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The agent of Real Madrid attacker Marco Asensio reportedly wants to take the Spaniard to Manchester United this summer.

The Lowdown: Asensio’s Madrid career

The 26-year-old signed for Madrid back in 2015 from Mallorca and has gone on to enjoy great success at the Bernabeu.

Asensio, described as ‘magical’ by teammate Casemiro, has made 235 appearances for the Spanish giants, scoring 49 goals, registering 24 assists and winning 14 major honours.

Capable of playing on either wing or as an attacking midfielder, the Spain international is entering the final 12 months of his contract, and it looks as if a move away could be a possibility as the player himself revealed talks will take place after Spain’s Nations League games.

The Latest: United links

Sports Witness relayed an update from El Chiringuito journalist Marcos Benito regarding Asensio and United.

They claimed that super-agent Jorge Mendes, who now represents Asensio, ‘wants to take’ the 26-year-old to Manchester United and has ‘good ties’ with officials at Old Trafford.

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The Verdict: Interesting…

Valued at £36m by Transfermarkt, Asensio could well be available for a knockdown fee over the coming months due to his contract situation.

He could be of use to Erik ten Hag, especially with the Dutchman not having a senior right-winger to choose from at this moment in time. Bruno Fernandes will also be Ten Hag’s only available senior attacking midfielder when Juan Mata and Jesse Lingard leave, so bringing in Asensio who has plenty of experience and is extremely versatile could be a shrewd move, providing the price is right.

It looks as if Asensio’s agent wants a move to materialise, so this could be one to watch closely.

West Ham have been regularly linked with a move for Rennes defender Nayef Aguerd in recent months and if the latest reports are to be believed, he is on the brink of joining David Moyes’ side.

What’s the word?

The Moroccan centre-back has been tipped for a €40m (£34m) move to the Hammers in recent weeks and journalist Dean Jones has now claimed that the deal is in its final stages.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “It’s almost there. They’re just ironing out the final stages of that deal now, so I think it’ll probably be announced by the end of the month. It sounds like all the other pieces are in place, they just need to get the actual finances signed off.”

Moyes’ dream?

West Ham underwent a centre-back crisis last season, with Issa Diop, Angelo Ogbonna and Kurt Zouma all suffering long-term injuries during the campaign, with Craig Dawson often left as the sole centre-back option in Moyes’ squad.

Therefore, it was always likely that the Scottish manager would move for a new, younger centre-back this summer, with Ogbonna perhaps never likely to fully recover from an anterior cruciate injury at the age of 34.

As impressive as Dawson was last season, he recently turned 32 and West Ham need to look to the future, so the signing of a 26-year-old Aguerd makes a lot of sense.

Last season saw the Rennes defender make 31 appearances in Ligue 1, contributing two goals and two assists, averaging a solid 6.88 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

The 6 foot 2 defender has regularly popped up with goals during his time in France and will undoubtedly add a new attacking threat for West Ham from corners and free-kicks, with the Hammers having scored 14 goals from set-piece situations last season.

Moyes will certainly be able to rely on the 26-year-old to be defensively sound, with WhoScored suggesting that Aguerd had only made two errors leading to shots in his last 90 games of football for Rennes and Dijon.

Therefore, with the Hammers set to splash the cash on Aguerd this summer, Moyes will be delighted that he has a new, younger centre-back to rely on next season.

And, in other news… Moyes given green light for “unbelievable”  £25m West Ham signing, it’d be a huge coup…

Richarlison reportedly wants to leave Everton this summer, with Tottenham Hotspur speculated to be interested in signing the Brazilian this summer, and a new update has now emerged from a reliable source.

What’s the latest?

The Daily Star journalist Paul Brown has made a huge claim regarding Farhad Moshiri’s stance on the deal for Richarlison with Spurs, which comes as a fresh twist on reports from recent days.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “My understanding is that from Everton’s point of view, they would rather keep the two things separate and that any deal for Richarlison would be just for money. That might change.”

Earlier this week, it was revealed that Tottenham are preparing to offer Harry Winks and Lucas Moura to Everton in an attempt to secure a deal for the Toffees’ Brazilian winger.

Supporters will be worried

There seems no doubt that Everton supporters will be worried about the unfolding situation with Richarlison, who has become a favourite at the club since he joined in 2018.

The 25-year-old has been a consistent performer at Goodison Park, scoring 53 goals and contributing 14 assists, with a goal contribution every 185 minutes, but it was his commitment and output in his final 10 appearances of this season that supporters would miss the most if he leaves.

Richarlison was Everton’s top scorer in one of the club’s most difficult seasons in the Premier League, which saw them only secure safety from relegation in the penultimate match of the campaign.

The Toffees winger scored six goals and contributed two assists in his final 10 appearances of the season, which contributed massively to the Merseyside club’s survival in the top flight.

Frank Lampard had high praise for Richarlison towards the end of the season, saying (via Liverpool Echo): “With Richy I think and I know that he understands what my feelings about him are. I think he is a fantastic, huge talent, with a work ethic which is the reason why Everton fans are so drawn to him.

“The way he fights – he is a really tough boy – and some of that is due to his make-up and upbringing. It is a pleasure to work with him.”

Everton are reportedly having to tighten up their spending this summer, so selling Richarlison for his full transfer value would likely be the only option as opposed to any proposed deal which may include Winks and Moura from Spurs, so that they can reinvest the funds effectively ahead of next season.

With that being said, Moshiri must prepare for the high chance that the 25-year-old leaves this summer, and identifying a player to replace the Brazilian’s output is an absolute must to ensure that the Toffees don’t get caught short next season.

AND in other news: Moshiri plots Everton bid for “dangerous” £72k-p/w “real talent”, he’s another Anthony Gordon

Despite pulling off the sensational signing that is Erling Haaland, Manchester City are looking to build for the future by signing a young French centre-back.

What’s the word?

That is according to a report from L’Equipe, via The Mirror, who claim that teenage Le Havre defender Isaak Toure is set to join Pep Guardiola’s side.

It is said that Manchester City faced competition for his signature from the likes of Newcastle United and Marseille, but have “beaten the competition for the prospect.”

As per the same report, it is relayed that Toure had “offers to leave Le Havre last year with interest from Ligue 1 and the Bundesliga.”

The 19-year-old will be loaned to Ligue 1 side Troyes for the forthcoming season.

The new Laporte

Having reportedly beaten the competition for his signature, Guardiola may have just future-proofed the City squad for the role of left centre-back, in what seems to be a slightly unorthodox signing from the Spaniard with Toure standing at a whopping 6 foot 9.

If Guardiola is still with the Citizens next year, it will surely be the tallest player that he has managed and by signing a prospect at such a height, it seems that the influence of Graham Potter and Brighton has rubbed off on the managerial great.

Whilst the height of the player makes for an unorthodox Pep signing, it is indeed a move that makes more sense when the other physical components are fairly analysed.

Toure is reminiscent of Laporte in the fact that he is a left-footed centre-back who is not only strong defensively, but possesses strength physically, with talent scout Jacek Kulig dubbing him a “physical phenomenon.”

But whilst the similarity is there, especially considering the French nationality (of which Laporte has switched from), it’s a style of central defender that City do not truly possess, so the acquisition makes for an interesting one tactically speaking.

In other news: Man City submit formal bid to sign “superb” £60m titan, Pep will be buzzing 

As per reports in the last 48 hours, a major Tottenham Hotspur exit update has now come to light involving wantaway winger Steven Bergwijn.

The Lowdown: Summer of change at Tottenham…

The Lilywhites could be set for a very interesting 2022/23 Premier League campaign after Antonio Conte guided them to a place in the Champions League for next season.

Finishing in the top four on the final day of the last campaign has granted Spurs some real privileges, including a £150m equity increase courtesy of ENIC and three confirmed signings already.

However, in order to balance the books, Spurs transfer chief Fabio Paratici needs to offload a few players, and one man who is expected to leave north London is Bergwijn.

The Latest: Bergwijn transfer update…

The Netherlands international has openly admitted that he’s open to leaving Tottenham, with Football Insider sharing a big development on Tuesday afternoon.

According to their information, Ajax are eyeing a big-money move for Bergwijn, who they are keen to make their ‘marquee signing’ of the summer.

Negotiations are apparently ‘advancing’ and both clubs believe that an agreement could be imminent – so much so that all parties are confident that a deal could be in place by ‘the end of this week’.

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The Verdict: Sad end for Bergwijn…

Often a big-game player, Bergwijn’s stoppage-time heroics at Leicester City in January enhance the belief that he can really be of use to Conte on his day, despite drawing criticism from the likes of Graeme Souness in the past.

However, the Dutchman – who started just four league games last season – could struggle for game-time ahead of the in-form Dejan Kulusevski, or further potential summer additions, and we believe that an exit from Tottenham may suit all parties.

Paratici will need to agree outgoings sooner rather than later, with Bergwijn coming as a likely departure from N17.

Nottingham Forest are still trying to seal the signing of Liverpool youngster Neco Williams, according to BBC journalist Natalie Jackson.

The Lowdown: Williams expected to leave Liverpool

The 21-year-old looks likely to leave Anfield on a permanent basis this summer following the arrival of Calvin Ramsay from Aberdeen earlier this month as right-back cover for stalwart Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Williams’ playing time is set to be very limited at Liverpool, and it was for that very reason that he was sent out on loan to Fulham for the second half of the 2021/22 campaign, a decision that his national team coach Robert Page described as “brave” by the youngster.

Forest have been strongly linked with a move for the 21-cap Wales international recently, and it looks as though they could snap him up imminently.

The Latest: Forest working on Williams deal

Taking on Twitter on Saturday, Jackson claimed that the newly-promoted Premier League club are making a significant effort to sign Williams from Liverpool.

She said that Steve Cooper’s Forest are “doing everything they can to sign Liverpool defender Neco Williams” over the coming days.

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The Verdict: Ideal summer move

This would be a perfect summer move for Williams, allowing him to be a regular for a Premier League team ahead of the World Cup in Qatar later this year.

While Liverpool is arguably a level too high for him, given his sparsity of game-time, Forest could be an ideal destination, playing a rich brand of attacking football which allows their full-backs to get forward, as Djed Spence showed last season by chipping in with six goal contributions and averaging one key pass per game.

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There is no reason why Williams can’t blossom into a formidable player at the City Ground, and it would benefit all parties for the transfer to be completed as soon as possible.

Former Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish has been reacting to the club’s interest in Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher, as per Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Gallagher linked with Villa

The Midlands club have been credited with an interest in the 22-year-old recently following his successful loan spell with Crystal Palace last season.

Ashley Preece believes that Steven Gerrard’s side ‘will test the water’ for Gallagher, whereas journalist Josh Holland has claimed that a move to Villa Park could be a possibility.

Fabrizio Romano has said that Gerrard ‘loves’ the midfielder, and McLeish has now given his thoughts on the potential move.

The Latest: McLeish reacts

The 63-year-old, who contributes as a pundit for Sky Sports, was talking to Football Insider regarding Villa and Gallagher.

He said that the England international would be a ‘terrific asset’ with Villa ‘trying to get a foothold in the top end of the table’.

McLeish stated:

“Stevie likes flair players, he wasn’t one himself, he had a bit of everything.

“But he likes those players who have a bit of flair going forward. Gallagher made such an impact at Crystal Palace last season.

“I think he would be a good asset. He would be a good asset to any club in the Premier League other than maybe the top four.

“If Chelsea are considering selling him, Villa are trying to get a foothold in the top end of the table, he would be a good signing.

“He’s young and he’s still learning. He’s a terrific asset.”

The Verdict: Fifth summer signing?

Villa have already brought in four players this summer, so Gallagher could prove to be the fifth arrival ahead of Gerrard’s first full season in charge in the Midlands.

He could prove to be a ‘terrific asset’, in the words of McLeish, after contributing to 13 goals in 39 games at Selhurst Park.

Gallagher can play anywhere in the middle of the park so would provide plenty of versatility for Gerrard, and you’d expect that the 22-year-old will only get even better over the coming years, so a summer swoop could be a shrewd one for Villa owners NSWE to try and pull off.

Liverpool have held a long-term interest in Raphinha, and now a new update has emerged from a reliable source on the player’s future amid lots of speculation of a move this summer.

What’s the latest?

Italian journalist and transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has revealed an update on £60m Leeds United star Raphinha’s ongoing situation at the club.

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Romano tweeted:

“Raphinha update. Leeds United now officially confirm that Raphinha is not in the team for the tour of Australia.

“Raphinha will train in England while Leeds are in talks to sell him.

“Barcelona have improved their verbal bid – Chelsea had proposal accepted 10 days ago.”

FSG must act now

If Liverpool are interested in signing Raphinha, FSG must act now to secure the deal for the Brazilian before he makes a move to either Chelsea or Barcelona this summer.

It was reported that the Reds had an offer rejected for the Leeds winger last month, but as the transfer window goes on it could now be Liverpool’s last chance to capture Raphinha.

The 25-year-old has been a consistent and reliable attacking threat for the West Yorkshire club since he joined in 2020, and this season was a hugely important player in his team’s difficult challenge to remain in the Premier League.

Raphinha scored 11 goals, delivered three assists and created ten big chances, making 1.9 key passes, 1.5 tackles and winning 5.2 duels on average per game and was the club’s top goal scorer over his 35 league appearances last season.

Not only did the attacker score the most goals, he scored one of the most important goals of the season against Brentford on the final day to make sure Leeds retained their top-flight status, proving that he is a very impactful player that can make a huge difference in the team.

Although Liverpool have been constantly linked with a move for Raphinha, the interest has now dwindled especially now Mohamed Salah has signed a new deal to remain at Anfield for another three years, and it doesn’t now seem viable to sign the Brazil international this summer.

With that being said, there is no doubt that Raphinha would add further creativity and goal contributions to the team at Liverpool and if they could find a way to secure a deal for the player it would be a huge signing that could guarantee quality in front of goal beyond Salah’s new contract for years to come.

AND in other news: FSG will make lucrative LFC bid for “extraordinary” £103m star, imagine him & Thiago

Ibrox insider The 4th Official has revealed that Glasgow Rangers are now ‘confident’ of securing a double swoop for Angelo Fulgini and Rabbi Matondo ‘soon’.

The Lowdown: Busy week…

It has been a busy week for Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side after they quickly secured the signing of Tom Lawrence on a free transfer after his contract at Derby County expired.

They face English Championship outfit Sunderland in a pre-season friendly tonight, as Van Bronckhorst gets a first look at the squad he has available to him and can decide whether he wants to add to it or trim it ahead of the new Premiership season.

The Latest: Double signing?

Taking to Twitter, The 4th Official has revealed that Rangers are now ‘confident’ that they can secure the signings of Fulgini and Matondo ‘soon’, with ‘talks’ going on for the latter for ‘some time’.

The Ibrox insider tweeted on Saturday afternoon: “Rangers confident that they will get both the Angelo Fulgini & Rabbi Matondo deal over the line soon. The source I spoke with is confident Rangers will soon come to an agreement for Matondo. Talks going on for some time now before news leaked yesterday.”

The Verdict: Exciting

These are certainly exciting times for the Ibrox faithful, as the Gers could secure three new signings in the space of just a few days.

Matondo is a Wales international like Lawrence and impressed on loan at Cercle Brugge from Schalke 04 last term, scoring 10 goals and supplying two assists in total over all competitions, mainly operating from out wide (Transfermarkt).

Fulgini would be coming from a major European top-flight in Ligue 1, having scored five times and supplied four assists for Angers from midfield (Transfermarkt).

On that evidence, both players would certainly improve Van Bronckhorst’s squad if they come to Glasgow.

BBC broadcaster Andy Sixsmith has been left wowed as Newcastle United reportedly eye up a potential club-record deal to sign Alexander Isak.

The Lowdown: Bid weighed up

Writing in his latest piece for The Daily Telegraph, journalist Luke Edwards has revealed that the St. James’ Park outfit are now weighing up a club-record bid to sign Real Sociedad striker Isak.

It would surpass the £40m that they paid Hoffenheim for Joelinton back in 2019, and if a deal went through, he would become Eddie Howe’s fourth major signing of the summer after Nick Pope, Sven Botman and Matt Targett.

The Latest: Sixmith wowed

Taking to Twitter, Sixsmith was left wowed over the prospect of Isak moving to the North East, claiming that it would be a ‘sensational’ deal for the Tynesiders:

“Fully expect #NUFC to make one more ‘marquee’ signing in attack this summer, whether that budget goes towards a central striker or a right winger. Alexander Isak would be a sensational deal if it can be done – he fits the club’s profile perfectly.”

The Verdict: Statement signing

Isak would certainly be a statement signing, given that he has been courted by the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal in the past.

Often described as a ‘unicorn’ for his ‘mixture of size & technical ability’ according to scout analyst Kev Lawson, the six-foot-four colossus produced ‘staggering’ xG/A numbers per 90 the season before last.

In the 2020/21 campaign, Isak averaged a goal every two games in La Liga, while also producing two assists (Transfermarkt).

The 2021/22 term was not nearly as fruitful for the Sweden international, but he is still only 22 years of age, and so there is still plenty of time for him to develop into one of the world’s best strikers.