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Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers was rocked by the exit of one of his star players earlier this month as Portuguese winger Jota completed a move away from Parkhead.

The 24-year-old phenomenon opted to join Saudi Arabian side Al Ittihad, where he will play alongside French internationals Karim Benzema and N'Golo Kanta, in a deal reportedly worth £25m.

However, the Hoops will not see all of that fee as Benfica, who sold him to the Scottish giants last summer, are due to receive £7.5m from their 30% sell-on clause.

£17.5m is still a hefty profit on the £6.5m they paid to sign the exciting winger on a permanent basis in 2022 and it could provide Rodgers with the funds he needs to find a replacement.

Who could replace Jota at Celtic?

The Northern Irish tactician could find Jota's heir by securing a deal to sign Yang Hyun-jun from South Korean side Gangwon FC this summer.

Football Scotland reported earlier this month that the club have agreed to a £2.1m deal to sign the young winger but the K League 1 outfit are pushing to keep their prized asset until January as they battle against relegation to the second tier.

Celtic must now push to bring him in immediately as the potential is there for him to be an exciting replacement for Jota heading into the 2023/24 Scottish Premiership campaign.

Yang's form for Gangwon in 2022 suggests that he could be an excellent addition for Rodgers as the 21-year-old magician impressed in spite of his team's average season.

The South Korean side scored 47 goals in 33 league matches and lost more games (14) than they won (13).

During that time, the South Korea U23 international plundered eight goals – 17% of the club's total – and created six 'big chances' for his teammates, which was rewarded with five assists.

The talented youngster, who was described as "highly creative" by FC Twente philosopher and analyst Joost van der Leij, was able to showcase his attacking quality as a scorer and creator without playing in a successful team.

Now, imagine what he could do as part of a dominant Celtic squad that scored 114 goals and won 32 of their 38 Premiership matches last season. 17% of that goal tally would work out as 19 strikes, which highlights the difference playing in a more productive outfit can make for an attacker.

Jota proved himself to be a consistent performer out wide as he scored 11 goals and provided 11 assists in 26 league starts for the Hoops, with only Kyogo Furuhashi (27) able to boast a better goal return for the club.

Yang, who is three years younger than the Portuguese ace, may not have reached those impressive numbers at the top end of the pitch in his career so far but his form for a struggling Gangwon side in 2022 indicates that he could thrive if given the opportunity to line up as part of a lethal Celtic attack next season.

Therefore, Rodgers could unearth a dream replacement for Jota by getting a deal over the line for the South Korean whiz and helping him to adjust to playing in a thriving team, which could – in turn – improve his output in the final third.

Manchester United have had a £39m offer for Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana rejected, however, a deal remains on, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Are Man United signing Onana?

The Red Devils officially confirmed the signing of Mason Mount on Wednesday, with the 24-year-old completing a move from Chelsea.

Mount will wear the famous number seven shirt at Old Trafford and has signed a contract through to 2028 with the option of a further year. He becomes Erik ten Hag‘s first major addition of the summer, and it looks as of attention is now on bringing in a new goalkeeper.

Onana appears to be the top target, with personal terms already agreed between the Cameroon international and United. Like Mount, though, agreeing on a transfer fee appears to be proving a stumbling block, with the Serie A side wanting around €60m for the shot-stopper.

The Red Devils have made a bid below that figure, though, as they look to strike a deal. On Wednesday, Romano took to Twitter to share Man United’s proposal of a £39m deal, with the player keen to make the move to Old Trafford.

“Understand Manchester United have presented in the morning their verbal proposal for André Onana: £39m total package — add ons included. The bid will be official soon.”

“Inter expect €60m fee for Onana, add ons included. No agreement at this stage. Onana, keen on move.”

Romano added later in the day that a bid has been rejected, but said a deal is still "absolutely on"…

“Negotiations between Man United and Inter continue for André Onana — after £34m bid plus £5m in add-ons rejected. Deal absolutely on.”

Has David de Gea left Man United?

A new goalkeeper is required at Old Trafford after David de Gea’s contract expired at the end of June. The Spaniard is currently a free agent, and his future remains up in the air. Therefore, at this moment in time, United have just Dean Henderson and Tom Heaton as senior options, with the former of the two wanted by Nottingham Forest on a permanent basis.

As a result, you can see why someone like Onana, hailed as a "superstar" by members of the media, is of interest at Old Trafford. The ‘keeper made 145 appearances under Ten Hag at Ajax, where the Dutchman labelled him a “masterful goalkeeper” last year before both manager and player moved on to United and Inter respectively.

“Obviously he’s not yet back at his level from before the suspension. But that can’t be expected from him. He has to work hard to get there again and I’m convinced that he’ll succeed. We’ve all seen that he is a masterful goalkeeper.”

You’d expect that Onana could become first choice once again under Ten Hag, should a move go through, but if Henderson leaves and De Gea also finds a new club, another goalkeeper could be required.

Bayern Munich’s Yann Sommer has been linked with a move to Manchester alongside Onana, so it could be a busy few weeks in the market for Ten Hag and the club’s recruitment staff.

Liverpool transfer target Dominik Szoboszlai now looks likely to join after the reliable Paul Joyce put his stamp of approval on the links.

Are Liverpool signing Szoboszlai?

The Merseysiders are clearly working hard on improving their midfield ahead of next season, with Alexis Mac Allister an early-summer arrival from Brighton. That has to just be the start of their summer business, however, with a big overhaul required in the middle of the park, following a host of issues there in 2022/23.

In recent days, Szoboszlai has emerged as a strong transfer target for Liverpool, having shone for RB Leipzig last term, scoring six goals and chipping in with eight assists in the Bundesliga.

The 22-year-old is arguably seen as one of Europe's most exciting attacking midfielders, and the Reds are unlikely to have an easy path to his signature – Newcastle were also believed to be in the mix, as they continue to go from strength to strength as a club.

What's the latest news on Szoboszlai to Liverpool?

Speaking to The Anfield Wrap, Bundesliga reporter Guido Schafer claimed that Szoboszlai would prefer to join Liverpool over Newcastle if push came to shove, despite the latter being in next season's Champions League and former having to settle for Europa League football:

"For me it is very true that Szoboszlai wants to go to Liverpool. If Szoboszlai can choose between Champions League with Newcastle and Europa League with Jurgen Klopp, he will choose Klopp and the Europa League, that's for sure."

David Ornstein then reported the Reds are pushing ahead while the Magpies are dropping out, and then the one all fans wanted to hear from Joyce in ten simple words:

The 32-cap Hungary international looks like someone who can help add a new dimension to an ailing midfield which has so often lacked youthful exuberance and end product in recent years.

His end product from the middle of the park is highlighted by his aforementioned goal and assist tally for Leipzig last season, and he has an overall total of 20 and 22 for the club respectively, in 91 appearances, which is an impressive and most importantly consistent return.

Szoboszlai has been hailed as the "future icon of Hungarian football" by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, as well as "something special", and he could slot seamlessly into one of the No.8 roles in Liverpool's midfield, with Mac Allister on the other side.

Chelsea are expected to sign two new midfielders this summer, one of whom will be Moises Caicedo, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

What is the latest Chelsea transfer news?

The Blues are currently focusing on outgoings this summer, but will likely soon dip into the market themselves as they offer new boss Mauricio Pochettino a chance to sculpt his squad.

Having already been busy in the market, with plenty of players still to leave Stamford Bridge, predicting what Chelsea's starting XI will look like next season is nothing short of impossible.

Chelsea have already signed RB Leipzig sensation Christopher Nkunku, albeit a deal was agreed long ago for the Frenchman, and are nearing the completion of a deal for Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo.

However, speaking on his Here We Go podcast, Fabrizio Romano has suggested that the Blues want two midfielders in the window, one of whom will be Brighton's Ecuadorian.

"Caicedo is the priority now, of cousre," said the Italian. "As you mentioned, at Chelsea, again, they feel in control for Caicedo. So, first step has to be Caicedo."

"They wanted [Manuel] Ugarte and Caicedo, not only Ugarte or Caicedo. And this is a message, it's like, okay, there is a chance for Chelsea to go for a second midfielder."

He added: "So, I'm sure that Chelsea will consider opportunities for one more midfielder, in case they find something smart. From my understanding, if they sign a second midfielder, this could be something that could be a player that could be a versatile midfielder, who can help also in different positions."

Chelsea were strongly linked with Manuel Ugarte, who has since joined Paris Saint-Germain, with Romano citing Pochettino as a key reason for the Blues not submitting a "crazy" proposal for the Uruguayan, despite his fondness for the midfielder.

Given that N'Golo Kante has left Chelsea, with Mason Mount, Mateo Kovacic, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Conor Gallagher expected to follow, top-quality reinforcements are required at Stamford Bridge.

Who are Chelsea linked with?

With the Caicedo deal seemingly in the bag, Chelsea will need to turn their attention to other midfield targets.

One of said targets could be Valencia's Yunus Musah, who has reportedly been looked at by the Blues' recruitment team. Chelsea and Arsenal have apparently scouted the player since January, but no concrete negotiations have taken place.

The 24-cap United States international impressed at the 2022 World Cup at just 20-years-old, showcasing the potential he possesses.

Making 37 appearances for Valencia last season, Musah certainly fits the bill of versatile midfielder. He featured, albeit infrequently, as an attacking midfielder, right-winger and left-sided midfielder last term.

Newcastle United have already moved to put an offer in to free agent Adrien Rabiot, according to a report from Corriere dello Sport, via Sport Witness, as the Toon look to bring the France star to the Premier League.

Are Newcastle signing Adrien Rabiot?

The midfielder currently plays for Juventus in Italy and has once more been a regular for the club in the 2022/23 season. Whilst the Turin side have struggled in Serie A and finished only seventh in the standings due to points deductions, Rabiot had the best campaign of his career for the club.

He bagged a total of eight goals and four assists in 32 games for the side. Despite playing a similar amount of matches for Juve over the last four seasons, he has never produced as many goal contributions for them in the league – he never hit double digits during his time in France with PSG either.

His non-penalty goal rate of 0.25 per 90 minutes placed him within the top 4% of midfielders across the Men's 'Top Five' big leagues in Europe in that stat. It means that Rabiot has been one of the most clinical options in his position over the last year and showcases his ability to get forward into advanced positions and find the back of the net for his team from the centre of the field.

However, he could be available on a free deal this summer, with Juventus yet to agree fresh terms with the Frenchman and his contract expiring now that the season has come to a close.

And according to a report from Corriere dello Sport, via Sport Witness, the Toon have already tabled an offer to try and bring the player to England. That deal is believed to be worth around 5 million Euros per season (or £4.2m per season). It is perhaps just a tester offer though, as It's less than what he is currently earning in Italy (that figure is around £5.9m).

How much is Rabiot worth?

With the player available on a free transfer Newcastle could be getting a real bargain with Rabiot. CIES Football Observatory suggest that his value is currently around 50 million Euros (or £42.6m). To sign a player who could potentially be worth that amount for nothing, it would be a real coup for the Toon.

When you consider some of the praise he has received too, it makes the proposition of a potential transfer to Newcastle even more exciting for the club's fans. Former player Rio Ferdinand for example stated that the midfielder is "seriously talented" and is "brilliant at carrying the ball". Not only that but Rabiot also has Champions League experience from his days with both PSG and Juventus – and that could be invaluable for Newcastle heading into the next season.

West Ham's season may only have finished a week ago with victory in the Europa Conference League final, but already preparations are in full swing for the 2023-24 campaign.

It may well be that the Hammers strengthen in every position in the summer window as they look to get their squad ready for another season of European football, while at the same time improving on last term's disappointing 14th-place finish in the Premier League.

In terms of central-defensive targets, links with Manchester United's Harry Maguire refuse to go away, but it may well be that West Ham have found an alternative in the same price bracket.

West Ham were first linked with Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie last month, although they may have to pay in the region of £50m if they are to sign him this summer.

Where would Piero Hincapie fit in at West Ham United?

Hincapie is also said to be on the radar of Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United and other Premier League clubs after a couple of impressive seasons in the Bundesliga.

The Ecuador international played 30 times for Leverkusen last season and showed his versatility by also filling in at left-back on ten occasions, as per WhoScored.

Leverkusen had one of the better defensive records in the German top flight last season, and Hincapie played a part in that with 0.73 shots blocked per 90 minutes, as per FBref, which was behind only Daley Sinkgraven (2.11) among his team-mates.

While Hincapie more than holds his own in terms of purely defensive statistics, ranked as he is in the top 10% among his positional peers across Europe's top five leagues for tackles per 90 minutes (2.32), he also catches the eye with his attacking play.

Indeed, with an average of 1.85 progressive carries – defined as moving the ball forward at least ten yards – the 21-year-old is among the top 3% compared to other centre-backs across the continent.

West Ham could do with that type of player in the heart of their defence, or indeed at full-back if required, with the impressive Nayef Aguerd appearing the best bet to partner him going forward should he arrive.

Hincapie completed 54.2 passes per 90 minutes on average last season, which compares to 37.4 for West Ham's highest-ranked defender – Thilo Kehrer – while also winning 2.16 aerial duels per 90 minutes to put him in a similar bracket to Angelo Ogbonna (2.55).

What should get West Ham fans particularly excited is that Hincapie averaged 43 carries per 90 minutes in the Bundesliga last time out. To put that in perspective, no United player in any position could top that last term, with Manuel Lanzini performing best with 41.4 while the aforementioned Aguerd registered the most of any centre-back (29.5).

As such, it could well be that Moyes and co are unable to unearth one of the most progressive defensive passing networks in the entire division.

The Ecuadorian's talent has been clear to see from an early age, as pointed out by football talent scout Jacek Kulig in 2021 when describing Hincapie as a "future legend" due to his promising displays at international level at such a young age.

If West Ham are willing to pay the price, they will have a player on their hands who can stand up to the test defensively and also bring something a little different to their back-line in an exciting period for the club.

Tottenham Hotspur are edging closer to completing their first summer signing under Ange Postecogou in the form of Brentford goalkeeper David Raya, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

What's the latest transfer news involving David Raya?

As per Sky Sports, personal terms are not expected to be an issue for Raya as Tottenham look to find a new goalkeeper to replace veteran star Hugo Lloris.

Brentford value the Spain international at around £40 million; however, Spurs are reluctant to shell out such a fee given that he is out-of-contract at the Gtech Community Stadium in 2024.

The Telegraph understand that Manchester United are also in the hunt to sign Raya to compete with or replace David De Gea, though Tottenham are believed to be in 'pole position' to sign the 27-year-old.

Postecoglou is keen to add another figure between the sticks to the ranks and it is believed to be 'one of the most pressing priorities' for the Australian manager in N17.

talkSPORT understand that Raya is open to moving to Spurs and the Lilywhites are trying to convince Brentford to lower their price to sell one of their prize assets.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Romano has indicated that Tottenham are moving closer to signing Raya this summer in north London.

Romano said: "The agreement on personal terms with David Raya is almost done. They are negotiating with Brentford, so I think Tottenham have a good chance of finding a way.

"They will not pay £40million, so the price has to change. But I'm sure the conversation will take place soon."

Would David Raya be a good signing for Tottenham Hotspur?

Raya has established himself as a very competent Premier League goalkeeper who has garnered interest in his services due to his composure on the ball and safe handling.

In 2022/23, the 27-year-old made 39 appearances in all competitions for Brentford and managed to keep 12 clean sheets, as per Transfermarkt.

Raya also appeared in WhoScored's top five most-consistent performers for Brentford for his exploits during the campaign, gaining an average match rating of 6.97/10 in the English top flight.

FBRef show that Raya recorded a 77.7% save percentage rate across the season, proving to be a reliable presence between the sticks for his current employers.

Tottenham need a new goalkeeper as they look to refresh their squad under Postecoglou ahead of next term and Raya would be a sensible signing that would excite the Lilywhites' faithful.

Aston Villa are interested in signing Leeds United midfielder Tyler Adams in the summer transfer window, according to reliable journalist Phil Hay.

Is Adams leaving Leeds this summer?

The Whites had a bitterly disappointing 2022/23 season, suffering relegation from the Premier League and eventually getting through three different managers – Jesse Marsch, Javi Gracia and Sam Allardyce.

For that reason, Leeds now face a summer exodus, with a number of their most important players unlikely to be wanting to play Championship football next term.

Someone who is an undoubted key man for them is Adams, who was a big miss through injury during the latter part of the campaign and will surely move on in the summer. It could be either a permanent or loan exit for the £57,000-a-week American, but either way, it would be a big surprise if he was at Elland Road in August.

With Villa no doubt on the lookout for some significant transfer business once the summer window opens, it looks as though they could be eyeing up the Leeds hero.

Could Villa make a move for Adams?

Writing on Twitter, The Athletic's Hay claimed that the Villans are showing an interest in signing Adams before the start of the new season, although they aren't alone:

"Forest one of the clubs sniffing around Tyler Adams. Aston Villa having a look too."

Adams could be a fantastic option for Villa to bring in during the summer, and he could potentially jump at the chance to play in Europe next season, which someone like Nottingham Forest can't offer him.

While Leeds may have gone down, the 36-cap USA international was an impressive performer for them, adding tenacity and class in midfield after arriving from RB Leipzig last year. He averaged an eye-catching 3.8 tackles per game in the Premier League in 2022/23, as well as 2.8 per match at the 2022 World Cup, and he also enjoyed a 90.2% pass completion rate in the latter, highlighting his quality in possession.

At 24, Adams would also be joining Villa at a perfect time, already possessing plenty of experience in the game, but still having so many years ahead of him. He has been lauded as "exceptionally bright" by Gary Lineker – high praise indeed – while Marsch labelled him "very important", and he could help take Unai Emery's midfield up another level next season and beyond in the coming years.

Aston Villa are set to look towards the summer transfer window, following the close of the 2022/23 Premier League season.

The Villans couldn’t have imagined the success the campaign would bring, with them experiencing relegation form at the start of the term, to ending it with a spot in the UEFA Europa Conference League and a seventh-place finish.

Villa’s key to success has undoubtedly been the arrival of Unai Emery, who has fired the Midlands side up the table in less than a full season in charge.

Despite the campaign being a memorable one, the heights of the Spaniard’s success is set to go far beyond his first year at Villa Park with part of the process being recruitment in the transfer window.

A host of talent throughout Europe has been linked with a move to the Midlands already this summer, with Emery’s pull being significant due to his career triumphs and the magnitude of talent he has moulded.

The latest reports link a young prospect to the Premier League, and one that could bolster the Spaniard’s midfield.

What’s the latest on Ibrahima Bamba to Aston Villa?

As reported by Fabrizio Romano last week, Vitoria SC midfielder Ibrahima Bamba could make the switch to Villa Park this summer.

As per the report, it’s claimed that Villa have been “tracking” the player for a long time, with the 21-year-old expected to be on the move from the Portuguese side – reportedly valued around the €30m (£26m) mark.

Romano states that nothing has been agreed yet, and that many clubs are monitoring the youngsters' movements ahead of the window.

What could Ibrahima Bamba bring to Aston Villa?

Hailed as being a “special talent” by journalist Zach Lowy, Bamba has established himself as one of the continent's most talked about young players after a solid season in Liga Portugal.

Maintaining a Sofascore average match rating of 7.00 over 28 appearances highlights the consistency of the defensive-minded ace, which is supported by his season averages.

As per Sofascore, the Italy international wins 60% of his total duels averaging 5.0 per game this season in the league.

The youngster’s versatility in the defensive zones is one thing that makes him so highly regarded ahead of the transfer window, being equipped to play as both a centre-back and a defensive midfielder.

Lauded by U23 scout Antonio Mango as having it “all”, the scout expressed that it is “extremely difficult” for players to break through Bamba, as reinforced through him being dribbled past just 0.4 per game this season – as per Sofascore.

To put the numbers in comparison to what he could bring to Villa, midfield maestro Douglas Luiz is dribbled past 0.9 times on average per game, showing the immense level the starlet is playing at.

In the absence of Boubacar Kamara, John McGinn has dropped back to partner Luiz in defensive midfield, however signing Bamba could prove to be a vast upgrade on the Scotsman in adding depth to the middle of the park.

The 28-year-old averages 1.9 tackles and 0.7 interceptions per game, with the Italian excelling in his efforts by making 2.3 tackles and 1.3 interceptions per game to showcase his "aggressive" presence in defensive areas.

Emery could relieve McGinn of his deep midfield duties in signing Bamba, who would be a formidable figure for any side to have in their arsenal this summer.

Insider ExWHUEmployee has revealed that David Moyes will almost certainly stay on as West Ham United manager if they win the Europa Conference League despite some issues with David Sullivan.

When did West Ham last play in a major European final?

After beating AZ Alkmaar both home and away in the European semi-final, the Hammers will now meet Fiorentina in Prague next month as they make a major European final for the first time in 47 years.

Despite this success on the continent, the Irons have underperformed domestically and have actually spent the past few months in a relegation battle – although they have now done enough to cement their status as a Premier League side for another season.

With that inconsistency in mind, however, there has been talk that Moyes could be sacked at some point during the season. What's more, co-owner Sullivan has reportedly been unhappy with the 60-year-old's business in past transfer windows, thus putting more pressure on the manager.

However, speaking about all this on The West Ham Way Podcast, Ex revealed that it's unlikely the club will be on the hunt for a new head coach if they are successful in Europe.

The insider explained (6:07): "On the whole, I think the understanding is certainly if we win the Conference League, then Moyes will be the manager next year. That's my understanding for now.

"Of course, it's going to come down to conversations in the summer. And it will also come down to recruitment because as I've said on the show before, David Sullivan is not happy with the recruitment that we had over the summer.

"Although that said, a lot of those players have started to show their worth now…”

Who could replace Moyes at West Ham?

There has been plenty of speculation about who could come in and replace Moyes should he depart in the summer. For instance, Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou has been touted in the media as an ideal target.

And his relationship with the West Ham fanbase has been strained at times this term, with the manager being booed and jeered by his own support earlier on in the campaign.

However, form has picked up in recent times and the Hammers will technically finish as high as 12th this season. Add a European trophy to that and it's hard to see why the club would let him go – even if Sullivan has a few issues with his transfer recruitment ability.