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Liverpool have already made three signings this summer with Darwin Nunez, Calvin Ramsey and Fabio Carvalho joining Jurgen Klopp’s squad, and now a potential new transfer target has emerged.

What’s the latest?

According to talkSPORT, Liverpool are one of the clubs interested in signing Carney Chukwuemeka this summer.

As per the report, the Aston Villa youngster is attracting attention from not only Liverpool but also Barcelona, Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund.

It is reported that Villa are becoming fearful of losing their rising star, as he will be out of contract in 2023 and the player is currently refusing to commit his future at the club.

Klopp’s very own Tchouameni

Klopp is renowned for turning players into superstars and winners, something he has achieved at Liverpool many times as well as back in Germany with Borussia Dortmund. So, although the Reds did miss out on Aurelien Tchouameni this summer, they could yet sign and develop their very own star midfielder.

Chukwuemeka was named last year by the Daily Mail as one the best young footballers to watch out for in the Premier League and has now clearly begun to attract attention from some of the biggest clubs in Europe due to his undeniable talent.

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The 18-year-old has been given small opportunities to prove himself at Aston Villa last season, making 12 league appearances for the side, but only averaging 26 minutes per game.

Despite the limited game-time, Chukwuemeka delivered one assist and created one big chance, winning the majority of his ground and aerial duels combined (55%) and was successful in the majority of dribble attempts too (60%).

The youngster has also been attracting attention for his performances with England U19s in the European Championships.

Chukwuemeka has scored two goals and registered two assists in total with a goal and assist against both Serbia and Austria, proving that the youngster is having no trouble in making himself a stand-out in the competition so far.

Arsenal legend Paul Merson even predicted that the £5.4m-rated talent would become an “absolute star” on Sky Sports Soccer Saturday following his full Premier League debut for Villa last season.

Merson claimed: “You look at the positives, the young kid, Chukwuemeka was very good.

“He will be an absolute star. He glides across the pitch. He is a nice size. He gets on the ball. He looks for it and makes runs without the ball. I think Villa fans going away will definitely be talking about him.”

With that being said, Klopp could develop his next big star if the powers at Anfield can strike up a £5m deal for Chukwuemeka this summer and there is no reason why the player couldn’t become part of the future of the midfield for Liverpool.

AND in other news: Liverpool readying an offer for “outstanding” £34.4m magician, imagine him & Salah

Raphinha’s proposed move from Leeds United to Arsenal is still on, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

The lowdown

Brazilian outlet Globo Esporte claimed that the north London club had ‘pulled out’ of the race to sign the 25-year-old after reportedly sealing a deal for Gabriel Jesus, boosting Barcelona’s chances of landing the Elland Road star.

It emerged last week that the Gunners had submitted a bid for the Whites winger, but it was rejected because it fell significantly below Leeds’ valuation (via The Athletic).

The Yorkshire club are expected to allow Raphinha to leave without being ‘unfair’ or ‘obstructive’ if their demands are met.

The latest

Jacobs took to Twitter on Sunday night with a couple of telling updates on the Brazil international’s future at Leeds, ahead of what could be a pivotal week in the transfer saga.

Firstly, he tweeted: “Told Arsenal have not ‘pulled out’ of trying to sign Raphinha. Raphinha does want to see if a Barcelona deal is possible (Camp Nou move always been of appeal). It’s complicated and may require Ousmane Dembele to leave, hence why this week is key.”

In a follow-up tweet, Jacobs claimed: “Raphinha’s representatives haven’t blanked EPL suitors. Arsenal have further talks scheduled with them this week. Leeds will hold out for around £60 million. Barcelona need to find those funds. Raphinha wants to assess all options, and one of them remains Arsenal.”

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The verdict

Raphinha doesn’t look like an essential signing for Arsenal.

He played 33 of his 36 matches on the right flank last season, and that’s the role Bukayo Saka typically occupies at the Emirates Stadium.

In the England youngster, Arsenal already have a top-quality option, as his nomination for Premier League Player of the Season demonstrates, so perhaps the Gunners won’t feel pressure to meet that reported £60m asking price for the Brazil star.

That could ultimately work in Leeds’ favour as they do their utmost to keep Raphinha at Elland Road, but could this yet prove to be a long and drawn-out negotiation?

According to a report by The Athletic, it is now Everton who are the club most keen on signing Manchester City left-back Oleksandr Zinchenko.

The Lowdown: Zinchenko leaving Man City

As per 90min, the 25-year-old is open to leaving the Etihad Stadium this summer in pursuit of fulfilling his ambitions as a midfielder.

Whilst the Ukraine international has received a decent haul of first-team minutes under Pep Guardiola, most of those have come with him playing at left-back.

Therefore, Zinchenko is looking to explore his options elsewhere in search of guaranteed minutes in the middle of the park – a role in which he excels in for his national team, for whom he has amassed 52 caps.

The Latest: Everton now the most keen

With the Ukrainian linked with an exit this summer, The Athletic have named Zinchenko as one of three players considered to be on Manchester City’s departure list.

The Athletic went on to report that, whilst the 25-year-old has had plenty of Premier League interest in the past, it is now Everton who are understood to be the most keen to sign him this summer.

If Zinchenko were to leave the Etihad, this would open up a spot to sign Brighton’s Marc Cucurella at left-back in Guardiola’s squad.

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The Verdict: He’d be a great signing

Given that Zinchenko can play at left-back and across the midfield, his arrival at Goodison Park would provide Frank Lampard with a versatile option who could be relied upon to play in a variety of positions when needed.

The Ukraine captain is known for his technical play, with his teammate Kyle Walker even going as far as to claim that he is ‘more gifted’ than City superstar Kevin De Bruyne, as he is simply ‘incredible’.

The 25-year-old would also bring some valuable trophy-winning nous to Goodison Park, having lifted silverware 11 times during his spell at the Etihad.

Therefore, with Zinchenko’s experience of achieving success at the highest level, this would appear to be a great signing for the Toffees, whose wait for a trophy now stands at 27 years.

In other news: Everton are going head-to-head with a Premier League rival in the chase for this transfer target

Victor Orta has been spotted at Manchester airport heading to Belgium, suggesting that he could be sorting Leeds United’s move for Nicolas Raskin.

The Lowdown: Leeds linked with Raskin move

The 21-year-old has impressed for Standard Liege in the last 12 months, making 29 Jupiler Pro League appearances in 2021/22, chipping in with four assists from his defensive midfield role.

Raskin has been linked with a move to Leeds in recent days, as Jesse Marsch looks to fill the potential void left by Kalvin Phillips this summer.

Now, a fresh development suggests the Whites could be closer than ever to snapping up Raskin imminently.

The Latest: Orta’s airport trop hints at transfer

On Thursday, Leeds fan @Nathaniel2471 posted a photo on Twitter of himself and Orta at Manchester airport, with the Whites’ sporting director taking a flight to Belgium.

“Victor Orta in Manchester airport going Belgium”, the tweet read, accompanied by an all-important suggestive eyes emoji!

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The Verdict: Great summer addition

While there is no proof that Orta was flying to seal the signing of Raskin, it certainly seems like a coincidence at a time when Leeds are strongly linked with one of the Belgium top-flights stand-out performers.

If a deal can get over the line, the youngster could be an excellent signing by Jesse Marsch, providing a new combative presence in the middle of the park, particularly with Phillips possibly leaving and Stuart Dallas out with a long-term injury.

Raskin averaged 2.6 tackles per game in the league last season, a number higher than every Leeds player except Phillips, Dallas and Luke Ayling, and that all-action approach is needed in a team that leaked goals last term and could be without all three of those names come game-week one.

In other news, Orta is also believed to have stepped up his chase for another Leeds signing. Read more here.

A big update has emerged on Glasgow Rangers and their pursuit of a deal to bring a winger to Ibrox in the summer transfer window… 

What’s the talk?

According to Wales Online, the Gers have entered talks over a deal to sign Rabbi Matondo from FC Schalke in the coming weeks, after Cercle Brugge opted against a €3.5m (£3m) swoop.

The report claims that both Old Firm giants are negotiating with the German club as Ross Wilson looks to snap the Wales international up ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

However, he is currently away on international duty with his country and this means that there is no rush to get anything done in the immediate future.

Gio van Bronckhorst needs him

The Gers must ensure that they are able to beat Celtic to his signature as the Ibrox head coach needs him badly to improve his options out wide.

Fashion Sakala, who also played as a striker at times, was the only winger with more than two goals (seven) in the Premiership last term. Scott Arfield (four) and Joe Aribo (eight) also played out wide at times but also played in central midfield and in the number 10 role, with the latter filling in as a false nine towards the end of the campaign.

Matondo has the ability in the final third to come in and provide a real goal threat from out wide, which would be a huge boost to van Bronckhorst’s squad.

He showed potential of being a top-class forward at youth level as he produced 11 goals and five assists in 32 games for Manchester City’s U23s, catching the eye of the first-team manager.

Man City boss Pep Guardiola previously praised the youngster as he said: “They (Schalke) are interested in another young player. I know how good he is, incredibly fast winger, and a young talent. This club is working so good.”

He has also been lauded by ex-Wales boss Ryan Giggs in the past, with the former Manchester United winger dubbing his pace as “electrifying”.

In 2021/22, Matondo finally showcased his quality at first-team level as he managed ten goals and two assists on loan at Cercle Brugge from Schalke.

These statistics, along with his youth form for City, suggest that he has the natural ability to make things happen with the ball in the final third.

Matondo has the quality to score goals and did so at an impressive rate for a winger during his spell in Belgium with Brugge.

Given the lack of consistent scorers from out wide in the current Gers squad, the Welshman – on paper – seems like a signing van Bronckhorst desperately needs. Hopefully, Wilson can now deliver the attacker to him before the end of the window…

AND in other news, Big setback: Rangers dealt hammer blow that’ll leave van Bronckhorst fuming…

The Athletic’s Chris Waugh has reacted to the latest transfer rumour linking Newcastle United captain Jamaal Lascelles with a move away to newly promoted Premier League side Nottingham Forest.

The Lowdown: Lascelles falling down pecking order

Following the arrival of former Brighton defender Dan Burn at St. James’ Park, club captain Lascelles has fallen down the pecking order at Newcastle.

Since the closure of the January transfer window, the 28-year-old has made just nine appearances in the English top-flight, only five of which have come in Eddie Howe’s starting XI.

Considering the skipper had been a fixture in the side whenever fit before Howe’s arrival, it would be no surprise to see him go in search of regular playing time.

The Latest: Waugh’s reaction

Taking to Twitter, Newcastle journalist Chris Waugh shared The Athletic’s article linking Lascelles with a return to Nottingham Forest, eight years after he left the City Ground.

Reacting to the news, Waugh said: “Interesting on Jamaal Lascelles… NUFC may listen to a decent offer for their skipper.”

The Verdict: Losing a leader

Speaking about Lascelles after he was left out of his starting XI for the Magpies’ 1-0 loss against Everton, Howe claimed (via GeordieBootBoys): “His attitude has been spot on. He’s obviously our captain and he’s led like a captain even in a difficult moment for him because he would want to play every game.

“I always think that’s a true test of a leader is in the difficult moments, and I think Jamaal has been absolutely superb – he’s been positive in the changing room before the game, during training – I cannot speak highly enough of his reaction to that.”

Regardless of whether Lascelles is in Howe’s starting XI or not, the defender provides a leading presence in the dressing room at St. James’ Park, and we feel this could be a big loss for Newcastle even despite his of serious minutes this season.

In other news: Newcastle United: Magpies send scouts to watch Ben Nelson

Everton are set to make big changes this summer and have been linked with a number of players ahead of the transfer window, with a potential target now ruled out of a move to Goodison Park already.

What’s the latest?

According to football journalist Jacque Talbot, there is “no chance” that Manchester United midfielder James Garner will join Everton this summer.

Talbot tweeted;

“No chance James Garner goes Everton or Leeds. Man United won’t sell him permanently either.”

Supporters will be disappointed

The Toffees are in desperate need of reinforcements this summer following a poor Premier League season and signing a young talented player like Garner would have been a major coup for the club ahead of next season, so supporters will surely be disappointed.

The 21-year-old has had an impressive season at Nottingham Forest as a standout performer in the team that have now been promoted to the Premier League following a victory over Huddersfield Town in the play-off final at Wembley.

Garner scored four goals, delivered eight assists and created seven big chances as well as making 2 key passes, 1.4 interceptions and 1.8 tackles, winning the majority of his ground duels (53%), proving that he was a dominate force for Forest in both offensive and defensive play from his role in midfield.

Due to the difficult relegation battle, Frank Lampard will need to identify players that can come into the team and make an instant impact and Garner would have been an ideal move for the club on a loan deal from Old Trafford amid Everton’s reported financial troubles.

The urgency to find players that will be the right fit for the Toffees has been further heightened with rumours that Richarlison, Allan and Dominic Calvert-Lewin could make their move away from Merseyside this summer, so losing out on Garner early on with be a big blow for Farhad Moshiri in his attempts to add reinforcements.

Ultimately, the powers at Goodison Park have a lot of work to do during the transfer window to ensure they don’t find themselves in a similar situation as this season and will need to act quickly to make sure they can get the right players in as soon as possible.

AND in other news: Everton now plotting summer swoop for “infectious” £80k-p/w ace, imagine him & Gordon

West Bromwich Albion have seen numerous players leaving the Midlands club in the past who have gone on to be successful elsewhere.

One player who fits this particular bill is defender Craig Dawson.

After racking up 225 appearances for the Baggies across all competitions between 2010 and 2019, the centre-back spent some time with Watford before joining West Ham United on a permanent basis last summer following a successful loan spell.

In 74 appearances so far for the east London club, the 32-year-old has scored eight goals, provided two assists and helped the Hammers get to the semi-finals of this season’s Europa League.

To further highlight how impressive the former Baggies defender has been for West Ham, he ended the 2021/22 Premier League season with more blocks (30) and clearances (145) than any other player in David Moyes’ squad.

Now that Steve Bruce is in charge at The Hawthorns and has spoken about potential overhaul taking place at the club during the upcoming transfer window, he now has the chance to bring what could finally be a suitable replacement for Dawson to the club.

Earlier this month, the Baggies were linked with a move for Blackburn defender Darragh Lenihan once his current contract at Ewood Park runs out at the end of next month.

Taking into account how the Irishman posted the second-highest number of blocks (0.8) and clearances per game (4.1) for Blackburn in the Championship this season, and the third-highest number of tackles and second-most interceptions made, he certainly has the defensive chops to be a solid addition to the West Brom ranks.

These defensive talents could make him a dream replacement for Dawson, who has shown this season how inspiration a presence he can be from centre-back.

Having also ended the season as Blackburn’s highest-rated player in terms of his overall performances according to WhoScored, it’s clear that Lenihan has what it takes to be a standout figure in the Championship, which is exactly what the Baggies may need to get them back in the frame for promotion next year.

Labelled a “special footballer” and a “man mountain” on the pitch by Tony Mowbray, the £2.7m-rated machine should definitely be on Bruce’s transfer list if strengthening the defence is one of his priorities for the summer. The 28-year-old could be the Dawson-esque presence that Wesy Brom have been missing since 2019.

In other news: Bad news: Bruce heading for big transfer calamity as West Brom eye move for £1.7m dud

Everton are prioritising a central defender in the summer transfer window and they have identified Fenerbahce’s Kim Min-jae as a potential addition, reports Turkish media outlet Ajansspor (via Goodison News).

The Lowdown: Kim profiled

Having arrived at Fenerbahce last summer, the 25-year-old has gone on to make a fantastic impression in European football.

The South Korea international started all of the 31 Super Lig matches that he was available for this season, further playing the full 90 minutes in all six of the Turkish outfit’s Europa League games.

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The Latest: Everton prepare bid

According to Turkish media outlet Ajansspor (via Goodison News), the Toffees are prepared to make a bid for Kim this summer, and it is reported that the Fenerbahce man has a £19.4m release clause in his current contract.

It is said that the player is keen to test himself in a bigger division, meaning he would be open to a move to the Premier League.

The Verdict: Good signing Frank

Having arrived in Turkey for a fee of £2.7m, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Fenerbahce look to make a quick profit on the defender, despite the club’s desire to keep hold of him.

Kim has received strong interest this season having impressed during his first year playing European football – he has even be likened to Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk, so it is clear that the 6 foot 3 ‘monster’ has the ability to step up another level.

At less than £20m, this would be a good addition to Frank Lampard’s Everton squad, who are in desperate need of an overhaul at the heart of defence this summer.

In other news: Sky Sports drop Everton FFP update…

Newcastle United are one game away from the end of their 2021/22 Premier League campaign and attention will then turn to the summer transfer window.

The Magpies have avoided the drop down to the Championship this season and will be playing in the top-flight again next term.

Eddie Howe was backed in January as PIF brought in a host of fresh additions to bolster the squad and it will now be interesting to see who they look to bring in to improve it further.

One player the Magpies have recently been linked with a swoop for is Wolfsburg centre-back Maxence Lacroix, who reportedly has a release clause of £34m (€40m) in his contract, as PIF plot a swoop for the gem.

BBC Sport writer Raj Chohan claimed, earlier this season, that the Frenchman is a “top tier CB talent” and with that in mind, he could be Eddie Howe’s own Rio Ferdinand at St. James’ Park.

On the official Bundesliga website, the defender has been compared to the Old Trafford legend: “A centre-back cut from the ‘tall and lean’ mould, rather than ‘big and hulky’ variety, Lacroix has a certain grace on the ball that is reminiscent of former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand in his prime.

“Similarly able to glide out of defence and pick a forward pass to a teammate, his elegance masks a steely will to win and a healthy aggression. In 2020/21, for example, he was among the top 30 players league-wide for passing accuracy (87 per cent) while also coming out on top in an impressive 59 per cent of his tackles.”

This is high praise of the Frenchman as Ferdinand enjoyed a terrific career in England. He won the title six times with the Red Devils and was named in the PFA Team of the Year on six occasions – showing that he was one of the best defenders in the Premier League for the best part of a decade.

Whether Lacroix will be able to reach those heights remains to be seen, but he has a similar style of play – as the Bundesliga site explains – and he excels at reading the game and intercepting passes. He ranks in the 99th percentile for interceptions made in Europe’s top five leagues with a whopping 4.15 per 90 – as per FBRef.

In the German top-flight this season, he has averaged a SofaScore rating of 6.99. This shows that he has been able to deliver quality performances on a consistent basis and he has the scope to develop his game, given that he turned 22 last month.

This means that Howe can help him to fulfil his potential and become the French version of Rio Ferdinand for the head coach on Tyneside.

AND in other news, Howe can get SJP rocking with NUFC swoop for £21m predator with the “scoring nose”…