All posts by n8rngtd.top

Manchester United are believed to be eyeing a move for Bayern Munich defender, Benjamin Pavard, according to the latest reports.

What's the latest on Pavard to Man United?

As per transfer insider, Graeme Bailey, the Red Devils are said to be one of the clubs who are showing an interest in the World Cup-winning ace, with the 27-year-old seemingly intent on a change of scenery with just 12 months left to run on his existing deal in Bavaria.

Writing on Twitter, the respected source stated: "Benjamin Pavard informs Bayern Munich of desire to leave. Man Utd among interested clubs keen on the French star, as @90min_Football revealed back in April. "

In his attached piece for 90min, Bailey – alongside colleague Scott Saunders – revealed that the Old Trafford outfit are said to have already held talks with the player's agent regarding a summer switch, with Erik ten Hag's side said to be seeking cover at both right-back and centre-back.

Who could Pavard replace at Man United?

The signing of the France international – who has been valued at around €20m (£17m) – could seemingly allow United to kill two birds with one stone, due to the 48-cap ace's ability to feature both at full-back and in the centre of defence.

With the Red Devils having only recently tied down Diogo Dalot to a new long-term deal – and with Aaron Wan-Bissaka also reportedly set to stay at the club this summer – it would appear that Pavard would be more needed to provide cover and competition at centre-back, however, particularly with club captain Harry Maguire believed to be on his way out.

Therefore, the former Stuttgart man could prove something of an upgrade on Victor Lindelof in that role, despite the Swede having impressed of late after starting the last nine Premier League games of the season in the absence of Lisandro Martinez.

Not only would Pavard's versatility potentially make him a better option for Ten Hag, but the £84k-per-week machine also appears to offer greater quality in an attacking sense having chipped in with eight goal contributions in all competitions this season, with Lindelof failing to register a single goal or assist.

The Bayern ace also appears to be more adept at playing out from the back as he ranks in the top 1% among his European peers for progressive passes and the top 9% for progressive carries, while the current United man ranks in just the top 41% and the bottom 48% for those same two metrics, respectively.

Perhaps more importantly, however, is Pavard's superior defensive quality as he ended the recent Bundesliga season with a strong average of 2.3 tackles and 1.5 interceptions per game from his 30 outings, with Lindelof averaging just 1.1 for both tackles and interceptions per game from his 20 Premier League appearances.

That would suggest that the signing of the perhaps "underrated" Frenchman – as described by manager, Thomas Tuchel – could provide Ten Hag with a centre-back upgrade for next season.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou is personally keen on signing Man United defender Harry Maguire this summer as Spurs weigh a bid, according to journalist Sami Mokbel.

Who could Spurs sign this summer?

Postecoglou's appointment marks the end of a long, drawn out search for Spurs' next manager after Antonio Conte, who departed north London over two months ago.

The Lilywhites had spoke to other big name candidates, including former Barcelona manager Luis Enrique, but chairman Daniel Levy instead elected to move for Postecoglou.

Fresh off the back of a domestic treble win at former club Celtic, Levy spoke to Tottenham's official website on the Australian's hire, who is set to start work on July 1.

“Ange brings a positive mentality and a fast, attacking style of play," explained 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."

Postecoglou is apparently set to have a major say on Tottenham's transfer planning after he enjoyed great success with that at Parkhead.

Leicester City star James Maddison, Barcelona midfielder Franck Kessie and Brentford's David Raya have all been mentioned as targets in the last 48 hours – but Mokbel has shared news on a fairly new target.

Man United's Harry Maguire, who has been left on the periphery at Old Trafford, is apparently attracting Postecoglou's personal interest.

According to Mokbel, writing for The Daily Mail, the 57-year-old is keen on moving for the £200,000-per-week centre-back and Tottenham are now "exploring" a bid.

It's added that the former Leicester City star will be allowed to leave this summer, and Spurs have made checks on his situation ahead of a potential summer swoop.

Who is Harry Maguire?

Maguire impressed for England in Qatar as they reached the quarter-finals, but at club level, there have been many question marks surrounding the 30-year-old.

Former Man City captain Richard Dunne, speaking to Virgin Media (via The Irish Mirror), slammed Magurie's physical attributes – claiming he is too slow.

"You want to try and play a nice style of football and move the ball quickly, but Harry Maguire is painfully slow when he has the ball at his feet," said Dunne.

"He takes five or six touches every single time, he hesitates and he doesn't make the pass."

A move for the ex-Hull City man could be a divisive one among Tottenham supporters, but Maguire has at least displayed true leadership qualities in recent seasons.

Manchester United aren't in a position to change hands at ownership level and the situation is 'still the same' despite reports from Qatar, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

What's the latest takeover news involving Manchester United?

As per Qatari-based media organisation Al Watan via The Manchester Evening News on Monday, reports started to circulate that Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani and the Nine Two Foundation had won in their bid to take 100% control of Manchester United, with their editorial director Fahed al Emadi stating: "The announcement of the deal will be very soon."

Nevertheless, al Emadi retracted his statement soon after, tweeting: "Contrary to certain media and social media reports overnight, Al Watan is not owned by Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani, and Al Watan's media report yesterday speculating about possible movement in the Manchester United takeover process was based on international media reports, as stated in the article itself, and with such news widely circulating periodically in international media for many months."

The Daily Mail cite that Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his petrochemicals firm INEOS are rival bidders to Sheikh Jassim and are proposing to buy a majority stake in the club that would allow the Glazer family to stay on for a period of time after the takeover before performing a 'sourced buyout' of the Premier League giants.

ESPN claim that several minority investment firms are waiting to hear whether they have been successful in their quest to gain some footing at Manchester United and are still in the process as the Glazer family weighs up all potential options.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Romano has stated that despite media reports, Sheikh Jassim and the Nine Two Foundation are no closer to buying Manchester United than they were before.

Romano said: “It’s still the same. I'm really sorry Man United fans, but we can't control that. The reality is that, at the moment, nothing has changed. It's still up to the Glazers.”

What next for Manchester United?

Manchester United face a crucial few days at ownership level; however, that will not deter Erik Ten Hag in his bid to secure several new signings this summer ahead of next term.

Multiple players have been linked with the possibility of a move to Old Trafford and Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount has cropped up as a key target for the Red Devils, who are said to be in the process of formalising their interest in the England international with a bid for his services in the near future, as per Sky Sports.

Atalanta rising star Rasmus Hojlund is also on Manchester United's radar and talkSPORT claim that they are set to press ahead with their pursuit of the 20-year-old striker as Ten Hag looks to bolster his forward line.

Napoli defender Kim Min-jae is in the sights of Manchester United and has rejected a new contract at his current employers amid indications that he is attracting attention from the Red Devils, as per 90min, signifying that a lot of intriguing scenarios could appear in the next few weeks at Old Trafford both regarding potential ownership and player recruitment.

Chelsea have "shown interest" in bringing FC Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa to the Premier League, according to journalist Rudy Galetti.

Is Diogo Costa leaving FC Porto?

Since graduating from FC Porto’s academy back in 2019, Costa has been a regular feature between the sticks having clocked up 109 senior appearances to date, and his impressive form has also increased his profile on the international stage.

The Portugal international represented his nation at the 2022 World Cup, during which his displays caught the eye of Mauricio Pochettino who, alongside Todd Boehly, is reportedly in the market for a new number one shot-stopper this window.

Back in February, 90min reported that the Blues had sent scouts to watch the 23-year-old live in action as they weigh up whether to make an official approach, and if the following update is to be believed, it sounds like they have made their feelings known.

Are Chelsea signing Costa?

Taking to Twitter, Galetti revealed that Chelsea are keen on signing Costa but are set to face competiton from two other suitors who are also looking to secure his services. He wrote:

"Diogo #Costa, #Chelsea recently shown interest in the #Porto goalkeeper. #ManUTD already approached him: at the moment his release clause (€75m) [£64m] is considered too high, but #MUFC remain on his tracks. Also #Bayern in the race for the GK: evolving situation."

Where would Costa fit in under Pochettino?

Chelsea will know that they are likely to lose Edouard Mendy this summer after reports emerged that he has agreed personal terms over a move to Saudi Arabia outfit Al Ahli so a replacement will be needed should he depart, and having been dubbed a “superman” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Costa could be the perfect successor.

The Gestifute client, who’s sponsored by Adidas, kept 16 clean sheets from 33 Liga Portugal outings last season and his outstanding displays saw him receive individual recognition by being awarded the 2022/23 Goalkeeper of the Season accolade.

The Rothrist native also made a total of 60 saves from 79 shots on target against giving him a success rate of 77.2%, which would make him a huge upgrade because that is higher than both of the current shot-stoppers who are at Stamford Bridge.

Finally, Costa will know what it takes to compete and be successful at the highest level having secured ten trophies across club and country since the start of his career so could bring a much-needed winning mentality to the SW6 outfit, who will be hoping to kick off a new era under Pochettino.

If you told us that the same Gary Neville who won eight Premier League titles – before going on to make questionable noises on the gantry for Sky Sports – would join Dragons’ Den, we’d have a lot of questions.Yet, here we are, with the Manchester United legend joining Steven Bartlett, Sara Davies, Touker Suleyman, Peter Jones, Emma Grede, and Deborah Meaden on the show, as confirmed by the BBC.It’s not as random a move as you may think, however. The former right-back actually does have plenty of business experience.

What is Gary Neville’s net worth?

Since retiring in 2011, Neville has gone on to have huge success off the pitch, becoming a constant feature on Sky Sports as one of their main pundits, and opening his own hotel, as well as a number of other businesses.

The Sky Sports pundit also owns an investment company, a property developer, a programme of study, a hospitality company. On top of this, Neville owns part of Salford City alongside other members of Man United’s class of 92.

So, it’s fair to say that he has been a busy man since hanging up his boots, arguably becoming more famous than in his playing days.

As of today, Neville’s net worth is reportedly as much as $25m (£19.65m), giving him plenty to invest with while on Dragons’ Den.

Why is Gary Neville joining Dragons’ Den?

As explained on the BBC, Neville is joining the show for series 21, which will air in 2024, to “shake things up and impart their unique business advice on those entering the Den”.

Speaking about joining the show, the Premier League winner told BBC: “I am excited to join the Dragons, and to meet the entrepreneurs brave enough to face us in the Den.

“I hope my personal journey shows that you can take the experiences you’ve had in one part of your career and use them to do something entirely different and make it a success.

“Business is all about managing people and managing yourself, and I’m looking forward to sharing my experience to help the entrepreneurs we’ll meet in the Den reach their potential.”

It will certainly be an interesting watch, with Neville’s involvement potentially attracting a new range of viewers to the show, given his popularity in football.

If it goes anything like his punditry career, too, then we’re bound to get moments worth watching over and over again. Although it must be said, Neville will want to avoid a debut similar to his first Sky Sports appearance when he famously attempted to interview then-Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini after his side’s game.

Crystal Palace have “made contact” to sign Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun this summer, according to reliable journalist Graeme Bailey.

Is Folarin Balogun leaving Arsenal?

Balogun is an academy graduate at the Emirates Stadium having worked his way up through the youth ranks to be handed a chance to enter the first-team fold, but having only made ten senior appearances for his boyhood club, his future is extremely uncertain.

The United States international has been sent out on two loans throughout his career in the hope of receiving more regular game time, the first being at Middlesbrough and the most recent at Stade Reims last season, where he excelled, being their top-performing offensive player in Ligue 1.

The Gunners’ 21-year-old product still has another two years remaining on his contract in N7, but having reportedly rejected the chance to discuss a new deal, there’s a strong likelihood that he will be on the move during this window, potentially to link up with Roy Hodgson at Selhurst Park.

Are Crystal Palace signing Balogun?

Taking to Twitter, Bailey revealed that Crystal Palace have submitted an enquiry for Balogun but should they want to get a deal over the line this summer, are set to face stiff competition for his services from other rivals in the Premier League. He wrote:

“Arsenal tell Folarin Balogun to step up search for new club. Crystal Palace, West Ham, Brentford, Fulham and Everton are among the clubs to have made contact, whilst Lille and RB Leipzig are also keen.”

Expanding in his column for 90min, Arsenal reportedly value their attacker at "over" £30m.

Should Parish & Freedman submit a bid for Balogun?

Crystal Palace will have no doubt been watching Balogun at Stade Reims to have felt the need to enquire about his services, and considering the prolific threat he would bring to that centre-forward role, Steve Parish and Dougie Freedman should absolutely table an offer.

Sponsored by Adidas, the attacker clocked up an impressive 24 goal contributions (21 goals and three assists) in 37 Ligue 1 outings last season alongside recording 121 shots, which was higher than any other member of his squad, as per FBRef.

Arsenal’s “golden” striker, as lauded by talent scout Jacek Kulig, also shares the same agent, Elite Project Group, as Malcolm Ebiowei, so this existing connection that Balogun’s representative already has to the club could give them a small advantage over their competitors.

Rio Ferdinand has given an update on the "very complex" takeover at Manchester United, with the help of his "great source" at the club.

What's the latest on the takeover?

When Man United were put up for sale in late November last year, fans would have hoped to know who their club's new owners were by the end of the season.

Now in July, there is still significant uncertainty over the club's future, with the Glazers yet to make a final decision on United's ownership.

There are still two bids on the table for control at Old Trafford. One belongs to Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the CEO of INEOS, and the other belongs to Qatari businessman Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani.

The former reportedly wants to buy a majority stake in the club, allowing the Glazers to stay as minority shareholders, while Sheikh Jassim wants to buy 100% of the club, which would push the Glazers out of the door completely.

Sheikh Jassim submitted a fifth and final bid for United in early June according to Ben Jacobs, with the bid reportedly worth approximately £5bn, and the Qatari is now considered the favourite to take over at Old Trafford.

What did Ferdinand say?

Former United defender Ferdinand has now issued a recent update on the club's potential takeover, owing certain information to his inside source at Old Trafford, with some suggestions that there may be greater clarification on the takeover soon.

Speaking on the FIVE YouTube channel, Ferdinand claimed: "You know what, the biggest thing is I had some news from a very good source, my great source at Manchester United.

"Things were running quite smooth and it was going down the right path but then obviously…I think the biggest issue is when you're dealing with a group of people rather than an individual it makes things very complex and difficult at times.

"You're not dealing with one individual with the Glazers, I think Jim Ratcliffe said it today, and I think that's been the issue behind the scenes. I didn't want to come out and say it but you're dealing with siblings in the Glazer family who are there to make a collective decision. I don't think one person can just make a decision on their own."

He added: "So, therefore, that makes it very difficult to kind of say yes immediately, just like that. It's a process they have to go through."

However, at the end of the podcast, contributor Joel Beya says: "You know what it's funny because there's definitely some takeover news happening. I know you can't say too much for whatever reasons, we spoke off air, but even from someone that's not in it as much as you I am hearing some big things happening tomorrow (Tuesday)."

Ferdinand responded: "I was talking to [David] Ornstein as well. Man he's got good knowledge as well but we've got good sources so."

The implication from Ferdinand is that there may be imminent news on the horizon regarding the takeover, with Sheikh Jassim supossedly leading the race. However, Ferdinand did make a point of saying that Ratcliffe is not yet out of the running, while it is still possible that the Glazers choose not to sell after all.

United supporters will be hoping that everything is sorted as quickly as possible with the current uncertainty adversely affecting the club's transfer plans heading into next season.

Arsenal are reportedly planning an audacious swoop for Manchester City defender Kyle Walker, as Mikel Arteta eyes reinforcements this summer.

The Gunners bolstered their season hopes by bolstering their squad with Oleksandr Zinchenko and Gabriel Jesus last term, though there comes more of a risk with links to the Englishman.

Could Arsenal sign Kyle Walker?

According to reports (via Football365), there has been ‘contact’ made between the north Londoners and the treble winners over the full-back’s availability.

The report prices the defender at £14m, in a deal that could shock the Premier League after the Englishman was linked to Bayern Munich earlier in the window.

Signed by City in 2017 for a reported fee of £45m plus add-ons, Arsenal could get themselves a cost-effective deal in the reported swoop, but whether the deal makes sense is up for debate.

Should Arsenal sign Kyle Walker?

Lauded as a “machine” by members of the media, there’s no denying the impact that Walker has had on City over the years.

With his contract set to expire next summer, should an agreement not be met prior, the former Tottenham right-back could depart Manchester a hero, having obtained 12 major trophies and two Community Shield prizes.

Going out being remembered for the highs of winning the treble could be an attractive prospect for the defender, who turned 33 earlier this summer.

While the Sheffield-born gem is still regarded as one of Europe’s best, the attraction to Walker should be swerved by Arsenal, who must continue in the direction of chasing down City and remaining as a title-challenging side.

The 33-year-old would be a good asset in ways, however, signing an ageing player to the pleasure of those close to them to allow them to upgrade further could be a stumbling block.

Signing Zinchenko and Jesus was a fundamental piece of business last summer, but the two were both 25 years of age at the point of signing and joined the club prior to the exceeded expectations of the 2022/23 campaign.

Attempting to sign Walker on the back of the trialling season, it could be a sign of less-ambitious business for the Gunners, who have already had links to the likes of in-demand youthful full-backs.

With Jurrien Timber set to arrive, the north Londoners have also had reported interest in January target Ivan Fresneda, with both potential moves signalling a statement of intent ahead of the highly anticipated 2023/24 campaign.

Challenging at the top in terms of European standards is still a normality for 33-year-old Walker, who ended the season recording the fastest top speed in the Premier League clocking at 37.31 km/h, via OptaJoe.

The £175k-per-week treble winner also ranked in the top 5% in terms of full-backs in Europe’s top five leagues over the past year in terms of progressive passes, averaging 6.95 per 90 to highlight his competence as an inverted wing-back, via FBref.

Arsenal could be open to signing a top player, however at 33 and at the disposal of City, the Gunners should aim to look elsewhere in terms of adding to their long-term project.

An update has emerged on Celtic and their pursuit of further additions to the playing squad ahead of the 2023/24 Scottish Premiership campaign…

What's the latest Celtic transfer news?

According to Sport Chosun, the Hoops have submitted an offer to sign Busan defensive midfielder Hyeok-kyu Kwon before the end of the summer transfer window.

The report claims that their proposal is worth more than the bid they made for the 22-year-old's services in January and that the South Korean outfit are 'positively' reviewing it at this moment in time.

It states that there is a 'good chance' that the transfer will go through as the Scottish giants now close in on his signature, whilst it adds that they are also set to sign Gangwon forward Hyun-jun Yang after lengthy talks to secure his services.

Korean journalist Jason Lee has added that Celtic's offer for Kwon is in the region of €1m (£860k), with a deal "expected" to be completed between the two sides.

What is Hyeok-kyu Kwon's style of play?

The South Korea U23 international is a defensive-minded midfield player who is reliable in possession and able to win the ball back for his team frequently throughout matches.

Kwon could come in and become Brendan Rodgers' next Wilfred Ndidi, who was linked with a move to Parkhead earlier this summer, after his successful time with the Nigerian enforcer at Leicester.

Last season, the 26-year-old battler averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.75 across 27 Premier League outings. He showcased his defensive qualities in the middle of the park with 3.7 tackles and interceptions per match for the Foxes, to go along with 4.1 duels won per clash.

No Leicester player with at least five league appearances made more interventions per game, which suggests that Ndidi was the main disruptor to cut out opposition attacks for Rodgers at The King Power.

Kwon could now arrive at Celtic and fulfil the same role for the Northern Irishman if he is capable of translating his form for Busan so far this year over to Scottish football in the coming months.

In 2023, the impressive enforcer has averaged a K League 2 Sofascore rating of 6.89 to go along with 3.4 tackles and interceptions per match for his side, whilst he has also won 4.1 duels per outing.

Meanwhile, no Hoops midfielder produced more than 2.2 tackles and interceptions combined per clash, which suggests that the Busan star could provide an upgrade on what the manager currently has to work with in terms of the holding midfield position.

Kwon, who the aforementioned Lee hailed as a "promising" talent who could be a "sneaky good" signing for Celtic, also completed 86% of his passes – a higher percentage than Matt O'Riley, Aaron Mooy, and Reo Hatate managed in the Premiership last term.

This suggests that the South Korean maestro could provide a calming presence in midfield with his ability to be reliable in possession whilst also being able to constantly cut out opposition attacks, in the same way that Ndidi did for Rodgers at Leicester.

Therefore, Kwon could be the manager's next version of the Nigeria international, who completed 84% of his attempted passes last season, at Parkhead next term.

West Ham United have an "interest" in former Manchester United captain and England international Harry Maguire, but wages could be an issue, claims Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.

Is Harry Maguire joining West Ham United this summer?

It has been a busy summer in east London so far, not due to any incomings, mind you, but due to the intense and protracted negotiations over the sale of Declan Rice to Arsenal, which has earned West Ham a tidy £105m.

Unsurprisingly, it looks like the club will be putting that influx of cash to use immediately this summer, with a swathe of players being touted for a move to the East End.

A lot of the names linked with a move to the London Stadium at the moment are midfielders, for fairly obvious reasons, with Fulham's Joao Palhinha, Ajax's Edson Alvarez and Southampton's talismanic captain James Ward-Prowse all players the Irons are interested in.

However, with the club leaking 55 goals in the league last year and finishing just six points above the relegation zone, several defenders have also been linked with a move to the Irons – the most recent being United centre-back Maguire.

According to The Guardian, the Red Devils are open to offers for their £80m man after Erik ten Hag informed his defender that he wasn't a part of his plans, something made abundantly clear by the removal of the captaincy earlier this week.

The Hammers have emerged as one of the teams interested in rescuing the former Leicester City man from his unfortunate situation at Old Trafford this summer, but 'see little value' in paying a transfer fee for the 30-year-old and are equally concerned over his significant pay packet, as per Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.

He explained the situation live on Sky Sports News, saying:

"They're looking to strengthen in defence. We mentioned Harry Maguire already. There is an interest in Harry Maguire, they're exploring a loan, they're exploring a permanent deal as well. Wages, though, could prove to be an issue."

How much does Harry Maguire earn?

The former Foxes star earns a seriously hefty pay packet, even for a player at Manchester United.

According to Spotrac, the former captain sits comfortably within the club's top ten earners, occupying the number seven spot and taking home a tidy £189,904 a week – or £9,875,000 a year.

It's easy to understand why these wages would be deemed a problem for the Hammers, especially if they opted for just a loan, as their highest earner is Brazilian midfielder Lucas Paqueta, who earns £150,000 a week at the London Stadium.

The Irons' best-paid defender is Kurt Zouma, who takes home a weekly wage of £120,000, which is probably what Maguire can expect to be paid should he make the move down to the capital.

While it's obviously a massive pay cut, it might give the 6 foot 4 titan the fresh start and playing time he needs to get back to his "fantastic" best and move on from his underwhelming spell at the Theatre of Dreams.