Tottenham: Agreement ‘in the works’ for Djed Spence

Tottenham Hotspur are allegedly working on their fourth signing of the summer after Yves Bissouma as news emerges on Middlesbrough defender Djed Spence.

The Lowdown: Conte keeps pushing…

Spurs head coach Antonio Conte is showing no sign of slowing down after completing a move for Bissouma, who has now arrived in north London in a £25m deal from Premier League side Brighton.

Indeed, he joins the likes of Ivan Perisic and Fraser Foster who both joined the north London club on free transfers prior to the Mali international’s arrival.

Club chief Fabio Paratici and Conte are now prioritising a central defensive upgrade, a new striker and a right wing-back option, with 90min now sharing news on the latter position.

The Latest: Spence ‘deal’ currently ‘in the works’…

As per their information, a ‘deal’ to sign Spence from Middlesbrough is currently ‘in the works’ as Spurs eye their potential fourth agreement of this transfer window.

How far they are down the line in terms of concluding a move isn’t explained, but is believed that they are attempting to sign the Championship starlet behind the scenes.

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The Verdict: Make the move…

Homegrown and seriously impressing on loan at Nottingham Forest during their promotion push last season, we believe that Spence would come as a very astute signing for Spurs.

Tottenham’s need to balance their homegrown quota has been well-documented, and the 21-year-old’s arrival would go some way to helping in that regard.

Finishing last season as one of Steve Cooper’s standout performers at the City Ground, posting the squad’s sixth-highest WhoScored rating, Spence has also been called the ‘perfect player for Conte’ by journalists such as talkSPORT’s Alex Crook, so there are numerous reasons to be cheerful if the youngster is wearing a Tottenham shirt on the opening day of the new season.

Man City must land Rafael Leao transfer

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has coached many players throughout his illustrious managerial career.

The one name that has made more appearances than any other figure to have played under Guardiola is Raheem Sterling.

With 292 appearances under the Spaniard, the winger has scored 120 goals and delivered 85 assists in addition to winning numerous domestic titles with the Citizens.

However, it seems as though the Englishman’s journey at the Etihad Stadium could be coming to an end soon as reports have suggested that Sterling would be open to leaving the club.

Should the 27-year-old find himself waving goodbye to the club this summer, this could force City and Guardiola into having to sign a suitable replacement or heir for him.

One player that the Manchester club have been linked with recently that could fit this bill is AC Milan winger Rafael Leao.

In 115 appearances for the Serie A club, the 23-year-old has scored 27 goals and delivered 21 assists across all competitions.

His latest campaign, which ended with Milan lifting the Serie A title, saw the Portugal international find the net 11 times and supply ten assists in 34 league appearances.

This shows just how capable the player is at scoring and creating goals, in a similar way to Sterling, who has 131 strikes and 95 assists to his name during his time as a City player.

To compare the two players from their latest domestic campaigns, Leao made more successful dribbles, crosses and interceptions than the City star, showing how impressive he is with and without the ball.

Labelled as a “pure talent” by Nuno Gomes, Leao reportedly has a price tag of €100m (£86m), which could be worth paying due to his young age and the fact that he has proven how much of a deadly attacking player he can be for one of Europe’s top clubs.

The youngster was also praised for an “extraordinary” goal he scored for Milan with just six seconds on the clock back in December 2020 by journalist Alex Goncalves.

If City do cash in on Sterling this summer, whatever money they potentially get for the England international should then be used on launching a move to sign Leao.

In other news: Pep can land his own Thiago Silva as Man City plot bid for “incredible” £54m “monster”

Fabrizio Romano: Jesus a priority for Arsenal

Arsenal are in the market to bring a striker to the Emirates Stadium this summer and a fresh development in their pursuit has now emerged.

What’s the word?

A big update on Arsenal’s transfer movements this summer was issued by Fabrizio Romano on his YouTube channel this afternoon where he dropped the latest on the club’s chase of Manchester City forward Gabriel Jesus.

He said: “Gabriel Jesus, remember the name because we had many rumours about Real Madrid and I’m told that’s true that Madrid had contact with his agents but it was weeks ago and not now, it’s not something advanced. They’ve had conversations but it’s not something advanced between Man City and Real Madrid.

“The feeling around sources is that Gabriel Jesus will play in the Premier League next season. He will leave Manchester City and the decision has been made. He is ready to go this summer.

“But now the race is open. Arsenal have been interested in him for a long time. He is a priority target but not the only club. It’s still an open deal. Arsenal are pushing and pushing with the Brazilian director Edu who has a good connection with Gabriel hoping to reach an agreement.”

Supporters will love it

Given how abundantly clear it is that Arsenal need to sign a striker this summer, supporters at the Emirates are sure to love that Jesus is a priority target during the window.

The Gunners said farewell to Pierre-Emerick Aubamayang back in January and it was a decision that ultimately came back to bite them.

Mikel Arteta’s men struggled for goals and as a result, missed out on a spot in next season’s Champions League by finishing fifth.

Alexandre Lacazette will leave the club at the end of his contract this month but his goal tally throughout 2021/22 was dismal. The Frenchman found the net on just six occasions, with only one strike coming in his last 16 Premier League outings.

As for Eddie Nketiah, he also found goals hard to come by until he got a chance at the end of the campaign, notching five in seven games.

The academy graduate looks set to pen a new deal but he cannot be relied upon over the course of an entire season to be their main centre-forward.

That’s why signing Jesus is a good idea. Compared to Spurs attacker Heung-min Son, the Brazil international scored 13 times and registered ten assists.

That might not be a mind-blowing goal tally but it’s important to factor in the fact that he only started 28 games during the entire campaign.

Thus, with more chance of attaining a regular place in the starting XI at Arsenal, those numbers would surely only increase.

Whether or not he can hold the burden of being the club’s main man remains to be seen, but it would be an exciting signing for supporters no doubt.

AND in other news, Arteta could unearth Arsenal’s new Aaron Ramsey in “mazy” 18 y/o Hale End sensation…

Tottenham: Reporter shares promising last 48 hour Bastoni news

Journalist Ryan Taylor of The Daily Express has now shared a promising Tottenham Hotspur transfer update from the last 48 hours involving Inter Milan star Alessandro Bastoni.

The Lowdown: Spurs earmark top target…

As reliably reported, the Nerazzurri star defender is one of manager Antonio Conte’s top targets for Spurs this summer after a recruitment summit with club chief Fabio Paratici in Turin.

Having steered Tottenham to a top-four Premier League finish, Conte’s sights are now set on improving the squad in time for his first full season in charge at Hotspur Way.

A left-footed central defender is high on the agenda with Bastoni top of the list, according to reports, with Taylor now sharing a promising update in the last 48 hours.

The Latest: Taylor shares promising Bastoni update…

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According to The Daily Express reporter, Tottenham are ‘quietly hopeful’ they can seal Bastoni and ‘convince’ the player to join them.

There is apparently ‘optimism’ that Ivan Perisic won’t be the only arrival in north London as they set their sights on Inter’s gem.

As well as this, they apparently have the ‘financial power to present a significant and respectable offer’ to the San Siro side and Bastoni is the name being ‘internally discussed’ at Tottenham.

The Verdict: Promising update…

The 23-year-old, called a ‘technically brilliant’ centre-half by Italian football expert Conor Clancy, has been tipped as the next generation’s Giorgio Chiellini and it is little surprise Conte wants his former star in England.

This update that Spurs have the ability to table a marquee bid and are confident behind-the-scenes certainly comes as promising after previous reports suggesting the player wasn’t keen to join.

Supporters could certainly be looking on towards this summer with real excitement.

In other news: ‘According to sources close…’ – Journalist makes ‘superb’ striker claim involving Tottenham, find out more here.

Newcastle contemplating Renan Lodi deal

Newcastle United are believed to be tempted by the prospect of signing Atletico Madrid defender Renan Lodi, according to reports.

What’s the word?

As per 90min, the Magpies are said to believe that the chance to sign the Brazilian ‘may be too good to pass up’, with the club now ‘considering’ whether to make a bid for the 24-year-old in the upcoming window.

The report suggests that despite the good form of loanee Matt Target – who joined on a temporary deal from Aston Villa in January – the northeast side may snub a permanent move for the Englishman in favour of submitting an offer for the Atleti star.

The belief is that the latter man’s ‘Champions League experience’ could be a factor in the decision to choose him over the Villa man, with a fee of around £42m seemingly enough to prise him from the Wanda Metropolitano.

Forget Targett

There may be those who view it as harsh to shun Targett in favour of a new face, although the former Southampton man was perhaps simply always a mere solid, short-term fix at left-back, while Lodi offers a more exciting, marquee, long-term fit.

In 16 Premier League appearances at St James’ Park, the former England U21 international failed to register a single goal and assist, having only provided 12 goal contributions in 142 outings across his time in the division.

By contrast, the potential new addition provided four goals and five assists in the 2021/22 campaign alone across all competitions, notably netting in a 1-0 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford back in March in the Champions League last-16.

Such is his attacking talent, the £22.5m-rated gem even labelled himself as like “another striker” when he plays for his country, having made 15 appearances to date for the Selecao.

Equally, he also compares favourably to those in his position across Europe’s top five leagues, ranking in the top 2% for progressive passes received and the top 7% for touches in the attacking penalty area, showcasing his relentless willingness to get forward.

Although that is helped by the £64k-per-week speedster often lining up in a wing-back role under Diego Simeone, it is no less impressive, particularly when compared to the statistical record of Targett, who ranks in just the top 74% for those same two metrics.

All the evidence points to PIF and Howe needing to be ruthless to go and get their man from the Spanish capital, even if that means turning their back on a player who has been a solid servant over the last six months.

IN other news, Eddie Howe can now help NUFC sign “spectacular” £64m “nightmare”, he’s better than Saint-Maximin

Newcastle eyeing early business this summer

A Newcastle United claim has emerged on PIF’s plans for the upcoming summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

Telegraph reporter Luke Edwards has revealed that the club are attempting to do some business early on in the market ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

He Tweeted: “There is a desire to bring at least one signing in early but no stress if that’s beyond them. Progress being made but it was hard going in January too. We do know they are being very proactive #nufc.”

This comes after the Premier League outfit struggled toward the end of the January transfer window. Deals for Hugo Ekitike and Jesse Lingard both fell through on deadline day – despite a £33m bid for the former – and they did not have the time to bring in any alternative targets.

Supporters will be excited

This claim will excite the supporters for multiple reasons.

Firstly, it suggests that they may not have long left to wait before they have more Newcastle content to enjoy. The season ended on a high with a 2-1 win over Burnley – thanks to a double from Callum Wilson – on Sunday and the fans will now be without any competitive football to enjoy for a couple of months, which is why the prospect of an early signing will excite them.

With no Premier League action to sink their teeth into, supporters will be keeping a close eye on the club’s off-season business and Edwards has hinted that PIF will give them something to celebrate in the coming weeks. They will be able to look forward to seeing a new signing, or signings, playing for the team and that is an exciting prospect.

The fans will also be buzzing to learn that the owners are aware that they need to be proactive in the market. Ekitike and Lingard not coming through the door in January was a lesson for PIF as it showed them that they need to get as much of their business done as possible in the early stages of the window, as you otherwise run the risk of deadline day mayhem.

This shows that they are not stuck in their ways and are self-aware of any errors they made earlier this year. The supporters will be excited by this as it is a great sign for the future development of the club as they have owners who are seemingly desperate to progress on and off the pitch.

AND in other news, PIF plotting Newcastle swoop for “scary” £30m “freak”, he’s a major Almiron upgrade…

Aston Villa transfer news on Luis Suarez

Aston Villa could pursue Luis Suarez this summer, transfer insider Dean Jones has told GiveMeSport.

The lowdown

Suarez is leaving Atletico Madrid following the expiry of his contract at the Wanda Metropolitano.

The Athletic’s Gregg Evans reported in March that Steven Gerrard would be keeping tabs on his situation.

Suarez, of course, played with Gerrard during his three-and-half-year stint at Liverpool between 2011 and 2014.

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The latest

Jones says that Villa have yet to decide whether to favour the vast experience of Suarez or lean towards an up-and-coming ‘gem’.

If they take the latter route, then he says Lille’s Jonathan David may be an option.

“I think they will sign another centre-forward, and it can go one of two ways.

“The next striker they sign is either someone of ultimate experience like Luis Suarez, or they go in for one of those gems that is tipped to be a star of the next ten years.

“Jonathan David is one of those, to be fair, so it wouldn’t be a bad signing.”

The verdict

How do Suarez and David compare?

Suarez bagged 13 goals in 2,292 minutes of football in 2021/22, averaging more than one every two games (176 mins).

Meanwhile, David, a full 13 years his junior, netted 19 in 3,655, which works out as one every 2.1 matches.

What about the costs? Well, £9million-rated Suarez would be available on a free transfer, but his wages at Atletico are thought to be in excess of £260,000 per week.

Even if he agreed to cut that salary by a full £100,000, he’d still be top of Villa’s earning charts (ahead of Philippe Coutinho on £150,000).

David, meanwhile, is valued at £45million by Transfermarkt but is only earning £35,000 each week.

Perhaps the long-term investment would be smarter.

In other news, a defensive target has also emerged.

West Ham: Journalist shares major David transfer update

Journalist Ignazio Genuardi has now shared a major transfer update out of West Ham United involving in-demand Lille star striker Jonathan David.

The Lowdown: Hammers eye move…

It’s been over a year since club record signing Sebastien Haller departed east London for Ajax and manager David Moyes still hasn’t seen a replacement come through the door.

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The Scotsman has had to make do with Michail Antonio as his only senior Premier League striking option, but with the summer transfer window looming, it could be time to finally end the long wait for a new centre-forward.

Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah has been heavily linked recently, among others, with a claim surfacing before the New Year that Lille’s sensational talisman David is actually ‘likes’ West Ham (Calciomercato).

The Latest: West Ham bid ‘likely’…

Genuardi, speaking to But Football Club, now has an update which could turn the heads of Hammers supporters.

It is now believed that West Ham, and by extension Moyes, are ‘particularly likely to arrive with a big cheque’ this summer as they eye a major bid to sign David.

The Verdict: Get it done…

Former Leicester City forward Iain Hume, via Arash Madani, branded the 22-year-old ‘world class’ for his starring international performances and it’s safe to say he is a real one to watch.

His prolific Ligue 1 return of 13 in consecutive seasons is only part of the appeal, having amassed a quite simply unbelievable 20 goals in 30 appearances for Canada (Transfermarkt).

French football expert Adam White perhaps sums up David’s quality best, even likening him to former Liverpool star Luis Suarez, whilst claiming that an ‘elite striker’ is emerging in the player.

However, if West Ham are to get a deal done, it better be a big offer as the report claims he will not leave for less than €50 million (£42m).

In other news: ‘Evolving situation’ – Journalist says West Ham are eyeing a ‘massive signing’ for Moyes, find out more here.

Everton journo slams Gordon vs Watford

Adam Jones was left slamming Anthony Gordon as he took a poor corner for Everton in their 0-0 draw away at Watford in the Premier League on Wednesday.

The Lowdown: Disappointing draw

Given that Leeds United had lost 3-0 at home to Chelsea, and they were playing an already-relegated Hornets side, Frank Lampard and his team would have come away from Vicarage Road disappointed to only muster up a point despite a largely dominant performance.

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It is safe to say that a lot of the players were simply not at it in the final third as the Toffees racked up 16 shots and 13 corners but failed to find the net, and they’ll now hope that the point is enough to see them in the top flight for another season with Leeds United losing once again.

The Latest: Gordon slammed

Taking to Twitter, The Liverpool Echo journalist Jones gave his instant reaction to one of Gordon’s corners in the last few moments of the game:

“Well overhit by Gordon. Absolutely wretched.”

The Verdict: Not his best

It was not the best of nights for the youngster, who was particularly wasteful in attacking areas, as demonstrated by his poor delivery.

He failed to make a single key pass, and was inaccurate with six of his seven crosses in total, losing the ball 16 times, the fourth-most out of any of his teammates (SofaScore).

Nonetheless, Gordon just needs to put this performance behind him now, and focus on getting the points they need on the board in the remaining three fixtures – the youngster has come on leaps and bounds this term and surely has a big role to play on Merseyside regardless of what division they find themselves in.

In other news, find out which three Toffees Tottenham Hotspur could now buy this summer here!

West Brom secure deal for Jayson Molumby

West Bromwich Albion have secured the signing of Jayson Molumby on a permanent move from Brighton and Hove Albion that keeps him at The Hawthorns for three years.

Baggies boss Steve Bruce spoke out (via BBC Sport) on his first permanent signing ahead of next season:

“We’re really pleased to have Jayson on board permanently.

“He’s managed to force himself into our XI recently and now his challenge is to stay there by continuing to show improvements in his game.”

Despite the side failing to earn promotion back into the Premier League next season after a disappointing campaign that has seen West Brom fall to tenth in the Championship table, Molumby has been a consistent and reliable player in the team throughout.

In 30 appearances the 22-year-old midfielder who was hailed “very energetic” by Brian Kerr and dubbed “feisty” by Gary Rowett, has scored one goal during his time with the Baggies.

More importantly, he’s won the majority of his ground duels (51%), has been successful in the majority of his dribbles (69%) and makes 1.2 tackles and 0.8 interceptions on average per game, proving that he is comfortable making his presence known in the centre of the pitch.

Former West Brom boss Valerien Ismael was the manager who gave Molumby his chance to prove his worth in the team after struggling to gain game-time back at his parent club Brighton.

Ismael was full of praise and highlighted how “important” the midfielder was for the Baggies during his club debut;

“He gave us another volume in midfield and the option to breath to win more balls for our attackers. It was really important that he came on and made an impact.”

Alongside Taylor Gardner-Hickman and Alex Mowatt, Molumby can further progress and develop a great partnership with the pair in the centre of the pitch to inspire the Baggies onto better things following a less than satisfactory campaign this year.

Now the youngster has secured his long term future at the club early, Bruce can focus on building a better team around him as it is clear there are big changes needed in the squad to give them a real chance at pushing for promotion back into top-flight football again next season.

However, in midfield, the manager has now secured himself an option that could not only help them secure that promotion, but also someone who can save millions in future fees down the line.

AND in other news: Bruce must brutally axe “shocking” & “strange” disaster duo, they’re holding WBA back

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