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Manchester United may already be planning for life without Cristiano Ronaldo after the Portuguese striker made it clear he wants to leave Old Trafford, but Erik ten Hag could sign an upgrade in Robert Lewandowski.

ESPN reporter Mark Ogden has suggested that Ronaldo’s time at United is up and that the Red Devils could look to beat Barcelona to the signing of £40.5m-rated Lewandowski as his replacement.

Although the legendary forward was United’s top scorer in all competitions last season, finishing with 24 goals in all competitions, he will turn 38 next season and simply cannot offer the pressing ability that Erik ten Hag will demand of his frontman.

While a 34-year-old Lewandowski is also unlikely to exert too much energy on pressing defenders, the Poland international averaged 9.68 pressures per 90 last season, in comparison to Ronaldo’s 6.54.

The Bayern Munich man also vastly outperformed Ronaldo in his performances in the Bundesliga, as the graphic below emphasises.

While Lewandowski was playing in a significantly better team, in an arguably weaker league, his goal record in recent seasons suggests that he would be a success in the Premier League.

When Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp was asked who the best player he had ever coached was last year, he replied Lewandowski, saying:

“What he has made out of his potential, how he pushed himself to become the player he is today, that’s extraordinary.

“He has immersed himself in the game, he just knows in every situation what he has to do, where he has to go. Lewy is an absolute machine.”

With the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Jadon Sancho and Christian Eriksen behind him, Lewandowski would surely be a hit under ten Hag, and would arguably be a better fit than Ronaldo, who clearly feels United is beneath him after the club’s failure to secure Champions League football last season.

The Polish forward’s influence at Bayern Munich has previously been compared to that of Lionel Messi at Barcelona, and if he could lead the line at Old Trafford in a similar manner to his time at the Allianz Arena, he would undoubtedly be an upgrade on the version of Ronaldo we saw at United last season.

And, in other news… Bid made: Man United submit offer for “wonderful” £68m target, he’s Ten Hag’s dream…

Nottingham Forest are reportedly eyeing a move for Manchester City right-back Issa Kabore, according to The Guardian.

The lowdown: Career so far

Signed from Belgian outfit KV Mechelen in 2020, Kabore was immediately sent back on a season-long loan deal before spending the 2021/22 campaign at Ligue 1 side Troyes.

The 21-year-old Burkina Faso international, named the best young player at AFCON earlier this year, has been a long-standing target at the City Ground and could be the alternative option to the seemingly Tottenham-bound Djed Spence.

Now, it appears as though the Forest hierarchy have stepped up their pursuit of Kabore as Steve Cooper’s squad begins to take shape…

The latest: ‘In talks’

As per The Guardian, Nottingham Forest are believed to be ‘in talks’ with the 27-cap star regarding a potential move.

It’s claimed that Kabore has ‘attracted interest from several Premier League clubs’, as well as Ligue 1 outfit Nice.

The report confirms that the two clubs are ‘yet to reach an agreement’ over a transfer fee for the youngster hailed as a ‘fantastic talent’ by journalist Zach Lowy earlier this year.

The verdict: Make it happen

Under contract at Man City until 2025 (Transfermarkt), if the Reds were able to reach a permanent transfer for Kabore then it would be a superb piece of business instead of using up another loan spot on the talented full-back.

Last season, the marauding sensation – who is equally adept as either a conventional right-back or as a right-sided midfielder – earned a 6.60 Sofascore rating whilst winning 4.7 duels and completing 1.5 successful dribbles on average per game in the French top-flight.

With the likelihood of a move for Spence scuppered by the admiration from Tottenham and a swoop for Liverpool starlet Neco Williams seemingly some way off, bringing Kabore to Trentside is certainly a viable option for Forest.

Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge has now made a Tottenham Hotspur transfer claim involving sporting director Fabio Paratici amid the club’s hunt for new additions.

The Lowdown: Paratici busy…

Having already completed three major signings in Ivan Perisic, Fraser Forster and Yves Bissouma on permanent deals, the Lilywhites transfer chief hasn’t exactly stopped there.

Paratici also visited his native Italy last week and is believed to have conducted a meeting with Roma over potential player sales and getting information on their star playmaker Nicolo Zaniolo (Sky Sports).

Closer to home, Spurs remain heavily linked with the likes of Leeds United star Raphinha, among others.

The Latest: Michael Bridge makes Spurs claim…

Sharing an update on Paratici’s plans for the north Londoners, Sky journalist Bridge has some news for supporters.

Indeed, he claims that the sporting director personally has his eyes on Everton star Richarlison, although no bid has been made yet for the 25-year-old.

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Also sharing news on a possible exit agreement for midfielder Harry Winks, Bridge explained (via Twitter): “Tottenham & Everton still in talks over Harry Winks transfer. Tottenham want a permanent deal. Everton want loan deal with permanent obligation. Winks aware he’s not in Conte’s plans. #THFC keen to do deal with Everton. Richarlison is admired by Fabio Paratici but no bids so far.”

The Verdict: Advance…

Richarlison, who once boasted an asking price of £100m, could move on for much less than that this summer, as some reports suggest that he is now valued at £50m.

After this seismic drop in value, Spurs would be foolish not to take full advantage given that the Brazil international was statistically Everton’s best-performing player last season (WhoScored).

Having averaged the Toffees’ most attempts at goal per 90 in the Premier League whilst also finishing the 2021/22 campaign as their top scorer (10), Richarlison would undoubtedly strengthen Tottenham’s attacking options.

He is also apparently ‘open’ to joining manager Antonio Conte in N17, as reported by reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Liverpool have made a strong start to their summer transfer business, with Jurgen Klopp already adding quality into his squad.

The Reds have signed Fabio Carvalho from Fulham and youngster Calvin Ramsay from Aberdeen, in addition to breaking their club-record transfer fee in securing a sensational £85m deal for Benfica striker Darwin Nunez.

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The Merseysiders enjoyed a wonderful 2021/22 campaign, adding the Carabao Cup and FA Cup to their bulging trophy cabinet under Klopp, while agonisingly missing out on Premier League and Champions League glory.

With Klopp having spent big on the three new arrivals, it looked like there might not be any further deals done during the window.

There will surely be some outgoings in order to get rid of some deadwood and clear some of the higher earners off the wage bill, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain being one of the midfielders that Klopp is seemingly looking to sell, with Manchester United reportedly interested.

The 28-year-old earns £125k-p/w at Anfield despite falling down the pecking order, starting only nine league games last term and ranking a lowly 23rd in the squad with an average match rating of 6.56 from WhoScored (lowest of anyone to start more than five). This suggests it’s time for both parties to move on.

Klopp could find the ideal replacement in a rumoured €90m (£77.2m) swoop for Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella, with Liverpool proposing a swap deal to bring the fee down, offering Naby Keita as part of the move, as per Calciomercato.

The German has praised the 25-year-old Italy international in the past, describing him as “top-class” before the Reds took on Inter Milan in the Champions League earlier this year.

Compared to positional peers in the big five European leagues in 2021/22, Barella ranks in the top 4% for touches in the attacking penalty area (3.17 per 90), top 9% for progressive carries (6.63), and in the top 2% for shot-creating actions (4.07 per match), as per FBRef. These figures suggest that he could offer Liverpool a positive attacking threat from the centre of the pitch.

With the likes of Thiago, Jordan Henderson, and James Milner all 30 or over, it’s clear to see Klopp is looking to add some youth to the midfield.

There might just be a fourth summer signing at Anfield in the coming weeks if everything goes to plan, especially if Oxlade-Chamberlain is moved on.

AND in other news, FSG plotting LFC move to sign “magical” £35m dynamo, he can be Klopp’s very own Foden

According to reports, a promising Tottenham Hotspur transfer update has come to light involving Brentford playmaker Christian Eriksen.

The Lowdown: Spurs keep moving…

After the arrival of Premier League star Yves Bissouma in a £25m deal, it is believed that the Lilywhites have set their sights on other key areas of Antonio Conte’s squad.

The Evening Standard claimed that transfer chief Fabio Paratici isn’t done after the signing of Bissouma, who followed both Ivan Perisic and Fraser Forster through the door in N17.

Conte guiding the north Londoners to a top-four finish last month, and earning Champions League football for 2022/23 has seemingly gifted the club a new lease of life in the transfer market.

The Latest: ESPN share promising Eriksen update…

Indeed, after what has been a fantastic start to the summer transfer window for Tottenham, broadcast giant ESPN have now shared another promising update out of N17.

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Contrary to other reports, they claimed that Spurs are in pole position to sign Brentford playmaker Christian Eriksen on a free transfer, with Hotspur Way cited as his ‘most likely destination’.

The Verdict: New twist…

Eriksen’s future appears to be taking a new twist day after day, but if this claim comes to fruition, the Dane could be quite a steal for Conte and Paratici.

Dubbed a ‘star’ by members of the media such as Dan Roan, former Tottenham manager Tim Sherwood even called the 30-year-old ‘Bergkamp-esque’ in the past.

Such praise is perhaps backed by Eriksen’s fine finish to the 2021/22 season with Brentford, standing out as their best player by average match rating whilst making the most key passes per 90 minutes of anyone in Thomas Frank’s squad, as per WhoScored.

It seems clear by these numbers he could still play a big role for Spurs, especially on a free transfer.

Leeds United supporters look set to have their worst fears realised, with prized asset Raphinha looking increasingly likely to be moving on this summer.

What’s the word?

As per The Athletic, the Brazilian is the subject of interest from fellow Premier League sides Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, with FA Cup finalists Chelsea also in the running despite their preference to do a deal for Barcelona’s Ousmane Dembele.

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The report suggests that the Elland Road are not set to stand in the 25-year-old’s way should he wish to move on in the current window, with the Yorkshire side willing to strike a deal with any interested party if their valuation is met – with that figure believed to be around £45m.

The belief is that Jesse Marsch and co have now accepted that the former Rennes man won’t sign a new deal at the club – albeit despite the player not outright demanding an exit – with the nine-cap international harbouring ambitions of featuring in European competition.

Supporters devastated

That news will come as a crushing blow to those of a Leeds persuasion, with the club seemingly set to lose one of their most important and most loved assets this summer, with it hard to see the Whites managing to fend off interest from some of the division’s biggest and richest sides.

There is the saving grace that they will be able to recoup a fairly sizeable sum with any sale, having run the risk of losing the £63k-per-week gem for just £25m had they suffered relegation last term, due to a reported clause in his contract.

The fact that Marsch’s men were able to stave off the drop was no doubt aided by the impressive form of the £40.5m-rated playmaker, as he netted 11 times in the top-flight during the 2021/22 campaign, including a vital final day spot-kick in the dramatic victory over Brentford.

Since his £17m switch from France two years ago, the 5 foot 9 ace has contributed 17 goals and 12 assists in 65 Premier League appearances, with no Leeds player having recorded more than his 14 goals and assists last season.

That illustrates just how integral Raphinha has been to both his current boss and the American’s predecessor Marcelo Bielsa, with any potential departure set to leave behind a sizeable void in the current squad.

Not just a creative, goalscoring presence, the one-time Sporting CP man has also emerged as something of a fan’s favourite for his passionate approach, epitomised by his jubilant post-match celebrations with the away support following that win over the Bees.

Also dubbed a “pleasure to watch” by pundit Joe Cole, the gifted wide man is the type of player that brings excitement to any crowd, with supporters set to be devastated if he is to depart before the start of next term.

IN other news: Leeds now plotting swoop for “reliable” £22k-p/w starlet, he’s the new Dani Alves

Fabrizio Romano has dropped an update on the future of reported Leeds United transfer target Florian Grillitsch.

What’s the talk?

In a recent post on Twitter, the Italian journalist revealed that, with the 26-year-old’s contract at TSG Hoffenheim coming to an end in the coming days, the midfielder is now in advanced talks with ACF Fiorentina regarding a move to the Serie A side – with the Italian outfit said to have offered the Austria international a four-year deal at the Artemio Franchi Stadium.

Previous reports had claimed that Victor Orta was also keen on a deal to bring the former SV Werder Bremen starlet to Elland Road in the summer transfer window, however, it would now appear as if Vincenzo Italiano’s side are very much leading the race for Grillitsch’s signature.

In his tweet, Romano said: “Fiorentina are in well-advanced talks to sign Florian Grillitsch as a free agent. Austrian midfielder’s contract with Hoffenheim will expire in the coming days and it won’t be extended. Talks are underway – four-year contract on the table, valid until June 2026.”

Leeds supporters will be gutted

Considering just how impressive Grillitsch was for Hoffenheim this season, it is easy to see why Orta was reportedly keen on a deal to add the 26-year-old to Jesse Marsch’s current options in the middle of the park ahead of the Whites’ upcoming Premier League campaign.

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Indeed, over his 18 Bundesliga appearances in 2021/21, the £14.4m-rated talent was in spectacular form in the heart of Sebastian Hoeness’ side, making an average of 1.6 interceptions, 2.1 tackles, 2.0 clearances and winning 4.9 duels – at a success rate of 60% – per game.

The £35k-per-week midfielder also impressed in a creative capacity, creating one big chance for his teammates, in addition to making an average of 51.9 passes, 6.6 long balls, 4.2 chipped passes and 0.6 key passes per fixture.

These metrics saw the 26-year-old average a rather remarkable SofaScore match rating of 7.21, ranking him not only as Hoffenheim’s second-best performer in the league but also the joint 18th-best player in the Bundesliga as a whole.

As such, with Kalvin Phillips’ future at Elland Road appearing very much up in the air at present, it is not difficult to understand why Orta was reported to have identified Grillitsch as a replacement for the England international, as the Austrian very much appears to be cut from the same cloth as the Whites’ academy graduate.

However, following Romano’s latest update, it would now appear as if the Spanish sporting director is set to miss out on the midfielder’s signing this summer – something that is sure to come as a gutting blow to Marsch and the Elland Road faithful alike.

AND in other news: “Travelling to Leeds..”: Phil Hay drops big transfer update, supporters will be elated

Celtic have been linked with a transfer move for Shamrock Rovers winger Aidomo Emakhu ahead of the upcoming summer window.

What’s the news?

According to a recent report from The Irish Sun, the Parkhead club have been “keeping tabs” on the youngster after he “burst onto the scene by scoring a last-minute winner against Teuta in the Europa Conference League last August.”

The report also adds that clubs such as Roma, Wolves, Southampton and Lecce are also eyeing up the winger.

The next Edouard

The 18-year-old joined Rovers on a free transfer from fellow Irish club Shelbourne back in February 2020.
Since then, the teenager has gone on to make 38 appearances for his current club across their youth and senior sides, scoring two goals in the process.
After his dramatic winner against FK Teuta in their Europa Conference League first-leg tie clash back in August, Rovers manager Stephen Bradley had this to say about the youngster.
He said: “I’m always conscious of when you put young boys in because you can hurt them as well, so you have to mind them. But he’s a really exciting prospect and I felt this was the right occasion for him. You can get that feeling.

“He has been knocking on the door. He came on in Waterford a while back and was really good. I watched him here on Sunday for the Under-19s and I knew he was ready. I’m delighted for him as he’s a really good kid and works extremely hard.”

With the Hoops saying goodbye to Odsonne Edouard during the previous summer transfer window, Postecoglou could see Emakhu as the next version of the Frenchman, using Celtic’s track record of signing young attacking players from clubs in other countries to get him.
Having signed Edouard as one of Paris Saint-Germain’s youth prospects, who then went on to become a pivotal figure for the Bhoys by racking up 86 goals in 179 appearances, the Rovers starlet could well go on to follow in his footsteps and become a household name at Parkhead.
Shamrock Rovers note how the youngster’s “speed, strength and skill have made him one to watch”, with the second attribute there very much putting him in the same category as their former Frenchman.
Taking into account how the young player has shown his versatility by playing in numerous positions across the midfield and attack, this could make him an ideal long-term replacement for Edouard as he was occasionally deployed in other attacking areas beyond his usual centre-forward role whilst at Celtic.

In other news: Imagine him & Turnbull: Ange can form scary Celtic duo by signing £1.08m-rated machine

Liverpool are expected to pip Leeds United to the signing of Aberdeen youngster Calvin Ramsay, according to reliable journalist Phil Hay.

The Lowdown: Ramsay heading to England

The 18-year-old has emerged as one of the Scottish Premiership’s brightest young players in the last 12 months or so, shining with his performances for the Dons.

Ramsay made a total of 33 appearances for the first team this season and has not looked out of place at right-back, with chairman Dave Cormack describing him as an ‘elite’ level talent.

The teenager has been linked with a move to Liverpool a number of times and a fresh update has now acted as a further boost.

The Latest: Liverpool favourites for move

Writing for The Athletic, Leeds journalist Hay claimed that the ‘high likelihood’ is that the Reds will pip the Whites to Ramsay’s signature this summer.

He has made 39 appearances for Aberdeen in total, scoring once and registering an impressive nine assists.

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The Verdict: Great long-term prospect

Bringing in emerging talent is vital for Liverpool in the coming years, allowing Jurgen Klopp to build another great squad and ensure that the team doesn’t all go past their primes at once.

Ramsay fits the bill to perfection and he could come in as an ideal understudy to Trent Alexander-Arnold, learning from arguably the world’s best right-back.

It would also mean Liverpool would be able to offload Neco Williams permanently, bringing in more funds for new signings in the summer window.

In other news, a fresh Liverpool transfer rumour has emerged. Read more here.

An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their interest in Leeds’ Jack Harrison heading into the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

According to The Telegraph, PIF are eyeing up a bid for the winger as they look to improve the squad ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

The report claims that Jesse Marsch’s side avoiding relegation may make a deal difficult to complete for the player who arrived at Elland Road from Manchester City for £11m in 2021.

Big Allan Saint-Maximin upgrade

Eddie Howe can land a big upgrade on the French winger this summer as Harrison has the quality to take his position in the team.

Saint-Maximin played out on the left for the majority of the campaign and has the potential to be a match-winner on his day. He ended the season with five goals and five assists in the top-flight, whilst completing an impressive 4.3 dribbles and 1.4 key passes per game.

However, there are question marks over what he offers to the team out of possession. The winger averaged an unimpressive 0.7 tackles and interceptions per game in the Premier League as he failed to win the ball back for his side on a consistent basis.

He also ranks in the 1st percentile in Europe’s top five leagues for players in his position when it comes to pressures per 90 with 8.25. This suggests that he is one of the worst players in Europe for closing down opposition players out of possession.

Harrison, meanwhile, ranks in the 80th percentile for pressures with 20.46 per 90. The Leeds man managed 2.2 tackles and interceptions per match in the top-flight and this shows that he would be a big upgrade on Saint-Maximin in terms of what he offers defensively.

Marsch dubbed him as “explosive” and his attacking statistics for Leeds show that he has exploded onto the scene at the top level. In his two Premier League seasons, Harrison has scored 16 goals and provided nine assists from out wide, in comparison to Saint-Maximin’s eight goals and nine assists in the same period.

This shows that the English dynamo offers more to the team on and off the ball. He has shown that he has more goal potential than the Frenchman whilst also working his socks off to close down opponents and win possession back off the opposition.

Therefore, Harrison would be a big upgrade on Saint-Maximin this summer and bringing him in could allow PIF to cash in on the ex-Nice man to finance further additions to the squad.

AND in other news, PIF plotting Newcastle swoop for “scary” £30m “freak”, he’s a major Almiron upgrade…