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Crystal Palace are ‘close’ to agreeing a revised contract with 2021 signing Michael Olise, The Athletic’s David Ornstein has reported. 

The lowdown

The Eagles paid £8m to sign the French youngster from Reading last summer and committed him to a five-year, £34,000-per-week contract, but significantly, that initial deal reportedly included a release clause of £35m.

Furthermore, The Daily Mail revealed in February that the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Bayern Munich were all circling for the 20-year-old ahead of the summer transfer window.

The latest

Ornstein took to Twitter on Monday morning to share his report from The Athletic regarding Olise’s situation at Selhurst Park.

He posted: “EXCL: Crystal Palace in talks with Michael Olise over new contract. Agreement close. Extra year likely but no salary increase. Aim is to raise release clause (£35m) to ensure future sale breaks #CPFC record (£50m) & that would benefit all”.

The likelihood is that the agreement is only extended by 12 months and that the player’s salary will stay the same, but Palace’s main objective is to increase Olise’s release clause.

They want to take it past the £50m mark, potentially setting up a club-record departure. The 20-year-old would like to stay at Selhurst Park, and discussions between the two parties are nearly complete, with an agreement potentially being reached before the summer transfer window opens on 10 June.

The verdict

This is a smart move from Palace, as clubs would likely have pounced on a £35m opportunity off the back of a strong debut season in south London for Olise.

He has recorded more assists (eight) than anybody else in Patrick Vieira’s squad, while only Wilfried Zaha (16) and Conor Gallagher (13) have registered more goal involvements than his 12.

Those numbers are even more impressive when you consider that the 20-year-old has only started 12 Premier League matches. As per Transfermarkt, he’s either scoring a goal or setting one up every 120 minutes on average.

The £19.8m-rated attacker is a ‘special talent’ according to his manager, and he plays with ‘effortless confidence’ in the words of podcaster Dan Cook. Therefore, it must be music to the ears of Palace fans to hear that the club are moving swiftly to try and ward off prospective suitors for another while at least.

In other news, Sky Sports journalist raves about this ‘incredible’ Palace player against Watford

Manchester United are closing in on bringing Ajax assistant manager Mitchell van der Gaag to Old Trafford, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Coaching staff links

Erik ten Hag gave the green light regarding a move for Van der Gaag shortly after he was announced as United manager last month.

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Things haven’t been as straightforward as the Red Devils may have liked, though, with rumours suggesting that Van der Gaag could replace Ten Hag as Ajax manager after serving as his assistant for 48 matches.

However, described as an ‘important addition’ at Old Trafford, it looks as if Ten Hag will get his way after all when it comes to the 50-year-old.

The Latest: Romano’s update

Romano took to Twitter on Monday afternoon to share an update on both Van der Gaag and Steve McClaren.

He stated that both will be a part of Ten Hag’s team, with a ‘full agreement at final stages’, and a possible announcement for the latter of the two could come next week.

The Verdict: Time for transfers…

It looks as if Ten Hag will be supported by two men he knows well in Manchester, having also worked under former Red Devils assistant boss McClaren at FC Twente for 50 games.

Therefore, with key coaching staff additions now set to go through, it looks as if the 52-year-old’s will now turn his attention to the club’s playing squad and a number of incoming and outgoings.

A number of United players are out of contract at the end of June, and Ten Hag deciding to terminate his Ajax deal six weeks early to get going at Old Trafford just shows how much work there is to be done before his first game in charge later in the year.

In other news: Man Utd now eyeing move for ‘absolutely lethal’ Bundesliga star. Read more here

Sunderland have secured a spot in the League One play-off finals next weekend at Wembley Stadium against Wycombe Wanderers and keeping their relentless team together next season no matter the outcome should be a priority for Alex Neil.

The Black Cats manager who was appointed in February has unlocked a formula to get the side back to their winning ways taking nine victories, seven draws and just one loss from his 17 games in charge at the Stadium of Light, leading them to the position they are in now with one game standing in the way of promotion back to Championship for the first time in four seasons.

Although the Scotsman has made a huge difference since his arrival, the players in the team have really turned it up a notch and worked hard to earn their chance to climb up the Football League.

One player who has been effective since his arrival at the club in January is Tottenham Hotspur loanee Jack Clarke, with the right winger scoring one goal and contributing three assists over the last 17 appearances for Sunderland.

The £4.5m-rated gem who was hailed as “absolutely outstanding” by Sunderland Echo journalist Phil Smith, has been a creative force during his time in the North East with five big chances created, making 1.6 key passes, 1.2 tackles and 1.5 shots on average per game, winning the majority of his ground duels and proving successful in 66% of his dribbles.

With that being said, Neil could turn him into the next Aiden McGeady, another wizard on the wing, if he can secure a deal to extend the youngster’s time at Sunderland, with a deal potentially there for the taking ahead of his return to North London.

Spurs insider John Wenham who has confirmed that the Lilywhites will offer the 21-year-old winger a new contract when his current one expires at the end of this month, and will be offered back out on loan.

Wenham told Football Insider:

“So I think what will happen is he will return to us and sign a new one-year extension and he will go out on loan again.”

“I also don’t think Sunderland will be able to afford him outright but he could re-join them next season if they go up.”

Ultimately, the Sunderland manager will be working to make sure his squad is ready to take their golden opportunity to rise back into the second tier right now, however, he will need to address Clarke’s situation quickly this summer as Spurs could offer him out to other clubs if they extend his contract in the next few weeks.

AND in other news: Neil set for 1st SAFC disaster as he plots move for “difficult” flop, he isn’t needed

Sky Sports international reporter Gianluca Di Marzio has now broke a big West Ham United story involving goalkeeper Alphonse Areola.

The Lowdown: Hammers decision touted…

Hammers boss David Moyes has been tipped with a pre-summer decision over whether to sign Areola on a permanent deal, triggering the clause in his loan, or to target another back-up to number one Lukasz Fabianski.

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Links to the likes of West Brom shot stopper Sam Johnstone have been in no short supply as West Ham already start to gear up for the 2022/2023 Premier League season.

The east Londoners will be aiming to strengthen in many areas to back Moyes and ensure the Scotsman has what he needs to maintain West Ham’s remarkable rise in the last two years.

The Latest: Di Marzio breaks news….

Breaking news in the last 48 hours, Di Marzio of Sky now says that West Ham are ‘close’ to agreeing a deal to sign Areola permanently from Paris-Saint Germain with their decision seemingly made.

The Italian journalist adds that Moyes’ side have been ‘convinced’ to activate his purchase option and the Frenchman ‘will remain’ in England beyond 2021/2022.

The Verdict: Correct call…

While Areola’s appearances in the league have been almost non-existent, the 29-year-old has proven a more-than capable alternative to Fabianski in the cup competitions.

The former Fulham man seriously impressed during West Ham’s unprecedented run to the Europa League semi-finals, particularly against Sevilla in the round of 16 with his ‘world class’ and ‘unbelievable’ heroics (Toby Cudworth).

Indeed, snapping up Areola on a permanent fee nice and early will certainly be the right move.

In other news: Moyes very likely to make major bid for ‘world class’ player after claim he ‘likes’ West Ham! Find out more here.

Wolverhampton Wanderers’ talks over Joao Moutinho’s contract extension are still on going.

What’s the word?

That is according to The Athletic’s Tim Spiers, who took to his personal Twitter account to update the Molineux faithful.

Spiers stated: “Talks remain ongoing with Joao Moutinho. Sticking point is the length of contract with the 35-year-old thought to want a two-year extension.”

A worrying update

The latest news surrounding the 35-year-old veteran will be worrying for Wolves fans. Despite being in his twilight years as a player, he is a massive part of Lage’s side, having been at the club for almost four years now.

Ever since he made the switch from Ligue 1 side Monaco in 2018, he has played in the majority of games in the Premier League, making 33 appearances or more in each of his four campaigns.

What’s even more impressive is his consistency. The first two seasons at Wolves saw the Portugal midfielder complete two full back-to-back Premier League campaigns, playing all 38 games for two seasons in a row.

It’s easy to understand why he is picked so often.

Moutinho does the basics well with a style evident of an unselfish player who is dedicated solely to the success of the team. You can also see this in his numbers throughout the years, with his game now geared towards stabilising possession, rather than striving for individual attacking returns.

You can see this shift throughout his four years, having registered five contributions in the most recent two seasons.

His game is still well-rounded, but has slowed slightly with the Portuguese veteran now in his mid-30s.

Though, his influence in the Wolves set-up is unquestionable. His average of 10.79 ball recoveries, 10.21 passes under pressure and 3.21 switches per 90 are the quickest explanation of his role under Lage.

The club should cater to the needs of what is an integral part of their club, both on and off the pitch.

In other news: Imagine him and Coady: Wolves can sign Saiss 2.0 in £20m “great wall”

Journalist Pete O’Rourke has had his say on the Celtic pursuit of highly-rated Bristol City striker Antoine Semenyo. 

The lowdown: Hoops’ interested

A February report from Bristol World claimed that the Hoops had sent scouts to watch Semenyo in action with a view to making a possible move in the summer transfer window.

Since then, the 22-year-old has remained sporadically linked with a move to the Glasgow giants as Ange Postecoglou looks to strengthen the options at his disposal at Lennoxtown.

Now as the window prepares to kick into gear, one reputable journalist has had his say on the prospect of Semenyo arriving at Celtic Park…

The latest: ‘Good piece of business’

Speaking to Give Me Sport, O’Rourke suggested that the capture of the talented forward could perhaps replicate that of Moussa Dembele’s signing back in 2016.

He explained: “He’s done well at Bristol City, whether he could have the same impact as Moussa Dembele had when he arrived from Fulham, that’s up for debate because Dembele was a real top signing for Celtic when they did get him.

“He showed that with his goals under Brendan Rodgers that helped them win so many trophies and also played in the Champions League as well. So, I think Semenyo does look a good player, and if Celtic could land him, I think it could be a good piece of business.”

The verdict: Make it happen

Whether or not Semenyo has the capabilities to emulate Dembele is neither here nor there as the plethora of goal-scorers across the pitch means Postecoglou isn’t reliant on one regular contributor in the same way Rodgers looked towards the Frenchman.

In 2021/22, David Turnbull, Kyogo Furuhashi, Jota, Liel Abada and Giorgos Giakoumakis all reached double figures for the Bhoys, whilst January signing Daizen Maeda ended the campaign on eight strikes in just 22 outings.

During the same campaign, Semenyo scored eight times and provided 12 assists in 31 Championship appearances, showing an ability to find the net as well as turn provider for those around him.

Therefore, adding the youngster hailed as a ‘star in the making’ by Martin Keown following a FA Cup victory over Leicester City in 2019 to the squad would be a superb coup for Celtic.

In other news, a journalist has provided a key Celtic transfer update. Read more here.

Liverpool are interested in making a move for exciting Benfica striker Darwin Nunez this summer, according to reliable journalist Paul Joyce.

The Lowdown: Nunez linked with Liverpool

The 22-year-old enjoyed a magnificent 2021/22 season for Benfica, a campaign which saw his reputation enhanced greatly around Europe.

Nunez scored 26 goals in just 24 starts in the Primeira Liga, also being described as ‘spectacular’ by fellow Uruguayan Diego Forlan.

Liverpool have been linked with a move for the striker in recent weeks, as have Manchester United, and a fresh update has now emerged in that regard.

The Latest: Joyce drops fresh Nunez claim

Writing for The Times, Joyce claimed that the Reds are considering signing Nunez in the summer transfer window, but only for the right amount. He stated:

“There is interest in Benfica’s Darwin Nunez, the Uruguay striker who scored home and away against Jurgen Klopp’s side in the quarter-finals of the Champions League, but Liverpool will not pursue the 22-year-old at any cost.”

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The Verdict: Perfect Mane replacement

With Sadio Mane looking increasingly likely to be leaving Liverpool this summer, it is essential that a top-class replacement comes in to fill the void.

While Nunez is still raw compared to the Senegal star, he could be the ideal signing, already possessing ruthlessness in the final third and also coming as a long-term acquisition.

The Uruguayan’s potential is enormous, given his goalscoring prowess this season, and he is someone who could be a poster boy for Jurgen Klopp’s next great Anfield team. Whether or not Liverpool are willing to break the bank for him remains to be seen, though.

In other news, Liverpool are believed to have strong interest in one player. Find out who it is here.

Leeds United correspondent Phil Hay has provided an update on Raphinha’s Elland Road future.

The Lowdown: Key to survival

In recent months, the Brazilian has been heavily linked with a move to Barcelona. Raphinha has a €25m relegation release clause in his current contract, but he played a key role in helping the club remain in the top flight.

He ended the season as the top scorer with 11 goals and was the club’s best-rated performer, as per WhoScored. Survival has seemingly made a move to the Nou Camp trickier, and reliable reporter Hay has dropped a development regarding his immediate future.

The Latest: Hay reveals price tag

Hay shared a story on The Athletic on Friday morning regarding Raphinha.

He learnt from ‘sources’ close to the club that ‘it is likely to take a bid of between £60m and £70m’ to get the winger out of Leeds this summer, with the club not expecting the 25-year-old to sign a new deal in Yorkshire.

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The Verdict: Correct valuation

Reports had previously stated that Leeds would accept £40m for their star man despite staying up, but it’s good to see that Hay has cleared that up with a valuation way above that mark.

With two years left on his current deal, this summer could be the only time the club can value Raphinha in the £60m-£70m bracket.

As Hay mentions, though, the club are under no pressure to sell this summer or accept any cut-price bid, so it looks as if there is now a real possibility we could see Raphinha remain at Elland Road, with Leeds in firm control of any potential sale.

In other news: Reporter says Leeds and Orta may now hijack rivals’ move for ‘outstanding’ star. 

Leeds United correspondent Phil Hay has claimed it is ‘highly likely’ that Marc Roca will move to Elland Road this summer.

The Lowdown: Roca profiled

Roca is 25 years of age who can play in defensive or box-to-box midfield roles. The Spaniard joined Bayern Munich from Espanyol back in 2020 but has made just 24 appearances for the German giants.

The left-footed midfielder has struggled for starts at the Allianz Arena, and with Leeds short of midfield options, it looks as if he could become the third player to move to Yorkshire this summer after moves for Brenden Aaronson and Rasmus Kristensen.

The Latest: Hay’s post

Hay was the first reporter to break Leeds’ interest in Roca last week after sharing a story for The Athletic.

He then replied to a Whites supporter on Twitter regarding the transfer on Sunday, suggesting on Twitter ‘it’s highly likely to happen’, however, it ‘isn’t wrapped up yet’.

Reports in Spain have claimed that Roca is ‘about to become a new Leeds United player’ in a deal worth €13m-€15m (£11.1m-£12.8m).

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The Verdict: Good news…

Things haven’t worked out for Roca in Germany, with his Transfermarkt valuation falling from £27m to £6.3m over the last three years. Hopefully, he’ll be able to get back to his best with the Whites, where he could form a partnership with Kalvin Phillips.

Labelled as a ‘smooth operator’ by Leeds journalist Joe Donnohue, Roca may need time to adapt to the Premier League given he hasn’t started regularly in the Bundesliga, but it could prove to be a shrewd move if he can replicate the form which earned him a move to Bayern.

In other news: Leeds now won’t sign ‘superb’ midfielder despite Phil Hay revealing talks

An update has emerged regarding Newcastle United’s interest in Joaquin Correa in the summer transfer window… 

What’s the talk?

According to Calciomercato, the Magpies have now entered the race to land the forward as Dan Ashworth plots a swoop for the Inter gem.

The report claims that the Serie A giants, who signed him for €30m (£26m), are looking for a club to take the striker off their hands, and the Toon are now attempting to pounce on the opportunity to sign him.

It is stated that the Premier League club have been hit with a number of rejections in their pursuit of a new number nine in the transfer window so far.

Kai Havertz 2.0

By snapping up the Argentina international this summer, Newcastle could land their own version of Champions League final goalscorer Kai Havertz.

The German scored the winner in European club football’s premier competition in 2021 for Chelsea, and FBRef lists him as one of the most similar players to the 27-year-old predator in Europe’s top five leagues over the last 365 days.

In 12 Serie A starts for Inter, Correa scored six goals and provided one assist as he struggled to make the starting XI on a regular basis. This comes after 17 goals and five assists in his last 47 league outings for Lazio prior to his move to the San Siro.

Simeone Inzaghi, who has managed him at Lazio and Inter, previously lauded the attacker, saying: “Correa is a formidable player, he is very intelligent tactically, he sacrifices a lot for the team. I am happy with his double, when he has no problems and can train continuously he always proves to be able to play at the highest levels.”

Both Havertz and Correa can play as an attacking midfielder or in a false nine role as they drop deep to collect possession and progress the play. The latter ranks in the 92nd percentile or higher in progressive passes, progressive carries and touches in the penalty area per 90, whilst the Chelsea man ranks between the 80th and 95th in those statistics – comparing them to other players in their positions in Europe’s top five leagues.

This shows that both players excel at driving their team forward by either playing forward passes or dribbling with the ball to start attacks.

Therefore, Newcastle can find their own Havertz in a deal for Correa. Eddie Howe will surely love to have a false nine/attacking midfielder who can progress the play whilst also chipping in with goals, as it would allow him to play another striker, whether that is Callum Wilson or a certain Frenchman from Reims…

AND in other news,  NUFC in the mix to sign “frightening” £528k-p/w “freak of nature”, Howe would love him…