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Leeds United have had a bid rejected for FC Porto midfielder Otavio, according to Portuguese newspaper Record (via Sport Witness).

The lowdown: Orta not messing around

Having already added Brenden Aaronson, Rasmus Kristensen and Marc Roca to Jesse Marsch’s squad this summer, Director of Football Victor Orta is seemingly showing no signs of letting up with the search for reinforcements.

Whilst some of the additions over the coming weeks could prove to be replacements for highly sought-after duo Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha, the Whites are certainly getting their ranks in order in a timely fashion.

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Now, it appears as though the Elland Road hierarchy have pinpointed their next target in the shape of 27-year-old Porto star Otavio…

The latest: Bid made

As per Record, transcribed by SW, Leeds have seen a €30milion (£25million) offer to sign the seven-cap Portugal international turned down.

It’s claimed that there is an ‘indication’ that Porto would only sell Otavio should a €60million (£51million) release clause be met, having recently also cashed in on the move that saw Luis Diaz arrive at Liverpool.

The report states that Leeds are looking to add ‘reinforcements of weight’ after a disappointing 2021/22 campaign. They apparently view the man recently lauded for an ‘exciting’ standout display for Portugal against Turkey as a candidate to strengthen Marsch’s options.

The verdict: Not at that price

Predominantly operating as a right-winger, Otavio scored five times and provided 14 assists in 49 appearances across all competitions last season, earning an outstanding 7.48 Sofascore rating – the fourth highest in the Portuguese top-flight – whilst winning 7.4 duels, making 2.3 key passes and successfully completing 1.1 dribbles on average per league outing to showcase a well-rounded game.

However, despite this eye-catching form and excellent versatility which has seen the Portuguese ace operate in numerous positions across the midfield and frontline, spending the mooted £51million release clause on this deal would be a huge gamble from Leeds owner Andrea Radrizzani.

Albeit the Whites will recoup a major profit on Raphinha should the Brazilian eventually leave, we feel that money can be reinvested in smarter ways than spending big on Otavio, despite the midfielder’s obvious talents.

West Ham United are reportedly eyeing a move for Udinese starlet Destiny Udogie.

What’s the word?

That is according to a report from Football Italia, who claimed that David Moyes and co are “closely monitoring” the 19-year-old’s situation.

Despite Udogie’s agent meeting with Inter Milan on Tuesday, it is said that the Hammers remain in the race for the teenager and accept Udinese’s stance of wanting at least €20m (£17m) in order to let go of the player.

As per the same report, West Ham are said to be joined in the race by Inter, Juventus and Tottenham.

He’d be a statement signing

Udogie previously enjoyed a fruitful spell at Udinese on loan from Hellas Verona, and as such, the Pozzo-owned club made the move permanent.

Operating as a left wing-back in a three-at-the-back system, he has frequently showcased his attacking ability, with five goals and four assists in 35 Serie A appearances last term.

His form in the Italian top flight has seen him nominated for the 2022 Golden Boy award, with some of Europe’s finest now casting their attention towards the Italy under-21 international.

Quite simply, a move for the 19-year-old would represent a statement of real intent from Moyes, who lacks established depth at full-back and subsequently lacks competition for starting XI mainstay Aaron Cresswell, who played another 31 games in the Premier League alone last season at the age of 32.

At 19, Udogie would provide a much-needed burst of sprite for West Ham in that position. That might not be the only burst he might have to offer – scout reports on the teenager have noted his ‘serious burst of pace’ during his time in Serie A so far.

This appears to be exactly the kind of player that Moyes should be bringing in at the London Stadium, offering a youthful alternative to the vastly experienced Cresswell whilst bolstering competition for places.

In other news-  “I heard…”: Journalist drops big West Ham transfer update that’ll have supporters buzzing

Steven Gerrard appears to have made a head start for next season already by securing some excellent players ahead of what promises to be a busy summer transfer window for Aston Villa.

With the signings of Philippe Coutinho, Boubacar Kamara, and Diego Carlos, the 42-year-old has assembled a pretty solid spine for his new-look team as he aims to get Villa into the European places next year.

There will surely be some outgoings too, with the manager keen to free up some of the wage budget and make room for other new arrivals.

One player who surely needs to leave the club is Morgan Sanson, who hasn’t quite made an impression on Gerrard.

Sanson has flopped at Villa

Since arriving at Villa Park in January 2021 for an initial £14m, the Frenchman hasn’t set the world alight and could be set for a quick exit out of the Premier League.

The midfielder has had a “frustrating” time in England, in the words of former Villa boss Dean Smith, and he only made ten appearances in the most recent top-flight campaign.

If Gerrard can recoup the majority of the fee that Villa spent on the 27-year-old, then he should be looking to sign Liverpool midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain as a replacement.

James Pearce has stated that the Reds could be open to offers of around £10m for the 28-year-old, and this could be a bargain for Villa.

Oxlade-Chamberlain has been dubbed “unreal” in the past by journalist Joel Rabinowitz, and although he only played 29 matches in all competitions during 2021/22, he still contributed more than Sanson at Villa.

The Englishman netted twice and registered one assist in the league, compared to the French flop, who didn’t contribute to a single goal for Villa in the most recent campaign.

Oxlade-Chamberlain offers a greater attacking threat, generating 21 shot-creating actions (2.41 per 90) compared to Sanson’s three (0.76 per 90)

Defensively, the 28-year-old was also by far the better player this season, winning more tackles (14 to eight) and recording more pressures (172 to 135) than Sanson.

These statistics clearly show that Gerrard could get a major upgrade on the Frenchman with a move for Oxlade-Chamberlain, and at £10m, it could well be a gamble worth taking.

AND in other news, Gerrard can land AVFC’s next Southgate with move for “outstanding” £120k-p/w warrior

West Bromwich Albion endured a fairly underwhelming season in the Championship which recently ended with the Baggies finishing in tenth place.

With 46 games played, the Hawthorns outfit won 18, drew 13 and lost 15 along the way, leaving them with 67 points on the board, 23 behind leaders Fulham.

Now that this dismal season has come to an end, the focus can turn to the upcoming summer transfer window and the potential overhaul that Steve Bruce previously spoke about.

One figure that didn’t see much action for the Baggies this season that should be on the way out this summer is Kenneth Zohore, who was once called “lazy” by Neil Warnock when the duo were at Cardiff City.

After making two substitute appearances during the two opening league games of the season, the striker didn’t feature in another matchday squad throughout the campaign.

As the club’s highest earner with a weekly wage of £26k-per-week, the 28-year-old could be a prime candidate to follow in the footsteps of the likes of Andy Carroll, Sam Johnstone and Romaine Sawyers as players looking for new clubs.

One player that the club have been linked with that could be an ideal candidate to replace the forward is Jed Wallace.

With a total of 228 appearances in the Championship under his belt, as well as 37 goals scored and 39 assists provided, the 28-year-old certainly has the experience and attacking credentials to be a solid addition to Bruce’s squad.

Having played in 37 league matches for the east London club this season, the Englishman found the net six times and delivered 11 assists.

Labelled as being “unplayable” at times during Millwall’s 1-1 draw against Preston North End some weeks ago by Gary Rowett, Wallace racked up 300 crosses and 66 shots at goal in 38 league games for his side this season.

To put that into perspective, that’s 112 crosses more than Darnell Furlong managed to make who delivered more balls into the area than any other Baggies player.

If the Midlands club are able to finally bring Zohore’s time at the Hawthorns to a permanent end this summer, bringing in Wallace could be the best way forward for the Baggies and give them a great chance of getting closer to promotion.

In other news: Imagine him & Grant: Bruce can form deadly WBA duo by signing 28 y/o “smashing talent”

West Bromwich Albion were unable to find their way back into the Premier League this season after finishing tenth in the Championship.

With 46 games in the second division, the Baggies won 18, drew 13 and lost 15 along the way, highlighting how mixed and unpredictable they were in terms of their results and performances.

Another underwhelming factor was the fact that they only scored 52 goals throughout the campaign, which is fewer than the likes of Reading, Bristol City and Blackpool among others.

One reason for this could be down to the fact that the Midlands club waved goodbye to Matheus Pereira during the previous summer transfer window.

After scoring 20 goals and delivering 26 assists in 77 appearances, the Brazilian joined Saudi club Al Hilal.

Now that this uninspiring season has drawn to an end, West Brom’s focus can turn to the upcoming campaign and their next attempt at getting back into the top flight.

One player the Baggies boss could turn to and unearth their next version of Pereira is Rico Richards.

As a product of West Brom’s youth system, the attacking midfielder has made 57 appearances for the club across their U18 and U23 sides.

In those appearances, the 18-year-old has scored 13 goals and delivered five assists, showing the talent he has at scoring and creating goals in a similar vein to Pereira.

The teenager has made just one senior appearance for the club which came during their disappointing 6-0 win over Arsenal in the Carabao Cup back in August where he came on as a late substitute.

Back in February, Richards’ performance against Arsenal in the Premier League Cup was described as “splendid” by Baggies journalist Joe Chapman on Twitter.

Having played in numerous positions across the midfield and attack throughout his short career so far, this sort of versatility could not only make him a suitable squad option for Bruce next season and beyond but it could also make him the new Pereira as he also played in different attacking positions during his time at the club.

If the young prodigy can impress Bruce during the upcoming preseason period, he definitely has the talent to start to be integrated into the first team and potentially make a name for himself in the Championship.

In other news: West Brom eyeing move for “fabulous” £4.5m-rated hotshot, he’s better than Robinson

Takumi Minamino could remain at Liverpool this summer if he is happy playing a squad role, according to former England international Paul Robinson.

The Lowdown: Impressive season for Taki

The Japanese gem has found it difficult to force his way into Jurgen Klopp’s plans this season but he has still managed to have a significant impact.

Minamino has managed to score ten goals in all competitions, including seven in the domestic cups, certainly playing his part in Liverpool’s trophy haul.

The 27-year-old’s Reds future is up in the air ahead of the summer transfer window, however, and it remains to be seen if he will stay put or not.

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The Latest: Forward backed to stay

Speaking to Football Insider, Sky Sports pundit Robinson claimed the decision will ultimately lie with the player, saying he could remain at Anfield:

“It really depends on Minamino’s ambition. If he is happy playing a bit-part role then he will stay. Klopp won’t want him to leave.

“That squad is challenging on every front possible. There is not better place to be if you want to be part of the squad.  If he wants to play football week in, week out then you suspect he will leave.

“Klopp is starting to rejuvenate that squad but I still think there is a squad role for Minamino next season.

“Listen, if he is happy to sit on the bench every week and play now and then it is a manager’s dream. His future will be determined by personal ambition.”

The Verdict: Keep hold of him

Truly great sides may be littered with world-class players but they also need excellent fringe heroes – individuals who chip in from time to time and provide the depth required to challenge across all competitions.

Minamino has been exactly that this season, as highlighted by his goalscoring record, and he has been hailed as an ‘incredible’ technical player by Jurgen Klopp.

For that reason, it would be preferable for Liverpool to keep hold of him, although if he wants to leave it would be hard to begrudge him a move elsewhere.

In other news, Liverpool have been issued a warning over one player’s future. Read more here.

Arsenal have been dealt a major injury blow ahead of their final game of the Premier League campaign against Everton today.

What’s the latest?

As per a report from Evening Standard, Arteta’s side are likely to be without Takehiro Tomiyasu, with the Japan international forced off in the 39th minute of the Gunners’ uninspiring defeat to Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United on Monday night.

Tomiyasu’s muscular injury is the latest in what has been a considerable amount of problems for Arsenal in the business end of the campaign, with the likes of Kieran Tierney and Thomas Partey also out for the season.

As such, Cedric Soares is expected to fill in at right-back in the Japan international’s absence.

A big blow for Arteta

The latest injury at Arsenal represents a big setback for both Arteta and Tomiyasu, with the latter having endured an injury-ridden first season in the Premier League.

When he has played, the 23-year-old has been a defensive rock for the Gunners.

Boasting an average of 0.20 defensive actions that led to a shot attempt, his ability to turn over possession quickly has enabled Arsenal to hit on the break on numerous occasions. Though, it’s his defensive participation average of 1.26 interceptions and 0.91 passes blocked that Arteta will miss the most, in what is an integral game if they are to achieve their top-four ambitions.

In the Arsenal squad, Tomiyasu ranks joint first for his 1.3 interceptions per 90 and boosts the Gunners’ attacking threat with his average of 4.00 passes into the final third.

His offensive acumen would have been felt by Lampard’s side, who boasts the fourth worst defence in the league, having conceded 61 goals this season.

The blow to Tomiyasu is another frustrating setback, with the Japanese defender having already missed nine games with a calf injury earlier this season.

In other news: Fewer touches than Ramsdale: Arsenal dud who made just 8 passes was a passenger v THFC 

Frank Lampard has been working hard to keep Everton in the Premier League next season with a relegation battle going right down to the wire and to add to the relegation worries a new transfer threat has emerged.

What’s the latest?

According to The Telegraph, Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing not one but three Everton players this summer with Richarlison, Ben Godfrey and Anthony Gordon on Antonio Conte’s summer wish list.

Since the Toffees picked their form off the floor in the last few weeks these three players, in particular, have caught the eye of the London club, and the report suggests that Spurs are watching the developments of Everton’s end of season outcome closely.

Supporters will be furious

There is no doubt that these three players play important roles in the team and have been three of the most influential in keeping Everton’s chances of survival alive, so the prospect of them leaving will leave supporters furious if it did go ahead this summer.

Richarlison has been linked with securing a new challenge at another club for months now, so it will come as no shock that Spurs have thrown their hat into the ring for the Brazilian goal machine. However, they will need to compete with the likes of Manchester United who have also shown interest.

Gordon would be a huge blow for Evertonians as the youngster is a boyhood Blue, which means a move away would be devastating for supporters of the club as if the current season hadn’t been disappointing enough.

Out of all three of these players Gordon has been by far the most consistent and hard-working player in the team this term and the position of the club bears no reflection on the performances of the young winger who in terms of form, has had his best season yet at Goodison Park.

The 21-year-old has bagged himself four goals and two assists but it is his all-round play that has been an absolute nuisance for opponents to mark and tackle in the Premier League this season.

Gordon has created 30 chances, successfully made 52 tackles and 21 interceptions for Everton and has won the majority of his 326 duels (50.3%) which shows how effective he is in making his presence known in the team. At such a young age to dominate your position with such strength is something the Toffees cannot afford to lose under any circumstances.

Ultimately, the future of all three of the players Tottenham Hotspur have their eye on currently will not be sealed until the end of the season when Everton will either drop into the Championship or remain in the Premier League.

If Lampard can keep his side in top-flight football we’re sure he will do his best to hold onto them.

AND in other news: Everton can finally axe “poor” £68k-p/w dud by signing 22 y/o with “huge potential”

Injured Everton centre-back Yerry Mina will be a ‘huge’ miss against Watford, according to Premier League pundit Paul Robinson. 

The lowdown: Mina becomes latest Blues casualty

Mina lasted only 18 minutes in Sunday’s 2-1 victory against Leicester City before sustaining an injury, with Michael Keane coming on in his place.

It’s the sixth separate problem the Colombian has encountered this season, limiting him to just 11 Premier League starts.

Left-back Vitalii Mykolenko, who scored the opener, also left the action midway through the second half after suffering from cramp.

Frank Lampard has now confirmed that the calf issue will sideline Mina for Wednesday’s trip to Watford, but Mykolenko is fine.

Everton head to Vicarage Road gunning for what could be three decisive points in the battle for survival. Victory would take them four points above Leeds United with just three games to play.

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The latest: Huge…

Robinson, speaking before the Ukraine star was passed fit, says both Mina and Mykolenko have been in excellent form recently, and thinks Everton could suffer from the former’s absence.

However, he’s confident that the Toffees have still done enough to survive.

“They really have been outstanding,” he told Football Insider.

“I don’t think their injuries will matter though. I think Everton are safe. The last two wins have done wonders for them.

“I truly believe it’s between Burnley and Leeds now. Everton have momentum after those two performances. They will take care of themselves now.

“Mina and Mykolenko will be huge misses but I think they’ve done enough. I’m sure they’ll be safe come the end of the season.”

The verdict: Another one?

Everton have been hit extremely hard by injuries this season, and that’s part of the reason why they’ve struggled.

As of 5 April, they had picked up more injuries than any other team in the Premier League (via Ben Dinnery).

For Mina in particular, it’s been a stop-start campaign, and he could leave the club with a decision to make.

Might it be wise to cash in on the £18million-rated 27-year-old if he’s so rarely available, and replace him with someone who’s comparatively bulletproof?

In other news, Robinson also reacted to links with this defender.

Everton centre-back Michael Keane is admired by West Ham United but isn’t regarded as a ‘tier-one target’. 

That’s according to transfer insider Dean Jones, who was speaking to GiveMeSport on Sunday evening.

The lowdown

The Daily Star’s Harry Pratt reported last month that West Ham want to sign another centre-back ahead of next season, and Keane features their shortlist.

Current West Ham manager and former Everton boss David Moyes is said to rate Keane highly after their brief time together at Manchester United.

Moyes is ready to offer the Englishman an ‘immediate route back to the Premier League’ if his team are relegated – the 29-year-old would apparently cost the Irons as much as £20million.

Everton are currently in the bottom three, two points behind Leeds and Burnley with a game in hand. A ‘major exodus’ is anticipated if they fall into the second tier.

Keane has played 182 times for the club to date, scoring ten goals and providing seven assists, and also racked up 12 caps for his country.

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The latest

Jones tells GMS that West Ham are ‘definitely’ fans of Keane but expects them to assess other options on the continent and potential free transfers before turning to the Everton man.

“I think they’ll look on the continent first and also the free agent market is opening up quite nicely,” he said.

“It’s a tricky one because they definitely like him, but he’s not a tier one target, I wouldn’t say.”

The verdict

If West Ham do make a move for Keane, then Everton may already have a potential replacement in mind.

The Daily Mail claim that they like Hoffenheim’s Florian Grillitsch, who’s set to be a free agent come the summer when his contract expires.

Grillitsch is listed as a defensive midfielder but he’s played the majority of his football this season as a centre-back.

Three years Keane’s junior, he’s combative, strong in possession and reads the game well (going by his WhoScored profile). It could be a smart, frugal move from the Blues to offload Keane for a decent fee then replace him with a Bosman deal.

In other news, Adam Jones was stunned by one thing that happened at Sunday.