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Manchester United have a "long-standing interest" in signing AS Monaco defender Axel Disasi, but there probably won't be any new centre-back arrivals unless there is a departure in that position, according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.

What's the latest Man United transfer news?

Harry Maguire's time at Old Trafford appears to be coming to an end, with it recently being reported the Englishman is set to be stripped of the captaincy, as Erik ten Hag favours the centre-back partnership of Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez.

To replace the 30-year-old, it has now emerged that Man United are plotting a shock move for Antonio Rudiger, who could be tempted by a return to the Premier League if he is guaranteed game time at centre-back.

While a move for the former Chelsea man would no doubt be exciting for United fans, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has no plans to sell the German defender this summer, so the Red Devils may continue to run the rule over some other options.

Back in June, it was reported that United were leading the race for Disasi, but Sheth has now suggested that a move is unlikely, unless Ten Hag is able to shift on Maguire, or another centre-back this summer.

In an interview with GiveMeSport, the Sky Sports reporter said: “They are looking at other players in that position. Axel Disasi from Monaco is another player they've also got a long-standing interest in.

“But the information I've been given is there probably won't be any arrivals in that position unless there's a departure in that position.”

Is Axel Disasi signing for Man United?

It is clear that Ten Hag would be keen on a move for the Monaco defender, with transfer expert Fabrizio Romano recently claiming the manager has "approved" a move, after weeks of talks on the player's side.

However, Man United may have to move swiftly if they are to win the race for the £11k-per-week ace, with Romano also explaining that Newcastle are now exploring a deal, and the Magpies are now expected to make contact with Monaco.

As such, the race for the 6 foot 3 centre-back appears to be wide open, but if United do manage to beat Newcastle in the race for his signature, they could be signing a fantastic player.

Football scout Jacek Kulig has hailed the France international as "complete & dominant", while praising him for his pace, tackling, heading and athleticism, and likening him to Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk.

The former Reims man is a forward-thinking defender, ranking in the 96th percentile for progressive carries and progressive passes per 90 over the past year, and he also poses a threat in the opposition box, placing in the 93rd percentile for non-penalty goals.

With Maguire's time at United seemingly coming to an end, it is important that Ten Hag brings in a top-quality replacement to provide competition for Varane and Martinez, and Disasi looks like he could be a very good addition to the squad.

Newcastle United are reportedly willing to sell winger Allan Saint-Maximin this summer, in order to be able to sign Leicester City winger Harvey Barnes.

How many goals has Allan Saint-Maximin scored for Newcastle?

The £38,000-a-week attacker has been a good servant for the Magpies down the years, lighting up some matches with his quick feet, trickery and unpredictability. As time has gone on, however, and as Newcastle's squad has become more formidable, his importance to the team has diminished.

Last season, Saint-Maximin only started 12 of his side's 38 Premier League matches, coming on as a substitute in another 13 games, and he scored just once in that time, taking his total Premier League tally to 12 in four seasons.

As the campaign went on, and as Newcastle increasingly pushed for a top-four finish, it became increasingly clear that the 26-year-old generally wasn't part of their strongest possible starting lineup, throwing doubt over his long-term future.

The Frenchman's current Magpies deal doesn't expire until the summer of 2026, but as things stand, it would be a surprise if he stayed until then. In fact, it looks as though he could even depart during the current summer transfer, following a new update regarding the situation.

What's the latest on Allan Saint-Maximin's future?

According to Football Insider, Newcastle are actively open to the idea to move Saint-Maximin on this summer, gettng some quick cash in to offset the move for Barnes:

"Newcastle are willing to part with Allan Saint-Maximin in order to land top target Harvey Barnes, sources have told Football Insider. Football Insider revealed on Saturday (8 July) that the Magpies need to make room in their squad for the signing of Harvey Barnes by offloading another first-teamer.

"It is believed Eddie Howe and the Newcastle recruitment staff would be willing to sacrifice Saint-Maximin, 26, if it meant striking a deal for Barnes."

In truth, it has reached the stage where Saint-Maximin is an expendable figure at St James' Park, so moving him on this summer would make plenty of sense, assuming Barnes comes in, or someone of a similar ilk.

As alluded to above, for all the tricks and flicks, and dangerous mazy runs, the winger is too often guilty of lacking that killer final ball or finish, as shown by his disappointing numbers last season, in a team that was thriving for the vast majority of 2022/23.

In comparison, Barnes scored 13 goals in a Leicester City side who would ultimately suffer relegation to the Championship, outlining how much more productive one player is than the other, despite playing very similar left-sided roles.

Given Saint-Maximin's current contract situation, now would be a shrewd time to let him leave, in terms of receiving a lot of money for his services while the club are in a strong bargaining position, and he could jump at the opportunity to move elsewhere and be a key player for another team.

If he ends up staying, it is certainly no disaster for Newcastle, in terms of squad options – Andros Townsend has called him "phenomenal" in the past – but he has to accept that he isn't an important figure moving forward.

Tottenham Hotspur have been handed a major boost in their pursuit of Aymeric Laporte, as Manchester City are planning to sign Josko Gvardiol, which means the Spaniard could be shown the exit door, according to Football London.

Are Tottenham signing a defender?

Tottenham have been busy in the transfer market so far, with Manor Solomon set to become their fourth signing of the summer, following Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison and Guglielmo Vicari, however they are yet to bring in a new defender.

Spurs are still interested in Barcelona's Clement Lenglet, and they are trying to pressure the Spanish club into selling the France international for free, while they are also working on deals for Bayer Leverkusen's Edmond Tapsoba and Wolfsburg's Micky van de Ven.

Transfer insider Dean Jones has recently claimed he does not believe that Laporte has rejected a move to north London, despite contrary previous reports, and now the Lilywhites have been handed another boost in their pursuit of the centre-back.

According to a report from Football London, Tottenham have seen their chances of signing the Spain international increase, with the recent news that Man City are planning a £86m swoop for RB Leipzig defender Gvardiol.

However, it is also detailed that Arsenal have now joined the race for the 29-year-old, meaning Spurs may have to fend off competition from their bitter rivals if they are to win the race for his signature this summer.

Is Aymeric Laporte leaving Man City?

The France-born defender played a very limited role for Man City last season, making 12 appearances in the Premier League, and his game time could be reduced even further if Pep Guardiola manages to get a deal for Gvardiol over the line.

As such, it would not be a surprise if the £120k-per-week centre-back leaves this summer, and he could be exactly what Tottenham need to quell their defensive issues, having conceded 63 goals in the 2022-23 campaign.

When the former Athletic Bilbao man, dubbed "incredible" by Pep Guardiola, was given the opportunity last season, he usually impressed, receiving a 8.2 Sofascore match rating against Chelsea in the FA Cup third round after winning ten of the 11 duels he contested.

Laporte is very assured in possession of the ball, ranking in the 97th percentile for his pass-completion rate per 90 over the past year, when compared to his positional peers, and Tottenham should definitely pursue a move if he becomes available.

There is a clear emphasis on upgrading the ranks at Liverpool this summer, with Alexis Mac Allister's £35m arrival from Brighton & Hove Albion likely to be followed by further midfield additions after James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have all concluded their contracts.

Indeed, Fabrizio Romano confirmed that the club's sporting director Jorg Schmadtke is looking at signing two more midfielders, as well as a central defender, favourably left-footed.

Which is why rumours tethering Sporting Lisbon prodigy Goncalo Inacio to the Anfield side's intrigue could bear fruit, with the 21-year-old centre-half a ball-playing ace with a home on the left side of the central defence.

According to a report from Football Insider earlier last, the Portuguese talent is on Liverpool's list, with sources confirming that the club will '100% complete' a defensive signing over the coming months.

But with Inacio contracted to the Leões until 2026 a deal might prove tricky, with different reports claiming that despite the player holding a €45m (£38m) release clause in his contract, Manchester United and Newcastle United are also eyeing a swoop.

How good is Goncalo Inacio?

Liverpool's season ended in chastening fashion as Jurgen Klopp's outfit failed to qualify for the Champions League for the first time in seven seasons despite constructing a seven-match winning streak late in the campaign.

Two draws to close the term reminded the Reds' hierarchy that there is much work to be done this summer, but the damage has already been done and Manchester United and Newcastle United clinched top four spots despite both ceding territory in the final weeks.

There will be every belief that a return to free-flowing feats can be achieved after an impressive summer transfer window, and as such the club must throw the kitchen sink at signing Inacio, whose defensive prowess and ball-playing aptitude could prove the difference against rival Premier League outfits next year.

Having made 122 appearances since rising through Sporting's youth ranks, the 21-year-old has already been hailed as "complete" by scout Jacek Kulig for his performances.

Indeed, as per Sofascore, the two-cap Portugal international has earned an impressive average rating of 7.01 in Liga Portugal after starting 26 matches, scoring one goal, making three assists, completing 90% of his passes and succeeding with 89% of his attempted dribbles.

He is, therefore, one of the best ball-playing defenders in the business, illustrated by FBref, who provide metrics ranking him among the top 2% of centre-backs across Men's Next 8 divisions – the leagues below the top European five – for assists and shot-creating actions, the top 1% for passes attempted and progressive passes, the top 3% for progressive carries and the top 4% for successful take-ons per 90.

With this in mind, he could be the gem needed to rival Manchester City phenom Ruben Dias, with the distinguished Portugal international also arriving on English shores from his homeland, signing for Pep Guardiola's outfit from Benfica for £65m in 2020.

Dias has won five Premier League titles, two FA Cups, four League Cups and the Champions League with the Citizens and has been heralded as a "man mountain" by former City defender Michael Ball.

Comparatively, £180k-per-week titan ranks among the top 2% of centre-backs across Europe's top five leagues for pass completion and the top 1% for passes attempted per 90, boasting a passing proficiency that has provided a foundation for such incredible illustrious success at the Etihad Stadium.

Dubbed "immense" by one analyst, Inacio could emulate this on Merseyside and must be signed if Klopp hopes to close the distance on the Sky Blues once again and continue to win silverware, casting aside the disappointment of a lacklustre campaign with a galvanising signing.

Burnley continue to be linked with a striker ahead of their first season back in the Premier League, with some faces more familiar than others.

El Bilal Toure is a name that is exciting Burnley fans after starring for Almeria last season, while Coventry City's Viktor Gyokeres – who has lit up the Championship – needs no introducing.

There is potentially another option on Vincent Kompany's radar, as the Daily Mail reports that Metz striker Georges Mikautadze is being considered.

Who is Georges Mikautadze?

Mikautadze may not be a "name" as such, but he is one of the rising stars of European football after scoring 23 goals in Ligue 2 last season to finish as top scorer.

The 22-year-old joins Olivier Giroud in finishing top of the scoring charts in the French second tier, the latter doing so in 2009-10 with Tours when aged two years older than Mikautadze.

Giroud would immediately go on to join Montpellier, where he continued his good form to fire the club to an unlikely title success, before enjoying triumphant spells with Arsenal, Chelsea and current club Milan.

It may well be that Mikautadze is on his own path to the very top, and those who have watched the Georgia international close up certainly seem to think so.

Football author Mohamed Mohamed has described Mikautadze as having a "unique skill set" and the "potential to become the next Ligue 2 starlet who performs well in a big five league."

Burnley may well prove to be a good stepping stone for the Lyon-born attacker, especially as Clarets boss Kompany has previously made his interest in the player known.

While the manager said last summer that Mikautadze was "probably out of our range", that is not likely to be the case this window following promotion to the Premier League.

With a goal return of 0.68 per 90 minutes last season, as per FBref, Mikautadze undoubtedly has the pedigree to make an impact for Burnley. To put that figure in some context, Nathan Tella – Burnley's top scorer last season – scored at a rate of 0.61 goals per 90 minutes.

Mikautadze is not letting the hype get to him, either, as he showed on Saturday when scoring a crucial goal for Georgia in their 2-1 Euro 2020 qualifying win in Cyprus.

With Tella back at parent club Southampton, and Ashley Barnes leaving to join Norwich City, Mikautadze can be an ideal upgrade on both. Indeed, Mikautadze also outperformed Tella last season in terms of assists (0.24 v 0.18) and shots on target per 90 minutes (3.06 v 2.60).

Potentially available for £8m this summer, according to Football Observatory, moving for Mikautadze seems a no-brainer for the Clarets if they are looking for a rising star ready to make his mark in a major league.

Chelsea could be set to see some further players make the move from west London to Saudi Arabia this summer with Kalidou Koulibaly a potential departure.

How old is Kalidou Koulibaly?

It was a season which Chelsea will be hoping to forget in a hurry after the 2022/23 campaign was only able to offer them a 12th placed finish in the Premier League.

Although many will want to forget the season's failings, it will be important for Todd Boehly to learn from their errors which led to such a disastrous campaign.

And it seems as if the American's hectic transfer strategy could be set to continue into this summer with a number of exits potentially set to be finalised.

Indeed, it has been suggested N'Golo Kante's time at Stamford Bridge is coming to an end with a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia set to see the Frenchman move to the Middle East.

And he may not be the only Chelsea star to make the move this summer with the likes of the 31-year-old Koulibaly also believed to be lined up for a move by Al-Hilal.

Indeed, speaking on his YouTube channel, Fabrizio Romano has claimed the Senegal international could be set to bring in around £25m for the Blues this summer:

"From what I told, Chelsea would get around €25m/€30m [£21m/£26m]. This is still under discussion will continue [this] week, but the fee will be around €30m [£26m] for Chelsea for Kalidou Koulibaly.

"This is the expectation between Chelsea and Al-Hilal. It's fair to say that also Inter Milan asked for Koulibaly on loan but Chelsea have been very clear only permanent transfer and this is why now Al-Hilal are the favourites."

How much does Koulibaly earn?

The 31-year-old has only played one season in the English top flight since arriving at Stamford Bridge last summer from Napoli.

It was believed the experienced centre-back signed for the Blues in a deal worth in the region of £33m.

Having signed for the Blues, it is reported the Senegal international was handed a stunning £295k-per-week deal to play in west London.

Despite earning such an enormous weekly wage, the experienced defender only made 20 starts for the Blues in the Premier League over the 2022/23 campaign.

And with this in mind, there is a huge sum of money being spent every week on a player who is not exactly contributing a huge deal to the starting XI.

Considering how heavily Chelsea have spent under the stewardship of Boehly and co, a potential deal to bring in around £25m for a player who is not exactly a crucial part of the starting XI could pose a seriously attractive proposition.

The Blues spent in the region of £600m last season under Boehly, and potential deals like this could possibly help the Londoners to balance their books.

Liverpool are expected to be active in the summer transfer market after a difficult season and now a new update has emerged from a reliable source on the club's pursuit of a potential target.

What's the latest on Liverpool's interest in Micky van de Ven?

Italian journalist and transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Liverpool have been "following" VfL Wolfsburg defender Micky van de Ven.

Romano told GIVEMESPORT:

"Now for Van de Ven is a player they've been following for a long time. Let's see if they decide to enter into it or not. But it's just about following the player nothing else at the moment honestly."

Who would Micky van de Ven replace in the Liverpool team?

The highest priority for Jurgen Klopp and his new sporting director Jorg Schmadtke is clearly to rebuild the midfield presence in the squad, with Alexis Mac Allister already confirmed as the first signing of the summer.

Having said that, there is an element of pressure mounting on the club to consider their defensive options too as both Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip well into their 30s at this point, with the latter entering the last year of his contract next season.

Indeed, the German coach has started to establish Ibrahima Konate as a starter in the first team but bringing in some more youthful talent and fresh depth in the defensive set-up would be massively advantageous as Liverpool attempt to build the next generation of success at Anfield.

As a result, the signing of van de Ven could be a great opportunity for Klopp and could provide him with the dream heir for Matip to learn the ropes as his understudy in preparation for the chance that the defender departs as a free agent next summer.

Over 33 Bundesliga appearances, the 22-year-old Dutchman – hailed "dominant" by talent scout Jacek Kulig – has tallied up an 88% pass completion rate, 11 clean sheets and successfully completed 70% of his dribbles, as well as averaging 1.4 tackles, 3.1 clearances, 64 touches and 3.8 duels won per game, proving that he is a huge presence with reliable defensive traits.

Not only that, van de Ven ranked second for pass interceptions in his own half in the entire Bundesliga this season, as well as ranking in the top five for tackles in his own half and the top ten for blocked shots, as per One Versus One.

With that being said, it is reported that the Wolfsburg colossus has a price tag of €30m (£26m) which would fit FSG's strict financial structure perfectly, so a potential move for van de Ven is definitely one to watch for Liverpool this summer.

Glasgow Rangers will need to bolster their attacking options during the summer transfer window in order to achieve success next season.

Alfredo Morelos has left the club having failed to agree to an extension, while Kemar Roofe is perennially injured and played only six games last term, leaving Antonio Colak as their only fully fit striker at the current moment in time.

Michael Beale has admitted that improving the quality of players he has at his disposal in the final third is key, saying: "Certainly, in the final third, I think that's an area where, although we win a lot of games and score a lot of goals, we are also a team that miss a lot of chances.

"That's a key part of my thinking."

With this in mind, the Ibrox faithful will be hoping to see a couple of forwards arriving in Glasgow over the course of the summer, especially as they scored 21 fewer goals than Celtic last term, a key factor in them winning another Premiership title.

Could Rangers sign Josh Maja this summer?

The Bordeaux striker has been linked with Rangers over the previous few months, and due to the Ligue 2 side failing to achieve promotion, the Gers could now seal him on a free transfer.

Foot Mercato claimed that Maja would have signed a new deal had Bordeaux sealed a path back to the French top flight, but according to France Bleu, he is ‘expected to leave’ – and could end up being an upgrade on Fashion Sakala for Rangers.

The Zambian enjoyed something of a renaissance under Beale when he took over in November, eventually finishing the season with 20 goal contributions. However, he isn’t the most clinical, and former Rangers winger Neil McCann claimed Sakala “can sometimes lack composure” after a win against Hearts in February, whereas Maja could add a ruthlessness in front of goal that the club have been struggling with.

Across 40 games in all competitions last term, the Nigeria international scored 17 goals and grabbed six assists, while he also created more big chances (eight to seven) and netted more league goals (16 to 12) than Sakala.

There is no doubting Sakala’s enthusiasm, however, he is often deployed out wide, while Beale needs a reliable finisher ahead of an important season, and former Ibrox hitman Jermain Defoe has even lauded praise on Maja, as they both spent time at Sunderland, saying: “Josh is a quick thinker and if you’re that fast upstairs, you don’t need anything else.

“When he trained with the first team he showed such great awareness – he knew when to pass it, had a great touch – and although he’s not got electric pace, he’s two steps ahead of everyone which means he’s got an immediate advantage.

“The gift Josh has is rare and if he builds on it, the sky’s the limit.”

It’s a gamble that Beale must take, and considering he might not cost the club a penny in terms of a transfer fee, Maja may just go on to surprise a few people should he make the move to Scotland.

Liverpool need to sign multiple midfielders this summer after a mass departure and have reportedly earmarked Leicester City's Youri Tielemans, who is soon to be out of contract.

What's the latest on Youri Tielemans to Liverpool?

That's according to 90min's Graeme Bailey on the Talking Transfers podcast, who said that the Belgium international is a player that Reds manager Jurgen Klopp 'loves'.

A few months ago, Football Insider claimed that Liverpool were 'plotting a move' for the 26-year-old, while more recently The Athletic's James Pearce stated that his signing is indeed a possibility.

Tielemans recently posted a heartfelt farewell post to the Foxes confirming his departure at the end of his contract, and with Liverpool's new technical director Jorg Schmadtke seeking reinforcement after James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have all concluded their contracts at Anfield, his signature could be a prudent one to procure.

Should Liverpool sign Youri Tielemans?

Tielemans and Leicester have not enjoyed an auspicious season by any stretch of the imagination, having been relegated from the Premier League after a miserable slump of a season.

However, Liverpool have found success in swooping for players confined to the drop before: Andy Robertson was clinched from Hull City and Gini Wijnaldum brought from Newcastle United, both players having fallen foul to the clamp of the bottom three and playing central roles in the most illustrious period in the Merseyside team's modern history.

The £35k-per-week Fox is also one of the most intelligent and dynamic midfielders in the game, once heralded by former Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers as "one of Europe's top midfielders".

Also hailed as "the complete midfield player" by Martin Keown, the one-time Anderlecht youth has still maintained an average Sofascore rating of 7.04 despite his club's woes, completing 82% of his passes, averaging one key pass and 2.1 tackles per game.

And as for the entirety of his career at the King Power Stadium, he has been instrumental in winning the FA Cup and Community Shield, actually scoring a resounding strike against Chelsea in the finale of the former to clinch the trophy, once praised as a "phenomenon" by former pro Par Zetterberg.

He could be the dream Thiago Alcantara heir on Merseyside, with the 32-year-old pass master signing from Bayern Munich for £20m in 2020 and being hailed as "staggering" for his ball-playing prowess by Michael Owen, indeed ranking among the top 3% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for passes attempted and the top 4% for progressive passes per 90, as per FBref.

Like Thiago, Tielemans is, perhaps, not the most mobile of aces, instead flourishing through his occupation of the half-spaces and indeed utilising his footballing intellect to pick apt passes and exhibit his superlative technicality.

While Liverpool supporters are yearning for a more robust and energetic midfield, and that is not to say Tielemans cannot contribute effectively in this regard, his composure and guile could meld exquisitely alongside the likes of the unrelenting Alexis Mac Allister, who is on the verge of entering the conclusive stage with the Reds from Brighton & Hove Albion.

This is why his role as Thiago's heir could bear fruit for Klopp and co, who would only benefit from a diverse and variegated midfield – aces different in style but all boasting a similar level of quality.

And while Liverpool's Spanish maestro is "a special player" – as proclaimed by Robertson – he has spent what feels like the lion's share of his time at Anfield cuffed to the injury department, indeed missing a shocking 60 matches due to unavailability over three seasons. Hardly evoking confidence.

Tielemans would be a "divine" addition – as he was once lauded by Jaquob Crooke – providing a new dimension to Klopp's squad and without the diminution of the transfer purse, something that could prove invaluable with Liverpool requiring major midfield surgery.

It's a no-brainer, really; Tielemans has proved throughout his Leicester career that he can dazzle with consistency and produce match-winning and trophy-gleaning moments. Just what Liverpool need.

Leeds United will likely need a new goalscorer in the summer transfer window if they want to secure an instant return to the Premier League.

Sunday's 4-1 defeat against Tottenham Hotspur saw them relegated without much fight and a summer exodus from Elland Road now seems likely.

One man who could depart the Yorkshire outfit is 32-year-old forward Rodrigo, who enjoyed a fine individual season despite Leeds' return to the second tier, hitting 13 goals and one assist in the Premier League.

Aston Villa have been linked with the Spaniard who seems a prime candidate to depart, as the statistics from this season suggest that he is far too good a player to be playing in the Championship.

One man who could replace Rodrigo at Elland Road is Honduran forward Luis Palma, who has been linked with a move to Leeds in recent weeks.

Could Leeds sign Luis Palma?

According to Diez, both Burnley and Leeds are interested in signing the 23-year-old after a fine season with Aris Saloniki in the Greek Super League.

The young striker has notched an impressive 13 goals and eight assists in 36 appearances this term, which is more goal contributions than anyone in Leeds' squad, while he also has experience playing in the Europa Conference League.

Aris manager Apostolos Terzis was full of praise for Palma after his goals helped the Greek side secure a spot in Europe again for next season, something which may make it harder for Leeds to prise him away in the upcoming transfer window.

He said: "Luis has done that all season. He has been a huge player for us. We know there has been a lot of interest in him and it's not surprising.”

Capable of playing anywhere across the attack, the Honduras international could easily fill the void that will likely be left by Rodrigo, provided he can bring his goalscoring form with him to Elland Road this summer.

With Patrick Bamford's fitness still questionable and club-record signing Georginio Rutter enduring a torrid few months at the club which saw him muster just one start, a new senior striker could well be a priority for whichever manager succeeds Sam Allardyce this summer.

Bamford has shown his class in the Championship in the past but looked a shadow of his former self this term, managing just four goals in the top flight despite registering an expected goals tally of 9.77.

Although youngsters such as Joe Gelhardt and Sonny Perkins will both be hoping to make the step up into the first team, a more experienced goalscorer may be required if Leeds want to bounce back at the first time of asking, and Palma could be the ideal man for Andrea Radrizzani to sign, should he remain at the club this summer.