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Tottenham Hotspur are interested in a deal to bring Sven Botman to the Premier League in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to Jack Pitt-Brooke, with the journalist revealing in a recent article for The Athletic that Fabio Paratici is tracking the Lille centre-back ahead of a potential move this summer, as the Italian has identified the 22-year-old as an alternative target to Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni.

However, Pitt-Brooke added that both AC Milan and Newcastle United are also very interested in a move for the Netherlands under-21 international, while the defender is also said to have less experience in operating on the left of a back three.

Regarding Spurs’ interest in the Dutchman, the journalist wrote: “They have also been monitoring Sven Botman, who has less experience in a back three, and is currently being pursued by Milan and Newcastle United.”

The next Sergio Ramos

Considering the sheer amount of potential Botman undoubtedly possesses, it is not difficult to see why Paratici would be keen on a deal to bring him to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this summer.

Indeed, over his 25 Ligue 1 outings in 2021/22, the £27m-rated left-footer was in fantastic form for Jocelyn Gourvennec’s outfit, helping his side to keep eight clean sheets, in addition to making one interception, one tackle and 4.5 clearances and winning four duels (at a success rate of 66%) per game.

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The £18k-per-week centre-back also impressed going forwards, bagging three goals and providing his team-mates with one assist, along with completing 53.4 passes and 4.1 long balls and taking 0.6 shots per match.

These metrics saw the player who Christophe Galtier dubbed a “leader” earn a sensational SofaScore rating of 7.10, ranking him as Lille’s best player in Ligue 1.

As a result of these impressive returns, FBRef list Botman’s most comparable players as some of the most promising up-and-coming defensive talents currently playing the game, such as Juventus’ Matthijs de Ligt, Bayer Leverkusen’s Jonathan Tah and Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi – who is another of Spurs’ reported targets this summer.

Furthermore, in an interview with David Ornstein last year, the 22-year-old revealed that he models his game on that of a Real Madrid legend, with the Dutchman stating: “I looked a lot at Sergio Ramos. I like his attitude. When he comes on the field he’s like: ‘I’m the boss, everyone has to listen to me.’ I also think some attackers are… not afraid, but holding back [when they face him]. Maybe it’s because of his attitude, his confidence.”

As such, should Paratici manage to get a deal over the line for Botman this summer, it would appear that the Italian could well have landed the next Ramos for Spurs, something which is sure to be a hugely exciting prospect for Antonio Conte.

However, with Newcastle reported to be closing in on a £30m deal for the Lille starlet, Paratici must act quickly if he is to have any chance of luring the defender to north London in the coming weeks.

AND in other news: Parartici can seal “unreal” deal in £30m bid for Spurs target who’s “different gravy”

According to reports out of Spain, there has been a major Tottenham Hotspur transfer update on their pursuit of Villarreal star defender Pau Torres.

The Lowdown: Spurs eye agreement…

As backed by Sky Sports (via Get Italian Football News), manager Antonio Conte is keen to add the international to his ranks at Spurs with there being rumours of an attempted agreement.

It is believed that the Lilywhites are determined to sign Torres after sealing their place in the Premier League top four last season, even offering a sweetener in midfielder Giovani Lo Celso.

The north Londoners are apparently willing to include their Argentine ace in a part-exchange with reporter Xavi Jorquera Márquez of Cadena SER sharing a big update on the situation.

The Latest: Villarreal make choice known…

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According to the radio journalist, Villarreal’s preference over Torres’ next destination is crystal clear.

He explains that, due to the Lo Celso factor, Unai Emery’s side would prefer if the 25-year-old joined Spurs over any other team with his output ‘being negotiated’.

Marquez stated (via Twitter):

“Output is being negotiated.

“The choice of Villarreal CF is obvious. He prefers that Pau go to Tottenham to accelerate and close once and for all, without details to polish, Gio’s operation.”

The Verdict: Promising claim…

As Man United and Man City also eye a move, this update comes as a promising one with Conte allegedly eager to add a world class defender to his ranks before 2022/2023.

Called ‘sensational’ by national team boss Luis Enrique, Torres was a mainstay in La Liga over last season – playing the second-most league minutes and averaging the joint-highest rate of aerial duels won per 90 (WhoScored).

A colossal presence, his signing would be a big boost for Spurs.

In other news: ‘What is this witchcraft’? – Media thrilled by ‘great’ transfer news out of Tottenham! Find out more here.

Leeds United have firmed up their interest in Birmingham City midfielder George Hall, according to The Daily Mail.

The Lowdown: Hall links

Hall, described as a ‘really exciting’ player who can ‘influence games’, was heavily linked with a move to Elland Road back in April.

The 17-year-old can play in midfield, on the wing or even as a centre-forward, and made two Championship appearances for the Blues last season.

The England Under-18 international was also attracting interest from Newcastle, but it looks as if Leeds chiefs are ready to land the highly-rated youngster following a move for RB Salzburg right-back Rasmus Kristensen.

The Whites are now confident of landing the Salzburg defender, so it’s no surprise to see them already plotting their next move…

The Latest: Leeds update

The Daily Mail provided an update regarding Hall and Leeds on Tuesday afternoon.

They claimed that Leeds have firmed up their interest in Hall and are willing to make a seven-figure offer in order to bring the versatile player to Elland Road.

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The Verdict: Next U23 addition?

Leeds have regularly looked to add to their Under-23 ranks since promotion to the Premier League and have reaped the rewards with Illan Meslier and Joe Gelhardt two prime examples of players establishing themselves as first-team regulars.

It appears as if Hall could be the next talent to move to Thorp Arch and aim to break through into Jesse Marsch’s first-team plans, with Brighton another side name-checked with an interest in the Birmingham teenager.

Hall is clearly a youngster in demand, but it looks as if Andrea Radrizzani and the 49ers Enterprises are willing to write a seven-figure cheque relatively soon, so this could be one to keep a close eye on.

In other news – £34m release clause: Leeds now interested in move for ‘special talent’ who Marsch loves

Leeds United will now ‘go for’ a striker during the summer window, transfer insider Dean Jones has told GiveMeSport.

The lowdown

Jesse Marsch has already made his first signing as Whites manager, kicking off the club’s summer business with a £25m deal for Brenden Aaronson from RB Salzburg.

The 48-year-old already has the likes of Patrick Bamford, Joe Gelhardt and Daniel James available as centre-forward options, but he may be unsure whether he can depend on the former over the course of the season after injury restricted the 28-year-old to just nine Premier League appearances in 2021/22.

Gelhardt may have been deemed too inexperienced to lead the line at this stage, having only turned 20 earlier this month and made just 22 senior appearances for the club; while James might lack the required potency in front of goal, having netted only four times in 37 outings in the most recent campaign.

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The latest

Jones expects three more significant signings to follow Aaronson through the door at Elland Road over the summer, saying that one of those will undoubtedly be a centre-forward.

He told GiveMeSport: “I think, realistically, four good signings is probably what you could expect because of the way the market is going to be in terms of the value of people.

“They’re going to go for a striker, there’s no doubt about that.”

The verdict

Who could the new striker potentially be?

The Athletic’s Phil Hay has previously reported that the Whites would like to sign a Premier League marksman, and journalist Pete O’Rourke has suggested that Liverpool’s Takumi Minamino and Chelsea’s Armando Broja, who spent last season on loan at Southampton, are potential targets.

Marsch may potentially lean towards Minamino because, according to O’Rourke, the Leeds manager ‘knows all about him from his time at Salzburg’. Indeed, the current Anfield ace played 22 times under Marsch in Austria, helping himself to 20 goal contributions in that time.

That surely wouldn’t be a bad thing for Leeds given that the Japan international bagged another 10 goals this season for Liverpool, impressively averaging one for every 101 minutes of action.

In other news, Leeds are the ‘most interested’ club in this transfer battle

Leeds United journalist Beren Cross has confirmed outcast full-back Laurens De Bock is set to leave the club this summer. 

The lowdown: Lesser-seen signing

Signed as part of the ongoing Victor Orta led transfer regime at Elland Road in 2018, De Bock cost a reported £1.5million from Belgian side Club Brugge.

However, the versatile defender only made seven appearances for the Whites at the start of the 2018/19 campaign before being loaned out to KV Oostende and subsequently spending time at Sunderland and ADO Ten Haag prior to his most recent spell with Zulte Waregem.

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Now as the end of the current campaign comes to an end and with it the latest in a long line of temporary moves for De Bock, one reputable Leeds voice has delivered an update on the Belgian’s future…

The latest: ‘Finally’

Responding to questions in a Q&A for Leeds Live, Cross dealt with what happens next regarding the former Belgium youth international.

He explained: “De Bock’s deal finally expires this summer and he will walk away as a free agent.”

This confirms previous reports that the player is not expected to play again for Leeds.

The verdict: Best possible outcome

While it’s incumbent upon Leeds to deal with De Bock throughout the duration of his contract in Yorkshire, it’s felt for some time now as if the writing has been on the wall for the 29-year-old.

Despite the ongoing injury plight that has plagued the ranks this term, it’s perhaps telling that perennial loanee’s absence hasn’t been derided as this season the Belgian has made 30 appearances across all competitions in his homeland.

When the defender does leave on a free, additional funds should be made available for wages, something that could be key whether Jesse Marsch is attempting to attract players to either plot a Championship promotion push or a more successful Premier League campaign.

In other news: Orta now eyeing transfer move for exciting winger even if Leeds are in the Championship. 

Pundit Danny Mills has been reacting to rumours of Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins potentially moving to West Ham, Football Insider report.

The Lowdown: West Ham links

Watkins has been a regular this season, missing just one game since Steven Gerrard took over back in November. The 26-year-old has been in fine in front of goal over recent months, which has resulted in links of a move to the London Stadium.

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David Moyes’ side are exploring the possibility of signing the England international, with Villa likely to demand £50m for his services after suggestions Gerrard would be willing to cash in this summer.

The Latest: Mills’ comments

Mills, who contributes for Sky Sports, was talking to FI regarding Watkins amid rumours of a move to West Ham.

He said he’d be ‘surprised’ if Watkins left Villa Park this summer, as he would need to be replaced, questioning if a £50m price tag was fair.

“It’s an interesting one, isn’t it? Because he has done pretty well.

“But you do think there is perhaps something just missing. Something that isn’t quite there in some of his performances.

“Is £50million a lot? Maybe West Ham would be the club for him. He’s good but he’s not outstanding week in and week out.

“I’m sure Villa want to keep him. He hasn’t been disastrous in any shape or form and if he goes he has to be replaced.

“So I would be surprised if he went this summer. You have to remember he came from the Championship and he was down there for a reason.

“You have to find your level and work to get that Premier League quality. Maybe over the next couple of seasons, he will get there.”

The Verdict: Fair price

Watkins is Villa’s most valuable asset, as per Transfermarkt and appears to be at the top of his game with a career-high £31.5m valuation. Therefore, a £50m fee should be the least Villa receive should they decide to part ways with the forward this summer, given that his contract still runs until 2025.

This is a young England international under contract for a further three years and has once again hit double figures for goals in a sixth successive league campaign, so a big-money exit could be one to keep a close eye on, with Jonathan David and Luis Suarez linked to possibly come in.

In other news: Journo reveals Villa now eyeing ‘surprise’ move for 201-goal attacking midfielder 

A big Newcastle United claim has emerged on their potential interest in Kalvin Phillips heading into the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie has suggested that the Magpies might be looking at his situation as his team fight against the drop in the Premier League.

The Whites are currently 17th in the table and ahead of Burnley by one point with the Clarets having a game in hand over them.

When asked about a possible swoop for the England international, Downie told Football FanCast: “I just think Newcastle might be a really interesting move because he can be part of that project that I’ve mentioned before.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if that’s one that Newcastle are really are kind of keeping a close eye on with Leeds’ perilous position at the moment.”

Supporters will be excited

The Toon supporters will surely be excited by this claim from Downie as the prospect of Newcastle making a swoop for Phillips if Leeds drop down to the Championship is a tantalising one.

He has proven himself in the Premier League and would be an excellent signing to add to Eddie Howe’s midfield options.

The England international is a combative midfield player who can get fans excited with his tackling in the middle of the park. He has the tenacity and ability to fly into tackles and set up attacks by winning the ball back off the opposition, which will surely get the fanbase off their seats in appreciation of his effort.

In the Premier League this season, he has made 3.8 tackles and interceptions per game for Leeds. This comes after he made 4.2 in 2020/21 – his first campaign in the top-flight – and he has won 4.8 duels or more per match across both seasons.

Ball-winning is not Phillips’ only attribute as he completed 4.7 long passes per game last term – creating 35 chances in 29 matches. He provided five ‘big chances’ and this form led to him being selected seven times for England at the European Championships last summer, illustrating how highly rated he is within the game.

This proves that he has quality in possession and can make an impact going forward to go along with his strong defending.

Therefore, fans will be excited by Downie’s comments and may now be rooting for relegation for Leeds if it means that the club can swoop for Phillips in the summer, with all due respect to the Yorkshire-based side.

AND in other news, “They expect..”: NUFC closing in on colossal summer signing, supporters will be elated…

Former Scotland striker Frank McAvennie has warned Newcastle United against making a move for Manchester United attacking midfielder Jesse Lingard this summer. 

The lowdown: Newcastle interest in Lingard

This comes after the Magpies were linked with a move for the 29-year-old amidst interest from West Ham United, where the former England regular enjoyed a magnificent revival whilst on loan last season.

Lingard directly contributed to 14 goals in just 16 Premier League outings for the Hammers in 2021 before returning to a bit-part role at Old Trafford, starting just twice in the current league campaign.

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With his Red Devils contract now set to expire amid a low-key exit from his boyhood club, the Toon have been advised to steer clear of Lingard…

The latest: McAvennie slams Lingard

Speaking to Football Insider, McAvennie suggested that the 32-cap England midfielder’s apparent lack of ambition this season should be enough evidence for Eddie Howe to avoid making a move for him.

The 62-year-old explained his scepticism of Lingard by saying: “He’s a talent but if he’s going to Newcastle he’s going for the money.

“He’s just sat about this season. I don’t get it. He had the chance to go last summer? Why didn’t he take it?

“He’s lost his England place. The way he has handled himself doesn’t sit right with me. If I didn’t play I was devastated. Lingard doesn’t seem bothered at all.

“I’m afraid I don’t think this would be a good move. He had the chance to leave Man United and decided he would stay there. He’s just stayed on the bench, I can’t get that round my head. He was never going to get a game at Man United.”

The verdict: Worth the risk

Whilst McAvennie’s points are all salient ones, Lingard has already proven that he is capable of rekindling a stuttering career once before, and Howe would almost certainly back his managerial ability to get the best out of the versatile 29-year-old.

This season, the £18m-valued ace has scored twice and provided one assist in 22 appearances across all competitions under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick in what has been a disjointed 2021/22 season for the club. and indeed the man hailed as possessing a ‘unique’ skill set by former Red Devils team-mate Michael Carrick.

Despite another disappointing campaign, Lingard’s experience of 232 appearances at Manchester United and a stylistic likeness with high-quality players such as Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard and Napoli’s Piotr Zieliński (FBRef) would make him a superb capture for Newcastle as a free agent.

In other news, talkSPORT man admits ‘concern’ over Newcastle star

Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou overlooked a significant transfer overhaul at the Parkhead club during the previous summer transfer window.

Not only did the Hoops see a raft of new faces make their way to Celtic Park either on permanent or loan deals, but the club also cashed in on a number of players that made moves elsewhere.

Now that the Bhoys are on the verge of securing the SPFL title, it seems as though things have been going on behind the scenes at Lennoxtown in regards to one potential transfer deal that could take place during the next summer window.

What’s the news?

According to a recent report from the Daily Record, Celtic sent scouts to watch Hammarby full-back Mohanad Jeahze in action against Malmo on Monday as their interest in the defender intensifies.

The Hoops have been linked with a move for the left-back in recent weeks and now seem to very much have him on their radar in terms of a potential summer transfer move.

Since joining the Swedish club back in the 2020 summer transfer window, the Iraq international has gone on to make 56 appearances across all competitions, scoring two goals and providing 12 assists in the process.

Celtic fans will be buzzing

In terms of what the Celtic scouts saw from the defender in Monday’s 0-0 draw against Malmo, Jeahze ended up making two tackles, one interception and won three of the four duels he was involved in.

Not only did he show what a capable defensive figure he is, but he also made one key pass for his side and earned himself a solid overall match rating of 7.1/10 from SofaScore.

Looking at the season as a whole, the 25-year-old has the second-highest number of tackles (9) and crosses (25) for his side as well as the highest number of interceptions (14).

Taking all of this into account, it’s safe to suggest that a lot of Celtic fans will be delighted to hear that their club have sent scouts to watch Jeahze. Not only will the scouts have been left impressed with his display but it’s likely his all-action approach would be appreciated by supporters too.

If the club end up bringing the player to Celtic Park in the summer, this could kickstart yet another significant period of transfer business as Postecoglou will want his side to be as successful as possible moving forward.

In other news: £2.5m fee agreed, then snatched away: Celtic had Old Firm blinder on “unplayable” ace

West Bromwich Albion have conceded their chances of getting promoted back into the Premier League next season after failing to sustain their charge for automatic promotion and slipping out of the play-off spots – the Baggies now currently lie in 13th in the Championship.

As a result, Steve Bruce will be working hard over the summer and next season to ensure that the Baggies can challenge again and hopefully secure promotion back into the top flight in their second season following relegation in 2021.

The Baggies boss has given an in-depth interview with The Express & Star this month on his plans for his revival of the team at The Hawthorns, with one player, in particular, being singled out as a key player for the future of West Brom.

Bruce has been full of praise for Taylor Gardner-Hickman and his progress in the team saying;

“He has done very, very, well for us in midfield. He’s young. He’s desperately eager to succeed. He is one of our own and that always goes down well.

“He has had a decent start to his career. And we’re looking at big things for next season.”

The 6 foot 1 ace who was hailed “menacing” and “a cut above the rest” by journalist Joe Ellis, has been in fine form since becoming a more consistent starter for his boyhood club in the Albion senior team this season.

Gardner-Hickman has won the majority of his ground duels (55%), is successful in the majority of his dribbles (53%) and has made 2.2 tackles, 0.7 key passes and 0.6 interceptions on average per game in his 19 Championship appearances, proving that he clearly has the potential to offer a lot to his team next season as they push for promotion.

The 20-year-old secured his long term future with the club by signing a contract back in December that extends his stay at the club for another four-and-a-half years, so judging by Bruce’s comments the plan is to fully integrate him into the team with the youngster able to offer his services in both a full-back and right midfield position.

There is no doubt the future is bright for Gardner-Hickman but the West Brom manager will have his work cut out to improve and rebuild the team following a disappointing season to inspire better quality performances and positive results next season to compete for their opportunity to climb out of the Championship.

AND in other news: Talks ongoing: WBA must swoop for “talented” £25k-p/w target who’d be a “big asset”