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Leeds United are reportedly ready to pay €40m (£34.4m) for Club Brugge star Charles De Ketelaere.

The Lowdown: De Ketelaere links

De Ketelaere, described as ‘complete’ by legendary Club Brugge midfielder Gert Verheyen, has been linked with a move to Elland Road in recent days.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealed that Leeds are monitoring the 21-year-old as a possible replacement for Raphinha, who could leave for £65m.

The Belgium international is primarily an attacking midfielder who can also play as a centre-forward or on the wing, and it looks as if Andrea Radrizzani and the 49ers Enterprises are willing to spend big on his services.

The Latest: €40m fee?

According to a Calcio In Pillole reporter, who covers transfers for outlets in Italy and Spain, Leeds are ‘ready’ to pay Club Brugge €40m (£34.4m) for De Ketelaere.

A fee in that region would make the attacker the most expensive signing in Elland Road history, however, AC Milan were also name-checked with interest in the Twitter post.

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The Verdict: Big few weeks

The Whites have already secured three summer signings in Brenden Aaronson, Rasmus Kristensen and Marc Roca. However, it appears as if the club will need to be busy once again, with Kalvin Phillips on the verge of joining Manchester City in a deal worth an initial £42m.

Raphinha could also depart, meaning Leeds may need to replace two of their best players ahead of Jesse Marsch’s first full season in charge in what would be crucial deals.

Their replacements will need to hit the ground running in Yorkshire, and it looks as if they could look to spend the money they receive for Phillips on De Ketelaere, who seems to be a firm target.

According to The Athletic, Jed Wallace is now undergoing a medical at West Brom ahead of a summer move to the Hawthorns.

The Lowdown: Baggies table offer

The 28-year-old is set to become a free agent at the end of the month upon the expiration of his contract at Millwall, and the Baggies have been monitoring the winger for quite some time.

It was reported that the Midlands outfit had already made an official offer to the player in a bid to keep him in the Championship, but were set to face competition from the likes of newly-promoted Nottingham Forest.

In a fresh update though, it looks as though Steve Bruce has now beaten his competitors in the race for the Lions starlet.

The Latest: Wallace undergoing medical

In a column published by The Athletic, it’s claimed that Wallace is now ‘undergoing a medical’ at West Brom ahead of completing the switch up north.

It’s stated that the maestro is now free to find a new club after ‘turning down’ a contract extension at The Den, with the offer from Gary Rowett and co said to have been ‘lucrative’.

The Verdict: Fantastic addition

The fact that Bruce has finally managed to secure his long-term transfer target will come as a huge boost to the club, and Wallace will be a brilliant addition to the Albion starting XI.

The £5.85m-rated gem will be joining the Baggies on the back of yet another hugely successful season with Millwall, having become the assist king with 12 to his name in the second tier, as well as netting six goals himself, via Transfermarkt.

Salford striker Matt Smith, son-in-law of the West Brom boss and former teammate of Wallace, is reported to have put in a good word with the Baggies gaffer, so WBA fans may have him to thank if Wallace carries his red-hot form into the new season.

Bruno Lage looks set for a major rebuild this summer at Wolves, with the likes of Romain Saiss, John Ruddy and Marcal all leaving and the futures of Joao Moutinho and Ruben Neves uncertain, there will be plenty of incomings.

The club appears to be casting its eye towards Portugal, with moves for Matheus Nunes and Joao Palhinha making progress, but this is just the beginning of the project for Lage, who will want to improve on the side’s tenth-place finish in the Premier League last season.

According to journalist Alan Nixon via Inside Futbol, Manchester City defender Oleksandr Zinchenko could be offered to Wolves during the transfer window as Pep Guardiola has given the player the green light to leave following their interest in Marc Cucurella. City value the player at £30m according to 90min so a move won’t come cheap.

That said, this is the type of quality Lage requires in order to take Wolves to the next level and Zinchenko’s versatility could be an added bonus, with the player looking to gain more game time in a slightly advanced role.

If he does sign the £59k-per-week star from City, Lage could very well land his own Joao Cancelo, with the two having similar styles of play as per FBref.

The two player’s stats are similar. Zinchenko had the higher shots on target percentage (33.3%) compared to Cancelo (28.4%) although the Portuguese player played more matches.

When it comes to passing, the Ukrainian again has the higher percentage of completed passes, but there isn’t much in it (89.3% to 83.9%).

The pair have both won over 50% of their aerial duels with Zinchenko (51.5%) and Cancelo (52.1%) proving just how effective they are in the air.

With Cancelo’s valuation sitting at £58.5m, there’s no reason to doubt that Zinchenko can follow suit.

The “unique” City star could be a shrewd acquisition for Lage and sealing a deal for the talented player would signal a big statement of intent from Wolves.

AND in other news, “Talks ongoing..”: Fabrizio Romano drops Wolves transfer update that’ll delight Lage

Celtic had a rather successful 2021/22 Premiership season under the management of Ange Postecoglou.

The Hoops won 29, drew six and lost just three of their 38 league matches, leaving them with 93 points on the board as they clinched the title with four points to spare on their nearest challengers.

One other impressive factor of Celtic’s campaign is that they scored more goals than any other team in the league, finding the net 92 times, 14 more than they managed in the 2020/21 season.

To further highlight how impressive Postecoglou’s side were, 18 different players got their names on the scoresheet.

Now that the season has ended with the Bhoys taking their place as Scotland’s top side, the focus will be on the summer transfer window and getting their squad ready for the 2022/23 season.

One man with whom the Hoops have been linked and who could make them an even deadlier team in attack is Antoine Semenyo.

A product of Bristol City’s youth academy, the 22-year-old has made 98 appearances for the club, highlighting the experience that he has at a relatively young age.

He was one of the Robins’ most important players in the 2021/22 campaign, racking up eight goals and 12 assists in 31 Championship appearances. To further highlight how much of a nuisance he is to opposition goalkeepers, the centre-forward had a higher average of shots per game (2.3) than any of his team-mates.

Labelled by journalist Saddick Adams on Twitter as a player who is “difficult to mark”, the striker reportedly has a rather significant price tag of £20m.

Having also been likened to Brazil forward Hulk in terms of his stylistic similarities, this would make him an even more exciting prospect for Celtic and Postecoglou to have in their ranks.

The 35-year-old has 357 goals and 195 assists to his name in 660 club appearances, so if the Hoops manager has the chance to secure his own version of the Brazilian in the shape of Semenyo this summer, then Celtic should absolutely get him signed.

In other news – Talks incoming: Celtic plot swoop for £4.05m-rated dynamo, he’s Ange’s next “warrior”

Aston Villa have recently been linked with a move for Juventus striker Moise Kean and the Italian forward could represent an excellent option for Steven Gerrard’s side next season.

What’s the word?

According to Italian journalist Marcello Chirico, Villa are interested in the 22-year-old forward and could offer Douglas Luiz to the Serie A side as a makeweight in any potential deal.

The young forward returned to the Old Lady on a loan deal from Everton last season, in a deal which included an obligation to buy for £24m, but it seems as if his time back in Turin could be short-lived.

Villa’s own Vardy?

Although Kean’s time on Merseyside didn’t go to plan, with just four goals and two assists in 39 appearances for the Toffees, he was never really given many opportunities to adjust to the demands of the Premier League.

At 22, the striker could still be an excellent long-term option for Villa and his form for Juventus and PSG in the past suggests that he is not short of ability, as he hit 17 goals in 41 appearances for Les Parisiens in a loan spell there in 2020/21.

During his time in Ligue 1, he was heavily praised by Thomas Tuchel, with the German manager describing him as “fearless” which is undoubtedly a good attribute for any striker to have.

Kean also has four goals in just 12 appearances for the senior Italy team so clearly knows where the net is, and if given time to develop by Villa, he could be a superb long-term option.

According to FB Ref, the youngster is similar to Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy, who has enjoyed an extremely successful career in the Premier League, with 133 top-flight goals to his name.

If the 22-year-old can offer anything close to the attacking movement, pressing and finishing ability of Vardy, then he would surely prove to be a shrewd long-term acquisition for Gerrard.

If he were available for the £24m Juventus are set to pay for him, then he would surely be worth the risk for the Villans, given his obvious ability and potential.

And, in other news… Gerrard can unearth his next Matty Cash in AVFC’s teen sensation who’s a “cut above”

Journalists Liam Kennedy and Jordan Cronin have revealed the list of players that Newcastle United might seek to move on from the club this summer.

The Lowdown: Newcastle’s 2022 revival

Exactly halfway through the season, Newcastle were 19th in the Premier League with just one win and 11 points from 19 games, staring relegation in the face.

A busy transfer window in January saw the arrivals of Bruno Guimaraes, Kieran Trippier, Dan Burn, Matt Targett and Chris Wood at St James’ Park. Fuelled by these new additions, the Magpies went on a sensational run of form in the first few months of 2022, remarkably ending the season in 11th place with a total of 49 points, averaging two points per game in the second half of the campaign.

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The Latest: Summer exits expected

Following the club’s success in the January transfer market, PIF will surely be looking to build upon this again in the summer. However, this time around, it is expected that a whole host of players will need to make way for the new arrivals.

Kennedy revealed in a Newcastle World Q&A that, whilst the majority of departures are to be expected, Jamal Lewis is set to be handed another chance at St James’ Park

He stated: “This list is getting quite lengthy. And I think we all know the candidates. So instead, I will list one player who I think might stay, despite it appearing as if he is heading out the exit door. Howe is keen to take a look at Jamal Lewis this summer, and depending on what happens in the market, he may well get a second chance at Newcastle.

“In my opinion, a player with all the tools to succeed, just needs a lot of decent coaching – and let’s be honest, that wasn’t forthcoming before Howe walked through the door.”

Taking a different approach, fellow journalist Cronin name-checked a few players that Eddie Howe could jettison during the summer.

He claimed: “Since Liam didn’t write the list of potential departures, I will… Yes, the most obvious are Freddie Woodman, Ciaran Clark, Federico Fernandez, Jeff Hendrick, Isaac Hayden and Dwight Gayle. I wouldn’t rule out others departing however – Miguel Almiron for example, i.e. a player you might not expect to go.”

The Verdict: Busy summer ahead

If Newcastle are to keep buying high-quality players who require substantial transfer fees, then it will be important that the club can offload some of the deadwood early in the window, so that the board have enough time to secure their transfer targets and stick within Financial Fair Play parameters.

Therefore, numerous incomings and outgoings are expected at St James’ Park this summer, as Howe looks to carry the positive momentum from 2022 so far into the forthcoming season as the Magpies potentially eye up a European finish.

In other news: Newcastle United: Journalists address Lucas Paqueta transfer links

Tottenham Hotspur ‘hierarchy’ are willing to back manager Antonio Conte with risky signing this summer, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Spurs set for exciting summer?

The Lilywhites, after announcing a £150 million equity increase earlier this week, were further boosted by the news that Conte is now set to stay for the 2022/2023 Premier League season.

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Transfer chief Fabio Paratici and the head coach even held a meeting in Italy on Friday to discuss the club’s summer recruitment plans with a major overhaul on the cards, according to The Telegraph.

It is believed that the Italian is set for Tottenham’s full backing, and as per The Athletic, they’re even willing to go against their transfer policy for one of Conte’s targets.

The Latest: Tottenham hierarchy willing to make risky Eriksen move…

According to their information, despite the ‘element of risk involved’ in re-signing former star Christian Eriksen on a Bosman deal, it is believed that Spurs ‘hierarchy’ are willing to make ‘exceptions’ in ‘exceptional circumstances’.

Signing the Dane is viewed as a gamble given his ‘harrowing health scare’ at Euro 2020, not to mention the fact he has recently turned 30 with little sell-on value.

However, there is an ‘acceptance’ among the north London chiefs, including Paratici, that a sensational reunion for Eriksen could be viewed as one of those exceptional circumstances over bringing in younger players.

The Verdict: Promising update…

The Athletic also state that Eriksen is a personal target for Conte, backing recent reports that the former Chelsea boss is personally ‘pressing’ for his signature.

We believe the Tottenham boardroom have adopted the right stance when it comes to making a move for the international, especially considering his phenomenal campaign at Brentford under Thomas Frank.

He finished 2021/2022 as their best-rated player by average match performance with a solid 7.37/10 (WhoScored), not to mention his creativity is seemingly intact.

Making more key passes per 90 in the final third than any Brentford player, the midfield ace could well gift Conte and Spurs an injection of quality further forward.

In other news: ‘Not only Perisic’…Tottenham push for ‘genius’ signing after Conte call ‘in recent days’…find out more here.

Fabrizio Romano has dropped an update on the future of reported Leeds United transfer target Eddie Nketiah.

What’s the talk?

In a recent post on Twitter, the Italian journalist dropped the news that, despite the centre-forward previously being expected to leave Arsenal upon the expiry of his contract this summer – with Leeds rumoured to be keen on the signing of the former England U21 international – the 22-year-old will now put pen to paper on a new deal at The Emirates.

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In his tweet, the transfer insider said: “Eddie Nketiah will stay at Arsenal… the decision has been made – nothing signed yet. Nketiah will pen a new long-term deal – Eddie has decided to turn down Bundesliga and PL club proposals to stay at Arsenal.”

Supporters will be gutted

While Romano does not specifically mention Leeds as one of the Premier League clubs to have made an approach for Nketiah, considering the fact that the Whites were linked with a £20m move for the forward last summer, in addition to the recent rumours of their reignited interest this year, it would be extremely surprising if Jesse Marsch’s side were not one of the teams to approach the 22-year-old regarding a move.

Indeed, despite being a bit-part player under Mikel Arteta for the majority of the season, the £9m-rated talent still managed to return impressive numbers over his 21 Premier League outings – only eight of which came as starts – scoring five goals, registering one assist and creating two big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 1.4 shots and making 0.6 key passes per game.

The £45k-per-week striker also impressed in the Carabao Cup, bagging five goals over five appearances in the competition – taking his total haul for the 2021/22 campaign to ten goals and one assist over 27 appearances, with the 22-year-old boasting an average of a direct goal involvement every 103 minutes of football played.

As such, with the signing of a Premier League proven forward reported to be one of Victor Orta’s priorities in the summer transfer window, the news that Nketiah will now be remaining at Arsenal will more than likely come as a gutting blow to the Spaniard and supporters of the club alike – as the Whites’ former loanee would undoubtedly have made an exceptional addition to Marsch’s current attacking options, especially as he wouldn’t have cost a penny.

AND in other news: Orta could unearth the next £50m talent as Leeds plot offer for “highly-rated” target

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has personally set his sights on an £85 million star who’s now open to joining the Premier League champions, according to reports.

The Lowdown: City eye new midfield man…

After completing a deal to sign Borussia Dortmund sensation Erling Haaland, City are now eyeing an heir to club legend and long-serving veteran Fernandinho who’s set to leave this summer.

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Sky Blues will miss the Brazilian who has been pivotal both on and off the field since his arrival from Shakhtar Donestk in 2013.

City officials are now tasked with bringing in his perfect replacement and the player in question will have absolutely huge shoes to fill.

The likes of Paul Pogba of Man United have even been linked as Guardiola and sporting director Txiki Begiristain seemingly leave no stone unturned in their search.

Another big name in Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong is reportedly on the agenda with Sport recently claiming his club will demand €100 million (£85m) to sell.

The Latest: Pep ‘personally’ sets his sights…

Now, according to reports out of Spain, Guardiola has ‘personally’ set his sights on the Dutchman and ‘wants’ him for the 2022/2023 season.

As well as this, it is believed that de Jong ‘would not look down’ on City’s boss and is now open to joining.

The Verdict: Make the move…

If Begiristain and co can whittle down the rumoured £85m price, de Jong would undoubtedly be a great signing.

Lauded as ‘phenomenal’ by former Arsenal striker Kevin Campbell, the 25-year-old has been a mainstay under Barca boss Xavi this season and one of the first names on the team sheet with only a handful of other players featuring over more La Liga minutes (WhoScored).

In that time, de Jong has won the joint-most Man of the Match awards for Barca alongside Memphis Depay – standing out as a major figurehead for the Catalans (WhoScored).

Guardiola’s personal interest tells you all need to know and we believe the Netherlands international ace would be quite the capture.

In other news: Eithad sources: Pep dealt big blow with Man City ‘beast’ now ready to quit, find out more here.

Manchester United are lining up an ambitious swoop for Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante, according to a report from The Mirror. 

The lowdown: Key position targeted

The Red Devils have recently been linked with a host of defensive midfielders such as Declan Rice and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic as incoming manager Erik ten Hag prepares to oversee plenty of squad changes at Old Trafford.

Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic are both on their way out in the coming weeks, leaving just Scott McTominay and Fred as senior recognised central midfield options.

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However, it now appears as though one serial winner could be on the Dutchman’s list of targets…

The latest: Ten Hag ‘wants’ Kante

As per The Mirror, United are believed to see the 31-year-old Frenchman as an ‘attainable target’ this summer despite currently plying his trade for direct domestic rivals.

It’s claimed that Ten Hag ‘wants’ to bring Kante to Manchester in order to ‘kick-start’ a new era at Carrington under his stewardship.

The report also claimed that the incoming Red Devils manager believes that the 2018 World Cup winner, who was hailed as ‘world class’ by former Chelsea team-mate Cesc Fabregas, still has the ‘hunger’ to succeed should he arrive at Old Trafford.

The verdict: No eye on the future

At 31 and with injury issues becoming increasingly prevalent in recent seasons, Kante may not be the ideal addition to freshen up the Manchester United ranks.

Whilst the Frenchman remains a high-quality operator when fit and available, earning an outstanding 7.13 Sofascore rating whilst making 2.2 tackles per game across 24 Premier League outings this season – this move may have come too late and could ultimately prove detrimental to what is supposed to be a rebuild at Old Trafford.

However, the player is out of contract in 2023 and Chelsea are currently embroiled in off-field turmoil, so should Kante be available at a rock-bottom price, then the move would become worthwhile alongside a younger alternative who can learn from the trophy-laden superstar with an eye on the next generation.

In other news:Ten Hag working on big free transfer after Man Utd meeting; agent now in England