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Roberto De Fanti, a renowned football super agent, has now made a promising Tottenham Hotspur transfer claim involving target Alessandro Bastoni.

The Lowdown: Spurs enter talks…

The Lilywhites have allegedly entered discussions over signing Inter Milan’s star defender this summer, coming after they confirmed the signings of Ivan Perisic and Fraser Forster on Bosman deals.

Bastoni is believed to a be serious target for manager Antonio Conte and transfer chief Fabio Paratici with both of them ‘keen’ to get a deal done early before Premier League pre-season (Dharmesh Sheth).

The Italy international will apparently be allowed to leave for around €70 million (£60m), and according to De Fanti, the transfer is very possible.

The Latest: De Fanti makes Bastoni claim…

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The football agent believes this is a deal that could certainly happen and ‘materialise’, even if Spurs may have to significantly invest to get it over the line.

He explained to CaughtOffside:

“This deal might happen. I wouldn’t be surprised, at all, if it did.

“He wouldn’t come cheap, we’re talking the same kind of sums that Manchester United paid Leicester City for Harry Maguire, but it is definitely a transfer that could materialise.

“When it comes to signing Bastoni, clubs, especially Tottenham Hotspur, know that although he is only 23-years-old, they would be signing a guaranteed superstar – he really is that good.”

The Verdict: Get it done…

Earning rave reviews from De Fanti, as well as being a ‘guaranteed superstar’, Bastoni has also been called a ‘defensive genius’ by Italian football expert Conor Clancy.

The £122,000-per-week centre-half comes with a glowing reputation, real sell-on value and bags of potential – surely making this an absolute priority deal for Tottenham.

In other news: ‘Recently…’ – Journalist now makes ‘sensational’ striker claim involving Tottenham, find out more here.

Liverpool are interested in signing Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips, according to a report from The Mirror. 

The lowdown: Phillips a wanted man

Currently a one-club man, Phillips came through the ranks in Yorkshire and has amassed 234 appearances for his boyhood club so far.

Many of those outings came in the Championship before Leeds returned to the Premier League in 2020, and since then the 26-year-old has proven his worth in the top flight and become a regular England international.

Such strong performances have sparked an increased level of transfer interest as Manchester United, Manchester City and West Ham all reporetdly take admiring glances at the combative midfielder.

The latest: Liverpool in the mix for Phillips

As per The Mirror, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is now ‘ready to rival’ Pep Guardiola for the signing of the 19-cap England ace.

It is claimed that the German is ‘understood to admire’ Phillips, with Leeds ‘bracing themselves for interest’ this summer after narrowly avoiding relegation last month.

The report added that it will cost around £60m to sign the midfielder, who was hailed as ‘superb’ at Euro 2020 by Oliver Kay after starting all seven games for Gareth Southgate’s side at the finals.

The verdict: Worthwhile target

Seemingly set to miss out on Aurelien Tchouameni, with Real Madrid the hot favourites to land the AS Monaco sensation, it’s no surprise that Klopp and Julian Ward would be seeking an alternative option for the upcoming transfer window.

During an injury-hit 2021/22 campaign, Phillips earned a 6.84 Sofascore rating whilst winning an impressive 4.8 duels, making 1.2 interceptions and completing 38.9 accurate passes per game.

Aside from the battling qualities that the first of those metrics indicates, the 26-year-old displayed impressive versatility in the process when operating as a central defender, and as a more natural defensive midfielder.

Despite the lofty asking price, signing the Englishman as an understudy to Fabinho and to supplement Jordan Henderson would be a smart move by Liverpool, given his proven Premier League experience, age profile and positive impact on the all-important homegrown quota within the squad.

In other news: A fresh rumour has emerged over a possible Sadio Mane successor

Liverpool are eyeing up a move for Red Bull Bragantino midfielder Eric Ramires in the summer transfer window, according to a fresh claim.

The Lowdown: New midfielder needed

Jurgen Klopp has built arguably the strongest squad in the Reds’ history, but one area which could do with reinforcements in the coming months is central midfield.

The likes of James Milner, Jordan Henderson and Thiago are now all in their 30s, while Fabinho turns 29 later this year, as does the rarely-used Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. Naby Keita is at an ideal age in 27, but his Liverpool career has been dogged by injuries.

Meanwhile, Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott are still very much learning their trade at the top level, so there aren’t enough reliable midfielders between the fledgling and veteran stages at Anfield.

The Latest: Liverpool in talks with Ramires

According to journalist Jorge Nicola [via Sport Witness], Liverpool have been keeping ‘frequent contacts’ with Ramires over a possible summer move.

However, Brazilian club Bragantino are playing a ‘hard game’, albeit demanding a relatively cheap €15m (£12.8m) for the Reds to get their man.

This would make him a much more cost-effective alternative to the heavily linked Aurelien Tchouameni, who is expected to cost €80m (£68m).

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The Verdict: Exciting young target

Ramires may be a relative unknown to some in England, considering that he isn’t plying his trade in Europe, but he is an exciting talent who has already won four caps for Brazil’s under-20s.

The 21-year-old has an 88.3% pass completion rate in the Brasileirao this season (bettered only by Jones among Liverpool’s midfield in 2021/22), while he has also been hailed as a ‘complete midfielder’ in one report.

Ramires would be one for the future at Liverpool, and as outlined above, he is someone who Klopp may need in order to construct his next great Anfield midfield in the coming years as incumbent members bring an end to their time in red.

In other news, James Pearce has dropped a key Liverpool transfer claim. Read more here.

Tottenham have been boosted in their quest to sign Ivan Perisic, with Inter Milan chief Giuseppe Marotta admitting he is heading to the Premier League.

The Lowdown: Perisic strongly linked with move

Antonio Conte has plenty of money to spend after Spurs’ Champions League qualification, with a number of new signings expected in the summer.

Perisic is the player most strongly linked with a move to north London, as he looks for a new challenge away from Inter ahead of next season.

It looks increasingly likely that the winger will be heading to Spurs – Fabrizio Romano has already given his trademark ‘here we go’ – and a fresh update has further suggested that that will be the case.

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The Latest: Inter chief admits defeat

Speaking to TuttoMercatoWeb [via Sport Witness], Marotta confirmed that Perisic is heading to north London and Inter are already seeking replacements:

“There is regret, but he wanted to try a new experience in the Premier League. We weren’t in a position to present better offers, his choice was simply based on a different future than the current one.

“Maximum respect for this and also a big thank you. We will find the right replacement and, in any case, we have already taken Robin Gosens.”

The Verdict: Surely a matter of time?

This update surely means that Perisic is a Spurs player incoming and it has the potential to be a very exciting signing this summer.

The Croatian legend has been hailed as ‘fantastic’ by Jose Mourinho and has a mammoth 113 caps for his country, highlighting his pedigree as a footballer.

At 33, Perisic may not be coming in as a guaranteed starter every week but he could be a great squad player, giving Conte more options in the final third and at wing-back.

In other news, a journalist has dropped a Tottenham transfer claim. Read more here.

In 2021/22, West Ham have had perhaps their finest season in recent memory. A seventh-place finish in the Premier League and a Europa League semi-final were the two main highlights in a campaign which gave the London Stadium faithful some wonderful memories.

The chance of further European success will come next season, and David Moyes is duly looking to strengthen his squad ahead of an important campaign.

One of the main areas for improvement is the centre-forward position. With sole centre-forward Michail Antonio netting 13 goals, Moyes relied mainly on wingers Said Benrahma (11) and Jarrod Bowen (18) to find the net during the course of the season.

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West Ham transfer targets

The club have been linked with strikers such as Armando Broja and Valentin Castellanos, but there is another name out there which could give Moyes the goals and assists that he requires at West Ham.

In January, Foot Mercato reported that the Hammers were interested in Strasbourg striker Ludovic Ajorque, and there has now been an update regarding his position at the club.

The Ligue 1 club’s president Marc Keller stated that if “a significant offer is made”, they would consider it. This could be a big boost to Moyes, and with the striker’s asking price being set at £12.6m, it’s a fee that the Irons could comfortably afford.

West Ham’s own Griezmann?

With 12 goals and eight assists this season, Ajorque could be the ideal striker for Moyes to sign. The 28-year-old is compared to compatriot Antoine Griezmann on FBRef, and its clear to see why,

Both players are excellent in the air and extremely dangerous with the ball at their feet. They both averaged over 2.4 shot-creating actions per 90 minutes in 2021/22 (2.47 for Ajorque and 2.57 for Griezmann) and both also contributed well defensively, winning 25 and 26 tackles respectively.

West Ham could secure an excellent player for a minimal fee by moving for the Strasbourg marksman, and with the Ligue 1 club’s president willing to sell if a good offer comes in, Moyes should act sooner rather than later.

AND in other news, GSB eyeing up West Ham swoop for £12.6m “top talent”, Moyes would love him

West Ham United are ‘definitely’ eyeing a marquee Premier League star who manager David Moyes personally wants, according to talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook.

The Lowdown: Moyes eyeing fresh faces…

The Scotsman, aiming to maintain his side’s quite remarkable rise since nearly being relegated two years ago, quite simply must strengthen his West Ham squad for the 2022/2023 season.

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A striker, centre-half and midfielder are reportedly on the agenda in east London and the Hammers apparently have their eye on a marquee addition for the latter position.

The Sun believe Moyes personally ‘wants’ Leeds United star Kalvin Phillips but his club could demand as much as £60 million to let him go.

The Latest: Crook makes definitive West Ham claim…

Speaking to GiveMeSport, talkSPORT reporter Crook says that the Irons are ‘definitely’ eyeing a move this summer.

He explains:

“Kalvin Phillips, I think, has a decision to make. He might go either way and West Ham are definitely keen on him.

“It would offer him the chance to play in European football alongside Declan Rice and really cement that relationship ahead of maybe replicating it at the World Cup.”

The Verdict: Make a move…

The England international would be a more-than ideal fit to upgrade Moyes’ options in the middle.

Lauded as a would-be ‘perfect’ signing by former West Ham favourite Frank McAvennie, Phillips has been a pivotal figure for Leeds when available.

He’s averaged the joint-second most tackles per 90 for the Elland Road side over 2021/2022 whilst also completing the third-most dribbles, backing just how composed and assured he can be in midfield (WhoScored).

While £60m could be a hefty price to pay, it would certainly display real intent on behalf of West Ham and GSB.

In other news: ‘Discussions will start’ – West Ham insider shares major update as GSB eye plan fresh talks, find out more here.

Liverpool are among numerous clubs interested in making a move for Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah this summer, according to 90min journalist Toby Cudworth.

The Lowdown: Nketiah out of contract

The 22-year-old has been in a good run of form for the Gunners recently, scoring four goals in his last five Premier League appearances.

It has been an impressive spell for Nketiah, who has been described as an ‘extraordinary’ player in the past by his manager Mikel Arteta, having risen through the youth ranks at the Emirates Stadium.

The youngster is out of contract at the end of the season, though, and there is no guarantee that he will stay at Arsenal.

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The Latest: Liverpool linked with Nketiah move

Taking to Twitter on Friday night in sharing a corresponding article from 90min, Cudworth claimed that Liverpool are eyeing up a move for Nketiah, although they aren’t alone in expressing an interest.

The reporter tweeted:

“It’s increasingly unlikely Eddie Nketiah will stay at Arsenal – #WHUFC, #NUFC, #EFC and #CPFC  all chasing. Liverpool and Chelsea also monitoring situation – 22 y/o could provide attractive squad depth option.”

The Verdict: Is he good enough?

While Nketiah deserves undoubted praise for his recent form – he is also England under-21s’ all-time record goalscorer – Liverpool would still be a notable step up from Arsenal these days in terms of expectations and quality.

For that reason, it wouldn’t make much sense for the Reds to sign him, even on a free transfer, with a higher calibre of player required to keep them at the very top.

At 22, there is every chance that Nketiah could forge an excellent career for himself, but he hasn’t done enough at senior level to warrant joining Liverpool. Indeed, he arguably isn’t as exciting as Anfield youngster Kaide Gordon, whose path he could potentially block if he were to replicate Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s move from north London to Merseyside.

In other news, a Liverpool exit rumour has emerged regarding one player. Find out who it is here

Ex-BBC pundit Noel Whelan has claimed that Steven Gerrard has ‘hit the jackpot’ by creating the strike partnership of Danny Ings and Ollie Watkins at Aston Villa.

The Lowdown: Formidable duo

The 41-year-old boss named the attacking duo in his starting line-up for his side’s recent comfortable 3-1 victory over relegation-battling Burnley, and his decision to play the 4-4-2 diamond formation clearly paid off, with both of the forwards getting their name on the scoresheet.

According to a report from a Football Insider transfer source back in April, the Villans are thought to be preparing a brand new bumper deal for Watkins, amid receiving interest for the player from Premier League rivals Arsenal, whilst Ings is believed to be catching the eye of Brighton as they search for a new centre-forward this summer.

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The Latest: Gerrard has hit the jackpot

Reacting to the news of Watkins’ potential new deal, Whelan has urged Gerrard to keep hold of his men and persist with this new-found successful formation. He told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury: “Ings and Watkins are not bad Premier League strikers.

“They seem to thrive from playing with one another, and both are pretty well-rounded forwards. They can do almost everything in that final third.

“I think right now that a diamond system is a brilliant option for Steven Gerrard. He’s hit the jackpot.

“They don’t lose any creativity by having two centre forwards. They can both drop in and play in between the lines if they have to.

“The goals at the weekend just prove that they can be a really potent strike force when they are given the opportunity to play together.”

The Verdict: The perfect formula

Ings first arrived at Villa Park from Southampton last summer and has enjoyed a decent albeit slightly underwhelming first season in the Midlands, providing seven goal contributions in as many appearances in an excellent recent run of form.

Watkins joined a year before his teammate from Brentford for what was a club-record fee of £28m, and so far this campaign, the pair have netted a combined total of 17 top-flight goals between them.

If the pair of poachers continue their impressive returns between now and the end of the term, there is a definite chance that Gerrard’s boys could be set for a top ten finish before aiming even higher from next season.

In other news… The Daily Mail have reported that one Villa star wants to leave the club this summer.

Jordan Campbell has reacted to the news that Glasgow Rangers midfielder Scott Arfield has been awarded a new 12-month contract extension. 

The lowdown: New Rangers deal for Arfield

The club confirmed the 33-year-old’s new deal and described the Canada international as a ‘key influence in the dressing room’.

Since arriving at Ibrox, Arfield has amassed 186 appearances for the Glasgow giants, directly contributing to 52 goals in that time.

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Following the announcement, Campbell gave his take on the contract news regarding the Light Blues stalwart.

The latest: Campbell reacts to Arfield contract news

Taking to Twitter, The Athletic’s Rangers correspondent said that the club were seeking ‘continuity’ with the new contract for Arfield.

He outlined: “Rangers announce that Scott Arfield has signed a new one-year deal. He was one of the players there was a decision to be made on but the 33yo’s personality and experience is valuable, and he’s shown he still has a big performance in him. Continuity important in places.”

This comes after talented youngster Alex Lowry also agreed to a new contract, ignoring reported interest from Manchester City and Newcastle United in the process.

The verdict: Important move

Tying down important players is crucial as Giovanni van Bronckhorst looks to build a team fit to challenge for the Premiership title once more next season, and Arfield – who was commended by ex-Ibrox manager Steven Gerrard for his ‘brave’ characteristics – certainly fits into that category.

So far this season, the 19-cap Canada international has scored six times in 46 appearances across all competitions, 31 of which have come under the Dutchman following the departure of Gerrard, underlining the 33-year-old’s continued role as a Light Blues regular.

Rangers fans could now be turning their attention towards Conor Goldson on the contract front, with the talismanic defender’s deal set to expire at the end of the current campaign.

In other news, Rangers now face a ‘big fight’ to keep another player at Ibrox

Tottenham Hotspur have been handed a huge boost in their bid to bring Stefan de Vrij to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Football Insider, who claim that a recruitment source has revealed that Inter Milan have informed the centre-back he will be free to leave San Siro this summer for a figure in the region of £15m.

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The report goes on to state that the Serie A side are yet to open new contract talks with the Netherlands international – whose current deal expires in the summer of 2023 – and are now willing to cash in on the 30-year-old for a cut-price fee, with Tottenham, Newcastle United and Aston Villa all thought to be keen.

Paratici must move

Considering the fact that De Vrij previously commanded an asking price of £40m, in addition to it being reported that Spurs are in the market for a left sided-centre-back and Antonio Conte being known to be a huge fan of the defender after working together in Italy, it would appear as if Fabio Paratici simply must make a move for the Dutchman this summer.

Indeed, over his 32 Serie A appearances under the management of Conte last season, the £31.5m-rated centre-back highly impressed in the Nerazzurri’s title-winning campaign, helping his side keep 11 clean sheets, as well as making an average of 1.3 interceptions, 0.9 tackles, 2.9 clearances and winning 3.3 duels – at a success rate of 60% – per game.

These metrics saw the £116k-per-week left-footer who former Lazio defender Mauricio dubbed a “monster” average a very respectable SofaScore match rating of 7.03, ranking him as Inter’s tenth-best performer in the league.

As such, taking into account his undoubted ability, Spurs’ rather desperate need for a new left-sided centre-back and an asking price that is under half of his current Transfermarkt valuation, it would appear a very wise move for Paratici to launch an offensive for the 30-year-old in the coming months – as signing De Vrij for just £15m would certainly be something of a bargain.

AND in other news: Contact made: Paratici now in talks for £35m Spurs deal, he’d be a “leader” for Conte