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A move to Manchester City for Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips is now looking more likely, according to reliable reporter Ian Abrahams.

The Lowdown: Man City reportedly make Phillips offer

City have been heavily linked with a move for the 26-year-old over recent weeks, with the Premier League champions identifying the Leeds star as an ideal replacement for Fernandinho.

Pep Guardiola is thought to be a ‘huge’ fan of Phillips, with reports earlier this week claiming that the Etihad Stadium club have now made a formal offer.

A bid in the region of £50m could well be enough for Leeds to part ways with the defensive midfielder, who is entering the final two years of his current contract.

The Latest: Abrahams shares Phillips update

Abrahams took to Twitter late on Wednesday evening to provide an update regarding Phillips’ future.

He said: “From what I’m hearing it’s looking more likely now Kalvin Phillips could be set to leave @LUFC for @ManCity this summer.”

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The Verdict: Inevitable?

It does look as if a move to the Etihad is gathering pace for Phillips, with Transfermarkt citing the probability of such a deal at 63%.

City are visualising an agreement at around £45m to £50m, and should one materialise, it is vital that Leeds reinvest those funds over the coming months.

Marc Roca is set to become the Whites’ third signing of the summer but was viewed as competition for Phillips and not a replacement, so Andrea Radrizzani and Victor Orta may need a further two central midfielders to truly replace the England international.

In other news: Radrizzani and 49ers ready to pay fee for ‘huge’ talent as Orta works on next Leeds move

Frank Lampard is under pressure to get his summer recruitment spot on if he wants to remain at Everton for the long haul.

Narrowly avoiding relegation from the Premier League with a 3-2 victory over Crystal Palace in their penultimate match last season won’t keep the fans on board for very long.

He appears to have made a solid start, with James Tarkowski close to signing for the Toffees and there will surely be more to come.

With there being plenty of areas to improve in the Everton squad, there could be a lot of transfer activity this summer. The likes of Jonjoe Kenny and Cenk Tosun leaving the club could free up wages for more attractive signings.

Portuguese outlet O Jogo (via Sport Witness) have claimed that Everton are interested in Porto winger Otavio, with Lampard looking to bolster his squad. They have made an enquiry but may have to pay up to €60m (£51.4m).

The player earns £29k-per=week at his current club and that will be expected to rise if a move to the Premier League materialises.

With the news that Brazilian forward Richarlison wants to leave the club, there could be a large transfer kitty that Lampard could utilise, and signing Otavio would be a wise move.

Although largely deployed on the right-hand side of midfield, Lampard may utilise his attacking potential and push him further forward where he can feed Dominic Calvert-Lewin plenty of chances, he notched nine league assists last season.

He isn’t shy of getting stuck in defensively either, something that Everton missed last season. Compared to positional peers in the top five leagues, Otavio ranks in the top 1% for pressures (28.99 per 90) and tackles (3.03), proving that he has the ability to be a success at both ends of the pitch.

He was dubbed “phenomenal” following a performance for Portugal and at 27 years of age, he could be about to approach his peak years.

It would be an expensive move but it could just prove game-changing to get Everton back to winning ways and Calvert-Lewin back among the goals.

AND in other news, Everton “still interested” in signing £107.8m duo this summer, Lampard will love them…

Everton are interested in making a move for Wolves winger Adama Traore in the summer transfer window, according to a fresh transfer rumour.

The Lowdown: Traore out of favour under Lage

The winger struggled to become a key man under Bruno Lage last season, starting a total of just ten Premier League matches for the Wanderers.

He was then shipped out on loan to Barcelona, where he also failed to impress, starting well but eventually falling out of favour at the La Liga giants.

Traore will return to Wolves this summer but it could be that a permanent exit comes to fruition, despite being hailed as ‘fantastic’ by BBC pundit Tim Sherwood.

The Latest: Everton keen on move

According to Football Insider sources, Everton are interested in snapping up the 26-year-old, as Frank Lampard looks at attacking reinforcements ahead of next season.

A bid of £20million should be enough for Wolves to accept, with former Molineux Director of Football Kevin Thelwell now at Everton, having bought Traore back in 2018. That could be key to a deal being done.

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The Verdict: Right time to sell

This feels like an ideal time for Traore to move on permanently from Wolves, considering Lage likely doesn’t see him as an important part of his future plans.

The club could receive a hefty amount for his services, which could then be spent on players the manager actually wants, as he looks to improve his squad this summer.

The fact that Traore’s current Wolves deal expires next summer means they could lose him on a free transfer at that point, further highlighting why now is the time to sell.

In other news, Wolves have been linked with a move for one player after a meeting took place. Read more here.

Liverpool are still in contention to sign AS Monaco star Aurelien Tchouameni, according to a report from French outlet L’Equipe (via Sport Witness). 

The lowdown: Familiar rivals

Fresh off the back of falling to defeat in Paris at the hands of Real Madrid, the Reds have seemingly been battling the La Liga giants off the pitch too for the capture of Tchouameni for some time.

Recent reports suggested that Los Blancos were in the box seat to sign the 22-year-old sensation, however, speculation continues to rumble on with Paris Saint-Germain also in the mix.

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Now a fresh report from one reputable French source has shed some light on the situation…

The latest: Reds still in the hunt

As per L’Equipe, translated by SW, Liverpool are believed to be preparing to ‘try their luck again’ following the final heartache.

It’s claimed that the Anfield club have ‘followed’ the eight-cap ace for a prolonged period and at one stage Tchouameni was ‘more tempted’ by the prospect of a move to work under Jurgen Klopp.

The report also states that Real Madrid have ‘recently improved’ their offer to sign the French youngster hailed as the ‘complete player’ by France national team manager Didier Deschamps.

The verdict: Statement required

After losing the 2018 Champions League final against the same opposition, Liverpool swiftly secured the capture of a midfield enforcer and now Klopp favourite, Fabinho, from no other than Ligue 1 side AS Monaco.

Pulling off a nigh-on identical move some four years later would be just the tonic needed to boost morale amongst Reds fans.

Also predominantly operating as a defensive midfielder, Tchouameni would provide much-needed cover for the Brazilian in a position the Liverpool ranks are currently dangerous light in. Very strong aerially and in the tackle (WhoScored), the French powerhouse shares similar characteristics to Fabinho and would likely be viewed as the long term successor for the role.

Already boasting 17 goal involvements in just 133 domestic career outings, the £36million valued apprentice to be could even present a more well-rounded overall package than his potential Brazilian mentor.

Put simply, this is a battle for a high calibre player that FSG, newly appointed sporting director Julian Ward and Klopp himself should be pulling out all the stops to get over the line and get one over their conquerors in Paris.

In other news, Liverpool ‘willing’ to sanction £42.5million move for La Liga starlet. Find out more here

West Ham United manager David Moyes is now ‘ready’ to offload another member of his Premier League squad this summer, according to reports.

The Lowdown: West Ham exodus begins?

As per the Evening Standard, the 59-year-old seems to be orchestrating a significant summer overhaul as he steps up transfer talks, with the club already confirming four departures.

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Ryan Fredericks, Andriy Yarmolenko, David Martin and the retiring Mark Noble will all leave the London Stadium upon the expiry of their contracts, with speculation also continuing to surround Tomas Soucek’s future.

According to recent claims, West Ham could listen to offers for the Czech Republic midfielder, with club insider Claret & Hugh now claiming that Moyes is ‘ready’ to offload another player.

The Latest: Moyes ready to axe Vlasic…

According to their information, the Scotsman ‘appears to be ready to cut his losses’ on 2021 summer signing Nikola Vlasic and will ‘try to recover whatever he can’ from selling the Croatian.

The club, and by extension GSB, have allegedly ‘sanctioned his potential sale’ as they give the green-light for the 24-year-old to leave.

The Verdict: Right call?

Despite a phenomenal season with former club CSKA Moscow before joining the east Londoners, Vlasic’s lack of opportunities under Moyes during his debut campaign with West Ham is perhaps an indicator that he just doesn’t quite cut it at Rush Green.

Over the 2020/21 season, he averaged a brilliant rate of four shots at goal per 90 in the Russian Premier League whilst racking up 11 goals and five assists (WhoScored), standing out as a consistent threat.

However, starting just six top-flight matches for West Ham over 2021/22, he hasn’t been given much of a chance to replicate his CSKA form for the Irons, and it may be best for both player and club to agree an amicable departure.

In other news: Offer ready: West Ham leap ahead of European giants in race for £21m forward! Find out more here.

Everton need to make big changes and improvements at Goodison Park to ensure they don’t find themselves in another Premier League relegation battle next season and now a new name has been linked with a move to the club this summer.

What’s the latest?

According to NBC Sports journalist Roberto Rojas, Everton are interested in signing Newcastle United’s Miguel Almiron.

Rojas tweeted: “Sources tell me that Miguel Almiron is highly praised by Eddie Howe & the NUFC brass but would also like to play a huge part at the club next season.

“Everton, Fulham, Sevilla & Napoli are among the clubs interested in the Paraguay international should a transfer be needed.”

Supporters will be delighted

The fact that the club are identifying players to bring in to improve the squad will surely delight supporters, especially after such a disappointing season. The prospect of fresh players with fresh perspectives being brought into the team is promising for the Toffees.

The versatile Paraguayan has been deployed in a number of positions at St James’ Park but has found his most effective position under Eddie Howe in the attacking midfield role this season.

According to SofaScore, Almiron has scored one goal and created one big chance, making 1.6 tackles and taking 1.1 shots on average per game, whilst winning the majority of his duels (51%) and proving successful in the majority of his dribbles (68%).

That’s evidence that he is more than capable of getting stuck in and imposing himself on opponents to get into good attacking positions.

With Donny van de Beek returning to Manchester United following his loan spell at Goodison Park and Allan and Andre Gomes reportedly set to be offered out this summer, there is a potential opportunity for Almiron to make the move to Merseyside and have the opportunity to make an instant impact in the side.

Ultimately, Lampard will be wanting to get his transfer business wrapped up quickly so he can get his team ready for next season and will need to act fast if Almiron becomes an option with so many other clubs reportedly interested in the Magpies midfielder too.

AND in other news: Forget Richarlison: Everton eye move for “fantastic” £60k-p/w gem, Lampard loves him

Newcastle United have reportedly now made contact to sign Paulo Dybala on a free transfer in the summer.

The Lowdown: Out of contract

After failing to agree on a new contract with Juventus, Dybala will now leave the Old Lady as a free agent this summer – the player said a tearful goodbye to the Allianz Stadium last weekend.

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Currently valued at £36m on the market, whoever is able to sign him would be saving a lot of money by snapping him up for no transfer fee, getting a proven Champions League and international goalscorer in the process.

The Latest: Newcastle contact

Writing in his latest piece for Tribal Football, transfer insider Rudy Galetti has revealed that the St. James’ Park faithful are just one of a number of clubs who have made contact with Dybala’s agent Jorge Antun ‘in recent days’.

Both Manchester United and Arsenal have as well, with FC Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan also thought to be interested in his signature.

The Verdict: No-brainer

It is surely a no-brainer for the North East club to sign a player of Dybala’s quality on a free transfer.

Dubbed ‘world-class’ by former Tottenham Hotspur England goalkeeper Paul Robinson, the Argentina international has more than 200 goal contributions for both club and country combined over the course of his footballing career so far, and is a big name that would help attract other quality players to Tyneside.

Nonetheless, he is in his prime at 28 years of age, which the Magpies can really benefit from both on the pitch and on the commercial side of things.

In other news, find out which ‘golden boy’ NUFC remain keen on signing here!

Sunderland journalist James Copley has now revealed some big news ahead of their League One play-off final against Wycombe Wanderers next week.

The Lowdown: One game away

After knocking out Sheffield Wednesday over two legs in the play-off semi-final, Alex Neil knows that his team are only one game away from Championship football.

Beating Wycombe will be an uphill battle though, as they knocked out third-placed MK Dons, and of course were promoted themselves a couple of years ago, with much of the squad who know what it takes still in tact.

The Latest: VAR considered

Taking to Twitter, Copley of The Sunderland Echo has revealed that goal-line technology will be used at Wembley Stadium for the clash, and VAR is ‘under consideration’:

“Goal-line tech to be used during Sunderland-Wycombe at Wembley. Understand no decision on VAR yet but it is under consideration.”

A final decision on the use of VAR is set to be made later this week.

The Verdict: Use it

Yes, VAR has not been used for the entirety of the League One season, but this is too huge an occasion to sacrifice accuracy for consistency – there is no reason not to make use of it.

It has been suggested that the clubs competing in the Championship play-offs would welcome the use of VAR, and so this should trickle down to both League One and League Two.

Nonetheless, the technology is simply there to help the referees get the right decisions, and with so much at stake, they should be given every tool possible to do so.

In other news, find out which Black Cats loanee is now set for a new deal here!

Manchester United are working on contract details over a move for Ajax assistant manager Mitchell van der Gaag, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Van der Gaag links

Erik ten Hag was announced as United’s new manager last month, with the Dutchman penning a contract at Old Trafford through to 2025.

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He quickly gave the green light to Red Devils chiefs to secure a move for Van der Gaag, who has served as Ten Hag’s assistant at Ajax for 46 games.

However, despite Van der Gaag accepting a position in Manchester, a deal is yet to be sealed, but it looks as if United are getting closer.

The Latest: Romano’s post

Romano took to Twitter in the early hours of Tuesday morning to provide an update on United and Van der Gaag.

He revealed the club are working on contact details for the assistant manager to join Ten Hag, labelling it as an ‘important addition’ with an ‘agreement getting closer’.

“Manchester United are working on the details of the contract to bring Mitchell van der Gaag at the club from Ajax, as part of Erik ten Hag coaching staff.

“Van der Gaag has been considered an important addition for months – agreement getting closer. Talks ongoing.”

The Verdict: Fingers crossed

Ten Hag is seemingly keen to bring Van der Gaag with him to Old Trafford, so this update appears to be good news ahead of the transfer window opening, where the United boss will more than likely be extremely busy with incomings and outgoings.

A move for the Ajax assistant would be Ten Hag’s first and perhaps most important piece of business as United manager, and it looks as if it could be just a matter of time until a deal is over the line.

Of course, there could still be hiccups, with reports last month suggesting Van der Gaag could succeed Ten Hag as Ajax manager, but Romano’s latest update points to an Old Trafford move.

In other news: Man Utd now leading race to sign star striker for Ten Hag in big deal

Newcastle United have successfully been able to turn their latest Premier League season around after being in and around the relegation zone for the first half of the campaign.

Since January, the Magpies have only lost four games in the league, winning 10 and drawing two.

The January transfer window has turned out to have been a crucial period for the Toon as they brought in a number of new players to help get their campaign back on track.

Now that the summer transfer window is on the horizon, this could give the Tyneside club the opportunity to once again make some changes to their squad that they deem necessary ahead of their first full season with PIF in charge.

One figure with whom the Toon have been linked and who could be a vast upgrade on one of their current squad members is Brighton midfielder Yves Bissouma.

According to a recent report from The Mirror, the Mali international is on a list of potential summer transfer targets for the Toon.

In terms of what he could offer Howe’s side in comparison to current Magpies midfielder Jonjo Shelvey, the Brighton monster would be a big upgrade in terms of his defensive talents.

With the pair both playing more than 30 games for their respective clubs in the current league campaign, Bissouma has more tackles, pressures, interceptions, blocks and clearances than the Newcastle man.

On the ball, the 25-year-old has made more passes and racked up a higher pass completion percentage (89.7%) than Shelvey (80.2%).

To further highlight the Brighton star’s capabilities on the ball, he has successfully completed 29 dribbles compared to Shelvey’s nine.

Back in September, Bissouma earned hefty praise from Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers, who said of the midfield maestro: “I think he is a top player he does a great job defensively, he can press the game, he is aggressive, he intercepts, he blocks, he tries to get them on the front foot.

“Physically he has good physicality, he gets around the pitch, he is mobile, agile and tactically he looks strong around the game.

“He utilises empty space and technically he is very good, he touches the ball, he passes it, and has good awareness of space.”

Taking all this into account, securing a deal for the £29k-per-week Brighton ace should be at the top of Newcastle’s priorities for the summer transfer window.

In other news: Newcastle eyeing swoop for “cold” £60m machine, he’d be “fabulous” for Howe