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Crystal Palace have "offered a contract" to Wilfried Zaha, and he has a "pretty decent manager-player relationship" with Roy Hodgson, who has "committed for another year", claims journalist Alex Crook.

Crystal Palace – What's the latest on Wilfried Zaha?

It hasn't been the most exciting start to the transfer window for Palace so far, with the only signing coming through the door at Selhurst Park being Bournemouth's Jefferson Lerma, whilst four players have departed.

What's more concerning, however, is that club icon and talismanic forward Zaha has run down his contract, meaning that on July 1, he became a free agent in the market, something of a disaster for the south London club.

The expectation has been that once the Ivorian player left the Eagles, he would have his pick of Europa and Champions League clubs to sign for, with sides like Atletico Madrid, Paris Saint-Germian, and Arsenal all linked with him in the past.

However, as of yet, there has been no movement from the ex-Manchester United player's camp, suggesting that perhaps there aren't quite as many options as first assumed.

Palace have taken advantage of the lack of movement and offered their starman a new deal to stay and further cement his legacy south of the Thames, and with the exciting Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze at the club, alongside Hodgson, who Zaha gets on well with, it shouldn't be seen as a surprise should he remain, per journalist Alex Crook.

He explained the situation on TalkSPORT's YouTube channel, saying:

"He has been offered a contract that would make him their highest-paid player, and Roy Hodgson is committed for another year, my understanding is that they have a pretty decent manager-player relationship, and actually, with the likes of Olise and Eze, there's not such a burden on Wilf Zaha, and I think it did weigh him down before that he was the talisman, everything had to come through him.

"I think he quite enjoyed the pressure being taken off his shoulders. I wouldn't rule out him staying at Palace, but it will be interesting to see if any more Premier League clubs do now come to the table before he makes a final decision."

How good was Wilfried Zaha last season?

It was an interesting season for Palace last year, with the side at one point seemingly unable to score a goal and staring down the barrel of a relegation scrap, only for former manager Hodgson to come out of retirement and guide them to a comfortable finish in midtable.

Yet even through the mess that was last season, Zaha stepped up for the club he has become synonymous with and consistently put in great performances throughout the season.

According to WhoScored, the "incredible" forward averaged a rating of 6.82 across his 27 Premier League appearances, scoring seven times and assisting his teammates another two times.

His underlying numbers also show that despite what was happening around him, his levels didn't drop.

According to FBref, who compare players in a similar position across Europe's top five leagues, Zaha sits in the top 2% for interceptions, the top 5% for progressive carries and progressive passes received, the top 6% for successful take-ons, the top 7% for tackles, the top 9% for shot-creating actions, and the top 14% for pass completion, all per 90.

His performances drew praise from pundits as well, with Ally McCoist waxing lyrical about the 30-year-old after a performance against Wolverhampton wanderers last year, saying:

"Zaha, I thought was absolutely outstanding."

If Palace can tempt Zaha to sign on for one more contract, it would surely guarantee their safety next season, and for the player himself, he could go down as one of Selhurst Park's all-time greats.

Wolverhampton Wanderers now have more 'power' in their quest to keep Max Kilman as they don't need to sell players to help balance the books at Molineux, according to Sky Sports journalist Dharmesh Sheth.

Who did Wolverhampton Wanderers reject a bid for Max Kilman from?

As per The Daily Mail, Wolves rejected a bid in the region of £30 million from Napoli for Kilman this window and the Serie A champions are believed to have turned their attentions towards Borussia Monchengladbach defender Ko Itakura, who is available for 'less than half' of the Old Gold's £35 million asking price for Kilman.

The report states that Wolves boss Julen Lopetegui is a big admirer of Kilman, who could now be set to sign a new deal at Molineux and become one of the top earners at the Premier League outfit.

According to Sky Sports journalist Rob Dorsett, Wolves are no longer required to sell key assets to abide by Financial Fair Play regulations following their success in getting six big names off the wage bill.

He stated on Twitter: "No more pressure on #wwfc to sell in this window, after 6 big stars left: Neves, Collins, Coady, Traore, Moutinho and Costa. FFP worries lifted, but will still be a “cautious” window. Decision to be made re Kilman if £35m valuation met, because money could be reinvested in squad."

Calciomercato claim that Tottenham Hotspur boss Ange Postecoglou is keen on strengthening his defence by signing Kilman and they are said to have been in contact with Wolves over the possibility of enticing the former Maidenhead United central defender to north London.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Sky Sports reporter Sheth echoes the sentiment that Wolves may now have a better chance of keeping hold of important players given that they don't need to sell players to guarantee their financial health.

Sheth stated: “We had that situation last week where Napoli came in for Max Kilman. Wolves rejected a bid worth around £30m.

“The fact they rejected it might suggest that they've come to the point now where, whereas before, I think there might have been a necessity to sell given their finances, that might not be the case anymore.

“So, the power could now be more in Wolves’ hands over what players stay and leave.”

Who could Julen Lopetegui add to his Wolverhampton Wanderers squad?

Wolves have been linked with several potential additions as Lopetegui looks to ensure his side avoid being embroiled in a relegation battle this term.

Former Old Gold fan favourite Matt Doherty is edging nearer to a return to the club following his release from Atletico Madrid and favours a move to Molineux over interest from Crystal Palace and Saudi Arabia, as per TEAMtalk.

The Athletic's Steve Madeley has reported that Bristol City playmaker Alex Scott is on Wolves' radar, as he stated: "Bristol City’s Alex Scott, who can play as a No. 8 or a No.10, remains on Wolves’ shopping list but, with the Guernsey-born playmaker valued at around £25m, it remains to be seen whether they can find enough flexibility in the budget to pursue a deal.”

Liverpool flop Arthur Melo is under consideration by Wolves and could be offered a second shot at life in the Premier League as he finds himself out-of-favour at Serie A giants Juventus, as per The Daily Mail.

Crystal Palace are no closer to knowing where Wilfried Zaha will be plying his trade next season as the player has made "no decision" regarding his future yet, claims Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.

Crystal Palace transfer news – what's the latest on Wilfried Zaha's contract situation?

It has been a relatively quiet start to the transfer window for Palace this summer, with their only major incoming being Colombian international Jefferson Lerma, who joined from Premier League rivals Bournemouth on a free.

The biggest story for the club this summer has been and will undoubtedly continue to be the contract situation surrounding star player and club legend Zaha.

The Ivorian international's £130,000-a-week contract with the South London side expired on July 1st, and he has since become a free agent, something the Eagles have been trying to rectify over the last few months with big offers to keep the 30-year-old at the club.

The situation has been made all the more complicated after it was revealed that any final decision from the player was being delayed due to his contract with his current agency also expiring at the end of this month, meaning a final decision will likely come in August.

In the meantime, Palace have put their cards on the table and offered the dynamic winger a contract estimated to be worth £200,000-a-week to remain at Selhurst Park.

As a free agent, Zaha has attracted the interest of several clubs outside of the Premier League, with Serie A side Lazio said to hold genuine interest in the exciting attacker.

What has Sheth said about Crystal Palace and Zaha?

Sheth was keen to stress that nothing had been decided on by the player or anyone in his camp and that his new status as a free agent had unsurprisingly piqued the interest of other clubs.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, he said: "I've just spoken to someone, just before speaking to you, who's close to the deal for Wilfried Zaha. There is still no decision.

"You mentioned that he got married over the weekend, but there is still no decision.

"He is now officially a free agent after his Crystal Palace contract expired ten days ago. There is interest in him which you would expect to be the case."

Is Wilfried Zaha a Crystal Palace legend?

It is hard to argue against Zaha being counted amongst Crystal Palace's list of legends after his performances for the club over the last decade.

Since making his debut for the Eagles at age 17, back in 2010, Zaha has made 458 appearances for the club, scoring 90 goals and assisting a further 76 along the way.

As a local lad, he is a player that fans have genuinely connected with over the years, with Palace fan and podcast presenter HLTCO describing Zaha as "a club legend in every sense."

As it stands, he is the Palace's third-highest appearance maker of all time, behind only Terry Long and Jim Cannon. His contributions to the side have been recognised by the board, who, earlier this year, commissioned a giant mural of their star player on the side of a house right next to Selhurst Park.

As the days tick down to the new Premier League season, the Palace faithful will be hoping that the new contract offer is enough to keep their "legend" just a little while longer.

In the quest to replace Declan Rice at West Ham, Irons boss David Moyes is looking to bring in two midfielders, who ideally have Premier League experience and are proven in the English top flight.

One player tipped to be pursued by the Hammers is Amadou Onana.

What’s the latest on Amadou Onana to West Ham?

According to The Guardian, the Everton metronome is one of the options being considered by the Irons.

The outlet revealed that other targets for West Ham include James Ward-Prowse, Joao Palhinha, Conor Gallagher, Scott McTominay, and Denis Zakaria.

The Toffees only signed the 21-year-old last summer for €40m (£35m), and reports suggest Everton will only sanction his departure if they receive offers of around £55m.

The Merseyside outfit actually beat West Ham to his signature last season, despite the latter agreeing a £33.5m fee for the midfielder. But, this year, the east Londoners look set to reignite their interest in the Belgian.

Would Amadou Onana be a good signing for West Ham?

Upon his arrival at Goodison Park last August, then-manager Frank Lampard was absolutely delighted with the signing, saying: "Amadou is a player we were really keen to bring to Everton.

"He has many great qualities to help strengthen our midfield and, at just 20 years old, has massive potential to get even better. I spoke to him about why Everton was the right club for him and we’re all looking forward to him showing what he can bring to the team."

It was easy to see why Lampard was so excited as the Belgian seamlessly adapted to the demands of English football. In 29 Premier League starts, he averaged 2.2 tackles and 1.1 interceptions per 90.

When describing his profile, Hamburg director of sport Jonas Boldt said: “Technically, Amadou has almost perfect prerequisites. He is fast, technically skilled, tall, and strong in tackling.”

Due to his 6 foot 4 frame and physicality, Onana possesses similar attributes to Tomas Soucek, and if the Hammers secured the signing, it could be a monumental upgrade.

Since arriving at the London Stadium, due to his size and aerial dominance, Soucek was an integral attacking asset during set-pieces. But, Onana also has this quality, as both players rank within the top 7% of midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues among their positional peers for aerials won per 90.

Then, the added bonus with the former Lille livewire is that he looks far more comfortable on the ball, averaging a better pass completion per 90 (83.3% vs 71.3%), as well as more progressive carries (0.98 vs 0.35) and successful take-ons per 90 (0.65 vs 0.06).

Finally, it could easily be argued that Onana’s youth, athleticism, and energy vastly trump Soucek's. Last season, the Czech was undoubtedly aided by the boundless energy and tenacity of Declan Rice, and he could be seriously exposed without the Englishman’s presence.

Therefore, the prospect of Onana lining up next to James Ward-Prowse at the London Stadium come August is a mouth-watering prospect.

The 2023 Europa Conference League winners are supposedly ready to accelerate their attempts to sign the Southampton captain, who would cost at least £40m, in what would signal an exciting new era at the London Stadium.

When rivals meet in pre-season, the word friendly goes out the window. It is a chance for sides to gain a psychological edge before the season has even begun, as we get a potential look at what's to come in the months that follow.

We're seeing Premier League sides, in particular, clash in pre-season more and more, however, with fans from across the world getting the chance to witness some of Europe's biggest games first-hand.

Things can occasionally boil over in such fixtures, though, with challenges flying in, and tempers flaring. And this was exactly the case in the game between Arsenal and Manchester United recently.

The Red Devils ran out 2-0 victors, but it was Lisandro Martinez's frankly shocking challenge on Bukayo Saka that stole the headlines and caused things to get slightly heated between two of English football's biggest clubs.

It looked as though Mikel Arteta was about to let his feelings known to the defender after the game, too, but the Spaniard has since revealed the subject of the conversation.

What did Mikel Arteta say to Lisandro Martinez?

Seen in a conversation with Martinez, there was a chance that Arteta took the opportunity to have a word with the defender following his reckless challenge on Saka, but he has since revealed that the tackle did not come up in conversation.

Instead, it was a mere catch-up. Arteta revealed, via Football London: "I was just happy to see him.

"I know him personally and I was happy to see him back after the injury.

"That's it. Football is about the sport, it's about the people we know. We wished each other good luck for the season. That's it. It was a really good competitive game for us."

Something tells us that Roy Keane is sat in a studio somewhere wondering just what went wrong with football's biggest rivalries. Seemingly gone are the days of players such as himself and Patrick Vieira clashing before the game is even underway. Arrived are the days in which both sides take a far more relaxed approach.

How have Arsenal performed in pre-season?

The Gunners have had a mixed run of results in pre-season so far.

Arteta's side began with a 1-1 draw with FC Nurnberg, before thrashing MLS All-Stars 5-0, in a game that saw Kai Havertz score his first goal for the club.

The North London side then squared off against fellow Premier League side Manchester United, suffering a disappointing 2-0 defeat, following goals from Bruno Fernandes, and Jadon Sancho.

Up next, Arteta's side face Barcelona in what will no doubt be an entertaining affair.

To end their pre-season, Arsenal will face AS Monaco in the Emirates Cup final, before meeting Manchester City at Wembley for the Community Shield.

Though some see the Community Shield as a friendly, Arsenal could receive a major boost if they manage to defeat Pep Guardiola's side, and pick up their first trophy of the season.

It looks set to be another interesting season for the Gunners, who will be looking to go one better than their second-place finish in the last campaign.

After 458 appearances, 14 years of senior service, 90 goals, and three consecutive Player of the Season awards, Wilfried Zaha’s Crystal Palace departure to Galatasaray has been confirmed.

Palace’s job is to find a Zaha replacement is just as difficult as West Ham’s mission to replace Declan Rice. Arguably, the Eagles find themselves even more under threat, as Michael Olise, another of the club’s most dazzling assets, is attracting serious attention from Chelsea and Manchester City.

It leaves the south Londoners in an extremely precarious position, but they have sounded out Demarai Gray as a possible addition.

Is Demarai Gray signing for Crystal Palace?

Speaking to Football FanCast, reporter Dean Jones has suggested that Gray could fill Zaha’s void, saying:

“A lot of Premier League clubs have had a sniff around him and he’s a player that makes things happen so it makes sense that he’s going to appeal to lots of teams of different types.

"Palace losing Zaha has obviously been a blow because there was always a small chance he might end up staying but now they need to get round to finding another player that can create moments like he did and Gray certainly does have a bit of magic about him."

Daily Express journalist Ryan Taylor has also spoken on this situation, adding in a conversation with GIVEMESPORT that other clubs are interested in the 27-year-old: “Demarai Gray is one that I expect to end up getting done. I know Fulham are also interested. There have been clubs from Saudi Arabia, including Al-Hilal, who are also interested.”

How good is Demarai Gray?

Throughout his career, the former Birmingham City prodigy has showcased flashes of glimmering potential, but has been unable to pinpoint the crucial component that separates the top players from the rest – consistency.

Last season, in 27 Premier League starts, the winger scored four times, including a scintillating long-range curler to secure a draw at Manchester City. As Jones mentions, the winger is capable of magic moments, just they come all too infrequently.

Meanwhile, in three of the last four top-flight campaigns, Zaha reached double figures and his sumptuous productivity has become synonymous with consistency.

However, over the years, the Eagles have been a far more stable outfit than the Toffees, and due to his unfathomable talent, the Ivorian was awarded far more freedom to express himself.

Nevertheless, excluding the goal and assist count, Gray ranks far closer to Zaha than you would think. The Palace legend narrowly outperforms the £25k-per-week dynamo for shots per 90 (2.52 vs 2.05), shot creating-actions per 90 (3.58 vs 3.37), progressive carries per 90 (3.38 vs 3.37), successful take-ons per 90 (2.16 vs 1.18), and touches in the attacking penalty area per 90 (5.63 vs 3.73).

The last metric is probably most indicative of the defensive and restrictive play style that has consumed Gray at Everton.

If he can average higher involvement in more threatening zones, his full potential can be unlocked. Therefore, if Gray can improve his directness and positioning he will be in for a chance of reaching Zaha’s level.

Arsenal have been linked with a sensational move for Napoli star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, as Mikel Arteta and Edu eye further business this summer.

The winger had an exemplary season in Serie A last term, guiding Gli Azzurri to the league title, however, rumours have linked the 22-year-old with a potential move away from Naples.

The Gunners have already surpassed the £200m mark in terms of spending this summer, welcoming Kai Havertz, Jurrien Timber and Declan Rice to the side in the bid to push closer to the Premier League title following last term's efforts.

Could Arsenal sign Khvicha Kvaratskhelia?

As reported by FootballTransfers, the north Londoners are eyeing the winger, who is said to be valued around the €100m (£86m) mark, according to Spanish reports (via Football365)

Read the latest Arsenal transfer news HERE…

It’s claimed that Arsenal have ‘expressed interest’ in the Georgian, who has seen his market value rapidly rise following his €10m (£8.6m) move to Italy last summer.

FootballTransfers speculates that the Gunners could hold an advantage in their reported pursuit due to a ‘pre-existing relationship’ between the club and Napoli’s sporting director Mauro Meluso.

How good is Khvicha Kvaratskhelia?

Snatched last July from Georgian club Dinamo Batumi, not many had heard of Kvaratskhelia, however, his name quickly became one the footballing world became accustomed to.

The dynamic wide player quickly earned the trust of former Blues boss Luciano Spalletti, as highlighted by his 43 appearances in all competitions in his debut season.

Over the Serie A season and the Champions League, the 22-year-old registered a mammoth 31 goals and assists, scoring 14 and assisting 17 in a personal campaign that showcased his talents to the world.

It’s little surprise that the young talent has caught the attention of other clubs in Europe, with his numbers proving that he could be one of the hottest prospects in the continent in his position.

Deployed as a left-winger, the silky forward has been dubbed as “unplayable” by editor and writer Carlo Garganese for his exploits in Italy.

For Arsenal, capturing a left-sided talent as prolific as the Georgian could give those at the Emirates a replenished aura of former left-winger and club legend Robert Pires.

The Frenchman is regarded as one of the Gunners’ most prolific wide players in their history for his intricate and explosive movements on the flank and efficiency in front of goal.

Having been once lauded as a player “hungry for goals” by Arsene Wenger, Pires ended his spell at Arsenal having scored 63 Premier League goals and registered 42 assists, including a magnificent 14-goal and nine-assist season during the Londoner’s history unbeaten season of 2003/04, via Transfermarkt.

Now, Arteta could restore the success of the Frenchman on the left flank in equipping a talent as equally prolific as Kvaratskhelia in the area once occupied by the formidable Gunners legend.

Pires’ talents were best utilised in a deadly combination with compatriot Thierry Henry, in a winger and strike combination that has been evident in Naples through the Georgian and talisman Victor Osimhen.

The 22-year-old whiz could replicate the potency of Arsenal’s former winger if he was to arrive at the Emirates, in a move that could roll back the years in north London.

West Ham United have ended their interest in James Ward-Prowse after Southampton rejected another bid, according to Alex Crook.

West Ham have been interested in the England international following the sale of Declan Rice.

Is James Ward-Prowse leaving Southampton this window?

The midfielder could leave St Mary's this summer.

The player has been the subject of plenty of interest from Premier League sides, with Fulham, Brentford, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United, however the Hammers have been the side most interested in the 28-year-old. Southampton are resigned to the fact that their club captain is set to depart this summer, but are holding firm in their stance regarding his asking price of £40-50m.

The Hammers had an opening bid of £20m rejected by the Saints earlier in the window, with the report saying that the south coast side were "disgruntled" by the opening bid. Despite the poor opening bid, many expected that the deal would be completed, with Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth stating on the Transfer Talk Podcast:

"It looks likely he will go. West Ham have held talks with Southampton over the potential signing of James Ward-Prowse. West Ham will continue to push. No fee agreed as yet. Ward-Prowse, though, we understand he is keen to move to the London Stadium. So, I think West Ham are getting a bit of encouragement on that side of it. Personal terms, not expected to be a problem on this one."

However, according to Sky Sports, following the rejection of the Hammers second bid for the midfielder, the club have reportedly moved on from the English midfielder as they have no intention of meeting the Saints asking price.

Speaking on talkSPORT, journalist Crook confirmed that early this morning the Hammers have seen a bid rejected by the Championship side, and if they are "true to their word" they will not bid for the player again:

"They have come back with an answer and, as it has been expected as we said this morning, that Southampton would hold firm in their valuation, they are holding firm. I'm told the bid was £27m up front rising to £30m with add-ons. I'm told that Southampton have said not thanks so if West Ham are true to their word, their interest in James Ward-Prowse will be over, but lets see if that was just negotiation tactics or a genuine threat"

Read the latest West Ham transfer news HERE…

Who can West Ham go for instead?

The Hammers do have other options that they could go to after moving on from Ward-Prowse.

One option is Manchester United's Scott McTominay, who is being considered by the Hammers according to reports. The midfielder has struggled for starts under Erik ten Hag and is free to depart this summer should the Red Devils receive a "very big offer", with current Hammers boss David Moyes reportedly a big fan, and hoping to complete a double swoop for both the Scotland international as well as Red Devils defender Harry Maguire. The United youth product is an experienced and versatile option, having made over 200 career appearances across central midfield, centre forward and central defence.

Another option is Ajax midfielder Edson Alvarez. The Mexican was reportedly close to joining German giants Borussia Dortmund earlier this window, however, that move collapsed due to the German side not wanting to pay the asking price that Ajax have set, which is reportedly between £35-40m. Alvarez is an unbelievable all-around option, with his passing numbers of 83.91 passes attempted and 88.7% passes completed putting him in the top five percent among players outside Europe's top five leagues in those categories, whilst his defensive numbers are consistently strong according to FBref.

The Times have shared an important update on Tottenham Hotspur and their transfer plans as Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg hopes to leave alongside star striker Harry Kane.

Who will Spurs sign?

Kane, who has now flown to Germany and signed his Bayern Munich contracts as one of Thomas Tuchel's new superstars, will come as a huge, huge loss for manager Ange Postecoglou.

The 30-year-old had entered the last 12 months of his Spurs contract, giving Lilywhites officials the very tough decision to make of selling him this summer and avoid losing the player for nothing next year.

Kane's transfer to the Allianz Arena is a sore one to take for supporters who have long watched their star mark himself out as one of Europe's best marksmen.

Postecoglou, speaking to the press on Kane's move to Bayern yesterday, said the forward had already made up his mind on leaving this summer.

Read the latest Tottenham transfer news HERE…

“I had a conversation with Harry the first day he arrived and he was up front and honest, and I was the same,” the Australian said ahead of their opener against Brentford on Sunday.

“There's nothing along the way that's sort of made me feel there's anything other than this outcome. None of these things happen in isolation, everyone is pretty clued into to what's going on, so from my perspective I hadn't received anything from Harry, the club or anyone else to suggest to me anything had changed about his stance."

Kane's move to the Bundesliga comes as one of the most headline-grabbing moves of this summer window, but he may not be the only high-profile departure.

Midfielder Hojbjerg, who has been a mainstay under previous Tottenham bosses, could also make a switch to Atletico Madrid, according to numerous reports.

The Times back this and claim Hojbjerg "hopes to move to Atletico", meaning the Denmark international could well follow Kane out the Spurs exit door.

As a result of this, it is believed the north Londoners are planning a triple transfer coup in the form of signing three more players this month.

This includes another new centre-back and midfielder, though it is undisclosed whether Tottenham will move for a marquee striker to succeed Kane.

How good is Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg?

The 28-year-old has been a regular in recent seasons and even stood out as one of Spurs' best-performing players per 90 by average match rating, according to WhoScored.

Hojbjerg also chipped in with goals and assists from his defensive midfield position last year, with Kane being the only Spurs player to feature over more league minutes (WhoScored).

Former Leeds striker Noel Whelan, speaking to Football Insider, praised the former Southampton star as an "invaluable" member of the Spurs squad last summer.

"I think they’ve got to try and do what they can to keep him," said Whelan.

"I didn’t think I’d be saying that after some of his performances when he first signed. What he’s doing right now is invaluable for that front three at Spurs.”

With just two weeks of the summer transfer window remaining, Everton's squad is taking shape – but manager Sean Dyche is still hoping for further reinforcements.

What's the latest on Wilfried Gnonto to Everton?

Understandably, the focus has been on patching up a frontline with more semblance to a blunted instrument than a whetted spearhead, with the Toffees narrowly avoiding Premier League relegation last term, scoring more goals (34) than only Wolverhampton Wanderers (31).

Read the latest Everton transfer news HERE…

Exciting, but young striker Youssef Chermiti has been signed for £15m from Sporting Lisbon, while Arnaut Danjuma and Jack Harrison have penned loan deals with the Goodison Park side.

According to Sky Sports, the Toffees have been in discussion with Leeds United regarding the transfer of Wilfried Gnonto; the latest of four official transfer bids is believed to total £25m, with the Whites reiterating their stance that the Italy international, aged 19, is unequivocally not for sale.

Dyche is clearly keen to bring the Italian gem to Goodison Park this month.

What position is Wilfried Gnonto?

There has been a litany of issues for Everton vis-a-vis Gnonto's signature, with a succession of offers proving fruitless thus far as Leeds, freshly relegated from the top-flight, put their best efforts into retaining their talented squad.

Hopes at Elland Road for a true blue show of support have gone awry, with a raft of first-team players departing the club – including Harrison to Everton.

There is evidently a reluctance to part with a player heralded as a "firework" by pundit Noel Whelan for his energy and effervescence on the ball, but then Leeds have fallen and this is the reality of sliding down the ladder.

Gnonto has made it crystal-clear that he wants to pursue a move away, however, and the Whites may well decide to cash in now on a player with no desire to remain at a side in desperate need of some cohesion and uniformity after a testing period, and as the transfer market approaches the business end Everton could sign their man.

Signing from FC Zurich for £4m last summer, Gnonto only scored four goals and assisted four more in his first season in English football, but made a remarkable impression with his ferocious gliding gait and "electric pace", as claimed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, who also hailed the 12-cap Italian as an "absolute nightmare for defenders".

Ranking among the top 25% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for assists, the top 18% for successful take-ons and the top 4% for blocks per 90, as per FBref, Gnonto is growing into a phenom with a bundle of creativity, a directness and tenacity that sets him up for a prosperous career.

Everton are also interested in signing Paris Saint-Germain's talent forward Hugo Ekitike this summer, with Fabrizio Romano confirming this month that Everton are exploring a €35m (£30m) deal for the 21-year-old Frenchman, starting on an initial loan.

Like Gnonto, Ekitike scored four goals and assists apiece last season, though he did so with the free-flowing French champions, not beleaguered Leeds.

The £80k-per-week attacker does rank among the top 3% of forwards across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for pass completion, the top 4% for assists and the top 2% for interceptions per 90, illustrating the rounded skill set that Dyche could wield so effectively, but his goalscoring feats have not exactly evoked confidence during his time with PSG, ranking among the bottom 20% for goals per 90.

He would not bring the cutting edge desired as a central talisman, and while he can play out on the left wing, Gnonto would unquestionably be a better fit and could provide dynamism and 'electricity' to the Goodison Park flanks.

This does still leave the centre-forward position somewhat thin, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin's fitness levels not convincing and Neal Maupay's shooting boots non-existent, scoring once from 30 Everton appearances, but it would enrich the overall offensive flow, nonetheless.

Once dubbed "tremendous" and a "pocket rocket" by pundit Tam McManus, Gnonto is truly a precocious talent and could be one of European football's most exciting attacking stars in a few years.

Everton will just hope that they do not watch him dazzle and dance on the major stage from afar, with a rueful gaze.