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Crystal Palace’s pre-season needs to start taking shape. At the moment, the club finds itself in a slightly precarious position, particularly in attacking positions.

Wilfried Zaha looks increasingly likely to depart Selhurst Park this summer, while Michael Olise is facing up to three months out and is set to miss start the start of the season as he picked up a hamstring injury in the recent U21 UEFA European Championship.

If Eberechi Eze suffered a similar injury to Olise, then it would be the Eagles criminally lacking depth and quality in forward.

The underwhelming trio of Jordan Ayew, Odsonne Edouard, and Jean-Philippe Mateta only managed 11 Premier League goals between them, so Steve Parish will need to identify reinforcements to eradicate any chance of relegation.

In the past, the Eagles have been linked with Charles De Ketelaere, a player who was once again mooted with a switch to southeast London this month.

What’s the latest on Charles De Ketelaere to Crystal Palace?

According to Italian journalist Daniel Speranza, Palace, as well as West Ham and Everton are chasing the 22-year-old gem, who could cost around €30m (£26m).

"After West Ham and Crystal Palace, Everton have also conducted a poll for Charles De Ketelaere in the last few hours," he tweeted. "The #Milan is firm on its requests: about 30 million are needed. Reflections in progress by the English clubs."

Would Charles De Ketelaere be a good signing for Crystal Palace?

When De Ketelaere joined AC Milan in the summer of 2022, he looked on course to continue his wondrous, meteoric rise to international stardom.

The 6 foot 3 prodigy began his career in his homeland at Club Brugge in 2008, before making his senior debut for the squad in 2019.

In 90 appearances in the Belgian Jupiler Pro League and Champions League play-offs, De Ketelaere recorded 33 goal contributions. As a result, he became the first player born this century to score at least 15 times and provide at least 15 assists in the division.

During this time he forged a formidable reputation for his positional versatility and his limitless potential, with Scouted Football summing up his style of play like this: “De Ketelaere's developed from a supporting wide attacker into a forward that strains defences from most angles and situations. He runs into depth, slips off blindsides, shoots off dribbles, gets onto crosses – flexible and effective. He's going to go a long way.”

However, his move to Italy has unravelled into disaster, making 40 appearances in all competitions and registering just one assist. It is a damning reflection upon a player unable to adapt to his new surroundings and may look for a different experience.

It would be harsh to discard his talent as he still remains in the infancy of his career, and if he can replicate the form he displayed at Belgium, he could provide the attacking impetus to possibly deputise for Zaha.

The Ivorian has been the heartbeat of Selhurst Park for many years, with 111 goal involvements in 305 top-flight outings.

As well as this frightening productivity, the Eagles winger ranks within the top 20% in Europe’s top five leagues among his positional peers for successful take-ons per 90.

Similarly to De Ketelaere, Zaha has been shuffled across the frontline, with both players demonstrating high-level competence and adaptability.

Palace has never been blessed with an especially deep squad so this trait to play in various positions is vital.

De Ketelaere, who has been described as “so, so promising” by scout Jacek Kulig, is in need of revival and he could be tempted by the prospect of becoming Palace’s new talisman.

Manchester United appear to be interested in a summer swoop for Atlanta United attacker Thiago Almada.

What’s the latest Man United transfer news involving Thiago Almada?

The Red Devils are making a start on their transfer business ahead of Erik ten Hag’s second season in charge at Old Trafford despite the ongoing takeover saga.

Sky Sports have claimed that summer recruitment won’t be affected by the results of a takeover, with enough cash available to enable United to invest in the team.

England international Mason Mount is on course to complete a £60m transfer to Man United, with the player undergoing a medical at Carrington earlier in the week.

After Mount, a new goalkeeper and forward could be on the agenda in Manchester, with Inter Milan’s Andre Onana a target. Reports have claimed that personal terms have been agreed with Inter Milan shot-stopper Andre Onana.

Meanwhile, Atalanta forward Rasmus Hojlund appears to be keen on making the move to Old Trafford, although a bid hasn’t been made despite reports.

Another player of interest to the Red Devils now appears to be Almada, although they may face competition from their Manchester neighbours.

According to Argentine reporter Bruno Gonzalez Garcia, Old Trafford officials and rivals Manchester City have seemingly made contact with Atlanta for Almada. Taking to Twitter on Monday he said:

“Manchester United and Manchester City consulted Atlanta United for Thiago Almada.”

Who is Thiago Almada?

Almada is 22 years of age and is primarily an attacking midfielder who can also play on the wing if required and was named as one of five rising stars to watch in the MLS in 2023.

The Argentina international was a part of the World Cup winning squad in Qatar last year and only made the move to the MLS last year. Since then, he has gone on to make 49 senior appearances for Atlanta, scoring 15 times and registering 16 assists.

Now valued at a career-high €20m by Transfermarkt, the attacker has come in for praise from legendary international teammate Lionel Messi, who labelled Almada as a “very fast” player just last year.

“Thiago is very fresh. He’s a very fast player who can play 1v1. He's clever and isn’t afraid of anything.”

Almada looks like an extremely promising and versatile player who could be a shrewd addition to Ten Hag’s side. As per FBref, Almada ranks in the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers for touches, carries, shot-creating actions, passes attempted and progressive passes.

He also ranks extremely high for total amount of shots per 90, key passes and through balls, which shows how he could have a real impact in the final third at Old Trafford, potentially serving as an alternative to Bruno Fernandes in attacking midfield or cover for the likes of Marcus Rashford and Antony out wide.

It could well be one to keep an eye on over the coming months, but by the looks of things, there could be some real competition from those at the Etihad.

An update has emerged on Glasgow Rangers' efforts to add another number nine to their squad ahead of the 2023/24 Scottish Premiership campaign…

What's the latest on Danilo to Rangers?

According to Dutch outlet 1908, the Light Blues have made an undisclosed bid in an attempt to sign Danilo from Eredivisie side Feyenoord this summer.

The report claims that the Scottish giants are now in talks with the centre-forward's club as they look to make him their fifth signing of the window, following the arrivals of Sam Lammers, Kieran Dowell, Dujon Sterling and Jack Butland.

Following this, The Scottish Sun have added that Feyenoord have rejected the offer from the Gers and that the two sides are currently far apart in their respective valuations of the attacker.

It now remains to be seen whether Michael Beale's team will be able to reach an agreement with the Dutch club during the ongoing negotiations or not.

What is Danilo's style of play?

The prolific 5 foot 9 striker has the quality to set up his teammates on a semi-regular basis, which could make him the dream heir to Alfredo Morelos at Ibrox.

Rangers parted ways with the Colombian international at the end of his contract last month and they could replace him by convincing Feyenoord to part ways with their Brazilian marksman in the coming weeks.

Morelos averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.98 across 32 Premiership appearances in 22/23. He scored 11 goals and provided five assists in that time, despite being named in the starting XI 15 times, while the attacker also missed 12 'big chances'.

The 27-year-old, who stands at 5 foot 10, proved himself to be capable of making a big impact in the final third without being a regular starter, which is a quality that Danilo could also bring to the Light Blues.

Feyenoord's 24-year-old ace only started 14 Eredivisie matches in 2022/23 but was able to plunder ten goals and three assists, while he only missed seven 'big chances'.

These statistics show that, like Morelos, Danilo is able to contribute with goals and assists without needing to start week-in-week-out, which could make him a valuable addition to Beale's squad as the 42-year-old coach could rotate his team without needing to worry about the player's form dropping without regular minutes.

The £5.5m-rated Brazilian, who ex-boss Erik ten Hag once hailed as his best "finisher", also showcased his ability in front of goal as a consistent starter with 17 goals and five assists in 31 Eredivisie starts on loan at FC Twente from Ajax in 20/21.

His form in that campaign suggests that Danilo also has the potential to be the club's number one goalscoring option as no Rangers striker has managed more than 16 league goals in the last three seasons.

Aston Villa forward Keinan Davis has told chiefs that he wants to leave the club this summer, according to reports.

Where is Keinan Davis now?

Davis is a striker and academy graduate in the Midlands who worked his way up through the various youth ranks to get promoted to the first-team back in 2017, where he’s since gone on to register a total of 86 senior appearances to date.

However, the 25-year-old is yet to make his debut under Unai Emery as a result of being out on the road having carried out two back-to-back loan spells, the first with Premier League rivals Nottingham Forest and the most recent being with Watford in the Championship.

The Stevenage-born talent is now back at Villa but his contract is set to expire at the end of next season, meaning that the ongoing window will be the boss’ final big opportunity to cash in should he not want to lose him on a free transfer in 12 months, and it sounds like an exit is now the most likely outcome.

Is Davis leaving Aston Villa?

According to German outlet Fussball Transfers (via Sport Witness), Davis "wants to leave" Aston Villa and has made it clear that he "intends" to find a new permanent home this summer.

NSWE and Monchi are "getting prepared" for his departure having already placed a €5-7.5m (£4.2-6.4m) price tag on his head. All roads are "pointing to a farewell" with "numerous clubs" both in the second-tier and overseas all queuing up to secure his services.

Aston Villa have Ollie Watkins as their only senior option at centre-forward with Jhon Duran just 19 years of age and Cameron Archer 21, so Emery could do with some more experience in the final third. And whilst the boss won’t know what Davis is capable of having not yet utilised him, he should definitely give him a chance to prove himself in pre-season.

The Tier One client, who’s naturally left-footed, posted nine goal contributions (seven goals and two assists) in 34 Watford outings last term and recorded 56 shots over the course of the campaign, which was the third-highest throughout the squad at Vicarage Road.

Standing at 6 foot 2, the £45k-per-week earner would also be the ideal target man having averaged 1.2 aerial wins per second-tier game, with his physical stature having previously seen him hailed “powerful” by journalist Josh Bunting, so he is still a great asset to have in the building.

Tottenham Hotspur and manager Ange Postecoglou are thought to have "major question marks" over Richarlison as they seek new forward options, according to journalist Pete O'Rourke.

Who could leave Spurs this summer?

As Spurs become linked with making summer signings for Postecoglou, as they seek to fight their way back into European qualification, the north Londoners must also shift deadwood.

There are many squad members, both already there and coming back from loans, who could depart N17 by the beginning of the 2022/2023 Premier League season.

Chairman Daniel Levy has it all to do in terms of balancing the books, with Hugo Lloris, Ivan Perisic, Davinson Sanchez, Ryan Sessegnon, Eric Dier, Ben Davies, Giovani Lo Celso, Sergio Reguilon, Tanguy Ndombele and Harry Winks facing uncertain futures (The Telegraph).

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, despite being a Spurs mainstay since joining from Southampton in 2020, could also leave as Postecoglou reportedly holds certain reservations over the Dane.

Richarlison, after a disappointing debut season at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, has now been linked with a possible exit as well.

O'Rourke, writing for Football Insider, claims Postecoglou has "major question marks" over the Brazil international – specifically his goal output and general fitness.

This has prompted Spurs to look at options in the summer transfer market as Postecoglou seeks to add more potency to his forward line.

While they won't be signing Nicolas Jackson from Villarreal, with the forward apparently joining Chelsea, it is believed Tottenham are chasing alternatives.

How many goals has Richarlison scored for Spurs?

The former Everton star, after signing from Goodison Park in a £60 million deal in 2022, he arguably hasn't quite lived up to that price tag yet despite being called "very underrated" by journalist Josh Bunting.

He has starred for Brazil at international level, but for his club, he could do slightly more.

Richarlison enjoyed a few brilliant years on Merseyside, having managed at least 10 goal league contributions each campaign he was at Everton (WhoScored).

However, for Spurs, he hit just three goals and four assists across 35 outings in all competitions for the entire 2022-23 campaign.

Speaking to Football Insider last season, former Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor hit out at Richarlison and his form.

"Richarlison has got to wake up," said the pundit.

“He wasn’t great against West Ham or Chelsea – and that’s been a theme of his season.

“When you watch him, you struggle to see what he’s good at. He’s got no standout attributes.

“He’s not quick, he’s not a great finisher, he can’t hold the ball up, he can’t pass that well.

“I feel that he could be someone that Spurs look to move on. He’s not showing himself to be good enough for where they want to go.”

Everton are reportedly interested in a newly relegated Premier League ace, as Sean Dyche aims to rebuild his side this summer.

With the transfer window officially open as of last week, the Toffees will look to recruit in the bid to turn their Premier League fortunes around after two seasons that threatened relegation.

Dyche could add significant depth to his squad by signing the latest link, who has already impressed in the English top tier.

What’s the latest on Crysencio Summerville to Everton?

As reported by the Telegraph yesterday, Everton have emerged as a club interested in Leeds United forward Crysencio Summerville.

The report states that the Dutchman is on the ‘shortlist of forwards’ that the Blues are looking at, with former club Feyenoord also interested.

It’s said that a deal could be worth ‘upwards of £12m’, with the 21-year-old contracted to Leeds until 2026.

What could Crysencio Summerville offer to Everton?

Hailed as “unplayable” by journalist Beren Cross, the Leeds ace is versatile in his wide play, being deployable on both the left and right flank.

The youngster scored four goals this season, netting in four consecutive games including a thrilling last-minute winner against Liverpool.

In a side that ended the campaign with relegation to the Championship, the Rotterdam-born gem managed to impose himself on the league, warranting a number of clubs monitoring his movements this summer.

For Everton, Dyche must re-install firepower in front of goal, with the Blues closing the term with 34 goals in 38 games with their inconsistencies in the final third attributive to their scrap for survival going to the final day.

One of the standout performers in attack in a dreary season for the Toffees was Dwight McNeil, who ranked in the top five of Everton’s best-performing players this campaign as per Sofascore.

The Englishman ended the year as Goodison’s top scorer with seven Premier League goals in 36 appearances, as well as registering three assists acting as a talisman from the left flank.

Dyche could translate the shine from the left wing to the right side in equipping his side with Summerville, who operates similarly to the former Burnley gem in his playing style.

When comparing the two wide players based on statistics from their respective seasons in the Premier League, the numbers show that Dyche could create a carbon copy of McNeil by giving the Dutchman area to bloom on Merseyside.

As per FBref, both players recorded an average of 0.25 non-penalty goals per 90, as well as scoring similarly in attributes key to being a dynamic winger in the manager’s favoured set-up.

The comparison highlights that McNeil averaged 3.89 shot-creating actions to Summerville’s 3.09 per 90, as well as 1.95 successful take-ons to the 21-year-old’s 1.51 per 90.

The Everton target ranked slightly higher in terms of progressive play, averaging 3.22 progressive carries to the Englishman’s 2.74 per 90, showcasing his ability when moving the ball upfield, via FBref.

Dyche could land himself a significant upgrade to the front line by signing Summerville, who at just 21 could excel in the manager’s system, benefitting both player and club.

Celtic will be ‘trying to do everything’ they can to seal the permanent signing of Cameron Carter-Vickers this summer, according to Noel Whelan.

The Lowdown: Carter-Vickers excels at Celtic

The 24-year-old was loaned out to the Hoops last summer, with Tottenham never granting him regular football

Carter-Vickers’ move to Parkhead proved to be a match made in heaven, as the American flourished at the heart of Ange Postecoglou’s defence, achieving the fourth-highest WhoScored rating of anyone in the squad after last summer’s transfer window.

Celtic are now trying to seal a permanent move for the centre-back, although there has been interest in him from other clubs in recent months.

The Latest: Whelan talks up permanent move for Carter-Vickers

Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan claimed that the Hoops will be doing all they can to acquire Carter-Vickers’ signature, with the player likely to reciprocate that, given how well the 24-year-old has done at Parkhead.

The former BBC radio pundit said:

“I think happiness to a player is very important, feeling wanted and belonging in a place. I think he’s definitely got that from Celtic as a football club and the fans.

“He plays regularly, we’ve seen the progression and how good he’s looked in the Celtic shirt. It’s an exciting team to be involved with as well with the style of play and the players they have been brought in.

“They won’t be looking to sit on that either, they’ll be looking to strengthen. With Carter-Vickers, he’s been an integral part of that defence. That’s why they’ve been so solid over the past season as well.

“I think Celtic and Carter-Vickers will be trying to do everything to make it happen, for him to stay there.

“They’re a European club, they’re massive, they’ve just won the Premiership. Why would you not want to be at a successful side who are playing in the Champions League as well?”

The Verdict: Simply has to happen

Given Carter-Vickers’ influence at Celtic this season – he has been lauded as ‘immense’ by Chris Sutton – it is imperative that they get a permanent deal over the line.

He has already looked at home at Parkhead, slotting in seamlessly next to Carl Starfelt, and he could be a fixture in green and white for many years to come. An average of 4.2 successful aerial duels per game and a pass completion rate of 89.5% in the Premiership is a testament to his quality.

With Champions League football returning to Celtic in 2022/23, that should surely be enough to persuade him to sign permanently, rather than head elsewhere and risk undoing all the progress he has made in Glasgow.

In other news, Celtic have reportedly set their sights on another signing. Find out who it is here.

David Moyes will be aiming to bolster his West Ham squad next season, with a defender being a main priority in the summer transfer window as the Scot hopes to be backed by GSB.

The Irons have enjoyed a wonderful 2021/22 campaign, reaching the Europa League semi-finals and securing European football again for next season, but Moyes will want to take the next step.

There will be signings made this summer, no doubt about it, but the main priority must be improving the heart of defence.

Angelo Ogbonna has missed the majority of this season with a serious knee injury, Kurt Zouma has had his campaign disrupted by fitness and off-field issues, while Issa Diop is a lowly 17th in the West Ham squad on WhoScored performance ratings with just 6.46, so it’s clear to see the defence needs to be rejuvenated.

According to The Guardian, Moyes is monitoring Rennes defender Nayef Aguerd, who could be signed for a reasonable fee of £20m this summer.

The French media claimed that he was the “real boss” at Rennes, while the Ligue 1 club’s former manager Julien Stephen said that Aguerd was a “cerebral person”, high praise indeed for the 26-year old.

West Ham could have their own Virgil van Dijk if they sign the Moroccan, with the two players being quite similar in their styles and statistics according to FBRef.

Aguerd has actually made more tackles (30 to 21) and interceptions (52 to 48) this season than the Dutchman, and at a fraction of the price that Liverpool paid for Van Dijk, Moyes could make an extremely shrewd signing for the Hammers.

There is a feel-good atmosphere surrounding West Ham at the moment, but for this to be maintained and the club to move up a gear, there needs to be solid business in the transfer window over the summer.

AND in other news, Cost £1.5m per goal: GSB made a colossal blunder on “strong” £40k-p/w West Ham flop

Liverpool have been linked with a move for Juventus centre-back Matthijs de Ligt.

The Lowdown: De Ligt impressing at Juve

The 22-year-old has been considered one of the world’s leading young centre-backs for an extended period now, having burst onto the scene for Ajax back in 2o18/19, helping them reach the Champions League semi-finals.

De Ligt is now impressing at Juve, making 30 Serie A appearances this season and even being compared to Cristiano Ronaldo by Edwin van der Sar, in terms of his mentality.

Th £63million-rated Dutchman may not be out of contract until 2024 but that hasn’t stopped an exit rumour from doing the rounds.

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The Latest: Liverpool linked with move

According to Calciomercato [via Sport Witness], Juve have to ‘watch out’ for interest from Premier League clubs, with Liverpool name-checked in the report.

De Ligt has ‘no plans to leave’ the Turin giants currently, however, so it does appear as though a transfer is unlikely to materialise, but the outlet seems fearful of interest from the Reds.

The Verdict: Is he needed?

While De Ligt is a fantastic defender who most clubs in Europe would want – he’s been called ‘incredible’ by Andrea Barzagli – Liverpool simply have no reason to need him at the moment.

In Virgil van Dijk, Joel Matip and Ibrahima Konate, Jurgen Klopp has three outstanding centre-backs at his disposal, while Joe Gomez also remains a great option, despite injury problems.

Further down the line, De Ligt could be a perfect signing for Liverpool – Van Dijk and Matip both turn 31 this year – but he may have moved elsewhere by the time the Reds duo are no longer at their best.

In other news, a journalist says there is ‘strong interest’ in one Liverpool player. Find out who it is here.

Manchester United are interested in securing the services of Stuttgart’s Croatian left-back, Borna Sosa.

What’s the word?

That is according to German outlet Kicker, as per the Metro, who claim that Erik ten Hag is a big fan of the 24-year-old and would like him at Manchester United for when he takes over ready for next season.

The report states that Sosa could be available for around €25m (£21.4m).

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The next David Beckham?

With the Croatian’s contract expiring in 2025, this represents a fair valuation and gives Manchester United the perfect opportunity to sign a high calibre player for very little expense, something the new manager would surely love.

As a left-back who is capable of playing as a left-midfielder, Sosa has made himself a regular at Stuttgart ever since his move from Dinamo Zagreb back in 2018.

In his first full season as a starter, the Croatian bagged eight assists in 27 outings.

Sosa has received plaudits from Stuttgart’s sporting director Sven Mislintat who once said: “Borna Sosa reminds me of David Beckham.”

His stats reflect his flair as a player, with the left-back boasting an average of 3.62 shot-creating actions per 90 with 27.88 touches in the attacking third per game also.

For this attacking excellence though, his defensive stats falter, with the Croatian averaging around 1.16 tackles per 90.

The 24-year-old has mainly operated in a three-at-the-back system which has most certainly given him more licence to attack.

Whilst this will have been good for his positional development, it remains to be seen as to whether ten Hag would feel he is defensively sound enough to play as a full-back in his system.

There is a lot of room for improvement in the out-of-possession aspect of his game and with Brandon Williams set to return to his parent club, there will be a lot of competition with Luke Shaw and Alex Telles also competing for minutes.

In other news: “Manchester United are..” – Romano drops exciting transfer claim, ten Hag will love it