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According to reports out of Spain, there has been a major Tottenham Hotspur transfer update on their pursuit of Villarreal star defender Pau Torres.

The Lowdown: Spurs eye agreement…

As backed by Sky Sports (via Get Italian Football News), manager Antonio Conte is keen to add the international to his ranks at Spurs with there being rumours of an attempted agreement.

It is believed that the Lilywhites are determined to sign Torres after sealing their place in the Premier League top four last season, even offering a sweetener in midfielder Giovani Lo Celso.

The north Londoners are apparently willing to include their Argentine ace in a part-exchange with reporter Xavi Jorquera Márquez of Cadena SER sharing a big update on the situation.

The Latest: Villarreal make choice known…

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According to the radio journalist, Villarreal’s preference over Torres’ next destination is crystal clear.

He explains that, due to the Lo Celso factor, Unai Emery’s side would prefer if the 25-year-old joined Spurs over any other team with his output ‘being negotiated’.

Marquez stated (via Twitter):

“Output is being negotiated.

“The choice of Villarreal CF is obvious. He prefers that Pau go to Tottenham to accelerate and close once and for all, without details to polish, Gio’s operation.”

The Verdict: Promising claim…

As Man United and Man City also eye a move, this update comes as a promising one with Conte allegedly eager to add a world class defender to his ranks before 2022/2023.

Called ‘sensational’ by national team boss Luis Enrique, Torres was a mainstay in La Liga over last season – playing the second-most league minutes and averaging the joint-highest rate of aerial duels won per 90 (WhoScored).

A colossal presence, his signing would be a big boost for Spurs.

In other news: ‘What is this witchcraft’? – Media thrilled by ‘great’ transfer news out of Tottenham! Find out more here.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s future at Liverpool has been highly speculated over the last few months, and now a new update has emerged on Jurgen Klopp’s decision on the player amid transfer interest.

What’s the latest?

According to The Mirror, the Liverpool boss has made it clear he doesn’t want to lose his midfielder this summer as Aston Villa show interest in signing Oxlade-Chamberlain this summer.

Darwin’s a Red! Get your special edition Darwin Nunez tee here.

As per the report, Taki Minamino is expected to be sold with Monaco as the front-runners to sign the Japanese forward, and Klopp does not want to lose Oxlade-Chamberlain as well during the transfer window.

Klopp must axe Oxlade-Chamberlain

Despite the German coach’s decision to keep the midfielder this summer, it would now be a good time for Klopp to cash in on the player and axe him from the team ahead of next season.

The 28-year-old’s contract expires in June 2023 so this could be FSG’s final opportunity to make some money on the player before he leaves on a free transfer next summer.

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In 28 appearances for the Reds this season, Oxlade-Chamberlain whose decision-making was branded “awful” by Patrick Boyland, has scored three goals and contributed three assists averaging 53 minutes per game, however aside from his goal contributions he has been largely ineffective in his performances.

Over his 17 Premier League appearances last season, the £125k-per-week dud lost possession of the ball every 4.2 touches and every six minutes while completing just 0.7 dribbles on average per game, whilst losing the majority of his aerial and ground duels combined (58%).

Despite his inconsistencies the former England star is still a player Klopp admires with the Liverpool boss hailing Oxlade-Chamberlain “outstanding” in an interview with The Guardian last season:

“[Alex] Oxlade-Chamberlain did not even play and he is in outstanding shape. It is really tough for the boys sometimes.”

With that being said, if Liverpool do not make a midfield signing this summer it may be Klopp’s only option to remain loyal to his player.

However, from FSG’s perspective if they can entice a large transfer fee from another club they should finally axe the midfielder to ensure they can make some money before he leaves at the end of next season.

AND in other news: Liverpool handed green light to sign “talented” £85.6m “phenomenon”, FSG must act now

Manchester United are locked in talks over a surprising target in the shape of Watford goalkeeper Daniel Bachmann, according to Fabrizio Romano. 

The lowdown: One out…

The Red Devils could be in the market for a recognised number two stopper in the near future as Dean Henderson continues to be linked with a move away from Old Trafford.

Having previously challenged David de Gea for the number one berth, the 25-year-old England international only made five appearances last season and is unsurprisingly looking for a move away during a World Cup year.

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New manager Erik ten Hag appears to have wasted little time in identifying a replacement in the shape of recently relegated Bachmann…

The latest: One in…

Taking to Twitter, respected journalist Romano has claimed that the United hierarchy have already opened discussions over a move for the 27-year-old.

He said: “Manchester United are in talks with Watford to sign Daniel Bachmann as second/third goalkeeper. Watford will only consider a permanent deal.

“Bachmann among options for Man United to replace Dean Henderson, who’s one step away from joining Nottingham Forest as revealed last week.”

The verdict: Why not?

Ultimately, the backup goalkeeper is likely to remain relatively unseen, given De Gea’s almost blemish-free injury record since arriving in Manchester.

Bachmann however has made 146 domestic career outings across spells with Stoke, Kilmarnock, Wrexham, Bury and Ross County, as well as representing Australia on 13 occasions at the senior international level, so while it would be a surprise to see the Red Devils shopping in the second tier, he could be an able deputy when required.

Valued at £2.25million and under contract at Watford until 2024 (Transfermarkt), signing the 6 foot 2 keeper’ – who was labelled ‘brilliant’ by teammate Kirk Broadfoot after a penalty save against Rangers in the Scottish Cup – would be a relatively inexpensive venture for the Old Trafford outfit and would therefore leave money in the coffers for a much-needed rebuilds elsewhere in the squad.

Sunderland chief Kristjaan Speakman is set for a big summer transfer window as he looks to forge a Championship-ready squad.

The Black Cats won promotion to the second tier through the play-offs last season and they now need to improve their squad to give them a chance of competing next term.

One player that the club are hoping to sign is AFC Wimbledon midfielder Jack Rudoni. The Daily Mail have recently claimed that they are discussing a deal with the League Two outfit after seeing an initial offer of around £1m turned down.

Imagine him & Daniel Neil

Speakman must now secure a deal to sign the 22-year-old, as he can form a dream partnership with Sunderland prospect Dan Neil.

In League One last term, the Black Cats gem produced three goals and seven assists from central midfield in 31 starts. He created 1.1 chances per game and seven ‘big chances’ for his team-mates, whilst also making 1.7 tackles and interceptions per match.

The 20-year-old has shown that he can provide a creative spark from the middle of the park, and his qualities can create an exciting blend in midfield when mixed with Rudoni’s ability to score from that position.

In 2021/22, the AFC Wimbledon maestro plundered 12 goals in 38 starts as he showcased a will to burst forward and make late runs into the box to score.

South London Press journalist Edmund Brack recently lauded the gem in an interview with the Bristol Post, saying: “He’s quite direct. When he picks up the ball, his first thought is always to go towards goal. It’s a 1-2 and then he’s off.

“He’s quite fearless. Anyone his age, they could be affected by the winless run AFC Wimbledon went through last season (the Dons failed to win 28 games in all competitions from December 11 through to the end of the season) but he continued to put in performances, and he nearly kept them up alongside Ayoub Assal and Luke McCormick.”

These comments highlight how positive Rudoni is in possession, while his goalscoring statistics show that he has the end product to go along with it.

Therefore, the AFC Wimbledon gem and Neil would be an exciting pairing in midfield. One can provide the creativity and the other can add the finishing touch, giving Sunderland a huge attacking threat to supplement the likes of Alex Pritchard and Ross Stewart, who netted 30 league goals between them last term.

AND in other news, Speakman can land a big Gooch upgrade at Sunderland with swoop for “fantastic” £33k-p/w wizard…

Leeds United are following £9m-rated FC Nantes forward Moses Simon, according to RMC Sport.

The Lowdown: January offer

The Whites are on the search for attacking reinforcements ahead of the new season, with a number of players linked with a move to Elland Road.

Simon has seemingly been on Andrea Radrizzani and Victor Orta’s radar for some time now, with the player confirming that he actually already had an offer on the table from Leeds during the January window.

Capable of playing anywhere in attack, Simon is entering the final two years of his contract with Nantes and still appears to be of interest to the Whites.

The Latest: Leeds links

RMC Sport provided an update regarding Simon on Wednesday afternoon, where Leeds were once again brought up in conversation.

They claim that Simon is being followed closely by both Leeds and OGC Nice and could be allowed to leave “if there are very interesting offers”.

Nice may have taken the first step however, already agreeing terms with the player, so Orta will have to act fast.

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The Verdict: Cheaper option?

Simon has scored 67 goals for club and country during his career so far, with Belgian defender Jules Van Cleemput claiming that Simon has made him suffer the most out of any player in a game, describing him as ‘fast’ and a ‘real nightmare’ (RTBF via Pulse Sports.

The 26-year-old is valued at just £9m by Transfermarkt, so he could be viewed as a much cheaper option to someone like Cody Gakpo.

Leeds have been linked with the PSV star but will need to smash their transfer record to secure his services, so Simon could be an alternative target and may well be one to keep an eye on.

Leeds United correspondent Phil Hay has claimed that the club are still ‘very much in the running’ to sign Club Brugge forward Charles de Ketelaere despite interest from Milan.

The Lowdown: Versatile target

De Ketelaere is primarily an attacking midfielder, although the Whites see the 21-year-old as an inside forward or a secondary forward who could support Patrick Bamford.

He is thought to be a ‘serious’ target at Elland Road, with reports elsewhere suggesting Leeds would be willing to break their transfer record to bring him to Yorkshire in a €40m (£34.6m) move.

The player himself isn’t thought to be totally convinced over a move at this moment in time, though, after Leeds made initial contact.

The Latest: Hay’s claim

Hay took to Twitter on Friday morning to share a story regarding De Ketelaere, who he labelled a ‘hot property’.

The reliable reporter stated that ‘Leeds United are very much in the running’ for the Belgian and ‘want to make it happen’, but added in a report for The Athletic that AC Milan appear to be ahead in the race.

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The Verdict: Exciting

It’s exciting to see that the club still feel they can land De Ketelaere despite interest from Milan, who can offer Champions League football, something the player apparently wants.

Leeds chiefs may well be banking on the lure of the Premier League to be the difference once again, after the pull of English football earlier in the window appeared to work for Rasmus Kristensen.

Kristensen was poised to join German giants Borussia Dortmund before Leeds came calling, so hopefully, they can do the same again with De Ketelaere, who would bolster the club’s attacking ranks following his stellar 18-goal campaign last year.

An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their pursuit of Alexander Isak in the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

According to Luke Edwards of The Telegraph, the Magpies are plotting a club-record deal to sign the centre-forward ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

The report claims that the club are keen on the Sweden international and that they would need to smash their current transfer record to make it happen, which is Joelinton at £39.6m.

Edwards followed his article up by Tweeting: “Pretty much every forward nufc have gone for this summer has been too expensive. Calvert-Lewin, Toney, Diaby, Isak. But conversation taking place now is do they take plunge and blow cash on one of them and risk not getting two players they want. Or will a selling club buckle?”

He added: “People have to realise there is a budget and there is a limit on what nufc are able to do. Bottom line though is the manager needs to improve his frontline. This is going to happen but choices need to be made. I believe it will be one big signing and a loan.”

The new Zlatan Ibrahimovic

By striking a deal to sign Isak in the coming weeks, Newcastle can land the new version of the legendary Swedish centre-forward.

Talent scout Jacek Kulig previously referred to him as the “new Zlatan”, having dubbed him as “simply amazing” in the past.

His former teammate, Chinedu Obasi, backed that up by once saying: “Isak has enormous potential. If everything goes well, he could become Sweden’s new Zlatan Ibrahimovic.”

This is an exciting comparison for Magpies fans to read because the current AC Milan forward has enjoyed an exceptional career at the top level. To date, he has scored 492 goals and set up 204 in 815 club matches – playing for the likes of Barcelona, Inter, PSG, and Manchester United.

Isak, 22, could now reach those lofty heights after showing great signs of promise in his short career to date. The talented gem has scored 32 goals and provided five assists in three campaigns for Real Sociedad in La Liga, which proves that he has the quality to make an instant impact at St. James’ Park whilst having scope to develop further.

Therefore, Newcastle must pay the £40m – or more – that they need to get this one over the line as he would be a fantastic addition in the short and long term for the club.

If he can continue to grow and improve as he gains more experience then he can be Eddie Howe’s own version of Ibrahimovic – firing in goals on a regular basis on Tyneside for many years to come.

AND in other news, PIF could land their own Aguero as NUFC eye deal to sign “exceptional” £13m phenomenon…

Glasgow Rangers could still target further defensive additions this summer despite reportedly agreeing a deal to add Ben Davies to their ranks, according to journalist Fraser Fletcher.

The lowdown

It emerged on Sunday that the Premiership giants had agreed a £4m fee to sign the English centre-back, who is set to become the second player in his position to arrive at Ibrox this summer after John Souttar joined on a free transfer.

In terms of outgoings, they have parted ways with Leon Balogun after he reached the end of his contract. Calvin Bassey is now due to follow him out of Ibrox after the Light Blues agreed a €27m (£23m) package with Ajax.

The latest

Fletcher, a football journalist who has worked for BBC Sport, said Rangers may not be done strengthening their backline, even if the proposed deal for Davies is completed.

He took to Twitter to state that Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side are “also still in [the] market for more defensive options, I understand”.

The verdict

Van Bronckhorst has already explained Rangers’ thinking here. He pointed out that Bassey could play as a left-back as well as a centre-back.

Therefore, the club may effectively need two players to properly fill the void left by the Nigerian, so it’s little wonder that the Light Blues are still seeking defensive reinforcements.

Who might their next target be, then?

One standout candidate is Stoke City left-back Josh Tymon. Football Insider recently reported that the Gers are battling Premier League outfit Leeds United and Championship club Norwich City for his signature.

Stoke are braced for offers but are reluctant to sell and hope to ward off suitors with a £6m price tag. It remains to be seen whether Rangers can and will spend a chunk of the proceeds from Bassey’s sale on the 23-year-old.

Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing Lens right-back Jonathan Clauss this summer, and he could be an excellent addition to Erik ten Hag’s side at Old Trafford.

What’s the word?

According to the Evening Standard, the Red Devils and Chelsea are interested in signing the France international after another superb season in Ligue 1 with Lens.

The report suggested that the 29-year-old would be available for as little as £8m this summer, as his contract is set to expire at the end of next season, so he could represent a bargain option for United’s new manager,and see him potentially upgrade on current options Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

Supporters will be buzzing

Considering the lack of attacking threat offered by United’s full-backs last season, the prospect of signing Clauss will surely excite fans at Old Trafford.

Neither Wan-Bissaka nor Dalot contributed a single goal or assist in the Premier League last term, and if Ten Hag wants to implement the same free-flowing attacking football for which his Ajax side were well-known, then he will need an upgrade on the right-hand side of his defence.

Clauss could be the ideal candidate after he contributed a hugely impressive five goals and 11 assists in 37 Ligue 1 appearances last season, averaging a superb 7.22 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

The Frenchman has exploded onto the scene in recent years and has drawn comparisons with legendary Brazilian right-back Cafu due to his ability to fly forward in attack but still do his job as a defender.

Former team-mate Anthony Beuve was full of praise for Clauss earlier this year, saying: “When you know him, you know he’s a guy who gives his all, always going forward. He’s like that in life off the pitch too, a guy who’s a little crazy and who doesn’t worry too much about things.”

Therefore, considering that he is available for just £8m, United should definitely look at bringing Clauss to Old Trafford this summer.

AND in other news – After Martinez: MUFC could sign their own Jota as Ten Hag eyes “absolute phenomenon”

Leeds United are looking to sign a new left-back following an injury to Junior Firpo during pre-season…

What’s the word?

The Whites have already sealed six new arrivals in this summer’s transfer window and their seventh could well be a new full-back, according to the ever-reliable Phil Hay of The Athletic.

He revealed to his podcast this week:

“They’re certainly looking at left-backs. They know now that Firpo will be out for about eight weeks, it’s going to take him into the start of the season probably into September.

“They have been really happy with Leif Davis, how he’s done in pre-season initially, and also how he’s done out in Australia, but I might have said already, the thing with Davis is that you can’t see categorically that he can’t play there and isn’t good enough to play that but you can’t say categorically that he is either.

“And he’s young, he hasn’t played much at all in the past season. They definitely need another option there without a doubt and they are looking.”

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Marsch needs a left-back

The left-back position has been a contentious problem at Elland Road for a while now.

Firpo is currently Jesse Marsch’s only senior option in the role, though the likes of Stuart Dallas, Leo Hjelde and Pascal Struijk have all been deployed there in his absence before.

However, there is also the caveat that the former FC Barcelona man just isn’t good enough to be a consistent starter in the Premier League, making the need for a new arrival even more important.

“All he seems to do is get booked all the time. I think he’s up to 10 yellow cards or something. You don’t expect that from a player coming from Barcelona; you expect a bit of class, a bit of maturity, a bit of leadership, and he’s provided none of that, really,” once claimed The Mirror’s David Anderson.

“I think he’s been a big let-down. You’re looking around that changing room thinking, ‘Who’s going to step up and do it for us now?’ And you’d be looking at someone like him, but he’s just not. In fact, if anything, he’s been more of a liability for Leeds.”

Many supporters have also been disappointed by Firpo’s performances since arriving in west Yorkshire, so they will surely be delighted – if not buzzing – by this latest update from one of the most trustworthy sources when it comes to all things Leeds.

The club have already splashed the cash on six signings, including the major acquisitions of Brenden Aaronson, Luis Sinisterra and Tyler Adams.

Whilst it remains to be seen exactly who can fill that left-back void, it’s positive to see Leeds being proactive with just two weeks to go until the start of the new Premier League season.

AND in other news, Orta can now seal “real coup” as Leeds plot bid for £34m target, he’s better than De Ketelaere…