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Leeds United's insane £156m transfer window predicted including Spurs, Rangers and Burnley deals

Submitted by daniel on Fri, 26/07/2024 - 12:00

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Is this how the summer transfer window could play out for Leeds United?

The summer transfer window has already been a hectic one for Daniel Farke and Leeds United.

Following their defeat against Southampton in last season’s Championship play-off final, the Whites have been forced into some difficult decisions as they look to contend with the financial impact of facing a second successive season in the second tier. Academy graduate Archie Gray has been sold to Tottenham Hotspur in a £35m move that was described as a ‘heartbreaking’ decision by the Elland Road hierarchy.

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He is far from alone in leaving the club as the likes of Glen Kamara, Charlie Cresswell, Diego Llorente and Robin Koch have all departed since the end of last season. There have been new additions with Joe Rodon making a permanent switch to Elland Road after spending last season on loan with the Whites and Jayden Bogle making the switch across Yorkshire from Sheffield United.

But what other business could Farke conduct before the transfer window slams shut? We fire up Football Manager 2024 to see how the world’s most popular managerial simulation predicts the next month will play out at Elland Road.

Goalkeepers

The only addition to Farke’s goalkeeping options was the real-life signing of Alex Cairns as he returned to Elland Road from Salford City. The same can be said of the only departure as Kristoffer Klaesson joined Polish side Rakow on a free transfer.

Farke’s goalkeeping options: Meslier, Darlow, Cairns

Defenders

Although there were no additional departures to the ones the actual Farke has overseen over the last six weeks, there were two new additions to the virtual Whites squad. Both came in full-back positions as Cameron Pring was signed in a £6m deal from Championship rivals Bristol City and Turkey international Zeki Celik joined on a season-long loan from Serie A giants Roma.

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Farke’s defensive options: Struijk, Wober, Rodon, Cooper, Celik, Pring, Byram, Bogle

Midfielders

There were two eye-catching additions to Farke’s midfield ranks as the Whites boss spent over £20m to boost his options in the middle of the park. Firstly, the Whites boss went back to Serie A to sign Salernitana star Lassana Coulibaly in a £6m move before Burnley midfielder Sander Berge was snapped up in a £16m deal. There was one departure as Ilya Gruev moved north of the border to join Rangers in a £3m switch.

Farke’s midfield options: Ampadu, Rothwell, Aaronson, Coulibaly, Berge

Forwards

Now there were some big changes in the final third but maybe it would be safe to say that they were not the changes some would have expected. Firstly, the good news as Crysenico Summerville and Wilfried Gnonto have remained as part of Farke’s squad and will spearhead the push for a return to the Premier League. However, Joel Piroe and Georgino Rutter have moved on to Real Mallorca and Wolfsburg respectively and have swelled the coffers with £43m in funds. The one new addition at the top end of the pitch was Tottenham Hotspur youngster Will Lankshear, who joins on a season-long loan deal with no option for a permanent switch.

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Farke’s forward options: Summerville, Gnonto, James, Bamford, Gelhardt, Joseph, Lankshear

Ins

Joe Rodon (£8m from Spurs), Jayden Bogle (£5m from Sheffield United), Alex Cairns (free from Salford City), Joe Rothwell (loan from Bournemouth), Zeki Celik (loan from Roma), Lassana Coulibaly (£6m from Salernitana), Will Lankshear (loan from Spurs), Sander Berge (£16m from Burnley), Cameron Pring (£6m from Bristol City)

Outs

Archie Gray (£35m to Spurs), Luis Sinisterra (£18m to Bournemouth), Glen Kamara (£7m to Rennes), Marc Roca (£3m to Real Betis), Diego Llorente (£2m to Real Betis), Charlie Cresswell (£3m to Toulouse), Robin Koch (free to Eintracht Frankfurt), Cody Drameh (free to Hull City), Jamie Shackleton (free to Sheffield United), Luke Ayling (free to Middlesbrough), Ian Poveda (free to Sunderland), Rasmus Kristensen (loan to Eintracht Frankfurt), Sam Greenwood (loan to Preston North End), Darko Gyabi (loan to Plymouth Argyle), Sonny Perkins (loan to Leyton Orient), Ilya Gruev (£4m to Rangers), Joel Piroe (£6m to Real Mallorca), Georgino Rutter (£37m to Wolfsburg)

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Tottenham Hotspur's exciting £238 transfer window predicted with Chelsea, Benfica, Marseille deals

Submitted by daniel on Wed, 24/07/2024 - 19:00

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Football Manager 2024 predicts how the remainder of the summer transfer window could play out for Tottenham Hotspur.

It has already been a busy summer for Ange Postecoglou as he prepares for his second season in charge of Tottenham Hotspur.

The former Celtic manager has already made two exciting new additions to his squad as he looks to move on from what was a slightly underwhelming season last time out after completing the signings of Leeds United youngster Archie Gray and Swedish wonderkid Lucas Bergvall. There have been a whole host of departures too with Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s move to Marseille seeing the Denmark international following the likes of Joe Rodon, Eric Dier, Tanguy Ndombele, Ivan Perisic and Japhet Tanganga through the exit door.

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But what business could Postecoglou carry out between now and the end of the transfer window? We fire up Football Manager 2024 to see what the world’s most popular managerial simulation predicts will happen for Spurs over the next seven weeks.

Goalkeepers

There were no changes in Postecoglou’s goalkeeping ranks as Forster and Austin provide backup and support for undoubted number one Vicario. The only movement saw youngster Alfie Whiteman moved to West Bromwich Albion on loan.

Postecoglou’s goalkeeping options: Guglielmo Vicario, Fraser Forster, Brandon Austin

Defenders

There were several departures as Postecoglou made some major changes in the backline. Firstly, Emerson Royal and Ben Davies joined Premier League rivals Crystal Palace and West Ham United at a combined income of £17m and Sergio Reguilon returned to Spain to join Real Betis in a £6m deal. Djed Spence also departed in a £7m move to Italian club Genoa. There were two new arrivals as Bayer Leverkusen’s highly-rated centre-back Edmond Tapsoba joined in a £33m move and Chelsea academy product Trevoh Chalobah made the hop across London in an £18m deal.

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Postecoglou’s defensive options: Christian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Radu Dragusin, Ashley Phillips, Destiny Udogie, Pedro Porro, Edmond Tapsoba, Trevoh Chalobah

Midfielders

The only midfielder to depart Spurs in the virtual world was Giovani Lo Celso as he completed a season-long loan move to Portuguese giants Benfica and that represented the only business Postecoglou conducted in the middle of the park.

Postecoglou’s midfield options: Yves Bissouma, Oliver Skipp, Pepe Matar Sarr, Rodrigo Bentancur, Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall, James Maddison

Forwards

Firstly, the departures and there were two. The main one saw Brazil international Richarlison become the latest big name player to move to the Saudi Pro League as he made a £42m move to Al-Ittihad and he was followed through the exit door by Manor Solomon, who joined Marseille in a season-long move. Postecoglou did make two new additions to his forward ranks as he completed a double swoop on the Portuguese league. Braga winger Ricardo Horta was first to join in a £25m deal and he was followed by Benfica’s Brazilian striker Marcos Leonardo, who cost Spurs an initial £40m, with a possible £7m to follow in add-ons.

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Postecoglou’s forward options: Heung-min Son, Bryan Gil, Dejan Kulusevski, Brennan Johnson, Timo Werner, Ricardo Horta, Marcos Leonardo

Ins

Archie Gray (£35m from Leeds United), Lucas Bergvall (£7m from Djurgarden), Edmond Tapsoba (£33m from Bayer Leverkusen), Ricardo Horta (£25m from Braga), Trevoh Chalobah (£18m from Chelsea), Marcos Leonardo (£40m from Benfica)

Outs

Joe Rodon (£8m to Leeds United), Eric Dier (free transfer to Bayern Munich), Tanguy Ndombele (free transfer to Nice), Ivan Perisic (free transfer to Hadjuk Split), Japhet Tanganga (free transfer to Millwall), Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (loan to Marseille), Manor Solomon (loan to Marseille), Emerson Royal (£12m to Crystal Palace), Djed Spence (£7m to Genoa), Ben Davies (£5m to West Ham United), Richarlison (£42m to Al-Ittihad), Giovani Lo Celso (loan to Benfica), Sergio Reguilon (£6m to Real Betis)

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Tottenham Hotspur's exciting £238 transfer window predicted with Chelsea, Benfica, Marseille deals

Submitted by daniel on Wed, 24/07/2024 - 19:00

Spurs exciting £238 transfer window predicted with Chelsea, Benfica & West Ham deals - 3 Added Minutes

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Football Manager 2024 predicts how the remainder of the summer transfer window could play out for Tottenham Hotspur.

It has already been a busy summer for Ange Postecoglou as he prepares for his second season in charge of Tottenham Hotspur.

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Goalkeepers

Postecoglou’s goalkeeping options: Guglielmo Vicario, Fraser Forster, Brandon Austin

Defenders

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Postecoglou’s defensive options: Christian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Radu Dragusin, Ashley Phillips, Destiny Udogie, Pedro Porro, Edmond Tapsoba, Trevoh Chalobah

Midfielders

Postecoglou’s midfield options: Yves Bissouma, Oliver Skipp, Pepe Matar Sarr, Rodrigo Bentancur, Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall, James Maddison

Forwards

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Postecoglou’s forward options: Heung-min Son, Bryan Gil, Dejan Kulusevski, Brennan Johnson, Timo Werner, Ricardo Horta, Marcos Leonardo

Ins

Outs

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Spurs boosted by Ipswich Town move for Sunderland star as Leicester City eye Arsenal loan deal

Submitted by daniel on Wed, 24/07/2024 - 17:00

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The latest transfer talk from across the Premier League as Ipswich Town and Leicester City plan moves for Sunderland and Arsenal stars.

Tottenham Hotspur could be handed a financial boost if Ipswich Town follow up their interest in Sunderland winger Jack Clarke.

The Tractor Boys have already made a positive start to their summer recruitment as they prepare for the long-awaited return to the top flight. Burnley goalkeeper Arijanet Muric has been handed an immediate return to the Premier League after making a £7m move to Portman Road and he will be joined by West Ham United defender Ben Johnson, who was snapped up on a free transfer after his Hammers contract came to a close.

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Chelsea youngster Omari Hutchinson has made a permanent switch to Ipswich on the back of a successful loan stint and Hull City defender Jacob Greaves and Manchester City forward Liam Delap have both been secured at a combined cost of around £32m. McKenna is now set to make an £18m move for Sunderland star Clarke in a deal that could hand an unexpected financial boost to Tottenham, who negotiated a sell-on clause in the permanent deal that took the Stadium of Light in the summer of 2022.

Speaking about his future after the Black Cats’ recent pre-season friendly at National League club Gateshead, Clarke said: “Obviously that interest has been there but it doesn't affect me. I'm still wearing a red and white shirt at the end of the day. That's what I'm focusing on. As long as I'm in a red and white shirt, that's all I'll be focusing on. I'm coming in every single day, wearing Sunderland colours every day. As long as I'm playing for Sunderland I won't be thinking about anything else. If things are going to happen then they're going to happen when they happen. I'm not focusing on anything else other than the present and in the present I'm playing for Sunderland.”

After helping Sunderland reach the Championship play-offs during the 2022/23 season by scoring 11 goals and providing 14 assists in 50 appearances, Clarke was a high point in a challenging season last time out by racking up 19 goal contributions in 42 games as his side laboured to a lower half finish. That has attracted attention from several Premier League clubs and Serie A side Lazio are also said to be keen on the winger. It is Ipswich that are believed to be ready to make a firm move for his services - although iNews have claimed the Tractor Boys may well have to stump up around £25m to persuade Sunderland to part company with their star man.

Foxes confident of pulling off Arsenal deal

Leicester City are reportedly hoping to land a deal to secure Arsenal academy product Reiss Nelson.

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The Gunners winger has already enjoyed loan spells with Bundesliga club Hoffenheim and Dutch giants Feyenoord earlier in his career and is now being lined up for another temporary switch away from the Emirates Stadium after struggling to secure a regular place in Mikel Arteta’s side. The former England Under-21 star made 24 appearances in all competitions last season but just five came as part of the starting eleven.

Metro have now reported Leicester are in negotiations over a season-long loan move for Nelson and the report suggest the Foxes will have an obligation to convert the deal into a permanent switch next summer.

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Spurs boosted by Ipswich Town move for Sunderland star as Leicester City eye Arsenal loan deal

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The latest transfer talk from across the Premier League as Ipswich Town and Leicester City plan moves for Sunderland and Arsenal stars.

Tottenham Hotspur could be handed a financial boost if Ipswich Town follow up their interest in Sunderland winger Jack Clarke.

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Foxes confident of pulling off Arsenal deal

Leicester City are reportedly hoping to land a deal to secure Arsenal academy product Reiss Nelson.

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The swap deal Spurs and Al Ahli should agree to help both clubs

Submitted by daniel on Tue, 23/07/2024 - 20:00

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Tottenham striker Richarlison is attracting massive interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia but a swap deal could work for both.

Tottenham are at a crossroads again for strikers ahead of next season. They have been linked with the likes of Ivan Toney and, more recently, Napoli’s Victor Osimhen. However, there could be an answer hidden in plain sight.

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In Firmino, Spurs get a proven Premier League striker, a winner of multiple trophies, and by all accounts, one of the best teammates anyone could ever play with. Firmino is also an underrated leader, having worked with Jurgen Klopp and was the glue that kept Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah together. He would bring an immeasurable amount of leadership and experience to the current Spurs squad.

He would also be cost-effective in a swap deal, especially at a time when every club needs to keep an eye on the balance sheet. Although with Spurs keen to sell Richarlison for £60m, Al Ahli would still need to stump up some form of transfer fee.

For Al Ahli, they get a younger Brazilian striker in Firmino who has the star attraction that clubs in the Arab Gulf crave so much. He has the ability to create the buzz match-going fans want, especially if he could rediscover his form that made him a big name during his time at Everton.

Despite a challenging season at Tottenham, Richarlison has shown his goal-scoring ability at Everton and for Brazil. Given the right environment and regular playing time, he could become a prolific scorer for Al Ahli and could challenge the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo for the Golden boot.

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For both players, it’s also a fresh start to try and get things right. It goes without saying that Richarlison has struggled a bit since he moved to North London. It would have been painful watching from his treatment table as his beloved Brazil struggled in the Copa America recently.

Firmino has also spoken about the challenges of adapting to the Saudi League and will undoubtedly be delighted with a move that sees him return to the Premier League. In the end, a deal like this will benefit everyone involved, including both clubs and the individual players.

I know that swaps are unlikely in an era where everyone is chasing big-money moves. Swap deals rarely work out well, but there is a market for a deal like this one, especially when both parties stand to benefit.

When Spurs lost Kane last season, they did not only lose a world-class striker, they also lost a leader. Bringing in someone like Firmino will undoubtedly go a long way in replacing that leadership and quality.

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West Ham United's transformative £147m transfer window predicted with Porto, Spurs and Brighton deals

Submitted by daniel on Tue, 23/07/2024 - 12:00

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Football Manager 2024 predicts how the remainder of the summer transfer window could play out for West Ham United.

Julen Lopetegui has wasted little time in putting his own stamp on the West Ham United squad he inherited from his predecessor David Moyes.

With just over seven weeks of the summer transfer window remaining, the Hammers have already secured the signings of Wolves captain Max Kilman, Sheffield United goalkeeper Wes Foderingham and Brazilian talent Luis Guilherme at a combined cost of around £58m. There have also been departures with the sales of Flynn Downes, Said Benrahma and Thilo Kehrer recouping around £30m and academy graduate Ben Johnson left the club to join Premier League newcomers Ipswich Town on a free transfer after his contract came to an end.

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There is still plenty of work to be done for Lopetegui as he looks to build on the foundations left behind by Moyes and strengthening in midfield and attack will be key as he embarks on his first season in charge at the London Stadium. But what business could the former Wolves boss conduct before the transfer window comes to a close at the end of next month? We fire up Football Manager 2024 to see how the world’s most popular managerial simulation predicts the remainder of the summer transfer window could play out for West Ham.

Goalkeepers

There was one new addition to Lopetegui’s goalkeeping ranks but it came in the form of Sheffield United’s Wes Foderingham as we used the in-game editor to ensure the Hammers squad was fully up to date with their latest summer additions.

Lopetegui’s goalkeeper options: Alphonse Areola, Wes Foderingham, Lukasz Fabianski

Defenders

With the expensive addition of Wolverhampton Wanderers captain Max Kilman already completed, Lopetegui further enhanced his defensive ranks with the signing of Ipswich Town left-back Leif Davis. The new Hammers boss completed a £21m move for a player that was key in the Tractor Boys’ successful push for promotion after seeing off competition from the likes of Southampton, Crystal Palace, Leicester City and Wolves.

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Lopetegui’s defensive options: Nayef Aguerd, Max Kilman, Kurt Zouma, Konstantinos Mavropanos, Emerson, Aaron Cresswell, Vladmir Coufal, Leif Davis

Midfielders

After Flynn Downes saw his loan move to Southampton converted into a permanent switch, Lopetegui looked to Europe to bolster his options in the middle of the pitch as he completed a £12m move for Porto star Marko Grujic. That move sees the Serbia international return to the Premier League after he spent six years as a Liverpool player - although the majority of his time at Anfield was spent on loan with the likes of Hertha Berlin, Cardiff City and Porto.

Lopetegui’s midfield options: James Ward-Prowse, Edson Alvarez, Tomas Soucek, Lucas Paqueta, Marko Grujic

Forwards

Now this is where the action really happened for Lopetegui and there is an argument to suggest this exactly where the new Hammers boss should be looking to strengthen over the remainder of the transfer window. Firstly, an outgoing, as Danny Ings returns to Southampton in a cut price move and that freed up some space for Lopetegui to boost his attacking ranks. There were two bargain additions as Nigeria international Kelechi Iheanacho joined on a free transfer after his departure from Leicester City and Deniz Undav was secured on a season-long loan from Brighton. Two wingers were also added to the Hammers squad as Freiburg’s Ristu Doan and Tottenham Hotspur’s Manor Solomon came in for a combined £20m.

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Lopetegui’s forward options: Mohamed Kudus, Maxwel Cornet, Jarrod Bowen, Luis Guilherme, Michail Antonio, Ritsu Doan, Kelechi Iheanacho, Manor Solomon, Deniz Undav

Ins

Kilman (£42m from Wolves), Guilherme (£18m from Palmeiras), Foderingham (free transfer from Sheffield United), Leif Davis (£21m from Ipswich Town), Ritsu Doan (£3m from Freiburg), Kelechi Iheanacho (free from Leicester City), Manor Solomon (£17m from Spurs), Marko Grujic (£12m from Porto), Denis Undav (loan from Brighton and Hove Albion)

Outs

Downes (£13m to Southampton), Benrahma (£10m to Lyon), Kehrer (£7m to Monaco), Johnson (free to Ipswich Town), Danny Ings (£4m to Southampton)

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The Tottenham and Manchester United swap deal could be a game-changer

Submitted by daniel on Mon, 22/07/2024 - 19:00

Manchester United have a big decision to make on Marcus Rahsford but will they get it right?

Earlier this year, Marcus Rashford asked fans not to question his commitment to Manchester United and stated that the club meant everything to him and his family. This came at a time when many questioned his senior role in the team following a series of bad performances and the five goals he scored for the club in seven months.

He said in response: "If you ever question my commitment to United, that's when I have to speak up. It's like somebody questioning my entire identity and everything I stand for as a man. I grew up here. I have played for this club since I was a boy. My family turned down life-changing money when I was a kid so I could wear this badge."

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But Rashford hasn't been the same in the last 12 months. There have been questions about his form on the pitch and attitude off it. It has not been entirely ruled out that he will be sold this summer to give more power, money, and dressing room control to manager Erik ten Hag.

Former Spurs man Jamie O’Hara has said they should do all they can to sign Rashford from United this summer. He told talkSPORT: “Yeah, I would love him, of course. A brilliant player.”

That suggestion could be the best for Spurs too, who are struggling to offload Giovani Lo Celso. The Argentina midfielder is the kind of playmaker that Ten Hag would love, and a swap deal that would see him move to Manchester and Rashford coming in the opposite direction could be ideal.

Last season, Lo Celso was once again on the outside looking in, and there have been strong links to a move back to Spain where he’s played his best football. But he’d jump at the chance to play under a possession-based manager like Ten Hag, and it would be the kind of move that satisfies everyone.

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A swap deal would mean Rashford gets the chance to move to London and play for a team that will challenge for a top-four finish or even for the title, giving him a fresh start. For Lo Celso, it’s a fresh start at a massive club under a manager who plays the kind of football he could thrive in. For the clubs, Manchester United would get rid of one of their highest earners who is underperforming and gain a player with a lot of potential.

Spurs would then get an England striker who, on his day, is one of the best in the world and clearly needs a new start after what has been a challenging 2023/2024 Premier League season. In the era of massive transfer fees, few deals in the world could make as much sense as a swap deal involving these two clubs.

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Spurs plot huge raid for £65m

Submitted by daniel on Mon, 22/07/2024 - 07:00

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A look at some of the latest Premier League transfer headlines following a busy weekend for rumours.

With Euro 2024 out of the way, pre-season in full swing and the start of the new Premier League season in sight, the transfer rumours are heating up. England’s top flight juggernauts are working hard behind the scenes to sign the talent they need this summer, while also trying to keep hold of their most important players.

After a whirlwind weekend for transfer headlines, let’s look at some of the latest.

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Spurs ‘keep close tabs’ on Premier League striker

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It is approaching one year since Harry Kane left Tottenham Hotspur to sign for Bayern Munich and his former club are still searching for a suitable replacement. While Spurs had a much stronger season than many predicted — even finishing three places higher in the Premier League than when Kane was last at the club — they still want a classic No.9 signing through the door.

According to Football Insider, Spurs are ‘continuing to keep close tabs’ on Dominic Solanke’s situation at Bournemouth and Ange Postecoglou is reportedly ‘pushing’ the club to get a deal over the line before Deadline Day.

Spurs do face competition for £65m-rated Solanke though, with West Ham and his former club Chelsea both also in the mix. Cherries manager Andoni Iraola has admitted that the 26-year-old ‘could leave the club before the window shuts’. A striker is very much a top priority for Postecoglou at this time and if Bournemouth have acknowledged that Solanke could be moving on, the stars could align for Spurs to make their move.

The 3AM Verdict: Despite the absence of Kane, Tottenham still managed to tally 74 goals for the season, which was considerably more than Manchester United’s 57, despite them splashing the cash on Rasmus Højlund and Mason Mount last summer. Solanke has been a key player for Bournemouth, scoring 21 goals in all competitions last season but even with his influence the Cherries finished in 12th place in the Premier League. The 26-year-old has reached a point in his career where he has unlocked his potential and should be challenging for trophies and competing in Europe, so it seems likely that he will be assessing his options this summer.

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Van Dijk transfer claim debunked

Liverpool fans have been growing concerned over the status of Virgil van Dijk, following his comments at Euro 2024 about ‘thinking’ on his future. The Reds captain is now into the final 12 months of his contract and risks leaving the club for free next year if new terms aren’t agreed or a sale isn’t finalised this window.

TEAMtalk have reported that Van Dijk himself has given the ‘green light’ for a Public Investment Fund negotiator to approach Liverpool about a deal amid interest from Saudi Arabia. The two parties reportedly discussed the centre-back’s ‘possible farewell amount’, which has been quoted at €55 million (£46.3m). However, the Liverpool Echo has since debunked this claim, stating that the Reds ‘have had no contact from Saudi Arabia over the player, never mind any actual solid bid’.

The 3AM Verdict: Losing Van Dijk will be a huge blow for Liverpool whenever that day comes but leaving this summer will likely only start a domino effect of uncertainty in the first season without Jurgen Klopp. The skipper has previously stressed he is happy at Anfield so a summer departure will be a shock for most, however, the Reds are also at risk of losing Mohamed Salah for free as it is.

The Egyptian had also been linked to the Saudi Pro League but talks have died down and reports have claimed he could be staying at Liverpool, but with no contract talks on the go. Losing key players as free agents will be a tough pill to swallow and the club have some very tough decisions to make if these stars don’t plan on signing new terms.

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Chelsea & Spurs battle for stunning bargain transfer as Everton chase ex-Barcelona star

Submitted by daniel on Tue, 16/07/2024 - 07:00

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The latest Premier League transfer rumours, including news from Chelsea, Spurs, Everton and Nottingham Forest.

Welcome to Tuesday’s dose of the latest and sometimes wildest Premier League transfer rumours that we’ve caught washing around the internet – and we start today with news of a three-way transfer tussle that’s allegedly about to erupt over free agent defender Mario Hermoso.

The five-cap Spain international has spent the last five years as an important member of Diego Simeone’s squad at Atlético Madrid but has let his contract run down in order to seek pastures new – and while Aston Villa had already been linked with him, Sport Witness now believe that they face competition from both Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur.

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Napoli are also interested in signing him, meanwhile, and have been in “direct contact” with the 29-year-old, who made 174 appearances for Atléti before deciding to move on. Apparently Chelsea and Villa have both made “timid” approaches to the player, while Spurs’ interest remains “dormant” – but with Napoli looking to jettison players before they make new signings, there is time for any of them to swoop in and disrupt his Serie A move.

The 3AM Verdict: Given that he’s experienced, extremely capable, covers both centre-half and left-back and wouldn’t cost a penny, we’re surprised that we haven’t heard about more clubs looking into Hermoso. He’s an excellent technician and calm under pressure, which makes him ideal for teams that want to play around the high press and also a good passer who gets the ball forward quickly and accurately, which suits sides who play a strong tempo. Really, these are three teams who should get a move on before Napoli get it over the line.

Toffees linked with former Barcelona star

One of the more unlikely Barcelona players of recent years, 33-year-old Denmark forward Martin Braithwaite, could well be on the move this summer despite earning promotion to La Liga with Espanyol last season – at least, according to TeamTalk, who claim that he has a clause in his contract allowing him to leave the Catalan club for free.

Apparently, his representatives have already been in touch with Everton about bringing the veteran forward back to England, five years after he played for Middlesbrough. Perhaps optimistically, they have also been on the phone to Chelsea, too. According to the article, the Toffees are more interested in signing Armando Broja or Elijah Adebayo, but if Dominic Calvert-Lewin leaves then things could change quickly.

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The 3AM Verdict: Braithwaite’s hard-grafting stint at Barcelona may have entered meme territory fairly quickly but he would likely be a very useful back-up for a bottom-half Premier League team these days – he’s scored 31 goals in 67 games for Espanyol and despite his advancing years he propelled his club out of La Segunda. Still, while he’s a solid depth signing, we don’t expect any top-flight teams in England to make him a priority.

Forest a few million short for Serb

Nottingham Forest are also looking to get busy in the transfer market, and reports in the Italian media (duly relayed to us via Sport Witness) say that they’ve made an opening bid for Fiorentina and Serbia defender Nikola Milenković, who played in all three of his nation’s group stage games at Euro 2024.

Apparently Forest opened negotiations with a €15m (£12.6m) offer, but La Viola want at least another €5m on top of that. Talks are only at an early stage and a deal “doesn’t look close right now” but the 26-year-old is definitely under discussion. Spurs, Aston Villa and Fulham are all also alleged to be taking a look at the defender, but it sounds as though Forest are the only team to have made a move so far.

The 3AM Verdict: Milenković is a towering physical presence and almost unbeatable in the air – as he should be at 6’5” – and otherwise noted for his strong positioning and marking as well as his grit and determination. He’s not necessarily a very technical defender, but is still likely good enough to cut it in the Premier League, although €20m (£16.8m) sounds a little steep. Not by miles, mind you.

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