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Manchester United are preparing a bid for a former Ole Gunnar Solskjær target.

What’s the word?

That is according to a report from The Sun, who claimed that AC Milan midfielder Ismael Bennacer is subject to a bid from the Red Devils, who have renewed their interest in a player who was originally wanted by Solskjær.

As per the report, it is said that Old Trafford officials are thought to have spoken to their Rossoneri counterparts about the Algerian, with the Serie A champions setting an asking price of £43m.

Supporters will love him

Despite being a former Arsenal player, Bennacer is the type of holding midfielder that United fans would love.

Even more pertinently, he seems the type of player who would fit into an Erik ten Hag possession-based system like a glove.

Able to function as a central midfielder, Bennacer is a progressive pivot and dictates play with his range of passing. He completes around 52.82 passes per game at a success rate of 85.8%, which is even more impressive when you look at the types of passes he is making in a 90-minute case study.

Hailed as “lucid” in possession by San Siro icon Massimo Ambrosini, the 24-year-old completes an average of 2.98 switches per game, with 5.97 progressive passes per 90 at a cumulative distance of 293.68 yards. He averages around 4.88 passes into the final third per match and is stable in possession, especially in tight-knit scenarios, averaging around 9.71 passes under pressure in a metric which hints at his ability to play in a high-possession system capable of breaking down a low block.

Bennacer is the kind of stabiliser who is needed in United’s midfield, and his ability as a ball winner (average of 5.97 tackles and interceptions per game), allied with his ability in possession, demonstrates that well.

Essentially, he is a more well-rounded version of Edson Alvarez – a starter under Ten Hag at Ajax – which gives a clear indication that the Algerian would likely take to the Dutchman’s mass-possession system like a duck to water, so to speak.

In other news – “Keen to sign..“: Transfer insider drops Man Utd claim that’ll have supporters buzzing

West Ham United got through the 2021/22 season with Michail Antonio as the only natural centre-forward in their squad.

Now that the campaign has ended with the Irons reaching the semi-finals of the Europa League and finishing seventh in the Premier League, the focus will be on the summer transfer window and potentially bringing in some new players to strengthen the squad.

Last summer, the east London club were linked with a move for England striker Tammy Abraham before he eventually moved to Roma from Chelsea for £34m. With the latest transfer window now open, the Hammers and David Moyes have a chance to sign what could be their own version of the Giallorossi star.

The player who could fit this bill is Moise Kean, who has recently been linked with a move to the London Stadium.

After working his way through Juventus’ youth ranks and into their senior team, the striker joined Everton in 2019 for an initial £25.1m.

Despite only scoring four goals in 39 appearances for the Toffees, the 22-year-old has still racked up 82 goals in 224 appearances throughout his career.

This shows that, despite his previous struggles in England, the Italian marksman is a capable attacking figure who has enough time ahead of him to develop even further, just as Abraham did before jetting off to Rome and scoring 17 goals in 37 Serie A matches.

According to FBRef, the former Chelsea youngster is listed as one of the similar players to Kean, further highlighting the likeness between the two.

Labelled a “courageous” player by his former Paris Saint-Germain boss Thomas Tuchel, the Juventus prodigy could have the motivation to make a return to England and show people what he’s really capable of producing, which could then give the Irons an advantage in their proposed attempts to sign him.

West Ham need to add an extra centre-forward to their squad and Everton might seek to get Kean and his £49k-per-week wages off their books, so if an opportunity to bring the striker to the London Stadium arises this summer or beyond, this is something that GSB should definitely consider.

In other news: Moyes could land dream Yarmolenko heir as West Ham now plot bid for “special” £18m “talent”

Wolverhampton Wanderers are among the clubs interested in signing FC Porto midfielder Sergio Oliveira this summer, according to O Jogo (via Sport Witness). 

The lowdown: Experienced operator

The 30-year-old has enjoyed a well-travelled career to date, having started out in the youth system at Porto before spending time on loan at various clubs including Nantes, Mechelen and PAOK Salonika prior to a loan spell at AS Roma this year.

The midfielder has made a mammoth 315 senior domestic appearances and recently added the Europa Conference League to a trophy cabinet which boasts three Portuguese league titles, three Portuguese Cups, one Greek top-flight title and one Greek domestic cup.

Despite a long and distinguished career, Oliveira is yet to take on the Premier League, although that could be about to change in the near future…

The latest: Wolves interested in Oliveira

As per O Jogo, translated by Sport Witness, Wolves are ‘interested’ in the prospect of adding the 13-cap Portugal star to their ranks.

It is claimed that Napoli, Valencia and Lazio are also in contention to sign Oliveira, who was described as a ‘champion’ by Roma manager Jose Mourinho during his time in Italy.

The report outlines the influence of super-agent and known Old Gold affiliate Jorge Mendes, as Porto hope to receive offers of around €10m (£8.5m) for the cultured midfielder.

The verdict: Smart move

With the future of Ruben Neves hanging in the balance and Joao Moutinho’s ever-advancing years in mind, signing Oliveira for anything close to the mooted asking price would be a shrewd move from the Molineux hierarchy.

During 2021/22, the Portuguese ace scored eight goals and provided two assists from 46 appearances across his time with Porto and Roma. In Serie A, he earned a 7.04 Sofascore rating and won an impressive 4.9 duels per game in the process, underscoring his battle-hardened nature and his strong durability.

Possessing similar traits to robust operators such as John McGinn, Abdoulaye Doucoure and Rodrigo de Paul (FBRef), Oliveira would add a decorated and much-needed alternative to Bruno Lage’s midfield options after the Old Gold ran out of steam towards the end of the recent campaign.

In other news: Wolves also want to bring this ‘special talent’ to Molineux, read more here

Out-of-favour Celtic centre-back Christopher Jullien will be sold by the club this summer, according to former Hoops striker Frank McAvennie.

The Lowdown: Jullien’s lack of playing time

The 29-year-old has been dogged by injury problems during his time at Parkhead, which has stunted his development hugely since arriving in 2019.

In fact, Jullien was limited to just one Scottish Cup appearance in the entire 2021/22 season, with Carl Starfelt and Cameron Carter-Vickers the first-choice centre-back pairing.

The Frenchman’s current deal at Celtic expires next year and it looks likely that he will leave this summer.

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The Latest: Summer exit predicted for Jullien

Speaking to Football Insider, McAvennie said that he fully expects Jullien to move on from Glasgow this summer, claiming that Ange Postecoglou would be happy to sell the defender. The 62-year-old stated:

“It’s clear that Ange doesn’t like him [Jullien]. There were so many games to play last season and he never got a look in, that tells me he’s pretty much finished at Celtic.

“Carter-Vickers and Starfelt played every game. I think one of them needs a big, powerful defender to partner them at the back and you would think Jullien fits that mould.

“But he hasn’t played and it doesn’t sound like he’s injured again so Ange clearly doesn’t like him as a player. I expect he will leave this summer because Ange won’t keep anyone who isn’t contributing.”

The Verdict: Ideal time to leave

It is a shame how Jullien’s Celtic career has panned out overall – Neil Lennon once hailed him as ‘excellent’ – with the defender powerless to do anything about his constant injury issues over the years.

However, he is surely now surplus to requirements at Parkhead and it makes complete sense for him to leave this summer, giving the Hoops the chance to receive a fee for his services and him the chance to revive his career elsewhere.

If not, Jullien would be allowed to leave for free in 2023, which wouldn’t be beneficial for Celtic in the slightest. It therefore suits all parties to secure his exit imminently, if indeed a prospective suitor emerges.

In other news, a journalist has provided a key Celtic transfer update. Read more here.

Liverpool goalkeeper Adrian has hinted that he will leave the club at the end of the season, having struggled to enjoy much playing time this season.

The Lowdown: Adrian’s lack of minutes

There was a time when the 35-year-old was the Reds’ hero in the 2019 Super Cup, as his penalty heroics in the shootout allowed the Reds to beat Chelsea.

Those days are long gone now, however, with Adrian the third-choice ‘keeper at Liverpool, having fallen behind Caoimhin Kelleher in the pecking order.

In fact, the Spaniard has been limited to just one solitary appearance this season, coming in the Carabao Cup against Preston, and he could leave when his contract expires next month.

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The Latest: Spaniard hints at exit

Speaking to Cadena SER [via Sport Witness], Adrian made it fairly clear what he wants next:

“Alisson is one of the best goalkeepers in the world. We all want to play, and this season has not been as he would have liked. When we finish the season, we will evaluate; I still have a lot to contribute.

“I love my profession and being a professional. We will evaluate when the time comes.

“I would say yes, with a bit more strength (to a return to Spain). Obviously, the country pulls a little, and I would like to return to La Liga, but that is always if the opportunity arises. But I still have a year left on my contract.”

The Verdict: Time to leave

In truth, it makes perfect sense for Adrian to head elsewhere before next season, with Jurgen Klopp essentially deeming him surplus to requirements.

It is very difficult to envisage him usurping Kelleher as Alisson’s deputy, meaning he will again barely even make match-day squads moving forward.

At 35, Adrian is still not necessarily past his best as a goalkeeper, so a return to Spain to a club where he is first-choice between the sticks looks like an ideal way to see out his playing days.

In other news, journalist David Maddock has dropped a ‘huge’ Liverpool claim. Read more here.

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.

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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. 

Having come to the end of the Premier League season, Manchester United found themselves languishing in sixth position in the table, the joint second lowest they had finished a campaign since Alex Ferguson retired in May 2013.

The demise has been terrible, but hopefully, new manager Erik ten Hag can use the winning experience he gained at Ajax to great effect. Although the same was said for Jose Mourinho and Louis van Gaal.

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The squad requires a major summer overhaul, with too much deadwood needing replaced in the transfer window and certain positions urgently needing to be improved. The club is in desperate need of a centre forward this summer, with Edinson Cavani departing at the end of the season and the team over-reliant on the 37-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo, who has netted 24 times during the campaign.

United have been linked with a host of names, but ten Hag may have found his very own “Ibrahimovic” in Austrian striker Sasa Kalajdzic, with the Red Devils’ target thought to be available for just £21m.

They will face a tough battle, however, as European heavyweights, PSG and Borussia Dortmund have shown a keen interest in the player, who has been compared to the aforementioned Ibrahimovic and Peter Crouch, due to his “lanky” 6 foot 7 frame, and these could stand him in good stead if he moved to England.

It’s not just his tall frame that has earned these comparisons however, the 24-year-old has netted six goals in just 15 matches as his season has been disrupted by injury and he scored in his side’s last two matches to secure Stuttgart’s Bundesliga status.

Heading is a strong part of his game, another reason to draw the Ibrahimovic and Crouch comparisons and there is no doubt he could succeed in England and be the talisman that ten Hag needs.

Stuttgart chief Sven Mislintat has stated that the player is “likely” to leave the German club in the summer and this should put United on red alert ahead of a potential swoop.

AND in other news, Man United are now the “frontrunners” to sign £35m “great leader”, ten Hag needs him

Crystal Palace midfielder Luka Milivojevic is reportedly considering a departure from Selhurst Park this summer with former employers Olympiacos interested in re-signing the Serbian.

What’s the word?

That’s according to Inside Futbol, who claim that the 31-year-old could leave south London with game time under Patrick Vieira this term limited.

Milivojevic has made just 14 Premier League appearances this season, nine of which have been starts, with a place in the XI against Aston Villa last weekend his first in the top-flight since February.

The Serbian had been a kingpin in the Palace side under Roy Hodgson, but new manager Vieira hasn’t taken a shine to the 31-year-old who will undoubtedly be keen to play more frequently next term, which looks like it will be away from Selhurst Park.

Palace fans will be gutted

Although it will be the best outcome for Milivojevic, Palace fans will certainly be sad to see an excellent servant leave.

Since his move from Olympiacos in January 2017, the midfielder has gone on to make 176 appearances for the Eagles, scoring 28 goals and registering six assists.

Moreover, the Serbia international is still regarded as the club’s captain, taking the armband this season whenever he has started.

However, a departure for the 31-year-old would surely be a mini-disaster as it would leave the Palace midfield incredibly light and would certainly require Vieira to dip into the transfer market to sign at least one quality central midfielder.

With Conor Gallagher set to return to Chelsea upon the conclusion of his loan deal whilst James McArthur and Cheikhou Kouyate’s contracts are set to expire, only 27-year-old Will Hughes will be left.

The French manager has already demonstrated how he wants to integrate fresh, young talent into what was an ageing Palace squad with the likes of Michael Olise, Odsonne Edouard and Gallagher all joining last summer.

Now, it appears as though the same sort of makeover will occur in the midfielder, with Miliojevic a victim of that.

Despite limited playing time this season, the Serbian will be regarded highly at Selhurst Park and supporters will be gutted to see him leave.

AND in other news: Imagine him and Olise: CPFC must swoop for £13.5m-rated wizard, Vieira would adore him

Manchester United have reportedly initiated contact with Napoli over a summer swoop for Victor Osimhen.

The Lowdown: United ‘on pole’ for Osimhen

It looks set to be a busy summer at Old Trafford ahead of Erik ten Hag’s first season as Red Devils manager. A number of outgoings are expected, one of which is Edinson Cavani, who is out of contract at the end of the season.

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Ten Hag will be left with limited central attacking options as a result of the Uruguayan’s exit, with reports suggesting that United are ‘on pole’ to sign the ‘highly unpredictable’ Osimhen.

The Nigeria international has contributed to 23 goals in 30 games for Napoli this season, and a further update has now emerged ahead of a possible move to Manchester.

The Latest: Contact made

Sport Witness relayed an update from Corriere dello Sport regarding Osimhen and United. They claimed that the Red Devils have initiated contact with Napoli to find out the forward’s price tag.

The Serie A club have told United that they want €110m (£94.3m) for the 23-year-old, although that figure appears to be negotiable.

The Verdict: Big money…

Osimhen has scored goals in Belgium, France and Italy and is seemingly getting better each season, but it looks as if United may need to pay a huge fee for his services.

Therefore, the Red Devils should be in close discussion with Ten Hag, ensuring that he definitely sees the 23-year-old in his plans before attempting to push through a move.

It looks as if they are already putting plans in place over a mega-money transfer for the centre-forward, who can also play out wide, making this a prospective deal to keep a close eye on over the coming weeks.

In other news: Man Utd want to sign ‘underrated’ defender in £38m swoop following Brighton loss

Newcastle United ‘might be tempted to consider offers’ for Miguel Almiron this summer, according to Mark Douglas for The I. 

The lowdown

The Magpies shelled out a then-club record £20m to sign the Paraguay international from MLS outfit Atlanta United in January 2019. It was the most expensive departure in the league’s history and ranks in the top six on Newcastle’s list of record incomings.

However, the 28-year-old has arguably struggled to live up to that price tag over the past three-and-a-half seasons. It took him 24 matches to register his first goal involvement, and he has only contributed to 19 goals (scored 14, set up five) in his 120 appearances for the club overall.

The Paraguayan’s £42,300-per-week contract runs until the summer of 2024, and he is valued at £14.4m by Transfermarkt.

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The latest

The I’s northern football correspondent Douglas has listed some of the players who ‘might go’ in order to trim an oversized squad and ease any Financial Fair Play (FFP) concerns for Newcastle.

The reporter named Almiron as a player for whom the club could be tempted to entertain transfer offers, and while it’s not yet a certainty that thr 28-year-old will be made available, it may be one to keep an eye on.

The verdict

Between 22 January and 10 March, Almiron played just 17 minutes across three appearances, and the outlook at St James’ Park seemed bleak for him.

However, his involvement in Eddie Howe’s team has since increased. Indeed, he has started six of the Magpies’ last eight Premier League matches, scoring the winner against Crystal Palace last month.

That is why some Newcastle supporters might be surprised to read of his potential exit. While his goal contribution record does leave a lot to be desired, the St James’ Park faithful may still be sad to see him go if he is sold.

In the words of Paul Merson, Almiron ‘gives every last drop for the cause’, a trait which is often appreciated by football fans in their clubs’ players.

In other news, Newcastle’s stance on this £15m transfer has now changed.