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An update has emerged regarding Newcastle United’s interest in Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie…

What’s the talk?

Journalist Ben Jacobs has revealed that the Magpies are one of the Premier League clubs who have scouted the American, who is set to be available for around £20m.

He tweeted: “Weston McKennie won’t seriously consider his future until after the World Cup. The Premier League is of huge appeal to him and links with Spurs are long-standing. Fabio Paratici spearheaded McKennie’s move to Juventus from Schalke and met with him last January to explore a move.”

The reporter added: “Several Premier League clubs have scouted McKennie, including Newcastle, Leeds, Everton and Arsenal. But none have advanced interest yet. He’s a player who could well move to England in January but right now there is nothing advanced from any potential Premier League suitors.”

Big Sean Longstaff upgrade

Sean Longstaff has emerged as a regular under Eddie Howe in the Premier League so far this season, although PIF could now land an upgrade on the academy graduate by swooping to sign McKennie – who was once hailed as a “rock” by his former Juventus manager Andrea Pirlo – in January.

In the current Premier League campaign, the English midfielder has averaged a SofaScore rating of 6.71 across 12 appearances for the Magpies.

He has been dribbled past 1.1 times per game and lost 63% of his individual duels in the division, which shows that players are finding it relatively easy to outmuscle and outrun him.

Last term, the midfielder averaged a rating of 6.64 across 24 outings in the Premier League as he was dribbled past 1.7 times per game and lost 52% of his battles.

Meanwhile, McKennnie has averaged a SofaScore rating of 6.85 or higher in each of the last three Serie A seasons, including the current campaign.

He also averaged a rating of 6.83 in the 2019/20 Bundesliga for Schalke 04, which shows that he has consistently delivered performances at a higher level than Longstaff has managed in the Premier League for Newcastle.

In the Italian top flight this term, the USA international has only been dribbled past 0.3 times per match and has created three ‘big chances’ for his teammates.

The 24-year-old, who David Wagner once dubbed “outstanding”, has shown that he can perform at a higher standard than the Magpies midfielder, and that is why PIF could land a big upgrade on Longstaff by signing McKennie.

Leeds United have been struggling with injuries to key players over the last 18 months, with the most notable problems coming for star striker Patrick Bamford.

The 29-year-old sustained three long-term injuries last season and has been in and out of the team already with issues this term, something that will be a massive concern for manager Jesse Marsch as he strives for a more comfortable finish in the top flight following a disappointing 17th place finish in 2021/22.

Indeed, Bamford is capable of being hugely influential on the pitch when he is fit to play, having scored 45 goals and delivered 17 assists for Leeds – averaging a goal contribution every 145 minutes – proving that then when the team are without him they are missing out on a reliable and consistent attacking threat.

However, Marsch could have an ace to play if Bamford continues to struggle with fitness issues, as Wilfried Gnonto was signed by the club on deadline day – and the 18-year-old who was hailed a “surprise” by Victor Orta could be the perfect heir to succeed the striker.

The Italian wonderkid became the youngest player ever to score for his country in the same month he made his international debut and has had no trouble breaking into the competitive senior national team – who are currently the European Champions after beating England at Wembley last summer.

Gnonto has already tallied up 27 club goals and 17 assists over his career so far – with a goal contribution every 119 minutes – but is yet to make an appearance in the Leeds senior team, although the Elland Road faithful were given a glimpse of their shiny new signing against England last night in the UEFA Nations League.

The forward who was hailed an “exciting talent” by journalist Matt Barlow, was brought on in the 63rd minute by Roberto Mancini and made an impression in the little time he had on the pitch, completing six out of his seven passes and winning 50% of his duels in the victory for the Azzurri.

With that being said, there is no doubt that Marsch will want to ease the youngster into the team in order to develop him into the next Leeds prodigy and, if successful, Gnonto could become a real attacking threat to challenge Bamford for his spot in the team in years to come.

Crystal Palace have been linked with Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar recently and the Frenchman could take Patrick Vieira’s side to the next level.

What’s the word?

Recent reports have claimed that Palace could move for the 24-year-old this summer as Vieira looks to bolster his midfield options, and Aouar could be available for as little as £13m.

In a recent interview with GIVEMESPORT, journalist Ryan Taylor shared his thoughts on a potential Palace move for the Lyon star.

He said:

“Palace can get those kinds of players like Ilaix Moriba, Houssem Aouar.

“I mean, Aouar was obviously the subject of a £35 million bid from Arsenal two years ago, and now his contracts due to expire, but no one seems to be in for him, but there’s clearly a player in there.

“And that’s the kind of player that would really take Palace to the next level, which is, in my view, a top-half finish.”

Forget McTominay

Palace have also recently been linked with a move for Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay, but Aouar would represent a much better option for Vieira.

Last season saw the Scotland international make 30 appearances in the Premier League for United, in which he contributed one goal and one assist, averaging a 6.89 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

Aouar meanwhile would manage six goals and four assists in 36 Ligue 1 appearances, averaging an improved 6.93 rating from WhoScored.

With the £21m arrival of Cheick Doucoure as a defensive-minded midfielder, Vieira arguably needs a more creative maestro to play alongside him, and Aouar is much more comfortable on the ball than McTominay.

As per FBref, the Frenchman scores in the top percentile for shots, non-penalty expected goals and assists, dribbles completed, touches in the penalty area and progressive passes received when compared with other midfielders, which emphasises his ability to influence things in the final third.

By comparison, McTominay scores extremely poorly with regard to the same statistics, failing to be ranked in the top 80th percentiles for anything other than clearances and aerials won.

Therefore, if Vieira wants to sign another midfielder before the transfer window closes and is forced to choose between McTominay and Aouar, it seems clear that the “incredible” Frenchman is the best option.

Newcastle United are reportedly continuing their attempts to sign Benfica striker Goncalo Ramos, with the Magpies looking to ‘unblock’ his current situation.

The Lowdown: Newcastle keen on Ramos

The 21-year-old has burst onto the scene at Benfica, scoring seven goals in just 17 Primeira Liga starts last season and also netting once in the Champions League.

Newcastle have been linked with a move for Ramos in the summer transfer window, with Eddie Howe seeing the youngster as an exciting potential signing.

It looks as though the Magpies’ interest isn’t going away, following a fresh update.

The Latest: Fresh update emerges

According to both O Jogo and Record [via Sport Witness], Newcastle will ‘try to unblock’ Ramos from Benfica, with the Portuguese giants proving stubborn in their asking price. The Magpies ‘will present a proposal’ at some point, however, with the player currently ‘under surveillance’.

Benfica’s position is described as ‘uncompromising’ but next week could prove to be ‘decisive’.

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The Verdict: Strong summer addition

Ramos looks a hugely exciting prospect with a big future ahead of him, so the idea of him in a Newcastle shirt moving forward is undoubtedly exciting.

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His record of 14 goals in 18 caps for Portugal’s Under-21s outlines his brilliance, with 17 in 62 appearances for Benfica also a healthy return for such a young player.

More firepower is required at Newcastle if they are to mount a genuine top-six push, as highlighted by the 0-0 draw at Brighton on Saturday, and Ramos could be just the man to make a difference.

Director of Football Kevin Thelwell is reportedly tracking Coventry City striker Viktor Gyokeres ahead of a potential move for Everton.

The Lowdown: Off the mark

Gyokeres is already off the mark for this season, scoring a screamer in Coventry’s opening game in the Championship, a 1-1 draw away at Sunderland.

Sky Blues manager Mark Robins hailed his ‘unbelievable’ ability after the striker’s fine finish into the bottom corner from outside of the box, and admitted that they could struggle to keep him beyond the end of the transfer window.

The Latest: Gyokeres tracked

Taking to Twitter, The Daily Express journalist Ryan Taylor has revealed that Gyokeres is ‘being tracked’ by Thelwell ahead of a possible switch to Goodison Park, adding that the Merseyside club are very much ‘interested’ in his signature:

“Everton are interested in Coventry City frontman Viktor Gyokeres, who struck 17 goals in Championship last season. Swedish international centre-forward is among names being tracked by Kevin Thelwell in his quest to land Frank Lampard a new striker.”

The Verdict: Sign

With Dominic Calvert-Lewin injured, Frank Lampard’s team are in desperate need of a striker to lead the line, and Gyokeres is an ideal candidate.

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Yes, the jump from the Championship to the Premier League is a big one, but the Sweden international has shown that he is ready to make it, with 17 goals and five assists in total in the division last term (Transfermarkt).

Gyokeres is just 24 years of age as well, and so will only get better under the coaching of Lampard, meaning that he could also be a very smart investment for the future.

Leeds United’s talks with Paris Saint-Germain for striker Arnaud Kalimuendo are ‘intensifying’, with an initial €22m fee mooted.

The Lowdown: Striker hunt

Six new players have been brought to Elland Road this summer at a combined cost of £95m. The Whites don’t want to stop there, though, with a new forward on the radar ahead of Jesse Marsch’s first full season in charge while they also seem to be moving in on versatile midfielder/attacker Sonny Perkins.

Club Brugge’s Charles De Ketelaere and Kalimuendo have both been heavily linked as potential targets for the striker spot, and it looks as if the club may be pursuing the latter of the two with the former preferring AC Milan over Leeds.

The Latest: Transfer update

According to reliable French outlet L’Equipe, Leeds are now pushing to sign Kalimuendo in a deal worth €25m (£21.1m). The report cites an initial fee of €22m (£18.7m) with three fixed bonuses included.

The Whites will have to ‘convince’ Kalimuendo over an Elland Road move once an agreement is reached, with Inter Milan also name-checked with an interest.

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The Verdict: Time ticking

Victor Orta has acted fast this summer, however, the club’s pursuit of a striker is starting to drag. It looks as if the club were holding out for De Ketelaere but have now moved on to Kalimuendo, so they can’t afford a similar slip-up with the latter as the season opener looms ever closer.

The 20-year-old is much more than a striker as he can also play in a deeper role or on the wing, and ranks in the 99th percentile for forwards across Europe’s top five leagues when it comes to passing success rate (82.6%), showing excellent composure in the final third.

Therefore, a transfer worth a total of £21.1m could be a smart move and one that may strike the perfect balance between natural number nines Patrick Bamford and Joe Gelhardt in attack.

Tottenham Hotspur could finally axe one of their struggling stars as they line up a move for a former academy graduate…

What’s the word?

According to 90min, the north London outfit are tracking their former winger Noni Madueke ahead of a potential move this summer after an exciting breakthrough at Dutch side PSV Eindhoven.

Verified journalist Sean Walsh relayed the report from his colleague Graham Bailey, claiming that Spurs were among multiple Premier League teams “keeping tabs” on the 20-year-old.

Leeds United and Newcastle United have also been mooted with interest, though it remains to be seen how much the Englishman would command. Transfermarkt currently value him at £16.2m.

Bye-bye Bergwijn

Given the arrival of Richarlison from Everton this week, and Dejan Kulusevski remaining on loan in N17, the arrival of another winger would certainly raise questions.

However, strength in depth will be required this season as the Lilywhites will be competing in the Champions League, and in a bid to compete on all fronts, manager Antonio Conte will need an array of options.

Behind the aforementioned duo, there is little quality, with Steven Bergwijn proving to be something of a flop ever since his £27m move from PSV in January 2020.

The 24-year-old lightweight has been linked with a switch to Ajax all summer, so the arrival of Madueke could certainly allow the Italian head coach to finally axe the Jose Mourinho signing.

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Bergwijn has managed just one start under Conte since his arrival in November, so it’s evident that he’s just not fancied by the manager.

The former Hotspur Way starlet could be an intriguing replacement and a likely upgrade in the role, considering his form for the Eredivisie side.

Over the last two seasons, Madueke scored 18 goals and laid on a further 14 assists across the Dutch top-flight, Dutch cup and all three of UEFA’s European club competitions, as per Transfermarkt.

Given the fact that Bergwijn has only managed 18 goal contributions across his 83 appearances for Spurs, it’s clear that the England U21 international would be a better option, not to mention the homegrown benefits he’d bring, too.

Former PSV midfielder Tommie van de Leegte has been left impressed by Madueke’s impact over in Europe, telling Omroep Brabant (via Goal): “He’s fast and has the capability to trick his opponent. He brings creativity and is very explosive in his actions.”

On the above evidence, sporting director Fabio Paratici would be wise to follow up their interest with a firm bid as it would allow them to sell Bergwijn to Ajax and, at the same time, improve Conte’s squad.

AND in other news, Alasdair Gold drops Christian Eriksen update…

Having finally wrapped up the signing of Morocco international, Nayef Aguerd, West Ham United boss David Moyes is reportedly set to press on with further transfer business…

What’s the word?

According to the Evening Standard’s Giuseppe Muro, the Hammers are said to be targeting as many as six additional signings to that of the 26-year-old, centre-back, with Moyes set to be significantly backed ahead of a campaign that will see the club once again juggle domestic and European commitments.

While no potential targets or priority positions are mentioned in the report, the latest suggestion is that a new centre-forward is one area that needs addressing, with Chelsea youngster Armando Broja believed to be a current player of interest, following his impressive stint on loan at Southampton.

The Albania international’s former Saints teammate James Ward-Prowse is another name to have been linked with a move to the London Stadium, while Alphonse Areola could be set for a permanent stay after his recent temporary spell.

Supporters buzzing

Although it remains somewhat difficult to narrow down who the Irons’ actual targets are this summer, the fact that they appear set to recruit so extensively will be music to the ears of the club’s support, as Moyes’ men look to kick on again next term.

Having secured European qualification for the second season running last term, the former Manchester United boss will be acutely aware that his side will need to be strengthened, with resources having been stretched, particularly defensively, as a result of their remarkable run to the Europa League semi-finals last season.

That lack of potential squad depth has been hampered even further by the retirement of club captain Mark Noble, while fellow midfielder Alex Kral appears unlikely to see his loan move made permanent, having made just a single Premier League appearance in the 2021/22 campaign.

Equally, Croatia international Nikola Vlasic appears set for a swift departure after just a solitary campaign with the club, while veteran winger Andriy Yarmolenko is set for pastures new following the expiry of his contract, with full-back Ryan Fredericks set to follow him out the door.

Those departures – or potential exits – have left a number of holes to be plugged for Moyes and co this summer, while in attack the lack of genuine competition to Michail Antonio also remains a concern, with the club simply unable to rely on 32-year-old alone for another campaign.

To know that the Hammers are plotting to hopefully solve those issues, however, with a raft of new additions will no doubt be of great delight to the club’s supporters, with the arrival of the aforementioned Aguerd seemingly just the tip of the iceberg in the current window.

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

Graham Smyth has stated his belief that Leeds United should make a move for Sam Johnstone this summer.

What’s been said?

In a series of recent posts on Twitter, the Yorkshire Evening Post chief football writer suggested that the goalkeeper – who is set to leave West Bromwich Albion upon the expiry of his current contract in June – would be an excellent signing for Victor Orta to get over the line this summer, as the England international would seriously push Illan Meslier for his starting spot in Jesse Marsch’s side.

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In his tweets, Smyth said: “What a free transfer Johnstone will be for someone this summer… I’d certainly take him [as] backup, but to genuinely push Meslier for the number one spot.”

Orta must move

Considering how impressive Johnstone was for West Brom during Albion’s last spell in the top flight back in 2020/21, it is easy to see why Smyth believes the 29-year-old would be a good target for Orta to pursue this summer.

Indeed, over his 37 Premier League appearances that season, the £10.8m-rated stopper was one of the Baggies’ standout performers, keeping six clean sheets and making an average of an extraordinary 4.5 saves per game – the most in the league.

These returns saw the £32.5k-per-week goalkeeper who Gary Lineker dubbed “unbelievable” and Kieran Doody labelled “unreal” earn an extremely impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.03, ranking him as the Albion’s second-best player in the league – an incredibly impressive feat considering West Brom’s ultimate relegation from the division.

For comparison, over Meslier’s 38 Premier League fixtures this season, the £18m-rated talent kept five clean sheets, conceded 79 goals and made an average of 3.8 saves per game, with these metrics seeing the France U21 international average a SofaScore match rating of 6.87.

As such, it would certainly appear as if Johnstone would make a fantastic addition to Marsch’s current options between the sticks, especially when considering he is available on a free – leading us to believe that Orta simply must make a move for the England shot-stopper this summer.

AND in other news: “Already spoken..”: YEP journo drops big summer update that Leeds supporters will love

Manchester United are hijacking AC Milan’s proposed move for Lille centre-back Sven Botman, according to Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Botman profiled

Botman is 22 years of age and has been on the books with Lille since 2020 after leaving Ajax’s academy in a deal worth £7.2m. Since then, the Dutch defender has made 78 appearances for the French side – 31 of which have come in 2021/22.

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Labelled as a “golden boy” by agency director Francesco Miniero, Botman has been heavily linked with both Newcastle United and AC Milan in recent months, but it looks as if Erik ten Hag now wants the towering defender at Old Trafford.

The Latest: Source shares update

FI shared a transfer update regarding Botman after being informed by a Manchester United source. They claim that the Red Devils are hijacking Milan’s £25m swoop for Botman, describing it as a ‘sensational twist’.

The report adds that Botman came up in conversation during Ten Hag’s transfer meeting last week, with the United boss a big admirer of the Lille star.

The Verdict: Get it done

United are in need of a defensive overhaul under Ten Hag after conceding 56 times in 37 games, more than the likes of Burnley and Brentford.

Botman appears to be at the top of his game with a career-high £27m Transfermarkt valuation which has soared in recent years. Milan were reportedly in advanced talks over a deal below Botman’s valuation, so United could take full advantage and get themselves a bargain.

He has excelled in France and has Champions League experience under his belt, and with the likes of Eric Bailly and Phil Jones likely to leave, Ten Hag may have just three senior centre-backs left.

Therefore, Botman could be an ideal addition at a respectable price, and it looks as if United are making their move to pip Milan and Newcastle to the in-demand defender.

In other news: Agreement reached: Man Utd now strike deal for ‘top’ gem who ‘dominates’ on the ball.