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Liverpool are set to battle some fellow European giants for the signing of RB Leipzig midfielder Konrad Laimer this summer, according to a new transfer report.

The Lowdown: Laimer impressing for Leipzig

The 24-year-old is enjoying a good season for the Bundesliga side, proving to be a key figure in the middle of the park. Laimer has chipped in with four goals and four assists in 13 league starts, also registering an 89.6% pass completion rate across five Europa League appearances.

He was once deemed to be the fifth-fastest player in the Bundesliga, using his lightning speed to good use, and he has 20 caps to his name for Austria. In addition, his former Red Bull Salzburg coach Adi Hutter praised him as being “incredibly aggressive on the ball”.

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The Latest: Liverpool keen on Laimer

According to Kicker, Liverpool are keen on signing the Leipzig speedster this summer, but they certainly aren’t alone in expressing an interest.

Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund also see the 24-year-old as a potential shrewd signing, as do Tottenham as Antonio Conte looks to build a formidable squad in north London.

The Verdict: Ideal for squad depth

The bonus that Liverpool have right now is that they are arguably the most enticing proposition in Europe, playing wonderful football, winning trophies and being managed by a hugely successful coach in Jurgen Klopp.

For that reason, Laimer could jump at the chance to join the Reds, and he would bring a much-needed freshness and youth to the Reds’ midfield – something which is needed with the likes of James Milner, Jordan Henderson and Thiago all 31 or older.

Furthermore, the Austrian is a versatile footballer who can play in a defensive or central midfield role, as well as out wide, which will surely make him appeal even more to Klopp.

In other news, Fabrizio Romano has made a key Liverpool transfer claim. Read more here.

Manchester City have not been shy when it comes to spending significant sums of money on bringing new players to the club over the years.

However, one figure currently in Pep Guardiola’s squad who has become a big player for the club but didn’t cost them a penny in transfer fees is Phil Foden.

As a product of City’s youth system, the Englishman has racked up 208 appearances for the club in all competitions across their senior and youth sides.

In that time, the 21-year-old has scored 65 goals and delivered 46 assists along the way, showing what a dangerous attacking talent he is.

Now that the next summer transfer window is on the horizon, this will give Guardiola and the Etihad Stadium hierarchy the chance to get their chequebooks out once again and make whatever changes to the squad that they see fit.

In terms of players with whom the Citizens have been linked in recent weeks, one name which sticks out who could be brought in to form a deadly duo with Foden is Mason Mount.

According to a report from The Sun last week, Chelsea are concerned that their midfield star could be lured away to the Manchester club as a result of their current ownership issues.

Should the Citizens launch a move to bring the England international to the north west, Guardiola could then have the opportunity to create a formidable attacking pairing in his team for the future.

To compare the two players from their current individual Premier League campaigns, Mount has made 30 appearances compared to Foden’s 25. In those outings, the Chelsea star has racked up more goals (10 v 8) and assists (9 v 5) than his England teammate.

Even from a defensive point of view, the 22-year-old has overshadowed the City starlet by having a combined total of 53 tackles and interceptions compared to Foden’s 32.

Praised by Joe Cole for his “unbelievable” actions on the pitch, Mount has also been described as “one of the most important players in the country” by the former Chelsea and West Ham star.

Despite having previously been valued at £70m, the Stamford Bridge sensation should definitely be in City’s thinking if a summer move for him becomes a possibility, as the prospect of him playing alongside Foden at club level would be a mouth-watering one.

In other news: Huge behind-the-scenes claim emerges, it’s great news for Man City supporters

Everton have miraculously gone unbeaten in their last three Premier League games after taking a goalless draw and Frank Lampard will surely have mixed emotions about the result against Watford yesterday evening.

Of their remaining four games, considering Roy Hodgson’s side are already relegated from the league this season it could’ve been considered the Toffees’ easiest opportunity to take three points in their attempt to hold onto their Premier League status next season, so to take a draw from the game will be bittersweet.

Everton are two points clear of relegation rivals Leeds United and Burnley with three tough fixtures ahead against Brentford, Crystal Palace and then Arsenal at the Emirates on the last day of the season, so there’s no doubt the former Chelsea boss won’t be feeling too comfortable yet.

Despite having more possession (52%), more shots on target and more passes completed away from home last night, the Everton side could not find the creativity to take anything from the game against a weakened Watford side.

In fact, Everton had five shots on target in total over the course of the game compared to their opponent’s zero attempted shots on target, so to not convert a single one will be massively frustrating for Lampard. However, it won’t be surprising when you consider the number of goals the side have conceded (56) this season compared to the goals they’ve scored (37).

With that being said, Abdoulaye Doucoure played a huge part in missing his opportunities to progress the ball and build play during the tie at Vicarage Road on Wednesday night, which ultimately led to the stalemate result and opportunity missed to secure all three points in the game.

According to SofaScore, the 29-year-old attacking midfielder lost possession of the ball every 4.7 touches he made, which didn’t help in the slightest when it came to controlling the flow of the game.

He was also surprisingly poor in his defensive duties, losing the majority of his aerial and ground duels combined (6/16). He also struggled to assert his authority on his former employers, proving unsuccessful in 100% of his dribble attempts against the Hornets.

The Blues boss will be hoping that last night’s performance from the Frenchman will be a one-off considering he has played a crucial part in the two most recent victories prior to the Watford clash, and will hope that going forward the midfielder will step up to put in the hard work needed over the last three games to ensure they can remain in the Premier League next season.

AND in other news: “Everton are keen..”: Insider drops exciting transfer claim, Lampard will be ecstatic

A big update has emerged on Newcastle United’s pursuit of Atletico Madrid left-back Renan Lodi heading into the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie has confirmed that the club are eyeing up a potential deal for the Brazilian defender and has pointed out that PIF already have an existing relationship with the Spanish side.

Downie Tweeted: “Understand Renan Lodi is a player Newcastle have looked at & could potentially form part of their summer plans. 15-times capped Brazilian international left-back. Newcastle have already done business of late with Atletico for fellow full-back Kieran Trippier #NUFC.”

Jacque Talbot replied to this with an update to the story, Tweeting: “Just to add to this report by @SkySports_Keith, price I was told for Renan Lodi is around £42million, but there could be some flexibility around how it’s paid.”

This comes after Brazilian journalist André Hernan recently claimed that the club have been in talks over a swoop for the left-back, with Downie now confirming the interest and Talbot revealing the potential price.

Eddie Howe will be buzzing

This claim from Downie will surely leave the Toon head coach buzzing as the full-back would be an excellent signing for the club.

He already has a pre-existing relationship with current Magpies defender Kieran Trippier and this could help him to hit the ground running on Tyneside.

The pair played alongside each other in 68 matches for Atletico – totaling over 4,200 minutes of action as part of Diego Simeone’s backline. This suggests that they know each other well and that Trippier will be able to assist Lodi in settling in under Howe.

Whilst playing for the La Liga outfit, they would need to know when and when not to go forward as one would need to stay back to cover at the back when the other goes forward. This means that there will be no excuses for them not having that connection on the pitch for Newcastle next season.

This will be particularly important for the Toon as the Brazilian left-back is a threat in the final third. He has created an impressive seven ‘big chances’ in his last 24 starts in La Liga, which shows that he has a terrific left-foot capable of putting chances on a plate for forwards.

Therefore, Howe will be delighted with the club’s pursuit of Lodi as he can slot straight into his Premier League squad next season and provide an exciting full-back duo alongside Trippier.

AND in other news, Howe now plotting £17m move for “terrific” machine, he’d be a “big influence” at NUFC…

Rangers boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst has been dealt a setback as a piece of Frankfurt team news has emerged ahead of the Europa League final…

What’s the latest?

According to the Scottish Express, the Ibrox giants will have to contest with the threat of Jesper Lindstrom who has won his fitness battle with a thigh knock to be available for action tonight.

The report claims that there were fears that he would be out for the season after he suffered the blow in their semi-final clash with West Ham. However, he has overcome his issue and is now set to take part in the huge clash in Seville.

They quote Frankfurt boss Oliver Glasner as saying: “Jesper has a very good sense of depth, which will be very important against Rangers. They defend incredibly well on men so we have to get them going and attack gaps. It has to be better than the alternative. If I feel his condition is better, he will play. If not, the other will play.”

Gio van Bronckhorst will be gutted

The Gers head coach will be gutted by this news as Lindstrom being fit is a huge blow to his side’s chances of winning the game.

Glasner’s comments on the Dane highlight how highly he is rated within the German outfit and his statistics this season back up the high praise.

In Europe’s top five leagues this season, he is in the 93rd percentile for pressures and interceptions per 90 – as per FBRef. This shows that he works his socks off for the team whilst playing in an attacking role, often playing on the right of a front three.

His hard work on the flank can, therefore, limit what Borna Barisic is able to do from left-back. If the Croatian has Lindstrom constantly pressuring him and trying to intercept the ball then it may lead to rushed, forced, passes and lower the quality of his output in possession tonight.

The Frankfurt gem will also cause issues with what he is able to do on the ball. He has created 11 ‘big chances’ across the Bundesliga and Europa League this season as he has proven that he can be a creator for his team out wide, whilst also chipping in with five goals.

This means that the 22-year-old can make a big impact at both ends of the pitch for his team and that is why his availability is a huge blow for Rangers and one that van Bronckhorst will be gutted about.

AND in other news, Gvb must finally unleash “powerful” 19 y/o Rangers gem who “took his chance” in 2022…

Everton have held a long term interest in James Tarkowski and were previously linked to signing the defender back in January and now a new update has emerged ahead of the summer transfer window.

What’s the latest?

According to Football Insider, an Everton source has revealed that the club has tabled an offer of £120k-per-week for recently relegated Burnley defender Tarkowski.

As per the report, the Everton source claimed that the Toffees have put together a lucrative deal to cement their serious intent to sign Tarkowski, with Newcastle United and West Ham United named as clubs competing for his services.

The Toffees look to beat Leicester City, Aston Villa and Fulham to secure the signature of the player who will not renew his contract at his current club.

Mason Holgate upgrade

There is no doubt that big improvements are needed at the club ahead of next season to ensure that Everton don’t find themselves in the same situation they have experienced this season, battling relegation down to the wire.

One huge area of improvement is the defence in the squad after the side conceded 66 goals, 23 more than they have scored in total this season, and the 5-1 loss on the final day should be ringing alarm bells in Frank Lampard’s head ahead of the summer transfer window.

Despite being relegated this season with Burnley, Tarkowski has been a stand out performer and solid force for the side which clearly reflects in the amount of Premier League clubs interested in signing the defender this summer.

When you compare the 29-year-old brute who was hailed “outstanding” by Sean Dyche, to Everton’s Mason Holgate it is clear he would be a big upgrade in the defensive back-line at Goodison Park next season.

According to Squawka, Tarkowski has won more tackles, duels, interceptions, blocks and made more clearances than his position competitor in Merseyside, so if Lampard could secure the signing it would be a major coup for the Toffees next season and surely improve their defensive play.

With that being said, Everton will have to hope their attractive offer will be tempting enough to get Tarkowski to make the short move across the North West to join the club this summer.

AND in other news: Everton plot move for £10m monster who’s “solid as a rock”, Lampard needs him badly

Former Celtic striker Frank McAvennie has urged the Hoops to complete the permanent capture of Portuguese forward Jota. 

The lowdown: Superb addition

The 23-year-old has been a revelation since arriving at Celtic Park on loan from Primeira Liga outfit Benfica for the duration of the 2021/22 campaign.

Jota provided 27 direct goal contributions in 40 appearances for the Hoops, netting seven goals in the Scottish Premiership en route to Ange Postecoglou’s side lifting the title.

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Following a report claiming that the club are now nearing the completion of a permanent move believed to be upwards of £6million (Sky Sports), one interested onlooker has had his say on the forward’s impact.

The latest: ‘One hell of a talent’

Speaking to Football Insider about that update from Sky, McAvennie hailed the 18-cap Portugal Under 21 star and the role he could play next term in Glasgow should the deal be completed in a timely fashion.

The 62-year-old said: “I’ve seen Jota more than most and sometimes he wasn’t up to scratch. When the team is flowing, he was the catalyst, different class. The fans still love him, everyone wants a picture.

“He is one hell of a talent and if he joins now, which I hope he does, he will be super fit next season. That’s what Ange is all about. He will have those guys ready to give everything for 90 minutes and be fine afterwards.

“He didn’t have the pre-season to do that last year. A lot of players arrived late. So let’s get the Jota deal done and give him a full pre-season. I think that will allow him to go on and do phenomenal things with Celtic. To hear he is close to joining is great but let’s have it all confirmed.”

The verdict: Spot on

Boasting an outstanding 7.56 Sofascore rating comprising of 2.6 shots per game, 1.7 successful dribbles and 4.4 duels won on average per game, capturing the versatile ace on a permanent basis would be a superb coup for the Bhoys.

Currently holding a rising market value of £4.95million (Transfermarkt), the mooted option to buy clause would be a bargain with plenty of room for development and the potential to generate a major profit for the Hoops’ hierarchy in the future.

Coupled with the ongoing deal to bring fellow loan star Cameron Carter-Vickers to Paradise from Tottenham, Postecoglou will have made the perfect start to the summer transfer window.

In other news, Celtic have been linked with another midfield signing. Find out who it is here.

Sky Sports pundit Paul Robinson has suggested that Everton would be set to face some serious competition if they tried to sign Manchester City left-back Oleksandr Zinchenko this summer.

The Lowdown: Zinchenko’s future up in the air

The Ukrainian first made the switch to the Etihad from FC Ufa back in 2016, where he has since gone on to make 128 appearances and nine trophies for the Sky Blues during his six-year spell at the club.

The 25-year-old still has two years remaining on his current contract with the Premier League champions, but it was recently reported by The Athletic journalists Patrick Boyland and Greg O’Keeffe that his future is very much up in the air, with the likes of the Toffees and fellow top-flight side Newcastle United believed to have identified the full-back as a possible transfer target for the upcoming window.

The Latest: Robinson unsure about Everton move

When asked during an interview with Football Insider whether or not he thought Zinchenko would be a strong addition at Goodison Park, Robinson said:

“As much as Zinchenko is a top-quality player, where does he fit in at Everton?

“They already have [Vitaliy] Mykolenko.

“Zinchenko is unlucky not to get more game time at Man City. He’s a very good player.

“If he is going to make a move this summer there will be a lot more clubs than just Everton looking to sign him.

“He can play left-back and in the midfield. His versatility and quality make him a very attractive proposition for a lot of clubs.

“I’m sure there would be a lot of managers keen on a player like him if it becomes common knowledge that he’s available. 100 per cent.”

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The Verdict: Zinchenko’s high ambitions

Despite only making 15 top-flight outings this campaign, the 48-cap international has more than shown what he’s capable of when he’s on the pitch, having provided four assists, as per Transfermarkt.

As well as making 1.3 tackles per game, the defender has been equally as threatening going forward, recording 1.1 key passes and 1.6 long balls per league game, via WhoScored, and he is exactly the profile of player that Everton should be looking at signing if they are aiming for a much higher place finish next season.

However, even if Zinchenko were to leave the Manchester outfit in the coming weeks in a bid to get more game time, he would highly likely want to switch somewhere that he’ll have a strong chance of continuing to get his hands on silverware after his success with City, a factor that might end up being a disadvantage for Everton in the race for their man.

In other news… Fabrizio Romano has revealed the transfer intentions of one of Everton’s ‘best’ players.

Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips’ exit from Elland Road ‘is in motion’, according to journalist Tom Young.

The Lowdown: City rumours

Phillips has been heavily linked with an Elland Road exit since the turn of the year, with the likes of Aston Villa, Newcastle United and West Ham all showing an interest – the Hammers even had a bid rejected in January.

Manchester City joined the race more recently, as they reportedly now have Phillips at the top of their list to replace Fernandinho and believe that the England international possesses the perfect profile to fit in at the Etihad Stadium.

Phillips was in the process of changing agent back in April so his future is up in the air, but it looks as if the Premier League champions have begun work on a potential deal.

The Latest: Journalist’s update

Writing on Twitter, VAVEL’s Etihad editor Young shared an update ‘on Phillips’ on Wednesday afternoon.

Replying to a City fan, Young claimed that a possible transfer is now ‘in motion’, although there is still a ‘way to go’ in terms of a deal going through.

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The Verdict: A worry…

With Leeds securing their Premier League status on the final day, you get the feeling that Phillips will either remain at the club or join Pep Guardiola’s side over the coming months.

Moving to the likes of Villa, Newcastle or West Ham may have been options if the club were relegated, but the local lad will surely only want to leave for a serious upgrade, so it is a worry to know that City are well and truly in for the boyhood Whites fan.

Phillips could reportedly triple his current Elland Road salary at the Etihad, work under one of the best managers in the world and play Champions League football. All of the above is extremely tempting for any player, so Leeds may find it difficult to keep hold of their star midfielder with work on a transfer underway.

In other news: Victor Orta now spotted 5.6 miles from stadium of ‘quality’ Leeds target dubbed the ‘new Drogba’.Â

Aberdeen are now demanding Liverpool pay £10million for the services of right-back Calvin Ramsay, as the transfer saga continues to rumble on.

The Lowdown: Deal close?

The 18-year-old has emerged as one of the Reds’ main summer transfer targets alongside Darwin Nunez, with the defender arguably one of the most exciting young players in the Scottish Premiership.

Ramsay, known as a ‘massive’ prospect, has already got nine assists to his name in an Aberdeen shirt, catching the eye with his Trent Alexander-Arnold-esque quality down the right flank.

After previous reports had suggested a deal for the young Scot to follow Nunez to Merseyside was as good as done, Sky Sports have now revealed a late twist as the Dons up their demands.

The Latest: Twist in the tale

According to Sky Sports pair Anthony Joseph and Vinny O’Connor, the Scottish side now want £10million for one of their most prized assets signature.

They want £5million as an upfront amount and then will demand the same amount in add-ons as part of the deal.

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The Verdict:  Worth the money?

While £10million is a large amount for an 18-year-old, Liverpool clearly see him as a great understudy to Alexander-Arnold, so perhaps it’s time they simply stump up the cash.

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The hope is that the Reds can work their usual transfer magic and knock the asking price down a little, but if the add-ons that take the deal to £10m are met then that presumably means the player has been a big hit anyway.

Ramsay is someone who has been described as ‘elite’ prospect by Aberdeen chairman Dave Cormack, and he would be a long-term investment with huge potential and possibly even sell-on value down the line too.

In other news, a fresh Liverpool transfer rumour has emerged. Read more here.