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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”.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

Everton are reportedly leading the chase to sign Burnley central defender Ben Mee this summer, according to The Mirror. 

The lowdown: Top class pedigree

A product of the Manchester City youth system, Mee spent a short period of time on loan at Leicester City before moving to Burnley, where he became a mainstay in the heart of the defence.

The 32-year-old former England Under 21 international has made 376 appearances for the Lancashire club but couldn’t prevent relegation from the Premier League last term.

Set to become a free agent at the end of June (Transfermarkt), Everton could be now readying a move for Mee…

The latest: Mirror puts Everton in pole

As per The Mirror, Everton and Aston Villa are the ‘frontrunners’ to sign the experienced star.

It’s claimed that Burnley have offered Mee a new deal to stay but the Englishman had ‘put off making a decision’ for the time being.

However, now it’s stated that the man praised for an ‘outstanding’ display against Man City is now ‘reluctantly ready to quit’ Turf Moor in search of continued top-flight action.

The verdict: Double swoop?

Already heavily linked with a move for Burnley centre-back partner and fellow soon to be free agent James Tarkowski, Toffees boss Frank Lampard and Director of Football Kevin Thelwell could be poised to strengthen the defensive department at Goodison Park twice over without spending a penny in transfer fees.

Regardless of Mee’s advancing years, the imposing star scored three times in 24 appearances across all competitions last season and remains an impressive Premier League operator, as proven by a 7.07 Sofascore rating including coming out on top of 5.0 duels and making a monstrous 4.4 clearances on average per game.

After conceding 66 goals in the league in 2021/22 – 11 more than relegated Burnley – adding Mee to the ranks and perhaps allowing the no-nonsense defender to work alongside Michael Keane having obtained invaluable coaching experience would be a no-brainer for the Blues.

In other news: Everton: Oleksandr Zinchenko touted for Toffees move

Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Tottenham are set to hold an important meeting with Antonio Conte to discuss the club’s plans for the future and are ‘optimistic’ that he will decide to stay in N17 for next season and beyond.

The Lowdown: Conte’s change of heart?

The Lilywhites appointed the 52-year-old as their new head coach last November following the abrupt departure of former Wolves manager Nuno Espirito Santo.

Although the Italian’s contract with the north London giants not set to expire until June 2023, his future has been very much up in the air of late after it was claimed last month that he had offered his services to Paris Saint-Germain, amid reports that the French champions were considering sacking former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino.

However, after successfully securing Champions League football for Spurs next term following an emphatic 5-0 victory over relegated Norwich City on the final day of the Premier League season, it would appear that the Tottenham hierarchy are now confident of being able to keep hold of Conte.

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The Latest: Romano reveals meeting plans

Taking to Twitter, Romano shared details of a meeting between Conte and Tottenham officials which is due to take place in the coming weeks.

He wrote: “Tottenham are waiting for important meeting with Antonio Conte to plan for the future – Spurs sources are feeling optimistic about Antonio’s decision, waiting for his ‘green light’.”

The Verdict: £150m windfall could make the difference

As a result of finishing in the top four and qualifying for the Champions League, Tottenham’s shareholders ENIC Sports Inc have recently announced that they will be putting an additional £150m into the club.

This should no doubt have a positive influence when it comes down to Conte deciding whether or not he wants to remain in charge at Spurs, as this hefty sum could be used to fund some big transfers during the upcoming window.

It is thought that the Italian has been promised six new summer signings in a bid to convince him to stay. Therefore, if Paratici does provide Conte with the financial backing and support that he needs, you’d imagine that the 52-year-old will want to assemble his squad in a way which will give Spurs the best possible chance of getting their hands on some silverware next season and mounting a greater challenge to the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City.

In other news… a transfer insider has revealed that one of Tottenham’s summer targets is set to join the club ‘very soon’

Leeds United could revive their move for Noa Lang after securing Premier League survival. 

The lowdown

Leeds snatched 17th place and safety from Burnley on the final day of the season as they beat Brentford 2-1 and the Clarets lost 2-1 to Newcastle United.

It emerged last August that Leeds were interested in Lang, but he wound up making his loan from Ajax to Club Brugge permanent instead.

And Football Insider reported earlier this month that the Whites have held fresh talks over the potential deal.

Lang is predominantly a left winger but he’s showcased some impressive versatility in the early years of his career, featuring as a second striker, attacking midfielder, central midfielder and right winger too.

He has three years left on the contract he signed last summer with the Jupiler Pro League champions, and is valued at £19.8million by Transfermarkt.

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The latest

Speaking to GiveMeSport on Saturday, journalist Pete O’Rourke said Leeds’ fate in the relegation battle would likely determine whether a move for Lang was realistic.

“A lot depends on where Leeds are next season. If they’re in the Premier League they might have a chance of signing Noa Lang, but if they get relegated to the Championship, it’s not going to happen because he will be looking to play at the highest level as possible.”

Now that they are safe, it follows that they may well ‘have a chance’ of landing the Dutchman.

The verdict

If Lang does join Leeds, it will be intriguing to see where he slots into the side.

He’ll certainly be pushing for a starting spot, having combined nine goals with 15 assists this season and making his debut for the Netherlands, a top ten international side.

Analyst Filip Joos has described him as ‘the best player in the [Belgian] league’, while retired Dutch player Pierre van Hooijdonk likened him to Robin van Persie.

Lang could compete with Jack Harrison for a place on the left-hand side, but The Athletic’s Phil Hay has also raised the possibility that he could replace Barcelona-linked Raphinha.

And there’s even a chance Jesse Marsch might seek to utilise him through the middle, as he did with Rodrigo and Dan James.

His versatility opens up a whole host of possibilities.

In other news, read this journalist’s key Laurens De Bock claim. 

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