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West Ham are one of the teams who have asked about Burnley winger Dwight McNeil, according to 90Min. 

The lowdown

McNeil and Burnley suffered relegation to the Championship on the final day of the 2021/22 season after a 2-1 defeat to Newcastle.

The Athletic’s Andy Jones reported in the days following their demotion that internal discussions would be held about McNeil’s future.

He featured in every single Premier League game for the Clarets last term, starting 35 out of 38.

The 22-year-old has two years left on his contract at Turf Moor and is valued at £16.2million by Transfermarkt.

The latest

90min journalist Graeme Bailey names six sides who have expressed an interest in signing McNeil.

West Ham, Newcastle, Tottenham, Everton, Brentford and Fulham are all considering a move for the Englishman.

The verdict

The 21/22 season was not only a difficult one for Burnley as a collective, but also for McNeil individually.

He failed to score a goal and only registered one assist, having notched seven goal involvements (2G 5A) the season before.

He was even booed by the club’s supporters during a heavy defeat against Chelsea in March.

Moyes, then, would potentially have to rebuild his confidence, but he’ll be able to look beyond his recent woes.

This is a player with a great deal of potential, as evidenced by his ten caps for England at Under-21 level.

If he’s available for a reduced fee following their relegation, then he might still be worth a punt.

In other news, David Moyes is personally looking at this bid.

Everton have reportedly now ‘asked for’ versatile Porto midfielder Otavio and are expected to make an official bid soon.

The Lowdown: Liverpool target

Otavio has been strongly linked with a move to Merseyside rivals Liverpool this summer, but given that they are now set to sign Darwin Nunez from Benfica, they may put any potential move for the FC Porto attacker on the back-burner.

This would open the door for the Goodison Park outfit, as Frank Lampard looks to strengthen his starting eleven ahead of the new season.

The Latest: Enquiry made

As per O Jogo (via Sport Witness), the Toffees have now made an enquiry over the possibility of signing Otavio and have ‘asked for’ the Portugal international.

They are expected to make an official bid, but Otavio is protected by his whopping €60m (£51.2m) release clause.

The Verdict: Unrealistic

Given that Porto will be playing in the UEFA Champions League next term after winning their domestic title, and that the Blues have reportedly had financial trouble over the last year, it just seems too unrealistic that they would be able to sign Otavio, especially for his asking price.

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He would be a great signing, having scored five goals and made a further 14 assists in total over all competitions last campaign (whole of the frontline and on both flanks would be a valuable asset to Lampard.

However, the club should not be wasting their time here unless they can seriously whittle that release clause down.

In other news, find out what ‘massive’ boost EFC have now received here!

Newcastle United have been linked with a swoop for Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window.

What’s the news?

According to a recent report from Record, the Tyneside club are interested in bringing the Portuguese shot-stopper to St James’ Park this summer.

A product of Porto’s youth system, the 22-year-old has gone on to make 146 appearances for the club across their senior and youth teams.

With 68 senior appearances to his name, the £14k-per-week goalkeeper, who was labelled “superb” by podcaster Zach Lowy on Twitter, has kept 27 clean sheets.

To further highlight his talent between the sticks, Costa ended his latest campaign at Porto with the joint-lowest rate of goals against per 90 minutes (0.67) in the Portuguese top flight from 33 appearances.

Also, with 66 shots faced, he made 47 saves to help his team secure the league title and end the season with fewer goals conceded (22) than any other side in the division.

Bye-bye Darlow

In terms of a potential move to Newcastle this summer, this could give Eddie Howe the chance to finally get rid of one man in his squad who didn’t get much of a look in since the former Bournemouth manager was appointed on Tyneside, namely Karl Darlow.

In just eight league appearances this season, all of which came between September and November, the 31-year-old failed to keep even one clean sheet and ended up conceding 15 goals in total.

After his performance in Newcastle’s 3-3 draw against Brentford last November, Toon legend Alan Shearer said that Darlow looked “nervous” throughout the game, which could be why Howe took him out of the team for the remainder of the season thereafter.

Taking all this into account, getting rid of the Englishman and bringing in the young Porto shot-stopper could be a great bit of prospective business from Newcastle yo freshen up this part of Howe’s squad ahead of next season.

While Martin Dubravka seems to be the first-choice goalkeeper at the moment, there’s every chance that Costa could well provide some competition for the number one spot should he find himself leaving the club where he has spent the entirety of his career so far and joining Newcastle this summer.

In other news – “From what I gather…”: Craig Hope drops NUFC claim that’ll leave supporters buzzing

Everton are facing tough competition from a number of Premier League clubs in their pursuit of Chelsea defender Levi Colwill, according to the Liverpool Echo.

The Lowdown: Colwill’s season

The 19-year-old spent the season on loan at Championship outfit Huddersfield Town, helping the Terriers to reach the play-off final, which they lost to Nottingham Forest on Sunday.

The centre-back featured 31 times in the Yorkshire club’s promotion push from the second tier, averaging 1.7 tackles and 4.3 clearances per game and earning himself a strong overall rating of 7.10 for the season (via SofaScore).

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The Latest: Everton face competition for Colwill

According to the Liverpool Echo, Everton are now facing competition in the race to sign Colwill on loan for next season.

Having caught the eye during his time in the Championship, the defender has recently been linked with a move to Goodison Park.

However, according to Goal (via Liverpool Echo), scouts from ‘a host of Premier League clubs’ were at Wembley on Sunday to watch Colwill in action, so it may take something special to stand out from the multitude of prospective suitors.

The Verdict: Fantastic potential

With Everton narrowly avoiding relegation, Frank Lampard will now be able to offer first-hand Premier League experience to Colwill, who will likely be looking to make the step up from Championship football.

Dubbed the ‘new John Terry’ for his integral part in Huddersfield’s promotion push, the 19-year-old clearly has fantastic potential which is yet to be explored in the top flight by his parent club Chelsea.

Therefore, if there isn’t a place for him in Thomas Tuchel’s side next season, then a loan move elsewhere in the Premier League would be ideal for all parties involved, given the youngster’s ‘incredibly bright’ future (in the words of Chelsea reporter Nick Purewal).

In other news: Pete O’Rourke wowed by Everton transfer news involving another British starlet

While PIF and Eddie Howe have already made astute transfer market moves at Newcastle United in 2022, the previous regime was blighted with transfer mistakes and missed opportunities, with former owner Mike Ashley and Howe’s predecessor Steve Bruce not exactly making the wisest transfer dealings.

One common theme that dominated previous years was inaction in the transfer window, with the Magpies having been far too hesitant and reluctant to spend, despite their continual suffering at the foot of the table.

That frugality and stubbornness often saw the Tynesiders miss out on potential stars, with Arsenal’s Takehiro Tomiyasu just one name to have escaped the clutches of Bruce and co in recent seasons.

While he was eventually signed by the Gunners on a £20m deal last summer, the Japan international could have actually been snapped up a year prior, with the northeast side reportedly scouting the versatile full-back while at former club Bologna, alongside West Ham.

A further report suggested that the Serie A outfit had set the player’s asking price at just £15m – £5m less than he was eventually sold for a year later – although Newcastle passed up the chance, instead opting to bring in the likes of Jeff Hendrick, Ryan Fraser and Jamal Lewis that summer, as well as the more successful signing of Callum Wilson.

The club have seemingly been left to pay for that mistake since then, however, having been left with just Emil Krafth and Javier Manquillo as right-back options for much of the last two seasons, with Kieran Trippier having struggled with injury since his January arrival.

Even at centre-back, however, Tomiyasu would likely have been a more than adequate replacement, with the club having shipped 62 league goals in the 2021/22 campaign – the sixth-worst record in the division.

As for the £57k-per-week gem, he also had his troubles with injury during his debut campaign at the club, although has managed to earn rave reviews from across the game, having been dubbed Arsenal’s “signing of the season” for his impact by journalist Kaya Kaynak, while teammate Ben White also insisted that the 28-cap star “does the simple things at a world-class level.”

Although the aforementioned Trippier has somewhat softened the blow at having missed out on the 23-year-old, Bruce and Ashley’s failings did leave the club without a quality right-back for almost 18 months, with recruitment defensively as whole having been shoddy in recent years.

Now valued at £22.5m, Tomiyasu looks likely to prove a bargain even for Mikel Arteta’s side, with it hard to believe that Newcastle missed the chance to sign him for just £15m – another major error of the Bruce-Ashley era.

IN other news, Eddie Howe can now help NUFC sign “spectacular” £64m “nightmare”, he’s better than Saint-Maximin

Sky Sports pundit Paul Robinson has claimed that Ryan Kent could now leave Glasgow Rangers this summer.

The Lowdown: Premier League interest

After their exploits in the Europa League, a few of the Teddy Bears’ most valuable stars are likely to attract interest, notably from the Premier League.

Calvin Bassey has already been strongly linked with a move away from Ibrox, with Aston Villa among a number of clubs thought to be interested in his signature, and he will not be the only player in Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s squad who will be eyed by the riches of the English top flight.

Indeed, Kent has already been linked with moves to the likes of Leeds United and Everton in recent weeks.

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The Latest: Kent tipped for Rangers exit

Speaking to Football Insider, Robinson has claimed that Kent could well follow Bassey and others out the door at Ibrox.

The former Premier League goalkeeper said of the ex-Liverpool winger: “This could be the window where he leaves. I think Rangers will receive an offer too good to turn down.

“Kent has had an unbelievable season once again. I know he hasn’t got the goals but he’s still been fantastic. He has put in some performances in big games.

“I’m sure there’ll be offers on the table for him. I don’t think Rangers will be able to turn them down.

“Kent will have ambitions to play in the Premier League at the top level. They were so close to getting Champions League football and I think that would make all the difference.

“Will competing for the Scottish title and the Europa League be enough for Kent? I’m not sure. It might not be enough. The lure of the Premier League might be too big.”

The Verdict: Worrying

As Robinson has suggested, the lure of the Premier League might be too big for Kent to turn down, which will come as a huge worry for the Light Blues and their supporters.

As mentioned above, both Leeds and Everton are reportedly eyeing moves for him; and at 25 years of age, he may not get a better chance in his career to play at the top level in England.

Nonetheless, the Gers need to try and keep hold of him at all costs, given his 23 goal contributions this season. However, if they are resigned to letting him leave, then they must demand the highest fee possible for his services, given how difficult he could be to replace.

In other news, find out what ‘huge’ boost Rangers are now set to enjoy

Celtic had a rather significant summer last year, not just because of the hefty number of players who moved in and out of the club, but because of their change in management.

After seeing Neil Lennon leave in February 2021, Ange Postecoglou took over on a permanent basis in June having signed a 12-month rolling contract.

Now that the 2021/22 season has drawn to an end and the 56-year-old has brought the Premiership title back to Parkhead in his first attempt, a claim has emerged over the Australian’s future at Lennoxtown which will surely have lots of Celtic fans buzzing.

What’s the talk?

Speaking to Football Insider, Gabby Agbonlahor raised the possibility of Celtic offering Postecoglou a new long-term deal.

The former Aston Villa striker said of the 56-year-old: “I think he does deserve that long-term deal, he has been outstanding this season. I’m sure they will give him that. It’s big for Scottish football. It’s great for Scottish football.

“Rangers and Celtic both look really good at the moment, next season is going to be really exciting. I remember as a kid always watching Rangers v Celtic, now, more people will be watching because they are both doing well.”

Earlier this month, it was reported by the Daily Record that the Parkhead club will look to sit down with Postecoglou and offer him a new long-term deal as a result of his successful first season in charge of the Bhoys.

While there has been no official announcement yet on the matter, the Hoops boss recently said that the Celtic fans would not need to worry about his future at the club.

Taking into account how Postecoglou has won 42 of his 60 games in charge at Celtic, it’s safe to say that Hoops supporters would love to see the Australian not only continue his journey with the Parkhead club but carry on with them on a long-term basis.

The sooner that the 56-year-old puts pen to paper on a new contract, the sooner that he and the Celtic hierarchy can get on with preparing for the new season and being as successful as they can on the domestic and European front.

In other news: Kieran Devlin shares big Lennoxtown transfer claim, Celtic supporters will be buzzing

Steven Gerrard can take a big step closer to the top half of the Premier League by leading Aston Villa to a win against Crystal Palace today.

Both teams have enjoyed slight resurgences of late and come into the match in decent form, although Villa suffered defeat against Liverpool in midweek.

Gerrard could be considering some changes to his starting XI following that defeat, with the aim of securing all three points against Palace.

With that in mind, how might the 41-year-old set up his Villa team today?

Villa predicted XI

Martinez – Cash, Mings, Konsa, Digne – Luiz, Chukwuemeka, McGinn – Coutinho, Buendia – Ings

In goal, Emiliano Martinez will surely start and will be hoping to register his 12th clean sheet of the campaign.

The back four will likely be unchanged from the defeat to Liverpool, with Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa partnering each other at the heart of defence, while Matty Cash and Lucas Digne feature on the right and left respectively.

The midfield three could see one change, with £34k-p/w dud Marvelous Nakamba – one of Villa’s worst performers against Liverpool – being axed for the 18-year-old Carney Chukwuemeka, who Paul Merson described as “outstanding” following his top-flight debut last August. John McGinn and Douglas Luiz will likely keep their places from midweek.

Going forward, Philippe Coutinho will once again operate in the space between midfield and attack, where he can cause so much damage to the opposition. The injury that Watkins sustained against Liverpool could see Gerrard go with a 4-3-2-1 against Palace, with Emiliano Buendia starting alongside the Brazilian in attacking midfield.

This would leave Danny Ings in the lone striker role as the Villa manager makes a possible tactical tweak which will hopefully lead the side to victory.

A win would push the Midlanders into the top half depending on Leicester City’s result. It could well be a good weekend for the Villa faithful if they can get back on track after their gutsy display in defeat to Liverpool.

AND in other news, Lange plotting Villa swoop for “fearless” 87-goal monster, he’s better than Watkins

New Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag appears to have had a major setback over one of Europe’s brightest talents.

What’s the word?

Man Utd have been linked with RB Leipzig star Christopher Nkunku recently, however, it appears that he won’t be leaving the German side this summer.

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Liverpool were also linked with the versatile attacker, but Leipzig claimed that even a bid of £85m wouldn’t be enough to prise their finest talent away from the club.

The news was relayed by Fabrizio Romano who put across comments from the club’s director, Oliver Mintzlaff. The Tweet read:

“RB Leipzig director Oliver Mintzlaff on Christopher Nkunku’s future: “We have clearly discussed it internally: we won’t let Nkunku leave this summer, we told him and his agent”. RB Leipzig will also try to extend his contract but talks are still at early stages.”

Ten Hag faces first blow over Nkunku

The incoming manager faces a big rebuilding job at Old Trafford in the summer, with a rejig of the squad absolutely certain, ten Hag will be determined to stamp his authority on the team as soon as possible.

With the side’s frustrations in the final third, Nkunku would have been an ideal signing and thus, missing out on him will be a first major blow to the Dutchman, one that will understandably leave supporters gutted and perhaps even upset.

The 24-year-old has netted a remarkable 34 goals in 50 matches this season, adding in a further 20 assists, and it’s clear to see why he is one of the most sought-after properties on the continent.

All of this is from mainly an attacking midfield role too, with former Leipzig manager Jesse Marsch dubbing him as a “player with no weaknesses.”

With Bruno Fernandes and Cristiano Ronaldo, the only two United players to have scored double figures this season, adding another attacker is the utmost priority for ten Hag.

It is surely only a matter of when instead of if regarding Nkunku joining an elite side, despite his club stating he isn’t for sale.

If the Red Devils come in with a seismic offer, then it might just be tempting enough for the German club to consider it.

With his current stats being exemplary, then there is no doubt he could be the right man to lead the club into a new era. It’s a shame, therefore, that this move looks unlikely.

AND in other news, Forget McTominay: MUFC must brutally axe “pathetic” dud who 0 duels duels v Brighton

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in a deal to bring Antonin Barak to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the summer transfer window.

What’s the word?

That’s according to a report by Italian media outlet Mondo Udinese (via Sport Witness), who claim that, following an extraordinary campaign in Italy, Antonio Conte is now keen on a move to bring the Hellas Verona attacking midfielder to the Premier League at the end of the current campaign.

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The report then goes on to state that the 52-year-old Spurs manager would play a key role in tempting the 27-year-old into a switch to north London, while it is also claimed that Juventus are also keeping a very close eye on the situation of the Czech Republic international.

He’s better than Soucek

With it being reported that a new central midfielder is one of Conte’s primary targets in the summer transfer window, and with Spurs having already been linked with a move to West Ham United’s Tomas Soucek, the argument that Barak would be a much better fit for Tottenham than his Czechia compatriot is a rather easy one to make.

Indeed, over his 29 Serie A appearances this season, the £18m-rated talent has been something of a revelation in the Hellas midfield, bagging 11 goals, registering four assists and creating three big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 1.8 shots, making 1.0 key passes and completing 1.1 dribbles per game.

These returns have seen the £15k-per-week man who Josh Bunting dubbed a “fantastic” player average a highly impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.05, ranking him as Igor Tudor’s second-best performer in the top flight of Italian football – playing a key role in Hellas’ push to secure a top-half finish in the league.

In comparison, over Soucek’s 33 Premier League outings this term, the £43m-rated midfielder has scored five goals, provided one assist and created two big chances, in addition to taking an average of 1.3 shots, making 0.6 key passes and completing 0.3 dribbles per fixture.

These metrics have seen the £70k-per-week colossus average a SofaScore match rating of 6.99, ranking him as David Moyes’ fourth-best player in the English top flight.

As such, while Socuek’s returns are far from underwhelming, when taking into account the fact that Conte already has the options of the defensively-minded Oliver Skipp and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg in the middle of the park, the signing of a central midfielder who possesses a more attacking mindset would appear the smarter move by Spurs – something which it is undeniable that Barak is when compared to Soucek.

Furthermore, with it being reported that the West Ham star will be available for around £40m this summer – as well as the 27-year-old himself demanding a weekly wage well above his current salary at the London Stadium – compared to Barak’s more modest €20m (£17m) asking price, the Hellas sensation would appear much better value for money.

So, all things considered, it would indeed appear that a move for Barak would be a far more intelligent choice by Conte and Fabio Paratici this summer.

AND in other news: Spurs now plot £17m bid for “one of the top four or five No 8’s”, Conte would love him