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Fabio Paratici has been hard at work this summer with Tottenham to improve the team ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

The former Juventus chief has brought in Ivan Perisic, Fraser Forster and Yves Bissouma to bolster the squad before pre-season has even begun.

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With a Champions League group to prepare for, Spurs may want to add more players to the group and they have been linked with a host of talented gems in recent weeks.

Football.London reporter Alasdair Gold recently claimed that the club have a long-standing interest in Leicester City talent James Maddison.

Antonio Conte’s own Mason Mount

In securing a deal for the midfielder, bought for £25m from Norwich in 2018, Paratici can land the Italian head coach his own version of Chelsea’s Mason Mount.

The obvious comparisons are there; English, young, attacking midfielders, can score goals, can assist, and have flair.

In the Premier League last season, Mount produced 11 goals and ten assists for Thomas Tuchel – averaging a SofaScore rating of 7.43.

The England international has proven that he can score and assist on a regular basis in the top-flight as he has made himself an integral part of a Champions League outfit – winning the competition in 2021.

Meanwhile, the Leicester man also caught the eye with a stunning campaign under Brendan Rodgers with the Foxes…

As you can see in the graphic above, the 25-year-old was outstanding in the final third as he managed 20 direct goal contributions in the Premier League – one less than Mount had for Chelsea.

Maddison was once dubbed a “genius” by BBC Norfolk’s Rob Butler and England boss Gareth Southgate once claimed that his set-piece delivery is “world-class”, showing that he has caught the attention of pundits and managers alike in his career.

The gem also caught the eye in Europe last term, producing one goal and two assists in three Europa League starts before plundering three goals in five Europa Conference League starts for the Foxes.

His statistics, domestically and in Europe, suggest that he has the quality to make the step up to play for a top-six side as his return in the Premier League is similar to Mount’s for Chelsea.

Therefore, Paratici would land Conte his own version of the 23-year-old Cobham star by snapping Maddison up from Leicester and he must now get a deal over the line for the former Norwich man.

AND in other news, Spurs now in pole position to sign £20m monster with “no nerves”, he’s Vertonghen 2.0…

A big transfer tease has emerged over Christian Eriksen’s future amid speculation that Tottenham are interested in signing him… 

What’s the talk?

Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano has claimed that the player is set to make a final call on where he will be playing his football next season.

He Tweeted: “Brentford have submitted a serious, important personal terms offer to Christian Eriksen – but the player is considering his options with many clubs interested. Eriksen will make his decision on the future club in the coming days.”

It has previously been reported that the midfielder wants to play Champions League football in 2022/23, with Antonio Conte keen on reuniting with him.

Supporters will be excited

Spurs supporters will be excited by this claim from Romano as it suggests that a decision is now imminent from the player.

Brentford making a ‘serious’ offer will not concern Tottenham at this moment in time if the reports of him wanting European football are to be believed. The Bees do not have Champions League, or even Europa League, football to offer him and this is where Spurs may have a huge edge on their opponents.

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Although, Thomas Frank’s side are the ones that offered Eriksen a chance to return to the Premier League after his cardiac arrest last year and his gratitude for that may make him consider re-joining them.

Tottenham, however, also have a strong connection with him as he played 304 times for the club earlier in his career before joining Conte at Inter. This means that he has a pre-existing relationship with both the team and the manager, which is a boost for the north London side.

These factors all point towards a return to Spurs being on the cards for Eriksen and that is why supporters will now be excited by the prospect of the Dane making a decision in the next few days.

The 30-year-old has proven that he still has what it takes to be a significant player in the Premier League as he showcased his quality with Brentford this year.

In 11 top-flight outings, he averaged an exceptional SofaScore rating of 7.53 as he chipped in with one goal and four assists. He created an eye-catching 2.8 chances per game and Spurs fans will be buzzing with the thought of him being back at the club and delivering teasing crosses for Harry Kane and Heung-min Son.

AND in other news, Paratici and Conte now eyeing Spurs swoop for £45m-rated “machine”, he’s Eriksen 2.0…

Manchester United have submitted an offer to sign Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong, according to Marca (via Sport Witness). 

The lowdown: Major interest

Although the transfer window is yet to officially open, the pursuit of De Jong is already in danger of turning into an exhausting saga.

The Red Devils have been extensively linked with a move for the 25-year-old, particularly following the official appointment of former Ajax manager Erik ten Hag, who took charge of 59 games in which the cultured midfielder played in Holland.

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Amidst all the noise surrounding the potential switch to Old Trafford from the Camp Nou, it now appears as though United have taken the first big step towards getting the deal moving…

The latest: Bid made

As per Marca, translated by SW, Manchester United chiefs are believed to have made an opening bid worth €60million (£51million) initially, plus a further €20million (£17million) in add ons.

It’s claimed that Ten Hag has personally ‘spoken with the footballer to convince him to be his star at United’, having overseen his development earlier on in a fledgeling career.

The report states that De Jong – once lauded as a ‘sublime footballer’ by reporter Sam Dean – would be given the responsibility to be the ‘conductor’ in the midfield and is now ‘further away’ than ever from staying at Barcelona.

The verdict: Fingers crossed

Signing the 42-cap Holland star for the mooted expenditure would be a welcome positive statement of intent to signify the beginning of what is hoped to be a new and successful era under Ten Hag.

Sharing similar stylistic traits with Real Madrid superstar Luka Modric, Manchester City sensation Ilkay Gundogan and classy Inter Milan ace Nicolo Barella (Fbref), there is certainly an elite level player in the cross hairs of the United recruitment team.

With his talents already well known to the manager, during 2021/22, the Dutchman scored four times and registered five assists in 46 appearances across all competitions, earning an impressive 7.08 Sofascore rating whilst competing 1.3 key passes on average from 32 La Liga outings in the process.

That form and perceived level of potential, combined with the opportunity to link back up with his ex-manager Ten Hag and former teammate Donny van de Beek, makes the swoop for De Jong a no brainer, particularly having allowed Paul Pogba move on.

In other news, Erik ten Hag could be key in luring this star to Old Trafford

Former Premier League goalkeeper Paddy Kenny has claimed that West Ham ace Jarrod Bowen would be the ‘perfect’ signing for Liverpool.

The Lowdown: Liverpool monitoring Bowen

It was reported by The Athletic earlier this week that Sadio Mane is looking to depart Merseyside during the upcoming transfer window, while Football Insider revealed back in January that the Reds are continuing to keep close tabs on the Irons forward ahead of a potential move.

The 25-year-old has only been at the London Stadium for the past two years since joining from Hull City, and even though his current contract isn’t set to expire until 2025, his outstanding performances have clearly caught the eye of the top-flight giants.

The Latest: Kenny issues ‘perfect’ replacement claim

Kenny, 44, thinks Bowen would be a ‘huge’ and ‘perfect’ signing to replace Mane at Anfield. He told Football Insider:

“Bowen has been unbelievable and now he’s got his first England call up.

“That shows how good of a season he has had at West Ham.

“Every time I have watched him play he has done really well and looks head and shoulders above the other players.

“If that’s an option and Liverpool are interested, it would be huge. I think they were interested in January, then I would bet he’s the perfect replacement for Mane in my opinion.”

The Verdict: West Ham’s standout performer

The £31.5m-rated starlet has undoubtedly been the Hammers’ standout performer this season, having netted 18 goals in 51 appearances across all competitions, higher than any other of his teammates, as well as ranking joint-first for number of assists (11) alongside Michail Antonio, via BBC Sport.

A team like Liverpool would more than likely be able to offer the former Tigers man a lot more money than what he’s currently on, but David Moyes will know the importance that he has in his starting XI and so must do everything he can to prevent the winger from being tempted into a move away.

The Scotsman will now be preparing his squad for the start of the new term and their Europa Conference League campaign, where Bowen can make all the difference when it comes to West Ham attempting to make it all the way to the final and get their hands on that silverware this time around.

In other news… a reliable journalist has claimed that the Irons could ‘definitely’ make a move for one of their summer transfer targets. 

Rangers have suffered a blow in their pursuit of a new goalkeeper as Giovanni van Bronckhorst looks to do his transfer business early at Ibrox this summer.

What’s the word?

According to The Scotsman, the Light Blues’ interest in Bosnian ‘keeper Vladan Kovacevic appears to be wide of the mark.

The 24-year-has two years left on his contract and is valued at £1.8m by Transfermarkt, so if Rangers were to make a move then it would involve a fee.

This particular transfer doesn’t look likely, however, as the Gers start to look at other targets for the goalkeeping position.

Supporters will be gutted

Van Bronckhorst has had a solid start to his managerial life at Rangers, winning the Scottish Cup and leading the team to a historic Europa League final which ended in heartbreak as Eintracht Frankfurt won on penalties.

There is an excellent base from which to build as the squad head into pre-season in a few weeks’ time, but the Dutchman could have a few conundrums to work out first.

The goalkeeping position is one which could be a headscratcher. With first-choice Allan McGregor now 40 and his future up in the air, the hunt is on for a replacement.

News surrounding Kovacevic is a big blow to the supporters and Van Bronckhorst, mainly due to a similar playing style as McGregor, although the Bosnian appears to be much better with the ball at his feet.

The Ibrox club have been linked with a whole host of shot-stoppers since the turn of the year such as Benjamin Siegrist and Sam Johnstone, but whoever comes in will have a hard job replicating the standards that McGregor has set for the previous four seasons.

Unfortunately, everyone’s time to retire comes at some stage, and if he does end his career this summer, the 40-year-old can be happy that he went out on a high by lifting the Scottish Cup at Hampden Park last week.

Van Bronckhorst will have confidence in Jon McLaughlin ahead of next season, as the backup ‘keeper has been excellent whenever he has featured for the club, but competition for places is never a bad thing.

AND in other news: GvB set for big Rangers contract lift that’ll leave supporters buzzing…

It is unlikely that Lyon midfielder Lucas Paqueta joins Newcastle United this summer, according to Newcastle World journalists Liam Kennedy and Jordan Cronin.

The Lowdown: Similarities with Bruno signing

A big-money transfer to bring the 24-year-old to St James’ Park this summer would have echoes of the signing of Bruno Guimaraes, who joined the Magpies from the Ligue 1 side in January for £33m.

Paqueta is also a Brazil international who has played for Lyon, and the attacking midfielder is said to be a ‘good friend’ of the current Tyneside idol.

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The Latest: Journalists share Paqueta transfer latest

On Sunday, Newcastle World journalists Kennedy and Cronin shared an update over Eddie Howe’s alleged pursuit of Paqueta in a Q&A for the publication. Both reporters cast doubt on the potential of such a deal being pulled off, given the huge finances which would likely be involved.

Kennedy claimed: “You can never say never in football, as often things are never truly black and white. But the noises I have been hearing so far this summer suggest this is not a deal the Magpies are looking to complete, should they get the majority of their priority targets. It’s definitely one which gets the juices flowing on social media, however.”

Cronin then added: “I’m doubtful we’ll see Paqueta in a NUFC shirt next season. Signing Paqueta would take a big chunk out of United’s transfer budget for a position that isn’t really a priority at the moment. It’s an easy link – especially with the Bruno connection – and plenty are guilty of falling into the social media fanfare.”

The Verdict: Unlikely but would be incredible

Given Guimaraes’ electric start to life on Tyneside, where he has scored five goals in 11 games when he has featured in Howe’s starting XI, this suggests that former Lyon team-mate Paqueta could also adapt to life in the Premier League quite well.

With Paqueta having netted nine goals in Ligue 1 this season, the idea of the two Brazilians linking up again at Newcastle is an exciting prospect for Magpies fans. However, with the expected fee involved, the transfer seems unlikely to materialise, given Howe’s apparent priority to target other positions first.

Nevertheless, the rumours linking the 24-year-old with a move to Tyneside illustrate the club’s ambition to sign some of Europe’s best talent, which will be encouraging for the Toon Army.

In other news: Newcastle United: Jacque Talbot reveals Christopher Nkunku transfer news

Wolves are plotting a move for Venezia striker Thomas Henry ahead of what could be a busy summer transfer window for Bruno Lage and co at Molineux.

What’s the word?

According to reports, via BBC Sport, Wolves are interested in working out a deal to bring Henry to Molineux in the summer transfer window.

The French striker has only been at the Italian side for a year but has already made a solid impression which has gathered Premier League interest.

The 27-year-old’s contract doesn’t expire for another two years and his impressive performances will surely have ramped up the fee Venezia will be able to command.

Wolves can unearth their own Luis Suarez

Bruno Lage has made a solid start in life at Molineux, he has guided the side to their third top half finish in four seasons since their promotion from the Championship in 2018 and will have high hopes ahead of next season.

Henry has scored nine times in Serie A for relegated Venezia, and this is a more than respectable return and he could bolster the Wolves frontline.

The club could unearth their own Suarez in the Frenchman with the pair stated as similar in style and statistics by FB Ref this season.

Henry has managed 2.4 shots on target per 90 minutes, whereas the Uruguayan sits at 2.5, and both players have scored over ten goals in all competitions.

In terms of shot-creating actions, Henry has 38 for the season compared to 36 for Suarez and shows that they still pose an attacking threat, despite being in teams that have struggled at points over the course of the season. With that in mind, it’s clear to see why an assessment from Lokeren boss Karel Fraeye suggested he’s a player who can “cause havoc” for defenders.

Wolves might have to pay slightly more than the striker’s £4.5m valuation, but with “powerful” praise being lavished upon the 6 foot 4 colossus earlier this season, they may just have found themselves a bargain.

AND in other news, Closing in: WWFC plot bid for “impressive” £10m ace, he’s the future

Aston Villa have been name-checked with an interest in AS Roma attacking midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan by journalist Alfredo Pedulla.

The Lowdown: Mkhitaryan at Roma

Mkhitaryan has impressed in recent seasons after leaving Arsenal for Roma back in 2019. The Armenia international made a loan move permanent as a free agent and has turned out on 119 occasions for the Serie A giants.

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The 33-year-old has scored 29 times in a Roma shirt, taking his tally for club and country to 201, however, he is out of contract with the club at the end of June, leading to rumours of a possible Premier League return.

The Latest: Pedulla’s post

Pedulla took to Twitter on Wednesday evening to share an update on Mkhitaryan’s future.

He stated that Roma wants to renew the 33-year-old’s deal, but said ‘watch out’ for a possible ‘surprise’ move to Villa. Inter Milan, Napoli and Tottenham were also name-checked alongside Villa in regards to a potential swoop.

The Verdict: Avoid?

Although Mkhitaryan has impressed in Italy, contributing to 24 goals in 34 league games last season, Villa could be better off avoiding a free transfer.

They have now secured a permanent deal for Phillipe Coutinho and also have club-record signing Emiliano Buendia on the books, two high quality attacking midfield options. Therefore, if Steven Gerrard wants another this summer, the club may benefit from looking to land a younger player who can learn from Coutinho and Buendia and will be happy to be a bit-part player.

You’d expect that Mkhitaryan would want regular game time in the final years of his career, something Villa may not be able to offer, but it could still be one to watch closely.

In other news: ‘Incredible…’ – Sky Sports man buzzing at major Villa news after ‘speaking to the players’. 

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in a deal to bring Pau Torres to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a claim made by Fabrizio Romano, with the Italian transfer insider and journalist revealing in a recent interview with Que Golazo that, after failing with a bid to sign the Villarreal centre-back 12 months ago, Fabio Paratici remains interested in the 25-year-old – whom both Manchester United and Chelsea are also reportedly keen on – this summer.

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Regarding Spurs’ interest in the Spain international, Romano said: “Tottenham wanted him one year ago and he was close to joining, then he decided to stay at Villarreal to play Champions League football. But now, Tottenham are still following him.”

An “extraordinary” signing

With Fabio Paratici being reported to have prioritised the signing of a left-sided centre-back ahead of Tottenham’s 2022/23 campaign, it is easy to see why the Italian sporting director is keeping an eye on the situation of Torres this summer.

Indeed, over his 30 LaLiga appearances this season, the £60m-rated defender has been a colossus in Unai Emery’s backline, helping his side keep ten clean sheets, in addition to making an average of 0.6 interceptions, 0.9 tackles, 3.1 clearances and winning 4.0 duels – at a success rate of 66% – per game.

The £126k-per-week talent has also impressed going forwards, bagging four goals and creating three big chances for his teammates, as well as completing an average of 54.4 passes, 4.5 long balls, 0.8 dribbles and taking 0.7 shots per fixture.

These metrics have seen the player who Javi Calleja labelled an “extraordinary talent” average an extremely impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.06, ranking him as Villarreal’s fourth-best performer in the top flight of Spanish football.

As such, it is clear for all to see that Torres would make an exceptional addition to Antonio Conte’s current options at the back, leading us to believe that Paratici simply must activate the centre-back’s reported £55m release clause this summer – as the 25-year-old would undoubtedly help to take Spurs to a different level next season.

AND in other news: Conte could land his new Kante as Spurs eye £17m signing who’s “absolutely everywhere”

Liverpool have reportedly been in hot pursuit of Monaco midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, and now a new update on the progress of the player’s potential move to Anfield has been revealed.

What’s the latest?

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, Liverpool have joined Real Madrid in registering their interest in Tchouameni ahead of the summer transfer window.

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Bailey Tweeted:

“Real Madrid and Liverpool register interest in Aurelien Tchouameni.

“Has emerged as one of Europe’s top young midfielders. Chelsea had been heading the chase and still want him, but they may regret not pushing through a deal last year.”

Thiago 2.0

It is no secret that Liverpool have many midfielders that do not have age on their side, with Jordan Henderson, James Milner, Fabinho and Thiago Alcantara all in their 30s, so adding some youth into the centre of the pitch will surely be a priority for Jurgen Klopp and FSG this summer.

When it comes to replacing an older midfielder in the centre of the pitch Tchouameni is the perfect player to eventually take the place of the popular Spanish six, Thiago, someone he’s been compared to via FB Ref.

The 22-year-old who was hailed “extraordinary” by Paul Pogba, is undoubtedly far less experienced than his potential position competitor at Anfield, however, when you compare the two they have high-quality similarities that would make Tchouameni the perfect fit to slot into the team.

Tchouameni has an 87.1% pass completion rate with Thiago just slightly ahead of him with an 89.5% rate, however, the Monaco midfielder offers further attributes ahead of the Liverpool midfielder, with the youngster providing more progression of the ball in his play.

The £83m gem outshines with twice as many successful dribbles (31), more touches in both the defensive and attacking third, and almost twice as many yards completed in the progression of the ball, proving that the young Ligue 1 star is effective all over the midfield and causes problems at both ends of the pitch.

The Frenchman who was dubbed a “monster” by France U21 boss Sylvain Ripoll would be a huge coup for Klopp if he could steal the midfielder’s signature this summer from other interested clubs like Real Madrid.

AND in other news: Liverpool potting bid to sign “dangerous” £19.8m-rated weapon, he’s Klopp’s new Bobby