Man Utd Boss Ten Hag To Hold Crunch Talks With £350k p/w Ace

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is set to hold talks with winger Jadon Sancho over his future at the club amid interest in his services, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

What's the latest transfer news involving Jadon Sancho?

According to The Daily Star, Tottenham Hotspur are keen on offering Sancho an escape route from Old Trafford this summer as Spurs' coach Ange Postecoglou gets to work in N17.

Tottenham are said to be lining up a £50 million swoop for the £350k-a-week ace, who flickered in and out of consistency in patches during the 2022/23 campaign.

FootballTransfers claim that Manchester United would be willing to sell Sancho and the outlet state that Aston Villa are also in the mix to try and acquire Sancho ahead of next term.

Aston Villa are believed to be 'very interested' in signing Sancho, who has also attracted attention from former club Borussia Dortmund, as per TEAMtalk.

His patchy form in a Manchester United jersey has been taken into account as the club continue to weigh up his future over the coming months.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Jacobs has said that Manchester United boss Ten Hag will hold talks with Sancho over his future at Old Trafford.

Jacobs told FFC: "Erik ten Hag will first speak to Sancho and have a frank conversation about if he stays, what the expectations are and how much game time he'll get and how he can elevate his game. If it's determined in that meeting that for the right offer, Sancho's available on the market, then let's see whether Spurs move."

Should Manchester United keep or sell Sancho this summer?

Manchester United will have a big decision to make on Sancho, who is a player with undoubted talent; however, has struggled to maintain regular consistency in his time at the Red Devils.

In 2022/23, Sancho made 41 appearances for Manchester United in all competitions, claiming seven goals and three assists, as per Transfermarkt.

Man United's Jadon Sancho

As per FBRef, Sancho also provided plenty of chances for his teammates over the course of the season, successfully carrying out 113 shot-creating actions in total.

The 23-year-old also averaged around 1.7 key passes per match in the Premier League, showing that Sancho has the tools at his disposal to be an effective asset to any side when utilised in the correct manner, as per WhoScored.

Looking ahead, it will be an intriguing few months for Sancho as his future becomes clearer at Manchester United following crunch discussions with Ten Hag.

Everton Line Up Bid For £10m-Rated Shot-Stopper

Everton have already got a plan in place should they lose Jordan Pickford, with the Toffees lining up a move for Sam Johnstone.

Are Everton signing Sam Johnstone this summer?

The current Crystal Palace goalkeeper only joined the Eagles back at the beginning of the 2022/23 season but could already be off. He managed nine appearances for the SE25 outfit in the top flight this term, conceding ten goals along the way.

It meant that he had to make do with plenty of time on the bench and having been a first-team option with West Brom prior to the move, he likely won't have been too happy to merely sit on the sidelines.

Indeed, he impressed when given the chance to play frequently in the Premier League in the past. When West Brom were last in the top division, he played on 37 occasions and despite his side being relegated that year, he was dubbed one of the best 'keepers in the league by Big Sam Allardyce.

Continuing to play often in the Championship, he played a further 36 times for the Baggies and was then eventually given a way back into the Premier League by Palace.

Now, according to various reports (via The Daily Mail), the shot-stopper may have another chance to play regularly in the top flight. That's because Everton appear to be preparing a move for Johnstone, should they end up losing Jordan Pickford.

The former Man United goalkeeper would cost little – he has a release clause of just £10m – and has experience at the top-level, and is seen as a good replacement for the England number one. Pickford is a wanted man by the Red Devils himself and should they opt to sign him, it could trigger a chain of events that sees Johnstone end up at Goodison Park.

Crystal Palace goalkeeperSam Johnstone

When does Johnstone's contract expire?

His current deal at Palace only expires in 2026 but that clause in his deal could mean that he leaves the club already – and for relatively cheap as well.

He's clearly seen as a very good and reliable option in goal, with former boss Steve Bruce calling Johnstone "wonderful" as a player during his time at West Brom. It was his performances for the Baggies and prior to his stint there that earned him a move to Palace – and now, he could end up being the first-team choice at Everton too, should Pickford be sold.

Liverpool Plan Bid For £34.4m-Rated Player After Internationals

There's been an update on Liverpool's pursuit of Khephren Thuram today, with Nice-Matin, via Sport Witness stating that a bid will officially be lodged by the Reds in July after the international break.

Are Liverpool signing Khephren Thuram?

The 22-year-old has established himself as a first-team regular with OGC Nice in Ligue 1 this campaign, playing in 35 games for the side in the division and bagging two goals and four assists along the way.

He matched his highest amount of goal contributions over the course of a league season with the French this year and has been relied upon so much that he now has 114 appearances in total to his name during his four seasons there. It shows that, despite his youth, he is already a reliable member of the squad and a player they can depend upon to be fit and firing week in week out.

What stands out too is his ability when compared to other more experienced midfielders across the Men's 'Top Five' big leagues in Europe. Thuram averages 3.25 progressive carries per 90 at the moment, which ranks him in the top six percent in that area and shows his superb ability to drive the ball forward and attack the opposition centrally.

He also has a rate of 1.63 successful take-ons per 90, which puts him in the 91st percentile for that too. That also shows that when he does take the ball forward, he is also able to take on opposition defenders and beat them as an attacker would.

khephren-thuram-liverpool-transfer-premier-league

Such solid showings for Nice has led to interest from elsewhere. It is Liverpool who have been most heavily linked to a move, with the Premier League side believed to be making him one of their main targets this summer.

Now, according to a report from Nice-Matin, via Sport Witness, the Reds are indeed ready to launch their move to sign him this transfer window and will make a bid for the player – but only after the European Under-21 Championship ends in July.

What is Khephren Thuram worth?

He could be an expensive purchase, with Nice wanting around 40 million Euros (£34.4m) for his signature – but it also adds that Thuram is close to "packing his bags" and a deal could happen, so it seems things are moving nicely on the player side.

He's already viewed as a real talent in the game despite his age too, with football talent scout Jacek Kulig calling Thuram "excellent" in terms of the technique he already possesses and adding that he is a "top" talent.

The France starlet then would boost the Liverpool squad if he is snapped up this summer and considering his age, he would only get better from here.

West Ham Can Move On From Declan Rice By Signing "Relentless" £50m Machine

West Ham United's initial trepidation over losing captain Declan Rice this summer has slowly turned to cautious optimism as the Hammers continue to be linked with some big names.

David Moyes will be eager to use some of the cash Rice's sale brings to strengthen other positions, but a new central midfielder is surely top of his wishlist this summer.

Arsenal, Manchester United, Manchester City, Bayern Munich and Chelsea are all reported to be in the running for Rice, who could attract a fee in excess of £100m, though The Sun claims the latter are the preferred choice for the Hammers.

That is because there is a possibility that Conor Gallagher – who himself is valued at £50m by Chelsea, according to the Daily Mail – could be used in part-exchange for Rice, leaving plenty of money left over to bring in a defender and a striker.

What can Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher bring to West Ham United?

After impressing on loan with another London side in Crystal Palace two seasons ago, Gallagher was given a chance – of sorts – by Chelsea last time out in what was a poor campaign for the Blues, who lurched from one manager to another.

While almost half of Gallagher's 35 Premier League appearances last season came as a substitute, the six-cap England international was still able to showcase his talents.

Gallagher scored three goals and assisted another, while the nine yellow cards he received – the most of any Chelsea player – also highlights the tenacious side of his game.

As pointed out by sports writer PGR Analytics, Gallagher has a "relentless work rate" and is a "threat in the final third" – qualities that Hammers fans would surely love to see.

Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham.

While not a like-for-like replacement for Rice in a direct sense, there are some similarities between the two men. Gallagher is a more attacking player, as reflected in his 0.22 goals and assists per 90 last season, compared to 0.14 for Rice.

As per FBref, Rice has a slightly better pass percentage than Gallagher per 90 minutes (86.5 v 81.1), while they average 68 and 63 touches per 90 – not a huge deal of difference.

Gallagher's arrival at West Ham would certainly excite fans, even if the £50m price tag seems a little excessive. However, in the same week Jude Bellingham joined Real Madrid for a fee rising to £115m, Gallagher boasts many similar attributes to his international colleague.

Indeed, FBref's comparison tool ranks Bellingham as the player most like Gallagher across Europe's top five leagues in terms of their statistical profiles.

For example, they find the target from a similar number of shots (39.3% for Gallagher at Chelsea, compared to 34.8% for Bellingham at Borussia Dortmund), have a near identical pass-completion percentage (81.1 v 81.7) and tackle at a similar rate (2.56 per game v 2.54), all per 90 via FBref.

This is not to say Gallagher is on the same level as Bellingham right now, but as a replacement for Rice, and with a huge sum of cash left over for one or two other players, it is a deal that could make lots of sense for West Ham as they look to move on from their long-serving skipper.

Chelsea could sign "giant" £59k-p/w ace

Chelsea are on the hunt for a new goalkeeper this summer, as Todd Boehly reportedly hopes to land a new first choice shot-stopper in the upcoming transfer window.

The Blues spent a monumental figure exceeding £500m last season in a bid to improve their squad, all to little avail as Stamford Bridge saw the club’s lowest finish since the 1993/94 campaign.

If reports are to be believed, Chelsea could spend big once more with a number of players already linked with a potential move ahead of the window.

What’s the latest on Mike Maignan to Chelsea?

As understood by 90min, AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan was mentioned in discussions with Chelsea officials.

The report claims that Blues representatives mentioned their interest in the goalkeeper while discussing the potential deal between the two clubs for Ruben Loftus-Cheek.

Their approach was reportedly dismissed by Milan, though taking into consideration the clubs’ hopes to sign a new 'keeper, the Rossoneri favourite could be a name destined for Stamford Bridge.

What could Mike Maignan bring to Chelsea?

Hailed as being a “giant” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the Frenchman has established himself as one of Europe’s strongest goalkeepers for his performances at San Siro.

The 27-year-old, who ascended up the ranks at Paris Saint Germain, could be a revelation at Chelsea, who have jousted between the talents of Edouard Mendy and Kepa Arrizabalaga this past season.

Branded as a “liability” by former Blues defender Mario Melchiot, Kepa has had an eventful time since signing from Athletic Bilbao in 2018 for a fee of £71.6m, with him now rated at just £26m by the CIES Football Observatory.

While the Spaniard has displayed his talents on numerous occasions, he’s had his fair share of mishaps on and off the pitch, and was benched by Mendy following the Senegalese ace’s arrival in the capital.

Now, the end of the road for the 28-year-old could be in sight if reports regarding Maignan are to be believed.

As per Sofascore, the Milan goalkeeper has conceded an average of 1 goal per game in Serie A this season, marginally fewer than Kepa, who averages 1.1 per game in the Premier League.

Criticised by Jamie Redknapp for not making ‘nearly enough saves’, the Spaniard has been placed into the spotlight in the past for his weaknesses in saving shots from distance.

As displayed in a graphic presented by Sky Sports below, the former Bilbao ace is familiar with conceding from outside the box, with the pattern reinforced this season with him conceding six from such areas, via Sofascore.

kepa-arrizabalaga-chelsea

Maignan could eliminate the weakness that the current Chelsea 'keeper possesses, as evidenced by him conceding just two from distance this campaign, as well as recording three saves caught to Kepa’s none, despite playing fewer games as per Sofascore.

Chelsea’s inconsistencies between the sticks must be resolved this summer, with not many clubs switching between their goalkeepers throughout the season due to poor performance.

In signing the £59k-per-week beast, Mauricio Pochettino could unearth a reliable and commanding number one in the bid to significantly improve things at the Bridge.

Postecoglou Set For Transfer Talks With 29 y/o Spurs Star

Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane will sit down with the expected new Spurs boss, Ange Postecoglou, to hold talks over where his future lies in north London.

Who is Ange Postecoglou?

The managerial search in N17 is seemingly coming to a close with Daniel Levy believed to have found his man in the Celtic manager Postecoglou.

Indeed, reports have suggested the Australian has now agreed personal terms with the Premier League club just hours after completing the treble with the Bhoys.

It is now believed that it is only the final details which will need to be ironed out with Celtic to overcome in order to see the 57-year-old become the new manager at Spurs.

However, Postecoglou has a huge task on his hands as the Lilywhites appear to be in need of a major rebuild following a dreadful 2022/23 campaign.

And one of the major issues hanging over the club at the moment is the future of their star player, Harry Kane, who has just one year remaining on his current deal.

With the Australian now looking set to become the new Spurs boss, Fabrizio Romano has told his YouTube channel that Postecoglou will hold behind-the-scenes talks with Kane in an attempt to keep him:

"But what is very clear also is that Daniel Levy is still prepared to fight for Harry Kane. He will try once he will have a new manager, conversations will take place with Postecoglou to convince Harry Kane, to keep Harry Kane at the club. So Tottenham will try again in the next days."

Could Kane leave Spurs?

The England captain's future appears to be at a real crossroads this summer with a number of clubs believed to be interested amid his dwindling contract.

Indeed, it is believed the likes of Manchester United have identified him as a priority signing for the summer window as Erik ten Hag searches for a new striker.

However, interest from abroad has also increased over recent days with reports suggesting Real Madrid will look to Kane as their potential replacement for the departing Karim Benzema.

Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou

Two of the world's biggest clubs could, therefore, be on the hunt for Kane's services this summer but it seems Spurs are not willing to potentially lose him without a fight.

But is Postecoglou a big enough name to convince Kane to stay?

The Australian has enjoyed a brilliant spell at Parkhead having won a bag full of trophies over his two years in the job.

However, this potential move to north London would be the 57-year-old's first job in one of Europe's top five leagues which could leave a lot of uncertainty for the England captain.

Kane will turn 30 years old over the coming weeks and whether he is willing to invest his time in this expected rebuild at Spurs under a manager who is not proven at this level is yet to be seen.

Chelsea Could Sign Lukaku Upgrade In £87m Machine

Chelsea are interested in bringing Napoli striker Victor Osimhen to Stamford Bridge.

What’s the latest on Victor Osimhen to Chelsea?

According to the Guardian, a new frontman is one of the club’s priorities and the 24-year-old has been earmarked as a possible candidate.

Indeed, the report notes that the London club are 'interested' in the Napoli striker and Inter star Lautaro Martínez.

That said, whilst the Blues eye a sensational summer swoop for the €100m (£87m) Nigerian, Mauricio Pochettino is still yet to conclude how to deal with Romelu Lukaku, whose future in west London looks extremely murky.

Is Osimhen better than Lukaku?

The 25-cap Osimhen has enjoyed the season of dreams and has been simply unstoppable at times.

The marksman netted 25 Serie A goals to underline his status as the division’s top scorer and also forged the best minute-per-goal ratio (100 mins) in the league, as per BBC Sport.

The focal point emerged as the title-winning catalyst that secured the Partenopei their first Scudetto in 33 years as he achieved immortalisation in one of Europe’s most adoring and fervent football cities.

Italian legend and former Chelsea ace Gianfranco Zola recognised Osimhen’s magnificent quality saying: “He’s a very complete player. He’s got a good reference going forward, he can link up play and he’s devastating in the air. He’s a pest to defenders.”

Romelu Lukaku Inter Milan

From a Chelsea perspective, a player of this potency and productivity would be invaluable, especially when assessing the west Londoner’s hapless form in front of goal.

Their abysmal haul of 38 goals in as many top-flight games is their lowest-ever tally as it's been an issue that has plagued their disastrous record-breaking campaign.

The 2021 Champions League winners already have Lukaku in their ranks, but it remains to be seen if he wants to return and what Pochettino thinks.

Nevertheless, when you consider the Belgian’s form this season and his frighteningly little contribution last term, it seems most logical for both parties to go their separate ways.

After his £97.5m move to Chelsea, he netted three goals in his first three Premier League outings, but then only found the net on five occasions in the following 23 attempts, a run which included an outrageously controversial interview, where he expressed his desire to return to Inter.

Although the powerhouse has been more fruitful since returning to the Italian capital, scoring ten in 24 league outings, that is still a far cry from Osimhen's enormous tally.

Add to that his hideous lack of movement, mobility, and motivation for the Blues and it would make sense for the English side to pursue a more dynamic, hungry, and pacey forward, which could come in the form of Osimhen.

Man United A Transfer Option For £8.6m-rated Ace This Summer

Manchester United could add a free agent to their squad this summer, with a report from Sport (via Sport Witness) stating that the Red Devils are one of the potential landing spots for Jordi Alba.

Is Jordi Alba leaving Barcelona?

The defender has been with Barcelona for 11 seasons now and has played in 312 league fixtures for the Catalan giants during his time there. That run has seen him amass 17 goals and 61 assists – a superb record for someone who has predominantly played as a left-back for the Spanish side. Not only that, but the player has also won the La Liga title six times – as well as claiming Champions League glory with them back in 2014/15.

However, Barcelona have now decided not to renew Alba's deal, and it means he will be leaving as a free agent when the current season comes to a close. The 34-year-old will have to try and find himself a new team this summer and it appears that a move to the Premier League for the first time is not out of the question.

That's because a report from Sport (via Sport Witness) suggests that Premier League side Man United are one of the potential destinations that the defender could end up at. It adds that there is interest from a number of teams – including Champions League finalists Inter – but that the prospect of a switch to England does "attract" the left-back. If that is the case and the Red Devils are keen to do business, a switch could be on for the player.

Are Man United signing Jordi Alba?

It is not known if there is interest from Erik ten Hag's side, though the Red Devils would get themselves an experienced, capable player if they did opt to bring in Alba.

Despite his age, he has still produced a WhoScored rating of 6.79, which actually puts him above the likes of Ansu Fati, Sergi Roberto and Ferran Torres in terms of performance this campaign. He is still within the top 15 performing players at the club and his rate of 0.7 dribbles per game ranks within the top five at the club. This suggests he is still the bombarding full-back that he always has been, can drive the ball forward and can often do it better than a lot of his younger Barcelona colleagues.

The CIES Football Observatory also suggests that he still holds a value of €10m (£8.6m). This suggests that whilst he's no longer one of the most highly rated players in the game, to pick him up on a free would be good business nevertheless.

Whilst United wouldn't get many more years out of Alba and his best days may be behind him, he is a good depth option to have and his experience and knowledge of the game could be perfect to pass on to some of the younger members of the Red Devils' squad if they signed him.

Newcastle Could Ditch Longstaff By Signing £50m ‘Beast’

Newcastle United are considering raiding Wolverhampton Wanderers for their prized asset in Ruben Neves, who has been heavily linked with a move away from Molineux this summer.

What's the latest on Ruben Neves to Newcastle?

According to the Mirror, Newcastle's qualification for the 23/24 Champions League has placed them back in the reckoning for a swoop for Neves, who is expected to depart from Wolverhampton this summer.

Barcelona have been the discernible favourites to complete a deal for the 26-year-old, though Ansu Fati's refusal to be included in a swap deal for the Portuguese midfielder has thrown a spanner in the works.

As such, Eddie Howe's Magpies and Manchester United, who need one point from two matches to secure top four, are in a firm position to clinch Neves' signature, with a fee as high as £50m touted for his signature.

Should Newcastle sign Ruben Neves?

Despite a remarkable campaign that has propelled Newcastle back to the forefront of the Premier League, Howe has admitted that a "big transfer window" is forthcoming, with a return to the Champions League expected to continue the ascension, and not cultivate a slump with the increase in match action.

Signing Neves would represent a marked improvement on an already thriving midfield, Joe Willock, Bruno Guimaraes, Sean Longstaff and Joelinton all impressing with their exploits this year and playing instrumental roles in crafting a high-octane and cohesive side capable of fighting to the top across multiple fronts.

Having made 252 appearances for the Old Gold, Neves, who has been described as "incredible" by former teammate Hugo Bueno, is a distinguished gem in English football and is one of the sweetest strikers of a football around, also hailed as a "beast" by former pro Jimmy Conrad for his scintillating set-piece ability.

Ruben Neves looks set to leave Wolves

As per Sofascore, the 39-cap Portugal international has recorded an average rating of 7.26 in the top flight this season, scoring six goals, averaging 1.9 shots per match, completing 84% of his passes, and making 2.3 tackles and 2.4 clearances per game.

He also ranks among the top 10% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for shots taken, the top 15% for interceptions, the top 8% for blocks and the top 2% for clearances per 90 (statistics provided by FBref) illustrating his defensive resilience and eye for the back of the net.

The £50k-per-week phenom could be the perfect ace to replace Sean Longstaff, who has been a notable success story on Tyneside this year and has been regarded as a £50m player by journalist Keith Downie, which could bode well for United as they look to make the requisite improvements to their team to ultimately unleash a squad brimming with Europe's premium talent.

Longstaff has been heralded as Newcastle's "unsung hero" by Paul Merson, but is outscored by Neves across almost every metric on Sofascore, and while statistics do not paint the full picture, with Longstaff's work indeed encapsulating the diligence that falls below the eye-catching, dazzling side of football, Neves is something of an assiduous ace himself.

Neves, who indeed has been touted for the very same fee as the lifelong Magpie, is unquestionably an upgrade: more robust, more tenacious, and more quality on the ball.

Arsenal Will Make Bid For £60k-pw Ace Soon

Journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Arsenal are set to make a bid for Declan Rice in the next few weeks.

Who do Arsenal want to sign this summer?

After what's seemed like such a long season – lengthened by the mid-season delay of the winter World Cup – the Premier League campaign will be finished at the end of the month.

And while the Gunners may not have been able to win the title, they have still achieved their first major goal by qualifying for the Champions League with a top-four finish.

Next season then, with football to be played in Europe's most prestigious competition, the Gunners will need to upgrade some areas in their squad.

And it seems as though Mikel Arteta is not hanging around. Indeed, the latest news is that Granit Xhaka is heading to Bayer Leverkusen in a £13m deal.

And this may open the door for West Ham United captain Rice to arrive at the Emirates in the near future.

While speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano revealed the very latest on the £60k-per-week Englishman.

He said (3:41): “Arsenal will attack the situation of Declan Rice and now it's a priority for them to go on that one.

"So Declan Rice remains on the Arsenal list, is discussed internally and they want to try to make a bid in the next weeks, once the situation will be clear on West Ham's side, also on the price tag to start the negotiations”

Is Rice joining Arsenal?

Seeing as Manchester City look to have the title wrapped up but the Gunners mathematically can't drop below second with just two games left to play, they may as well start focusing on summer transfers.

West Ham, however, still have the little matter of a European final to fight for. Indeed, they play AZ Alkmaar in the second leg of their Europa Conference League semi-final on Thursday night.

With that being the case, the Irons and Rice will be entirely focused on that game in the short term and if they qualify, Arsenal probably won't be able to negotiate with the midfielder until the final has been played on June 7.

West Ham United's Declan Rice

And so, for those particularly impatient in north London, they may even be hoping West Ham lose so they can come in with a bid as soon as possible.

To be fair, though with Premier League rivals such as Manchester United also in the market for Rice, it might be wise to get this deal wrapped up without much delay.

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