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Everton have been heavily linked with a move for Billy Gilmour this summer, and now a new update has emerged on Farhad Moshiri’s pursuit of the young player.

What’s the latest?

According to The Telegraph’s Matt Law, Everton remain interested in signing Chelsea midfielder Billy Gilmour.

As well as Law’s article, Sky Sports pundit and former Toffees player Kevin Campbell has spoken out on the potential transfer.

Campbell told Goodison News: “I think what Frank Lampard’s trying to do is obviously get somebody in that centre of the park who can dictate the tempo of a game.

“And Billy Gilmour’s done that. He’s done that for Chelsea. I’ve seen him do it at times for Norwich, and I’ve seen him do it for Scotland.

“So is it something that he might pursue? Yeah he might pursue it, that’s for sure.”

Gilmour is a big Allan upgrade

It’s fair to say that Everton have had their fair share of troubles over the most recent Premier League campaign, completing the joint-worst season in terms of points per game, so Frank Lampard will definitely looking for ways to improve his team next season.

Despite being relegated with Norwich City during his season-long loan at Carrow Road, Gilmour has been showing glimpses of his potential and talents during his time at the club.

The £28k-per=week gem who was hailed “fantastic” and a “talent” by Roy Keane, was ranked the third highest-rated player for Norwich in the Premier League last season according to SofaScore and for good reason.

Gilmour delivered one assist and created one big chance, making one key pass, 1.7 tackles, 1.2 clearances, taking 61.9 touches and winning 3.8 duels on average per game and was successful in the majority of his dribbles (68%), proving he was an effective presence in his midfield role.

The £10.8m-rated youngster would be a big upgrade on Brazilian midfielder Allan who has disappointed in his performances this season, with a fewer percentage of his total duels won, fewer touches taken and a lower number of key passes on average per game than Gilmour in the Premier League last term.

There have also been reports of Allan making a move away from Goodison Park, with the midfielder named as one of the players Everton would be willing to sell this summer.

With that being said, Farhad Moshiri must get the deal done for Gilmour to strengthen the midfield, giving Everton the best opportunity to compete in the Premier League next season, leaving the problems of last season behind them by adding quality to the squad.

AND in other news: Lampard now “keen” on Everton deal to sign £50m machine, he’s “Kante with goals”

Newcastle United are reportedly now eyeing up a move to sign Yann Sommer this window.

The Lowdown: Great career

Sommer has had a great career playing at a high level for both club and country.

He has played 74 times by Switzerland.

The 33-year-old became a national hero after an outstanding performance against favourites France in Euro 2020, keeping them in the game before saving crucial penalties in the shootout.

Asked about those displays at the Euros, former assistant coach for the national team Michel Pont claimed that Sommer is a ‘cat’ with ‘incredible muscular elasticity.’

The Latest: Henderson alternative

Writing in his latest piece for talkSPORT, transfer insider Alex Crook has revealed that the St. James’ Park outfit are now ‘on the trail’ of Sommer, after ‘cooling’ their interest in Manchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson.

They want to sign a ball-playing ‘keeper to replace current number one Martin Dubravka, and Sommer fits the bill.

He only has one year left on his contract at Gladbach, and is ‘reluctant’ to sign a new deal with the Germans.

The Verdict: Smart move

Signing Sommer would be a smart move from the North East club, given that he is likely to be available for a reduced price with only a year left on his deal.

He is only earning £40,000-per-week as well, and so is unlikely to break their wage structure.

Nonetheless, Henderson is likely to be far more expensive given that he is eight years younger, has two more years left on his contract at Old Trafford, and would be signing from a Premier League rival, meaning that Sommer would be a suitable alternative.

In other news, find out what significant NUFC transfer update has now been dropped here!

Leeds United are on the hunt for a new striker this summer and their search could take them to manager Jesse Marsch’s home country…

What’s the word?

According to Manchester Evening News journalist Conor McGilligan, the Yorkshire outfit are keen on signing New York City FC frontman Valentin Castellanos, and have been looking at him for a while now.

“Leeds are apparently going head over heels for a striker at the minute. He sort of fits the mould, he’s the best striker in the MLS at the minute, looks very complete, Argentinian,” he told the ‘One Leeds Fan Channel’ this week.

“A few links there, apparently, Leeds have been looking at him for a while as well. So yeah, Valentin Castellanos.

“Keep an eye on that name.”

It’s thought that the MLS champions have set an asking price of around £12.8m, as per The Mirror.

Striker desperation

The Whites suffered from multiple problems during their near-fateful 2021/22 campaign, ranging from persistent injury issues to the second-leakiest backline in the top-flight.

Marcelo Bielsa and then Marsch were also pegged back by their troubles in the final third. Patrick Bamford, fresh off a 17-goal season, was absent for the majority of 2021/22 with an array of injuries. He only managed nine games in total, leaving Raphinha and co to take the mantle.

A lack of an alternative almost cost the Yorkshiremen their place in the big time, something they waited nearly two decades for prior to their promotion in 2020.

It’s no wonder Leeds appear to be desperate for another option up top and Castellanos is a very interesting candidate indeed.

His goalscoring record in the US cannot be disputed. He bagged eight assists as NYCFC clinched their first-ever title, with the Argentinian also raking in the Golden Boot.

He has since continued that form this year, delivering 11 goals and five assists across 17 appearances in the MLS and CONCACAF Champions League, taking his total for the American giants to 53 goals and 23 assists, as per Transfermarkt.

Castellanos has been likened to former Chelsea talisman Didier Drogba by MLS UK Show podcaster Henry Hewitt to Manchester Evening News in the past, where he also claimed: “He doesn’t just score one type of goal. He’s strong, quick, good with his head and isn’t afraid to bring his teammates into play.”

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The 23-year-old also outranks Bamford for non-penalty expected goals and shots on target per 90, via FBRef, too.

On the above evidence, it could well be worth the risk to dip into the MLS market to solve Marsch’s problems at Elland Road. After the arrival of Brendan Aaronson and soon, Rasmus Kristensen, a new forward must be the priority.

Castellanos can be the man to end Leeds’ desperation.

AND in other news, Orta can land “the next Declan Rice” as Leeds eye talent who’s “getting rave reviews”…

Former Premier League goalkeeper Paddy Kenny has claimed that West Ham ace Jarrod Bowen would be the ‘perfect’ signing for Liverpool.

The Lowdown: Liverpool monitoring Bowen

It was reported by The Athletic earlier this week that Sadio Mane is looking to depart Merseyside during the upcoming transfer window, while Football Insider revealed back in January that the Reds are continuing to keep close tabs on the Irons forward ahead of a potential move.

The 25-year-old has only been at the London Stadium for the past two years since joining from Hull City, and even though his current contract isn’t set to expire until 2025, his outstanding performances have clearly caught the eye of the top-flight giants.

The Latest: Kenny issues ‘perfect’ replacement claim

Kenny, 44, thinks Bowen would be a ‘huge’ and ‘perfect’ signing to replace Mane at Anfield. He told Football Insider:

“Bowen has been unbelievable and now he’s got his first England call up.

“That shows how good of a season he has had at West Ham.

“Every time I have watched him play he has done really well and looks head and shoulders above the other players.

“If that’s an option and Liverpool are interested, it would be huge. I think they were interested in January, then I would bet he’s the perfect replacement for Mane in my opinion.”

The Verdict: West Ham’s standout performer

The £31.5m-rated starlet has undoubtedly been the Hammers’ standout performer this season, having netted 18 goals in 51 appearances across all competitions, higher than any other of his teammates, as well as ranking joint-first for number of assists (11) alongside Michail Antonio, via BBC Sport.

A team like Liverpool would more than likely be able to offer the former Tigers man a lot more money than what he’s currently on, but David Moyes will know the importance that he has in his starting XI and so must do everything he can to prevent the winger from being tempted into a move away.

The Scotsman will now be preparing his squad for the start of the new term and their Europa Conference League campaign, where Bowen can make all the difference when it comes to West Ham attempting to make it all the way to the final and get their hands on that silverware this time around.

In other news… a reliable journalist has claimed that the Irons could ‘definitely’ make a move for one of their summer transfer targets. 

Joe Donnohue has dropped an update on the future of Leeds United centre-back Charlie Cresswell.

What’s the talk?

In a recent post on Twitter, the Yorkshire Evening Post journalist revealed that the centre-back is set for talks with both Jesse Marsch and Victor Orta in the coming weeks, with the intention of deciding whether or not the 19-year-old will be a regular part of the 48-year-old’s starting XI next season.

Donnohue goes on to state that a loan move away from Elland Road appears the most likely outcome of these discussions, before claiming that the England U21 international needs to kick on with his development in first-team football if he is to eventually stake a claim as one of the Whites’ first-choice centre-backs.

In his tweet, the journalist said: “Charlie Cresswell planning talks with Marsch & Orta in the coming weeks over his future. Six senior apps last season but needs to kick on. Loan likely. Whoever lands him for 2022/23 gets themselves a vocal, leads-by-example, rough-and-tumble centre-half.”

Marsch must act

Considering the sheer amount of potential Cresswell possesses, it would indeed appear an extremely wise move for Marsch to make a call as to whether the 19-year-old will be better off securing a temporary move away from the club this summer, in order for the defender to further his progression at senior level.

Indeed, up and coming right-back Cody Drameh is the perfect example of how much a loan spell can benefit a talented youngster, with the 20-year-old highly impressing during his temporary move to Cardiff City back in January, picking up both the Bluebirds’ Young Player of the Season and Player of the Season awards – despite only spending four months with the Championship side.

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And, with Cresswell arguably being one of Leeds’ brightest academy prospects, a similar move away from Elland Road could see the centre-back return to Leeds as a serious contender for a starting spot in Marsch’s side come the 2023/24 campaign.

Indeed, the teenager’s talent is not in doubt, with Joe Wainman even suggesting earlier this season that Cresswell should already be in Marsch’s thoughts when selecting his starting XI, stating of the centre-back after his performance in a 2-1 defeat to West Ham United last September:

“We had a debutant in the Premier League, Charlie Cresswell at centre-back, and he didn’t look out of place. These centre-backs who are not fit or are looking to come back into the side, they need to be worried, because that boy was unbelievable and I don’t think he should come out of the side. He’s a mainstay now, for me. I thought Cresswell was class, genuinely class.”

As such, it would indeed appear as if Marsch simply must make a decision on whether Cresswell will be a regular for Leeds next season, as, if the youngster is to go on to fulfil his undoubted potential, he must be playing football week in week out – be that at Elland Road or elsewhere.

AND in other news: Sky Sports reporter drops huge Leeds United transfer update that supporters will love

Aston Villa are interested in signing Sevilla defender Diego Carlos, according to a report from The Athletic. 

The lowdown: Carlos’ career so far

Signed from Ligue 1 outfit Nantes in 2019, the centre-back has amassed 136 appearances for Sevilla since arriving in Spain.

The 29-year-old also made six outings for the Brazil team which won Olympic gold in Tokyo last year and has previously been a major target for Newcastle United.

It now seems as though Steven Gerrard could be readying an approach to bring Carlos to Villa Park…

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The latest: Villa exploring Carlos swoop

As per The Athletic, Villa are ‘exploring the possibility’ of signing the experienced Brazilian centre-back this summer.

It’s claimed that Gerrard is ‘looking to strengthen his defensive options’ in the Villa squad as the 41-year-old attempts to build a squad capable of challenging in the top half of the Premier League table.

However, the report added that the asking price and salary for the man dubbed ‘amazing’ by journalist Dermot Corrigan following a standout display in the 2020 Europa League final could be a ‘complication’ for Villa owners NSWE.

The verdict: Make it happen

Carlos could be a potentially expensive signing given his £40.5m market value and contract until 2024 (Transfermarkt), but his proven quality from 230 top-flight outings in Spain, France and Portugal would be an upgrade on Ezri Konsa, Tyrone Mings and Kortney Hause.

During the 2021/22 season, the powerful Brazilian earned a superb 7.09 Sofascore rating whilst winning four duels and making 3.5 clearances per game, helping Sevilla to keep 13 clean sheets whilst also chipping in with three league goals.

His overall rating was significantly higher than the three aforementioned Villa centre-backs, with Mings coming out the best at 6.91 from Sofascore.

Signing a player of the calibre of Carlos would be a stellar statement from the Midlands club as they look to move on to the next phase of their development under Gerrard.

In other news: NSWE now eyeing another defender; Villa chiefs sent to club after Gerrard approves

Newcastle United are reportedly now ‘working’ on signing Hugo Ekitike in the summer.

The Lowdown: Newcastle confident on Ekitike

Taking to Twitter, transfer insider Graeme Bailey has recently revealed that the St James’ Park faithful are ‘confident‘ of signing Ekitike this summer.

Expanding in his latest article for 90min, the journalist added that they hope to wrap up a deal ‘soon’ after Eddie Howe ‘pinpointed’ the 19-year-old as a target back in the January transfer window.

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A reported £33m move for Ekitike to move to the North East from Ligue 1 club Reims fell through on January’s transfer deadline day, and now it looks like the Tyneside outfit are going to return for him once the summer window opens.

The Latest: Romano’s update

Taking to Twitter, Italian football journalist and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has now revealed a ‘key’ update with regards to the Magpies and Ekitike.

He outlined: “Key days ahead for Hugo Ekitike’s future, he’s expected to leave Reims after great season. Newcastle are still working to sign him after January late negotiations, now hoping to beat Borussia Dortmund in the race.

“Ekitike will make his choice on the future soon.”

The Verdict: Get it done

With clubs like Dortmund – who will be playing in the Champions League next season and have lost Erling Haaland to Manchester City – showing interest in Ekitike, the Toon need to wrap up this deal  quickly if they are to secure his signature.

Dubbed a ‘very special‘ player earlier this season by his manager Oscar Garcia, the 19-year-old seems to have a huge future ahead of him, and some in France truly believe that he could be the ‘next Mbappe‘.

With 11 goals and four assists in 26 games across all competitions this term (Transfermarkt), Ekitike has burst onto the scene in his home country, and he would no doubt be an exciting signing if Newcastle can land him.

In other news, find out which ‘golden boy’ NUFC are still interested in here!

A major West Ham United transfer update has now come to light involving Rennes defender and David Moyes target Nayef Aguerd.

The Lowdown: Irons eye move…

The Daily Telegraph, sharing news earlier this week, broke news that manager Moyes had personally set his sights on the colossal Ligue 1 defender after missing out at the start of the 2021/2022 Premier League campaign.

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Valued at around £20 million, it was claimed that West Ham have re-joined the race for Aguerd as the Hammers eye new central defensive additions.

The Morocco international, having been a key player for Rennes this season, signed a new deal until 2025 last year but that seemingly hasn’t stopped GSB from attempting a deal.

The Latest: West Ham ‘working on a deal’…

According to a reliable source in The Guardian, West Ham are now ‘working on a deal’ to sign Aguerd behind-the-scenes as they attempt an agreement for Moyes.

They also back that the Irons boss has personally identified the 26-year-old as a ‘key target’ ahead of the summer wind0w.

The Verdict: Get it done…

At £20m, Aguerd would be a fairly shrewd signing given his form on the continent and real presence in the middle of defence.

Lauded as the ‘real boss’ of Rennes by members of the Ligue 1 media, the African gem has won more aerial duels and racked up a higher number of clearances per 90 than all of his teammates over 2021/2022 (WhoScored).

A brilliant ball-playing centre-half also, Aguerd completes an impressive 89% of his passes out from the back – backing why Moyes is so keen to get a deal done.

As West Ham work on an agreement to sign him, this update comes as a promising one for supporters.

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

Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins only has an outside chance of featuring against Crystal Palace this afternoon due to injury.

The Lowdown: Injury scare

Watkins, who Gregg Evans labelled as the ‘real deal’ back in 2020, has been a regular this season, missing just one Premier League game under Steven Gerrard.

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The 26-year-old has attracted interest from West Ham as a result of his displays this season, scoring 10 times in 32 top-flight fixtures.

The England international picked up an ankle injury in the 2-1 defeat to Liverpool on Tuesday, and it looks as if he may not recover in time for the clash with Patrick Vieira’s side this afternoon.

The Latest: Preece’s post

Villa correspondent Ashley Preece relayed injury updates from Gerrard’s pre-match press conference on Twitter, one of which was on Watkins.

The forward was yet to train as a result of his ankle issue and only has an outside chance of featuring against Palace. However, there was some good news, with Jacob Ramsey set to be back in the squad following a groin problem.

The Verdict: Options

Gerrard has gone with three different systems in Villa’s last four Premier League games, and this update on Watkins could result in more tactical changes.

He stuck with a 4-3-1-2 formation against Liverpool, however, with Watkins a doubt, he may have to resort back to either a 4-3-3 or 4-3-2-1, with a winger coming in for Watkins and Danny Ings going as a lone striker.

Club-record signing Emiliano Buendia was on the bench last time out, so perhaps he’ll come back into the XI, or Bertrand Traore is another option after replacing Watkins in the week.

In other news: NSWE now close to agreeing deal for another midfielder alongside Coutinho.  

Manchester United have made contact over a possible move for Manchester City target Christopher Nkunku.

The Lowdown: Nkunku profiled

Nkunku, a France international, is primarily an attacking midfielder, although he can also turn out as a second striker or as a left midfielder.

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The 24-year-old has been described as an ‘explosive’ player, with Leeds United manager Jesse Marsch stating Nkunku has ‘no weakness’ during his time in charge of RB Leipzig earlier this season.

Nkunku has made 133 appearances for the Bundesliga side and has enjoyed a remarkable 2021/22 campaign, contributing to 52 goals in 49 games.

Manchester City have recently been linked with a summer swoop for Nkunku, but it looks as if the Red Devils are trying to get one up on their fierce rivals.

The Latest: United make contact

Sports Witness relayed an update from German outlet Bild regarding Nkunku on Thursday, claiming Manchester United have ‘spoken’ with the RB Leipzig star.

The report states that an offer in excess of €75m (£64.1m) could be enough, a figure that appears to be making PSG think twice.

The Verdict: Get it done

Nkunku has been one of the standout performers in Europe this season, so bringing him to Old Trafford would be an extremely exciting move under new boss Erik ten Hag.

Juan Mata and Jesse Lingard look set to depart this summer, leaving Bruno Fernandes as the only senior attacking midfielder available to Ten Hag.

Therefore, bringing in Nkunku appears to be a no-brainer, as not only would it make strengthen United’s options considerably ahead of Ten Hag’s first year in charge, but it would also be a big blow to Manchester City.

In other news: Man Utd now want to pip Liverpool to ‘dangerous’ £25m starlet; he’s considering a move.