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Newcastle United are reportedly now ‘expected’ to sign Matt Targett by the ‘start of July’.

The Lowdown: Decision pending

Speaking in his pre-game press conference ahead of their match at home to Liverpool at Saturday lunchtime, Eddie Howe has claimed that there have been ‘no discussions’ with Aston Villa with regards to signing Targett on a permanent deal, but they will make a decision ‘at the end of the season’.

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There have been reports that a deal is ‘close’, but as things stand he will be returning to Villa Park after his loan spell ends.

The Latest: ‘Expected’ to sign

Writing in a Q&A session for The Birmingham Mail, reliable journalist Ashley Preece has revealed that a deal for Targett to go to St. James’ Park permanently is ‘expected’ to go through as soon as the summer window begins.

Villa can then pursue a move for left-back Aaron Hickey: “Club will wait for Targett to tie up £15m Newcastle move (expected to go through start of July) before progressing to sign Hickey.”

The Verdict: Get it done

If the North East club can sign Targett for just £15m, they simply need to get it done.

Hailed as ‘top class’ by Villa manager Steven Gerrard, the Englishman has been a revelation with his performances on loan, as he has not missed a single minute under Eddie Howe, except of course when they played his parent club (Transfermarkt).

He has instantly become a fan favourite on Tyneside, so much so that 97.5% of supporters want him to stay.

Nonetheless, bringing Targett in permanently seems like a smart piece of business.

In other news, find out who NUFC now face a Premier League battle to sign here!

Liverpool will not be panicking despite the fact that Roberto Firmino appears to have suffered a setback ahead of the clash with Tottenham, according to injury expert Ben Dinnery.

The Lowdown: Big concerns

The Brazilian has been ruled out of action ever since he sustained a foot injury during the Reds’ 3-2 FA Cup semi-final victory over Manchester City last month, but Jurgen Klopp had previously claimed that the 30-year-old was ready to come back into contention for the Merseyside derby against Everton in April.

However, the German boss has since revealed that Firmino will be out for longer than he initially thought, and Dinnery, who runs the popular Premier Injuries site, has suggested that it would be wise to not rush the forward back as he continues his recovery.

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The Latest: Reaction to treatment

When asked about why he thinks the 55-cap international has suffered a bigger reaction than normal, Dinnery told Football Insider’s Adam Williams: “Sometimes things can take longer than expected.

“He might have been expected to respond in a certain way and it hasn’t worked out like that.

“It is a science but not an exact science. Individuals respond to treatment in different ways.

“If you suffer a setback or reaction, you need to make sure you return pain-free.

“They aren’t just thinking about the next game. They have got the rest of the league campaign and possibly a Champions League final.

“It is better to take that additional recovery time than rush him back. They are well-stocked in those positions now anyway.”

The Verdict: UCL final return?

Firmino has been a key player for Liverpool ever since joining the club in a £25m move from Hoffenheim in 2015, going on to make an outstanding 171 goal contributions in just 323 outings during that time.

Whilst the £34.2m-rated talisman has been a huge miss in recent weeks, the Reds have got plenty of cover in that department in the form of Diogo Jota, with Sadio Mane also thriving in a centre-forward role of late.

Hailed as being an “unsung hero” by BBC pundit Noel Whelan, the club will be hoping that Firmino will be available for selection again in time for the Champions League final on May 28th, where the Anfield outfit will be looking to get their hands on another piece of silverware in the hunt to achieve that unprecedented quadruple.

In other news… the Reds are set to battle it out against some European giants to secure the signing of a new target this summer.

Tottenham Hotspur have been handed a huge boost in their bid to bring Memphis Depay to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the summer transfer window.

What’s the word?

That’s according to a report by Spanish publication Sport, who claim that Barcelona are now willing to part with the centre-forward at the end of the current campaign, while the Netherlands international himself is also believed to be happy to move onto pastures new this summer.

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This is sure to come as a huge boost to Fabio Paratici and Spurs, who were reported to have made the LaLiga side an offer for the 28-year-old back in March, with it now appearing as if the Italian sporting director has something of a free run at the former Lyon forward.

Paratici must move

While it is true that, following his June 2021 switch to the Camp Nou, Depay has somewhat struggled to hold down a place in the Barca starting XI, the centre-forward would nevertheless make an extremely impressive addition to Antonio Conte’s current attacking options at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Indeed, over his 25 LaLiga appearances this season – only 18 of which have come as starts – the £42.75m-rated striker has highly impressed, scoring 11 goals, registering two assists and creating five big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 2.3 shots, making 1.8 key passes and completing 1.6 dribbles per game.

These returns have seen the £158k-per-week forward who Marco van Basten dubbed a “special talent” average a highly impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.29, not only ranking him as Xavi’s third-best performer in the league but also as the 11th-best player in the division as a whole.

And, with Tottenham having been desperately lacking back up to and competition for Harry Kane in recent years, the signing of a player who possesses Depay’s particular skillset in the final third would very much appear to be something of a priority for Paratici and Conte this summer.

As such, with it being reported that the 28-year-old will be available for a very reasonable €40m (£34m) in the summer transfer window, Paratici simply must take advantage of Barcelona’s willingness to sanction Depay’s sale, as the Dutchman could finally solve Spurs’ lack of depth up top.

AND in other news: “Are interested…”: Romano drops £17m transfer update, he’s perfect for Conte’s Spurs

As interest surrounds Dominic Calvert-Lewin ahead of the summer transfer window, Frank Lampard could be heading for his first Everton nightmare in charge of the club.

What’s the word?

The Telegraph have reported that Newcastle United are planning an ambitious bid to bring the England striker to St James Park.

This could well depend on whether or not Everton are relegated from the Premier League, as it’s unlikely that Calvert-Lewin would want to feature in the Championship.

The Daily Mail claimed in March that his transfer fee could be north of £60m, and with the money being spent recently at Newcastle, that surely wouldn’t put them off.

Supporters will be livid

Lampard has had a difficult start to life with Everton, although a recent resurgence looks set to ensure they remain in the Premier League by the skin of their teeth.

What the manager can’t afford is his finest talents leaving Goodison Park, though, especially for divisional rivals.

Calvert-Lewin is essential to Everton improving as a squad, and despite him only netting three Premier League goals in an injury-plagued season, his record in previous campaigns suggests that Lampard has a wonderful talent on his hands who should be kept at all costs.

Signed from Sheffield United for only £1.5m back in 2016, the striker’s ascendency to the top has been remarkable. Since then, he has scored 56 goals in 188 matches for the Toffees, adding a further 17 assists as the team has generally underperformed under a series of managers.

England recognition followed in 2020 and he has since netted four times in just 11 appearances for the Three Lions, whilst also being part of the squad which finished runners-up to Italy in the delayed Euro 2020 tournament.

This shows just how highly Calvert-Lewin is rated, and with his former manager Carlo Ancelotti labelling him a “top striker”, there could be no limits as to his career progression

Lampard might face a testing summer transfer window, and it would be a nightmarish move from him if he allows his star striker to join a Premier League rival – assuming, of course, that Everton maintain their place in the top flight.

AND in other news: Everton can finally axe “poor” £68k-p/w dud by signing 22-year-old with “huge potential”

Fabio Paratici could be allowed to spend £100m on new recruits this summer if Tottenham Hotspur achieve Champions League qualification on Sunday, claims finance expert Dr Dan Plumley.

The Lowdown: Conte’s demands

As per The Athletic, Spurs manager Antonio Conte has said that the north London club need to spend a “lot of money” if they are to compete for the Premier League title.

As a result, the Italian has demanded up to six signings this summer.

In a statement last Sunday (15 May), Lilywhites chairman Daniel Levy proceeded to pledge the investment that Conte so desperately wants for a summer build.

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The Latest: Plumley’s claim

Plumley has claimed that Champions League qualification will come as a “huge” boost for Paratici, as we are now just five days away from discovering the fate of north London’s battle for fourth.

Speaking with Football Insider, he proclaimed: “They can spend under FFP.

“Financial performance has largely been good in recent years due to the way Levy has run the club like a business.

“But their revenue is still behind City, Chelsea, Liverpool and United. There’s a big gap there, both in the finances and on the pitch.

“We should stress that Champions League football would make a huge impact on spending. If they qualify, that could see them spend £100m to compete in that competition.

“If they don’t make it, there will also be a clamour for investment so they can make it next season. So you can see them spending that either way.”

The Verdict: Huge boost if they qualify

With just one game left to go in five days time, Spurs are in pole position to secure the fourth-place spot in the Premier League. Tottenham need a single point away to Norwich to secure Champions League football – even if Arsenal beat Everton, the Lilywhites will top them on goal difference.

With the overwhelming likelihood of this possibility, Paratici looks set to be handed a huge kitty in the transfer market, and Spurs fans must surely now be drooling at the thought of what they can achieve under Conte moving forward.

In other news: Tottenham Hotspur: Arnaut Danjuma now on Spurs’ radar

Aston Villa have shown throughout recent transfer windows that they are very capable of diving into the market and signing players that they need for their squad.

It was reported in March that Steven Gerrard will be looking to complete a significant transfer overhaul this summer, with multiple players possibly moving in and out of the club.

With that in mind, it seems as though a big clue has emerged regarding one part of Villa’s summer plans in the transfer market.

What’s the news?

In a recent report for The Athletic, Villa journalist Gregg Evans shared some insight regarding the club’s aims for the upcoming summer transfer window and their recruitment.

He claimed that “Villa would like a third striker on board”, in addition to signing some defensive reinforcements.

Villa currently have Ollie Watkins and Danny Ings in their squad as their two main senior strikers. The duo have a combined total of 18 goals between them in the Premier League this season, making them Villa’s top two scorers in the league.

However, the Villans currently have an expected goals rate of just 43.7, which is lower than the likes of Brighton & Hove Albion, Southampton and Leeds United.

Villa fans will be buzzing

With that in mind and with Gerrard reportedly looking for another striker to join Villa’s ranks, this suggests that he either isn’t convinced by his current strike duo or just wants to add some extra depth to that area of the squad.

Either way, if Villa are able to sign a top striker this summer who can potentially overtake Watkins or Ings in the pecking order and find the net on a more regular basis, this will surely have lots of the club’s fans buzzing.

On the flip side, the Midlanders have the likes of Keinan Davis and Cameron Archer set to return to Villa Park after recent loan deals.

Should Villa end up buying a new striker during the off-season, this could well impact any chance that Archer and Davis may have at becoming regular first-team figures for Gerrard’s side next term.

Moving forward, it certainly feels as though the possibility of Villa signing a new centre-forward this summer could well have a big impact on a number of different players at the club.

In other news: Gerrard already heading for big summer disaster at AVFC over £13.5m-rated “magician”

Tottenham Hotspur are set to battle it out with Arsenal to secure the signing of Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus, reports The Telegraph.

The Lowdown: Jesus’ talks with Arsenal

As per Fabrizio Romano, it is clear that the 25-year-old has asked to leave the Sky Blues this summer.

As a result, the Brazilian’s agent, Marcelo Pettinati, has confirmed that talks have already been held with Arsenal, and it is said that they are interested in the ‘project’ under Mikel Arteta.

However, Pettinati has also revealed that six more clubs are interested in securing his client’s signature.

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The Latest: Spurs keen to sign Jesus

According to a fresh report by The Telegraph’s reliable Mike McGrath, Tottenham are set to join Arsenal in the race to sign Man City striker Jesus.

Having pipped their north London rivals to a top four finish and a spot in the Champions League, Lilywhites boss Antonio Conte will be looking to strengthen his squad as they prepare to compete with Europe’s elite.

It is understood that Jesus’ agent is aware of Spurs’ interest in a deal.

The Verdict: Brilliant signing

Described as “a natural finisher” by former Tottenham forward Garth Crooks on BBC Sport, the 25-year-old’s underlying stats clearly justify this praise.

According to FB Ref, the Brazil international ranks in the 91st percentile for non-penalty goals and in the 95th percentile for non-penalty expected goals across positional peers in Europe.

With 58 goals under his belt in the Premier League and 134 in total for club and country,  Conte would be getting an experienced striker with many years left for him to perform at the top level.

Therefore, this would be a brilliant signing for Tottenham.

In other news: Tottenham Hotspur: Paratici set to back Conte with major signings

Rangers boss Gio van Bronckhorst is set to embark upon his first summer transfer window in charge of the club in the coming months.

The Dutch head coach came in after last year’s dealings and was then backed in January with the signings of Aaron Ramsey, Mateusz Zukowski, James Sands and Amad Diallo.

John Souttar is officially set to join upon the expiry of his contract at Hearts to become the first signing of the 2022/23 campaign.

One player the club have now been urged to move for is Everton center-forward Ellis Simms. Former Gers striker Kenny Miller has tipped them to swoop for the Hearts loanee: “The one player in Scotland I’d look at for Rangers is Simms.

“I really like the look of him. When you see the trouble Rangers had with strikers towards the end of the season, it’s something I’d consider.”

Kemar Roofe 2.0

Van Bronckhorst can find a new striker to come in and challenge Alfredo Morelos for his place in the starting XI next season.

Simms, who was born in Oldham less than 90 miles from Roofe in Walsall, is another English-born centre-forward who has the potential to improve the club’s options at the top end of the pitch. The Jamaican international scored 10 goals in 21 league games as he played second fiddle to the Colombian and the Everton man can play a similar role.

In 11 Premiership starts, he produced five goals and one assist for Robbie Neilson’s side. This comes after he scored 10 goals in 19 League One starts for Blackpool in the previous campaign, with these two loan spells illustrating his knack for putting the ball in the back of the net.

Everton U23s Assistant John Ebbrell previously lauded the forward’s talents, saying: “What I do know with Ellis, if he ends up one-vs-one with the goalkeeper, he’s scoring.

“From experience, I know if you have time to think for that finish it can be difficult but Ellis is really calm and composed in those situations. He very rarely misses.”

Toffees reporter Chris Smith also dubbed him a “clinical finisher” and his aforementioned statistics back that up as he has an impressive strike rate at senior level during his loan spells – 15 goals in 30 starts.

Simms can come in and be the new Roofe to challenge Morelos for his throne at Ibrox. Cedric Itten tried and failed and now it is time for a new challenger to enter the fray.

At the age of 21, he has plenty of years left ahead of him to develop and the statistics in the early parts of his career show that he has an excellent base to build from. This is why Rangers must seal a deal to sign him from Everton, initially on loan or permanently, as he can be a superb addition to the squad.

AND in other news, Race won: Wilson lands Rangers deal for sought-after teenage gem, GvB will be buzzing…

Tottenham Hotspur have been handed a huge boost in their bid to bring Jonas Hofmann to the Premier League this summer.

What’s the talk?

In recent comments cited by BuliNews, the Borussia Monchengladbach winger revealed that he has not yet agreed to sign a new deal with the Bundesliga outfit, as the club’s failure to capture Lucien Favre as their new manager has left him concerned about the direction in which Gladbach are heading.

This is sure to come as a huge boost to Fabio Paratici and Tottenham, with reports last month revealing that the Italian has been in regular contact with Gladbach sporting director Roland Virkus concerning a move for the Germany international, whose current contract at Borussia Park is set to expire next June.

Regarding putting pen to paper on a new deal with Monchengladbach, Hofmann said: “The timing just isn’t right at this moment. I can only hope that the [coaching] issue is resolved quickly so that everyone can start planning. An answer would simplify the situation for the club, the players, and everyone involved.”

The forward then added in relation to his telephone conversations with Virkus about a new contract: “It’s important to me that, when I have conversations, I look my counterpart in the eye. Discussing such things over the phone is not my style.”

Kulusevski 2.0

Considering just how impressive Hofmann was for Gladbach this season, and with it being reported that the winger could be available to sign for as little as €22m (£19m), the fact that he seems to have given Paratici the green light to make a move for him this summer is undoubtedly fantastic news for Spurs.

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Indeed, over his 26 Bundesliga appearances in 2021/22, the £14.4m-rated talent was in breathtaking form, scoring 12 goals, registering five assists and creating six big chances for his team-mates, along with taking 2.1 shots and making 2.7 key passes per game.

These returns saw the £53k-per-week forward – who can also operate from defensive, central, left, right and attacking midfield, as well as on either flank – average a quite sensational SofaScore match rating of 7.41. That ranked him not only as Monchengladbach’s best performer in the league but also as the fifth-best player in the German top flight, behind only Joshua Kimmich, Erling Haaland, Christopher Nkunku and Robert Lewandowski.

Furthermore, considering his hugely impressive positional versatility, his clear eye for goal and his ability to play a defence-splitting pass, it would very much appear as if Hofmann is a player in the mould of Dejan Kulusevski, Tottenham’s January signing who scored five goals and provided eight assists over his 18 Premier League appearances this season.

As such, should the 29-year-old – who Hansi Flick claimed has “enormous quality” – indeed be available for just £19m this summer, it would seem advisable for Paratici to do everything possible to get a deal over the line for the German forward, as Hofmann could well prove to be the sporting director’s next Kulusevski-type discovery in the transfer market.

AND in other news: Conte could unearth the next Beckham as Spurs eye £21m “weapon” with “huge potential”

Phil Hay has dropped an update on the future of Leeds United transfer target Rasmus Kristensen.

What’s the talk?

In a recent post on Twitter, The Athletic journalist revealed that, following numerous reports claiming that a deal for the Red Bull Salzburg right-back was all but done, the 24-year-old is now travelling to Leeds in order to complete a medical – with the Denmark international expected to officially become Victor Orta’s second summer signing by Wednesday evening.

Hay went on to state that the full-back looks set to put pen to paper on a five-year deal at Elland Road, with his transfer fee believed to be in the region of £10m.

In his tweet, the journalist said: “Assuming his medical goes to plan today, Rasmus Kristensen will be a Leeds United player by the close of play. Five-year contract, fee in the region of £10m.”

When asked whether his medical take place on international duty with Denmark, Hay added: “No, travelling to Leeds. Denmark have a day off today, has been given permission to come here.”

Supporters will be elated

Considering just how exciting a talent Kristensen evidently is, Hay’s update suggesting that the right-back looks set to become the Whites’ second signing of the summer is sure to have left the Elland Road faithful elated.

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Indeed, over his 29 Austrian Bundesliga appearances in 2021/22, the £13.5m-rated full-back was in breathtaking form for Matthias Jaissle’s side, scoring seven goals, registering four assists and creating seven big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 1.4 shots, making 1.2 key passes and completing 1.3 dribbles per game.

The £14k-per-week full-back also impressed in metrics more typical of his position, helping Salzburg keep 13 clean sheets, in addition to making an average of 1.3 tackles, 1.1 interceptions, 1.4 clearances and winning 5.7 duels – at a success rate of 60% – per fixture.

These metrics saw the 24-year-old average a quite astonishing SofaScore match rating of 7.31, not only ranking him as RB’s second-best performer in the league but also as the fourth-best player in the Bundesliga as a whole.

As such, with both Stuart Dallas and Luke Ayling facing lengthy spells on the sidelines due to injury, and with Kristensen very much looking to be a remarkable piece of business for just £10m, Hay’s update that Orta is now extremely close to completing the signing of the Dane is undoubtedly fantastic news for Jesse Marsch and supporters of the club alike.

AND in other news: “They’re tempted…”: Phil Hay drops big Leeds transfer hint that supporters will love