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Celtic appear to be edging closer to a move for Gangwon FC forward Yang Hyun-jun, with the situation “gradually being resolved”.

Are Celtic signing Yang Hyun-jun?

The Hoops and Brendan Rodgers have acted swiftly in the transfer market following the Northern Irishman’s return as manager at Parkhead, with midfielder Odin Thiago Holm and winger Marco Tilio joining from Valerenga and Melbourne City receptively on five-year deals.

Rodgers reportedly has a £30m transfer kitty to play with this summer, and that figure may have been boosted, with star man Jota since signing for Saudi Pro League champions Al-Ittihad in a deal worth £25m.

As a result, Celtic appear to be on the hunt for another wide forward, with Yang a player they have been heavily linked with. Reports suggested that a £2.1m fee had been agreed between the two clubs, however, as we know, a move is yet to materialise.

Yang has been keen to make the move to Scotland and even previously admitted he would give up his salary to force through a deal with the Scottish Premiership champions.

"Celtic is a good offer, so I want to go. I have to do my best as a member of Gangwon. But I think the desire to go will still be there.

"I want to go to Celtic this summer. I hope Gangwon will allow me to transfer. If the transfer fee isn’t enough, I’ll even give my salary."

The Daily Record shared an update on Celtic and Yang in the last 48 hours, saying that a dream Hoops transfer for the forward is still on. They believe a £2.1m deal is still being floated and shared more comments from the player himself, who said that “situation is gradually being resolved”, with Gangwon re-evaluating Yang’s value following a meeting.

"The stagnant situation is gradually being resolved.

"The club have re-evaluated the value through CEO Kim Byung-ji during the one-on-one meeting. Still, there seems to be some progress. I think I hurt the fans too much. I want to make the fans smile and go to Celtic."

Who is Yang Hyun-jun?

Yang is valued at a career-high €700,000 by Transfermarkt and has made 71 senior appearances for his current employers, scoring nine times and registering five assists in all competitions.

The South Korea U23 international has previously been labelled as Gangwon's up-and-coming star who is unpredictable and eye-catching by K League United columnist Nathan Sartain, so could be a shrewd addition to come in and attempt to fill the void left by Jota.

Primarily a right-winger who can also play on the left or through the middle, the 21-year-old was hailed as “excellent” and a “level above” in the media following a pre-season performance against Tottenham last year.

By the looks of things, he could be the next attacking Asian player to move to Parkhead, following in the footsteps of the likes of Kyogo Furuhashi, Daizen Maeda and Oh Hyeon-gyu, and it appears as if a deal in the region of £2.1m could be edging closer following the player’s recent comments.

Newcastle United massively overachieved this season. Despite their monstrous new investment under a different regime, the club is still miles ahead of its projected trajectory.

With this has come the dreamy, and previously unreachable Champions League qualification, which means that Eddie Howe must accelerate his attempts to add sufficient depth to his squad to make it capable of challenging on multiple fronts.

The Magpies have already kickstarted this process with the sensational signing of Sandro Tonali for a whopping £55m and due to their excessive budget they find themselves linked to a flurry of different players.

One of the most high-profile sees Harvey Barnes touted with a move to St James Park, but with Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur also keenly tracking the Leicester City man, it could become a complicated deal.

Therefore, a cheaper and more attainable alternative is available in the form of Jesper Lindstrom.

What’s the latest on Jesper Lindstrom to Newcastle?

According to FootballTransfers, the 23-year-old is keen on a move to Newcastle.

Lindstrom is intent on playing Champions League football next season and is willing to push for a move out of Germany to achieve this, despite generally being happy at Eintracht Frankfurt.

This outlet believes this decision was accelerated by the 2022 Europa League winners' dismal end to the last campaign as they recorded just two wins from their final 13 Bundesliga games as Oliver Glasner was fired in May.

The Austrian was reportedly a mentor to Lindstrom and this has prompted the player to search for a new challenge at a higher level.

It was previously revealed that he could leave the club for around £26m.

Why do Newcastle want Jesper Lindstrom?

The attacking midfielder has been at Frankfurt since 2021 and has made 77 appearances in all competitions, recording 27 goal involvements. He was a pivotal figure in the club’s sensational run to Europa League, providing four assists and playing for 70 minutes in the final, as they secured a penalty shoot-out victory over Rangers.

Domestically, the ten-cap international has also shown himself to be a formidable asset as he was named the Bundesliga Rookie Award last year, as he registered ten goal contributions in the division.

The Dane carried this form into the last campaign, raising his goal and assist tally to 11. He is a player who is constantly improving, and his statistics are similar to that of Harvey Barnes, who will supposedly cost almost double his price at £50m.

Lindstrom is closely ranked to the Englishman in a number of metrics including: goals per shot (0.16 vs 0.13), shot-creating actions per 90 (2.94 vs 3.30), and % of shots on target (42.2 vs 43.4).

Furthermore, although Barnes is an impressive goalscorer, he still has much to improve on regarding build-up play, residing within the lowest 23% in Europe’s top five leagues among his positional peers for passes attempted per 90, pass completion, and progressive passes per 90.

Although a lesser-known name, Lindstrom is described as a “huge talent” and could emerge as an extremely smart acquisition if Howe opts for this route.

Manchester United are believed to be continuing their bid to sign Atalanta starlet, Rasmus Hojlund, with the Red Devils stepping up their search for a new number nine.

What is the latest on Hojlund to Man United?

According to Sky Sports journalist, Dharmesh Sheth, the Old Trafford outfit are currently in negotiations with regard to the signing of the 20-year-old, with Erik ten Hag and co also hoping to seal a deal for Inter Milan goalkeeper, Andre Onana.

Writing on Twitter regarding those two possible arrivals from Italy, the transfer insider revealed: "Manchester United bid worth €45m now in for Inter Milan keeper Andre Onana as per @lauriewhitwell.

"Gap in valuation exists – but feeling is it can be closed. United still looking at alternatives. Talks continue with Atalanta over striker Rasmus Hojlund."

As per 90min, the Serie A side could well demand as much as €80m (£69m) if they are to part ways with the Danish marksman, albeit with United currently unwilling to go beyond €60m (£51m).

How many goals has Rasmus Hojlund scored?

For all the talk regarding the youngster's "incredible maturity" and the fact that he is believed to be "similar to [Erling] Haaland" – according to his former boss Christian Ilzer – the one-time Sturm Graz man is still an incredibly raw and relatively unproven talent, having scored just nine league goals for Atalanta last term.

For the Bergamo-based side to be demanding such a hefty fee despite that relatively uninspiring goal tally is rather ludicrous, with there seemingly similarities to be made between United's previous, costly capture of Amad Diallo from the Serie A side.

The promising Ivorian was just 18 when he was signed on a £37m deal by United back in January 2021, with that sizeable price tag coming despite the fact that the teenager had made only five first-team appearances for his former employers.

While there are hopes that the winger can finally make his mark at Old Trafford next season – after scoring 14 goals on loan at Sunderland last time out – Amad has thus far been on the periphery at his parent club, having been restricted to just nine first-team appearances for the Red Devils since arriving in England two-and-a-half years ago.

At present, it does look as if United may have overpaid for a player who has had little impact at the Theatre of Dreams thus far, with it yet to be seen if the diminutive wide man will come good over the coming years.

With Ten Hag in desperate need of a striker who can come in and make an immediate impact – with Anthony Martial currently the only senior centre-forward at the club – the Dutchman can ill-afford a repeat of the Amad tale, hence the potential reservations over bringing in Hojlund to be the club's number nine solution.

Of course, the latter man has shown flashes of brilliance in his short career to date – having scored 12 goals in just 21 games during his time in Austria – although his acquisition would still represent a real gamble and a costly one at that.

With the Red Devils having gone a decade without a league title triumph, the need for immediate success is now growing.

Can Hojlund be the man to deliver that much-craved league crown? On the evidence of his promising, yet far from prolific form in Italy, that appears unlikely…

Chelsea have already waved goodbye to a number of first-team regulars this summer, with more set to follow in the coming days as part of a mass squad overhaul.

While the likes of Kai Havertz, Mateo Kovacic and Manchester United-bound Mason Mount will be missed, others have either had less of an impact at Stamford Bridge (Kalidou Koulibaly) or simply have not played as much of late (N'Golo Kante).

One player who very much will be missed should he move on this window is long-serving captain Cesar Azpilicueta, who has once again been linked with the exit after an 11-year stay at the club, during which time he has won every trophy on offer.

Amid claims personal terms have already been agreed between Azpilicueta and Inter on a two-year deal, The Sun reports new Chelsea head coach Mauricio Pochettino is willing to let the defender leave for a nominal fee – or indeed, for free.

That is because Pochettino is already happy with the options he has available at right-back, with Reece James hopeful his injury issues are behind him, while Malo Gusto is now part of the squad after signing from Lyon in a £26m deal in January.

James will start the new Premier League season as Pochettino's first choice down the right, but Gusto showed last season at Lyon – whom he re-joined in January on loan for the remainder of the 2022/23 season – that he may well have a big part to play this season for the Blues.

Who is Chelsea full-back Malo Gusto?

Gusto spent two seasons as a first-team regular for Lyon, racking up 51 Ligue 1 appearances since the start of 2021/22 and catching the eye with his attacking play down the flank.

As pointed out by Football.london writer Bobby Vincent, the 20-year-old "is very dangerous going forward" and also "has an eye for a cross". That is very much reflected in the stats, with his 6.55 crosses per 90 minutes last season very similar to the number recorded by James at Chelsea (6.59), as per FBref.

There are other similarities between the pair, too, as they also completed a similar number of passes per 90 minutes last season (64.6 for James, 66.2 for Gusto) and also won a near-identical number of tackles (1.45 v 1.47), suggesting the France U21 international will be a good fit for Chelsea.

Using FBref's player comparison tool, there is a full-back even more alike Gusto in terms of their statistical profiles: Bayern Munich star Alphonso Davies.

The pair won a similar number of tackles per 90 last season (48.8% for Gusto, compared to 46.2% for Davies), hit the target from a similar number of shots (42.9% v 42.1%) and registered blocks at a similar rate (1.24 v 1.23).

They also had the majority of their touches in the middle third of the field (43.6 v 40.2) – highlighting where they spend most of their time – and played 4.80 and 4.85 passes into the final third per 90 respectively.

Whether it is the next Davies that Chelsea have signed or a younger version of James, it is clear that Gusto is a talented player who is capable of challenging for a first-team place once Azpilicueta's exit is finally sanctioned.

Manchester United's search for a striker looks like it may drag on, with the club now stalling on a move for another target in Randal Kolo Muani, according to a report from The Mirror.

How many goals has Randal Kolo Muani scored?

The current Eintracht Frankfurt striker has only been with his club for one season, but has already made quite the impact in Germany with his new team. He bagged a total of 15 goals and eleven assists over the course of the Bundesliga season – double digits in both areas – and didn't struggle to adapt to life in a new country in the slightest.

His rate of 26 goal contributions in just 31 starts was actually a career best for the player, averaging out at 0.89 goal contributions per 90.

It means that, right now, he ranks as one of the best in his position in Europe. When compared to other strikers in the Men's 'Top Five' big leagues, his non-penalty goal rate of 0.43 per 90 is well above average (70th percentile) and his assist ranking is even better. With 0.31 per 90, it puts him in the top three percent in that category – meaning that not only can Kolo Muani hit the back of the net frequently, but is one of the very best at teeing up his teammates too.

That has led to the player already generating interest in his services from elsewhere. Premier League side Man United are one of the biggest names to make an approach for the forward, with the Red Devils having already made contact over a potential transfer for him this summer. However, things have quietened for the Frankfurt man and it may now be clear as to why.

Are Manchester United signing Randal Kolo Muani?

According to a report from The Mirror, the German side are demanding a fee of £80m for the striker this summer window – and United are not too keen to fork out that amount of money for him.

The Red Devils have looked at other potential striking options too but have also previously been put off by the asking prices for some of their other targets. The club opted not to move for Harry Kane because Tottenham wanted an "unrealistic" amount for example and a deal for Victor Osimhen is also seen as too expensive for the side.

Now, it appears as though the man they thought could be a cheaper alternative to Kane may also be priced out of a move to Old Trafford. If the Red Devils want to bring in some fresh recruits in attack though, they may be forced to bite the bullet with either the Frankfurt striker or one of their other targets this transfer window.

West Ham United are part of a hotly contested race for Bristol City sensation Alex Scott.

What’s the latest on Alex Scott to West Ham United?

According to the Evening Standard, the Hammers are weighing up a move for the 19-year-old, who could cost in the region of £25m.

It is understood that the Irons have held “initial talks” with the player’s camp and are to make a decision in the near future.

Why would Alex Scott be a good signing for West Ham?

The youngster made 42 second-tier appearances, averaging 1.8 tackles, 1.1 dribbles, and 1.1 aerials won per game, as he has established himself as a magnificent all-rounder and one of the country’s most exciting talents. Strong in the tackle, this also a young man capable of gallivanting past opponents with consummate ease.

His sensational rise to stardom means that Scott was named the Championship Young Player of the Year and also in the division’s Team of the Season.

As such, there is a shared expectation that the Englishman will leave the Championship side this summer.

CBS reporter Ben Jacobs said: “I revealed he would definitely go this summer and that is still my understanding that Bristol City will not be able to hang on to the player and they know that.

“There are, believe it or not, eight different clubs that in the last year have enquired about Alex Scott. There is a realistic possibility that they move on a fantastic player who I think could in the future be very big and consistent in the Premier League.”

This has been echoed by his manager Nigel Pearson, who added: “I believe Alex will play for England one day. I thought that when I first saw him in a training session and nothing since has changed my mind.”

Clearly, he is brimming with wondrous versatility and limitless potential, possessing the ability that could fill the impending void about to be left by Declan Rice.

After guiding the Irons to the Europa Conference League victory, the club captain is set to depart the London Stadium, with Arsenal reportedly due to make a third bid for the midfielder.

The former Chelsea academy player is of inexplicable importance to David Moyes, as he ranks within the top 20% in Europe’s top five leagues among his positional peers for progressive passes, progressive carries, and interceptions per 90.

His ability to recover the ball, protect the backline, and progress the ball forward are all attributes that Scott has in abundance, and his arrival would herald a new, exciting era in East London, whilst softening Rice’s exit.

Indeed, when compared to positional peers in the next eight best leagues, Scott ranks in the top 12% for progressive carries to highlight his effervescent ball-carrying nature.

Described as “unbelievable” by Pep Guardiola, the prodigy has proven he is simply far too superior for the Championship and is ready for top-flight action, perhaps in place of Rice at West Ham.

Arsenal continue to be linked with the Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan as speculation remains over his future with the Premier League champions.

Will Gundogan leave Man City?

The Gunners were frustratingly pipped to the Premier League title by City in a season that offered a lot of encouragement for Mikel Arteta's men.

Having missed out on their first league title in almost 20 years, this summer will offer Arteta and Edu Gaspar an exciting prospect to make a real statement.

Pep Guardiola's men ended up taking the title by just five points as they ended the campaign on 89 points.

Over their two games against the eventual champions, Arsenal conceded six points having lost both home and away to City.

With this in mind, the summer transfer window could be crucial if Arsenal are to turn the tide in the Premier League and dethrone City over the coming years.

And one player who has been linked with a potential move from the Etihad to the Emirates is Gundogan as his contract enters its final weeks.

Indeed, David Ornstein has suggested the Gunners are going to make an attempt to sign the German who has recently gotten his hands on the treble at City.

Speaking on The Football Terrace, presenter Terry Flewers has been left excited by the prospect of the 32-year-old potentially joining the Gunners:

"Yes, he's older. On Twitter, there is like an obsession with 'buy young'. It's not how real football works; you need that mix that, balance and that blend."

"This rumour of Arsenal is just not going away. Let's be honest. It's not going away."

"Arsenal are saying they're interested and they want to be kept informed. I believe that is Arsenal playing this down. They just don't want to be seen as losing out on targets.

"I believe Arsenal are going to offer him a big deal. I believe Arsenal are also going to try hard to sign this player. David Ornstein doesn't report on deals that don't really hold any order or any credence."

How much does Ilkay Gundogan earn?

It has been a season to remember for Gundogan who has not only captained City but played a huge role in some of the goals he has scored along the way to their historic treble.

The German has featured in a staggering 51 games for City this season where he has been able to return 11 goals and seven assists across all competitions (via Transfermarkt).

His displays have seen him receive a lot of praise this season with The Guardian's Will Unwin labelling him a "genius" following their victory at Goodison Park.

Gundogan is currently believed to be earning in the region of £140k-per-week at City currently but reports would suggest the champions are looking to offer him a new deal.

Having seen Arsenal improve dramatically last season on the back of the signings of Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko, City will surely be keen to do everything they can to avoid potentially losing yet another star to the Gunners.

Especially after the season which Gundogan has enjoyed at City.

Watch more of The Football Terrace on YouTube now!

Liverpool are reportedly interested in signing PSV Eindhoven’s defensive midfielder Ibrahim Sangare during the summer transfer window.

The Lowdown: Midfielder on the agenda?

Jurgen Klopp is sure to dip into the transfer market this summer as he looks to ensure that his Reds side remain in touch with Manchester City in the Premier League next season.

Midfield is certainly an area which could do with some fresh blood, with a number of Liverpool’s incumbents now in their 30s, including James Milner, Jordan Henderson and Thiago.

Monaco youngster Aurelien Tchouameni has been strongly linked with a move to Anfield, and now another rumour is doing the rounds.

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The Latest: Liverpool eye up Sangare move

According to Voetbal International [via Sport Witness], Liverpool have sent scouts to watch Sangare in action for PSV in recent weeks as the club’s FSG ownership weigh up a potential summer move.

The Ivorian has a release clause of €37.5m (£31.6m) which can be triggered at any time, and the Reds are believed to have him ‘firmly in their sights’.

The Verdict: Ideal Fabinho backup?

While Henderson can do a good job in place of Fabinho in the number six role, the skipper is 32 this summer. Sangare could represent a long-term deputy in that position, having been described as ‘extraordinary’ by former coach Aad de Mos.

The 17-cap Ivory Coast international has averaged 3.3 tackles and 2.6 interceptions per game across 29 Eredivisie appearances this season, highlighting his off-the-ball tenacity. Both of those averages are better than what anyone at Anfield has managed this term.

At 24, Sangare could mature into someone who eventually usurps Fabinho at the base of Liverpool’s midfield, perhaps even partnering Tchouameni for the Reds in a few years’ time.

In other news, a fresh update has emerged regarding one Liverpool superstar’s future. Read more here.

Southampton are now undergoing contract discussions with Kegs Chauke and are ‘confident’ a new deal can be struck, claims journalist Alfie House.

The Lowdown: Chauke’s situation

The 19-year-old academy graduate broke into the Saints first-team last season, having made the bench on ten occasions and being awarded his full debut in the FA Cup against Shrewsbury.

However, the central midfielder has made the bench in the Premier League just once this season, sparking worry about his future, with his current deal set to expire at the end of the campaign.

As a result, Manchester City had expressed their interest in signing the youngster earlier this year.

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The Latest: House’s update

Daily Echo journalist Alfie House has now shared the latest details on Chauke’s future with Southampton.

Taking to Twitter, he claimed: “Understand contract discussions between #SaintsFC and Kegs Chauke are ongoing.

“Hinges on assurances, including loan move next season. His current deal expires this summer.

“Was involved in Ralph Hasenhuttl’s squad a lot last campaign. Confidence that a deal can be struck.”

The Verdict: Loan move needed

As per the Daily Echo, young players view Southampton as one of the best opportunities to play first-team football in the Premier League.

However, this has not been the case this season, with 17-year-old Thierry Small being the only academy youngster who has received any minutes.

As a result, it seems a loan move to the Championship is needed for Chauke, as a means of adjusting to senior football. Therefore, this should be crucial in his contract talks.

If he impresses, it is likely that he will be rewarded with minutes in Ralph Hasenhuttl’s first-team down the line.

In other news: Southampton: Sasa Kalajdzic now on Saints’ radar

Aston Villa will be without Jacob Ramsey for tonight’s Premier League clash against Liverpool due to injury.

The Lowdown: Ramsey a regular for Villa

The midfielder, who Steven Gerrard labelled a ‘top talent’, has been a regular for the Villans this season, making 32 appearances in all competitions.

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The 20-year-old has scored six times in the Premier League and has missed just three top-flight games, with the latest coming in the 3-1 win at Burnley on the weekend.

Gerrard was hoping to have Ramsey back in the squad for the visit of Jurgen Klopp’s side to Villa Park, but it doesn’t look as if that will prove to be the case.

The Latest: Groin problem for Ramsey

As reported by Birmingham Live, the 20-year-old will miss the clash against the Reds due to a groin problem.

Gerrard said there is an ‘outside chance’ that Ramsey could return against Crystal Palace this weekend, but the youngster will be forced to watch on from the sidelines tonight alongside Leon Bailey and Kortney Hause.

The Verdict: Options for Gerrard?

Calum Chambers, Douglas Luiz and John McGinn linked out in a three-man midfield on the weekend, with Emiliano Buendia in an advanced role behind Danny Ings and Ollie Watkins.

The trio may all keep their places in the starting line-up, although Gerrard does have options even with Ramsey missing once again. Teenagers Carney Chukwuemeka and Tim Iroegbunam were on the bench against the Clarets last time out, along with more experienced midfielders Morgan Sanson and Marvelous Nakamba.

Therefore, even with Ramsey out, Gerrard still has plenty of midfielders available to shake things up, but after a 3-1 win at the weekend, he may resist making wholesale changes to his team.

In other news: Gregg Evans reveals shock Aston Villa exit is on the cards this summer after NSWE call