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Newcastle United are keen on Shakhtar Donestk winger Mykhaylo Mudryk, but must be wary that he’s ‘hot property’.

That’s according to CBS Sports journalist Ben Jacobs, who was speaking to GiveMeSport.

The lowdown

Mudryk came through the youth ranks at Shakhtar and signed a new contract in February which runs until the end of the 2025/26 season (via Transfermarkt).

According to The Athletic’s Chris Waugh, Newcastle are keen to sign a new winger in 2023, and the Ukrainian typically operates on the left flank.

The latest

Jacobs says that Arsenal and Bayer Leverkusen could compete with Newcastle for Mudryk’s signature, but does stress that the Bundesliga outfit may be reticent after previously being ‘messed around’. For now, the Magpies are monitoring the Ukrainian with a view to a potential move.

He told GiveMeSport: “You’ve got Arsenal and even Bayer Leverkusen [who are interested], but the challenge with Leverkusen is that they have been messed around before with Mudryk.

“They actually had a deal to sign him and it never came off. So are they going to return into the fold knowing that they’ve been messed around once before?

“But he’s hot property, and the better he does, the more clubs are going to be circling. But Newcastle certainly hold an interest and are keeping tabs on the situation.”

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The verdict

Mudryk has been in excellent form so far this season, tallying eight goal contributions already. Domestically, he has provided four assists in his first four league matches, but he has been even more impressive in the Champions League.

Having scored one goal and set up two more against RB Leipzig on Matchday One, he found the net once again at home to Celtic last time out.

Analyst Sam McGuire has compared him to Sadio Mane, talent scout Jacek Kulig has dubbed him ‘The Ukrainian Neymar’ and Shakhtar sporting director Darijo Srna claimed that the 21-year-old is the third-best left winger on the planet behind Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr.

It’s clear from these appraisals that he has generated a huge amount of excitement, and a big move seems like it’s in the offing. Whether it will be to St James’ Park is another matter.

West Ham United insider Claret & Hugh have shared a behind-the-scenes update as manager David Moyes hatches a plan to tie down Craig Dawson.

The Lowdown: Dawson homesick?

Reliable reports near the end of the latest transfer window indicated that the veteran defender was eyeing a move away from east London.

Indeed, Dawson allegedly wishes to move further north in order to be closer to his family, with the 32-year-old making that crystal clear to West Ham, who remained desperate to keep the centre-half.

He ended up staying at Rush Green, however, even despite late internal talks with both personal issues and a reported offer from Wolves nearly resulting in an exit.

Losing Dawson would have been a blow for the Premier League side given their recent injury woes in defence, but now reports suggest Moyes could now attempt to tie down his man.

The Latest: Moyes hatches contract plan…

Club insider Claret & Hugh claim the Scotsman is personally ‘ready to try tempting’ the former West Brom star into signing a new deal at West Ham with his current contract expiring in 2023.

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Moyes is apparently determined not to lose Dawson, who was in great form last season and has just recovered from a thigh injury this campaign.

The Irons head coach is allegedly planning to offer the defender a year’s extension with an attached 12-month option with a C&H source telling the outlet it is a ‘more than probable likelihood come January’.

The Verdict: Get it done…

If Moyes and West Ham chiefs can convince Dawson to remain and sign a new deal, it would be a brilliant move.

The Englishman was an ever-present in the Irons starting eleven last year, playing the seventh-most top flight minutes out of any West Ham player whilst starting 30 games (WhoScored).

Dawson can also be a real threat when it comes to set pieces and Tomas Soucek is the only West Ham player to win more aerial duels per 90 out of their squad.

A no-nonsense centre-back, he made more blocks per 90 than any of his teammates over 2021/2022 and fell only behind partner Kurt Zouma in terms of clearances (WhoScored).

The numbers back why Moyes is keen to tie down Dawson and we believe it would be a major boost for West Ham.

Scottish Premiership giants Celtic are reportedly keeping tabs on Hadjuk Split midfielder Jani Atanasov, with the Macedonian gem potentially the next new arrival at Parkhead.

What’s the word?

According to Sky Sports, the Old Firm outfit are ‘interested’ in signing the 22-year-old this summer, as they also close in on a deal for Rubin Kazan winger, Sead Haksabanovic.

There has been some suggestion of late that there is “nothing in [the] pipeline” regarding a deal for Atanasov, although this latest update would suggest otherwise, with manager Ange Postecoglou looking to add to his seven major deals completed so far this summer.

Bitton heir

A defensive midfielder by trade, the one-cap sensation could well prove to be the man to fill the void left behind by Nir Bitton, with the Israeli international having departed the Glasgow side at the end of last season.

The 30-year-old – who has since linked up with Maccabi Tel Aviv – had spent nine years with the Hoops after joining back in 2013, going on to win eight league titles in that time having proven himself a useful asset to the squad over the years.

While not a regular starter under Postecoglou last term, the versatile colossus – who can also slot in at centre-back – still racked up 38 appearances in all competitions, scoring twice and laying on two assists in that time.

His form in the league, in particular, caught the eye as he averaged an impressive 1.2 tackles per game and won 69% of his total duels, with such a record not far behind that of reliable skipper Callum McGregor, who averaged 1.5 tackles and won 71% of his aerial duels in that title-winning campaign.

With 271 appearances in all during his time at Celtic Park, the experienced head is one that will be difficult to replace, with the arrival of the more creative Aaron Mooy not quite plugging the gap in a defensive sense.

Bitton’s subsequent departure has only heightened the need for a new addition at the base of the midfield to provide cover for the aforementioned McGregor, albeit with even the Scotland international also more of a forward-thinking, playmaking midfielder.

Atanasov, then, could be the recruit that the club are crying out for, with the 6 foot 2 brute likely to offer quality protection in front of the back four, having averaged 1.6 tackles and won 65% of his aerial duels from his 21 league games last term – a record not too dissimilar to the two men mentioned above.

The £630k-rated ace can also chip in in the final third when required, having scored five goals and registered two assists in his 60 games across all competitions for the Croatian outfit, having previously enjoyed spells at both Bursaspor and Akademija Pandev.

Although something of an unknown quantity, the evidence would suggest that he could well be an ideal successor to Bitton, should Celtic snap up him up before the September deadline.

West Ham United are reportedly among the clubs interested in signing Marseille forward Bamba Dieng, according to a report from 90min. 

The lowdown: Past admirers

Previously linked in January, it appears as though Dieng hasn’t left the radar at the London Stadium as Rob Newman attempts to further bolster David Moyes’ squad.

The 22-year-old Senegal international – who was part of the successful Africa Cup of Nations side earlier this year – was also targeted by Newcastle and Crystal Palace during the mid-season window.

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Now it appears as though West Ham and a host of other suitors could be set to reignite their admiration in Dieng…

The latest: 90min provides fresh update

As per 90min, West Ham, Newcastle, Everton, Leeds, Wolves and Crystal Palace are all interested on the 11-cap ace this summer.

It’s claimed that the man dubbed in the report as the ‘new Sadio Mane’ is open to the possibility of a transfer having played a limited role in pre-season under new manager Igor Tudor.

The report states that Dieng – who was hailed as a ‘skilful’ and ‘very fast’ by Premier League legend Didier Drogba – has also attracted attention from Germany and Spain, whilst ‘sources’ have told the outlet that ‘clubs from around Europe are keen’ on making a deal happen.

The verdict: Go for it

Despite already adding Gianluca Scamacca and seemingly being on the verge of signing Maxwel Cornet from Burnley, adding another attacker to the ranks in east London would be a welcome boost before the end of the window.

Operating on either wing and as a conventional centre-forward, last season, the £9million valued Dieng scored eight times and provided three assists in 36 appearances across all competitions, a somewhat underwhelming return despite impressing in other areas such as winning 1.9 duels on average per Ligue 1 outing (Sofascore).

Sharing similar stylistic traits with such renowned names as Martin Terrier, Ferran Torres, the aforementioned Mane and the Irons’ own Jarrod Bowen (Fbref), the Senegalese attacker boasts impressing finishing, key passing and defensive contribution (WhoScored), making him the ideal candidate to bolster the options at Moyes’ disposal given the Scot’s demands.

West Ham United have the option to sign former Man United winger Adnan Januzaj if they truly wish to push ahead with a deal, according to journalist Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Moyes busy…

Ahead of what will be an interesting 2022/2023 Premier League campaign, manager David Moyes has reportedly adopted a scattergun approach to this summer transfer window.

Indeed, after sealing moves for defender Nayef Aguerd, midfielder Flynn Downes and goalkeeper Alphonse Areola on a permanent deal, reports have suggested the east Londoners are in talks for multiple players.

This comes after Moyes’ side fell just short of qualification for the Europa League at the end of last season and it appears they’re determined to maintain their place among England’s most elite sides.

The Latest: Januzaj deal ‘pretty much set up’…

Now, according to reporter Jones, it appears West Ham have the option to push ahead with a deal for Januzaj if they truly wish to bring him to the London Stadium.

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Speaking to GiveMeSport, the journalist claims a deal is ‘pretty much set up’ and the Belgian has been ‘keen’ on reuniting with Moyes after their time together at United.

He explained: “Now that Lingard has not arrived there might be more chance of the Januzaj arrival.

“He’s got options but has definitely been keen on playing for Moyes, and the deal is pretty much set up and can move fast if they want to go for it.”

The Verdict: Make the move?

The 27-year-old, as per WhoScored, finished 21/22 as one of former club Real Sociedad’s most threatening forward players.

Indeed, Januzaj averaged the joint-most successful take-ons per 90 out of their entire squad whilst also completing the third-most kep passes every match in that time.

The ex-Red Devils ace attempted Sociedad’s fourth-highest rate of attempts at goal over his 33 La Liga appearances, potentially backing reporter David Cartlidge’s verdict that Januzaj is a ‘gifted’ player and ‘very special’ on his day (Twitter).

Now a free agent, his signing would also pose little risk financially, so this may be one Moyes could consider carefully.

It ‘seems very unlikely’ that Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans will join Newcastle United this summer, The Telegraph journalist Luke Edwards has said.

The Lowdown: Tielemans linked with Newcastle

According to The Mirror, the Magpies have joined Arsenal in the race to sign the Belgium international, who has amassed 52 caps for his country.

With less than a year left on his contract with the Foxes, the 25-year-old could be sold by Leicester for a reduced rate this summer, with the club surely keen to avoid losing out on his entire £49.5m market value.

It is reported that Newcastle have already made enquiries into Tielemans’ future, amid strong rumours linking the midfielder with a move to the Gunners.

The Latest: Edwards’ news

Edwards has now shared the latest news on Newcastle’s rumoured swoop for the Belgian, identifying one “problem” which could be a deal-breaker.

Taking to Twitter, the journalist claimed: “On Tielemans rumours. #nufc like player but wage demands would be a problem and wants to move to club offering Euro football. Given most pressing requirement in this window now is to add goals to side, with whatever money there is left, seems very unlikely he will join #lcfc”

The Verdict: Would have been a strong signing

Hailed as a ‘top class player’ by Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, the arrival of Tielemans on Tyneside would have added further class to Eddie Howe’s midfield options.

As per FBRef, when compared with positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year, the 25-year-old ranks in the 94th percentile for shots per game and in the 89th percentile for expected assists.

With Newcastle looking to build a squad capable of competing for European football, the likes of Tielemans would certainly add experience in that regard to Howe’s squad, along with his aforementioned qualities in the final third.

However, without continental football as of yet, the Magpies will continue to find it hard to attract such players, while Edwards has rightly pointed out that plenty of the club’s summer transfer budget has already been utilised.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano claims Manchester City have an agreement in place to sign Arminia Bielefeld goalkeeper Stefan Ortega if Zack Steffen departs this summer.

The Lowdown: Ortega’s a free agent

The 29-year-old worked his way up through the academy ranks with the Bundesliga outfit before leaving in 2014 to join 1860 Munich, only to return to his boyhood club three years later.

However, the shot-stopper’s contract with the Blues is set to expire at the end of the month, and following Arminia’s relegation, it’s since been confirmed that he will be leaving the club, and it looks like he could be on his way to the Premier League.

The Latest: City have agreement ready

Taking to Twitter, Romano revealed that City have already got a deal in place for Ortega, and that it’s simply a matter of time before it gets completed. He wrote:

“Manchester City are really interested in signing Stefan Ortega, as called by @Sky_Dirk today. Been told there’s a verbal agreement in place with City to sign as free agent.

“Deal depends on Zack Steffen to find a good solution on the market, but Ortega’s waiting for City.”

The Verdict: Competition for Ederson

With Steffen looking elsewhere as a result of his lack of game time, Pep Guardiola will now be on the hunt to find a suitable replacement as a backup for current number one Ederson, and Ortega more than has the ability to provide some serious competition for the Brazilian.

Standing at 6 foot, the man between the sticks held a hugely impressive record in the Bundesliga last season, clocking up 33 appearances and making at least ten more saves (125) than any other goalkeeper in the German league.

Ortega is a player comfortable with the ball at his feet, and that’s an attribute that the Spaniard loves his stoppers to have, and the fact that City could bring him to the Etihad for the price of absolutely nothing saves the transfer coffers for bigger investments elsewhere in the squad.

Arsenal are reportedly ready to break the bank in order to land RB Leipzig striker Christopher Nkunku, according to the latest reports.

What’s the word?

As per the Independent, the Bundesliga side have set an asking price of around £100m for the exciting Frenchman, with the Gunners – as well as Paris Saint-Germain – believed to be ‘willing’ to match that figure.

That potential deal would eclipse the £72m, club-record fee that the north Londoners paid to prise Nicolas Pepe from Lille in 2019, with the Emirates outfit in need of new forward additions following the recent departure of Lyon-bound Alexandre Lacazette, having already allowed former skipper Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to join Barcelona in January.

Premier League rivals Manchester United are also named by the report as another potential suitor, although the Red Devils are ‘unlikely’ to cough up such a sizeable fee with other areas of the squad still to address.

Superstar signing

Having only brought in backup goalkeeper Matt Turner and promising Brazilian, Marquinhos, so far this summer, Gunners supporters will no doubt be impatient for more high-profile additions, with these latest links to Nkunku likely to set pulses racing.

Dubbed a “superstar” by journalist Robin Bairner earlier this season, the versatile 24-year-old would no doubt be able to make an instant impact in the Premier League, fresh off the back of an explosive, breakthrough campaign in Germany last time out.

In 50 games in all competitions in the 2021/22 season, the former PSG gem fired in a truly staggering 35 goals and 19 assists, notably netting a goal every 117 minutes in what was a simply breathtaking and relentless scoring spree.

That haul also included 20 league goals – the fourth-best record in the German top-flight – while he also fired in seven goals in just six games in the Champions League, despite Leipzig having crashed out in the group stage.

That tally – which included a devastating hat-trick in the matchday one defeat to Manchester City – ensured he was the joint-fifth highest scorer in the competition, while he also went on to add a further four goals after dropping into the Europa League.

Such a prolific nine months has come somewhat out of the blue, with the £72m-rated man only having scored 12 goals in all competitions across the last two seasons combined, yet that will do little to temper the excitement regarding a possible link-up with Mikel Arteta’s side.

Arsenal are undoubtedly in need of a new focal point in attack, with Nkunku seemingly the superstar attraction who can help fire them back into top-four contention.

IN other news, Arsenal now have “genuine interest” in signing £45m “baller”, it would be a huge coup 

A huge development has emerged in Manchester United’s ploy to bring Frenkie de Jong to Old Trafford this summer.

What’s the word?

De Jong has emerged as a target for new manager Erik ten Hag over the last few weeks as the former Ajax boss aims to reunite himself with the Dutch maestro.

No official bid has been submitted yet but the club are now in contact to sign the 25-year-old this summer.

Speaking on YouTube channel, Romano said:

“I have an update for you after a check I had in the last few hours. Frenkie de Jong spoke in public in the last 24 hours and said again that he has no intention to leave Barcelona. But what I can tell you is that after some checks, Barcelona and Manchester United are in direct contact for Frenkie de Jong.

“There is still no official bid from Manchester United. They are still discussing, speaking, there is no official proposal yet. It could happen in the coming hours or days. For sure, Manchester United have intention to act soon for Frenkie de Jong. They really want to complete this transfer this summer. The fee, from what I’m told is around €85m (72.4m). This could be the price tag to sign the Dutch midfielder.”

Exciting times for Man United

Manchester United now have the price they need to bring De Jong to the Premier League this summer.

Although not necessarily a breakthrough in proceedings, it should excite the Old Trafford faithful considerably that the two teams are now in talks regarding a potential deal.

With confirmation arriving on Wednesday that Paul Pogba is set to depart, bringing in a new central midfielder is simply of utmost importance.

A player as good as De Jong would be a fine way to replace him too.

A quick look at FB Ref’s similar player model puts the Dutch dynamo in fine company, with the player comparable in playstyle to the likes of Luka Modric, Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva.

He is blessed with a wonderful range of passing, with de Jong registering a success rate of 91.3% for Barca in La Liga this season.

To compare that to the United squad throughout 2021/22, he ranks higher than any player to start a game for the Red Devils in the Premier League.

A safe pair of hands in the middle of the park is exactly what ten Hag needs to start his rebuild and it’s evident he’d be an upgrade on the likes of Scott McTominay and Fred.

He makes more key passes per match (1.3) than the pair of them – a statistic that would place him fourth in the United side – and he also completes 1.6 dribbles a game. Once more that’s a number that betters United’s midfield options and again places him fourth compared to ten Hag’s squad.

With that in mind, it’s clear to see that he’d offer a great deal more in the centre for the Premier League side, an eventuality that should leave fans excited at the prospect of him arriving in England this summer.

AND in other news, MUFC can sign their answer to Haaland in “magical” £222k-p/w gem who’s “like Maradona”…

Wolves are reportedly interested in making a move for Rangers winger Ryan Kent this summer as Bruno Lage looks to strengthen his squad.

The Lowdown: Kent shines for Rangers

The 25-year-old has been one of the Gers’ star players in recent years, providing endless quality from what is invariably a left-sided attacking role.

Kent has scored 30 goals and registered 47 assists in 171 appearances for the Scottish Premiership giants, once being hailed as a ‘constant threat’ by Steven Gerrard.

It may be that the former Liverpool winger feels that a new challenge is required this summer, and a return to England could be on the cards.

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The Latest: Wolves eye up move

According to 90min, Wolves have expressed an interest in snapping up Kent in the summer transfer window, with his current deal expiring in 2023.

Leeds United are seen as the front-runners to sign him, though, with Everton and Fulham also mentioned in the report.

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The Verdict: Is he good enough?

While Kent has clearly shone in Scotland, the one concern over Wolves signing him is whether or not the step up to the Premier League is too great for him.

He probably wouldn’t come in as a regular starter if he joined the Old Gold, with Pedro Neto arguably a higher calibre of player, but he could be a strong squad option off the substitutes’ bench.

Kent’s direct running and end product could be a nightmare for tiring legs in games and it is this depth that Wolves need if they are to go up another gear this season. Signing him would therefore be shrewd business, as long as Wanderers don’t pay over the odds.

In other news, Wolves are the front-runners to sign one player this summer. Find out who it is here.