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Crystal Palace are interested in signing Crysencio Summerville before the summer transfer window closes on September 1st.

Is Crysencio Summerville joining Crystal Palace?

According to The Daily Telegraph’s Mike McGrath, the Eagles are admirers of Summerville and are keen to explore the possibility of bringing him to Selhurst Park.

However, Palace needs to determine what Leeds United’s plans are for the winger ahead of the upcoming season.

The club’s frontline is looking slightly ropey as Wilfried Zaha rejected the hierarchy’s record £200k-per-week offering in favour of joining Galatasaray, whilst Michael Olise is being targeted by Chelsea Arsenal and Manchester City.

If Olise departed the South London outfit then Jordan Ayew would be the only recognised winger in the squad.

With the season now less than three weeks ago, Palace must get their act together and Summerville could be an important way to kickstart this.

How good is Crysencio Summerville?

Last season, in just 12 Premier League starts, the 21-year-old recorded six goal contributions, but was unable to prevent Leeds from suffering relegation.

All his goals appeared across four consecutive games in October and November, including late winners against Bournemouth and Liverpool.

Described as “exceptional” by Michael Owen, Summerville is obviously very talented but struggled in the latter stages of the season. In the final 19 games, the £15k-per-week livewire only managed one assist, but this was with just nine starts and three different managers.

The lack of stability didn’t award the forward the best opportunity to flourish, but at other levels, he has emphatically showcased his capabilities – in 30 appearances for the U21 side, he has recorded 26 goals and assists to show he is far superior to youth level.

If Palace accelerate their attempts to sign a young attacker in the Championship, this would mirror the same transfer path as Olise.

In 37 second-tier starts across the 2021-22 season, the Frenchman created 12 assists and scored seven times for Reading. Olise also averaged the most key passes in the squad (1.9) and this imperious earned him a move to Selhurst, where he has elevated his game to the next level.

In the last campaign, the tricky winger crafted 11 assists, which was the joint-fourth-highest tally in the division, ranking him ahead of the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Martin Odegaard, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Jack Grealish.

This incredible statistic meant that Olise was named the Palace Players’ Player of the Season and became the club’s first asset to claim double-digit assists in a top-flight campaign.

He has enjoyed a phenomenal rise to prominence, which has led Chelsea and Man City to consider the activation of his £35m release clause.

The reigning European Champions are searching for a Riyad Mahrez replacement, whilst the Blues need more depth on the right-hand side of their frontline.

It would seem that an approach from either of these clubs would be difficult for Olise to reject, and his exit could pave the way for an exciting new chapter for Summerville.

A season at a sturdy mid-table team would give the Dutch more room to demonstrate his full potential and would often soften Olise’s possible departure.

Manchester United reportedly remain in the mix for the signing of Bayern Munich defender, Benjamin Pavard, albeit with Erik ten Hag's side set to have to try and see off rivals Manchester City for the Frenchman's signature.

What are the latest Man United transfer rumours?

There has been notable speculation of late that the Red Devils are seeking to move on club captain, Harry Maguire, ahead of next season, with Europa Conference League winners, West Ham United said to be interested in signing the 30-year-old this summer.

Amid that talk of an exit for the Englishman, Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg has confirmed United's interest in a possible replacement in the form of Pavard, albeit with City also in the running at present, alongside Juventus.

Writing on Twitter, the transfer insider revealed: "Pavard: FC Bayern, waiting for concrete offers now! Talks between the players management and ManCity took place as #Guardiola is very interested in Pavard. But there are no agreements yet. At this stage, it’s a race between #MCFC, ManUtd and Juventus."

According to prior reports, the 27-year-old could command a fee of just €30m (£26m) if he is to be sold this summer, with the versatile ace having entered into the final year of his contract at the Allianz Arena.

How good is Benjamin Pavard?

For a player comfortable operating at centre-back or at right-back, it is no surprise that there is such significant interest in landing the World Cup winner for a cut-price fee, with such flexibility likely to make the former Stuttgart ace a real asset to Ten Hag.

The 6 foot 2 rock – who also described himself as "more complete" than Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold – may not be the most glamourous or "sexy" of names, in his own words, yet he could prove to be a wise investment for the Old Trafford outfit this summer.

The hope will be that Pavard could replicate the success that another former Bundesliga talent Manuel Akanji has enjoyed since trading Germany for Manchester a year ago, with the Swiss international having gone on to secure treble glory at the Etihad last term.

Much like Pavard, the 6 foot 1 centre-back – who can also operate at full-back – was snapped up on the cheap to little fanfare last summer, with Pep Guardiola's side forking out just £15m as the player also had just a year left on his contract at Borussia Dortmund at the time.

As pundit Alan Hutton noted at the time, it looked as if that signing was merely to help bolster the club's "strength in depth", albeit with Akanji going on to make 48 appearances in all competitions, as he simply "surpassed expectations" – as per ex-England number one, Paul Robinson.

Much like the 27-year-old, Pavard – who has been described as "underrated" by Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel – could perhaps surprise a few next term if he is to link up with Ten Hag, having shown signs of his quality of late.

The Frenchman has the tools to thrive in the Premier League due to his likeness to Akanji, with the pair both adept at playing out from the back as the latter man ranks in the top 17% among his European peers for progressive passes and the top 20% for progressive carries, while Pavard ranks in the top 1% and the top 9% for those same two metrics, respectively.

That ball-playing quality is also showcased by the fact that while the former Dortmund ace ranks in the top 3% for attempted passes as a marker of his desire to play forward, Pavard again ranks in the top 1% for that same metric.

As such, having seen the impact that Akanji has made in Manchester to date, Ten Hag could land his own version of the former Basel gem by snapping up another unsung Bundesliga ace this summer.

Aston Villa are reportedly interested in Bayer Leverkusen gem Moussa Diaby, as Unai Emery and Monchi get to work this transfer window.

The Spanish duo is due to have a busy summer as they bid to get the squad up to par to compete in the Premier League and Europe next season.

Monchi could provide his second masterclass in signing Diaby, with Pau Torres set to become the first big signing of his reign.

Could Aston Villa sign Moussa Diaby?

As reported by the Daily Mail earlier this week, Villa were named as one of the clubs interested in the Bayer Leverkusen winger.

The report claimed that the Villans had joined the likes of Arsenal, Manchester United and Newcastle in the race for the 24-year-old.

Contracted to the German club until 2025, Leverkusen would expect an offer in the region of £50m for the Frenchman.

Where could Moussa Diaby play at Aston Villa?

Making a name for himself in Paris Saint Germain’s academy, the Paris-born gem has sparkled in Germany, cementing himself as a favourite in Leverkusen.

In 172 total appearances for the Bundesliga side, the 24-year-old has contributed to 97 goals, scoring 49 and assisting 48 from the wing, seeing him described as “electrifying” by journalist Aaron Stokes.

With the ability to play on either side of the pitch, Diaby has proved to be a constant threat from the flanks, as highlighted by his 24 goal contributions in all competitions last season.

While many know of the wide players’ talents, not many are aware of his expertise on the level of former teammate Leon Bailey, who caused havoc playing alongside the Frenchman at Leverkusen.

The once frightening duo could be an incentive for Emery to hire Diaby, with the possibility that he could uncover the Jamaican’s form prior to his move to the Premier League along with the potential addition.

Across 119 Bundesliga appearances, Bailey contributed to 49 goals, scoring 28 and assisting 21 to highlight the threat he can pose on the flanks.

His skills have not yet been transferred to Villa Park, with him scoring just five Premier League goals in 51 appearances so far for the Villans.

Hailed as having “deadly wings” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Leverkusen were once spoiled by the riches of Bailey and Diaby, who as highlighted by the scout contributed collectively to 51 goals in 2020/21.

Emery could reignite where the duo left off, bringing a once-threatening combination back to life in the Midlands in the bid to improve the form of their winger as well as the overall form of the club.

Averaging 1.70 successful take-ons and 4.17 progressive carries per 90 in the Bundesliga last season, Diaby could be the perfect outlet on the flank to liven up the play in the wide areas at Villa Park.

The French "demon" – as lauded by The Athletic's Alex Barker – is also a strong figure in his playmaking efforts, averaging 1.93 key passes per 90, being a prominent presence in the final third for those around him.

Monchi could deliver Emery a masterclass in giving the Spaniard a chance at re-coupling the two wingers, in the hope to re-spark the chemistry once loved in Germany.

Southampton have been slow off the mark in terms of their transfer business this summer, not helped by a delay in appointing new manager Russell Martin, but that may be about to change.

Who have Southampton signed?

The Saints confirmed the arrivals of Derrick Abu and Josh McNamara from Chelsea and Manchester City respectively earlier this week, but neither player is expected to challenge for a first-team spot.

Southampton's lack of transfer activity is all the stranger when factoring in that Mislav Orsic has left for Trabzonspor, while the likes of Mohamed Elyounoussi and Theo Walcott are among those to have been released following the club's relegation to the Championship.

Martin's side may be forced to make a move soon, though, as James Ward-Prowse and Romeo Lavia continue to be linked with a return to the Premier League, meaning at least one midfield replacement will have to be brought in.

According to The Guardian, Southampton have made signing West Ham United's Flynn Downes a top priority, with the former Swansea City ace likely to take Lavia's place in midfield.

How good is Flynn Downes?

It is no coincidence that Lavia is reportedly wanted by pretty much each of the Premier League's top-six elite, with Liverpool said to be willing to pay £40m for the 19-year-old, according to Football Insider – though even that may still be £10m below Southampton's valuation.

Lavia stood out in a poor Southampton side last season and ranked in the top 12% of all midfielders across Europe's top five leagues in terms of possession won, as per The Analyst.

The teenager will leave big boots to be filled at St Mary's – as will skipper Ward-Prowse should he also depart – but Flynn looks a good choice to do exactly that.

Downes made very little impact in his first season with West Ham, having arrived from Swansea in a £12m deal last July, but he has proven pedigree in the second tier.

Indeed, the 71.9 passes per 90 minutes Downes completed in the 2021-22 season was the 10th-most of any player in the Championship, as per FBref, while his pass-completion rate of 92.6% was the best in the entire division.

The former England U20 international also led the way for pass-completion percentage among West Ham players in the Premier League last season (87.3), and will clearly bring some composure to Southampton's midfield should he arrive.

But he has many other qualities, plenty of which often go unnoticed. As Martin, who managed Downes at Swansea, put it: "He does the dirty work really well which sometimes goes unsung.

"He enables people to do their roles brilliantly. He plays with no ego at all and knows exactly what his role in the team is."

Doing the dirty work is an aspect Martin will need if Downes – now valued at just £4m by CIES Football Observatory – is indeed going to replace Lavia. With 1.18 tackles per 90 minutes in the middle third last season, Downes ranked second only to Lucas Paqueta (1.51) among Hammers players.

While West Ham may not have seen the best of Downes, the talented midfielder can clearly do a job at Championship level and may just be the player who truly kick-starts Russell's Southampton tenure.

Sunderland could now miss out on another top transfer target after losing the race to sign Ellis Simms, with multiple Premier League clubs joining the race for Amad Diallo.

Which players are Sunderland signing in 2023?

The Black Cats are expected to be busy in this summer’s transfer window, and they have already moved to sign promising young centre-back Jenson Seelt, wonderkid Jobe Bellingham and exciting talents Luis Semedo and Nectarios Triantis (Transfermarkt), but the biggest saga is sure to be in the centre-forward department.

Kristjaan Speakman has assured Black Cats fans the club’s hierarchy are doing everything they can to keep star man Ross Stewart and fully intend to get him to extend his current contract, but with that uncertainty combined with the Scotland international’s injury issues, they are sure to need a marquee signing up front.

And that was of course meant to be Simms, who thrived on loan at the Stadium Of Light last season, but the Everton youngster has joined Championship rivals Coventry City instead.

Simms scored seven goals during his spell on Wearside, so if both he and Stewart are not around come the start of the new season, Tony Mowbray will be desperate for an injection of end product from elsewhere…

Is Amad Diallo joining Sunderland?

And that’s exactly where Diallo could come in, with Football Insider reporting that the Sunderland boss would “love” to sign the winger again for the upcoming season.

The Manchester United starlet managed 14 goals and four assists during last term’s temporary stay up north, but that form has also attracted interest from elsewhere, and the bad news for Sunderland is some of that interest is now from the top flight.

According to Football Insider’s report, both Burnley and Sheffield United want to boost their chances of staying up by signing Diallo, as they join the Black Cats and also Southampton in the race for the 20 year-old sensation.

How good is Amad Diallo?

One would have to think Sunderland have an advantage over the Saints purely given their past connection with the youngster, who seemed to love playing in front of the Stadium of Light faithful, but Erik Ten Hag may feel the time is right to get his young talent experience in the top flight.

And that would be a major blow for Mowbray, given what Diallo is capable of. The Ivory Coast international – now capped four times by his country – ranked in the 99th percentile amongst his positional peers for pass completion last season, also scoring highly for non-penalty goals, successful take-ons and interceptions.

This paints the picture of not only a cool head with composure on the ball far beyond his years, but a committed player who is willing to do the hard yards and embrace the physical nature in the second tier.

Diallo also proved he loves the spotlight by stepping up to the plate towards the end of the season when the pressure is highest, scoring five goals in the final nine matches of the regular season, and then a sumptuous strike in the play-off semi-final first leg against Luton Town as well.

Mowbray will be absolutely gutted if he loses out on another exciting young target, and it’s hard to envisage the scouting department finding an alternative with the Manchester United gem’s abilities.

Leeds United have been craving someone to replace Raphinha ever since his departure last summer. His exit was an expected one, as the Brazilian had offered all he could to the club that he had admittedly outgrown.

His future was destined to be at a much better and brighter side, and having won La Liga in his first year in Barcelona, this has been proven correct. Meanwhile, the Whites fell to relegation from the Premier League.

In an effort to finally recapture that true maverick, who can be a match-winner all on their own, now the 49ers must search for such an asset within their new level.

The Championship boasts plenty of untapped talent just waiting to be unleashed, but in Joel Piroe, many throughout this division will already know his name.

Standing at 6 foot 1 but retaining blistering speed and skill, the Dutchman terrorised defences for fun last term.

If the rumours are true, he could be set to repeat this feat again next season, but in Elland Road rather than Wales.

Is Joel Piroe similar to Raphinha?

Having come up through the academy at PSV Eindhoven, Swansea City secured a huge coup when they tempted him to join them back in 2021.

Ever since that switch, he has proven himself to be a more than dependable source of goals and assists in the Championship, recording 19 strikes last term, following the 28 goal contributions he had posted the season before even that.

Despite naturally being a centre forward, he has been deployed from the right wing too, enabling him to cut into his deadly left foot with devastating effect. Such blistering form in front of goal even led his former manager Russell Martin, who has since departed for Southampton, to brand him "clinical".

Their former Brazilian trickster was also a star down that flank, scoring 11 league goals as the Yorkshire outfit narrowly avoided the drop before his departure. He could beat a man, create and, quite clearly, score with ease.

Although Piroe might represent a far more physical alternative to the 26-year-old, his ability to win matches on his own makes him even more similar than could be imagined. Not to mention that he also maintained 0.8 key passes per game (sixth-best at Swansea) and an 83% pass accuracy last season too in the league, suggesting he is far more than just a classic brutish number nine.

Should Daniel Farke, who is the frontrunner for Leeds' vacancy, opt to keep Patrick Bamford as his striker for next season or even subscribe to the links for Viktor Gyokeres, this £12k-per-week 23-year-old could still thrive should he join even if his favoured position is occupied.

This versatility, plus his ability to do the spectacular, only emphasises the dynamic that the 49ers could recapture in acquiring Piroe.

Liverpool are interested in signing Rennes and Belgium attacker Jeremy Doku in the summer transfer window, according to a fresh claim.

Have Liverpool been linked with Doku before?

The 21-year-old has been seen as a potential target for the Reds in the past, although a move for him has never materialised over the years, as he forges an impressive career for himself.

Currently plying his trade at Rennes, Doku has become a key player for the Ligue 1 side, scoring six goals and registering two assists in the league last season, as well as two of the latter in the Europa League. The winger has also caught the eye for Belgium since making his debut, netting twice in 14 caps, and possibly being seen as a long-term starter as he matures with age.

With Liverpool looking to enjoy a busy summer in the transfer market, it looks as though their interest in Doku isn't yet dead in the water.

What's the latest on Doku to Liverpool?

According to journalist Mohamed Toubache-Ter on Twitter [via Get French Football News], the Reds' level of intrigue is "powerful", suggesting a move is far from out of the question this summer.

Not a huge amount else is provided on the matter, which suggests a bid hasn't been tabled, but it certainly looks as though Anfield is a potential next destination for the Belgian.

Doku is a massive talent who could have a big future in the game – journalist Robin Bairner has described him as "devastating" in the past – so in many ways, it is exciting to see him being linked with a move to Anfield. That being said, there have to be questions marks over whether Liverpool actually need to bring him in right now, considering they already have Mohamed Salah, Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez, Diogo Jota and Cody Gakpo as strong attacking options.

It is hard to see where Doku would fit in, especially in terms of playing regular football, with his preferred right-sided role filled by Salah, who is one of the most indispensable players at the club and has been a regular over the years, scoring 186 Liverpool goals in 306 appearances.

If the Rennes star was happy to warm the substitutes' bench most weeks, possibly playing a role as an impact substitute looking to break through down the line, then a move that could work out – he could be viewed as a long-term starter – but the Reds' money could be spent on more pressing areas of the pitch, such as midfield.

A big update has emerged on Aston Villa and their attempts to bolster their defensive options ahead of the 2023/24 campaign…

What's the latest on Pau Torres to Aston Villa?

According to Football Insider, the Villans are in contact with Villarreal over a deal to sign central defender Pau Torres in the summer transfer window.

The report claims that Unai Emery has made the Spain international his number one target and that the club are now closing in on a swoop for the 26-year-old titan.

It states that they are making progress over a transfer and that it is set to take a fee of at least £40m, which would be a club record, to get it over the line.

Would Pau Torres be a good signing for Aston Villa?

The Premier League side appointed Monchi as their new president of football operations recently and securing a deal for Torres would represent his first blinder as the LaLiga ace would be a terrific addition to the squad.

It would be a masterclass from the former Sevilla supremo as he would be providing Emery with a top-quality left-footed defender who excels at keeping the ball away from his own box and using his ability in possession to progress his team up the pitch.

Over the last 365 days, the Villarreal star, who talent scout Jacek Kulig dubbed "wonderful" on the ball, ranks in the top 4% or higher amongst his positional peers across the Men's Big Five Leagues for progressive passes and progressive carries per 90.

Whereas, Tyrone Mings does not rank higher than the top 47% of players in the same category for either statistic over the last 365 days of action.

This suggests that Monchi could improve Villa's ability to play out from the back by landing an upgrade on the left-footed England international on the ball, given that Torres is one of the best players in the major leagues when it comes to breaking lines and driving up the pitch to make things happen for his team.

The Spaniard has also produced consistently impressive and dominant performances for his club in LaLiga in recent seasons.

He averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.04 across 34 league outings in 22/23 and won 61% of his individual duels, which came after the colossal ace won 66% of his battles and averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.09 in 21/22.

Mings, on the other hand, has averaged a rating of 6.91 in the Premier League across the last two campaigns, indicating that Torres would also be an upgrade on the current Villa defender in terms of his average performance level at the back.

Therefore, Monchi could land his first masterclass by getting this deal over the line for the defender as his statistics suggest that he would be a sensational addition to Emery's options in defence.

Aston Villa are reportedly in "advanced talks" with Liverpool's soon-to-be-out-of-contract midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Is Oxlade-Chamberlain leaving Liverpool?

The 29-year-old has spent six up-and-down years at Anfield, winning almost all there is to win in the game, including the Champions League, but also struggling to consistently be a key man.

A serious knee injury back in 2018 arguably took Oxlade-Chamberlain down in his prime, and while he still contributed positively to Liverpool overall – he scored 18 goals and registered 15 assists in 146 appearances – it has become increasingly clear that his future lies away from the club.

The £120,000-a-week former Arsenal man is out of contract with the Reds at the end of this month, and with no extension coming his way, he will then be able to join a new club on a free transfer from July onwards.

With Villa looking to make numerous key reinforcements during the summer transfer window, a fresh report suggests that Oxlade-Chamberlain could be a primary target.

Are Villa eyeing move for Oxlade-Chamberlain?

According to Football Insider, the Villans are in "advanced talks" with the Englishman over a summer move to Villa Park, with the club working on a deal to bring him in, having already locked up Youri Tielemans from Leicester City on a free.

Villa are believed to see Oxlade-Chamberlain as a "key target who is proven in the Premier League and capable of slotting straight into their team", while Unai Emery admires his "versatility, dynamism and ability to create and score goals".

The 35-cap and seven-goal England international could be a really shrewd signing by the Villans this summer, coming in as someone with a wealth of experience at the top level, and who can thrive in various positions, from central midfield to out wide.

Granted, his injury problems down the years are far from ideal, so Emery would have to accept that he is a risky signing, but the free element of the deal would make it less of an issue, should he spend too much time on the treatment table.

When fully fit and in-form, Oxlade-Chamberlain can be a real handful, with Jurgen Klopp once describing him as "spectacular", and he could bolster Villa's squad great with his versatility, especially at a time when they are preparing to play in the Premier League, UEFA Europa Conference League, FA Cup and EFL Cup next season.

Leeds United have "opened talks" with now former Norwich City sporting director Stuart Webber over a move to Elland Road, according to a new report.

Who is Stuart Webber?

The 39-year-old has been a highly thought of figure at Carrow Road for some time now, having joined as sporting director back in 2017, despite only being in his early 30s at that point.

Webber has previously enjoyed roles at the likes of Liverpool, QPR, Wolves and Huddersfield Town, working his way up in the game and enhancing his reputation, with former Norwich boss Daniel Farke once saying he "can't ask" for a better sporting director. However, it has been announced this morning that he will leave the club this summer.

With Leeds on the lookout for a new man in that job, following Victor Orta's exit and 49ers Enterprises' subsequent takeover at Elland Road, it looks as though they have eyes on the soon to be free agent.

Are Leeds looking to bring in Webber?

According to Football Insider, the Whites have "opened talks" with Webber over a summer move to the club, seeing him as an ideal figure to come in and fill the vacant sporting director position.

The report claims that the "recently relegated Yorkshire giants have turned their attention to hiring the recruitment expert from the team who will be their Championship rivals next season", as they look to gain an immediate advantage over those they will be battling with for Championship promotion.

Interestingly, it is stated that he is a "United fan", which could certainly work in Leeds' favour, with Webber potentially dreaming of having some sort of involvement with his boyhood team throughout his life.

This could be such an exciting appointment if Leeds manage to acquire Webber's signature in the near future, at a time when the job of a sporting director is seen as so vital. He could immediately make the Whites strong in the transfer market, identifying the right players, and while Orta had his plus points, the Englishman could come in as a more stable and less volatile figure who allows things to run smoothly behind the scenes.

Should Farke end up becoming Leeds' new boss, as has been mooted in recent days, Webber could be an even more perfect appointment, with their relationship at Norwich clearly strong, as mentioned, allowing the Whites to have a manager and sporting director who are both on exactly the same wavelength.

This summer is so important at Elland Road, with a quick return to the Premier League needed, and bringing in Webber would be a great place to start.