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Everton have reportedly joined the race to sign a versatile “assist machine” in the summer transfer window, but other Premier League clubs are also in the mix.

Everton transfer news

This has been a season that Blues supporters will want to forget in a hurry, and for now, the sole aim has to be ensuring their relegation to the Championship doesn't happen. The issues surrounding point deductions and the ownership situation are acting as a huge distraction, however, which is far from ideal.

Assuming Everton remain in the Premier League for yet another season, attention will then be turned to new signings, assuming the finances are there to conduct some transfer business.

Arsenal's Omari Benjamin is reportedly a target, with the promising attacker compared to current Gunners superstar Bukayo Saka and showing flashes of huge potential in the youth ranks in North London. He is likely to be a free agent at the end of the season, at which point the Blues could look to pounce as they plot long-term signings at minimal cost.

Everton want versatile "assist machine"

According to Tutto Juve [via Sport Witness], Everton have entered the race to sign Juventus youngster Samuel Iling-Junior this summer, who could also be available for a realtively low fee. Juve are thought to be willing to let Iling-Junior leave for just €15m (£12.8m) this summer, which is seen as a cut-price amount compared to what the Italian giants were demanding in the past.

A host of other Premier League teams are also eyeing a move for the 20-year-old however, with Brighton, Newcastle United and Tottenham all mentioned in the report.

The left-back/winger could be a great option for Everton in the summer window, coming in as a player who can make an immediate difference with his quality, but also acting as a long-term acquisition. Iling-Junior has been lauded as an "assist machine" by journalist Michele Neri, who said last year: "You can absolutely see shades of Rafael Leao when the AC Milan superstar was a bit younger.

"Of course he is certainly less impactful today than Leao is and has a long way to go to reach the Portuguese’s level. He is an assist machine, but he can also score, especially when his movements off the ball allows him to find space in the penalty area."

Iling-Junior can play as a left-back, in central midfield or in a more attacking role on the flank, which could appeal to Sean Dyche, and signing top young talent has to be the aim moving forward, especially when it could be for a cut down fee.

Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney posted on X paying their respects to Wrexham's oldest fan after his death at the age of 100

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• Reynolds & McElhenney show respect to Wrexham fan
• League One club's oldest supporter dies aged 100
• Arthur Massey starred in the Welcome to Wrexham documentary

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Wrexham co-owner, and Hollywood actor, Ryan Reynolds took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to pay his respects to one of the club's biggest fans after he passed away on Thursday, August 8. Arthur Massey's daughter announced on social media that her father had died aged 100.

  Her caption read: "14/3/24 – 8/8/24. RIP Dad 💔"

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• WHAT RYAN REYNOLDS SAID

  After Julie Birrell posted about her father's passing, Reynolds was quick to show his affection for Masseyon his own social media account.

  The Deadpool star posted: "A man who embodied everything Wrexham is all about. Thank you, Arthur."

• WHAT ROB MCELHENNEY SAID

  Reynolds' fellow co-owner, Rob McElhenney, also added his condolences after the heartbreaking news.

  He said: "What a beautiful man. Thank you for sharing him with the world. Love to your entire family."

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Arthur was a passionate Wrexham fan attending his first game in 1931 at the age of seven, and continued to support the club, even being featured in all three series of the Welcome to Wrexham documentary. He was a loved character in the community and met King Charles when he visited the Racecourse in 2022. Tributes poured in for the WW2 veteran and it indicated his popularity across the Welsh club's fanbase.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Co have seemingly identified Manchester United's first summer signing, with internal talks being held over a move to Old Trafford at the end of the season.

Ten Hag's defensive woes continue

It has been another season to forget at the Theatre of Dreams this season. Currently sixth in the Premier League, they were lucky to escape with a point against Brentford after conceding over 30 shots in their last outing and look certain to miss out on Champions League football next season.

They also finished bottom of their Champions League group, and have turned in several dreadful performances under Erik ten Hag.

Man Utd considering summer move for “exceptional” attacking ace

The Red Devils target scored at the 2022 World Cup.

By
Henry Jackson

Mar 30, 2024

However, they are in the semi-final of the FA Cup, where they will face one of Manchester City or Chelsea in the final provided they make it past Coventry City. A big issue for the Red Devils has been their backline. Tyrell Malacia hasn't featured this season, while Luke Shaw has only appeared 12 times in the Premier League.

Lisandro Martinez has also spent a significant period of the season on the sidelines, and on Monday it was revealed that both he and Victor Lindelof are expected to miss the next month after picking up injuries against the Bees.

It means that as it stands, of Ten Hag's available defenders, only Diogo Dalot has managed to play more than 50% of the Premier League minutes available this season, and much of that has been at left-back.

Clearly then, defence has to be a priority this summer, and there are already reports of United targeting a centre-back before the new season, but they are also looking at the fullback spots.

Club in talks with Bard

Now, reliable journalist Nizaar Kinsella has revealed that the Red Devils are holding internal talks over OGC Nice left-back Melvin Bard. On the cusp of the French national team, Bard has enjoyed an impressive season with the Ligue 1 outfit, starting 25 times in the French top flight and helping Nice challenge for a spot in next season's Champions League.

Kinsella says that Manchester United are making the left-back spot a "priority" in their transfer plans, after initially planning to sign a right back, and that Bard is one of the options that is being given the most consideration, with the OId Trafford outfit 'in talks' over a move for the defender.

It is unclear how much the 23-year-old would set the Red Devils back, with Bard still having two years left to run on his Nice contract and contact 'expected over a new, improved deal in the coming months'. The defender is valued at £10m by transfermarkt.

On just £12,000 per week, his salary is unlikely to be a problem for United should they pursue a deal for the Frenchman, and given that Ratcliffe also owns Nice, it is unlikely that a move would have too much difficulty in being completed should they firm up their interest.

Joshua Zirkzee felt his Manchester United debut could not have gone better after he came off the bench to score the winning goal against Fulham.

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• Zirkzee came off bench to score vs Fulham
• Secured victory on Premier League debut
• Striker revealed what Ten Hag expects of him

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The summer signing came off the bench after the hour mark of the Red Devils' opening Premier League game of the season with the game tied at 0-0. After collecting the ball in the middle of the visitors' half, he played it out to Alejandro Garnacho and made his way into the box where he was well placed to meet a cross and divert it into the net in the 87th minute to secure a 1-0 victory.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The Netherlands international says he felt "blessed" after his debut appearance as he explained what manager Erik ten Hag said he expects of him after he completed his €42.5 million (£36m/$46m) transfer from Bologna in July.

• WHAT ZIRKZEE SAID

  "To win here in my first home game and to grab a goal, it couldn't be better," he told . "I've been told [scoring at the Stretford End] is one of the best feelings at Man United. I'm so thankful and blessed I could experience it in my first game. It's an amazing feeling.

  "At the end of the day we got the win, that's all we wanted. I can't really explain the feeling, it's just very nice. I feel very warm here. It's a great team. We want to achieve something great. It's been amazing, it's been a dream actually.

  "The manager told me to bring an energy and help the team as much as possible, just that. Manchester United is a huge club. You should always strive for the best. That includes day by day giving 100 per cent, that's the plan. It's all good vibes."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MAN UTD?

  Ten Hag and his United players will feel a significant boost after opening their Premier League campaign with three points. They will now start preparing for their next game – against Brighton on August 24.

The message from Gary O’Neil to the board is clear: Wolverhampton Wanderers simply have to invest in the squad this summer.

Bringing new faces to the club will be even more important than ever before at the end of the season, especially considering the likes of Pedro Neto, Joao Gomes, and now Max Kilman have been linked with moves away.

A repeat of this campaign simply cannot happen, with the side most definitely overachieving given the fact that the inexperienced duo of Nathan Fraser and Leon Chiwome have led the line over the last two months.

However, the squad on the whole is in desperate need of reinforcement, and with that in mind, let’s take a look at a bargain that the Wanderers could sign as a potential replacement for Gomes in particular.

Joao Gomes could be on the move

According to a recent report from Fabrizio Romano via CaughtOffside, the Brazilian midfielder is currently being watched by “all top clubs in the Premier League.”

Manchester United are one of those teams that are interested in signing Gomes, who’s been excellent this season, starting 24 Premier League games this campaign.

News from Italy last week also stated that the Wanderers wouldn’t stand in the way of Gomes leaving, with a fee of at least £34m the expected price tag.

If Gomes continues to perform to a similar standard from now until the end of the season, then a move away is likely, but that obviously leaves a void that needs to be filled in the summer.

Wolves have been rinsed by a player who earns more than Joao Gomes

The Wolves ace has only made seven Premier League starts for the club.

By
Tom Lever

Mar 24, 2024

Wolves could replace Gomes with a £4m ace

In the summer, Tommy Doyle joined Wolves on a season-long loan from Manchester City, with an option to buy for just £4.3m, which seems like a bargain given how well he’s settled in this season.

The English midfielder would prove to be an absolute steal at such a small fee, even if Gomes doesn’t leave or he doesn’t go on to become a frequent first-team starter.

The "brilliant" 22-year-old, as dubbed by journalist Liam Keen, has been a consistent performer on the field this season, becoming a player that not only brings quality but also acts as an individual who O’Neil knows he can rely upon, which is vital for every manager.

The number 20 has played 21 times in the Premier League this season, starting on just eight occasions, but he’s displayed his well-rounded profile on almost every occasion, with his performance against Coventry City in the FA Cup being the perfect example of what he can bring on a permanent basis.

As you can see by the table above, the 2001-born ace controlled the game entirely before his substitution in the 73rd minute.

During the tie, Doyle showcased his technical class from the first minute, taking 81 touches and making 61 passes with a completion rate of 91%, which is important when often playing in a side that has less possession every game on average.

The City loanee also proved to be a creative outlet who has a vast passing range, but what was most impressive was his work off the ball to help Wolves stay on top.

Even though Doyle only stands at 5 foot 8, he is extremely impactful defensively, winning seven of his ten ground duels and also making six tackles, three more than Gomes on the day.

At just 22 years of age, Doyle clearly still has plenty of unfulfilled potential, therefore, signing him for a small fee isn’t just an investment for the present but also one for the future.

Losing Gomes may represent a notable blow, but perhaps O'Neil already has the perfect replacement just waiting to be snapped up permanently.

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has downplayed Kylian Mbappe's slow start and insists the summer signing is "progressing".

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• Mbappe swaps PSG for Real Madrid
• Had slow start at Spanish side so far
• Ancelotti defends France international

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Mbappe finally joined Madrid earlier this summer from Paris Saint-Germain after being linked with Los Blancos for years. Although he scored on his debut in the UEFA Super Cup win over Atalanta, he has underwhelmed in Madrid's opening two La Liga games so far. However, manager Ancelotti says this team will "never have problems" with goals and defended the 25-year-old.

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  WHAT CARLO ANCELOTTI SAID

  Ancelotti told reporters: “And with Rodrygo, Vinicius [Junior]… we have a lot of resources. We have six goals and the team is not yet at its best. That says a lot. We will never have problems with goals, you can see that.”

  He added on Mbappe: “He is progressing. He’s working with humility and he’s doing well. His adaptation is going well.

  “His last goal was on August 14. It’s only been two weeks. It’s not a time to worry. Neither us, nor him. He’s eager to score.”

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Despite being one of the best players in the world, Mbappe may need time to adapt at Madrid. One, he is playing as a number nine, when he had most of his success on the left side of attack. And two, moving to a new team is not always easy. One thing that will help is he has the backing of Ancelotti – who will hope the former Monaco ace can find his scoring form soon.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Mbappe will get a chance to score his first La Liga goal when his Madrid side travel to Las Palmas on Thursday night. So far this season, Los Blancos have picked up four points from a possible six and sit fifth in the table.

One journalist's sources have claimed that Chelsea have an obvious "big money" sale in a 22-year-old ace to help ease their PSR worries ahead of the financial deadline June 30.

PSR concerns surround Chelsea after lavish spending

Since Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital acquired full control of the west London side in 2022, over £1 billion has been spent on new signings alone, with the club thought to be in danger of breaching Profit and Sustainability regulations.

Boehly dealt real PSR worry as Chelsea face future points deduction

The Blues have spent lavishly since Clearlake Capital’s takeover.

By
Emilio Galantini

Apr 19, 2024

Some reports have claimed that Chelsea face a 2024/2025 points deduction from the Premier League, following accusations that they've registered hotel sales as part of their declared profit margin, which may not be fly.

Mauricio Pochettino's side have until June 30, which is the official financial deadline, as they're currently forecast to be over the limit in terms of losses they're allowed over a rolling three-year period.

Clubs are allowed to register a loss of around £105 million over three years, and Chelsea's are believed to far exceeding that as things stand, meaning they may have to kick-start a fire-sale of players. Rivals believe Chelsea must raise £100 million through exit deals or risk sanctions akin to that of Everton, Leicester City and Nottingham Forest, according to financial expert Stefan Borson.

"Really, they have to find buyers for Trevoh Chalobah for £20m, Armando Broja for £40m, and Conor Gallagher for £50m," said Borson to talkSPORT.

"It's those sort of deals that need to be done. And by the way, they all need to be done by June 30. That, as we know, is articulated within the Forest decision. There's a whole conversation about how hard it is to sell players in the period before June. The Premier League actually suggested that more or less that it was impossible."

As well as the aforementioned trio of players, Chelsea have a contingent of assets out on loan, with Saudi sides reportedly taking a serious interest in flop striker Romelu Lukaku.

Boehly and co will be keen to get a high price for the Belgian, whilst ridding themselves of his high wages as well. Another player who could fetch a pretty penny is exciting young left-back Ian Maatsen.

Chelsea have obvious "big money" sale in Maatsen

As per journalist Pete O'Rourke, relaying a message from his sources to Football Insider, Chelsea have an obvious "big money" sale in Maatsen this summer.

The Dutchman is believed to be on the transfer list as Pochettino's side plan to accept a £30 million offer for one of their most sellable assets. He's currently out on loan at Borussia Dortmund, where he has enjoyed a brilliant campaign under Edin Terzic.

“It says a lot about how good he is that even a slightly off day stands out as exceptional," said Coventry City goalkeeper Simon Moore to The Athletic.

"It is not normal. The kid is bright, he’s hugely talented, he wants to learn, and he never gives up."

Chelsea are eyeing a move for an "extraordinary" La Liga star in the summer transfer window, with Real Madrid ace Vinicius Jr a huge admirer of the player in question.

Chelsea transfer news

The Blues have endured a hugely disappointing season, having started the campaign with high hopes that they could excel under Mauricio Pochettino. Instead, they have flattered to deceive time and time again, with a mid-table finish in the Premier League now looking highly likely.

In order for things to improve moving forward, new signings are required in the summer window, with so many recent additions failing to set the world alight, from Moises Caicedo to Nicolas Jackson.

Chelsea are thought to be targeting additions in wide attacking areas, given the struggles of so many individuals there, including Mykhailo Mudryk and Raheem Sterling, and reliable journalist Simon Phillips has claimed that as many as four signings are being targeted in that area.

Defensive additions are also expected, not least because Thiago Silva is now on the verge of his 40th birthday. RB Leipzig ace Castello Lukeba has emerged as a reported target for the Blues. Ahead of the weekend, he had completed 91.9% of his passes across 28 Bundesliga appearances this season, highlighting his quality on the ball. The youngster is also seen as an upgrade on Benoit Badiashile, who has disappointed during his time at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea want to sign "extraordinary" ace

According to a new update from transfer reporter Graeme Bailey, Chelsea are interested in signing Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo this summer, but they aren't alone. Manchester United are also believed to be keen on snapping up the Uruguayan, with contact being made with his agents.

The report states that the two clubs "have asked to be kept informed" regarding his situation moving forward, with his current deal expiring in 2026, meaning Barca are in no huge rush to sell him. They have "already touched base with his agents about fresh terms", while German giants Bayern Munich "are understood to still be keen on the Uruguayan star".

Even though he had a nightmare in Barcelona's recent Champions League exit at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain, when he was sent off in the second leg of their quarter-final tie after a defensive lapse, Araujo could be a fantastic signing from Chelsea this summer.

Vinicius Jr is one of the world's best players, and the Brazilian superstar recently singled out the 25-year-old for special praise, saying of him: "It has to be Araujo, who has defended me best. He is very good and very strong, that’s why he plays for Barca."

Chelsea made mistake selling star who's now worth more than Nkunku

He would have been perfect amid the club’s current injury woes…

By
Ethan Lamb

Apr 26, 2024

Manager Xavi has also waxed lyrical about him in the past, with the defender previously showing his commitment to the team by making himself available when not necessarily at full fitness.

Speaking after a match against Valencia, he said: "Araujo has been spectacular. I've asked him [to play] because we needed him.

His match was extraordinary."

At 25 years of age, Chelsea could be getting Araujo as he heads into the peak years of his career, and he is arguably one of La Liga's outstanding defenders currently, averaging 2.7 clearances and 2.4 aerial duel wins per game in the league this season, ranking highly ahead of his teammates. Competition will be strong, though, so it won't be easy for the west Londoners to get their man.

Paul Scholes has suggested Liverpool manager Arne Slot's body language showed that he might have a problem with Trent Alexander-Arnold.

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• Slot winning hearts on Merseyside after solid start
• Scholes suggests he may have issue with Alexander-Arnold
• Full-back linked with move to Real Madrid

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Slot has got off to a flying start at Anfield after taking over from Jurgen Klopp, winning the opening three matches of the season without conceding a single goal – including a commanding 3-0 victory over rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford. Although Alexander-Arnold has started every game and his bright performances have helped Slot maintain his perfect start, concerns about his long-term future at the club persist.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Slot has hooked Alexander-Arnold in all three matches so far, with his reaction to being taken off against Brentford creating plenty of headlines. Indeed, Scholes was keeping a close eye on Slot's demeanor at Old Trafford, and he thinks that the manager might have reservations about the 25-year-old and his style of play.

• WHAT SCHOLES SAID

  Speaking on the podcast, Scholes said: "Watching that Sunday game, every time he gave the ball away he [Slot] was shaking his head. He kept looking away and turning around to his bench. He was trying these long balls, which obviously he can do brilliantly. I thought, 'I'm not sure if he likes him'".

  Former Liverpool defender, Jamie Carragher added: "I think the way Slot wants to play, he doesn't want these long balls as much. He will want him to stay as a player."

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  The speculation about Alexander-Arnold’s future has been brewing for some time, especially given his emotional reaction after Klopp’s final game in charge, which led many to believe that he might leave Liverpool in the summer. He is in the final 12 months of his contract at Anfield and Real Madrid could come knocking next summer as they are in the hunt for a long-term replacement for Dani Carvajal.

  Alexander-Arnold was spotted relaxing with Real Madrid star and England team-mate Jude Bellingham over the summer break, and their close relationship has only fuelled further speculation, with some fans wondering if a move to Spain could be on the horizon.

France international Adrien Rabiot has reached an agreement in principle to join Ligue 1 giants Marseille on a free transfer.

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• Rabiot close to joining Marseille as free agent
• Will team-up with Mason Greenwood in France
• Was linked with a move to Man Utd

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Frenchman became a free agent this summer after his contract with Juventus expired at the end of the 2023-24 campaign. During the summer transfer window, he was linked with a move to Manchester United, however, the deal did not materialise.

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  Marseille have confirmed that they've reached an agreement in principle to sign Rabiot on a free transfer, subject to a medical. Marseille, who appointed former Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi as their manager this summer, have made significant additions to their squad already, including signing Mason Greenwood from Manchester United.

• WHAT MARSEILLE SAID

  An official statement from the club reads: "Olympique de Marseille announces that it has reached an agreement in principle with Adrien Rabiot for the arrival of the French international midfielder at the club. The player will sign with OM subject to the results of the medical examination."

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  After being an integral part of the France squad at the European Championship this year, Rabiot was left out of Les Bleus' squad for their Nations League group-stage clashes against Italy and Belgium during the September international break.