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Newcastle United have been heavily linked with a move for Dominik Szoboszlai this summer and now a new claim has emerged on the club's pursuit of the player.

What's the latest on Newcastle's interest in Dominik Szoboszlai?

Journalist and transfer insider Dean Jones has spoken out on what the RB Leipzig star could bring to St James' Park if a deal can be done and addresses comparisons to former Newcastle player Hatem Ben Arfa.

Jones told Football FanCast:

"If Ben Arfa got people off their seats then Szoboszlai definitely can!"

"He's an unbelievable technician of the ball, his ability to spot a pass is ridiculous, he can score great goals and good around set pieces."

Would Szoboszlai be a good fit for Newcastle?

There is no doubt that Szoboszlai would very quickly become a fan favourite at St James' Park if he could emulate the impact that Ben Arfa made on the club during his five-year stint.

The 36-year-old scored 14 goals and registered 15 assists over 86 appearances for the North East club with a goal contribution every 175 minutes played, as well as holding an integral role in their most recent qualification of European football ahead of this season, securing Europa League football back in 2012.

Now Szoboszlai could be the second coming of Ben Arfa and could play an important part in their Champions League campaign next season if he makes the move to Tyneside this summer.

Over 31 Bundesliga appearances, the 22-year-old sensation has scored six goals, registered eight assists and created a whopping 14 chances, as well as averaging 2.3 key passes, 1.9 shots on goal, 1.7 successful dribbles, 1.5 tackles and 4.6 duels won per game, proving that he is a massive attacking presence on the pitch.

Szoboszlai was featured in The Guardian’s ‘Next Generation’ shortlist back in 2017 where journalist Tomasz Mortimer compared the Hungary international to Toni Kroos:

'He’s a tall, languid, classy talent who is adept behind the striker or as a deep-lying midfielder,'

'He has almost Toni Kroos-like qualities – brilliant ball-striking ability with both feet, a great range of passing, beautiful balance and a really high footballing IQ.'

With that being said, it would be a no-brainer for Newcastle to commit to the €70m (£61m) release clause for Szoboszlai as he could be a revelation for Newcastle in their pursuit for dominance and trophies over next season and beyond.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou has given the green-light for Daniel Levy to sign Leicester City star James Maddison, according to reports.

Who could join Spurs this summer?

The long wait for a new manager after Antonio Conte finally ended on Tuesday, with the club announcing former Celtic boss Postecoglou as the head coach to lead them forward.

Levy, speaking to the club's official website, proclaimed his excitement at the Australian's arrival – claiming it marks the return of both attacking football and potential opportunities for youngsters.

"Ange brings a positive mentality and a fast, attacking style of play," said Levy."He has a strong track record of developing players and an understanding of the importance of the link from the academy – everything that is important to our Club. We are excited to have Ange join us as we prepare for the season ahead."

The 57-year-old, though, will need financial backing in the summer transfer market and reports suggest that a new goalkeeper to replace Hugo Lloris, fresh centre-back options and attackers are on the Spurs agenda.

Brentford keeper David Raya, who is apparently willing to join, is a Tottenham target while Man United's Harry Maguire has been heavily linked this past week.

Further forward, Foxes playmaker Maddison is a star of real interest to Spurs, with reporter John Percy sharing news out of north London.

Writing for The Telegraph, he claims Postecoglou has personally green-lit a bid for Maddison this summer and Spurs are now set to make a move for him.

He wrote:

"Tottenham Hotspur are set to move for James Maddison but have been warned that the transfer fee will be over £50 million."Maddison is a priority target for new Tottenham head coach Ange Postecoglou and the England international will be sold this summer following Leicester’s relegation to the Championship."The attacking midfielder has just over a year left on his contract and Postecoglou has given his new club the green light to make an offer this month."

Who is James Maddison?

Called "world class" and "outstanding" by England manager Gareth Southgate, Maddison has certainly lived up to that tag with his performances these last 12 months.

As per WhoScored, the Three Lions ace finished 2022/2023 as Leicester's shining light and best-performing player by average match rating – all while attempting more shots at goal and key passes per 90 in the final third.

Maddison racked up an almighty 19 goal contributions (10 goals, nine assists) and could be an absolute snip for £50m, especially considering he is homegrown.

Arsenal are set to accelerate talks for West Ham United star Declan Rice and will push to sign him for £30 million less than his price, according to reports.

Who could Arsenal sign this summer?

The Gunners and transfer chief Edu are tasked with improving manager Mikel Arteta's options ahead of what will be a very interesting 2023/2024 Premier League campaign.

Arsenal missed out on their first title in nearly 20 years last season, having been pipped by reigning champions Man City, and strengthening in key areas will be vital for the north Londoners.

Edu confirmed as far back as April that preparations have already been made.

"Our planning has already been done," said the Brazilian sporting director to ESPN (via 90min)."It has already reached the owners. Now, we're taking things step by step. We're focused on how we will finish the season, but we've put in the planning and I'm very excited."

Central midfield is believed to be a major priority for Arsenal this summer, leading to links with Rice and Brighton star Moises Caicedo. Man City captain Ilkay Gundogan is rumoured to be a target also, though Arsenal face stiff competition from La Liga champions Barcelona, who are also very interested in the Germany international.

Arsenal, meanwhile, are on the hunt for a traditional right-back – with Real Valladolid starlet Ivan Fresenda and Galatasary star Sacha Boey also being targeted for Arteta.

Going back to potential additions in the middle of the park, journalist Simon Collings of The Evening Standard has shared an update on the club's interest in Rice.

The Hammers captain is reliably believed to be a major target for Arsenal and The Standard claim they will "accelerate talks" after West Ham's Europa Conference League final against Fiorentina tonight.

As well as this, Arteta's side "will push to strike a deal" at around £90 million, which is £30m less than West Ham's valuation of their star – thought to be around £120m.

Who is Declan Rice?

The England international, who has been called "world class" by members of the press, certainly lived up to that tag over the course of 2022/23.

As per WhoScored, he stood out as West Ham's best-performing league player by average match rating – making more interceptions per 90 than any of his teammates in the top flight.

It's hardly surprising Rice is set to command a major fee this summer and it will be interesting to see if the Irons soften their stance on his £120m asking price.

Despite winning two trophies and having a solid season overall, there is a strong possibility that Liverpool could see the departure of their much-loved Egyptian King, Mohamed Salah. The former Roma man reportedly wants a significantly improved offer from the club’s hierarchy, or he could search for a new destination to ply his trade over the summer.

While Salah hasn’t been the same since he returned from the Africa Cup of Nations, he is still an important ingredient to the way in which Liverpool function. In recent times, without the goalscoring attacker, the Reds almost certainly wouldn’t have had the club’s success under Jurgen Klopp. Salah’s incredible form since he arrived at Anfield has seen him lead the goalscoring charts on numerous occasions, he has won several awards, whether or not he’s playing can determine someone’s football betting prediction, and he’s adored by Liverpool fans globally. While he might not have ended the season strongly, replacing Mohamed Salah feels like a tall order for Liverpool, especially if the club hopes to acquire a star who can hit the ground running and deliver the same type of return as Salah consistently does.

Liverpool will surely have a plan, though. Given the clubs’ impressive recruitment in the last few years, there are surely several names in the frame to succeed Salah should he end up leaving. Let’s take a look at three players. Liverpool’s hierarchy could be considered as a replacement for one of the best players to have ever played for the club.

Jarrod Bowen – West Ham

Jarrod Bowen could fit perfectly into Mohamed Salah’s role in the team. The Hammers hotshot swapped Hull for London back in January 2020 for just £20 million and hasn’t looked back since. His progression has been impossible to ignore, backed up by West Ham having a resurgence under David Moyes in the last year or so. Bowen has been integral to that, catching the eye of Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate and earning his first-ever England call-up for the Nations League fixtures. West Ham would surely do everything in their power to stop Bowen from leaving for Liverpool should Jurgen Klopp’s side come calling, but a big offer would surely test their resolve. For Liverpool, bringing in Bowen ticks a lot of boxes.

Raphinha – Leeds United

Easily Leeds United’s most technically gifted player, Raphinha is another option Liverpool could assess should Mohamed Salah exit the club. One of the most exciting players in the Premier League, the Brazilian trickster has been one of the few bright sparks in a Leeds United side that only just managed to avoid the drop. Raphinha is consistent, too, averaging 5.21 dribbles and 2.28 key passes per 90 minutes and regularly looking like the Yorkshire clubs’ main threat in games. Although the former Rennes star doesn’t register the same amount of goals and assists as Salah has done previously, he could go up a gear at Liverpool, especially with the help of Jurgen Klopp. At the age of 25, there is plenty to work with there.

Antony – Ajax

A name that is also being linked with a move to Manchester United, Ajax youngster, Antony, is a 22-year-old with bags of ability. One of the most sought after talents in European football, Liverpool were reportedly keen on the Brazilian before he joined Ajax from Sao Paulo in 2020. As such, it would make sense if the club went back in for him, particularly as he’s progressed a great deal during his time with the Dutch giants.

Other options include Arnaut Danjuma – Villarreal, Serge Gnabry – Bayern Munich, and Joao Felix – Atletico Madrid.

Photos by Unsplash

Wolverhampton Wanderers have received a boost in their pursuit of Stade de Reims striker Hugo Ekitike, with the teenager set to be allowed to leave the Ligue 1 side.

What’s the word?

As per Chronicle Live, the French outfit have named their price for the young starlet, amid interest from the Molineux outfit and others, with the 19-year-old reportedly having been told he can move on this summer.

Speaking in an interview about the Frenchman’s situation, as included in the report, club president Jean-Pierre Caillot stated that it will cost a minimum of €20m (£17m), plus bonuses, for any suitor to be successful in their bid: “The amount should be more than €20million. Afterwards, you have to know how to be reasonable.”

Wolves have previously been tipped to sign the breakout star, while fellow Premier League side Newcastle United saw a deal collapse in January after the player opted against a winter departure.

Raul heir

Securing a new striking addition has become something of a priority for Bruno Lage and co, with current leading man Raul Jimenez having endured a frustrating campaign last time out, netting just six top-flight goals all season for the Old Gold.

The once prolific Mexican – who netted 30 goals in his first two Premier League campaigns combined – has perhaps understandably suffered a drop in form having only returned from a serious head injury at the end of the 2020/21 campaign.

The 31-year-old suffered a fractured skull following a brutal collision with Arsenal’s David Luiz in November 2020, the resulting injury ruling him out of both training and competitive action for over six months, such was the severity of the issue.

To his credit, the former Benfica man has bravely returned to action, although the time has perhaps come for someone else to shoulder the attacking burden, particularly with young Fabio Silva – who joined from Porto on a £35.6m deal in 2020 – having failed to make a telling impact, netting just four goals across all competitions for the club thus far.

Not that either Jimenez nor Silva must necessarily be dispensed with, but adding additional firepower in the form of Ekitike could solve Lage’s goalscoring woes, the Midlands outfit having netted just 38 goals in 38 league games in the 2021/21 season.

The man who has been tipped to be the “next Mbappe” by journalist Graeme Bailey netted ten league goals himself in a breakthrough campaign at his current side, with that electric form also seeing him dubbed “frightening” by the French media.

The subject of praise throughout Europe, the youngster has also been described as a “very special” prospect by Reims coach Oscar Garcia, with all the indications illustrating that he is a player destined to reach incredible heights in the game.

As for Wolves, the potential target also offers something different to the aforementioned Jimenez, with his speed and dribbling prowess allowing him to pose a threat on the counter and get in behind the opposition, as he ranks in the top 3% for dribbles completed and the top 16% for progressive carries among forwards across Europes five big leagues.

In truth, while Jimenez has for a long time been the main man at Molineux, in Ekitike, Lage could well have found the figurehead for the future.

IN other news, “Soon…”: Fabrizio Romano drops big transfer update, Wolves supporters will be gutted

A twist in the tale has now come to light regarding Declan Rice’s future at West Ham United, as broken by 90min journalist Toby Cudworth.

The Lowdown: Rice summer saga…

Reports concerning the 23-year-old’s London Stadium future have been in no short supply over the last few months, with Fabrizio Romano even lifting the lid on a rejected third contract offer from the Irons.

According to some, David Moyes’ star asset has pledged to remain in east London until at least 2023, as explained by insider Claret & Hugh. Meanwhile, there have been other suggestions that Rice is more open than ever to leaving the Premier League club this summer as the likes of Manchester United hover for his signing.

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In a bid to keep Rice at the club and extend his deal, in what has been described as a ‘big’ story, Cudworth has shared a twist out of West Ham.

The Latest: GSB pull U-turn?

According to the reporter, a ‘sizeable shift in stance’ is on the cards surrounding a new deal for the 23-year-old, with West Ham now ‘ready to consider’ inserting a release clause.

This would hand Rice a route out of Rush Green, a contractual clause thought to be never on GSB’s agenda, but it may now be a possibility to entice him to put pen to paper.

Sharing a corresponding article for 90min, Cudworth explained on Twitter: “West Ham ready to consider including a release clause in improved Declan Rice contract. Would mark a sizeable shift in stance but increases agreement chances and preserves full value when the time comes to sell.”

The Verdict: Significant update?

The inclusion of a possible exit clause would relinquish West Ham and GSB’s control over stopping the 23-year-old from departing.

In this respect, Cudworth’s update comes as potentially significant, but much will depend on the size of the figure and whether any interested club will pay it.

In other news: Moyes now very likely to make major bid for ‘world class’ striker after claim that he ‘likes’ West Ham! Find out more here

Manchester United are plotting a move for Leeds United winger Raphinha as Erik ten Hag looks to bolster his attacking options ahead of next season.

What’s the word?

According to The Telegraph (via Manchester Evening News), the Red Devils are monitoring the situation surrounding the Brazil international.

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This could all depend on whether or not Leeds are relegated from the Premier League, and with the 25-year-old’s market value currently sitting at £40.5m, Ten Hag might pay a lot more to secure his services for next season.

Imagine him and Ronaldo

Ten Hag faces a massive summer rebuild ahead of him at Old Trafford, and one of the priorities could well be to enhance his attacking options.

The United forwards have struggled massively this season, with only Cristiano Ronaldo scoring more than six goals (24).

Raphinha has scored 10 goals in the Premier League this season whilst also having 2.4 shots and making 1.9 key passes per match. These statistics show that the Brazilian is a major threat for a team who have struggled at the bottom end of the table for much of the campaign.

The service that the 25-year-old could provide to Ronaldo should be enough to convince Ten Hag to loosen the purse strings and go all-out to sign the Whites winger.

Perhaps the one significant obstacle to the proposed move could be the fractious relationship which has developed over the years between the two clubs. However, if Leeds are relegated to the Championship this weekend, it would surely give Manchester United a small boost in their pursuit of the winger, who will surely not want to play second-tier football with a World Cup looming in six months’ time.

Noel Whelan praised Raphinha by describing him as “magic”, and the 25-year-old’s ability would likely be welcomed at Old Trafford, where match-winning quality has been in short supply this season.

Ten Hag will surely be looking to make improvements to the Unites squad, and he will need to be smart in the transfer market if he aims to bring the glory days back to the red half of Manchester. Teaming up Raphinha with Ronaldo could be a good place to start.

AND in other news, Man United nearing the signing of “magic” £58m “unicorn”, he’s Modric 2.0

Sol Campbell is ‘apparently’ a shock contender to replace Mark Warburton at Queens Park Rangers, leaving The Sun journalist Alan Nixon baffled.

The Lowdown: Warburton out

Warburton’s departure became official at the end of the season as QPR missed the playoffs by nine points.

The 59 year-old was a steady presence during his time at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium though, winning 1.4 points per game across 150 matches.

Now tasked with finding a replacement capable of closing that gap to the top six next season, the Hoops leadership have been linked with numerous names, such as MK Dons boss Liam Manning, and after reports this week claimed former Arsenal legend Campbell is a contender, Nixon has now weighed in…

The Latest: Nixon shocked

According to the reliable reporter, news of interest in acquiring Campbell’s services is indeed true.

Asked by a QPR fan on Twitter about the validity of the links, Nixon confirmed the 47 year-old is ‘apparently in the shortlist’ and added a surprised emoji.

The Verdict: A huge risk

Put simply, one has to question the direction of the club if they truly feel Campbell is the right man to serve as an upgrade to Warburton.

The former centre-back averaged roughly half of Warburton’s win rate in his last role at Southend United – an incredibly poor 0.74 points per game, leaving the club relegated after just 23 matches (Transfermarkt).

With several key players approaching either the ends of their contracts or the last 12 months this summer (Transfermarkt), the board cannot afford to get this wrong and cast the squad into turmoil.

Newcastle United could look to replace Callum Wilson in the upcoming summer transfer window, according to former Premier League defender Danny Mills. 

The lowdown: Wilson’s fitness woes

Signed from Bournemouth for £20m (Sky Sports) in 2020, the England international has scored 18 times in 43 appearances for the Magpies.

Despite those exploits in front of goal, the 30-year-old has also missed 36 matches through a variety of injury issues since arriving at St James’ Park.

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Currently nearing a return to full fitness following a lengthy period out with a calf problem, Mills believes that Eddie Howe may still be on the lookout for further reinforcements at the end of the season.

The latest: ‘Concern’ over Wilson’s Newcastle future

Speaking to Football Insider, regular talkSPORT contributor Mills suggested that neither Wilson nor January capture Chris Wood are able to lead the line for Newcastle in the long-term.

The former Leeds defender claimed: “I think he’s ahead of Chris Wood by some distance. It just depends on whether Newcastle decide he is fit enough to lead the line for the whole season.

“That’ll be the only reason they decide to move him well down the pecking order. Yes, they’ll be looking to strengthen – but if you can guarantee his fitness for the whole season, they’ll probably be looking for a backup.

“But he’s had his troubles with injury – and therefore I can see him finishing up as the backup for Newcastle next season.

“He isn’t going to be fit for a full season – and that’s the concern.”

The verdict: Signings needed

Whilst few could doubt the quality of Wilson – who was described as a ‘menace’ by Newcastle legend Alan Shearer following a 2-0 win against West Ham on his Magpies debut – a wretched run with fitness issues has shown no signs of relenting.

Capped four times by England, the £18m-valued ace would be the perfect foil for target man Wood in a two-pronged central attacking partnership.

However, with the New Zealand international struggling for goals following his mid-season arrival from Burnley and Wilson’s push for prolonged fitness, it seems that Howe will almost certainly be looking to add at least one striker in the summer.

In other news, NUFC are now eyeing a move for this former Sunderland ace

Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips will quit the club this summer, even if the Whites stay in the Premier League, with Aston Villa keen on his services, Football Insider report.

The Lowdown: Phillips interest

Phillips has become a man in demand since the turn of the year, with Villa, Newcastle, West Ham and Manchester United all showing an interest in his services.

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The 26-year-old is currently in the process of changing agents and was reportedly keen on extending his stay in Yorkshire.

However, that now looks to have changed in a worrying twist for the Elland Road faithful, with the Whites in real danger of being relegated back to the Championship in the next nine days.

The Latest: Source shares twist

FI shared a major update regarding Phillips on Thursday, claiming he is now planning to quit even if Jesse Marsch’s side remain in the top flight.

A Villa source informed the site that they are readying an offer for the England international and have been given encouragement over a transfer, with Leeds valuing the midfielder at £60m, which could see him become Villa’s most expensive signing.

The Verdict: Not good

It did appear at one point that there was a real chance Phillips would pen a new deal at Elland Road this summer, but it now seems as if an exit is inevitable.

Star attacker Raphinha also looks set to depart for Barcelona, so Leeds now look set to be without their two most valuable assets ahead of Marsch’s first full season in charge.

The Brazilian has a €25m relegation release clause, while you’d expect that Phillips’ current £60m valuation could also fall considerably, should the Whites drop back down to the Championship.

In other news: Leeds and Orta now planning for the Championship as contact made to sign £5k-p/w flop – opinion.