Transfer insider Dean Jones has been told that Manchester United are ‘extremely close’ to signing Benfica forward Darwin Nunez, GiveMeSport report.

The Lowdown: Nunez links

The Red Devils appear to be on the hunt for a new marquee striker this summer, with Nunez and Napoli’s Victor Osimhen heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-man-utd-updates-2/” title=”Latest Man Utd updates!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Approaches have been made for both and United are willing to spend big on Nunez, who knocked Erik ten Hag’s Ajax side out of the Champions League last season.

Ajax defender Jurrien Timber is reportedly on the brink of reuniting with Ten Hag in Manchester, and it looks as if Nunez could follow suit.

The Latest: Jones’ claim

Jones, talking to GMS, had this to say on United and Nunez, stating that he’s been told from a ‘source’ that an Old Trafford move is ‘extremely close’.

“One source described this deal to United to me as being ‘extremely close’.

“They consider Atletico Madrid as their main rivals to sign him, from what I hear, but obviously, loads around Europe are looking. If Darwin does move to Old Trafford, it will be a brilliant signing for the Ten Hag era.”

The Verdict: Fingers crossed

Nunez has come off the back of an outstanding campaign, scoring 34 times in 41 games. He impressed as a centre-forward, left-winger and second striker, so a move to United could be just what Ten Hag needs.

It looks like it could be an expensive deal with United willing to spend €80m (£67.8m), but you’d like to think it would be a shrewd long-term investment following his excellent campaign.

The new boss could find himself short of attacking options with Edinson Cavani leaving, so Nunez could be the ideal signing to play alongside Cristiano Ronaldo in a front two, in behind or on the wing.

In other news: Reliable journalist leaks Man Utd talks as Ten Hag now eyes ‘terrific’ Englishman. 

Leeds United could be set for a busy summer in the market after retaining their Premier League status, according to transfer insider Dean Jones. 

The lowdown: Early transfer business

Jesse Marsch’s side survived on the final day of the season with a victory over Brentford, but some big names could still be set to depart Elland Road as the likes of Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips continue to be linked with moves away.

Exits aside, the Whites look set to secure their first summer signing in the shape of Red Bull Salzburg attacking midfielder Brenden Aaronson, and it could be the first of many to come through the door.

That’s the view of one respected onlooker, who has had his say on the situation at the Yorkshire giants…

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-news-44/” title=”Latest Leeds United news!” poster=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/cropped-2022-03-10T184055Z_1834933207_UP1EI3A1FW561_RTRMADP_3_SOCCER-ENGLAND-LEE-AVA-REPORT-1-scaled-1.jpg” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The latest: ‘Really exciting’ summer ahead for Leeds

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones has claimed that it looks set to be an active summer transfer window for Leeds and director of football Victor Orta, with Marsch set to demand that the Whites aren’t left with such a close shave with relegation again next year.

He explained: “I think it now gets really exciting for Leeds. They can look for additions all over the squad and they will look to make sure that they’re not in this position again in a year’s time.

“Jesse Marsch will be saying ‘please, please now just see what I’ve given, the character I’ve put in this team is there and it’s going to be different from what you saw under Bielsa but it could be every bit as special’.”

The verdict: Overhaul required

Having failed to make any additions in January, Marsch and his predecessor Marcelo Bielsa were left bereft of options in the Leeds squad in order to arrest an alarming slide towards the drop zone. Ultimately the American won four of his 12 matches at the helm, just enough to stave off relegation to the Championship.

In order to avoid another season of similar struggles, Andrea Radrizzani must sanction a raft of incomings in order to bolster a young squad with an average age of just 24.7, regardless of who stays and who goes in the meantime.

Whether or not Marsch can indeed recreate the feel-good factor harnessed by Bielsa remains to be seen. However, with money to spend and hopefully the right recruitment, there is certainly the hope of a prosperous summer and a much-improved 2022/23 campaign.

In other news, Sky Sports drop worrying update on Leeds star. Find out who it is here

Everton have had one of their worst seasons in the Premier League era, narrowly avoiding relegation in what was a campaign filled with tension and poor performances under both Rafael Benitez and Frank Lampard.

There is no doubt that the latter must improve his squad over the summer, as a club the size of Everton shouldn’t be battling relegation, and a major restructure of the playing roster is surely imminent.

With the likelihood that there will be some incoming transfers, the manager will need to get rid of some deadwood, with Andre Gomes surely near the top of the list to go.

The Portuguese midfielder signed for Everton from Barcelona in 2019 for £22m and it hasn’t exactly represented the best value for money, playing 100 games for the Toffees and only scoring twice. Gomes was also dubbed “reckless” by David Prentice, and Lampard could see this summer as the ideal time to move him on, especially when there’s an ideal replacement already being linked with the club.

Spanish outlet AS recently reported that Everton are keen on signing 17-year-old Barcelona midfielder Gavi, who has been dubbed “spectacular” by his manager Xavi. To earn that praise from such an iconic footballer would make it a great move for the Toffees to sign the teenager not just for next season, but for what he could produce further into the future.

The youngster has made 33 La Liga appearances this season, chipping in with two goals and five assists. To make that kind of impact for a club like Barcelona at such a young age suggests that he has an extremely bright future, and Everton could make a massive statement by signing him this summer.

Gavi could be the fulcrum around whom Lampard can build his side; and with the 17-year-old’s talent and maturity, it would be a shrewd signing. It would also mean that Everton could axe Gomes, whose performances this season have left a lot to be desired.

AND in other news, Everton handed huge injury lift as early Arsenal team news emerges

Leeds United could revive their move for Noa Lang after securing Premier League survival. 

The lowdown

Leeds snatched 17th place and safety from Burnley on the final day of the season as they beat Brentford 2-1 and the Clarets lost 2-1 to Newcastle United.

It emerged last August that Leeds were interested in Lang, but he wound up making his loan from Ajax to Club Brugge permanent instead.

And Football Insider reported earlier this month that the Whites have held fresh talks over the potential deal.

Lang is predominantly a left winger but he’s showcased some impressive versatility in the early years of his career, featuring as a second striker, attacking midfielder, central midfielder and right winger too.

He has three years left on the contract he signed last summer with the Jupiler Pro League champions, and is valued at £19.8million by Transfermarkt.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-news-44/” title=”Latest Leeds United news!” poster=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/cropped-2022-03-10T184055Z_1834933207_UP1EI3A1FW561_RTRMADP_3_SOCCER-ENGLAND-LEE-AVA-REPORT-1-scaled-1.jpg” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The latest

Speaking to GiveMeSport on Saturday, journalist Pete O’Rourke said Leeds’ fate in the relegation battle would likely determine whether a move for Lang was realistic.

“A lot depends on where Leeds are next season. If they’re in the Premier League they might have a chance of signing Noa Lang, but if they get relegated to the Championship, it’s not going to happen because he will be looking to play at the highest level as possible.”

Now that they are safe, it follows that they may well ‘have a chance’ of landing the Dutchman.

The verdict

If Lang does join Leeds, it will be intriguing to see where he slots into the side.

He’ll certainly be pushing for a starting spot, having combined nine goals with 15 assists this season and making his debut for the Netherlands, a top ten international side.

Analyst Filip Joos has described him as ‘the best player in the [Belgian] league’, while retired Dutch player Pierre van Hooijdonk likened him to Robin van Persie.

Lang could compete with Jack Harrison for a place on the left-hand side, but The Athletic’s Phil Hay has also raised the possibility that he could replace Barcelona-linked Raphinha.

And there’s even a chance Jesse Marsch might seek to utilise him through the middle, as he did with Rodrigo and Dan James.

His versatility opens up a whole host of possibilities.

In other news, read this journalist’s key Laurens De Bock claim. 

Pundit Gabby Agbonlahor believes Leeds United forward Joe Gelhardt may be ‘another’ player to leave cheaply if the Whites go down this weekend, Football Insider report.

The Lowdown: Exit links

Gelhardt has established himself as a regular in the match-day squad this season and has failed to feature in just three of the last 14 Premier League games.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-updates-3/” title=”Latest Leeds United updates!” poster=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/cropped-2022-03-10T184055Z_1834933207_UP1EI3A1FW561_RTRMADP_3_SOCCER-ENGLAND-LEE-AVA-REPORT-1-scaled-1.jpg” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The 20-year-old provided a moment of quality last weekend to set up Pascal Struijk in injury time against Brighton, but reports earlier this month claimed that top-flight rivals will look to poach the youngster if Leeds find themselves in the Championship next season.

Jesse Marsch’s side now know that a defeat against Brentford on the final day of the season will send the club back to the Championship, and Agbonlahor has had his say on a number of Leeds stars and their futures.

The Latest: Agbonlahor’s claim

Agbonlahor, who contributes for Sky Sports, was talking to FI at what relegation could mean for Leeds.

He said that Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips will hand in ‘transfer requests’, should the Whites go down and also believes Gelhardt is ‘another’ who could leave for a ‘cheap fee’.

“If Leeds go down they are going to lose loads of players.

“Phillips and Raphinha will be handing in transfer requests to leave. They will not go back to the Championship.

“The biggest thing is that the Championship is getting harder and harder to get out of. Sheffield United haven’t gone up, you’ve got Norwich, Watford, and Middlesbrough all up there as favourites to come up. Leeds will find it hard to come straight back up.

“As much as it’s massive money wise, it’s about keeping your players too.

“Gelhardt is another one that clubs will be wanting to nick for a cheap fee.”

The Verdict: Make him a regular

Should the worst-case scenario happen this weekend, then the likes of Raphinha and Phillips will almost certainly leave. You’d expect that a few more big earners could also depart, however, Leeds should be under no pressure to part ways with Gelhardt.

He’s under contract until 2024 and has shown his quality this season, so it could be wise to make him a regular starter in a rebuild under Marsch in the Championship.

Hopefully, Leeds can better Burnley’s result on Sunday and fans won’t have to worry about a Premier League side poaching Gelhardt and another spell in the second tier – only time will tell.

In other news: Orta now finally set to accept defeat as Leeds plot exit for Bielsa ‘mistake’ – opinion. 

Journalist Graeme Bailey of 90min has a fresh update for Tottenham Hotspur supporters as their club and manager Antonio Conte re-join the race to sign Adama Traore.

The Lowdown: Spurs eye return?

Reports have suggested that a third attempt to sign Wolves’ star, who spent the second half of 2021/2022 on loan at Barcelona, may well be on the cards.

This comes after Spurs tried to bring in Traore on a temporary deal themselves before the Catalans swooped in.

Conte was eyeing a move for the Spaniard in a quick-fix to his right-wing-back issue, seeing Traore as a capable makeshift option and superior to both Matt Doherty and Emerson Royal at the time (The Athletic).

The Latest: Conte in the mix…

As now backed by 90min and transfer ‘insider’ Bailey, the Lilywhites and by extension Conte are back in the mix to sign him this summer alongside Leeds United and Newcastle United.

Despite Barca not taking up the option to sign him permanently, it is believed Traore is set to leave this summer as he enters the final year of his deal at Molineux.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/tottenham-latest-developments-2/” title=”Tottenham latest developments!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Make the move?

Failing to agree terms the first time, at least according to 90min, we believe a swoop should be considered once again but only if it can be wrapped up swiftly this time around.

Tottenham spent a large portion of January attempting to tie up the 26-year-old only to see Barca hijack a move in what was a very regrettable moment for club chiefs.

Lauded as a ‘world-beater’ when at his best, Traore has the quality to strengthen Spurs, with former manager Tim Sherwood once drawing attention to how ‘big’ and ‘powerful’ he is as a player.

Calciomercato also recently claimed that he ‘likes’ Tottenham, so given he’s allegedly open to joining Conte, perhaps a move may be easier this time round.

In other news: ‘Definitely’ – Alasdair Gold says ‘exciting’ Conte target is now eyeing a move to Tottenham! Find out more here.

After a disappointing Champions League final for Liverpool the supporters were hit with more bad news as it was reported that Sadio Mane plans to leave the club this summer, and now a reliable source has given an update from the club’s perspective.

What’s the latest?

Liverpool reporter for The Athletic James Pearce has given a deeper insight into the potential departure of Sadio Mane this summer and how the club are set to approach the situation.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-liverpool-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-salah-gnabry-isak-romano” title= “Read the latest Liverpool news!”]

As per Pearce’s report for The Athletic, senior sources at Anfield have revealed that the club will not accept the reported €30m (£25.5m) and the club believes that it would be more beneficial to keep the player for another 12 months and let him go on a free transfer in 2023.

However, Liverpool value Mane at around €50m (£42.5m) and would only be interested in sanctioning a deal for the winger if they can find a suitable replacement this summer.

Supporters will be gutted

Mane has been a consistent and outstanding performer for Liverpool over the last six years since he joined the club in 2016, and has played a key part in winning huge honours including the Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup.

Not only that, the Senegalese attacker has won the Premier League golden boot and finished fourth in the Ballon d’Or in 2019, proving that he has been considered one of the best players in the world during his time on Merseyside, so supporters will surely be gutted at the prospect of him leaving this summer.

The rumoured decision on Mane’s part to leave the club comes as he has one year left on his contract alongside Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino, and it was believed earlier this month that FSG would work to open contract negotiations with the two wingers in particular to secure their future at Anfield.

With that being said, Pearce’s update does offer an element of positivity for supporters as Liverpool are clearly not ready to let the player go easily and will work to either find a like for like replacement to make sure the club does not suffer from Mane’s exit in the upcoming season should they reach an agreement that is mutually beneficial.

Either way, the news that a player who has scored 120 times for them is set to depart is not ideal at all. It’s certainly a huge blow to Klopp’s Anfield empire.

AND in other news: Forget Mane: Klopp can land new LFC hero in deal for “tenacious” £100m “predator”

Leeds United chiefs have ‘discussed’ signing Blackburn Rovers striker Ben Brereton Diaz this summer, according to The Daily Mail.

The Lowdown: 22 goals

Brereton Diaz, described as the ‘face of Pepsi’ in Chile due to massive marketing campaigns following his international success, enjoyed a fine 2021/22 campaign in the Championship. The 23-year-old played on the left and through the middle, ending the season with 22 goals in 37 league games.

Tony Mowbray has hailed the forward as an ‘extraordinary talent’, and it seems as if the South American is still on Leeds’ radar following links during the January window.

The Latest: Whites talks

The Daily Mail’s Simon Jones shared a Leeds transfer update on Tuesday afternoon, mainly focusing on the club’s interest in FC Salzburg right-back Rasmus Kristensen.

However, the journalist also leaked inside talks regarding Brereton Diaz, stating that Leeds officials, presumably Victor Orta, have held discussions about signing the forward in recent months, as well as Lewis O’Brien from Huddersfield.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-updates-4/” title=”Latest Leeds United updates!” poster=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/cropped-2022-03-10T184055Z_1834933207_UP1EI3A1FW561_RTRMADP_3_SOCCER-ENGLAND-LEE-AVA-REPORT-1-scaled-1.jpg” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Forward required

A striker is certainly needed for Jesse Marsch’s first full season in charge, with the American relying on Joe Gelhardt for the final games of the recent season.

Star forward Patrick Bamford was limited to just seven league stats due to a number of injuries, so Brereton Diaz could be a shrewd signing following an impressive campaign.

Phil Hay has stated that the Whites would prefer a forward with Premier League experience, something Brereton Diaz doesn’t have, but following his best season in front of goal and offering great versatility, he may well be a smart alternative.

In other news: After Kristensen: Radz & 49ers now ready to write Leeds cheque for ‘really exciting’ midfielder. 

An update has emerged regarding Newcastle United’s pursuit of Yannick Carrasco heading into the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

According to Spanish outlet AS, the Magpies are ready to pay the 28-year-old’s release clause of €60m (£51m) to bring him to St James’ Park in the coming months.

The report claims that Atletico Madrid will refuse to negotiate a lower fee as they want to keep the Belgian international, who is said to be happy in Spain.

Eddie Howe would love him

Howe would surely love to have the winger on Tyneside next season, as Carrasco is a proven performer at the top level in Europe.

He has played in six La Liga campaigns for Atletico and two Ligue 1 seasons for Monaco earlier in his career, showing that he knows what it takes to perform in a major European league.

The attacker played more than 100 games for the latter and is currently sat on 219 appearances for the former, scoring 57 goals and setting up 63 in that time for both clubs combined.

Carrasco has showcased his quality over a number of years in two different countries, and journalist Josh Bunting once dubbed him “extremely underrated”.

In the 2021/22 campaign, the forward produced six goals and six assists in La Liga and created 10 ‘big chances’ for Atletico. He can score and set up goals in the final third, and Howe would be buzzing to have a player of his quality in the Magpies’ squad.

No Newcastle player managed more than five assists in the Premier League and Callum Wilson was the only one to score more than five times. This suggests that Carrasco would be an upgrade on what the 44-year-old currently has to work with at the top end of the pitch.

At the age of 28, the Belgian wizard should be in the prime years of his career, as he is not a young player coming up through the ranks with little experience under his belt. This means that he whould be expected to slot straight into the team and hit the ground running if he moves to St James’ Park.

Howe will love to have a player who he can trust enough to throw in the deep end instantly, as it means that he can immediately improve the team, rather than needing to wait for them to develop over several months or seasons.

AND in other news, Ashworth can land big Wood upgrade in Newcastle deal for £30m gem who’s “one of the best”…

Aston Villa are closing in on the permanent signing of goalkeeper Robin Olsen, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

What’s the word?

As per the transfer insider, the Midlands outfit appear keen to exercise the buy option in the Swede’s loan deal, with the 32-year-old having joined the club on a temporary switch from Serie A side AS Roma back in January.

Writing on Twitter about the situation regarding the 56-cap international, Romano revealed that an agreement is close: “Aston Villa are getting closer to find full agreement with AS Roma on Robin Olsen deal. Buy option clause for €3.5m expected to be triggered soon, as Aston Villa want to keep Olsen at the club. Talks in progress, the deal could be completed soon.”

The £1.8m-rated giant had spent the first half of the 2021/22 season on loan at Championship outfit Sheffield United, prior to moving to Villa Park, having also played the role of understudy to Jordan Pickford at Everton the year prior.

Supporters delighted

It may not prove to be quite as exciting as the club’s other summer business – having already snapped up Boubacar Kamara, Diego Carlos and Philippe Coutinho – yet supporters will no doubt be delighted to see the proactive attitude to Steven Gerrard’s squad rebuild, with the former Rangers boss seemingly wanting to get his transfer dealings done swiftly.

With further additions also in the pipeline, amid links to soon-to-be free agent Luis Suarez, the former England skipper appears to be receiving substantial backing in order to put his stamp on the squad, with expectations for next term now likely to have sky-rocketed.

As for Olsen, there may not be too many fireworks over a player who was technically already at the club and had made just a solitary Premier League appearance during his six-month loan stint, although he will no doubt provide quality cover to undisputed first-choice, Emi Martinez.

The 6 foot 5 stopper’s solitary top-flight outing came in that remarkable final-day defeat to eventual champions Manchester City at the Etihad, with the visitors squandering a two-goal to help hand Pep Guardiola’s men the title.

The one-time Malmo man had hardly been culpable for any of City’s excellently crafted goals – nor did he deserve to be on the receiving of an awful, post-match assault from a home supporter – with Villa’s problems this term having largely been among the defence, rather than between the sticks – shipping 54 goals in the most recent campaign.

A veteran at international level, Olsen also provides valuable experience to a dressing room that is beginning to overflow with top-class talent, with his presence in the dressing room potentially set to prove vital next term.

As for supporters, they will likely be glad to see the deal wrapped up quickly, so that the club can prioritise other areas of need.

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