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Fulham: Silva Eyeing "Special" £120K-P/W Signing

Fulham are now targeting Chelsea forward Callum Hudson-Odoi this summer and Mauricio Pochettino's side are open to selling him, according to reports.

Who will Fulham sign this summer?

In the past week, Whites transfer rumours have been seriously hotting up, both in terms of potential departures and signings for Marco Silva.

Fulham enjoyed a successful first full campaign back in the Premier League after being promoted from the Championship, comfortably avoiding relegation and finished mid-table.

While they couldn't quite do enough to seal European football for next season, the foundations to build are there, and it is believed the west Londoners are looking at strengthening a variety of positions.

Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse, Japan international Ao Tanaka, Coventry City's Viktor Gyokeres, Fenerbache defender Ferdi Kadioglu and Roma centre-back Roger Ibanez have all been linked in the past 10 days.

Meanwhile, it is believed top flight rivals are eyeing moves for star Fulham players Joao Palhinha and Antonee Robinson, with Leicester City also apparently looking to steal away club captain Tom Cairney.

If these rumours come to fruition, it could well be a busy summer at Craven Cottage, with news emerging of another target on their radar.

Hudson-Odoi, who spent last season on loan at Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga, is apparently being targeted by Fulham.

That is according to The Guardian and reliable journalist Jacob Steinberg, who claims Fulham, Milan and Nottingham Forest have registered interest in the £120,000-per-week forward.

Chelsea are prepared to sell Hudson-Odoi, and could do so for just £15 million, with the winger looking likely to leave Stamford Bridge this summer.

He's out of contract next year, and with just 12 months remaining on his current deal, Fulham could offer him the chance to remain in west London.

Hudson-Odoi has offers from the Middle East, though it is thought his preference is to remain in Europe at this stage.

What's been said about Hudson-Odoi?

Frank Lampard once tipped the 22-year-old for stardom at Chelsea, calling him an "incredible" player back in 2019 whilst claiming he could be "huge" for the Blues.

Fast forward to now, and that hasn't quite worked out, but Lampard isn't the only person to have seriously endorsed the winger.

FourFourTwo writer Mark White, taking to Twitter just last year, called Hudson-Odoi a "special" player and drew particular attention to his "unbelievable vision" and "sheer mentality".

Given he is available for just £15m, and Fulham are in need of forward depth, he could be a prudent option.

James Maddison: Leicester Star Making Newcastle Enquiries

Newcastle United may have received a boost in their pursuit of James Maddison, with Newcastle World reporting that the player has already asked about the club and living in the area ahead of a potential transfer switch.

Are Newcastle United signing James Maddison?

The midfielder has really come into his own since moving into the Premier League with Leicester City and has continued to get better season after season. In 2022/23 for example, he played 30 times for the club in the top flight and despite the Foxes being relegated, he still managed to contribute ten goals and nine assists along the way.

That goals plus assists total was the best at his club and only slightly below his contribution rate a season earlier, when he managed 20.

Leicester City midfielder James Maddison.

He outscored actual out-and-out strikers such as Kelechi Iheanacho and Patson Daka – showing just how impressive his finishing ability is for a player who isn't naturally a number nine – all while blowing the rest of his squad away in terms of assists and chance creation.

What is the latest news on Maddison?

According to a report from Newcastle World, Newcastle could be ready to boost their own attacking output by bringing Maddison to the club. The Toon have been linked with the player for a while but they've been handed a boost today with the news that the England man – who is valued at around £60m by Leicester – has already been making enquiries about the Magpies and best places to live in the city. The report claims that rumours of him preferring a switch to London are false, and he is open to heading north.

Football journalist Josh Bunting is one of many media members to heap praise on Maddison's "impressive" form in recent times, adding that he is a "creative" presence whether he features on the flank or behind the striker.

Considering how highly he is viewed, he is surely destined for a move back into the top flight and it certainly seems as if Newcastle is an option.

Rangers: Beale wants "dangerous" 6 ft 2 marksman as Defoe 2.0 at Ibrox

Glasgow Rangers are reportedly interested in the services of striker Lyndon Dykes.

Rangers transfer news – What's the latest on Lyndon Dykes

According to the Daily Mail, the Glasgow giants are interested in reuniting the Scotland forward with former boss Michael Beale north of the border.

The Teddy Bears' interest has come in the aftermath of his 'heroics' with the national side against Norway on Saturday.

The 27-year-old scored late on to level the game before providing the assist for Kenny McLean in their 2-1 win.

The performance has also led to interest from other clubs, with Burnley and Millwall now interested, the latter having already submitted a £2m offer in January.

Glasgow Rangers manager Michael Beale.

Could Lyndon Dykes replicate Jermain Defoe's success at Rangers?

In recent years, Rangers have made a habit of poaching strikers from the Championship or lower-level Premier League clubs, with the most prominent example being Jermain Defoe, who joined from AFC Bournemouth in 2019.

The former Tottenham Hotspur man's time in Glasgow was a fruitful one.

In the 74 appearances he made for the club, he produced 42 goal involvements, 32 goals and ten assists.

He was also a key member of Steven Gerrard's team that won the Teddy Bears' first league title since they rejoined Scotland's top flight.

A player like Dykes could certainly replicate some of that success.

According to WhoScored, the Scot averaged an impressive rating of 6.8 across his 35 starts for Queens Park Rangers last season, scoring eight goals and laying another two on for his teammates.

He should have scored more as well, with FBref putting his expected goals for last season at 12.6, suggesting that he was getting into good goal-scoring positions more often but suffering from bad luck.

He has also proven his ability to find the back of the net in the Scottish Premiership from his season with Livingston in the 2019/20 season when he produced an excellent 19 goal involvements, 11 goals and eight assists.

Soccer Football – Championship – Queens Park Rangers v Reading – Loftus Road, London, Britain – January 29, 2022 Queens Park Rangers’ Lyndon Dykes celebrates scoring their first goal Action Images/Matthew Childs EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club /league/player publications. Please contact your account representa

It was during his stint with the Lions that he drew the attention and praise of Gerrard, who claimed:

"They've got a forward in-form in Lyndon Dykes who's having a real good season, who is capable of playing in the air or on the floor, he's quite dangerous."

The 6 foot 2 marksman has also received plaudits from another Gers legend, Alan Hutton, who, in the aftermath of the club missing out on the "focal point" in 2020, said:

"I think he'd have been a great addition for the Rangers squad, definitely. He's proven it on a high stage now."

That "high stage" Hutton is talking about is international football, a place Dykes has thrived.

The Australian-born forward has already scored nine times in 29 appearances for Scotland and started all three games during the delayed Euro 2020 tournament, including their draw with England.

If Beale and co can convince Dykes to make their journey back north, there is no doubt that he would be able to replicate some of the successes of the retired Defoe; arriving as a player that is already well-known amongst the coaching staff.

Insider Shares Qatari Man United Takeover Claim

Manchester United's potential takeover with the proposed Qatar-based bid from Sheikh Jassim is not believed to be as close as Middle Eastern reports have claimed.

However, there is a belief that there is a growing confidence among those in the Qatari party that they will secure the takeover.

What's the latest in Man United's potential takeover?

The summer transfer window is now open and the Glazer family remain at the helm of the Red Devils despite putting the club up for sale back in November.

Two parties remain at the front of the race to potentially take over at Old Trafford with Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the Qatari bid still keen to buy the club.

It has been reported the Qatari party have recently put forward a record-breaking bid for the Red Devils in what was claimed to be a 'take it or leave it' final offer.

However, in recent days, there have been some claims coming out of the Middle East suggesting Sheikh Jassim had been successful in landing the Premier League giants.

Speaking on TalkSPORT, insider Alex Crook has claimed despite the notion of Qatar winning the race being incorrect, there is a growing confidence among the party:

"I was up into the early hours trying to get to the bottom of this. I was told not to get too excited yet. The Qataris, I think, are growing in confidence that they can strike a deal with the Glazer family, but at the moment, not much has changed.

"It still looks a two-horse race between Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his partial takeover and the Qataris who're looking to buy the entirety of United."

How much has Sheikh Jassim bid for Man United?

According to the reports last week, Sheikh Jassim's fourth offer was worth in excess of £5bn and his fifth bid was an improved offer on the £5bn originally put forward to the Glazers.

However, it is also believed that the Americans are looking for an offer of no less than £6bn in order to see them sell up at Old Trafford.

The bid from Sir Jim Ratcliffe is not believed to match the 100% ownership that the Qatari party are said to be seeking and would, instead, see the Glazers able to remain with some power at the club.

But this will still likely come to the frustration of most United fans who will have wanted to see any potential takeover completed ahead of the summer transfer window opening.

For instance, Kylian Mbappe is believed to be available this summer for around €150m (£128m) this summer which could potentially appeal to United if they had the Qataris at the helm.

Of course, this would be an ambitious move considering Real Madrid are believed to be seriously interested in the France international.

However, with the backing of a group like the Qataris, it could potentially have been a possibility.

Instead, United remains in limbo as to where the club stands over the future of the Glazer family.

Tottenham: Spurs Eye "Magnificent" Signing For Ange

Tottenham Hotspur "will back" manager Ange Postecoglou this summer with the club, and by extension chairman Daniel Levy, "ready" to battle for Leicester City star James Maddison.

Who could Spurs sign this summer?

Spurs' long and drawn out search for a new manager is over as Postecoglou, after winning a domestic treble with Celtic, joins the Premier League side on a four-year contract.

The north Londoners have confirmed that he will commence work for the 2023/2024 season on July 1, replacing Antonio Conte who left Tottenham over two months ago.

“Ange brings a positive mentality and a fast, attacking style of play," said Levy upon his appointment."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."

His appointment also marks the return of an attacking brand of football at Spurs, with the more dogmatic eras of Conte, Nuno Espirito Santo and Jose Mourinho appearing to be a thing of the past.

Now, attention turns to the transfer market and how Tottenham can shore up Postecoglou's options in key positions. Levy is believed to be chasing central defenders and a new goalkeeper, especially after Spurs' poor defensive record over 2022/2023, which was actually the worst of any side above 15th.

However, the Lilywhites are also eyeing additions further forward, with both wingers and playmakers on Levy's agenda.

According to a report by The Daily Mirror and journalist John Cross, Spurs apparently "will back" their new manager in the transfer market this summer. What's more, Levy and co are "ready to rival" Newcastle United for Leicester's Maddison – who is expected to cost around £40 million.

Who is James Maddison?

The England international has been linked with a move to N17 in recent weeks, with some reports even suggesting they're in pole position to sign him.

Maddison was a key player for Leicester last season, standing out as their star man and averaging a higher match rating per 90 than any other Foxes star over 2022/2023 (WhoScored).

He also made more key passes per 90 and attempted a higher rate of shots per 90 than any other Leicester player last season, racking up an impressive 19 goal contributions (WhoScored).

With numbers like these, it's hardly a surprise Maddison has been called "magnificent" for his displays at the King Power.

Man Utd Eye Swoop For "Unbelievable" £69m star

Manchester United will be hoping to put their disappointing FA Cup final defeat in the rearview mirror as they head into the summer break following a solid debut campaign under Erik ten Hag.

Not only did the Dutchman win the Old Trafford side their first trophy since 2017, but has also guided them into the Champions League group stages, and with his first season behind him, he will be aiming to take the Red Devils to the next level during 2023/24.

To do this, however, he will have to add a few more fresh faces to the squad, while shipping out some deadwood. Given that he lured players such as Lisandro Martinez and Casemiro to United last summer, there will be a similar hope that signings of this stature could be made again.

They may well raid Real Madrid once more, as United have been linked with midfielder Federico Valverde according to reports in Spain, although president Florentino Perez has claimed that it will take an offer of around €80m (£69m) in order for negotiations to begin.

Could Federico Valverde improve Manchester United?

The 24-year-old Uruguayan is entering the prime years of his career and has enjoyed a wonderful period of success at Madrid, winning two La Liga titles and a Champions League crown – ensuring that if he joined United, they would benefit from his winning mentality in the heart of the midfield.

Another reason why the midfielder could improve the Red Devils is his similarities to Manchester City star Ilkay Gundogan, who according to FBref, is the most comparable player to Valverde. Given the German's incredible career, in which he has won 13 major honours and become the beating heart of Pep Guardiola’s City juggernaut, it certainly isn’t a bad comparison to have.

Indeed, over the past year, Gundogan ranks in the top 10% across Europe’s big five leagues for non-penalty goals, touches in the attacking penalty area and total shots per 90, while the Uruguayan ranks in the top 10% also for non-penalty goals and total shots, while dropping to the top 21% for touches in the opposition box per game, suggesting that the pair offer an excellent goal threat from the centre of midfield overall.

This is something United could benefit from as none of their central midfielders scored more than seven goals across all of last season. Valverde showcased his importance to Madrid by ranking as their third-best player in La Liga, fifth for goals and assists and sixth for key passes per game, with Gundogan offering a similar influence at City, ranking similarly highly for the same metrics, suggesting that Ten Hag could have a world-class operator as the fulcrum of his side should he sign him this summer.

Former Chelsea star Joe Cole hailed Valverde as “unbelievable” late last year, and having showcased his abilities at the Bernabeu, a move to Old Trafford surely wouldn’t faze the 24-year-old.

£60k-p/w Arsenal Target Promised He Can Leave

Journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Moises Caicedo has been promised he can leave this summer with Arsenal still keen on a transfer.

What are the latest Arsenal transfer rumours?

With the Premier League season now all wrapped up, the 2022/23 campaign is completely finished for the Gunners and minds can now focus on preparations for the future.

Key midfielder Granit Xhaka is expected to be one of the first departures at the Emirates this summer and so a new midfielder or two will likely come in, with Declan Rice a key target.

As well as the West Ham captain, it's known that Arsenal had their eye on Brighton star Caicedo in the winter but failed with a £70m bid.

Since then, the midfielder has signed a new four-year contract reportedly worth £60k-p/w which could mean he's off the market.

However, while speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano revealed that Roberto de Zerbi will let Caicedo go even though there is no release clause in his deal.

He explained (2:42): "For Caicedo, there is no release clause but Roberto De Zerbi promised him that when in January Arsenal approached Brighton with £60m and then a £70m second bid (add-ons included), he told the player: 'Stay here with us until the end of the season, and we will sell you in the summer'.

"This was the plan, this was promised to the player and so very respectful from Roberto De Zerbi."

Is there a release clause in Caicedo's contract?

It seems De Zerbi will be a man of his word as he all but accepted Caicedo and teammate Alexis Mac Allister will go this summer.

After Birghton's last game, he told BBC Sport: "I think that can be the last game of Alexis and Moises, I'm really sorry. They are two great people and two great players."

"The policy of Brighton is like this," added De Zerbi. "I think it's right they can leave, can change teams and play in a level higher.

"We are ready. We have to find others big players to play without Alexis and Moises."

Alexis Mac Allister Brighton Argentina

However, the situation is more complicated with Caicedo, as Mac Allister has some detail in his contract which will allow him to go – though the details are unclear as to how exactly works as it's not a standard release clause.

But as Caicedo doesn't have that, it will be completely up to Brighton if they keep him this summer but after De Zerbi's promise, it sounds as though the door is open for Arsenal to make their move.

Aston Villa Eyeing Move For £28k-A-Week PL Ace

Aston Villa are reportedly interested in signing Wolves goalkeeper Jose Sa this summer, seeing him as a potential replacement for Emiliano Martinez.

Is Martinez leaving Villa this summer?

A number of Villa players have enjoyed excellent seasons, with their fortunes transformed under Unai Emery, but none have gone through a more exciting period than Martinez. The 30-year-old has not only performed impressively between the sticks at Villa Park, making 35 starts in the Premier League, but he has also tasted World Cup glory with Argentina.

Not only that, but he was one of his country's star men in Qatar, perhaps only behind Lionel Messi, proving to be the penalty hero so often in shootouts, and also making a huge save in the last minute of extra-time in the final victory over France.

Martinez's current standing in the game means that there is likely to be interest from top clubs at the end of the season, and the player also wants to quit the Midlands this summer, so Villa may find it difficult to keep hold of him. Admittedly, his current deal doesn't expire until the summer of 2027, though, so the club will be able to demand huge money for his services.

It looks as though the Villans may be resigned to losing the Argentine, with a new claim suggesting that they have already found a possible replacement.

Soccer Football – Premier League – Wolverhampton Wanderers v Nottingham Forest – Molineux Stadium, Wolverhampton, Britain – October 15, 2022 Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Jose Sa and Ruben Neves celebrate after the match Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Boyers EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club /league/player publicat

Could Sa come in Martinez's replacement?

According to TuttoMercatoWeb [via Sport Witness], Sa could be an option for Villa during the summer window, having impressed for Wolves since arriving from Olympiakos in 2021. The report claims that Martinez "can say goodbye" to the club in the coming months and is valued at €40m, at which point their attention could switch to snapping up the Portuguese stopper, valued at €20m.

Sa could be an excellent signing by Villa, and while Martinez could arguably be better, he has shown that he can be a strong performer in the Premier League, making 75 appearances in the competition in two seasons. The £28,000-a-week Wolves ace has been hailed as "amazing" by teammate Daniel Podence, and at 30, he would be coming in at a great time in his career, with his best days still potentially ahead of him.

In an ideal world, Martinez would simply stay put and continue to be a key figure for years to come, but if Sa coming in to replace him is the next-best option, it may not be a bad outcome for Villa.

Watkins and Ings now thriving for Villa

Ex-BBC pundit Noel Whelan has claimed that Steven Gerrard has ‘hit the jackpot’ by creating the strike partnership of Danny Ings and Ollie Watkins at Aston Villa.

The Lowdown: Formidable duo

The 41-year-old boss named the attacking duo in his starting line-up for his side’s recent comfortable 3-1 victory over relegation-battling Burnley, and his decision to play the 4-4-2 diamond formation clearly paid off, with both of the forwards getting their name on the scoresheet.

According to a report from a Football Insider transfer source back in April, the Villans are thought to be preparing a brand new bumper deal for Watkins, amid receiving interest for the player from Premier League rivals Arsenal, whilst Ings is believed to be catching the eye of Brighton as they search for a new centre-forward this summer.

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The Latest: Gerrard has hit the jackpot

Reacting to the news of Watkins’ potential new deal, Whelan has urged Gerrard to keep hold of his men and persist with this new-found successful formation. He told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury: “Ings and Watkins are not bad Premier League strikers.

“They seem to thrive from playing with one another, and both are pretty well-rounded forwards. They can do almost everything in that final third.

“I think right now that a diamond system is a brilliant option for Steven Gerrard. He’s hit the jackpot.

“They don’t lose any creativity by having two centre forwards. They can both drop in and play in between the lines if they have to.

“The goals at the weekend just prove that they can be a really potent strike force when they are given the opportunity to play together.”

The Verdict: The perfect formula

Ings first arrived at Villa Park from Southampton last summer and has enjoyed a decent albeit slightly underwhelming first season in the Midlands, providing seven goal contributions in as many appearances in an excellent recent run of form.

Watkins joined a year before his teammate from Brentford for what was a club-record fee of £28m, and so far this campaign, the pair have netted a combined total of 17 top-flight goals between them.

If the pair of poachers continue their impressive returns between now and the end of the term, there is a definite chance that Gerrard’s boys could be set for a top ten finish before aiming even higher from next season.

In other news… The Daily Mail have reported that one Villa star wants to leave the club this summer.

Rangers: Journalist reacts to Arfield news

Jordan Campbell has reacted to the news that Glasgow Rangers midfielder Scott Arfield has been awarded a new 12-month contract extension. 

The lowdown: New Rangers deal for Arfield

The club confirmed the 33-year-old’s new deal and described the Canada international as a ‘key influence in the dressing room’.

Since arriving at Ibrox, Arfield has amassed 186 appearances for the Glasgow giants, directly contributing to 52 goals in that time.

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Following the announcement, Campbell gave his take on the contract news regarding the Light Blues stalwart.

The latest: Campbell reacts to Arfield contract news

Taking to Twitter, The Athletic’s Rangers correspondent said that the club were seeking ‘continuity’ with the new contract for Arfield.

He outlined: “Rangers announce that Scott Arfield has signed a new one-year deal. He was one of the players there was a decision to be made on but the 33yo’s personality and experience is valuable, and he’s shown he still has a big performance in him. Continuity important in places.”

This comes after talented youngster Alex Lowry also agreed to a new contract, ignoring reported interest from Manchester City and Newcastle United in the process.

The verdict: Important move

Tying down important players is crucial as Giovanni van Bronckhorst looks to build a team fit to challenge for the Premiership title once more next season, and Arfield – who was commended by ex-Ibrox manager Steven Gerrard for his ‘brave’ characteristics – certainly fits into that category.

So far this season, the 19-cap Canada international has scored six times in 46 appearances across all competitions, 31 of which have come under the Dutchman following the departure of Gerrard, underlining the 33-year-old’s continued role as a Light Blues regular.

Rangers fans could now be turning their attention towards Conor Goldson on the contract front, with the talismanic defender’s deal set to expire at the end of the current campaign.

In other news, Rangers now face a ‘big fight’ to keep another player at Ibrox

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