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Manchester United are eyeing a swoop for Barcelona defender Andreas Christensen as Erik Ten Hag aims to bolster his defensive options next season.

What’s the latest on Andreas Christensen to Manchester United?

According to sources in Spain, Man United are willing to pay €40m (£34m) in order to sign Christensen from Barcelona this summer.

Ten Hag is aiming to sign an experienced centre-back and Christensen has plenty of Premier League experience having spent five seasons at Chelsea before joining the La Liga giants on a free transfer last summer.

The Dutchman could be set to sell Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof this summer in order to generate funds for better signings, and the Danish defender would certainly be a big upgrade on Maguire as Champions League football returns to Old Trafford.

Could Manchester United sign Andreas Christensen?

The 27-year-old still has three years remaining on his current contract, and as he enjoyed a successful debut campaign in Spain, Xavi won't be keen on getting rid of him anytime soon, making a move potentially problematic for Ten Hag.

He ranked 11th in the squad for overall rating as per Sofascore while also ranking second for accurate passes per game (61.1) and clearances (2), while coming third for interceptions (0.9), underlining just how effective he was during his maiden season for the club.

Maguire ranked seventh throughout the United squad for his overall rating (6.95/10), yet this was lower than the 7.05/10 that Christensen averaged in the Spanish top flight.

Meanwhile, the Englishman also ranked in a lowly eighth position for interceptions per game (0.8), fourth for clearances (2.6) and tenth for accurate passes (30.6), with Christensen making nearly double the number of passes per match.

Indeed, it’s evident that the Dane is a far superior passer of the ball compared to Maguire, as he ranks in the top 1% across Europe’s big five leagues for pass completion rate (93.7%) and also ranks in the top 10% for progressive passes per 90 (4.95), suggesting that he is excellent at starting attacks from the defence on a regular basis.

Maguire, on the other hand, only ranks in the top 48% across Europe’s top five leagues for pass completion rate (85.2%) and in the top 53% for progressive passes per 90 (3.09), which indicates that Christensen could be a major upgrade that would fit Ten Hag’s style of play.

The former Chelsea defender has been lauded as being “underrated” by his former teammate at Stamford Bridge, Cesc Fabregas, and should the Red Devils lure him to Manchester this summer, they would be able to ditch Maguire in the process, vastly improving their options at the back.

Newcastle United have opened "talks" regarding a contract extension for Joelinton at St. James' Park, according to Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg.

When is Joelinton out of contract at Newcastle?

The Brazil international first arrived in the Premier League from Hoffenheim back in 2019 and has since gone on to become a regular feature in the northeast, clocking up a total of 157 appearances to date.

The Magpies talisman still has another two years remaining on his contract at St. James’ Park, but having established himself last season in a remarkable personal campaign as Eddie Howe’s overall second best-performing player with a WhoScored match rating of 7.24, he’s bound to attract interest during the upcoming window.

PIF and the boss will be pleased to learn that the 26-year-old is yet to have any clubs chasing him as far as public knowledge is concerned, but you can never be too careful as we approach this busy time of year and it sounds like the hierarchy are keen to tie him down before any potential suitors start circling.

Have Newcastle offered Joelinton a new contract?

Taking to Twitter, Plettenberg revealed that Newcastle have now entered discussions with Joelinton about the possibility of him putting pen to paper and committing his long-term future to the club. He wrote:

"Excl. News #Joelinton: @NUFC wants to extend his contract beyond 2025 now! Talks have started. Early stage. Result open. After a top season the 26 y/o is about to make his debut with Brazil. Key player."

Newcastle will know that Joelinton was one of their most standout performers last season, and considering the high standard of quality that he displayed, the attacking midfielder being rewarded with improved terms is nothing less than he deserves.

The ROGON client, who earns £85k-per-week, racked up eight goal contributions (six goals and two assists) in the top-flight during the previous term and ranked in the 97th percentile for number of attacking touches in the opposition’s penalty area and the 94th percentile for successful take-ons, as per FBRef.

The Alianca native, who offers wonderful versatility with his ability to operate in seven different positions, is also highly regarded among his fellow players and black and white striped supporters having taken home the Player of the Year award in 2021/22, and this love story will only develop even further should he sign on the dotted line in the weeks ahead of us.

كشفت تقارير صحفية إسبانية، عن موقف مهاجم الفريق الكتالوني، جواو فيليكس، من المشاركة في مباراة نابولي الأسبوع القادم بدوري أبطال أوروبا.

ويلاقي نادي برشلونة نظيره نابولي، ضمن منافسات ذهاب الدور الـ16 من دوري أبطال أوروبا على ملعب “دييجو أرماندو مارادونا”، الاربعاء المقبل الموافق 21 فبراير.

اقرأ ايضاً.. سبورت توضح أسباب اقتراب توخيل من خلافة تشافي في برشلونة

وذكرت صحيفة سبورت الكتالونية، أن المهاجم البرتغالي، جواو فيليكس، لن يتمكن من اللحاق بمواجهة نابولي المقبلة في دوري الأبطال.

وأصيب جواو فيليكس أثناء تدريبات برشلونة حيث تعرض لالتواء في الرباط الجانبي الخارجي لكاحله الأيمن. ولم يحدد النادي مدة غيابه.

وتابعت الصحيفة الإسبانية أنه سيفتقد برشلونة لخدمات كل من جواو فيليكس، ماركوس ألونسو، بالإضافة إلى فيران توريس في مباراة نابولي بسبب الإصابة.

حيث سيتعافي المهاجم البرتغالي من إصابته، ومن المتوقع أن يكون جاهزاً لمواجهة أتلتيك بلباو ضمن منافسات الدوري الإسباني، في بداية مارس القادم.

Crystal Palace and Dougie Freedman are hoping to beat Aston Villa to the signing of Lyon striker Moussa Dembele this summer, according to a fresh transfer rumour.

Could Dembele leave Lyon?

The £52,000-a-week attacker has had a fairly quiet season for his current club, having been more of a key man in previous campaigns, with only three goals coming his way in Ligue 1. That's in a total of 23 appearances, although only eight of those have been from the starting lineup.

Dembele is out of contract once the current campaign reaches its conclusion, and given his lack of playing time at Lyon, it seems unlikely that an extension will be coming his way. That means that he would be allowed to leave on a free transfer, with a number of clubs potentially interested in signing club.

Palace are certainly going to be on the lookout for a new striker in the summer window, considering Odsonne Edouard and Jean-Philippe Mateta have scored just six Premier League goals between them this season, and it could be that they turn to Dembele as a potential option.

Are Palace in the hunt to sign Dembele?

According to Football Insider, Palace chiefs are "interested" in making a move for the Frenchman at the end of the season, with a new striker considered a "top priority" by them. Freedman and Steve Parish think he's the "perfect candidate" to come in and bolster the Eagles' attacking options, and they are believed to be "preparing a contract offer".

That being said, they face stiff competition from a Villa side flying high under Unai Emery currently, so it may not be easy to get their man, considering the Midlands club could promise Dembele European football next season.

The former Celtic striker could be a great addition if Palace get a deal over the line this season, possessing the kind of end product lacking in Edouard and Mateta's game, despite his slow season this time around.

He has scored 70 goals in 172 appearances for Lyon, which highlights what a good addition he has been overall, while at Celtic, he netted 51 times in 94 outings. He was once a bit of a wonderkid, hailed as "one of the top young talents in Europe" by Hoops teammate Leigh Griffiths, showing the talent that he has always possessed, and at 26 he still has plenty of years ahead of him to grow into that potential for Palace, leading the line and linking with the likes of Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise.

Arsenal are one of many clubs who already seem embroiled in a few transfer sagas, with their season seemingly all but over.

Declan Rice is one star who they continue to be linked with, but they will wage war with Chelsea and Manchester United for his signature.

Despite West Ham United boss David Moyes suggesting he would cost a British transfer record to secure, this is somehow not the biggest transfer story set to involve an English midfielder this summer.

That accolade will undoubtedly go to Jude Bellingham, who seems poised to break Liverpool and Manchester City hearts by choosing a move to Real Madrid.

Although the Gunners were seemingly never in the race for Borussia Dortmund's shining star, despite tentative links, no club in Europe would not turn down the creative powerhouse who has 11 goals and seven assists across all competitions from central midfield this season.

However, sporting director Edu Gaspar could be set to secure an alternative anyway in Gabri Veiga, who is reportedly very keen on playing under Mikel Arteta and boasts a far cheaper €40m (£35m) release clause.

That was the words of journalist Manu Sainz, who claimed: "If Arsenal gets into the bidding for Veiga, then they will most likely get him, because he enjoys the football Arsenal play and he would like to work with Arteta."

Who is Gabri Veiga?

As an energetic and attacking asset residing in the engine room, this Spain U21 star has perhaps gone under the radar given the sheer quantity of other hot European prospects on the market.

So far this season, the 20-year-old has scored nine times and assisted a further four for an average Celta Vigo side. This has led to him being ranked in the top 1% for non-penalty goals and total shots per 90 when compared to other midfielders in Europe, and is actually ahead of Bellingham in that regard.

Where the England international truly excels is in his progression of the ball, as he ranks in the top 1% for successful take-ons and the top 2% for touches in the opposition penalty area per 90.

Veiga is not quite as prolific, but sitting in the top 6% for both of these attributes is more than impressive.

Not everyone is blind to the insane talent that has been brewing in Spain however, as analyst Jack Fawcett claimed:

"For just 20 years old, Veiga might be one of the most naturally evasive players that I’ve ever seen. His receiving of the ball under pressure and composure to beat a press is a joy to watch."

With a talent that surpasses his youth and the ability to score from midfield, Arteta could secure an insane alternative to Bellingham for a fraction of the price.

Liverpool will head to East London tonight for their Premier League clash with West Ham United at the London Stadium and nothing less than three points will suffice to keep their outside chances of Champions League football alive.

The Reds are currently nine points adrift of the top four with just seven games remaining to close the gap with Newcastle United and Manchester United, so Jurgen Klopp will be hoping that his team can pick up their third victory in a row against David Moyes' relegation-threatened side.

In terms of injuries, Naby Keita, Calvin Ramsay, Stefan Bajcetic and Roberto Firmino remain unavailable for selection, whilst Ibrahima Konate becomes the latest key player to pick up an injury worry.

Klopp took to his pre-match press conference yesterday to reveal that the defender could be a doubt for the upcoming game.

The Merseyside giants played Nottingham Forest at Anfield on Saturday, will face the Hammers away from home tonight and host Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, so it could be a good time for the Liverpool boss to refresh his team slightly to prevent exhaustion and injury.

How could Liverpool line-up vs West Ham?

Klopp could be set to make three changes to the team that started in the victory over Forest last weekend, maintaining his classic 4-3-3 formation.

Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson, Henderson, Thiago, Jones, Jota, Nunez, Salah.

The first change we expect to see is in the back four with Joel Matip replacing injury-doubt Konate, alongside an otherwise unchanged defensive set-up of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk and Andrew Robertson.

The second change we predict is Fabinho losing his spot to Thiago Alcantara, who is yet to start since returning from injury a few weeks ago and will complete a midfield three alongside Jordan Henderson and Curtis Jones.

The third and final tweak we expect Klopp to make is in the forward-line with the manager spoilt for choice at the moment due to the return of Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota from injury.

As a result, Darwin Nunez could be set for an opportunity in the starting XI alongside Mohamed Salah and Jota, replacing fellow newcomer Cody Gakpo in the striker role.

The 6 foot 1 Uruguayan disruptor – who is "box office" in the words of journalist Jack Goodwin – hasn't started since the 0-0 draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge earlier this month, so utilising the £140k-per-week forward's chaotic energy and hunger in front of goal could cause nightmares for West Ham's defenders tonight.

That said, it will be important for Liverpool to field a high-quality team against the Hammers, however, with fixtures coming thick and fast, it could be the perfect opportunity for the manager to freshen up his starting XI.

Tottenham Hotspur see Brighton wonderkid Evan Ferguson as an 'heir apparent' to star striker Harry Kane, according to Mail journalist Simon Jones.

What's the latest Spurs transfer news?

For much of the past week, reports have centred around James Maddison and the potential Spurs capture of Leicester City's star player – with chairman Daniel Levy apparently determined to sign him.

However, he isn't the only player who Spurs have their eye on amid Levy's search for a new manager also. The Premier League top four hopefuls are still on the lookout for Antonio Conte's replacement in north London, yet the appointment of Chief Football Officer Scott Munn could mean Tottenham have more resources to start preparing for the summer transfer window.

As such, there are a few positions Spurs could need to reinforce, with a centre-back or two also previously rumoured to be a priority for the club. As well as this, the Lilywhites may need to start thinking about which strikers could eventually take Kane's mantle.

Not only is the 29-year-old out of contract in 2024, but he is also slowly approaching the twilight phase of his career, meaning Tottenham have their eyes on possible long-term replacements.

Now, according to The Daily Mail reporter Jones, there has been an interesting update on that front as Spurs target Brighton starlet Ferguson. Man United are also said to be admirers of the 18-year-old but Tottenham see Ferguson as an 'heir apparent' to Kane.

Indeed, both Spurs and United apparently have a 'strong interest' in the teenager, coming after claims that Ferguson is also wanted by heavyweights Barcelona and Bayern Munich.

Should Spurs make a move for Ferguson?

The forward is a seriously exciting prodigy with Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi even claiming that he has the potential to become a European great.

As per WhoScored, Ferguson has racked up six goal contributions in total over six full starts and as many appearances off the bench – impressive numbers for a player so young.

Brighton are still well in contention for a Europa League qualification place with two games in hand on fifth-placed Spurs – and Ferguson has contributed effectively to their standings.

Called 'world-class' by Brighton reporter Ryan Adsett, Ferguson has also impressed for the Republic of Ireland at international level – already scoring his first goal for them against Latvia in late March.

It's hardly surprising Spurs have taken note of his exploits, yet it appears they face stiff competition for his services.

Journalist Pete O'Rourke has been left thrilled as Arsenal eye a move for Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic, calling him a potential "big-name" signing.

What's the latest news on Vlahovic to Arsenal?

Mikel Arteta's side are currently locked toe-to-toe with Premier League champions Man City for this year's domestic crown with 2022/2023 coming as one of their most important campaigns to date.

The Gunners dropped points away to Liverpool on Sunday, meaning Arsenal may have to win all of their remaining games and cannot afford to drop points with Pep Guardiola lingering just behind them.

It's set to be a dramatic last eight games of the season for supporters, and while Arteta fights to end Arsenal's near-20-year wait for a league title, transfer chief Edu is working on strengthening the Spaniard's options.

Indeed, it has been reported that Serbia international Vlahovic is among Arsenal's transfer targets amid their search for more forward options with a summer attempt to sign him 'very likely' (Niccolò Ceccarini). This comes after Arsenal tried to sign the 23-year-old before his move to Juve.

Speaking to GiveMeSport, reporter O'Rourke has raved over the links to Vlahovic – claiming their ambitious interest shows just how much progress Arsenal are making now.

He also says that the attacker would come as a 'big-name signing' for Arteta. O'Rourke explained:

"He's a proven striker; he's done really well in Serie A and also on the international scene as well, so that'd be a big-name signing and it would just continue to show the progress that Arsenal are making that they are actually able to make these types of signings."

Would Vlahovic upgrade Arsenal?

Injuries to both Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Jesus at various points this season perhaps suggest that Arteta could benefit from having another centre-forward option.

Vlahovic, who is Juve's joint-top Serie A goalscorer alongside Adrien Rabiot, could fit the bill – having racked up 10 goal contributions in 18 league starts this season.

As well as this, the former Fiorentina star has averaged Juve's highest rate of attempts at goal per 90 (2.8) with only Jesus totalling a higher number at Arsenal this term (WhoScored).

Vlahovic is also still only 23, so could potentially arrive as both a statement acquisition and a long-term investment for the future. To keep playing at this level and challenging the likes of City, Arsenal should be attempting to make these kinds of signings.

Liverpool have suffered a huge fall from grace over this season so far and Jurgen Klopp will surely be planning for a transformative summer ahead.

The Reds are currently sixth in the Premier League table and struggling to close the gap between themselves and the last Champions League qualifying spot inside the top four, now six points adrift of Tottenham Hotspur.

Not only that, the side have lost their final opportunity to collect some more silverware this season after being knocked out of Europe by Real Madrid earlier this week, as well as falling short in the FA Cup and League Cup.

Indeed, the Merseysiders have tallied up the worst injury record in the entire top flight this season which has hindered Klopp’s ability to maintain some consistency in the starting eleven, however, there is no doubt that the performances on the pitch have failed to meet the high standards Liverpool are renowned for setting under their German boss which has become a cause for concern.

As a result, a positive transformation and squad refresh are desperately needed this summer and Klopp should not hesitate to offload some of the players who have failed to deliver when it matters most.

Should Klopp ditch Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita?

It is no secret that the midfield has become a pressing worry at Anfield with several players set to be out of contract this summer and others coming to the latter stages of their careers.

There has been a lot of inconsistency and injury concerns to multiple midfield players and the powerbrokers on the red side of Merseyside must find some resolve to improve and revive the performances in the centre of the pitch.

Two players who will be out of contract at the end of the season and should not be given an opportunity to extend their stay at Anfield are Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

The Liverpool disaster duo – who both earn £120k-per-week – have struggled to make their presence known in the team over the last few seasons with injuries plaguing the pair.

Keita has tallied up a whopping 84 fixtures missed over 18 incidents of injury since he arrived at the club back in 2018, whilst Oxlade-Chamberlain has been unavailable for 88 games on eight separate occasions over his six-year tenure.

In fact, this season both the Liverpool duds have tallied up 13 or fewer appearances across all competitions, further proving their lack of involvement despite being some of the highest-paid players at the club with the likes of Andy Robertson, for example, having a bigger impact on a lower salary.

It is obviously not an ideal scenario to let go of any players for free as FSG’s frugal standpoint on spending can be uncompetitive at the best of times with the other top six clubs.

Nevertheless, freeing up the wage bill will put the club in a great position to offer a more competitive wage to their transfer targets like Jude Bellingham in the summer.

With that being said, this season has been solid proof that it is time to move on from the successful squad of the past and start rebuilding for the next generation to compete at the highest level again.

Leeds United are ready to sign Southampton forward Che Adams this summer, should the Saints suffer relegation, Football Insider report.

The Lowdown: 49ers takeover

It looks likely that the 49ers Enterprises will be in control at Elland Road from the summer, with Phil Hay recently saying there’s a ‘very strong chance’ that the 49ers will be in charge from July, regardless of what division Leeds find themselves in.

There is an agreement in place with Andrea Radrizzani over a deal, with Reports suggesting that the 49ers ‘expect to be in control in Yorkshire for 10-15 years once they seal a full takeover.

And the board already appear to be looking at potential signings for the summer, with Adams still thought to be of interest.

The Latest: Transfer update

FI reporter Pete O’Rourke shared an update regarding Leeds and Adams on Monday afternoon.

He said that the Whites are plotting a summer move for the Scotland international and are ready to sign him “in a heartbeat” if the Saints are relegated to the Championship. Those at Elland Road are still “big admirers” of Adams after failing to sign him in recent transfer windows.

The Verdict: One to watch…

Adams, who Ralph Hasenhuttl has hailed for having a ‘fantastic’ attitude, appears to be at the top of his game with a career-high €22m Transfermarkt valuation.

The 26-year-old has contributed to seven Premier League goals this season, with the Whites struggling in the final third since domestic action resumed after the World Cup.

Leeds have netted just seven times in 11 top-flight games, so bringing in someone like Adams could be a smart move. He’s actually scored three goals in eight games against Leeds and could be just what is required in Yorkshire, making this one to watch.