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Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag will be hoping that the last week of the summer transfer window is productive as he really needs to bring in another one or two fresh faces.

There have been just three summer arrivals thus far in Manchester and if the Dutchman holds any ambition of fighting on both domestic and European fronts, depth is needed.

With this in mind, the Red Devils have shown interest in a Paris Saint-Germain midfielder recently and given how little time the manager has to work with, could he secure his services before the end of next week?

Are Manchester United going to make more signings?

Marco Verratti is a name that has cropped up recently, according to French outlet L’Equipe (as relayed by Get Football News France), with United are keen on luring him to the Premier League.

The Italy international is looking likely to leave the French capital this summer following an 11-year stint at PSG and this could tempt Ten Hag into making a swoop.

Read the latest Man United transfer news HERE…

According to FootballTransfers, Verratti is currently valued at €31.1m (£27m) and given that he has a contract until 2026, the Dutchman may have to shell out slightly more to secure his signature before deadline day.

What could Marco Verratti offer Manchester United?

Along with adding some new faces to his squad, Ten Hag has also been busy in having a clear-out.

Among his most high-profile departures are Anthony Elanga, David De Gea, Alex Telles and Fred, freeing up some room in the wage budget in the process.

Moving on the Brazilian midfielder could perhaps be the best bit of business the manager does this summer.

Although they couldn’t quite recoup the £52m they shelled out on him five years ago, it was evident that he didn’t quite have a future under the Dutchman as he failed to impose himself in the squad last term.

Fred started just 12 games in the Premier League while ranking in a lowly 18th place across the squad for overall Sofascore rating, suggesting that even when he did get a chance, he failed to impress.

United could forget all about Fred with the signing of Verratti, and he has emerged as one of the finest midfielders of his generation over the previous decade.

Indeed, throughout the previous 12 months, the 30-year-old machine ranks in the top 1% when compared to positional peers for pass completion percentage per 90 (92.5%) while also ranking in the top 6% for progressive passes (9.87) and tackles (3.2) per 90, indicating that not only would he be able to dictate the play wonderfully in Ten Hag’s side, but his tenacious nature would allow him to win the ball back often.

Mauricio Pochettino, his former coach at PSG, hailed the midfielder previously, saying:

"He is a player with a very good ability to read the game. He allows for us each time to have attacking possession and to bring the ball out into good situations, to better start off attacks. In attacking phases, he can double his efforts and provoke situations going forward. For me, he is a truly great player."

High praise indeed, so Ten Hag must act fast in order to bring him to Manchester, and it will allow him to move on from Fred in the process.

Rangers are one of the few teams in the hunt for Sunderland’s Scottish striker Ross Stewart. Transfer insider Dean Jones has revealed the status of this pursuit and where Stewart’s future lies, with GIVEMESPORT.

Who will win the race for Stewart?

Rangers are rivalled by the likes of Southampton and Stoke City in the race to snatch Ross Stewart away from playoff hopefuls Sunderland, per TEAMtalk.

Middlesbrough are another of the sides interested in securing his services and it isn't hard to see why following the expiration of Cameron Archer’s loan and Chuba Akpom’s big money move to Ajax.

A key fact in this transfer saga is that the forward’s contract with Sunderland is set to expire next summer and so whilst he may be a key figure in their side, they may be forced to sell now so as to ensure they receive a fee.

After all, Stewart doesn’t seem willing to extend his stay with the Black Cats having already rejected multiple contract offers from the club.

The 27-year-old is a Scotsman himself and so a move to one of the two major SPFL powers may be difficult to turn down.

Injuries held his progress back last year but this season before that, in League One, Stewart’s goals played a key role in Sunderland’s success and eventual promotion.

He netted 26 times and added three assists to that and maybe even more impressive than that is that he started all 46 league games as well as the 3 playoff games, amassing just short of 99% of the available minutes, as per WhoScored.

At the end of the day, the best ability is availability.

What is the opinion of Dean Jones?

Transfer expert Dean Jones has offered his opinion exclusively to GIVEMESPORT about the quality of Ross Stewart and what he offers Ranger.

“It would be a great signing. And in the player’s eyes, it could really turn his head because it’s a different challenge to the ones being proposed at other clubs in England. It’s very high-profile, it would take him to another level.

“I think he does have the potential to be better than Cyriel Dessers in this team. And we know that Rangers definitely are going to need some more goal power this season if things are going to swing in their favour.”

What else is going on at Rangers?

Rangers have already enjoyed a very busy summer window as they look to build a squad that can overcome bitter rivals Celtic.

Amongst those to have been brought to Ibrox by new ‘Gers manager Michael Beale are former England international goalkeeper Jack Butland, LAFC midfielder Jose Cifuentes and then three big money forwards, one of which being Nigerian Cyriel Dessers.

Dessers may have cost just over £4.2 million and yet as seen above, Jones would expect Ross Stewart to make a more profound impact.

Meanwhile, other rumours swirling up in Scotland mention Millwall centre-half Jake Cooper, Stewart’s Sunderland teammate Jack Clarke and also, Leicester City’s mountain of a defender Harry Souttar.

The fast bowler has made no secret that he is looking at his future, but South Africa’s coach Ottis Gibson said he has not been in a position to guarantee Morkel’s one-day place

Firdose Moonda09-Oct-20173:03

What is a Kolpak deal?

Ottis Gibson, South Africa’s new coach, has not given Morne Morkel any assurances about the 2019 World Cup even though the fast bowler has indicated he could consider a Kolpak-deal if he is not part of South Africa’s plans. Gibson has only had brief interactions with Morkel, who left the team camp after being injured in the first Test against Bangladesh in Potchefstoom, but said his 50-over future was not discussed in detail.”I absolutely didn’t tell him anything about the World Cup because it’s still so far away,” Gibson said after the second Test in Bloemfontein. “I’d encourage him to keep enjoying his cricket, which he’s been doing before he got injured.”Gibson said that it was “not my understanding” that Morkel could look at other options if he is not part of the World Cup plans, though Morkel has publicly indicated as much.During the opening round of the season’s first-class matches, at which Gibson was present, last month, Morkel said “as a cricketer you need to look at options because you have a life span.” He was specifically speaking about one-day cricket.”I am 32 and it is one of the conversations I am going to have with Ottis to find out where I fit in with white-ball cricket‚ and if there are any plans for me in 2019‚” Morkel said. “Are they going to look to rebuild for the World Cup? I need to see what is going to happen. Am I going to miss out? I don’t know when they are going to make the shift of bringing in younger players‚ those are all the things that must be communicated.”While Morkel did not mention Kolpak in that conversation, he has been previously linked to a move to the UK. South Africa may be able to hang on to him if Gibson is able to clarify where Morkel stands.”I can’t afford to sit on the sidelines for the next two years and not play cricket. It is all about timing and communication,” Morkel said. “At the end of the day as a cricketer you need to look at the options because we have a life span. But if there is communication and you know where you stand‚ then it is easier for everyone.”Morkel was part of South Africa’s most recent 50-over campaign, the Champions Trophy in England, where he played in all three group matches. Prior to that tournament, Morkel had not played an ODI for over a year while he recovered from a potentially career-threatening back problem. He made his comeback in Test cricket first and opted out of this year’s IPL in a bid to stay fit for international cricket, but is now injured again.Morne Morkel is weighing up his options for the next two years•Getty Images

Morkel suffered a grade two tear in his side and will spend between four and six weeks on the sidelines. While that has ruled him out of the ongoing Bangladesh series, Morkel expected to come back for the inaugural Global T20 and the rest of the South Africa’s home summer, including Tests against India and Australia.South Africa also have six ODIs against India, which will be an important part of their World Cup plan, but it remains to be seen if Morkel is part of that series. Gibson has indicated they will use ODIs this year to give exposure to as many players as possible before choosing candidates for the World Cup.”We’re looking at 34 or 35 games between now and 2019 and the idea between Faf, the selectors and I is to have a look at players who might be on the fringes. We have to give players opportunities so that in a year’s time we narrow that pool down,” Gibson said. “At the moment we need a wide pool of players to look at. We also need to determine the type of players – bearing in mind the conditions in England – that we’re going to need. They need opportunities for the next year so that we can make better judgements going forward. Then we finally need to narrow down to 15 or 16 players we feel can play at the World Cup. It’s still a long way but that’s the plan.”Similarly, Gibson has yet to engage with former captain AB de Villiers, who will make himself available for all formats from Sunday. De Villiers will play in a practice match against Bangladesh on Thursday, then be part of the ODIs, and is aiming for a Test comeback by early 2018. But Gibson has not yet worked out how much cricket de Villiers will play or how he will slot back into the team, especially the Test side, which he has not played for since January last year.”We’re all looking forward to seeing AB. I’ve had a few conversations with him,” Gibson said. “We haven’t really had a face-to-face yet but that will happen.”

An undercooked England side will go into their first day-night Test almost as pink as the ball in these conditions

George Dobell at Edgbaston15-Aug-20171:40

‘Grit your teeth and crack on’ – England prepare for the pink ball

An undercooked England side will go into their first day-night Test almost as pink as the ball in these conditions.While West Indies have already played a day-night Test – and had a warm-up match under lights on this tour – several of this England squad will be learning on their feet when this match starts. And with three day-night Tests in England’s schedule over the next few months (subject to confirmation from Auckland), they will need to learn fast.None of that is to suggest the initiative is a mistake. It has, in some ways, already proved itself a success with around 70,000 tickets sold over the first three days of the match. Had the novelty factor not been there, this match, against a side shorn of many of its best-known names, could have proved a desperately tough sell. In attracting a new audience to Test cricket – Warwickshire reckon more than a third of these ticket sales are to those who have not bought Test tickets previously – and allowing more people to watch the TV coverage after work, the authorities are to be congratulated on their attempt to keep the game relevant.But there are doubts. There are doubts over how comfortable it will be for people to sit outside in England in the final session, there are doubts over the durability of the pink ball and there are doubts over England’s readiness to use it.In a perfect world, England would have had more time to prepare for their first pink ball Test. While all players were made available for the round of County Championship lights played under these conditions at the end of June, many of those games were ruined by rain. So Jonny Bairstow, Tom Westley, Chris Woakes, Stuart Broad and Mason Crane either didn’t bat or didn’t play at all, while Joe Root (who faced 13 balls) and Ben Stokes (who was dismissed for a duck) had limited opportunity to benefit from the experience.James Anderson, meanwhile, delivered 32 overs in Lancashire’s first innings against Warwickshire at Edgbaston. But even the man who might be England’s greatest swing bowler couldn’t persuade the old pink ball to move once it was 20 overs old. Perhaps, when twilight fell, there was a hint more assistance for the bowlers – or more trouble for the batsmen, anyway – but the evidence so far suggests the pink ball goes softer quicker than a red ball, is hard to buff and shine and, after those first few overs, won’t swing, conventionally, at least.Ben Stokes keeps his eye on the pink ball•Getty ImagesThe result? Fairly attritional cricket where neither batsmen nor bowler gain full value for their work. At Edgbaston, Andrew Umeed compiled the second slowest century (in terms of minutes) in the history of the County Championship. If those new to Test cricket are treated to any innings like that this week, they may be put off for life.It is not all bad, though. The black seam helps with the ball’s visibility, while the way in which that seam remains hard will encourage the bowlers even after the shine has gone. In trails towards the end of the 2016 season, the Dukes ball out-performed the Kookaburra comprehensively. The Kookaburra looked as if it had been a dog’s toy by the time is was 40 overs old.The Edgbaston groundsman, Gary Barwell, is reckoning upon a good, Test wicket offering true bounce and decent pace and carry. While it is not the same surface used for the Ashes Test of 2015 when Australia were bowled out for 136 on the opening day (that one was used for the ICC Champions Trophy semi-final here) it is only one pitch away on the square and he expects it to behave similarly.Chris Woakes, back with the England squad but far from sure to play, admitted the preparation – both in team and personal terms – had not been ideal. Ideally, Woakes would have liked at least one more Championship match before returning to Test cricket but the schedule – weighted, as it is, to T20 cricket at this time of year – does not allow and he has instead had to make-do with one Championship match and a few overs for the Warwickshire second team.”Monday night was the first time I’ve actually bowled with the pink ball,” Woakes said. “I suppose the more that we play with it the more we’ll learn about it but at the minute it’s a little bit of an unknown.”It would be nice to have a few more games under our belts. But I guess the nature of the beast is that we haven’t and we have to go out there and try to perform and react quickly to what the ball’s doing whether with ball in hand or bat.”While Woakes has not yet been informed whether he will play at his home ground, it seems probable he will have to wait a little longer for a return. He might add some pace to the attack, though, and his batting – he has made nine first-class centuries and made his Test debut as a No. 6 – might be considered good enough to allow him to play ahead of Dawid Malan and shuffle the middle-order up a space. England’s embarrassment of allrounders – suggestions as to what a collective of all-rounders should be is very welcome; a Sobers, maybe, or even a circumference? – gives them many options.The England coaching staff was, as usual, augmented by the presence of some familiar faces form the county game at training. Pierre de Bruyn, the Leicestershire coach, Tony Frost, the Warwickshire batting coach, and James Foster, the veteran Essex wicketkeeper, were among those involved in the fielding drills, while Somerset spinners, Jack Leach and Dominic Bess took a full part in training, though they did face the indignity of being picked last for the football match (teams were picked in a manner that would be familiar in school yards across the land) that precedes nets. Bess, an offspinner of rich potential, later spent some time working with Saqlain Mushtaq.

Tottenham Hotspur chiefs have identified Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic as a potential target as Spurs eye a "big money" striker signing to replace Harry Kane, should he leave.

Will Harry Kane leave Tottenham?

The 29-year-old is embroiled in another summer transfer saga, coming two years after he failed to seal a move to treble-winners Man City.

In 2021, City lodged bids of around £100 million in an attempt to sway chairman Daniel Levy, but the Spurs chief ultimately refused their approaches and opted to keep his prized asset in north London.

However, with Kane's deal set to expire in 2024, and no discernible sign he is agreeing an extension, Levy is now under pressure and could have to sell the forward this summer.

Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich, Ligue 1 champions Paris-Saint Germain and Man United have been credited with a serious interest in Kane, with manager Ange Postecoglou recently admitting the saga is becoming a distraction.

"Fair to say I am not relaxed about it," said Postecoglou to the media recently.

“It’s not something you go: ‘Ah, well, you know if it does or doesn’t happen!’ I mean it’s a very important part of this football club, not just the team, but the football club.

“So, you’ve got to deal with it, and I think, for everyone concerned, we don’t want to be doing it for too long. I don’t think that is good for anyone. I don’t think it is good for Harry, I don’t think it is good for the club."

Spurs, amid this ongoing and worrying situation, have reportedly started making contingency plans if Kane does depart this window – with Eintracht Frankfurt star Randal Kolo Muani attracting their attention.

They have reportedly opened talks on Muani's side, with a report by Football Insider and journalist Pete O'Rourke sharing who else they could target.

According to their information, Serbia international striker Vlahovic has been identified by club chiefs as a potential move to replace Kane.

Tottenham are apparently "eyeing a big-money striker signing" should their talisman leave this summer, with Levy and co now open to selling this window if Kane refuses to commit.

Spurs hold a real concern over losing a guaranteed 25-goal-per-season striker and are ready to reinvest a huge chunk of his potential fee to sign a marquee replacement.

Vlahovic is viewed as a candidate in that regard, and it will be interesting to see if Levy is forced to offload Kane and ultimately move for the 23-year-old.

How good is Dusan Vlahovic?

Despite only scoring 10 goals and assisting two others in 22 Serie A starts last season, Vlahovic is arguably proven at the top level – as displayed by his last full season with Fiorentina before his switch to Turin.

Vlahovic bagged an incredibly prolific 17 goals in 21 top flight starts for La Viola over 2021/2022, demonstrating a brilliant finishing ability when at his very best (WhoScored).

The £215,000-per-week attacker is a credible candidate to succeed Kane if he does leave, not only for his quality in front of goal, but also young age and potential to get even better.

Arsenal and sporting director Edu by extension are now "insistently" pursuing a deal for Galatasary defender Victor Nelsson, according to reports out of Turkey.

Who will Arsenal sign?

Manager Mikel Arteta has been seriously backed so far this transfer window, coming after a 2022/2023 campaign which saw him fall just short of the title to eventual treble-winners Man City.

Arsenal were in pole position for much of the campaign but Pep Guardiola's side were in imperious form towards the back end, meaning the north Londoners must regroup and strengthen in key areas for next term.

Germany international and former Bayer Leverkusen star Kai Havertz was first through the door at Arsenal this summer, with the club paying £65 million for his services.

“Kai is a player of top quality," said Arteta after his signing.

"He has great versatility and is an intelligent player. He will bring a huge amount of extra strength to our midfield and variety to our play.

“We welcome Kai and his family to Arsenal Football Club and we are all excited to start working with him when we start pre-season training soon.”

Arsenal also agreed a club-record £105 million deal to sign Declan Rice from West Ham United, making him the most expensive English player ever ahead of both Jack Grealish (Man City) and Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid).

Ajax defender Jurrien Timber has also completed his switch from the Eredivisie, but despite Arsenal's flurry of recent activity, they could make more signings.

The likes of Gremio midfielder Bitello and Montpellier forward Elye Wahi have been linked this week, and a report from Fanatik now claims Arsenal are pushing for Nelsson from Galatasary.

The 24-year-old, who featured at last year's World Cup in Qatar, is at the centre of interest from north London with both Arsenal and rivals Tottenham "insistently" pushing for him.

Nelsson is apparently in behind-scenes transfer talks to leave Galatasary, and if Arsenal wish to prise him away, they need just £21 million – the sum of his release clause.

There is little else said beyond that but it seems like a very do-able transfer for Edu, if they manage to beat Spurs to the punch.

How good is Victor Nelsson?

Reports in the Turkish press have revered Nelsson for his performances at Galatasary, branding the defender their "star player".

His stats certainly reflect that of a crucial player in their starting eleven, with no other star in their squad boasting a higher rate of aerial duels won or blocks made per 90 in the Super Lig (WhoScored).

Galatasary boss Okan Buruk views Nelsson as an indispensable member of their starting eleven, as highlighted by the numbers.

No other Galatasary outfielder played more league minutes than the Denmark international over 2022/2023, which potentially comes as an indicator of his reliability (WhoScored).

Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig, writing on Twitter, also tipped him for stardom all the way back in 2020.

"Nelsson is a great mix of a pure defender and ball-playing centre-back," said Kulig.

"He can also play as a defensive midfielder. Great defensive skills combined with really good ball skills. The future leader of the Danish defence."

Ahmed Shehzad, who had been overlooked for a year, also finds a spot in the limited-overs squads for the tour of West Indies. Azhar Ali, the former 50-over captain, was dropped

Umar Farooq15-Mar-20170:48

Kamran Akmal bound for the Caribbean

Kamran Akmal has been recalled to the national team after three years while Ahmed Shehzad, who had been overlooked for a year, made a return to the T20I and ODI sides for Pakistan’s tour to the West Indies. Azhar Ali, who had been captain of the 50-over side as recently as January, has been dropped.The selection committee, headed by Inzamam-ul-Haq, also called up five uncapped players while fast bowler Mohammad Amir has been rested for the T20 format.Pakistan squads for WI tour

T20Is: Ahmed Shehzad, Kamran Akmal, Mohammad Hafeez, Babar Azam, Shoaib Malik, Fakhar Zaman, Sarfraz Ahmed (capt & wk), Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Wahab Riaz, Sohail Tanvir, Rumman Raees, Hasan Ali, Usman Khan
ODIs: Ahmed Shehzad, Kamran Akmal, Mohammad Hafeez, Babar Azam, Shoaib Malik, Fakhar Zaman, Asif Zakir, Sarfraz Ahmed (capt & wk), Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Hasan Ali, Wahab Riaz, Mohammad Amir, Fahim Ashraf, Junaid Khan, Mohammad Asghar

Kamran, 35, last featured for Pakistan during the 2014 World T20 and has not been in contention for the national side since his central contract was cut the same year. He was, however, prolific on the domestic circuit in the 2014-15 season, scoring 900 first-class runs at 52.94 and 576 List A runs at 52.36. In the subsequent year, he made 480 first-class runs at 60 and 576 List A runs at 72. He was the top-scorer with 1035 runs at 79.61 in the recent first-class season and was the leading run-scorer in the second edition of Pakistan Super League with a tally of 353.Shehzad, 25, has not been part of the Pakistan team since the 2016 World T20 due to disciplinary issues. He fought his way back into contention after hitting three hundreds in the departmental one-day cup, amassing 653 runs at an average of 93.28 earlier this year. He combined a number of low scores with a few impressive knocks in this year’s PSL and did enough to restore selectors’ faith in him. With Pakistan searching for openers after Sharjeel Khan’s suspension for his involvement in alleged corruption in the PSL, Shehzad has been given another opportunity.These squads were picked from a pool of 31 players who were in Lahore for a training camp and Inzamam said only one of them failed to pass a fitness test – Umar Akmal. Pakistan’s head coach Mickey Arthur himself had put the players through the paces at the National Cricket Academy and has been very vocal about his men being at the peak of their physical ability.”We had a set a fitness standard which isn’t really a tough one to start with,” Inzamam said. “But he still didn’t meet the average level. So whoever the player is, whatever his performance is like, we could not select him. Umar being dropped is a reprimand and it’s a major blow for any player. He is a good player, we needed him, but we had to take a decision.”Inzamam was sympathetic to Azhar’s cause as well and said the former ODI captain remained a part of their long-term plans. “He is still in our loop for Champions Trophy in England where, considering the conditions, we probably will need our senior batsmen. But for now we wanted to encourage our junior players who can have a future with Pakistan.”Leading the uncapped players were batsman Fakhar Zaman and legspinner Shadab Khan. They were both highly impressive in the PSL and found a place in the squads for both limited-overs formats. Domestic veteran Asif Zakir, who has been playing first-class cricket for 14 years and has 123 matches under his belt, has been trusted to translate that experience on the ODI stage. Rounding off the uncapped roster were left-arm spinner Mohammad Asghar and the leading wicket-taker from the 2016-17 departmental one-day cup Fahim Ashraf.”These young players are equally good and they are going to play international cricket for the country,” Inzamam said. “So they need to play at the highest level at some stage and I have full faith in them. They will perform, and conditions in the West Indies, we all know are similar to the ones in subcontinent and the West Indies team isn’t like the one in the 70s, 80s or even from the 90s. But still if they face tough competition there, this will obviously help them to develop.”For the T20Is, Pakistan have picked left-arm quicks for the T20s with Sohail Tanvir, Wahab Riaz, Usman Khan, who had debuted in 2013, and Rumman Raees, who was part of the previous Pakistan squad that played West Indies in the UAE in 2016. Hasan Ali offered the option of variation.Pakistan play four T20Is, three ODIs and three Tests in the Caribbean starting on March 31.

Leeds United are preparing for the 2023/24 Championship season after suffering relegation from the Premier League this year, three years on from their monumental return to the top flight after 16 years away.

According to the Daily Mail, Daniel Farke is on the verge of assuming the role of manager at Elland Road, and given his pedigree in England's second tier – winning promotion on two occasions with Norwich City – there are few available bosses better placed to orchestrate a return to prominence.

While United are starting to commence transfer plans following a slow start to the window, it might be wise for Farke to utilise the club's prestigious youth academy and manage the squad's finances aptly.

This shifts attention to Cody Drameh. The rising star completed a successful loan spell last season with Luton Town, who earned promotion to the Premier League for the first time in the side's history, and the 21-year-old could now repeat the feat with his parent club.

How good is Cody Drameh?

Given Leeds' woeful defensive fortunes last term, the crux of their demise, it is hardly likely that Farke will be contented with his current options.

But Drameh now stands in stellar stead to cement a starting berth, with his average 7.09 Sofascore rating in the league last term evidence that he can thrive and provide a different dynamic to the right flank.

Indeed, the marauding ace made 16 appearances after joining the Hatters on a six-month loan in January, registering two assists, averaging 1.6 key passes per game, and 3.1 tackles and 2.6 clearances per outing.

Hailed as a "Duracell bunny" by former Cardiff City boss Steve Morison during his previous loan stint in Wales, the £2.5k-per-week gem's multi-faceted prowess is evidenced through FBref, where he ranks among the top 5% of full-backs for shot-creating actions across the Men's Next 8 divisions – the top leagues below the established European 'big five' – as well as the top 12% for successful take-ons, the top 3% for tackles and the top 1% for blocks per 90.

Given that Luke Ayling has been branded an "idiot" by Jamie Carragher and mustered only a lowly 6.60 Sofascore rating after conceding 78 times in the Premier League – a divisional high tally – the 31-year-old is surely not the answer.

And with Rasmus Kristensen closing in on a move to Serie A side Roma, Drameh could well find the right-back position is his own under Farke's wing.

Kristensen arrived from RB Salzburg one year ago for around £10m and impressed as the campaign drew into the latter stages, scoring three goals after Christmas and establishing a prominent role both on the defensive right flank and the centre.

Drameh boasts the energy and enthusiasm to impress in West Yorkshire next term, and he simply has to be provided with the opportunity to star – perhaps proving the difference as the Whites seek an instant return to the Premier League.

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.