Man United To Seal Deal For 16-Year-Old England Talent

Manchester United are set to bolster their academy ranks soon, with reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano reporting that teenage defender Harry Amass is set to seal a switch to Old Trafford.

Who is Harry Amass?

The youngster currently plays for Watford in the Championship, although he is yet to make his first-team debut with the club. At just 16-years-old, that will come as no surprise, but he has featured for their youth team. It's here where the England man has clearly caught the eye with his talent, with the player featuring for the Hornets during their spell in the FA Youth Cup.

However, it appears as though he may now leave his current club without ever having featured in their first-team. That's because according to a report from reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano, the left-back is heading to Man United.

The Premier League side have moved quickly to try and bring in Amass and now look set to add him on a four-year deal.

Speaking about the transfer, Romano said: "Manchester United are now set to sign English talented fullback Harry Amass, deal done. It will be signed, completed this week. Amass joins from Watford — told he’ll sign four year contract."

Is Amass a good signing for United?

Amass will likely not come into the immediate fold at Old Trafford and instead feature in their reserve side, with the club having a knack for bringing through young talent.

They did so with Marcus Rashford, who was their top goalscorer last season, and have also got an eye for bringing in talent and nurturing it from elsewhere too. Anthony Elanga was born in Sweden and began his youth career there, before being poached by the Red Devils and steadily brought through into their first-team fold. The likes of Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo could follow a similar path too, with the former already featuring regularly and the latter hoping to do so this coming season.

Whilst United have yet to bring in a first-team player on a transfer this summer, they are clearly in the market for the right players then and are still focused on strengthening their academy and future talent too with the addition of someone like Amass.

This is a deal that won't pay off in the short-term for the club, but the correct playing time and coaching from the Old Trafford outfit could make this a signing we look back on as an absolute master-stroke from Red Devils chiefs.

Celtic Schedule Talks Over "World-Class" £19k-p/w Player

Celtic have scheduled discussions with Kyogo Furuhashi regarding a new contract extension at Parkhead, according to reports.

When did Kyogo Furuhashi join Celtic?

Furuhashi first arrived in the Scottish Premiership from Vissel Kobe back in July 2021 where he went on to become a regular feature of Ange Postecoglou’s first team making 83 appearances to date, but with the former boss having now left to join Tottenham Hotspur and Brendan Rodgers being back in charge, his future is up in the air.

The Japan international was the Hoops’ top-performing offensive player and indeed the division’s highest-goalscorer last season so was a standout star north of the border, and this form has already started to attract significant interest from the Premier League.

Crystal Palace have primarily been the side most linked with a summer swoop for the 28-year-old striker, but Spurs appear to have more recently entered the race to secure his services with Postecoglou eyeing a reunion in N17, and whilst that will be an attractive opportunity, the hierarchy are keen to stop him from leaving.

Is Furuhashi signing a new contract?

According to Football Insider, Celtic are set to hold “talks” with Furuhashi over a new deal when he returns from his current break in his homeland. The Glasgow outfit are “keen to tie down” their prized asset to a “new and improved agreement” in the hope of fending off outside attention, with the aim being to extend his contract that runs until 2025 by at least one more year.

Alongside Palace and Spurs, it’s reported that he’s also become a target for Nottingham Forest, Bournemouth and several unnamed clubs in the Serie A and Bundesliga. Furuhashi was believed to be “stung” by Postecoglou’s exit, but it’s stated that he’s “happy” where he is and “won’t rush into any decision” in the weeks ahead.

Celtic striker Kyogo Furuhashi.

Does Furuhashi deserve improved terms?

Celtic will recognise the hugely positive impact that Furuhashi has made since joining and also how much he’s appreciated by his teammates having been hailed “world-class” by Jota, so offering the centre-forward a new contract would be nothing less than he deserves.

The £19k-per-week earner clocked up a remarkable 26 goal contributions (23 goals and three assists) in 31 Scottish Premiership outings last season whilst recording 85 shots over the course of the campaign which was more than any other of his fellow peers, as per FBRef.

Furthermore, Furuhashi has not only helped the side secure five trophies following his arrival but he’s also been rewarded for his individual performances by being named the Hoops’ Player of the Year for 2022/23 so it’s clear to see how loved he is, making this a decision that the board shouldn’t even have to think twice about.

Villa Could Swoop For £97k-p/w "Sensation"

Aston Villa are reportedly eyeing Serie A ace Hirving Lozano as the Villans prepare to introduce reinforcements to their squad.

Unai Emery isn’t expected to be the only Spaniard with control in the market this summer, with former Sevilla sporting director Monchi sealing a move to Villa Park.

The club have been linked to a host of top talent already, with the latest link being a potentially strong suitor to partner Ollie Watkins.

What’s the latest on Hirving Lozano to Aston Villa?

As reported by various Spanish outlets this week, Aston Villa have emerged as a club interested in Napoli forward Lozano.

One report states that Villa have shown ‘clear interest’ in the Mexico international, who could depart Naples this summer due to a frailed relationship with the board.

It’s claimed the Midlands club are among the ‘most attractive’ options for the 27-year-old, with Villa planning a ‘formal offer’ believed to be in the region of €30m (£26m).

What could Hirving Lozano offer to Aston Villa?

Hailed as a “sensation” by broadcaster Bolarinwa Olajide, the forward could be a revolutionary addition to Emery’s attack.

Likened to Premier League ace Bukayo Saka based on statistics by FBref, the winger is a seasoned attacker, as supported by his career statistics representing PSV, Napoli and Pachuca.

As per Transfermarkt, the Mexican has contributed to 184 goals in 383 recorded appearances, scoring 113 goals and registering 71 assists in consistent streaks that convey a danger in the final third.

When speaking to The Athletic in April, Emery revealed his plans to sign a second striker to play either alongside Watkins or in rotation with the Englishman – which is something he could deliver in signing Lozano.

ollie-watkins-aston-villa-tottenham-hotspur-transfer-gossip-kane-levy

While the two are most notably strong in front of goal, they have opposing attributes that suggest they could form a complete partnership leading the line at Villa Park.

In the past, Lozano has been likened to Lionel Messi, with his low centre of gravity contributing to him being called “explosive and agile” by PSV director of football Marcel Brands, who formerly scouted the forward – as relayed by football.london.

As per FBref, the £97k-per-week attacker averages better than Watkins in areas that could greatly benefit the ex-Brentford man, registering 4.78 progressive carries per 90 to his average of 1.44.

Having a player that excels in progressive play beside him could be vital to taking the 15-goal striker to the next level, with an added benefit being the Napoli star’s ability to score himself.

Emery has a comprehensive right-winger already in his arsenal in Jacob Ramsey, but to adhere to the Spaniard’s aims of adding depth to his squad that will challenge in Europe next campaign, the move could be significant.

Lozano's contract in Naples expires next summer, so it’s likely that the Serie A champions will wish to cash in on his talents rather than see him leave as a free agent at the close of next season.

Aston Villa: Emery could sign "perfect player" for £60m at Villa Park

The transfer window has officially opened, as Aston Villa find themselves linked to an audacious swoop for a Premier League ace.

Unai Emery has already made one signing in an agreement with Youri Tielemans, and with European football confirmed at Villa Park, will aim to bolster his squad further this summer.

It’s expected to be a busy break regarding movements both on and off the pitch, with Sevilla sporting director Monchi reportedly on course to relocate at Villa.

The Spanish duo could propose an exciting summer in the Midlands, with the latest link being a major name in the Premier League.

What’s the latest on Jadon Sancho to Aston Villa?

As reported by FootballTransfers, Aston Villa are ‘keen’ on Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho.

The 23-year-old is believed to be ‘allowed to leave’ Old Trafford this summer, just two years on from his €85m (£72.6m) move.

The report claims that although United will demand £60m for the winger, Villa would not be prepared to pay such a sum, adding that negotiations could find a compromise between both parties.

What could Jadon Sancho offer Aston Villa?

Having been lauded as the “perfect player” by German legend Lothar Matthaus via Sun Sport, the Englishman is regarded as one of the top talents in Europe, despite experiencing a tough time in the Premier League.

Signed by United in the summer of 2021 for a fee of £73m, the Londoner made a statement return to England after excelling at Borussia Dortmund from Manchester City’s academy.

In 104 Bundesliga appearances, Sancho contributed to a monstrous 89 goals, scoring 38 himself and assisting 51, via Transfermarkt, showing exactly the heights he is capable of on one of the continent’s biggest stages.

Things haven’t worked so far at Old Trafford, however, the young talent is someone that could rediscover his form under the influence of Emery at Villa.

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In terms of his competition at Villa Park, the Englishman could be a significant upgrade on left-winger Leon Bailey performing statistically better than the Jamaican despite his dip in performance in Manchester.

When comparing the individual performances of the wingers this season via FBref, it’s clear to see why the Villans are eyeing Sancho, should reports be believed.

The London-born dynamo has averaged 4.64 shot-creating actions to Bailey’s 2.84 per 90 over the last year, whilst also registering 4.70 progressive carries to the Villa man's 3.89 per 90, highlighting the threat he can have on a game regardless of his goalscoring form.

The underperforming United star has actually outscored the 25-year-old this campaign as well, having bagged six goals to Bailey's four in fewer appearances, via FBref.

A notable area that Sancho excels in compared to Bailey is the overall influence he has on the game and his desire to be involved, evident statistically through his average of 40.2 touches per game to the Jamaican’s 27.7, via Sofascore.

Emery could assist the young ace in rediscovering his form displayed in the Bundesliga, allowing him to thrive in a free-flowing attack system and act as one of the star names in a less-pressured environment.

Rangers Eyeing Swoop To Sign £17k-p/w Marksman

An update has emerged on Glasgow Rangers and their plans to improve their attacking options in the upcoming summer transfer window…

What's the latest on Sam Lammers to Rangers?

According to Monday's edition of The Scottish Daily Mail [via Ibrox News], the Light Blues are keeping tabs on Sampdoria's loanee centre-forward, Sam Lammers.

The report claims that the Dutch number nine is one of a number of players on the club's shortlist as they attempt to replace Alfredo Morelos, who is set to depart on a free transfer this summer.

It is stated that the Serie A attacker, whose parent club is Atalanta, is also out of contract in the coming weeks and this means that the Gers could snap him up for nothing ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

Who is Sam Lammers?

He is a 26-year-old striker from the Netherlands who has struggled since leaving his home country to play in Italy and Rangers could get him back to his best by partnering the ace with Todd Cantwell next season.

Rangers midfielder Todd Cantwell.

Since the start of the 2020/21 campaign, Lammers has scored five league goals for Empoli, Atalanta, Sampdoria, and Eintracht Frankfurt combined and this run of form does not suggest that the attacker would be a good signing for the Light Blues.

However, the former Dutch U21 international, who talent scout Jacek Kulig hailed as "two-footed", enjoyed a prolific spell in the Eredivisie and for PSV at youth level and Michael Beale could have some player on his hands if he is able to get him on top form.

Lammers scored 19 goals and provided five assists in 35 appearances for Heerenveen in all competitions in 2018/19 after he caught the eye during his time in PSV's academy.

The marksman plundered an impressive 46 goals and 21 assists in 101 appearances for the Dutch giants at U19 and U21 level combined.

These statistics suggest that the £17k-per-week finisher has the potential to be a prolific scorer, and provider, at Ibrox if he can get back to the levels of form he displayed at PSV and Heerenveen and Cantwell could help him to do just that.

The Englishman was a shining light in the Scottish Premiership in the second half of the season after joining from Norwich in the January window.

He averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.36 across 14 appearances in the division and contributed with six goals and four assists from the middle of the park.

The maestro also created five 'big chances' for his teammates and made 1.3 key passes per game, which shows that the magician is capable of opening up the opposition's defence to create opportunities for his teammates.

Therefore, Cantwell could be exactly the man Lammers needs to return to his goalscoring best as the Norfolk-born wizard could present him with chances to find the back of the net on a regular basis in the Premiership, which could make them an exciting pairing for the Light Blues.

Rangers Not Interested In Signing "Outstanding" £4.4m Ace

Rangers boss Michael Beale is not interested in signing Aris Thessaloniki star Luis Palma this summer, despite previous reports about a bid being made, according to The Daily Record.

Who is Luis Palma?

Palma currently plays for Greek side Aris, where he has impressed in a number of different positions this season, being utilised as a left-winger and at centre-forward, scoring 13 goals in all competitions.

The Honduras international has been heavily linked with a move to Ibrox, in light of his performances over in Greece, with it recently being reported a bid of £4.4m has been submitted by the Light Blues, and a deal was said to be close.

A recent update from Football Insider detailed that the race for the attacker's signature is hotting up, with the Gers pushing ahead with their plans to sign him, having conducted scouting missions throughout the 2022-23 campaign.

However, it now appears as though the 23-year-old may have to consider a move elsewhere, as the Daily Record report he is not on Rangers' or Beale's radar, despite the contradictory recent reports.

With Ryan Kent now expected to exit, the Light Blues are keen to bring in a new winger, however the report specifies it is more likely they target Swansea City's Morgan Whittaker, who they missed out on during the January transfer window.

A new striker is the immediate priority for Beale, and while Palma has proven himself in that position for Aris this season, he is no longer being targeted by the Gers.

Who will sign Luis Palma?

It is not just Rangers who have shown an interest in the Aris marksman, with the Greek club's sporting director, Robert Palikuca, confirming there has been interest "from American teams, who are very strong financially, as well as European teams".

The Honduran has been told he is allowed to leave this summer if his valuation is met, so it seems a little unusual that the Gers have seemingly dropped out of the race, given that the door is open to sign him.

luis-palma-burnley-transfer

Having been hailed as "outstanding" by members of the media, Palma is likely to be a success wherever he goes, and it is disappointing news that the Light Blues are no longer interested.

That said, Whittaker could be an excellent alternative option, given that he dazzled on loan at Plymouth Argyle this season, weighing in with 16 goal contributions across 25 matches.

خاص | الإسماعيلي يضم لاعب الزمالك موسمين ونصف

انتقل لاعب فريق الكرة بنادي الزمالك إلى صفوف الإسماعيلي وذلك قبل ساعات من انتهاء فترة الانتقالات الشتوية الجارية.

وكان الإسماعيلي قد أعلن عن انهائه أزمة وقف القيد التي عانى منها في الفترة الماضية بسبب تأخره في دفع بعض المستحقات المالية.

وعلم “بطولات”، أن حاتم سكر الظهير الأيسر للزمالك انتقل إلى الإسماعيلي لمدة موسمين ونصف.

يذكر، أن حاتم سكر قد شارك في عدد من المباريات خلال الموسم الجاري بقميص الزمالك.

Leeds: £29m passenger betrayed fans vs Bournemouth

Leeds United’s fears of relegation from the Premier League have been exacerbated after they were thrashed 4-1 by AFC Bournemouth on Sunday afternoon.

Javi Gracia and his side were completely walked over by the Cherries, who merely had to turn up and put the ball in the net, aided by the calamitous exploits of young goalkeeper Illan Meslier once again.

The Frenchman is completely shot of confidence and form, yet the 52-year-old manager has continued to keep him in the firing line and if anything, has destroyed any chance of redemption for what was a typically reliable shot-stopper.

He wasn’t the only poor performer down at Dean Court, however. You could easily take your pick at a handful of others but it was another ponderous outing from Weston McKennie in the heart of the pitch.

How did Weston McKennie play vs Bournemouth?

The 24-year-old midfielder is currently on loan from Serie A giants Juventus, a deal that also contains an option-to-buy of around €33m (£29m), according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.

Based on his recent displays, it’s hard to envisage the Yorkshire outfit pulling the trigger on that, especially if they are competing in the Championship next season but McKennie himself looks to have already checked out – he’s been lazy and uninterested, a far cry from the bustling and industrious presence that we saw at the World Cup back in December.

Against Bournemouth, the American only lasted 71 minutes before being hooked and in that time, he mustered a mediocre 32 touches of the ball. That’s the worst of any Leeds starter, barring Liam Cooper, who was withdrawn through injury a little after the half-hour mark. That lack of presence and influence in a key area of the pitch allowed the home outfit to run riot.

Leeds United's Weston McKennie, Rasmus Kristensen and Luke Ayling react after AFC Bournemouth's Jefferson Lerma scores their second goal

McKennie also won just two of his five duels (40%), again failing to impose himself on a match that desperately needed his true quality, whilst he lost possession six times and committed two fouls, via Sofascore; merely alluding to that lackadaisical attitude that he seems to be dragging behind him at present.

LeedsLive were scathing in their review of his performance, claiming that he was a ‘complete passenger’ in midfield and suggested that his anonymous presence left the Whites wide open and the scoreline would certainly suggest that indeed.

It was the sort of performance that made a mockery of the travelling Leeds faithful that had spent their hard-earned cash to support their relegation-threatened side down on the south coast.

That was hardly made any better by an “embarrassing” video that went viral of the team leaving the hotel after the game, where the players ignored the fans in a video that Paddy Kenny said should leave them “ashamed.”

That said, for the performance on the pitch, it was McKennie who deserved the brunt of the criticism.

Indeed, earlier this month, McKennie was accused of hiding when the going gets tough by MEN journalist Conor McGilligan as he claimed: “If we stay up, I don’t want him anyway. Because when the chips are down, when the going gets tough, the tough get going. Weston McKennie doesn’t fancy it.”

While Meslier will bare the brunt of the supporters’ angst, it’s the likes of McKennie that aren’t giving their all and contributing to Leeds’ downfall. The Elland Road faithful deserve far better than to be betrayed by a shocking lack of effort and desire, that’s for sure.

Rangers Must Unleash £21k-p/w "Monster"

Glasgow Rangers return to Premiership duty this afternoon as they look to build upon last weekend’s victory.

St Mirren were put to the sword 5-2 at Ibrox and a trip up north to Aberdeen will prove to be a different task altogether, especially with their current form in recent weeks. The Dons have won their previous six league matches and seem transformed under Barry Robson.

Michael Beale may stick largely with the same line-up that took to the pitch last weekend, and he detailed some injury news during his pre-match press conference, saying: "[Scott] Wright is back in the squad. [Alex] Lowry returns to training tomorrow.

"[Connor] Goldson and [Ryan] Kent will make it next weekend. [Antonio] Colak will be touch and go. Ryan Jack will be out for three/four weeks."

The good news is Goldson and Kent will make the Old Firm Scottish Cup semi-final, however, losing Jack for another four weeks is a disappointment, especially as he looked as though he was getting into a solid rhythm under Beale.

The Englishman could look to unleash Glen Kamara instead of John Lundstram against Aberdeen and the Finnish midfielder will be raring to go.

Could Glen Kamara start for Rangers against Aberdeen?

Kamara has played 16 times since Beale arrived last November, having previously been frozen out domestically under Giovanni van Bronckhorst during the first half of the season, and although he has faced competition from new signing Nicolas Raskin, Jack’s injury could see the player deployed from the start.

John Lundstram has been the one to benefit of late next to either Jack or Raskin. However, he hasn’t been outstanding recently, failing to average over a 7/10 rating on Sofascore for his previous five matches.

The £21k-per-week star could give Beale a headache by impressing against Aberdeen. He has shone glimpses of his quality since the turn of the year, none more so than a tie against Hearts in February as he received a rating of 7.5/10 via Sofascore while controlling the ball from the middle of the pitch, taking 71 touches and completing 92% of his passes.

Celtic's James Forrest in action with Rangers' Glen Kamara.

The 27-year-old also made four tackles and won 80% of his duels during that encounter, and performances like this show that when he is on form, there is arguably nobody better at stifling the opposition and controlling the match.

Former Rangers manager Steven Gerrard once dubbed the midfielder as a “monster”, and if given a chance today, he could repay Beale’s faith.

Leeds Struck Gold With £11.5m "Diamond"

Leeds United have had to offload some high-profile players over the years for a cut price, whether it be due to the ambition of the player or just general financial issues.

Often they would mark a slight profit, but compared to what their actual value was, the club have often walked away feeling hard done by. The squad that was ransacked around their 2004 relegation comes to mind, where many elite individuals left Elland Road at far below their worth. It was a dark time for the club.

However, being an up-and-coming club in the Championship can often be a good thing, as it offers a springboard for youngsters to play with far less pressure than in the Premier League. This inflated level of performance can then tempt bigger clubs into spending big, only to find out they were not getting what they bargained for.

It seems the perfect example of this was just before the Whites' final season before they earned promotion, when Tottenham Hotspur came calling for Jack Clarke. An academy graduate, and thus signed for nothing, the Lilywhites were forced to pay a premium for the forward who had done little to merit such a price tag.

This marks one of the few moments where a player has sought to leave, only for it to actually benefit the selling club.

Where is Jack Clarke now?

Whilst the 22-year-old might be performing now for Sunderland, it still marks a return to the second division for a youngster who once promised so much.

Having played just 28 times for Leeds, scoring twice and assisting another two, there had been glimpses of real quality but without any consistency. As such, when Spurs came crashing in with an offer rising to £11.5m, it was a no-brainer.

leeds-united-transfer-sunderland-jack-clarke

Clearly a Mauricio Pochettino signing, his sacking not too long into Clarke's move to north London seemed to completely curtail his budding career at the club.

Just four short appearances for their senior squad would see him shipped out on loan to Wearside, where he has featured ever since. To mark his fall from grace, he would sign permanently at the Stadium of Light just last summer.

Having left Championship Leeds only to end up back there himself, whilst his old club enjoy their third consecutive season in the top flight, offers some delightful irony for fans of the club.

Whilst the 5 foot 11 wizard is admittedly impressing under Tony Mowbray, with seven goals and six assists in the league this season, he remains a great example of what could have been had he just stuck around at his boyhood club.

His current manager seemingly still sees that bright future ahead of him, branding him a "diamond" just last year; but even if he does fulfil his potential, it will still remain a striking piece of business from the Yorkshire outfit given how his career has stalled in recent years.

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