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Crystal Palace’s midfield is the subject of a major overhaul. Club servants James McArthur and Luka Milivojevic have announced their departures from Selhurst Park, while Cheick Doucoure is being eyed by Liverpool, who are on the verge of losing Jordan Henderson and Fabinho to Saudi Arabia.

Upon the expiration of his contract at Bournemouth, Jefferson Lerma was signed by the Eagles to kickstart the rebuild, but they’re still in need of more depth.

One name who is constantly linked with a move to the English capital is Matheus Franca, who has been tipped to perform better for Palace than Albert Sambi Lokonga did last season.

What’s the latest on Matheus Franca to Crystal Palace?

Speaking to Football FanCast, reporter Dean Jones was asked if Franca could be considered an upgrade on Lokonga.

He said: “I’d say he’s a step up on Lokonga. I think Lokonga's found it difficult to assert himself in the Premier League so far. We don't know, maybe Franca will too, but I think that having someone with a freshness into the league will certainly help as well, and I'd actually be quite confident with him being a success.”

This follows a report published by Fabrizio Romano in his CaughtOffside column, which suggested that Palace are stepping up their pursuit of the 19-year-old by preparing to launch an opening bid.

The piece also details that Palace are ahead of Chelsea in the pecking order for Franca as the Blues are no longer monitoring the situation.

It is understood that Palace view the Brazilian as a possible replacement for Wilfried Zaha, and could cost in excess of £22m.

Would Matheus Franca be an upgrade on Sambi Lokonga?

After only making two Premier League starts in the first half of last season for Arsenal, Lokonga sealed a loan move to Palace in January in search of more regular game time.

It appeared the ideal move as the 23-year-old would get the opportunity to learn under the guidance of Gunners Invincible, Patrick Vieira. However, the move materialised as a big disappointment, as Palace failed to win any of the six Premier League games that Lokonga started.

Eventually, the Eagles’ form deteriorated to such a degree that Vieira was dismissed and replaced by Roy Hodgson. However, the veteran coach was uninspired by the Belgian as he was an unused substitute in eight of the final ten games.

Whilst operating from midfield in the Premier League, the former Anderlecht man has failed to impose any dominance, as shown by his disappointing rank within the lowest 29% in Europe’s top five leagues among his positional peers for progressive carries, successful take-ons, tackles and blocks per 90.

The end of this underwhelming loan spell has opened the door for a more dynamic and effervescent option in Franca.

Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig has hailed the youngster as “one of the most exciting teenagers in Brazil” and – as Jones phrased it earlier – his ‘freshness’ could be hugely beneficial to the Palace side.

This could come from influence in attacking proceedings, as since making his senior debut for Flamengo, he has notched 19 goals in 59 outings.

Fabio Matias, his former coach, is also among those to sing his praises, adding: “He has many important aspects to his game. In addition to technical and tactical ability, he has a very good understanding of the game. That makes him stand out because he interprets spaces well.”

These are traits that Lokonga struggled to display, as he averaged just 0.1 key passes and 0.1 dribbles per game for Palace – lower figures than the likes of Joel Ward, Marc Guehi and Nathaniel Clyne.

All things considered, Franca could yet possess the profile and potential to be a huge success in south London for Steve Parish.

Newcastle United are interested in signing Monaco defender Axel Disasi this summer, but Manchester United are also in the picture, according to a new update from renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano.

How good is Axel Disasi?

The 25-year-old was an undoubted key man for his current side last season, proving to be an influential performer at the heart of their defence. He started an impressive 37 out of 38 Ligue 1 matches, winning an average of 2.6 aerial duels per outing – by far the most in his team – and also chipping with three goals and assists apiece for good measure.

Disasi is also a four-time capped France international, battling with the likes of Raphael Varane, Ibrahima Konate and William Saliba for minutes at international level, and he made three appearances at the 2022 World Cup, starting once and coming on as a substitute the other two times.

The Monaco man could well be a wanted man in the current transfer window, and while his contract doesn't run out until the summer of 2025, he could push for a move in the coming weeks as Champions League clubs snif around.

With Newcastle looking to potentially sign a new long-term centre-back partner for Sven Botman, it looks as though the Frenchman could be a target in the near future.

Do Newcastle want to sign Axel Disasi?

Taking to Twitter, Romano revealed Newcastle's interest in Disasi, also adding that United are equally keen on signing the defender, which was known previously:

"Newcastle and Manchester United are both exploring Disasi deal, no bids yet.

"Newcastle approached player side this week, expected to make contact with Monaco. Ten Hag approved Disasi — talks for weeks on player side but still waiting for approach with Monaco. More to follow."

Disasi could be a really strong addition to Newcastle's squad ahead of the new season, coming in as a possible immediate upgrade on Fabian Schar. The Swiss star has done an excellent job for the Magpies, but he is now 31 years of age and his very best days are arguably behind him, as can be the case with many players at the age. There is no issue with him as a squad player, but a younger option with his best years ahead of him makes complete sense this summer.

The Monaco defender has been hailed by football talent scout Jacek Kulig for being part of a "crazy" group of talented young French central defenders who were present at the World Cup, while his "great qualities" as a player have been lauded by French coach Jean-Luc Vasseur in the past.

These are the sort of players who can take Newcastle to that next level moving forward, ensuring that last season was far from a one-off, and that the Magpies can build on their Champions League qualification by securing another top-four finish in 2023/24, gradually becoming a true force in English football.

It is also a testament to the progress made under Eddie Howe in such a short space of time that Newcastle are now in the mix to sign players who are linked with clubs like the Red Devils.

Newcastle United are reportedly eyeing a move for Benfica star Goncalo Ramos, as Eddie Howe prepares for the thrilling 2023/24 campaign at St James’ Park.

The Magpies enjoyed a blockbuster season to lead them into an expectedly busy summer, finishing in fourth with confirmation that they will play in the Champions League for the first time since 2002/03.

Despite accelerating up the rankings, Howe is hungry for further success in the North East, which he could achieve by swiftly signing the clubs’ latest target.

What’s the latest on Goncalo Ramos to Newcastle?

As reported yesterday by Portuguese outlet Correio da Manha – relayed by Sport Witness – Benfica are expecting Newcastle to ‘attack’ in their bid to sign the 22-year-old.

It’s stated that the Premier League side are aware that Benfica would only accept offers in the region of €80m (£69m), with the club reportedly ready to ‘present an offer’.

The in-demand forward who is also mentioned to be of interest to Manchester United has a bumper release clause of €120m (£103m) in a contract valid until 2025.

What could Goncalo Ramos offer to Newcastle?

Speaking back in January, Howe admitted his desire to replace the presence of Chris Wood with a player that is ‘ready to play’ for the club, via the Chronicle.

The 31-year-old traded St James’ Park for the City Ground in the winter transfer window, leaving the Magpies with just Callum Wilson as the only identifiable out-and-out centre-forward.

With 18 goals in the Premier League, the Englishman has done a stellar job at leading the line, however in signing another forward the North East club could bolster their chances of challenging for the title.

Hailed as “outrageous” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Portuguese sensation Goncalo Ramos could be the perfect individual to ease some pressure from Wilson.

In 30 Liga Portugal appearances last season, the 22-year-old found the net 19 times averaging a monstrous 0.75 non-penalty goals per 90 via FBref, a stat that placed him in the top 3% of forwards in the division.

The young star could be the figure to lead Newcastle to further heights, as well as being the perfect candidate to act as Wilson’s heir with the 31-year-old theoretically nearing the latter stages of his playing career.

Ramos took to the spotlight at the World Cup when he was chosen ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo to lead the line for his country, in which he wrote his name in the stars with a Round-of-16 hat-trick to send Portugal to the quarter-finals.

The 22-year-old could undoubtedly flourish in Howe’s free-flowing attacking side, based upon the fact that his numbers prove he’s a natural goal scorer with a talent difficult to find.

As per FBref, the live wire averaged an impressive 3.87 total shots per 90, with an average of 1.46 being on target, similar to Wilson who averaged a total of 3.36 shots per 90 in the Premier League.

Identified by Kulig as having strengths in his pace and off-the-ball movement, the young gem could be the perfect fit for Newcastle, and a statement signing should the Magpies claim his signature over the likes of Manchester United.

What is certain is Howe’s requirement to recruit a forward this summer, and with finances not expected to be an issue, Ramos could be the perfect suitor for the thrilling times to come at St James’ Park.

Newcastle United have "shown interest" in signing Juventus winger Samuel Iling-Junior, who could be allowed to leave on a loan deal this summer, according to journalist Rudy Galetti.

What's the latest Newcastle transfer news?

With Eddie Howe preparing for Champions League football next season, the manager has now identified Villarreal's Samuel Chukwueze as a transfer target, however the likes of AC Milan, Arsenal and Liverpool are also said to be on his tracks.

The Magpies will have to fend off fierce competition to win the race for the Nigerian, but Howe will be well aware of the need to bring in a new winger, given Allan Saint-Maximin's uncertain future, amid interest from teams in the Saudi Pro League, as well as Everton and Crystal Palace.

Harvey Barnes could be brought in as a replacement for the Frenchman, with the PIF pursuing a move for the England international, who is valued at £40m by Leicester CIty, while Iling-Junior is also emerging as an option.

Newcastle were linked with a move for the 19-year-old back in March, alongside Premier League rivals Manchester City and Chelsea, and there are still a number of top clubs vying for his signature.

That is according to Galetti, who recently told GiveMeSport that Juventus could sanction the youngster's departure this summer, but not on a permanent deal.

The journalist said: “Juventus, for sure, this summer will change something in this squad.

“Some players could leave on loan to grow and improve. Samuel Iling-Junior is one of them.

“He could leave Juventus on loan this summer, and many clubs have shown interest in him. From the Premier League, Manchester City, Newcastle, and Chelsea are monitoring his situation.”

Who is Samuel Iling-Junior?

The Juventus ace, who has stated himself that he is "similar" to Leroy Sane, was born in Islington, and made a number of appearances for Chelsea in the Under 18 Premier League, as well as the UEFA Youth League, before he made the switch to the Serie A.

Since then, the Englishman has risen through the ranks at the Allianz Stadium, making his first-team breakthrough last season, picking up one assist in the Champions League, after making a 20-minute cameo in his side;s 4-3 loss against Benfica.

Despite only receiving limited time on the pitch, the starlet received a 7.4 Sofascore rating, the highest of any Juventus player on the night, and he also made an instant impact in the Serie A, managing to score on his full debut for the club.

Fooball Scout Jacek Kulig has heaped praise on the youngster, describing him as a "flamboyant winger", while also outlining his key traits, which are his dribbling, pace, ball control and bravery.

It is still very early days in his career, but Iling-Junior is showing all the signs he could go on to be a top player, so it is exciting news that Newcastle are monitoring his situation.

That said, Howe will surely be hoping they can sign the £11k-per-week winger on a permanent deal, rather than on loan, as he could be a fantastic long-term replacement for Saint-Maximin.

Manchester United are yet to conclude any business during the transfer window, although the feeling is that something is close at Old Trafford.

Man United transfer news – Red Devils interested in Aurelien Tchouameni

While much of the early exchanges of the window have been with regards to signing Mason Mount, United are looking to spend even more money if reports are to be believed.

On Saturday, news broke from reports in Spain (via Football 365), that France international Aurelien Tchouameni was on the club's radar.

In fact, it's even suggested that Erik ten Hag has instructed United directors to fly to Spain in order to have a face-to-face meeting with Real Madrid president Florentino Perez so they can conclude a deal.

Ten Hag views the midfielder as an ideal option with the player looking likely to leave the Spanish capital following the arrival of Jude Bellingham.

That said, Madrid won't settle for anything less than a fee of €80m (£69m).

Who does Tchouameni compare to in Europe's top five leagues?

The Frenchman has been one of the most promising young midfielders in Europe for some time now and was totally deserving of a big move to La Liga last summer.

Having scored a quite delightful goal against England at the World Cup, the 23-year-old has only been going from strength to strength, playing a whopping 50 times at club level last term.

He may not have scored, but Tchouameni's primary function is to dictate and break up the play from the middle of the park.

With that in mind, it's perhaps no surprise to see FBref suggest that Arsenal-bound Declan Rice is one of his most 'similar' players.

Rice was a target for the Red Devils this summer but looks set to sign for Arsenal in a mega £105m deal next week.

Ten Hag, therefore, will have to seek alternatives and there are few better than Tchouameni, a player branded "extraordinary" by fellow countryman and ex-Man United star Paul Pogba.

Over the last 365 days, both Tchouameni and Rice have had a similar level of impact in the final third, with the former registering an expected goals per 90 of 0.08 compared to the latter's xG of 00.07. Furthermore, the Irons star posted 2.75 shot-creating actions to the United target's 2.67.

Tchouameni tends to play longer passes more regularly, spraying the ball on average 332.9 yards per 90 to Rice's 259.8 but this success rate of passes over a medium distance is very similar; 94.2% to 93.2% in favour of the Frenchman.

Their creativity is remarkably alike with the West Ham skipper averaging 1.02 key passes per 90 to the Real Madrid star's 0.94 while there is just 0.33 between them when it comes to passes into the final third.

Not just confident in possession of the ball, both are capable of doing the dirty work with Tchouameni amassing 2.72 tackles per 90, while Rice is only slightly behind with 2.17.

Whether it's creating chances or tracking back to win the ball for their side, the two players in question have a host of similar qualities. Rice has already shown that they are more than a match for the Premier League so his positional rival should have no problems settling in.

You only need to look at how Casemiro has fared since making the move to realise it can be done swiftly and to great success. Alongside Mount, this would be a superb signing for Ten Hag and Co.

Tottenham Hotspur could unveil their new goalkeeper shortly after agreeing personal terms with Empoli titan Guglielmo Vicario, ending speculation over the club's pursuit of a new shot-stopper.

What's the latest on Guglielmo Vicario to Tottenham?

That's according to Fabrizio Romano, who has taken to Twitter to provide a series of updates on the situation, the latest of which claims that a €19m (£17m) official proposal is incoming after personal terms were agreed yesterday.

Signing on a five-year deal, Vicario would likely assume the No 1. role at the club after impressing in Serie A this year; Spurs 'keeper Hugo Lloris is expected to depart this summer and he is clearly viewed as the replacement.

The 26-year-old Italian has been favoured by the Lilywhites hierarchy despite also agreeing terms with Brentford's David Raya, deterred by the £40m asking price.

Should Tottenham sign Guglielmo Vicario?

The 35-year-old Lloris has been a stalwart for Tottenham since signing from Lyon for £12m in 2012, but having made four errors leading to goal this year – the most in the division – and with Tottenham shipping 63 strikes, change is understandably afoot.

And while Raya would have been an impressive appointment after starring with the high-flying Bees in the Premier League over the past several seasons, the shrewder route has been taken and could still bear fruit, with Vicario offering all the promise of a first-rate goalkeeper for years to come.

Hailed as an "extraordinary" talent by revered compatriot Gianluigi Buffon, Vicario recorded an average Sofascore rating of 7.05 as Empoli finished 14th in Serie A, playing 31 matches, keeping seven clean sheets and making 97 saves at a rate of 69%.

As per FBref, the £18k-per-week star also ranks among the top 9% of positional peers throughout Europe's top five leagues over the past 12 months for touches per 90, which underscores his prowess as a ball-playing goalkeeper, something that could fit the philosophy of new Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou to a tee, having been lauded for bringing "a positive mentality and a fast, attacking style of play" by club chairman Daniel Levy.

It could replicate Spurs' recent success in bringing Cristian Romero over from Italian football, with the no-nonsense centre-back signing from Atalanta for £42m in 2021.

Despite the north London outfit's defensive woes, the Argentine World Cup champion has been hailed as a "Rolls-Royce" by Martin Keown and has earned his stripes through his tenacious grit, ranking among the top 5% of centre-halfs for tackles, the top 17% for successful take-ons and the top 20% for interceptions per 90.

On top of the assurance that a burgeoning goalkeeper would bring, Spurs could continue their trend of fortifying the ranks from Serie A with the signing of Vicario, and it is a transfer that must be concluded swiftly ahead of a campaign of paramount importance.

Manchester United are keen to bring Juventus defender Gleison Bremer to the Premier League, according to reports.

Is Gleison Bremer leaving Juventus?

The Brazilian international only arrived at the Allianz Stadium from Torino last summer and he impressed during his debut season, establishing himself as Massimiliano Allegri’s overall third best-performing player with a WhoScored match rating of 6.92.

However, even though the 26-year-old still has another four years remaining on his contract, the Serie A outfit are in need of funds and will therefore be looking to raise cash by selling some of their most prized assets during the upcoming window, the centre-back being one of them.

Back in 2021, Fantacalcio credited the Red Devils with an interest in the 6 foot 2 colossus when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was in charge, and if the following update is to be believed, Erik Ten Hag is allegedly preparing to make a second attempt at securing his services.

Are Man United signing Bremer?

According to Calciomercato (via Sport Witness), Man United are “looking at” a potential summer swoop for Bremer. The Old Trafford side are “thinking about” the defender and are “particularly interested” in wrapping up a deal in the weeks and months ahead.

Juventus will demand an offer of at least €60m (£51m) in order to “carefully” consider a sale, and whilst a switch “doesn’t seem obvious at this stage”, Old Trafford chiefs did watch him live in action last season.

Where could Bremer fit in under Ten Hag?

Man United’s captain Harry Maguire has been heavily linked with a summer exit so Ten Hag will need a replacement in central defence should he depart, and having been dubbed an “animal” by Torino’s Mergim Vojvoda, Bremer could be the perfect candidate.

The World Cup participant was averaging 3.8 clearances and 2.6 aerial wins per Serie A game during the previous term, via WhoScored, so was a real solid option in the heart of the backline, but he also posed a threat in the final third with five goal contributions (four goals and one assist) to his name.

Bremer, who has the versatility to operate at right-back, also shares the same agent, CAA Base Ltd, as Raphael Varane, so his representative will already hold an existing connection to the club from when his other client joined, and this is a relationship that could give the Red Devils an advantage in trying to get a deal over the line this summer.

Manchester United have spoken to Mason Mount's camp over the last few days to confirm their interest in the player ahead of the summer window.

Will Chelsea sell Mason Mount?

The 24-year-old's future in west London is looking increasingly unlikely as the days roll on with his contract now winding down to its final year.

There is believed to be interest coming from across the Premier League in the England international this summer with the Red Devils up there among the most interested.

Indeed, it is thought Erik ten Hag's side are seriously interested in potentially bringing the midfielder to Old Trafford as they look to strengthen on what was an impressive 2022/23 campaign.

However, the Blues are said to have an extremely high valuation on their academy product despite his contract situation.

According to reports, Chelsea will be looking for a bid in the region of £68m to allow their 24-year-old midfielder to depart Stamford Bridge this summer.

And speaking on his YouTube channel, Fabrizio Romano has claimed the Red Devils have recently held further discussions with the player's camp to assure them of their intentions this summer:

"I can tell you that also in the last two-three days, Manchester United, in the contacts they had with the player side, they confirmed their intention to go for Mason [Mount]. They are not changing their mind.

"So they are confirming that they want him. They have a contract proposal ready. They know that Mason is prepared to say yes. So they kind of sent a positive message to Mason Mount."

Do Chelsea want to keep Mount?

The contract situation of the midfielder is far from ideal as he enters the final year of his time at the club which puts a lot of the power in his hands.

Yes, Chelsea will have the last say, however, they are at risk of potentially losing the player for nothing next summer if he is to stay and not sign a new deal.

But this is Chelsea. This is a club who have enormous financial backing behind them so perhaps they may be willing to take the gamble of keeping Mount ahead of next season.

Having said that, this is also Chelsea who have spent significantly under Todd Boehly's tenure and this does present an opportunity to reclaim some money this summer.

It has been reported their newly-appointed manager, Mauricio Pochettino, is keen to keep Mount around for the foreseeable future.

But the player was spotted walking around Stamford Bridge following their final game of the season against Newcastle United in what some have speculated to be a farewell.

With United seemingly so interested in bringing Mount to Stamford Bridge this summer, it is claimed the arrival of Pochettino may have come too late to persuade the £80k-per-week ace to stay.

Tottenham Hotspur boss Ange Postecoglou is personally "driving" a Spurs move for Leicester City playmaker James Maddison, according to reports.

Who could Spurs sign this summer?

As the transfer window officially opens for business today, the time for a major Spurs rebuild is now upon us, with many players being tipped to potentially leave or come through the door.

Postecoglou's arrival marks the return of attacking football and a 4-3-3 formation, meaning chairman Daniel Levy must now scour for players who suit his system.

Of the players who could depart N17, there are many, with over 11 players being linked to leaving. Indeed, Hugo Lloris, Ivan Perisic, Davinson Sanchez, Ryan Sessegnon, Lenglet, Eric Dier and Ben Davies have all been tipped to potentially exit, while Spurs are also apparently planning to offload Giovani Lo Celso, Sergio Reguilon and Harry Winks (The Telegraph).

Meanwhile, it is believed Postecoglou has green-lit plans to sign a new centre-back, with reports suggesting Spurs are also hunting for a new goalkeeper to succeed Lloris. Maddison, who looks set to leave Leicester following their relegation from the top flight, is a firm transfer target as well.

The Lilywhites, according to reports, are contending with Eddie Howe's Newcastle for the England international with reliable journalist Nizaar Kinsella of The Evening Standard sharing an update.

According to his information, while the Magpies are confident of beating Spurs to Maddison, Postecoglou is personally "driving" a move to bring him to Hotspur Way.

The Foxes will apparently demand around £45m and he is set to be sold after Leicester's drop to the Championship, with Spurs targeting a creative playmaker this summer.

Postecoglou has given his green-light to moving for Maddison, but with Newcastle now "frontrunners", Spurs could face a tougher task of signing him.

Who is James Maddison?

The Three Lions ace was, by some distance, Leicester's best player last season.

According to WhoScored, he stood out as their best-performing player by average match rating, all whilst totalling an impressive 19 goal contributions in the league alone (10 goals, nine assists).

Maddison also averaged more attempts at goal and key passes made per 90 than any other Leicester player, highlighting why Postecoglou is so keen to bring him to north London.

Journalist Josh Bunting, taking to Twitter last year, heaped praise on the 26-year-old – claiming he can be "unplayable" when at his very best.

Whoever wins the race for Maddison will surely have a real player on their hands.

Tottenham Hotspur are keen on signing Leicester City forward Harvey Barnes for new manager Ange Postecoglou, according to reports.

Who could Spurs sign this summer?

Spurs supporters have finally seen their club's long, drawn out manager search come to an end with former Celtic boss Postecoglou set to start work on July 1.

The Australian, fresh off the back of a domestic treble win at Parkhead, is tasked with the almighty challenge of transforming Tottenham into a major force again.

“Ange brings a positive mentality and a fast, attacking style of play," said chairman Daniel Levy upon his appointment."He has a strong track record of developing players and an understanding of the importance of the link from the academy – everything that is important to our Club. We are excited to have Ange join us as we prepare for the season ahead."

Spurs missed out on European football for the 2023/2024 campaign, making the summer transfer market a challenge both financially and in terms of attracting star players.

However, reports suggest that the north Londoners and Levy are still determined to back Postecoglou, with the club ready to rival Newcastle for Leicester City star James Maddison.

According to The Times, however, Maddison isn't the only player being targeted from the King Power Stadium. Indeed, their forward Barnes is also wanted at Spurs, with Levy and co apparently being "keen" to sign him.

As well as the aforementioned duo, Southampton star James Ward-Prowse is another relegated star who is attracting interest.

Who is Harvey Barnes?

The Englishman, who is expected to cost around £40 million this summer, has been revered for his speed and stood out as one of Leicester's star players last season.

As per WhoScored, Barnes finished 2022/2023 as Leicester's top goalscorer in the Premier League with 13 – backing how he could inject some real threat into Tottenham's forward line.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, commenting on the 25-year-old in 2021, even heralded him as an "unbelievable player".

"They do good business, full-back, centre-half, all these things," said Klopp on Leicester at the time."Up front, [Marc] Albrighton, looks like he doesn’t get older, [Jamie] Vardy the same."Barnes is probably one of the biggest talents, I’m not sure if he is respected or appreciated as much as he should be, he is an unbelievable player to be honest, a proper Leicester product."

Given he is likely to want an immediate return to the top flight, ir is reasonable to believe he could also be open to joining Tottenham.