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Liverpool have joined the race to sign Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi this summer, according to reports.

Who is Marc Guehi?

Guehi is an Chelsea academy graduate, but arrived at Selhurst Park in 2021 and has gone on to make 81 appearances to date. In the Premier League, the 22-year-old has started 36 out of 37 games this season and his impressive form has seen him not only receive an international call-up for England, but also significant interest from outside of SE25.

Football Transfers has credited Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United with an interest in the centre-back, while Arsenal have also since entered the running. Elsewhere, transfer insider Dean Jones has claimed that he could still remain with Roy Hodgson’s side beyond the summer, though a fourth potential suitor has now emerged in Liverpool.

Are Liverpool signing Guehi?

According to the Daily Mail, Liverpool are the latest Premier League giant to have “joined” the queue to sign Guehi ahead of the 2023/24 term. The Lilywhites, Red Devils and the Gunners are once again name-checked as admirers, with Palace believed to have placed a £50m price tag on the defender’s head.

FSG and Jurgen Klopp, however, might not “have the budget” to cough up that much money as a result of wanting to “prioritise” midfield signings. The Eagles are set to make definitive decisions surrounding the futures of their prized assets once a new long-term manager is appointed.

Liverpool have already been linked with the likes of Eintracht Frankfurt’s Evan Ndicka, RB Leipzig’s Josko Gvardiol and Napoli's Kim Min-Jae at centre-back, but with Guehi being a homegrown talent and the fact he already has Premier League experience, this could make him a more suitable alternative, whether that be in a deal this summer or in the near future.

The Palace talisman ranks highly amongst his teammates in a number of defensive areas, as he is currently averaging 3.6 clearances, as well as 1.4 tackles and aerial wins per top-flight game, via WhoScored, suggesting Guehi is an integral rock at the heart of the backline, which has seen him dubbed a “leader” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig.

The Abidjan-born star, who has the flexibility to play at left-back and right-back alongside his natural position, is also capable of contributing to his team‘s efforts at the opposite end of the pitch, with six goal contributions (five goals and one assist) to his name since joining the Eagles, so he there are plenty of signs he could be an all-round ideal signing for Klopp on Merseyside.

An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their plans to bolster their defensive options in the upcoming summer transfer window…

What's the latest on Min-jae Kim to Newcastle?

According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, via his CaughtOffside daily briefing, the Magpies have been sending scouts to track Napoli central defender Min-jae Kim.

The reporter has claimed that sporting director Dan Ashworth could challenge Manchester United to the South Korean international's signature ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

It is stated that the enforcer has a release clause in his contract that would allow him to leave for €47m (£41m) but the Serie A giants could attempt to pin him to fresh terms in order to increase that fee.

How has Min-jae Kim performed this season?

The 26-year-old has produced phenomenal form in the Italian top-flight and has been a crucial part of Napoli's title-winning side with his impressive displays at the back.

In the 2022/23 Serie A, Kim has averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.24 across 33 matches in the division and only two players (Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Mario Rui) have recorded higher ratings for the club, which shows that the centre-back has been one of their top performers.

His performances in Italy have not gone unnoticed by Newcastle and Ashworth could now land an upgrade on current central defender Fabian Schar, who turns 32 later this year, by swooping for the tank this summer.

In the Premier League this season, Schar has averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.12 across 33 appearances and made 2.8 tackles and interceptions per match with a duel success rate of 64%.

Kim, who was described as a "monster" by journalist Jason Lee, has had similar success in his defensive actions as the South Korean international has made 2.8 tackles and interceptions per outing and won 62% of his battles in the Serie A.

Whilst there is not much between them in the way of their ability to keep the opposition at bay, the Napoli star's quality in possession could improve the way that Eddie Howe's side plays out from the back.

The £55k-per-week colossus, who was also dubbed an "iron barrel" by Kvaratskhelia, has averaged 6.01 progressive passes and carries combined per 90 over the last 365 days of action and this is better than Schar's 4.76 per 90 for Newcastle, which indicates that he is able to pass the ball on to his teammates in more dangerous positions by getting closer to the opposition's goal.

Kim has also completed 90.1% of his attempted passes in that time in comparison to the Switzerland international's 76.9% and this means that the gem is more efficient on the ball whilst also being able to provide greater penetration in his passing.

Therefore, Newcastle could land a dream upgrade on Schar by signing a younger defender with similar defensive qualities and more progression in their play with the ball at their feet.

Newcastle United supporters might be expecting prominent arrivals this summer, but manager Eddie Howe will be looking to ensure prodigious talents are secured to ensure the newfound success is not fugacious.

What's the latest on Azeem Abdulai to Newcastle?

One such rising starlet who could fit into this strategy is Swansea City's Azeem Abdulai, with the 20-year-old midfielder on the Magpies' radar, according to the Daily Mail, with Aston Villa also interested.

The Scotland U21 international is still within the academy ranks at Swansea, but is impressing with his exploits on the pitch and has been viewed as a perfect project for the aforementioned Premier League outfits, who could nurture him into the limelight.

While a transfer fee is presently unknown, Abdulai could be a shrewd acquisition for Newcastle and one that could prove worthwhile as the ace continues his progress over the next few years.

Who is Azeem Abdulai?

Something of a late bloomer, Abdulai is yet to make his Championship debut with Swansea and has only featured once this term, coming off the bench in the Carabao Cup against Oxford United.

Development in football is not linear, however, and Abdulai is earning plaudits for his robust presence on the pitch and tactical flexibility, capable both in a pivoting midfield role and as a more defensive cog, at the foot of the midfield or in central defence.

Signing a contract extension last year until 2025 is an indication that the Swans wish for him to continue his development in Wales – with the club's senior professional development phase coach, Jon Grey, saying: “Azeem has been a fantastic addition for us since he has come into the club.

“He came in as a defender but has played more in midfield and adapted to it really well. He has done well for us and had time with the first team and made his debut. That is fantastic, it’s just that next step for him now.”

The aforementioned report from the Daily Mail likens his qualities to that of Jude Bellingham, highlighting his 'stature, playing style and ability' is akin to the Borussia Dortmund phenom reportedly closing in on a move to Real Madrid this summer.

Bellingham is one win away from ending Bayern Munich's decade-long dominance in the German Bundesliga, with the Yellow Wall leading the table entering the final day of the campaign.

And the 19-year-old prodigy has unequivocally been a centrepiece to the feats, recording an average divisional Sofascore rating of 7.4, scoring eight goals and providing four assists, completing 83% of his passes, averaging 2.5 tackles and completing 67% of his attempted dribbles.

The all-encompassing gem is listed as a comparable player to Joelinton on FBref, who is thriving at the heart of Howe's Newcastle system, which will bode well for the Magpies when assessing the feasibility of signing Abdulai, who could be a deadly partner alongside Bruno Guimaraes.

Guimaraes signed for Newcastle for £40m in January 2022 and has since made 56 appearances for the Toon, hailed as "world-class" for his impact by teammate Dan Burn.

Abdulai has a long way to go, but by following the template Bellingham exhibits, he could grow into one of English football's more pleasing success stories on Tyneside with a transfer.

Manchester City have opened talks to sign Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic as Pep Guardiola could potentially lose Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva this summer.

What are Manchester City's midfield transfer plans?

Reports have claimed that with Gundgoan a free agent this summer, he has been in contact with Barcelona over a Bosman transfer to the Nou Camp. The German will continue talks with the Blaugrana following the FA Cup and Champions League finals to come.

Meanwhile, another report has suggested that those at the Etihad Stadium will not stand in Silva's way if he requests a move abroad. Barcelona are also keen on the player, although a £75m valuation set by the Premier League champions could be too much for the Catalan giants.

City may need to replace Gundogan and have seemingly already begun that process. According to Fabrizio Romano, City have opened concrete talks to sign Kovacic. The Italian journalist describes talks over personal terms between the club and Kovacic's camp as "positive".

"Manchester City have opened concrete talks to sign Mateo Kovacic in the summer. Positive discussions took place with player’s camp in the last few days over personal terms.

"Chelsea, open to selling Kovacic as part of midfield revolution. Talks will continue soon."

The Croatian currently earns £150,000-a-week with Chelsea but his contract with the Blues comes to an end in June 2024, as per Spotrac.

Why would Pep Guardiola want Mateo Kovacic at Manchester City?

The midfielder has a wealth of experience at the top level, boasting 221 Chelsea appearances, 109 with Real Madrid as well as 97 appearances for Inter Milan. Hailed as an "unbelievable footballer" in the media, he could prove to b a shrewd signing by City.

Even for those not familiar with Kovacic, his numbers paint a beautiful picture for a coach like Guardiola. Fbref reports that the 29-year-old has some of the best passing stats in the world when compared to other midfielders. Not only is he in the 92nd percentile for passes completed, Kovacic has some of the best stats around when progressive passing is considered. On average, he plays 8.7 passes per 90 into the final third, illustrating his ability to slide passes between the lines.

This is a key element of the Man City tactical system. Gundogan, a player Guardiola may miss dearly even if he is adequately replaced, plays 5.5 passes into the final third per 90.

Throughout his career, Kovacic has also been successful, winning the Champions League once with Chelsea and three times with Real Madrid. He also won the Europa League in 2018/19 and La Liga in 2016/17. That personal collection of achievements may grow even further with a possible move to Man City, and it looks as if a deal is one to watch.

Manchester United boss Erik Ten Hag has held discussions with Chelsea ace Mason Mount over the role he would play in his side at Old Trafford, according to journalist Dean Jones.

What's the latest transfer news involving Mason Mount?

According to Football Insider, Mount has agreed personal terms with Manchester United ahead of a proposed move from Old Trafford; however, the Red Devils and Chelsea are yet to agree a fee for his prospective transfer.

The report adds that Champions League football is said to be a big motivation behind Mount being keen on a move to Manchester United. At the same time, he will be set to net £200,000 per week at the club, a significant upgrade on his current £80,000 per week wages at Stamford Bridge.

As per Sky Sports via TEAMtalk, Mount refused to rule out a move to Manchester United in the off-season when asked about his future at the Formula One Spanish Grand Prix last week, stating when quizzed: “Haha. I’m just here to enjoy this race today. Amazing day. Can’t wait to watch it.”

BBC Sport understand that Mount's 'ability to operate in advanced positions' has made him an attractive proposition for Manchester United alongside their desire to bring in a new forward.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Jones says that Manchester United and Chelsea are still apart in the process of agreeing on an acceptable fee for Mount to move to Old Trafford.

Jones said: "Ultimately, Mason Mount wants to be playing football and wants to know his part at the club. He wants to be at a club heading somewhere good, and Manchester United is a place where that can happen.

"He has been told about Ten Hag's vision and seen how far they've come over the course of the year. He believes that he is going to be an important part of that side if they can agree on a transfer.

"Obviously, at the moment, they are a little way apart in terms of what the two clubs value him at, so there's still a little way to go."

Would Mason Mount be a good signing for Manchester United?

Mount is a versatile presence that offers a lot of attributes to work with for any elite-level manager and would be a handy addition to a talented Manchester United outfit.

In 2022/23, the 24-year-old featured 35 times in all competitions for Chelsea in total and registered three goals and six assists, as per Transfermarkt.

FBRef note that Mount was able to be a regular provider of opportunities for his Blues' teammates despite the club enduring an inconsistent campaign on the field, as he successfully carried out 83 shot-creating actions.

As per WhoScored, the England international also completed around 1.4 key passes per game in the Premier League, demonstrating his ingenuity in the final third.

Manchester United could do with some extra flair heading into next season and Mount could certainly bring some fresh ideas to the table if the Red Devils can bring him to Old Trafford.

Chelsea have "shown interest" in signing Celta Vigo star Gabri Veiga during the summer transfer window, according to journalist Rudy Galetti.

How many goals has Veiga scored for Celta Vigo?

The 21-year-old has enjoyed a fantastic 2022/23 season for Celta, standing out as one of his side's most important players and showcasing his attacking brilliance in the process.

Veiga ended the campaign with an eye-catching tally of 11 goals and four assists in La Liga, a figure that puts him in the 99th percentile for non-penalty goals by midfielders in the big leagues. He also averaged 1.2 tackles per game in the Spanish top flight, showing that he isn't just a luxury attacking midfielder.

There appears to be a huge amount of interest in the Spaniard this summer, with Liverpool arguably emerging as the favourites to snap him up. That being said, it looks as though the Reds are far from alone in tracking him, following a fresh update that involves Chelsea.

Are Chelsea signing Veiga?

Taking to Twitter, Galetti gave a key update regarding Veiga's future, admitting that numerous clubs are eyeing a move for him, including the Blues:

"Understand that Liverpool are set to make a concrete move for Gabri Veiga. MF has a release clause (€40m) in the contract with Celta Vigo. Not only LFC: Chelsea, ManCity, RealMadrid & Napoli are among the clubs that shown interest in Gabri."

Veiga could be such an exciting signing by Chelsea in the summer transfer window, especially if Mason Mount ends up joining Manchester United, as looks increasingly likely to be the case.

He could come in as a straight swap, adopting a similar role and representing a younger alternative to the current Blues man, not to mention enjoying a better campaign last time around. Football talent scout Jacek Kulig has lauded Veiga for having a "great season" for Celta, while Spanish publication Sport have described him as "amazing", too.

In truth, it does look as though Chelsea could be behind others in the pecking order when it comes to signing Veiga – a lack of European football at Stamford Bridge next season certainly doesn't help matters – but it is encouraging that they are at least in the conversation.

At 21, he has already racked up 55 appearances for Celta, becoming a key man in no time at all, and he will surely add to his one cap for Spain's Under-21s in the near future, and be a senior international one day, assuming he continues on his current trajectory.

Manchester United remain interested in the Morocco midfielder Sofyan Amrabat ahead of the summer transfer window having missed out in January.

How old is Sofyan Amrabat?

Erik ten Hag's season may be over on the touchline, however, he is seemingly set to tackle the summer transfer window ahead of the new campaign.

The Red Devils have been linked with potentially huge moves already following the conclusion of the action on the pitch with the likes of Mason Mount reportedly a target.

Indeed, it is believed Chelsea will hold out for a bid in the region of £68m this summer but United are one of the sides believed to hold an interest in the England international.

As well as Mount, it is claimed the Premier League giants have earmarked Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane as a serious option to address their issues up top.

However, there could be another star from the World Cup who could be an option for the Dutchman this summer with Amrabat once again linked with a possible exit from Fiorentina.

This comes after the reports in January which had linked the 26-year-old with interest from both United and the newly-crowned La Liga champions Barcelona.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Fabrizio Romano has claimed – although La Liga is his preferred option – the Premier League is an attractive proposition for the midfielder this summer:

"Let me say there's a lot of interest into this player, Sofyan Amrabat. It's true that Bayern Munich have an interest but the priority of the player is La Liga, is Spanish league or Premier League also really attractive to him.

"But La Liga is the priority with Barcelona or let's see if Atletico Madrid will return to the race. Mentioning Premier League, let's see what happens with Chelsea and Man United because these two clubs were in contact with his agents in January."

How much is Sofyan Amrabat worth?

The Moroccan was linked with a potential move to the Premier League last year when Spurs were heavily linked with interest in the 26-year-old.

However, it was in the World Cup that he made a real name for himself over the winter after playing a significant role for Morocco as they made their way to the semi-finals.

Indeed, the 26-year-old became the first player in the tournament to record 50 recoveries as he became a real rock in the middle of the Morocco midfield.

The 26-year-old's performances in Qatar saw him dubbed as an "absolute midfield monster" by some in the media as they ended the tournament in fourth place.

Amrabat has played a significant role for Fiorentina this season having totalled 49 appearances across all competitions, however, his deal is now running into its final year.

And as a result, the 26-year-old could potentially be made available for a reduced price with the Serie A side believed to be looking for a fee in the region of €20m (£17m).

Newcastle United are interested in signing Manchester United defender Harry Maguire this summer, according to reports.

What’s the latest Newcastle transfer news on Harry Maguire?

Eddie Howe and the Magpies are on the search for senior signings ahead of the 2023/24 season, with the club set for a return to the Champions League after a brilliant Premier League campaign.

Newcastle have already brought in teenage attacker Yankuba Minteh from Danish side Odense Boldklub, however, the promising talent will immediately head out on loan to Dutch side Feyenoord.

Another potential target is Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella, with PIF thought to be in talks over a £50m move. It looks as if defensive reinforcements are also on the agenda at St James’ Park, with an update emerging on Maguire.

According to Football Insider, Newcastle are in the race to sign Maguire, with the England international having a decision to make on his Old Trafford future.

Alongside Newcastle, Aston Villa and Tottenham are also keen on the defender as well as clubs overseas. Maguire is happy at Manchester United currently, however, he could drop further down the pecking order if Erik ten Hag signs a new defender.

How much did Harry Maguire cost Manchester United?

Maguire cost the Red Devils £80m back in 2019 in a world-record deal for a defender and is on £200,000-a-week.

Now 30 years of age, Maguire has made 175 appearances for United, scoring seven goals. He has scored two goals at St James’ Park, one for Leicester and one for United, winning eight of his 12 games against Newcastle and has come in for praise from Magpies star Kieran Trippier while on England duty last year.

“First, Harry’s a fantastic leader in our group, a big player in our group and to reach 50 caps is an amazing achievement. He’s had a good start to the tournament and I can only speak positively of him, the boys love him.

“I think he does his talking on the pitch and every time he has stepped out in that English shirt he has performed. So long may that continue and hopefully that means many more caps for Harry.”

He would bring plenty of experience to Howe’s side, should a move materialise, and with Champions League football on offer at St James’ Park, a move could appeal to the player, making this one to keep an eye on over the summer.

Odin Thiago Holm became Celtic's first signing of the summer transfer window when he arrived from Valerenga on a permanent deal last week.

Brendan Rodgers still has over two months to make further additions to his side in the hope of continuing the Hoops' dominance of Scottish football while also making a better fist of the Champions League.

The Daily Record recently reported that the club are in the market to add a third striker to their squad to complement Kyogo Furuhashi and Hyeon-gyu Oh.

Celtic have only had two options in that position since Greek international Giorgos Giakoumakis completed a move to Major League Soccer side Atlanta United in February.

Who could replace Giorgos Giakoumakis at Celtic?

Rodgers could finally replace the 28-year-old marksman at Parkhead by pushing Mark Lawwell to complete a deal for Maribor centre-forward Zan Vipotnik, who has been mooted with a switch to Glasgow.

Football Scotland reported last month that the young striker, who could be available for a fee in the region of £3.5m, is a target for the Scottish giants this summer.

The 21-year-old finisher could be the dream replacement for Giakoumakis as he enjoyed a terrific 2022/23 campaign in front of goal for his club.

Vipotnik plundered 23 goals in 38 matches in all competitions, including 20 strikes in 30 league games. He also scored his first-ever international goal for Slovenia this year.

The Maribo phenomenon could end up being an upgrade on the Greek powerhouse as his return of a goal every 1.65 outings on average trumps the former Celtic star's 2.19 clashes per goal, with 26 in 57 appearances for Celtic.

If the Slovenia international can translate that form over to Scotland then the prolific "poacher" – as described by talent scout Jacek Kulig – would also offer more in front of goal than Oh, who scored seven in 21 games for the Hoops last term – a goal every three outings on average.

Kyogo's 54 goals in 83 matches (1.54 per strike) for the Scottish giants mean that he would remain the most lethal centre-forward at Rodgers' disposal right now heading into next season.

However, the Maribo sensation could come in to provide the Japan international with serious competition for his place and offer the manager another striker who is capable of making an impact in the final third on a regular basis, which is something Oh is yet to prove.

This means that Vipotnik could finally replace Giakoumakis as the second-string no.9 that can allow the head coach to rest Kyogo when needed, whilst also alleviating any concerns about his replacement if the ex-Vissel Kobe hotshot misses any time through injury or suspension.

Chelsea will stick with Kepa Arrizabalaga as their first-choice goalkeeping option, despite rumours linking them with other top goalkeepers, Fabrizio Romano has claimed.

What are Chelsea's current goalkeeping options?

Following Edouard Mendy's move to Saudi Arabia, Chelsea only have Kepa and Marcus Bettinelli as senior options, as well as young talent Gabriel Slonina, who was signed last year.

And there had been suggestions the Blues were open to selling both players this summer.

There have been links with the likes of Andre Onana and Mike Maignan as first choice options to replace Kepa, but it now seems that new manager Mauricio Pochettino will continue with the Spaniard as his number one.

The 28-year-old has received criticism at times during his Chelsea career, and even lost his place to Mendy under Thomas Tuchel before regaining it under Graham Potter.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano revealed that Chelsea do not intend to sign a first-choice option, but do want a new backup to replace Mendy.

"Chelsea, at the moment, have a different idea. Chelsea are seriously considering to have Kepa as first goalkeeper, and to sign a second goalkeeper on the market to replace Edouard Mendy, who can create competition," he stated.

"For example, [Anatoliy] Trubin from Shakhtar is one of the goalkeepers they appreciate, also Inter are considering Trubin as one of the options, in case of course, Andre Onana leaves the club and so keep an eye on the solution, because Chelsea are looking for that kind of goalkeeper.

"A young, talented keeper, already experienced, but ready to create competition with Kepa, who's going to be the first goalkeeper."

Should Chelsea stick with Kepa?

Chelsea are set for another busy summer, and they are actively pursuing a midfielder in Moises Caicedo, whilst they've already brought in a striker.

Given how many changes they have made throughout the squad, having continuity at the back with Kepa may be a wise choice from Pochettino, rather than gambling on a new, and potentially expensive, first choice option.

If they are able to bring in an experienced second choice option, then the Spaniard continuing in goal at the start of the season makes sense for Chelsea. They will need to recover from last season, which saw them finish 12th.

Kepa did impress at times last season, making a number of outstanding saves, but whilst Chelsea's defence was fairly solid, they struggled going forward, scoring just 38 times in 38 league games.

A big goalkeeping investment is a lower priority than other positions, and therefore one Chelsea can afford to wait for.