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Tottenham Hotspur may have been handed an exciting boost in their bid to sign Championship starlet Djed Spence, according to reliable journalist David Ornstein of The Athletic.

The Lowdown: Spurs eye move…

The Lilywhites are believed to be well in the hunt to sign Middlesbrough’s promising wing-back who dazzled on loan at Nottingham Forest and played a ‘significant’ part in their Premier League promotion.

Spurs talks to sign Spence have been backed by credible sources in the last week, including Sky Sports journalist Lyall Thomas, with a report by The Guardian even claiming that a fee had been agreed.

While reports by Thomas since then haven’t quite backed it being that far down the line, Ornstein has broken news of a potentially exciting boost in the race for his signature.

The Latest: Ornstein shares Spence boost…

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According to his information, the 21-year-old now favours Spurs ‘ahead of other suitors’ in what could be a significant development.

He explained on Twitter:

“Djed Spence has expressed a preference to sign for Tottenham this summer as negotiations continue between Middlesbrough & THFC over a fee. No agreement so far but talks ongoing + 21yo right-back favours Spurs ahead of other suitors”.

The Verdict: Big?

The Englishman comes with much potential and could really help to balance the books of Tottenham’s troubling homegrown quota.

A capable wing-back option possessing an abundance of quality, Spence was a mainstay under Forest boss Steve Cooper last season, starting 41 second tier matches at such a young age.

He’s also been called a ‘perfect player’ for Conte by members of the media (Alex Crook), possibly making his addition a real no-brainer for Spurs as they remain busy before pre-season.

In other news: Conte enters pole position to sign ‘excellent’ international defender for Spurs! Find out more here.

Wolves are reportedly plotting a bid for Valencia forward Goncalo Guedes this summer and the Portugal international could prove to be the next Diogo Jota at Molineux.

According to Tuttosport (via Football Italia) Roma are battling Wolves to sign the 25-year-old this summer, with the report suggesting that he would cost around €40m (£34.5m).

Last season saw the former PSG man make 36 appearances in La Liga, in which he contributed 11 goals and six assists, averaging an impressive 6.99 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

If he had produced the same statistics in an Old Gold shirt, Guedes would have comfortably finished as Wolves’ top scorer in the Premier League, as well as their top performer of players to make at least 10 appearances according to WhoScored, so it seems clear that he would add some much-needed quality to Lage’s attack.

Wolves could only muster 38 goals in the top flight last season, which was the worst of any side to not be relegated, so Lage will surely be targeting attacking reinforcements ahead of next season, otherwise, he could easily find himself in a relegation fight if Wolves’ form from the second half of the season is anything to go by.

When Guedes joined PSG in 2017, former Portugal legend Pauleta was full of praise for the attacker, saying:

“He plays for Portugal’s under-21 side. I watched him grow up through his club and national team matches.

“He is a great talent – he is physically gifted and technically extremely talented.”

If he were to make the move to Molineux this summer, where he would join the club’s already impressive Portuguese contingent, then he could perform a similar role to Jota, who excelled at Wolves, hitting 44 goals for the club before moving to Liverpool in 2020.

Like Jota, Guedes is capable of playing anywhere across a front three, and he also boasts an impressive goalscoring record with Portugal, with seven goals in his 31 appearances for A Seleção.

It was a real statement signing when Wolves brought in Jota on a permanent deal following their promotion to the top flight and Guedes could be a similarly big addition should he join, considering his impressive form for Valencia in recent seasons.

And, in other news… Wolves supporters can “get excited” if Lage signs “full-blooded” £7.2m-rated “monster” 

Liverpool have given up on attempting to sign Barcelona prodigy Gavi in the summer transfer window, according to a fresh report.

The Lowdown: Liverpool keen on Gavi

The Reds will hopefully have a productive summer ahead of them as Jurgen Klopp looks to further build upon the excellent squad alerady at his disposal.

One player with whom Liverpool have been linked is Gavi, with the 17-year-old considered one of the most exciting young talents in world football.

The Spaniard has already made 46 appearances for Barcelona despite his tender years, with his manager Xavi describing him as a ‘spectacular’ player, and on Sunday he became his country’s youngest-ever goalscorer when netting against Czech Republic.

The Latest: Reds ‘give up’ on signing Gavi

It looks as though that transfer is now dead in the water, though, with Sport reporting on Monday morning [via Sport Witness] that Liverpool now ‘give up’ on signing him.

The Reds are the one club who have been ‘most aware’ of the teenager’s potential availability and ‘would have paid’ his buyout clause, but he now looks set to stay put at Camp Nou.

The report claimed that Gavi is close to signing a new contract at Barcelona, with a final meeting scheduled between his entourage and the club this week which would see his release clause skyrocket from €50m (£42.7m) to an incomprehensible €1bn (£853.8m).

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The Verdict: Was never going to happen

In truth, this was a transfer which always felt like more a pipe dream than a reality, with Barcelona absolutely desperate to keep hold of such a prized asset.

La Masia graduates also generally stay loyal to the club – the likes of long-serving Lionel Messi, Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets are all proof of that – which is a further reason for Gavi remaining with the Catalan giants.

It would have been special to see him plying his trade at Liverpool, given his enormous potential, but with FSG being notoriously frugal and the teenager’s release clause reaching an astronomical figure, this now looks like a lost cause for the Reds.

In other news, Paul Joyce has dropped a fresh Liverpool transfer claim. Read more here.

Wolves have been dealt a potential blow in their long-running quest to sign Joao Palhinha this summer, with Bayer Leverkusen now seeing him as a ‘priority’ transfer target.

The Lowdown: Long-term target

Bruno Lage will be eager to bring in new faces between now and the start of next season, especially if he loses key figures such as Ruben Neves.

Palhinha has undoubtedly been the player most commonly linked with a move to Wolves, following an impressive season at the heart of Sporting CP’s midfield.

Recent reports have continued to talk up the move coming to fruition but a fresh update suggests the pursuit which dates all the way back to last summer may have taken a worrying twist.

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The Latest: Possible blow emerges

According to A Bola [via Sport Witness], former UEFA Cup winners Leverkusen ‘don’t give up’ on trying to entice Palhinha to the club, with the Bundesliga side considering him a ‘priority’ signing.

On the plus side, they could struggle to stump up the cash to sign the 26-year-old, with it looking as though they are only willing to spend €15million (£12.7m) on him.

Sporting want between €20-25million (£17m-21.2m) for the Portuguese maestro’s services.

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The Verdict: Competition going to be tough

Palhinha is a Champions League level player who averaged a 91.9% pass completion rate for Portugal in World Cup qualifying, so Wolves were always going to have a fight on their hands signing him.

The lure of playing for one of the Bundesliga’s top teams could sway the midfielder’s thinking, although much looks like it could depend on their lack of financial clout.

It feels like a transfer saga that could rumble on for some time, but if Wolves are to lose Neves, they simply must replace him with someone of Palhinha’s calibre or even better.

In other news, one Wolves player’s future remains uncertain. Find out who it is here.

As per recent reports, it would appear that confirmation of Celtic’s bid to sign Cameron Carter-Vickers on a permanent deal is now imminent, with the USA international having shone in what’s been a hugely impressive loan stint at Parkhead.

In his seventh temporary spell away from parent club Tottenham Hotspur, the 24-year-old appears to have found a settled home in Glasgow, despite his form also attracting interest from a number of Premier League clubs.

The latest indication is that the Hoops will snap him up for a fee of around £6m – which could rise to £10m – as a reward for his integral role in the club’s tenth Scottish Premiership triumph in the last 11 seasons.

The £2.7m-rated colossus enjoyed a terrific 2021/22 campaign in the heart of the champions’ defence, averaging 4.1 clearances, 1.2 interceptions and 0.8 tackles per 90 in his 33 league outings, while also winning 68% of his total duels and registering 17 clean sheets.

That solidity has seen him dubbed “immense” by pundit Chris Sutton, while teammate Greg Taylor has also insisted that the on-loan Spurs man has been a success as he has “all the tools”.

Equally, at the other end of the pitch he also made a telling contribution, chipping in with four league goals, including a vital winner in the Old Firm derby back in early April.

Should he sign on the dotted line and commit himself to the club long-term – as is expected – his permanent arrival could pave the way for a notable departure, with Christopher Jullien potentially the man to face the axe.

The Frenchman had been the leading figure in the backline following his £7m arrival from Toulouse in the summer of 2019, although he has since been reduced to the role of understudy due to the form of both Carter-Vickers and defensive partner Carl Starfelt.

Of course, that slide down the pecking order has been impacted by his lengthy stint on the treatment table – the 29-year-old kept out of action for over 14 months – although he featured sparingly following his return to fitness in February.

The £20k-per-week giant recently outlined his frustration at that lack of action – as he made just one outing in all competitions all season – with reports suggesting that a number of Ligue 1 sides are interested in taking him back to France this summer.

Pundit Frank McAvennie has also tipped the £4.95m-rated brute to depart, with it looking as if the centre-back has no part to play under Postecoglou.

Should that be the reality, the club should not hesitate to wield the axe, with the impending arrival of Carter-Vickers offering a much younger option and one that has already proven himself suited to the manager’s bold, attacking style.

In other news, Celtic can unearth a new Giakoumakis after submitting bid for “very strong” £2.5m gem

Tottenham Hotspur could repeat their Dejan Kulusevski masterclass by signing one of his former teammates…

What’s the word?

According to Italian outlet Calciomercato, Spurs are ready to do business with Juventus once again, this time for midfielder Weston McKennie, who they want to sign on a loan-to-buy agreement, too.

The USMNT international has often been linked with a move away from Turin and he has struggled to maintain a regular place in Max Allegri’s starting XI.

Paul Pogba could return to the Allianz Stadium and that would push the American further down the pecking order. McKennie is currently valued at £22.5m by Transfermarkt.

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Kulusevski repeat

Given the success stories of Kulusevski and Rodrigo Bentancur, it would be wise for sporting director Fabio Paratici to return to his former club for yet another signing.

Central midfield may not be a priority heading into next season but it’s clear that manager Antonio Conte is keen for reinforcements in the role, with the Telegraph suggesting that he wants deep enough squad depth to challenge, particularly if they qualify for the Champions League.

Signing McKennie on an initial loan would be hugely beneficial towards the budget as the club wouldn’t have to fork out a hefty fee when there are other areas of the squad to bolster.

On top of that, the 23-year-old would be a very solid addition indeed.

Capable of playing in a variety of engine room roles, the Juventus powerhouse could be of huge use to Conte when competing in multiple competitions next season.

“He’s an outstanding talent. In the No.6 or No.8 position he has the mentality, a real working mentality that you need,” once claimed his former Schalke manager David Wagner. “And he’s brave on the ball as well. He can be one of the best midfielders in the Bundesliga.”

Also lauded as a “rock” by Old Lady legend Andrea Pirlo, McKennie ranks inside the top 2% of his position peers across Europe for touches in the penalty box (3.65 per 90), showing that he likes to get forward to try and create something, whilst also being able to press high up the pitch with 0.41 final third tackles per 90, which rates him inside the top 14%, per FBRef.

On the above evidence, the 5 foot 10 midfielder would be a nice signing to make during the off-season and considering how well the Kulusevski deal has gone, it would make perfect sense to repeat that masterstroke by bringing McKennie in on an initial loan.

AND in other news, Paratici eyeing Spurs swoop for £60m-rated “phenomenon”, just imagine him and Romero…

Nottingham Forest’s future in the Championship still hangs in the balance as the side have reached the Championship play-off finals, but it hasn’t stopped the transfer speculation from mounting.

What’s the latest?

A new update has emerged on Forest’s potential transfer target Cyrus Christie as he has now been released by Fulham and is a free agent ahead of the summer transfer window.

It was revealed earlier this month that the defender could be set for a reunion with his former club, with Sky Sports (via Nottingham Live) reporting that Nottingham Forest had put him on their list of transfer targets.

Christie has also been linked with a permanent move to Swansea City after a successful loan spell at the club this season.

Spence replacement

Steve Cooper is in need of a right-back next season as Djed Spence is set to return to Middlesbrough this summer following his impressive loan spell with the promotion-chasing side, and Christie could be an ideal replacement that could save the club millions as he will be available to sign on a free transfer.

The 29-year-old livewire who was hailed “outstanding” by Martin O’Neill has had an impressive season at Swansea in a more advanced role where he has proven to be effective, scoring three goals and contributing four assists.

He’s also created two big chances whilst making 2 tackles, 1.1 interceptions and 1.3 clearances on average per game in 23 Championship appearances.

Christie is no stranger to The City Ground either as the Republic of Ireland international made 44 appearances delivering five assists during a season-long loan in 2020/2021 before returning to Fulham, so it could be a golden opportunity for the player to reignite his career at his former club.

Spence is now reportedly being pursued by Tottenham Hotspur so it is unlikely that Cooper will be able to compete to sign the 21-year-old with the Champions League qualified side this summer, but could sign a replacement in a more experienced eight years older Christie who wouldn’t cost them a penny.

With that being said, signing the free agent could be a low-risk investment for Forest and could easily fill the gap Spence will leave in the team next season. After receiving the green light on his future, Coope simply has to secure a deal.

AND in other news: Cooper can save Forest millions by unleashing 18 y/o who is “one to look out for”

Manchester United are expected to have a big summer transfer window following the arrival of Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford, and now one of the Dutch coach’s former players has been linked with joining the manager.

What’s the latest?

According to Sky Sports Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg, Man United are plotting a move and are currently in talks for Ajax defender Jurrien Timber.

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Plettenberg tweeted: “Update Timber: FC Bayern inquired about him but it is said that the 20 y/o could join Ten Hag to MUFC!

“Talks with his management have taken place. Manchester United is seriously interested.”

It’s thought a deal could cost as much as £35m this summer.

Ten Hag would love him

There is no doubt that the Red Devils are in need of improving their squad and their defence has been an area that has been criticised this season, so if Ten Hag could bring in a player he knows can be effective in his style of play he would surely love to have him at the club.

The £27m-rated youngster who was hailed as “reliable” by Marco van Basten has had a great season with the Dutch coach winning the Eredivisie this season and has been giving glimpses of his outstanding defensive abilities.

According to SofaScore, Timber has won the majority of both his aerial and ground duels (67%), with an impressive 91% pass accuracy and making 2.4 tackles, 1.7 interceptions, 1.4 clearances and an astonishing 90.8 touches on average per game, proving that he has been a real solid presence for Ajax in his 30 league appearances.

However, it is not just his defensive attributes that have made Ten Hag desperate for the centre-back to join him at Old Trafford as his effectiveness in attacking opportunities is a massive bonus too.

The 20-year-old who has been described as a “top talent” has scored three goals, contributed two assists, created one big chance and has been successful in 72% of his dribbles for the Dutch Champions.

With that being said, signing the young talent could be a major coup for Manchester United and Ten Hag this summer if they can secure a deal for Timber in the transfer window.

Considering he has played for the new manager already he could be an instant success in the North West.

AND in other news: “Close sources”: Sky Sports journo “told” big MUFC update that’ll excite Ten Hag

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has been dealt a coaching staff blow after Fred Rutten rejected a move to Old Trafford, as per The Metro.

The Lowdown: Ten Hag announced as United manager

The Dutchman was announced as the new Red Devils manager last month and is set to arrive at Old Trafford over the coming weeks when the current campaign ends.

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Ten Hag has signed a contract through to 2025 in Manchester but is still yet to secure deals for any coaching staff. Rutten was seemingly on his radar, but the experienced manager – who is currently working behind the scenes with NEC Nijmegen – won’t be heading to England.

The Latest: Rutten rejects Man United move

As per The Metro on Sunday, Rutten has turned down the chance to join Ten Hag at United after holding talks with the 52-year-old.

He has instead agreed to join the coaching staff of former Red Devils striker Ruud van Nistelrooy at PSV Eindhoven ahead of the 2022/23 season.

The Verdict: Van der Gaag key?

Ten Hag was seemingly keen for Rutten to join him in England after talks, so this update is a big blow to the new United manager. However, Ten Hag’s current assistant Mitchell van der Gaag has been linked with following his boss to Old Trafford this summer, with Fabrizio Romano revealing that an agreement is now getting closer.

He has been described as an ‘important addition’, so hopefully the Red Devils manager will have better news when it comes to Van der Gaag as Ten Hag looks to get his backroom team confirmed ahead of the 2022/23 season.

Doing that will allow him to focus fully on new additions and who knows, he could ask Van der Gaag for his thoughts on potential signings, should a move go through.

In other news: Man Utd now leading race to sign star striker for Ten Hag in big deal

Football journalist Pete O’Rourke has provided an update regarding the future of Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips. 

The lowdown: Major interest in Phillips

The 26-year-old has been at the centre of intense transfer speculation for some time now, and the upcoming summer transfer window appears to be an important one for his future.

Premier League rivals Manchester United have recently emerged as the leading suitors, seemingly eclipsing previous interest from West Ham United and Aston Villa.

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However, relegation-threatened Leeds could be bracing themselves for a battle to keep the highly-rated midfielder regardless of their top-flight status…

The latest: O’Rourke predicts ‘big race’ for Phillips

Speaking to GiveMeSport, O’Rourke claimed that the 19-cap England international will be a wanted man should he decide to move on from Elland Road.

The journalist said: “If Kalvin Phillips does decide to leave Leeds this summer, there’s going to be a big race for his signature.

“I’m sure Leeds would love to keep hold of him as well.”

The verdict: At all costs

Unfortunately, without top-flight football, it seems certain that Phillips would leave Elland Road at the end of the season, despite the local hero’s strong affiliation with the club.

The combative midfielder has endured an injury-hit 2021/22 campaign, making just 19 appearances across all competitions. However, now that he’s back to fitness for the crucial run-in, Jesse Marsch may well turn to the £50m-rated Englishman to inspire the Yorkshire club to safety.

Having already amassed 230 appearances for his boyhood club, any move away will have to meet the club’s demands and will likely come with a heavy heart. Meanwhile, a switch to arch-rivals Manchester United could already be off the table out of respect to the Whites’ faithful, which would at least soften the blow if Phillips does move on in the summer.

In other news: Eddie Gray curses ‘tremendous blow’ regarding ‘vital’ Leeds colossus live on air…find out more here