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Rangers may not be bringing in Benie Traore this transfer window, with journalist Jonny McFarlane, via Ibrox News, reporting that a deal for the player could be expensive and that he isn't high up on their priority list as a result.

Who is Benie Traore?

The 20-year-old winger currently plies his trade in Sweden for Hacken and has made quite the impression already for the side despite his age. In the 2022/23 season, he bagged a total of 12 goals with two assists along the way.

That record is made even more superb when you consider that the youngster played in only 13 league outings for his side – meaning he averaged 1.10 goals or assists per 90 minutes played.

Whilst he is yet to be called up to his senior national team, his performances have led to him getting his debut for their Under-23 side. He represents the Ivory Coast when it comes to international football and they finally allowed him to star for them in March of this year – showing that his hard work on the field for Hacken is now paying off. It wouldn't be a surprise to soon see him line up for their first-team.

Are Rangers signing Benie Traore?

It's these showings that have since led to interest in his services from Rangers. However, a fresh report from journalist Jonny McFarlane, via Ibrox News, will not be news that Gers fans want to hear.

He states that the Scottish Premiership side do not have a deal for Traore as high up on their priority list as he could be "very expensive" if they were to push forward with a bid for the player – Alan Nixon reports there has already been one effort turned down, though it's not clear which side of Glasgow it came from.

McFarlane finished by saying that fans shouldn't "expect to see Benie Traore at Ibrox any time soon". Celtic could now be in the clear to sign him, with the Hoops also believed to be keeping tabs on the forward.

He said: "Yes there is interest [from Celtic as well] but Rangers see that as one that’ll be very far down the list. He will also be very expensive, based on what I’ve been told by people at the club."

It would be a shame for Rangers to not bring in a player such as Traore, who has already shone to those who have watched him. Football talent scout Jacek Kulig called him Hacken's "jewel" and added that he is another "highly-talented" player that the club have created.

It suggests that there is plenty of talent in his boots – but he may not get the opportunity to show it or to continue to try and fulfil his potential in Scotland with the Gers.

The summer transfer window officially opened for business earlier this month and Celtic have already completed their first new signing.

Odin Thiago Holm arrived on a five-year deal from Norwegian side Valerenga last week and Brendan Rodgers now has over two months left to make further additions to his squad.

One area of the pitch in which the Hoops are looking to strengthen in is the forward department, as they search for a third option alongside Kyogo Furuhashi and Hyeon-gyu Oh.

Hacken number nine Benie Traore is a reported transfer target for Celtic and would cost a fee in the region of £5m if they were to snap him up before the deadline, as per journalist Alan Nixon's Patreon (25/06/2023).

Would Benie Traore be a good signing for Celtic?

The Ivorian marksman has the potential to be an exceptional addition to Rodgers’ squad and could be an immediate upgrade on Oh, who only joined the club in January of this year.

It is impossible to guarantee that the 20-year-old prospect will be able to translate his form over to Scottish football but his statistics this year suggest that it is a gamble worth taking for Celtic.

Traore has averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.25 across 13 Swedish top-flight outings in 2023, which would have placed him third in the Hoops squad for average league ratings during the 2022/23 campaign.

Oh, on the other hand, averaged a rating of 6.81 after 16 Scottish Premiership appearances and ranked 21st in the team.

The South Korean marksman scored six goals and missed five ‘big chances’ in front of goal in those matches, while the Hacken ace has plundered 12 goals to go along with six missed ‘big chances’ this year.

These statistics indicate that Rodgers could secure a more prolific player in comparison to the ex-Bluewings forward by signing the exciting "jewel" – as he was dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig.

Traore could also provide more creativity from the number nine position as the 20-year-old prospect has created 1.4 chances per match this term, while no Celtic striker managed more than Oh’s 0.4 key passes per outing in the 2022/23 season.

This suggests that the 5 foot 8 dynamo could be better at bringing his teammates into the game by presenting them with opportunities to score themselves, instead of only being in the team as a pure finisher.

Therefore, Rodgers would land an immediate upgrade on Oh by striking a deal for Traore in the coming weeks, based on their respective form at the top end of the pitch this year.

Arsenal bringing in Chelsea attacker Kai Havertz this summer may harm youngster Folarin Balogun's chances of breaking into their first-team and increase the chances of him being sent out on loan again next season, according to journalist Paul Brown.

What's the latest news involving Kai Havertz and Folarin Balogun?

According to recent reports, the Gunners are now closer than ever to sealing a move for the German forward.

Indeed, it has been claimed the north London side have come to an agreement with Chelsea over a deal worth in total £65m.

As per Transfermarkt, Havertz endured an underwhelming campaign for his current employers in 2022/23, registering nine goals and a solitary assist in 47 appearances across all competitions.

On the other hand, Arsenal striker Balogun is set to return to his parent club following a stellar loan spell at Stade de Reims and has commented on his future at the club in a recent interview.

Cited by The Evening Standard while on international duty with the United States, Balogun stated: "What I can say is that I definitely won’t go on loan again. I’m not sure [about] the discussions that are going to take place [with Arsenal]; I’m not sure what’s going to happen. But I’m just committed to now. I try to stay present. I obviously want to enjoy the moment with my team and my family.”

Balogun has attracted interest from Crystal Palace, Inter Milan and RB Leipzig over the last few weeks as his Arsenal future remains uncertain, according to The Daily Express.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Brown thinks that Havertz arriving at Arsenal would increase the likelihood of Balogun being farmed out on loan in 2023/24.

Brown told FFC: "Arsenal certainly don't want to sell Balogun and I don't think that bringing Havertz in would change that. It might make his part of the first team a little more tricky and would make the chances of him going out on loan again next season much higher."

Should Arsenal give Folarin Balogun an opportunity in 2023/24?

It's hard to argue that Balogun – who has been hailed a "machine" – shouldn't at least be given pre-season to show Mikel Arteta what he can do, given his excellent numbers on loan at Stade De Reims.

Across 2022/23, the 21-year-old notched 22 goals and three assists in 39 appearances encompassing all competitions, as per Transfermarkt.

Balogun was a constant threat to opposition backlines in Ligue 1 and averaged around 3.5 shots per match in the French top flight, according to WhoScored.

The former England youth international also excelled in comparison to forwards across Europe's top five divisions in the art of non-penalty expected goals, managing 0.63 XG per 90 minutes across the last 365 days, putting him in the ninth percentile for this statistical measure, as per FBRef.

It is impossible to predict whether Balogun will have a first-team path at Arsenal next term; however, the prospective arrival of Havertz may complicate his chances of breaking through even further.

Arsenal are reportedly keen on acquiring Leicester City and England's Harvey Barnes, with Spurs and West Ham also interested in the attacker, according to The Daily Mail's Simon Jones.

How much will Harvey Barnes cost?

Barnes has consistently had good seasons since his introduction to the Leicester first-team. Coming through the academy, Barnes really established himself in the 2019-20 campaign, scoring six and assisting eight in his first season as a first choice player.

The Foxes' winger has since then directly contributed to 15, 16 and 14 goals through assists and strikes of his own up until the 2022-23 term.

Perhaps most impressively given the side's struggles as a whole, Barnes scored a valiant 13 goals last season, but was unable to save his boyhood side despite his best efforts. Barnes also boasts a singular international cap for England, featuring from the bench in a 3-0 win over Wales back in 2020.

This must all be taken into account when considering the fee The Foxes could ask for, though he was part of a side relegated last season, which severely weakens the selling club's position. The fee is reported by Leicester Mercury to be in the region on £30m, a steal in this market for a player Jurgen Klopp once referred to as an "unbelievable player".

Would Barnes be a good signing for Arsenal?

Barnes is a player who seems to have an incredibly high ceiling, over performing in a sorry Leicester side as their standout star alongside James Maddison. Barnes is also a player who seems to be adored by all of his coaches, likely for his high work rate mixed with technical ability.

Former Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers was a keen fan of the 25-year-old, once saying:

“Harvey I thought was incredible. His finish looked easy but it wasn’t. When you’re a young player it’s about adjusting and adapting.

"His confidence and finishing is much better. He looks like he’s going to score in every game he plays. He’s a great learner and a big talent.”

Clearly he has the talent, and Mikel Arteta is known for making young players better, so this move could be a match made in heaven for both Barnes and Arsenal – he could thrive in a competitive environment with world-class players all around him.

The young speedster however could prefer a move to a club with an easier path to the starting XI, given the impending European Championships next summer, which he will likely be eager to play in.

Arsenal will have to accept taking a "major hit" financially on winger Nicolas Pepe as he becomes open to a Saudi Arabia move this summer, according to reports.

Who could leave Arsenal this summer?

After missing out on a first Premier League title in nearly 20 years, it is the task of manager Mikel Arteta and sporting director Edu to revamp the squad as this transfer window officially opens.

Of the players who could come in, the likes of West Ham star Declan Rice and Brighton's Moises Caicedo have been heavily linked, with the Gunners also searching for a new right-back.

However, to make room for these potential additions, certain fringe players must be offloaded as Arsenal look to operate within their means and abide by FFP regulations.

There are a few nominations for the exit door, perhaps most notably Kieran Tierney, Emile Smith Rowe, Nuno Tavares, Sambi Lokonga, Folarin Balogun and long-serving star Granit Xhaka (Goal).

January signing Jorginho has also been linked with a return to Italy, just six months after Arsenal signed him from Chelsea, and this could be the last summer for club-record signing Pepe.

According to reliable journalist Chris Wheatley, writing for 3 Added Minutes, the Ivory Coast international is "open" to leaving Arsenal and moving to Saudi Arabia – coming as the north Londoners deem him surplus-to-requirements alongside Cedric Soares.

The full sentence was: "Pepe in particular is open minded to moving to Saudi Arabia, where a flurry of marquee names have arrived in recent weeks."

However, given Pepe has just one year remaining on his contract, Arsenal will have to take a "major hit" financially on the £72.5 million they paid for his services in 2019.

Who is Nicolas Pepe?

Scoring six goals in 19 Ligue 1 appearances on loan at Nice last season, Pepe actually impressed in parts going by his attacking statistics.

According to WhoScored, the winger averaged more completed take-ons per 90 than any other player in the Nice squad, all while ranking in their top two for attempts at goal and key passes completed in the final third.

The £140,000-per-week player was even praised by Arteta for his attitude in 2022.

"Obviously he’s not responsible for the price a club paid for him," said Arsenal's manager to the media.

"He’s tried everything. His attitude has been just phenomenal. I think you have to meet the person because you have to love him for the way he is."

Despite this, though, it appears Pepe's time in north London could well be coming to an end – and it's perhaps a regrettable signing overall for the Arsenal board.

Sheffield United are expected to face some competition should they reignite their interest in Rangers midfielder Glen Kamara, according to Sheffield Star journalist James Shield.

Which clubs want to sign Glen Kamara?

The Finland international is set to leave Rangers this summer, after falling out of favour with under new manager Micheal Beale, who recently suggested that the midfielder has "been around here too long" and that the club "will probably sell him this summer".

Kamara has received a lot of interest from Ligue 1 sides in the past 12 months, with a proposed £10m move to OGC Nice on the September deadline last season falling through, whilst Nantes have registered interest in the 27-year-old ahead of this summer window.

Sheffield United were interested in the midfielder during their last Premier League campaign under former manager Chris Wilder, however, budgetary restrictions prevented a move from materializing, however with the player's value falling to just €6m (£5.1m) interest could be reignited ahead of their return to the top-flight.

The former Finland 'Player of the Year' has also been identified as a target for Turkish giants Besiktas and Super Lig champions Galatasaray, according to reports, who will be competing in next year's edition of the Champions League.

Would Glen Kamara be a good signing for Sheffield United?

As previously mentioned, Kamara was a player that the Blades considered signing during the 2020/21 campaign, and with the majority of the same recruitment staff in place at the club, it is very much a possibility that the midfielder, who has been lauded as an "aggressive" player in the past by journalist Josh Bunting, could be considered by the club again.

The Gers no.18 produced the worst season of his career in the past campaign according to WhoScored, with an average rating of 6.46 across 22 appearances in the league making him the lowest-ranking player in the squad which started over ten games this season.

The 5 foot 11 central midfielder suffered an injury-ridden season by his standards this campaign, missing just under a month's worth of football due to first a knee injury and then an ankle problem a month and a half later. That issue occurred around the time Beale was appointed and stopped the Finland international from breaking into the new manager's team.

The 27-year-old dynamo had enjoyed two stellar campaigns before this season, averaging a 6.90 rating in the 2020/21 campaign before recording a 6.96 average rating in the 2021/22 season, showcasing that the midfielder has the quality, but wasn't able to showcase it this year for a variety of factors.

As Sheffield United prepare for their first campaign back, the signing of Kamara could prove to be a very shrewd piece of business by manager Paul Heckingbottom.

Christian Pulisic is set to depart Chelsea this summer, and is attracting strong interest from Juventus, journalist Mark Ogden has revealed.

What's the latest on Pulisic and Chelsea?

The USA international has just one year remaining on his contract, and having lost his place in the starting XI, he is ready to depart Stamford Bridge.

The 24-year-old has made 30 appearances across all competitions this season, but has managed just one goal in what has been a hugely disappointing campaign.

Ogden claims Chelsea have offered him out to a number of clubs, and it now seems that Italian giants Juventus are the front-runners for his signature.

Speaking on ESPN FC, Ogden revealed the interest from the Old Lady, and claimed that the £150k-per-week star has been touted around Europe as Chelsea seek to push him out the door.

"I think Pulisic needs to move now, and what I was told is that he's been offered around quite a few clubs," he stated.

"Man United have been contacted, Newcastle, AC Milan, Galatasaray. Napoli. I've been told Juventus are more interested than most, and I think that they can do the deal.

"They're losing [Juan] Cuadrado and [Angel] Di Maria is out of contract this summer. So Pulisic would come in and bolster their attacking line. I think £20m nowadays is not that much of a fee for a player that's got Champions League experience and Premier League experience.

"His wages might be an issue, but I think Pulisic to Juventus is a good move."

Should Chelsea sell Pulisic?

Chelsea have signed Raheem Sterling, Noni Madueke and Mykhailo Mudryk in the last two transfer windows, meaning that both wing spots are occupied to the extent that Pulisic will struggle for game-time.

The Blues may need to recover some funds after a year of heavy spending, and receiving £20m for an underperformer who could leave for free at the end of next season could be excellent business.

Pulisic could help Juventus replace Di Maria, and he was described as "fantastic" by Giorgio Chiellini when linked with a move to Turin a year ago.

The American was highly rated when he joined Chelsea for around £57.6m in 2019, but never found consistency beyond a few flashes of quality in that time, and will likely depart having scored 26 times in 145 appearances.

Pulisic's best spell came under Frank Lampard in his first season at the club, scoring 11 and assisting 10 times across all competitions, which included a goal in the FA Cup final defeat to Arsenal, but he has failed to replicate that form since, and a move away could be beneficial for all parties.

Liverpool are set for some major changes to their playing staff in the summer as they gear up for a period of transition next term that will see them take to the Anfield turf without many of the old guard who have been mainstays in Jurgen Klopp's side for several years.

Roberto Firmino, Naby Keita, James Milner and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are already on their way out in the off-season and more could be set to follow as the Merseyside giants plan ahead for 2023/24.

Transfer incomings and outgoings are likely to be at the forefront of Klopp's thinking with the summer window now almost upon us.

As per Sky Sports, one potential arrival at Anfield in the forthcoming transfer window may be RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol, who is attracting interest from Liverpool alongside Chelsea and Manchester City.

What's the latest news involving Josko Gvardiol and who could he displace at Anfield?

BILD report that RB Leipzig have reportedly set Gvardiol's price tag at €100 million (£87 million) amid significant attraction towards his services heading into the summer.

Speaking to Football FanCast, Red TV pundit Paul Machin thinks that any prospective arrival of Gvardiol at Anfield could pose a problem to Liverpool defender Andy Robertson, who has featured at times as part of a back three in recent matches to accommodate for Trent Alexander-Arnold's new advanced role.

Machin told FFC when asked about Gvardiol: "That's either as a long-term replacement for Virgil Van Dijk, who plays the left side of a centre-back pairing or more interestingly, is he going to challenge with Andy Robertson, who in this new system effectively plays more like a left of a back three."

Intriguingly, £100k-a-week earner Robertson has actually been linked with a shock move to Real Madrid, who are said to have the Scotland captain on a 'list of potential summer reinforcements' to replace Ferland Mendy, according to The Daily Mail.

Gvardiol, who has been labelled as "fearless" by former Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand arriving at Liverpool would likely add further competition for his place in the side, especially in a back three, given his potential to develop into a star.

In 2022/23, the Croatia international has made 41 appearances in all competitions for RB Leipzig and netted three goals in the process, as per Transfermarkt.

Despite it not being the most obvious player comparison to make due to evident positional differences, WhoScored notes that Gvardiol this season trumps Robertson on completed clearances, pass success rate and aerial duels won per game. In order, Gvardiol has managed 2.3 clearances, 89.3% pass efficiency and 1.4 aerial bouts won. On the other hand, Robertson comes in at 1.3 clearances, 84.2% pass success and 0.6 successful aerial duels per fixture.

If Alexander-Arnold is going to feature in a central role more often next term, it may be an idea to bring in an elite-level central defender to combat counter attacks and also to provide quality distribution to break the lines, something Gvardiol evidently has the capacity to do.

As per BT Sport quoted by The Daily Express, pundit Owen Hargreaves tipped Gvardiol to go on to become the best central defender in the world, stating: "I think the boys said it, three centre backs in the studio before, all top players. He [Gvardiol], I think, is an absolute top one. I think he’ll be the best centre-back in the world one day."

In a summer of upheaval at Anfield, Gvardiol joining Liverpool would be a coup and he could go on to be a Premier League star for years to come.

Manchester United owners, the Glazer family, are 'keeping their options open' amid the current ownership battle at Old Trafford; however, face a 'race against time' to try and conclude a deal before the transfer window opens, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

What's the latest on the ownership situation at Manchester United?

As per ESPN, the Glazers are considering delaying their sale of Manchester United until after the end of the season, which could complicate matters regarding the transfer window if the battle for ownership drags on until June 14th, when the market opens for business.

The outlet understands that Joel and Avram Glazer are reluctant to give up their shares at Old Trafford. Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his petrochemicals firm INEOS are said to be open to letting them stay on as minority shareholders. At the same time, Qatari businessman Sheikh Jassim Al Thani wants to acquire 100% control of the Premier League giants.

Sky Sports cite that Manchester United boss Erik Ten Hag has signalled that matters off the field will not affect his recruitment plans this summer, stating in an interview: "I came in here [at the end of] last season and we talked about what can we do in the squad, what can we do in transfers. And last year, the club confirmed they can do. So, for me, I don't think anything changed and yeah, in this summer period we can do the same."

The report states that the Red Devils' boss is eyeing an elite forward and another addition in midfield as priority areas to strengthen ahead of 2023/24.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Jacobs thinks that all parties involved will want 'clarity' over the state of play surrounding the ownership situation at Manchester United.

Jacobs told FFC: "It's obvious that the Glazers are still keeping their options open. My understanding remains that for the right price, all six of them are determined sellers, but that's the key to all of this, has their valuation been met? If not, there's lots of other options on the table. It is now a bit of a race against time, particularly for the two groups that either want control or an outright sale because they'll want to be in by the time the window opens on June 14th. Otherwise, there is perhaps some uncertainty over the first two or three weeks because Manchester United ultimately won't know whose money they're spending and as a consequence, I think all parties will want clarity very soon."

What next for Manchester United?

Manchester United will focus on matters on the pitch for now and Ten Hag will be pleased with his debut campaign in charge which has yielded a Carabao Cup trophy and confirmed Champions League football for next term.

Of course, the Red Devils still have one Premier League match left to facilitate and can seal a third-place finish with a victory over Fulham on Sunday at Old Trafford.

FA Cup glory is also potentially on the horizon for Manchester United, who could win a second trophy of the campaign if they defeat Manchester City in the competition's final in early June.

Following that, all focus will turn towards their transfer business as the Red Devils look to continue their positive trajectory into next season.

Former Scotland striker Frank McAvennie has warned Newcastle United against making a move for Manchester United attacking midfielder Jesse Lingard this summer. 

The lowdown: Newcastle interest in Lingard

This comes after the Magpies were linked with a move for the 29-year-old amidst interest from West Ham United, where the former England regular enjoyed a magnificent revival whilst on loan last season.

Lingard directly contributed to 14 goals in just 16 Premier League outings for the Hammers in 2021 before returning to a bit-part role at Old Trafford, starting just twice in the current league campaign.

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With his Red Devils contract now set to expire amid a low-key exit from his boyhood club, the Toon have been advised to steer clear of Lingard…

The latest: McAvennie slams Lingard

Speaking to Football Insider, McAvennie suggested that the 32-cap England midfielder’s apparent lack of ambition this season should be enough evidence for Eddie Howe to avoid making a move for him.

The 62-year-old explained his scepticism of Lingard by saying: “He’s a talent but if he’s going to Newcastle he’s going for the money.

“He’s just sat about this season. I don’t get it. He had the chance to go last summer? Why didn’t he take it?

“He’s lost his England place. The way he has handled himself doesn’t sit right with me. If I didn’t play I was devastated. Lingard doesn’t seem bothered at all.

“I’m afraid I don’t think this would be a good move. He had the chance to leave Man United and decided he would stay there. He’s just stayed on the bench, I can’t get that round my head. He was never going to get a game at Man United.”

The verdict: Worth the risk

Whilst McAvennie’s points are all salient ones, Lingard has already proven that he is capable of rekindling a stuttering career once before, and Howe would almost certainly back his managerial ability to get the best out of the versatile 29-year-old.

This season, the £18m-valued ace has scored twice and provided one assist in 22 appearances across all competitions under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick in what has been a disjointed 2021/22 season for the club. and indeed the man hailed as possessing a ‘unique’ skill set by former Red Devils team-mate Michael Carrick.

Despite another disappointing campaign, Lingard’s experience of 232 appearances at Manchester United and a stylistic likeness with high-quality players such as Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard and Napoli’s Piotr Zieliński (FBRef) would make him a superb capture for Newcastle as a free agent.

In other news, talkSPORT man admits ‘concern’ over Newcastle star