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Wolves have suffered a potential blow in their quest to sign Matheus Nunes this summer, with Barcelona now reportedly interested in hijacking the deal.

The Lowdown: Nunes strongly linked with move

Bruno Lage is continuing to work hard on summer signings at Molineux and one player who has been strongly linked with a move in recent days is Nunes.

The 23-year-old has become a key midfield presence for Sporting CP, making 33 Primeira Liga appearances last season, as well as scoring three times in the competition.

But while some reports have suggested Wolves have even prepared a bid for the exact asking price, there may now be a new twist in the saga.

The Latest: Barca could hijack deal

According to Record [via Sport Witness], Barcelona are looking at the Portuguese maestro as a possible replacement for Frenkie de Jong.

It is still stated that Wolves are the ‘most likely destination’ for Nunes – they are willing to spend €45million (£38.6m) plus €5million (£4.2m) in add-ons for the Sporting man – but a switch to the Nou Camp can’t be ruled out as the Catalans have met with Jorge Mendes to discuss a deal.

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The Verdict: Possible big blow

There is certainly reason to be concerned about this update from a Wanderers perspective, given the lure Barca still have as one of the world’s greatest football clubs.

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Should they move for Nunes, it is easy to see his head being turned, but it is encouraging to see that Wolves still look to be the firm favourites to snap him up this summer.

The midfielder could be the perfect replacement for Ruben Neves at Molineux, bringing similar level of technical class – he enjoyed an 86.2% pass completion rate in the league last season, compared to the Wolves hero’s 84% – and making it a seamless transition in the middle of the park.

Liverpool have already made three signings this summer as well as losing one of their key players to Bayern Munich with Sadio Mane’s move confirmed, and now a new transfer update has emerged on a blast from the past.

What’s the latest?

According to FootballTransfers, Raheem Sterling wanted a move back to Anfield this summer.

As per the report, sources have told the publication that the Manchester City star cited Liverpool as his first choice club amid speculation of a move away from the Premier League champions ahead of next season.

The report goes on to claim that Sterling even went as far as inquiring about the possibility of reuniting with his former club and pushed for the move.

He can replace Mane

Although Sterling’s exit from the Merseyside giants was met with fury from supporters, he would be a dream replacement to add depth in the forward line to replace Mane next season.

The £200k-per-week dynamo who was hailed “world-class” by Frank Lampard, controversially left Liverpool back in 2015 to make the move to Manchester City and although it left a bitter taste in the Anfield faithful’s mouth, he has been massively successful just a few miles down the road at The Etihad.

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Sterling has scored 131 goals and contributed a whopping 95 assists in 339 appearances for Man City, with a goal contribution every 110 minutes over the last seven years, proving that he is incredibly consistent and a huge attacking threat that could be a real force under Jurgen Klopp.

The 27-year-old has also picked up a number of trophies since leaving Anfield winning four Premier League titles, five EFL cups and one FA Cup, as well as playing a massive part in the England team over the last 10 years.

Sterling has scored 19 goals and delivered 25 assists for England since he made his debut in 2012, and was arguably the most important player for his national side in their progress to their first major final in 55 years scoring the only goals in the group stage of Euro 2020.

With all considered, although it looks extremely unlikely that Sterling would make a return to Liverpool, he would be a great replacement for Mane if the club were to make the decision to bring in another attacking option this summer.

AND in other news: FSG plotting LFC move to sign “magical” £35m dynamo, he can be Klopp’s very own Foden

Tottenham Hotspur have been rather active in the transfer market since Antonio Conte was appointed as their manager last November.

During the January transfer window, the Lilywhites brought in Dejan Kulusevski and Rodrigo Bentancur, both from Juventus.

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Despite it still only being early days in the current transfer window, the north London club have already secured deals for Ivan Perisic, Fraser Forster and Yves Bissouma.

Looking back over their recent Premier League campaign, one man who was undeniably a standout figure for Conte was Heung-min Son. In 35 top-flight appearances, the attacker found the net 23 times and delivered nine assists, earning himself a share of the Golden Boot.

Looking ahead to the rest of the summer transfer window, Fabio Paratici could follow up his already impressive work over the past few weeks by securing what could be Tottenham’s next version of their South Korean star.

Earlier this week, it was reported by The Athletic that Spurs are interested in signing Leeds United winger Raphinha.

In October 2020, the Yorkshire club struck a £17m deal with Ligue 1 club Rennes for the Brazilian. Since then, the 25-year-old has gone on to score 17 goals and deliver 12 assists in 67 appearances for the Whites.

With the same number of Premier League appearances to his name as Son last season, the Leeds star made more dribbles, delivered more crosses and took just one fewer shot at goal than the 29-year-old.

This highlights the attacking similarities between the two and shows why the Brazilian could be a great attacking asset for the north London club if he swaps Yorkshire for N17.

Described as a “magician” by fellow Leeds attacker Dan James, Raphinha has also had his attacking flair and tricks on the pitch labelled “disgusting” by an admiring Jermaine Beckford.

Despite having a reported price tag of at least £60m, this could be an investment worth making for Spurs, as the Elland Road star seems to have the ability to be another Son at Tottenham.

With the Lilywhites having the prospect of Champions League football under a hugely successful manager in Conte to use as persuading factors when it comes to signing players this summer, there’s every chance that this could sway the Brazilian to say goodbye to Leeds and start a new chapter of his career.

In other news: Sky Sports drop big behind-the-scenes transfer claim, it’s terrible news for Spurs

The summer transfer window is officially open and Sunderland will now be hard at work as they look to build a squad capable of competing in the Championship.

Alex Neil and Kristjaan Speakman are now tasked with finding players to bolster the squad to ensure that they do not go straight back down to the third tier at the first time of asking.

The Black Cats have already been linked with a number of players since they beat Wycombe 2-0 at Wembley in the play-off final and one of the gems they reportedly want to bring in is Josh Murphy on a free transfer.

He has left the Welsh club upon the expiry of his contract this summer, having joined them for £11m in 2018, and Neil is now looking to add him to his squad for the 2022/23 campaign.

Imagine him & Ross Stewart

If the Scottish head coach can get Murphy back to the form he showed when the pair worked together at Norwich then he will be able to form a deadly partnership with Ross Stewart next season.

Whilst in charge at Carrow Road, Neil hailed the forward’s talents as he said: “He’s got blistering pace, he’s got real athleticism and he’s a goal threat in pretty much every minute of the game. Those types of players are rare and hopefully he can become a first-team regular.”

In the 2016/17 campaign, Murphy produced four goals and five assists in nine Championship starts with the now-Sunderland boss at the helm. This shows that the ex-Preston manager knows how to get the best out of him and that the player will know what he expects from his attackers from a tactical point of view.

The winger also enjoyed an excellent season the following year as he managed seven goals and three assists – creating nine ‘big chances’ in the Championship for Norwich as he showcased his attacking quality in the final third.

Therefore, it may not take the 27-year-old long to settle in because of his pre-existing relationship with Neil and his experience in the second tier.

Now, imagine him supplying Stewart – who scored 26 goals in League One – with crosses and through balls next season. The Scotland international was lethal in the third division and will now need to prove himself at a higher level, which could be helped by Murphy’s proven ability to create clear-cut chances.

Stewart can thrive off his balls into the box and enjoy playing alongside the winger and that is why Sunderland must sign the ex-Norwich attacker to see if Neil can get him back to his best.

AND in other news, Forget Stewart: SAFC deal for gem who’s “loved by the fans” would get SOL rocking…

Premier League champions Manchester City could make an offer to sign Arsenal star Bukayo Saka, according to recent reports.

The Lowdown: Sky Blue overhaul?

Three goals in five minutes sealed one of the most dramatic final day comebacks in English football history on a day where City retained their top flight crown ahead of new rivals Liverpool.

A memorable afternoon at a jubilant Etihad Stadium for Pep Guardiola’s side will live long in the memory of every Blue, but with the next campaign starting in August, it appears the club have wasted no time in shortlisting their next targets after Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez.

Sporting director Txiki Begiristain could oversee a real summer of change in east Manchester with Raheem Sterling, Riyad Mahrez, Ilkay Gundogan and Gabriel Jesus all heading into the final year of their deals.

There has been much talk over who could eventually succeed these long-serving mainstays, which include rumours surrounding Gunners sensation Saka.

The Latest: Man City ‘offer’ on the cards…

According to one journalist who writes for European newspaper Calcio In Pillole, Man City could make an ‘offer’ to sign the England international if he doesn’t put pen to paper on fresh terms at the Emirates.

City are ‘keeping an eye’ on Saka and his negotiations over a renewal.

The Verdict: Prepare to pounce?

We believe Saka, still very young and possessing bags of quality, would be the perfect Guardiola player – especially taking into account his versatility both defensively and further forward.

Called ‘unplayable’ by members of the English press (Connor Humm, Football365), City’s head coach himself has even branded Saka one of Arsenal’s ‘incredible’ young stars in the past (via football.london).

According to WhoScored, the 20-year-old finished last campaign as Arsenal’s best player by average match rating whilst also raking in their most goals and assists – leaving little wonder why Guardiola now wants him at Eastlands.

In other news: Pep personally eyeing ‘world class’ £60m star for Man City, he’s now in real danger of leaving…find out more here.

Manchester United have made contact with Borussia Monchengladbach over a move for midfielder Kouadio Kone.

The Lowdown: Kone profiled

Kone, described as an ‘interesting box-to-box’ midfielder, signed for Monchengladbach last year in a deal worth £8.1m. The 21-year-old is primarily a central midfielder who can also play in a defensive or attacking midfield role.

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He’s valued at a career-high £13.5m by Transfermarkt and was a regular in the Bundesliga last season, making 27 appearances.

The Latest: United links

Sports Witness relayed an update from L’Equipe on Friday regarding Kone. They claim that United are one of three top clubs who have made ‘initial contact’ over a move for Kone.

The report adds that Ralf Rangnick has been tracking Kone for several years.

The Verdict: De Jong alternative?

Erik ten Hag is keen to bolster his midfield ranks at Old Trafford, with Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong seemingly a top target.

Recent reports have suggested that the Red Devils reached an agreement with Barcelona for De Jong, however, the midfielder is thought to be unconvinced over a move to United and has snubbed a reunion with Ten Hag.

Should that be the case, then Kone could well emerge as an alternative midfield target, and you’d like to think a move for the Frenchman would be a lot cheaper, which could help the club in their attempts to sign striker Darwin Nunez from Benfica.

In other news: Reliable journalist leaks Man Utd talks as Ten Hag now eyes ‘terrific’ Englishman. 

West Bromwich Albion were not the most dynamic attacking side in the Championship this season.

Throughout their recent campaign in the second tier, the Baggies could only find the net 52 times, which is fewer than the likes of Bristol City, Reading and Blackpool, all of whom finished 16th or lower.

Despite this rather underwhelming return, one man in the squad who chipped in with some goals and assists throughout the season was Callum Robinson.

In 43 league appearances, the attacker scored seven goals and delivered nine assists whilst playing in numerous positions at the top of the pitch, leaving only Karlan Grant with more goal contributions for Albion.

Now that the season has come to an end, the focus will switch to the next campaign and West Brom’s hopes for getting promoted.

In terms of what Steve Bruce’s squad could look like once the season kicks off, one rarely-seen figure who could end up being West Brom’s next version of Robinson is Callum Morton.

In January 2017, Morton joined West Brom’s under-18 side from Yeovil Town. Since then, he has gone on to make 54 appearances for the Midlands club across their under-18 and under-23 sides, scoring 14 goals and delivering six assists along the way, highlighting his attacking talent.

While still awaiting his senior Albion debut, the 22-year-old has also had numerous loan spells away from The Hawthorns with clubs such as Braintree Town, Northampton Town, Lincoln City, Fleetwood Town and most recently Peterborough United.

With 76 appearances under his belt for those clubs, Morton scored 23 goals in total, once again showing his attacking prowess and his ability to deliver with different teams.

Despite predominantly being a centre-forward, the 22-year-old has played on the left and right flanks on occasion, which suggests that his versatility could make him a useful squad option for Bruce and a potential next version of Robinson, who has also played across the front three.

Labelled a “confident” player by his former Northampton manager Keith Curle, Morton could now have a great chance to impress Bruce in pre-season and put himself in a good position to finally make his breakthrough in the first team at The Hawthorns.

Should the attacker get an opportunity to play regularly for the Baggies next season, he could be the spark that they need in their attack to mount a serious promotion charge.

In other news: Bruce can secure big Ajayi upgrade as WBA plot move for “special” £14k-p/w machine

Sky Sports journalist Rob Dorsett has now revealed some worrying Glasgow Rangers transfer news from Ibrox.

The Lowdown: Possible departures

Aside from the players that are going out of contract this summer, the Teddy Bears could also see departures for some of their key players as Premier League clubs circle the young stars at Ibrox.

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The likes of Calvin Bassey and Ryan Kent have been linked with moves to the English top flight for big money, and so it may be difficult to keep them if big offers start to roll in.

The Latest: Dorsett update

Taking to Twitter, Dorsett has revealed that Aston Villa are just one of a number of clubs in the English top flight that have now made ‘enquiries’ over signing Bassey, with the Light Blues valuing him at over £25m:

“#avfc aren’t done yet, after stunning start to window, despite already committing £43m to 3 new signings.   

“Understand Villa are among a number of PL clubs who’ve made enquiries about defender Calvin Bassey – who #rangersfc value at £25m+.”

The Verdict: Worrying

It is certainly worrying to hear the amount of Premier League teams circulating around Bassey, especially Villa.

As Dorsett mentions, they have already signed three players for a combined £43m so early on in the window, which suggests that they could hold no qualms splashing the cash to wrap up another quick deal for the 22-year-old.

Nonetheless, Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side need to stay strong with their valuation, which would be a club-record sale, and not sell Bassey for a penny less.

Of course, the Dutchman will be hoping to keep hold of him anyway, ahead of what looks to be another busy season with added European football.

In other news, find out which ‘special’ talent Gers are now ‘interested’ in here!

Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte has demanded a new ‘absolute priority’ signing for the club this summer, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Big summer on the cards?

The Premier League top-four chasers could be facing a big transfer window at the end of the 2021/2022 season as Conte eyes a major transfer overhaul.

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As many as six new additions are reportedly in their sights with a reserve goalkeeper, right-wing-back, central defender, two midfielders and a forward set to be targeted (The Telegraph).

The Athletic have also claimed that a centre-back is top of Conte’s wish-list as club chief Fabio Paratici and co draw up a list of candidates ahead of June 10.

The Latest: Conte demands new ‘absolute priority’ signing…

Now, according to reports out of Spain, the Lilywhites head coach has demanded Inter Milan defender and rumoured target Stefan de Vrij as his new ‘absolute priority’ signing.

Allegedly ‘by order’ of Conte, Spurs have officially joined the list of suitors for the Nerazzurri star as their manager green-lights a move for him – with the 52-year-old now prioritising his ‘arrival’ at N17.

The Verdict: Get it done?

De Vrij’s contract situation at the San Siro, with his current deal set to expire in 2023 as things stand, could mean the Serie A giants aren’t in the strongest of positions to demand a hefty fee for his services.

Reports have even suggested he could leave for as little as £15 million and we believe Spurs should take full advantage and back Conte with a summer bid.

The 30-year-old was a mainstay under Tottenham’s boss when he guided Inter to a 2020/2021 Scudetto title, playing the sixth-highest amount of minutes in the league and making more clearances per 90 than any of his teammates (WhoScored).

There’s no reason de Vrij couldn’t replicate this form in England with members of the media even branding the Netherlands international a would-be ‘unbelievable signing’ (Dean Jones).

Taking this into account, it’s hardly surprising Conte has put his former star top of the agenda.

In other news: ‘I’ve heard’…Sky Sports reporter hints £64m ‘nightmare’ could be open to joining Spurs! Find out more here.

West Ham United colossus Tomas Soucek has been praised by journalist Toby Cudworth during their clash with Premier League title contenders Manchester City this afternoon.

The Lowdown: West Ham hold City…

David Moyes’ side were seeking to disrupt the Sky Blues’ mission to retain their top-flight crown and took a sensational 2-0 lead before half-time courtesy of a brace from star winger Jarrod Bowen.

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Putting in a solid and tireless performance throughout, the Irons were undone over the second 45 minutes as City mounted a fightback. Jack Grealish halved the deficit and a Vladimir Coufal own goal gifted Pep Guardiola hope of an unbelievable comeback, and they could well have clinched one after being awarded a spot-kick late in the match.

However, Riyad Mahrez saw his resulting penalty saved by Lukasz Fabianski, denying the visitors all three points as both teams went on to share the spoils.

The Latest: Cudworth blown away…

Writing on Twitter, Cudworth has raved over Soucek’s role in this West Ham team despite him being ‘criticised’ at points over the season.

Drawing particular attention to the Czech midfielder’s involvement in Bowen’s second goal of the match, the journalist explained:

“Lovely to see Soucek play a big role in #WHUFC’s second goal – has been criticised of late but he adds huge value when he wins flick-ons and operates close to Antonio and Bowen. Way more important than many think.”

The Verdict: Underrated?

According to WhoScored, the Czech Republic international ranks in the top five West Ham players going by average match rating per 90 in the top flight this term.

Before today’s action, he had also won more aerial duels per 90 than any of his team-mates, with only mainstays Declan Rice and Lukasz Fabianski playing more league minutes this season (WhoScored).

He was quietly effective for the Irons today, winning five duels, making five clearances and getting in two blocks, as per Sofascore.

A colossal presence in the middle alongside Rice, Moyes’ faith in Soucek perhaps best sums up the 27-year-old’s quality, and it is little wonder that West Ham have been attempting talks over fresh contract terms.

In other news: ‘It is my understanding…’ – ExWHUemployee has exciting transfer news for West Ham supporters! Find out more here.