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Crystal Palace are plotting a bid for Swansea City midfielder Flynn Downes.

What’s the word?

That’s according to Ian Mitchelmore, who writes in WalesOnline that Palace are one of several Premier League clubs interested.

The Eagles are set to battle it out with Southampton and Wolves for his signature.

Swansea were reportedly expecting huge interest in him, as one of their standout performers, and is valued between £11m to £12m.

Imagine him and Doucoure

With the imminent announcement of new signing Cheick Doucoure, it appears that Patrick Vieira is building a new midfield to make up for the absence of former star loanee Conor Gallagher.

This tricky midfielder could be the touch of class to go alongside the midfield powerhouse that has already been tied down.

The £1.8m-rated maestro boasted a 6.83 average SofaScore rating, which is impressive given his age and consistency across 37 games.

Perhaps the 23-year-old could act as a metronome for Palace, given his 92.6 pass success percentage and 0.5 key passes per 90.

This, alongside the 2.26 interceptions and 6.87 progressive carries per 90 of Doucoure, could provide the perfect balance with regards to both offensive and defensive output.

Downes’ performances led Swansea manager Russell Martin to label him “incredible”.

He continued: “He has all the ingredients he needs to play at the very top. He knows how I feel about him and how we feel about him as a coaching staff and what his ceiling can be. I think he can go and play wherever he wants eventually.”

Vieira knows a thing or two about taking part in a near-perfect midfield, and if Downes and Doucoure can strike a connection early on it could help propel Palace, allowing them to build on their impressive 12th-placed finish last term.

Supporters from Selhurst Park can get excited at the prospect of this signing, as their business whilst dipping into the Championship has been impressive in the past.

Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise are two successes, and in Downes, they could have found another who could be the perfect midfield partner for their other prospective new signing.

AND, in other news: “Palace would be…“: Transfer insider drops huge update, supporters will be buzzing.

The Sunderland Echo journalist James Copley has now revealed some significant transfer news on Fabio Borini.

The Lowdown: Return?

As per iNews, Borini is now interested in a surprising return to the Stadium of Light, and is keen to return to England.

The 31-year-old has been offered to Alex Neil’s side, but so far they have favoured youth in their recruitment drive.

The Latest: Uninterested

Taking to Twitter, Copley has revealed that the Wearside club have no interest in re-signing Borini ‘as things stand’:

“Understand that Sunderland aren’t interested in re-signing Fabio Borini as things stand.”

The Verdict: Avoid

Some Black Cats supporters will have fond memories of Borini’s time on Wearside, where he scored a total of 17 goals in 93 games for them over all competitions across two spells, including one in the 2014 Carabao Cup final against Manchester City (Transfermarkt).

However, signing him would deviate from their recruitment strategy, and at 31 years of age, the Italian is sadly past his best.

Despite bagging 81 career goals, he managed just injury problems during his time there.

Nonetheless, SAFC need to put any kind of sentiment aside when looking at this potential deal, and should instead move on to other targets that would help improve them as they look to tackle the beast that is the Championship.

Crystal Palace are closing in on signing midfielder Cheick Doucoure from RC Lens and supporters should be “very excited” about his arrival according to Sky Sports journalist Michael Bridge.

What’s the story?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Bridge said: “They’re replacing Cheickhou Kouyate and Conor Gallagher with one player. And that’s not to say they’re only going to just bring him in, they’ll probably want to bring in another midfielder.

“But I’m hearing this guy is a bit of everything, and he’s good at everything, and he’s a nightmare to play against. So, Palace fans should be very excited.”

That may seem like a lot but he also said that the club will want to bring in another midfielder as well which will ensure they have enough depth in the position.

Supporters will be excited

The importance of Conor Gallagher for Palace last season can’t be overstated, so not having him for the next campaign is a big miss and will have left many supporters feeling down.

However, the imminent arrival of Doucoure should life the mood massively, and although he’s got big shoes to fill his form backs up the hype.

The 22-year-old made 34 appearances in Ligue 1 last season and was vital in helping Lens secure a seventh placed finish.

His defensive abilities are extremely impressive and when compared to positional peers in Europe’s top five league’s over the last year he ranks in the top 13% for tackles won.

He’s also great at pressing with 36% of his presses per 90 minutes being successful. He will only get better as he becomes more experienced and a move to the Premier League seems to be the logical next step.

When you compare him to Kouyate his statistics also prove that he is very much capable of replacing him. Doucoure made 55 more tackles and interceptions than him last season.

He seems to be a perfect fit for the Premier League, not being shy to get stuck in and show the aggression needed to win battles in the middle of the park.

If Palace and manager Patrick Vieira want to improve on their 12th place finish last season then Doucoure can help them do that, but he probably won’t be enough on his own, so they’ll need to look at further additions as well.

IN other news: Palace can land “perfect” Gallagher replacement in deal for “sensational” £25m maestro…

Sunderland managed to make their way back into the Championship last season after beating Wycombe Wanderers in the League One play-off final.

One player in the Black Cats’ squad that certainly played a significant part in getting the club promoted last season was Ross Stewart.

With 49 league appearances to his name, including the play-offs, the Scotsman scored 26 goals and supplied five assists for his teammates.

To further highlight his attacking prowess, only Will Keane (26) scored more league goals than Stewart (24) prior to the play-offs.

Now that the 2022/23 Championship season is approaching, this current period could give Alex Neil the chance to make sure his squad has enough strength and depth in it to make sure the club won’t find themselves back in League One at the first opportunity.

One figure that the Wearside club have been linked with recently that would give Neil the chance to form what could be a scary duo alongside Stewart is Tottenham Hotspur striker Troy Parrott.

Earlier this month, it was reported that Sunderland are one of the clubs interested in signing the 20-year-old on loan this summer.

Having joined Spurs’ youth ranks back in 2017, the striker has gone on to make 42 appearances for the north London club across their senior and youth sides.

In those appearances, the youngster has scored 31 goals and provided six assists along the way.

The centre-forward has also spent time away from Tottenham on loan with clubs such as Millwall, Ipswich Town and MK Dons.

With 119 club appearances to his name throughout his career at senior and youth levels, the Irishman has 43 goals and 14 assists under his belt in total.

During his time with the Dons last term, the Spurs starlet found the net ten times and delivered seven assists in 47 appearances.

This backs up why he was hailed by Liam Manning as being a “massive” player for the club.

Given the clear attacking talent he has, playing in a Sunderland team next to Stewart could not only be massively beneficial for Parrott in terms of his development to learn from such a capable striker like the Scotsman, but it could also give the Black Cats a massive boost to their chances of having a successful season in the Championship.

AND in other news: Sunderland can replicate Roberts masterclass by signing “wonderful” 20-goal wizard

Liverpool have been linked with a move for Matheus Nunes this summer, and there has been a new update on the club’s pursuit of the player.

What’s the latest?

According to Portuguese newspaper Correio da Manha (via Paisley Gates), there is a strong possibility that the 23-year-old will make the move to England, with the Reds remaining interested.

As per the report, Sporting Lisbon are now only interested in doing business in the transfer market to sell players at this point, and the midfielder seems one of the most likely outgoings for the Portuguese club.

Big Keita upgrade

The Reds are reportedly prioritising the midfield as key area to improve and strengthen after completing the club-record signing of Darwin Nunez this summer, and Nunes could be the perfect Naby Keita upgrade if FSG can secure a deal for the 23-year-old in the coming weeks.

The Guinea international will be out of contract in less than 12 months’ time, and although Liverpool are speculated to be in talks to negotiate a new deal for the midfielder, they may not need to if they can sign the Sporting star this summer.

According to FBRef, both Nunes and Keita matched up for goal contributions, scoring three goals and delivering one assist each, although there are many attributes where Nunes outperforms his positional peer on Merseyside.

The 23-year-old has a better shot on target accuracy (27.3%), created more big chances (six), made more tackles (two) and won more duels (6.5) on average per game, while also being more successful in completing his dribble attempts (70%) compared to Keita (63%).

The £42.2m-valued dynamo has been the recipient of high praise, with his former team-mate Goncalo Santos hailing him previously (via Liverpool Echo).

Santos said of Nunes: “It’s unbelievable when he has the ball at his feet. Nobody can catch him; it’s impossible because he’s too fast.

“If you are in the defensive phase and he gets the ball, he can run with it and fire the team 30 yards up the pitch because he is so good in possession.”

With that in mind, the powerbrokers at Anfield should carefully consider whether they ought to offer a new contract to Keita or sign an upgrade in Nunes this summer to replace the Guinea midfielder.

AND in other news: Fabrizio Romano drops Liverpool transfer update that’ll frustrate supporters

Barcelona’s highly-rated young midfielder Marc Casado has opted to stay at the club despite interest from Southampton. 

What’s the word?

That’s according to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, who claimed that the Saints, along with Premier League duo Brighton and West Ham, had all submitted proposals for the 18-year-old.

He has instead opted to continue his development in Catalonia and joins up with Xavi’s pre-season squad.

The Premier League trio were all offering significant financial incentives, but the teenager’s heart reportedly remained with Barcelona.

Supporters will be gutted

Southampton have had a relatively busy summer, bringing in five players who will likely battle for first-team spots.

Whilst a new centre-forward is still the main area of concern, allowing this deal to escape will remain a sore spot for Ralph Hasenhuttl and Saints supporters.

The Barcelona under-19s captain has earned huge praise for his calmness on the ball, and many have expectations of him reaching the levels of Pedri and Gavi. In fact, he is reportedly primed to be the natural successor to club legend Sergio Busquets.

Southampton have a brilliant track record of producing and developing young talent, so there seems little doubt that a move to the English south coast would have helped Casado develop further.

Remarked upon for his ability to beat the press with neat turns, break up the play and pick out a killer pass, the 18-year-old appears to have the qualities required to succeed in the Premier League.

He would have occupied Oriol Romeu’s current role commendably, and in time he could have succeeded the former Chelsea anchor man. Alongside the potent James Ward-Prowse, he could have been moulded into an all-round quality central midfielder at St Mary’s.

To combine the teachings of both of these midfielders could have helped Casado to fulfil the ‘next Busquets’ prophecy, as it would have been the perfect blend of brutality and brilliant technique.

Southampton supporters have every right to be gutted as a potential midfield star of the future instead opts to stick around in Catalonia.

The south coast club were always fighting a losing battle to pry him from one of the foremost football clubs in the world, but Hassenhuttl will likely still feel aggrieved that Casado will not be joining the Saints.

AND in other news – After Mara: Ralph can finally axe “desperate” £15m Saints flop, he’s not good enough

Celtic have been potentially handed the green light to launch a move to sign Maccabi Haifa midfielder Mohammed Abu Fani.

What’s the news?

According to a recent report from the Daily Record, the Israeli club ‘have left the door open for a potential summer exit, admitting that they would accept a “suitable offer” for the player once they had complete their Champions League second round qualifiers.’

It was reported in June that the Hoops had their eye on the midfielder, who has spent his entire career in Israel.

A product of Haifa’s youth system, the 24-year-old has gone on to make 101 senior appearances for the club across all competitions, scoring 11 goals and delivering seven assists along the way.

With 44 appearances and 12 goal contributions to his name last season across all competitions, this highlights just how useful he can be in front of goal at times.

On the international stage, Abu Fani – who is currently valued at €4m (£3.3m) – has made 46 appearances for Israel across their youth and senior teams, scoring six goals in the process.

Back in January, Sanny Rudravajhala quote-tweeted a now-deleted clip of the Haifa figure keeping possession of the ball during a game against Maccabi Tel Aviv when his side won 3-2 after being 2-0 down, with the journalist lauding Abu Fani’s efforts as a “thing of beauty”.

Bearing in mind how the Bhoys have seen the likes of Nir Bitton, Tom Rogic and Ismaila Soro leave Parkhead since the end of last season, despite seeing Aaron Mooy arrive on a free transfer, launching a move for Abu Fani should definitely be under consideration before the window closes.

Having also missed out on the chance to sign Vinicius Souza and Fausto Vera, this highlights Celtic’s eagerness to bring a new midfielder in alongside Mooy.

Now that it has been revealed that the Israeli club would be willing to entertain offers for their midfield star, this should prompt the Parkhead hierarchy to get the chequebook out and see what it would take to secure Abu Fani’s signature.

If they can pull it off and get him embedded with the rest of Postecoglou’s players, this should put to bed any concerns that some Celtic fans may have about heading into the new season without the likes of Rogic, Soro and Bitton.

AND in other news: Ange can now axe £3.6k-p/w flop in Celtic bid for £6.8m target with “great potential”

Manchester United have been linked with a move for Lille midfielder Renato Sanches, according to Sky Sports reporter Melissa Reddy.

The Lowdown: Midfield options

Erik ten Hag has made three signings so far this summer, but he is yet to bolster his holding or central midfield ranks.

Attacking midfielder Christian Eriksen has arrived on a free transfer and looks set to rival Bruno Fernandes, leaving Ten Hag with just two defensive midfielders and two central midfielders.

It appears to be an area the club wants to strengthen, with United agreeing on a deal with Barcelona for Frenkie de Jong. A move has proven complicated on the player’s side, though, which has led to links of alternative targets.

The Latest: United links

After discussing interest in both De Jong and Wolves’ Ruben Neves, Sky Sports journalist Reddy told The Transfer Show that ‘the other name loosely floated’ has been Sanches.

The journalist stated that the player is better as a box-to-box midfielder instead of an anchor but isn’t too sure of a move to Old Trafford at this moment in time.

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The Verdict: One to watch?

Sanches, who was dubbed a “giant” and “physically and technically perfect” by Tutto Mercato Web (via Sempre Milan), is into the final 12 months of his Lille contract.

The Portugal international is still just 24 years of age but already has plenty of experience at the highest level with the likes of Benfica, Bayern Munich and Lille.

Therefore, he could be a shrewd addition at Old Trafford to fill a problem area, and who knows, a move could also be fairly cheap given his contract situation.

West Ham are looking to beat Serie A side, Roma, to the signing of French defender Dan-Axel Zagadou, with the 23-year-old available on a free transfer.

What’s the word?

That’s according to the Sun, who claim that David Moyes is battling Serie A side, Roma, for the 6 foot 5 centre-back, with Inter Milan also keen on adding the player to their ranks.

Following five seasons at Borussia Dortmund, Zagadou was released from his contract at the end of last season, with his injury problems being a prevalent factor in his free agent status.

An outstanding signing?

West Ham began their season with a 2-0 defeat at home to Manchester City, with superstar Erling Haaland grabbing two goals on his City debut.

Although not the result David Moyes would have wanted, one of the hardest fixtures is out of the way for the Hammers.

A new defender looks like a priority for Moyes, especially with centre-backs Craig Dawson, Angelo Ogbonna, and new signing Nayef Aguerd all on the treatment table, the Scot will be hoping to add at least one player before the transfer window shuts on the 1st of September.

Frenchman Zagadou could certainly add depth to the West Ham squad, although if he does sign, Moyes will surely expect him to be available straight away.

Zagadou won 2.5 aerials per match at Dortmund last season, which is only behind the 2.8 Dawson won in the West Ham squad, showing that he could be a commanding presence at the heart of the defence.

The Frenchman isn’t just excellent in the air, his ability to successfully pass the ball from the defence in order to start attacks is just what Moyes is after. He completed 88.7% of his passes last season, more than Dawson, Diop and Kurt Zouma (82.3%, 86.1% and 83.3% respectively).

These stats could be key in the Scot’s reported pursuit of the 23-year-old, with presence in the air and excellent passing ability, Zagadou could become the Premier League side’s sixth summer signing.

With former Dortmund manager dubbing the Frenchman as “outstanding” during his embryonic stages at the Bundesliga side, it’s clear Moyes and GSB could have a serious talent on their hands if they manage to keep him injury free.

Nottingham Forest are set to raid a Premier League rival for some added talent…

What’s the word?

According to The Telegraph, the Garibaldi are showing an interest in West Ham United winger Said Benrahma.

It was revealed that the Hammers were willing to listen to offers for the Algerian, as they aimed to further bolster their options in attacking midfield.

Forest have reportedly been interested in Benrahma ever since their promotion back to the Premier League.

A sensational signing?

David Moyes appears to have made the bewildering decision to bin off the club’s third top scorer from last season in an attempt to upgrade his attacking options.

Forest could now benefit from this decision, adding an exciting talent with two years of Premier League experience under his belt, who is only improving with each passing season.

Scoring eight last season and providing a further six, the silky Algerian did take time to acclimatise to the Premier League after his big-money £20m move from Brentford.

Now that he has, Steve Cooper could unearth himself a sensational attacking option who could be integral to their survival bid and easing the offensive burden held by Jesse Lingard.

Dubbed “sensational” by BBC broadcaster John Bennett, it is also likely that with the Hammers willing to sell, they would be more likely to accept a fee that could be seen as a huge coup in today’s market.

He is a constant goal threat and averaged 2.83 shots and 1.0 key passes per game. To create or to go himself, the £58k-per-week winger is a mesmerising talent who in the words of Sam Saunders, a Brentford B coach, he “could nutmeg a mermaid.”

A splash of flair, creativity and most importantly, Premier League experience, could make this wily character a fine addition fo Cooper’s ranks, particularly after failing to score in their opening fixture versus Newcastle.

Although throughout his second spell at the London Stadium he has rarely put a foot wrong, this decision by Moyes to allow a wonderful creative outlet to leave is a confusing one from the outside.

Cooper however will not care, and must swoop to secure what would be a sensational acquisition for Forest that could certainly win them a whole host of points this season.