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Everton are believed to be leading the race to sign Leeds United forward Wilfried Gnonto this summer, according to a fresh transfer update.

Do Everton want to sign Wilfried Gnonto?

The Blues have been linked with a move for the exciting Italian a number of times this summer already, with his future at Elland Road looking in serious doubt. The Whites' relegation from the Premier League to the Championship last season means that an exit could be on the cards, in order for him to continue playing top-flight football.

Everton are badly in need of attacking additions in the current transfer window, having been goal-shy throughout the 2022/23 campaign, and Gnonto appears to be someone who they believe can make a big difference.

The 19-year-old caught the eye plenty of times for Leeds last season, providing an attacking threat while others toiled, and displaying a fearlessness in possession that made him an immediate hit with the supporters.

While Leeds fans will clearly be desperate for Gnonto to stay put and spearhead their Championship promotion push, it looks as though a move to Everton could now be more likely than ever, following a promising claim that has emerged.

What's the latest on Wilfried Gnonto to Everton?

According to Football Insider, the Blues are now "leading the race" and are therefore in pole position to acquire Gnonto's signature this summer, with his move away from Leeds now thought to be "inevitable".

There is no relegation clause that exists in the Italy international's contract and he is "expected to leave Elland Road on a permanent basis in the coming weeks."

The report also states that Sean Dyche is a big admirer of Gnonto and views his versatility as "key" to his side's chances of avoiding copying Leeds and being relegated from the Premier League in 2023/24, with talks ongoing over a transfer.

There haven't been too many success stories at Everton in recent years when it comes to attacking signings, but Gnonto is one who could be a hugely exciting addition at Goodison Park for a number of years.

At just 19 years of age, he already has 12 caps for his country, scoring once in that time, and his importance to Leeds was clear at times last season, as he bagged four goals and assists apiece, in all competitions.

The unpredictability that Gnonto possesses could see him light up Goodison, at a time when entertainment value has come at a premium there, and his aforementioned versatility across the front-line would immediately boost the squad depth at Dyche's disposal.

The youngster already has so many admirers in football, with Manchester United legend and Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville saying of him last season:

"Sometimes you see potential and talent but watching him so closely, his understanding of where to be, his choice of pass, when to run with it, his awareness of teammates, really good honestly."

It does look as though Gnonto moving to Everton is now a genuine possibility this summer, and who knows, he could be just one of a few new attacking players to come in, looking to make the Blues more of a force to be reckoned with in the process.

Celtic moved swiftly to appoint Brendan Rodgers as their new head coach last month after Ange Postecoglou departed to move down south.

The Australian manager joined Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur and that allowed Dermot Desmond to swoop for the Northern Irish tactician, who is now in his second spell at Parkhead.

Rodgers won seven trophies in less than three years with the Hoops between 2016 and 2019 before a move to Leicester City in England, where he won the FA Cup in 2021.

What's the latest Celtic transfer news?

The 50-year-old boss could now use his time with the Foxes to bolster his squad in Glasow as the club have been linked with interest in free agent centre-back Jonny Evans, who could join the likes of Hyun-jun Yang, Marco Tilio, and Odin Thiago Holm in signing this summer.

His contract at the King Power expired at the end of last season and the veteran defender is now available for nothing, which could make him a bargain addition to the squad ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

Football Scotland have stated that no approach has been made by Celtic to the player but the manager must now pursue a deal for his former defensive rock as he could form an excellent partnership with Cameron Carter-Vickers at the back.

How old is Jonny Evans?

Evans, who Rodgers once described as "super-intelligent", is a 35-year-old centre-back who would not come in with the expectation of playing 50 matches across all competitions or being a starter week-in-week-out during the Scottish Premiership campaign.

He has only averaged 19.6 Premier League appearances per season over the last three years but could arrive at Parkhead with the quality to step in when needed or for stints in the team before being taken out for a rest.

His former Northern Ireland teammate Keith Gillespie once claimed that the towering 6 foot 2 titan was equally good at distributing the ball with either foot, which suggests that the ex-Manchester United man would be comfortable playing on the left of a defensive pairing – next to Carter-Vickers.

Across the 2020/21 and 2021/22 Premier League campaigns under Rodgers' management, Evans showcased his defensive strength as he won at least 67% of his duels, which included a success rate of at least 72% in aerial contests, over that two-year spell.

The Belfast-born veteran also made at least 2.4 tackles and interceptions per match in that time, whilst no current Celtic centre-back managed more than 1.3 per outing last term. This suggests that the ex-Leicester titan could provide an injection of defensive quality to Rodgers' options at the back in terms of how frequently he is able to win the ball back for his side.

Carter-Vickers could be a dream partner for Evans as the USA international is also a dominant enforcer who is capable of coming out on top in his physical battles.

The former Spurs colossus won 69% of his duels, which included a 74% success rate in the air, for the Hoops across 29 Premiership clashes last season. This came after the 25-year-old colossus won 68% of his overall battles during the 2021/22 campaign, which shows that he has been consistently able to dominate opposition attackers.

Evans won three Premier League titles and a Champions League throughout his time at Manchester United and could impart his wisdom to Carter-Vickers, who is ten years his junior, whilst being able to form a strong defensive partnership with him for Celtic.

Therefore, the free-agent monster could be a fantastic addition to Rodgers' team due to the ability he could provide on the pitch to go along with the experience and knowledge the ex-Sunderland ace could bring to the younger players at the club.

Folarin Balogun to Chelsea wouldn't be a smart deal for the Blues according to transfer insider Dean Jones

The USA international enjoyed a strong loan spell in Ligue 1 last season and has reportedly attracted the interest of the London side this summer.

What is the market value of Folarin Balogun?

Balogun won't be cheap for Chelsea, especially when you consider the selling club are London rivals Arsenal.

The 22-year-old spent last season out on loan at Stade Reims, where he made 39 appearances for the club across all competitions, scoring 22 goals and recording three assists as the side finished 11th in the league.

The forward received plenty of praise from pundits and his manager alike, with manager Will Still saying: "He’s unbelievable, he has real talent, but he is also just a top person, He’s trying to learn the language – we have a bit of banter because his French is terrible (but) I think he realises: being good here will allow him to get the spotlight and attention he needs.”

The player's representatives reportedly held a meeting with manager Mikel Arteta, however with Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah already at the club as well as the signing of Chelsea forward Kai Havertz, first-team opportunities for the forward may not be as forthcoming as he would hope for following his performances last season.

According to reports, a number of sides are interested in signing the forward, with RB Leipzig pushing to bring in the striker following their failed pursuit of RC Lens forward Lois Openda. Another report states that Chelsea have held talks with Balogun's representatives ahead of a potential move, with Arsenal valuing the forward at £50m.

Jones, however, doesn't think the move is a smart one for Chelsea.

What did Dean Jones say about this transfer?

Speaking to FootballFanCast, Jones revealed that due to the lack of guaranteed quality in the Chelsea squad ahead of next season and the price tag the Gunners have put on the forward, he doesn't believe the Blues should make the move.

The journalist stated: "Chelsea have already got enough players that they aren't sure are going to deliver immediately next season. And they shouldn't really be going near this one, I mean Balogun is a good player, just no detriment to the player itself. But he's not cheap and He's not guaranteed to score goals in the Premier League."

Should Balogun sign for Chelsea?

A move to Chelsea probably wouldn't be the right move for the forward.

The Blues have already made two moves in the market for players in the position that Balogun plays, with Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson arriving from Leipzig and Villarreal respectively. First-team football could once again be hard to come by at Stamford Bridge, especially if reports that Ivan Toney is wanted by the club once his ban has concluded are true, Balogun could fall further down the pecking order.

A move to Leipzig seems to be a better fit, with the opportunity to come straight into the first team and replace Nkunku. The German side also offer Champions League football next season, which Chelsea do not due to their incredibly disappointing season last time around.

Balogun has to decide his next move very carefully if he wants to build on the form and success he had in Ligue 1, and Chelsea just might not be the best club to do that at compared to RB Leipzig

It seems Chelsea and its new chaotic ownership are addicted to the headlines.

Relentlessly lurching from one transfer to the next, their commitment to constantly improving is fascinating.

Predominantly, the club has targeted the world’s most exciting young players, with the occasional, more experienced player also added into the mix.

"They've got a twin-track policy," explains Sky Sports News chief reporter Kaveh Solhekol. "They go around the world buying up the best young players and they're going to carry on doing that but they want to buy ready-made players as well."

With this in mind, Boehly has done it again, and in an attempt to award Mauricio Pochettino the best chance of progression, he is eyeing a sensational reunion with Neymar.

What’s the latest on Neymar to Chelsea?

According to Le Parisien, the Blues are interested in signing the former Barcelona trickster this summer.

It has been suggested by a different outlet in Spain that Paris Saint-Germain may listen to offers of around €60m (£52m) for the Brazilian.

The soap opera that constantly envelopes the French juggernaut has been heightened in recent weeks due to Kylian Mbappe’s ongoing disputes with the club’s hierarchy. Whilst he reportedly refuses to sign a new deal but wants to stay for another year, the board has ruled out the possibility of losing him on a free transfer.

It remains to be seen how Neymar will react to the fanfare surrounding the loss of arguably the greatest player in the world. The 31-year-old has already seen his two-time former teammate Lionel Messi depart after receiving a torrent of abuse from a fractured and unpredictable fanbase.

Somehow, PSG has done the unthinkable – they have managed to make Chelsea look like a more stable environment and if a deal materialised for Neymar it would be one of the most eye-catching transfers in Premier League history.

Who can Neymar replace at Chelsea?

In an injury-hit season, the winger still retained his impeccable consistency, as he notched 35 goal contributions in just 29 appearances in all competitions.

Meanwhile, the term ‘consistency’ and these sorts of numbers are two things Raheem Sterling could only dream of as he endured the most miserable time of his senior career.

After comfortably surpassing double figures for league goals in each of his last five campaigns, the Englishman scored just six times in his debut campaign for the west Londoners.

In terms of creativity and productivity, the former Santos star massively outperforms the Englishman – the notable metrics are shot-creating actions per 90 (6.18 vs 3.14), progressive passes per 90 (9.41 vs 3.39), progressive carries per 90 (4.58 vs 3.71), successful take-ons per 90 (2.25 vs 1.54), and assists per 90 (0.56 vs 0.14).

It is a damning reflection of the steep decline that Sterling has experienced in recent times and a clear indication of Neymar’s ridiculous quality.

Whilst it likely remains just a sensational dream for the latter man to play English football, he would undoubtedly add a new level of flair and skill to a hugely underperforming frontline.

Described as “unstoppable” by Messi, it would be mouth-watering to see how Premier League defences would cope with one of football’s most dazzling technicians.

Sunderland impressed by wrapping up the majority of their transfer business early in the window, but manager Tony Mowbray has made it clear the club are still in need of another striker.

Who have Sunderland signed?

The Black Cats have targeted youthful players so far this summer, with Nectarios Triantis, Jobe Bellingham, Luis 'Hemir' Semedo and Jenson Seelt all joining so far.

However, while Hemir arrives with a reputation of being a hugely talented striker following his time at Benfica, he has yet to play any senior football.

Factor in Amad Diallo's return to parent club Manchester United, plus the fact Ross Stewart is going to miss the start of the new season, and it is clear why Mowbray has publicly stated his desire to bring in another attacking player.

Ellis Simms looked like being the ideal man to lead the line for Sunderland next season after his hugely successful spell on loan in the first half of the 2022-23 campaign – when he netted seven goals in just 17 games – but Championship rivals Coventry City got to the Everton striker first.

That leaves Sunderland looking far and wide for another striker, and it may be that they turn to one of their previous targets, with the East Anglian Daily Times reporting earlier this year that Mowbray is a fan of Peterborough United's Jonson Clarke-Harris.

How many goals has Jonson Clarke-Harris scored?

Clarke-Harris does not exactly fit the profile for the type of player Sunderland have previously targeted, given the £6.1k-per-week striker will turn 29 later this month.

However, that is arguably the peak age for a striker, while Clarke-Harris's experience – and not least his goalscoring ability – could be a huge factor in what Black Cats supporters will hope is another promotion push this coming season.

Indeed, Clarke-Harris has twice won the Golden Boot award in League One – a division he is clearly too good for.

The one-cap Jamaica international jointly-led the scoring charts again in the third tier last season with 26 goals in 46 regular-season games, yet Peterborough somehow missed out on promotion after capitulating in their play-off semi-final with Sheffield Wednesday.

Clarke-Harris has over 400 senior appearances to his name, having started his career by becoming Coventry's youngest-ever player aged 16 in 2010, and has scored 138 times.

The Leicester-born striker averaged 0.59 goals per 90 minutes during the regular League One season last time out, as per FBref, which is a tally only Stewart (0.86) can better among Sunderland players, albeit in a division higher.

It would be easy to dismiss Clarke-Harris as a player who can perform in League One but is unable to take the step up to the Championship, yet he scored 12 goals in a poor Peterborough team the last time he played at that level. To put that in some perspective, only Diallo (13) bettered that among Sunderland players last season.

Hailed as a "special talent" during his time at Rotherham United by then-manager Steve Evans, it may well be that Clarke-Harris now has a chance to show exactly what he is capable of for a team battling to earn promotion from the Championship.

Such a signing would then be a solution to the Black Cats' problem position…

Tottenham Hotspur seem unwilling to slow down in their quest for a revolution this summer, as another report emerges detailing fresh interest…

What's the latest on Harvey Barnes to Tottenham Hotspur?

This latest claim comes from journalist Sami Mokbel, speaking on the Last Word on Spurs podcast about their interest in Leicester City's Harvey Barnes.

Having prised James Maddison from their clutches only earlier this week, it seems Ange Postecoglou now has the £40m winger in his sights once more. Although, it might not prove as straightforward as the aforementioned deal.

The writer stated: "You mention Harvey Barnes there, and there is an interest in Harvey Barnes. But equally, Harvey Barnes has a number of options and while he would be attracted to Tottenham he may look at that and think ‘wait a minute how often am I going to play here?”

"You have Son there, you have Kulusevski there and you have Richarlison there. He may look at that situation and think he may be better off elsewhere."

How good is Harvey Barnes?

Although this may be a dilemma for the one-time England international, he could join safe in the knowledge that he presents a far greater goal threat than both Dejan Kulusevski and Richarlison given recent performances.

Given neither the Foxes nor Spurs performed particularly well last season, as the former were relegated and the latter failed to secure European football for the first time since 2010, the respective underperformance of the players can at least be dispassionate and without the bias that a purple patch can bring.

Their most recent campaigns showcase exactly how a player will deal with tough situations. Whilst the former Juventus ace and Brazil international went into hiding, with the latter scoring just one league goal all year, Barnes instead thrived.

Notching an impressive 13 from the wing, with a goal conversion rate of 18% (via Sofascore), his figures far outperform that of the struggling Sweden international. It seems he is finally growing into the claims of journalist Adam Bate from 2019, as he had branded him as "special" and a "huge talent".

Kulusevski even admitted earlier this month: "Of course, I’ve been disappointed personally. After the World Cup, I didn’t think I played well enough."

Having burst onto the scene with 13 goal contributions in his first 18 Premier League games during his first loan spell, it seems the expectation that he would mimic these figures weighed heavily on the 23-year-old.

He would score just twice last season, assisting seven and maintaining an abysmal 5% conversion rate in front of goal, via Sofascore. Even during that aforementioned blistering six-month period, which few would have been able to maintain, his conversion rate of 19% only slightly outperforms the 25-year-old's recent performances.

In an effort to add more cutting edge to his squad, Postecoglou could return to the King Power Stadium to secure Maddison's former teammate and bolster his own ranks further.

Transfer journalist Dean Jones believes Fabio Silva has lost his confidence since his move to Wolves from Porto back in 2020.

Silva could potentially be on the chopping block as Wolves look to sell players due to Financial Fair Play stipulations.

Wolves transfer news – Fabio Silva

It’s been a struggle for the Portuguese forward since his move to England.

Silva has scored just four goals in 62 appearances for Wolves, per Transfermarkt. And his poor form and lack of confidence has led to two loans spells away from the club at Anderlecht and PSV Eindhoven respectively.

Silva’s agent, Carlos Oliveira has stated his client would like to leave the club and start afresh.

Oliveira stated: “The idea will not be to continue at Wolves, we are on the same wavelength to see what the best solution is for Fabio.

“We are working on bringing bid to sell, will depend on Wolves. For our part we want definite exit, let’s see the availability and willingness of Wolves.”

Silva could join multiple players on the chopping block following Ruben Neves’ move to Saudi Arabia and the potential sale of Nathan Collins to Brentford.

What has Dean Jones said about Fabio Silva?

Jones feels sympathy for the £79k-per-week Silva, believing a new environment could benefit his career when looking long term.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, he said: "It's such a shame when a player goes through something like that at such a young age, so I feel for him and I can totally understand why there might be psychological scars. It's very difficult to overcome, and your confidence is rocked by moments like that.

"As a football player, that's the last thing you need. Your mental space is as important as what you're able to do physically when you're a forward for sure.

"I could understand why if he wanted to change environment he might feel that could be beneficial to him."

Will Fabio Silva leave Wolves?

It feels like a formality that the Portugal international will leave Wolves this summer.

The move makes sense for both parties – Silva can have a fresh start at another club and Wolves can recuperate some of the money that paid for the youngster back in 2020.

Having originally signed the youngster for a whopping fee in the region of £35m, it is difficult to see how Wolves would be able to recuperate that sort of money if they are to sell him this summer.

But it is perhaps time to just cut their losses and admit this is a player who may not have a future at the club.

He is receiving interest from abroad which is certainly a promising sign if both parties are keen to secure new paths.

Liverpool will continue to monitor the market as manager Jurgen Klopp looks to rebuild after a challenging campaign, and Bayern Munich's Ryan Gravenberch is one young talent who they are 'pushing' to sign.

What's the latest on Ryan Gravenberch to Liverpool?

That's according to the Mirror, who state that Klopp has received the green light to complete a move for the Dutchman, who has endured a frustrating maiden term in the German Bundesliga with the formidable champions.

The player is said to be 'keen' on a move to Anfield and, while in an ideal world he would remain at the club he chose to kickstart his career one year ago, a lack of minutes and the offer of prominence at Liverpool could result in a transfer, with a fee of around £25m enough to prise him away.

Especially considering that James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all left the club; Alexis Mac Allister has been signed for £35m but the robust Gravenberch could be new sporting director Jorg Schmadtke's masterstroke this summer.

Should Liverpool sign Ryan Gravenberch?

Gravenberch forged 103 appearances for Ajax and was a key component of an outfit that gleaned the Eredivisie thrice and the KNVB Cup twice across three campaigns, catching the eye of many an outfit across Europe and subsequently earning a €24m (£20m) transfer to Bavaria.

However, five starts from 33 matches across all competitions in Germany this season will do little to convince the precocious talent of committing his future to the club despite winning the title this year, with Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka unlikely to fall out of favour any time soon.

Previously hailed as the Netherlands' "greatest talent" by ex-Ajax ace Wim Kieft, the £152k-per-week machine ranks among the top 7% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for shot-creating actions, the top 23% for progressive passes, the top 19% for successful take-ons and the top 27% for tackles per 90, as per FBref, which emphasises the dynamism of his trade and hints at a future as one of Europe's most destructive conductors.

If Klopp succeeds in signing the 21-year-old, he will strengthen the Dutch spine Anfield currently boasts, with Virgil van Dijk and Cody Gakpo occupying prominent roles either side of the centre of the park, where Gravenberch could pull the strings and inject the unrelenting intensity to send the Kop into rapture.

He could forge a distinctively slick partnership with Gakpo, who has impressed since signing from PSV for an initial £35m last winter and scored seven goals and three assists as he ostensibly slots into the departing and iconic Roberto Firmino's all-encompassing frontal role.

Adept and weaving the threads of Klopp's hundred-hued tapestry together with his creative ingenuity, Gakpo ranks among the top 10% of forwards for rate of assists, the top 17% for shot-creating actions, the top 8% for progressive passes and the top 1% for tackles per 90.

Such metrics play into Gravenberch's favour – and indeed vice versa – because of his role in tethering the midfield to the attack, opening space for the inversions of wide forwards such as Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nunez, and keeping the robustness intact with his multi-faceted approach.

Lauded for his "dominant" demeanour on the pitch by his former youth coach Brian Tevreden, the confidence that exudes from Gravenberch's tenacity in the middle will keep the system ticking, and the countrymen could play significant roles in the next phase of Klopp's dynasty in Liverpool.

No matter the success of the Spanish national team, the rivalry between Barcelona and Real Madrid will never diminish as shown by fans in Madrid hurling abuse at Gavi following the celebrations of Spain’s Nations League victory.

What did fans shout at Gavi?

The teenage midfielder starred in a Spanish side that defeated Croatia on penalties on Saturday evening to lift the Nations League trophy in Rotterdam.

Real Madrid right-back Dani Carvajal scored the winning spot kick, while Gavi did not take on in the shootout in which Spain won 5-4.

The victory meant Spain secured their first trophy since winning Euro 2012 and the side returned to Madrid to celebrate with their adoring fans. The warm reception, however, was not extended to every team member on their arrival back in the Spanish capital.

Barcelona midfielder Gavi was subject to some nasty chants from fans in Madrid, showing the rivalry between Barca and Real will never be forgotten, even in the face of national team success – as seen in the Twitter footage below.

As he took to the stage he was immediately greeted with chants of “P*ta Barca”. Gavi handled it well though and signed off on the mic in style by stating: “Viva Espana’”.

What has been said about Gavi?

The chants were condemned on Twitter by the well-respected Spanish Football Podcast, who noted: “Anti-Barca chants aimed at Gavi during Spain’s Nations League celebration this evening. Depressingly predictable.”

It seems particularly silly from the Madrid fans, especially considering Gavi’s importance to the Spain team was emphasised by manager Luis de la Fuente in the lead-up to the Nations League final,

He said: “Gavi is a player with many resources, versatile, useful all over… he feels more comfortable playing interior, but football can take you to other positions. He is a fantastic player at all levels. We haven’t seen his best version of what he will be in the future.

“Gavi, in this process of maturity, one of the virtues he has is courage, genius and energy. However, he understands that now he is showing “some behaviours that are not beneficial for him and the team”, although he has no doubt that “with maturity, he will understand that.”

No matter the abuse for the young Barca midfielder, Gavi’s stock is rising. The youngster will no doubt be an important figure in the midfield for Spain in the years to come.

Newcastle United have been linked with a move for Leicester City's most coveted asset James Maddison for over one year now, and could craft a devastating midfield duo by securing his signature.

What's the latest on James Maddison to Newcastle?

That's according to a recent report from the Telegraph, claiming that with Newcastle 'close' to signing Inter Milan maestro Nicolo Barella, the signing of the England international is concurrently being explored as the Toon 'edge closer' to an agreement over a fee.

Leicester, who were relegated from the Premier League this year, are demanding £60m to facilitate the departure of the playmaker, but Newcastle and further suitors are not willing to meet such an exorbitant valuation.

The 26-year-old does only have one year left on his current deal, and as the window rages on and the Foxes are forced to allow their asking price to depreciate, the Magpies could complete their midfield with a first-rate acquisition.

Should Newcastle sign James Maddison?

With divisional rivals Tottenham Hotspur also holding a vested interest in the Leicester ace, Newcastle will need to ensure they act swiftly to tie up a deal this summer, though manager Eddie Howe boasts the allure of Champions League football and the prospect of cementing a starting berth in one of Europe's most affluent outfits.

Quite simply, there are scant few players who would overtly turn their noses at a move to St. James's Park following the lucrative PIF takeover in 2021, with the formerly relegation-threatened team now a cohesive squad with an exciting vision and a winning mentality.

Maddison would enrich this ambitious team, despite suffering the drop, he is one of the few City players to emerge relatively unscathed, having scored ten goals and supplied nine assists from just 28 starting top-flight appearances.

Hailed as "world-class" by England manager Gareth Southgate, the £110k-per-week gem would certainly add something new to the industrious Magpies midfield, deployed closer to the offensive third than his positional peers on Tyneside.

Joe Willock and Joelinton thrive astride Bruno Guimaraes, the kernel of the system and a superlative and dynamic deep-lying option, and while both are excellent ball carriers with goals and assists in their lockers, neither possess the prolific brilliance of the multi-faceted Maddison.

And considering the two-cap maestro ranks among the top 15% of attacking midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for progressive passes, the top 13% for shot-creating actions and the top 17% for tackles per 90, as per FBref, his dynamism in both creativity and tenacity underscores just how much value he could be to Howe as he seeks out silverware and sustained European campaigns.

And if the Toon are successful in their bid to sign Barella too, a remarkable new partnership could be born, with the Italian star, who is more of an orchestrator than a No. 10, earning acclaim for his ability to take his outfit into "different gear" – as praised by presenter Jack Collins – after pulling the strings on countless occasions.

The 26-year-old Serie A machine ranks among the top 19% of midfielders for progressive passes, the top 11% for progressive carries and the top 8% for progressive passes received per 90, meaning he flourishes both spraying passes from deep and gallivanting forwards to wreak havoc from a frontal position.

The versatility in transition from both the "magician" – as heralded by Statman Dave – that is Maddison and the "genius" – as described by editor Mike Piellucci – of Barella could whip up a brilliant blend of abilities, two shining stars attacking from alternating angles like light refracting against glass.

Howe simply must attempt to sign both players this summer, consolidating his club's newfound power and crafting a midfield capable of rivalling any across the continent in both quality and determination.