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Manchester United are internally discussing a move for Benfica striker Goncalo Ramos, as a potential alternative to Harry Kane, according to a report from The Daily Mail.

Which striker will Man United sign?

Erik ten Hag's biggest priority this summer is to bring in a new striker, and the manager has picked out a number of targets, including Atalanta's Rasmus Hojlund, with "concrete talks" recently being opened with the 20-year-old forward.

However, Terry Flewers adds that Harry Kane is Man United's "number 1 target", while also claiming they could look at bringing in both players, rather than settling on Hojlund, who only has limited first-team experience.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano claims Kane signing Kane has become an "obsession" for the Red Devils, but it has recently emerged that Tottenham Hotspur may be unwilling to let him join a fellow Premier League club this summer.

According to a report from The Daily Mail, United have been told by Spurs that Kane is not for sale, so they have started to turn their attention to other targets, including the likes of Randal Kolo Muani and Goncalo Ramos.

Man United initially thought that £100m may be enough to tempt Tottenham into selling the England captain, however with that move now on the rocks, they are now discussing other targets, with Ramos re-emerging as an option.

How many goals has Goncalo Ramos scored?

The Benfica star registered 27 goals in all competitions last season, with his tally of 19 in the Liga Portugal ranking him second in the entire division, and he also impressed on the international stage.

All the pressure was on the 21-year-old to perform for Portugal against Switzerland at the World Cup, after getting the nod over Cristiano Ronaldo in the starting XI, and he more than delivered, netting a hat-trick, while also bagging an assist.

Gary Lineker described the youngster's performance as "remarkable", while football scout Jacek Kulig has also praised him for his displays at club level since returning from Qatar, which helped Benfica win the Liga Portugal title.

Of course, Man United will be gutted to have missed out on Kane, given that he is a proven goal-scorer at Premier League level, weighing in with an impressive 30 goals in the top flight last season.

However, Ramos has proven that he could be a viable alternative, and at 21-years-old, he still has plenty of time to develop further.

Liverpool are mulling over issuing a swoop for Barcelona midfielder Franck Kessie, who has found regular minutes hard to come by at Camp Nou.

What's the latest on Franck Kessie to Liverpool?

According to Inter Live (via Sport), Liverpool have reportedly lodged an early opening offer for the Ivorian midfielder after a lacklustre maiden year in Catalonia.

The La Blaugrana ace joined Xavi's side from AC Milan last summer and has won LaLiga, but has failed to reach the same heights that he achieved in Italy, and Reds boss Jurgen Klopp could now offer him a lifeline.

Valued at €35m (£30m), the 26-year-old engine would add a new facet to Anfield's centre after James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all departed upon the expiry of their contracts this summer.

Should Liverpool sign Franck Kessie?

The box-to-box menace played an important role in Milan's Serie A-winning 21/22 campaign, earning an average rating of 7.07 – as per Sofascore – playing 31 league matches, scoring six goals and completing 89% of his passes as he provided a robust presence at the heart of the outfit.

At Barcelona, while he has played 43 times across all competitions, Kessie only started seven times in the Spanish top-flight and will be sweating over the future prominence of his role with his club's vested interest in signing a new midfielder.

The 60-cap international, should he be signed by Liverpool, would add an invaluable sheen of physicality and a progressive presence, hailed as a "beast" by journalist Sacha Pisani, and could be the perfect replacement for departee Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Forgetting the central exodus for a moment, the Reds' centre has already been sapped of energy and vitality this term in a stark decline that has resulted in failure to qualify for the Champions League, and new sporting director Jorg Schmadtke must now implement the optimum strategy to rekindle the former fire.

'Ox' had failed to effectively contribute for the lion's share of this stricken season, playing just 13 times across all competitions and starting on just four occasions in the Premier League, including just 20 minutes in the league across the final 18 matches of the term, missing at least 14 matches due to injury.

Kessie, who did play a peripheral role this year, has missed only seven matches due to unavailability, according to Transfermarkt, across the duration of his career, and boasts the kind of progressive nature that Klopp needs to get the Merseyside machine whirring again.

This is evidenced by his ranking among the top 12% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for progressive passes received and touches in the offensive box per 90, as per FBref, illustrating a knack at driving forward into danger areas.

Described as "sensational" by reporter Carlo Garganese, the £150k-per-week ace would be an excellent addition for Klopp and co, bolstering the ranks, adding some much-needed physicality and resurrecting the steely tenacity that has faded like fallen autumn leaves on the brink of winter.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are looking to the transfer window this summer to improve their squad, but they may already have a solution to their need for change at Molineux, and a reliable source has revealed a new update.

What’s the latest?

The Athletic’s Wolves reporter Tim Spiers has given an update on Morgan Gibbs-White’s situation at the club following his season-long loan spell at Sheffield United.

As per a report written by Spiers for The Athletic, the midfielder is now set to be given the chance to play for Wolves and will be offered a much more consistent role in the team next season.

Along with the opportunity of first-team football in the Premier League, the report claims that the Molineux hierarchy will offer him a new contract and a pay rise, one year after signing a new deal before he was sent on loan to Bramall Lane.

Supporters will be buzzing

There is no doubt that Wolves supporters will be absolutely buzzing that there will be a space for Gibbs-White in the team next season, and when you consider how impressive he has been in the Championship this season, it would certainly be deserved.

The 22-year-old has been a standout performer for Sheffield United this season, scoring 12 goals, delivering 10 assists and creating 16 big chances in 37 league appearances, and it’s not just his phenomenal goal contributions which have prompted Wolves to table a new offer for the player.

Gibbs-White made 1.6 key passes, took 2.4 shots and won 4.9 duels per game this season, demonstrating that he dominates the centre of the pitch and is highly effective on the ball, posing a huge attacking threat to the opposition.

Contrary to claims that Wolves would be open to cashing on in the 22-year-old, Bruno Lage confirmed last month that he is keen to bring the youngster back to Wolves this summer and include him in his plans for next season.

The Wolves boss claimed (via Birmingham Live): “If I want him in January, I continue to want him here because he can be an important player for the club. He’s one of the players that comes from the academy and I know it’s so important for the club to have that.”

Gibbs-White’s performances this season have attracted transfer interest, with Nottingham Forest reportedly keen on securing his signature this summer, so Lage will need ensure that he can offer something substantial to keep the midfielder focused on his future with Wolves.

AND in other news: Journalist drops big Wolves claim on “special” £20m star, supporters will be buzzing

Sky Sports have now made a major behind-the-scenes claim involving West Ham United midfielder Tomas Soucek, contrary to recent reports.

The Lowdown: Moyes open to offers?

The Czech Republic international, who was a pivotal player for manager David Moyes over the 2020/2021 season, even winning the Hammers Player of the Year, could be on his way out of the London Stadium – according to recent claims.

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Claret & Hugh recently stated that talks over a new deal for Soucek have reached an impasse with Moyes now open to offers for his Premier League mainstay.

It is believed that the Scotsman refused to give the green-light on a marquee pay rise during a first round of negotiations over fresh terms, with Football Insider even claiming there is ‘tension’ between Moyes and the player.

The Latest: Sky make contrary claim…

As per a major behind-scenes update from Sky, going against the claims, they say West Ham have decided not to sell Soucek despite reports they are listening to bids.

The 26-year-old, according to their information, remains an ‘integral’ part of Moyes’ plans going forward.

The Verdict: Good news…

This update comes as a bit of great news for supporters given just how crucial Soucek has been since arriving in east London, even despite spells of patchy form.

According to WhoScored, the former Slavia Prague star was West Ham’s third most-used player in the top flight last season with only Jarrod Bowen and Declan Rice averaging higher match ratings per 90.

It is clear that Moyes still rates Soucek and we believe letting go of him would be a very hasty decision this summer, so this Sky update is certainly a relief.

In other news: BBC journalist: Moyes eyeing potential ‘massive signing’, West Ham move already made…find out more here.

Alasdair Gold has dropped an update on reported Tottenham Hotspur transfer target Filip Kostic.

What’s the talk?

Speaking in a recent video posted on his YouTube channel, the football.london journalist revealed that Antonio Conte and Fabio Paratici are confident they will be able to secure a deal for the Eintracht Frankfurt wing-back in the summer transfer window, with the Bundesliga side reported to be willing to listen to offers of around €15m (£12.5m) for the 29-year-old.

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Regarding Tottenham’s interest in the Serbia international, Gold said: “I know certainly that they’ve got a lot of interest in Eintracht Frankfurt’s 29-year-old Filip Kostic – their left wing-back.

“So that’s one they’re going to look at, they’re going to try and sign. I think there’s a lot of interest in him, but we’ll see. I think there’s a growing confidence that he might be someone that they can bring in this summer.”

Supporters will love Gold’s claim

Considering just how impressive Kostic was in Germany this season, Gold’s claim that Paratici looks set to make an offer for the 29-year-old is sure to be one that the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium faithful will love.

Indeed, over his 31 Bundesliga appearances this term, the £18m-rated wing-back was in breathtaking form for Eintracht, bagging four goals, providing nine assists and creating 16 big chances for his teammates, in addition to taking an average of 1.6 shots, making 2.8 key passes and completing 0.8 dribbles per game.

These returns saw the £43k-per-week talent average a quite extraordinary SofaScore match rating of 7.25, not only ranking him as Oliver Glasner’s best performer in the league but also as the 15th-best player in the division as a whole.

The 45-time capped international also impressed over his 12 Europa League fixtures, scoring three goals, registering six assists and creating four big chances, as well as taking an average of 2.7 shots, making 2.1 key passes and completing 0.8 dribbles per outing.

These metrics saw the former VfB Stuttgart starlet average a simply sensational SofaScore match rating of 7.33 – playing a starring role in Frankfurt going on to win the tournament and seeing him named the player of the competition.

As such, it is clear to see that Kostic would make a fantastic addition to Conte’s Spurs side, something which leads us to believe that Gold’s latest update concerning Tottenham’s interest in the 29-year-old is undoubtedly fantastic news for everyone involved with the club.

AND in other news: Contact made: Paratici in talks for “unreal” £30m Spurs target, he’s Mousa Dembele 2.0

Recent reports have seen West Ham United linked with a move for New York City FC forward Valentin Castellanos, with the Hammers believed to be ‘back in charge’ in the race for the 23-year-old’s signature, with his current side likely to demand a £12m fee.

It would appear that GSB are hoping to rekindle an interest in the Argentina-born ace, having reportedly seen two bids rejected for the £10.8m-rated man back in January, amid their search for a new centre-forward recruit.

That hunt for a new striker addition is still ongoing, with Michail Antonio still the only real recognised centre-forward in David Moyes’ squad, albeit with the Jamaica international having only been a makeshift option himself initially.

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Despite emerging as the club’s leading scorer in the Premier League era, Antonio’s recent woes have heightened the need for an upgrade – or at the very least a worthy understudy – with the former Nottingham Forest man having scored just two league goals in 2022.

Not only have the club potentially found his successor in Castellanos, the £3.5-per-week gem’s arrival would also evoke memories of a certain Carlos Tevez, who adorned the claret and blue jersey for one hugely memorable campaign during the 2006/07 season.

There are of course obvious comparisons between the compatriots due to their place of birth and playing position, although the similarities don’t simply end there, with the younger man mirroring the 38-year-old in his dynamic attacking style.

Equally, like Tevez, the MLS starlet has the chance to go from being a relative unknown into a Hammers icon, should he trade New York for London this summer.

In his solitary season at Upton Park, Tevez netted seven Premier League goals to help fire the club to safety, notably scoring a vital goal on the final day against future employers Manchester United to confirm their survival.

Although his signing – alongside that of Javier Mascherano – was mired in controversy, he remains a firm fan’s favourite among the Irons faithful, illustrated by his recent welcome return to the club earlier this season.

With seven goals in just ten league games this season, Castellanos has already proven he has a similar goalscoring knack to that of his fellow Argentine, while his work ethic also seemingly mirrors that of the veteran ace, having been dubbed “difficult to play against” by manager Ronny Deila for his tireless, “fighting” displays in leading the line.

It was the tireless attacking approach of Tevez that impressed then-boss Alan Curbishley and “captured the imagination” of the club’s supporters back in 2006, with Moyes and co likely to be similarly enthused should they manage to secure their current target in the upcoming window.

IN other news, Cost £1.5m per goal: GSB made a colossal blunder on “strong” £40k-p/w West Ham flop 

Matty Cash, Tyrone Mings and Douglas Luiz all struggled for Aston Villa in their 1-1 Premier League draw against Crystal Palace today. 

After a goalless first half, Villa took the lead through a smart Ollie Watkins effort following an inch-perfect Lucas Digne delivery. However, the visitors struck back through Jeffrey Schlupp to leave Steven Gerrard’s side with just a point from their penultimate home game of the season.

Following this result, the Villans remain 12th in the table with just two matches remaining, including a pivotal final day showdown against title contenders Manchester City.

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Using Sofascore, we’ve taken an in-depth delve into the statistics to decipher which three outfield players struggled the most for Gerrard’s charges. Only those who played for more than 45 minutes are eligible for classification.

Matty Cash (6.9)

One of the shining lights for Villa this season, the 24-year-old Cash was a bit below-par here as Gerrard’s men stutter towards the end of the 2021/22 campaign.

The Poland international lost two duels, gave away possession 20 times and misplaced his only two attempts at a cross, along with 10 of his 11 long passes.

He tied with Danny Ings with a 6.9 rating, but whereas the striker featured for just 71 minutes, Cash had the entire game to prove himself, hence his inclusion here.

Douglas Luiz (6.6)

It was not the Brazilian midfielder’s finest performance in a Villa shirt as the 24-year-old lost possession 10 times on an afternoon when the hosts couldn’t get into full flow.

The usually reliable defensive midfield general also gave away two fouls, lost possession 10 times, misplaced five passes and lost five out of his six duels on an afternoon that he will want to put behind him.

Tyrone Mings (6.6)

With the centre-back’s role as club captain under question for next season, this wasn’t a display which will live long in the memory of Mings as the England defender attempts to retain the armband.

The 29-year-old failed to find a team-mate with seven passes, lost out on three duels and gave the ball away on eight occasions whilst also being booked during the 1-1 draw.

In other news: NSWE now close to agreeing deal for another midfielder alongside Coutinho

An exciting Newcastle United injury lift has emerged over the weekend regarding two first-team players…

What’s the talk?

Magpies boss Eddie Howe has reacted to Kieran Trippier and Callum Wilson both making their long-awaited returns from their respective knocks.

Both players came off the bench in what turned out to be a disappointing afternoon for the Toon army as they lost 5-0 to Manchester City at The Etihad in the Premier League.

After the match, The Chronicle quoted Howe as saying: “Massive boost for everyone connected at Newcastle to see them back. We have missed them.”

Supporters will be buzzing

The supporters will surely be buzzing with both of them being back in action for the Magpies for multiple reasons.

Firstly, it means that Trippier and Wilson can both have a say in where Newcastle finish in the league table. They are currently one point off the top half of the table and this means that they are in with a realistic chance of landing in the top-10 if they can pick up results against Arsenal and Burnley.

Both players being fit and available will be a boost because they have proven that they can put in top performances for the club. Trippier has averaged an exceptional SofaScore rating of 7.42 since arriving from Atletico Madrid in the January transfer window and has scored two goals for the club to date, showing that he can make an impact in the final third whilst putting in sublime all-round displays from full-back.

Wilson, on the other hand, has scored 18 Premier League goals since the start of last season. He has found the back of the net six times in 14 starts this term after managing 12 goals and five assists in 23 starts in 2020/21, which shows that he is capable of being a match-winner for the Magpies with his knack for scoring goals.

Therefore, both players have the requisite quality to have a major say in Newcastle’s last two matches of the campaign. They can help the team to finish in the top half and that would be an exciting way to end Howe’s first season at the club.

The fans will also be buzzing with their availability as it means that they will be getting game time under their belt ahead of 2022/23. It means that they will not be arriving for pre-season with more work to do than the others as they have been fully integrated back into the group this month.

AND in other news, Forget Dubravka: £23k-p/w NUFC lightweight who lost 75% duels let Howe down badly…

Everton are plotting a summer move for FC Barcelona defender Clement Lenglet according to reports from Spain.

What’s the story?

A Spanish outlet is reporting that the centre back is one of the players that Barcelona want to sell ahead of next season in order to raise cash to help fund their rebuild.

He’s rated at £12.6m and Everton are reportedly one of three teams interested in him, along with Sevilla and fellow Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur.

The back-four has been one of the weakest areas of Frank Lampard’s team this campaign, and if they do avoid relegation, they will need to drastically improve it to make sure they aren’t in a battle for survival next year.

He’s an upgrade on Keane

It wouldn’t be hard to improve on a defence that has far from impressed the Everton faithful, and signing Lenglet could make all the difference. He’s an experienced player and has lifted La Liga during his time in Catalonia.

He could be the perfect player during the Toffees’ transition, and given the Spanish giants want him gone, they wouldn’t have to break the bank either.

One of the players he would be competing with at Goodison Park, or perhaps sitting alongside, is Michael Keane. The former England international has received a lot of criticism this season, and with Everton’s leaky defence having conceded 56 goals, it seems justified.

If you look at their statistics you can see that Lenglet would be a clear upgrade. The Frenchman has tackled a higher percentage of dribblers at 67% compared to Keane’s 60%.

He’s been described as a “top player” by French national team manager Didier Deschamps and a “monster” by Yahoo France and it would be somewhat of a coup for Everton if he moved to Merseyside.

As well as defending one on one, the Barcelona man is also more reliable with the ball. He has an impressive overall pass completion percentage of 90% which is considerably higher than Keane’s 77%.

If the Toffees survive, then the 26-year old should be high on their list of priorities. They’ll struggle to attract big names out of fear they may be in the same relegation battle again, but he’s a player that would easily be available and would consider a Premier League move.

The pressure will be on Lampard to produce results next season and he needs a quality defender like Lenglet to help him do just that.

IN other news: Lampard must brutally axe £22.5m-rated Everton “danger” who’s just “not that good”…

Pundit Micah Richards has made a claim on Leeds United defender Liam Cooper after his injury scare on the weekend.

The Lowdown: Cooper set for scans

It was a weekend to forget for the Whites on all fronts, with relegation rivals Burnley and Everton picking up three points each to leave Leeds on the brink of the bottom three.

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Leeds fell to a 4-0 defeat to leaders Manchester City, with Stuart Dallas suffering a broken leg at Elland Road.

Dallas wasn’t the only Leeds player injured on Saturday evening, though, with captain Liam Cooper withdrawing from the starting line-up after pulling up in the warm-up due to a knee problem which requires a scan.

The Latest: ‘Massive’

Speaking live on BBC Monday Night Club, relayed by MOT Leeds News, Richards, who contributes regularly for BBC Radio 5 Live and Match of the Day, had this to say on Cooper and his latest problem.

“Cooper being out is massive for them.

“While they’ve conceded the most, when you’re going up against Man City, especially from set-pieces, if they pick you apart you hold your hands up.”

The Verdict: Fingers crossed

Cooper’s return to action last month following a hamstring problem coincided with a change in form at the back for Leeds, so this fresh injury concern could be a big problem.

Jesse Marsch’s side picked up five points from nine and conceded just once in games with Southampton, Watford and Crystal Palace with Cooper back in the side from the off.

The Whites star has been the club’s second-best performer this season, with Dallas third, as per WhoScored, so Leeds officials will be desperate to find out the centre-back’s knee problem isn’t too serious heading into the final four games.

In other news: Leeds want to sign ‘X-factor’ attacker despite possible relegation.