Chelsea Ready To Sell "Excellent" £120k-A-Week Star

Chelsea are "ready to cash-in" on midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek in the summer transfer window, according to an update from reliable journalist Nizaar Kinsella.

Is Loftus-Cheek having a good season?

The Englishman has had a solid Blues career overall, but equally, he has always found it difficult to become a genuinely key player at Stamford Bridge. Constant injury problems certainly haven't helped, in that respect, and he arguably hasn't reached the heights many expected in his career.

This season, Loftus-Cheek has made 20 Premier League appearances, but has failed to either score or assist in that time, highlighting his lack of impact in the final third. The £120,000-a-week midfielder hasn't played since the 2-0 defeat at home to Aston Villa in early April and there are now real doubts surrounding his future.

With the 27-year-old's current deal expiring in the summer of 2024, selling him at the end of this season could make the most sense, in terms of receiving a good amount of money for his services.

Ruen Loftus Cheek for Chelsea

Could Loftus-Cheek makes Blues exit this summer?

Taking to Twitter, The Evening Standard's Kinsella provided an update on the situation, admitting that Loftus-Cheek is likely to be up for sale in the summer window:

"Ruben Loftus-Cheek has offers led by interest from AC Milan this summer. He will likely have to take a pay-cut wherever he goes. He was offered to clubs late in January and Chelsea are ready to cash-in."

Selling Loftus-Cheek this summer really is the most logical decision by the Chelsea, with the 10-time capped England international someone who doesn't look like a key player heading into the club's future.

Granted, Thomas Tuchel hailed him as "excellent" during his time in charge, but his overall impact isn't great enough to justify handing him an extension, or even keep hold of him until his current contract runs out next year.

This is an absolutely vital summer for Chelsea in the transfer market, and while making signings is clearly imperative, it is also so important that the dead wood is moved on and money is freed up, in terms of paying for new additions and also easing the club's wage bill.

Loftus-Cheek's aforementioned £120,000-a-week wages are a prime example of this, and if the Blues can sell other expendable players this summer, as well as receiving good money for them, it will go a long way to steadying the ship under incoming new manager Mauricio Pochettino.

Crystal Palace Want "Unplayable" Attacker With Pace and Power

Viktor Gyokeres is a target for Crystal Palace this summer as they aim to add more firepower to the side.

The Eagles have scored just 35 goals this season and in order to climb the table next term, they need more goalscorers – Gyokeres may be their man.

What's the transfer latest on Viktor Gyokeres?

24-year-old Gyokeres has attracted a lot of interest with his displays in the Championship this season. He has 22 goals and ten assists in 47 games for Coventry City as the Sky Blues target promotion to the Premier League via the playoffs.

According to Sky Sports, Wolves are leading the race for Gyokeres' signature but West Ham and Crystal Palace are also interested. The forward may also remain at Coventry next season if they are successful in their playoff campaign.

There aren't currently "ongoing negotiations" but once Coventry's future is more clear, there will be more movement on Gyokeres, who teammate Maxime Biamou has previously called "unplayable".

viktor-gyokeres-championship-leeds-transfer-news

Biamou's praise is certainly not an outrageous claim when you look at the deeper stats for this season. Gyokeres ranks in the 99th percentile for "Shot-Creating Actions", according to Fbref, and is in the 99th percentile for "Progressive Carries", proving to be so much more than just a classic number nine.

Simply put, Gyokeres is made for creating and scoring goals. It's no surprise that Premier League sides are keen to recruit him as he has the build, stats and attitude to succeed in the top flight.

Will Gyokeres succeed in the Premier League?

It seems a relatively safe bet to back Gyokeres when he makes the step up to the Premier League. In the Championship, he looks out of place with his technical ability deserving of competing against the best teams in England. He's over 6 foot 1 and clearly has the power and pace required to be a nuisance to defenders, dubbed "very strong" by Slaven Bilic.

Gyokeres is an expert at running the channels and is almost reminiscent of Kevin De Bruyne as far as his dribbling technique is concerned – he isn't a tricky or technical dribbler but his decision making and timing is very impressive, allowing him to breeze past defenders at will.

Premier League defences will certainly have their hands full should he make a move to the top flight this summer. For Palace, he would fit in very well with some of the Eagles' more attack-minded players.

Specifically, it would be interesting to see him combine with Wilfred Zaha and Michael Olise.

Tottenham: "Brilliant" Title-Winning Manager Would Love Spurs Job

TalkSPORT pundit Jamie O'Hara believes Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou would jump at the chance to join Tottenham Hotspur if offered the job.

What's the latest Spurs manager news?

Spurs and chairman Daniel Levy are still on the lookout for a new manager to succeed Antonio Conte, coming after the Italian parted company nearly two months ago.

Their list of candidates is slowly being whittle down, though, with former Bayern Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann apparently out of the running despite his status as a readily-available free agent.

Of the names still in contention, Levy is reportedly interested in the likes of Ruben Amorim, who has done exceptionally at Sporting Lisbon, and Arne Slot of Feyenoord.

Closer to the Premier League, it is also believed that Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi is "prominent" in Tottenham's thinking after his excellent debut season on the south coast.

Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou.

Another name to have been sporadically linked with the post is Postecoglou, who is currently chasing down a Scottish treble after yet another dominant SPFL campaign.

Speaking to Grosvenor Sport (via The Mirror), talkSPORT regular O'Hara has suggested that the 57-year-old would jump at the chance to manage Tottenham if Levy made a move – urging his old club to lodge an approach.

“Tottenham should go after Postecoglou in the summer," said the former Spurs midfielder.“He’s brilliant and Tottenham are a huge football club. If he got offered the job, there is no way he is turning it down – how could you?“If he had the opportunity to manage Tottenham in the Europa League or Europa Conference League, or manage Celtic in the Champions League, you’re taking Tottenham. Celtic will get pumped in the Champions League and will be out in the group stages, then they’ll walk the league.“Celtic are a huge football club but for Postecoglou’s career, there is no way in a million years he would turn Spurs down.”

Who is Ange Postecoglou?

The tactician has won multiple league titles across spells at various clubs in Japan and Australia – as well as in Scotland with Celtic.

Postecoglou deploys an attack-minded 4-3-3 formation, which could interest Spurs fans who wish to see the return of open, expansive football to N17.

Another former Spurs defender in Alan Hutton also recently heralded the Australian, calling him "very likeable" and a fantastic coach following his job in Glasgow.

Going by his plaudits and credentials, Postecoglou could be viewed as a solid outside contender for the job.

Rangers: 95-Touch Star Had Rare Shocker Vs Hearts

Glasgow Rangers finished their final match at Ibrox in the 2022/23 Scottish Premiership campaign with a 2-2 draw against Hearts on Wednesday night.

Lawrence Shankland scrambled the ball into the back of the net inside the opening minute of the match and had VAR to thank as they overruled the linesman's offside decision in order to award the goal.

The Light Blues struggled to break Hearts down for the majority of the first half but eventually found their equaliser through Todd Cantwell as the midfielder rode a challenge in the middle of the park before bursting through to slot a brilliant left-footed shot into the bottom corner.

Michael Beale's team then started the second half with a bang as Fashion Sakala capitalised on a mistake at the back to prod the ball into the back of the net in the 47th minute.

Despite the home side's dominance, Hearts were able to find an equaliser in the 94th minute of the game as Ryan Jack's poor attempt at a clearance resulted in Garang Kuol prodding the ball past Allan McGregor.

How did James Tavernier perform against Hearts?

Beale will surely be frustrated with the way that his side failed to pick up all three points and the head coach was let down by one of his star performers as captain James Tavernier put in a rare shocker at right-back.

Glasgow Rangers defender James Tavernier.

The Englishman has averaged a terrific Sofascore rating of 7.65 in the Premiership this season – the highest of any player in the squad – but recorded a score of 6.7 on Wednesday night, which is his lowest rating since he received a 6.5 against Kilmarnock in January.

This shows that it was an out-of-character display from the skipper, who did not show his usual quality in or out of possession for the side.

As per Sofascore, the right-back lost the ball a whopping 28 times from 95 touches and failed with ten of his 11 attempted crosses. Whereas, he has averaged 22.9 losses of possession and completed 30% of his crosses over the course of the league season, which suggests that he was not at his usual level in the final third.

This means that he wasted too many opportunities to create chances for his teammates with the space that was afforded to him on the right flank, which resulted in Rangers being unable to kill the game off at 2-1 and presented the opposition with encouragement to go on and snatch a draw.

Defensively, Tavernier was also dribbled past twice – 1.1 more times than his average per game – and was caught out for the opening goal inside the first minute of the match as his poor headed clearance allowed Shankland to give Hearts the lead.

Instead of clearing the ball from danger, he caused chaos in his own box and that left Rangers chasing the game almost immediately.

Therefore, the 31-year-old cost Beale dearly with his rare shocker at both ends of the pitch and the head coach will be hoping that this level of performance does not become a regular occurrence heading into the 2023/24 campaign.

Newcastle Could Sign Dream Botman Partner In £190k-p/w Titan

Newcastle United's fate has been sealed and the Tyneside giants will compete in the Champions League next season after emphatic seasonal success this year, and requisite moves on the transfer front must now be made.

What's the latest on Newcastle's pursuit of Harry Maguire?

One name that has entered transfer circulation is Manchester United's world-record £80m centre-back Harry Maguire, with a recent update from Dean Jones stating that the defender is set to depart Old Trafford this summer after falling out of favour under the tutelage of Erik ten Hag.

While there is a vested interest in the 30-year-old from Serie A outfits such as AC Milan, Inter Milan and Juventus, Newcastle have also been credited as possible suitors, should the Red Devils grant Maguire's departure to a top-four Premier League rival.

It's thought a potential loan move could even be on the cards for the centre-back.

Should Newcastle sign Harry Maguire?

While Maguire has endured a turbulent ride in Manchester at times, perhaps none more so than this season where he has found a regular starting berth hard to come by, he is a commanding and aerially superlative "colossus" – as dubbed by Simon Jordan – to wield at the foot of the pitch.

In March, 90min reported that Maguire was among the players at the Theatre of Dreams informed that they are free to depart at the conclusion of the season, with the Magies stated to be 'monitoring' the situation.

Maguire has made 31 appearances across all competitions this term but has started only eight times in the Premier League, and with £190k-per-week wages, it is unlikely he will remain beyond the summer with a utility role.

Praised for his "dominating" demeanour on the pitch by Ten Hag, Maguire would be a good addition for Newcastle because injecting an imposing presence into a defence that boasts the joint-meanest defence in the English top-flight this term – alongside champions Manchester City – will only enrich the flourishing current crop.

Man United's Harry Maguire

As per FBref, he ranks among the top 17% of centre-backs across Europe's top five leagues for pass completion, the top 20% for progressive carries, the top 11% for rate of blocks and the top 12% for aerials won per 90.

He would surely thrive alongside Sven Botman, who has been a revelation at St. James' Park since signing for £35m from Lille last summer.

While Maguire isn't the most mobile of defenders, he does boast an imposing physicality, which could run in tandem with Botman's own brutish approach to his play.

Indeed the £90k-per-week Dutchman has been lauded as a "leader" by journalist Josh Bunting, a quality he certainly shares with Maguire, while averaging a Premier League match rating of 6.99, as per Sofascore, completing 87% of his passes, making 3.3 clearances per match and winning 67% of his duels.

Such a tenacious and iron-clad partnership would only bear fruit for Howe, and signing Maguire might actually be a shrewd move to take as the Magpies continue their ascent.

Man Utd Could Repeat Cantona Success With £35m "Machine"

While Manchester United still have a crucial FA Cup final clash to come next weekend, manager Erik ten Hag will already be focused on the club's potential transfer dealings this summer, with further additions set to be needed if the Red Devils are to kick on again next season.

The former Ajax boss stated following the midweek win over Chelsea that United are in need of "better players" if they are to compete for major honours moving forward, with Manchester Evening News recently reporting that a new centre-forward and midfielder are particular priorities for the Dutchman.

With regard to the latter position, one potential target that the Old Trafford outfit are believed to be considering is Leeds United star, Tyler Adams, with Football Insider stating that the Carabao Cup winners are 'keeping tabs' on the United States international.

The report suggests that the Elland Road hierarchy are fearful that the 24-year-old could leave the club this summer if the Yorkshire side are relegated, with Ten Hag and co ready to pounce to strike a deal for around £35m.

The former RB Leipzig man – who only made the move to England last summer – has been sidelined with injury in recent weeks amid his side's battle to stave off the drop, although prior to that the £20m signing had been "instrumental" for the Whites, according to pundit Kevin Campbell.

The promising, "tackling machine" – as hailed by Campbell – would not be the first player to make the controversial move from Leeds to the Theatre of Dreams, following in the footsteps of the likes of Rio Ferdinand and Alan Smith.

The 5 foot 9 ace will no doubt be particularly keen to try and emulate the impact of another figure to have made the switch, however, in the form of United legend, Eric Cantona.

How good was Cantona at Man United?

The iconic Frenchman is seemingly a man that needs no introduction, although Red Devils supporters will likely never tire of hearing the tale of just how they were able to prise the talismanic forward from the bitter rivals on the cheap.

Fresh from having won the league title prior to the Premier League's inception in 1992, champions Leeds had enquired about the prospect of snapping up full-back Denis Irwin from Old Trafford, albeit with chairman Martin Edwards ultimately shifting focus to discuss a possible deal to acquire Cantona instead.

Man United's Eric Cantona

As it proved, not only did Irwin stay put, but Edwards and co were ultimately able to snap up the talismanic forward for a modest fee of just £1m, with that acquisition proving a real bargain due to the striker's subsequent impact over the coming years.

The one-time Marseille man would go on to win four league titles over the next five seasons under manager Alex Ferguson, registering 126 goals and assists in just 156 league games and firmly cementing himself as a genuine cult hero.

As Ferguson previously stated, the influential "Messiah" simply "transformed" United following his arrival, with the hope being that the aforementioned Adams can try and emulate just a fraction of that stellar impact.

As was the case with enigmatic marksman, the signing of the American could well prove a real masterclass for the Red Devils…

Leeds Hit By Exit Rumour Surrounding £55k-A-Week Hero

Influential Leeds United midfielder Tyler Adams could leave the club on loan during the summer transfer window, according to a fresh update.

Has Adams played well for Leeds?

The 24-year-old has made an immediate impact at Elland Road, joining from RB Leipzig last summer and becoming of the most important players at the club.

Adams added immediate quality and tenacity to Leeds' midfield, starting 24 matches in the Premier League before an injury ended his season prematurely. That proved to be a massive setback for the Whites, who weren't the same team without him and eventually suffered relegation to the Championship on the final day.

Many were left wondering if things would have panned out different with the £55,000-a-week midfielder available all the way through the campaign, and they are now going to find it very difficult to keep of him, despite him only arriving a year ago.

Leeds United midfielder Tyler Adams.

Could Adams depart on loan this summer?

According to Football Insider, Leeds "could sanction a loan exit" for their "star midfielder" this summer, rather than him leaving on a permanent basis. The report goes on to add that the Whites "will hold a degree of control – with Adams’ long-term contract meaning it will take a big-money fee to prise him away from Elland Road".

For that reason, a loan move "could be the best solution – allowing him to supercharge his transfer value with another impressive season".

This is probably the best outcome that Leeds could hope for regarding Adams this summer, with the 36-cap USA international not someone who will be wanting to ply his trade in the Championship in 2023/24. He is a top-level footballer who should be playing in the Premier League, or one of Europe's top five leagues, with Jesse Marsch describing him as a "very important" player during his time as manager.

From a Whites perspective, the hope is that Adams goes away on loan for a year, during which time they seal a speedy return to the Premier League, at which point he returns to Elland Road and kick starts his Leeds career again.

Whether that is possible remains to be seen – he could shine on loan somewhere and then eventually head there for good – but it would be a more preferable outcome than selling him permanently so soon after arriving given his obvious quality, even if it would mean receiving big money for his services.

Manchester United Hold Concrete Interest In £40m-Rated Player

Manchester United have an interest in David Raya at Brentford – but wouldn't want to pay £40m to sign the player according to Sky Sports.

Will Man United replace De Gea?

Raya has impressed at Brentford this season, with the player featuring in all 38 league games this campaign. He conceded only 46 goals during those outings and it is part of the reason why the Bees were able to seal a ninth-place finish in the Premier League.

Whilst his goals against rate has gone up from the 2021/22 season – from 1.13 to 1.21 – he has also featured in 14 more games this time around and yet the amount has increased substantially. With a save percentage of 77.7% as well, he has ranked amongst the top eight percent in his position in the Men's 'Top Five' big leagues in Europe for that figure. It shows how capable he is of winning points for his team and keeping the opposition out. He's also adept at stopping aerial balls, with the shot-stopper managing 8.7% of a crosses stopped rate – which puts him in the 93rd percentile.

His showings have now put him on the radar of some of Brentford's league rivals. According to a report from Sky Sports, United do have an interest in the player as a replacement for David De Gea, as do Tottenham for Hugo Lloris.

However, both sides have been quoted a fee of £40m to seal a deal for the goalkeeper and neither of them are too keen to fork out that amount. It means that if Brentford do want to sell him, they may have to reduce their asking price. What may help the suitors however is that the Bees have just signed a new shot-stopper in Mark Flekken from Freiburg.

Brentford goalkeeper David Raya.

Is David Raya joining Man United?

It's been a standout season for the goalkeeper and his stats back that up. With an average of 4.05 saves per 90, he ranks within the top one percent in his position in the 'Top Five' big leagues. That shows that if United did add him to their ranks and the opposition did manage to get through on goal, you would bank on Raya being able to produce the goods for example. That would instill a confidence in the Red Devils' defence for definite.

In addition, former professionals have also praised his ability. Michael Owen for example called the player "top-class," showing just how highly regarded he is in the game right now.

If United did decide to stump up the asking price for him then, he would certainly be worth the money.

Monchi Can Repeat Villa’s Tielemans Coup With £100k-p/w Ace

Following Monchi's appointment as transfer chief – or president of football operations, to give him his official title – Aston Villa can ramp up plans for the 2023-24 season.

With European football returning to Villa Park, it is important the Villans strengthen their squad as they look to balance continental football with the bread and butter of the Premier League.

What is the latest with Aston Villa's transfer activity?

Monchi gained a reputation during his time as Sevilla's sporting director as someone capable of finding a gem, while also garnering big fees for players sold on.

Villa have been quick to move on unwanted players, while first-team regular Ashley Young has also departed, and now focus is on those coming into the club.

The Midlands outfit have been linked with a whole array of players, from Napoli ace Hirving Lozano to Manchester United captain Harry Maguire. One player has already been brought in, meanwhile, with Youri Tielemans arriving from neighbours Leicester City as a free agent prior to Monchi's appointment.

That signing was hailed as a coup of sorts for Villa, given the midfielder supposedly had a number of clubs to choose from following his Leicester departure, and they could be about to repeat a similar trick.

Is Leeds United striker Rodrigo a good fit for Aston Villa?

Having plucked a highly regarded player from one relegated club, Villa could do likewise in moving for Leeds United's Rodrigo, a player previously described as a "livewire" by former striker Aaron McLean.

According to football reporter Ben Jacobs, via the Leeds United Ultras' YouTube channel, the Villans are battling Brighton and Hove Albion and even Paris Saint-Germain for the Spain international's signature.

Rodrigo's 13 goals last season – Jack Harrison was next highest for Leeds with a mere five – were not enough to keep United in the top flight, and they will surely now be tempted to cash in on a player on wages of £100k-a-week, according to Capology.

youri-tielemans-liverpool-leicester-city-transfer-opinion-thiago-premier-league

With 0.56 non-penalty goals per 90 minutes over the past year, as per FBref, Rodrigo ranks in the top 12% of his positional peers across Europe's top five leagues.

Indeed, that figure increases to 0.60 on the basis of last season alone – in a poor Leeds side, remember – which compares to 0.43 for Ollie Watkins and 0.65 for Danny Ings among Villa players.

Signing a player from the Championship should not be sneered at, either, with a number of relegated players going on to prove themselves when given a lifeline.

Tielemans is likely to be one of those, much in the same way as Andy Robertson (Hull City to Liverpool), Georginio Wijnaldum (Newcastle United to Liverpool) and Harry Maguire (Hull to Leicester) to name just a few.

Rodrigo showed during the last of his three Premier League seasons with Leeds that he is good enough to stay in the division. With Monchi in place, it may just be a matter of time until he has a chance to prove that at Villa.

Crystal Palace: £19m "Game-Changer" Can Solve Striking Woes At Selhurst Park

Crystal Palace are reportedly interested in signing Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun this summer in an attempt to solve their striker conundrum.

Crystal Palace transfer news – could they sign Folarin Balogun?

According to the Express, Balogun is prepared to leave Arsenal this summer to pursue regular first-team football after a successful loan spell in France last season.

It is believed the Gunners are due to hold talks with Balogun’s agent, Eddie Bonsu, after the current international break in which the 21-year-old striker has starred for the United States.

Soccer Football – Ligue 1 – Paris St Germain v Stade de Reims – Parc des Princes, Paris, France – January 29, 2023 Stade de Reims’ Folarin Balogun in action with Paris St Germain’s Fabian Ruiz and Sergio Ramos REUTERS/Christian Hartmann

The striker has insisted he will not be sent out on loan again by Arsenal and demands regular first-team football at the Emirates or to be sold to somewhere he will get that playing time.

"I'm not sure what's going to happen. But I'm just committed to now; I try to stay present. I obviously want to enjoy the moment with my team and my family” Balogun told reporters after the USMNT defeated Canada in the CONCACAF Nations League final.

"What I can say is that I definitely won't go on loan again."

Is Balogun the man to fix Crystal Palace’s woes up front?

There’s no doubt the quality Balogun can bring to a new team, as shown by his stellar season last year in France.

The youngster signed for Stade Reims on a season long loan deal back in the summer window of 2023 and grew into one of the best strikers in the league.

In 37 appearances, Balogun hit the net 21 times and registered 3 assists, which made up 53% of his sides’ goal contribution.

His eye for goal saw him finish as the fifth top goalscorer in Ligue 1 behind the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Canadian star Jonathan David.

Balogun didn’t want to wait for an England call up either, recently committing to the USMNT and starring in their CONCACAF Nations League triumph. ‘Flo’ even notched his first goal for the U.S in the 3-0 stuffing of Canada in the final.

Former American international striker and current CBS football pundit Charlie Davis told the Los Angeles Times that Balogun can be a ‘game changer’ for the USMNT.

“If you score 20-plus goals in a top European league, you’re bringing something different to the group.

Sunderland, Black Cats, Arsenal, Lee Johnson, Mikel Arteta, Folarin Balogun, Charlie Wyke,

“This could be a massive game changer because of his runs, his ability, his tactical knowledge to open up space. But it’s all potential. You’ve got to bring it to the pitch.”

Palace haven’t had an out-and-out goalscorer up front since the Glenn Murray days when the former Brighton striker helped catapult the club to promotion in 2013.

Palace’s top goalscorer last season was midfielder Eberechi Eze with 10 goals. He was the only player to reach double figures.

Former Celtic striker Odsonne Edouard was signed to be the club’s main number nine back in 2021, but he managed just seven goals this season and started just over half of the clubs Premier League matches.

Palace’s other forward options, Jordan Ayew and Jean-Phillippe Mateta, managed just four and two goals this season respectively.

Balogun could be the missing piece in a Palace team that will be pushing for a top half finish next season, but they will face competition from European heavyweights like RB Leipzig to secure his signature, per the Express.

Game
Register
Service
Bonus