Sheffield United face competition for £5.1m-rated target

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.

"Fantastic" £150k-p/w Chelsea Star Attracting Transfer Interest

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.

Chelsea winger Chrisitan Pulisic picks up a fresh injury in their Premier League clash against Manchester City.

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 £87m Target Could Displace Robertson Next Term

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.

Man Utd Ownership Battle Has Taken Another Turn

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.

Man United's Erik ten Hag and Alejandro Garnacho

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.

Leeds: Marsch intent on signing striker

Leeds United will now ‘go for’ a striker during the summer window, transfer insider Dean Jones has told GiveMeSport.

The lowdown

Jesse Marsch has already made his first signing as Whites manager, kicking off the club’s summer business with a £25m deal for Brenden Aaronson from RB Salzburg.

The 48-year-old already has the likes of Patrick Bamford, Joe Gelhardt and Daniel James available as centre-forward options, but he may be unsure whether he can depend on the former over the course of the season after injury restricted the 28-year-old to just nine Premier League appearances in 2021/22.

Gelhardt may have been deemed too inexperienced to lead the line at this stage, having only turned 20 earlier this month and made just 22 senior appearances for the club; while James might lack the required potency in front of goal, having netted only four times in 37 outings in the most recent campaign.

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The latest

Jones expects three more significant signings to follow Aaronson through the door at Elland Road over the summer, saying that one of those will undoubtedly be a centre-forward.

He told GiveMeSport: “I think, realistically, four good signings is probably what you could expect because of the way the market is going to be in terms of the value of people.

“They’re going to go for a striker, there’s no doubt about that.”

The verdict

Who could the new striker potentially be?

The Athletic’s Phil Hay has previously reported that the Whites would like to sign a Premier League marksman, and journalist Pete O’Rourke has suggested that Liverpool’s Takumi Minamino and Chelsea’s Armando Broja, who spent last season on loan at Southampton, are potential targets.

Marsch may potentially lean towards Minamino because, according to O’Rourke, the Leeds manager ‘knows all about him from his time at Salzburg’. Indeed, the current Anfield ace played 22 times under Marsch in Austria, helping himself to 20 goal contributions in that time.

That surely wouldn’t be a bad thing for Leeds given that the Japan international bagged another 10 goals this season for Liverpool, impressively averaging one for every 101 minutes of action.

In other news, Leeds are the ‘most interested’ club in this transfer battle

Leeds: Journalist makes De Bock claim

Leeds United journalist Beren Cross has confirmed outcast full-back Laurens De Bock is set to leave the club this summer. 

The lowdown: Lesser-seen signing

Signed as part of the ongoing Victor Orta led transfer regime at Elland Road in 2018, De Bock cost a reported £1.5million from Belgian side Club Brugge.

However, the versatile defender only made seven appearances for the Whites at the start of the 2018/19 campaign before being loaned out to KV Oostende and subsequently spending time at Sunderland and ADO Ten Haag prior to his most recent spell with Zulte Waregem.

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Now as the end of the current campaign comes to an end and with it the latest in a long line of temporary moves for De Bock, one reputable Leeds voice has delivered an update on the Belgian’s future…

The latest: ‘Finally’

Responding to questions in a Q&A for Leeds Live, Cross dealt with what happens next regarding the former Belgium youth international.

He explained: “De Bock’s deal finally expires this summer and he will walk away as a free agent.”

This confirms previous reports that the player is not expected to play again for Leeds.

The verdict: Best possible outcome

While it’s incumbent upon Leeds to deal with De Bock throughout the duration of his contract in Yorkshire, it’s felt for some time now as if the writing has been on the wall for the 29-year-old.

Despite the ongoing injury plight that has plagued the ranks this term, it’s perhaps telling that perennial loanee’s absence hasn’t been derided as this season the Belgian has made 30 appearances across all competitions in his homeland.

When the defender does leave on a free, additional funds should be made available for wages, something that could be key whether Jesse Marsch is attempting to attract players to either plot a Championship promotion push or a more successful Premier League campaign.

In other news: Orta now eyeing transfer move for exciting winger even if Leeds are in the Championship. 

Newcastle: Keith Downie drops Kalvin Phillips claim

A big Newcastle United claim has emerged on their potential interest in Kalvin Phillips heading into the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie has suggested that the Magpies might be looking at his situation as his team fight against the drop in the Premier League.

The Whites are currently 17th in the table and ahead of Burnley by one point with the Clarets having a game in hand over them.

When asked about a possible swoop for the England international, Downie told Football FanCast: “I just think Newcastle might be a really interesting move because he can be part of that project that I’ve mentioned before.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if that’s one that Newcastle are really are kind of keeping a close eye on with Leeds’ perilous position at the moment.”

Supporters will be excited

The Toon supporters will surely be excited by this claim from Downie as the prospect of Newcastle making a swoop for Phillips if Leeds drop down to the Championship is a tantalising one.

He has proven himself in the Premier League and would be an excellent signing to add to Eddie Howe’s midfield options.

The England international is a combative midfield player who can get fans excited with his tackling in the middle of the park. He has the tenacity and ability to fly into tackles and set up attacks by winning the ball back off the opposition, which will surely get the fanbase off their seats in appreciation of his effort.

In the Premier League this season, he has made 3.8 tackles and interceptions per game for Leeds. This comes after he made 4.2 in 2020/21 – his first campaign in the top-flight – and he has won 4.8 duels or more per match across both seasons.

Ball-winning is not Phillips’ only attribute as he completed 4.7 long passes per game last term – creating 35 chances in 29 matches. He provided five ‘big chances’ and this form led to him being selected seven times for England at the European Championships last summer, illustrating how highly rated he is within the game.

This proves that he has quality in possession and can make an impact going forward to go along with his strong defending.

Therefore, fans will be excited by Downie’s comments and may now be rooting for relegation for Leeds if it means that the club can swoop for Phillips in the summer, with all due respect to the Yorkshire-based side.

AND in other news, “They expect..”: NUFC closing in on colossal summer signing, supporters will be elated…

McAvennie warns Newcastle off Jesse Lingard

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

Celtic send scouts to watch Mohanad Jeahze

Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou overlooked a significant transfer overhaul at the Parkhead club during the previous summer transfer window.

Not only did the Hoops see a raft of new faces make their way to Celtic Park either on permanent or loan deals, but the club also cashed in on a number of players that made moves elsewhere.

Now that the Bhoys are on the verge of securing the SPFL title, it seems as though things have been going on behind the scenes at Lennoxtown in regards to one potential transfer deal that could take place during the next summer window.

What’s the news?

According to a recent report from the Daily Record, Celtic sent scouts to watch Hammarby full-back Mohanad Jeahze in action against Malmo on Monday as their interest in the defender intensifies.

The Hoops have been linked with a move for the left-back in recent weeks and now seem to very much have him on their radar in terms of a potential summer transfer move.

Since joining the Swedish club back in the 2020 summer transfer window, the Iraq international has gone on to make 56 appearances across all competitions, scoring two goals and providing 12 assists in the process.

Celtic fans will be buzzing

In terms of what the Celtic scouts saw from the defender in Monday’s 0-0 draw against Malmo, Jeahze ended up making two tackles, one interception and won three of the four duels he was involved in.

Not only did he show what a capable defensive figure he is, but he also made one key pass for his side and earned himself a solid overall match rating of 7.1/10 from SofaScore.

Looking at the season as a whole, the 25-year-old has the second-highest number of tackles (9) and crosses (25) for his side as well as the highest number of interceptions (14).

Taking all of this into account, it’s safe to suggest that a lot of Celtic fans will be delighted to hear that their club have sent scouts to watch Jeahze. Not only will the scouts have been left impressed with his display but it’s likely his all-action approach would be appreciated by supporters too.

If the club end up bringing the player to Celtic Park in the summer, this could kickstart yet another significant period of transfer business as Postecoglou will want his side to be as successful as possible moving forward.

In other news: £2.5m fee agreed, then snatched away: Celtic had Old Firm blinder on “unplayable” ace

West Brom must fully unleash Gardner-Hickman

West Bromwich Albion have conceded their chances of getting promoted back into the Premier League next season after failing to sustain their charge for automatic promotion and slipping out of the play-off spots – the Baggies now currently lie in 13th in the Championship.

As a result, Steve Bruce will be working hard over the summer and next season to ensure that the Baggies can challenge again and hopefully secure promotion back into the top flight in their second season following relegation in 2021.

The Baggies boss has given an in-depth interview with The Express & Star this month on his plans for his revival of the team at The Hawthorns, with one player, in particular, being singled out as a key player for the future of West Brom.

Bruce has been full of praise for Taylor Gardner-Hickman and his progress in the team saying;

“He has done very, very, well for us in midfield. He’s young. He’s desperately eager to succeed. He is one of our own and that always goes down well.

“He has had a decent start to his career. And we’re looking at big things for next season.”

The 6 foot 1 ace who was hailed “menacing” and “a cut above the rest” by journalist Joe Ellis, has been in fine form since becoming a more consistent starter for his boyhood club in the Albion senior team this season.

Gardner-Hickman has won the majority of his ground duels (55%), is successful in the majority of his dribbles (53%) and has made 2.2 tackles, 0.7 key passes and 0.6 interceptions on average per game in his 19 Championship appearances, proving that he clearly has the potential to offer a lot to his team next season as they push for promotion.

The 20-year-old secured his long term future with the club by signing a contract back in December that extends his stay at the club for another four-and-a-half years, so judging by Bruce’s comments the plan is to fully integrate him into the team with the youngster able to offer his services in both a full-back and right midfield position.

There is no doubt the future is bright for Gardner-Hickman but the West Brom manager will have his work cut out to improve and rebuild the team following a disappointing season to inspire better quality performances and positive results next season to compete for their opportunity to climb out of the Championship.

AND in other news: Talks ongoing: WBA must swoop for “talented” £25k-p/w target who’d be a “big asset”

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