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Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has already begun his work in the transfer window by making Matt Targett his first signing of the summer.

With deals agreed to bring Kilmarnock youngster Charlie McArthur and Reims striker Hugo Ekitike to St James’ Park as well, the Magpies boss seemingly isn’t finished there.

According to Brazilian news outlet Globo Esporte, Newcastle have reportedly reached out to the agent of Santos winger Angelo Gabriel as they look to enhance their squad further.

With the youngster having just signed a new contract until 2024, the Brazilian club won’t be looking to sell him right now; and with no formal offer made, it might be a while before any breakthrough in talks becomes apparent.

Having been described by his first coach Betinho as a player who “is like Neymar”, Newcastle may have found a new wonderkid.

He became the youngest-ever scorer in the Copa Libertadores in April 2021 and his rise to one of South America’s most wanted talents is similar to that of the PSG winger.

With Howe looking for more improvements to the first team, Gabriel could well be placed to take over from right-winger Jacob Murphy, with the Brazilian’s versatility being particularly impressive.

In only four matches this year, Gabriel already has two assists, with Murphy registering just two in 33 appearances last season. In terms of shots, the 17-year-old has taken 4.09 per match in the current campaign, while Murphy averaged 1.71 during the 2021/22 season.

Therefore, it’s clear to see the Santos teenager’s keen eye for goal, particularly compared to the Magpies forward.

Moving from Brazil to Europe before reaching adulthood is a big risk and the hype might be too premature, but given his statistics and success so far at Santos, it looks like Gabriel could be the next big thing and duly follow in Neymar’s footsteps.

The Paris Saint-Germain superstar, who also featured for the Brazilian club, has gone on to score more than 200 goals at a high level in Europe after moving across the Atlantic.

Howe will just be hoping it is Newcastle who manage to secure Gabriel’s signature.

AND in other news, Deal close: Keith Downie relays huge Newcastle transfer news that supporters will love

Leeds United are reportedly close to securing a transfer for Bayern Munich midfielder Marc Roca.

What’s the news?

According to a recent report from Marca, the Yorkshire club are closing in on a deal, said to be worth between €13m and €15m (£11.1m – £12.8m), for the 25-year-old.

The report also adds that the player will be signing a three-to-four-year deal at Elland Road and is expected to have a predominant role in Jesse Marsch’s side.

Marsch will be buzzing

As a product of Espanyol’s youth system, the midfielder went on to make a total of 172 appearances for the Spanish club across their senior and youth sides in all competitions.

In those appearances, Roca found the net nine times and delivered six assists before joining the Bundesliga side back in October 2020.

Since then, the midfielder has only made 24 appearances for Julian Nagelsmann’s side and hasn’t scored one goal or delivered one assist.

This makes it easy to see why Bayern have reportedly been willing to sell him to Leeds as he clearly isn’t near the top of the pecking order in the squad.

In fact, the Spaniard only made 13 appearances for the German side across the Bundesliga and Champions League this season, starting just four of them.

That said, it would still be a fantastic signing for the Whites. Having already secured deals for the likes of Brenden Aaronson and Rasmus Kristensen, Marsch will be over the moon to get another new player through the door so early in the transfer window.

Praised by Nagelsmann for his “impressive” performances when he has been given the chance to play, Roca could well relish the opportunity to not only play for a big club like Leeds in the Premier League but also to play regularly once again instead of being a bit-part player at Bayern.

This also shows that he could well be a good fit at Leeds and in the English top division if he’s able to deliver impressive performances at a club like Bayern.

With current Leeds midfielder Kalvin Phillips linked with a move away from Elland Road this summer, adding a player like the £6.3m-rated figure could be the best way forward for the Whites should they end up losing the England international.

In other news: Leeds receive green light to seal third summer signing for free, Orta will be buzzing

Leeds United have been handed a huge boost in their bid to bring Marc Roca to Elland Road in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a recent report by German publication BILD, who claimed that Bayern Munich are willing to part with the midfielder this summer, as long as they receive an offer in the region of €9m (£7.5m). That’s £2.5m lower than the Daily Mail had initially claimed the Bundesliga champions were demanding.

BILD went on to state that the former Spain under-21 international is said to be open to a move away from the Allianz Arena in the coming weeks, as he would like to join a team who can offer him regular first-team minutes next season.

“Ridiculously talented”

While it is true that Roca’s career has somewhat stagnated since his €15m (£13m) move from Espanyol in October 2020, it is undeniable that, under the management of a coach who knows how to best utilise his skillset, the 25-year-old could become an incredibly dangerous weapon in the heart of the pitch.

He made just 13 appearances in the Bundesliga and Champions League in 2021/22, but according to FBRef data, the £6.3m-rated talent still ranks in the top 8% of midfielders in Europe’s big five leagues for passes attempted per 90, as well as the top 13% for pass completion, the top 13% for progressive passes and the top 30% for progressive carries over the past 12 months.

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The £31k-per-week midfielder also ranks in the top 7% for pressures per 90, the top 21% for interceptions, the top 34% for blocks and the top 43% for tackles over the last 365 days.

As such, it is easy to see why ESPN’s David Cartlidge recently stated his belief that Roca was “on the verge of something very special” prior to his move to Bayern, while it is also evident as to why the journalist believes the 25-year-old is a “ridiculously talented player.”

It very much appears as if Orta has now been given the green light to move for the Spaniard this summer, so if the sporting director can get a £7.5m deal over the line for Roca, he would not only have landed a potential bargain but also added an extremely gifted footballer to Jesse Marsch’s midfield ranks ahead of Leeds’ upcoming Premier League campaign.

AND in other news: Huge Leeds United transfer twist now emerges in £17m deal, Jesse Marsch will be fuming

Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Tottenham Hotspur now have a ‘deal agreed’ to sign Southampton goalkeeper Fraser Forster ‘in the coming days’.

The Lowdown: Forster’s Saints departure

The 34-year-old veteran first arrived at the St. Mary’s Stadium in a £10m move from Glasgow giants Celtic back in 2014, where he has since gone on to make 161 appearances during his eight-year spell with the south coast outfit.

The shot-stopper’s contract with the Saints, however, is set to expire at the end of June, making him a free agent to any potential suitors interested in securing his services.

With it recently being confirmed by the Lilywhites that current second-choice keeper Pierluigi Gollini will be leaving the Premier League following the conclusion of his loan spell, it’s no secret that Antonio Conte’s side will need a suitable replacement.

The Italian has already dipped into the free agent market to sign Ivan Perisic, and Romano brings more good news…

The Latest: ‘Deal agreed’

In a post on his personal Twitter account, Romano confirmed that the deal is now ‘completed’, with an announcement from the club expected imminently. He wrote:

“Contract until June 2024 for Fraser Forster as new Tottenham goalkeeper. Two year deal agreed with Spurs to replace Gollini, Forster will be announced as second signing after Perisic in the coming days.

“Paperworks already completed, waiting for official statement.”

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The Verdict: Perfect second signing

With the six-cap international soon set to be unveiled as a new Spurs player, he could prove to be the ideal backup option for number one Hugo Lloris and will no doubt provide some strong cover for the Frenchman in Conte’s match-day squad.

The Hexham-born talent, who was once hailed an “exceptional” player by Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, has got plenty of experience under his belt, not only in the top flight with Ralph Hasenhuttl’s Southampton, but also in the Scottish Premiership with the Hoops, having kept a total of 199 clean sheets throughout the duration of his career.

Standing at a staggering 6 foot 5 between the sticks, Forster’s most memorable day of 2021/22 was actually ‘one of the best goalkeeping performances in the league this season’ against Arsenal, giving a ‘ridiculous’ display in a 1-0 Saints win that helped put Tottenham back in the top four race (Josh Bunting).

In other news… a reliable journalist has shared a fresh update on the future of one of Spurs’ summer transfer targets.

On the 3rd July 2007, Liverpool broke their transfer record at the time to sign a young forward with the world at his feet.

That player was El Nino, better known to an English audience as Fernando Torres.

The Spaniard was a sensational player in his prime and was signed from Atletico Madrid as one of the hottest properties in European football.

A deal of just £26.5m was agreed and the rest, as they say, was history.

Torres would go on to score 81 times in 142 outings for the Reds before joining Chelsea in a remarkable deal.

Why, I hear you ask, is this relevant in the modern-day? Well, it’s because Liverpool are now chasing another of Europe’s hottest properties.

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A record-breaking deal may not be on the cards but with FSG and Jurgen Klopp reportedly keen on signing Benfica’s Darwin Nunez, a potential £68m deal this summer would evoke memories of Torres.

He was just 23 when he joined and in 23 days time, Nunez will turn that age himself.

The parallels are already clear for a player dubbed a “monster” and a “sensational talent” by FOX reporter James Dodd.

Nunez is a young individual who like Torres, has the world at his feet. He is capable of terrorizing defenders and is already one of Virgil van Dijk’s worst nightmares.

Speaking about the Uruguayan after facing him this season, the Dutchman said: “[Sergio] Aguero was obviously unbelievable. [Lionel] Messi, arguably the best player in the history of football in my opinion. [Kylian] Mbappe is different, quick… [Erling] Haaland and also Darwin. He’s a bit similar – very direct, quick, tall, strong and it’s quite difficult to play against him.”

If you trouble van Dijk then you’re clearly good enough to be in Klopp’s side.

With Sadio Mane reportedly leaving it feels essential that Liverpool invest in some new offensive weapons and in Nunez, they’d find the perfect replacement.

This season was a real breakthrough one for the young South American talent who was a ruthless threat in front of goal. He found the net on 34 occasions in 41 matches for Benfica, proving that like the aforementioned Torres, he is deadly inside the penalty area.

The former Liverpool star had the luscious blonde locks to go with it and even if Nunez is of different hair colour, the long locks are there to go with his goals too.

Signing a player from Portugal has gone well in the last six months already with Klopp welcoming Luis Diaz to Merseyside back in January.

If Nunez is anything like that then he’ll be an enormous success. This could just be Torres 2.0 all over again for Liverpool.

AND in other news, LFC set for disaster as “sensational” star close to £25.5m exit, Klopp will be gutted…

Derby County goalkeeper Ryan Allsop has attracted interest from Cardiff City, according to a report from Football Insider. 

The lowdown: Allsop’s career so far

Signed from Wycombe Wanderers as a free agent in 2021, the ‘keeper has become somewhat of a journeyman across English football.

The 29-year-old started out at West Brom before spells with Blackpool, Bournemouth, Coventry and Lincoln City among others before eventually pitching up at Pride Park.

It now appears that yet another club could be added to the list in the near future, as his contract comes to an end at Derby…

The latest: Cardiff want to sign Allsop

As per a Cardiff source for Football Insider, the Bluebirds are ‘in talks’ to sign the experienced stopper.

It is claimed that ‘negotiations are underway’ over a deal which would take the Birmingham native to south Wales at the end of his current deal.

The report added that Cardiff are ‘well placed’ to reach an agreement for Allsop, who was described by journalist Jake Barker as being a ‘massive breath of fresh air’ in Wayne Rooney’s side earlier this season prior to relegation from the second tier.

The verdict: Another blow for Derby

Whilst such departures from Pride Park are inevitable following the drop into League One and the ongoing off-field issues surrounding the takeover, there is no doubt that losing Allsop is a damaging blow.

This season, the Englishman kept nine clean sheets in 33 appearances overall, earning a 6.92 Sofascore rating and making 2.7 saves per game in a valiant attempt to stave off relegation.

As things stand, Allsop’s departure would leave Kelle Roos as the last remaining senior goalkeeper at the club, albeit that there are likely to be additions over the coming weeks and months as the new-look squad take shape. That is another reason why it’s imperative that Chris Kirchner’s mooted takeover is brought to a swift conclusion.

In other news… a journalist has delivered this huge update on the potential sale of Pride Park

Newcastle United have bigger transfer priorities than Manchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson, claims journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Lowdown: Henderson links

According to a recent report by Manchester Evening News, the Magpies have held talks with the 25-year-old over a potential loan deal.

Manchester Evening News have also previously reported that a £40m offer had been in the pipeline, although a temporary move is looking more likely.

The Man United man has not made a single appearance in the Premier League this season, pointing to a potential summer exit as he searches for playing time to earn his place in the World Cup squad.

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The Latest: O’Rourke’s claim

O’Rourke does not believe that Howe would splash a majority of his budget on Henderson, as Newcastle are likely to target other positions first.

Speaking with GiveMeSport, he claimed:

“I don’t think they necessarily need to spend 40 million on a goalkeeper, although Dean Henderson is a very good goalkeeper, as he has shown at Manchester United when he has played.

“I think it might take a large chunk out of their budget, so elsewhere, Eddie Howe might be looking to strengthen the squad, with maybe a new striker and a centre-half probably more of a priority than a goalkeeper.”

The Verdict: Loan deal necessary

If the Magpies are keen on Henderson specifically, a loan deal would suit all parties involved. With the keeper rarely featuring under Ralf Rangnick this season, it would be in his best interests to move away in search of first-team football.

A loan deal would thus work for Newcastle, as they will be looking to spend the vast majority of their summer budget on a top quality centre-back and an out-and-out striker.

However, if the Red Devils are against a short-term loan deal, Newcastle could also look to offer a loan with an obligation to buy, thus pushing the payments until the following season.

Either way, a move to the North-East would benefit Henderson and the Magpies greatly.

In other news: Newcastle United: Italian source makes Thomas Strakosha claim

Tanguy Ndombele is set to return to Tottenham Hotspur at the end of the current campaign.

What’s the word?

That’s according to a report by Football Insider, who claim that a Spurs source has revealed that, despite Lyon possessing a £50m option to buy the loanee central midfielder in the summer transfer window, the Ligue 1 side have no intention of activating this clause – meaning the 25-year-old will return to north London at the end of the season.

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However, the report goes on to state that the France international does not feature in Antonio Conte’s first-team plans, before suggesting that Ndombele will be forced to train alone while Fabio Paratici attempts to secure the midfielder a permanent move away from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Paratici must axe Ndombele

Considering just how poor Ndombele has been ever since his record-breaking £63m move to north London back in the summer of 2019, it would indeed appear an extremely wise move for Paratici to do everything in his power to move the midfielder onto pastures new at the end of the current campaign.

Despite showing brief flashes of ability over his 33 Premier League appearances last season – scoring three goals, registering two assists and creating five big chances for his teammates, returns that saw the 25-year-old average a SofaScore match rating of 6.90 – it quickly became clear that, following Conte’s appointment in the Spurs dugout last November, the Frenchman’s time in north London was all but over.

Indeed, the £31.5m-rated man featured in just nine league games this term – only three of which came under the Italian – during which the midfielder failed to impress, scoring one goal, providing one assist and creating one big chance for his teammates, as well as making an average of a mere 0.1 interceptions, 1.1 tackles, 25.6 passes and winning 3.6 duels per fixture.

These returns saw the £120k-per-week flop who John Wenham dubbed “laughable” and Scott Saunders labelled “anonymous” average an extremely disappointing SofaScore match rating of 6.58, ranking him as Spurs’ second-worst performer in the top flight of English football.

As such, it is easy to see that Ndombele’s departure this summer would be a move that best suits all parties, with it being made clear in no uncertain terms that the Frenchman has no future under Conte’s Tottenham Hotspur regime.

AND in other news: Signed for £22m, now worth £72m: Levy hit the jackpot on “underrated” Spurs sensation

As per ‘French sources’, speaking to The Telegraph, a big West Ham United transfer update has come to light involving Rennes defender Nayef Aguerd.

The Lowdown: Moyes eyes move…

Irons boss David Moyes attempted to sign the Morocco international at the start of this Premier League season, a failed bid which will arguably be rued when looking at West Ham’s most recent defensive injury crisis.

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The Scotsman was apparently interested in a deal to sign Aguerd but talks did not progress to the final stages, prompting Rennes’ star defender to put pen to paper on a new deal until 2025 (The Telegraph).

A key player for the Ligue 1 side over 2021/2022, it appears Moyes could now return to the charge as The Telegraph share an update.

The Latest: Telegraph share big update…

According to their ‘French sources’, the Hammers are ‘looking at reviving a deal’ for Aguerd amid Moyes’s search for a new centre-back.

The 6 foot 2 defender is apparently back on Moyes’ personal radar as he sets his sights for the summer, and what’s more, Rennes are ‘are braced for West Ham to make their move.’

The Verdict: Time to pounce?

Rated at around £20m, Aguerd could prove to be a shrewd addition going by his brilliant form over this year.

Lauded as the ‘real boss’ of Rennes by journalist and former Angers press manager Mohamed Toubache-Ter (Twitter), the 26-year-old is commanding in the air – winning more duels than any player in their squad domestically (WhoScored).

He also rules the roost in terms of clearances, averaging a colossal 4.1 of them per game, more than any West Ham player bar Kurt Zouma (WhoScored).

Going by his numbers and plaudits, Aguerd could well be the ideal man to partner Zouma under Moyes next season.

In other news: Talks held: West Ham offered five players as club chief meets them in London! Find out more here.

Less than an hour after the Rafael Devers trade news broke, a new video showed the former Red Sox star returning to Fenway Park to collect his things.

Devers was reportedly set to join the team on their flight to Seattle to face the Mariners on Monday night, but following his shocking trade to the San Francisco Giants, he was taken off the charter plane and returned to Fenway in a cab, according to Duke Castiglione of WCVB-TV Boston.

Cameras rolled as Devers exited his cab and quickly walked into a parking garage to retrieve his car. He was then seen driving out of Fenway—his windows were, naturally, tinted.

Until Devers himself comments on the trade, which should happen in due time, the short clip revealed to fans Devers's most immediate reaction following his big move. That is to say, he didn't show much emotion on his face and didn't seem particularly happy or sad, nor was he interrogated about his feelings, TMZ-style. He simply came back to get his car.

Red Sox beat writer Chris Cotillo confirmed that clubhouse attendants at Fenway helped load up Devers's car before sending him on his way.

Devers, 28, agreed to a 10-year, $313.5 million deal with Boston in January 2023. His new team, the Giants, will reportedly pay the rest of his remaining contract.