Liverpool In Six-Way Battle To Sign £93-A-Week Striker

Liverpool are thought to be one of six Premier League clubs who are keen on signing Roma striker Tammy Abraham in the summer transfer window.

Could Abraham quit Roma this summer?

The 25-year-old's future has been a key talking point of late, with a move away from his current club potentially on the cards this summer. He has struggled to repeat his 2021/22 performances, when he scored 17 times in Serie A, only finding the net on eight occasions in the competition this time around.

Abraham isn't out of contract at Roma until 2026, but this summer could be a natural time to part ways, benefiting all parties in the process. For the player himself, a return to England could appeal, while Jose Mourinho could be willing to get good money for the attacker, using the funds on new signings.

Liverpool are hopefully about to embark on a memorable summer in the transfer market, making new additions all over the pitch, and with Roberto Firmino leaving, a new striker coming in isn't out of the question.

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Are Liverpool in the mix to sign Abraham?

According to a report from Spain, the Reds are one of six Premier League teams who are battling each other for the £93,000-a-week striker's signature. Also in the conversation are fellow big-six clubs Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United, but high-flying pair Newcastle United and Aston Villa are also thought to be in the mix.

In truth, it would be a surprise to see Liverpool make a move for Abraham this summer – despite previously being hailed as a "goal machine" by former player Stephen Elliott – considering the money he would likely cost, and the fact that their transfer budget needs to be spent wisely on midfield and defensive additions.

While Firmino is departing, as mentioned, Jurgen Klopp will still have Mohamed Salah, Luis Diaz, Cody Gakpo, Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez to call upon in attack next season, which should be enough depth, assuming the same injury woes don't affect them next season.

Abraham is a good player who could be an effective signing for one of Liverpool's rivals – he was once described as "Didier Drogba-esque" by Rio Ferdinand – but it is hard to see how he would enjoy regular playing time at Anfield, considering just how much competition for minutes there already is.

For that reason, he would be better off joining a different Premier League club, while the Reds would be wise not to spend big on someone they don't really need.

Big Sam Comments Expose Orta’s Huge Leeds Mistake

Sam Allardyce has something of a striker crisis heading into the last game of the Premier League season with Leeds United.

Why do Leeds have a striker crisis?

Last weekend saw Patrick Bamford forced off against West Ham United through injury, while goalscorer Rodrigo was left on at the London Stadium when he was clearly struggling.

Allardyce was asked about the health of his two strikers and his decision to keep the Spaniard on following the game and replied:

"Both of them are struggling badly. Rodrigo with a plantar fascia and of course, Patrick with a hamstring.

"When we were winning the game and then it was half time, we were 1-1 and we were in the game. They got to 2-1 and we were still in the game. So we couldn't take we couldn't take him off because looking at the substitutions who could replace him? We didn't really have a centre forward to replace him."

Leeds United managerSamAllardyce

The experienced Englishman's comments are a ruthless reminder that Georginio Rutter has been deemed far from good enough since arriving at Elland Road, as the club-record signing was left on the bench even when Rodrigo was struggling for fitness and there were no other options.

Why isn't Rutter playing at Leeds?

It seems remarkable that a club can spend £35.5m on a new striker in January and start him just once for the rest of the season but that is the reality for 21-year-old Rutter.

After a lack of minutes in the Premier League, reports quickly surfaced about the youngster's morale in England, with one claiming that he had never wanted to join Leeds in the first place and regretted swapping Hoffenheim for Yorkshire.

Rutter's one start came in a defeat against Chelsea, where he was dubbed a "non-entity" by journalist Beren Cross, but it seems harsh that he hasn't been given any real chances to impress since then.

While Javi Gracia had at least given him some appearances from the bench, the £70k-per-week striker hasn't been seen once since Allardyce's arrival at Elland Road, which is a damning indictment of his thoughts on the forward's ability to have an impact in the Premier League.

With relegation almost certainly nailed on now, Leeds fans will be questioning why Victor Orta spent so much on an inexperienced young striker when the woeful goals-against record suggests that defensive additions should have been the priority in January.

It will be interesting to see if Rutter remains at the club this summer and whether he can have any impact in the Championship, as at this point it seems that Orta messed up big time when signing him.

Wolves Could Sign Perfect Kilman Partner

Wolverhampton Wanderers have been linked to a defender ahead of the summer transfer window, as the 2022/23 season closes.

The Midlands club were saved mid-season by Julen Lopetegui, who took Wolves from the bottom of the table on Christmas day to a 13th-place Premier League finish.

The struggles are not over for the Spaniard despite the footballing calendar entering a break, as the club revealed struggles with FFP leading up to the summer window, which will jeopardise the finances the former Real Madrid manager assumed he would have.

Wolves have plenty of improvements to make on a limited budget, however, the latest link to the club would be a significant upgrade on a free transfer.

What’s the latest on Nacho Fernandez to Wolves?

As reported by Spanish outlet SPORT, Real Madrid legend Nacho Fernandez could be on the move to Molineux this summer.

The report states that the Premier League and joining Lopetegui at Wolves “tempts him”, having played under the boss with Los Blancos.

The Madrid-born ace’s contract will soon expire at the Bernabeu, with the defender opting to depart after spending his entire playing career at his boyhood club at a variety of levels.

What could Nacho Fernandez offer Wolves?

A defender that has made over 300 career appearances for a side as reputable as Real Madrid needs little introduction, with his experience and level of expertise a quality that would bolster any side.

The versatile defender, deployed mainly at centre-back, can play on both flanks at the back and showcases a range of attributes having already proven "a nightmare for Salah" at Europe's top table, as per Jamie Easton.

Despite nearing the latter stages of his playing career at 33-years-old, the defender could have a similar impact on Lopetegui’s budding Wolves defence as Thiago Silva at Chelsea.

Football Soccer – Real Madrid v Alaves – Spanish La Liga Santander – Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, Madrid, Spain – 02/04/17 – Real Madrid’s Nacho Fernandez (bottom) is congratulated by teammate Isco after scoring. REUTERS/Sergio Perez

The Brazilian signed for Chelsea at the age of 35, and has proved to be one of the most crucial players at Stamford Bridge, raising the level with his expertise in central defence.

While a coach can teach and nurture ability, one cannot replicate experience, which is what the £133k-per-week ace could bring to the struggling back line in abundance.

One player that would certainly benefit from the Madrid veterans' knowledge is Max Kilman, who at 26-years-old has excelled since trading Maidenhead United for Molineux in 2018.

The Englishman has been solid at the back for Lopetegui’s side, praised as being a “monster” since his emergence by members of the media.

Being in the earlier stages of his career, Kilman could benefit from being partnered by the five-time Champions League winner, who has played alongside some of the best defenders of this generation.

Nacho’s experience is far from the only exciting thing about the potential transfer, but his ability on the ball also, ranking as one of Europe's best central defenders in possessing over the past year.

As per FBref, the Spaniard averages a pass completion rate of 91.2% per 90, as well as executing 4.03 progressive passes per 90, highlighting his ability to play the ball from defence to advancing areas of the pitch.

A similar trait is shown by Kilman, who averages just below the Madrid defender with 3.46 progressive passes per 90, suggesting that the duo could flourish in their mirrored playing styles.

Hailed as being an “important” player by Zinedine Zidane, Nacho could be a favourable signing on a free transfer this summer for Lopetegui, who could model his defence around the experienced general.

Aton Villa Could Ditch Traore For £90k-p/w Magician

Aston Villa could use the upcoming summer transfer to improve their squad as they prepare for European football in the 2023/24 campaign.

Unai Emery led the club to Europa Conference League football by finishing seventh in the Premier League and the Spaniard will now need to add more quality to his team in the coming months.

One player who could be moved on from in order to make way for new signings is Burkina Faso international Bertrand Traore, who returned to Villa in January after a spell on loan at Istanbul Basaksehir.

The £63k-per-week forward only made eight appearances and started one game in the Premier League in the second half of the campaign, suggesting that Emery does not value him as a key member of the team.

Who could replace Bertrand Traore at Aston Villa?

Villa's head coach could ruthlessly ditch the 27-year-old winger by signing another left-footed wizard who plays out wide in English talent Jack Harrison.

talkSPORT recently reported that Villa and West Ham United are among the clubs interested in a deal to sign the Leeds United attacker.

The report claimed that he has a relegation release clause in his contract with the Yorkshire-based side, although it remains to be seen how much the £90k-per-week gem would cost exactly, and that a team could snap him up for a 'cut-price' fee.

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Harrison's form in the Premier League in recent seasons suggests that the former New York City ace could be an excellent pick-up for the Villans and an upgrade on Traore.

The ex-Manchester City man plundered five goals and seven assists in 37 top-flight appearances in 22/23 in a struggling Whites team, who were eventually relegated from the division.

That came after the magician conjured 16 goals and created 13 'big chances' for his teammates in his first two years in the Premier League combined.

Former Leeds boss Jesse Marsch once heaped praise on the attacker's style of play, saying: "He can run all day, he is explosive, he's effective in 1-v-1s, he's dangerous, he's smart."

This comment from the American coach is backed up by Harrison's excellent aforementioned statistics as the Englishman has proven himself capable of providing a regular threat in the final third with his ability to score and create goals from a wide position.

Comparatively, Traore managed two goals and created zero 'big chances' in eight matches for Villa this term after he scored twice and provided just one 'big chance' in 12 Super Lig outings in the first half of the campaign.

Therefore, Emery could brutally ditch the ex-Chelsea man by signing Harrison to take his place in the squad, which could either lead to a reduced role or a departure from Villa Park for the 27-year-old.

Tottenham Could Repeat Sissoko Success With £20m Gem

Despite still waiting to name a new permanent head coach, Tottenham Hotspur appear to be already cracking on with their summer transfer dealings, with chairman Daniel Levy seemingly eyeing up potential targets in a bid to improve upon their recent, eighth-place finish in the Premier League.

Among those who the Lilywhites are reportedly keeping tabs on is Leeds United sensation, Jack Harrison, with the wing wizard potentially set to be up for grabs following the Yorkshire side's recent relegation.

According to Football Insider, the 26-year-old – who was the subject of a £20m offer from Leicester City in January – is one of a handful of Elland Road stars that Levy and co are looking at, with the Englishman set to be available on a cut-price deal due to the presence of a relegation clause in his existing deal.

Despite Leeds' collective woes, the "incredible" talent – as hailed by former boss Jesse Marsch – still managed to rack up a respectable haul of five goals and seven assists in the top flight, having been described as "one of the best wingers in the Premier League" by his ex-New York City FC teammate, Frank Lampard, back in August.

Although there may be concern among Spurs supporters at the prospect of signing a player who has only recently been relegated, the hope will be that a move for Harrison could prove yet another masterclass for Levy, in the mould of the signing of Moussa Sissoko.

How good was Moussa Sissoko for Tottenham?

Much like the Leeds asset, Sissoko was signed from Newcastle United in the summer of 2016 following the Magpies' drop into the Championship, with the north London outfit forking out £30m in order to prise the Frenchman from St James' Park.

Despite the 71-cap international's initial struggles in his new home – having made just eight league starts during his debut season at the club – the 6 foot 2 menace ultimately established himself as a vital figure in Mauricio Pochettino's squad.

Tottenham's Moussa Sissoko

The one-time Toulouse man memorably played a key role in the club's surge to the Champions League final in 2019 after featuring in ten of Tottenham's 13 games in the competition that season, impressively averaging two tackles and one interception per game en route to the showpiece.

As pundit Noel Whelan stated in October 2019, Sissoko looked to have been "transformed" following his initial woes at N17, with the towering asset emerging as a "massive player" for both Pochettino and the club, prior to his departure for Watford in 2021.

The signing of the versatile midfielder – who racked up 202 appearances for the Lilywhites and featured in a variety of positions during his five-year stay – has showcased the benefits of acquiring a player from a recently-relegated outfit, hence why it could prove a real masterstroke if Harrison was to follow suit this summer.

Tottenham: "Incredible" Star Ready To Join Spurs

Brentford star David Raya is "ready to make the move" to Tottenham Hotspur and they're "desperate" for his signing, according to reports.

Who could Spurs sign this summer?

Spurs have finally ended their long pursuit for a new manager, having officially announced the capture of former Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou earlier this week.

The Australian, fresh off clinching a domestic treble north of the border, has elected to join the Premier League side and will commence work on July 1.

Now that all-important task for chairman Daniel Levy is out of the way, with Postecoglou's arrival also marking the return of attacking football at N17, attention turns to the summer transfer market.

According to reports, the north Londoners are chasing additions further forward and in defence, with Leicester City stars James Maddison and Harvey Barnes among the players attracting interest.

Long-serving goalkeeper Hugo Lloris is also apparently set to leave this summer, meaning Spurs are after a replacement for the Frenchman.

Brentford's David Raya in action with Leicester City's Harvey Barnes

Raya, who has impressed for Brentford in recent seasons, has been earmarked as a target for Levy and co with The Sun sharing an update on their pursuit.

According to their information, Spurs are "desperate" to beat league rivals Man United to the Spaniard's signing, but Brenford's £40 million valuation could prove problematic.

Raya himself is "ready to make the move across London" to Tottenham after emerging as Spurs' first choice to succeed Lloris, though they're only willing to pay around £20m.

The 27-year-old's entourage, due to his club's stance on price, have even threatened to allow him to run down his contract so he can leave on a free transfer next year. Raya has just 12 months remaining on his Bees deal, meaning interested clubs can sign him on a Bosman deal in 2024.

Who is David Raya?

As per WhoScored, Raya has been a key player under manager Thomas Frank, playing more league minutes than any other player in their squad over 2022/2023.

He also ranked among Brentford's best-performing players per 90, highlighting why he is a wanted man at Spurs, with Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi, via The Athletic's Jay Harris, calling him an "incredible" keeper.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, commenting on Raya in 2021, also hailed the player's distribution.

“The goalkeeper could have the shirt with No 10,” the German said (via The Times).“He played a few incredible balls but it was the right thing to do against us today.”

Newcastle United Double Raid For £145k p/w Duo

Newcastle United are 'definitely interested' in bringing Leicester City pair James Maddison and Harvey Barnes to St James' Park this summer, according to journalist Dean Jones.

What's the latest transfer news involving James Maddison and Harvey Barnes?

According to Football Insider, Newcastle United are keen on landing Maddison and Barnes this summer as Eddie Howe ramps up his transfer market proactivity in the North East.

The report states that £35k-a-week earner Barnes would be willing to leave Leicester City for a new challenge in the off-season; however, he is likely to cost in the region of £40 million.

Sky Sports also detail that Newcastle United are in the box seat to sign his teammate Maddison amid interest from Tottenham Hotspur in his services.

Maddison is entering the last year of his £110k-a-week contract at the King Power Stadium and it is believed that the Magpies could tempt the Coventry-born star to Tyneside with Champions League football on offer next term.

ESPN claim that Manchester United are admirers of Maddison and could also be in the frame to try and entice him to Old Trafford.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Jones thinks that Newcastle United are 'definitely interested' in both players; nevertheless, he doubts whether either will end up at St James' Park.

Jones said: “I don't think they're probably leaders for either Barnes or Maddison, from what I've heard.

“They’re definitely interested in both of those players. But I’ve heard a couple of reasons that make me think they might not end up with either.”

Would James Maddison and Harvey Barnes be good signings for Newcastle United?

Both players possess creative flair and would be worthwhile additions ahead of next term, with boss Howe keen to add quality ahead of a tilt at Champions League football.

In 2022/23, Maddison enjoyed a notable campaign, registering ten goals and nine assists in 32 appearances across all competitions, as per Transfermarkt.

Leicester midfielder James Maddison.

Maddison also recorded 138 shot-creating actions in the Premier League during the campaign, demonstrating his intuition despite an unsuccessful season for Leicester City, as per FBRef.

On the flipside, Barnes also had a productive time of things all things considered, notching 13 goals and three assists in 40 outings encompassing all competitions, as per Transfermarkt.

The duo both look set for a return to the English top flight, though it will remain to be seen who wins in the battle to secure either Maddison or Barnes in the next few months.

Everton Plotting Swoop For 25 y/o "Huge Talent"

Everton will need to identify new additions who can significantly improve the squad next season after another Premier League relegation scrap and now a new update has emerged on the club's pursuit of a potential transfer target.

What's the latest on Everton's interest in Ainsley Maitland-Niles?

According to one journalist, the Toffees are interested in signing departing Arsenal midfielder, Ainsley Maitland-Niles.

As per a report, the claim is that the Merseysiders are keeping an eye on the talented player this summer alongside a host of Premier League clubs and is an attractive prospect due to the fact he has become a free agent after his loan spell with Southampton last season.

Who would Maitland-Niles replace at Everton?

Whilst the highest priority will be securing improvements in the forward line this summer, Sean Dyche will also need to consider the future of his midfield presence at Goodison Park too.

It has been reported that Amadou Onana could be set for an exit and Tom Davies' future isn't promised as he continues talks to extend his stay at his boyhood club, whilst Abdoulaye Doucoure has extended his contract for one more year.

In fact, Everton have a number of players beyond Doucoure who will be in the last 12 months of their contracts next season with Idrissa Gueye another midfielder who will likely leave for free this time next year, especially considering he will turn 34 in September.

As a result, the signing of Maitland-Niles would be a major coup to bolster the centre of the pitch by injecting a younger presence who could be the perfect heir for Everton's defensive midfielder.

ainsley-maitland-niles-premier-league-everton-transfers

The 25-year-old is an extremely versatile player who is predominantly a right-sided midfielder but has also been deployed in a central and defensive midfield role, as well as at right-back due to his extensive defensive capabilities.

His ability to offer diversity in his positioning has been previously lauded by Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, who hailed the player back in 2021:

"He has a huge talent because he’s versatile enough to adapt to almost any position on the pitch."

Over 22 Premier League appearances last season, Maitland-Niles tallied up an 81% pass completion rate, won 60% of his duels combined and successfully completed 78% of his dribble attempts, as well as averaging one interception, two tackles, 1.8 clearances and 43.6 touches per game, demonstrating that he is reliable when in possession of the ball and offers consistency in his defensive traits.

Not only that – according to WhoScored – only Romeo Lavia and Mohammed Salisu ranked higher than Maitland-Niles for tackles won per game in the Saints squad last season.

With that being said, it would be a no-brainer for Everton to snap up their services of Maitland-Niles this summer as he could be a hugely valuable asset to Dyche in a number of defensive roles to both succeed Gueye and provide reliable cover in other key positions.

Newcastle Keeping Tabs On £21.5m-Rated Italy Defender

Newcastle United may have moved their attention to defence in regards to their next transfer business, with Spazio Napoli, via Sport Witness, reporting that the Toon are now keeping close tabs on Giovanni Di Lorenzo.

How many games has Giovanni Di Lorenzo played for Napoli?

The right-back has spent the last four seasons with current club Napoli, and has long been an important player for the side. Even when he first linked up with the Serie A outfit from former club Empoli, he was thrown straight in and given 33 appearances in that very first campaign.

He has since managed to rack up 139 league outings for the now champions of Italy during his time there, and with ten goals and seventeen assists along the way, he has proven to be an asset going forward for the club too.

Having spent the entirety of his career in Italy though, it appears a potential change may be on the cards. That's because according to a report from Spazio Napoli, via Sport Witness, the right-back is now on the radar of Newcastle United.

The Premier League side are keeping a close eye on the player now, with the 29-year-old seemingly now on their transfer wishlist. It adds that this interest in Di Lorenzo has only materialised over the "last few hours".

It means that no bid has yet been made and no official approach has come forth but Napoli are "worried" by the interest due to the financial might the Magpies now possess.

How much is Giovanni Di Lorenzo worth?

It's unclear how much a potential deal for Di Lorenzo may cost Newcastle. However, Transfermarkt suggest that his value is around the 25 million Euros mark (or £21.5m). It means that a deal wouldn't break the bank for the Toon if it was that amount, especially considering their new ownership, but it would still represent a profit on the player for Napoli.

He could be worth that amount too when you consider how well he has played for Napoli. Football journalist Josh Bunting has previously stated that a goal from Napoli was helped by a "perfect" ball from Di Lorenzo and has also called the player "excellent" too.

The Napoli man has warranted these superlatives then and it means that his signing could represent good business for Newcastle. They already have Kieran Trippier on that right flank but he would provide a good battle for that spot and sufficient depth as they embark into four competitions next term.

£40k-p/w Arsenal Man Sends Mikel Arteta Clear Message

Emile Smith Rowe reiterated his intention to break back into the Arsenal side next season after scoring in back-to-back games at the Euro U-21 Championship.

The midfielder found the back of the net in England’s 2-0 victory over Czech Republic to seal all three points late on, before doing the same against Israel as the young Three Lions look to ease past the rest of Group C.

Up next, England square off against Germany, who lost to Czech Republic last time out after picking up a point in their opening game against Israel.

What’s the latest on Emile Smith Rowe?

As the majority of the Arsenal squad enjoyed a season to remember last time out, Smith Rowe endured his most frustrating campaign yet, struggling with injuries, form, and game time.

Left with no choice but to have groin surgery at the start of the season, the England midfielder missed 13 games as a result, while the Gunners got off to a flying start in the Premier League.

With Mikel Arteta’s side thriving even in his absence, Smith Rowe struggled to get back into the side – making just 12 appearances in the league.

His absence may have made people forget about his potential, but, ultimately, this is a 22-year-old who scored 10 league goals from midfield just the season prior. If Smith Rowe can get a run of games under his belt, then his top form should naturally return.

The academy graduate’s struggle for game time may not be helped by the reported arrival of Kai Havertz. However, even after this development, he has shown signs of life for England U21s.

There’s certainly going to be plenty of competition for places at the Emirates next season.

What Did Emile Smith Rowe say about Arsenal?

As you can see by the goal below, Smith Rowe – who is paid £40k-p/w – looks far closer to his best for the young Three Lions, perhaps ready to compete for his place in Arsenal’s side.

Speaking after the game, the midfielder told the press (via BBC reporter Alex Howell) about his desire to get back into Arteta’s team as well as winning this tournament.

He said: “My main focus is getting into the Arsenal team, but first we want to win the tournament.”

You can see the goal (via Twitter) against Israel and the interview that followed below:

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