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Newcastle United are reportedly now eyeing up a move to sign Alvaro Morata this summer.

The Lowdown: Summer rebuild

The St. James’ Park outfit look set to kick start their summer business as the club confirmed the completion of Matt Targett’s permanent move from Aston Villa, following his loan spell in the North East last season.

With the riches that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium have at their disposal, he will almost certainly not be the only arrival on Tyneside before the window shuts.

The Latest: Morata eyed

As per Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness), the Magpies have now made ‘initial contact’ over the potential signing of Morata, who is set to return to Atletico Madrid after his loan spell at Juventus ends.

The Old Lady would be interested in a permanent deal, but have not been able to agree on a fee with Atletico, while Arsenal and FC Barcelona are also thought to be interested in his signature.

The Verdict: Avoid

Morata is 29 years of age now, and so signing him for a big fee would come as a huge risk.

Yes, the Spain international has had a stellar career, winning the UEFA Champions League on two separate occasions with Real Madrid as well as many other accolades (Transfermarkt), but he has not always been the most prolific, evident by his time in English football before with Chelsea, where he only managed one goal every three games.

He does still have his qualities, after all, Juve manager Max Allegri claims that he is ‘one of the best in Europe at a technical level’, but for the long-term project, the Toon are better off going for a younger and hungrier striker to lead the line for the next few campaigns.

In other news, find out which six-foot-one gem NUFC are now ‘pursuing’ here!

Speaking in a Tottenham Hotspur Q&A, journalist Jack Pitt-Brooke of The Athletic has shared the very latest update on sporting director Fabio Paratici’s pursuit of Inter Milan star Alessandro Bastoni.

The Lowdown: Spurs hopes alive?

The defensive sensation has been a target for Spurs since the start of the summer transfer window, and despite the player’s agent seemingly ruling out a San Siro exit, reports have suggested that the Lilywhites may still have a chance of signing him.

Indeed, the Nerazzurri’s need to generate funds through player sales could hand Spurs manager Antonio Conte a glimmer of hope to sign the Italy international, who would come as a real upgrade to his back three.

Bastoni is one of many targets for the left-sided centre-back role at N17, and when asked who could be likely to join the north Londoners, Pitt-Brooke shared the latest on Inter’s rising star.

The Latest: Paratici ‘working on’ Bastoni…

Speaking in a Q&A for The Athletic, the journalist stated that attention has apparently ‘turned’ to the 23-year-old given that fellow target Josko Gvardiol of RB Leipzig could be out of Spurs’ reach.

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Pitt-Brooke explained: “My impression is that Gvardiol will be beyond what they can do this summer. Spurs are happy to spend what you might call “Romero money” for this position, but that was only €50 million (£42.5 million). Gvardiol could cost close to double that to get out of RB Leipzig. That is why attention has turned to Bastoni, which Spurs are working on, but it all depends on his club, Inter Milan. If Inter get Gleison Bremer from Torino, it will make sense for them to sell a centre-back, although that could just as easily be Milan Skriniar as Bastoni.”

The Verdict: Interesting weeks ahead…

We feel it is unlikely that Bastoni leaves Inter given the recent statement from his representative, but if Paratici somehow manages to pull off a move, it would be another stroke of genius from the Spurs chief.

After signing Premier League star Yves Bissouma, the colossal Serie A defender could be a more than impressive follow-up given his sky-high potential and likeness to Azzurri legend Giorgio Chiellini.

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Italian football expert Conor Clancy called Bastoni a ‘defensive genius’ and an ‘intelligent’ player to have at the back – further supporting the notion that he would be a brilliant capture at Hotspur Way.

In other news: The Guardian: Tottenham eyeing ‘big’ 183-goal player move, Harry Redknapp called him ‘priceless’…find out more here.

Leeds United have discussed signing goalkeeper Ben Foster on a free transfer.

The Lowdown: Whites after an experienced goalkeeper

Jesse Marsch has made three summer signings so far in Brenden Aaronson, Ramus Kristensen and Marc Roca and appears to be on the hunt for more.

A new striker is seemingly on the agenda at Elland Road, as is an experienced goalkeeper to provide back up to Illan Meslier who will remain as first choice.

Foster confirmed last month that he will leave Watford this summer when his Vicarage Road contract expires, and it looks as if a move to Yorkshire is under consideration.

The Latest: Leeds talks leaked

MOT Leeds News relayed an update from The Daily Mail’s Simon Jones regarding Leeds’ transfer plans.

Jones leaked talks from inside Elland Road, claiming that Foster’s name has been ‘mentioned’ in discussions ahead of a possible move.

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The Verdict: Record breaker!

The 39-year-old was labelled ‘unbelievable’ by his former manager Nigel Pearson and has the record for the most saves of any goalkeeper in Premier League history, so a cut-price move could be a wise call.

Foster would bring plenty of experience and knowledge to Thorp Arch, something which could help Meslier take his game to the next level in England. He also made 29 Premier League appearances for Watford last season, so would provide adequate cover to the young Frenchman.

Glasgow Rangers have reportedly now ‘been offered’ the chance to bring Harry Winks to Ibrox this summer.

The Lowdown: New start

Having only managed 30 appearances in total for Tottenham Hotspur over all competitions last season, coupled up with the signing of central midfielder Yves Bissouma from Brighton and Hove Albion, Winks is in need of a fresh start.

He has been out of the England set-up since 2020 after making his senior debut back in 2017 (Transfermarkt), and so needs a move away if he is to have any chance of forcing himself into Gareth Southgate’s plans for the upcoming FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

The Latest: Offered

Taking to Twitter, 90min editor and journalist Sean Walsh has revealed that Winks has now ‘been offered’ to Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s team, although a number of clubs in the Premier League are thought to be ‘interested’ in his signature:

“Several Premier League sides are interested in Harry Winks, including Everton as reported elsewhere. He’s also been offered to Rangers.”

The Verdict: Loan

Very much like the Aaron Ramsey situation last term, bringing Winks in on loan would be the best scenario for the Teddy Bears.

Of course, being at a Premier League and UEFA Champions League club means that his wages will be high, as he earns £91,000-per-week at Spurs.

This would obliterate the Light Blues’ wage structure, and so they would need to negotiate with the North London club over a suitable wage split.

Nonetheless, Winks, who has been dubbed a ‘fabulous‘ player by former Lilywhites goalkeeper Paul Robinson, is very experienced at the highest level, and so is sure to elevate the dressing room should he make the move to the Gers.

The Athletic journalist Greg O’Keeffe has dropped a big Everton transfer update that’ll leave Frank Lampard scrambling.

What’s the word?

The news comes surrounding defender Anthony Gordon, with O’Keeffe tweeting: “Frank Lampard might draw the line at the prospect of an Anthony Gordon exit – but Spurs aren’t the only club circling.”

This news will come at a time when Tottenham are looking to sign both Gordon and Richarlison in a joint £85m deal, but Lampard wants to keep the 21-year-old winger as he plans for the future.

Lampard aims to keep Gordon

Following a campaign that saw Everton narrowly avoid relegation from the Premier League, there were very few players who performed well during what can only be described as a disappointing season and one that the Goodison faithful won’t want to go through again.

Gordon averaged a decent WhoScored rating of 6.70, ranking him in ninth place in the Toffees squad but it is his extraordinary potential that will have Lampard worried that a bigger team will manage to prise him away from Merseyside this summer.

With Richarlison looking increasingly likely to leave the club, Dominic Calvert-Lewin struggling with injury problems last season, and Salamon Rondon looking like a more terrible signing every passing day, Gordon represents the future of Everton’s attack.

The 44-year-old is convinced that the youngster can be important to the team going forward, saying: “I’ve been really impressed. From afar he looks a very talented young player who clearly has a strong connection with the fans.”

This praise should convince Gordon that his future lies at Everton and first-team opportunities will be much easier to come by compared to joining Spurs.

Gordon scored four goals and notched two assists over 35 Premier League fixtures last season, and his stats compared to Everton’s main goalscoring threat, Richarlison were surprising.

The Englishman generated more shot-creating actions than his more illustrious teammate (2.88 to 2.21) while also boasting a higher percentage of shots on target (43.2% to 28.6%) and delivering over double the number of crosses into the opposition box to Richarlison (71 to 29).

The supporters won’t want Gordon to leave and these stats prove that he has the potential to be a key part of what will surely be a new-look Everton from next season, while his sale would undoubtedly leave Lampard scrambling to find a ready-made replacement in the summer transfer window.

AND in other news: Imagine him & DCL: Moshiri can form deadly Everton duo in bid for “world-class” talent

Arsenal’s summer transfer window started with sheer excitement but the wind has rather been taken away from their sails in recent days.

What’s the word?

After welcoming Fabio Vieira to the club from Porto, Edu set his sights on bringing Lisandro Martinez and Raphinha to the Emirates Stadium.

However, it looks as though the latter now prefers a move to Barcelona over the Gunners and Man United have meanwhile joined the race for the former.

Arsenal are set to battle Erik ten Hag’s men for the signature of another exciting talent, though, with reports linking the pair with a move for Serge Gnabry.

The German winger is in the final year of his deal at the Allianz Arena and as a result, is available at a cut-price of £40m.

Arsenal are interested in re-signing Gnabry according to the Daily Star, but they will have to ‘lock horns’ with United in order to sign him.

Better than Raphinha

There was much fanfare behind the Gunners’ bid to sign Raphinha but with that move now seemingly dead in the water, they should turn their attention to Gnabry.

Arsene Wenger holds great regret over the manner in which he left Islington and headed back to his homeland and it’s hardly a surprise when you consider what he’s done since.

A complete machine in the final third, the 26-year-old is now in the prime of his career and has been described as “truly unstoppable” by verified social media manager Alex Chaffer.

It’s easy to see why that assessment has been made with the Germany international scoring 64 goals and supplying 40 assists in 171 outings for Bayern. Five of those goal involvements came in one game back in October 2019, when he truly terrorised Tottenham in the Champions League.

Those types of performances are exactly why Edu and Mikel Arteta should be fighting hard to acquire his signature this summer.

He is a special talent and on the above evidence, he is even better than Raphinha. He has an elite pedigree and has shown on a regular basis that he can light it up on the continent’s biggest stage.

However, a deeper look at his numbers also tells us why he is a greater threat than the Leeds United forward.

Gnabry’s scout report, via FB Ref, is a sea of green with the former West Brom loanee ranking in the top 12% of players in Europe’s top five leagues for shot-creating actions per 90 minutes. Raphinha, by comparison, only sits in the top 32%.

Meanwhile, the effervescent attacker is also in the top 10% for expected assists, the best 6% for progressive carries and the top 5% for touches in the attacking penalty area.

If we compare that to Raphinha, he is considerably better with the Brazilian ranking in the best 34% for expected assists, the top 61% for progressive carries and the top 42% for touches in the opposition’s penalty box.

With that in mind, it’s clear to see why Arsenal should now put all of their eggs in Gnabry’s basket. He is more experienced, knows the Premier League and is available at a bargain price.

Tottenham Hotspur are in contact with Pervis Estupinan’s agent regarding a potential move to the Premier League, according to reports in Spain.

The Lowdown: Wing-backs wanted

Antonio Conte has already got off to a flying start in the transfer window, having secured the signings of Ivan Perisic, Fraser Forster, Yves Bissouma, Richarlison and Clement Lenglet, but it seems as though he’s not done there.

Djed Spence wants to join Tottenham and the Lilywhites are in talks with Middlesbrough over a move, say Sky Sports, and now they’re looking at a wing-back on the other side in the shape of Estupinan.

The 24-year-old still has five years remaining on his contract at Villarreal, but has been linked with a move away from the La Liga outfit, with CBS reporter Ben Jacobs claiming just last month that Spurs were in ‘advanced’ talks with the defender over a switch to the top-flight.

Following a fresh update, this is a deal that now looks highly likely to be on the cards…

The Latest: Spurs make agent contact

In an article published by Spanish newspaper El Periodico Mediterraneo (via Sport Witness), it’s claimed that Tottenham have ‘identified’ Estupinan as the man ‘Conte wants’ to fill that left-back position.

The source states that the boss is ‘no longer counting’ on Sergio Reguilon, with Spurs having moved him onto their transferable list and ‘awaiting his departure to try to hire’ the Villarreal star.

It’s reported that Fabio Paratici has already ‘started contacts’ with the player’s agent, and ‘will move for him’ as soon as they ‘find a solution’ for Reguilon.

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The Verdict: Lo Celso swap deal

It sounds as though Conte has firmly set his sights on targeting Estupinan, who was once hailed as ‘one of the best left-backs in La Liga’ by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, and whilst it could be a pain waiting to offload Reguilon, there is the chance that the move could get done sooner by completing a swap deal for Giovani Lo Celso.

The midfielder spent the second half of last season out on loan playing under Unai Emery and has been linked with a permanent return after being omitted from Spurs’ pre-season tour squad, suggesting that an exit is looming.

Estupinan’s long contract means he wouldn’t come cheap, but the possibility of Lo Celso going the other way at the same time could play a significant role in whether or not Spurs manage to get this one over the line.

Dubbed an ‘incredible left-back’ by one tactical writer for Breaking the Lines, the Ecuadorian looks an extremely exciting option to replace Reguilon.

An update has emerged regarding Tottenham’s chances of landing Kim Min-jae in the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

According to Corriere del Mezzogiorno, Spurs are among a number of clubs interested in signing the centre-back in a potential €19.5m (£16.5m) deal ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

However, Fabrizio Romano has claimed that a Ligue 1 club is currently leading the race, tweeting: “Rennes are closing on Kim Min Jae as new signing. Napoli want him but Kim has now reached an agreement with Rennes on personal terms. #transfers Negotiations now ongoing between clubs with Fenerbahçe for €19.5m.”

However, Football.London has reported that the player is keen on a transfer to north London over other potential moves, giving Fabio Paratici the green light to snap him up ahead of the French outfit if he makes a move this week.

Ben Davies upgrade

The Italian transfer chief must hijack Rennes’ deal to sign the centre-back, as Kim would be an upgrade on Tottenham’s Ben Davies for next season.

In the Premier League last term, the Wales international averaged a SofaScore rating of 6.88 as he played 29 games in the top flight. This was a lower score than Davinson Sanchez, Eric Dier and Christian Romero managed, suggesting that Davies is one of the weaker options in that position in N17.

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Meanwhile, the Welshman left a lot to be desired in Europe, as he averaged a SofaScore rating of 6.63 in the Europa Conference League. He lost a whopping 67% of his individual battles as he struggled badly in the competition.

In Kim, Spurs can land an upgrade on the 29-year-old. Sky Sports previously revealed that his nickname in South Korea is “monster”, and his statistics for Fenerbahce back that up.

The centre-back averaged a rating of 6.93 in the Turkish top flight last term and won 61% of his duels, showing that, unlike Davies, he has the strength to dominate the opposition.

He also caught the eye in the Europa League as he averaged a score of 6.97 and won 63% of his battles. The Korean made 3.2 tackles and interceptions per game in Europe as he showed that he has the quality to deliver consistently excellent displays domestically and on the continent.

Therefore, Kim has the potential to be an upgrade on Davies, as he has proven that he can maintain a high standard of performance across multiple competitions, whilst he is also four years younger than the Tottenham defender and has more to offer in the long-term.

This is why Paratici must go through the green light before Rennes close out a deal and it turns red for the rest of the transfer window.

AND in other news, Fabrizio Romano delivers frustrating Spurs update that’ll leave Conte & Levy fuming…

Derek Rae has dropped an update on reported Glasgow Rangers transfer target Malik Tillman.

What’s the talk?

In a number of recent posts on Twitter, the ESPN journalist revealed that, following reports linking Rangers with a move for the Bayern Munich attacking midfielder this summer, they would be willing to loan the 20-year-old out ahead of the 2022/23 campaign – something that would appear to open the door for both Ross Wilson and Giovanni van Bronckhorst to launch an offensive for the USA international.

In his tweets, Rae said: “Have had so many questions about Rangers’ interest in Bayern’s Malik Tillman, who is now committed to the USMNT rather than Germany. Reporting on this interest has so far all come from colleagues in Scotland. Nothing new from Germany.

“What we can say is that Bayern don’t feel Tillman is someone who is going to challenge for regular first-team football at the moment & a loan has been a strong possibility for a while.”

Supporters will be buzzing

Considering just how exciting a prospect Tillman undoubtedly is, Rae’s update suggesting that Bayern would be willing to allow the forward to leave the Allianz Arena on a temporary basis this summer is sure to have left Van Bronckhorst and his Rangers transfer team buzzing.

Indeed, the £1.35m-rated prospect has highly impressed throughout the various age groups in Bayern’s youth setup, scoring 15 goals and providing 10 assists over 42 appearances for the U17s, bagging 17 goals and registering 11 assists over 36 outings for the U19s and netting seven goals and providing four assists over 24 fixtures for Bayern Munich II.

These returns have seen the £5k-per-week starlet fast-tracked into Julian Nagelsmann’s first-team squad, with the 20-year-old making seven appearances for the senior side in 2021/22 – scoring one goal in the process.

Furthermore, those in the know quite clearly expect big things from Tillman in the not too distant future, with the USMNT head coach, Gregg Berhalter, stating in an interview with The Athletic of the attacking midfielder – who scored three goals in four appearances for Germany’s U21s prior to making the switch to America – earlier this year:

“I think he’s an attacking midfielder in a 3-4-2-1, he could be a pocket winger in a 4-3-3, could be a centre mid in a 4-3-3, depending on if he can get his defensive work up to it. But he’s really talented between the lines, really natural with scoring goals, good and calm around the penalty box. Good technique, good with both feet, so a really interesting player.”

As such, it is clear to see that, should Wilson and Van Bronckhorst manage to get a deal over the line for the versatile forward this summer, Rangers will have a real talent on their hands heading into their 2022/23 campaign – something that is sure to be an incredibly exciting prospect for both the Ibrox faithful and the Dutch manager alike.

AND in other news: Rangers keen on “strong” £2.5k-p/w gem with a “high ceiling”, he’s a Jack upgrade

West Ham United have reportedly made an offer to sign Sassuolo striker Gianluca Scamacca, according to Sky Sports. 

The lowdown: Opening offer

Coming off an impressive Italian top-flight campaign, the 23-year-old senior Italy international has attracted the attention of many suitors, including Newcastle United, Paris Saint-Germain and of course, West Ham.

The Hammers have recently stepped up their pursuit of Scamacca and reportedly saw a £28million bid rebuffed by the Serie A outfit as they continue to hold out for a fee in the region of £42.6million.

Now a fresh report has emerged claiming that the east Londoners have made a fresh attempt to strike a deal for the frontman…

The latest: New bid

As per Sky Sports, West Ham are believed to have made a bid of ‘more than’ £34million for the seven-cap star, which could make him their second most expensive signing ever.

It’s claimed ‘positive discussions are ongoing between the clubs’ as David Moyes attempts to strengthen the attacking department at the London Stadium accordingly.

The report also states that the Irons also ‘remain interested’ in Chelsea striker Armando Broja and are ‘awaiting a response’ from Lille regarding Amadou Onana.

The verdict: Positive signs

As it was confirmed that West Ham missed out on the capture of Jesse Lingard after the attacking midfielder joined Nottingham Forest on a one-year deal, another seemingly top target fell by the wayside.

Nonetheless, the Hammers have wasted no time in shaking off the disappointment and instead pressed ahead with a pursuit for the giant 6 foot 5 former PSV Eindhoven frontman who was dubbed ‘deadly’ by football talent scout Jacek Kulig and a ‘revelation’ by journalist Zach Lowy for his U20 World Cup form.

Last season, Scamacca scored 16 times in 36 Serie A outings, earning an impressive 7.03 Sofascore rating whilst winning 3.1 duels and taking 2.2 shots on average per game – highlighting battling qualities as well as a sharp eye for goal that make him ideally suited to the Irons’ style.

Having predominantly operated as the figurehead of a four-pronged attack for Sassuolo, Scamacca should fit seamlessly into the plans in east London as an alternative option to Michail Antonio.

Sharing a close stylistic likeness with such highly regarded centre-forwards as Jamie Vardy, Victor Osimhen and Tammy Abraham (Fbref), Moyes should be pushing GSB to do all it takes to bring the Italian to Rush Green this summer.