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Celtic have been linked with a transfer move for Shamrock Rovers winger Aidomo Emakhu ahead of the upcoming summer window.

What’s the news?

According to a recent report from The Irish Sun, the Parkhead club have been “keeping tabs” on the youngster after he “burst onto the scene by scoring a last-minute winner against Teuta in the Europa Conference League last August.”

The report also adds that clubs such as Roma, Wolves, Southampton and Lecce are also eyeing up the winger.

The next EdouardThe 18-year-old joined Rovers on a free transfer from fellow Irish club Shelbourne back in February 2020.Since then, the teenager has gone on to make 38 appearances for his current club across their youth and senior sides, scoring two goals in the process.After his dramatic winner against FK Teuta in their Europa Conference League first-leg tie clash back in August, Rovers manager Stephen Bradley had this to say about the youngster.He said: “I’m always conscious of when you put young boys in because you can hurt them as well, so you have to mind them. But he’s a really exciting prospect and I felt this was the right occasion for him. You can get that feeling.”He has been knocking on the door. He came on in Waterford a while back and was really good. I watched him here on Sunday for the Under-19s and I knew he was ready. I’m delighted for him as he’s a really good kid and works extremely hard.”With the Hoops saying goodbye to Odsonne Edouard during the previous summer transfer window, Postecoglou could see Emakhu as the next version of the Frenchman, using Celtic’s track record of signing young attacking players from clubs in other countries to get him.Having signed Edouard as one of Paris Saint-Germain’s youth prospects, who then went on to become a pivotal figure for the Bhoys by racking up 86 goals in 179 appearances, the Rovers starlet could well go on to follow in his footsteps and become a household name at Parkhead.Shamrock Rovers note how the youngster’s “speed, strength and skill have made him one to watch”, with the second attribute there very much putting him in the same category as their former Frenchman.Taking into account how the young player has shown his versatility by playing in numerous positions across the midfield and attack, this could make him an ideal long-term replacement for Edouard as he was occasionally deployed in other attacking areas beyond his usual centre-forward role whilst at Celtic.In other news: Imagine him & Turnbull: Ange can form scary Celtic duo by signing £1.08m-rated machine

Reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed the latest N17 exit news regarding Tottenham Hotspur winger Steven Bergwijn.

The Lowdown: Bergwijn’s season

The 24-year-old came close to leaving Hotspur Way in January and it seemed likely that he would be making a return to the Eredivisie shortly after bagging his iconic late brace in the 3-2 win at Leicester.

But after the winter window slammed shut and a move had failed to materialise for the Netherlands international, he continued to struggle for minutes under Antonio Conte, having failed to make it in the starting XI for the entire remainder of the Premier League season.

The Latest: Spurs waiting for official offer

During the recent international break, Bergwijn was questioned by the media over his future ahead of next season.

As quoted by Dutch football fan account AFC Ajax on Twitter, the forward responded: “I barely got to play this season but here at the National Team the manager is giving me the confidence. I will join the club that’s the best option for me.”

Taking to Twitter, Romano has now shared an update on the status of a possible move to Ajax.

“Tottenham want around €30m to let Steven Bergwijn leave this summer. Ajax are working on it with an official proposal, still waiting to reach an agreement with Spurs.

“There are many clubs interested in Bergwijn – but Ajax are on it since January.”

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The Verdict: Needs to leave

At just 24-years-old, Bergwijn needs to be getting regular first-team football if he is to fulfil his potential at the top level.

After the attacker scored a stunning goal for the Netherlands the other night, Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk heaped praise on him after the game, claiming: “Everyone was good today. Steven Bergwijn, in particular, was excellent, they couldn’t get a grip on him.”

With a current weekly wage of £73,000, one would hope Ajax can afford to bring Bergwijn back to the Netherlands this summer. It is a much needed move both to revitalise the 24-year-old’s club career and secure more funds for Conte’s transfer kitty.

In other news: Journalist drops Lautaro Martinez transfer claim

Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing Real Madrid left-back Ferland Mendy this summer and the Frenchman could add some serious quality to Erik ten Hag’s defence.

According to reports in Spain, the Champions League winners are willing to sell Mendy this summer, with Antonio Rudiger’s imminent arrival likely to see David Alaba moved to left-back, leaving the Frenchman on the bench.

They suggest that United and Chelsea are both keen on bringing him to England, while Juventus are also keen on signing the former Lyon man in what could be a €48m (£41m) deal.

It is something of a surprise that Los Blancos are willing to part ways with the £36m-rated Mendy, given that he was a regular for Carlo Ancelotti’s side last season as they secured the La Liga title, as well as the Champions League after a 1-0 win over Liverpool.

The 27-year-old would make 22 appearances in the Spanish top-flight, contributing two goals and one assist, with WhoScored awarding him an impressive 6.96 average rating for his performances.

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This ranks him ahead of both Alex Telles and Luke Shaw, who alternated as United’s first-choice options last season, and Ten Hag will surely be looking for a more consistent option on the left next term as he looks to shore up a United defence that shipped 57 goals in the 2021/22 Premier League campaign.

Not only would United be getting a left-back who has played for one of the strongest club sides and countries in recent years, but they would also be signing someone who already has an established partnership with Raphael Varane.

The former Madrid man was highly complimentary of Mendy during his time in Spain, saying:

“He has amazing physical strength. He is adapting well to the team and to the league, and this helps us a lot.

“His main strength helps him in defence, but he helps in other areas as well. He is a really tough player, and he is showing his potential this season.”

Therefore, considering both Telles and Shaw have been criticised for their defensive ability in the past, signing Mendy could be exactly what United need to bring the best out of Varane and ensure that they aren’t so easily breached next season.

And, in other news… Ronaldo 2.0: MUFC eyeing deal for “extraordinary” £68m predator, he’d be “world-class” 

Journalist Pete O’Rourke has tipped Liverpool midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to make the move to Aston Villa this summer.

What’s the word?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the respected insider suggested that both Villa – as well as West Ham United – could be a good fit for the Englishman, amid reports that he is set to leave Anfield this summer.

Following speculation linking the 28-year-old to Villa Park, Jones admitted that he can see the former Arsenal man thriving for the Midlands outfit: “I think they’d [Villa and West Ham] be two good landing spots for Oxlade-Chamberlain if he does end up leaving this summer, two ambitious clubs. I think Oxlade-Chamberlain could add a lot to both sides as an attacking midfielder.”

The 35-cap international is likely to depart the Reds in the coming months with just a year remaining on his existing deal, with rumours suggesting that he could be available for as little as £10m.

Gerrard’s own De Bruyne

That could prove to be a bargain fee for a player who was signed by Jurgen Klopp from the Gunners for £35m back in 2017, with Villa boss Steven Gerrard able to welcome in a player with vast experience and undoubted talent.

Dubbed a “rough diamond” by one journalist following his move to Merseyside, Oxlade-Chamberlain remains something of an enigma at times and has been hampered by injury in recent years, although when fit and available he remains one of the most effective midfielders in the division.

That point is rubberstamped by his impressive statistical record from the past year, as he compares favourably to those in his position across Europe’s top five leagues, ranking in the top 4% for progressive carries and progressive passes received, the top 3% for touches in the attacking penalty area, as well as in the top 8% for dribbles completed.

That would illustrate a player who thrives upon driving his side up the pitch and attempting to make the difference in the final third, with such abilities having also seen him compared to Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne, as per FBref, with regards to their stylistic and statistical similarities.

While Oxlade-Chamberlain’s three goal contributions in the league last term were dwarfed by the Belgian’s 15 goals and eight assists, that in part has to do with the Liverpool man’s lack of game time, with linking up with Gerrard and co likely to bolster his chances of regular football.

Like De Bruyne, ‘The Ox’ is at his best when handed the chance to start in that inside right channel as part of a midfield three, with his ability to break the lines and surge forward from deep making him a real menace for any side.

The City man remains the talisman in a team full of stars under Pep Guardiola and there’s no reason why the Englishman can’t be an equally as vital figure at Villa next term if he is to make the move, with his displays only set to improve under the guidance of Gerrard – a man the £125k-per-week gem has admitted to idolizing.

IN other news, Gerrard can land AVFC’s next Southgate with move for “outstanding” £120k-p/w warrior

An update has emerged regarding Newcastle United and their pursuit of Sven Botman in the summer transfer window… 

What’s the talk?

The Northern Echo reporter Scott Wilson has revealed that the Magpies are leading the race to land the defender ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

He tweeted: “Lille tell Sven Botman he won’t be joining AC Milan unless Italians significantly increase their offer, but at the moment, that’s where he wants to go. #NUFC still in strong position – with much more lucrative deal on the table…”

Wilson then added: “The question now becomes how long #NUFC want to wait. I’m told it’s not a case of Botman refusing to join Newcastle, more than Milan have turned his head. As things stand though, Newcastle’s is only offer Lille would accept. And by some distance.”

Supporters will be excited

Newcastle supporters will surely be excited by this claim, as it suggests that the club are in a great position to land the defender this summer.

Whilst his head may have been turned by Milan, the Italian club will not be able to sign him unless they can agree a deal with Lille. At this moment in time, the Serie A giants look unlikely to do so given the ‘significant’ gap between their bid and Newcastle’s.

This would leave Botman with little choice but to join the Magpies, as he would not have the option of being able to sign for Milan. However, he could opt to stay in France before sealing a move in a future transfer window.

Fans will be buzzing with the prospect of him signing for Eddie Howe’s side, as he is a brilliant young defender who has proven his quality at the top level.

In 2021/22, the Dutchman averaged an excellent SofaScore rating of 7.10 in Ligue 1 as he showcased his ability on a consistent basis. This comes after he averaged a rating of 7.08 in his debut campaign for Lille, helping them to win the Ligue 1 title.

He has the quality to deliver impressive performances week in, week out, while at the age of 22, he has plenty of years left ahead of him to continue his development.

Botman has more gears to go through and he could improve whilst working with Howe on Tyneside, which means that he would be a terrific signing in the short run and the long-term. Therefore, Newcastle fans will be excited by this latest update and will be hoping that the club can now get a deal over the line…

AND in other news, NUFC in the mix to sign “frightening” £528k-p/w “freak of nature”, Howe would love him…

According to a report in the last 48 hours, Derby County are now lining up a move for former Reading defender Terell Thomas.

The Lowdown: Terell departs Reading

The 26-year-old first arrived in the Championship when he put pen to paper on a short-term deal with the Royals after being released by Crewe Alexandra back in March.

However, his contract at the Select Car Leasing Stadium is set to expire later this week, making him a free agent, and after clocking up just two appearances under Paul Ince last season, the centre-back will now be on the hunt to find a new club, which potentially could be the Rams.

The Latest: Derby monitoring Thomas

In an article published by Berkshire Live, it’s claimed that Derby, alongside Birmingham City, are both ‘weighing up moves’ for Thomas.

The source states that County are ‘looking at’ bringing him to Pride Park, with the player currently in the process of assessing his ‘options’ ahead of the new season.

The Verdict: Get it done

With the takeover saga still rumbling on, Derby may be unable to secure Thomas’ services immediately, but should they be able to get him in as a free transfer, he’s already got plenty of League One experience and could prove a shrewd capture.

Before joining Reading, the 6 foot 2 powerhouse, who was hailed a “fantastic” player by Ince, averaged 3.9 clearances and won 3.8 of his aerial duels per 90 minutes for Crewe, via WhoScored, highlighting the strong physical presence.

Desperately in need of fresh faces, the addition of Thomas would be welcomed with open arms, and not having to spend a single penny on transfer fees is an added boost for whoever the new owners may be.

Wolverhampton Wanderers have reportedly initiated contact to sign Paris Saint-Germain striker Mauro Icardi this summer, according to Corriere Dello Sport (via Sport Witness). 

The lowdown: Top-level performer

Having graduated through the heralded La Masia youth system at Barcelona, Icardi moved to Sampdoria in 2011, where he started to make a name for himself at the elite level.

Just two years later the Argentine frontman’s exploits earned a switch to Serie A giants Inter Milan, where Icardi scored 124 goals in 219 outings before joining Paris Saint-Germain for £45million (Sky Sports).

Now, after three years in the French capital, a first jaunt into the Premier League could be on the cards and Molineux may well be the destination…

The latest: ‘Had contacts’

As per Corriere Dello Sport, transcribed by SW, Wolves have already ‘had contacts’ with the eight-cap Argentina international.

It’s claimed that super-agent Jorge Mendes, who is well known to handle deals for the Wanderers, is all over the potential transfer due to a ‘very close’ relationship with all parties.

Still under contract until 2024, any move for the man described as ‘one of the most underrated players around’ with ‘poaching instincts second to none’ by GOAL correspondent Ameé Ruszkai would still prove to be an expensive venture for the Midlands club.

The verdict: Statement signing

Following an impressive start to the 2021/22 campaign, Bruno Lage’s side ended the season with somewhat of a whimper in no small part due to a lack of firepower in the final third, as Raul Jimenez struggled for his best form and Fabio Silva continued to disappoint.

Meanwhile, Icardi faced his own problems in front of goal as a season spent on the periphery in Paris saw the previously lethal Argentine score just five times in 30 appearances across all competitions – taking his career tally to 204 for club and country.

Sharing a close stylistic match with such renowned frontmen as Jamie Vardy, Luis Suarez and Youssef En-Nesyri (Fbref), Icardi remains a supreme operator and at 29 years old will be hopeful of potentially reviving a stuttering career with the Old Gold.

Italian football journalist and transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has now dropped an exciting Arsenal claim on Youri Tielemans.

The Lowdown: Offer expected

As per The Sun, the Gunners have now stepped up their interest in signing the 25-year-old and are ready to make a firm offer for the Leicester City midfielder.

It is claimed that the north Londoners are confident of sealing a £30m deal, despite facing competition from both Newcastle United and Manchester United for his signature.

The Latest: Romano’s claim on Tielemans

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Romano has now claimed that, ‘in the coming days or weeks’, Mikel Arteta’s side could decide what they want to do for Tielemans.

The Italian outlined: “There is still no proposal, so maybe they will go step by step in the market and decide in the coming days or weeks what they want to do for Tielemans.”

The Verdict: Exciting

It is certainly exciting to hear that the Tielemans saga could be concluded soon, and it seems as if Arsenal could get their man if they play their cards right.

They seem to be the only club readying an offer for the Belgium international, and they have reportedly already agreed personal terms with the 25-year-old.

Hailed as a ‘top class player’ by none other than four-time Premier League title-winner and Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, Tielemans ranked as the Foxes’ sixth-best performer in the top flight last season, racking up six goals, four assists and three man-of-the-match awards (WhoScored).

It would be ideal for the Gunners to get this deal over the line before the new campaign starts in four weeks’ time.

Liverpool are reportedly willing to meet the asking price required to sign Real Madrid forward Marco Asensio, according to TuttoMercatoWeb (via Sport Witness). 

The lowdown: Stalling career

Now into the final 12 months of his contract at the Bernabeu (Transfermarkt), the 26-year-old is facing an uncertain future with the La Liga champions.

Despite once being tipped for Ballon d’Or greatness, he has somewhat flattered to deceive at the elite level after his remarkable rise to stardom, which included a sensational hat-trick for Spain in the European Under-21 Championships, having been blighted by numerous injury woes.

However, those issues have not deterred a litany of prospective suitors, with plenty of Premier League admiration forthcoming…

The latest: Liverpool willing to meet Asensio asking price…

As per TuttoMercatoWeb, translated by Sport Witness, Liverpool, Newcastle United and Arsenal are all prepared to spend the required fee to sign Asensio this summer.

It is claimed that AC Milan will struggle to meet the €25m-€30m (£21m-£25m) asking price for the 29-cap Spain international.

The report added that Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is ‘in a hurry’ to resolve the future of the 26-year-old, who was recently hailed as possessing ‘great quality’ by his manager Carlo Ancelotti.

The verdict: Make it happen

The Spaniard may not arrive as an immediate first choice in Jurgen Klopp’s squad, but following the departures of Takumi Minamino and Divock Origi, the Reds are short of senior attacking alternatives, and Asensio would therefore be a smart addition.

Predominantly operating as a right winger and therefore a potential backup for Mohamed Salah in the Anfield ranks, last season the multi-dimensional attacker – who can play across a plethora of forward positions – scored 12 times and provided two assists in 42 appearances across all competitions, signifying a return to something like peak form and fitness.

Now back amongst the international fold having been omitted since 2020, the balletic Spaniard earned a stellar 7.07 Sofascore rating during the 2021/22 whilst finding the target with 1.1 shots per game and successfully completing 68% of his dribble attempts in La Liga.

Still holding a market value of £36m, signing Asensio – who shares similar stylistic traits with such renowned names as Riyad Mahrez, Son Heung-min and former Kop favourite Sadio Mane (FbRef) – for anything close to the mooted fee would be a shrewd move from Julian Ward.

Leeds United are reportedly in talks to sign former Manchester United attacking midfielder Juan Mata.

The Lowdown: Busy summer

The Whites have been extremely proactive in the transfer market, with Andrea Radrizzani fulfilling his promise when it comes to improving the playing squad.

The club have lost Kalvin Phillips to Manchester City and it looks as if Raphinha will join Barcelona, but Leeds have spent £95m on six new players.

A new forward is wanted ahead of the new season, but it looks as if Mata could also be making the move to Yorkshire after he left rivals Manchester United at the end of June.

The Latest: Mata talks?

Sports Witness relayed an update from Spanish outlet AS regarding Mata’s next move on Wednesday.

They claim that Victor Orta has contacted Mata’s father over a possible Elland Road deal, with negotiations slow but progressing ‘on track’.

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The Verdict: Shock

Leeds appear to be building for the future with their oldest signing of the summer being Marc Roca at 25. Therefore, the rumours regarding Mata, who turned 34 in April, are a surprise.

He would bring plenty of Premier League experience to Elland Road and has scored 137 goals and provided 157 assists during his club career, so there’s no doubting his quality, but the Spaniard has made just 16 Premier League appearances across the last two seasons.

Mata can play on the wing or in behind the striker, and with no fee to pay, Orta may well be willing to bolster Jesse Marsch’s attacking ranks with a cut-price swoop, but it certainly looks like a risky one.