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Tottenham Want "Special" £40m Kulusevski Upgrade

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.

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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.

Wolves’ £79k p/w Gem May Now Want To Leave Molineux

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 Could Ignite Gakpo With £25m ‘Greatest Talent’

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.

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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.

Spain Fans abuse Barcelona Ace Gavi After Nations League Win

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 Could Sign Barella’s Perfect Partner In £60m Magician

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.

Leicester midfielder James 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.

Everton Must Land "Sensational" £10m Premier League Ace

Everton have a lot of work to do this summer to improve the squad after a second consecutive Premier League relegation battle this season and Sean Dyche will get his first proper opportunity to make new additions.

The Toffees boss was confirmed as the successor to Frank Lampard at the tail end of the January window, leaving the experienced manager with little to no time to snap up the services of players and ultimately signed nobody to replace Anthony Gordon in the dying hours of the window.

Now Dyche will have the opportunity to significantly improve and bolster his forward line ahead of next season and will be working hard to not make the mistakes of those before him by identifying prolific and quality forwards who can make a genuine impact at Goodison Park.

The Blues have been linked with a number of forwards already this summer as The Athletic's Patrick Boyland named Che Adams, Beto and Moussa Dembele as targets for the club earlier this week, alongside Manchester United academy graduate Anthony Elanga who could be an interesting prospect for Dyche.

Would Anthony Elanga be a good signing for Everton?

There is no doubt that the Everton forward line has been significantly weakened over the last 12 months following the departures of both Richarlison and Gordon, but now there is a real opportunity for a fresh start on the blue side of Merseyside.

Elanga was one of the hottest young prospects in Premier League football when he burst onto the scene under Ralf Rangnick at Old Trafford last season, which led to high praise from his compatriot and former Man United star Zlatan Ibrahimovic who hailed the Swiss winger a "great talent".

Although the talented youngster has seen much less game time since the arrival of Erik ten Hag – having made just five top-flight starts this season after making 14 the year prior – he has still managed to show glimpses of quality over his limited appearances this season that could make him the next Demarai Gray at Goodison.

anthony-elanga-premier-league-everton-transfers

In fact, the Everton winger – who has 12 goals and six assists to his name for the club to date – is named as the most comparable player to the Man United ace over the last 12 months, as per FBref, and it's not hard to see why when considering the similarities in their output this season.

The Premier League positional peers came close in their shots-on-target rate (40% v 38.6%), shot-creating actions per 90 (3.59 v 3.37), goal-creating actions per 90 (0.21 v 0.18) and take-on success rate (33.3% v 35.9%), proving that Elanga could be as much of a valuable asset as Gray has become in the Everton team.

It has been reported that the Red Devils will command a fee of around £10m this summer to part ways with their 21-year-old forward, dubbed "sensational" by journalist Alex Turk, which would be an absolute steal considering he already boasts Premier League experience unlike some of the other targets that have been named as potential targets.

With that being said, it would be a no-brainer to snap up Elanga's services this summer as he could become a real threat in the forward line with consistent game time and reach his full potential under the guidance of Dyche.

Leeds set for ‘really exciting’ summer

Leeds United could be set for a busy summer in the market after retaining their Premier League status, according to transfer insider Dean Jones. 

The lowdown: Early transfer business

Jesse Marsch’s side survived on the final day of the season with a victory over Brentford, but some big names could still be set to depart Elland Road as the likes of Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips continue to be linked with moves away.

Exits aside, the Whites look set to secure their first summer signing in the shape of Red Bull Salzburg attacking midfielder Brenden Aaronson, and it could be the first of many to come through the door.

That’s the view of one respected onlooker, who has had his say on the situation at the Yorkshire giants…

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The latest: ‘Really exciting’ summer ahead for Leeds

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones has claimed that it looks set to be an active summer transfer window for Leeds and director of football Victor Orta, with Marsch set to demand that the Whites aren’t left with such a close shave with relegation again next year.

He explained: “I think it now gets really exciting for Leeds. They can look for additions all over the squad and they will look to make sure that they’re not in this position again in a year’s time.

“Jesse Marsch will be saying ‘please, please now just see what I’ve given, the character I’ve put in this team is there and it’s going to be different from what you saw under Bielsa but it could be every bit as special’.”

The verdict: Overhaul required

Having failed to make any additions in January, Marsch and his predecessor Marcelo Bielsa were left bereft of options in the Leeds squad in order to arrest an alarming slide towards the drop zone. Ultimately the American won four of his 12 matches at the helm, just enough to stave off relegation to the Championship.

In order to avoid another season of similar struggles, Andrea Radrizzani must sanction a raft of incomings in order to bolster a young squad with an average age of just 24.7, regardless of who stays and who goes in the meantime.

Whether or not Marsch can indeed recreate the feel-good factor harnessed by Bielsa remains to be seen. However, with money to spend and hopefully the right recruitment, there is certainly the hope of a prosperous summer and a much-improved 2022/23 campaign.

In other news, Sky Sports drop worrying update on Leeds star. Find out who it is here

Everton can replace Coleman with Aarons

Everton are in desperate need for big changes this summer and if they stay up in the Premier League at the end of the season it will only better their opportunities to strengthen the team to avoid another relegation battle in the future.

There are many areas of the pitch that will need Farhad Moshiri and Frank Lampard’s attention when the season draws to a close with changes specifically needed to improve the defensive play of the team, with the side conceding 19 more goals than they have scored in the current Premier League campaign.

With that being said, it may be time for Lampard to finally axe Seamus Coleman and start considering his options to replace the 33-year-old Everton captain who will be out of contract in June 2023, Finding the £68k-per-week defender’s successor could make a huge difference and relieve some pressure.

One player who could be the perfect replacement for the Irish defender who was labelled “poor” by journalist Josh Bunting, is Norwich City’s Max Aarons, who was linked with the club back in the January transfer window. Now he has been relegated once again Lampard could capitalise on the opportunity to snap up the youngster.

The 22-year-old was praised earlier this season by former Manchester United and England defender Rio Ferdinand on his YouTube channel, saying:

“He has got huge potential. He has got big, big potential.

“Lots of games, a lot of experience for someone so young, and he is just going to keep on improving.”

It is no wonder the young player has been attracting recognition when you consider his defensive statistics this season in the Premier League in a team that has struggled throughout. Aarons has put in impressive performances and shown his hard-working attitude despite the position the Canaries have found themselves in.

According to SofaScore, the English right-back has won the majority of his aerial and ground duels combined, making 2.1 clearances, 1.9 tackles and 0.8 interceptions on average per game accompanied by two big chances created and one assist in his 32 league appearances this season.

Ultimately, with the chances of Everton staying in the top-flight for another season they cannot afford to make the same mistakes and must make ruthless decisions to benefit the team going into the next season and signing up Aarons this summer could be a great start for the Toffees much needed rebuild.

AND in other news: Shocking Everton dud who lost ball every 4.7 touches cost Lampard big time yesterday

Tottenham: Italian paper breaks big Barak transfer development

Italian newspaper Corriere di Verona have now shared a big transfer development out of Tottenham Hotspur involving target Antonin Barak, who they believe is the perfect fit for an Antonio Conte team.

The Lowdown: Conte eyes move…

As Spurs gear up for their highly-anticipated Premier League clash with Arsenal this evening, a make or break encounter which may well determine who is playing Champions League football, it appears transfer activity is still very much alive behind-the-scenes.

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Czech Republic international Barak, for example, has been of serious interest to Spurs according to reports in recent days.

Earlier this week, outlet Mondo Udinese.it shared news that Lilywhites head coach Conte is personally prepared to convince the attacker to join his side this summer in a ‘sensational deal’.

Now, in an update, it appears the Italian has now given his green-light for whole club to pursue a deal for Barak.

The Latest: Italian newspaper break Barak development…

As per Corriere di Verona (via Sport Witness), the former Chelsea coach has personally ‘asked’ Spurs to bid for the 27-year-old who is ‘tailor-made’ for his side.

This comes as Barak’s move away from the Marcantonio Bentegodi Stadium is ‘almost certain’ this summer, but the 6 foot 3 star’s club want around €25 million (£21m) and even hope to exceed that number.

The Verdict: Tailor-made indeed

Barak is perhaps one of the more underrated players in Serie A and we believe £21m would be a more-than fair asking price.

Lauded as ‘phenomenal’ for his international performances by members of the press, he has stood out as one of Hellas’ most crucial players – racking up 11 goals and four assists from midfield over 2021/2022.

Barak also stands out as their third-best star overall going by average match rating and is just about to enter his prime, potentially backing how he could be real value for money if Spurs were to advance with a bid.

In other news: Reliable source: Tottenham agreement now ‘very likely’ as Conte closes in on ‘top signing’, find out more here.

Lowry close to signing Rangers contract

Alan Hutton has been left buzzing over what he has now heard from a Glasgow Rangers source.

The Lowdown: Lowry deal close

As per Football Insider’s RFC sources, the Ibrox faithful are now close to tying Alex Lowry down to a new deal, amid strong interest from a number of clubs in the Premier League.

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The youngster had rejected an initial contract offer back in February, but now it looks as if the club have persuaded him to stay at Ibrox.

The Latest: Hutton reacts

Speaking to Football Insider, former Teddy Bears defender now Rangers TV pundit Hutton has now given his reaction to the news, claiming that it is ‘brilliant’ both for Lowry and his old team:

“I think it’s brilliant for both sides. We know what he’s all about. He’s definitely one for the future.

“He needs to know there’s a pathway into the first team. I think that’s the biggest thing to come out of this. The flip side is that the grass isn’t always greener.

“Yes, there’s an opportunity to go down south but he’s very young. You can also get lost down there. It’s difficult to break into a Liverpool team or a Man City team. That’s got its own challenges.

“So to stay where you are, you know what it’s all about to play with Rangers. There are opportunities that are going to arise. If you work hard, he has seen that the pathway is there.

“He can find the first team, he has done it in the past. I think it’s good for him moving forward to be where he is. Be comfortable and see how he develops from there.”

The Verdict: Right call

It is easy to forget that Lowry is still just 18 years of age, and so he has his whole career ahead of him.

The pathway has been there for him, as he has already managed a total of four senior appearances in a Light Blues shirt this season, and more opportunities are sure to come for him next term under Giovanni van Bronckhorst.

Nonetheless, he is highly thought of at the club, as former manager Graeme Murty even went as far as to call him ‘remarkable‘, and so staying at the Gers seems like the right thing to do for now, until he makes more of a name for himself outside Scottish football.

In other news, find out which ‘really exciting’ attacker RFC could now lose this summer here!

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