Tottenham Hotspur talks to sign a ‘star’ target for manager Antonio Conte have been confirmed by reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Spurs moving…

The Lilywhites are seriously moving in this summer transfer market and show no sign of slowing down as the club are reliably thought to be eyeing even more signings.

Conte, according to reports, is said to want a new wing-back, midfielder and forward ahead of his first full Premier League season in charge at Hotspur Way.

It appears Spurs, after their Champions League qualification and £150 million equity increase courtesy of ENIC, are seriously displaying their full ambitions to appease their head coach.

According to Romano, the north Londoners have also held talks over signing a ‘star’.

The Latest: Romano makes Spurs transfer claim…

The journalist, writing in a column for Caught Offside, has shared the latest transfer developments – making a claim involving Tottenham and Brentford playmaker Christian Eriksen.

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He claims Spurs are one of four clubs, including Man United, Leicester and his current side, to hold ‘discussions’ with the Denmark international’s agent.

As Eriksen bides his time on where to go next, Romano says that all interested parties are still waiting for ‘feedback’ from the 30-year-old.

The Verdict: Nervous hours?

The former Spurs star would be a brilliant Bosman deal capture, especially considering he finished 2021/2022 as Brentford’s best-performer by average match rating and most effective final-third creator in terms of key passes per 90 (WhoScored).

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Called a ‘star’ by BBC journalist Dan Roan, members of the press aren’t Eriksen’s only fans, with Man City superstar Kevin de Bruyne even calling him ‘very underrated’ at one point (via Hotspur Related).

Eriksen’s glowing endorsements and fantastic statistics over the most recent campaign point towards a very shrewd potential signing for Spurs.

In other news: Tottenham enter ‘extraordinary’ defender talks as Sky Sports news emerges! Find out more here.

Aston Villa have enjoyed a strong start to the summer transfer window and may still move for further targets.

You can see already, if you look at paddy power promo code how they have gone from a struggling team odds wise, to a club that appear to be going back to where they used to habitually dwell, the top six.

One of those potential targets is Ibrahim Sangare, who is said to have a €35m (£30m) release clause in his contract and has previously said: “Playing in the Premier League is not only a dream of mine but a dream of every footballer. That is the biggest and most important league in the world.”

Meanwhile, new PSV Eindhoven manager Ruud Van Nistelrooy said last month (via Voetbal International): “I would prefer to know as soon as possible whether (my key players) are staying. The sooner the better, but we are dealing with the transfer deadline. I know from Sangare that he really wants to stay. (Staying at) PSV is absolutely no punishment for him.

“Of course, we also know how the market works. If clubs come with the right financial resources, it could be difficult to keep these players.”

The latter admission will boost Villa’s hopes of securing the signing of Sangare, and it will surely have Gerrard drooling over the prospect of a Sangare and Boubacar Kamara partnership in midfield.

In the 24-year-old PSV tank, we are talking about a hardworking and positionally smart midfielder who could stabilise Villa alongside Kamara, both in the possession-oriented and transitional phases of the game, but more so in the defensive third.

The Ivorian thrives as a ball-winner, achieving 2.8 interceptions per 90 minutes whilst averaging 2.2 successful tackles per game last season.

Meanwhile, Kamara is the ultimate string puller in the engine room, completing 73.04 passes per game at a percentage of 91%, with 5.99 of these passes into the final third, which indicates that the two could make for a hugely progressive duo.

Sangare – who has been hailed by Dutch analyst Aad de Mos as the “king” of PSV’s midfield – can sit back and offer defensive stability, whilst Kamara can dictate possession and stabilise Aston Villa in possession.

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It really would be a dream duo for Gerrard, who needs to get this transfer over the line pronto.

Photo by Unsplash

In other news – “I could see…”: Journalist drops teasing Villa transfer claim that’ll delight Gerrard 

Sheffield Wednesday have been dealt a setback in their pursuit of Hull City forward Mallik Wilks after being warned that they will need to increase their bid if they want a chance at signing him.

The Lowdown: Wilks keen on Owls move

The 23-year-old still has 12 months remaining on his current contract at the MKM Stadium, but has reportedly been told that he is free to leave the club this window.

A move to League One is very much a possibility after it was reported last week that the Tigers had agreed an initial deal with the Owls, with the winger believed to be keen on making the switch to Hillsborough.

Following a fresh update though, it now looks like Darren Moore’s side will need to improve their offer in further negotiations if they want to get a deal done.

The Latest: Kesler’s warning

Speaking to BBC Humberside (as quoted by The Star), Hull’s vice-chairman Tan Kesler provided an update on Wilks’ transfer situation, revealing ‘negotiations’ need to continue as there is no agreement yet.

“They have a genuine interest.

“Mallik has had good days with us, he is out there training properly and is competing and always has a jersey here.

“But with all respect to Sheffield Wednesday, the offer is not enough. The offer for Mallik needs to be higher. If they are seeing him at that sort of price level, I think he better stay here.

“The negotiations are open. You cannot close the door to any player. You need to understand where the players stand in the market anyway, even if you don’t do the deals or conclude the deals.

“That’s the only way you can get the real value of your players.

“So as not to confuse anyone, with Mallik, the offer is not enough. If the offer is improved, we will consider for any of our players.”

The Verdict: A fantastic addition

Ever since Shota Arveladze was appointed manager of Hull in January, Wilks has majorly fallen out of favour, only playing six minutes in just one appearance since the start of the New Year, but he still has bags of potential to give.

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Throughout the 2020/21 campaign, the attacker netted an outstanding 19 goals and provided eight assists in 44 third-tier appearances(Transfermarkt), highlighting his prowess in the final third.

If the Leeds-born talent were to reach an agreement with Wednesday, he would become Darren Moore’s sixth signing of the summer in what is expected to be a very busy few weeks ahead before the start of the new season.

Rangers are eyeing a move for 17-year-old Dylan Reid as Giovanni van Bronckhorst looks to bring more talent to Ibrox.

What’s the news?

That’s according to the Daily Record, who report that Rangers are ready to make a six-figure move for the St Mirren starlet as the Ibrox side continues to source the brightest talent in the country to add to their squad.

The Gers face competition from Benfica and Premier League side Crystal Palace for the youngster’s signature, however.

The report states that the Paisley outfit are only likely to sell if a significant deal is made with a host of add-ons built into the deal.

He can be Jack 2.0

Rangers have come to life recently in this summer’s transfer market following a slow start which began to frustrate the supporters. 16-year-old Zak Lovelace has agreed to join the Ibrox club before a move for Croatian striker Antonio Colak was sealed.

Van Bronckhorst looks set to continue his business by securing a move for Reid, and he could well see the player as a younger version of Ryan Jack.

Reid made history in March 2021 by becoming St Mirren’s youngest ever debutant, ironically against Rangers, in a 3-0 defeat, and having spent time on loan at Queens Park during the latter stages of last season, could be signed by the Gers to bolster their B team squad.

Despite playing slightly deeper than Jack, operating mainly in a defensive midfield position, the players share similar traits. The Dutchman might see a potential heir to the Scotland midfielder in the youngster. The 17-year-old ability to protect the defence and win the ball back effectively is comparable to Jack and he could get even better learning under the Scotland international.

Craig Mulholland, the head of the Rangers academy, watched Reid as St Mirren lost to Northampton Town on Wednesday and it appears the Ibrox side are ready to make an official approach to St Mirren.

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He might not be ready to be thrown straight into the Rangers’ first team, but Reid looks like an exciting talent that could make the club a fortune in a few years’ time.

AND in other news, David Ornstein drops big transfer update that’ll have Rangers supporters gutted

An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their interest in Arnaud Kalimuendo in the summer transfer window… 

What’s the talk?

Journalist Ben Jacobs has revealed that Eddie Howe and Dan Ashworth are plotting a swoop for the attacker as the club have made contact over a potential deal for him.

He Tweeted: “Told Leeds, Newcastle, Ajax and Atalanta have all made enquiries to PSG about Arnaud Kalimuendo. Jesse Marsch wants a striker but that won’t be Charles De Ketelaere, who is getting nearer to a Milan move.”

The reporter added: “Kalimuendo would be a bargain at around £20 million. PSG open to a sale despite impressive loan with Lens. He’s technically gifted and always seems to find space. Fits Newcastle strategy, as per failed Hugo Ekitike bid, of trying to find a young talent to support Callum Wilson.”

Imagine him & Bruno Guimaraes

Howe can form an exciting duo through the middle of the park by signing Kalimuendo to partner him with their January signing from Lyon.

Journalist Jacque Talbot has described the PSG man as “disgustingly good” and his statistics show that he has been excellent in the last two seasons on loan at RC Lens.

In two Ligue 1 campaigns for the club, the 20-year-old racked up 19 goals and three assists in 41 starts. This means that he has averaged almost a goal every other game in his career at the top level in France so far, despite not turning 21 until next year.

He has proven that he can score goals on a consistent basis at such a young age and this suggests that he has immense potential. Imagine what he could be capable of with two or three more years of experience under his belt if he is already a lethal goalscorer at 20.

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In Guimaraes, Newcastle have another attacking talent who can link-up with Kalimuendo in the Premier League next term. The Brazil international scored five goals and created three ‘big chances’ for his teammates in 11 starts for the Magpies in 2021/22 and has shown that he has the quality to make a big impact at the top end of the pitch.

Now, imagine Bruno and the French U21 international bursting forward in attack next season to score and create goals for Howe’s team. It is an exciting prospect and one that can become a reality if the club secure a deal with PSG before the end of the window.

AND in other news, PIF could land their own Aguero as NUFC eye deal to sign “exceptional” £13m phenomenon…

Leeds United have in the last 24 hours been credited with an interest in Burnley left-back Maxwel Cornet.

The Lowdown: Wondergoal at Elland Road

Cornet made the move to Burnley last summer and enjoyed a productive first season in the Premier League on a personal level.

The 25-year-old netted nine Premier League goals in 26 appearances, one of which was an unstoppable free-kick at Elland Road in a 3-1 defeat for the Clarets.

The Ivory Coast international, who can play pretty much anywhere down the left flank, now appears to be a man in demand following Burnley’s relegation, and it looks as if a move to Yorkshire could be a possibility.

The Latest: Leeds links

According to Wednesday’s edition of The Journal, relayed by MOT Leeds News, the Whites, along with Chelsea, Newcastle and Tottenham, are all interested in signing Cornet.

They say that the versatile wing-back, who can also play on the wing or even up front, has a £17.5m release clause in his current Burnley contract and could leave Turf Moor this summer.

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The Verdict: Interesting…

Jesse Marsch recently confirmed that Junior Firpo will be out for up to eight weeks through injury, which will leave Leeds short at left-back.

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Therefore, bringing in the ‘electric’ (Andy Jones, The Athletic) Cornet could be a wise move as he could initially cover for Firpo at left-back while also providing another attacking option when the Spaniard is back.

He impressed in a struggling Burnley side last season, showing he has the quality to compete in the Premier League, so a £17.5m swoop could be an extremely shrewd move.

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

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

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.

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.