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A big development has emerged regarding Manchester United's pursuit of a "complete" player alongside fellow target Joshua Zirkzee this summer, according to a fresh transfer rumour.

Man United closing in on Zirkzee signing

As things stand, it looks highly likely that Zirkzee will be the Red Devils' first signing of the summer transfer window, with the Dutchman expected to arrive from Bologna in the near future. Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS have been working hard on getting a deal over the line, with a deal agreed for the 23-year-old, who is expected to arrive on a long-term deal.

Assuming the move is completed this summer, Zirkzee has the potential to be a hugely exciting signing for United, considering he has impressed in a Bologna shirt, scoring 14 goals and registering nine assists in 58 appearances for the Serie A.

The hope is that those numbers only increase at Old Trafford, once he is playing alongside superior players, from Bruno Fernandes to Rasmus Hojlund, and former Bayern Munich teammate David Alaba has said of him in the past: "Joshua has integrated well into the team from day one. He picks things up quickly and he always wants to learn. It is very nice that he is being rewarded. He is a boy with a lot of potential. He has a talent that not everyone has."

Now, it looks as though United have decided who they potentially want to come in alongside Zirkzee this summer, with a significant development emerging regarding another Dutch target.

Man Utd make offer for "complete" player

According to Gazzetta dello Sport [via Man Utd News], Manchester United have tabled a huge offer for PSG midfielder Xavi Simons, having been linked with a double deal for Simons to pair with Zirkzee in recent days.

The Red Devils have now "stepped up" their efforts to acquire the £25,000-a-week Dutchman's signature in the "last few hours", although the money that has been offered isn't mentioned.

Simons could be a fantastic signing for United ahead of next season and beyond, with the 21-year-old's ability outlined by his stunning opening strike in the Netherlands' eventual 2-1 defeat to England in the semi-finals of Euro 2024.

The attacking midfielder has showcased his talent on a regular basis on loan at RB Leipzig, too, registering 19 goal contributions (eight goals and 11 assists) in 33 Bundesliga appearances last season, and teammate Dani Olmo has called him a "complete" footballer who "has an amazing dribbling technique, finishing as well".

Still only 21 years of age, there is so much more to come from Simons in the coming years, and he could add so much in attacking midfield areas at United, as well as being able to shine out wide, too. Signing him as well as Zirkzee feels like a no-brainer, and it is encouraging to see this fresh bid tabled.

A Manchester United flop reportedly has 'no intention' of leaving the club – potentially posing new boss Ruben Amorim a squad headache.

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• Amorim takes over at Man Utd
• Red Devils flop linked with exit
• He has 'no intention' of leaving

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  According to journalist Jorge Nicole, United winger Antony does not want to leave the Premier League side anytime soon and talk of a potential swap deal involving Flamengo's 19-year-old attacking midfielder Lorran are wide of the mark. He added that with Amorim just coming on board, the Brazilian is hopeful of getting more minutes in the Red Devils' first-team than he did under former boss Erik ten Hag this season.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Antony swapped Ajax for United for £85 million ($99m) in 2022 but since then he has scored just 12 goals and bagged five assists in 87 appearances. GOAL understands the Red Devils were open to the 24-year-old heading out on loan in January but whether the winger does that remains to be seen. It may be best for both parties to go their separate ways, however.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Antony, whose contract at Old Trafford runs until 2027, hinted earlier this season that he sees his future at United.

  "I definitely need more goal participations and to score more goals. It's something I demand from myself. Rest assured, you'll hear the name Antony in relation to goals and assists," he said.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Amorim's first game in charge as United boss is away to lowly Ipswich Town on November 24. Antony will hope for some minutes in that game after making just five appearances this season. The Portuguese may need to give it some thought about what to do with the Brazilian going forward.

With the transfer window now in full swing, Everton are set to enter the race for a highly rated teenager with interest from another Premier League side.

Everton act fast in summer transfer window

After staving off relegation from the Premier League last season, the Toffees are in the market to bolster Sean Dyche's squad and ensure that next season sees them stay well clear of the drop zone.

Everton must sell big-money talent who's worth more than Broja & Ndiaye

The club are still looking to strengthen despite the recent incomings.

By
Ethan Lamb

Jul 3, 2024

One name floated as a potential target for the Toffees is Benfica's Florentino Luis. The Portuguese midfielder also has interest from Leicester City with the player's current club having already turned down a £25million bid from an unnamed English side.

Everton are also set to compete with a Premier League newcomers Southampton for Celtic's Matt O'Riley. The 23-year-old has been a long term target of the Saints, however a recent report has suggested that Everton are one of several Premier League clubs to have have held talks with the Scottish champions over the Dane.

Both of these midfield targets are seen as possible replacements for current Toffees' star Amadou Onana, who has been most recently linked with a move to Manchester United.

Whilst part of the recruitment team at Goodison Park eyes up established stars, it appears that some at the club are looking towards the next generation of talents with the Toffees competing for a European wonderkid.

Toffees set to compete for Irish teenage sensation

As first reported by TeamTalk, Everton are battling it out to sign Irish striker Mason Melia. The outlet claims that the Toffees are set to go toe-to-toe with fellow Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion to secure the services of the teenage forward.

The 16-year-old is already playing senior football for St Patrick’s in the League of Ireland Premier Division, where Melia has three goals to his name in 23 appearances in the Irish top flight.

Melia made his debut for the Irish outfit aged just 15, becoming St Patrick’s youngest ever player and the third youngest in league history. Speaking after the teenager's debut, St Patrick’s former interim manager Jon Daly praised the striker: "He’s been exceptional for Sean (O’Connor's) team at U-19s.

“When you are thinking ‘I need a goal’, I saw him score numerous goals for the U-19s, I saw him score against Wexford in the Leinster Senior Cup. I know he can finish and I know his movement is good."

Whilst Melia is no stranger to senior football, it will be some time before we see him lacing up in the Premier League. Owing to new player registration rules post Brexit, the striker cannot move to the UK until he turns 18.

Despite this, Everton will still be able to agree a deal for Melia this summer with the club agreeing for the player to move to Merseyside as soon as he turns 18.

Incoming Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim has been told his successful philosophy at Sporting Lisbon cannot be "copy and pasted" at Old Trafford.

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• Amorim set to take over at Man Utd
• Told to change his Sporting philosophy
• Squad's lack of "athleticism" criticised

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Just days after Erik ten Hag's United sacking, Sporting boss Amorim was confirmed as his successor. The 39-year-old has impressed during his time with the Portuguese giants but former Liverpool player Danny Murphy feels he must abandon his approach that has served him so well at the Liga Portugal team when he switches to the Red Devils. He also called out United's lack of athleticism across the squad.

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  WHAT DANNY MURPHY SAID

  In a column for the Daily Mail, he said: "I'm sure Ruben Amorim is intelligent enough to realise he can’t just copy and paste what he did at Sporting Lisbon in order to create immediate success at Manchester United. To ask a squad which lacks athleticism and confidence to replicate his preferred 3-4-3 with high energy and flying wing backs carries big risks in the Premier League.

  "The best managers adapt to personnel. Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City tweaked things when Erling Haaland arrived. Jurgen Klopp opted for three midfield runners only after Philippe Coutinho had left. Initially, if Amorim demands this set of United players be progressive with the press and play a higher line, it would invite trouble.

  "The central defenders don’t have the pace to compensate for a lack of numbers in midfield, particularly when Leny Yoro is injured. In Portugal, Sporting have the best players so it makes sense to be braver with philosophy and formation. United are a different case. Against better teams, they lack legs at this level."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Amorim will take charge of a side languishing down in 13th in the Premier League later this month, with the Portuguese facing a mammoth task on his hands. This will, no doubt, be the toughest test of his managerial career and it could prove to be a baptism of fire for him.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Amorim will begin his United tenure on November 11 and his first game in charge will be away to lowly Ipswich Town in the Premier League on November 24. Before then, the Red Devils host Chelsea on Sunday, where interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy will be in the dugout again.

Arsenal have come a long way over the last few years, and while they're yet to lift the Premier League title, it's starting to feel more like a matter of when rather than if.

Mikel Arteta and Edu Gaspar have rejuvenated the Gunners squad and created a genuinely impressive team full of stars like Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice.

Despite the strides made, the departure of Granit Xhaka last summer, the positional shift of Kai Havertz, and the potential exit of Thomas Partey this summer have left a void in Arsenal's midfield that needs to be addressed.

So, it's unsurprising that the latest player touted for a move to N5 could be the perfect person to complete Arteta's midfield trio.

Arsenal transfer news

According to a recent report from Spain, Arsenal are keen on signing Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino this summer.

Juanmarti claims that Arteta has a strong desire to bring the Spanish international to the Emirates and that, following conversations, the player has become "seduced" by the Gunners' proposals.

The journalist goes on to reveal in an article for Sport that the Basque side would be tempted into selling if the North Londoners make an offer in the region of €25m, which is around £21m.

He might not be a name overly familiar to Premier League fans, but given how keen Arteta is to land the player, the reasonable fee, and the potential to solidify the team's midfield, this seems like a transfer too good to pass up.

How Merino could complete Arsenal's midfield

So, at the moment, Arsenal have two midfielders who are nailed on for a place in the starting lineup practically every week: Rice and Odegaard.

The former captained West Ham United to a European trophy from a defensive midfield position and then, upon moving to N5, swapped between sometimes playing as a six and sometimes an eight.

However, he did start as the former 30 times for the Gunners last season, and when speaking to TNT Sport (via talkSPORT), he claimed it was his "best position" on the pitch, so it makes sense to keep him there.

On the other hand, the club captain has firmly established himself at the tip of the midfield trio for Arteta, racking up an impressive haul of 44 goals and assists over the last two campaigns.

Therefore, the final position that needs to be sorted out is central midfield, or the left eight, which is where the "underrated" Merino, as dubbed by data analyst Ben Mattinson, comes in.

The Sociedad star made 45 appearances last season – 38 of which were starts in central midfield – in which he scored eight goals and provided five assists, meaning he averaged a goal involvement every 2.81 games.

However, while this is undeniably impressive for a deeper player, the other side of his game that probably caught the Arsenal manager's attention more is the number of duels he won last season.

According to Squawka, the 23-capped international was the only player in Europe's top seven leagues to win over 300 duels, coming in at a final number of 326 – staggering.

You can practically see him helping Rice break up play in the middle of the park before driving forward and helping Odegaard craft another exquisite chance, proving Mattinson's claim that the Spaniard is "effective in all 3 phases" right.

Arsenal struck gold on Arteta signing who's now worth more than Gyokeres

The “magnificent” talent is one of the club’s most important players.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Jun 25, 2024

Ultimately, Arsenal look like they are going to need a new all-action number eight this summer, and considering his performances last season and his price tag, signing Merino is a no-brainer.

Lamine Yamal was named the world's best young player of the year as he won the 2024 Kopa Trophy due to his excellent displays for Barcelona and Spain.

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• Yamal announced as Kopa Trophy winner
• Named best young player in the world
• Teen starring for Spain and Barcelona

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The 17-year-old winger was handed the award on Monday after a year in which he established himself as a first-team star at Barcelona and played a key role in Spain's Euro 2024 success.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Yamal has been handed the trophy for best player under the age of 21, taking the award from last year's winner and Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham. He follows his current Barcelona team-mates Gavi and Pedri in claiming the prize, while Kylian Mbappe and Matthijs de Ligt are the other previous winners.

• THE FULL KOPA TROPHY RANKINGS

  Yamal finished top of the rankings with Real Madrid and Turkey youngster Arda Guler coming in second, while Manchester United's Kobbie Mainoo was third. Manchester City's new signing Savinho was fourth, while Yamal's Barcelona team-mate Pau Cubarsi was fifth. Joao Neves, who was signed from Paris Saint-Germain after an excellent year at Benfica, was joint-sixth, tied with United's Alejandro Garnacho. Bayern Munich's Mathys Tel, Warren Zaire-Emery of Paris Saint-Germain and Red Bull Salzburg and Ivory Coast forward Karim Konate were all tied for eighth place.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Yamal won the prize just two days after he helped Barcelona to an incredible 4-0 win against Real Madrid in the Santiago Bernabeu in La Liga. He will hope the prize gives him a boost as Barca, who have won their last five games, come up against Catalan rivals Espanyol in their next match.

Wrexham have offered an update on their "masterplan" for the SToK Cae Ras stadium as they plan to redesign the Kop stand.

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• Wrexham unveil plans for stadium
• 5,500-seater Kop to be redesigned
• Populous appointed as architects

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Wrexham have confirmed they have appointed an architect to "create a masterplan" for the SToK Cae Ras stadium, focusing initially on the redesign of the famous Kop stand. It currently holds 5,500 fans, but will be modified to feature safe standing, hospitality and accessible seating.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Wrexham have confirmed that the new build will comply with UEFA stadium requirements and will be completed by 2026, when it will play host to fixtures from the UEFA European Under-19 Championship in Wales. The stadium has been operating with a slightly reduced capacity while the club await the construction of the new stand.

• WHAT WREXHAM SAID

  Wrexham CEO Michael Williamson said: “We are determined to ensure the new Kop stand and the future vision of the SToK Cae Ras satisfies the needs and expectations of our fans and the local community, and the appointment of Populous as architect for the redesign reflects that.

  “We appreciate the efforts of those who have worked on this project to date, allowing us to now focus our attention on the activation of areas within the new stand, while remaining consistent with the capacity and volume that was previously presented.

  “We look forward to engaging with fans and the local community as plans and designs for the stand take shape, along with other stakeholders and strategic partners including Wrexham County Borough Council, our Wrexham Gateway partners, Wrexham University, the Welsh Government, and the FA of Wales. This is an exciting time for the Club, our supporters and the City as we continue our upward momentum.”

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Wrexham are next in action against Charlton in the league this weekend before taking on Harrogate Town in the first round of the FA Cup.

Despite falling to League One last season, there are no signs that Birmingham City's transfer plans will be affected with the Blues eyeing moves for Championship quality players.

Blues transfer plans not hampered by relegation

Following the appointment of Tottenham Hotspur assistant boss Chris Davies as their new manager, Birmingham can now look towards the transfer window as they eye up an immediate return to the Championship.

Next big sale: Birmingham could soon head for another Bellingham situation

Birmingham City will likely wave goodbye soon to their next superstar.

By
Kelan Sarson

Jun 18, 2024

Recent reports have suggested that Burnley's Scott Twine is a target for the Blues. The midfielder spent last season on loan at Hull City and Bristol City and would be a statement of intent if the Midlands outfit are to get the deal over the line. Birmingham are also interested in a move for Brighton's Marc Leonard, with half a dozen clubs also looking to sign the 22-year-old midfielder.

Another name linked with a move to St Andrews is Musa Drammeh. The 22-year-old forward is also a target for Sunderland and Cardiff City, showing that Birmingham are still able to go toe-to-toe with sides in the second tier despite their recent relegation.

With this in mind, it now appears that they are preparing to make a move for a goalkeeper who was a mainstay in a side that came agonisingly close to the playoffs last season.

Birmingham eye new man between the sticks

As first reported by Birmingham Live, the Blues are interested in signing Hull City goalkeeper Ryan Allsop. The 32-year-old is set to be shown the door at the MKM Stadium following Liam Rosenior's surprise sacking back in May. Rosenior had stood by Allsop throughout the season despite the Tigers spending £1.5million on Croatian shot stopper Ivor Pandur in January.

The Englishman arrived in East Yorkshire from Cardiff City in August 2023 and went on to keep ten clean sheets in 37 appearances for Hull. During his time at the MKM Stadium Allsop became something of a polarising figure, earning plaudits for his ball playing abilities but often falling short when it came to preventing goals.

Despite his occasional errors, Allsop was not short of admirers from across the league, with West Bromwich Albion boss Carlos Corberan signing his praises before his side played Hull back in February.

The Spaniard told the press: “Hull are very comfortable with the ball and they will press us. Their goalkeeper, who worked with their manager at Derby before, could play in midfield because he’s so good with the ball. That's the type of team we're playing this weekend."

Birmingham's relegation to the third tier means that they will be able to dominate the ball far more than they have in previous seasons. Allsop led the Championship for short passes completed last season among goalkeepers, meaning that he will be a vital asset to a Blues side that will look to control possession next season.

Additionally, Birmingham are far less likely to be facing a barrage of shots from their opponents next season, meaning that they can afford to prioritise a passing goalkeeper over a more traditional shot stopper.

Journalist and reliable source Daniel Taylor of The Athletic has now backed a ‘surprise’ Nottingham Forest transfer twist involving former Man United star Jesse Lingard.

The Lowdown: Reds make move…

The Englishman seems set to be one of the biggest free agent deals of this window as he continues to attract interest from a host of clubs both in the Premier League and abroad.

ESPN recently claimed that alongside Everton, Tottenham and West Ham, clubs from the USA, Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi have all expressed interest in signing Lingard this summer.

A man in demand, the ex-Red Devils star is now also a major target for Forest and manager Steve Cooper with Jacob Steinberg of The Guardian recently breaking news that they’re advancing in negotiations.

The Latest: Taylor backs ‘surprise’ news…

Taking to Twitter, reporter Taylor of The Athletic has now backed this ‘surprise’ transfer twist out of the City Ground.

He explained:

“It’s true: Nottingham Forest really are trying to sign Jesse Lingard.

Talks underway and #NFFC willing to break pay ceiling for former Man Utd and England player. Lingard has been speaking to West Ham but Forest trying to close surprise deal.”

The Verdict: Ambition…

Having already completed ten major signings this summer, it appears Forest’s ambition is showing no sign of stopping after their long-awaited promotion back to the big time.

Signing Lingard on a Bosman, especially when factoring in his brilliant spell on loan at West Ham over 20/21, would come as a really shrewd piece of business and may well be the cherry on top of a fantastic window.

Journalist Pete O’Rourke has said that it would be a ‘massive coup’ if Leeds United were able to bring PSV Eindhoven’s Cody Gakpo to Elland Road.

The Lowdown: Leeds still keen?

The Whites have announced two new signings in the last 48 hours in midfielder Tyler Adams and winger Luis Sinisterra.

That has taken their summer spending to £95m, with six arrivals through the door, but it looks as if there could still be one more in the 23-year-old from PSV.

Reports have claimed that Leeds may still look to sign another forward despite bringing in Sinisterra, with Gakpo – who was  called a ‘sensational player’ by Football Oranje editor and Dutch football expert Michael Bell – one of three players mentioned.

The Latest: O’Rourke’s comments

Speaking to GiveMeSport, O’Rourke said that it ‘would be a massive coup’ if Leeds were able to bring Gakpo to Elland Road, given the number of English giants also being linked with him recently.

The reporter outlined:

“If Leeds were able to win the race for Gakpo, I think it would be a massive coup for them considering some of the biggest clubs in Europe have been linked. The likes of Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United have all been mentioned with Gakpo in the not too distant past as well.”

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The Verdict: Centre-forward instead?

Gakpo can play anywhere across the front three, scoring 44 senior goals for club and country, although the majority of his appearances have come as a left winger.

Leeds are now well-stocked with wide options in a potential 4-2-2-2 system under Jesse Marsch, so it could make sense to look at a more central attacking target.

Patrick Bamford missed the majority of last season through injury, so bolstering the club’s centre-forward ranks could be a wiser move instead of another versatile wide forward in what appears to be the final piece of the summer jigsaw at Elland Road.