Man United: Deal for "incredible" star "waiting to happen"

Manchester United could look to secure Brentford goalkeeper David Raya this summer if veteran stopper David De Gea is to leave Old Trafford this summer, according to journalist Dean Jones.

What's the latest transfer news involving Manchester United's goalkeeping situation?

As per The Athletic, Manchester United reportedly offered De Gea a new contract at Old Trafford before eventually changing their mind on the decision at the last minute.

The 32-year-old has since received a new proposal from the Red Devils ahead of this term; however, he is now out of contract at Manchester United as he mulls over his future and is a target for Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr, according to The Sun.

Despite the fact De Gea's 12-year stay at Manchester United looks to be in a perilous position, he would still ideally like to be kept on at the Premier League giants if both parties can come to a compromise in negotiations.

Sky Sports have revealed that Manchester United are considering several goalkeeping options as Erik Ten Hag looks to strengthen his last line of defence, including the likes of Raya, Inter Milan's Andre Onana and Porto stopper Diogo Costa.

De Gea was named on the Red Devils' official released list and any push for another goalkeeping addition is believed to be a separate case to the future of the Spaniard.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Jones has stated that Raya, who earns around £25k-a-week at the Gtech Community Stadium, is indeed on the radar at Old Trafford and may be a potential replacement for De Gea.

Jones stated: "Raya is a pretty simple deal waiting to happen, if United want to go down that path. And if de Gea is going to leave, we've heard for some time that Raya is on their radar as somebody that could replace him."

Would David Raya be a good signing for Manchester United?

Raya, who has been hailed as an "incredible" player, has earned a reputation as an accomplished goalkeeper in the English top flight due to his shot-stopping abilities and composure with the ball at his feet, a trait that Manchester United boss Ten Hag has traditionally demanded from his man between the sticks.

Last season, the 27-year-old made 39 appearances in all competitions for Brentford, managing to amass 12 clean sheets, as per Transfermarkt.

David-Raya-Brentford

FBRef show that Raya was a key part of why Brentford secured a top-ten finish in the Premier League, recording a save percentage rate of 77.7%.

As per WhoScored, the Spanish stopper also ranked in Brentford's top five performers across the term, behind Ben Mee, Bryan Mbuemo, Ethan Pinnock and Ivan Toney, earning an average match rating of 6.97/10 for his exploits on the field.

Manchester United will be looking to build on an impressive 2022/23 campaign under Ten Hag and bringing in someone like Raya could help to take the Red Devils to the next level at Old Trafford.

Spurs Could Get £200k p/w Ace To Commit His Future In N17

Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane signing a new contract at his boyhood club at some point is a 'possible', according to journalist Dharmesh Sheth.

What's the latest transfer news involving Harry Kane?

According to The Independent, Manchester United have decided to drop out of the race to sign Kane this summer due to his current employers, Tottenham, adopting a tough negotiation stance involving the England international.

The report adds that Manchester United are 'conscious' of Manchester City's failed pursuit of the 29-year-old back in 2021 and don't want to waste their off-season trying to land Kane only to be rebuffed by Spurs continually.

Le Parisien via GOAL detail that Kane has admirers from the continent in the form of Paris Saint-Germain and the Ligue 1 giants are said to want to make Kane a 'marquee' addition despite not currently having a manager in place at the Parc des Princes.

It is expected that Kane would cost the French giants in excess of £100 million to acquire, which is a big part of the reason Manchester United pulled out in their attempts to tempt him to Old Trafford.

Capology understand that Kane has one year left on his deal at Tottenham and is believed to pocket £200,000 per week in north London.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Sheth has revealed that there is a possibility Kane could now commit to a new contract at The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Sheth stated: "Tottenham do not want to sell Kane, least of all to a Premier League rival.

"I see a few scenarios that could happen with Kane, and they’re obvious really. Tottenham's number one choice would be Kane signs a new contract at Spurs and spends the rest of his career at the club. It's possible, but how likely, I don't know.”

Should Tottenham Hotspur look to tie Harry Kane to a new deal?

Spurs should look to tie Kane to a new deal with every fibre of their being, as he is an elite striker with the propensity to produce moments of magic consistently in the Premier League.

In 2022/23, despite Tottenham's underwhelming season, Kane recorded 32 goals and five assists in 49 appearances across all competitions, as per Transfermarkt.

Unsurprisingly, Kane was Spurs' most consistent performer during the season and obtained an average match rating of 7.52/10 for his exploits on the pitch, according to WhoScored.

Leading the line with efficiency, Kane also managed to successfully lay on 159 shot-creating actions combining his time on the field in the Premier League and Champions League, as per FBRef.

Nailing down Kane for the rest of his career at Tottenham will undoubtedly be a major priority for Lilywhites' chiefs; however, it will be easier said than done and they will need to match his ambition at the club to win trophies in order to stand a chance of being successful in their endeavours.

Man United In Contact For "Spectacular" Attacker

Manchester United appear to be keeping an eye on PSV Eindhoven attacker Xavi Simons ahead of a potential summer move, according to reports.

What’s the latest Man United transfer news involving Simons?

The Red Devils have been linked with a number of players this summer as the club seemingly look to back Erik ten Hag with a number of new additions.

Two positions that were previously top of Manchester United’s transfer wishlist were midfield and attack. Chelsea’s Mason Mount is seemingly the key midfield target at Old Trafford, with a £40m offer made earlier in the month. That was rejected by those at Stamford Bridge, and the Red Devils improved £50m bid for the England international was also turned down.

In attack, Harry Kane was previously the top attacking priority, however, a transfer for the Spurs star is unlikely. As a result, United have been linked with moves for the likes of Benfica’s Goncalo Ramos, Atalanta's Rasmus Hojlund and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Randal Kolo Muani.

A new final third target has emerged in the shape of Simons, though, who appears to be a player in demand over the coming months.

Fabrizio Romano provided an update regarding Simons on Wednesday, where Manchester United were named. The transfer expert said that Paris Saint-Germain have a buy-back clause for the PSV gem worth just €6m, adding that the Red Devils are one of four Premier League sides that have been in contact with PSV, asking to be kept informed about the situation.

“Paris Saint-Germain buy back clause for Xavi Simons is just €6m! It can only be activated in July, from 1 to 31st. The final decision is ONLY up to the player. He’s waiting to hear from PSG.

“Man Utd, Arsenal, Brighton, Spurs, BVB and Leipzig asked to be informed.”

PSV attacker Xavi Simons.

Who is Xavi Simons?

Simons is primarily an attacking midfielder who can also play on the wing if required. The 20-year-old, labelled as “spectacular” in the media at the end of 2021, made the move to PSV from PSG last summer.

Since then, the Netherlands international has seen his Transfermarkt valuation increase from €8m to a career-high €30m. He has starred in his native country, contributing to 34 goals in 48 PSV appearances. He appears to be going from strength to strength, with scout Antonio Mango stating that Simons “has the X-factor”:

“Xavi has one of the best Football IQ’s as just 19 which makes him incredibly versatile to play anywhere along the front line. It’s visibly clear that Xavi has the x-factor, technically special blended with.”

Therefore, should he make the move to Old Trafford over the coming months, he would add strength in depth to United's attacking midfield ranks, with Bruno Fernandes the only senior option, while also providing an option out wide.

However, following his incredible rise over the past 12 months, you’d expect that PSG would be willing to activate their buyback clause for a relatively low fee, so a deal could prove tricky for the Red Devils.

21-y/o "Leader" On Man United Radar For Summer Transfer

Amadou Onana is an option Manchester United could explore in the summer transfer window, journalist David Ornstein has revealed.

Who could Man United sign in midfield?

Recent reports have revealed that Man United have submitted a final bid for Chelsea's Mason Mount, having agreed personal terms with the England international, but a deal is far from guaranteed as there is a reluctance to meet Chelsea's high asking price.

Erik ten Hag is targeting a midfielder to play alongside Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro, and Everton's Onana is a name believed to be on their list of targets.

Speaking on the FIVE YouTube channel, Ornstein revealed that Onana is on the list at United, but he is one of a number of players they could target this summer.

"You've got Manchester United as well, who want a midfielder, though as far as we know, they're focused on the more advanced one in Mason Mount at this point in time and the number nine," he stated.

"They are looking at the other positions and you'll have seen reports about Onana and Everton, I'm led to believe he's on the list, and like many, he's one of many options they're considering.

"But they've got their ownership situation which is complicating it all. So this market is just absolutely wild."

Should Man United sign Onana?

The 21-year-old has had an impressive debut season in the Premier League despite Everton's struggles, and has been a standout performer for the Toffees.

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Former Belgium manager Roberto Martinez described the midfielder as a "leader," and he could bring a lot of strength and dynamism to the United midfield.

His height could prove to be invaluable in the middle of the park, and he ranks in the top 7% of midfielders for aerial duels as per FBref.

It remains to be seen whether he offers enough on the ball for Erik ten Hag, given that he ranks poorly for progressive passes, but he could help glue together the midfield trio, and at just 21, there is massive potential for him to grow.

If United do sign Mount, then it seems unlikely that they will pursue another expensive midfield signing, but if they pull out of a deal for the Englishman, then Onana is a ready-made alternative they could explore.

Uncertainty over the ownership situation means that a deal may have to be completed later on in the window, but should Onana join, he would be an investment which could reap rewards in the long run.

West Ham: Could Make Ambitious Bid To Sign £110k p/w Ace

West Ham United target James Maddison 'would be an absolute star signing' at the London Stadium if he was to move to the Hammers from Leicester City, according to journalist Dean Jones.

What's the latest transfer news involving James Maddison?

According to The Daily Mail, Tottenham Hotspur are keen on Maddison and have submitted a £50 million joint bid to try and land the England international and his teammate Harvey Barnes.

The report states that the offer is set to be rejected by Leicester City, who will want to recoup more money for two of their prize assets in the transfer window.

Sky Sports claim that Newcastle United are in the race for £110,000 per week earner Maddison and it is believed that they are currently in pole position to land the Coventry-born star.

Nevertheless, Tottenham may now formalise their attraction towards Maddison this summer now that they have a new manager in place in the form of former Celtic coach Ange Postecoglou.

Writing in his column for GIVEMESPORT, journalist Jones has revealed that West Ham United are interested in Maddison this window as they eye a creative midfielder.

Jones also suggested that Maddison joining the Irons could help to soften the blow of losing Declan Rice, who looks set to leave the London Stadium, stating: "Maddison would be an absolute star signing. They are definitely not front-runners for him as Newcastle and Tottenham are expected in a tug-of-war battle for this signing but West Ham, fresh off that recent European success, would love to make the £110,000-a-week man an offer. His creativity and personality would bring a new dimension to the team and his star factor would help recover from the loss of Declan Rice, when he eventually goes."

Would James Maddison be a good signing for West Ham United?

Maddison enjoyed a productive campaign on an individual level for Leicester City even though the Foxes suffered relegation to the Sky Bet Championship and showed why he is highly regarded as a playmaker in the Premier League.

All in, the 26-year-old made 32 appearances for his current employers, registering ten goals and nine assists in the process, as per Transfermarkt.

Leicester midfielder James Maddison

As per FBRef, Maddison was also a key chance provider for Leicester City during the season, successfully performing 138 shot-creating actions.

Unsurprisingly, the former Norwich City man also ended up at the top of the tree, becoming Leicester City's most consistent performer in 2022/23, earning an average match rating of 7.24/10, according to WhoScored.

Moving forward, Maddison would add another dimension to West Ham United's midfield if an ambitious bid for his services was to come off; however, they would have to beat off stiff competition from a number of appealing options to him.

Newcastle United Eyeing Loan For "Terrible" £190k-p/w Flop

Newcastle United are interested in a deal to sign Manchester United defender Harry Maguire on loan this summer, according to reports.

Is Harry Maguire leaving Man United?

The Red Devils centre-back first arrived at Old Trafford from at the time Premier League rivals Leicester City back in 2019 and over the years has become a regular feature of the first-team, clocking up 175 appearances since joining, not to mention that he’s also Erik Ten Hag’s captain.

The England international, however, made just eight starts and the same number of substitute outings in the top-flight last season so is significantly out of favour, and he’s already been linked with an exit with the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa and Everton all keen.

90min have reported that the 30-year-old wants to stay and fight for his place beyond the summer, but with his boss already searching the market for replacements, it appears that they are open to sanctioning his sale, which has alerted Eddie Howe at St. James’ Park.

Are Newcastle signing Maguire?

According to The Sun, Newcastle “want to rescue” Maguire on a loan basis this summer, but Man United are only happy to let him go permanently, meaning that PIF will have to buy him should they want to secure his services.

The M16 defender “can leave” if the price is right, but the reason they won’t green-light a loan is because they would be helping a rival and gaining no financial benefit themselves. Should the northeast outfit come forward with a cash offer, it could be a “different story”.

Manchester United defender Harry Maguire.

Should PIF submit a bid for Maguire?

Newcastle will know that Maguire can be a decent player in his prime but in recent seasons he’s not lived up to expectations at Man United, which has seen him described as “terrible” by members of the media, so PIF should avoid this move at all costs.

The World Cup participant, who’s sponsored by Puma, ranked as Ten Hag’s 18th worst-performing defensive player during the previous term averaging just 0.5 tackles per game, as well as placing 17th overall in their squad ratings, via WhoScored.

The Sheffield-born player, who also failed to record a single goal or assist, is currently pocketing £190k-per-week so his wage demands would be way too high to match, with the club’s highest earners being Kieran Trippier, Alexander Isak and Bruno Guimaraes on £120k-per-week.

Howe and the Magpies board should look elsewhere should he want to add to his defensive ranks.

£518k Teen Could Be Sunderland’s Simms Successor

Ellis Simms' return to parent club Everton in January was a huge blow in Sunderland's pursuit of a Premier League return, but they may just have found an adequate replacement.

According to Portuguese outlet Record, Benfica youngster Luis Semedo is very close to joining the Championship side after failing to agree new terms with the Primeira Liga heavyweights.

What impact did Ellis Simms have at Sunderland?

Simms made a huge impact in his half-season spell on loan at the Stadium of Light, scoring seven goals in 17 league matches to not only help Sunderland adapt to life back in the Championship, but also compete in the higher reaches of the division.

The 22-year-old may have departed with 31 league games of the campaign left to play, including the two-legged play-off semi-final, yet he still finished as the club's fourth-top scorer behind Jack Clarke (9), Ross Stewart (10) and Amad Diallo (13), the latter of whom also impressed on loan from a Premier League side.

With an average of a goal every 0.56 league games, only Stewart (0.86) was more effective in attack for Sunderland this past season than Simms, who also chipped in with a couple of assists.

Sunderland ultimately battled on to reach the play-offs without Simms, where they went on to lose 3-2 on aggregate to promoted Luton Town, but it remains to be seen what could have been with the Everton academy product in their ranks for the second half of the season – especially considering he started just two Premier League games for the Toffees after being recalled.

Could Luis Semedo replace Simms at Sunderland?

On the face of it, it is easy to see why Semedo is being touted as a like-for-like replacement for Simms. After all, both players are similar in stature, measuring in at roughly the same height at 6 foot 3.

Semedo, whose playing style has seen him described as "a big physical unit" by football reporter Josh Bunting, also has an eye for goal, as reflected by the four goals he scored in four games for Benfica in the 2022-23 UEFA Youth League.

However, whereas Simms arrived at Sunderland with some experience of first-team football under his belt following spells on loan with Blackpool and Hearts, Semedo has so far represented only Benfica B and Portugal U20.

Sunderland manager Tony Mowbray.

Even before finding his scoring boots in European competition last season, Benfica clearly saw plenty in the youngster as they handed him a professional contract in August 2020 when he turned 18.

While his overall numbers at age-grade level are hardly much to shout about, having scored just twice in 18 Segunda Liga appearances last term, Sunderland have a habit of finding gems in need of fine-tuning – not least Stewart, who went from scoring two goals for Ross County in 2020-21 to 26 goals in his first full campaign with the Black Cats.

With Diallo also heading back to parent club Manchester United – though a possible loan return has been touted – Sunderland need to be smart with their transfer business to plug an obvious gap – or gaps.

As boss Tony Mowbray stated in January, any new signing "has to fit the criteria of what we need". If it is another talented young attacker in need of fine-tuning that Sunderland are indeed after, Semedo – who at a reported €600k (£518k) is a low-cost punt – might well be their man.

Chelsea Are "Favourites" To Sign "Phenomenal" 90k p/w Ace

Chelsea are 'favourites' to sign Napoli striker Victor Osimhen this summer due to the financial backing afforded to the club by Todd Boehly, according to journalist Alex Crook.

What's the latest transfer news involving Victor Osimhen?

As per Calciomercato via The Daily Mail, Napoli are looking to offer Osimhen a new contract to stave off interest in his services in the forthcoming transfer window.

Chelsea and Manchester United are keen on a move for the Nigeria international, who has also commanded attraction from the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and AS Monaco.

Former Chelsea player Scott Minto has signalled that he would prefer to sign Osimhen this summer to the likes of Tottenham Hotspur star Harry Kane, who has also been linked with a switch to Stamford Bridge to rekindle his relationship with Mauricio Pochettino.

Speaking to talkSPORT, Minto said: “He (Osimhen) would be my number one choice. Harry Kane’s not going there, so he would be my number one choice.”

ESPN report that Chelsea have also made an offer worth €80 million (£69.2 million) to sign Juventus forward Dusan Vlahovic, as the Serbia international is believed to be 'unhappy' at the Allianz Stadium.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Crook has said that Chelsea are 'favourites' to sign Osimhen this summer despite their interest in Kane and Vlahovic.

Crook said: "Vlahovic would be cheaper than the other two, but Chelsea are the favourites for Osimhen because of the price.

"I think Daniel Levy is still reluctant to sell Kane to a Premier League rival and Manchester United want to get their business done as early as possible because they don't want to get drawn into a Frenkie de Jong-style pursuit where they don't end up getting him."

Would Victor Osimhen be a good signing for Chelsea?

Osimhen, who has been hailed as "stronger than Cristiano Ronaldo" by Giordano for heading, has been one of the most prolific forwards in Europe this campaign and would add a major presence in attack for Chelsea moving into 2023/24.

In 2022/23, the 24-year-old was in sublime form, firing in 30 goals and laying on a further five assists in 38 appearances across all competitions, as per Transfermarkt.

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The £90k-a-week earner has been labelled as "phenomenal" by former Cagliari boss Walter Mazzarri and it is easy to see why. WhoScored note that Osimhen had an average of 4.2 shots per match in Serie A this term, proving to be a constant headache for opposition backlines.

As per FBRef, Osimhen has also excelled in the art of touches in the attacking penalty area and has fared well in comparison to his positional peers in Europe's top five divisions, obtaining roughly 7.48 per 90 minutes across the last 365 days, putting him in the third percentile for this metric.

Chelsea need to make a statement signing to try and build confidence ahead of what will be a new era under Pochettino and Osimhen would be a prime candidate to lead the line at Stamford Bridge.

Man United handed big update over De Jong

Manchester United have been issued an update on the stance of their summer transfer target Frenkie de Jong.

What’s the word?

That is according to Sky Sports Journalist Florian Plettenberg, who claims the saga between De Jong and United “could become one of the biggest transfers this summer.”

Taking to Twitter in what was a direct reply to Fabrizio Romano, Plettenberg said: “De Jong and MUFC. It could become one of the biggest transfers in summer. It’s hot but Xavi is fighting for him internally as reported. He wants to keep him but Barca needs money for players like Lewandowski… Ten Hag wants him for his tactical ideas.”

As per the latest report, Xavi wants to keep De Jong, though Barcelona’s financial situation, amidst their desire to sign players this summer, may spell the end of the 25-year-old’s career with the Blaugrana.

Though, the eight-word statement of “Ten Hag wants him for his tactical ideas” bodes well for United.

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Ten Hag will be buzzing

The latest update surrounding De Jong’s future is one that can be taken both ways and requires perspective.

On one hand, the Barca boss wants to keep the player and, as Plettenberg stated, “is fighting for him internally.”

But on the other hand, Barcelona need to sell players this summer in order to fulfil their ambition of signing Bayern Munich’s Robert Lewandowski, whilst a reunion with former boss ten Hag and a chance for regular minutes in the Premier League may be too tempting to turn down from a player perspective also.

Ten Hag has a deep appreciation for the player and is reportedly calling the Barca star every day in order to secure his key summer target so he will surely love to get a deal over the line.

Nevertheless, supporters will be buzzing with the Dutchman’s efforts to secure the signing of De Jong. After all, he is a mercurial talent, one who has shown extraordinary promise in his career so far.

For Ajax, the midfielder scored five times and registered 13 assists while he’s scored that very number of goals for Barca, and laid on 17 assists in over 100 appearances. Clearly an elite-level midfielder, he’d add a great deal to a stuttering centre of the pitch at Old Trafford.

The 52-year-old has officially commenced duties at Manchester United and seems willing to sacrifice his summer to direct a rebuild at the club he hopes to take back to the very top.

The saga will make for true entertainment, though with Barcelona needing to sell to fuel their own ambitions, you would think that this debacle is heading one way.

In other news: Sources: Man United working on signing £25m-rated “leader“, he’s Ten Hag’s new De Ligt 

Rangers transfer news on Josh McPake

Alex McLeish has now dropped a Glasgow Rangers transfer claim involving Josh McPake.

The Lowdown: McPake free to leave Rangers

As per Football Insider, a source from Ibrox has revealed that Giovanni van Bronckhorst and co have now given the ‘green light’ for the 20-year-old to leave in the summer, as he is ‘surplus to requirements’.

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They have personally ‘told’ McPake that he can go after his loan spell at Tranmere Rovers ends this season.

The Latest: McLeish reacts to McPake latest

Speaking to Football Insider, former Light Blues manager McLeish has given his reaction to the news, claiming that Rangers should be looking to sell players like McPake who do not quite make the grade.

The 63-year-old said: “If they can generate some big money for these sorts of players they feel are not up to the required level, then why not?

“That’s good business. Chelsea have done it over a vast number of years.

“Chelsea have got these players in and later on down the line, they’ve secured big fees for them – and there are plenty of other clubs who have done the same. Why not Rangers?

“It really does take a lot to play at the Scottish Premiership level for Rangers. The demands it comes with are massive, and you can’t always get it right.

“There won’t always be players coming off the conveyor belt, but if there’s a method of raising big money for players who can’t make the grade – then it’s a no-brainer.”

The Verdict: Sell

Having been sent out on loan no fewer than five times by the Gers over the course of his fledgling career so far, it is now time for both McPake and the Ibrox club to part ways for good.

He has only managed one senior Gers appearance, which came in a Europa League qualifier in July 2019, and at 20 years of age, he needs to move on from the club once and for all in order to enjoy more regular first-team football.

It is a shame for the player, who came through the youth ranks at Rangers and was sufficiently regarded to be given a new deal just last year, but this summer feels like the perfect time to let McPake go, so long as the club can get a decent fee for him.

In other news, these were Rangers’ three worst players against RB Leipzig