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Wolves are still battling Tottenham for the potential summer signing of Sporting CP midfielder Joao Palhinha, according to the latest transfer update from Portugal.

The Lowdown: Palhinha a primary target?

With Ruben Neves seemingly leaving Wanderers at the end of the season – his waves to the crowd last weekend suggested as much – Bruno Lage will need to make a key midfield addition.

It looks as though Palhinha is Wolves’ No.1 target in that area of the pitch, having emerged as one of the Sporting’s most influential players in recent years and constantly drawing links to the Black Country.

The 26-year-old as enjoyed an 87.8% pass completion rate in the Primeira Liga this season, also winning 1.5 aerial duels per game.

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The Latest: Offers ready

According to Jornal de Noticias [via Sport Witness], the Premier League is still the ‘most attractive’ proposition for Palhinha, with Wolves and Spurs leading the way in pole position.

Wanderers ‘want to reinforce their midfield’ and ‘initial offers’ are expected to be made imminently, with Sporting wanting at least €30million (£25.4m) for the Portuguese.

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The Verdict: Tough to beat Spurs

It seems clear that Wolves see Palhinha as one of their main summer transfer targets but the main thing holding back a possible deal is the presence of Spurs.

In Antonio Conte, the north Londoners have one of the world’s best managers and they are also on the verge of qualifying for the Champions League – a competition that appeals greatly to most top players.

Both of those things arguably make Spurs the front-runners, although Wolves’ Portuguese connection can always be helpful in these situations, with Palhinha hailed as a ‘special player’ by Sporting manager Ruben Amorim.

In other news, a journalist has dropped an interesting Wolves transfer claim. Read more here.

Journalist Jacque Talbot has revealed that Newcastle United now ‘want’ to sign Renan Lodi this summer.

The Lowdown: Targett alternative?

It is not guaranteed that the St. James’ Park faithful will sign Matt Targett on a permanent deal from Aston Villa this window, despite 97.5% of surveyed supporters wanting him to stay.

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Thus, they may have to look at other targets in the left-back area in case the Englishman stays put at Villa Park, albeit in what would be a pretty surprising twist.

The Latest: Lodi wanted

Taking to Twitter, Talbot has revealed that they now ‘want’ to sign Lodi, with the Atletico Madrid left-back ‘keen’ on a move to the North East:

“Told Renan Lodi is yet to hear from Atletico and Newcastle regarding the move but club want him and the player is keen.”

The Verdict: Options…

Of course, the Tyneside outfit could still go back in for Targett, but it is good to see them exploring other options, especially in the form of Lodi.

Described as a ‘very dangerous’ player by Atletico manager Diego Simeone, the Brazilian has proven himself at the highest level, playing in the UEFA Champions League this season, while also helping Atletico win the La Liga title last campaign ahead of the likes of Real Madrid and FC Barcelona.

Nonetheless, the Magpies were already able to lure another one of their full-backs in Kieran Trippier to the club in January, and so they should back themselves to get a deal done for Lodi as well.

In other news, find out which ‘exemplary’ soldier NUFC are now ready to sign 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

Liverpool have rejected Bayern Munich’s opening £21m bid for Sadio Mane, according to reliable journalist Paul Joyce.

The Lowdown: Mane leaving Liverpool?

After six years at Anfield, it looks as though the Senegal forward will be departing before the start of next season as he looks for a fresh challenge.

The 30-year-old has been one of the true modern greats for Liverpool, scoring 120 goals in 269 appearances, along with winning the Champions League and Premier League.

Bayern are the clear favourites to sign Mane this summer, and an official bid has now been tabled from the German champions.

The Latest: Liverpool reject Bayern bid for Mane

Taking to Twitter late on Sunday night, Joyce confirmed that the Bundesliga giants have seen their first bid turned down by the Reds. He revealed:

“Liverpool have turned down Bayern Munich’s opening bid for Sadio Mane. It was for £21m guaranteed, plus £4m in add-ons payable if, for example, Bayern won the Champions League.”

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The Verdict: Ridiculously low offer

Frankly, for Bayern to expect such a low bid for Mane to be accepted is bordering on ludicrous, considering the forward’s current standing in the game.

He has been described as ‘world-class’ by Jurgen Klopp in the past and is still one of the foremost attacking players in Europe, having netted 23 goals in 2021/22.

If Bayern want to get their man, they will have to pay a far bigger amount than £21m, with Liverpool needing to remain stubborn in the coming weeks and demand a fee which is much more indicative of Mane’s phenomenal abilities.

In other news, Liverpool are reportedly ‘ramping up’ their interest in one player. Find out who it is here.

Liverpool have been linked with a number of forwards already this summer ahead of the transfer window, with Sadio Mane’s reported potential departure ramping up the urgency to sign a new player and now an update from a reliable source has been revealed.

What’s the latest?

Italian journalist and transfer insider Fabrizio Romano took to the Que Golazo Podcast to give an update on Liverpool’s pursuit for a replacement for Mane should he leave Anfield this summer.

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Romano claimed: “There are no negotiations for Pulisic with Liverpool. For sure Liverpool will go for a player in that position.

“Darwin Nuñez and Arnaut Danjuma are two players they really appreciate.”

Supporters will be excited

There is no doubt that supporters will be excited at the prospect of FSG working to find a solution to the potentially unexpected loss of Mane this summer. Both Nunez and Danjuma could be worthy replacements if the worst outcome does present itself and the Senegalese winger leaves Anfield.

Nunez reportedly favours a move to Anfield over fierce rivals Manchester United who have also taken an interest in the Benfica star after his impressive season in Portugal.

The 22-year-old Uruguayan has scored 34 goals and delivered four assists in all competitions, with his most notable performances coming from the Champions League this season as his attacking output guided Benfica to their first quarter-final in the competition since 2016.

Nunez found the back of the net against Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Ajax to lead his side to a two-leg tie with Liverpool in the quarter-final in which he scored a goal in both games but it wasn’t enough to defeat the Reds and they crashed out of the prestigious competition at Anfield.

In terms of Danjuma, he has similarly been impressive for Villarreal in the Champions League which has helped him catch the eye of big-hitting European clubs with Manchester United again reportedly a long term admirer of the player and interested in signing him up this summer alongside Liverpool.

The 25-year-old has scored 16 goals and delivered four assists in all competitions for Unai Emery’s side, and despite his six Champions League goals was also knocked out of the Champions League by Liverpool but progressed further than Nunez with their clash coming in Villarreal’s first semi-final of the competition since 2006.

Danjuma recently spoke out about the speculation surrounding his rumoured move to Merseyside this summer in an interview (via Liverpool Echo);

“I was informed that Liverpool were following me closely. And if a club came along that offers a higher sporting platform, I would always consider it.”

With that being said, Jurgen Klopp clearly has options and a plan needs to be made to identify the right player to replace Mane which will be no easy challenge. However, if Romano’s comments are to be believed the two potential targets could definitely make a positive impact at Anfield.

AND in other news: “Still complicated..”: Fabrizio Romano drops Liverpool update that’ll worry supporters

Frank Lampard is under pressure to get his summer recruitment spot on if he wants to remain at Everton for the long haul.

Narrowly avoiding relegation from the Premier League with a 3-2 victory over Crystal Palace in their penultimate match last season won’t keep the fans on board for very long.

He appears to have made a solid start, with James Tarkowski close to signing for the Toffees and there will surely be more to come.

With there being plenty of areas to improve in the Everton squad, there could be a lot of transfer activity this summer. The likes of Jonjoe Kenny and Cenk Tosun leaving the club could free up wages for more attractive signings.

Portuguese outlet O Jogo (via Sport Witness) have claimed that Everton are interested in Porto winger Otavio, with Lampard looking to bolster his squad. They have made an enquiry but may have to pay up to €60m (£51.4m).

The player earns £29k-per=week at his current club and that will be expected to rise if a move to the Premier League materialises.

With the news that Brazilian forward Richarlison wants to leave the club, there could be a large transfer kitty that Lampard could utilise, and signing Otavio would be a wise move.

Although largely deployed on the right-hand side of midfield, Lampard may utilise his attacking potential and push him further forward where he can feed Dominic Calvert-Lewin plenty of chances, he notched nine league assists last season.

He isn’t shy of getting stuck in defensively either, something that Everton missed last season. Compared to positional peers in the top five leagues, Otavio ranks in the top 1% for pressures (28.99 per 90) and tackles (3.03), proving that he has the ability to be a success at both ends of the pitch.

He was dubbed “phenomenal” following a performance for Portugal and at 27 years of age, he could be about to approach his peak years.

It would be an expensive move but it could just prove game-changing to get Everton back to winning ways and Calvert-Lewin back among the goals.

AND in other news, Everton “still interested” in signing £107.8m duo this summer, Lampard will love them…

West Ham United are eyeing a move for soon-to-be free agent Andrea Belotti this summer.

What’s the word?

That is according to a report from Milan News. where it is said that the Scotsman is desperate to lure the centre-forward to the London Stadium in order to bolster his attacking ranks.

In the same report, it is claimed that the Hammers are a “concrete option” for Belotti this summer, with the forward set to leave Torino at the end of the month.

The next Zola

Being a technically gifted and prominent striker, Italian striker Belotti could well be the next Zola in the Premier League.

It’s been a while since we’ve had a notable Italian force up-top and the Torino man can fill that void, whilst also solving David Moyes’ depth issue at striker.

Like Zola, it’s Belotti’s ability to read the game that makes up for what is a lack of pace on the whole and truthfully, having endured his second-worst goal-scoring season in Serie A, it is time for the 28-year-old to move on and give his prime years to a more progressive side.

Belotti, who has been dubbed a “machine” who can “chop people down” according to Siavoush Fallahi on Twitter, bagged eight goals in 22 Serie A games this season and whilst that is still solid, it’s a far cry from his 26 goal haul from the 2016/17 season.

West Ham could well offer the Italian a platform in the Premier League with his only real competition being Michail Antonio.

He could go one further than Zola who managed West Ham and instead become their main bagsman.

For a player who is in his prime and possesses a market value of around £18m, according to Transfermarkt, it is a move that comes with little to no risk.

It’s a no-brainer for Moyes and co.

In other news: Enquiry made: West Ham could land a new £36m-rated monster by signing £21k-p/w gem 

Richarlison has been speculated to make a move away from Everton for a couple of months now, and now a new update has emerged from a reliable source on the player’s future.

What’s the latest?

Everton reporter for The Athletic Patrick Boyland joined Greg O’Keeffe in writing an article for the publication to reveal further details about Richarlison’s potential exit this summer.

As per the report, no club has followed up on their interest by putting in an official offer for the Brazilian winger so far, however, The Athletic claims to understand that the player is in no rush to make a decision and is open to many options.

These options include remaining in the Premier League upon his Goodison Park exit with Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur named as clubs remaining interested in Richarlison.

Supporters will be worried

There is no doubt that Everton supporters will be worried about the potential loss of Richarlison this summer, especially since the player played an important part in the club’s relegation survival in the Premier League last season.

The 25-year-old forward scored 11 goals and delivered five assists in all competitions for the Toffees, making him the top scorer in the team this season, and six of his goals came at the most crucial point in the Premier League.

Everton were saved from a spell in the Championship in the penultimate game of the season against Brentford, but Richarlison’s consistency over his last 10 appearances in the league campaign, scoring six goals and delivering two assists to guide his side out of trouble and cement himself as a favourite amongst supporters.

As a result of his game-changing performances and goal contributions for the Merseyside club, it would be a massive loss in the team should he secure a move and Farhad Moshiri will have to work hard to find a like-for-like replacement to ensure that the side do not further decline and face a worse outcome next season.

With that being said, Lampard and the powers at Goodison Park must come to a decision on Richarlison’s future as they will need to make at least one signing to replace the Brazilian before the transfer window shuts.

AND in other news: Lampard could land his own Jude Bellingham in Everton swoop for “special” £50m dynamo

Alasdair Gold has dropped an update on the future of reported Tottenham Hotspur transfer target Christian Eriksen.

What’s the latest?

In a recent Q&A on football.london, the journalist revealed that, despite the midfielder having been heavily linked with a return to north London this summer, Fabio Paratici and Antonio Conte are not actively pursuing a deal for the 30-year-old – who is available to sign on a free following the expiry of his short-term contract with Brentford.

In response to a question asking whether Spurs could make a move for the Denmark international, Gold said: “No, not at this point. Spurs don’t seem to be involved in the race for the Dane anymore. It’s a shame because I think he ticks plenty of boxes for the club but Tottenham’s interest in Eriksen seemed to cool a few weeks back after the last contact with his camp.”

Supporters will be gutted

Aside from how romantic Eriksen’s return to Tottenham would be this summer, considering just how impressive the midfielder was upon his return to the Premier League with Brentford, Gold’s claim that Spurs will not be making the 30-year-old an offer is sure to have left supporters gutted.

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Indeed, over his 11 Premier League appearances for Thomas Frank’s side last season, the £18m-rated talent was in sensational form, scoring one goal, providing four assists and creating five big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 2.0 shots, making 2.8 key passes and completing 0.7 dribbles per game.

These returns saw the £23k-per-week Dane average a quite astonishing SofaScore match rating of 7.54, not only ranking him as the Bees’ best performer in the league but also as the third-best player in the division as a whole.

As such, with Eriksen more than proving he still has what it takes to play an important role for a Premier League side in 2021/22, Gold’s claim that Tottenham do not look as if they will be making a move for the midfielder this summer will undoubtedly come as a gutting blow to all involved with the club – especially as he would not cost Spurs a penny in transfer fees.

AND in other news: Paratici now given green light for “impressive” £13m Spurs target, imagine him & Djed

Tottenham Hotspur could now make a surprise move for Jesse Lingard, according to reports…

What’s the word?

The Daily Telegraph believe the free-agent midfielder is being considered by the Spurs hierarchy as they look to improve their homegrown quota heading into the 2022/23 season.

After sealing deals for wing-back Ivan Perisic, midfielder Yves Bissouma and Everton attacker Richarlison, the former Manchester United star is viewed as a central creative option.

Premier League rivals West Ham United remain keen on the 29-year-old, whilst the Toffees have also been linked with interest. Given that he is now out of contract, he would not cost a penny to Lilywhites owners, the ENIC Group.

Homegrown bargain

Spurs boss Antonio Conte isn’t afraid to strengthen his squad for the here and now, as seen by Perisic’s arrival. Even over in Italy at Inter Milan, the 52-year-old was quick to add some experience, with veteran Ashley Young making the switch from Manchester United in 2020.

Adding Lingard to his current options would certainly be a wise and shrewd move, especially considering their homegrown problems.

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The 32-time England international has racked up 165 appearances in the Premier League and has played a further 43 games across UEFA’s top competitions, via Transfermarkt.

Despite a 26.35), a key attribute which will tick a box for Conte.

FBRef also likens his playing style to Arsenal duo Martin Odegaard and Emile Smith Rowe.

Once dubbed “top-class” by former United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and “absolutely phenomenal” by talkSPORT presenter Adrian Durham for his form during a lucrative loan spell at the Hammers towards the end of the 2020/21 campaign, the Englishman could bolster Conte’s squad in a key area and, at the same time, fix their homegrown problems.

Signing Lingard, who won’t cost anything in terms of a transfer fee, would surely be a very wise decision from sporting director Fabio Paratici this summer.

AND in other news, Spurs agree on personal terms with this 21 y/o gem…