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The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s (KSA) Public Investment Fund (PIF) are reportedly eyeing up a Newcastle United move for Dynamo Kyiv’s Viktor Tsygankov.

The Lowdown: Bale comparisons

Tsygankov has been likened to a Ukrainian Gareth Bale in the past for his explosiveness on the wing and ability to cut in on his left foot and unleash havoc.

He has an impressive 87 goals and 60 assists in total for Dynamo in 219 games over all competitions, and also has seven goals in 40 senior caps for Ukraine (Transfermarkt).

Tsygankov is still only 24 years of age, but he has been playing at a high level throughout his career.

The Latest: January move?

As per Jeunes Footeux, the St. James’ Park outfit are just one of a number of high-profile clubs keeping an eye on Tsygankov ahead of the January transfer window.

Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig, Wolves and West Ham United are also thought to be interested in his signature, and with his contract running out next summer, he could well be sold in January at the risk of losing him on a free transfer.

The Verdict: Smart move

Given his contract situation, the North East club could potentially sign Tsygankov for a bargain, and so signing him in January would be a smart move.

The winger already has two goals and two assists in just six matches so far this term (Transfermarkt), and could form a deadly trio alongside the likes of Alexander Isak and Allan Saint-Maximin, with Callum Wilson in the mix there when fit as well.

Nonetheless, with the other teams in for his signature, this is a deal that the Magpies would need to wrap up quickly.

Liverpool kept their Premier League title dreams alive against Aston Villa last night, however, the victory was bittersweet after an in-game injury worry occurred in the first half of the clash.

What’s the latest?

Fabinho hobbled off the pitch in the first half an hour of the game at Villa Park on Tuesday night and now Jurgen Klopp has given an update on the midfielder’s condition following the full-time whistle.

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Jurgen Klopp updated in his post-match interview on Sky Sports casting doubt on his player’s condition (via Metro):

‘That’s a massive problem. That’s a big blow for us. I don’t know (how bad), hopefully not that bad, but I don’t know.’

Klopp will be frustrated

There is no doubt that the Liverpool manager will be massively frustrated to potentially lose such a key player in his team ahead of the FA Cup final and Champions League final coming up over the next few weeks.

The Brazilian midfielder has been one of the most influential players in the centre of the pitch and has been integral in Liverpool’s chase for multiple trophies this season so to lose him when the side has one hand on two huge trophies is a massive blow.

Fabinho has been involved in Liverpool’s incredible 17-game unbeaten run, scoring four goals during this time as well as providing consistent solid defensive performances in his role in the centre of the pitch.

According to SofaScore, the Liverpool star has been successful in an impressive 73% of his dribbles, wins 63% of his aerial duels and makes 1.6 tackles and 1.4 interceptions on average per game in the Premier League this season.

Anfield and Brazil teammate Alisson Becker even called Fabinho “the most important” player for Liverpool and his national team in an interview:

“I believe that Fabinho is the most important player for both the club and the national team, this is my opinion about that, he’s a very important player wherever he is, he always proves his worth on the pitch.”

With that being said, there will surely be a further update on the star player’s condition ahead of the Chelsea clash on Saturday afternoon at Wembley and supporters will be anxiously hoping for positive news on Fabinho’s availability.

AND in other news: Klopp must now finally axe Liverpool gem who lost the ball every 3 touches yesterday

Manchester City have agreed terms with Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland ahead of a summer move.

What’s the latest?

According to The Guardian, Man City have agreed terms with Haaland’s representatives and are ready to trigger the £63m release clause in his contract ahead of next season.

It’s also claimed that the future of manager Pep Guardiola whose contract expires in 2023 is irrelevant and that the player is ‘expected’ to sign for City either way.

The report also states that Haaland considered City’s offer the best out of all he received and that Puma, who are the club’s shirt manufacturer, look likely to become the player’s sponsor so are also pushing for him to move to the Premier League holders.

Supporters will be buzzing

Supporters will still be rueing their missed opportunity at securing a second Champions League final appearance in as many years this week. The Citizens crashed out of the competition after losing in the semi-final 6-5 on aggregate against veterans of the tournament Real Madrid.

Goals are never a problem for Pep Guardiola’s side, they currently sit second for most goals scored in the Premier League this season behind only rivals Liverpool.

However, last summer they were constantly linked with a striker to replace the outgoing Sergio Aguero. They were linked with Tottenham Hotspur ace Harry Kane, and were even reportedly close to signing Manchester United legend Cristiano Ronaldo before he made his sensational return to Old Trafford.

In the end, nobody arrived to occupy that position, and ever since all eyes seem to have been firmly set on Haaland. The Norwegian has scored 21 goals in 23 Bundesliga appearances this season and is considered one of the best young players in the world.

The £135m-rated forward moved to Dortmund from Austrian side Red Bull Salzburg in 2019 for €20m (£17m). City’s neighbours United appeared to have met his release clause at the time but refused to meet his conditions on a contract.

The 21-year-old, who has been dubbed a “goal-scoring cyborg” by reporter Alex Truica, has broken many records in his career including becoming the first-ever Dortmund player to score on his league, Champions League and domestic cup debut. Ever since then he’s attracted interest from many top clubs and he’s proved that he deserves a move.

It seems likely he will now move to the blue half of Manchester and follow in the footsteps of his father Alfie Haaland who spent three seasons at the club. Supporters will hope that the addition of his goals will be the missing piece that will finally fire them to European glory.

If Guardiola intends to leave at the end of his contract, then they’ve only got one more season to do it. Their domination over the past decade has been relentless, and clubs around them should be scared because if they capture Haaland it’ll be difficult for anyone to get close, an eventuality that will no doubt leave supporters buzzing.

IN other news: Forget De Bruyne: Man City machine who won 100% duels was Guardiola’s real hero today…

Leeds United are among the clubs interested in signing Derby County midfielder Tom Lawrence, according to a report from the Daily Mail. 

The lowdown: Lawrence’s career so far

A product of the youth academy at Manchester United, the 28-year-old joined the Rams in 2017 following spells at Leicester City, Cardiff City and Blackburn Rovers among others.

Lawrence has been a star performer for the Midlands club since his arrival at Pride Park, directly contributing to 62 goals in 185 outings.

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However, following a troubled 2021/22 campaign off the field, Wayne Rooney’s side were relegated from the Championship and now look set to lose their captain and talismanic attacker.

The latest: Leeds linked with Lawrence

As per the Daily Mail, Lawrence has a long list of prospective suitors including Everton, Anderlecht, Burnley, Norwich City, Watford and newly promoted duo Fulham and Bournemouth.

Leeds are also said to be ‘admirers’ of the 23-cap Wales international, who is set to be out of contract at the end of June (Transfermarkt).

It’s claimed that the man once described as a ‘fabulous talent’ by Gary Bowyer has already ‘attracted a number of enquiries’ as a move away from Derby beckons this summer.

The verdict: No-brainer

Lawrence is largely unproven in the Premier League with only four top-flight appearances to his name, but as a free agent and with possible relegation contingency planning in mind, signing such a top-quality Championship operator for nothing would be a superb piece of business by Leeds.

The Wrexham-born winger is capable of playing in numerous attacking roles and possesses an array of attributes which would make him a worthwhile addition to the Elland Road ranks (WhoScored).

Despite the general plight at Derby this season, Lawrence still managed to score 11 times and register another five assists in the second tier, further evidence as to why Whites manager Jesse Marsch should be making a strong attempt to sign the Welshman.

In other news: Leeds also want this powerful 12-goal striker who is ‘ideal’ for the Championship

Chelsea correspondent and reliable reporter Nizaar Kinsella of Goal has now shared a West Ham United transfer update involving striker Armando Broja.

The Lowdown: Hammers eye new striker…

Following the 2021/2022 Premier League season’s conclusion, all eyes now turn to the summer transfer window and how the Hammers will prepare for another season with over-achieving manager David Moyes.

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Since West Ham were threatened with relegation to the Championship two years ago, the east Londoners have come on leaps and bounds – qualifying for Europe over two consecutive seasons.

This is despite only having Michail Antonio as a natural senior striking option, but according to recent reports, Moyes and head of recruitment Rob Newman are determined to finally sign a centre-forward.

The Latest: Kinsella makes Broja claim…

According to Kinsella, sharing the latest news out of Chelsea regarding Broja, West Ham are eyeing a move and will ‘battle’ for the Albania international alongside many interested sides in AC Milan, Inter Milan, Napoli and Newcastle.

This comes after his impressive spell on loan at Southampton with the 20-year-old now attracting plenty of admirers – including the Irons and Moyes.

It’s added that the two-time Champions League winners have a decision to make regarding Broja and Thomas Tuchel wants to have a look at him in pre-season before deciding whether to stick or twist.

The Verdict: Get it done?

According to reliable in-the-know West Ham insider ExWHUemployee (Patreon via West Ham Zone), the towering 6 foot 3 forward is ‘possibly the number one target’ and someone Moyes personally ‘rates’ having spoken to scouts and people at the club.

Ex claims the Hammers boss sees Broja as an ‘all-round forward’ with great physical traits including strength and speed – not to mention also being a ‘good finisher’ (Patreon via West Ham Zone).

Moyes isn’t his only fan, either, with ex-defender Anton Ferdinand having urged the Irons to make a move for the top flight attacker recently.

Speaking to The Sun, he lauded Broja as an ‘exciting’ player and ‘similar to Antonio’ in terms of physicality – telling GSB to go and get a deal done.

Given how highly-rated he is by some close to the club, Broja’s possible summer signing may well be the way forward.

In other news: Offer ready: Newman preparing bid for ‘standout’ as West Ham eye ‘no-brainer’ signing! Find out more here.

Tottenham Hotspur are thought to be among the teams interested in Richarlison…

What’s the word?

That’s according to the Daily Mail’s Sami Mokbel, who delivered a fresh update on the Brazilian’s status at Everton heading into the summer transfer window.

European heavyweights Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are also mooted by the report as the 25-year-old faces an uncertain future in Merseyside.

Richarlison has two years to run on his current £90k-per-week deal, so the Toffees will be in no rush to sell their star man; and given his importance to Frank Lampard’s side, it remains to be seen if they’d even let him go and for how much.

He is currently valued at £45m by Transfermarkt and may well represent an opportunity to bolster their transfer budget due to financial constraints.

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Shades of Lautaro Martinez

Antonio Conte’s quest to find another option up top has certainly taken a surprising twist, with the Everton frontman a potential candidate to either provide back-up to Harry Kane or play alongside him.

It could suggest that the Italian may be keen to replicate his successful tactics at Inter Milan, where he secured the Nerazzurri their first Serie A title in over a decade in 2020/21.

At the San Siro, Conte enjoyed a free-scoring duo of Romelu Lukaku and Lautaro Martinez, two very different profiles of strikers. The former is more of a brute force, a target man, whilst the latter is shorter, quicker and can cause trouble in behind the defensive line.

Kane is a far superior striker to the Chelsea marksman, as he can drop deeper and act as a playmaker with his impressive passing range, so the prospect of a proven attacker like Richarlison playing off him is certainly an intriguing one.

He is also the perfect fit for the 52-year-old Lilywhites boss – as per FBRef, the Brazil international ranks inside the top 1% for blocks (1.71 per 90), top 5% for tackles (1.43 per 90) and top 8% of pressures (21.05 per 90) when compared to his positional peers across Europe’s ‘Big Five’.

This suggests he has an impressive work rate in the final third and will help the side defend from the front, thus retaining possession in dangerous areas, where he or Kane can then wreak havoc.

He bagged ten goals in a struggling Toffees side last season, taking his total for the club to 53 across 152 appearances, via Transfermarkt.

Also lauded as a “complete” player by his former manager Carlo Ancelotti, the 25-year-old could well emerge as Conte’s next Martinez should Spurs follow up their interest with a firm offer.

His versatility to play on either flank would also provide further cover for the likes of Heung-min Son and Dejan Kulusevski, so on the above evidence, Richarlison would indeed be a fine addition to Tottenham’s frontline.

AND in other news, Paratici could unearth the next £100m talent as Spurs now eye “unbelievable” signing…

Newcastle United are believed to be edging closer towards the signing of Stade de Reims striker, Hugo Ekitike, having previously missed out on the player in January.

What’s the word?

As per journalist Craig Hope, the 19-year-old is believed to be keen on making the move to St James’ Park this summer, albeit with the northeast side now needing to come to an agreement with the Ligue 1 outfit.

Writing on Twitter about the developing situation, the trusted insider revealed that the deal appears to be heading in the right direction: “Understand Newcastle are currently in discussions over a deal for Reims striker Hugo Ekitike. The 19-yr-old wants to join the club & there is hope of progress. Package is €30m+.”

This aligns with a report from transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, who stated that the teenager had “agreed a five-year deal” with the Magpies, leaving just “final details” to be discussed with his current side.

The young Frenchman had previously rejected the move in the winter after a £33m deal had been agreed, although appears to have had a change of heart.

Supporters buzzing

Persistence has seemingly paid off for Eddie Howe and co, with the Premier League side having not given up hope despite that rejection in January, ensuring they are now set to secure the services of one the hottest prospects in Europe and a player who has been dubbed the “next Mbappe”, as per journalist Graeme Bailey.

In a breakthrough campaign in his native France, the £25.2m-rated gem bagged an impressive ten goals and provided three assists in the league in total, despite missing a fair chunk of the second half of the season with a hamstring injury.

Although he is a relative newcomer to senior football – having only spent a brief loan stint at Danish side Vejle BK prior to the most recent campaign – the indication is that he is a talent destined for the elite level, while he already compares favourably to those in his position across Europe’s big five leagues, ranking in the top 16% for progressive carries, as well as the top 3% for dribbles completed.

Those statistics would illustrate that he is so much more than simply just a goalscorer. His speed and ability to beat a man make him a comfortable fit on either flank, opening up the possibility that the Tynesiders could still move for another striker this summer.

Such excitement over potential incomings is a far cry from the dismal story of last year, when then-boss Steve Bruce was afforded little investment from the much-maligned former owner, Mike Ashley, eventually only bringing in Arsenal’s Joe Willock on a permanent deal, having already had the midfielder on loan the previous season.

With fresh faces now in the dugout and at boardroom level, there is a great deal of optimism that the club can finally threaten at the top half of the table, having so long languished in and around the relegation zone.

As for Ekitike, the promising starlet could well prove to be just the first piece of business in a seismic summer for Newcastle. Supporters are in for a real treat.

IN other news, Eddie Howe can now help NUFC sign “spectacular” £64m “nightmare”, he’s better than Saint-Maximin

Manchester United are reportedly eyeing a swoop for Derby County youngster Malcolm Ebiowei as Erik ten Hag aims to galvanise the squad.

What’s the news?

That is according to Fabrizio Romano, who tweeted: “Manchester United and Crystal Palace are keeping tabs on Derby County’s Malcolm Ebiowei.”

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The transfer guru added that Steve McClaren, who has left Pride Park to rejoin United, could be a factor in the 18-year-old’s eventual decision.

Supporters will love Ebiowei news

Ten Hag will have a major summer rebuilding job on his hands at Old Trafford. There are plenty of outgoings expected and, in order to improve on their disappointing sixth-place Premier League finish from this season, a few new faces will need to be brought in.

With the interest in Ebiowei perhaps coming as a shock to some fans, he could certainly be a talent for the future. The teenage attacker, who can play anywhere across the front three, has previously been at Arsenal and Rangers.

It was the move to Derby which was the catalyst in the 18-year-old utilising his prodigious talent, though, featuring 16 times in the Championship last season under former United striker Wayne Rooney.

With Ten Hag seeking players who ‘work hard and give 100 per cent’, a move for Ebiowei doesn’t appear to be such a shock after all, with the youngster’s work rate suitably impressing Rooney, who explained that the youngster’s “attitude is incredible”.

United supporters will surely enjoy seeing the club linked with a player as talented as the 18-year-old, although there have been plenty of young gems who have secured a dream move to Old Trafford and suffocated under the immense pressure – Wilfried Zaha springs to mind.

Hopefully it’s different for Ebiowei and, if a move to Manchester does materialise, that he takes the opportunity with both hands.

United are about to embark on a new era, and Ten Hag will be hoping that it’s a successful one. Shrewd signings like the prospective swoop for Ebiowei should help.

AND in other news, United now closing in on “sensational” £50m signing, he’s the next Paul Scholes

Leeds United could now receive an approach from Liverpool for midfielder Kalvin Phillips, according to The Sunday Mirror’s chief sports reporter Tom Hopkinson.

The lowdown

The England midfielder made 23 appearances for Leeds in the 2021/22 campaign, which for him was heavily disrupted by a serious hamstring injury.

Despite that body blow, among Whites players who started at least five matches, he had the best points-per-game record at 1.2. That suggest that he is clearly a key figure at Elland Road, but ‘with the player failing to agree a new deal, his future is very much ‘up in the air’ at the moment.

His potential sale could be the most lucrative in Leeds’ history, surpassing Rio Ferdinand’s £30m move to Manchester United in 2002.

The latest

According to The Sunday Mirror (5 June, 07:00), Leeds want to hold on to Phillips but they recognise that the ‘lure of Champions League football’ may prove too powerful for him to resist.

The Whites are bracing themselves for interest from Premier League champions Manchester City as well as runners-up Liverpool.

The Reds had hoped to sign Aurelien Tchouameni from AS Monaco, but he is seemingly bound for Real Madrid. Phillips has been identified as an alternative, and he’s expected to cost around £60m.

It’s not just the Premier League’s top two who are interested, with Manchester United and West Ham also thought to have considered moves for the 26-year-old.

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The verdict

Leeds will need to start planning for possible replacements if Phillips is lured away, and one candidate would appear to RB Leipzig’s Tyler Adams, who worked with Jesse Marsch at the Red Bull Arena.

USA national team ‘insider’ Tom Bogert has suggested that Leeds will ‘try’ to land Adams during the summer transfer window, while journalist Jacques Talbot believes that the American would be a ‘great addition’ and a ‘statement’ signing.

Adams is still pretty young at just 23 and he would bring excellent work-rate and ball-carrying ability to Marsch’s team, if his most recent seasonal figures are anything to go by.

In other news, read this journalist’s significant Phillips claim.

Aston Villa are keen on a summer transfer that would see England international Kalvin Phillips swap Elland Road for Villa Park.

What’s the word?

That is according to a report from the Telegraph who have reiterated Aston Villa’s link to Phillips but have also mentioned a couple of factors that will be perceived as stumbling blocks in their bid to grab the 26-year-old from the clutches of Leeds United.

As mentioned in the report, Phillips is said to be high on the list of Manchester City, with Liverpool also thought to be monitoring the situation.

There is also a possibility that the England star stays at Elland Road for another season, amidst ongoing contract talks with the club.

The Telegraph estimate that Phillips will cost between £50m-£60m.

Big statement signing

When the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool are eyeing a player, there is a high chance that he will bolster the majority of teams in the league – whatever the position.

So it goes without saying that the acquisition of Phillips, who has been dubbed a “destroyer” by Steve McLaren,  would bolster Gerrard’s engine room by providing stability, merged with technical excellence and undoubted range of passing.

The kicker would be his price tag, especially considering his injury woes as of late.

In all honesty, it would be too much of a risk for Villa to fork out that kind of money on a player who could feature as little as Leon Bailey did last season but it would be a truly phenomenal statement if they can get a deal over the line.

His defensive metrics are truly outstanding and it’s easy to see why he was deemed “immense” by Marcus Rashford, with his average of 28.42 pressures per 90 and total of 5.58 tackles & interceptions per 90 placing him in the utmost elite category, as per FBref.

Though it is also worth noting that new signing Boubacar Kamara is not too far off the latter mentioned metric, achieving 4.75 tackles & interceptions per 90.

In truth, with the signing of a promising defensive talent like Kamara, Villa do not need to spend extra funds on Phillips, but if they do, it will serve as a real luxury signing and a real statement of intent from Johan Lange to improve on their average of 1.4 goals conceded per match.

In other news: “Could be in trouble..”: Journo drops big AVFC transfer claim that’ll worry supporters