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The Athletic journalist Adam Crafton has now made an exciting Tottenham Hotspur transfer claim involving star winger Raphinha.

The Lowdown: Conte set for busy summer…

Both Ivan Perisic and Fraser Forster have arrived at Spurs on Bosman deals with the Premier League giants already confirming two new signings.

The summer window has been open for just one week and the north Londoners are certainly making their intent known, potentially appeasing manager Antonio Conte who holds no shortage of ambition.

The Italian is said to be plotting a major N17 overhaul as more new additions become heavily linked, a list which now includes Leeds’ big name Brazilian.

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The Latest: Spurs set for Raphinha ‘tussle’…

According to Crafton and The Athletic, Spurs could be set for ‘one of the big tussles this summer’ as they eye a move for Brazil’s ace alongside north London rivals Arsenal.

The 25-year-old dazzled at Elland Road over 2021/2022, attracting interest from Conte and the Lilywhites.

Crafton explained:

“Arsenal & Tottenham both hold genuine interest in Leeds’ Raphinha in what may be one of the big tussles this summer.”

The Verdict: Exciting…

As a north London battle to sign the South American star becomes possible, it’s safe to say Tottenham winning the race would come as another boost for Conte before his first full season in charge.

Raphinha stood out as Leeds’ star man last season, averaging the most shots at goal, key passes made and successful take-ons per 90 out of anyone in their squad (WhoScored).

The international also finished as their top goal scorer and best-performing regular by average match-rating (WhoScored) with members of the media calling him a ‘stand-out player’ (Noel Whelan, Football Insider).

Depending on the price tag, Raphinha could be a potentially shrewd addition.

In other news: Significant talks…Tottenham emerge as ‘likelier destination’ for ‘superstar’…find out more here.

A transfer tease has emerged over the future of Newcastle United target Christian Eriksen as the summer window gets underway… 

What’s the talk?

Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that the Magpies target will be deciding on his next club in the imminent future.

He Tweeted: “Brentford have submitted a serious, important personal terms offer to Christian Eriksen – but the player is considering his options with many clubs interested. Eriksen will make his decision on the future club in the coming days.”

Jacque Talbot recently reported that Newcastle boss Eddie Howe was set for talks with the Denmark international over a move to St. James’ Park, with the club ready to challenge the Bees for his signature.

Supporters will be nervous

Toon supporters will now be nervously awaiting the player’s decision as they will surely be keen to see him playing in black and white next season.

He is a proven Premier League performer who would come in and provide Howe’s team with a massive lift in terms of creativity.

The 30-year-old made an astounding return to England in January, months on from suffering a cardiac arrest in the European Championships, and was sublime for Brentford.

In 11 top-flight outings, Eriksen scored one goal and provided four assists as he created an eye-catching 2.8 chances per match. This shows that he was creating openings for his teammates at a phenomenal rate, given that Allan Saint-Maximin only managed half of that return (1.4 per game) for the Magpies.

At his best, the Dane was regarded as one of the best in the world with ex-Bournemouth midfielder Harry Arter saying: “He is an unbelievable player — a world-class player — he deserves all the credit he gets in the Premier League and international-wise.

“We’re going to have to stop him from trying to do what he does, but it is important not to just concentrate on him. To concentrate on ourselves is probably the most important thing and then try to take care of them.”

The 30-year-old has played in eight separate Premier League seasons and has not averaged a SofaScore rating lower than 6.84 in the six campaigns they have data available for.

In 236 outings in the English top-flight, Eriksen has plundered 52 goals and 71 assists for Tottenham and Brentford combined. He knows exactly what it takes to make a big impact in the division and that is why he would be an excellent signing for the Toon.

Therefore, Newcastle supporters will now be nervous as they wait to hear who the midfielder has decided to join ahead of next season.

AND in other news, NUFC can find their own Paqueta in deal for “glorious” £64m gem with “no weaknesses”…

According to Evening Standard journalist Simon Collings, West Ham United are interested in signing Manchester City defender Oleksandr Zinchenko this summer.

The Lowdown: Zinchenko’s future

Amid rumours of an exit from the Etihad Stadium, the Ukraine international decided to put discussions over his future on hold as his nation pushed for World Cup qualification.

Following an unfortunate defeat to Wales in the play-off final, clubs are now hoping to find out in the near future exactly what the 25-year-old’s next move will be.

Rumours of a City departure have arisen, with the defender understood to be eager to secure more regular game-time, having made just 15 appearances in the Premier League this season.

The Latest: Collings’ update on Zinchenko

It has been recently reported that Arsenal are keen on signing the Ukrainian this summer, as they look to add versatile depth to their ranks.

Taking to Twitter in sharing a corresponding article from the Evening Standard, Collings has now shared the latest transfer news involving the 25-year-old, as he claimed: “Arsenal and West Ham two of the clubs interested in Zinchenko.”

The Verdict: He’d be a great signing

With first-choice Hammers left-back Aaron Cresswell now approaching his 33rd birthday, West Ham could be looking to sign an adequate replacement this summer.

At just 25 years old, Zinchenko is already Premier League proven, given his 76 appearances in the English top flight and the 11 trophies he has won at the Etihad.

Also, compared with Cresswell, the City left-back had a greater passing accuracy rate and more tackles, interceptions, crosses and shot-creating actions per 90 minutes during the 2021/22 season, as per FBRef.

Hailed as an ‘incredible’ player and person by his manager Pep Guardiola, the Ukraine international would be an asset to many top teams, given his versatility to play as a full-back or in midfield.

When combined with his outstanding attitude and work ethic, Zinchenko’s prospective arrival at the London Stadium would be a great signing for David Moyes.

In other news: Irons now close to agreement for this transfer target

According to a recent report by Portuguese publication Record, Leeds United are interested in a move to bring Brazilian winger Renyer to Elland Road in the summer transfer window.

The report suggests that the Santos starlet has been contacted by both Benfica and the Whites regarding the potential of a summer move, with Victor Orta said to have already given “good references” to the 18-year-old in an attempt to convince him of a move to England rather than going to Portugal.

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The next Riyad Mahrez

Considering the sheer amount of hype concerning Renyer’s potential, in addition to Leeds’ current Brazilian wizard Raphinha looking highly likely to leave LS11 ahead of the 2022/23 campaign, it is easy to see why Orta would be keen on a move for the Santos sensation this summer.

Indeed, despite his tender age, the left-footed right winger has already made seven appearances for the Santos first team, the first of which came as a 16-year-old in January 2020. So far this season, the £2.25m-rated talent has also bagged six goals in just three outings for the Brazilian club’s under-20s

Furthermore, with Football Talent Scout’s Jacek Kulig listing the teenager’s strengths as his “pace, acceleration, dribbling, flair, close control, technique and first touch”, it is not difficult to see why Renyer has already been compared to Manchester City’s Riyad Mahrez – the £36m-rated Algeria forward who scored 11 goals and registered five assists over his 28 Premier League outings this season.

Renyer is by no means the finished article, while the former Brazil under-17 international’s €100m (£86m) buyout clause potentially presents Leeds with a significant obstacle in their pursuit of a deal. However, if Orta believes that he could negotiate a lower fee for the 18-year-old, the Spaniard must then do everything in his power to beat Benfica to the youngster’s signing.

Indeed, should the Santos prodigy go on to fulfil his “world-class potential” – in the words of Kulig – following a switch to Elland Road, Orta could well have landed the Whites the next Mahrez. That is sure to be an extremely tantalising prospect for Jesse Marsch and Leeds supporters alike.

AND in other news: Orta now plotting Leeds bid for “unbelievable” £70k-p/w signing, imagine him & Kristensen

Leeds United are now closing in on a deal to bring Rasmus Kristensen to Elland Road this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to Mike McGrath, with The Telegraph journalist revealing in a recent post on Twitter that Victor Orta has now agreed a deal with Red Bull Salzburg for the transfer of the right-back.

In his accompanying report, the journalist revealed that the transfer could be worth up to £10m, while Leeds are said to have beaten both Brentford and Borussia Dortmund to the 24-year-old’s signature.

In his tweet, McGrath said: “Deal in place for LUFC to sign Rasmus Kristensen. They are expected to win race for Denmark full-back from Red Bull Salzburg.”

Big coup for Orta

When considering just how exciting a prospect Kristensen has proven himself to be during his three-year stay in Austria, in addition to the fact that both Dortmund and Brentford were reported to be keen on the 24-year-old, the news that Leeds now look to have agreed a deal for the full-back undoubtedly represents a big coup for Orta.

Indeed, despite his defensive position, the £13.5m-rated talent is quite clearly an extremely threatening right-back, having scored 13 goals and registered 19 assists over his 107 appearances for Salzburg, in addition to the Denmark international having also created 15 big chances in the Austrian Bundesliga over the last three years.

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The vast majority of these came over his 29 outings in the most recent league campaign, during which the £14k-per-week defender scored seven goals, registered four assists and created seven big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 1.4 shots, making 1.2 key passes and completing 1.3 dribbles per game.

However, the Dane also impressed at the back, helping Salzburg keep 13 clean sheets, in addition to making an average of 1.3 tackles, 1.1 interceptions, 1.4 clearances and winning 5.7 duels – at a success rate of 60% – per appearance.

These metrics saw the 24-year-old average a rather breathtaking SofaScore match rating of 7.31, not only ranking him as Matthias Jaissle’s second-best performer in the league but also as the fourth-best player in the division as a whole.

As such, it is clear to see just how big of a coup Kristensen would be for Leeds, with McGrath’s latest update on the Whites’ pursuit of the defender sure to be something that will have left the Elland Road faithful buzzing.

AND in other news: Orta now plotting Leeds offer for “scary” £17m “beast”, it’d be an “unreal” signing

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in a deal to bring Kalvin Phillips to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by The Telegraph, who claim that the Leeds United defensive midfielder is one of a number of players on Antonio Conte’s list of transfer targets in the summer market, with the signing of a new player in the 26-year-old’s position believed to be a priority for the 52-year-old ahead of Spurs’ 2022/23 campaign.

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However, further reports claim that the likes of Manchester United, Aston Villa, West Ham United, Liverpool and Manchester City are also interested in a move for the England international this summer, with the Whites’ expected to demand a figure in the region of £60m in order to part with their academy graduate.

Conte’s next Kante

Considering just how impressive Phillips has been for Leeds since the Whites’ promotion to the Premier League back in 2020, it is easy to see why Conte would be interested in a deal to bring the deep-lying playmaker to north London this summer.

Indeed, while a hamstring injury kept the £45m-rated talent sidelined for a large portion of 2021/22, the 26-year-old undoubtedly proved his ability over 29 Premier league appearances in the season prior, scoring one goal, providing two assists and creating five big chances, as well as making an average of 1.2 key passes, taking 0.5 shots and completing 0.7 dribbles per game.

The £38k-per-week defensive midfielder 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 returns saw the player who Scott Saunders dubbed “unreal” average a quite astonishing 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 top flight as a whole.

For comparison, over N’Golo Kante’s – a player who is widely considered to be one of the best holding midfielders currently playing the game, as well as being a former disciple of Conte – 26 Premier League outings in 2021/22, the £45m-rated France international scored two goals, registered four assists and created three big chances, as well as making an average of 0.9 key passes, taking 0.7 shots and completing 1.3 dribbles per game.

The 31-year-old also made an average of 1.2 interceptions, 2.3 tackles, 0.3 clearances, completed 43.1 passes and won 4.6 duels – at a success rate of 57% – per fixture – with these metrics seeing the Chelsea star average a SofaScore match rating of 7.12.

As such, it is clear for all to see that, should Paratici manage to fight off the competition for Phillips this summer, the Italian sporting director could well have landed Conte his next Kante at Spurs – something that would undoubtedly provide Tottenham’s chances of success in the upcoming campaign with a substantial boost.

AND in other news: Contact made: Paratici now in talks for £43m Spurs target, he’s “out of the ordinary”

Liverpool hold a ‘genuine’ interest in West Ham United forward Jarrod Bowen, according to talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook. 

The lowdown: Breakout star

Signed for £22million from Hull City (The Guardian), Bowen has directly contributed to 50 goals in 103 appearances for the Hammers.

But it has been the 2021/22 campaign where the dynamic English forward has truly come to life and attracted the attention of a wider audience, including Jurgen Klopp, who labelled the 25-year-old ‘unbelievable’ back in March.

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Following initial reports linking the Reds with a potential move for Bowen, it would appear that the Hereford-born ace could indeed be on the radar at Anfield…

The latest: Klopp loves him

Speaking to Give Me Sport, talkSPORT reporter Crook confirmed that Liverpool are indeed keen on the uncapped winger due to the manager’s personal admiration.

He said: “I know Jurgen Klopp’s an admirer so that interest from Liverpool is genuine. But where does he fit in now that they’ve signed Diaz? They’ve got (Diogo) Jota obviously at the moment, Salah and Mane are still there, and so is Firmino.”

The verdict: Get it done?

Whilst the point about the current strength in depth following the arrival of Luis Diaz is a salient one, Divock Origi’s seemingly imminent departure will see at least one space open up in the recognised forward department.

What’s more, with the Anfield future of midweek goalscoring hero Takumi Minamino in question and infamous trio Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino all out of contract in 2023, Klopp may be looking to bolster the squad with yet more high quality attacking options as the Reds go in search of yet another memorable season under the German boss.

So far this season Bowen has scored 18 times and provided another 13 assists in 50 appearances, proving invaluable durability and quality to go alongside an array of impressive attributes that would endear Klopp to the English forward (WhoScored).

Following a recent brace against Premier League title rivals Manchester City, the £31.5million valued ace’s stock has risen once more and Liverpool would be wise to sign Bowen whilst he remains an affordable entity.

In other news: Liverpool remain interested in Serie A ‘animal’, read more here

It is no secret that West Ham United have a dismal track record when it comes to making centre-forward additions in recent years, with the GSB era having been littered with bizarre and at times costly transfer mistakes.

Among a lengthy list which includes the likes of Mido, Lucas Perez and Jordan Hugill, to name just a few, is Ecuador striker Enner Valencia, the diminutive speedster having failed to truly make his mark in English football.

Signed for £12m in the summer of 2014 after hitting 18 goals in just 24 games for Mexican outfit Pachuca, the 5 foot 9 marksman was expected to hit the ground running at Upton Park, particularly having netted three times during a standout World Cup campaign in Brazil.

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Although his arrival seemed something of a coup at the time, it quickly became apparent that the club – and then-manager Sam Allardyce – had fallen for the age-old trap of signing a player off the back of some impressive yet fleeting displays at a major tournament.

A stunning goal on his full league debut against Hull City looked like it would be the start of a bright spell in the Premier League for the versatile forward, but that early-season effort would be just one of four league goals that he scored in his first campaign in east London.

The former Emelec man would go on to score just four more league goals in 2015/16. albeit having spent much of the season on the treatment table due to injury, before being shipped out on loan to Everton in August 2016.

However, despite being labelled “strong” by then-Everton manager Ronald Koeman, he fared little better on Merseyside. He was waiting until January 2017 to score his £14.5m.

During that stint on loan, Valencia also sparked controversy for appearing to fake an injury during a match for his country, leaving the field in an ambulance in order to escape the clutches of the police, who were pursuing him for failing to pay child maintenance bills.

Unsurprisingly, following his return to east London at the end of the 2016/17 season, the 70-cap Ecuador international was subsequently sold on to Tigres in a deal worth between £6m and £7m, with the Irons taking a loss on their initial investment.

In the end, the Hammers would likely have just been wishing to get the £40k-per-week dud off their books as quickly as possible, having cost them £1.5m per league goal in relation to his transfer fee.

After three seasons back in Mexico – where he scored 34 goals in 118 appearances in all competitions – the £2.61m-rated man was signed by Turkish club Fenerbache on a free transfer in the summer of 2020, with the 32-year-old netting 24 goals in 67 appearances since then.

A reliable goalscorer elsewhere, it simply didn’t work out for him in England, with West Ham left to look back on what was simply an expensive mistake.

In other news, West Ham eyeing swoop for “aggressive” £45m-rated warrior, just imagine him and Rice

Crystal Palace boss Patrick Vieira should make a move to bring Aaron Wan-Bissaka back to the club, according to pundit Carlton Palmer.

What’s the word?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the former England international suggested that the Manchester United man would be welcomed back at Selhurst Park, should he opt to secure a return to south London this summer.

Asked about the player potentially linking back up with the Eagles, Palmer said that: “I think they would (welcome Wan-Bissaka back). I mean, he was a fan’s favourite when he was there. We’ll have to wait and see what Ten Hag thinks about him as a football player.

“He’s a good defender, Wan-Bissaka, but he’s pretty short on dealing with the football coming out, and I’m assuming that at Manchester United, with the way that they will want to play under Ten Hag, the full-back positions will be crucial. So, it may be that Wan-Bissaka goes back to Crystal Palace, he’s still a young player, and learns more about his craft under Patrick Vieira.”

This follows recent reports that suggested that Palace are considering a move to re-sign the full-back, although there has been an inclination that he may wish to stay and fight for his place at Old Trafford next term.

Welcome return

Vieira and co may have to wait and see what incoming United boss Erik ten Hag makes of the player, although should they be able to do a deal it would no doubt represent a sensible piece of business.

Having sold him on for a club-record fee of £50m in 2019, the right-back is likely to return for a much-reduced fee – amid suggestions he could be worth less than half of that original price – while a loan deal has also been mooted.

The Red Devils’ hastiness to let him go may be a marker of his struggles over the past few seasons, although that’s perhaps as much of a reflection of the overall turmoil surrounding the Theatre of Dreams than the man himself, with the Englishman not the only player to have suffered a real dip in performances.

It would seem that there is still a quality defender in there somewhere, with the £27m-rated man – who has been dubbed “top class” by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer – once described as the “best one-on-one defender for a full-back in the world” by pundit Jamie Carragher.

That assessment may have been made in his early stint at Carrington, although it shows the high regard he was held in following his original exit from Palace, notably averaging 3.7 tackles, 2.4 interceptions and 3.7 clearances per 90 during his final Premier League season at his former club during the 2018/19 campaign.

Equally, at still just 24, there is plenty of time left for the £83k-per-week warrior to recapture his form and finally realise his early potential, with Vieira potentially the right man to aid that progression having improved a number of youthful stars so far this term.

Most importantly, a new addition on the right side of defence is also needed, with both Joel Ward and Nathaniel Clyne both into their thirties, and with young Nathan Ferguson struggling for fitness since his move from West Bromwich Albion two years ago.

It may prove to be something of a shock move, although Palace must secure a deal for the United man’s return.

IN other news, “Agreement close…”: Ornstein drops huge CPFC update that supporters will love

Former England striker Alan Shearer took to social media to laud Everton full-back Vitaliy Mykolenko for his ‘stunning’ strike against Leicester City this afternoon. 

The lowdown: Dream start for Everton

The Toffees made the perfect start to their crucial match at the King Power Stadium  as Frank Lampard’s side look to get themselves out of the Premier League relegation zone.

With just six minutes on the clock, following some last-ditch defending from Yerry Mina, Alex Iwobi picked out Mykolenko on the edge of the penalty area before the Ukrainian full-back crashed a powerful volley beyond the reach of Kasper Schmeichel.

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The visitors  couldn’t hold onto their goal advantage for long as Patson Daka levelled the score soon after before Mason Holgate restored the lead…

The latest: Shearer impressed by Mykolenko goal

Taking to Twitter in the immediate aftermath of Mykoelnko’s early goal, the all-time Premier League top scorer Shearer hailed the 22-year-old’s effort.

The Newcastle legend gushed: “Wow. What a stunning a strike from #Mykolenko for his first @premierleague goal #LEIEVE”

In fact, this was the 21-cap defender’s first direct goal involvement for Lampard’s team, having signed from Dynamo Kyiv in January.

The verdict: Mykolenko has done well

Even though Daka quickly cancelled out that early goal, the joy on Mykolenko’s face and indeed the pandemonium in the away end at the King Power was a pleasure to behold for Evertonians.

Since coming to Goodison Park for a reported £17m (BBC), the young full-back has endured the hardship of witnessing his homeland facing an invasion from Russia.

All credit should go to Mykolenko for being able to focus on the Everton cause, posting some decent performances so far and carving out a regular spot in Lampard’s first XI, and indeed coming up with such a special moment in a match of this magnitude.

In other news, find out what ‘serious upgrade’ Everton are now eyeing