Former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has reportedly identified the ideal candidate to replace Erik ten Hag.
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Aston Villa have been handed a boost in the race for one of their summer transfer targets.
Aston Villa are set to compete in the 2024/25 Champions League after finishing 4th in the Premier League this past season. Villa had to deal with European football in 2023/24 but there is nothing quite like having to face off with the very best Europe has to offer week in, week out. As a result, the Midlands outfit may well need a stronger squad than the one they currently have if they are to give a good account of themselves come the start of next term's Champions League.
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So far, despite the transfer window not yet officially opening, Villa and NSWE have been linked with several names who could improve their team a great deal. Douglas Luiz is allegedly aiming to leave Aston Villa this summer and has been offered to Juventus. At the same time, Villa chief Monchi is reportedly keen on two Juve stars this summer in the form of Weston Mckennie and Matias Soule and could use the Brazilian as part of a swap deal.
Elsewhere, Unai Emery is said to have had his eye caught by Rennes young talent Mathis Lambourde, while the Villains have reportedly expressed an interest in signing Arsenal's Emile Smith Rowe this summer. Aston Villa are also believed to be one of three Premier League clubs chasing 27-year-old Brazil international Raphinha, alongside Chelsea and Manchester United.
Now, there has been a fresh update on Aston Villa's interest in teenage Schalke sensation, Assan Ouedraogo. Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg provided an update on Ouedraogo, stating that the 18-year-old was waiting on a call from Bayern Munich. The same update states that all of Manchester United, Aston Villa, Newcastle, and Liverpool want him, with some of those sides having presented the player with "quite specific economic and sporting plans".
Plettenberg has since provided a further update on Ouedraogo, who has a £12m release clause until the middle of June, claiming that Bayern have now decided against signing the teenager, leaving the door open for one of the aforementioned English outfits to step up and land him.
Ouedraogo has limited experience at senior level, making 17 appearances and scoring three goals last term, but comments from Schalke's sporting director Andre Hechelmann suggest the midfielder has a bright future ahead of him.
“He is a wonderful footballer with a lot of talent," said Hechelmann. "He was integrated immediately because he is completely convincing in terms of his sporting ability."
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After missing out on European football following Manchester United's FA Cup win, Newcastle United will reportedly need to raise funds this summer to avoid any issues regarding Financial Fair Play.
The Magpies thought they had sealed a place in the Europa Conference League with United left with the daunting task of defeating rivals Manchester City at Wembley, but the Red Devils soon caused an upset to spoil Newcastle's party and qualify for the Europa League themselves. Without European football, the task of keeping hold of Bruno Guimaraes and others just became that much harder.
Newcastle will be keen to keep hold of their star midfielder, but with the likes of Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain reportedly interested this summer, they could face an uphill battle if they submit the right offer. And he may not be the only one heading for the exit door, either, after the Magpies already confirmed the exits of Loris Karius, Paul Dummett, Matt Ritchie, Jeff Hendrick and Kell Watts upon the expiry of their contracts.
According to The Athletic, Newcastle are also ready to listen to offers for Matt Targett this summer following the left-back's injury concerns and failure to regain his place in Eddie Howe's starting side. His exit would also clear plenty of space in Newcastle's wage bill, given that he reportedly earns a hefty £100k-a-week.
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Despite losing his starting place, Targett always had the backing of Howe, who shut down any January exit rumours, saying via The Scottish Sun back in the winter window: "No, incorrect, you're way off. Matt is injured and has still got some way to go in his injury. He's also a big part of what we're doing here."
Things have now seemingly taken a U-turn, however, and the right offer will see the left-back leave the club in the coming months.
If Newcastle are to consistently qualify for European football – be that the Europa Conference League, Europa League or Champions League, then upgrading on the likes of Targett should be seen as the key. As much as Howe did previously label the left-back as "outstanding", question marks still remain over his ability to stay fit and then perform at the highest level.
With Lloyd Kelly arriving too, there will arguably no longer be a need for the cover that Targett provides for Dan Burn. Instead, Kelly can use his versatility to step into both the centre-back role and cover down the left-hand side, while Lewis Hall is trying to break his way into the first XI as well.
With that said, it remains to be seen whether the current Newcastle man will have potential suitors in the coming months willing to offer Newcastle whatever they deem to be the right price. Targett is certainly Premier League quality, but seemingly not in line to stay put at St James' Park ahead of next season.
Roy Keane offered a harsh assessment of Trent Alexander-Arnold's defensive work after England's clash with Finland.
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Real Madrid have the most overseas fans of any club in the world, ahead of Barcelona and Manchester United, a global survey has revealed.
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Manchester United are set to battle Tottenham for the signing of a player with a £60m+ release clause, according to reports.
A new era of sorts is set to begin at Manchester United this summer with the 2024 transfer window set to be Sir Jim Rattclife's first since becoming part owner of the Red Devils. Despite an 8th-place finish in the Premier League, manager Erik ten Hag was able to keep his role for the time being and is reportedly set to pen fresh terms with the club.
With new backing from Ratcliffe, Ten Hag is no doubt eager to see an ageing, out-of-form Man Utd squad transformed over the summer as he looks to push the Red Devils up the table and into a battle with England's top sides.
In terms of potential incomings, a recent report linked Manchester United with a move for Bayern Munich stalwart Leon Goretzka. The Red Devils are also interested in signing striker Maximilian Beier. One of the Manchester outfit's main transfer targets at present, though, appears to be Everton stopper Jarrad Branthwaite, with it reported this week that United have agreed terms with the Englishman over a contract worth between £150-160k a week.
Elsewhere, journalist David Ornstein recently told The Athletic FC podcast that Man United want a centre-back, a midfielder and a striker – while a move for a left-back could also transpire.
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Over the weekend, meanwhile, a fresh update on another of Manchester United's summer transfer targets has emerged. The player in question is Crystal Palace and England midfielder, Eberechi Eze. United's links to the attacking midfielder have continued over the last week and now, Football Insider have shared an update on the situation.
As well as Manchester United, fellow Premier League giants Tottenham are also looking into the potential signing of Eze, with both clubs said to be willing to pay his release clause, which is an initial £60m plus add-ons payable down the line.
Despite Crystal Palace's struggles during the first half of the 2023/24 Premier League campaign, Eze scored 11 and assisted four in 27 league outings for the Eagles, with his superb form earning him a call-up to the England side for Euro 2024. As a result, it is not too surprising to see FI claim both United and Spurs think Eze's release clause is on the lower side for a player of his quality.
Eze is 25 years of age, which means, on paper, he could be about to enter his prime years, hence why he is believed to 'tick a lot of boxes' when it comes to the new-look recruitment at United.
Everton's financial problems have been evident this season, with the club charged for multiple breaches of the Premier League's PSR rules which have resulted in an eight-point deduction.
The subsequent punishments have seen boss Sean Dyche operate on a shoestring budget for large periods, often having to rely on outgoings before making any signings.
The Toffees may also have to offload some more key first-team members this summer to prevent another breach next season, with Jarrad Branthwaite the most likely to depart given the rumoured interest from Manchester United.
However, midfielder Amadou Onana could also be sold during the summer transfer window, the Toffees demanding a £60m fee to part ways with the Belgian talent.
He's undoubtedly a top talent with huge potential, but should he depart, the fanbase shouldn't worry, as the Toffees have already identified a ready-made replacement who can take one Everton player to the next level.
According to Di Marzio via Sport Witness, Everton have made an offer for Roma midfielder Edoardo Bove in an attempt to bolster Dyche’s midfield ahead of next season.
The outlet states that Bove has the opportunity to leave his current club this summer after 31 Serie A appearances for Roma last season, with Leeds United also interested in the youngster.
However, the Toffees will undoubtedly have the edge over Daniel Farke’s side after his side failed to win promotion in the play-off final against Southampton last month.
Leeds’ subsequent defeat has allowed Everton to secure the services of Jack Harrison for another season, with The Athletic reporting that the winger is set for another loan move to Goodison Park next season.
Whilst he produced an underwhelming goal return, scoring just three goals in his 29 Premier League appearances, Bove’s potential arrival alongside the 27-year-old could allow him to have a more successful second stint on Merseyside.
Although he’s only a couple of years into his professional career, Bove has made a huge impact on Roma’s first team making 92 appearances for his boyhood club since his debut back in 2020.
He’s demonstrated excellent all-rounder qualities, with former boss José Mourinho dubbing the Italian youngster as “wonderful” during his time in charge at the Stadio Olimpico.
However, during the 2023/24 season, he produced some excellent stats that would play perfectly into the hands of the returning Harrison, allowing the attacker to flourish under Dyche next campaign.
The 22-year-old has averaged three tackles per 90 in his 31 Serie A appearances during the 2023/24 season, as well as 1.1 blocks, with Bove very reliable at regaining possession for his side.
However, he’s just as impressive with the ball at his feet, achieving an 83% pass completion rate, with an average of 4.5 progressive passes, demonstrating his excellent ability to play the ball forward and create opportunities for the likes of Harrison.
Bove has also averaged 1.1 progressive carries per 90 for Roma, with the midfielder more than capable of leading a transition up the pitch after excelling defensively – a real key component to Everton’s philosophy in recent years.
|
Edoardo Bove's stats for Roma in 2023/24 |
|
|---|---|
|
Statistics |
Tally |
|
Games |
31 |
|
Tackles per 90 |
3 |
|
Blocks per 90 |
1.1 |
|
Pass accuracy |
83% |
|
Progressive passes per 90 |
4.5 |
|
Progressive carries per 90 |
1.1 |
|
Stats via FBref |
|
Whilst it’s unknown how much the Toffees have bid for the 22-year-old or whether he’d be interested in a move to Goodison, he’d certainly be a superb addition who has the ability to transform Dyche’s midfield.
He’s the perfect player for Everton’s system, with the potential arrival of Bove an exciting prospect for the club. He’s an immediate upgrade on the current crop of talent, whilst also providing the opportunity to make a profit down the line boosting their PSR standing.
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Jamal Musiala has hinted he will sign a new contract at Bayern Munich but that it's better those matters "remain a bit of a mystery."
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Former Tottenham captain Hugo Lloris has revealed a story about Daniel Levy that claims he showed a lack of a winning mentality.
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