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Sunderland managed to find their way back into the Championship at the end of last season following four years of competing in League One.

One figure at the Wearside club that played a big part in their recent campaign was Dan Neil.

With 39 league appearances to his name, prior to the play-offs, only four other Sunderland players racked up more minutes than the midfielder.

Having scored three goals and provided seven assists in the league, the 20-year-old also delivered 27 crosses, made 31 interceptions and won 31 tackles last season.

This highlights just how much of a well-rounded midfielder he is and how capable he is of being an attacking threat and a tough opponent when out of possession.

Now that the Black Cats have a Championship campaign ahead of them, they can use the summer transfer window to make sure their squad is strong enough to compete and avoid getting put back in League One.

In terms of incoming transfers, one figure that the Wearside club have been linked with that could give them a next version of Neil is Southampton midfielder Will Smallbone.

As a product of the South Coast club’s youth system, the 22-year-old has made a total of 116 appearances for the Saints across their senior and youth sides.

In those appearances, the Irishman has found the net 14 times and supplied 15 assists across all competitions.

As well as being a useful figure in terms of scoring and creating goals, Smallbone has also won 17 tackles and made 58 successful pressures, 17 blocks, four interceptions and seven clearances over his 16 Premier League appearances for Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side.

This shows that he has some defensive talent in him as well and why he’d be a potential next version of Neil at the Stadium of Light.

To further highlight what sort of player he is, the Southampton boss had this to say about the £6k-per-week midfielder.

He said: “The whole package is strong, with a lot of potential in my view. He has a lot of things that really help a team, being good on the ball, covering a lot of distance, but also to work against the ball and win balls, this is very important.”

Moving forward, if the opportunity arises to secure a deal for the Saints youngster this summer, Sunderland should do all they can to get him.

AND in other news: Speakman eyeing SAFC swoop to sign “intelligent” £4.5m gem, imagine him & Roberts

Arsenal are reportedly monitoring the situation of their former player Serge Gnabry, as they look set to miss out on Leeds United talisman Raphinha.

What’s the word?

According to 90min’s Sean Walsh, the Gunners could potentially make a move for the Germany international this summer, with just one year remaining on his existing deal with current club Bayern Munich.

Writing on Twitter about that interest, Walsh stated: “The Gunners are keeping an eye on Serge Gnabry’s contract situation at Bayern Munich (up in 2023). They could move for their former winger with it likely that they’ll miss out on Raphinha.”

As per the corresponding article from 90min, the belief is that the 26-year-old – who left the Emirates Stadium six years ago to join Werder Bremen – could be sold by the Bundesliga giants if he does not sign a contract extension, as hinted at by Bayern director Hasan Salihamidzic.

This comes amid reports that the aforementioned Raphinha is on his way to Barcelona, despite interest from Chelsea, with the 25-year-old having been strongly linked with a move to north London in recent weeks and months.

Supporters will love it

After the disappointment of seemingly missing out on the Brazilian, moving for Gnabry would more than soften the blow, with Arsenal supporters no doubt desperate to see the £58.5m-rated forward back at the club where it all began for him.

A product of the Premier League club’s youth system, he went on to make just 18 senior appearances for the Gunners in all competitions after making his debut as a 17-year-old in 2012, notably enduring an infamous loan spell at West Bromwich Albion where he had just a solitary league outing under Tony Pulis.

A return to his homeland swiftly followed, although that decision to let him go has backfired spectacularly on the Gunners, with the £115k-per-week speedster having thrived since being snapped up by the Bundesliga outfit in 2017 after just a year in Bremen.

Having spent his first campaign with his current club on loan at Hoffenheim, the 5 foot 9 menace returned to become a key figure for the Bavarian outfit, going on to score 64 goals and provide 40 assists in 171 games over the last four seasons.

That tally includes an impressive haul of 17 goals and ten assists from the most recent campaign across all fronts, as Julian Nagelsmann’s side wrapped up a tenth successive league title. On the international stage, his record now stands at a remarkable 20 goals in just 34 games.

The versatile asset unsurprisingly compares favourably to those in his position across Europe’s top five leagues, ranking in the 6% for progressive carries, the top 9% for progressive passes and the top 9% for dribbles completed, showcasing his undeniable brilliance with the ball at his feet.

Not just an attack-minded threat, however, the Stuttgart native also ranks in the top 12% for tackles made, illustrating his willingness to put in the hard yards when required – a trait which will surely earn plenty of plaudits in Mikel Arteta’s side.

With the Spaniard having already agreed a deal to sign Gabriel Jesus from Manchester City, adding Gnabry to the mix would raise excitement levels even higher, with supporters set to be overjoyed if the club can secure a homecoming for the pacy winger.

AND in other news, Arsenal now plotting record-breaking bid for £100m gem, he’d be a “superstar” signing

Celtic and Rangers will battle for the signing of exciting Motherwell youngster Bailey Rice this summer, according to a new transfer rumour.

The Lowdown: Rice a bright prospect

At just 15, Rice is already making a name for himself, winning 11 caps for Scotland’s Under-17s and being touted as a future star in defensive midfield.

He is the latest player to emerge from Motherwell’s talented youth system, with David Turnbull another who came through it before joining Celtic.

Now, it appears as though Rice could be joining the Hoops man at Parkhead, but they will face competition from the other side of Glasgow.

The Latest: Celtic in the mix

According to The Daily Record, both Celtic and Rangers have submitted bids for the teenage midfielder, although an unnamed Premier League club are also thought to be eyeing him up.

Rice is described in the report as ‘one of the best young players in Scotland’ and he will be able to sign a professional contract when he turns 16 in October.

The Verdict: Long-term signing

Hoovering up the best Scottish talent is something that Celtic have done down the years and it is important that they continue to do it, ensuring a homegrown nucleus exists in the squad.

Rice looks like a huge prospect who could eventually mature into a key man at Parkhead, while beating Rangers to his signature would of course be an added bonus.

Turnbull is proof of how a supremely gifted Motherwell youngster can eventually make the grade at Celtic – at 22, he now has 77 Hoops appearances to his name – and Rice should use him as inspiration and look to follow in his footsteps.

Sky Sports pundit Kevin Campbell has backed Liverpool to come to a ‘compromise’ when it comes to arranging a new contract with Mohamed Salah.

The Lowdown: Salah confirms short-term future

The 30-year-old has just 12 months remaining on his current contract at Anfield, but his future on Merseyside has been up in the air in recent weeks after failing to agree a new deal with the club.

The striker had been linked with a move away from the Premier League, amid interest from Barcelona, but the player himself confirmed at the end of May that he would remain with the Reds for next season at least, regardless of the whether any agreement was reached between now and the start of the new campaign.

It was later reported by The Telegraph‘s Chris Bascombe just this week that the top-flight giants remain confident that they can convince the Egyptian to put pen to paper on a long-term contract.

The Latest: Campbell’s contract claim

Reacting to that news in a chat with Football Insider, Campbell said:

“I don’t think it will be a matter of bowing to his demands.

“Both parties have to come to a compromise. They need to conclude on a deal that works for everyone.

“Salah is a big-time player, a marquee player for Liverpool. He was brilliant last season.

“I don’t see it being a problem. I truly believe they will come to an agreement.

“Here is the funny thing, if they don’t come to an agreement and his contract expires, it doesn’t mean he will leave the club.

“At that point, everyone is in the same boat. There would be a different negotiation to be had at that stage. I wouldn’t rule that one out.”

The Verdict: New deal is a priority

After securing the signing of Darwin Nunez, Liverpool’s priority has now surely got to be negotiating a fresh deal for Salah, who is a huge reason as to why the club have enjoyed so much success over the years.

Last season alone, the 83-cap international was the Premier League’s joint-top goalscorer, sharing the Golden Boot award with Tottenham’s Son Heung-Min.

With his contract set to expire next summer, the Reds will be keen to tie Salah down as soon as possible to ensure that their star man isn’t able to leave Anfield a free agent a year from now.

In other news… Sadio Mane is now ‘on the verge’ of completing his move to Bayern Munich after an update from Sky Sports News.

Luke Edwards has now revealed some Newcastle United transfer news on Sven Botman.

The Lowdown: Deal close?

It has been reported that the St James’ Park club are now ‘pressing to close a deal’ for the 22-year-old and have ‘submitted’ a ‘new proposal’ worth more than €30m (£25.6m).

Talks are ‘ongoing’ between them and Lille, although AC Milan (among a number of other clubs) are also still thought to be ‘in contention’ for his signature.

The Latest: Edwards’ update on Botman

Taking to Twitter, Daily Telegraph journalist Edwards has revealed that despite some reports to the contrary, there is ‘nothing imminent’ at the moment with regards to a move for Botman.

He revealed: “All I’m told at moment is “nothing imminent.” “

The Verdict: Get it done

With interest from Serie A title winners Milan, who can offer Botman Champions League football next season, the Magpies simply need to get this deal done as soon as possible.

Hailed as a potential ‘massive signing’ and ‘one of the best’ young defenders in European football by Pod On The Tyne podcaster Taylor Payne, signing the 22-year-old would be a real coup for Newcastle.

Botman was Lille’s third-best performer in Ligue 1 last term, averaging more clearances and passes per game than any of his team-mates (WhoScored), showing that he is equally as comfortable at playing out from the back as he is at getting stuck into challenges.

There seems little doubt that Eddie Howe would be excited to work with the Dutchman over the next campaign and beyond, if he can lure the player to Tyneside.

In other news, find out who is now ‘on verge’ of leaving St James’ Park

Reliable journalist Alsdair Gold has now shared the latest news on Steven Bergwijn’s proposed move from Tottenham Hotspur to Dutch giants Ajax, with the journalist admitting he’s sad to see him go.

The Lowdown: January move failed

The 24-year-old was at the centre of a confusing transfer saga in January. One moment he was seemingly set to leave N17; the next he was firing Antonio Conte’s team to a dramatic late win at Leicester City.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano claimed that Tottenham had ‘decided to sell’ early on in the winter window amid interest from a number of clubs.

Two days later, the Evening Standard reported that Spurs had rejected an opening £15m bid from Ajax. It was claimed that Daniel Levy was looking to recoup as much of the £27m they paid for the player as they could.

In the end, The Athletic’s Charlie Eccleshare reported that the Dutch outfit were priced out of a deal for Bergwijn, leaving him at Hotspur Way for the remainder of the season.

The Latest: Gold’s news

In a QnA for football.london, Gold has now revealed the latest news on Bergwijn’s proposed move to Ajax.

“Steven Bergwijn wants to go and Ajax want him, but neither will get their wish unless they get closer to the £27m Spurs paid for him in 2020.

“I like Bergwijn and I must admit I’ll be sad to see him go but he needs regular starts, particularly ahead of the World Cup. It’s likely to be a matter of when rather than if he moves.”

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The Verdict: Good squad player

Despite having featured in the starting XI just four times in the Premier League last season, the Netherlands international was utilised as a substitute on 21 occasions.

And with Tottenham qualifying for the Champions League, the squad’s schedule is set to be far more hectic as they prepare to play in four serious competitions throughout the upcoming season.

The likes of Bergwijn, who Conte has claimed has ‘great quality’, would be good squad options for when the first XI need rotating, and even if the player tries to force a move with the World Cup looming, you can’t help but feel this a talent Conte may regret not tapping into.

In other news: Report makes major Richarlison claim…

Journalist Pete O’Rourke has made a claim involving Newcastle United and their potential pursuit of Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin this summer. 

The lowdown: Hot property

The 25-year-old endured a difficult 2021/22 campaign, missing 16 matches with a fractured toe and also being ruled out of numerous games due to a persistent thigh issue.

Everton struggled for goals in the 6 foot 2 target man’s absence and ultimately found themselves embroiled in a relegation battle, only avoiding the drop in the final week of the Premier League season.

A recent report from The Telegraph has claimed that Newcastle could be plotting a move to land the England international, a claim which has now been backed up by one interested onlooker…

The latest: Newcastle admire Calvert-Lewin

Speaking to Give Me Sport, O’Rourke claimed that the Magpies are indeed among the clubs who are keen on the 11-cap Three Lions star.

He explained: “Calvert-Lewin does have admirers within the Premier League, with the likes of Newcastle and Arsenal. It’s going to be a tough summer for Everton to keep hold of him, but I’m sure they will be looking at top dollar.”

The verdict: Howe would like him

Calvert-Lewin is under contract until 2025 and holds a market value of £37.8m (Transfermarkt), so despite the inevitable lofty asking price, signing him this summer would be the clearest indication yet of where new ownership group PIF want to take Newcastle and just how quickly.

During 2020/21, the Everton marksman scored 16 times and registered three assists in 33 Premier League outings, duly earning high praise from journalist Grant Wahl, who described the 25-year-old’s form as ‘unstoppable’ after the opening weeks of the campaign.

If the January signing of Chris Wood was evidence of Eddie Howe wanting a focal point in Newcastle’s attack, Calvert-Lewin’s outstanding average of 7.2 duels won per league game in 2021/22 would further endear the Magpies manager to the possibility of bringing him to St James’ Park.

In other news: Newcastle now eyeing move for ‘great talent’ from Serie A, read more here

Liverpool have reportedly earmarked Rennes forward Martin Terrier as a replacement for Sadio Mane this summer, according to The Mirror. 

The lowdown: End of an era

Following the end of a relentless and successful 2021/22 campaign, speculation surrounding the future of Mane has spiralled out of control and it appears that the writing could be on the wall for an exit.

Both Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain are pursuing the Senegalese star who is believed to be seeking a fresh challenge away from Anfield after a trophy-laden six years on Merseyside.

However, Liverpool are likely to be reticent to sanction the departure until a suitable successor can be lined up, which could be where the Terrier comes in…

The latest: Fresh beginnings

As per The Mirror, the Reds are said to have already ‘identified’ the 25-year-old former France Under 21 starlet as a replacement for the centre-forward role in which Mane ended the season.

It’s claimed that Terrier is the ‘ideal player’ to bolster Jurgen Klopp’s squad should Mane leave as expected following a stellar Ligue 1 campaign.

The report states that Liverpool could land the versatile Frenchman described as ‘intelligent’ and ‘hard-working’ by French football writer Jeremy Smith for a ‘reasonable fee’ in the off-season market.

The verdict: Better options available

Equally adept operating from the left-wing or as a centre-forward, Liverpool’s perceived interest in Terrier should come as little surprise as a like for like replacement for Mane.

His manager has also praised him for his ‘technical quality’ and ‘intelligence’, so perhaps we are even looking at a player of similar ilk to Roberto Firmino, who is also nearing the conclusion of his time as a Liverpool regular.

Terrier’s impressive 7.30 Sofascore rating from 2021/22 included winning 4.5 duels, taking 2.4 shots and making 1.1 key passes on average per game, so he is certainly an intriguing option for new Sporting Director Julian Ward.

However, prior to a 21 goal and four assist campaign last time out, the ex-Lyon ace has only reached double figures in terms of direct goal involvements in one other league season and at present only has 11 Champions League outings to his name.

At the right price, perhaps this is a move that would be worthwhile as a replacement for Divock Origi or even Firmino, but the Reds should also be attempting to sign a real rising star to succeed Mane, having been linked to the likes of Benfica’s Darwin Nunez.

In other news, a fresh Liverpool transfer rumour has emerged. Read more here.

Portuguese newspaper Jornal de Noticias (via Sport Witness), has provided an update on the future of Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Joao Moutinho. 

The lowdown: Wanderers’ stalwart

Signed in 2018 from Ligue 1 outfit AS Monaco for £5million on an initial two-year contract (BBC), Moutinho has been a superb servant to the club since his arrival.

Moutinho has amassed 176 appearances for Wolves, scoring five times and providing 23 assists taking an illustrious career to a mammoth 774 outings across spells with FC Porto, Sporting Lisbon, Monaco and the Molineux club.

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Out of contract in a matter of weeks (Transfermarkt), the future of the 35-year-old needs urgent attention and Bruno Lage has seemingly made his own wishes known…

The latest: Mourinho wants Moutinho

As per Jornal de Noticias, translated by SW, Lage is believed to have ‘asked for the player’ to be offered a new deal to stay in the Midlands.

However, Wolves may have already ‘set other priorities’ for the midfield department as the club prepare for a potential major overhaul with interest in Ruben Neves ramping up all the time.

The report states that Moutinho – who was praised for an ‘outstanding’ display against Brentford by Alan Shearer after a stunning goal and assist – could be willing to ’embrace a new challenge’ as Roma manager and compatriot Jose Mourinho watches on with interest from Italy.

The verdict: Keep at all costs

Despite the Portuguese international’s advancing years, an impressive 6.96 average rating from 35 Premier League outings in 2021/22 and standout showings are proof enough of continued longevity and ability to perform at the very highest level.

With the futures of Neves and Leander Dendoncker in doubt, it comes as little surprise that Lage would want to keep Moutinho in situ in order to maintain some midfield stability ahead of next season.

Keeping the 144-cap Portugal star, whilst also adding further options over the summer, would be a huge feather in the cap of Lage after what was a disappointing end to the campaign.

In other news, one Wolves hero has been linked with a summer exit. Find out who it is here.

An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their pursuit of Lucas Paqueta heading into the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

Daily Express journalist Ryan Taylor has confirmed that the Brazilian is a player PIF are interested in bringing to the club ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

The Lyon man played with current Magpies star Bruno Guimaraes in France and is reportedly valued at £58m by the Ligue 1 outfit.

Taylor told GIVEMESPORT: “I know they will shop abroad as well.

“I know Lucas Paqueta from Lyon would be sort of a marquee signing for them; he’s been in Newcastle this week actually because he’s good friends with Bruno Guimaraes.

“I know Newcastle fans are kind of angling for that one. He is a genuine target, so it’ll just be interesting to see how much Newcastle will have to play with, but nobody truly knows at the moment.

“I think we’ll kind of gauge that from the first sort of offers they make and what kind of players they firm up interest in.”

Supporters will love it

Toon supporters will love this claim from Taylor as Paqueta would be an excellent, exciting, addition to Eddie Howe’s midfield options.

He enjoyed a fine season in France as he started 35 of Lyon’s 38 Ligue 1 outings. The midfielder averaged a superb SofaScore rating of 7.13 across those games as he impressed throughout the campaign, delivering brilliant displays on a regular basis.

Talent scout Jacek Kulig dubbed him a “joy to watch” and his statistics in 2021/22 back that up. Paqueta proved that he can make a big impact in the final third as he scored nine goals and produced six assists for his club.

Meanwhile, Newcastle’s top scorer in the Premier League was Callum Wilson with eight strikes and the second-top scorers were Guimaraes and Allan Saint-Maximin with five each. The Lyon man, therefore, would add a much-needed goal threat to Howe’s options heading into 2022/23.

In terms of his creativity, he handed his teammates nine ‘big chances’ and created 1.2 chances per game over the course of the season. This shows that he has the quality to unlock defences from a central midfield position, which will surely benefit the likes of Wilson and Saint-Maximin next term if he joins the Magpies.

The 24-year-old also made 2.2 tackles and interceptions and won 7.3 duels per game. He is willing to get stuck in and can have an impact at both ends of the pitch from midfield, which is why fans will love the claim that PIF are keen on bringing him to St. James’ Park.

AND in other news, Newcastle now “interested” in signing £42m star, he could be Howe’s next “hero”…