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Manchester City have been linked with a summer move for Atletico Madrid attacker Joao Felix.

What’s the news?

Portuguese football journalist Bruno Andrade has shed some light on the matter in a recent tweet, stating: “[Erling] Haaland may not be the only strong reinforcement: Pep Guardiola wants Joao Felix at Manchester City. Trading, however, essentially depends on the departures of Gabriel Jesus and [Raheem] Sterling. It’s about opening up space in attack and, above all, balancing financial fair play.”

After scoring 20 goals in 43 senior appearances for Benfica, Felix joined Atletico in 2019 in a deal worth a reported £113m. Since then, the 22-year-old has found the net 29 times and delivered 15 assists in 110 appearances for the Spanish club across all competitions.

Praised by his manager Diego Simeone for a “complete” performance against RB Salzburg in October 2020, the Atletico star has shown he has what it takes to play for a top club. His latest La Liga campaign saw the former Benfica starlet score eight goals and supply four assists in 23 games.

Imagine him and Haaland

While the £63m-rated forward may not have shown that he has what it takes to be a talisman for a top club in Europe just yet, he can still be considered a more than useful attacking figure. This could duly make him a solid prospective signing for City if he’s able to play next to or around Haaland.

With 83 goals in 87 appearances for Borussia Dortmund and 29 in just 27 games for Salzburg, the Norwegian has already shown by the age of 21 just how natural he is when it comes to finding the net.

Taking into account how Felix has played in every attacking position at times throughout his career, his versatility could make it easier for Guardiola to fit him into the team alongside Haaland, should the Portuguese gem make a move to the Etihad Stadium this summer.

If Atletico are willing to negotiate a deal for their attacker this summer, City should definitely test the waters to find out what it would take to get him to make a move to Manchester and potentially form a scary attacking partnership with Haaland.

In other news – Terms agreed: City now closing in on “refreshing” £30m signing, Pep will be buzzing

Wolves have been linked with a move for Tottenham midfielder Harry Winks recently, but there is little to suggest that he would be a worthwhile addition to Bruno Lage’s side.

What’s the word?

According to 90min, Spurs are looking to cash in on the former England international this summer, and the Old Gold are among the clubs taking an interest.

Brentford, Crystal Palace, Everton and Leicester are also said to be keen on the 26-year-old, while Spurs have reportedly offered him to Rangers, which suggests that his future lies away from north London this summer.

Lage would be crazy to sign him

Although the Wolves futures of Ruben Neves and Joao Moutinho have been in doubt, The Athletic have suggested that it is increasingly likely that both will stay at Molineux this summer.

Even if they do leave, it would represent a significant downgrade if Winks came in to fill the void, considering his less than impressive form for Spurs in recent years.

Last season saw the midfielder make 19 appearances in the Premier League, in which he contributed no goals and one assist, with WhoScored awarding him a shocking 6.43 rating for his performances.

Nobody who made more than 10 starts in the league for Lage’s side last term had a worse average rating, which suggests that he certainly wouldn’t improve what Wolves already have.

Having graduated from Spurs’ academy, the midfielder has gone on to make 202 appearances for the first team, but he has never averaged a seasonal WhoScored rating of more than 6.57 for his performances in the Premier League, which suggests that he would be a rather underwhelming signing by the Old Gold.

Journalist Josh Bunting did not hold back in his criticism of Winks when discussing a potential move to Everton recently, saying: “Do Everton honestly not learn, 20-25 million for Harry Winks is an absolute waste. A club that have got themselves into an awkward situation regarding financial fair play and then go out and spend that money on an utterly pointless player right now for them. Crazy.”

Therefore, even if Neves and Moutinho do end up departing, Wolves would be better off looking elsewhere than signing Winks for £20m, as he could be a disastrous addition to Lage’s side judging by his fortunes over the past 12 months in particular.

In other news… Lage could seal dream Nunes partner with Wolves bid for “very talented” starlet

Mike McGrath has dropped an update on the future of reported Leeds United transfer target Noa Lang.

What’s the word?

In a recent post on Twitter, The Telegraph journalist revealed that, despite Victor Orta holding a long-term interest in the Club Brugge forward, Leeds could ultimately end up missing out on a deal for the 22-year-old this summer, with AC Milan and West Ham United now said to be plotting a move for the Netherlands international – and both clubs being able to offer European football next season.

In his tweet, McGrath shared the following twist to the story: “In attack, Leeds are long-term admirers of Club Brugge’s Noa Lang but face competition from AC Milan and West Ham who can both offer European football.”

Supporters will be gutted

Considering just how impressive Lang was in Belgium last season, coupled with the fact that Leeds were reported to have agreed personal terms with the winger ahead of a proposed £21m transfer last summer, the news that Orta could now be set to miss out on a deal for the 22-year-old is sure to have left the Elland Road faithful gutted.

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Indeed, over his 37 Jupiler Pro League appearances in 2021/22, the £19.8m-rated forward was in breathtaking form for Brugge, bagging seven goals, providing 12 assists and creating 19 big chances for his teammates, in addition to taking an average of 2.0 shots, making 1.9 key passes and completing 1.7 dribbles per game.

These returns saw the £20k-per-week talent average a quite astonishing SofaScore match rating of 7.20, ranking him as Alfred Schreuder’s joint fifth-best player in the top flight of Belgian football.

As such, with Raphinha looking increasingly likely to move onto pastures new this summer, it is clear to see that the signing of a player such as Lang would have appeared to make something of a perfect replacement for the outgoing Brazil international.

However, considering McGrath’s recent update on the future of the 22-year-old, it now seems as if Orta could end up missing out on the flying Dutchman ahead of the Whites’ upcoming Premier League campaign, news that is sure to disappoint both supporters and Jesse Marsch alike.

AND in other news: Contact made: Orta now in talks to sign £19m Leeds target, he’s a “beautiful palette”

Wolves have received an offer from Manchester United for star midfielder Ruben Neves, according to a fresh transfer report which has emerged.

The Lowdown: Neves expected to leave

The 25-year-old has become a hugely influential figure at Molineux, delighting fans with his technical brilliance in the middle of the park.

It appears as though Neves’ time at Wolves has reached its natural conclusion, though, with the Portuguese midfielder reportedly eyeing up a new challenge ahead of next season.

Barcelona have been strongly linked with a move for Neves, but United are also still in the mix.

The Latest: Man United make offer for Neves

According to O Jogo [via Sport Witness], Wolves have received an offer from United ‘in hand’, with their bid described as ‘more advantageous’ and ‘much more attractive’ to the Old Gold in a financial sense.

Barcelona’s interest is still mentioned in the report but they may now have to bid more if they want to usurp the Red Devils in this transfer race.

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The Verdict: United would be preferable

Purely for financial reasons, Neves choosing United over Barcelona does now look the most beneficial option for Wolves, even if it does mean Bruno Lage’s team coming up against him twice in the Premier League next season.

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Judging by this report, it would mean that more funds are available to Fosun for new signings this summer, and it would allow the Old Gold to complete a move for Joao Palhinha, which is reportedly now ‘close’.

However, if Barcelona match United’s offer, it would be preferable to see him going there, given their prestige as a club and the fact that Wolves wouldn’t have to face him every season.

In other news, Tim Spiers has provided a worrying Wolves update. Read more here.

Manchester City will be welcoming two new attacking players to their ranks in the coming weeks in the shape of Julian Alvarez and Erling Haaland.

With the summer transfer window set to open in a matter of days, the Citizens have the chance to make it a hat-trick of attacking recruitments.

Last month, one journalist revealed on Twitter that City had started talks with Jorge Mendes, the agent of AC Milan winger Rafael Leao, some weeks ago over a potential summer switch to the Etihad Stadium.

The recently crowned Serie A champions signed the winger from French club Lille for a fee of £32m.

Since then, the 22-year-old has gone on to score 27 goals and deliver 21 assists in 115 appearances across all competitions.

Labelled as a “diamond” by Paolo Maldini, the £45m-rated youngster has also been praised for his “spectacular” performances on the international stage by Rolando Bianchi.

In 34 league appearances this season, the Portuguese attacker scored 11 goals and provided eight assists for his teammates, leaving him with more goal contributions than any other Milan player including Olivier Giroud and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

To further highlight his attacking talent, no other player at his current club managed to make as many successful dribbles (95), shot-creating actions (105), goal-creating actions (21), shots at goal (97) and shots on target (38) as the youngster.

His overall performances earned him an impressive season rating of 7.37 from WhoScored, making him the highest-rated player at his current team and the second-highest rated player in the entire Italian top flight.

The winger has also been likened to Brazil’s legendary striker Ronaldo in terms of his “pace, technique and the quality of his finishing,” according to Leao’s former youth coach Tiago Fernandes.

Taking all of this into account, the prospect of giving Pep Guardiola his own version of Ronaldo alongside the likes of Haaland and Alvarez could be a frightening prospect for City’s opponents in the future.

While it would be safe to assume that the Serie A champions would rather keep hold of their star winger, City should do all they can to convince Milan to sell Leao and give him the chance to shine in the Premier League.

In other news: Pep can replicate Walker masterclass as Man City plot bid for £18m-rated “class act”

Two years ago, selling Adama Traore might well have been unthinkable for a lot of Wolves fans.

However, given his disappointing form since then, Bruno Lage’s reported decision to sell the Spain winger this summer might well be the right one.

What’s the word?

According to Daily Express journalist Ryan Taylor, the Old Gold will look to cash in on the 26-year-old this summer, with Barcelona set to turn down their option to purchase him after his loan spell at the Nou Camp this season.

Taylor told GiveMeSport: “I couldn’t rule it out [Traore staying] because, technically, Barcelona are not going to sign him and he’s going to return.

“But I think he’s only got a year left on his contract, so Wolves will be looking to move him on and use that cash to sort of bolster the options within their squad.”

Should Lage axe Traore?

Since joining Wolves from Middlesbrough in 2018, Traore has gone on to make 154 appearances for the Old Gold, in which he has contributed just 11 goals and 18 assists.

Other than a strong run of form in the 2019/20 season, when he managed four goals and nine assists and averaged an impressive 7.49 rating from WhoScored for his performances, the 26-year-old has been wildly inconsistent at Molineux.

His pace and power make him a serious threat on the counter but, on far too many occasions, his final ball was lacking in quality as he found himself in good positions out wide, with his disappointing 1.2 crosses per game average in 2019/20 his best return as a Wolves player.

Therefore, given the interest being reportedly shown in him by Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United and Leeds United, this summer represents the ideal time for Lage to cash in on Traore.

The former Aston Villa man is valued at £18m by Transfermarkt and his contract with Wolves expires next season, so the Old Gold would surely be best cashing in on him now rather than potentially losing him for nothing in 12 months’ time.

While he has certainly excited opposition managers and players during his time at Molineux, with Jurgen Klopp labelling him “unplayable” and Southampton’s Che Adams dubbing him a “monster”, Traore has sadly been far too inconsistent, and cashing in on him now would be the right decision by Lage.

In other news… Wolves are targeting this prolific Championship striker

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta could well prove to be the deciding factor in any move for Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

What’s the word?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the respected insider suggested that Arteta’s links to the forward – having previously worked under Pep Guardiola at the Etihad as assistant manager – may well help tempt the 25-year-old into a move to north London.

Amid reports linking the 54-cap international to the Emirates, O’Rourke revealed that both the Gunners boss and their Brazilian contingent could have an impact on the move going ahead: “I think the opportunity to work under Mikel Arteta again would be a big factor in any decision from Jesus and there’s quite a few Brazilian players at Arsenal as well, which would maybe make it easier for him to settle in if he were to leave the Etihad for the Emirates.

“Arsenal are going the right way under Mikel Arteta, I think it’s fair to say, so I’m sure it’s something that he would definitely consider if Arsenal do follow up their interest.”

This latest claim follows centre-back Gabriel teasing a move for his compatriot to join him at the club, with a new striker seemingly on the agenda despite Eddie Nketiah nearing a contract renewal.

Supporters buzzing

That update from O’Rourke will only get pulses racing among Gunners supporters, with Jesus an ideal fit to solve their centre-forward woes, particularly with experienced marksman Alexandre Lacazette looking set for a departure.

In truth, while it had been a turbulent last 18 months or so prior to his eventual exit in January, former skipper Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has no doubt left a notable void in Arteta’s squad, with the Gabon international having scored 68 Premier League goals during a four-year spell at the club.

In the most recent campaign, the squad’s highest scorer was Bukayo Saka with 12 goals in all competitions, although only two other players got into double figures, with that shortage of goals potentially proving costly in their failure to secure a top-four berth.

That is where the City gem comes in, with the £45m-rated hotshot having scored 13 goals and registered 12 assists across all fronts in the 2021/22 season for the title winners, notably bagging four in a brutal dismantling of Watford back in April.

As well as offering versatility, having featured on either flank or through the middle during his time in England, the 5 foot 9 speedster also offers a wealth of experience when it comes to lifting silverware, including winning four league titles in just the last five seasons.

In what remains a youthful squad in north London, adding a player of such elite calibre could well prove a real masterstroke, with supporters set to be ecstatic at managing to pluck such a gifted asset from a Premier League rival.

Although it is perhaps a worrying thought that City are so well-stocked that they are potentially happy to cash in on a player who has scored 95 goals in 236 games for the club since his £27m arrival back in 2016, it would remain a coup for Arsenal nonetheless.

Having fallen short in their bid to secure Champions League football for the first time since 2017, the club – and its supporters – will no doubt be optimistic that Jesus can finally get them over the line next term.

IN other news, Vieira 2.0: Arsenal gifted chance to sign “top-class” £25m ace, he could guarantee UCL…

Youri Tielemans could provide Tottenham Hotspur with the goals and assists that they have been lacking since the departure of Christian Eriksen…

What’s the word?

According to transfer insider Dean Jones, the Leicester City dynamo has been put on a shortlist of potential midfield options, with the former Danish playmaker also among the options.

Signing another midfielder, following the arrival of Rodrigo Bentancur from Juventus in January, appears to be one of four main areas that the club is looking to strengthen.

Arch-rivals Arsenal have also been linked with a move for the Belgian, who is thought to be expendable at the King Power Stadium this summer. He could command a fee in the region of £25m.

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 Midfield monster

Indeed, the north Londoners have struggled to provide creativity and threat from attacking midfield ever since Eriksen swapped N17 for Inter Milan – indeed, it was Conte who signed him at the San Siro.

Whilst a romantic return would be of appeal to many associated with Tottenham, it is perhaps Tielemans who the club should opt for instead.

The Italian’s current system does not cater for an out-and-out no.10 but rather two deeper-lying midfielders, one of which could be more of a roaming playmaker or a box-to-box type.

This is where the Foxes man fits the bill more than Eriksen.

The £49.5m-rated maestro ended the 2021/22 campaign as Brendan Rodgers’ sixth-best performer in the Premier League, whilst across all competitions, he delivered seven goals and five assists, adding to his total of 15 goal contributions last term, which included an FA Cup final game-winning effort.

According to The Athletic’s Rob Tanner, Tielemans has often been regarded as a “creator” in this Leicester side, whilst former Anderlecht and Sweden midfielder Par Zetterberg once dubbed him a “phenomenon”.

Comparisons to players like Frank Lampard only reinforce his credentials as a player capable of influencing the game at both ends of the pitch and for Conte right now, that has to be a mouth-watering prospect.

On the above evidence, Tielemans would be a very worthy signing and one which could add an enormous amount to the Italian’s engine room.

AND in other news, Reliable journo: Spurs now gifted huge boost after £150m reveal, Conte will be buzzing…

Liverpool are having a phenomenal season already winning the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup, with the chance to win both the Premier League title and Champions League over the next few weeks too, so it will surely be an exciting time to be a player or a supporter of the club.

With that being said, to stay on top you must keep strengthening, improving and developing the squad and with many of Liverpool’s side already in or entering their 30s this year, it would be a good idea for Jurgen Klopp to start considering the next generation of talent he can develop into superstars.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-liverpool-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-salah-gnabry-isak-romano” title= “Read the latest Liverpool news!”]

Roberto Firmino, Mo Salah and Sadio Mane all have contracts ending in just over 12 months, with the Egyptian winger’s contract, in particular, being a highly speculated subject ahead of the summer transfer window.

Liverpool’s top goal-scorer has been one of the side’s best players over the years but it seems that his contract is at a stalemate, with Caught Offside reporting two weeks ago that a source has told them the negotiations have not progressed any further and the Reds are not interested in budging when it comes to their strict wage structure.

If the powers at Anfield and Salah can’t come to an agreement it could see the player leave the club, whether that means he will be sold for a profit this summer or allowed to see out his last 12 months at the club and leave on a free transfer next summer.

Regardless of the outcome, Klopp must start preparing for the worst-case scenario and could be eyeing up his replacement who already plays in the Premier League with Bukayo Saka heavily linked with Liverpool for a while now.

The £150m ace who was hailed a “wonderkid” by journalist James Benge has been impressing for Arsenal and England over the last 12 months, playing his part in the Euro 2020 final last summer and being part of Arsenal’s impressive season that has kept them in the top four race for months.

Saka has scored 11 goals and contributed six assists for the Gunners in 37 Premier League appearances, creating eight big chances, making 1.8 key passes and 1.1 tackles, proving how effective and creative he can be in attacking play.

Podcaster Ian McGarry even claimed back in January that the youngster fits into Liverpool’s system in an interview with talkSPORT:

“Saka is someone who is a player who suits Liverpool’s style.

“Liverpool would provide the opportunity and platform for him to play and compete at the highest level. And that would certainly be something that I’m told he and his representatives are very interested in.”

Ultimately, Saka will likely want to continue to play first-team football and get regular game time whether he stays at Arsenal or moves on, so if FSG are seriously interested in the young talent they will need to sacrifice a position in the attacking rotation to provide him with a regular spot in the team.

Perhaps they ought to wait until Salah really has had enough of Merseyside before making a move.

AND in other news: Huge boost: James Pearce delivers four-word injury update that’ll delight supporters

Journalist Dean Jones has now made a promising Tottenham Hotspur transfer claim involving Villarreal star and Spurs centre-back target Pau Torres.

The Lowdown: Spurs eye move for Torres…

The 25-year-old is said to be a primary target for the Premier League club this summer as Spurs manager Antonio Conte prioritises the signing of a central defender.

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It is believed that securing a new defender is one of the Italian’s transfer wishes as he eyes a major north London overhaul, with The Daily Mail previously reporting that Tottenham are confident they can strike a deal.

Torres is apparently eager to leave Unai Emery’s side this summer, with Football Insider also claiming that the Lilywhites believe they can sign him for £10m less than the 25-year-old’s release clause of £55m.

The Latest: Jones makes promising Torres claim…

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones has now made a promising claim, stating that a move away for Torres ‘seems imminent’ and that he ‘will now become available’ as Spurs eye a move for the defender.

The journalist explained:

“Pau Torres is good value at £45 million, to be honest. It’s really hard to find centre-backs that have been tested at European level and are available.

“I believe that Torres will now become available, he’s been mooted for a transfer for so long that it seems imminent. So, I think Tottenham should push for him and look to get that perfect partner for Romero.”

The Verdict: Get it done…

Speaking to the same outlet, Journalist Pete O’Rourke also believes that Torres would be a ‘great signing’ for the north London club.

We wholeheartedly agree with both reporters that Spurs may need to get a deal over the line for Villarreal’s star defender, especially considering just how much of a mainstay he has been for them in La Liga.

Only goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli has played more league minutes for the Yellow Submarine over 2021/22, with Torres also making the second-most clearances and winning among the most aerial duels per 90 (WhoScored).

With numbers like these, he could well be Romero’s ‘perfect’ ally at the back for Tottenham.

In other news: Paratici tables crucial bid as Conte personally pushes for Spurs signing, find out more here