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Arsenal defender William Saliba has praised Virgil van Dijk insisting that he still watches the Liverpool star as somebody to "learn from".

What's the latest William Saliba news?

It's safe to say the French centre-back made a huge impact for the Gunners last term as he played a key part in helping the club mount a surprise challenge for the Premier League title.

Indeed, Saliba started the first 27 league games of the season for Mikel Arteta and co – losing just three times – before a back injury derailed both his and his club's campaign.

And with Arsenal falling just short without the defender, there will be much hope the 22-year-old can stay fit next term and lead the club to glory.

If he does, he would be following in the footsteps of fellow central defender Van Dijk who, of course, won the division with Liverpool back in 2020.

Since then, however, some feel as though the Dutchman has dropped off a bit. For instance, when the Reds hosted the Gunners at the back end of last season, Van Dijk was slammed in the media "after making key mistakes for both of Arsenal's goals."

And with Liverpool failing to finish in the top four, it's clear that a number of players were not at their best under Jurgen Klopp last term.

Even so, while speaking recently in an interview with the Daily Mail, Saliba was full of praise for Van Dijk, citing him as a source of inspiration even still now despite the player's dip in form.

He said: "I still watch him! I really like his quality in one-against-one, his calmness, his composure and his long balls as well. He has everything and, for me, he was a good defender to learn from… I think he was – for two or three years – the best defender in the world."

On emulating Van Dijk and trying to become the world's best, Saliba added: "Of course I have the quality, but that means nothing.

"You have to work hard to go to this level. So I'm not close to this level but I will give everything to maybe one day become the best defender in the world"

How long is Saliba's new contract?

Of course, Saliba has recently committed his future to Arsenal having signed a new four-year contract earlier on in the summer. It will keep him tied to the club until 2027.

However, it wasn't always clear if he would make it in north London under manager Arteta. Indeed, in the same Daily Mail interview, he noted that he was met with near-silence from his manager after returning from loan.

"I was so excited to do a pre-season with the team and to try to play in the Premier League and the Europa League," Saliba recalled.

"He said hello to me the first day. And then after he didn't speak with me."

The article claims that Arteta was keen to see how the Frenchman would react as a way to gauge his true character.

Saliba responded well. "I told myself to be good on the pitch, to give him a solution, to tell him: Yeah I'm ready," he explained.

"To tell him on the pitch is the better way… I knew one day he'll come to speak to me."

Arteta was reportedly struck within a couple of training sessions and from there on in, the rest is history.

Celtic being able to initiate a sensational deal to land Scott McTominay this summer would be 'tough to pull off', according to journalist Dean Jones.

What clubs are keen on Scott McTominay?

Last term, McTominay was used primarily as a rotational option by Erik Ten Hag for Manchester United, though he still managed to make 39 appearances in all competitions, registering three goals and one assist, as per Transfermarkt.

Nevertheless, the Scotland international could be set to be axed at Old Trafford this summer alongside Harry Maguire, Jadon Sancho and Fred as Dutch coach Ten Hag looks to 'streamline' his squad this season, according to The Independent.

Suitors have emerged for McTominay and Celtic have been named as a potential destination for the £60k-a-week ace, as Brendan Rodgers looks to strengthen his squad ahead of their defence of the Scottish Premiership title.

CBS Sports via The Daily Mail report that McTominay is also on the radar of Brighton & Hove Albion and Jose Mourinho's Roma; however, Manchester United's Financial Fair Play restrictions may lead to them keeping hold of the 26-year-old for another year due to the fact they would be unlikely to afford a direct replacement for him.

talkSPORT understand that West Ham United are in the market for a central midfielder and could turn to McTominay as a potential alternative to Declan Rice, who is set for a money-spinning move to Arsenal and looks to have played his last game for the Hammers.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Jones thinks that McTominay would be a 'mind-blowing' signing for Celtic if they managed to convince him to swap the Premier League for the Scottish Premiership.

Jones stated: "If Celtic could land McTominay, it would be mind-blowing, to be honest. I think it would be one of the biggest deals of the summer.

"It would be huge for Celtic, but it would also be a big decision for McTominay to switch from the Premier League to the Scottish Premiership at this point.

"It would be an incredible get for Celtic if they can pull something like that off, but I think it'll be tough to pull off."

What other players could Celtic and Rodgers sign this window?

Celtic have been slow off the mark this window as boss Rodgers runs the rule over his squad in their pre-season training camp in Portugal; however, some arrivals will be expected in the next few weeks as the Irishman ramps up his market proactivity at the helm of the Scottish champions.

According to Ukrainian outlet Sport Novyny, Celtic are regarded as frontrunners to sign Brazilian winger Tete, who spent the second half of last term on loan at Leicester City. The report adds that he intends to leave his parent club Shakhtar Donetsk due to fears for his safety due to the region's ongoing conflict.

Gangwon midfielder Yang Hyun-jun has been extensively linked to Celtic this window and has stated that there has been "some progress" in the ongoing transfer saga that continues to unfold concerning his potential arrival in Glasgow, as relayed by Football Scotland.

Last month, The Scottish Sun claimed that Arsenal defender Kieran Tierney would be open to a blockbuster return to Celtic on a loan basis; however, both parties would need to come to a significant compromise over wages and any fee for the agreement.

West Bromwich Albion boss Carlos Corberan could give young forward Reyes Cleary opportunities to star at the first-team level in 2023/24, according to The Express & Star's Lewis Cox.

Who is Reyes Cleary and will he feature for West Bromwich Albion in 2023/24?

Cleary is a highly promising attacker on the books of West Bromwich Albion that has made waves at various levels due to his clinical finishing ability.

Last term, the 19-year-old was in fine fettle for the Baggies' second string in Premier League 2 action, scoring 16 strikes and laying on a further three assists in just 12 appearances, as per Transfermarkt.

Capable of playing off the left or as a central striker, Cleary also made five senior appearances for West Brom's first team over the course of 2022/23; however, he has failed to notch a single goal for his current employers at senior level.

Former West Brom and Everton striker Kevin Campbell thinks that Cleary still has plenty to prove before being given regular opportunities to star at the Hawthorns, as he stated in a recent interview with West Brom News: “I think it (promotion to first team) might happen at some stage but straight away, no. “I don’t think he’s going to be a star, not yet. He’s a young man and he’s doing well but you’ve got to prove yourself and a loan deal might be right for him.”

Nevertheless, he may be helped in his search for a breakthrough by West Brom's financial situation, which is said to be in a perilous position and left fan organisation Shareholders For Albion, who own 12% of the club, furious at the Baggies' owner Lai Guochuan for failing to answer a single question regarding the health of the club in a letter demanding 'clarity' over several issues at the club earlier this year, as per The Daily Mail.

Albion have already sold defender Dara O'Shea to Burnley for around £7 million this window and more departures could be likely in the coming weeks, according to Birmingham Live.

Potentially, this could pave the way for the likes of Cleary to kick on from the youth ranks to become first-team regulars this term, which is a sentiment that is echoed by reporter Cox, who was speaking on the Express & Star YouTube channel,

What did Lewis Cox say about Reyes Cleary's first-team chances?

Talking about which youngsters could be given a chance at the Baggies in 2023/24, Cox singled out Cleary as someone who may be given an opportunity to stake his claim alongside Jovan Malcolm and Modou Faal, stating: "Youngsters, Jovan Malcolm, Mo Faal, hopefully, Reyes Cleary, that's three there straight off the top of my head in forward roles that have a real window of opportunity potentially to get serious minutes and then it's up to them."

Of course, Cleary's chances of becoming a regular have also increased due to the plight of Daryl Dike, who is expected to still be out for several months after sustaining an Achilles injury back in April.

West Brom don't find themselves in the kindest position right now with regards to matters off or on the field; nevertheless, Corberan will be hoping his young guns can help to breathe some new life into the club and give everyone at the Hawthorns a much-needed boost.

West Bromwich Albion will target free agents and the loan market this summer as Carlos Corberan looks to add to his squad, according to Express & Star reporter Lewis Cox.

What players have West Bromwich Albion been linked with this window?

According to Football League World, West Brom were keen to add free agent Nick Powell to their ranks this summer following his exit from Stoke City; however, the outlet claim that he will now complete a deal to move to EFL League Two side Stockport County.

The former Manchester United ace also had interest from Coventry City, Wrexham and Major League Soccer, though he now looks odds-on to sign for Dave Challinor's men ahead of 2023/24.

Former Portsmouth midfielder Jay Mingi, who is also now a free agent, was on the radar of West Brom in January, though it remains to be seen whether the Baggies can afford to move for him again this off-season.

As per The Telegraph, West Brom are in 'financial peril' and will need to sell most of their prize assets before being able to dip back into the transfer market to acquire players ahead of the new term.

Dara O'Shea has left the club to join Premier League outfit, Burnley, fetching a fee in the region of £7 million to put back into the coffers at the Hawthorns, as per BBC Sport.

Birmingham Live report that several other faces are set to join the cull in the coming weeks. Manager Corberan has revealed his hope that he can add to his squad before taking them to St George's Park next week for a visit, stating: "We are giving a little bit of time to see if we can add some of the new players and then spend time together there, at St. George’s Park.

"It’s not just the football perspective we will be working on, but the human perspective too. Some of the players are going to be new and they’ll need to fight together in the competition, so they’ll be creating a new family and new relationships."

What did Lewis Cox say about West Brom's potential transfer business?

According to journalist Cox, who spoke on the Express & Star YouTube channel, any additions that do come the way of West Brom this summer are more likely to arise from the free agent pool or loan market, according to journalist Cox.

Cox stated: "Finances will surely largely dictate that [scope for recruitment], loans are more likely to happen later in the summer, we know this. I don't think that we can get too hung up on it yet, but obviously, it would've been ideal to have them in. Now, it doesn't mean the window is going to end badly, it could be a positive late July/August with some really encouraging names and frees and the loans come in"

Ultimately, Corberan looks like he will have his hands tied this window and may be completely consigned to completing deals on the cheap or on a loan basis; nevertheless, he will be keen to find a few bargain gems to offer some depth to his side.

The Spaniard is also likely to rely on youth players to supplement his squad and has a positive reputation in developing younger players, which would offer some excitement for Baggies supporters despite their awkward position in the transfer market.

Manchester United have now made contact with Eintracht Frankfurt over a move for Randal Kolo Muani, according to a report from Football Insider.

What's the latest Man United transfer news?

Man United have reportedly compiled a four-man shortlist of striker targets for this summer, with Atalanta's Rasmus Hojlund still of interest, however, there are some reservations regarding the 20-year-old's suitability for a big move.

The Red Devils' other top targets include Victor Osimhen, who they are planning to speak with in the near future, and Harry Kane, but a move for the Tottenham Hotspur forward is now unlikely, given Daniel Levy's reluctance to sell.

Kolo Muani has been a target for quite some time, with United at one stage preparing a bid for the Frankfurt star in the January transfer window, and they have now made their first move to sign him this summer.

According to a report from Football Insider, Man United have now made contact over a potential deal for the 24-year-old, with Old Trafford chiefs sounding out Frankfurt about the possibility of finally making the transfer a reality.

However, like with other targets, the France international's price tag could prove to be a major stumbling block, with the Bundesliga club set to hold out for £85m, amid interest from the likes of Bayern Munich and Real Madrid. The Red Devils are eager to bring in a marquee striker this summer, in order to ease the goalscoring burden on Marcus Rashford.

Is Randal Kolo Muani joining Man United?

Hailed as "special" by members of the media, the Bondy-born attacker had a remarkable 2022-23 campaign, recording 15 goals and 14 assists in the Bundesliga from a central position, averaging just under one goal contribution every game.

Over the past year, the Frenchman ranks in the 97th percentile for assists per 90, when compared to his positional peers, so it is no wonder Frankfurt are asking for such a huge fee.

With the striker contracted until 2027, his current employers are in a strong negotiating position this summer, so it may be a very difficult transfer for Man United to orchestrate, should they be unwilling to shell out £85m.

Although the former Nantes man had a very impressive previous season, there are question marks about whether he is worth such an astronomical fee, as it was the first time in his career he has reached the 15-goal mark in the league. If Kolo Muani becomes available for less, United may see a move as a shrewd one, but he has not yet proven he is worth the figure Frankfurt are asking for.

Arsenal seem to be closing in on their second transfer of this window, as they move closer to acquiring some defensive reinforcements.

What's the latest on Jurrien Timber to Arsenal?

The latest update on Mikel Arteta's pursuit of Jurrien Timber unsurprisingly comes from transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, who only last week noted the famous "here we go" with regard to Kai Havertz.

Now, it seems like the young Dutch defender will be the next to be welcomed to the Emirates, as the Gunners seek to bridge the gap between themselves and the imperious treble-winning Manchester City.

The Italian journalist wrote on Twitter: "Arsenal have submitted second official proposal to Ajax in order to get Jurrien Timber deal done this week. Talks advancing between clubs after £30m opening bid rejected. Personal terms agreed last week on five-year contract."

It is expected the deal will end up costing around €45m (£39m).

How good is Jurrien Timber?

The 22-year-old has all the assets needed to shine within Arteta's possession-dominant system, hence why he has reportedly been so keen on making the move happen. Transferring his skills from Ajax to Arsenal should be seamless.

Given his technical excellence too, it is expected that the Dutchman will shine in more roles than just his natural centre-back position, given how he has proven himself arguably too creative to be shackled at the back.

When compared to others in that role across Europe, he sits in the top 1% for progressive carries and passes per 90, whilst also in the top 4% for progressive passes received and the top 5% for touches in the opposition penalty area per 90, via FBref. These are figures seldom seen in a centre-back, further emphasising that his future lies further up the pitch.

It was no surprise therefore to see Rafael van der Vaart note: "Timber is so quick, light feet, always sharp, never panicking on the ball. Almost like a great midfielder in defence."

These outstanding attributes suggest that he will be far more suited to a midfield role, or perhaps as an inverted full-back akin to Oleksandr Zinchenko.

Should everything follow Arteta's plan, including the acquisition of West Ham United captain Declan Rice, these two could strike up a formidable and rather surprising midfield partnership similar to how the Ukraine international shone alongside Thomas Partey.

Having been a solid central defender, but with the clear creative qualities to push further forward, this would blend perfectly with the similarly comprehensive star that the England international has become of late.

Last term in the Premier League, the 24-year-old maintained an average rating of 7.19, upheld through his one key passes, 2.1 tackles and 1.7 interceptions per game, via Sofascore. Indeed, this rating would have made him Arsenal's third-best performer last season as they pushed for the title, and their joint-best tackler.

Thus, with a player of Timber's quality placed beside him instead of Tomas Soucek, and supplementing the quality up front of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, these are numbers certain to improve further.

With creativity, athleticism and defensive steel in abundance to be shared between Rice and Timber, this additional tactical option could forge one of the league's finest engine room pairings and take both of their careers to the next level.

With the summer transfer window now well underway, Tottenham Hotspur will be aiming to hand new boss Ange Postecoglou the tools to spark something of a revival at N17, amid the need for quality additions over the coming months.

According to recent reports in France, one man who is believed to be on the north Londoners' 'shortlist' is Lyon midfielder, Maxence Caqueret, with German giants Borussia Dortmund also keeping tabs on the promising Frenchman.

The 23-year-old – who is said to be valued at around £26m, according to CIES Football Observatory – has racked up 130 appearances for his current side since rising up through the youth ranks, notably contributing four goals and seven assists in 40 games across all fronts last season from his deep-lying berth.

Undoubtedly a player of "pure quality and intelligence" – according to talent scout Jacek Kulig – it is no surprise just why the 5 foot 9 gem has warranted such interest of late, with Postecoglou seemingly looking to shake up his midfield ranks this summer, amid reports that Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg could be on his way.

For all Caqueret's quality, however, Spurs may well be cautious with regard to splashing out on another exciting midfield star from Lyon, having previously been burned by the signing of Tanguy Ndombele from the French outfit.

Has Tanguy Ndombele been a good signing for Spurs?

While there have been reports that Postecoglou could be open to giving Ndombele another chance to impress this summer, the mercurial Frenchman has perhaps had enough opportunities over the past few years, having been signed on a club-record £63m deal back in 2019.

The 5 foot 11 enigma – who has spent time on loan back at Lyon and at Napoli over the last 18 months or so – has scored just ten goals and contributed only nine assists in 91 games in all competitions over the last four years for Spurs, having failed to truly make his mark in the centre of the park.

Branded a "disgrace" by Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher due to his lack of work ethic, the one-time Amiens man also came under fire from former boss Jose Mourinho due to his Tottenham woes, with the Portuguese stating in 2021 that "Tanguy is the kind of guy that you always expect more from."

With it clear to see that the £200k-per-week asset has not lived up to his rather hefty, initial price tag, it would be fair to suggest that the signing of Ndombele has proven a notable error for Daniel Levy and co, hence the possible concern over snapping up another Lyon midfield man in the form of Caqueret.

Newcastle United are 'definitely interested' in bringing Leicester City pair James Maddison and Harvey Barnes to St James' Park this summer, according to journalist Dean Jones.

What's the latest transfer news involving James Maddison and Harvey Barnes?

According to Football Insider, Newcastle United are keen on landing Maddison and Barnes this summer as Eddie Howe ramps up his transfer market proactivity in the North East.

The report states that £35k-a-week earner Barnes would be willing to leave Leicester City for a new challenge in the off-season; however, he is likely to cost in the region of £40 million.

Sky Sports also detail that Newcastle United are in the box seat to sign his teammate Maddison amid interest from Tottenham Hotspur in his services.

Maddison is entering the last year of his £110k-a-week contract at the King Power Stadium and it is believed that the Magpies could tempt the Coventry-born star to Tyneside with Champions League football on offer next term.

ESPN claim that Manchester United are admirers of Maddison and could also be in the frame to try and entice him to Old Trafford.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Jones thinks that Newcastle United are 'definitely interested' in both players; nevertheless, he doubts whether either will end up at St James' Park.

Jones said: “I don't think they're probably leaders for either Barnes or Maddison, from what I've heard.

“They’re definitely interested in both of those players. But I’ve heard a couple of reasons that make me think they might not end up with either.”

Would James Maddison and Harvey Barnes be good signings for Newcastle United?

Both players possess creative flair and would be worthwhile additions ahead of next term, with boss Howe keen to add quality ahead of a tilt at Champions League football.

In 2022/23, Maddison enjoyed a notable campaign, registering ten goals and nine assists in 32 appearances across all competitions, as per Transfermarkt.

Maddison also recorded 138 shot-creating actions in the Premier League during the campaign, demonstrating his intuition despite an unsuccessful season for Leicester City, as per FBRef.

On the flipside, Barnes also had a productive time of things all things considered, notching 13 goals and three assists in 40 outings encompassing all competitions, as per Transfermarkt.

The duo both look set for a return to the English top flight, though it will remain to be seen who wins in the battle to secure either Maddison or Barnes in the next few months.

All the transfer speculation surrounding Wolverhampton Wanderers at the moment seems focused around those who could be on their way out rather than those arriving.

Joao Moutinho is moving on following the expiration of his contract, while Adama Traore has been tipped to depart and speculation surrounding Raul Jimenez refuses to go away.

On the back of a frustrating couple of years for the Mexico international following a long-term head injury lay-off, it has been reported he is weighing up a big-money offer on the table from Saudi Arabia.

Rather than seeing that as a blow, however, it could well prove to be a transitional moment should the club bring in an exciting replacement.

The Express & Star recently reported that Wolves remain interested in signing talented young Chile international Dario Osorio, who would very much fit into the category of an exciting signing to plug the gap left by Jimenez.

Who is Wolves target Dario Osorio?

Osorio only made his senior bow for Universidad de Chile in April last year, but he has certainly caught the eye across his 44 appearances for the club.

Indeed, aged just 19, the teenager has already earned a couple of caps for Chile's senior side and has been linked with Serie A quartet Udinese, Bologna, Sassuolo and Atalanta.

The youngster scored seven goals in 27 league appearances last season and, while he has yet to find the net in nine outings this campaign, he remains hot on the lips of transfer experts.

ESPN reporter Luis Miguel Echegaray has described Osorio as a 'quality prospect' and one of the 'brightest' players to emerge from Chile, a nation that has produced the likes of Alexis Sanchez and Arturo Vidal in recent times.

Osorio is said to be 'fast, brave and a headache for defenders', which would make him a great fit for Julen Lopetegui at Wolves.

As well as attracting interest from Italy, ex-Universidad de Chile ace Johnny Herrera (as quoted by Bolavip), claimed last year that West Ham had made a £5.5m offer for the Chilean, with Leicester City also making a formal approach.

Osorio will need to improve his scoring output, which can come more naturally with age and experience, but he has already showed plenty of potential and is also not afraid to put himself about, as shown by the eight yellow cards he has collected in his short career to date.

The "flamboyant" youngster – as hailed by talent scout Jacek Kulig – has also won 2.68 tackles per 90 minutes this year, as per FBbref, compared to 0.64 for Jimenez, who often appears to lack the fight for a battle.

Osorio – who has also been labelled the "jewel of Chilean soccer" by former boss Raul Torro – is not necessarily ready to be thrown straight into the first team, but with a valuation of a reported £6.7m, he is a smart option for Wolves and will offer something different to Jimenez, who has simply – rather unfortunately – failed to reach his previous heights since returning to action.

Jimenez has scored just six goals across 39 appearances in the past two Premier League campaigns – a far cry from his peak in 2019-20 when scoring 17 goals in 38 games.

On wages of £100,000 a week, according to Capology, and with his valuation diminishing, it now makes sense to turn a new page without Jimenez in the squad.

Heart of Midlothian are keeping tabs on defender Morgan Feeney as they look to strengthen their defence ahead of next season.

What’s the latest on Morgan Feeney to Hearts?

According to the Daily Record, Hearts are eyeing up a move for Feeney, who is set to become available on a free transfer after his current contract at Carlisle expires this summer.

They could face stiff competition from League One teams along with Premiership outfits Hibernian and Aberdeen in order to secure the former Everton youth starlet.

Could Morgan Feeney sign for Hearts?

They will need to beat off competition from their arch-rivals, however, with the club aiming to get their managerial appointment spot on, his signing could very well depend on who becomes permanent manager.

The Tynecastle side had the fourth-best defensive record in the Premiership last season, conceding 57 goals in 38 matches, however, improvement will need to be made if they are to finish higher than fourth next term.

The club are currently thin at the back, with Kye Rowles, Tony Sibbick and Craig Halkett their only senior centre-backs, and Feeney could give them a boost in that area.

Having played over 60 matches for the youth sides at Everton, the 6 foot 3 gem made his senior debut aged just 17 back in 2017, however, he failed to make the grade at Goodison Park, turning out for Tranmere Rovers and Sunderland before finally establishing himself at Carlisle.

Across two seasons with the club, Feeney has featured 76 times, and despite missing the playoff victory that saw them win promotion to League One through injury, he was solid throughout the 2022/2022 campaign.

The 24-year-old averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.96/10 across 31 games in League Two, helping his team keep 13 clean sheets while winning 62% of his total duels, making 2.8 clearances, 1.3 interceptions and 0.6 tackles per game, showcasing his defensive abilities.

Following his season-ending injury in April, the Bootle-born ace was praised by journalist Nathan Ridley, who said: “A real shame if Morgan Feeney's time at Carlisle ends like this. He's more than capable of playing in League One.”

The defensive titan could be an ideal signing for Hearts as they head into pre-season looking at reclaiming third spot next season. They wouldn’t have to spend a penny on the centre-back, and it could represent a solid investment from the club as they look to also improve other areas of the side in what could be a busy summer transfer window.