Liverpool backed to make move for Pulisic

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is a fan of Christian Pulisic ahead of a potential move for the American this summer, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Pulisic in and out at Chelsea

Darwin Nunez is coming in as a big-money attacking signing at Anfield, with the Uruguayan replacing the seemingly exit-bound Sadio Mane ahead of next season.

Another player with whom Liverpool have been linked recently is Pulisic, with the 23-year-old finding himself as a squad player rather than a key figure at Chelsea.

The USA international only started 13 games in the Premier League last season, and while his current deal doesn’t expire until 2024, the Blues might be open to selling him this summer.

The Latest: Liverpool backed to make Pulisic move

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones claimed that Klopp is a big admirer of Pulisic and suggested that a move to Anfield could come to fruition for the American playmaker.

The transfer insider stated:

“This is the move that was mooted before he went to Chelsea, everybody was expecting him to land at Liverpool with Jurgen Klopp. He is a big admirer of his, understands his game.

“I think personally, it would be a great move for Pulisic at this point, because he’s definitely frustrated with the way things are going at Chelsea.”

[freshpress-quiz id=“398089″]

The Verdict: Is he needed?

Pulisic is undoubtedly an excellent player who still has great potential – he has a respectable 44 goal contributions in 115 Chelsea appearances, while Pat Nevin has said that he can become ‘world-class’ – so there is clear logic in Liverpool possibly looking to sign him.

That being said, it is questionable as to whether or not the Reds need him after Nunez’s arrival, considering the scale of attacking talent at Klopp’s disposal.

[freshpress-poll id=“399042″]

Pulisic could again be consigned to a squad role at Anfield, as is the case at Chelsea, and the wages he would likely demand (he is currently on £150,000 per week) would suggest that Liverpool are better off looking at a more economical squad option.

In other news, Liverpool have also been backed to sign a player in one area this summer. Read more here

Newcastle transfer news on Nunez

Journalist Jacque Talbot has now revealed some big Newcastle United transfer news on Darwin Nunez.

The Lowdown: Nunez a target

Talbot reported earlier this week of the St. James’ Park outfit’s ‘interest’ in signing Nunez this summer, which follows on from reports in May that the Toon Army were even preparing an offer for the Uruguay starlet.

However, Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool, West Ham United, Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea are also all thought to be eyeing up a move for the Benfica striker.

The Latest: No deal

Taking to Twitter, Talbot has now given an update on the situation, revealing that Liverpool is Nunez’s ‘first choice’.

“My understanding from speaking to those in Portugal is that Darwin Nunez has now prioritised Liverpool as a first choice. Been reported in the UK that the Merseyside club are readying a bid.”

More importantly for Newcastle fans, he also revealed that Man Utd would be Nunez’s second choice, and has heard that he will definitely not be moving to the Magpies:

“However, if that move does not come through, it looks like the player wants Man United. Mentioned before about Newcastle but I hear that’s just not going to happen.”

The Verdict: Big blow

It would certainly be a big blow for the North East club if they were to miss out on signing Nunez this summer, especially if he ends up joining a fellow rival in the Premier League.

Hailed as a ‘sensational talent’ by Fox Sports journalist James Dodd, the 22-year-old scored no fewer than 34 goals and made a further four assists in 41 games over all competitions last season (Transfermarkt), and so has earned himself a big move away from Portugal.

However, he is thought to have a whopping £125m release clause, so perhaps the Tynesiders will want to avoid paying inflated prices in this window, given it is their first summer in which selling teams know they can push the price up.

In other news, find out which two-time UEFA Champions League winner NUFC are now eyeing here!

Wolves eye Ben Brereton Diaz

Bruno Lage’s first season in charge of Wolves looked rosy for such a long time but once the campaign was said and done in May, supporters will have been disappointed.

What’s the word?

That’s because they ultimately finished tenth in the Premier League table, missing the chance to qualify for European football.

A lack of goals can be attributed to that so it’s crucial the Old Gold act in the summer transfer window.

TEAMtalk have reported that Blackburn Rovers forward Ben Brereton Diaz is a target for Lage and co but they face plenty of competition.

It’s thought the likes of Leeds and newly-promoted Nottingham Forest are keen on the player who was valued at around £30m in January.

Best signing since Neto

Last summer Lage made some valuable acquisitions to the squad with players like Jose Sa impressively greatly as Wolves conceded the fifth-fewest goals in the Premier League.

Sadly, the goals didn’t particularly flow in at either end if you attended Molineux this season.

That’s due to the fact that Raul Jimenez finished the campaign as the club’s top scorer with just six goals.

Granted he had just returned from a horrendous skull injury but it’s clear to see the Mexican isn’t the same potent threat he once was.

Neither was young forward Pedro Neto who struggled with his own injuries in 2021/22, registering just the two goal involvements in 13 matches and 463 minutes of top-flight action.

However, this is a player who in the previous campaign ended the term as Wolves’ player of the season after bagging five and claiming six assists.

A new player of his dynamic qualities being added to the squad would only benefit their struggles in goal and thus, Diaz could be their best signing since the aforementioned Neto.

Described as “extraordinary” by former Blackburn boss, Tony Mowbray, the Chile international was in devastating form for the Championship outfit in 2021/22.

He scored a whopping 22 times, proving that he’s got the talent and hustle to become a Premier League regular.

With a goal tally like that it’s hardly a surprise that he’s caught the imagination of the top-flight.

It also explains why he’d be the club’s best acquisition since Neto as Diaz would be arriving at a crucial time with goals dry and options limited.

Adama Traore will return to Wolves this season while Hwang’s temporary stay has been made permanent too but the pair only contributed to seven goals themselves.

As a result, both of them fail to offer the consistency that Lage needs right now so a more deadly threat simply has to be added to the squad. It’s time for Jeff Shi and co to act on their interest in Diaz.

AND in other news, Wolves can seal dream summer swoop in “special” £36m-rated gem, he’s better than Neto…

Man City: Report makes Tchouameni transfer claim

Manchester City could sign AS Monaco sensation Aurélien Tchouaméni this summer as manager Pep Guardiola sets his sights on an heir to Fernandinho, according to reports out of Spain.

The Lowdown: Sky Blues set for summer charge…

The Premier League champions, having retained their top flight crown in the most dramatic way possible, have now set their sights on the summer transfer window.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/man-city-latest-developments-3/” title=”Man City latest developments!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Three goals in an incredible five minutes on the final day of 2021/2022 gifted City a 3-2 victory over Aston Villa and their fourth title in five seasons under Guardiola, an afternoon which will live long in the memory of all supporters.

However, despite the emotion and joyous title celebrations which have followed since, the club must bid goodbye to faithful servant and legend Fernandinho after his near-decade long stay at Eastlands.

The Brazilian will leave Manchester upon the expiry of his contract in June as sporting director Txiki Begiristain is tasked with finding a suitable replacement.

Leeds United star Kalvin Phillips and Barcelona ace Frenkie de Jong are among the names to have been linked as Guardiola sets his sights on a rotational partner for Rodri in front of City’s back four.

The Latest: City could join Tchouaméni race…

According to reports out of Spain, City could now join the race to sign Monaco starlet Tchouaméni alongside the likes of Liverpool, Chelsea and Real Madrid.

The Blues, alongside Ligue 1 giants Paris-Saint Germain, ‘closely follow’ the 22-year-old and their ‘appearance’ in the ‘long-distance race’ to sign him ‘is not ruled out’.

However. it is believed Tchouameni won’t leave for less than €80 million (£68m).

The Verdict: Make a move…

We believe Guardiola and Begiristain should certainly make a move for the exciting midfielder who already has eight international caps in a competitive France side.

France Under-21 boss Sylvain Ripoll has labelled Tchouaméni a ‘monster’ with the player’s statistics certainly going some way to explain why.

He finished last season as Monaco’s best-performing player by average match rating (7.32/10) whilst making more interceptions per 90 than any of his teammates and winning the most Man of the Match awards (WhoScored).

Another reason to move is the distinct possibility Tchouameni leaves this summer with his manager Philippe Clement admitting just last Monday that there is a ‘chance’ he leaves Monaco (L’Equipe via GFFN).

Clement went on to suggest that they are already preparing for his departure amid plenty of interest from the continent.

City would be remiss if they didn’t try and take full advantage to back Guardiola with his signing.

In other news: The Times: Man City weighing bid for ‘special’ star called ‘one of the best’ in world football…find out more here.

Liverpool set to sell one of front-three

Liverpool will look to offload either Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane or Roberto Firmino this summer, according to journalist Christian Falk.

The Lowdown: Liverpool’s legendary front three

The Jurgen Klopp era has been a glorious one at Anfield, with Champions League and Premier League glory achieved, and plenty more success in other competitions achieved along the way.

Salah, Mane and Firmino have been among the main poster boys at Liverpool during that time, becoming a legendary attacking trio together.

All three are out of contract at the end of next season, though, leading to speculation that their Anfield exits could be imminent.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-liverpool-transfer-news-34/” title=”Latest Liverpool transfer news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=“none”]

The Latest: Falk drops big claim

Taking to Twitter on Wednesday evening, Falk claimed that one of Liverpool’s world-renowned attacking heroes could be offloaded this summer if they win the Champions League final on Saturday.

The German reporter claimed: “If Liverpool win the Champions League on Saturday, there are plans to sell one of the players of the Trio Mané, Salah or Firminho. Klopp wants fresh blood and new competition for the offensive.”

The Verdict: Will any of them leave?

All good things have to come to an end at some point, and Liverpool fans will need to realise that one of Salah, Mane or Firmino will be likely to leave at some point soon.

Nonetheless, the trio all still have plenty of offer, particularly Salah and Mane, who continue to be world-class attacking players having scored 39 league goals between them this season and 54 in all competitions.

Firmino is not quite the player he was earlier in his Anfield career and has arguably slipped behind Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota in the attacking pecking order, so seeing him leave for a sizeable fee would make the most sense. The hope is that he stays, though, given how much he is admired by Liverpool fans and indeed by Klopp himself.

In other news, one player is set to play a ‘key role’ at Liverpool next season. Find out who it is here.

Spurs: Conte interested in Jesus

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in a deal to bring Gabriel Jesus to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by The Telegraph, who claim that Antonio Conte’s side have now joined Arsenal in the race for the Manchester City forward this summer, with the 25-year-old believed to be keen on a move away from The Etihad in a bid to secure more regular first-team football.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/tottenham-hotspur-latest-news-updates-transfer-rumours-gossip-spurs-thfc-conte-paratici” title= “Read the latest Spurs news, transfer rumours and more!”]

The report goes on to state that, while the Brazil international’s agent, Marcelo Pettinati, is known to have discussed the possibility of a move to The Emirates with Mikel Arteta, it is also thought that Fabio Paratici has made Tottenham’s interest clear with the player’s representatives.

Diaz 2.0

While it is true that Jesus has somewhat struggled to hold down a starting spot in Pep Guardiola’s side over the past five years, it is undeniable that the versatile forward is an exceptionally talented player – with it being easy to see why Conte is interested in a deal to bring the 25-year-old to north London this summer.

Indeed, over his 28 Premier League appearances this season – 13 of which came on either the left or right-wing – the £59.5m-rated attacker was in fantastic form for City, scoring eight goals, registering eight assists and creating eight big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 2.3 shots, making 1.4 key passes and completing 1.6 dribbles per game.

These returns saw the £90k-per-week Brazilian who Jack Lang dubbed “stunning” average an extremely impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.18, ranking him as Guardiola’s ninth-best performer in City’s title-winning campaign.

Furthermore, according to FBref data, Jesus also ranks in the top 7% of wingers and attacking midfielders in Europe’s big five leagues for non-penalty goals per 90, in addition to the top 4% for npxG, the top 13% for shots, the top 9% for assists, the top 6% for npxG+xA and the top 6% for passes completed over the last 365 days.

These metrics see the 25-year-old compared to some of the most talented wingers in world football, such as Liverpool’s Luis Diaz and Sadio Mane, City’s Raheem Sterling, Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka and Bayern Munich’s Leroy Sane.

As such, should Fabio Paratici be able to get a £55m deal over the line for the 25-year-old this summer, the Italian sporting director could well have made up for missing out on Diaz back in January, as Jesus very much looks as if he could be an equally impressive signing as the Liverpool sensation.

AND in other news: “I understand…”: Gold drops huge Spurs transfer claim, supporters will be buzzing

Leeds can axe Rodrigo with Nketiah transfer

Leeds United have had to get through the majority of this current Premier League campaign without star striker Patrick Bamford.

After scoring 17 goals in 38 league games last term, the Englishman has been dogged by injuries this time around which have left him with just nine league appearances to his name in 2021/22.

One figure in Leeds’ squad who has failed to effectively deputise for the injured Bamford is Rodrigo, who despite playing in 29 top-flight games has only racked up six goals and one assist.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-leeds-united-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-and-much-more” title=”Read the latest Leeds United news and rumours!”]

Signed for a club-record fee of £26m from Valencia in August 2020 under Marcelo Bielsa’s reign, the Spaniard has not been able to take up Bamford’s mantle of being a consistent goalscorer for Leeds this season.

As a result, the upcoming summer transfer window could give Jesse Marsch the chance to get the 31-year-old, who has been dubbed “non-existent” by Kevin Phillips, and his £100k-per-week wages off their books.

In terms of who could come in as a potential replacement for the misfiring Leeds dud, one man who could fit the bill is Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah.

Last month, Leeds journalist James Marshment shared a post on Twitter relaying news that the Elland Road outfit were interested in signing the Englishman this summer.

Having spent some time with the Yorkshire club on loan, scoring five goals in 19 appearances during the promotion-winning 2019/20 campaign, the 22-year-old has experience and knowledge of the club, which could make a potential return on a permanent basis tempting for him.

During his time with Arsenal’s senior and youth sides, Nketiah has scored 68 goals and provided 13 assists in 150 appearances across all competitions. This shows just how dangerous an attacking figure he is when at his best, with 22 goals in 90 senior games for the Gunners.

With 19 league appearances under his belt in the current campaign, the former Leeds loanee has found the net four times. Two of those came against the Whites earlier this month, which led to the £9m-rated talent being dubbed “clinical” by journalist Kweku Lawrence.

To further highlight just how deadly he can be in front of goal, only Emile Smith Rowe has a higher percentage for shots on target than Nketiah in the league this season out of players currently at Arsenal.If Marsch feels the need to get rid of Rodrigo this summer, securing the Arsenal attacker on a free transfer could be a great bit of potential business from the Elland Road club.In other news: Insider drops huge Leeds transfer claim involving “big names”, supporters will love it

Newcastle have ‘scouted’ Ismaila Sarr

Chronicle Live journalist Lee Ryder has provided an update on Newcastle United’s reported interest in Watford winger Ismaila Sarr. 

The lowdown: Sarr ‘offered’ to Newcastle

Journalist Jacque Talbot recently revealed that the Magpies had been ‘offered’ the chance to sign the Senegal international this summer as Eddie Howe looks to strengthen the squad at St James’ Park.

Since then, the Hertfordshire-based outfit have suffered relegation to the Championship, so the 24-year-old could be looking for a way out of Vicarage Road.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/newcastle-news-6/” title=”Newcastle news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

A fresh update has now emerged from a reputable source…

The latest: Newcastle have ‘scouted’ Sarr

As per Ryder for Chronicle Live, Newcastle have ‘scouted’ the 39-cap Senegal star and could be looking to make their move at the end of the season.

It’s claimed that Sarr – who scored when the two sides drew 1-1 at Vicarage Road in September – is an affordable option for the new-look St James’ Park ownership.

The report added that the winger – who was described as a ‘freak’ by teammate Ben Foster owing to his blistering pace – is ‘keen to stay in the top-flight’ and will be looking for wages in the region of £65,000 per week.

The verdict: Get it done

Newcastle will be hoping to make incremental improvements to the squad this summer, and the capture of Sarr would certainly provide exactly that.

So far this season, the 24-year-old has scored five times and provided two assists for a team which has spent the entire 2021/22 campaign in the lower reaches of the Premier League table. During that time, the versatile Senegalese forward has completed 1.5 successful dribbles per game, and would therefore provide a perfect foil for current Gallowgate favourite Allan Saint-Maximin.

Previously available for a mooted £35m amidst interest from Liverpool, Newcastle could be looking to land a bargain following Watford’s relegation to the Championship.

In other news, NUFC are now eyeing a move for this former Sunderland ace

Wolves can ease pressure on Silva with Lozano

Wolverhampton Wanderers need to sign “exquisite” forward Hirving Lozano from Italian side Napoli this summer, as he could be the perfect alternative to Fabio Silva who has failed to hit the heights expected of him this season.

According to reports in Napoli today recently, Wolves are interested in the Mexic0 international and have been monitoring his performances in Naples this season.

The 26-year-old has been a Napoli player since 2019 after he signed from PSV Eindhoven for €40m (£36m). He has since made 112 appearances for the club and been directly involved in 28 goals. A move to the Premier League may help to move his career up a level and it would really help Wolves in their bid to be regulars in Europe.

When you compare Lozano to those in his position playing in Europe’s top five leagues this year, he ranks in the top 8% for crosses into the penalty area. If he moved to Molineux and replicated this then Wolves’ other forwards would be spoilt for opportunities to score.

Whilst the Old Gold still have a goal threat in Raúl Jiménez, they’ve never really found a good enough replacement for Diogo Jota and they currently sit fourth on the list for the least amount of goals scored in the Premier League this season.

Thankfully they keep a decent amount of clean sheets which means they aren’t in any relegation trouble.

In 2020 they signed Portuguese youngster Fabio Silva from FC Porto for a club-record fee of £35.6m. This was a huge amount to pay for an 18-year old and with it came huge pressure for him to perform.

Since arriving he has made 61 appearances and been directly involved in ten goals. For a player of his age, it’s not bad, but if Wolves want him to lead the line straight away then it’s not good enough.

Of course, none of this is the fault of the teenager, and the Midlands outfit need to be patient. If they signed £31.5m-rated Lozano they would be getting a player with far more experience, who would be ready to produce the level of performance required on a consistent basis.

If you compare them both this season Lozano is miles ahead in many categories. He averages 1.17 shots on target per 90 minutes compared to Silva’s 0.81, as well as 3.21 shot-creating actions to the youngster’s 2.58 per 90.

Buying him is guaranteed to bring you more goals, and it will allow Silva the time he needs to develop his game without a huge amount of pressure put on his shoulders.

IN other news: Wolves now want to sign “immense” £10m “beast” this summer, he’s better than Boly…

Tottenham: Lilywhites scout Villarreal duo

Tottenham Hotspur officials watched long-time target Pau Torres and a new objective in Arnaut Danjuma for Villarreal against Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League semi-final this week, according to 90min. 

The lowdown: Remarkable European adventure

Former Arsenal manager Unai Emery has overseen a memorable journey in Europe this season as the La Liga side eliminated Juventus and Bayern Munich on their way to a semi-final showdown with Liverpool.

It wasn’t to be for the Yellow Submarine though, as despite a second-leg comeback, the Premier League title-chasers, and Spurs’ next domestic opponents, prevailed 5-2 on aggregate to reach the final.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/tottenham-newest-updates/” title=”Tottenham newest updates…” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Now it appears that top officials from North London were present to run the rule over two of Villarreal’s most influential players…

The latest: Scouts sent to Spain

As per 90min, scouts from Tottenham were in situ for both legs of the semi-final to ‘keep tabs’ on Danjuma and Torres, despite the former missing the meeting at Estadio de la Ceramica due to injury.

Whilst boss Antonio Conte and transfer chief Fabio Paratici begin to draw up plans for the summer transfer window, it’s claimed that the pair are ‘on their radar’ for a double swoop.

The report claims that there were watchers from multiple clubs in Eastern Spain as on-loan Spurs man Giovani Lo Celso played 90 minutes, however, the ‘specific purpose’ of those sent from N17 was to watch the Dutch forward and Spanish defender in action.

The verdict: Take your pick

Having reportedly come close to landing 25-year-old centre-back Torres in 2021, it’s no surprise that the Lilywhites would reignite an interest this summer.

So far this season the 17-cap Spain ace has earned a superb 7.07 Sofascore rating from performances in the league containing 3.2 clearances per game on average whilst helping to keep 10 clean sheets from 29 outings.

Meanwhile, the interest in former Bournemouth winger Danjuma is a fresh link, but the man hailed as a ‘nightmare for defenders’ by ex-Premier League man Kevin Phillips has enjoyed a stellar time in Spain, scoring 16 times and providing four assists in 34 appearances across all competitions.

Adding either Villarreal ace to the ranks at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium would be an excellent piece of business – adding both could be future-defining.

In other news: Tottenham expected to move for ‘phenomenal’ £101m star after Conte request, find out more here.

Game
Register
Service
Bonus