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Tottenham Hotspur remain keen on Pau Torres despite closing in on a deal for Clement Lenglet…

What’s the word?

That’s according to the Mirror, who claims that Spurs manager Antonio Conte is still pushing to complete a move for the Villarreal centre-back, even after bringing in the FC Barcelona man on loan.

The Italian head coach was keen for a left-footed centre-back this summer after relying on Ben Davies in his preferred back-three system, so Lenglet will plug that gap for the time being.

Despite this, Conte wants Torres in north London, though he could cost the Premier League club around £45m.

Defensive upgrade

It does make sense to bring in another central option this summer as the Yellow Submarines colossus would add serious strength in depth to the backline.

Presuming Conte’s first-choice three would be Lenglet, Eric Dier and Cristian Romero, then his backup options are surely Davinson Sanchez and Joe Rodon, who could even depart this window.

With the club competing in the Champions League, it’s important to have quality across the squad and Torres would provide that in abundance, perhaps even pushing the likes of Lenglet and Dier for a starting spot.

FBref list the Spaniard’s comparable players as Italy legend Leonardo Bonucci and Liverpool title-winner Joel Matip, so that only goes to show the calibre of player that Spurs could well receive.

Furthermore, the statistical website also ranks the 6 foot 3 titan amongst the top 1% of his positional peers across Europe for dribbles completed per 90 (0.8), as well as in the top 3% for non-penalty goals per 90 (0.14).

Torres is even in the top 10% for progressive carries (4.71) and progressive passes (4.39) per 90, so that combined with the above evidence makes him a supreme ball-playing option in the backline.

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It’s no wonder that he has been lauded as an “extraordinary talent” by his former coach Javi Calleja, and indeed, he’d be an extraordinary signing for Spurs to complete.

The £60m-rated colossus wouldn’t come cheap, however, but at just 25, he’s nowhere near reaching his peak as a central defender, so he would offer Spurs many more years of top-notch service.

Therefore, it would be wise for sporting director Fabio Paratici to deliver on Conte’s wishes this summer.

AND in other news, Conte can finally axe “very lazy” £27m-rated Spurs flop by unleashing Pogba-like teen…

Manchester United seem set to finally get their main target, as a deal for Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong draws near. 

What’s the word?

That’s according to Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenburg, who tweeted the following on Wednesday: “Ten Hag wanted him, he will get him! De Jong is on verge to join MUFC!

“Been told that de Jong could be presented at the weekend. But that’s not 100% safe now. There are plans to present him in the stadium.”

Supporters will be delighted

In what seems to have dragged on for months, United finally will look to get their main man and hopefully the missing piece to the puzzle that is their midfield.

Forcing Barcelona’s hand due to their significant financial muscle, the Red Devils will sign a player who is often lauded by pundits and managers alike for his abilities.

Only three weeks ago former Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal was quoted stating that “Frenkie de Jong does bring an extra quality, of course. That is why he is also worth 112 million.”

Not only that, but Rafael van der Vaart also stated “This is Frenkie de Jong. Frenkie is a different level.”

Supporters of United have been patient for the club to begin their transfer business, and with an average SofaScore rating of 7.08 last season in La Liga, they have plenty to be excited about in what could be their first signing of the summer.

His underlying numbers also show him to be an outstanding performer, as his stats on FBref show a sea of green positive attributes. He sits in the 94th percentile for progressive carries and the 92nd percentile for pass completion per 90.

As a central midfielder, his willingness to attack and be creative whilst also averaging 12.11 pressures per 90 means he will dominate the midfield, and facilitate not only Bruno Fernandes but any other midfielders that United might sign.

The Old Trafford faithful can finally relax and rejoice in the knowledge that they appear to be tying up the deal for their main target. He is sure to get supporters out of their seats, and marks the first of what will likely be many forays into the market for Erik ten Hag.

AND, in other news: “I keep hearing…”: Fabrizio Romano drops MUFC transfer update, supporters will love it.

It appears that the Christian Eriksen transfer saga isn’t ceasing anytime soon as news emerges involving Tottenham Hotspur.

The Lowdown: Spurs in contention?

Conflicting reports on the Dane’s future have come to light in the past few days as Spurs continue their chase for more summer signings after completing Yves Bissouma’s move from Brighton.

Sharing news at the weekend, The Athletic reporter Charlie Eccleshare claimed that Eriksen’s return to north London appeared ‘fairly likely’, but another reliable source in football.london’s Alasdair Gold then came out to distance the club from a reunion with the player.

Other reports have since suggested that Tottenham remain firmly in contention to sign the 30-year-old, with The Guardian now sharing their own update.

The Latest: Eriksen stance shared…

The news source reported that Eriksen is keen to join Spurs, with their reporter Jamie Jackson making a claim.

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Indeed, the Bees playmaker is apparently ‘favouring’ either a reunion under his former Inter boss Antonio Conte in north London or simply staying at Brentford. This comes after the Denmark international allegedly rejected a move to Manchester United.

The Verdict: Take advantage?

As this update emerges that Spurs could still have a chance to re-sign Eriksen, we believe that the Lilywhites should re-consider their alleged stance on moving for him.

Heralded as a ‘fighter’ by sports journalist Thierry Nyann for his fairytale comeback after suffering a cardiac arrest last year, the Denmark footballing legend’s elite mentality is perhaps best summed up by this tag.

Conte could certainly use players with this extraordinary determination, not to mention quality, as highlighted by Eriksen finishing 2021/22 as Brentford’s best performer by average match rating, as per WhoScored.

There is little doubt in our mind the £159k-per-week star would be a real asset for Spurs.

Leeds United have spent much of the Premier League era exiled from the level where they truly belong. After suffering relegation in the 2003/04 season, the Yorkshire club went on a downward spiral, before finally making a return to the top flight by winning the Championship title in the 2019/20 campaign.

Even with limited time in the so-called promised land, however, they’ve still had some impressive No.1s feature at Elland Road. As of right now, the man between the sticks is Illan Meslier. The 22-year-old, although admittedly not without his mistakes at times, has impressively held down his goalkeeper spot in the team for the last two seasons.

Whether the Frenchman will one day go onto match the likes of Nigel Martyn when it comes to the statistics remains to be seen. For now, though, under Jesse Marsch, the shot-stopper will be hoping to enjoy a more comfortable campaign than last season, which featured a back and forth battle for survival.

Using statistics from TransferMarkt, we’ve ranked every player to wear the No.1 shirt in Leeds United’s Premier League history based on clean sheets.

Nigel Martyn – 94 clean sheets

John Lukic – 44 clean sheets

Illan Meslier – 16 clean sheets

Paul Robinson – 3 clean sheets

Of those four, however, three goalkeepers have managed to achieve double figures in clean sheets, with Paul Robinson the exception. Sitting top of the rankings with 94 is Martyn, who, as of right now, has his place cemented as the Yorkshire club’s best number one in Premier League history.

The closest that any previous number one got to Martyn’s clean sheet number of 94 was John Lukic, who managed an impressive 44 during his time at Elland Road.

At 22, however, Meslier still has plenty of time to one day surpass Martyn. With just 16 clean sheets to his name after two seasons in the Premier League, though, the Frenchman still has a long way to go to match Martyn’s tally. Starting with next season, Meslier will hope to begin the climb towards what is a hefty record.

Liverpool have already been linked with a number of midfielders this summer and even reportedly agreed personal terms with Aurelien Tchouameni before he committed to a move to Real Madrid, so the Reds are clearly open to bolstering the midfield at Anfield this summer.

With Jordan Henderson, Thiago Alcantara and James Milner all went into their 30s at this point, it would seem likely that the club are looking at reinforcements to cover their positions in the future, but they could also look at replacing the role that Georginio Wijnaldum fulfilled before he left on a free transfer last summer.

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Carlos Soler has been linked with a move to Anfield on more than one occasion over the last 12 months, and it was reported in April that Liverpool may take a look at the Valencia player again after an impressive season in La Liga.

The £33m-valued midfielder – who was dubbed “special” by journalist Dermot Corrigan – scored 11 goals, contributed five assists and created five big chances in 32 La Liga appearances this season. He made 1.7 key passes and took 1.3 shots on goal per game, also winning the majority of his ground and aerial duels combined (52%).

According to FBRef, when it comes to footballers who are comparable to Soler, Wijnaldum ranks in the top 10 players over the last 12 months due to their similar attacking output and style of play.

Soler has scored more goals and contributed more assists than the Dutchman, but when it comes to their passing attributes, the midfielders are much closer in comparison. In 2021/22, the Spaniard completed 680 passes with a success rate of 69.1%, with Wijnaldum completing 683 at a much better pass accuracy of 90.5%.

Jurgen Klopp currently uses Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliot and Naby Keita in the most advanced role in the midfield three, but Soler has scored seven more goals and completed the same number of assists as all three combined.

If the German is looking to add more goal contributions from the midfield, then Soler would be the perfect fit for Liverpool next season. If he could emulate his output at Valencia, he could be more effective in the role than all three of the aforementioned players put together, giving the Anfield faithful a throwback to what Wijnaldum once brought to the team.

AND in other news – “LFC want…”: Fabrizio Romano drops huge transfer update, supporters will be buzzing

Following on from Aston Villa’s rather aggressive strategy in bringing players in, they may look to do the same in getting rid of players, with a trio of first-team names potentially on their way out of Villa Park.

In a surprising twist, Danny Ings is one of the named players that could depart this summer.

What’s the word

That is according to Josh Holland via GIVEMESPORT who said this:

“I think they [Aston Villa] could be in trouble. Douglas Luiz, Sanson and Ings, they are my three that I think we could see moving away from Villa Park.“

As per Football Insider, Brighton would serve as a potential destination for former Liverpool striker Ings, who has completed just one campaign with Villa.

Supporters surely worried

Despite inconsistent minutes for Aston Villa in the second half of the campaign, Ings has still managed to deliver the goods up top, racking up an impressive seven goals and six assists in 30 appearances for Gerrard’s side.

Which is why it comes as a shock that the three-cap England international would be allowed to leave after just one season, particularly bearing in mind Villa’s lack of quality depth in the centre-forward position.

Keeping in mind the club’s ambition to break into the top six of the Premier League, the departure of a star studded striker like Ings would come as a blow to Gerrard – especially given the fact that they would need to fork out a large fee for an adequate replacement in a market where reliable goal scorers are rare and often come with inflated price-tags.

Whats more, £100k-per-week Ings knows the league well and has a point to prove in this next season, as he will join Ollie Watkins in making a strong case to earn a call-up to England’s World Cup squad.

At 29, Ings is in the prime of his career, so selling a striker who hit 22 goals in the Premier League just two seasons ago would be a big mistake for Villa and one that’ll surely worry their supporters.

In other news: Gerrard now given green light on AVFC move for “goal machine”, he’s the next Ferguson 

Wolves are eyeing up a swoop for Almoatasembellah Al Musrati as Bruno Lage aims to rebuild the squad during the summer transfer window.

What’s the word?

That’s according to Portuguese newspaper O Jogo (via Sport Witness), which states that Wolves are keen on signing Al Musrati from Braga.

Fulham are also keen on the midfielder and Braga are reportedly demanding a fee of around €15m (£12.8m) to secure his services.

Fulham have been admiring the player for longer, but Wolves have the chance to bring the midfielder to Molineux.

Lage can unearth his own Fabinho

Wolves finished the Premier League season in tenth position, which represents their third top-half finish in four seasons since being promoted from the Championship in 2018.

With the futures of Ruben Neves and Joao Moutinho uncertain following the end of the campaign, it’s clear Lage is in the market for a new midfielder or two to boost his squad.

Al Musrati signed for Braga from Vitoria Guimaraes two seasons ago and has been a regular fixture in the side. the 26-year-old was a key part of the squad that won the Portuguese Cup last season and Lage might have his very own Fabinho if he signs the player.

Al Musrati is compared to the Liverpool player via FB Refs similar player model, with the two sharing related stats.

Both players have won the same amount of tackles with 37, whilst there isn’t much difference when it comes to interceptions, Fabinho edging it slightly with 56 compared to 46 for the Braga star.

Defensively both players are excellent, performing their respective roles with the minimum of fuss and fanfare that enables the more creative players on the team to win matches.

They both can be a slight threat going forward, however, with the two sharing identical shots per 90 minutes percentage of 0.74.

For the fee quoted, Lage could land a player who would be able to slot into the side with ease. Zach Lowy described him as a “special talent”, and a move to England could see him take the next step.

AND in other news, Tim Spiers now reveals major Wolves transfer twist, supporters will be buzzing

Aston Villa are edging closer to reaching an agreement for the permanent signing of loanee Robin Olsen, according to Fabrizio Romano.  

The Lowdown: Loan move

Olsen made the move to the Midlands back in January from AS Roma after spending the first half of the season with Sheffield United.

The 32-year-old, who was labelled ‘monstrous’ by the Spanish press following a fine performance for Sweden, served as backup to Emiliano Martinez and made his debut on the final day of the season against Manchester City.

NSWE have already made Philippe Coutinho’s loan stay permanent, and it looks as if Olsen could now follow suit.

The Latest: Romano’s post

Romano took to Twitter on Wednesday morning to provide an update regarding Villa and Olsen.

The transfer expert revealed that ‘Villa are getting closer’ to a ‘full agreement’, with a €3.5m option to buy clause ‘expected to be triggered soon’. Romano added that ‘talks are in progress’ and a ‘deal could be completed soon’.

The Verdict: Good news

It may not be a mega-money signing and a marque name like Coutinho or Diego Carlos, but securing Olsen to a full-time deal could still prove crucial for Steven Gerrard.

He has bundles of experience in a number of European leagues, in the Champions League and on the international stage, and seems to be content with serving as back up to Martinez at this stage of his career.

Olsen may also be able to help Martinez improve even further, and at a fee of just under £3m, a move seems to be an extremely shrewd one.

In other news: Villa and NSWE now set to sign ‘astonishing’ star after Carlos; ‘deal will happen’  

Everton are in desperate need to make changes this summer following a worrying season that saw the side embroiled in a Premier League relegation battle, and now a new transfer target has emerged.

What’s the latest?

According to 90min, Everton have joined the race to sign Leeds United winger Jack Harrison.

As per the report, the Toffees are showing interest in the player alongside fellow Premier League club West Ham United and are keeping an eye on his situation as Leeds are unlikely to let him go if Raphinha leaves this summer.

Lampard loves him

With the speculation surrounding Richarlison’s future and a move away from Goodison Park a possibility this summer, the signing of Harrison would be a huge coup for Lampard and a worthy replacement for the Brazilian winger should he leave.

Lampard already holds the Leeds star in high regard and was full of praise hailing him “one of the best” in an interview with Sky Sports after beating the Yorkshire side 3-0 at Goodison Park.

In fact, the former Chelsea boss and Harrison played together in the MLS at New York City so there is clearly a connection there and Lampard has the experience with the player to know his strengths and abilities that can be deployed at Goodison Park next season.

The £60k-per-week gem who was hailed “explosive” by Jesse Marsch, has scored eight goals and contributed one assist, creating three big chances, making 1.2 key passes, 1.6 tackles and taking 1.2 shots on average per game in 35 Premier League appearances, proving he can be a reliable attacking threat.

If Richarlison was to leave this summer, Harrison could form a formidable strike partnership with fellow Englishman Dominic Calvert-Lewin and improve Everton’s chances of having a better campaign next season by linking up with the striker to increase the number of goals scored and ultimately avoid another relegation battle.

After all, this is a player who has found the net 28 times since arriving at Leeds, initially being brought to the club by Marcelo Bielsa.

With that being said, Lampard will need to act fast if he wants to secure the signing as West Ham United can offer the Leeds winger European football next season which would surely be an attractive prospect for Harrison.

AND in other news: “I’m told..”: Journo delivers big Everton transfer claim that’ll delight supporters

BBC Radio Five Live pundit Alan Hutton has urged Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp to not risk the fitness of Mohamed Salah ahead of the Reds’ Champions League final.

The Lowdown: Salah’s injury setback

The 29-year-old was forced off the pitch during last weekend’s FA Cup final against Chelsea with what appeared to be a groin injury, and suffering this setback also meant that he was ruled out of action for Tuesday night’s 2-1 Premier League victory over Southampton.

The German boss confirmed earlier this week that the Egyptian might have an outside chance of making the bench for the season finale against Wolves on Sunday, but with just under a week between that game and the Champions League final, Hutton is not so sure.

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The Latest: Hutton’s message to Klopp

Speaking during an interview with Football Insider, the former Premier League full-back reiterated that there isn’t any need for Klopp to risk his star man, saying the ‘big thing’ is being ready for the clash against the Spanish giants.

“It looked like a groin issue, I’m led to believe. The thing is that the Champions League final is not until May 28th.

“Obviously, it’s Liverpool’s last game at home on Sunday. If he’s ready and he feels good, he could maybe play 10, 15 minutes in that one.

“I don’t think you have to risk him. That’s the big thing. For these games, they’ve got players who can come in and do a job, to a high level may I add.

“Keep Salah, because fully fit, he plays. It’s quite as simple as that. Keep him fit and get him ready for the Madrid game.

“These are big games they’re going to be playing in. They have won two trophies. As a winner, you’re desperate to go on and pick up even more trophies.

“They’ve got a decent squad, I think Jurgen Klopp rotates at the right times. For the bigger games, he reverts back to what he knows and thinks will do the job on the day.

“They only have a few games left so I think they will be more than capable. I don’t think that should be a massive issue.”

The Verdict: Liverpool’s star player

The 82-cap international first arrived at Anfield in a £34m move from Roma back in 2017, and he has since gone on to become perhaps the key cog in the Merseyside machine.

During his five years in the top-flight, Salah has so far made 252 appearances for the Reds, registering an outstanding 218 goal contributions, as per Transfermarkt, showing just how prolific he can be in the final third.

Despite being such an influential player on the pitch for Liverpool, if the striker isn’t declared fully fit in time to face Madrid, then the Reds do at least have options to rotate in after the January capture of Luis Diaz and return to fitness of Roberto Firmino, so risking Salah vs Wolves would indeed feel a bit foolish.

In other news… a Sky Sports pundit has backed the Reds to complete a surprising swap deal this summer.