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Newcastle United are reportedly ‘interested’ in a club-record move for Moussa Diaby.

The Lowdown: Not for sale?

It has previously been reported that Bayer Leverkusen director Simon Rolfes has said that the 22-year-old is not for sale this summer.

However, it now looks like that may no longer be the case, with a further update on the player’s situation now emerging.

The Latest: Interest from Newcastle

Taking to Twitter, Sky Sports Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg has revealed that Diaby is now ‘not unsellable’, with both Newcastle and PSG are ‘interested’ in his signature.

The reporter tweeted: “Update #Diaby: Leverkusen wants to keep him! But the player can imagine to make the next step. He is not unsellable. Bayer could be open for offers around €60-70m and more. But no offers so far. #NUFC and #PSG are interested.”

The Verdict: Get it done

Now that the door has seemingly opened for Newcastle to swoop, they need to get this deal done as soon as possible.

Of course, spending €60m-€70m (£51.6m-£60.2m) or more on a player would be a big risk, as it would comfortably surpass the club-record £40m fee that they paid for Joelinton in 2019.

However, Diaby – who has been described as having a ‘supernatural, divine gift’ by Morade Djeddi, the president of his first club Esperance Paris 19e – would certainly be worth it.

He has been praised by German media for his ‘amazing’ dribbling, ‘irresistible’ pace and ‘astonishing’ speed of thought, and he was even dubbed ‘unstoppable’ after scoring one goal and setting up another in a thumping 4-0 win over Borussia Monchengladbach last season (Bundesliga).

He and fellow Frenchman Allan Saint-Maximin could form a truly mouth-watering partnership on the wings at St James’ Park.

In other news, find out which ‘extremely fast’ ace NUFC are now eyeing here!

According to a Portuguese source, Celtic are now closing in on completing the permanent signing of last season’s loan star Jota.

The Lowdown: Standout performer

The 23-year-old arrived in the Scottish Premiership last summer when he joined the Hoops from Benfica on a season-long deal with an option to buy included as part of the move.

The winger was a standout performer and enjoyed a hugely successful first season in Glasgow, having scored a remarkable 13 goals and provided 14 assists in all competitions, as per Transfermarkt, and it would appear as though this scintillating form has forced Ange Postecoglou to bring him back to Parkhead for good.

The Latest: Closing in

In a new article published by Portuguese outlet Record (via footballscotland), it’s claimed that Celtic have the ‘agreement in place’ to sign Jota from Benfica for a fee believed to be £6.5m.

The source further states that the forward is currently ‘ironing out contract details’ ahead of a making a return to the club, with the Bhoys ‘keen’ to secure his signature and a deal ‘edging closer’.

The Verdict: Huge boost for Celtic

If the Hoops can tie down Jota on a permanent basis, this would come as a huge boost for the Australian boss, who will be wanting to assemble his squad as soon as possible ahead of the start of the new season.

Postecoglou has already successfully managed to bag Cameron Carter-Vickers, another signing who impressed on loan having joined the club last year, and if the Lisbon-born talent follows in his footsteps, they could both end up making a massive difference to the starting XI once more.

Jota was dubbed a ‘wonderkid’ and ‘magician’ by talent scout Jacek Kulig, while Marvin Bartley called him a ‘dream’ for strikers, and his assist numbers last term certainly back that praise up.

In other news… Celtic are set to make a new appointment on the first-team coaching staff.

West Ham United are interested in signing Atalanta’s versatile Denmark international, Joakim Maehle.

What’s the word?

That is according a report from the Daily Star that claims the Hammers sent scouts to watch Maehle in action for Denmark alongside midfield target Christian Eriksen in their 2-1 victory over Austria.

As per the report, Maehle is a player who West Ham have been tracking for years, with the club said to have attempted to land him back when he was plying his trade in Belgium for Genk.

Previous reports have suggested he could cost in the region of €18m (£15m).

Moyes needs him

£22k-per-week Maehle, who is traditionally a right-back has demonstrated his versatility on both flanks within the last couple of seasons and has made the role of the wing-back his own.

His ability out-wide has not gone unnoticed, with Maikel Bill dubbing him a “monster” and Joe Short claiming that he can “run all night”.

He has arguably been at the best club for his development as a wide defender, with Roberto Martinez suggesting this: “The wing-back is a very difficult position because you need to be able to do a bit of everything. And you need to be able to cover the ground.

“But it is getting easier now. I think you can see teams that are mastering that system like Atalanta, who are probably the best example.”

Maehle has developed into a reliable asset who is capable in a back-three or back-four.

His Champions League experience also represents a big boost for Moyes, who needs a limitless and versatile asset like Maehle at the back. Though, as mentioned, his ability to play further up the pitch in a three-at-the-back system could also see him function as a defensive winger in Moyes’ 4-2-3-1 system.

His average of 2.24 shot-creating actions as a defender are evidence of his creative acumen, whilst his average of 3.62 pressures in the attacking third place him in the elite category (as per FBref) and demonstrates his ability to defend from advanced positions.

With that in mind, it’s hardly a surprise that FB Ref has compared him to some of the best full-backs around such as Barcelona’s Jordi Alba, AC Milan’s Theo Hernandez and Borussia Dortmund’s Raphael Guerreiro.

He could be somewhat of a gem for Moyes and would suit his system perfectly.

In other news: West Ham can seal “unreal” deal in bid for 115-goal great, imagine him & Rice 

Everton are interested in making a move for Wolves winger Adama Traore in the summer transfer window, according to a fresh transfer rumour.

The Lowdown: Traore out of favour under Lage

The winger struggled to become a key man under Bruno Lage last season, starting a total of just ten Premier League matches for the Wanderers.

He was then shipped out on loan to Barcelona, where he also failed to impress, starting well but eventually falling out of favour at the La Liga giants.

Traore will return to Wolves this summer but it could be that a permanent exit comes to fruition, despite being hailed as ‘fantastic’ by BBC pundit Tim Sherwood.

The Latest: Everton keen on move

According to Football Insider sources, Everton are interested in snapping up the 26-year-old, as Frank Lampard looks at attacking reinforcements ahead of next season.

A bid of £20million should be enough for Wolves to accept, with former Molineux Director of Football Kevin Thelwell now at Everton, having bought Traore back in 2018. That could be key to a deal being done.

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The Verdict: Right time to sell

This feels like an ideal time for Traore to move on permanently from Wolves, considering Lage likely doesn’t see him as an important part of his future plans.

The club could receive a hefty amount for his services, which could then be spent on players the manager actually wants, as he looks to improve his squad this summer.

The fact that Traore’s current Wolves deal expires next summer means they could lose him on a free transfer at that point, further highlighting why now is the time to sell.

In other news, Wolves have been linked with a move for one player after a meeting took place. Read more here.

A huge development has emerged in Manchester United’s ploy to bring Frenkie de Jong to Old Trafford this summer.

What’s the word?

De Jong has emerged as a target for new manager Erik ten Hag over the last few weeks as the former Ajax boss aims to reunite himself with the Dutch maestro.

No official bid has been submitted yet but the club are now in contact to sign the 25-year-old this summer.

Speaking on YouTube channel, Romano said:

“I have an update for you after a check I had in the last few hours. Frenkie de Jong spoke in public in the last 24 hours and said again that he has no intention to leave Barcelona. But what I can tell you is that after some checks, Barcelona and Manchester United are in direct contact for Frenkie de Jong.

“There is still no official bid from Manchester United. They are still discussing, speaking, there is no official proposal yet. It could happen in the coming hours or days. For sure, Manchester United have intention to act soon for Frenkie de Jong. They really want to complete this transfer this summer. The fee, from what I’m told is around €85m (72.4m). This could be the price tag to sign the Dutch midfielder.”

Exciting times for Man United

Manchester United now have the price they need to bring De Jong to the Premier League this summer.

Although not necessarily a breakthrough in proceedings, it should excite the Old Trafford faithful considerably that the two teams are now in talks regarding a potential deal.

With confirmation arriving on Wednesday that Paul Pogba is set to depart, bringing in a new central midfielder is simply of utmost importance.

A player as good as De Jong would be a fine way to replace him too.

A quick look at FB Ref’s similar player model puts the Dutch dynamo in fine company, with the player comparable in playstyle to the likes of Luka Modric, Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva.

He is blessed with a wonderful range of passing, with de Jong registering a success rate of 91.3% for Barca in La Liga this season.

To compare that to the United squad throughout 2021/22, he ranks higher than any player to start a game for the Red Devils in the Premier League.

A safe pair of hands in the middle of the park is exactly what ten Hag needs to start his rebuild and it’s evident he’d be an upgrade on the likes of Scott McTominay and Fred.

He makes more key passes per match (1.3) than the pair of them – a statistic that would place him fourth in the United side – and he also completes 1.6 dribbles a game. Once more that’s a number that betters United’s midfield options and again places him fourth compared to ten Hag’s squad.

With that in mind, it’s clear to see that he’d offer a great deal more in the centre for the Premier League side, an eventuality that should leave fans excited at the prospect of him arriving in England this summer.

AND in other news, MUFC can sign their answer to Haaland in “magical” £222k-p/w gem who’s “like Maradona”…

Journalist Pete O’Rourke has been left wowed by some Everton transfer news involving Conor Gallagher.

The Lowdown: Gallagher interest

As per The Daily Star, the Goodison Park outfit are just one of a number of clubs who are interested in signing Gallagher this summer.

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He has now returned to Chelsea from his impressive loan spell at Crystal Palace, where he scored eight goals and made a further five assists in total over all competitions (Transfermarkt).

The Latest: O’Rourke wowed

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, O’Rourke was left wowed by the prospect of Gallagher joining the Toffees, claiming that it would be a ‘huge signing’ for them, while also drawing comparisons with Mason Mount:

“You can see similarities though slightly different players. You’d say Mason Mount’s more of an attacking midfielder, but I think Conor Gallagher’s had an outstanding season for Crystal Palace. If Everton were to get him, he would be a huge signing for them.”

The Verdict: Get it done

Even though he only spent one season at Selhurst Park, Gallagher instantly became a favourite with the supporters.

His performances earned him a call-up to the England squad by Gareth Southgate, and he has since recorded three senior caps for the Three Lions.

The comparisons with Mount are warranted, as he too made a name for himself out on loan, before developing into a star at Chelsea and becoming a full England international as well.

Nonetheless, there is bound to be plenty of interest in Gallagher once the transfer window heats up, and so Frank Lampard’s team need to make sure that they are the first in line for his signature.

In other news, find out what significant financial update involving the Blues has now emerged here!

Leeds United takeover plans will be put on hold if the Whites suffer relegation this weekend, The Daily Mail report.

The Lowdown: 49ers option

49ers Enterprises currently hold a 44% stake at Elland Road, which is still majority-owned by Andrea Radrizzani.

The Italian purchased Leeds for £45m back in 2017 and agreed on a deal with 49ers Enterprises back in December over a possible full takeover.

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A full takeover by 49ers Enterprises could be worth £475m in total, however, with Jesse Marsch’s side on the verge of relegation, it looks as if any deal could be put on hold.

The Latest: Takeover claim

In a story late on Wednesday evening, The Daily Mail’s Mike Keegan looked at what possible relegation could mean for Leeds.

The reliable reporter said that the Whites would be in a ‘decent position financially’, with the majority of players having a 50 per cent pay cut.

Keegan added however that long term projects, such as selling the club, would need to be put on hold.

The Verdict: Imminent return needed

The Whites know that a defeat to Brentford on Sunday will send them back down to the Championship and will seemingly have a major knock-on effect off the pitch, with players like Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha expected to leave thanks to relegation clauses.

49ers Enterprises have the option to take full control from Radrizzani until January 2024. Therefore, you’d expect that Leeds, should they go down, will need to bounce straight back up ahead of the 2023/23 campaign for a full takeover to have any chance of still going through.

In other news: Orta now finally set to accept defeat as Leeds plot exit for Bielsa ‘mistake’ – opinion. 

Wolverhampton Wanderers have reportedly initiated contact with Eintracht Frankfurt over a possible move for their captain, Sebastian Rode.

What’s the word?

That is according to a report relayed by Sport Witness, who claim that the Old Gold have “already approached his advisor” over the possibility of signing the former Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund midfielder.

It is said that his performances in steering Frankfurt to Europa League success have led to interest from England.

So much so, that Wolves have allegedly made their first approach of the summer, over Rode’s potential capture.

Underrated Moutinho replacement

At the age of 31-year-old, Rode is by no means a spring chicken and has struggled with a persistent knee injury this season, which has opened up the possibility of his departure from Frankfurt.

But being four years his junior, and registering solid metrics across the board, is a viable replacement for the potentially departing Joao Moutinho.

Quite simply, Moutinho and Rode are almost inseparable in across the board metrics, other than the fact that Rode offers more in terms of pressures, particularly across the middle third of the pitch with an average of 13.31 pressures in the mid-third, whilst Moutinho completes more passes on average with 51.39, whilst Rode registers an average of 42.43 per 90.

Operating in the midfield of Oliver Glasner’s 3-4-2-1 system last night, the 31-year-old gave everything and put in a display symbolic of his desire to lift the Europa League trophy, to which he did – with a nasty crack on his head.

In the final against Rangers, the German created the most chances in the match with four and was the most accurate passer to play 45 minutes or more, having managed 89% accuracy.

His seven recoveries were also impressive, with the performance overall demonstrating his potency as a well-rounded midfielder and clarifying his “underrated” tag in the words of Zach Lowy.

Wolves could do with an enforcer in the midfield and may also seek a replacement for Moutinho in the summer.

Rode is an option that ticks off both boxes, with his ability to lead another plus point in the signing of the Frankfurt star.

The only caveat to be wary of would be his ongoing knee struggles.

In other news: Big boost: Wolves lead chase to sign £16.9m Neves replacement, Lage surely ecstatic