All posts by z3u9t.icu

Newcastle United plan to have an £80million-plus-sales transfer budget for this summer’s window, The Athletic’s George Caulkin says. 

The lowdown

Newcastle are gearing up for their first summer market since their Saudi-led takeover went through back in the autumn.

In January, the new owners sanctioned a record spend of around £90million on five new players: Bruno Guimaraes, Chris Wood, Kieran Trippier, Dan Burn and loan signing Matt Targett.

Manager Eddie Howe has cooled any expectation of a revolution on Tyneside this summer, stressing that Newcastle will have to work within the constraints of Financial Fair Play rules.

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The latest

Addressing supporters on The Athletic’s matchday discussion board shortly before kick-off on Monday, Caulkin shared some insight on Newcastle’s likely spending power.

He says player sales could furnish Howe with a similar budget to the winter window and allow for another ‘transformative’ transfer season.

“Sources have told us it could go up to £80m,” he said. “Players will also leave. So let’s add that to the pot – another £20 million, say.

“That takes Newcastle’s spending power to within touching distance of January and January was transformative.”

The verdict

We can expect a large chunk of that initial £80million to be spent on a striker.

The I’s Mark Douglas has claimed that recruiting a new no. 9 is an absolute priority for the club this summer.

They’re said to hold an interest in Benfica’s Darwin Nunez, available for €60million (£50.4million) according to The Athletic.

If they were to spend more than 60% of their budget on the Uruguayan, then they may be forced to dip into the loan market or free agents pool to strengthen their squad elsewhere.

As for sales, Matt Ritchie, Isaac Hayden, Ciaran Clark, Dwight Gayle and Karl Darlow have been named as some of the players who could be moved on to clear space and raise funds.

In other news, Luke Edwards shares an exciting summer claim for NUFC.

Wolves goalkeeping coach Tony Roberts is the latest individual to have tested positive for Covid at the club, according to reliable journalist Tim Spiers.

The Lowdown: Huge test for Wolves

Wanderers are back in Premier League action on Wednesday evening, as they welcome red-hot title favourites Manchester City to Molineux.

The match is not only important for City, however, with Wolves still in with a chance of qualifying for Europe next season, sitting eighth in the table and five points adrift of West Ham with a game in hand.

Bruno Lage will likely be absent from the game because of Covid – unless he can test negative in the next 24 hours – and now another update has emerged with even more bad news.

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The Latest: Roberts tests positive

Taking to Twitter, Spiers confirmed that Roberts, who filled in for Lage at the weekend, will also be isolating for Wednesday’s game:

“Covid continues to hit the Wolves staff. GK coach Tony Roberts has now tested positive.”

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The Verdict: Another blow for Wanderers

While no players have been affected by Covid ahead of the visit of City, this can’t be helping their preparation ahead of one of the biggest tests they could ask for.

Fitness coach Carlos Cachada is on press conference duty and could, therefore, be in charge in the dugout on Wednesday, being given information by the housebound Lage throughout proceedings.

If Wolves manage to pull off a shock result without both their manager and the fill-in, it would not only keep their European dream alive but also act as a huge boost for Liverpool, who will be willing Wanderers on at Molineux.

In other news, Wolves have been backed to sign one attacking player this summer. Find out who it is here.

Former England striker Alan Shearer took to social media to laud Everton full-back Vitaliy Mykolenko for his ‘stunning’ strike against Leicester City this afternoon. 

The lowdown: Dream start for Everton

The Toffees made the perfect start to their crucial match at the King Power Stadium  as Frank Lampard’s side look to get themselves out of the Premier League relegation zone.

With just six minutes on the clock, following some last-ditch defending from Yerry Mina, Alex Iwobi picked out Mykolenko on the edge of the penalty area before the Ukrainian full-back crashed a powerful volley beyond the reach of Kasper Schmeichel.

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The visitors  couldn’t hold onto their goal advantage for long as Patson Daka levelled the score soon after before Mason Holgate restored the lead…

The latest: Shearer impressed by Mykolenko goal

Taking to Twitter in the immediate aftermath of Mykoelnko’s early goal, the all-time Premier League top scorer Shearer hailed the 22-year-old’s effort.

The Newcastle legend gushed: “Wow. What a stunning a strike from #Mykolenko for his first @premierleague goal #LEIEVE”

In fact, this was the 21-cap defender’s first direct goal involvement for Lampard’s team, having signed from Dynamo Kyiv in January.

The verdict: Mykolenko has done well

Even though Daka quickly cancelled out that early goal, the joy on Mykolenko’s face and indeed the pandemonium in the away end at the King Power was a pleasure to behold for Evertonians.

Since coming to Goodison Park for a reported £17m (BBC), the young full-back has endured the hardship of witnessing his homeland facing an invasion from Russia.

All credit should go to Mykolenko for being able to focus on the Everton cause, posting some decent performances so far and carving out a regular spot in Lampard’s first XI, and indeed coming up with such a special moment in a match of this magnitude.

In other news, find out what ‘serious upgrade’ Everton are now eyeing

Respected transfer insider Gianluca Di Marzio has dropped an exciting update regarding Arsenal’s interest in Monaco midfielder, Aurelien Tchouameni…

What’s the word?

Speaking to German outlet Wettfreunde, the Italian Sky Sports journalist revealed that the Gunners are one of the clubs that “are following” the talented Frenchman, with the 22-year-old said to be keen on a Premier League move.

Previous reports have credited Mikel Arteta’s side with an interest in the former Bordeaux man, although they may face stiff competition from both Manchester United and Chelsea in the race for his signature.

In full, he said: “A lot of clubs in the Premier League are following him. Arsenal, Manchester United to name just two. He would like to play in the Premier League. He has stayed at Monaco for another year to await a chance to play in the Premier League. I think that will be the summer when he changes.”

Supporters will be buzzing

The north London outfit are currently flying high with a Champions League spot well within their grasp, although one position that remains an area of concern is central midfield, with Arteta currently down to the bare bones with regards to potential options.

Summer signing Albert Sambi Lokonga is yet to truly establish himself in the side, while former Atletico Madrid powerhouse Thomas Partey has been plagued by injuries since his £45m switch two years ago, with the Ghanian facing a race against time to feature again this season.

That has left both Granit Xhaka and Mohamed Elneny as the club’s senior midfield options, although the latter faces an uncertain future with just a month or so left on his existing deal, despite having been the subject of praise from pundit Owen Hargreaves.

A new addition is then of paramount importance this summer, with Tchouameni seemingly the perfect fit as the defensive presence in an attack-minded side.

Not only does he fit with the club’s youthful transfer policy of late – with the Emirates outfit signing six players under the age of 23 last summer – but he also offers genuine quality, having been tipped to become a “complete midfielder” by teammate and former Gunner Cesc Fabregas.

The Spaniard knows what it takes to star in an Arsenal side, with his club colleague showing all the signs that he can be the man to pull the strings in midfield for years to come. However, his physical qualities are also symbolic of a certain Patrick Vieira, someone the north Londoners have been trying to replace for over a decade now.

The Monaco man has enjoyed another fine campaign for club and country, having made 2.8 tackles and 2.5 interceptions per game in his 32 Ligue 1 outings so far this season, while he’s also won an impressive 64% of his total duels.

Equally, he also ranks in the top 17% for progressive passes made and in the top 13% for total shots among players in his position in Europe’s top five leagues, showcasing he is much more than just a midfield destroyer.

Dubbed a “monster” by France U21 boss Sylvain Ripoll for his athletic ability, the £36m-rated ace is the type of player that the Gunners are simply crying out for at present, with a marquee midfield addition needed to help them kick on again next year.

IN other news, 0 passes all game: Arsenal flop doing a “Sanogo impression” must now never start again…

Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips prefers to stay at Elland Road this summer amid interest from Manchester United…

What’s the story?

Writing on Twitter, journalist Jonathan Shrager revealed: “My understanding of the Leeds United, Manchester United, Kalvin Phillips situation: – As I initially stated weeks ago, no contact had yet been made to discuss a transfer. Same still applies – Player’s preference is to remain at Elland Road, which will be more likely if Leeds stay in Premier League.

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“It’s thought that negotiations over a contract renewal will start once PL status is confirmed – If Kalvin leaves LUFC, it’s thus possibly due to the club receiving a significant offer – LUFC-MUFC rivalry may be a consideration for Phillips. A potential obstacle.”

Marsch will be delighted

Make no mistake about it, keeping Phillips at Elland Road has to be one of the top priorities for Jesse Marsch in the upcoming summer transfer window.

His influence in midfield cannot be understated, and that’s not to mention the kind of impact he has in lifting spirits both among his team-mates and the crowd whenever he’s on the pitch – something on which former Leeds ace Michael Brown has previously touched.

He said of Phillips: “He is a wonderful talent and he loves Leeds United. What I like about him is that he is such a level headed kid. Brilliant to talk to. He is a proper Leeds supporter and how can he play!

“Kalvin can play so many positions. Central defence, in a three, holding midfield and he can even play more advance in a number eight. He has a bit of everything in his play – short and long pass, a tackle when needed, energy, competitive – a proper player.”

With the 26-year-old’s real and genuine connection with the club’s fans, selling him for any price would be difficult to take, let alone letting him go to a fierce rival like Manchester United are.

It’s exactly why news that Phillips’ preference as it stands is to stay put in Yorkshire and remain at the club he has represented for so long should be music to the ears of the supporters, and indeed to Marsch himself.

The Leeds manager will be absolutely ecstatic over this and no doubt excited about the future with Phillips remaining at Elland Road.

AND in other news – Marsch now facing his first major Leeds United mistake, Elland Road will be fuming

Manchester United have been known over recent years to invest heavily in youngsters who can make an immediate and long-term impact at Old Trafford.

Part of their £800m spending spree in the last four years has seen numerous big-money talents arrive at the club – with Leny Yoro making the move to join the Red Devils last summer.

Despite being just 18, the hierarchy forked out a reported £52m for the teenager’s signature, even fending off competition from Real Madrid for his services.

He’s since become a key component of Ruben Amorim’s first-team squad, already racking up 42 appearances in the last 12 months or so since his big-money transfer.

However, whilst he still has bags of time to reach world-class status, the Frenchman would do very well to hit the heights of one player during his own stint at the Theatre of Dreams.

Man Utd’s best ever young first-team addition

Back in the summer of 2004, eyebrows were raised across England after United paid a staggering £27m for the signature of teenage sensation Wayne Rooney from Everton.

Such a fee was a mammoth investment for an 18-year-old, but over two decades on, it’s clear the transfer is one of the Red Devils’ best in their 146-year history.

He would spend 13 successful years as a star player at Old Trafford, winning countless individual awards along with team success under the guidance of Sir Alex Ferguson.

The now 40-year-old won England’s Player of the Year award on five separate occasions, even winning the PFA Player of the Year award back in 2009/10 after scoring 34 times in all competitions.

Under the management of Sir Alex, he won five Premier League titles and a Champions League – subsequently making himself one of the most decorated English players of all time.

Individually, he was just as impressive, scoring 253 times for the Red Devils, a tally that ranks him top of the club’s all-time goalscorer charts – sitting ahead of Sir Bobby Charlton.

His talents were also there for all to see at international level, scoring 53 times, a record that saw him top the list for the Three Lions until Harry Kane came along.

Alongside his tangible contributions, Rooney made a name for himself as a warrior on the pitch, with one current player currently possessing a very similar playstyle.

The United player who is becoming the new Rooney

After scoring just 44 times across the 2024/25 campaign, Amorim made it abundantly clear to the United hierarchy that he wanted reinforcements within the final third.

Bryan Mbeumo was just one of the signings made during the off-season, arriving in a staggering £71m transfer from fellow top-flight outfit Brentford.

The Cameroonian international has already made a stellar start to life in Manchester, scoring five times and registering one assist in his first ten outings for the club.

His latest appearance against Brighton and Hove Albion was arguably his best to date, subsequently scoring twice and helping secure the manager’s third Premier League win in a row.

He was also joined at the Red Devils by Matheus Cunha, with the Brazilian also costing a pretty penny at £62.5m including add-ons from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The Brazilian international has occupied the number ten role with Mbeumo at Old Trafford and has undoubtedly played a key role in the recent revival under Amorim.

Unlike the Cameroonian, he’s had to wait to make the desired impact, only registering his first goal for the Red Devils in this weekend’s convincing win over Brighton.

However, he’s still received key praise from former first-team member Patrice Evra, who claimed Cunha “has the same raw chaos as Rooney” – certainly high praise indeed.

His underlying stats at Old Trafford showcase the reasoning behind Evra’s comments, with the Brazilian currently creating 1.2 chances per 90 in the Premier League.

Games played

8

Goals & assists

1

Chances created

1.2

Shots on target

1.6

Dribbles completed

1.9

Possession won in final third

0.7

Fouls won

2.4

Ball recoveries

4.3

Other figures, such as 1.6 shots on target per 90 and 1.9 dribbles per 90, showcase his ability within the final third, which has already seen the forward become a fan-favourite.

However, his chaos without the ball is reflected in his tally of 0.7 ball regains per 90 in the final third – a tally which ranks him in the top 25% of all attackers in the division.

It’s certainly early days in his career at Old Trafford, but the signs are all positive for Cunha to become an influential figure in any success endured in the years ahead.

Should he continue on his current path, there’s no reason why he can’t have a similar impact to Rooney during his own period at the Theatre of Dreams.

Forget Cunha & Mbuemo: Man Utd star was the shining light against Brighton

Manchester United secured their third win in a row against Brighton & Hove Albion last night.

ByEthan Lamb Oct 26, 2025

Manchester United have previously been a club associated with being the home to numerous top-level attackers who have helped aid their success in the Premier League.

However, the last few years have been a struggle for the Red Devils, with Ruben Amorim unable to create a frontline capable of achieving success in various competitions.

His side only registered 44 goals in England’s top-flight throughout 2024/25, with no player able to register double figures for goals, with Amad and Bruno Fernandes both only scoring eight times.

Such a record was the fifth worst in the division, with three of the sides registering fewer goals subsequently being relegated – highlighting the club’s lack of success in such an area.

One of the players who struggled at Old Trafford during the aforementioned campaign was offloaded during the recent window, with such a decision potentially being a mistake given his form as of late.

Rasmus Hojlund’s form away from United

Back in the summer of 2023, United forked out a fee in the region of £72m for striker Rasmus Hojlund from Italian side Atalanta, with real hope he could end their goalscoring worries.

The Dane did manage to meet expectations in his first year in England, scoring 16 times across all competitions, with five of his efforts coming in the Champions League.

However, he struggled to impress in 2024/25, only netting five Premier League goals, even going 21 games without a goal at one stage, which further highlights his lack of impact in the final third.

The Red Devils board decided to ship him back to Serie A, with the forward joining Napoli on a season-long loan with an obligation to buy should they finish in a Champions League spot.

Hojlund has already managed to impress in Naples, already scoring four times in his first six outings for the club – including a double in Europa against Sporting CP.

His form has also transferred to international level, as seen by his latest showing against Belarus, where the 22-year-old netted twice and also laid on an assist for former teammate Patrick Dorgu.

Despite his recent success on the pitch, he’s still valued lower than one current United player who’s managed to find some impressive form over the last couple of weeks.

The United player who’s worth more than Hojlund

In an attempt to bolster the club’s attacking department, the United hierarchy splashed over £200m on new attacking talent during the recent summer transfer window.

Matheus Cunha joined in a £62.5m deal from Wolverhampton Wanderers after he scored 15 goals in England’s top-flight during the 2024/25 campaign.

The Brazilian was also joined in attacking areas by Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo, with the Cameroonian international also costing a pretty penny at £71m.

Like Cunha, he also managed to impress last time around, subsequently scoring 20 times and being one of just five players in the division to achieve such a feat.

The aforementioned duo were joined by centre forward Benjamin Sesko, leading to the board forking out £74m for his signature from Bundesliga outfit RB Leipzig.

At just 22, he’s already impressed in his professional career, as seen by his tally of 21 goals in all competitions last season – 13 of which came in Germany’s top-flight.

He has bags of time to develop into an elite-level forward, but he’s already shown glimpses of his quality during the early games of his career at Old Trafford.

Games played

7

Goals scored

2

Shots on target

1.4

Chances created

1.2

Aerials won

3.7

Touches in opposition box

4.2

Duels won

4.9

Fouls won

1.6

Sesko, who’s been labelled “incredible” by one analyst, has scored in each of his last two outings for the Red Devils, currently sitting as the club’s joint top scorer in the Premier League for the 2025/26 campaign.

His underlying stats also demonstrate his impressive nature, winning 3.7 aerial duels per 90 – a tally which makes him the perfect focal point for Amorim’s side – something which they have lacked in recent times.

As a result of his immediate impact in Manchester, Sesko has seen his market value soar in recent months, with the Slovenian international now valued at £103.6m by CIES Football Observatory.

Such a value is higher than that of the departed Hojlund, with the Dane now only valued at £67.9m by the same site after his recent demise at Old Trafford.

The early signs for the new big-money addition are all positive, but it’s crucial he continues to build on his early success at avoiding suffering the same fate as the Dane.

As for the latter, it’s great to see the youngster regaining his feet after a tricky few years in the North West, but his departure could be one the Red Devils live to regret.

Man Utd have signed a "machine" who looks like a new Bruno-type player

Man Utd look like they’ve snapped up the next Bruno Fernandes at Old Trafford…

3 ByJoe Nuttall Oct 10, 2025

A title-winning manager once described as the “best coach in the world” has been mentioned as an option for Manchester United, should Ruben Amorim lose his job.

Amorim positive after Man Utd's win over Sunderland

The Red Devils picked up a vital three points in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon, overcoming Sunderland 2-0 at Old Trafford, thanks to goals from Mason Mount and Benjamin Sesko.

Speaking after the game, Amorim assessed a positive day at the office for United, with the Portuguese potentially even saving his job by winning.

“That is the kind of game where when we are not playing well, we are defending well. Today was not a perfect performance. We had our moments. Senne [Lammens] did really well also. We were competitive and an adult team today. We need to win these games and win clean sheets.”

For United and their manager, this really did feel like a must-win game, with dropped points at home to a newly-promoted team feeling disastrous, even though Sunderland have been in good form.

There’s now a two-week break before the Red Devils make the trip to Liverpool after the international break, and while Amorim is safe for now, other managers continue to be linked with his job.

Barcelona legend Xavi waiting for Man Utd job, snubs Saudi offers

According to Caught Offside, Barcelona legend Xavi “could be a name to watch” for Manchester United, should the club part ways with Amorim, with the Spaniard seemingly “waiting” for the job.

The 45-year-old is said to be keen on the idea of managing in England, and has “instructed his representatives to reject offers from Saudi Pro League clubs”.

Xavi would be an interesting option for United, having won the La Liga title with Barca in 2022/23, years after a legendary playing career there. He adopts an attacking 4-3-3 formation, which could go down well with supporters who don’t like Amorim’s 3-4-3 system, and Barca president Joan Laporta once heaped huge praise on him back in 2022.

“I am very lucky to have the best coach in the world, because Xavi, in addition to his great football knowledge, is a man who is always very interesting to listen to with his reasoning, who is also a club man and is very aligned with the club. We share moments together, and also we share much of everything that is being done, and I feel very accompanied and supported with Xavi and all his staff.”

Despite this, United have to be careful not to keep jumping from manager to manager, and should only hire a new head coach if they genuinely feel he is a vastly superior option to Amorim.

100% passing, 8 duels won: Man Utd star just outshone Mount & Sesko

Man Utd were 2-0 victors over Sunderland on Saturday afternoon

ByJoe Nuttall Oct 4, 2025

The Red Devils’ current boss clearly needs to do better, but it is easy to envisage a scenario where Xavi comes in and also finds it hard. He could excel, in fairness, and is a legendary figure in the game, but holding fire for now is arguably the best option.

Amid rumours that they’ve joined the race to sign Hugo Ekitike, Manchester United are now reportedly considering a summer swoop to sign another Bundesliga star for Ruben Amorim.

Man Utd join Ekitike race

Despite finishing as low as 15th in the Premier League and missing out on European qualification, Manchester United have still managed to put themselves in interesting conversations this summer. The Manchester United name seemingly still carries strong and has already convinced Matheus Cunha to arrive from Wolverhampton Wanderers. But INEOS are not done there.

According to recent reports, the Red Devils have now joined the race to sign Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt this summer. The German club value their forward at a hefty £84m but that has not been enough to deter those at Old Trafford from making their approach in an attempt to beat rivals Liverpool to a summer deal.

Minutes

2,563

2,004

1,402

Goals

15

4

3

Assists

8

0

1

Expected Goals

21.6

5.3

4.8

It’s easy to see why Manchester United are interested in Ekitike. The Frenchman outscored Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee combined last season and whilst his underperformance when it comes to XG may be a concern, there’s no denying that he’d be an instant upgrade on Amorim’s current options.

Of course, it’s at Old Trafford that Ekitike could form an impressive partnership with Cunha. The Brazilian was officially unveiled as a Manchester United player earlier this week and told the club’s media channels: “It is the most common phrase that you can say at this moment, but this is the dream come true. Maybe outside, I think maybe my decision, they don’t understand. But when you have always dreamed to play here, it’s easier to pick this decision.”

"World-class" £150,000-a-week World Cup winner wants to join Man Utd

He would be an upgrade on a current player.

ByHenry Jackson Jun 13, 2025

After Cunha and perhaps even after Ekitike, however, INEOS could still be on the hunt for fresh faces, which could yet include a Bayern Munich defender.

Man Utd considering Kim Min-jae move

According to Bild reporter Christian Falk, Manchester United are now considering a move to sign Kim Min-jae from Bayern Munich this summer. The defender is set to fall down the pecking order in Germany following the arrival of Jonathan Tah and could, therefore, be on the move in the coming months.

Falk told Caught Offside: “No decision has yet been made on Kim Min-jae’s future. There have also been no negotiations with the player’s side. But, there is interest from Saudi Arabia. Kim has not ruled it out.

“However, we are still waiting to see whether Liverpool and Manchester United become concrete. There are also rumours that the two Premier League clubs are interested. The fact is: FC Bayern can imagine a sale. However, there is still no offer for the defender.”

Dubbed a “technical leader” by former Manchester United midfielder Park Ji-sung, Min-jae could solve Amorim’s defensive problems once and for all by completing a summer move to revive his career following Bayern frustration.

Having initially cost the Bavarians around €50m (£43m) in 2023, however, there will be big questions as to how much they will demand to sell their centre-back this summer.

Chelsea are one of the busiest Premier League sides this transfer window, with just days remaining for Enzo Maresca and BlueCo to register new players in time for the Club World Cup.

Who Chelsea could sign after Liam Delap

The Blues have already sealed their first signing of the summer after shaking hands on a deal for Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap (Fabrizio Romano), who joins in a £30 million deal, but Chelsea are by no means done following the Englishman’s arrival.

Chelsea inform £170k-a-week star they're ready to pay his £50m release clause

The Euro 2024 winner is a serious target for Enzo Maresca’s side.

ByEmilio Galantini Jun 3, 2025

Work is happening behind-the-scenes at Stamford Bridge, with Chelsea attempting to bring one or two more signings through the door before they kick off their CWC campaign on June 16 against Leon (Simon Phillips).

Rank

Team

Points

GD

Man City

71

+28

Chelsea

69

+21

Newcastle

66

+21

6

Aston Villa

66

+7

7

Nottingham Forest

65

+12

It is believed that the west Londoners are laying the groundwork on potential deals for wingers and attacking midfielders as one key item on their agenda. Chelsea held talks with the representatives of Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams last week, and informed the Spaniard’s camp that they’re prepared to pay his £50 million release clause.

As well as the 22-year-old, Kenan Yildiz (Juventus), Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace), Jeremy Doku (Man City), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa), Max Tillman (PSV), Jamie Gittens (Borussia Dortmund), Alejandro Garnacho (Man United) are all reportedly on Chelsea’s shortlist of wide-attacking targets.

Chelsea are expected to sign a centre-back too, amid links to Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite, and they’re currently in talks with AC Milan over a deal for French international goalkeeper Mike Maignan.

The 29-year-old’s contract expires next summer, and this situation has alerted Chelsea to a potential upgrade on Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen.

However, there is still a major gap when it comes to price, so the west Londoners are prepared to walk away and stick with what they have if Milan don’t lower their demands.

That being said, even if the clubs are failing to find common ground right now, Chelsea do have the player’s approval.

Mike Maignan gives green-light to join Chelsea from AC Milan

According to Football Italia, Maignan has given his green-light to join Chelsea, with the Frenchman approving a switch to Cobham as he ponders life after the San Siro.

The outlet adds that a formal bid is expected to arrive from Chelsea “in the near future”, and if they can reach an agreement on Maignan’s final asking price, he could depart the Rossoneri “in the coming days”.

There is no doubt he would be a stellar addition between the sticks, with Liverpool star Alisson believing Maignan is in the “elite” bracket of keepers. Milan are also eyeing up Torino number one Vanja Milinkovic-Savic in the event they do lose their star shot-stopper.

This saga definitely appears one to watch over the next week, and it could prompt BlueCo to undergo a major goalkeeping reshuffle considering Chelsea’s backlog of five keepers already on their books.