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Leeds United are interested in a summer move for Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi, according to Marca.

The Lowdown: Impressive Besiktas loan

Batshuayi was described as ‘unstoppable’ back in 2017 by Pat Nevin, and he lived up to those comments last season. The 28-year-old spent the 2021/22 campaign in Turkey with Besiktas, netting 14 league goals and registering five assists in 33 games.

The Belgium international duly took his senior career goal tally for club and country to 161, and with him now entering the final 12 months of his Stamford Bridge contract, it looks as if the Whites are keen to take him to Elland Road.

The Latest: Leeds linked with Batshuayi

Spanish outlet Marca shared a Premier League transfer round-up on Wednesday evening, looking at all 20 top-flight clubs.

When it came to Leeds, they included Batshuayi in the ‘interested’ list alongside Marc Roca, who now looks set to become the club’s third summer signing.

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The Verdict: Mystery striker?

Phil Hay claimed shortly after the Whites secured their top-flight status on the final day of 2021/22 that the club are looking to sign an unnamed Premier League striker.

Batshuayi could well prove to be that mystery target, and a transfer could be one which makes sense, especially given his contract situation in London.

The Chelsea marksman has netted 15 Premier League goals in 77 games and has come off the back of an impressive year in Turkey, so he could provide solid competition to Patrick Bamford. Also, with a Transfermarkt valuation of just £9m, this could be one to keep an eye on.

In other news: Radrizzani and 49ers ready to pay fee for ‘huge’ talent as Orta works on next Leeds move

Bruno Lage has already confirmed there will be changes made for Wolverhampton Wanderers this summer, and with the transfer window fast approaching a reliable source has given an update on what lies ahead.

What’s the latest?

Wolves reporter for The Athletic Tim Spiers, has given an insight on what supporters of the club can expect from the summer transfer window.

Writing in an article for The Athletic based on Lage’s impact and vision for the squad, Spiers confirmed that the publication had been told that Wolves want a younger and fresher squad for 2022-23, something Lage instigated in his time at Benfica.

He cited the success of Joao Felix as potentially one of the reasons behind Lage’s new desire.

Supporters will be delighted

The Midlands club currently have the fourth oldest squad in the Premier League with an average age of 28.2 this season, so supporters will be delighted that there are steps being put into place to freshen up and add young players to the side this summer.

Wolves ended their campaign in disappointment after being in and around the European qualification spots in the league table for almost the entirety of the season, but the side failed to pick up a single win in their last seven fixtures of the season, leaving them five points off West Ham United in seventh and finishing tenth in the table.

In fact, despite their comfortable season in the top half of the table for the most part, Wolves had the lowest scoring top goal-scorer of all the clubs in the entire Premier League, with Raul Jiminez netting six goals in total.

As a result, Wolves have some work to do this summer to identify players who can come and make an instant impact when the season starts again in a few months’ time, and Lage has wasted no time in speaking out on his transfer window plans.

Lage admitted on the last day of the season (via Sky Sports): “Maybe we need two or three players to increase the quality and the number of players in the squad.

“It’s hard to replace Pedro [Neto], Max [Kilman], and in this moment we don’t know if [Romain] Saiss continues with us or not. He is still talking with the club. First, we need to bring two or three to increase, then if others go we need to replace them with the same quality.”

Saiss has indeed left the club now so that is certainly one gap that needs filling.

It’s clear that the manager has strong opinions and his mind set on what Wolves need to achieve this summer to compete at the level they want to by securing European football, but Fosun must now facilitate his vision by backing the manager in the transfer window if they want to see improvements next season.

That starts by handing a young squad who can help carve out a brighter future at Molineux.

AND in other news: Lage must brutally axe “poor” £20m Wolves flop who’s “gone backwards”, his time’s up

Leeds United are on the hunt for a new striker this summer and their search could take them to manager Jesse Marsch’s home country…

What’s the word?

According to Manchester Evening News journalist Conor McGilligan, the Yorkshire outfit are keen on signing New York City FC frontman Valentin Castellanos, and have been looking at him for a while now.

“Leeds are apparently going head over heels for a striker at the minute. He sort of fits the mould, he’s the best striker in the MLS at the minute, looks very complete, Argentinian,” he told the ‘One Leeds Fan Channel’ this week.

“A few links there, apparently, Leeds have been looking at him for a while as well. So yeah, Valentin Castellanos.

“Keep an eye on that name.”

It’s thought that the MLS champions have set an asking price of around £12.8m, as per The Mirror.

Striker desperation

The Whites suffered from multiple problems during their near-fateful 2021/22 campaign, ranging from persistent injury issues to the second-leakiest backline in the top-flight.

Marcelo Bielsa and then Marsch were also pegged back by their troubles in the final third. Patrick Bamford, fresh off a 17-goal season, was absent for the majority of 2021/22 with an array of injuries. He only managed nine games in total, leaving Raphinha and co to take the mantle.

A lack of an alternative almost cost the Yorkshiremen their place in the big time, something they waited nearly two decades for prior to their promotion in 2020.

It’s no wonder Leeds appear to be desperate for another option up top and Castellanos is a very interesting candidate indeed.

His goalscoring record in the US cannot be disputed. He bagged eight assists as NYCFC clinched their first-ever title, with the Argentinian also raking in the Golden Boot.

He has since continued that form this year, delivering 11 goals and five assists across 17 appearances in the MLS and CONCACAF Champions League, taking his total for the American giants to 53 goals and 23 assists, as per Transfermarkt.

Castellanos has been likened to former Chelsea talisman Didier Drogba by MLS UK Show podcaster Henry Hewitt to Manchester Evening News in the past, where he also claimed: “He doesn’t just score one type of goal. He’s strong, quick, good with his head and isn’t afraid to bring his teammates into play.”

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The 23-year-old also outranks Bamford for non-penalty expected goals and shots on target per 90, via FBRef, too.

On the above evidence, it could well be worth the risk to dip into the MLS market to solve Marsch’s problems at Elland Road. After the arrival of Brendan Aaronson and soon, Rasmus Kristensen, a new forward must be the priority.

Castellanos can be the man to end Leeds’ desperation.

AND in other news, Orta can land “the next Declan Rice” as Leeds eye talent who’s “getting rave reviews”…

In 2021/22, West Ham have had perhaps their finest season in recent memory. A seventh-place finish in the Premier League and a Europa League semi-final were the two main highlights in a campaign which gave the London Stadium faithful some wonderful memories.

The chance of further European success will come next season, and David Moyes is duly looking to strengthen his squad ahead of an important campaign.

One of the main areas for improvement is the centre-forward position. With sole centre-forward Michail Antonio netting 13 goals, Moyes relied mainly on wingers Said Benrahma (11) and Jarrod Bowen (18) to find the net during the course of the season.

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West Ham transfer targets

The club have been linked with strikers such as Armando Broja and Valentin Castellanos, but there is another name out there which could give Moyes the goals and assists that he requires at West Ham.

In January, Foot Mercato reported that the Hammers were interested in Strasbourg striker Ludovic Ajorque, and there has now been an update regarding his position at the club.

The Ligue 1 club’s president Marc Keller stated that if “a significant offer is made”, they would consider it. This could be a big boost to Moyes, and with the striker’s asking price being set at £12.6m, it’s a fee that the Irons could comfortably afford.

West Ham’s own Griezmann?

With 12 goals and eight assists this season, Ajorque could be the ideal striker for Moyes to sign. The 28-year-old is compared to compatriot Antoine Griezmann on FBRef, and its clear to see why,

Both players are excellent in the air and extremely dangerous with the ball at their feet. They both averaged over 2.4 shot-creating actions per 90 minutes in 2021/22 (2.47 for Ajorque and 2.57 for Griezmann) and both also contributed well defensively, winning 25 and 26 tackles respectively.

West Ham could secure an excellent player for a minimal fee by moving for the Strasbourg marksman, and with the Ligue 1 club’s president willing to sell if a good offer comes in, Moyes should act sooner rather than later.

AND in other news, GSB eyeing up West Ham swoop for £12.6m “top talent”, Moyes would love him

Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie has made an intriguing claim regarding Newcastle United’s interest in Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips…

What’s the word?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the trusted insider hinted that striking a deal to sign the England international could be a possibility, particularly if the Elland Road outfit are to suffer relegation.

Having been discussing a potential move for Tottenham star Pierre-Emile Hojberg, Downie revealed that a move for Phillips may be more likely: “I don’t know what his [Hojberg’s] contractual situation is actually with Spurs, but I’d be surprised if that one happened. I would say [Kalvin] Phillips would probably be a more workable deal for the club.”

This follows recent reports that suggested the Magpies were keeping an eye on the 26-year-old, with the £38k-per-week gem rumoured to have a £30m relegation clause in his contract should Jesse Marsch’s side be unable to avoid the drop.

Howe will love him

That will no doubt be welcome news to Newcastle boss Eddie Howe, with the 44-year-old seemingly keen to bolster his playing ranks again this summer, having already recruited successfully in the January window.

Despite rumours linking the club with the likes of Ibrahim Sangare of PSV, in Phillips, the northeast side have a player already accustomed to life in the Premier League, while he has also earned rave reviews for his displays at international level.

A key component of the Three Lions’ squad that reached the Euro 2020 final last summer – featuring in all seven games – the £45m-rated star was dubbed “the best modern midfielder” by iconic coach Fabio Capello.

Even amid a frustrating, injury-hit campaign that has contributed to Leeds’ tumble down the table, the defensive midfielder has still recorded some impressive statistics, averaging 2.7 tackles per game, 1.1 interceptions and 0.8 clearances in his 19 league outings.

Equally, compared to those in his position in Europe’s top five leagues, the 5 foot 10 machine also comes out favourably, ranking in the top 1% for pressures made, the top 2% for tackles made and the 4% for blocks made.

Although referencing Hojberg, pundit Noel Whelan suggested that the Tynesiders are in need of a “very disciplined holding midfield player” in order to allow the likes of Bruno Guimaraes to thrive, with Phillips potentially the man to do the job.

It may not be a done deal just yet, although the 19-cap destroyer appears to be a player that Howe would simply love.

IN other news, PIF now plotting Newcastle bid for “complete” £34m monster, he’s “like Yaya Toure”

According to the Daily Telegraph’s Matt Law, Tottenham Hotspur managing director Fabio Paratici will hold talks in Italy with Antonio Conte, offering the 52-year-old six signings in a plea for him to stay.

The Lowdown: Conte’s future

The Italian manager is currently taking a well-earned break in his home country to clear his mind, as he considers his future after guiding Spurs to a fourth-place finish and Champions League qualification.

It is believed that Paratici and club chairman Daniel Levy are in the dark over Conte’s current plans, who is debating whether to return to Italy, where his wife and daughter still reside.

The 52 year-old infamously hinted he could quit the club following a shock defeat to Burnley earlier this year, prompting links to former boss Mauricio Pochettino.

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The Latest: Paratici and Conte talks

According to reliable Daily Telegraph journalist Matt Law, Paratici is set to hold talks with the Lilywhites manager in Italy, ready to offer his backing in the summer transfer window.

Taking to Twitter, Law shared: “Paratici will hold talks in Italy with Conte. Transfers not the only thing under consideration but Tottenham ready to grant him at least six new signings – Fraser Forster set to be one.”

In the adjacent article, The Telegraph reveal that Paratici is to agree to Conte’s demands and will target two new wing-backs, a left-sided centre-back, a midfielder and a forward who can also play out wide. Tottenham will also sign a new back-up goalkeeper, with Southampton’s Fraser Forster set to undergo a medical this week.

Conte’s required assurance over the quality of signings is seemingly going to be met, with the north London club targeting Alessandro Bastoni, Gleison Bremer, Djed Spence, Christian Eriksen, James Ward-Prowse, Kalvin Phillips and Gabriel Jesus.

The Verdict: Hugely exciting

If Paratici can ensure Conte that he can pull off the ambitious transfer plans that they have set out, then it is likely to convince the former Inter Milan boss to remain at the club for another year, news which should come as hugely exciting for Lilywhites supporters.

With Tottenham playing in four competitions next season, adding depth to the squad will be imperative to Conte, and after the club ended the season winning eight of their last 11 matches, there is surely no better man out there to lead the squad into Europe’s elite competition.

Hailed as on a par with Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp, the news that the club are willing to do what it takes to keep Conte happy is simply huge for Tottenham’s future.

In other news: Tottenham Hotspur: Fabrizio Romano shares news on a second signing at N17

Villarreal attacker Arnaut Danjuma is now on the radar of Tottenham Hotspur ahead of the summer transfer window, claims transfer insider Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Danjuma’s season

Since making the switch from Bournemouth last year, the 25-year-old has gone on to leave an incredible impression on the Spanish top-flight. In 34 games for the La Liga outfit, the Netherlands international has netted an impressive 16 goals.

As a result of his domestic and European form – he scored six times on route to the Champions League semi-finals – a number of transfer rumours have arisen linking the winger with a move back to England.

According to a report by 90min, Fabio Paratici and co. sent a number of club officials to watch Danjuma in the first leg of Villarreal’s semi-final tie against Liverpool earlier this month.

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The Latest: Jones’ claim

With all this information, transfer window expert Jones believes that Danjuma is on Paratici’s summer wish list.

Speaking with GiveMeSport, he claimed:

“They’ve got Danjuma on their radar. He’s a good player, but I don’t believe that he’s going to increase the ceiling of what this Tottenham team can achieve, so I think this is one they will wait and see on.”

The Verdict: Great signing

During his stint along the south coast, Bournemouth manager Jonathan Woodgate was full of praise for the 25-year-old, asserting that he is “an exceptional player”.

Former European Golden Shoe winner Kevin Phillips has also reiterated this rhetoric, claiming that Danjuma “is a nightmare for defenders”, as “he can hurt any defence with his pace and directness”.

With Antonio Conte’s side hoping to secure a top four Premier League finish and a place in next season’s Champions League, Paratici will be eyeing the likes of Danjuma, as the Lilywhites look to bolster the quality in their squad as they plan for a busier schedule next year.

In other news: Tottenham Hotspur: Levy will be ‘delighted’ with Champions League plans

A major Wolves transfer development has emerged that will please everyone associated with the club as they aim to look ahead to next season.

What’s the news?

Sky Sports reporter Johnny Phillips has stated that there will be some “significant” transfer business done this summer at the Premier League club in order to begin a rebuild which could see Wolves reach the European spots as it looks like they will just miss out this term.

All in all, it’s been a solid season for the club, a top-half finish, but the previous few weeks haven’t been great, and some additions look necessary.

“This will be a summer of change with significant transfer activity, perhaps more so than in any other window during this Premier League period,” said Phillips.

“The spine of the team will change, with more than one central defender on his way in and a strengthening of the midfield and forward positions also set to happen.”

Great news for Lage

This should leave manager Bruno Lage ecstatic and it’s news that will surely please the supporters too. Although they sailed through the vast majority of the campaign in excellent touch, their form in the Premier League has been poor of late, with the 2-2 draw against Chelsea their first point since the start of April.

Under former manager Nuno Espirito Santo, the club proved that they could finish in seventh place and the onus is for Lage to repeat this achievement.

With Wolves being linked with players in the quality of Ryan Kent and Burnley midfielder Josh Brownhill, then there is absolutely no reason why the side can’t kick on and secure European football next season for the first time since Nuno left the club.

However, they will have to make do with the potential departures of Ruben Neves and Max Kilman, who have both been linked with moves away too. Should that happen, there is simply no excuse not to spend the cash they receive on replacements.

Even with players like that at their disposal, they are already punching above their weight, but there is a growing feeling amongst the fans that they aren’t being ambitious enough. Big investment this summer, however, could change that.

AND in other news, Forget Coady: “Ridiculous” Wolves dynamo who won 71% duels saved the day vs Chelsea

Two players at Manchester United are considering their future at the club amidst the incoming rebuild led by Erik ten Hag and Ralf Rangnick.

What’s the word?

That is according to the ever-reliable Fabrizio Romano, who has claimed that both Eric Bailly and Aaron Wan-Bissaka could join Nemanja Matic, Juan Mata, Edinson Cavani, Lee Grant, Jesse Lingard and Paul Pogba in leaving the club this summer.

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Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano said: “It’s important to say that two more players have chance to leave Manchester United in the summer.

“One is Eric Bailly because the player is not happy with his game time and so he’s waiting to see what will be the position of Erik ten Hag, but from what I’m told there are good chances for him to go in the summer to leave Manchester United. So Bailly will consider potential proposals.

“And for [Aaron] Wan-Bissaka, there is interest from Crystal Palace. They would love to have the player back but still no decision made on player side. So let’s see what Wan-Bissaka will decide in the coming months.

Supporters will be buzzing

Having conceded 52 Premier League goals this season, United’s defence has well and truly crumbled. The Red Devils have the eighth-worst concession record in the current top-flight campaign, with the likes of Burnley, Aston Villa and West Ham all shipping significantly fewer goals.

As a result, the majority of United fans will surely welcome the news that two defenders could be on their way out of Old Trafford this summer.

The appointment of Ten Hag, with Rangnick set to move into a consultancy role, is massive for United. It presents an opportunity to tear everything down and build from scratch.

That begins by addressing the futures of the current first-team players and trimming down the squad, before adding signings who can come in and reignite the spark of this sleeping giant.

With the likes of Denzel Dumfries mentioned as a potential replacement for Wan-Bissaka, the intent as to how Ten Hag will want to play at United seems very clear.

The 52-year-old wants his defenders to press and win back possession in and around the attacking third. United have been mediocre in that regard this season, winning the ball back in the attacking third at an average of just 4.4 times per match, a return bettered by 11 top-flight teams.

Therefore, the new manager will be looking for players who are comfortable operating in such an intense system and are competent both in and out of possession.

It’s an exciting time for Manchester United, who will be hoping that Ten Hag and Rangnick can awaken what is a sleeping giant in the world of football, and this planned overhaul of the defence will surely leave the Old Trafford faithful buzzing given their troubles in that regard over the past few months.

In other news: Man United are now best placed to sign £83m “diamond”, just imagine him & CR7

Manchester United have reportedly reignited their interest in signing West Ham United’s French centre-back Issa Diop.

What’s the word?

That is according to a fresh report from Foot Mercato, who claimed that Ralf Rangnick is keen to acquire the 25-year-old’s services on behalf of new Red Devils boss Erik Ten Hag.

David Moyes’ side would reportedly be prepared to let Diop depart in the summer for around €15m (£13m).

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Upgrade on Maguire

United have struggled in all areas this season, although it is their defence which has perhaps let them down the most.

With 52 league goals conceded this season, averaging a total of 1.5 conceded per match, the Red Devils have the sixth-worst defence overall in the current top-flight campaign.

Unsurprisingly, no defender has stood out for United, although Harry Maguire has been isolated for his performances by the media this season for some high-profile mistakes.

It is no wonder that Rangnick, who is set to take up a consultancy role with United next season, is eyeing up a move which would offer great value towards the club’s ambition of bolstering their defensive depth.

Diop, who has been described as a “rock” by Sam Tighe on Twitter, is not as tried-and-tested as Maguire when it comes to receiving the ball under pressure, although he does boast a record of zero errors per 90, which highlights his quality on the ball in stark contrast to the £80m liability.

The French centre-back has become something of a forgotten man when it comes to the Premier League, starting just 29% of West Ham’s top-flight games this season, although it is worth pointing out that injuries have played a massive part in him missing so much action.

As such, it may leave some of the United fanbase wondering exactly why Rangnick want to sign the £13m-rated Diop.

His performance in the Europa League clash against Lyon demonstrated exactly what the 6 foot 4 talent is truly about. He played an outstanding game at left centre-back which saw him make six clearances and three recoveries, all whilst maintaining his composure in possession as he achieved a respectable 86% pass accuracy.

Most importantly, he played a vital role in West Ham’s clean sheet in the second leg of that Europa League quarter-final in France as the Irons advanced to the last four of the tournament.

He could well prove to be a more reliable upgrade on Maguire at United, as evidenced by his lack of errors, although Ten Hag may prefer a left-footed centre-back.

In other news – Fewer touches than De Gea: Man Utd flop with just 12 passes must never play again