Tottenham Could Land £35m Wizard Who’s "Like Gareth Bale"

Tottenham Hotspur's impressive start to the transfer window looks set to continue, with various reports suggesting that the Lilwhites have reached an agreement for the signing of Manor Solomon on a free transfer.

The Shakhtar Donetsk ace – who spent last season on loan at Fulham – joins James Maddison and Guglielmo Vicario in arriving through the door at N17, with new boss Ange Postecoglou having also overseen the permanent captures of both Pedro Porro and Dejan Kulusevski.

In the case of Solomon, the 23-year-old showed flashes of his quality at Craven Cottage last season despite missing the first half of the campaign through injury, notably scoring four goals in four successive Premier League games between mid-February and early March.

That impending addition will help to strengthen a forward line that does appear rather thin on the ground at present, particularly with Lucas Moura having been allowed to depart at the end of his contract.

With that in mind, it would be no surprise if Solomon is not the only attacking asset to join Postecoglou's ranks this summer, with the Daily Mail having notably revealed at the weekend that the ex-Celtic boss is a big admirer of Brighton and Hove Albion star, Kaoru Mitoma.

The Greek-Aussie did reveal earlier this year that he had tried to sign the Japanese sensation – who is now valued at around £35m – during his stint in charge at Parkhead, with it perhaps not out of the question that the 57-year-old could revive his interest in the dazzling wing wizard.

Should Tottenham sign Kaoru Mitoma?

After previously scoring eight goals and laying on four assists in 26 games during his time on loan at Union Saint-Gilloise during the 2021/22 campaign, the 26-year-old went on to replicate that impact in the Premier League last time out, scoring seven goals and contributing six assists in 33 top-flight outings.

Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma

The highly-rated speedster – who also provided a further five goal involvements while on cup duty – has been something of a revelation of late under Roberto De Zerbi, having helped to power the Seagulls to European qualification last term.

A move to Spurs, therefore, would undoubtedly be warranted, with there a potential for Postecoglou to form an exciting attacking partnership moving forward involving Mitoma on one side and the aforementioned Solomon on the other.

While the latter man typically operated on the left-wing during his time in west London, the Israeli international has featured heavily throughout his career on the right flank, thus allowing Mitoma to rival and compete with Heung-min Son on the opposite side.

The major benefit of that partnership would be the duo's innate dribbling prowess, helping to offer a real devastating and direct threat down either flank, with the Brighton dynamo ranking in the top 5% for progressive carries among his European peers as well as in the top 16% for successful take-ons, while Solomon ranks in the top 6% for that latter metric.

Aside from being able to blossom alongside the Shakhtar menace, a further positive of snapping up Mitoma is his apparent likeness to a legendary figure of Tottenham's recent history, with Tim Sherwood (Premier League Productions, 15/04/2023, 15:55) having stated that the £10k-per-week ace manipulates the ball "like Gareth Bale".

The now-retired Welshman – who also typically operated on the flanks – is a figure who needs no real introduction, having scored 72 goals and provided 58 assists in 237 games for the north Londoners across two spells.

To think that the Lilywhites could potentially be able to line up Bale's heir apparent – and a dream partner for Solomon – with the addition of Mitoma is a truly mouthwatering prospect, indeed.

Arsenal Could Sign ‘Magnificent’ £30m Partey Replacement

Arsenal have had their transfer window dominated by the future of Declan Rice, however, news emerging this week has linked another midfielder to the club in Youssouf Fofana.

Mikel Arteta and Edu will aim to strengthen the title-challenging side of last season this summer, in the bid to keep the Gunners among Europe’s best with Champions League involvement pending.

The Emirates should expect to see a complete renovation of the midfield next campaign, with both incomings and outgoings expected this transfer window.

As reported by the Daily Mail, AS Monaco midfielder Youssouf Fofana could be a player eyed by the club.

The report states that the 24-year-old could emerge as a ‘potential alternative option’ should the Gunners fail to land the signing of Rice this summer.

It was added by reports in France that Monaco value their player at €35m (£30m), with Newcastle and West Ham also named as Premier League clubs interested.

What could Youssouf Fofana offer to Arsenal?

In the midst of the transfer saga surrounding the north Londoners’ summer targets, players have been linked with a move away from the Emirates, with both Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey speculated to depart.

Xhaka was given an unofficial farewell by fans in the final game of the season at the Emirates, with news prior to the end of the calendar linking him with a move back to the Bundesliga.

Partey however has been rumoured to be in the view of Saudi Arabian clubs, with Fabrizio Romano reporting that an exit is ‘possible’, sparking rumours that Rice may not be the only midfielder that could make his way to Arsenal.

Hailed as a “powerhouse” by scout Antonio Mango, Fofana could be a perfect suitor for Arteta should he lose the Ghanaian this summer, with the Frenchman possessing similar strengths to the 30-year-old.

When comparing the two via FBref, it’s clear to see how the 24-year-old could fit into Arteta’s plans, with him adding a significant presence in the engine room with his ability.

Playing in the Spaniard’s title-challenging side, Partey averaged an impressive 8.37 progressive passes per 90 and 1.23 progressive carries, showing strength in areas integral to how Arsenal play out from deep midfield.

The Monaco ace scores similarly to the Ghanaian, making 6.94 progressive passes per 90 and topping Partey in terms of carries with an average of 2.36 per 90, signalling the ways he could flourish at the Emirates.

As per FBref, Arsenal’s number five comes out marginally on top with 2.54 tackles to Fofana’s 2.36 tackles per 90 in Ligue 1, however, the Paris-born gem tips the £160k-per-week star with 1.63 interceptions to his average of 1.10 per 90.

Some of those numbers just so happen to be better than fellow target Rice, who has made 2.17 tackles per 90 and 6.60 progressive passes over the last year.

As claimed by the Daily Mail, the Gunners’ pursuit of the Frenchman could be determined by their success in capturing Rice’s signature, however, there is little to deny that the 24-year-old could add a host of talent to the Spaniard’s depth in midfield.

"Phenomenal" 28 y/o Player Keen On Rangers Move

Glasgow Rangers target Cyriel Dessers is keen on making the move to Ibrox this summer, according to reliable reporter Scott Burns.

What’s the latest Rangers transfer news involving Dessers?

Michael Beale has made a quick start to the club’s summer transfer plans by bringing in four players already. The Gers have signed goalkeeper Jack Butland, full-back Dujon Sterling and attacking midfielder Kieran Dowell on free transfers. The club have also spent some money by bringing in forward Sam Lammers from Italian side Atalanta for €3.5m.

Despite already bolstering the attacking ranks, Beale and Rangers seemingly want to strengthen their option in the final third even further, with Dessers a real target.

A bid was submitted for the Cremonese forward earlier this month, although a report recently stated that the player has said no to a move to Scotland and favours remaining in Italy.

However, that doesn’t appear to be the case in a fresh transfer twist shared by Burns. Writing for The Daily Record, the reporter said:

“Dessers remains keen on a move to Ibrox and is waiting for Rangers to make another offer.

“Reports in Italy claimed the Nigerian international had turned down a switch to Ibrox. Sources close to all sides of the deal are adamant that is not the case. Dessers is very much keen on a move to Scotland and for the chance to play in the Champions League.

“Rangers have already made multiple bids for the striker but have still to reach an agreement with Cremonese. The Ibrox side are expected to go back in for the 28-year-old but won’t be rushed into a deal.”

Cremonese striker Cyriel Dessers.

Who is Cyriel Dessers?

Dessers, hailed as "phenomenal" by members of the media, is 28 years of age and is an out-and-out centre-forward. The Nigeria international previously plied his trade in Belgium and the Netherlands before moving to Italy with Cremonese last summer.

In total, Dessers has made 280 club appearances throughout his career, scoring 111 goals and registering 40 assists. As per FBref, the striker ranks in the 92nd percentile for touches in the penalty area and 93rd for goals per shot on target, showing how he can be a real danger in the box.

He certainly knows where the back of the net is and has been described as someone who is “awkward to play against” because of his physical strength by journalist Josh Bunting, so he could prove to be a smart signing, joining Lammers in the process.

Leeds Could Appoint "Genius" 48 y/o Coach

Leeds United are still searching for their next manager to lead the squad in their Championship campaign next season, and it has been reported that the search will enter its final stages this week ahead of making a decision.

The Whites parted company with their third-appointed manager of the season Sam Allardyce after suffering relegation from the Premier League last month and will be looking for the perfect manager to achieve automatic promotion over the 46-game campaign next season.

Former Leicester City boss Brendan Rodgers was one of the hottest prospects for Leeds and had been heavily speculated with a move to Elland Road, however, on Sunday evening it was confirmed that the 50-year-old coach will return to Scotland where he will reunite with Celtic upon agreeing a deal.

As a result, that ship has sailed for the 49ers, and now they must focus on other candidates who can provide the experience needed, improve the performances and boost the confidence of the Leeds squad, with a number of options still available on their short-list.

One coach who has been touted with a move to West Yorkshire and, like Rodgers, is Premier League proven is former Brighton and Hove Albion coach Graham Potter, who was sacked by Chelsea at the beginning of April.

Would Graham Potter be a good fit for Leeds?

There is no doubt that Potter is one of the most respected English managers in the game right now as his work at Brighton in developing the club into a Premier League established side is widely recognised.

Over his 143 fixtures in charge, the 46-year-old coach – hailed a "genius" by journalist Sam Morton – tallied up 43 victories and 43 draws, accumulating 172 points during his time on the south coast, which is an impressive achievement.

Even more impressive is Potter's ability to get the very best out of young and upcoming talent, playing an important role in the development of Moises Caicedo, Alexis Mac Allister, Marc Cucurella, Leandro Trossard, Adam Webster and Tariq Lamptey – with all but Mac Allister being signed during Potter's reign.

graham-potter-championship-leeds-manager-news

As a result, the Englishman could be the perfect coach to polish and get the very best from the budding talent at Elland Road with the club boasting a number of exciting young players including Wilfried Gnonto, Joe Gelhardt, Crysencio Summerville and Tyler Adams.

With that being said, it would be a no-brainer to appoint Potter if the opportunity presents itself this summer as his experience would not only improve Leeds' chances of promotion but could seriously improve the young prospects at the club with a bright future ahead of them.

Everton Plotting Summer Swoop For "Powerful" £17m Striker

Everton are keen on a deal to bring Coventry City striker Viktor Gyokeres to the Premier League, according to reports.

Is Viktor Gyokeres leaving Coventry?

The Swedish international was a standout star at the Building Society Arena last season after establishing himself as Mark Robins’ top-performing offensive player, and with his contract expiring in 12 months time, he could be set for a big-money exit in the weeks ahead.

Sky Sports have reported that the Bluebirds will be looking for offers in excess of £17m in order to sanction the 25-year-old’s sale during the upcoming window, and his impressive form after being named the second-highest goalscorer in his division is bound to attract plenty of interest.

The Merseyside outfit and Sean Dyche are likely to enter the market for a new centre-forward due to the consistent injuries to Dominic Calvert-Lewin and the uncertainty hanging over Neal Maupay, who’s been linked with a move to Salernitana, and they could well have identified an ideal target in the Midlands.

Are Everton signing Gyokeres?

According to Portuguese outlet A Bola (via Sport Witness), Everton are “interested” in a summer swoop for Gyokeres. Sporting CP are also eyeing a deal for the Coventry striker, hence the report from Portugal, but with them only being willing to pay a fee less than their target’s price tag, teams in the English top-flight are likely to hold an advantage.

The Toffees have been “keen” on the attacker since last year and are “determined” to add to their ranks in the final third, but it remains to be seen whether they too would be able to afford Gyokeres.

Coventry City striker Viktor Gyokeres.

Should Everton sign Gyokeres?

Sunderland manager Tony Mowbray has been full of praise for Gyokeres, describing him as “powerful” and even comparing his qualities to those of Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, so should the centre-forward put pen to paper, he could be a fantastic recruit for Everton.

The 6 foot 2 titan posted a remarkable 31 goal contributions (21 goals and ten assists) in 46 Championship appearances throughout the previous campaign, with his displays seeing him pick up an outstanding ten man-of-the-match awards.

Coventry’s talisman, who is a versatile operator with his ability to play in six different positions, was also a threat even when the ball didn’t hit the back of the net having recorded a total of 191 shot-creating actions, which was higher than any of his fellow teammates, as per FBRef, so it would be a massive coup for Dyche if he was to make the move to Goodison Park.

Man Utd In The Mix For £40m "Magician"

Manchester United are reportedly among the clubs who are interested in a move for Leicester City's James Maddison, with the England international set to be up for grabs following the Foxes' recent relegation.

What's the latest on Maddison to Man United?

According to ESPN's Mark Ogden, the Red Devils – as well as both Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur – are said to be 'in the running' for the 26-year-old's signature, with the playmaker likely to be sold 'on the cheap' with just 12 months left to run on his existing deal at the King Power Stadium.

The report notes that Leicester's drop into the second tier has hampered their ability to demand a fee of around £50m for the former Norwich City ace, with the belief now that the Coventry-born sensation could now be moved on for a cut-price fee.

According to a previous report from The Sun, the likelihood is that the two-cap maestro could now have an asking price of closer to £40m, having previously joined his current side on a £20m deal back in the summer of 2018.

Should Man United sign Maddison?

The Old Trafford outfit are likely to still be reeling following their recent FA Cup final defeat to rivals Manchester City, with Pep Guardiola's side having subsequently gone on to match United's 1999 heroics after claiming a treble success of their own following Saturday's Champions League triumph.

A key figure for the Premier League champions once again this season has been that of Belgian genius, Kevin De Bruyne, with the one-time Chelsea man finishing top of the charts in the division with 16 assists, having been hailed as the "best player in the league" by Red Devils legend, Gary Neville.

While the 31-year-old appears to be in a class of his own, the signing of Maddison could allow Erik ten Hag to find United's own version of the City superstar, with the pair said to share a number of stylistic and statistical similarities, according to FBref.

Man City's Kevin De Bruyne

That likeness is illustrated by the fact that the pair have both been the creative hub for their respective clubs in recent times, with De Bruyne ranking in the top 1% for both assists and shot-creating actions among those in his position across Europe's top five leagues, while Maddison also ranks in the top 1% for both those two metrics among his fellow midfielders.

The due also share the ability to drive forward with the ball from the centre of the park as the Englishman ranks in the top 11% for progressive carries, while the former Wolfsburg ace ranks in the top 2% in that regard.

Equally, much like De Bruyne has "got a great delivery in the air and on the ground" – according to teammate John Stones – Maddison has also been lauded for that same trait, having been hailed for his "world-class" set piece delivery by manager Gareth Southgate.

Even as part of a side that suffered a drop into the Championship, the £110k-per-week asset was still able to rack up ten goals and nine assists in the top flight in 2022/23, after previously recording 20 league goal involvements the year prior.

To have such a weapon in his midfield ranks would likely be a dream for Ten Hag, with it no surprise as to why the Dutchman is eyeing a move for the Leicester "magician" this summer, as hailed by Statman Dave.

Rangers: Noel Whelan backs Ibrox club to sign Jack Butland

Ex-BBC pundit Noel Whelan has backed Rangers to bring goalkeeper Jack Butland to the Ibrox this summer and believes that he could emulate Joe Hart’s level of success at Celtic if he makes the move to the Scottish Premiership.

The Lowdown: Bit-part player

The 29-year-old made the switch to Crystal Palace back in 2020 when he put pen to paper on a three-year deal from Stoke City, but has only made 17 appearances during his two-year spell at Selhurst Park so far.

Despite still having just over 12 months remaining on his current contract with the Eagles, this lack of game time has caused plenty of speculation that his future in the capital might be up in the air, with The Sun recently reporting that the Gers are set to battle it out with newly-promoted Bournemouth in the race for his signature during the upcoming transfer window.

The Latest: Whelan urges Butland to join Rangers

Whelan says that the possibility of playing Champions League football could persuade Butland to join the Glasgow giants. He told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury:

“Jack has been on the radar for a long time now in England.

“But look, just like Joe Hart, I think this could be a perfect scenario for him. We’ve seen how going to Celtic has reignited his career, and I think it’s the same for Butland and Rangers.

“He’s got experience and talent – and a consistent Jack Butland could make the world of difference in between the sticks.

“He could well be playing week-in, week-out in the Champions League – and that will be hard to turn down.”

The Verdict: Ideal McGregor replacement

There’s no doubt that the Light Blues’ links to the nine-cap international come as a result of current Rangers shot-stopper Allan McGregor’s contract expiration, and despite limited opportunities, the former Potters star could prove to be the ideal replacement.

The Bristol-born talent, who was once dubbed an “absolutely outstanding” player by ex-Stoke boss Gary Rowett, has got plenty of experience at a high level under his belt, having made 293 outings during his senior playing career, keeping a total of 83 clean sheets out of those, as per Transfermarkt.

The opportunity of playing Champions League football is a huge pulling factor for any player but could be huge when it comes down to Butland making a decision on his future, especially if he wants any chance at reviving his England career, so there’s a strong possibility that we could be seeing him in a Rangers shirt at the start of next season.

In other news… a reliable journalist has provided a huge transfer update involving one of the Gers’ rumoured summer targets.

Leeds: Barcelona launch Raphinha offer

Barcelona have now reportedly made a whopping €55m (£46.2m) offer for Leeds United star Raphinha.

The Lowdown: Relegation release clause

The Whites are currently out of the bottom three but are still in serious danger of dropping back down to the Championship. Jesse Marsch’s side travel to Brentford on the final day, with Burnley currently a point behind with a game in hand.

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Should Leeds suffer relegation, star forward Raphinha will have a €25m (£21m) release clause activated. The Brazilian’s agent Deco has been in advanced talks with Barcelona since March over a five-year deal at the Nou Camp, and it looks as if the La Liga giants have now firmed up their interest with a formal offer.

The Latest: Formal offer made

Sport Witness relayed an update from UOL regarding Barcelona and Raphinha on Monday.

They claimed that the Catalan giants have now made an offer worth an initial €55m (£46.2m), with €10m (£8.4m) worth of performance add-ons included. The report added that Leeds have yet to respond to the offer, with all their focus on remaining in the Premier League.

The Verdict: Surprise

Should this report prove accurate, then Andrea Radrizzani and the 49ers Enterprises have a big decision to make over the coming days.

If things go horribly wrong this weekend, then you’d expect that Raphinha will leave for around £21m and that Barcelona’s reported €55m offer will be withdrawn, so it’s certainly a surprise to see such an offer just days before the club’s fate is sealed one way or another.

It looks as if the La Liga club want to get a deal wrapped up as soon as possible and have made an offer more than double that of the player’s relegation release clause, which could be the best the Whites can get – should they bite the bullet and accept it now?

In other news: Leeds journalist claims ‘incredible’ Orta signing may now leave with Phillips and Raphinha this summer

West Ham: Journalist shares major David transfer update

Journalist Ignazio Genuardi has now shared a major transfer update out of West Ham United involving in-demand Lille star striker Jonathan David.

The Lowdown: Hammers eye move…

It’s been over a year since club record signing Sebastien Haller departed east London for Ajax and manager David Moyes still hasn’t seen a replacement come through the door.

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The Scotsman has had to make do with Michail Antonio as his only senior Premier League striking option, but with the summer transfer window looming, it could be time to finally end the long wait for a new centre-forward.

Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah has been heavily linked recently, among others, with a claim surfacing before the New Year that Lille’s sensational talisman David is actually ‘likes’ West Ham (Calciomercato).

The Latest: West Ham bid ‘likely’…

Genuardi, speaking to But Football Club, now has an update which could turn the heads of Hammers supporters.

It is now believed that West Ham, and by extension Moyes, are ‘particularly likely to arrive with a big cheque’ this summer as they eye a major bid to sign David.

The Verdict: Get it done…

Former Leicester City forward Iain Hume, via Arash Madani, branded the 22-year-old ‘world class’ for his starring international performances and it’s safe to say he is a real one to watch.

His prolific Ligue 1 return of 13 in consecutive seasons is only part of the appeal, having amassed a quite simply unbelievable 20 goals in 30 appearances for Canada (Transfermarkt).

French football expert Adam White perhaps sums up David’s quality best, even likening him to former Liverpool star Luis Suarez, whilst claiming that an ‘elite striker’ is emerging in the player.

However, if West Ham are to get a deal done, it better be a big offer as the report claims he will not leave for less than €50 million (£42m).

In other news: ‘Evolving situation’ – Journalist says West Ham are eyeing a ‘massive signing’ for Moyes, find out more here.

Everton: Source makes Clement Lenglet claim

Everton are interested in signing Barcelona defender Clement Lenglet, according to Spanish sources. 

The lowdown: Lenglet’s career so far

Signed for £31.7m from fellow La Liga outfit Sevilla (Sky Sports), the French centre-back played 45 times in 2018/19 as Barca lifted the Spanish title.

Overall, Lenglet has made 157 appearances for the Catalan giants, adding the Copa Del Rey and Spanish Super Cup to his trophy cabinet in the process.

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However, a move away from Barcelona could now be on the cards for the France international…

The lowdown: Everton interested in Lenglet

As per the Spanish outlet, Everton are among three clubs in the running to sign Lenglet this summer.

The report claims that a return to Sevilla or a move to Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur could also be on the cards for the 26-year-old.

It is claimed that, if Everton can avoid relegation this season, Toffees manager Frank Lampard ‘wants’ the man who France head coach Didier Deschamps hailed as ‘world class’ following a 4-1 victory over Albania.

The verdict: No-brainer

Adding the 15-cap France defender to the squad at Goodison Park would be a superb piece of business this summer, particularly in light of what has been a leaky Everton defence at times during the 2021/22 campaign.

Despite seemingly being surplus to requirements under Xavi at Camp Nou beyond this term, Lenglet has still made 24 appearances across all competitions. That includes four starts in the Champions League as the Frenchman earned a 6.95 average Sofascore rating for his performances, winning 1.5 tackles per game.

Following yet another injury setback to Yerry Mina and the decline in form of Michael Keane, signing the Barcelona man – who is a close match for Bayern Munich star Dayot Upamecano stylistically (FBRef) – seems a no-brainer for Lampard.

In other news, Premier League legend hails ‘stunning’ moment from this Everton ace on Sunday

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