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West Bromwich Albion have been handed a boost by boss Steve Bruce, who has issued a positive update on his squad.

What’s the word?

That is according to a report from BirminghamMail who claim that the vast majority of Bruce’s squad are in “ship shape” and are slowly building up fitness levels before their pre-season friendly campaign which begins next Monday.

As per the report, the Albion squad are in the Portimao region of Portugal in pre-season camp, with Bruce and his staff watching the players closely.

And the boss has issued a positive update that will please the WBA faithful. As per BirminghamMail, Bruce said:

“Dike is okay, Mowatt is okay, Bartley not for the first week at least, and Kean Bryan is still a few weeks away from joining in with us,” Bruce explained.

“We set up a training camp in Portugal and took my staff out there with the physios. Dike and Zohore both did a couple of weeks, so did Townsend, so did Mowatt, so they’ve got themselves in good nick.

“The only ones missing are Bartley and Kean.”

Supporters will be buzzing

West Bromwich Albion look to be serious about achieving their ambition of Premier League promotion this season.

You can see this from their movement in the transfer market, as well as the reports surrounding their pre-season preparation.

But from the update issued by Bruce, perhaps the biggest news for supporters, aside from new signings in Jed Wallace and John Swift joining up with the squad, is the status of Dike.

The 22-year-old American is highly rated and has proven himself in all three full seasons of his career, scoring 28 goals in that time frame.

Essentially, it’s a case of where there is game time, there is most certainly goals for Dike, and he has not been afforded the former due to an unfortunate situation with a hamstring problem that ruled him out for the majority of the campaign.

As such, he has not had a chance to prove his worth at The Hawthorns, but the latest developments from Bruce, who was careful with his minutes at the end of the season, paints a positive picture for supporters who will be eager to see him bagging goals on the regular across the upcoming campaign.

AND in other news: Journalist drops big 8-word West Brom transfer claim that supporters will hate 

The Evening Standard have shared some Tottenham Hotspur news on the club’s – and by extension sporting director Fabio Paratici’s – transfer plans for the centre-forward position this summer.

The Lowdown: Spurs keep chasing deals…

After seeing midfielder Yves Bissouma arrive in north London from Premier League club Brighton, Spurs head coach Antonio Conte is reliably believed to be chasing yet more deals before the start of the 2022/23 campaign.

Having also secured Fraser Forster and Ivan Perisic on free transfers, the north Londoners have now set their sights on a right wing-back, a central defender and a new striker to compete with superstar Harry Kane (Evening Standard).

Sharing some news on the latter plan, one outlet and reliable source has some news for Lilywhites supporters.

The Latest: Paratici’s striker plans explained…

According to the Evening Standard, as arch-rivals Arsenal reportedly close in on Gabriel Jesus from Manchester City, Spurs and Paratici have their eyes on another forward.

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Indeed, Everton star Richarlison is believed to be in Tottenham’s sights, with the club ‘also interested’ in signing him.

In a possible boost for Conte and Spurs, while the Toffees are demanding more than £50m for the 25-year-old, it is believed that Everton ‘could be forced to lower their valuation’ given their need to sell.

The Verdict: Take advantage?

Once set with a price tag of around £100m, Richarlison’s valuation has already dropped significantly over the last few years, despite the South American continuing to impress at Goodison Park.

If Everton are forced to lower their price even more and gift Spurs a discount, we that believe this move would be a no-brainer for Conte.

As per WhoScored, Richarlison finished 2021/22 as Everton’s top scorer (10 goals) and best-performing player by average match rating, leaving no wonder as to why pundit Noel Whelan called him one of their ‘big name’ players and his manager Frank Lampard labelled him a ‘huge talent’.

Liverpool were involved in one of football’s biggest deals some years ago when they sold Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona in a mega-money deal worth £142m.

After joining from Inter Milan back in 2013 for £8.5m, the Brazilian went on to make 201 appearances for the Reds across all competitions.

In those appearances, the playmaker scored 54 goals and delivered 45 assists before making his move to Spain.

Now that Liverpool have successfully moved on from their former hero by winning the Premier League and Champions League after his exit, it seems as though Jurgen Klopp could have the chance to secure what could be the Merseyside club’s next Coutinho.

Earlier this month, it was reported that the Reds could look to make a move for Real Madrid winger Marco Asensio.

With 235 appearances for the Spanish club, the 26-year-old has scored 49 goals and delivered 24 assists in the process.

Despite making 42 appearances for Carlo Ancelotti’s side across all competitions this season, the Spaniard only started 23 of them, suggesting that he’s more of a rotation player than anything else.

In those appearances, he still managed to find the back of the net 12 times, highlighting his attacking talent.

Labelled as a “magical” player by Casemiro, Asensio is currently picking up a weekly wage of £117k-per-week and is also as one of the players of a similar vein to Coutinho according to FB Ref.

To highlight the similarities between the two players, they both ended their recent domestic seasons with an average of over two shots per game and at least one key pass per game. With that in mind, it would appear that the attacking midfielders are both capable of creating and scoring goals in pretty equal measure.

In terms of a potential move to Anfield this summer, the prospect of potentially getting more regular minutes whilst playing in the Premier League under a manager like Klopp could be a very tempting one for the Spain international.

Combine that with current Liverpool winger Sadio Mane looking to leave the club this summer, his potential exit could pave the way for a player like Asensio to work his way into the first team.

Should an opportunity to strike a deal with the Spanish club to sign the 26-year-old arise, Liverpool should definitely explore the option to see if he can be an extra goal threat for them at Anfield.

In other news: Klopp could finally axe £125k-p/w Liverpool flop by signing “unbelievable” £60m star

Phil Hay has dropped a big hint on one of Victor Orta’s potential Leeds United transfer targets this summer.

What’s the talk?

In a recent Q&A on The Athletic, the Leeds United correspondent revealed that there is an internal discussion currently ongoing at Elland Road regarding the signing of a more experienced backup option for first-choice goalkeeper Illan Meslier – with Orta believed to be tempted by the idea of a move for a new shot-stopper this summer.

In response to a question asking whether – following a shaky campaign between the sticks – the France U21 international could see his position as the Whites’ number one come under threat upon the signing of a new ‘keeper, Hay replied:

“No, Meslier wasn’t flawless but I think it’s absolutely the right decision to continue pushing him as the No 1.

“There is a discussion going on at Leeds at the moment about what to do with their goalkeeping ranks. They’re tempted to bring in a more experienced No 2, someone to sit behind Meslier and ahead of 21-year-old Kristoffer Klaesson. It’s something to keep an eye on.”

Supporters will love Hay’s update

While it is undeniable that Meslier is a talent who boasts an incredible amount of potential for future development, the fact that Leeds shipped an enormous 79 goals in the Premier League last season – with only bottom of the table Norwich City conceding more – cannot be avoided.

And, while the 22-year-old is not solely to blame for the Whites’ extremely worrying defensive record in 2021/22, it would be a difficult argument to make that the signing of an experienced second choice goalkeeper would not be a sensible addition for Orta to make this summer.

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Indeed, this would provide the £18m-rated Frenchman with much greater competition for his starting spot in Jesse Marsch’s side – something that typically increases performance levels – while the former FC Lorient starlet would also be likely benefit from the input and advice of a player who is longer in the tooth.

Furthermore, should the £41k-per-week shot-stopper find himself going through a rough patch of form – as he did in December, March and May this season – being taken out of the firing line for a couple of matches would almost certainly help the youngster get back on his feet more quickly.

As such, the signing of a new number two would very much appear to be an intelligent deal for Orta to pursue this summer, with Hay’s update sure to be news that the Elland Road faithful will love.

AND in other news: Victor Orta now given green light for “outstanding” Leeds signing, he’s John Terry 2.0

Tottenham Hotspur have ‘very recently’ held talks over signing ‘one of the top strikers in England’ for manager Antonio Conte.

The Lowdown: Spurs eye new attackers…

Spurs transfer chief Fabio Paratici, after meeting with Conte in Italy for a recruitment meeting, has since been busy with the Lilywhites having sealed both Ivan Perisic and Fraser Forster on Bosman deals.

Having finished in a Premier League top four place, gifting qualification for next year’s Champions League, it appears the club have been putting their £150 million equity increase to efficient use so far.

The north Londoners reportedly want a new forward with links having emerged to Man City star Gabriel Jesus among others.

Now, speaking to CaughtOffside, super-agent Roberto De Fanti has some transfer news on Spurs’ pursuit of new forwards.

The Latest: De Fanti shares news…

Indeed, the player representative has claimed that Paratici and co have held talks over signing a £200,000-per-week top flight star, right across town from the aforementioned Jesus.

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According to De Fanti, Tottenham ‘very recently’ entered discussions to sign Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford.

He explained:

“It seems there have been some discussions very recently between the player’s camp and Tottenham Hotspur. The London club feel negotiating a deal for Rashford is virtually impossible though – so that transfer no longer seems an option.”

The Verdict: Blow for Conte?

De Fanti claims that a deal for the Red Devils big name would cost Paratici and chairman Daniel Levy ‘between £70 million and £80m’.

Taking this into account, perhaps a move does seem unlikely as things stand, but there is little doubting Rashford’s ability if something were to change and a Spurs agreement became more possible.

Despite enduring a bit of an off-campaign over 2021/2022, the England international has proven over many years just how good a player he is.

During the 2020/2021 season, Rashford racked up 20 goals and assists combined whilst completing more successful take-ons per 90 than any Red Devils player (WhoScored).

He finished that campaign as United’s third-best performing player by average match rating and played the fourth-highest amount of league minutes behind Harry Maguire, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Bruno Fernandes (WhoScored).

Former interim boss Ralf Rangnick, speaking earlier this year, also raved over Rashford as ‘one of the top strikers in England’ who has ‘everything you need’ for a modern forward (Telegraph India).

You could argue that form is temporary and class is permanent with the 24-year-old, leaving little wonder United have placed such a high price on his head.

In other news: ‘Stronger and stronger’…Sky journalist shares promising Spurs news on £34m Bastoni alternative! Find out more here.

Jurgen Klopp led Liverpool to what can only be described as one of their finest seasons in living memory, winning two trophies, and coming extremely close to winning the Champions League and Premier League too.

Hopes will be high ahead of next season, one in which the German manager will hope to end the Manchester City juggernaut and win a second league title, along with another tilt at continental glory.

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In order to achieve this, his business in the transfer market will have to be extremely diligent, as it has been for the previous few years.

There might be a new signing soon, with Football Scotland stating that Liverpool are in pole position to sign Aberdeen’s teenage sensation Calvin Ramsay.

The Scottish club are set to make a decision this week regarding his future and a price tag of £4m has reportedly been set, which is nothing more than loose change in Klopp’s pocket.

Serie A side Bologna are keen on the defender, however, a move to Liverpool would be preferred.

Ramsay was one of the bright lights in Scottish football last season, having a breakthrough campaign and making 24 appearances in the Scottish Premiership, scoring once and providing four assists.

With that in mind, it’s hardly a surprise that he was once dubbed an “unbelievable” player by sports journalist Ryan Taylor.

Although a right-back, his strengths lie in getting forward as much as possible and these are backed up by the fact that he delivered 154 crosses during last season whilst also having 0.71 shots on target per match.

If Klopp is looking for a right-back in a similar mould to Trent Alexander-Arnold, then Ramsay fits the bill. Although it would be uncertain to know just how much game time the young Scot would gain if he moved down south, his talent appears to have struck a chord with Klopp.

It could be an excellent opportunity for Ramsay, with the future of right-back Neco Williams and Joe Gomez, who has also operated in that role for Liverpool this season, uncertain, there might just be a glimmer of hope that he could be a success.

AND in other news, Forget Tchouameni: LFC eye a move for “outstanding” £60m ace, he’s “one of the best”

A huge development has emerged on Rangers gem Steven Davis and his future at Ibrox heading into the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

According to the Scottish Daily Express, the Gers are closing in on an agreement to keep him in Glasgow for another season. His current deal expires ahead of the 2022/23 campaign and Ross Wilson has moved to secure his future with fresh terms.

The report claims that Premiership clubs Motherwell and St Mirren are both keen on signing the veteran gem and the Light Blues have fended them off to retain his services.

Supporters will be delighted

The Gers supporters will surely be delighted with this news as keeping hold of Davis will be a boost to Gio van Bronckhorst’s squad next season.

He is an experienced and valuable member of the team who can offer a great deal for the club on and off the pitch in 2022/23. The Northern Ireland international has played a whopping 344 games for Rangers in separate spells and played 306 matches down south in the Premier League.

This shows that he knows exactly what it takes to play at the top level and has a wealth of experience to impart to the other members of the squad.

He can, therefore, play a huge role off the pitch as he helps the younger players by giving them tips and keeping them grounded as they make their way into the first team. Davis can be an example to the likes of Alex Lowry and Charlie McCann with his professionalism, setting an example for them to strive to match.

On the pitch, he can also have an impact for van Bronckhorst. In the Premiership, he averaged an excellent SofaScore rating of 6.96 across 18 appearances, making 1.9 tackles and interceptions per game and completing 88% of his attempted passes.

He also played seven times in the Europa League and was trusted to come on in the final of the competition against Frankfurt, before starting in the Scottish Cup final win over Hearts. This shows that the Dutch head coach believes that the 37-year-old still has the ability to perform in huge games for Rangers.

Supporters will, therefore, be buzzing with the news that he is set to sign a new contract and will be hoping that he can continue to be a reliable option for van Bronckhorst to call upon next season.

AND in other news, Wilson could land Rangers’ next £20m talent with bid for “top notch” £3.4k-p/w target…

Manchester City are ‘expected to pursue’ a deal for Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips, claims Daily Mail journalist Jack Gaughan.

The Lowdown: Fernandinho’s departure

After nine years at the Etihad, club captain Fernandinho is set to return to Brazil with a move back to Athletico Paranaense.

The 37-year-old said his goodbyes during Monday’s Premier League title parade after winning his 14th trophy with the Sky Blues.

The defensive midfielder amassed 383 appearances for City, scoring 26 goals and producing 33 assists during this time.

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The Latest: Phillips the perfect target

With Fernandinho’s departure, City have set their sights on signing a new central midfielder.

According to a report by the Daily Mail, Leeds star Kalvin Phillips tops the list of potential replacements. The 26-year-old has been identified as having the ‘perfect profile’ for the position.

Daily Mail journalist Jack Gaughan also shared the news to Twitter, claiming: “Man City expected to pursue deal for Kalvin Phillips over the coming weeks”.

The Verdict: Great signing

With previous reports linking West Ham ace Declan Rice with a move to the Etihad, the news that City are interested in his England midfield-partner hardly comes as a surprise.

With Fernandinho’s departure, it is necessary for director of football Txiki Begiristain to dip into the transfer market and sort a replacement, given the Brazilian’s importance to Pep Guardiola’s side.

Therefore, if City can convince Leeds to sell their ‘powerful’ midfielder for the right price, this will be a great signing for the Cityzens and possibly a cheaper one than Rice.

In other news: Manchester City: Danny Mills makes Declan Rice transfer claim

West Ham United are reportedly planning an audacious attempt to sign Barcelona forward Memphis Depay, according to reports coming out of Spain.

What’s the word?

As per reports in Iberia (via Sports Witness), the Hammers are said to have made contact with the La Liga giants regarding a potential deal, with the Nou Camp outfit seemingly open to a sale this summer.

The report suggests that the Catalan side would see it as a ‘great deal’ were they able to cash in on the Dutchman in the upcoming window, with just a year remaining on the deal he signed to make the move from Lyon on a free transfer last summer.

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Xavi and co would likely be set to make a tidy profit on the 28-year-old, with previous reports claiming that they could demand as much as £42m to move him on at the end of the season.

Huge coup

There’s no doubting that it has been a frustrating stint at times for the former Manchester United man in his current surroundings, although that’s not to take away from the excitement at his potential move to the London Stadium.

Despite at times coming in for criticism during his time with La Blaugrana, the £40.5m-rated gem still has an impressive record this season, having scored 12 goals and registered two assists in just 20 league starts, while he is also the club’s joint-top scorer in all competitions alongside Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

That follows an outstanding stint in France in which he provided 76 goals and 55 assists in 178 games in all competitions,  having recovered from his disappointing spell at Old Trafford, while he is also currently the fourth-highest scorer for the Dutch national team with 39 goals in just 77 games.

Clearly a prolific attacking presence, Depay also offers the flexibility to play a number of positions, lining up as a centre-forward, a winger or even in a playmaking number ten role in recent seasons.

His versatility would no doubt prove invaluable to Hammers boss David Moyes, with the £158k-per-week “baller” – as he has been dubbed by BT Sport – offering undoubted additional quality to a side that has so often been far too reliant on Jarrod Bowen this season.

A “joy to watch”, according to Ronald Koeman, the one-time PSV Eindhoven ace has the talent to set the Premier League alight should he take the leap of faith and link up with the Irons, with the club able to offer him the talismanic status that he has been denied at present.

IN other news, Cost £1.5m per goal: GSB made a colossal blunder on “strong” £40k-p/w West Ham flop 

Jurgen Klopp heavily rotated his Liverpool team against Southampton last night which led to worry about the fitness of key players ahead of the last day of the Premier League season and the Champions League final. However, a new update has emerged that will relieve supporters.

What’s the latest?

In a Q&A session on The Athletic website, Liverpool reporter James Pearce gave a promising response to a concerned supporter who was worried about Sadio Mane’s fitness as he did not appear in the matchday squad at St Mary’s on Tuesday evening.

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Pearce gave a promising four-word response when asked if the Senegalese winger had picked up an injury: “Just rested I believe.”

Supporters will be delighted

Supporters will be delighted that Mane was just rested and hasn’t picked up an injury after Virgil van Dijk, Fabinho and Mo Salah have all had fitness worries since the FA Cup Final, especially when you consider how effective he has been for Liverpool over the last few months.

The 29-year-old has scored 22 goals and contributed five assists in 49 appearances this season, with three of his goals scored in important knock-out games in the Champions League. He’s also bagged eight Premier League goals since the turn of the year, proving highly effective and making a huge impact on Liverpool’s quadruple challenge.

With that being said, Klopp clearly made the right decision in resting the attacker in the victory over Southampton last night and has given him the opportunity to recover ahead of the final game of the season and the trip to Paris to face Real Madrid in the Champions League final, two games his positive influence and impact will be desperately needed in.

The German coach recently held high praise for Mane when he scored the winner against Aston Villa last week to keep Liverpool’s dream of a second Premier League alive.

“He’s a machine, I told him after the game,” Klopp claimed.

“Massive player. [His] physicality is brutal, this mix of technique, desire, and physicality in this moment when everybody has a few yards in the legs…you can see it with him to be honest. Top goal, just fantastic, a world-class player.”

It will be interesting to see whether Klopp involves the forward in his line-up on the last game of the season against Wolverhampton Wanderers or saves him for the Champions League final in Paris. Either way there is no doubt that unleashing Mane in the team over the next two games will lead to more outstanding performances.

AND in other news: Forget Matip: £150k-p/w Liverpool “beast” who won 80% duels stole the show v Saints