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Manchester United target Frenkie de Jong could now be ‘leaning towards’ a move to Old Trafford, according to Sky Sports journalist Dharmesh Sheth.

The Lowdown: De Jong links

De Jong was first linked with the Red Devils at the end of April after Erik ten Hag was announced as United’s new manager. However, almost two months on, a transfer is yet to gather any real momentum, even though well-placed sources believe a move will eventually happen.

Sheth stated earlier this week on Sky Sports that there has been no official offer made to Barcelona, and he has now shared more news after ‘noises’ he’s heard regarding a transfer.

The Latest: Sheth’s comments

Sheth, talking to GiveMeSport, said that there is a ‘willingness’ from all involved for a deal to go through and believes the midfielder is ‘leaning towards’ an Old Trafford move.

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“As far as de Jong is concerned, publicly, I’m sure the noises will be that he’s happy at Barcelona. There’s no reason not to say that because if the move doesn’t work out, and he said he wanted to leave, it doesn’t leave him in a very good position.

“But, I think, the noises we’re hearing is that there’s a willingness from all parties to do a deal. The fact that Erik ten Hag is at Manchester United, he’s their new manager and they’ve worked very closely together, and arguably he’s had the best form of his career under that manager. I think there is maybe a leaning towards ‘yes’ – he would be open to making that move to Old Trafford.”

The Verdict: Needed

United have seemingly been working on a move for months now, so it would be a nightmare if they failed to get a deal over the line. De Jong could well prove to be the marquee midfield addition that is required to provide some much-needed depth to Ten Hag’s ranks.

The United boss mainly used De Jong as a only real senior defensive midfielder on the books at Old Trafford, a move is needed. It looks as if it could well materialise after all, so hopefully, we’ll hear further positive updates over the coming days ahead of United’s return for pre-season on June 27.

In other news: ‘They’ve looked at him’ – talkSPORT man drops huge Man Utd transfer claim involving ‘lethal’ ace. 

Newcastle United are hoping to reach the final stages of a deal for Lille defender Sven Botman this week, according to Scott Wilson for The Northern Echo.

The lowdown

The Magpies have agreed a fee to sign the 22-year-old centre-back, who is their ‘number one defensive target’. They will pay an initial £30m, but that price could rise ‘significantly’ if various add-ons are triggered over the course of his stay at St James’ Park.

Botman should now be available to undergo a medical after the Netherlands under-21s completed their June fixture programme.

The latest

Sharing his report from The Northern Echo on Twitter, Wilson wrote: “#NUFC hoping to reach end game with Sven Botman deal this week after defender signs off from international duty. Looks like they’ve beaten off competition from AC Milan. Suggestions of PSG interest noted – but not regarded as a concern…”

He did state in his article, though, that an approach from Ligue 1 champions PSG could potentially ‘complicate’ matters. As such, Newcastle are ‘keen’ to drive things forward in the coming days and win the race for the 22-year-old’s signature once and for all.

Magpies director of football Dan Ashworth is leading negotiations after watching Botman first-hand on Saturday.

The verdict

This would be a long-awaited triumph for Newcastle after they saw multiple offers rejected by Lille in the January transfer window.

It’s a deal which is sure to excite fans, based on remarks from journalist Aaron Stokes earlier this month. He said: “If they could get Botman in over AC Milan what a statement it would be for the rest of the window.”

Indeed, Milan are the newly-crowned champions of Italy, and yet they may be pipped by a Newcastle side who finished 11th in the Premier League.

Stokes added that, according to ‘people in France’, Botman could go on to become ‘one of the best’ centre-backs in the world, while the director at his agency has marvelled at his ‘extraordinary courage’ on the pitch.

It would be a signing for the present and the long-term at St James’ Park, and Wilson’s update suggests that Newcastle fans might not have to wait much longer to see the defender in black and white stripes.

In other news, Luke Edwards shares some big transfer news

West Ham United are close to securing the signature Rennes defender Nayef Aguerd, according to a report from Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Defender wanted

Following the cruciate ligament rupture sustained by defender Angelo Ogbonna early on in the Premier League season, manager David Moyes was left short of options across his backline.

With Kurt Zouma also suffering from a number of injuries, at times it was just Craig Dawson and Issa Diop left as the only senior options available for Moyes’ selection.

After a sensational run in the Europa League, the Irons became visibly fatigued as the season wore on, with the hectic schedule taking its toll on the squad.

With this in mind, it became imperative for the Hammers to dip into the transfer market for a central defender ahead of next season.

The Latest: Aguerd close

According to a recent report by Football Insider, West Ham are now in advanced talks with Rennes to sign Aguerd, with negotiations closing in on a deal worth around £25m.

It is understood that the Premier League outfit are increasingly confident of securing an agreement with the French side for the 26-year-old, who is said to have already begun house-hunting in London as he looks to make the switch early on in the window.

The Verdict: Great signing

With a number of top clubs having monitored the Morocco international over the last two seasons, this will be a great signing for Moyes’ squad, given their desperate need to bring in an experienced defender to the London Stadium.

According to The Athletic’s Jack Pitt-Brooke, Aguerd is “the best value left-sided centre back in Europe” and “every club should be after him.”

Averaging 4 clearances and 0.5 blocks per game in Ligue 1 (via WhoScored), it is easy to see why the Moroccan has been on the receiving end of such heavy praise, having been capped by his national team on 19 occasions.

This could be a brilliant signing for West Ham.

In other news: Irons will look into signing Emmanuel Dennis

A big Ibrox development has emerged regarding Rangers and their plans with Ianis Hagi for the upcoming summer transfer window. 

What’s the talk?

Twitter transfer account The 4th Official has confirmed that the Premiership giants will not be cashing in on the winger ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

They tweeted: “Rangers have zero intention of selling Ianis Hagi. There is a feeling that this is a lowball offer that is done primarily to unsettle the player.”

This comes after reports of a €7m (£6m) bid from Galatasaray in an attempt to snap up the Romanian from Ibrox, with Ross Wilson rejecting the Turkish club’s offer.

Gio van Bronckhorst will be delighted

The Gers head coach will be delighted with this news, as it suggests that Hagi will be at Ibrox come the end of the summer transfer window.

He will be buzzing with Wilson’s reluctance to do a deal for the Romania international, as it shows that the club are willing to stand firm and fight to keep hold of their best players. They will not roll over and allow European suitors to take away their most prized gems without paying a hefty price for them.

Van Bronckhorst can therefore have faith that those making the decisions above him will do what is in the best interests of what happens on the pitch, rather than taking the £6m offer and banking the money to the detriment to the team.

Former Rangers boss Steven Gerrard previously lauded the 23-year-old’s mentality, saying: “We’re really happy with Ianis Hagi, he’s a joy to work with.

“He’s a student of the game. He’s always looking at areas to improve, whether that be from a physical point of view or tactically or technically. He’s someone you have to drag off the training ground.

“Ianis is always in the analyst department too. He’s never out of the gym, so he’s an absolute dream to work with, very low maintenance. We’re delighted with how he is developing and progressing and we’re happy to have him.”

These comments suggest that the midfielder is unlikely to be affected by any mind games at play with Galatasaray’s bid, as he is a hard worker and will not want to cause any issues which may affect his development by agitating for a move.

Hagi’s drive to be the best is also another reason why Van Bronckhorst will be delighted by Rangers’ stance on his situation. The Dutch head coach will surely be excited to work with the midfielder upon his return from injury, as he has shown that he has an appetite to develop and hone his skills.

AND in other news, Imagine him & Souttar: Rangers can seal dream deal by signing 23 y/o “real leader”…

Leeds United are closing in on the signing of Reb Bull Salzburg midfielder Brenden Aaronson, according to reliable journalist and MLS insider Tom Bogert. 

The lowdown: Rising star

Born in New Jersey, the 21-year-old made the grade for MLS outfit Philidelphia Union before heading to Europe in 2021.

Since arriving in Austria, the USA international has provided 28 direct goal contributions in 65 outings for Salzburg, lifting two Austrian Bundesliga titles and two Austrian Cups in the process.

Having been on the radar at Elland Road for some time, a move for the player now appears to be closer than ever to completion as Jesse Marsch gets to work in the market…

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The latest: ‘Signed & done’

Taking to Twitter on Wednesday evening, Bogert confirmed that the deal was on the brink of being completed as the 18-cap American heads to Thorp Arch.

He stated: “Sources: Brenden Aaronson has arrived in England to do his medical (tomorrow) and officially complete his $30 million transfer to Leeds United from RB Salzburg. Getting deal signed & done before Aaronson joins USMNT for friendlies against Morocco & Uruguay then Nations League.”

The verdict: Superb start

Whilst there has been much speculation about possible outgoings from the Whites squad, it’s crucial that Marsch and Victor Orta get their own incomings in order swiftly.

Holding a market value of £18m (Transfermarkt), signing Aaronson for the mooted $30m (£23.8m) fee has to be regarded as an excellent piece of business for a fully-fledged 21-year-old international talent.

During the recently completed 2021/22 campaign the attacking midfielder scored six times and provided 10 assists in 41 appearances, including five direct goal contributions as Salzburg went on a Champions League adventure through qualifying and the group stage.

Predominantly operating as a number 10, Aaronson’s imminent arrival at Elland Road may see Marsch implement a formation switch next term as the 48-year-old looks to successfully integrate his compatriot into the Premier League and guide Leeds to a more promising campaign.

In other news, Leeds are eyeing up another signing after Aaronson. Find out who it is here

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s (KSA) Public Investment Fund (PIF) are reportedly now ‘ready’ to sign Aaron Hickey for Newcastle United this summer.

The Lowdown: ‘Amazing’ development

Former teammate at Hearts – and now part of the coaching team for Scotland – Steven Naismith has hailed Hickey’s ‘amazing’ development since leaving the country to sign for Bologna in Italy.

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Indeed, he played in all but two games in the Serie A this season, scoring five goals and making one assist from full-back (ninth-fewest goals in the division, finishing 13th on a very low budget.

His performances earned Hickey his first two senior caps for Scotland back in March, at the tender age of just 19.

The Latest: Newcastle ‘ready’

As per Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness), the St. James’ Park faithful are now ‘ready’ to sign Hickey ‘above all’, with Arsenal and Brentford also thought to be interested in his signature.

He is likely to cost in the region of €25m (£21.3m), should he make the switch to the North East.

The Verdict: Sign

At 19 years of age, Hickey has the world at his feet, and there is no doubting his potential having already played at a high level for club and country.

He is equally as comfortable at playing at right-back and left-back, which makes him a handy option for Eddie Howe, and at six-foot tall, could perhaps even do a job as a central defender if needed.

Nonetheless, £21.3m could end up being a small price to pay if he rapidly develops over the next few years.

In other news, find out which ‘outstanding leader’ could now join the Magpies here!

Rangers will be ‘fearful’ behind the scenes about outgoings in the summer transfer window, according to former Premier League goalkeeper Paddy Kenny. 

The lowdown: Important times ahead

Following the cruel loss on penalties to Eintracht Frankfurt in the Europa League final, the Light Blues missed out on a guaranteed place in the UEFA Champions League group stage next season.

That honour goes to Old Firm rivals Celtic after the cross-city club won the Scottish Premiership title and with it will profit from the financial benefits of a place amongst Europe’s elite competition.

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Despite still having the chance to finish the campaign on a high and lift the Scottish Cup, one pundit has already predicted that there could be concern behind the scenes at Ibrox.

The latest: Gers ‘fearful’

Speaking to Football Insider, the former Leeds United stopper suggested that it could be difficult for the club to retain its prized assets.

The 44-year-old said: “Without Champions League football, that is something they will have to be fearful of (losing key players).

“Any club who is guaranteed to be in the Champions League has that advantage when it comes to signing players. It would also help if the club are wanting to keep their top players. It’s harder to turn down that move to maybe a better league if you are going to be playing in the Champions League. You wonder how many could go now.

“Of course, they could still get there but there is no guarantee. I’m gutted for Rangers, it would have been great for them to win it. I just wonder about how it will affect their summer.”

The verdict: Time to stick together

Despite the European heartbreak in Seville, in a season whereby the Teddy Bears have seen a managerial change after Steven Gerrard left the club for Aston Villa, cup success against Hearts this weekend would represent a memorable campaign.

Whilst reports of interest in the likes of Ryan Kent have already begun to surface, Giovanni van Bronkhorst has already shown enough in his short spell at the helm to suggest that the hierarchy should give their full backing to the manager regardless of outgoings and allow the Dutchman to spend all incoming funds.

Having already obtained £16million from the sale of Nathan Patterson to Everton in January (Sky Sports), Rangers should be in a healthy position to hold out for maximum value should there be interest forthcoming as expected.

Furthermore, the Gers could still reach the Champions League group stages via the qualification rounds and strengthen the squad tenfold this summer as a result.

In other news, find out whose performance this RFC journalist slammed here!

Former Premier League referee Keith Hackett has now spotted a huge injustice for Everton before Jarrad Branthwaite was given a red card against Brentford.

The Lowdown: Damaging defeat for Everton

It was a damaging result for Frank Lampard’s team at Goodison Park as they fell to a 3-2 defeat, having eventually being reduced to nine men after Salomon Rondon was also sent off.

It means that they still need to get a win against either Crystal Palace or Arsenal in order to guarantee their place in the top flight for 2022/23.

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Richarlison had converted a penalty on the stroke of half-time to put the Toffees 2-1 ahead, but it appears that the Brazilian ought to already have had the chance to score from the spot before then.

The Latest: Should Everton have had a second penalty?

Replying to a fan on Twitter, Hackett has claimed that Everton should also have been given a penalty for the pulling of Richarlison’s shirt in the box just a few seconds before Branthwaite was sent off, at which point the Toffees were leading 1-0.

The former top-flight official insisted: “Yes it was. Richarlison having his shirt nearly wrapped off should have been penalised.”

The Verdict: Frustrating

It will be very frustrating for Everton to know that they perhaps should have had a penalty before Branthwaite’s red card, which would ultimately have cancelled out the sending off and given them a chance to go 2-0 up in the game inside 20 minutes.

In the end, the defender’s early dismissal cost them as the Toffees ended up losing, which could well be the difference between staying up and suffering relegation.

Nonetheless, Lampard and his team must now put this game behind them and focus on trying to get the three points against Palace, which would ultimately keep them up.

In other news, find out which Lampard favourite Everton are now eyeing on a free transfer this summer

Aston Villa will hold talks over the potential permanent signing of Philippe Coutinho at the end of the season, according to Fabrizio Romano. 

The lowdown

During the January transfer window, the Midlanders signed the 29-year-old from Barcelona on a half-season loan. They have the option to purchase the Brazilian for a fee of £33m, according to The Athletic’s Gregg Evans.

However, the player’s wages could present an issue, with Coutinho thought to be earning a whopping £480,000 per week under his Barcelona contract. That’s exactly four times the amount that Villa’s highest-paid player Danny Ings is thought to be taking home each week.

The 29-year-old will therefore have to agree to a considerable pay cut if he wishes to join the Midlands club in the long-term.

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The latest

Romano took to Twitter on Monday morning to share a quote from Villa manager Steven Gerrard, who upon being asked about the Brazilian’s future at the club, said: “We want Philippe Coutinho here for sure”.

The journalist added that Coutinho’s ‘transfer will be discussed at the end of the season with Barcelona and his agent’.

The verdict

The case against signing Coutinho permanently has actually grown stronger in recent weeks. He made a strong start following his move to Villa, notching seven goal contributions in his first eight matches.

However, he hasn’t scored or set up a goal in his seven appearances since, and against Burnley at the weekend, he failed to make the starting line-up for the first time since his impactful Villa debut as a substitute against Manchester United in January.

It remains to be seen whether Gerrard made that decision with one eye on Tuesday’s clash against Liverpool, but Coutinho’s future isn’t looking as clear-cut as it might have midway through March.

Even a 50% pay cut would put the Brazilian very much out on his own and distort the wage structure, so Villa have to think carefully before they commit to signing him outright.

In other news, this Villa man incurred the fury of some fans against Burnley

David Moyes is now fighting his old club Everton to sign James Tarkowski for West Ham United in the summer.

The Lowdown: Thelwell favourite

Kevin Thelwell is thought to be a big admirer of Tarkowski, after watching him in Burnley’s 1-0 win over Wolves in the Premier League earlier this season.

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He is out of contract at Turf Moor in the summer, and so can be signed as a free agent.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, this is leading to a big fight for his signature, with Moyes now joining Frank Lampard in pursuit of the colossal tough-tackling defender.

The Latest: Moyes fighting

As per Football Insider, a source from the Hammers has revealed that Moyes has now ‘signalled his intent’ to fight the Goodison Park faithful for Tarkowski, and he is seen as a ‘perfect Moyes player’.

The central defender has rejected a number of offers to extend his contract from the Clarets, and so is destined to leave on a free transfer with Everton and West Ham now set to battle it out.

The Verdict: Bargain

If the Merseyside club are able to land Tarkowski ahead of the Hammers, then they would certainly be getting a bargain for no initial transfer fee.

Once dubbed as ‘outstanding’ by his former manager Sean Dyche, he would clearly be an upgrade on who they already have, as he wins more aerial duels and averages more clearances and blocks per match than all of Ben Godfrey, Mason Holgate and Michael Keane in the top flight (WhoScored).

Nonetheless, providing that they can stay up, Tarkowski offers the added Premier League experience and know-how that the Toffees would not be able to get by buying abroad.

In other news, find out which Blues trio could now move to Tottenham Hotspur this summer here!