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Newcastle United could use the summer transfer window to add some new players to their impressive squad ahead of their Champions League campaign next season and now a new update has emerged on a potential target.

What's the latest on Newcastle's interest in Kouadio 'Manu' Kone?

According to Foot Mercato journalist Ignazio Genuardi, Newcastle are one of the clubs interested in signing Borussia Mönchengladbach midfielder Kouadio 'Manu' Kone.

He revealed that although Liverpool have made an approach, he is arousing the interest of Newcastle and is "very popular" with the Magpies who are looking for two new players in midfield.

Would Kone be a good fit for Newcastle?

It is clear that Newcastle could be in the market for another midfielder this summer with a number of potential targets being linked to the club ahead of the transfer window opening yesterday.

One of the most high-profile links in recent weeks has been a potential move for Moises Caicedo this summer, however, securing a deal for the Brighton and Hove Albion star is looking increasingly unlikely due to the £80m price tag attached to him.

As a result, Eddie Howe could instead look to Kone as a much cheaper alternative – with a reported price tag of €40m (£34m) – without compromising on the quality needed in the defensive midfield role next season.

As per FBref, Caicedo has been named as one of the most comparable players to the Gladbach ace – hailed the "complete package" by Jacek Kulig – over the last 12 months, and it's not hard to see why with the pair sharing several similarities in their output this season.

When comparing the positional peers over their respective league appearances, the midfielders shared many related attributes including goal contributions (2 v 2), pass completion rate (86.2% v 88.5%), goal-creating actions (5 v 5), successful take-ons (48.3% v 51.9%), blocks (44 v 43) and ball recoveries (221 v 248), although Kone did play seven fewer games in the league.

The Newcastle midfield is already bursting with talent as Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton have been standout performers in the top flight, notably contributing to 22 goals between them this term, however, adding another young talent who can improve the presence in the centre of the pitch will be advantageous for Howe as he leads his squad in an elite European tournament.

With that being said, if the powerbrokers at St James' Park could seal a deal for Kone it would be a great opportunity to not only bring in a player with a similar profile to Caicedo for much less but add a fresh perspective into midfield ahead of next season.

West Ham United have made contact with Bayer Leverkusen over signing their mainstay defender Jonathan Tah, according to Sky Sports.

Who could West Ham sign this summer?

The Hammers managed to avoid Premier League relegation fairly comfortably at the end of last campaign, despite undergoing a real scare midway through the season, with reports even suggesting David Moyes was hanging on by a thread.

However, West Ham's 2022/2023 finish was a solid one, and now the Irons board is tasked with backing Moyes in the transfer market as major clubs circle for star player Declan Rice.

The England international's future will be a major talking point after their Europa Conference League final this evening, and if West Ham opt to sell, Rice's price tag could gift them with a financial windfall to source his replacement.

Moyes is set to stay at West Ham, according to reports, and he apparently has his eyes on a number of potential successors for Rice – including Southampton's James Ward-Prowse, Chelsea's Conor Gallagher and Manchester United's Scott McTominay.

West Ham could also strengthen in defence with Leverkusen defender Tah, who has caps for the German national team, being repeatedly linked with a move to east London.

Sky Sports, sharing news on their live blog (June 5, 17:40), claimed they've made an approach to sign him in the form of an inquiry.

"According to Sky information, several inquiries about Tah have already come in from the island , including from West Ham United," claim the broadcast giant. "Bayer Leverkusen and coach Xabi Alonso definitely want to keep the 27-year-old, but since Tah has a release clause of 18 million euros (£15m), which is relatively low for the level of performance, the competition is very interested."

Who is Jonathan Tah?

The centre-back has been a pivotal figure under Xavi Alonso and was recently voted into the Europa League's Team of the Season.

Tah has also been a mainstay at Bundesliga level – making 33 league appearances last campaign whilst featuring over Leverkusen's fifth-highest number of league minutes (WhoScored).

The 6 foot 4 powerhouse boasts solid defensive stats from 22/23, averaging more clearances per 90 than any other Leverkusen player.

Tah also ranks third in Alonso's squad for interceptions per match, and according to WhoScored, he stands out as a very good ball-playing central defender.

Indeed, he has managed a higher pass accuracy (89.1%) than any of his Leverkusen teammates, perhaps emphasizing why West Ham are keen on his signing this summer.

Tottenham Hotspur are set to make a formal approach for Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou after their Scottish Cup final this weekend, according to reliable journalist Miguel Delaney.

Who could be the next Spurs manager?

Spurs and chairman Daniel Levy still have it all to do in terms of appointing Antonio Conte's successor, with the search becoming all too familiar to their disastrous hunt for Jose Mourinho's replacement in 2021.

It took a quite ridiculous 72 days for Tottenham to eventually appoint Nuno Espirito Santo back then – a move which ultimately resulted in the Portuguese's sacking after just a few months.

Conte then stepped into Nuno's shoes, and now that marriage has unceremoniously ended, it's back to the drawing board for Levy and co as they attempt not to repeat the same mistakes all over again.

There are a few names still in the frame, with the likes of Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi, Fulham manager Marco Silva and even free agent Graham Potter contending.

Marcelo Gallardo could also emerge as a late option with Levy personally holding Luis Enrique talks as well.

It's imperative that Tottenham get this next appointment right as protests surround the club board and dissatisfaction gathers real pace among supporters.

According to a recent report by The Independent, and reliable reporter Delaney, there has been an update on Spurs' links to Ange Postecoglou – who has emerged as a leading candidate in recent days.

As per his information, the Australian is attracting real interest from Spurs, who are expected to make a "formal approach" for him after Celtic's looming Scottish Cup final against Inverness this weekend.

Delaney also adds a potential timeline for Tottenham's managerial appointment as the north Londoners hope to complete a hire within 10-14 days.

This should come as music to the ears of supporters who have long waited for Conte's replacement to be finalised, though it remains to be seen if Spurs do in fact follow through.

Who is Ange Postecoglou?

Having won a pretty impressive 10 pieces of silverware across spells in Japan, Australia and now Scotland – Postecoglou could make it 11 with victory over Inverness.

The 57-year-old arguably falls into Tottenham's category of manager – an out-and-out attacking tactician who has been revered for his "beautiful football" north of the border.

Snooker legend John Higgins certainly holds him in very high esteem – having made a glowing statement to STV (via The Celtic Way) regarding the Celtic boss:

“Ange Postecoglou has been amazing for the club he has come in and everybody just loves him," said Higgins."So for as long as he stays at Celtic I think we can look forward to more games like the weekend for, hopefully, years to come."That’s maybe why I am feeling so good just now. It would be a dream to be able to go and parade another world championship at Celtic Park and meet big Ange, that would be an amazing feeling."

Everton have RB Leipzig midfielder Tom Krauß “on the list” of summer targets at Goodison Park, according to Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg.

Who is Tom Krauß?

The German is an academy graduate at the Red Bull Arena having worked his way up through the various youth ranks, but having only ever made one senior appearance under Marco Rose, he was sent out on a season-long loan to FC Schalke who do have the obligation to buy with conditions.

During his time at the VELTINS-Arena, the 21-year-old made 33 appearances and firmly established himself as Thomas Reis’ top-performing defensive player, and despite him still having two years remaining on his deal with his parent club, he’s grabbed the attention of Sean Dyche at Goodison Park.

The Merseyside outfit have Tom Davies out of contract this summer whilst Idrissa Gueye’s terms will be up at the end of the next campaign, as per Transfermarkt, meaning that the boss could cash in on him during the upcoming window, so should one or both of the duo depart, the Bundesliga star would be a much-needed reinforcement in the Premier League.

Are Everton signing Krauß?

Taking to Twitter, Plettenberg revealed that Everton are keeping tabs on Krauß as they weigh up whether to make an official approach ahead of the 2023/24 term. He wrote:

“News Tom Krauß: As revealed yesterday he’s on the list of Mainz 05, M‘Gladbach (still) and Everton. He can leave Leipzig in summer. Price tag: €5-7m [£4-6m]. The 21 y/o wants to take his time with a final decision.”

Should Everton cash out on Krauß?

Football Insider have reported that Everton will have no money to spend this summer and will instead have to operate on a sell-to-buy policy, but with Krauß, who appears to be at the top of his game with a career-high Transfermarkt valuation, being available for as cheap as £4m, it could be achievable and a possible bargain.

RB Leipzig’s central midfielder, who’s sponsored by Adidas, ranks in the 99th percentile for tackles having won 68 out of the 112 he made in 2022/23 which was higher than any other member of Schalke’s squad, via FBRef, but he also got involved at the opposite end of the pitch having scored two goals at his second home.

A versatile operator, Krauß further has the ability to be shifted around having played in an outstanding seven various positions over the grass since first bursting onto the scene, including everywhere across the midfield and even in defence, so this deal really is a no-brainer to complete should the opportunity present itself.

Manchester United are one of several Premier League clubs to be credited with an interest in West Ham winger Jarrod Bowen, and the Englishman could solve a big headache for Erik ten Hag ahead of next season.

What’s the word?

According to 90min, the Hammers are set to offer the 25-year-old a bumper new deal following his England call-up, as they look to fend off interest from the likes of United, Arsenal, Newcastle, Chelsea and Liverpool.

While Bowen may be reluctant to swap West Ham for the Red Devils considering the respective success of their 2021/22 campaigns, the Glazers and the Old Trafford hierarchy will nonetheless be hoping to convince Bowen to make the move north.

Bowen can solve big issue for United

Last season saw Bowen contribute 12 goals and 10 assists in 36 Premier League appearances for David Moyes’ side, averaging an impressive 7.15 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

This would’ve ranked him as the top performer for Manchester United if he had replicated those statistics for the Red Devils last season, while his 12 goals would have been second only to Cristiano Ronaldo at Old Trafford.

United managed just 57 goals in the top flight last season, 42 fewer than rivals Manchester City, and they cannot afford to be so reliant on Ronaldo again next term if Ten Hag is to turn the club’s fortunes around.

Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Anthony Elanga managed just nine top-flight goals between them last season, and the Dutchman will surely be looking for more goal contributions from out wide in the 2022/23 campaign.

The new United manager will also be without the services of creative players such as Edinson Cavani, Jesse Lingard, Juan Mata and Paul Pogba, all of whom are about to depart Old Trafford following the expiry of their contracts, so he will surely be looking to add some attacking reinforcements if the Red Devils are to push for a Champions League spot next year.

Bowen has been a superb performer for West Ham since his £22m move from Hull City in January 2020 and his form earned him the praise of Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp last season.

The German said: “Unbelievable. We saw him as well at Hull and he was really good at that time. I’m not sure a lot of people expected this jump, but unbelievable player.”

Given the disappointing performances of United’s wide players last season, an in-form winger such as Bowen is exactly what Ten Hag needs in order to improve the attacking output at Old Trafford in the 2022/23 campaign.

In other news… Ronaldo 2.0: Man United must swoop for 22 y/o phenomenon with a “big career ahead of him”

Aston Villa have reached an agreement with Sevilla for the transfer of centre-back Diego Carlos, with Sky Sports sharing the development live on air.

The Lowdown: Quick start

NSWE and Steven Gerrard have made a head start on their summer business and have already secured permanent moves for Philippe Coutinho and Boubacar Kamara.

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Villa have turned Coutinho’s loan move into a full-time deal, while Kamara will officially be on the books in the Midlands from July 1 when his Marseille contract expires.

It now looks as if Carlos will be the next to officially sign despite links only first emerging on Wednesday morning.

The Latest: Carlos agreement

Villa confirmed on their official website on Thursday evening that they have reached an agreement with Sevilla for Carlos.

The Brazilian still needs to complete a medical and finalise personal terms though, and Sky Sports shared live on air that Villa are ‘on the verge’ of completing those finer details.

The Verdict: Big

Carlos is valued at £40.5m by Transfermarkt, but it looks as if Villa will pay just £26m for his services in what appears to be another big coup and a huge £14.5m saved.

Gerrard is clearly now at the heart of a major Villa Park rebuild, and it seems as if Carlos will have a big role to play in his first full season. The 29-year-old has bundles of experience at the top level in France and Spain as well as in the Champions League and Europa League.

His arrival could spell trouble for either Ezri Konsa or Tyrone Mings, with their futures thought to be up in the air, so Villa’s focus could soon be on exits before any more signings.

In other news: After Carlos: Sky Sports journo reacts as Villa close in on ‘phenomenal’ star; Gerrard’s ‘a fan’. 

Manchester City secured their fourth Premier League title in five years yesterday as they came back from 2-0 down to secure a dramatic 3-2 win over Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium.

With the summer transfer window around the corner, this will once again give Pep Guardiola the chance to strengthen his squad and put them in the best shape possible to try and secure as many trophies as they can moving forward.

Looking back to the previous summer window, City grabbed headlines by securing a club-record £100m deal for Jack Grealish.

During his debut season with the Citizens, the Englishman scored three goals and provided three assists in 26 league appearances whilst predominantly playing on the left wing.

Despite the inconsistency of his goal contributions, the England international still proved himself to be a deadly attacking figure for City as only Kevin De Bruyne (5.68) ended the campaign with a higher rate of shot-creating actions per 90 minutes than Grealish (5.17) in the entire league.

Looking ahead to this summer window, one figure that has recently been linked with a £30m move to the Etihad is Brighton left-back Marc Cucurella.

With 35 league appearances to his name throughout the season, no other outfield player at the AMEX Stadium played more minutes than the 23-year-old, highlighting just how important he has been for the south coast club.

His overall performances in those appearances have earned him a season rating of 6.94/10 from WhoScored, making him the third-highest rated player at the club.

The Spaniard has now ended his debut campaign at Brighton with more passes completed, tackles, interceptions and successful pressures than any of his teammates.

Taking into account how City have averaged more possession and pass success percentage than any other team in the top flight this season, a player such as Cucurella who is comfortable on the ball and very efficient when it comes to winning it back, could be the ideal signing for the recently crowned league champions.

He also has the third-highest number of shot-creating actions per game in Graham Potter’s squad, showing that he is a very capable all-around full-back up and down the pitch.

Labelled as a “refreshing” player by former Brighton star Dan Burn, Cucurella could potentially make a deadly pairing with Grealish on the left-hand side of the pitch for City given the duo’s attacking talent and the full-back defensive capabilities.

With those defensive talents, he could potentially give Grealish more license to get forward more so he can start racking up more goals and assists.

In other news: In talks: Man City eye “special” £54m-rated “phenomenon”, just imagine him & Dias

The representatives of Dominic Calvert-Lewin have reportedly now held talks over a potential move away from Everton in the summer.

The Lowdown: Exit bound?

Transfer insider Dean Jones has claimed that there is a ‘decent chance‘ that the 25-year-old will end up leaving Merseyside in the summer, with Arsenal thought to be among the clubs who are interested in his signature.

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The Goodison Park outfit find themselves in a relegation battle, and if they were to go down to the Championship, then it seems inevitable that the striker would be allowed to exit.

The Latest: Talks held

As per Football Insider, a source from St James’ Park has revealed that early talks have now taken place with Calvert-Lewin’s representatives and Newcastle over a potential move to Tyneside.

The striker’s future at Everton is thought to be ‘up in the air’, even if the Toffees stay up.

The Verdict: Depends on price

Hailed as an ‘amazing’ striker by team-mate Salomon Rondon, there is no doubting Calvert-Lewin’s importance to the Toffees, having scored more than 50 goals during his time with the club so far.

However, he has been hit with injury problems this season, and Frank Lampard’s side will not want that to continue going into the 2022/23 campaign.

Nonetheless, given that he is an England international and a good age at 25, they could demand a hefty transfer fee for him, especially from the mega-rich Newcastle owners, which could then be used to reinvest in the squad.

In other news, Everton now battling Liverpool to sign £9m-rated workhorse for free this summer

Liverpool have been heavily linked to signing Aurelien Tchouameni, and now a promising update has emerged on the chances of the Monaco midfielder moving to Merseyside this summer.

What’s the latest?

French TV presenter and journalist Gregoire Margotton has given an update on the current speculation surrounding a move for Tchouameni to the Premier League at the end of the season.

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Margotton tweeted out to his 340k followers two images, one of Tchouameni and one of Anfield accompanied with the following quotes:

“I hear the immense talent on the left could move into the legendary house [Anfield] on the right shortly. Joy. Congratulations. Happiness.”

Xabi Alonso 2.0

The signing of the £50m star who was hailed a “monster” by France U21 boss Sylvain Ripoll would be a major coup for Liverpool, with Manchester United and Arsenal both reportedly interested in securing the youngster’s signature in the upcoming transfer window.

With Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, Thiago Alcantara and James Milner all well into their 30s at this point, it would be a cunning idea for Jurgen Klopp to add some young blood in the more central and defensive midfield roles in the team, with Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliot already offering youth into the more advanced midfield roles in the team.

Tchouameni has been making impressive strides in Ligue 1 and could emulate a similar role and progress at a similar level to Liverpool and Real Madrid legend Xabi Alonso if the deal can get done to bring him to Anfield.

Just like Alonso, the 22-year-old is most effective in a central midfield role with both outstanding defensive and pressing attributes that have seen him become an absolute nuisance for his opponents at Monaco.

According to One Versus One, Tchouameni ranks number one for pass interceptions and has made the fourth most tackles in the opponent’s half, and the fifth most tackles in his own half in the entirety of the French top-flight. That’s accompanied by an impressive three goals and one assist in 37 appearances.

Ultimately, it is looking likely that FSG and the Liverpool manager will be able to beat off the competition to sign the Monaco star this summer and can become an extremely exciting prospect for the club and supporters next season.

AND in other news: FA Cup final blow: Liverpool rocked by “massive problem” that’ll leave Klopp gutted

Sunderland have the chance to finally make their way into the Championship and out of League One as the play-offs are set to begin in the coming days.

Having played 46 games in the league so far this season, the Black Cats have won 24, drawn 12 and lost ten, scoring 79 goals and conceding 53 in the process.

One player that has been a particularly prominent figure for the Wearside club this season is defender Callum Doyle.

Since arriving at the Stadium of Light back in the previous summer transfer window on loan from Manchester City’s U23 side, the centre-back has made 41 appearances across all competitions.

After only missing two league games between the start of the season and March, the 18-year-old has only made three appearances since then.

Despite this lack of regular action in recent weeks, the teenager has still shown what a capable player he is at such a young age and why the club should try and sign him on a permanent deal in the summer.

With the highest number of interceptions (48) to his name in the squad, Doyle also has the second-highest number of tackles (40) under his belt behind Carl Winchester (63).

This shows just how much of a talented defender the £3.4k-per-week gem is off the ball.

In terms of his work on the ball, the youngster has also shown his effectiveness on the pitch by racking up a higher average of passes per game (47.1) than any other Sunderland player to start more than eight league games.

Back in August, the Englishman was on the end of some high praise from journalist James Copley who said that “if you could build the perfect centre-back in a laboratory, the end result would look a lot like Callum Doyle.”

Taking all of this into account, it’s safe to say that bringing the City youth prospect has been a solid move from the Black Cats.

Moving forward, with the summer transfer window on the horizon, whether the club end up moving into the Championship or staying in League One, they should definitely make an approach to the Premier League club to try and see if they would be willing to allow Doyle to leave on a permanent basis and continue his journey with the Black Cats.

Should the Wearside club secure his signature on a permanent deal in the summer, it would surely blow fans at the Stadium of Light away when you consider his performances and enormous potential in the game.

In other news: Neil must finally unleash SAFC’s rarely seen 19y/o prodigy who’s got a “bright future”