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Aston Villa could be ready to plot a move for Marseille defender Duje Caleta-Car.

What’s the word?

That’s according to Football Insider sources who claim that Steven Gerrard is stepping up to sign a new centre back in the summer transfer window. Gerrard watched Caleta-Car last week as Marseille beat Nantes 3-2 in Ligue 1.

With the Croatia international’s contract expiring at the end of next season and his market value set at £14.4m, then Villa may well grab themselves a bargain if they were to land the defender.

They may face a battle though, as fellow Premier League side West Ham have been linked with him in the past few months.

Better than Mings & Konsa?

Villa have conceded 27 goals in 21 matches under Gerrard since his arrival in November 2021 and these figures are simply not good enough if he aims to take the side into Europe.

The centre-back partnership of Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa is clearly not working well enough, hence the interest in Caleta-Car.

Dubbed “excellent” by Alex Crook, it’s clear to see why. The 25-year-old has 22 caps for Croatia, featuring in the squad that was runners-up at the 2018 World Cup and also played in Euro 2020.

Caleta-Car has a 92% pass success rate in Ligue 1, higher than both Mings and Konsa. Showing that he can play out successfully from the heart of defence and build attacks.

He also wins 69% of his duels per game in Ligue 1, again higher than both Englishmen and these performance-related factors could be what Gerrard is looking for in a central defender; someone that is strong and can win both ground and aerial battles, as well as being able to play out well.

Villa may find themselves with a bargain on their hands come the summer.

AND in other news, Aston Villa now plotting bid for £18m-rated “phenom”, he’s the “new Yaya Toure”…

Scottish football journalist Andrew Dickson has been left hailing the display of James Tavernier for Glasgow Rangers in the Europa League on Thursday night.

The Lowdown: Memorable night

It certainly was a memorable night for the club and its supporters, as the Ibrox faithful triumphed 3-1 against RB Leipzig to put them through 3-2 on aggregate.

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Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s team will now play Frankfurt in the final, for a chance to win a remarkable piece of silverware and trump their arch-rivals looming domestic triumph.

There were plenty of top performers on the night, but the skipper stood above them all…

The Latest: Tavernier hailed

Taking to Twitter, Dickson was left hailing Tavernier after he scored the opening goal of the game, even going as far as to brand him as an ‘extraordinary leader’ and an ‘absolute legend’:

“Top scorer in the whole competition. All of his goals in the knockouts. And, once again, an extraordinary leader of his team this week. James Tavernier, what an absolute legend.”

The Verdict: Led by example

With the captain’s armband on, Tavernier led by example as he slotted home to become the top scorer in the Europa League this season, from right-back no less.

Attacking wise, he completed both of his dribble attempts, made one key pass and had 69 touches of the ball in total, more than any of his teammates (SofaScore).

He did his fair share of defending too, winning seven of his individual duels, while he also made two clearances, one interception and one tackle in the match (SofaScore).

Nonetheless, Tavernier was just one of many standout performers for the home side on the night, and they will now be looking forward to a major European final later this month.

In other news, find out what ‘absolutely massive’ Gers update has Alan Hutton thrilled here!

Dean Jones has dropped an update on the future of reported Leeds United transfer target Ryan Kent.

What’s the talk?

In a recent interview with GIVEMESPORT, the transfer insider and journalist revealed that, despite Glasgow Rangers hoping to tie the 25-year-old down to a new contract at Ibrox this summer, the winger is looking to secure a move away from Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side at the end of the current campaign – with both Leeds and Everton believed to be interested in the former Liverpool starlet.

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Regarding the future of Kent, Jones said: “I’m told Ryan Kent will still look to leave this summer as he wants to play in the Premier League. Rangers are ready to make him a new contract offer, but it sounds like he fancies a move, and he knows clubs like Leeds and Everton are keen.”

Orta will be buzzing

With Kent having been a long-term target for Victor Orta and Leeds, the news that the forward looks to have his heart set on a move away from Scotland this summer is sure to be an update that will have left the Whites’ sporting director buzzing.

And, it is not difficult to see why Orta would be interested in a move for the 25-year-old this summer, as the £12.6m-rated winger would very much appear to make a fantastic addition to Jesse Marsch’s current options out wide, particularly with Raphinha being heavily linked with a move away from Elland Road.

Indeed, over his 25 Premiership appearances this season, the £52k-per-week forward has proved a constant threat on Rangers’ left flank, scoring two goals, registering eight assists and creating ten big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 2.5 shots, making 1.7 key passes and completing 2.1 dribbles per game.

These returns have seen the player who Andrew Dickson dubbed “unplayable” average a highly impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.10, ranking him as the Light Blues’ sixth-best performer in the Scottish top flight.

However, it has undoubtedly been over Kent’s 12 appearances over Rangers’ run to the Europa League final in which the forward has really caught the eye, bagging one goal, providing three assists and creating five big chances, with these metrics seeing the former England youth international average a SofaScore match rating of 7.08.

As such, should Raphinha indeed move onto pastures new this summer, Kent would very much look to be an extremely capable replacement for the Brazil international, something which leads us to believe that Jones’ latest update concerning the 25-year-old is fantastic news for Orta and supporters of the Whites alike.

AND in other news: Orta can land £60m talent’s dream replacement with Leeds bid for £46k-p/w “phenomenon”

Wolves manager Bruno Lage has admitted that Adama Traore could be involved in his plans for next season once the winger returns to the Premier League club after his unsuccessful loan spell at Barcelona.

What’s the story?

As per Birmingham Live, the Old Gold manager has revealed that he will open the door for the Spaniard to return to his squad next term.

The 46-year-old said of Traore: “I don’t have any problem with him, he’s a good professional. It’s about him. There are a lot of things in question and we need to understand what is best for the club and what is best for the player.

“If he starts the season with us, it’s one more player. He would need to work hard and I am here to help him to be better.”

The more likely scenario is that the 26-year-old moves on, with just one year remaining on his current contract at Molineux whilst rejecting past extension offers.

However, it would be an unlikely turnaround for Traore if he were to be reintegrated into Lage’s squad.

Traore return could benefit Wolves

It is no secret that Wolves have struggled for goals this term, with Lage’s side the Premier League’s fourth-lowest scorers with just 36 goals in as many matches.

Adding to their front line will undoubtedly be a priority, with a lack of goals in all probability costing the West Midlands club a European place, but the return of Traore could be timely.

Regardless of whether or not the Spaniard will be reintegrated into Lage’s squad for next season, the winger will depart Molineux for less than the fee for which he arrived.

Having joined from Middlesbrough in 2018 for £18m, the £46k-per-week dynamo will either leave this summer for a cut-price fee given the one year remaining on his contract or else depart for free next year.

Granted, with just one goal this season for Wolves and a mere 11 in 154 appearances for the Black Country outfit, plus 18 assists, the 26-year-old isn’t exactly a goal machine.

However, since Traore’s departure for Barcelona, Lage’s men have lost 10 of their 16 matches, which suggests that the Spaniard’s presence certainly makes a difference.

Hailed as “unplayable” by Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, Traore’s return will provide little risk for Wolves.

The winger can either leave for a cut-price fee or return to the squad for a season and leave for free. Either way, Lage certainly seems to want him at Molineux and would surely welcome the winger back with open arms to try and add a fresh impetus to an attack which needs it.

AND in other news: Wolves handed huge boost as early Norwich team news emerges, Lage will be delighted

Fabrizio Romano has relayed a huge update concerning the future of both Tottenham Hotspur centre-forward Harry Kane and Spurs manager Antonio Conte.

What’s the word?

In a recent post on Twitter, the Italian journalist and transfer insider relayed recent comments made by the 28-year-old regarding his future at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, in which the England captain also went on to suggest that – despite recent reports linking the Italian with a move away from north London this summer – the 52-year-old could also remain at Spurs next season – saying he was looking forward to 2022/23.

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In his tweet, Romano said: “Harry Kane tells Standard Sport: ‘I’m a big fan of Conte, it’d be great if he stays. We really enjoy working with him. We look forward to the next season with a great manager. But it’s Conte’s decision – and I’m sure he will talk to the club and decide on his future’.”

Supporters will be buzzing

Considering just how important both Kane and Conte are to Tottenham, the former’s suggestion that both he and the 52-year-old could remain at the club next season is sure to have left the Spurs faithful buzzing.

Despite the centre-forward getting off to an uncharacteristically slow start to the season – scoring just one goal and registering one assist over his first ten Premier League fixtures in 2021/22 – ever since Conte’s appointment in the Tottenham dugout back in November, the 28-year-old has burst into life.

Indeed, over his 27 appearances under the management of the Italian, the £90m-rated forward has scored 15 goals and registered seven assists, with these returns seeing the £200k-per-week hitman average a quite incredible SofaScore match rating of 7.34 – not only ranking him as Spurs’ second-best performer in the league but also as the joint eighth-best player in the division as a whole.

However, it is not only Kane who the former Inter Milan boss has had a positive impact on, as Tottenham’s general level of performance has also drastically increased since the time of the Italian’s arrival at the club – with Spurs climbing from ninth to fourth in the league standings under the 52-year-old, picking up a very impressive 53 points over his 27 league games in charge.

As such, should both men remain in north London heading into 2022/23, the future would appear to be extremely bright for Spurs – something that is undoubtedly fantastic news for everyone involved with the club.

AND in other news: Paratici must brutally axe £32m Spurs flop, he’s “nowhere near good enough” for Conte

Everton will host Crystal Palace in their penultimate Premier League game and final home fixture of the season, and Patrick Boyland has revealed a huge fitness update ahead of the clash tonight.

What’s the latest?

The Everton reporter for The Athletic took to Twitter to confirm a triple fitness boost for the Toffees with Michael Keane, Donny van de Beek and Ben Godfrey all available for selection.

Boyland tweeted:

“Ben Godfrey could be in the squad to face Crystal Palace. Michael Keane has fully recovered from sickness and Donny van de Beek also ready to return.”

The reporter also confirmed: “Mina and Delph still out.”

Frank will be buzzing

Despite Yerry Mina and Fabian Delph being unavailable for the game, Frank will surely be buzzing to have three new players fit and ready for the last two games of the season, with Everton in a position to secure survival in the Premier League if they can win the game tonight.

Keane’s return from illness gives Lampard the opportunity to strengthen his backline after Jarrad Branthwaite was red-carded in the clash with Brentford on Sunday afternoon, so it will be a massive silver lining for the manager to have him back in the squad.

Another defender returning after almost a month out of action is Ben Godfrey who again can help to bolster the defence this evening alongside Keane to give Everton the best chance of protecting their goal against Palace’s relentless attackers in Conor Gallagher and Wilfried Zaha.

The final returnee in Van de Beek has been out of action since March and has not made an appearance in 11 games which will be massively disappointing to Lampard who signed the Man United loanee on Deadline Day.

Due to injuries the 25-year-old has only featured seven times for the Toffees during his five-month spell at Goodison Park, but could be deployed in the centre of the pitch over the next two games following Delph’s injury woes.

Ultimately, with the last game of the season for Everton over in North London at the Emirates, the side must capitalise on their opportunity to seal safety at home this evening, taking all the pressure off the final day away against Arsenal.

AND in other news: Everton plotting swoop for 18y/o “shining light”, he can be the next Calvert-Lewin

Aurelien Tchouameni is more likely to join Real Madrid over Liverpool in the summer transfer window, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Battle to sign Tchouameni

It looks set to be a two-way battle to sign the Monaco midfielder, with both Madrid and the Reds seemingly working hard to get their man.

Liverpool have been strongly linked with a move for a number of weeks now, as they eye up a major midfield addition ahead of the start of next season.

It does feel as though Madrid are in pole position to sign Tchouameni, however, and a fresh update has further suggested as much.

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The Latest: Real favourites, says Romano

Writing for Caught Offside, Romano confirmed that the La Liga champions are the front-runners to pip Liverpool to the 22-year-old’s signature, even though the Reds are still battling:

“Aurelien Tchouameni told his teammates that his priority this summer is Real Madrid. Even sources inside Liverpool are sure that Tchouameni wants to give priority to negotiations with Real Madrid.

“There have been ongoing talks between Real Madrid and his agents for a contract until June 2027, but not yet a full deal with AS Monaco asking €80m for the midfielder: new talks are expected right after the Champions League final this weekend. Paris Saint-Germain remain interested until the end, but Real Madrid are leading the race.

“Liverpool remain alert to the situation before focusing on other targets. As I wrote in my recent column, the Reds have held direct talks with Tchouameni’s agent as well, but it seems he has now made it clear that his preference is to move to the Spanish capital.

“After signing Eduardo Camavinga last year, the addition of Tchouameni could give Madrid two great French midfielders that can form the spine of their side for the next decade or more. There’s no need for fans to worry about the future of the club’s midfield after Luka Modric and Toni Kroos.”

The Verdict: One that got away?

It would be an undoubted blow if Liverpool missed out on signing Tchouameni this summer, with the Frenchman described as an ‘amazing player’ by football talent scout Jacek Kulig.

The Monaco man looks tailor-made to come straight into the Reds’ midfield alongside Fabinho and Thiago, replacing the ageing Jordan Henderson and hit-and-miss Naby Keita in the regular starting lineup.

Sadly, it looks as though Tchouameni could be Madrid-bound, however, and Jurgen Klopp will have to eye up an alternative instead. Jude Bellingham could be that man, but the Reds would likely have to wait until 2023 to sign the Borussia Dortmund star, with the club not wanting him and Erling Haaland to leave in the same year.

In other news, Paul Joyce has dropped a key Liverpool injury update. Read more here.

Tottenham Hotspur have been ‘offered’ the chance to sign West Ham United midfielder Tomas Soucek, according to a report from Football Insider. 

The lowdown: Premier League star

Signed for £15million following a successful loan spell from Slavia Prague (Sky Sports), Soucek has been nothing short of sensational since arriving in the Premier League.

The towering 27-year-old has scored 19 times and provided two assists in 105 appearances for the Hammers, notching up ten league goals in the 2020/21 campaign.

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However, after discussions over a new contract were recently put on hold, it appears that Spurs could be set to benefit from the impasse surrounding the Czech Republic international…

The latest: Spurs could swoop in

As per a Spurs source at Football Insider, Tottenham are believed to have been ‘offered the chance’ to sign Soucek this summer in what they call a ‘surprise twist’.

It’s claimed that the 48-cap ace’s future is ‘up in the air’ at present and there is a ‘very real chance’ that the powerful midfielder will be sold.

The report also states that the ‘historical relationship’ between the clubs doesn’t lend itself to a move but agents of the man hailed as ‘outstanding’ by journalist Josh Bunting are interested in making the move a reality.

The verdict: No brainer

If indeed the Lilywhites were offered the chance to land Soucek then it would be a deal that Antonio Conte, Fabio Paratici and ENIC should jump at the opportunity to strike.

Not only would it mean taking a top player away from a domestic and city rival, but also bolstering a midfield department at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in need of an assertive presence.

During the recent 2021/22 campaign, Soucek won on average 6.5 duels per game in the league (Sofascore), more than Rodrigo Bentancur (4.9) and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (5.1), highlighting the Czech Republic star’s combative prowess in the middle of the park.

Whilst the report makes no mention of a fee, valued at £40.5million and under contract with West Ham until 2024 (Transfermarkt), this won’t be an inexpensive venture for Spurs but it is certainly a worthwhile one.

In other news: Tottenham will now attempt to seal eight-figure agreement for ‘incredible’ speedster, find out more here.

West Bromwich Albion were not the most dynamic attacking side in the Championship this season.

Throughout their recent campaign in the second tier, the Baggies could only find the net 52 times, which is fewer than the likes of Bristol City, Reading and Blackpool, all of whom finished 16th or lower.

Despite this rather underwhelming return, one man in the squad who chipped in with some goals and assists throughout the season was Callum Robinson.

In 43 league appearances, the attacker scored seven goals and delivered nine assists whilst playing in numerous positions at the top of the pitch, leaving only Karlan Grant with more goal contributions for Albion.

Now that the season has come to an end, the focus will switch to the next campaign and West Brom’s hopes for getting promoted.

In terms of what Steve Bruce’s squad could look like once the season kicks off, one rarely-seen figure who could end up being West Brom’s next version of Robinson is Callum Morton.

In January 2017, Morton joined West Brom’s under-18 side from Yeovil Town. Since then, he has gone on to make 54 appearances for the Midlands club across their under-18 and under-23 sides, scoring 14 goals and delivering six assists along the way, highlighting his attacking talent.

While still awaiting his senior Albion debut, the 22-year-old has also had numerous loan spells away from The Hawthorns with clubs such as Braintree Town, Northampton Town, Lincoln City, Fleetwood Town and most recently Peterborough United.

With 76 appearances under his belt for those clubs, Morton scored 23 goals in total, once again showing his attacking prowess and his ability to deliver with different teams.

Despite predominantly being a centre-forward, the 22-year-old has played on the left and right flanks on occasion, which suggests that his versatility could make him a useful squad option for Bruce and a potential next version of Robinson, who has also played across the front three.

Labelled a “confident” player by his former Northampton manager Keith Curle, Morton could now have a great chance to impress Bruce in pre-season and put himself in a good position to finally make his breakthrough in the first team at The Hawthorns.

Should the attacker get an opportunity to play regularly for the Baggies next season, he could be the spark that they need in their attack to mount a serious promotion charge.

In other news: Bruce can secure big Ajayi upgrade as WBA plot move for “special” £14k-p/w machine

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in a deal to bring Joakim Maehle to the Premier League this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Danish media outlet Ekstra Bladet (via Sport Witness), who claim that Tottenham scouts were in attendance for Denmark’s 2-1 UEFA Nations League victory over Austria on Monday evening, with the Atalanta wing-back – alongside Christian Eriksen – believed to be the focus of their attention.

Previous reports have suggested that Fabio Paratici and Antonio Conte are both keen on the idea of signing the 25-year-old this summer, with the Italian sporting director said to be willing to make an €18m (£15m) offer for the Denmark international in the coming months – while the Serie A side are thought to be open to the defender’s sale.

The next Jordi Alba

With the signing of a new wing-back reported to be one of Conte’s priority targets in the summer market, it is not difficult to understand why the 52-year-old would be interested in a deal to bring Maehle to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

Indeed, it is clear to see that the £26m-rated talent is extremely efficient going forwards, with FBref ranking the defender in the top 20% of full-backs in Europe’s big five leagues for non-penalty goals per 90, as well as the top 10% for npxG, the top 11% for shots and the top 24% for shot-creating actions over the last 365 days.

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The £22k-per-week wing-back is also evidently a threat with the ball at his feet, with FBref also ranking the Dane in the top 21% of full-backs for passes completed per 90, in addition to the top 25% for progressive carries, the top 29% for progressive passes and the top 11% for touches in the opposition penalty area over the last 12 months.

These metrics see FBref compare Maehle to some of the most recognised full-backs currently playing the game, such as Barcelona’s Jordi Alba, AC Milan’s Theo Hernandez, Real Madrid’s Lucas Vazquez and Borussia Dortmund’s Raphael Guerreiro.

Furthermore, with the former KRC Genk starlet being comfortable operating from either right or left wing-back, the player who Maikel Bill dubbed a “monster” and Joe Short claimed can “run all night” would very much look to be a perfect option for Conte to call upon at Tottenham next season.

As such, should Paratici go on to seal a deal for the Atalanta defender this summer, not only would the Italian have satisfied one of Conte’s biggest requirements, but he also could have unearthed the next Alba at Tottenham – something that is sure to be an incredibly exciting prospect for supporters of the club.

AND in other news: “Paratici spoke to…”: Gold drops big Spurs transfer update that supporters will love