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Newcastle United chief Dan Ashworth is now officially in his first summer transfer window as the club’s sporting director.

The Magpies supremo has already signed Matt Targett on a permanent deal after the left-back’s loan spell at St. James’ Park last season and he will now be looking to add fresh faces to Eddie Howe’s team.

One attacker linked with a switch to Tyneside is Leipzig talent Christopher Nkunku, who is also catching the attention of PSG, Manchester United and AC Milan and is reportedly valued at €75m (£64m).

Their own Lucas Paqueta

By bringing Nkunku to St. James’ Park, Newcastle can land their own version of Lyon dynamo Lucas Paqueta – with a deal for the Ligue 1 gem seemingly off the cards.

Journalist Jacque Talbot claimed, earlier this month, that a deal for the Brazilian midfielder is “unlikely” due to his potential price and the Toon should now turn their attentions to the Leipzig star as his statistics show that he is worth paying a big fee for.

In the 2021/22 campaign, Paqueta managed nine goals and six assists in 35 Ligue 1 games for Lyon as he averaged a SofaScore rating of 7.13. This is an impressive return and one that makes him look like an excellent signing for the Magpies on paper, given that no Newcastle player hit those figures in the Premier League.

Nkunku, meanwhile, registered an outstanding 20 goals and 13 assists in the Bundesliga for Leipzig, averaging a rating of 7.59. This shows that he performed to a higher standard than Bruno Guimaraes’ former teammates in terms goals, assists, and all-round displays.

FB Ref lists them as similar players based on their statistics over the last 365 days, although the stats suggest that the Frenchman has the edge.

Both of them are capable of playing in a multitude of attacking roles and are players Howe could use in a variety of ways but Nkunku is more of a threat in the final third based on his form from the season just gone.

He was once dubbed “glorious” by journalist Andrew Dickson and former Leipzig boss Jesse Marsch previously heaped praise on the gem, saying: “Christopher has no weaknesses. He is young and still wants a lot more. Working with him is a lot of fun as he is really intelligent and has a lot of potential.”

These comments suggest that Nkunku, who turns 25 in November, also has scope to improve further and improve in the future. This means that he would be an excellent signing for the club in the short and long-term.

Therefore, the Magpies must snap up a deal for the Frenchman as he would be a dream alternative to Paqueta and be Howe’s own version of the Brazilian, given that they are both versatile, 24-year-old, attackers who can make a big impact in the final third.

AND in other news, Ashworth now preparing Newcastle bid to sign £21m sensation, he’s Luis Diaz 2.0…

Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus has revealed that his future with the Premier League champions could be decided as early as next week as he considers the next stage of his career.

The Lowdown: Jesus linked with Arsenal

The Brazilian arrived at the Etihad Stadium in a £27m move from Palmeiras in 2016 and he has since gone on to make 236 appearances for the Sky Blues during his time in Manchester so far.

With just over 12 months remaining on his contract, a decision may need to be made this summer as to whether the 25-year-old will remain with City or move elsewhere.

It has recently been reported that top-flight rivals Arsenal are close to agreeing a deal with the forward as they look to replace the departing Alexandre Lacazette, but the Brazil international has now delivered a teasing update on his current situation.

The Latest: Jesus addresses his future

When speaking to reporters following Brazil’s recent 5-1 victory over South Korea (as quoted by Manchester Evening News), Jesus admitted that he is currently reviewing his options and is set to make a final decision on his future soon.

He said: “I’m looking to see what’s best for me and above all, for my career. From Tuesday, we’ll see what is the best.”

The Verdict: Time to move on?

When he initially joined City, the Sao Paulo native unsurprisingly found himself below Sergio Aguero in Pep Guardiola’s pecking order. However, following the Argentine’s departure last year, the 55-cap Brazil international has played a more integral role in leading the attacking line.

This season, the £91k-per-week starlet scored 13 goals and registered 12 assists across all competitions for the English champions (as per Transfermarkt) and was handed 21 top-flight starts, showing that he isn’t just a bit-part player to be used as a substitute and can do an effective job when given the opportunity.

However, with the signing of Borussia Dortmund beast Erling Haaland now confirmed, Jesus is likely to be resigned to a place on the bench next season and could struggle to get as much game-time as he enjoyed in 2021/22. Therefore, he may feel that this summer is the right time for him to leave City and start afresh in a new chapter elsewhere – maybe with the Gunners.

In other news… the Sky Blues are reportedly readying a bid for one of their long-term transfer targets

Wolverhampton Wanderers have received a boost in their pursuit of Stade de Reims striker Hugo Ekitike, with the teenager set to be allowed to leave the Ligue 1 side.

What’s the word?

As per Chronicle Live, the French outfit have named their price for the young starlet, amid interest from the Molineux outfit and others, with the 19-year-old reportedly having been told he can move on this summer.

Speaking in an interview about the Frenchman’s situation, as included in the report, club president Jean-Pierre Caillot stated that it will cost a minimum of €20m (£17m), plus bonuses, for any suitor to be successful in their bid: “The amount should be more than €20million. Afterwards, you have to know how to be reasonable.”

Wolves have previously been tipped to sign the breakout star, while fellow Premier League side Newcastle United saw a deal collapse in January after the player opted against a winter departure.

Raul heir

Securing a new striking addition has become something of a priority for Bruno Lage and co, with current leading man Raul Jimenez having endured a frustrating campaign last time out, netting just six top-flight goals all season for the Old Gold.

The once prolific Mexican – who netted 30 goals in his first two Premier League campaigns combined – has perhaps understandably suffered a drop in form having only returned from a serious head injury at the end of the 2020/21 campaign.

The 31-year-old suffered a fractured skull following a brutal collision with Arsenal’s David Luiz in November 2020, the resulting injury ruling him out of both training and competitive action for over six months, such was the severity of the issue.

To his credit, the former Benfica man has bravely returned to action, although the time has perhaps come for someone else to shoulder the attacking burden, particularly with young Fabio Silva – who joined from Porto on a £35.6m deal in 2020 – having failed to make a telling impact, netting just four goals across all competitions for the club thus far.

Not that either Jimenez nor Silva must necessarily be dispensed with, but adding additional firepower in the form of Ekitike could solve Lage’s goalscoring woes, the Midlands outfit having netted just 38 goals in 38 league games in the 2021/21 season.

The man who has been tipped to be the “next Mbappe” by journalist Graeme Bailey netted ten league goals himself in a breakthrough campaign at his current side, with that electric form also seeing him dubbed “frightening” by the French media.

The subject of praise throughout Europe, the youngster has also been described as a “very special” prospect by Reims coach Oscar Garcia, with all the indications illustrating that he is a player destined to reach incredible heights in the game.

As for Wolves, the potential target also offers something different to the aforementioned Jimenez, with his speed and dribbling prowess allowing him to pose a threat on the counter and get in behind the opposition, as he ranks in the top 3% for dribbles completed and the top 16% for progressive carries among forwards across Europes five big leagues.

In truth, while Jimenez has for a long time been the main man at Molineux, in Ekitike, Lage could well have found the figurehead for the future.

IN other news, “Soon…”: Fabrizio Romano drops big transfer update, Wolves supporters will be gutted

Wolverhampton Wanderers have submitted an offer to a potentially game-changing player next season.

What’s the word?

In what is an internal move, that offer is for Morgan Gibbs-White in the form of a new contract that will hopefully seal his fate as a Wolves regular next season, amidst interest from new Serie A Champions, AC Milan.

As per a report from The Athletic’s Tim Spiers, the Molineux side want to reward the 22-year-old for his excellent season with Sheffield United, with boss Bruno Lage said to believe he can make an impact in the Premier League.

Though, the same report states that the player may need convincing that a return to Wolves is the right move, after enjoying a successful pre-season with Wolves only to be sent out on loan again just last year.

Taking to Twitter, the Wolves reporter commented: “Wolves want Morgan Gibbs-White to play a big role next season and are believed to have offered him a new contract to help convince him to stay. Decision now rests with the player.”

Supporters will be buzzing

Lage’s intent to keep Gibbs-White is promising for the club and its supporters, who are looking at the potential of a summer rebuild square in the face.

The Staffordshire-born starlet finished the campaign with 12 goals and ten assists in 37 Championship games for Sheffield United, helping them to the Championship lay-off semi-final and lighting up England’s second-tier in the process.

His form has not gone unnoticed and, quite frankly, cannot be ignored. Especially when you compare his impact in the Championship to Lage’s squad.

Gibbs-White’s six – whilst the 22-year-old would also rank as the Old Gold’s top assister at the club, with his four.

Perhaps the biggest problem that the starlet can solve for Lage is the number of chances created.

Whilst a slight system tweak to a 3-5-2 at the end of the campaign definitely helped, the Old Gold finished the season as the fourth-worst team for opportunities created, with just 41 across the entire season.

Gibbs-White, alone, registered 16 big chances created in a metric that placed him at the very top of the Blades squad. Daniel Podence finished as Wolves’ best big chance provider with seven.

There is a massive need for a player like Gibbs-White at Wolves, so it is no surprise that Lage has made his intentions clear on the player.

In other news: Wolves now closing in on the signing of “impressive” £10m colossus, he’s the future…

Manchester City could sign AS Monaco sensation Aurélien Tchouaméni this summer as manager Pep Guardiola sets his sights on an heir to Fernandinho, according to reports out of Spain.

The Lowdown: Sky Blues set for summer charge…

The Premier League champions, having retained their top flight crown in the most dramatic way possible, have now set their sights on the summer transfer window.

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Three goals in an incredible five minutes on the final day of 2021/2022 gifted City a 3-2 victory over Aston Villa and their fourth title in five seasons under Guardiola, an afternoon which will live long in the memory of all supporters.

However, despite the emotion and joyous title celebrations which have followed since, the club must bid goodbye to faithful servant and legend Fernandinho after his near-decade long stay at Eastlands.

The Brazilian will leave Manchester upon the expiry of his contract in June as sporting director Txiki Begiristain is tasked with finding a suitable replacement.

Leeds United star Kalvin Phillips and Barcelona ace Frenkie de Jong are among the names to have been linked as Guardiola sets his sights on a rotational partner for Rodri in front of City’s back four.

The Latest: City could join Tchouaméni race…

According to reports out of Spain, City could now join the race to sign Monaco starlet Tchouaméni alongside the likes of Liverpool, Chelsea and Real Madrid.

The Blues, alongside Ligue 1 giants Paris-Saint Germain, ‘closely follow’ the 22-year-old and their ‘appearance’ in the ‘long-distance race’ to sign him ‘is not ruled out’.

However. it is believed Tchouameni won’t leave for less than €80 million (£68m).

The Verdict: Make a move…

We believe Guardiola and Begiristain should certainly make a move for the exciting midfielder who already has eight international caps in a competitive France side.

France Under-21 boss Sylvain Ripoll has labelled Tchouaméni a ‘monster’ with the player’s statistics certainly going some way to explain why.

He finished last season as Monaco’s best-performing player by average match rating (7.32/10) whilst making more interceptions per 90 than any of his teammates and winning the most Man of the Match awards (WhoScored).

Another reason to move is the distinct possibility Tchouameni leaves this summer with his manager Philippe Clement admitting just last Monday that there is a ‘chance’ he leaves Monaco (L’Equipe via GFFN).

Clement went on to suggest that they are already preparing for his departure amid plenty of interest from the continent.

City would be remiss if they didn’t try and take full advantage to back Guardiola with his signing.

In other news: The Times: Man City weighing bid for ‘special’ star called ‘one of the best’ in world football…find out more here.

Crystal Palace are reportedly interested in signing Rangers’ Nigerian midfielder Joe Aribo.

What’s the word?

That is according to a report from talkSPORT’s Alex Crook, who claims the Eagles have identified the 25-year-old as a potential replacement for Conor Gallagher in his latest column.

Crook claims that Palace boss Vieira is a big admirer of Aribo, with the player fitting the Eagles’ policy of recruiting up-and-coming young players.

As per the report, it is also said that Vieira rates the 25-year-old’s versatility and believes he would be a huge asset.

Imagine him and Zaha

After witnessing his impressive performance for Rangers on the big stage that is the Europa League Final, Palace fans will surely be ecstatic at Vieira’s reported admiration for the versatile Nigeria international.

With his six assists in the Scottish Premiership, the Palace faithful will surely be pondering the prospect of what could be a fruitful partnership between Zaha and Aribo.

Despite his emphatic return of 13 goals and one assist in 32 Premier League appearances, Zaha has not been afforded too many direct opportunities, having only missed four big chances all season.

His average passes received total of 66.7% is low considering his position and talismanic presence in the Palace set-up, so in what is a scary admission – Zaha could easily surpass his 13 league goals with the arrival of a selfless and versatile player like Aribo.

The Nigerian brings composure, creativity and defensive stability for Rangers, and can do the same for Vieira’s side, with his average of 8.80 passes under pressure, 0.49 goal-creating actions and 3.42 tackles and interceptions per 90 emphasising his well-roundedness.

As per FotMob, Aribo is listed as a player who is capable of occupying six positions on the pitch, essentially able to play anywhere across the attack or midfield.

You can understand exactly why Vieira is eyeing a move for the £9m-rated star who is capable of a “tangfastic” goal. This would be a perfect signing for Palace, particularly in the wake of Gallagher’s uncertain future at Selhurst Park.

In other news: Crystal Palace to bid farewell to £3m “natural leader”, Vieira surely gutted

Manchester United have initiated contact with Barcelona over a move for midfielder Frenkie de Jong, according to Spanish newspaper Sport (via Sport Witness). 

The lowdown: Ten Hag eyes De Jong reunion

Following the appointment of Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford, the Red Devils have been strongly linked with a move for multiple players who worked under the 52-year-old at Ajax.

Having made the move from Willem II to the Eredivisie giants in 2015, De Jong made the grade in Amsterdam before going on to play 59 times under the tutelage of the new United manager.

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There could now be a reunion in Manchester as Ten Hag attempts to recreate the spirit of his talented Ajax team which reached the Champions League semi-finals in 2018/19.

The latest: Contact made with Barcelona

As per Sport, translated by Sport Witness, United have ‘already spoken’ with Barcelona regarding a potential summer deal for De Jond.

French giants Paris Saint-Germain and local rivals Manchester City have also both been credited with an interest in the 40-cap Netherlands international, although it’s suggested that the latter would look to use a makeweight as part of any deal.

However, it is made clear that the Camp Nou outfit would be looking for a fee in the region of €100m (£85m) without the inclusion of players for the man hailed as ‘uniqe’ by Dutch legend Ronald de Boer owing to his versatility and start to life in Catalonia.

The verdict: Backing the boss

As United prepare to embark on yet another new dawn under their next manager, it’s pivotal that the hierarchy gives Ten Hag the tools in which to best complete the job at hand, which at present appears to be a seismic rebuild.

So far this season, De Jong has scored four times and provided four assists in 46 appearances for Barcelona, enjoying an impressive campaign whilst earning a 7.08 Sofascore rating. He has averaged 1.1 tackles, 46.6 accurate passes and 0.5 shots per game, illustrating that he is a well-rounded midfield operator.

Despite the lofty mooted price tag, backing Ten Hag early with the capture of his compatriot – who shares a stylistic likeness with Manchester City’s Ilkay Gundogan and Real Madrid’s Luka Modric  according to FBRef – would be a strong statement and much-needed of intent from the Old Trafford hierarchy.

In other news: Man Utd now eyeing move for ‘absolutely lethal’ Bundesliga star. Read more here

Journalist Pete O’Rourke has been discussing the possibility of Everton making a move for Burnley defender James Tarkowski at the end of the season. 

The lowdown: Tarkowski a wanted man

The 29-year-old is out of contract this summer (Transfermarkt), and both Newcastle United and West Ham have previously been heavily linked with the centre-back.

The interest is expected to be ramped up as Tarkowski appears ready to leave Turf Moor as a free agent regardless of the Clarets’ league status for 2022/23.

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Off the back of that, the Toffees have been encouraged to make their move…

The latest: ‘Perfect fit’ for Everton

Speaking to GiveMeSport, O’Rourke suggested that the powerful centre-back would be a superb capture for Frank Lampard.

He claimed: “For Everton right now, they probably need somebody with a bit of leadership in that backline, someone who can dominate as well and put their head on the line and put it into dangerous areas to clear things.

“So I think Tarkowski would be the perfect fit for them because they do obviously need some defensive reinforcements in the summer considering their defensive record this season. They’ve conceded so many goals, so I think Tarkowski would be a perfect signing for Frank Lampard’s side.”

The verdict: No brainer

Signing the £19.8m-valued 29-year-old for free would be a superb way to kick off what is a pivotal summer transfer window for the Goodison Park hierarchy following years of ill-advised spending under Farhad Moshiri.

Boasting 192 Premier League appearances, Tarkowski is a proven operator at the elite level and has continued to impress despite the struggles overall at Burnley this season. So far, the twice-capped England international has earned an impressive 7.17 Sofascore rating whilst making 5.3 clearances, 1.5 interceptions and 1.8 tackles per game.

That form and the experience of the player once hailed as ‘absolutely top drawer’ by Sean Dyche, combined with a need to bolster the Blues’ defensive options given their poor concession rate this term, would make the Mancunian tank an ideal prospective signing for Everton this summer.

In other news, find out what ‘serious upgrade’ Everton are now eyeing

Noel Whelan has now given his reaction to some ‘huge’ Glasgow Rangers news that has emerged from the BBC.

The Lowdown: £60m incoming?

As per BBC Sport, Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s team will bank at least £60m if they beat Eintracht Frankfurt in the UEFA Europa League final in Seville.

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The majority of that will come from guaranteeing qualification to the Champions League group stages next season, should they win the game.

The Latest: Whelan reacts

Speaking to Football Insider, former BBC pundit Whelan has claimed that banking that kind of money is ‘huge’ for the club, adding that winning the Europa League would be a ‘massive achievement’:

“It’s huge. It could be a fantastic season for Scottish football. Celtic winning the league in a proper title race – they’re back to their best.

“But also Rangers potentially winning the Europa League – you couldn’t write it, it would be a massive achievement.

“£60million coming into Rangers – that would really boost the finances after Covid and ensure they can keep all their best talent.

“It’s also Champions League football. That opens the door for both clubs to go out there and try to tempt the best players to Scotland once again. There’s that attraction again.”

The Verdict: Big boost

Of course, not only would winning the final be big for the Teddy Bears in terms of their incredibly decorated history, but it would also give them a big financial boost ahead of the summer.

It would allow them to shop in a different kind of market, knowing that they can pay a premium for some of their targets, and thus allow them to strengthen significantly ahead of another title push and run in Europe.

The Light Blues also have a number of first-team players out of contract this summer, and so the extra money would also help renew these for next season.

Nonetheless, they have done very well to get all the way to the final, and it would be great for Scottish football as a whole if they win it.

In other news, find out who Connor Goldson’s potential replacement could be here!

West Ham United arguably face one of the most important games in the club’s history on Thursday evening, as David Moyes’ side take on Bundesliga outfit Eintracht Frankfurt in a pivotal, Europa League semi-final showdown.

The Hammers head into that second leg in Germany trailing their opponents on aggregate, having succumbed to a 2-1 defeat on home soil last week, ensuring they have plenty to do to reach the dangling carrot that is the showpiece.

The east Londoners return to action having suffered another 2-1 loss at the hands of Mikel Arteta’s, top-four chasing Arsenal side on Sunday, albeit with that clash having seen Moyes shuffle his pack in preparation for this upcoming crunch meeting.

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One man who was dropped to the bench at the London Stadium at the weekend was Tomas Soucek, although following that well-earned rest, the Czech international should surely be thrust back into the action by his manager.

Although club captain Mark Noble far from discredited himself in midfield on what was a rare league start – the 34-year-old recording an impressive 7.1 match rating according to SofaScore – the Englishman seemingly lacks the unique attributes that make his towering teammate such a force of nature in the centre of the park.

Dubbed “like the terminator” by pundit Jamie Redknapp for his brutal and committed approach, the 6 foot 4 giant is a commanding presence alongside talisman Declan Rice, with the duo having formed a simply telepathic relationship since the 27-year-old’s arrival back in January 2020.

Initially plucked on a loan deal – before being snapped permanently for £15m – the £47k-per-week brute has been a vital part of the club’s rise in recent seasons, proving his worth in both boxes with his aerial presence and never-say-die attitude.

Having bagged ten Premier League goals in his first full campaign in English football last term, the £40.5m-rated gem has added a further five top-flight goals this season, while also boasting an outstanding defensive record to boot.

The former Slavia Prague man ranks fifth in the league for aerial duels won (125), while he’s also averaged 1.5 interceptions, 1.9 tackles and 2.7 clearances per game, showcasing his willingness to do the dirty work in front of the back four.

No slouch at the other end of the pitch, however, he also ranks in the top 9% among players in his position in Europe’s top five leagues for touches in the attacking penalty area, proving himself a real weapon in the final third.

In a game of such great importance, Moyes needs a man who is not afraid to put his body on the line for the cause, but can also offer a real threat in attack when needed, particularly at set-pieces.

The former Everton boss simply must throw Soucek back into the fray; he could well terrify Frankfurt.

IN other news, Forget Rice: Moyes now set for West Ham disaster on “remarkable” £125k-p/w giant