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Newcastle United are one of the clubs "showing the greatest interest" in Bayern Munich's exciting young midfielder Ryan Gravenberch, but a deal may prove difficult, claims journalist Rudy Galetti.

Is Ryan Gravenberch joining Newcastle United?

It was a fantastic season for the Magpies last year. Not only did they reach the Carabao Cup final, but they also qualified for the Champions League for the first time in over two decades and did so with ease come the end of the campaign.

With European football secured for next year and a level of wealth unmatched by even Manchester City or Paris Saint-Germain, fans and pundits expected the Toon to finally splash the cash in a significant way this summer. While they haven't spent as flagrantly as they probably could, some brilliant players have already made their way to the Northeast this summer.

The first major signing for Eddie Howe's team was that of Sandro Tonali, who joined from Serie A giants – and his boyhood club – AC Milan for a cool £55m.

The arrival of the Italian international certainly felt like a seminal moment for this new Newcastle side. Not only had they secured the signature of a highly sought-after international, they had prised him from a team that had won the league in Italy just over one year ago – and did so with little difficulty.

The next big name to arrive at St James Park was Leicester City's Harvey Barnes, who joined from the relegated side for a fee of around £39m, which, while not cheap, could represent excellent value should the 25-year-old replicate his Foxes form up north.

However, even with these two brilliant signings, Newcastle look like they will be adding yet more quality in the coming weeks, as Italian reports from back in May claimed that the Toon were preparing a bid of around €50m (£44m) to land Bayern's highly rated Dutch youngster Gravenberch.

The Dutch international made the move to Bavaria just last summer in a deal worth up to £20m but having started just three Bundesliga games since then, an exit looks increasingly likely, but Newcastle shouldn't rest on their laurels here as the Guardian reported that fellow Premier League side Liverpool were also interested in the player last week.

What has Rudy Galetti said about Newcastle United and Ryan Gravenberch?

Galetti explained that the Toon were one of several clubs interested in the youngsters' services, but any deal to sign him would likely take quite some time.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, he said: "Newcastle are also still looking for a new midfielder and are one of the clubs that have shown the greatest interest in him so far.

"Anyway, any negotiation for Gravenberch, for sure, will take time, and it won't be that fast."

How good is Ryan Gravenberch?

Interestingly, Rafael van der Vaart stated that Gravenberch is "better than Jude Bellingham. At everything", which is high praise coming from a former Premier League star.

There is no getting around the fact that last season was a poor one for the 21-year-old, who is a part of the Raiola agency.

Starting just three Bundesliga games and racking up only 562 minutes across the entire campaign has not done his development or profile any good.

That said, the interest from top sides such as the Reds and the Magpies should be evidence enough that elite clubs are still interested in the player and still view him as a potential future star, and it's not hard to see why when looking at his seasons before his move to Munich.

His two stand-out campaigns for Dutch giants Ajax came in the 2020/21 and 2021/22 seasons, when he achieved a seriously impressive season rating of 7.29 and 7.33, respectively, per WhoScored.

Interestingly, despite his limited game time for the Bundesliga champions over the last 12 months, his underlying numbers remain impressive and suggest that he may have been somewhat unlucky on the pitch and deserving of more game time from his coaches.

According to FBref, who compare players in a similar position across Europe's top five leagues, the Amsterdam-born gem sits in the top 7% for shot-creating actions, the top 12% for progressive passes received, the top 14% for non-penalty expected goal, the top 15% for total shots, and the top 18% for successful take-ons, all per 90.

He has also won plaudits from analysts and former players, with Jacek Kulig proclaiming him a "top-talent" and former Ajax forward Wim Kieft writing in De Telegraaf (via the Liverpool Echo) that Gravenberch was "the greatest talent in the Netherlands."

There is still a great deal of hope that the young Dutchman, who allegedly earns £194k per week, can eventually live up to the outrageously high expectations so many once had of him, and maybe the best place to do that is at the high-flying Newcastle.

Pakistan’s bowling attack has been frayed by injuries throughout the tournament but captain Sarfraz Ahmed is hoping everyone will be fully fit for Sunday’s final

Andrew McGlashan in Cardiff 14-Jun-2017

Sarfraz Ahmed was hopeful of having a fully fit Pakistan bowling attack for the Champions Trophy final after an accumulation of injuries piled up before and during Wednesday’s semi-final. Mohammad Amir was ruled out of the semi-final with a back spasm while Hasan Ali and Imad Wasim picked up niggles in the field during the eight-wicket win against England.Hasan, who stands as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker with 10 scalps after his 3 for 35 in Cardiff, suffered a shin problem while Imad tweaked a calf. They followed Amir having failed a fitness test shortly before the toss after being given an injection to try and overcome the back spasm.It could have been a major blow to Pakistan, but they barely felt his absence. Debutant Rumman Raees claimed 2 for 44 and the recalled Shadab Khan nabbed the key wicket of Joe Root as a collective display from the bowlers shackled an England batting lineup renowned for its destructive capabilities.Sarfraz did admit, though, that it would be a boost to have Amir when they face either India or Bangladesh at The Oval. Having played in the first semi-final it means he has an additional day to get healthy before Sunday’s final.”Hopefully, he will recover for the finals,” Sarfraz said. “Obviously, he’s our main bowler. He’s our best strike bowler.”Amir may be considered the main strike bowler, but Hasan has consistently been the pick of the attack and can lay claim to being the bowler of the tournament. Before the final group match against Sri Lanka, Mickey Arthur had called Hasan one of the “beacons” of this Pakistan side and they were sentiments echoed by Sarfraz who praised the youngsters that have come good.”I think he has a little bit of a shin problem, but he’s okay and bowling extremely well for us,” Sarfraz said. “I’m very happy about my youngsters performing, especially Hasan who is improving day-by-day, Shadab has also and now Fakhar Zaman, he’s playing in his third match and now he’s batting just like a champion batsman.”You cannot overstate how well they’ve done. We must give credit to the selection committee for selecting these players from the domestic circuit and their performances in the PSL. But even more credit goes to these boys who came into the team under such extreme pressure… Rumman played unexpectedly today but did well. This bodes well for Pakistan cricket’s future, since all the young guys that come in perform.”Fakhar has been especially important in helping give Pakistan the rapid starts that have previously eluded them. Although a significant collapse followed against Sri Lanka, which almost cost them a semi-final spot, there were no such alarms against England. His opening partner, Azhar Ali, said Fakhar’s freedom alongside him has made a huge difference.”You are always comfortable with a partner who goes hard up front,” Azhar said. “You can take a breather at the other end. The attention of the teams is to stop him and you get comfortable time at the other end so I’m really enjoying batting with him. He’s making the most of his good form.”It wasn’t a faultless performance in the field with a couple of catches going down in the first half of England’s innings, although they were long forgotten by the end as Fakhar pulled off a stunning catch at deep square to remove Moeen Ali and substitute Ahmed Shehzad ran out Adil Rashid with a direct hit. Match-by-match Pakistan’s game has come together after the hammering they took in their first match of the tournament against India.”After the first loss we are very down, but credit goes to the team management,” Sarfraz said. “They boosted us really well and credit goes to the players as well. They were very motivated. And after that match we have bowled well, fielded well and today the batting clicked as well.”On the prospect of a rematch with India in the final, Sarfraz smiled and said: “Best of luck to both of them. May the better team win.”

In the last few games, Sunrisers Hyderabad have not scored at the rate they have wanted to at the start of the innings. Consequently, the team’s strategy was tweaked slightly ahead of the match against Kings XI Punjab to ensure that the openers – David Warner and Shikhar Dhawan – went after the bowling in a combined assault.The ploy paid off handsomely after Sunrisers were asked to bat on a good batting surface in Mohali. Dhawan smashed a 48-ball 77, his second fifty in three games, and Warner cracked 51 runs off 27 balls. Dhawan described the approach to his partnership as “smart (and) aggressive”.”Usually when David attacks, I back off. In the last two games, David took his time so I attacked,” Dhawan told . “Today, we attacked from both sides. This was a good thing and it was a very good wicket. We both wanted to make it big and that’s what happened. I was feeling good about myself today and knew what plan I am going to go with.”We both were playing smart [yet] aggressive cricket, I would say. And, that was our plan because [in the] last few games we were playing well but our run rate was [a] bit low. So, we decided today that we were going to go out there and express ourselves more. I am used to playing with David Warner for two-three seasons now, so we know each other’s game and our running between the wickets is also very good.”On the relative merits and demerits of opening with two left-hand batsmen, Dhawan said it was not a factor so long as both the batsmen were good. “If they play well, they play well and it becomes hard for the bowlers,” Dhawan said. “For instance, they brought an offspinner (KC Cariappa) into the attack, but we were in such good nick that we were hitting the offspinner too. Of course, if it is a left-right combination, the bowler has to contend with altering his line and length. But, if batsmen are attacking from both ends, then there is no trouble.”Sunrisers also benefited from how Kane Williamson, at No. 3, furthered the momentum created by the openers. With an unbeaten of 54 at a strike rate of 200, Williamson was the key to Sunrisers smashing 52 runs in the last five overs. Williamson reflected on how they had to briefly play the waiting game before launching into another round of attack. Once Warner was dismissed in the 10th over, Dhawan and Williamson went 17 legal deliveries without a boundary.”There are times when you need to soak it up a little bit, but with the openers batting for about 10 overs with a run rate of over ten runs per over meant that we needed to see how many we could get and play the situation the best we could,” Williamson said. “After such a good start from the openers, it was important that we do that.”He (Dhawan) came out really aggressively as you need to do in this format; he was very dominant today and was batting so beautifully, which I suppose made my job easier when I was to come out and get myself in.”Dhawan revealed that Sunrisers had a 200-plus total in sights once they continued to score at a good clip going into the second half of the innings. “As a team goal, we always say that one of the top-four batsmen has to stay till the end. If one set batsman is playing at the end, it gives a huge advantage to the batting side, so that’s what we planned and we try to implement in each game,” Dhawan said.”Once we crossed 13 or 14 overs, we knew we had to reach 200 because we had a great start and continued to be in a good position. It paid off well because in the second innings there was a bit of dew on this ground, and their batsmen were playing good cricket, especially Shaun Marsh and [Martin] Guptill, at the start. Two hundred was a good score, that’s why we got the game.”

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.