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Newcastle United have been handed a potential transfer boost ahead of the summer window as Paris Saint-Germain will not be an option for Moussa Diaby.

Could Diaby leave Leverkusen in the summer?

Going into the summer, the French winger will have just two years remaining on his deal with the Bundesliga side and has been a target for the Toon in the past.

It was reported last summer that Newcastle were eyeing the 23-year-old as a potential transfer target but hit a number of stumbling blocks in trying to seal his services.

Indeed, it is believed the £60m asking price put on the winger by Leverkusen was well beyond what Newcastle were willing to pay last summer.

Reports would suggest the German side were looking for a fee in the region of £60m which is around what Newcastle ended up spending on Alexander Isak.

However, it is also said the Toon have not moved on from their interest in the 23-year-old and could look to bring him to St. James' Park over the summer window.

And speaking on his YouTube channel, insider Jacque Talbot has claimed the Ligue 1 champions, PSG, would not be willing to bring him back to the French capital:

(3:10) "But we've heard from people in France because PSG have been linked to Diaby and, you know, he's gonna be linked back to a move to PSG, but it's a very good line there. That is not going to happen.

"They do like him as a profile but just in the principle of buying back one of their players for a high price it's just not going to happen. So obviously leaves the door open in some regards to Newcastle bringing him in."

Would Diaby improve Newcastle?

Newcastle made a big money addition to their left-wing over the January window with the purchase of Anthony Gordon from Everton.

However, it may be thought the impressive form shown by Miguel Almiron this season could see the Toon go without any reinforcement on the right.

But it has become apparent over recent weeks that this may not be the case with Almiron suffering from an injury issue which has seen him sidelined.

Although Almiron has been in fine form under Eddie Howe, there is still room for improvement and Diaby could certainly be the man to provide that competition ahead of next season.

Football writer Hrach Khachatryan hailed Diaby as a "beast" earlier this season and it is clear to see why when he has provided 3.54 take-ons per 90 minutes (via Fbref).

Diaby has also provided a higher return of shot-creating actions (3.85) per game in comparison to Almiron (3.00) this season.

But what is perhaps even more impressive from a Newcastle perspective is that Diaby has offered two goals in the Champions League and a further two in the Europa League this season for Leverkusen (via Transfermarkt).

In comparison, Almiron does not have experience in the elite European competition, and this is something which the Toon will potentially have to consider over the summer as they aim for a spot inside the top four.

Tottenham Hotspur's turbulent season reached a new low on Saturday afternoon as the Lilywhites slipped to an agonising, 3-2 defeat to a struggling AFC Bournemouth side at N17, with January signing Dango Ouattara netting a 95th-minute winner for the Cherries to boost their hopes of survival.

The north London outfit had looked to have snatched a point prior to that last-gasp effort as their own winter arrival Arnaut Danjuma lashed home with just minutes remaining, with the visitors having led since early in the second-half courtesy of goals from Matias Vina and Dominic Solanke, following an early strike from Son Heung-min.

On a day of overwhelming frustration for Spurs, as their bid to secure a top-four finish was dealt a notable blow, the latter man's performance was one of the few positives to take from the performance as the South Korean sensation bagged his eighth Premier League goal of the season, having looked 'full of confidence again' in the opening stages, in particular, as per football.london's Alasdair Gold.

That sparkling outing from the 30-year-old – in which he looked 'back to his old self' according to 90min's Sean Walsh – also saw the winger register two key passes and win both of his ground duels, ensuring that he ended the defeat with a standout match rating of 7.8, as per Sofascore – the highest of any of his teammates.

The former Bayer Leverkusen man had managed to open the scoring with a sweeping, left-footed finish after a clever pullback from veteran Croatian, Ivan Perisic, with the latter man racking up his seventh top-flight assist of the season so far from his wing-back berth.

That creative impact had come with the former Inter ace looking like a "constant threat" in those early exchanges, according to the Bournemouth Echo's Tom Crocker, with the 34-year-old looking more like the player that Spurs have been wishing for more regularly this season.

How did Perisic perform against Bournemouth?

There is no denying that it has not been smooth sailing for Perisic since his free transfer arrival last summer, with the £180k-per-week gem having looked like a "complete liability" at the back at times, as writer Andrew Gaffney noted following the defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers last month.

That being said, however, the 125-cap machine was far more influential this time around having produced 'one of his better Spurs performances' – according to Walsh – at left wing-back, showcasing his creative prowess after providing three key passes in total, while also attempting 19 crosses from the flanks.

That desire to make an impact did see the one-time Bayern Munich man lose possession on 33 occasions from his 85 touches, although the ageing talent was able to pose a real problem for the opposition after completing four of his five attempted dribbles and creating two big chances.

One such moment of quality saw the wide man tee up Richarlison from a corner late on only for the Brazilian to inexplicably fail to convert, with that errant effort having ultimately come back to bite the hosts as Ouattara stuck the killer blow at the death.

That all-round display from Perisic ultimately saw the Split native record an impressive match rating of 7.7, as per Sofascore, with that only bettered by his partner in crime, Son, for the north Londoners.

While an encouraging performance from the veteran – in which he also won eight of his 11 total duels – will be of little consolation to Cristian Stellini and co, it was noteworthy to see the 6 foot 1 ace able to make a nuisance of himself down the left flank.

Arsenal are ready to make a move for Gabriel Veiga this summer, as he is set to leave Celta Vigo, according to recent reports from Spain.

What's the latest Arsenal transfer news?

Mikel Arteta has his sights set on bringing in additional options in the engine room this summer, and the manager has recently been handed a boost in his pursuit of West Ham United captain Declan Rice.

The Gunners are now said to be in pole position to sign the 24-year-old this summer, having overtaken both Chelsea and Newcastle United in the race for his signature, with the Hammers set to demand £80m – £100m to sanction a sale.

Rice is Arsenal's top priority to bolster their midfield this summer, however he is not the only target, with Football Insider reporting Moises Caicedo and Amadou Onana could be targeted as back-up options.

According to a recent report from AS (via Sport Witness), the Gunners are one of the clubs ready to make a move for Veiga, with current club Celta Vigo almost resigned to losing him at the end of the season.

There are multiple Premier League clubs interested in the 20-year-old, while Real Madrid are also named as potential suitors, although they are yet to open talks.

It is detailed that Celta would be delighted if they were to receive €40m (£36m) for the starlet, as that figure would almost double their club-record transfer, and he is set to make a decision about his future when he has chosen a new agent.

Should Arsenal sign Gabriel Veiga?

The maestro has enjoyed a phenomenal breakthrough season this year, scoring nine and bagging four assists, weighing in with more goals per 90 than any other Celta Vigo player, averaging 0.47.

Such is the Spaniard's threat on the front foot, he ranks in the 99th percentile for goals, and the total number of shots taken per 90 over the course of the past year, while he also places in the 96th percentile for successful take-ons.

The youngster does not possess the proven Premier League experience that Rice does, however if he only costs £36m, then there is no reason why Arsenal cannot bring in both players.

Hailed as "amazing" by football scout Jacek Kulig, Veiga looks like he will be a very exciting prospect for the future, and his performances this season indicate he could immediately challenge for a place in the Arsenal starting XI.

Newcastle United are amongst the clubs heavily interested in a move for Marcus Thuram, according to a report.

What's going on with Marcus Thuram?

The France international is out of contract at the end of the season and is set to leave Borussia Monchengladbach, with clubs ready to fight for his signature.

Newcastle are ready to compete with AC Milan and Inter for his services, but they are all currently waiting for him to return from a long-term injury before making a decision.

Sport Witness has relayed a report from CalcioMercato.it, in which it is claimed that the player is yet to decide where he wants to end up, and that he wants to join a club where he could be the "leading player" in a project.

This could present Eddie Howe's Newcastle as a very attractive destination, particularly if they secure Champions League football next season.

This could provide a problem for both of the Milan-based giants. Indeed, either club's best hope of reaching the elite competition next term could yet be winning it in just over a month's time – with one team guaranteed a slot in June's final. Otherwise, they may find themselves losing out on a target to Newcastle – something which would not have been considered possible even two seasons ago.

What would Thuram bring to Newcastle?

Thuram, who can play on the wings as well as a central striker, could link up with the likes of Alexander Isak and Bruno Guimaraes to lead Newcastle into Europe for the first time in over ten years, and given how impressive the Magpies have been this season, he could help them challenge at the top of the table beyond the current term.

Newcastle have the best defensive record in the Premier League, conceding just 27 goals in 33 games, but they have failed to score in nine of these matches.

Labelled "a little crazy" by current Chelsea loanee Denis Zakaria, Thuram could help add another dimension to their attack and help support Isak and Callum Wilson in front of goal. The 25-year-old has scored 16 and assisted six times in 30 games this season, but is set to miss most of the campaign's remainder with a torn muscle fibre.

The arrival of Thuram could end up being a concern to Allan Saint-Maximin. The winger has already seen his game time reduced with Joelinton often playing a wide role, as well as Anthony Gordon arriving in January.

Another wide attacker coming through the door could mean Saint-Maximin departs, but given his poor form in front of goal, with just one strike in 26 this season, Thuram will likely provide a significant upgrade on his countryman.

YouTuber Conor McGilligan has slammed former Leeds United manager Javi Gracia for not dropping goalkeeper Illan Meslier.

What's the latest on Illan Meslier and Leeds?

As per Fabrizio Romano, the Spaniard is now on the verge of being sacked and replaced by Sam Allardyce despite having only arrived in February.

Gracia has lost four of his last five Premier League games in charge, and his exit means he won just three of 11 league games while working with Leeds.

It seems the 4-1 away defeat against relegation rivals Bournemouth on the weekend was the last straw but maybe he could have salvaged his career with the club had he dropped one man.

After all, when talking on the One Leeds Fan Channel, McGilligan claimed it was "insanity" to not drop Meslier despite his dismal form.

The YouTuber said (12:33): “ The manager doesn't make changes. Illan Meslier is still in goal… The definition of insanity is repeating the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.

"Gracia doesn't change things. He is inept, completely inept, he can't set us up with a structure or a framework to win a game – that's on him."

Did Meslier cost Gracia his job?

With those comments in mind, McGilligan will likely be relieved to learn that Gracia's short and woeful time with the club has now come to an end.

However, could it have worked out better had he simply dropped Meslier? Well, it's certainly safe to say he wasn't particularly good at keeping the ball out of the back of the net.

Indeed, during one stage of Gracia's tenure, the French goalkeeper conceded 11 goals from 11 shots on target across just two games (Crystal Palace and Liverpool). When talking about this on Sky Sports, pundit Jamie Carragher noted: "They look like they've got a kid in goal – he's got no presence."

Even so, after that game against the Reds which ended up as a 6-1 defeat, Meslier kept his spot between the sticks but conceded seven goals in the next three games until Gracia was sacked.

In that most recent loss at Bournemouth, the £30k-p/w man was directly reasonable for at least one goal. Indeed, in the LeedsLive player ratings, journalist William Jackson noted he: "Committed a howler of a mistake in the build-up to Jefferson Lerma’s second, flapping at a corner. Distribution was poor, too."

All in all, it's hard not to think it may have been wiser to take Meslier out of the team. It will be interesting to see what Allardyce does with the goalkeeper in the club's next game.

Liverpool's woes have been well-documented this season and the prestigious Premier League outfit will be scouring the transfer market for signings to bolster the ranks and ascend to prominence once more this summer.

The Reds have fallen by the wayside this term and have struggled to replicate previous feats under manager Jurgen Klopp's galvanising leadership.

The dynasty that has been crafted has indeed returned Liverpool to the front of the European pack, with every major honour – barring the Europa League – gleaned during the German's tenure.

This season, inexplicably, this squad of proven winners have failed to exude half the previous confidence and swagger, and despite constructing a six-match winning streak at this late stage of the campaign, remain outsiders in the race for Champions League football.

Bolstering the ranks is indeed imperative to cementing future success, and as such rumours of interest for Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha could prove to be worthwhile for the return to the top.

According to Football Insider, Aston Villa are willing to meet Fulham's £60m asking price for the Portuguese titan, which could prompt Klopp to ramp up his own interest in the gem and secure the signature of a man who could have a transformative effect on the Anfield midfield.

Should Liverpool sign Joao Palhinha?

The Cottagers completed the signing of Palhinha from Sporting Lisbon for £20m upon their return to the top-flight last year, a transfer for a new midfield anchor which proved to be one of the Premier League summer market's finest moves.

Having made 37 appearances this season, scoring four goals, the 27-year-old has succeeded in leading his side as a talismanic central engine to stability after years of uncertainty, with Fulham indeed perched in tenth place after 35 matches, six points above stricken Chelsea.

As per Sofascore, the 20-cap Portugal international has recorded a 7.05 league rating and has dazzled with his assurance on the ball – completing 84% of his passes – and his tenacity as an unrelenting destroyer – making 4.3 tackles and 1.8 clearances per outing – to provide Fulham with one of the sturdiest protections in the division.

In fact, the £50k-per-week colossus ranks among the top 1% of midfielders across Europe's big five leagues for tackles, the top 9% for clearances and the top 8% for aerials won per 90, as per FBref, with journalist Zach Lowy even likening him to imperious Manchester United monster Casemiro.

If Liverpool were to forge ahead with a move, they could seal a bargain new holding midfielder to reignite their cohesion and potency in the centre, with prominent target Declan Rice reportedly available this summer.

According to Sky Sports, the West Ham United man – who is also of interest to Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United – is touted at a jaw-dropping £120m by his outfit, which is double the reported price of Palhinha.

The Portuguese ranks above both Rice and Casemiro for tackles won in the Premier League this season; in fact, Palhinha ranks above everyone: making 139 tackles thus far, and second-placed Brighton & Hove Albion workhorse Moises Caicedo boasts 93, a staggering and commendable gulf.

For such a robust and gritty option in Fulham's "machine", as Palhinha was described by teammate Harrison Reed, to cost so much less than the likes of Rice, it opens the question as to why Liverpool should part with such a considerable sum when wholesale changes are needed immediately.

Palhinha over Rice should be a no-brainer when considering the exorbitant fees thrown around by the Hammers camp.

According to journalist Paul Brown, Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka has an 'outside chance' of leaving the Emirates Stadium this summer as rumours continue to swirl over his future.

What's the latest transfer news involving Granit Xhaka?

As per Sky Sports, Bayer Leverkusen are keen on signing Xhaka from Arsenal, though any deal is more likely to take place in the summer of 2024 when his £120k-a-week contract in north London expires.

The report states that Bayer Leverkusen see the Switzerland international as an 'aggressive leader' who can marshal their midfield and the player is also said to be open to completing a transfer.

Intriguingly, The Sun have claimed that Xhaka could actually look to depart the Emirates in the upcoming off-season and Mikel Arteta won't stand in his way if he desires a new challenge.

Arsenal are in the market for midfield reinforcements, with West Ham United man Declan Rice being one name on their radar, which could prompt Xhaka to seek an exit to avoid being on the periphery in his last year at the Gunners.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Brown thinks that there is a slim possibility that Xhaka could leave Arsenal in the forthcoming transfer window.

Brown said: "I think there's an outside chance that Granit Xhaka might leave. The thing that people don't realise about him is that while he has a lot of critics for what he does on the pitch sometimes, he is actually quite an important part of that squad behind the scenes. He's always been one of the loudest voices in the dressing room, the younger players do really respect him and look up to him."

Should Arsenal let go of Granit Xhaka this summer?

Xhaka has been a pivotal player for Arsenal this campaign in their Premier League title challenge and it would be a shame if his time in north London was to end this summer.

In 2022/23, the 30-year-old has made 44 appearances for the Gunners in all competitions, registering seven goals and seven assists, as per Transfermarkt.

WhoScored show that Xhaka has obtained an average rating of 6.99/10 for his exploits on the field, making him Arsenal's sixth-most consistent performer this term behind Thomas Partey, Gabriel Martinelli, Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus.

Nevertheless, Xhaka only has a year left on his deal and is 31 in September, making him an outlier in a youthful Gunners squad, which could mean that a mutual parting of ways in 2024 is the best option for everyone involved.

Liverpool are keen on dipping back into the Dutch Eredivisie this summer with the signing of Feyenoord captain Orkun Kokcu as manager Jurgen Klopp prioritises the reconstruction of midfield.

What's the latest on Orkun Kokcu to Liverpool?

As per Football Transfers' Jacque Talbot, Liverpool's recruitment team are 'big admirers' of the 22-year-old Turkey international, who has been on the club's radar since signing Cody Gakpo from PSV for £35m in January.

Contracted until 2025, Feyenoord are thought to be reluctant to sell, but a bid of roughly £40m could force their hand and grant his departure from De Kuip.

There is to be something of a midfield exodus at Anfield this summer, with James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all leaving at the end of their contracts, while stricken loanee Arthur is also off after an injury-plagued campaign.

Should Liverpool sign Orkun Kokcu?

With Feyenoord securing their first Eredivisie title since 2016 earlier this week, Kokcu's importance to his high-flying outfit simply cannot be understated.

Having played 44 matches across all competitions this term, Kokcu has plundered 12 goals and supplied a further five assists, flourishing as the superlative creative central force in the Netherlands.

As per FBref, the captain and natural "leader" – as hailed by talent scout Jacek Kulig – ranks among the top 5% of midfielders at a similar level for rate of non-penalty goals, the top 1% for shot-creating actions, the top 1% for passes attempted and progressive passes and the top 4% for progressive carries per 90.

Once heralded as "one of the best midfielders in the country" by Jaap Stam, he plays with an all-encompassing scope that belies his age of 22, with Sofascore providing the 20-cap ace with an average league rating of 7.49 this term, averaging 2.6 shots, 2.8 key passes and 1.2 tackles per match, also completing 84% of his total passes.

Should Klopp further his interest in the dynamo, it could spell the end of the Merseyside outfit's pursuit of World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister, who has been heavily linked with a move away from Brighton & Hove Albion of late.

Touted at £70m, Liverpool are ostensibly the frontrunners in the race for the Argentinian's signature, though they might find a spanner in the works following recent claims that Mac Allister would only leave the flourishing Seagulls for a move to a team in the Champions League – a competition that might just elude the Reds next term.

Mac Allister has a knack for finding the back of the net himself, clinching 12 goals and two assists from 37 outings for Albion this season, and has been lauded as his team's "golden boy" by content creator Ryan Adsett.

While the Premier League star is one of the hottest commodities on the market right now, £70m is rather steep, and if Liverpool do decide to turn their attentions elsewhere, Kokcu could be the perfect gem to whir the Anfield machine back into life.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly interested in signing Feyenoord midfielder Orkun Kokcu this summer and his arrival in north London could push Daniel Levy to finally get rid of academy flop Harry Winks.

Could Spurs sign Kokcu?

According to a report from the Netherlands, Spurs have already held talks with the 22-year-old but will face competition from a number of top Premier League sides including Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal.

One major factor in the transfer could be the future of Spurs manager target Arne Slot, who delivered the Eredivisie title at Feyenoord this season and has a lot of suitors in the Premier League as a result, with Kokcu surely interested in the prospect of following his manager to England this summer.

The report suggests that the Turkey international could cost around €40m (£35m) this summer but it is clear from the performances this season that new signings are necessary if Spurs are going to re-establish themselves as top-four contenders under the new manager.

Would Kokcu be a big upgrade at Spurs?

The injury concerns of Rodrigo Bentancur and Yves Bissouma this season have highlighted a lack of squad depth in midfield, with Oliver Skipp forced to partner Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg in the middle of the park for much of the season.

It was decided at the start of the campaign that academy graduate Winks was now surplus to requirements in north London and he was sent to Sampdoria on loan, where he has once again struggled to have much impact, contributing no goals and no assists in 19 Serie A appearances, with a woeful 6.45 average rating from WhoScored.

By comparison, Kokcu played a vital role in Feyenoord's title win, contributing eight goals and two assists in 30 appearances, with a superb 7.35 rating from WhoScored which is only bettered by Harry Kane in Spurs' squad.

It is no surprise, therefore, that Dutch journalist Dennis Kranenburg would dub Kokcu "Champions League level" and given that Spurs could very easily miss out on European football altogether, he is exactly the quality of player that will be required to help them push back up the table.

With Winks still having a year to run on his contract in north London, Levy must realise that Kokcu would be a significant upgrade and use the departing midfielder's wages on a new signing instead.

Indeed, the latter registered far more shots (2.6 vs 0.6), key passes (2.7 vs 0.7) and passes (71.7 vs 45.4) per game than the Englishman has managed in Italy.

The arrival of a quality midfielder such as Kokcu would hopefully prove to be the catalyst in getting rid of Winks permanently before his contract expires, as Spurs must look to move on some of their deadwood if they are to progress as a club.

Glasgow Rangers are closing in on their second signing of the summer, with Dujon Sterling set to be announced shortly as Michael Beale looks to get a head start on his transfer business.

What’s the latest on Dujon Sterling to Rangers?

According to one Football Insider correspondent, Rangers “are set to announce” defender Dujon Sterling as their second summer signing, with the Chelsea product the "next to join at Ibrox" on a pre-contract deal.

Beale previously worked with the youngster during his time as youth coach at the Blues and the right-back spent the whole of the 2022/23 season on loan at Championship side Stoke City.

He will follow Kieran Dowell, who signed a pre-contract agreement to join the Ibrox side from Norwich City just last week, and it appears as though the 42-year-old is trying to do the majority of his transfer business early.

Will Dujon Sterling be a good signing for Rangers?

James Tavernier looks as though he still has a few years left in the tank having ended the campaign as joint top scorer along with Antonio Colak for the Light Blues, having netted 18 goals across all competitions, adding in ten assists.

Adam Devine has been given his chance to shine on occasions this term, featuring six times in the Premiership while offering attacking qualities similar to Tavernier as he has created two big chances, averaged one key pass per game and succeeded with 100% of his dribble attempts, indicating he could potentially have a future as the long term heir to the 31-year-old.

Sterling may disrupt those plans, however, with Beale obviously looking for more strength in depth in that area and the Englishman could stake a claim as a solid backup option to the captain.

Defensively, Sterling has the edge over the Scotsman as he has won more duels per game (4.5 to 1.8), made more tackles (1.7 to 0.7) per match and made more interceptions (1.3 to 0.2) per outing, albeit having played more matches than the Rangers starlet.

This shows that although Devine does offer a solid attacking threat, 6 foot 1 Sterling would provide greater defensive stability and could be a more viable option heading into the future than the 20-year-old.

Stoke manager Alex Neil even lauded the defender earlier this season for his defensive abilities, saying: "Dujon, for me, is arguably one of the best one-on-one defenders I've seen. There are very few players who get past him – he is strong, powerful and determined."

Having also been celebrated as "very Michael Beale", this is an acquisition that appears to tick plenty of boxes for Gers.

Hopefully, he can make a solid impression at Ibrox with the manager looking as though he has secured another young talent for nothing, saving funds to invest in other areas of the team.