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Manchester United cannot afford to ‘hang around’ if they want to sign Ibrahim Sangare from PSV Eindhoven, transfer insider Dean Jones has told GiveMeSport.

The lowdown

United have already strengthened their midfield this summer with the signing of Christian Eriksen, but Sangare is different in profile, typically operating as a no. 6 rather than a central or attacking midfielder.

Gary Neville has previously urged the Red Devils to sign a ‘world-class holding midfield player’, and they still haven’t addressed that area.

Ten Hag, of course, would have seen Sangare up close during his time in the Eredivisie as Ajax manager.

The 24-year-old is ostensibly committed to the club until June 2025, having signed from Toulouse in 2020.

The latest

Speaking to GMS, Jones said that United have ‘definitely’ considered making an approach for Sangare.

But he warned that he could soon be out of reach, with PSV looking to commit him to a new contract.

“PSV want him to sign a new deal, so I don’t think United can really hang around on this one, but he is definitely someone they’ve had on the radar, but I’m wondering what their intent really is given they haven’t made any moves yet,” he said.

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The verdict

If you were to pick out one match above all that drove Ten Hag’s interest in Sangare, then it would surely be the Dutch Cup Final.

PSV beat Ten Hag’s Ajax 2-1 on the day, with Sangare producing a man of the match display (according to both SofaScore and Breaking The Lines).

He provided an assist for midfield partner Erick Gutierrez, and also completed all three of his dribbles and notched seven tackles/interceptions combined. The Athletic’s Carl Anka, who covers United, said the Ivorian had had a ‘great game’ in the showpiece.

We will soon see if it was enough to persuade Ten Hag to shell out £34million.

Arsenal could still complete a couple of deals before the transfer deadline on September 1st…

What’s the word?

That’s according to Italian journalist and transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, who believes the Gunners will have a “busy” end to the summer window.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT this week, he revealed:

“It will take some time but I’m sure Arsenal will be busy in August with one or two more signings, it depends on the opportunities or outgoings, though.”

Arteta will love it

The north London giants have enjoyed a pretty successful window so far, with technical director Edu Gaspar bringing in five new signings through the door at the Emirates Stadium.

Former Manchester City duo Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko have left the Premier League champions for Mikel Arteta’s project, whilst they have also signed a backup goalkeeper in Matt Turner, another young winger in Marquinhos and an exciting creative talent in Fabio Vieira.

Last weekend, the Gunners completed their pre-season schedule with another win, meaning they remained unbeaten throughout the off-season, which is an encouraging sign heading into Friday’s Premier League opener with Crystal Palace.

And if Romano’s claim rings true, then Arteta will surely be a very happy man as it appears as if the club aren’t finished yet.

Arsenal missed out on a move for right winger Raphinha and continued to be linked to midfielders such as Youri Tielemans and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, so it’s reasonable to predict that they are on the hunt for players in these two roles.

The Gunners were pipped to Champions League qualification by arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur, so it’s easy to see why the Spanish head coach is in need of plenty of reinforcements as Spurs themselves have been on something of a spree, too.

Arteta’s side are back in the Europa League, so midweek rotation could prove key as the season rumbles on, only adding to the need for further additions.

The former City assistant will know this, which is why he will be delighted with Romano’s latest revelation and with less than a month to go, we should expect further movement at London Colney in the coming weeks.

AND in other news, Edu can seal “phenomenal” £38m signing, he’d be Arsenal’s next Thierry Henry…

Tottenham Hotspur have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of James Maddison…

What’s the word?

It’s believed that the Leicester City midfielder has been a target for manager Antonio Conte.

Transfer insider Dean Jones revealed to GIVEMESPORT last month that Spurs had “touched base over Maddison” whilst CBS Sports reporter Ben Jacobs also suggested that “Conte likes the player a lot” to the same outlet.

There were even claims that the Foxes playmaker wanted to join Tottenham after a bid came in from Newcastle United but now, both the Magpies and Spurs have been dealt a gutting transfer setback.

Despite being the only club to not announce a new signing this summer, Leicester City boss Brendan Rodgers told reporters that the England international was “not for sale.”

“We need to move players out but it’s not getting rid of everyone and certainly not our best assets. It’s something the club are very strong on,” he added.

Big blow to Conte

It’s no secret that Spurs are looking for a creative influence in midfield and Maddison was someone who fit the bill immensely.

Last season, the English maestro was in fine form as he provided the Midlands outfit with 18 goals and 12 assists from 53 matches across all competitions, as per Transfermarkt.

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Lauded as “one of the Premier League’s chief creators” by The Athletic’s Rob Tanner, Maddison could well have been the final piece of the puzzle for Conte at Hotspur Way.

The likes of Tanguy Ndombele (ten goals and nine assists from 91 games) and Giovani Lo Celso (eight goals and six assists from 84 appearances) have failed to step up to fill the void left behind by Christian Erisken.

Maddison has far exceeded the disastrous Spurs duo in the space of just one season, whereas they have struggled to deliver across a whopping three years.

The “special talent”, as hailed by The Times’ Henry Winter, was thought to be available for around £50m, according to The Times, so Conte will surely be gutted by this big transfer blow.

His attention will need to turn to another target with less than a month to go until deadline day.

AND in other news, Spurs could seal “unstoppable” 7th signing in £10m “animal” with Paratici “a huge fan”…

.Liverpool hosted their first Premier League game of the season at Anfield last night against Crystal Palace and the clash certainly didn’t disappoint in terms of twists and turns throughout the game.

The Reds picked up their second draw of the season so far, with just two points tallied up on the league table now in 12th position ahead of one of their most highly anticipated fixtures of the campaign against Manchester United at Old Trafford next Monday.

Jurgen Klopp selected a number of surprises, confirming further knocks and fitness issues to the team, as Nat Phillips started in a centre-back partnership with Virgil van Dijk while Darwin Nunez made his Anfield debut in a red shirt.

Despite having 73% possession, Liverpool only had four shots on target with 24 shots in total and that statistic translated onto the pitch with the side unable to take all three points from the game.

The game was not without controversy as Darwin Nunez saw red after delivering a head butt to Joachim Andersen in front of referee Paul Tierney who gave the 22-year-old striker his marching orders immediately. That put Liverpool down to 10 men in the 57th minute when the side were still trying to find the equaliser to match Crystal Palace.

Luckily, Luis Diaz came to the rescue just four minutes later with a stunning strike that finally found the back of the net, putting his team back into the game, but it wasn’t just the Columbian who was a stand-out in a tight game for the Merseysiders on Monday evening.

Harvey Elliott was the midfielder of choice to start in the team following Thiago Alcantara’s injury alongside Fabinho and James Milner on the right side of the three. A surprise pick, he became Klopp’s unsung hero proving he could really be the solution to Liverpool’s midfield concerns over the coming fixtures.

The young talent was hailed a “class act” by sport journalist Joseph McBride, for his performance last night and it’s not hard to see why as Elliott was integral in holding together the midfield over the course of the game.

The 19-year-old took 74 touches of the ball but only lost possession seven times. He also made two key passes, five tackles, two interceptions and completed 100% of his dribble attempts. A 90% pass completion rate over his 79-minute performance also proved just how effective he can be in both attacking and defensive play.

The Liverpool Echo were complimentary of his showing too, with reporter Ian Doyle handing him an 8/10 in his player ratings, saying: “Great energy in chasing down and blocking passes and a real danger when in possession himself. Very encouraging but tired a bit in final quarter.”

As a result of this encouraging performance from the youngster, it wouldn’t be surprising if he is seen again in the starting line-up at Old Trafford next week as Klopp attempts to navigate his team in the right direction in their upcoming fixtures to secure Liverpool their first win of the season.

With that being said, the transfer window remains open for Klopp and the powers at Anfield to take advantage of. They now need to decide whether they want to add a new midfielder or stick by their rising star.

Newcastle United have been informed that they will have to pay £30million if they want to sign Watford attacker Joao Pedro in the summer transfer window.

The Lowdown: Pedro bid

The Magpies still need to sign a new forward before deadline day ends on September 1, having only brought in Nick Pope, Sven Botman and Matt Targett to date.

There is a lack of genuine firepower behind the injury-prone Callum Wilson and that has the potential to hold Eddie Howe’s team back this season, as they look towards the top half of the Premier League and perhaps even the European places.

One player Newcastle have been linked with signing is Watford star Pedro, with a £20million move for the Brazilian reportedly submitted on Monday.

The Latest: Newcastle need £10m more

Now, a fresh update has emerged, with Football Insider claiming that Watford are demanding £30million for one of their most prized assets this summer.

He is seen as someone who could light up the Premier League for years to come, with Howe seemingly eyeing him up as a long-term acquisition.

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The Verdict: Is he worth it?

Newcastle have been relatively frugal in the transfer market this summer, only bringing in players they feel will genuinely improve them, so it will be interesting to see what happens with Pedro.

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The 20-year-old is certainly a gifted young talent who has scored 14 goals in 77 appearances for Watford, but £30million is a lot of money to spend on someone who remains relatively unproven at the top level, despite being called an ‘exciting’ player by former boss Xisco Munoz.

The decision should eventually lie with Howe, and if he believes Pedro is a player who can help transform his attack long-term, he should be trusted to acquire his services.

Claudio Ranieri has described the versatile young forward, who can also play on the wing, as ‘very dangerous’, and this is exactly the type of player Newcastle need in support of Wilson.

Sky Sports pundit Micah Richards has lauded Allan Saint-Maximin as ‘unplayable’ during Newcastle United’s clash against Manchester City this afternoon.

The lowdown: Rollercoaster affair

Despite the raucous atmosphere at St James’ Park and the confident run of form heading into the clash, the Magpies made a poor start against the Premier League champions as Ilkay Gundogan opened the scoring inside five minutes.

However, goals from Miguel Almiron and Callum Wilson turned the game on its head prior to half-time, and Kieran Trippier made it 3-1 in the 54th minute.

A rollercoaster match took its next drastic twist in a five-minute period just after the hour mark as quickfire goals from Erling Haaland and Bernardo Silva brought the teams level once more.

The latest: Saint-Maximin ‘unplayable’

Speaking at half-time during Sky Sports’ live commentary from St James’ Park on a dramatic afternoon, Richards was full of praise for the French winger’s impact on the first half turnaround.

The former Manchester City defender stated: “Saint-Maximin has been unplayable at times. Everything good for Newcastle has come down their left side.”

The verdict: Fully deserved praise

Saint-Maximin might not have been on the scoresheet today, but it’s not difficult to see why Richards was so fulsome on his praise of the 25-year-old.

He was Newcastle’s highest-rated player as per Sofascore, helping himself to two first-half assists, making four key passes, winning six duels, completing three dribbles and creating two ‘big chances’ as he proved a nightmare for Kyle Walker to handle on that flank.

The Frenchman has been questioned over his end product at times, but there could be no complaints from the Toon Army with his effect on today’s match, and against the reigning champions, of all teams.

Wolves are reportedly keeping tabs on Watford attacker Joao Pedro this summer and if he arrives at Molineux, he could prove to be a replacement for Pedro Neto.

According to 90min, Wolves are keeping tabs on the Brazilian forward, who had looked close to joining Newcastle United before the Toon agreed a deal to sign Alexander Isak from Real Sociedad, which seemingly opens the door for other Premier League sides to sign him.

The 20-year-old has already made 78 appearances for the Hornets in his career, contributing 14 goals and five assists in that time, which is an impressive return for someone so young.

Pedro is capable of playing through the middle and on the wing, so should he arrive at Molineux, he could be expected to fill the boots potentially left by Neto, with reports suggesting that Arsenal could be set to sign the former Lazio man in a deal worth £50m.

Despite spending much of last season on the sidelines through injury, Neto’s performances in the 2020/21 season, where he contributed an impressive five goals and six assists in the top-flight with an average rating of 7.11 from WhoScored, have clearly done enough to convince Arsenal that he is worth the hefty fee.

It would be a big loss for Bruno Lage to lose such a promising young attacker but Goncalo Guedes has already arrived on the wing, and the money from Neto’s sale could be put towards Pedro, with reports suggesting that Watford want around £30m for his signature.

Pedro has started the season in impressive fashion for Watford, contributing one goal in four games, averaging a strong 7.32 rating from WhoScored for his performances, which is better than anyone in Wolves’ squad, emphasising the quality he could add to Lage’s side.

New Watford boss Rob Edwards praised Pedro for his role in the Hornets’ front three after they beat Sheffield United, saying:

“It’s hard for me to talk about individuals when we had a team performance like that.

“I’d add Joao Pedro into it, because I thought he was incredible, and say that the front three were very good. Their commitment and running were at a really high level. I could see their desire and fight to help their teammates.

“When you have players who are prepared to do that from the front, then obviously you’re in a good place.

“All three of them were involved in the goal, and they pose such a threat on the attack or when we counter. They have quality, they do things at speed, they find spaces.”

Pedro looks as if he could fit seamlessly into Wolves’ attack and given his huge potential he could be a quality addition at Molineux, even if his signing means Neto ends up leaving.

West Ham United have made deadline day contact to sign Manchester United defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka, with the Red Devils already giving a reply.

The Lowdown: Hammers keeping busy…

Irons head coach David Moyes has been well and truly backed this summer, with eight major signings having already come through the door at Rush Green.

In looking to build upon their European qualification last season, the Premier League club sealed a head-turning deal recently for Brazil international Lucas Paqueta, a signal of real intent from the east Londoners.

Alongside the South American, Moyes has also seen Alphonse Areola, Nayef Aguerd, Flynn Downes, Gianluca Scamacca, Maxwel Cornet, Thilo Kehrer and Emerson Palmieri arrive at the club.

The Latest: West Ham make Wan-Bissaka contact…

According to reports, it appears that West Ham are on the case and have made contact for Wan-Bissaka of Manchester United.

The Old Trafford ace has been linked with an exit all summer, but according to talkSPORT, Erik ten Hag’s side are no longer interested in selling given their failure to sign a right-back.

As a result, they have rebuffed West Ham’s approach.

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The Verdict: Blow for Moyes?

Regardless of the criticism he has received, we believe that Wan-Bissaka could have come as a solid defensive right-back alternative to the likes of Ben Johnson and Vladimir Coufal.

According to WhoScored, the 24-year-old made more tackles per 90 (2.5) than any West Ham player over 2021/22, with only Declan Rice managing more interceptions than Wan-Bissaka’s 1.7 in that time.

It seems that he would’ve been a solid defensive asset for the Hammers, and it’s hardly a surprise that the east Londoners took an interest in the £22.5m-rated full-back.

With the 24-year-old having been called a ‘monster’ by some members of the media (Fernando Duarte) and boasting some impressive performance figures, Moyes may be disappointed to miss out on the Old Trafford defender.

Tottenham Hotspur and manager Antonio Conte have now been handed a ‘Champions League squad boost’, as shared by reporter Dan Kilpatrick.

The Lowdown: Historic night…

The Lilywhites are preparing for an historic night in Europe with Ligue 1 giants Marseille travelling to north London for a mouth-watering Group D clash.

It’s Spurs’ first appearance in Europe’s most coveted competition for over two years with their last outing having been against RB Leipzig over two Last 16 legs in 2020.

Since then, chairman Daniel Levy has parted company with two managers in Jose Mourinho and Nuno Espirito Santo with Conte now presiding over an optimistic period for the Premier League club.

The Latest: Spurs handed squad ‘boost’…

As shared by journalist Kilpatrick, Conte and Spurs have been handed a ‘squad boost’ by UEFA with the governing body changing their stance on defender Ben Davies.

The Welshman now counts as homegrown, meaning Conte will no longer have to leave out an extra overseas player in his 25-man squad for the competition.

Kilpatrick explained:

“Tottenham handed Champions League squad boost, with Ben Davies now counted as ‘homegrown’. Means Conte avoids the ‘painful’ decision Pochettino had to make in leaving out an overseas player.”

The Verdict: Great news…

Spurs had been blighted in previous seasons with Davies having been counted an overseas player, giving former bosses like Mauricio Pochettino the dilemma of having to leave out non-homegrown squad members to comply with UEFA’s quota.

Now that isn’t an issue, it’s safe to say this news comes as a real uplift for Conte, who will need every available man possible ahead of a tough and congested fixture schedule in a World Cup year.

Aston Villa have been handed a potential injury boost ahead of their Premier League meeting with Leicester City on Saturday afternoon.

What’s the latest?

That’s according to Ashley Preece’s latest report for Birmingham Live, in which the journalist claimed that, after missing Villa’s 1-1 draw with Manchester City last weekend due to illness, the 27-year-old should be available for selection for Saturday’s trip to Leicester – with Preece predicting that the Belgium international’s return date is around September 10.

Speaking ahead of the City fixture, Gerrard said of the midfielder: “Dendoncker’s got tonsillitis, he was a bit rough but he got worse last night so he was unavailable [vs Manchester City].”

Great news for Gerrard

While the argument that it is good news one of Steven Gerrard’s summer signings looks as if he will be able to make his debut for the club this weekend is a rather obvious one to make, it is nonetheless very much the case regarding Dendoncker.

Indeed, despite having secured an impressive point against Pep Guardiola’s side last weekend, in truth, Villa’s campaign so far in 2022/23 has been something of a disappointment, with the club currently sitting 17th in the league standings after taking just four points from their first six fixtures.

Solidity at the back and in the middle of the park has been one reason for this poor showing, with Gerrards’ side having already shipped 10 goals in the league this term – at a rate of 1.6 per game – while the Villans have also not been at their free-flowing best going forwards – having also found the back of the net a total of just five times so far this season.

This is something that, in theory, the addition of Dendoncker will help to improve, with FBref ranking the £25.2m-rated talent in the top 10% of midfielders in Europe’s big five leagues for blocks per 90, as well as the top 27% for aerial duels won, the top 21% for passes completed, the top 21% for non-penalty xG and the top 40% for pressures over the last 365 days.

As such, with the Belgian quite clearly being an imposing figure in the middle of the park, as well as one who is extremely capable with the ball at his feet and can get into goalscoring positions, the 27-year-old’s return to fitness would undoubtedly increase Villa’s chances of picking up a positive result at the King Power on Saturday – with three points being an absolute must for the increasingly under-fire Gerrard.