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Crystal Palace have submitted a proposal for Flamengo youngster Matheus Franca this summer, according to an update from journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Who is Matheus Franca?

The 19-year-old is seen as a big talent back in his homeland of Brazil, already picking up plenty of experience despite not yet being out of his teens. He has racked up 54 appearances for Flamengo, scoring nine goals in that time, and he also won six caps for Brazil's under-16s in the past.

Franca's current contract doesn't expire until December 2027, so Flamengo are in a strong bargaining position when it comes to the attacker's future, being able to demand big money for his signature and not having to worry about losing him on the cheap any time soon.

Chelsea have been linked with a move for the Brazilian a number of times recently as they look to make some significant progress in the summer transfer window, but it looks as though Palace are also in the mix to sign him, as they eye up an ambitious piece of transfer business.

Could Crystal Palace sign Franca?

Taking to Twitter, Romano provided an update on Franca's future, confirming Palace's interest in the youngster, but also talking up a potential move to Chelsea:

"Crystal Palace have submitted a formal proposal for Matheus França. Talks are ongoing for the Brazilian talent. Understand Franca’s open to the move despite interest from Chelsea – #CFC spoke to Flamengo but no bid as €25m is still excessive."

Franca could be a hugely exciting signing for Palace this summer, especially if they can beat Chelsea to his services, acting as something of a statement signing. Fabio Matias, Under-20s coach at Flamengo, has spoken glowingly about him in the past, saying:

"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. The most talented players have an understanding of space and how to manage that. He also has the ability to be decisive in front of goal and is a great finisher."

Franca could be viewed as the latest attacking starlet at Palace, with the likes of Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise developing so much down the years, and he could even help fill the potential void left by Wilfried Zaha should the Eagles legend move on to pastures new this summer following a memorable couple of spells in south London.

Primarily a central-attacking midfielder, the young South American can also play out wide, and such versatility could appeal to Roy Hodgson as he looks to make key reinforcements and bring in players who can be effective in the present and the future.

Chelsea do appear to be the favourites to sign Franca, however, considering they are a bigger club who have a greater chance of winning trophies moving forward, but it is certainly encouraging to see Palace in the picture as things stand, as they look to beat one of their London rivals to the signature of a top young talent.

West Bromwich Albion boss Carlos Corberan could give young forward Reyes Cleary opportunities to star at the first-team level in 2023/24, according to The Express & Star's Lewis Cox.

Who is Reyes Cleary and will he feature for West Bromwich Albion in 2023/24?

Cleary is a highly promising attacker on the books of West Bromwich Albion that has made waves at various levels due to his clinical finishing ability.

Last term, the 19-year-old was in fine fettle for the Baggies' second string in Premier League 2 action, scoring 16 strikes and laying on a further three assists in just 12 appearances, as per Transfermarkt.

Capable of playing off the left or as a central striker, Cleary also made five senior appearances for West Brom's first team over the course of 2022/23; however, he has failed to notch a single goal for his current employers at senior level.

Former West Brom and Everton striker Kevin Campbell thinks that Cleary still has plenty to prove before being given regular opportunities to star at the Hawthorns, as he stated in a recent interview with West Brom News: “I think it (promotion to first team) might happen at some stage but straight away, no. “I don’t think he’s going to be a star, not yet. He’s a young man and he’s doing well but you’ve got to prove yourself and a loan deal might be right for him.”

Nevertheless, he may be helped in his search for a breakthrough by West Brom's financial situation, which is said to be in a perilous position and left fan organisation Shareholders For Albion, who own 12% of the club, furious at the Baggies' owner Lai Guochuan for failing to answer a single question regarding the health of the club in a letter demanding 'clarity' over several issues at the club earlier this year, as per The Daily Mail.

Albion have already sold defender Dara O'Shea to Burnley for around £7 million this window and more departures could be likely in the coming weeks, according to Birmingham Live.

Potentially, this could pave the way for the likes of Cleary to kick on from the youth ranks to become first-team regulars this term, which is a sentiment that is echoed by reporter Cox, who was speaking on the Express & Star YouTube channel,

What did Lewis Cox say about Reyes Cleary's first-team chances?

Talking about which youngsters could be given a chance at the Baggies in 2023/24, Cox singled out Cleary as someone who may be given an opportunity to stake his claim alongside Jovan Malcolm and Modou Faal, stating: "Youngsters, Jovan Malcolm, Mo Faal, hopefully, Reyes Cleary, that's three there straight off the top of my head in forward roles that have a real window of opportunity potentially to get serious minutes and then it's up to them."

Of course, Cleary's chances of becoming a regular have also increased due to the plight of Daryl Dike, who is expected to still be out for several months after sustaining an Achilles injury back in April.

West Brom don't find themselves in the kindest position right now with regards to matters off or on the field; nevertheless, Corberan will be hoping his young guns can help to breathe some new life into the club and give everyone at the Hawthorns a much-needed boost.

Manchester United have already wrapped up their first piece of summer business ahead of next season, with the Red Devils having agreed a £60m deal to sign Mason Mount from Premier League rivals, Chelsea.

The signing of the England international will seemingly provide some much-needed quality and depth to a midfield department that has looked rather threadbare of late, with Marcel Sabitzer having made his return to Bayern Munich, while Fred has been heavily linked with a move to Fulham.

That fact could suggest that Mount may not be Erik ten Hag's only midfield recruit over the coming weeks, with reports in Spain having only recently claimed that the United boss has sent club officials to try and negotiate a deal for Real Madrid starlet, Aurelien Tchouameni.

The belief is that the former Monaco maestro – who only made the move to the Spanish capital for a reported fee of €100m (£85.3m) last summer – could make way following the signing of Jude Bellingham, thus opening the door for the Red Devils to pounce.

Having already snapped up Raphael Varane and Casemiro from the La Liga giants in each of the previous two summer windows, the Old Trafford outfit could now look to Tchouameni – who is valued at around €80m (£69m) – as their next high profile addition from the Bernabeu.

Would Tchouameni be a good fit for Man United?

Despite failing to truly establish himself as a regular starter under Carlo Ancelotti last season, the 23-year-old did still enjoy a positive debut campaign in Madrid, recording an average matching of 7.13 from his 33 league outings, as per Sofascore – a figure that would've placed him third among Ten Hag's squad last term.

Lauded as a "superb talent" by United legend, Rio Ferdinand, Tchouameni could well be able to replicate that level of performance in the Premier League were he to make the move to the Theatre of Dreams, with that rubberstamped by his apparent likeness to Brighton and Hove Albion sensation, Moises Caicedo.

The latter man has been on the Red Devils' in recent years with the club memorably missing out on his signature back in January 2021, while more recent reports revealed that Ten Hag and co had made contact regarding a possible summer swoop, albeit with a move to Stamford Bridge looking more likely for the 21-year-old.

To then be able to find an alternative to the Ecuadorian machine in the form of Tchouameni could prove to be a dream scenario for the Carabao Cup winners, with the pair seemingly sharing a number of statistical and stylistic similarities, according to FBref.

The two defensive-minded talents have proven themselves to be particularly effective at winning back possession in front of the back four, with the towering Frenchman ranking in the top 1% among his European peers for interceptions made, as well as in the top 22% for tackles, while Caicedo ranks in the top 11% and the top 13% for those same two metrics, respectively.

What also sets the two promising talents apart is their composure in possession and their desire to trying and dictate the tempo of a game from their deep-lying roles, with Caicedo ranking in the top 6% for pass completion and the top 15% for attempted passes, while Tchouameni ranks in the top 1% pass completion and the top 5% for attempted passes.

With Ten Hag seemingly keen on bringing in a younger midfielder this summer, both of those players would perfectly fit the bill, hence why the signing of the Madrid rock could prove a perfect alternative if the Brighton gem opts for a different destination.

Arsenal have submitted an "official proposal" to sign Ajax defender Jurrien Timber, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Who is Jurrien Timber?

After progressing through the youth ranks at Ajax, Timber has gone on to establish himself as a key first-team player for the Dutch side, appearing in all 34 league games last season, and he has started to attract the attention of some top clubs.

Manchester United have been credited with an interest in the 22-year-old, but Arsenal appear to be leading the race for his signature, with Florian Plettenberg claiming they are on the "verge" of completing a deal, with Bayern Munich out of the running.

According to Romano, the Ajax star views the project at the Emirates Stadium as "perfect", and he is "really excited" about the move.

Taking to Twitter, the transfer expert has now confirmed that a second "official proposal" has been submitted by the Gunners, and they are aiming to get the deal done "this week", after having an opening bid of £30m rejected.

Talks are "now advancing" between the two clubs, indicating the move is edging closer to completion, and everything is complete on the player's side, with a five-year contract already agreed.

How much will Jurrien Timber cost?

Ajax are believed to be holding out for £50m to sanction the departure of the defender, who is set to double his wages if he does complete a move to the Emirates Stadium this summer.

The Dutchman has been hailed as "exceptional" by football scout Jacek Kulig, while Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk also heaped praise on him last year, saying: “I was never that good at the age of Timber, he’s just 21… I can only praise him. His potential is so high, I’m sure”.

For a defender, the Ajax star is very assured on the front foot, placing in the 99th percentile for progressive carries, and in the 94th percentile for successful take-ons per 90 in the past year, displaying his eagerness to drive the ball into attacking areas.

Reports have suggested Ben White is going to be utilised in a central role next season, meaning a new right-back will be required, and Timber would be more than capable of filling in when necessary, having made 49 appearances in that area of the pitch.

As such, the Netherlands international could be an excellent addition to Mikel Arteta's squad, and the manager will be hoping that Arsenal's second offer is accepted by Ajax.

Leeds United have a great history of academy production, with a steady stream of top talents having emerged in Yorkshire and gone onto big things. James Milner, Fabian Delph and Kalvin Phillips are just a few who spring to mind.

However, following their relegation, they will likely need to rely on their youth more than ever given the financial implications a stint in the Championship can have.

Fortunately for them, they have a few readymade stars who have already shown their quality at this level, suggesting they could well play a huge role in earning an instant return to the Premier League.

One such example is Charlie Cresswell, who enjoyed a fine spell at Millwall last term, in which the Lions narrowly missed out on a playoff spot. His domineering displays at the back suggest a bright future for the combative 20-year-old colossus, but he will need the right guidance to ensure his growth is measured and consistent.

Given Patrick Vieira remains one of the top targets for the managerial vacancy, he would arguably be the ideal man to lead the youngster forward and develop him into one of the country's top defenders.

Who is Charlie Cresswell?

Having been at the Yorkshire outfit since 2013, the 6 foot 3 goliath has made just seven senior appearances for his boyhood club, suggesting a steady rise towards additional first-team opportunities.

However, after the year he has just enjoyed, that spot must now be a certainty.

Under the tutelage of Gary Rowett, the hulking centre-back would maintain a 7.13 average rating in which he would record 1.5 tackles and 3.1 clearances per game in the Championship, via Sofascore.

For comparison, were these figures put into Leeds' squad from last term in the top flight, he would be their top performer by some distance, and boast their joint-third-most clearances.

It is no surprise that Rowett would therefore wax lyrical about his on-loan star, noting:

"He has really calmed down and matured in how he thinks about the game. He’s getting the benefit from it because he has got amazing attributes for a young centre-back – aggression and desire, sometimes you can’t find them as much nowadays. Honing them is easier than finding them in the first place."

The justification for Vieira's expertise in nurturing young talent is best shown through Marc Guehi, whose rise to prominence is largely owed to the vision of the former Arsenal legend.

He was the one who tempted the 22-year-old to Selhurst Park, only to forge him into one of England's best young centre-backs.

Indeed, his 7.03 average Sofascore rating from the 2021/22 season serves to supplement this, as he went from Chelsea's academy to an England international in just one year under his stewardship.

His 92% dribble success rate, 87% pass accuracy and 3.5 clearances per game that year (via Sofascore) are just a small window into what the future might hold for Cresswell, as he will seek to emulate this ball-playing titan.

The defender will be well aware of Guehi's meteoric rise, and likely be hoping that Vieira is the chosen man to take over at his club.

Should he be hired, perhaps the Frenchman could sprinkle some more of his magic onto Leeds' top youngster, allowing him to flourish further in the second division before hopefully taking the top flight by storm as Guehi has.

Newcastle United are interested in signing Manchester United defender Harry Maguire this summer, according to reports.

What’s the latest Newcastle transfer news on Harry Maguire?

Eddie Howe and the Magpies are on the search for senior signings ahead of the 2023/24 season, with the club set for a return to the Champions League after a brilliant Premier League campaign.

Newcastle have already brought in teenage attacker Yankuba Minteh from Danish side Odense Boldklub, however, the promising talent will immediately head out on loan to Dutch side Feyenoord.

Another potential target is Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella, with PIF thought to be in talks over a £50m move. It looks as if defensive reinforcements are also on the agenda at St James’ Park, with an update emerging on Maguire.

According to Football Insider, Newcastle are in the race to sign Maguire, with the England international having a decision to make on his Old Trafford future.

Alongside Newcastle, Aston Villa and Tottenham are also keen on the defender as well as clubs overseas. Maguire is happy at Manchester United currently, however, he could drop further down the pecking order if Erik ten Hag signs a new defender.

How much did Harry Maguire cost Manchester United?

Maguire cost the Red Devils £80m back in 2019 in a world-record deal for a defender and is on £200,000-a-week.

Now 30 years of age, Maguire has made 175 appearances for United, scoring seven goals. He has scored two goals at St James’ Park, one for Leicester and one for United, winning eight of his 12 games against Newcastle and has come in for praise from Magpies star Kieran Trippier while on England duty last year.

“First, Harry’s a fantastic leader in our group, a big player in our group and to reach 50 caps is an amazing achievement. He’s had a good start to the tournament and I can only speak positively of him, the boys love him.

“I think he does his talking on the pitch and every time he has stepped out in that English shirt he has performed. So long may that continue and hopefully that means many more caps for Harry.”

He would bring plenty of experience to Howe’s side, should a move materialise, and with Champions League football on offer at St James’ Park, a move could appeal to the player, making this one to keep an eye on over the summer.

Brendan Rodgers is just a "pipe dream" appointment for Leeds United, according to presenter Conor McGilligan.

Rodgers could potentially be set rejoin Celtic four years after departing the Scottish Champions for Leicester City, but there were reports that Leeds could make a late push.

What is the latest Brendan Rodgers news?

According to a report from BBC Sport, Celtic have advanced talks with Rodgers over a potential return to Celtic Park, and despite the fact no deal has been reached, the Northern Irishman is the club's priority appointment.

The former Liverpool manager enjoyed a stellar time during his last spell at Celtic, winning two Scottish league titles, three Scottish league cups, and two Scottish cups, including an invincible season and two trebles.

A report from Scotland stated that Leeds were attempting to hijack Celtic's deal for the recently sacked Leicester manager, however, a new report states that the recently relegated Whites will instead pursue other managerial targets as it was suggested that Rodgers is not willing to take the step down to Championship football.

What did Conor McGilligan say about the situation?

Speaking on the One Leeds Fan Channel, McGilligan hit back after hearing reports Rodgers is leaning more towards a potential return to Parkhead this summer:

"I think we knew all along, I’ve not been getting carried away with it, the lads behind the scenes on the debrief they have not been getting carried away with the Brendan Rodgers either, it’s a bit of a pipe dream, it always has been a bit of a pipe dream, to be honest with you.

"A manager of Liverpool finishing second in a title race, a manager who has won an FA Cup, a manager who has already battered the Championship, getting him back down to the Championship even on a big financial package was going to be difficult."

Would Leeds United be a smart move for Brendan Rodgers?

Leeds seemingly need an overhaul after a really disappointing campaign which resulted in relegation, with their defence being the worst in the league last season. Rodgers has a fantastic record in the Championship, with his Swansea side winning promotion via the play-offs the last time he competed in the division.

For Rodgers, who has been hailed as a "genius" in the past, the uncertainty around Leeds United with the pending ownership change and players who may want to leave following relegation in addition to the drop-down in divisions may turn the Northern Irishman away from the club, instead opting for a chance to win league titles and domestic cups in Scotland with Celtic to rebuild his reputation quickly.

Should the former Leicester City manager decide to join Leeds, it would be a major coup for the club, and surely make them one of the favorites to come straight back up.

There is no hiding away from the disappointment of Chelsea's 2022/23 campaign as the club failed to qualify for any European competition next season.

Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter and Frank Lampard all had turns in charge of the Blues throughout the year but Todd Boehly's ruthless use of his axe did not yield results as the term ended in a 12th-placed finish in the Premier League.

Mauricio Pochettino has now been appointed as the new manager to lead the team forward and the Argentine coach now has a full summer transfer window to make any changes that he wants to make to his squad.

One player who must be replaced in the coming months is central midfielder N'Golo Kante, who is set to sign an £86m-per-season deal with Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Ittihad upon the expiry of his contract at the end of June.

Who could replace N'Golo Kante at Chelsea?

Pochettino could land a dream long-term replacement for the Frenchman by striking a deal to sign the "exciting" – as he was hailed by journalist Dan George – Romeo Lavia from Southampton, who is a reported £50m-rated target for the Blues.

The Belgium international, who was once dubbed a“diamond” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, could be an excellent addition to the squad after his impressive first year in senior football with the south coast side, in spite of their relegation to the Championship.

He played 29 times in the top tier of English football and won 56% of his duels and completed 86% of his attempted passes, which shows that the midfielder was strong in his physical contests, despite being 19, and was a reliable passer for his side.

Meanwhile, the Chelsea ace completed 82% of his passes and won 59% of his battles for the Blues in the division, suggesting that there is a huge difference between the two when it comes to their efficiency in competing for the ball.

Over the last 365 days, Kante has averaged 3.57 tackles and interceptions per 90 in the Premier League and in European competitions. Lavia, meanwhile, has averaged 3.77 per 90 for the Saints in the top-flight, proving that both players are able to cut out opposition attacks multiple times each match.

They also both rank in the top 11% of players in Europe's top five leagues over the last 365 days for blocks made per 90. Indeed, they are both midfielders who track back and are willing to put their bodies on the line to prevent their goalkeeper from being called into action.

Therefore, Pochettino could land the perfect successor to Kante by signing Lavia.

He is 13 years younger than the Frenchman and it's clear that the Saints star is a talented teenager who has already shown immense promise in the Premier League as a holding midfield player.

Numerous Liverpool fringe players are ‘in contention’ to start the Reds’ must-win Premier League clash with Southampton, according to journalist James Pearce.

The Lowdown: Reds must beat Saints

Jurgen Klopp’s men haven’t had long to celebrate their FA Cup triumph, with a trip to St Mary’s swiftly coming their way on Tuesday evening.

Liverpool know that only three points will do to keep them in the title race, with victory taking it to what could be a dramatic final day of the season.

With the likes of Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah not expected to play, however, and with legs still tired, Klopp will likely have to ring the changes against Saints.

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The Latest: Fringe players set to start

Taking to Twitter on Monday, Pearce claimed that as many as seven squad players could come into the Reds’ starting lineup, including Wembley hero Kostas Tsimikas:

“Joel Matip, Kostas Tsimikas, Joe Gomez, James Milner, Curtis Jones, Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino among those in contention to be handed starts v Southampton.”

The Verdict: Massive test at St Mary’s

In truth, this is simply a game where Klopp has to trust his squad depth, with the Champions League final against Real Madrid having to play a part in his thinking.

It would be a huge risk to play Van Dijk and Salah, while other individuals such as Andy Robertson, Thiago and Sadio Mane could also do with a breather, avoiding risk of muscle injuries before they fight for number seven in Paris.

If Liverpool drop points at Southampton because of fielding a weakened side, it will have to be seen as a calculated gamble that had to be made. The Champions League final would be a nice consolation to focus on instead of the league.

A possible Liverpool XI could be: Alisson; Gomez, Matip, Konate, Tsimikas; Henderson, Milner, Jones; Diaz, Jota, Firmino.

In other news, Fabrizio Romano has provided a key Liverpool transfer update. Read more here.

Rangers are in Premiership action at Ibrox again tonight as they look to end their league campaign on a high in the last two matches.

One point for their rivals in the next five days will see the top-flight title move back across Glasgow and this means that is incredibly unlikely that Gio van Bronckhorst will be lifting the trophy this month.

However, the Light Blues have the Europa League final to look forward to next week and the Scottish Cup final at the end of May. This means that there is still plenty of motivation for the players in these Premiership outings.

The Gers come up against Ross County at home at Ibrox after beating Dundee United 2-0 away from home at the weekend.

How many changes will Gio make to the team? Here is our predicted XI…

We are predicting that he will make five alterations, with Allan McGregor, Calvin Bassey, Alex Lowry, Ryan Kent and Amad Diallo all coming in.

With the Europa League final coming up, McGregor and Bassey may return after they were both rested at the weekend. Van Bronckhorst will surely want to keep his key players match fit and spending two games on the bench may be detrimental to their form as they could lose their rhythm.

In midfield, Lowry could come in for his second start in the Premiership. The 18-year-old midfielder was given a taster off the bench against United and should now be unleashed as part of the XI.

Journalist Josh Bunting lauded the magician’s talent earlier this year, Tweeting: “Alex Lowry is just a fabulous footballer, on this pitch the way he’s dribbling on it indicates he has so much quality, so good on the ball and has a wonderful sense of balance, really good at driving at the opposition defence he creates plenty of problems with his movement.”

Finally, we are predicting that Kent and Diallo will come in. The former may start to maintain his form ahead of the clash in Sevilla, after being rested at the weekend, whereas the latter may be given a chance to showcase what he can do.

Scott Arfield started up front on Sunday and the £16k-per-week dud was abysmal against United. As per SofaScore, he won 0 duels and missed one ‘big chance’ as he struggled at both sides of the game and his poor display should see him axed in order for Diallo to walk through into the team.

AND in other news, GvB can unearth Patterson 2.0 in “athletic” 19 y/o Rangers dynamo who’s “highly rated”…