Category Uncategorized

Wolves have been boosted in their quest to sign Benfica forward Goncalo Ramos this summer, with the Portuguese giants willing to sell the 21-year-old for €40m (£33.9m).

The Lowdown: Wolves keen on Ramos

The Old Gold are badly in need of bringing in some added attacking firepower before transfer deadline day on 1 September, having scored just once in their opening three Premier League games this season.

Ramos has been linked with a move to Molineux of late after bursting onto the scene at Benfica and scoring seven goals in the Primeira Liga last season.

A new update suggests that Wolves have a good chance of getting their man in the coming weeks.

The Latest: Wolves receive Ramos transfer boost

According to Jornal de Noticias [via Sport Witness], Benfica want to keep hold of Ramos this summer but there is ‘no guarantee’ of the two-time champions of Europe keeping hold of him, with the report adding that they would sell him if a €40m (£33.9m) offer is tabled.

The prospective transfer is at the ‘mercy of the laws of the market’ and Wolves are among the ‘interested parties’ in the 21-year-old.

[freshpress-quiz id=“398117″]

The Verdict: Worth the money

While Wolves would clearly have to break the bank to sign Ramos, they have just received big money for Morgan Gibbs-White and could duly afford to sign the 21-year-old, whose goalscoring returns have been described as ‘outrageous’ by football talent scout Jacek Kulig.

With Raul Jimenez’s output diminishing since his horrific skull fracture and goals a constant struggle for Wolves in general, the Benfica youngster is someone who could provide potency in the final third, proving capable of thriving up top or in a number 10 role.

[freshpress-poll id=“399044″]

Given his age and his long-term potential, Ramos could mature into a formidable player for Bruno Lage’s side if he moves to the Black Country, helping to add a fresh new dimension to their attacking game.

Manchester City are expected to receive an approach from Barcelona for Bernardo Silva in the ‘next few days’, according to Spanish newspaper Sport (via Sport Witness).

The lowdown

The Athletic reported on Monday that City are standing in firm in a €100million (£84.1million) valuation for fan favourite Bernardo, who has three years left on his contract after penning an extension back in 2019.

Personal terms shouldn’t be an issue if a bid is accepted however, with the Portuguese maestro having already agreed a four-year deal in principle.

The latest

Major Spanish outlet Sport reported on Sunday (via SW) that Pep Guardiola has left Bernardo on the bench for his side’s first two matches because he could be leaving ‘very soon’.

Silva was the last to leave the field after Saturday’s 4-0 victory over Bournemouth, and this has been viewed as him bidding ‘farewell’.

In a further update on Monday, they now claim that Barcelona will ‘initiate contact’ with the reigning Premier League champions imminently, specifically the next 72 hours

They plan to lower their wage bill to create space for Bernardo, and then make their move.

The verdict

Losing such a talented and versatile cog in Pep’s machine would be a big blow to City’s chances of retaining the Premier League title. His collection of individual honours proves that he’s one of their best players.

He made the PFA Team of the Year in 2018/19 and 2021/22 in recognition of his key contribution to City’s title-winning campaigns. And the 28-year-old has also earned a nomination for this year’s Ballon D’Or.

The problem, however, is that he wants to leave the club, and Guardiola may be reluctant to keep a player who is seemingly dreaming of playing elsewhere.

Leeds United are still reportedly keen on signing PSV Eindhoven attacker Cody Gakpo this summer, but another club has now emerged in showing interest.

The Lowdown: Flying start for Leeds

Jesse Marsch’s side made a dream start to their Premier League season on Saturday afternoon, beating Wolves 2-1 at Elland Road after coming from behind to claim three points.

While it was a positive day at the office for the Whites, they could probably still do with bringing in another attacking signing this summer following Raphinha’s exit to Barcelona, duly depriving them of their top scorer from 2021/22.

Gakpo is one player who has been linked with Leeds in recent days, and it could be a saga which rumbles on throughout the remainder of the transfer window.

The Latest: Gakpo still ‘coveted’

According to Foot Mercato, the Dutchman is ‘coveted’ by the Whites, but Nottingham Forest have also now emerged as potential suitors.

A move to the Premier League certainly appears to be on the cards for the 23-year-old, with Arsenal also highlighted in the report as possible destination for Gakpo.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-news-48/” title=”Latest Leeds United news!” poster=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/cropped-2022-03-10T184055Z_1834933207_UP1EI3A1FW561_RTRMADP_3_SOCCER-ENGLAND-LEE-AVA-REPORT-1-scaled-1.jpg” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=“none”]

The Verdict: Really exciting option

Gakpo has enjoyed a superb spell at PSV, scoring 43 goals and chipping in with 35 assists in 136 appearances in total, also being hailed by Theo Janssen as a player who ‘has everything’.

The 23-year-old could give Leeds’ attack an added dimension, combining speed, strength and finishing and giving Marsch another potent option in the final third.

A lack of firepower was one of the reasons that the Whites got dragged into a relegation fight last season, with Patrick Bamford’s injuries not helping, and Gakpo is someone who could alleviate that shortcoming in 2022/23 if he comes to Elland Road, also representing a long-term option given his youth.

Steven Gerrard has dropped a huge contract update on one of his Aston Villa players…

What’s the word?

Speaking to Birmingham Live, the 42-year-old claimed that there has been “tentative talks” between the club and Douglas Luiz.

The midfielder had been linked with both AS Roma and AC Milan, and with just one year left on his £52k-per-week deal, there was a real worry that he would leave on the cheap.

The Villa manager also noted the difference between this contract dispute and that of Carney Chukwuemeka, who has since joined Chelsea, saying: “It’s very much different. I think Douglas has had a real positive pre-season. I think he’s happy at Aston Villa.”

Gerrard needs him

Although it is an understated claim from the manager, the news that there are simply talks ongoing to try and tie down the Brazilian will be pleasing for Gerrard.

The 42-year-old has been vocal in his praise for the midfielder ever since Dean Smith’s dismissal last November, calling him “a fantastic player, really talented” and one who he rates “extremely highly”. We want to keep all of our best players around. and many have praised the manner in which Gerrard has got a tune out of the 24-year-old at Villa Park.

Former Premier League striker Kevin Campbell said of the duo’s relationship: “Luiz has always been a brilliant player. He is shining under Gerrard because there seems to be more onus on him. Gerrard knows the position inside out.

“He probably watched him in training and said, ‘Listen, I expect a little bit more from you.’ Luiz is doing it which is great.”

Previously labelled a “fantastic talent” by 90min’s Graeme Bailey, Luiz featured in 34 of Villa’s 38 league games last season, offering up a respectable five goal contributions from his deep midfield role.

The hard-working maestro was also solid defensively for the Villans, with one interception and 1.7 tackles per game highlighting him as an integral all-rounder for the team. Those averages put him in the top six in Gerrard’s squad for both metrics in 2021/22, marking him out as a crucial presence at the club.

To lose a player of his quality and importance for a reduced price or even on a free transfer due to contract disputes would be a massive shame for Villa.

Gerrard clearly thinks highly of the midfielder going by the aforementioned quotes and the 24-year-old’s regular presence in the team, and the manager will hope that the ongoing contract talks are successful given how he needs the Brazilian’s steel in midfield.

Leeds United could look at two more signings in the reminder of the summer transfer window, reliable journalist Phil Hay has claimed.

The Lowdown: Raphinha money available

On Friday, Raphinha clinched a big-money move to Barcelona, bringing to an end a transfer saga that had rumbled on throughout the summer.

While losing the Brazilian is clearly a big blow for Leeds, Jesse Marsch will now have a huge amount of money available to make important reinforcements after the winger added to the funds provided from Kalvin Phillips’ exit earlier in the window.

And according to a fresh claim from Hay, the Whites have got plenty of work still planned for supporters to look forward to.

The Latest: Hay backs double signing

Taking to Twitter on Saturday morning, Hay said that a new goalscorer could well be joined by another left-back after the injury to Junior Firpo:

“The Raphinha money will be thrown at a new forward but with Junior Firpo injured, the smart money would be on signing another left-back too.”

The Verdict: Make it three?

This is an encouraging update from Hay and one that is to be expected, with back-up for the injury-prone Patrick Bamford surely the number one priority.

Bringing in a like-for-like replacement for the Whites’ outgoing winger could also be one to watch though, ensuring they have plenty of end product around whoever takes the number nine role and not heaping all the pressure to replace Raphinha’s output onto Luis Sinisterra.

Arsenal man Nicolas Pepe has been linked with a move, although whether or not he is consistent enough is up for debate.

Equally, a new left-back is also vital, considering Junior Firpo could be out for around two months and Stuart Dallas is also missing for the foreseeable future with a serious leg injury.

Tottenham fans are going to love what The Athletic’s Daniel Taylor has had to say about Djed Spence.

The Lowdown: Closing in

Spence’s move to N17 is nearly a done deal by all accounts, as Fabrizio Romano has even shared images of the young wing-back fulfilling his media duties as the soon to be sixth signing of the summer.

Richarlison, Ivan Perisic, Fraser Forster, Yves Bissouma and Clement Lenglet have already arrived in the club’s most memorable summer since they spent the infamous Gareth Bale money, and barring any dramatic late twists, it looks like Spence will soon be confirmed as the next piece of business.

The Latest: Taylor sends Spence message

Taking to Twitter to share his verdict on Antonio Conte’s latest target, The Athletic’s Taylor, a Nottingham Forest fan, has told the Lilywhites faithful to get excited.

“Spurs fans: you’re getting a hell of a talent/athlete in Djed Spence. One of the best loan signings I’ve ever seen at Forest (maybe *the* best).

“He’s rapid. He’s fun and he’ll get you off your feet. Needs a bit of guidance, might make a few mistakes, but enjoy him.”

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/tottenham-latest-developments-2/” title=”Tottenham latest developments!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Best one yet?

The likes of Richarlison and Bissouma arrive with the perfect balance of Premier League experience and with plenty of room to develop, but we feel Spence is the most exciting capture of the summer so far.

His performances in the FA Cup last season showed exactly how he stacks up against top flight opposition, dubbed ‘unbelievable’ by Ian Wright for his display against Arsenal and a ‘Premier League player’ by Trevor Sinclair following the demolition of Leicester in the following round.

His numbers in league action back that praise up too, racking up six goal involvements from the right flank last season and marking himself out as the perfect fit to bomb up and down the wing for Conte’s famous three-at-the-back system.

As far as signings go, it’s hard to imagine anything better than a 21 year-old homegrown player in the form of his life with a perfect style for his new manager.

According to reliable journalist Dan Kilpatrick of The Evening Standard, Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte could see a ‘cult status’ player leave as he eyes a double summer swoop.

The Lowdown: Spurs summer reshuffle…

A major revamp at The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has been mooted ahead of Conte’s first full Premier League season in charge of the Lilywhites.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/tottenham-latest-developments-2/” title=”Tottenham latest developments!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

After a summit with transfer chief Fabio Paratici in Italy on Friday, it is believed that a long list of transfer targets has now been drawn up, coming after Tottenham also announced a £150 million capital increase just before the summer window.

These are promising and exciting times to be a Spurs supporter, but according to Kilpatrick, the north Londoners still need to balance the books with outgoings.

Even in-form players aren’t safe from the possible axe as he shares who could leave Hotspur Way.

The Latest: Tottenham open to Emerson offers…

Kilpatrick, writing for The Standard, claims both Matt Doherty and Emerson Royal, despite the pair being Conte’s ‘biggest success stories’ and ‘achieving almost cult status’ by the end of 2021/2022, could be sold by Spurs.

He says Tottenham ‘will listen to offers for both’, coming as the Lilywhites head coach eyes a new full-back signing on each flank as his ‘top priority’.

Indeed, Conte would ‘ideally’ like a new addition on either side as he eyes a double-summer swoop.

The Verdict: Right call?

While Doherty’s form before his injury will raise question marks over the Irishman’s possible sale, we believe Emerson’s potential exit is all the more surprising.

Still just 23-years-old, he finished the season strongly as one of Tottenham’s top 10 performers going by average match rating – all while making the second-most tackles per 90 behind star defender Cristian Romero (WhoScored).

Emerson also improved going forward with the third-highest amount of crosses from out-wide out of Conte’s squad, backing pundit Kevin Campbell’s early-season theory that the Brazilian is a ‘perfect’ full-back (Football Insider).

That being said, if Conte has set his sights on upgrading the full-back areas, Tottenham should perhaps let him take the reins given he somehow guided them to Champions League football.

In other news: Conte could see ‘one of the best in the world’ join Tottenham after behind-scenes demand, find out more here.

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.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/southampton-newest-updates/” title=”Southampton newest updates!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

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

Everton have had a troubling season in the Premier League and their battle with relegation has led to wide speculation on the future of players like Dominic Calvert-Lewin, and now Frank Lampard has addressed the rumours surrounding the striker.

What’s the latest?

The Toffees manager took to his pre-match press conference to quash rumours about the 25-year-old potentially leaving Goodison Park this summer, after Newcastle United were strongly linked with him earlier this week.

Lampard told the press (via Daily Mail): “He’s a huge player, they are not very common. He is contracted to us, three years left on his contract, and I want to take this club forward and players like Dominic help that.”

‘He’s a player that would be wanted by clubs because of the level of player he is. There are not many strikers out there, they cost a lot of money. I’m not worried about him at all.”

Supporters will be delighted

There is no doubt that Calvert-Lewin has become a fan favourite at Everton when you consider his goal contributions to the team since his arrival at Goodison Park six years ago, so supporters will surely be delighted that Lampard has no intentions of letting the striker leave this summer and is planning for a future which includes him.

The transfer rumours come after a disappointing season by the striker’s standards, with numerous injury problems plaguing the England international throughout. As a result, he has not scored a goal for the Toffees since August as he struggles to gain a consistent run of form this season.

Despite Calvert-Lewin’s injury problems this term, the centre-forward is by far the biggest attacking threat the club has had over the last few years, with an impressive 56 goals and 17 assists in 188 appearances for Everton since he joined back in 2016.

Lampard’s admission that the striker is firmly in his plans is a promising update for supporters, as the 25-year-old has been constantly linked with multiple Premier League clubs, with Arsenal also reportedly interested in snatching him away from Merseyside this summer.

That being said, if the former Chelsea boss can’t pull off the great escape in the relegation battle by the end of the season, it will almost definitely play a huge part in potential outgoings at Goodison Park this summer, so focusing on getting the points needed to remain in the Premier League is essential.

AND in other news: Thelwell plotting Everton swoop for “exceptional” 6 foot 2 tank, Lampard would love him