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A big update has emerged on Newcastle United’s pursuit of Alan Virginius in the summer transfer window… 

What’s the talk?

According to Le10Sport, the Magpies are set to make an offer worth up to €10m (£8.5m) as Dan Ashworth looks to sign the winger ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

The report does not, however, state whether or not that will be enough to tempt Sochaux into cashing in on their asset.

It is also claimed that Bayer Leverkusen are in the race for his signature and look set to challenge the Toon in a straight shootout to land the attacker.

Just imagine him & Allan Saint-Maximin

By snapping up a deal for the teenager this summer, Newcastle can land an exciting duo by pairing him with his fellow countryman on the wings next season.

Jacek Kulig once dubbed him a “huge talent” and his statistics at such a young age back up that comment. The 19-year-old caught the eye in the Sochaux first-team last season with five goals and one assist in seven Ligue 2 starts – as well as creating three big chances for his teammates.

This came after he managed three goals and two assists in 15 league outings – starting four games – during his breakthrough campaign in 2020/21. The gem has, therefore, racked up an outstanding 11 direct goal contributions in 11 starts for Sochaux’s senior side.

He has also impressed at international level, with six goals in 16 youth team appearances for France, including three goals in two games at the U19 European Championships this summer.

These statistics suggest that he is a player with huge potential as he is already making big strides in the game despite still being in his teens.

Saint-Maximin, meanwhile, is a proven Premier League winger who scored five goals and set up another five in the top-flight last term. He averaged an excellent SofaScore rating of 6.94 and completed a whopping 4.3 dribbles per match as he made himself a constant threat out wide whilst chipping in with contributions in the final third.

Now, imagine having two French wingers playing for Newcastle and causing chaos at the top end of the pitch – scoring and creating goals to propel the club up the table.

Virginius can learn from Saint-Maximin, who will also be able to speak his native language to help him settle in, and develop over time to be a superb signing for the Magpies in the long term, if he is able to adapt to English football.

AND in other news: Eddie Howe voices teasing Newcastle transfer update, supporters will be buzzing

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in a deal to bring Weston McKennie to the Premier League in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by the Daily Mail, who claim that Fabio Paratici is keeping a very close eye on the situation of the Juventus midfielder ahead of launching a potential move in the coming weeks, with the Serie A side said to be willing to part with the 23-year-old for a figure of around €40m (£34m) this summer.

However, the report then goes on to state that, after Paul Pogba recently picked up a knee injury that looks set to keep the 29-year-old sidelined for the start of the 2022/23 campaign, Juve may now be less open to allowing the USA international to leave Turin over the remainder of the current window.

“Tick a lot of boxes”

While it is true that a metatarsal fracture saw McKennie’s game time at Juventus severely reduced last season, considering the midfielder’s impressive returns when he did play a part for Massimiliano Allegri’s side, it is not difficult to understand why Paratici would be keen on a deal to bring the 23-year-old to Tottenham this summer.

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Indeed, according to FBref, the £42m-rated talent ranks in the top 8% of midfielders in Europe’s big five leagues and European competitions for non-penalty xG per 90 minutes, in addition to the top 17% for shots, the top 17% for non-penalty xG+xA, the top 20% for non-penalty goals, the top 2% for touches in the opposition penalty area and the top 1% for progressive passes received over the past 12 months.

Furthermore, the £52k-per-week American also ranks in the top 8% of attacking midfielders for interceptions per 90, as well as the top 7% for clearances, the top 9% for aerial duels won, the top 14% for blocks, the top 31% for tackles and the top 33% for pressures over last 365 days.

As such, with it being clear that McKennie is an incredibly versatile box-to-box midfielder, it is no wonder why Alasdair Gold stated his belief that the 34-cap international would “tick a lot of boxes” for Antonio Conte’s side, nor is it hard to see why David Wagner dubbed the 23-year-old an “outstanding” player during his time at FC Schalke – as is it clear that the Juve centrocampista would make an unbelievable addition to the Italian’s options in the heart of his Spurs midfield next season.

AND in other news, Paratici now given green light for “huge signing”, it’d be an “unreal” coup for Spurs…

A claim has emerged on Glasgow Rangers and their chances of bringing one of their targets to Ibrox in the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

Journalist Pete O’Rourke has suggested that the Gers have the edge in the race to land Besiktas’ Kartal Yilmaz in the coming weeks.

He told ThisIsFutbol: “Maybe the midfielder has come on to the club’s radar after watching the left-back.

“He’s obviously somebody that they are well aware of.

“I think obviously doing business with the club as recently as this week, would maybe give them an advantage to try and do another deal.”

Reports in Turkey have claimed that the Light Blues are keen on a swoop for the gem and that a fee in the region of £800k may be enough to get a move over the line.

Imagine him & John Lundstram

Rangers can form an excellent pairing in midfield by snapping up the gem to pair him with John Lundstram this season.

Yilmaz was on loan in the second tier of Turkish football with Ümraniyespor last term and caught the eye with impressive performances in the middle of the park.

He averaged a sublime SofaScore rating of 7.22 across 30 outings in the division as he showed that he has the maturity to deliver excellent displays week-in-week-out, despite being 21. 

The gem was a powerhouse in midfield as he racked up 3.9 tackles and interceptions per match. This shows that he won the ball back for his team on a regular basis, nipping in to take possession back for the team. 

Along with his defensive prowess, he also showcased his ability on the ball. Yilmaz ended the campaign with seven assists and 2.0 key passes per match, which shows that he can have a big impact at both ends of the pitch. 

Lundstram, meanwhile, was superb in the Europa League for the Gers last term. Across 14 outings in the competition, he averaged 3.3 tackles and interceptions per game and won 55% of his duels.

The Englishman also scored two goals and completed 87% of his attempted passes, which proves that he offers quality on the ball as well as off it.

At the age of 28, he is in the prime years of his career and could take Yilmaz under his wing to help him with the step up to Premiership football. Now, imagine them both lining up in the Gers XI next term and constantly winning the ball back for Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s team, whilst also making an impact at the top end of the pitch.

Fabrizio Romano has dropped an update regarding Tottenham Hotspur’s reported interest in securing a move for Udinese full-back Destiny Udogie.

What’s the news?

In a recent post on Twitter, the Italian transfer guru shared the latest on this particular situation.

Romano stated: “Full agreement on personal terms between Destiny Udogie, his agents and Tottenham, five year contract. Deal expected to be completed next week with Udinese.

“[Fabio] Paratici and [Antonio] Conte want Udogie as part of future project, so he could be loaned back to Udinese.”

After working his way through Hellas Verona’s youth ranks, the full-back originally joined Udinese on loan last year before making the move permanently this summer.

Conte should love him

Last season saw the 19-year-old make 35 Serie A appearances for his current employers, scoring five goals and providing three assists in the process.

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The campaign saw the youngster highlight what a capable figure he is in an attacking and defensive sense from left-back.

In terms of his attacking output, the Italian  youngster racked up 13 shots on target, 59 shot-creating actions and 33 successful dribbles, putting him in the top five in Udinese’s squad for each metric.

From a defensive point of view, Udogie won 50 tackles and made 136 successful pressures, 56 blocks and 50 interceptions, once again placing him in the top five at the Stadio Friuli for each of those metrics.

This shows why Tottenham are so eager to secure a deal for him and why Antonio Conte should be over the moon to potentially have a very capable young player like Udogie at the club for the future.

Described as a “hard-working & charismatic” player by football talent scout Jacek Kulig on Twitter, the 19-year-old definitely appears to have what it takes to become a top player for the Lilywhites in the future given how at ease he seems to be with and without the ball in a major European league.

If the youngster signs for Spurs and is indeed loaned back to Udinese, as Romano mentioned in his tweet, this could be an ideal way for him to develop his game even further before eventually making his proposed move to England and becoming a leading light at Tottenham.

West Ham United are hoping to tie up a deal to bring Filip Kostic to the London Stadium this weekend.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Italian media outlet Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness), who claim that, following weeks of negotiations, David Moyes is finally hoping to reach an agreement with the Eintracht Frankfurt wing-back in the coming days – with the Hammers said to be in talks regarding a €15m (£12.6m) plus bonuses fee with the Bundesliga side.

However, the report goes on to state that Juventus are also set to make an offer of €12m (£10m) plus bonuses for the Serbia international in the next few days, something it is suggested could temp the 29-year-old more than a switch to east London.

Real coup

Considering just how impressive Kostic was for Eintracht last season, should West Ham manage to get a deal over the line for the defender ahead of Italian giants Juventus this summer, it would undoubtedly represent a real coup for the Premier League outfit.

Indeed, over his 31 Bundesliga appearances in 2021/22, the £21.6m-rated wing-back was in stunning form, scoring four goals, providing nine assists and creating 16 big chances for his team-mates, as well as taking an average of 1.6 shots, making 2.8 key passes and completing 0.8 dribbles per game.

These returns saw the 48-cap international average a quite remarkable SofaScore match rating of 7.25, ranking him as Oliver Glasner’s best performer in the league and the 15th-best player in the division as a whole.

The £43k-per-week talent was also in deadly form over his 12 Europa League fixtures last time out, scoring three goals, registering six assists and creating four big chances for his teammates, in addition to taking an average of 2.7 shots, making 2.1 key passes and completing 0.8 dribbles per game.

These metrics saw the Serbian sensation who Fredi Bobic dubbed “extraordinary” average a breathtaking SofaScore match rating of 7.33, ranking him as the joint sixth-best player in the European competition.

As such, it is evident just how much Kostic would add to Moyes’ current options on the left of his backline next season, leading us to believe that the Scot simply must do everything in his power to convince the 29-year-old of a move to the London Stadium ahead of one to Turin this summer.

Newcastle United are eyeing up a big-money move for Everton attacker Anthony Gordon this summer, according to a fresh transfer rumour that has emerged.

The Lowdown: Solid start to the season

The Magpies picked up a respectable 0-0 draw away to Brighton on Saturday afternoon, backing up their opening-day victory at home to Nottingham Forest.

It has been a perfectly reasonable start to the campaign for Eddie Howe’s men, but that’s not to say that more transfer business won’t be conducted in the coming weeks.

A new update suggests that their attack could be bolstered by the signing of a Premier League forward.

The Latest: Newcastle keen on Gordon

According to Football Insider, Newcastle are ‘lining up a new move’ for Gordon this summer, although only an offer of ‘£40million-plus’ would make Everton consider selling.

Nonetheless, they have ‘opened talks’ on a new deal with the winger.

It is stated that a £35million bid was turned down last month, with Howe clearly seeing the Englishman as a key summer target.

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The Verdict: Exciting target

Everton may have flirted with relegation last season, but Gordon was a rare bright spark, with the 21-year-old scoring four league goals and registering two assists.

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Newcastle legend Alan Shearer has described the youngster as a ‘fearless’ player and he possesses the ability to add an extra dimension to the Magpies’ attack.

With Allan Saint-Maximin potentially moving on, Gordon would be a strong replacement, coming in a long-term acquisition with a high ceiling.

Nottingham Forest have been linked with Neal Maupay this summer as they continue to add strength to their new-look Premier League squad, but there has been a new update which could put a spanner in the works.

What’s the latest?

According to The Athletic, the Reds are joined by Everton and Fulham in their interest in the Brighton and Hove Albion striker this summer.

As per the report, Forest had agreed on terms in principle for Maupay last weekend, but the two other Premier League clubs mentioned are also now pushing for a move for the player.

Italian outfit Salernitana have matched Forest’s £15m bid, and the striker has held talks with Everton manager Frank Lampard.

Marinakis must act fast

With a number of clubs, including some Premier League rivals, eyeing up a move for Maupay, Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis must act fast to secure a deal for the Brighton centre-forward if he believes that the player is needed at the City Ground this season.

It’s no secret that Forest have been getting thoroughly stuck into the transfer window since being promoted from the Championship following their victory in the play-off final at Wembley, with 15 new signings secured and almost £110m spent as they set out to retain their Premier League status.

The signing of Maupay would be a great opportunity for Steve Cooper to add some top-flight experience into his attacking setup ahead of their challenge to comfortably compete at this level, with the striker tallying 102 appearances, 26 goals and eight assists in the Premier League so far.

Forest have already signed a new striker this summer with Taiwo Awoniyi joining from Union Berlin, and he opened his goalscoring account with the winner against West Ham United on Sunday afternoon, but adding Maupay will give Cooper the opportunity to call upon a fresh impetus in the central role if the team are falling short in their upcoming fixtures.

Over 32 Premier League appearances last season, the Frenchman scored eight goals, delivered two assists and created four big chances, taking 1.9 shots per game and successfully completing 51% of his dribble attempts, finishing the campaign as Brighton’s joint-top scorer alongside Leandro Trossard.

Graham Potter has lavished praise on his striker, with the Seagulls boss hailing Maupay in an interview with Sky Sports as he said of the 26-year-old: “He’s a good lad who really wants to play in the Premier League. He’s young and hungry and wants to take the next step.”

The signing of Maupay would be a great piece of business for Forest, but they will quickly need to convince the goal machine with a tempting offer to make the move to the City Ground as he is certainly a player in demand right now.

Tottenham Hotspur, and by extension sporting director Fabio Paratici, are ‘considering’ a late summer move for Atalanta forward Ruslan Malinovskyi, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Spurs’ summer spree…

It’s safe to say that the board have fully backed manager Antonio Conte after their £150m equity increase earlier in the summer window.

Spurs’ qualification for this season’s Champions League campaign subsequently motivated owners ENIC to green-light significant investment into the club and these funds have been put to good use.

Ivan Perisic, Fraser Forster, Yves Bissouma, Richarlison, Clement Lenglet, Djed Spence and Destiny Udogie have all signed for the Premier League outfit, and reports suggest that there could yet be more arrivals in N17.

The Latest: Paratici weighs up late Malinovskyi move…

Indeed, according to journalist Gianluigi Longari, there has been an update involving Malinovskyi.

He claims (via Twitter) that the 29-year-old has been ‘proposed’ at N17, and that Spurs is a destination ‘appreciated’ by the player himself.

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However, while Tottenham and Paratici are ‘considering’ a late move for the Ukrainian, one is yet to be made.

Longari explained: “#Malinovskyi was actually proposed at #Tottenham , a destination that is appreciated by the player. The #Atalanta asks for at least 20M. The Spurs are considering but there has been no lunge at the moment.”

The Verdict: Get it done…

The Ukraine international’s potential arrival could be a solid end to this summer’s transfer window for Tottenham.

As per WhoScored, Malinovskyi stood out as one of Atalanta’s main attacking threats last season, ranking in their top five when it comes to attempts at goal, key passes made and completed dribbles per 90.

He has also been called ‘extraordinary’ for his team by manager Gian Piero Gasperini, which suggests that he could be of real use over a long season featuring Champions League football for Spurs and Conte.

Crystal Palace finally seem set to see a fan favourite return to Selhurst Park… 

What’s the word?

According to sports writer Sam Pilger, Aaron Wan-Bissaka could be preparing for an SE25 homecoming after an underwhelming spell at Manchester United.

Taking to Twitter, Pilger stated: “It is looking increasingly likely Aaron Wan-Bissaka will leave Manchester United and return to Crystal Palace before the end of the transfer window”.

The English full-back has two years left on his £90k-per-week contract, having left the Eagles in 2019 for a mouth-watering £50m.

Could be a transfer masterclass

Having sold the youngster for an astronomical fee, to see him return just three years later for what we can assume will be a heavily reduced fee (given reports of a possible £10m swoop) would be a transfer masterclass from Dougie Freedman.

The 24-year-old’s stock has dropped dramatically, but if anyone knows the value that he can offer to a team it is Palace, from whose academy he emerged. When he first left the club, Dave O’Grady labelled him an “unstoppable force”, denoting just how highly Wan-Bissaka was rated.

His defensive output has continued to be outstanding, as he ranks in the top 3% for interceptions and top 1% for blocks per 90 among positional peers in Europe’s top five leagues over the past 12 months.

It is offensively where Wan-Bissaka has fallen short at Old Trafford, but with the summer addition of Chris Richards, the Eagles would quickly have two varied profiles of full-back who both excel in their respective fields.

The American ranks in the top 7% for assists per 90 and the top 12% for touches in the attacking penalty area over the past 12 months.

To bring back their academy graduate, who has gone away and earned invaluable Champions League experience with United, to a considerably less pressured environment in Selhurst Park could see him return to his best.

If the 24-year-old can improve upon his disappointing 23% accurate cross rate, there is every chance that he could be one of the best all-round full-backs in the Premier League.

His 59% dribble success rate is indicative of a player who wants to get forward, and often successfully, so perhaps Vieira can help to make Wan-Bissaka a tidier full-back once he gets into the final third.

If he were to return to Selhurst Park for just 20% of the fee at which Palace sold him in 2019, it would mark a sensational transfer masterclass from Freedman.

Leeds United could be interested in a move for Hwang Hee-chan before the summer transfer window deadline next week…

What’s the word?

The South Korean attacker has been linked with a switch to Elland Road in recent weeks and The Athletic’s Phil Hay believes he’d be a player that manager Jesse Marsch would love to sign.

“I think Marsch would have him, I think he would, but what Wolves would actually be willing to do with him is another question altogether,” he told his podcast, ‘The Phil Hay Show.’

“I think for example, if Wolves said we’ll ping him out on loan with an obligation, it’s probably exactly the sort of player where Marsch would say, yeah that could work for us, that could be quite good.”

Shades of Heung-min Son

The Yorkshire giants have started the new Premier League campaign on fire but they still have a desperate need for a new frontman to compete with Patrick Bamford, whose injury problems have continued to rumble on.

Marsch was once again without his leading talisman as he witnessed his Whites side stun Chelsea 3-0 last weekend and they did so without a recognised striker in the starting lineup.

Hwang has had a mixed spell in England, ever since his £13m move from RB Leipzig last summer, initially joining Molineux on loan.

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He has managed only five goals and two assists across 35 appearances, though only 24 have been starts, as per Transfermarkt. However, a reunion with his former Salzburg boss, for whom he provided 16 goals and 24 assists in 43 appearances, could be what he needs to get his career going again.

In the past, the 26-year-old has been likened to his fellow countryman, Heung-min Son, in terms of style due to his “brutal dynamism,” so perhaps Leeds could get their very own Son in Hwang.

Both are capable of playing out wide and cutting in, as well as playing through the middle and given Marsch’s past history with the player, it’s surely a no-brainer for the club.

“He can play in any attacking position, on the wings or as a main man in the middle. He makes our attack more flexible with his speed and mobility,” once claimed Leipzig sporting director Markus Krösche.

Also lauded as “exciting, exciting talent” by journalist Nathan Judah, perhaps a reunion at Elland Road is the best solution for both parties.

A fresh start under a familiar manager that has gotten the best out of him before, at a club that is in dire need of attacking reinforcements. It just makes perfect sense.

AND in other news, Leeds could seal “great signing” in £21m dynamo, he’d “definitely be an upgrade on Junior Firpo”…