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Tottenham Hotspur are interested in a deal to bring Kalvin Phillips to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the summer transfer window.
That’s according to a report by The Telegraph, who claim that the Leeds United defensive midfielder is one of a number of players on Antonio Conte’s list of transfer targets in the summer market, with the signing of a new player in the 26-year-old’s position believed to be a priority for the 52-year-old ahead of Spurs’ 2022/23 campaign.
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However, further reports claim that the likes of Manchester United, Aston Villa, West Ham United, Liverpool and Manchester City are also interested in a move for the England international this summer, with the Whites’ expected to demand a figure in the region of £60m in order to part with their academy graduate.
Considering just how impressive Phillips has been for Leeds since the Whites’ promotion to the Premier League back in 2020, it is easy to see why Conte would be interested in a deal to bring the deep-lying playmaker to north London this summer.
Indeed, while a hamstring injury kept the £45m-rated talent sidelined for a large portion of 2021/22, the 26-year-old undoubtedly proved his ability over 29 Premier league appearances in the season prior, scoring one goal, providing two assists and creating five big chances, as well as making an average of 1.2 key passes, taking 0.5 shots and completing 0.7 dribbles per game.
The £38k-per-week defensive midfielder also impressed in metrics more typical of his position, making an average of 1.6 interceptions, 2.6 tackles, 1.7 clearances, completing 41.0 passes and winning 5.3 duels – at a success rate of 52% – per fixture.
These returns saw the player who Scott Saunders dubbed “unreal” average a quite astonishing SofaScore match rating of 7.21, not only ranking him as Leeds’ best player in the league but also as the ninth-best midfielder in the top flight as a whole.
For comparison, over N’Golo Kante’s – a player who is widely considered to be one of the best holding midfielders currently playing the game, as well as being a former disciple of Conte – 26 Premier League outings in 2021/22, the £45m-rated France international scored two goals, registered four assists and created three big chances, as well as making an average of 0.9 key passes, taking 0.7 shots and completing 1.3 dribbles per game.
The 31-year-old also made an average of 1.2 interceptions, 2.3 tackles, 0.3 clearances, completed 43.1 passes and won 4.6 duels – at a success rate of 57% – per fixture – with these metrics seeing the Chelsea star average a SofaScore match rating of 7.12.
As such, it is clear for all to see that, should Paratici manage to fight off the competition for Phillips this summer, the Italian sporting director could well have landed Conte his next Kante at Spurs – something that would undoubtedly provide Tottenham’s chances of success in the upcoming campaign with a substantial boost.
AND in other news: Contact made: Paratici now in talks for £43m Spurs target, he’s “out of the ordinary”
Sadio Mane has made progress regarding a summer move from Liverpool to Bayern Munich, according to reliable journalist Florian Plettenberg.
On Sunday, numerous journalists reported the big news that the Senegal star is set to leave the Reds this summer, having spent six memorable years at Anfield.
The 30-year-old is believed to be keen on a fresh challenge while he is still at his peak, with Bayern Munich seemingly the front-runners to snap him up.
A fresh claim further suggests that a move to the Bundesliga could be on the cards for Mane.
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Taking to Twitter on Sunday, Sky Sports journalist Plettenberg talked up the chances of Mane joining Bayern, claiming that talks are ongoing between player and club. The reporter tweeted:
“Update #Mané: Talks and negotiations with #FCBayern ongoing and confirmed. All parties speak about a possible 3-y-c until 2025 and a transfer fee of around €30m + Bonus. Agreement is possible.”
While it is hugely sad to see Mane move on, it is hard to begrudge him one last big move in his career, much in the same way that Thiago opted to trade Bayern for Liverpool at a similar age in 2020.
There is no doubt that the Senegalese superstar is a true Anfield legend, having won every trophy possible in his time at the club, also scoring 120 goals in 269 Reds appearances.
He should be remembered as one of the greatest attacking players in the club’s history, proving to be Jurgen Klopp’s first great signing at Liverpool and hitting the ground running from day one, when he scored a stunning goal at Arsenal on his debut in a 4-3 win which ultimately proved crucial in getting the Reds back into the Champions League as they pipped the Gunners for fourth place that season.
In other news, Liverpool are reportedly still in the hunt for one signing. Find out who it is here.
Journalist Pete O’Rourke has been left wowed by some Everton transfer news involving Conor Gallagher.
As per The Daily Star, the Goodison Park outfit are just one of a number of clubs who are interested in signing Gallagher this summer.
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He has now returned to Chelsea from his impressive loan spell at Crystal Palace, where he scored eight goals and made a further five assists in total over all competitions (Transfermarkt).
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, O’Rourke was left wowed by the prospect of Gallagher joining the Toffees, claiming that it would be a ‘huge signing’ for them, while also drawing comparisons with Mason Mount:
“You can see similarities though slightly different players. You’d say Mason Mount’s more of an attacking midfielder, but I think Conor Gallagher’s had an outstanding season for Crystal Palace. If Everton were to get him, he would be a huge signing for them.”
Even though he only spent one season at Selhurst Park, Gallagher instantly became a favourite with the supporters.
His performances earned him a call-up to the England squad by Gareth Southgate, and he has since recorded three senior caps for the Three Lions.
The comparisons with Mount are warranted, as he too made a name for himself out on loan, before developing into a star at Chelsea and becoming a full England international as well.
Nonetheless, there is bound to be plenty of interest in Gallagher once the transfer window heats up, and so Frank Lampard’s team need to make sure that they are the first in line for his signature.
In other news, find out what significant financial update involving the Blues has now emerged here!
Tottenham Hotspur correspondent and reliable journalist Alasdair Gold has now shared an update on the club’s pursuit of Southampton star James Ward-Prowse.
As reported by credible outlets, Spurs and head coach Antonio Conte have a firm interest in the Saints star this summer who has long been admired in north London.
The Athletic recently backed that he is a target for the Premier League giants as club chief Fabio Paratici scours the market for fresh central midfield additions.
However, it is also believed that Ward-Prowse’s club could make life difficult in prising away their star player, with Gold now sharing what he knows on the situation.
According to the reliable football.london reporter, Spurs actually ‘came close’ to agreeing a deal for the Englishman but didn’t ‘pull the trigger’.
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As such, with Ward-Prowse now quadrupling in value, Gold claims it cost around £45 million for the north Londoners this time round.
He explained:
“In terms of James Ward-Prowse, he’s someone Spurs have liked for a long time and I understand they came close to agreeing a deal for him a few years back but did not pull the trigger. Now he’s worth almost four times his value from back then. You’re looking at around £45m and I’m not sure whether Spurs spend that sort of money in that central position when other areas are a priority. Admittedly he does bring some qualities that others don’t have, not least with those set pieces.”
It wouldn’t hurt to test Southampton’s resolve with a formal offer, even despite the challenge in taking Ward-Prowse away from St. Mary’s.
Described as ‘sensational’ by former Spurs striker Darren Bent, the 27-year-old stood out as Ralph Hasenhuttl’s key asset by some distance in the top flight over 2021/2022.
According to WhoScored, he finished the campaign as their top goal scorer, averaging their highest match-rating per 90 with the most key passes in the final third to boot.
Homegrown and able to contribute to fixing their quota issue in that respect, whilst an uphill battle, a move for Ward-Prowse may be worth the attempt at least.
In other news: Alasdair Gold also suggests £122,000-per-week ‘genius’ is open to joining Tottenham! Find out more here.
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.
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.”
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
Journalist Rudy Galetti of Sport Italia TV and Tribal Football has shared an exciting Manchester City transfer development involving Leeds United star Kalvin Phillips.
Club legend Fernandinho has drawn the curtain on a glittering nine-year stay at Eastlands as manager Pep Guardiola targets possible midfield replacements.
The Brazilian will be remembered by Blues for his crucial contribution over City’s decade-long dominance of the Premier League and whoever comes in may have some big shoes to fill.
Guardiola and co, looking to build upon their dramatic final day title-win last season, have reportedly earmarked the possible signing of Phillips with things expected to develop in the coming weeks.
According to reporter Galetti, sharing news on Twitter, talks are ‘progressing quickly’ to sign the 26-year-old with an ‘official offer’ set to be ‘presented soon’.
He explained:
“Next hours in Manchester, City side will be hot for Kalvin Phillips: the official offer to Leeds should be presented soon. As reported in preview in the last days, the negotiation is progressing quickly.”
Valued at around £60 million and revered for some of his performances over the last year, we believe the dynamic England international could be an ideal heir to Fernandinho in front of City’s back four.
According to WhoScored, when fit and available, he averaged more successful tackles per 90 than any one in Guardiola’s squad over 21/22 with teammate Liam Cooper even branding Phillips one of the best in the world.
City’s interest is of no surprise ahead of what will be an interesting 2022/2023 campaign with the likes of Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez already arriving.
In other news: Man City now a ‘dream’ destination for very exciting defender…find out more here.
Newcastle United have been linked with a summer move for Porto winger Pepe.
According to a recent Twitter post from journalist Jeremias Wernek, the Porto attacker is on the Toon’s radar in terms of a potential summer transfer swoop.
Wernek also added that the Magpies “may present an official proposal in the coming days.”
After starting his career in Brazil, the 25-year-old made his move from Gremio to his current club during the previous summer transfer window.
During his time at Gremio, the winger found the net 26 times and delivered 15 assists in 117 appearances, highlighting the attacking talent he has at scoring goals and creating them for his teammates.
With 42 appearances across all competitions under his belt for Porto, the Brazilian scored six goals and delivered six assists.
To further highlight his attacking prowess, the winger racked up 23 shots at goal and 19 crosses in the 28 league games he played in, as well as an average of 1.3 dribbles per game.
From a defensive point of view, the Brazilian made 12 interceptions and won 13 tackles, showing just how useful he can be with and without the ball.
As a fairly young winger making a name for himself abroad, Pepe could well be seen as Newcastle’s potential next version of Allan Saint-Maximin.
Having scored 11 goals and provided 14 assists in 74 appearances for OGC Nice, the Frenchman has gone on to find the net 12 times and supply 16 assists for the Toon since his £16.5m move back in 2019.
With 4.3 dribbles per game in the Premier League last season, it’s clear to see where the winger’s talents are and where Pepe would need to focus on if he were to be the club’s next version of their star winger.
Given how the duo have both shown how capable they are of scoring and creating goals, should Newcastle end up signing the Porto talent and getting him on the pitch alongside Saint-Maximin, this could be a mouth-watering prospect for the Toon.
Moving forward, with the attacker having a reported release clause of £43m in his contract at Porto, the Tyneside club should definitely consider making a move to sign Pepe this summer and see if he can replicate the same sort of impact that Saint-Maximin has had on the team since his arrival.
AND in other news: NUFC waiting for green light to sign “underrated” £41m tank, he can be Howe’s own Dias