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Crystal Palace are still interested in signing Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah this summer, according to a report from Sky Sports. 

The lowdown: Contract saga

With the 23-year-old set to become a free agent at the end of the month as things stand (Transfermarkt), the Gunners are believed to still be in talks with the player regarding a contract extension.

Having made an early switch from Chelsea, the England youth revelation has come through the ranks in north London and spent a short time out on loan at Leeds United during the embryonic stage of his senior career.

With doubts continuing to abound over 23-year-old’s future, the Eagles are among those looking closely at the striker…

The latest: Eagles eyeing Eddie

As per Sky Sports, Crystal Palace and Borussia Monchengladbach remain ‘interested’ in signing Nketiah.

It’s claimed that the England under-21’s all-time top scorer has ‘expressed a desire to play regular first-team football’ as Arsenal attempt to persuade him to remain at the Emirates Stadium.

However, the report added that Nketiah – who was described as ‘tremendous’ by journalist Layth Yousif following a brace and two-goal, 8.60 Sofascore-rated performance against Chelsea in April – is ‘finalising details’ on a new deal with the Gunners.

The verdict: Shrewd move

Still holding a market value of £9m (Transfermarkt), the capture of Nketiah on a free transfer would be a sensational piece of business from Palace, particularly should Christian Benteke leave Selhurst Park this summer.

Previously on the periphery of matters at Arsenal, the talented youngster came to the forefront of matters last season with 10 goals and one assist in 27 senior outings, showing signs of proving his Premier League capabilities.

Despite an impressive campaign from Jean-Philippe Mateta, with only 10-goal duo Odsonne Edouard and Benteke as frontline centre-forward backup options, Eagles boss Patrick Vieira and co should remain attentive to Nketiah’s situation in north London and be prepared to make their move should the time arise.

Indeed, Sky Sports’ claim about the 23-year-old expressing a desire for regular football may suggest that he is open to leaving the Emirates.

In other news, read the latest update on another Palace transfer target

Everton have been given the green light to sign Manchester City left-back Oleksandr Zinchenko during the summer transfer window.

What’s the news?

That’s according to Fabrizio Romano, who tweeted: “Manchester City are prepared to let Oleksandr Zinchenko leave as they are targeting Marc Cucurella, with an official bid coming soon – decision was made in May. Zinchenko can be sold and Everton have his name in the list as one of the main targets. Other clubs also keen.”

The Toffees could hold the advantage in this deal as Frank Lampard is likely to play the Ukrainian further forward in a midfield role, with the 44-year-old looking to add a bit more creative input to his stagnating midfield.

Man City value the player at £30m according to 90min.

He can be Lampard’s Robertson

Everton escaped relegation by the skin of their teeth last season and Lampard will know a slow start in the upcoming campaign won’t be enough to please the Goodison faithful.

He inherited a squad from Rafa Benitez and this is the first full transfer window that he will have to be able to add some quality to his side, and with the imminent signing of James Tarkowski, it looks like an excellent start.

Being linked with the £22.5m-rated Zinchenko shows real ambition from Lampard and he may have to pay over his valuation to secure his services.

Having been dubbed “unique” in the past, his versatility will be a bonus for the manager, and he is similar to Liverpool’s Andy Robertson as per FBref.

Although both play at left-back on a regular basis, their attacking abilities are excellent, with both generating over three shot-creating actions per match (3.61 for Zinchenko and 3.37 for Robertson).

Both players passing was of a high standard last season, with Zincehnko (89.3% completed passes) and Robertson (81%) displaying their ability to start attacks and keep possession.

While Robertson loves to burst forward down the left-wing and deliver crosses (89 last season), Zinchenko wasn’t as proficient (28), but he did play fewer matches.

The two play the game in a similar fashion and with Lampard potentially moving the player into a midfield role next season, these stats could be even higher next year.

AND in other news, Moshiri plots Everton bid for “dangerous” £72k-p/w “real talent”, he’s another Anthony Gordon…

Manchester United are interested in bringing Ajax forward Antony to Old Trafford this summer in what represents a change in transfer strategy from the club.

What’s the story?

According to ESPN, United have switched their transfer focus to a more versatile attacker rather than a traditional forward after failing to sign striker Darwin Nunez.

Antony represents that change and manager Erik ten Hag and director of football director John Murtough are keen to sign the player.

The Brazilian is also interested in linking up with the Red Devils, however, Ajax are demanding around €80m (£69m) for the player, despite him only being rated at £31.5m.

This could prove to be a problem unless the two clubs reach a compromise, which is what many at Old Trafford will be hoping.

He’s an upgrade on Rashford

As a winger, one player he would be in direct competition with at Old Trafford is Marcus Rashford. The 24-year-old is Manchester born and bred and has risen through the famous United academy to become an important player for the club.

However, like many players last season, he underperformed and hasn’t ruled out moving away from the club before. Regardless if he were to leave or stay, Antony would be an upgrade.

Rashford will remain a starter in the hearts of many United fans, but realistically, unless he finds another level next season, the club need to be aiming higher if they want to return to winning ways.

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He scored just five times in 32 appearances in all competitions last season, a world away from the 21 he netted in the 2019/20 campaign.

He seems a shadow of his former self at present, so bringing in Antony would provide a better alternative and good competition that could perhaps spur the Englishman on.

In just 33 appearances last season he was directly involved in 22 goals and at 22 years old has already been capped for Brazil six times.

They are impressive numbers, and you may say it’s because the Eredivisie is an easier league, but he was producing top performances in the Champions League as well.

He’s been described as “wonderful” by Dutch scout Piet de Visser and you can see why.

When you compare them both directly, Antony triumphs in many areas – averaging 1.41 shots on target per 90 minutes compared to Rashford’s 0.87.

He also made four times more crosses than Rashford over the course of last season. United need to do everything they can to secure this deal and reunited Antony with Ten Hag.

AND in other news: Sky Sports reveal big Manchester United transfer update, supporters will be buzzing

West Ham United are reportedly plotting a move for Sassuolo striker Giacomo Raspadori, as David Moyes looks to bolster his attacking options.

What’s the word?

According to 90min, the Hammers have made contact with the Serie A side regarding a potential deal for the 22-year-old – as well as teammate Gianluca Scamacca – with a new centre-forward addition firmly on the agenda.

The east London side have already wrapped up the summer arrival of centre-back Nayef Aguerd, although additional transfers are seemingly in the offing, amid reports that Moyes and co are seeking a further six new signings.

As per this latest report, a new striker is a ‘priority’ this summer, with the club looking to ease the burden on current number nine Michail Antonio, with the 32-year-old currently the only recognised centre-forward in the first-team squad.

Di Canio 2.0

That reported interest in the €35m (£30m) Raspadori comes following what was another impressive campaign for the Italy international, as he netted ten league goals and provided a further six assists in 36 league outings.

The £25.2m-rated gem had burst onto the scene the year prior after scoring six times in 27 league appearances, with that form seeing him thrust into Roberto Mancini’s squad at Euro 2020, where the Azzurri ultimately ran out winners.

Such standout form of late has also seen him receive glowing praise from Sassuolo CEO Giovanni Carnevali, who said of the £3.2k-per-week starlet: “Raspadori has one quality that makes him stand out among the others: intelligence.

“Giacomo doesn’t have the intelligence of a champion, he has the intelligence of a super champion. This virtue, combined with a special technical talent, makes him absolutely explosive.”

That high praise will no doubt pique the interest of those at the London Stadium, with the hope being that he can emulate another gifted – and at times ‘explosive’ – Italian to have pulled on the claret and blue jersey, Paolo Di Canio.

The fiery maverick was fond of the odd controversial moment or two, although as with most unique talents that came hand in hand with his undoubted genius, with few having stolen the limelight quite so often.

On the pitch, Di Canio was simply a rare gem and arguably the finest player to have been associated with the club in the Premier League era, netting 47 top-flight goals during a stunning four-and-a-half-year spell and developing into a true, club icon in that time.

Of course, he also netted one of the greatest goals that the competition has ever seen with that scissor-kick volley against Wimbledon in March 2000, although that was just the tip of the iceberg as to what the talismanic forward could produce.

He may have been one of a kind, although West Ham could well find a notable heir to his crown in the form of compatriot, Raspadori.

AND in other news, Moyes plotting move for “special” £45m “baller”, he’d be a “superstar” for West Ham

Liverpool have been linked with a move for Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot recently, but the Frenchman could be a disastrous addition to Jurgen Klopp’s side.

According to reports from Italy, the Reds are considering a swap deal for the France international this summer which could include either Naby Keita or Roberto Firmino.

While midfield reinforcements should arguably be a priority for Klopp this summer, especially if Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain ends up leaving Anfield, the club should avoid a move for the 27-year-old at all costs.

One of the main reasons for Liverpool’s success in recent years is the morale and atmosphere that Klopp has established both on and off the pitch, and Rabiot’s history suggests that he could well disturb the harmonious vibe.

During his time at Paris Saint-Germain, the 27-year-old was heavily criticised by sporting director Antero Henrique, as he was spotted partying just hours after their Champions League exit to Manchester United in 2019.

Henrique said of the now-Juventus player: “I find his attitude and lack of professionalism towards the club, his teammates and supporters unacceptable.”

The midfielder was also cited as one of the key issues in France’s Euro 2020 squad, while he also refused to go on a standby list for the 2018 World Cup after being left out of Didier Deschamps’ squad.

Surely Klopp would not want to have a player with this sort of attitude at Anfield, as his lack of professionalism and inflated ego may well remind Liverpool fans of a certain Mario Balotelli, who managed just four goals in 28 appearances for the Reds in the 2014/15 campaign.

The Italian – who had a reputation for poor discipline – would later described joining Liverpool as “the worst mistake of my life”.

With a 6.82 WhoScored rating last season – lower than many Reds midfielders – there is little to suggest that the £15.3m-rated midfielder is better than any of the options that Klopp already has available to him, and we have already seen that he doesn’t react well to being overlooked by managers.

Last season emphasised the importance of Liverpool having a strong squad on whom Klopp could rely, as his side played every possible fixture, and the last thing the German needs is someone like Rabiot disrupting the squad harmony that he has developed in his time at Anfield.

In other news… Forget Salah: FSG can solve key LFC issue with bid for “top-class” gem loved by Klopp

Celtic have had a bid accepted for St Mirren youngster Dylan Reid, according to a report from Football Scotland. 

The lowdown: Hot prospect

Part of the academy system in Paisley, the 17-year-old made a professional debut for the Premiership side in March 2021 against the Hoops’ Old Firm rivals having just turned 16.

Soon after, the talented defensive midfielder earned a first start against Dundee United, along with a two-year contract extension amidst interest from German powerhouses Bayern Munich.

After much speculation, it appears as though the Hoops are now close to signing Reid this summer…

The latest: Deal close

As per Football Scotland, Celtic have had a ‘£125k bid accepted’ for the Scotland youth international.

It’s claimed that the teenager is ‘also wanted by Rangers’ who could still ‘look to match’ the offer over the coming days in an attempt to hijack the deal.

The report also quotes Ange Postecoglou discussing the transfer and confirming that Reid – who was described as being ‘excellent on the ball’ by former St Mirren manager Jim Goodwin – would be ‘more for our B team’ should he arrive at Lennoxtown.

The verdict: Shrewd move

After many of the Bhoys’ brightest talents, such as Ben Doak and Cameron Harper, moved on to pastures new in recent times, snapping up Reid to further bolster the youth ranks for the Highland League campaign and indeed plan for the future is a smart move from the Parkhead hierarchy.

Having spent time on loan at Queens Park, the 17-year-old has already made six senior outings in his fledgling career and earned a 6.50 Sofascore rating whilst winning 1.7 duels per game and completing 80% of his passes in the league last term as he continues to cut his teeth at the top level.

Valued at £225,000 by Transfermarkt, even the mooted fee for the Scotland under-17 starlet represents somewhat of a bargain for Celtic.

Also, should the Hoops beat Rangers to Reid’s capture, it would be another feather in the cap of the Scottish champions.

West Ham are ready to battle with several clubs for the signature of Wolfsburg centre-back Maxence Lacroix.

 What’s the word?

That’s according to French publication Media Foot, who claim that the French defender has been tracked by West Ham.

Amongst the list of other potential suitors is Arsenal, and the player is said to be hotly followed throughout the Premier League.

Lacroix extended his contract last September until June 2025, so it will take a substantial bid to pry him from the German club. 

An upgrade on Diop

To coerce this highly-rated defender to the London Stadium would be a huge statement of intent, especially with the ever-growing list of other interested parties. It would go a long way towards convincing Declan Rice of the club’s ambition.

Not only this, but it would form one of the more mobile defences in the Premier League, with Kurt Zouma also possessing great speed as well as a sizeable frame.

This signing could however signal the end for another of his compatriots, as it would no doubt send Issa Diop further down the pecking order.

Last season, the West Ham centre-back only managed 12 league appearances as his playtime was further limited. He could not challenge Craig Dawson and Zouma and was subsequently sidelined.

Lacroix however featured 29 times and earned huge praise for his blistering pace and intelligent defending. His performances saw him garner a 6.99 average SofaScore rating; a fine return for the 22-year-old.

Oliver Glasner, his manager, had labelled the defender “outstanding”. He is well thought of amongst his Wolfsburg teammates.

Not only this, but the £61k-per-week star ranked in the 99th percentile for interceptions per 90. His incredible awareness matched with his speed helped him to snuff out any danger before it had even materialised.

He also ranked in the 99th percentile for dribbles completed, marking him out as a progressive carrier who enjoys having the ball at his feet.

David Moyes must certainly act quickly to snatch this fine asset from his rivals and replace Diop, further adding to his remarkable talent pool in central defence.

AND, in other news: WHU “really interested” in signing “exceptional” £43m-rated talent, imagine him & Rice.

West Ham United are interested in a deal to bring Dwight McNeil to the London Stadium this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to Sky Sports, with Rob Wotton revealing on Sky Sports News this afternoon that both West Ham and Crystal Palace have now entered into talks with Burnley regarding a move for the 22-year-old left-winger – with the recently relegated Clarets believed to be demanding a figure in excess of £15m in order to part with the former England U21 international.

Regarding the interest in McNeil, Wotton said: “More breaking transfer news. Crystal Palace and West Ham are both in talks with Burnley over winger Dwight McNeil. The 22-year-old has made 134 appearances in the Premier League and is seen as a prime target because of his experience in top-level football despite his age.

“McNeil himself is keen to return to the Premier League and is currently considering a number of options. However, Burnley are in a strong bargaining position despite relegation, as McNeil has two years remaining on his current deal and the club have the option to extend that contract by a further year. They’re likely to demand a fee in excess of £15m.”

Supporters will be buzzing

Considering just how exciting a prospect McNeil has undoubtedly proven himself to be over the past few seasons, the news that West Ham are now in talks with Burnley regarding a deal for the forward is sure to have left the London Stadium faithful buzzing.

Indeed, over his 36 Premier League appearances in 2020/21, the £16.2m-rated talent was in electric form for the Clarets, scoring two goals, registering five assists and creating eight big chances for his teammates, as well as making an average of 1.3 key passes, taking 0.7 shots and completing 1.8 dribbles per game.

These returns saw the 22-year-old average an extremely impressive SofaScore match rating of 6.94, ranking him as Burnley’s sixth-best performer in the league – form that saw the Turf Moor side place a £40m asking price on the attacker’s head.

Furthermore, despite infamously failing to hit the back over his 38 league fixtures last season, the £5k-per-week winger nevertheless caught the eye once again, providing one assist and creating six big chances for his teammates, in addition to taking an average of 1.4 shots, making 1.3 key passes and completing 2.4 dribbles per outing.

The 10-cap England U21 international also impressed in a defensive capacity, making an average of 2.1 tackles, 0.9 interceptions, 0.6 clearances and winning 5.7 duels – at a success rate of 54% – per game.

These metrics saw the 22-year-old average an extremely admirable SofaScore match rating of 7.03, ranking him as his club’s fourth-best player in the top flight – a quite remarkable feat considering Burnley’s ultimate relegation from the division.

As such, it is clear to see that McNeil would be something of a steal at just £15m, leading us to believe that David Moyes must do everything in his power to get a deal over the line for the forward ahead of Palace this summer.

AND in other news: “Expected soon..”: Fabrizio Romano drops huge WHU transfer update supporters will love

Crystal Palace are willing to sell striker Christian Benteke this summer if the right offer comes in for the out of favour Belgian.

What’s the story?

According to a report in The Sun, The Eagles need to raise funds so that they can make new attacking signings, and are willing to listen to offers for Benteke.

The 31-year-old was in and out of the side last season and was recently left out of Roberto Martinez’s Belgium squad, so is keen to play regularly ahead of the World Cup this winter.

It’s unlikely he will get enough minutes at Selhurst Park so it seems best for all parties that he moves on.

He’s cost them too much

Benteke has just one year remaining on his contract, and at £120k-per-week, he is Palace’s second highest-paid player. It’s unlikely they will extend his current deal, but they may struggle to offload him before then given his hefty salary.

He’s amongst a host of players who were unable to travel on Palace’s pre-season tour of Singapore and Australia because they do not meet the entry requirements.  So if he does end up staying then he won’t have had a proper pre-season under his belt.

Last season he scored just four goals in 31 appearances, and with his weekly earnings that high, it means he cost the Eagles a staggering £1.5m per goal. For this reason alone Patrick Vieira must ruthlessly axe him.

He’s been described in the past by Alan Shearer as “scared to miss” and given his form last season it’s hard to disagree.

Given that sum, it’s also easy to see why Palace are unwilling to invest in another striker until Benteke is offloaded. If they did manage to get him off the wage bill then it would free up a lot of room for further additions.

The Eagles must also make sure that they keep hold of their star man Wilfried Zaha. He was their top scorer last season, with loanee Conor Gallagher in second place.

Gallagher has now returned to his parent club Chelsea, so Palace will be without his goals next season which further highlights their need to sign another goalscorer.

Vieira will be hoping that their latest addition Cheick Doucoure can replace what they’ve lost, but it may not be enough and they don’t want to risk having to rely on Benteke.

AND in other news: Vieira can form “remarkable” duo as Crystal Palace eye bid for “fantastic” £25m target…

Nottingham Forest have been boosted by the news that rumoured transfer target James McAtee will be allowed to leave Manchester City on loan this summer.

The Lowdown: McAtee linked with Forest switch

The Reds are having a superb summer transfer window, bringing in a host of new faces ahead of their exciting return to the Premier League next month.

Another player who has been linked with a move to Forest but hasn’t yet joined is McAtee, who has shone at City’s academy, registering 42 goal contributions (26 goals and 16 assists) in just 46 Premier League 2 appearances, a truly stunning record.

The 19-year-old also scored two goals in three caps for England’s Under-18s and looks to have a big future in the game.

The Latest: Reds given fresh hope

According to The Daily Mail, City are now open to the idea of loaning out McAtee this summer, but only to a club who can guarantee him some playing time, a category Forest surely fit into.

And the Reds are one of the clubs mentioned as a potential suitor in the report, alongside Leeds United, Bournemouth and Villarreal.

The youngster has been dubbed the ‘Salford (David) Silva’, so it’s no surprise to see clubs queueing up for his signature.

The Verdict: Exciting squad option

Steve Cooper has shown his brilliance working with youngsters in the past after winning the Under-17 World Cup with England in 2017, so McAtee joining Forest could be ideal for the player and both clubs.

Granted, it would be difficult for the attacking midfielder to be a starter week in, week out, especially after the arrival of Jesse Lingard, but with five substitutes allowed in the Premier League this season, his opportunities would certainly arrive.

A year at Forest could suit all parties, allowing McAtee a chance to spread his wings and aid the Reds’ hopes of staying away from a relegation fight, increasing squad depth in the process and allowing City to see their talent up close in the top flight.