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Manchester United are close to reaching an agreement with Barcelona for Frenkie de Jong.

The Lowdown: Making moves…

An Old Trafford rebuild under Erik ten Hag is well and truly underway, with the club announcing exits for midfielders Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard and Juan Mata.

The Red Devils are also working on a number of deals, with Ajax defender Jurrien Timber and Benfica striker Darwin Nunez key targets.

Reports have hinted that an agreement could be close between United and Benfica for Nunez following a first offer, and it looks as if the club could be about to break through in talks for De Jong as well.

The Latest: Morning update

Sports Witness relayed Spanish outlet Sport’s Saturday morning update regarding Manchester United and De Jong.

They claim that there is a ‘serious chance’ the midfielder swaps the Nou Camp for Old Trafford, with the two clubs ‘very close’ to reaching an agreement.

An €80m (£68.6m) figure was mooted in the report, which would provide Barcelona with a much-needed financial boost.

Ten Hag is personally involved in trying to ‘convince’ the player to join, and he now looks set to get his way.

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The Verdict: Fingers crossed

Described as a ‘genius’ by Xavi Hernandez, De Jong’s presence in Manchester is needed following three midfield departures.

The 25-year-old can play in a holding or box-to-box role and has appeared under Ten Hag on 59 occasions already, so could form part of a three-man midfield with Bruno Fernandes and a more defensive-minded midfielder, perhaps Fred.

Ten Hag clearly got the best out of De Jong seeing as their time together resulted in a mega-money move to Barcelona back in 2019, and it looks as if a reunion could well and truly be on the cards.

In other news: £90m bid: Man Utd now launch move for ‘big name’ star as Ten Hag looks to get one over on Conte. 

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Everton forward Richarlison is now ‘open’ to a Goodison Park exit this summer after the player admitted that he’s already held talks with the hierarchy surrounding his future at the club.

The Lowdown: Richarlison makes transfer confession

The Brazilian first arrived on Merseyside in a staggering £50m deal from fellow Premier League rivals Watford four years ago, where he has gone on to become one of the most influential players in this Toffees side, having made 67 goal contributions in just 152 appearances, as per Transfermarkt.

The 25-year-old was already linked with a move away from Frank Lampard’s outfit earlier this season, but after him and his Velasco Sport Group signed with CAA Base agency, Romano claimed that the striker was fully focused on helping Everton beat the drop.

However, during an interview GloboEsporte, the 34-cap international has now revealed that he has held behind-scenes discussions with his manager, Farhad Moshiri and co about his future.

The Latest: Romano shares Richarlison’s intentions

In a new post on his personal Twitter account, Romano reacted to the revelation of those talks and believes the player is ‘open’ to leaving. He wrote:

“Richarlison has new agents since April because he’s open for summer move. Many clubs exploring this possibility.”

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The Verdict: A hammer blow

The £45m-rated talisman was without doubt one of the main reasons why the Toffees successfully escaped the relegation battle given his threat in the final third.

The former Hornets man, who was once hailed “one of the best” by ex-Everton manager Sam Allardyce, averaged 2.4 shots and 1.3 dribbles per top-flight game this campaign, via WhoScored, not to mention the fact that he netted ten goals and registered five assists as well.

If Richarlison were to depart Goodison, it would come as a huge loss to the club, but on the bright side, the hierarchy could easily demand a massive transfer fee for him which could be then put towards signing a couple of fresh faces in a bid to achieve a higher league finish next term.

In other news… a member of the Everton coaching staff is reportedly in advanced talks to make the switch to a new club.

Celtic are reportedly expecting Jota to sign a permanent contract with the club, and it could be finalised as early as this week, according to the Daily Record.

The Lowdown: Eye-catching loan spell

The 23-year-old joined the Premiership side on a season-long loan from Benfica last summer, and as part of his deal, it is claimed that there is a purchase option for a fee believed to be in the region of just over £6m.

During his spell with the Glasgow giants, the forward has made 40 appearances under Ange Postecoglou across all competitions, scoring 13 goals and registering 14 assists (as per Transfermarkt). Such form has clearly caught the eye of the Hoops’ hierarchy, who are now keen to retain Jota’s services outright.

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The Latest: Jota close to permanent move

In an article from the Daily Record late on Tuesday night, it is claimed that the 23-year-old’s representatives are ‘due to hold a final round of talks’ with Celtic, which should see a permanent transfer completed over the next few days.

The report added that the Parkhead hierarchy have now ‘exercised’ the option to buy and have ‘all but agreed’ personal terms with the player ahead of his permanent move to Glasgow.

The Verdict: Instrumental to Celtic’s success

Jota has been a key figure in Celtic’s success this season, so it comes as no surprise to see that Postecoglou wants to keep him at the club for next term and beyond.

The £4.95m-rated talisman has proven to be a huge threat in the final third this season, averaging 2.7 shots, two key passes and 1.7 dribbles per league game (via WhoScored), making himself a real handful for opposition defenders to try and handle. Indeed, of the current Celtic squad, only David Turnbull achieved a higher WhoScored rating, illustrating the Portuguese gem’s importance to the side.

He was also hailed as a “terrific” and “clinical” player by Owen Hargraves last November following a fine performance against Ferencvaros in the Europa League.

Jota’s impact on the pitch is no doubt one of the main reasons why the Hoops have enjoyed so much success this term, having won the Premiership and Scottish League Cup. Should the 23-year-old extend his stay in Glasgow, Celtic could well go on to achieve even bigger and better things in the years to come.

In other news… journalist provides key Celtic transfer update; it’s one that fans might want to hear

Rangers striker Cedric Itten could be on his way out of Ibrox during the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

One side is reportedly interested in the Gers outcast and with one Swiss team’s sporting director, Christoph Spycher, refusing to rule out a deal with a non-committal statement.

The Glasgow Times quotes the Young Boys chief as saying this in response to the link: “We never comment on speculation. Sometimes the rumours are the truth, sometimes they are completely wrong.

“You’ll know when something happens.”

Gio van Bronckhorst must axe him

The Ibrox head coach must pounce on this opportunity to brutally axe Itten from his squad ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

If Young Boys are interested in a deal for the attacker then van Bronckhorst and Ross Wilson must agree to let him go, for as much of the £2.7m they paid for him as they can recoup.

He is nowhere near good enough for Rangers and this has been proven in the second half of the season since he returned from his loan spell with Greuther Furth.

In the Premiership, he scored once – against Hearts on the final day – in six appearances and failed to provide any assists. He lost a whopping 74% of his duels in the division as he was a liability on the pitch for the club when he played.

The Switzerland international did not offer enough in the final third and his lightweight play out of possession meant that his teammates needed to carry him through matches as he struggled with the physicality of the games.

Scottish journalist James Black dubbed him “out the picture” recently and his measly return of six outings in the top-flight shows that he was not trusted to play on a regular basis. He was also left out of the Europa League run as he did not play a single minute in the competition.

Van Bronckhorst seemingly did not see enough from him in training or on the pitch to suggest that he would be a useful player to call upon week-in-week-out. His statistics when he did play back this up and indicate that he is not good enough to be a regular for Rangers.

This is why the Dutch head coach must now wield his axe on the 25-year-old and allow him to join Young Boys, or any other club interested in him, this summer.

AND in other news, Enquiry made: Rangers avoided disaster with “annoying” dud whose value dropped £8.4m…

West Ham United are reportedly hoping to tie Jarrod Bowen down to a new deal, according to respected club insider ExWHUemployee.

What’s the word?

As per the West Ham Way, the transfer guru revealed that the Hammers are “very keen” to reward the 25-year-old’s impressive form this season with a bumper new contract, amid speculation linking him with an exit from the London Stadium.

Asked about the Englishman’s future, the trusted insider revealed: “Yes the club are very keen to offer Bowen a new deal and get him signed up, like they are with others. Now at this stage there isn’t much to report as I don’t believe the negotiations have progressed but the talks will continue over the summer.”

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This follows a report early last week which suggested that GSB wanted to double his existing wage by offering a new contract, even though the former Hull City man already has a deal that runs until 2025.

Supporters delighted

The Irons’ desire to hand their star asset improved terms is a reflection of just how vital he has been in recent seasons, with the £31.5m-rated speedster having gone from strength to strength since his £20m switch from the Championship in January 2020.

Since then, the £80k-per-week gem has bagged 27 goals and recorded 23 assists in 104 games in all competitions for the club, with such form sparking calls for the versatile forward to be handed a first international nod from Three Lions boss, Gareth Southgate.

The most recent campaign proved particularly profitable for the one-time Hereford man, as he has registered 12 goals and ten assists from his 36 Premier League outings, with only Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah (13) and Trent Alexander-Arnold (12) registering more top-flight assists.

That is esteemed company indeed, hence the clamour to try and ensure that Bowen does commit his future to the east Londoners, with the division’s elite clubs likely to come sniffing should the player give off any sense that he is seeking pastures new.

The club’s supporters, however, will no doubt be desperate to see the Leominster-born ace continue to ply his trade in the claret and blue over the coming seasons, while he could prove instrumental in their hopes of a late run in next season’s Europa Conference League.

At present, he ranks favourably among his fellow forwards on the continent, as per FBref, ranking in the top 1% for interceptions, the top 4% for blocks and the top 11% for tackles, showcasing an industrious side to his game that has also proven crucial to manager David Moyes.

As the Hammers attempt to unsettle the top-six again next term – and enjoy another lengthy European run – having the lethal left-footer in tow will no doubt make those ambitions far easier to realise.

IN other news, Cost £1.5m per goal: GSB made a colossal blunder on “strong” £40k-p/w West Ham flop 

Manchester United have had a disappointing season but will be looking forward to the summer as Erik ten Hag will be arriving at the club to begin to fix the issues at Old Trafford and improve the squad ahead of next season.

There are many areas of improvement needed at the club and with so many players out of contract including Paul Pogba, Nemanja Matic and Jesse Lingard, there will need to be signings made to add depth and quality all over the pitch.

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One area that is in drastic need of improvement is the defence, which has come under harsh criticism this season due to the consistently awful defensive throughout that have contributed to Man United’s failure to compete for trophies this season. As a result, they won’t play Champions League football next season after failing to pick up a top-four spot in the Premier League.

With that being said, Ten Hag must take the opportunity to sign defenders this summer and replacing Victor Lindelof with Kalidou Koulibaly would be a huge coup for the new manager and Manchester United.

The Senegalese defender was hailed a “monster” who “eats attackers whole” by football journalist Maxi Angelo, and has now been linked with a move to Old Trafford this summer.

According to Italian news outlet Area Napoli, Man United are now in contact with Koulibaly’s representatives to see if they can get a deal done for the centre-back.

When you compare the Napoli defender to Lindelof who was branded “pathetic” by journalist Rob Blanchette, this season there is no doubt that the signing would be a massive upgrade for the Red Devils and Ten Hag in his first season in charge at the club.

According to Squawka, Koulibaly has won more ground duels, more interceptions and completed more take-ons, whilst making more ball recoveries and blocks in two fewer appearances in the Serie A compared to the Swedish defender in Manchester.

If his defensive actions for Napoli weren’t enough to impress he has scored three goals and contributed one assist, ranking ninth for the most successful dribbles and has the fourth-highest shot conversion rate in the Serie A this season, proving that he is not only a force in defensive play but is highly effective in attacking too.

When you consider the quality that Koulibaly offers, the new Man United manager must seal the deal to secure the signature of the £40m AFCON winner this summer and by doing so he can finally axe Lindelof from the team.

AND in other news: Man Utd plot bid for “magic” £30m gem who’s “faster than the train”, Ten Hag needs him

Wolves goalkeeping coach Tony Roberts is the latest individual to have tested positive for Covid at the club, according to reliable journalist Tim Spiers.

The Lowdown: Huge test for Wolves

Wanderers are back in Premier League action on Wednesday evening, as they welcome red-hot title favourites Manchester City to Molineux.

The match is not only important for City, however, with Wolves still in with a chance of qualifying for Europe next season, sitting eighth in the table and five points adrift of West Ham with a game in hand.

Bruno Lage will likely be absent from the game because of Covid – unless he can test negative in the next 24 hours – and now another update has emerged with even more bad news.

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The Latest: Roberts tests positive

Taking to Twitter, Spiers confirmed that Roberts, who filled in for Lage at the weekend, will also be isolating for Wednesday’s game:

“Covid continues to hit the Wolves staff. GK coach Tony Roberts has now tested positive.”

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The Verdict: Another blow for Wanderers

While no players have been affected by Covid ahead of the visit of City, this can’t be helping their preparation ahead of one of the biggest tests they could ask for.

Fitness coach Carlos Cachada is on press conference duty and could, therefore, be in charge in the dugout on Wednesday, being given information by the housebound Lage throughout proceedings.

If Wolves manage to pull off a shock result without both their manager and the fill-in, it would not only keep their European dream alive but also act as a huge boost for Liverpool, who will be willing Wanderers on at Molineux.

In other news, Wolves have been backed to sign one attacking player this summer. Find out who it is here.

West Brom supporters ‘booed’ defender Kyle Bartley shortly after Birmingham City’s third goal on Wednesday, according to reporter Joe Chapman.

The Lowdown: Another defeat

The Baggies fell to a midweek defeat to their local rivals, making it five games in all competitions without a win.

Steve Bruce’s side have won just one of their first nine Championship fixtures, with Scott Hogan scoring a hat-trick at The Hawthorns. The result leaves West Brom in 20th place and only out of the relegation zone due to goal difference.

The Latest: Chapman’s post

Chapman provided updates from The Hawthorns on Twitter and described Bartley’s involvement in Hogan’s third goal as “properly bad”.

He then stated that the centre-back’s first touch after the restart was “booed by the Albion fans”, with Bruce taking him off after 76 minutes.

The Verdict: Evening to forget

You can see why a number of supporters were unhappy with Bartley, with SofaScore giving him a match rating of 6.3/10. He failed to make an interception or tackle all evening, lost possession on 12 occasions and also completed just one of six attempted long balls.

The defender has been one of the club’s worst performing players in the second tier, as per WhoScored, so it wouldn’t come as a shock if Bruce left him out of the side for this weekend’s trip to Norwich City.