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Tottenham Hotspur still want to sign Pau Torres from Villarreal despite nearing a deal for another centre-back in Clement Lenglet, according to The Mirror.

The lowdown

Spurs are a finalising a season-long loan deal for the Barcelona defender, with The Mirror relaying claims that the 27-year-old flew into London over the weekend for a medical.

Antonio Conte has been pursuing a left-footed centre-back this summer to bolster his defensive ranks, and although Lenglet fits the bill, it would appear that the 52-year-old is not satisfied just yet.

Torres turned down a move to north London last summer, but The Athletic have suggested that he would be more inclined to join now that Spurs are back in the Champions League.

The latest

The Mirror journalist Tom Malley stated on Twitter that, even though Lenglet ‘fills the void’, ‘interest remains in Villarreal’s Pau Torres’ as ‘Conte eyes another defender’.

The Spaniard is expected to cost around £45m, although it’s possible that Spurs will look to use Giovani Lo Celso as part of any deal for him after the Argentine’s loan spell with Villarreal last season.

However, Malley has warned that Manchester United are also expected to make a move for the 25-year-old Spain international.

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The verdict

Torres demonstrated his quality on Villarreal’s run to the Champions League semi-finals last season, during which they claimed the scalps of Juventus and Bayern Munich.

According to European football expert Alex Barker, he was ‘integral’ for Unai Emery’s side as they reached the last four, while the defender also impressed even as Villarreal bowed out against Liverpool. Italian journalist Maxi Angelo stated that the 25-year-old was ‘very good defensively’ against the Reds and showcased an ‘amazing passing foot’.

That tallies with Barker’s observation that Torres is ‘dripping with confidence’ in possession.

According to FBRef, the Villarreal colossus boasts a similar profile to Ben Davies, Joel Matip, Leonardo Bonucci and – intriguingly – another Spurs-linked player in Marc Guehi.

Bringing him to N17 alongside the prospective addition of Lenglet would offer Conte some enviable strength in depth at the back.

Sunderland podcaster Philip West of Roker Report has been left ‘absolutely elated’ by the news that Bailey Wright has been given a new deal at the Stadium of Light.

The Lowdown: New contract

As per the official website of the Wearside club, Wright has now signed a new contract until 2024, in a deal that Alex Neil said he was ‘delighted’ to get over the line.

The Australia international has played a total of 90 times for the Black Cats over the past three seasons, scoring four goals and making one assist (Transfermarkt).

The Latest: West reacts

Taking to Twitter, West was left ‘absolutely elated’ by the news, claiming that Wright’s new deal is a ‘massive boost’ and is ‘priceless’ given what he can offer them in the Championship:

“Absolutely elated at this news. Wright is a leader, an organiser, a warrior; an absolute rock at the heart of our defence, and his experience and ability will be priceless in the Championship. Another massive boost!”

The Verdict: Massive

The fact that Wright has committed his future to SAFC is indeed massive for the club ahead of their Championship campaign.

The 29-year-old has played for two different teams in the division before in Preston North End and Bristol City, and so would provide that vital experience needed on the pitch and in the dressing room.

In League One, Wright ranked highly among his teammates in terms of aerial duels won and average clearances and blocks per game (WhoScored), and so can be the defensive warrior the side needs in what is overall a tougher league.

Tottenham Hotspur and by extension their sporting director Fabio Paratici are readying an offer to sign one ‘massive’ player for manager Antonio Conte, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Spurs summer in full swing…

Spurs are reportedly eyeing a right-wing-back, central defender and new forward after completing a plethora of deals already this summer.

Paratici has been working behind-the-scenes as the Lilywhites are tasked with appeasing Conte and realising the Italian’s ambition ahead of his first full Premier League season in charge.

Already, the Lilywhites have confirmed a trio of signings in Ivan Perisic, Fraser Forster and Yves Bissouma and more could be set to come in.

The Latest: Paratici readying bid for ‘massive’ player…

According to reporter and Sport Italia TV journalist Gianluigi Longari, it appears Paratici is now readying a bid for another potential incoming at Hotspur Way.

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Indeed, as per his information, Tottenham are willing to submit an offer for Leeds United star Raphinha.

He explained (via Twitter):

“Also #Tottenham want #LUFC winger and ready to submit an offer (50M+10M ).

The Verdict: Get it done…

The 25-year-old stands out as a real star target for Spurs, and while they may struggle to get a deal done given all the competition, we believe Paratici’s efforts will be justified.

As per WhoScored, Raphinha finished 21/22 as Leeds’ best performing-player by average match rating and scored their most goals – all while racking up the highest rate of shots at goal, key passes made and completed dribbles per 90.

Taking all of this into account, it’s hardly a surprise his manager Jesse Marsch branded the Brazil international a ‘massive’ player, while ex-Spurs boss Tim Sherwood has also called him ‘phenomenal’.

Indeed, he may well be worth the investment.

BBC journalist Fraser Fletcher has revealed that Celtic are now in ‘advancing talks’ to bring Lanus defender Alexandro Bernabei to the Scottish Premiership.

The Lowdown: Opening bid rejected

The 21-year-old still has just over 12 months remaining on his contract with the Argentine giants, but there has been plenty of speculation surrounding his future at the Lanus City Stadium in recent days after he was left out of their match-day squad twice in a row.

The Hoops have been heavily linked with a move for the starlet, and it was reported that they even had an official opening bid for their target rejected. Following a fresh update, it appears as though the Glasgow outfit have come back for a second bite at the cherry, and it’s news that fans just might want to hear.

The Latest: Celtic close to sealing Bernabei move

Taking to Twitter, Fletcher revealed that Celtic have been ‘in contact’ with Bernabei’s agents and now have a strong chance of being able to complete a deal. He wrote:

“Celtic are now advancing talks for Alexandro Bernabei from Club Atlético Lanus. First bid was below but Celtic now back in and moving.

“They are in contact with the players representatives/Lanus and things are moving closer.”

The Verdict: A risk worth taking

Celtic are believed to be on the hunt for a new left-back as Ange Postecoglou ramps up his transfer efforts ahead of the start of the new season, and Bernabei could be the ideal candidate to provide some serious competition for Greg Taylor.

The £2.97m-rated ace has never played in Europe before, nor has he got any kind of experience at this level, but has an impressive record at Lanus, providing ten assists and scoring four goals during his time at the club, via Transfermarkt.

This kind of attacking prowess highlights the qualities and pace that Bernabei can have down the flank, and that is something that could fit the Australian’s system perfectly.

In other news… a Sky Sports journalist has dropped a major update on Celtic’s interest in one of their summer transfer targets.

Speaking live on Sky Sports (via Football Daily), journalist Dharmesh Sheth has shared the very latest on West Ham United and their attempts to seal goalkeeper Alphonse Areola on a permanent deal from Paris-Saint Germain.

The Lowdown: West Ham prepare…

David Moyes will be looking to build upon his team’s brilliant run to the Europa League semi-finals last term whilst maintaining their place among the Premier League’s elite.

West Ham narrowly missed out on another place in the Europa League for next season, falling just short to Manchester United on the final day of 2021/22, with Moyes and co having to settle for a place in the Europa Conference League.

As they gear up for what looks set to be an interesting 2022/23 season, it is believed that the east Londoners have closed in on their first major signing this summer in Rennes star Nayef Aguerd, as per Fabrizio Romano.

The Latest: Areola agreement also ‘being worked on’…

Amid the Morocco international’s pending arrival, it is also believed that West Ham are working on an agreement to seal loanee goalkeeper Areola on a permanent deal.

Speaking to Sky Sports (via Football Daily), Sheth explained: “You’ll remember last summer they signed Areola from PSG, on loan, with the option to buy for £11 million. 

“Now it’s likely they will trigger that option once personal terms are finalised with Areola. The one sticking point at the moment is that there are a couple of other clubs starting to show a bit of an interest in Areola.

“But, I think West Ham do remain hopeful of getting a deal over the line. So Aguerd looks like it’s happening, Areola being worked on.”

The Verdict: Get it done…

While the Frenchman was an understudy to untouchable Irons stopper Lukasz Fabianski in the English top flight, Areola proved himself a fantastic alternative in cup competitions.

The 29-year-old pulled off some memorable performances during West Ham’s run in Europe last season and Moyes may well have a ready-made heir for the ageing Fabianski if the Hammers can finalise a permanent deal.

An outlay of £11m could be a shrewd investment on GSB’s part, and we believe that sealing Areola on a permanent basis is a must.

In other news: ‘Keep being told’ – ExWHUemployee says West Ham are eyeing a ‘sensational’ player move, find out more here

Liverpool’s interest in signing Chelsea forward Christian Pulisic this summer is ‘genuine’, according to talkSPORT’s Alex Crook.

The Lowdown: Pulisic linked with move

The 23 year-old American star could potentially be on the move this summer, having failed to make himself a regular starter under Thomas Tuchel.

Pulisic did cost Liverpool two points this season with a goal in the thrilling 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge back in January, but he was limited to just 13 starts in the Premier League overall.

The Reds have been linked with a move in recent days as a possible Sadio Mane replacement and it appears as though a transfer isn’t out of the question.

The Latest: Fresh update emerges

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Crook claimed that Liverpool’s interest in the man Jurgen Klopp called ‘fantastic’ is very real, but Darwin Nunez’s imminent arrival could change things:

“I think Liverpool’s interest is genuine, or it was before the Darwin Nunez deal really accelerated. So, whether they need another attacking player now, probably, I would say no.”

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The Verdict: One cook too many

Pulisic is an impressive young player who can still mature over time and it is easy to envisage him thriving for Liverpool, given his pace and trickery out wide.

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It is hard to see how the USA star would get regular playing time, however, considering Luis Diaz’s arrival in January, Nunez is set to join and the likes of Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino are also great options.

Pulisic could end up finding himself in a similar situation to the one he is in at Chelsea, and for the money Liverpool would have to pay, it wouldn’t be worth it.

In other news, Liverpool have been given hope over one signing. Find out who it is here.

West Ham have been credited with an interest in Montpellier winger Stephy Mavididi recently and if he were to join David Moyes’ side this summer, it could be the end of Nikola Vlasic’s spell at the London Stadium.

Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano reported earlier this month that West Ham, Brighton, Southampton and Everton have all “approached” the 24-year-old’s agent about a potential summer deal, with there a “good chance” that he could leave the Ligue 1 side in the coming weeks.

The former Arsenal man found his feet in France last season after a lacklustre spell at Juventus, contributing eight goals and three assists in 30 Ligue 1 appearances, averaging a solid 6.71 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

Mavididi has earned the praise of Premier League legend Thierry Henry in the past, as he said:

“What I’ve always liked about Stephy Mavididi is that he’s a hard-working player who closes (opponents) down.

“He’s always in the right place. What was missing was finishing — whether to give the ball or to score — but now he’s brought that to his game.”

Previous reports have suggested that the Englishman would be available for as little as £15m this summer and if Romano’s reports are true, then the Hammers could be serious about bringing him to the London Stadium.

However, wingers/attacking-midfielders is one area in which Moyes is not particularly short, with Jarrod Bowen, Pablo Fornals, Manuel Lanzini and Said Benrahama all regulars in that position.

Therefore, if Mavididi were to join, we could see Vlasic leave with the forward being linked with the exit door after an uninspiring first season with the Hammers.

The Croatian was signed from CSKA Moscow last summer for big money but failed to impress, contributing just one goal and two assists in 31 appearances.

If Mavididi were to join then Vlasic could find first-team opportunities even harder to come by, and it would not be a surprise to see him moved on to make way for the Montpellier man, unless he can seriously improve his performances in the 2022/23 campaign.

And in other news… Moyes may already have his dream Rice heir at West Ham…

Newcastle United appear to have been handed a huge boost in their pursuit of Stade de Reims striker Hugo Ekitike after an interview with the French club’s president emerged (via Sport Witness). 

The lowdown: Rising star

Having made a senior debut in 2020/21, Ekitike continued on a rapidly upwards trajectory last season, breaking out as one of the hottest young talents in French football

The 19-year-old ended the campaign with 10 goals and four assists in 24 Ligue 1 outings and has even been compared to Paris Saint-Germain phenomenon Kylian Mbappe as a result.

Previously linked to the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal and Tottenham, it now looks as though Newcastle are set to prevail…

The latest: Bid on the table

Speaking to French outlet France Bleu, translated by SW, Reims president Jean-Pierre Caillot has confirmed there is a suitable bid already in place.

“Today is very concrete. And on the table, there is one that suits us very well. An offer which, in my view, is sportingly interesting for the player and it is now up to him to make his choice, it is not for me to do so.

“From now on, it is his advisers who must move forward on this file. And if at the time of speaking this is not done, it is because his advisers have not yet wished to move forward with this club.”

Caillot went on to say that only offers of around €30-40million (£25-34million) would be deemed acceptable for the young striker who was hailed as a ‘very special’ talent by manager Oscar Garcia.

The verdict: Fingers crossed

There will certainly be high hopes from the North East that the aforementioned suitable bid has come from the St James’ Park hierarchy as all eyes remain on PIF and just how strongly the new owners will back Eddie Howe and Dan Ashworth this summer.

One key area in need of improvement was the centre-forward department, as Callum Wilson’s injury record means the Englishman cannot be relied on and Joellinton’s successful positional switch leaves only Chris Wood as a recognised, regularly healthy frontman.

Capped twice by France at the Under 20 level, the talented teenager has also shown impressive versatility in a developing career to date, occasionally operating from the left wing and showing off battling qualities by winning an impressive 4.1 duels on average per game last term (Sofascore).

If the Magpies are going to compete amongst the elite of the Premier League, signing a potent attacker such as the 6 foot 2 Ekitike would be a huge boost to the project.

In other news: Magpies send scouts to watch Ben Nelson…

West Ham United are keen on signing Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips this summer.

What’s the story?

That’s according to Irons insider ExWHUEmployee [via This Is Futbol], who claimed that the 26-year-old is one of David Moyes’ midfield targets for the summer transfer window.

Writing on the West Ham Way Patreon page, Ex said: “The manager is also said to fancy Kalvin Phillips of Leeds.”

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Despite Leeds’ Premier League survival, Phillips is subject to plenty of interest from other top-flight clubs, with both Manchester City and Aston Villa also named as potential suitors for the England midfielder.

Therefore, securing a move for the 26-year-old could prove a tall order for Moyes and the West Ham hierarchy.

West Ham must sign Phillips

Despite an injury-plagued season, there is no doubt that Phillips would be an excellent addition for the east London outfit.

Named England men’s player of the year for 2021 after his efforts at the European Championship, the midfielder has been restricted to 18 Premier League starts this term, having missed three months with a hamstring injury.

However, that hasn’t hindered his progress as an England international, with the Leeds star – who has been nicknamed the Yorkshire Pirlo – included in Gareth Southgate’s latest squad.

There is plenty of uncertainty regarding the future of Phillips’ England team-mate Declan Rice at West Ham, with the 23-year-old the subject of a plethora of speculation regarding a potential departure from east London this summer.

If Rice were to move on, then the Hammers would undoubtedly need to fork out for a quality replacement, and Phillips would certainly fit the mould.

The Leeds colossus has averaged 62 touches per Premier League match this term, whilst completing 38.9 passes per game at an 82% accuracy. Moreover, the defensive-minded midfielder has contributed an impressive 1.2 interceptions, 2.7 tackles and 0.9 clearances per match.

Even if Rice remains an Irons player, signing the Leeds star would be a huge statement of intent from West Ham and would certainly excite supporters at the London Stadium.

AND in other news – “Interested in signing…”: Ex drops huge West Ham transfer claim that supporters will love

West Bromwich Albion had a rather uninspiring season in the Championship in terms of their attacking play.

Across 46 games, the Baggies were the only team in the second tier to not rack up a shot-on-target percentage of 30% or more.

One man who could have been a big help for the team in that regard is Conor Gallagher.

Having spent the 2020/21 season on loan at The Hawthorns, the midfielder then joined Crystal Palace for another loan spell. In 34 Premier League appearances this season, the English youngster scored eight goals and provided three assists.

This suggests that, if the Baggies had been able to keep hold of the 22-year-old, he could have given them a better chance of getting close to promotion.

However, with the summer transfer window in mind, this could give Steve Bruce the chance to secure the Baggies’ own version of Gallagher.

West Brom’s next Gallagher

Earlier this month, the Midlands club were linked with a move for MK Dons starlet Scott Twine.

Across 46 games in League One this season, the midfielder found the net 20 times and delivered 13 assists along the way. The 22-year-old also ended the recent campaign with the joint-highest number of shots on target (62) in the third tier.

This highlights just how prominent he can be when it comes to scoring and creating goals, which is something that West Brom badly needed last season.

It also backs up why Twine was described by his manager Liam Manning as being a “constant threat” on the pitch, and why he is reportedly valued at £3m.

His overall performances in League One earned him a season rating of 7.41/10 from WhoScored, making him the second-highest rated player in the division.

Even though the Baggies recently secured a deal for John Swift, adding Twine to their ranks could not only give the club their own version of Gallagher, but would also hand them a potential future star given his young age and attacking talent.

Also, with his ability to score and provide goals for his team-mates, if he can adapt to the Championship, he could give Bruce’s side a great chance of winning promotion back to the Premier League.

In other news: Bruce can save WBA millions by unleashing “explosive” prodigy, just imagine him & Dike