Man United Move Could Appeal To £17m Midfield Monster

Manchester United remain interested in the Morocco midfielder Sofyan Amrabat ahead of the summer transfer window having missed out in January.

How old is Sofyan Amrabat?

Erik ten Hag's season may be over on the touchline, however, he is seemingly set to tackle the summer transfer window ahead of the new campaign.

The Red Devils have been linked with potentially huge moves already following the conclusion of the action on the pitch with the likes of Mason Mount reportedly a target.

Indeed, it is believed Chelsea will hold out for a bid in the region of £68m this summer but United are one of the sides believed to hold an interest in the England international.

As well as Mount, it is claimed the Premier League giants have earmarked Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane as a serious option to address their issues up top.

However, there could be another star from the World Cup who could be an option for the Dutchman this summer with Amrabat once again linked with a possible exit from Fiorentina.

This comes after the reports in January which had linked the 26-year-old with interest from both United and the newly-crowned La Liga champions Barcelona.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Fabrizio Romano has claimed – although La Liga is his preferred option – the Premier League is an attractive proposition for the midfielder this summer:

"Let me say there's a lot of interest into this player, Sofyan Amrabat. It's true that Bayern Munich have an interest but the priority of the player is La Liga, is Spanish league or Premier League also really attractive to him.

"But La Liga is the priority with Barcelona or let's see if Atletico Madrid will return to the race. Mentioning Premier League, let's see what happens with Chelsea and Man United because these two clubs were in contact with his agents in January."

How much is Sofyan Amrabat worth?

The Moroccan was linked with a potential move to the Premier League last year when Spurs were heavily linked with interest in the 26-year-old.

However, it was in the World Cup that he made a real name for himself over the winter after playing a significant role for Morocco as they made their way to the semi-finals.

Indeed, the 26-year-old became the first player in the tournament to record 50 recoveries as he became a real rock in the middle of the Morocco midfield.

Erik ten Hag

The 26-year-old's performances in Qatar saw him dubbed as an "absolute midfield monster" by some in the media as they ended the tournament in fourth place.

Amrabat has played a significant role for Fiorentina this season having totalled 49 appearances across all competitions, however, his deal is now running into its final year.

And as a result, the 26-year-old could potentially be made available for a reduced price with the Serie A side believed to be looking for a fee in the region of €20m (£17m).

Rangers Plot Move For Colak 2.0 In £5.2m Machine

Glasgow Rangers have reportedly identified a potential replacement for Alfredo Morelos, amid reports regarding the Old Firm outfit's apparent interest in Rijeka's, Matija Frigan.

What's the latest on Frigan to Rangers?

According to Football Insider, the Light Blues are said to have made an enquiry regarding a possible summer move for the 20-year-old striker, with manager Michael Beale in need of a new centre-forward addition amid Morelos' impending departure.

The report suggests that while the Glasgow giants have not yet submitted a bid for the promising Croatian, the belief is that his current side are set to demand a fee of around £5.2m, with two years left to run on the youngster's existing deal.

The piece does also add that the Gers may have competition in their bid to land the 6 foot 1 ace, however, with Dinamo Zagreb also in the running for his signature – albeit while having had a £3m offer rejected.

Who is Matija Frigan?

The Croatian youth international could well prove to be Rangers' next Antonio Colak, with the latter man – who also turns out for Croatia at international level – having also made his name at Rejika prior to joining the Scottish Premiership side last summer.

After spending his early career plying his trade for a variety of clubs in his native Germany, Colak particularly caught the eye after plundering 51 goals and providing 15 assists in just 90 games for Rejika, having initially joined the club on loan in January 2018.

That prolific form earned the three-cap marksman subsequent moves to Greek outfit PAOK and Swedish giants, Malmo, before being snapped up by Giovanni van Bronckhorst last summer on a £1.8m deal.

Rangers' Antonio Colak

While there are reports that new boss Beale could already be looking to move the 29-year-old on after just a solitary season at Ibrox, the £18k-per-week asset did seemingly enjoy a respectable campaign last time out, having netted 18 goals in 39 games in all competitions.

Clearly a clinical presence in front of goal, young Frigan also appears to share that prolific nature having scored 15 goals in only 31 appearances so far this season, with talent scout Jacek Kulig describing him as "another extremely interesting youngster from Croatia".

Also dubbed a "complete forward" by Kulig, the exciting goal machine is also able to offer a creative outlet in attack having created three big chances in the league in 2022/23 as well as averaging 0.6 key passes per game, with Colak also creating three big chances and averaging 0.5 key passes per game from his 25 Premiership appearances.

That would suggest that there is a real likeness between Frigan and the current Gers forward, with the hope being that the younger man can go on to achieve even bigger and better things than his compatriot under Beale next season.

Arsenal could sign "absolute monster" in £55m swoop

Arsenal have been linked with a Serie A striker ahead of the summer transfer window, as Mikel Arteta aims to bolster his Premier League title-challenging squad.

The Gunners enjoyed an impressive season but fell just short of Manchester City, and with the transfer window fast approaching, the Gunners will hope to bring in reinforcements to challenge once more.

What’s the latest on Rasmus Hojlund to Arsenal?

As reported by 90min last week, Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund has attracted interest from Arsenal ahead of the window.

According to the report, the Gunners have ‘touched base’ with both the forward’s agents and club along with fellow Premier League representatives Manchester United.

90min understand that the reported fee from Atalanta for the youngster is in the region of €65m (£55m).

What could Rasmus Hojlund offer Arsenal?

Lauded by talent scout Jacek Kulig as being an “absolute monster”, the 20-year-old has endured an impressive first season in Serie A, after signing from Sturm Graz last summer.

As per Sofascore, the youngster has scored nine goals and assisted two in the Italian top-tier this campaign, making him one to watch this summer with a host of clubs interested in the talent.

Arsenal haven’t struggled for goals as such this season, however, there is always room for improvement, as highlighted back in December when Gabriel Jesus was forced to undergo knee surgery leaving the Gunners with just one forward in Eddie Nketiah.

Such shortages in the strike department may not be expected next season, with Folarin Balogun due to return from his loan spell at Reims, however, there is some doubt whether the 21-year-old will be with the squad next season.

Sunderland, Black Cats, Arsenal, Lee Johnson, Mikel Arteta, Folarin Balogun, Charlie Wyke,

As reported by Football Insider, Balogun is against returning to north London unless a starting spot is guaranteed, a big ask but a reasonable one for a player who has found the net 21 times in Ligue 1 this term.

If the youngster is to depart on this basis, Arteta may not need to worry should he capture the signature of Hojlund.

Hailed as being “scary quick” by journalist Sacha Pisani, the young forward could fill the boots that Balogun may leave without requiring any consideration for what could have been for the Ligue 1 ace.

Likened to each other based on statistics over the past year, the two young forwards are almost identical in terms of their averages per 90.

The Danish striker averages 0.44 goals, as well as receiving 11 progressive passes and making 6.53 touches in the attacking penalty area per 90, as per FBref, showing the danger he possesses in the box and his desire to be on the ball in the final third.

Similar numbers are recorded by the Reims loanee, who averages 0.45 goals, making 5.94 touches in the attacking penalty area and receiving an average of 8.49 progressive passes per 90, as per FBref.

If the rumours surrounding Balogun’s future are true, Arsenal may not need to look further than Hojlund should they wish to add another striker to their weaponry.

With competition for places vital in promoting a higher level of performance, it’s integral that Arteta recruits this summer to get the best out of his side next term to compete at the top once more.

Rangers eye Stoke defender Tymon

Glasgow Rangers have now made an enquiry to bring Josh Tymon to Ibrox, according to Football Insider's sources within the club.

The Lowdown: Left-back wanted

With the futures of both Borna Barisic and Calvin Bassey in doubt, it looks as if the Gers are targeting a new left-back this summer.

They have scoured the English Championship for top talent on the cheap quite recently, notably pinching John Lundstram after he left Sheffield United, and Tymon could be another player to add to the list.

The Latest: Tymon enquiry

As per Football Insider, Giovanni van Bronckhorst's team have made an 'enquiry' over the possibility of signing Tymon, and a source from the Light Blues has revealed that they have officially registered their 'interest' in the Stoke City defender.

His current deal does not run out until 2025, but the Championship side may be forced to sell some of their top assets this summer, including Tymon.

The Verdict: Depends on Bassey and Barisic

Whether the Teddy Bears should make a move for Tymon will depend on if they keep hold of Bassey and Barisic. If one or both of them were to go, then the Englishman would be a worthy replacement.

Earning £10,000-per-week at Stoke, he would not be among their highest earners, and comes back off of a stellar season where he hardly missed a kick.

Tymon has earned plenty of plaudits, notably from his manager Michael O'Neill, who has noted how 'quick' and athletic he is.

His ability to beat players down the flank is second to none, and has even earned him the nickname of the 'Nutmeg King', after interestingly completing more nutmegs (14) than any other Championship player last term (StatsBomb).

Nonetheless, Tymon is still just 23 years of age, and so could flourish under van Bronckhorst's management for years to come.

In other news, find out who RFC have now been 'contacted' over signing here!

West Ham: ExWHUemployee drops Areola update

West Ham United insider ExWHUemployee has shared a latest update regarding the future of on-loan stopper, Alphonse Areola.

What’s the word?

The respected source has revealed that the Frenchman is edging ever closer toward a permanent deal at the London Stadium, having spent the campaign on loan from Ligue 1 giants, Paris Saint-Germain.

Asked about any fresh news regarding the 29-year-old’s future, the club insider revealed on Twitter that an agreement could be imminent, once wage issues are ironed out: “Hoping to conclude soon but talks still going on over fee/wages.”

That corroborates with an update from Fabrizio Romano, with the transfer guru revealing that the Hammers are set to activate the three-cap international’s buyout clause – the fee said to be in the region of €9m (£7.6m).

Moyes delighted

It may not be a marquee arrival, with the former Fulham man having already been at the club over the past year, yet David Moyes will surely be delighted to be edging closer towards confirmation of a deal, with any manager set to be pleased with getting their summer business done swiftly.

Further additions also appear in the works, amid reports that Rennes centre-back Nayef Aguerd could be on his way to east London in a £13m deal, with the 26-year-old, Morrocan star strengthening what had been a problem area at times last term.

As for Areola, the World Cup winner will provide adequate cover or even direct replacement to first-choice ‘keeper Lukasz Fabianski, with the 37-year-old still going strong even in his advancing years.

The one-time Real Madrid man could run him close next term, however, if his permanent move is secured, having impressed during the club’s run to the Europa League semi-finals, keeping five clean sheets in his 11 games in the competition, while only missing the first group game away at Dinamo Zagreb.

The £8.1m-rated gem has also previously shown his quality during his stint at Craven Cottage during the 2020/21 season, recording 116 saves in the top-flight – the fifth-most in the division – despite Scott Parker’s side ultimately suffering a swift return to the second tier.

While he only made a single league outing in the most recent campaign – with that solitary appearance coming in the 1-0 defeat to Manchester United back in January – he has seemingly shown enough quality in the past to prove a reliable backup option moving forward, or may even usurp the aforementioned Fabianski.

Whatever the case, Moyes will no doubt be delighted to have two goalkeepers of such quality on his books, while the speed of the impending deal will allow them to also prioritise other targets.

IN other news, “A chance…”: Ex drops exciting West Ham transfer claim, supporters will be buzzing

Manchester United eyeing Karl Darlow

Manchester United have held internal discussions over a move for Newcastle United goalkeeper Karl Darlow, according to Samuel Luckhurst.

The Lowdown: Henderson to depart?

New United manager Erik ten Hag is set to be extremely busy over the coming months, and he could now be on the hunt for a new back-up goalkeeper to David de Gea.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-man-utd-updates-2/” title=”Latest Man Utd updates!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

That’s because Dean Henderson may well be on the move to Newcastle, with reports in the week suggesting a transfer to St James’ Park was close.

Should Henderson depart, Ten Hag would be left with De Gea and Tom Heaton after Lee Grant announced his retirement on Thursday.

The Latest: Darlow links

Chief writer Luckhurst shared a story for the Manchester Evening News on Friday morning regarding United’s back-up ‘keeper targets.

He revealed that United are considering a move for Darlow after Newcastle suggested including the 31-year-old as part of a deal for Henderson.

Darlow, described as ‘terrific’ by Steve Bruce, is aware of discussions, with Watford’s Daniel Bachmann another player of interest to United chiefs.

The Verdict: Good move?

As back-up targets go, Darlow could be the ideal man to arrive at Old Trafford. He’s made 33 appearances across the past two Premier League campaigns, taking his tally in the top-flight to 52.

Older than De Gea by just one month, the 31-year-old stood in for Martin Dubravka during the early stages of the 2021/22 season. He was on the bench after Eddie Howe took over, so he could well be open to serving as second choice under Ten Hag.

Bringing him to the club as part of a transfer for Henderson would also give the United boss one less transfer headache as he looks to make some marquee additions.

In other news: Fabrizio Romano reveals Man Utd & Ten Hag eyeing another Dutch gem along with De Jong and Timber. 

Sunderland handed Leon Dajaku boost

Sunderland have been handed a injury lift over Leon Dajaku ahead of the League One play-off final at Wembley on Saturday…

What’s the latest?

Alex Neil has revealed that the 21-year-old is now in contention to make his return to the squad this weekend after working hard to get back to fitness.

He has been out of first-team action since featuring on 19 March against Lincoln and is now fighting to make his final appearance of the campaign against Wycombe on Saturday.

The Black Cats manager told the Sunderland Echo: “Leon has done a lot of work recently, so again it’s one where we’ll see where he is over the next couple of days.”He’s been working hard. We’ve got a plethora of choices now, people who have put themselves into contention. There’ll be difficult choices, but I’ll try and make the right one for what I feel the game needs.” Neil will be delighted

The former Preston boss will be delighted with the German’s potential involvement, as the youngster has the quality to be a game-changer on his day.

Dajaku, who is on loan from Union Berlin, made 22 appearances in the regular League One campaign as he showed glimpses of his ability. The winger started 14 matches and chipped in with four goals and three assists, which means that he was directly involved in a goal for every other start he managed.

This shows that he is capable of having a huge impact in the final third when he is on form. He has proven that he can score and set up goals in English football, and this is why it will be a big boost for the club to have him back fit for the play-off final this weekend.

Neil will be delighted to have another player with the potential to be a match-winner in his squad, whether that’s from the start or off the bench. Dajaku can be a useful player to call upon in a variety of scenarios – a late impact sub, a starter, or to come off the bench if one of the starting XI picks up an injury in the first half.

The 21-year-old may be playing for his future on Wearside, given that he is currently on loan, and this should give him added motivation to make a huge impact on the game at Wembley. He will surely be desperate to get out on the pitch, and hopefully Neil will give him an opportunity to make the difference against the Chairboys.

AND in other news, Sunderland handed huge injury boost ahead of play-off final, Neil surely buzzing…

Aston Villa: Konsa to miss start of 2022/23

Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa is set to miss the opening weeks of the 2022/23 Premier League season after sustaining a knee injury last weekend against Crystal Palace that will keep the Englishman sidelined for 12-16 weeks.

What’s the latest?

As tweeted by Birmingham Live’s Ashley Preece following Steven Gerrard’s pre-Burnley press conference, the 24-year-old has sustained a “serious” knee injury and will miss all of pre-season as well as the opening stages of the next Premier League campaign.

The Villa boss stated: “We’re quite relieved because we thought we were dealing with an ACL” whilst also revealing that Emi Martinez picked up an injury in training and Robin Olsen could be set for his Villa debut in between the sticks.

The Villans have just two matches left this campaign, this evening’s home clash with the Clarets before a trip to Manchester City on Sunday.

However, the injury has come at an awful time for Konsa who will have to work extra hard to catch up for when the new season comes around given him missing out on pre-season training.

Bad news

Although the West Midlands outfit have been frustratingly inconsistent at times this season, Konsa has had a decent campaign this term.

The Englishman has won 64% of his duels in the Premier League whilst averaging 0.5 interceptions, 0.9 tackles and 2.8 clearances a match in 29 top-flight appearances.

However, the injury could trigger long-term issues for Konsa’s Villa tenure.

There have been reports that the 24-year-old could depart Villa Park this summer with Gerrard planning a major squad overhaul, particularly in defence with his side conceding 50 times in 36 matches this season.

Therefore, Villa may still go ahead and sign new defenders that will beat Konsa to a starting spot whilst the Englishman is now unlikely to be bought this summer given his injury and the uncertainties that could bring.

It’s a major blow for the defender and could lead to an even greater predicament that will surely have supporters gutted.

AND in other news: Signed for £7.6m, now worth £225k: AVFC had a shocker on “hiding” £28k-p/w disaster

Aston Villa: Ramsey a doubt for Liverpool

Aston Villa midfielder Jacob Ramsey is a doubt for the Villans’ Premier League home match against Liverpool on Tuesday evening.

What’s the latest?

Speaking to the press, manager Steven Gerrard, as quoted by Birmingham Live, said: “A big doubt for Tuesday. Got a small groin problem. He [Ramsey] won’t be long. We’re hoping to get him involved in the squad at Liverpool but that’s looking ambitious right now.”

The 20-year-old missed Saturday’s 3-1 win at Burnley through the same injury and looks set to continue his spell on the sidelines.

Gerrard will be gutted

Although the former Liverpool captain will be delighted if his former club can win the Premier League title, he will undoubtedly be focused on securing a result with Aston Villa against the Reds.

Therefore, being without Ramsey once again will be a major blow for the Villa boss.

The midfielder has been seriously impressive this term, making 31 Premier League appearances during which he’s scored six goals and registered one assist.

Moreover, the Englishman had previously been subject to interest from Liverpool but recently signed a fresh deal that extends his stay at Villa Park until 2027.

Luckily for Gerrard, Marvelous Nakamba is now fully fit and could make his first start for the West Midlands outfit since suffering a knee injury in the reverse fixture against Liverpool in December.

Having picked up seven points from their last three matches, Villa will be looking to finish the season as strongly as possible with a first top half finish in over a decade still very much achievable.

Moreover, they can put a further dent in Liverpool’s title bid after Jurgen Klopp’s side dropped points on Saturday with a 1-1 draw against Tottenham at Anfield.

Villa supporters will also be keen to remind people that the last time the Merseyside outfit came to Villa Park in the league, they were hit for seven.

However, Tuesday evening will be a completely different contest and not having Ramsey available will certainly leave Gerrard gutted.

AND in other news: AVFC nearing 1st summer signing in £22.5m-rated “phenomenon”, supporters will love it

Villa: Gerrard replace Mings with De Vrij

Recent reports have suggested that Aston Villa are in the race for Inter Milan defender Stefan De Vrij, with the Dutchman set to be available for as little as £15m, with just a year remaining on his existing deal.

That news comes amid suggestions that manager Steven Gerrard is eyeing a new left-sided centre-back this summer, throwing into doubt the future of England international Tyrone Mings.

Further rumours this week have also claimed that the current club captain could well be moved on in the upcoming window, with fellow defender Ezri Konsa another name potentially on the chopping block.

Such speculation illustrates a notable decline this season for Mings, in particular, with the 29-year-old having gone from starting group stage games at Euro 2020 to fearing for his place at club level, all in the space of just ten months.

Pundit Danny Mills has previously suggested that the former Bournemouth giant was “fortunate” to earn a Three Lions call up in the first place, while the 44-year-old also more recently slated the Villa man for his current displays, insisting that there “seems to be a mistake in his game somewhere.”

The statistics also prove rather damning, with the £28.8m-rated man part of a backline that has shipped 46 goals this season – the tenth-worst in the division – while he has also given away one penalty and committed one error leading to a goal in the top-flight this term.

In De Vrij then, Gerrard appears to have identified a viable alternative, with the 30-year-old offering a wealth of experience, having made 55 caps for his country as well as being a vital part of Antonio Conte’s title-winning Inter team last season.

As for this term, as the Italian giants chase a second successive Serie A title, the £116k-per-week “monster” – as he has been described by former Lazio teammate Mauricio – has caught the eye again, averaging 1.8 clearances, 1.3 tackles and one interception per game.

Not just impressive defensively – with the one-time Feyenoord man lining up on the left of a back three at the San Siro – he is also comfortable in possession, ranking in the top 5% for pass completion among centre-backs in Europe’s top five leagues.

As the current Villa boss seeks to take the ambitious club back towards the European qualification places next season, a quality upgrade such as De Vrij could be what is needed, with £80k-per-week Mings the man who must give way.

IN other news, “Destined for a move”: Journo drops exciting AVFC transfer claim, Gerrard will love it –

Game
Register
Service
Bonus