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Leeds United are now thought to be in talks with Club Brugge over a move for Charles de Ketelaere.

The Lowdown: Phil Hay update

The Belgium international has been linked with a move to Elland Road over the last seven days, with reports suggesting that Leeds were willing to pay big for the 21-year-old’s services.

Phil Hay provided an update on Saturday, claiming that the Whites are ‘serious’ about signing the Belgian with a view to utilising him as a forward.

The 21-year-old enjoyed his best season in front of goal in 2021/22 with 18 goals and 10 assists in 49 matches, and it looks as if Leeds have now taken the next step in their bid to secure his services.

The Latest: Talks open

MOT Leeds News relayed an update from Monday’s print edition of The Daily Mail [27 June, pg. 63].

They claimed that Leeds are now ‘in talks’ with Club Brugge over a move for De Ketelaere, citing a £26m fee.

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The Verdict: Fingers crossed

De Ketelaere appears to fit the bill at Elland Road and could form a partnership with Patrick Bamford in a 4-2-2-2 system under Jesse Marsch, should a move go through.

He also has experience of playing anywhere in behind, on the wing or in midfield, so his versatility could be a real bonus for the Whites.

A £26m fee could also be a great piece of business when you consider that his Transfermarkt valuation has risen from £4.5m to £27m in just over two years, and with talks now underway, we could see further developments regarding a move this week.

Fabrizio Romano has dropped an exciting Manchester United transfer update that will please Erik ten Hag.

What’s the word?

The update is regarding the club’s interest in Barcelona player Frenkie de Jong with Romano tweeting on Sunday evening:

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“Manchester United are discussing internally about submitting a new proposal for Frenkie de Jong in the next days. It’s a serious possibility, while talks with Barça are still on. Deal will enter into key stages after €60m [& add-ons] verbal, opening bid turned down.”

Ten Hag surely excited

The Dutchman faces an important summer transfer window ahead if he aims to take the club back to the heights seen under Sir Alex Ferguson.

It’s clear that quality is required in the midfield area, with the likes of Paul Pogba, Juan Mata, and Jesse Lingard all having left United in the last few weeks.

Far too often last season the side were overrun in the midfield, with the 4-1 and 4-0 losses to Watford and Brighton particularly galling.

With this is mind, Ten Hag will be desperate to add De Jong to his squad ahead of next season, and with the qualities that the 25-year-old possesses, the move is a no-brainer.

Compared to positional peers in the top five leagues, De Jong ranks in the top 8% for completed passes (90.1%), the top 6% for progressive carries (7.08 per match), and the top 9% for touches in the opposition box (2.74 per match).

These stats show that Ten Hag would get a midfielder who can add that star quality into the heart of the midfield and contribute positively in an attacking sense, further backed up by his four goals and five assists in all competitions last season.

With Romano stating that a deal won’t begin until the fee has reached over the €60m mark (£51.6m), Ten Hag will need to act fast, and if he secures his services, it would be an extremely shrewd signing.

AND in other news, Man United could sign their “own Konate” as ten Hag plots bid for 6 ft 5 monster…

Newcastle United are eyeing a move for Hoffenheim defender David Raum this summer, reports German outlet Bild (via Sport Witness).

The Lowdown: Raum’s emergence

After helping Greuther Fürth to Bundesliga promotion in 2020/21, the left-back signed for top-flight side Hoffenheim, with a contract extension now keeping him at the club until 2026.

The 24-year-old has since gone on to impress in the German top flight, having now made nine appearances for Die Nationalmannschaft. Raum played 32 times in the Bundesliga last season, amassing a stunning 13 assists during the campaign.

The Latest: Interest in Raum

According to a report by Bild (via Sport Witness), West Ham and Newcastle could end up competing with Borussia Dortmund in the race to sign Raum this summer.

Hoffenheim don’t need to sell the defender with his current deal running until 2026, and his €30m (£25.8m) release clause only activates next year, so his price is said to be ‘freely negotiable’.

Bild reported that, alongside Dortmund, the Premier League duo of West Ham and Newcastle ‘have their eye’ on the player, who are both said to be able to ‘easily handle’ the £34.3m asking price.

The Verdict: Great signing

Raum’s performances last season have led many to lavish praise on the full-back, with Adam Khan of Breaking the Lines describing him as an ‘exceptional attacking threat’ for his ability to spray crosses into the box. Meanwhile, Hoffenheim sporting director Alexander Rosen dubbed him “a highly talented and extremely fast player with a strong left foot”.

Khan’s appraisal is demonstrated by the German’s ranking in the 99th percentile for assists, expected assists and shot-creating actions, when the 24-year-old is compared with positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year (via FBRef).

Furthermore, Raum has also been utilised in central midfield, leading to comparisons being made with Real Madrid star David Alaba.

With such high praise and a favourable player comparison, this would surely be a great signing for Newcastle to add to Eddie Howe’s squad.

In other news: Miles Starforth drops Freddie Woodman transfer latest

Transfer insider Dean Jones believes Liverpool will now turn their attention to bolstering the midfield department. 

The lowdown: Through the door

Newly appointed Sporting Director Julian Ward has wasted little time in flexing his negotiation muscles having taken over from Michael Edwards, securing the capture of Darwin Nunez from Benfica for an initial £64million (Sky Sports).

The Uruguayan frontman follows Fulham youngster Fabio Carvalho through the arrivals door at Anfield, albeit much of the work for the 19-year-old starlet was completed in January.

A deal has also been agreed for Calvin Ramsay to join from Aberdeen, with the Reds now waiting on the young Scot to pass a medical and sign on the dotted line of a five-year contract.

The latest: Midfielders incoming…

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Jones has claimed that Liverpool will now attempt to reinforce the midfield options at Jurgen Klopp’s disposal, although it could be for next summer if none of the current options depart.

He said: “I think it’s the next big position that he’ll be looking at. We know they’ve had an eye on players like Tchouameni recently, and they might have gone through with it, but they were definitely keeping an eye on players at that level.

“If Milner would have gone and Oxlade-Chamberlain was leaving, then I would feel like they had reason to strengthen right now. But, as it stands right now, Liverpool have got loads of numbers in that area of the field.”

Paul Joyce of The Times also believes midfield is next on the agenda, but reports that the club are happy to wait until next year.

The verdict: Signing needed

Even if the Reds do get another season out of Oxlade-Chamberlain, Klopp and Ward should be targeting an alternative to Aurelien Tchouameni as the German manager embarks on another hectic campaign that will start with the Community Shield before a Premier League opener against Fulham and be fragmented by the mid-season World Cup in Qatar.

Having missed out on the Frenchman to Real Madrid, it’s likely that FSG are willing to sanction further funds this summer and as such, finding a player who can operate in multiple midfield roles to potentially rotate with the likes of Fabinho and Jordan Henderson is essential.

Last season, Fabinho in particular made a mammoth 48 appearances across all competitions and is almost certain to be an integral part of the Brazil squad in the winter.

As things stand, the only natural cover comes in the shape of youngster Tyler Morton, with both James Milner and Henderson forced to filled in at times, leaving adequate room within the squad for a genuine understudy to be added to the Anfield ranks.

In other news… a reliable journalist has dropped a Sadio Mane transfer twist.

Former Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper turned Sky Sports pundit Paul Robinson has been left thrilled by the latest transfer news involving Man City forward Gabriel Jesus.

The Lowdown: Spurs make contact…

It is believed that manager Antonio Conte and transfer chief Fabio Paratici wish to add a striker to their ranks this summer with Sky Blues attacker Jesus among their targets.

Fabrizio Romano, sharing news in the last few days, has revealed that the Lilywhites are now in contact with his representatives over a potential move to north London this summer.

Speaking on Chris Cowlin’s YouTube channel, the transfer journalist states there have been discussions between Jesus’ entourage and Tottenham as Robinson reacts to this promising development.

The Latest: Robinson thrilled…

Speaking to Football Insider, the ex-England international claims Jesus would be an ‘ideal’ striker signing for Spurs and Conte – drawing particular attention to his quality.

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He explained:

“There is not a starting spot for him at Spurs but he’d be an ideal signing because of his versatility and quality.

“It is down to the player’s ambitions. He will have no shortage of clubs interested in him.

“It depends on what he is driven by. Is he driven by success or finance?”

The Verdict: Make a move?

While the Brazil international will find it hard to get in ahead of Harry Kane, his brilliant return of Premier League goals and scintillating form towards the end of 2021/2022 perhaps suggests Jesus could give it a real go.

The 25-year-old bagged six goals in his final seven league matches of last season, displaying his true quality when given a chance, and we believe Jesus could perhaps do the same at Tottenham under Conte.

In other news: Conte desperate for Spurs to sign ‘world class’ star who’s now in real danger of being sold, find out more here.

Rangers boss Gio van Bronckhorst is set for a busy few months working alongside Ross Wilson in his first summer transfer window in charge of the Glasgow giants.

The Dutchman joined after the end of last summer’s market and was backed in the January window as Aaron Ramsey, Amad Diallo, James Sands and Mateusz Zukowski all came in.

One of the first pieces of business he may need to worry about is the possible departure of defender Calvin Bassey.

Daily Express journalist Ryan Taylor has backed the Nigeria international to reunite with his former manager Steven Gerrard. He recently told GIVEMESPORT: “Bassey is clearly highly rated by Villa. I think that deal will happen; I can see it happening. Obviously, [Diego] Carlos coming in might change the picture, but it’s clear Villa rate him highly, and for me, it’s just a no-brainer.

“The way he played in the Europa League, he looks like a player that’s just naturally ready to step up and perform.”

Unearth Bassey 2.0

If the defender does end up at Villa, Rangers could unearth Bassey 2.0 in a deal for left-back Matthew Sorinola, who was touted with a move to Ibrox last year.

Like the current Gers man, who came through the ranks at Leicester, he is eligible to play for England or Nigeria at international level and can come in as a full-back option for van Bronckhorst, which is why the club must now return for his services and agree a deal.

He spent the 2020/21 campaign in the first team at MK Dons in League One and caught the eye with a string of impressive displays.

In 34 appearances, he registered four assists and created an eye-catching eight ‘big chances’ as he showcased his ability to provide an attacking threat from left wing-back.

This shows that he has the ability to burst forward down the left flank in attack, which is something Gers fans have been able to watch with their own English/Nigerian defender this year as Bassey registered three assists in the Premiership.

Former Dons manager Russell Martin once took the time to hail the gem’s talent, saying: “He’s technically right up there with anyone in the squad – he wants to play. I love his calmness too – for a young lad, he’s so composed.

“He defended really well. People may question his size but when you’re as brave as he is to play with the ball and get in people’s faces and shut them down, he has so much ability and potential.”

At the age of 21, he has plenty of time left ahead of him to develop and he can join with a view to him improving over time, rather than being expected to be the finished article straight away.

Rangers have already enjoyed success in bringing Bassey over as a young left-back from an English club in a similar deal and they can now repeat that trick by signing Sorinola, albeit he would be arriving from Belgian side Royale Union Saint Gilloise after joining them from MK Dons.

Van Bronckhorst can take his time with Sorinola and help him to fulfil his potential and become a first-team regular at Ibrox, with the gem potentially following in Bassey’s footsteps at left-back.

AND in other news, Imagine him & Weston: Rangers can form deadly future duo in deal for highly-rated teen…

Manchester United’s move for Ajax defender Jurrien Timber is ‘practically closed’, according to Portuguese journalist Pedro Almeida.

The Lowdown: Timber talks

Erik ten Hag has seemingly made the 20-year-old his first major target as United manager. The Red Devils first made contact over a possible move at the end of April, and a transfer has slowly gathered pace with the defender’s representatives in England last weekend.

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Timber, described as a ‘top talent’, as per the official UEFA Champions League Twitter channel, can play anywhere across the back four and is valued at a career-high £27m by Transfermarkt.

The Latest: Almeida’s update

Almeida took to Twitter on late on Friday evening to provide a Manchester United transfer update.

He revealed that a move for Timber is ‘practically’ done, adding that the club are now turning their attention to Villarreal’s Pau Torres.

The Verdict: New partnership?

Although Timber can play as a full-back, Ten Hag mainly used the Netherlands international at centre-back last season. He made 38 appearances at the heart of the defence and just five at right-back, helping Ajax to the Eredivisie title, conceding just 19 times in 34 games.

It looks as if he will become the club’s first major signing of the Ten Hag era, and with United now looking at a move for another centre-back in Torres, that could spell trouble for the likes of Harry Maguire, who was heavily criticised last season.

In other news: Reliable journalist leaks Man Utd talks as Ten Hag now eyes ‘terrific’ Englishman. 

Former Scotland manager turned Sky Sports pundit has been left thrilled by some Tottenham Hotspur transfer news involving Man City star Gabriel Jesus.

The Lowdown: Lilywhites ‘set’ for Jesus battle…

Spurs and transfer chief Fabio Paratici, as per reliable reports, are eyeing a move for the Brazil international after his impressive finish to the 2021/2022 Premier League season.

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Jesus ended last campaign with a brilliant six top flight goals in seven of his last appearances under manager Pep Guardiola as the South American becomes heavily linked with an Eastlands exit.

The 25-year-old is now on manager Antonio Conte’s radar as Mike McGrath of The Telegraph claims Spurs are ‘set to rival’ north London neighbours Arsenal for his signature.

The Latest: McLeish reacts…

McLeish, giving his take in reaction to the news, has been left thrilled – claiming Jesus is ‘tremendous’ and would be brilliant back-up to star man Harry Kane.

He explained to Football Insider:

“The five games at the end of the season, he was tremendous. He showed his real quality. He’s a guy who’s coming to the peak of his powers.

“He may not be the best prolific goalscorer we’ve ever seen but he could evolve to give a better contribution and to score goals. At Tottenham, okay, there’s a pressure on them because of where Conte’s taken them but it won’t be the same pressure he’s under at Man City.

“He could definitely could be cover for Harry Kane.”

The Verdict: Brilliant option…

Still yet to hit his prime and already proven in England, we believe Jesus is certainly a brilliant option.

Steve McManaman recently branded the striker a ‘superstar’ for his incredible recent form, and with a price tag of around £55 million, there is an argument to be had that it’s a fairly do-able move on paper.

Amassing over half a century of caps for Brazil at international level, his 58 goals and 32 assists in the top flight alone back just how threatening he can be in the final third.

As Tottenham gear up for a transfer battle with Arsenal, Conte could be overjoyed if Paratici manages to win the tussle for Jesus.

In other news: Conte could see ‘one of the best in the world’ join Tottenham after behind-the-scenes development…find out more here.

Alasdair Gold has dropped an update on the future of Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte.

What’s the latest?

In a recent post on Twitter, the football.london journalist revealed that, following the news ENIC have made an additional £150m available for Tottenham’s summer transfer business, Daniel Levy is now confident that the 52-year-old will remain in charge of Spurs heading into the club’s 2022/23 campaign.

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In his tweet, Gold said: “Want more good Spurs news? Understand the club are confident enough that Conte is happy about their ambition that Levy won’t be heading over to the meeting in Italy.”

Supporters will love Gold’s update

Considering the astonishing turnaround Conte achieved at Tottenham following his appointment last November, Gold’s update suggesting that it now appears as if the Italian will be leading Spurs into their 2022/23 campaign is certain to be news that supporters will love.

Indeed, the 52-year-old rather miraculously managed to secure a top-four finish on the final day of the season, a feat that was widely unexpected upon his move to north London last year – when Tottenham were languishing down in ninth place in the Premier League standings.

The former Juventus, Italy and Inter Milan manager’s January signings also proved to be inspired, with both Rodrigo Bentancur and Dejan Kulusevski becoming instant hits at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium – with the duo ending the season as the club’s third and fourth-best performers in the top flight respectively according to SofaScore match ratings.

As such, considering the quite extraordinary results he has achieved already, the prospect of Conte being armed with a £150m war chest and a full pre-season in order to drill his players is certainly one that will excite everyone involved with the club – as the future of Tottenham appears extremely bright under the management of the Italian.

AND in other news: “Spurs will make a move..”: Gold drops huge transfer claim, supporters will be buzzing

Rumoured Celtic transfer target Mohanad Jeahze would be ‘a great fit’ at Parkhead this summer, according to The Athletic’s Hoops correspondent, Kieran Devlin.

The Lowdown: Jeahze linked with Celtic move

Ange Postecoglou is certain to be eyeing up new signings during the summer transfer window, as he looks to take his squad up another level and compete on multiple fronts next season.

One player who Celtic have been linked with signing is Jeahze, with the 25-year-old shining at left-back for Hammarby this season, even being hailed as the best in Sweden in his position by Darijan Bojanic.

It looks like a move that could come to fruition in the coming months – Bhoys officials even visited Hammarby recently – and someone who clearly approves is Devlin.

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The Latest: Devlin excited by signing

Taking to Twitter, The Athletic journalist claimed Jeahze would be a ‘great’ addition at Celtic:

“Watched a lot of Jeahze last few days, and spoke to Frida Fagerlund (Swedish journalist), for background and tactical profile of the kind of player Celtic would get if he signed. No transfer is guaranteed to work out, but on paper he’d be a great fit.”

The Verdict: Sign him up, Hoops

Left-back is certainly an area where more depth is required at Celtic this summer, providing more competition for playing time for the likes of Josip Juranovic and Greg Taylor.

Jeahze looks like an exciting option to come in, with 25 an ideal age for a new signing and four caps for Iraq outlining his credentials as an international footballer.

The fact that Devlin sees him as an ideal tactical fit also means the transfer makes even more sense, with Postecoglou looking to bring in players ideally suited to his system rather than just quality individuals.

In other news, a Celtic signing could reportedly be announced soon. Read more here.