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Manchester United could secure the ideal midfield partner for Paul Pogba after being linked with a move for Monaco ace Aurelien Tchouameni.

What’s the story?

The Red Devils were reportedly interested in the highly-rated 21-year-old’s services over the summer, although no formal offer was ever made for the Frenchman.

Now though, according to The Express, United are one of three European heavyweights vying for Tchouameni’s signature after a string of impressive performances.

The report also states that fellow Premier League side Chelsea and Serie A giants Juventus are keen to snap up the youngster, meaning a bidding war could be on the horizon.

Imagine him & Paul Pogba

After rising up through the ranks at boyhood club Bordeaux, Tchouameni joined Monaco in a big-money move in January 2020 and has gone from strength to strength ever since.

The youngster made 42 appearances in all competitions for Niko Kovac’s charges last season, scoring three goals and providing a further four assists for his teammates.

However, it’s his work off the ball that really catches the eye. As per WhoScored, Tchouameni averaged a whopping 3.5 tackles per league game in 2020/21, by far the highest tally amongst his teammates.

He also made 1.7 interceptions, the joint-highest total when compared to his teammates, and the £27m-rated colossus not only dominated proceedings on the ground but in the air as well, winning 67% of his aerial duels.

Tchouameni’s domineering displays have caught the eye of several impressed onlookers, including current Monaco teammate Cesc Fabregas, who praised the youngster.

“He has the potential to be a complete midfield player,” the former Arsenal, Barcelona and Chelsea maestro wrote on Twitter. And now his compatriot and United star Paul Pogba has lauded his talents.

“He’s not a boy; he’s a man. It’s a pleasure to play next to him; he provides a lot, plenty of energy, technical quality and extraordinary physicality. I hope to play plenty of games together and always be on his side,” the World Cup winner said.

Tchouameni got the ideal opportunity to show just how effective his partnership with Pogba could be at Old Trafford after lining up alongside him during France’s National League final victory over Spain.

The duo worked extremely effectively throughout the 90 minutes, with the United star enjoying the attacking freedom that his more disciplined colleague allowed him.

It’s a duo that has the potential to transform Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s stuttering engine room, and therefore, football director John Murtough must swoop for Tchouameni over the coming months.

And, in other news…Man Utd suffer big injury blow ahead of PL return, Ole will be absolutely gutted

Rafa Benitez is yet to be confirmed as the new manager of Everton but it already looks as though he’s doing the groundwork on recruitment.

What’s the word?

One area of the squad that Everton are looking to strengthen this term is in defence.

The Toffees have been linked with a number of central defenders over the last few months including Kalidou Koulibaly and Merih Demiral.

However, Benitez has his own targets in mind, one of which is already plying their trade in the Premier League.

According to Football Insider, the Spaniard has sanctioned a move for Wolves skipper Conor Coady.

The 28-year-old was discussed by the hierarchy and Nuno Santo before talks stalled over his appointment in Merseyside.

However, the England international has also been talked about during talks with Benitez as Everton look to launch a bid this summer.

The new Carragher

Everton supporters might not like the idea of the Spaniard becoming their new manager, nor will they be too keen to see one of their transfer targets compared to a Liverpool legend.

However, with Benitez set to become the new head coach at Goodison Park, comparisons will naturally be drawn between his previous spell in Merseyside.

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He will have his work cut out to drag Everton towards their ultimate goal of Champions League football but one player who could aid their cause is Coady.

A boyhood Liverpool fan, the Scouser is a bubble of energy and has an infectious personality that would ensure he fits in at any new side.

Though, a move back to his hometown would be absolutely perfect for the centre-back.

He is a leader of men and in two of his five England caps to date, he has captained the Three Lions. It’s an accomplishment that Wolves reporter Tim Spiers described as “phenomenal.”

Immediately, we begin to get a feel for why Coady is like Carragher. Both players were leaders of men and they enjoyed barking orders at their teammates on the pitch.

Speaking about the footballer turned pundit previously, Emile Heskey commented: “Virgil van Dijk is the one player in the [Liverpool] team who is a leader, and they haven’t had that since Jamie Carragher left. Someone who barks out orders and gets them out of sticky situations.”

That says a lot about not only the former defender’s character but also his qualities on the field of play.

Coincidentally, no other player has made more appearances under the incoming Everton boss than Carragher. He featured on 326 occasions for the 61-year-old, proving to be a dominant figure in the backline.

Coady might not be as physical but in terms of the way he leads the team forward, there are few better in the Premier League.

Ruben Neves waxed lyrical about those very qualities earlier this year: “I’ve never played with a player like him,” he began. “Well, actually, when I played in the Portugal squad when I was young, we had a player like him that was always talking and helping the team. That was Ruben Dias, who is in Manchester City now.”

Neves added: “So, he’s the second centre-half I’ve played with who talks and helps the team that much. Conor always gives us the best instructions to do our best on the pitch.”

Supporters might point towards his inability to play in a four-man defence but that is easily remedied by a change in system.

Benitez is right to consider him this summer if he becomes Everton boss.

AND in other news, Huge twist emerges in Everton manager hunt, it’s not good news for Benitez…

Manchester United will be aiming to take another step towards a UEFA Champions League return on Sunday as they face off with Leeds United.

The Red Devils head to Elland Road knowing four points will guarantee them a place in the top four come the end of the season so a win against Leeds will all but secure a place in the Champions League xext season.

How many changes could Solskjaer be tempted to make then?

We are expecting the Norwegian to switch things around with three alterations for the trip to Yorkshire.

None of those aforementioned changes will take place in defence where Dean Henderson will continue to be No.1 instead of David de Gea. The likes of Luke Shaw, Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Aaron Wan-Bissaka will keep their regular positions.

However, there could be a couple of alterations in the centre of the park. Against a Leeds side who somewhat struggle to defend, Solskjaer could be tempted to bring in the more creative Donny van de Beek instead of Fred.

The £19.8m-rated Brazilian was withdrawn at half-time against Burnley last time out so could well have to settle for a place on the bench.

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Meanwhile, whilst Paul Pogba is in great from at the current time, he could be somewhat restricted for space against a Leeds side who deploy a combative 4-1-4-1 system. It might make sense then for a further winger to be played which would give Daniel James the opportunity to start against a side that he almost joined in January 2019.

Mason Greenwood should remain on the opposite flank whilst one final change will occur in attack.

Marcus Rashford is still managing an injury so might not start the game. If that is indeed the case, he will be replaced by Edinson Cavani, who has scored in each of his last two Premier League apperanaces.

AND in more news, find out why signing a current Barcelona star would be an awful mistake from Solskjaer…

New Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag will have a £200m budget this summer and has already got to work to create a four-man transfer shortlist.

The Lowdown: Ten Hag announced

The Red Devils finally announced the Dutchman as their new manager on Thursday morning.

Ten Hag was confirmed as Ralf Rangnick’s replacement from the end of this season, signing a deal through to June 2025 with an option of a further year.

The 52-year-old previously demanded to be 100% involved when it comes to new signings, and he has wasted no time by already having four possible marquee additions in mind.

The Latest: Four mega targets

The Mirror shared a story regarding Ten Hag and Manchester United shortly after the announcement, claiming the Red Devils will give their new manager £200m to spend ahead of his first season in charge.

Up to 12 players could leave the club, with Ten Hag placing Harry Kane, Declan Rice, Darwin Nunez and Ruben Neves at the top of his wishlist.

The Verdict: Rebuild begins

Plenty of change is needed at Old Trafford ahead of the 2022/23 campaign, but getting Ten Hag confirmed prior to the summer window is a good first step.

He’ll have a huge job on his hands in what looks set to be an extremely busy summer off the pitch and it looks as if a new midfielder and forward is crucial as he gets to work already.

Paul Pogba and Edinson Cavani look set to be two players who will leave as free agents, so one of Kane or Nunez and Rice or Neves could be shrewd moves to replace the two outgoing big earners.

In other news: ‘Source has told Sky Sports’ – Big live TV update on another Man Utd exit. 

It’s easy to see why Nigel Adkins took the Charlton Athletic job.

The vastly-experienced 56-year-old has a proven track record in the lower leagues of English football and would’ve leapt at the opportunity to save them from their freefall.

He arguably made his name at Southampton, where he led the south coast outfit to back-to-back promotions from League One to the Premier League, handing them a shot at the big time after a seven-year absence.

There are plenty of similarities between that Saints side and the Addicks now; former top-flight teams dwindling in the third tier, foreign owners prepared to stump up the cash to save the club, and a fanbase to fit a 27,000-seater stadium.

But could Adkins take inspiration from a side that won promotion a decade ago? He’s certainly well-equipped to…

On the Chalkboard

In Preston loanee Jayden Stockley, the Charlton manager could find his next Rickie Lambert – a powerful striker fit to lead the line at this level.

The 27-year-old talisman has very much had a comparable career to that of the Saints legend, prior to their arrivals at their respective clubs, both were well-travelled.

Lambert jumped from club to club in the lower leagues, playing for the likes of Blackpool, Macclesfield Town, Stockport County and Bristol Rovers before finding his feet at St Mary’s.

Stockley has played for 14 different clubs, thanks largely to boyhood club AFC Bournemouth shipping him out on loan every year.

Both stand at 6 foot 2, and are known for their target man ability. Indeed, WhoScored list the £810k-rated forward as a threat from set-pieces whilst a whopping 6.3 aerial duels won across League One and the Championship only reinforces that thinking.

No other Addicks star is managing to win as many battles in the air as Stockley (9.4). Speaking about his strength, former teammate Sean Maguire once said: “He’s a fantastic player. The guy can hold up a house. He’s strong and his hold-up play is one of the best I’ve played with.”

This sort of ability should see Stockley fit in a range of systems and tactics – two-up top? one-man? He should be able to do it all. Just like Lambert at the Saints.

Adkins could be onto a winner if he draws inspiration from his old side, and the five-goal loan star must be at the centre of it all up top.

AND in other news, Forget Famewo: Charlton ace who lost possession 21x vs AFCW has already badly let Adkins down…

Leeds United have suffered a possible blow in their quest to sign Nahitan Nandez this summer, with the midfielder reportedly unconvinced about joining the Whites.

The Lowdown: Leeds keen on signing Nandez

Marcelo Bielsa may be keen on signing another central midfielder ahead of next season in order to ease the burden on Kalvin Phillips.

Leeds have been linked with Calgliari star Nandez, with the 25-year-old making 31 starts in Serie A last season. He has won 37 caps for Uruguay, further outlining his pedigree as a footballer with ample experience at a high level.

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The Latest: Midfielder has doubts over move

According to Calciomercato [via Sport Witness], however, Nandez ‘does not seem convinced’ about heading to Elland Road this summer.

It is claimed that he will make a decision over his future after his participation at the Copa America.

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The Verdict: Setback for Bielsa

This development is a blow for Bielsa, who has seemingly eyed up Nandez as a strong option to come in and bolster Leeds’ midfield next season.

The Uruguauayn’s tenacity off the ball – he averaged 1.8 tackles per game in Serie A in 2020/21 – is complemented with technical ability, which is highlighted by an average of 1.2 dribbles per match last season.

The hope is that Leeds still manage to entice the £19.8m-rated Nandez to the club in what could be a significant signing in their push for European football, although this latest reports suggest that it could be a tall order to bring him in.

In other news, one Leeds youngster has been backed to be a long-term success story at Elland Road. Find out who it is here.

Leeds United’s pursuit of Cagliari midfielder Nahitan Nandez has reportedly stalled, but there is still confidence that the move will go through eventually.

The Lowdown: Leeds push for Nandez move

The Whites have been linked with a host of new signings ahead of the summer transfer window, as Marcelo Bielsa looks to improve his squad further.

One player who has been endlessly tipped to join Leeds is Nandez, who is currently on international duty with Uruguay at Copa America.

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The Latest: Midfielder could join on loan

There has been an on-off nature to the saga, however, and a fresh update has now been provided.

According to La Nuova Sardegna [via Sport Witness], talks have stalled over a move, which is proving to be frustrating for Leeds.

The Whites still believe a deal can be completed, though, with the report suggesting the delay could simply be down to Victor Orta and co focusing their attentions on wrapping up a deal for Junior Firpo.

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The Verdict: Not ideal

If Leeds do manage to acquire Nandez’s signature, it could be a fantastic piece of business.

The Uruguayan could bring Kalvin Phillips-like qualities to the Whites’ midfield, biting into tackles – he averaged 1.8 per game in Serie A last season – but also using the ball intelligently (one key pass per match in the league in 2020/21).

For context, Phillips boasted 2.6 tackles and 1.2 key passes per game in the league this season, so perhaps Nandez arrives as the perfect understudy.

The £19.8million-rated South American is also approaching what should be his peak years, so Leeds would be snapping him up at just the right time.

That said, it is hardly ideal if the transfer drags on long into pre-season – Bielsa will surely want time to bed any new arrivals into his extremely intense and specific system.

In other news, Leeds have reportedly made contact with one of their many rumoured left-back targets. Find out who it is here.

Celtic defender Jack Hendry has confirmed that KV Oostende are trying to activate their clause to make his loan move in Belgium permanent over the summer, dropping an eight-word admission over the deal.

The 25-year-old has impressed in the Jupiler Pro League this season, making 25 appearances in total.

He’s been the club’s fourth-best performer, as per WhoScored, scoring twice and providing one assist.

Hendry confirms exit talks

Celtic and Oostende agreed on an option to make Hendry’s loan permanent at the end of the season, with the fee thought to be set at £1.75m.

Talking to the media, reported by the Daily Record, the Scot addressed his Celtic future.

“I still have a year left on my contract at Celtic but Oostende have first option on me.

“They are trying to activate that just now.”

Transfer Tavern take

Celtic signed Hendry for £1.44m back in 2018 from Dundee, so it seems as if they’ll make just £310,000 profit on the defender this summer.

Reports last month suggested that Hendry is attracting Premier League interest, which could result in Oostende selling for around £5m, resulting in a £3.25m profit.

It’s not ideal news, but Celtic only have themselves to blame after agreeing to a very low option-to-buy clause.

In other news: Celtic source shares club’s Eddie Howe concern, find out more here. 

‘Not much will have changed’ at Celtic if Eddie Howe’s appointment isn’t accompanied by structural shifts, according to club legend Charlie Nicholas.

Nicholas issued the warning in his regular Daily Express column, as quoted by the Daily Record.

The lowdown

Howe is finally set to be confirmed as Neil Lennon’s long-term successor this week.

It was almost two months ago that it was reported that those who went to check this website would have got very short odds as Celtic were on the verge of appointing the former Bournemouth boss.

Howe’s desire to bring backroom staff from the Vitality Stadium, who were engaged in a Championship promotion bid, is one of the reasons for the hold-up.

The 43-year-old will face the daunting task of overhauling a 25-point deficit to Celtic’s arch-rivals Rangers.

The latest

Nicholas is excited by the impending appointment, expressing his confidence that Howe will bring ‘hope’ to Glasgow and ‘play in the right way’.

But he also admitted to fears that the ‘dynamics’ at the club may not meaningfully change – he thinks it’s vital that Howe is able to put his own stamp on Celtic.

“It will be good to see Celtic get Eddie Howe over the line so the fans can finally get some vision and clarity,” he said.

“There has been no leadership from the club hierarchy of late. Hopefully this pending appointment will be the start of better things to come.

“What I want to know is, where is the dynamic change we expected at the club? Is the appointment of Eddie the catalyst?

“He will do a very good job for Celtic, he’ll give the club hope and play in the right way.

“But what’s happening with the director of football role and the rest of the plan moving forward?

“If Howe’s bringing in his own men then fair play to him.

“But if the likes of Gordon Strachan and John Kennedy are involved then not much will have changed – with the same old glove puppets reporting back to Dermot Desmond.”

The verdict

As Nicholas suggests, failure to to really address what’s wrong behind the scenes for the Hoops could make the Howe appointment rather meaningless.

The good news however is that, according to the Daily Record, incoming chief executive Dominic McKay may also present a new director of football this week as part of ‘a major restructuring’ – one would suspect that Howe sought assurances of this ‘dynamic change’ before he agreed to take the job.

The coming weeks should hopefully feel the like beginning of a new era at Parkhead.

In other news, a former Scottish international has issued his verdict on a potential Howe transfer target.

Express & Star reporter Luke Hatfield believes Wolverhampton Wanderers target Duje Caleta-Car would be an exciting deadline day signing if they can get the deal over the line, although Sky Sports’ Lyall Thomas has reported a move is unlikely before 11pm.

The 24-year-old Marseille defender has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League for some time and turned down a switch to West Ham United last year.

According to French media outlet RMC Sport, Wolves have become Caleta-Car’s latest suitors and have tabled a £12.85million bid. The report suggests Marseille are looking to cash in on the Croatia international, who made two appearances at Euro 2020.

The 24-year-old has yet to feature for Marseille this season and new Wolves head coach Bruno Lage, who succeeded Nuno Espirito Santo in June, could be keen to strike a deal before the transfer window slams shut tonight.

Hatfield, who admits Wolves have been linked with a number of central defenders throughout the window, believes Caleta-Car would improve Lage’s backline.

He told The Transfer Tavern: “Central defence is a position where they need to strengthen.

“Caleta-Car would be an exciting signing and it rings a little bit more true when compared to other players who have been linked to Wolves. It seems like a more reasonable link than some other names.

“He could be an interesting signing if it were to happen.”