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Crystal Palace are no closer to knowing where Wilfried Zaha will be plying his trade next season as the player has made "no decision" regarding his future yet, claims Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.

Crystal Palace transfer news – what's the latest on Wilfried Zaha's contract situation?

It has been a relatively quiet start to the transfer window for Palace this summer, with their only major incoming being Colombian international Jefferson Lerma, who joined from Premier League rivals Bournemouth on a free.

The biggest story for the club this summer has been and will undoubtedly continue to be the contract situation surrounding star player and club legend Zaha.

The Ivorian international's £130,000-a-week contract with the South London side expired on July 1st, and he has since become a free agent, something the Eagles have been trying to rectify over the last few months with big offers to keep the 30-year-old at the club.

The situation has been made all the more complicated after it was revealed that any final decision from the player was being delayed due to his contract with his current agency also expiring at the end of this month, meaning a final decision will likely come in August.

In the meantime, Palace have put their cards on the table and offered the dynamic winger a contract estimated to be worth £200,000-a-week to remain at Selhurst Park.

As a free agent, Zaha has attracted the interest of several clubs outside of the Premier League, with Serie A side Lazio said to hold genuine interest in the exciting attacker.

What has Sheth said about Crystal Palace and Zaha?

Sheth was keen to stress that nothing had been decided on by the player or anyone in his camp and that his new status as a free agent had unsurprisingly piqued the interest of other clubs.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, he said: "I've just spoken to someone, just before speaking to you, who's close to the deal for Wilfried Zaha. There is still no decision.

"You mentioned that he got married over the weekend, but there is still no decision.

"He is now officially a free agent after his Crystal Palace contract expired ten days ago. There is interest in him which you would expect to be the case."

Is Wilfried Zaha a Crystal Palace legend?

It is hard to argue against Zaha being counted amongst Crystal Palace's list of legends after his performances for the club over the last decade.

Since making his debut for the Eagles at age 17, back in 2010, Zaha has made 458 appearances for the club, scoring 90 goals and assisting a further 76 along the way.

As a local lad, he is a player that fans have genuinely connected with over the years, with Palace fan and podcast presenter HLTCO describing Zaha as "a club legend in every sense."

As it stands, he is the Palace's third-highest appearance maker of all time, behind only Terry Long and Jim Cannon. His contributions to the side have been recognised by the board, who, earlier this year, commissioned a giant mural of their star player on the side of a house right next to Selhurst Park.

As the days tick down to the new Premier League season, the Palace faithful will be hoping that the new contract offer is enough to keep their "legend" just a little while longer.

Chelsea are thought to be preparing to make an offer for Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic, with the Italian club holding out for €80m (£68m) to part ways with the player, according to recent reports from Italy.

What's the latest Chelsea transfer news?

The Blues struggled considerably in front of goal last season, scoring just 38 goals in the Premier League, the joint-fifth lowest amount in the top flight, and manager Maurcio Pochettino has now set his sights on strengthening in attacking areas of the pitch.

Having already signed Villarreal's Nicholas Jackson, in a deal worth slightly more than his £30.1m release clause in exchange for more favourable payment terms, Pochettino could now look to sign Vlahovic from Juventus.

At the end of May, it was reported that the Serbian striker is open to a move to Stamford Bridge, and the new manager's arrival could help to convince him even more. Journalist Rudy Galetti said then:

"The Blues could make a concrete move for the Serbian.

"Especially because the next manager, [Mauricio] Pochettino, considers Dušan the ideal striker for his tactical idea.The player likes the destination and reaching an agreement on personal terms wouldn't be a problem. Let's keep an eye also on Bayern Munich, who have Vlahović at the top of their list along with Harry Kane."

According to recent reports from Italy (via Sport Witness), Chelsea are now preparing to "lunge" for the Juventus star, and there is a belief that an offer could be tabled shortly.

However, there is set to be fierce competition from Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United, who are also "at the window" and ready to make an "important offer".

All three English clubs are now ready to make offers of at least €65m (£56m) for the forward, a figure that would make Juventus think, however, other reports suggest the Serie A club are keen to hold out for a fee of at least €80m (£68m).

Is Dusan Vlahovic coming to Chelsea?

At the moment, the race for the 23-year-old appears to be very much open, but given that Pochettino is now at the helm at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea could be very well-placed to secure his signature this summer.

If the Blues do come out on top, they could be getting a fantastic player, with Italian football writer Carlo Garganese hailing the Serbia international as an "absolute monster" near the start of last season.

Although the 2022/23 campaign was not his best, the Belgrade-born marksman still managed to find the back of the net ten times in 27 Serie A outings, and he has previously demonstrated he is capable of breaking the 20-goal barrier, doing so with Fiorentina in the 2020/21 season.

Signing Jackson was a good start to the window for the Blues, with the 22-year-old netting 12 La Liga goals last season, but they now have the opportunity to sign a natural goalscorer, who has proven himself over a number of years, and they should undoubtedly make their first bid for Vlahovic in the near future, making this one to watch.

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.

An update has emerged on Manchester City and their attempts to bolster their defensive options after their treble-winning 2022/23 campaign.

What's the latest on Josko Gvardiol to Man City?

According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Citizens are set to advance their attempts to land RB Leipzig central defender Josko Gvardiol this summer.

Pep Guardiola is pursuing a deal to sign the Croatian ahead of next season and the club will need to pay at least £85m in order to secure his signature.

The reporter said: "Manchester City will keep working on Joško Gvardiol deal next week. Talks will enter into advanced stages with Leipzig with new verbal bid. Exclusive story from yesterday: personal terms, 100% agreed. Gvardiol said yes. Leipzig want at least €100m."

Where would Josko Gvardiol fit in at Man City?

Guardiola often deployed a system last season that had four out-and-out central defenders across the back four and Gvardiol could easily slot in on the left side in either position.

The 21-year-old has experience playing as a central defender and as a left-back in his career and the talented youngster could come in as a big upgrade on Nathan Ake in the latter role.

RB Leipzig's stopper has proven himself to be an excellent Bundesliga performer and caught the eye with his exceptional performances at the World Cup last year. He averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.16 and made 2.9 tackles and interceptions per match across seven outings in the tournament.

The Croatian defender also averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.10 across 29 Bundesliga appearances in 21/22 and made 3.4 tackles and interceptions per game.

Ake, comparatively, has not averaged a Premier League rating higher than 7.08 or managed more than 1.9 tackles and interceptions per outing in any of his three campaigns with City to date, which suggests that Gvardiol has the potential to deliver better performances week-in-week-out.

The "monster" – as the aforementioned Romano once described him – could suit the left-back role in Guardiola's new-look system perfectly as he is adept at progressing the ball through dribbles to get his team up the pitch.

He has averaged 1.63 progressive carries and successful take-ons per 90 over the last 365 days in the Men's Big Five Leagues and European competitions, in comparison to Ake's 1.41 per 90.

This suggests that the £19k-per-week colossus could also be an upgrade in terms of how he drives the team forward by dribbling past opposition attackers to open up space for the midfielders and attackers to then receive possession.

Gvardiol is also seven years younger than Ake and, therefore, has many years left ahead of him to grow and develop under Guardiola's coaching, which is another reason why City could land a big upgrade on the Dutchman by securing this deal.

Crystal Palace are interested in a summer deal to bring Norwich City star Andrew Omobamidele to the Premier League, according to reports.

Who is Andrew Omobamidele?

Omobamidele is a centre-back who currently plays his football at Carrow Road having worked his way up through the various youth ranks to graduate from the academy in 2021 and become a regular feature of the first-team, clocking up a total of 51 senior appearances to date.

The Republic of Ireland international still has another three years remaining on his contract with David Wagner’s side, but having impressed during his 27 Championship starts last season, he’s bound to attract attention this window.

The Canaries, however, collectively had a disappointing campaign finishing 13th and quite some way outside of the top six, so they could be looking to cash in on some of their most prized assets ahead of a squad rebuild, and should the 20-year-old depart, he’s got an admirer in Roy Hodgson at Selhurst Park.

Are Crystal Palace signing Omobamidele?

According to The Telegraph (via Football League World), Crystal Palace are “interested” in Omobamidele ahead of the 2023/24 term. The Eagles have the defender firmly “on their radar” and the report states that a fee of £20m is likely to be “enough to get a deal done”. Norwich’s former sporting director Stuart Webber publicly admitted that there is a “big possibility” that the young talent will leave.

Where would Omobamidele fit in under Hodgson?

Crystal Palace are likely to be in need of reinforcements in the centre-back position this summer with Marc Guehi being watched by Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United enquiring about Joachim Andersen, so should one or both of the duo depart, Omobamidele could be the ideal replacement for Hodgson.

The Leixlip native averaged 2.7 clearances and 1.9 aerial wins per second-tier game last season, via WhoScored. Not only is he a rock at the heart of the backline but he also loves to try and push his team further up the pitch, ranking in the 88th percentile for most progressive carries by central defenders.

Norwich’s “dominant” colossus, as lauded by talent scout Jacek Kulig, also shares the same agent, Elite Project Group Ltd, as Malcolm Ebiowei, so this existing connection that his representative has to the club could potentially give them a small advantage should they try and attempt to get a deal wrapped up in the weeks and months ahead.

Arsenal seem keen to finalise a number of new additions at the very start of the window, with one newer name reportedly high on their list.

What's the latest on Jurrien Timber to Arsenal?

That's according to The Telegraph, who claim that the Gunners are in talks over a move to sign Ajax's young defender Jurrien Timber.

With Mikel Arteta having viewed the Dutchman as atop of his list of defensive reinforcements for some time now, the versatility of the 22-year-old is of keen interest to the Spaniard.

However, having naturally sent Edu to negotiate such a move, the £50m price tag within the report is one they will seek to break down in order to earn a coup.

Given he has already attracted interest from Manchester United in the past, the north London outfit will want to avoid another blunder akin to when they allowed Lisandro Martinez to slip through their grasp.

Did Arsenal nearly sign Lisandro Martinez?

In the summer of 2022, Erik ten Hag was seeking to kickstart his revolution at Manchester United with a few key additions. However, he saw competition for many, especially those that he sought to bring from Ajax with him.

The Gunners were one such team, who even saw two bids submitted for Martinez before the Red Devils would eventually tempt him. Given that the Argentine has become one of the Premier League's most impressive performers and was voted fans' player of the year by his new club, this has unfortunately gone down as a missed opportunity.

As they are poised to once again battle over another defensive addition, Arteta cannot allow history to repeat itself.

After all, the diminutive centre-back still maintained a 7.12 average rating in his debut league term, a figure upheld through a 100% dribble success rate, two tackles and 3.6 tackles per game, via Sofascore.

It could be argued that Timber represents an even more preferable signing for the north London outfit, given his versatility and standing as the archetypal modern-day defender.

This year for Ajax, the youngster has posted a 7.03 average rating in the league, with his 92% pass accuracy likely of particular interest, via Sofascore.

In fact, when compared against other centre-backs across Europe, it is clear to see just how uniquely outstanding the defender is.

He sits in the top 1% for passes completed, pass completion, progressive passes and progressive carries per 90, likely enhanced due to his ability to step into midfield and full back, via FBref.

Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig sought to support these figures, as he claimed: "Not the tallest defender but his understanding of the game, anticipation, pace and ball skills are exceptional."

With a future so impressively bright, Arteta must ensure they do not repeat their Martinez mistake again. Timber is his perfect defender, and he cannot be allowed to join a rival.

Aston Villa are eyeing an audacious swoop for a Premier League ace, if latest reports are to be believed.

The Villans are expected to have a busy summer both on and off the pitch, with Sevilla sporting director Monchi set to join Unai Emery to bolster the business side of things at the club.

A host of talent has been linked with a move to Villa Park already, with the latest name being one of high potential.

What’s the latest on Jadon Sancho to Aston Villa?

As reported by FootballTransfers earlier this week, Aston Villa have emerged as a potential candidate to sign Manchester United forward Jadon Sancho.

The report claims that Villa are ‘keen’ on the Englishman, who is valued at £60m by his club.

It’s added that, at present, the Midlands club are ‘not willing’ to spend such a figure on the 23-year-old, who has struggled since arriving at Old Trafford.

What could Jadon Sancho offer to Aston Villa?

Despite not thriving as dangerously as he did at Borussia Dortmund, the former Manchester City academy starlet has built a huge reputation due to his thunderous form displayed in Germany.

The left-winger contributed to a monstrous 89 goals in 104 Bundesliga appearances for Dortmund, scoring 38 himself and assisting 51 in just under three and a half seasons, via Transfermarkt.

Once lauded as being an “insane talent” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the Londoner could be an emphatic name for Emery to introduce to Villa Park and integrate into his free-flowing attack.

This campaign has been tough for the Englishman, who took some time away from activity earlier in the season due to being not “physically or mentally” fit to be among his teammates, as revealed by Erik Ten Hag.

Ending the term with 26 appearances, the 23-year-old contributed six goals and three assists for the Red Devils, showing the gap he finds himself at to being close to his best.

The youngster could reach such levels once more if given the chance to thrive, something he could do by joining Villa, who have been presented with an exciting project thanks to the work of Emery.

Deployed on the left flank, the right-footed ace could be provided with a strong outlet in new arrival Youri Tielemans, who has been praised as a “phenomenon” for his play-making ability by former Anderlecht midfielder Par Zetterberg.

The two could form a dangerous combination in Emery’s attack, as suggested by their statistics gathered, piecing them together as the perfect pair to partner at Villa Park this off-season.

As per Sofascore, the Belgian created 10 big chances, as well as averaging one key pass per game in what was a hugely underwhelming Leicester City side that was relegated from the Premier League.

Most notably, the 26-year-old dynamo averaged 6.95 progressive passes per 90 which when paired with Sancho’s average of 9.23 progressive passes received per 90, proves for exciting potential between the two.

The numbers show both the Englishman’s ability to be progressive in his play through movement and positioning to get into intricate areas in the final third, as well as Tielemans’ own ability to pick and execute a pass from a deeper role.

With a hefty price tag and a long way to go in the summer transfer window, only time will tell if Villa decide to flex their financial strengths to snatch the 23-year-old but given the evidence above, it could well be a risk worth taking for Monchi and co.

Newcastle United will need to bolster the ranks this summer despite finishing in the top four under Eddie Howe's stewardship and ending a two-decade absence from the Champions League this year.

It's been an incredible season for the Tyneside club and the impact of the affluent PIF takeover has been felt with considerable might, sending tremors across the rest of the Premier League as the Magpies swiftly crafted a team capable of competing against the most imperious outfits both domestically and abroad.

Now, having revelled in the success of the campaign, the Magpies must turn their attention to the summer market with haste, making astute moves to enrich the squad's collective talent ahead of an important season that will focus on sustaining the newfound stature, and swooping for someone like Adrien Rabiot could bear fruit.

Indeed, the Juventus midfielder is out of contract this month and has attracted attention from Newcastle and divisional rivals Manchester United, who failed in an attempt to sign the Frenchman last year.

According to Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness), Manchester United are 'leading the race' for the 28-year-old, but despite this, further reports from the likes of Calciomercato claim that Newcastle technical director Dan Ashworth is ready to return for the Old Lady's midfield general this month, with a battle for his services potentially forthcoming.

Should Newcastle sign Adrien Rabiot?

Newcastle's balance across the park was one of the main reasons behind their ascent to European qualification this season, and while the midfield department is oiled and whirring at full throttle, Rabiot's prowess as a "complete midfielder" – as he has been described by France manager Didier Deschamps – could allow him to slot into the system without seam.

Indeed, having scored 11 goals and provided a further six assists from 48 club appearances, the £150-per-week machine has also averaged two tackles and 1.2 clearances per game in Serie A, as per Sofascore.

Metrics provided by FBref also rank the 36-cap international among the top 16% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for progressive carries and aerials won per 90, illustrating his dynamism.

Hailed as a "wardrobe" for his imposing physicality by Gianluigi Buffon, the 6 foot 2 titan could be the perfect partner in the midfield for Joe Willock, whose own dynamism and progressive prowess could provide Howe's attacking third with devastating support from deep.

The £80k-per-week Englishman ranks among the top 9% of positional peers for rate of assists, the top 4% for progressive carries and the top 4% for rate of blocks per 90, and with Bruno Guimaraes pulling the strings from the centre, it could be a system to leave opposition quaking.

Considering this, securing Rabiot's services this summer might be the perfect way to provide the Toon midfield with the sheen needed to continue the resounding success under Howe's tutelage.

With plenty of experience at the World Cup, in Europe and domestically, at the highest level, the one-time Paris Saint-Germain star can bring a winning mentality and midfield tenacity to help Newcastle achieve their goals.

Manchester United are reportedly keeping a close eye on Chicago Fire sensation, Brian Gutierrez ahead of the summer window, albeit with rival suitors also in the mix for the teenager's signature.

What's the latest on Gutierrez to Man United?

According to the Daily Mail, the Red Devils are said to be among the clubs who are interested in signing the 19-year-old, with Scottish Premiership side Rangers also believed to be keen on the American starlet.

The piece does add, however, that both United and the Ibrox outfit may find it difficult to land a work permit for the 5 foot 10 playmaker, with that handing the advantage to the likes of Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig and Girona who also hoping to strike a deal.

Who is Brian Gutierrez?

The emerging superstar has caught the eye after playing a regular role for Chicago in recent seasons, with the Illinois native having already racked up 74 appearances for the MLS outfit to date since making his senior debut back in 2020.

The versatile dynamo – who can operate on the flanks or in an attacking midfield role – has showcased flashes of his quality throughout his time in the first team, notably scoring twice and laying on 11 assists across all competitions, including four assists in just 17 games in 2023.

That early impact has evidently caught the attention of clubs across Europe, with the United States U20 international having undoubtedly warranted that interest having been hailed as a player who has "got everything" according to coach Frank Klopas, with the latter man also listing the teen's attributes:

"Good with the ball, his work rate, key passes, ability to beat players, technical ability."

Those traits appear to have impressed Ten Hag and co, with there the potential for Gutierrez to be a long-term heir to Bruno Fernandes in that playmaking berth at Old Trafford, with the Portugal international seemingly having no genuine understudy at present.

The 28-year-old was again an everpresent for United in 2022/23 as he featured in 59 games in all competitions, showcasing his ability to make an impact in the final third after scoring 14 goals and contributing 15 assists in that time.

The key facet to the £240k-per-week man's game is seemingly his creativity, with the former Sporting CP star having finished first in the division with regard to big chances created (32), while also averaging 7.04 progressive passes per 90 across the last 365 days as a sign of his front-foot approach.

While still arguably just a young prospect, Gutierrez has shown signs that he could potentially emulate the impact of Fernandes in the years to come, with the £4m-rated American having also shown his creative spark after averaging 5.81 progressive passes per 90 across the last 365 days.

The precocious talent also mirrors Fernandes with regard to his impressive work ethic off the ball as he has also averaged 1.64 tackles per 90, as per FBref, with the current United ace averaging only slightly ahead at 1.79 per 90 for that same metric.

That would suggest that if Ten Hag is looking for a suitable successor to his midfield maestro, then Gutierrez could be just the solution.

Newcastle United have scheduled talks regarding a new long-term contract for Fabian Schar, according to reports.

Is Fabian Schar leaving Newcastle?

The Magpies centre-back first arrived in the Premier League from Deportivo de La Coruna back in 2018 and has since gone on to make a total of 141 appearances to date, establishing himself as a regular feature in Eddie Howe’s side having made 36 top-flight starts from 38 games last season.

The Switzerland international, however, will be out of contract at the end of next season meaning that the upcoming window could be the northeast outfit’s last chance to cash in, should they not want to extend his stay, nor risk losing him for free, but it sounds like they don’t plan on letting the 31-year-old go anywhere for the foreseeable future.

Are Newcastle giving Schar a new contract?

According to Football Insider, Newcastle, and by extension owners PIF, are “keen to discuss” fresh terms with Schar and plan to open talks over the summer in a bid to tie him down at St. James’ Park. PIF are not only hoping to “protect” the defender’s value, but also “reward” him for his excellent standard of performances under Howe.

The 6 foot 1 titan can begin talks regarding a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs as of January 2024 due to his situation, but the board are no doubt hoping that he will decide to commit his future to the long-term project in the black and white stripes.

Should Newcastle keep or sell Schar?

Newcastle are reportedly confident of agreeing a new long-term contract for Bruno Guimaraes, and having once been hailed a “solid” centre-back by journalist Josh Bunting, Schar is definitely another player that deserves to stay longer.

The Puma-sponsored colossus, who earns £40k-per-week, averaged 3.8 clearances and 3.1 aerial wins per top-flight game last season, via WhoScored, so was a real rock at the heart of the backline, but he can equally be a threat pushing up the pitch.

The Sports360 client, who has the versatility to operate in defensive midfield, ranks in the 99th percentile for three different statistics, including total number of shots, not to mention that he posted four goal contributions (three assists and one goal) last term in the Premier League.

The Magpies will know that Schar isn’t getting any younger, so there’s a chance that he could be offered more of a short-term deal, but regardless of the length of the contract, it’s still fully warranted for the positive impact he has on Howe’s side.