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Wolverhampton Wanderers are said to be keen on signing Burnley and Republic of Ireland defender, Nathan Collins.

That is according to Alan Nixon who claims that Wolves are now offering Collins an instant return to the top-flight, after his impressive performances as a regular.

It is said that Burnley value the 21-year-old around the £40m mark and Wolves are not alone in their interest for the Irishman, with the likes of Newcastle United and Leeds United also said to be vying for his signature this summer.

Imagine him and Coady

With Wolves ever keen on the signing of Collins, the narrative around a potential modern, yet throwback partnership between the 21-year-old and Conor Coady is slowly but surely forming.

Whilst technical ability is clearly there in both defenders, they have an archaic feel around their defensive style – a tough, yet elegant approach in what seems to a hybrid between old-fashioned defenders, fused with the modern expectations of a ball-playing centre-back.

It’s a partnership that could elevate Wolves to that next level, and as well as future-proofing what was the tenth oldest squad in comparison to the rest of the Premier League in the season just gone.

Described as a “brick wall” by Jamie O’Hara, Collins does the basics extremely well, and considering his more physical adaptation of an archaic approach, he offers a quality option as an asset who can play in both a back-four or back-three, having done so for Stoke City just two seasons prior.

His numbers are unique considering his position, having averaged 0.92 shot-creating actions per game, whilst maintaining defensive solidity with his 2.59 blocks and 5.50 clearances per 90 minutes.

Despite relegation with Burnley last season, he enjoyed a positive campaign on a personal level and proved his worth in the Premier League.

As a result, he’d be a shrewd acquisition for the Old Gold, and one that could form a reliable and formidable partnership alongside the skipper in Coady.

In other news: Lage could land Wolves their very own Cancelo by signing “unique” £30m machine 

Tottenham have now become the latest side to show an interest in Leeds United winger Raphinha, according to The Athletic.

The Lowdown: Raphinha in demand

Raphinha has been heavily linked with a move to Barcelona in recent months, however, a number of Premier League clubs have joined the race due to financial problems at the Nou Camp.

Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United and West Ham have all been credited with a summer interest in the Brazilian, who starred at Elland Road last season.

The 25-year-old netted 11 times and registered three assists to help keep the Whites in the top flight, and it looks as if his future could still be in England… but not in Yorkshire.

The Latest: Spurs join ‘big’ race

Adam Crafton of The Athletic took to Twitter on Tuesday afternoon to provide an update on the Leeds man. He revealed that Tottenham now hold a ‘genuine interest’ in Raphinha ‘in what may be one of the big tussles this summer’.

Leeds are open to the idea of cashing in on the winger, providing their valuation is met, with Elland Road chefs not expecting the player to pen a new deal.

The Verdict: £60m?

Phil Hay has previously stated that it would take a bid of between £60m and £70m to get Raphinha out of Elland Road. It would come as a surprise if a move to Spurs materialised, especially as Antonio Conte likes to use wing-backs, something many questioned when Raphinha turned out in a similar role under Jesse Marsch.

The list of clubs keen on his signature continues to grow, but that shouldn’t alter Leeds’ stance when it comes to an exit. They should continue to demand at least £60m for a player who has impressed in successive Premier League campaigns, and if they receive a fee in that region, the club should look to reinvest that money on attacking reinforcements ahead of Marsch’s first full season in charge.

In other news: As well as Roca: Leeds and Marsch now want to sign ‘incredible’ midfielder; Orta in overdrive. 

Everton are in need of a transformative transfer window this summer following a difficult season in the Premier League that left them in a relegation battle for the most part, and now a new potential target has been revealed.

What’s the latest?

According to Italian news outlet Tutto Udinese, Everton are interested in signing Udinese defender Rodrigo Becao.

As per the report, the Toffees will need to compete with Antonio Conte’s Tottenham Hotspur this summer to secure the signature of the player with a reported fee of €20m (£17m).

Big Holgate upgrade

There is no doubt that Frank Lampard will be looking for ways to improve his squad ahead of next season to make sure the club does not find itself in the same position as the previous Premier League campaign with the side surviving relegation by the skin of their teeth in the penultimate game of the season.

With that being said, the powers at Goodison Park must identify players that can come in to replace the underperforming members of the team with Mason Holgate one of the clear culprits for the lack of good defensive play that led Everton to concede the fifth-most goals in the entire league last season.

Holgate has been in the firing line for criticism over the last campaign with Micah Richards branding the defender “out of control” after Holgate received a red card for a dangerous challenge on Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg in a 0-0 draw with Spurs.

“You know when you come on and want to make an impact, he got a little bit excited there, but he can have no arguments with that.” Richards claimed.

“That is reckless, out of control so, red card.”

The signing of Becao can inspire a fresh start, giving Everton’s backline better control and stability next season, and when you compare his defensive attributes for Udinese it is clear he would be a big Holgate upgrade.

The Brazilian monster who was dubbed “insurmountable” by journalist Bruno Queiroz, has made more tackles and interceptions on average per game, put in ten more league performances proving his reliability and won more duels as well as being more successful in his dribbles compared to the Everton defender.

As a result, it would be a big signing for Farhad Moshiri if he could get a deal done for Becao this summer and tempt the player away from a move to Spurs in favour of a move to Merseyside as he could play a huge role in Everton’s attempts to compete in the Premier League next term.

AND in other news: Moshiri plotting Everton bid for “powerful” £25m monster, he can be Calvert-Lewin 2.0

Leeds United are battling Tottenham and Man City in the race to sign young goalkeeper Rory Mahady, according to The Daily Record’s Scott Burns.

The Lowdown: Mahady profiled

Mahady is currently on the books in Scotland with Celtic but has yet to pen a professional deal at Parkhead due to his age.

The 15-year-old will be able to sign a first pro deal later this year when he turns 16. Mahady has already played for Scotland at Under-17 level and is regarded as ‘one of the best young keepers in Britain’.

Celtic are keen to keep hold of the youngster this summer, but it looks as if Victor Orta and Leeds are looking to pounce when he turns 16 in August.

The Latest: Leeds interest

Reliable reporter Burns shared a story on Tuesday afternoon, stating that the Whites are long-term admirers of Mahady.

However, Leeds now face competition from both Spurs and Manchester City for the goalkeeper’s services, with Celtic due compensation if a transfer south goes through.

Tottenham look set to sign a more senior shot-stopper in the shape of Fraser Forster, and given the north Londoners’ quest to fix their homegrown quota issue, perhaps they pose the biggest threat to Leeds in the race for Mahady.

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The Verdict: Another academy addition…

Even though Orta is looking to bolster Jesse Marsch’s senior squad this summer, it seems as if Leeds will still be in the market to sign the best youngsters around for their academy.

The Whites are firming up their interest in young Birmingham City midfielder George Hall, and it appears as if Mahady is also on their radar.

The Scot seems to be a future star with a glowing reference and the size of the clubs interested, so hopefully, the Celtic man will follow in the footsteps of Leo Hjelde by swapping Celtic Park for Elland Road.

In other news – £34m release clause: Leeds now interested in move for ‘special talent’ who Marsch loves

Tottenham Hotspur are plotting a move to bring Alessandro Bastoni to north London in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Italian media outlet TuttoMercatoWeb (via Sport Witness), who claimed that Antonio Conte has made movements in the last few hours regarding a deal for the Inter Milan centre-back, with an official offer for the 23-year-old set to be made at any time.

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The report added that the Nerazzurri would be willing to part with the Italy international in order to ease their financial concerns, with a bid of around €70m (£60m) expected to be enough for the Serie A runners-up to sanction the defender’s sale this summer.

Spurs’ own Steph Curry

Considering the sheer amount of potential that Bastoni quite clearly possesses, and with the signing of a left-footed centre-back reported to be one of Conte’s priorities in the summer, it is not difficult to see why the 52-year-old would be keen on a move to bring the youngster to north London.

Indeed, over his 31 Serie A appearances this season, the £60m-rated talent was imperious in Simone Inzaghi’s backline, helping his side to keep eight clean sheets, in addition to making 1.1 interceptions, 1.4 tackles and 1.8 clearances and winning 4.1 duels (at a success rate of 60%) per game.

The £122k-per-week defender also impressed going forwards, bagging one goal, providing three assists and creating four big chances for his team-mates, along with averaging 50.5 passes, four long balls and 0.5 key passes per match.

These returns saw the player who Muhammad Butt dubbed a “special talent” average a tremendous SofaScore match rating of 7.10, ranking him as Inter’s eighth-best performer in the league.

Aside from his defensive solidity, it is perhaps Bastoni’s creative output which is the most eye-catching of his statistics. It’s something which looks as if it is a conscious effort made by the 23-year-old, as the Italian himself revealed in April that he draws inspiration from Golden State Warriors basketball star Steph Curry.

In comments cited by Italian Football TV, Bastoni said: “One of my idols is Steph Curry, my dream is to watch him play. He changed the rules of how you defend in basketball and I want to do the same in football. I don’t like to just defend, I like to attack as well.”

As such, considering his undoubted talent, his suitability to Conte’s style of football and his potential for future growth, it would seem an extremely wise move for Fabio Paratici to do everything he can to try and land the centre-back for Spurs this summer, as Bastoni could well go on to become Tottenham’s very own Curry.

AND in other news – Deal agreed: Paratici set to seal “big signing” for Spurs, he’s “ready-made” for Conte

A major Rangers development has emerged as Ibrox defender Borna Barisic has made a key decision heading into the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

According to Football Scotland, the left-back has decided that he wants to remain at Rangers and continue to fight for his place in Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s team next season.

The report claims that the Gers are not pushing to sell him in the coming months but would be willing to consider a sale if the right offer came in for his services.

It is stated that the club rejected two offers for Barisic during the January transfer window, including one worth around £2m from Premier League side Watford as they attempted to snap him up.

Van Bronckhorst will be buzzing

The Ibrox head coach will be buzzing with this news as Barisic has been a big member of the squad throughout the campaign for the Dutchman.

Van Bronckhorst placed his faith in the Croatian throughout the impressive Europa League run. The defender played 14 times in the competition and started 12 matches – including the final – as the Gers lost on penalties to Frankfurt in Seville.

He made 3.1 tackles and interceptions per game and won 63% of his duels at left-back as he seemingly earned the manager’s trust. Instead of moving Calvin Bassey out to full-back, the head coach selected the 29-year-old on a regular basis in Europe and this highlights how much he values the gem.

Meanwhile, he played 23 matches in the Premiership as he found minutes harder to come by in competition with Bassey at times. When he did play, though, he caught the eye with some impressive displays as he averaged an exceptional SofaScore rating of 7.29.

In the Scottish top-flight, Barisic created an eye-catching 1.9 chances per game as he provided an attacking threat from left-back. He also won 67% of his duels as he stood up to the physical tests thrown his way throughout the campaign.

Therefore, van Bronckhorst will be delighted to learn that the player is committed to Rangers and wants to stay and fight for his place in the XI. The defender played a key role domestically and in Europe and, unless a big offer that allows the club to bring a replacement comes in, keeping hold of him will be a boost to the head coach this summer.

AND in other news, Rangers can land dream Kent heir in deal for £1.5m “asset” who can “affect the game”…

Crystal Palace have been handed a major boost ahead of their clash against Manchester United today.

What’s the latest?

As per a report from Football.London, the Red Devils will be without the Portuguese talisman that is Cristiano Ronaldo.

It is said that the 37-year-old has sustained a hip flexor injury ahead of today’s game, consequently ruling him out.

United will also be without France midfielder Paul Pogba, in what is a double blow for Manchester United and a double boost for Crystal Palace. Pogba looks to have played his final game for the club and will not get the opportunity to sign off in style in a United shirt.

A double boost for Vieira

Whilst the two injuries represent a big blow for United, the news comes as a major boost for a Palace side who are looking to secure a top-half Premier League finish.

Vieira needs a win against United, who were thrashed by top half battlers Brighton last time out.

With the likes of Ronaldo out, who has scored an incredible 18 goals in his first season back in England, Palace will have one less focal point to worry about.

Whilst Pogba’s absence will also harm United’s creative prospects in possession.

Rangnick’s side have registered 65 big chances this season, and the combination of Ronaldo and Pogba are responsible for 13 of those this season, despite missing games.

Vieira’s side will consequently have the luxury of aiming most of their concentration on the transitional aspects of the game, rather than spending resources trying to mark the likes of Ronaldo and Pogba out of the game.

With the lack of quality depth at United this season, they should not have to worry too much about the Red Devils’ threat and will feel confident out-of-possession, having conceded just 46 goals this season in what makes them the seventh-best defence in the league.

In other news: Crystal Palace to bid farewell to £3m “natural leader”, Vieira surely gutted 

Transfer insider Dean Jones has made an exciting claim regarding Leeds United and a possible pursuit of Wolves winger Adama Traore. 

The lowdown: Traore’s troubles

In January, the 26-year-old joined Barcelona on loan until the end of the season, with a £29m permanent option included in the deal.

However, since arriving in Spain, the powerful ace has made just 10 La Liga appearances for the Catalan giants, completing 90 minutes on only one occasion.

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Traore is now expected to return to Molineux at the end of the season, where his future remains in the balance.

The latest: Traore ‘open’ to Leeds move

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones has suggested that Leeds will likely be among the leading contenders to land the Spain winger in the summer.

The journalist explained: “He knows they want him. I think he’s been open to it in the past. If there’s no future for him at Wolves, or Barcelona, then he will have to consider it.”

The verdict: Worth the risk

Traore was once dubbed ‘undefendable’ by Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp due to his frightening pace, power and direct running style, possessing all the raw attributes to succeed at a high level, but he has often flattered to deceive in the final third.

Despite the eight-cap Spain international’s frightening physicality, he has just 24 direct goal contributions in 160 Premier League appearances and has earned a lowly 6.94 Sofascore rating in the Spanish top flight this term – taking only 23 touches per game – in a disappointing 2021/22 campaign.

However, with the long term future of Raphinha at Elland Road in doubt and fellow winger Dan James failing to hit the ground running in Yorkshire, Whites manager Jesse Marsch would indeed be wise to keep Traore in mind if the price is right this summer as Wolves potentially look to cut their losses on the 26-year-old.

In other news: Leeds want this powerful 12-goal striker who is ‘ideal’ for the Championship

Former Premier League striker Kevin Campbell has given his reaction to the news that Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino has returned to fitness this week. 

The lowdown: Back in contention

The 30-year-old returned to the matchday squad for the first time in four Premier League games for the 2-1 victory over Aston Villa in midweek but remained an unused substitute.

Following a foot injury that kept the Brazilian forward out for six games, Firmino appears likely to now be in contention to feature in the FA Cup final showdown with Chelsea at Wembley on Saturday, unlike his compatriot Fabinho who is ruled out with a hamstring strain.

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Despite the firepower now at Jurgen Klopp’s disposal, such is the continued importance of Firmino that his comeback has been heralded by at least one invested onlooker…

The latest: ‘Absolutely massive’

Speaking to Football Insider, regular talkSPORT pundit Campbell explained why news of the false nine’s availability is so crucial.

He said: “It’s a massive boost. It is absolutely massive for them. They have the FA Cup final coming up. His experience will count for a lot during this run-in.

“Liverpool are going for the quadruple, even though the league is in City’s hands. I don’t think they’ll mess up. To get one of your mainstays back at this stage of the season is really important for Jurgen Klopp.

“Even though they only have a few games left they will need to rotate. There will be some tired legs in that dressing room. Let’s not forget, Firmino, [Mohamed] Salah and [Sadio] Mane are electric together.”

The verdict: Plenty left to offer…

Albeit the arrival and subsequent impact of both Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz has seen Firmino fall down the pecking order somewhat this season, there can be no underestimating the 55-cap ace’s continued importance in the eyes of Jurgen Klopp.

So often the man to turn to in order to change the pattern of a game – coming from the bench nine times in the league alone this term – the skilful Samba star who was hailed as ‘special’ by Klopp in 2020 has still managed 11 goals and four assists this term in just 31 outings across all competitions.

Overall, Firmino has earned a 6.96 Sofascore rating in the Premier League, winning 2.9 of his total duels, making 1.2 tackles and completing 80% of his passes on average per game.

Given the lack of recent game time, it seems unlikely that Klopp will turn to his trusted forward from the outset at Wembley, however, don’t rule out an influence from the bench or indeed a starting spot in Paris against Real Madrid.

In other news, French newspaper cites Liverpool interest in ‘unstoppable’ speedster. Read more here.

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in a deal to bring Sergej Milinkovic-Savic to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Italian media outlet Noi Biancocelesti (via Sport Witness), who claim that Antonio Conte would love to bring the Lazio midfielder to north London this summer, with the 52-year-old said to have been incredibly impressed by the 27-year-old after facing him on numerous occasions during his time at Inter Milan.

However, the report goes on to state that the likes of Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, Juventus and Manchester United are also interested in the Serbia international, with the latter even believed to have submitted a £68m offer.

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On Lazio’s part, it is said that club president Claudio Lotito is willing to listen to all offers for the midfielder, in the hope that something of a bidding auction is launched for the former KRC Genk starlet.

The next Dembele

While Milinkovic-Savic has been an extremely consistent performer for Lazio ever since his €9m (£7.5m) move to the Stadio Olimpico back in the summer of 2015, the box-to-box midfielder has undoubtedly taken his game to another level this season.

Indeed, over his 34 Serie A appearances this term, the £63m-rated Serbian has been in breathtaking form, scoring ten goals, registering 11 assists and creating ten big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 2.0 shots, making 1.3 key passes and completing 1.2 dribbles per game.

The £95k-per-week talent has also impressed in metrics more typical of his position, making an average of 1.0 interceptions, 1.9 tackles, 49.7 passes, 1.2 clearances and winning 7.1 duels – at a success rate of 52% – per fixture.

These returns have seen the player who David Amoyal dubbed “unreal” average a quite astonishing SofaScore match rating of 7.29, not only ranking him as Maurizio Sarri’s best performer in the Italian top flight but also the fifth-best midfielder and the tenth-best player overall in Serie A as a whole.

As such, being a player who is deadly in the final third, accomplished with the ball at his feet and extremely strong in the tackle, should Fabio Paratici and Conte go on to secure a deal for Milinkovic-Savic, they could well have landed Tottenham’s next Mousa Dembele – a player who possessed an extremely similar skill-set to that of the Lazio dynamo.

Indeed, it would certainly appear as if the 27-year-old would make a fantastic addition to Conte’s current options in the middle of the park, however, with United, Madrid, Munich, PSG and Juve all believed to be keen on the 30-time capped international, Paratici will certainly have his work cut out if he is to land Milinkovic-Savic this summer.

AND in other news: Conte now plotting THFC bid for “refreshing” £34m-rated gem, he’d be a “great signing”