Tottenham Eye Swoop For £35m "Machine"

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly planning something of a raid on relegated outfit, Leeds United, having been linked with moves for a string of the Whites' key men.

What are the latest Tottenham transfer rumours?

Following reports that the north Londoners are keen on snapping up the likes of Robin Koch and Jack Harrison from Elland Road, 90min has now claimed that the Lilywhites are among the clubs who are also showing an interest in midfield maestro, Tyler Adams.

The report outlines that the former RB Leipzig man – who made the move to Yorkshire on a £20m deal last summer – is likely to seal a swift exit from his current side, with a stay in England looking like his best bet at present.

The piece also notes that Leeds have seemingly 'accepted' that they are set to lose the 24-year-old following their recent drop into the Championship, with Football Insider recently reporting that the United States international could command a fee of around £35m.

Who could Adams replace at Tottenham?

The signing of the one-time Red Bull Salzburg sensation could well spell bad news for current Spurs starlet, Pape Matar Sarr, with the Senegalese youngster set to be nudged even further down the midfield pecking order.

The promising 19-year-old was originally snapped up from FC Metz back in 2021 before securing an immediate loan return to his former employers, having since gone on to play a bit-part role in his first full season at N17.

Amid a turbulent campaign that saw both Antonio Conte and Cristian Stellini dismissed, the 20-year-old was restricted to just 17 appearances across all fronts, despite the respective injury woes of Yves Bissouma and Rodrigo Bentancur.

Tottenham's Pape Matar Sarr

That lack of action has led to suggestion that the 6 foot 1 gem could be on his way to Marseille this summer amid his desire for further game time, with the arrival of Adams potentially set to push him out the door.

The difference in quality between the pair is showcased by the fact that Adams is something of a "tackling machine" – according to pundit Kevin Campbell – having averaged 3.7 tackles and 1.5 interceptions per game from his 24 league appearances, while Sarr averaged just 0.6 and 0.5 for those same two metrics, respectively, from his 11 league outings.

Equally, the Leeds man also appears to offer a great creative quality from his deep-lying berth having averaged one key pass per game in 2022/23, while the current Tottenham man averaged just 0.2 in that regard.

With Sarr – who made just two league starts all season – having been rather on the periphery in north London, Adams, by contrast, was truly "instrumental" prior to his late-season injury woes, according to Campbell, with Leeds winning just two of the final 12 games of the campaign for which he was absent for.

On the evidence of his displays prior to that blow, the New York native could well thrive in the top-flight once again at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium next season, thus allowing Levy and co to move on young Sarr as a result.

Leeds United Hit With Fresh £80m Setback

Leeds United will lose around £80m in television revenue after being relegated from the Premier League, according to a new update.

Has it been a nightmare season for Leeds?

The Whites started the 2022/23 season with high hopes that they could kick on after avoiding relegation from the top flight, but instead, a disastrous campaign unfolded.

Jesse Marsch ultimately proved to be out of his depth as manager and was replaced by Javi Gracia, but he lasted very little time in the Elland Road, with Sam Allardyce coming in to hopefully rescue things. He didn't manage to do that, however, having had so little time to work with his squad, and Leeds' fate was sealed last weekend, following their 4-1 loss at home to Tottenham Hotspur.

Not only have the club had to deal with the misery of heading back to the Championship but also the recent bombshell regarding owner Andrea Radrizzani reportedly looking to use Elland Road as a way of funding his takeover of the Italian club Sampdoria.

It's fair to say that this isn't a happy period for Leeds currently and a fresh update isn't likely to improve the mood of the supporters, either.

How much is Premier League survival worth?

According to Football Insider, the Whites' 19th-place finish and subsequent relegation means that they are "set to lose £80million in television payments alone after being relegated to the Championship". It is described as a "devastating financial hit", with money given to EFL clubs for TV rights "significantly less" than in the Premier League.

For that reason, there will now be a "major impact" on Leeds' revenues in 2023/24, showing how crippling it can be to be relegated from the top flight.

This is clearly a big blow for the Whites, even though it is one that they will have known was coming, and it goes to show how precious playing in the Premier League is. The biggest hope is that the potential 49ers Enterprises' takeover of the club still goes through this summer, in order to soften the blow of this update, considering the financial boost it could hand them.

It is imperative that Leeds make a swift return to the top of the English game rather than languish in the Championship for a number of years, but having the money to make good signings and redevelop the club is vital to that. Some good news is certainly badly needed in the coming weeks.

Man United Do Hold Interest In £100m "Monster"

Manchester United would love to also add Declan Rice to their midfield this summer if their financial situation was to allow a potential move.

How much is Declan Rice worth?

Champions League football in on the menu at Old Trafford for next season and it seems they are not looking to waste any time in bringing in some new faces this summer.

Indeed, reports would suggest the Red Devils are keen to acquire the services of Chelsea's Mason Mount to provide Erik ten Hag some strength in midfield.

It has been claimed that the Londoners would be looking for a fee in the region of £68m this summer for their 24-year-old who only has one-year remaining on his current deal.

However, there is another 24-year-old midfielder from London who finds himself surrounded in transfer speculation this summer.

And it happens to be Mount's best friend, Rice, who now looks set to leave West Ham United following their Europa Conference League triumph.

Reports would suggest the Hammers are looking for a fee in excess of £100m this summer for their England international with the likes of Chelsea and Arsenal said to be interested.

Speaking on TalkSPORT, insider Alex Crook has claimed those at Old Trafford would love to bring Rice to the Theatre of Dreams this summer but the finances could prove an issue:

"I think United would love to try and sign Declan Rice but again it comes down to economics. We know they want a number nine they want a centre-back as well."

What is Man United's transfer budget?

There have been some suggestions that United will only be handed around £100m to spend this summer which will leave them in need of selling some of their players to create funds.

Adding to their limitations as a result of the FFP regulations, it may be a tricky summer of spending to navigate for the Red Devils.

However, their reported interest in Mount and Harry Kane would potentially see that figure swallowed up immediately over the two potential deals.

Chelsea's Mason Mount

Indeed, with Chelsea believed to be holding out for close to £70m for Mount, a possible deal for Kane would see United needing to raise some significant cash.

It is believed Tottenham Hotspur will be doing everything they can this summer to keep their all-time record goalscorer in north London.

But if the England captain is to force a move away, then Spurs will be looking for a figure in excess of £100m for the 29-year-old striker.

And with all of this in mind, you do have to question where a potential move for Rice could fit in?

Potentially if moves for Kane and Mount fall flat then United could look at a deal for the "absolute monster", Rice, however, it looks as if Arsenal are not going to waste any time in their pursuit of the 24-year-old.

Liverpool Considering Offer For £40m Midfield "Diamond"

Liverpool are set to submit a bid for Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia should they miss out on Nice’s Khephren Thuram and Borussia Monchengladbach's Manu Kone, according to reports.

Is Romeo Lavia leaving Southampton?

The Belgium international was Ruben Selles’ former side’s second best-performing defensive player last season so has been attracting interest following relegation, and one of the manager’s keen on securing his services is Jurgen Klopp.

Writing in his column for Football Insider, journalist David Lynch recently revealed that whilst the Reds have made contact with the 19-year-old’s representatives, they require assurances that he only wants to complete a move to Anfield over the likes of Premier League rivals Chelsea and Manchester United.

After signing Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton and Hove Albion, the Merseyside outfit have been heavily linked with Thuram and Kone as their next two potential targets, though if the hierarchy fail to get the duo over the line, FSG have decided where they will turn their attention to.

Are Liverpool signing Lavia?

According to The Transfer Room, Liverpool have “watched” Lavia for a “long time” and new transfer chief Jorg Schmadtke is ready to “approach” Southampton with a “reasonable offer” should they miss out on Thuram and Kone. The St. Mary’s midfielder is “keen” to return to the top-flight and the south coast outfit “won’t stand in his way” of leaving should they receive a bid of approximately £40m. However, it’s worth noting that should the two preferred candidates join, the board “will not act on their interest” in Lavia.

Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia.

Should FSG table a bid for Lavia?

Liverpool will know that Lavia is still very much in the early stages of his career being just 19 years of age, but he’s got so much potential and has already been dubbed a “diamond” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, so FSG could test the waters to see if an agreement can be reached.

The Elite Project Group client, who’s sponsored by Adidas, is much stronger in the natural defensive midfield aspect of his game, ranking in the 96th percentile for blocks and winning 35 tackles last season, which was the second-highest success rate in his squad, via FBRef.

Lavia, who has the versatility to operate slightly higher up in centre of the park, can occasionally contribute to efforts in the final third having recorded one goal and assist apiece in a truly torrid Saints side, so for a player that’s as well-rounded as he is, Klopp would be gaining an exciting midfielder for the future.

Man City Transfer News: Gvardiol Agrees Personal Terms

Josko Gvardiol has fully agreed personal terms with Manchester City and negotiations between the clubs over a fee are now very advanced as well.

How much will Gvardiol cost?

Gvardiol won't be cheap due to him showing outstanding ability at the highest level of the game at just 21-years-old. With a market value of €75million (£64.5m), even a deal on the low end of what RB Leipzig could ask for will require City chiefs to open their wallet.

While the higher reports have seen the German side asking for around €100m (£86m), a figure that would make him the most expensive defender ever, any sale would represent a huge profit on the €18.8m (£16m) which Leipzig spent on the Croatian in the summer of 2021.

It has previously been reported that Gvardiol is "keen to join" the treble winners according to journalist Rudy Galetti, and according to CalcioMercato, via Sport Witness, he is now a step closer to the move transpiring.

The report discloses that the versatile centre-back has a total "agreement" with the Blues over personal terms. Adding to this, all that is needed now is to complete the negotiations over a fee, which are said to be "already very advanced".

This likely means a transfer for Gvardiol should be expected sooner rather than later as Pep Guardiola looks to continue his incredible success for the blue side of Manchester.

How good is Gvardiol?

Being a young player who is already playing at such a high level, Gvardiol has had his flowers given to him multiple times already.

BBC Sport's Zach Lowy labelled Gvardiol as a "Rolls-Royce of a defender" at the World Cup last year, continuing: "20 years old and the best player on the pitch in a match that featured Kevin De Bruyne and Luka Modrić…sensational center back."

Josko Gvardiol

This wasn't the only example of high praise, with Gvardiol's national team boss Zlatko Dalic singing his praises throughout the winter tournament.

Dalic said: “Gvardiol is the best centre-back in the world. To play this maturely, it’s amazing. The way he plays, with what elegance he carries the ball.”

Meanwhile, football talent scout Jacek Kulig dubbed the 6 foot 1 Croatian as the "[Erling] Haaland of defenders", likely due to his mixture of physical dominance, technical ability, promising potential and already demonstrated his class at a high level.

Should City complete a deal for Gvardiol, he would definitely be of the required standard to slot in and improve Guardiola's champions – a scary prospect for the rest of the league.

Aston Villa’s "Livewire" £35k-p/w Target "Open To Joining"

Aston Villa target Harvey Barnes is "open" to completing a summer move to the Midlands, according to journalist John Townley.

Is Harvey Barnes leaving Leicester?

The Leicester City winger is an academy graduate at the King Power Stadium having worked his way up through the various youth ranks to become a regular feature of the senior first-team, starting 32 out of the 38 Premier League games in 2022/23.

The Foxes product still has another two years to run on his contract with Enzo Maresca’s side, but having established himself as their top-performing offensive player last season, alongside the fact that they have suffered relegation, there’s a chance that he could be on the move during this window as one of their most prized assets.

The Independent have credited the Midlands outfit with an interest in the 25-year-old and claimed that Unai Emery is leading the race to land his target, with CBS reporter Ben Jacobs also revealing that the boss is “quietly confident” that an agreement can be reached for a cut-price.

Are Aston Villa signing Barnes?

During a Q&A for BirminghamLive, Townley was asked by a supporter whether Aston Villa are keen on Barnes which he delivered an exciting response to, whilst also providing an update on the pursuit of Villarreal defender Pau Torres. He said:

"Harvey Barnes is a target, and he is open to joining Villa, I’m told. Likewise, Pau Torres will be considered, but his future is uncertain – he could sign a new deal at Villarreal, or finally decide to make a move away from his boyhood club now that he has 12 months left on his current deal."

Leicester City forward Harvey Barnes.

What would Barnes bring to Villa Park?

Aston Villa recently appointed Monchi as their President of Football Operations and it looks like he could already be lining up Barnes as one of his first signings. Should that be the case, he would add plenty of attacking threat to the squad having been lauded a “livewire” in the final third by BBC pundit Alan Hutton.

Leicester’s £35k-per-week left-sided winger racked up 14 goal contributions (13 goals and one assist) in 34 Premier League outings last season and recorded 72 shots, which was the second-highest at the King Power, slightly behind James Maddison on 83, via FBRef.

Barnes, who shares the same agent, Wasserman, as Tyrone Mings and Leander Dendoncker, would also provide Emery with incredible versatility having operated in nine different positions throughout his career, including everywhere across the frontline and in the midfield, so should the deal present itself, this is one that NSWE simply can’t turn down.

Arsenal: "Phenomenal" Star Now "Set" To Leave This Summer

Arsenal forward Folarin Balogun is "set to end his 13-year association with the Gunners this summer", according to journalist Pete O'Rourke.

Who is leaving Arsenal?

Manager Mikel Arteta, from reliable media sources, is said to be closing in on a deal to sign West Ham United star Declan Rice this summer as Arsenal finally agree a fee after multiple rejected bids.

Alongside the 24-year-old, Emirates transfer chief Edu also reached an agreement over the signing of Kai Havertz, who has joined Arsenal in a £65 million deal from Chelsea.

Talks apparently continue over more targets as well, with Southampton's Romeo Lavia and Ajax defender Jurrien Timber remaining firmly on their radar.

It's certainly one of the busiest summers in recent memory at Arsenal, but to make room for these potential arrivals, certain squad members will inevitably have to make way.

The standout names who could make way come in the form of defender Kieran Tierney, Emile Smith Rowe, Nuno Tavares, Sambi Lokonga, Balogun and faithful servant Granit Xhaka (Goal).

Jorginho, after reports of a potential exit, has confirmed plans to remain in north London but his midfield partner, Thomas Partey, is being "pushed" towards the door.

Going back to Balogun, there has been an update on his prospective sale, as journalist O'Rourke details in a piece for Football Insider.

Stade Reims striker Folarin Balogun.

The reporter writes that he is "set to end his 13-year association with the Gunners this summer", and Crystal Palace has emerged as a credible landing spot.

The Eagles have apparently set their sights on Arsenal's exciting young striker, who seriously impressed on loan at Reims in Ligue 1 last campaign.

Arteta's side are likely to hold out for a £35 million fee as the Eagles become interested in striking a deal, but they aren't the only side, with European giants AC Milan monitoring the situation.

Balogun has already ruled out another loan move publicly, so any possible transfer will be a permanent one.

What's been said about Folarin Balogun?

The 21-year-old bagged an impressive 21 goals and two assists in 37 French top flight appearances over 22/23, with Kevin Betsy calling him "phenomenal" for his pace and acceleration.

Meanwhile, Arsenal legend Thierry Henry is another to have heaped praise on Balogun, with the World Cup winner drawing attention to his "refreshing" mindset.

“He’s a very English-style player who likes to run down the channels but he was missing something, which was his finishing," said Henry to Amazon Prime (via The Evening Standard).

“He’s now starting to score goals regularly and I’m happy for that – happy he has gone abroad.

“It’s especially so considering he is a Londoner, in general Londoners struggle to leave London.

“When I heard he was coming to France, it made me think he has a refreshing mindset.”

Liverpool Pursuing Deal To Sign "Exciting" Teen At Anfield

An update has emerged on Liverpool and their plans to bolster their academy options ahead of the 2023/24 campaign…

What's the latest on Trevan Sanusi to Liverpool?

According to the Daily Mail, the Reds are one of a number of teams eyeing up a swoop to sign Birmingham City winger Trevan Sanusi in the summer transfer window, as Jurgen Klopp looks to add another talented youngster to the club.

The report claims that fellow Premier League sides Arsenal, Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United have all been scouting the 16-year-old attacker and are interested in snapping him up.

It states that scouts from all of the above outfits have been keeping tabs on the teenage starlet, with the Reds being one of the interested parties.

The Daily Mail do not, however, reveal how much a deal would cost. He has not signed a scholarship contract with the Championship outfit but any team attempting to sign him would need to pay a compensation fee due to his age.

Where would Trevan Sanusi fit in at Liverpool?

Sanusi only turned 16 in April and would likely arrive to form part of the club's academy system with a view to working his way up to the first team in the future.

He could follow in the footsteps of Spain U18 international Stefan Bajcetic, who forced himself into Klopp's plans during the 2022/23 campaign.

The defensive midfielder played for the Reds at U18, U19, and U21 level before making 19 senior appearances for the German boss last season.

Klopp proved that he is willing to offer opportunities to young players as he handed the 18-year-old six Premier League starts in the middle of the park, showing that there would be a pathway for Sanusi at Anfield.

Earlier this year, Birmingham boss John Eustace was hopeful of the young sensation putting pen to paper on a scholarship deal. The head coach said: “He’s a really exciting young attacking player and we’re hoping that he signs for us and joins the academy."

Liverpool midfielder Stefan Bajcetic.

There is little data to go off in regard to his form for the Blues at youth level but he did score once in three outings for England's U16s as they won the Development Tournament earlier this year and was named on the bench for Eustace's side for a Championship clash with Sheffield United.

This suggests that the 16-year-old dynamo, who was previously called up by England's U15s, has showcased himself to be an exceptional talent for his age, as the club's first-team manager has decided to bring him into the senior set-up.

Therefore, Liverpool could be bringing in a potential future star to develop during the years to come and he could follow Bajcetic in working his way through the various age groups before making an impact for Klopp in the Premier League.

Given they are currently 16 and 18, Sanusi could end up forming an important part of the club's long-term future alongside the Spanish midfielder if they are both able to sustain themselves as regulars in the side as they develop over the coming years.

Newcastle v Aston Villa: prredictions, preview & more

As Football FanCast previews the opening weekend to the 2023/24 Premier League season, we’ve taken a look at Newcastle United vs Aston Villa in a game between two sides who unexpectedly impressed in the last campaign.

When is the match and is it on UK TV?

Newcastle vs Aston Villa plays host to the season’s first Saturday Night Football installment on Sky Sports on Saturday, August 12, 5:30pm BST.

The fixture kicks off Unai Emery’s first full season in charge at Aston Villa after a stellar stint in charge so far, which saw the Villains go from relegation contenders to qualifying for the Europa Conference League by the end of the season.

Eddie Howe, meanwhile, will be hoping for a repeat from his side, as they look to make it back-to-back top-four finishes.

Every Opening day premier League fixture in full

Who is Newcastle United's key player?

Newcastle striker Callum Wilson

When thinking of Newcastle United’s key players, it’s hard to look past Callum Wilson.

The England international had a season to remember last time out, scoring a total of 18 Premier League goals.

With that confidence, Wilson should only enjoy a repeat in the forthcoming campaign, too, as should Newcastle, as a whole.

As Alexander Isak continues to offer plenty of competition, Wilson may well step things up another gear or two, resulting in even more goals for the Magpies.

Who is Aston Villa's key player?

Just like Newcastle, Aston Vila’s key player comes from within their frontline, with Ollie Watkins the dangerman.

Under Steven Gerrard, some may have been worried about the direction in which Watkins was heading. Since the arrival of Emery, however, the former Brentford striker has been a man transformed, ending the season on 15 Premier League goals.

Watkins’ battle against fellow England striker Wilson will certainly be an interesting one on the opening day.

How will Newcastle United line-up?

With a long summer ahead, Newcastle may well introduce some fresh faces on the opening night of the Premier League season.

The biggest move that the Magpies have been linked with so far is for Inter Milan’s Nicolo Barella.

According to Luke Edwards, Mike McGrath and Matt Law of The Times, Newcastle are closing in on a move for the midfielder this summer, in what could be one of the deals of the transfer window.

With that said, here’s how Newcastle could line up against Aston Villa: Nick Pope; Kieran Trippier; Sven Botman; Fabian Schar; Dan Burn; Nicolo Barella; Joelinton, Bruno Guimaraes; Miguel Almiron, Alexander Isak, Callum Wilson

How will Aston Villa line-up?

Leon Bailey and Aston Villa manager Unai Emery.

Having already signed Youri Tielemans on a free deal this summer, Emery has the option to throw the former Leicester City midfielder straight into his Aston Villa side to face Newcastle on the opening day.

The Frenchman will also be boosted by the return of a fully fit Diego Carlos, who missed the majority of last season through injury after signing for the club last summer.

It remains to be seen who else Villa will welcome this summer, but here’s how they could line up against Newcastle: Emiliano Martinez; Matty Cash; Tyrone Mings; Diego Carlos; Lucas Digne; Douglas Luiz, Youri Tielemans; Emi Buendia; John McGinn; Jacob Ramsey; Ollie Watkins

What were the last five meetings between the two teams?

In the last five meetings between these two sides, both Newcastle and Aston Villa have two wins apiece with one solitary draw.

The last time they squared off, of course, saw Villa shock Howe’s side by brushing them aside to comfortably win 3-0 at Villa Park.

There’s no doubt that Newcastle will be looking for revenge after an afternoon to forget last time out.

A positive for the Magpies is the fact that Villa’s last trip to St James’ Park ended in a 4-0 victory.

With that said, here are the last five results:

  • April 2023: Aston Villa 3-0 Newcastle United
  • October 2022: Newcastle United 4-0 Aston Villa
  • February 2022: Newcastle United 1-0 Aston Villa
  • August 2021: Aston Villa 2-0 Newcastle United
  • March 2021: Newcastle United 1-1 Aston Villa

Who is going to win?

No doubt a tight affair, given how impressive both sides were last season, we could be in for a blockbuster opening to the 2023/24 Premier League campaign.

As both sides look to pick up where they left off, we can’t see past an entertaining draw between two of the most exciting teams in the league when they are in their best form.

FFC predicts: Draw

Paul Warne Identifies Next Derby Position Of Need In Transfer Window

Derby County are still bolstering their squad ahead of a potential promotion push next season – and The Derby Telegraph reports that the Rams are determined to bring in another striker as a matter of priority.

Who have Derby County signed?

The League One side only narrowly missed out on a play-off spot in the last campaign, with Paul Warne not quite able to get his troops over the line on a dramatic final day. Having suffered a drop down the divisions due to financial difficulties and points deductions, supporters would have been happy to see the side back challenging at the right end of the table. Ultimately though, the Rams could finish only seventh.

Now though, they are ready to go again and go even better next time around and bag promotion back to the Championship. That has involved Derby getting to work and getting busy in the transfer window already – their business has seen them land seven new faces this summer and there could be more to come.

In what could be seen as a big coup for the side, they managed to land Sonny Bradley on a free transfer after his release from Luton Town for starters, and they have also signed the experienced Connor Washington on a deal more recently. Callum Elder has arrived from Hull in the second tier and Kane Wilson has done likewise from Bristol City.

Now, according to The Derby Telegraph, the club have already identified where they want to strengthen next. Derby are keen to add more options to their forward line as a matter of priority as stated by this report, and it seems as though another forward could be next on their agenda then for Paul Warne this window.

It adds that that they may "wait" until they see how things unfold further up the pyramid before they "make their move" for another attacker. However, it does add that it is their "chief priority" as they want a strikeforce that can challenge at the very top of the third tier.

Who are Derby linked with?

In terms of who they could bring in to fill that striker spot, Matt Godden is one name to have been linked with a switch to Pride Park recently. That report adds that with Coventry wanting to snap up Billy Sharp, a deal could ultimately push him out of the door and make him available to the Rams on a transfer this summer. However, this new report suggests that a deal for the Sky Blues attacker is "unlikely" at the minute, so perhaps there is another unnamed target yet to emerge.

Either way, it looks as though Derby will be going all out this transfer window to ensure they are the most-equipped they can be to tackle League One head on in 2023/24. Having not even been able to challenge in the play-offs last season, they won't want to fall short again and Warne will be only too aware of what he needs to do to get the Rams challenging, having done so with Rotherham in past campaigns.

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