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West Brom have been linked with a loan move for Aston Villa striker Cameron Archer recently and the Englishman could be a superb addition to Steve Bruce’s side ahead of next season.

What’s the word?

According to Birmingham Live, Archer is on the Baggies’ list of striker targets this summer as they look to improve on last season’s disappointing Championship campaign, although there is no guarantee that Steven Gerrard will allow the forward to leave Villa Park.

There will be no shortage of suitors for the 20-year-old however, with Preston North End naturally interested in taking him back on loan again after his impressive form last season, while Rangers have also been credited with an interest by Birmingham Live.

Bruce would love him

The report from Birmingham Live suggests that Bruce is keen to add attacking reinforcements this summer to support Daryl Dike and Karlan Grant, with Andy Carroll having departed and Kenneth Zohore having struggled for consistency during his time at the Hawthorns.

Last season saw Archer hit seven goals in 20 appearances for Preston North End, while he has also prospered during the off-season, hitting four goals in his first four appearances for England U21s.

His performances last season earned him the praise of Preston boss Ryan Lowe, who said:

“Cameron has got an abundance of talent. His quality levels are fantastic, he’s bullish, strong, he can roll, he has got that little burst of pace too.”

Other than Grant, West Brom struggled for any real consistent goalscorers last season and if they have aspirations of getting back into the Premier League next season, then a clinical finisher such as Archer could be exactly what Bruce needs.

A move for the £5.4m-rated forward would certainly make geographical sense and if he can continue his recent form into next season, then there seems little to suggest that he wouldn’t be a big success at the Hawthorns.

And, in other news… West Brom can land their next Livermore with swoop for PL gem…

Gianluca Di Marzio has revealed that Tottenham Hotspur are interested in a move for Sven Botman this summer.

What’s the talk?

In a recent article posted on his own website, the Italian journalist revealed that, despite AC Milan being believed to be in advanced negotiations for the signing of the LOSC Lille centre-back, Tottenham, Manchester United and Newcastle United are all keeping a very close eye on the situation of the 22-year-old ahead of a potential move of their own in the summer transfer window.

In his piece, Di Marzio wrote: “Both Tottenham and Manchester United could contest – together with Newcastle – the profile of Sven Botman at Milan – [who is in] negotiations with the Rossoneri. Both clubs have a sizeable budget to get to the defender. Even the Rossoneri club, therefore, must carefully monitor the current situation.”

Forget Bastoni

While missing out on the signing of Alessandro Bastoni will undoubtedly come as a huge blow to both Fabio Paratici and Antonio Conte, considering just how impressive Botman has been for Lille in recent seasons, it is easy to see why the Spurs sporting director could be targeting the Netherlands U21 international as an alternative to the Inter Milan starlet.

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Indeed, over his 25 Ligue 1 appearances in 2021/22, the £27m-rated talent was in astonishing form, helping his side keep eight clean sheets, as well as making an average of 1.0 interceptions, 1.0 tackles, 4.5 clearances and winning 4.0 duels – at a success rate of 66% – per game.

The £18k-per-week left-footer also impressed in an attacking capacity, scoring three goals and registering one assist, in addition to completing an average of 53.4 passes, 4.1 long balls and taking 0.6 shots per fixture.

These returns saw the player who Matt Spiro dubbed an “exceptional centre-back talent” average a quite remarkable SofaScore match rating of 7.10, ranking him as Jocelyn Gourvennec’s best performer in the top flight of French football.

As such, with Botman clearly being an incredibly talented left-footed ball-playing centre-back – not to mention a cheaper option at €45m (£38m) than the £54m Bastoni – it would indeed appear as if the Dutch defender would be a fantastic alternative to the Italy international for Paratici and Conte to pursue this summer.

AND in other news: Conte could land “dream” transfer alternative as Paratici now begins £50m Spurs talks

Newcastle United appear to have been handed a huge boost in their pursuit of Stade de Reims striker Hugo Ekitike after an interview with the French club’s president emerged (via Sport Witness). 

The lowdown: Rising star

Having made a senior debut in 2020/21, Ekitike continued on a rapidly upwards trajectory last season, breaking out as one of the hottest young talents in French football

The 19-year-old ended the campaign with 10 goals and four assists in 24 Ligue 1 outings and has even been compared to Paris Saint-Germain phenomenon Kylian Mbappe as a result.

Previously linked to the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal and Tottenham, it now looks as though Newcastle are set to prevail…

The latest: Bid on the table

Speaking to French outlet France Bleu, translated by SW, Reims president Jean-Pierre Caillot has confirmed there is a suitable bid already in place.

“Today is very concrete. And on the table, there is one that suits us very well. An offer which, in my view, is sportingly interesting for the player and it is now up to him to make his choice, it is not for me to do so.

“From now on, it is his advisers who must move forward on this file. And if at the time of speaking this is not done, it is because his advisers have not yet wished to move forward with this club.”

Caillot went on to say that only offers of around €30-40million (£25-34million) would be deemed acceptable for the young striker who was hailed as a ‘very special’ talent by manager Oscar Garcia.

The verdict: Fingers crossed

There will certainly be high hopes from the North East that the aforementioned suitable bid has come from the St James’ Park hierarchy as all eyes remain on PIF and just how strongly the new owners will back Eddie Howe and Dan Ashworth this summer.

One key area in need of improvement was the centre-forward department, as Callum Wilson’s injury record means the Englishman cannot be relied on and Joellinton’s successful positional switch leaves only Chris Wood as a recognised, regularly healthy frontman.

Capped twice by France at the Under 20 level, the talented teenager has also shown impressive versatility in a developing career to date, occasionally operating from the left wing and showing off battling qualities by winning an impressive 4.1 duels on average per game last term (Sofascore).

If the Magpies are going to compete amongst the elite of the Premier League, signing a potent attacker such as the 6 foot 2 Ekitike would be a huge boost to the project.

In other news: Magpies send scouts to watch Ben Nelson…

Tim Thornton has dropped a huge update on the future of Leeds United central midfielder Kalvin Phillips.

What’s the talk?

In a recent article for Sky Sports, the reporter claimed that, despite continuous links with a big-money move away from Elland Road this summer, the 26-year-old has made it clear that he would like to remain in LS11 heading into 2022/23.

Thornton continues to state that the Whites do not need to sell any players in the summer transfer window and will only sanction the England international’s departure if they believe the deal is right for the club.

Supporters will love Thornton’s update

While there is obviously a long way to go before the summer transfer window closes on September 1, Thornton’s update concerning Phillips’ desire to remain a part of Jesse Marsch’s squad heading into next season is sure to be news that the Elland Road faithful will love.

Indeed, the £45m-rated midfielder is undoubtedly one of the most talented players currently in the Leeds squad, something the 26-year-old more than he proved over his 29 Premier League appearances in 2020/21.

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That term, the £38k-per-week talent was imperious in the middle of the park, scoring one goal, providing two assists and creating five big chances for his teammates, in addition to making an average of 1.2 key passes, taking 0.5 shots and completing 0.7 dribbles per game.

The 19-time capped international also impressed in metrics more typical of his position, making an average of 1.6 interceptions, 2.6 tackles, 1.7 clearances, completing 41.0 passes and winning 5.3 duels – at a success rate of 52% – per fixture.

These metrics saw Phillips earn a quite remarkable SofaScore match rating of 7.21, not only ranking him as Leeds’ best player in the league but also as the ninth-best midfielder in the division as a whole.

As such, with Marsch undoubtedly looking to build a squad ahead of 22/23 that is capable of much more than the Whites’ 17th place finish this season, retaining the services of the deep-lying playmaker would be a huge coup for the American – with Thornton’s latest update appearing to suggest that there is a very real chance of Phillips staying on at Elland Road next term.

AND in other news: Journo reveals Leeds are now “expected to win” transfer race, it’s a big coup for Orta

Sunderland are not interested in signing Tom Barkhuizen from Preston North End this summer, ending any hopes of a reunion with his former manager Alex Neil.

What’s the word?

When asked about The Black Cats’ interest in the winger on Twitter, journalist Alan Nixon confirmed that Sunderland weren’t interested in signing the player whose contract runs out at the end of this month.

He simply commented in four words: “Sunderland and Barkhuizen? No.”

He’s a player that Sunderland manager Alex Neil will know well, but it appears he’s not interested in bringing him to Wearside to help with their task in the Championship next season.

They recently defeated Wycombe Wanderers 2-0 in the League One play-off final to secure a long-awaited return to the second tier of English football.

Supporters will be gutted

Supporters of Sunderland will surely be gutted that Barkhuizen is not on their list for the summer. There have been many outgoings at the Stadium of Light recently as Neil looks to overhaul his squad in preparation for the challenge ahead.

The 28-year-old would have come with heaps of experience in the Championship, having made a total of 209 appearances for Preston North End where he was directly involved in 28 goals during that time.

He joined Preston for free in 2017 just before Neil was appointed, and he was valued at £180k. That has since risen massively to £1.35m which proves that he is a better player than when he arrived.

The Scottish manager regularly used the player and he clocked up over 30 league appearances in all three seasons Neil was at Deepdale.

Securing his services with no transfer fee involved seemed like a no brainer, but it appears Sunderland club are focusing on targets elsewhere. One of those players is Nathan Broadhead with The Northern Echo reporting recently that Sunderland want him to move to the club permanently following a successful loan spell.

It will be interesting to see the signings that the club make ahead of next season, will they be ambitious in the hope of achieving their ultimate goal of returning to the Premier League, or will they be cautious and look at establishing themselves in an already tough division.

IN other news: Sunderland can unearth their new Henderson by signing “exciting” £450k-rated EFL gem…

Leeds United are interested in a deal to bring Sergino Dest to Elland Road in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by TEAMtalk, who claim that Victor Orta has now added the Barcelona right-back to his list of transfer targets ahead of the Whites’ 2022/23 Premier League campaign, with the Spanish sporting director believed to have identified the signing of a new full-back as one of Leeds’ priorities this summer.

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The report goes on to state that, while the 21-year-old – who has been made surplus to requirements at the Camp Nou by Xavi – has been offered to Manchester United, Orta is looking to make a move of his own for the USA international in the coming weeks.

Alphonso Davies 2.0

Considering just how exciting a talent Dest evidently is, it is not difficult to see why Orta and Jesse Marsch would be keen on a deal to bring the defender to Elland Road in the summer transfer window.

Indeed, according to FBref data, the £59.5m-rated talent ranks in the top 9% of full-backs in Europe’s big five leagues for npxG per 90, as well as the top 31% for shots, the top 30% for assists, the top 26% for xA, the top 15% for npxG+xA and the top 30% for shot-creating actions over the last 365 days.

The £99k-per-week American also ranks in the top 29% for passes attempted per 90, in addition to the top 3% for passes completed, the top 31% for progressive passes, the top 2% for progressive carries, the top 2% for dribbles completed, the top 6% for touches in the opposition penalty area, the top 14% for progressive passes received, the top 31% for pressures and the top 36% for tackles over the last year.

These metrics see the 21-year-old who Gregg Berhalter dubbed an “unreal” talent earn comparisons to some of the most prestigious full-backs in world football, with FBref statistics showing that the player Dest is most comparable to is none other than Bayern Munich left-back Alphonso Davies.

As such, should the Barca defender indeed be available for a €25m (£21m) fee this summer, it would appear an extremely wise move for Orta to do everything he can to convince the former Ajax starlet of a move to Elland Road, as Dest quite clearly has the potential to develop into one of the leading players in his position in European football – something that Marsch and his side would undoubtedly benefit from on the pitch.

AND in other news: Orta can seal Leeds’ next £60m talent in bid for “exciting” £20k-p/w “assist machine”

Manchester United are one of the sides ‘best positioned’ to sign Benfica forward Darwin Nunez this summer.

The Lowdown: Ten Hag request

Nunez, described as an ‘absolute beast’ on a Liverpool podcast last month following his display against the Reds, has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford.

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Reports last month claimed that Erik ten Hag made an ‘express request’ over a move for the 22-year-old forward.

The Uruguay international has scored 34 goals in 41 appearances this season, one of which knocked Ten Hag’s Ajax side out of the Champions League.

The Latest: Nunez update

Sports Witness relayed an update from Portuguese outlet Record regarding Nunez on Tuesday. They claimed that Ten Hag ‘appreciates’ Nunez’s qualities and that United are one of the best-placed sides to sign the attacker.

The report adds that Benfica are hoping to make around €100m (£84.5m) from the striker’s sale this summer, with Paris Saint-Germain and Atletico Madrid also name-checked with an interest.

The Verdict: Sign

Nunez has caught the eye across Europe this season and appears to be a real star already, so securing a big-money move could be a brilliant piece of business both in the short and long term.

The Benfica star is primarily a centre-forward but has also enjoyed success on the wing and in a deeper role this season, showing his versatility.

Attacking reinforcements appear needed under Ten Hag this summer, and it looks like he’s a big fan of Nunez, so a mega-money move could be a fantastic start to what could be an extremely busy few months.

In other news: Agreement reached: Man Utd now strike deal for ‘top’ gem who ‘dominates’ on the ball. 

Nottingham Forest’s U18 youth team have had a phenomenal season with the side competing in the FA Youth Cup final on Wednesday night, but despite losing the trophy to Manchester United there is a bright future for the individuals in the team.

Steve Cooper has also had a great season with the senior team who will take on the challenge of the Championship playoffs this weekend and if successful, the side could earn themselves a spot in the Premier League next season for the first time in over two decades.

With that being said, it could be a golden opportunity for the youngsters who have been shining in the youth set-up to prove their worth and gain a chance to play in the top flight should the club prevail in their promotion efforts over the next few weeks.

One player who has been a stand-out star for the U18 team is centre-forward Detlef Esapa Osong, who was hailed a “threat” by journalist Andy Kelly for his impressive performances in the academy this season.

The 17-year-old striker has scored 12 goals and contributed two assists in 20 appearances, but his most notable goal contributions have come in the FA Youth Cup with the youngster being absolutely crucial to the team’s advancement in the competition.

Esapa Osong scored twice in the sixth round 3-1 victory over Blackburn Rovers, scoring another brace and bagging an assist in the 3-1 semi-final victory over Chelsea, proving that his attacking output is effective when it matters and despite his age plays well under pressure, which will surely catch Cooper’s eye.

The centre-forward’s efforts haven’t gone unrecognised as he was offered his first professional contract by the club to secure his future and the young talent was thrilled to sign on with The Reds.

Esapa Osong spoke out on signing the terms (via Nottingham Forest Official):

“I’m extremely thankful for this opportunity.”

“I’ve really enjoyed my time at Forest so far and now I’m eager to keep learning and keep improving as much as I can.”

With that being said, the English goal-machine clearly has a bright future ahead of him and could become first team striker Keinan Davis’ heir if he carries on with the impressive performances he has displayed for his team this season, and there will surely be opportunities for him to prove his worth to Cooper in the not so distant future.

AND in other news: Imagine him & Johnson: Cooper must seal Forest swoop for “magic” 20-goal livewire

Former Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho is said to be eyeing up a move for Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg this summer, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Strong connections

The Portuguese coach signed the 26-year-old when he was in charge of the north London giants just under two years ago, and a matter of months after Mourinho was confirmed as the new manager at Roma, it was reported that the Dane wanted to join him at the Stadio Olimpico.

The Mirror have recently claimed that Hojbjerg is attracting interest from Spurs’ top-flight rivals Newcastle United, with the £100k-per-week star being ‘high’ on Eddie Howe’s wish list, but it seems that a Serie A reunion between the midfielder and his former boss might be on the cards.

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The Latest: Jones’ comments on Hojbjerg

When speaking during an interview about Hojbjerg’s future at Tottenham, Jones told GiveMeSport:

“One thing I’m hearing on Hojbjerg is that Jose Mourinho quite fancies taking him to Roma.

“Next season Jose intends to ask the board to back his vision as he thinks they can make a real push at the top of Serie A – and Hojbjerg could be a great asset.”

The Verdict: Hojbjerg should stay at Spurs

Despite having a successful spell under Mourinho, who once dubbed the 54-cap Denmark international a “phenomenal” player, Hojbjerg has since settled into life at Tottenham, particularly under Antonio Conte, under whom he has started all but two Premier League games this season.

Roma have already failed to secure a Champions League place for next season with the 59-year-old in the dugout, whereas the Lilywhites still very much have a chance of finishing in the Premier League top four come the end of May.

The 6 foot 1 maestro has proven to be one of Conte’s most consistent performers over the course of the Italian’s N17 tenure, and should he have ambitions of playing any kind of European football at the highest level in the future, the best option for him would be to remain in north London and hopefully enjoy more success with Spurs in years to come.

In other news… sources have shared a huge update on one of Tottenham’s summer transfer targets

Victor Osimhen is ‘definitely’ on the ‘radar’ of Manchester United ahead of the summer transfer window, transfer insider Dean Jones has told GiveMeSport.

The lowdown

The Nigerian striker joined Napoli in a £67.5m move from Lille in September 2020, and his £112,000-per-week contract at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona still has more than three years to run.

He has scored 27 goals in his 60 appearances for Napoli to date, including 17 in 30 games this season. According to Gianluca Di Marzio, the Azzurri will demand at least €100m (£85.6m) to let him leave in the summer.

United are gearing up for Erik ten Hag’s first transfer window in Manchester after he was announced as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s permanent successor as manager. However, the Red Devils appear to have lost out in the race for Borussia Dortmund’s Erling Haaland, who now looks set to join local rivals Manchester City.

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The latest

Jones has said that Osimhen is an option for United as a centre-forward target in the upcoming transfer window. The player appears to boast the desired profile for Ten Hag, but his price tag could apparently be an issue.

The journalist told GiveMeSport: “He’s a really good player, and definitely somebody that’s on United’s radar for the summer.

“He is extremely expensive. That is a big drawback in terms of pursuing it. He does fit what they’re going to be looking for, though.”

The verdict

You can understand why Ten Hag would want to add a new number nine at Old Trafford.

Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 24 goals this season but he is now 37 years of age, and he could leave at the end of 2022/23 when his contract expires. Meanwhile, fellow veteran Edinson Cavani is poised to leave in a matter of weeks as his deal winds down.

Marcus Rashford is capable of operating as a centre-forward, but he has endured a difficult campaign, scoring only five goals.

Osimhen may come with an eye-watering price tag, but he is only 23 and looks like an elite striker in the making.

The Serie A player of the month for March is a ‘thoroughbred bomber’ who can become ‘world-class’, in the opinion of his manager Luciano Spalletti, and he definitely appears to be a viable alternative to Haaland for United in the transfer market.

In other news, Sky Sports have dropped a live-on-air Paul Pogba update.