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Tottenham Hotspur are interested in a move for Udinese winger Gerard Deulofeu during the upcoming transfer window, according to reports in Italy.

The Lowdown: Deulofeu attracting interest

The 28-year-old first joined the Serie A side on a season-long loan from former Premier League club Watford back in 2020 before making the move permanently last summer, and has quickly racked up 50 appearances.

Even though the Spaniard still has two years remaining on his contract at the Dacia Arena, his impressive performances appear to have caught the eye of some of the biggest clubs around Europe, and following a fresh update, it looks as though one of those is the Lilywhites.

The Latest: Spurs enter the race for Deulofeu

In a new article published by Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport (via Sport Witness), it’s claimed that Napoli want Deulofeu and currently lead the way, but know they face ‘competition’ from Tottenham, Real Sociedad and Villarreal.

The source continues to say that Udinese ‘hope to make €20m’ (£17.2m) for his sale, but that they would be willing to allow a deal to be ‘closed completely with a handshake’ at €18m (£15.6m), a fee that would be ‘affordable’ for Fabio Paratici and Daniel Levy.

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The Verdict: An absolute bargain

If Spurs could pull off a deal for Deulofeu somewhere in the region of that asking price, they would be getting an excellent player for an absolute bargain given the form he’s been in this season.

Throughout 2021/22, the forward scored 13 goals and provided five assists in just 34 Serie A appearances, as per Transfermarkt. He was the clear standout performer in his side, leading Udinese in goals, dribbles and key passes – he created 83 chances in total, 44 more than his closest teammate, per Whoscored.

The four-cap international was once dubbed an “outstanding” player by his former Everton manager, Roberto Martinez, and is now backing those comments up with his form on the pitch, so he could be the perfect cheap option to supplement the depth in Antonio Conte’s attack.

In other news… a Sky Sports pundit has ‘100%’ backed Spurs to complete a move for a popular transfer target.

Former Premier League goalkeeper Paddy Kenny has been reacting to news on reported Newcastle United transfer target Hugo Ekitike.

The Lowdown: Ekitike injured

The 19-year-old was unfortunately forced off after just five minutes of the France under-20s’ match against their Mexico counterparts on Thursday evening.

As per Sky Sports, the St James’ Park club have held positive talks with the striker’s representatives over a potential move to Tyneside this summer.

The Latest: Kenny reacts

Speaking to Football Insider, Kenny has now given his reaction to the news, claiming that Ekitike’s latest injury will be ‘concerning’ for Newcastle.

The former top-flight goalkeeper said: “It’s not a good thing, this injury and he isn’t going to be their number one striker.

“Do you move on? He has a few injuries. If he was their number one target you would probably still do the deal.

“But he’s not, is he? He is going to be a player for the future. It depends on how much Newcastle want him to be honest.

“It has to be concerning though, that same injury popping up again. You have to take notice of that but if they really want him it won’t stop Newcastle.”

The Verdict: Worrying

Of course Ekitike’s latest injury is worrying news, as it could potentially jeopardise any potential deal to bring him to the Magpies.

He suffered a similar injury last season which kept him out for 10 matches for Reims, and there may be fears at St James’ Park that the 19-year-old is now starting to become injury-prone.

Nonetheless, if he is their number one striker priority, Eddie Howe and co should be looking to sign him anyway, regardless of this latest setback.

Thought to be the ‘next Mbappe’ by some in France, the teenager certainly seems to have a bright future ahead of him; and having broken onto the scene with 11 goals and four assists in French football last term (Transfermarkt), Newcastle will want to get their hands on him before anyone else does.

In other news, find out what Luke Edwards has now been ‘told’ about this Newcastle transfer target

Everton are in need of a transformative transfer window this summer following a difficult season in the Premier League that left them in a relegation battle for the most part, and now a new potential target has been revealed.

What’s the latest?

According to Italian news outlet Tutto Udinese, Everton are interested in signing Udinese defender Rodrigo Becao.

As per the report, the Toffees will need to compete with Antonio Conte’s Tottenham Hotspur this summer to secure the signature of the player with a reported fee of €20m (£17m).

Big Holgate upgrade

There is no doubt that Frank Lampard will be looking for ways to improve his squad ahead of next season to make sure the club does not find itself in the same position as the previous Premier League campaign with the side surviving relegation by the skin of their teeth in the penultimate game of the season.

With that being said, the powers at Goodison Park must identify players that can come in to replace the underperforming members of the team with Mason Holgate one of the clear culprits for the lack of good defensive play that led Everton to concede the fifth-most goals in the entire league last season.

Holgate has been in the firing line for criticism over the last campaign with Micah Richards branding the defender “out of control” after Holgate received a red card for a dangerous challenge on Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg in a 0-0 draw with Spurs.

“You know when you come on and want to make an impact, he got a little bit excited there, but he can have no arguments with that.” Richards claimed.

“That is reckless, out of control so, red card.”

The signing of Becao can inspire a fresh start, giving Everton’s backline better control and stability next season, and when you compare his defensive attributes for Udinese it is clear he would be a big Holgate upgrade.

The Brazilian monster who was dubbed “insurmountable” by journalist Bruno Queiroz, has made more tackles and interceptions on average per game, put in ten more league performances proving his reliability and won more duels as well as being more successful in his dribbles compared to the Everton defender.

As a result, it would be a big signing for Farhad Moshiri if he could get a deal done for Becao this summer and tempt the player away from a move to Spurs in favour of a move to Merseyside as he could play a huge role in Everton’s attempts to compete in the Premier League next term.

AND in other news: Moshiri plotting Everton bid for “powerful” £25m monster, he can be Calvert-Lewin 2.0

Journalist Pete O’Rourke has made a concerning claim regarding West Ham United’s summer transfer window…

What’s the word?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the respected insider hinted that the Hammers are likely to receive bids for both Declan Rice and Jarrod Bowen this summer, following the pair’s impressive form in recent seasons.

Having been discussing the future of Rice initially, O’Rourke went on to suggest that his compatriot and teammate could also be the subject of interest in the upcoming window: “West Ham have put a huge price-tag on his head. That probably shows how much they value Declan Rice. I’m sure West Ham would love to keep both players right now, but I’m sure, there will be offers for both players during the summer transfer window, considering how good seasons both players have had.”

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The former has been mooted for a departure despite the east Londoners placing a £150m asking price on his head, while the latter has courted attention from Liverpool due to his remarkable form, with reports that he could fetch as much as £75m.

Supporters will be fuming

Although such price tags may prove a stumbling block for an interested party, there is a potential that David Moyes’s side could lose £225m worth of talent this summer, a scenario that would likely derail what has been a real upturn in fortunes in recent years.

The most recent campaign saw the Irons enjoy a stunning surge to the Europa League semi-finals, where they were subsequently defeated by eventual winners Eintracht Frankfurt, having also secured a seventh-place finish domestically to earn a place in next season’s Europa Conference League.

Back-to-back continental voyages would have appeared unthinkable when Moyes began his second spell just over two years ago, although the Scotsman has masterfully overseen a real shift in form, with next season’s aim likely to be to try and threaten a top-four finish.

Much of that success has been centred around the talismanic presence of young Rice, the 23-year-old leading the side as skipper in the absence of the recently-retired Mark Noble, while also proving the real heartbeat of the team in the centre of the park.

Not just recognised as one of the best in his position in the top-flight, the £67.5m-rated gem also compares favourably to his peers across Europe’s top five leagues, ranking in the top 9% for progressive carries, the top 6% for pass completion and the top 5% for interceptions, showcasing his talent both in and out of possession.

Statistics alone can’t solely illustrate his worth, however, as he has developed into a real leader of late both on and off the pitch, with any potential exit likely to leave a sizeable void in the current squad.

As for compatriot Bowen, the former Hull City man has stepped up as the club’s chief goal-getter and provider, netting 12 goals and registering ten assists in a standout campaign in the league in the 2021/22 season, with only Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah (13) and Trent Alexander-Arnold (12) laying on more assists.

That form has finally seen a long-awaited Three Lions nod emerge, with the £80k-per-week star likely hoping to keep his strong form going at the start of next term in order to earn a place in the World Cup squad.

Staying put in a settled environment at the London Stadium would likely help his cause for selection, with West Ham supporters certainly hoping that the forward sees it that way.

To lose one of their star duo would be a real punch to the gut for both Moyes and supporters, although losing both figures could prove a knockout blow to their hopes of building on the club’s recent rise.

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

Newcastle United are reportedly now ready to sign Lucas Paqueta in what would be a club-record deal this summer.

The Lowdown: Another Bruno…

Paqueta is very much cut from the same cloth as Bruno Guimaraes, in the respect that he is a silky Brazilian midfielder who plays for Lyon, with Bruno since moving to St. James’ Park in the January transfer window.

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The Magpies fan favourite is a ‘good friend’ of Paqueta’s, and so could play his part in trying to persuade his former teammate to join him in the North East.

The Latest: Deal readied

As per The Times, the Tyneside outfit are now ready to break their transfer record to sign Paqueta, who would cost them in the region of £50m.

He is a ‘major target’ for Eddie Howe, and his side are now ‘weighing up’ an offer for the 24-year-old.

The Verdict: Sign

The prospect of getting Bruno and Paqueta playing on the pitch for the same team again is truly mouth-watering, and adding another Brazilian in Joelinton into the middle of the park is surely something that the Toon Army will want to see.

Hailed as ‘exemplary and a ‘soldier’ by his teammate Karl Toko-Ekambi earlier this season, he is even a player that Arsenal and Premier League legend Thierry Henry loves.

No wonder, as Paqueta managed 11 goals and seven assists from midfield in all competitions this term (Transfermarkt), and so would be an extra deadly weapon for the Magpies should they be able to get this deal over the line.

In other news, find out what shock triple raid of one top-flight club NUFC are now eyeing here!

Journalist Scott Wilson has lauded Sunderland ace Alex Pritchard for his emphatic performance in the Black Cats’ sensational victory over Wycombe Wanderers.

The Lowdown: League One Play-Off Final

Sunderland took to Wembley to face off against Wycombe in the League One play-off final as Alex Neil’s men sought promotion to the Championship, having been relegated to the English third tier following a disappointing 2017/18 campaign.

The Black Cats began with a flying start, rewarded by Elliot Embleton’s strike in the 12th minute giving them the lead.

Chances further came for Patrick Roberts, Pritchard and Ross Stewart, but the North East outfit were unable convert in front of goal. Thus, Sunderland went in to half-time with just one foot in the Championship.

After returning to the field, it took the Black Cats until the 79th minute to double their lead. Pritchard wriggled across the pitch before rolling the ball into Stewart, who lashed low it into the far corner – securing Sunderland’s place in the Championship.

The Latest: Wilson’s claim

Journalist Scott Wilson hailed Pritchard for his dominant display in the midfield.

Taking to Twitter, he claimed at the interval:

“HT: #SAFC 1 Wycombe 0 – job half done. A really good first half from Sunderland, who have been bright and incisive, with Pritchard especially impressive. Wycombe starting to come into it, but Sunderland have defended their 18-yard box effectively so far.”

The Verdict: Great performance

Whilst a whole host of Sunderland players put in terrific performances against Wycombe, Pritchard really did stand out in the midfield.

Named Man of the Match by Sky Sports, the 29-year-old deserves all his plaudits, as he created four chances and won six duels, also completing five accurate crosses.

Pritchard’s award as the MOTM was certainly justified by his magnificent display, and the Black Cats’ reward of a spot in the second tier never really looked in doubt.

In other news: Sunderland: James Hunter shares Carl Winchester injury news

Pundit Alan Hutton has been reacting to news linking Leeds United forward Joe Gelhardt with a move away if the Whites suffer relegation, Football Insider report.

The Lowdown: Summer exit?

Gelhardt has made 19 Premier League appearances for Leeds this season, the last of which came against Brighton on Sunday.

The 20-year-old produced a moment of magic to set up Pascal Struijk’s equaliser in stoppage time, his sixth goal contribution in the top flight, which took Leeds out of the bottom three before Burnley’s point on Thursday night.

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Jesse Marsch’s side are still in danger of relegation, though, and reports earlier this month claimed that top flight rivals will look to poach Gelhardt if Leeds find themselves in the Championship next season.

The Latest: Hutton’s comments

Hutton, who contributes for Sky Sports, was talking to FI regarding Gelhardt and a possible summer exit.

He ‘can’t believe’ the reports saying the youngster may walk away, adding that Gelhardt could actually benefit if the Whites dropped back down to the second tier by playing regularly, saying that the forward shouldn’t be in a rush to leave.

“Obviously teams will know a lot about him but I think right now, it’s about playing games.

“If you move to a Crystal Palace or a Brentford or a Brighton, wherever, obviously it’s good to stay within the Premier League, I get that, but you have to play games.

“If Leeds were to go down and drop down and he was to be one of the main men moving forward, he’d get that game time up.

“We know he’s got the quality, we know he can play at the level of the Premier League. He’s still very young, he’s got a lot of time in his hands. There’s no rush.

“So it’s about maturing as a player and playing games to take you to the next level.”

The Verdict: Fingers crossed

There will be a number of Elland Road exits over the coming months, should Sunday not go to plan, however, you’d like to think that Gelhardt could stay in Yorkshire no matter what happens.

He’s under contract until 2024 and has become a regular under Marsch, failing to feature in just three of the last 14 Premier League games.

Top earner Rodrigo may well have played his final game at Elland Road, while Newcastle have been linked with a swoop for Patrick Bamford, so Gelhardt could be offered the chance to become first choice.

In other news: Phil Hay now shares what Victor Orta has done with Leeds ‘storm’ who wants out at Elland Road.  

Glasgow Rangers have now been gifted a double injury boost ahead of a big week for the football club.

The Lowdown: Huge week

This is a huge week for the Teddy Bears, not because of their game away at Hearts in the Scottish Premiership at Saturday lunchtime, but because of the small matter of a UEFA Europa League final against Frankfurt on Wednesday night.

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Celtic have already won the SPFL title, so it would be smart for Giovanni van Bronckhorst to rest some of his key players against Hearts, thus keeping them fresh for Frankfurt in midweek.

The Latest: Team news

Speaking to the media in a post-match interview after they beat Ross County 4-1 at home on Wednesday night, van Bronckhorst revealed (via The Daily Record) that Ryan Jack ‘will be ready’ to play Frankfurt, while Scott Wright ‘is okay’ after coming off with a knock.

However, it will be a ‘close call’ whether Kemar Roofe will be able to return from injury.

The Verdict: Double boost

Despite the news on Roofe, it will be a double boost to have both Jack and Wright available, especially for the final on Wednesday.

Wright has five goals and two assists over both competitions so far this season, while Jack keeps things ticking in the middle of the park, as highlighted by his passing accuracy in both competitions (WhoScored).

Nonetheless, the Light Blues will need all of the help that they can get if they are to achieve the unthinkable and lift up the Europa League trophy.

In other news, find out who was an ‘absolute delight’ against Ross County here!

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in a deal to bring Pau Torres to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a claim made by Fabrizio Romano, with the Italian transfer insider and journalist revealing in a recent interview with Que Golazo that, after failing with a bid to sign the Villarreal centre-back 12 months ago, Fabio Paratici remains interested in the 25-year-old – whom both Manchester United and Chelsea are also reportedly keen on – this summer.

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Regarding Spurs’ interest in the Spain international, Romano said: “Tottenham wanted him one year ago and he was close to joining, then he decided to stay at Villarreal to play Champions League football. But now, Tottenham are still following him.”

An “extraordinary” signing

With Fabio Paratici being reported to have prioritised the signing of a left-sided centre-back ahead of Tottenham’s 2022/23 campaign, it is easy to see why the Italian sporting director is keeping an eye on the situation of Torres this summer.

Indeed, over his 30 LaLiga appearances this season, the £60m-rated defender has been a colossus in Unai Emery’s backline, helping his side keep ten clean sheets, in addition to making an average of 0.6 interceptions, 0.9 tackles, 3.1 clearances and winning 4.0 duels – at a success rate of 66% – per game.

The £126k-per-week talent has also impressed going forwards, bagging four goals and creating three big chances for his teammates, as well as completing an average of 54.4 passes, 4.5 long balls, 0.8 dribbles and taking 0.7 shots per fixture.

These metrics have seen the player who Javi Calleja labelled an “extraordinary talent” average an extremely impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.06, ranking him as Villarreal’s fourth-best performer in the top flight of Spanish football.

As such, it is clear for all to see that Torres would make an exceptional addition to Antonio Conte’s current options at the back, leading us to believe that Paratici simply must activate the centre-back’s reported £55m release clause this summer – as the 25-year-old would undoubtedly help to take Spurs to a different level next season.

AND in other news: Conte could land his new Kante as Spurs eye £17m signing who’s “absolutely everywhere”

Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte has ‘drawn up’ an exciting transfer plan behind the scenes at Hotspur Way, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Crunch summer looming…

The Italian head coach is allegedly making serious demands at Tottenham amid his links to Ligue 1 giants Paris-Saint Germain, not limited to six new additions this summer (The Telegraph).

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Spurs’ head coach has reportedly set his sights on a new reserve goalkeeper, right-wing-back, central defender, two midfielders and an alternative forward to Harry Kane (The Telegraph).

Links to some of Europe’s brightest have emerged in recent months with Spanish sources now claiming that Conte has an exciting transfer plan behind-closed-doors.

The Latest: Conte maps out exciting plan…

According to reports out of Spain, Conte personally has a ‘plan drawn up’ to put together a ‘competitive starting eleven’ capable of challenging for silverware next year.

The plan, as per this update, includes the ‘important signings’ of Jose Gimenez (Atletico Madrid), Denzel Dumfries (Inter Milan) and Milan Skriniar (Inter Milan).

Indeed, it appears Conte is now eyeing a major triple signing for Spurs this summer.

The Verdict: Down to Levy…

While the 52-year-old apparently knows exactly what he wants, it’ll come down to chairman Daniel Levy to back him with sufficient funds and transfer chief Fabio Paratici to successfully navigate negotiations.

Conte’s ambition to transform Spurs back into an elite Premier League side is no secret, and as he’s hinted, the Italian could leave if his goal isn’t shared by club hierarchy.

While it is certainly a tough ask for the Lilywhites to seal all three of Gimenez, Dumfries and Skriniar, arguably too tough, the club could display their intent by making audacious attempts at the very least, perhaps locking up Dumfries just and one of the centre-backs.

In other news: Conte green-lights Spurs exit for ‘perfect’ player who ‘100%’ wants to quit! Find out more here.