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Newcastle United are ready to splash out on Sevilla defender Jules Kounde, according to the Spanish press (via Sport Witness). 

The lowdown: Hot property

Actively pursued by Chelsea for much of the summer of 2021, Kounde has also attracted admiration from Manchester United and Arsenal in recent times.

The 23-year-old force of nature has already amassed 203 senior outings having spent time at Bordeaux before moving to Sevilla in 2019 with an ever-rising stock.

Now, as the Magpies embark on a busy summer transfer window, Eddie Howe could be looking to add the France international to the squad at St James’ Park…

The latest: Big money ready

As per Spanish sources, translated by SW, Newcastle are ‘willing to pay’ the lofty €90m (£77.6m) release clause to sign Kounde, but Sevilla could be ready to sell for just €65-70m.

It’s claimed that the 11-cap France ace is ‘highly valued’ in the Premier League but La Liga giants Barcelona are also keen on signing the highly-rated centre-back.

The report goes on to say that Barca would be unable to compete with the North East club ‘in terms of money’ were it to become a straight shootout for the defender dubbed an athletic ‘freak’ by media members during a standout display in the Copa Del Ray semi-finals in 2021.

The verdict: Make it happen

Albeit eye-watering figures by comparison to the current record expenditure of £39.6million that saw Joelinton arrive from Hoffenheim, smashing club records to sign Kounde would be a sensational piece of business from Newcastle and could perhaps be viewed as a watershed moment in years to come as the Magpies arrive at the very top table.

One major stumbling block for what is an otherwise attainable deal is that the towering ace is set to undergo surgery to fix a long-standing pelvis injury in an attempt to be fit for the 2022/23 campaign.

Injury aside, far from a potential ‘Robinho moment’ for the Toon, the French star is very much a player coming into the pinnacle of his career after 44 appearances in 2021/22 that yielded an impressive 7.14 Sofascore rating, comprising of 5.3 successful duels and 3.1 clearances on average per game.

Boasting a range of strong attributes in both ball playing and defensive facets (WhoScored), Kounde – who holds a stylistic likeness with such star names as Joel Matip, Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba (Fberef) – would be a supreme addition to the ranks at St James’ Park as Howe addresses a key area of perceived weakness after Newcastle shipped 62 goals during 2021/22.

In other news: Newcastle now eyeing ‘superstar in the making’ from Ligue 1, read more here

Liverpool are on the lookout for a replacement for Sadio Mane who has unexpectedly decided to leave Anfield ahead of the last 12 months of his contract with the club, and now a new potential transfer target has been identified.

What’s the latest?

According to Daily Mail, Liverpool have joined Premier League rivals Manchester City in the race for Bukayo Saka.

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As per the report, Saka was thought to be unlikely to make a move this summer and contract negotiations were opened to extend the young player’s deal with Arsenal beyond the two years he has left, however, their failure to qualify for the Champions League has thrown a spanner in the works.

The player could well join their ranks after Darwin Nunez who is currently the subject of intense speculation regarding a move to Anfield.

Mane 2.0

Although the midfield was an area the Reds were set to strengthen this summer, the potential departure of Sadio Mane has caused a headache for FSG who will need to now focus on finding a replacement to emulate the Senegalese winger’s attacking output that has been crucial in Liverpool’s success over the last six years.

With that being said, Jurgen Klopp has been a long-term admirer of Saka with the German coach hailing the youngster a “young and exciting player” as well as upsetting Arsenal supporters with his warm approach to Saka on the pitch at full-time after Arsenal’s Carabao Cup draw at Anfield

The £102m-rated star who was hailed a “game-changer” by Cesc Fabregas, has been impressive this season for the Gunners and has been a stand out performer in the team.

According to SofaScore, in 38 Premier League appearances Saka has scored 11 goals, delivered seven assists and created eight big chances while making 1.8 key passes.

He’s also made 1.1 tackles and taken 2.6 shots on average per game, proving that he is an absolute nuisance in attacking play, something Klopp would value in his forward line.

Another attribute Klopp will be keen on is the 20-year-old’s diversity in his positioning with the player deployed predominantly on the right this season but has also been seen on the left side too.

Thus, if the Liverpool manager could unlock his potential on the left side he could have Mane 2.0 on his hands.

AND in other news: Offer made: Liverpool now “want to sign” 34-goal “diamond”, Klopp absolutely loves him

Everton are in need of reinforcements this summer to improve the squad ahead of next season following a difficult season in the Premier League, and now a transfer insider has dropped a major update.

What’s the latest?

According to journalist and transfer insider Dean Jones, Frank Lampard could tempt Armando Broja into a move to Goodison Park this summer.

Jones told GIVEMESPORT:

“Lampard obviously can use his contacts to get into Broja early, speak to him himself, and just try and convince him that Everton is a club that’s going to be in transition but in a good way. That’s going to be the big message that they send out.”

Supporters will be excited

Broja has been one of the most exciting young talents in the Premier League this season and already has a connection with Frank Lampard from his days as Chelsea manager, so supporters will surely be delighted by at the prospect of signing the player.

The Toffees boss actually gave the Chelsea youth player his debut in the Premier League and has always given high praise to Broja, recently hailing him in an interview ahead of Everton’s game against Southampton this season;

“He’s a very good lad, very talented young boy,” he said.

“He’s fast, strong, has a real eye for a goal. He’s a very good young player, so I’m very aware of his strengths.”

Broja has had an impressive season on loan with Southampton scoring nine goals and contributing one assist in all competitions, the forward also ranks third for the highest aerial duels in the league this season.

Lampard’s experience with the player can ensure an instant impact is made in the team should he join the Merseyside club this summer as the manager is well aware of his strengths and ability, and could ultimately bring out the best in the youngster in his attacking-minded set up.

With that being said, Broja is attracting interest from a number of clubs with Newcastle United, West Ham United and AC Milan named as potential suitors, so the Everton manager will need to present an attractive offer to the young player this summer.

AND in other news: Everton plotting move to sign “world class” £97k-p/w gem, Lampard needs him badly

Liverpool appear to have suffered a huge blow after it was reported that transfer target Aurelien Tchouameni has decided to join Real Madrid instead of making the move to the Premier League, according to transfer insider Graeme Bailey. 

The Lowdown: Tchouameni profiled

The 22-year-old first joined AS Monaco on an initial five-year deal from Bordeaux in January 2020 and he since gone on to make 95 appearances for his current employers, scoring eight goals and providing seven assists during that time, as per Transfermarkt.

The Reds had previously held talks with the maestro, with 90min claiming that the Merseyside club, alongside top-flight rivals Chelsea and Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid, made contact with Monaco to register their interest in securing his services.

However, the Frenchman has revealed his next destination, and it doesn’t involve a move to England.

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The Latest: Decision made

In a new post on his Twitter profile, Bailey reported Tchouameni’s decision to join Liverpool’s Champions League final opponents, writing: “Aurelien Tchouameni heading to Real Madrid; Liverpool and Chelsea informed of decision. Big blow for Liverpool and Chelsea – Tchouameni is a very special player.”

Expanding in his article for 90min, the journalist stated that the Merseysiders had made the eight-cap France international one of their ‘top summer targets’ and were even confident that the deal was ‘90% done’ just a few weeks ago, but sources have now told the website that the £19k-per-week star has ‘decided to join Real’.

The Verdict: Missed opportunity

The news that Tchouameni has chosen not to take up the option of signing for Liverpool must come as a huge blow for the Anfield outfit, who have clearly been long-time admirers of the player.

The 6 foot 1 talisman, who was once dubbed “pure gold” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, has hugely impressed for Monaco this season, averaging 2.9 interceptions, 2.5 tackles and 1.6 shots per league game, via WhoScored, highlighting the impact that he can have at both ends of the pitch.

With Jordan Henderson, Thiago and James Milner all 30 or older, the Reds could have done with signing someone like 22-year-old Tchouameni in the middle of the park. However, with him seemingly off to Madrid, it’s now time for FSG to be looking at bolstering their ranks elsewhere ahead of the 2022/23 season.

In other news… Liverpool will reportedly ‘listen to offers’ for one first-team star this summer

The final day of the 2021/22 Premier League campaign certainly turned into a rollercoaster for fans of both Manchester City and Liverpool.

Going into the final ten minutes of the curtain closers, Pep Guardiola’s City were trailing 2-1 to Aston Villa at The Etihad Stadium, whereas Jurgen Klopp’s charges were drawing one a piece with Wolverhampton Wanderers. For those fans who like a flutter, particularly via bitcoin given its 300% increase since Liverpool last faced Real Madrid in the 2018 Champions League Final, those final ten minutes were tantalising. For those playing online via bitcoins fast, simple and no transaction fee, anonymous betting design, those who headed to Cloudbet for the first time would have been met with excellent welcome bonuses as well as no KYC being required.

City ultimately lifted their sixth title having staged a comeback to win, keeping them a single point ahead of Liverpool to end their hopes of a historic quadruple – despite them also taking all three points in their late victory over Wolves.

Klopp and his team will be understandably disappointed with how the final days action went, but they simply have to dust themselves down and prepare properly for the upcoming 2022 Champions League Final clash with Real Madrid once again, as few fans would have turned their nose up at an equally impressive trophy treble at the beginning of the campaign, and that is of course, still potentially on the cards for the German manager and his first team squad.

Given the commanding season that Carlo Ancelotti had led them to in La Liga, Real Madrid will be tough opposition for Liverpool on Saturday, May 28, but with Klopp resting key players like Roberto Firmino, Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah against Wolves, they should be fresh and raring to go next weekend, and as everyone knows, an in form Liverpool side with the threats they carry at the top of the pitch are more than a match for pretty much any side in the game.

Undoubtedly the disappointment of missing out on the Premier League title on the final day, having done all they could to almost capitalise on a City slip up, could in fact focus Klopp’s side and drive them on further ahead of the upcoming European clash with the disappointment still being so fresh in their minds.

Although history won’t list them as quadruple winners, it will remember just how close they got and the achievement that this was to potentially have four major trophies up for grabs at this late stage of the season, and ultimately lifting the Champions League trophy now and adding it to the FA Cup and League Cup could really propel them on, as eyes will soon turn to next season and the 2022/23 campaign and what further improvements Klopp plans to make to his already highly talented crop of first team players. There’s also the distraction that the World Cup in Qatar will bring to our domestic campaign, and naturally, some clubs will be impacted more than others when it comes to international call ups.

But for now and ahead of any future flutters, people will just reflect on the words of skipper Jordan Henderson and few will disagree.

“Yeah, the lads have given everything, so you can’t have too many issues. We’ve given absolutely everything all season right until the last day. In January, I think we’d have bit your hand off to take it to the last day. So, I’m very proud of the boys and what they’ve done this season so far, but it’s not over yet. We’ve got another game next week. There’s a bit of disappointment today. We’ve got to say congratulations to City, of course, but then we focus on the job next week. A huge match against a really good side and we’ll have to be at our very best if we want to come away with the trophy.”

Photo by Unsplash

West Bromwich Albion will release Romaine Sawyers once his contract expires in July, according to a report from the Express & Star. 

The lowdown: Surplus to requirements

Having previously been a mainstay under Slaven Bilic, the midfielder – who was a product of the Baggies’ youth system before undergoing multiple transfers – saw a dramatic reduction in game-time in the latter half of last season with Sam Allardyce in The Hawthorns hot seat.

The 30-year-old spent the 2021/22 campaign on loan at Stoke, where he directly contributed to seven goals in 29 outings.

Instead of returning to Albion, though, it appears that the St Kitts & Nevis international will be free to seek pastures new and find a home elsewhere…

The latest: West Brom won’t keep Sawyers

As per the Express & Star, West Brom manager Steve Bruce has chosen not to extend Sawyers’ stay with the Baggies.

It’s claimed that there was an option to add a further 12 months to the 30-cap midfielder’s contract, but the club have decided against triggering the clause.

The report added that The Hawthorns hierarchy would ‘rather spend the money needed’ in order to keep Sawyers at the club on adding fresh faces to the squad, with Reading’s John Swift cited as a potential target.

The verdict: Bruce missing a trick

While the Baggies academy graduate has failed to pull up any trees since returning to The Hawthorns in 2019, scoring just once and providing one assist in 64 appearances, Sawyers still remains an impressive Championship operator and therefore would’ve been of use to Bruce’s ranks without the requirement of a transfer fee.

During the recently completed season, the 30-year-old – who was once hailed as an ‘unbelievable technician’ by former West Brom academy coach Jimmy Shan – earned a 6.72 Sofascore rating whilst completing 32.1 accurate passes and 0.4 successful dribbles and winning 2.3 duels per game, having made 19 Championship starts.

Sawyers may no longer be a surefire starter at a Championship club with aspirations of promotion, but Bruce may yet live to regret not retaining his services for at least another 12 months.

In other news: Sawyers isn’t the only player who looks like he’ll be exiting West Brom this summer

Tottenham Hotspur have a ‘long-standing interest’ in Brighton full-back Tariq Lamptey and have previously made enquiries over a potential move for him, Sky Sports journalist Michael Bridge has claimed.

The Lowdown: Conte’s transfer plans

As per The Telegraph, Antonio Conte is expected to be very active in the transfer market this summer. As such, the Italian will demand at least six new signings from Daniel Levy and Fabio Paratici.

According to The Athletic, the 52-year-old has made two new wing-backs his ‘next priority’, behind the addition of a left-sided centre-back.

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The Latest: Spurs interest in Lamptey

Bridge has revealed that Tottenham are once again interested in signing Lamptey, having previously tried to lure him away from the Amex Stadium last June.

Spurs have seemingly made enquiries for the Brighton youngster again, with the Seagulls apparently responding with lofty valuations for the player.

Speaking with GiveMeSport, the Sky Sports reporter claimed: “Tottenham have had a long-standing interest in Tariq Lamptey. But they’ve been quoted crazy figures for a very good full-back, but someone who’s had his own injury problems.”

The Verdict: Promising talent

Seven-time FA Cup-winning full-back Ashley Cole has been extremely impressed with the 21-year-old’s performances in the Premier League in recent years, having stated that “he’s been quality how dangerous he is”.

Ranking in the 99th percentile for progressive carries and the 97th percentile for progressive passes received (via FBRef), Lamptey’s attacking nature would complement Conte’s style of play very well.

Indeed, the Italian will already know just how good a defender the 21-year-old is, too. When Brighton defeated Spurs 1-0 in recent weeks, Lamptey restricted direct opponent and Golden Boot contender Son Heung-min to just two shots all afternoon, both of which were blocked (as per Sofascore).

Therefore, this would seem like a brilliant signing for Spurs if they can get a deal over the line.

In other news: Sky Sports reporter backs Pau Torres/Spurs claims

BBC Radio 5 Live pundit Alan Hutton has claimed that personal reasons could have been the deciding factor behind Manchester United star Paul Pogba snubbing a move to rivals Man City this summer.

The Lowdown: Pogba available for transfer

The Frenchman first joined the Red Devils in a world-record £89m move from Juventus six years ago, where he has since gone on to make 233 appearances for the club during that time.

The 29-year-old’s current contract with United is set to expire at the end of the season, making him a free agent to any potential suitors interested in securing his services, and as a result of this, has been linked with multiple clubs in recent weeks, one of those being Pep Guardiola’s side.

As reported by The Athletic journalist David Ornstein earlier this week, the Sky Blues are thought to have made a proposal for Pogba which the player did seriously consider, but he has since informed City that he will be moving elsewhere.

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The Latest: Manchester rivalry a deciding factor

Hutton has admitted that it didn’t come as any shock to him to see United’s Premier League competitors show interest in the maestro, but suggested that the famous rivalry between the two sides may have put the 91-cap international off a potential move to the Etihad. He told Football Insider’s Russell Edge:

“It doesn’t surprise me they’ve thrown their hat into the ring.

“There’s no doubting his talent. I think on a personal level, for him to make that move, thinking of his lifestyle moving forward, how difficult that would be for them, just in general life.

“That’s probably the sticking point because the wages and that wouldn’t be a problem.

“He has had a hard time at Manchester United. Then to go to their rivals across the city, I think, would be very difficult for him.

“It wouldn’t surprise me if you see him go to PSG or somebody like that. That kind of makes more sense, I think, for him and his family.”

The Verdict: Ten Hag’s squad rebuild

Pogba, although beloved by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, has missed out on the last five games under Ralf Rangnick having sustained a calf injury in the 4-0 defeat to Liverpool back in April, and it’s fair to say that United have missed his creativity in the middle of the park during his spell on the sidelines.

Prior to being ruled out of action, the £49.5m-rated midfielder was averaging 1.6 shots and 1.2 key passes per 90 minutes in the top-flight, not to mention that he has provided nine assists throughout the current campaign, via WhoScored.

With the arrival of new manager Erik ten Hag imminent, the Dutchman will no doubt be busy filtering through his squad to decide who has a long-term future at the club and who will be let go, and it looks like Pogba will be just one of many names set to depart Old Trafford ahead of the start of next season.

In other news… United are said to have initiated contact with a club regarding one of their summer transfer targets.

Fabrizio Romano has dropped an update on the future of reported Tottenham Hotspur transfer target Christian Eriksen.

What’s the talk?

In a recent article for Caught Offside, the Italian journalist and transfer insider confirmed that, following recent reports linking Antonio Conte’s side with a move to bring the central midfielder back to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the summer transfer window, Spurs are indeed keeping tabs on the 30-year-old ahead of a potential swoop.

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However, Romano went on to state that, as yet, Fabio Paratici is yet to make contact with the Denmark international regarding a deal to bring him back to north London, while the journalist also revealed that Leicester City and one other unnamed Premier League club are also interested in the midfielder this summer.

Supporters will love Romano’s claim

Considering just how impressive Eriksen has been for Brentford following his return to English football this January, Romano’s update that Conte and Paratici are plotting a deal to bring the Dane back to the club this summer is sure to be news that the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium faithful will love.

Indeed, over his eight Premier League appearances for Thomas Frank’s side, the £13.5m-rated Dane has been in exceptional form, scoring one goal, providing two assists and creating four big chances for his teammates, as well as making an average of 2.1 key passes, taking 2.0 shots and completing 0.8 dribbles per game.

These returns have seen the 30-year-old average a quite astonishing SofaScore match rating of 7.51, not only ranking him as Brentford’s best performer in the top flight of English football but also as the third-best player in the division as a whole – behind only Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold and Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne.

As such, the suggestion that Tottenham are one of the clubs interested in a deal for the midfielder this summer is undoubtedly incredibly exciting news for all involved with Spurs, and, when taking into account that he looks set to be available on a free transfer, it would certainly be yet another Paratici masterclass if the sporting director can get a deal over the line.

AND in other news: “There are chances…”: Romano drops big Spurs transfer update, Conte will be buzzing

Liverpool are keeping tabs on Premier League rivals Chelsea’s attacking midfielder Mason Mount ahead of the upcoming transfer window.

What’s the story?

According to reports, via TEAMtalk, both Liverpool and Manchester City are watching the 23-year-old closely ahead of the transfer window with Chelsea unable to extend the Englishman’s current contract amid government sanctions put on the west London club.

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Mount has just two years left on his contract and is, according to the report, one of Chelsea’s lowest-paid players on £70k-per-week.

Therefore, the attacking midfielder could be tempted to secure a move away from Stamford Bridge this summer.

Liverpool should swoop for Mount

Very quickly, Mount has established himself as one of not only England’s but Europe’s most exciting prospects.

After successful loan spells at Vitesse Arnhem and Derby County, the now-23-year-old was integrated into the Chelsea first-team under Frank Lampard in 2019 and hasn’t looked back since.

In almost three seasons, the midfielder has made 156 appearances for Chelsea’s first team, having gone through the youth ranks, in which time he has scored 29 goals and registered 30 assists.

However, this campaign has seen the Englishman step up a level, netting 12 goals and providing 15 assists in 49 matches, his best season in front of goal.

Although Liverpool are already a goal machine, with the Reds the top scorers in the Premier League so far this campaign with 86 goals in 34 matches, Jurgen Klopp will always be keen to add quality to his squad depth and replace any potential outgoings.

Moreover, the German could reignite a relationship similar to the one he had at Dortmund with Marco Reus, with the 32-year-old deemed similar to Mount by FBRef.

Therefore, the 23-year-old could become an absolute monster if he was to swap west London for Merseyside, with the Reds just one point behind league leaders Manchester City with four matches to go.

The £67.5m-rated attacking midfielder, who was deemed to have the “full package” by manager Thomas Tuchel last season, will have to make a decision on his future with the Blues soon.

Moreover, if the imposed sanctions are to stay in place for a significant period of time, Mount may have no other choice but to join Liverpool and become Klopp’s brand new Reus.

AND in other news: Bid accepted: Liverpool now facing major setback that will surely have Klopp fuming