Newcastle: talkSPORT journo drops Harrison claim

A big update has emerged on Newcastle United and their pursuit of Jack Harrison in the summer transfer window… 

What’s the talk?

talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook has claimed that the Magpies have been in contact with Leeds United regarding a potential move to St. James’ Park.

However, the Whites’ valuation of the former Manchester City player appears to be a spike in the road as the journalist states that it is too much for the Toon.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “There’s some interest in Harrison. I know Newcastle have enquired, but at the moment, the price tag is too hefty.”

The Telegraph reported, earlier this summer, that Leeds want a fee in the region of £30m to green light an exit for the winger.

Supporters will be excited

Despite the gem being too expensive at this moment in time, Toon supporters will be excited by this claim as it shows that Harrison is a live target and the club have made an initial move with a view to snapping him up.

Whilst Leeds’ valuation may be too high right now, the situation could change as the window progresses. The Yorkshire outfit may lower their asking price, depending on what the player pushes for, or Newcastle could take the hit and pay the fee if they are unable to source a good enough alternative.

Fans will be excited by the prospect of Harrison coming through the door as he is a proven Premier League performer who can come in and have an instant impact on the team.

Since winning promotion to the top-flight with the Whites, the attacker has played in two campaigns and caught the eye in both of them.

In 2020/21, the 25-year-old produced an excellent eight goals and eight assists as he showcased his ability to score and assist goals – creating 10 ‘big chances’ for his teammates in total.

Last season, he found the back of the net eight times and assisted one goal, whilst only missing one ‘big chance’ in the entire campaign.

Meanwhile, no Newcastle winger or midfielder scored more than five or assisted more than five in the league in 2021/22. This suggests that Eddie Howe needs a player who can deliver goals and assists in the Premier League and that is what Harrison has proven himself to be.

Therefore, fans will be excited by the club’s interest in him and will now be hoping that a compromise can be reached with Leeds in the coming weeks.

AND in other news, PIF have held NUFC “talks” to sign “magic” £40m wizard, he’s a better Ben Arfa…

Palace: Romano drops Levi Colwill update

Crystal Palace are interested in signing Chelsea defender Levi Colwill.

What’s the word?

That is according to journalist Fabrizio Romano, who took to Twitter to issue an update on the 19-year-old centre-back, along with an update over the clubs who have enquired about signing the youngster.

Taking to social media, Romano said: “Chelsea will sign two centre backs this summer but will also make final decision on Levi Colwill, as multiple clubs are interested in signing the English centre back on a permanent deal.

“Leicester, Crystal Palace, Brighton and Nottingham Forest have asked for Colwill.”

Vieira’s dream

Colwill spent last season on loan at Huddersfield Town, where he enjoyed regular first-team football in a campaign which saw the Terriers reach the Championship play-off final.

He featured 57% of their Championship games and amassing two goals and one assist along the way.

For his first season in professional football, it’s an impressive return for the 19-year-old, so you can understand the level of interest which surrounds him.

Having signed former Chelsea defender Marc Guehi, Palace manager Patrick Vieira will greatly understand the potential of Cobham prospects and could move for a defender either way, with a tactical switch which would see Palace set up with a back five said to be on the cards.

If this is the case, the 45-year-old is rightly on the lookout for a left-footed centre-back, which ironically seems to be the theme of this summer’s transfer window.

Vieira will require a player who is comfortable operating on the left side of defence and is comfortable with the ball at his feet.

Colwill demonstrated those tendencies in his debut campaign at senior level, ranking third in the Huddersfield squad for accurate passes per game, with his average of 41.9 per match at a completion rate of 78.4% speaking volumes about his ability as a young player in possession.

He would offer a different but much-needed option at Selhurst Park, occupying both elegance and a tenacity within his playing style, his average of 1.7 tackles per game the Terriers’ second-highest in 2021/22.

Quite simply, he appears to be Vieira’s dream defender.

AND in other news – “Will probably leave”: Journalist drops big Palace transfer claim that’ll delight supporters 

Spurs: Paratici makes Sonny Perkins move

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in a deal to bring Sonny Perkins to north London this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a claim made by ExWHUemployee, who revealed in a recent thread on Twitter that, following the forward’s departure from West Ham United on Friday, Fabio Paratici has now made a move for the 18-year-old, who is also a target for Leeds United.

In his tweets, the Irons insider said: “He was meant to be going to Leeds but Spurs, the club he supports, made a late move. He has a decision to make between the two now, I believe. Leeds or Spurs.”

“The next Declan Rice”

Considering just how highly-rated a prospect Perkins is, it is easy to see why Paratici would be interested in a deal to bring the England under-18 international to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this summer.

Indeed, the £1.08m-rated talent impressed for Mark Robson’s West Ham under-23 side in 2021/22, scoring 12 goals and registering one assist over his four outings in the Under-18 Premier League last season.

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These performances led to David Moyes calling up the former Leyton Orient starlet to his on the bench for the round of 16 win over Sevilla and the quarter-final victory against Lyon.

Furthermore, speaking about the The West Ham Way podcast towards the end of 2021, ExWHUemployee went as far as to suggest that the teenager could go on to become the Hammers’ next Declan Rice.

He stated: “One player to pay attention to is a West Ham youngster called Sonny Perkins. This is someone I’ve spoken about on the podcast before as a talent, and he’s really beginning to stand out now at academy level, really getting rave reviews.

“Obviously, he’s performing on the international stage as well for his age, and he is one to keep an eye on. From what I’ve heard in the academy circles, he could be the next Declan Rice. So just keep your eye out for his progression within the next few years.”

As such, while Perkins may not be a signing who would make an immediate impact within Antonio Conte’s first-team squad next season, the 18-year-old – who James Marshment backed to become a “£30m player” – is undoubtedly an incredibly exciting prospect for the future.

We believe that the forward’s signing would be an extremely astute piece of business for Paratici to get over the line this summer for Spurs, especially on a free transfer.

AND in other news: Fabrizio Romano claims Spurs are now set to seal fifth summer signing “very soon”, Conte surely buzzing

Newcastle keen on Lucas Paqueta

An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their pursuit of Lucas Paqueta in the summer transfer window… 

What’s the talk?

Italian journalist Daniele Longo has revealed that the Magpies are keen on a deal to sign the Lyon talent ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

He Tweeted: “Arsenal and Newcastle are interested in Lucas Paqueta. The Brazilian midfielder wants to leave Lyon. Milan is entitled to 15% of its price.”

It has previously been reported that the Ligue 1 outfit could demand as much as £58m for the gem, although it remains to be seen how much PIF are willing to pay for his services.

Bruno Guimaraes 2.0

By securing a deal to sign Paqueta from Lyon before the end of the window, Newcastle can land their next Bruno Guimaraes.

The Magpies gem joined the club in January and made an instant impact on the team as he caught the eye in the second half of the campaign. In 17 Premier League appearances, he averaged a sublime SofaScore rating of 7.25 and chipped in with five goals and one assist.

Guimaraes also made himself a strong presence in the team as he made 3.1 tackles and interceptions per game, showing that he is willing to get stuck in and compete in physical battles.

He showcased his immense ability on a consistent basis in the top-flight and the Toon can now repeat that masterclass by signing his former teammate at Lyon.

Paqueta enjoyed an excellent season in France as he scored nine goals and assisted six from central midfield, averaging a SofaScore rating of 7.13. He has shown that he can deliver quality displays on a regular basis at the top level, whilst also making a big contribution in the final third.

Along with that, he made 2.2 tackles and interceptions per game as he refused to shirk his defensive responsibilities in the middle of the park.

Talent scout Jacek Kulig described him as a “pure joy to watch” earlier this year and these statistics suggest that is exactly what he would be for Toon supporters.

The fans would surely love to watch him breaking forward from midfield to score and create goals in the Premier League, just as they enjoyed – and will, hopefully, continue to enjoy – watching Guimaraes last term.

Hopefully, he can handle the transition to playing in England as well as his fellow Brazil international…

AND in other news, Newcastle move will be on the mind of £25m “phenomenon”, he’s a huge Shelvey upgrade…

Newcastle "looking at" Duvan Zapata

A big Newcastle United claim has emerged on their interest in Duvan Zapata in the summer transfer window… 

What’s the talk?

Journalist Jacque Talbot has revealed that the Magpies are not the only team eyeing up a potential swoop for the attacker ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

The reporter has also claimed that the Serie A outfit are yet to decide whether or not they will cash in on the centre-forward.

He tweeted: “Sources in Italy tell me Newcastle are one of a number of sides who looking at Duvan Zapata of Atalanta, as previously reported by [Scott Wilson]. The striker’s contract is up in 2024 but think the side are waiting to see what other offers come in before selling this summer.”

Supporters will be delighted

The Toon supporters will be left buzzing by this claim as the prospect of Zapata coming to St. James’ Park this summer is an exciting one.

Eddie Howe’s men struggled in front of goal in the Premier League last term as they barely scored more than one per match – finding the back of the net 44 times in 38 games. Callum Wilson finished the campaign as the Magpies’ top scorer with eight goals and he was the only player with more than five strikes in the division.

This highlights their need for reinforcements at the top end of the pitch and Zapata’s form in recent years suggests that he would be the signing they need to bolster their attack.

In the 2021/22 campaign, the Colombian international produced 10 goals and four assists in 20 Serie A starts. He also scored three goals and set up another three in five Champions League starts, which shows that he can perform domestically and in European competition.

This came after he managed 15 goals and nine assists in 29 league starts in 2020/21. The gem has proven that he can score goals on a regular basis whilst also offering creativity to help his teammates, which is why he would be a significant signing for Newcastle.

If he is able to adapt to English football then he would be able to have a major impact at the top end of the pitch and be the consistent goalscorer the Magpies need.

Therefore, supporters will be delighted by the club’s interest in the attacker and will now be hoping that Dan Ashworth can get a deal over the line for him before the end of the window.

AND in other news: Eddie Howe voices teasing Newcastle transfer update, supporters will be buzzing

Leeds: Pope relays transfer development

Adam Pope has relayed a behind-the-scenes Leeds United summer transfer development.

What’s the latest?

In a recent post on Twitter, the BBC Sport journalist relayed comments made by Jesse Marsch regarding the Whites’ remaining transfer business in the summer transfer window, with the 48-year-old manager confirming that Victor Orta is targeting the addition of a new left-back ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

In his tweet, Pope said: “Jesse Marsch confirms left-back search.”

Supporters will be buzzing

Considering the fact that both Stuart Dallas and Junior Firpo look set to miss the start of the Premier League season due to injury, in addition to many Leeds supporters clearly believing that the first-team could do with improvement at left-back ahead of 2022/23, the news that the club are looking to sign a new player in the position this summer is sure to have left the Elland Road faithful buzzing.

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Indeed, at present, Leif Davis is the club’s only recognised option on the left, however, the 22-year-old defender has played just 31 minutes of Premier League football for the Whites and is also being linked with a permanent move to League One side Ipswich Town.

Furthermore, considering just how much Firpo appeared to struggle with the pace of top-flight football last season – with the 25-year-old averaging a disappointing SofaScore match rating of just 6.60 in 2021/22, ranking him as Leeds’ seventh-worst performer in the league last term – it is easy to see why supporters do not overly trust the former Spain U21 international on the left of their backline.

As such, with Orta having been linked with moves for a number of exciting full-backs in recent weeks – including the likes of Nicolas Tagliafico, Sergio Gomez and Josh Tymon – Marsch’s confirmation that the club are hoping to sign a new player in the position ahead of the 2022/23 campaign is sure to come as music to the ears of supporters.

AND in other news: “They will move…”: Romano reveals Leeds transfer update, supporters will be buzzing

Spurs: Kilpatrick drops transfer update

Dan Kilpatrick has dropped an update on the potential signing of a new Tottenham Hotspur centre-back this summer.

What’s the latest?

In a recent thread on Twitter, the Evening Standard journalist revealed that, despite Monday’s confirmation that Ben Davies has signed a new one-year contract extension until the summer of 2025, Fabio Paratici and Antonio Conte could still target the signing of a new central defender in the remainder of the window – should both Japhet Tanganga and Joe Rodon leave the club.

In his tweets, Kilpatrick said: “Daddy Davies/Gentle Ben a good story. Started last season as second (maybe third?) choice left-back but immediately established himself as one of Conte’s most dependable players. Started 34 of 36 games under Conte. Now set to spend more than a decade at the club.

“[Clement] Lenglet should provide some stiffer competition & maybe Spurs will still sign another centre-half (they’ll have to if Tanganga & Rodon both leave) but the shirt is surely Davies’ to lose after the way he finished last season.”

Supporters will love Kilpatrick’s claim

While it is true that, at present, Conte has seven centre-backs at his disposal heading into Spurs’ 2022/23 campaign, should both Tanganga and Rodon go on to leave north London this summer – as is reportedly expected – the 52-year-old’s options for his three-man backline would become much more limited.

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Indeed, if both the 23-year-old Englishman and the 24-year-old Welshman end up moving onto pastures new in the coming weeks, the Italian manager would only be left with the options of Cristian Romero, Davinson Sanchez, Eric Dier, Lenglet and Davies at centre-back – with a potential injury to one of these players leaving Conte extremely short of choice in Tottenham’s Premier League and Champions League campaigns next season.

As such, Kilpatrick’s claim that Paratici would more than likely make a move for a central defensive target in the event of the departure of both Rodon and Tanganga is sure to be news Spurs supporters will love to hear – as, not only is the arrival of a new player an exciting event, but it would also appear to greatly increase Tottenham’s chances of success in both domestic and international competitions.

Indeed, with the north London side desperately hoping to end their 14-year trophy drought next season, Paratici’s efforts this summer will directly impact Conte’s chances of doing so – leading us to believe that the more fresh faces the better for Spurs this summer, especially at the back.

AND in other news: “The priority is…”: Fabrizio Romano reveals Spurs update, supporters will be buzzing

Newcastle interested in Maxwel Cornet

Newcastle United’s interest in Burnley winger Maxwel Cornet ‘has substance’, according to CBS journalist Ben Jacobs.

The Lowdown: Newcastle interest in Cornet

According to talkSPORT, the Magpies are preparing to trigger the £17.5m release clause in the 25-year-old’s contract, joining a long list of Premier League clubs in the race to secure the Ivorian’s signature.

As per the report, Everton have had a loan bid rejected by the Championship outfit, while Nottingham Forest have failed to agree personal terms with the player.

Chelsea also considered a move for Cornet earlier in the transfer window but have not yet firmed up their interest.

The Latest: Jacobs’ claim

Jacobs believes there is truth in the rumours linking the Ivory Coast international with a move to St James’ Park this summer.

Taking to Twitter, the reliable journalist claimed: “Maxwel Cornet interest has substance, too. Everton & Forest pushing. He was actually offered to Newcastle earlier in window for his £17.5m release clause. Club felt the price was too high back then. Newcastle one of several EPL clubs considering Watford’s Emanuel Dennis as well.”

The Verdict: Could be a great signing

With Eddie Howe’s side on the lookout for a new attacker to add to their squad’s ranks, Cornet’s underlying statistics illustrate why he could be a strong signing for the Magpies.

As per FBRef, compared with positional peers across Europe over the past year, the winger ranks in the 81st percentile for tackles and in the 75th percentile for non-penalty goals and interceptions.

These figures occurred whilst he was playing for a struggling Burnley side, with Cornet having scored over a quarter of his team’s goals in the Premier League last season.

Therefore, given that he has proven to be effective in the English top-flight, this could be a great signing for Newcastle if they can pull it off.

Player will now stay at LFC this summer

Liverpool centre-back Nat Phillips will now stay at Anfield this summer after the injury to Ibrahima Konate, James Pearce has reported.

The Lowdown: Phillips linked with exit

The 25-year-old found playing time for the Reds hard to come by last season, eventually being loaned out to Bournemouth midway through the campaign.

Phillips has been expected to move on this summer, considering a host of top-class defenders are ahead of him in the pecking order, with a permanent exit in the offing.

There has now been a significant twist, however, following Konate’s knee injury against Strasbourg last weekend.

The Latest: Defender to stay put

Taking to Twitter, Pearce shared news from Klopp’s pre-Fulham press conference at Kirkby – Phillips will now remain a Liverpool player to cover the absence of Konate:

“Klopp says Ibrahima Konate’s injury is likely to mean that Nat Phillips stays put this month.”

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The Verdict: Makes complete sense

This makes perfect sense from a Liverpool perspective, with Jurgen Klopp no doubt not wanting to risk a repeat of 2020/21, when endless injuries to centre-backs ruined their season.

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That being said, it is hard not to feel sorry for Phillips, who may have been desperate to earn regular time at a Championship club, rather than not even make match-day squads at Anfield once Konate is back.

The hope is that the France internatonal returns in the relatively near future and that Phillips is eventually allowed to leave in January, ensuring he enjoys a new challenge in the second half of the campaign.

Forest table offer for Remo Freuler

Nottingham Forest have been linked with a move for Remo Freuler this summer, and now a new update has emerged on the club’s pursuit of the player.

What’s the latest?

According to Italian news outlet Calcio Mercato, Nottingham Forest are willing to offer a salary of €2m-a-year (£1.6m) or £30k-per-week to sign Atalanta midfielder Freuler.

As per the report, the two clubs are currently in talks to come to an agreement for Forest to secure a deal for the player as he is unlikely to play much for the Serie A side over this season. With the newly-promoted Premier League side, he would certainly have a better chance of first-team football.

The player is valued at around £25m by Football Observatory.

Cooper needs him

Following the first game of the Premier League season for Forest last weekend where they lost 2-0 to Newcastle United at St James’ Park, it comes as no surprise that Steve Cooper is continuing to look for ways to strengthen his team in the pursuit to retain the club’s top-flight status.

The Reds really struggled to maintain possession of the ball (39%) over their clash with the Magpies which in all honesty was something to be expected when you consider Howe’s high pressing, possession-based tactics, however, Cooper detailed exactly what Forest need to be doing to better their chances.

Cooper claimed in his post-match press conference:

“We were not right today in possession, and there were not enough passes when we could get them off, and that ultimately cost us the two goals.

“The way we gave up the ball in the play before the goals, that’s not the team I want us to be.”

As a result, Freuler could be the perfect profile of player to offer a solution to the issues Cooper wants to tackle to improve his team’s play in the league this season.

Over 29 Serie A appearances last season, the 30-year-old midfielder tallied up a 92% pass completion rate in his own half and averaged 73.2 touches per game, as well as successfully completing the majority of his duels (57%). Thus, his ability to be measured in possession is something that Cooper very much needs.

The Swiss talent has been the recipient of high praise for his hard-working attitude in the centre of the pitch, with RTS Swiss national team commentator David Lemos claiming Freuler is “tireless” in an interview (via BBC Sport):

“He is not a shiny midfielder, but incredibly reliable and precise. He is a tireless worker – one of those you don’t notice, but who are involved in almost every move.”

With that being said, the signing of Freuler would be a big addition for Cooper in his efforts to improve and strengthen the possession and ball control in the team, as he clearly displays the attributes Forest are crying out for.

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