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Wolves are reportedly interested in signing Brazilian striker Gabriel ‘Gabigol’ Barbosa this summer, and the Flamengo marksman could the missing piece of the puzzle in Bruno Lage’s side next season.

What’s the word?

In a recent interview with GiveMeSport, journalist Dean Jones stated: “Gabigol is definitely on the agenda at Wolves but I’m slightly sceptical about him going there – I get the impression this might be leverage for other teams to come in.

“But he does want to come to the Premier League, he is affordable and Wolves are interested.”

Supporters will be buzzing

Given Wolves’ woes in front of goal last season, ‘Gabigol’ could be exactly what Lage needs in order to push the Old Gold up the table next term.

Only the relegated trio of Burnley, Watford and Norwich scored fewer goals than them in the top flight in 2021/22, which suggests that attacking reinforcements are a must this summer, as there is no guarantee that the defensive stability of last season will carry over into the next campaign.

Aside from disappointing loan spells with Benfica and Inter, the 25-year-old striker has enjoyed a fairly prolific career in his home country, hitting 100 goals in 153 appearances for Flamengo, along with 43 goals for Santos at the outset of his career.

He is also a regular for Brazil with 18 caps to his name, which suggests that he could adapt to the demands of the Premier League next season with Wolves, as he is far more developed now than he was during his time in Portugal and Italy.

Considering that Raul Jimenez was Wolves’ top scorer in the top flight last term with just six goals to his name, you could definitely argue that Lage needs a more clinical option up front. Barbosa could provide just that, with legendary Inter striker Adriano describing him as “decisive” in 2021, when transfer reports stated that Flamengo would likely demand at least £30m for his services.

Although Jones was uncertain about whether or not the Brazilian would make the move to Molineux, Wolves supporters will surely be delighted to hear that they are interested in signing the 25-year-old, given his obvious goalscoring pedigree.

In other news… Bid submitted: Wolves eyeing star who Guardiola dubbed “one of the best”, he’s Neves 2.0

Tottenham Hotspur have been handed a boost in their bid to bring Nicolo Zaniolo to north London this summer.

What’s the latest?

That’s according to a report by Italian media outlet Il Messaggero (via Sport Witness), who claimed that AS Roma are now open to the possibility of the 22-year-old’s departure this summer.

Jose Mourinho’s side are reportedly willing to sanction a loan deal with an obligation to buy, with this clause believed to be in the region of €50m (£43m).

The report added that Tottenham, Juventus and AC Milan are all interested in a move for the Italy international ahead of their respective upcoming campaigns, with the Bianconeri believed to have already submitted an offer for the former Inter Milan starlet.

Kulusevski 2.0

Considering the sheer amount of potential that Zaniolo undoubtedly possesses, it is not difficult to understand why Fabio Paratici and Antonio Conte would be interested in a deal to bring the 22-year-old to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this summer.

While it is true that a number of injuries have severely hampered the £34m-rated talent’s development in recent years, the versatile forward more than proved that he is getting back to his brilliant best for Roma in 2021/22.

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Indeed, over his 10 appearances in the Europa Conference League last term, the £75k-per-week attacker was in sensational form for the Giallorossi. He scored five goals, registered four assists and created three big chances for his team-mates, along with taking two shots, making 1.1 key passes and completing 0.8 dribbles per game.

These returns saw the player who Nick Mercadante dubbed “unreal” average a remarkable SofaScore match rating of 7.11, ranking him as Mourinho’s sixth-best player in the competition as the forward played a key role in Roma going on to secure the first-ever Europa Conference League title.

As such, should Zaniolo continue this form following a potential summer switch to north London, the 22-year-old could very easily prove to become Tottenham’s next Dejan Kulusevski.

The Sweden international immediately impressed following his arrival from Juventus in January, contributing five goals and eight assists in the league alone, and the prospect of the Roma gem making a similar impact upon swapping Serie A for north London is sure to excite Spurs supporters and Conte alike.

AND in other news – “In negotiations..”: Journalist drops big Spurs transfer update, supporters will be fuming

Crystal Palace have completed the signing of winger Malcolm Ebiowei from League One side Derby County on a free transfer.

What’s the story?

As per BBC Sport, the 18-year-old’s contract was due to expire at the end of this month, so Palace were able to capture him without paying a transfer fee.

He has signed a five-year deal at Selhurst Park and is highly rated after rising through the ranks of Arsenal’s youth academy before joining Scottish giants Rangers, and then eventually moving to the midlands.

The opportunity to play Premier League football was too good to turn down for Ebiowei amid uncertainty at Derby.

Imagine him & Zaha

Whilst it may take him time to settle in and adapt to the levels of the top flight, it’s an exciting signing, and he could really go on to form an exciting duo with star man Wilfried Zaha.

He’s been described as a “fabulous talent” by journalist Josh Bunting.

Palace are no strangers when it comes to signing coveted talents from the EFL – both Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze joined from clubs in the Championship and have become key parts of Patrick Vieira’s set-up.

There’s no reason why Ebiowei can’t do the same, and if he’s just as successful as them, then it will be a huge coup for the Eagles.

He made his first-team debut for the Rams this year thanks to former manager Wayne Rooney’s willingness to give young players a chance despite the team’s struggles.

In 16 appearances, the player who Rooney dubbed “incredible” scored a goal and registered two assists as Derby were unable to avoid the drop.

If you compare him directly to Zaha then you can see how similar an impact both players had in their teams last season. Both players created 4 big chances for their teammates.

The Englishman also had a 51% successful dribble percentage compared to Zaha’s 49%, which shows further similarity.

Ultimately, Ebiowei can have a big impact at Selhurst Park over the years to come, ever since Vieira arrived it’s clear he’s been building for the long term and not just the present.

He can learn so much from Zaha and, hopefully, one day become just as vital to the team as he is.

AND in other news: Palace plot £26m move for machine who’s “destroying everyone”, he’s better than Hughes…

Leeds United have been handed a huge boost in their bid to bring Sonny Perkins to Elland Road this summer.

What’s the latest?

In a recent post on their official website, West Ham United revealed that, following a number of reports linking the forward with a move to Leeds this summer, the 18-year-old has now left the London Stadium on a free transfer upon the expiry of his contract.

However, in a recent thread on Twitter, ExWHUemployee revealed that, while it previously looked as if the England under-18 international was set to join Jesse Marsch’s side, Tottenham Hotspur have now entered the race for the teenager.

In his tweets, the Hammers insider said: “He was meant to be going to Leeds but Spurs, the club he supports, made a late move. He has a decision to make between the two now, I believe. Leeds or Spurs.”

“Getting rave reviews”

Considering the sheer amount of potential that Perkins undoubtedly possesses, the news that the youngster is now available to sign on a free transfer will certainly have come as a huge boost to Victor Orta and the Whites, regardless of Tottenham’s interest in the forward.

Indeed, the £1.08m-rated talent has consistently impressed in the West Ham youth ranks, scoring nine goals and registering four assists over 31 appearances for the under-18s, along with bagging 12 goals and providing one assist over his 21 Premier League 2 appearances for Mark Robson’s under-23 side last season.

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These returns saw the attacker – who is debut – rather ironically – in a 3-2 defeat to Leeds in January.

Furthermore, those in the know at West Ham also believe that the 18-year-old, who James Marshment backed to become a “£30m player”, has an incredibly exciting future in the professional game.

ExWHUemployee revealed on an episode of The West Ham Way podcast last October: “One player to pay attention to is a West Ham youngster called Sonny Perkins. This is someone I’ve spoken about on the podcast before as a talent, and he’s really beginning to stand out now at academy level, really getting rave reviews.

“Obviously, he’s performing on the international stage as well for his age, and he is one to keep an eye on. From what I’ve heard in the academy circles, he could be the next Declan Rice. So just keep your eye out for his progression within the next few years.”

As such, considering just how eye-catching a talent Perkins quite clearly is, it seems evident that the player’s availability to sign on a free transfer this summer is a huge bonus for Leeds. Orta simply must do everything in his power to beat Tottenham to the youngster’s signing.

AND in other news: Victor Orta’s £25m transfer target has now “decided to join” Leeds, it’s a major coup

Nottingham Forest are close to securing a deal for Bayern Munich’s Omar Richards, and now a new update has emerged from a reliable source on the club’s progress in making the signing.

What’s the latest?

Football correspondent for The Athletic David Ornstein has revealed an update with more details on the signing of Richards.

Ornstein tweeted this morning:

“Bayern Munich left-back Omar Richards travelled abroad last night for medical today, ahead of completing permanent move to Nottingham Forest. €8.5m + add-ons agreed & if all goes to plan 24yo expected to sign 4yr contract”

Cooper will be buzzing

There is no doubt that Nottingham Forest are getting stuck into the summer transfer window ahead of their long-awaited return to the Premier League next month.

With four signings already joining the newly-promoted side, Steve Cooper will surely be buzzing to add his fifth in the coming hours and days if all goes well with Richards medical.

The Bayern Munich left-back has had a taste of success with his German side winning the title last season and despite limited game time, Richards has played a role in getting the victory.

In just 12 appearances and five starts in the Bundesliga, the 24-year-old had an impressive pass accuracy of 92% in his own half, made 1.6 tackles on average per game, as well as winning the majority of his ground and aerial duels combined (61%) and successfully completed the majority of his dribble attempts too (73%).

Following Richards’ experience with Bayern Munich, Forest can hope that the player brings the winning mentality that would have been drilled into him whilst competing with the German giants to help them simply retain their Premier League status and challenge in the league for years to come.

Cooper is clearly keen to operate with wing-backs when competing in the top flight next season, as the club have also agreed on a deal with Liverpool to sign their rarely seen right-back Neco Williams, as a result, the manager is surely hoping he can build a formidable partnership between the young Welshman and Richards.

With that being said, the signing of the left-back could be a major coup for Forest if they can continue to develop Richards’ talent at The City Ground with more consistent first-team football, something that he has clearly been deprived of in Germany.

AND in other news: “Will join..”: John Percy drops big Forest transfer update, supporters will be buzzing

A teasing claim has emerged on Glasgow Rangers and their plans to replace Calvin Bassey in the summer transfer window…  

What’s the talk?

Giovanni van Bronckhorst has revealed that the Light Blues may bring in two new signings to replace the outgoing Nigeria international, who looks set to sign for Ajax this week.

The Sunday Mail [17 July, page 63] quote him as saying: “We’ve done really well so far in getting new players in the positions where positions left so I’m really happy with that. We might lose Calvin so we have to move on and be ready for possible players coming in.

“If Calvin is going, he was a left-back and a left central defender, so we will look at the qualities of the player and the dynamic to see if we move for one player or two.

“For Calvin it’s a nice move and for the club as well business wise it’s what you want to do.”

Supporters will be buzzing

The supporters will be buzzing with this claim from the Dutch head coach as it suggests that Rangers could bring in a specialist left-back and a centre-back to improve the quality and depth of the squad.

Whilst Bassey enjoyed an excellent campaign and was a key player for the Gers, the former Leicester man swapped between both positions throughout the season instead of nailing one down.

Bringing in two players for those roles instead of having one versatile one should lead to more consistency in the back four, as they would not have a player moving around the defence and trying to forge multiple partnerships at once.

Rangers appear to have found the specialist centre-back they want in Ben Davies, who is on the verge of moving to the club from Liverpool for a fee in the region of £4m including add-ons.

The Gers have been linked with a swoop for Stoke left-back Josh Tymon this month and he could be the other replacement for Bassey, with him and Davies both coming in to improve the team.

In the Championship last term, the Potters full-back created a whopping 14 ‘big chances’ for his teammates in 44 outings. This shows that he can be an attacking threat to supplement the forward players, whilst the signing from Liverpool can be solely used as a centre-back to create a solid backline.

This is why fans will be buzzing with the suggestion that two players could come in to replace Bassey’s roles within the team.

AND in other news, Wilson can land Rangers’ own Jude Bellingham with move for “special” £42k-p/w starlet…

Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing AC Milan midfielder Ismael Bennacer this summer, and the Algerian could be a superb addition to Erik ten Hag’s squad at Old Trafford.

What’s the word?

According to reports from Spain (via Calciomercato), the Red Devils are considering a move for the 24-year-old, who was one of Stefano Pioli’s top performers last season as they won Serie A.

The report also claims that Donny van de Beek has been proposed to Milan in a potential swap deal after a difficult spell at Old Trafford, although you would expect that Ten Hag would want to give the Dutchman more of a chance after he starred under the new United boss at Ajax.

Would Bennacer be a good signing?

After losing Paul Pogba, Nemanja Matic and Juan Mata so far this summer, midfield reinforcements are a must for Ten Hag ahead of the new Premier League season.

Christian Eriksen has already arrived on a free transfer, but the Red Devils are arguably still lacking a tough-tackling defensive midfielder who is equally adept in possession, and they could find an ideal candidate for Ten Hag’s preferred style of play in Bennacer.

Last season saw the 24-year-old rank above the 90th percentile in dribbling, progressive passes, tackling and interceptions when compared with other midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues, which emphasises his ability both with and without the ball.

WhoScored also suggests that his main strengths are passing and tackling, so he could be the ideal man to fill Matic’s shoes at Old Trafford, especially if Fred and Scott McTominay are deemed not good enough by Ten Hag.

Bennacer, who was described as “absolutely unbelievable” by journalist Sam Tighe, has made 105 appearances during his time at the San Siro, contributing three goals and seven assists.

The Algeria international would reportedly set United back €45m (£38m) but he could definitely add some quality to Ten Hag’s midfield ahead of the Premier League’s resumption next month.

Former Milan star Giuseppe Bergomi has been full of praise for the midfield maestro in the past, saying: “Bennacer dominates in the middle on the pitch due to his personality and technical qualities. He finds his teammates in perfect positions.”

After some shocking displays in that area of the pitch last season, United desperately need a player like Bennacer in the middle of the park to dictate matters, so the Glazers should definitely push hard to bring him to Old Trafford this summer.

AND in other news: Ten Hag can finally axe £110k-p/w “waste of time”, Man Utd supporters will be buzzing

Newcastle United have reportedly made contact with Rennes about the possibility of signing winger Kamaldeen Sulemana, according to a report from the Daily Mail. 

The lowdown: Rise to prominence

Signed from Danish top-flight side Nordsjaelland in 2021, the Ghana international has continued on an upwards career trajectory in Ligue 1.

Previously linked with Manchester United and Liverpool, the 21-year-old has developed an ever-rising stock as one of the brightest young prospects around and has already made 70 senior career appearances, directly continuing to 29 goals in the process.

Despite only arriving in France last year and holding a contract until 2026 (Transfermarkt), an emerging report has suggested that Sulemana could once again be on the move this summer…

The latest: Enquiry made

As per the Daily Mail, Newcastle are understood to have made known their interest in the 11-cap Ghana starlet.

It’s claimed that the Tynesiders have ‘asked’ about the young attacker, having ‘turned their back’ on a pursuit of Leeds United ace Jack Harrison due to a £35m price tag.

The report added that there is also interest from Bayer Leverkusen and Ajax for the £30m-rated Sulemana, who was hailed as an ‘enormous talent’ by football talent scout Jacek Kulig following a sensational performance against Paris Saint-Germain during 2021/22.

The verdict: Blow the budget

Predominantly operating as a left winger, last season, Sulemana scored five times and provided tw0 assists in 27 senior appearances across all competitions, earning an impressive 6.95 Sofascore rating whilst winning 4.8 duels, completing 2.7 dribbles and making 1.1 key passes per game.

Sharing a close stylistic likeness with such well-renowned names as Wilfried Zaha, Said Benrahma and the Magpies’ own Allan Saint-Maximin (FBRef), the £16.2m-valued revelation would be an exciting addition to Eddie Howe’s ranks at St James’ Park.

So far, the newly mega-rich Newcastle under PIF have taken a sensible approach to their transfer activity, refusing to spend lavishly on targets, as proven by the apparent reluctance to meet Leeds’ demands for Harrison.

However, signing a player of Sulemana’s sky-high potential is an opportunity that Dan Ashworth and co cannot pass up. As such, the St James’ Park hierarchy should be pushing hard to make this prospective deal become a reality.

One of the surprise rumours of the transfer window so far has seen Crystal Palace linked with an audacious move for Napoli winger Hirving Lozano.

What’s the word?

According to reports in Italy, the Eagles – along with fellow Premier League side West Ham United – are said to have held talks with the Serie A club regarding a deal for the Mexico international, with the Azzurri set to demand a fee in the region of €30m (£25m) to let the 26-year-old depart.

Journalist Pete O’Rourke has now shared his thoughts on that potential move for the 56-cap speedster, telling Football FanCast that it would be a real statement acquisition for Palace.

He said: “Yeah would be a huge signing, Hirving Lozano. I think a real top player across the world, a Mexican international. Was a big signing for Napoli as well when they signed him from PSV, so for Crystal Palace to be in that market looking at him just shows where Crystal Palace are looking to go right now.

“They’re looking like building an exciting young team under Patrick Vieira and they’ll be hoping to build upon an impressive last term in this new season as well.”

Lozano would be a huge signing

As O’Rourke said, for the south Londoners to be even in the conversation for a player of such quality is a real marker of where they are at right now, with the club having taken great strides forward following the sometimes dour, underwhelming nature of Roy Hodgson’s spell in charge.

Although the former England manager brought great stability to Selhurst Park during his four-year stint at the helm, his often uninspiring brand of football left a lot to be desired, with the introduction of Patrick Viera last summer having breathed new life into the club.

Although the Frenchman has largely targeted young, up-and-coming talent in his relatively brief reign thus far, the addition of Lozano would represent something of a change in tact, with the Eagles able to land a player who is seemingly entering into his prime.

The £27m-rated gem – who has been dubbed a “sensation” by broadcaster Bolarinwa Olajide – has been in impressive form since his €42m (£38.5m) move to Italy in 2019, netting 26 goals and 13 assists in 114 games for Napoli so far in all competitions.

While that record may not be quite as impressive as his haul of 63 goal contributions in 79 games for PSV, the £112k-per-week menace remains a real threat nonetheless, with it an intriguing prospect as to how Vieira would unleash the 5 foot 10 forward in his attack at Selhurst Park.

For supporters as well, the one-time Pachuca man is also a hugely “exciting” talent, in the words of Matt Slater, with there set to be no shortage of entertainment with the Napoli ace on one flank and the fleet-footed Wilfried Zaha on the other.

As Palace look to kick on again next term, having Lozano in tow could well prove to be a difference-maker, with the eye-catching marksman seemingly set to be a “huge signing” if they can pull it off.

AND in other news: Fabrizio Romano reveals huge Crystal Palace development, supporters will be buzzing

Fabrizio Romano has delivered an update regarding Everton’s seemingly imminent deal to re-sign Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Idrissa Gueye.

What’s the word?

Writing on Twitter about the 32-year-old’s impending return to Goodison Park, the transfer insider revealed that the Senegal international is now in England to complete his medical, with just “final details” left to sort before the move can be confirmed.

Romano stated: “Idrissa Gana Gueye’s in Merseyside in order to undergo medical tests and sign as new Everton player. Deal in place with Paris Saint-Germain, just final details to be resolved.

“Gueye has already accepted, waiting for final steps then here we go.”

The one-time Aston Villa man is likely to join for a cut-price fee with just a year remaining on his existing contract at the Parc des Princes, having originally joined the Ligue 1 outfit in a £30m deal from the Toffees in 2019.

Lampard can fix Everton problem

While there may be some questioning the decision to turn to an ageing former player to help bolster the current Everton squad, Gueye will undoubtedly provide real quality to Frank Lampard’s ranks, with the midfield having been a particular problem area for the 44-year-old last term.

Not aided by a lack of fit senior options in the centre of the park, those that the former England international did have at his disposal failed to truly deliver in what was a simply dismal campaign for the club as a whole.

Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher was particularly critical of the “lack of athleticism” in the Everton team following the harrowing 5-0 defeat at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur in March, notably insisting that regular midfield starter Allan simply “can’t run”.

That stinging assessment will seemingly have been a wake-up call for the Merseysiders, hence the need to seek out new recruits to ensure that such a key area of the pitch is no longer a weak point.

While Gueye may be viewed as a player who’s past his prime, the £10.8m-rated man has already proven that he can make an impact in the Premier League, notably ranking highest for tackles made in the division during his debut season for the Toffees in 2016/17, while finishing behind only Wilfried Ndidi in the 2017/18 and 2018/19 campaigns for that matric.

That impressive form has continued since his move to France three years ago. The £99k-per-week machine averaged 2.3 tackles per game from his 26 league outings last term (bettered only by two current players at Everton), while also proving his quality in possession with a 93% pass accuracy rate (better than any Toffees starter) and providing four goal contributions (three goals and one assist).

The highest-scoring central midfielder in the Everton squad last term was Abdoulaye Doucoure, who netted just two goals in all competitions, with it set to be a welcome boost to bring in a player who can provide that cutting edge when required.

As Romelu Lukaku’s disastrous return to Chelsea has illustrated, going back for a second spell at a club isn’t always a wise move, but in the case of Gueye it is clear to see just how vital a role he could play in Lampard’s setup this season if he returns to Goodison Park.