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An update has emerged on Newcastle United gem Miguel Almiron and his future beyond the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

Journalist Dean Jones has claimed that the Paraguay international may be on his way out of Tyneside before the deadline.

When asked about Everton potentially swooping for the winger, he told GIVEMESPORT: “There is some interest here and Almiron looks certain to be leaving Newcastle.

“Everton need options and he’s one that they’ve got on their radar just in case it can happen.”

A big mistake?

Letting the diminutive playmaker depart this summer could be a mistake by the Toon hierarchy as Almiron has enjoyed an impressive start to the 2022/23 campaign.

He has started all four of the club’s Premier League matches and averaged a SofaScore rating of 6.97 – scoring one goal and creating three chances in that time. The Paraguayan ranks ninth in the squad in terms of average ratings, sitting above the likes of Sven Botman, Calum Wilson, and Joe Willock.

This shows that he is currently an important member of the team as the manager is selecting him week-in-week-out so far this term.

Whilst the attacker still has a long way to go before he can say that he is proven in the final third, with two goals and zero assists since the start of 2021/22, Almiron offers a lot of value to the team in his work off the ball.

Howe wants his team to press high and aggressively and this is where the former MLS man earns his corn. He ranks in the 87th percentile among players in his position in Europe’s top five leagues over the last 365 days for pressures per 90 with 20.92.

The £74k-per-week gem also ranks in the 99th percentile for tackles per 90 with 2.73 and the 83rd percentile for interceptions with 1.36. This shows that his pressing leads to him making defensive actions, which can then either break up opposition attacks or create counter-attacking chances for his own team.

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These statistics illustrate how important he is to the way that Howe wants his Newcastle side to play out of possession, especially when you factor in the current back-up to his position.

Ryan Fraser is the second choice on the right and ranks in the 7th, 12th, and 52nd percentiles for pressures, tackles, and interceptions respectively. The Scotland international has not been able to put in the work that Almiron has off the ball and, therefore, would be a downgrade on the 28-year-old.

Howe should now be frustrated by the prospect of the former Atlanta man moving on in the coming days and will be hoping that he remains on Tyneside. It could well be a late blunder this summer to let him depart.

Manchester United are edging closer to the signing of Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro, and his arrival at Old Trafford could allow Erik ten Hag to finally get rid of Scott McTominay.

What’s the word?

After links emerged earlier in the week, talks between United and Real Madrid have accelerated, and it now seems likely that the 30-year-old will join Ten Hag’s side this summer in a deal potentially rising to €70m (£59.4m).

Fabrizio Romano tweeted on Friday morning: “Manchester United are working to get Casemiro deal approved in the next hours – medical expected within 48 hours, once Real Madrid will approve the proposal. Four-year deal for Casemiro, option for further season also confirmed. €60m & €10m add-ons bid on the table.”

Will Casemiro be a good signing?

Casemiro has been a mainstay in Real Madrid’s side since signing for Los Blancos from Sao Paulo in 2013. He has gone on to make more than 330 appearances for the club and has won an impressive five Champions League titles, so it is clear that he is a serial winner.

The “world class” midfielder – as described by journalist Josh Bunting – was in excellent form for Carlo Ancelotti’s side last season as they won La Liga, making 32 appearances as he averaged a superb 7.26 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

That was the third-highest rating of anyone to feature more than three times in that triumphant league campaign.

The Brazil international vastly outperformed McTominay, who averaged a 6.89 rating in the Premier League. The Scotland international also averaged fewer tackles (2.5 vs 0.8), shots (1.3 vs 0.9) and clearances (1.8 vs 0.8) per game than Casemiro last season, which suggests that the Real Madrid man is a much better defensive midfielder than the 26-year-old.

McTominay’s shocking performances in the opening two fixtures of the current campaign – which have seen him average a paltry 6.44 WhoScored rating – emphasise that he is not good enough to be a regular in Ten Hag’s midfield.

Paul Scholes was highly critical of the midfielder’s performance in the 2-1 defeat against Brighton, saying: “McTominay was always trying to run with the ball, ridiculous. The quality in the middle of the pitch was really poor.

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‘I was happy he didn’t get sent off [for a high challenge] but I think he was slightly lucky. Again he’s running with the ball, absolutely ridiculous.”

The 25-year-old, who reportedly earns £60k per week at Old Trafford, could well find his game-time limited by the impending arrival of Casemiro; and if the Brazilian’s deal goes through in time for him to feature against Liverpool on Monday, the shambolic performance at Brentford – which included one particularly woeful pass – could be the last we see of McTominay in a United shirt.

Tottenham Hotspur star Ivan Perisic has been the subject of praise by members of the media after a brilliant individual display against Wolves this afternoon.

The Lowdown: Lilywhites seal win…

The Lilywhites sealed a 1-0 victory against Bruno Lage’s side in north London but were made to work for the opening after a tricky first half.

Tottenham struggled to take control over the first 45 minutes with Wolves even threatening to take a shock lead through a deft header from their new signing Matheus Nunes.

However, after digging deep, Antonio Conte’s side managed to take the encounter by the scruff of its neck and started to dictate play in the second half – eventually making more chances than the Premier League visitors and dominating play.

They were rewarded for their efforts when Harry Kane buried the game’s opening and only goal mid-way through the second period, thanks to an assist from Perisic.

The Latest: Journalists blown away by Perisic display…

The Croatia international, after his influential showing at wing-back, has been praised by various members of the media.

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They stated:

“This game by Perisic is the best performance by a wingback under Conte at #Spurs. Game changer.” – John Hayes, The Athletic.

“Ivan Perišić with the assist for Tottenham Hotspur this afternoon, two assists in two games for him,just holding his position just in line with the front three. He’s a beautiful footballer, really intelligent and precise in everything that he does. Won everything that he’s faced.” – Josh Bunting, Islington Gazette.

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“What a footballer Ivan Perisič is” – Jamie Weir, Sky Sports.

The Verdict: Great outing…

Having supplied Kane for the winner, Perisic also finished the match as Tottenham’s joint-best performer on the day with a 7.5/10.

The 33-year-old also created three chances, won the most duels and challenged most successfully over the 90 minutes (via Squawka), and if he continues performing like this, there is no doubt Perisic will endear himself to the Spurs faithful permanently.

It has already proven a busy summer for Scottish champions Celtic with seven major deals having been wrapped up thus far, although the indication is that more incomings could be on their way, with manager Ange Postecoglou having even hinted as much at the weekend.

One name that has emerged as a surprise target of late is Marseille starlet Bamba Dieng, with the Parkhead outfit believed to be one of a number of clubs who are keen on signing the 22-year-old in the coming weeks.

The Senegal international is courting a great deal of attention due to his uncertain future at the Stade Velodrome, having been given the cold shoulder by new boss Igor Tudor despite enjoying a breakthrough season last term.

The suggestion is that the 5 foot 10 menace could be available for a fee of around £15m with a departure seemingly inevitable, ensuring that the Hoops would have to potentially pull off a club record deal to secure his signature.

That sizeable asking price may appear hefty for a player who has made just 42 senior appearances for his current side thus far, although on the basis of his recent form it would surely prove a worthwhile investment.

Last season saw the “serious talent” – as described by journalist Graeme Bailey – score eight goals and provide three assists in all competitions for the Ligue 1 outfit, proving himself a real livewire under former boss Jorge Sampaoli.

Capable of featuring anywhere across the front line, the youngster’s versatility would no doubt suit the often fluid attacking approach that Postecoglou favours, with the 56-year-old also likely to be demanding even further attacking depth with the start of their Champions League voyage to come in the near future.

The hope will be that the “explosive” asset – as dubbed by Sampaoli – can replicate the success of another striker who arrived in Glasgow from France in Odsonne Edouard, with the current Crystal Palace marksman having thrived in Scottish football.

After joining the Hoops – initially on loan – in 2017 from Paris Saint-Germain, the 24-year-old went on to score a remarkable haul of 86 goals and provide a further 39 assists in 179 games in all competitions, winning a plethora of major honours in that time.

Much like Dieng, the Frenchman had limited senior experience prior to his move to Scotland, having scored just once in 17 games while on loan at Toulouse, after failing to ever make a first-team outing at the Parc des Princes.

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That lack of experience mattered little, however, as he became a key figure for the club over the next four years, before joining the Eagles on a £14m deal last summer – with Celtic making a profit on their £9m investment.

Although Postecoglou won’t be thinking about losing Dieng before he’s even signed, there will be a consideration as to how they could potentially recoup a greater fee later down the line, while hoping to reap the benefits of his impressive displays in the short-term.

As the club saw with the case of Edouard, the French market can be particularly fruitful.

Manchester United are eyeing up a move for Red Bull Salzburg striker Benjamin Sesko this summer, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Dire start to the season

Erik ten Hag had a disastrous start to his reign as United manager on Sunday afternoon, as his side lost 2-1 at home to Brighton in their Premier League opener.

The Red Devils never really got going at Old Trafford and there was a lack of firepower on show, as the likes of Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford had quiet days at the office, managing just three shots between them (and none on target).

A new striker appears to be needed before the end of the current transfer window, and Romano has shed some light on one man that the Red Devils hope to bring to Old Trafford before the month is out.

The Latest: Sesko a potential target

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Romano claimed that Sesko is a possible target in the coming weeks, having been strongly linked with a move to United recently.

The Italian stated:

“He’s one of the targets, one of the names they have on the list. He’s a player really appreciated by Manchester United, they had conversations with these agents.”

The Verdict: Long-term acquisition?

Sesko looks like a hugely exciting prospect, scoring the only goal against United’s rivals Liverpool in a pre-season win for Salzburg, along with registering 20 goal contributions (12 goals, eight assists) in 39 competitive appearances for the Austrian champions overall.

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At just 19, the Slovenian would represent a long-term signing by United if they get him, someone who can come in and be an important figure straight away while growing into an even more formidable player as the years advance.

Ten Hag needs to bring in youth rather than depending on someone like 37-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo, with past managers in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era buying ageing or expensive quick fixes too often who haven’t worked out.

It seems that Wolverhampton Wanderers are finally closing in on finding a striker solution… 

What’s the word?

That’s according to Italian publication Gianluca DiMarzio, who claim that the agent of Roma striker Eldor Shomurudov is touting the forward’s service.

With Wolves desperate for someone to fill the absence of the injured Raul Jimenez, Scott Sellars will reportedly battle it out with Bologna for the Uzbekistan international.

He has struggled for starts under Jose Mourinho and could get his career back on track under Bruno Lage.

He can be a Jimenez repeat

Wolves will be hoping that Shomurudov can certainly fill the boots of their talismanic Mexican, due to his recent long-term injury which will see him miss the start of the Premier League season.

This could be another deal that could see the Midlands club bring in a relatively unproven striker and turn them into Premier League quality.

Having already done the same by signing Jimenez from Benfica after a successful loan spell, Lage will be hoping he can come up with his own version of this success story.

In 28 appearances last season, with the most in the league coming from the bench, the 56-cap forward managed seven goal contributions for Jose Mourinho’s side.

He would not only deputise for Jimenez but would definitely add a new dimension to Lage’s side. Shomurudov ranked in the top 1% for touches in the attacking penalty area, suggesting that he could be more of a poacher than someone who links play like they are used to.

This could benefit them greatly, as the service the likes of Pedro Neto and Daniel Podence could provide for the close-range finisher often would not require neat link-up play from the striker to slip them through.

The creativity in midfield would likely see them through in creating the space for these tricky wingers to feed the forward.

Also, at 27 years old, the €37k-per-week (£31k) earner enters the prime of his career. He could start to hit his stride at the perfect moment for Wolves during their attacking crisis, and prove to be a smart signing who can challenge Jimenez upon his return to fitness.

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He has been cited as being in “great shape”, further outlining him as a viable target for Lage.

There is no reason why Shomurudov cannot come and light Molineux up just as Jimenez did before him, and it would mark a handing over of the torch from one striker to another if the Roma forward could perform in his absence.

AND, in other news: “He will..”: Romano drops big transfer claim that should have Wolves supporters gutted.

Everton have reportedly ‘approached’ Memphis Depay over a potential move to Goodison Park.

The Lowdown: Financial problems

It is no secret that Barcelona have massive financial problems, as they face a race against time to be able to register all of their new signings before the start of the new La Liga season.

They have signed the likes of Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, Jules Kounde, Andreas Christensen and Franck Kessie, but may have to sell other players before they can even add the new arrivals to the squad.

The Latest: Depay approach from Everton

As per Sport (via Sport Witness), Everton have ‘approached’ Depay over a possible move, as his exit is one of the ‘priorities’ for Barcelona.

However, both Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea have done the same, while Juventus have made an offer for the Netherlands international.

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The Verdict: Sign him

Everton supporters will likely remember Depay’s failed spell at Manchester United, where he managed just seven goals in a two-year stint at Old Trafford.

However, as United journalist Samuel Luckhurst has put it, he is a ‘different beast’ now to the one who played for the Red Devils from 2015 to 2017.

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Indeed, since leaving Manchester, the 28-year-old has managed 73 goals for Lyon, 13 for Barcelona and 21 for the Netherlands (WhoScored).

Hailed as a ‘defender’s nightmare’ by journalist Josh Bunting, Depay’s playing style is similar to that of former Goodison Park favourite Gerard Deulofeu, and so this is a deal that should excite Evertonians.

Nottingham Forest are in ‘talks’ to sign Watford forward Emmanuel Dennis this summer, according to The Athletic’s Adam Leventhal.

The Lowdown: Dennis’ departure expected

According to The Athletic, Watford are willing to sell the 24-year-old this window, which has been their stance since their relegation from the Premier League was confirmed.

The Nigeria international expects to leave this summer and the club seem to be in agreement that this will be the case.

The Hornets striker is available for a fee in the region of £20m, guaranteeing the club a considerable profit on the player, given they paid £3m for his services just last summer.

The Latest: Leventhal’s news

Leventhal has shared the latest news surrounding Dennis’ heavy transfer interest. Taking to Twitter, the reliable journalist claimed West Ham, Fulham, Everton and Forest are all in “talks” over a move and both Watford and the player are “optimistic deal will still be struck before end of window”.

The Verdict: Great signing for Forest

When analysing the Nigerian’s underlying stats, it is easy to see why Steve Cooper’s side are keen on bringing the striker to the City Ground this summer.

As per FBRef, compared with positional peers across Europe over the past year, Dennis ranks in the 95th percentile for aerials won, in the 89th percentile for dribbles completed and in the 81st percentile for non-penalty goals.

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Having scored 46 goals throughout his senior career, the forward continued to impress after arriving in the Premier League, for which he was hailed “a superb signing for Watford” by members of the media.

And he could be an equally great signing for Forest, given that he is a proven source of end product in the English top-flight.

Liverpool have been linked with a move for Matheus Nunes this summer, and a new update has emerged claiming that the Reds are ramping up their interest in the player.

What’s the latest?

According to Portuguese newspaper Correio da Manhã (via Sport Witness), Liverpool owners FSG have made the Sporting Lisbon star a priority transfer target this summer.

As per the report, Jurgen Klopp has identified new needs in the team following pre-season, and the Premier League club will advance in their interest for the midfielder, who comes with a reported fee of €45m (£38.2m), plus €5m (£4.2m) in bonuses.

Imagine him & Fabinho

Despite making three signings already this summer, it is clear that Jurgen Klopp and the powers at Anfield are looking for ways to improve their midfield and add depth to the centre of the pitch, something that Nunes could comfortably supply.

With Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, James Milner and Naby Keita currently in the last year of their contracts, it would make sense for FSG to start identifying the new crop of midfielders that Liverpool could deploy in the heart of their team for the future.

Nunes, who was dubbed “unbelievable” by former team-mate Goncalo Santos, has been predominantly impressing in the central midfield role for Sporting Lisbon, and last season showed that he is a standout performer and a strong midfield talent.

Over 33 appearances in 2021/22, the 23-year-old scored three goals, delivered two assists and created six big chances. He made 1.3 tackles per game and tallied a 92% pass accuracy in his own half, winning the majority of his duels (55%) and completing the majority of his dribbles (70%).

The Portuguese midfielder offers reliability and consistency in his game, with solid attributes in both attacking and defensive play. That would be ideal at Anfield, where the midfield has often been ravaged with injuries over the last few seasons.

Klopp could even establish a formidable partnership in the centre of the pitch between Nunes and Fabinho if Liverpool can seal a deal for the Portuguese gem this summer, as the pair’s combined talents could be an absolute nightmare for opponents trying to break down the Reds.

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While the 23-year-old can add a sprinkle of attacking stardust from the middle third, the Brazilian excels in a ball-winning role, his averages of 1.6 tackles and 1.4 interceptions per game last season placing him in the top four in Liverpool’s squad for both metrics.

The signing of Nunes would offer Klopp more availability in the central midfield role, and adding that extra player into the midfield depth could pay off massively when chasing trophies over the next 12 months.

AND in other news: Klopp can land his next Mane with Liverpool bid for “high-level” £34m dynamo

Celtic are believed to be pursuing a move for Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Edouard Michut, with the youngster seemingly set for a departure from the Parc des Princes this summer.

What’s the word?

According to journalist Nicolo Schira, the Parkhead outfit are said to be “working” on a deal for the 19-year-old, with the asking price potentially set to be around €6m (£5m).

Writing on Twitter about the Old Firm giants’ interest in the teenager, the transfer insider stated: “Celtic are working to try to sign PSG’s young talent Edouard Michut. Paris want €5-6M (£4.3-£5m) and a % on the future sale.”

This follows a report from Fabrizio Romano earlier this week that claimed the Hoops were interested, while also revealing that the player’s current side are open to letting him leave this summer.

Marco Verratti 2.0

The young Frenchman may be an unknown quantity to most – having made just eight senior appearances for the Ligue 1 side thus far – although the belief is that he could well be set for big things in the coming years, having caught the eye in the Parisien outfit’s youth ranks.

Dubbed “highly technical” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the promising playmaker will add further creative flair to Ange Postecoglou’s midfield ranks, with the club in need of additional depth following the departures of Tom Rogic and Nir Bitton.

Although it may take time for Michut to settle to life in Scottish football, supporters can begin to get excited at just what a highly-rated talent they could have on their hands in the long-term, with the £2.7m-rated gem having even drawn comparisons to current PSG teammate, Marco Verratti.

That is some praise indeed considering the talent of the 29-year-old Italy international, with Verratti having previously been described as “one of the best midfielders in the world” by German legend Bastian Schweinsteiger.

The former Pescara man – who joined his current side in 2012 – has been performing at the elite level for a number of years now, having notably played a key role in the European Championship success for his country last summer.

A master in possession and the man to keep things ticking, the diminutive maestro compares favourably to those in his position across Europe’s top five leagues, ranking highly in a string of attacking metrics, including in the top 1% for progressive carries and the top 2% for progressive passes and dribbles completed.

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Managing to match the serial-winning gem will no doubt pose a real challenge for young Michut, although the belief is that he has the quality to do so, with Verratti himself having previously lavished his teenage colleague with praise, dubbing the France U19 international as “decisive” earlier this year.

It looks as if  Postecoglou could potentially have his own world-class midfielder in his ranks if the starlet is to sign this summer.

AND in other news: Ange could form “special” duo with Celtic bid for £2.1k-p/w target, imagine him & CCV