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West Ham United have reportedly been in contact with the representatives of Borussia Monchengladbach forward Alassane Plea.

What’s the latest West Ham transfer news?

The Hammers are currently preparing for a Europa Conference League Final against Fiorentina, although they have to negotiate a Premier League game against Leicester City prior to the trip to Prague.

However, it looks as if the club are already eyeing up possible new signings ahead of the 2023/24 season, even though David Moyes’ future appears to be up in the air.

Sporting director Mark Noble also looks set to step down with the Hammers on the hunt for a new director of football to fix their transfer shortcomings. A new man is yet to be appointed, but despite this, it appears as if those at the London Stadium have made a first move to sign Plea.

According to Foot Mercato, West Ham are one of three London-based sides to have made contact with Plea’s entourage. The report states that both Crystal Palace and Fulham have made an approach, however, the forward is currently favouring a move to France, with former side Lyon also named in the update.

Who is Alassane Plea?

Plea is 30 years of age and is primarily a left-winger who can play as a centre-forward or attacking midfielder if required. The Frenchman has been on the books with Monchengladbach since 2018, turning out on 173 occasions for his current employers, contributing to 90 goals.

Known for his pace and versatility, Max Eberl said this about Plea when he signed for Monchengladbach in 2018:

"He’s a versatile, quick and clever forward who has put his talent on full display in Ligue 1."

Meanwhile, Monchengladbach legend Gunter Netzer hailed both Plea and teammate Marcus Thuram as “extraordinary”. The Hammers have two left-wingers on the books in Said Benrahma and Maxwel Cornet and one right-winger in Jarrod Bowen, so the club may feel they need another wide forward ahead of the new season, and with Plea’s ability to play in a central role, it could be a shrewd move.

However, with West Ham facing plenty of competition for Plea's services and the player’s preference not a move to England at this moment in time, a transfer may prove to be difficult.

Arsenal have set their sights on a top young talent from South America, with a move to bring him to north London already in the works.

What's the latest on Matheus Franca to Arsenal?

That's according to journalist Artur Petrosyan, who took to Twitter to hand a surprise update on Edu's pursuit of Brazilian wonderkid Matheus Franca.

He wrote: "Arsenal's initial offer of £15m + add-ons for Matheus Franca from Flamengo has been rejected. Newcastle have also expressed interest".

As a tricky attacking midfielder with all the quality to one day be a true superstar, investing in this 19-year-old now could not only mark an instant success for the present, but a staple of the bright future promised at the Emirates.

Who is Matheus Franca?

As a little-known teenage sensation from Flamengo, the powerful number ten has garnered more attention of late for his silky yet domineering displays in his home country over numerous years now.

Standing at 6 foot tall but possessing all the flair and carefree philosophy that a Brazilian should, it is no surprise that even Real Madrid have reportedly taken a keen interest in the future of this potential superstar. Their success in prying Vinicius Junior straight from his homeland should be another glowing endorsement of Franca, as the left winger is coming off a season with 44 goal contributions to his name in all competitions.

After all, the midfield trickster instead registered an impressive 11 goal contributions last year across 28 appearances, having struggled more recently despite interest still ramping up.

This is no doubt due to other tangible qualities, better outlined through his 0.9 key passes and one tackle per game, made more impressive given he is averaging just 43 minutes per game in the Brasileiro Serie A, via Sofascore.

Fabio Matias, one U20 coach of his, outlined the exact qualities that would make him a success in the European game, despite having only scored three times in 2023.

He noted: "In addition to technical and tactical ability, he has a very good understanding of the game. That makes him stand out because he interprets spaces well. The most talented players have an understanding of space and how to manage that. He also has the ability to be decisive in front of goal and is a great finisher."

His notoriety in Flamengo is what likely led to the mouth-watering £176m release clause inserted into his contract, to ward off potential coups.

Bringing in such a powerful yet technically proficient magician to partner Martin Odegaard could be a stroke of genius from Edu, as the two creative forces at the tip of their box midfield. Given Mikel Arteta's unique formation, their Norwegian captain has shone alongside Granit Xhaka in their advanced roles, who scored seven and assisted a further seven, much to the surprise of many.

However, with the Swiss international expected to leave, it could provide a space for someone like Franca to come in and immediately shine, with all the attributes the 30-year-old boasts with regard to physicality and work rate, plus the additional benefits of a Samba upbringing that would add some flair to partner the ever-reliable Odegaard.

His 15 goals and eight assists have truly seen the 24-year-old reach new heights in England, but partnered with another tricky attacking midfielder rather than a more workmanlike box-to-box type, it could overwhelm opposition defences and propel them to further success. At the very least, Franca's skill could provide a threat that earns the former Los Blancos wonderkid some additional space to further thrive.

Leeds United will likely need a new goalscorer in the summer transfer window if they want to secure an instant return to the Premier League.

Sunday's 4-1 defeat against Tottenham Hotspur saw them relegated without much fight and a summer exodus from Elland Road now seems likely.

One man who could depart the Yorkshire outfit is 32-year-old forward Rodrigo, who enjoyed a fine individual season despite Leeds' return to the second tier, hitting 13 goals and one assist in the Premier League.

Aston Villa have been linked with the Spaniard who seems a prime candidate to depart, as the statistics from this season suggest that he is far too good a player to be playing in the Championship.

One man who could replace Rodrigo at Elland Road is Honduran forward Luis Palma, who has been linked with a move to Leeds in recent weeks.

Could Leeds sign Luis Palma?

According to Diez, both Burnley and Leeds are interested in signing the 23-year-old after a fine season with Aris Saloniki in the Greek Super League.

The young striker has notched an impressive 13 goals and eight assists in 36 appearances this term, which is more goal contributions than anyone in Leeds' squad, while he also has experience playing in the Europa Conference League.

Aris manager Apostolos Terzis was full of praise for Palma after his goals helped the Greek side secure a spot in Europe again for next season, something which may make it harder for Leeds to prise him away in the upcoming transfer window.

He said: "Luis has done that all season. He has been a huge player for us. We know there has been a lot of interest in him and it's not surprising.”

Capable of playing anywhere across the attack, the Honduras international could easily fill the void that will likely be left by Rodrigo, provided he can bring his goalscoring form with him to Elland Road this summer.

With Patrick Bamford's fitness still questionable and club-record signing Georginio Rutter enduring a torrid few months at the club which saw him muster just one start, a new senior striker could well be a priority for whichever manager succeeds Sam Allardyce this summer.

Bamford has shown his class in the Championship in the past but looked a shadow of his former self this term, managing just four goals in the top flight despite registering an expected goals tally of 9.77.

Although youngsters such as Joe Gelhardt and Sonny Perkins will both be hoping to make the step up into the first team, a more experienced goalscorer may be required if Leeds want to bounce back at the first time of asking, and Palma could be the ideal man for Andrea Radrizzani to sign, should he remain at the club this summer.

Liverpool are homing in on their priority target this summer and are now believed to have agreed on a fee with Brighton & Hove Albion for Alexis Mac Allister…

What's the latest on Alexis Mac Allister to Liverpool?

That's according to Football Insider, who state that the Reds have now agreed to meet the 24-year-old's release clause and will pay roughly £60m to clinch his services.

Signing a deal worth £150k-per-week, Mac Allister will enter Anfield with license to cement a central role in manager Jurgen Klopp's plans, with James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all departing this summer.

Manchester United are among the clubs expressing an interest in the World Cup winner, but it is Liverpool who are now poised to tie up a deal in the forthcoming weeks.

How would Alexis Mac Allister perform at Liverpool?

Anfield's imperious centre has been a rock steadily abraded over the past few years, with the once unrelenting, all-conquering Liverpool midfield now an inharmonious cluster of debris.

Cohesion was somewhat restored over the latter phase of the 22/23 campaign, Klopp's men constructing a seven-match winning streak in the Premier League before a twofold of draws in the final weeks.

Even this brilliant purple patch was not enough to salvage top four, and Liverpool now await football in the Europa League for the first time in seven years; with a fortified nucleus, the Reds could yet return to the top, and the importance of Mac Allister's signing cannot be understated.

The Argentine has been on Brighton's books since departing homeland outfit Argentinos Juniors in 2019, but this season he has truly burst into prominence and has posted a return of 12 goals and three assists from 40 outings for the Seagulls, also starring for Argentina in Qatar and scoring a goal and assist apiece, with the "sumptuous" assist – as described by Gary Lineker – served on a platter for Angel Di Maria in the final against France.

A tenacious and "intelligent" midfielder, as praised by compatriot Sergio Aguero, the £50k-per-week gem's energy and exuberance suits Liverpool's system to a tee.

His high-octane approach fuses with a crisp, deceptively effective ball-playing aptitude – he has completed 87% of his passes in the Premier League this term and averaged 1.3 key passes per game – and, as such, could bring the very best out of Liverpool left-back Andy Robertson, who has been somewhat out-of-sorts of late.

The Scottish left-back was branded "horrific" by writer Dave Hendrick for a dismal spell against Tottenham Hotspur in the closing weeks of the term, while the Tactical Times also tweeted to remark that Klopp's new "back 3 doesn't suit him" as he is "the definition of a full-back."

In their late-season resurgence, the Reds have implemented a new structure in possession, Trent Alexander-Arnold's inversion into the centre contributing to the central creativity; Robertson, who thrives as a bouncing marauder on the left-flank, has been left at sea and is struggling to acclimatise.

However, with Mac Allister entering the fray, he will have a midfield partner on the left side to match his pace and ease the burden of mixing increased defensive responsibility with creative flair.

It's the start of a new chapter on Merseyside after a forgettable campaign, and Roberton, who has been exemplary for his club since signing from Hull City for a scanty £10m in 2017, a centrepiece in the illustrious success, could flourish at full throttle once more with the rekindling of the Merseyside giant's dissipated verve.

Following Leicester’s relegation from the Premier League, The Foxes now have the task of choosing a permanent manager to try and guide the former Premier League champions back to England’s top division.

Per Mike McGrath of The Telegraph, former Fulham and AFC Bournemouth manager Scott Parker is named on the shortlist of targets that includes Manchester City coach Enzo Maresca, former Manchester United coach Scott McKenna and current interim head coach Dean Smith.

Who will be Leicester’s next manager?

According to McGrath, Smith has 'some support' from within the organisation despite his failure to keep Leicester in the Premier League.

The club have held talks with Smith over his future after the former Aston Villa manager achieved two wins and three draws in his eight matches in charge at the King Power Stadium.

Smith is a name on a long list of potential targets, including former Premier League manager Scott Parker.

According to McGrath, other targets include Man City first-team head coach Maresca, who was considered by Southampton earlier in the season as their potential head coach following the departure of Ralph Hasenhuttl.

Leicester will have to wait until after this weekend’s Champions League final if they want to speak to the 43-year-old.

McGrath names McKenna, the current Ipswich manager and former assistant coach at Man Utd, as well as former Villa and Rangers boss Steven Gerrard as potential candidates to become Leicester manager for the upcoming season too.

Should Scott Parker become Leicester manager?

It’s hard to think Parker would be a popular choice to become manager amongst the Leicester faithful.

Parker was sacked by AFC Bournemouth after a 9-0 loss to Liverpool at the end of August and moved to Belgium to manage Club Brugge following the disappointment with The Cherries.

Parker would go on to manager Club Brugge after the Bournemouth sacking, but his stint in Belgium proved to be a disaster.

The former West Ham and Spurs midfielder, now 42, received his second sacking of the season in March following a 7-1 aggregate defeat to Benfica in the Champions League round of 16.

In a brief club statement, Club Brugge stated: 'In 12 games, the Briton could only win 2 times' – that's a win rate of just 16%.

The former England international has been without a club since his disappointing tenure in Belgium, but the opening at Leicester could present an opportunity for the Englishman to bounce back.

No matter who becomes The Foxes' next boss, they will have a serious rebuilding job on their hands.

The club confirmed the departures of Youri Tielemans, Caglar Soyuncu, Ayoze Perez, Tete, Ryan Bertrand, Nampalys Mendy and Daniel Amartey on Monday night.

It also looks likely that stars James Maddison and Harvey Barnes will be leaving the King Power Stadium this summer.

Chelsea have now agreed terms with Villarreal striker Nicolas Jackson ahead of a Stamford Bridge transfer, according to David Ornstein.

What’s the latest Chelsea transfer news?

Mauricio Pochettino is the new man in charge in London and appears to be making a start on his transfer plans ahead of the 2023/24 season.

A striker is seemingly a top target for Pochettino and co, despite the imminent arrival of attacker Christopher Nkunku, with links to the likes of Napoli’s Victor Osimhen and Juventus’ Dusan Vlahovic.

However, Jackson also appears to be firmly on Chelsea’s radar, with the club recently in talks with Villarreal for the forward, who has a €35m (£29.8m) release clause.

There now looks to have been a breakthrough when it comes to discussions with the player, with Ornstein revealing on Twitter that terms have been agreed between Chelsea and Jackson. The reporter also provided an update on the Blues' search for a new midfielder alongside the breakthrough with Jackson.

“Chelsea have agreed terms with Nicolas Jackson + intend to strike deal with Villarreal. €35m clause if needed. 21yo striker has committed.

“BHAFC rejected £60m CFC Caicedo bid 2wks ago – Lavia, Kone, Tonali, Barella among alternatives.”

Who is Nicolas Jackson?

Jackson is 21 years of age and is primarily a centre-forward but can also play out on the wing, so would provide Pochettino with a versatile option in the final third.

The Senegal international enjoyed a fine 2022/23 season, which saw his Transfermarkt valuation from €1m to €30m in the space of the last 12 months.

He scored 13 goals and registered five assists in 38 games in all competitions, with journalist Josh Bunting labelling the player as "exciting", while football talent scout Jacek Kulig hailing his “incredible” run of form towards the end of the season.

Chelsea have been targeting some young exciting players over the last 12 months, with recent signings Wesley Fofana, Benoit Badiashile, Enzo Fernandez, Carney Chukwuemeka, Mykhaylo Mudryk, Noni Madueke and David Datro Fofana all 22 years of age or younger.

Jackson could well be the next promising player to arrive at Stamford Bridge, and with Chelsea knowing that there is a €35m release clause there to activate if a lower fee cannot be reached, it could be just a matter of time until the forward moves to England.

Brendan Rodgers is now in his second stint in charge of Celtic after the club confirmed his arrival on a three-year deal to replace Ange Postecoglou this week.

The Northern Irishman won seven trophies in less than three years, between 2016 and 2019, during his first spell in Glasgow and will now be hoping to replicate that success this time around.

He will be able to use the current summer transfer window to bolster his squad and ensure that the team is capable of playing in his 4-2-3-1 system but the experienced coach will also be able to enjoy some of the extremely talented players who are already at his disposal.

Could Jota thrive under Brendan Rodgers?

Rodgers has a player at Celtic who could be his next James Maddison in the form of Jota, whose quality was described as "scary" by former Hibernian forward Tam McManus, with the Portuguese talent potentially set to thrive next term.

The Hoops boss worked with the England international during his time at Leicester City and enjoyed great success in deploying the ex-Norwich ace as an attacking midfielder or out wide on the left.

Maddison racked up 49 goals and 33 assists in 166 matches for the 50-year-old gaffer. He also averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.32 across 35 Premier League outings in 21/22, which was their last full season together, and contributed with 12 goals and 11 'big chances' created.

Jota primarily plays off the left flank and is able to cut inside onto his favoured right foot, in the same way that Maddison did when he was asked to play there by Rodgers.

The £17k-per-week hotshot, who pundit Alex McLeish once dubbed a "revelation", could be the figurehead of the Celtic manager's attack, akin to how the English maestro was for him at the King Power, based on his form for Postecoglou in 22/23.

Scottish Premiership defenders should be scared of the 24-year-old dynamo after his incredible performances in the season just gone as the number 17 produced 11 goals and 11 assists from 13 'big chances created' across 33 league outings.

The exciting ace, who averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.45, also caught the eye during the 21/22 Premiership campaign as the forward scored ten and assisted ten in 25 starts, proving that his 22/23 contributions were not a flash in the pan.

These statistics show that the ex-Benfica prodigy has the quality required to carry the attacking load in terms of both goalscoring and creating in the final third, which is exactly what Maddison did – as shown by his form under Rodgers at Leicester.

Indeed, it is clear that the 50-year-old head coach may already possess his next version of the mercurial Foxes star.

Liverpool are considering a swoop for Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Manu Kone this summer, with the French ace linked with a move to Anfield of late.

What's the latest on Manu Kone to Liverpool?

According to reputable journalist Fabrizio Romano, who recently took to Twitter to state that Kone is "in the list", and that while the likes of the elegant Gabri Veiga have been touted, a "more physical midfielder" is required at present.

Valued at around £35m by his German Bundesliga outfit, Kone is also attracting the attention of Premier League outfits Aston Villa and Wolverhampton Wanderers after impressing this season.

BILD's Christian Falk also confirmed that Gladbach are hoping that Jurgen Klopp's Reds will make an offer for the 22-year-old, securing his services for a lucrative fee.

Should Liverpool sign Manu Kone?

Following the departures of James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain the need for midfield reinforcement under Klopp has never been greater, and while the astute £35m signing of Alexis Mac Allister has been the perfect way to set the pace, further arrivals are likely to be forthcoming.

Kone could be the man of the hour if his signature is indeed gleaned, with the robust centre-midfielder recording a respectable average rating of 6.86 – as per Sofascore – completing 87% of his passes, averaging 2.5 tackles and 1.1 interceptions per game and succeeding with 60% of his attempted dribbles.

An unflinching conductor of play, Kone is not the most prolific of midfielders, but dazzles with his tenacity in the tackle and his adept driving ability, ranking among the top 6% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for successful take-ons per 90 (FBref), illustrating his dynamism and leaving talent scout Jacek Kulig hailing him as a “one-man army”.

Also remarked to be a "majestic" gem with a whole lot of "swagger" about him by journalist Antonio Mango, the £6k-per-week engine could be the dream heir to Jordan Henderson's role in the midfield, with the 33-year-old Reds captain ostensibly heading for a more peripheral role despite the side's recent outgoings.

Indeed, this transfer would certainly represent bad news for the 76-cap England international who only started 23 times in the top-flight this term, despite the glaring weaknesses in the red half of Merseyside's centre, and he has even been said to have "got skinned" this season by Journalist Tony McDonough, highlighting his growing inefficacy against progressive, mercurial players.

The distinguished star did record an average Sofascore rating of 6.88 in the Premier League this term, and while he completed 85% of his passes, he only averaged 0.9 tackles and 0.6 interceptions per outing.

Kone is more robust and boasts heaps of energy and exuberance, and while the leadership skills of Liverpool's £140k-per-week veteran will still come in handy as Klopp looks to reshape his team, Kone can slot into the fold, take a starting berth and make it his own, eventually displacing Henderson and emphasising the new era at the club.

Following the successes of last season under Unai Emery, Aston Villa have an opportunity to ‘steal a march’ on their Premier League rivals in the transfer pursuit of Manu Kone, according to insider Dean Jones.

It was a dream season for the Villa last year, who defeated Brighton & Hove Albion on the final day of the season to secure qualification to the Europa Conference League.

Having already secured one new signing for the midfield in the shape of Youri Tielemans on a free transfer from Leicester, Emery has now turned his sights to another target – midfielder Kone.

Aston Villa transfer news – Manu Kone

According to The Daily Mail, Aston Villa have joined the race for the £35m-rated Kone from Borussia Monchengladbach.

The highly rated 22-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Liverpool this summer and the midlands club are the latest to throw their hat in the ring.

The Frenchman is a versatile midfielder, who can play any role in the centre of the park from defence to attack.

Monchengladbach have an option to trigger a further year on the player’s deal, which runs out in 2025, but it feels like a matter of time until the French underage international gets his move to the Premier League.

What has Dean Jones said about Manu Kone?

Speaking to Football FanCast, transfer journalist Jones believes Aston Villa could gain a big advantage over their rivals for Europe if they could secure this transfer.

Jones said: “Yeah, it’s a lovely vision for Villa fans to have the prospects of Kone in that midfield and Tielemans too.

“I think Villa have got a real opportunity here to steal a march on some of their rivals in the transfer market.”

Can Villa sign Manu Kone?

The report from the Daily Mail suggests the youngster could cost in the region of £35m this summer, so by no means would be a cheap option for Villa.

However, qualification for the Europa Conference League will be a big boost to the Birmingham club’s finances, and if they can go on a run to the latter stages similar to their Premier League rivals West Ham this season, further financial stability is available.

The club moved fast on the deal for Leicester’s Tielemans, who will join on a free on 1 July, so the good value achieved bringing in the Belgian international means money saved on a fee can be used on Kone.

Talksport have linked Villa with a move for Liverpool midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain as Emery looks to revamp his midfield ahead of their European campaign next season.

Glasgow Rangers have “completed” a deal to bring Cremonese striker Cyriel Dessers to the Scottish Premiership, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Are Rangers signing Cyriel Dessers?

Back in June, Football Insider claimed that the Sky Blues had opened talks regarding a deal for the 28-year-old, who is claimed to be a long-term target of Michael Beale, and it wasn’t long before he had convinced the player to get on side.

Reliable reporter Scott Burns stated that the Nigeria international is “keen on a move” to join the Gers with part of his reasoning being that he wants to experience playing football in the Champions League, something which the outfit north of the border can provide regardless of how far in the competition that they get.

The Glasgow outfit just yesterday were stated to have welcomed the attacker for a medical after he agreed to signing a five-year contract following the acceptance of a bid, and the final price tag between the two parties has now been decided and also made public knowledge.

Taking to Twitter, the ever-on-the-ball transfer guru Romano revealed that Rangers have now finished negotiations for Dessers who is set to imminently be unveiled as the manager’s latest arrival. He wrote:

“Rangers have completed Cyriel Dessers deal with Cremonese — it will be done and sealed on Tuesday. Understand Rangers will pay €5m (£4.2m) fee plus €1.5m (£1.2m) in add-ons.”

Will Dessers be a good signing for Rangers?

Following the departure of Alfredo Morelos, Rangers recruited Sam Lammers from Atalanta to take his place, but one centre-forward reinforcement clearly wasn’t enough for Beale who has turned his attention towards Dessers, and it’s no surprise he’s caught his eye.

The Stirr Associates client has racked up nine goal contributions (seven goals and two assists) in 29 appearances for a struggling Cremonese side and last season recorded a total of 49 shots over the course of the campaign, which was the second-highest throughout his squad, as per FBRef.

The Tongeren native will also provide the boss with plenty of versatility with his ability to operate everywhere across the frontline, including as a second striker and out wide on both the left and right flanks alongside his usual role through the middle, making him a great option to have in the building.

The Teddy Bears will want to create a squad this summer that are capable of seriously competing for titles and silverware with their Old Firm rivals Celtic, and with the calibre of players including Jack Butland, Dujon Sterling, Kieran Dowell and Abdallah Sima who have put pen to paper so far, the incoming attacker will only strengthen the boss’ ranks even further.

Whether Beale’s thought process will be to play Lammers and Dessers up top alongside each other as a pair or use one of them as the main striker and the other as a back-up yet remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure, he’ll be spoilt for choice with the positive impact and strong force that the two of them are likely to create together.