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Rumoured Liverpool transfer target Marco Asensio is wanted by Milan in the summer transfer window, according to a fresh transfer report.

The Lowdown: Liverpool keen on Asensio

The 26-year-old has become an important figure for Real Madrid down the years, winning two Champions League crowns and scoring in the 2017 final against Juventus.

This season, Asensio has continued to impress, bagging eight goals in 15 La Liga starts, but it could be that he moves on to pastures new this summer given he has seemingly fallen down the pecking order slightly, starting only two Champions League games.

Liverpool have been linked with a move for the Spaniard in recent times, with reports in Spain earlier this year claiming he is ‘for sale’ and they are the ‘main bidder’ (via Sport Witness).

However, the Reds now face some serious competition.

The Latest: Milan eye up move

According to Sport Mediaset [via Sport Witness], Milan are ‘serious’ about signing Asensio this summer, presenting a ‘serious proposal’ to Madrid.

A member of the player’s entourage also states that ‘a couple of English clubs, including Arsenal’ are interested in signing the winger, with Liverpool presumed to be the second team in question given the previous links.

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The Verdict: On one condition…

While Asensio is a top-quality player, there really is no need for Jurgen Klopp to bring in any more attacking players, unless a big-name figure leaves.

In Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino, Liverpool have an embarrassment of riches at their disposal, but if one of those players were to leave, then this signing would make a lot more sense.

Someone like Milan or Arsenal feel more in need of a player of Asensio’s ilk at the moment, but this is certainly one to keep on eye on if the Reds cannot renew the contract/s of Mane, Salah and Firmino.

In other news, one player has been eyed up as Sadio Mane’s successor at Liverpool. Read more here.

Tottenham Hotspur have been dealt a blow in their bid to bring Josko Gvardiol to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by German media outlet RB Live (via Sport Witness), who claim that, despite The Athletic recently revealing that the RB Leipzig centre-back is the first name on Fabio Paratici’s list of targets ahead of the summer transfer window, the chances of the 20-year-old linking up with Antonio Conte’s side this summer are extremely thin.

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The report goes on to state that the Croatia international has himself ruled out a departure from the Red Bull Arena at the end of the current campaign, while it is also claimed that the defender is likely to have a release clause written into his contract that is much higher than the €50m (£42m) figure mentioned as the potential cost of his transfer.

Paratici must act

Considering just how impressive Gvardiol has been following his €16m (£13m) move to RB Leipzig back in the summer of 2020, in addition to Antonio Conte’s well-documented desire to add a top left-sided centre-back to his Spurs side this summer, Paratici simply must do everything in his power to seal the 20-year-old’s signing.

Indeed, over his 27 Bundesliga appearances this season, the £100m-rated Croatian has been imperious in the heart of the Leipzig defence, helping his side keep six clean sheets, as well as making an average of 1.7 interceptions, 1.7 tackles, two clearances and winning 6.1 duels – at a success rate of 58% – per game.

The £21k-per-week centre-back has also contributed in an attacking capacity, scoring two goals, providing two assists and creating four big chances for his teammates, in addition to making an average of 60.1 passes, 3.5 long balls and taking 0.9 shots per fixture.

These returns have seen the player who Ivica Olic dubbed “extraordinary” and claimed “everyone is talking about” average a rather breathtaking SofaScore match rating of 7.12, ranking him as Domenico Tedesco’s joint third-best player in the top flight of German football.

As such, it is clear for all to see that Gvardiol would make an excellent addition to Conte’s current options in his Tottenham backline, leading us to believe that Paratici simply must do all he can to land the 20-year-old prodigy this summer – even if it means breaking Tottenham’s current incoming transfer record of £54m.

AND in other news: Conte can finally axe £55m “disaster” as Spurs plot £60m bid for “unbelievable” talent

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In the 2017/18 season, West Ham had a particularly evident goalkeeping issue in terms of selection.

The Hammers had Spanish goalkeeper Adrian on the books, along with Joe Hart on loan from Manchester City, with the pair battling it out for the number one shirt in intriguing fashion – amazingly, the pair made 19 Premier League starts each last season, meaning they both had a half of the season each in between the sticks (per Whoscored).

What’s changed?

Now, however, there is only one man in contention for the role at the London Stadium – summer signing Lukasz Fabianski, who arrived from Swansea for just £7m (per BBC) in a deal which can easily be debated as one of the signings of the season.

Who should replace Marko Arnautovic if he leaves West Ham? FFC’s James Jones has the answer! Check out the video below to find out…

The Polish international has picked up where he left off at the Liberty Stadium, helping Manuel Pellegrini’s side to tenth in the table as things stand in impressive fashion, having allowed everyone else a head-start with four losses from their first four games.

Impressively, the 33-year-old keeper has managed to save a penalty already for his new club, on his way to keeping four clean sheets from 23 league games and making 86 saves as he has fast become a fans’ favourite in east London.

The former Arsenal man has conceded 34 goals for the Irons in his 23 league starts, and has provided a solid foundation behind the formidable Issa Diop and Fabian Balbuena that has allowed the flair players, such as Felipe Anderson, to perform so admirably.

The Verdict 

West Ham needed a settled number one, and they got one. It is always commendable when a club goes out and actively solves a problem position in the side to great, and immediate effect, so the Hammers have to be commended for their proactive approach – for such a minimal fee in today’s market as well, there can be no complaints.

The deal should also have a fair bit of sustainability about it as well, as Fabianski appears to be getting better with age and should still have at least three years left in him as a quality Premier League keeper – as aforementioned, this has to be mentioned in any conversation debating the best signing of the season.

As Jesse Marsch looks to rebuild this Leeds United squad in his image over the summer transfer window, one man to whom he will surely say goodbye is Laurens de Bock.

The Belgian was signed for £3m by Thomas Christiansen back in January 2018, becoming the then-Leeds manager’s third arrival of the winter transfer window.a

However, following his move, things just didn’t go to plan for the £15k-a-week earning full-back, who struggled to really make much of an impact at Elland Road.

The 29-year-old would go on to play just seven times for the Yorkshire club before eventually losing his first-team place to a teenage Tom Pearce.

After finding himself out of the picture, De Bock was quickly shipped out on loan – indeed, he has since had four different spells at the likes of Oostende, Sunderland, ADO Den Haag and finally Zulte Waregem, where he has been since the summer of 2020.

Back in his native Belgium, the 29-year-old has seemingly find a more natural home, becoming a first-team regular for Zulte and making 28 appearances in all competitions this season.

With his contract at Leeds expiring this summer, now is the perfect chance for both sides to finally wave goodbye on a permanent basis, something that former Whites goalkeeper Paul Robinson has backed to happen.

The Englishman said: “He’ll obviously be well-informed about the player and know exactly where he is, how many games he’s played and what level he’s at. It’s a decision for Jesse Marsch to look at and decide what he wants going forward.

“If they saw it fit to loan him out this season, with his contract ending, it was the last chance for him to either be put in the shop window to look for other employment or sign a new contract at Leeds. But if they see it fit to let De Bock go and let Junior Firpo stay, it’s an area they’re going to have to look at in the summer.”

Leeds’ forgotten man is finally set for a more permanent exit this summer, having not played for the club since 10 March 2018.

AND in other news – Leeds could unleash Thorp Arch’s breakout star in “fiery” 18 y/o who’s “got an edge”

According to a report from the print edition of Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport (via SempreInter), Tottenham Hotspur are among the leading contenders to sign Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez. 

The lowdown: Spurs’ interest

Spurs have been continually linked with a move for the 24-year-old for some time and it appears that the interest remains heading onto the summer transfer window.

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The reigning Serie A title holders could once again cash in on a big name having sold Romelu Lukaku to Chelsea in 2021 for an eye-watering £97.5million (Sky Sports).

This time it could be Tottenham that benefits as manager Antonio Conte eyes up a reunion with Martinez…

The latest: Italian media names three suitors

As per Gazzetta dello Sport (via SempreInter), the Lilywhites, alongside Atletico Madrid and Barcelona, ‘have emerged as the main candidates’ to sign the Argentina international.

It’s claimed that the Nezzarruri will demand a fee in the region of  €60-70million (£50-58million) for the man once hailed as ‘spectacular’ by Lionel Messi.

Furthermore, the interest from N17 is believed to be increasing as Tottenham transfer chief Fabio Paratici attempts to reunite Martinez with Conte after the 37-cap ace netted 40 goals under the Italian’s tutelage at the San Siro.

The verdict: At all costs

This is a deal Spurs should be desperate to complete regardless of Harry Kane’s situation at the club this summer.

Martinez has often operated in a strike partnership, most notably alongside Lukaku, and therefore would likely have no issues linking up alongside pass master Kane for the Lilywhites.

So far this season the Argentinian has scored 17 goals and provided three assists in 41 appearances across all competitions including a UEFA Champions League stunner against Liverpool.

Signing a player of this pedigree for the mooted asking price would be a superb piece of business.

In other news: Tottenham plotting move for Premier League star,  find out more here.

When Steven Gerrard was appointed as manager of Aston Villa, plenty of eyebrows were raised around the country.

The Liverpudlian is clearly a very talented and highly-rated coach but rightly or wrongly, there is always an element of scepticism attached to those arriving on English shores from Scottish football.

What he achieved north of the border was tremendous, as he guided Rangers to the Premiership title last term, doing so in unbeaten fashion.

That was the biggest boon attached to his CV upon arriving at Villa Park but we have quickly discovered there is another hugely appreciated bonus that he brings with him; that of attracting footballers to come and play for him.

The signings of Philippe Coutinho and Lucas Digne prove that, as two impressive regular internationals joined the club, marking a set of acquisitions that were some of the most impressive in the club’s recent history.

However, there could be arrivals before the window is closed with Johan Lange and Gerrard targeting a certain Luis Suarez no less.

It appears as if the Uruguayan is enthralled by the idea of working with somebody he respects highly from when the ex-midfielder was still a player, and what a signing he’d be.

Boasting 241 goals in Europe’s top five leagues, he is a generational talent, someone who has found the net throughout his career with jaw-dropping consistency.

Yet, he isn’t the only offensive name that could still put pen to paper at Bodymoor Heath before January 31st.

Another player who has been linked with a move is Swedish winger Dejan Kulusevski.

The Juventus star has been touted with switches to the likes of Tottenham Hotspur in recent times but it’s Villa who must secure his services.

After all, the £27m-rated gem could create a destructive and compelling partnership alongside both Coutinho and Suarez in the forward line.

Described as “explosive” by former Villa and Sweden striker Marcus Allback, Kulusevski has attributes in his locker that could scare opposing defenders up and down the country.

Capable of playing all across the front line, he has scored nine times and registered ten assists for Juve, but it was at Atalanta where he was most prolific.

He beat the goalkeeper on 17 occasions while proving himself to be a creative marvel, racking up 26 assists.

Indeed, with that kind of service for Suarez, they’d have the potential to create an awe-inspiring attack under Gerrard.

Admittedly, bringing both of them to the Midlands this winter seems unlikely, but supporters can always dream.

AND in other news, Grealish 2.0: Gerrard must avoid transfer howler on AVFC’s “selfless” £31.5m-rated gem…

Everton are in a vulnerable position this season and have now found themselves in the relegation zone following their defeat in the Merseyside Derby, however, despite the struggles the club are still linked with transfer interests this summer.

What’s the latest

According to La Gazzetta Dello Sport (via Calciomercato), there are several Premier League clubs interested in signing Torino player Wilfried Singo, including Everton.

The report suggests that the club could make an offer for Singo, competing with Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham and Leicester to secure his signature this summer.

Better than Iwobi

The 21-year-old has been performing at a high level for his Italian club, and has been deployed in predominantly a right midfield position this season but can also play right-back.

Singo, who was hailed a “revelation” by journalist Matteo Bonetti, has become more of an attacking threat for his Serie A team this season scoring three goals and contributing four assists, winning the majority of his duels (58%), making 1.6 tackles and 1.4 clearances on average per game, proving he can impose an attacking threat as well as providing defensive qualities.

With that being said, the Ivorian national could be the perfect upgrade for Alex Iwobi this summer following a disappointing stint at Goodison Park over the last three years.

Iwobi has only scored seven goals in 91 appearances for Everton, and despite playing on the left compared to Singo on the right, the impact in comparison that the latter could provide for the club would be huge if he can emulate his performances for Torino on Merseyside next season.

Frank Lampard has been giving Iwobi his second chance in the team since arriving in January, becoming a consistent player in the team and despite scoring the winner against Newcastle United last month has otherwise not positively impacted the team to secure safety from relegation this season so far.

Everton may have competition to sign the in-demand £13.5m-rated star, and it could be much harder to add Singo into the team if they drop into the Championship this season and Premier League clubs make a move for him. Therefore, the Toffees boss will need to work hard to make sure that he can secure top-flight football in the remaining games.

AND in other news: Frank set for disaster on “fabulous” £5.1k-p/w gem, EFC supporters may not forgive him

Nottingham Forest are currently without first choice left-back Max Lowe, who is out until the end of April with a groin injury, leaving 32-year-old midfielder Jack Colback to fill in at that spot as they seek a spot in the Championship play-off places.

However, if the East Midlands club acted on their interest five years ago in James Justin, they would have not only have had a 19-year-old Premier League potential defender on their hands back then, they would have had a more than adequate replacement for Lowe right now too.

According to The Sun back in 2017, Forest tabled a £1m bid for the then-Luton Town star, with former manager Mark Warburton of the belief that he was ready for Championship football.

However, that move failed to materialise, and Justin remained with the Hatters for another two seasons, helping them to extraordinary back-to-back promotions, leaving them with Championship football when he joined Leicester City in 2019 for a fee worth around £6m.

Establishing himself in his first season as one of the league’s biggest bargains that season, he ranked among full-backs in the Premier League across his debut campaign in the top flight in the top 4% for successful pressure percentage per 90 (36.5%), top 9% for successful dribble percentage per 90 (76.5%) and top 7% for ball recoveries per 90 (11.12).

Now aged 24 with a market valuation of £15.3m, a whopping 1430% more than the £1m fee Forest offered, the defender has become a versatile option for the Premier League side. He is able to fill in at both left-back and right-back when required, as well as possessing the intelligence and ability to play as a defensive midfielder.

Once described by Journalist Liam Canning as “class” and “first rate”, the Foxes full-back has begun to re-establish himself as a key man within Brendan Rodgers’ squad, having just returned from a cruciate ligament rupture injury, which kept him out of action for 331 days.

It’s clear that Forest made a monumental mistake not to sign Justin from Luton when he was a bargain pick-up for the club, and even if he couldn’t have helped the club towards promotion, he would have had an excellent re-sell rate that the Championship side have missed out on.

In other news: Cooper can finally axe Forest “bulldog” by signing “very impressive” £135k-rated gem

Phil Hay has provided an important update regarding Leeds United’s pursuit of Brenden Aaronson, admitting that a second bid from the club is yet to be accepted by Red Bull Salzburg.

The Lowdown: Bids made for Aaronson

The Whites are clearly interested in acquiring the American’s signature this month, with two bids reportedly already made in recent days and Victor Orta an admirer of the 21-year-old, identifying him as a player who could develop under Marcelo Bielsa at Elland Road.

Leeds are thought to have tabled an offer of £20m for Aaronson as they look to make a significant midfield addition in the January transfer window.

It feels like a saga which could go to the wire, though, especially after a fresh update from a reliable source.

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The Latest: Hay gives Aaronson transfer update

Speaking in a Q&A for The Athletic on Saturday, Hay admitted there are no signs that Leeds’ second bid will be accepted by Salzburg.

Revealing the latest on the Whites’ pursuit of the 21-year-old, the journalist outlined: “Sounded likely to me that Salzburg would turn the second bid down too. Haven’t been told that it’s been formally rejected but as we stand, it hasn’t been accepted.”

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The Verdict: Salzburg holding firm

Salzburg are clearly desperate to keep hold of Aaronson this month, which is no great surprise considering that he has already scored 10 goals and registered 12 assists in 51 appearances for the club at such a young age.

Leeds may need to increase their offer further in order to get their man, at which point it could be tricky if a lack of funds are available for new additions.

Patience may be required in the coming days, but if the Whites can snap up Aaronson, he could be an ideal signing at a time when midfield reinforcements are essential with Kalvin Phillips out injured.

In other news, another Premier League club have entered the race to sign a Leeds transfer target. Find out who it is here.

Tottenham Hotspur are now attempting a move for star Villarreal defender Pau Torres as claims emerge from Spain in the last week.

The Lowdown: Lilywhites fail with bid…

Torres, who has been a crucial player under former Arsenal boss Unai Emery at the La Liga side, is absolutely no stranger to Lilywhites supporters.

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Spurs transfer chief Fabio Paratici has held a serious interest in the 25-year-old before with Torres even confirming himself that the club made a summer approach before 2021/2022.

The Spain international claims Tottenham even offered him a better deal in terms of salary than Villarreal.

However, Torres goes on to say that his club’s presence in the Champions League was a deciding factor in rejecting Paratici’s advances.

Now, as per La Razon (via Sport Witness), as Antonio Conte’s side chase qualification for Europe’s most elite competition, they are back in the picture to sign him.

The Latest: Tottenham attempting Torres move…

It is claimed that Spurs are ‘seem to be trying’ to sign the central defender this summer.

As well as this, Villarreal have decided to green-light the player’s summer sale if any interested side can offer around €60 million (£50m).

The Verdict: Get it done?

An accomplished centre-half is reportedly among many of Conte’s transfer demands this summer with The Telegraph believing he could demand as many as six fresh faces.

Bearing this in mind, Paratici and chairman Daniel Levy will have to operate smartly in the market and offload surplus players like Tanguy Ndombele before making such huge investments.

As Spurs allegedly attempt to sign Torres, there is no denying they have a better chance of doing so than last year as things stand, especially as they chase a top-four finish.

His £50m price tag remains a huge obstacle, but if Paratici can work his way around the finances and Tottenham’s homegrown quota problem this summer, there is little denying he would be a major upgrade.

Spain manager Luis Enrique, calling Torres and Aymeric Laporte ‘sensational’ due to their defensive partnership at international level, is arguably proven right by the player’s impressive La Liga stats this season.

Over his 28 league starts, the colossal defender has averaged more successful aerial duels per 90 (1.9) than anyone under Emery whilst also making the second-most clearances behind Raul Albion (WhoScored).

A crucial mainstay, only goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli has played more top flight minutes over 2021/2022, backing just how integral he is to Villarreal.

If Conte can snap him up, there is no reason why he cannot become just as pivotal in north London.

In other news: Tottenham in pole position to sign ‘unreal’ 6 foot 3 powerhouse for Conte! Find out more here.