Tottenham Could Find Kane Heir In £720-p/w "Shining Light"

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."

Tottenham's Harry Kane

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.

Lionel Messi Nets 3 Goals After Making Return To Argentina

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 Agree Deal To Sign £55m "Extraordinary Talent" Pau Torres

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."

Spain defender Pau Torres.

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.

Rangers Make Bid To Sign "Dynamic" 24 y/o

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.”

Ecuador midfielder Jose Cifuentes.

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.

Wolves Could Sign "Unbelievable" Teen In £25m Swoop

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.

Bristol City midfielder Alex Scott.

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.

Liverpool Eye 18 y/o Whose Potential Has "No Limit"

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.”

Philippe Coutinho Liverpool

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.

Tottenham: Ange Wants To Bring "World Class" 39 Y/O to Spurs

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.

Man Utd Could Replace Martial With £70m Machine

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.

Man United's Anthony Martial

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…

Arsenal Scouts Have "Monitored" £37k-p/w "Rock" For Arteta

Arsenal officials have “monitored” Bayer Leverkusen defender Edmond Tapsoba in recent weeks ahead of a potential move, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Who is Edmond Tapsoba?

The Burkina Faso international made the move to Germany from Vitoria Guimaraes back in 2020 and has since gone on to make 136 appearances to date, becoming a regular feature of Xabi Alonso’s first-team recording 31 starts from 33 Bundesliga games this season.

The 6 foot 4 centre-back still has another three years remaining on his contract at the BayArena, but that hasn’t stopped Edu and Mikel Arteta from wanting to bring him to the Premier League, and not for the first time.

Back in February, Rudy Galetti, reliable journalist, reported that the Gunners have followed the 24-year-old for a “long time”, and the upcoming window might finally be the opportunity that they successfully secure their target’s services.

Who is signing Tapsoba?

Taking to Twitter, Romano confirmed that Arsenal are still keeping tabs on Tapsoba ahead of the 2023/24 term. He wrote:

“Premier League clubs are now tracking Edmond Tapsoba ahead of the summer transfer window — he’s one of the CBs to keep an eye on. Arsenal and Tottenham scouts have monitored Tapsoba in recent games but the race is absolutely open — Bayer will only sell for [a] huge bid.”

Bayer Leverkusen defender Edmond Tapsoba.

Arsenal are clearly serious about signing Tapsoba having attempted to recruit him more than once, and after being dubbed as “solid as a rock” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the centre-back would be a fantastic acquisition for the outfit at the Emirates Stadium.

The Champions League participant, who pockets £37k-per-week, currently averages three clearances, 1.6 tackles and the same number of aerial wins per league game, via WhoScored, so is commanding at the heart of the backline, but is also capable of contributing to his team’s efforts at the opposite end of the pitch.

The Bayer colossus has posted four goal contributions across all competitions this season and ranks in the 96th percentile for progressive passes so is strong in playing out from the back and is constantly looking to push his side as high up the field as possible.

Whilst Tapsoba’s specific price tag remains to be seen, Arsenal will know that the only way of getting a deal over the line is by tabling a sizable offer, so the hierarchy may look to test the waters to see if an agreement can be reached this summer.

Newcastle transfer news on Botman

Newcastle United reportedly ‘remain keen’ on signing Sven Botman in the summer, despite a ‘sensational twist’ that has now emerged.

The Lowdown: Milan bound?

It has been reported that the St. James’ Park faithful have ‘not given up hope’ of signing Botman in the summer, despite AC Milan already verbally agreeing personal terms with the Lille central defender.

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After failing to sign him in the January transfer window, the North East club have continually held ‘extensive negotiations’ over the potential signing, but it looks like Milan could be the favourites for his signature.

The Latest: Remain keen

As per Football Insider, the Tyneside outfit ‘remain keen’ on signing Botman, even though a ‘sensational twist’ has now emerged in the form of a new suitor.

According to a source from Manchester United, the Red Devils are now ‘exploring a move’ for the Dutchman, with ‘preliminary talks’ set to take place after a board meeting involving new manager Erik ten Hag.

The Verdict: Get it done

With Manchester United, who can offer Botman European football just like Milan, now entering the frame, the Magpies need to act fast to get this deal done.

Described as a ‘golden boy‘ by his agent Francesco Miniero, he is one of the most promising up-and-coming players in the game at just 22 years of age, having already played regularly at the highest level.

Nonetheless, at six-foot-five, he is an imposing centre-back, and could form a truly scary partnership with the six-foot-seven Dan Burn.

In other news, find out which ‘terrifying’ star NUFC are now eyeing here!

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