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Manchester United have been in hot pursuit of Mason Mount over the last few weeks and now a new update has emerged on their pursuit of the player this summer.

What's the latest on Man United's move for Mason Mount?

According to The Times, the Chelsea midfielder has agreed personal terms to become a Man United player this summer.

As per the report, it is claimed that the Red Devils are closing in on making Mount their first signing of the summer with Erik ten Hag keen to add more creativity into his midfield set up this summer and Chelsea are keen to cash in to ensure they don't lose a huge asset on a free next summer.

Would Mason Mount be a good fit for Man United?

Whilst the most pressing concern for Erik ten Hag will be the centre-forward role this summer, an opportunity to strengthen the quality and attacking perspectives in the centre of the pitch is a chance they cannot afford to pass up on.

Although Man United boast a number of highly-respected talent in midfield it is definitely an area of the squad that is starting to age with Christian Eriksen, Casemiro and Fred all in their 30s at this point and other than Bruno Fernandes, are three of the most experienced first teamers.

As a result, the signing of Mount presents an opportunity for the Dutch coach to continue his rebuild at Old Trafford by injecting not only some youth into the midfield personnel but also maintaining a high level of quality and a winning mentality to match those decorated players who surround him.

The 24-year-old Champions League winner – who has been "unbelievable" in the words of Joe Cole – offers flexibility in his positioning with experience operating in a number of roles over his illustrious career so far, but could be the dream creative outlet that Ten Hag is searching for who can combine with one of his England teammates to make United an unstoppable force.

Marcus Rashford has been one of the standout performers on the red side of Manchester this season – tallying up 30 goals and 11 assists in all competitions with a goal contribution every 104 minutes, an impressive output unmatched by any player in the team as Fernandes came in second scoring less than half (14).

Now, Mount could provide the pacey winger with even more opportunities to convert chances by injecting some consistent creativity into the midfield and breaking the lines of attack to form a dangerous attacking threat.

The Chelsea academy graduate ranks in the top 15% of his positional peers in midfield across the top five European leagues for shot-creating actions, shots on goal, progressive carries, touches and progressive passes received, proving that he could be a key asset in playing that final ball into the box or even taking the goal-scoring opportunities for himself with confidence.

With that being said, it will be interesting to see how Ten Hag will deploy Mount if he joins the Red Devils this summer and whether he can reach the high expectations that will come with his reported £70m price tag next season.

Everton are in the market for new players as they look to put a terrible 2022/23 season behind them, but boss Sean Dyche cannot bring in new recruits for the sake of it.

That is a category Crystal Palace Jean-Philippe Mateta – a possible loan target for the Toffees this summer, according to French outlet So Foot – very much fits into.

Who are Everton looking to sign this summer?

Everton have already been linked with a whole array of players since retaining their Premier League status at the end of last month, including the likes of El Bilal Toure, Wout Weghorst and Tammy Abraham.

As the second-lowest goalscorers (34) in the division last season, behind only Wolves (31), and eighth in terms of goals conceded (57), there is not really a position Everton could not do with strengthening in the coming months – a goalkeeper aside.

Smart recruitment has not exactly been a buzz phrase around Goodison Park in recent years, though, with Everton far more accustomed to splashing out large on a flop than spending wisely on a player for the future.

While he may still only be aged 25, meaning his best years should be ahead of him, Mateta has done little in his time in English football to suggest he will provide Everton with value for their money.

How has Mateta performed at Crystal Palace?

Signed for a reported fee of €18m (£15.5m) in January 2020, initially on an 18-month loan arrangement, Palace have not yet seen a return on their investment.

Mateta has scored just eight Premier League goals in 58 appearances and netted just once in his final 30 games of the 2022/23 season. Despite those disappointing figures, Everton, Torino, Valencia and PSV are all reportedly weighing up a move for the former France U21 international.

In last season's Premier League campaign alone, the former Lyon player scored twice from 27 shots and had a shot-on-target percentage of 25.9. To put that in some perspective, no Everton attacker who featured regularly last season failed to hit the target as often.

Those problems go beyond simply finding the net, with football reporter Raj Chohan describing Mateta's decision-making on transitions as "woeful".

Mateta's numbers are very similar to those of Weghorst, another rumoured target for the hierarchy at Goodison.

Like the Palace man, however, he has been a high-profile flop and failed to set the world alight during a temporary stint at Manchester United.

That said, the Dutchman did just about edge out his positional peer for pass completion percentage (72.9 compared to 69.8) and goal-creating actions per 90 minutes (0.23 and 0.12 respectively).

Pivotally, he also scored more goals last term. Although Weghorst netted just once for United, he bagged eight in 16 Super Lig appearances for Besiktas in the first half of the season.

Everton fans may joke that any option is an improvement on what they currently have, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin's fitness issues proving to be a huge concern, but given Mateta's weekly wage of £50k and a likely transfer fee in the region of £8m if a permanent move is forged, they will be better off biding their time and looking elsewhere.

Celtic are set to lose one of their talents this summer, with Tsoanelo Letsosa deciding not to agree a new deal with the club, according to the Daily Record (24/05, 4:31pm).

Who will Celtic sell this summer?

The 18-year-old has spent this season playing for the Scottish Premiership side's B-team in the Lowland League. He's been a first-team regular for that outfit, playing 32 times in the division and bagging himself three goals and five assists along the way. He also played for the side in Europe in their UEFA Youth League campaign, managing five appearances with one goal to his name.

Having come up through the ranks at the club – he began in the side's Under-17 and Under-18 teams before moving on to play with the B-team – Celtic may have hoped that he could come through and play in some matches for their first team in the future. However, with his contract expiring at the end of the season, it seems he has no intention to stay.

That's because the Daily Record is reporting that despite being offered fresh terms, he has opted against putting pen to paper and is instead looking for a move over to England. However, the only saving grace for the Scottish side is that if he does move on to another side, the club are likely to be given compensation due to his age, which is thought to be to the tune of a six-figure sum.

Who is Tsoanelo Letsosa?

The youngster has yet to really have a taste of first-team football at the top level, so it is obviously unclear just how well he would do if given the chance in perhaps the EFL or at a higher level than he has featured so far.

However, the signs are promising for any team that does pick him up this summer. That's because coach Stephen McManus stated that he and the rest of that squad are "terrific" and that they each have a "bright future" in the game. It's high praise from the former player and suggests that he may well have the ability to go on and feature somewhere else to some success.

In addition, he's also been capped by the Scotland national team at Under-16 level – an honour which wouldn't be given to a player unless their coaches saw talent in his boots.

Therefore, Letsosa could be a good free-agent pickup for a team in England this summer – although it is unclear as of yet where he will end up.

Leeds United are on the hunt for a new striker this summer and their search could take them to manager Jesse Marsch’s home country…

What’s the word?

According to Manchester Evening News journalist Conor McGilligan, the Yorkshire outfit are keen on signing New York City FC frontman Valentin Castellanos, and have been looking at him for a while now.

“Leeds are apparently going head over heels for a striker at the minute. He sort of fits the mould, he’s the best striker in the MLS at the minute, looks very complete, Argentinian,” he told the ‘One Leeds Fan Channel’ this week.

“A few links there, apparently, Leeds have been looking at him for a while as well. So yeah, Valentin Castellanos.

“Keep an eye on that name.”

It’s thought that the MLS champions have set an asking price of around £12.8m, as per The Mirror.

Striker desperation

The Whites suffered from multiple problems during their near-fateful 2021/22 campaign, ranging from persistent injury issues to the second-leakiest backline in the top-flight.

Marcelo Bielsa and then Marsch were also pegged back by their troubles in the final third. Patrick Bamford, fresh off a 17-goal season, was absent for the majority of 2021/22 with an array of injuries. He only managed nine games in total, leaving Raphinha and co to take the mantle.

A lack of an alternative almost cost the Yorkshiremen their place in the big time, something they waited nearly two decades for prior to their promotion in 2020.

It’s no wonder Leeds appear to be desperate for another option up top and Castellanos is a very interesting candidate indeed.

His goalscoring record in the US cannot be disputed. He bagged eight assists as NYCFC clinched their first-ever title, with the Argentinian also raking in the Golden Boot.

He has since continued that form this year, delivering 11 goals and five assists across 17 appearances in the MLS and CONCACAF Champions League, taking his total for the American giants to 53 goals and 23 assists, as per Transfermarkt.

Castellanos has been likened to former Chelsea talisman Didier Drogba by MLS UK Show podcaster Henry Hewitt to Manchester Evening News in the past, where he also claimed: “He doesn’t just score one type of goal. He’s strong, quick, good with his head and isn’t afraid to bring his teammates into play.”

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The 23-year-old also outranks Bamford for non-penalty expected goals and shots on target per 90, via FBRef, too.

On the above evidence, it could well be worth the risk to dip into the MLS market to solve Marsch’s problems at Elland Road. After the arrival of Brendan Aaronson and soon, Rasmus Kristensen, a new forward must be the priority.

Castellanos can be the man to end Leeds’ desperation.

AND in other news, Orta can land “the next Declan Rice” as Leeds eye talent who’s “getting rave reviews”…

In 2021/22, West Ham have had perhaps their finest season in recent memory. A seventh-place finish in the Premier League and a Europa League semi-final were the two main highlights in a campaign which gave the London Stadium faithful some wonderful memories.

The chance of further European success will come next season, and David Moyes is duly looking to strengthen his squad ahead of an important campaign.

One of the main areas for improvement is the centre-forward position. With sole centre-forward Michail Antonio netting 13 goals, Moyes relied mainly on wingers Said Benrahma (11) and Jarrod Bowen (18) to find the net during the course of the season.

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West Ham transfer targets

The club have been linked with strikers such as Armando Broja and Valentin Castellanos, but there is another name out there which could give Moyes the goals and assists that he requires at West Ham.

In January, Foot Mercato reported that the Hammers were interested in Strasbourg striker Ludovic Ajorque, and there has now been an update regarding his position at the club.

The Ligue 1 club’s president Marc Keller stated that if “a significant offer is made”, they would consider it. This could be a big boost to Moyes, and with the striker’s asking price being set at £12.6m, it’s a fee that the Irons could comfortably afford.

West Ham’s own Griezmann?

With 12 goals and eight assists this season, Ajorque could be the ideal striker for Moyes to sign. The 28-year-old is compared to compatriot Antoine Griezmann on FBRef, and its clear to see why,

Both players are excellent in the air and extremely dangerous with the ball at their feet. They both averaged over 2.4 shot-creating actions per 90 minutes in 2021/22 (2.47 for Ajorque and 2.57 for Griezmann) and both also contributed well defensively, winning 25 and 26 tackles respectively.

West Ham could secure an excellent player for a minimal fee by moving for the Strasbourg marksman, and with the Ligue 1 club’s president willing to sell if a good offer comes in, Moyes should act sooner rather than later.

AND in other news, GSB eyeing up West Ham swoop for £12.6m “top talent”, Moyes would love him

According to the Daily Telegraph’s Matt Law, Tottenham Hotspur managing director Fabio Paratici will hold talks in Italy with Antonio Conte, offering the 52-year-old six signings in a plea for him to stay.

The Lowdown: Conte’s future

The Italian manager is currently taking a well-earned break in his home country to clear his mind, as he considers his future after guiding Spurs to a fourth-place finish and Champions League qualification.

It is believed that Paratici and club chairman Daniel Levy are in the dark over Conte’s current plans, who is debating whether to return to Italy, where his wife and daughter still reside.

The 52 year-old infamously hinted he could quit the club following a shock defeat to Burnley earlier this year, prompting links to former boss Mauricio Pochettino.

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The Latest: Paratici and Conte talks

According to reliable Daily Telegraph journalist Matt Law, Paratici is set to hold talks with the Lilywhites manager in Italy, ready to offer his backing in the summer transfer window.

Taking to Twitter, Law shared: “Paratici will hold talks in Italy with Conte. Transfers not the only thing under consideration but Tottenham ready to grant him at least six new signings – Fraser Forster set to be one.”

In the adjacent article, The Telegraph reveal that Paratici is to agree to Conte’s demands and will target two new wing-backs, a left-sided centre-back, a midfielder and a forward who can also play out wide. Tottenham will also sign a new back-up goalkeeper, with Southampton’s Fraser Forster set to undergo a medical this week.

Conte’s required assurance over the quality of signings is seemingly going to be met, with the north London club targeting Alessandro Bastoni, Gleison Bremer, Djed Spence, Christian Eriksen, James Ward-Prowse, Kalvin Phillips and Gabriel Jesus.

The Verdict: Hugely exciting

If Paratici can ensure Conte that he can pull off the ambitious transfer plans that they have set out, then it is likely to convince the former Inter Milan boss to remain at the club for another year, news which should come as hugely exciting for Lilywhites supporters.

With Tottenham playing in four competitions next season, adding depth to the squad will be imperative to Conte, and after the club ended the season winning eight of their last 11 matches, there is surely no better man out there to lead the squad into Europe’s elite competition.

Hailed as on a par with Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp, the news that the club are willing to do what it takes to keep Conte happy is simply huge for Tottenham’s future.

In other news: Tottenham Hotspur: Fabrizio Romano shares news on a second signing at N17

Villarreal attacker Arnaut Danjuma is now on the radar of Tottenham Hotspur ahead of the summer transfer window, claims transfer insider Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Danjuma’s season

Since making the switch from Bournemouth last year, the 25-year-old has gone on to leave an incredible impression on the Spanish top-flight. In 34 games for the La Liga outfit, the Netherlands international has netted an impressive 16 goals.

As a result of his domestic and European form – he scored six times on route to the Champions League semi-finals – a number of transfer rumours have arisen linking the winger with a move back to England.

According to a report by 90min, Fabio Paratici and co. sent a number of club officials to watch Danjuma in the first leg of Villarreal’s semi-final tie against Liverpool earlier this month.

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The Latest: Jones’ claim

With all this information, transfer window expert Jones believes that Danjuma is on Paratici’s summer wish list.

Speaking with GiveMeSport, he claimed:

“They’ve got Danjuma on their radar. He’s a good player, but I don’t believe that he’s going to increase the ceiling of what this Tottenham team can achieve, so I think this is one they will wait and see on.”

The Verdict: Great signing

During his stint along the south coast, Bournemouth manager Jonathan Woodgate was full of praise for the 25-year-old, asserting that he is “an exceptional player”.

Former European Golden Shoe winner Kevin Phillips has also reiterated this rhetoric, claiming that Danjuma “is a nightmare for defenders”, as “he can hurt any defence with his pace and directness”.

With Antonio Conte’s side hoping to secure a top four Premier League finish and a place in next season’s Champions League, Paratici will be eyeing the likes of Danjuma, as the Lilywhites look to bolster the quality in their squad as they plan for a busier schedule next year.

In other news: Tottenham Hotspur: Levy will be ‘delighted’ with Champions League plans

A major Wolves transfer development has emerged that will please everyone associated with the club as they aim to look ahead to next season.

What’s the news?

Sky Sports reporter Johnny Phillips has stated that there will be some “significant” transfer business done this summer at the Premier League club in order to begin a rebuild which could see Wolves reach the European spots as it looks like they will just miss out this term.

All in all, it’s been a solid season for the club, a top-half finish, but the previous few weeks haven’t been great, and some additions look necessary.

“This will be a summer of change with significant transfer activity, perhaps more so than in any other window during this Premier League period,” said Phillips.

“The spine of the team will change, with more than one central defender on his way in and a strengthening of the midfield and forward positions also set to happen.”

Great news for Lage

This should leave manager Bruno Lage ecstatic and it’s news that will surely please the supporters too. Although they sailed through the vast majority of the campaign in excellent touch, their form in the Premier League has been poor of late, with the 2-2 draw against Chelsea their first point since the start of April.

Under former manager Nuno Espirito Santo, the club proved that they could finish in seventh place and the onus is for Lage to repeat this achievement.

With Wolves being linked with players in the quality of Ryan Kent and Burnley midfielder Josh Brownhill, then there is absolutely no reason why the side can’t kick on and secure European football next season for the first time since Nuno left the club.

However, they will have to make do with the potential departures of Ruben Neves and Max Kilman, who have both been linked with moves away too. Should that happen, there is simply no excuse not to spend the cash they receive on replacements.

Even with players like that at their disposal, they are already punching above their weight, but there is a growing feeling amongst the fans that they aren’t being ambitious enough. Big investment this summer, however, could change that.

AND in other news, Forget Coady: “Ridiculous” Wolves dynamo who won 71% duels saved the day vs Chelsea

Two players at Manchester United are considering their future at the club amidst the incoming rebuild led by Erik ten Hag and Ralf Rangnick.

What’s the word?

That is according to the ever-reliable Fabrizio Romano, who has claimed that both Eric Bailly and Aaron Wan-Bissaka could join Nemanja Matic, Juan Mata, Edinson Cavani, Lee Grant, Jesse Lingard and Paul Pogba in leaving the club this summer.

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Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano said: “It’s important to say that two more players have chance to leave Manchester United in the summer.

“One is Eric Bailly because the player is not happy with his game time and so he’s waiting to see what will be the position of Erik ten Hag, but from what I’m told there are good chances for him to go in the summer to leave Manchester United. So Bailly will consider potential proposals.

“And for [Aaron] Wan-Bissaka, there is interest from Crystal Palace. They would love to have the player back but still no decision made on player side. So let’s see what Wan-Bissaka will decide in the coming months.

Supporters will be buzzing

Having conceded 52 Premier League goals this season, United’s defence has well and truly crumbled. The Red Devils have the eighth-worst concession record in the current top-flight campaign, with the likes of Burnley, Aston Villa and West Ham all shipping significantly fewer goals.

As a result, the majority of United fans will surely welcome the news that two defenders could be on their way out of Old Trafford this summer.

The appointment of Ten Hag, with Rangnick set to move into a consultancy role, is massive for United. It presents an opportunity to tear everything down and build from scratch.

That begins by addressing the futures of the current first-team players and trimming down the squad, before adding signings who can come in and reignite the spark of this sleeping giant.

With the likes of Denzel Dumfries mentioned as a potential replacement for Wan-Bissaka, the intent as to how Ten Hag will want to play at United seems very clear.

The 52-year-old wants his defenders to press and win back possession in and around the attacking third. United have been mediocre in that regard this season, winning the ball back in the attacking third at an average of just 4.4 times per match, a return bettered by 11 top-flight teams.

Therefore, the new manager will be looking for players who are comfortable operating in such an intense system and are competent both in and out of possession.

It’s an exciting time for Manchester United, who will be hoping that Ten Hag and Rangnick can awaken what is a sleeping giant in the world of football, and this planned overhaul of the defence will surely leave the Old Trafford faithful buzzing given their troubles in that regard over the past few months.

In other news: Man United are now best placed to sign £83m “diamond”, just imagine him & CR7

Manchester United have reportedly reignited their interest in signing West Ham United’s French centre-back Issa Diop.

What’s the word?

That is according to a fresh report from Foot Mercato, who claimed that Ralf Rangnick is keen to acquire the 25-year-old’s services on behalf of new Red Devils boss Erik Ten Hag.

David Moyes’ side would reportedly be prepared to let Diop depart in the summer for around €15m (£13m).

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Upgrade on Maguire

United have struggled in all areas this season, although it is their defence which has perhaps let them down the most.

With 52 league goals conceded this season, averaging a total of 1.5 conceded per match, the Red Devils have the sixth-worst defence overall in the current top-flight campaign.

Unsurprisingly, no defender has stood out for United, although Harry Maguire has been isolated for his performances by the media this season for some high-profile mistakes.

It is no wonder that Rangnick, who is set to take up a consultancy role with United next season, is eyeing up a move which would offer great value towards the club’s ambition of bolstering their defensive depth.

Diop, who has been described as a “rock” by Sam Tighe on Twitter, is not as tried-and-tested as Maguire when it comes to receiving the ball under pressure, although he does boast a record of zero errors per 90, which highlights his quality on the ball in stark contrast to the £80m liability.

The French centre-back has become something of a forgotten man when it comes to the Premier League, starting just 29% of West Ham’s top-flight games this season, although it is worth pointing out that injuries have played a massive part in him missing so much action.

As such, it may leave some of the United fanbase wondering exactly why Rangnick want to sign the £13m-rated Diop.

His performance in the Europa League clash against Lyon demonstrated exactly what the 6 foot 4 talent is truly about. He played an outstanding game at left centre-back which saw him make six clearances and three recoveries, all whilst maintaining his composure in possession as he achieved a respectable 86% pass accuracy.

Most importantly, he played a vital role in West Ham’s clean sheet in the second leg of that Europa League quarter-final in France as the Irons advanced to the last four of the tournament.

He could well prove to be a more reliable upgrade on Maguire at United, as evidenced by his lack of errors, although Ten Hag may prefer a left-footed centre-back.

In other news – Fewer touches than De Gea: Man Utd flop with just 12 passes must never play again