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Crystal Palace are still interested in signing Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah this summer, according to a report from Sky Sports. 

The lowdown: Contract saga

With the 23-year-old set to become a free agent at the end of the month as things stand (Transfermarkt), the Gunners are believed to still be in talks with the player regarding a contract extension.

Having made an early switch from Chelsea, the England youth revelation has come through the ranks in north London and spent a short time out on loan at Leeds United during the embryonic stage of his senior career.

With doubts continuing to abound over 23-year-old’s future, the Eagles are among those looking closely at the striker…

The latest: Eagles eyeing Eddie

As per Sky Sports, Crystal Palace and Borussia Monchengladbach remain ‘interested’ in signing Nketiah.

It’s claimed that the England under-21’s all-time top scorer has ‘expressed a desire to play regular first-team football’ as Arsenal attempt to persuade him to remain at the Emirates Stadium.

However, the report added that Nketiah – who was described as ‘tremendous’ by journalist Layth Yousif following a brace and two-goal, 8.60 Sofascore-rated performance against Chelsea in April – is ‘finalising details’ on a new deal with the Gunners.

The verdict: Shrewd move

Still holding a market value of £9m (Transfermarkt), the capture of Nketiah on a free transfer would be a sensational piece of business from Palace, particularly should Christian Benteke leave Selhurst Park this summer.

Previously on the periphery of matters at Arsenal, the talented youngster came to the forefront of matters last season with 10 goals and one assist in 27 senior outings, showing signs of proving his Premier League capabilities.

Despite an impressive campaign from Jean-Philippe Mateta, with only 10-goal duo Odsonne Edouard and Benteke as frontline centre-forward backup options, Eagles boss Patrick Vieira and co should remain attentive to Nketiah’s situation in north London and be prepared to make their move should the time arise.

Indeed, Sky Sports’ claim about the 23-year-old expressing a desire for regular football may suggest that he is open to leaving the Emirates.

In other news, read the latest update on another Palace transfer target

An update has emerged regarding Glasgow Rangers youngster Josh McPake and his future at Ibrox under Giovanni van Bronckhorst ahead of the summer transfer window… 

What’s the talk?

Journalist Jacque Talbot has revealed that the Rangers winger is being eyed up by a number of teams south of the border after a loan spell in the fourth tier of English football.

The reporter tweeted: “Understand Rangers youngster Josh McPake is the subject of interest from several League Two sides. Carlisle United and Hartlepool United are keen on the attacker, who’s just finished his loan spell at Tranmere Rovers.”

Ross Wilson will be delighted

Rangers’ sporting director Ross Wilson will be left delighted by this claim, as it suggests that he will be able to cash in on the attacker in the coming months.

The youngster has spent the last two seasons on loan in League Two but failed to show that he has the potential to come back and make an impact in the first-team at Rangers.

In the 2020/21 campaign, he scored four goals and failed to provide a single assist in 23 outings for Harrogate Town. He also lost 56% of his duels as he struggled to deal with the physicality of the game, although that was to be expected as it was the then-teenager’s first experience of regular senior football.

However, he did not use that season to improve, as he left a lot to be desired again in 2021/22. In 14 League Two appearances for Tranmere, he managed one goal and zero assists whilst losing 62% of his individual battles.

These statistics indicate that McPake regressed after a year of experience in the English fourth tier, and this is a worry in relation to his future at Ibrox. He has not shown that he is on the right path in his development and there is little to suggest that he is a player who Gio van Bronckhorst will want to call upon any time soon.

Therefore, now is the right time – whilst his stock is seemingly high amongst League Two clubs – to cash in on him whilst the Gers still can.

At the age of 20, clubs may want to take a punt on him in case he is able to improve over time, but his statistics in his career so far are less than encouraging with respect to the chances of him making the first-team in Glasgow.

Wilson will now be delighted to learn of the interest in McPake’s services, as he can rake in a fee for the underperforming youngster and use the money to bring in another young prospect or invest it in another area of the club.

AND in other news, Imagine him & Lundstram: Wilson must land Rangers deal for “fabulous” £28k-p/w maestro…

Reliable journalist Jacque Talbot has now revealed some transfer news on Newcastle United target Christopher Nkunku.

The Lowdown: Nkunku wanted

As per The Daily Telegraph, the St. James’ Park outfit want to bring Nkunku to the North East this summer.

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Dubbed a ‘special’ player by his RB Leipzig teammate Tyler Adams, he has had a truly outstanding season, scoring no fewer than 35 goals and making a further 20 assists in 53 games in total over all competitions (Transfermarkt).

The Latest: Not coming…

Taking to Twitter, Talbot has revealed that Nkunku will be staying at Leipzig this summer, despite interest from the Magpies:

“Resolutely told Christopher Nkunku will not be sold in the summer by RB Leipzig amid reports Man United are lining up a bid next week and Chelsea and Newcastle are interested.”

The Verdict: Blow

It certainly is a blow to the Tynesiders to miss out on a player of Nkunku’s quality this summer.

His numbers quite frankly blow the rest of the squad away in terms of goals and assists, and at 24 years of age, it is crazy to think that he has not yet reached his full potential.

The France international is currently rated at £58.5m by Transfermarkt, and that figure seems certain to rise if he has another season like the one that he has just had.

Nonetheless, the Toon will still be able to attract other top targets, but it looks as if they will now have to be patient if they want to sign Nkunku.

In other news, find out who NUFC have now ‘watched’ ahead of a potential move here!

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in a deal to bring Adama Traore to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by 90min, who claim that, despite the fact that Barcelona are not planning to take up their option to buy the Wolverhampton Wanderers winger following his loan spell at Camp Nou, Bruno Lage’s side will still look to move the 26-year-old on this summer – with Tottenham said to once again be exploring a deal for the Spain international.

The report goes on to state that Antonio Conte is believed to still hold an interest in the forward after failing to agree a deal with Wolves in January, while Leeds United and Newcastle United are also thought to be keeping a close eye on the situation of the attacker ahead of a potential move of their own in the coming weeks.

Perisic 2.0

With it being widely reported last winter that Conte intended to deploy Traore at right wing-back if he was to secure the signing of the winger, and with a new player in this position reported to be one of the Italian’s priority targets this summer, it is easy to see why the 52-year-old has retained an interest in the Wolves forward.

The Tottenham manager has a history of converting wide attacking talents into wing-backs, having done so at Inter Milan with none other than Spurs’ most recent signing, Ivan Perisic.

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Indeed, despite having spent the majority of his career playing on the left of a front three, the Italian tactician deployed the 33-year-old at wing-back to great success in the Nerazzurri’s title-winning 2021/22 campaign, with the £9m-rated talent scoring four goals, registering four assists, creating ten big chances and averaging a SofaScore match rating of 6.90 over his 32 Serie A appearances in the position.

As such, considering the fact that Traore’s primary strength is his ball-carrying ability – with FBref ranking the forward in the top 1% of wingers in Europe’s big five leagues for dribbles completed, as well as the top 3% for progressive carries and the top 25% for shot-creating actions over the last 12 months – it is evident that the player who Carles Gil dubbed “unstoppable” and Xavi labelled a “beast” would be a perfect candidate for Conte at right wing-back.

And, with reports suggesting the £46k-per-week talent will be available for a fee of around €20m (£17m) this summer, not only could Fabio Paratici land Conte his next Perisic with the Wolves winger, but he could also seal what may prove to be one of the bargains of the window.

AND in other news: “They told me..”: Italian journo drops big Spurs transfer update, Conte surely buzzing

Liverpool have been linked with a number of players already despite the transfer window not opening for another week, and now an update on a potential transfer target has emerged.

What’s the latest?

According to reports in Spain, Liverpool are continuing to try to tempt Barcelona midfielder Gavi to make a move to the Premier League this summer.

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As per the report, it suggests that the youngster is Liverpool’s number one target and are plotting a bid of €50m (£42.5m) to trigger his termination clause and Liverpool are waiting for answers which Gavi and his representatives will give in the coming days.

Bellingham 2.0

Following reported interest in Aurelien Tchouameni, Ibrahim Sangare and Jude Bellingham already, it is clear that Jurgen Klopp has identified the midfield as the key area of improvement this summer and if Liverpool could secure a £42.5m deal for Gavi it would be a major coup that could save FSG millions.

Bellingham would reportedly cost the Kopites £101m to sign him from Borussia Dortmund, which is double what the report suggests they would need to pay for Gavi who has shown in his performances for Barcelona this season that he can compete with the Englishman for the midfield spot at Anfield.

The 17-year-old gem who was hailed “spectacular” by Xavi has scored two goals and contributed five assists, creating eight big chances, makes 1.1 tackles on average per game and has been successful in the majority of his dribbles (62%) in 34 appearances for the La Liga giants this season.

Xavi also claimed that the youngster has “no ceiling” after scoring and assisting against Elche at Camp Nou:

“More than anything his work is spectacular. We’re happy to have him and I don’t want to compare him to anyone. There’s no ceiling for him.”

Gavi is only a year younger than Bellingham, but is on a similar trajectory to becoming a wonderkid just like the Dortmund star and if Liverpool can swoop for the midfielder before he has another phenomenal season in La Liga which will inevitably make his transfer fee skyrockets it would be a huge signing for the club.

A quick look at FB Ref tells you that Gavi is similar to the Dortmund star too, with the England international ranking as the third most comparable player to the Spanish maestro.

On that evidence, the teenager has the world at his feet.

AND in other news: Forget Tchouameni: FSG can get Liverpool rocking by signing “dangerous” £21m brute

Sunderland have already begun talks for their first swoop of the summer…

What’s the word?

That is according to Journalist Pete O’Rourke, who claims the Black cats have made an enquiry for Spanish midfielder and former Mackems youth product, Alex Gorrin.

Taking to Twitter, O’Rourke said: “Sunderland have made an enquiry for Oxford United midfielder Alex Gorrin. Gorrin is out of contract next month and could leave on a free transfer, although Oxford are trying to tie him down to a new contract.”

It was claimed earlier this week that the 28-year-old is also wanted by Wigan Athletic, Burton Albion, Lincoln City and Portsmouth.

Neil will love him

Between the years of 2011-2014, Gorrin enjoyed a rise through the ranks at the Academy of Light and even captained the youth side for some time, before eventually being released by the Black Cats.

He has since tried his luck with a host of unique teams across a variety of leagues, having played for four clubs in the space of two years, before finding his feet at Oxford United.

As a midfielder, it’s clear that he offers more defensively, with his total of five goal returns in 101 appearances for The U’s clear evidence of his lack of direct offensive participations.

With an average of 1.4 interceptions, 1.8 tackles and 1.0 clearance per game, he is evidently more comfortable out of possession. Those are numbers that beat some impressive midfielders too.

Let’s use Wolves’ Joao Moutinho as an example who is beaten in two out of three of the aforementioned metrics, but Gorrin just about loses out to the Portuguese’s 2.1 tackles per game.

So, in this regard, he is matching that of a Premier League starter, with the rather large caveat that he’s operating within a lower standard of football – but still, this is a respectable set of metrics that Neil will surely love.

His solidity has seen him become highly rated in Oxford, with George Elek stating: “Amazing how often when Oxford concede when Alex Gorrin isn’t playing, you think, ‘That probably wouldn’t be a goal if Alex Gorrin was playing.'”

Similar sentiments were offered by the Oxford Mail’s James Roberts who described his play-style: “Ball winning, interceptions, reads the game well in defensive areas and is very combative.”He likes to get stuck in and win the ball on as many occasions as possible but also picks up a few yellow cards because of that, too.”

Having matched and slightly bettered the stats of 31-year-old Corry Evans, £225k-rated Gorrin could prove to be a slightly younger replacement at 28-years-old.

In other news: Major boost: Early SAFC Wembley team news emerges that’ll leave supporters buzzing 

Manchester United could target a ‘budget Declan Rice’ in the summer transfer window, according to transfer expert Dean Jones. 

The lowdown: Overhaul pending…

Incoming manager Erik ten Hag is expected to oversee wide-ranging squad changes in the summer as the Red Devils attempt to put a lacklustre 2021/22 campaign behind them.

With the likes of Paul Pogba, Edinson Cavani, Jesse Lingard and Juan Mata all out of contract in the coming months and Nemanja Matic also set to leave the club, the Old Trafford ranks will take on a whole new complexion over the course of the Dutchman’s early reign.

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Having been heavily linked with a defensive midfielder as a priority, West Ham United star Rice, PSV Eindhoven sensation Ibrahim Sangare and Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong – a former protégé of Ten Hag – have all been heavily linked with a move to Manchester.

The latest: Jones predicts ‘budget’ swoop

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones explained that the United hierarchy may need to find a cheaper alternative to Rice given the Englishman’s £150m reported price tag.

The journalist explained: “If it doesn’t (work out with Declan Rice), they’re going to have to look for a budget Declan Rice.

“And ultimately, that’s when Ten Hag’s nous comes in in terms of negotiating and spotting people that can do as good a job in a short space of time.

“Maybe it’s Sangare, it looks like they’re out of the running for Tchouameni at this point. So, whatever it is, they’re going to have to move fast on that deal, I think.”

The verdict: Reinforcements needed

Ultimately, the Red Devils need to add high-quality additions to the central midfield ranks, particularly in a defensive sense given their 56 Premier League goals conceded this season, the second-highest among teams in the top half of the table.

Ironically, when using the FBRef comparison tool to seek out stylistic alternatives to Rice, Liverpool spoiler Fabinho and United’s own Scott McTominay are the closest matches to the Englishman. Further down the list are attainable such names as 21-year-old Khephren Thuram-Ulien and 28-year-old Mario Lemina, who both currently ply their trade at Ligue 1 outfit Nice.

Whilst either Sangare or Aurelien Tchouameni would represent viable options to bolster the Old Trafford ranks, Ten Hag and John Murtough may well need to get creative without the lure of Champions League football next term and could be looking beyond the traditional targets in order to bolster the squad.

In other news: Man Utd now eyeing move for ‘world class’ Premier League star. Read more here

Aston Villa midfielder Jacob Ramsey is a doubt for the Villans’ Premier League home match against Liverpool on Tuesday evening.

What’s the latest?

Speaking to the press, manager Steven Gerrard, as quoted by Birmingham Live, said: “A big doubt for Tuesday. Got a small groin problem. He [Ramsey] won’t be long. We’re hoping to get him involved in the squad at Liverpool but that’s looking ambitious right now.”

The 20-year-old missed Saturday’s 3-1 win at Burnley through the same injury and looks set to continue his spell on the sidelines.

Gerrard will be gutted

Although the former Liverpool captain will be delighted if his former club can win the Premier League title, he will undoubtedly be focused on securing a result with Aston Villa against the Reds.

Therefore, being without Ramsey once again will be a major blow for the Villa boss.

The midfielder has been seriously impressive this term, making 31 Premier League appearances during which he’s scored six goals and registered one assist.

Moreover, the Englishman had previously been subject to interest from Liverpool but recently signed a fresh deal that extends his stay at Villa Park until 2027.

Luckily for Gerrard, Marvelous Nakamba is now fully fit and could make his first start for the West Midlands outfit since suffering a knee injury in the reverse fixture against Liverpool in December.

Having picked up seven points from their last three matches, Villa will be looking to finish the season as strongly as possible with a first top half finish in over a decade still very much achievable.

Moreover, they can put a further dent in Liverpool’s title bid after Jurgen Klopp’s side dropped points on Saturday with a 1-1 draw against Tottenham at Anfield.

Villa supporters will also be keen to remind people that the last time the Merseyside outfit came to Villa Park in the league, they were hit for seven.

However, Tuesday evening will be a completely different contest and not having Ramsey available will certainly leave Gerrard gutted.

AND in other news: AVFC nearing 1st summer signing in £22.5m-rated “phenomenon”, supporters will love it

Former Premier League goalkeeper Paddy Kenny has backed West Ham midfielder Declan Rice to remain at the club from next season and beyond.

The Lowdown: Fighting off interest

Although his contract at the London Stadium is not set to expire until 2025, the 23-year-old has been the subject of huge speculation in recent weeks after being linked with a move away from the Irons, with the likes of Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea all said to be interested in his services.

However, it was claimed by The Daily Mail just last week that the east Londoners are confident that Rice will stay with them and become the new permanent club captain, and Kenny has insisted that the England maestro will commit his future to the Hammers.

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The Latest: Rice backed to stay at West Ham

When asked about the news that the 29-cap international is likely to remain at West Ham, former Ireland goalkeeper Kenny told Football Insider:

“That’s brilliant news for West Ham. We all know how good Rice is and I think West Ham lose quite a lot when he isn’t there.

“The simple fact is, I don’t think anyone will bid what West Ham will demand for him. The club has also proved it can take Rice into Europe and compete for cups.

“So why would he leave? Can I see Man City or Man United coming in him? Probably not.

“If they make him captain then that is a huge honour and I’m not sure he turns it down to go somewhere else if that is offered.

“He owes West Ham, they have given him a career. So I think he will stay and repay that.”

The Verdict: Rice could stay for another while yet

Rice has been a great servant at the club, having first joined from Chelsea’s academy at the age of just 14. He has since gone on to make 193 senior appearances in a claret and blue shirt, scoring ten goals and providing nine assists in all competitions during that time, as per Transfermarkt.

Such form has also seen him become a regular in Gareth Southgate’s England starting XI and he has enjoyed plenty of prominence on the world stage, having reached the Euro 2020 final with the Three Lions last summer. Therefore, you can see why Kenny feels that the 23-year-old owes a lot to his club.

It has been known that Mark Noble will hang up his boots and retire at the end of the season, so it wouldn’t come as a shock to see the £67.5m-rated Rice take over captaincy duties for the long-term and continue to provide inspiration from West Ham’s midfield for another few years yet.

In other news… one West Ham star has been praised for his outstanding performance against Norwich City

Journalist Pete O’Rourke has provided an update on the future of on-loan Celtic defender Cameron Carter-Vickers…

What’s the word?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the respected insider has revealed that talks are “ongoing” regarding a permanent deal for the USA international, although the player is believed to be “happy” in his current surroundings.

Asked about the 24-year-old’s future, O’Rourke revealed that: “It’s still ongoing, this one. Celtic want to get it done and I think Carter-Vickers is quite happy. He’s enjoying his time up at Celtic as well.”

The on-loan Tottenham Hotspur man joined the club on a season-long loan deal back in August, with the Scottish Premiership outfit including a buy option as part of that switch, which could be worth as much as £10m.

Celtic coup

That news would seemingly represent a major coup for the Glasgow side, with it looking as if they have managed to fend off Premier League interest in the player, as a permanent deal edges ever closer.

A recent report named the likes of Southampton, West Ham United, Everton and newly-promoted Fulham among those potential interested parties, although it looks as if Ange Postecoglou has got his man, with Carter-Vickers finally appearing to have found a settled home.

The Spurs academy graduate has failed to make a single top-flight appearance at his parent club, having been forced to endure a further six loans prior to his move to Celtic Park, although has more than shown his worth in a fine campaign north of the border.

Dubbed “immense” by pundit Chris Sutton, the 6 foot 1 centre-back has been a colossal presence in the Hoops’ backline, proving a pivotal asset in their surge towards the league title.

In his 30 league outings this season – all of which have come as starts – the Southend-born ace has kept 16 clean sheets and averaged 1.2 interceptions and 4.2 clearances per game, while also winning an impressive 72% of his aerial duels.

His average match rating of 7.34 is also the sixth-highest among the Celtic squad, with teammate Greg Taylor acknowledging that both Carter-Vickers – and teammate Carl Starfelt – have been a “huge part” of the club’s success this season.

In such an attacking side, the £2.7m-rated man copes more than adequately as the last line of defence, while he’s also no slouch at the other end of the pitch, chipping in with four league goals this season, including a vital winner in the Old Firm derby back in early April.

The all-round talent looks likely to be able to reproduce the goods next season, all it needs now is for chief executive Michael Nicholson to negotiate the deal.

IN other news, Celtic can unearth a new Giakoumakis after submitting bid for “very strong” £2.5m gem…