Newcastle United are close to completing a move for Kilmarnock centre-back Charlie McArthur, according to Daily Telegraph reporter Mike McGrath. 

The lowdown: Prodigious talent

Captain of Scotland at the Under 17 level, McArthur has already made great strides in a fledgeling career to date north of the border.

The exciting young defender made a senior bow for Kilmarnock last season and ended the campaign with four first-team outings under his belt.

Now, slightly over a month on from his 17th birthday, it appears as though the Magpies are nearing a swoop for the talented teenager…

The latest: McGrath on McArthur

Taking to Twitter, reputable journalist McGrath has claimed that Newcastle are set to land the 10-cap Scotland youth starlet.

He stated: “Newcastle are close to completing deal for Kilmarnock centre-back Charlie McArthur. Scotland youth international seen as huge prospect but sources at his club say it is difficult to stand in way when youngster is targeted by a Premier League club.”

The verdict: Snap him up

Described as a ‘dream to work with’ by then Kilmarnock boss Tommy Wright following a senior debut in the 3-1 win over Queen’s Park last term, McArthur can also operate as a left-back and would therefore provide all-important versatility to the Toon ranks further down the line.

Unperturbed by the lack of senior-level exposure, albeit perhaps too soon for McArthur to make an immediate impact on Eddie Howe’s plans, positioning such talented youngsters in situ at St James’ Park is a hugely promising sign as the era under PIF begins to take shape.

Should this move now be completed as expected, intentions will no doubt turn to bolster the first-team ranks as reports continue to index Newcastle with a move for Lille ace Sven Botman and Reims’ frontman Hugo Ekitike.

In the meantime, however, this is a deal that shows the long-term intentions of the ownership group as well as potentially an eye from newly appointed Sporting Director Dan Ashworth as to his vision for the Magpies moving forwards.

In other news, this maestro is willing to bide his time in order to seal a Newcastle move

Manchester City have been linked with a summer move for Atletico Madrid attacker Joao Felix.

What’s the news?

Portuguese football journalist Bruno Andrade has shed some light on the matter in a recent tweet, stating: “[Erling] Haaland may not be the only strong reinforcement: Pep Guardiola wants Joao Felix at Manchester City. Trading, however, essentially depends on the departures of Gabriel Jesus and [Raheem] Sterling. It’s about opening up space in attack and, above all, balancing financial fair play.”

After scoring 20 goals in 43 senior appearances for Benfica, Felix joined Atletico in 2019 in a deal worth a reported £113m. Since then, the 22-year-old has found the net 29 times and delivered 15 assists in 110 appearances for the Spanish club across all competitions.

Praised by his manager Diego Simeone for a “complete” performance against RB Salzburg in October 2020, the Atletico star has shown he has what it takes to play for a top club. His latest La Liga campaign saw the former Benfica starlet score eight goals and supply four assists in 23 games.

Imagine him and Haaland

While the £63m-rated forward may not have shown that he has what it takes to be a talisman for a top club in Europe just yet, he can still be considered a more than useful attacking figure. This could duly make him a solid prospective signing for City if he’s able to play next to or around Haaland.

With 83 goals in 87 appearances for Borussia Dortmund and 29 in just 27 games for Salzburg, the Norwegian has already shown by the age of 21 just how natural he is when it comes to finding the net.

Taking into account how Felix has played in every attacking position at times throughout his career, his versatility could make it easier for Guardiola to fit him into the team alongside Haaland, should the Portuguese gem make a move to the Etihad Stadium this summer.

If Atletico are willing to negotiate a deal for their attacker this summer, City should definitely test the waters to find out what it would take to get him to make a move to Manchester and potentially form a scary attacking partnership with Haaland.

In other news – Terms agreed: City now closing in on “refreshing” £30m signing, Pep will be buzzing

West Ham United are believed to be still in the running to sign Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse as David Moyes continues his summer transfer business.

What’s the word?

According to Sky Sports, the Hammers are said to be ‘in the market’ for a new midfielder and remain interested in the 27-year-old, albeit with an acceptance that a deal could be ‘difficult’ to pull off.

The Saints’ academy graduate only signed a new five-year deal with his current club last August and is an England international, with it likely to take a sizeable fee for the east Londoners to be able to prise him from a fellow Premier League club.

Previous reports have suggested that the figure could be as high as £75m – which would be a record deal for the London Stadium outfit – although Moyes is said to be a ‘big fan’ of the 11-cap sensation.

Bye-Bye Soucek

This hunt for a new midfield addition comes amid rampant speculation regarding the future of current first-team regular Tomas Soucek, with the Czech Republic international having been heavily linked with a move to Aston Villa in the current window.

The 27-year-old has scored 18 goals and provided two assists in 86 Premier League games since joining West Ham from Slavia Prague (initially on loan) in January 2020. However, despite that vital contribution, it has been reported that the £15m ace could be allowed to leave this summer.

While Ward-Prowse would be unable to replace the 6 foot 4 giant’s physical midfield dominance – with Soucek ranking in the top 2% for aerial duels won among those in his position across Europe’s top five leagues – the Englishman would provide a greater threat in an attacking sense.

The set piece wizard – who Pep Guardiola described as the “best free-kick taker” he has ever seen earlier this year – provided ten goals and five assists in the league in the 2021/22 campaign alone, with his total top-flight tally now standing at 40 goals and 34 assists in 305 games for the St Mary’s outfit.

The £100k-per-week “baller” – as described by Lianne Sanderson – has netted 14 of those from free-kicks, with only Manchester United icon David Beckham having a better record (18) in Premier League history.

West Ham supporters can only imagine the carnage that the £28.8m-rated ace could cause with his lethal set piece skill, with the likes of Craig Dawson and Kurt Zouma set to thrive on his wicked delivery into the attacking penalty area.

A sheer master of his craft, the “unbelievable” playmaker – as described by team-mate Oriol Romeu – would also help to bolster a midfield which has been depleted by the recent retirement of long-serving captain Mark Noble. Ward-Prowse is potentially the man to fill the penalty-taking void left by the Irons legend, having scored 11 spot kicks in his top-flight career thus far.

An all-round asset, the Portsmouth native’s arrival at the London Stadium would not only help to soften the blow of Soucek’s possible departure, it could also provide an extra attacking threat to Moyes’ team.

AND in other news, Moyes plotting move for “special” £45m “baller”, he’d be a “superstar” for West Ham

West Ham United have not stopped pursuing players after securing a deal to sign Morocco international defender Nayef Aguerd, as news emerges on Premier League playmaker Christian Eriksen.

The Lowdown: Moyes sets his sights…

The Hammers could be set for one of their more eventful summer transfer windows over the last few years.

It is reliably believed that manager David Moyes and head of recruitment Rob Newman could be ‘very busy’ and want ‘at least’ six new signings before the start of 2022/23 (Sky Sports).

West Ham narrowly missed out on a place in the Europa League, losing out to Manchester United on the final day of last season, with the east Londoners seemingly determined to realise their potential this time round.

The Latest: West Ham make Eriksen ‘offer’…

According to The Daily Mail, in-demand potential free agent Eriksen now has an ‘offer’ from West Ham – but they aren’t the only outfit pursuing the 30-year-old.

Indeed, Man United, Everton, Leicester, Ajax and his current club Brentford are said to have also approached the Dane as Moyes faces a stiff battle for his services.

The Verdict: Keep pushing…

As per WhoScored, it’s evident that Eriksen can still be a huge asset for any top-flight club, especially as he finished 2021/22 as Brentford’s best-performing player by average match rating.

He also made more key passes per 90 than anyone else in Thomas Frank’s squad, and it’s hardly a surprise that the ‘big name’ player – as described by The Guardian’s Chris Godfrey – is in high demand.

Even though Irons legend Paolo Di Canio claimed that the 30-year-old is ‘like Hazard’ for the wrong reasons during Eriksen’s time at Inter, namely for being ‘silent’ and ineffective during that period (Sky Sports Italia, via Daily Mail), it’s clear to see that the former Spurs star has since turned a corner and may well upgrade West Ham’s options in and around the final third.

According to journalist Jacques Talbot, some promising Manchester City transfer news has come to light involving Sporting Lisbon star Matheus Nunes.

The Lowdown: Sky Blue summer of change?

After sealing their fourth domestic crown in five seasons on an unbelievable final-day triumph last season, the Premier League champions could be set for a sweeping summer of change at the Etihad Stadium.

As manager Pep Guardiola reportedly sets his sights on Leeds United star Kalvin Phillips and Brighton sensation Marc Cucurella, it is believed that a plethora of first-team exits may be possible.

Raheem Sterling, Gabriel Jesus, Ilkay Gundogan, Riyad Mahrez, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Nathan Ake have all been mentioned as potential departures, with Barcelona also eyeing a move for superstar Bernardo Silva.

Depending on developments, City’s sporting director Txiki Begiristain may well need to keep tabs on more potential signings.

While Phillips and Cucurella are believed to be the club’s main targets, Talbot has now shared some news involving Portuguese top-flight revelation Nunes.

The Latest: Man City firmly in Nunes transfer race…

According to the reporter on Twitter, City are firmly in the race to sign the Sporting star and are showing the ‘most interest’ alongside Wolves, even if the in-demand Nunes has ‘ten clubs’ after him.

Talbot added that a bid of €45m (£39m) would be enough to secure a deal for the Sky Blues.

He explained: “Exc: Understand Man City are keen on Sporting CP star Matheus Nunes. The centre-midfielder has about ten clubs looking at him – including PSG – but looks like it will be a Premier League move this window. Told an offer of €45m should do it.”

The Verdict: Get it done?

As per WhoScored, the dazzling 23-year-old finished 2021/22 as one of Sporting’s top five performers by average match rating, having completed more successful take-ons per 90 minutes (2.5) than any of his team-mates.

Still very young and with a glowing reputation judging by the sheer scale of transfer interest, Nunes moving to City for just £39m would appear to be a very shrewd move, with Guardiola himself even once calling him one of the best players in world football currently.

Journalist Patrick Berger has now revealed who Newcastle United’s ‘top target’ is after Sven Botman.

The Lowdown: Botman deal agreed

It has been reported that a deal has now been agreed for Botman to move to St. James’ Park from Lille, making him their third summer signing after Matt Targett and Nick Pope, assuming he agrees personal terms.

With a central defender, left-back and goalkeeper already signed, the North East club can now focus on strengthening in other areas of the pitch ahead of the new season.

The Latest: Diaby the ‘top target’

Taking to Twitter, Berger of SPORT1 has revealed that Diaby is now the ‘top target’ for the Tynesiders after Botman, although he has ‘no intention’ of moving to the Magpies:

“Moussa Diaby is the top target for Newcastle United. NUFC set to pay €35-40m for the Frenchman. Leverkusen demanding way more then €60m. I am told player is open for a move but has no intention to go to Newcastle. The winger is also on the list of Paris Saint-Germain.”

The Verdict: Shame

It is a shame that Diaby does not seem to want to move to the Toon, despite them registering their interest.

In a similar mould to Allan Saint-Maximin, the French winger has been praised by German media for his ‘amazing’ dribbling, ‘irresistible’ pace and ‘astonishing’ speed of thought, and he was even called ‘unstoppable’ after scoring one goal and setting up another in a 4-0 thrashing of Borussia Monchengladbach last season (Bundesliga).

Diaby scored no fewer than 17 goals and supplied a further 14 assists in total over all competitions last term (Transfermarkt), and would give Eddie Howe’s team another dimension in attack, should they be able to persuade him to join.

Nottingham Forest are reportedly ‘in contact’ to sign Bayern Munich youngster Omar Richards, according to reputable reporter Florian Plettenberg. 

The lowdown: Mercurial talent

Signed by the Bundesliga giants from Reading on a free transfer in 2021 (BBC), Richards had made great strides in domestic football prior to heading to Germany.

The 24-year-old left-back made 104 appearances for the Berkshire outfit and was an England Under-21 international before earning a gigantic switch to a European superpower.

Now it appears as though London-born Richards could be about to return to England and Forest have initiated the potential move…

The latest: ‘In contact…’

Taking to Twitter, Sky Sports reporter Plettenberg has claimed that Nottingham Forest have made steps towards signing Richards this summer.

He stated: “X News Omar #Richards: Nottingham is working hard on a transfer! Both clubs are in contact. Bayern is keen to let him go. Transfer fee probably around €10-12m. But: No total agreement so far and the player has to say YES first. Further talks are planned. #NFFC @SkySportDE”

The verdict: Do the deal

Valued at £6.3m and under contract in Germany until 2025 (Transfermarkt), signing Richards for the mooted fee would be a superb piece of business from the City Ground hierarchy.

Predominantly operating as a conventional left-back, the Englishman – who was hailed as an ‘interesting talent’ by football writer Sam Jones – can also play in more advanced positions and would therefore be ideally suited to operate in Steve Cooper’s system which relies heavily on the impact of wing-backs in attacking situations.

Despite being on the periphery of the squad in Munich for the most part playing second fiddle to the supremely talented Alphonso Davies, Richards still managed 17 appearances across all competitions last season, and has gained invaluable experience at the top level including UEFA Champions League action.

Sharing closely matched stylistic traits with Brighton star Marc Cucurella, Barcelona sensation Sergino Dest and Bayern teammate Davies (Fbref), the Reds would be landing a prodigious talent at a relatively low fee should this deal come to fruition.

Journalist Ryan Taylor has suggested that Tottenham Hotspur would rather sign Leeds United winger Raphinha over Everton star Richarlison this summer. 

The lowdown: Brazilian interest

Spurs have been heavily linked with both Raphinha and Richarlison in recent weeks as Antonio Conte attempts to build a squad to cope with the rigours of the upcoming campaign, along with the addition of Champions League football to the schedule.

The duo are hot property in the transfer window, with the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea, Barcelona and Arsenal all attentive to either or both of the Brazil internationals’ situations.

Despite the need for added depth at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, a sensational swoop for both players seems unlikely, and one onlooker has run the rule over the possible priority for Fabio Paratici…

The latest: Raphinha the chosen one

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Taylor has claimed that Tottenham would be best served to sign 25-year-old Raphinha over his compatriot of the same age.

The Daily Express journalist said: “I think Spurs are edging slightly more towards Raphinha at the moment.

“I think if you look at Richarlison’s profile, my personal view is he’s mainly better centrally and if you look at Tottenham’s side, he won’t have many opportunities through the middle. Outside of that, he sometimes plays off the left, and Son plays there as well.”

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The verdict: Nothing to split them

Since arriving in the Premier League from Ligue 1 club Rennes in 2020, Raphinha – who was described as being a ‘nightmare’ for defenders by Alan Hutton due to his versatility – has been nothing short of a revelation for Leeds, scoring 17 times and providing 11 assists in 66 outings for a newly-promoted team one year before battling relegation the next.

Despite being able to operate on both wings, the nine-cap Brazil international has mainly been utilised as a right winger during his time in England and would likely provide competition for Dejan Kulusevski, who himself has been in inspirational form since moving to the Lilywhites on loan from Juventus. The Swede netted five goals and supplied eight assists since his mid-season move to north London in January.

Meanwhile, Richarlison backed up two consecutive 13-goal English top-flight campaigns with 10 goals in 2021/22 to help save Everton from the drop and has also shown a willingness to play in different roles during his rise to prominence at the elite level.

Ultimately, both men have proven to be worthy of a big-money move this summer from their current clubs, and the Tottenham squad would benefit from having either added to the ranks.

Nottingham Forest are looking to improve their squad ahead of their long-awaited return to the Premier League next season, and now a new potential transfer target has been named by a reliable source.

What’s the latest?

According to Italian journalist and transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Forest are now interested in signing Crysencio Summerville this summer.

Romano tweeted: “Nottingham Forest and AZ Alkmaar are interested in Crysencio Summerville with many clubs exploring this possibility, but Leeds are busy trying to keep the player at Elland Road by extending his contract.”

“Negotiations ongoing to decide his future as soon as possible.”

Supporters will be excited

There is no doubt that supporters will be excited at the prospect of a potential new signing, especially a move for a youngster who can not only offer longevity for the future of the team but Premier League experience too.

Summerville was hailed a “raw talent” by Chris Powell who give a glittering assessment of the young Leeds United winger in an interview with The Yorkshire Post;

“You could see the raw talent he had.

“He’s only tiny, he’s like five foot nothing but he’s got wonderful balance.

“One v one is his strength, against players. He’s quite a free spirit out on the wing, in a good way. He’ll excite you, he’s a bag of tricks, there’s some talent there.”

The 20-year-old made his Premier League debut for Leeds last season under Marcelo Bielsa in a draw with Newcastle United, and tallied up six appearances in the league but is yet to make it into a starting line-up, nevertheless, Summerville certainly gave a glimpse of his talents in his limited game-time for the Yorkshire club.

The Dutchman was successful in completing the majority of his dribbles (57%) and won the majority of his ground duels (59%), as well as successfully delivering 100% of his long balls despite averaging 22 minutes per game, and now Steve Cooper could give the player his next step in his development by offering more game-time at The City Ground.

Summerville also made 12 appearances in the Premier League 2 last season where he scored an impressive six goals and delivered one assist, with a goal contribution every 103 minutes.

Ultimately, Summerville is a rough diamond that could be polished up by the Forest boss and could follow in the footsteps of Brennan Johnson – who is the perfect example of a young player that has thrived in Cooper’s forward line over the last 12 months.

AND in other news: “Deal will..”: Sky Sports journo drops major NFFC transfer news that’ll excite Cooper

Scottish football journalist Anthony Joseph has revealed that Celtic are now ‘in contact’ over the possibility of signing Jordan Larsson on a free transfer.

The Lowdown: Out of contract

The 25-year-old is currently a free agent, having had his contract at Russian club Spartak Moscow terminated due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The Sweden international is the son of Hoops legend Henrik Larsson, and he could potentially now follow in the footsteps of his father by signing for Ange Postecoglou’s side this summer.

The Latest: Celtic ‘in contact’ over Larsson

Taking to Twitter, Joseph has revealed that Celtic have been ‘in contact’ with Larsson’s representatives over a potential move, although there is ‘plenty of interest’ in the striker.

The Sky Sports reporter tweeted: “The reps of striker Jordan Larsson have been in contact with a number of clubs across Europe, including Celtic & Nottingham Forest. He’s a free agent after his contract was terminated at Spartak Moscow. Understood to be plenty of interest from EPL, Bundesliga & Serie A clubs.”

The Verdict: No-brainer

To sign Larsson without paying a penny is surely a no-brainer for the Bhoys.

Dubbed a ‘great talent’ by his father’s former Sweden team-mate Marcus Allback, the 25-year-old managed 27 goals and nine assists in 83 games in total over all competitions for Spartak across the last three seasons (Transfermarkt).

He is capable of playing anywhere across the front line and can even drop deeper into midfield (Transfermarkt), so he would offer Postecoglou that extra versatility which could be so useful throughout the campaign.

Nonetheless, with so much competition for his signature, this is a deal that the Premiership champions need to get wrapped up as soon as they can.