Tottenham: Romano shares Spence latest amid reports

Reliable transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano has now shared the latest Tottenham Hotspur transfer news amid major reports surrounding Djed Spence.

The Lowdown: Big claims…

In the last 24 hours, a really big claim emerged of a reached agreement between Middlesbrough and Spurs for the signing of Spence.

The Guardian stated yesterday evening that club chief Fabio Paratici and the Premier League giants had agreed a £20 million fee for the 21-year-old.

After they claimed manager Antonio Conte was closing in on his third summer signing after Ivan Perisic and Fraser Forster, journalists like Alasdair Gold of football.london were then quick to rebuff the update.

Gold did state that there should be developments in the next 72 hours though, with Romano now sharing what he knows.

The Latest: Spurs talks ‘on’…

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According to Romano, sharing news on Twitter, Tottenham talks are still ‘on’ to sign Spence but things aren’t as advanced as the Guardian suggested.

He explained:

“Tottenham are interested in Djed Spence since long time but they’ve not reached full agreement to sign him yet despite rumours. Talks on – there are few clubs interested in the right back. THFC Discussions about Spence’s future will continue in the coming days.”

The Verdict: Make the move…

While a fee hasn’t been agreed upon yet, the fact Spurs are still in contention with talks ongoing is brilliant news for Conte and the club’s supporters.

Spence is arguably one of the most promising young players in England right now, having played a significant part in Nottingham Forest’s push for top flight promotion over 2021/2022 whilst on loan.

The exciting wing-back’s addition would also help to balance Spurs’ homegrown quota and provide them a further boost ahead of a long and busy summer window.

In other news: ‘Being negotiated’ – Club now want their ‘sensational’ star to join Tottenham…find out more here.

Liverpool linked with Asensio move

Liverpool have been linked with a summer move for Real Madrid attacking midfielder Marco Asensio, as Jurgen Klopp potentially looks at more attacking signings.

The Lowdown: Asensio out of contract soon

The Spaniard has found himself in and out of Madrid’s team in the past 12 months, failing to nail down a regular spot in Carlo Ancelotti’s starting lineup.

Asensio started exactly half of his side’s La Liga games last season – 19 out of 38 – but he did manage to chip in with ten goals in the competition.

The 26-year-old is out of contract at Madrid next summer, meaning he could look to leave in the coming months, despite being offered a new deal.

The Latest: Liverpool linked with move

According to reports in Spain [via Sport Witness], Klopp has been interested in the Spain international for a ‘long time’.

The report also states that, if he was available, Liverpool would ‘surely go for’ the Madrid man due to Klopp’s personal admiration, who scored in his side’s 2017 Champions League final win against Juventus.

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The Verdict: Would be a surprise

While Asensio is a proven player at the top level – he has been hailed as ‘world-class by Vicente del Bosque – it would be a surprise if he joined the Reds this summer.

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Darwin Nunez already looks likely to be coming in from Benfica, while Klopp also has outstanding current attacking options in Mohamed Salah, Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino.

Sadio Mane may be moving on, but there is still a plethora of talent to choose from and it would be hard to guarantee a player of Asensio’s pedigree regular playing time.

In other news, a key update has emerged in Liverpool’s quest to sign one huge talent. Read more here.

West Ham: Tomas Soucek’s future could be in doubt

Tomas Soucek’s future with West Ham United is now in doubt after David Moyes has looked at bringing in a number of different midfielders, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Soucek’s West Ham career

Since joining the Hammers on loan in January 2020 and then signing permanently later that year, the Czech Republic international has gone on to make 105 appearances for the east London club.

However, Irons insider ExWHUemployee recently dropped a surprising update, claiming that West Ham are now willing to entertain offers for the 27-year-old this summer as contract talks between the two parties have failed to progress.

The Latest: Jones’ West Ham claim

With Moyes on a quest to bolster West Ham’s options in midfield, Jones believes that this could be a sign that Soucek’s place in the team is now in doubt.

Speaking with GiveMeSport, he claimed: “Obviously, they are being linked with other midfielders at the moment.

“Kalvin Phillips and James Ward-Prowse have both been linked. I don’t think anything’s imminent on either of those, but it’s interesting that they’re the sort of players that are being linked. Obviously, Jesse Lingard is still being talked about as well.

“If there are these midfield players being talked about, then you wonder what’s happening there. I do think it’s a situation to keep an eye on.”

The Verdict: Would be a surprise if he goes

Since arriving at Rush Green, Soucek has proven to be an important player for Moyes’ team, starting 72 of their 76 top-flight matches over the last two campaigns.

During his first full season in England, the Croatian scored ten goals in the Premier League, making him the Irons’ joint-top scorer alongside striker Michail Antonio.

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has been very complimentary of West Ham’s first-choice midfield pairing, claiming that Soucek and Declan Rice do ‘everything’ at an ‘incredible volume’.

Therefore, the rumours suggesting an exit from east London for the Czech stalwart may come as a surprise, leaving fans wondering who Moyes will bring in as the 27-year-old’s prospective replacement.

In other news: Journalist says Irons could ‘definitely’ make a move for this player who featured in the 2021/22 Premier League

West Ham must move for Jack Harrison

Recent reports have seen West Ham United linked with a move for Leeds United forward Jack Harrison this summer, with the Hammers believed to be ‘taking an interest’ in the Englishman following another standout Premier League campaign.

Having finally signed for the Elland Road outfit on a £11m permanent deal last summer – after three seasons on loan from Manchester City – the former New York City FC man went on to prove instrumental in keeping the club in the division, netting eight league goals for the second successive campaign after a blistering run of form after the turn of the year.

That haul not only included a dramatic final day winner away at Brentford to confirm the Yorkshire outfit’s place in the top-flight next season, but he also hit a stunning treble to secure a vital 3-2 win away at the London Stadium back in January.

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The “explosive” ace, as he has been dubbed by current boss Jesse Marsch, proved in that encounter just what a menace he can be, with his display likely to have caught the attention of the east London outfit.

On what was a torrid day for the hosts’ full-back Vladimir Coufal – with the Czech international losing possession a staggering 25 times – he was simply run ragged by the relentless 25-year-old, in what was a thrilling encounter in the capital.

The Stoke-on-Trent born ace netted early on with a curling effort from just inside the box after the aforementioned Coufal had failed to close him down, before he reacted quickest from a Leeds corner to turn home at the back post to retake the lead for the visitors, after Jarrod Bowen had drawn the home side level.

Heading into the second half, the Irons again drew level through Pablo Fornals just after the break, before the hero of the hour stepped up to seal his treble and all three points with a fine dinked effort late on, having surged into the space vacated by that man Coufal down the hosts’ right flank.

That display saw the £60k-per-week speedster take home the match ball, although it could have also determined his future destination, with Moyes and co likely to have been impressed by the damage he can cause with his lightning pace and bravery in possession.

With two seasons of Premier League experience under his belt already, it would certainly not be a risk for GSB were they to sanction the move, with it a mouthwatering thought as to the carnage that could be caused with Bowen on one flank and Harrison on the other.

Equally, the latter man also fits the Moyes mould of carrying out his defensive duties, ranking in the top 6% for clearances, the top 9% for blocks and the top 15% for tackles made among those in his position across Europe’s top five leagues.

In West Ham’s often counter-attacking set-up he would simply thrive as an attacking outlet, with the club simply needing to get the chequebook out to secure his services this summer. At the very least it would prevent him from tormenting them again next term…

IN other news, “Another target…”: Ex drops big WHU summer transfer claim that supporters will love

Masi confirms WBA’s interest in winger

West Brom are eyeing up a summer move for Millwall winger Jed Wallace after securing the capture of John Swift, according to reliable journalist Joseph Masi.

The Lowdown: Big summer for West Brom

The Baggies had a hugely disappointing 2021/22 season, starting it as one of the favourites to earn automatic promotion but not even finishing in the playoff places.

Valerien Ismael proved to be a failed appointment as manager, while there are doubts over whether or not Steve Bruce is now the right man to be in charge.

He has a huge summer ahead of him, and needs to make significant signings who can improve West Brom’s squad immediately.

That business has already started with the capture of Swift from Reading, as a deal was confirmed on Thursday.

The Latest: Masi confirms interest in duo

Taking to Twitter on Thursday before the Swift news broke, Masi also revealed the Baggies’ interest in Wallace:

“Albion aiming high in the free agent market this summer. We know they want John Swift & Jed Wallace among others.”

The Verdict: Bruce not messing around

Swift and Wallace are exactly the kind of players West Brom need to be bringing in this summer, with the pair capable of taking them up a significant level and boasting plenty of experience in the second tier.

Swift enjoyed a superb season for Reading, scoring 11 goals and registering 13 assists in the league, so his creativity and end product will make a huge difference.

Similarly, Wallace was a prolific figure out wide for Millwall, finding the net six times and chipping in with an impressive 12 assists – the third-most in the league behind only Swift and Fulham’s Harry Wilson.

In other news, Masi has provided an update on another rumoured West Brom target. Find out who it is here.

Aaronson to undergo Leeds medical soon

Brenden Aaronson will undergo his Leeds United medical imminently ahead of his summer move to Elland Road, according to Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg.

The Lowdown: Aaronson deal on the brink

The American has been a long-time target for the Whites and was even the subject of two bids from Marcelo Bielsa and Victor Orta back in January.

Unsurprisingly, with Jesse Marsch working alongside him during their time together at RB Salzburg, the Whites’ interest hasn’t waned with the change of manager.

Aaronson scored twice in eight Champions League appearances for Salzburg this season, as well as averaging 1.6 key passes per game in the competition, and on Monday, it emerged that a deal to sign the 21-year-old is now close, following Leeds’ Premier League survival being secured on Sunday.

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The Latest: Medical imminent

Taking to Twitter on Monday evening, Sky Germany reporter Plettenberg claimed that Aaronson would have his Whites medical in the near future, with everything else agreed:

“Update #Aaronson: There is a total agreement with #LUFC and between the clubs. Everything is clear but no signing yet. Medical soon. Total transfer between €28-30m. He is one of the desired players of the clubs. Great transfer.”

The Verdict: Fantastic summer signing

Aaronson has seemingly been a primary target for a long time, so getting this deal over the line is huge, further highlighting the importance of staying in the Premier League.

The USA international should bring a huge amount of quality with him to Leeds’ midfield, providing more end product than the current crop, following 13 goals and 15 assists in 65 matches for Salzburg.

At 22, he is someone who can mature into a star figure at Elland Road during the Marsch era, excelling alongside his compatriot and helping take the Whites up another gear.

In other news, Leeds are eyeing up a second signing after Aaronson. Find out who it is here.

Demarai Gray was Everton’s game changer

Everton have survived their desperate relegation battle and will remain in the Premier League next season after a disastrous campaign, but Frank Lampard and his team can finally breathe a sigh of relief.

It wasn’t a comfortable game for the Toffees by no means, but the manager will be proud of the resilience his team showed in the second half of the game to come back from 2-0 down against Crystal Palace to score three in the final 45 minutes at Goodison Park.

Despite being at home Everton had less possession (43%), fewer big chances and completed over 100 less accurate passes than Patrick Vieira’s side yesterday evening, but even without domination of the ball, the team took their chances when they needed to.

In the first half, the Toffees struggled to impose themselves on their visitors and started massively on the back foot which ultimately cost them when Jean-Philippe Mateta found the back of the net in the 21st minute but the first goal wasn’t enough to wake the home team up as they conceded a second 15 minutes later when Jordan Ayew scored to double Palace’s lead.

Lampard quickly realised that he needed to make some ruthless changes to his team if he was going to have any chance of securing safety ahead of the final game of the season, swapping out an uninspiring Andre Gomes for Dele Alli and that one change may have been the catalyst in changing Everton’s fate on Merseyside.

Michael Keane and Richarlison brought their team back into the game with goals in the second half, but it was Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s killer goal in the 85th minute that made every Blues supporter’s dreams come true, with a goal that has now saved Everton in their penultimate game of the campaign.

One player who deserves a huge amount of credit for the win tonight is Demarai Gray, who came on the pitch for Anthony Gordon in the 61st minute, a substitution that was worth its weight in gold.

The 25-year-old who was hailed a “game-changer” by former manager Gary Rowett proved just how effective he can be in important moments even with just 13 touches of the ball he made every single one count.

Gray won 100% of his ground duels, was successful in 100% of his dribble attempts, creating one big chance and making one key pass proving that although he didn’t make many touches he was effective in achieving what he was brought onto the pitch to do.

Lampard, the squad and the supporters will be massively relieved and overjoyed to have taken themselves out of the relegation fight ahead of the last day of the season, but now the club must focus on the future and there is some serious work to do to make sure they don’t fall into the same situation again next season.

AND in other news: Everton eye a move for 18 y/o “shining light”, he could be the next Calvert-Lewin

Fabio Silva linked with Real Madrid move

19-year-old Wolves striker Fabio Silva is reportedly the subject of interest from Real Madrid.

That’s according to reports in Spain via Caught Offside, who claim that the Spanish champions are looking to add a young striker to their ranks this summer with Karim Benzema entering the final years of his career.

The West Midlands outfit broke their club-record transfer fee to lure Silva from FC Porto to Molineux as an 18-year-old for a whopping £35.6m in September 2020, a transfer that Tariq Panja of the New York Times journalist described as “baffling.”

However, that price tag is yet to be justified.

Wolves can allow Silva to leave

Since becoming another of many talents to leave Portugal for Wolves, Silva has made 61 appearances for Wolves, although the striker averages 41.2 minutes per appearance.

In that time, the teenager has scored four goals and registered six assists. However, all of the goals and half of the assists came last season with the forward yet to find the back of the net this term.

Although he didn’t sign Silva, Bruno Lage has shown evidence of being a fan of the youngster, handing him plenty of opportunities in the second half of the season.

Moreover, the Portuguese was voted as Wolves’ player of the month for April despite Wanderers losing three in a row and the forward failing to register a goal or an assist.

Of course, at a very young age, Silva has an abundance of potential, hence why Wolves paid the serious money that they did. It is just a case of demonstrating that quality in matches for the 19-year-old.

Goals have been at a serious shortage for Lage’s side this term, with just three sides scoring fewer than their 37, two of which have already been relegated in Watford and Norwich City.

Therefore, investing in high quality forwards that can score will certainly be a priority, something that Silva hasn’t shown many signs of doing over his two seasons.

If Real Madrid were to offer similar money to what Wolves spent on the striker, they could be tempted to allow the forward, who was labelled as a “hindrance” by journalist Liam Keen, to depart after a frustrating spell at Molineux.

However, there is also the suggestion that if Wolves cut ties with Silva early, they may find themselves regretting their actions in years to come.

Based on what the striker has shown in a Wolves shirt thus far though, the West Midlands outfit can afford to allow him to depart.

AND in other news: Wolves can get summer off to a blinder with “unplayable” £46k-p/w brute who Lage wants

Wolves eye swoop for Lewis O’Brien

Wolverhampton Wanderers have cast their sights towards Huddersfield Town midfielder Lewis O’Brien, with the Old Gold interested in signing a midfielder in this summer’s transfer window.

What’s the word?

That is according to a report from TEAMtalk, who claim that Wolves are among a sextuple of clubs who are interested in signing the 23-year-old.

The mentioned sides who are vying for his signature are Wolves, Leeds United, Crystal Palace, Burnley and Southampton.

It is said that the Englishman’s fate could be settled as early as next week as it is believed that the Terriers’ midfield man has a release clause in his contract to the tune of around £12m.

As per the report, there is a slim chance that O’Brien could stay, with Huddersfield Town involved in the play-offs, so if they were to earn promotion to the Premier League, the 23-year-old would not have too much to gain.

Ready for the Premier League

It is no secret as to why so many top-flight outfits are sniffing around O’Brien ahead of this summer’s transfer window.

The 23-year-old, who has been described as “terrific” by writer George Smith, has been a vital part of the Terriers’ Championship campaign, having played 93% of Huddersfield’s games this season, and still has a part to play in helping them to achieve their ambition of promotion to the top flight.

The Englishman has “ran the show” according to Smith and has drummed up metrics that would see him slot right into Lage’s Wolves side.

Having created 44 chances in the Championship this season, he would rank first in Wolves’ squad, jumping ahead of Daniel Podence who has created 35 openings in the Premier League this term.

With six goal contributions in the form of three goals and three assists, he has bettered that of Joao Moutinho, who has been mooted to leave Molineux this summer.

Defensively he is sound also, and his average of 1.3 successful tackles per 90 would see him rank fourth among the Old Gold squad for this metric.

Overall, his £12m release clause represents somewhat of a bargain for a player of his calibre who is clearly ready for the Premier League.

Wolves would be right to move for O’Brien, who could offer Lage’s side a much-needed burst of creativity and defensive stability in midfield.

In other news: Forget Sa: “Ridiculous” Wolves dud who lost the ball every 5 touches let Lage down 

Sunderland boss Alex Neil praises Sheffield Wednesday fans

Sunderland manager Alex Neil has dropped a bold claim on the Sheffield Wednesday supporters ahead of their upcoming League One play-off match against the Owls on Friday night.

The Lowdown: The ultimate face-off

The Black Cats cemented a place in the top six of the second-tier at the end of the season alongside the Yorkshire outfit, and they are now set to face each other in the first leg of the play-off semi-final at the Stadium of Light.

The two sides both won their respective home games against each other earlier in the campaign, so the support from those in the stands could hold massive weight on the result, and whilst the 40-year-old boss previewed the crunch clash, he was full of praise for both sets of fans.

The Latest: Neil’s admiration

During his pre-match press conference on Thursday, Neil said: “I’m probably gonna offend a few teams here, but it’s probably the two most well supported teams in the league.”

The Verdict: Electric atmosphere

There’s no doubt that the atmosphere inside the ground will be absolutely buzzing, with both teams looking to make the jump up to the Championship next season.

Sunderland are reported to have sold a staggering 35,000 tickets for the game and are aiming to have a total of more than 45,000 in attendance. If the club were to achieve this, it would beat the 38,000 that were at the Doncaster fixture back in February, which was officially recorded as the largest crowd outside of the Premier League this campaign.

Whoever manages to seal the victory in this tie will have one foot in the play-off final, which is set to take place at Wembley Stadium on May 21st, and could be joining Wigan Athletic and Rotherham in their promotion parties.

In other news: Journalist stunned by ‘remarkable’ update from the Stadium of Light…