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Tottenham Hotspur could end up turning to Barcelona defender Clement Lenglet as a ‘last resort’ this summer, Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge has claimed. 

The Lowdown: Conte’s centre-back search

According to a report from The Athletic, Antonio Conte’s side will be prioritising the signing of a left-sided centre-back this summer.

Reliable Lilywhites journalist Alasdair Gold has claimed that Fabio Paratici’s top two options are Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni and RB Leipzig’s Josko Gvardiol, although both players are proving to be difficult to secure right now.

This could mean that Tottenham are forced into exploring options further down Paratici’s list, with Conte viewing a left-sided centre-back as a necessity this summer.

The Latest: Bridge’s claim on Lenglet

Bridge has claimed that if Spurs end up becoming desperate towards the end of the transfer window, they could then look towards Barcelona’s Lenglet, who is said to have agreed to leave the La Liga giants ahead of next season.

Speaking with GiveMeSport on Sunday evening, the Sky Sports reporter claimed: “There’s talk about Bremer, the Torino defender, and then the one Barcelona have offered to every European club, Clement Lenglet. I think that could be a very last resort. Even a deadline day one maybe, if Tottenham really have not got anyone, but he’d be the last resort, I’d imagine.”

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The Verdict: Fallen stock

When Lenglet signed for the Catalan club in 2018, the Frenchman was highly regarded, having earned 15 caps for his national team, who are the reigning world champions.

However, in more recent times, the defender’s stock has fallen. In the 2021/22 season, the 27-year-old started only seven league matches and received an average WhoScored match rating of 6.30, ranking him a lowly 30th out of the entire Barcelona squad. Anyone who rated below him started two league games or fewer.

Therefore, if Conte is able to get the best out of Lenglet, then this could be a short-term option. However, as things stand, this transfer seems rather unlikely, and it’s not one that Spurs should feel too disappointed about missing out upon if that proves to be the case.

In other news: Media blown away by ‘massive’ transfer news

Aston Villa are now set to sign Rangers forward Rory Wilson, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Wilson links

Wilson, a 16-year-old striker, has been on Villa’s radar for some time now, with Steven Gerrard keen on beating Liverpool to the youngster’s services.

Regarded as one of the best young players in the United Kingdom, Wilson has already signed a boot deal with Adidas. The Scot netted a ridiculous 49 goals at youth level this season, and it looks as if he’ll be plying his trade in the Midlands next season.

The Latest: Romano’s post

Transfer expert Romano took to Twitter on Monday morning to provide a further update regarding Villa and Wilson.

He revealed that Villa are officially ‘set to sign’ the forward, who has ‘now agreed’ on personal terms. Gerrard has been the ‘main factor’ in Villa winning the race for his services, with a move to officially go through on July 1.

The Verdict: Good news

NSWE have already brought in four first-team additions this summer, so Wilson will now become the fifth but the first academy arrival.

Villa have been active over the last 12 months when it comes to adding to their academy talent, so bringing in Wilson is yet another exciting move.

The club have reaped the rewards of signing some gifted teenagers, with Tim Iroegbunam already a full-time member of Gerrard’s first-team squad less than a year after swapping West Brom’s academy for Villa.

Hopefully, Wilson will continue his fine goalscoring form at Bodymoor Heath, which could result in him being fast-tracked through to Gerrard’s plans over the coming years.

In other news: Villa now receive ‘official proposal’ for player with ‘unbelievable’ work rate. 

Manchester United are reportedly lining up a move for Juventus centre-back Matthijs de Ligt this summer, as Erik ten Hag looks to oversee a defensive overhaul at Old Trafford.

What’s the word?

According to reports in Italy (via Daily Star), United consider the Juventus man their main centre-back target this summer, with ten Hag unsurprisingly a big fan of the defender after their time working together at Ajax.

The report also claims that Juventus are unlikely to want to sell the Netherlands international and makes reference to his release clause, which currently stands at £106m, which could perhaps rule out any United move for him.

However, other reports have claimed that the 24-year-old wants any new contract with the Old Lady to include a more realistic release clause, while he has also spoken out about Juventus’ disappointing fourth-place finishes in the last two seasons.

Ten Hag’s dream signing?

De Ligt is well-known to ten Hag, having captained Ajax during their memorable run to the Champions League semi-final in 2019.

The centre-back would make 11 appearances in the competition, averaging a superb 7.17 rating from WhoScored for his performances, which emphasises his ability to play at the very top.

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With ten Hag also linked with reunions with Frenkie de Jong and Jurrien Timber, it seems clear that the new United boss will make use of his Ajax connections this summer as he looks to lead a revolution at United.

De Ligt earned high praise from former Juventus centre-back Andrea Barzagli last year, as he said:

“De Ligt is a modern defender who likes physical contact, has incredible potential and a strong professionalism. He has been under pressure since he was very young, yet he is always calm.”

Considering United’s defensive woes last season, which saw them concede more than Burnley, Brighton and Brentford in the top-flight, signing a top-class defender to partner Raphael Varane should be a top priority for ten Hag this summer.

At just 22-years-old, de Ligt would also be a great investment for the future, as he could easily be a key man at Old Trafford for the next decade, so if a deal can be done, then United should do everything they can to sign him.

The new manager would absolutely adore him.

And, in other news… MUFC now edging closer to “unreal” £67m signing, he’d be “absolute magic” for Ten Hag – opinion

Everton are in need of big changes to make a positive impact after a disastrous season in the Premier League, however a new update has emerged on the future of a key player that could cause a huge problem at Goodison Park.

What’s the latest?

Speaking to Brazilian news outlet Globo Esporte, Richarlison has given an update on his stance when it comes to his future at Everton and what he expects from the summer transfer window.

The Brazilian winger told the publication:

“I’ve already made it clear to the board, I’ve already talked to Lampard too, with my managers and they know what I want. Let’s wait for June.

“Now I can’t talk, because when I talk about leaving a club I’m kind of like this, because of the history I have at Everton, the affection that the fans have for me when I talk about leaving I’m kind of speechless.”

Supporters will be concerned

When it comes to the relegation fight Everton found themselves in this season, Richarlison has been one of, if not the most crucial player for the team in their successful survival in avoiding the drop into the Championship so supporters will rightly be concerned by these comments.

Not only was the forward the top goal-scorer for the Toffees this season, he scored six goals in his last nine appearances over the final ten games of the season when the battle was at its tightest, proving that he is such a key player for the team and would be a massive loss to the squad if he were to leave Goodison Park this summer.

The winger has become a fan favourite for his consistent output since he joined four years ago scoring 53 goals and contributing 14 assists, proving that he has been a reliable player for the supporters to get behind and his departure would likely be something the Goodison faithful would prefer not to happen.

Ultimately, if Richarlison is serious about leaving the club this summer Frank Lampard and Farhad Moshiri must come together to find a like for like replacement as losing the player’s attacking threat could be massively detrimental to Everton next season.

AND in other news: Everton plotting move to sign “world class” £97k-p/w gem, Lampard needs him badly

Leeds United are interested in a deal to bring Adama Traore to Elland Road in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by 90min, who claim that, with Victor Orta having already made an enquiry regarding a deal for the Wolverhampton Wanderers winger earlier this year, the Spanish sporting director is once again exploring a move for the 26-year-old this summer.

The report goes on to state that both Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United are also keeping a close eye on the situation of the Spain international ahead of a potential move of their own in the coming months, while Wolves are believed to be more than happy to sanction the forward’s sale this summer – with an offer of €20m (£17m) reported to be enough to get a deal done.

An “unreal” signing

While it is true that Traore can often leave a lot to be desired when it comes to his end product, the winger’s progression and retention of the ball would very much place him in the category of being an “unreal” – in the words of Nathan Judah – signing for Orta to get over the line this summer.

Despite FBref data ranking the £22.5m-rated talent in the bottom 8% of wingers and attacking midfielders in Europe’s big five leagues for non-penalty goals per 90, as well as the bottom 30% for npxG and the bottom 34% for shots over the past 12 months, it is Traore’s ability when carrying the ball that makes him such a unique option.

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Indeed, FBref data also ranks the £46k-per-week forward in the top 1% for dribbles completed per 90, in addition to the top 3% for progressive carries, the top 15% for touches in the opposition penalty area, the top 25% for shot-creating actions and the top 38% for progressive passes received over the last 365 days.

As such, with the strengths and weaknesses of the player who Judah dubbed “scary” and Cetin Cem Yilmaz labelled a “beast” being evident, should the 26-year-old be deployed in a system that gets the most out of his particular skill set, the Spaniard would undoubtedly be a huge weapon going forwards.

And, if he is available for a figure of just £17m this summer, coupled with Jesse Marsch believing that he can work the forward into his starting XI at Elland Road, a deal for Traore very much looks as if it has the potential to be one of the best signings of the summer transfer window.

AND in other news: Orta could land his next £47m asset as Leeds eye 21 y/o with a “huge amount of talent”

Leeds United are still keen on signing Hoffenheim star Florian Grillitsch, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Grillitsch links

Grillitsch, hailed as ‘extraordinary’ by Bayern Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann, was linked with a move to Elland Road last month.

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The Austria international is out of contract at the end of June and his agent has already held talks with a number of clubs in England, one of which is believed to have been Leeds and Victor Orta.

The Whites managed to avoid relegation on the final day and have already made the most of that by signing long-term target Brenden Aaronson, and it looks as if Grillitsch could be next.

The Latest: Leeds interest

Jones provided GiveMeSport with a Leeds transfer guide on Thursday evening, shortly after Aaronson penned a five-year deal in Yorkshire.

He told the site that Grillitsch is still a target and may join even if Kalvin Phillips remains at the club, acting as a partner for the England star rather than a replacement.

The Verdict: Perfect

Grillitsch is valued at £14.4m by Transfermarkt and is primarily a defensive midfielder who can also play as a box-to-box midfielder.

Jesse Marsch has a small senior squad, so if he wants to implement his 4-2-2-2 system next season, Grillitsch could be the perfect partner alongside Phillips at the base of the midfield.

The 26-year-old also has plenty of experience in the Bundesliga and would be able to provide another option at centre-back if required, making a potential free transfer a no brainer for Leeds chiefs.

In other news: ‘Wow…’ – Sky Sports man now reacts to big update on Kalvin Phillips’ Leeds United future.

Pundit Kevin Campbell believes Leeds United forward Patrick Bamford could make the bench against Brentford, Football Insider report.

The Lowdown: Out of Leeds’ hands

Jesse Marsch’s side are back in the bottom three heading into the final day after Burnley took a point from Aston Villa on Thursday, with survival out of their hands.

The Whites now need to better Burnley’s result on Sunday to have any chance of survival, so will be banking on a favour from Newcastle United.

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Phil Hay stated earlier in the week that Bamford could return from a foot problem, however, he did add that there is every chance he won’t make it. The 28-year-old has made just seven starts all season and hasn’t featured since March.

The Latest: Campbell reacts

Campbell, who contributes for Sky Sports, was talking to FI regarding Hay’s update on Bamford.

He described Sunday’s game as ‘huge’ and believes the Whites may have to ‘risk’ Bamford by including him on the bench.

“You have to take every risk you can at times.

“If they can get him on the bench you throw him on. That is what you do.

“It is needs must right now for Leeds. It is one game and a huge one at that. This is Premier League status.

“One goal can change the whole club’s trajectory and Bamford is their goalscorer.

“If Leeds stay in the Premier League they have dodged a serious bullet. We will have to watch this space.”

The Verdict: Needed

Marsch has included 16-year-old Archie Gray on the bench in the last three games, so it would make sense to have Bamford on the bench on Sunday, even if he isn’t fully fit.

It would more than likely give everyone a psychological boost knowing that the club’s top scorer last season with 17 goals is back and potentially ready to come on, should Marsch’s side need a goal.

Defeat would mean a return to the Championship and a possible exit for Bamford, who has been linked with Newcastle, so Leeds need to do everything they can and hope results go their way to avoid the drop.

In other news: Orta now eyeing transfer move for exciting winger even if Leeds are in the Championship. 

Sunderland face off against Wycombe at Wembley in the League One play-off final on Saturday with a place in next season’s Championship on offer to the winner.

Alex Neil is in with a shot of securing promotion to the second tier after joining the club midway through the campaign to replace Lee Johnson.

The club were unable to fight their way into the automatic places and Kristjaan Speakman may look back at the business done in the market ahead of the season and wonder what he could have done differently.

It was reported, last summer, that the Black Cats were one of the teams in the race to land Welsh centre-forward Sam Vokes from Stoke.

He ended up signing for the club’s rivals, Wycombe, and has enjoyed a phenomenal season for the Choirboys under Gareth Ainsworth.

Former Potters boss Nathan Jones previously dubbed him a “marquee” player and he has lived up to that tag in League One this season.

He has racked up 17 goals and seven assists in the third tier as he has averaged a sublime SofaScore rating of 7.25 across 45 appearances. The experienced forward has won a whopping 10.7 aerial battles per game as he has provided his team with a focal point at the top end of the pitch.

Vokes has consistently delivered in the final third with all-round performances and goal contributions to lead his team to the final of the play-offs. He is capable of finding the back of the net, assisting his teammates, and beating defenders in the air to hold the ball up or win flick-ons for his fellow attackers to run onto.

Ainsworth claimed that it is “ridiculous” that Wycombe have a player of Vokes’ talents and his aforementioned statistics prove that the word sums up his ability at this level. He has been terrific and Sunderland may now be wondering what a striker partnership consisting of him and Ross Stewart would look like.

Instead of him firing in the goals alongside the Scot, he may be scoring the goal that consigns the Black Cats to another season in the third tier on Saturday.

Vokes’ phenomenal form this season proves that Speakman had a howler by failing to snap him up last summer and a telling contribution at Wembley would represent kicking him whilst he is already down.

AND in other news, Speakman nightmare: SAFC had a disaster on “instrumental” 27 y/o who’s “outstanding”…

Tottenham Hotspur insider John Wenham has suggested that there is set to be more talk over the signing of West Brom goalkeeper Sam Johnstone over the coming weeks, before an offer is officially made.

The Lowdown: Johnstone wants to join Spurs

The 29-year-old’s current contract at the Hawthorns is set to expire at the end of the season, and Baggies manager Steve Bruce has admitted that it’s likely the club will allow him to leave when his deal ends, sparking interest from plenty of potential Premier League suitors, one of those being the Lilywhites.

Football Insider revealed just last month that the shot-stopper is claimed to have told friends that he wants to seal a switch to north London this summer, and with Spurs reportedly having no plans to convert Pierluigi Gollini’s loan deal into a permanent one, Wenham is expecting talks between the player and club to majorly increase ahead of the end of May.

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The Latest: Tottenham set to approach

When asked for an update on Johnstone’s transfer situation, Wenham told Football Insider: “Tottenham can’t officially approach him until 30 May.

“I think in the days before then and certainly the days after we will hear a lot more talk and have a much clearer picture of what is going on.

“We know Tottenham are very interested, he ticks a lot of boxes and it lines up with Gollini going back to Atalanta at the end of the season.

“I have always said I would rate the signing as he is a Premier League quality keeper coming in on a free.”

The Verdict: Competition for Lloris

The three-cap international has enjoyed a hugely successful spell with the Midlands outfit since arriving in a £6.5m move from Manchester United four years ago, where he’s made 167 club appearances and kept a total of 45 clean sheets during that time, as per Transfermarkt.

Last campaign, Johnstone, who has been hailed a “fantastic” player by Sky Sports pundit Kevin Phillips, picked up both the Albion’s Players’ Player of the Season and Supporters’ Player of the Season awards, showing just how much of a positive influence he can have on a team.

If Antonio Conte does manage to bring his 6 foot 2 transfer target to the capital in the coming months, he would be able to provide great competition for current Spurs number one Hugo Lloris and more than has the potential to take over the jersey from him once the time comes for the Tottenham captain to hang up his boots.

In other news… a Sky Sports pundit has told Spurs to completely forget about trying to sign one of their ‘unbelievable’ transfer targets.

Liverpool have been rocked with rumours that Sadio Mane will leave the club this summer after Sky Sports revealed that Bayern Munich were interested in signing the star forward and now an update from a reliable Merseyside source has been revealed.

What’s the latest?

Following the reports of a potential move for Anfield’s number 10, supporters have been keen to know if there were any truth in the rumours and Liverpool’s journalist for The Athletic, James Pearce, has given his input and an update on Mane’s future.

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Pearce responded to a question on the rumours in a Q&A last night via The Athletic saying:

“Been no approach from Bayern at this stage and I’m told the talks that took place in Mallorca between Salihamidzic and Mane’s agent last week were to discuss another Roof client, Gnabry.

“Liverpool will hold talks with Mane about a new contract after the end of the season.”

Supporters will be buzzing

Since the turn of the year, Mane has upped his game following a slow start to the season, and has not only been influential for Liverpool in their pursuit for multiple trophies in the second half of the season but has been breaking records along the way.

The Senegalese winger started his run of impressive form by leading his country to their first ever African Cup of Nations trophy, winning Player of the Tournament and further leading them to qualify for the World Cup in Qatar later this year.

Back in Merseyside, Mane brought the quality he showed in AFCON back with him, playing a key role in the Champions League progression for Liverpool by scoring against Benfica and finding the back of the net in both legs of the semi-final against Unai Emery’s Villareal. That has taken the team to their third Champions League final in five years.

His recent goals in the European competition helped the goal-machine break records with Mane becoming the highest scoring African player in the Champions League knock-out stages, and following his strike in the second leg of the semi-final, joined Frank Lampard as the joint highest scoring player for an English team in the knock-out stages of the competition.

In the Premier League since returning from the African competition, Mane has scored seven goals and bagged two assists, proving that he is an extremely valuable asset to Liverpool that they cannot afford to let go.

Supporters will be buzzing that the star could potentially extend his contract beyond June 2023 as he has become an important player and fan favourite for the Reds, and with the potential of a FA Cup and Champions League trophy on the horizon, the thought of Mane leaving is unimaginable given the position Liverpool are in.

AND in other news: FA Cup final blow: Liverpool rocked by “massive problem” that’ll leave Klopp gutted