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Manchester City are preparing a big-money offer to bring Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham to the Premier League, according to reports.

What's the latest on Bellingham's future?

Bellingham’s contract at the Signal Iduna Park isn’t set to expire for another two years, but he’s becoming one of the hottest prospects in football, currently sitting as Edin Terzic’s overall top-performing player with an average match rating of 7.49, catching the eye of Pep Guardiola.

The Telegraph report that the Sky Blues, alongside La Liga giants Real Madrid, are expected to be the two main contenders to sign the 19-year-old after Liverpool recently dropped out of the race, and whilst his services will come at an extremely expensive rate, that doesn’t seem to have put off the hierarchy from digging deep into their pockets.

According to Football Insider, Man City are “ready and waiting” to table a big-money bid to sign Bellingham ahead of the 2023/24 term. The Bundesliga star has emerged as a “top target” at the Etihad with the board waiting to “pounce” and submit an offer when given the green light. They are “prepared” to propose a financial package “well over £100m” which they believe will beat any offer from his other potential suitors.

The Sky Blues are currently “waiting” to learn the England international’s decision on where his next destination will be, though he “hasn’t ruled out” staying put for one more year to develop his game even further. Dortmund have already held “negotiations” over a new deal which is “on the table” should he want to continue in Germany.

Should Man City splash the cash on Bellingham?

Bellingham will undoubtedly be one of the most expensive signings of the summer but having been dubbed a “beast” by BT Sport pundit Rio Ferdinand, Man City should 100 per cent empty their pockets to secure his services during the upcoming window.

The Adidas-sponsored star has posted 17 goal contributions (ten goals and seven assists) in 38 appearances across all competitions this season and not only would he bring goals but also leadership qualities, having already captained his side on multiple occasions.

The Stourbridge-born talent additionally ranks in the 99th percentile for successful take-ons and has recorded 106 shot-creating actions this season, higher than any other of his teammates, via FBRef, so is constantly looking to get past his marker and make the magic happen.

Finally, Bellingham will already hold a strong existing connection to Erling Haaland from their time at Dortmund so this could potentially give City the advantage in the race to get a deal over the line this summer.

Tottenham Hotspur owners ENIC will look to sign James Maddison in the summer, regardless of who they appoint as manager at the end of the season, according to a recent report from Football Insider.

Will Tottenham win the race for James Maddison?

With Maddison's contract set to expire at the end of next season, this summer will be the last opportunity Leicester City have to cash in on their star player, and there is growing interest in his signature, from a whole host of Premier League clubs.

Tottenham are said to have leapfrogged Newcastle United into pole position, although Liverpool are also interested in the midfielder, while Manchester City have been linked, so a bidding war could be on the cards in the summer.

Given that the Englishman is likely to have a number of top clubs to choose from, it could be vital for Spurs to finish in the top four, so they can offer him Champions League football next season, but they are currently sitting three points behind Manchester United and Newcastle.

As per a report from Football Insider, the Tottenham board are dead-set on signing the 26-year-old this summer, and they will not wait for the new manager's approval before sanctioning a deal.

The Lilywhites are among the favourites to sign the £50m-rated Leicester star, and they're not going to slow their pursuit while they are without a manager, as they do not want to risk losing their lead in the race for his signature.

A new creative midfielder was identified as a priority signing while Antonio Conte was at the club, and Spurs believe he could go on to be a superstar in the Premier League.

Should Tottenham sign James Maddison?

Tottenham are very keen on a new creative force in the midfielder, and the two-time England international ticks plenty of boxes, ranking in the 89th percentile for assists per 90 in the past year, when compared to his positional peers, averaging 0.35.

Having also averaged 0.46 non-penalty goals per 90, there is clear evidence that the maestro would be a real attacking threat for Spurs, particularly considering he has managed to perform at that level in a struggling Leicester side.

Hailed as "sensational" by members of the media earlier this season, Maddison would be a fantastic signing for Tottenham, and they must now focus on securing Champions League football, in order to make sure they win the race for his signature.

Reliable journalist Phil Hay wants Leeds United striker Joe Gelhardt to be given lots of minutes by Jesse Marsch this season, given his potential.

The Lowdown: Gelhardt coming of age

The 20-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough season at Elland Road in 2021/22, making some key contributions as the Whites sealed Premier League safety.

Gelhardt registered two goals and two assists in the league and he was often a vibrant presence during a campaign when others struggled and injuries hampered the squad.

The youngster is now doing his best to impress during pre-season as he eyes up more first-team minutes in 2022/23.

The Latest: Hay wants regular action next season

Hay is certainly hoping that the 20-year-old is let off the leash even more regularly next term, taking to Twitter to call for Gelhardt to earn more playing time next season.

The journalist has urged Jesse Marsch to trust in the ex-Wigan starlet during 2022/23, saying:

“Would definitely be letting Gelhardt loose this season. It’s all there.”

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The Verdict: Biggest prospect at Elland Road?

This does feel like it could be Gelhardt’s time to go up another level, with arguably no other youngster at Elland Road possessing as much long-term potential.

He has been described as ‘unreal’ by Alan Hutton in the recent past, following his stunning assist for Pascal Struijk’s goal against Brighton last season, a moment which summed up his quality.

Patrick Bamford will again look to be first-choice striker after injury, while other attackers could still come in, but there is no reason why Gelhardt can’t make the jump from young hopeful to key player under Marsch sooner rather than later.

Aaron Mooy could be a ‘really good’ signing for Celtic after the deal went through on Tuesday, says former Rangers star Alan Hutton.

The Lowdown: Mooy signs

The Hoops had been strongly linked with a move for the Australia international in recent weeks, as Ange Postecoglou has been seeking to improve his midfield options having already snapped up permanent deals for Jota and Daizen Maeda for the wide positions.

Mooy has now completed his move to Celtic, arriving on a two-year deal and hoping to have a big impact for the Scottish Premiership champions.

The 31-year-old previously enjoyed spells with Huddersfield Town and Brighton, making 96 Premier League appearances, showing he is more than capable of operating at the highest level.

The Latest: Hutton impressed

Speaking to Football Insider, Hutton, now a pundit featured on Rangers TV, spoke glowingly in reaction to the news from his rivals, praising the depth now at Postecoglou’s disposal after ‘another’ signing, their seventh capture this summer:

“Of course it will, 100%. Thinking back to when I was a player, if I was going to a team where I knew the manager and I’d worked under him before, where he knows what you’re all about, it always helps you settle in a lot faster.

“I don’t think we can kid ourselves he’s a really good player, he’s shown that over the years. He went abroad he’s probably looking to come back and I think just knowing that you know the manager so well after playing under him in the Australian league, you know what you’re getting from him.

“Another attacking midfielder in, they’ve got a lot of options in that area now, so I think that could be a good signing for Celtic.”

The Verdict: Strong Rogic replacement

Mooy is a tidy footballer who has the potential to be an influential figure at Celtic, having racked up an impressive 53 caps for Australia, who he will represent at the upcoming World Cup.

With Tom Rogic leaving earlier in the summer, his compatriot has the ability to be a perfect replacement for him, bringing the same level of authority and calm with a sprinkling of end product.

Mooy enjoyed an 80.2% pass completion rate for Huddersfield back in 2018/19, despite playing for a struggling Premier League team, summing up his technical ability, and an average of 2.8 tackles per game the previous year also shows he can thrive off the ball.

Spanish journalist Oriol Domenech has claimed that Manchester United and Barcelona have reached an agreement for Frenkie de Jong.

The Lowdown: Saga of the summer

De Jong, who Xavi Hernandez described as a ‘genius’, has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford for over two months now after rumours first emerged following Erik ten Hag’s appointment as United boss at the end of April.

Since then, there has been plenty of talk but not much action, however, United chiefs John Murtough and Richard Arnold have recently been spotted in Barcelona to seemingly continue talks regarding a move for De Jong, and it looks as if progress is finally being made.

The Latest: Breakthrough

Domenech was speaking to Onde TV3, with Football Talk translating the update regarding Man Utd and De Jong.

He claimed that a deal has now been closed for the midfielder worth a total €85m (£71.8m). The report adds that the Red Devils now need to convince De Jong over a reunion with Ten Hag, which could be straightforward if his salary issues with the Catalan giants can be resolved.

The Verdict: Finally

It has been a long time coming, but it looks as if the club have finally made a breakthrough when it comes to signing De Jong.

There could still be obstacles to overcome before we see the Dutchman in red, though, as he is still owed £17m in deferred salary payments by Barcelona.

It has been an extremely complicated process but one that United officials have never given up on, and it looks as if Murtough and Arnold are close to getting their main man in ahead of Ten Hag’s first competitive game in charge.

It’s hard to believe, but it’s now almost a decade since Sir Alex Ferguson decided to call time on his glittering managerial career, and it would be fair to say that the past nine years since the Scot led the Old Trafford side to their last Premier League triumph have been among the toughest in Manchester United’s recent history.

That may all be about to change. If you are a Manchester United fan and a sports betting enthusiast, then you might want to check out the best new betting sites in the UK ahead of a possible wager on new boss Erik ten Hag’s reign being a fruitful one.

A succession of managers have been brought in to replace Sir Alex, and some have proven more disastrous than others, but in all honesty, the search for a replacement that can ably replace the Scot was always going to be something of an unforgiving task.

Of the managers who’ve tried to get the club back on track Jose Mourinho is arguably the one that has come the closest, the Portuguese manager did at least secure some silverware, but Ralf Rangnick (in an interim role) arguably brought the club to a new low with last season’s sixth-place finish that saw the club finish the campaign with their lowest points total since 1991.

So What Now?

Erik ten Hag comes with a stellar reputation, and the success he achieved during his five-year stint in charge of Ajax can not be underplayed. Three Eredivisie titles and a host of other trophies proved he knew how to get the most out of the Amsterdam giants, and perhaps more impressive was the way the club performed in the Champions League over the course of his tenure.

In 2018-19, only a 96th-minute winner from Tottenham winger Lucas Moura prevented Ajax from reaching the Champions League final.

The 52-year-old means business and isn’t the type of manager that is going to let a dressing room dictate proceedings, which is an issue that has been a big headache for a succession of managers.

This was something Sir Alex was adept at handling, and ten Hag will look to do likewise as he seeks to take a squad of underachieving stars more than just a sum of its parts. He’ll also look to bring in big new names, and with that in mind, he’s hot in pursuit of Dutch midfield maestro Frenkie de Jong, a player he knows well from the Barcelona star’s Ajax days.

What Can Be Achieved In the Short and Long-Term?

Since Ferguson left in May of 2013, United have employed no less than four permanent successors (as well as three interim/caretaker bosses), and ten Hag must be given time to make an impact.

This coming season will be a transition, and while this term is a dreaded one that fans hate to hear, you can expect the new Man United manager to do decidedly better than the last couple who have held the post.

We’d say a genuine push back into the top four is on the cards, and if Erik ten Hag is given the right backing, especially financially, then you can expect Man United to once again be a team that can truly be considered Premier League title challengers.

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TalkSPORT pundit Gabby Agbonlahor is adamant that a plethora of clubs will trigger the reported £10m release clause included in the contract of Rangers midfielder Joe Aribo.

The Lowdown: Aribo’s contract

With the 25-year-old having entered the final 12 months of his Ibrox contract, the Light Blues run the risk of losing Aribo on a free transfer next summer.

However, The 4th Official recently reported that the Nigeria international has a £10m release clause in his current deal.

And with a whole host of Premier League clubs interested in securing the midfielder’s services, the Gers may no longer be left with the choice of cashing in now or losing him next year – that decision could soon be out of their hands.

The Latest: Agbonlahor’s claim

Agbonlahor, who works as a pundit for talkSPORT, believes that numerous clubs will be willing to trigger Aribo’s release clause this summer.

Speaking with Football Insider, he claimed: “There will be clubs interested in Joe Aribo.

“If there is a £10million release clause I’m sure that will be met because of what he showed in the final with his goal.

“Every time I watched him over the last couple of season he’s been a player that’s stood out for me.

“He’s very comfortable on the ball, always shows that work rate and can play a number of positions. He’s a top player who Rangers will not want to lose, definitely.”

The Verdict: Big loss

When analysing the Nigerian’s underlying stats, his importance to Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side really shines to the forefront, demonstrated by his wide range of attributes.

When compared with positional peers across Europe over the past year, the 25-year-old ranks in the 99th percentile for aerials won, in the 97th percentile for expected assists, and in the 95th percentile for interceptions and clearances (via FB Ref).

However, with Aribo’s Gers contract running low, the Glasgow outfit may simply have to take what they can get and reinvest efficiently.

The thought of losing the talented midfield maestro is a troublesome one, but at least they will make a huge profit on his Bosman move from Charlton.

Tottenham Hotspur star Son Heung-min is now at the centre of interest from European giants Real Madrid, as Spurs chairman Daniel Levy and sporting director Fabio Paratici are given a warning.

The Lowdown: Spurs summer of change?

The Lilywhites have sealed three major signings already this summer in Ivan Perisic, Fraser Forster and Yves Bissouma, with Spurs also thought to be closing in on Richarlison and Clement Lenglet.

Indeed, manager Antonio Conte could be about to oversee a real summer of change in N17, not least because a flurry of exits could also occur.

There are certain players, like Son, who you would imagine simply aren’t for sale, given just how pivotal they have been for the north Londoners.

However, despite their importance, that isn’t to say that big clubs won’t have been weighing up moves for some of Tottenham’s big-name stars.

The Latest: Real Madrid eye Son move…

Indeed, as per journalist Rudy Galetti in a column for Tribal Football, there has been a development involving Real Madrid and Son.

He claimed that the Galacticos are now targeting a move for the South Korea international, who has ‘all the characteristics’ of a player requested by manager Carlo Ancelotti.

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Galetti went on to send a warning to Paratici and Levy, explaining that ‘we dare not imagine’ what Conte would do if both Spurs chiefs negotiate Son’s sale.

The Verdict: Rebuff…

If Real Madrid attempt to lodge any bids for the 29-year-old, it’s safe to say that Spurs should not hesitate in knocking them back.

A crucial player for Conte last season, finishing level with Mohamed Salah for the Premier League Golden Boot, Son also averaged more key passes per 90 than any Tottenham player, whilst finishing 2021/22 as their best overall performer (WhoScored).

The winger undoubtedly earned Alan Hutton’s rave review, with the former Spurs right-back calling Son ‘unplayable’ after his performance in the derby win over Arsenal last month.

Tottenham Hotspur’s attempts to sign Everton star Richarlison may have been given a boost as an update comes out of north London.

The Lowdown: Spurs keep moving…

After completing a trio of deals to sign Ivan Perisic, Fraser Forster and Yves Bissouma, it is reliably believed that Spurs transfer chief Fabio Paratici has his eye on more incomings for manager Antonio Conte.

A right-wing-back, central defender and centre-forward are said to be priorities for the Lilywhites, who are looking to build upon their top four Premier League finish at the back end of last term.

Subsequent qualification for the Champions League has gifted the club a £150m equity increase which has so far been put to use in the summer market, with a promising update now coming to light involving one of the Lilywhites’ targets.

The Latest: Romano shares promising Richarlison update…

Toffees striker Richarlison, who is said to be on Spurs’ radar, may well be on the move before the start of 2022/2023.

Taking to Twitter, reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano claims that the Brazil international is now interested in a move to Hotspur Way with the club having ‘discussed’ him in recent transfer talks with Everton.

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The transfer guru explained: “Tottenham are still well informed on Richarlison – was discussed during talks for Harry Winks-Everton. Richarlison would be open to Spurs move. It also depends on Raphinha domino.

“Winks talks going slow, as he could be included in Richarlison talks or separated deal.”

The Verdict: Get it done…

Finishing 2021/22 as the Goodison Park club’s best-performing player, as per WhoScored, we believe that the South American would be a grand addition for Conte.

He was also Everton’s top scorer last season in the top flight (10) whilst averaging more attempts at goal per 90 than any member of Frank Lampard’s squad (WhoScored).

It’s little wonder that journalists such as CBS Sports editor Mike Goodman have claimed that the 25-year-old is a ‘unique’ player, and Richarlison may well fit in to what Conte is building in N17.

Liverpool have been linked to Matthijs de Ligt on multiple occasions over the last few months, and now a new update has emerged on the club’s pursuit of the player during the transfer window.

What’s the latest?

According to Tutto Sport newspaper (via Sport Witness), Liverpool remain interested in signing De Ligt this summer.

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As per the report, the publication has said ‘pay attention to Liverpool’ in regards to a potential move for the Juventus defender, and claims that offers from the Merseyside giants would be hard for the player to refuse.

Imagine him & Van Dijk

The defence at Anfield is the last area you would expect FSG to strengthen with their accumulation of huge talent in the back-line, nevertheless, the idea of Virgil van Dijk playing alongside De Ligt for Liverpool would be a dream duo.

The £200k-per-week centre-back was hailed by the late Mina Raiola who sang the player’s praises in an interview with Sport Voetbal Magazine (via Goal):

“De Ligt is like an oil tanker, he will be unstoppable.”

This season for Juventus, De Ligt has been a solid force in the back-line for the Serie A giants, winning the majority of his ground duels combined (62%), made 3.1 clearances and won 1.3 tackles. He also made 48.4 accurate passes on average per game, with an impressive accuracy of 89% in total over 31 league appearances.

His phenomenal defensive performances are not the only thing that would’ve caught Liverpool’s eye as the player also scored three goals, contributed one assist and created three big chances in the Italian top-flight last season.

There is no doubt that the Merseyside giants have other areas of improvement that need to be addressed ahead of adding more depth to the defence, with a midfielder looking like the next priority for the club, however, it wouldn’t be a bad decision to add De Ligt into the squad as he is clearly a high-quality player.

With that being said, the powers at Anfield should carefully consider the potential of signing De Ligt this summer as it isn’t guaranteed he gets into the starting line-up and currently picks up the same wages as the top performers in the Liverpool squad.

AND in other news: Liverpool plotting bid for “electric” £60m star with “no restrictions”, he’s Salah 2.0