Wolves Set For Exciting Transfer Window Under Lopetegui

Wolverhampton Wanderers could be set for a 'busy summer' under Julen Lopetegui that could yield major changes at Molineux, according to journalist Alex Crook.

What's the latest transfer news involving outgoings at Wolverhampton Wanderers?

As per Football Insider, Wolves midfielder Matheus Nunes is attracting interest from Liverpool despite the Old Gold choosing to remove a £44 million release clause inserted into his contract at Molineux.

The report also states that Wolves 'remain realistic' over their chances of being able to keep the Portuguese midfielder and would likely accept a bid of £50 million for his services.

As per The Telegraph, club captain Ruben Neves could also be set to move on this summer, with Wolves set to demand a fee in the region of £40 million before considering sanctioning his departure, with the likes of Arsenal, Manchester United, Real Madrid and Barcelona all monitoring his situation.

Wolves winger Adama Traore is out of contract at the end of this term and his agent Jorge Mendes has recently offered him to Serie A giants AC Milan, according to Calciomercato.

Veteran duo Diego Costa and Joao Moutinho are also set to see their deals in the West Midlands expire upon the conclusion of 2022/23 alongside full-back Nelson Semedo, as per FootballTransfers, raising questions over whether they will also need to be replaced heading into next term.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Crook thinks that Wolves boss Lopetegui will be given financial support to help reshape his squad in the summer.

Crook said: "They've got Moutinho who I think will go, Traore's out of contract, so if Neves goes, that's three of the old guard that will have moved on. I'm not sure you'll get much more out of Costa.

"I think it could be a busy summer of ins and outs. This is the first summer transfer window under Julen Lopetegui.

"My understanding when they appointed him is that they told him he'd be backed in the transfer market, which they did in January, so I think he would expect to be backed again."

Who could Wolverhampton Wanderers look to sign this summer?

As per 90min, Wolves are keen on bringing Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek to Molineux in the summer; however, they face stiff competition from Crystal Palace, Fulham, Leicester, Newcastle, West Ham, Lazio, Napoli and AC Milan.

Folarin Balogun in action against Paris Saint-Germain in Ligue 1.

The same outlet also report that the Wanderers are keen on Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun, who could be set for an uncertain future at the Emirates once he returns from loan club Reims in the off-season.

El Correo also claim that Osasuna defender David Garcia is on the radar for the Old Gold as Lopetegui aims to reshuffle his squad heading into 2023/24.

One thing is for sure; it looks set to be a busy next few months in the West Midlands, which could see some new faces walk through the door as Wolves aim to improve on an inconsistent 2022/23 campaign.

Liverpool Have "Very Genuine" Interest In £80k p/w Ace

Liverpool have a 'very genuine' interest in Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount heading into this summer, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

What's the latest transfer news involving Mason Mount?

As per Football Insider, Liverpool and Arsenal are set to go toe-to-toe in an attempt to try and entice Mount away from Stamford Bridge in the forthcoming transfer window.

The report states that Mount wants to be among the highest earners at Chelsea, which has proved to be a roadblock in contract negotiations, sparking both Liverpool and Arsenal into life as they look to strengthen their respective midfield departments. Bayern Munich are also said to be keen to offer the 24-year-old a new challenge.

Mount is believed to be interested in moving to Bayern Munich in the off-season and the German giants may hold a significant card in their pursuit as they are managed by former Blues manager Thomas Tuchel, as per The Guardian.

With his £80k-a-week deal in west London set to expire in 2024, Chelsea are fearful that they may have to cash in on Mount sooner rather than later unless progress can be made regarding potential fresh terms.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Jacobs thinks that Liverpool hold a 'strong' level of interest in Mount and will be at the front of the queue to try and sign him this summer.

Jacobs said: "From Liverpool's perspective, they see a real window of opportunity; the interest is very genuine and relatively strong and they also have to understand what Chelsea are going to counter with and whether or not Mount truly wants to leave the football club.

"Then you've got to factor in a new manager into all of this and also consider other outgoings because Mount will want to understand, by the time the first game of next season comes around, who else is going to be there in his position? How much competition will [there be] and what role does the new manager think that he has to play at the football club."

Would Mason Mount be a good signing for Liverpool?

Mount is a player who could be set to enter his prime in the not-too-distant future and would add another dimension to Liverpool's midfield if Jurgen Klopp could sanction a deal for him this summer.

In 2022/23, the 24-year-old – hailed a "superstar" previously by journalist Rob Guest – has made 35 appearances in all competitions for Chelsea, registering three goals and assists, as per Transfermarkt.

chelsea-mason-mount-man-united-transfers

Despite Chelsea's poor form this term, Mount has still provided a regular supply of chances, successfully performing 83 shot-creating actions in his time on the pitch, as shown on FBRef.

With Liverpool known to want to add midfield reinforcements in the off-season, Mount could definitely freshen up the Reds' engine room heading into 2023/24.

Aston Villa’s Fantastic 21 y/o Talent Deserves A Chance

Middlesbrough has enjoyed a remarkable resurgence under the stewardship of Michael Carrick, who has propelled the club into the Championship play-offs.

The former Manchester United midfielder has won 18 of his 29 league games in charge, gaining 57 points in the process.

The North Yorkshire outfit has netted 83 goals in the division, the second-most in the division, only behind title-winning Burnley.

One player who has been highly influential in Boro’s incredible rise is on-loan Aston Villa striker Cameron Archer.

Who is Cameron Archer?

The 21-year-old joined the Championship side in January on a deal for the remainder of the season, after managing just 42 minutes of Premier League football without any starts earlier in the campaign.

Nevertheless, despite a lack of top-flight action, the Englishman has been flying in his new surroundings; in 19 second-tier outings, he has registered 16 goal contributions.

Although he has only featured in the league for a matter of months, the England U21 international is an indomitable, menacing, and untameable presence.

This is showcased by the fact that he ranks in the top 6% outside of Europe’s top five leagues among his positional peers for non-penalty goals per 90, as well as the highest 11% and 10% for progressive carries and successful take-ons per 90, according to FBref.

The attacker has developed a reputation for his potency, physicality, and agility, which has alerted his parent club to his devastating potential.

Cameron-Archer

Reputable journalist Dean Jones has suggested that Aston Villa may look to involve the prodigy next year and see him as a worthy backup or even challenger to Ollie Watkins, but they are set to receive a large degree of interest.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, he said: “Is Ollie Watkins leaving? Is he not? Even if he's not, could Archer provide that backup that might be needed next season. I think Archer will actually end up being linked with quite a few more clubs before we even get to the end of the season. By setting the price tag high, I think Villa will be trying to keep a lid on the speculation."

Last year, when Archer was on loan at Preston North-End, his manager Ryan Lowe eulogized over his quality. He said: “Cameron has got an abundance of talent. His quality levels are fantastic, he’s bullish, strong, he can roll, he has got that little burst of pace too.”

Unai Emery has quickly guided Villa to the cusp of European football and with the prospect of attempting to balance more competitions, Archer would be a formidable striking option and would be an excellent challenger to Watkins' starting berth in attack.

Alan Hutton Has "One Fear" About Latest Michael Beale Decision

Former Rangers defender Alan Hutton has been left concerned by Michael Beale's decision to let a number of experienced first-team players leave the club this summer.

Which players are leaving Rangers this summer?

The Gers will need to bring in a number of new players in the upcoming window, as several players are set to be shown the exit door, with Beale recently confirming Morelos is "going to be moving on" at the end of the season.

Turkish outlet Fanatik have recently reported that Ryan Kent has made the decision to leave at the end of the season, upon the expiration of his contract, while a number of other experienced players are out of contract.

Ryan Jack, Scott Arfield and Allan McGregor are all free to leave in the upcoming market, and Hutton is concerned that Beale plans to replace the old guard with some relatively inexperienced players.

In an interview with Football Insider, the pundit said: “That is my one fear.

That the players that it looks like are leaving are experienced players, they have experienced European finals, winning leagues, winning trophies. I think it could be a mistake to let them all go.

“If you look at the likes of Arfield, Jack, Davis, McGregor, Morelos, Kent, I think you have to keep some for their experience, I am all for that.

Especially if you look at the type of players they are wanting to bring in, the likes of [Morgan] Whittaker, Dowell, [Todd] Cantwell and [Nicolas] Raskin are already there, these are young guys.

“If you are bringing in seven or eight young players who are inexperienced, you need older heads round about them to guide them.

Is a summer rebuild really needed?

Of course, Beale will be desperate to bridge the gap between Rangers and bitter rivals Celtic next season, currently trailing the Hoops by 13 points in the Scottish Premiership, but it is a questionable decision to let so many key players leave.

It is particularly concerning that Morelos and Kent are set to depart, given that both played a major part in the title-winning 2020-21 campaign, amassing a combined 32 goal contributions in the Scottish Premiership.

Rangers manager Michael Beale celebrates after the match.

Scott Arfield has become a bit-part player, mainly being utilised as a substitute this season, but the decision to let Jack go is a little concerning, considering he has been a first-team regular whenever he has been fit.

Former Rangers man Lee McCulloch has previously spoken about how "influential" McGregor is in the dressing room, so the 41-year-old's departure could also pose problems for Beale, and the manager is playing a risky game by allowing so many players to leave.

Man United Now Leading Race For £100m-Rated Striker

Manchester United are at the front of the pack in the race to sign Victor Osimhen this summer, with Il Mattino in Italy stating that the Red Devils are "on pole" to land the striker.

What is the latest on Victor Osimhen to Man United?

The Premier League outfit have outlined their need for another striker already this summer, with boss Erik Ten Hag intending to try and add both another forward and a midfielder to his Old Trafford squad during the transfer window.

With his side struggling to hit the back of the net – only Marcus Rashford has scored a double-digit tally of Premier League goals for the club this term – the Dutchman will be eager to add another attacking option to his side this summer.

There have been several names already linked with a switch to United. Harry Kane has been one of the most notable, with some reports suggesting that the Spurs striker is high up on the Red Devils' wanted list.

However, one name that won't go away is that of Victor Osimhen, who currently plies his trade for Napoli. The forward has been heavily linked with a switch to England, with United one of the teams that have gathered the most mentions over a potential transfer for the player.

Now, it appears as though Ten Hag's side are in the driving seat to seal a deal for the attacker, with Il Mattino in Italy reporting that the Red Devils are "on pole" position in their efforts to try and add the player to their squad.

The report also states that the Old Trafford outfit have already been in negotiations with Napoli owner/president Aurelio De Laurentiis, with these talks happening all the way back at the beginning of the season. In addition to that, Napoli are also prepared to sell it seems if the right offer comes in, with the report adding that the Serie A outfit are not prepared to offer Osimhen any more money, with De Laurentiis not prepared to raise the wage budget. That means that if the Red Devils make the right offer, then a deal could be done for the player this summer.

Would Osimhen be a good signing for Man United?

With Man United toiling in front of goal, Osimhen firing in the goals upfront for the club would certainly be a boost for the side.

With 23 goals this season, it is the player's best ever return for Napoli and over the course of his career. At just 24-years-old too, the likelihood is that he will continue to improve and get better and so now would be a good time to sign up the striker. In fact, his goals and assists rate so far this campaign is 1.03 per 90 minutes – which means that, on average, he is guaranteed to do one or the other every single game he plays in.

In addition, the player has even received praise from opposition coaches. He's been called "phenomenal" by former Cagliari coach Walter Mazzarri for example after his performance in Napoli's victory over the Italian side. It shows just how impressive the striker has been in Serie A.

Ten Hag then would instantly upgrade his frontline with a player like Osimhen. Even if the player ends up costing a substantial amount of money, it would still be seen as good business if he could produce similar numbers at Old Trafford.

Man United Latest Team To Enter Race For £53k-p/w Player

Manchester United are set to compete with a host of other clubs to pick up Marcus Thuram this summer, with the player to "soon decide" his future, according to a report from Calciomercato (via Sport Witness).

Are Manchester United signing Marcus Thuram?

The Borussia Monchengladbach man has arguably had the best season of his career to date, although his side have struggled to break into the top half of the Bundesliga table and are currently sat in 11th place.

With 13 goals and six assists, the player has averaged an average of 0.70 goal contributions per 90 minutes so far this year – an impressive feat for the forward. That comes despite a lacklustre campaign last term that amounted to just nine starts and three goals.

He is now back to his best in Germany and is catching the eye with his performances, too. His showings have even also led to outings for France, although he's been limited to just 149 minutes across the World Cup and European Championship.

Now, there appears to be firm interest in the player ahead of the summer transfer window. According to Calciomercato (via Sport Witness), the attacker is wanted by a number of clubs, including Inter and Man United.

The Italian outfit had been the favourites to secure his signature when the season comes to an end, but with the Red Devils having come into the equation, the competition is now set to ramp up for the player. It also adds that Thuram himself is soon set to decide where he wants to play beyond this campaign – and it looks as though he may have a choice of where he can play his football next season.

With his contract also set to run out, it means he could be available for absolutely nothing.

Marcus Thuram of Gladbach

It could be a difficult choice for the forward, with reports stating that the player is keen on a move to a "dream club" which includes the Premier League giants and their rivals for his signature, Inter. It appears Thuram then may have a difficult choice to make over his next transfer deal.

Who wants to sign Marcus Thuram this summer?

The Frenchman has been thrust into the spotlight thanks to his showings in Germany, with a 7.10 WhoScored rating in the Bundesliga making him one of the standout performers in the division this season.

He's previously been described as "crazy" by Denis Zakaria too, with his former teammate also adding that he is a "phenomenal" player – and the stats don't lie.

A rate of 3.1 shots per game this year showcases how capable he is of crafting shooting opportunities for himself and considering his goal rate, he's proven to be clinical when he does take those shots. In fact, of players to appear a minimum of 18 times, he takes the most shots of any Bundesliga player.

Therefore, Thuram could well be a solid pick-up for Erik ten Hag's side if they could land him – and it would inject their forward line with some much-needed goals.

Celtic Can Land Maeda Upgrade By Signing £3k-p/w Ace

Celtic head coach Ange Postecoglou could use the upcoming summer transfer window to bolster his squad ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

The Australian manager will seal the domestic treble for the season with a win over Inverness in the Scottish Cup final on Saturday, yet the club's success may not stop them from trying to improve the team in the coming weeks.

One player the Hoops have been linked with a move for is Swansea striker Liam Cullen and the Welshman could come in as an upgrade on current Celtic attacker Daizen Maeda.

Who is Liam Cullen?

The 24-year-old has played the majority of his career to date as a centre-forward but has also been used on the right and the left flanks and this suggests that the gem has the capabilities to play as a winger, which means that he could undergo a Maeda-like transformation at Parkhead.

Prior to joining the Hoops, the Japan international had played 113 matches as a second striker or centre-forward and 44 times as a left winger. Since arriving in Scotland, he has been deployed eight times as a number nine and has made 40 appearances on the left wing.

Celtic forward Daizen Maeda.

This shows that Postecoglou has been able to successfully integrate him into the side as a wide player week-in-week-out in spite of the 5 foot 8 gem playing the majority of his football down the middle previously, which is what the coach could do with Cullen.

The £3k-per-week marksman, whose movement was described as "underrated" by journalist Josh Bunting, scored eight league goals in 15 starts and missed three 'big chances' for Swansea in 2022/23, whereas, Maeda managed eight in 25 starts in the Scottish Premiership and missed 11 'big chances'.

At various youth level, the Welsh U21 international plundered 37 goals and eight assists in 77 matches for the Swans and this shows that the potential is there for the ace to be a prolific attacker who can also create for his teammates.

Maeda has averaged a goal every 3.68 matches for Celtic in all competitions (19 in 70) and Cullen's return of a strike every 2.14 outings at an academy level indicates that the 24-year-old dynamo has the scope to develop into being a big upgrade on the Japanese winger.

The Swansea star, whose goal record at first-team level was more impressive than Maeda's this season, has untapped potential and Postecoglou could get the best out of him by deploying the gem out wide, which would allow him to use his movement to make runs in behind whilst the defence are too busy trying to stop Kyogo Furuhashi.

Therefore, Postecoglou could unearth a big upgrade on Maeda by swooping to sign Cullen from the Championship side this summer.

Manchester United "Advancing" In Deal For £80k-p/w Player

Manchester United are “advancing” towards completing a deal to sign Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

Is Mason Mount leaving Chelsea?

The England international is an academy graduate at Stamford Bridge having worked his way up through the various youth ranks to become a regular feature of the first team, making 195 senior appearances to date.

However, the 24-year-old will be out of contract at the end of next season meaning that the upcoming window will be Todd Boehly’s final opportunity to cash in should he not want to risk losing his prized asset for free, and having turned down multiple fresh terms, an exit is likely.

Back in May, Sky Sports reported that despite interest from Premier League rivals Liverpool, Erik ten Hag’s side are the current frontrunners to secure his services having been the most attentive potential suitor, with The Athletic’s David Ornstein having since also confirmed that he’s personally leaning towards a switch to Old Trafford.

Are Man United signing Mount?

Writing in his column for CaughtOffside, Jacobs revealed that Man United are indeed progressing in negotiations to sign Mount, but urged people to remember that Chelsea's new manager Mauricio Pochettino could yet still make him change his mind. He said:

“The situation is different with Mason Mount, though. Chelsea will sell now if he doesn’t agree a new deal because the fee will prove important. Manchester United are advancing things. Liverpool and Arsenal remain interested.

“Manchester United’s starting valuation is around £15m lower than Chelsea want, should Mount not opt to stay. It’s also important to note, Mauricio Pochettino wants to keep Mount, but it remains to be seen whether he can influence things.”

Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount.

Should Man United cash out on Mount?

According to Fabrizio Romano, Man United are “really pushing behind the scenes” for Mount, with Ten Hag personally wanting the player and confident of completing a move, so they are clearly serious about securing his services, and whilst his price tag remains to be seen, it could be wise for the hierarchy to splash the cash on bringing him to M16.

The Blues’ attacking midfielder, who pockets £80k-per-week, still managed to rack up nine goal contributions (six assists and three goals) across all competitions last season despite his spell on the sidelines, where he saw his performances rewarded with two man-of-the-match awards in the Premier League.

The World Cup participant also has the versatility to operate in seven different positions over the grass, including four in the midfield, out wide on both flanks and even at centre-forward which has seen him hailed the “complete” player by talent scout Jacek Kulig, so it would be a huge bonus for the boss should he be able to get this deal wrapped up in the weeks and months ahead.

Aston Villa could sign "magic" 20-y/o ace

Aston Villa are eyeing a potential move for a fellow Premier League ace this summer, as Unai Emery looks to bolster his attack.

The Spaniard has taken the Villans from a side in relegation form to confirming European football next season in a memorable first campaign.

Despite the success, the 51-year-old is set to have a busy summer, with the club linked to an array of talent ahead of the window, with latest news suggesting a player close to home is wanted at Villa Park.

What’s the latest on Fabio Carvalho to Aston Villa?

As reported earlier this week by transfer expert Ben Jacobs in his CaughtOffside column, Aston Villa are interested in Liverpool winger Fabio Carvalho.

While Jurgen Klopp reportedly doesn’t wish to sell the youngster, Jacobs stated that the Merseyside club “may be open” to loaning the 20-year-old.

The report claims Villa, along with Wolves ‘admire’ the player, with added interest from Germany coming from RB Leipzig.

What could Fabio Carvalho bring to Aston Villa?

Once hailed as a “star” by departing teammate Roberto Firmino, the Portuguese starlet has had a difficult start to life on Merseyside after signing last summer from Fulham.

The 20-year-old has started just four games in the Premier League this season in a total of 13 appearances, and has scored two goals in the process – as per Sofascore.

Averaging just 27 minutes per game this season, the versatile attacker has been starved of game time, hence rumours linking him with a move away.

Villa Park could be a perfect fit for the youngster, playing under a coach that has a strong history in nurturing young prospects, as he did with Bukayo Saka at Arsenal after handing the Englishman his debut.

The potential arrival of Carvalho in Emery’s system could be revolutionary for the squad and player, but bad news for Emiliano Buendia who could lose his starting spot to the rising star.

Liverpool snatched the Torres Vedras-born ace from Fulham following a phenomenal season in the Championship, in which he scored 10 goals and recorded eight assists as a teenager that had risen from the club’s academy – as per Sofascore.

The 20-year-old’s potential has been seen in glimmers during his time at Liverpool so far, however, he could be unlocked by Emery and surpass Buendia, whose consistency has been questioned in the past.

As per FBref, the inconsistent Villa man averages 2.24 progressive carries per 90 in comparison to Carvalho’s 2.73, highlighting the midfielder’s potential to flourish in the Spaniard’s free-flowing system that encourages those beyond the engine room to roam.

The youngster's threat in the final third is more poignant than Buendia’s as supported by his average of 6.04 touches in the attacking penalty area per 90 to the 26-year-old’s 3.47, presenting another indication that he could be a better fit in the manager’s set up.

Also lauded as “magic” by pundit Jack Collins, the Portuguese attacker is versatile in his capabilities as both a wide player and a central attacking midfielder, and could be deployed in either role to great effect.

Whether the deal matures is a matter only time can tell, however, the introduction of the 20-year-old could equally balance Buendia’s form or see him take over, with both routes adding to the greater benefit of the club.

Aston Villa: Emery Targeting "Exceptional" Player Move

Aston Villa are targeting Southampton defender Armel Bella-Kotchap after his relegation to the Championship, according to talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook.

Who could Villa sign this summer?

Unai Emery's side enjoyed a rip-roaring finish to the 2022/2023 Premier League season, winning 10 league games and losing just twice since early March.

Their exceptional form in the latter stages saw them finish seventh and qualify for the Europa Conference League, and it's now Villa's task to build upon that and back Emery in the summer transfer market.

According to recent rumours, Villa appear to be targeting central midfield signings, with Fulham's Joao Palhinha, Southampton star James Ward-Prowse and Leicester City's Youri Tielemans linked most recently.

The Villans want to strengthen in defence as well, with Villarreal star Pau Torres, a player who Emery knows well, being repeatedly mentioned by the press.

Arsenal's Kieran Tierney is another player garnering Villa's interest as they look to shore up their back line, with talkSPORT's Crook now saying they're targeting Bella-Kotchap from Southampton too.

Southampton's Armel Bella-Kotchap in action with Fulham's Andreas Pereira

Writing for talkSPORT, the journalist says Emery and co are eyeing a move for the German as he pushes for a move away from the south coast. Southampton are apparently bracing themselves for a bidding war over Bella-Kotchap, as clubs in Italy and Germany are in the mix as well.

It will apparently cost interested sides around £30 million to prise the centre-back away from St. Mary's, but little else is said on whether Villa believe this is a price worth paying.

Who is Armel Bella-Kotchap?

The 21-year-old, who has two caps at international level for Germany, arguably stood out as one of the Saints' shining lights last season during their relegation campaign.

As per WhoScored, he finished the season as Southampton's third-best performing player by average match rating – having made their second-highest rate of interceptions per 90 in that time.

Speaking last August, Saints legend Francis Benail raved over Bella-Kotchap's impact on BT Sport (via The Daily Mail).

"He is one of five or six players that have had an instant impact," said Benail.

"What we've been seeing is maturity beyond their years. He takes up great positions and recognizes danger."

Journalist Felix Keith has called the starlet defender "exceptional" for some of his performances last campaign, and for £30m, he'd come to Villa Park with plenty of potential at just 21.

This could be a move worth exploring for Emery.

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