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Manchester United are reportedly among a handful of Premier League clubs who are interested in signing Fulham midfielder, Joao Palhinha, according to reports.

What’s the latest on Palhinha to Man United?

As per The Sun, the Red Devils – as well as the likes of Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur – are said to be eyeing a move for the Portugal international this summer, with the 27-year-old having impressed since arriving in England last year.

The report suggests that the former Sporting CP man – who was signed by the Cottagers on a £17m deal in July – could command a fee of more than £40m, with Marco Silva and co unsurprisingly reluctant to sanction a sale.

The towering brute was reportedly a target for the Old Trafford outfit prior to eventually making the move to west London, with it looking as if the club could revive that interest ahead of next season.

How is Palhinha performing at Fulham?

United boss Erik ten Hag will no doubt be fully aware of the impact that Palhinha is making a Craven Cottage at present, with the highly-coveted “warrior” – as described by journalist Hunter Godson – having produced a truly dominant display when the two sides met earlier this season.

Despite ending up on the losing side, the 6 foot 3 titan notably won 12 of his 15 total duels – including making nine tackles – having illustrated just why he has been “one of the signings of the season”, according to Sky Sports reporter Jamie Weir.

That standout showing has seemingly been the norm for the 18-cap powerhouse so far this term, as he currently ranks top of the division for tackles made (101), with that tally far superior to that of current United man, Casemiro (58).

Despite the plaudits that the latter man has received this season at the Theatre of Dreams – having been lauded as someone who “makes such a difference” by his manager – it is actually Palhinha that is arguably performing better in his defensive-midfield berth.

That is indicated by the fact that the Fulham star has averaged a mammoth tally of 4.2 tackles and 1.4 interceptions per 90 from his 24 league appearances this season, while Casemiro averages slightly lower at 3.1 and 1.3 for the same two metrics, respectively, from his 19 outings.

Equally, Palhinha also comes out on top with regard to total duels won (63% to 57%), while his potentially superior quality on the ball has been showcased by the fact that he has lost possession just 8.5 times per game and has a pass accuracy rate of 81%, while Casemiro has lost possession 12.6 times per game and has a pass accuracy rate of just 75%.

Not that such a comparison is a criticism of the Brazilian’s performances under Ten Hag this season, it is merely a marker of just how impressive Palhinha has been for the Cottagers thus far, hence why the Premier League’s big boys have well and truly taken notice.

As such, whether the signing of the Lisbon-born machine is to rival Casemiro in the side or to play alongside him, it would surely represent an astute move for United.

Manchester United return to action later today, as Erik ten Hag’s search for a second domestic trophy in his debut season continues.

They face a high-flying Fulham side in the FA Cup, in a clash which comes just three days after their European success in Spain.

Having cruised through their tie with Real Betis, there is true belief that the good times are returning at Old Trafford. This could be further solidified with a win at the Theatre of Dreams, to send fans to Wembley once again.

However, their assault on all fronts means the Dutchman will likely have to rotate, whilst the absence of Casemiro looms following his straight red card against Southampton.

That leaves a huge midfield vacancy, which Marcel Sabitzer will likely be called upon to fill.

Will Marcel Sabitzer play vs Fulham?

Having been brought in during the January transfer window as a stand-in for the injured Christian Eriksen, the £110k-per-week maestro was seen as a remarkable coup to help see out the season.

However, with just eight appearances to his name, the resurgence of the likes of Fred has seen his opportunities dwindle.

The Austrian should be handed a huge opportunity today to be their creator, and show that “killer” instinct that he was lauded for by his agent Roger Wittmann.

Before joining, Sabitzer was widely regarded as one of the most impressive midfielders in the Bundesliga, as when compared to others in his role he ranked in the top 5% of players across Europe for total shots, the top 18% for progressive passes and even the top 5% for tackles per 90 (via FBref).

His offensive exploits have even seen him bizarrely branded by Sky Sports Germany reporter Uli Koelher as someone who “shoots like a horse”.

In his short cameos in the Premier League, he has shown glimpses of this, outlined in his one key pass and 1.8 tackles despite averaging just 55 minutes per game (via Sofascore).

This has culminated in his 6.86 rating, which is somewhat marred by his inclusion in their mauling at Anfield earlier in the month.

However, with insatiable talent such as Casemiro and Eriksen absent, now is his moment to step up and drive the Red Devils to Wembley.

There will seldom be an opportunity where he is relied upon like today, and he can make himself a hero with a performance of quality to down the Cottagers.

Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou is one of the managers who is being eyed by the Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur as a potential managerial option.

Could Postecoglou leave Celtic?

This is not the first time in which Postecoglou has been linked with a potential exit from the Scottish champions for the Premier League.

Only a matter of months ago was the Australian linked with a possible switch with Leeds United believed to be interested in making him their replacement for Jesse Marsch.

However, Spurs are on a different level to the Yorkshire side who are currently battling away at the other end of the Premier League table.

Speaking to beIN Sports, journalist Gary Jacob has suggested that, along with a list of young managers, Postecoglou is someone who the Londoners are eyeing as a possible Conte successor:

(3:00) "Spurs are already looking at the managers. They are looking at various young up-and-coming managers. Perhaps the exception slightly being Ange at Celtic who's slightly older, but all the managers they're looking at are coaches."

Should Postecoglou leave Celtic?

As was the case earlier in the season, it does feel unrealistic for the Australian to walk away from the Bhoys at this stage in the campaign.

The Scottish crown is seemingly set to remain at Parkhead for another season with Celtic with a nine-point gap to their city rivals in second.

And the treble remains on for Celtic who will face a semi-final clash against their rivals which could offer them a final against either Falkirk or Inverness.

But with this in mind, you do have to question whether Postecoglou may feel he has taken this Celtic side as far as he can with the only potential disappointment being their Champions League run this season.

A move to Tottenham could prove too good of an opportunity to turn down for the Australian if he was offered the job, however, it would also be a big call from the Spurs hierarchy to take a chance on a manager with no experience in the Premier League.

A lot spilt over on the weekend in north London and it feels as if Spurs have to nail their next appointment, and it is certainly feasible that Postecoglou could prove too big of a risk with sections of the fans already frustrated with the board.

Everton are likely to be content with allowing struggling striker Neal Maupay to leave Goodison Park this summer, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Lowdown: Tough season for Maupay

The Blues are experiencing another challenging season in the Premier League, desperately battling to avoid relegation for the second year in a row.

There have been problems all over the pitch but there is no question that a lack of firepower has been key to Everton’s issues, with Maupay really struggling for form.

The 26-year-old has scored just once and registered no assists in 20 appearances in the league, showing how much he has failed to make an impact since arriving from Brighton.

Maupay may have signed a deal until the summer of 2025 at Everton, but a new update suggests that he could depart well before that date arrives.

The Latest: Everton happy to sell

Speaking to Give Me Sport, O’Rourke admitted that Everton could be happy to see Maupay move on at the end of the season:

“It’s been a disappointing time for Maupay. There’s no getting away from that and his agent has come out and suggested that he could be interested in a move away, possibly to Italy.

“So in the summer, Maupay might be thinking he needs to move on in search of regular first-team football and I’m sure Everton might not stand in his way if a suitable offer comes in.”

The Verdict: One that didn’t work out

It is hard to deny that Maupay has been anything other than a poor signing by Everton – one of many who simply haven’t worked out in recent years, with the club’s performance in the transfer market leaving plenty to be desired.

The two-cap former France Under-21 international has been horribly ineffective and the Blues must do better than him, bringing in an upgrade this summer – potentially someone like Coventry City attacker Viktor Gyokeres, who has been linked with a move to Goodison.

While retaining Maupay as a backup option certainly wouldn’t be a disaster, Everton may think they can sell him for a similar amount than what they bought him for last summer, given his Premier League experience and that he has a contract until 2025, rather than losing for less further down the line.

It was a signing that wasn’t necessarily met with universal positivity from Blues supporters when first linked, even though Graham Potter once called him ‘unique’, and it has ultimately been a transfer that has backfired and had very few redeeming features to it.

Chelsea look set to lose Mason Mount this summer, with the latest reports suggesting that the England international could be set for a reunion with Thomas Tuchel at Bayern Munich.

What is the latest on Mason Mount at Chelsea?

Chelsea and Mount have been at an impasse when it comes to new contract negotiations for some time now and with the midfielder's deal at Stamford Bridge set to expire at the end of next season, there has naturally been a lot of interest from other top sides around Europe.

The Blues could be forced to cash in on the 24-year-old should they fail to agree on a new deal, or they risk losing him on a free transfer next season, as foreign clubs would be able to approach Mount under the Bosman ruling from January 2024.

The Times suggest that Bayern Munich are keen to tempt the former Derby County loanee to Germany this summer, where he could reunite with Tuchel, who replaced Julian Nagelsmann at the Allianz Arena recently.

It could be tough for the Englishman to turn down one of Europe's top clubs, especially as Graham Potter's side currently look unlikely to be playing Champions League football next season, with the Blues occupying 10th position in the Premier League.

While it might be frustrating for Chelsea to lose one of their most promising academy graduates, Mount has struggled to replicate his form from last season, as he has managed just three goals and two assists in the top flight so far this campaign, averaging a disappointing 6.72 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

Last season saw the attacking midfielder hit 11 goals and 10 assists in the Premier League, with a 7.19 average rating from WhoScored, so it is easy to see why Tuchel would want to link up with him again.

Fortunately for Potter, Chelsea may already have a ready-made replacement for the 24-year-old in Omari Hutchinson, who is continuing to dazzle in the Blues' academy since his summer switch from Arsenal.

Could Hutchinson replace Mount at Chelsea?

Chelsea would sign the teenager from their London rivals in the summer of 2022 and he has been a driving force for the U21 side in the Premier League 2 so far this term, notching an impressive seven goals and eight assists in 18 appearances.

His performances aren't much of a surprise when you consider he managed six goals and six assists in the same competition last season with the Gunners, which included a phenomenal goal against Crystal Palace.

GOAL journalist Tom Maston said:

"Omari Hutchinson (2003) with an outstanding solo goal for Arsenal U23s this evening. Hutchinson, who can play out wide or centrally, is known as something of an assist king at youth level but scored twice vs C.Palace in a 4-2 win for the Gunners."

The "sensational" Jamaica international – as lauded by football.london's Kaya Kaynak in the past – already boasts two first-team appearances for Chelsea so is clearly on Potter's radar, and more impressive displays could see him step up as Mount's replacement should he depart Stamford Bridge this summer.

Newcastle United have sent scouts to watch Feyenoord midfielder Orkun Kokcu ahead of a potential move to the Premier League, according to reports.

What's the latest on Kokcu to Newcastle?

Eddie Howe is reportedly looking to bolster his ranks with a couple of new central additions following Jonjo Shelvey’s permanent move to Nottingham Forest in January, and has identified the 22-year-old as a player he’d like to bring to St James’ Park. The Turkey international won’t be out of contract in Rotterdam until 2025, but being Arne Slot’s overall best-performing player with a match rating of 7.34 (as per WhoScored), he has caught the Toon manager's eye.

The Eredivisie star is also the captain of his side, who are currently at the top of the table and eight points clear of Ajax, which shows that he’s more than capable of leading his team towards success – an attribute that is no doubt extremely attractive to Howe.

According to De Telegraaf (via Sport Witness), Newcastle, Aston Villa and Crystal Palace are all “in the picture” to sign Kokcu ahead of the 2023/24 term. The Magpies have already “sent their scouts” to watch him in action, with the top-flight trio “regular visitors” when it comes to being in attendance to assess their target.

Feyenoord’s skipper recently admitted that he thinks the Premier League is “really great” and “one of the best” in the world, which could give them an advantage, but with Benfica also interested in completing a deal, the three English suitors “have to be wary” of their fierce competition.

Should Newcastle go all out for Kokcu?

Feyenoord will be in a very strong negotiating position given Kokcu’s contract situation, so his required price tag remains to be seen, but looking at the qualities he possesses going forward, we think Newcastle should definitely do what they can to get a deal over the line.

The two-footed ace is naturally a central midfielder but is extremely strong in the attacking aspect of his game, having posted 15 goal contributions (12 goals and three assists) in 37 appearances across all competitions this season.

Dubbed a “leader” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the £5.8k-p/w playmaker ranks in the 99th percentile for shot-creating actions and most progressive passes among players in his position at a similar level for the past year, showing that he’s always looking to make things happen in the opposition box.

Kokcu also has the versatility to play in central and attacking midfield alongside roles out wide on either flank, so he would add plenty of flexibility and depth to Howe's squad at St James' Park.

Leeds United fans were treated to the news this week that regardless of the division they find themselves in next season, Weston McKennie looks unlikely to make his stay at Elland Road a permanent one.

What's the latest news on Leeds' Weston McKennie?

Leeds signed the USA international on loan from Juventus in the January transfer window, inserting a £30m option to buy the midfielder at the end of the season should they so wish.

Naturally, the Yorkshire outfit will have likely avoided that option should they suffer relegation back to the second tier, but recent reports are now suggesting that the former Schalke man will be back in Turin no matter what this summer.

According to Football Insider, the Peacocks will choose not to splash the cash on McKennie, despite him being a regular under both Jesse Marsch and Javi Gracia since arriving at the club in the January transfer window.

While a reason isn't provided in the report from Football Insider, it would not be a surprise if the latest setback on Jean-Kevin Augustin, which has seen the Yorkshire outfit ordered to pay another £24.5m for the Frenchman this week, was a contributing factor in that decision.

Across his 11 appearances in the top flight, McKennie has contributed no goals and no assists and has averaged a disappointing 6.53 rating from WhoScored, so fans may not be too disappointed to see him return to Juventus.

Fortunately, Gracia, or whoever finds themselves in charge at Elland Road next season, may already have a natural replacement for the 24-year-old loanee in Darko Gyabi.

Could Gyabi replace McKennie in Leeds' first team?

Gyabi would join Leeds from Manchester City in the summer of 2022 but has struggled for game time so far this season, making three first-team appearances thus far with just one substitute appearance in the Premier League.

However, he has caught the eye in the Premier League 2, notching two goals and three assists in 15 appearances, while he also impressed journalist Joe Donahue with his performance against Derby County U21s in March.

He wrote:

"Darko Gyabi's performance tonight is the most complete midfield display by any Leeds player, at any level, (I've seen) this season. Passing, strength, presence, awareness, use of his body – class.

"Gyabi has toyed with Derby at every opportunity. Plays with an attitude, dynamism & real vitality. Suspect Gracia & his staff, who are here tonight, will have noticed the same."

The 19-year-old certainly looks to have the potential to be a regular in Leeds' first team in the future and Gracia could certainly look to utilise the teenage wonderkid more next season in the absence of fellow midfielder McKennie.

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has been hailed by Sky Sports man Gary Neville following their latest victory over Newcastle United.

How good has Emery been for Villa?

Prior to hiring the Spaniard, Villa found themselves struggling massively under Steven Gerrard with six defeats from 11 games before the Englishman's departure.

However, there has been a sensation change of fortunes at Villa Park since Emery's appointment which has the Villa flying high in sixth spot of the Premier League table.

Indeed, only three points separate them and fifth-place Tottenham Hotspur who have found their season in free fall over recent months.

And, incredibly, only six points separates them and the team they beat on the weekend, Newcastle, who occupy the last spot in the top four.

Since taking the reigns, Emery has only overseen four defeats in the Premier League and two of those came against the current top two, Arsenal and Manchester City.

Seven games remain in Villa's league campaign but the two sides below them, Brighton & Hove Albion and Liverpool, both hold two games in hand on them.

Regardless, speaking on his Sky Sports podcast, Neville has hailed Emery and insisted back in Spain the 51-year-old is viewed as a god:

(32:30) "I mean, yesterday [Saturday] watching that game thinking how Newcastle had been playing, I was stunned by Aston Villa. That was the best performance I've seen from an Aston Villa team for a long, long time."

"When I went to Valencia he's a god. And he's a god in Spain in terms of how he's thought of with what he's done at Villarreal and Sevilla and Valencia.

"You know, he was absolutely loved at Valencia for what he did there. And he came to Arsenal, and he was almost mocked a little bit at times. It's ridiculous, really. But he's come in to Villa. He's done an absolutely brilliant job. Absolutely brilliant job."

Can Villa qualify for Europe?

Villa have certainly impressed many over recent weeks with their impressive form putting them well within the picture for a spot inside the European places:

"They are very much in the mix [for Europe] as their form has been consistent so we absolutely respect them for that. Unai [Emery] has done a great job going into Villa and they have a good mix about them so full credit to them," said Eddie Howe ahead of the game.

However, it has to be noted their upcoming fixtures will definitely test Emery's men with the likes of Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur still to play.

Having said that, Villa dismantled an in-form Newcastle on the weekend which should give them a great deal of confidence in being able to beat the teams around them.

In addition, Emery's men will have the perfect opportunity to establish themselves in these European spots with games against both Brighton and Liverpool both upcoming.

So it is by no means an easy run-in for Villa, however, they are certainly coming into form at the right time of the season with five consecutive Premier League victories under their belt.

There are still a lot of games to go in this Premier League season and plenty of twists are potentially ahead, but Villa have certainly put themselves right amongst the European pursuit.

Aston Villa will be hoping to continue their remarkable run of form under Unai Emery as they face Brentford in the Premier League this afternoon.

The Midlands side are currently just six points off a Champions League spot, and having won their last five matches in a row, the momentum is currently with the Villans as they chase a European spot which seemed out of this world just six months ago.

Emery’s men have no fresh injury concerns ahead of the match today, with several big-name players such as Boubacar Kamara, Matty Cash and Philippe Coutinho still all on the treatment table.

The tie represents a major opportunity for Villa to secure another three points, while Brentford have struggled as of late, picking up just two points from their last five matches, and despite having a solid season, they will be hoping to end on a high note.

We at Football FanCast predict the starting XI that Emery will select for the crucial visit to the Gtech Community Stadium this afternoon.

How will Aston Villa line up against Brentford?

4-2-3-1: Emiliano Martinez; Ashley Young, Diego Carlos, Tyrone Mings, Alex Moreno; Leander Dendoncker, Douglas Luiz; John McGinn, Emiliano Buendia, Jacob Ramsey; Ollie Watkins

Martinez will keep his place in goal and the Argentinian ‘keeper has kept a clean sheet in four of his previous five matches – with Villa conceding just one goal in that time – and he will be hoping to enjoy a comfortable afternoon.

Young will continue to deputise at right-back due to Cash being unavailable, while Alex Moreno will keep his place on the left side of defence.

Despite enjoying some solid performances of late, we think Emery could drop Ezri Konsa to the bench and give a runout to Carlos. The £100k-per-week centre-half – who was dubbed a “monster” by Watkins – hasn’t started a match since August, but he has recovered from his knee injury that has ruled him out of the majority of the season. Mings will partner him at the heart of the defence.

Dendoncker and Luiz will form the midfield axis like they did against Newcastle and will be hoping to replicate their performances against the Magpies.

Emery will yet again deploy three attacking players behind a lone striker. McGinn and Ramsey will operate on the flanks as the Englishman aims to build on his impressive display last weekend, where he scored and provided an assist. Buendia will hope to make things happen in the number ten role directly behind the in-form Watkins, who has scored 12 goals since Christmas.

Another three points will propel Villa towards the promised land of European football, but Brentford will make it a tough match as they seek their first win in over a month.

Mauricio Pochettino looks likely to be the man in the dugout for Chelsea next season and the 51-year-old could unearth his next Christian Eriksen in Enzo Fernandez.

What's the latest on Pochettino to Chelsea?

Pochettino has reportedly reached an agreement with the west London side to become their next manager but will have to wait until the summer to take over after it was confirmed that Frank Lampard will remain as interim until the end of the season.

The Chelsea legend has lost all five of his games in charge to confirm that he isn't the right man for the job full-time, and it is easy to see why Pochettino wouldn't want to take over now, as the Blues have nothing to play for and are free falling in the Premier League table.

However, the former Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur boss has apparently seen enough from Stamford Bridge to be convinced to take the job, and he must surely consider trimming the squad ahead of next season, with reports suggesting that some were forced to sit on the floor under Graham Potter given the sheer number players under contract.

Todd Boehly's signings have on the whole proven unsuccessful but the crème de la crème has arguably been record-signing Fernandez, who has caught the eye despite Chelsea's woeful form.

Who does Enzo Fernandez play like?

The World Cup winner, who arrived in a £106.8m deal from Benfica, has contributed two assists in his 12 Premier League appearances, averaging a strong 6.90 rating from WhoScored which ranks him as the fifth-best performer in Lampard's squad.

However, it still feels like Chelsea fans are yet to see the best of the 22-year-old, as he has averaged just 1.1 key passes and 1.1 shots per game in the Premier League, compared to 1.8 and 1.7 at Benfica, where he notched five assists in the first half of the campaign.

His performances in the Portuguese Liga and at the World Cup in Qatar saw him dubbed a "phenomenon" by football talent scout Jacek Kulig and it seems clear that under new management, the £180k-per-week star can establish himself as a key player at Chelsea for years to come.

As per FBref, the Argentine ranks in the top 3% of midfielders across Europe for passes attempted and progressive passes per game, which suggests that he could become the chief creator at Chelsea under Pochettino.

The former PSG boss has always shown a preference for a creative midfielder in his starting 11, as no player has featured in more games under the 51-year-old than Manchester United star, Christian Eriksen.

The Danish maestro arguably endured the best performance of his career under the incoming Chelsea boss having contributed a remarkable 58 goals and 76 assists in 255 appearances for Pochettino at Spurs.

That is an outstanding record from midfield and one Chelsea's record-signing will no doubt aspire to live up to.

With Fernandez likely to be at the Blues for a number of years to come, Pochettino will be looking to unlock the midfielder's obvious creative abilities and turn him into a club legend, starting next season.