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Transfer insider Dean Jones has provided an update on the situation surrounding Newcastle United and the pursuit of Chelsea striker Armando Broja. 

The lowdown: Stepping stone

A player from the academy production line at Chelsea, Broja enjoyed a breakout season on loan at Southampton in 2021/22 having previously spent time on loan at Vitesse.

Already a fully-fledged Albania international, the Slough-born frontman’s future in London is still uncertain, and the 20-year-old has been attracting major interest from West Ham and Everton in recent weeks.

St James’ Park has also been cited as a potential landing ground for Broja this summer, however, one well-informed onlooker has suggested that Dan Ashworth and Eddie Howe could be looking at alternative options…

The latest: ‘Somebody they like’

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Jones has claimed that although there is a genuine admiration from the North East, the long list of suitors may put Newcastle off from making a move.

He said: “He’s not at the top of the list, but he is definitely somebody they like. They know there’s going to be competition to get him, so I think they’re a bit wary of how much effort they’re going to have to put into signing him.”

The verdict: Take your pick

Albeit Broja may not be the priority as things stand, that situation could easily manifest itself should the drawn-out pursuit of Reims’ starlet Hugo Ekitike finally be brought to a conclusion.

Elsewhere, the Magpies have been indexed to Flamengo frontman Gabriel Barbosa and Everton star Dominic Calvert-Lewin, albeit neither potential transfer has materialised beyond the point of conjecture currently.

Still young enough to develop further and with the backdrop of 10 direct goal involvements last season, Broja – who was praised for a ‘brutal’ impact at Southampton last term by journalist Pablo Montaño – would be an investment for the here and now as well as the future and would therefore represent the perfect candidate to join the Newcastle project.

Standing at 6 foot 1 and sharing similar style traits with the likes of Richarlison, Ollie Watkins and Teemu Pukki (Fbref), the 14-cap international frontman won a superb five duels per game in 2021/22, and possesses many of the important facets to succeed long-term in the Premier League.

Valued at an ever-increasing £19.8m (Transfermarkt), Broja would be a smart capture for PIF were it to become a reality.

Tottenham Hotspur are hoping to finally seal the signing of Djed Spence on Thursday.

What’s the latest?

That’s according to talkSPORT, who revealed in a recent post on Twitter that, following the news Richarlison is set to sign a five-year deal with Spurs, coupled with Clement Lenglet looking on course to arrive on a loan deal from Barcelona, Antonio Conte, Fabio Paratici and Daniel Levy are now also hopeful of agreeing a deal for the Middlesbrough right-back imminently.

In their post, talkSPORT said: “Richarlison will sign a 5-year deal at Tottenham Hotspur. Spurs are also hoping to sign Clement Lenglet & Djed Spence imminently – talkSPORT sources understand.”

Supporters will be buzzing

Considering just how arduous Spurs’ negotiations for Spence have been – with reports on Wednesday suggesting that Levy was just £1m away from meeting Middlesbrough’s £20m asking price, a figure which includes add-ons – talkSPORT’s claim that Tottenham’s move for the 21-year-old is now coming to a close is sure to have left supporters buzzing.

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And, it is not difficult to see why Spurs are interested in a move for the England U21 international this summer, as the £7.2m-rated talent demonstrated during a season-long loan spell with Nottingham Forest last season that he is one of the most exciting up-and-coming full-backs in English football.

Indeed, over his 42 Championship appearances for Steve Cooper’s side, the £4.4k-per-week defender scored two goals, registered five assists and created six big chances, as well as making an average of 1.5 tackles and 1.6 interceptions, completing 1.8 dribbles and 1.0 key pass and winning 5.8 duels per game.

These returns saw the former Fulham starlet average a quite extraordinary WhoScored match rating of 7.05, ranking him as the Reds’ sixth-best performer in their play-off winning campaign.

As such, with Emerson Royal being linked with a summer move to Atletico Madrid and Matt Doherty still in recovery from a medial collateral ligament injury, the news that Levy is now close to finalising a deal for the Boro defender is undoubtedly fantastic news for everyone involved with Spurs – not least Conte himself.

AND in other news: Di Marzio: Spurs now have another “done deal” after Richarlison, Conte will be buzzing

According to the Telegraph, Mike Ashley is now preparing to launch a £50m bid to save Derby County amid the ongoing takeover saga.

The Lowdown: Appleby the first to bid

After it was announced earlier this month that preferred bidder Chris Kirchner had officially withdrawn his offer to buy the Rams due to not being able to meet the financial deadline, there have been numerous names circulating with regards to who the League One side’s new owner could be.

Steve Morgan and the former County chairman himself Andy Appleby, who was the first to submit a new offer, have both been in the mix, but it now sounds like the former Tyneside tycoon is ready to go head-to-head in an attempt to fend off his competitors.

The Latest: Ashley plotting £50m move

In a new column published by The Telegraph (via Derbyshire Live), it’s claimed that Ashley has ‘£50m at the ready’ as he ‘intensifies his bid’ to take over at Pride Park.

The report states that the 57 year-old ex-Newcastle owner has already ‘deposited the sum to acquire both the club and the stadium’, and is set to inform Quantuma that he is ‘ready to proceed with a deal’.

The source continues to say that the former Magpies man has ‘no intention’ of charging rent for the stadium and is said to be ‘all in’ on getting the deal complete.

The Verdict: Long-term stability

After spending nine months in administration, everyone associated with Derby will now just be desperate to see this takeover business come to an end, albeit with the right bid and owner.

It will be difficult for Ashley to compete with the likes of Appleby, who got in before him and already has an existing connection to the club, but after a 14-year reign at St. James’ Park, he is definitely able to offer long-term stability, whether supporters will like him or not.

Wayne Rooney’s men will report back for pre-season training next week as the boss prepares his squad for life in the third tier, and the gaffer will be praying the off-field matters are sorted as soon as possible.

There seems no doubt that Everton are desperate to make improvements to their squad following a difficult relegation fight last season in the Premier League, and a reliable source has now revealed an update on Frank Lampard’s transfer window intentions.

What’s the latest?

Daily Star journalist Paul Brown has given an update on the Toffees’ transfer priorities following the imminent confirmation of James Tarkowski’s signing.

Brown has told GIVEMESPORT about Lampard’s transfer plans: “It may depend on who they sell or who they’re forced to sell. Certainly, they look a bit light in the forward areas. I think his main priority seems to be in midfield after getting Tarkowski over the line.”

Supporters will be excited

After a disappointing season and the departures of Donny Van de Beek and Fabian Delph from Goodison Park, Everton supporters will surely be excited to hear that Lampard is prioritising adding depth and fresh bodies to the centre of the pitch this summer.

Current Toffees midfielder Allan has also been linked with a move away from Merseyside this summer, so Lampard and the club’s powerbrokers will need to work hard to identify talented players who can make an instant impact on the team in midfield.

It was reported that the manager already has a three-man shortlist to add depth and quality to the midfield, with Billy Gilmour, Harry Winks and Conor Gallagher all named as players who Lampard would like to bring in this summer.

Gallagher has proven that he is capable of being a great midfield asset following his season-long loan spell at Crystal Palace, scoring eight goals and contributing five assists, although it is believed that Thomas Tuchel is keen to keep hold of the Chelsea youngster for the 2022/23 season at Stamford Bridge.

Winks appears to be a much more realistic midfield transfer target who could move to Goodison Park this summer, after it was reported that Tottenham would be prepared to offer the player as part of a deal to sign Everton winger Richarlison.

With that being said, Lampard must look at his options closely and start making moves for midfielders in the transfer market to ensure that he is not caught short next season without depth in the engine room.

Otherwise, it could quickly turn into a similar story as 2021/22 for the Toffees, something that everyone involved in the club will be desperate to avoid.

AND in other news: Moshiri plotting Everton bid for “dangerous” £72k-p/w “real talent”, he’s another Anthony Gordon

Newcastle United are interested in signing Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Alphonse Areola, according to a report from RMC Sport (via Sport Witness). 

The lowdown: Career so far

Areola has enjoyed an illustrious career to date having spent time at Real Madrid and Villarreal on loan from the French giants.

More recently, the 29-year-old spent a season at Fulham before joining West Ham last term, where there is an option to buy this summer for a reported £11million.

Now, the Magpies have seemingly set their own sights on Areola as Eddie Howe looks to bolster the goalkeeping department at St James’ Park…

The latest: Newcastle interested

As per RMC Sport, translated by SW, Newcastle have now acted to ‘get the ball rolling’ in their own move for the stopper.

It’s claimed that PSG ‘want to part ways’ with the three-cap France international this summer and therefore the interest from the North East is likely to be welcomed as West Ham dally on their decision. The Hammers are however still considered favourites.

Under contract in France until 2023 (Transfermarkt), the Frenchman was hailed for an ‘absolutely phenomenal’ display against Manchester City by Football Insider journalist Pranav Shahaney last October, during which Areola made seven saves and one clearance in a 7.70 Sofascore-rated outing.

The verdict: No brainer

Following two consecutive injury-hit campaigns for first-choice Toon gloveman Martin Dubravka and the subsequent struggles of Karl Darlow as cover, it’s no surprise that Howe would be looking to fix the goalkeeper dilemma once and for all.

Despite being unable to usurp Lukasz Fabianski at West Ham last term, the 6 foot 4 ‘keeper still managed to impress in 18 outings across all competitions and was the number one for a Europa League adventure that saw the Londoners reach the semi-final of a major tournament.

Having ended the 2020/21 season with the fifth most saves in the Premier League, the World Cup winner and veteran of 283 senior career appearances has already proven his worth in the English top-flight and would be the ideal candidate to strengthen the ranks at Newcastle.

This would be a sensational capture for Howe and indeed newly appointed Sporting Director Dan Ashworth, especially as it would be a deal completed under the nose of a direct domestic rival.

In other news, this maestro is willing to bide his time in order to seal a Newcastle move

Aston Villa have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips, with Premier League champions Manchester City now reportedly targeting the Englishman.

What’s the word?

As per The Times, City are believed to be turning their attention towards making a move for the 26-year-old this summer, after confirming the arrival of Borussia Dortmund hotshot Erling Haaland on Monday.

The report suggests that Pep Guardiola and co view the 19-cap international as a potential replacement for veteran gem Fernandinho – with the Brazilian set to leave the Etihad once his contract expires at the end of the month – and would reportedly be willing to pay as much as £60m for his services.

This follows speculation that Villa were in fact firmly in the mix to prize the Leeds academy graduate from Elland Road, with the player believed to be a ‘long-term target’ for the Midlands outfit.

One of the best

Potentially missing out on the £38k-per-week machine to the title winners would no doubt be a painful situation for those at Villa Park, with manager Steven Gerrard likely to have viewed him as an ideal fit to add to his midfield.

Despite having only two years of top-flight football under his belt thus far, the £45m-rated ace has already cemented his status as one of the most effective performers in the division, while he’s also forged his way to becoming a regular in Gareth Southgate’s England side.

At the end of his first campaign in the top tier, Phillips went on to play a vital role in the Three Lions’ surge to the European Championship final last summer, featuring in all seven games en route to the showpiece and forming an immense partnership with West Ham United talisman, Declan Rice.

That duo was the subject of praise from coaching icon Fabio Capello, with the Italian highlighting the Yorkshire-born star, in particular, for his standout displays, suggesting that the “aggressive” playmaker is the “best modern midfielder” that he has seen.

Such plaudits have no doubt been deserved and while he endured an injury-hit campaign last time out, the 5 foot 10 destroyer still compares favourably to those in his position across Europe’s top five leagues, ranking in the top 2% for pressures made, the top 3% for tackles and the top 4% for blocks.

His relentless nature in the centre of the pitch has made him such a highly coveted asset, with it a marker of just how far he has come that he is now a top target for arguably the best team in the country – Man City.

Competing with the uber-rich outfit for Phillips’ signature is only likely to end in tears for the Villans, with it looking as if they are set to miss out on one of the best around.

IN other news, Gerrard can land AVFC’s next Southgate with move for “outstanding” £120k-p/w warrior

Crystal Palace have offered a new deal to secure £7.2m-valued Jeffrey Schlupp’s future, according to a report from Football Insider. 

The lowdown: Terrific servant

Signed for £9million from Leicester City (The Guardian), Schlupp has proven to be a superb servant to Palace since joining.

The 29-year-old Premier League winner has amassed 162 appearances for the Eagles and the Ghanian international remains an important part of Patrick Vieira’s plans in South East London.

As it was confirmed that the club were retaining the services of Jordan Ayew, Nathaniel Clyne, James McArthur and James Tomkins, now it seems as though Schlupp could well be set to earn fresh terms.

The latest: New deal offered

As per a ‘source’ from the club for Football Insider, Crystal Palace have made the 20-cap ace an offer of a new contract beyond 2023.

It’s claimed that ‘talks are underway’ with the versatile left-footer as Vieira makes plans to reshape the squad at Selhurst Park.

The report states that the club are ‘keen to tie down’ the man hailed for an ‘incredible’ performance in a 3-1 victory over Manchester United in 2020 by Roy Hodgson and the offer of an ‘extension’ has been made.

The verdict: Continuity required

As the previously ageing Palace ranks prepare for another summer overhaul, retaining a number of the tried and tested Premier League operators will be important moving forwards.

Therefore, keeping Schlupp in situ with his wide-ranging versatility and 205 English top-flight outings worth of experience to counter the youthful exuberance of the likes of Ebere Eze and Michael Olise is a smart move from Vieira.

Last season, the Ghanian international scored four times and provided two assists in 32 league appearances – predominantly operating in a new central midfield role – highlighting a continued key status in the squad and a potential reinvented career in a previously unfamiliar position.

In other news: ‘Very close’ – Journalist makes Crystal Palace transfer claim, read more here

Liverpool have a lot to consider when it comes to their forwards and their expiring contracts, and now a reliable source has given an update on one player’s future ahead of the summer transfer window.

What’s the latest?

Italian journalist and transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has written a column (via Anfield Watch) detailing more information on Mohamed Salah’s contract situation at Liverpool.

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As per the report, Romano confirms that there is no connection between Salah and Mane’s future and negotiations for the Egyptian won’t be compromised or dependent on the future of his teammate.

There is still no agreement on a new contract for Salah and there is a “serious possibility” that he will leave on a free transfer in the summer of 2023, however, Romano reports that no final decision will be made until 2023.

Klopp will be gutted

With Roberto Firmino, Salah and Mane all out of contract in 12 months’ time, there is no doubt that Jurgen Klopp will be gutted about the situation and will be hoping he can lay down some foundations for a worst-case scenario where all three leave next summer.

When it comes to Salah in particular, replacing his attacking output would be no easy task for FSG, especially when his equally high scoring teammate is planning to leave the club this summer according to reports.

The Egyptian winger has been a consistent goal machine for Liverpool during his time at the club scoring 156 goals and contributing 63 assists with a goal involvement every 94 minutes, which is an astonishing output that FSG would struggle to replace instantly if they can’t come to an agreement on an extension for the player.

It has been reported that Salah wants to be paid £400k-per-week to extend his stay at Anfield which would be a huge advance on his current £225k-per-week salary and would put the player hundreds of thousands ahead of his teammates, completely abolishing the tight and fair wage structure across the board that has been exercised for years.

Ultimately, FSG and the manager will need to come to a decision on whether they can offer something to the player that can keep him at the club or if they can move on without Salah next summer and bring in reinforcements that can continue Liverpool’s trajectory for success. If not, this whole situation can be seen as nothing but a big blow for the Merseysiders.

AND in other news: FSG could unearth Liverpool’s next Salah by signing “special” 131-goal star

Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Bruno Lage must brutally sell Morgan Gibbs-White this summer and could get up to £20m for the player.

What’s the story?

talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook spoke to GIVEMESPORT and said: “If he’s a player they can get £20m for they might see that as a good investment and a chance to rebuild.”

The 22-year-old had an exceptional loan spell with Sheffield United this past season, and helped them secure a play-off place before they lost out in the semi-final to eventual winners Nottingham Forest.

Wolves could sign him on a new contract, but with big clubs such as Serie A champions AC Milan interested, now is a good time to cash in.

He won’t make it at Molineux

Gibbs-White has risen through the ranks at Molineux and is one of the latest successes from their academy. He has had two loan spells with his most recent one at Sheffield United impressing the most.

He made 35 Championship appearances for The Blades and was directly involved in 20 goals during that time. Those are impressive numbers, and he’s been described as a “catalyst” in the EFL by journalist Laurie Whitwell. However, you have to put it into perspective.

They were one of the best teams in the division last season and it would be difficult for the Englishman to replicate that standard in a much tougher Premier League.

If he remained at Molinuex it would be hard to see where he would fit in. Wolves usually play a formation of three forward players so he would either have to be moved out wide or be put in a deeper position.

This would risk not getting the best out of him, as has been seen previously, particularly under Nuno Santo.

Gibbs-White isn’t necessarily a bad player, but if Wolves can get a good fee for him, then it makes more sense for them to use that to improve other areas of the team rather than keep a player who will likely be on the bench.

In the 86 appearances he has made for the Old Gold, he’s only scored three and assisted one, which ultimately proves that he isn’t good enough to stay at Molineux.

IN other news: Wolves now already heading for huge summer transfer disaster, Lage will be furious…

Celtic pair David Turnbull and Matt O’Riley can be the heir apparent to Tom Rogic at Parkhead, according to former Hoops manager Alex McLeish.

The Lowdown: Rogic departing Hoops

Rogic has enjoyed a wonderful Celtic career, winning seven Scottish Premiership titles, among other trophies, but his time at the club is coming to an end.

The Australian will depart during the summer in order to enjoy a fresh challenge, bringing an end to his nine-year stay at Parkhead.

Rogic could leave a big void in the middle of the park, given his influence in the final third in particular, and it could be that youngsters Turnbull and O’Riley step up to the plate.

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The Latest: McLeish confident over Hoops pair

Speaking to Football Insider, McLeish talked up the duo’s chances of kicking on and taking their opportunity from next season onwards:

“These guys have still got to get to Rogic’s level. We’ve seen they’re up and coming youngsters who have passed the test to be able to play for Celtic in the first instance.

“The next instance will be that higher level that Rogic reached. They’re both attacking midfielders so they obviously have to pitch in with the goals at the level Rogic has produced.

“That’s the task when you go to any club, that’s got to be your ambition. It doesn’t matter whether that’s a bottom team or a top team.

“You know Rangers and Celtic don’t allow players to stay there too long if they’re not producing.”

The Verdict: Huge opportunity for both

Sometimes, the exit of a great player can pave the way for a youngster to make their mark, and both Turnbull and O’Riley should be seeing this as a wonderful chance.

The former is arguably the most exciting prospect of the two, having been hailed as ‘phenomenal’ by Alan Hutton, also scoring and assisting five times apiece in the league this season before injuries took their toll.

Meanwhile, O’Riley has shone on loan at League One side MK Dons in 2021/22, enjoying 12 goal contributions (seven goals and five assists), and his return to Celtic is an exciting one.

In other news, a journalist has given a key Celtic transfer update. Read more here.