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Newcastle are in the running to sign Sergej Milinkovic-Savic from Lazio, according to Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness).

The lowdown

Newcastle are working on deals to sign centre-back Sven Botman from Lille and striker Hugo Ekitike from Reims, having already signed left-back Matt Targett permanently.

But manager Eddie Howe may also want to strengthen his midfield during the transfer window.

Milinkovic-Savic is predominantly a no. 8, though he can play in an attacking midfield position too.

The 27-year-old started 36 of a possible 38 Serie A games under Maurizio Sarri last season, underlining his importance to Lazio.

The latest

The report states that Newcastle and fellow Premier League side Arsenal have entered the race to sign Milinkovic-Savic.

Neither side can offer the carrot of Champions League football, after Newcastle finished 11th and Arsenal fifth, but that may not disqualify them from contention.

Lazio are said to be aware that Milinkovic-Savic’s price will continue to drop as he enters the final two years of his contract.

But they’ve still set their demands at €65million (which equates to about £56.4million) plus bonuses.

The verdict

Newcastle’s transfer record currently stands at £39.6million, the fee they paid to sign Joelinton from Hoffenheim in 2019 – is it worth breaking to land Milinkovic-Savic?

Well, his record of 11 goals and ten assists in last season’s Serie A is hugely impressive for a midfielder, ranking him in the 97th and 96th percentiles across Europe (via FBRef).

He’s able to advance the ball through dribbling (1.2 per 90, 85th percentile) and can find space to receive progressive passes (6.17 per 90, 98th percentile).

The Serbian is similar in profile to Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham and even Manchester City’s Kevin de Bruyne, according to his numbers.

What’s more, he’s collected a litany of individual honours, including two Lazio Player of the Year awards (2020/21 and 2021/22) and the Serie A midfielder of the year prize (2018/19).

Team-mate and former Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva believes ‘he has everything a top player needs to have’ and called him ‘unmarkable’ in the air. There’s a compelling case to make an offer.

In other news, Newcastle have made a bid for another Serie A player.

According to one journalist, Southampton are one of three Premier League sides interested in signing Manchester United defender Phil Jones.

The Lowdown: Jones’ playing time

Whilst the 30-year-old has made 228 appearances for Man United and has amassed 203 caps in the English top-flight (via Transfermarkt), the centre-back has found himself out of the Red Devils’ side in recent years.

The former England international played just 161 minutes of Premier League football all season, adding a further half-an-hour in the FA Cup to his first-team tally.

With injury and Covid-19 absences for Harry Maguire, Eric Bailly and Victor Lindelof, Jones had to step up and play alongside Raphael Varane as United faced Wolves in January.

After a returning from his 709-day absence, teammate Luke Shaw hailed the defender’s performance, claiming that he was ‘phenomenal’ at the back.

The Latest: Saints interested

After returning from his devastating injury which he suffered back in 2020, rumours surrounding Jones’ future have now begun to emerge.

Taking to Twitter, a reporter for Italian newspaper Calcio in Pillole has shared news of a potential move away from Old Trafford for the 30-year-old, claiming:

“EXCL Fulham, Southampton and Leeds are interested in Manchester United’s English defender Phil Jones.”

The Verdict: Good move for him

With his United career having stagnated due to various reasons, a move away to another top-flight side could prove to be a great decision for Jones.

Saints could utilise an experienced defender in their backline alongside Mohammed Salisu, with the youngster having found his feet in the league after making 34 appearances this season.

With Ralph Hasenhuttl viewing the signing of a centre-back as a priority this summer, Jones could be a great addition to Southampton’s squad if he can stay fit, with United expected to command a minimal fee.

This could be a deal that suits all parties.

In other news: Journalist shares exciting Brereton-Diaz update

After a phenomenal week, it appears Tottenham Hotspur supporters have been boosted further after more ‘great news’ out of the club.

The Lowdown: Excellent last seven days…

After manager Antonio Conte guided Spurs to a top four Premier League finish, securing the riches of Champions League qualification in the process, the Lilywhites were then handed a major financial boost.

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The north-Londoners announced a £150 million equity increase which can be used for both transfer fees and player salaries, as explained by BBC reporter Simon Stone.

Conte could now be set for big backing this summer with Alasdair Gold also explaining that the ‘bulk’ of Tottenham’s new £150m will be ploughed straight into the Italian’s transfer kitty.

There were murmurs surrounding whether the ex-Chelsea boss would even stay for 2022/2023, but as backed by reliable reporters Charlie Eccleshare of The Athletic and Matt Law of The Telegraph, Levy has been handed a further boost by a big Conte update.

The Latest: Conte set to stay…

The 52-year-old, as explained by both reporters, is set to remain in what is more ‘great news for Tottenham’ after a brilliant week.

Eccleshare explained:

“Conte staying at #THFC. What a week it’s been for Spurs! Hard to remember anything quite like it.” – Eccleshare (via Twitter).

Law, after giving his own update the former Inter manager is staying, also gave his take – stating (via Twitter):

“This is not only great news for Tottenham but also great news for the PL. Conte is right up there with Guardiola, Klopp and Tuchel as one of the best managers in the world and he is box office for fans and journalists.”

The Verdict: Huge…

Conte guided Spurs to a previously unthought of place among Europe’s elite for next season, gifting the club a major pull in the transfer market alongside their financial windfall.

It comes as no surprise the Serie A winner was linked with a move to Paris-Saint Germain given his proven CV as a serial-winning manager, so this news Tottenham have him for at least one more year comes as an incredible uplift.

In other news: ‘Tremendous’, ‘Peak of his powers’ – Sky pundit thrilled as Spurs eye ‘superstar’ striker move..find out more here.

Malik Ouzia of The Evening Standard has now shared an exciting West Ham United transfer update as manager David Moyes edges closer to a signing.

The Lowdown: Moyes eyeing moves…

The Scotsman, after just missing out on a 2022/2023 Europa League place, has set his sights on improving West Ham’s squad as he steps up talks.

Having already announced four departures, the Premier League side could be on for a real overhaul this summer window as the Irons reportedly chase a left-back, central midfielder and striker (The Evening Standard).

They’re also tipped to strengthen in other areas as they eye a permanent deal for loanee shot stopper Alphonse Areola, all while having their eyes on a central defensive addition in Rennes star Nayef Aguerd.

The Latest: Hammers closing in…

According to Ouzia, writing on Twitter, the Irons are now ‘confident’ of sealing a deal for the Morocco international as a ‘key priority’ for Moyes.

He explained:

“West Ham confident of sealing €15m deal for Nayef Aguerd of Rennes. Highly-rated in France, left-sided centre-back a key priority for Moyes this summer.”

The Verdict: Exciting…

The 26-year-old has been a phenomenal player in Ligue 1 for Rennes over the last season, being described as one of the division’s best in his position and a real bargain.

According to WhoScored, he ranks in Rennes’ top ten for most minutes played over 2021/2022 whilst averaging more clearances per 90 than any of his teammates – backing his obvious ability.

€15 million (£13m) is certainly an absolute snip for a player of Aguerd’s age and class defensively.

In other news: West Ham talks imminent as Moyes steps up chase to sign 6 foot 4 powerhouse, find out more here.

West Bromwich Albion manager Steve Bruce has not been shy when it comes to discussing the squad overhaul that he feels is needed at the Midlands club during the upcoming summer transfer window.

One move that could be on the horizon may see Baggies midfielder Romaine Sawyers wave goodbye to the club after it was recently reported that they will not be using their option to extend his contract beyond this summer.

While the Hawthorns outfit will undoubtedly be looking to dive into the transfer market to bring some new faces into the squad this summer, it turns out that they may already have their ideal replacement for Sawyers in their ranks.

Back in July, the club announced that they had secured the services of “highly-rated teenager Quevin Moises Castro on a two-year deal following a successful trial period at the club.”

Described by the club’s official website as “an energetic and powerful central-midfielder”, the 20-year-old also received praise from former West Brom manager Valerien Ismael, who had this to say about him.

He said: “Quevin has a lot of quality. He has a lot of principle, aggression for the six position, he’s on the front foot. Technically he is very good, he’s a young player who needs to learn a lot but he plays a part in our process.”

In 15 league appearances for West Brom’s U23 side, the Portuguese youngster got himself on the scoresheet on two occasions as well as making three senior appearances.

The first of those senior appearances came back in August during West Brom’s disappointing 6-0 defeat against Arsenal in the Carabao Cup.

Despite the unfortunate scoreline, Castro managed to show glimpses of what he’s capable of.

With 90 minutes under his belt, the midfielder won four duels, completed one dribble and made 14 passes with one key pass.

The Birmingham Mail then said that the summer recruit showed “some silky skills when on the ball and he carried it with a swagger, but sometimes tried to do too much.”

Taking this into account, it’s safe to say that Castro certainly has talent and potential in him.

Moving forward, it’s just a case of him convincing Bruce that he has what it takes to be a regular figure in the senior squad.

With Sawyers now facing the exit door, the upcoming pre-season period will give the Portuguese prospect the chance to do just that.

In other news: Imagine him & Mowatt: Bruce can form scary WBA duo by signing “outrageous” 24 G/A star

Newcastle United reportedly ‘remain keen’ on signing Sven Botman in the summer, despite a ‘sensational twist’ that has now emerged.

The Lowdown: Milan bound?

It has been reported that the St. James’ Park faithful have ‘not given up hope’ of signing Botman in the summer, despite AC Milan already verbally agreeing personal terms with the Lille central defender.

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After failing to sign him in the January transfer window, the North East club have continually held ‘extensive negotiations’ over the potential signing, but it looks like Milan could be the favourites for his signature.

The Latest: Remain keen

As per Football Insider, the Tyneside outfit ‘remain keen’ on signing Botman, even though a ‘sensational twist’ has now emerged in the form of a new suitor.

According to a source from Manchester United, the Red Devils are now ‘exploring a move’ for the Dutchman, with ‘preliminary talks’ set to take place after a board meeting involving new manager Erik ten Hag.

The Verdict: Get it done

With Manchester United, who can offer Botman European football just like Milan, now entering the frame, the Magpies need to act fast to get this deal done.

Described as a ‘golden boy‘ by his agent Francesco Miniero, he is one of the most promising up-and-coming players in the game at just 22 years of age, having already played regularly at the highest level.

Nonetheless, at six-foot-five, he is an imposing centre-back, and could form a truly scary partnership with the six-foot-seven Dan Burn.

In other news, find out which ‘terrifying’ star NUFC are now eyeing here!

Manchester City supporters have now been given a significant update in the club’s hunt to sign Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong this summer, according to a Spanish source.

The Lowdown: City eye move for De Jong…

After securing a blockbuster agreement to sign Borussia Dortmund star Erling Haaland in the summer, the Sky Blues seemingly won’t stop there, with a new midfielder reportedly on the agenda.

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Pep Guardiola wants to strengthen his options in the middle of the park, as club legend Fernandinho is set to draw the curtain on a nine-year stay in the Premier League.

The Brazil veteran, who is a major presence behind the scenes as well as on the pitch, will be a sore miss for Sky Blues, who are set to say goodbye to a faithful servant.

Barcelona midfielder De Jong is said to be a target for City, with Sport now sharing the latest.

The Latest: City hold talks over De Jong…

According to the Spanish outlet, Guardiola’s side have held talks and made contact with the Catalan giants over signing their marquee midfielder, mainly to find out his asking price and whether Barcelona could be open to a swap deal.

The answer to the latter question is a resounding no, with club president Joan Laporta ‘only interested in money’ as he ‘marks the figure’ at a seismic €100m (£85m).

The Verdict: Worth the money?

The Netherlands international has no shortage of pedigree, as evident by the fact that only Marc-André ter Stegen, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba have played more minutes for Barcelona than De Jong this season (WhoScored).

Xavi’s faith in his midfield maestro is testament to the 25-year-old’s obvious quality, with the Dutchman also racking up one of the highest passing accuracies in the Barca squad in the current La Liga campaign (WhoScored).

Lauded as a ‘phenomenal’ player by former Arsenal striker Kevin Campbell, these numbers and plaudits point to a star who could seriously strengthen Guardiola’s options for 2022/23.

However, for £85m, it is a move that Etihad Stadium officials must seriously consider, with other capable targets perhaps available for far less.

In other news: Man City ready to move for ‘unbelievable’ star who’s turned Pep’s head, he played his last game yesterday… find out more here

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is reportedly contemplating a move to poach Raheem Sterling from former club Manchester City this summer.

What’s the word?

As per the Telegraph, the Gunners are ‘ready to explore’ a deal for the 27-year-old at the end of the season, with the Englishman potentially set to be available to depart the Etihad as he enters the final year of his existing deal.

The report suggests that Arteta – who previously worked under Pep Guardiola at City – wants to make the 74-cap international the ‘focal point’ of his attack, with forward additions seemingly required with Alexandre Lacazette nearing the end of his current deal and with former captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang having departed for Barcelona in January.

Sterling – who had been linked with an exit last summer – could well be joined in north London by current teammate Gabriel Jesus, following recent reports that the Brazilian is another player on the radar of the Emirates outfit.

Better than Saka

The addition of the £76.5m-rated man in the upcoming window would prove a major coup for the top-four hopefuls, with the pacy wide man having emerged as one of the top-flight’s leading figures in recent years.

After dazzling as a teenager at Liverpool, Sterling made the controversial £49m switch to Manchester in 2015 in pursuit of silverware, with that move more than paying off as he has since claimed three league titles, five League Cup’s and an FA Cup – with an additional Premier League crown potentially on the way this season.

Under the tutelage of Guardiola, the £300k-per-week gem has developed into a prolific presence in front of goal, having scored 130 times and provided 93 assists in 337 games for the club in all competitions.

Dubbed a “fighter” by Gareth Southgate, the diminutive speedster has also shaken off early criticism at international level to become one of Southgate’s trusted lieutenants, the Jamaica-born ace starring in the Three Lions’ surge to the Euro 2020 final last year, netting three times en route to the showpiece.

It has proven a difficult campaign at club level since then, as he has drifted in and out of the starting XI, although he has still managed to provide 12 goals and four assists in just 22 league starts.

Despite starting 11 more top-flight games than his compatriot, current Arsenal man Bukayo Saka has still scored fewer goals (11 in total) than the more senior man, while he only averages a goal every 248 minutes this season, compared to a goal every 167 minutes for Sterling.

The latter – who Guardiola insisted “always creates something” – also averages 1.8 successful dribbles per game, compared to 1.1 for Saka, while he also ranks in the top 4% for progressive passes received among players in his position across Europe’s top five leagues, with his international colleague only in the top 31% for the same metric.

Equally, the City star offers perhaps greater consistency at the elite level, having been a regular fixture in the top-flight since making his Reds debut as a 17-year-old a decade ago, with it some feat to have maintained his quality for so long.

Saka has dazzled in recent times, although he still has a way to go to reach the heights of the potential target.

IN other news, Forget Saliba: Arsenal must finally unleash their “exciting” rarely-seen Hale End gem

Newcastle United have reportedly now made contact over the potential signing of Victor Osimhen in the summer.

The Lowdown: Club record

Rated at €100m (£85m), Osimhen would comfortably be the North East club’s record signing, should he make the move to St. James’ Park .

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That would be more than double what they paid for current club-record signing Joelinton, and would really signify the start of a new era under the Kingdom of Saudi Arabian (KSA) consortium, who may well be looking to make a big statement signing after officially securing Premier League safety this week.

The Latest: Osimhen contact

Writing in his latest piece for Calciomercato, transfer expert Daniele Longo has revealed that the Tyneside outfit have now made contact in the ‘last few hours’ over the signing of Osimhen, along with Manchester United.

They are one of only a select few clubs who can afford to sign the Napoli striker, as the report claims Premier League teams are the only ones with the cash to sign him this summer.

The Verdict: Sign

Yes, it is a lot of money to pay, but at 23 years of age, Osimhen has the potential to become one of the best players in the world, and so the Magpies should fork out the premium price now in order to reap the benefits over the next few years.

Dubbed ‘the most terrifying striker in Europe’ by journalist and African football expert Saddick Adams, the Nigeria international has no fewer than 17 goals and six assists in total over all competitions so far this season (Transfermarkt), and will be desperate to prove himself in the English top flight.

Nonetheless, with Erling Haaland destined for Manchester City this summer, the Toon could sign their own big name number nine to really send out a statement.

In other news, find out which ‘absolute beast’ NUFC are now eyeing here!

Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson has urged Manchester City to try and sign Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos on a free transfer next summer.

The Lowdown: Kroos’ contract

The 32-year-old is set to be out of contract at the Bernabeu at the end of June, having spent eight years already with the Champions League holders.

As per Football Insider, the 106-cap Germany international is yet to indicate to Real Madrid president Florentino Perez that he is willing to renew his deal with Los Blancos.

Spanish media have duly reported in recent days that the Premier League champions are interested in signing Kroos on a free transfer next summer.

The Latest: Robinson’s claim

Robinson, who often works as a pundit for Sky Sports, believes that the German playmaker would be an incredible signing for Man City and has implored the club to try and get him.

Speaking with Football Insider, the former goalkeeper said of Kroos possibly coming to the Etihad Stadium: “That would be a no-brainer. He would be a great addition to any squad. He brings so much experience and quality.

“Yes, he is the wrong side of thirty but he will be going to a team that is competing in the Champions League. There is going to be a host of clubs after him I’m sure.

“Somebody is going to benefit from having a brilliant player next year.”

The Verdict: World class player

When looking at Kroos’ underlying statistics, it is easy to see why he is considered one of the best passers in the game.

As per FBRef, compared with positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year, the German midfielder ranks in the top 1% for passes attempted and progressive passes, the top 3% for pass completion and the top 7% for shot-creating actions.

Dubbed a ‘world class’ player by Norwegian pundit and ex-Middlesbrough forward Jan Aage Fjortoft, it is clear to see from those figures that the 32-year-old still has the ability to perform at the highest level.

Therefore, if City can sign him on a free transfer next summer, it certainly would be a “no-brainer” for Pep Guardiola.