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Bournemouth are interested in signing Liverpool centre-back Nat Phillips on loan for the 2022/23 season, according to Sky Sports reporter Mark McAdam.

The Lowdown: Phillips out of favour

The Englishman spent a chunk of last season with the Cherries, helping them secure a return to the Premier League after a successful loan spell.

Phillips is now back at Liverpool for the summer but it is clear that he has no immediate future at the club, given there at least four centre-backs ahead of him in the pecking order – Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Joel Matip and Joe Gomez.

A move away makes sense for all parties and it looks as though a return to Bournemouth could be on the cards.

The Latest: Bournemouth eye up return

With Sadio Mane on the brink of sealing a move to Bayern Munich, the Sky presenter shared more exit news from Anfield.

Taking to Twitter, McAdam revealed that the Cherries are eyeing up a second temporary move for the 25-year-old, with the player himself keen:

“Breaking: Bournemouth have made an approach to Liverpool about taking Nat Phillips on loan for the season, Liverpool are currently weighing up the offer. Phillips keen to join once again after enjoying his loan spell at the club last season.”

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The Verdict: Should be permanent

It makes complete sense for Phillips to head off again this summer and Bournemouth looks an ideal destination, considering they are back in the top flight and he already knows the club well.

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While a loan move wouldn’t be the end of the world though, it would surely be preferable for Liverpool to sell him permanently now, in order to get a good fee for his services.

It is clear that Phillips isn’t going to be an important figure again for the Reds, barring another freak injury situation, and it would be beneficial for all parties for him to find a new club for good and settle down there, banking Liverpool a decent fee in the process.

In other news, a new Liverpool transfer update has emerged. Read more here.

Aston Villa’s hopes of signing Brighton midfielder Yves Bissouma this summer have taken a blow, with AS Monaco reportedly set to target the Malian as a replacement for the outgoing Aurelien Tchouameni.

What’s the word?

Villa have been heavily linked with the 25-year-old in recent weeks after seeing a January bid rejected, but it seems as if their chances of signing him have now slimmed.

According to The Sun, Monaco will launch a bid for the Brighton man should Tchouameni complete his move away, with Real Madrid and Liverpool among the suitors for the Frenchman.

Brighton have reportedly placed a £70m price tag on Bissouma and with Villa having already spent close to £50m on new players this summer, they may struggle to meet that valuation, whereas Monaco would have plenty of cash in the bank once Tchouameni leaves.

A blow for Gerrard?

Gerrard is clearly a fan of Bissouma having bid on him in January and considering his performances for the Seagulls in recent seasons, he would be an excellent addition at Villa Park.

Last season saw the midfielder make 26 appearances in the Premier League for Graham Potter’s side, in which he contributed one goal and two assists, averaging an impressive 6.99 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

This would have been enough to rank him as the second-best performer in Gerrard’s squad last season, with only John McGinn rated higher by WhoScored.

Bissouma could have added some defensive steel in Villa’s midfield, with only McGinn averaging more tackles per game (3) than the Brighton man’s 2.9 last season, while he also outscored every Villa player in terms of interceptions per game (1.9).

Gary Lineker has previously described the Mali international as an “exceptional footballer” while Jamie Carragher was also full of praise for him last season, saying:

“You looked at him and he really does look like a top-quality player. He just looked head and shoulders above everyone on the pitch.

“He’s been someone a lot of teams have talked about or looked at.”

Therefore, Gerrard will surely be gutted that Monaco are seemingly set to launch a bid for Bissouma, and will be hoping that Villa have the funds available to bring the Brighton man to Villa Park.

And, in other news… Aston Villa eye swoop for PL wonderkid

According to a recent report by Italian media outlet La Lazio Siamo Noi (via TEAMtalk), Leeds United are interested in a move to bring Takumi Minamino to Elland Road in the summer transfer window.

The report claimed that Liverpool are now prepared to part with the 27-year-old in the coming months, with an offer of around £17m believed to be enough for Jurgen Klopp to sanction the Japan international’s departure.

This development has apparently seen Leeds, Inter Milan and Lazio all make contact with the Reds concerning a deal for the winger, with Minamino himself believed to be open to a move away from Anfield in a bid to secure regular first-team football.

Raphinha replacement

While it is true that the 27-year-old has not enjoyed a huge amount of game-time following his £7.25m move to Liverpool in January 2020 – starting just 21 of his 55 appearances for the Reds – this should not be seen as a reflection of the forward’s talent, but rather a huge compliment to the likes of Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino, Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz.

Indeed, it would be an extremely difficult task for the £12.5m-rated attacker to have made more of the minutes Klopp has afforded him, with FBRef data showing that Minamino averaged 1.45 goals per 90 this season, as well as 0.88 non-penalty xG, 0.25 xA and 1.13 npxG+xA, while he made 30.5 pressures per game.

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For comparison, looking at the same metrics, FBref shows that Raphinha – who is reported to be an all but certain departure from Leeds this summer – averaged 0.34 goals per 90 this term, in addition to 0.25 non-penalty xG, 0.21 xA and 0.56 npxG+xA, while he made 17.7 pressures per match.

As such, should the Whites go on to receive their £60m asking price for the Brazil international this summer, it would appear a wise move for Victor Orta to spend £17m of this income on a move for the £72k-per-week Minamino.

The player who Klopp dubbed a “machine” and “outstanding” would very much look to be something of a perfect – not to mention cost-effective – replacement for Raphinha at Elland Road.

AND in other news: Orta can now seal “eye-catching” Leeds signing with £20m bid for “sensational” talent

Wolves have been boosted in their efforts to sign Sporting Lisbon midfielder Joao Palhinha this summer, with a fresh report claiming that they are favourites to land him.

The Lowdown: Constant Palhinha transfer links

In recent weeks and months, the Old Gold have been continually linked with a move for the 26-year-old, who appears to be a primary transfer target.

Palhinha has grown into a vital player for Sporting over the years and has become arguably their most important midfielder, making 27 Primeira Liga appearances in 2021/22.

A fresh update further suggests that the Portuguese gem could be plying his trade at Molineux next season.

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The Latest: Wolves favourites to sign Palhinha

According to Correio da Manha [via Sport Witness], Wolves is Palhinha’s ‘most likely destination’, giving Bruno Lage’s side an undoubted boost in this particular transfer pursuit.

However, it is also claimed that the ‘deal depends on’ whether or not they are happy to pay €30m (£25.5m) for his services, which is a possible stumbling block.

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The Verdict: Surely it happens now?

It increasingly looks as though Wolves are in pole position to get their man this summer, with Palhinha potentially being a seamless replacement for the exit-linked Ruben Neves.

A top-class player could be required to come in for the current Molineux hero and the 26-year-old Sporting midfielder is exactly that, enjoying an 84.3% pass completion rate across six Champions League appearances this season.

Losing Neves will clearly be a blow for Lage if he goes, but signing Palhinha would certainly help to make up for that loss, with the Portugal international described as a ‘special’ player by his manager Ruben Amorim.

In other news, a key update has emerged regarding one Wolves player’s future. Read more here.

A major West Ham United transfer update has now come to light involving Sparta Prague striker Adam Hlozek, according to reports out of Italy.

The Lowdown: West Ham eye new forward…

The Irons and manager David Moyes could finally put an end to their long and drawn out search for a new forward this summer, coming over a year and a half after club-record signing Sebastian Haller departed the club for Ajax.

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In the last week, West Ham have been linked with the likes of Emmanuel Dennis (Watford) and Moise Kean (Juventus) as head of recruitment Rob Newman and GSB aim to back Moyes in the summer market.

Another attacker who has been tipped with a possible move to east London is Sparta sensation Hlozek, who has been brilliant yet again for the Czech outfit this season.

West Ham board member Daniel Kretinsky’s connections to Sparta may well hand the Premier League side an advantage, as per recent claims, and now TMW have an update on the situation.

The Latest: Hammers offer ready…

As per their sources, the Hammers, and by extension transfer chief Newman, are ‘ready to present a proposal’ of around £20 million to sign Hlozek this summer.

This comes after his head-turning campaign with the 19-year-old scoring 22 goals, 17 in the league and five in cup competitions.

The Verdict: Bring him in?

The teenager could be a real star going by his form this season and recent acclaims through the media.

Pundit and former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan has called him a potential ‘no-brainer’ signing for West Ham and the ‘stand-out’ at Sparta – impressive tags for such a young player (Football Insider).

Hlozek’s glowing reputation could only grow larger with the only gamble on Moyes’ part being whether he can hack it in England.

£20 million certainly seems like a big price to pay if they’re going to find out, but with summer right around the corner, we expect to see more developments concerning the Czech Republic international and West Ham.

In other news: Talks held: Club chief travels to London as West Ham eye ‘incredible’ player move…find out more here.

Liverpool forward Divock Origi is absolutely nailed-on to join AC Milan at the end of the season, journalist Fabrizio Romano has confirmed.

The Lowdown: Origi tipped for exit

The Belgian has long been tipped for a summer exit in recent months, with his current Reds deal expiring once the current campaign is over.

Origi has been continually linked with a move to Milan, with the Serie A giants looking to add more firepower in the attacking third ahead of another year in the Champions League – they often rely on Olivier Giroud to lead the line, who will turn 36 at the start of next season.

The transfer is starting to look like a formality, with Romano giving a fresh update on the matter this week.

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The Latest: Origi to sign contract in Milan

Taking to Twitter, the renowned transfer expert claimed that the deal is now extremely close, even effectively done:

“Divock Origi has no doubts on his next destination: he’s just waiting to complete medical tests and sign the contract as new AC Milan player in the coming weeks.

“Liverpool have already accepted his decision – he’s definitely leaving on a free transfer.”

The Verdict: Smash it, Divock

This is a perfect time for Origi to move on, with the 27-year-old too good a footballer to be sitting on the substitutes’ bench for Liverpool most weeks.

He is in his prime years and a move to Milan could be perfect, as the Rossoneri lie on the cusp of winning the Serie A title, meaning the Belgium international could be joining at a perfect time in their recent history.

For all Origi’s cult hero status at Liverpool, racking up 41 goals across his time at the club, first and foremost he is a very good footballer and someone who could and deserves to thrive with a new challenge at another huge club.

In other news, a journalist has confirmed ‘strong interest’ in one Liverpool player. Read more here.

Italian newspaper Il Giorno has now shared a significant update on Tottenham Hotspur’s chase for Atalanta defender Joakim Maehle this summer.

The Lowdown: Conte eyes new full-backs…

Spurs manager Antonio Conte has famously earmarked the signing of new right-wing-back with attempts being made to sign Adama Traore as a makeshift option in January.

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When the Spaniard opted to join Barcelona, Tottenham’s boss was left without a desired upgrade in that position, meaning he has had to turn to Emerson Royal since the in-form Matt Doherty was ruled out for the remainder of 2021/2022.

As Conte’s first full Premier League campaign looms, transfer chief Fabio Paratici will be looking to make amends and finally back the Italian with a world class RWB addition.

The Latest: Spurs could bid for Maehle…

Italian newspaper Il Giorno, sharing news, claim Conte now personally wants Denmark international Maehle in north London with the club, and by extension chairman Daniel Levy, having followed him since 2019.

The Lilywhites are apparently willing to table a €18 million (£15m) bid for the 24-year-old and will potentially hold talks when they meet with Atalanta ‘in the coming weeks’.

While the summit is set to discuss loanee goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini’s future at Hotspur Way, the report claims Maehle could well become a topic.

The Verdict: Advance…

Denmark goalkeeper and Leicester City number one Kasper Schmeichel has raved over his international teammate, branding the Serie A ace a ‘machine’ who never stops running on the treadmill.

Of course, durability and endurance are traits which could be attractive to the famously demanding Conte, and Maehle’s potential as a fairly young option could also motivate Spurs to make the offer – particularly if Atalanta agree to the £15m terms.

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

Aston Villa will be heavily linked with Joe Gomez alongside several other central defenders during the upcoming window as a result of missing out on Matthias Ginter, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Number one target

In a report published by Football Insider just last week, it was revealed that the 28-year-old German turned down a big-money move to the Midlands and has instead decided to join Freiburg from Borussia Monchengladbach on a free transfer.

As a result, Steven Gerrard is now believed to have made Liverpool’s Gomez the number one target on his wish-list this summer and could be set to make a move for him ahead of the start of next season.

The centre-back still has two years remaining on his current contract with the Merseyside outfit, but after falling down the pecking order to the likes of Joel Matip and Ibrahima Konate under Jurgen Klopp, he could be tempted into looking elsewhere when the campaign is over.

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The Latest: Gerrard eyeing up Gomez

After failing to secure the signing of Ginter, Jones now expects there to be plenty of names doing the rounds at Villa Park. He told GiveMeSport: “I honestly think Villa will be linked with loads of centre-backs between now and June.

“Joe Gomez is obviously one that Gerrard has had his eye on for a while now with his contract situation – still possible that Liverpool renew that, though, so he’s waiting to see.”

The Verdict: An ideal candidate

The 41-year-old boss has been playing the pairing of captain Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa at the back for the majority of the season, but after finding themselves sitting in the bottom half of the Premier League table, it would seem that Gerrard isn’t too happy with his current options and will look to bolster his back-line before anything else.

The £19.8m-rated Gomez has only played 282 minutes in the top-flight this term, but has still got plenty of experience under his belt, having made a total of 141 senior career appearances for Liverpool, showing that he could add some much-needed assurance to the backline.

Gomez, who was once dubbed a “top-quality” player by his teammate Trent Alexander-Arnold, will no doubt already have an established relationship with the Villa manager given both of their previous connections to the Reds, and this could prove to be the deciding factor when it comes down the defender choosing where the next chapter of his career will be.

In other news… a reliable journalist has revealed that Villa are set to hold contract talks with one of their star players at the end of the season.

Manchester United are acting on a mega-money bid that would see Napoli striker Victor Osimhen trade the Serie A for the Premier League if it all comes to fruition.

What’s the word?

That is according to La Repubblica, via Sport Witness, who claim that Manchester United “have already come forward” for the 23-year-old striker “with an offer of €100 million” (£84m).

Corriere dello Sport’s report is along the same lines, with the outlet stating that Manchester United and Arsenal “may make a sacrifice (a big bid) that would make him happy.”

The report states that “Napoli would not falter” if they were “faced with an indecent proposal worth €110 million” (£92.5m), but would “let the deal happen.”

United’s “Lion Heart”

If there is one thing that Manchester United need in the side, it is heart. Previously dubbed a “Lion Heart”, Osimhen brings that in abundance.

The 23-year-old has had a tough upbringing. His mother died when he was still a child and his father lost his job three months later. He sold bottled water in the middle of traffic to help his family get by financially.

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It seems as though his work ethic has transitioned into his play style on the pitch, with Osimhen willing to graft from the front in order to win back possession for his side. The Nigeria international’s match average of 10.31 pressures in the attacking third are elite level, as per FBref, and fit perfectly with the pressing system that Erik ten Hag will seek to employ at the Old Trafford side.

Osimhen is enjoying yet another prosperous season at Napoli in Serie A, with his five times in a row.

With two goals) combined.

With his average of 3.89 shots total per 90, he pips that of Erling Haaland’s average of 3.65, with the Norwegian previously linked.

His threat up top could see him become a talismanic figure for the Red Devils, and with his link as a similar player to Erling Haaland, as per FBref, he could well be United’s version of the Dortmund sensation.

In other news: Man United now plotting bid to sign £70m “machine”, he’s a big upgrade on Martial

Tottenham Hotspur are understood to be keeping a close eye on transfer developments between Tomas Soucek and West Ham at the end of the season, according to Claret & Hugh.

The Lowdown: Breakdown in talks

The 27-year-old has reportedly held talks with David Moyes surrounding his future at the London Stadium, but they are said to have broken down as a result of the midfielder not being happy with the terms offered to him.

Discussions are set to be reopened once the current campaign has ended, with Soucek hoping for a more attractive deal to be placed on the table, considering that he has played 48 matches across all competitions for the Irons this term.

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However, if the Czech Republic captain’s relationship with West Ham turns hostile, it would appear that there is plenty of interest in his services elsewhere in the capital in the form of Tottenham.

The Latest: Conte’s a huge fan

In a new article published by West Ham news outlet Claret & Hugh, it is claimed that Spurs manager Antonio Conte is a ‘big admirer’ of Soucek and will be ‘ready to move’ should talks break down again in the coming months.

The report added that a source close to both clubs explained that the Italian ‘has the money’ to attempt a deal for the midfielder and would be ‘hopeful’ that Spurs can land him if a settlement fails to be reached.

The Verdict: Fellaini-esque signing

The £40.5m-rated talisman, who has previously been described as Fellaini-esque after receiving praise from the Belgian himself, currently averages 1.3 shots per league game and is winning 3.8 of his aerial duels per 90 minutes, via WhoScored, showing just how effective he can be at both ends of the pitch.

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel hailed Soucek as an “incredible” player earlier this season, so it’s no wonder that Conte is such a huge fan of the 27-year-old.

Despite it being more likely that the £47k-per-week colossus will stay with the Hammers as they are in desperate need of strengthening their midfield options, the possibility of playing football at the highest level in the Champions League in N17 could be too good of an opportunity for him to turn down.

In other news… one Spurs star has admitted that there has been a ‘radical change’ at the club since the arrival of Conte