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Newcastle United are looking to craft a lasting foundation for their newfound Premier League success and are now closing on a deal for prodigious Gambian talent Yankuba Minteh.

What's the latest on Yankuba Minteh to Newcastle?

As confirmed by BBC Sport, Minteh is closing on a departure from Danish side Odense to pen a long-term deal with Eddie Howe's Magpies.

The fee for the 18-year-old gem is believed to be around €7m (£6m), and with Brighton, Everton, Club Brugge, Ajax, Feyenoord and Marseille all hoping for his signature, it could be that sporting director Dan Ashworth has pulled off a major coup.

Minteh is expected to be granted a season-long loan move away from St. James's Park by Eddie Howe as he is carefully nurtured towards a prominent role within one of the game's most burgeoning outfits.

Who is Yankuba Minteh?

Newcastle have qualified for next season's Champions League and are poised for a lasting spot among Europe's elite after the affluent PIF takeover in 2021.

And while the emphasis will be on bolstering the first team with signings of high calibre, creating a first-rate underbelly is the optimum way to ensure this newfound success remains unwavering.

Having made 17 appearances for Odense this term, Minteh has scored four goals and supplied a further six assists, earning praise as a "special" talent by one Danish football scout, who noted his "fantastic" season, whilst he also believes the winger "has a future in the Premier League".

As per Sofascore, the rising attacker has recorded an impressive average rating in the Danish Superliga of 6.96, complementing his direct contributions with 1.6 shots and 0.9 key passes per game and a notable average of 2.6 tackles per match, which illustrates his natural dynamism and tenacity.

Also praised as a "top talent for the future" by Fabrizio Romano, Minteh has drawn comparisons to Bayer Leverkusen phenom Moussa Diaby – who has been linked with a £69m move to Tyneside this term – from talent scout Jacek Kulig, who produced a meticulous report detailing the teenager's profile and highlighting his immense strength in pace, dribbling, dynamism and ball control.

This certainly matches up with Diaby's skill set, with the 23-year-old, who has scored 14 goals and supplied 11 assists this term – and been praised for his "supernatural, divine gift" by president of Esperance Paris 19e Morade Djeddi, Diaby's maiden outfit.

Indeed, as per FBref, the £32k-per-week sensation ranks among the top 19% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for progressive carries per 90, illustrating his prowess in blistering transition and aptitude as a first-rate vehicle on the pitch.

It's this progressive skill that has left United enamoured and looking to swoop, but by targetting Minteh, who, granted, will not feature with a prominent role for a couple of years at least, the Toon could unearth a superlative flanker capable of eclipsing the skill set of Diaby, flourishing at St. James' Park for years to come.

Arsenal may be the favourites for his signature but Declan Rice's future is still wide open, Fabrizo Romano has claimed.

What's the latest on Arsenal and Declan Rice?

The midfielder is Arsenal's top target, and recent reports have indicated that the Gunners are the favourites to land the West Ham captain this summer.

Rice is seemingly keen on a move to Arsenal, but Romano has urged caution, claiming that his situation is still open, amidst interest from Bayern Munich.

Speaking on the Here We Go Podcast, Romano claimed that Arsenal are currently ahead in what could be a record-breaking deal, but the deal is far from secure for Mikel Arteta.

"The priority of Arsenal is Declan Rice. They are speaking to the player's side, they are speaking to West Ham," he stated.

"They will make a bid after the Conference League final, they want to respect West Ham of course, but right after, Arsenal are prepared to make a bid.

"It's true that there is also Bayern interest, but at the moment that is not that advanced. So Arsenal still feel they are the favourites to sign Declan Rice. But this is not something guaranteed yet. From what I understand, we heard some reports in England in the last two or three days that Declan Rice already made it clear that he wants to join Arsenal.

"I'm told this is not clear yet. I was speaking to some sources, and they told me be careful, because Declan Rice is keeping all of the options open.

"Of course, Arsenal is a concrete option, but this is not 100% guaranteed yet. So I think this is still an open race."

Should Rice join Arsenal?

Given that there are a number of top clubs interested in the 24-year-old, the decision he has to make this summer is a huge one.

Although West Ham may prefer to sell Rice abroad rather than within the Premier League, his desire may be to stay in England, or even in London, and Arsenal are the best option if this is the case.

Mikel Arteta's side are the only London team who qualified for European competition this season, and with Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur having disastrous campaigns, they are in the best position on the pitch.

With Granit Xhaka set to depart, there is a spot in the team ready for Rice to fill. Chelsea meanwhile, are pursuing Manuel Ugarte to partner January signing Enzo Fernandez. Their chaos both on and off the pitch may make them a less attractive destination for Rice.

Unless the England international is keen to move abroad to Bayern Munich, staying in his hometown and joining Arsenal, who could challenge for the title again next season, may be the best option for Rice.

Manchester City are edging closer to a deal for Mateo Kovacic, with reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano reporting that personal terms between the club and the player have been agreed.

Who are Manchester City signing this summer?

The midfielder has once more been a frequent first-team player for Chelsea this season but he isn't starting as many games for the Blues as he once was. When the player first arrived at Stamford Bridge, he was handed 32 league outings with 21 of those coming as starts. In the 2022/23 campaign however, Kovacic was afforded only 27 league games and 17 starts, as Chelsea finished in the bottom half of the Premier League.

It didn't stop the Croatian from producing the goods though, with the central player managing one goal and two assists along the way. He also ranked highly for his passing ability, with his rate of 70.24 passes per 90 putting him within the top eight percent of players in his position amongst the 'Top Five' big leagues in Europe. He also registered 7.93 progressive passes per 90 – putting him in the top nine percent for that figure too.

Despite not featuring as much, Kovacic remains an intelligent player then that likes to sling the ball around the field and to use his ability in finding teammates to help his side get further up the field. It's led to interest in his services from Manchester City ahead of the transfer window and it appears that a deal is getting closer to completion.

That's because reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed that personal terms have been agreed over a move – and that the player himself wants to leave the Blues to move the Etihad Stadium. Whilst a deal is therefore nearly done, the fee over a deal has not yet been agreed. Romano though has stated that the figure is likely to be something that is discussed and agreed once City have played in their Champions League final. With CIES Football Observatory valuing the midfielder at 30 million Euros (£25m), that fee might not be too high of an amount if that is anything to go off.

Speaking on the deal, Romano said: "Mateo Kovacić has now agreed personal terms with Manchester City after advanced talks already revealed last week. Kovacić wants the move, next step has to be between clubs as Chelsea and City will discuss fee after the UCL final. Chelsea, open to sell Kovacic."

Would Kovacic be a good signing for Man City?

The midfielder has already won Croatian League titles and a La Liga with Real Madrid but has yet to add a Premier League crown to his silverware cupboard. With the Blues sliding down the table, a move to Man City may allow him to be in with a chance of finally securing that prize.

If they do manage to add him, then Pep Guardiola's side would be getting themselves a player well capable of fitting into their midfield. Whilst the 29-year-old is an adept passer as previously stated, he is also good at driving the ball forward himself – as shown by his carries into the final third rate of 2.13 per 90 – and is well capable of popping up with a shot or goal. With a rate of 1 goal per shot on target – amongst the top three percent in his area – he is an accurate shooter when he does have a pop at goal and isn't afraid to drive forward. He ticks plenty of boxes for City then.

Arsenal have now turned their attention to Romeo Lavia after holding internal discussions about their transfer plans, according to reports…

Arsenal transfer news – Romeo Lavia

The Gunners are believed to be pushing to seal a deal West Ham United captain Declan Rice as their first priority but according to The Guardian's Jacob Steinberg, manager Mikel Arteta is keen to sign two midfielders, having also been linked to Brighton & Hove Albion gem Moises Caicedo.

It's now thought the north London outfit have shifted their focus onto other players due to the sizeable sum it would take to secure the Ecuador international, as per the aforementioned report. Lavia is one potential alternative, with talks being held about making a potential move to bring the relegated Southampton star to the Emirates Stadium this summer.

The Sun, meanwhile, claim the Belgian midfielder is valued at around £45m by the Saints and is viewed by Arteta as 'a better option' than Caicedo.

Elsewhere, Arsenal are also keen to sign Chelsea attacker Kai Havertz, with the German said to be "very close" to joining, whilst the north Londoners are said to be in pole position to land Moussa Diaby of Bayer Leverkusen too.

Should Arsenal sign Romeo Lavia over Moises Caicedo?

Lavia was perhaps one of Southampton's only shining lights in what was a dismal Premier League campaign, one which saw them relegated to the Championship for the first time in 11 years.

The former Manchester City youth product was second to only James Ward-Prowse when it came to the average match rating of the Saints' engine room options and similarly, he ranked second for tackles per game (2.1) too, as per WhoScored.

Such impressive form saw Independent journalist Benjy Nurick hail the teenage sensation as an "absolute monster" and it also led to him picking up his first cap for the Red Devils back in March 2023.

Lavia grew up idolising Spain powerhouse Sergio Busquets and that is quite apparent when watching him play, with the same reporter waxing lyrical about his qualities as a defensive midfielder, taking to Twitter to say: "Always offering himself as an option to the defence, great range of passing, and a devastating turn away from markers with a little drop of his shoulder."

At just £45m, the dynamic 5 foot 11 enforcer would represent a shrewd piece of business, especially with Brighton looking 122% more (£100m) for Caicedo.

Lavia is not only younger, fitting in with Arteta's developmental project, but he has also come through an all too familiar system at City, where the Spaniard was Pep Guardiola's assistant prior to taking the helm at the Emirates Stadium.

These factors could indeed make him a better option than Caicedo this summer.

West Ham must begin the unwanted task of preparing to replace the imperious Declan Rice.

One name who could fill this impending void is Ibrahim Sangare.

What’s the latest on Ibrahim Sangare to West Ham?

According to Get Football News, PSV Eindhoven are willing to let the midfielder leave having attracted interest from several top clubs.

The Dutch side value the player at around €37m (£32m), but a number of clubs are reluctant to pay such a price.

Tottenham, Liverpool and PSG have all been linked with a move in the past, but, the Hammers cannot be ruled out as a viable option for Sangare’s signature, as back in April, he was suggested as a possible replacement for Rice by the Daily Mail.

This followed news that last summer, the Irons were weighing up a £25m move for the Ivorian, but any chance of securing the titan was extinguished when he signed a new deal with the club in that window.

But, with the 2023 Europa Conference League winners set to receive a mammoth fee for their club captain, they could reignite their interest in this 6 foot 3 colossus.

How would Ibrahim Sangare fit in at West Ham?

The 29-cap international has made 133 appearances for PSV, including 45 outings in all competitions this term, whilst notching 11 goal contributions.

This season, across 29 Eredivisie games, the West African has averaged 2.3 tackles, 1.6 clearances, 81% pass accuracy in the opposition half, and 77% of his dribbles, according to Sofascore. Clearly a defensively resolute performer, this is also a player with technical elegance.

He has shown himself to be simply above the level of the Dutch league as he ranks within the top 14% outside of Europe’s top five leagues for aerials won per 90, successful take-ons per 90, progressive passes per 90, and non-penalty goals per 90.

Sangare’s possible arrival could be a further setback from Flynn Downes, who has endured a difficult debut season in East London.

Despite Tomas Soucek’s patchy form, the former Swansea man only began seven top-flight games, but when he has sparingly featured he has largely struggled to show meaningful signs of his quality.

He dismally resides in the lowest 5% in Europe’s top five leagues among his positional peers for progressive passes per 90, progressive carries per 90, and successful take-ons per 90.

This has opened the door for Sangare, who has been described as “extraordinary” by former PSV and Ajax manager Aad de Mos.

Due to the pivot’s experience, Sangare has displayed the quality to be a regular starter for the Irons. Indeed, he would evidently be a far better option than Moyes' 2022 signing.

Twitter has reacted in brutal fashion to Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s penalty miss on Tuesday night against Scotland as he fired the ball well over the bar.

What happened in the game between Scotland and Georgia?

Scotland made it four wins from four in their quest to qualify for the 2024 European Championships on Tuesday, as they beat Georgia 2-0 at Hampden Park.

Goals from Callum McGregor and Manchester United’s Scott McTominay sealed the win for Steve Clarke’s side, but Napoli’s Kvaratskhelia had a glorious opportunity to pull one back for the visitors after they were awarded a penalty in the 93rd minute.

Much had been made about the 22-year-old’s influence on the game and his threat, but after a pretty poor performance, things only got worse for the winger as he fired the spot kick well over the crossbar.

As you can imagine, those on social media had a field day with the miss. After all, the Napoli star – who netted 12 league goals and claimed 13 assists on the way to a Serie A title – was far from his best on the night and fans online made that clear.

Indeed, some of the responses on Twitter to the awful penalty were ruthless. Here are some of the best…

A couple of users compared the miss to Harry Kane’s penalty for England against France in the World Cup last year…

One fan even claimed Kvaratskhelia couldn’t perform away from Napoli teammate Victor Osimhen…

A couple of Scottish fans weren’t impressed with the winger after seeing him in the flesh for the first time…

Everton managed to clinch survival on the final day of the Premier League campaign, and have now been linked to a star from a club that couldn’t maintain his place in the division.

It’s set to be a busy summer for Sean Dyche, as he aims to ensure the Toffees don’t slip to the lows of the previous two seasons, which has seen them battle relegation to the final minutes.

The latest link could prove to be a significant upgrade in attack, with a player that has already passed the Premier League test.

What’s the latest on Wilfried Gnonto to Everton?

As reported by Football Transfers, Everton are interested in Leeds United forward Wilfried Gnonto.

The report suggests that Everton have ‘ongoing talks’ with Leeds over attacking duo Jack Harrison and Gnonto, with the Italian’s price in need of a ‘compromise’ for a deal to be reached.

While a price is yet to be named, the winger's expected transfer value sits at €30m (£26m).

What could Wilfried Gnonto offer to Everton?

Hailed as a “diamond” by U23 talent scout Antonio Mango, the 19-year-old lit up the Premier League when given the opportunity at Elland Road.

In 24 appearances, the winger scored two goals and registered four assists for the relegated side, via Sofascore, earning sufficient praise for his exploits and trickery on the left wing.

With relegation confirmed, it’s likely that Leeds will offload a host of talent seeking first-division football, as well as aim to keep their wage budget sustainable to adhere to the drop in finances that comes with demotion.

The Italian forward could add an abundance of talent to Dyche’s Everton side, identified as a skilful presence in the final third and keen creator, as highlighted by his average of one key pass per game this season, via Sofascore. That may not seem too impressive but compare it to those in the Everton ranks and it places him fourth for last term, behind Demarai Gray, Dwight McNeil and Alex Iwobi.

At just 19-years-old, Goodison Park could obtain one of Europe’s most encouraging talents in Gnonto, with a player that could excel in Dyche’s system reliant on the traditional role of a wide player.

The teen could not only fit perfectly into the squad but could challenge some of the side’s best players for a spot based on the potential he displayed in his opening Premier League campaign.

The aforementioned Iwobi is a player that’s deployed primarily in attacking midfield, however, rose to fame in the division through his ability on the wing, and is used at times on the left side by Dyche.

When comparing the numbers of the Nigerian and Gnonto, the teenager proves to be a potential candidate to compete with the former Arsenal gem as the top pick in the side.

As per FBref, the Leeds star averaged 0.27 assists per 90 to Iwobi’s 0.19 this campaign, as well as scoring higher than the Everton player of the season in terms of progressive play.

The Verbania-born ace averaged a huge 4.39 progressive carries to Iwobi's 2.40, as well as 9.04 progressive passes received to his 3.86, communicating the added threat he could equip Dyche with in the final third, via FBref.

Everton could add firepower to their attack in Gnonto; a player that could rise to be one of the most explosive wide talents in the league.

Fulham are now targeting Chelsea forward Callum Hudson-Odoi this summer and Mauricio Pochettino's side are open to selling him, according to reports.

Who will Fulham sign this summer?

In the past week, Whites transfer rumours have been seriously hotting up, both in terms of potential departures and signings for Marco Silva.

Fulham enjoyed a successful first full campaign back in the Premier League after being promoted from the Championship, comfortably avoiding relegation and finished mid-table.

While they couldn't quite do enough to seal European football for next season, the foundations to build are there, and it is believed the west Londoners are looking at strengthening a variety of positions.

Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse, Japan international Ao Tanaka, Coventry City's Viktor Gyokeres, Fenerbache defender Ferdi Kadioglu and Roma centre-back Roger Ibanez have all been linked in the past 10 days.

Meanwhile, it is believed top flight rivals are eyeing moves for star Fulham players Joao Palhinha and Antonee Robinson, with Leicester City also apparently looking to steal away club captain Tom Cairney.

If these rumours come to fruition, it could well be a busy summer at Craven Cottage, with news emerging of another target on their radar.

Hudson-Odoi, who spent last season on loan at Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga, is apparently being targeted by Fulham.

That is according to The Guardian and reliable journalist Jacob Steinberg, who claims Fulham, Milan and Nottingham Forest have registered interest in the £120,000-per-week forward.

Chelsea are prepared to sell Hudson-Odoi, and could do so for just £15 million, with the winger looking likely to leave Stamford Bridge this summer.

He's out of contract next year, and with just 12 months remaining on his current deal, Fulham could offer him the chance to remain in west London.

Hudson-Odoi has offers from the Middle East, though it is thought his preference is to remain in Europe at this stage.

What's been said about Hudson-Odoi?

Frank Lampard once tipped the 22-year-old for stardom at Chelsea, calling him an "incredible" player back in 2019 whilst claiming he could be "huge" for the Blues.

Fast forward to now, and that hasn't quite worked out, but Lampard isn't the only person to have seriously endorsed the winger.

FourFourTwo writer Mark White, taking to Twitter just last year, called Hudson-Odoi a "special" player and drew particular attention to his "unbelievable vision" and "sheer mentality".

Given he is available for just £15m, and Fulham are in need of forward depth, he could be a prudent option.

Newcastle United need to bring in more signings this window to deal with the added prospect of Champions League football according to Sky Sports journalist Keith Downie.

What is going on at Newcastle United?

The Magpies are preparing for their first season back in the Champions League in two decades.

The club have already made a massive move in the transfer market, bringing in Italian midfielder Sandro Tonali from giants AC Milan for a reported fee of £55m. The 23-year-old has been regarded as one of the most promising midfielders in the world for a number of years, even being called the 'next Andrea Pirlo', and is a real coup for Eddie Howe's side.

He remains the club's only senior signing of the window so far, with the Tyneside outfit having missed out on English midfielder James Maddison to Tottenham Hotspur and Hungary midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai to Liverpool earlier in the window.

Newcastle are still working on deals for other players, with the club close to finalising a move for Leicester City forward Harvey Barnes. Reports have also linked the side with young Portuguese defender Goncalo Inacio, whilst it remains to be seen if the club will reignite their interest in Arsenal fullback Kieran Tierney as the window progresses.

Speaking on Sky Sports News, Downie stated that he believes Newcastle have to "bulk up" the squad to deal with the addition of Champions League football, and they won't get away with using the same 14 or 15 players like last campaign.

"I think Newcastle need to add. I think anyone who watched Newcastle will be aware that they got through last season with a very thin squad, they were asking the same 14 or 15 players to go again and again every week.

"They've not just got the Premier League to contend with next season, they've got these Champions League matches as well so it's gonna be a difficult season as well in terms of the amount of games they are going to have to play so they do need to bulk up the squad."

"If they were to sell one or two players, they would then need to go back into the market and reinvest. So I reckon you're probably looking at another three or four players to try and bulk up the squad."

Why do Newcastle need transfers?

Newcastle enjoyed a memorable season last time around, but this time will be a lot tougher if they tried to use the same squad with minimal additions.

Last season, the Magpies were very lucky that their entire first-choice defence was fit for the whole season, with all five of Nick Pope, Kieran Trippier, Dan Burn, Sven Botman, and Fabian Schar all playing over 3000 minutes.

This season with the added fixtures in the Champions League these five will end up in the "red zone" more often and will need to be rested. When you consider that Jamaal Lascelles is the clubs most recognised backup central defender, it makes the interest in Inacio seem obvious and a huge priority.

Unlike last campaign, due to the side's Champions League games, they will often be playing two games a week instead of just one like the majority of last season. In order for the club to achieve what they believe they can across the board next season, proper rotation and quality depth will be required across the board. The expected addition of Barnes would complete the attacking depth as it would leave Howe with six attackers to choose from. Midfield and defence are still areas that seem short in terms of personnel despite the arrival of Tonali so the club's focus should be on addressing those weaknesses.

Many Newcastle fans will be hoping that this upcoming season is just as, if not more, memorable than last season, but they could be left disappointed if the squad isn't filled out enough to properly cope with the demands that playing in the Champions League gives a squad.

Arsenal's transfer frenzy shows few signs of slowing down, as the Gunners are reported to be in the running to sign PSV star Xavi Simons this summer.

Dutch outlet ED reported last week that Arsenal are in talks to sign Simons, but the Dutch youngster has no shortage of potential suitors and journalist Paul Brown believes his development could increase tenfold under the stewardship of club captain Martin Odegaard…

How much would Xavi Simons cost?

Should the Gunners see off competition for the Netherlands phenom, they could have the perfect man in the Norway international to help him settle into his new surroundings at the Emirates Stadium.

Speaking to Football FanCast, the reporter said:

"I do think Odegaard has become a really important, quiet leader at Arsenal.

"He leads by example, but he doesn't need to charge around the pitch shouting at people.

"I do think behind the scenes he is capable of being that kind of mentor figure to anyone who comes into the club under any kind of pressure.

"I do think that that could be an important role for him. If someone like [Simons] was coming in he would be able to take him under his wing and help him along. I do think that could be quite important."

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano previously reported that Paris Saint-Germain have the chance to sign Simons for €6m (£5.1m), but that buy-back clause expires on July 31 and the midfielder will have the final say on his future.

Any other interested clubs face having to pay in excess of €50m (£44m), according to some reports in Spain (via Football365), given Simons' status as one of the best talents in European football.

Where would Xavi Simons fit in at Arsenal?

Ironically, it could be Odegaard that Simons eventually replaces in the Arsenal side. The Norway international is still only 24 himself, but he has been linked with a move away from the Gunners on more than one occasion.

The two players share a lot of similarities, not least the fact that they are both capable of scoring and assisting a large number of goals. Simons scored 19 and assisted eight in Eredivisie last season, while Odegaard scored 15 and set up seven in the Premier League.

Simons scored from 0.19 goals per shot he took last season, as per FBref, compared to 0.16 for Odegaard, while – pretty remarkably – they had an identical pass-completion percentage of 80.3.

While Simons comes out on top in terms of the combined tackles and interceptions managed per 90 (1.90 v 1.21), Odegaard edges things when it comes to successful take-on percentage (57.8 v 49.7).

Signing Odegaard's potential successor while he is still at the club makes perfect sense, though it may well be that Simons – on wages of £26k-per-week at PSV, according to Capology – is paired with the former Real Madrid player should he join.

Once described as "magnificent" by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, it is little wonder that many of Europe's elite clubs – Arsenal and PSG being just two of them – are eager to sign Simons.

Under the tutelage of Mikel Arteta, and with Odegaard to lean on, Simons will have the opportunity to fulfil his undoubted potential on the Premier League stage.