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An update has emerged on Celtic and their plans to add more recruits to their attacking options in the summer transfer window…

What's the latest on Hyun-jun Yang to Celtic?

According to South Korean outlet Sports Donga, the Hoops are pursuing a deal for Gangwon creative midfielder Yang Hyun-jun ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

The report claims that the club have already made one offer for the South Korean magician's services but his current side are reluctant to let him go as they battle against relegation from the top flight. It also states that the player is keen on the move and would like to test himself in Europe.

Whilst Gangwon are not willing to part ways with the forward at this moment in time, Sports Donga claims that an upturn in form in July could see them change their stance – and that would allow the Scottish giants to complete a deal for him.

Where would Yang Hyun-jun fit in at Celtic?

The 21-year-old dynamo is a versatile forward who predominantly plays on the right flank, and his arrival could spell bad news for current Hoops attacker Sead Haksabanovic, as it could result in him losing game time.

Celtic's Montenegro international was often deployed on the wing by Ange Postecoglou last season as either a right or left-winger after his permanent transfer from Rubin Kazan last year.

The 24-year-old gem averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.96 across 26 Scottish Premiership appearances in the 2022/23 campaign and contributed with five goals scored to go with six 'big chances' created.

Yang, on the other hand, averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.02 across 36 K-League outings in 2022 and chipped in with eight goals, along with six 'big chances' created.

These statistics suggest that the exciting youngster, who was lauded as "special" by journalist Nathan Sartain, could provide a similar level of production in the final third, in terms of both scoring and creating goals.

He also completed 1.2 dribbles per match with a success rate of 61%, which is an impressive achievement in comparison to the Celtic man's 0.5 with a success rate of just 36%.

Of every player with at least ten starts, only Jota (1.5) managed more dribbles per league game last term for the Hoops than Yang produce for Gangwon, which suggests that the South Korean starlet could be an excellent ball carrier to get Brendan Rodgers' team up the pitch.

Therefore, Yang's arrival could be bad news for Haksabanovic as Celtic would be bringing in a player in his position who could offer the same contributions in the final third while also being more direct on the ball.

The Gangwon prodigy is also three years younger than the ex-West Ham attacker, which could be more appealing to Rodgers when the Northern Irishman decides on who he wants around as part of his long-term plan.

Wolfsburg defender Micky van de Ven is “expected” to leave his club this summer as Tottenham Hotspur explore the “prospect of a deal”, according to journalist Ryan Taylor.

Who are Spurs signing this summer?

Spurs have moved swiftly to seal deals for multiple transfer targets over this past week, with the club confirming both Guglielmo Vicario and James Maddison have put pen to paper.

Vicario, after an impressive season at Empoli, will come in as a potential replacement for long-serving number one Hugo Lloris – with the Frenchman admitting he could depart this summer window.

Meanwhile, Maddison has signed for Spurs on a deal from Leicester City worth £40 million, with midfielder Harry Winks moving in the opposite direction for a separate £10 million.

The Lilywhites are conducting astute business so far and reports suggest that Ange Postecoglou’s side have now turned their attention towards the signing of a centre-back.

After conceding more goals than any other top flight above 15th last season, it is a glaring issue that needs to be addressed, with Spurs thought to be interested in the likes of van de Ven and Bayer Leverkusen defender Edmond Tapsoba.

Sharing an update on their pursuit of the former, journalist Taylor has written a small line for The Express, backing reports from other media sources that Spurs are stepping up their interest in van de Ven.

Taylor claims Tottenham are “exploring the prospect of a deal” to sign the Netherlands international, who has also been scouted by Liverpool, but it appears the north Londoners may have been boosted.

Adding another update, Taylor also writes that van de Ven is “expected to leave” Wolfsburg this summer, coming as Spurs seriously eye a move for the colossal 6 foot 4 defender.

Who is Micky van de Ven?

The 22-year-old was an untouchable for Wolfsburg over the 22/23 Bundesliga season.

Indeed, only their goalkeeper played more league minutes for the German side, while no sqaud member could match van de Ven’s impressive rate of blocks per 90 (WhoScored).

The Dutchman also completed more accurate passes (88.3%) than any other Wolfsburg regular, highlighting his exceptional abilities as a ball-playing defender.

Football Transfers journalist, Ronan Murphy, even hailed van de Ven as a “giant” on the pitch who’s been flourishing at Wolfsburg.

Everton are the latest team to throw their hat into the ring for Romain Faivre, according to a report from Foot Mercato, via Sport Witness.

How has Romain Faivre played this season?

The midfielder – who primarily plays on the wing but can also feature as a traditional number ten – has spent the 2022/23 season on loan with Lorient and has really caught the eye with his displays. He managed 16 top flight games for the club but produced a superb total of eight goal contributions along the way, with five goals in total and three assists.

hen you consider he only managed 13.8 lots of 90 minutes for the club, it's a superb goal contribution rate for the winger.

He's never managed the same totals for parent club Lyon, although he has also not been able to get onto the field as much with them. Before moving to Lorient, he was given only three starts by Les Gones and managed just the one assist across 2021/22. In fact, he has only managed 12 league starts during the entirety of his time with Lyon.

Now, he could be given the chance to leave France and try his luck in the Premier League. That's because according to a report from Foot Mercato, via Sport Witness, the 24-year-old is drawing interest from several English clubs.

One of the latest to express their eagerness to sign him is Everton, who will have to battle Fulham and Crystal Palace if they want any hope of bringing the player to Goodison Park this campaign.

How much would Faivre cost Everton?

They may already find that to be a struggle, with Lyon also slapping a 15 million Euro price tag on his head (£13m). Whilst that is not an extortionate fee for the midfielder, it is one that the Toffees may currently struggle to pay – and the report adds that whilst they may be able to compete financially more than other interested parties from abroad, they will struggle against other Premier League sides.

He's clearly a player that possesses some real ability too. Those who have watched him have been full of praise for Faivre, with football talent scout Jacek Kulig previously calling the player "pure quality" after a performance back in 2022.

It shows that the 24-year-old has been impressive in France – and if Everton were able to poach him, he would certainly upgrade their midfield and wide options.

A big update has emerged on Celtic and their plans to appoint Brendan Rodgers as their replacement for Ange Postecoglou…

What's the latest on Brendan Rodgers to Celtic?

According to The Scottish Sun, the Hoops have agreed terms with the 50-year-old tactician after talks between the ex-Leicester City boss and majority shareholder Dermot Desmond went well.

The report claims that the club see this proposed appointment as a statement of intent and believe that they can now push on in the Champions League next season.

It is stated that an announcement is expected on Monday [19th June 2023] as they plot to officially confirm their new head coach, who was once hailed as a "genius" by journalist Sid Lowe.

Does David Turnbull have a future at Celtic?

The return of Rodgers to Parkhead could ensure that attacking midfielder David Turnbull has a future at the club as the Scotland international could be the perfect playmaker for the Northern Irishman.

During the 2022/23 campaign, the 24-year-old wizard was restricted to just six starts in the Scottish Premiership as he failed to break into the starting line-up on a regular basis.

The no.10 did not naturally fit in with Postecoglou's 4-3-3 set-up but could be the dream player to feature as the supporting player behind the striker in Rodgers' 4-2-3-1 system.

Playing as an attacking midfielder in that formation with two teammates behind him and three forwards to link up with, it could suit him perfectly as the former Motherwell star is an exceptional talent on the ball who has the quality to score and create goals on a regular basis.

Prior to Postecoglou's arrival in 2021, Turnbull started 30 matches in the Premiership during the 2020/21 campaign and averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.47 – the highest average score in the entire squad that season.

The Hoops star scored nine goals and created 12 'big chances' for his teammates, whilst he also created 2.9 chances per game, in 36 league appearances.

No Celtic player created more than Matt O'Riley's 2.1 opportunities per match in the Premiership during the season just gone under Postecoglou and Reo Hatate was the highest-scoring central midfielder with six.

These statistics suggest that Turnbull has the ability to play as a no.10 and offer far more quality in the final third than the club saw from their other options in the middle of the park last season, by providing more goals and opening up the opposition's defence more frequently to create for his teammates.

The 6 foot 1 magician has proven himself to be an exceptional performer in the Scottish top-flight and for Celtic in the past and Rodgers coming in to utilise him as an attacking midfielder could allow the young maestro to flourish next term, which is why this appointment is fantastic news for the £16k-per-week dynamo.

West Ham United target James Maddison 'would be an absolute star signing' at the London Stadium if he was to move to the Hammers from Leicester City, according to journalist Dean Jones.

What's the latest transfer news involving James Maddison?

According to The Daily Mail, Tottenham Hotspur are keen on Maddison and have submitted a £50 million joint bid to try and land the England international and his teammate Harvey Barnes.

The report states that the offer is set to be rejected by Leicester City, who will want to recoup more money for two of their prize assets in the transfer window.

Sky Sports claim that Newcastle United are in the race for £110,000 per week earner Maddison and it is believed that they are currently in pole position to land the Coventry-born star.

Nevertheless, Tottenham may now formalise their attraction towards Maddison this summer now that they have a new manager in place in the form of former Celtic coach Ange Postecoglou.

Writing in his column for GIVEMESPORT, journalist Jones has revealed that West Ham United are interested in Maddison this window as they eye a creative midfielder.

Jones also suggested that Maddison joining the Irons could help to soften the blow of losing Declan Rice, who looks set to leave the London Stadium, stating: "Maddison would be an absolute star signing. They are definitely not front-runners for him as Newcastle and Tottenham are expected in a tug-of-war battle for this signing but West Ham, fresh off that recent European success, would love to make the £110,000-a-week man an offer. His creativity and personality would bring a new dimension to the team and his star factor would help recover from the loss of Declan Rice, when he eventually goes."

Would James Maddison be a good signing for West Ham United?

Maddison enjoyed a productive campaign on an individual level for Leicester City even though the Foxes suffered relegation to the Sky Bet Championship and showed why he is highly regarded as a playmaker in the Premier League.

All in, the 26-year-old made 32 appearances for his current employers, registering ten goals and nine assists in the process, as per Transfermarkt.

As per FBRef, Maddison was also a key chance provider for Leicester City during the season, successfully performing 138 shot-creating actions.

Unsurprisingly, the former Norwich City man also ended up at the top of the tree, becoming Leicester City's most consistent performer in 2022/23, earning an average match rating of 7.24/10, according to WhoScored.

Moving forward, Maddison would add another dimension to West Ham United's midfield if an ambitious bid for his services was to come off; however, they would have to beat off stiff competition from a number of appealing options to him.

Mauricio Pochettino has landed the unenviable task of attempting to pinpoint Chelsea’s new striker and finding the right method to maximise their talents.

During this abysmal campaign, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Kai Havertz, and Joao Felix have all been deployed as the focal point – and although the latter displayed minor flashes of brilliance, watching this trio all separately play as a central striker was an unfulfilling and frustrating experience.

One name that has been floated around as the solution to this damaging problem is Lautaro Martinez, who has demonstrated is more than capable of filling this humongous void.

What’s the latest on Lautaro Martinez to Chelsea?

According to The Times, Chelsea will be rivalled by Real Madrid for the 25-year-old’s signature.

The reigning European champions are in the market for a frontman after Karim Benzema’s sudden departure to Saudi Arabia.

A previous report by the Football Insider has revealed that it will take a £70m offer to tempt the Nerazzurri to sanction his sale.

Who can Lautaro Martinez emulate at Chelsea?

The Argentine has arguably been unplayable this season – he has netted 28 times in all competitions and was the second-highest scorer in Serie A.

The 48-cap international was the protagonist of Inter’s recent trophy lift against Fiorentina, who they beat 2-1 in the Coppa Italia. Unsurprisingly, Martinez was on the scoresheet twice and has registered the highest average match rating (7.18) in the squad over the campaign, as per Sofascore.

The Milanese giants will be hoping he can replicate this spell-binding potency in the Champions League final this evening when they take on treble-chasing Manchester City in Istanbul.

If the Blues secured this audacious swoop, Martinez could repeat the tricks of the irrepressible Nicolas Anelka at Stamford Bridge. The Frenchman spent four years in the English capital, scoring 59 goals and registering 36 assists in 184 games, while also winning one Premier League and two FA Cups in that time.

In his first full season at Chelsea, the former Arsenal prodigy found the net 19 times, was crowned as the division's joint-top scorer, and stepped up when Drogba’s season was ravaged by injury as he only scored on five occasions.

This is similar to the current situation at the San Siro, as Martinez has netted more than fellow forwards Edin Dzeko and Romelu Lukaku, combined.

However, what Anelka and Martinez share is the ability to be the driving force of the attack, but is also able to combine and conjure up a formidable striking partnership.

For Anelka, this was shown in 2009/10, when he and Drogba recorded 61 goal involvements in the top flight as Chelsea secured the Premier League title.

Similarly, in the 2020/21 season, the World Cup winner and the aforementioned Lukaku notched the same number of goal contributions in their imperious Serie A triumph.

Described as “spectacular” by Lionel Messi, the £186k-per-week man’s versatility, his mastery of being the main source of goals or sharing the responsibility, and his experience in playing as a single or double striking force, make him an extremely attractive prospect for the west London outfit.

Manchester United are 'in the race' to sign Napoli defender Kim Min-jae as Erik Ten Hag looks to strengthen his backline, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

What's the latest transfer news involving Kim Min-jae?

According to Il Mattino via The Sun, Kim is preparing to move to Old Trafford and Manchester United are set to activate the 26-year-old's release clause to bring him to the Premier League.

The report states that Kim looks likely to become one of Ten Hag's first signings of the summer; however, he will not join up with his prospective new teammates at Carrington immediately as he is scheduled to complete military service in South Korea.

As per The Guardian, Kim's release clause is active until the end of July and he has emerged as Manchester United's 'top target' as they look to bolster their backline.

Newcastle United are also keen on the central defender and Manchester United are scoping out alternative options in the French market should a deal to sign Kim fall through.

Fabrizio Romano has given an update on who the alternative to Kim may be, informing his Twitter following: "Axel Disasi wants Manchester United as L’Equipe reported — he’s plan B option in list on the French market mentioned today. Understand there’s still nothing concrete in terms of agreement between Man Utd and AS Monaco — Kim Min-jae remains the top target as CB."

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Romano has now given some additional information surrounding Manchester United's pursuit of Kim this summer.

Romano stated: Napoli are trying to change the release clause, but the feeling at the club is that is going to be complicated, so the release clause will probably be that one at less than €50million.

"He is available at the beginning of July, with Manchester United in the race. Newcastle are interested but not attacking the situation yet."

Would Kim Min-jae be a good signing for Manchester United?

It has been reported that the centre-backs release clause is around £38 million, but it remains to be seen as to who is correct.

It's hard to argue otherwise, especially when you factor in Kim's exploits in Napoli's Serie A title winning campaign where he emerged as one of their most impressive performers.

In 2022/23, the £53k-a-week ace made 45 appearances in all competitions, registering two goals and two assists in total, as per Transfermarkt.

WhoScored tallies that Kim earned an average match rating of 7.07/10 for his exploits on the pitch this term, making him Napoli's fourth-most consistent player over the course behind Mario Rui, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Victor Osimhen.

FBRef shows that Kim, who has been described as a "prized asset" by Goal, has also won 86.2% of the challenges he entered this season, making him a reliable fixture at the heart of the Napoli backline.

Manchester United will want to build on a promising first year under Ten Hag and Kim could be a signing to take the club to the next level heading into 2023/24.

Manchester United will have an idea of what they will need to do in order to agree personal terms with Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount, according to journalist Dean Jones.

What's the latest transfer news involving Mason Mount?

As per Sky Sports, Manchester United are 'expected' to officially approach Chelsea regarding what it would take to enact a move to sign Mount this summer.

Personal terms are not said to be something that may cause a hitch in negotiations while 'internal discussions' over a bid are continuing at Old Trafford.

The Sun claim that Manchester United may look to use club captain Harry Maguire as a makeweight in their offer to sign Mount in a player-plus-cash deal.

Manchester United and Chelsea are some way apart in their valuation of Mount and it is believed that the Blues value the £80k-a-week ace at around £70 million.

According to The Daily Mail, Manchester United will step up their efforts to sign Mount next week following their FA Cup final clash against Manchester City at Wembley Stadium this weekend.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Jones thinks that Manchester United will have a clear picture of what they need to do regarding reaching an agreement with Mount over personal terms.

Jones said: "My understanding of the Mount situation is that United know what it’ll take to agree personal terms, and that is slightly different to actually agreeing terms. I don’t think there has ever been much doubt that United would be able to satisfy him in a personal sense, though, so if and when it comes to it that should be a formality.

"The big questions here that I think need to be sorted are, one – can Chelsea actually improve their offer to him and look to smooth relations with Mount’s camp to a satisfying level. And secondly – if that cannot be done how long will it take to determine a true transfer fee?

"At the moment their valuations of the player are about £30million apart, and that is not the sort of margin that can be sorted out in one quick meeting."

Would Mason Mount be a good addition to the Manchester United midfield?

Mount is one of those players that always seems to be very highly regarded among elite coaches due to his durability, capacity to press high and creative qualities, which would fit Manchester United's high-octane style of football under Erik Ten Hag nicely heading into 2023/24.

In 2022/23, the England international made 35 appearances for Chelsea in all competitions, registering three goals and six assists, as per Transfermarkt.

FBRef show that Mount has still managed to be an inventive presence in a season of turmoil for Chelsea and successfully recorded 83 shot-creating actions in total.

The 24-year-old also provided a goal threat for the Blues in the Premier League and averaged 1.4 shots per game in the Premier League, according to WhoScored.

Manchester United want to increase their pool of talent heading into next term and Mount is someone who could become a mainstay at the Red Devils in the coming years at Old Trafford if a deal can be thrashed out for his services.

Liverpool have not been shy when it comes to signing teenage talents in recent years with the likes of Harvey Elliott joining and Fabio Carvalho set to arrive.

Now that the next summer transfer window is around the corner, it seems as though the Reds have another young prospect in their sights to potentially add to their ranks.

What’s the news?

According to a recent report from The Mirror, Liverpool are the early frontrunners to make a potential summer swoop for Birmingham City’s 16-year-old midfielder Jobe Bellingham.

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Following in the footsteps of his brother Jude, the teenager is a product of Birmingham’s youth academy and made his senior debut for the Championship club back in January this year.

With 26 appearances to his name across the club’s senior, U23 and U18 sides, the midfielder has scored five goals and delivered one assist along the way.

A scary talent inbound?

If Liverpool can secure a move for the 16-year-old this summer then they could well unearth the next version of his older brother.

After making his senior debut for Birmingham, Lee Bowyer reserved fine praise for Jobe, words that sum up why he’d be such an exciting signing at Anfield.

“Young Jobe coming on looked so comfortable. He’s earned that, he’s been training with us for two, three, four weeks now, you can just see him growing and improving every day.

“He played with a confidence and that’s because he’s improving every day and I thought it was the right time and I’d like to think that I was right.”

Should the teenage sensation find himself on the same trajectory as his brother, whose talent has been described as “scary” by Jack Grealish, then securing a move for the Blues starlet this summer should definitely be near the top of Liverpool’s priority list.

Currently valued at a massive £127m according to CIES, the Borussia Dortmund star has scored ten goals and provided 18 assists in 90 appearances for the German club across all competitions since he left Birmingham in the 2020 summer transfer window.

Having also been linked with the 18-year-old, Liverpool could possibly sign the next best thing by acquiring the younger Bellingham brother this summer, someone dubbed a “wonderkid” by TEAMtalk.

Talented footballers clearly run in the family and they could also save plenty of cash by opting for Jobe instead of Jude this summer. Should he progress at a similar rate then his transfer value, stock and potential will only increase as it has done for his elder sibling.

Therefore, if Liverpool are able to bring the Birmingham youth talent to Anfield this summer, they could find themselves with a long-term midfield option for their team and one of England’s top prospects.

In other news: “He’s gonna leave”: Romano drops Liverpool update that’ll have supporters gutted

Sunderland manager Alex Neil has confirmed that there are no fresh injury concerns ahead of the League One play-off second leg against Sheffield Wednesday on Monday night. 

The lowdown: Advantage Sunderland

Neil’s side head to Hillsborough with a 1-0 advantage from the first leg encounter at the Stadium of Light thanks to Ross Stewart’s strike late in the first half last Friday night.

The Black Cats were roared on by more than 44,300 vociferous supporters in the northeast, and those fans will be praying for a trip to the capital later in the month.

As Sunderland look to book a place in the Wembley showpiece for a shot at promotion to the Championship, the manager has updated the fitness situation at the club…

The latest: Neil reveals Sunderland team news

Speaking on Sunday ahead of the trip to Yorkshire (via Sunderland Echo), Neil confirmed that there were no new injuries suffered to the Sunderland matchday squad.

The 40-year-old stated: “Everyone seems to be OK. The lads were in yesterday (Saturday) afternoon, it’s always difficult after a night game in terms of your sleep.

“But they’ve had a good rest now, they’ll be back in this afternoon and then we’ll take a view on how they are. But certainly there were no additional issues for us as of yesterday.”

The verdict: Huge boost for Sunderland

Whilst Sunderland could remain without Leon Dajaku and Everton loanee Nathan Broadhead due to illness and a muscle problem respectively, Neil will be delighted to have the same 18 players from Friday at his disposal once more for another pivotal clash.

Albeit with only a slender lead, the Black Cats enjoyed the lion’s share of proceedings in the first leg, with 15 shots to the Owls’ eight and seven corners to the visitors’ three on the night (Sofascore).

Neil may look to use the same players on this occasion with a view to getting Dajaku, Broadhead and indeed Dennis Cirkin and Carl Winchester fit for a potential play-off final against either Wycombe or MK Dons.

In other news, Sunderland are now facing one big dilemma