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Journalist Patrick Berger has now revealed who Newcastle United’s ‘top target’ is after Sven Botman.

The Lowdown: Botman deal agreed

It has been reported that a deal has now been agreed for Botman to move to St. James’ Park from Lille, making him their third summer signing after Matt Targett and Nick Pope, assuming he agrees personal terms.

With a central defender, left-back and goalkeeper already signed, the North East club can now focus on strengthening in other areas of the pitch ahead of the new season.

The Latest: Diaby the ‘top target’

Taking to Twitter, Berger of SPORT1 has revealed that Diaby is now the ‘top target’ for the Tynesiders after Botman, although he has ‘no intention’ of moving to the Magpies:

“Moussa Diaby is the top target for Newcastle United. NUFC set to pay €35-40m for the Frenchman. Leverkusen demanding way more then €60m. I am told player is open for a move but has no intention to go to Newcastle. The winger is also on the list of Paris Saint-Germain.”

The Verdict: Shame

It is a shame that Diaby does not seem to want to move to the Toon, despite them registering their interest.

In a similar mould to Allan Saint-Maximin, the French winger has been praised by German media for his ‘amazing’ dribbling, ‘irresistible’ pace and ‘astonishing’ speed of thought, and he was even called ‘unstoppable’ after scoring one goal and setting up another in a 4-0 thrashing of Borussia Monchengladbach last season (Bundesliga).

Diaby scored no fewer than 17 goals and supplied a further 14 assists in total over all competitions last term (Transfermarkt), and would give Eddie Howe’s team another dimension in attack, should they be able to persuade him to join.

West Ham United have not stopped pursuing players after securing a deal to sign Morocco international defender Nayef Aguerd, as news emerges on Premier League playmaker Christian Eriksen.

The Lowdown: Moyes sets his sights…

The Hammers could be set for one of their more eventful summer transfer windows over the last few years.

It is reliably believed that manager David Moyes and head of recruitment Rob Newman could be ‘very busy’ and want ‘at least’ six new signings before the start of 2022/23 (Sky Sports).

West Ham narrowly missed out on a place in the Europa League, losing out to Manchester United on the final day of last season, with the east Londoners seemingly determined to realise their potential this time round.

The Latest: West Ham make Eriksen ‘offer’…

According to The Daily Mail, in-demand potential free agent Eriksen now has an ‘offer’ from West Ham – but they aren’t the only outfit pursuing the 30-year-old.

Indeed, Man United, Everton, Leicester, Ajax and his current club Brentford are said to have also approached the Dane as Moyes faces a stiff battle for his services.

The Verdict: Keep pushing…

As per WhoScored, it’s evident that Eriksen can still be a huge asset for any top-flight club, especially as he finished 2021/22 as Brentford’s best-performing player by average match rating.

He also made more key passes per 90 than anyone else in Thomas Frank’s squad, and it’s hardly a surprise that the ‘big name’ player – as described by The Guardian’s Chris Godfrey – is in high demand.

Even though Irons legend Paolo Di Canio claimed that the 30-year-old is ‘like Hazard’ for the wrong reasons during Eriksen’s time at Inter, namely for being ‘silent’ and ineffective during that period (Sky Sports Italia, via Daily Mail), it’s clear to see that the former Spurs star has since turned a corner and may well upgrade West Ham’s options in and around the final third.

An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their interest in Brighton gem Marc Cucurella in the summer transfer window… 

What’s the talk?

According to The Guardian, the Magpies are one of the Premier League clubs keen on a deal to sign the Spain international.

The report claims that PIF are plotting a swoop for the gem alongside Chelsea and reigning champions Manchester City – who are said to be the player’s first choice.

It is stated that Brighton want a fee in the region of £50m for their star defender, but Pep Guardiola’s side believe that they can sign him for £40m.

Imagine him & Kieran Trippier

If Dan Ashworth can pull off a deal with his former club to bring the Spaniard to St. James’ Park then he will hand Eddie Howe an exciting full-back combination to use in the top-flight next season.

The Magpies’ head coach would be able to deploy Kieran Trippier and the current Seagulls star on the flanks and they would be an exceptional pairing for the club. Both players are capable of making an impact at either end of the pitch as they are strong defenders, first and foremost, who can also deliver offensively.

Cucurella, who was dubbed “infectious” by Graham Potter and a “class act” by Lewis Dunk, has proven that he can do it in the Premier League and this means that he would be able to hit the ground running on Tyneside if the club can sign him.

As you can see in the graphic above, both players were able to win the ball back for their respective teams on a regular basis whilst winning the majority of their individual duels.

Along with that, they both created more than one chance per game and this means that they can both provide a supply line to the likes of Callum Wilson, Chris Wood and Allan Saint-Maximin without abandoning their defensive duties.

At the age of 23, Cucurella also has the potential to improve in the years to come. He can be at Newcastle for a number of seasons and develop as a player in that time, whilst also offering a strong full-back partnership with Trippier in the short term.

This is why the Magpies must sanction a deal for the gem this summer and should act quickly to beat Chelsea and Manchester City to his signature.

AND in other news, NUFC can unearth their own Abraham as Ashworth plots bid for “fearless” £25m bulldozer…

Aston Villa are now set to sign Rangers forward Rory Wilson, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Wilson links

Wilson, a 16-year-old striker, has been on Villa’s radar for some time now, with Steven Gerrard keen on beating Liverpool to the youngster’s services.

Regarded as one of the best young players in the United Kingdom, Wilson has already signed a boot deal with Adidas. The Scot netted a ridiculous 49 goals at youth level this season, and it looks as if he’ll be plying his trade in the Midlands next season.

The Latest: Romano’s post

Transfer expert Romano took to Twitter on Monday morning to provide a further update regarding Villa and Wilson.

He revealed that Villa are officially ‘set to sign’ the forward, who has ‘now agreed’ on personal terms. Gerrard has been the ‘main factor’ in Villa winning the race for his services, with a move to officially go through on July 1.

The Verdict: Good news

NSWE have already brought in four first-team additions this summer, so Wilson will now become the fifth but the first academy arrival.

Villa have been active over the last 12 months when it comes to adding to their academy talent, so bringing in Wilson is yet another exciting move.

The club have reaped the rewards of signing some gifted teenagers, with Tim Iroegbunam already a full-time member of Gerrard’s first-team squad less than a year after swapping West Brom’s academy for Villa.

Hopefully, Wilson will continue his fine goalscoring form at Bodymoor Heath, which could result in him being fast-tracked through to Gerrard’s plans over the coming years.

In other news: Villa now receive ‘official proposal’ for player with ‘unbelievable’ work rate. 

Aston Villa have already been busy in the summer transfer window, with four permanent signings secured, and a reliable source has now given an update on one potential outgoing.

What’s the latest?

Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed that an “official proposal” has been made for Trezeguet by a Turkish suitor.

The transfer insider tweeted: “Trabzonspor have made an official proposal to Aston Villa for Mahmoud Trezeguet. Negotiations are set to begin. There are also other clubs interested in Trezeguet from Turkey and different leagues.”

Supporters will love it

Steven Gerrard will have the opportunity to strengthen his squad this summer and, at the same time, get rid of players who aren’t up to scratch to free up the wage bill and make some money to reinvest. Therefore, supporters will surely love it if Villa can sell Trezeguet this summer with one year remaining on his contract.

The Egyptian winger has struggled to make a consistent impact at Villa Park since he joined in 2019, with 64 appearances, nine goals and five assists over the last three years. He has averaged just 55 minutes per appearance, and following his disappointing output in the Midlands, he was sent on loan to Istanbul Baseksehir in January.

The £47k-per-week flop who was criticised by ex-Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor for being “erratic” and fell out of favour this season following a long-term knee injury. He was given a chance upon recovering after nine months on the sidelines, but he made a controversial dive in the January defeat against Brentford before being shipped off to the Turkish league.

Due to the 27-year-old’s poor output and decision-making in a claret and blue shirt, Gerrard made the decision in January to acquire former Liverpool attacker Philippe Coutinho on loan to make an impact from the left wing. The Brazilian has now had his initial six-month deal extended to a permanent transfer which secures his future at Villa Park until 2026.

It would be ideal for Villa if they can offload the Egyptian winger this summer ahead of his contract expiring in 12 months’ time, as he does not appear in the plans of the club going forward.

AND in other news: Romano reveals Villa have “opened talks” for 18-year-old starlet, Gerrard surely buzzing

Newcastle United are among the clubs interested in signing Atletico Madrid striker Alvaro Morata this summer, according to a report from Italian outlet Calciomercato. 

The lowdown: Premier League flop

Signed by Chelsea in 2017 for a deal which could eventually have risen to £70m (Sky Sports), the Spaniard has spent the bulk of his career at the top level in Europe.

However, the former Real Madrid star only managed 24 goals and six assists from 74 outings during his time in west London and was promptly sent out on loan before securing a permanent exit.

Having spent the 2021/22 season on loan at Juventus from Atletico, Morata now faces an uncertain future in the Spanish capital, and Newcastle could be set to benefit…

The latest: Newcastle linked with Morata

As per Calciomercato, Newcastle, Bayern Munich, Arsenal and Barcelona are all in the mix to sign the 29-year-old this summer.

It’s claimed that the Toon have ‘taken information’ on the 54-cap Spain forward, whilst Juventus are interested in taking Morata back on a permanent basis.

The report claimed that Atletico will seek a fee in the region of €30m (£25m) for the man previously praised for a ‘clinical’ Champions League performance against Dynamo Kiev by journalist Carlo Garganese.

The verdict: Statement signing

As the new era at St James’ Park beckons, spearheaded by ownership group PIF, signing the £27m- valued Morata for the mooted asking price would be a huge statement of intent from the club, having swept comfortably clear of relegation in 2021/22.

Despite his struggles in England previously, the two-time Champions League winner has amassed a staggering 136 senior career goals from 413 outings and remains a legitimate threat after notching nine times in Serie A last term.

At present, Eddie Howe only has an injury-prone Callum Wilson, the rarely-seen Dwight Gayle and a goal-shy Chris Wood to call upon as genuine centre-forward options, meaning that any pursuit of Morata by new transfer chief Dan Ashworth would very much be a welcome one for the Newcastle manager.

In other news: Magpies make offer for this Serie A gem

Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy has backed the Reds to sign either Declan Rice or Kalvin Phillips during the summer transfer window.

The Lowdown: Midfield addition in?

The Reds are likely to look to sign a midfielder between now and the start of the season, with fresh blood required in an ageing area of the pitch.

Jordan Henderson is arguably not quite the player he was and Naby Keita is inconsistent, so a third player to accompany Fabinho and Thiago is perhaps needed.

As such, Aurelien Tchouameni has been linked with a move, but could a player closer to home come in?

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The Latest: Murphy backs Reds to sign England star

Speaking to talkSPORT [via Liverpool Echo], Murphy urged Liverpool to bring in either Rice or Phillips, both of whom have been hailed as ‘superb’ by Barcelona manager Xavi:

“I’d be going all out for (Declan) Rice or (Kalvin) Phillips. English, hungry, someone you know will be around for a long time, can come in hit the ground running, that’s where I’d be looking.”

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The Verdict: Seems unlikely

Both Rice and Phillips are undoubtedly excellent footballers who have become key individuals for England, helping them reach the final of Euro 2020 last summer.

However, it is hard to envisage either of them heading to Liverpool this summer, with the former expected to stay put at West Ham for one more season.

Meanwhile, Manchester City have been linked with a move for Phillips and the Reds could end up finding themselves out-priced by the 26-year-old’s bloated homegrown fee.

In other news, James Pearce has dropped a key Liverpool update. Read more here.

Fabrizio Romano has dropped an update on the future of Tottenham Hotspur forward Steven Bergwijn.

What’s the talk?

In a recent post on Twitter, the Italian journalist revealed that, following reports that suggest the 24-year-old could be set to leave Spurs this summer, there is indeed a serious chance that the Netherlands international moves onto pastures new in the coming weeks – particularly since Fabio Paratici’s capture of Ivan Perisic.

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In his tweet, the transfer insider said: “There is a serious chance for Steven Bergwijn to leave Tottenham in the summer, as Perisic is joining the club too. The plan is still the same. Ajax have his name on their list since January but there are many clubs interested in him, race still open.”

Supporters will be buzzing

While it is undeniable that Bergwijn is a player who boasts a great deal of talent and potential for future growth, when considering his current market valuation, hefty weekly wage and lack of game time under Antonio Conte, the news that the winger is set to depart north London this summer is sure to have left the Tottenham faithful buzzing.

Indeed, the £26m-rated forward has started just one Premier League fixture since the Italian’s appointment as Nuno Espirito Santo’s successor last November, playing a total of 275 league minutes over the past six months.

Furthermore, with the Dutchman reported to be earning around £75k-per-week at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium – ranking him as the club’s seventh-highest paid player – it is clear that if the 24-year-old is set to remain a backup option for Conte in 2022/23, this is money that could easily be put to better use by the 52-year-old in the summer market.

As such, while Bergwijn has provided Spurs with some memorable moments during his two and a half year stay – including a stunning volley in a 2-0 win over Manchester City on his debut and a stoppage-time brace to seal an incredible 3-2 comeback victory over Leicester City earlier this season – the fact that the former PSV Eindhoven starlet looks set to move on to pastures new this summer is undoubtedly a good move by Paratici, Conte, Daniel Levy and the club.

AND in other news: Contact made: Paratici in talks for £99k-p/w Spurs target, he’s “similar to Laporte”

Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Tottenham are set to hold an important meeting with Antonio Conte to discuss the club’s plans for the future and are ‘optimistic’ that he will decide to stay in N17 for next season and beyond.

The Lowdown: Conte’s change of heart?

The Lilywhites appointed the 52-year-old as their new head coach last November following the abrupt departure of former Wolves manager Nuno Espirito Santo.

Although the Italian’s contract with the north London giants not set to expire until June 2023, his future has been very much up in the air of late after it was claimed last month that he had offered his services to Paris Saint-Germain, amid reports that the French champions were considering sacking former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino.

However, after successfully securing Champions League football for Spurs next term following an emphatic 5-0 victory over relegated Norwich City on the final day of the Premier League season, it would appear that the Tottenham hierarchy are now confident of being able to keep hold of Conte.

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The Latest: Romano reveals meeting plans

Taking to Twitter, Romano shared details of a meeting between Conte and Tottenham officials which is due to take place in the coming weeks.

He wrote: “Tottenham are waiting for important meeting with Antonio Conte to plan for the future – Spurs sources are feeling optimistic about Antonio’s decision, waiting for his ‘green light’.”

The Verdict: £150m windfall could make the difference

As a result of finishing in the top four and qualifying for the Champions League, Tottenham’s shareholders ENIC Sports Inc have recently announced that they will be putting an additional £150m into the club.

This should no doubt have a positive influence when it comes down to Conte deciding whether or not he wants to remain in charge at Spurs, as this hefty sum could be used to fund some big transfers during the upcoming window.

It is thought that the Italian has been promised six new summer signings in a bid to convince him to stay. Therefore, if Paratici does provide Conte with the financial backing and support that he needs, you’d imagine that the 52-year-old will want to assemble his squad in a way which will give Spurs the best possible chance of getting their hands on some silverware next season and mounting a greater challenge to the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City.

In other news… a transfer insider has revealed that one of Tottenham’s summer targets is set to join the club ‘very soon’

Manchester City star Ilkay Gundogan is set to leave the club alongside Fernandinho this summer, claims the Daily Mail’s Mike Keegan.

The Lowdown: Gundogan’s City career

The Germany international signed for Man City in the summer of 2016 from Borussia Dortmund for a fee in the region of £20m.

Since then, the 31-year-old has gone on to have an illustrious career with the Sky Blues. In 252 appearances for the club, the midfielder has scored 47 goals and has produced 33 assists.

However, Gundogan has found game time to be less regular this season due to a mixture of injuries and the good form of his teammates. As a result, he has started just 20 league times during the 2021/22 campaign.

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The Latest: Gundogan set to leave

Taking to Twitter, Mike Keegan shared the shocking news that Gundogan is set to follow Fernandinho out the Etihad exit door this summer:

“EXCLUSIVE: Ilkay Gundogan is set to leave Manchester City this summer. Club say no talks until season end but understand position made clear. Situation with Guardiola first signing ‘very amicable’. Player took jet to Madrid this morning.”

The Verdict: Big loss

Described by teammate Joao Cancelo as a “phenomenal player”, the German’s presence and experience will be heavily missed in Pep Guardiola’s midfield, especially with Brazilian general Fernandinho also departing.

This is illustrated by his incredible underlying stats. As per FB Ref, Gundogan ranks in the 99th percentile for non-penalty expected goals and non-penalty expected goals plus expected assists; furthermore, he ranks in the 98th percentile for shots, touches in the attacking penalty area and progressive passes received.

With just a year left on his current contract, a whole host of European clubs will be lining up to secure the midfielder’s signature on the cheap this summer.

In other news: Manchester City: Fabrizio Romano shares details on first summer exit