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An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their plans to bolster their midfield options in the upcoming summer transfer window…

What's the latest on Romeo Lavia to Newcastle?

According to The Telegraph, the Mapgies are eyeing up a possible swoop to sign Southampton central midfielder Romeo Lavia ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

Dan Ashworth and Eddie Howe are said to be exploring potential deals to improve their squad by snapping up gems from the teams that were relegated from the Premier League this season.

The Daily Mail recently reported that the Saints are expected to demand a fee of up to £50m for the Belgian talent despite being knocked down to the Championship.

Would Romeo Lavia be a success at Newcastle?

Howe could finally unlock the best of Bruno Guimaraes' attacking talents in the middle of the park by securing a deal for Lavia as the 19-year-old could enjoy great success as a holding midfielder at St James' Park.

The former Manchester City gem enjoyed a strong first season in professional football in spite of Southampton's relegation and bringing in a player with his defensive attributes in the No 6 role would allow the manager to push the Brazilian ace further up the pitch.

In the 2022/23 campaign, the current Toon star made 36 appearances as a defensive midfielder and only one in a No 8 position, which resulted in four goals and two 'big chances' created in the Premier League.

Whereas, nine of his starts came as an eight in 2021/22 and the maestro produced four goals and three 'big chances' created for his teammates.

These statistics suggest that Guimaraes' attacking output was stunted in 2022/23 because of his need to play in a deeper position in the midfield

Lavia, meanwhile, played 22 times as a defensive midfielder this season for Southampton and the "diamond" – as he was dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig – could provide protection to the back four and allow the Brazil international to have more of an impact in the final third.

The Saints star, who was hailed as "exciting" by journalist Dan George, ranks in the top 29% or higher for tackles, interceptions, and blocks per 90 amongst his positional peers in the men's top five leagues over the last 365 days, which suggests that the teenager excels at cutting out opposition attacks on a regular basis and may yet only improve given his age.

He could play at the base of Howe's midfield and provide the likes of Guimaraes, Joelinton, and Joe Willock a platform from which they can build their attacks from, as they would have an excellent defensive presence behind them to sweep up and stop the opposition from creating chances.

Everton are reportedly ready to assert their dominance in the summer transfer window, as the club have been linked to a prolific forward.

The Toffees confirmed their Premier League survival in dramatic fashion on the final day, after what was a dreary season both on and off the pitch for the club.

Now that the Blues have sealed their fate in the top division, Sean Dyche will look to get to work this summer to make essential improvements in the bid to push on from a tough campaign at Goodison.

Having netted just 35 goals this term, Everton recorded their lowest-scoring tally over the past five seasons, however, the club’s latest transfer link could solve all woes in the final third.

What’s the latest on Yuri Alberto to Everton?

As reported by GOAL earlier this week, Everton are reportedly interested in Corinthians forward Yuri Alberto.

The report states that the Blues are considering a proposal to the Brazilian club for the striker, with them currently “keeping an eye” on the 22-year-old.

As per CIES Football Observatory, the Corinthians talisman is valued at €30m (£26m).

What could Yuri Alberto bring to Everton?

Operating over 2022/23 in the unfamiliar Brazilian league schedule, the striker has scored a total of 13 goals and registered six assists in 38 appearances in the Brasileiro Serie A and Paulista Serie A1 competitions – as per Sofascore.

At just 22, the forward has already had experience in European football, spending a season on loan in Russia representing Zenit St Petersburg, in which he contributed to ten goals in 15 appearances, scoring six and assisting four.

Lauded as being “dangerous” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the Brazilian has areas of expertise in most areas of his game acting as a number nine, with Kulig listing him as being a “complete forward”.

Everton have found joy in equipping a Brazilian forward to lead the line previously, with Richarlison having a similar feat in his homeland, scoring 11 goals and assisting seven for Fluminense before signing for Watford in 2017 – as per Transfermarkt.

The young striker could add so much to the Toffees squad, and even force Dyche to reconsider the solidity of Calvert-Lewin’s place at the club.

The Englishman enjoyed a formidable scoring run in the 2020/21 season, bagging 16 league goals, however since then has suffered prolonged injuries, leaving him scoring just seven goals over the past two seasons at Goodison – as per Sofascore.

While injury struggles are out of his hands, competition for starting places remain, and the introduction of Alberto would certainly raise the bar in terms of battling for the number nine spot.

When comparing the two players, the Brazilian showcases a higher threat on the ball than the Everton forward, averaging 2.62 shot-creating actions to Calvert-Lewin’s 1.85 per 90, highlighting his efficiency in attack.

A similar pattern is evident in terms of positioning and threat going forward, with the 22-year-old averaging 6.83 progressive passes received, to the Englishman’s 4.33 per 90 – all statistics as per FBref.

The most important thing for the club is to secure a goalscorer this summer, however, Alberto could offer a dynamic player with “killer instinct” to Dyche’s set-up.

A player that is still developing at just 22 could give Everton more than just goals, with the potential to be a leading name at the club should he continue to showcase his talent in the final third.

It could also mean the end of the road for the stricken Calvert-Lewin who is surely now running out of time to prove his worth in Merseyside.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly still showing an interest in Sporting CP boss, Ruben Amorim, in their search for a new permanent manager, according to the latest reports.

What's the latest on Amorim to Tottenham?

As per 90min, the 38-year-old is believed still be in the frame to be named as the successor to Antonio Conte in north London, with Spurs said to be considering the Portuguese coach and ex-Spain boss Luis Enrique, despite the strong interest in Feyenoord's Arne Slot.

According to the report, the latter man has emerged as the 'favourite' for the role and is said to have told his current side that he is keen on the move to England, although both Enrique and Amorim 'have not been officially ruled out of the running'.

In the case of the Lisbon native, the former Braga head coach was also of interest to rivals Chelsea in recent months, albeit with Blues seemingly deciding to move for ex-Spurs man Mauricio Pochettino instead.

Would Amorim be a good appointment for Tottenham?

While it does look as if the aforementioned Slot is the frontrunner to fill the Lilywhites' managerial vacancy, in Amorim the Premier League outfit could also seemingly find a "great successor to Conte", according to writer Casey Evans.

Hailed as the "most exciting young manager in Europe" by The Athletic's Jack Pitt-Brooke last year, the Sporting tactician has proven his credential's during his time in the Portuguese capital, winning the league title in the 2020/21 campaign.

Across his spells with both his current employers and at Braga, the up-and-coming coach has also claimed three Portuguese League Cups and one Portuguese Super Cup to date, ensuring that the emerging ace could well help to bring back a winning mentality to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Equally, while there may be a desire to move away from Conte's favoured, back three approach, the decision to move for Amorim – who also typically utilises a 3-4-3 formation – may favour the pool of players currently at N17, ensuring a potentially smooth transition to life under a new regime.

The "special manager" – as lauded by writer Zach Lowy – is yet to enjoy a taste of life outside of his homeland during his relatively brief managerial career thus far, although he has proven his worth on the European stage, after beating Conte's side in the Champions League earlier this season, as well as knocking out Arsenal in the Europa League round of 16.

Those two notable scalps showcased just why Amorim is rated as "one of the best" – according to Pep Guardiola – with it is easy to see why the Tottenham hierarchy still have the young coach under consideration as the managerial search hots up.

An MLS and USMNT insider has now lifted the lid on a clause in the contract of James Sands that he claims Glasgow Rangers ‘will trigger’ to keep him at Ibrox.

The Lowdown: 18-month loan

Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s team signed Sands on an initial 18-month loan from New York City FC back in the January transfer window.

They hold an exclusive option to buy the central defender, but the price was not disclosed by the Gers upon their announcement of his arrival.

The Latest: Clause revealed

Taking to Twitter, USA national team insider Tom Bogert has now revealed that the buy-out clause for Sands is set at $6m (£4.8m), which he claims that the Light Blues ‘will trigger’:

“Was told Rangers’ purchase clause for on-loan NYCFC and USMNT defender James Sands is $6 million. Dunno if there was a loan fee too or not. I would assume Rangers will trigger that. Think he’ll be really good this year.”

The Verdict: Activate

Given that Sands is only 21 years of age, his market value is sure to go up, and so paying just £4.8m for him could well turn out to be a bargain in a few years’ time.

The USA international played a total of 14 times for the Teddy Bears over all competitions last season, including in the UEFA Europa League final, and is clearly a squad player that van Bronckhorst values.

Nonetheless, there is a chance that Calvin Bassey could leave this summer, and so the Dutch manager will need enough centre-back options going into the new campaign.

In other news, find out who RFC have now been ‘contacted’ over signing here!

Liverpool have made contact with the representatives of Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele as a potential replacement for Sadio Mane, according to Spanish outlet Sport. 

The lowdown: Man in demand

Unsurprisingly, as the one time £135.5million ace’s contract heads towards its conclusion, Dembele has been attracting plenty of interest.

Out of contract on July 1st (Transfermarkt), despite the best efforts of Barcelona to keep the skilful French forward, there is yet to be an agreement on terms and as such the 25-year-old will soon be free to negotiate with clubs across Europe.

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Having previously watched on from a distance, the Reds may now have thrown their hat into the ring to sign the World Cup winner…

The latest: ‘Finally’ Liverpool act

As per Sport, Liverpool are said to have ‘finally’ made contact with the 27-cap France star’s entourage regarding the possibility of a move to Merseyside.

It’s claimed that Dembele is ‘studying various proposals’ with one of them now being from the Anfield club as well as interest from Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain.

The report also states that Jurgen Klopp could be preparing for life after Mane and therefore would view the winger once dubbed a ‘devastating player’ by journalist Andy West as a potential replacement in the Reds’ squad.

The verdict: Risk free option

Albeit plagued by injuries since making the switch to Spain, missing 102 matches in total, Dembele remains a fearsome prospect when fully fit and would represent a risk-free piece of business without what would be a lofty price tag in normal circumstances.

Capable of playing on either wing as well as centrally and therefore adding to the firepower at Klopp’s disposal, the versatile forward holds a stylistic likeness to well renowned attacking names such as PSG superstar Neymar and Bayern Munich duo Leroy Sane and Serge Gnabry (Fbref), making the Frenchman a major coup, particularly on a free transfer.

Directly contributing to 15 goals in a relatively injury-free 2021/22 campaign, new Liverpool transfer guru Julian Ward should be all over adding Dembele to the ranks as a priority this summer.

In other news, one Liverpool player has hinted at a summer exit. Find out who it is here.

Manchester United and Arsenal have emerged as suitors for Leeds United winger Raphinha this summer, according to journalist Gianluigi Longari.

The Lowdown: Homage to Catalonia?

The Whites preserved their Premier League status after winning 2-1 away to Brentford last weekend, on what was a huge day for the club.

Raphinha did his more than his fair share throughout the campaign, leading Leeds’ scoring charts with 11 league goals and firing home a vital penalty in the aforementioned victory over the Bees.

It is widely expected that the 25-year-old will depart for Spain this summer, however, having reached a natural conclusion at Elland Road and with Barcelona eyeing up a move.

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The Latest: MUFC and Arsenal twist

Taking to Twitter late on Wednesday night, Longari claimed that Manchester United and Arsenal could throw a twist into the battle to sign the Brazilian:

“Raphinha first offer rejected by #Leeds. Barca have priority but watch out for the Premier (#Arsenal and #Mufc).”

The Verdict: Barca or nothing?

It is wholly understandable why a move to Barca would appeal to Raphinha, with some of his country’s greatest-ever players representing the club, whether it be Ronaldo, Ronaldinho or Romario.

It would be hard to begrudge him a switch to the Catalan giants then, but it is tough to see him heading to United or Arsenal, especially with the former being Leeds’ bitter rivals.

Meanwhile, the Gunners failed to qualify for the Champions League in 2022/23, so Raphinha is unlikely to leave a club he loves only to be plying his trade in the Europa League next season.

Moving to Barca still feels likely but if that doesn’t materialise it could give Jesse Marsch hope of keeping hold of one of his star men.

In other news, a transfer expert has talked up a Leeds signing happening this summer. Read more here.

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in a deal to bring Ivan Perisic to the club in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to James Olley, with the ESPN journalist revealing on Twitter that Spurs are exploring a deal to sign the versatile Inter Milan midfielder on a free transfer at the end of the current campaign, with Fabio Paratici said to have already made contact with the 33-year-old regarding a potential switch to north London.

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In his tweet, which included a corresponding report for ESPN, Olley said: “THFC are exploring a deal to sign Ivan Perisic from Inter Milan on a free transfer. Juventus considered the front-runners but Spurs have made contact.”

“Physical monster”

Considering just how impressive Perisic has been for Inter at left wing-back this season, and with Sergio Reguilon being heavily linked with a move away from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in recent weeks, it is unsurprising to learn that Spurs are keen on a deal for the Croatia international on a free transfer this summer.

Indeed, over his 34 Serie A appearances this term, the £125k-per-week talent has been in breathtaking form for Simone Inzaghi’s side. He has scored seven goals, registered seven assists and created 13 big chances for his team-mates, along with taking 1.2 shots, making 1.6 key passes and completing 0.8 dribbles per game.

The 33-year-old has also impressed in a defensive capacity, making 1.4 interceptions, 1.1 tackles and one clearance and winning 3.6 duels (at a success rate of 54%) per match.

These returns have seen the player who Siavoush Fallahi dubbed a “physical monster” and Adam Digby labelled “superb” average an excellent SofaScore match rating of 7.27, not only ranking him as Inter’s third-best performer in Serie A but also the joint 13th-best player in the league as a whole.

Furthermore, according to FBRef data, the 113-cap Croatia international ranks in the top 2% of full-backs in Europe’s big five leagues for non-penalty goals per 90, along with the top 3% for npxG, the top 3% for shots, the top 1% for xA, the top 1% for npxG+xA, the top 5% for shot-creating actions and the top 13% for progressive carries.

As such, it is clear that Perisic would be something of a monster for Antonio Conte’s side at left wing-back, leading us to believe that Paratici must do everything possible to convince the 33-year-old of a switch to north London this summer.

AND in other news: Spurs handed injury boost as Hotspur Way update emerges, Antonio Conte will be buzzing

Aston Villa are among the leading contenders to sign Atletico Madrid forward Luis Suarez this summer, according to reports from Spain. 

The lowdown: Suarez exit confirmed

Having joined Los Rojiblancos in 2020, the 35-year-old has already confirmed that he will be leaving the Wanda Metropolitano following the conclusion of the current La Liga season.

Since signing for Diego Simeone’s side, Suarez has scored 34 times in 81 outings, taking his club senior goal tally to 436 across spells with Nacional, Groningen, Ajax, Liverpool, Barcelona and now Atletico.

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Now it appears that a reunion with former Anfield team-mate Steven Gerrard could be on the cards in the upcoming transfer window…

The latest: Villa interested in Suarez

As per Spanish sources, Aston Villa, Inter Milan and Sevilla all ‘want to sign’ Suarez.

It is claimed that Gerrard ‘wants to meet again’ with the 132-cap Uruguay star in order to ‘fight to qualify for European competitions’ next season.

The report added that ‘several teams’ have shown an interest in the 35-year-old, who has ‘everything’ according to Gerrard when naming his best team-mates from his illustrious playing days.

The verdict: No-brainer

Whilst there is a danger of Villa Park becoming somewhat of an Anfield alumni reunion having already secured a permanent deal for Philippe Coutinho, adding Suarez to the squad would be a huge boost ahead of next season.

The Uruguayan has scored 13 times and registered another three assists in 43 appearances across all competitions in the current campaign, earning a 6.89 Sofascore rating from 34 La Liga outings whilst taking 1.6 shots per game.

Still holding a market value of £9m from Transfermarkt, signing Suarez on a free transfer to play second fiddle to frontline duo Ollie Watkins and Danny Ings would have to be regarded as a sensational piece of business if Villa can pull it off.

In other news: Former Villa boss reacts to £50m+ plus price tag for ‘fantastic’ ace

Liverpool have been handed a boost to their chances of signing AS Monaco midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, as per a report from Football Insider. 

The lowdown: Strong interest

As the Reds continue their quest for more silverware this season, away from matters on the field new sporting director Julian Ward is already hard at work outlining the summer’s top targets.

Recent reports have heavily linked the Anfield club with a sensational swoop for Tchouameni, while Calvin Ramsay is also thought to be a main target as Jurgen Klopp attempts to further strengthen an already well-stocked squad.

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Now as the Ligue 1 campaign heads into its own final two games with Monaco currently sitting third and in next season’s UEFA Champions League as a result, the French outfit may already be bracing themselves for life after their highly sought after 22-year-old.

The latest: Monaco now ready to sell

As per a recruitment source at FI, Monaco are believed to be ‘putting together a list of targets’ in order to replace Tchouameni this summer.

The report calls it a ‘major development’ and a ‘boost’ for Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City, whilst elsewhere Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain have both been tipped to challenge for the defensive midfielder’s signature.

It’s claimed that the youngster, described as ‘exceptional’ by French football journalist Julien Laurens, has ‘excited’ talent spotters of the Premier League clubs and Monaco are now ready to cash in.

The verdict: Win the race

Put simply, given the levels of competition from England and indeed Europe’s elite, Liverpool and moreover, FSG, must do everything in their power to win the race for the exciting eight-cap France star.

So far this season, Tchouameni has scored five times and provided two assists in 48 appearances across all competitions, taking his overall career tally to 130 senior domestic outings despite his tender years.

Holding a market value of £36million and under contract in France until 2024 (Transfermarkt), if indeed Monaco are preparing for a sale then Liverpool must do whatever it takes to bring in the combative ace, who is already an experienced operator for both club and country.

In other news, journalist drops contract claim regarding Liverpool star. Read more here.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp must ruthlessly axe “influential” club captain Jordan Henderson as he is the weakness in their midfield and a better replacement is needed in the summer.

On the chalkboard

Liverpool are fighting on all fronts at the moment and are hunting down an unprecedented quadruple. But they face stiff competition from Real Madrid in the Champions League and Manchester City in the Premier League, and they veered slightly off course in the title race when failing to beat Tottenham Hotspur yesterday.

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Henderson was one the players who failed to shine in the game at Anfield and was substituted after 65 minutes being replaced by Diogo Jota. He failed to make a single tackle in the whole time he was on the pitch and barely contributed. Furthermore, he gave up possession of the ball every five minutes which will have been a key factor in the team dropping points.

Whilst his leadership and strong voice in the dressing room might go unmatched, there’s only so many times you can use that as a reason to be playing him.

Henderson has been a vital part of Liverpool’s success in recent years but there is a feeling that his qualities are slightly diminishing, with Roy Keane describing him as a “cheerleader” and questioning why he was in the England squad during Euro 2020.

The 31-year old moved to Merseyside from his boyhood club Sunderland in 2011 and is currently the longest-serving player at the club. He is, and always will be considered a legend in the eyes of the fans, and he has rightly earnt that status. However, he is no longer a player who is capable starting every week for one of the best teams in Europe.

Liverpool have to accept that and Klopp has to make it his priority to bring in a third world class midfielder to sit alongside Fabinho and Thiago next season.

If you compare Henderson to them both he doesn’t produce performances that are close to what they consistently produce. Both players have a higher pass completion percentage that the Englishman and have successfully completed more dribbles.

Henderson’s time at Anfield isn’t necessarily over, but the club need to rely on him less if they are to keep competing at the highest level. He still has a major role to play in the squad as a leader and captain, just not as a player who is a key starter.

IN other news: “Won’t accept less than…”: Romano drops big transfer update, Liverpool must now move…