標籤: candidate

Manchester CityNathan Ake did not have a significant role in the Premier League team this season.

Outgoing manager Pep Guardiola gave the Netherlands 688 minutes in 18 Premier League matches, including six starts.

That hasn’t stopped the Manchester City player from being included in Ronald Koeman’s squad for the World Cup. However, it could make the centre-back consider changing clubs this summer.

Barcelona have identified the 31-year-old as a low-cost option to improve their defence.

Last month, Sports Witness Covered claims from Spain The Citizens will not make any concessions to Barça, their Champions League rivals. Their wages are also a problem for the La Liga winners.

Turkish option for Manchester City player

Nathan Ake may have the opportunity to switch to Türkiye where Fenerbahçe could be an option, according to him photomac.

The Yellow Canaries will hold elections this weekend and their former president, Aziz Yıldırım, is running for the same role.

Yıldırım has talked about the importance of strengthening the defense and Aké is his top target.

He recently traveled to England to hold talks with Manchester City for a centre-back. If the presidential candidate is to win the upcoming elections he will bring the Dutchman to Istanbul.

The Etihad club are demanding €11m and the former AFC Bournemouth man wants salaries of €6m per annum excluding bonuses. Yildirim insisted that he could meet both of their demands and that he would insist on the transfer if elected as the new president of Fenerbahçe.

There is no mention of whether the player is open to a switch to Turkey. If he decides to leave Manchester City, he will likely have a choice among the top five European leagues.

Summer exit on the cards

The defender has 13 months left on his contract and is worth €15m transfer market.

Manchester City have yet to confirm Pep Guardiola’s successor, but Nathan Ake is unlikely to be a key part of the next manager’s plans.

Therefore, a move away from the Etihad could be a possibility this summer. This will improve his chances of featuring regularly next season.

crystal PalaceJean-Philippe Mateta is likely to change clubs this summer, after coming close to moving in the winter market.

The striker and Crystal Palace reached an agreement with AC Milan. However, the Serie A side canceled the deal after a problem was discovered during his medical.

Mateta overcame the physical problem and has been playing regularly for the Eagles since March.

The France international scored the winner against Rayo Valencão in the UEFA Conference League final earlier this week.

On 2 May, Game Witness Covered claims from Italy He still wants to leave Crystal Palace and Milan and Juventus could be his options.

Last week, we broadcast news The Rossoneri have rekindled their interest in the 28-year-old, but their new management will make the final decision.

Türkiye’s interest in Crystal Palace player

Fenerbahçe joins other Serie A teams in pursuit of Jean-Philippe Mateta. is according to sabaWhich cover attempts by Turkish clubs to try to sign him.

The Yellow Canaries are scheduled to hold presidential elections on June 6-7, and candidates are already working on potential signatures.

Fenerbahçe presidential candidate Aziz Yıldırım has said he is close to finalizing a deal for the two strikers.

The newspaper says the Crystal Palace star is one of them and Yıldırım traveled to England to meet his agent. He asked the representative about the conditions necessary to secure Mateta’s services.

Yıldırım will have a new meeting in the coming days, this time with both the player and Crystal Palace. Any move depends on the former winning the elections and if not, all these efforts will be in vain.

What seems certain now is that the Frenchman is on his way out of Selhurst Park. His next destination should be clear.

Contract, price and agent information

Jean-Philippe Mateta has just over a year left on his contract and is valued at €35m transfermarket.

Paul Latouche represents the attacker, and Crystal Palace would have to sell him this summer to avoid losing him for nothing in 2027.

Real Madrid presidential candidate Enrique Riquelme has responded to claims he wants to target Manchester CityErling Haaland if he is elected.

Today Sport Cover Comments from RiquelmeWhen asked directly about a move for Haaland should he take charge at Real Madrid.

presidential campaign

For those who do not know, Enrique Riquelme intends to challenge Florentino Pérez for the presidency of Real Madrid this year.

He is currently preparing his candidacy, which will need endorsement and approval by Saturday to challenge the President.

His current focus is on that, but reports in Spain are already linking him to bigger plans to potentially succeed the election.

Manchester City on target

Sport Witness covered a similar report yesterday. It adds that Riquelme not only wants to appoint Jurgen Klopp as manager, but also sign Erling Haaland from Manchester City.

In fact, he and his team are reportedly in contact with Haaland representatives to discuss a possible move.

Now, speaking at the Cox shareholder meeting (he’s the company’s chairman), he’s been asked directly about those rumors. And he has not shied away from the idea of ​​signing the Manchester City striker.

“That’s the most enjoyable part after whether someone runs (for election) or not,” he said.

“The best players should be at Real Madrid. They always have been. The best will always want to come; this is the best club. So we need a candidacy that brings back transparency and good governance to attract talent, so that talent wants to come.

“Talents have to come to Real Madrid. The greatest club in history must have the best talents, and we have to provide the right conditions so that people feel comfortable within the club. So, yes, of course, all the talents in the world will be welcomed at Real Madrid.”

Certainly, the New Jersey Devils won’t be able to upgrade their top-six with impact free agent acquisitions given the lack of free agents this summer.

However, that doesn’t mean they don’t get the scoring depth they need.

The Athletic’s experts have pointed to a specific forward they believe is a good fit for New Jersey. More in the link below.

Elsewhere, trade goals for New York, Minnesota need clarity and more.

Devil’s Trade Rumors and News

Athletic ($): This summer’s crop of free agents isn’t going to be overwhelming, but there will be some serviceable names to help with depth scoring issues. Here’s a name The Athletic thinks would be a good fit.

📺 devil’s rink report: As we approach the 2026 NHL Draft and free agency, the elephant in the room has not yet been addressed. The Devils still have a Dougie Hamilton problem. I break it down in the latest clip via Devils Rink Report.

Last week, we went live with immediate reaction after the draft lottery. The full episode can be found here 👇🏼

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Sportsnet: Quinn Hughes is saying all the right things after the Minnesota Wild were eliminated from the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs. However, here’s why they need clarity on his future as soon as possible.

Forever Blueshirts: The Devils are not the only ones who may be inquiring for the services of Mason McTavish. That’s why it makes sense for the New York Rangers to do the same.

San Jose Hockey Now: Well, that’s great. Maclin Celebrini was named captain of Team Canada at Worlds when the preliminary roster was announced. When Sidney Crosby was later added to the roster, he proceeded to remain captain of the San Jose Sharks.

Florida hockey now: Pink Florida Panthers? Their new alternate jersey may have leaked over the weekend.

Philly hockey now: Could the Philadelphia Flyers find their blueline forward Porter Martone via the 2026 NHL Draft this summer?

James is the fully certified New Jersey Devils beat reporter for New Jersey Hockey Now on SportsNote and … More about James Nicholls

Are targeting a move to Fenerbahçe Aston Villa This summer through goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, presidential candidate Aziz Yildirim.

fan report that Yildirim have once again set their sights on the Aston Villa goalkeeper after speaking to him ahead of the 2024 campaign.

President wants to make Aston Villa a star again

According to the outlet, Yildirim ‘has once again set his sights on the goalkeeper.’ He is targeting the Argentina star if he can’t get a deal for Jan Oblak over the line.

All eyes in Fenerbahçe are currently on the extraordinary general assembly elections. Yildirim is running for president again and has turned his attention to Aston Villa number one.

He held talks with Martínez ahead of the 2024 elections, in which he lost to Ali Koç. The transfer broke down when he failed to win the election.

Now they plan to sign a star goalkeeper this summer. The main target is Jan Oblak, but Emiliano Martínez is also on the list. According to Takweem, work has started for both the goalkeepers.

Although the Argentine has a three-year contract with Aston Villa, there is a possibility he will leave Villa Park this summer. Interestingly, another presidential candidate, Hakan Saffi, wants to sign AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan.

transfer target

It seems that various presidential candidates have Europe’s biggest names as part of their current campaigns. It remains to be seen whether this will lead to real action.

As The Fanatic points out, Yildirim tried to get Emiliano Martínez from Aston Villa just two years ago. That move ultimately failed when his presidential campaign also failed.

Even if he is successful, it will be no easy task to get Martínez out of Villa Park. He is set for a long-term deal, is a key player under Unai Emery and they could potentially be back in the Champions League next season. There is no reason for the Villans to let him go, unless, of course, Fenerbahçe comes forward with a big transfer fee.

leeds unitedSebastian Bornou did not enjoy good performances in his first season in the Premier League.

The Belgian player moved to Germany when 1. FC Köln signed him from Anderlecht in August 2019. He spent two years with them and moved to VfL Wolfsburg in 2021.

His performances for Wolfsburg convinced Leeds United to spend around €6m in July 2025.

However, the centre-back has not performed well under Daniel Farke and has made only four Premier League starts.

His league statistics are as follows:

• Appearances: 9
• Start: 4
• Total minutes played: 215
• Minutes per game: 35

The 27-year-old’s last Premier League appearance was in a 2–2 draw against Chelsea on 10 February. Since then, he has made three appearances for the Whites in the FA Cup.

Back in January, FC Köln Vice President Ulf Sobek indicated His side were ready to wait for the defender in the winter market. However, he is still at Elland Road but that could change in the summer.

On March 31, Khel Witness Covered claims from Germany The Bundesliga side could offer him an escape route after this season.

Interest in Leeds United increased

image Now focus 1. FC Köln’s transfer plan for the next window. With the incoming, his main priority is to sign a striker and centre-back, who is experienced and ‘strong-in-the-air’.

Sébastien Bournau appears to suit their needs and is the ‘top candidate’ for the defensive position.

rioter Also report that FC Köln are looking for an experienced centre-back. The Leeds United player is mentioned because he already knows the club from his two-year stint between 2019 and 2021.

However, without mentioning the price, it ‘will not be cheap’ for FC Köln to lure Bornou away from the Whites.

Contract, price and agent information

Sebastian Bornau’s contract expires in 2029 and he is worth €8m transfer market.

Leeds United may attempt to recoup most of the fee invested to sign him a year ago. Belgian agency Stirer Associates represents the Whites defender.

In the months leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft, many analysts thought there was a chance that the Carolina Panthers could draft a wide receiver in the first round for the third consecutive year. Heck, even Panthers general manager Dan Morgan admitted the team was set to select a pass-catcher first.

Ultimately, the Panthers did not select a receiver at No. 19, instead choosing Georgia offensive tackle Monroe Freeling. However, the Panthers returned to the receiver position with their third pick, taking Tennessee tight end Chris Brazell with the 83rd overall selection in the third round. Brazell is expected to get playing time as a rookie, leading to the departure of another recent top player in Carolina.

recently, athleticJoseph Persson suggested that Xavier Leggett could emerge as a “potential trade candidate” this fall.

The Panthers made Leggett the 32nd overall pick of the first round in the 2024 NFL Draft. He started 13 of his 16 appearances as a rookie, recording 49 receptions on 84 targets for 497 yards and four touchdowns. Unfortunately, he was not able to increase those numbers in Year 2. Leggett started 12 of his 15 appearances, recording 35 receptions on 64 targets for 363 yards and three touchdowns.

Now heading into the third season of a four-year contract that can extend to a fifth season with a team option, Leggett risks falling behind on the depth chart in Carolina. Tate McMillan is top dog. Last year’s undrafted signee Jalen Coker recorded more yards despite playing in four fewer games and seeing 21 fewer targets. Additionally, the Panthers have now added Brazell.

In other words, the Panthers are likely ready to deal Leggett, who is just 25 years old. He should be able to get a third-day draft pick, but are the Panthers willing to give him up for such a low return? If Leggett doesn’t show development in the team’s minicamp, he may very well be gone.

RELATED: 2026 NFL Power Rankings: Evaluating the worst, best teams after the NFL Draft

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Sunderland Manager Regis Le Bris is ‘absolutely not a candidate’ to replace Liam Rosenior at Chelsea.

Journalist Sacha Tavolieri reports The French coach is happy at Sunderland and neither have any desire to part ways at the moment.

chelsea manager search

Chelsea are looking for a new manager after sacking Liam Rosenior this week. The report has already named a long list of candidates, many of whom are already in the Premier League.

Regis Le Bris can be found in some, but Tavolieri says that’s not the target. He says that although the Sunderland manager is on Chelsea’s shortlist, he is ‘absolutely not a candidate’ for the job.

He then adds that Le Bris is currently happy at Sunderland. According to their information, the Black Cats want to retain him, and the French coach is keen for him to stay and continue his ongoing project.

This is in contrast to reports this week. He said Le Bris could lose his job this summer if Sunderland fail to secure European football. It has since been widely rejected, and Tavolieri continues that trend.

Sunderland in safe hands

It’s easy to imagine that Regis Le Bris would be on Chelsea’s list given the work he has done so far at Sunderland.

He took the Black Cats into the Championship and has since led them to promotion to the Premier League. they now sit 11^th Defeating the odds in the table this season.

Many had predicted a relegation battle but instead Le Bris and his side were never part of that conversation. The fact that they are just three points off seventh place is testament to how good they have been.

The French coach has offered consistency, noticeable improvement year after year and the kind of tactical understanding that will benefit his current Chelsea team. But it appears that, despite being on his shortlist, the Sunderland manager will not be moving to Stamford Bridge.

In fact, the New Jersey Devils are interviewing one of the hottest free agent general manager candidates.

On Thursday, a source confirmed to New Jersey Hockey Now that the Devils have received permission from the Florida Panthers to talk to Sunny Mehta about their open GM position.

Mehta is one of two assistant Panthers GMs who are attracting interest for several vacancies, including Brett Peterson.

At this point, there is no indication that the Devils have even asked to speak to Peterson.

Mehta is one of New Jersey Hockey Now’s “must interview” candidates after the Devils fired Tom Fitzgerald on Monday evening.

Mehta is one of Bill Zito’s right-hand men who helped the Panthers capture back-to-back Stanley Cups the past two seasons.

Mehta, a former Wyckoff, New Jersey resident, also has ties to the Devils as the former director of hockey analytics from 2014 to 2017.

The Devils would not be alone in interviewing Mehta. The Toronto Maple Leafs, who fired Brad Treliving on March 30, are also interviewing the Panthers’ assistant GM for their vacant position.

Due to his analytical approach, Mehta is one of the leading candidates for GM Markets. He was one of the major factors in the Panthers finding Gustav Forsling on the waiver wire, trading forward Spencer Knight for Seth Jones and trading out Matthew Tkachuk.

Mehta, a big Devils fan, revealed in 2021 that his love affair with hockey began in New Jersey.

“He just practiced in public,” Mehta told NHL.com five years ago. “This was in the mid-’80s. It was very, very different. Like there would be more people watching the Devils practice at the public skate than there would be. But I, a little 7-year-old kid, was mesmerized by it. I would just stand in front of the mirror and watch the Devils practice, day after day.”

It would be great to see that come full circle if he takes the GM seat as the next assistant GM and is ready to become a full-time general manager.

James is the fully certified New Jersey Devils beat reporter for New Jersey Hockey Now on SportsNote and … More about James Nicholls

The NHL has been successful with its new expansion teams over the past few years. In 2017, the Vegas Golden Knights debuted and won their first Stanley Cup in 2023. Meanwhile, the Seattle Kraken make their 2021 debut and continue to push for another playoff berth. In fact, another city has emerged as an unexpected candidate.

NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly said that Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry spoke to him regarding a potential team in New Orleans, as reported by Frank Serravalli on The Big Show with Rusik & Rose. Landry reportedly said there is a group of investors in New Orleans that are “really interested” in joining the league.

This is a shocking report, as New Orleans is not a very popular destination for hockey. Actually, there are no permanent hockey rinks in the metro area. There’s Baton Rouge Zydeco and Monroe Moccasins in Louisiana, but nothing based on the Big Easy.

If the NHL expands by 30 teams, they will likely add two more organizations instead of just one. So, who else could be a potential candidate for NHL expansion?

Potential NHL expansion destinations beyond New Orleans

The NHL is considering expansion, but they won’t rush the process. A group in New Orleans has expressed a desire to bring a professional hockey team; However, what other cities could join the mix? Two more southern cities in the United States are also mentioned.

Houston and Atlanta are two more destinations mentioned beyond New Orleans. Houston has never had an NHL team, but has hosted minor league and World Hockey Association teams. Most notably, hockey legend Gordie Howe was a member of the Houston Eros during the 1970s.

Atlanta fielded two NHL teams, but they never lasted. The Flames were in Atlanta from 1972 to 1980 before moving to Calgary. Then, the Thrashers came to the city from 1999 to 2011 before becoming the Winnipeg Jets. Both cities would be good options for the NHL regarding expansion.

As far as Canada goes, one stands out among the rest. Quebec is a destination that fans want for an NHL team. Quebec’s last NHL team was the Nordiques, who played in the league from 1979 to 1995 before moving to Denver to become the Colorado Avalanche. The city also had the Bulldogs during the 1919–20 NHL season.

All four of these options would be excellent for the NHL. 32 teams likely to arrive soon; However, don’t be shocked to see New Orleans in the mix to become an NHL organization.

READ MORE: Alex Ovechkin’s 2026 retirement plans – NHL Insider shares update

Austin Konensky is a sports writer at SportsNut, covering the NHL, MLB, NFL, NBA and college football. His work…More about Austin Konensky

The New Jersey Devils will have to go through the remainder of the 2025–26 season. However, I think it’s time to start thinking about who will be in charge behind the bench.

Given the way the Devils have disappointed so much this season, it is reasonable to think there will be a new head coach after this season. So, who can fit behind the bench. A fellow Devil’s Beat reporter chimed in on some of the ideas below.

Elsewhere, more trade talk in St. Louis, NHL GM meetings, and more.

Devil’s Trade Rumors and News

NJ.com: The Devils have a decision to make when their season ends in about a month. Will Sheldon Keefe return behind the bench, or will the Devils have a new bench boss? If it’s the latter, here’s who Ryan Nowozinski should be to lead Jack Hughes & Co.

📺 devil’s rink report: In case you missed it, via Devils Rink Report here are Nico Hischier and Jake Allen’s reactions to the high-skill play between Arseniy Gritsyuk and Lenny Haminaho — who connected for an incredible goal over the weekend.

Full episode here 👇🏼 Watch the full Devils Rink report here:

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athletic ($):NHL GM meetings begin today. The statuses of Radko Gudas and Auston Matthews will be on the agenda, but Pierre LeBrun says action is not expected.

More confirmed ($): Will there be more pressure to trade 26-year-old Robert Thomas this summer? What impact will this have on other young Blue forwards? Jeremy Rutherford dives.

colorado hockey now: NCAA free agent signings have begun, and the Colorado Avalanche have signed Gustav Stjernberg to a two-year, entry-level contract.

Forever Blueshirts: Chris Drury has been a hit or miss GM for the New York Rangers, however, here’s why Vladislav Gavrikov is one of the best.

James is the fully certified New Jersey Devils beat reporter for New Jersey Hockey Now on SportsNote and … More about James Nicholls

Javi Gracia could return to work immediately after leaving Watford, with Mallorca preparing a deal for him.

This is according to the football of Majorca. The Spanish outlet reports that Garcia has emerged as a ‘surprise candidate’ for the Mallorca job.

Mallorca are looking for their next manager after sacking Jagoba Arrasate on Monday. He is currently 18 years old^th in La Liga after Sunday’s 2-0 defeat to Celta Viga. This was their third consecutive defeat, leaving them one point short of a safe place.

The search is already underway but now ‘everything is pointing towards Garcia’. He is currently a free agent after resigning as Watford head coach on 1 February^{scheduled tribe}.

How Watford’s exit throws away Spanish opportunity

Gracia was at Vicarage Road for only four months after starting his second stint at the club. Reports indicate that amid frustration over the lack of activity in the January transfer window, he felt he no longer had the motivation for the job.

It is unclear whether this will be a factor if Mallorca make a move for him. But he has a relationship with his sporting director Pablo Ortales. The pair know each other well from their time at Villarreal.

This seems to be opening the door to a reunion in Mallorca. Futbol Desde Mallorca report that the 55-year-old is intent on leaving at the moment.

However, they say the move is not concrete and things are subject to change. The former Watford coach is currently the frontrunner.

Mallorca will be the seventh Spanish team

If Garcia makes the move, it would be the seventh Spanish team he has ever been in charge of.

He began his career at Villarreal, before moving to Pontevedra, Cadiz, Almería, Osasuna, Málaga and Valencia.

This has seen them enjoy varying levels of success, particularly in La Liga. It now seems that Mallorca have set their sights on him to keep them at the Spanish top flight.

After Watford, some Spanish island sun can be quite tempting.

LOS ANGELES – Former Boston Celtics legend and current Los Angeles Lakers guard Marcus Smart has a unique perspective. He is one of 42 players to wear the green and white And Purple and gold in his NBA career. He is one of the few players to play for and against Celtics head coach Joe Majulla.

That potential inside information didn’t help the Lakers when they hosted the Celtics on Sunday afternoon, as Boston left L.A. with an emphatic 111-89 win over its hated rival. However, this helped Smart come to a conclusion that others eventually began to understand as well: Mazzulla is one of the top minds in the association.

“Joe’s a great coach,” Smart said in the locker room before the second meeting of the season between the Celtics and Lakers. “And he’s been on the team, he’s watched these teams in the past, and he’s had a chance to take notes from there and make his adjustments. So, Joe is doing a really good job.”

Before Mazzulla was a head coach winning a ring and multiple 60-plus seasons, he was an assistant coach with the Celtics. And while he was largely unknown in the basketball world before Green became the team’s head coach in 2022, Smart isn’t surprised by what he’s been able to accomplish in Boston, especially this season when the Celtics were expected to struggle without star forward Jayson Tatum.

“I mean, for me personally, I’m not surprised,” Smart said. “They’ve got a lot of great players there. These guys have been playing together for a while… I definitely think they’re doing what I expected them to do, but it’s fun to watch.”

Smart’s comments came shortly after the Celtics continued their winning ways, completing a season sweep of the Lakers for the first time since the 2022–23 campaign (Smart’s final season with the C’s) and holding their historical foes to their worst offensive output of 2026.

After the 22-point win, the Celtics are 37–19 overall, an impressive 19–10 on the road, and in second place in the Eastern Conference. What they’ve been able to do with Tatum’s rehabilitation from a torn Achilles and several starters missing last season is quite impressive.

What JJ Redick had to say about Joe Mazzulla’s ‘phenomenal’ season

Even Lakers head coach JJ Redick said as much, pointing to Mazzulla’s role in the success.

“I think that’s what — there’s a handful of coaches that I think are doing tier-one jobs this year,” Redick said during his pregame press conference. “And whoever is in that group of coaches is really doing a phenomenal job.”

JJ Redick on the job that Joe Mazzulla has done with the Celtics this season:

“I think what is — I think there are some coaches who are doing a tier-one job this year. And Joe is in that group of coaches, he’s really doing a phenomenal job.” pic.twitter.com/1c66auE6A1

– Daniel Donabedian (@danield1214) 22 February 2026

While Smart and Redick, whom Mazzulla tried to hire in Boston several times, both share a relationship with the Celtics captain, their admiration is genuine and not tainted by a personal relationship. They’re just two basketball experts who have an understanding of why Mazzulla is a candidate for true Coach of the Year.

But, in Mazzulla’s mind, the Celtics haven’t accomplished much.

When asked how to summarize the Celtics’ 2025–26 season, he said after the game, “The story isn’t done yet.” “We’re just a result of what we do yesterday and what we do the next day…We haven’t done anything. All we’ve done is stick to the process of winning on both ends of the floor.”

Joe Mazzulla asked if he was angry, tired or pleased by the praise the Celtics received for their extreme accomplishments:

“Season’s 82 not 55… You can’t get stuck in what you’ve done in the past, whether it was good or bad.” pic.twitter.com/9lOWZNxzhg

– Daniel Donabedian (@danield1214) 22 February 2026

The next chapter in the Celtics’ unfinished story will feature Tuesday night’s showdown with the Phoenix Suns, who in some ways are Boston’s Western Conference counterpart, given their surprising 33-25 record.

As always, Mazzulla will use this matchup as an opportunity to improve regardless of the outcome.

“Don’t overreact to a good win or a bad loss and be better in the next game,” Mazzulla reiterated.

Newcastle United are set to sign Atalanta’s Odilon Koussounou in the summer. Africa Foot.

The Magpies will be looking to improve their defense next season and will want to keep the centre-back on their radar.

The Ivory Coast international joins the Serie A team from Bayer Leverkusen, initially on loan in August 2024 and then permanently a year later.

He has established himself in Italy, playing 24 matches in all competitions this season. The defender missed Atalanta matches between December and January due to AFCON.

Newcastle United keen on Kosounou

His performances for both La Dea and the national team may have caught the attention of the Premier League.

The report only names Newcastle United, who are ‘particularly interested’ in the 25-year-old to strengthen their defence.

Kosounou moved to Europe when Hammarby IF signed him from ASEC Mimosas in 2019. Later that year, the Swedish side sold him to Club Brugge, which allowed him to join Bayer Leverkusen in 2021.

He has already experienced the Bundesliga and Serie A and played in the Champions League and Europa League. The defender was also part of the Ivory Coast team that won the 2023 AFCON.

Atalanta player ideal target for Magpies

Considering his experience and profile, Africa Foot claim he is an ‘ideal candidate’ for the Tyneside club. The report further adds that Eddie Howe’s side see the Ivorian as a ‘strategic addition’ to add more quality to their defence.

Two months ago, Sports Witness Covered claims from Italy About Crystal Palace’s interest in Africa. The Eagles were looking to him as a replacement for Marc Guéhi for the winter market.

Guéhi left Selhurst Park for Manchester City, while Crystal Palace or any other club could not sign Kosounou. Atalanta, who paid €20m to buy him, have refused to let him leave at least until the end of this season.

He has a contract until 2029 and Transfermarkt currently values ​​him at €22m. Africa Foot state Kosounou is valued at €25m and Newcastle United could make a move in the next window.

If Newcastle United were to move, Atalanta could potentially request a higher fee.