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Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing AZ Alkmaar full-back Owen Wijndal, according to a report from French outlet Foot Mercato. 

The lowdown: Hot prospect

Having come through the ranks in Alkmaar, Wijndal has been made captain at the Eredivisie club and has already amassed 143 senior outings despite his tender years.

The 22-year-old is also a fully-fledged Netherlands international after representing the nation at every youth level before winning 11 senior caps and featuring at Euro 2020.

It now appears as though Spurs have a keen eye on the left-back, as Antonio Conte attempts to add strength in depth to the Tottenham ranks…

The latest: Talks opened

As per Foot Mercato, Spurs are already ‘discussing’ the potential transfer with AZ.

Also believed to be a target for European giants such as Lyon, Napoli and Juventus, Wijndal is now very much on the radar in north London.

It is claimed that the Lilywhites are keen to ‘secure the services’ of the youngster, who was hailed as a ‘revelation’ by journalist Michael Bell following a breakout on the international scene in November 2020 which included an assist against Spain.

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The verdict: Make it happen

Last season, Wijndal scored once and provided 12 assists in 43 appearances across all competitions. He earned a 6.94 Sofascore rating whilst making 1.5 key passes and winning 4.1 duels per game, creating a further nine big chances in the Eredivisie.

Clearly an attack-minded full-back judging by those figures, the multi-faceted 22-year-old seems ideally suited to feature in Conte’s preferred 3-5-2 formation which is heavily dominated by the influence of the wing-backs.

He should be considered as a top priority, with doubts remaining over the fitness of Ryan Sessegnon and the future of Sergio Reguilon.

Valued at £10.8m and under contract until 2024 (Transfermarkt), the Dutchman should present a wholly affordable and feasible option for ENIC and transfer chief Fabio Paratici.

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

Manchester United have been offered the chance to sign Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot.

The Lowdown: Midfielders needed

Erik ten Hag is on the hunt for midfield additions at Old Trafford after the departures of Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard and Juan Mata were all confirmed.

Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong appears to be the primary target, with recent reports from Spain believing that an agreement is close for the Netherlands international.

Leeds United’s Kalvin Phillips is another player the Red Devils have checked out, and it seems as if Rabiot is the latest midfielder who may move to Manchester.

The Latest: Rabiot transfer update

Sport Witness relayed an update from TuttoMercatoWeb regarding United and Rabiot on Saturday.

They claimed that Juventus have offered the 27-year-old’s services to the Manchester club and have received a ‘positive’ response. The Red Devils are believed to be tempted over a swoop for the Frenchman, with a figure of €15m-€20m (£12.9m-£17.2m) mooted in the report.

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The Verdict: Should they?

Rabiot, who Gianluigi Buffon hailed as ‘strong’ and built ‘like a wardrobe’, can play as a holding, central or left midfielder and is valued at £16.2m by Transfermarkt.

He has a wealth of experience for two of Europe’s biggest clubs in Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain, so he may be able to cope better than most with the pressure of playing at Old Trafford on a regular basis.

Rabiot also has 26 caps to his name for France and 24 trophies for club and country, so he should be able to bring that winning mentality to Ten Hag’s side in what could be a shrewd prospective move by United.

In other news: Agent close to Man Utd officials now pushing to bring ‘magical’ Real Madrid star to Old Trafford

Divock Origi’s exit from Liverpool could be completed within a matter of days, with journalist Fabrizio Romano providing a fresh update in the early hours of Friday morning.

The Lowdown: Origi on the move

The 27-year-old’s Reds contract expires next month and it has long been decided that he will move on to pastures new.

Origi became an increasingly sporadic presence in Liverpool’s squad in 2021/22, only making seven appearances in the Premier League and not a single start.

A summer move to Milan is on the cards and a new update has now emerged regarding his exit.

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The Latest: Romano provides update

Taking to Twitter, Romano says that Origi’s switch to Italy could even be completed over the weekend, revealing medical exams and signatures are expected ‘in the next days’:

“AC Milan have prepared all contracts for Divock Origi, just waiting for the Belgian striker in Milano in the next days to undergo medical tests and sign.”

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The Verdict: Right time to leave

While it is sad to see Origi move on, it makes complete sense for him to find a fresh challenge this season, following eight years at Liverpool.

Jurgen Klopp clearly doesn’t see him as an important player moving forward and he is too good to be warming the substitutes’ bench week in, week out.

Origi has the potential to really flourish as the leading man at Milan, given his technical ability and physical prowess, and it would be heartwarming for Reds fans to see him thrive elsewhere.

In other news, a journalist has dropped a key claim regarding one Liverpool player. Read more here.

Liverpool are looking to the transfer window to bolster their squad this summer following reports that Sadio Mane will leave the club, and it appears that there has been a new target identified for the Reds.

What’s the latest?

According to the Daily Star, Liverpool are interested in plotting a bid for Chelsea winger Christian Pulisic this summer.

The report claimed that Jurgen Klopp is keen to find a replacement for Senegal winger Mane in order to ensure that they doesn’t decline if the 30-year-old leaves Merseyside this summer.

Aquilani 2.0

It was never in doubt that Pulisic would eventually be linked to a move to Liverpool, as Klopp is a huge admirer of the American forward since working with him at Borussia Dortmund in the early stages of his career.

The German coach has even spoken out about the 23-year-old since joining the Reds, praising the player after he scored twice against Liverpool in a pre-season friendly in 2018.

Klopp said: “He’s a fantastic skilled boy, and it’s not a surprise to see. He’s a smart player, and unfortunately the USA needs more of these players. He alone cannot do it all.”

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Despite the manager’s admiration, there are many concerns that Liverpool should take into account to ensure that they don’t make a similar mistake to the one they made by signing Alberto Aquilani, who was plagued with injuries throughout his time at the club.

Pulisic has also struggled in that regard since his arrival at Chelsea in 2019, with 12 episodes of injury and fitness issues equating to missing 354 days (almost a full year) and 44 matches for the Blues.

When you consider that Mane has been a consistent performer with rare short-term injury issues over the last six years, it could be a disaster for the Reds if they sign the £42m-valued American and he is unable to provide reliability to the team, an attribute which will already be a huge loss for the club when the Senegal winger leaves.

With that in mind, there are plenty of other potential signings who could offer more reliability and consistency on the pitch in order to give Klopp the best shot at seamlessly replacing Mane’s attacking output at Anfield.

AND in other news – “Talks will..”: Fabrizio Romano drops big transfer update, it’s bad news for Liverpool

Manchester City are interested in signing Chelsea defender Reece James as a successor to Kyle Walker, according to Daily Mail. 

The lowdown: Top talent

Already a regular for both club and country, the 22-year-old has enjoyed a rapid rise to the forefront of the elite game having come through the youth ranks in London.

A key member of Thomas Tuchel’s side that beat City in the 2020/21 UEFA Champions League final, James has amassed 123 appearances for Chelsea having also made 46 senior outings whilst on loan at Wigan.

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Despite being under contract until 2025 (Transfermarkt), City boss Pep Guardiola looks to have earmarked James as a potential target to add to the champions’ squad…

The latest: Next in line

As per the Daily Mail, Man City have ‘identified’ the ten-cap England star as a replacement for Walker.

It’s claimed that James is viewed as a long-term successor to his international teammate and as such Chelsea are looking to negotiate a new deal with the versatile ace as a ‘priority’ once the takeover has been completed.

The report also states that the new deal for the youngster hailed as ‘phenomenal’ by Ally McCoist following the right-back’s thunderous goal against Juventus could see him earn around £200,000 per week.

The verdict: Statement signing

James suffered an injury-hit campaign in 2021/22 but still managed six goals and ten assists in 39 appearances across all competitions, earning an outstanding 7.40 Sofascore rating whilst winning 4.5 duels, making 47.5 accurate passes and taking 1.4 shots on average per game in the process.

Capable of playing as a defensive midfielder, at centre-back and as a naturally attacking right-back, versatility that is well suited to Guardiola’s full-back orientated style, James shares similar traits with Juan Cuadrado, Alphonso Davies and City’s own Joao Cancelo (Fbref).

At 31, there is still plenty of elite football left in Walker, but lining up the London-born star as an instant replacement is certainly a wise move and although the prospects of landing a player from a major domestic rival seem farfetched, if City were able to emulate something like the deal that brought Walker to the Etihad from Tottenham for £45million (BBC), it would be a huge capture for the Sky Blues.

In other news… a BBC pundit has dropped this huge Man City transfer claim

Leeds United winger Daniel James is a target for Serie A side Atalanta, according to a report from Calcio Atalanta (via Sport Witness). 

The lowdown: Tough season

Reminiscent of the entire Leeds squad, James has endured a difficult campaign at Elland Road having made a £25million switch from Manchester United last summer when Marcelo Bielsa was still at the helm (BBC).

Overall, the young winger has directly contributed to nine goals in 35 appearances across all competitions for the Whites.

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Despite not setting the world alight in Yorkshire, as the threat of relegation looms large ahead of the final day, there is now believed to be interest from Italy…

The latest: Atalanta make contact

As per Calcio Atalanta, translated by SW, Atalanta have already made ‘contacts with the player’ ahead of a possible summer transfer swoop.

It’s claimed that the Serie A outfit and regular UEFA Champions League participants will look to negotiate a ‘low’ fee for the 30-cap Wales ace if Leeds are relegated.

The report also states that Atalanta chief Lee Congerton has James – who was described as ‘unbelievable’ by former top-flight goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel – in his ‘notebook’ following scouting missions to the United Kingdom.

The verdict: No deal

Regardless of whether Leeds can retain their Premier League status or otherwise, the club must do everything in its power to retain the Welsh speedster.

Capable of playing across a variety of attacking positions, the £16.2million valued 24-year-old has previous experience of the Championship with Swansea and would be pivotal should the Whites face the drop, whilst also being the level of player Marsch can build a team around in order to enjoy a more fruitful season next term.

Under contract in Yorkshire until 2026 (Transfermarkt), Director of Football Victor Orta is certainly well placed to rebuff any potential suitors in the summer transfer window as Leeds either look to strengthen their ranks or retain key assets.

In other news: Orta now eyeing transfer move for exciting winger even if Leeds are in the Championship. 

Everton are reportedly battling Liverpool, among a number of other clubs in the Premier League, to sign Eddie Nketiah on a free transfer in the summer.

The Lowdown: Final day heartbreak?

Interestingly, the 22-year-old is set to line up against the Toffees for Arsenal on the final day of the season next week.

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Frank Lampard’s team may still need points in order to guarantee safety, but would ideally not want to come up against a man who has four goals in his last five games in the top flight (Transfermarkt).

The Latest: Everton interest in Nketiah

Taking to Twitter, transfer expert Toby Cudworth – who contributes for the Talking Transfers podcast – has revealed that Everton are now battling fierce rivals Liverpool to sign Nketiah, among a host of other clubs in the Premier League.

The 90min reporter outlined: “It’s increasingly unlikely Eddie Nketiah will stay at Arsenal – #WHUFC, #NUFC, #EFC and #CPFC all chasing. Liverpool and Chelsea also monitoring situation – 22 y/o could provide attractive squad depth option.”

The Verdict: Sign him

Nketiah is currently rated at £9m by Transfermarkt, so to get him on a free transfer would represent a great piece of business for Everton.

Described as a player with an ‘incredible work-rate’, ‘pace’ and a ‘smell for goals’ by his manager Mikel Arteta (Sportskeeda), the Arsenal marksman possesses all of the necessary attributes needed for a striker to succeed in the top flight.

He is only 22 years of age and will surely only get even better if he is nurtured by a Premier League and England legend in Lampard.

In other news, find out who could return for Everton against Brentford today

Rangers podcast and Ibrox official media partners Heart & Hand have reacted to an Instagram post from striker Alfredo Morelos on Thursday. 

The lowdown

Morelos has already been ruled out for the remainder of the 2021/22 campaign through injury.

He damaged his thigh while on international duty with Colombia in March, and had to undergo season-ending surgery in early April (via The Athletic).

That of course means the Colombian, who’s scored 113 goals in 224 appearances for the club, will be a spectator for Wednesday’s Europa League final meeting with Eintracht Frankfurt.

And he’s also been reduced to a watching role domestically as Celtic have retaken the Scottish Premiership title with a game to spare.

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The latest

Heart & Hand tweeted a screenshot from Morelos’ Instagram story showing him working in a gym in Rangers training gear with the caption ‘Vamos’.

“Don’t do this to us Alfie,” the club’s podcaster wrote.

The verdict

It really is a great shame that Morelos will be missing in Seville.

He’s Rangers’ all-time top European goalscorer, and it will hurt both the player and the supporters that he can’t participate in their first continental final since 2008.

And to make matters worse, Giovanni van Bronckhorst is also sweating on the fitness of another striker, Kemar Roofe, ahead of the clash with Frankfurt.

As of Thursday, he’d still not returned to training, and so he’s very much running out of time.

Morelos is Rangers’ joint-top scorer with 16 (tied with James Tavernier), while Roofe is only one behind. Could the loss of 31 goals worth’ of firepower prove a decisive factor in the final?

In other news, this Gers defender is now attracting Premier League interest. 

Everton must seal a deal for FC Barcelona midfielder Gavi this summer as he could be the answer to their problems and he is better than their current option Allan.

It was recently reported by Spanish outlet AS that Everton are among several clubs interested in completing a move for the 17-year-old. Barcelona were considering offloading the player in order to help finance their re-build and set a price tag of €40m (£34.2m) for his services.

However, they have since been more reluctant to let him go and if Everton don’t move quickly then it could become too tough for them to persuade the club and player.

The teenage sensation is one of the latest products of their world-famous La Masia academy and has made 31 La Liga appearances this season, being directly involved in eight goals. To be having that much of an impact at a big club when he’s so young proves just how good he is. If Everton really wanted to make a statement this summer then signing him would do exactly that.

The Toffees are still battling to stay in the Premier League and transfers will probably take a back seat until their fate is sealed. If they do get relegated, then a move for Gavi will likely be off the table, but he could be a key part of a resurgence next season if they stay up.

Moving to Goodison Park would provide him will lots of game time and he would get the chance to showcase his skills in the Premier League. At Barcelona it’s often hard to stand out due to the level of talent and scrutiny, he wouldn’t have this problem at Everton.

One of the players he could replace in the long term at the club would be Allan. The Brazilian midfielder made the sensational switch from Naples to Merseyside in 2020 for £21.7m where he linked up with former manager Carlo Ancelotti.

He has played a key role since the move, averaging over 25 Premier league appearances in that time. But he is 31-years-old and Everton can’t rely on him forever.

Gavi would make the perfect successor and if you compare the two the numbers prove it. In possession of the ball, he excels over Allan with 168 progressive carriers this season compared to Allan’s 100.

He’s also better at passing the ball with a completion percentage of 89.3% compared to the Brazilian’s 79.9%. With those stats in mind, it’s not a surprise to see his teammate Pedri recently call him an “absolutely crazy” talent.

If they survive the drop then they should do everything they can to sign Gavi, even if it’s initially on loan, he can drastically improve their squad next season.

IN other news: Everton plotting move for £12.6m-rated “monster”, he’s a huge upgrade on Keane…

Manchester United are interested in a deal for Inter Milan forward Lautaro Martinez.

What’s the word?

That is according to a report from The Times (via The Express) who claim that Man United have now learnt the asking price for the rampant Argentine striker.

They claim that he could cost in the region of £60m to £70m this summer.

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Martial upgrade

With reports stating that Ten Hag wants Martinez to lead the line next season, it gives us a good indication of how he wants his forward to play in United’s attacking line.

The 52-year-old Dutchman clearly wants his striker to possess the necessary technical attributes and work rate to help create an offensive threat. In other words, he does not want a forward who relies solely on wingers to produce chances.

Martinez, who has been described as a “machine” by reporter Roberto Rojas, serves as a major upgrade on Anthony Martial and conforms to ten Hag’s creative requirements, with his match average 3.19 shot-creating actions ideal for the Dutch tactician, as per FBref.

For starters, Martinez has proven himself as a world-class centre forward over the last three seasons having scored 18 assists in 105 appearances for Inter in Serie A.

Meanwhile, Anthony Martial has netted once.

United are right to be targeting a deal for Martinez and ten Hag should instruct Rangnick to go in with an offer of around £70m in what would be an astute, future-proof move that allows the new manager to play exactly how he wants to.

In other news: Ten Hag set to make £20m “pitbull” his first MUFC signing, supporters surely buzzing – opinion…