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Ever since Sandro Tonali joined Newcastle United, the running joke has been his constant lack of smile, with many quick to joke that the Italian would much rather still be at AC Milan, rather than the Magpies.His debut display showed anything but an uncommitted player, however, with the Italian putting in an impressive first shift as a Newcastle player. We may not have got that big smile yet, but Eddie Howe certainly has reason to remain positive about his new arrival.With Champions League football to think about in the coming campaign, every player in Howe’s squad will have a job to do. And, given Tonali’s price tag of £55m, he, more so than others, will have the pressure on him to perform.Just 23, the midfielder has the chance to become a constant feature in a potential era to remember at St James’ Park.

Sandro Tonali impresses on Newcastle debut

And while not every new signing is having a great pre-season – check out Kai Havertz at Arsenal for instance – it appears the new NUFC man is settling in smoothly on the pitch.

As you can see from the video, Tonali’s performance, whilst not exactly flashy, was incredibly neat and tidy. Meanwhile, something to note was how physical the Italian was, which should see him settle into the intensity of Premier League football rather quickly.

He also played a part in the build-up to the first goal of the game, playing a fine first-touch pass to grab himself a pre-assist.

Newcastle ran out 2-1 winners at Ibrox against Rangers in what was Alan McGregor’s testimonial match. The Magpies initially took the lead through Miguel Almiron, before Sam Lammers equalised for the hosts after the break.

Securing the victory late on, Harrison Ashby found the back of the net in the 87th minute to hand Newcastle a solid second game of pre-season against the Scottish Premiership side.

Howe’s side started their pre-season against Gateshead, of course, winning 3-2 in a back-and-forth affair as they came back from two goals down.

The Newcastle manager commented on his side’s most recent display, saying: “Bits of the first half was outstanding, some really good football.

“Second half wasn’t as pretty and clean but there were a lot of changes, we managed to find a way to win again and that’s a great thing.”

What kind of player is Sandro Tonali?

Tonali is not a player that will necessarily leave you in awe. But he is a player that you’ll look back on as an important cog in a well-oiled machine, sitting at the base of a midfield three.

To get a better understanding of his talents, Football FanCast have done an in-depth profile on the player which you can read here.

The Italian’s arrival is particularly positive for Bruno Guimaraes, who will have a greater license to advance into a more offensive role next season, such is the discipline of Tonali.

Last season, the Brazilian was involved in 10 goals in all competitions, scoring five and assisting a further five. Suddenly, however, those numbers could increase even more if he is allowed to advance more often.

Tonali certainly has plenty of time to improve, too, given the fact that he’s just 23. And, with that, giving him time to settle wouldn’t exactly be a bad thing. After all, he’s not coming into a Newcastle side in desperate need of reinforcements.

After his debut performance, though, it’s clear that the Magpies have got themselves a player who is more than capable of stepping into England’s top flight, perhaps helping his new side to even greater heights than last season.

Here are some Twitter reactions after his eye-catching display.

Derby County are still bolstering their squad ahead of a potential promotion push next season – and The Derby Telegraph reports that the Rams are determined to bring in another striker as a matter of priority.

Who have Derby County signed?

The League One side only narrowly missed out on a play-off spot in the last campaign, with Paul Warne not quite able to get his troops over the line on a dramatic final day. Having suffered a drop down the divisions due to financial difficulties and points deductions, supporters would have been happy to see the side back challenging at the right end of the table. Ultimately though, the Rams could finish only seventh.

Now though, they are ready to go again and go even better next time around and bag promotion back to the Championship. That has involved Derby getting to work and getting busy in the transfer window already – their business has seen them land seven new faces this summer and there could be more to come.

In what could be seen as a big coup for the side, they managed to land Sonny Bradley on a free transfer after his release from Luton Town for starters, and they have also signed the experienced Connor Washington on a deal more recently. Callum Elder has arrived from Hull in the second tier and Kane Wilson has done likewise from Bristol City.

Now, according to The Derby Telegraph, the club have already identified where they want to strengthen next. Derby are keen to add more options to their forward line as a matter of priority as stated by this report, and it seems as though another forward could be next on their agenda then for Paul Warne this window.

It adds that that they may "wait" until they see how things unfold further up the pyramid before they "make their move" for another attacker. However, it does add that it is their "chief priority" as they want a strikeforce that can challenge at the very top of the third tier.

Who are Derby linked with?

In terms of who they could bring in to fill that striker spot, Matt Godden is one name to have been linked with a switch to Pride Park recently. That report adds that with Coventry wanting to snap up Billy Sharp, a deal could ultimately push him out of the door and make him available to the Rams on a transfer this summer. However, this new report suggests that a deal for the Sky Blues attacker is "unlikely" at the minute, so perhaps there is another unnamed target yet to emerge.

Either way, it looks as though Derby will be going all out this transfer window to ensure they are the most-equipped they can be to tackle League One head on in 2023/24. Having not even been able to challenge in the play-offs last season, they won't want to fall short again and Warne will be only too aware of what he needs to do to get the Rams challenging, having done so with Rotherham in past campaigns.

Manchester City are in advanced talks with Bayern Munich defender Benjamin Pavard over a possible move to the Etihad, according to Fabrizio Romano.

What’s the latest Man City transfer news?

Pep Guardiola and Man City have already been busy this summer following a historic treble-winning 2022/23 campaign, with midfielder Mateo Kovacic the first to arrive from Chelsea in a deal worth an initial £25m. The club did lose captain Ilkay Gundogan to Barcelona on a free transfer, so Kovacic looks set to fill the void left by the German.

More new signings appear to be wanted by City, though, with RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol a firm target in Manchester. However, talks have gone quiet recently, with RB Leipzig wanting around €100m plus bonuses.

There could be more exits on the cards as well, with recent reports suggesting that Kyle Walker had agreed on terms with Bayern Munich, despite being offered an Etihad extension.

As a result, City could soon be on the search for a new right-back of their own, and it looks as if they will target a player from Bayern Munich in Pavard.

Romano took to Twitter on Friday to share an update he’s heard regarding Man City and Pavard. He said that the Frenchman is top of City’s list when it comes to a new right-back, adding that talks with the player are at an advanced stage.

“Manchester City have now Benjamin Pavard on top of their list as new right back.

“Pavard is Man City’s priority in case Kyle Walker will join Bayern, deal advanced on player side but not completed yet. Bayern and City will discuss about Walker and Pavard.”

How good is Benjamin Pavard?

Pavard can play as a right-back or centre-back and has been with Bayern since 2019, making 162 appearances and contributing to 24 goals.

The 27-year-old has won the Word Cup and Champions League, and as per FBref, ranks in the top 1% of full-backs for passes attempted and progressive passes in the past 12 months, while also ranking in the top 3% and 4% for aerial duels won and interceptions, showing how he could be a smart signing for City.

Pavard doesn’t lack confidence either, and said that he feels his best position is at centre-back, however, at right-back, he believes he is defensively the best right-back in the world, more "complete" than Trent Alexander-Arnold and Achraf Hakimi.

“My position is a central defender. It always has been, this is where I feel most comfortable, where I take the most pleasure. This is where I find myself the best. I think we see more of my qualities in this position.

“A defender must first defend well. On paper, Pavard may be less sexy than Hakimi, Arnold, but I find that defensively I am more complete.”

It looks as if a move to City will be one to keep an eye on, especially if Walker completes a move to Munich.

Journalist Alasdair Gold has tipped Yves Bissouma to "thrive" at Tottenham Hotspur next season following an impressive start to pre-season.

What did Gold say?

There was great expectation when Bissouma arrived in north London following several impressive years at Brighton & Hove Albion.

Much like Alexis Mac Allister and Moises Caicedo this summer, there was a significant amount of hype surrounding a Brighton star moving on to 'bigger and better things' after having made such an impact on the south coast.

A deal of £35m including possible add-ons was enough to convince the Seagulls to sell and Bissouma was supposedly the answer to Tottenham's lack of grit in the centre of the park. The Mali international was meant add some much-needed bite to Antonio Conte's midfield.

However, things didn't go to plan. The 26-year-old made a slow start to the campaign and was being utilised as a substitute more than a starter in a Spurs side that was picking up points despite some questionable performances.

As 2023 rolled around, Bissouma still struggled for minutes and things would get much worse due to an ankle injury that required surgery. He spent 15 matches in the treatment room and only returned for the final four games of the Premier League season, making appearances in three.

A new season and manager provides new hope for the defensive-midfielder, who has already joined up with Spurs for pre-season.

According to Alasdair Gold, who was speaking on the Gold and Guest Talk Tottenham podcast, Bissouma has looked sharp in training so far and the journalist believes he has all the tools to succeed at Spurs next year.

"The guy that really for me, only purely on watching the [training] videos and it might be that Spurs have not shown him being absolutely appalling, but the player who looks so sharp for me is Bissouma. Oh my goodness." said Gold.

"Some of the touches he's taken. The biggest thing for me is he looks happy and full of confidence. He looks like he is in a system that is probably going to help him thrive as well under Postecoglou."

He added: "It's all set up isn't it really for Bissouma to thrive this season, hopefully."

Bissouma only managed 28 appearances in all competitions last campaign and will be desperate to get more minutes under his belt this term. Impressing Postecoglou in pre-season is of paramount importance.

The former Lille man could feel like a new signing for Tottenham if Postecoglou can get him fit and firing next season. Tottenham were often caught short in midfield due to injuries to Bissouma and teammate Rodrigo Bentancur last year.

Postecoglou generally likes to play with a three-man midfield, unlike Conte who tended to opt for two in the centre of the park, meaning opportunities should be rife for the Mali international.

Which midfielders are joining Tottenham?

With Harry Winks having joined Leicester City and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg rumoured with a Spurs exit, Tottenham could be light in midfield again next season.

22-year-old Oliver Skipp impressed last year, standing out as a potential bright spark, while 20-year-old Pape Matar Sarr is arguably not ready to be playing weekly for the Lilywhites.

Beyond that Spurs are left with Bissouma and Bentancur who will certainly need some help next season, especially given the latter is still undergoing his rehabilitation period at Hotspur Way.

Two loanees will return, however, with Tanguy Ndombele and Giovani Lo Celso coming back to Spurs from stints at Napoli and Villarreal respectively. What Postecoglou's plans are for the pair remains to be seen but given the Australian reportedly rejected a £17m bid for Ndombele per L'Equipe (via Sport Witness), maybe the Frenchman has a future at Tottenham after all.

Of course, Spurs have signed James Maddison already, although he is an attacking midfielder, and the Lilywhites will want to bolster their midfield options further in the market to help Postecoglou mould Tottenham in his image.

There are not too many midfielders currently being linked with Spurs, however, with the search for a centre-back taking priority at the moment.

An update has emerged on Glasgow Rangers and their plans to overhaul their attacking options ahead of the 2023/24 Scottish Premiership campaign…

What’s the latest on Danilo to Rangers?

According to the Heart & Hand Podcast, the Gers remain keen on a deal to sign Feyenoord centre-forward Danilo in the summer transfer window.

The official club sponsor claims that Michael Beale will still pursue a move for the Brazilian striker despite the club being close to bringing in Cyriel Dessers.

Fabrizio Romano recently reported that the Light Blues have agreed a fee with Cremonese and are set to finalise personal terms with the Nigerian.

However, this does not appear to alter their plans to swoop for the Eredivisie marksman, who has reportedly been valued at around €8m (£6.8m) by the Dutch outfit.

Where would Danilo fit in at Rangers?

If the Dessers deal goes through as claimed, the Gers would have four senior number nines on the books; including the Cremonese ace, Antonio Colak, Sam Lammers, and Kemar Roofe.

Therefore, the signing of Danilo on top of that could be bad news for one of Beale’s current options as it would restrict their game time, potentially leaving the club in need of moving them on before the deadline.

The Brazilian striker's arrival would spell trouble for Roofe as the former Leeds United frontman has been an unreliable player for the club in recent years, which could open the door for the manager to cut ties with him this summer.

Since the start of the 2020/21 campaign, the Jamaica international has missed a staggering 84 competitive matches across seven injuries, including 35 games due to a knee issue last season.

A player's most important quality is their availability, as they are otherwise unable to make an impact on results, and Roofe has proven himself to be a liability on that front.

Danilo, on the other hand, has only been absent for 16 competitive outings since the start of the 2019/20 season and made 48 appearances for Feyenoord last term, while the Gers centre-forward has only played 42 matches across the last two campaigns combined.

Therefore, the 24-year-old hotshot, who was once hailed by Erik ten Hag as the manager's best "finisher" at Ajax, would be a far better option for Beale to have in his squad due to his durability.

The £6.8m-rated ace also scored ten goals and provided three assists in 14 Eredivisie starts last season, which is a goal record only four Rangers players bettered in the Scottish Premiership – with three of them having started more than 17 times.

This shows that the potential is there for him to be an excellent scorer for the Light Blues whilst being able to offer more reliability in his availability in comparison to Roofe.

Tottenham Hotspur's chief scout Leonardo Gabbanini is being monitored by a number of other clubs as he impresses at Spurs as he awaits Daniel Levy's director of football decision.

Who is Leonardo Gabbanini?

Certainly not a household name or familiar face, Gabbanini has been at Tottenham for just under a year. Arriving as the club's chief scout from Watford back in the summer of 2022, he was brought to north London by the now banned former Spurs director of football Fabio Paratici.

Despite Paratici's disgraced departure, Gabbanini has been thoroughly involved in building this summer's transfer plans. He has been in direct discussions with chairman Levy and new manager Ange Postecoglou ahead of a busy window.

However, Gabbanini is a "wanted man" and Spurs may have to fend off interest from other clubs in their 43-year-old talent spotter.

Journalist Alasdair Gold, speaking on his YouTube channel, stated: "From my understanding, there are a lot of clubs looking at Gabbanini. He is a wanted man because of his abilities and his network as well, and his scouts that he employs."

"So keep an eye on what happens there. If there is another director of football type brought in and Gabbanini kind of feels overlooked, or feels that he doesn't quite fit with the new director of football, it will not be long before someone comes in for him. I think Lazio were kind of sniffing around him recently as well."

While Spurs look for a new director of football, Gabbanini's responsibilities will increase this summer, with Gold even suggesting that the Italian could be considered for the job himself. However, his lack of experience in a similar role may put Spurs off appointing him.

Tottenham are already facing battles to keep some of their star players this summer, with Harry Kane and Son Heung-min linked away, so losing a key member of the recruitment team would be disastrous at this stage of the window.

Gold describes Gabbanini has having a "great eye for talent" and as a "modern" scout that teams data analysis with the classic 'eye test'. Gold also claims that Spurs' chief scout will "quickly evaluate a player and deliver a firm opinion".

Who are Spurs looking to sign?

It promises to be a hectic summer for Gabbanini and his team who are already monitoring a wide variety of players ahead of Postecoglou's debut season at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The Lilywhites have already made Dejan Kulusevski's loan permanent and are closing in on the acquisition of Empoli goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario for £17.2m.

Tottenham are reported frontrunners for Leicester City's James Maddison, while also taking an interest in Bayer Leverkusen centre-back Edmond Tapsoba and a potential reunion between Postecoglou and Kyogo Furuhashi.

It is expected that Postecoglou will be given in excess of £100m to spend in the transfer window this summer as he tries to build this Spurs team in his image.

Liverpool will prioritise the signing of a "physical" midfielder this summer as Jurgen Klopp's side look to bounce back from a disappointing campaign.

What kind of midfielder do Liverpool want?

Having already brought in Brighton's Alexis Mac Allister earlier this summer for an initial fee of approximately £35m, Liverpool are expected to bolster their midfield ranks further in the transfer window.

Having an endured a difficult campaign in which the midfield was held largely culpable for poor form, Klopp has prioritised fixing his engine room. The signing of Mac Allister helps, as well as the wages freed up by the departing Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and James Milner, but more is required if the Reds are to return to the top of the pyramid.

Having already been linked with a host of new names this window, Fabrizio Romano believes Liverpool will focus on a more robust, "physical" midfielder next to follow on from the signing of a more creative playmaker in Mac Allister.

Speaking on his Here We Go podcast, Romano stated: "So, I think from what I'm told, Liverpool will give priority to a physical midfielder after signing a creative midfielder in Alexis Mac Allister. So, the idea is to go for a physical midfielder now."

"Manu Kone remains on the list, Khephren Thuram remains on the list, these two names for sure."

He added: "Liverpool will explore also other options, for example, they appreciate Barella but they know very well that the player is very happy at Inter and is going to be very difficult to sign Nicolo Barella. There is no release clause into his contract, so it is a very complicated situation."

A more physical midfielder makes sense given Klopp's desire to play high-intensity, counter-pressing football which requires a more combative and disciplined central midfield.

What do we know about the transfer links so far?

Of those mentioned by Romano, Nice's Thuram appears to be the priority target for the Reds. Journalist David Lynch even claimed that an agreement is expected to be struck between the two clubs for the 22-year-old, with Le Parisien suggesting a fee of just over £50m would be required to get a deal done.

Manu Kone, who is currently a teammate of Thuram for France at the U21 European Championship, has been linked with the Reds, but Florian Plettenberg has suggested that a move for the Borussia Monchengladbach man is "very unlikely".

Meanwhile, Nicolo Barella's high price tag appears to have put him out of Liverpool's reach, but certain Italian sources have suggested a bid could be coming Inter's way. It is thought that the 26-year-old would cost just under £70m, which would make him Liverpool's most expensive midfield signing of all time.

A final midfield name that has been linked is Celta Vigo sensation Gabri Veiga, who has enjoyed a hugely impressive season in La Liga. A £34m release clause in the youngster's contract makes him an even more tantalising prospect, but he is more of a technical player than others on Liverpool's shortlist.

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery is a “big fan” of Villarreal defender Pau Torres, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

How fast is Pau Torres?

Torres is a centre-back who currently plies his trade with Quique Setien’s side having graduated from their academy back in 2018. He’s since gone on to become a regular feature of the senior first-team having started 34 out of the 38 La Liga games last season, and has become known for his incredible top speed, ranking as one La Liga's fastest players at 34.93km/h.

However, the 26-year-old will be out of contract at the end of next term meaning that the ongoing window will be his club's final big chance to cash in should they not want to risk losing him on a free transfer, so a cut-price deal could be available.

Football Insider have reported that the Villans have made the Spain international a top summer target and are already progressing in negotiations having initiated contact with Emery’s former player, and if the following update is to be believed, it sounds like the boss is hoping to create a reunion in the Premier League.

Are Aston Villa signing Torres?

Taking to Twitter, Romano revealed that Emery is a huge admirer of Torres and would love to bring him to Aston Villa. He wrote:

“Bayern are informed on the conditions of the deal for Pau Torres, one of the left footed CB in the list in case Hernandez leaves the club. Aston Villa remain keen on signing Pau Torres; Unai Emery, big fan of the centre back since Villarreal chapter.”

Where could Torres fit in under Emery?

Aston Villa are reportedly looking for a left-sided centre-back as an alternative to Tyrone Mings in the heart of the defence, and having been hailed an “extraordinary talent” by his former coach Javier Calleja, Torres would be the perfect candidate to come in and be just that.

The 6 foot 3 colossus, who is represented by InterStarDeporte, averaged 4.1 clearances and 1.7 aerial wins per league game last season, via WhoScored, but not only is he a rock in the middle of the backline, he also loves to push his team up the pitch, ranking in the 99th percentile for most progressive carries by centre-backs in the top five leagues.

Villarreal’s £62k-per-week earner additionally knows what it takes to be successful at the highest level having won the Europa League, and having worked together before, the boss will trust him to perform so this really is a no-brainer of a deal to wrap up.

Sunderland striker Ross Stewart is a wanted man after what has been a miraculous first full season in League One with Sunderland.

in 49 League One appearances, including the play-offs, the Scotland international has racked up a staggering solitary assist in 19 appearances for Ross County.

Under Alex Neil, he has turned into a ruthless, talismanic goal-machine, which has attracted the likes of Rangers who have sniffed out the 25-year-old and may offer him the opportunity of a homecoming.

Earlier this month it was said that Rangers were keeping tabs on the Sunderland talisman with Pete O’Rourke telling GIVEMESPORT:

“It looks like he’s obviously on their wanted list, Ross Stewart. It’s been talked about now for quite a few weeks that Rangers are keeping tabs on him.

“If Rangers do come calling, it’s going to be hard for somebody like Ross Stewart – a Scottish player – to turn down their advances.”

Wyke 2.0

It’s not the first time that Sunderland have had clubs sniffing about their top goalscorer.

Just last season, Charlie Wyke put up some strong metrics very similar to the aforementioned numbers from Stewart, scoring four assists in 43 appearances for a Sunderland side that failed to achieve promotion.

He was consequently surrounded with interest and moved on a free transfer to League One rivals and now Champions Wigan Athletic.

Having achieved promotion themselves, the Black Cats will need to do everything in their power to keep hold of a player who is going to be integral to their Championship survival bid next season.

Though, an offer from the likes of Rangers, who narrowly missed out on Europa League glory last week, could prove tempting for the former Ross County man.

Neil must do everything to avoid a ‘Wyke scenario’ again this summer.

In other news: Neil can save millions on “impressive” 29yo SAFC gem, imagine him in the Championship