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Journalist Dean Jones has provided an update on the future of West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paqueta.

The midfielder is the subject of heavy interest from Manchester City.

What is the latest news regarding Lucas Paqueta?

The player has become a primary target for Pep Guardiola.

According to a report from The Athletic, the current Premier League champions are exploring the possibility of a deal for the Brazilian, who joined from Ligue 1 outfit Lyon in the summer of 2022 for a fee of £51m.

According to FootMercato journalist Santi Aouna, the Citizens have already seen two verbal bids rejected for the midfielder, with the most recent bid being £88m. The Hammers want more, however negotiations remain ongoing and both parties are confident that the deal can be completed, with the player eager to join the current Champions League holders.

Paqueta impressed at the London Stadium last season despite a slow start, making 43 appearances across all competitions and registering five goals and seven assists as he became a crucial part of the side that brought West Ham their first European trophy since 1965.

Man City are eager to add the player as they look to replace Ilkay Gundogan who departed this summer on a free transfer to Barcelona after seven years in Manchester. The German midfielder was crucial in the sides treble hunt, producing many moments of magic at crucial points, with the most memorable being his brace in the Manchester Derby FA Cup final.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Jones revealed that West Ham were losing hope in keeping the midfielder around, with their frustration growing after already losing Declan Rice this summer:

He said: "The frustrations around West Ham are very real – just as things were looking better on the transfer front they have been hit by a new wave and that’s with the Paqueta interest. He's become a fan favourite over the course of last season and to lose him on top of Rice feels shattering, even if things are going better now in terms of incomings.

The threat is real though and I have heard West Ham are taking it seriously enough to be thinking about how they will have to react in the market if this one does go against them being able to keep him.”

What is next for West Ham this window?

The Hammers are looking to spend some of the money they have brought in this window.

Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse has undergone his medical ahead of his £30m switch to the Hammers. The club had previously seen two offers rejected for the England international but have now managed to reach an agreement to sign the 28-year-old.

The club have also an agreement in principle with Manchester United for defender Harry Maguire for £30m. Personal terms are still to be agreed with the defender who was originally believed to want to stay at Old Trafford this season, however that situation seems to have changed now.

The London club have also announced the signing of Mexican midfielder Edson Alvarez from Ajax for a fee of £35.4m. The midfielder is the sides first confirmed signing of the summer, and is expected to be the sides Declan Rice replacement.

The side are also reportedly entering the race for Arsenal forward Folarin Balogun, as they look to replace Gianluca Scammaca who joined Atalanta earlier this window. The report states that the Gunners are asking for £40m, and the Hammers would face competition from Monaco for the USA international's signature.

Arsenal "like" Ajax's Mohammed Kudus, and they could step up their interest in the midfielder later in the transfer window, journalist Charles Watts has recently told TEAMtalk.

What's the latest Arsenal transfer news?

Arsenal are now ready to make a move for Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz, and they could be set to hijack Tottenham Hotspur's move for the Brazilian, while Edu has also been in talks with Gremio over a move for Bitello.

Mikel Arteta is clearly still keen on adding another central midfielder to his squad, and Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth has claimed Romeo Lavia remains an option, but only if the manager moves on another midfielder this summer.

Sheth said: "I think Arsenal will only look into the midfield department and recruit again after spending over £200m if there is a departure for good money in that midfield."

Transfer insider Dean Jones has previously reported that Arteta may be keen on a back-up option for Bukayo Saka ahead of the Gunners' return to the Champions League next season, and they could now move for a versatile forward option in Kudus.

That is according to Watts, who recently told TEAMtalk:

“He [Kudus] is definitely a player that they like. I’ve seen the recent reports that they’re potentially looking to step up that interest a bit later on in the window, which wouldn’t surprise me if that is the case.

“Arsenal have a decent working relationship with Ajax after what they did with Timber, which might help them in that regard. And it seems like Kudus is quite open to a move."

How good is Mohammed Kudus?

As stated by Watts, the Ghanaian is able to play in several different positions, including attacking midfield, right-wing and centre-forward, however he has most commonly been utilised as a central midfielder during his career so far.

Lauded as "absolutely fantastic" by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, the 22-year-old displayed his keen eye for goal by weighing in with 11 goals in the Eredivisie last season, while he also managed to find the back of the net four times in the Champions League.

The £11k-per-week maestro is also very impressive in possession of the ball, having averaged a pass-completion rate of 85.5% per 90 over the past year, which places him in the 99th percentile compared to his positional peers.

Kudus' versatility would make him the perfect signing for Arsenal, as he can slot in at central midfield, and he can also be used as a back-up option for Saka on the right, so it is exciting news that the Gunners could make a move for the Ajax star.

All footballers have been left with no choice but to get in a running race with an opposition player who would likely lap you in a long-distance run. But that's just Sunday League football, where the players are usually fueled by a can of Red Bull prior to kick-off.

It's Champions League defenders that we feel sorry for, who have to come up against some of the quickest athletes in the world of sport. Made worse, too, by the fact that the humiliating race – if you can even call it that – is documented for all to see.

Poor Marc Bartra never stood a chance when Gareth Bale left him for dead to score what is now known as one of the greatest Copa del Rey and El Clasico goals.

Something tells us that the former Barcelona defender would want to avoid last season's fastest Champions League players last season, too, with a list now revealed by UEFA (via Reddit).

The order goes from Dominik Szoboszlai (10th), Moussa Diaby (ninth), Karim Adeyemi (eighth), Nuno Tavares (seventh), and Federico Valverde (sixth).

With that said, we've taken a closer look at the top five.

5

Gabriel Veron: 36.4 KM/H

Clocking an impressive speed of 36.3 kilometres per hour, Gabriel Veron makes the top five in the Champions League's fastest players last season.

Porto initially impressed on the European stage in the last campaign, topping Group B above Club Brugge, Bayer Leverkusen, and Atletico Madrid, before suffering a 1-0 defeat to eventual finalists Inter Milan in the Round of 16.

4

Rafael Leao: 36.5 KM/H

This one comes as little surprise, given the bundles of pace that Rafael Leao possesses. That, combined with his dribbling ability makes him one of the best wingers in the world.

Hitting a speed of 36.5 KM/H last season, the AC Milan man comes in as last season's fourth-fastest player in the Champions League, as his side suffered semi-final heartbreak against rivals Inter.

3

Ousmane Dembele: 36.6 KM/H

Even though he's had consistent injury issues throughout his career, Ousmane Dembele's speed has never left him, and it remains one of his greatest traits, as shown again last season.

As Barcelona were shockingly dumped out of the Champions League at the group stage, losing out to Bayern Munich and Inter Milan, Dembele managed to clock a pace of 36.6 KM/H, making him last season's third-quickest player in the competition.

2

Mykhailo Mudryk: 36.6 KM/H

This one has surprised us, given what we've seen of Mykhailo Mudryk in the Premier League. But, as it turns out, when at his best, Chelsea can expect one of the fastest players among Europe's elite.

Playing in the group stages for Shahktar Donetsk, before joining Chelsea in January and featuring against Real Madrid in the last eight, it's unknown when Mudryk clocked his top speed.

Nonetheless, hitting 36.6 KM/H, the winger was the second-quickest player in the Champions League last season.

1

Alphonso Davies: 37.1 KM/H

If you were to ask us to blindly rank who we believe would top this list, then Alphonso Davies would be the name we'd guess. The Bayern Munich left-back's pace is no secret, with Barcelona experiencing it first-hand back in their humiliating 8-2 defeat against the Bavarians in 2020.

Last season, as the fastest player in the Champions League, Davies hit an incredible speed of 37.1 KM/H.

Jurgen Klopp is giving his Liverpool midfield a much needed rejig ahead of a crucial season which will see them fail to take part in the Champions League for the first time since 2016/2017.

The likes of James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita have all left the Anfield side, while the German has signed Alexis Mac Aillster and Dominik Szoboszlai, not only lowering the average age of his midfield, but also adding some extra fluidity and there will surely be one or two more to join throughout the transfer window.

In terms of outgoings, Klopp may move another few players on in order to lower his wage bill while raising funds for other purchases and Thiago Alcantara could potentially be a surprise departure.

According to Turkish outlet Fanatik, Galatasaray vice-president Erden Timur has reportedly met with Thiago to discuss a potential move to the club this summer and with the 32-year-old nearer the end of his career rather than the start, it could prove to be an excellent opportunity for the Reds to raise some funds.

He started just 22 times across all competitions last term due to some injury issues and Klopp will be looking at bringing in someone considerably younger, with Atletico Madrid star Marcos Llorente being linked with a move, he could be the perfect heir for the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich gem.

Could Marcos Llorente replace Thiago?

A move could cost the club around £51m, and aged 28, he looks set to be entering his prime years, allowing him to shine at the Merseyside club for a few seasons at least.

Llorente and Thiago both typically operate at the heart of the midfield, yet the Madrid star is more forward-thinking, ranking in the top 3% across Europe’s big five leagues for progressive carries per 90 (3.43) and in the top 5% for touches in the opposition penalty area per 90 (3.15) whereas Thiago made only 0.92 progressive carries per 90 and took just 0.58 touches in the attacking penalty area per 90, clearly suggesting Llorente would give Klopp a much more dangerous threat from midfield than the 32-year-old.

The midfielder ranked third in the Atletico squad for big chances created and fourth for key passes per game while even displaying his defensive nous by making 1.5 tackles per game, enough to rank him seventh out of the whole team and although Thiago made more tackles per game (2.4), what Llorente offers going forward is of potentially greater importance to Klopp.

Presenter Phil Kitromilides lauded him for being “athletic” while talent scout Jacek Kulig stated just a couple of years ago that “Marcos Llorente has become an incredible footballer” and it looks as though he has gone from strength to strength in the last couple of seasons.

Replacing Thiago with the 18-cap Spanish international appears to be a no-brainer. Not only is he four years younger, but he also offers a greater threat going forward and with injuries derailing Thaigo’s 2022/23 season, it could be time to move him on for a fee which would allow the Reds to pursue a midfielder in the shape of Llorente.

أكد البرازيلي روجيرو ميكالي المدير الفني لـ منتخب مصر الأولمبي، أهيمة المشاركة في بطولة غرب آسيا، مشيراً إلى أنها فرصة جيدة استعداداً لـ أولمبياد باريس.

ويشارك منتخب مصر الأولمبي في بطولة غرب آسيا التي تقام في السعودية في الفترة من 20 حتى 26 مارس الجاري.

ويتواجد في البطولة 8 منتخبات وهم “مصر، السعودية، الأردن، العراق، الإمارات، كوريا الجنوبية، تايلاند، وأستراليا”.

ويلتقي منتخب مصر مع الإمارات، مساء غد الأربعاء، في مباراة الجولة الأولى من البطولة وإذا حقق الفوز سيلاقي الفائز من لقاء العراق وأستراليا فى نصف النهائي.

وقال ميكالي خلال تصريحات في المؤتمر الصحفي اليوم: “المشاركة فى بطولة غرب آسيا خطوة كبيرة على طريق الاستعداد للأولمبياد وفرصة للاحتكاك بمدارس كروية متنوعة”.

طالع | أشرف صبحي وجمال علام يدعمان منتخب مصر الأولمبي قبل خوض بطولة غرب آسيا

من ناحية أخرى، حرص ميكالي على مراجعة خطة اللعب في المران الختامي للمنتحب اليوم، واستقر على التشكيل المنتظر أن يبدأ به اللقاء.

Aston Villa are reportedly interested in Fredrik Aursnes as Unai Emery bids to bolster his midfield this summer.

The Spaniard has been joined by Monchi, who has a strong track record in recruiting efficiently as Villa aim to drive their squad to compete in Europe after confirming their place in next season’s UEFA Europa Conference League.

As revealed by Emery via The Athletic back in April, the four-time Europa League winner is aiming to introduce reinforcements all over the pitch.

In signing Aursnes, the Midlands club could hire a real talent in midfield in a player that could boost the options in the middle of the park.

The news speculating Villa’s link to the Benfica ace came courtesy of Portuguese outlet Record (via Sport Witness) earlier this week.

The report claimed that the Villans have made contact over potentially signing the 27-year-old, who has a release clause of €50m (£42m), adding that the Eagles would only let the player leave for such a fee.

What could Fredrik Aursnes offer to Aston Villa?

Lauded as a “class act” by Norwegian football expert David Weatherston, Emery could add to the talents that already adorn his midfield by signing the middle-of-the-park maestro.

Likened to £106.8m jewel Enzo Fernandez based on his statistics recorded over the past year, Aursnes is an accomplished figure to have in any side, as highlighted by his numbers.

In 28 appearances in Liga Portugal, the Norwegian averaged a Sofascore match rating of 7.01, scoring two goals and registering four assists from central midfield.

Averaging one key pass per game, the 27-year-old is a player equipped with an innate attacking ability, suggesting he could provide worthy competition for one of Emery’s stars in that area.

Despite missing a chunk of the season to injury, Boubacar Kamara has shown glimpses of his class in the middle of the park in acting as a sweeper sitting in front of the back line as well as providing a competent outlet in his skills in progressive play.

The 23-year-old could find himself having competition should Villa opt to sign Aursnes, who flexes a greater efficiency in a box-to-box role as suggested by statistics.

When comparing the two on their respective 2022/23 campaigns based on their numbers provided by FBref, it’s clear to see why the Portuguese champions value their player so highly.

The Hareid-born gem ranked in the top 1% for progressive passes per 90 (8.44), as well as topping the charts in terms of pass completion rate with an average of 85.1% in comparison to other attacking midfielders in the league.

Villa’s ace fell short in the same area averaging 4.25 progressive passes per 90 in the Premier League, while his pass accuracy of 84.8% was fractionally smaller.

Adding competition to any side is integral to promoting individual performance in the bid to bolster overall team performance, critical to challenging the Premier League and European competition efficiently.

Newcastle United are interested in signing Dominik Szoboszlai from RB Leipzig this summer, with the Hungarian now a "main target" for Eddie Howe's outfit.

What's the latest on Dominik Szoboszlai to Newcastle?

That's according to transfer insider Rudy Galetti, who, speaking to GIVEMESPORT, claims that the Magpies will likely prioritise the signing of the 22-year-old this summer despite Leipzig's desire to "monetise" him.

He said: "The Magpies are working to create an even more competitive team to better face the Champions League and the Hungarian attacking midfielder represents the ideal profile, so we can consider Dominic a main target for them."

Believed to possess a €70m (£61m​)​​​​​​ buyout clause in his contract, the chances that the Red Bulls will allow him to leave for less are infinitesimal, and with Liverpool also lurking, Toon technical director Dan Ashworth must act swiftly to tie up a deal for a new midfield focal point.

Should Newcastle sign Dominik Szoboszlai?

Newcastle are undoubtedly on the up, after such blistering success this season – at a point where progress has eclipsed expectations – should Ashworth, Howe and co manage to get the transfer strategy right once again this summer, it could be another emphatic term to reaffirm their newfound stature as one of the Premier League's elite.

The onus will be on taking the domestic success and implementing it in the Champions League, and in order to do so, sealing signings for aces such as Szoboszlai is the perfect way to provide a steady and sparkling flow of creativity.

Indeed, having scored ten goals and provided 13 assists from 46 appearances this season as Leipzig secured a third-place Bundesliga finish and clinched the DFB Pokal for the second successive year, the 30-cap Hungary captain is starting to live up the tag of "generational talent" bestowed upon him by journalist Marcel Moeller.

Given this gem is one who could, arguably, cement a starting berth in any European outfit out there, his prospective Tyneside move could spell danger for Joe Willock, who may see his own game-time hampered despite being heralded for his "limitless" potential by reporter Simon Collings.

Indeed, the £69k-per-week Bundesliga phenom does play in a more advanced midfield position but Howe could look to deploy him deeper to suit the system, something that has occurred with the former Arsenal ace – who used to feature as a No. 10 with greater regularity.

As per FBref, Szoboszlai ranks among the top 9% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for shot-creating actions, the top 13% for progressive passes, the top 11% for blocks and the top 13% for clearances per 90, with the latter metrics illustrating his aptitude with his defensive game, something that Howe is surely aware of.

Willock must be lauded for his solid work this season and he could still play a part in Newcastle's ascension, but Howe must be ruthless as he crafts a team capable of securing silverware season upon season, and Szoboszlai holds the key that few across the scene can match.

Manchester United look set to lose one of their first-team players this summer, with Football Insider reporting that Scott McTominay wants to exit the club during the transfer window.

Who are Manchester United selling this summer?

The midfielder has been in and around the Red Devils' starting eleven for about seven years now, having really broken into the reckoning for them back in the 2016/17 campaign. That year, at just 19 years of age, he played in 17 Premier League outings for the club and his appearance tally has only grown since then. The Scot has since turned out on 143 occasions in the top-flight, 99 of which have been starts.

He's been used frequently again this season, with 23 appearances in the league. However, under Erik ten Hag, he has struggled to establish himself as a starter on a regular basis as he has in the past, with only ten starts to his name. It means that this campaign has seen the least amount of action for McTominay since the 2019/20 season.

Now, it appears that he could want out of United, with a report from Football Insider stating that the midfielder wants to leave the club during the summer window. He has told friends that he plans to try and exit Old Trafford in order to get more regular minutes, with the player well aware that he needs to be getting onto the field a lot more.

In addition, with other midfield options potentially coming into the equation, there is every chance he could fall even further down the pecking order, and with the Scotland man desperate for minutes, that would be a further blow to the player.

Are Man United letting Scott McTominay go?

The Red Devils then could finally bring an end to McTominay's stint at the club this transfer window. Having come up through the ranks at Old Trafford, it would be sad for them to see one of their own youth team players leave, but it could work out better for player and club.

The 26-year-old has proven that he can still deliver when called upon by Ten Hag though, and it suggests that more regular action could get the best out of him again. For example, for the club this season, he has still averaged 1.4 tackles per game, a better rate than Fred, Raphael Varane and Christian Eriksen, showing that he remains one of their best options in terms of standing in front of the defence and stopping opposition attacks.

He's been lauded in the past for his abilities too, with football journalist Josh Bunting commending him for one of his previous performances by admitting he had been a "standout" for the side when thrown onto the field, whereas he was also once hailed as a "physical monster" by former boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

The midfielder can still do a good job in the centre of the field – so if he does leave United for first-team football, it could be a good move for the player if he can get regular minutes and show his footballing abilities. If they did let him go too, CIES Football Observatory suggest his value could be around £26m, so United could also fetch quite a respectable fee.

Leeds United could consider Graham Potter to be their next new permanent manager in the Championship, according to reports.

Is Sam Allardyce leaving Leeds?

The Whites had their relegation to the second tier confirmed last weekend following the 4-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur and question marks quickly arose surrounding the future of Sam Allardyce having failed to guide his team to safety during his four games in charge.

The Times have reported that the Yorkshire outfit are set to hold internal talks with the 68-year-old regarding staying in the job and rebuilding the project in a bid to jump back up to the Premier League at the first time of asking next season, but there has been a couple of names doing the rounds as to who could replace him should he leave.

Rayo Vallecano’s Andoni Iraola, Brendan Rodgers and West Bromwich’s Albion Carlos Corberan are just three of several candidates to have been linked so far, though Andrea Radrizzani and the 49ers may now have set their sights on Potter.

Are Leeds appointing Potter?

According to The Daily Mail, Chelsea’s former manager Graham Potter has emerged as an “intriguing name” for the potential vacancy at Leeds. The Whites would “suit” the 48-year-old where he could transform the club “from the bottom up”, not to mention he would find “promising young players’ to work with, and it’s stated that there is “no shortage of interest” in the role.

Is Potter the right candidate for Leeds?

Potter’s time at Chelsea didn’t go as well as hoped, but you can’t deny the sensational job that he did at Brighton where he was praised for his “high pressing” football by journalist Josh Bunting and called a "superb manager" by Sky journalist Melissa Reddy, so whilst this move could be a risk, it may be one worth taking for Leeds.

The Solihull-born coach, whose preferred formation is a 3-4-2-1, has an excellent record in LS11, winning four, drawing three and losing just one of eight meetings, as per Transfermarkt, so imagine the magic he could work if he was the man in charge of the home side.

Finally, Potter shares the same agent, Wasserman, as Weston McKennie, Adam Forshaw, Brenden Aaronson, Sam Greenwood, Luis Sinisterra and Crysencio Summerville, so this existing representative connection could potentially give them a small advantage should they want to try and get a move for their managerial target over the line.

Wolverhampton Wanderers will look forward to their summer break as the testing Premier League season begins to come to a close.

There will be little rest for boss Julen Lopetegui, who will have his mind firmly set on the transfer window, in his first full window since joining the club in November.

The Spaniard will have the chance to improve his squad to his liking after inheriting the work from Bruno Lage, who was dismissed back in October.

With Wolves being the lowest scorers in the Premier League, transfer news regarding incomings is expected to be dominated by forwards, while the expected departure of Ruben Neves takes centre stage for outgoings.

The summer window is a free-for-all for all clubs to flex their finances and sweep up the hottest prospects in Europe and beyond, however, Lopetegui may not need to look further than his academy in some areas for exciting talent ahead of next season, notably Harvey Griffiths.

Who is Harvey Griffiths?

In 2021, Wolves captured the deadline day signing of U18 star Harvey Griffiths from Manchester City’s academy.

The versatile defensive midfielder has featured 19 times in Premier League 2 for the Midlands side this campaign and has undergone an impressive term sparking ideas that he could be an option for Lopetegui to integrate into the senior squad next season.

On his signing for the club, ex-Wolves Technical Director Scott Sellars was full of praise for the starlet, saying to the club’s official site:

“He’s a great footballer, who also has a physical presence, so we’re delighted.

"He’s had a very good football education and played with some great young players, and now he wants to see if he can get an opportunity to really break through.

"We’ve got an excellent young talent.”

Despite lining up as a defensive option in the midfield, the youngster has contributed to seven goals in the league this season, scoring four and assisting three showing his ability in both areas in the middle of the park.

The 19-year-old was lauded as a “terrific footballer” with “something about him” by U21’s coach James Collins following his debut, and two years down the line, the Englishman has a real chance to break into Lopetegui’s squad.

With Mario Lemina impressing in defensive areas for Wolves currently, notably making 2.1 tackles per game (3rd highest at Molineux), the Gabon international could be a player for Griffiths to mould his game around, with the Wolves star certainly the benchmark for what is expected in the role.

The youngster arguably has more attacking flair than the 29-year-old, shown through his higher number of goals and assists from the deep position, which would give Lopetegui a potential option for variation depending on competition and opposition next season.

With several names returning from loans in the summer, on top of the talent already cooking in the academy, the Spaniard should take time to consider his internal options to improve his squad in certain areas.