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Newcastle United are reportedly one of a number of Premier League clubs interested in signing Monaco midfielder Youssouf Fofana this summer.

Who is Youssouf Fofana?

The 24-year-old has grown into an important figure at Monaco recently, shining in a defensive midfield role and protecting the back-line in impressive fashion.

Last season, Fofana started 35 of his side's 38 Ligue 1 matches, highlighting what an integral player he is, also making six appearances for France at the 2022 World Cup, two of which were starts.

The £7,300-a-week Frenchman is out of contract at Monaco next summer, meaning they could be forced to sell him this time around, rather than potentially lose him on a free transfer in 2024.

He is unlikely to be without suitors, and it looks as though Newcastle are right in the mix to sign him, as they look to make significant reinforcements ahead of next season.

Are Newcastle signing Fofana? According to L'Equipe, Newcastle and Arsenal have entered the race to sign Fofana this summer, with West Ham also credited with interest in him. The Hammers see him as an ideal replacement for Declan Rice, who looks almost certain to leave for pastures new, but they could find it difficult to have the pulling power to pip the others to his signature.

The report does stress that no significant progress has been made regarding a summer exit, however, with Monaco seemingly in no rush to sell despite his contract situation.

Fofana could be a really astute addition to Newcastle's squad this summer, at a time when Eddie Howe is likely to want an out-and-out defensive midfielder to allow Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes to dictate matches, especially with Champions League football also to contend with in 2023/24.

He averaged 2.3 tackles per game in both Ligue 1 and the Europa League last term – more than both Tonali and Bruno across all competitions – highlighting the defensive expertise he can provide, and he is at an age where his best years should still be ahead of him.

The Magpies are now at the stage where they need to be rotating regularly, in order to thrive across several different competitions. And he could even become an immediate key starter, considering he is more naturally defensive than those mentioned.

Football talent scout Jacek Kulig has hailed the Frenchman as "wonderful" – which could mean Newcastle's midfield ends up looking even more balanced moving forward.

West Ham United boss David Moyes has made signing a new central midfielder a priority this summer ahead of Declan Rice's expected departure.

Rice, a target for the likes of Arsenal, Manchester United and Bayern Munich, will generate a huge transfer fee that can be pumped back into the squad.

The lure of more continental football next season, with West Ham back in the Europa League after winning the Europa Conference League last week, will help massively when it comes to persuading new recruits to join.

Fulham's Joao Palhinha appears to be high on Moyes' list of targets, but his reported £50m valuation will wipe out a large amount of the Hammers' transfer kitty, so it may make sense to look elsewhere for a cheaper alternative who has shown plenty of promise.

A regular for Ajax over the past four years and capped 61 times by Mexico, Edson Alvarez could be just the man for West Ham.

Is Edson Alvarez a good option for West Ham?

Alvarez looked all set to join Borussia Dortmund for a fee of £30m this summer – the German club themselves looking to replace a talented English midfielder of their own in Jude Bellingham – but 90min suggests West Ham are hoping to hijack a bid after opening talks with the player's agent.

The Mexican has made just short of 150 appearances for Ajax since joining from Club America in July 2019, 31 of those coming last season in what was ultimately a disappointing campaign for the Dutch heavyweights.

With 2,589 minutes played in Eredivisie, as per WhoScored, Alvarez was Ajax's third-most used player behind Dusan Tadic (2,971) and Jurrien Timber (3,033), and he chipped in with six direct goal involvements (three goals, three assists).

However, the 25-year-old is not necessarily in the team to find the net, but more for his defensive attributes – as highlighted by the ten yellow cards he received last season, which was level with FC Twente's Robin Propper for the most in Eredivisie.

As highlighted by FBref, Alvarez could not match Palhinha (4.26) for tackles per 90 minutes last season – who could? However, he managed a respectable 2.47 a game, which for comparison is more than Rice (2.17) and Tomas Soucek (2.45) at West Ham.

It is in another metric that Alvarez particularly thrived, and helps explain just why he is so highly regarded by some elite clubs. With an average of 83.91 passes attempted per 90 minutes over the past year, he ranks in the top 1% of his central midfield peers across Europe's top eight leagues.

Palhinha was hugely impressive in his debut campaign with Fulham but could not match that figure, recording a rather low (36.89). Those stats help to show where both players are at their strongest, meaning it is effectively up to West Ham to decide what they are in more need of.

If Moyes is after a player who is comfortable passing the ball around and can advance it up the field, then Alvarez appears a better fit. The Ajax midfielder averaged 97.9 touches per 90 minutes last season, compared to 49.7 for Palhinha, and was successful with 46.2% of his tackles (35.9% for Palhinha).

Previously described as a "monster" by The Athletic writer Felipe Cardenas for his displays in midfield for Mexico, Alvarez also won an average of 3.38 aerial duels for Ajax last season, which is superior to that of Palhinha (2.06).

Alvarez is not exactly a like-for-like replacement for Rice but, at potentially £20m cheaper than Palhinha, he appears to have all the right qualities to thrive in the Premier League for West Ham.

Liverpool target and Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount is expected to soon "decide" whether to make the move to Anfield, according to Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg.

Is Mason Mount leaving Chelsea?

The Blues academy graduate has made 195 senior appearances for Mauricio Pochettino's side over the course of his career, but with his contract set to expire at the end of next season, the upcoming window is his final chance to secure a big-money move elsewhere having rejected several new offers to extend his stay at Stamford Bridge.

Sky Sports have credited the Reds with an interest in the 24-year-old but report that Premier League rivals Manchester United are the current frontrunners having displayed a strong desire to secure his services, with The Athletic’s David Ornstein further revealing that the player himself is leaning towards a switch to Old Trafford.

Writing in his column for CaughtOffside, CBS reporter Ben Jacobs claimed that the England international is “advancing” in negotiations to join Erik Ten Hag’s side which is true considering that he’s since agreed personal terms, but whilst a deal looks all but done, he still has Jurgen Klopp lurking in the background as a valid option.

Are Liverpool signing Mount?

Taking to Twitter, Plettenberg revealed that Mount is set to choose between Liverpool and Man United as his next destination with an exit from his boyhood club pretty much inevitable this summer. He wrote:

"News #Mount: Been told #MUFC is pushing a lot! Ten Hag and the bosses share the same opinion about him: They definitely want him! Within the club all are convinced of him. Understand he will decide between Man Utd or Liverpool. Price valuation at this stage: €45-50m [£38m-43m] with bonuses included."

Should FSG cash out on Mount?

Liverpool are clearly long-term admirers of Mount and the fact that he’ll be out of contract this time next year means that a cut-price deal is available with the price range mentioned above, so FSG should certainly consider tabling a bid in an attempt to wrap up this bargain of a deal.

Chelsea’s “mad” attacking midfielder, as lauded by BT Sport pundit Rio Ferdinand, missed 12 top-flight games last season through injury but still managed to clock up nine goal contributions (six assists and three goals) across all competitions, showing how much of an instant impact he can make when available to play.

The Champions League winner, who knows what it takes to compete and be successful at the highest level having secured three senior trophies in SW6, is also a versatile operator having been fielded in seven various positions across the pitch since first emerging onto the scene, including in the midfield and the frontline, so he is a well-rounded player that would slot perfectly into the centre for Klopp.

تحدث عمر زعلوك وكيل ترافيس موتيابا لاعب الزمالك المنضم حديثاً لصفوف الفريق، عن كواليس إتمام الصفقة، خلال فترة الانتقالات الشتوية، مشيراً إلى فرحة اللاعب بعد التوقيع للزمالك.

أعلن نادي الزمالك عن التعاقد رسميًا مع المهاجم الأوغندي ترافيس موتيابا، لمدة 4 سنوات ونصف.

وقال زعلوك في تصريحات عبر قناة “الزمالك”: “موتيابا كان سيتجه لناد في الدوري الجورجي وهو بطل الدوري في الموسم الماضي وغير وجهته بعد اهتمام الزمالك بضمه”.

طالع أيضاً.. ياسر حمد: فخور وسعيد بـ الانضمام للزمالك.. وأعرف أهمية نهائي الكأس أمام الأهلي

وأضاف: “موتيابا كان سعيداً بعد اهتمام الزمالك به، بعدما وصل إلى جورجيا تواصلت معه وأبلغته أن الزمالك طلبه بالاسم، وكان سيوقع للنادي في اليوم الذي تواصلت معه فيه، وخاض مع الفريق ثلاثة تدريبات”.

وأوضح: “طلبت منه تأجيل التوقيع لثاني يوم وتراجع عن التوقيع للنادي الجورجي، نادي الزمالك أتى بموتيابا من جورجيا إلى مصر واللاعب لم يعود إلى أوغندا”.

وأتم: “موتيابا لاعب حريف وقوي، يريد أن يلعب في النادي ويسعد الجماهير، والجمهور استقبله أفضل استقبال، وقال لي إنه منتظر أن يلعب أول مباراة له مع الفريق وسط الجماهير”.

Mark Stoneman, Durham’s highly rated opening batsman, will join Surrey at the end of the season after turning down the offer of a new contract. The decision is a blow to Durham, with Stoneman having come through the club’s academy to captain the side in limited-overs cricket.Stoneman will link up with former Durham team-mate Mark Di Venuto, who is now Surrey’s head coach. He could be followed by more high-profile departures due to the straitened financial circumstances at Durham, with Scott Borthwick, Mark Wood and Keaton Jennings among the most high-profile players out of contract at the end of the season.Both Stoneman and Borthwick have featured in recent discussions for England selection and the county would benefit from ECB payments for their development even if they were to be called up after switching clubs.Despite traditionally tough batting surfaces at Chester-le-Street, Stoneman has flourished over the last few years, passing 1000 first-class runs in each season since 2013. His first-class average is just 32.11 but he has been mentioned as a possible Test opening partner for Alastair Cook. In List A cricket, Stoneman averages 40.17 and led Durham to victory in the Royal London Cup two years ago.The 29-year-old indicated that a desire to win over the England selectors contributed to his decision to move south, despite being offered a two-year deal by Durham.”Joining Surrey under the guidance of long-time mentor Michael Di Venuto and Alec Stewart will provide the platform to reach new levels with my batting,” Stoneman said. “It is a fantastic opportunity to join a young and exciting squad. I am very excited for the years ahead at the Kia Oval which is a great Test match venue and I hope my experience can contribute to a period of success for Surrey CCC.”The desire to play for England is as strong as it has ever been and I feel that now is the right time to accept a new challenge in an environment which will hopefully see me fulfil the dream of playing for England.”Durham have also allowed Phil Mustard to leave, with his contract up at the end of the season, but Paul Collingwood will continue to play on. Collingwood, captain of the Championship side, has agreed another one-year extension, which will take him into his 22nd year as a professional.Collingwood, 40, is currently averaging 50.66 in the Championship and saw Durham move up to second in the Division One table after a hard-fought victory over Lancashire at Southport last week.”I am so proud to still be playing for my home county who have given me the perfect environment to fulfil all of my cricketing dreams,” Collingwood said. “I feel that I can continue to contribute to the team and I really want to help develop the next generation of Durham cricketers.”I know that this club still has so much to offer English cricket and I continue to be excited by the young talent coming through the ranks.”Mustard, who is in his benefit year, will join Gloucestershire on loan until the end of the season, meaning he is likely to miss out on a farewell T20 appearance at Chester-le-Street. The 33-year-old lost his place in the Championship team last year, briefly joining Lancashire on loan, and although he has continued to be a leading limted-overs performer, Durham have been unable to afford a new deal for him.He joins Gloucestershire as cover for Gareth Roderick, who suffered a finger dislocation that required surgery and is expected to be out for six weeks.

Callum Jackson answered Kent’s emergency call for a wicketkeeper in Cardiff. He travelled from Kent on Tuesday night to deputise for Adam Rouse who has a broken finger which needs an operation

ECB Reporters Network22-Jun-2016
ScorecardAneurin Donald made runs during a dreary final day•Getty ImagesCallum Jackson, who was released by Sussex last year because of financial cutbacks, answered Kent’s emergency call for a wicketkeeper in Cardiff. He travelled from Kent on Tuesday night to deputise for Adam Rouse who has a broken finger which needs an operation.There was little prospect of a result to the game once 104.1 overs had been lost during the first two days, with both teams content with bonus points, although Glamorgan, despite their 12 points, remain at the bottom of Division 2.Had the weather not intervened, there could have been an interesting final day, with Kent chasing a target on a pitch that favoured the seamers.Callum Jackson•ECBGlamorgan resumed on 22 for 0 on the final morning, but added only seven runs before Jacques Rudolph again failed, pulling a short delivery from Mitchell Claydon to the fielder stationed on the long leg boundary. Mark Wallace, another senior batsman in need of runs, mixed caution with aggression to add 52 with Will Bragg- before Bragg was bowled by Matt Coles for 22. Wallace went on to score 52 with seven fours, until he touched one to Jackson.Callum Jackson•ECBChris Cooke quickly followed, leg before playing across a delivery from Claydon, who then dismissed David Lloyd three balls later with the combined efforts of three fielders; the batsman edged the ball to fourth slip who diverted to third slip and eventually to Tom Latham at second slip who held on to spare his colleagues’ blushes.Aneurin Donald and Graham Wagg then averted a total collapse by adding 80 for the sixth wicket, with Donald, scoring an attractive 67- his third championship fifty of the season- from 68 balls with nine boundaries. Wagg went on to score his second fifty of the game, exceed 500 runs for the third successive season, being particularly severe on James Tredwell’s off spin whom he struck for 22 in one over.He was undefeated on 64, and now needs only 42 more runs to become Glamorgan’s leading run scorer in the championship this season .Both teams shook hands at 4.55pm when Glamorgan declared at 279 for 6- a lead of 348.Rudolph was pleased by his team’s overall performance- especially the two seamers Michael Hogan and Timm Van Der Gugten- and felt that” had we not lost so much time because of the weather, we could have won the game. But we are on an upward curve, and we are not far away from that championship win.”Kent captain Sam Northeast said that “after two weeks of white ball cricket, we found it tough to adjust, and we were not clinical enough after reducing them to 137 for 6 in the first innings but I was happy as they progressed from then on”.

Chelsea have internally “discussed” a deal to bring Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel to the Premier League, according to Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg.

What's the latest on Kobel to Chelsea?

Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke has reported that whilst Edouard Mendy and Kepa Arrizabalaga both aren’t out of contract for another two years, Todd Boehly is looking to recruit a new first-choice shot-stopper this summer, with the 25-year-old identified as a potential candidate.

The Swiss international first arrived at the Signal Iduna Park back in July 2021 and has made 70 appearances to date, and his recent form has caught the eye of the hierarchy, who are already making behind-the-scenes transfer moves for whoever might succeed Frank Lampard, widely expected to be Mauricio Pochettino.

German outlet Bild (via Sport Witness) recently revealed that the Blues are showing an interest in the 6 foot 4 Kobel and have added him to their wishlist for the upcoming window, where it would appear that they have already developed their admiration one step further.

Taking to Twitter, Sky German'ys Plettenberg claimed that Chelsea are in active negotiations with the representatives of Kobel, although a move this summer is unlikely at this time. He wrote:

“News #Kobel: Chelsea is monitoring the goalkeeper market & Kobel is one of the names they have discussed internally. They are also in a good contact with his agents. But not more at this stage. It’s not hot. Kobel is very likely to stay at #BVB in summer and #CFC has other candidates on their list.”

Would Kobel be a good signing for Chelsea?

Boehly might have various different goalkeepers that he wants to pursue, but having been labelled a “top class” player by journalist Josh Bunting, Kobel has to be up there with one of the best on the market, so he would be a fantastic addition at Stamford Bridge.

The £34k-per-week colossus has kept 75 clean sheets in 239 appearances throughout his career, including 13 in 30 across all competitions this season, as per Transfermarkt, not to mention that he ranks in the 97th percentile for penalty saves, a rare but sensational trait to possess for a club who expect to be competing for trophies and in cup finals regularly.

The World Cup participant also has a strong range of passing having completed 127 of 127 short passes this season, giving him a 100% success rate, and 386 of 390 medium distance passes, with a 99% success rate, via FBRef.

Finally, Kobel loves to get himself behind the ball and isn’t afraid to come out and clear the danger having made 74 saves from 100 shots on target against this term, so is a well-rounded keeper and would excel between the sticks in SW6.

Aston Villa have joined the race for Athletico Paranaense forward Vitor Roque, and they have already held talks with his representatives about a summer move, according to a report.

Will Aston Villa sign a striker this summer?

Unai Emery is eager to bolster his attacking options in the summer transfer window, and it has recently emerged they are ready to sign AS Roma striker Tammy Abraham, although the fee could be a problem, with the Serie A club set to demand up to €55m (£48m).

Such is Emery's desire to bring in a new forward, Ashley Preece has recently revealed Villa could surpass their £38m transfer record this summer, with the journalist urging them to make a move for Jonathan David, while Nico Williams is also liked.

With Danny Ings joining West Ham United in a £15m January deal, it is clear the Villans need a new option in attack that is ready to come straight into the first team, but they are also building for the future, and Roque has now emerged as a target.

According to a report from Globo Esporte (via Sport Witness), Villa have joined the fight for the 18-year-old Athletico Paranaense ace, who is expected to be one of the most expensive players in Brazilian football history.

Paranaense are looking to negotiate his move for over €42m (£37m), and the player's representatives have already travelled to Europe to speak to potential suitors – one of which is Aston Villa – but it may be a difficult transfer to orchestrate.

The huge asking price is one potential barrier, while there is also interest from some of Europe's top clubs, including Barcelona, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool, who will be very difficult to compete with.

Will Vitor Roque sign for Aston Villa?

Given the level of interest in the starlet, it seems unlikely that a move will be possible, but if Villa do somehow manage to win the race, they will be signing a player who is destined for great things.

Football scout Jacek Kulig has waxed lyrical about the striker, hailing him as "unstoppable", while also claiming he has "crazy potential".

Such is the quality of the wonderkid, he has already been capped for his national side, also scoring four goals in five games at club level already this season.

Roque is definitely one to watch for the future, but his huge price tag is likely to put Villa off, and they need a striker that can immediately challenge for a first-team spot.

HLTCO host Dan Cook has claimed that Brighton may be a more "attractive proposition" for Mateo Retegui amid transfer links to Crystal Palace.

What's the latest on Mateo Retegui and Crystal Palace?

The Italian striker made headlines last week as he scored on his national team debut against England and then followed this up with another effort against Malta.

The 23-year-old was actually born in Argentina – and is currently on loan at Tigres from Boca Juniors – but qualifies to play for Italy thanks to his grandfather.

After the most recent game, his national team manager Roberto Mancini was full of praise but warned that he still needed to do more to prove himself as a top player.

He told the press: "He unlocked the match, he was essential today. But I repeat: he needs time, he still needs to learn more about European football."

According to Corriere dello Sport (via FC Inter News), Retegui could be set for a move to a big team in Europe this summer with Inter Milan named as a possible option.

Beyond the Serie A team, Palace and Brighton were also linked and while speaking on the HLTCO podcast, Cook explained why it might be a hard deal to pull off for the Eagles.

He said (8:12): “I hate to say this in a Crystal Palace podcast, but I'm not sure we are necessarily anything like as an attractive proposition at the moment as Brighton and Hove Albion.

"They are upwardly mobile, there is every chance they will get into Europe by the end of this season.

"And you look at our current plight, you know, hopefully Roy Hodgson can steady the ship and keep us afloat in the Premier League.

"But without a permanent manager, and without a guarantee of even the division that we're going to be playing in next season, you do wonder whether or not he may well plump for the seagulls."

Why would Mateo Retegui want to join Brighton?

It's certainly true that Palace are struggling to maintain their status as a Premier League side sitting just three points above the bottom three with only ten games to keep themselves up.

All the while, bitter rivals Brighton have lofty ambitions as they look to bright European football to the Amex next season, currently seventh in the league, level on points with Liverpool in sixth (with a game in hand too).

With that in mind, it's not hard to see why Retegui – who has six goals in eight league games with Tigre this term – may feel as though Brighton is the more appealing destination should he seek out a move to England in the summer.

Leeds United centre-back Robin Koch ‘has many clubs interested’ in his services, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Contract talks

Koch has missed just one Premier League fixture this season, featuring regularly alongside January signing Max Wober in recent weeks under new head coach Javi Gracia.

The German has admitted that he would be open to becoming Whites captain in the future and has also said that his advisor has already held talks with Elland Road officials over a new contract. The defender’s current deal expires in 2024, with Koch recently saying:

“During the season, I want to distract myself as little as possible with planning for the future.

“The first talks between the club and my advisor are currently underway. Towards the end of the season and during the summer break, I will deal with that. Now my focus is 100 per cent on our games and goals.”

However, despite the in-house talks over a new contract, it looks as if he is of interest to a plethora of clubs ahead of the summer window.

The Latest: Romano’s comments

Romano was talking in his Caught Offside column regarding Koch in the last 48 hours. He name-checked Newcastle following links of a move to St James’ Park for Koch, adding that ‘many clubs’ are ‘interested’ in the Leeds man.

“On links with Robin Koch – Newcastle are still preparing their summer strategy, I’m not sure the targets are 100% clear at this stage.

“For sure they will be busy and they are tracking many players. “Koch has many clubs interested but it’s not something advanced at this stage.”

The Verdict: One to watch

Should Leeds suffer relegation to the Championship, then perhaps Koch could be one of a number of players to leave Elland Road, potentially alongside young forward Wilfried Gnonto, who is attracting interest from Juventus.

Koch has impressed at centre-back in 2023, coming in for praise from Sky Sports pundit Clinton Morrison, who said this about the defender following the 0-0 draw with Brentford in January.

‘I thought Robin Koch at the back was outstanding.

‘I thought he was brilliant. He put his body on the line, he defended well. He had a real good battle with Ivan Toney. Both players got booked, and you have to battle Ivan Toney because he’s a brilliant striker who can cause you problems. He was in his face and was battling him, but they defended ever so well.’

Therefore, it could be one to keep an eye on over the coming months, but hopefully, Koch will help Leeds remain in the top flight, which will leave the Whites in a good position to fend off potential offers, especially if the player signs new terms in Yorkshire.