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Tottenham Hotspur are currently in ‘talks’ to sign a ‘tenacious’ defender for manager Antonio Conte, according to a report from Italy.

The Lowdown: Spurs busy…

Amid all the noise surrounding Premier League star Yves Bissouma and his move to Spurs, it is reliably believed that the Lilywhites are not slowing down there.

Conte and transfer chief Fabio Paratici have allegedly earmarked more potential signings at Hotspur Way this summer with links having surrounded a possible new wing-back.

As per The Evening Standard, Tottenham’s head coach would ideally like one new full-back for each flank, both on the right and on the left.

The Latest: Tottenham ‘talks’ ongoing…

Now, according to a report by Corriere dello Sport (via Sport Witness), it appears the north Londoners are well and truly aiming to make Conte’s wish a reality.

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The Italian newspaper claims Tottenham are in negotiations to sign Destiny Udogie from Udinese as the player’s agents ‘continue their talks’ with both Spurs and Serie A giants Juventus.

The Verdict: Get it done?

The 19-year-old appears to be emerging as Serie A’s hottest defensive sensation, as backed by glowing endorsements from Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig, who believes the defender is a physical specimen.

He claims Udogie has many fine attributes, including his reputation as ‘hard working’ and a ‘tenacious tackler’ with ‘top pace and physicality’ – not to mention ‘superb’ technique (Facebook). The youngster averaged 1.8 tackles per game in Serie A this season while providing nine direct goal involvements (Whoscored).

We believe the left-wing-back may well be a fine option for Conte at Spurs and reliable reporters like Gianluca Di Marzio back that Tottenham are certainly in the mix for his signature.

In other news: ‘It is understood…’ – Sky Sports share major live TV transfer news out of Tottenham! Find out more here.

Liverpool’s interest in signing Chelsea forward Christian Pulisic this summer is ‘genuine’, according to talkSPORT’s Alex Crook.

The Lowdown: Pulisic linked with move

The 23 year-old American star could potentially be on the move this summer, having failed to make himself a regular starter under Thomas Tuchel.

Pulisic did cost Liverpool two points this season with a goal in the thrilling 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge back in January, but he was limited to just 13 starts in the Premier League overall.

The Reds have been linked with a move in recent days as a possible Sadio Mane replacement and it appears as though a transfer isn’t out of the question.

The Latest: Fresh update emerges

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Crook claimed that Liverpool’s interest in the man Jurgen Klopp called ‘fantastic’ is very real, but Darwin Nunez’s imminent arrival could change things:

“I think Liverpool’s interest is genuine, or it was before the Darwin Nunez deal really accelerated. So, whether they need another attacking player now, probably, I would say no.”

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The Verdict: One cook too many

Pulisic is an impressive young player who can still mature over time and it is easy to envisage him thriving for Liverpool, given his pace and trickery out wide.

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It is hard to see how the USA star would get regular playing time, however, considering Luis Diaz’s arrival in January, Nunez is set to join and the likes of Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino are also great options.

Pulisic could end up finding himself in a similar situation to the one he is in at Chelsea, and for the money Liverpool would have to pay, it wouldn’t be worth it.

In other news, Liverpool have been given hope over one signing. Find out who it is here.

Sunderland are reportedly now keen on signing Nathan Broadhead again for next season.

The Lowdown: ‘Sensational’ season

Broadhead enjoyed a ‘sensational’ season at the Stadium of Light, according to journalist and Black Cats supporter Josh Bunting.

The striker, who was on loan from Everton, scored 13 goals in 27 matches in total over all competitions for Alex Neil’s side, helping them win promotion to the Championship and subsequently earning him a call-up to the Wales national team.

The Latest: Sunderland return for Broadhead?

As per Liverpool World, Sunderland are now ‘keen’ on bringing Broadhead back next term, but they will face competition from Wigan Athletic, who were also promoted to the Championship this year.

However, the Latics are thought to be concerned about his injury record, which saw him miss 18 matches for the Wearside club in the most recent campaign.

The Verdict: No-brainer

Taking Broadhead back to the Stadium of Light, even if it is only on loan again, is surely a no-brainer for Sunderland given his performances and goal record in 2021/22.

Ross Stewart is currently the only recognised senior striker in Neil’s squad at the moment, and given the step up from League One, he will need some extra support up top.

Everton manager Frank Lampard already has a plethora of forward options at his disposal, so Broadhead may be allowed to go out on loan again in order to further his development.

In other news, find out what latest transfer link has left this Sunderland journalist buzzing!

Leeds United are interested in a deal to bring Gonzalo Plata to Elland Road in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Bolavip, who claim that Leeds have now joined the race for the Sporting Lisbon winger, who is also a €10m (£8.5m) target of Real Valladolid – the team with whom the 21-year-old spent the season on loan.

The report goes on to state that the Ecuador international’s representatives contacted a number of Premier League clubs regarding the availability of their client in the summer transfer window, with Victor Orta looking to have been convinced by the forward’s impressive campaign in Spain.

Raphinha 2.0

Considering just how much potential Plata evidently possesses, in addition to the fact that Raphinha looks almost certain to leave Elland Road in a €55m (£47m) deal in the coming months, it is easy to see why Orta would be interested in a move for the Sporting starlet this summer.

Indeed, over his 30 LaLiga 2 appearances this season, the £4.5m-rated talent played a pivotal role in Valladolid’s promotion back to the top flight of Spanish football, scoring six goals, registering five assists and creating five big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 1.5 shots, making 1.4 key passes and completing 2.3 dribbles per game.

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The 21-year-old forward also highly impressed in a defensive capacity, making an average of 1.8 tackles, 0.7 interceptions and winning 6.0 duels – at a success rate of 51% – per fixture.

These returns saw the player who Sam Tighe claimed has a “huge amount of talent” – as well as “lovely dribbling” ability and an “extremely hard” work rate – average an extremely impressive SofaScore match rating of 6.96.

For comparison, over Raphinha’s 35 Premier League appearances this season, the £40.5m-rated winger scored 11 goals, provided three assists and created ten big chances, in addition to taking an average of 2.5 shots, making 1.9 key passes and completing 1.8 dribbles per game – with these returns seeing the Brazil international average a SofaScore match rating of 6.97.

As such, while it is undeniable that the step up from LaLiga 2 to the Premier League will be a difficult one to make, it is abundantly clear that Plata boasts the ability to do so.

And, considering the youngster’s extremely similar profile to Leeds’ current 25-year-old wing wizard, should the Spaniard manage to get a deal over the line for the Ecuadorian this summer, the Sporting starlet could well prove to become Orta’s next Raphinha-style discovery at Elland Road.

AND in other news: “Talks ongoing…”: Romano reveals big Leeds transfer update that supporters will love

Tottenham Hotspur are in the frame to sign Barcelona defender Clement Lenglet, according to Spanish publication Sport. 

The lowdown

Barcelona forked out €35m (£29.8m) to sign the Frenchman from Sevilla in 2018, and he has since gone on to play 160 matches for the Blaugrana. However, he started only seven of their 38 La Liga games this season, and none of their six Europa League knockout fixtures.

The 26-year-old’s estimated Transfermarkt value has plummeted from an all-time high of £54m in December 2019 to just £12.6m now, an alarming decline.

Nonetheless, he is under contract for another four years and is thought to earn more than €10m per year (in excess of £160,000 per week).

Barcelona have already lined up the free agent signing of Andreas Christensen from Chelsea and would also like to bring Kalidou Koulibaly from Napoli, pushing Lenglet further down the pecking order.

The latest

The report from Sport claimed that Lenglet has no place in Xavi’s plans heading into next season.

For a time, he refused to countenance the idea of a summer move, but ‘in recent days’ his stance have softened and he is open to leaving the Nou Camp on loan so that he can retain his full salary.

There are ‘several clubs’ in the Premier League and Serie A who have ‘asked about’ the prospective signing of the defender. Among his English-based suitors are Spurs, who face competition from local rivals Arsenal, as well as Everton and Newcastle United.

The hope is that a ‘solution’ is now ‘close’ for the out-of-favour Frenchman.

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The verdict

Spurs would be investing in Lenglet in the hope that he could rediscover his top form under Antonio Conte. He has 15 caps for the reigning world champions France and featured at last summer’s European Championshi[.

Indeed, when he first appeared on the international scene in 2019, Les Bleus manager Didier Deschamps heralded the Barcelona defender as a ‘world-class’ addition to the squad.

Lenglet is a player with very strong distribution, even if he can lack concentration at times. It may be viewed as a gamble worth taking at Spurs, given that the 26-year-old would not command a transfer fee.

In other news, Antonio Conte greenlights this midfielder’s exit.

Aston Villa have stepped up their pursuit of Burnley’s James Tarkowski, according to reports.

What’s the word?

According to the Daily Mail, Villa have offered the Englishman a bumper wage deal in a bid to tempt him into a move to Villa Park this summer, with the 29-year-old set to be available on a free transfer once his existing contract expires at the end of June.

The report suggests that the Midlands outfit have made a ‘double-your-money’ offer of around £120k-per-week in an attempt to ward off interest from the likes of Everton and Fulham.

This update follows a report from Sky Sports earlier this week that suggested that Steven Gerrard’s side were ‘in talks’ with the two-cap international, having already confirmed the signing of Marseille youngster, Boubacar Kamara on a five-year deal.

The next Southgate?

Moving for a player who has just suffered relegation from the Premier League may not appear a wise move to some, although the £19.8m-rated warrior has seemingly shown enough in his 194 top-flight appearances to warrant a high profile move to an ambitious club.

While not a particularly glamorous addition – amid rumours regarding the likes of Sevilla’s Diego Carlos and Inter Milan’s Stefan de Vrij – Tarkowski could well be the solid presence that is needed for the Villans, with the club having actually conceded more goals than the Turf Moor outfit in the 2021/22 campaign.

In a side scrapping for their lives for much of the season under both Sean Dyche and Mike Jackson, the former Brentford man still managed to record a string of impressive statistics, averaging 5.2 clearances, 1.8 tackles and 1.4 interceptions per game, as well as winning 68% of his total duels.

Compared to those in his position across Europe’s top five leagues, the Manchester-born brute – who has been dubbed “outstanding” by Dyche – has also performed remarkably, ranking in the top 1% for both blocks and aerials won, as well as in the top 3% for clearances.

A sturdy and reliable defensive asset, the one-time Oldham man seemingly has similar characteristics to that of former Villa captain Gareth Southgate, the current England boss having spent six years of his playing career at the club.

Never flash nor a standout name, much like Tarkowski, the mild-mannered centre-back also had the toughness required in his game to be a success, with former Crystal Palace teammate Bobby Bowry insisting that “he [Southgate] would smash you” when needed.

The one-time Middlesborough man helped Villa to League Cup glory in 1996 and to an FA Cup final in 2000, with the hope being that Tarkowski can enjoy similar glory to that of his national team boss.

Gerrard and co will also be hoping, however, that it doesn’t end for the potential new signing as it did for Southgate, with the former England international departing the club in 2000 after relinquishing the captaincy and handing in a transfer request.

IN other news, Gerrard can now axe £20m “mistake” by signing £15m ace who’s “capable of leading” AVFC

According to reports in the Spanish media, some interesting transfer news has now come to light involving Manchester City and Villarreal defender Pau Torres.

The Lowdown: Txiki eyes 2021 move…

The Spain international, a name potentially familiar to Sky Blues, was heavily courted by City sporting director Txiki Begiristain.

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Marca, sharing some news in 2021, claimed the Premier League champions were very much in the running for Torres after Tottenham’s failed bid to sign him for ex-boss Nuno Espirito Santo.

Begiristain was allegedly ‘very well positioned’ to sign the 25-year-old with the Eastlands official even having an ‘excellent relationship’ to ‘those closest’ in Torres’ inner circle.

While a midfield heir to club legend Fernandinho and left-back is thought to be a priority at City (The Guardian), some links have also emerged to possible central defensive additions with Sport now sharing the latest.

The Latest: City re-join Torres race…

Following on from their interest before 2022, Sport now claim Pep Guardiola’s side have again ‘entered the bid’ for Torres alongside Spurs, Chelsea and arch rivals Man United.

They add that Villarreal are ‘increasingly aware’ their ‘prodigal son’ could depart in the next transfer market as Unai Emery prepares for life without a pivotal player.

The Verdict: Make a bid?

The least of Guardiola’s concerns is at centre-half given he has Ruben Dias, Aymeric Laporte, John Stones and Nathan Ake to choose from as a world class defensive quartet.

However, if one of the latter pair were to depart City given their lack of game time over 2021/2022, we believe Torres should be viewed as a top potential incoming.

The Etihad Stadium has been described as a ‘perfect’ move for Torres in recent seasons, especially taking into account his ability as a ball-playing central defender (La Liga expert Euen McTear).

Also described as ‘extraordinary’, the 6 foot 3 powerhouse has a release clause of £55 million which could well be value for money going by Torres’ reputation.

In other news: Man City officials sent to club as Pep and Txiki agree on perfect signing, find out more here.

West Ham United blew a two-goal lead against Premier League title-chasing Manchester City at the London Stadium this afternoon to draw 2-2 with Pep Guardiola’s side.

A Jarrod Bowen brace gave the Hammers a two goal advantage going into halftime before a Jack Grealish strike and a Vladimir Coufal own goal saw the visitors equalise.

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However, the Citizens blew a golden opportunity to complete the comeback and extend their lead at the top of the Premier League to six points as Riyad Mahrez missed a late penalty.

For West Ham, a top-six finish is still very much possible, however, the day was about Mark Noble who played in front of his home fans for the final time after an 18-year-long career with the east London outfit.

Although a victory would have been the icing on the cake, a poor defensive performance from left-back Aaron Cresswell contributed to the Irons’ collapse.

The Englishman recorded just 32 touches all match, fewer than the 48 of goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski.

Moreover, Cresswell managed to complete just 12 passes out of an attempted 17 at a 71% accuracy whilst providing zero key passes or crosses and just one successful long ball.

With the 32-year-old busy dealing with the attacking threat of City, the left-back made an impressive seven clearances. However, he only managed to make one interception, tackle and block respectively.

Furthermore, with just two duels won out of an attempted seven, Cresswell ended the match having lost 71.4%.

The 32-year-old has been a loyal servant for West Ham since joining from Ipswich Town in 2014 and, without Noble departing, is one of the Hammers’ longest-serving players.

Moreover, with 40 appearances in claret and blue this term, the defender has been a kingpin.

Therefore, this afternoon’s performance was particularly disappointing given his usual reliability as well as the fact that the Hammers were in an excellent position to secure a famous victory.

Manager David Moyes will certainly have a decision to make over the Englishman’s future though with his contract set to expire next summer.

At 32, the Scotsman may be tempted to look elsewhere for a new first-choice left-back, or at least one that will provide Cresswell with more competition next season, especially if the Hammers are to compete in Europe again after being let down today.

AND in other news: 11 games, 0 goals: Bilic made “huge mistake” on WHU dud who cost £2.5m per yellow card

Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira must unleash winger Michael Olise for the Eagles’ Premier League home match against Watford today.

The south London outfit recorded a deserved 2-1 win at Southampton last weekend as Wilfried Zaha’s added time strike saw Vieira’s men come from behind to secure victory on the south coast.

The Ivory Coast international didn’t start the match and neither did Olise, whilst fellow wide man Eberechi Eze scored his first goal since returning from injury.

However, on the right flank was Jordan Ayew, who has scored just twice all season and ought to be dropped. Therefore, the Palace boss has a big decision to make as to who he deploys out wide.

Olise had a 16-minute cameo last weekend at St Mary’s but, at just 20 years of age, is already a hugely exciting asset for the Eagles.

On the chalkboard

In his debut top-flight campaign, the Frenchman has scored four goals and provided a whopping eight assists across all competitions, making him the club’s joint-fifth top scorer for the season so far.

Whilst at Reading last season, Olise’s team-mate Sam Baldock described the youngster as “fearless” whilst also claiming that he is a “real talent”.

With Palace’s Premier League safety all but confirmed, Vieira can afford to tinker with his side to give him a better idea of who should remain in his plans for next season. Therefore, involving his fellow countryman from the start today offers virtually no risk whatsoever.

There’s no doubt that the £19.8m-rated playmaker will be in the 45-year-old’s mind regarding how to deploy him next season but, with so much potential, the young Frenchman deserves to see an improvement on this campaign’s 11 Premier League starts for 2022/23.

Moreover, against a Watford side hanging onto their top-flight status by a thread, the winger could certainly gain confidence from running riot against the league’s third-worst defence, which has conceded a whopping 69 goals in 34 matches.

Of course, there are other exciting talents knocking on the door to start today, but the sensation that is Olise certainly deserves to get the nod to start against the Hornets.

AND in other news: Vieira may finally axe “inevitable” 142-goal Palace dynamo as twist emerges

Liverpool have ‘registered an interest’ in signing “complete” defensive midfielder Aurélien Tchouameni this summer.

What’s the word?

According to Football Insider sources, the AS Monaco player is thought to be one of Liverpool’s top targets over the next few months as they look to bring him to Anfield as a long term replacement for captain Jordan Henderson and veteran James Milner.

A recruitment source told the outlet that the Reds have registered an interest in the Frenchman fter learning that Monaco are prepared to sell the player. It’s likely it will take a fee of no less than £50m to secure his services.

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However they are not the only ones interested, Football Insider also revealed last month that the Reds’ rivals for the Premier League title Manchester City also want him.

Klopp needs him

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp needs to sign a top-class midfield player this summer as he can’t keep relying on Jordan Henderson and James Milner. They are not only ageing but also aren’t up to the level of teammates Thiago and Fabinho.

The Reds have been competing on all levels this season and find themselves in a third Champions League final in five years. If they are to keep competing amongst Europe’s elite then they need to make improvements to their midfield.

Signing Tchouameni would represent that upgrade. Although he might not possess the experience or leadership of Milner or Henderson, he is better technically.

He has made 33 Ligue 1 appearances for Monaco this season and has been directly involved in four goals.

If you look at his defensive actions this season he has tackled a higher percentage of dribblers than both Liverpool players with 44.3% compared to Milner’s 41.2% and Henderson’s 30.2%.

He also has a higher pass completion percentage than both of them with 86.9% compared to Milner’s 81.8% and Henderson’s 83.2%.

Overall there is not much to separate the trio but the big difference is that he has much more room for improvement, and working under a manager as good as Klopp would allow him to reach his potential and be a key player at Anfield for years.

Liverpool have been linked with a whole host of midfielder but Tchouameni should very high on the list and would be considerably cheaper than some other options.

IN other news: Liverpool could finally replace Wijnaldum by signing £23.4m-rated “elite presser”…