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PIF enjoyed an excellent first transfer window in charge of Newcastle United back in January as their deals helped to propel the team out of danger.

The Magpies secured safety in the Premier League and the likes of Kieran Trippier, Dan Burn, Matt Targett and Bruno Guimaraes played a big role in that.

However, the £25m signing of Chris Wood from Burnley was not as successful as the others. The New Zealand international struggled for form as he scored twice – once from open play – in 17 league outings for Eddie Howe’s side.

Howe can now axe the flop, who averaged an unimpressive WhoScored rating of 6.72, instantly by securing a deal for a new number nine to come in and take his place in the team.

One striker who has recently been linked with a switch to St. James’ Park is Napoli centre-forward Victor Osimhen, with Bayern Munich also keen on him.

The Italian side value him at up to £94m (€100m) and it remains to be seen how much the Magpies are willing to offer for his services.

Whilst Wood faltered in front of goal, Osimhen flourished as he plundered 18 goals in 26 starts in the Serie A and Champions League combined.

He scored 14 goals in 23 starts in the Italian top-flight and averaged a sublime WhoScored rating of 7.22, which shows that he is a consistent goalscorer and is able to produce quality performances week-in-week-out.

At the age of 23, the Nigerian international also has the scope to develop further and improve time, whereas Wood is at the other end of his career at the age of 30.

Emmet Gates dubbed Osimhen’s potential as “frightening” and former Manchester United striker Odion Ighalo backed that up, saying:

“He’s the future, he’s going to do so well in football. I love him, he’s down to earth, he’s hard-working, he has a future and he has the mentality of a winner, that’s what I love about him.

“He has that lion’s heart. I love him, I just want him to keep working hard the way he’s doing, he’s going to break so many records in Europe and Nigeria.”

The Napoli predator can, therefore, a big upgrade on Wood both in terms of what he can offer in the short and long-term.

He has shown that he is a prolific scorer, unlike the Burnley man, and the overall standard of his displays have been sitting at a higher level. Throw in the fact that he is seven years younger than the Toon flop and it seems like he would be a fantastic replacement for Howe to bring in.

AND in other news, “In talks…”: Fabrizio Romano delivers NUFC transfer claim that’ll delight supporters…

Manchester United have enquired about Inter Milan defender and Tottenham Hotspur target Alessandro Bastoni, according to Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness). 

The lowdown

Inter paid just under £28million to sign Bastoni from Atalanta in the summer of 2017.

Now 23, he’s gone on to make 118 appearances for the club, including 44 in all competitions last season.

Bastoni, dubbed ‘perfect’ and a ‘talisman’ by talent scout Jacek Kulig, was part of the Italy squad that won last summer’s European Championships, playing their final group stage game against Wales, and he’s notched 14 caps for his country overall.

Tottenham Hotspur, who beat United to the final Champions League spot, are also in for him, hoping to reunite him with former Inter boss Antonio Conte.

The latest

The report states that United have been ‘asking for information’ about Bastoni with a view to a potential move.

Erik ten Hag is concerned by Raphael Varane’s fitness record and believes Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof ‘are not reliable’.

The Red Devils have been told that ‘it takes €60m’ (about £51.2million) to sign Bastoni, a price tag that ‘scares Conte’s Tottenham’.

Still, it may be regarded as a fee worth paying, with the report adding that the player is ‘the prototype of the modern defender’.

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The verdict

This will be a difficult deal for United, or indeed Spurs, to pull off.

Bastoni’s agent has recently said publicly that his client will be staying in Milan this summer.

However, that doesn’t necessarily mean a transfer should be ruled out completely, with The Athletic’s Jack Pitt-Brooke and James Horncastle insisting ‘there is still plenty of time left in the window for the situation to change’.

It’s easy to see why Ten Hag wants Bastoni, who featured in the Serie A Team of the Year when Inter won the league in 2020/21.

He also offers the ‘reliability’ that the Dutchman wants, with zero errors leading to an opposition goal on his record since he made his Serie A debut.

Journalist Mario Sconcerti has compared him to a ‘young [Leonardo] Bonucci’, and he can continue to get better.

In other news, Manchester United want this 27 y/o PL star.

Tottenham have now become the latest side to show an interest in Leeds United winger Raphinha, according to The Athletic.

The Lowdown: Raphinha in demand

Raphinha has been heavily linked with a move to Barcelona in recent months, however, a number of Premier League clubs have joined the race due to financial problems at the Nou Camp.

Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United and West Ham have all been credited with a summer interest in the Brazilian, who starred at Elland Road last season.

The 25-year-old netted 11 times and registered three assists to help keep the Whites in the top flight, and it looks as if his future could still be in England… but not in Yorkshire.

The Latest: Spurs join ‘big’ race

Adam Crafton of The Athletic took to Twitter on Tuesday afternoon to provide an update on the Leeds man. He revealed that Tottenham now hold a ‘genuine interest’ in Raphinha ‘in what may be one of the big tussles this summer’.

Leeds are open to the idea of cashing in on the winger, providing their valuation is met, with Elland Road chefs not expecting the player to pen a new deal.

The Verdict: £60m?

Phil Hay has previously stated that it would take a bid of between £60m and £70m to get Raphinha out of Elland Road. It would come as a surprise if a move to Spurs materialised, especially as Antonio Conte likes to use wing-backs, something many questioned when Raphinha turned out in a similar role under Jesse Marsch.

The list of clubs keen on his signature continues to grow, but that shouldn’t alter Leeds’ stance when it comes to an exit. They should continue to demand at least £60m for a player who has impressed in successive Premier League campaigns, and if they receive a fee in that region, the club should look to reinvest that money on attacking reinforcements ahead of Marsch’s first full season in charge.

In other news: As well as Roca: Leeds and Marsch now want to sign ‘incredible’ midfielder; Orta in overdrive. 

Premier League and BBC journalist Andy Sixsmith has been left wowed by what Newcastle United are plotting after the imminent signing of Nick Pope.

The Lowdown: Pope signs

The St. James’ Park outfit have confirmed that Pope has now signed from Burnley on a four-year deal, as he becomes their second summer signing after Matt Targett.

Their early arrivals means that they can now focus on other areas further up the pitch, with both the North East club and Arsenal reportedly leading the race to sign Fabian Ruiz from Napoli.

The Latest: Sixsmith wowed

Taking to Twitter, Sixsmith was left wowed when he heard that the Tynesiders are in for Ruiz this summer, even going as far as to claim that he would be ‘right up there with the Bruno Guimaraes signing’:

“There was NUFC interest in Fabian Ruiz in January – seemingly now again in the summer. A wonderful player with fantastic vision & an incredible left foot, this would be right up there with the Bruno Guimaraes signing if NUFC make a move.”

The Verdict: Exciting

The fact that the Magpies are being linked with a player of Ruiz’s quality is so exciting for the Toon Army.

He has consistently played at the highest level for Napoli over the last four campaigns, playing in both the UEFA Champions League and Europa League as well as in Serie A (Transfermarkt).

A midfield maestro like Bruno, the Spain international has scored 22 goals and 15 assists during his time in Naples so far (Transfermarkt), and would surely relish the opportunity to play alongside the Brazilian in the middle of the park.

The former Lyon star is already adored by NUFC supporters despite only joining in the January transfer window from Lyon, and so adding Ruiz to the mix would be a dream.

Arsenal’s interest in Bayern Munich winger Serge Gnabry has been made ‘more intriguing’ by the player’s contract situation, claims transfer insider Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Gnabry’s future

The former Gunner has only 12 months left on his contract with the German champions, and so far he has failed to commit his future to the Bundesliga outfit, opening up the possibility of a move away from the Allianz Arena this summer.

Bayern’s sporting director Hasan Salihamidžić has insisted that the club would love to keep hold of the 26-year-old: “We really want to keep him. We would love to extend with him. I think we showed him the necessary appreciation.”

However, with Gnabry’s future clearly uncertain, chief Bild journalist Christian Falk has now reported that Arsenal are interested in re-signing the Germany international.

The Latest: Jones reacts

Whilst Jones believes that a transfer will be difficult considering the Gunners missed out on Champions League football last season, he considers Gnabry’s contract situation a boost in Arsenal’s pursuit of the attacker.

Speaking with GiveMeSport, he claimed: “There has been some talk of Gnabry to Arsenal, and his contract situation has meant that’s more intriguing.

“I’m not sure it’s the level of club he would have in mind but let’s see if they can make inroads as a back-up plan.”

The Verdict: Good alternative to Raphinha

As Mikel Arteta’s side now look likely to miss out on Leeds United winger Raphinha, with the Brazilian reliably reported to be making the switch to Chelsea, the Gunners will need to look elsewhere if they want to sign a right-sided forward this summer.

Valued at £58.5m by Transfermarkt, the 26-year-old Gnabry has gone on to establish himself as one of the most exciting attackers in world football since leaving north London, bagging 64 goals and producing 40 assists in 171 appearances for Bayern. With numbers like that, it’s no wonder the versatile forward has been dubbed ‘world class’ by Rio Ferdinand.

And as Jones alludes to, the Bundesliga side could be forced into selling the player for much less than his market valuation due to his dwindling contract, perhaps making Gnabry the cheaper option when compared with Leeds’ £60m valuation of Raphinha.

Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge has now made a Tottenham Hotspur transfer claim involving sporting director Fabio Paratici amid the club’s hunt for new additions.

The Lowdown: Paratici busy…

Having already completed three major signings in Ivan Perisic, Fraser Forster and Yves Bissouma on permanent deals, the Lilywhites transfer chief hasn’t exactly stopped there.

Paratici also visited his native Italy last week and is believed to have conducted a meeting with Roma over potential player sales and getting information on their star playmaker Nicolo Zaniolo (Sky Sports).

Closer to home, Spurs remain heavily linked with the likes of Leeds United star Raphinha, among others.

The Latest: Michael Bridge makes Spurs claim…

Sharing an update on Paratici’s plans for the north Londoners, Sky journalist Bridge has some news for supporters.

Indeed, he claims that the sporting director personally has his eyes on Everton star Richarlison, although no bid has been made yet for the 25-year-old.

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Also sharing news on a possible exit agreement for midfielder Harry Winks, Bridge explained (via Twitter): “Tottenham & Everton still in talks over Harry Winks transfer. Tottenham want a permanent deal. Everton want loan deal with permanent obligation. Winks aware he’s not in Conte’s plans. #THFC keen to do deal with Everton. Richarlison is admired by Fabio Paratici but no bids so far.”

The Verdict: Advance…

Richarlison, who once boasted an asking price of £100m, could move on for much less than that this summer, as some reports suggest that he is now valued at £50m.

After this seismic drop in value, Spurs would be foolish not to take full advantage given that the Brazil international was statistically Everton’s best-performing player last season (WhoScored).

Having averaged the Toffees’ most attempts at goal per 90 in the Premier League whilst also finishing the 2021/22 campaign as their top scorer (10), Richarlison would undoubtedly strengthen Tottenham’s attacking options.

He is also apparently ‘open’ to joining manager Antonio Conte in N17, as reported by reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Tottenham Hotspur are readying another attempt to sign Everton forward Anthony Gordon as Antonio Conte gears up for his first full Premier League season in charge of the Lilywhites.

The Lowdown: Spurs eyeing Gordon…

As first reported by Sky Sports, the north Londoners hold a serious interest in the 21-year-old and were thought to be eyeing a package deal for both him and Richarlison at one stage.

While Spurs ended up confirming the latter’s capture separately, Gordon was also in the frame as a target for Conte, with reliable journalist Alasdair Gold even claiming recently that the Toffees youngster would be ‘keen’ on a move to N17.

According to reports, it now appears that Tottenham’s sporting director Fabio Paratici hasn’t given up on signing the exciting winger.

The Latest: Spurs readying special offer…

Indeed, The Daily Mirror’s print edition (03/07, p74, via The Boot Room), has shared a very interesting development involving Tottenham, Gordon and ex-Spurs star Dele Alli.

They claimed that Paratici and co are looking to offer a £20m package to sign Gordon but are also willing to chalk off the £10m payment owed by Everton for Alli’s services.

The total deal would amass to around £30m including the Alli factor, but in terms of straight cash, Spurs would pay just £20m out of their summer kitty.

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The Verdict: Ambitious?

While it remains to be seen whether Frank Lampard’s side would entertain a bid of this nature, there is little denying that Gordon would be a real coup for Tottenham if they do.

The England under-21 international finished last season as one of Everton’s bright sparks and attracted plenty of praise, with National League manager Luke Garrard of Boreham Wood even calling him a ‘frightening’ prospect after coming up against the youngster in the FA Cup earlier this year.

Gordon’s addition would balance the books in terms of Tottenham’s homegrown quota whilst also adding Premier League-proven quality (49 top-flight appearances) to Conte’s ranks.

Indeed, if Paratici somehow manages to pull off the move, it could be a stroke of genius from the Italian transfer chief.

According to reliable journalist Ryan Taylor, Southampton are one of the clubs tracking Stuttgart striker Sasa Kalajdzic this summer.

The Lowdown: Sought-after talent

The Austrian has just under 12 months remaining on his contract with the Bundesliga outfit, meaning that a decision on his future needs to be made during this window.

As per The Athletic, the 25-year-old is one of the most sought-after talents in Europe after enjoying a hugely successful season with the German giants, and it looks like Ralph Hasenhuttl has identified him as a player who he’s keen to bring to the Premier League.

The Latest: Saints tracking Kalajdzic

Taking to Twitter, Taylor revealed that Southampton, alongside many other English clubs, are monitoring Kalajdzic’s transfer situation. He wrote:

“In addition to Manchester United; West Ham, Brighton, Southampton & Ajax are among the clubs tracking Sasa Kalajdzic. Stuttgart looking for £16m-£20m. There have been loose discussions with his agent Sascha Empacher but no concrete proposals at this stage.”

The Verdict: Broja’s successor

Now that Armando Broja has returned to parent club Chelsea following the conclusion of his loan spell at St. Mary’s, Hasenhuttl will be looking for a direct replacement, and Kalajdzic can add a totally different dimension up top.

Standing at a staggering 6 foot 7, the forward, who’s been likened to Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Peter Crouch, would bring a major physical threat in the box, as well as clocking up goal contributions, having made eight in 15 league appearances for Stuttgart last season, via Transfermarkt.

Gaining his compatriot’s services would be a massive coup for the Austrian boss if the Saints managed to fend off their strong competitors and bring their target to the south coast ahead of the start of the new campaign.

Manchester United are reportedly prepared to listen to offers for three defenders during the ongoing transfer window, according to a report from the Daily Mail. 

The lowdown: Man Utd’s defensive woes

The Red Devils struggled for consistency at the heart of their defence during the 2021/22 campaign, conceding 57 goals in the Premier League – the second-worst tally among the top 10 finishers.

Raphael Varane, Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof all had issues with either injuries or form at various points in the season, leading to Erik ten Hag attempting to address the problem area with the signing of Lisandro Martinez from his former club Ajax.

Off the back of the Argentine’s arrival, three central defenders are seemingly surplus to requirements at Old Trafford…

The latest: Three could be axed

As per the Daily Mail, United are ‘willing to listen to offers’ for any of Phil Jones, Axel Tuanzebe and Eric Bailly this summer.

It’s claimed that all three ‘could be allowed to leave’ the club as Ten Hag looks to ‘kickstart a rebuild’ in Manchester and overhaul an underperforming defensive department.

The report added that Jones – who was hailed by Luke Shaw for a ‘phenomenal’ 7.60 Sofascore rated display containing two clearances, three blocked shots and two interceptions in the Red Devil’s defeat to Wolves at the start of 2022 – has ‘attracted tentative enquiries’ from DC United, now managed by United legend Wayne Rooney.

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The verdict: Two must go

Ultimately, selling out-of-favour stars such as the aforementioned trio, and in turn releasing them from the wage bill, is imperative if the club are to move forwards from the previous era, particularly those such as Jones and Tuanzebe who have entered the final 12 months of their contracts (Transfermarkt).

Once regarded as a bright prospect at Old Trafford and having submitted an extraordinary performance against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, 24-year-old academy graduate Tuanzebe has never truly held down a place in the senior plans – making just 37 first-team outings – and a sale could be the best next move for all parties.

While Bailly’s future also appears on the line, he is under contract until 2024, so the 46-cap Ivory Coast international must surely be keen to impress Ten Hag and be given a stay of execution to prove his worth at United.

However, despite being a veteran of 228 appearances over 11 years for the Red Devils, only five of those have come in the last two years, and time certainly appears to be up on Jones’ career in Manchester. The former Blackburn Rovers man should be free to leave with the blessing of all associated with the club.

David Moyes has seemingly suffered a big blow at West Ham United, with summer signing Nayef Aguerd set to be sidelined after picking up an injury in the pre-season defeat against Rangers recently.

What’s the word?

After signing in a £30m deal from Rennes, the 26-year-old had looked set to be a regular starter for the Hammers at centre-back next season.

However, he was forced off with an ankle injury in the 3-1 defeat at Ibrox, which could leave Moyes very short of options ahead of the season opener against reigning Premier League champions Manchester City.

In a recent interview with GiveMeSport, journalist Paul Brown shared the latest on the Moroccan’s injury, saying: “He’s had a scan and they’re still waiting to see, as I understand, but there’s no indication for the timescale.

“That would obviously be a big blow if he was unable to start the season because they’ve put a lot of stock into him and they’re expecting him to be quite an important player for the club, so they wouldn’t want him to be out for too long.”

Supporters will be worried

Considering the quality of their opponents for their first league fixture of 2022/23, the last thing West Ham need is another injury crisis at centre-back.

Aguerd was brought into to add defensive squad depth after Craig Dawson was left as the only fit centre-back towards the end of last season, following long-term injuries to Angelo Ogbonna, Issa Diop and Kurt Zouma.

While the two Frenchmen should be fit to start the campaign, and Ogbonna has recovered from his ACL injury, Dawson has yet to feature in pre-season with a knock of his own, so Moyes will still be very low on numbers at the back if Aguerd isn’t fit for the Irons’ season opener on 7 August.

The Morocco international had appeared to be a shrewd acquisition given his performances in Ligue 1 in recent years, but it seems as if West Ham fans will have to wait a while to see him in competitive action, and they will be hoping that his ankle injury isn’t too severe.

AND in other news – “It’s true…”: West Ham target drops huge transfer hint, supporters will be buzzing – opinion