Insider drops Man Utd claim over Eriksen

Manchester United fans have had their hopes boosted regarding the possible signing of Christian Eriksen.

What’s the word?

That is according to a report from Dean Jones (via GIVEMESPORT), who has claimed that the Red Devils are keen to sign “at least one player aged 30 or over”.

In his column for the website, the transfer insider stated that Erik ten Hag will issue changes in “pretty much every element of the squad”, and one of the 52-year-old’s main priorities for the new season is ensuring that there is enough experience on the pitch to help “manage difficult moments”.

As per the same report, it is said that Eriksen’s “mindset and professionalism could be key” in the early stages of the Ten Hag era.

Supporters surely buzzing

According to Transfermarkt, Manchester United’s average squad age for the 2021/22 season was 27, but with the departures of Nemanja Matic, Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard, Edinson Cavani, Juan Mata and Lee Grant, this average is set lower somewhat signifcantly.

As such, it will mean that just Cristiano Ronaldo and Phil Jones will be the only two outfield players in the squad over the age of 29.

With the latter expected to play a bit-part role at the very most, having barely featured in recent years, it means that Ronaldo is the only senior outfield regular.

Considering the amount of talent that United have in their youth ranks, such as Alejandro Garnacho and Hannibal Mejbri, among others, an experienced asset who fits the system of a Ten Hag possession style is just the kind of signing that United need this summer.

Eriksen has been schooled at Ajax earlier in his career, and when you also consider that he can be snagged on a free transfer, the move makes even more sense from a Red Devils perspective.

Supporters will surely be buzzing over what looks a very astute prospective signing from the Old Trafford club, although this does not mean that the priority level for Frenkie de Jong should be dropped.

In other news: MUFC now plot bid for “brilliant” £22.5m-rated “freight train”, Ten Hag would love him

West Ham submit offer for Adnan Januzaj

West Ham United are reportedly interested in Belgium international and soon-to-be free agent Adnan Januzaj.

What’s the word?

That is according to reports in Spain, stating that Moyes’ side are big admirers.

As per the report, Januzaj “said his goodbyes” to Real Sociedad at the end of the season and “wants to start a new stage away from Donosti.”

As such, the 27-year-old will be a free agent at the end of the month, which would allow Moyes to initiate a reunion with the winger via the Bosman ruling.

The Hammers do face competition for his signature though, with the likes of Real Betis, Napoli and Barcelona all mentioned as interested teams in the report.

Moyes surely delighted

A reunion could truly be on the cards for Januzaj, who showed glimpses of his best football under the Scot when they were both at Manchester United.

Moyes is ironically the manager who gave the Belgian his debut back in the 2013/2014 season as he went on to make 75 Premier League appearances, being dubbed “unbelievable” in the process by David Cotterill.

Since leaving the Red Devils, he has established himself as a steady winger in Sociedad and will walk away having contributed 43 attacking returns in 168 appearances for the club.

Bagging the signing of Januzaj, who has been described as “confident and tricky” by Max Beesley, on a free would represent a big boost, as well as great value for Moyes, who is set to lose Yarmolenko at the end of this month.

With his ability to occupy the centre-forward position, the 27-year-old would offer Moyes a central option to either accompany or fill in for the ageing Antonio.

Though, like Bowen, he operates as an inverted winger, cutting in from the right into his left foot and serves as a direct option operating as an inside forward, achieving an average of 4.05 shot-creating actions per 90.

His total of 3.97 switches per 90 demonstrates his ability to sustain possession, with end product not the main part of his game.

His technical ability as a passing maestro makes his a slightly unorthodox option in attack, but one that can help his side to keep possession throughout the attacking third.

In other news: Enquiry made: West Ham could land a new £36m-rated monster by signing £21k-p/w gem 

Sunderland eye Cardiff winger Murphy

Sunderland have reportedly now registered an ‘interest’ in signing Josh Murphy on a free transfer.

The Lowdown: Out of contract

Murphy is out of contract at Cardiff City at the end of the month, meaning that he can leave as a free agent once it expires.

He spent the majority of last season on loan at fellow Championship side Preston North End, where he played 12 times in the division.

The Latest: ‘Interest’

Taking to Twitter, journalist Darren Witcoop of Reach PLC has revealed that the Stadium of Light outfit have now registered their ‘interest’ in signing Murphy, while they also remain interested in both Dion Sanderson and John Ruddy:

“Sunderland have registered their interest in signing winger Josh Murphy, who is available on a free. Alex Neil worked with Murphy at Norwich and is a big fan. Interest in Wolves defender Dion Sanderson and keeper John Ruddy as reported elsewhere remains.”

The Verdict: Avoid

Even though he can be signed for no transfer fee, Murphy is likely to demand a lot in wages to sign for the Black Cats.

He currently earns £25,000-per-week at Cardiff, more than any player on Wearside, and so they could have a problem in terms of trying not to break their wage structure.

The winger is not exactly the most prolific either, having managed just one goal and no assists in 14 games in total over all competitions last term (Transfermarkt).

Nonetheless, Murphy is a player that they should be avoiding as they look to strengthen their squad ahead of the new campaign.

In other news, find out what big SAFC deal is now ‘moving closer’ here!

Liverpool could move for Arnaut Danjuma

It’s fair to say that Liverpool ended the season with disappointment, with the Premier League title heading to Manchester City on the last day of the season prior to a 1-0 defeat to Real Madrid in the Champions League final.

Nonetheless, two trophies have been won this year and Jurgen Klopp is planning on another tilt at the league title for next season, when he will be aiming to stop the Man City juggernaut.

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There could be plenty of transfer business happening, with the Anfield faithful looking forward to seeing what masterclasses the German can conjure up this summer.

Klopp can unearth his own Robert Lewandowski

With Roberto Firmino and Diogo Jota the only two senior centre-forwards left at the club following Divock Origi’s exit, Klopp might want to strengthen this area during the transfer window.

Firmino has only scored 11 goals in all competitions in what has been a relatively poor season, whereas Jota’s tally of 21 means that Liverpool rely heavily on wingers like Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane for goals.

Liverpool have been credited with an interest in Villarreal forward Arnaut Danjuma, and Klopp could unearth his very own Robert Lewandowski with a move for the €40m-valued (£34m) maestro.

Danjuma made the move from Bournemouth to Villarreal last summer and has thrived in Spain, scoring 16 goals and registering four assists in all competitions.

The Dutchman is considered stylistically similar to Lewandowski on FBRef, and while both are like-minded centre forwards with a clear appetite for goals, the stats also prove that Danjuma could well be Liverpool’s answer to the Polish goal machine, who played under Klopp at Dortmund previously.

Danjuma registered 1.53 shots on target per 90 minutes this season, which translates into 0.12 goals per shot, similar to the 33-year-old’s 2.35 shots on target (0.19 goals per shot).

Both strikers also created more than two shot-creating actions per 90, with Danjuma (2.2) and Lewandowski (3.18) giving themselves plenty of chances to score as many as possible.

The Dutchman is only 25 and eight years younger than the Polish veteran, so there is no reason why the “exceptional” Villarreal frontman (in the words of former Bournemouth boss Jonathan Woodgate) can’t continually improve and reach the Bayern Munich star’s level at some point. If Liverpool can bring him to Anfield, Danjuma could be Klopp’s next version of the mercurial Lewandowski.

AND in other news, FSG now plotting Liverpool bid for “astonishing” £34m signing, he’s Klopp’s next Mane…

Leeds: Fabrizio Romano provides Rasmus Kristensen update

Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Leeds United are in ‘concrete’ talks to sign RB Salzburg star Rasmus Kristensen and a bid is ‘ready’.

The Lowdown: Kristensen links

The Whites have already made moves ahead of Jesse Marsch’s first full season in charge by landing long-term target Brenden Aaronson.

It now looks as if another FC Salzburg player is on the radar in right-back Kristensen, with Phil Hay breaking the rumour on Tuesday morning.

The Yorkshire Evening Post added that the Whites are ‘confident’ heading into talks for the Denmark international, and it looks as if a move is gathering pace.

The Latest: Romano drops development

Romano took to Twitter on Tuesday evening to provide his own development on Kristensen and Leeds.

The transfer expert revealed that ‘negotiations are concrete’ and an ‘opening bid’ is ‘ready’. He even adds that personal terms won’t be an issue ahead of an Elland Road switch.

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The Verdict: Looking good

Kristensen is expected to leave Salzburg, with a fee in the region of £10m being mooted, and it looks as if the Whites could be about to secure a second piece of shrewd transfer business.

Capable of playing as a right-midfielder if required, Kristensen is also a goal threat with 22 senior club goals to his name. The Denmark international has also enjoyed success under Marsch, with the pair winning back-to-back league and cup doubles in Austria.

He seems to be ready-made for the Premier League with his aggressive and athletic style, so hopefully, the club can get a deal over the line for Kristensen, who would more than likely begin the season as first choice, should he sign, with Luke Ayling and Stuart Dallas injured.

In other news – £34m release clause: Leeds now interested in move for ‘special talent’ who Marsch loves

Expert confirms Jose Sa injury

Influential Wolves goalkeeper Jose Sa tweaked a medial ligament in his knee last weekend, injury expert Ben Dinnery has confirmed.

The Lowdown: Sa injured against Liverpool

The Portuguese colossus enjoyed a superb first season at Molineux, shining between the sticks and being described as ‘dominant’ by former Wanderers ‘keeper Matt Murray.

Unfortunately, Sa picked up a knee issue in last Sunday’s 3-1 Premier League defeat away to Liverpool – he was replaced by John Ruddy at half-time – leading to concern about the length of his upcoming absence.

A fresh claim now suggests that the 29-year-old could be set for an extended spell on the sidelines.

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The Latest: Dinnery confirms problem

Speaking to Football Insider, Dinnery, who features on Sky Sports, said that Sa’s injury could be a fairly serious one, acting as a big blow for the player:

“It looked like it could be an MCL based on what we saw with the mechanism of injury. He seemed to slip and extend his leg when he was kicking. He pointed to the inside of his knee when he was in discussions with the medical team.

“It was moments before half-time He tried to continue and ultimately couldn’t.

“So it does seem like there has been a slight tweak or strain of that medial ligament. It’s a shame to end on a setback because he has been very good for them this season.”

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The Verdict: Recover throughout the summer

While Sa’s injury setback is clearly a negative, it could certainly have happened at a worse point in the season, rather than in the final match.

It gives the Wolves shot-stopper time to work on his recovery rather than racing to get back, with Bruno Lage’s men not back in competitive action until August.

The hope is that Sa is available for pre-season in July, however, resting up for the time being but returning to his impressive top form again in 2022/23.

In other news, one Wolves player has been linked with a move to Spain. Find out who it is here.

Man City must complete Bukayo Saka swoop

Manchester City broke their transfer record last summer when they spent £100m to bring Jack Grealish to the Etihad Stadium from Aston Villa.

With 39 appearances across all competitions in his debut season at City, the England international scored six goals and delivered four assists.

Now that the season has drawn to a close and City got their hands on a fourth Premier League title in five years, the upcoming transfer window could give Pep Guardiola the chance to further strengthen his squad.

With the transfer window set to open in a matter of weeks, the Sky Blues could replicate last summer’s big-money move for Grealish by securing a deal for Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka.

Saka could be Grealish 2.0 for Man City

A recent report from The Sun named City as potential suitors for the Gunners star should he find himself looking for a move away from north London this summer.

A product of Arsenal’s youth system, like Grealish was for Villa, the 20-year-old has made 183 appearances for the club across their under-18, under-23 and senior teams. In that time, the winger has found the net 45 times and supplied 46 assists, showing just how capable he is of not only scoring goals but creating them as well.

This is a similar output to Grealish, who has 49 goals and 63 assists to his name throughout his club career at youth and senior level.

Labelled a “phenomenal” player by Paul Merson, Saka is currently valued at £100m by CIES, which suggests that it could take a similar sort of fee that City paid for the former Villan to bring the Arsenal gem to the Etihad this time around.

Having played in all 38 of Arsenal’s league games this season, the England international racked up more shots at goal (95) than any of his team-mates, also leading the way for shot-creating and goal-creating actions.

This shows just how much of an attacking threat he is and why he could be a good fit to potentially flourish in a team like City, who have ended their title-winning season with more goals scored (99) than any other side in the Premier League.

If the opportunity to sign Saka becomes available for the recently-crowned champions, City should definitely be in the mix to secure his signature and continue their trend of signing England’s top talents.

In other news – “Work in progress”: Romano relays big Man City transfer claim, it’s awful news for Pep

Liverpool must complete Nketiah transfer

Liverpool have a track record when it comes to signing players from fellow Premier League clubs.

In recent years, the Reds have added faces such as Sadio Mane, Virgil van Dijk and James Milner among others to their ranks from numerous top-flight clubs.

One other player that the Merseyside club struck a deal for from another Premier League side is Diogo Jota.

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Back in the 2020 summer transfer window, the Reds bought the winger from Wolves for a reported fee of £41m.

Since then, the Portugal international has been a revelation for Jurgen Klopp’s side, scoring 34 goals in 82 appearances across all competitions.

Now that the next summer window is around the corner, it seems as though FSG could have the chance to replicate their Jota masterclass again with another Premier League talent.

Last week, it was reported that Liverpool are one of the clubs monitoring Eddie Nketiah’s situation at Arsenal, with his current contract set to expire at the end of the season and a move away from the north London club looking likely.

This could then give the Reds the opportunity to once again make a swoop to sign another capable Premier League figure.

In 19 league appearances this season, the £9m-rated striker has found the net four times and provided one assist for Mikel Arteta’s side.

He’s also managed to score five goals in five Carabao Cup appearances in this campaign for the Gunners.

According to FBref, in a list of similar players to the Arsenal attacker, Liverpool’s Jota tops the list, which also includes the likes of Roberto Firmino, Kai Havertz, Lautaro Martinez and Christopher Nkunku among others. Fine company indeed for a player who is still relatively inexperienced.

Labelled as a “clinical” player by journalist Kweku Lawrence, Nketiah could give Klopp’s side an extra attacking dynamic to what is already a formidable team going forward.

Taking all of this into account, potentially signing the Arsenal striker on a free transfer this summer could be a great bit of business for FSG and the Reds if he can take his game to the next level and become a more consistent goalscoring threat.

With the chance of winning domestic and European trophies, this could make Anfield a very tempting next destination for the Englishman if he does end up leaving Arsenal in the coming months.

In other news: Liverpool eye bid for exciting wonderkid, he could become a “scary” £127m-rated talent

Newcastle eye Everton ace Calvert-Lewin

Newcastle United will reportedly now make a ‘bold’ bid to sign Dominic Calvert-Lewin from Everton in the summer.

The Lowdown: On his way?

Transfer insider Dean Jones has claimed that there is a ‘decent chance’ that Calvert-Lewin will end up leaving Goodison Park this summer, with Arsenal thought to be interested in his signature.

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The Merseyside club have had a very underwhelming season, and still risk relegation from the Premier League, thus the striker may want to move on to a better team, especially with the Qatar World Cup coming later this year.

The Latest: Newcastle bid

Writing in his latest piece for The Daily Telegraph, reliable journalist Luke Edwards has revealed that the Magpies will now launch a ‘bold’ bid for Calvert-Lewin this summer, given that they have secured their top-flight status for next season.

That is not the case for the Toffees, who may be forced to sell if they end up relegated down to the Championship – although that does look unlikely barring a monumental collapse from this point.

The Verdict: Keep

Frank Lampard’s team must make sure that they can keep Calvert-Lewin at all costs, especially if they end up staying up.

Dubbed a ‘top striker’ by former Blues manager Carlo Ancelotti, the Englishman was perhaps at his best under the Italian, managing to score 29 goals and make a further six assists in 60 games in total over all competitions (Transfermarkt).

He has unfortunately been plagued by injuries this campaign, but there is no doubting his qualities when fit, and so he would be a very difficult player to replace.

In other news, find out what ‘certain’ EFC claim this injury expert has now dropped here!

Newcastle transfer news on Osimhen

Newcastle United have reportedly now made contact over the potential signing of Victor Osimhen in the summer.

The Lowdown: Club record

Rated at €100m (£85m), Osimhen would comfortably be the North East club’s record signing, should he make the move to St. James’ Park .

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That would be more than double what they paid for current club-record signing Joelinton, and would really signify the start of a new era under the Kingdom of Saudi Arabian (KSA) consortium, who may well be looking to make a big statement signing after officially securing Premier League safety this week.

The Latest: Osimhen contact

Writing in his latest piece for Calciomercato, transfer expert Daniele Longo has revealed that the Tyneside outfit have now made contact in the ‘last few hours’ over the signing of Osimhen, along with Manchester United.

They are one of only a select few clubs who can afford to sign the Napoli striker, as the report claims Premier League teams are the only ones with the cash to sign him this summer.

The Verdict: Sign

Yes, it is a lot of money to pay, but at 23 years of age, Osimhen has the potential to become one of the best players in the world, and so the Magpies should fork out the premium price now in order to reap the benefits over the next few years.

Dubbed ‘the most terrifying striker in Europe’ by journalist and African football expert Saddick Adams, the Nigeria international has no fewer than 17 goals and six assists in total over all competitions so far this season (Transfermarkt), and will be desperate to prove himself in the English top flight.

Nonetheless, with Erling Haaland destined for Manchester City this summer, the Toon could sign their own big name number nine to really send out a statement.

In other news, find out which ‘absolute beast’ NUFC are now eyeing here!

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