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Manchester City are reportedly set to make an approach to Leeds United over a potential transfer move for Kalvin Phillips.

What’s the news?

According to a recent report from The Telegraph, City are “expected to formalise their interest” in Phillips once England’s international matches are out of the way and “make an official approach to Leeds later this month.”

As a product of Leeds’ youth system, the 26-year-old has made 234 senior appearances for the Whites across all competitions.

In those appearances, the England international, who has a reported price tag of £60m, has found the net 14 times and delivered 13 assists in the process.

With 49 Premier League appearances now under his belt, the midfielder now has a clear idea of what it takes to play in the top flight and how difficult it can be given how Leeds had a rather turbulent recent campaign.

Guardiola needs him

Taking into account how City will be taking on their next campaign without the experience or versatility of Fernandinho in their squad, Pep Guardiola will undeniably need an experienced and capable figure, like Phillips, to come in and fill the void left by the Brazilian.

Having racked up a total of 139 players tackled throughout his two Premier League campaigns with Leeds as well as 103 blocks, 83 interceptions and 89 clearances, Phillips certainly has the defensive chops to be a tough opponent for whoever he comes up against.

This backs up why he was labelled as a “destroyer” by Steve McLaren as well as having his performance in England’s 1-0 win over Croatia in last year’s Euros described as “immense” by Marcus Rashford.

Taking all of this into account, it’s easy to see why the Manchester club are keen on making an approach to Leeds to see if they would be willing to part ways with their star midfielder.

Having taken Jack Grealish away from his boyhood club, Aston Villa, last summer, the Citizens have shown that they are capable of securing deals for the Premier League’s top talents, which they will presumably be looking to do once again this summer with Phillips.

While it may be hard to get Leeds to sell, the allure of being in the mix to win every competition they play in as well as being able to learn from Guardiola and test himself in Europe could be what sways the midfielder into waving goodbye to Elland Road and joining City.

In other news: Pep can land his next Mahrez as MCFC plot move for “delightful” £58.5m-rated hotshot

Everton have been already linked with a number of potential signings this summer, and now an update has emerged from a reliable source that could be a big boost for the Toffees to complete a deal for a transfer target.

What’s the latest?

Italian journalist and transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has given a detailed update on Steven Bergwijn’s future at Tottenham Hotspur from the player’s perspective himself.

Romano tweeted;

“Bergwijn tells ESPN: “It’s difficult for me. I play well at the National Team but when I return to the club people turn a blind eye to me. I need to find a solution, so I could leave”.”

Everton have been reported to hold an interest in the Spurs forward this summer, according to Daily Mail, but will need to compete with Ajax who have already had an offer rejected.

Good news for Everton

The fact that the player has now spoke out about his desire to leave his current club in North London ahead of the transfer window is good news for Everton, as Spurs may now be more willing to part with Bergwijn now that he has expressed his wishes.

Frank Lampard will likely be keeping a close eye on the unfolding situation as he may need to urgently replace one of his own players, with Richarlison also speaking about his future and hasn’t ruled out leaving the Merseyside club this summer.

It could be smart business on Everton’s part if they were to sell the Brazilian winger for a large profit and replace him with Bergwijn for a modest fee due to his desperation to leave the club, offering him first-team football at Goodison Park.

The Dutchman joined Spurs back in 2020 in hope that he would play a crucial role in the Premier League side’s set up, however, with ever-changing managerial structures over the last two years, the player has averaged at just 42 minutes per game in his 83 appearances and clearly wants a more dominant role in the next squad he joins.

There is no doubt that Bergwijn has the capabilities to be a reliable attacking threat when he is deployed in his team consistently, something he displayed in the 2018/19 season when he made 41 appearances scoring 15 goals and delivering 13 assists for PSV.

With that being said, depending on Tottenham’s asking price for the player it could be a really good signing for Farhad Moshiri especially if Richarlison does move on this summer.

AND in other news, “No chance…”: Journo drops big Everton transfer twist that’ll disappoint supporters…

Newcastle United are believed to be in the running to sign Wolverhampton Wanderers winger Adama Traore, with the player expected to leave Molineux this summer.

What’s the word?

According to 90min, the Magpies are one of a handful of Premier League clubs who are interested in signing the Spaniard this summer, with the 26-year-old set to leave the Midlands outfit, despite Barcelona snubbing the chance to sign him on a permanent deal.

The former Middlesbrough man – who is out of contract next year – had been on loan at the Nou Camp during the second half of the most recent campaign, although the La Liga side have opted against activating an option-to-buy clause in his temporary deal, with Bruno Lage and co now seeking other potential suitors in order to cash in during the upcoming window.

The Tynesiders are said to have ‘enquired about his services’ in the past, with reports suggesting a €20m (£17m) bid could be enough to get their man, although they will face competition from Tottenham Hotspur with Antonio Conte having been interested back in January.

Imagine him and Ekitike

It may not prove an easy deal to get over the line, amid that rival interest from Spurs, although should PIF manage to snap up the unique talent it would no doubt prove a real coup for manager Eddie Howe.

There are concerns over his attacking output, as the £46k-per-week brute has registered just eight goals and 14 assists in 160 Premier League outings, although that does not tell the full story about his on-field impact, with few players – if any – possessing his rare physical gifts.

Something of a “freak athlete”, in the words of one journalist, the one-time Aston Villa man is able to combine both lightning speed and unrivalled strength to pose a relentless threat to any opposition, with the oiled-up colossus at times almost impossible to contend with.

His knack for driving his side up the pitch in double-quick time is a real gift, with the £25.2m-rated man unsurprisingly ranking in the top 3% for progressive carries and the top 1% for dribbles completed among players in his position across Europe’s top five leagues.

As mentioned earlier, concerns over his attacking contributions are justified, although his brief return to Catalonia – where he began his career – has illustrated that he does have the capability to make an impact in the final third, recording four assists for Xavi’s side in all competitions during his six-month temporary stint.

There is the prospect of Howe lining up with Traore on one flank and Reims starlet Hugo Ekitike on the other next term, with the teenager believed to be nearing a switch to St James’ Park after reportedly agreeing a five-year deal with the club.

Dubbed “the next Mbappe”, as per journalist Graeme Bailey, the 19-year-old netted ten league goals and registered three assists in a breakout campaign in Ligue 1 during the 2021/22 season, with the expectation being that the versatile forward will only progress further in the coming years.

A partnership with that man Traore could also prove simply mouthwatering, with the young Frenchman also possessing outstanding talent with the ball at his feet, ranking in the top 16% for progressive carries and in the top 3% for dribbles completed, with Newcastle potentially set to have a fearsome threat down either wing.

That would feel like a long way from the drab, dull days under Steve Bruce…

IN other news, Eddie Howe can now help NUFC sign “spectacular” £64m “nightmare”, he’s better than Saint-Maximin

Leeds United escaped relegation back down to the Championship as they beat Brentford 2-1 away from home on the final day of the campaign.

Raphinha and Jack Harrison scored the goals as the Whites finished three points ahead of Burnley – who lost to Newcastle at home.

Jesse Marsch will now be looking forward to the future as he enters his first transfer window in charge of the Lillywhites, giving him the chance to put his own stamp on the team.

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One player the club have been linked with a swoop for is Derby County winger Tom Lawrence. The attacker is out of contract this summer and is attracting interest from a number of teams, including Leeds, Bournemouth, Southampton and Fulham.

Imagine him & Raphinha

Victor Orta must swoop in to land the Welshman on a free transfer as he can form a deadly wing duo alongside Raphinha.

In the 2021/22 Premier League, the Brazilian winger scored 11 goals and provided three assists cutting in on his left foot from the right wing. He provided a much-needed spark from out wide, for Bielsa and Marsch, and keeping hold of him would be a major boost because of his attacking quality.

By signing Lawrence, Leeds can bring in a player with similar qualities to Raphinha but on the left side of the pitch. The Derby man is a right-footed left winger who can cut inside, as the Lillywhites man does on his left from the right side, and shoot with his preferred foot.

One of his former managers, Gary Bowyer, previously showered him with praise, saying:

“He’s a wonderful player, a joy to watch. He’s one of these players that when he picks the ball up, half-turns and starts running, you get off the edge of your seat because you know something’s going to happen.

“I think today in the second half, he had a couple of runs and looked like he would make something happen. He’s a fabulous talent.”

These comments suggest that he will be an exciting player for the fans to watch, like Raphinha, and his statistics in the Championship suggest that he could have the end product to match.

The £27k-per-week gem ended the 2021/22 campaign with 11 goals and five assists as Derby were relegated. Lawrence was able to thrive in the final third in spite of his team’s position and this is why he has the potential to make the step up.

If he can translate that form over to the Premier League then he can form a deadly partnership with Raphinha on the wings for Leeds next season and that is why Orta must sign him.

AND in other news, Orta eyeing Leeds swoop for “exceptional” £20k-p/w “example”, Marsch needs him badly…

Manchester United have reportedly launched an ‘important offer’ for Napoli forward Victor Osimhen.

The Lowdown: Osimhen linked with United

The Nigeria international, who former United striker Odion Ighalo described as ‘the future’, has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford this month.

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Reports earlier this month claimed that Erik ten Hag’s side were ‘on pole’ to sign the 23-year-old, who is also wanted by Premier League rivals Arsenal.

Ten Hag faced the media as Red Devils manager for the first time on Monday, with Old Trafford chiefs seemingly hard at work over new signings for the Dutchman behind the scenes.

The Latest: Transfer update

Sport Witness relayed an important transfer update from La Repubblica regarding Osimhen.

They claimed that AC Milan have now joined the race for the Nigeria international, although they added that the ‘most important offer’ has come from United.

Osimhen is thought to be an ‘alternative’ target to Harry Kane, with the Tottenham striker seemingly Ten Hag’s priority.

The Verdict: Expensive…

It remains to be seen how much United’s offer for Osimhen was worth, but you’d expect that it would need to be a big bid for Napoli to consider parting ways with their star attacker.

Osimhen is valued at £54m by Transfermarkt and still has three years remaining on his current deal. Reports have previously mooted a €90m (£76.8m) figure, so a transfer could eat into Ten Hag’s budget of £100m-£150m, some of which he wants to spend on Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong.

However, United could well offload a few players over the coming months to raise funds, such as right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Eric Bailly, so a prospective big-money move for Osimhen could be one to watch.

In other news: Sky Sports man now worried at ‘dangerous’ MUFC move Glazers have approved after landing Ten Hag

Leeds United have been linked with a summer swoop for Cardiff City winger Japhet Matondo.

The Lowdown: Matondo profiled

Matondo, already sponsored by Nike, is primarily a left-winger who can also play on the opposite flank. The Wales U17 international is yet to make a senior appearance for Cardiff but has featured for the U23s.

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The 16-year-old is yet to pen a professional deal with the Championship side due to his age, but he is already catching the eye across the country, including those at Elland Road.

The Latest: Leeds interest

Football Scotland shared an update regarding Matondo on Wednesday, where they claimed that Celtic have registered their interest in the teenager. The Scottish champions could land the attacker for a £130,000 compensation fee.

Leeds are also keeping tabs on the Cardiff teenager, however, Matondo would cost the Whites substantially more than £130,000 as the Hoops would be benefitting from cross-border compensation rules.

The player’s future may well be mapped out over the coming weeks.

The Verdict: Shrewd U23s move?

Should Leeds secure Matondo’s services ahead of Celtic over the coming weeks, you’d expect that he could be placed in with the U18s or U23s next season, having been hailed as a ‘very exciting’ talent in a piece from Wales Online.

A move wouldn’t necessarily rely on Leeds remaining in the Premier League, however, Matondo may well be in line for more game time with the academy if the Whites drop down to the Championship.

Raphinha looks set to leave for Barcelona, which could result in Crysencio Summerville stepping up and establishing himself in the first team, leaving a regular spot on the wing for the U23s up for grabs.

In other news: Orta now finally set to accept defeat as Leeds plot exit for Bielsa ‘mistake’ – opinion. 

Queens Park Rangers are reportedly set to make an approach for MK Dons manager Liam Manning following the recent departure of Mark Warburton, according to the Evening Standard.

The Lowdown: Warburton leaves QPR

It was confirmed by the club at the end of April that the 59-year-old would be leaving Rangers following the conclusion of the 2021/22 Championship season upon the expiration of his contract at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium.

Warburton was first appointed as Hoops boss back in 2019 and in that time, went on to take charge of 150 games during his reign in west London.

Now managerless, QPR are on the hunt to find their new man, and following a fresh update, it appears as though they might have discovered their ideal candidate.

The Latest: Hoops approach expected

In a new report published by the Evening Standard, it’s claimed that Rangers are ‘particularly keen’ on MK Dons boss Manning, who has emerged as a ‘strong contender’ for the job.

The source further states that whilst the League One outfit haven’t yet received an official approach from QPR, they are ‘prepared’ for one to arrive in the immediate future.

This follows reports from talkSPORT’s Alex Crook that the ‘brilliant’ Manning is drawing ‘definite interest’.

The Verdict: Manning is impressive

The 36-year-old has enjoyed a hugely successful season with the Dons, having guided them to a third-place finish, but ended up just missing out on promotion having been beaten 2-1 on aggregate by Wycombe Wanderers in the play-off semi-final.

Manning was once hailed as having a “terrific” playing style of football by Sheffield Wednesday manager Darren Moore, and so it’s no surprise to see the young coach attracting interest from QPR.

The Hoops have clearly studied their target’s work and been impressed by what they’ve seen, and if the club are looking to appoint someone with a track record of challenging for promotion at the top end of the table, Manning might just be the man that we’ll be seeing standing in the dugout at the start of next season.

Transfer insider Dean Jones has given an update regarding the future of Newcastle United captain Jamaal Lascelles. 

The lowdown: Stellar servant for Newcastle

Signed from Nottingham Forest in 2014, the defender was an instant hit at Newcastle and was appointed Magpies captain two years later by then-manager Rafa Benitez.

Overall, the 28-year-old Derby-born centre-back has amassed 212 appearances for the Tyneside club across spells in the Championship and the Premier League.

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However, as a new era dawns at St James’ Park following the takeover in 2021, Lascelles is in danger of being moved on under Eddie Howe, with reports that the club would listen to offers for him.

The latest: Lascelles ‘isn’t going to fit in’

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones suggested that the former England under-21 ace may well be on the way out of Newcastle.

The journalist explained how the club could deal with their long-standing central defender, saying: “He’ll be available for transfer in the summer. The circumstances just aren’t going to suit him at this stage and Newcastle are looking to transition beyond him.

“It’s just the vision that Newcastle have right now and, from what I understand, Lascelles probably isn’t going to fit in with it.”

The verdict: Bold call

While it is apparent that Howe will look to strengthen in all departments during the upcoming transfer window, selling a mainstay such as Lascelles is a huge statement of intent from the club and the manager about the direction in which they want Newcastle to go.

The skipper was hailed as ‘absolutely superb’ by Howe for his performance against Chelsea earlier in the campaign, one of 24 appearances he has made in the league in 2021/22. According to Sofascore data, he has won 72% of his aerial duels and 63% of his overall duels in the current top-flight campaign, marking him out as an uncompromising defender.

Under contract until 2024 and holding a market value of £9.9m (Transfermarkt), Lascelles would likely fetch a reasonable fee should a move indeed be on the cards this summer.

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

Former Premier League goalkeeper Paul Robinson has reacted to reported interest from Everton in Burnley defender James Tarkowski. 

The lowdown: Multiple admirers

A recent report from i News claimed that the Toffees had joined top-flight rivals West Ham and Newcastle United in their desire to sign the Clarets centre-back.

The 29-year-old is set to become a free agent this summer (Transfermarkt), fuelling prominent interest from multiple suitors.

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After a ‘source’ at Goodison Park told Football Insider that Frank Lampard would be keen on bringing in Tarkowski, one of the defender’s former team-mates has taken a closer look at the potential Everton swoop…

The latest: Tarkowski a ‘top player’

Speaking to Football Insider, Robinson – who also works as a pundit for BBC Radio 5 Live – explained whether or not the Burnley centre-back would improve Lampard’s ranks.

The 42-year-old said: “Tarky is a top player. Everton will be in the race to sign him.

“I played with him at Burnley and he is a great professional. He has the right mentality on and off the field. He is a very good player.

“Is he a top-level centre-half? Probably not. But he will certainly push on from Burnley into a side in the top half of the league. He is strong, good in the air and a lot better with his feet than people give him credit for.

“Looking at Everton’s current options he would be an improvement on what they’ve got. His leadership qualities would also help them in the dressing room.”

The verdict: Reinforcements needed at Everton

Having conceded 56 goals in the Premier League this season – more than 12 other teams – there can be little doubting that improved defensive options are required for the Everton squad. This is particularly true considering Yerry Mina’s constant battle with injury, after the Colombian powerhouse was forced off once again against Leicester over the weekend.

Despite the struggles at relegation-threatened Burnley, Tarkowski has earned an impressive 7.17 Sofascore rating this term, averaging 6.9 successful duels, 5.3 clearances and 1.8 tackles per game. That would rank him first for clearances and joint-fifth for tackles among the current Everton squad.

Heralded by his former boss Sean Dyche as an ‘outstanding’ operator, it’s no injustice to suggest that the twice-capped England international is something of a throwback to the era of the no-nonsense defender, and he would be a superb addition to Lampard’s options based on the aforementioned statistics.

In other news, find out what ‘serious upgrade’ Everton are now eyeing

Journalist Jacque Talbot has revealed that Newcastle United have now been ‘offered’ the chance to sign Ismaila Sarr in the summer.

The Lowdown: Injury woes

Sarr has suffered from a few injury problems this season, which has seen him only manage make 21 appearances in total over all competitions.

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Watford have only managed to win 12 goals in 30 appearances and ended Liverpool’s unbeaten run.

The Latest: Newcastle ‘offered’

Taking to Twitter, Talbot revealed that the St. James’ Park faithful have now been ‘offered’ the chance to sign Sarr this summer, although the Hornets want around £40m if they are to let him go:

“Newcastle have been offered Watford’s Ismaila Sarr. Representatives met with club in London. Told his side would want about £40m. Deal makes sense but striker and centre-back (right-sided) are #nufc priority.”

The Verdict: Too expensive

Given that he currently holds a market value of £24.3m, £40m does seem a bit excessive for Sarr, especially if Watford are relegated down to the Championship.

The North East club will be cautious of the injury problems he has had, and the five goals and two assists that he has managed in the top flight so far this term (Transfermarkt) is not exactly prolific to justify the high price tag.

If they could get him for a much cheaper price, given his Premier League experience and the fact that he is only 24 years of age, it could well be a good signing for the Tyneside outfit, but at £40m they should really be looking elsewhere for now.

In other news, find out which Magpies star is now ‘close’ to returning from injury here!