive periods of his career. However, David James sees no difficulty in the decision whatsoever, questioning why the 42-cap England international would choose the Emirates over the Etihad.

"I would rather that he went abroad, not that he's listening, because then he won't be in a team that might want to beat West Ham, and that would be something a lot of West Ham fans wouldn't like," said James.

He continued: "Declan Rice is top drawer and Man City are the best team in Europe, probably going to be the best team in the world in a few months after they win the World Club Championship. If Declan Rice is part of that it's because he deserves to be."

When quizzed on whether he thought Arsenal or Man City would be a better fit, James replied: "Why would he want to play for Arsenal? One team is the European, FA Cup and Premier League champions, the other is neither, or none".

James is likely to haves stoked the social media fire with his words, although they were said behind a broad smirk. Given that James featured a combined 202 times for Manchester City and West Ham, it is unsurprising he feels a move to the Etihad would be more sensible.

Are Man City signing Rice?

Much like the Premier League title race last season, it appears to be Arsenal vs Manchester City in the battle for Rice. Similarly to that title race, it could end with Man City getting their prize in spite of Arsenal leading the race for so long.

While Man City have always kept themselves in the loop in regard to Rice, their interest has accelerated over the past few days, although no official bid has been registered yet.

The midfielder is believed to be open to a move to either club, making his decision based on what Arsenal and City will do in the coming days and weeks to convince him.

Man United Willing To Make £25.7m Move For "Monster"

Manchester United are reportedly willing to meet Fiorentina’s €30m (£25.7m) asking price to sign midfielder Sofyan Amrabat.

Are Man United signing Sofyan Amrabat?

The Red Devils and Erik ten Hag have already made a start on their summer business by bringing in Mason Mount from Chelsea in a deal worth £60m. The England international has taken the famous number seven shirt at Old Trafford, and a new goalkeeper and forward also appear to be on the agenda.

After David de Gea officially left the club, United have been pushing to sign Andre Onana from Inter Milan, and it looks as if a move is close for the Cameroon international.

Onana may not be the final addition, though, with an offer made for Atalanta’s Rasmus Hojlund. The Red Devils proposed a player-plus-cash move, however, the Serie A side aren’t interested and would only want an £85.5m payment for the Denmark international.

Another new midfielder could also be a possibility, with previous reports this month suggesting that personal terms had already been agreed between United and Amrabat.

The Faithful MUFC relayed a further update from Spain in the last 48 hours regarding Amrabat and a possible move to Old Trafford. It is believed that Ten Hag has personally requested Amrabat’s services in Manchester and sees Amrabat as an ideal partner for Casemiro. The Red Devils are willing to pay Fiorentina’s €30m (£25.7m) asking price.

Barcelona have also been showing an interest in the midfielder as they look to replace Sergio Busquets, however, the La Liga champions seemingly cannot afford Amrabat at this moment in time, leaving the door open for Man United.

Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat.

How good is Sofyan Amrabat?

Amrabat actually worked under Ten Hag at FC Utrecht and has been with Fiorentina since 2020. The 26-year-old has made more than 100 appearances for his current employers and has enjoyed a solid 12 months which has resulted in his Transfermarkt valuation increasing from €10m to a career-high €30m.

As per FBref in the last 365 days, Amrabat ranks in the top 1% of midfielders for long passes completed, top 2% for medium passes completed, top 5% for overall pass completion percentage and top 8% for passes into the final third, showing how he could bring plenty of control and quality to Old Trafford.

Hailed as a "monster" in the media, Amarabat was also praised by former England manager Fabio Capello for his displays at last year's World Cup in Qatar, with the Italian describing Amrabat as the 'Gennaro Gattuso of Morocco'.

"If I have to name one name, besides the well-known Hakim Ziyech and Achraf Hakimi, it would be Amrabat. He is essential for balance and a great runner. I read that he covered more than fourteen kilometres against Spain. I see him as the Gennaro Gattuso of Morocco."

It looks as if United’s focus at this moment in time is to seal a transfer for Onana, but by the looks of things, they could soon make their move for Amrabat, and you could argue that the Red Devils would be getting a player at the top of his game following his form over the past year.

Rangers eyeing Darius Olaru transfer

Rangers will go into the summer transfer window with new midfielders on their radar including the Steaua Bucharest midfielder, Darius Olaru, on their list.

What’s the latest Rangers transfer rumours?

There have been reports suggesting Michael Beale’s men are now putting in the foundations to see four midfielders potentially leave in the summer.

Indeed, Football Insider has reported Steven Davis, Scott Arfield and Ryan Jack could all see their contracts expire at the end of the term with no signs of extensions on the horizon.

And this comes alongside the expectation for Malik Tillman to make a return to Germany having spent the campaign out on loan from Bayern Munich.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Pete O’Rourke expects Beale’s side to target a number of new arrivals to bolster their midfield:

“Maybe bringing in midfielders will be a top priority for Rangers. And this is why the Steaua Bucharest midfielder Darius Olaru is on their list.”

What would signing Darius Olaru mean for Rangers?

Olaru is a 24-year-old Romanian midfielder who has now been playing his football in the capital of his homeland for three years after making a move worth in the region of £530k.

And the central midfielder has played a big role in Steaua Bucharest’s season so far, having racked up 23 appearances in their top-flight, which has seen him captain the side a number of times.

In those games, the Romanian has been able to provide a respectable four assists as well as competing in the Europa Conference League where he assisted against West Ham United (via Transfermarkt).

Olaru has received some big praise from those within the club with Mihail Stoica likening him to Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne.

This is a player who has shown a lot of versatility this season for the Romanian side having played a number of roles across the midfield including one appearance at left wing.

But with all of these potential departures, it does feel as if Olaru cannot be the only player who Rangers should be looking to bring in this summer.

Glen Kamara could also leave Rangers with a headache over the summer with reported interest in the midfielder coming from south of the border.

And if that is the case, then Beale may certainly have a challenge on his hands to overhaul his midfield in the summer.

Mikel Arteta Urged To Drop Arsenal’s "Useless" £40k-p/w Ace

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta should drop Rob Holding and play Jakub Kiwior against Southampton at the weekend, according to journalist Uche Amako.

What's the latest Arsenal injury news?

The Gunners had to make do without William Saliba against West Ham United on Sunday, with Arteta confirming the defender could be missing for a few weeks after a flare-up of his recent back injury. Saliba has now missed Arsenal's last four Premier League matches, meaning that Holding has been brought into the starting XI, having only received very limited game time as a substitute prior to the Frenchman's absence.

The 27-year-old started alongside Gabriel at the London Stadium on Sunday, but he did not manage to impress Amako, with the journalist calling for him to be replaced by Jakub Kiwior on Friday night, while also indicating he could be one player who is moved on at the end of the season.

Taking to Twitter during the game, The Telegraph reporter said: "Hard to see Rob Holding being part of the next phase at Arsenal with Arteta. His performance at Tottenham cost them last season & he's been a clear weak link again. Kiwior being left footed can't be the reason he's not picked ahead of him. He must start vs Southampton…"

Will Rob Holding be dropped against Southampton?

The Gunners are without a clean sheet in the last four games the Englishman has started, having kept three in four before Saliba's injury blow, and while he cannot be held solely responsible, his performances have been very underwhelming.

Against Liverpool, the Stalybridge-born defender received a Sofascore rating of 6.3, the lowest of any Arsenal player that started the match, after conceding a penalty, losing the majority of his aerial duels, and making one error that led to a shot. The £40k-per-week earner was also too easily bullied by attackers against West Ham, losing every one of the seven duels that he contested, both on the ground and in the air, in a seriously unimpressive display.

Arsenal defender Rob Holding.

Holding was branded "useless" by members of the media earlier this season, and Arteta now has a big decision to make ahead of the Southampton game on Friday night.

Bringing in Kiwior is undoubtedly a risk, given that he has played just 14 minutes worth of Premier League football this season, but the Saints are bottom of the table, which means there won't be a better opportunity to bed him in.

Arsenal: Late £17m signing could usurp Gabriel at the Emirates

Arsenal could be one of the sides opting to take a late dip into the transfer market, as the Premier League prepares for the close of the window on Friday.

The Gunners have used the summer to recruit wisely, welcoming Kai Havertz, Jurrien Timber, Declan Rice and David Raya to strengthen in all areas, however an early injury blow has disrupted the depth going into the season.

50 minutes into his debut and Mikel Arteta’s side’s league opener, Timber was forced to withdraw with the club later announcing that the Dutchman will be absent for the foreseeable future.

For that reason, and with departures expected, Arsenal have been linked to defensive reinforcements ahead of deadline day.

Who could Arsenal sign this summer?

As reported by news in Spain, Arteta could be plotting a reunion with one of the talents he worked with during his time at Manchester City.

Read the latest Arsenal transfer news HERE…

The report links Barcelona centre-back Eric Garcia with a move to the Emirates, as the Spaniard weighs up his options with reference to his expected role at the Nou Camp this season.

It’s reported that a fee of €20m (£17m) would be the region that the Catalan giants would expect for the 22-year-old, according to other reports in Spain (as relayed by Football365 earlier in the year), who has a mammoth €400m (£344m) release clause in place.

What is Eric Garcia’s playing style?

Previously lauded as an “elegant” player who’s “excellent on the ball” by scout Jacek Kulig, Garcia has been schooled in the art of defending by the famed La Masia academy, as well as at City’s Etihad campus.

The Spaniard would be the ideal fit for Arteta’s plans of his back line, with one of his most notable qualities being his ability to play the ball, highlighted by his average of 7.49 progressive passes per 90 over the past year, via FBref.

Such numbers rank him in the top 1% of centre-backs in Europe's top five leagues in this area, suggesting his strength and composure in playing the ball from the back, an attribute favoured in Arsenal’s style of play.

In signing Garcia, the Gunners could find themselves armed with a talent capable of far more than being a rotational figure to the likes of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes, with the 22-year-old already built to play in the Premier League.

Barcelona'sEricGarciareacts

With reference to Garcia’s progress at City, Kulig tipped the defender to become a “future world-beater”, high praise for a player so young being part of two of the most impressive sides in Europe.

During his time in Manchester, the Spaniard gained 19 Premier League appearances across two seasons, being part of only four defeats in that time and adapting well to the demands of the English game.

His experience in England already backs his cause to become a favourite in north London, in a figure that could see the likes of Gabriel usurped by his ability and suitability to Arteta's style of play.

When comparing the two players based on their averages in their respective 2022/23 league campaigns, the numbers suggest that the two could be in close competition at the Emirates.

As per FBref, Gabriel averaged 1.27 tackles and 2.64 aerial wins per 90 for Arsenal, closely followed by Garcia who recorded 1.46 aerial wins and 1.52 tackles per 90 in LaLiga last term.

In terms of distribution, the Spaniard showed up the Brazilian with respect to last season's displays, averaging a monstrous 8.26 final third passes per 90 while maintaining a pass completion rate of 90.9%.

Arteta’s centre-back registered an average of 4.51 final third passes and a pass completion rate of 89.4% per 90 in the Premier League, equally impressive numbers but ones that only reinforce the talent of Garcia.

With deadline day fast approaching, Gabriel could find his position in the starting XI even more threatened than it currently is, as the former Lille colossus still waits for his first Premier League start of the campaign.

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