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Newcastle United are reportedly advancing their efforts to secure a summer move for Lille defender Sven Botman.

What’s the news?

In a recent tweet from journalist Fabrizio Romano, the transfer expert touched upon the current situation regarding the Magpies’ attempt to sign the 22-year-old.

He said: “Newcastle are pushing to sign Sven Botman as soon as possible. Talks entering into key stages with Lille, AC Milan still in the race but NUFC are now advancing. Negotiations with Newcastle started last January, Botman is open for this PL possibility.”

After working his way through Ajax’s youth ranks, the defender joined the French club in the summer of 2020.Since then, the 22-year-old has made 79 appearances for Lille across all competitions, chipping in with three goals and two assists along the way.Great news for HoweBotman’s latest season with his current club saw him make 32 appearances across all competitions.To highlight the Dutchman’s importance to the team, they only managed two clean sheets in the 13 league games in which he didn’t feature, showing just how much they miss him when he’s not available.He also racked up a higher average of clearances per game (4.5) than any of his Lille team-mates and earned himself an overall performance rating of 6.83/10 from WhoScored, making him their third-highest rated player for the campaign. For context, Dan Burn was the only Newcastle centre-back with a better rating in 2021/22.This could make the French club reluctant to let their star defender leave this summer, despite his apparent willingness to play in the Premier League.However, taking into account how the Tyneside club have reportedly been after him since January, their eagerness to add Botman to their ranks could also convince the player to wave goodbye to France and begin the next chapter of his career in England.Now that Romano has claimed that the Magpies are advancing their attempts to bring the centre-back to St James’ Park and beat AC Milan to his signature, this will be great news for Eddie Howe as he looks to strengthen his squad ahead of the upcoming season.If the Toon can finally complete the signing of Botman in the coming weeks, this would surely put them in a good place to take on their next Premier League campaign and bolster their defence.In other news: Newcastle eyeing £15m magician Shearer dubbed “magnificent”, he’s better than Almiron

An update has emerged regarding Newcastle United’s interest in Nottingham Forest winger Brennan Johnson heading into the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

Daily Mail reporter Craig Hope has revealed that the Magpies sent scouts to watch the forward in action against Huddersfield in the Championship play-off final last weekend.

He tweeted: “Diaby has been on Newcastle radar since January & is again on shortlist of wide targets (Brennan Johnson also watched, including at Wembley on Sunday). Schick staying & Hlozek arriving at Leverkusen might see movement on Diaby.”

It has been reported that the 21-year-old is valued at £20m but it remains to be seen whether or not that is still the case following Forest’s promotion to the Premier League.

Ryan Fraser upgrade

Dan Ashworth must now work hard to get a deal done for Johnson, as he would be a big upgrade on Scottish winger Ryan Fraser.

The Welshman’s former boss Michael Appleton once dubbed him “exciting”, and that is what he can be as a replacement for Fraser on the wing at Newcastle.

The former Lincoln manager went on to say about Johnson: “When you’re the opposition manager in League One or the Championship, hopefully soon the Premier League, he’s someone you’d take note of because he’ll always be one of the two or three teams that you’ll be aware of and be wary of.

“His development and the way it’s happened for him over the last couple of years suggests to me that he’s only going to end up going in one direction and that’s the Premier League.”

In the 2021/22 Championship, Johnson produced an astonishing 16 goals and 10 assists as he created a whopping 15 ‘big chances’ and averaged a SofaScore rating of 7.10. The 21-year-old phenomenon has shown that he can regularly deliver at the top end of the pitch in the second tier, and at his young age, he may have the potential to make the step up to the top flight.

Meanwhile, Fraser managed just two goals and three assists in 27 Premier League outings for the Magpies this term. He failed to contribute in the final third on a consistent basis and this is why Johnson – if he can adapt to the top-flight – could be an exciting upgrade on him in the wide areas if Newcastle sign the Welsh youngster.

Whilst the Scotland international could still be a useful option for Eddie Howe to call upon off the bench, the Nottingham Forest dynamo’s statistics suggest that he has the scope to make a much larger impact on results with his ability to score and create goals.

AND in other news, “I’m told…”: Journalist drops “exciting” NUFC transfer claim that supporters will love…

West Bromwich Albion didn’t give their fans much to shout about during the recent Championship campaign in regards to the team’s attacking power.

With just 52 league goals scored throughout the season, the Baggies ended their rather underwhelming campaign with the lowest percentage for shots on target (29.1%) in the division and the joint lowest rate for goals per shot (0.07).

However, one figure that the Midlands club could rely on more often than not to get them firing is Karlan Grant.

In 44 league appearances, the attacker found the net 18 times and delivered six assists in the process, leaving him with more goal contributions than any of his West Brom teammates.

Even though the Baggies only finished tenth in the league, it’s safe to say that their season would have been even more miserable had they not had the 24-year-old and his attacking talent in their side.

With the next summer transfer window set to open for business in the coming days, one figure that Steve Bruce could bring in to add an extra attacking dynamic to his side to potentially create a deadly duo alongside Grant is Tom Lawrence.

Having been linked with a move to the Hawthorns last month, the Welshman certainly has what it takes to be a great attacking asset for the Baggies.

In 264 Championship appearances, the 28-year-old has delivered 90 goal contributions in total with 50 scored and 40 assisted.

His latest and potentially last season with Derby County saw the attacker find the net 11 times and deliver five assists in 38 appearances, making him, just like Grant at West Brom, their top goalscorer and assist provider.

Labelled as a “smashing talent” in the past by Steve Evans, Lawrence racked up an average of 2.7 shots per game this season, which is higher than the 2.5 average that Grant ended the campaign with.

This shows just how much of a danger he can be for opposition goalkeepers, which is something that West Brom could have done with a bit more of to get them in with a shout of getting promoted.

In a recent poll ran by Football FanCast, 91% of voters said that they would want to see the Derby star at the Hawthorns for next season, which suggests that it would be a very popular move with the fans should the club be successful in their attempt to sign him.

If West Brom can secure a deal for Lawrence on a free transfer once his contract runs out at the end of the month and get him in the team alongside Grant, this could be a scary duo that puts the team back in the Premier League.

In other news: Bruce can land dream transfer as West Brom eye move for “outstanding” £61k-p/w machine

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.

Brenden Aaronson will undergo his Leeds United medical imminently ahead of his summer move to Elland Road, according to Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg.

The Lowdown: Aaronson deal on the brink

The American has been a long-time target for the Whites and was even the subject of two bids from Marcelo Bielsa and Victor Orta back in January.

Unsurprisingly, with Jesse Marsch working alongside him during their time together at RB Salzburg, the Whites’ interest hasn’t waned with the change of manager.

Aaronson scored twice in eight Champions League appearances for Salzburg this season, as well as averaging 1.6 key passes per game in the competition, and on Monday, it emerged that a deal to sign the 21-year-old is now close, following Leeds’ Premier League survival being secured on Sunday.

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The Latest: Medical imminent

Taking to Twitter on Monday evening, Sky Germany reporter Plettenberg claimed that Aaronson would have his Whites medical in the near future, with everything else agreed:

“Update #Aaronson: There is a total agreement with #LUFC and between the clubs. Everything is clear but no signing yet. Medical soon. Total transfer between €28-30m. He is one of the desired players of the clubs. Great transfer.”

The Verdict: Fantastic summer signing

Aaronson has seemingly been a primary target for a long time, so getting this deal over the line is huge, further highlighting the importance of staying in the Premier League.

The USA international should bring a huge amount of quality with him to Leeds’ midfield, providing more end product than the current crop, following 13 goals and 15 assists in 65 matches for Salzburg.

At 22, he is someone who can mature into a star figure at Elland Road during the Marsch era, excelling alongside his compatriot and helping take the Whites up another gear.

In other news, Leeds are eyeing up a second signing after Aaronson. Find out who it is here.

Rangers were left heartbroken on Wednesday night as the Ibrox giants lost on penalties in the final of the Europa League.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side gave their all in Seville as they took it all the way to spot-kicks after a 1-1 draw in 120 minutes.

The Glasgow outfit took the lead in the second half as Joe Aribo capitalised on a mistake at the back and raced through to slot the ball past Kevin Trapp with a composed finish.

Their lead did not last for long, though, as Rafael Borre pounced on a cross after Connor Goldson failed to cut it out at the front post.

Both sides had chances to win it in extra time and the best chance fell to Ryan Kent as he saw a close-range effort saved by Trapp from point-blank range.

It then came down to penalties and Aaron Ramsey’s poor spot-kick was comfortably saved by the Frankfurt stopper, with every other penalty in the shootout being expertly dispatched – sealing the win for the German outfit.

Whilst Aribo scored the goal for the Gers, the real standout, in what was a superb performance in spite of the defeat, was central defender Calvin Bassey. After the match, BT Sport pundit Owen Hargreaves dubbed his performance as “astonishing” and that sums it up perfectly.

Defensively, he was absolutely outstanding. As per SofaScore, he won seven of his 11 individual duels, won two tackles and made four clearances, two blocks and three interceptions over the course of the 120 minutes on the pitch.

The defender, who had 93 touches in total, was a menace to the Frankfurt attackers as he towered above them to win the ball time and time again – winning 80% of his aerial battles as he dominated the match.

During the BT Sport commentary, Alex Rae claimed that the Nigeria international “eats up ground” when running back to track runs in behind. He showcased his recovery speed, making nine recoveries in total, as he stopped the Bundesliga side from exposing the space between the backline and Allan McGregor.

These statistics and quotes on his display illustrate his exceptional showing in the final. He was incredibly unlucky to end the night on the losing side and van Bronckhorst will now be hoping that this display does not catch any eyes heading into the summer transfer window…

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

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

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 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

Sunderland have the chance to finally make their way into the Championship and out of League One as the play-offs are set to begin in the coming days.

Having played 46 games in the league so far this season, the Black Cats have won 24, drawn 12 and lost ten, scoring 79 goals and conceding 53 in the process.

One player that has been a particularly prominent figure for the Wearside club this season is defender Callum Doyle.

Since arriving at the Stadium of Light back in the previous summer transfer window on loan from Manchester City’s U23 side, the centre-back has made 41 appearances across all competitions.

After only missing two league games between the start of the season and March, the 18-year-old has only made three appearances since then.

Despite this lack of regular action in recent weeks, the teenager has still shown what a capable player he is at such a young age and why the club should try and sign him on a permanent deal in the summer.

With the highest number of interceptions (48) to his name in the squad, Doyle also has the second-highest number of tackles (40) under his belt behind Carl Winchester (63).

This shows just how much of a talented defender the £3.4k-per-week gem is off the ball.

In terms of his work on the ball, the youngster has also shown his effectiveness on the pitch by racking up a higher average of passes per game (47.1) than any other Sunderland player to start more than eight league games.

Back in August, the Englishman was on the end of some high praise from journalist James Copley who said that “if you could build the perfect centre-back in a laboratory, the end result would look a lot like Callum Doyle.”

Taking all of this into account, it’s safe to say that bringing the City youth prospect has been a solid move from the Black Cats.

Moving forward, with the summer transfer window on the horizon, whether the club end up moving into the Championship or staying in League One, they should definitely make an approach to the Premier League club to try and see if they would be willing to allow Doyle to leave on a permanent basis and continue his journey with the Black Cats.

Should the Wearside club secure his signature on a permanent deal in the summer, it would surely blow fans at the Stadium of Light away when you consider his performances and enormous potential in the game.

In other news: Neil must finally unleash SAFC’s rarely seen 19y/o prodigy who’s got a “bright future”