Manchester United Transfer Roundup: Rojo price set, Lemina enquiry, Lindelof’s agent talks

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Monday’s Manchester United transfer roundup discussed interest in a Serie A star, a rumoured new contract for a Spanish international and an expected loan move for a young goalkeeper. Today’s edition covers the price set for an Argentine defender, an enquiry made for a 25-year-old midfielder and comments from a Swede’s agent.

Rojo valuated at £25m

The Daily Record is reporting that the Red Devils have placed a valuation of £25m on centre-back Marcos Rojo. As of yet, United have received little interest for the 29-year-old former Sporting Lisbon man.

Lemina enquiry

According to the Daily Mail, Manchester United have made an enquiry to Southampton about former Juventus midfielder Mario Lemina. The Gabonese international has scored twice in 52 appearances for the Saints since signing in 2017.

Lindelof’s agent confirms interest

Victor Lindelof’s agent Hasan Cetinkaya has told Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo that the former Benfica player is on the radar of a big team in Europe. He told the publication, “Lindelof is in the orbit of a great European club, but leaving United depends on the English club”. Barcelona have previously been linked to the 24-year-old.

Aston Villa fans buzzing with Tyrone Mings update

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According to journalist Gregg Evans on Twitter, Tyrone Mings is nearing a return to Aston Villa after the club agreed a £20m deal with Bournemouth.

Mings starred for the club on loan last term, helping them achieve promotion and win a club-record ten games on the bounce towards the back end of the season.

Therefore this signing could be major for the Midlands outfit after already bringing back two loan players in Anwar El Ghazi and Kortney Hause.

Unsurprisingly, Villa fans were absolutely buzzing with the transfer news as they flocked to Twitter to reveal their delight. One supporter called it absolutely superb and another claimed it would be the most important transfer so far.

A further fan commented that they couldn’t be happier whilst one individual went as far as calling him a new Aston Villa legend.

Mings featured 18 times for the Villans after arriving for a temporary stay in January. Crediting assistant manager John Terry for the move, he won 3 aerial duels per game, making a massive 4.3 clearances every 90 minutes, too.

The 26-year-old also popped up with two goals after initially moving over the winter.

Here’s some of the reaction.

Celtic fans left amazed by dramatic David Turnbull transfer twist

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Celtic fans have been left in disbelief after a dramatic twist in the David Turnbull transfer saga, with the player now looking like signing for the Hoops later on Friday.

The Daily Record reported late on Thursday that the player has rejected the chance to play for Norwich City after extensive discussions, turning down higher wages to make the decision that his footballing future is best served at Celtic Park.

How can Celtic improve next season? A Hoops fan tells us how in the video below…

It comes after an extensive tussle for his signature that resulted in Celtic reportedly pulling out of the deal earlier this week after the Canaries had a bid accepted by Motherwell.

Celtic had even announced last week that Turnbull had turned down an initial contract offer.

The 19-year-old emerged as one of the most exciting young stars in the Scottish Premiership last season, netting 15 goals from midfield and winning awards such as the Scottish Football Writers’ Young Player of the Year.

If the latest reports are accurate, he’ll now have the opportunity to show what he can do for the Scottish champions.

Celtic supporters have taken to Twitter over the last 24 hours to share their thoughts on the fresh developments…

Rafael Leao would be a top summer signing for Everton

Imagine (yes, again) the damage Everton could do with a reliable, out-and-out goalscorer next season…

Indeed, it’s all well and good having the quality of Richarlison and Gylfi Sigurdsson within their ranks but the Toffees are really missing a trick not having a quality striker alongside them as well. Well, not missing a trick perse in that literally everyone knows this is a big issue for the club, but seemingly ignoring it. Weird.

Clearly, ever since Romelu Lukaku left, Everton have been unable to find an adequate replacement, someone who would even get near his goal-tally. And now that Marco Silva and his side have shown real signs of progression in the last few months, he should be given the chance to make a top striker his, this summer.

Although he certainly isn’t in that calibre yet, more so potential, Everton should seriously consider reviving their interest (cited by the Daily Mail back in March) in Lille forward Rafael Leao.

Leao, (who is valued at £10.8 million on Transfermarkt) was a player Everton seemingly struck up a firm interest in a matter of months ago now. Having joined Lille in the summer, the Portuguese concluded his debut campaign out in France with eight goals in 24 appearances.

Considering that he is 19-years-old and was a stranger to first-team football before the start of the season, a goal every three appearances is a good way to introduce yourself.  Everton know full-well how much they need another striker at least this summer and who is to say that young Rafael Leao isn’t the answer?

While there are obviously a few problems with the make-up of the squad over at Goodison Park, the main strength of the playing staff is the youthful core throughout the team and adding such a sprinkling of stardust would help Silva create one of the most dynamic sides outside the top tier of European football.

Exactly what the club need to be doing at this stage of their project.

Indeed, Rafael Leao and Dominic Calvert-Lewin are players for the future but when the two reach their peak, it will be a very potent attack that Everton have at their disposal.

Everton fans, would you like to see Rafael Leao brought in this summer? Join the discussion and let us know down below!

Celtic move could be the making of Lys Mousset

Celtic fans have got something of an affiliation with young French forwards it seems. First, it was Moussa Dembele who shone in Glasgow before leaving for Lyon, second, and still, it’s Odsonne Edouard who continues to bang in the goals at Parkhead. Now, it could be time for a third, as Lys Mousset is linked with a Celtic move by The Daily Mail.

Mousset is the type of striker that looks like he could thrive at Parkhead. Seeing how both Edouard and Dembele turned themselves from bit-part players to lethal goal machines is obviously something that the Cherries’ star is eyeing up at the moment, and with one of the biggest summers in recent history on the horizon for the Hoops, bringing in the added goals that Mousset has at his feet would be a welcome move.

The report from the Mail claims that Bournemouth value the Frenchman at a fee of around £10 million and that Celtic are reluctant to pay that kind of fee for the striker, who has a Transfermarkt valuation of just £3.15 million. That £10 million fee would see Bournemouth make a tidy profit on Mousset after his three years of service to the club, as they signed him back in 2016 from Le Havre.

Whatever happens, Celtic need to sign some reinforcements, and if the man they poach to add goals to their pursuit of nine in a row next season is Lys Mousset then they’ll be in very safe hands. The 23-year-old forward is reportedly interested in this move as he’s been impressed with the progression of his countrymen Dembele and Edouard, and sees Parkhead as an ideal place to ply his trade.

This Bournemouth move, in all truth, hasn’t been what the Frenchman would have wanted. Eddie Howe has mostly used Mousset as an impact sub and even when game time has come thick and fast, goals haven’t. English football looks to have been a step too far for the front-man, and if he can star in Scotland than he could set himself up for a big money move back south of the border in years to come.

The Chalkboard: West Ham finally have a spine thanks to Pellegrini and Husillos

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Manuel Pellegrini’s first season at West Ham has been inconsistent and downright confusing at times, but the Hammers proved on Saturday that they have successfully obtained the most important thing in football – a spine.

Tottenham were yet to concede a goal or drop a point at their new stadium, but that all changed when West Ham rocked up on Saturday afternoon, as Michail Antonio’s second half strike was enough for all three points.

The Irons have been frustrating this season due to their ability to look like world-beaters one week and Sunday league players the next, but the five most important players on the pitch all performed admirably against Spurs.

Lukasz Fabianski, Fabian Balbuena, Issa Diop, Declan Rice and Marko Arnautovic, three of whom were signed by Pellegrini and Mario Husillos last summer, have formed a backbone to the team that every fan should be proud of.

Who is your club’s worst ever January signing? The Pl>ymaker FC squad have picked theirs in the video below and they didn’t disappoint…

On the chalkboard

Every top team has a world class spine. For Manchester City it is Ederson, Aymeric Laporte, Fernandinho and Sergio Aguero. For Liverpool it is Alisson Becker, Virgil van Dijk and Roberto Firmino.

And while the Hammers may not quite have the quality of England’s finest, Pellegrini and Husillos have shown their experience by addressing what is undoubtedly the most important aspect of any team.

Fabianski, Diop and Balbuena were all brought in last summer by the South American pair, and you’d be hard pushed to find three better performers in the Hammers’ squad.

Then there is Rice, who has not only had a breakout season under Pellegrini but has transformed into one of the league’s most technically sound central midfielders in a matter of months.

Finally, Arnautovic looked like the Arnautovic of old on Saturday, but even if the Austrian international does force a big money move away this summer, Pellegrini and Husillos will waste no time signing a replacement.

For far too long the Hammers have taken a scattergun approach in the market, signing any half-decent player with a bit of flair and excitement around them.

In just one season under their new leadership however, they have provided the foundation to build a truly top team in east London. Hammers fans should be very, very excited about the future.

Joao Felix would be dream Coutinho replacement

Liverpool fans will no doubt feel extremely confident ahead of Sunday’s trip to the Cardiff City Stadium after watching their side dominate FC Porto in the Champions League. 

Of course, grabbing both the Champions League and Premier League title would be incredible.

However, it appears as if the Reds are more focused on looking at possible summer additions at this moment in time, as according to Football Insider, Liverpool have registered their interest in Benfica’s Joao Felix.

The 19-year-old has been simply breathtaking to watch in the current campaign as he’s managed to produce an incredible 16 goals and nine assists. He operates in an attacking midfield role and is a constant threat in the final third, with the potential to become one of the world’s best in the future.

A very exciting prospect.

Of course, many Liverpool fans are still crying out for a replacement for Philippe Coutinho who moved to Barcelona back in January of last year, as creativity has been the only real issue for the Reds this season.

It’s safe to say that Felix would be the dream replacement for the Brazilian. He’s managed to blow Coutinho out the park with his stats in the current campaign, despite only being at the start of his football career. His creativity and finishing ability would add a different dimension in the final third. He has the ability to drag defenders towards the ball due to his incredible passing ability, which would create bags of space for Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane.

He has everything Coutinho can offer and more and the sky is the limit for the youngster.

Liverpool fans, do you think Felix would be the dream replacement for Coutinho? Join the discussion by commenting down below!

Arsenal hit with major injury blow as Ramsey and Suarez ruled out

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Arsenal will be without both Aaron Ramsey and Denis Suarez when they face Wolves on Wednesday, per The Mirror.

The two midfielders are both injured.

What’s the word?

Ramsey sustained a hamstring injury as the Gunners took on Napoli in the Europa League quarter-final in Italy.

With a move to Juventus looming in the summer, the Welshman may well have played his final game for the club.

Suarez, meanwhile, reportedly injured his groin in the clash with the Serie A giants.

Both players missed the 3-2 defeat to Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium as the Gunners suffered a major blow in their quest to qualify for the Champions League via a top-four finish.

Manager Unai Emery is already without Hector Bellerin, Rob Holding and Danny Welbeck, but he could be boosted by the return of Granit Xhaka this week.

The Switzerland international is said to have recovered from a hip injury.

Xhaka and Torreira

This could be something of a blessing for Emery.

Being without both Ramsey and Suarez means that there is an opportunity to embrace the steel in the Gunners’ squad.

A midfield partnership of Xhaka and Torreira could see Wolves nullified in the centre of the pitch, such are their tough-tackling attributes.

Mesut Ozil could then roam around in the attacking third, looking to supply the bullets to both Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette.

Arsenal, ultimately, need to win if they are to stay in touch with both Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea in the top-four race.

Steven Gerrard must hand a reward to Rangers’ Greg Docherty

There’s lots of focus on who Rangers need to buy in summer, but what about trusting one of their own talents? Indeed, Greg Docherty’s had a strong season on loan at Shrewsbury and it’s time to give him a chance at Ibrox.

There’s an abundance of midfielders at Rangers at the moment but Gerrard has repeatedly made it clear he’s still looking to strengthen their starting line-up. It’s been a season of progress, but they’re still way short of catching up to Celtic and securing their first major honour since their club’s liquidation in 2012.

Docherty’s current side are flirting with League One relegation, so the next month or so will show the 22-year-old’s true character. He’s played 32 times this season, scoring six times and making eight assists, so he’s had no problem breaking into the Shrewsbury side thus far.

Giving him an opportunity to play at Ibrox next season could save Dave King millions, and they could do with saving that money if they’re going to seriously contend for the title. They need to make a few big-money signings so the cash saved can be spent more wisely elsewhere, as well as making good on their initial investment.

He’s needed the time out on loan to grow as a player, playing constant football and getting used to the pressure of the big games. He’s now done that and so the loan must be deemed a success. If it is, then Gerrard must give him a chance next term or he’ll send out the wrong message to players who go out on loan.

Players need to be rewarded for their success on loan, and next season is the perfect time to do it. The determination he’ll show in this relegation battle will prove his strong mentality, and Rangers have lacked that at times this season, particularly during their Scottish Cup quarter-final defeat.

The Gers should keep an eye on the youngster over the next month or so to see what he’s really made of and then give him a chance next season.

Rangers fans, who do you think your club should sign to play in midfield next season. Join the discussion by commenting below.

Mark Noble replacement? West Ham targeting maverick midfielder Jonjo Shelvey

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West Ham United are considering a summer move for Newcastle United midfielder Jonjo Shelvey, per ClaretandHugh.

The Magpies star has been routinely linked with the Hammers over the past few seasons but manager Manuel Pellegrini could finally formalise their interest when the transfer window reopens.

What’s the word?

Shelvey has struggled for game time at St James’ Park this season, making just 14 appearances in all competitions due to a number of injury issues.

Indeed, he last played 90 minutes in the Premier League in October, in a 0-0 draw with Southampton.

ClaretandHugh claim that Pellegrini is keen to strengthen his midfield this summer, with Pedro Obiang almost certain to leave.

The Hammers have subsequently drawn up a shortlist of potential targets and the report states that Shelvey is on it.

The 27-year-old has spent three years at Newcastle, making 108 appearances. He has also won six caps for England.

Noble’s long-term replacement

Mark Noble is approaching the twilight of a storied career.

He is 31 and will be 33 when his contract expires in 2021.

A move for Shelvey, then, could form part of a succession plan for a player who first joined the Hammers in 2000.

He will surely mark 20 years at the club next season – there is precious little chance of the captain being sold on in the summer – but Pellegrini would be wise to bring in his successor before Noble actually departs.

That would allow Shelvey to sit under the learning tree, so to speak, and truly immerse himself at West Ham. He is a better player than Noble is currently; his range of passing, in particular, sets him apart from the Hammers captain, while he is also capable of the genuinely spectacular.

Nevertheless, Noble’s replacement will have a lot to live up to in the eyes of the fans and playing alongside him first is a logical way to ensure that the transition is seamless.

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