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Leeds United are believed to be keen on a deal for Standard Liege midfielder Nicolas Raskin, with the player facing an uncertain future in Belgium.

What’s the word?

As per La Derniere Heure, the 21-year-old is a player that the Elland Road outfit are ‘following’ this summer, with the report suggesting that he ‘could leave in the next few weeks’ due to his current contract situation.

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The young Belgian’s existing deal is set to expire next summer and he is yet to sign an extension to stay at the club, with his current side now keen to cash in to avoid losing him for nothing in 12 months’ time.

Despite interest from fellow Pro League sides Genk and Club Brugge, the report outlines that the chances of the 5 foot 10 playmaker staying in his homeland are ‘slim’, with the player – who is set to cost around €5m (£4.3m) – seemingly favouring a move abroad.

All of that means that the Whites have received a positive green light to make a swoop this summer.

Imagine him and Roca

This news comes amid claims that sporting director Victor Orta is close to finalising a deal for Bayern Munich midfielder Marc Roca, with the Spaniard set to become the club’s third signing of the summer following the arrivals of Red Bull Salzburg duo Rasmus Kristensen and Brenden Aaronson.

It would appear then that manager Jesse Marsch is plotting a midfield revamp this summer, with the Yorkshire side potentially set to be able to form a dynamic Roca-Raskin partnership in the centre of the park.

With Kalvin Phillips potentially on his way to Manchester City, new midfield additions are imperative this summer, particularly with the club’s resources having been stretched thin due to injury last term.

While the aforementioned Roca can act as the playmaking “quarter-back” – as he has been described by former Bayern technical director Michael Reschke – at the base of the midfield, alongside him Raskin can serve as the relentless “pitbull”, as he has been dubbed by journalist Bob Faesen.

The £4.5m-rated gem enjoyed a fine campaign last time out for his current side, netting once and providing four assists from his 29 league outings – 28 of which came as starts – albeit with his most impressive attribute having been his ball-winning ability, averaging 2.6 tackles per game.

While the incoming Roca can act as the deep-lying anchor, the £1.9k-per-week machine can provide a more robust, aggressive presence ahead of him, having been labelled a “box-to-box midfielder” by Faesen.

There may not be Premier League experience in that pairing, but there is no doubt quality, with Leeds seemingly set to benefit from a handful of fresh faces in the engine room.

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

Rangers remain in talks with Alfredo Morelos over a new contract, according to Rangers Review. 

The lowdown

The Northern Echo’s Scott Wilson reported on Monday that Rangers may consider listening to offers for Morelos this summer.

That’s because he’s entered the final of his contract, and they’re ‘adamant’ that they won’t lose him on a free transfer.

Wilson claimed that talks over an extension had ‘stalled’ at the end of last season, and that succession plans were already being drawn up.

The top striker target if Morelos does go is said to be Sunderland’s Ross Stewart.

The latest

Journalist Jonny McFarlane writes that Rangers are still holding discussions with Morelos behind-the-scenes and trying to prevent any details from leaking out.

The Gers may have ‘watched’ Stewart, but they do not see him as a direct replacement for Morelos, contrary to Wilson’s report.

The verdict

The Athletic’s Jordan Campbell recently reported that Morelos ‘may be open to prolonging his stay as long as the terms are not prohibitive for Rangers’.

Morelos is already thought to take home £33,000 per week, putting him at the top of Rangers’ earning list, and he may expect a further boost to that salary, so you can see why the negotiation is unlikely to be straightforward.

Stewart, for reference, is apparently on as little as £2,700 p/w following his £300,000 move to Sunderland in January 2021.

In an ideal world, perhaps 26-goal frontman Stewart could support Morelos, furnishing Van Bronckhorst with some enviable squad depth.

In other news, The 4th Official set the record straight on this transfer rumour.

West Ham have recently been linked with a move for Manchester City ace Oleksandr Zinchenko and the 25-year-old could be a superb addition to David Moyes’ side this summer.

What’s the word?

According to the Evening Standard, West Ham and Arsenal are expected to step up their interest in Zinchenko after his World Cup dream with Ukraine came to an end following their 1-0 defeat against Wales last weekend.

They claim that City are unlikely to stand in his way should he ask for a move away from the Etihad, with West Ham planning to utilise him at left-back as a competitor for Aaron Cresswell, with Arthur Masuaku likely to depart.

Perfect for Moyes?

Although he has primarily featured as a left-back for Manchester City, for whom he has made 128 appearances in all competitions, contributing two goals and 12 assists, his performances for Ukraine in World Cup qualifying emphasised his quality in midfield.

In the win against Scotland, SofaScore ranked him as the top performer on the pitch with an 8/10 rating as he contributed three key passes and created two big chances, including the assist for Artem Dovbyk’s late goal.

He also impressed despite defeat against Wales, earning a 7.2 rating from SofaScore, contributing another two key passes which further highlights his technical ability, while he was also unfortunate to see a goal chalked off as his clever free-kick found the net, but was deemed too quick for the referee’s liking.

Having versatile players is something which every Premier League side needs and Moyes would surely love to have a player of Zinchenko’s quality and experience in his side next season.

As regular captain of Ukraine, he would also bring leadership to the dressing room at West Ham, so this is a signing that would make a lot of sense for the Hammers.

Pep Guardiola might be reticent to see him depart City, however, having described him as “incredible” in the past, which perhaps explains why reports have suggested that he will cost as much as £40m this summer.

However, head of recruitment Rob Newman would effectively be signing a player for two positions in one and if West Ham have European ambitions again next season, he’s exactly the type of player they need in order to progress.

And, in other news… Moyes may already have his dream Rice heir at West Ham

Newcastle United could still be in with a chance of signing Lille defender Sven Botman, despite suggestions that the Dutchman is on his way to AC Milan.

What’s the word?

That is the view of journalist Jacque Talbot, who – when speaking to GIVEMESPORT – suggested that the Magpies will be in the running for his signature, should he come back onto the market this summer.

Asked whether Eddie Howe and co could come back in for him in the upcoming window if his alleged move to the San Siro doesn’t take place, the respected insider admitted that is a possibility: “I’m told that that will be the case. I think with AC Milan, it sort of depends on the takeover that’s going on there.

“And I think Sven Botman’s probably one of the most exciting centre-backs in European football at the moment, and I think a lot of clubs will have a look at him rather than just AC Milan and Newcastle.”

The northeast side had been heavily linked with a move for the 22-year-old back in January, although were ultimately unable to get a deal done, as the centre-back stayed put for the remainder of the campaign.

Supporters delighted

It would seem then that there is hope renewed that the £27m-rated gem will be plying his trade at St James’ Park next term, with supporters seemingly desperate to see the Netherlands U21 international added to their defensive ranks.

While £13m winter arrival Dan Burn has proved a revelation in recent months, the former Brighton and Hove Albion brute was seemingly not a first-choice target, with the club looking set to bolster the backline with a high profile upgrade.

In Botman, PIF could well have found the ideal fit, with the £18k-per-week colossus having enjoyed another fine campaign in Ligue 1, the 6 foot 5 giant averaging 4.5 clearances, one tackle and one interception per game in his 25 league outings.

The subject of praise from legendary defender Paolo Maldini, the former Ajax youth product appears to have all the tools to be a success at the elite level, with both his stature and his ability in possession – enjoying an 88% pass accuracy last term – making him an all-around asset to any side.

Having shipped 62 goals in the 2021/22 season – the sixth-highest in the Premier League – Newcastle are crying out for a more solid figure to shore up their defensive unit, with Botman seemingly the man to do the job.

As for supporters, his arrival would mark yet another statement of intent under the new ownership and would only serve to build excitement as to just how far this team – and this club – can go in the coming years.

IN other news, Eddie Howe can now help NUFC sign “spectacular” £64m “nightmare”, he’s better than Saint-Maximin

Fabrizio Romano has just shared a major transfer boost for manager David Moyes as news emerges on one of his key West Ham United summer targets.

The Lowdown: West Ham plans emerge…

As reported by reliable outlets, the east Londoners have already got plans in place for the looming window as club owners GSB and head of recruitment Rob Newman seemingly aim to back Moyes.

According to The Evening Standard, after West Ham failed to seal a place in the Premier League’s top six last season, it is believed that Moyes has a striker, central midfielder and left-back top of his priorities.

They’ve also been tipped to make Paris-Saint Germain loanee Alphonse Areola’s move a permanent one as veteran mainstay keeper Lukasz Fabianski enters the twilight phase of his career.

As well as this, Moyes has stepped up talks for Morocco international defender Nayef Aguerd, who has been described as a ‘key’ Moyes target.

The Latest: Romano shares Aguerd boost…

As the Hammers attempt a deal for Rennes’ star centre-half, big name reporter Romano has now shared a very promising update as Aguerd eyes a move to Rush Green.

He explained:

“West Ham are progressing in negotiations with Rennes to sign Nayef Aguerd as new centre-back. Talks ongoing with positive feelings, Aguerd wants the move – up to the clubs.

“West Ham are optimistic but still waiting to complete the agreement.”

The Verdict: Get it done…

Described as one of Ligue 1’s best defensive stars over 2021/2022, signing Aguerd for a mooted fee of £13 million could be one of the bargains of this window.

Still just 26-years-old, he has also been called an ‘excellent player’ by members of the French media (Said Amdaa), and his numbers tell the whole story.

The colossal powerhouse made more clearances per 90 than anyone in the Rennes squad, marking himself out as a reliable and assured presence (WhoScored).

It’s clear by his reputation and performances last year he could be a real potential asset for Moyes at West Ham.

In other news: Offer ready: West Ham leap ahead of European giants in race to sign £21m forward! Find out more here.

Gabby Agbonlahor has suggested that Liverpool forward Sadio Mane might not sign a new contract at the club unless particular demands are met.

The Lowdown: Huge update from Liverpool source

The 30-year-old has been part of the furniture at Anfield since arriving in a £34m move from fellow Premier League club Southampton six years ago, with an outstanding return of 168 goal contributions in just 268 appearances for the Reds, as per Transfermarkt.

Despite still having just over one year remaining on his current contract on Merseyside, the Senegal star has been the centre of attention recently amid rumours that Bayern Munich have registered interest in his services.

However, in a new update just last week, it was revealed that a Liverpool source told Football Insider that Mane was keen to remain a Reds player. However, whilst FSG want to do everything within their power to keep him, they are not willing to offer him a ‘huge’ pay rise.

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The Latest: Agbonlahor full of praise for Mane

Speaking to Football Insider, Agbonlahor admitted that he can’t see Mane committing his future to Liverpool unless he receives what he’s asking for, but the 35-year-old’s was full of praise for the African’s ‘phenomenal’ displays in red.

The talkSPORT pundit said: “I don’t think Mane signs unless he gets exactly what he feels he deserves. If Liverpool doesn’t pay that, I don’t feel he will sign. He knows he will not be short of options.

“He’s been phenomenal this season and since he’s joined Liverpool. I’m sure he will demand what he’s worth.

“If he sees Salah is getting £300,000-a-week, he’ll want £250,000-a-week and he deserves it. With the numbers he’s getting, it’s huge but he deserves it.

“These players will know what other players in the league are getting and they will make Liverpool pay the same.”

The Verdict: Seventh piece of silverware?

The 86-cap Senegal international is such an integral member of Jurgen Klopp’s starting XI and is one of the main reasons why Liverpool have enjoyed so much success over the past few years.

This season alone, Mane has found the back of the net 23 times in all competitions and has provided five assists, showing just how much of a threat he poses in attack for the Reds.

Therefore, while FSG may be looking at the logic of handing big wages to a player who is now in his 30s, Agbonlahor makes a fair point about Mane’s enormous contribution to Liverpool over the years, and indeed during the last few weeks of what has been a hectic and memorable season.

In other news… Liverpool appeared to have suffered a huge blow in the hunt for one of their ‘top’ summer transfer targets

West Bromwich Albion are set to lose their St. Kitts and Nevis international midfielder Romaine Sawyers this summer.

What’s the word?

As per a report from The Athletic’s Steve Madeley, the Baggies are said to have decided against activating their one-year extension option in Sawyers’ contract.

Taking to his Twitter page, Madeley stated: “Romaine Sawyers is a free agent after Albion decided not to activate their one-year option on his contract. Sad to see his homecoming end anticlimactically after such a promising start but not hugely surprising news.”

Bruce’s summer disaster

With the likes of Sam Johnstone and Andy Carroll also running their contracts down, Bruce could be on the verge of a summer disaster, with yet another player set to depart.

Sawyers, who has scored a total of Stoke City, chipping in with two goals and three assists in 25 Championship appearances for the Potters.

Though it is worth noting that whilst he only started 44% of those aforementioned appearances, he does still have a lot to offer, even in what is the twilight of this career at the age of 30.

Amongst the Stoke City squad, Sawyers, who has been dubbed a “baller” has registered some respectable numbers that show he is still accustomed to this level of football.

In terms of accurate passes per 90, the 30-year-old ranks second in the squad with 41.6, around five passes less than Phil Jagielka who ranks first. He’s also clinical in terms of his attacking efficiency, making the most of his 25 appearances by creating 21 chances to mark himself down as City’s sixth-best chance creator at an average chance created per match metric of 1.1.

His versatility is also part of the service that he provides, which is yet another eyebrow-raiser in the wake of Bruce’s recent decision against a one-year extension.

With what is now a third notorious name who is set to run down their contract and leave in the summer, Bruce is on the cusp of a summer disaster.

In other news: Alan Nixon: West Brom in talks to sign “unbelievable” 27-goal gem, Bruce needs him 

Aston Villa have been hit with a potential setback in their hunt for Marseille’s star midfielder, Boubacar Kamara.

What’s the word?

That is according to reports in Spain, via Birmingham Live, who claim that La Liga giants Atletico Madrid are set to “close” a deal for the 22-year-old.

Kamara is set to become a free agent in the summer, with Villa touted as one of the potential clubs vying for his signature, in what was seemed to be an open race between Gerrard’s side and Atletico Madrid.

Though, according to the report, it looks as though the France starlet has signed a pre-agreement with Simeone’s side ahead of this summer’s transfer window.

Supporters will be gutted

The saga surrounding Kamara’s future, amidst interest from Aston Villa, has seemingly circulated for months. And with Gerrard looking to strengthen in the holding midfielder position, it will come as a big blow to not only him, but the Villa faithful.

Kamara boasts some serious numbers this season, so it is not wonder as to why Villa have been chasing the signature of the 22-year-old.

In comparison to Douglas Luiz, Kamara outdoes the Brazilian in the majority of metrics. The Frenchman’s passing stats are a particular standout, with his 72.09 average passes completed per 90 at a completion rate of 79.23% massively outdoing that of Luiz’s measly total of 39.69 passes per 90, with an average of 83%.

Whilst their defensive metrics are similar, with Kamara just pipping Luiz overall, it is his ability in possession that would make him such a good asset for a Villa side who look to dominate the ball, but have struggled somewhat this season – as can be seen from their rank of 14th place in the average possession charts, with just 46.2% possession averaged across 36 games.

Kamara’s average of 89.51 touches make him a metronome in the engine room, with his 60.54 carries better than the likes of Declan Rice, who has averaged 48.61 per 90.

Villa will be gutted at what will seem like a missed opportunity for NSWE to bag a star who displays potential akin to world-class.

In other news: “His priority..” Romano drops exciting transfer claim, it’s great news for Aston Villa