CEO Drops Big Claim On £40m Man Utd Transfer Target

Inter Milan CEO Beppe Marotta has confirmed that Manchester United are interested in signing their goalkeeper Andre Onana and expects them to make a bid in the next few days.

What's the latest on Man Utd and their goalkeepers?

As we are now in July, the Red Devils have technically lost their number one option between the sticks. Indeed, David de Gea has seen his contract officially expire.

However, the club have explained in a statement (via Reuters) that there is a chance the Spaniard still remains at Old Trafford beyond this summer.

They explained: "David De Gea's contract is due to run out but discussions remain open with the long-serving keeper."

Astonishingly, according to The Sun, Man Utd have asked him not to agree to join a new club just yet in case they can't find a suitable replacement in the market. As per the same report, it appears that they want to first see if they can sign Inter goalkeeper Onana for £40m.

Confirming that transfer interest, as quoted by Fabrizio Romano, Inter CEO Marotta explained the current situation between the two sides.

He said: "Manchester United should submit an official bid for Andre Onana in some days; then we will tell them our position and the player will do the same."

What did Inter's CEO say about Man Utd and Andre Onana?

As reported in the Daily Mail, Marotta elaborated more on the rumours at the Gran Gala, saying: "Manchester United expressed a particular interest, but that needs to blossom into making a proposal over the next few days.

"Once that happens, both Inter and the player will make a careful evaluation."

Marotta also confirmed that the club's director, Piero Ausilio "is working on [a deal]" but that "there is still no official bid from United at this stage."

With that being the case, it does appear that the Red Devils are genuinely interested in signing the 27-year-old Cameroonian international and appear to be prioritising him over securing De Gea to a new contract.

Manchester United's David de Gea

If Inter don't accept a bid, though, Man Utd may have to turn back to the Spaniard, which could potentially be rather awkward. After all, it remains to be seen just how he feels about his treatment at Old Trafford of late – although he did recently post a yawning emoji online, suggesting he's rather tired of it all.

It'll be interesting to see how this all plays out over the coming weeks, with that offer for Onana evidently in the works.

Tottenham Could Sign "Outstanding" £61m Romero Partner

Tottenham Hotspur are plotting a move for another defender very soon, if reports are to be believed…

What's the latest on Edmond Tapsoba to Tottenham Hotspur?

The latest comes from transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, who took to Twitter to offer a short summation on Ange Postecoglou's pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen ace Edmond Tapsoba.

Regarding the north London outfit, he simply wrote: "Edmond Tapsoba, top of the list as talks will take place in the next days."

Given other reports are suggesting the German outfit will command a fee of around £61m, this could prove a lucrative move for the Lilywhites to make. However, if Daniel Levy is to truly back his new manager, these are the kinds of deals he must push through to progress his club back into the big time.

How good is Edmond Tapsoba?

Many will likely be aware of this towering Burkina Faso international for his work in Germany since his 2020 move. It has not taken long to establish himself as one of the Bundesliga's top centre-backs, with journalist Raphael Honigstein even writing: "Bayer Leverkusen defender Edmond Tapsoba has been outstanding since arriving in late, late January. Meet Edmond Tapsoba, the Bundesliga’s new sensation."

The figures support the 6 foot 4 titan's prominence as a skilful modern-day defender, but he maintains the necessary defensive steel that could complement Cristian Romero well within a new-look system at Spurs.

In fact, when compared to others in his position across Europe, Tapsoba ranks in the top 5% for progressive passes and the top 4% for successful take-ons per 90, with his potential new teammate also noted on his 'similar players' list.

The comparisons between the two as creative stars will likely please Postecoglou, whose whole philosophy is embroiled in playing out from the back with confidence.

To further emphasise this quality in possession, the defender actually admitted to modelling his game around John Stones, who has arguably redefined what it means to be a ball-playing defender.

Tapsoba told The Athletic: "John Stones, at Everton. I really enjoyed watching him, he made a huge impression on me. His manner on the ball, and the way he played with the ball. I loved that. I still go back to Stones when it comes to playing in a certain style."

Cristian Romero and Son Heung-min celebrate the South Korean's goal for Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League.

Combining this fleet-footed philosophy with the steel of the World Cup winner could be a match made in heaven,

Whilst his 1.1 interceptions, 1.5 tackles and three clearances per game in the German league (via Sofascore) might not be the most exceptional, when accumulated alongside Romero's figures in these categories (1.6 tackles, 2.5 tackles, 3.6 clearances per game in the league), the two could blend well and cover each other's weaknesses.

It is therefore no surprise that Tapsoba remains so high on the list of the Spurs hierarchy, who would surely thrive with these two impressive, aggressive and technically proficient titans at the heart of their defence.

Sheffield Wednesday: 48 y/o offers services to Chansiri after Moore exit

An unknown name has thrown his name into the mix for the managerial vacancy at Sheffield Wednesday, according to reports.

What's the latest Sheffield Wednesday news?

After the shock departure of Darren Moore earlier this week, Wednesday have been busy looking for a replacement as they prepare for their first season back in the Championship.

The news came as a surprise to fans after the 49-year-old had just steered the Owls back to the second tier of English football, with the club embarking on a historic playoff run that saw them overturn the biggest deficit in League One playoff history, coming back from 4-0 down to beat Peterborough before a last-minute Josh Windass goal against Barnsley sealed their return.

Sheffield Wednesday manager Darren Moore.

Out of seemingly nowhere, club chairman Dejphon Chansiri announced Moore's departure, with The Star reporting that the two parties came to a mutual agreement for the 49-year-old to leave due to their differing transfer policies.

In the aftermath, Wednesday have begun their search for his replacement, with former Owls boss Carlos Carvalhal sensationally linked with a return to the club, but The Star has now reported that former Chaves manager Vitor Campelos has now put his name forward to Chansiri to take charge at Hillsborough.

Will Vitor Campelos take charge at Sheffield Wednesday?

Campelos is far from the only name in the mix for the vacant managerial job at Wednesday, so it remains to be seen how likely it is that he'll be taking charge of the club ahead of next season.

Having spent the last two years at Chaves, the 48-year-old was a resounding success at the club, guiding them to promotion and a return to Portuguese's top flight in 2022, before leading them to a seventh-place finish in their first year back, one point short of their greatest ever league campaign.

After being linked to several Championship clubs, the Portuguese coach left Chaves earlier this month, but is keen to get straight back into management and has apparently identified the Wednesday job as one of great interest to him.

Campelos' preferred formation is a 4-4-1-1, a shape that Wednesday aren't too familiar with, so if he were to get the job, it's likely the club's tactical approach would change significantly, but as he has previously shown in Portugal, his ability to navigate a team to success after promotion to a higher division could bode well for his chances on securing the job.

Aston Villa: Monchi could sign £60m "insane talent" in first coup at Villa Park

Aston Villa are eyeing an audacious swoop for a Premier League ace, if latest reports are to be believed.

The Villans are expected to have a busy summer both on and off the pitch, with Sevilla sporting director Monchi set to join Unai Emery to bolster the business side of things at the club.

A host of talent has been linked with a move to Villa Park already, with the latest name being one of high potential.

What’s the latest on Jadon Sancho to Aston Villa?

As reported by FootballTransfers earlier this week, Aston Villa have emerged as a potential candidate to sign Manchester United forward Jadon Sancho.

The report claims that Villa are ‘keen’ on the Englishman, who is valued at £60m by his club.

It’s added that, at present, the Midlands club are ‘not willing’ to spend such a figure on the 23-year-old, who has struggled since arriving at Old Trafford.

What could Jadon Sancho offer to Aston Villa?

Despite not thriving as dangerously as he did at Borussia Dortmund, the former Manchester City academy starlet has built a huge reputation due to his thunderous form displayed in Germany.

The left-winger contributed to a monstrous 89 goals in 104 Bundesliga appearances for Dortmund, scoring 38 himself and assisting 51 in just under three and a half seasons, via Transfermarkt.

Once lauded as being an “insane talent” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the Londoner could be an emphatic name for Emery to introduce to Villa Park and integrate into his free-flowing attack.

This campaign has been tough for the Englishman, who took some time away from activity earlier in the season due to being not “physically or mentally” fit to be among his teammates, as revealed by Erik Ten Hag.

Ending the term with 26 appearances, the 23-year-old contributed six goals and three assists for the Red Devils, showing the gap he finds himself at to being close to his best.

The youngster could reach such levels once more if given the chance to thrive, something he could do by joining Villa, who have been presented with an exciting project thanks to the work of Emery.

Deployed on the left flank, the right-footed ace could be provided with a strong outlet in new arrival Youri Tielemans, who has been praised as a “phenomenon” for his play-making ability by former Anderlecht midfielder Par Zetterberg.

Man United's Jadon Sancho

The two could form a dangerous combination in Emery’s attack, as suggested by their statistics gathered, piecing them together as the perfect pair to partner at Villa Park this off-season.

As per Sofascore, the Belgian created 10 big chances, as well as averaging one key pass per game in what was a hugely underwhelming Leicester City side that was relegated from the Premier League.

Most notably, the 26-year-old dynamo averaged 6.95 progressive passes per 90 which when paired with Sancho’s average of 9.23 progressive passes received per 90, proves for exciting potential between the two.

The numbers show both the Englishman’s ability to be progressive in his play through movement and positioning to get into intricate areas in the final third, as well as Tielemans’ own ability to pick and execute a pass from a deeper role.

With a hefty price tag and a long way to go in the summer transfer window, only time will tell if Villa decide to flex their financial strengths to snatch the 23-year-old but given the evidence above, it could well be a risk worth taking for Monchi and co.

Sergio Aguero Trolls Leo Messi With Inter Miami 15th In MLS

Sergio Aguero has revealed that he has already trolled Lionel Messi about Inter Miami’s lowly position in the league.

What position are Inter Miami in MLS?

It was revealed this week that the former Paris Saint-Germain star would be swapping Ligue 1 for MLS after two seasons in France.

There had been reports that he was wanted by both Barcelona as well as teams in Saudi Arabia, but – perhaps surprisingly – Messi will be going to America instead.

However, Inter Miami aren’t exactly in the best shape right now having just fired head coach Phill Neville amid an awful run of just two wins in their last 13 games.

As a result, Messi’s new team are dead last in the Eastern Conference and Aguero wasted no time in ribbing his close friend about this.

Indeed, speaking to ESPN Argentina (via Felipe Cardenas), the retired striker claimed that he chatted with the 35-year-old recently and sent him a screenshot of the Eastern Conference standings.

Aguero explained his conversation with Messi saying: “Your team is behind! You have to move up to 8th/9th.”

He then revealed the 35-year-old attacker’s response: “Messi cracked up. He said we have to make the playoffs.”

On top of this, as reported in a follow-up Tweet, Aguero was also asked if he’ll watch Messi’s games in Miami in person.

He replied: “They are no tickets! It’s sold out. But I think he arrives in mid-July.”

Who is Messi’s godson?

Messi and Aguero of course played together for Argentina and appear to be pretty close. After all, the new MLS star is actually godfather to Sergio’s son.

What’s more, Benjamin appears to be quite happy to defend the World Cup winner too. Indeed, he recently

trolled PSG when they announced Messi’s departure, saying: “He was too big for you.”

Well, if the 35-year-old was too big for the Ligue 1 champions, one can only imagine the sort of impact he’ll have in America. He’s already helping grow Inter Miami’s social media brand.

For instance, since his transfer was announced, the club’s Instagram account has gone from one million followers to over 6.5 million.

Chelsea: £75m star ‘likely’ to leave this summer

Chelsea are likely to sell Kai Havertz this summer amid interest from Real Madrid, according to the Guardian’s Jacob Steinberg.

Is Kai Havertz leaving Chelsea?

As per reports, with Madrid interested in the forward, Havertz is looking likely to leave Chelsea this summer, bringing to an end three years in which the German never really showed his best form.

If Havertz does leave the Blues this summer, he will at least keep his place in the Chelsea history books after scoring the winning goal in the 2021 Champions League final against Manchester City.

During three seasons at Stamford Bridge, the former Bayer Leverkusen man has scored 32 goals and assisted a further 15 in 139 appearances.

Still only 23, it could be argued that Havertz still has plenty of time to succeed at Chelsea. Yet, as reported by Steinberg, those at the London club are ‘likely’ to sell the forward this summer.

Meanwhile, he won't be the only current first-team star to leave Stamford Bridge, with N'Golo Kante seemingly enticed by the money that Saudi Arabia has to offer. The long-serving Frenchman is poised to accept a £86m-per-year deal from PIF-backed Al-Ittihad, where Karim Benzema has also just landed, according to Fabrizio Romano in the Guardian.

How much will Chelsea earn from selling Havertz?

According to Steinberg, Chelsea have placed a hefty £75m price tag on Havertz this summer, as Real Madrid set their sights on the German forward in an attempt to replace the departing Karim Benzema.

The large fee would leave the Blues in profit after initially spending £71m on Havertz to Bayer Leverkusen back in the summer of 2020.

Soccer Football – Premier League – Fulham v Chelsea – Craven Cottage, London, Britain – January 12, 2023 Chelsea's Kai Havertz reacts after Fulham's Carlos Vinicius scored Fulham's second goal Action Images via Reuters/Peter Cziborra EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club /league/player publication

Considering the forward’s struggles since arriving at Stamford Bridge, however, the price tag comes as a slight surprise.

Havertz, who Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan once lauded as "exceptional", scored just seven Premier League goals, as Chelsea collapsed to a 12th-placed finish.

Having spent over £500 million throughout the season, though, Todd Boehly may be looking to recoup some of the cash splashed on players who simply failed to deliver.

Martyn Ziegler of The Times recently reported that Chelsea need to offload some players in order to meet Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations too, leaving Havertz on the list of potential departures in the coming months.

If Havertz does leave the club, then he will be making room for reported incoming signing Christopher Nkunku, who has just won the Golden Boot in the Bundesliga, scoring 16 goals.

According to Romano again, the RB Leipzig forward is set to be announced as a Chelsea player soon, having completed his medical all the way back in September, before signing a deal in December.

With Nkunku's imminent arrival, Havertz’s exit would come as little surprise, especially if Madrid continue to pursue a deal for the German forward.

Wolves to save millions with Bendeguz Bolla

Wolverhampton Wanderers can effectively make a new signing this summer without needing to spend a penny of their transfer budget.

Bruno Lage has an established right-back by the name of Bendeguz Bolla in his ranks at Molineux, although like many prospects in the West Midlands, he is yet to make a first team appearance for the club, having been loaned out to Wolves’ official partnership side Grasshopper Zurich.

The 22-year-old, who is renowned for his searing pace, has had a very fruitful season in Switzerland. He has been pushed higher up the pitch in a right wing-back role across a 3-4-2-1 system and has consequently discovered his goal scoring touch.

It’s a move which has gone so well for the Hungarian that he has attracted the interest of Austrian club Rapid Vienna and, to quote The Athletic’s Tim Spiers, ‘he is probably the highest rated of the players there [at Grasshopper]’.

between them this season.

It says a lot about Bolla’s newly-found potency in front of goal, and with Marcal leaving at the end of the season, the Hungarian gem could give Lage a quality option at full-back.

Having functioned higher up the pitch this season for Grasshopper, he could help the Old Gold in their bid to add goals, having created four big chances in Switzerland’s top flight. That figure would rank him second in the Wolves squad behind Daniel Podence, who has created seven big chances this season.

Lage would be wise to look within the Wolves loanee ranks this summer as part of what could be a sizeable squad rebuild for the Black Country club. By unleashing Bolla next term, the manager may just save the Old Gold a few million quid in the transfer market which could be put to good use elsewhere.

In other news: Lage heading for big summer disaster at Wolves over 16-goal “catalyst”

Wolves open to selling Raul Jimenez

Wolverhampton Wanderers are open to selling their Mexican striker of four years, Raul Jimenez, this summer.

What’s the word?

That is according to a report from talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook, who has claimed that the Old Gold are open to offers for the 31-year-old and will consider selling him for as little as £15m – just under half of what they paid for the Mexican’s services back in 2019.

Having disappointed with his goal returns over the current season, it is said that there is a feeling amongst the Wolves hierarchy that the 31-year-old needs a change of scenery.

As per the report, Crook stated that the £100k-p/w Mexican would be open to a return to Spain, where he began his European journey with Atletico Madrid.

Jimenez out, Gibbs-White in?

Jimenez, who has scored six goals in the Premier League this season.

Whilst there is the argument that the Old Gold’s chance creation has been poor – having made just 37 big chances this season, the joint-fourth worst in the English top flight – that debate is quickly shut down with the Mexican’s squad-high tally of eight big chances missed.

When they needed him to be clinical, he has often failed to find the net, and with Lage’s recent switch in tactics catering to a counter-pressing approach, a more mobile forward would be better suited to the Old Gold.

A player who could step up to the plate, and would cost the Molineux outfit nothing in transfer fees, is their on-loan star Morgan Gibbs-White, who has set the Championship on fire this season in taking up a more offensive position as an attacking midfielder for Sheffield United. He has also played as a centre-forward six times, with four goals and two assists from that position.

Hailed as a “sensation” by The Telegraph reporter Mike McGrath, the £8.1m-rated Gibbs-White has proven himself as a goal poacher, having scored 11 times whilst chipping in with nine assists for a total of 20 goal contributions in 35 appearances for the Blades.

With Lage eager to involve the 22-year-old in Wolves’ pre-season plans this summer, it would be worth testing his potency as a striker, with his returns this season underlining his threat in front of goal.

In other news – Mendes links: Wolves now plot bid for “exciting” 20y/o wonderkid, Lage will love him 

Rangers predicted XI vs Ross County

Rangers are in Premiership action at Ibrox again tonight as they look to end their league campaign on a high in the last two matches.

One point for their rivals in the next five days will see the top-flight title move back across Glasgow and this means that is incredibly unlikely that Gio van Bronckhorst will be lifting the trophy this month.

However, the Light Blues have the Europa League final to look forward to next week and the Scottish Cup final at the end of May. This means that there is still plenty of motivation for the players in these Premiership outings.

The Gers come up against Ross County at home at Ibrox after beating Dundee United 2-0 away from home at the weekend.

How many changes will Gio make to the team? Here is our predicted XI…

We are predicting that he will make five alterations, with Allan McGregor, Calvin Bassey, Alex Lowry, Ryan Kent and Amad Diallo all coming in.

With the Europa League final coming up, McGregor and Bassey may return after they were both rested at the weekend. Van Bronckhorst will surely want to keep his key players match fit and spending two games on the bench may be detrimental to their form as they could lose their rhythm.

In midfield, Lowry could come in for his second start in the Premiership. The 18-year-old midfielder was given a taster off the bench against United and should now be unleashed as part of the XI.

Journalist Josh Bunting lauded the magician’s talent earlier this year, Tweeting: “Alex Lowry is just a fabulous footballer, on this pitch the way he’s dribbling on it indicates he has so much quality, so good on the ball and has a wonderful sense of balance, really good at driving at the opposition defence he creates plenty of problems with his movement.”

Finally, we are predicting that Kent and Diallo will come in. The former may start to maintain his form ahead of the clash in Sevilla, after being rested at the weekend, whereas the latter may be given a chance to showcase what he can do.

Scott Arfield started up front on Sunday and the £16k-per-week dud was abysmal against United. As per SofaScore, he won 0 duels and missed one ‘big chance’ as he struggled at both sides of the game and his poor display should see him axed in order for Diallo to walk through into the team.

AND in other news, GvB can unearth Patterson 2.0 in “athletic” 19 y/o Rangers dynamo who’s “highly rated”…

Liverpool: Reds named in Soler pursuit

According to a report from Spanish newspaper Sport (via Sport Witness), Liverpool are among the clubs interested in signing Valencia midfielder Valencia. 

The lowdown: Rise to prominence

A product of the La Liga club’s youth academy, the 25-year-old has broken through as a leading star over the last 18 months following an inauspicious start to life as a senior professional.

Last season, Soler directly contributed to 19 goals in 32 league outings and is now an established member of Pepe Bordalas’ side at the Mestalla Stadium.

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However, having made the grade in Spain, clubs from across Europe are now paying close attention to the versatile star.

The latest: Reds named

As per Sport, translated by SW, Liverpool, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Juventus are all keen on Soler.

The report claims that the six-cap Spain ace is ‘upset’ with his manager and could be prepared to agree to a new release clause in order to ‘open the exit door’ for a move away.

Currently under contract until 2023 (Transfermarkt), the man hailed as the ‘complete midfielder’ by ex-Bats star Curro Torres once held a remarkable €150m (£128m) release clause.

However, due to his dwindling deal, a current £42.2million get-out clause could drop even further to £33.7million on the agreement of fresh terms according to the Spanish newspaper.

The verdict: Smart signing

Whilst Soler may not be a particularly glamorous signing as Julian Ward gets his feet under the sporting director’s table in place of Michael Edwards, the Anfield club have developed an ability to pluck lesser-known players from across the continent and turn them into household names.

This season the Spaniard has scored 11 times and registered five assists in 28 league outings – earning a 7.15 average Sofascore rating in the process – no Valencia player scores higher.

Predominantly operating as a conventional central midfielder, Soler is a close match stylistically for Gini Wijnaldum according to the Fbref comparison tool and therefore could be the ideal addition to Jurgen Klopp’s squad to finally replace the Dutchman’s versatility, energy and skill-set.

In other news… an expert has delivered an update on the injury setback of Liverpool’s ‘unsung hero’.

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