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Crystal Palace are interested in signing Chelsea defender Levi Colwill.

What’s the word?

That is according to journalist Fabrizio Romano, who took to Twitter to issue an update on the 19-year-old centre-back, along with an update over the clubs who have enquired about signing the youngster.

Taking to social media, Romano said: “Chelsea will sign two centre backs this summer but will also make final decision on Levi Colwill, as multiple clubs are interested in signing the English centre back on a permanent deal.

“Leicester, Crystal Palace, Brighton and Nottingham Forest have asked for Colwill.”

Vieira’s dream

Colwill spent last season on loan at Huddersfield Town, where he enjoyed regular first-team football in a campaign which saw the Terriers reach the Championship play-off final.

He featured 57% of their Championship games and amassing two goals and one assist along the way.

For his first season in professional football, it’s an impressive return for the 19-year-old, so you can understand the level of interest which surrounds him.

Having signed former Chelsea defender Marc Guehi, Palace manager Patrick Vieira will greatly understand the potential of Cobham prospects and could move for a defender either way, with a tactical switch which would see Palace set up with a back five said to be on the cards.

If this is the case, the 45-year-old is rightly on the lookout for a left-footed centre-back, which ironically seems to be the theme of this summer’s transfer window.

Vieira will require a player who is comfortable operating on the left side of defence and is comfortable with the ball at his feet.

Colwill demonstrated those tendencies in his debut campaign at senior level, ranking third in the Huddersfield squad for accurate passes per game, with his average of 41.9 per match at a completion rate of 78.4% speaking volumes about his ability as a young player in possession.

He would offer a different but much-needed option at Selhurst Park, occupying both elegance and a tenacity within his playing style, his average of 1.7 tackles per game the Terriers’ second-highest in 2021/22.

Quite simply, he appears to be Vieira’s dream defender.

AND in other news – “Will probably leave”: Journalist drops big Palace transfer claim that’ll delight supporters 

Manchester United’s hopes of signing Matthijs de Ligt this summer have been given a boost, with the Dutch defender reportedly set to hand in a transfer request at Juventus.

What’s the word?

The Red Devils and Chelsea have both been linked with the former Ajax man this summer, with Erik ten Hag no doubt keen to reunite with his former captain as he targets defensive reinforcements ahead of his first season in charge at Old Trafford.

A move for the 22-year-old seemed unlikely, due to the £103m release clause in his contract with the Serie A club.

However, that could soon be a non-issue, with Italian news outlet Corriere Dello Sport suggesting that he has now requested a move away from Turin, with United and Chelsea in the driving seat to sign him.

With De Ligt’s contract set to expire in 2024, the report claims that Juventus may be forced to accept a lower fee for the Netherlands international, as the two parties were unable to agree on a lower release clause in a new contract, which suggests that he is set to leave the Allianz Stadium this summer.

Ten Hag would love him

Given that Ten Hag handed De Ligt the Ajax captaincy when he was just 19, and watched as he produced some sensational performances in their run to the Champions League semi-finals in 2019, the 52-year-old is clearly a fan of the young defender.

It seems clear that defensive additions are required this summer if United are to challenge at the top of the league once again, as they shipped 57 goals in the top flight last season, more than relegated Burnley.

Although the centre-back is yet to reproduce for Juventus the form that he showed at Ajax, he has still been a regular in Turin over the past few years and averaged a solid 6.87 rating from WhoScored across 31 Serie A appearances last season.

Former Juve defender Andrea Barzagli was full of praise for the 22-year-old last year, saying: “De Ligt is a modern defender who likes physical contact, has incredible potential and a strong professionalism. He has been under pressure since he was very young, yet he is always calm.”

Therefore, he would clearly be an excellent addition to Ten Hag’s squad ahead of next season, so the Glazers should part ways with the €70m (£60.3m) that it would now reportedly cost to sign him.

In other news… Man Utd can sign Pogba upgrade in “world-class” maestro, he’s a “magician on the ball”

Tottenham Hotspur and by extension their sporting director Fabio Paratici are readying an offer to sign one ‘massive’ player for manager Antonio Conte, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Spurs summer in full swing…

Spurs are reportedly eyeing a right-wing-back, central defender and new forward after completing a plethora of deals already this summer.

Paratici has been working behind-the-scenes as the Lilywhites are tasked with appeasing Conte and realising the Italian’s ambition ahead of his first full Premier League season in charge.

Already, the Lilywhites have confirmed a trio of signings in Ivan Perisic, Fraser Forster and Yves Bissouma and more could be set to come in.

The Latest: Paratici readying bid for ‘massive’ player…

According to reporter and Sport Italia TV journalist Gianluigi Longari, it appears Paratici is now readying a bid for another potential incoming at Hotspur Way.

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Indeed, as per his information, Tottenham are willing to submit an offer for Leeds United star Raphinha.

He explained (via Twitter):

“Also #Tottenham want #LUFC winger and ready to submit an offer (50M+10M ).

The Verdict: Get it done…

The 25-year-old stands out as a real star target for Spurs, and while they may struggle to get a deal done given all the competition, we believe Paratici’s efforts will be justified.

As per WhoScored, Raphinha finished 21/22 as Leeds’ best performing-player by average match rating and scored their most goals – all while racking up the highest rate of shots at goal, key passes made and completed dribbles per 90.

Taking all of this into account, it’s hardly a surprise his manager Jesse Marsch branded the Brazil international a ‘massive’ player, while ex-Spurs boss Tim Sherwood has also called him ‘phenomenal’.

Indeed, he may well be worth the investment.

Tottenham Hotspur have been rather active in the transfer market since Antonio Conte was appointed as their manager last November.

During the January transfer window, the Lilywhites brought in Dejan Kulusevski and Rodrigo Bentancur, both from Juventus.

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Despite it still only being early days in the current transfer window, the north London club have already secured deals for Ivan Perisic, Fraser Forster and Yves Bissouma.

Looking back over their recent Premier League campaign, one man who was undeniably a standout figure for Conte was Heung-min Son. In 35 top-flight appearances, the attacker found the net 23 times and delivered nine assists, earning himself a share of the Golden Boot.

Looking ahead to the rest of the summer transfer window, Fabio Paratici could follow up his already impressive work over the past few weeks by securing what could be Tottenham’s next version of their South Korean star.

Earlier this week, it was reported by The Athletic that Spurs are interested in signing Leeds United winger Raphinha.

In October 2020, the Yorkshire club struck a £17m deal with Ligue 1 club Rennes for the Brazilian. Since then, the 25-year-old has gone on to score 17 goals and deliver 12 assists in 67 appearances for the Whites.

With the same number of Premier League appearances to his name as Son last season, the Leeds star made more dribbles, delivered more crosses and took just one fewer shot at goal than the 29-year-old.

This highlights the attacking similarities between the two and shows why the Brazilian could be a great attacking asset for the north London club if he swaps Yorkshire for N17.

Described as a “magician” by fellow Leeds attacker Dan James, Raphinha has also had his attacking flair and tricks on the pitch labelled “disgusting” by an admiring Jermaine Beckford.

Despite having a reported price tag of at least £60m, this could be an investment worth making for Spurs, as the Elland Road star seems to have the ability to be another Son at Tottenham.

With the Lilywhites having the prospect of Champions League football under a hugely successful manager in Conte to use as persuading factors when it comes to signing players this summer, there’s every chance that this could sway the Brazilian to say goodbye to Leeds and start a new chapter of his career.

In other news: Sky Sports drop big behind-the-scenes transfer claim, it’s terrible news for Spurs

Leeds United have reportedly held ‘conversations’ over a move for Red Bull Salzburg striker Junior Adamu.

The Lowdown: Leeds interested in Adamu

The Whites have already raided the Austrian giants twice this summer by signing Brenden Aaronson and Rasmus Kristensen. Leeds may not stop there though, with Sky Sport Austria recently claiming that Adamu is of interest to Jesse Marsch’s side.

Described as ‘ice cold’ and ‘special’ by UEFA-licensed coach Cherno Samba, Adamu has contributed to 14 goals in 44 games for Salzburg, and it looks as if a move to Yorkshire could be on the cards for the 21-year-old.

The Latest: Adamu transfer update

LUFCFANZONE provided an update regarding Leeds’ pursuit for a striker on Friday evening, which they shared on Instagram.

They spoke to a source close to Adamu, who confirmed that there have been ‘conversations’ over a possible move to Elland Road. The source added that ‘nothing is concrete yet – but he is definitely on Leeds’ shortlist’.

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The Verdict: Exciting

Victor Orta, Andrea Radrizzani and Marsch aren’t hanging around when it comes to bolstering Leeds’ squad this summer, with a third signing from Salzburg now on the cards.

Adamu looks like an exciting target, as he is still just 21 years of age and has an excellent record for Austria under-21s, scoring 11 goals in 13 games, so he could fit in perfectly at Elland Road alongside Patrick Bamford and Joe Gelhardt.

LUFCFANZONE have mooted a £12m figure over a potential transfer, so Adamu could be the next exciting forward to leave Salzburg for the Premier League, following in the footsteps of Sadio Mane and Patson Daka.

In other news: ‘In the last few minutes’ – Sky Sports drop live TV news; Leeds now free to secure third summer signing

Everton could allow Jarrad Branthwaite to leave the club this summer, according to a report from The Daily Mail (print edition 05/06, p150), via Lancs Live. 

The lowdown: Top-flight taster

After spending time on loan at Blackburn Rovers during 2020/21, the young defender was kept on Merseyside last season after undergoing ankle surgery.

A frequent presence on the bench under Rafael Benitez, the 19-year-old centre-back played 90 minutes and scored a crucial goal in the 1-1 draw against Chelsea in December.

Following a flurry of injury and suspension issues towards the end of the campaign, the Carlisle-born starlet ended the season firmly in Frank Lampard’s plans.

The latest: Branthwaite exit looming

As per The Daily Mail (via Lancs Live), despite a strong end to 2021/22, Everton want to send Branthwaite out on loan again this summer.

The Toffees are believed to be keen for the England under-20 ace obtain more regular first-team action and could be willing to sanction a temporary exit for him in the near future.

Under contract at Goodison Park until 2025 (Transfermarkt), the youngster – who was hailed for a ‘terrific’ display for the Toffees’ under-23s by assistant manager John Ebbrell in pre-season – remains part of the long-term planning at the club.

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The verdict: Smart move

The Everton defence was far from rock-solid throughout 2021/22, conceding 66 times in just 38 Premier League matches (more than relegated Burnley). However, with the potential signing of James Tarkowski to add to Michael Keane, Yerry Mina and Mason Holgate, it could be another watching brief for Branthwaite for the most part if he were to remain at Goodison Park.

Therefore, sending the towering 6 foot 5 colossus out on loan, either to a top-end Championship club or a potential top-flight suitor abroad, would make plenty of sense from a development perspective, whilst also avoiding the prospect of any permanent bids from reported suitors Manchester United.

Having only made 37 senior career outings to date, a season of exposure to top-quality strikers and the rigours of regular first-team football will be a valuable learning curve for Branthwaite which should see the youngster return to Everton as an improved defender, so a loan exit could be highly beneficial.

In other news: Frank McAvennie has reacted to this Everton off-field development

Reliable journalist Alasdair Gold has shared his thoughts on the rumours linking Tottenham Hotspur with a move for Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie.

The Lowdown: McKennie links

According to a report by Gazzetta dello Sport, the Turin outfit are willing to part ways with the United States international this summer, amidst interest from Spurs.

It is understood that the 23-year-old was one of the midfielders on Antonio Conte’s transfer wish list ahead of the January window, and it is said that Lilywhites managing director Fabio Paratici is a huge admirer of McKennie, as he played a big role in the American making the switch from Schalke 04.

The report claims that Juventus would be willing to sell the midfielder for a fee in the region of £34m.

The Latest: Gold’s claim

In a Q&A for football.london, Gold was questioned over the validity of the rumours linking McKennie with a move to Hotspur Way.

In response, he claimed: “I know Paratici spoke to McKennie’s representatives about a future move in January. If the USA international is available this summer then I would expect Spurs to test the water as he would tick a lot of boxes for the squad.”

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The Verdict: Great addition

Whilst the number of appearances were made significantly lower due to McKennie’s metatarsal fracture, the American made just 15 starts for the Serie A club this season, illustrating how he has dropped down Massimiliano Allegri’s pecking order.

However, at just 23 years of age, the midfielder probably has at least a decade left of his football career, so a move elsewhere could revitalise his ambitions.

For Spurs, McKennie’s arrival would provide fantastic depth to the squad.

Compared to incredible box-to-box midfielders N’Golo Kante and Gennaro Gattuso by former USA international Alexi Lalas, the Juventus dynamo would provide cover if/when the likes of Harry Winks depart the club, with the Englishman expected to join fellow Premier League side Southampton.

Having ranked in the 98th percentile for touches in the attacking penalty area and progressive passes received when compared with positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year (via FBRef), McKennie could challenge for a starting spot in Conte’s team.

Therefore, this would appear to be an astute prospective addition for the Lilywhites.

In other news: Spurs considering move for this Premier League dynamo

Rangers boss Gio van Bronckhorst is set to embark upon his first summer transfer window in charge of the club in the coming months.

The Dutch head coach came in after last year’s dealings and was then backed in January with the signings of Aaron Ramsey, Mateusz Zukowski, James Sands and Amad Diallo.

John Souttar is officially set to join upon the expiry of his contract at Hearts to become the first signing of the 2022/23 campaign.

One player the club have now been urged to move for is Everton center-forward Ellis Simms. Former Gers striker Kenny Miller has tipped them to swoop for the Hearts loanee: “The one player in Scotland I’d look at for Rangers is Simms.

“I really like the look of him. When you see the trouble Rangers had with strikers towards the end of the season, it’s something I’d consider.”

Kemar Roofe 2.0

Van Bronckhorst can find a new striker to come in and challenge Alfredo Morelos for his place in the starting XI next season.

Simms, who was born in Oldham less than 90 miles from Roofe in Walsall, is another English-born centre-forward who has the potential to improve the club’s options at the top end of the pitch. The Jamaican international scored 10 goals in 21 league games as he played second fiddle to the Colombian and the Everton man can play a similar role.

In 11 Premiership starts, he produced five goals and one assist for Robbie Neilson’s side. This comes after he scored 10 goals in 19 League One starts for Blackpool in the previous campaign, with these two loan spells illustrating his knack for putting the ball in the back of the net.

Everton U23s Assistant John Ebbrell previously lauded the forward’s talents, saying: “What I do know with Ellis, if he ends up one-vs-one with the goalkeeper, he’s scoring.

“From experience, I know if you have time to think for that finish it can be difficult but Ellis is really calm and composed in those situations. He very rarely misses.”

Toffees reporter Chris Smith also dubbed him a “clinical finisher” and his aforementioned statistics back that up as he has an impressive strike rate at senior level during his loan spells – 15 goals in 30 starts.

Simms can come in and be the new Roofe to challenge Morelos for his throne at Ibrox. Cedric Itten tried and failed and now it is time for a new challenger to enter the fray.

At the age of 21, he has plenty of years left ahead of him to develop and the statistics in the early parts of his career show that he has an excellent base to build from. This is why Rangers must seal a deal to sign him from Everton, initially on loan or permanently, as he can be a superb addition to the squad.

AND in other news, Race won: Wilson lands Rangers deal for sought-after teenage gem, GvB will be buzzing…

Wolves are plotting a move for Venezia striker Thomas Henry ahead of what could be a busy summer transfer window for Bruno Lage and co at Molineux.

What’s the word?

According to reports, via BBC Sport, Wolves are interested in working out a deal to bring Henry to Molineux in the summer transfer window.

The French striker has only been at the Italian side for a year but has already made a solid impression which has gathered Premier League interest.

The 27-year-old’s contract doesn’t expire for another two years and his impressive performances will surely have ramped up the fee Venezia will be able to command.

Wolves can unearth their own Luis Suarez

Bruno Lage has made a solid start in life at Molineux, he has guided the side to their third top half finish in four seasons since their promotion from the Championship in 2018 and will have high hopes ahead of next season.

Henry has scored nine times in Serie A for relegated Venezia, and this is a more than respectable return and he could bolster the Wolves frontline.

The club could unearth their own Suarez in the Frenchman with the pair stated as similar in style and statistics by FB Ref this season.

Henry has managed 2.4 shots on target per 90 minutes, whereas the Uruguayan sits at 2.5, and both players have scored over ten goals in all competitions.

In terms of shot-creating actions, Henry has 38 for the season compared to 36 for Suarez and shows that they still pose an attacking threat, despite being in teams that have struggled at points over the course of the season. With that in mind, it’s clear to see why an assessment from Lokeren boss Karel Fraeye suggested he’s a player who can “cause havoc” for defenders.

Wolves might have to pay slightly more than the striker’s £4.5m valuation, but with “powerful” praise being lavished upon the 6 foot 4 colossus earlier this season, they may just have found themselves a bargain.

AND in other news, Closing in: WWFC plot bid for “impressive” £10m ace, he’s the future

Aston Villa are among the favourites to sign Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips, according to a report from Football Insider. 

The lowdown: Phillips a wanted man

As the Yorkshire club face the threat of relegation from the Premier League, Phillips remains hot property following a breakthrough 18 months at the elite level.

Having helped guide Leeds into the top flight, the 26-year-old was outstanding whilst earning a 7.21 Sofascore rating during the 2020/21 campaign, winning 5.3 duels, making 2.6 tackles and completing 41 accurate passes on average per match.

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Despite struggling with an injury-hit campaign this time around, Phillips has still been heavily linked with a move away this summer, with West Ham United seeing a bid rejected in the January transfer window.

The latest: Villa in the mix for Phillips

As per a recruitment source at Football Insider, Aston Villa and Newcastle United are believed to be ‘leading the race’ to sign Phillips.

It is claimed that both clubs have made the 19-cap England international a ‘top target’ for the upcoming transfer window and have already begun the required ‘groundwork’ to make a deal happen.

The report added that Manchester United are ‘also keen’ to sign the 26-year-old, who was hailed as ‘phenomenal’ by former Three Lions manager Fabio Capello during a standout Euro 2020.

The verdict: Make it happen

So far this season, Phillips – currently a one-club man –  has made 22 appearances across all competitions for Leeds, scoring once and providing one assist.

Predominantly a defensive-minded midfielder, the combative Englishman boasts an array of impressive attributes including tackling, blocking and interceptions (WhoScored), which makes him the ideal man to bolster Steven Gerrard’s squad should ownership group NSWE sanction a big-money move.

Indeed, his average of 2.7 tackles per game is the joint-second highest at Elland Road, which highlights the steel he offers in the middle of the park.

Having had the chance to assess the current playing staff since his arrival at Villa Park, Gerrard is expected to shake up the ranks over the summer. As such, the likes of midfield duo Marvelous Nakamba and Morgan Sanson could be on their way out of the Midlands, potentially making room and indeed providing funds for Phillips’ possible arrival.

In other news: Former Villa boss reacts to £50m+ plus price tag for ‘fantastic’ ace