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Leeds United are lining up a move for Sheffield United midfielder Sander Berge, according to Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Phillips to Man City rumours

Manchester City have been heavily linked with a move for Kalvin Phillips and have reportedly firmed up their interest with an offer this week.

The Premier League champions view the boyhood Leeds fan as a replacement for Fernandinho and to provide competition to Rodri at the Etihad Stadium. Ian Abrahams believes that a move is edging closer, and it looks as if the Whites are now preparing for life without their star midfielder.

The Latest: Berge interest from Leeds

Writing in a column for GiveMeSport, Jones claimed that Berge is emerging as a Leeds target to replace Phillips.

The transfer insider stated that Victor Orta will have a good chance to sign the 24-year-old, should a pursuit receive the green light, with Sheffield United valuing Berge at £25m.

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The Verdict: Too expensive?

A valuation of £25m appears to be quite expensive when you take into consideration that Berge’s Transfermarkt valuation has never hit £20m.

The Norwegian has been labelled a ‘complete midfielder’ by former Blades boss Chris Wilder but he missed large parts of last season with a hamstring injury and played mainly as a box-to-box midfielder.

Berge does have 18 months experience of playing in the Premier League and is primarily a holding midfielder.

However, Orta may well get more value for money outside of England, having looked to do so already this summer with moves for Brenden Aaronson, Rasmus Kristensen and prospective new arrival Marc Roca.

In other news: Leeds now want to sign £20m ‘game-changer’; Orta’s already made contact

According to a report by The Athletic journalist David Ornstein, there has been a big Tottenham Hotspur transfer update involving Everton star Richarlison.

The Lowdown: Spurs eye Richarlison move…

As reported by journalist Bruno Andrade of UOL Esporte, Spurs are eyeing a move for the 36-cap Brazil international, with talks having apparently been held.

Other claims suggest that things aren’t too advanced, though, and it is believed that the Toffees want ‘more’ than his reported €60m (£51m) valuation.

Antonio Conte is reliably believed to be after a new forward, and while the Spurs manager has ‘other options’ in case a Richarlison move falls through, Ornstein has now made a quite promising claim.

The Latest: Ornstein makes Richarlison claim…

Writing on Twitter, sharing his piece for The Athletic, it is believed that ‘some close’ to Everton think that a move to Tottenham ‘will happen’ for the 25-year-old.

In fact, Frank Lampard’s side could even green-light a reduced sale lower than their desired price given a need to generate funds.

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The Verdict: Make the move…

Called ‘pretty much unplayable’ when at his best by pundit Andy Hinchcliffe in 2021, Richarlison’s numbers over the 2021/22 Premier League season have certainly backed this theory.

According to WhoScored, the South American star finished last season as Everton’s best performer by average match rating, and he also totalled their highest number of attempts at goal (2.4) per 90 minutes.

On top of this, Richarlison ended the campaign as both the Toffees’ top scorer and provider of assists in the Premier League.

Indeed, it is little wonder that the forward is attracting Conte’s attention, and Ornstein’s claim adds real hope that a move to north London will materialise for the 25-year-old.

In other news: Agents offer Tottenham chance to sign £25m ‘monster’ who Lineker called ‘exceptional’, find out more here.

According to reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano, Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is fighting to keep star attacker Bernardo Silva at the Etihad this summer.

The Lowdown: Silva’s decision last summer

In an interview with The Times (via Sports Illustrated), the 27-year-old revealed that he wanted to leave Man City last summer due to a desire to live closer to his family, having claimed that he “was feeling a little bit alone at the time in England”.

Silva reiterated that his decision was purely for personal reasons, rather than it being football-related, as he loves playing for the Manchester outfit, but he has once again been linked with an exit this year.

The Latest: Romano’s news

According to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo (via Sports Illustrated), Barcelona are interested in signing Silva this summer. With their ongoing financial struggles, it is understood that the La Liga giants could offer Frenkie de Jong as part of a potential swap deal.

Taking to Twitter, Romano has now shared the latest news on Silva’s future with the Premier League champions.

“Pep was the one who changed Bernardo’s mind last summer when he wanted to leave the club – he’s still fighting to keep BS at Man City.”

The Verdict: Vital for City

Whilst City are known to rotate through options due to their heavy squad depth, the Portugal international has become a staple in Guardiola’s XI, having made 35 appearances in the Premier League this season.

When compared with positional peers across Europe over the past year, it is easy to see why Sky Blues teammate Gabriel Jesus hailed the 27-year-old as “one of the best players in the world right now”.

According to FB Ref, Silva ranks in the 99th percentile for progressive carries, touches in the attacking penalty area and progressive passes received.

Therefore, it is no wonder that the Catalan boss is doing all he can to keep the attacking-midfielder at City this summer.

In other news: Sky Blues now readying bid for Kalvin Phillips

Aston Villa look like they are about to announce their fourth summer signing as Steven Gerrard continues his early transfer business.

What’s the word?

That’s according to Fabrizio Romano, who tweeted: “Robin Olsen will join Aston Villa on a permanent deal, agreement done and set to be announced.”

Roma will receive €3.5m (£3m) for the goalkeeper and Villa look set to confirm yet another transfer, which will be their fourth in what has already been a very productive off-season for Gerrard and the club’s hierarchy.

Villa fans will be buzzing

The signing of Olsen on a permanent deal would follow already-completed moves for Philippe Coutinho, Boubacar Kamara and Diego Carlos.

Gerrard has built a solid spine to his new-look team, and he will be hoping that Olsen can challenge Emiliano Martinez for the number one spot next season.

The Swede joined Villa on loan from Serie A outfit AS Roma in January until the end of 2021/22 to provide cover for the Argentine, although he didn’t make his debut until the final match of the Premier League season, a 3-2 defeat to Manchester City which was marred by crowd trouble at the end.

While he may have conceded three goals on the day, the 32-year-old still pulled off two saves during a pulsating encounter at the Etihad Stadium, while he also boasts the vast experience of 58 caps for Sweden, being their first-choice ‘keeper at Euro 2020 and the 2018 World Cup.

Olsen played on loan at Everton in the 2020/21 season, where he kept three clean sheets in 11 appearances, and he appears a more than capable deputy for Martinez.

There is no doubt that Villa struggled defensively over the last few months, conceding 54 goals in the Premier League. This is something that Gerrard will be aiming to improve next season, and the signing of Carlos should bolster the heart of that shaky backline.

Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa underperformed in 2021/22, with WhoScored ratings of 6.74 and 6.43 putting them 10th and 17th respectively among the Villa squad, so Gerrard could certainly do with making his team harder to break down.

Supporters would surely be buzzing with yet another signing in Olsen and this could give them a taste of what is still to come over the next couple of months as the manager continues to rejuvenate the squad.

AND in other news, Gerrard must axe “frustrating” Aston Villa liability in deal for “unreal” £10m dynamo

Pundit Frank McAvennie has claimed that Newcastle United are set to undergo an ‘even bigger’ summer after an update on Dan Ashworth emerged.

The Lowdown: Reopened talks

On Friday, The Athletic reported that the Magpies have reopened talks with Brighton in a bid to come to an agreement over Ashworth, which would allow him to join the Tyneside club as soon as feasibly possible.

It is reported that there has been significant progress in the talks regarding a compensation fee, which was previously said to be an issue for both sides.

The 51-year-old has been on gardening leave since departing the Amex Stadium in February.

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The Latest: McAvennie’s claim

Speaking to Football Insider, McAvennie has raved about the significance of Newcastle’s prospective appointment of Ashworth.

The pundit and former West Ham striker claimed: “It’s a big deal for Newcastle, this.

“I have been banging this drum for months. They need an experienced operator to guide them through this process.

“They got through January and that went well but that’s just the transfer side of it. Ashworth is going to oversee everything else.

“It kind of feels like Newcastle are waiting for Ashworth to come in so they can kick on off the pitch. This guy is seriously rated and I’m sure Brighton are gutted to lose him.

“If he comes in before the window opens, or just after it opens, then it will be huge for Newcastle.

“It’s going to be a big summer anyway, on the pitch certainly. Then you have all the work Ashworth will do behind the scenes so it’s going to be even bigger.”

The Verdict: Fantastic appointment

Despite a successful transfer window in January, it is expected that Ashworth will now oversee operations at St James’ Park from this summer onwards.

With a bid for European football likely to be the aim for next season, Newcastle will likely be looking to make any changes to the squad that they can in order to give them an edge in their pursuit of that target.

Therefore, with Ashworth’s experience in running a smooth operation at Brighton, who are now an established Premier League club, this could well prove to be a fantastic appointment for the Magpies if indeed it is completed.

In other news: Newcastle United: Journalists address Lucas Paqueta transfer links

Newcastle United are reportedly now ‘keen’ on signing Darwin Nunez in the summer.

The Lowdown: Standout season

Nunez has had a standout season at Benfica, scoring no fewer than 34 goals and making a further four assists in just 41 games in total over all competitions (Transfermarkt).

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He was described as an ‘absolute beast‘ by Liverpool podcaster Hari Sethi after an impressive performance in the UEFA Champions League against the finalists, showing that he is more than capable of making the step up to the Premier League.

The Latest: Newcastle ‘keen’

Taking to Twitter, journalist Jacque Talbot, who regularly breaks transfer news and updates, has revealed that the St. James’ Park outfit are just one of a number of clubs in the top flight who are ‘keen’ on signing Nunez.

“Darwin Nunez will be going to the Premier League, with Eugenio Lopez as his agent, the rep who brokered the deal of Di Maria and Man United. Newcastle keen. Liverpool and Spurs among it.”

The Verdict: Get it done

If the Magpies can put the right offer on the table, then there may not come a better opportunity than to sign a player who promises to be one of the best strikers in Europe over the next few years – Jorge Jesus says he will become ‘world class’.

Indeed, Nunez is only 22 years of age, and so has the potential to reach the very top.

The Magpies looks set to face some stiff competition from teams that can offer him Champions League football, and so the Toon must act as soon as possible if they are going to get this deal done.

In other news, find out who PIF are now ‘ready’ to sign this summer here!

Liverpool have had a wonderful season so far, winning both the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup via nerve-shredding penalty shootouts.

Also, they could yet snatch the Premier League title away from Manchester City this weekend. Add into that another Champions League final appearance on Saturday week and it seems that Jurgen Klopp can do no wrong.

This amazing run suggests that the squad doesn’t need improving, but the German may well want to plan for the future, and his incredible success in the transfer market over the last few seasons could well be replicated this summer.

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Among the mooted summer targets at Anfield is Ajax winger Antony, with the Dutch side reportedly demanding £50m for his services. This week, it was reported by Brazilian outlet UOL that Liverpool have made a concrete approach to the Amsterdam club for the 22-year-old.

If the Reds can get their man, who is also wanted by Manchester United, it could well be another Klopp masterclass.

Antony could be Liverpool’s Neymar

Antony could be Liverpool’s very own Neymar, with the two being markedly similar in playing style and statistics (via FBRef).

Compared to his positional peers in Europe’s big five leagues this season, Antony’s figures are fantastic. The Ajax gem features in the 99th percentile for both assists (0.78) and total shots (4.08) per 90 minutes.

The winger has also shown just how much of an attacking threat he can be, with 6.59 touches in the opposition box per match, ranking him in the 92nd percentile.

Neymar ranks in the 86th percentile for assists and the 77th for shots per 90, so there is certainly a comparison there to be made with Antony, who could develop brilliantly under a manager like Klopp. Just look at the improvements already in players such as Luis Diaz, who has taken his game to new levels since making the move to Liverpool, and the 22-year-old Brazilian could well follow suit.

Dutch scout Piet de Visser labelled the winger “wonderful” when Ajax signed him a couple of years ago, and with 12 goals and ten assists this season, Antony’s maturity and output would certainly please the Anfield faithful.

Liverpool face a battle over his signature, with United also keen on Antony and his former boss Erik ten Hag now in charge of the Red Devils, so it could be a considerable task for the Merseysiders to persuade the winger to choose Anfield over Old Trafford.

AND in other news, Klopp eyeing £150m “wonderkid” who “suits Liverpool’s style”, it may be bye-bye Salah

After witnessing Simone Zaza’s infamous – and frankly spectacular – penalty miss at Euro 2016, clubs would have been forgiven for halting any interest in the striker, such was the shambolic nature of the Italian’s stuttering run-up and blazed effort in a game of such magnitude.

No strangers to making bold – and often bizarre – deals in the transfer market, though, West Ham United were unperturbed by that spot-kick horror show, eventually signing the player from Juventus on a season-long loan deal later that summer.

Hindsight is a wonderful thing in football, with GSB likely wishing they had heeded the warning signs, as the journeyman forward went on to distinctly underwhelm in a Hammers shirt.

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One of many notable names to have failed to make the grade for the east London outfit over the last decade or so, Zaza’s time in English football is only noteworthy for just how brief it was and how little impact he made.

Having been signed for a reported £5m loan fee by then-Irons manager Slaven Bilic, the Policoro native went on to feature just 11 times for the club in all competitions, spending a mere 571 minutes on the pitch and failing to register a single goal.

In the end, all that came of his Premier League stint was two yellow cards, with those bookings costing the club £2.5m apiece in relation to his loan fee.

Such was the dire nature of Zaza’s time in east London, Bilic and co eventually severed ties with the player just a matter of months into his loan spell in order to avoid having to pay an appearance-related £20m purchase option, as the striker secured a January move to La Liga side Valencia.

Upon his departure, the Italian’s father insisted that it had been a “huge mistake” to make the move to the London Stadium, with the club and their supporters seemingly thinking the same.

Since then, the 30-year-old has somewhat faded from view, eventually making his return to Italy after an 18-month stint in Spain, with the 18-cap international now plying his trade for Serie A outfit Torino.

He has scored just 20 goals in 102 games across all competitions for his current club, notably failing to find the net in ten league appearances so far this term, all of which have come as a substitute.

Such has been Zaza’s decline since his stint in the Premier League, he is now valued at just £1.8m by Transfermarkt, despite having reached a peak of £22.8m back in January 2018 after a brief purple patch at the Mestalla.

As for West Ham, the only saving grace is that they hadn’t agreed to a permanent deal in the first place, with Simone Zaza now just another name on their list of failed centre-forward additions.

In other news, West Ham eyeing swoop for “aggressive” £45m-rated warrior, just imagine him and Rice

Liverpool look set to lose defender Joe Gomez as Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard wants to boost his squad ahead of next season.

What’s the word?

That’s according to The Mirror, who have revealed that the 24-year-old is a transfer target for Villa as their Liverpudlian manager plans a major overhaul of his defence.

Villa were linked with a loan move for the England defender in the January transfer window although nothing materialised, but Gerrard is aiming to get his man in the summer.

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With Gomez’s market value currently set at £19.8m and his contract not expiring until 2024, the Midlands club might need to lash out a significant sum to sign him.

Jurgen Klopp could face Liverpool disaster over Gomez

Klopp has led Liverpool to the brink of one of the finest club seasons there has ever been, with a chance to win an unprecedented quadruple.

His excellent use of the transfer market and ability to rotate the squad effectively has worked wonders in their chase for glory.

Gomez has only made 20 appearances for the Reds in all competitions as he has slipped down to fourth choice centre back, with Joel Matip and new signing Ibrahima Konate above him in the pecking order to partner Virgil van Dijk.

The ex-Charlton man has provided adequate cover at right-back for Trent Alexander-Arnold this season, and this is where the bulk of his appearances have been made. The £85k-p/w defender is still only 24 and arguably yet to hit his peak.

Klopp is a big fan of the Englishman and has described him as a “sensational player”, while the club would need to spend big in order to replace him, so it makes sense for him to continue his development at Anfield.

Compared to his positional peers in Europe’s top five leagues, Gomez sits in the 99th percentile for aerial duels won (4.37 per 90 minutes) and the 94th percentile for interceptions (2.69), proving that whenever he plays, he is an important figure at the back for Liverpool.

Kopites would be livid if the 24-year-old were allowed to leave, and it may very well take a significant bid from Villa for Klopp to even consider it.

AND in other news: “I’m told” – James Pearce drops major Liverpool claim that’ll leave supporters buzzing

Dan Kilpatrick has dropped an update on the reported Tottenham Hotspur interest in Youri Tielemans.

What’s the word?

In a recent post on Twitter, the Evening Standard journalist confirmed that, following reports of Arsenal’s interest in signing the Leicester City midfielder this summer, Antonio Conte’s side are also monitoring the situation of the 25-year-old ahead of a potential swoop at the end of the current campaign.

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After quote-tweeting Simon Collings stating Arsenal’s interest in a move for the Belgium international, Kilpatrick added: “Also being monitored by Spurs.”

Supporters will be buzzing

Considering how impressive Tielemans has been for Leicester following his £40m move to the King Power back in 2019, the confirmation that Fabio Paratici is plotting a move for the playmaker this summer is sure to have left the Tottenham Hotspur faithful buzzing.

Indeed, despite the Foxes’ struggles in the league this season, the £49.5m-rated talent has been one of Brendan Rodgers’ few shining lights over his 29 Premier League outings, scoring six goals, registering three assists and creating four big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 1.9 shots, making 1.2 key passes and completing 0.8 dribbles per game.

The £120k-per-week midfielder has also impressed in metrics more typical of his position, making an average of 0.7 interceptions, 2.1 tackles, 43.3 passes and winning 4.7 duels per fixture.

These returns have seen the 49-time capped international average an extremely impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.07, ranking him as Leicester’s second-best performer in the English top flight.

As such, with it being reported that a new central midfielder is one of Conte’s priorities in the summer transfer window, when taking into account Tielemans’ proven Premier League ability coupled with his extremely reasonable £25m asking price, Paratici simply must make a move to beat Arsenal to the signing of the Belgian sensation ahead of Spurs’ 2022/23 campaign.

AND in other news: Huge blow: Spurs deal setback as early Arsenal team news emerges, Conte will be fuming