Tottenham: Club chief travels for talks over Dumfries

An Italian report has now shared some interesting Tottenham Hotspur transfer news as Inter Milan sporting director Piero Ausilio schedules a meeting over defender Denzel Dumfries.

The Lowdown: Conte plots major overhaul…

As reported by The Telegraph, Spurs head coach Antonio Conte is plotting a major overhaul with two new signings having already been confirmed.

Croatia footballing legend Ivan Perisic and Premier League goalkeeper Fraser Forster have arrived in north London on Bosman deals and it is reliably believed that Conte is chasing even more fresh faces.

The Italian reportedly wants one or two new wing-backs with La Gazzetta dello Sport now sharing a development on their links to Inter star Dumfries.

The Latest: Spurs meeting scheduled…

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According to the newspaper, Nerazzurri club chief Ausilio has travelled to London for various transfer meetings and has scheduled one with Tottenham hierarchy as they eye a move for Dumfries.

Conte and Co are allegedly keeping tabs on the Netherlands international, who is also wanted by Man United.

The Verdict: Make a move?

Dumfries, valued at around €40 million (£34m) by Inter, could be an astute purchase for the Lilywhites and Conte if the move for Djed Spence does not work out.

The 26-year-old is still fairly young and has attracted big praise in parts for his performances in Serie A over 2021/2022 – with Italian football expert and GIFN contributor Jerry Mancini calling him an ‘exciting player’ and ‘effective’ out wide (Twitter).

The Dutchman is also a regular at international level, amassing over 30 caps in an often star-studded Netherlands international side.

It’s hardly surprising Spurs hold an interest and it will be interesting to see the outcome of these talks.

In other news: ‘Big’ – Alasdair Gold says Tottenham are expected to make move for supremely underrated star! Find out more here.

Tim Spiers drops Morgan Gibbs-White update

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

West Ham: Sky Sports make major Soucek claim

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.

Spurs eye own Kante in Idrissa Gueye

Tottenham Hotspur target Idrissa Gueye is exactly the sort of player Antonio Conte wants at the club…

What’s the word?

That’s according to transfer insider Dean Jones, who delivered the claim to GIVEMESPORT recently, where he said:

“He’s obviously a warrior, and there’s this sort of player that Conte wants to see in there.

“He’s got this real feeling that losing games didn’t hurt Tottenham enough, so he’s trying to look for players of a certain character at the moment.”

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The north London outfit were linked with a move for the Paris Saint-Germain midfielder by reports in France earlier this month, and the Ligue 1 champions could be open to selling him for around €20m (£18m) as he enters the final year of his current £99k-per-week contract.

Shades of Kante

After a fresh £150m cash injection ahead of the summer transfer window, it’s believed that Conte wants as many as six new signings at Hotspur Way, in which another central midfielder is thought to be among the targets.

Gueye at 32 may not be the most inspiring option but given their interest in Ivan Perisic, 33, it seems the Italian is targeting proven experience in a bid to change their fortunes in the short term.

Competing in the Champions League next season, Spurs will certainly need strength in depth to compete on all fronts and signing another engine room option would be wise, especially with Harry Winks and Giovani Lo Celso on the way out.

Just as Jones explains, Gueye is a ‘warrior’ and has done the business in the Premier League before, at Everton. He very much fits the mould of N’Golo Kante, who the Italian head coach had during his time at Stamford Bridge.

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Oliver Skipp and Rodrigo Bentancur are very solid options but none fit that mould as well as the 90-cap Senegal international.

The £11.7m-rated powerhouse, once lauded as a “monster” by ex-Villa boss Tim Sherwood, Gueye has averaged a whopping 3.1 tackles, 2.1 interceptions and 0.9 dribbles per game across the course of his long career, via WhoScored.

This sort of defensive work rate and output is right up Conte’s street and whilst he is stacked with alternatives, it would be foolish to not add the PSG man on the cheap, should the opportunity arise.

£18m for an Premier League ready option is certainly a steal.

AND in other news, Paratici now closing in on “unreal” £15m Spurs signing, it’ll give Arteta nightmares, again…

Spurs: Gold drops Kostic transfer claim

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

West Ham eyeing Tevez 2.0 in Castellanos

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 

Aston Villa’s 3 worst players v Palace

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

Newcastle handed double injury lift

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 plotting move for Lenglet

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”…

Leeds: Micah Richards makes Liam Cooper claim

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.

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