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Kulusevski can fire Spurs to UCL

Tottenham Hotspur need just one point to secure their place in next season’s Champions League and standing in their way is an already relegated Norwich City side.

The Lilywhites head to Carrow Road in fine form, having defeated arch-rivals Arsenal and Burnley in recent outings to bolster their claims for a top-four finish.

Heading into kickoff, there have been some big doubts over the availability of Harry Kane, who had been struck down with illness during the week, though just as Antonio Conte alluded to in his pre-game press conference, there’s no way the England international is going to miss a game of this nature.

“Harry doesn’t want to miss this type of game. It means a lot to everyone at the club,” he said.

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Indeed, expect the talismanic striker to be in the starting XI.

If Spurs are to end the season with a bang, then Kane must be joined by Dejan Kulusevski, who was named on the bench against the Clarets last time out. He also was dealing with some sort of stomach bug in the build-up to that encounter, thus he wasn’t able to start.

Now fully recovered, the Swedish dynamo must take his place amongst that exciting and lethal front three.

Since arriving from Juventus on an initial loan deal on deadline day in January, Kulusevski has taken the Premier League by storm, registering three goals and eight assists from 19 appearances.

No Spurs player has managed more assists in the top-flight this term, which is pretty remarkable and goes to show the impact he’s made in such a short space of time. He’s also averaging 1.4 key passes (second-most) and 1.4 shots (third-most) per game, via WhoScored.

Once described as “explosive” by his fellow countryman Marcus Allback, we’ve certainly seen that side of his game and evidently, he offers a lot more than Lucas Moura, who has been usurped by the Juve man entirely.

Moura has managed only seven direct goal contributions in 33 league appearances, averaging just 1.1 shots and one key pass per outing, too.

The £31.5m-rated sensation’s form has been described as “ridiculous” by football.london reporter Alasdair Gold, as a result. His involvement, alongside Kane and Heung-min Son, could be exactly what Spurs need to seal their place in next season’s Champions League.

The trio, on form, could absolutely destroy a Canaries side devoid of confidence. Kulusevski must come straight back into the lineup this afternoon.

AND in other news, Alasdair Gold drops exciting Spurs transfer claim…

Rangers plot move for English defender

Rangers are plotting a summer bid for an English defender as Giovanni van Bronckhorst looks set to bolster his squad at Ibrox.

What’s the news?

That’s according to TEAMtalk, who understands that the Light Blues are keen on a deal for Cameron Humphreys.

The 23-year-old is now a free agent following his decision to leave Belgian club Zulte Waregem, although the Gers could face a battle over his signature, with English Championship sides Sheffield United and Middlesborough, along with newly-promoted Bournemouth, all ready to make a move for the player.

Humphreys was at Premier League champions Manchester City as a youngster, making two appearances for the club in the FA Cup.

Humphreys in, Bassey out?

Van Bronckhorst has had a good start to life as Rangers manager, securing the club’s first Scottish Cup in 13 years last week and leading them into the Europa League final, their first on the continent since 2008.

He will be under no illusions that the squad needs strengthening over the summer, though, with a few first-team players uncertain of their futures.

Given Aston Villa’s strong interest in Calvin Bassey, Humphreys could be the ideal replacement for the 22-year-old, who may well be tempted by a move to the Premier League and a reunion with Steven Gerrard.

The English centre-back was previously described as a “leader” by his former coach Simon Davies, and at 23 years of age, there is plenty of time to continue his development at the Ibrox side.

Losing Bassey would be a big blow to Rangers, especially after his performances this season. The 22-year-old has slotted into the centre of defence to partner Connor Goldson with ease, whilst also deputising for Borna Barisic at left-back when required.

Although Humphreys is a right-footed centre back, this is an area in which the Gers need reinforcements, especially when the futures of Goldson and Leon Balogun at Ibrox are uncertain.

Humphreys would be a great signing, and he still has plenty of years left to get even better.

AND in other news, Huge transfer twist emerges on Rangers summer target, supporters will be gutted

Everton eye move for Clement Lenglet

Everton are set to have a busy summer transfer window following a disappointing season in the Premier League, and now a new transfer target has emerged that could be the first signing to improve the squad.

What’s the latest?

According to Spanish news outlet SPORT, Everton are eyeing a move for Barcelona outcast Clement Lenglet this summer.

As per the report, the La Liga defender was not keen on an exit but has now accepted he is not in the current future plans of the club and is looking for a loan deal with an option to buy.

It is reported that Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United and Arsenal join Everton in keeping an eye on the player’s situation but no official moves have been made by any of the Premier League clubs as of yet.

Lampard needs him

There is no doubt that improvements are needed at Goodison Park and when you consider their defensive record in the Premier League last season, it is clear that Frank Lampard needs to acquire a player like Lenglet.

Everton faced a challenging relegation battle this season and only secured safety in their penultimate fixture in the league, which is a situation the Toffees won’t want to repeat again, so improving the defensive line is a huge must for the club when they’re identifying players to improve the squad.

Lampard’s side conceded the fifth-highest number of goals in the Premier League, and Jamie Carragher even branded the defence a “Championship back four” following their humiliating defeat to Spurs.

Lenglet who was hailed “world-class” by Didier Deschamps has been struggling for minutes at Barcelona but when he has played he has been efficient in his role as centre-back.

The £97k-per-week star has contributed one assist, created two big chances, made one tackle, completed two duels and offered up a 91% pass accuracy on average per game in his 21 La Liga appearances this season.

With that being said, making signings to improve the defence should be a huge priority for Farhad Moshiri this summer and if they can secure a deal for Lenglet it would be a major coup for the club over their competitors.

AND in other news: Everton can finally axe “waste of space” by signing £50m ace who is “Kante with goals”

Celtic: McLeish makes Hoops claim

Celtic could be set to enjoy a recruitment upper hand in the upcoming summer transfer window, according to former Rangers manager Alex McLeish. 

The lowdown: Instant impact

Appointed at Parkhead following the departure of Neil Lennon in June 2021, Postecoglou’s time in Glasgow has been nothing short of sensational so far.

Winners of the 2021/22 Scottish Cup and having regained the Scottish Premiership, the Hoops are on an upward trajectory under the 56-year-old Greek-Australian.

Much of the improvement at Celtic Park can be underpinned by Postecoglou’s smart recruitment that saw the likes of Liel Abada, Jota, Carl Starfelt and Kyogo Furuhashi flourish last term.

The latest: Ange’s advantage

Speaking to Football Insider in reaction to the Bhoys being linked with a move for the Manchester City duo Ko Itakura and Taylor Harwood-Bellis (Sky Sports), McLeish suggested that the former Yokahama F. Marinos bosses’ connections to the City Group could stand the club in a strong position this summer.

The Rangers TV pundit said: “It is good, of course, that you have close relationships. We saw with Ange Postecolgou, he brought some players in who ran their socks off for the manager and for Celtic.

“They ended up with great dividends, winning the league. You would think that the relationship they have is one where Postecoglou is the chooser rather than the recruitment guys that seem to have big say in loads of other clubs.

“You can see, all day long, that Postecoglou’s mark is on that Celtic team last season. It’s very much like Liverpool as well, who have got relationships with other clubs in Europe. The Porto signing, Diaz, was magnificent.”

The verdict: Exciting times

Fresh off the back of returning to the summit of Scottish football and with it securing Champions League group stage action next season, Celtic are in a strong position on and off the pitch heading into the transfer market.

Albeit a major overhaul isn’t expected to take place at Lennoxtown, arrivals and departures seem inevitable as Postecoglou continues to put his stamp on the squad whilst likely raiding the Japanese market once again, a process that would be aided immensely by the capture of either or both Harwood-Bellis and Ikatura.

Moreover, the financial boost given by confirmed Champions League participation should allow Celtic to enter an improved market, perhaps also helping to confirm the capture of loan stars Cameron Carter-Vickers and Jota.

In other news, a journalist has provided a key Celtic transfer update. Read more here.

Sunderland eye Cardiff winger Murphy

Sunderland have reportedly now registered an ‘interest’ in signing Josh Murphy on a free transfer.

The Lowdown: Out of contract

Murphy is out of contract at Cardiff City at the end of the month, meaning that he can leave as a free agent once it expires.

He spent the majority of last season on loan at fellow Championship side Preston North End, where he played 12 times in the division.

The Latest: ‘Interest’

Taking to Twitter, journalist Darren Witcoop of Reach PLC has revealed that the Stadium of Light outfit have now registered their ‘interest’ in signing Murphy, while they also remain interested in both Dion Sanderson and John Ruddy:

“Sunderland have registered their interest in signing winger Josh Murphy, who is available on a free. Alex Neil worked with Murphy at Norwich and is a big fan. Interest in Wolves defender Dion Sanderson and keeper John Ruddy as reported elsewhere remains.”

The Verdict: Avoid

Even though he can be signed for no transfer fee, Murphy is likely to demand a lot in wages to sign for the Black Cats.

He currently earns £25,000-per-week at Cardiff, more than any player on Wearside, and so they could have a problem in terms of trying not to break their wage structure.

The winger is not exactly the most prolific either, having managed just one goal and no assists in 14 games in total over all competitions last term (Transfermarkt).

Nonetheless, Murphy is a player that they should be avoiding as they look to strengthen their squad ahead of the new campaign.

In other news, find out what big SAFC deal is now ‘moving closer’ here!

Leeds: Journalist shares James Garner transfer update

Leeds United look set to miss out on midfield target James Garner to Nottingham Forest, according to Jacque Talbot.

The Lowdown: Leeds interested in Garner

Phil Hay revealed shortly after the end of the season that the 21-year-old was on the club’s list of midfield targets this summer. The Whites even made an enquiry to Manchester United over a possible move.

Garner, who was labelled ‘superb’ by Midlands journalists earlier this year, helped Forest to reach the Premier League last month after contributing to 14 goals in 49 games, but it looks as if a move to Elland Road won’t materialise.

The Latest: Talbot’s update

Talbot took to Twitter on Friday afternoon to provide an update on Garner, sharing a report from Football Transfers.

He revealed that Manchester United want to keep the midfielder permanently but will once again sanction a loan move back to the City Ground, tweeting: “Exc: Told Manchester United will fend off interest for James Garner as they wish to keep him permanently – but he will be loaned back to Nottingham Forest. Don’t think Everton or Leeds have a chance at this point.”

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The Verdict: First real transfer blow

Talbot believes that Leeds don’t have a chance when it comes to signing the 21-year-old, so it looks as if Victor Orta and co are set for their first big transfer blow of the summer.

The club had it their own way in securing deals for Brenden Aaronson and Rasmus Kristensen, but it looks as if they’ll be facing Garner next season instead of securing his services.

Midfield reinforcements are urgently needed at Elland Road, especially with Kalvin Phillips linked with an exit, so hopefully the club have better luck in their pursuit of Bayern Munich’s Marc Roca.

In other news: ‘In the last few minutes’ – Sky Sports drop live TV news; Leeds now free to secure third signing

Rangers transfer news on Morelos

BBC journalist Fraser Fletcher has revealed some Glasgow Rangers transfer news that he has now been ‘told’ from Ibrox on Alfredo Morelos.

The Lowdown: Uncertain future

With only a year left on his contract, Morelos now faces an uncertain future with the Gers.

He has been linked with a move away from the club this summer, with Sunderland striker Ross Stewart thought to be a potential replacement for the Colombia international.

The Latest: No offers

Taking to Twitter, Fletcher has revealed that interest in Morelos is ‘high’, although no offers have been put on the table for him as of yet, and the Teddy Bears want him to stay put:

“My sources tell me interest in Alfredo Morelos is high but no offers on table. I’m also told Rangers want him to stay at the club as his deal reaches its last year.”

The Verdict: Keep!

The Light Blues really need to be keeping hold of Morelos at all costs, and that means giving him the new contract that he deserves.

He was their top scorer in all competitions last season with a total of 19 goals, and has generally been a goal-scoring machine since stepping foot in Scotland.

The striker is still only 25 years of age as well, and so has not even reached his prime yet.

Thus, Morelos needs to be tied down as soon as possible, at the risk of losing him for a transfer fee that does not represent his true worth.

In other news, find out who RFC have now ‘approached’ to sign here!

Tottenham targeting Josko Gvardiol

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol, according to French journalist Nabil Djellit. 

The lowdown: More to come

Despite only leaving Dinamo Zagreb for Leipzig last summer, Gvardiol took to life in the Bundesliga with apparent ease and looks almost certain to have a bright future at the highest level.

The 20-year-old played a part in the club’s DFB-Pokal success during the 2021/22 campaign and is already a fully-fledged senior Croatia international, having amassed 97 first-team club outings despite his tender years.

As Antonio Conte looks to strengthen his squad at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Gvardiol looks to be on a shortlist of defensive targets for the Lilywhites…

The latest: ‘Taken information’

Taking to Twitter, journalist Djellit claimed that Tottenham have ‘taken information’ from Leipzig over the possibility of signing the 10-cap starlet this summer.

He stated: “Very good this season in the Bundesliga with RB Leipzig, Josko Gvardiol is targeted by Tottenham. The Spurs have taken information from the German club. The 20-year-old Croatian is under contract until June 2026. #Mercato #Spurs”

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The verdict: No brainer

The emergence of Cristian Romero last term was a standout reason behind the improvement under Conte, but with the future of Joe Rodon still in the balance and uncertainty remaining over Davinson Sanchez’s ability to perform at the top level, signing Gvardiol would be a superb piece of business from Tottenham.

Adept at left-back or in the heart of the defence, the Croatian – who was billed as a ‘top talent’ by football talent scout Jacek Kulig – earned an outstanding 7.10 Sofascore rating in 2021/22 whilst winning 5.9 duels and making 1.9 clearances and 1.8 interceptions per Bundesliga game last season.

Valued at £31.5m and under contract in Germany until 2026 (Transfermarkt), this would represent an expensive outlay for ENIC and Daniel Levy, but one which would likely be repaid over time considering Gvardiol’s potential longevity as a top performer in elite club football.

Manchester United: Fabrizio Romano gives Frenkie de Jong update

Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Manchester United and Barcelona are ‘finally’ getting closer to an agreement for Frenkie de Jong.

The Lowdown: De Jong transfer saga

The Red Devils have been heavily linked with a move for the 25-year-old ever since Erik ten Hag was announced as the new United manager towards the end of April.

Progress has been extremely slow regarding a move to Old Trafford, with reports suggesting that Ten Hag had persuaded De Jong to swap Spain for England.

Agreeing on a fee has proven the trickiest part of a potential transfer, with United having an opening offer worth €70m (£60.4m) in total turned down earlier this month.

The Latest: Romano’s update

Romano took to Twitter on Monday evening, revealing that United and Barcelona have now had ‘new direct contact’.

He added that ‘the agreement is finally getting closer as clubs are in talks about add-ons to reach €85m full package’, with the proposed deal potentially working out at somewhere in the region of £73m.

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The Verdict: Looking good

Romano’s update of an agreement edging closer is a big update considering the slow progress, it should be regarded as positive news from a Red Devils perspective.

However, until a transfer is signed on the dotted line from everyone involved, United supporters shouldn’t be getting ahead of themselves just yet.

Dharmesh Sheth has recently claimed that Old Trafford chiefs are ‘still prepared to walk away if they don’t get a reasonable deal’, but it looks as if everyone may come away from this saga happy, with De Jong potentially becoming the first marquee signing of the Ten Hag era in Manchester.

Liverpool: Jacobs drops transfer claim

CBS reporter Ben Jacobs has provided an update on the potential of further business from Liverpool during the summer transfer window. 

The lowdown: Liverpool’s signings so far

As things stand, the Reds have completed deals to bring Darwin Nunez, Calvin Ramsay and Fabio Carvalho to Anfield, whilst Takumi Minamino, Divock Origi and Sadio Mane have all been big-name departures.

Despite continuing speculation surrounding a potential move for a new midfielder, in particular Borussia Dortmund superstar Jude Bellingham, noises coming out of the red half of Merseyside have recently played down the prospect of further incomings before the 2022/23 campaign.

One informed source has now delivered his verdict on whether or not Jurgen Klopp will further reinforce the Anfield ranks…

The latest: ‘Sources at Liverpool…’

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jacobs has cited ‘sources’ at Liverpool as being content with the club’s summer’s transfer business up to now, albeit adding that another signings cannot be ruled out entirely.

He said: “There’s a fair amount of sources at Liverpool that are quite happy if this is just their window. So, that’s not to say that they’ll definitively say the door is shut on any players, but it is to say that they don’t need anybody else.”

The verdict: Money in the bank

Despite some hefty expenditures, Liverpool have currently only spent a net amount of £26.81m during the current transfer window, although the £37m January signing of Luis Diaz from FC Porto and the lucrative new contract for Mohamed Salah need to be factored into the summer spending scope.

However, with fringe players such as Ben Woodburn, Sheyi Ojo, Loris Karius and a plethora of youngsters all leaving the club either on loan or permanently, the wage bill at Anfield appears to have been granted a nice top-up and therefore should leave room for another potential addition.

Given the impressive record-breaking turnover in recent months and the double cup success of the 2021/22 campaign, FSG should be willing to sanction further arrivals if they are deemed necessary by Julian Ward and indeed Klopp.

With a somewhat ageing midfield and injuries to the likes of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita previously proving to be a major hindrance, there is certainly scope for at least one addition in the middle of the park; and should a genuine midfield target become available, then the club must remain open to acting swiftly.

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