Spurs Eyeing Swoop For £60m-Rated 23 y/o Winger

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in bringing in Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho this summer, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

The 23-year-old has failed to hit the heights many expected he would following his £73 million move from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2021, and with other top European sides interested, it could be a chance to reset for the Englishman.

What is the latest transfer news regarding Sancho?

According to a report from FootballTransfers.com, United are willing to sell Sancho this summer with the player keen on a move away from Manchester after just two seasons, with Aston Villa heavily interested in bringing the former Manchester City youth product to Villa Park.

Manchester United's JadonSanchocelebrates scoring their first goal

The report states that the Red Devils are demanding a fee of £60 million to sell the player this summer, and Villa are not prepared to meet that asking price, with them hoping that negotiations can take place and a compromise can be reached.

There are other top European sides interested in the attacker, with a report stating that Serie A champions Napoli are interested, and with United's interest in their centre-back Kim Min-jae well known, a potential swap deal could be on the cards.

Tottenham are interested as well, according to Ben Jacobs, however, he stated that Erik ten Hag remains a fan of the player and as such a potential move this summer isn't as likely as other reports have suggested, with the club more focused on other departures.

What did Ben Jacobs say?

Speaking on the Done Deal show on The Football Terrace Youtube channel, the journalist revealed that both Harry Maguire and David de Gea are higher up on the list of potential outgoings compared to Sancho.

Jacobs stated: "Well Erik ten Hag still really likes the player, that’s the first thing to say. I certainly wouldn’t say Sancho is top of the list in terms of outgoings, there are other players that need resolving first.

"Harry Maguire, for example, is going to be one of them and there is lots of speculation about David de Gea and whether the current number one at Manchester United stays or goes, Manchester United are looking for a number one they need a succession plan.

"The Tottenham interest is real in the sense that they like the player, it’s the same with PSG and also Napoli have sent scouts to watch him as well."

Is Tottenham the right move for Sancho?

Sancho has had a very stop-start career in Manchester, with injury problems and mental issues preventing the forward from having a real extended run in the side. This has resulted in a return of just 12 goals and six assists in 79 appearances for the club.

Despite this, Sancho showed real quality at Borussia Dortmund, scoring 50 and assisting 64 across his five years at the club.

Former teammate Jude Bellingham called the winger "frightening", saying that "Some of the stuff I’ve seen him do is scary, and I’ve only been here a few months. It’s massive."

Man United's Jadon Sancho

Spurs look set for a rebuild under new coach Ange Postecoglu, and Sancho could provide the Spurs forward line with an injection of creativity and flair, which would only grow in need should Harry Kane decide to call time on his career in north London, and a move to a new club with new surroundings could be the perfect thing to reignite Sancho's rapidly fading career.

Chelsea Keen On Signing £184k-a-week Attacker

Chelsea are one of three top clubs interested in signing Inter striker Lautaro Martinez this summer, according to a fresh transfer update.

Is Martinez leaving Inter this summer?

The £184,000-a-week attacker has enjoyed a memorable season, winning the 2022 World Cup with Argentina and appearing in six of their matches in the competition.

At club level, Martinez has been more of a key man, however, helping Inter reach the Champions League final and scoring 27 goals in all competitions, prior to the meeting in Istanbul.

But the 25-year-old moves on to pastures new at the end of the season, though only a huge offer would likely be able to prise him away, with his current deal not expiring until 2026.

Chelsea have been linked with a move for Martinez and a new update has now emerged regarding his future, suggesting that their interest isn't going away.

Inter Milan'sLautaroMartinezcelebrates scoring their second goal

Could Chelsea snap up Martinez?

According to 90min, the Blues are battling with both Real Madrid and Manchester United for the signing of the Argentinian in the summer transfer window:

"Real Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester United have all registered an interest in Inter striker Lautaro Martinez, who is expected to leave Italy after Saturday's Champions League final, 90min understands.

"Chelsea and United, who have been following Martinez's career for years now, have registered their interest in a summer deal but they will have to fend off interest from Real Madrid if they are to bring him to the Premier League."

Martinez could be a brilliant signing by Chelsea at a time when it is essential that they sign an elite striker before the beginning of next season. Lionel Messi has hailed him as "spectacular" in the past, which speaks volumes about the quality he possesses, while a tally of 102 goals in 237 appearances outlines his pedigree in front of goal.

At 25, there is every chance that his best years could still be ahead of him, and assuming Mauricio Pochettino rates him as highly, he could be considered an ideal figure to lead the line at Stamford Bridge, linking effectively with those around him.

Chelsea's complete lack of European football could be a problem, though, which could make Manchester United and Real Madrid more attractive moves, but the money is available to spend in west London – so they should at least test the waters with a big bid.

Newcastle Could Upgrade On Pope With ‘One Of The Best’

Newcastle United are interested in signing Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa this summer in a move which would create some tough competition for the No. 1 spot at St. James' Park.

Manager Eddie Howe has cultivated a winning mentality on Tyneside and has sensationally qualified for the Champions League following his first full season in charge, finishing fourth in the Premier League.

Shrewd signings and astute tactical awareness has contributed to the remarkable resurgence, with goalkeeper Nick Pope, signed from relegated Burnley for just £10m last summer, playing a central role in the triumph.

Despite this, Costa has indeed found his name attached to rumours that United may swoop, with Portuguese outlet A Bola stating that, while Manchester United are leading the race, Chelsea and Howe's outfit are firmly in contention.

With a €75m (£65m) release clause, Newcastle would have to pay more than sixfold the price to clinch Pope's services for the Portugal international, but would boast one of football's most imperious shot-stopping departments should they succeed.

Should Newcastle sign Diogo Costa?

It certainly presents something of a conundrum. The 6 foot 2 Costa is one of the most promising goalkeepers on the European stage, having been a centrepiece for Porto over the past few years and winning the league and Portuguese Cup on two occasions respectively.

The 23-year-old has averaged a rating of 6.95 in the Primeira Liga this season, as per Sofascore, having kept 16 clean sheets from 35 matches, making 63 saves and making 0.8 clearances per outing.

As per FBref, the 11-cap international ranks among the top 2% of goalkeepers across Men's Next 8 divisions for goals conceded per 90, the top 18% for save percentage and the top 5% for clean sheet percentage, evidently an elite 'keeper despite his tender age.

FC Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa.

Speaking of his compatriot, Manchester United right-back Diogo Dalot said: "I grew up with him and he’s my friend, there’s a great relationship between us.

‘I know perfectly well that he has the capacity to one day be one of the best in the world."

While some may scoff at the notion of replacing Pope after such a stellar season, injecting healthy competition might be a prudent move, especially considering the clinching of European competition after two decades away from the Champions League.

Costa is indeed young and has ample time to grow into his skin, and he certainly boasts the acumen to rival his senior positional confer in Pope, who, at 31-years-old, still has a lot of gas left in the tank but could be displaced by such a flourishing talent in Costa who is already proving himself to be among the best.

Arsenal Could Sign ‘Outstanding’ £35m Saka Clone

Arsenal's fine season came to a triumphant end on Sunday, as they blew away Wolverhampton Wanderers 5-0 in front of a gracious Emirates crowd. Many had turned out to deliver their thanks to Mikel Arteta and his playing staff, for staging the most unlikely title charge that fell just short.

Regardless of how it ended, it makes for a bright future in north London, where a few key additions could help them take that final step in the battle with Manchester City. Not only that, but they also now have Champions League football to look forward to once again.

This was particularly important given the pulling power such an attraction draws in the transfer market, affording them a head start over any club without European football, or in a lesser version of their competition.

It could also prove decisive in luring other talent from lower down the Premier League, with the promise of minutes in that elite competition sure to tempt many.

One such name that could be intrigued by such a prospect is Michael Olise, who reports are now linking with a €40m (£35m) Emirates switch.

How good is Michael Olise?

Although it might seem questionable to sign someone with such a similar profile to Bukayo Saka, as a tricky, dazzling and elegant right winger with a wicked left foot, the extent to which their England international has been worked is ludicrous.

Featuring in all 38 of their league games this season for the second term running, Arteta must be worrying about when his young superstar will burn out.

In an attempt to avoid such an occurrence, the acquisition of Olise could provide suitable competition without altering the makeup of the team much.

After all, Crystal Palace's mesmeric maestro has too enjoyed a fine campaign, scoring two goals and assisting a further 11 in the league.

bukayo-saka-arsenal-olise

Although a far cry from Saka's levels, who recorded 25 goal contributions this season, the gulf is not so big as to suggest that they could not battle for the spot. Additionally, a move up the table would surely see Olise's numbers improve too whilst supplying the likes of Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli.

During that run of form in 2023 which rocketed the Eagles to comfortable safety, the 21-year-old was instrumental in such a turnaround. Statman Dave first branded the winger a "stunner" in January before pundit Clinton Morrison suggested he had been "outstanding" and a "joy to watch" in April.

Ironically enough, the two would come up against one another often at youth level, with Michael Richards, Olise's youth coach, emphasising their similarities and ability above everyone else: "It was basically the Michael and Bukayo show. You could see that both of them were exceptional, far above everyone else."

OneVersusOne serve to compliment this notion further, as the two are also similar in their crosses made per 90 (3.18 v 3.29), dribble success percentage (78.66% v 73.39%) and assists (0.24 v 0.31). Their shared creativity is arguably unparalleled.

If Edu is serious about affording Saka some much-needed rest midway through the season, there are arguably few better value-for-money signings on the market than Olise, who would allow the switch to be made with minimal fuss and maximum quality in the starter and the substitute.

Fulham Open Talks To Sign £13m "Joy To Watch" This Summer

Fulham are in contact regarding a summer deal to bring Lyon star Romain Faivre to the Premier League, according to reports.

Who is Romain Faivre?

The Frenchman is a midfielder who first joined Laurent Blanc’s side back in January 2022, but at the start of this year, he was sent out on loan to join FC Lorient until the end of the current campaign, and during his 15 appearances at the Stade du Moustoir, he’s hugely impressed after establishing himself as their side’s overall second best-performing player with a WhoScored match rating of 7.22.

The Ligue 1 gem still has another three years remaining on his contract with his parent club, so it could be difficult to prise him away during the upcoming window, but with Marco Silva looking to invest in new players that can bolster his ranks, the 24-year-old has been identified as a potential ideal target at Craven Cottage.

Who is signing Faivre?

According to Foot Mercato (via Sport Witness), Fulham, alongside top-flight rivals Bournemouth, are both “very interested” in Faivre and have “already started talks” with his representatives regarding a move to England.

The Whites and the Cherries are seriously “exploring” a deal for the midfielder, with his level of performances on the road having not gone “unnoticed” by the pair of potential suitors named above. Lyon’s ace is “interested in the idea” of completing a switch to the top-flight and is “open to offers”, with his outfit “happy to sell” should they receive a bid worth €15m (£13m).

FC Lorient midfielder Romain Faivre.

Fulham will know that Lyon’s price tag of £13m for Faivre is more than reasonable considering how well he’s performing at FC Lorient, and having been hailed a “joy to watch” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, Shahid Khan should certainly consider splashing the cash to bring him to SW6 during the upcoming window.

The France U21s former international, who has experience competing in the Europa League which is where Silva may be aiming to take his side next term, has posted six goal contributions (three goals and the same number of assists) in 15 appearances on loan, with this form having even seen him pick up a man-of-the-match award.

As per FBRef, the left-footed wizard is also always looking to produce moments of quality in the final third, ranking in the 97th percentile for successful take-ons and the 95th percentile for pass completion, so loves to take on his marker and is strong in his link-up play with his fellow teammates.

Everton Could Replace Simms By Signing £8.7m Star

Everton could avoid relegation down to the Championship against Bournemouth on the final day of the Premier League next weekend.

They are currently two points clear of the drop zone heading into the 38th game week and could need to either win against the Cherries or hope that results elsewhere go their way to stay in the league.

Goals have been hard to come by for the club with Dwight McNeil (seven) the only player with more than four strikes in the division this term, whilst Dominic Calvert-Lewin is the side's top-scoring number nine with two.

Prior to his dismissal, Frank Lampard recalled Ellis Simms from his loan spell at Sunderland in January to bolster his attacking options but the academy graduate has scored just once in ten matches in the top-flight.

Everton centre-forward Ellis Simms.

The Toffees were recently linked with a swoop to sign Real Betis centre-forward Raul Garcia and the youngster could come in as a big upgrade on Simms for Sean Dyche.

Who is Raul Garcia?

Not to be confused with the veteran Athletic Bilbao striker, he is a 22-year-old marksman who is currently on loan at Mirandes in the second tier of Spanish football.

Garcia has enjoyed a terrific year in LaLiga 2 and has proven himself to be a consistent goalscorer who can also provide opportunities for his teammates. The second-tier talent has scored 19 goals and assisted seven in 38 appearances in the division and averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.09.

Journalist Josh Bunting stated that the attacker has been "flying" this season such is form and the statistics certainly back that up as the Spaniard has been able to provide goals and assists on a regular basis for Mirandes.

Simms, who is also 22, spent the first half of the campaign on loan to Sunderland and caught the eye, scoring seven goals and assisting two in 17 appearances for the Black Cats in the Championship and averaging a Sofascore rating of 7.03.

The Englishman has failed to make the step up to the Premier League, however, with one goal and zero assists in ten outings. It's clear his numbers in the second tier are not quite as impressive as Garcia's in the second division of Spanish football and thus, an upgrade could be sourced by Dyche.

Indeed, their respective returns this season suggest that the Real Betis prospect, who has been valued at €10m (£9m), could offer more of a goal threat and more creativity in the final third.

West Ham eyeing move for Nayef Aguerd

West Ham United are eyeing a summer move for Moroccan centre-back Nayef Aguerd from Ligue 1 side Rennes this summer according to recent reports.

The Daily Mail recently revealed that The Hammers were looking to add depth to their squad after an impressive season that has seen them qualify for Europe and reach the semi-final of the Europa League.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-this-weeks-latest-west-ham-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-and-more” title= “Read the latest West Ham news!”]

One their list of targets is defender Nayef Aguerd, with The Evening Standard recently reporting that talks between Rennes and West Ham over Aguerd were progressing.

Any move is expected to cost £15m with the player contracted until 2025. Moyes is searching for a defender who is fast and can provide balance on the left.

If he sings then one of the players he will be competing with for a spot in the starting line-up is Craig Dawson. Despite Dawson being Premier League proven, Aguerd would be an upgrade and an option for the long term.

When you compare both players this season, the 26-year-old excels in a number of areas and offers attributes different to Dawson. He has recorded a higher number of combined tackles and interceptions at 84 compared to the Englishman’s 63.

It’s in possession where he is the most impressive, completing 26 more progressive carries of the ball than Dawson this season and 401 more touches in the defensive third, despite playing fewer games.

The Morrocan international is even good in the air, having won 108 aerial duels this season compared to 103 won by West Ham’s 32-year-old.

Ultimately he offers a lot more than Dawson, and even though he has played a massive part in The Hammers’ successes this season, if they want to push on for a Champions League place it’s about time they upgraded him.

Aguerd would be a complete bargain and offers all round skill as well as experience on the international stage with 19 caps for his country.

He’s even been described as a “cerebral person” by former Rennes manager Julien Stephen.

It’s set to be an exciting summer ahead for manager David Moyes and it’s important that they spend the money they are given wisely.

They’ll struggle to compete with the bigger clubs in the league for the top players, so their best bet is to buy smart, and Aguerd should certainly be one of the first on the list – at £15m, he’s an absolute bargain.

AND in other news: “Said to fancy…”: Ex drop teasing West Ham transfer claim, supporters surely buzzing…

Rangers: BBC journalist now expects major summer exodus

BBC journalist Tom English has insisted that Rangers will be without Connor Goldson and Allan McGregor next season as a number of big changes are expected at Ibrox.

The Lowdown: Busy season

The Glasgow outfit have been extraordinarily busy this season, having made it all the way to the UEFA Europa League final, in addition to winning the Scottish Cup.

With the Gers missing out on the Scottish Premiership title to Celtic by a meagre four points, van Bronckhorst will be assessing his squad ahead of next season, weighing up any departures after the players enjoy a well-earned rest.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/rangers-news-4/” title=”Rangers news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Latest: Major exodus

Writing in his BBC Sport column, English has made a number of assumptions about the Rangers squad ahead of next season.

Firstly, the journalist said he expects 40-year-old Allan McGregor will retire in the coming months.

English also claims that Connor Goldson is looking certain to leave upon the expiry of his contract.

With a number of stellar names now in the final year of their deals, it wouldn’t be unlikely to see some big players being sold ahead of next season.

As a result, it is expected that there will be numerous incomings and outgoings this summer.

The Verdict: Clubs will be interested

With such an impressive campaign showcased on the European stage, a whole host of clubs will be sniffing around the likes of Ryan Kent, Alfredo Morelos, Joe Aribo and Calvin Bassey, who all excelled in the Europa League this year.

Whilst it may be the time to offload some of the deadwood, it is imperative that Rangers hold on to their best players – especially if they are to replicate their stunning European run.

Therefore, this will be a big transfer window for the Gers, and fans may be particularly concerned over the future of Bassey after his incredible display in Seville.

In other news: Rangers: Jonny McFarlane stunned by Cinch news

Wolves eye up move for Andre Almeida

Wolves are showing an interest in signing Vitoria Guimaraes youngster Andre Almeida this summer, according to a fresh transfer rumour which has emerged.

The Lowdown: Summer incomings expected

The Old Gold have enjoyed a good season in the Premier League overall, finishing in the top halfo of the table and narrowly missing out on European football.

The important thing now is for Bruno Lage to further improve his squad in order to take them up another level next season, with summer arrivals expected at Molineux.

Midfield could be an area where the manager looks to strengthen, and an intriguing transfer update has emerged in that respect as Wolves line up their first new signing of the summer.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/all-the-latest-from-wolves-6/” title=”All the latest from Wolves!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=“none”]

The Latest: Almeida linked with Wolves

According to Jornal de Noticias [via Sport Witness], Wolves ‘may advance’ in their efforts to sign Almeida, with an €8m (£6.7m) offer potentially coming his way as a move is ‘being discussed’.

The 21-year-old’s current deal with Vitoria Guimaraes expires at the end of next season, and the Old Gold are hopeful of taking advantage of that situation.

[freshpress-poll id=“388780″]

The Verdict: Good for squad depth

While Almeida wouldn’t necessarily come to Molineux as a guaranteed starter, he is someone who would add some welcome squad depth in the middle of the park, especially if Ruben Neves leaves this summer amid strong links with Barcelona.

The 21-year-old has made 31 Primeira Liga appearances this season, enjoying an 86.3% pass completion rate, which suggests that he could thrive in Lage’s ball-playing system.

Not only that, but Almeida would be a long-term acquisition who could mature into a formidable player over time. That has been the case with his compatriot Neves, who incidentally has an inferior pass completion rate in the Premier League this term (84.2%) compared to Almeida in Portugal.

If the 25-year-old leaves Molineux, as seems likely, the Old Gold may already be lining up his long-term successor to pull the strings in midfield.

In other news, Wolves have been boosted in their attempts to sign one player. Find out who it is here.

Rangers: Aston Villa eyeing Calvin Bassey

An update has emerged regarding interest in Rangers tank Calvin Bassey heading into the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

According to The Telegraph, the Ibrox defender is being eyed up by a club south of the border ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

The report claims that the Glasgow gem is a target for Steven Gerrard’s Aston Villa, as the former Rangers boss looks to bolster his defensive options in the English Midlands.

Big disaster

Ross Wilson will be heading for a big Rangers disaster if he even entertains the idea of cashing in on Bassey in the next few months.

Gio van Bronckhorst needs the Nigeria international next season, as he has been a crucial player for the club throughout 2021/22.

Connor Goldson and Leon Balogun are both out of contract this summer, so Bassey may be the only fit senior central defensive option at Ibrox by the end of next month before John Souttar arrives. Losing him would therefore leave the club in a difficult situation with the centre-back position.

Selling the ex-Leicester man would also be a disaster because of what Rangers would lose on the pitch. The £6.4k-per-week tank has been outstanding in the Premiership this season, proving that he can deliver quality displays on a consistent basis by averaging a SofaScore rating of 6.97.

As you can see from the SofaScore statistics above, the left-back turned centre-back has been a pivotal member of Van Bronckhorst’s squad this season, and the Dutch head coach will surely be desperate to keep him at Ibrox for the foreseeable future.

Journalist Josh Bunting has described Bassey’s improvement as “ridiculous”, and his growth throughout the campaign suggests that he is a player with the potential to get even better. At the age of 22, he is still in the early part of his career and has plenty of time left on his hands to develop further and increase his value.

This is another reason why the Gers must fight to keep hold of Bassey. If they can continue to help the youngster fulfill his potential, then he may be worth even more to the club in a couple of years’ time, which would mean that Wilson can rake in a larger sum of money for his services.

Therefore, it would be a big disaster to sell him this summer, so Rangers’ sporting director must hold firm to rebuff any interest from Villa.

AND in other news, Imagine him & Kent: Van Bronckhorst can form scary Rangers duo by signing gem “who never gives up”…

Game
Register
Service
Bonus