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Chelsea "really, really like" AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan and are interested in bringing the player to the Premier League, but the deal itself is "really tough" to get done, claims journalist Ben Jacobs.

Chelsea transfer news – what's the latest on Mike Maignan?

The Blues have been having something of a fire sale in recent weeks, with players like N'Golo Kante and Kalidou Koulibaly joining the Saudi Pro League, whilst Mason Mount and Kai Havertz have moved to Manchester United and Arsenal, respectively.

Among the players bidding farewell to Stamford Bridge is Champions League-winning goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, who has also opted to join the Middle East's burgeoning super league, joining Al-Ahli.

That move has left Kepa Arrizablaga as the club's undisputed number one, but based on recent reports, it appears that the club does not have the most faith in the Spaniard.

According to the Telegraph, Chelsea are 'considering a move' for the French international, despite manager Mauricio Pochettino's 'willingness to start the season with Kepa.'

If the Blues are serious about securing the keeper's signature, they will have to stump up some serious cash, as transfers expert Fabrizio Romano revealed earlier this month that Milan have priced their player at over €55m.

What has journalist Ben Jacobs said about Mike Maignan to Chelsea?

Jacobs explained that the interest and admiration from the West London club is genuine.

Speaking to Football FanCast, he said: "Mike Maignan is someone that Chelsea really, really like, but it's a really tough deal to do with Milan."

Would Mike Maignan be a good signing for Chelsea?

While Kepa has certainly improved for Chelsea over the last 18 months, Maigan would be a brilliant signing for the Blues and a real step up in terms of quality.

According to WhoScored, Milan's shot-stopping extraordinaire had a brilliant season in Serie A last year, averaging a rating of 6.64 across his 22 games.

The Cayenne-born "monster" – as described by journalist Robin Bairner – looks even more impressive when you look at his underlying numbers.

According to FBref, who compare players in a similar position across Europe's top five leagues, the Frenchman is in the top 8% for saved penalty kicks, the top 11% for goals against, and the top 22% for clean.

If that wasn't enough FBref also considers both Alisson and Ederson to be within the five most similar goalkeepers to Maignan, hardly bad company to keep.

If Chelsea can, they certainly should get this deal done, even if AC Milan want a king's ransom.

An update has emerged on Manchester United's plans to add a new number nine to their squad ahead of the 2023/24 Premier League campaign…

What's the latest on Rasmus Hojlund to Manchester United?

According to Football Insider, the Red Devils are in the market for a 'marquee' addition to their forward options and Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund is one of the names on their list of targets.

The report claims that the Denmark international would be one of the cheaper options available to them as the Serie A outfit are looking for a fee in the region of £60m to part ways with him.

It states that the 20-year-old centre-forward 'wowed' United's scouts in the season just gone, although they do not believe him to be on the same level as the likes of Harry Kane, Victor Osimhen, and Randal Kolo Muani at this moment in time.

Where would Rasmus Hojlund fit in at Manchester United?

United boss Erik ten Hag could line up with the Danish marksman as his number nine and play England international Marcus Rashford out on the left flank, with Antony potentially completing the attacking trident on the right.

Hojlund is not a player who should be expected to hit the ground running as Erling Haaland did for Manchester City as the Norwegian finisher broke the Premier League record for the most goals in a single season.

However, the talented youngster would be a long-term addition.

At the age of 20, the striker could improve and develop with experience while also working with ten Hag on the training pitch to become a lethal no.9 who could also make Rashford unstoppable.

The current United star plundered an exceptional 30 goals and 11 assists in 56 outings in all competitions for the club last season, with 17 of those strikes coming in the league – no other player managed more than eight.

Rashford was the obvious threat for opposition teams to look out for, with more than twice as many league goals as any other forward in the squad, and Holjund's arrival could provide defences with another player to focus on, which could open up more space for the English hotshot to thrive in the final third.

The Atalanta dynamo scored nine goals in just 20 Serie A starts in 2022/23 while he has also found the back of the net six times in four European Championship qualifying matches for his country.

This means that the £11k-per-week gem scored more league goals than every United player other than Rashford last term, despite only starting 20 games, which is why he could be an exceptional addition to ten Hag's squad for now and in the future.

The exciting young talent, who was once hailed as "remarkable" by manager Gian Piero Gasperini, has showcased his potential as a goalscorer and his goal threat could force opposing teams to place an emphasis on marking him out of the game.

This, in turn, this could free some of the shackles from Rashford to provide the 25-year-old phenomenon with fewer obstacles between him and the goal as the defenders would have to worry about Holjund's quality as well as his.

Chelsea are in pursuit of Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic; however, any deal to bring him to Stamford Bridge 'will not come with a cheap price tag', according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

What's the latest transfer news involving Dusan Vlahovic?

According to Gazzetta dello Sport via The Daily Star, Chelsea are keen on signing Vlahovic this summer and have offered several players to the Italian giants to try and initiate a swap deal.

Chelsea have already held a meeting with Juventus director Giovanni Manna and offered several players to try and initiate an agreement for the £214k-a-week ace, including Christian Pulisic, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Trevoh Chalobah, Romelu Lukaku and Kalidou Koulibaly.

Last month, ESPN detailed that Chelsea had made Vlahovic their preferred striker target this summer and had made an offer of around €80 million (£68.1 million) to try and acquire the Serbia international.

Vlahovic is reportedly unhappy at Juventus and would be open to a new challenge next term as he ponders his next career steps amid interest from the Blues.

Sky Sports have claimed that Chelsea are also in talks to sign Villarreal forward Nicolas Jackson this off-season as Mauricio Pochettino looks to beef up his attacking options and finding an agreement on personal terms isn't expected to be a problem for the west Londoners.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Jacobs has stated that Vlahovic would be an expensive signing for Chelsea as they look to bring him in this summer.

Jacobs told FFC: "There's a lot of determination needed still with Chelsea on the forward front, both from a stylistic perspective and a financial one as well. We know, for example, that the club are looking at Dusan Vlahovic and he'll be very possibly leaving Juventus this window, but that one will not come with a cheap price tag."

Would Dusan Vlahovic be a good addition to Chelsea's forward line?

Vlahovic is someone who certainly knows where the goal is and could add a focal point to Chelsea's attack that was largely missing for large spells of 2022/23.

Across the campaign, the 23-year-old – dubbed a "monster" by some in the media – made 42 appearances in all competitions, registering 14 goals and four assists in total, as per Transfermarkt.

As per FBRef, Vlahovic also led the line efficiently by bringing his teammates into play and successfully carried out 63 shot-creating actions.

In Serie A, the former Fiorentina striker was a constant threat to opposition backlines and averaged around 2.5 shots per match, according to WhoScored.

Chelsea look set to embark on a new era under Pochettino and bringing in a high-calibre forward like Vlahovic would provoke plenty of excitement around Stamford Bridge ahead of 2023/24.

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.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp could be poised to enrich his central ranks by swooping for one of Europe's most coveted prospects in Celta Vigo's Gabri Veiga.

What's the latest on Gabri Veiga to Liverpool?

At least, that's according to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, who recently took to Twitter to reaffirm that Liverpool are "informed on the conditions" of a move for the 21-year-old, who has a buyout clause of €40m (£34m) with the Sky Blues.

Newcastle – while Romano quashed claims that a deal had been concluded – remain firmly in the race for the dynamic midfielder and boast the allure of Champions League football next year to entice Veiga, something Liverpool cannot offer next term.

Despite this, Klopp's Reds have been reported to be 'firm favourites' for the Spaniard's signature by the Northern Echo, and there is a sense that the race will enter the crucial stages over the coming weeks.

How good is Gabri Veiga?

The Spain U21 international has been riding the crest of a wave this season after plundering 11 goals and four assists from just 28 starting appearances in LaLiga.

Only last year, he plied his trade in the Spanish third tier before earning a call-up to Celta Vigo's senior side, playing seven top-flight matches, and now looks set for a career of great prosperity at the highest level.

Should he join the crowd at Liverpool, he will be provided with a platform to flourish and cement a prominent role in Klopp's system, with James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all departing upon the expiry of their contracts this summer.

And given his box-surging style of play draws parallels to the latter, Oxlade-Chamberlain, he could prove to be an almighty upgrade on the injury-stricken England international, who has been riddled with setbacks over the past few seasons after looking so promising during the early phases of his Merseyside career following his £35m switch from Arsenal.

The one-time Southampton youngster averages 1.2 shots and 1.7 dribbles per game across the duration of his professional career, as per WhoScored, also completing 81.8% of his passes and once being lauded for his ball-carrying prowess and offering "something totally different" by Rio Ferdinand, but his inhibition has resulted in nothing more than a peripheral role over the past few years.

Suffocating pressure and high-octane intensity are staple points of Klopp's system when it is firing on all cylinders, and Veiga, who has been hailed as a "top talent" by Romano, certainly looks like he embodies this.

As per FBref, the prodigy ranks among the top 1% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for rate of non-penalty goals, the top 2% for total shots, the top 20% for rate of assists, the top 12% for both progressive carries and successful take-ons, and the top 11% for touches in the opposing box per 90.

Dubbed "baby Kaka" by football content creator Rimedi, Veiga wields the whole gamut of tools to craft a formidable career path for himself, and under Klopp's wing, he could be the destructive midfield force needed to rekindle the once burning furnace that was the nucleus of Liverpool's illustrious success.

Manchester United need to improve in a few areas this summer if Erik ten Hag wants to challenge for the Premier League title and to go on a deep run in the Champions League.

Signing a top-class centre-forward is a must, with Anthony Martial and Wout Weghorst netting just 11 goals between them in all competitions, with the burden falling onto Marcus Rashford to give United that edge in front of goal.

The midfield could also be rejigged, as with Marcel Sabitzer finishing his loan spell and Scott McTominay linked with a move away from the club, Ten Hag will be aiming to sign a couple of reinforcements before bigger challenges await next term.

But could he bolster his full-back area too? The Red Devils are interested in signing Monaco right-back Vanderson during the summer transfer window, according to Brazilian outlet Zero Hora.

The report explains that the Old Trafford side have made a potential offer to Monaco for the defender, although it falls short of the €50m (£43m) valuation that the Ligue 1 side have stated.

Would Vanderson be a good signing for Manchester United?

United have recently given Diogo Dalot a contract extension until 2028, with the Portuguese full-back looking like he could be a key part of Ten Hag’s revolution at the club.

However, signing Vanderson may well mean Aaron Wan-Bissaka could be on the move this summer as there wouldn’t be much room for three senior right-backs in the squad, and with the Dutchman looking for a more ‘attacking’ option on the right side of defence, according to The Athletic, the Brazilian could even be an upgrade on Dalot.

Indeed, this season, the 21-year-old has registered more goals and assists (five to three), shot-creating actions per 90 (2.52 to 2.17), goal-creating actions (eight to two) and touches in the attacking penalty area (583 to 390), clearly suggesting that the Monaco starlet is a more potent threat in front of goal than Dalot, while also getting into the opposition penalty area more over the course of a season, utilising his attacking abilities.

It isn’t just going forward that Vanderson could offer an upgrade either, with the right-back ranking in the top 3% across Europe’s big five leagues for tackles and interceptions per 90, whereas Dalot ranks in the top 29% and 13% for the same metrics respectively compared to the Monaco sensation.

He was lauded for a display against Lyon in 2022, with Statman Dave saying it was an “exceptional performance” as he won 70% of his duels, won all of his tackles and completed 89% of his passes – and Ten Hag must act swiftly in order to bring him to Manchester this summer.

Liverpool have been plagued with injury concerns in the final hurdle of the season ahead of their last game of the Premier League campaign and Champions League final, however, a positive new injury update has emerged from a reliable source.

What’s the latest?

According to the Liverpool reporter for The Athletic James Pearce, Joe Gomez will be fit for the Champions League final.

In an article for The Athletic, Pearce reported that Liverpool are confident that the defender will be ready and available for selection after undergoing a scan on an ankle injury sustained against Southampton earlier this week.

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The report goes on to say that the club are content that there is no serious damage and if the player recovers in the timeline expected he will be available should he be called upon against Real Madrid in 10 days time.

Liverpool fans will love it

Despite struggling for game-time this season through both injury and falling down the pecking order behind Ibrahima Konate who has had an impressive season for the Reds, Liverpool fans will surely love to see Gomez in the match-day squad in Paris.

Gomez played an integral part in the Kopite’s Premier League title win and played in the game against Tottenham Hotspur in the last Champions League win too, so although he may not be the first choice for a place in the centre-back partnership against Real Madrid, he has the necessary experience in big matches.

Another reason why it could be good to see Gomez in Paris is because he has been linked with moves away from Merseyside this summer following his lack of game time.

Newcastle United, Fulham, West Ham, Everton and Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly interested in signing the 24-year-old, so if he was to move on at the end of this season the Champions League final could be a great send-off for the player.

Ultimately, the positive injury update will be a relief for Jurgen Klopp who will now have his entire squad of defenders fit and available to do their part should they be called upon in the important clash with Real Madrid.

AND in other news: Approach made: Liverpool eye move for “wonderful” £50m “winner”, Klopp would love him

Manchester United are looking to strike a deal for Juventus centre-back Matthijs de Ligt.

What’s the word?

That is according to journalist Oriol Domenech, who was speaking on Gerard Romero’s Twitch stream, [via The Express]. He claimed that incoming United manager Erik ten Hag is keen to add the 22-year-old to his ranks after the allegedly bullet-proof signing of Frenkie de Jong has all but been confirmed.

Domenech said that the 52-year-old wants both former Ajax players at Old Trafford to ignite his era in charge of the Red Devils. Both De Ligt and De Jong were part of Ten Hag’s Ajax squad which reached the semi-finals of the Champions League three years ago.

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Imagine De Ligt and Ten Hag together again

Having managed the 22-year-old at Ajax, Ten Hag knows exactly what De Ligt’s game is all about. The Juventus star, who is rated at around £63m by Transfermarkt, braved the move to Turin back in 2019. He hasn’t looked back since, making 27 or more Serie A appearances in each of his three seasons with the Bianconeri.

The young Netherlands international has also managed to transition his goalscoring touch from Ajax, having scored in each of his seasons at youth and senior level in Amsterdam and managing to keep this consistent across his three years at Juve.

With a passing completing rate of 89% in the current Serie A campaign, De Ligt is sound in possession, and that figure suggests that he nicely suits Ten Hag’s philosophy of playing progressively from the back.

However, his arrival would pose an issue for either Raphael Varane or Harry Maguire, both of whom are right-footed. De Ligt is also a natural right-footed centre-back; and judging by the way he sets up his Ajax side, Ten Hag likes to have one left-footed and one right footed centre-back within his four-man defence.

With Varane listed on FBRef as 59% right footed, Ten Hag could utilise the Frenchman’s left-footed ability and could deploy him as a left-sided central defender. In that case, Maguire – who currently occupies the role of left-sided centre-back despite his right-footedness – could well wave goodbye to his starting berth.

De Ligt, who has been dubbed “an absolute monster”, will turn 23 in August – the same age that Ruben Dias was when he made his move to Manchester City – so it could be the perfect time in his career for him to make an impact in the Premier League.

In other news – “100% sure..”: Man Utd can sign “underrated” £38m-rated gem who’s “better than Dias”

Blackburn Rovers are said to have made enquires regarding the availability of Carlos Carvalhal in their hunt for a new manager, according to a report from LancsLive.

The Lowdown: Rovers confirm Mowbray departure

It was officially announced by the club on Wednesday night that following internal discussions, Tony Mowbray will be leaving Ewood Park on the completion of his current contract this summer.

The 58-year-old enjoyed a memorable five-year spell in Lancashire, where he took charge of 267 matches across all competitions, winning 108 of those during that time, as per Transfermarkt.

It appears as though there won’t be a shortage of candidates to succeed the former boss and there’s one name in particular that has emerged in the appointment race.

The Latest: Carvalhal on the shortlist

In a report published by LancsLive, it’s claimed that Rovers have ‘sounded out’ some potential successors, and even though interviews are yet to be held, informal contact has been made with some of the hierarchy’s shortlist, one of those being Carlos Carvalhal.

The source states that the former Swansea and Sheffield Wednesday man is ‘on the radar’ of several Championship clubs, including Blackburn, and is said to be ‘keen to return’ to England.

The Verdict: Suitable candidate

The 56-year-old, who was once described as an “excitable” manager by his ex-Swans star Alfie Mawson, is currently working back in his home nation after being appointed SC Braga boss back in 2020.

He won the Portuguese Cup with Braga, where he has put a ‘big emphasis on giving youth a chance’, but his contract with the Portuguese giants is set to expire at the end of the season.

During his time at Hillsborough, Carvalhal guided the Owls to the play-offs in his first two seasons in the dugout, showing he is more than capable of helping a side compete at the right end of the table and offering hope that he would be able to do the same for Rovers

With just 12 weeks until the 2022/23 campaign gets underway, time is very much of the essence when it comes down to the club hiring their new man, and the former centre-back could be just what the club are searching for.

Celtic will earn at least £17million if they qualify for next season’s Champions League, according to financial expert Dr. Dan Plumley.

The Lowdown: Nearing a Champions League return

Ange Postecoglou’s side are within touching distance of Scottish Premiership glory, leading Rangers by six points with three matches remaining this season.

A title win would see Celtic automatically go into next season’s Champions League group stage, allowing them to test themselves against some of Europe’s best teams.

Not only would it be an exciting challenge for Postecoglou and his players but it would also be a significant financial boost.

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The Latest: Expert drops £17m claim

Speaking to Football Insider, Plumley claimed that a minimum £17million windfall would come the Hoops’ way if they get the job done in the league:

“If you base it on the prize money, each club gets just over £13m. You then have win bonuses, which are £2.4m for a win and just under £1m for a draw. So around £17m is what you’re looking at the very least.

“If you go straight into the group stage, you know you have that extra money to play with. Celtic do generate good revenue for where they are in that league. If you add another £17m on top, it becomes even more significant.

“In terms of future planning, you can target transfers accordingly because there is no jeopardy. You know you’re going to be there come September.”

The Verdict: Exciting time for Hoops

There is a feeling that a special era is growing again at Parkhead, with Postecoglou doing a fantastic job since arriving and the title now tantalisingly close.

The financial gains from reaching the Champions League are huge and it would allow more money to be available for transfers, not to mention a higher calibre of player coming in to play amongst Europe’s elite under a special manager.

Celtic must not rest on their laurels just yet, though, with work still to do in the league, starting with Saturday’s visit of Hearts.

In other news, a journalist has dropped a key Celtic transfer claim. Read more here.