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Manchester United have been linked with a move for Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves recently and it seems as if the Portuguese maestro favours a move to Old Trafford this summer.

What’s the word?

In a recent interview with GIVEMESPORT, journalist Jacque Talbot said: “I think he’s vying for a move away, but I don’t know where he’ll go. I think he wants Man United – it’s the idea – but I don’t really see how he can benefit them, to be honest.”

The former Porto man looks destined to leave Molineux this summer and United could be the beneficiaries, although Bruno Lage has previously claimed that the Old Gold value him at around £100m.

Erik ten Hag is in need of midfield recruitments following the departures of Paul Pogba, Nemanja Matic and Juan Mata so far this summer, and with Frenkie De Jong potentially set to be reunited with the former Ajax boss, he and Neves could form a superb partnership in United’s midfield.

Imagine him and De Jong

Neves has been a mainstay in Wolves’ side since joining from Porto in 2017 and after a sensational season in the Championship to help them to promotion, he has established himself as one of the top young midfielders in the top-flight.

In total, the Portugal international has made 212 appearances for the Old Gold, in which he has contributed 24 goals and 12 assists, including some remarkable strikes from outside the box.

Last season saw the 25-year-old contribute four goals and two assists in 33 Premier League appearances, in which he averaged a solid 6.85 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

Neves is capable of sitting deep and dictating the play, so could work well alongside fellow pass-master De Jong in ten Hag’s side next season.

The Netherlands international is extremely adept at passing and dribbling, while he also possesses the creative qualities United need to boost their attacking output next season.

Both Neves and De Jong are very comfortable on the ball and if played alongside a more physical midfielder such as Scott McTominay, the duo could dominate possession at Old Trafford and help the Red Devils become far more competent in the middle of the park.

Therefore, despite his hefty price tag, United should definitely consider bringing the “amazing” Wolves man to Old Trafford this summer, as he and De Jong could form a superb partnership for the foreseeable future in ten Hag’s side.

AND in other news… Fabrizio Romano drops “serious” Man United transfer claim that’ll have ten Hag buzzing

Leeds United are closing in on signing Manchester City midfielder Darko Gyabi, according to The Manchester Evening News journalist Simon Bajkowski.  

The Lowdown: One in one out

The Whites agreed on an initial £42m fee with Manchester City for Kalvin Phillips last week. Leeds were in separate talks with the Premier League champions for Gyabi, who Phil Hay said is expected to sign a four-year deal in Yorkshire.

Phillips is set to undergo his City medical today, and it looks as if Leeds’ move for Gyabi in the opposite direction isn’t too far behind.

The Latest: Journalist’s update

Bajkowski ran a Q&A for The MEN on Thursday and was asked if anything could go wrong with deals for Phillips or Gyabi.

He said that the two announcements should be at similar times, adding a £5m fee is ‘significant’ for Leeds, who have also agreed to ‘clauses’ that will benefit City if Gyabi impresses at Elland Road.

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“The two announcements should be at similar times but any delay wouldn’t suggest anything is wrong.

“Gyabi looks an excellent prospect from what I’ve seen, but £5m is a significant amount of money for someone who hasn’t played any senior football and there will be clauses in the deal to benefit City should he go on to thrive at Leeds.”

The Verdict: Good news

Gyabi is set to become the club’s fourth signing of the summer and second midfield addition through the door after Marc Roca. He is highly rated by those who know him well, with scout Xander Wilkinson describing him as a ‘Rolls Royce’ midfielder.

Therefore, a move to Leeds should be viewed as good news, and you’d expect he’ll initially link up with the U23s at Thorp Arch.

Only time will tell if a £5m transfer will turn out to be a shrewd piece of business, and if it is, it looks as if Leeds will need to pay more money in the long run for the central midfielder.

Manchester City are reportedly ready to make a move to sign Juventus defender Matthijs de Ligt this summer, according to Italian outlet Tutto Juve. 

The lowdown: Wanted man

A reported target for Liverpool and Chelsea, the 22-year-old had seemingly been on the verge of completing a mega-money switch to Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich in recent weeks.

However, that move is yet to materialise, and the Netherlands international remains at Juventus, where he has made 117 appearances to date since arriving from Ajax in 2019.

Under contract until 2024 (Transfermarkt), De Ligt continues to face an uncertain future in Turin, and the Premier League champions could be set to throw their hat into the ring for his signing…

The latest: Man City interested in De Ligt

As per Tutto Juve, City are understood to be ‘ready to offer’ €90m (£76m) for the 38-cap Dutch defender.

It’s claimed that the Citizens would use the money generated from the sale of Gabriel Jesus to Arsenal and the possible exit of Nathan Ake to Chelsea to fund the deal as Pep Guardiola attempts to ‘create a team with the best young players around’.

The report added that the Etihad Stadium club has ‘all the money’ in order to bring in the man who was hailed by legendary Italian centre-back Sergio Brio as being a more important signing than Ronaldo when it comes to incomings at Juventus in recent years.

The verdict: Go all-out

The departure of Ake would leave Guardiola with only three frontline central defensive options in the shape of Aymeric Laporte, John Stones and Ruben Dias at his disposal.

That’s likely to be insufficient given the possibility of injuries in what looks set to be another gruelling campaign, this time with a World Cup thrown into the mix also.

Although new arrival Kalvin Phillips is also capable of filling in at the heart of the defence, signing a player of De Ligt’s calibre and age profile would be a sensational coup for the immediate and long-term in Manchester.

Last season, the 6 foot 1 Dutchman earned a 7.07 Sofascore rating whilst winning 4.6 duels and making 3.1 clearances per game and playing a part in 11 league clean sheets from 31 outings. That’s further illustration of an elite defensive acumen which would be a welcome addition to the City ranks should Guardiola and Txiki Begiristain be able to swoop ahead of their European and domestic rivals.

Newcastle United could make a statement of intent by signing Alexander Isak this summer…

What’s the word?

According to CBS Sports journalist Ben Jacobs, the Magpies are keeping tabs on the Real Sociedad striker ahead of a potential move before deadline day on September 1st.

“Newcastle are monitoring Real Sociedad’s Alexander Isak and with Arsenal signing Gabriel Jesus could have a clear path to getting him,” he told GIVEMESPORT.

“A lot will just depend on the fee since Sociedad won’t let him go cheap.

“Just that fact Newcastle are even in the conversation for a player of his quality shows the level of ambition of the club.”

That said, there are a number of contradictory reports at the moment with Luke Edwards suggesting they were actually abandoning their pursuit on Thursday afternoon.

It had previously been claimed he’d cost in excess of the £40m the northeast outfit paid when signing Joelinton in July 2019.

Statement of intent

Indeed, this sort of signing would be a serious sign of the club’s ambition under their lucrative Saudi ownership and one that would have supporters on the edge of their seats at St James’ Park.

Described as an “exceptional talent” by BBC Sport presenter and ex-Premier League talisman Gary Lineker, Isak has proven to be a prolific marksman in LaLiga for Sociedad. He has found the net 43 times, including a best of 17 goals in 34 appearances back in 2020/21.

He doesn’t just offer goals, however, having also provided 1.87).

Isak has also done the business for his national team, where he has been capped 37 times, and his performances at last summer’s Euro 2020 tournament earned high praise indeed.

“This kid, Isak, he was a problem today for the defenders in the Spain team,” Rio Ferdinand claimed during BBC’s coverage of Sweden vs Spain (via football.london). “He was a nuisance. He showed today why he’s got Young Player of the Year in La Liga. He was the outlet.”

That glowing endorsement alone is surely enough for the Magpies faithful to be excited by the prospect of landing the £27m-rated talisman and as such, sporting director Dan Ashworth must launch a bid in the coming weeks, if not days.

AND in other news, Transfer insider reveals £50m “priority” for PIF, supporters will be buzzing…

Leeds United are weighing up a move for Stoke City left-back Josh Tymon, according to The Daily Mail.

The Lowdown: Interest registered

The Whites have been extremely busy this summer, with six new signings made at a cost of £95m. Andrea Radrizzani and the 49ers Enterprises aren’t planning to stop there, though, with a striker also wanted at Elland Road.

A new left-back seems to be on the agenda as well following Junior Firpo’s latest injury, and after Victor Orta registered Leeds’ interest in Tymon last week, a move could well materialise.

The Latest: Transfer update

The Dailly Mail provided a Leeds transfer update in the early hours of Thursday morning, looking mainly at the club’s interest in PSG striker Arnaud Kalimuendo.

The report included a mention that the Whites are ‘also weighing up a move’ for Tymon due to Firpo’s injury.

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The Verdict: Needed now?

With Firpo out for eight weeks, Jesse Marsch risks heading into the new season with limited options at left-back.

Therefore, a move for 23-year-old Tymon, who was a regular for Stoke last season, could be a shrewd piece of business in the short-term and over the long run.

Described as the ‘nutmeg king’ following 14 such instances in 2021/22, Tymon can also play further forward if required, which could be handy if Marsch wants to tinker with formations in his first full season in charge at Elland Road.

It would add strength in depth to the Whites’ full-back ranks, and with Stuart Dallas also out for the foreseeable future, now could be the time to act when it comes to Tymon.

Everton are set to battle it out with Nottingham Forest to sign winger Maxwel Cornet from Burnley, according to Guardian journalist Ed Aarons.

The Lowdown: Cornet’s season

Arriving at Turf Moor after six-and-a-half years with Lyon, the Ivory Coast international went on to become a bright spark in a struggling Clarets side.

Last season in the Premier League, the 25-year-old found the net nine times in 26 appearances, scoring more than a quarter of his team’s top-flight goals.

However, following Burnley’s relegation to the Championship, a whole host of top-flight clubs have been monitoring Cornet with a potential swoop in mind this summer.

The Latest: Aarons’ claim

Aarons has shared an update regarding the growing interest in the Ivorian winger.

Taking to Twitter, the journalist claimed: “Understand it is between Everton and Forest to sign Maxwell Cornet from Burnley. Everton had loan bid rejected last week”

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The Verdict: Great potential coup

With a £17.5m release clause now active following the Clarets’ relegation from the Premier League, Cornet would be a great signing for the price considering his attacking contributions.

After the 25-year-old scored twice in his team’s 2-2 draw against Manchester City last season, Sky Blues manager Pep Guardiola was full of praise for the winger, claiming that he was “very impressed by the talent of Maxwel Cornet”.

Considering Everton’s struggles for goals last season, his arrival at Goodison Park would be welcomed, as nine goals in the Premier League for a relegated team with little attacking threat demonstrates his clinical ability in the final third.

West Ham United have the option to sign former Man United winger Adnan Januzaj if they truly wish to push ahead with a deal, according to journalist Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Moyes busy…

Ahead of what will be an interesting 2022/2023 Premier League campaign, manager David Moyes has reportedly adopted a scattergun approach to this summer transfer window.

Indeed, after sealing moves for defender Nayef Aguerd, midfielder Flynn Downes and goalkeeper Alphonse Areola on a permanent deal, reports have suggested the east Londoners are in talks for multiple players.

This comes after Moyes’ side fell just short of qualification for the Europa League at the end of last season and it appears they’re determined to maintain their place among England’s most elite sides.

The Latest: Januzaj deal ‘pretty much set up’…

Now, according to reporter Jones, it appears West Ham have the option to push ahead with a deal for Januzaj if they truly wish to bring him to the London Stadium.

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Speaking to GiveMeSport, the journalist claims a deal is ‘pretty much set up’ and the Belgian has been ‘keen’ on reuniting with Moyes after their time together at United.

He explained: “Now that Lingard has not arrived there might be more chance of the Januzaj arrival.

“He’s got options but has definitely been keen on playing for Moyes, and the deal is pretty much set up and can move fast if they want to go for it.”

The Verdict: Make the move?

The 27-year-old, as per WhoScored, finished 21/22 as one of former club Real Sociedad’s most threatening forward players.

Indeed, Januzaj averaged the joint-most successful take-ons per 90 out of their entire squad whilst also completing the third-most kep passes every match in that time.

The ex-Red Devils ace attempted Sociedad’s fourth-highest rate of attempts at goal over his 33 La Liga appearances, potentially backing reporter David Cartlidge’s verdict that Januzaj is a ‘gifted’ player and ‘very special’ on his day (Twitter).

Now a free agent, his signing would also pose little risk financially, so this may be one Moyes could consider carefully.

Former Premier League striker Kevin Campbell expects Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez to be left out of the starting line-up for the Reds’ opening day clash against Fulham next Saturday. 

The lowdown: Instant hit

The 23-year-old made his first competitive appearance for the Reds following a club-record £85m switch from Benfica in the 3-1 Community Shield triumph over Manchester City over the weekend.

The  Uruguay international came off the bench in the second half to round off the scoring late on at the King Power Stadium shortly, having also won a penalty for Jurgen Klopp’s side, and he wasn’t involved in the makeshift team which lost 3-0 to Strasbourg on Sunday night.

Despite that remarkable debut, one pundit has suggested that Nunez may have to be content with a watching brief for the time being as the start of the Premier League season looms…

The latest: Campbell makes Nunez claim

Speaking to Football Insider, former Everton striker and regular talkSPORT contributor Campbell was asked whether the 11-cap Uruguayan would remain amongst the Liverpool substitutes for the trip to Fulham.

He responded: “You’d think so. I expected Nunez to be in the starting XI after scoring four goals the other week. At the end of the day, Nunez has to be the main striker for Liverpool this season.

“The charity shield is usually the test before the start of the season though. You put your first XI out and then you mix in some of the other players in the second half. I expected both teams to go strong.

“Although people tend to say it isn’t a trophy, it is, let me tell you that, if you win it, it goes on your honours list. It is a trophy. It is always a nice curtain raiser. The added bonus is beating your rivals at the start.”

The verdict: Firmino again v Fulham?

In place of Nunez, Roberto Firmino led the line on Saturday and was flanked by Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz, with the Brazilian replaced just before the hour mark in Leicester.

Although the obvious impact was made by the Uruguayan from the bench, it remains eminently possible that Firmino will be given the nod once again at Craven Cottage as Klopp continues to allow his new summer signing time to settle into life in England.

The 30-year-old has been an integral part of Klopp’s plans throughout the German’s reign at Anfield as he allows the manager to perfectly implement his favoured 4-3-3 formation whilst operating as a false nine, something Nunez that cannot offer in the same way at present.

Over the course of the season, however, it seems almost inevitable that the powerful Uruguayan – who was once dubbed a ‘sensational’ talent by Fox Sports reporter James Dodd – will move into a prominent position as a regular feature in the Reds’ starting XI, particularly given his record transfer fee and impressive pre-season form.

Nottingham Forest are weighing up a potential summer move for free agent Cheikhou Kouyate this summer, according to journalist Santi Aouna.

The Lowdown: Forest still looking for midfielder

Steve Cooper has enjoyed a highly productive summer in the transfer market, bringing in lots of exciting new faces following their return to the Premier League.

Saturday’s 2-0 defeat away to Newcastle United was proof that it isn’t going to be easy for Forest to stay up this season, however, and a new central midfielder remains a priority as the club chase a deal for Morgan Gibbs-White.

Now, a fresh update suggests that the Reds may have more than one central midfield player on their shortlist…

The Latest: Kouyate linked with move

According to Foot Mercato‘s Aoune on Twitter [via Sport Witness], Forest are interested in signing Kouyate, who is currently a free agent after leaving Crystal Palace at the end of last season.

It is stated that ‘following the failure in the Gueye dossier, Nottingham Forest could look into Cheikhou Kouyate’, although ‘Turkish clubs are also interested’.

The Verdict: Still a force?

In truth, Kouyate doesn’t feel as exciting an option as some past midfielder targets – at 32, he arguably isn’t the player he was and there would be concern that he wouldn’t be able to offer his past energy and dominance in the middle of the park.

That being said, Kouyate possesses huge experience, including 258 Premier League appearances and 82 caps for Senegal, so he could be a good foil for younger figures around him.

Patrick Vieira hailed the 6 foot 2 ace for the way he ‘wins so many balls’ during his time at Palace, and his destructive tendencies in the middle could actually partner up well with a more creative signing like Gibbs-White – he’s won a whopping 554 tackles during his career in England’s top flight.

The 2022 Africa Cup of Nations winner wouldn’t necessarily come in as a key starter every week but he could be a strong squad player – the fact that he would arrive on a free transfer would make it less of a gamble, too.

Celtic have been handed an injury boost ahead of their first away clash of the new Premiership season against Ross County on Saturday.

What’s the news?

In a recent post on Twitter, Sky Sports journalist Alison Conroy revealed that Hoops defender Carl Starfelt will be available to play at Dingwall following his recovery from an injury that he picked up over the summer.

Celtic signed the centre-back from Rubin Kazan last summer for a fee of £4m. His debut season at Parkhead saw the defender play a big role in seeing the Hoops secure the league title as he racked up more league minutes (3,015) than any other outfield player at the club.

In terms of his defensive output, the Sweden international ended the campaign with the second-highest number of interceptions (42) and successful tackles (30) at the club, along with the second-highest average for clearances per game (3.6)

Big boost for Postecoglou

His overall performances throughout the campaign earned him a solid season rating of 7.19/10 from WhoScored, making him the sixth-highest rated Celtic player currently at the club.

This shows just how important he is for the Hoops and why his return to fitness could provide a massive boost for the team and Ange Postecoglou.

Celtic’s opening match of the new campaign saw them secure a 2-0 win over Aberdeen, in which Stephen Welsh started next to Cameron Carter-Vickers in Starfelt’s absence.

Not only did the Scotsman help the Bhoys to keep a clean sheet by making two tackles and two clearances and winning six duels, he also scored his team’s first goal of the afternoon.

This could duly give Postecoglou a headache over whether or not he decides to give Starfelt his first appearance of the season against Ross County on Saturday or reward Welsh with another start after making such a big impression last weekend.

Either way, that the 27-year-old is now fully recovered from his injury will still be a huge positive for the club, especially with the number of games ahead of them across all competitions this term.

Irrespective of whoever Postecoglou decides to select at his starting centre-backs on Saturday, the main objective will undoubtedly still be to pick up another win, along with another clean sheet if possible.