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Tottenham are “already pushing to seal a deal” for Leicester City star James Maddison, despite there currently being no manager.

Who could Tottenham sign this summer?

Spurs are in dire need of a new head coach to replace the departed Antonio Conte, who left north London over two months ago.

The Lilywhites are also thought to be chasing a new sporting director to succeed Fabio Paratici, but the club haven’t yet announced a new name for either role.

Amid all of this chaos, Spurs are worryingly flirting with being left behind in the summer transfer market, as other clubs are believed to be well ahead of them in preparations.

However, that isn’t to say Tottenham haven’t been linked with fresh faces, as chairman Daniel Levy has reportedly earmarked the signing of a new goalkeeper to replace Hugo Lloris.

Leicester City forward Harvey Barnes has also been tipped as a target in recent days, not to mention Southampton star James Ward-Prowse.

Spurs are targeting attacking players, with Hee-chan Hwang of Wolves mentioned and another key player for Leicester in Maddison.

Sharing news on the latter man, reporter Pete O’Rourke has an update for Tottenham supporters.

Writing for Football Insider, the journalist claims Tottenham are “already pushing to seal a deal” for the England international, and have made him their priority summer target.

One of the site’s well-placed sources has claimed that Spurs are hopeful of winning the race for Maddison, despite there being no manager in place right now.

Newcastle and Arsenal are in the frame too, but it’s Tottenham who think they have the advantage, with the 26-year-old set to become one of this summer’s hottest properties following Leicester’s relegation to the Championship.

Who is James Maddison?

The playmaker, who looks likely to leave the King Power Stadium, has been a pivotal figure for Leicester and star player.

As per WhoScored, he finished the 2022/2023 campaign as their best-performing player by average match rating – having racked up 19 goal contributions in the top flight alone (10 goals, nine assists).

England boss Gareth Southgate has also previously heralded Maddison as a brilliant player.

“He’s a player of outstanding technical ability,” said Southgate to the media back in 2019.

“He has an eye for an incisive pass, his set-play delivery is world class – absolutely top.”

Maddison has long been tipped for greatness, it would seem, and we believe Tottenham could sign a serious upgrade in the former Norwich City star.

Indeed, pundit Gabriel Agbonlahor has even called Maddison a "really top player".

Manchester United look keen on signing Danish striker Rasmus Hojlund this summer as Erik ten Hag aims to bolster his attacking options ahead of next season.

What’s the latest on Rasmus Hojlund to Manchester United?

The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell wrote on Twitter:

“MUFC hold detailed talks over Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund.

“Erik ten Hag ideally wants a young forward plus an experienced one. Hojlund, 20, falls into former category. Frankfurt's Randal Kolo Muani also discussed.”

The striker won't come cheap however, with Serie A side Atalanta demanding “north of £60million at the very least this year" according to journalist Jacque Talbot and this is a figure United could afford, especially as Ten Hag will surely move a few players on this summer.

Could Rasmus Hojlund replace Anthony Martial?

The Red Devils only scored 58 Premier League goals during the 2022/23 campaign, and it’s clear they need much greater attacking options ahead of next term in order to mount a serious title challenge.

Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes scored 17 and eight of these goals respectively, while Anthony Martial scored only six league goals all season and Hojlund could certainly be an upgrade on the Frenchman.

The “scary quick” sensation – as once described by journalist Sacha Pisani earlier this year – not only has more goals across all competitions this season (15 to nine) than the United striker, but he has also more than double the number of assists (seven to three), albeit he has played 12 games more.

Not only that, but the Dane has also registered more shots on target per 90 (1.34 to 1.1), shot-creating actions per 90 (2.78 to 2.58), touches in the attacking penalty area (124 to 49) and crosses (12 to four), clearly suggesting he’d be way better than Martial for next season, that’s for sure.

Remarkably, the United hitman is still only 27 years old, yet he has never really fulfilled his potential at the Old Trafford side, managing to score over 20 goals across all competitions in just one of his eight seasons in Manchester, a poor showing.

He has just one year remaining on his contract and this summer could be the ideal chance for Ten Hag to cash in on him to raise some funds for signings. Hojlund, meanwhile, is only 20 years of age and there is no doubt that, given the opportunity under the Dutchman, he could thrive in the pressure cooker environment at United next term.

The next few weeks could be very interesting for the Red Devils indeed.

Everton will host Bournemouth at Goodison Park today in their final Premier League clash of the season, with everything still left to play for.

The Toffees are currently two points clear of the relegation zone but will need a victory to comfortably secure top-flight football once again over their competitors Leeds United and Leicester City.

Sean Dyche will be feeling the pressure when he leads his team out in front of the home support this afternoon, as he will know how catastrophic it would be to suffer relegation for the first time since the Premier League began.

Unfortunately for the Everton boss, injury issues have presented themselves once again ahead of the final day, with both Nathan Patterson and Dominic Calvert-Lewin expected to be unavailable for selection.

Dyche took to his pre-match press conference to confirm that the pair are unlikely to feature against the Cherries:

"They won’t be fit."

"We realised when he [Calvert-Lewin] got injured in the first game that it wasn’t going to be a short injury. We knew we would have to find a way of working with that. We have found that way and it’s important we do that."

"Patto has come into the side more latterly and performed well. We lose him as well."

Due to the striker’s absence, the manager will need to find another focal point to secure Everton’s survival, and it could be a great opportunity for Demarai Gray to return to the side.

Will Demarai Gray start vs Bournemouth?

The 26-year-old has been an inconsistent feature since the arrival of the former Burnley boss, but has been a much more reliable provider of goal contributions than some of his positional peers.

Gray is the second-highest goalscorer in the Everton squad with six goals and one assist delivered in all competitions this season, which has been a far better output than Neal Maupay, Ellis Simms and Calvert-Lewin’s combined.

Not only that, the £25k-per-week ace – hailed "inspirational" by Martin Keown – has undeniable pace and creativity which could cause chaos for Bournemouth, averaging 1.2 key passes, 1.7 shots on goal and one successful dribble per game so far.

Indeed, Gray is most commonly deployed in the wider positions of the forward line, but has often played in the centre-forward role this season to make up for Calvert-Lewin’s absence and had success in the position scoring in the 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest in March.

With that being said, it would be a no-brainer for Dyche to unleash Gray in the Toffees' attacking threat this afternoon, as a moment of magic from the Everton whiz could be their saving grace at full-time.

Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie has been left impressed following the appointment of Dan Ashworth as Newcastle United’s new sporting director.

The Lowdown: Ashworth joins Newcastle

Newcastle have now announced the appointment of highly rated Dan Ashworth as the club’s new sporting director, after the 51-year-old resigned from his technical director role at Brighton back in February.

Ashworth joined the south-coast club in 2018 after a successful stint as the Football Association’s technical director, where he led various England age groups to international triumph with wins at three tournaments in 2017.

Since arriving at Brighton, the former FA man has helped establish Graham Potter’s side as a mainstay club in the Premier League.

The Latest: Downie’s verdict

Taking to Twitter, Downie shared the news of Ashworth joining Newcastle, and the Sky Sports reporter gave his verdict on the appointment, claiming:

“Feels like Dan Ashworth is as good an appointment as Newcastle could make for their Sporting Director role. Time will tell, but going by his past work this feels like a bold & clever piece of business. Also been a while since I wrote/said “with immediate effect.” #NUFC”

The Verdict: Great appointment

According to The Guardian, Amanda Staveley’s PIF-backed consortium identified Ashworth as a key figure when they completed their takeover last October.

They report that negotiations took place amid claims that Brighton wanted £5m in compensation to release him from his contractual obligations, and now a deal has been struck.

With the perseverance and money involved for Newcastle to get their man, this is clearly a great appointment for the North East club, who is highly rated due to his impressive CV in the sport.

As a result, Newcastle will now be able to start making moves in the transfer market with their focus set on next season’s competition.

In other news: Newcastle United: Magpies target Hugo Ekitike ‘told’ he can leave Reims

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta could well prove to be the deciding factor in any move for Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

What’s the word?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the respected insider suggested that Arteta’s links to the forward – having previously worked under Pep Guardiola at the Etihad as assistant manager – may well help tempt the 25-year-old into a move to north London.

Amid reports linking the 54-cap international to the Emirates, O’Rourke revealed that both the Gunners boss and their Brazilian contingent could have an impact on the move going ahead: “I think the opportunity to work under Mikel Arteta again would be a big factor in any decision from Jesus and there’s quite a few Brazilian players at Arsenal as well, which would maybe make it easier for him to settle in if he were to leave the Etihad for the Emirates.

“Arsenal are going the right way under Mikel Arteta, I think it’s fair to say, so I’m sure it’s something that he would definitely consider if Arsenal do follow up their interest.”

This latest claim follows centre-back Gabriel teasing a move for his compatriot to join him at the club, with a new striker seemingly on the agenda despite Eddie Nketiah nearing a contract renewal.

Supporters buzzing

That update from O’Rourke will only get pulses racing among Gunners supporters, with Jesus an ideal fit to solve their centre-forward woes, particularly with experienced marksman Alexandre Lacazette looking set for a departure.

In truth, while it had been a turbulent last 18 months or so prior to his eventual exit in January, former skipper Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has no doubt left a notable void in Arteta’s squad, with the Gabon international having scored 68 Premier League goals during a four-year spell at the club.

In the most recent campaign, the squad’s highest scorer was Bukayo Saka with 12 goals in all competitions, although only two other players got into double figures, with that shortage of goals potentially proving costly in their failure to secure a top-four berth.

That is where the City gem comes in, with the £45m-rated hotshot having scored 13 goals and registered 12 assists across all fronts in the 2021/22 season for the title winners, notably bagging four in a brutal dismantling of Watford back in April.

As well as offering versatility, having featured on either flank or through the middle during his time in England, the 5 foot 9 speedster also offers a wealth of experience when it comes to lifting silverware, including winning four league titles in just the last five seasons.

In what remains a youthful squad in north London, adding a player of such elite calibre could well prove a real masterstroke, with supporters set to be ecstatic at managing to pluck such a gifted asset from a Premier League rival.

Although it is perhaps a worrying thought that City are so well-stocked that they are potentially happy to cash in on a player who has scored 95 goals in 236 games for the club since his £27m arrival back in 2016, it would remain a coup for Arsenal nonetheless.

Having fallen short in their bid to secure Champions League football for the first time since 2017, the club – and its supporters – will no doubt be optimistic that Jesus can finally get them over the line next term.

IN other news, Vieira 2.0: Arsenal gifted chance to sign “top-class” £25m ace, he could guarantee UCL…

Reputable journalist Alan Nixon has dropped a claim involving Blackburn Rovers defender Darragh Lenihan. 

The lowdown: Lenihan at Blackburn

Signed from Belvedere FC in the Republic of Ireland in 2011, Lenihan has come through the youth ranks at Ewood Park and has amassed 252 senior appearances for the club.

Out of contract in the coming weeks (Transfermarkt), the 28-year-old has previously been linked with a sensational move to the Premier League, with as many as five clubs believed to be taking an interest in him.

As the end of the 2021/22 English campaign closes in, it appears that the Irishman’s future in Lancashire remains in serious doubt…

The latest: Nixon drops Lenihan transfer claim

Taking to Twitter in response to a Blackburn supporter questioning whether a new deal could be forthcoming for the twice-capped ace, Nixon was quick to suggest that prospective suitors could come again.

He succinctly stated that there is “a lot of interest in Lenihan …”.

The verdict: Huge loss

Already set to lose manager Tony Mowbray, the sight of club captain and talisman Lenihan also moving on to pastures new would be a significant blow to Blackburn supporters.

During the season, the ‘man mountain’ (as Mowbray called him following a resounding 4-0 victory over Birmingham) scored three times and provided one assist in 41 Championship outings.

Overall, the Dublin-born centre-back earned an impressive 7.11 Sofascore rating in the league, making 1.5 interceptions, completing 4.1 clearances and winning eight duels on average per game.

If the mooted interest turns into something more tangible and a player of such importance leaves Rovers for free, it would be an undoubted loss to the squad, and whoever replaces Mowbray in the Ewood Park hot seat may have a tough task finding a reliable replacement for Lenihan.

Aston Villa have suffered an injury setback heading into their final two Premier League matches of the season.

Defender Ezri Konsa was injured during a tussle with Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta during the 1-1 draw which impacts Villa’s chances of securing a top-half finish this season.

Steven Gerrard will be gutted and he spoke after the match about the injury: “We’re concerned about Ezri, normally, someone like him wouldn’t come off the pitch unless there was a problem,” said the Villa manager.

He added: “We’ll send him for an MRI scan, I’ll be extremely surprised if he plays again this season.”

Bad news for the club, who arguably need all their key players fit and firing to secure that top half finish the manager desperately wants.

Gerrard has played Konsa alongside Tyrone Mings at the heart of the Villa defence since arriving from Rangers in mid-November, however, it is no secret the manager is looking to add some defenders to the squad next season.

Konsa only has an average WhoScored rating of 6.43 this season, ranking him a lowly 18th in the Villa squad. Although he does win on average, two aerial duels per match, placing him fourth on the list whilst also completing 86.4% of his passes, ranking him at seventh.

With that in mind, losing him for the final few weeks of the campaign is likely to represent a significant blow to the manager.

After all, the ex Gers boss said of him earlier this season, saying: “He’s been outstanding for me, obviously the red card [against Leeds] was frustrating for him and us because he is an important players.”

Having been at the club since 2019, the 24-year-old has shown brief glimpses of his potential, although it looks like this may not be enough to convince Gerrard to stick with him next season with the player linked away. An exit, however, would be a surprise given the praise from the Liverpudlian previously.

Hopefully, the injury isn’t as bad as first feared and Konsa can have a solid pre-season ahead of what could be the side’s most important season in years.

AND in other news, Lange plotting Villa swoop for “fearless” 87-goal monster, he’s even better than Watkins

Liverpool are interested in signing “entertaining” Napoli winger Hirving Lozano this summer amid reports that Napoli are winning to sell the player.

Reports from Italy (via El Futbolero) said the Reds are ‘monitoring’ the situation of the winger with a view to making a move for him ahead of next season.

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Reports in La Gazzetta Dello Sport (via Get Italian Football News) also confirm that Lozano could be sold and that the Napoli president is willing to listen to offers for him. He is rated at £31.5m but is contracted at the club for another two seasons so might fetch a higher fee.

The 26-year-old joined the Italian side in 2019 from Dutch club PSV Eindhoven and has impressed greatly since. He’s made 113 appearances for the club in total and been directly involved in 39 goals.

He told Mexican TV last year that he would like to play for a club “stronger” than Napoli with it seeming as though he has ambitions to win more silverware. However, this season Napoli have been in a title race and currently sit third in Serie A just five points off the top of the table Milan.

Lozano has played a key part in that success, which is why he’s attracted admirers across Europe. With Napoli having now qualified for next season’s Champions League he could be tempted to stick with what he knows, but the prospect of moving to Liverpool would be hard to turn down.

One player he could turn out to be like is Luis Diaz. Similarly to Lozano, the Columbian was relatively unknown before his move to Liverpool but has since proven more than capable of stepping up to the plate. If Lozano moved to Anfield and was able to do the same, then he would be a great signing for Klopp.

If you compare both players, their statistics read pretty similarly, suggesting precisely why he’s been described as “unplayable” when playing for his country.

Lozano has a higher number of goal creating actions per 90 minutes at 0.65 compared to Diaz’s 0.34, which proves his creative ability. However, the Colombian has a higher number of goals per shot on target at 0.45 compared to 0.26.

Ultimately if Lozano signed he would only improve under a coach as good as Klopp, and his ability to create goals alongside Diaz who can score, could see a greater partnership form.

IN other news: Klopp must finally axe Liverpool “cheerleader” who lost possession every 5 mins on Sat…

Former Scotland manager Alex McLeish has tipped Celtic goalkeeper Joe Hart to finish his long and distinguished career at Parkhead.

The Lowdown: Hart excelling at Celtic

The 35-year-old joined the Hoops from Tottenham last summer, with Ange Postecoglou seeing him as someone who could aid their Scottish Premiership charge.

Hart has proven to be a superb signing to date, starting 32 league matches and playing a key role in his side topping the table late in the campaign.

The former England stopper’s current Celtic deal expires in the summer of 2024 and it looks likely that he will stay until at least that point.

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The Latest: McLeish makes key claim

Speaking to Football Insider, reacting to news from a Celtic source that the Hoops are on the hunt for a new shot-stopper signing, McLeish claimed that Hart could now see out the rest of his career at Parkhead, given the manner in which he has slotted in there:

“I don’t think he needs the competition. It’s good for the club, of course, but the mentality of Joe Hart means he won’t be affected by someone coming in.

“He’ll be playing for Celtic until he decides to hang his boots up. It’s a big club. Not many come bigger in the world, and the challenge of playing for such a big club has revitalised him. They’ve helped him find his mojo again.

“He’s got a touch of the Allan McGregor genes about him, and I can see him seeing out his career in Scotland.”

The Verdict: Best for all parties

The idea of Hart remaining at Celtic until he calls it a day feels like a no-brainer for all parties, with the Englishman still a force between the sticks, having once been hailed as ‘one of the best goalkeepers in the world’ by legend Gianluigi Buffon.

At 35, he is still far from done as a ‘keeper and his influence for the Hoops can continue to shine through beyond this season, with Buffon himself still playing at the age of 44.

Hart seems to have found a great level of form and confidence again, having lost his way a little in the Premier League, and Postecoglou will be delighted with the impact he has made.

In other news, a financial expert has dropped a key Celtic claim. Read more here.

A big Newcastle United transfer claim has been made on their plans for the summer window…

What’s the talk?

Magpies journalist Mark Douglas has revealed the position that PIF are viewing as their biggest area of improvement ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

He Tweeted: “It’s a striker nufc want this summer as a ‘priority’.”

This comes after the Saudi Arabian consortium splashed the cash in the January window to sign Chris Wood, Kieran Trippier, Dan Burn, Matt Targett and Bruno Guimaraes. They are now looking to take the next step and a new number nine is the player they want to bring in to do that.

Eddie Howe will be delighted

The Toon head coach will be delighted with the club prioritising a new number nine as his squad is currently lacking a reliable and consistent striker to find the back of the net in the Premier League.

Callum Wilson scored 12 goals in the 2020/21 campaign and this tally means that you can argue that he is a consistent goalscorer in the top-flight as he hit double figures for the club. However, he has not been reliable in terms of his availability for selection as he started 23 matches that season and has started just 14 times in the current term.

Taking Wilson out of the equation, Allan Saint-Maximin is the club’s top scorer with five goals in the Premier League this season. Meanwhile, Wood – who joined from Burnley for £25m – has only found the back of the net twice in 15 outings in the black and white shirt.

He has not been able to make an instant impact since joining from the Clarets and no one else has stepped up, consistently, to carry the burden in the final third.

The lack of goalscoring quality in the squad is evident and that is why the head coach will be delighted with the prospect of being given a new player to work with next term. Although, the club will need to ensure that they are able to get the right one in as Wood’s dismal record in front of goal proves that paying a big transfer fee does not guarantee anything.

Howe will be keen to assess the potential options that the club can target this summer with the aim of landing the new goalscoring machine for the Toon army to enjoy. As such, it will now be interesting to see who PIF attempt to bring in over the coming months…

AND in other news, PIF now heading for first major NUFC disaster on £55k-p/w colossus who “eats weights”…