Celtic are considering a move to bring Luca Fletcher to the Scottish Premiership, according to reports.
The Lowdown: Fletcher profiled
The England youth international currently plays his football at Reading but has caught the eye of Ange Postecoglou after putting in some impressive performances for the Three Lions.
The Royals striker doesn’t turn 16 until next month but would be able to make the transition from England to the north of the border as a result of him being a UK-based prospect.
The Latest: Celtic eyeing Fletcher
According to Football Insider, Celtic are set to battle it out with Old Firm rivals Rangers to sign Fletcher, with both clubs ‘interested’ in securing his services.
The Hoops and Light Blues are reportedly ‘weighing up moves’ for the forward, who is also a target for Premier League side West Ham United.
The Parkhead outfit could land the teenager for ‘minimal cross-border compensation’, but will face stiff competition from their fellow admirers.
The Verdict: One for the future
Celtic have players like Stephen Welsh and Anthony Ralston who have broken into the first team from the academy and Fletcher could follow in their footsteps should he put pen to paper this summer.
The Select Car Leasing Stadium talent scored three goals in two games for England’s U16s back in December so is already showing his potential on the big stage.
Fletcher also offers excellent versatility with his ability to operate on both the left and right flanks alongside his natural centre-forward position, so would be an exciting signing for the future of the Bhoys.
Mark Goldbridge doesn’t want the Elliott Investment Group to be buying Manchester United.
The Lowdown: Competition is starting to emerge
It looked as though the two likely frontrunners to buy Man United were Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the Qatari group led by Sheikh Jassim, but an American hedge fund group has recently surfaced and been put through to the second phase.
Elliott Investment Management is now directly competing with the other two groups and any other interested parties that aren’t yet in the media domain to buy the Red Devils.
However, it has been reported that they are willing to do the takeover in a different way to the other two groups, as they’re willing to offer equity investment or help to rebuild and develop Old Trafford.
The Latest: Elliott Investment is not what Man United need
While speaking on The United Stand YouTube channel, Goldbridge has labelled this latest interest from the Elliott Group as a ‘nightmare situation’ for Man United fans.
He said: “It’s almost a case of the good, the bad and the ugly, here – and I’m not talking about the Glazers. I’m talking about the situation that we’re in. The Elliott Group really do concern me.
“[Journalist] Simon Stone has mentioned that they don’t want to buy Manchester United; what they’re looking for is equity investment or help to rebuild the stadium. Both of these situations are investments. We’ll talk about what that investment is, but for me, it’s a nightmare situation for Manchester United.”
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The Verdict: Could be deja vu all over again
The fact that the Elliott Group is looking to buy the club via equity investment should set alarm bells ringing for Man United fans, as that is essentially what the Glazers have been doing for the past 17 years.
Therefore, they should be pushing against this and making their voices heard about how this and any other potential hedge fund groups should not be allowed to run the Red Devils, and that it must be a straight takeover bid.
That’s exactly what the Qatari bid would offer the Glazers and Man United, as Sheikh Jassim only wants 100% control of the club and is thought to be willing to walk away from any potential deal if it can’t be done on their terms.
Having made remarkable progress under the management of Eddie Howe, Newcastle United are now looking to seal a summer swoop for Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse, who has been the shining light of his relegation-threatened outfit this term.
With Saints battling to preserve their top-flight status, bottom of the Premier League having played 25 matches, outlet Football Insider recently reported that the Magpies could be posted to raid the south coast club if they fail in their bid for survival.
This follows a previous report that divisional rivals Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur were also keen admirers of the maestro, and with such intense and increasing interest in his name, United’s technical director Dan Ashworth would be prudent to make the requisite moves in taking the lead in the race before the season’s conclusion, putting in the groundwork that could swing the odds in the pivotal moments.
Hailed as “sensational” by former Premier League forward Darren Bent, Ward-Prowse is valued at £36.5m by Football Transfers, with his contract at St. Mary’s Stadium running until 2026.
Is Ward-Prowse similar to James Maddison?
With the interest in Ward-Prowse starting to gain steam, his prospective summer arrival on Tyneside could spell the end of speculation surrounding Leicester City’s James Maddison, with rumours of a transfer to Newcastle not subsiding after the pursuit last summer.
The outfit failed with a £50m bid for the dynamic midfielder after previously seeing a £40m proposal rejected, with the Foxes demanding at least £60m for one of their most coveted assets.
Considering Maddison’s dead-ball prowess – which was hailed by England boss Gareth Southgate – bears striking similarities to Ward-Prowse’s – who has been dubbed a “set-piece master” by broadcaster Maximiliano Bretos – Howe could have a tailor-made fallback that could even surpass the impact the former might make.
Having scored an incredible 17 direct free-kicks in the Premier League, the £100k-per-week Saint is now just one behind tying Manchester United legend David Beckham in the all-time leaderboard, having recently netted the winner with a swooping effort in a crucial victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
As per Sofascore, the ace’s 7.25 average league rating this term is the highest in the Southampton squad, highlighting his importance to an outfit desperate for a leader to steer them away from danger, and if he could carry that energy to Newcastle, a team fighting for silverware and European football, such endeavours could be achieved.
With six goals and seven ‘big chances’ created from 25 matches, Ward-Prowse averages 1.2 shots and 2.1 key passes per outing, completing 83% of his passes and making 1.7 tackles per match, also winning 48% of his duels, illustrating the profound impact across each department of the midfield that indeed cements the “hero” – as lauded by writer Kaelen Jones – as one of the most robust and energetic engines in the country.
With Maddison – who has scored nine goals and created five ‘big chances’ in the league – proving to be a difficult Fox to prise away from the den, Ward-Prowse could indeed be the perfect alternative, and, if Southampton do fall into the Championship, clinching his signature could be both cost-effective and far less strenuous.
And given his talismanic role, his ability in the final third, and the set-piece ‘mastery’ of the 28-year-old, the quality of his play could be invaluably injected into Howe’s enthralling project on Tyneside instead of Maddison.
West Bromwich Albion would love to re-sign goalkeeper Sam Johnstone from Crystal Palace this summer, should they win promotion to the Premier League, according to Alan Nixon.
The Lowdown: Five points from the playoffs
Carlos Corberan’s side head into the international break outside of the Championship playoff places in ninth position. Promotion for the Baggies still seems to be a real possibility, though, with West Brom five points off sixth with a game in hand.
It looks set to be an interesting end to the season, and it appears as if the club are already looking at potential transfer targets, should they earn promotion.
The Latest: Johnstone update
West Brom News relayed an update from reliable reporter Nixon regarding Johnstone and a potential transfer. He said that the Baggies and Sheffield United have ‘their sights set’ on a move for the ‘keeper, and those at The Hawthorns would ‘love’ to bring him back.
“Sheffield United and West Brom have their sights set on Johnstone if they win promotion and have the cash to land a new number one.
“Blades will review the position in the summer if they are in the top flight while Baggies would love to have old boy Johnstone back.”
The Verdict: One to watch?
A lot needs to happen for the Baggies to stand a chance of bringing Johnstone back to The Hawthorns, who hasn’t had the best of times at Selhurst Park. He is yet to make his Premier League debut for the Eagles, with his only two appearances for the club coming in the Carabao Cup.
Johnstone, who shares the same agency as West Brom pair Dara O’Shea and Taylor Gardner-Hickman, is currently out through injury which has left Palace short of senior goalkeeping options, leading to teenager Joe Whitworth making his debut.
West Brom know all about his qualities after he made 167 appearances for the club, with former manager Sam Allardyce a fan of the ‘keeper, describing him as ‘one of the best’.
“He’s one of the best.
“I think that’s pleasing to see as he’s one of the two most important people in your team.
“The goalscorer is the first and your goalkeeper is the second. He’s right up there at the right level and he’d already saved more shots than anybody before yesterday.”
You’d like to think he still has plenty of years left in the tank at the age of 29, so, following the update, it could be one to keep an eye on over the coming months, where the Baggies will hopefully be pushing for promotion via the playoffs.
Arsenal would be willing to offer more than €50m (£44m) in order to win the race for Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund this summer, according to a recent report from CalcioMercato.
Which strikers are Arsenal targeting this summer?
The Gunners are said to have received a boost in their pursuit of Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic, with the Serie A side now preparing for life without the Serbian, potentially opening the door for a move to the Emirates Stadium.
In recent days, Mikel Arteta has also registered his interest in Red Bull Salzburg's Noah Okafor, however there may be competition for his signature, with London rivals Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United also plotting moves.
Rasmus Hojlund celebrates after the match.
Folarin Balogun is due to return from his loan spell at Reims before the start of next season, while the likes of Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah remain at the club, so Arsenal should be well-stocked in attacking areas, but that has not stopped them from eyeing additional options.
According to a report from CalcioMercato (via Sport Witness), the Gunners plan to offer more than €50m (£44m) to win the race for Hojlund, an amount that Atalanta president Antonio Percassi would be unable to refuse. However, the north London club are not the only Premier League side interested in the Dane, and Newcastle United are willing to spend the same amount, with the auction set to start as soon as the Serie A season comes to a close. The report also stipulates that the striker's price could be driven even higher, subject to his performances during the remainder of the campaign.
Would Hojlund be a good signing for Arsenal?
Since breaking into the Atalanta team this season, the Copenhagen-born marksman has gone from strength to strength, taking his tally for the season to seven in the Serie A with a goal against Empoli in the last match. Not only that, but the 20-year-old has been sensational for Denmark in the current international break, scoring five goals in two games, after which he was lauded an "absolute monster in the making" by football scout Jacek Kulig.
Judging by his goal-scoring exploits for club and country, the starlet has vast potential, and could go on to be a top Premier League player, however it is questionable whether he is really needed.
Balogun has been fantastic in Ligue 1 for Reims this term, scoring 17 goals, the joint-third highest amount of any player in the division, and he has earned his opportunity to challenge for Jesus' place in the first team next season, so perhaps the money would be better spent in other positions within the squad.
Journalist Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Thomas Zilliacus is not a favourite to take over Manchester United despite his recent bid to buy the club.
What's the latest on Thomas Zilliacus and the Man Utd takeover?
The Finnish businessman, chairman of the social media group novaM Group, entered the race to buy the Glazers asset after tabling a bid that would see him buy half of Manchester United and allow fans to buy the other half.
Of course, the likes of Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani and Sir Jim Ratcliffe have long been spoken about as possible new owners and had tabled their own bids before Zilliacus came forward.
And when talking about the situation on The United Stand, Romano refused to rule out the 69-year-old Finn completely – but claimed that he wasn't likely to succeed at this stage.
The journalist explained: "Honestly, I am not one to doubt him and his bid and this project. But at the same point, it's just a feeling because, you know, I'm not into the negotiations and so we don't know exactly what's going on.
"But the feeling of sources close to the negotiation is that the Qatari group and the INEOS group are the two big favourites. So if something will happen, these look like the two big favourites to buy Manchester United.
"Then we know that in football in general, and especially in a sales process with top clubs like Manchester United, we never know until the end. But these two groups are the two big favourites, for sure."
Who will buy Man Utd from the Glazers?
Despite the apparent doubt, Zilliacus certainly seems confident that his bid is comparable to what has been offered to the Glazer family so far.
Indeed, he recently told the Manchester Evening News: "The formal bid we have submitted is, I dare to say, on the same level and in line with the other bidders that have been discussed in public.
"We are discussing with a number of parties and if we are allowed to proceed, then we will select the ones who fit best into the framework in what we want to achieve with the club."
The article explains that Zilliacus' bid is being funded by XXI Century Capital, an investment firm owned by his holding company which comprises of investors from Europe, Asia and America.
However, it remains to be seen if the Glazers will even opt to sell to anyone, with the eldest member, Avram, said to be against a full sale of the club (via Daily Mail).
Manchester United CEO Richard Arnold has sanctioned a potential deal for Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane, according to The Daily Star.
What’s the latest transfer news on Kane and Manchester United?
The Red Devils and Erik ten Hag have made a new forward one of their transfer priorities this summer and are seemingly interested in a move for England’s all-time record goalscorer.
Reports earlier this month claimed that United have already made contact with Kane’s camp through a third party and have been encouraged by the response. They believe they will sign the 29-year-old at the end of the current campaign, should Spurs finish outside the top four in the Premier League. A further transfer update has now emerged regarding the £200,000-a-week forward and a potential move to Old Trafford.
The Daily Star’s chief sports writer Jeremy Cross stated that Ten Hag has made Kane his No.1 priority this summer and that Arnold has sanctioned a deal. The club now look set to rival Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Chelsea in a possible £80m transfer, with Ten Hag believing that the forward would turn United into genuine title contenders next season.
Should Kane move to Old Trafford?
United appear to have lacked an out-and-out world-class striker this season, with Antony Martial suffering numerous injury issues and Wout Weghorst only arriving on loan until the end of the season back in January and is yet to score in the league.
Therefore, going after a player like Kane appears to be a wise move by Ten Hag and the club, with the Spurs star guaranteeing goals in recent seasons. He has scored 17 Premier League goals or more in each of his last nine campaigns and currently stands on 204 top-flight goals in 310 appearances.
He has been heavily praised over the years as a result, with former Tottenham boss Antonio Conte recently describing him as ‘world-class’. Kane also seemingly has one eye on breaking Alan Shearer’s all-time Premier League goalscoring record, something he could continue to look to achieve at Old Trafford.
You’d expect that he would be guaranteed chances in Ten Hag’s side as well, especially with Bruno Fernandes in behind, with the Portuguese playmaker creating 71 chances so far this season. Kane has also had more shots on target than any other Premier League player during the current campaign, scoring 21 times, so it’s easy to see why Ten Hag thinks he could take United to the next level.
Arsenal have Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin "on their radar" for a summer transfer swoop, according to journalist Pete O'Rourke.
Will Dominic Calvert-Lewin leave Everton?
During the January transfer window, it was reported that Newcastle United were interested in signing Calvert-Lewin, and it was made clear they would be happy to wait until the summer, if a deal could not be struck any sooner.
The striker has been on Arsenal's radar for quite some time now, with it being reported he was a target back in June 2021, at which point he would have been a replacement for Alexandre Lacazette, but a deal did not transpire.
Last summer, Football Insider claimed the forward had told his friends that he wanted to move to the Emirates Stadium, rather than moving to Newcastle, and it would be a surprise if this stance had changed, considering the Gunners are currently top of the table.
In an interview with GiveMeSport, O'Rourke raved about the 26-year-old's various qualities, while also confirming that Mikel Arteta has now been considering a move for a while.
The journalist said: "They do like Dominic Calvert-Lewin, he has been on their radar for a while.
"Maybe not at the top of their list over the last couple of seasons due to Calvert-Lewin's injury problems, but on his day we know what a handful he can be.
"He's got everything a modern striker needs and Arsenal are maybe considering bringing in a more physical number nine for next season.
"Obviously that would tick the boxes for cover because he can be that physical striker, very dominant in the air and could play up front on his own on occasion.”
Should Arsenal sign Dominic Calvert-Lewin?
It is impossible to mention Calvert-Lewin without discussing his very concerning injury record, having missed 48 games for Everton since emerging as a first-team player, and those off-field issues may have had a knock-on effect.
Everton's Dominic Calvert-Lewin
In 11 Premier League games this season, the £100k-p/w marksman has flattered to deceive, scoring on just one occasion, and averaging just a 6.59 match rating from Sofascore, among the worst-performing players in the squad.
With Gabriel Jesus managing to hit the ground running since returning from injury, scoring three goals in his last three league games, there is no pressing need for Arsenal to bring in a new striker, and there are not currently any signs that the Everton ace would be an upgrade on the current options available to Arteta.
Wrexham have enjoyed an unbelievable campaign under the stewardship of Phil Parkinson.
The Red Dragons have lost just three times in the National League are now only one win away from securing promotion to the Football League for the first time in over a decade.
They have played a part in the biggest game in the division's history, a 3-2 win over Notts County, and now they have also broken the record for the highest number of points (107) amassed at this level of the game in a single season.
Many will frown upon their achievements for the money spent along the way, but it's hard not to be amazed by what's happening in the Welsh town.
Since Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney took on ownership of the club just over two years ago, Wrexham have gone from strength to strength and a spot in League 2 would be the icing on the cake.
Few would bet against back to back promotions given their financial muscle, but will the likes of top-scorer Paul Mullin and Ben Foster still be there?
Mullin is likely to play a part but Foster's future at The Racecourse Ground is less then certain, with the veteran goalkeeper having initially signed just a six-week deal with the club.
What did Ben Foster ask for in his Wrexham contract?
Whether or not the 40-year-old decides to stick around for one last go at it next year remains to be seen, but it's hard to argue against the fact that he's been a wonderful signing.
After all, it was his moment of magic late in that game against Notts County that may well have proven key in the title race.
Ben Foster filming a YouTube video at Wrexham.
Deep into injury time, the visitors were given a spot kick but Foster was on hand to make a remarkable save to his right-hand side in order to keep Wrexham ahead.
Parkinson's men are now likely to achieve promotion and they will owe a great deal of gratitude to the footballer turned YouTuber for stepping in and helping the club amid a season ending injury to first choice stopper Rob Lainton.
It doesn't appear as though the affectionately known Fozzy is earning much either, having revealed exactly what he asked for during his contract negotiations. Foster was speaking in the video below about how the deal came about.
Indeed, the 'keeper was quoted as saying:
"When it gets to the point of negotiating a contract. Obviously, you’ve got to expect that being non-league, it’s not going to be anywhere near Premier League money or anything like that.
“To be honest, I don’t really need much anyway so the negotiations honestly took about five minutes. It was the easiest conversation in the world.
“With regards to wages and kind of stuff. It’s a short-term deal, a six-week deal. Wages wise it’s literally peanuts. I said I don’t want much.
“Like pay for my travel, pay for when I need to stay in a hotel. That’s all I really want from it. The part of it for me is to try and help the team, get them over the line, get promoted.”
It appears as though Foster has well and truly lived up that final line after playing just a matter of games at the non-league side.
Time will tell whether this stint back in the game will be a mere six week swansong, but he's certainly proven he can still perform at an extremely high level.
Manchester City still have seven matches remaining in the Premier League as they look for a third title in a row, but how will they get on between now and the final weekend?
Pep Guardiola’s side are still on course for a treble and appear to be hitting top form at the perfect time. City have now won their last seven top-flight fixtures, with the 4-1 victory over title rivals Arsenal on Wednesday evening potentially proving pivotal come the end of May.
Two goals from Kevin De Bruyne and one each from John Stones and Erling Haaland secured three crucial points at the Etihad, with the title now in City’s hands. However, they still need to navigate seven more league fixtures to lift a fifth Premier League title in six years.
Here are Manchester City’s seven remaining fixtures – we've predicted how we think they will get on below…
Man City fixtures 30 April: Fulham (a) 3 May: West Ham (h) 6 May: Leeds (h) 14 May: Everton (a) 21 May: Chelsea (h) 24 May: Brighton (a) 28 May: Brentford (a) Fulham v Man City
Fulham manager Marco Silva
Next up in the Premier League is a trip to Craven Cottage on Sunday to take on Fulham. Marco Silva’s side have enjoyed a successful first season back in the top flight and currently sit in the top half.
However, Fulham will once again be without top scorer Aleksandar Mitrovic due to suspension, something which Guardiola and City could view as a major positive, with the Serbian netting 11 times in 21 league games.
The west London side have lost three of their last five, so Guardiola will be hoping for a more comfortable afternoon than the reverse fixture, which needed a Haaland penalty in stoppage time to secure a 2-1 win.
Prediction: Fulham 1-3 Man City
Man City v West Ham
West Ham United managerDavidMoyes
Next on the agenda days later is a home meeting against West Ham, with David Moyes’ side looking to ensure survival by hitting the 40-point mark before the end of the season.
The Hammers have improved in recent weeks as well, taking points off Arsenal, enjoying away wins over Fulham and Bournemouth and running Liverpool close last time out.
They are also enjoying a European run of their own after reaching the semi-finals of the Europa Conference League, so it may not be a straightforward evening. However, we feel that City should have enough to pick up three more points, taking another step closer to their end goal.
Prediction: Man City 2-0 West Ham
Man City v Leeds
Leeds bossJavi Gracia
Another Etihad meeting against a relegation-threatened side follows days later, with Leeds United making the trip across the Pennines. The Whites have conceded a whopping 19 goals in April and begin the final month of the campaign with a trip to City who hit them for seven last year.
No side has conceded more goals in the Premier League than Leeds, so it could be an exciting afternoon for Guardiola’s side prior to the first leg of their Champions League semi-final with Real Madrid.
Prediction: Man City 5-0 Leeds
Everton v Man City
Premier League, Everton news, Everton latest news, Everton update, Everton academy, Everton U21s, Everton U18s, Sean Dyche, Sean McAllister, Goodison Park, Toffees
Everton are another side who are looking to avoid relegation, so will have plenty to play for when City arrive at Goodison Park.
The Toffees actually took a point off City in the reverse fixture back in December and ran Guardiola’s side close last season, showing they have what it takes to cause problems despite their league position.
You could argue that Rodri was lucky not to give away a penalty late on in the 1-0 win over 12 months ago, so it won’t be a straightforward fixture. This fixture is also in between the two clashes with Real Madrid, so a number of changes could be made, which may lead to a few points being dropped.
Prediction: Everton 1-1 Man City
Man City v Chelsea
Chelsea managerFrankLampard
City have actually won the last five meetings in all competitions against Chelsea without conceding, with the Blues’ last victory actually coming in the Champions League final back in 2021.
Under the interim management of Frank Lampard, Chelsea have struggled massively this season and should have nothing to play for when they arrive at the Etihad.
City at this point may have the Premier League title in touching distance, so it could be another routine victory against the Blues in wat is their final home fixture of the season.
Brighton could have been City’s opponents in the FA Cup final, but the two will meet next month at the Amex. The Seagulls have enjoyed a brilliant season and could have a chance of European football in what will be both sides' penultimate Premier League fixture.
The reverse meeting ended 3-1 to City back in October, and another close encounter could be on the cards, although City’s ability to get over the line could see them edge this one.
Prediction: Brighton 1-2 Man City
Brentford v Man City
Brentford striker Ivan Toney.
The final weekend sees Guardiola and his team travel to another impressive side in Brentford, and City will be hoping that the title is already wrapped up before taking on Thomas Frank’s side.
However, if it isn’t, City will be desperate to avenge the 2-1 defeat from the Bees earlier in the season and secure the title, in what would possibly be the first of three trophies.
It looks set to be an extremely busy few weeks, but with the title in City’s hands, we feel as if they will do enough to come out on top.
Prediction: Brentford 0-2 Man City
Predicted run-in points: 19/21 Predicted total points: 92