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An update has emerged on Sunderland and their interest in signing Jarrad Branthwaite in the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

According to the Daily Mail, sporting director Kristjaan Speakman is plotting a swoop for the Everton defender as the Black Cats are among the teams eyeing him up.

The report claims that the Toffees want to send him out on loan for the 2021/22 campaign to gain experience playing regular first-team football.

The likes of Middlesbrough, Schalke, PSV, Sheffield United and Huddersfield are the other clubs looking into a deal for the 6 foot 5 titan.

Imagine him & Danny Batth

By signing Branthwaite on loan next season, Sunderland can form a solid partnership at the back with him and former Stoke man Danny Batth.

The 19-year-old has already racked up 10 Premier League appearances for the Toffees and this shows that they have faith in his ability despite his age. They seemingly believe that he has the potential to be a regular in the top-flight in the future, as they are giving him exposure to the division in the early stages of his career.

Branthwaite was once dubbed “fabulous” by Glen Hoddle and former Everton boss Benitez previously heaped praise on the centre-back, saying:

“He showed character and he’s a player who has potential. Always with the young players, you have to be careful but you have to give them a chance if it is possible.”

The £5.1k-per-week gem would come in with Championship experience under his belt after playing 10 times on loan at Blackburn in the 2020/21 campaign.

He averaged a solid SofaScore rating of 6.87 as he made a whopping 4.6 tackles and interceptions per game, winning 62% of his duels in total.

These statistics suggest that he has the potential to be an excellent performer in the second tier if he can get a run of games under his belt, given that he won the ball back on a consistent basis and won the majority of his individual battles for Blackburn.

Batth, meanwhile, averaged a score of 7.10 in the Championship for Stoke in the first half of last season. He made 2.6 tackles and interceptions and 5.1 clearances per game, winning 68% of his duels.

The experienced defender can, therefore, be the perfect partner for Branthwaite as he is a proven performer in the second tier who can be a calming influence next to the youngster. This will allow the Everton teen to flourish at the Stadium of Light as he gains more experience and learns from Batth.

AND in other news, Speakman eyeing SAFC deal for “unpredictable” £4.7k-p/w “maverick”, he’s Pritchard 2.0…

Wolverhampton Wanderers are said to be keen on signing Burnley and Republic of Ireland defender, Nathan Collins.

That is according to Alan Nixon who claims that Wolves are now offering Collins an instant return to the top-flight, after his impressive performances as a regular.

It is said that Burnley value the 21-year-old around the £40m mark and Wolves are not alone in their interest for the Irishman, with the likes of Newcastle United and Leeds United also said to be vying for his signature this summer.

Imagine him and Coady

With Wolves ever keen on the signing of Collins, the narrative around a potential modern, yet throwback partnership between the 21-year-old and Conor Coady is slowly but surely forming.

Whilst technical ability is clearly there in both defenders, they have an archaic feel around their defensive style – a tough, yet elegant approach in what seems to a hybrid between old-fashioned defenders, fused with the modern expectations of a ball-playing centre-back.

It’s a partnership that could elevate Wolves to that next level, and as well as future-proofing what was the tenth oldest squad in comparison to the rest of the Premier League in the season just gone.

Described as a “brick wall” by Jamie O’Hara, Collins does the basics extremely well, and considering his more physical adaptation of an archaic approach, he offers a quality option as an asset who can play in both a back-four or back-three, having done so for Stoke City just two seasons prior.

His numbers are unique considering his position, having averaged 0.92 shot-creating actions per game, whilst maintaining defensive solidity with his 2.59 blocks and 5.50 clearances per 90 minutes.

Despite relegation with Burnley last season, he enjoyed a positive campaign on a personal level and proved his worth in the Premier League.

As a result, he’d be a shrewd acquisition for the Old Gold, and one that could form a reliable and formidable partnership alongside the skipper in Coady.

In other news: Lage could land Wolves their very own Cancelo by signing “unique” £30m machine 

It’s no secret that Erik ten Hag faces one of the most important transfer windows in Manchester United’s recent history this summer.

The Red Devils finished sixth in the Premier League last time around, and next year will mark a full decade since they won their last league title in Sir Alex Ferguson’s final season in charge.

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Something needs to change, and fast. With the Dutchman arriving at a club in turmoil, there will be cautious hope that he can bring back the good times at Old Trafford.

For that to happen, new blood will be required, especially in the heart of defence. French journalist Fabrice Hawkins stated that United are keen on signing Evan Ndicka from Eintracht Frankfurt this summer, and a fee of around £17m could be enough to secure the services of the player, who is out of contract at the end of next season.

With journalist Christopher Michel describing the 22-year-old as the “complete package”, he could well be an excellent upgrade on Harry Maguire.

Ndicka possesses a much greater goalscoring threat from the heart of defence than the Englishman, netting four times last season in the Bundesliga whilst also grabbing four assists, with Maguire only scoring once in the English top flight.

The Eintracht Frankfurt also won more tackles (43) and made more blocks (74) and interceptions (64) than the 29-year-old (26, 46 and 53 respectively) proving that his defensive attributes are first-class.

The 22-year-old is also quite mature for his relatively young age, being cautioned only three times all season, compared to Maguire’s nine bookings and one red card in 2021/22.

While the Old Trafford faithful may be excited about pursuing big names, Ten Hag might be better off looking at players such as Ndicka, a no-nonsense centre-back who could be available for what seems like a bargain price.

The Frenchman looks like he could settle in with ease at United, so now it’s up to the manager to make his move. Based on the above evidence, it seems a no-brainer.

AND in other news, Bid made: FSG now in LFC talks to land “world class” £60m “storm”, imagine him & Nunez

Leeds United could soon seal an upgrade at left-back ahead of the 2022/23 campaign…

What’s the word?

According to Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness), the Yorkshire outfit have launched a move for Torino star Ola Aina, though they aren’t the only team interested in his signature.

The former Chelsea graduate’s future in Turin is open to discussion but it remains to be seen exactly what sort of fee would seal his departure.

CIES Football Observatory currently value the 25-year-old defender at €7m (£6m), a couple of years after the Serie A outfit paid around £9m to the Blues.

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Firpo fail

A once right-sided player by trade, Aina has settled in at Torino as a left wing-back, featuring more times there across his 23 appearances in 2021/22 than any other role.

The Nigeria international enjoyed a solid campaign in Italy, where he averaged 1.3 tackles, 1.3 interceptions and 1.2 clearances per game, via WhoScored, displaying his ability to defend resolutely.

He also influenced the game further up the pitch, having registered an average of 0.9 dribbles and 0.8 key passes per game, too.

Aina’s form and impact at the Bulls once led to veteran teammate Cristian Ansaldi singing his praises. “I see him very often. He has an intelligence that allows him to play in many positions, then physically he is an animal, more or less like [Wilfried] Singo.”

Leeds have toiled in the left-back position, with summer signing Junior Firpo failing to live up to expectations following his move from Barcelona.

“If anything, he’s been more of a liability for Leeds,” claimed Mirror journalist David Anderson when speaking about the 25-year-old’s form to GIVEMESPORT.

Indeed, Firpo racked up a whopping 11 yellow cards throughout the season, proving to struggle against many Premier League opposition. His defending was even described as “schoolboy” by former Whites shot-stopper Paul Robinson.

It’s hard to argue against the ex-Barca ace being anything but a mistake from director of football Victor Orta but it’s one he can rectify as the club plot a bargain move for Aina, who is clearly a more reliable option for the position.

AND in other news, Orta dealt blow in Takumi Minamino pursuit…

Glasgow Rangers have now made an enquiry to bring Josh Tymon to Ibrox, according to Football Insider's sources within the club.

The Lowdown: Left-back wanted

With the futures of both Borna Barisic and Calvin Bassey in doubt, it looks as if the Gers are targeting a new left-back this summer.

They have scoured the English Championship for top talent on the cheap quite recently, notably pinching John Lundstram after he left Sheffield United, and Tymon could be another player to add to the list.

The Latest: Tymon enquiry

As per Football Insider, Giovanni van Bronckhorst's team have made an 'enquiry' over the possibility of signing Tymon, and a source from the Light Blues has revealed that they have officially registered their 'interest' in the Stoke City defender.

His current deal does not run out until 2025, but the Championship side may be forced to sell some of their top assets this summer, including Tymon.

The Verdict: Depends on Bassey and Barisic

Whether the Teddy Bears should make a move for Tymon will depend on if they keep hold of Bassey and Barisic. If one or both of them were to go, then the Englishman would be a worthy replacement.

Earning £10,000-per-week at Stoke, he would not be among their highest earners, and comes back off of a stellar season where he hardly missed a kick.

Tymon has earned plenty of plaudits, notably from his manager Michael O'Neill, who has noted how 'quick' and athletic he is.

His ability to beat players down the flank is second to none, and has even earned him the nickname of the 'Nutmeg King', after interestingly completing more nutmegs (14) than any other Championship player last term (StatsBomb).

Nonetheless, Tymon is still just 23 years of age, and so could flourish under van Bronckhorst's management for years to come.

In other news, find out who RFC have now been 'contacted' over signing here!

Newcastle United transfer target Hugo Ekitike has been told that he is allowed to leave French side Reims, reports reliable journalist Lee Ryder.

The Lowdown: Winter target

The 19-year-old was the subject of a big transfer saga involving the Magpies in January after the Premier League side lodged a huge bid for the Frenchman.

The U20 France international chose to stall on the move, leaving Eddie Howe with the arrival of Chris Wood from Burnley as the side’s main striking option.

Wood scored just twice and was immediately usurped once Callum Wilson returned from injury, so it would be no surprise to see another striker come in this summer.

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The Latest: Allowed to leave

Reliable journalist Lee Ryder took to Twitter to share the latest update on Ekitike, where he claimed: “Newcastle’s winter target told he can leave”.

In the adjoining article, Chronicle Live report that Reims club president Jean-Pierre Caillot has admitted defeat that the striker will leave the Ligue 1 outfit this summer.

Speaking in an interview, Caillot said: “The amount should be more than €20million (£17m). Afterwards, you have to know how to be reasonable.”

According to Chronicle Live, it is presumed that ‘afterwards’ means the potential add-ons, and there is talk of a 25% sell on fee.

Discussing a potential move to Newcastle, he asserted: “It’s typically the kind of environment where he could continue to grow and move on.”

The Verdict: ‘Huge’ potential

Reims’ reserves coach Franck Chalençon told Eurosport France that Ekitike is a player with “huge potential”, as “in front of the goal, his ratio is excellent” (via Eurosport).

When compared with positional peers across Europe, the 19-year-old ranks in the 93rd percentile for non-penalty goals, illustrating his natural finishing ability in the final third (via FB Ref).

Therefore, if Newcastle go all in for the Frenchman again this summer, this could be a fantastic signing for Howe.

In other news: Newcastle United: Journalist shares Eddie Howe’s transfer priorities

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.

West Bromwich Albion are set for an overhaul this summer following a disappointing season that saw the side fail to secure a chance at promotion back into the Premier League, and Steve Bruce has his work cut out to improve the team.

The release and retainment list has been confirmed for next season with Romaine Sawyers, Andy Carroll and Sam Johnstone three of 12 players who will be let go by the club this summer to make way for signings.

In terms of releasing Andy Carroll, the Albion manager will need to find a replacement for the striker to ensure that they are not caught short like they were last season when Daryl Dike suffered a long-term injury after making just two appearances.

It would be advantageous to bring in a ready-made experienced striker who knows how to bag goals in the Championship and there is one player Bruce could reunite with this summer that can provide exactly what they need.

Newcastle United striker Dwight Gayle has been starved of game-time at St James’ Park in the Premier League but is a proven goal-machine when it comes to the Championship and could be the key to unlocking promotion for West Brom next season.

The £37k-per-week gem who was dubbed “proven” by Kyle Bartley, is no stranger to The Hawthorns, scoring 24 goals and contributing eight assists in 41 appearances when he was on loan at the club in the 2018/19 season, and Carlton Palmer believes the player could emulate his previous spell at the club if West Brom signs him this summer.

Speaking to Football League World, Palmer claimed: “He’s guaranteed you 20 goals in that league. He’s done it before.”

“So, those are the players he’d be looking to bring into the football club, and obviously, Steve works with those players and knows them well.”

With that being said, due to his lack of minutes with the Magpies, it could be an attractive move for the player to get back on the pitch and be a regular feature for the Baggies again.

Therefore, Bruce could be in a great position to get a deal over the line if he made the move, something he simply has to do if he wants to get fans on side and build a steady platform for promotion.

AND in other news: West Brom could unearth an “immense” Livermore upgrade by signing £23k-p/w gem

Newcastle United journalist Dominic Scurr added his take to the speculation surrounding Newcastle United and the pursuit of Manchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson. 

The lowdown: Recent reports

Reliable journalist for the Manchester Evening News, Samuel Luckhurst, has this week claimed that the Magpies are ‘closing in’ on a move for Henderson.

It is believed that the 25-year-old was heading to North East this week to put the final pieces of a move together ahead of the summer transfer window, as Magpies boss Eddie Howe prepares for a busy off-season.

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However, it now appears that the switch may not be as far along as Luckhurst claims following a contradictory report…

The latest: Scurr’s update

Taking to Twitter in response to reports elsewhere, The Shields Gazette journalist Scurr was quick to state that ‘sources at Newcastle’ have denied a move is close to completion.

Citing his own story, he stated: “Reports suggesting MUFC goalkeeper Dean Henderson is on the verge of completing a move to NUFC. But sources at Newcastle have been quick to play down the story.”

Within the report, Scurr confirms Henderson is a target who has been ‘discussed’, likely for a season-long loan deal, but also reconfirms that those close to the club have ‘quickly played down’ the likelihood of it happening in the coming days.

The verdict: Make it happen

Whilst few could question the service of 33-year-old Martin Dubravka since arriving at the Toon in 2018, it’s no surprise that Howe would be on the lookout for additional goalkeeper options to challenge the Slovakian.

Capped once by England, Henderson enjoyed a stellar 2019/20 campaign whilst on loan at Sheffield United, earning a 7.00 Sofascore rating whilst making 2.7 saves on average per game and keeping 13 Premier League clean sheets.

Since returning to Old Trafford the £16.2million valued man – dubbed as possessing ‘insane’ ability in 2020 by then-teammate Sander Berge – has found opportunities hard to come by as understudy to David de Gea and a summer move could suit all parties, including Newcastle.

In other news, find out which £36m-rated star NUFC could now sign for free here!

Manchester United could target a ‘budget Declan Rice’ in the summer transfer window, according to transfer expert Dean Jones. 

The lowdown: Overhaul pending…

Incoming manager Erik ten Hag is expected to oversee wide-ranging squad changes in the summer as the Red Devils attempt to put a lacklustre 2021/22 campaign behind them.

With the likes of Paul Pogba, Edinson Cavani, Jesse Lingard and Juan Mata all out of contract in the coming months and Nemanja Matic also set to leave the club, the Old Trafford ranks will take on a whole new complexion over the course of the Dutchman’s early reign.

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Having been heavily linked with a defensive midfielder as a priority, West Ham United star Rice, PSV Eindhoven sensation Ibrahim Sangare and Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong – a former protégé of Ten Hag – have all been heavily linked with a move to Manchester.

The latest: Jones predicts ‘budget’ swoop

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones explained that the United hierarchy may need to find a cheaper alternative to Rice given the Englishman’s £150m reported price tag.

The journalist explained: “If it doesn’t (work out with Declan Rice), they’re going to have to look for a budget Declan Rice.

“And ultimately, that’s when Ten Hag’s nous comes in in terms of negotiating and spotting people that can do as good a job in a short space of time.

“Maybe it’s Sangare, it looks like they’re out of the running for Tchouameni at this point. So, whatever it is, they’re going to have to move fast on that deal, I think.”

The verdict: Reinforcements needed

Ultimately, the Red Devils need to add high-quality additions to the central midfield ranks, particularly in a defensive sense given their 56 Premier League goals conceded this season, the second-highest among teams in the top half of the table.

Ironically, when using the FBRef comparison tool to seek out stylistic alternatives to Rice, Liverpool spoiler Fabinho and United’s own Scott McTominay are the closest matches to the Englishman. Further down the list are attainable such names as 21-year-old Khephren Thuram-Ulien and 28-year-old Mario Lemina, who both currently ply their trade at Ligue 1 outfit Nice.

Whilst either Sangare or Aurelien Tchouameni would represent viable options to bolster the Old Trafford ranks, Ten Hag and John Murtough may well need to get creative without the lure of Champions League football next term and could be looking beyond the traditional targets in order to bolster the squad.

In other news: Man Utd now eyeing move for ‘world class’ Premier League star. Read more here