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Manchester United aren't in a position to change hands at ownership level and the situation is 'still the same' despite reports from Qatar, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

What's the latest takeover news involving Manchester United?

As per Qatari-based media organisation Al Watan via The Manchester Evening News on Monday, reports started to circulate that Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani and the Nine Two Foundation had won in their bid to take 100% control of Manchester United, with their editorial director Fahed al Emadi stating: "The announcement of the deal will be very soon."

Nevertheless, al Emadi retracted his statement soon after, tweeting: "Contrary to certain media and social media reports overnight, Al Watan is not owned by Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani, and Al Watan's media report yesterday speculating about possible movement in the Manchester United takeover process was based on international media reports, as stated in the article itself, and with such news widely circulating periodically in international media for many months."

The Daily Mail cite that Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his petrochemicals firm INEOS are rival bidders to Sheikh Jassim and are proposing to buy a majority stake in the club that would allow the Glazer family to stay on for a period of time after the takeover before performing a 'sourced buyout' of the Premier League giants.

ESPN claim that several minority investment firms are waiting to hear whether they have been successful in their quest to gain some footing at Manchester United and are still in the process as the Glazer family weighs up all potential options.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Romano has stated that despite media reports, Sheikh Jassim and the Nine Two Foundation are no closer to buying Manchester United than they were before.

Romano said: “It’s still the same. I'm really sorry Man United fans, but we can't control that. The reality is that, at the moment, nothing has changed. It's still up to the Glazers.”

What next for Manchester United?

Manchester United face a crucial few days at ownership level; however, that will not deter Erik Ten Hag in his bid to secure several new signings this summer ahead of next term.

Multiple players have been linked with the possibility of a move to Old Trafford and Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount has cropped up as a key target for the Red Devils, who are said to be in the process of formalising their interest in the England international with a bid for his services in the near future, as per Sky Sports.

Atalanta rising star Rasmus Hojlund is also on Manchester United's radar and talkSPORT claim that they are set to press ahead with their pursuit of the 20-year-old striker as Ten Hag looks to bolster his forward line.

Napoli defender Kim Min-jae is in the sights of Manchester United and has rejected a new contract at his current employers amid indications that he is attracting attention from the Red Devils, as per 90min, signifying that a lot of intriguing scenarios could appear in the next few weeks at Old Trafford both regarding potential ownership and player recruitment.

Newcastle United have emerged as “firm favourites” to bring RB Leipzig midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai to the Premier League, according to journalist Bence Bocsak.

Is Dominik Szoboszlai leaving RB Leipzig?

Eddie Howe is reportedly looking to bolster his central ranks during the upcoming window and has highlighted the 22-year-old as a player that he would like to try and bring to the northeast in the weeks and months ahead.

Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg recently revealed that the Hungary international is “aware” of the “concrete interest” from PIF and Eddie Howe who have made him a “top target” after previously sending scouts to watch him twice within the space of a fortnight.

Marco Rose’s talisman has openly admitted that he “dreams” of joining a “big club” and named England as one of three countries alongside Spain and Germany as a possible destination, and despite there also being interest from Liverpool, it sounds like the black and white stripes are the ones currently in pole position.

Are Newcastle signing Szoboszlai?

Taking to Twitter, Bocsak claimed that Newcastle are leading the race to land Szoboszlai who is apparently attracted by the ongoing project at St. James’ Park. He wrote:

“My latest info on Szoboszlai. Leipzig are willing to reluctantly let him go. Many parties interested, but no one ready to pay his €70m [£60m] release clause. #NUFC are firm favourites, and their project is appealing. He also has other interest from Spain and PL. #LFC like him, but not in the race at this stage."

Newcastle going to the lengths that they have in their pursuit of Szoboszlai shows just how serious they are about securing his services, and having been dubbed a “magician” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, PIF should 100% cash out on the attacking midfielder.

The EM Sports Consulting client clocked up 14 goal contributions (eight assists and six goals) in 31 Bundesliga appearances last season and as recognition for his high standard of performances, received four man-of-the-match awards.

The Champions League participant was also a constant threat even when he wasn’t on the scoresheet during the previous term, recording 150 shot-creating actions which was higher than any of his teammates and 117 crosses which was the second-biggest total throughout his squad, as per FBRef.

Szoboszlai, who has the versatility to operate in seven different positions in midfield and attack, is additionally appreciated on the international stage having been named Hungary’s Footballer of the Year in 2022, so it would be a massive coup for the Magpies boss should he successfully land his target.

Erik ten Hag is looking to strengthen Manchester United’s attacking options during the summer transfer window, and Bundesliga forward Randal Kolo Muani has been eyed as a potential addition.

What’s the latest on Randal Kolo Muani to Manchester United?

The Red Devils are actually interested in both Rasmus Hojlund and Kolo Muani according to the Athletics’ Laurie Whitwell, who Tweeted:

“Erik ten Hag ideally wants a young forward plus an experienced one. Hojlund, 20, falls into former category. Frankfurt's Randal Kolo Muani also discussed.”

The Frenchman won't come cheap however, with Eintracht Frankfurt's CEO Axel Hallmann insisting that the striker is worth more than €90m (£78m) in the current market and this could perhaps be a challenge for the Dutchman, especially as he aims to bolster other areas of his team too.

What is Randal Kolo Muani’s style of play?

According to WhoScored, the versatile 24-year-old likes to dribble and can cut inside, while he can also play across the front three. He is predominantly a centre-forward, one capable of using his finishing skills to devastating effect.

Indeed, this season, the Frankfurt frontman has scored 23 goals and registered 17 assists across 45 appearances in all competitions, playing 43 of those games as a striker and Ten Hag could certainly form a deadly duo with him and Marcus Rashford next term.

Ten Hag has deployed the Englishman on the left wing for 31 games during the 2022/23 campaign, and he has been rewarded handsomely with 16 goals and six assists, with the 25-year-old registering 41 goal contributions overall from 55 matches, being revitalised by the Dutchman after grabbing just seven goal contributions the season before.

Rashford ranked first for successful dribbles (1.5 per game), third for assists (five) and ninth for key passes (0.9 per game) in the whole United squad in the league, and his ability to drive past opponents and set up opportunities for his teammates could allow Kolo Muani to thrive, considering that he would be receiving excellent service.

Ten Hag's current underperforming centre-forwards of Anthony Martial and Wout Weghorst have both failed to score over ten goals during 2022/23 and this is an area that must be strengthened in order to lead the Old Trafford side to more glory, so signing Kolo Muani would be an excellent move.

Journalist Zach Lowy praised him following the 2022 World Cup, saying: “He’s left a positive impression on this tournament and at 24, he’s only going to improve. Top-class talent.”

If Ten Hag manages his development well, the Frankfurt player could become a big hit with the United faithful, given the evidence above. Just imagine his potential partnership with Rashford, heading into the new campaign.

Burnley are going to need some attacking reinforcements if they are going to translate their success in the Championship into strong performances in the Premier League.

Vincent Kompany's side look like a strong outfit following their title win but have already lost key attacking outlets, Ashley Barnes and Nathan Tella, with it unclear at this stage if the Clarets' top scorer will return to Turf Moor after his superb loan spell from Southampton.

However, if a deal cannot be agreed with the Saints, who may well be keen to keep Tella given their own relegation to the Championship, then Kompany could find a new version of the 23-year-old in Liverpool's attacking talent, Fabio Carvalho.

Could Burnley sign Carvalho?

According to Football Insider, Burnley are open to both a loan or permanent move for the Portuguese youngster this summer after a frustrating debut season at Anfield, which has seen him muster just 340 minutes of action in the Premier League.

He did register three goals in 22 total appearances for Jurgen Klopp's side but given the array of attacking talent available at Anfield, it was perhaps always going to be difficult for him to earn a regular starting spot.

However, he has already shown his class in the Championship with Fulham, notching ten goals and eight assists as they won the title under Marco Silva in 2021/22, which suggests that he needs regular football in order to achieve his potential.

Klopp has already hinted that the Portugal U21 international, who earns £40k-per-week, could depart on loan this summer, saying:

“I think there is a possibility Fabio could go on loan, but we will see. This was not the best year of his career, his young career,” he said.

“No player has impressed me more than Fabio, that’s the truth. This very talented boy came here with big dreams and big expectations and it didn’t work out. His work ethic will give him a fantastic career."

Could Carvalho be Burnley's next Tella?

Carvalho has already proven himself to be a top Championship player and while he didn't get as much game time as he would have liked at Anfield, a year learning from Klopp will only have helped him grow as a player.

While Burnley would prefer not to be dependent on loan players, the success of Tella shows that Kompany can benefit greatly from the loan market, and Carvalho's goalscoring knack could help to keep the Clarets in the Premier League next season.

Liverpool journalist Paul Machin waxed lyrical about the young attacking midfielder in a recent interview with Football FanCast.

He said: "He's small, he's technical, he's actually quite quick. I think he's a tremendous little player. He's got a great eye for goal, he's got an uncanny knack to arrive in the right place at the right time, in terms of scoring goals."

A nimble forward with goals and assists in his locker, the similarities to Tella are clear, with the Saints loanee also emphasising his ability in front of goal with 17 in the second tier last season.

Therefore, if Burnley can help Carvalho to rediscover his best form at Turf Moor, then Kompany could have another gem on his hands.

Leeds United saw their three-year stint in the Premier League cut ruthlessly short on Sunday, as their 4-1 loss to Tottenham Hotspur confirmed their relegation.

Wins elsewhere for Everton and Leicester City only exacerbated such failures, as they finished 19th to return to the Championship.

Having spent 16 years in the second division the last time they were demoted, the hope around Elland Road will be that they can avoid another lengthy absence and bounce back at the first time of asking.

To do that, it will require an almighty effort from the hierarchy to secure a new long-term manager and a host of new players to propel them there, amidst a potential takeover.

However, they might have some key assets who could spearhead such a charge, who are already in their squad and unlikely to leave this summer.

One such example is Darko Gyabi, who joined as a top-quality youngster from Manchester City just last summer. Despite the £5m expended, he was forced into the U21s for the majority of the campaign.

Having surely acclimatised to life at Elland Road now, next term could truly be his breakthrough one to announce himself as a star in Yorkshire.

How good is Darko Gyabi?

With all the physical assets to compete in such a taxing division, it is wholly possible that the 19-year-old could be the Championship's next top product.

After all, he has already shown himself to be at a level above his youth category, with journalist Joe Donnohue offering massive praise after one performance in particular back in March: "Darko Gyabi's performance tonight is the most complete midfield display by any LUFC player, at any level, (I've seen) this season. Passing, strength, presence, awareness, use of his body – class."

He continued by noting that he "plays with an attitude, dynamism & real vitality"; attributes that will be key to dominating midfield battles.

As such, he may already be ahead of a certain Weston McKennie, the American who endured a torrid time in Yorkshire after his half a season loan from Juventus back in January.

The midfielder did little to weave his way into the hearts of those at Elland Road during his six-month stint, as he travelled home to Turin this week with zero goals and just one assist to show for his efforts.

On the flip side, with Gyabi amassing five goal contributions from 17 Premier League 2 games, his offensive input cannot be understated alongside his other impressive attributes. This has culminated in just three senior appearances, which should be vastly expanded upon next season with more game time likely forthcoming.

Gyabi's work in the U20 World Cup serves to offer further proof as to just how remarkable he is for his age, as the teenage sensation has recorded a 7.07 average rating thus far, maintaining an 88% pass accuracy alongside, one interception, 2.7 tackles and 2.7 successful dribbles per game, via Sofascore.

This tough-tackling mindset blended with elegance on the ball makes him a technical marvel, who already stands at a whopping 6 foot 5 to only emphasise his stature as someone capable of making the step up.

He has everything needed to shine at senior level, and it could be argued that a run of games in the Premier League might have even been merited. But with huge changes set to occur this summer once McKennie and co depart, Gyabi should offer some clarity for the new boss, as a nailed-on starter for their new adventure in the Championship.

West Bromwich Albion are interested in signing Dinamo Zagreb midfielder Amer Gojak this summer, according to Germanijak. 

The lowdown: Career so far

Gojak enjoyed an eye-catching pathway to senior football after netting 20 goals as a teenager in a 2013/14 Under 17 league campaign in Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Following a move to Croatian giants Dinamo Zagreb in 2015, the creative maestro amassed 200 outings for the club, being scouted by Barcelona and Manchester City during the 2019/20 UEFA Champions League campaign.

Since then, the 25-year-old has spent a spell at Serie A outfit Torino on loan before heading back to Zagreb, where a permanent departure could now be on the cards…

The latest: Baggies’ interested

As per Germanijak, West Brom are believed to be in the mix to sign the Bosnian international.

It’s claimed that Gojak ‘wants’ to head to the Hawthorns this summer and the Midlands club ‘would have no problem obtaining a work permit’ for the 29-cap ace.

The report also states that Dinamo would sell the star for ‘less than’ €2million (£1.6million) this summer after Torino rejected an option to buy.

The verdict: No brainer

During the 2021/22 season, Gojak scored twice and provided one assist in 39 appearances across all competitions, winning 2.3 duels and completing 22.4 accurate passes on average per game whilst earning a 6.69 Sofascore rating.

Now predominantly operating as a defensive midfielder, the Bosnian has played in a plethora of positions during a stop-start career so far and would therefore provide Steve Bruce with much-needed versatility in the squad.

Having allowed Romaine Sawyers to leave the club, signing the £2.25million valued Gojak to follow the addition of John Swift from Reading would be a superb piece of business as the Baggies plan for a successful Championship campaign next term.

In other news, Joseph Masi has confirmed West Brom’s interest in one player. Find out who it is here.

A big Rangers update has emerged regarding Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s stance on star Ibrox defender Calvin Bassey this summer.

What’s the talk?

According to the Daily Record, Rangers’ sporting director Ross Wilson will demand a fee which eclipses the £16m that they received for former Gers defender Nathan Patterson in January to allow the versatile defender to leave if any clubs make offers for him in the coming months.

The report claims that a host of suitors from south of the border are chasing the 22-year-old’s services after his impressive displays in the Europa League for Rangers.

Aston Villa, Wolves, Fulham and Brentford are all keen on the defender, but it remains to be seen whether or not they will be willing to stump up the cash required to land him.

Wilson must avoid Bassey blunder

Ibrox chief Wilson must now avoid making a huge blunder this summer. He must stick to his guns and not waiver on his valuation of the former Leicester man, as losing him for anything less than a club-record fee would be a disaster.

Bassey has proven himself throughout the campaign and recently caught the eye in the Europa League final in Seville.

talkSPORT duo Jason Cundy and Jamie O’Hara waxed lyrical about the Nigerian’s performance against Eintracht Frankfurt, with the former saying: “He looked sensational tonight, absolutely sensational. I thought he was the best player on the pitch.

“He was immense, 22 years of age. He is destined for big things, this kid – he was absolutely superb tonight.”

O’Hara added: “What a player, he was like [Virgil] Van Dijk!”

In the European run, Bassey averaged a SofaScore rating of 6.90. He played 14 matches en route to the final and made three tackles and interceptions per game, winning 60% of his duels in total.

The centre-back was also crucial in the Premiership for Gio van Bronckhorst. In 29 league appearances, he averaged a rating of 6.97 as he won 63% of his duels and helped the team to keep 13 clean sheets, playing at both left-back and at the heart of the defence.

Whilst he may not be quite as good as the Liverpool metronome, the Gers defender – as O’Hara intimated – is Van Bronckhorst’s own Virgil van Dijk, who has won 74% of his duels in the Premier League. Like the 30-year-old, Bassey a physical centre-back who wins the majority of his duels against attackers, as shown by his statistics domestically and in Europe.

At the age of 22, the Nigerian tank has plenty of time left on his side to develop and hone his skills to a point where he is playing at the very top level. His form for Rangers suggests that he has the potential to do so, given his superb performances in the Europa League at such a young age, and that is why Wilson must not sell him for anything less than a club-record deal.

AND in other news, Ross Wilson plotting Rangers swoop for 16 y/o “teen talent”, GvB will be buzzing…

Long-serving Crystal Palace midfielder Luka Milivojevic could be nearing a departure from the club this summer, according to journalist Matt Woosnam.

What’s the word?

Writing on Twitter about the club captain’s situation, the trusted insider admitted that it might be “time to move on” for the Serbian gem, having struggled for game time under Patrick Vieira this term.

Going into further depth on the 31-year-old’s future in his piece for The Athletic, Woosnam revealed that the 39-cap international had even been booed at the club’s end of season awards night, with frustration brewing among some sections of support for his on-field failings, as well as his reported breach of pandemic restrictions last year.

This follows a report earlier this week that suggested the £4.5m-rated man is considering an exit from Selhurst Park in the upcoming window, with former club Olympiakos – who he left to join the Premier League outfit in January 2017 – keen on a reunion.

Time to go

Although he may not have endeared himself to the club’s supporters for his off-field actions in recent times – as mentioned above – it is his form on the pitch which is likely to be a key factor in his departure, with few sorry to see him go should he find a new home in the coming months.

A solid servant of the south London side over the past five-and-a-half years, the defensive midfielder has netted 28 Premier League goals in that time, proving himself to be a lethal presence from dead-ball situations.

Having bagged an impressive 22 top-flight goals in just his first two full campaigns at the club, the goals have since dried up for the £80k-per-week skipper, however, with the arrival of new boss Vieira also restricting him to just 14 league outings this season – only nine of which have been starts.

Among a largely youthful and exuberant side, the ageing gem has somewhat stuck out like a sore thumb, failing to keep pace with the energetic and relentless teammates around him.

That has been illustrated by his underwhelming statistics so far this term, with Milivojevic averaging just 0.7 interceptions and 0.9 clearances per game thus far, while also winning possession just 0.3 times per 90, as well as providing just 0.8 key passes on average.

The one-time Anderlecht star also ranks poorly among those in his position across Europe’s top five leagues, as per FBref, ranking in just the top 90% for interceptions made, while he also has a fairly dismal pass completion rate of just 79.8% and averages just 4.14 progressive passes per game, proving himself ineffectual in both attack and defence.

Despite what is set to be a summer of change in midfield – with both Cheikhou Kouyate and James McArthur out of contract and Conor Gallagher set to return to parent club Chelsea – Vieira must not hesitate in wielding the axe on his current skipper.

Although there will be a fondness for his service to the club, supporters will likely be keen to see the back of him at the end of the campaign.

AND in other news: Vieira now heading for 1st summer transfer disaster, Palace supporters will be gutted

An exciting Newcastle United injury lift has emerged over the weekend regarding two first-team players…

What’s the talk?

Magpies boss Eddie Howe has reacted to Kieran Trippier and Callum Wilson both making their long-awaited returns from their respective knocks.

Both players came off the bench in what turned out to be a disappointing afternoon for the Toon army as they lost 5-0 to Manchester City at The Etihad in the Premier League.

After the match, The Chronicle quoted Howe as saying: “Massive boost for everyone connected at Newcastle to see them back. We have missed them.”

Supporters will be buzzing

The supporters will surely be buzzing with both of them being back in action for the Magpies for multiple reasons.

Firstly, it means that Trippier and Wilson can both have a say in where Newcastle finish in the league table. They are currently one point off the top half of the table and this means that they are in with a realistic chance of landing in the top-10 if they can pick up results against Arsenal and Burnley.

Both players being fit and available will be a boost because they have proven that they can put in top performances for the club. Trippier has averaged an exceptional SofaScore rating of 7.42 since arriving from Atletico Madrid in the January transfer window and has scored two goals for the club to date, showing that he can make an impact in the final third whilst putting in sublime all-round displays from full-back.

Wilson, on the other hand, has scored 18 Premier League goals since the start of last season. He has found the back of the net six times in 14 starts this term after managing 12 goals and five assists in 23 starts in 2020/21, which shows that he is capable of being a match-winner for the Magpies with his knack for scoring goals.

Therefore, both players have the requisite quality to have a major say in Newcastle’s last two matches of the campaign. They can help the team to finish in the top half and that would be an exciting way to end Howe’s first season at the club.

The fans will also be buzzing with their availability as it means that they will be getting game time under their belt ahead of 2022/23. It means that they will not be arriving for pre-season with more work to do than the others as they have been fully integrated back into the group this month.

AND in other news, Forget Dubravka: £23k-p/w NUFC lightweight who lost 75% duels let Howe down badly…

Jurgen Klopp will make a late decision over Roberto Firmino’s involvement in Liverpool’s crucial Premier League clash with Tottenham this weekend.

The Lowdown: Massive game at Anfield

The Reds are looking to return to the top of the table on Saturday evening, for the time being at least, as they welcome Spurs to Anfield for one of the biggest games of the season.

Antonio Conte’s side are battling for a top-four finish with rivals Arsenal, so the eventual outcome on Merseyside could be enormous for both sides.

Firmino has been Liverpool’s only injury absentee of late but a key update has now emerged regarding his fitness ahead of the match.

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The Latest: Late call on Firmino

Taking to Twitter, journalist James Pearce relayed Klopp’s words on the Brazilian, saying he will decide whether or not to include him in the squad on the day:

“Klopp on Firmino: “He’s back in training so now we have to make a decision. It might make more sense for him to just train through the weekend and then he’ll be a big stop closer for Tuesday.”

The Verdict: No need to risk him

There was a time when an injury to Firmino felt disastrous, with Klopp so reliant on him staying fit for long spells, along with Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane.

Liverpool have incredible attacking depth after signing Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz, however, so there is no need to rush back a potentially undercooked player.

Divock Origi is an option from the substitutes’ bench, too, given his penchant for scoring important goals, so it would make more sense to allow Firmino to continue his recovery over the weekend, potentially featuring at Aston Villa on Tuesday night.

In other news, a pundit has torn into one ‘shocking’ Liverpool player. Find out who it is here.