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Tottenham Hotspur are interetsed in a deal to bring Piero Hincapie to the Premier League this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by German publication Kicker, who claim that Fabio Paratici is now plotting a €40m (£34m) offer for the Bayer 04 Leverkusen centre-back, while AC Milan are also reported to be keen on a move for the 20-year-old in the summer transfer window.

These claims have been backed up by Diario AS journalist Marcos Duran, who revealed in a recent post on Twitter that both the Premier League and Serie A clubs have made contact with Bayer regarding a deal for the Ecuador international.

In his tweet, Duran said: “As reported in Italy and Germany, both Milan and Tottenham were contacted by the Ecuadorian Piero Hincapie, the Bayer 04 player. Player and club in talks to improve the contract. He wants to play in the Champions League, but the market is just beginning.”

The left-footed Romero

Considering just how exciting a talent Hincapie is, in addition to the signing of a left-footed centre-back reported to be one of Antonio Conte’s priority targets in the summer transfer window, it is easy to see why Paratici is pursuing a deal for the South American sensation ahead of Tottenham’s 2022/23 campaign.

Indeed, following his €7.8m (£6.7m) move to the BayArena last summer, the £26m-rated defender highly impressed over his 27 Bundesliga appearances, helping his side keep two clean sheets, as well as making an average of 1.2 tackles, 1.2 interceptions, 2.0 clearances and winning 4.4 duels – at a success rate of 56% – per game.

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The centre-back who Rudi Voller dubbed “a ball winner, intelligent and technically gifted” also impressed going forwards, scoring one goal, registering two assists and creating four big chances for his teammates, in addition to completing an average of 32.4 passes, 1.5 long balls, 0.4 key passes and 0.6 dribbles per fixture.

Furthermore, according to FBref data, the £19k-per-week talent also ranks in the top 2% of centre-backs in Europe’s big five leagues for ariel duels won per 90, as well as the top 5% for interceptions, the top 6% for clearances, the top 16% for passes completed, the top 19% for passes attempted and the top 39% for dribbles completed over the last 365 days.

These metrics would appear to back up Tim Vickery’s claim that Hincapie is something of a perfect fit for the left of a back three, with the South American football expert stating in an interview with Sky Sports News earlier this year:

“He’s first-choice for Ecuador. He’s a left-sided centre-back. He has a nice left foot. Brings the ball out of defence very well. Making it interesting perhaps for a back three formation. If you are going to play a three, then two of those must be able to bring the ball out of defence.

“He moved already from Ecuador to Argentina and he had a good season in Argentina. He’s done very, very well in the Bundesliga as well… I have been very, very impressed by his progress.”

As such, it is clear to see that the 20-year-old who Jacek Kulig dubbed a “complete, elegant and dominant” defender is very much a player in the mould of Tottenham’s own Cristian Romero – the Argentina international known for his exceptional reading of the game, his ability to launch counter-attacks with progressive passes and his composure when bringing the ball out from the back.

So, should Paratici go on to seal a deal for Hincapie this summer, it would seem as if the sporting director could well have landed a left-footed version of Romero, not to mention a talent who ticks almost every box for Conte’s left-sided centre-back – a prospect that is sure to delight both the Italian manager and Spurs supporters alike.

AND in other news: “Agreement should…”: Journo reveals big Spurs transfer update, Conte will be buzzing

Sky Sports journalist Dharmesh Sheth has revealed that Nottingham Forest are interested in making a move for Wolves midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White this summer.

The Lowdown: Gibbs-White up for sale

The 22-year-old is an academy product at Molineux, but spent the 2021/22 season out on loan at Sheffield United where he enjoyed a hugely successful spell, having been named the Blades’ player of the year.

Upon his return to the Premier League, it was reported that Wanderers had offered the maestro a new contract in a bid to tie him down for the long-term, but he has yet to put pen to paper, with the Daily Mail claiming that Bruno Lage’s side are now willing to listen to offers as a result of the delay.

The Latest: Forest interested in Gibbs-White

Taking to Twitter, Sheth broke the news that Forest are monitoring Gibbs-White, but are set to face competition from the Toffees for his signature. He wrote:

“Everton interested in Wolves midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White & expected to make official offer. Told Wolves value him at £25m but yet to decide whether they will allow him to leave. Nottingham Forest have also shown an interest.”

The Verdict: Possible reunion with Cooper

It could be difficult for Forest to beat interest from Goodison Park, but if they could get a deal for Gibbs-White over the line, it would be a signing that would massively boost their chances of having a successful season back in the English top-flight for the first time in 23 years.

The £9.9m-rated gem, who was once dubbed a ‘sensational’ player by BBC pundit Danny Murphy, was the standout performer at Bramall Lane last term, making 20 goal contributions in just 35 Championship appearances, via Transfermarkt, and played a significant role in the Blades reaching the top six.

Forest might just hold the advantage over Everton in this battle though, with Steve Cooper already having worked with Gibbs-White who was a player he had in his England U17s World-Cup winning team, so the chance to reunite with his former international coach at the City Ground might be too good of an opportunity to turn down.

The Reds are set to confirm the signing of Moussa Niakhate from Mainz soon, and Gibbs-White could well join him through the doors.

Turkish outfit Besiktas have identified West Ham United midfielder Manuel Lanzini as their ‘goal’ to sign this summer, according to Fanatik (via Sport Witness).

The Lowdown: Lanzini’s contract at West Ham

The 29-year-old has just 12 months left on his current deal with the Hammers, but the east London club have the option to extend this by a further two years.

The Argentina international made 29 Premier League appearances for David Moyes’ side last season, with five goals and three assists to his name.

Additionally, he played nine games in the Irons’ sensational run to the Europa League semi-finals, bringing his overall tally to 201 appearances for the club.

The Latest: Lanzini linked with Besiktas

According to a report by Fanatik (via Sport Witness), Besiktas have identified Lanzini as their main ‘goal’ to sign this summer.

The Istanbul club’s hierarchy ‘took action’ to sign the Argentine by requesting a discounted deal from West Ham, with the player valued at €12m (£10.2m).

It seems unlikely that the Hammers would agree to a discounted rate, but if they were to accept a lower offer, then ‘face-to-face talks’ would likely take place between the two clubs.

The Verdict: Keep him…

A number of Lanzini’s West Ham team-mates have been highly complementary of the 29-year-old, with Declan Rice among those.

The England international claimed after a two-goal display against Crystal Palace earlier this year: “Manu is a special, special player and probably nobody else in the team would have been able to manoeuvre the ball that quick.”

His technical skill on the ball is further illustrated by his underlying statistics. When compared with positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year, Lanzini ranks in the 99th percentile for pass completion rate and the 97th percentile for passes attempted (via FBRef).

Therefore, Moyes and GSB should instantly reject any discounted offers from Besiktas and hold on to the player for the upcoming season.

Leeds United look set to miss out on the signing of Club Brugge sensation Charles De Ketelaere this summer as he is thought to be on the brink of a move to Milan.

The Lowdown: De Ketelaere wanted by Leeds

Jesse Marsch continues to eye up summer reinforcements at Elland Road ahead of his first full season, having already acquired some impressive signatures, like Brenden Aaronson and Tyler Adams, among others.

Another player who Leeds have been linked with signing is De Ketelaere, who continues to mature into a formidable young player at Brugge, with Phil Hay reporting the Whites’ interest as ‘increasingly serious’.

The 21-year-old scored 14 goals and registered nine assists in the Belgian First Division A last season, providing huge amounts of end product from a mostly attacking midfield role.

The Latest: Whites ‘resigned’ to Milan move

According to Newspaper Libero, via MOT Leeds News, De Ketelaere was left out of Brugge’s squad to face Copenhagen in a pre-season friendly, in order to seal a move elsewhere.

Unfortunately, that destination doesn’t appear to be Elland Road, with Leeds ‘resigned’ to the fact that he will join reigning Serie A champions Milan.

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The Verdict: One that got away

This is an undoubted blow, given De Ketelaere’s obvious ability and long-term potential, but the size and prestige of Milan as a club are still too great to ignore for some players.

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Should the youngster head to Italy instead of England, the Whites must continue to look at midfield and attacking options, as Marsch aims to build a squad capable of pulling well clear of the Premier League relegation zone this time around.

Cody Gakpo and Adama Traore are said to be the club’s main alternatives to the Belgian, so it will be interesting to see if any news develops on that pair once Milan seal the deal.

West Ham United signing Gianluca Scamacca in addition to Armando Broja this summer is ‘plausible’ according to ‘people around the club’, says journalist Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Latest rumours

According to reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Hammers are now close to signing the 20-year-old Chelsea star, with the player having agreed personal terms with the East London club.

However, whilst The Guardian have also reported similar news, they also claim that the Irons are in talks with Sassuolo over a deal for Scamacca, who netted 16 goals in 36 Serie A appearances last season and has been dubbed ‘Italy’s Ibrahimovic’ and ‘amazing’ by Serie A reporter Nima Tavallaey.

Indeed, Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth adds more credence to those claims, reporting that signing both players is ‘not ruled out’.

The Latest: Jones’ claim

Jones has now weighed in on West Ham’s striker pursuit, giving his verdict on the possibility of a double swoop this summer.

Speaking with GiveMeSport, the journalist revealed those within the club believe a double swoop is possible:

“People around the club are talking like it’s plausible that they do sign both. I just find it hard to believe that that can happen.

“It just doesn’t seem to make much sense to me that you’d bring in both of those guys on top of Antonio and just be able to keep them all happy.”

The Verdict: Too many?

Having finished the 2021/22 Premier League campaign as David Moyes’ second-top scorer with ten goals, it could appear from the outside that Michail Antonio is doing a fine job all alone up top for the Hammers.

However, the 32-year-old was visibly becoming more tired as the end of the season neared. As a result, the Jamaica international scored just four goals in his last 27 top-flight appearances.

Therefore, it could be argued that two new strikers could be needed at the London Stadium, and although it may appear to be an unlikely prospect, it could turn out to just be successful long-term planning as Antonio nears his twilight years.

Arsenal attacker Bukayo Saka could be tempted into joining a club like Liverpool in the summer transfer window, former Premier League goalkeeper Paddy Kenny has claimed.

The Lowdown: Saka stars for Arsenal

Despite still only being 20 years of age, Saka has already become one of the first names on Arsenal’s team sheet, not to mention breaking into the England team, winning 18 caps for the Three Lions.

The winger has scored 23 goals and registered 29 assists in 131 appearances for the Gunners, being described as a potentially ‘world-class’ player by the club’s two-time league title winner Lauren.

Saka still hasn’t signed a new deal at Arsenal, with his current contract keeping him at the club until 2024, and rumours surrounding his exit have emerged this summer, with the Reds continuing to monitor his situation at the Emirates Stadium.

The Latest: Liverpool backed as potential Saka suitor

Speaking to Football Insider, Kenny claimed that a move to Liverpool or Manchester City would appeal to Saka, given the two clubs’ current stature in the game and regular Champions League participation, something he hasn’t had at Arsenal.

The 44-year-old said of the England youngster:

“I think Arsenal will be going for fourth this season. I like who they have added, Jesus and Zinchenko. I just think he isn’t in a major rush to sign. If Arsenal didn’t get into the Champions League this season I wouldn’t be surprised if he is looking for a move.

“He would be looking for a move to a regular Champions League team like Liverpool or Man City, even Chelsea.

“It would have to be someone who is more or less guaranteed Champions League football. It is a tough one because he still has years left on his deal and whoever comes in will have to pay top dollar.

“He will definitely want to get out if they don’t get into the Champions League, that’s what the club will promise him.”

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The Verdict: Outstanding young prospect

Saka is arguably one of the most promising attacking young wide players in Europe, already becoming such a force in the Premier League and looking like someone who will be an integral figure for England at the World Cup later this year, having featured in the Euro 2020 final.

For that reason, he is someone who would be a wonderful signing by Liverpool, bringing with him long-term promise, technical brilliance, versatility and a strong work ethic. Also, a tally of 11 goals and seven assists in the league last season is a testament to his quality.

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Whether or not Saka wants to move right now remains to be seen, though, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him sign a new deal at Arsenal and commit his future to them, given his lifelong affiliation with the club.

Transfer insider Dean Jones has now dropped some Arsenal exit news involving Bernd Leno.

The Lowdown: Mass exodus?

After completing the signing of Oleksandr Zinchenko from Manchester City, it seems as if Mikel Arteta’s side are now focusing on outgoings.

Third-choice goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo is heading to League Two Crewe Alexandra on loan, while left-back Nuno Tavares has signed a season-long loan deal with Olympique Marseille.

Leno has been strongly linked with a permanent move to Fulham, but a deal has not materialised as of yet.

The Latest: Leno update

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Jones has now shared that the proposed move for Leno has been ‘very frustrating’, after speaking to some people close to the deal:

“They’ve been trying to do this for weeks now, Fulham. I’ve spoken to some people close to the deal who said it has been very frustrating. Goalkeepers and centre-backs are two areas that they need to fix as a priority, and they’ve been looking to the Premier League for those solutions.”

The Verdict: Sell

Given the arrival of Matt Turner, who is expected to be the understudy to Aaron Ramsdale for next season, Leno’s game time is likely to be limited, and so now is the right time for the North London club to part ways.

The Germany international is one of the highest earners at the Emirates Stadium on £100,000-per-week, and those wages, on top of a respectable transfer fee, would free up room in the budget to go and buy other targets.

Youri Tielemans and Leroy Sane are just two names to have been recently linked with a move to the Gunners, as they look to bring in a new central midfielder and winger before the window closes.

Former BBC pundit Noel Whelan has been reacting to the ‘huge’ Everton injury blow on Dominic Calvert-Lewin before they play Chelsea in the Premier League.

The Lowdown: Thursday update

Football Insider claimed after the initial injury news broke that Calvert-Lewin is facing as many as three months on the sidelines thanks to a tear in his lateral collateral ligament.

Frank Lampard has since confirmed in his pre-Chelsea press conference on Thursday that the striker could be out for around six weeks, but of course the striker would need added time to get up to full match fitness and sharpness.

The Latest: Whelan reacts

Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan claimed that losing Calvert-Lewin for a serious amount of time is a ‘massive, huge blow’.

Sharing ‘whispers’ of a deal for Michy Batshuayi, he says it’s ‘worrying’ for Lampard that the Goodison Park outfit have not managed to bring in another striker already:

“It’s a massive, huge blow.

“It’s the last thing they needed before the start of the campaign – their talisman is injured for possibly three months.

“They’ve only got Rondon to fall back on. He’s not a natural goalscorer, he doesn’t have the energy or the threat of Calvert-Lewin.

“They’ll be scrambling to get a striker. I’ve heard whispers about Batshuayi, but they need to get someone quickly.

“This is exactly what they should have been planning for. They’ve got nothing to fall back on.

“They could have gone out and got another striker to plan ahead for this.

“It’s worrying times for Frank Lampard.”

The Verdict: Big blow

It is a big blow to lose Calvert-Lewin for the start of the season, especially considering that Salomon Rondon is suspended against Chelsea and both Richarlison and Ellis Simms have been let go to Tottenham Hotspur and Sunderland respectively.

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In an injury-hit season last term, he still scored five goals and made two assists in the top flight, and in the two campaigns prior, he managed double figure goals (Transfermarkt).

The 25-year-old remains such a key player for the Toffees, and this latest injury setback will not only affect them, but also his chances of making Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Manchester United are ‘really interested’ in signing RB Salzburg striker Benjamin Sesko, with Fabrizio Romano labelling it as a ‘big opportunity’, GiveMeSport report.

The Lowdown: United talks

Erik ten Hag is going into the new season short of options in attack with Cristiano Ronaldo wanting out and Anthony Martial an injury doubt for Sunday’s opener with Brighton.

Therefore, a new forward could be of use at Old Trafford before the summer deadline, with Sesko, lauded as a ‘generational talent’ by journalist Ryan Taylor, a player of interest.

Romano revealed this week that the Red Devils have held more than one direct meeting with the 19-year-old’s agent, and he has made a new claim on a potential move to Manchester.

The Latest: Romano’s comments

Talking to GMS, Romano said that Sesko has been on the Old Trafford wish-list ‘even before’ Ten Hag took over and described this summer as a ‘big opportunity’ to land the striker.

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“Man United are really interested. They had this player on the list even before the arrival of Erik ten Hag.

“He’s always been a player highly rated by the scouting team. And so, now it’s a big opportunity, I think, for Man United; they need a striker.”

The Verdict: Get it done

United could do with a new striker and also need to think long-term about Ronaldo’s eventual replacement, so a move for Sesko now could prove priceless.

He’s netted 36 senior goals for club and country and has already been compared to Erling Haaland by football talent scout Jacek Kulig for his combination of size and speed.

Marquee strikers are hard to sign at the best of times, so this, as Romano mentions, is a ‘big’ chance to bring Sesko to Old Trafford and if they don’t, United officials could live to regret it in years to come.

Liverpool journalist James Pearce has reacted to midfielder Stefan Bajcetic being handed a new long-term contract with the Premier League side.

The Lowdown: Bajcetic profiled

The 17-year-old arrived at Anfield in February 2021 before signing his first professional deal in November of last year.

The maestro was given his chance to shine during pre-season, featuring in five of the club’s six games, with his performances impressing Jurgen Klopp to the extent that he was named as a substitute for the Reds’ curtain-raiser against Fulham last weekend.

The Latest: Pearce’s praise

Taking to Twitter, Pearce heaped praise on Bajcetic and insisted that a fresh deal is nothing less than he deserves. He wrote:

“Young LFC midfielder Stefan Bajcetic’s eye-catching progress rewarded with a new long-term contract on improved terms.”

Expanding in his column for The Athletic, the reporter wrote that the teenager has made ‘outstanding’ developments since putting pen to paper on his first senior deal last year.

Fellow youngster Harvey Elliott has also penned a new deal with the Reds, extending his stay until

The Verdict: Fully deserved

Bajcetic being offered a new deal at Liverpool seems fully deserved, given the positive impression he’s made in the club’s youth squad.

The Spaniard was naturally a centre-back but managed to score two goals and provide one assist in just nine games for the Reds U18s, via Transfermarkt, and has since progressed into playing more of a number six role in the middle of the park.

This kind of versatility makes him an exciting young prospect and someone who will hopefully go on to become a future face of the Liverpool first team in years to come.