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Liverpool are reportedly closing on their second signing of the 2023 summer transfer window as negotiations with OGC Nice's Khephren Thuram continue.

What's the latest on Khephren Thuram to Liverpool?

That's following an update from transfer insider Rudy Galetti, who claims that the respective outfits are in active discussions over the transfer of the burgeoning France international.

He said on Twitter: "Talks between Liverpool and OGCNice for Khephren Thuram are progressing. The 2 clubs are working to reach an agreement for around €40/45m (£34/39m).

"No issues on personal terms."

Liverpool have already signed World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister this summer for £35m, but will hope to bolster the midfield further after James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's contractual conclusions.

How would Khephren Thuram perform at Liverpool?

Although Liverpool failed to qualify for the Champions League for the first time in seven years after finishing fifth in the Premier League, there is reason for optimism given the moves being made on the market.

And with a late-season purple patch underscoring the lofty heights this outfit can return to – Liverpool won seven matches in succession before a succession of draws closed the play – the ambitious stratagems of the Reds' German manager could yet be realised once again.

Thuram would bring energy and exuberance to the Liverpool fold, evidenced by his relentless driving runs – as per FBref, the 22-year-old ranks among the top 6% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for progressive carries and the top 9% for successful take-ons per 90.

Described as a "monster" by Sam McGuire, the £14k-per-week star could bring the best out of Darwin Núñez, who has endured an indifferent maiden year on English shores after joining Liverpool from Benfica for a club-record £85m transfer.

As evidenced by FBref, the £140k-per-week menace ranks among the top 1% of forwards for total shots and xG per 90 – with the latter metric meaning Nunez has squandered a higher rate of goalscoring opportunities than any other striker in Europe over the past year.

The Uruguayan did still plunder 15 goals across all competitions from just 26 starting displays, also ranking among the top 6% for progressive carries and the top 2% for touches in the attacking box per 90, and Thuram's involvement behind him could finally unlock a prodigious talent.

Indeed, the Nice ace is a "dangerous" midfielder – as praised by Aaron Ramsey – and could utilise his prowess as a central vehicle, pushing through the thirds, to provide Nunez with the support that he needs to flourish – Thuram also assisted eight goals last season.

Liverpool are 'progressing' with a deal, and must now ensure that they do not cede the chance to sign such a vibrant talent, it could just finally ignite the full scale of Nunez's capabilities.

Tottenham Hotspur are believed to be assessing Juventus defender Gleison Bremer's availability as they mull over swooping for the Brazilian this summer.

What's the latest on Gleison Bremer to Tottenham?

According to The Telegraph, Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou seeks to fortify the backline after the outfit's poor season, largely due to defensive disarray – and Bremer could be the perfect new addition.

Believed to cost around €60m (£51m) to prise him away from the Old Lady, Tottenham will have to compete against Premier League rivals Manchester United to secure the 6 foot 2 ace's signature.

The 26-year-old is an untested commodity on English soil but has been impressive in Serie A over the past several seasons, and could be a good signing as the north London club look to rebuild after falling by the wayside this year.

How good is Gleison Bremer?

Having shipped 63 goals in the Premier League this past season and consigned themselves to a first campaign without European football since 2009/10 after languidly falling to an eighth-placed finish, Tottenham's requirement for defensive reinforcements is paramount.

And signing a dynamic and robust option in Bremer, who has been praised as a "high-level" gem by Brazil boss Tite, could be a fantastic way to rekindle the verve that has evaporated this year, with the former Torino ace playing 43 times across all competitions in 2022/23, scoring five goals.

As per FBref, the £153k-per-week titan ranks among the top 13% of centre-backs for pass completion, the top 8% for goals, the top 5% for touches in the attacking box, the top 12% for blocks and the top 19% for aerials won per 90, which has led the statistics-led site to draw comparisons to Liverpool's star central defender Virgil van Dijk, who Bremer could emulate with the Lilywhites.

Van Dijk signed for Liverpool from Southampton for £75m in late December 2018, and has since been instrumental in the club's illustrious success over the past several years, notably winning the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup.

He has been hailed for his distinctive set of skills by the iconic Ronaldinho, who said of the Dutchman: "[You] play with elegance and command the defence like a maestro."

And given that the £220k-per-week phenom ranks among the top 18% of positional peers for goals, the top 4% for passes attempted, the top 1% for touches in the attacking box and the top 8% for aerials won, Bremer could sculpt his game to the distinguished 31-year-old's mould.

Described as an "animal" of a defender by Torino’s Mergim Vojvod, Bremer would bring tenacity and an imposing presence to Tottenham's defence and would likely rekindle some of their former vigour, and despite Postecoglou being unable to offer instant European endeavours, the tantalising prospect of a central role at a club seeking a renaissance could be enough to complete a transfer.

Everton could finally be set to end their striking woes this summer, by preying on one of the relegated clubs…

What's the latest on Kelechi Iheanacho to Everton?

That's according to Tribal Football, who suggest that the Toffees are one of a host of Premier League clubs seeking to rescue Kelechi Iheanacho from facing the Championship with Leicester City.

With Nottingham Forest and Burnley the other main suitors, it seems that whoever gains this coup will take a small early victory over what is set to be three relegation rivals.

Football Transfers value the £80k-per-week marksman at €16.3m (£14m), however, the Foxes' status as a second-tier club could see a further bargain earned as they seek to offload their higher earners.

Is Kelechi Iheanacho better than Dominic Calvert-Lewin?

The Nigeria international has endured a tumultuous tenure across his years in England, however, has remained a top-flight mainstay ever since his emergence at Manchester City in 2015.

Despite seemingly having been around forever, he is still just 26 and poised to enter his prime years soon. That bodes well for the Merseyside club, should they sneak him through the door early.

After all, he has remained a relatively consistent goal threat in his last three years at the King Power Stadium, notching 12 goals during the 2020/21 league campaign, then recording a further 17 goal contributions across all competitions the year following, before his five goals and five assists proved not enough to halt the relegation of his team most recently.

Although when fit Dominic Calvert-Lewin arguably boasts the perfect profile to be a Sean Dyche number nine, his injury woes have made him dreadfully unreliable across their last two relegation-threatened terms.

The England international made just 17 league appearances last season, matching his figure from the year prior. No longer can he be trusted as a sole forward to lead the line throughout a whole campaign, despite all the hype surrounding his pace, power and ability to score. Fortunately, these are assets that Iheanacho can also bring to the table.

When comparing the former Sheffield United gem with his potential new teammate, his best league goalscoring year came under Carlo Ancelotti, and even then that tally of 16 was only four shy of his potential successor's apex.

Purely being a present striker would most be regarded as an upgrade on Calvert-Lewin nowadays, and given that this transfer option has played nearly ten more league games than the 26-year-old across both of the past two years, the writing is on the wall. That is without mentioning the immense physical assets that arguably elevate Iheanacho beyond the struggling striker too.

Not to mention he would offer that finishing touch that has been lacking at Goodison Park, with Dyche's team having recorded just 34 goals most recently as they avoided the drop by two points.

They were the second-lowest scorers in the whole division that year, so to add someone who was once lauded by former Everton striker Tony Cottee for making finishing "look so easy", would be a match made in heaven.

Arsenal are reportedly eyeing PSV star Xavi Simons as Mikel Arteta sets his sights on bolstering his squad this summer.

The Spaniard is set to have a busy transfer window at the helm, working alongside Edu to make sufficient reinforcements to ensure the Gunners can continue their form as title challengers.

The latest link could be a marquee signing for the north Londoners, in a player that has cemented himself as a sensational rising star in Europe.

What’s the latest on Xavi Simons to Arsenal?

Arsenal were first linked to Eredivisie sensation Simons earlier this month, with news from the Netherlands stating the Gunners claimed interest in the youngster.

News reported this week has kept the links between the Dutchman and the Emirates alive, with Dutch outlet Voetbal Primeur – as relayed by Sport Witness – suggesting that Arsenal have been joined in their pursuit of the 20-year-old.

CIES Football Observatory has valued the La Masia graduate at €60m (£51m).

What could Xavi Simons offer to Arsenal?

This past season was an overwhelming success for the Amsterdam-born gem, who registered 34 goal contributions in a total of 48 appearances in all competitions for PSV (via Transfermarkt).

The versatile attacker, who has featured across the frontline but primarily as a central midfielder and left-winger, has skills in abundance that could suit those at the Emirates.

Lauded as “magnificent” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the 20-year-old is as creative as he is threatening in front of goal, registering an average of 1.7 key passes per game in the Eredivisie, as well as creating 11 big chances.

While his eight assists and 19 league goals are extremely pleasing in themselves, the Dutchman is mostly identifiable for his playmaking abilities, with him praised as being an “intelligent” asset by U23 scout Antonio Mango.

Arsenal have seen a host of playmaking geniuses in their time; from Dennis Bergkamp to Cesc Fabregas, north London has witnessed some magic in central midfield over the years, with one name prominently astounding in the Emirates era.

Mesut Ozil was integral to the Gunners for the majority of his time in the Premier League, and particularly shone in the 2015/16 campaign that saw Arsenal finish second.

Hailed as a “genius” by former manager and Premier League legend Arsene Wenger (via beIN SPORTS), the German recorded 19 assists that season, averaging a monstrous 4.2 key passes per game, via WhoScored.

Ozil ended his time in England having recorded 59 Premier League assists in 184 appearances (via Transfermarkt), with his creative mastery forever ingrained in the club’s folklore.

Arteta could discover his answer to the former midfielder in Simons, who at just 20 years old, is showing signs that he could emulate the playmaking efficiency of the Gelsenkirchen-born gem in north London.

As per FBref, the Dutchman averaged 2.31 passes into the final third per 90 in the Eredivisie this season, as well as recording 4.82 progressive passes per 90 to flex his ability of dispatching the ball into threatening spaces.

Acting as a key creator for PSV, Simons could reinstall an essence of Ozil to the Emirates this summer, as a player that could even succeed the German's influence based upon his impeccable strengths in front of goal – which surpass those of the World Cup winner.

In his best-scoring season, the former Real Madrid ace netted eight goals in the league for Arsenal, with Simons scoring 19 in Eredivisie this term aged 20, showcasing the talent Arteta could have in his possession.

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly ‘intensified’ their contacts over a potential summer move for AS Roma defender Roger Ibanez.

What’s the latest Tottenham transfer news?

Spurs officials appear to be hard at work in the transfer window after finally bringing their managerial search to an end by appointing Ange Postecoglou last week.

Reports have suggested that personal terms with Brentford goalkeeper David Raya have been agreed, however, the two clubs still need to shake hands on a transfer fee.

Elsewhere, English trio James Maddison, Harry Maguire and Jadon Sancho have also been linked with a move to north London. However, it does look as if Tottenham chiefs are also looking abroad when it comes to potential additions, with Ibanez another target.

Recent reports from Italy suggested that Spurs have been handed a boost in their attempts to sign Ibanez, with Roma lowering their asking price, and it looks as if Tottenham could soon make their move.

Sport Witness relayed an update from Italian website Roma Giallorossa on Monday regarding Spurs and Ibanez. They claimed that Tottenham have ‘intensified’ their contacts in the ‘last few hours’, saying that an official offer ‘within a few days’ is now a possibility.

Postecoglou is thought to be an admirer of the defender, and a bid from Spurs in the region of €25m and €30m could be enough to sign him.

Who is Roger Ibanez?

Ibanez is primarily a centre-back but can also play as a right-back or even as a holding midfielder, so could provide plenty of versatility to Postecoglou’s squad, should a move get over the line.

The 24-year-old appears to be at the peak of his powers with a career-high €30m Transfermarkt valuation and has won senior two caps for Brazil.

In total, Ibanez has made 149 senior appearances for Roma, contributing to 11 goals. As per WhoScored, the defender was Roma’s fourth-best player during the 2022/23 season, as per WhoScored, outperforming Spurs defenders Cristian Romero, Eric Dier, Ben Davies, Clement Lenglet and Davison Sanchez.

Therefore, with Spurs conceding the most Premier League goals last season in the top 14 sides (63), you could argue that a new defender is needed. Someone like Ibanez, who is seemingly at the top of his game and has been lauded as "untouchable" by former Spurs head coach Jose Mourinho, could be a shrewd addition, and with Postecoglou a fan, it appears as if a transfer is one to watch.

West Ham can look to next season with huge excitement and optimism. Their first major trophy in 43 years secured Europa League football and makes them a compelling option for any footballer looking to challenge themselves at a higher level.

After their £166m outlay last summer, David Moyes has demonstrated he isn’t afraid to be active in the transfer market, and the club is set for a busy summer.

One player who has been linked to joining the Hammers at this fruitful time is Brennan Johnson, who has been one of Nottingham Forest’s most consistent and productive players since their promotion back to the Premier League.

What’s the latest on Brennan Johnson to West Ham?

According to the Daily Mail, the 22-year-old is set to be the subject of an intense transfer battle between Everton and West Ham.

This outlet details that the Welshman is valued at £40m due to his massive effort to keep his side away from relegation.

However, with the added attractive option of European football, the East London outfit may have the edge to secure this talent.

How would Brennan Johnson fit in at West Ham?

The tricky attacker has been an indispensable component of a Reds side that gained promotion and kept their Premier League status.

In the 2021/22 campaign, the forward recorded 25 contributions in 46 appearances in the second tier and followed this up with 11 goal involvements in his debut season at the top level of English football.

Johnson appeared in every single domestic game and his manager Steve Cooper is a massive fan, saying: “He’s a fantastic player, we know he’s got qualities and is a great finisher.”

One of his most impressive attributes is his chameleonic ability to play across the frontline and his potential link-up with the dazzling Lucas Paqueta is a mouth-watering prospect.

The dazzling Brazilian ranks within the best 7% in Europe’s top five leagues among his positional peers for progressive passes per 90, and has averaged the second-most dribbles per game (1.2) in the West Ham squad.

Described as “simply sensational” by CBS’ James Benge, the former Lyon star’s impudent vision, skill, and passing, coupled with Johnson’s endless running and commendable athleticism could be a devastating method of attack next term.

The way Paqueta expertly slipped in Jarrod Bowen to win the final last night is a teaser of how Johnson can benefit from his creativity.

The 18-cap international was born in Nottingham and has been in the youth ranks at Forest since 2009 – to tempt Johnson to leave his boyhood club will take a humongous proposal.

The £30k-per-week man’s current deal expires in 2026, so it would certainly be an audacious swoop for the high-flying Hammers.

Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku would rather remain at Inter Milan moving forward, according to a key update from journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Has Lukaku done well at Inter?

The Belgian came back to Stamford Bridge with big things expected in 2021, but his latest spell there didn't pan out too successfully overall. Because of that, Thomas Tuchel was happy to loan him out last summer, so he rejoined Inter on a temporary basis, having excelled there previously.

In truth, Lukaku hasn't had the best 2022/23 campaign, scoring 10 times in 24 Serie A appearances, but he still has a Champions League final against Manchester City to look forward to later this month.

With Mauricio Pochettino coming in as Chelsea's new manager, there is the possibility that the £325,000-a-week striker's Chelsea career could yet be salvaged, or he may decide that he is surplus to requirements.

Will Lukaku return to Chelsea?

Taking to Twitter, Romano admitted that Lukaku's future is still up in the air, but that his preference would be to stay at Inter for the foreseeable future:

"No discussions took place in May for Romelu Lukaku between Chelsea and Inter despite reports. It will happen after the UCL final. Understand Lukaku’s priority remains to stay at Inter next season. Up to the two clubs. But no decision before June 11."

This is a tricky decision for Chelsea, with Lukaku clearly an extremely impressive striker, having scored 72 goals in 106 caps for Belgium, making him his country's all-time leading goalscorer. He has also been hailed as "world-class" by Tuchel in the past, despite his decision to move him on last year.

If Pochettino wants to take a look at him, it does make sense for him to return to west London this summer, but at 30, there is an argument to say that the Blues should simply be looking to bring in a younger alternative, such as Napoli's Victor Osimhen, who scored 25 Serie A goals this season.

The fact that Lukaku is seemingly happy at Inter also means that allowing him to join permanently again, and therefore receive a good amount of money in the process, is something that could benefit Chelsea financially. Pochettino has to be trusted, however, if he thinks the Belgium star can be a key part of his plans in the coming years, he should be given a chance to prove his worth again at the club.

Sky Sports pundit Paul Robinson has heaped plenty of praise on Tottenham winger Dejan Kulusevski for his ‘great mentality’ during the club’s final day Premier League victory over Norwich City.

The Lowdown: Kulusevski’s brace

The Lilywhites recorded an emphatic 5-0 win over the Canaries at Carrow Road in their last game of the season on Sunday, and the 22-year-old contributed to that scoreline by bagging a brace for Antonio Conte’s side.

The Sweden international arrived in north London on an initial 18-month loan from Juventus in January, with an option to buy within his contract, something that Spurs are expected to trigger after his outstanding performances of late.

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The Latest: Robinson’s high praise for Kulusevski

Speaking to BBC Sport during a post-match interview on Sunday, Kulusevski admitted that he was ‘embarrassed’ after missing a glorious chance in the second half, just moments before netting his second goal of the match.

However, former Spurs goalkeeper Robinson seemed to be very impressed by what he saw from the Swedish star, telling Football Insider: “To score that goal after the miss just goes to show that he has a great mentality.

“We know that Son [Heung-min] and [Harry] Kane are telepathic in the way that they work and the way that they play.

“He was a bit-part player at Juventus but he has come into another big European club and become a mainstay. His mentality and ability are brilliant.

“He has taken Spurs onto another level in an attacking sense. When you look at their numbers as a trio they are up there with the best in Europe.

“Kulusevski has complimented Kane and Son. He has helped Son get the Golden Boot.”

The Verdict: Great start…more to come?

The 22-cap Sweden international has more than excelled in his time so far in N17, having provided eight assists and scored five goals for Tottenham already, as per Transfermarkt.

As Robinson said, Kulusevski has been able to create a brilliant on-field relationship with the strike partnership of Kane and Son, and his addition to that double act to make it a deadly attacking trio has certainly played a huge role in the club successfully securing Champions League football next season.

If Conte does complete the permanent signing of the £31.5m-rated ace as expected, especially given how much potential he has to offer considering his young age, it’s players like him to whom the Tottenham manager may well be looking to build the team around in years to come.

In other news… Harry Kane appears to have made a huge decision regarding his future at Spurs

West Ham United have reportedly emerged as ‘favourites’ to sign Blackburn Rovers star Ben Brereton Diaz during the upcoming transfer window, according to a Spanish source.

The Lowdown: Almost a free agent

The 23-year-old first joined the Championship outfit on loan from Nottingham Forest back in the summer of 2018, and after a successful spell, ended up putting pen to paper on a permanent deal at Ewood Park in January of the following year.

The striker has been consistently linked with a move away from the Blue and Whites as a result of his contract expiring at the end of the season, which will make him a free agent to any potential suitors, and there appears to be interest being ignited from multiple clubs across Europe.

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The Latest: West Ham leading the race

According to the Spanish press (via Sport Witness), it’s claimed that Sevilla are ‘keen’ on a move for Brereton Diaz, but the Irons are believed to be ‘favourites’ ahead of their competitors in the race for his signature.

The report further states that the option to extend, the costs of a deal, and the level of wages available would ‘benefit’ West Ham, which could be seen as an advantage in the battle for his services.

The Verdict: Goal machine

The £9m-rated forward has been in some seriously impressive form for Rovers this season, having netted 22 goals and provided three assists in just 39 appearances across all competitions, as per Transfermarkt.

Such form has seen the Stoke-born predator receive high praise from his manager Tony Mowbray, who dubbed his standout goal-getter an “extraordinary” talent, with his performances being rewarded through a surprise international call-up for Chile.

He has now become a star for his country too, with four goals in 11 caps, and perhaps the deciding factor could be that he needs to play for a club where he’s going to get guaranteed game time to cement his place in Chile’s starting XI in years to come.

In other news… a Sky Sports pundit has reacted to some huge news surrounding one of West Ham’s summer transfer targets.

Wolves have been urged to prioritise strengthening the wide positions during the upcoming transfer window by Reach PLC journalist Josh Holland, amid recent reports linking them to Newcastle United forward Allan Saint-Maximin.

The Lowdown: Confirmed interest

According to 90min, the Magpies would be open to selling the 25-year-old this summer, with the Midlands outfit believed to be just one of the clubs interested in his services, alongside fellow Premier League rivals Everton.

The Frenchman won’t come cheap for any potential suitors though, as the Mail on Sunday have claimed that Eddie Howe’s side are looking for a fee in the region of £50m for their star man.

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Following the Wanderers’ links with Saint-Maximin, the reporter has suggested that Wolves need to sign some new wingers ahead of the start of next season.

The Latest: Impressive opposition display

When asked during an interview with GiveMeSport if the club needs to strengthen out wide in the summer, Holland said:

“Yeah, of course. I think they’ve got to. Looking at their squad, you’ve got [Pedro] Neto, [Daniel] Podence, [Francisco] Trincao and Hwang [Hee-chan]. But would you say that all four of them have had a telling effect in this season? I wouldn’t say so.

“Saint-Maximin, I think we all know, is such a good player to watch. He gave Wolves so many problems [last month]. It was more like a trial game for him; it had the feeling that he was trying to impress Wolves.”

The Verdict: Traore replacement

Bruno Lage hasn’t yet found a suitable replacement for Adama Traore, but the highly-rated talent could prove to be the perfect candidate for such a role.

Whilst the £93k-per-week ace hasn’t probably been as prolific as he would have liked this season, scoring just five goals and registering four assists, he has still proven to be an absolute handful for defenders in the final third, averaging 4.3 dribbles, 1.9 shots, and 1.4 key passes per league game, via WhoScored.

Dubbed as being “unplayable” by BT Sport pundit and former Newcastle man Rob Lee, Saint-Maximin might just be the attacking profile of player that Wolves need to add to their squad ahead of next season to aim for that European finish.

In other news… Wolves have been backed to sign a ‘special’ Premier League star this summer.