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Wolves are still "hopeful" of signing highly-rated Bristol City midfielder Alex Scott during the summer transfer window, despite having a £20m bid for him rejected.

How good is Alex Scott?

The 19-year-old is possibly one of the most talked-about young English footballers at the moment, having burst onto the scene for City and become an integral member of their starting lineup in no time at all.

Scott is already playing with a level of maturity well beyond his years, proving to be a rock-solid performer in the middle of the park, showing discipline and quality. He only missed four of his side's 46 Championship matches last season, starting 40 of them, and was also named the Championship Young Player of the Year back in April, further outlining what an impressive campaign he had.

It could be that a Premier League clubs snaps up Scott this summer, however, with a number of teams ready to test City's resolve with a hefty bid. Wolves has emerged as one of the favourites to sign the midfielder, despite reports last week from talkSPORT that they had dropped out of the race.

Could Wolves still sign Alex Scott?

Taking to Twitter, Percy gave a positive update regarding Wolves' continued pursuit of Scott this summer, even though they have been rebuffed with a £20m bid:

"Wolves bid of £20m plus add-ons for Alex Scott has been rejected by Bristol City. Wolves will make another offer and remain hopeful of agreeing a deal. City want £25m so still work to be done but #wwfc are not miles away. Other PL clubs could still come in."

While it is clearly frustrating to see Wolves a bid for Scott turned down, it is also just as encouraging to see that Fosun are not considering walking away from the deal. That suggests that they rate the player incredible highly and see him as an important signing before the 2023/24 season gets started next month.

The City youngster really does look like a special prospect who could grow into a future England international, having already represented the Three Lions at Under-18, Under-19 and Under-20 level, winning a combined 16 caps, and he should only grow as a player from this point on.

To have already made 83 appearances in the Championship before even turning 20 is a testament to Scott's maturity and resolves as a player, considering what a tough division it is renowned as, with young players often being found out in a physical sense. He is excelling there, however, and he possesses such confidence and class that it is easy to envisage him taking to the Premier League like a duck to water, too.

Wolves must do all they can to bring in the English starlet, with Manchester City and England star Jack Grealish calling him a "top top talent" in the recent past, and his manager Pep Guardiola lauding him as "unbelievable". Such high praise from a couple of high-profile figures in the game says all you need to know about the long-term potential that Scott has, and why Wanderers signing him would feel so big.

Tottenham Hotspur's summer business has not been surprising, largely for the plain and simple fact that their new manager is a quick thinker.

Ange Postecoglou's general rule of thumb at Celtic was that he'd act quickly and decisively in the transfer window, notably bringing in three players to Parkhead before the window for the January 2022 market had even opened.

They haven't acted that swiftly here, but they are making moves in the market, with a new transfer target now named; Marc Cucurella.

How much is Marc Cucurella worth?

Signed by Chelsea from Brighton for a fee of £60m last summer, the Spaniard could already be on the move after a tricky season.

Football Transfers note Spurs as one potential destination for the left-back.

It's claimed they are following his situation closely as they seek a replacement for the potentially outgoing Ivan Perisic.

The north Londoners are reportedly 'ready' to make a deal happen, something that could well materialise considering Mauricio Pochettino's side are 'desperate' to get rid of him.

Any deal could potentially cost around £48m, his expected transfer value, as per the same source.

How good is Marc Cucurella?

During his stint at Brighton, Cucurella emerged as a flying wing-back, one who looked every bit a La Masia graduate.

Barcelona's famous academy has housed some of the very best names in world football, from the likes of Lionel Messi, Xavi and Iniesta.

It's safe to say the 24-year-old isn't quite that good, but he has forged a successful career for himself.

In his one and only season with the Seagulls, the 2021/22 campaign, the full-back posted one goal and two assists. They are hardly outstanding numbers but when it came to marauding defenders that year, there were few better in the division.

Cucurella sat inside the top 14% of full-backs in the Premier League for touches in the attacking third and the top 12% for carries, via FBref. Not just competent going forward, he was in the best 8% for ball recoveries with 7.20 per 90 minutes.

Are those numbers worthy of a £60m price tag? Arguably not. That said, he was an exciting proposition and one at an age where only growth was surely possible.

Unfortunately for Spurs, they would now be getting a player who has shown his flaws. Only another two assists were registered by the Spaniard in a poor Chelsea side. This time out, he was only in the best 30% for touches in the attacking third and the best 20% for carries. If there was one positive, he still recovered the ball on a regular basis, making 6.46 recoveries per 90, marking him in the best 14% positionally.

That doesn't look dreadful but the truth of the matter is that he made a number of notable errors too. He was hooked after just 63 minutes against his former employers in what turned out to be a 4-1 loss.

Described as a "liability" by journalist Josh Bunting during a game with Villa, he notably cost the Blues in Europe. In both games against Real Madrid, he let them down a great deal. At Stamford Bridge, Cucurella came charging out of his position leaving a huge gap in behind down Chelsea's left-hand side. The end product was a goal.

Similarly, at the Bernabeu, he was caught out of position. Rodrygo turned the wing-back all too easily which left Ben Chilwell vulnerable in behind. The result? A red card for the England man who was rather hung out to try by his defensive colleague who attempted to make a last-ditch challenge.

Spending big money on a Premier League talent, therefore, has rather worrying echoes of Richarlison.

The former Everton man made his own £60m switch last summer after impressing in the lower reaches of the table.

However, like Cucurella, he was one of the worst signings of the season. In total, the Brazilian found the net just three times, one of which came in the top flight. Remarkably, the attacker had to wait until the 30th April to finally break his league drought.

That isn't to say that every transfer from a Premier League side works out poorly, but Tottenham must learn their lesson from 12 months ago.

Investing in Cucurella this summer would feel like a costly mistake. This is surely one to swerve for Daniel Levy and Co.

Having been handed the reins at Tottenham Hotspur last month, new boss Ange Postecoglou has also moved quickly to bolster his ranks having secured the signing of both James Maddison and Guglielmo Vicario over the past week or so.

That may not be the end of the Lilywhites' summer business, however, with recent reports stating that the club are among a raft of European clubs who are interested in signing Sheffield United starlet, Daniel Jebbison, having been 'keeping tabs' on his progress at Bramall Lane.

As per 90min, the north London outfit – as well as the likes of Aston Villa, Everton and Newcastle United – are showing a strong interest in the 19-year-old with just a year left to run on his existing deal, with the likes of Juventus and Borussia Dortmund also ready to pounce.

That growing list of suitors would suggest that Spurs will have a fight on their hands to land the £720-per-week teenager, although the signing of the Canada-born England youth international could well represent a dream, long-term heir to talisman Harry Kane at N17.

Who is Daniel Jebbison?

The 6 foot 3 marksman notably came to wider attention after netting on his first Premier League start against Everton back in May 2021, with the youngster having arguably been the "shining light" in what proved to be a dismal end to that season for the Blades, according to pundit Micah Richards, as they slipped to relegation.

Since that return to the second tier, Jebbison has been forced to prove his worth further down the footballing pyramid after joining Burton Albion on loan for the 2021/22 campaign, ultimately going on to score nine goals in just 23 games during that promising temporary stint.

While injury has disrupted the towering hitman since then, the exciting talent did chip in with two goals and one assist in 19 outings across all fronts last season, with coach Jack Lester saying of his talents:

"He’s got a really bright future, Dan. I think people forget how young he is, he was ahead of schedule if you like for where we saw him as we were looking at him as a 15, 16-year-old but he’s got there through his hard work and his talent and we’re really pleased with him and we’re optimistic of a really bright future for him."

Although goals have been in short supply of late, what has been impressive is the one-time Chorley loanee's ability to offer a creative force when leading the line having averaged 3.48 per 90 for shot-creating actions across the last 365 days, representing a near identical record to that of Kane – who ranks in the top 10% among his European peers in that regard with an average of 3.47 per 90.

The latter man – who has been linked with a move to Bayern Munich of late – is facing an uncertain future at the club with just 12 months left on his current deal, with the Englishman also no spring chicken as he is set to turn 30 later this month.

That would suggest that even if the club's record scorer is to extend his contract in the near future, Postecoglou will still need to have a contingency plan in place, hence looking to a figure such as Jebbison who could potentially take on Kane's goalscoring mantle in the years to come.

Wherever Lionel Messi goes, fans follow, watching on in awe as one of football’s undisputed kings takes to the crown once more. And this is no truer the case than at his boyhood club, Newell’s Old Boys.Unlike elsewhere, there’s a sense of pride from the Argentine club as well as usual admiration for arguably the best player to ever grace a football pitch.The pride comes from the fact that the Messi we see today started at Old Boys. They helped shape a player who has made many fall in love with the game. Without the club, who knows where we’d be?Given the chance to return to the club in a legends’ match, the icon received a fitting homecoming.

What’s the latest on Lionel Messi?

Leaving Paris Saint-Germain after a mixed spell, Messi completed a move to MLS side Inter Miami this summer, where he will hope to transform the club into one of the best teams in the United States.

The move signals the end of the Argentine’s time in Europe, and perhaps the beginning of the end of an illustrious career.

Having finally won the World Cup with Argentina last year, ending the constant international heartbreak, it’s fair to say that he has earned a move to MLS, even if he does still undoubtedly possess the quality to play at the very top.

At PSG last season, the Ballon d’Or winner was involved in 41 goals, if there was ever any doubt over just how much he is going to terrorise defences in MLS.

It will certainly be an interesting move to keep an eye on, given Inter Miami’s recent struggles – losing seven games in a row. If anyone can turn them into a top club, it is Messi, however, combined with former teammate Sergio Busquets, who completed his switch from Barcelona this summer to reunite with the incredible forward.

Lionel Messi receives hero’s welcome

Fans packed out the Newell’s Old Boys stadium to welcome their legend, as you can see in the video below:

It feels fitting that the former Barcelona man returned home one last time before heading to MLS and Inter Miami in what may be his final club in a legendary career.

In the game – which saw Argentina up against Newell’s Old Boys to celebrate the retirement of former international team-mate Maxi Rodriguez, Messi scored a stunning first-half hat-trick.

The likes of Angel Di Maria, Ariel Ortega and Gabriel Batistuta were all involved and the match ended 7-5 to Newell’s Old Boys.

Afterwards, Messi told ESPN Argentina (via Daily Star): “It had been a long time since I had spent a birthday in Rosario, with my family and my friends.

“As I said at the time: it was our turn to be world champions, but behind us were millions of impressive players who did many great things with the National Team, beyond the fact that they did not raise a cup.

“Although what we did is something special and unique, the dream of every footballer… you’re thinking about what’s to come, more than what you did.

“When it’s my turn to leave football, I’m going to remember and enjoy everything I’ve achieved much more.”

Aston Villa have reached an "agreement" to bring Villarreal defender Pau Torres to the Premier League, according to The Athletic's David Ornstein.

Is Pau Torres joining Aston Villa?

Quique Setien’s academy graduate will be out of contract at the end of next season meaning that the ongoing transfer window is his club’s final opportunity to cash in should they not want to lose him for free, and 90min have claimed that he’s told them that he’s ready to leave.

The Yellow Submarines centre-back has reportedly been made a top target by the Midlands outfit with Unai Emery a “big fan” of the 26-year-old having managed him for 105 appearances during his time in his homeland.

The La Liga star’s deal has a £55m release clause included but Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that NSWE and Monchi will pay "way less" than that, and if the following update is anything to go by, the conditions of the deal have already been addressed.

Taking to Twitter, Ornstein revealed that Aston Villa have finalised a deal for Torres with the defender having given the green-light to complete a summer move to the Midlands. He wrote:

"Aston Villa have now reached an agreement with Villarreal to sign centre-back Pau Torres. Personal terms are also in place for 26yo Spain international defender to join in what’s another big coup for #AVFC + manager Unai Emery."

Is Torres a good signing for Villa?

Aston Villa will already be aware of what Torres is capable of due to Emery’s existing connection to the centre-back, and having also been dubbed an “extraordinary talent” by his former coach Javier Calleja, he would be a fantastic acquisition for the boss.

The Spain international averaged 4.1 clearances, 1.7 aerial wins and 1.3 tackles per league game last season, via WhoScored, so is a real rock at the heart of the backline, but he also likes to push his team as high up the pitch as possible having ranked in the 99th percentile for most progressive carries by centre-backs.

Torres, who stands at a staggering 6 foot 2, also knows what it takes to compete and be successful at the level that the Villans are looking to achieve having previously won the Europa League back in 2020/21, so he could inspire the rest of the squad to give it their all on the bigger stage next season in their first campaign in the Conference League.

Glasgow Rangers have submitted an offer to Los Angeles FC for target Jose Cifuentes, according to reports.

What’s the latest Rangers transfer news involving Cifuentes?

Michael Beale and those at Ibrox have wasted no time in bolstering the playing squad ahead of the 2023/24 season, with four new additions already made.

Dujon Sterling, Kiran Dowell and Jack Butland have all agreed on free transfers to Glasgow, whereas Rangers have also signed forward Sam Lammers from Italian side Atalanta for €3.5m.

That appears to be just the start of the club’s summer business, with Cifuentes looking like he could be the next through the Ibrox door.

Reports have suggested that a Rangers move for Cifuentes could be agreed upon by the end of the month, although a low fee still needs to be arranged with the MLS side, and it looks as if that bid has now been made.

According to journalist Alejandro Ruilova, Cifuentes has agreed to make the move to Rangers, with the Scottish side making an offer to LAFC, who are evaluating the proposal.

“Jose Cifuentes – Ecuadorian player has agreed to go to Rangers. Only that Los Angeles FC asks for an amount of money to be able to release the player before the end of his contract.

“It is being negotiated since Rangers offered an amount that is being studied by the club.”

Who is Jose Cifuentes?

Cifuentes is seemingly at the top of his game with a career-high €12m Transfermarkt valuation and can play as a holding, central or attacking midfielder.

The 24-year-old has made 115 appearances for LAFC after joining back in 2020, contributing to 33 goals along the way. He has also won 15 caps for Ecuador and is sponsored by Nike, with his current contract set to expire at the end of the year.

Lauded as being “very dynamic” by LAFC assistant manager Marc Dos Santos, Cifuentes has also been hailed by Ecuador football expert Benedikt Duda, who said:

“Cifuentes is a no.8, who is physical and strong in defence with a tendency to get involved in the attack. There is a good reason he wears the no.11, and footballing-wise, he models himself after Paul Pogba.”

Therefore, for the right price, it looks as if Rangers could be getting a versatile midfielder at the peak of his powers, and hopefully, he’ll be able to go from strength to strength under Beale in Scotland.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are reportedly ready to flex their pull in the transfer window, with a Championship whizz linked to Molineux.

Following news of Julen Lopetegui committing his future to the club, the Old Gold can have clarity on their objectives this summer with a clear horizon on the manager’s status and the club’s budget amidst Financial Fair Play (FFP) concerns.

The latest player linked to the Midlands could provide a significant spark to the Spaniard’s midfield.

What’s the latest on Alex Scott to Wolves?

As reported by the Daily Mail in April, Wolves have shown interest in Bristol City midfielder Alex Scott.

The rumours regarding the Englishman’s potential move to Molineux have re-emerged this week, with journalist Ben Jacobs advising fans to “keep an eye on Wolves” alongside Tottenham, who are also looking at the star.

Jacobs reports that Bristol City want a fee in the region of £25m for the 19-year-old – a price that may prove too costly for the Midlands side unless a lower fee can be compromised.

What could Alex Scott bring to Wolves?

Lauded as an “unbelievable talent” by treble-winning manager Pep Guardiola, the teenager’s movements will certainly be something to monitor this summer.

The central midfielder played a pivotal role in Bristol City’s season in the Championship, making 42 appearances and contributing to five goals by registering four assists and scoring one himself, via Sofascore.

Contributing in the final third is a bonus to the attributes that the Guernsey-born gem possesses, highlighting what he could bring to Wolves.

Amid the departure of Joao Moutinho and the saga surrounding Ruben Neves’ future, Lopetegui could land himself a bright spark in Scott, who flexes skill in the defensive and offensive areas of midfield.

Transitioning from the stability that the Portuguese duo handed Wolves is something for Lopetegui to be more excited than daunted about, with a youthful spark in the middle of the park becoming an option going forward.

22-year-old January signing Joao Gomes has impressed since arriving in the Midlands and could form a partnership for years to come with Scott, with the two holding similar values in their gameplay.

As per Sofascore, the Brazilian averages a monstrous 2.6 tackles per game in the Premier League as well as winning 58% of his total duels, with an average of 5.5 per game with numbers that showcase his defensive flair.

Scott recorded similar numbers in the same areas, albeit in the Championship, winning 50% of his total duels with an average of 6.3 per game, as well as making 1.8 tackles per game on average, via Sofascore.

While his defensive numbers are slightly lower than the 22-year-old, the teenager could provide a stronger approach to progressive play than the Wolves ace in ways that convey they may become a perfect pair.

As per FBref, Scott has averaged 3.43 progressive passes per 90 over the past year, with Gomes averaging 2.62 in the same area, allowing the Englishman to establish himself as the ‘roamer’ in a potential pivot.

As told by his four assists and four big chances created this campaign in the second tier, the teenager could flourish in Lopetegui’s midfield renovations if he is able to make the step up to the top flight.

A new dawn is on the horizon for Liverpool. The squad that clinched European glory and a Premier League has been largely separated.Jurgen Klopp must find the antidote to reverse the club’s fortunes and catapult them back into the top four.One of the biggest summers in the Reds’ recent history lies ahead as they must place faith in a new cohort of players.One name that has been mentioned as part of this rebuild is Arda Guler.

What’s the latest on Arda Guler to Liverpool?

According to Aksam (via Sport Witness), Liverpool and Barcelona are interested in signing Fenerbahce Guler this summer.It is understood that both Liverpool and the Blaugrana have 'stepped in' and have 'accelerated their attempts' to secure the signing.However, it could be a complicated deal as Fenerbahce are hoping to keep the youngster for at least one more year.That said, should the youngster leave then it may cost any suitor around £20m.

Who can Arda Guler emulate at Liverpool?

Guler joined the Fenerbache youth ranks in 2019 and signed a professional contract with the club in 2021, making his senior debut as a substitute against Finnish club HJK in the play-offs of the Europa League.Then in August 2021, the "serious talent" – as per Duncan Castles – made his Süper Lig debut, providing the assist for the winning goal to emphatically announce himself into national stardom.Then in March 2022, the playmaker created history as he became the youngest goalscorer in Turkish top-flight history, having only turned 17 three weeks earlier.The youngster was then awarded the club’s number ten shirt and in the first match of the next campaign, he scored twice in 21 minutes.He has continued to excel and has finished the term with 12 goal involvements in 34 appearances in all competitions.During his incredible journey, Erol Tokgolzer, Guler’s former coach, said: “I don't think Arda will stay in Turkey too long. Bids of €20-30m for Arda will become ordinary.”The teen has also been hailed by Andrea Pirlo, who said: “He has the potential to play anywhere in the world. He has quality, he can read the game well, and he has great technique. If he keeps developing his game, there is no limit to his potential.”Only standing 5 foot 9, Guler doesn’t possess a dominant, physical frame – his smaller, more nimble, and insanely intricate style mirrors that of a prime Philippe Coutinho.In 201 outings for Liverpool, the Brazilian – who also operates in a playmaking role – registered 54 goals and 45 assists, and Mauricio Pochettino once said he has “special magic in his feet.”

The rebirth of this silky, innovative, diminutive presence on the Anfield pitch could come in the form of Guler, and it makes for an exciting prospect to see what he could achieve under Klopp’s supervision.

Incoming manager Ange Postecoglou is looking to bring his Celtic assistant coach John Kennedy with him to Tottenham Hotspur, according to The Times.

Is Ange Postecoglou coming to Spurs?

After he clinched a domestic treble with Celtic at the weekend, Spurs have now confirmed that Postcoglou is on his way to north London, and will commence work on July 1.

The Australian, following their 3-1 Scottish Cup victory over Inverness at Hampden Park on Saturday, has agreed to become Spurs' next manager after Antonio Conte.

"Ange brings a positive mentality and a fast, attacking style of play," said chairman Daniel Levy upon his appointment."He has a strong track record of developing players and an understanding of the importance of the link from the academy – everything that is important to our Club. We are excited to have Ange join us as we prepare for the season ahead."

The former Celtic boss will join Tottenham and reports have already started coming out suggesting that he is set to be backed by Spurs with additions this summer.

Leicester City star James Maddison is among the targets on Tottenham's radar and it appears they can now focus on the looming transfer market.

Postecoglou will also be looking to shape the backroom in his own image as he attempts to reinstall a brand of attacking football and positivity at N17.

According to a report by The Times, he already has plans in that regard, with the Australian "keen" on stealing away his assistant manager Kennedy down south.

Spurs let go of a lot of their staff when Cristian Stellini left as interim boss, and Postecoglou will need to replace them. He apparently doesn't usually take his assistants between jobs, with Kennedy being the obvious exception.

Ryan Mason may well also decide he wants his own gig elsewhere after chairman Daniel Levy opted not to take a chance on him as permanent manager.

Despite Postecoglou wanting to bring Kennedy to Tottenham, he may well have a hard time in doing so, with Celtic eager to hang on to their 39-year-old who is highly thought of.

Who is John Kennedy?

The coach has worked his way up the ladder at Parkhead, having been under the tutelage of many previous Hoops bosses like Ronny Deila, Brendan Rodgers and Neil Lennon.

Kennedy briefly served as interim Celtic manager when Lennon resigned in 2021 and Celtic's board apparently rate him a lot.

The former Scotland international, who was forced to retire from playing at the age of just 26, has also been called a "world-class" coach by former Chelsea star Damien Duff.

With the FA Cup final looming large, Manchester United have been dealt a frustrating setback following the loss of Anthony Martial to injury, with the long-serving Frenchman having been ruled out of the trip to Wembley due to a hamstring issue.

Having already missed 27 games this season through injury, the 27-year-old will yet again be restricted to watching brief on Saturday, leaving manager Erik ten Hag with only Wout Weghorst as a genuine, centre-forward option.

That inability to remain fit and firing in recent years is no doubt a factor in the reports that United are believed to be open to selling Martial this summer, with the former Monaco man having now scored just 11 Premier League goals since the start of the 2020/21 campaign.

The £36m addition has also gone over two years without completing 90 minutes in the top-flight, with Manchester Evening News journalist Samuel Luckhurst revealing that the misfiring marksman last achieved that feat back in January 2021.

To think that the £250k-per-week asset remains United's main centre-forward pick despite those woes is a poor reflection on the club's recruitment, with the 30-cap dud simply unable to take the club where they want to go, as treble winner Teddy Sheringham summated back in 2020:

"Manchester United won’t win the title with Anthony Martial as their number nine."

With that in mind, speculation is rife that Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane is the leading target to ease the Old Trafford outfit's striking woes, albeit with MEN reporting that the club have also identified alternative targets to the England skipper, such as Benfica's Goncalo Ramos.

This follows a report from Football Insider that claimed Ten Hag and co were 'plotting' a move for the Portuguese sensation, with a fee of around £70m having been mooted.

Should Man United sign Goncalo Ramos?

While Ten Hag has repeatedly stated that United play their "best football" with Martial in the side, the problem has been actually having the 5 foot 11 dynamo available for selection, hence the need to acquire a suitable replacement.

In Ramos then, the former Ajax boss would be able to find just that, with the 21-year-old having showcased his goalscoring prowess for both club and country in his recent years.

After previously posting "outrageous" numbers for Benfica's 'B' team – as per talent scout Jacek Kulig – the 6 foot 1 machine went on to score eight goals in what was a breakout 2021/22 campaign.

Following that respectable tally, the emerging superstar has since caught the eye after contributing 39 goals and assists in 47 games across all fronts – a far superior record to what Martial has achieved (12 goal contributions in 29 outings).

The youngster has also made his mark on the international scene after scoring four goals in just seven appearances for his country to date, notably bagging a hat-trick against Switzerland at the World Cup back in December after replacing Cristiano Ronaldo in the starting lineup.

While his tally of 12 assists this season would suggest that Ramos is also a creative outlet, the Olhao native's real asset is his ability to come alive inside the 18-yard box, as he has averaged 6.31 touches in the attacking penalty area per 90 across the last 365 days, while Martial, by contrast, has averaged just 4.65 in that regard.

With United evidently in need of a more clinical attacking presence – having only been the eighth-highest scorers in the Premier League with 58 goals – the addition of Ramos could be just what Ten Hag is after.

If that deal can be pulled off over the coming weeks and months, it really could be bye bye Martial…