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West Ham United are now serious contenders for Bristol City sensation Alex Scott as they become ‘firmly’ in the mix.

The Lowdown: Hammers make transfer plans…

Despite their status as Premier League relegation candidates, with rumours also having surrounded the position of manager David Moyes, it is believed West Ham chiefs are still making transfer plans behind-the-scenes.

There have been links to the likes of Lazio star Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and West Ham are believed to have made an out-of-window offer to the player via his representative.

New targets are emerging consistently ahead of the summer with The Mail now sharing news on Scott.

The Latest: West Ham ‘firmly’ in Scott mix…

According to their information, West Ham are ‘firmly’ in the mix to sign him this summer amid interest from a plethora of other top flight sides.

This comes after head of recruitment Rob Newman was sent to run the rule over Scott this week, specifically during Bristol City’s 3-0 defeat to Man City in the FA Cup.

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The Verdict: Very exciting player…

Scott is rated highly by both manager Nigel Pearson and Bristol chiefs.

The midfielder dazzled against City in midweek, prompting Pep Guardiola to call him an ‘unbelievable player’.

Such high praise from an elite boss like Guardiola should be plenty of evidence that Scott could be destined for stardom, as put by journalist Henry Winter, who claimed it is inevitable that the player makes a move to England’s top flight.

Scott is ‘flourishing’ at Ashton Gate according to Winter, as evident by the fact he currently ranks among Pearson’s best-performing  players by average match rating (WhoScored).

Arsenal sporting director Edu appears to be already plotting to strengthen in the summer window, amid reports that the Gunners are eyeing a deal for Real Valladolid sensation, Ivan Fresneda.

What’s the latest on Fresneda to Arsenal?

According to the Evening Standard, the north Londoners are currently part of a ‘four-way fight’ to land the 18-year-old this summer, with Borussia Dortmund, Newcastle United and Juventus also currently in the running for the Spaniard’s signature.

The report suggests that Edu and co have been ‘scouting’ the teenager in recent times and will continue to keep a close eye on his progress between now and the end of the season, while the player himself – who is said to have a £26.5m release clause in his existing deal – is set to ‘assess’ his options once the current campaign is over.

This follows previous reports during the January window that claimed both Arsenal and Dortmund had reached an agreement with the right-back for a fee of around £13m, albeit with no move ultimately coming to fruition as the youngster opted to stay put with the La Liga side.

Could Fresneda be the next Trippier?

That scramble for Fresneda’s services has not been without merit, with the 6-foot starlet having enjoyed a promising start to life at senior level thus far, despite having made just 14 first-team appearances for his current side to date.

Even with that relative inexperience, the exciting full-back has clearly caught the eye of clubs across Europe, having been branded “remarkably complete” by Spanish football expert Matt Clark earlier this season.

Also lauded by Clark for having shackled Real Madrid dynamo Vinicius Jr. back in December – making eight tackles and winning ten duels in that 2-0 defeat – the Spain U19 international is evidently making a big impression, with those back at the Emirates likely to be desperate to get a deal over the line.

Any potential fears that Mikel Arteta’s side may have over the teen’s ability to adapt to life in the Premier League can well be eased by the defender’s apparent likeness to Newcastle star, Kieran Trippier, with the two men seemingly able to flourish at both ends of the pitch.

That comparison is best illustrated by the duo’s defensive strength as Fresneda has averaged 2.9 tackles and 1.3 interceptions per game from his ten league outings this season, while Trippier has averaged two tackles and 1.2 interceptions per game – albeit while having made 23 top-flight appearances.

Equally, the latter man is clearly a real threat in an attacking sense as he ranks second in the division for big chances created (18) – behind only Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne (24) – while young Fresneda has been lauded for his “beastly ability” to provide quality service from the flanks, as per journalist Juan Arroita.

To be able to land their own version of the Magpies machine would represent a true masterstroke for the Gunners, with the Englishman having been a “revelation” in recent times at St James’ Park, in the words of talkSPORT pundit Simon Jordan.

The 32-year-old has been instrumental in helping to steer Eddie Howe’s men into the mix for Champions League qualification, with his average match rating of 7.83 the highest of any player in the Premier League this season, as per Sofascore.

As such, to have found a potential Trippier 2.0 in the form of Fresneda would certainly help to bolster Arteta’s squad for next season, particularly with the Spaniard currently deploying Ben White in something of a makeshift role at full-back.

There will, clearly, be a real battle to be able to snap up the Valladolid gem, although if Edu can strike a deal he could well be able to land a possible long-term fit at right-back who can nail down that role for years to come.

Journalist and Sunderland supporter Michael Graham has been left wowed by some news that he has now heard from the Stadium of Light.

The Lowdown: New Roberts deal

As per the Wearside club’s official website, Patrick Roberts has now signed a new contract which will keep him there until 2024.

He has agreed fresh terms after signing for the Black Cats from Manchester City in the January transfer window.

The Latest: Graham wowed

Taking to Twitter, Graham was left wowed by the news of Roberts’ new contract, claiming that it was ‘huge news’ for Sunderland.

The reporter tweeted: “Huge news. Only wish it was longer than two years! Exactly my kind of footballer.”

The Verdict: Deserved

Roberts has made an instant impact for Alex Neil’s side since moving from Man City in January, so the new deal is thoroughly deserved for the Englishman.

Between early March and late April, Sunderland went on a nine-game unbeaten streak in League One with the 25-year-old in the team, during which the winger contributed one goal and one assist (Transfermarkt).

He also ranked highly among his new team-mates in terms of average shots and key passes per game in the third tier, while nobody at the Stadium of Light could match his 1.7 dribbles per game (WhoScored).

Roberts will now be staying at the club for another couple of years at least, and the 25-year-old should only get better playing under Neil in the Championship.

Manchester United have reportedly submitted a contract offer to Christian Eriksen and the Danish midfielder could potentially form a superb partnership with Frenkie de Jong in Erik ten Hag’s side next season.

What’s the word?

According to The Athletic, United have made an offer to the 30-year-old, who is available on a free transfer as his contract with Brentford is set to expire at the end of this month.

The former Tottenham Hotspur man returned to action with the Bees last season after signing a six-month contract in January and helped Thomas Frank’s side to a 13th-placed finish with one goal and four assists in 11 appearances, but it appears as if he is targeting a side playing European football next season.

Eriksen said: “I have different offers and options, which we are considering, and then we make a decision.

“I would love to play Champions League football again. I know how much fun it is, but it isn’t essential for me.”

Imagine him and De Jong

Although United can’t offer Champions League football after finishing sixth last season, they still have impressive pulling power and new boss Ten Hag would surely appreciate a player of Eriksen’s obvious quality in midfield.

The Athletic suggest that De Jong is still the Old Trafford outfit’s top midfield priority this summer, with the Red Devils hoping to take advantage of Barcelona’s dire financial straits in order to bring him to England.

If they were to convince De Jong and the “world-class” Eriksen to join ahead of next season, then Ten Hag would have two of the best passers in world football at his disposal.

Last season saw the Dutch midfielder average a 91.3% pass accuracy in La Liga, which was the seventh-best of any player in Spain’s top flight, while Eriksen’s 2.7 key passes per game average in the Premier League was only bettered by Kevin De Bruyne and Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Goalscoring was a real issue at times for United last season, as they managed just 57 in the Premier League, and if Ten Hag could add Eriksen and De Jong’s creativity alongside Bruno Fernandes’ obvious qualities in attack, they would surely be much more potent going forward.

Therefore, United fans will be hoping that Eriksen accepts the club’s offer and forms a superb partnership alongside fellow former Ajax man De Jong in Ten Hag’s midfield next season.

And, in other news… Ronaldo 2.0: MUFC eyeing deal for “extraordinary” £68m predator, he’d be “world-class” 

Enrico Camelio has dropped an update on the future of Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Tanguy Ndombele.

What’s the talk?

In recent comments made while speaking on Italian radio station Radio Radio (via Sport Witness), the Italian journalist revealed that, according to a source in London, both AS Roma and Lazio are interested in a move for the 26-year-old – who has been deemed surplus to requirements by Antonio Conte – in the summer transfer window.

Regarding the interest in the France international, Camelio said: “We received a message around 1.30 am from a London source, and informed us of the interest of Rome and Lazio in the midfielder.

“We then crossed paths, certainly finding confirmations on the Biancocelesti, while we are working on the Giallorossi. [Jose] Mourinho wants a powerful player and he is the ideal figure. He would come on loan.”

Conte will be buzzing

Considering just how poor Ndombele has been for Spurs ever since his £63m move to north London in 2019, the news that both Roma and Lazio are interested in taking the midfielder off Tottenham’s hands this summer is sure to have left Conte buzzing.

Indeed, over his nine Premier League appearances in 2021/22 – only three of which came under the 52-year-old manager – the £27m-rated talent was in disappointing form. He scored just one goal, provided one assist and created one big chance for his team-mates, completing an average of just 0.1 interceptions, 1.1 tackles and 25.6 passes and winning 3.6 duels per game.

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These returns saw the £200k-per-week Frenchman, who John Wenham dubbed “laughable”, average a shocking SofaScore match rating of 6.58, ranking him as Spurs’ second-worst performer in the league.

However, it was not only last season in which Ndombele turned in largely below-par performances, with the 26-year-old also earning uninspiring seasonal SofaScore ratings of 6.85 in 2019/20 and 6.90 in 2020/22.

As such, considering his hefty weekly wage and his disastrous returns on the pitch, the news that both Roma and Lazio seem serious in their interest in the former Lyon starlet is undoubtedly fantastic news for both Tottenham and the player, as it is clear that a parting of the ways would best suit both parties this summer.

AND in other news: Huge Bastoni transfer twist now emerges, Spurs supporters will be buzzing

Barcelona director of football (DoF) Mateu Alemany is set to hold talks with Leeds United over a move for Raphinha in the coming days.

The Lowdown: Raphinha could cost £60m-£70m

The Brazil winger has been heavily linked with a move to the Nou Camp in recent months. The 25-year-old has a €25m (£21.5m) relegation release clause in his Elland Road contract, something which can’t be activated this summer after the winger played a key role in helping the Whites to remain in the Premier League.

Phil Hay stated that it would take a bid in the region of £60m-£70m for Leeds to part way with their playmaker, who Illan Meslier called a ‘storm’.

The Latest: Barcelona chief bound for Leeds

Inside Futbol relayed an update from Spanish outlet Sport regarding Raphinha on Sunday morning. They claimed that Barcelona DoF Alemany is set to travel to Leeds early next week to renew discussions over a move for the Brazilian.

The report added that the Elland Road hierarchy are not happy with the Catalan club after they waited on activating Raphinha’s relegation release clause, with Alemany looking to repair the damage caused by that stance.

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The Verdict: Stand firm

The Whites are under no major pressure to sell Raphinha this summer as he enters the final two years of his contract, so it is crucial that Victor Orta and Andrea Radrizzani stick to their lofty valuation over the coming months.

Barcelona have their own financial issues to contend with, but Leeds don’t need to do them any favours by accepting any player-plus cash offers which have been mooted.

It’ll be interesting to see how this one plays out, and many Whites supporters may not have been expecting the club to be in such a positive situation last month, when it looked as if Raphinha was playing his final home game and relegation looked inevitable with Leeds trailing 1-0 to Brighton heading into stoppage time before plundering a last-gasp equaliser.

In other news – Orta on a roll: Leeds agree five-year deal with ‘goal threat’ in transfer which will cost £21.4m

The 2021/22 campaign may have only recently come to a conclusion, although all eyes are now firmly fixed on how each team will shape up next term, with Aston Villa stealing a march on their rivals with some notable early business.

Just over a week or so on from the Premier League’s final day, the Midlands side have already wrapped up three marquee arrivals, bringing in Sevilla’s Diego Carlos, Marseille midfielder Boubacar Kamara and Barcelona playmaker Philippe Coutinho – the Brazilian having made his loan deal permanent.

That latter deal saw manager Steven Gerrard utilise his Liverpool connections to bring the £142m genius to Villa Park, having played previously alongside the 29-year-old at Anfield under current Leicester City boss, Brendan Rodgers, the pair coming a whisker away from winning the Premier League title in 2014.

Now, the former Reds skipper could well look to Merseyside again to bring in another familiar face, with the evergreen veteran James Milner having been tipped to join his former England colleague this summer by pundit Jason McAteer.

Much like with the Coutinho deal, bringing in the 36-year-old would be something of a coup for the Villans – even in his advancing years – with the former Manchester City gem offering invaluable experience and versatility to help the club improve upon their 14th place finish from last term.

The indication is that NSWE are plotting a move for another midfield addition, despite the arrival of Kamara, with Milner potentially an ideal, short-term fit, even if he may not be the glamorous name that supporters would be hoping for.

Since joining the FA Cup winners in 2015, the one-time Newcastle man has racked up 289 appearances in all competitions for Jurgen Klopp’s side – notably chipping in with 70 goal contributions in that time and winning both the Champions League and all three domestic trophies.

A long servant of the Premier League, the £150k-per week machine has made a staggering 588 appearances in the competition in total, having made his debut at the age of just 16 almost 20 years ago.

Such knowledge and service could prove vital to Villa, while concerns over the suitability of captain Tyrone Mings has left the club in desperate need of a new skipper, with Milner potentially the “leader” – as he has been dubbed by Leanne Prescott – that Gerrard is searching for.

There would, of course, be an emotional element to any move to Villa Park, with the £1.8m-rated playmaker having enjoyed two previous spells at the club, initially joining on loan in 2005, before making a permanent switch in 2008.

His stints may have been brief, yet they were no less impressive, the Leeds born ace notably hitting snapped up by Manchester City that summer.

A fairytale return could be on the cards, with it wise for Gerrard to utilise his pulling power to bring the 61-cap international to the club, as he did so successfully with Coutinho.

With Milner – whose free transfer move to Anfield has been dubbed a “bargain” by writer Ben Webb – currently nearing the expiry of his contract, Villa would be able to secure a ‘bargain’ of their own this summer.

IN other news, Gerrard can land AVFC’s next Southgate with move for “outstanding” £120k-p/w warrior

Liverpool have been in hot pursuit of Aurelien Tchouameni with the player reportedly agreeing on terms with the club last week, and now a new update has emerged from a reliable source.

What’s the latest?

Italian journalist and transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has given a key update on the Monaco midfielder’s future, with Liverpool still interested in signing the player this summer.

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Romano tweeted: “Key week ahead for Aurelién Tchouaméni deal. Real Madrid had new contacts with club and player side during the weekend, before and after the Champions League final.

“Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain are still on it – Real are now in direct talks with Monaco.”

Supporters will be excited

After a disappointing weekend for The Reds after the defeat in the Champions League final to Real Madrid, the news that a deal for Tchouameni could still be on the cards for Liverpool will surely leave supporters excited about the summer transfer window.

The 22-year-old ace has been attracting a lot of attention from some of the biggest clubs in the world following an impeccable season in Ligue 1 with Monaco.

Tchouameni scored three goals, delivered two assists and created six big chances this season in 35 league appearances, but it is not just his creativity and attacking threat that has caught the eye of the powers at Liverpool.

The Frenchman had a 92% pass accuracy in his own half, made 2.9 interceptions, 2.5 tackles and took 75.5 touches on average per game, as well as winning the majority of his duels (64%) and has been successful in completing the large majority of his dribble attempts (73%).

With that being said, it is clear that the youngster can effectively offer reliability and consistency in both defensive and offensive play, making him a complete midfielder that could be a real force if he was deployed at Anfield alongside the likes of Thiago Alcantara and Fabinho next term.

Liverpool will need to work hard to come up with an offer that can tempt the player away from joining Real Madrid this summer as it is looking like the Spanish club are stepping up their interest.

However, if the Merseyside club could secure the signing it would be a major coup for Klopp.

AND in other news: Forget Mane: Klopp can land new LFC hero in deal for “tenacious” £100m “predator”

Nottingham Forest may have a future star in their academy ranks in the form of Northern Ireland prospect, Dale Taylor.

The 18-year-old has already made Steve Cooper’s bench in the Championship game that saw Forest beat Swansea City 5-1, but has played the majority of his football with the U18s, as well as the U23s in Premier League 2.

Despite losing to Manchester United in the FA Youth Cup Final, the 18-year-old was able to paint himself in a positive light, with Nottinghamshire Post giving him a rating of 7.5 in the 3-1 loss, stating: “Has bags of potential and embraced playing on the big stage. Didn’t go his, or Forest’s, way on this occasion – but the future is bright. Rating: 7.5/10”

As per the same source, Taylor was also listed as one of three players who give reason for optimism, with this list compiling players “that could be involved in the first-team in the near future.” His performance had the media outlet waxing lyrical, with Matt Lee of Nottinghamshire Live saying this:

“His physicality made him difficult to mark and it could be argued that he is – slightly – similar to the attacking profile of Kienan Davis. With strength, pace and the occasional display of skill to his disposal, Taylor spreads fear through defenders’ minds as he bears towards goal.

“He has been involved in Steve Cooper’s first-team squad in recent weeks and has already made his senior Northern Ireland debut. If you had to put money on one of these players having a lasting role at Forest, Taylor would be the front-runner.”

Despite not yet making a first-team appearance for Cooper’s Tricky Trees, Taylor has already earned his first cap for Northern Ireland, playing in the same team as Jonny Evans, Stuart Dallas and Paddy McNair against Lithuania.

With “one to look out for”, as put by The Athletic’s Paul Taylor on Twitter.

In other news: Nottingham Forest plotting bid for superb 25-goal “engine”, he could replace Garner 

According to Corriere dello Sport (via SaintsExtra), Southampton and Fulham are both interested in signing Lazio goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha upon the expiry of his contract this summer.

The Lowdown: Saints’ keeper situation

According to a fresh report by The Athletic, Saints will inform Fraser Forster that his deal with the south coast outfit will not be extended, meaning he will leave the club at the end of the season.

The Athletic claim that they are looking to bring in a younger replacement, with Forster being 34 years old.

This would be in addition to the England international’s rival to the No. 1 shirt, Alex McCarthy, who penned a new three-year deal in 2021.

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The Latest: Saints interested in Strakosha

Taking to Twitter, SaintsExtra shared Corriere dello Sport’s news that Southampton are interested in signing Lazio’s Strakosha and the player wants to move to England.

“Southampton & Fulham are both expressing an interest in 27-year-old Lazio goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha – the Albanian is due to become a free agent in July, & has his sights set on the Premier League.”

The Verdict: Good signing

Former Lazio youth coach Alberto Bollini has been speaking very highly of Strakosha, claiming that he rates the 6 foot 4 colossus as a “10/10”, because “he has extraordinary athleticism”.

Southampton’s recruitment clearly agrees with these statements, as they were linked with signing the 27-year-old last summer, too. However, at that point in time, the Albanian was valued around £25m.

Therefore, if the Saints are able to sign a player they were eyeing around that price on a free this summer, this will turn out to be a great piece of business by the club.

In other news: Southampton: Kegs Chauke contract update