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Newcastle United remain interested in signing Barcelona attacker Ferran Torres in the summer transfer window, according to a new report.

Is Torres set to leave Barcelona this summer?

The Spaniard has been at the Camp Nou since the middle of the 2021/22 season, having been deemed surplus to requirements by Manchester City.

Torres has similarly had to settle for playing a supporting role for Barca, however, doing his bit for them en route to winning the La Liga title last season, but rarely being considered a key man. The £62,000-a-week attacker may have featured in 33 of his side's 38 league matches, but only 14 of those appearances were from the start, with others preferred in attack, from Raphinha to Robert Lewandowski.

The 21-year-old's future has been a big talking point in recent weeks, and with a potential exit coming his way, Newcastle are one of the clubs who have been linked with a move for him. Now, a new claim has emerged – one that suggests their interest isn't going away.

Could Newcastle swoop in and sign Torres?

According to Mundo Deportivo [via Sport Witness], Torres is on the list of Barca's "transferable players" and the Magpies have seemingly made contact over a move, "calling for" him to come in this summer.

The Catalan giants will likely have to sell players to ease their current financial struggles and the former City man is someone who is seen as expendable. Raphinha is also loosely mentioned as a possible target for Newcastle, but it appears as though Torres is the more viable option of the two.

The Spanish youngster clearly hasn't hit the heights some expected of him at both City and Barca, but that's not to say he wouldn't be an impressive signing by the Magpies this summer.

Torres already has 39 goals to his name at senior club level, as well as 15 in 35 caps for Spain, and he should only become more of a force as he matures with age. His current manager Xavi has even gone as far as to call him "world-class" in the past, showing how much he rates him, even though he hasn't properly made the grade at Barca to date.

He is someone who could dovetail beautifully with Alexander Isak at Newcastle, being capable of playing in a wide or central attacking role, and the hope is that his past Premier League experience with City, where e scored a hat-trick at St James' Park, would allow him to hit the ground running.

Wolverhampton Wanderers have been linked with a Ligue 1 ace that could end Julen Lopetegui’s side's woes in front of goal.

The Spaniard is presented with the task of improving his squad on a tight budget this summer, following the reveal of the club's Financial Fair Play (FFP) worries.

With the latest player linked to Molineux, Wolves could strike a deal that would be kind to their finances and pose a significant improvement to their squad.

What’s the latest on Moussa Dembele to Wolves?

As reported by Express and Star yesterday, Wolves are interested in signing Olympique Lyonnais striker Moussa Dembele.

The report claims that the Midlands club are ‘monitoring’ the 26-year-old, who is set to become a free agent this summer.

It’s mentioned that the Old Gold will face ‘considerable competition’ for the Frenchman’s signature, with unnamed clubs across Europe also interested.

What could Moussa Dembele offer to Wolves?

In 129 Ligue 1 appearances for Lyon, Dembele has registered an impressive 67 goal contributions in scoring 56 times and contributing to 11 assists in five seasons for the club.

Lauded as “clinical” by scout Antonio Mango, the Frenchman could be an integral signing for Wolves, who ended the campaign as the Premier League’s lowest-scoring side with just 31 goals in 38 games.

The Pontoise-born talisman was snatched by the Ligue 1 side after a formidable spell in Scotland in which he led the line at Celtic, quickly cementing himself as a fan favourite.

In three seasons with the Glasgow giants, Dembele found the net 51 times in 94 appearances, showing his clinical nature in the final third and innate ability to lead the line.

Wolves aren’t short of creators with the likes of Pedro Neto and Matheus Nunes in the squad, so in having a striker as competent as the Lyon ace, Lopetegui could get the best out of his attack to turn fortunes around at Molineux after a dreary season.

In a campaign that lacked sufficient game time for the 26-year-old, the forward lost his place to former Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette, who scored 27 goals this term which subsequently forced Dembele out of favour.

The former Celtic man’s misfortune could be Wolves’ treasure, with him displaying signs that he could rejuvenate Lopetegui’s side in the final third, as highlighted by his statistics in the season prior in Ligue 1.

As per FBref, the 2021/22 campaign proved to be a strong one for the 26-year-old, who ranked in the top 4% of forwards in the league in terms of non-penalty goals, recording an average of 0.65 per 90.

Another impressive area that the forward excelled in was his activity in the box, averaging 6.08 touches in the penalty box per 90, significantly more than Wolves’ current strike option Raul Jimenez who registered 4.68 per 90 in the Premier League this term.

Wolves could land themselves an established talisman on a free transfer here, which may well prove to be a deal that could turn the club around.

Liverpool could soon add another midfielder to their ranks, with AS in Spain, via Paisley Gates, reporting that the Reds are prepared to trigger the release clause of Gabri Veiga this summer.

Are Liverpool going to sign Gabri Veiga?

The 21-year-old midfielder currently features for Celta Vigo and had only played a smattering of times for the Spanish side before the 2022/23 season. In fact, since being handed his La Liga debut in 2020/21, he had only managed 13 appearances in two campaigns for the club before the beginning of 2022/23.

However, having been trusted on a more frequent basis by his club this term, he has paid them back handsomely. Featuring 36 times this year, he has managed eleven goals and four assists along the way.

Even more impressive is how he ranks when compared to some of the more experienced midfielders in the Men's 'Top Five' big leagues in Europe. Despite some of the names he is going up against, his stats are incredible for a player still in the infancy of his career. His 0.43 non-penalty goals per 90 rate for example puts him in the top one percent in that area and his 2.67 progressive carries per 90 also has him in the 88th percentile in that area too.

Veiga then looks like the real deal – and that is why there now appears to be plenty of clubs willing to sign him. According to a report from Spanish newspaper AS, via Paisley Gates, Liverpool are not only interested, but FSG and Jorg Schmadtke are actually ready and willing to pay his release clause. The player has also been assured by Celta's president that they will sanction an exit if the fee is met.

What is Gabri Veiga's release clause?

That fee stands at 40 million Euros (or £34.2m), which is more than affordable for the Reds. However, they will face Premier League competition from the likes of Newcastle and Chelsea, who are also named as willing to stump up the cash in the report.

Veiga is seen as a really impressive player already by those in the game, with football talent scout Jacek Kulig calling him a "quality box-to-box midfielder" and adding that he has been a "revelation" over the course of the 2022/23 season.

It bodes well for Liverpool, who need reinforcements in the centre of the field. If Schmadtke and Co manage to snap him up then, it could see them land a really exciting prospect who could instantly improve their team.

Liverpool have been strongly linked with a move for Kouadio 'Manu' Kone this summer and now a new update has emerged on the club's pursuit of the player as the summer transfer window finally opens.

What's the latest on Liverpool's interest in Kouadio 'Manu' Kone?

According to Foot Mercato journalist Ignazio Genuardi, Liverpool have made an approach in a bid to sign the Borussia Mönchengladbach midfielder this summer.

Genuardi took to Twitter on Tuesday to reveal:

"Approached by Liverpool, the former Toulousain M. Koné also arouses the interest of Chelsea and Newcastle. Under contract until June 2025 with Gladbach (+ an additional year as an option), Bleuet is very popular with the Magpies, who are looking for 2 reinforcements in the midfield."

Who would Kone replace in the Liverpool team?

It is no secret that Jurgen Klopp and new sporting director Jorg Schmadtke are on the hunt for another midfield addition alongside Alexis Mac Allister this summer, and prioritising the defensive midfield position is a must.

After bolstering the attacking presence in the centre of the pitch with Mac Allister, the signing of Kone could be the perfect opportunity to strengthen another important midfield role – screening the defence.

Brazilian mainstay Fabinho has offered many years of high-quality service on the red side of Merseyside and has played an influential role in the numerous major trophies that have been collected under Klopp's reign.

However, this season, the defensive midfielder has struggled to maintain his high standards on the pitch and has ultimately become more of a hindrance than a help in the centre of the pitch, meaning any further reinforcements in his position would be bad news for him.

Former Liverpool defender turned Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher, launched a scathing attack on the midfield earlier in the season and named Fabinho as one of the main culprits:

"We’ve spoken at times about Liverpool conceding goals because of the high line. But the big problem at Liverpool right now is the midfield. Certainly, Fabinho has been miles off the pace this season."

The £180k-per-week ace has had a rapid decline in his output compared to last season in the top-flight (2021/22) with fewer interceptions won (37 v 39), a much worse take-on success rate (46.7% v 77.3%), fewer ball recoveries (193 v 184) and a lower aerial duel success rate (64.2% v 58.8%).

When comparing Kone's output with the Liverpool midfielder this season, it is clear that the Bundesliga sensation – hailed "monstrous" by Jacek Kulig – has outperformed him in many key defensive attributes including blocks (26 v 18), tackles and interceptions completed (106 v 102), take-on success (48.3% v 46.7%), dribblers tackled rate (51.1% v 38.7%) and ball recoveries (221 v 180), as per FBref.

With that being said, the signing of Kone – who has a reported price tag of €40m (£34m) – would be a major coup for Klopp this summer, providing the German coach with a young player who can not only succeed Fabinho but also improve upon his defensive presence in the centre of the pitch.

Leeds United have reportedly "opened talks" with Carlos Carvalhal over becoming their new manager this summer, according to a fresh rumour regarding the search for a new boss.

Which managers are Leeds linked with?

It has been a period to forget at Elland Road over the past 12 months or so, with the club getting through three different managers en route to being relegated from the Premier League.

Amid the new takeover from 49ers Enterprises, Leeds are now working hard on finding a new boss, with so many different names linked with the job in the weeks since their relegation was confirmed.

The likes of Brendan Rodgers, Graham Potter, Steven Gerrard, Carlos Corberan and Scott Parker have all been mooted as potential successors to Sam Allardyce, but no clear favourite has emerged in the race yet.

Now, a new name has been thrown into the hat – someone with plenty of experience in English football in the past.

Are Whites in talks with Carvalhal?

According to iG Esporte [via Sport Witness], Leeds have "already opened talks" in "recent days" with Carvalhal, suggesting that he is considered a strong option to come in and lead the promotion charge at Elland Road.

The 57-year-old is "free in the market" currently, having left his post as Celta Vigo manager earlier this year, although Brazilian side Atletico-MG are also believed to be eyeing him up.

Carvalhal could be an interesting appointment by Leeds if they get a move over the line, having previously managed Sheffield Wednesday and Swansea City in the past. He got the former into the Championship playoff final in 2016, and the semi-finals the following year, although he only lasted approximately six months with the latter.

The Portuguese is now a hugely experienced manager, having taken charge of teams all over the world, from Sporting CP to Besiktas, and he also won the Portuguese Cup with Braga in 2021.

There are question marks over whether Carvalhal is the strongest contender to come in, though, considering the likes of Rodgers and Potter are arguably more highly thought of currently, having been established Premier League managers for a while now, despite admittedly both losing their jobs earlier in the campaign.

Meanwhile, someone like Daniel Farke has won promotion from the Championship twice in the past, during his time at Norwich City, which is something Carvalhal has never managed, so he could be a safer pair of hands.

Well, well, well, it looks as though footballing legend Lionel Messi has chosen his next destination and he’ll be heading to MLS to play for David Beckham’s franchise team Inter Miami.

Where will Messi play next season?

The Paris Saint-Germain attacker departed the club earlier this month having just helped his side win Ligue 1. He scored 32 goals and provided 35 assists in 75 games during a two-year spell in France.

In an official statement, he expressed his gratitude saying: “I would like to thank the club, the city of Paris and its people for these two years. I wish you all the best for the future.”

Understandably, there has been much speculation about where exactly he could be playing next season with a return to Barcelona rumoured, while a touted move to Saudi Arabia was also touted.

However, trusted Spanish journalist Guillem Balague has now claimed the 35-year-old will be playing in America next term.

On Twitter, he wrote: “Messi has decided. His destination: Inter Miami.”

What has been the reaction to Messi leaving PSG?

It will be interesting to see how Messi gets on playing outside of Europe at club level for the first time as a senior footballer – having come through the famous La Masia academy in Barcelona.

PSG teammate Neymar certainly seemed sad to see his South American compatriot leaving. Indeed, he wrote on Instagram:

“Brother… it didn’t turn out as we thought but we tried everything. It was a pleasure to share two more years with you.

“Good luck in your new stage and be happy. I love you.”

Others seemed less sad to see the 35-year-old leaving France. For instance, Sergio Aguero’s son, Benjamin, trolled the Ligue 1 side when they announced the departure, saying: “He was too big for you.”

Inter Miami are of course Beckham’s MLS franchise team, so it’s not hard to see why that sort of glamourous foreign club may have appealed to Messi.

However, they aren’t exactly performing so well recently and actually just opted to sack head coach Phill Neville amid a run of just two wins in their last 13 games.

It remains unclear who will be the club’s next permanent manager. Whoever it is, though, it seems they’ll be fortunate enough to coach arguably the greatest-ever footballer.

Celtic are reportedly edging closer to signing Portuguese starlet Jota on a permanent deal, with the winger having dazzled on loan for the Hoops this season.

What’s the word?

As per the Daily Record, a deal for the 23-year-old is expected to be confirmed this week following a ‘final round of talks’, with parent club Benfica set to sanction his departure on a £6.5m deal.

The Lisbon-born gem was a relative unknown prior to his deadline day arrival on a season-long loan deal last summer, although has since proven instrumental in the Glasgow outfit’s tenth Scottish Premiership triumph of the last 11 seasons.

While not yet confirmed, the imminent permanent deal could prove vital to Ange Postecoglou’s side retaining their title next term, as they also attempt to navigate their way through the Champions League group stage for the first time since 2017.

The next Jinky?

It would no doubt be a travesty for all concerned were the £4.95m-rated speedster not to be at Parkhead next season, although all the indications are that he will be, handing him the chance to truly solidify his emerging cult status.

The fleet-footed wideman has proven a revelation in Glasgow thus far, notably netting ten goals and registering a further ten assists in the Scottish top-flight in the 2021/22 campaign, with such form seeing him dubbed “unbelievable” by the man who brought him to the club, Postecoglou.

The £7.1k-per-week playmaker has caught the eye of fans and pundits alike with his dynamic displays and bravery in possession, with pundit Owen Hargreaves praising the loanee for being so “direct” in his play.

Whisper it quietly, but such eyecatching showings have even evoked memories of a figure entrenched in the club’s folklore and one of the Old Firm outfit’s legendary ‘Lisbon Lions’ – Jimmy Johnstone.

Affectionately nicknamed ‘Jinky’ for his ability to bamboozle defenders with both trickery and cunning, the former Scotland international remains an iconic figure both in his home country and beyond, having notably been dubbed the “Flying Flea” by the French press following a particularly standout display against Nantes.

A star of the ’60s and ’70s at Celtic Park – having risen through the club’s youth ranks  – the European Cup winner is arguably the greatest and most talented player to have adorned the famous green and white jersey, playing an integral role as Jock Stein’s side claimed nine successive league titles between 1965 and 1974.

Such is his importance to the history of the team and its supporters, he was even immortalised with a statue outside the club’s home ground in 2008, with the legendary status of Jimmy ‘Jinky’ Johnstone set to be retained for generations to come.

To replicate the success of such a club hero may appear unlikely, although in Jota, Postecoglou has seemingly uncovered his own one-of-a-kind, unique diamond, with it an exciting thought as to just how high the young man can go.

For those of a Celtic persuasion, they will be praying that his development can continue in Scotland as the club enjoys further success over the years to come. Perhaps more importantly, however, will be the hope that he can simply continue to entertain, as the great Johnstone so often did…

IN other news, Celtic can unearth a new Giakoumakis after submitting bid for “very strong” £2.5m gem

Aston Villa should turn to Burnley defender James Tarkowski in the summer transfer window, according to journalist Josh Holland. 

The lowdown: Leader required

Steven Gerrard recently admitted that he would be ‘working on’ adding senior squad members in the transfer window, failing to rule out naming a new captain for the 2022/23 season to replace Tyrone Mings.

Despite the manager’s reservations about the 29-year-old, Mings has completed 90 minutes on 23 occasions in the Premier League since Gerrard’s arrival at Villa Park, missing just one match in that time.

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However, with doubts remaining over the long-term captain at the club, one top-flight stalwart has been tipped to do the job…

The latest: Holland suggests Tarkowski

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Holland dismissed the idea of bringing Rangers captain James Tavernier to Villa to take the armband and instead cited Burnley colossus Tarkowski as an ideal target.

The journalist said: “If you bring in James Tavernier, is he going to get in over Matty Cash? And, you know, a captain who’s not playing.

“I think if we’re talking about captain replacements who they can bring in, James Tarkowski is a good shout. His contract runs out at Burnley this summer, whether they stay up, I still don’t think he will stay at the club; you’d like to think they would have confirmed it by now.”

Newcastle United and West Ham United have both been extensively linked with a move for the 29-year-old in recent months as the former Brentford ace prepares to leave Turf Moor as a free agent.

The verdict: Shrewd move

A vastly experienced operator with 192 top-flight matches under his belt, Tarkowski has also been recognised at international level, earning two caps for England under Gareth Southgate.

This season, the Mancunian has made 35 appearances across all competitions for the Clarets, taking the armband on 11 occasions in the absence of club captain Ben Mee.

The no-nonsense defender, who was hailed as ‘outstanding’ by ex-Burnley boss Sean Dyche, has earned an impressive 7.17 Sofascore rating in the current Premier League campaign, winning 6.9 duels, completing 5.3 clearances and making 1.8 tackles per game.

Combined with Tarkowski’s leadership and experience, that form makes him a worthwhile prospective capture for Gerrard and the Villans this summer, particularly as a free agent.

In other news: NSWE now close to agreeing deal for another midfielder alongside Coutinho

Journalist Dean Jones has claimed that West Ham United are interested in a move for Burnley midfielder Josh Brownhill

What’s the word?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the respected insider revealed that the Englishman is on David Moyes’ transfer shortlist ahead of this summer, with the Hammers seeking a new midfield addition as club captain Mark Noble departs at the end of the season.

Asked whether the 26-year-old was a target for the London Stadium outfit, Jones revealed that: “He definitely is on Moyes’ list. Moyes is a big admirer of him.

“You’ve got to consider every asset of the game, and it’s technical ability, but also willingness to work and carry out instructions, and Josh Brownhill could actually slot really nicely into that West Ham midfield.”

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This revelation comes following a report from 90min last week that suggested the east Londoners were interested in pursuing a deal – with a bid of around £15m likely to tempt the relegation-threatened Clarets into a sale – albeit with a handful of other Premier League sides also named as potential suitors.

Supporters will be buzzing

The former Bristol City man could well prove to be an ideal fit were he to link up with Moyes and co this summer, having already proven his talents both at Ashton Gate and at Turf Moor in recent years.

Having made his senior debut with Preston North End in 2013, the £6.3m-rated man was plucked by the Robins in 2016, going on to score 17 goals in 161 appearances for the club over the next three-and-a-half years, notably playing his part in the Championship side’s surge to the League Cup semi-finals in 2018 and being made club captain by former boss Lee Johnson.

That form alerted the attention of Dyche and co, as he was snapped up on a £9m deal in January 2020, with that acquisition now looking like something of a bargain purchase such has been his form since then.

This season, in particular, has seen the £45k-per-week playmaker catch the eye despite the club’s struggles, netting twice and adding three assists in 32 league outings so far this term.

A real box-to-box presence, the Warrington-born star has also been impressive defensively, averaging 1.9 interceptions, two tackles and 1.2 clearances per 90 in the top-flight during the 2021/22 campaign, while he also ranks in the top 28% for aerial duels won among midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues.

Such form has seen him earn praise from pundit Lee Hendrie, who dubbed him a “fabulous player”, with it no surprise that West Ham are seemingly keeping tabs on his progress.

GSB can delight the club’s supporters by getting the deal done in the coming months, whether or not Burnley avoid relegation.

IN other news, GSB must complete WHU swoop for “unbelievable” £31.5m-rated star, Moyes will love him..

Wolverhampton Wanderers are in talks with star midfielder Ruben Neves over a new contract, but could still lose him this summer according to journalist Peter O’Rourke.

What’s the story?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, O’Rourke revealed that talks are ongoing over a new deal but that Wolves will “find it hard” to keep hold of Neves for another year.

He explains how there will be a big decision to be made over the players future amid interest from several Premier League clubs. Manager Bruno Lage recently suggested that he could be worth up to £100m in the current market.

In full, the journalist commented: “I think Wolves are going to find it hard to keep hold of him this year. Talks are ongoing over a new deal, but I think there’s a realisation on both parties here that maybe the time has come for them to move on.

“I’m sure Ruben Neves in the summer will have a big decision to make on his future.”

Fans surely gutted

The 25-year old has been a key player at Molineux ever since he arrived in 2017 from FC Porto and thus, the news that he could finally depart this summer is certainly not good.

That said, he is represented by super-agent Jorge Mendes who has several other clients playing for the West Midlands club.

This may help Wolves in their efforts to tie the midfielder down to a new contract as they could make life difficult for Mendes in the future. If he does sign a new deal, then it may include a release clause that ensures Wolves get the money they deserve.

When you compare him to his teammates this season, the difference in quality is clear. He has the most progressive passes out of any other player at 121, and also has the most amount of touches in the midfield third, therefore proving his dominance and how crucial it is for the team.

He’s been described as “sensational” by presenter Kelly Somers, and whilst Wolves would be able to reinvest the money made from a Neves sale, most of that would need to be spent on his replacement.

Academy graduate Luke Cundle has been touted as the man to step up if the Portuguese international leaves, and although he has great potential, he just won’t be anywhere near the levels needed to replace Neves straight away.

In order to keep competing for European places, the Old Gold need to be doing all they can to keep hold of players like Neves. If they show a bit of ambition then he might be persuaded to stay slightly longer, but if Champions League football is on offer elsewhere it will be a difficult sell.

IN other news: Wolves can finally replace Jota by signing “special” Mendes client, imagine him & Raul…