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West Bromwich Albion fans are strapped in for another promotion-chasing season at the Hawthorns, as the well-respected Carlos Corberan aims to steer the Baggies to another finish near the top of the Championship table.

The West Midlands side clinched a playoff spot last season, but would ultimately come unstuck at the semi-final stage to eventual winners Southampton, with the aim now to avenge this disappointment and finally return to the Premier League at the end of this long and gruelling campaign.

It will be a tough ask, with the Baggies showing some chinks in their armour already with two Championship losses next to their name, but the passionate Spaniard on the sidelines will know he can rely on the likes of Kyle Bartley and Josh Maja to help his team in their ongoing promotion push.

Bartley and Maja's importance to West Brom

Whilst many of the West Brom old guard departed the club this summer for pastures new, Kyle Bartley stuck by his Championship employers and remains one of the first names on his manager’s team sheet for good reason.

Yet to miss a minute of action this season so far, the former Arsenal youth product turned accomplished second-tier defender is crucial to the dogged Baggies back four, having picked up five clean sheets from nine league games played as a titan-like presence.

Even when West Brom aren’t at the races, the determined 33-year-old still shines, with an impressive eight duels won away at Sheffield Wednesday as his team fell to a surprise 3-2 defeat.

Whilst Bartley tries to make Corberan’s men as staunch as possible defensively, Josh Maja has the opposite to do in attack, in trying to be the bright spark that clinches wins with goals finding the back of the net.

He has been just that for the West Midlands side so far this season, starting as he meant to go on with a hat-trick on the opening day against Queens Park Rangers, with a ridiculous seven strikes then picked up from seven before firing some unexpected blanks against Middlesbrough.

Both players will be key for Corberan’s men going forward as they strive to go one better than last season and shoot up to the Premier League, but find that their wages are actually lesser than one Baggies player currently, who has struggled for game-time in contrast.

Diangana's wage at West Brom

According to Capology, West Brom winger Grady Diangana rakes in a hefty £20.3k-per-week wage for the 2024/25 campaign, which sees him earn more than both Bartley and Maja consequently.

The centre-back and the striker only take home a lesser £15k-per-week and £17k-per-week respectively, when weighed up next to Diangana’s healthier pay packet, despite being picked week in week out by their manager.

Stat

Diangana

Games played

6

Games started

1

Minutes averaged

32 mins

Goals

0

Assists

0

Going the other way, it’s been an extremely stop-start campaign so far for the Congolese forward, who is only averaging 32 minutes of action per league clash so far this season as his injury issues begin to pile up.

With the emergence of Karlan Grant down the left wing too, who has a goal next to his name this season as a resurgent presence, on top of the fact Mikey Johnston is also back at the Hawthorns, Diangana could find his minutes are infrequent even when he is back up to full speed.

The “unbelievable” West Brom number 11 – as he was once labelled as by Baggies teammate Jed Wallace – is capable of terrorising second-tier defences on his day, with 21 second-tier strikes on his career CV.

But, it does feel as if his powers are waning in the here and now, with Diangana now worth just £1.3m according to Football Transfers, when he once cost the West Midlands side an eye-watering £18m.

When back at full sharpness, he will be a useful body to have around the building for a promotion charge, but with his contract up next summer, his time with the Baggies could come to an end soon.

West Brom could axe star who earns more than Maja & Johnston combined

Carlos Corberan could look to move on this forgotten West Bromwich Albion man soon.

ByKelan Sarson Sep 23, 2024

Over three months away from the January transfer window, Arsenal chiefs have reportedly already given the green light for one player to seal his exit away from North London.

Arsenal transfer news

The Gunners were a difficult side to judge in the summer transfer window. They were in no position to panic after two unsuccessful title charges in a row, with Mikel Arteta’s project beginning to impress more and more, but it wouldn’t be absurd to suggest that they needed an out-and-out goalscorer.

Paul Merson says Arteta has a real problem over £110k-per-week Arsenal star

The Gunners legend has had his say on an all-important clash at Arsenal.

ByEmilio Galantini Sep 22, 2024

Their occasional blunt nature going forward without a real killer in front of goal has been Arsenal’s one point of weakness, yet even after the summer, they remain without a boost in that department.

Instead, those in North London strengthened elsewhere with Riccardo Calafiori surely now completing Arteta’s defensive options and Mikel Merino arriving to provide backup for Declan Rice in midfield, before Raheem Sterling joined on loan in a shock move from Chelsea.

As things stand, it’s been business as usual after those arrivals too. Arteta’s side once again look like Manchester City’s closest challengers in an attempt to stop the Citizens from winning a stunning fifth Premier League title on the bounce. When January arrives, however, they may need to complete that task without one want-away player.

According to CalcioMercato via Sport Witness, Arsenal chiefs have now given the green light for Takehiro Tomiyasu to depart in the January transfer window, with Juventus reportedly preparing an approach. Ready to leave The Emirates after three years at the club, Tomiyasu will be granted his exit if the likes of Juventus match his reported €20m (£17m) valuation set by the Gunners.

An exit certainly makes sense following the arrival of Calafiori and the return of Jurrien Timber, but that will not take away from the solid job that the defender completed during his time at the club.

Right time for "popular" Tomiyasu to leave Arsenal

Tomiyasu’s potential January exit is one that could suit all parties. Arsenal are no longer in desperate need of the full-back’s services, whilst he seems ready for a new challenge and well aware of his place in the pecking order. With recent injury woes too, the Japan international is far from guaranteed a place in Arteta’s side when he does return to full fitness, such is the depth of competition at The Emirates.

Although he’s likely bidding farewell to the 25-year-old in either January or next summer, Arteta has been full of praise for Tomiyasu throughout his time at Arsenal, previously telling the club’s official website: “I love him. Everybody loves him. He’s one of the most popular in the dressing room. You can see the reaction of his team-mates towards him.

“They wanted him there at the front, enjoying it. He’s always very reserved and always doing things for the rest of the boys. He’s a fantastic player for the team.”

All good things must come to an end, however, and 2025 represents the perfect time for Tomiyasu to swap North London for elsewhere around European football.

Already making up for a disappointing summer transfer window, Paul Mitchell’s Newcastle United recruitment team have now reportedly agreed to sign a new gem ahead of interest from Real Madrid.

Newcastle transfer news

It’s fair to say that sporting director Mitchell didn’t exactly have the best start to life at St James’ Park, with profit and sustainability concerns coupled by their inability to get a deal to sign Marc Guehi over the line making for a frustrating few months. All eyes have since been turned towards 2025 and a shot at redemption, however, with transfer rumours already beginning to arrive.

Alan Shearer laid into Newcastle star after signing, now he's undroppable

He is a key player under Howe following a tough first few years at Newcastle.

ByJoe Nuttall Sep 25, 2024

Reports have been quick to link the likes of Luca Koleosho from Burnley in a move that would boost Eddie Howe’s attacking options. Meanwhile, the Magpies have also been linked with signing Dominic Calvert-Lewin, whose Everton contract comes to an end next summer, meaning that a cut-price deal may be lined up in the winter window.

The England international would likely replace Callum Wilson as Newcastle’s backup for star man Alexander Isak, whilst adding a more physical threat to Howe’s frontline. Before Koleosho and Calvert-Lewin though, the Magpies look set to sign a future star.

According to Graeme Bailey for HITC, Mitchell has now agreed a deal to sign Vakhtang Salia from Dinamo Tbilisi in the Erovnuli Liga. An obscure signing, the deal will see Newcastle win the race for a young forward that Florentino Perez reportedly wanted to sign for Real Madrid and one that both Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain had their eyes on as well.

Those at St James’ Park will have to wait until next season to see the 17-year-old in action, however, given that he’s set to head straight back on loan to Dinamo Tbilisi for the rest of the current campaign. One for the future, Mitchell has certainly got off to a good start ahead of the winter window.

Signing Salia is early statement from Newcastle

Whilst Salia is of course one for the future, the fact that Newcastle are seemingly set to beat some of Europe’s top sides to his signature represents a much-needed statement of intent from Mitchell and others around St James’ Park. The young forward will be one to watch when he does arrive next season, having already earned comparisons to countryman Kvicha Kvaratskhelia.

If the young Georgian, who can play up front or on either wing, is of the same calibre as the Napoli star, then the Magpies will be in for a treat for years to come. Given that Isak, himself, is still just 25 years old, there’s a high chance that Howe will be able to form a fresh strike partnership between the arriving Salia and his star man to refresh Newcastle’s frontline.

The way that Howe’s side have started the Premier League campaign suggests that they’re gunning for a return to European football once again in a move that would only attract further talents of Salia’s reputation. Meanwhile, off the pitch, Mitchell will be looking to continue matching the likes of Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and PSG in the transfer market.

Aston Villa supporters will be reasonably happy with the way their side have started this season back in the thick of it in the Premier League, with three wins and one loss notched up from their opening four top-flight encounters.

Of course, the 2-0 defeat at the hands of Arsenal is a stain on an otherwise flawless league start, but Unai Emery’s men showed a lot of character last time out to beat Everton 3-2 to ensure another loss wasn’t next to their name, after finding themselves two goals down early on.

The popular Villa manager will hope his team can stand up to the almighty test of Champions League football that is now in front of them as well, with their opening clash in the esteemed tournament against Swiss outfit Young Boys taking place on Tuesday evening.

Emery will know he will have to rotate here and there to ensure there is a level of freshness to his side against their European opponents, but will also be abundantly aware that fans travelling out to Switzerland won’t want to watch a second string XI take to the pitch.

With that in mind, here is what the Villa line-up could look like for the trip to Young Boys, with players such as Amadou Onana potentially dropping out amidst three changes…

1 GK – Emiliano Martínez

It is likely that the long-standing Villa number one goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez will be given the nod to start in his side’s opening Champions League test, having been everpresent under Emery so far this season in league action.

He did struggle last time out in the dramatic 3-2 win over the Toffees, with zero saves made as Everton netted twice, but the Argentine shot-stopper will pride himself on being a man for the big occasion, having played in the World Cup and won it for his South American nation. This big stage is certainly made for him.

2 RB – Lamare Bogarde

With Matty Cash still sidelined with an injury, Emery will be prepared to throw young Villa prospect Lamare Bogarde in at the deep-end of the Champions League, having been impressed with his individual display against Everton.

The lively 20-year-old won seven duels facing off against Sean Dyche’s visitors, whilst also making five total tackles, with his reward for a bright showing potentially being another starting spot this Tuesday night.

3 CB – Ezri Konsa

Ezri Konsa also stands a good chance at retaining his spot in the Villa XI for the trip out to Switzerland, having only lost one of the five duels that came his way in the back-and-forth contest versus the Toffees.

Moreover, he’s a steady presence Emery will be able to rely on in high stakes situations to come in the Champions League, with Konsa now up to 192 first team appearances for his side, having also played on the big stages of the European Championships just a few months ago.

4 CB – Pau Torres

Joining Konsa in the heart of defence could well be Pau Torres, who is yet to miss a single minute of Premier League action so far this season, and for good reason.

His display on the opening day was particularly impressive, as the Spanish centre-back won all of the duels that came his way against West Ham United, on top of only misplacing nine of his 56 passes.

Torres is well versed in what it takes to play in the Champions League too, having played in the competition 12 times before moving to England, and will be perfect for the big occasion that awaits.

5 LB – Ian Maatsen

The final part of the back four could be adjusted, however, with Ian Maatsen potentially pushed into the starting line-up over Lucas Digne; the first of three changes.

That could well be the case owing to the fact the former Chelsea youth prodigy was impressive from off the bench late on against Everton, with hree key passes managed from just 21 minutes of action on the Villa Park turf.

Digne could also do with a rest, leading to Maatsen – who played in last season’s Champions League final – being given time to shine in the spotlight.

6 RM – John McGinn

John McGinn will be another face, much like Torres, that Emery will feel he can rely on in pressurised games to come in the Champions League, having built up plenty of experience of being a top performer in massive matches for Villa.

Comfortable at playing down the left or right flank, as well as operating centrally, he could be given a starting spot versus Young Boys from the right wing, having played here against Dyche’s visitors for the full 90 minutes.

7 CM – Ross Barkley

Another switch-up on Emery’s end could see Amadou Onana miss out for tomorrow’s big clash, owing to the fact the Belgian midfielder was hooked at half-time by his manager after a dire first half performance against Everton.

Whilst Onana underperformed, Barkley sparkled against his former employers and could be starting from the get-go in Switzerland, having only misplaced just one of his 45 passes in a stylish second half cameo.

8 CM – Youri Tielemans

Youri Tielemans might partner Barkley in the centre of the park – as opposed to lining up next to his fellow compatriot – in a more attack-oriented role.

This would suit his game well, having seen his creativity come to the forefront in that recent 3-2 victory, with two key passes managed from his staggering 147 touches.

This change in set-up to a 4-4-2 formation would see Morgan Rogers miss out, who underwhelmed against the Toffees, with the Villa star wastefully surrendering possession 15 times.

9 LM – Jacob Ramsey

The option down the left flank that Emery could call upon is Jacob Ramsey, with the homegrown Villa product a mature and established Premier League player now, away from his humble beginnings.

He wasn’t quite at his most electric against Everton, but has done enough this season so far to warrant a starting spot mid-week, with an assist falling his way on the opening day as a substitute.

10 ST – Ollie Watkins

Emery will be tempted to switch up the formation and go with two strikers up top to try and catch Young Boys off-guard, but also to ensure he has the maximum firepower at his disposal that he wants.

There is an argument to rest Ollie Watkins here, with the England international only just back from injury, but his brace against Everton suggests he will be purring to bag more this Tuesday night.

So far, Liverpool’s midfield rebuild is taking a wondrous shape.

The club has completed the signing of Alexis Mac Allister, who is seen as a dual replacement for Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. Whilst Dominik Szoboszlai is finally the attacking threat that mirrors Philippe Coutinho’s midfield creativity, whilst also possessing the attributes to play on the wing.

The Reds are also been heavily linked with Southampton’s Romeo Lavia, as the youngster operates from a deep-lying, defensive pivot berth and would be projected to take over from Fabinho in the future.

The next player tipped to be the latest part of this extraordinary revamp is Federico Valverde.

What’s the latest on Federico Valverde to Liverpool?

According to reports in Spain, the 24-year-old was tempted to depart Los Blancos last summer and Jurgen Klopp became 'obsessed' with this addition and did 'everything possible' to get the deal over the line, even tabling an offer of €80 (£77m).

However, that was never considered by Florentino Perez and was immediately rejected, without even the possibility to negotiate.

The player himself also shunned the move, stating that he didn’t want to leave the Santiago Bernabeu and was “comfortable with life” in the Spanish capital.

Nevertheless, 12 months later, a very different backdrop has reportedly formed as Liverpool is 'convinced' that a move could materialise.

Klopp firmly believes that the Uruguayan would 'fit perfectly' into his style of play and has tipped him to become the star of the team, alongside Mohamed Salah.

Therefore, the six-time European Champions are supposedly readying a new and improved bid to retest the waters.

Why would Federico Valverde be a good signing for Liverpool?

The 49-cap international made a mammoth 56 appearances in all competitions last season, recording 19 goal contributions.

He has established himself as one of Carlo Ancelotti’s most popular, trusted, and influential assets, proving to be an offensive threat and a formidable athlete. This is portrayed by his rank within the top 9% in Europe’s top five leagues among his positional peers for progressive carries per 90, total shots per 90, and non-penalty goals per 90.

Chelsea legend Joe Cole feels that Valverde is an elite footballer and said: “He's standing right at the top of the tree with Bellingham in the young players, and he's on the verge of becoming the best.

“He's box-to-box, he scores goals, he's a technician.

“His stats this year are unbelievable, his goals, assists, goal involvements, incredible player and we talk a lot about Bellingham in this country, but this kid is every bit as good as Bellingham.”

The pundit also highlighted the South American as the “unsung hero” of the 2022 Champions League final, in which he provided the tournament-winning assist for Vinicius Jr against Klopp's side.

Valverde possesses an expertly curated profile that is capable of succeeding Jordan Henderson in the future. The 33-year-old skipper has been at Anfield since 2011 and has appeared on a mind-boggling 492 occasions for the Merseyside outfit.

Nevertheless, the Englishman is slowly declining, as in the 2021/22 season in the top flight he averaged more tackles (1.0 vs 0.9), interceptions (0.7 vs 0.6), key passes (1.1 vs 0.9) per game than in the most recent campaign, as his dynamism and energy are beginning to dwindle.

Whilst Henderson undoubtedly remains an essential component of the dressing room, it would be smart to gradually reduce his involvement in the side and pave the way for the dazzlingly exciting Valverde.

Arsenal fans finally returned to the Premier League’s top four last season after six years outside of England’s elite. They pulled up the chair to the big table once again under Mikel Arteta, next to some familiar faces and some pulling up a seat for the first time.

That’s where the Gunners are out. And they deserve credit for that. They took Manchester City all the way in the title race, that cannot be disputed. What Arsenal are not, however, is in a position to be negotiating for Paris Saint-Germain’s Kylian Mbappe, with all due respect.

One season back in the Champions League pulls up a chair to England’s elite, not Europe’s, where the North London club have never won that specific trophy. That’s without even speaking about the financial ramifications, too.

This hasn’t stopped some Arsenal fans from getting ahead of themselves, however.

What’s the latest on Kylian Mbappe?

Strap yourselves in, because the Mbappe transfer saga is set to go around the rollercoaster of the transfer window yet again this summer, with the Frenchman refusing to sign a new deal at PSG, making him a free agent next summer.

The forward has reiterated his desire to see out his contract at the French club, who would like to cash in on the player they initially splashed out a reported £166m for back in 2017. According to Fabrizio Romano, unless Mbappe signs a new deal, he will be on the market this summer.

Leading the way for his signature, as has always seemingly been the case, is Real Madrid, according to Romano, as the Spanish giants wait and see if they’ll be forced to wait a year for his services, or pick the World Cup winner up for a hefty price in the coming months.

Still, a report by FootballTransfers recently linked the Gunners with what would be an outrageous move for the Frenchman, claiming that Mikel Arteta might look to try and land him for free in 2024. While sporting director Edu Gaspar has even responded to some of the wild claims on Instagram too.

AFTV make outrageous Mbappe claim

Speaking on AFTV main man Robbie Lyle seemed to be reading an awful lot into all these recent rumours too.

Indeed, he said: “Is it too far-fetched to say that Arsenal could make a move for Kylian Mbappe. They’ve got a lot of money, Arsenal, they’ve got the wage bill right down at the club.

“If they have a good run in the Champions League and a good run in the league, they’ll have additional funds, they’ll be more attractive again to a player like Mbappe.

“His number one destination’s always been Real Madrid, but what I’m talking about, could Arsenal be in the conversation for a player like Kylian Mbappe come next season?”

It’s fair to say that Premier League fans have disagreed with the claim, too, taking to Twitter to react:

Chelsea's need for a new goalkeeper has been apparent for a while now, with Kepa Arrizabalaga's ability constantly being questioned pretty much from the day he arrived from Athletic Bilbao in a mammoth £72m deal five years ago.

Edouard Mendy appeared to be the solution to Chelsea's problems, but he struggled for consistency and is now on the verge of joining Saudi Arabian club Al Ahli.

Are Chelsea going to sign a new goalkeeper?

Chelsea have been linked with their fair share of goalkeepers this summer, including the likes of Leeds United's Illan Meslier, Andre Onana of Inter Milan and Porto stopper Diogo Costa.

AC Milan keeper Mike Maignan is another who has been mentioned, with Matt Law detailing in a report for The Telegraph that he remains 'under consideration'.

Is Mike Maignan an upgrade on Kepa Arrizabalaga?

Whether it is Onana, Maignan or any other high-profile goalkeeper, bringing in a new number one this summer has to be high on the list of Pochettino's priorities.

Kepa had an upturn in form midway through last season, but he otherwise underwhelmed – again – and came in for criticism from Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp following Chelsea's 2-2 draw with Everton in March.

"The keeper is so poor [for Ellis Simms' goal]. He doesn't make nearly enough saves… The keeper should do better."

Redknapp is not alone in questioning Kepa, with Gary Neville previously stating Chelsea "will not win a league with a goalkeeper that is letting goals in from outside the box and doesn't dominate his area."

That is not quite as strong as what former Chelsea defender Mario Melchiot said in 2020 when labelling the Spain international "a liability". All this for the most expensive goalkeeper in history, too.

Kepa conceded at a rate of 1.17 goals per 90 minutes across 39 matches in all competitions last season, as per FBref, which compares to 0.92 for Maignan in 32 games for Milan.

That can be down to factors out of Kepa's control, of course, such as a poor defence – which would not be wrong in Chelsea's instance – but he is also outperformed in a number of other metrics.

For example, Maignan kept a clean sheet in 34.4% of matches last season, compared to 30.8% for Kepa. Maignan also saved two of the six penalties he faced, including one from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in Milan's Champions League quarter-final win against Napoli, whereas Kepa saved none of the three he faced.

Kepa is often praised for his shot-saving ability, though even that is pretty much on a par with Maignan – 73.8% of shots saved for the Spaniard compared to 73.7% for his potential future rival.

Perhaps more tellingly, Maignan is also better with the ball at his feet, completing 30.7% of his passes to Kepa's 28.5%.

Signing a player of Maignan's quality will not come cheap, with Italian outlet Corriere della Sera suggesting any possible move will cost around €70m (£60m), but Chelsea must surely now end the Kepa experiment if they are to re-establish themselves as one of the Premier League's elite.

Liverpool have strongly been linked with a move for Micky van de Ven this summer and now a new update has emerged on the player's price tag.

What's the latest on Liverpool's interest in Micky van de Ven?

According to German news outlet WAZ (via Sport Witness), Liverpool will need to meet a price tag of €30m (£26m) to secure the signing of the VfL Wolfsburg centre-back this summer.

As per the report, it is claimed that no offer has been tabled for the player at this point but the Reds have been keen on securing a deal for some time, with Van de Ven also interested in a move away from Germany.

Should Liverpool sign a defender this summer?

It is no secret that a much-needed midfield rebuild has become the highest priority for Jurgen Klopp and his new sporting director Jorg Schmadtke this summer, but there is also a good opportunity to strengthen the defensive set-up too.

Joel Matip will be in the last 12 months of his contract when Premier League football resumes in August, whilst Virgil van Dijk will turn 32 this summer, so although the immediate future may not be threatened in the back line it will be vital not to repeat mistakes made in the centre of the pitch where quality had dwindled over last season.

Indeed, Ibrahima Konate has been showing strong signs he is a worthy successor to replace Matip when he eventually departs and has earned growing trust from the German coach to start in important games, however, finding him a partner for the future of the centre-back partnership would be advantageous.

As a result, FSG must sanction the signing of Van de Ven this summer as he could not only bolster the quality options available to Klopp next season but also build a strong partnership with Konate too.

Over 33 Bundesliga appearances last season, the 22-year-old titan – who is "dominant" in the eyes of scout Jacek Kulig – tallied up an 88% pass completion rate, kept 11 clean sheets and successfully completed 70% of his dribbles, proving himself to be a front foot defender.

Not just competent in possession, he averaged 1.4 tackles, 3.1 clearances and won 3.8 duels per game, proving he is a huge presence on the pitch.

Not only that, Liverpool currently only have right-footed centre-back options in their squad, which means that Van de Ven could be a hugely valuable asset to Klopp next season as the Dutchman is left-footed and could provide a previously unseen balance in the back-line alongside Konate.

The Liverpool defender boasts strengths in tackling, successful take-ons and aerial duels won – ranking in the top 21% of his positional peers across the top five European leagues over the last 12 months – using his towering 6 foot 3 stature to dominate opponents.

Meanwhile, Van de Ven is much stronger winning ground duels (60%), whilst ranking in the top 15% for progressive carries, successful take-ons and progressive passes received, demonstrating that he is better on the ground and is much more progressive when in possession.

With that being said, the signing of Van de Ven would be a major piece of business for Liverpool as he offers something different to Konate and combining the defensive duo could form a deadly pairing that could dominate at Anfield for years to come.

Paris Saint-Germain are "working on" a deal to sign Crystal Palace star Wilfried Zaha this summer, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Is Zaha leaving Palace this summer?

The future of the Eagles hero has been a major talking point of late, with his second spell at Selhurst Park potentially coming to an end in the very near future.

Zaha's current Palace contract expires at the end of this month, meaning he will be able to talk to other clubs about a free transfer from July 1st onwards. As of yet, there are few signs that the 30-year-old will sign a new deal in south London, which has therefore made it increasingly clear that a move away will come to fruition.

There is likely to be plenty of interest in the Ivorian, considering the talent he possesses – he has scored 90 goals and registered 76 assists for the Eagles – and one of Europe's biggest clubs appear to be circling for his signature.

Are PSG set to make a move for Zaha?

Taking to Twitter, Romano claimed that PSG are interested in signing Zaha this summer, also hoping to sign France international Marcus Thuram at the same time:

"Wilfred Zaha, on Paris Saint-Germain list as free agent alongside Marcus Thuram. PSG are working on both deals but will make decision next week.

"Zaha has also bids from Saudi but he’s giving priority to European clubs, as Le Parisien called today about PSG."

Losing Zaha would clearly be a huge setback for Palace, considering what a talismanic figure he is, so often proving to be their attacking inspiration.

While it could be argued that his very best days could now possibly be behind him, given his age, there is still a feeling that he has so much to offer – he scored seven times in the Premier League last season – acting as a guiding light to younger attacking teammates such as Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise.

The hope is that Zaha has a change of heart and ultimately decides to sign an extension at Selhurst Park, seeing out the rest of his career there, but it would be hard to begrudge him a move to a club like PSG, considering they can offer him Champions League football.

If he does leave, he should be remembered as possibly Palace's greatest player of the Premier League era – if he stays put, it will only enhance his legend, and the fact that he hasn't yet made a decision does at least give supporters some hope.

Manchester United are keen to sign at least two new players early this summer, regardless of any potential club takeovers that may be on the horizon, according to Ben Jacobs.

The Red Devils enjoyed a strong first season under Erik ten Hag, but have clear plans to make several major moves this summer, and while there are reports of a possible takeover being in the club's near future, they aren't willing to wait and want to get straight to business, eyeing two potential early signings.

United are back in the Champions League next season, after finishing third in the league this campaign, and want to bolster the side ready for their foray into Europe's greatest tournament.

What is the latest Manchester United transfer news?

United have been linked to several major stars already this summer. Premier League midfielders Mason Mount and Declan Rice are just a couple of the impressive names that the Red Devils have declared an interest in.

Napoli defender Kim Min-jae is another name that is reportedly on United's summer wishlist with the South Korean holding a release clause in his Napoli contract.

With Harry Maguire and Anthony Martial just two of eight United players linked with moves away from the Red Devils, Ten Hag's side will have plenty of work to do in the summer, and it seems they're in quite a hurry to get the ball rolling.

What has Ben Jacobs said about Manchester United?

The biggest news surrounding United right now is the potential takeover of the club, with several different suitors fighting to buy them.

While it would be reasonable to expect the Red Devils to hold off until after any potential sale, before getting to work in the transfer window, Jacobs believes they actually intend to get a couple of players through the door early, regardless of any possible takeover.

Speaking on The Football Terrace's Done Deal Show, he said: "Manchester United, as I understand it, would like to bring two in early in the window, regardless of the ownership situation."

Not only that, but he believes United will have around £100m to spend on the two potential signings, before looking at big names like Harry Kane to fill the striker role they're targeting later in the summer.

"If they're to bring in two others away from that traditional number nine role, where a big outlay is required for one player, then they want to keep that spend around the £100m mark."

The news should be welcomed by United fans, with the club seemingly set to spend big as Ten Hag looks to build on his successful first season with the club.