Man United: "Sensational" name keeps "coming up" says Sky Sports reporter

Manchester United target Diogo Costa's name 'keeps coming up' at Old Trafford as Erik Ten Hag endeavours to sign a new goalkeeper this summer, according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.

What's the latest transfer news involving Diogo Costa?

According to The Daily Mail, Porto goalkeeper Costa and Inter Milan stopper Andre Onana are among the favourites to replace David De Gea at Old Trafford.

The report states that Manchester United's budget won't be able to cover bringing in both a goalkeeper and a striker, so a compromise of some sort will need to be found within their recruitment process.

Football Insider claim that it looks likely that De Gea won't return to Manchester United amid uncertainty surrounding his contract situation and the fact he is now a free agent while he isn't keen to play second fiddle at the Premier League giants.

In terms of the Red Devils' attraction towards Costa, A Bola via The Sun have revealed that he has a clause of around £65 million in his current contract at Porto.

As per The Athletic, Manchester United have also contacted Feyenoord over the availability of goalkeeper Justin Bijlow as they step up their transfer proactivity.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Sky Sports journalist Sheth has detailed that Costa is a name that carries on getting mentioned in conversations at Old Trafford.

Sheth said: "United will be looking at other keepers. Diogo Costa from Porto is a name that keeps coming up.

"David Raya from Brentford, possibly a little bit too expensive for what United believe, with him only having a year left on his contract and making it clear that he wants to leave."

Would Costa be a good signing and who else had been linked with the Red Devils?

Costa, who has been hailed as "sensational", has earned a reputation as a reliable stopper between the sticks and could help Manchester United to reach a new gear in 2023/24.

Last term, the 23-year-old made 41 appearances in all competitions for Porto and managed to keep 20 clean sheets in the process, as per Transfermarkt.

As per FBRef, Costa also achieved a save percentage of 77.2% in the Primeira Liga and 81.6% in the Champions League, respectively, demonstrating his capacity to keep the majority of strikes he faces away from the target.

Sofascore illustrate that Costa earned an average match rating of 6.95/10 for his exploits on the pitch in the Portuguese top-flight last campaign.

In other news, Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount has completed his medical ahead of a move to Manchester United. Renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano gave an update on the state of play surrounding the England international on Twitter, stating: "Mason Mount’s medical was fine and successfully completed — waiting for Manchester United announcement. Mount’s expected to share his ‘goodbye’ message to Chelsea — then Manchester United will unveil Mount as their first summer signing."

The Daily Mail have reported that Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund is another target for Manchester United, with talks continuing between both parties, indicating a busy summer window ahead at Old Trafford regarding incomings.

Arsenal: Arteta interested in signing another exciting midfielder

Arsenal are still very interested in Southampton's Romeo Lavia and he "remains" on their shortlist, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Are Arsenal going to sign Lavia?

Having invested all their time and resources into securing deals for Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber, Arsenal's recruitment team have barely been able to catch their breath over the past few weeks.

The Gunners want to build a team capable of going a step further and toppling Manchester City next season, and Mikel Arteta will need significant reinforcements to catch the champions, especially with the added pressure of Champions League football.

While Rice remains their midfield priority, Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey's seemingly inevitable Emirates exits means that a second midfielder will be required as well. That midfielder very well could be 19-year-old Romeo Lavia.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Lavia remains firmly on the Gunners shortlist, despite interest from Liverpool ramping up.

"We already told you last week that Romeo Lavia is in Arsenal's list, that Arsenal had some positive conversations on club and player's side, but still no official bid," said the Italian.

"We know the priority is to resolve other stuff, like Timber, Rice and many others. Of course, Havertz will be official, but, guys, it is important to say that Romeo Lavia remains in Arsenal's list as one of the players they appreciate."

"So, Romeo Lavia is in Arsenal's list, but from what I understand, also Liverpool have opened talks to sign Romeo Lavia."

Romano also suggests that the Gunners may have to wait for Partey's future to be decided before they can act on their Lavia interest. However, by this time they could be behind other clubs in the queue.

Last season's Premier League runners-up had also shown a significant interest in midfielder Ilkay Gundogan, who could have followed the path of Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko to north London, but the German has since joined Barcelona.

What could Arsenal expect from Lavia?

The fact that Lavia has taken inspiration from former Manchester City teammate Fernandinho can only be a positive thing for potential suitors, with the Belgian sharing some key characteristics with the 53-cap Brazilian international.

Lavia has great defensive awareness and reads the game well, being described as "head and shoulders" above any of Southampton's other players this season – albeit that is a very low bar – and being praised for his "professionalism" and "consistency".

Valued at more than £40m by the Saints per Romano, that could well prove to be a steal in an inflated transfer market, especially for a player who is just 19 with a year of top-flight experience under his belt already.

Lavia could provide Arsenal with significant defensive stability in the absence of Partey, as well as being a cheaper alternative should Declan Rice join Man City.

Aston Villa could sign "monster" in £25m swoop

Aston Villa are reportedly interested in a Premier League ace, as the Villans bid to take the squad to the next level this summer.

It’s expected to be a busy transfer window for Unai Emery and newly appointed president of football operations Monchi, who have experienced successful business escapades together while at Sevilla.

The latest link could pose to be a significant upgrade to the squad and become the second signing snatched from a newly relegated side, with Leicester City’s Youri Tielemans in agreement to join the club at the expiration of his contract.

Leeds United could be forced to sell one of their stars this summer, after suffering relegation to the Championship, as Villa eye midfielder Tyler Adams.

As reported by the Daily Mail earlier this week, the American international’s future has been ‘enquired’ about by the Midlands side, with Brighton, Everton and Nottingham Forest all interested.

The report states that Leeds have valued the 24-year-old at £25m with interested clubs said to be weighing up bids.

What could Tyler Adams offer to Aston Villa?

Lauded as a “monster” by ex-defender Alexi Lalas, the former RB Leipzig ace made a huge impact in his debut Premier League season, after signing for Leeds from the Bundesliga side last summer.

Despite his best efforts, the New York-born talent was unable to steer the Whites away from relegation, and with Championship football confirmed for next term, the end of his time at Elland Road already looks in sight.

While Leeds’ relegation is upsetting for most in Yorkshire, the timing comes as good news for Villa, who could snatch a true destroyer in midfield by swiping the talent.

The 24-year-old could pose to be a shining light in Emery’s set-up, posing similar attributes to a fellow defensive midfielder already at the club.

Douglas Luiz ranked as Villa’s top performer this campaign via Sofascore, maintaining an average match rating of 7.10 acting as the Villans colossus in midfield.

douglas-luiz-aston-villa-premier-league

Emery could repeat the success of the Brazilian at Villa Park by signing Adams, who has performed at a similar level in the engine room this campaign.

As per Sofascore, the £57k-per-week gem averaged a monstrous 3.7 tackles per game with a win rate of 57% of his total duels, cementing his claim to being the controller in deep midfield.

Luiz showed strengths in mirrored attributes to the 24-year-old, averaging two tackles per game and a 52% win rate of his total duels as the enforcer in Emery’s side.

The two fared almost identically in terms of their rate of interceptions with Adams averaging 1.5 to Luiz’s 1.1 per game, with both players also providing a positive outlet going forward, with the Brazilian averaging 1.2 key passes to the Leeds ace’s one per match.

Emery could have the recipe to create the perfect duo of midfield operators, in adding a Premier League-proven whizz in the engine room to his squad. Indeed, it would perhaps be a signing that could prove to be a replica of his middle of the park general.

Liverpool Could Forget Thuram With Swoop For £25m Saviour

Liverpool sporting director Jorg Schmadtke is hoping to bolster their midfield with Bayern Munich ace Ryan Gravenberch this summer after failing in their seasonal goals and missing out on Champions League qualification.

What's the latest on Ryan Gravenberch to Liverpool?

That's according to prominent German outlet BILD, who claim that reports of the Reds' interest indeed ring true and manager Jurgen Klopp has maintained his interest with the summer transfer window now officially open.

There are reports that the ace is available for just £25m after failing to cement a regular starting berth with the German champions this season, signing from Ajax for €24m (£20m) one year ago.

A prospective transfer is complicated by Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel's unwillingness to allow his budding midfield machine to leave despite his lack of minutes, but if the Reds can put forth a compelling offer he could yet leave the Allianz Arena to play a central role in Liverpool's revival.

Should Liverpool sign Ryan Gravenberch?

As the adage goes: if it rains at eleven it will last til seven. Liverpool's spluttering season resulted in a failure to qualify for the Champions League for the first time in seven seasons, and was exacerbated by the unwanted news of Jude Bellingham's magnetising to Real Madrid after heavy speculation surrounding his future at Borussia Dortmund – speculation that pointed largely towards Merseyside.

It wasn't to be and the Kop have made a shrewd early move to rectify the woes by signing Alexis Mac Allister for a bargain £35m earlier this month, and considering the fact that Gravenberch has been described to be "better than Jude Bellingham" by ex-Tottenham Hotspur gem Rafael van der Vaart, Liverpool could be plying the astute work necessary to return to the top.

Having also been praised as "dominant" by his former coach, Gravenberch only started three times in the German top flight and will expect an upturn in playing time next term if he does remain with Bayern.

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The 11-cap star, despite his inactivity, still ranks among the top 7% for shot-creating actions, the top 23% for progressive passes, the top 26% for progressive carries and the top 19% for successful take-ons per 90 as per FBref.

And provided the platform to cement a position of salience at Anfield, Gravenberch would surely only see such metrics skyrocket, becoming the club's saviour after a lacklustre year for Klopp's side.

He could be the dream alternative to Khephren Thuram, who has been of heavy attention to the Anfield side this summer, with the likes of Fabrizio Romano confirming that the Nice ace is on the shortlist as a physical presence to strengthen the robustness of the club.

Comparatively, the Frenchman ranks among the top 6% of positional peers for progressive carries and the top 9% for successful take-ons per 90, which is unequivocally impressive.

Thuram is indeed a "monster" of a midfielder – as stated by Sam McGuire – but he is allegedly available for around €60m (£51m), and considering this, Gravenberch is surely the more auspicious option.

Evidently just as talented and available at a far cheaper rate, Schmadtke and co must consider such a player to bolster their ranks.

Everton "Informed" On Deal For £51k-p/w Drogba-Esque Striker

Everton are “informed” on the situation of Lyon striker Moussa Dembele ahead of a potential move to the Premier League, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Is Moussa Dembele leaving Lyon?

The Frenchman first arrived at the Groupama Stadium from Celtic back in 2018 and since joining, he’s gone on to make a total of 172 appearances under Laurent Blanc, but he’s now on the lookout for his next destination after it was confirmed that he would be leaving upon the expiration of his contract at the end of this month.

The Ligue 1 centre-forward is no stranger to the English top-flight having carried out a spell at Fulham between 2012-2016, and after making himself available on the market, there’s a chance that he could be set to return having caught the eye of Sean Dyche, but not for the first time.

Back in January, The Mirror (via Goodison News) reported that the Toffees were in talks to sign the 26-year-old but a deal failed to come to fruition, though with him now set to cost nothing to recruit, the boss has been put on alert once again as he weighs up whether to make a second attempt at bringing him to Merseyside.

Are Everton signing Dembele?

Taking to Twitter, Romano name-checked Everton as one of the clubs interested in striking a deal for Dembele following his departure from Lyon. He wrote:

“Moussa Dembele has been approached by several clubs after leaving OL as free agent. Understand Everton and Galatasaray are both informed on conditions of the deal, while Saudi clubs are also keeping tabs on Moussa's situation.”

Lyon striker Moussa Dembele.

Should Dyche make another move for Dembele?

Everton are clearly serious about signing Dembele to be considering another approach and it’s no surprise given Dyche's penchant for playing with a classic number nine. Dembele was previously dubbed the “New Didier Drogba” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, so with the centre-forward being free, it would be an absolute bargain of a deal and one that Dyche should 100% revisit.

The Adidas-sponsored star, who pockets £51k-per-week, clocked up 89 goal contributions (70 goals and 19 assists) in 172 Lyon appearances and standing at 6 foot tall, makes an ideal target man, averaging 1.3 aerial wins per league game last season, a number that rises to 3 if you take it per 90 minutes.

Finally, Dembele, who has the versatility to operate as a second striker alongside his natural role up top, already knows what it takes to compete and be successful having secured ten trophies at club level throughout his career, so would be able to instill a much-need positive mindset and winning mentality to the squad at Goodison Park.

Leeds: 49ers Could Sign "Outstanding" First Transfer Masterclass

Leeds United are finally rid of Andrea Radrizzani, and his exit brings hope for a brighter and more sustainable future in Yorkshire for this prestigious club.

Despite being the man to lure Marcelo Bielsa to Elland Road, leading them back to the Premier League, the Italian former chairman made some questionable decisions during his ownership which drew scrutiny from the fans. By placing their home stadium up as security in a bid to buy Sampdoria, he had burned his final bridge.

However, the 49ers were willing buyers of such a staple of English football, with their desire to gain an instant return to the top flight surely high on their list.

This is a task that will not come easy given the diminished allure of their outfit, so perhaps a shrewd acquisition in the mould of a top Championship player could be a more intelligent investment.

Fortunately for the Whites, Bright Osayi-Samuel is one such name who reportedly wants a return to English football after a spell in Turkey. Leeds could give him just that, given their interest.

Who is Bright Osayi-Samuel?

Although he left Queens Park Rangers for Fenerbahce back in 2021, the 25-year-old dynamo remains a highly-rated asset who boasts fine experience in the division.

Given the struggles faced in that right-back spot last term for the Whites, he could mark a top option to make them immediately solid in a position of weakness.

Whilst he has struggled somewhat this year, the Nigeria international did maintain a 6.89 average rating the campaign prior, upheld by an 88% pass accuracy, 75% dribble success rate and 1.3 tackles per game, via Sofascore.

For comparison, Luke Ayling could only muster a 6.60 average rating, somehow outdoing his torrid 6.61 rating from the 2021/22 season.

Having spent two years in Blackpool and a further four in the capital, Osayi-Samuels' experience is vast despite remaining quite young.

Through the words of his former boss too, it is easy to understand why this would be such a masterclass by the 49ers, as he has shown form of shining within the Championship.

Mark Warburton once claimed:

"I thought he was very, very good. If you remember Bristol City away earlier in the season he gave the full-back a torrid time. He's been very good in spells in games but today he was consistent from the first whistle to the 75th minute. I'm not sure many teams have that blistering pace. As long as he knows how to use it and that's the key for him learning the game."

luke-ayling-leeds-united

He continued:

"He's working so hard. He's got that sheer pace which terrifies defenders and when he uses it wisely like he did today he looks a real handful. Today he was outstanding and deserved the applause."

The £15k-per-week whiz clearlt has all the attributes of an electrifying winger, but the added intelligence to defend staunchly now.

He could utilise all these skills to return to England and help reinstate Leeds into the Premier League, marking a true transfer coup to help them cruise out of this division.

West Ham: O’Rourke drops transfer verdict

Journalist Pete O’Rourke has made a concerning claim regarding West Ham United’s summer transfer window…

What’s the word?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the respected insider hinted that the Hammers are likely to receive bids for both Declan Rice and Jarrod Bowen this summer, following the pair’s impressive form in recent seasons.

Having been discussing the future of Rice initially, O’Rourke went on to suggest that his compatriot and teammate could also be the subject of interest in the upcoming window: “West Ham have put a huge price-tag on his head. That probably shows how much they value Declan Rice. I’m sure West Ham would love to keep both players right now, but I’m sure, there will be offers for both players during the summer transfer window, considering how good seasons both players have had.”

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The former has been mooted for a departure despite the east Londoners placing a £150m asking price on his head, while the latter has courted attention from Liverpool due to his remarkable form, with reports that he could fetch as much as £75m.

Supporters will be fuming

Although such price tags may prove a stumbling block for an interested party, there is a potential that David Moyes’s side could lose £225m worth of talent this summer, a scenario that would likely derail what has been a real upturn in fortunes in recent years.

The most recent campaign saw the Irons enjoy a stunning surge to the Europa League semi-finals, where they were subsequently defeated by eventual winners Eintracht Frankfurt, having also secured a seventh-place finish domestically to earn a place in next season’s Europa Conference League.

Back-to-back continental voyages would have appeared unthinkable when Moyes began his second spell just over two years ago, although the Scotsman has masterfully overseen a real shift in form, with next season’s aim likely to be to try and threaten a top-four finish.

Much of that success has been centred around the talismanic presence of young Rice, the 23-year-old leading the side as skipper in the absence of the recently-retired Mark Noble, while also proving the real heartbeat of the team in the centre of the park.

Not just recognised as one of the best in his position in the top-flight, the £67.5m-rated gem also compares favourably to his peers across Europe’s top five leagues, ranking in the top 9% for progressive carries, the top 6% for pass completion and the top 5% for interceptions, showcasing his talent both in and out of possession.

Statistics alone can’t solely illustrate his worth, however, as he has developed into a real leader of late both on and off the pitch, with any potential exit likely to leave a sizeable void in the current squad.

As for compatriot Bowen, the former Hull City man has stepped up as the club’s chief goal-getter and provider, netting 12 goals and registering ten assists in a standout campaign in the league in the 2021/22 season, with only Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah (13) and Trent Alexander-Arnold (12) laying on more assists.

That form has finally seen a long-awaited Three Lions nod emerge, with the £80k-per-week star likely hoping to keep his strong form going at the start of next term in order to earn a place in the World Cup squad.

Staying put in a settled environment at the London Stadium would likely help his cause for selection, with West Ham supporters certainly hoping that the forward sees it that way.

To lose one of their star duo would be a real punch to the gut for both Moyes and supporters, although losing both figures could prove a knockout blow to their hopes of building on the club’s recent rise.

IN other news, “Another target…”: Ex drops big WHU summer transfer claim that supporters will love

Leeds: Alan Hutton makes Joe Gelhardt claim

Pundit Alan Hutton has been reacting to news linking Leeds United forward Joe Gelhardt with a move away if the Whites suffer relegation, Football Insider report.

The Lowdown: Summer exit?

Gelhardt has made 19 Premier League appearances for Leeds this season, the last of which came against Brighton on Sunday.

The 20-year-old produced a moment of magic to set up Pascal Struijk’s equaliser in stoppage time, his sixth goal contribution in the top flight, which took Leeds out of the bottom three before Burnley’s point on Thursday night.

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Jesse Marsch’s side are still in danger of relegation, though, and reports earlier this month claimed that top flight rivals will look to poach Gelhardt if Leeds find themselves in the Championship next season.

The Latest: Hutton’s comments

Hutton, who contributes for Sky Sports, was talking to FI regarding Gelhardt and a possible summer exit.

He ‘can’t believe’ the reports saying the youngster may walk away, adding that Gelhardt could actually benefit if the Whites dropped back down to the second tier by playing regularly, saying that the forward shouldn’t be in a rush to leave.

“Obviously teams will know a lot about him but I think right now, it’s about playing games.

“If you move to a Crystal Palace or a Brentford or a Brighton, wherever, obviously it’s good to stay within the Premier League, I get that, but you have to play games.

“If Leeds were to go down and drop down and he was to be one of the main men moving forward, he’d get that game time up.

“We know he’s got the quality, we know he can play at the level of the Premier League. He’s still very young, he’s got a lot of time in his hands. There’s no rush.

“So it’s about maturing as a player and playing games to take you to the next level.”

The Verdict: Fingers crossed

There will be a number of Elland Road exits over the coming months, should Sunday not go to plan, however, you’d like to think that Gelhardt could stay in Yorkshire no matter what happens.

He’s under contract until 2024 and has become a regular under Marsch, failing to feature in just three of the last 14 Premier League games.

Top earner Rodrigo may well have played his final game at Elland Road, while Newcastle have been linked with a swoop for Patrick Bamford, so Gelhardt could be offered the chance to become first choice.

In other news: Phil Hay now shares what Victor Orta has done with Leeds ‘storm’ who wants out at Elland Road.  

Rangers team news vs Frankfurt

Glasgow Rangers have now been gifted a double injury boost ahead of a big week for the football club.

The Lowdown: Huge week

This is a huge week for the Teddy Bears, not because of their game away at Hearts in the Scottish Premiership at Saturday lunchtime, but because of the small matter of a UEFA Europa League final against Frankfurt on Wednesday night.

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Celtic have already won the SPFL title, so it would be smart for Giovanni van Bronckhorst to rest some of his key players against Hearts, thus keeping them fresh for Frankfurt in midweek.

The Latest: Team news

Speaking to the media in a post-match interview after they beat Ross County 4-1 at home on Wednesday night, van Bronckhorst revealed (via The Daily Record) that Ryan Jack ‘will be ready’ to play Frankfurt, while Scott Wright ‘is okay’ after coming off with a knock.

However, it will be a ‘close call’ whether Kemar Roofe will be able to return from injury.

The Verdict: Double boost

Despite the news on Roofe, it will be a double boost to have both Jack and Wright available, especially for the final on Wednesday.

Wright has five goals and two assists over both competitions so far this season, while Jack keeps things ticking in the middle of the park, as highlighted by his passing accuracy in both competitions (WhoScored).

Nonetheless, the Light Blues will need all of the help that they can get if they are to achieve the unthinkable and lift up the Europa League trophy.

In other news, find out who was an ‘absolute delight’ against Ross County here!

Spurs: Romano drops Torres transfer update

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in a deal to bring Pau Torres to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a claim made by Fabrizio Romano, with the Italian transfer insider and journalist revealing in a recent interview with Que Golazo that, after failing with a bid to sign the Villarreal centre-back 12 months ago, Fabio Paratici remains interested in the 25-year-old – whom both Manchester United and Chelsea are also reportedly keen on – this summer.

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Regarding Spurs’ interest in the Spain international, Romano said: “Tottenham wanted him one year ago and he was close to joining, then he decided to stay at Villarreal to play Champions League football. But now, Tottenham are still following him.”

An “extraordinary” signing

With Fabio Paratici being reported to have prioritised the signing of a left-sided centre-back ahead of Tottenham’s 2022/23 campaign, it is easy to see why the Italian sporting director is keeping an eye on the situation of Torres this summer.

Indeed, over his 30 LaLiga appearances this season, the £60m-rated defender has been a colossus in Unai Emery’s backline, helping his side keep ten clean sheets, in addition to making an average of 0.6 interceptions, 0.9 tackles, 3.1 clearances and winning 4.0 duels – at a success rate of 66% – per game.

The £126k-per-week talent has also impressed going forwards, bagging four goals and creating three big chances for his teammates, as well as completing an average of 54.4 passes, 4.5 long balls, 0.8 dribbles and taking 0.7 shots per fixture.

These metrics have seen the player who Javi Calleja labelled an “extraordinary talent” average an extremely impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.06, ranking him as Villarreal’s fourth-best performer in the top flight of Spanish football.

As such, it is clear for all to see that Torres would make an exceptional addition to Antonio Conte’s current options at the back, leading us to believe that Paratici simply must activate the centre-back’s reported £55m release clause this summer – as the 25-year-old would undoubtedly help to take Spurs to a different level next season.

AND in other news: Conte could land his new Kante as Spurs eye £17m signing who’s “absolutely everywhere”

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