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Tottenham Hotspur could finally axe Davinson Sanchez amid interest in Pau Torres this summer…

What’s the word?

According to journalist Jacque Talbot, speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the north London outfit are more likely to land the Villarreal centre-back than mooted top targets Alessandro Bastoni or Josko Gvardiol.

Meanwhile, the Daily Mail claim that Spurs are weighing up a swap deal involving Giovani Lo Celso after the £55m club-record signing enjoyed a successful loan spell at the Yellow Submarines in the second half of the 2021/22 campaign.

Premier League rivals Manchester United and Chelsea have also shown interest in the Spaniard, too.

Sanchez at risk

With Ben Davies being preferred to him in Antonio Conte’s strongest XI, it appears time is running out for Sanchez, who has previously been slammed as being a “real liability” to this squad.

Once a club-record arrival at £42m in 2017, the 6 foot 2 colossus has struggled to maintain a place in the starting lineup under every manager since Mauricio Pochettino.

Aside from his debut campaign in 2017/18, the 25-year-old has failed to start more than 27 league games in every top-flight campaign since, so adding another central defender to the mix will make it even harder for him to compete.

Torres would be a major upgrade on the calamitous Colombian, too.

Described as being an “extraordinary talent” by his former coach Javi Calleja, the 6 foot 3 centre-back – who is the same age as Sanchez – helped steer the LaLiga outfit to triumph in the Europa League before being a mainstay in their run to the Champions League semi-finals last season.

Compared to his positional peers across Europe’s elite leagues, Torres ranks favourably.

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Indeed, he sits inside the top 1% for dribbles completed (0.8 per 90), top 10% for progressive passes (4.39 per 90) and progressive carries (4.71 per 90), and has proven to be a threat in the final third, averaging 0.13 non-penalty xG+A, putting him in the top 4%, via FBref.

Considering Sanchez has been deemed to be a liability, it’s evident that Torres is much better with the ball at his feet and as such, would be a fine addition to Conte’s armoury.

It’s time to sign the £60m-rated titan in a bid to move the struggling Colombian on.

AND in other news, Spurs given green light to seal “outstanding” £25m signing, it could be Kulusevski 2.0…

Leeds United are discussing signing further cover and competition for Illan Meslier during the summer transfer window, The Athletic’s Phil Hay reports. 

The lowdown

Last summer, Leeds paid £1.8million to sign Kristoffer Klaesson from Norwegian outfit Valerenga, and he penned a four-year deal that earns him £15,000 per week.

His one and only appearance for the first team came as a substitute in the 3-2 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers after Meslier had to go off injured.

Aside from that, he largely turned out for the Under-23s, playing 21 times at Premier League 2 level.

Leeds will have Kiko Casilla returning from his loan at Elche, but Hay has described his performances in Spain as ‘very underwhelming’.

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The latest

‘There is a discussion going on at Leeds at the moment’, Hay says, over the composition of the goalkeeper ranks next season.

‘They’re tempted to bring in’ a back-up option who’s more experienced than Klaesson.

That would see the Norwegian drop down to third in the pecking order for the moment.

He told Leeds fans that ‘it’s something to keep an eye on’ in the coming weeks, with the transfer window due to open officially on Friday.

The verdict

Leeds’ goal may be to recruit someone who can apply genuine pressure to Meslier.

The Frenchman won Leeds’ Young Player of the Year Award following their first season back in the Premier League, but last term was something of a struggle.

Meslier conceded 7.8 goals more than he ‘should’ have, going by post-shot expected goals. That was the worst record of all the ‘keepers who featured in last season’s top flight.

They may not see Klaesson as a genuine competitor to Meslier at this stage of his career, with just 56 senior top-flight games under his belt.

If Meslier knows there’s a genuine prospect of losing his place if his form dips, that may push him to another level.

In other news, this Leeds announcement may be imminent.

Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie has been left impressed following the appointment of Dan Ashworth as Newcastle United’s new sporting director.

The Lowdown: Ashworth joins Newcastle

Newcastle have now announced the appointment of highly rated Dan Ashworth as the club’s new sporting director, after the 51-year-old resigned from his technical director role at Brighton back in February.

Ashworth joined the south-coast club in 2018 after a successful stint as the Football Association’s technical director, where he led various England age groups to international triumph with wins at three tournaments in 2017.

Since arriving at Brighton, the former FA man has helped establish Graham Potter’s side as a mainstay club in the Premier League.

The Latest: Downie’s verdict

Taking to Twitter, Downie shared the news of Ashworth joining Newcastle, and the Sky Sports reporter gave his verdict on the appointment, claiming:

“Feels like Dan Ashworth is as good an appointment as Newcastle could make for their Sporting Director role. Time will tell, but going by his past work this feels like a bold & clever piece of business. Also been a while since I wrote/said “with immediate effect.” #NUFC”

The Verdict: Great appointment

According to The Guardian, Amanda Staveley’s PIF-backed consortium identified Ashworth as a key figure when they completed their takeover last October.

They report that negotiations took place amid claims that Brighton wanted £5m in compensation to release him from his contractual obligations, and now a deal has been struck.

With the perseverance and money involved for Newcastle to get their man, this is clearly a great appointment for the North East club, who is highly rated due to his impressive CV in the sport.

As a result, Newcastle will now be able to start making moves in the transfer market with their focus set on next season’s competition.

In other news: Newcastle United: Magpies target Hugo Ekitike ‘told’ he can leave Reims

Wolverhampton Wanderers can make their dream signing this summer in the form of Valencia winger Goncalo Guedes.

What’s the word?

According to journalist Dean Jones writing in GIVEMESPORT, Guedes has the ‘wow factor’ and would be a dream signing that could help Wolves take off again. The Portuguese star could also be available at a good price due to Valencia’s financial condition.

He is rated at £36m and for a player of his quality that is quite a bargain. He plays for Portugal at international level and can play anywhere along the forward line, but his preferred position is as a left winger.

If manager Bruno Lage can secure his signature then it can take his side to the next level heading into next season.

He’s better than Neto

Guedes is a client of super-agent Jorge Mendes, and given Wolves’ past association with him, it might make any transfer easier to negotiate.

One player currently at the club who is also represented by Mendes is Pedro Neto. Also Portuguese, he moved to Molineux in 2019 and has gone on to become a key player under Lage.

However, Guedes would be an upgrade on his compatriot and be exactly what the West Midlands side need to get back to challenging for a European place.

He’s been described as “special talent” by the analytics site Between the Lines and he is exactly that when you look at the statistics.

The 25-year-old has made 36 La Liga appearances this season and been directly involved in in 17 goals during that time, making him Valencia’s top scorer.

If you compare him directly to Neto this season he performs better in many categories. His number of shot creating actions per 90 minutes is 0.48 compared to the Wolves man’s 0.19.

He also puts in a shift for his team with a successful pressure percentage of 30% compared to Neto’s 24%.

The current Wolves player is 22-years-old so arguably has more time to develop, but the Old Gold need to revitalise their squad now so they can get back to competing.

Signing Guedes would allow them to do that, and with Valencia also missing out on Europe, the chance to come and play in the Premier League will be extremely attractive to him.

His contract only has a year remaining so any decent offer will likely be accepted, Wolves just need to make sure they get hold of him before another team do.

IN other news: Lage must now brutally sell Wolves’ £20m “catalyst”, he won’t make it at Molineux…

Celtic and Ange Postecoglou showed during the previous summer transfer window how efficient they can be in terms of moving players in and out of the club, securing loan and permanent deals for the ones that joined.

Now that the Hoops have taken the SPFL title away from their Glasgow rivals, their focus can now turn to the next summer window as they look to replicate and potentially improve on the success they had this time around.

With that in mind, it seems as though a big behind the scenes detail has emerged regarding one potential transfer that could take place at the Parkhead club.

What’s the news?

According to journalist Larry Henry Jr on Twitter, Celtic have a deadline of June 15 to secure a permanent transfer deal for Cameron Carter-Vickers, which they have reportedly been looking to secure.

He also added that Everton, Fulham and AFC Bournemouth “are in the race” to sign the defender from his senior club Tottenham Hotspur this summer.

In full, Henry said: “Everton and Fulham are in the race for Cameron Carter-Vickers, should Celtic not agree to a transfer with Tottenham prior to June 12, a source close to the player confirmed. CCV heading to June USMNT camp and coming off two trophy haul with Celtic this season.”

It was later revealed that the player has agreed personal terms on a move but a transfer is certainly not a done deal and he could still have his head turned by the jaws of England’s top-flight. This is certainly a story to keep tabs on.

Postecoglou must act

To put it simply, however, Ange Postecoglou and the club’s hierarchy must act quickly to get things done.

Since arriving at Celtic Park last summer from Spurs on loan, the American has been a crucial figure for the Bhoys, making 42 appearances across all competitions.

With 30 SPFL appearances to his name, the defender earned himself an overall performance rating of 7.33/10 from WhoScored, making him the fourth-highest rated player in Postecoglou’s squad.

In terms of his defensive output, the 24-year-old ended the 2021/22 campaign with the joint-highest number of interceptions (38) from a Celtic player in the SPFL.

This shows just how important he was in Celtic’s title-winning season and why they ended the campaign with fewer goals conceded than any other side in the division.

This latest update could be a worrying one for Celtic and their supporters given the knowledge that other clubs that will be playing in the Premier League next season are sniffing around a potential move for the Bhoys loan star.

Now that the Scottish champions have an apparent deadline to seal a permanent deal for Carter-Vickers, it would be in everyone’s best interest to secure his signature as soon as possible so they can put the issue to bed and move on to furter transfer targets.

However, it could also be a worry if the prospect of playing regularly in the Premier League would be enough to see the Spurs player turn down a permanent move to Parkhead.

In other news: Celtic can unearth the next Rogic with 21 y/o gem who has a “wand of a left foot”

As per Italian source Calciomercato, there has been a big West Ham United transfer update as the club eye a move for Everton striker and Juventus loanee Moise Kean.

The Lowdown: Hammers emerge…

The Hammers and manager David Moyes have emerged as contenders to sign the Italy international in recent days, according to reports.

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Tuttosport (via Sport Witness) recently lifted the lid on West Ham’s interest ahead of the summer window with the Premier League side allegedly making an enquiry over Kean.

This comes as the Irons hierarchy scour the market for a striker who can finally supply Moyes with some much-needed depth up front and an alternative to forward Michail Antonio.

The Latest: Club chief flies to London…

According to Calciomercato, there has been another Kean update, with Juve sporting director Federico Cherubini flying to London for talks with West Ham over the player.

The Serie A giants are certain to sign Paris-Saint Germain’s ex-striker permanently from Everton with the move ‘not in doubt’, but they’re planning to sell him off again when the window opens.

It is believed they will demand ‘at least’ €35 million (£30m) for Kean with Cherubini now holding discussions with West Ham during a ‘London mission’.

The results of these talks aren’t disclosed but it is believed Moyes and co now ‘evaluate’ a move for the 22-year-old.

The Verdict: Make the move?

Kean, branded a ‘sensational talent’ for his head-turning rise in Italy by members of the media (Maxi Angelo), and ‘incredible’ by CBS commentator Matteo Bonetti (Twitter), has only shown flashes of what he’s capable of since first leaving Juve for Goodison Park.

His best spell since departing the club during his first stint came on loan at PSG under Thomas Tuchel, who branded the attacker ‘really tough’ and even likened him to Edinson Cavani (The Athletic).

Over his Ligue 1 spell, Kean notched a brilliant 13 goals in 22 starts under Tuchel – displaying obvious ability when at the very peak of his powers.

The trick for West Ham and Moyes would be getting that out of him again, something which hasn’t yet been managed since Kean departed the Parc des Princes.

If the Irons are sure they can unlock Kean’s potential, £30 million could be a small price to pay, but that is a big if.

In other news: West Ham now believe they can sign ‘beast’ for Moyes as agents plan imminent club talks…find out more here.

Everton will host Brentford at Goodison Park this afternoon in one of their final opportunities to save themselves from Premier League relegation this season and now Frank Lampard has been handed a fitness lifeline as two players are set to return to action.

What’s the latest?

The Toffees boss took to his pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon to give a positive update on the availability and recovery of both Ben Godfrey and Donny van de Beek.

Lampard told the press (via Liverpool Echo):

“Ben Godfrey is very close, whether he’ll be fit for this squad or not but he’s possibly going to be in the squad. Donny van de Beek is getting closer, we’d like to think he might be involved on Sunday, if not on Thursday.”

Lampard will be excited

Everton have just three games left of the season to save themselves from their first-ever Premier League relegation so Lampard will surely be delighted to have two players returning from injury issues and available for selection over the important upcoming games.

The return of Manchester United loanee Van de Beek will be warmly welcomed as Fabian Delph has sustained a small injury that has left him sidelined for the foreseeable future, so having the Dutch midfielder available for selection over the final games of the season will take the pressure off the Everton boss.

Similarly, Lampard will be relieved to have Ben Godfrey back in the squad and available for selection as Yerry Mina is out with a small calf injury too, with the manager confirming the defender will be out for today’s game and the clash with Crystal Palace next week.

Therefore, having an experienced player available to slot back into the backline will be a big boost for the Merseyside club.

Everton will be given an insight of what they need to achieve against Thomas Frank’s side this afternoon as relegation rivals Burnley will play Tottenham Hotspur earlier in the day and Lampard will hope that whatever the outcome of the game in north London it will motivate his team to take all three points.

AND in other news: Everton plotting bid for £9.9m-rated “monster”, he’s miles better than Holgate…

Newcastle United could make a summer swoop for Barcelona attacking midfielder Philippe Coutinho this summer, according to transfer insider Dean Jones. 

The lowdown: Coutinho back in England

On loan at Aston Villa until the end of the season, the playmaker is attempting to rebuild a stuttering career, having been much-maligned following an eye-watering £142m switch to Spain in 2018 (BBC).

Things didn’t go to plan for the Brazilian maestro after leaving Liverpool and the 29-year-old has managed just 106 appearances for the Catalan giants four years on from the move, struggling with injuries and spending time on loan at Bayern Munich since leaving the Premier League.

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A stay in England could now be on the cards, although not necessarily at Villa Park…

The latest: Newcastle eyeing Coutinho

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones claimed that Newcastle are ready to make a move for Coutinho, with Magpies reportedly prepared to offer a seven-figure bonus in an attempt to lure him to St James’ Park.

The journalist explained that the Tyneside club are monitoring the situation in the Midlands, saying: “Steven Gerrard still wants Villa to sign Coutinho, but Newcastle are watching this with interest.

“At the end of the month, Villa have to tell Barcelona whether they intend to take up the option to buy him – and if they hesitate I’m told Newcastle will look to make a proposal to the player.”

The verdict: Would be a statement signing

As the new-look Newcastle begins to take shape over the forthcoming transfer windows, Eddie Howe will almost certainly have an abundance of big-name players linked with a move to St James’ Park.

Identifying the players who best fit into the system and the project will be imperative, decisions that the Englishman got right in January with the captures of Matt Targett, Chris Wood, Bruno Guimaraes, Dan Burn and Kieran Trippier.

Upon his return to the Premier League, Coutinho – who was once described as possessing ‘magical powers’ by compatriot and former Liverpool team-mate Roberto Firmino – has scored four times and provided three assists in 15 outings, proof of a continued ability to thrive at the elite level.

Combined with a mooted £33m purchase option for Villa, that form makes the skilful Brazilian an exciting proposition to strengthen the attacking ranks, and Newcastle would be wise to pay close attention to his situation in the coming weeks and months.

In other news, this journalist reacts to one NUFC starlet’s weekend heroics

A report out of Italy has now shared some big transfer news involving Hellas Verona star Antonin Barak and Tottenham Hotspur coach Antonio Conte.

The Lowdown: Spurs enter mix…

The in-form Serie A playmaker has exploded for Hellas over 2021/2022, attracting interest from Premier League sides, including Spurs.

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Fabio Paratici reportedly has his eye on Barak with reports suggesting a summer swoop could be on the cards.

The Czech Republic international is now attracting Conte’s personal interest as Italian Italian source Mondo Udinese.it make a major claim.

The Latest: Conte could convince…

According to their information, Tottenham’s manager could now ‘make an attempt’ to ‘convince’ Barak to join the Lilywhites.

This comes as he prepares for his first full campaign in charge over 2022/2023 and interest in the 6 foot 3 powerhouse from Conte is seen as an ‘excellent opportunity’ for Hellas to make a profit off his sale.

The Verdict: Underrated target…

Barak stands out as seriously key player for the Italian side, racking up 11 goals and four assists in the top flight alone.

He’s also their third best player going by average match rating over 2021/2022 and it’s clear to see why Conte is attracted by the possibility of signing him for Spurs.

Reports suggest Barak could leave his club for as little as €20 million (£17m), an arguable bargain fee given he is still in his prime and has struck double figures in his league.

For a price in and around that, Conte shouldn’t hesitate in trying to sway the player into a Spurs move, with reporters even branding Barak ‘phenomenal’ at international level (Sacha Nabet).

In other news: Fabrizio Romano: Conte could now lose ‘monster’ Spurs player who’s ‘expected to leave’! Find out more here.

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in a deal to bring James Ward-Prowse to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by the Daily Star, who claim that Spurs, alongside the likes of Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United and Newcastle United, are tracking the Southampton central midfielder closely, ahead of a potential swoop for the 27-year-old at the end of the season.

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However, the report goes on to state that any interested party would have to pay Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side a figure in the region of £60m in order to prise him away from St. Mary’s this summer – and even then, Saints may still not be willing to sell the England international.

He’d be a “machine” under Conte

Considering just how impressive Ward-Prowse has been for Southampton over the last few years, in addition to the fact that Conte is known to be looking to add some creativity to his central midfield options in north London ahead of 2022/23, it is easy to see why the 52-year-old would be keen on a deal for the Saints star this summer.

Indeed, over his 33 Premier League appearances this season, the £33.5m-rated talent has been in electric form for Hasenhuttl’s side, scoring nine goals, registering five assists and creating eight big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 1.5 shots and making 2.1 key passes per game.

The £100k-per-week midfielder has also impressed in metrics more typical of his position, making an average of 1.1 interceptions, 1.2 tackles, 43.2 passes, 1.8 long balls, 2.2 crosses and winning 2.8 duels per fixture.

These returns have seen the 27-year-old dubbed a “machine” by his Southampton teammates average a breathtaking SofaScore match rating of 7.31, not only ranking him as Saints’ best performer in the league but also as the joint 14th-best player in the division as a whole.

Furthermore, the signing of Ward-Prowse would also immediately make Tottenham a much more dangerous proposition from free-kicks, with the 10-time capped international having scored 14 Premier League goals from dead balls, ranking him second – behind only David Beckham – in the top flight’s free-kick scoring charts.

This ability saw Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola – one of the managers thought to be keen on a move for the midfielder this summer – dub Ward-Prowse as the best set-piece taker in world football, with the Spaniard stating:

“He is the best taker I have ever seen, right now in the world. He is so good, maybe this quality of a football player. He’s a team player, great quality without the ball. Set pieces and corners is exceptional.”

As such, being a player who is deadly in the final third, creative and tough in the heart of midfield and possesses a lethal free-kick, it is clear to see why the Southampton sensation is a player Conte would love to add to his Spurs squad this summer.

However, with a great deal of interest in the 27-year-old, Fabio Paratici will certainly have his work cut out if he is to secure the £60m+ singing of the South Coast star, but it would undoubtedly be well worth the trouble for the Tottenham sporting director.

AND in other news: “Eyeing move…”: Journo drops big Spurs transfer claim, he’s a “young Paul Gascoigne”