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A major update has emerged on Newcastle United and their pursuit of Armando Broja in the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

Northern Echo journalist Scott Wilson has claimed that the Magpies believe that they will win the race to land the centre-forward if he becomes available.

He Tweeted: “NUFC confident of being able to beat West Ham for Armando Broja – but waiting for Chelsea to make a decision on striker. Broja returns to training at Chelsea this week – with Tuchel then deciding whether he’ll go to US for tour.”

Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie then added: “Lots of talk on Armando Broja #NUFC. Very impressive at Southampton last season. If Newcastle can borrow him (& there’s competition) for the season, it would mean there’s still funds available to purchase another player in the attacking third (winger), which would appeal.”

Eddie Howe will be elated

Newcastle’s head coach will be elated by Wilson and Downie’s claim as he will be buzzing to have Broja in his squad next season and still have money to spend, if Chelsea allow him to make the switch.

The Albania international has proven that he can score goals in the Premier League – with six strikes in 21 starts – and would bolster the manager’s options at the top end of the pitch.

He is also a player with potential and can be someone Howe works with over the course of the season to help him grow into a top striker in the top-flight.

Albania assistant manager Sergio Porrini hailed his progress in the 2021/22 campaign, saying: “From last year to this he has grown a lot, and at Southampton, he has exploded.

“His greatest qualities are in progression, especially the ball and chain. (He’s) less good, on the other hand, with his back to the goal, in the construction of the action. But, in the spaces, he is devastating!”

These comments illustrate both his quality and his scope for development as they suggest that he improved with more experience playing for the Saints, showing that he is learning and progressing with age.

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Now, imagine how many goals he could score whilst playing week-in-week-out for Newcastle and learning from Callum Wilson in training, whilst also being coached by the ex-Bournemouth boss…

He would be an exciting, promising, addition to the squad and that is why Howe will be elated by the club being confident that they are first in line for his signature.

AND in other news, “Newcastle could..”: Journo drops “statement” claim that’ll leave supporters buzzing…

Manchester City have reportedly offered a new deal to Riyad Mahrez to keep him at the Etihad Stadium.

What’s the news?

According to a recent Twitter post from journalist Foot Mercato Santi Aouna, the Manchester club have offered the winger a short-term contract extension, with his current deal set to expire next summer.

In his tweet, Aouna said: “Info: Riyad Mahrez has been offered a SHORT TERM contract extension by Manchester City. From sources close to the board of Citizens, discussions are progressing well. Not agreed yet but optimism reigns.”

City signed the Algerian back in the 2018 summer transfer window from fellow Premier League club Leicester City in a deal worth a then club-record fee of £60m.

Since then, the 31-year-old has gone on to make 189 appearances for the Citizens across all competitions.

In those appearances, the attacker has found the net 63 times and delivered 46 assists along the way, in addition to winning three Premier League titles, three Carabao Cups and one FA Cup.

City fans will be buzzing

His previous Premier League campaign with Pep Guardiola’s side saw the former Foxes star score 11 goals and deliver five assists in 28 league appearances, leaving him with more goal contributions than the likes of Phil Foden, Bernardo Silva and Jack Grealish among others.

To further highlight how pivotal he was at times last season, the winger also scored seven goals and registered two assists in City’s 12 Champions League games, as well as scoring in big league games against the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United.

Taking all of this into account, it’s safe to say that Mahrez is an important figure for City and has been a big part of their success since his arrival.

It also makes it easy to see why the club are reportedly keen to extend his contract, which would surely leave a lot of buzzing to see happen this summer.

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Moving forward, if City can get the attacker to put pen to paper on this reported extension, it would definitely be a big boost for the club and put to bed any worries that may have cropped up over his future.

In terms of next season, if Mahrez can continue scoring and creating goals for his side, he will undoubtedly give the club a great chance of being successful in terms of winning trophies once again and prove why they were right to break their record transfer fee to sign him in the first place.

AND in other news: Pep can land the next Dias with Man City bid for £86m sensation who “can’t be stopped”

Leeds United are working on a new deal for winger Crysencio Summerville, who is wanted by Nottingham Forest, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Summerville at Leeds

Summerville made the move to Elland Road from Dutch side Feyenoord back in 2020 following the club’s promotion to the Premier League.

The 20-year-old has featured mainly for the U23s, contributing to 21 goals in 27 games. He has made nine senior Whites appearances and featured on the bench regularly in the Premier League last season.

Described as ‘superb’ by Noel Whelan, the winger is now entering the final 12 months of his deal in Yorkshire, but it looks as if Leeds want to keep him at the club.

The Latest: Romano’s update

Romano took to Twitter on Thursday to provide an update on Summerville.

He revealed that the Dutchman is attracting interest from both Forest and AZ Alkmaar, however, he added that ‘Leeds are busy’ trying to extend his contract with ‘negotiations ongoing’.

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The Verdict: Fingers crossed?

Summerville has proven at Thorp Arch with the U23s that he has bundles of attacking quality, so agreeing on a new contract would be a wise move.

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Jesse Marsch may lose a star winger in Raphinha this summer, and although Summerville may not be viewed as a direct replacement at this moment in time, he could become a first-team regular over the coming years.

Securing a new contract and sending him out on loan for regular senior football could be the ideal scenario for Leeds chiefs, and it looks as if a decision will be made on the player’s future very soon.

Leeds United appear to be preparing for life after Kalvin Phillips, if recent claims are to be believed…

What’s the word?

According to transfer insider Dean Jones, the Yorkshire outfit are taking a look at Sheffield United midfielder Sander Berge as interest in the England international ramps up this week.

Writing for GIVEMESPORT, the Eurosport journalist said that the 24-year-old was one of the names on Victor Orta’s radar, though he’s thought to be valued at around £25m by the Championship side.

Meanwhile, as per Fabrizio Romano on Twitter, Premier League champions Manchester City are expected to push ahead with their plans to try and sign Phillips as a successor to Fernandinho.

Perfect Phillips replacement

If Pep Guardiola is able to secure the 26-year-old ahead of next season, then it leaves Whites boss Jesse Marsch with a huge gap to fill as he has been integral to the side defensively and with his passing ability.

Phillips was joint-second for tackles (2.7 per game), fourth for interceptions (1.2 per game) and third for long passes (3.5 per game) in 2021/22, as per WhoScored.

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The Blades, meanwhile, were unable to secure a return to the Premier League but the Norweigen played a big role – not only adding six goals and four assists from midfield but he also averaged 1.1 tackles and 1.5 long balls per game.

During his time at Bramall Lane, Berge has emerged as quite the favourite, with former manager Chris Wilder singing his praises in November 2020 to VG.

He described the 6 foot 5 titan as the “complete midfielder,” adding: “He can play as an 8 and as 6. He can play in different formations.”

Journalist Conor McGilligan can also see his fit for Leeds, recently urging Victor Orta and co to sign him. He said: “[Berge] sorts out our midfield massively and is therefore worth that money.”

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Also lauded as a “Rolls-Royce” by teammate Rhian Brewster, it’s clear that the £14.4m-rated powerhouse would be a very welcome and much-needed addition at Elland Road, especially if Marsch loses his star man Phillips.

Leeds must make their move if the Englishman joins the Etihad Stadium this summer.

AND in other news, Leeds United can land their own Adeyemi with Junior Adamu transfer…

Manchester United have reportedly submitted a contract offer to Christian Eriksen and the Danish midfielder could potentially form a superb partnership with Frenkie de Jong in Erik ten Hag’s side next season.

What’s the word?

According to The Athletic, United have made an offer to the 30-year-old, who is available on a free transfer as his contract with Brentford is set to expire at the end of this month.

The former Tottenham Hotspur man returned to action with the Bees last season after signing a six-month contract in January and helped Thomas Frank’s side to a 13th-placed finish with one goal and four assists in 11 appearances, but it appears as if he is targeting a side playing European football next season.

Eriksen said: “I have different offers and options, which we are considering, and then we make a decision.

“I would love to play Champions League football again. I know how much fun it is, but it isn’t essential for me.”

Imagine him and De Jong

Although United can’t offer Champions League football after finishing sixth last season, they still have impressive pulling power and new boss Ten Hag would surely appreciate a player of Eriksen’s obvious quality in midfield.

The Athletic suggest that De Jong is still the Old Trafford outfit’s top midfield priority this summer, with the Red Devils hoping to take advantage of Barcelona’s dire financial straits in order to bring him to England.

If they were to convince De Jong and the “world-class” Eriksen to join ahead of next season, then Ten Hag would have two of the best passers in world football at his disposal.

Last season saw the Dutch midfielder average a 91.3% pass accuracy in La Liga, which was the seventh-best of any player in Spain’s top flight, while Eriksen’s 2.7 key passes per game average in the Premier League was only bettered by Kevin De Bruyne and Trent Alexander-Arnold.

 

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Goalscoring was a real issue at times for United last season, as they managed just 57 in the Premier League, and if Ten Hag could add Eriksen and De Jong’s creativity alongside Bruno Fernandes’ obvious qualities in attack, they would surely be much more potent going forward.

Therefore, United fans will be hoping that Eriksen accepts the club’s offer and forms a superb partnership alongside fellow former Ajax man De Jong in Ten Hag’s midfield next season.

And, in other news… Ronaldo 2.0: MUFC eyeing deal for “extraordinary” £68m predator, he’d be “world-class” 

Journalist Tom Coleman has now revealed some Sunderland transfer news on Lynden Gooch.

The Lowdown: Out of contract

Gooch is out of contract at the Stadium of Light at the end of the month, meaning that he can leave as a free agent once it expires.

The Wearside club have opened talks over a new deal, but both parties have not been able to come to an agreement as of yet.

The Latest: Swansea ‘interest’

Taking to Twitter, Coleman has revealed that Swansea City have now shown an ‘interest’ in signing Gooch, but Alex Neil is ‘keen’ to keep him for next season:

“I’m told Swansea City have shown an interest in Sunderland’s Lynden Gooch. American winger is out of contract this summer, although Alex Neil is keen to keep him at the SoL following their promotion back to the Championship.”

Expanding in his article for Wales Online, the journalist added that Preston North End are also ‘keeping tabs’ on his situation, while a wide man is ‘top’ of the agenda for the Swans.

The Verdict: Keep!

The Black Cats should be looking to tie Gooch down to a new contract at all costs, especially with the threat that he could join a Championship rival.

He was a six assists that helped them win promotion from League One.

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Gooch is also just 26 years of age, and so is about to enter his prime. SAFC will want to be the beneficiaries from those prime years, or at the very least be able to sell him for a sizeable transfer fee next time around, rather than letting him go for free now.

In other news, find out who Sunderland are now showing an ‘interest’ in here!

Leeds United are preparing to step up their pursuit of Sporting CP winger Gonzalo Plata, according to Portuguese newspaper Correio da Manha (via Sport Witness). 

The lowdown: Hot property

After taking the well-trodden pathway from South America to Europe when moving from Independiente to Sporting Lisbon in 2020, Plata struggled to make the desired impact in Portugal.

Sent out on loan to La Liga.2 outfit Real Valladolid for the 2021/22 campaign however, the Ecuador international has recaptured his best form and now is in the middle of a transfer tussle.

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Valladolid are keen on making the move permanent but a hesitancy over his lofty release clause has alerted Leeds, and the Yorkshire giants are seemingly waiting to pounce…

The latest: Whites ready

As per Correio da Manha, translated by SW, Leeds ‘will advance’ with their own bid should Valladolid reject a €10million (£8.5million) option to buy.

Valladolid have currently bid just €7million (£5.9million) for the 21-year-old, who was described as ‘lethal and sublime’ by journalist Marina Marco back in November 2021.

It’s claimed that Sporting are ‘in expectation’ that Plata will move on this summer and Leeds are attentive to the situation, with the press in Portugal believing it ‘sounds like’ the Whites will win the race.

The verdict: Raphinha replacement?

At the mooted fee, a wholehearted move for Plata would make an abundance of sense for owner Andrea Radrizzani and Director of Football Victor Orta as the hierarchy attempt to bolster the Elland Road ranks.

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Last term, the 27-cap Ecuadorian scored six times and registered five assists in 30 league appearances, earning a 6.96 Sofascore rating whilst winning 6.0 duels, making 1.4 key passes and completing 2.3 successful dribbles on average per game – that’s actually more take-ons per match than Raphinha.

Predominantly operating as a right-winger, Plata could feasibly be viewed as a realistic and affordable option to replace the Brazilian in Jesse Marsch’s squad as the former Rennes starlet continues to be linked with a move away from Leeds.

In other news, another Leeds transfer target has emerged.

Newcastle United are reportedly still interested in making a move for Brentford striker Ivan Toney, according to reports.

What’s the word?

As per the Telegraph’s Luke Edwards, the Magpies have “not given up” hope of signing the Englishman, despite having been put off by the Bees’ reported £40m plus asking price.

Writing on Twitter about the club’s hunt for a striker, amid speculation surrounding the impending arrival of Hugo Ekitike, the journalist revealed that Toney remains an option, alongside Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin: “Toney & Calvert-Lewin too expensive at moment but not given up. Ekitike is a development project and plays mainly wide. Wilson’s form at end of season complicates things. Signing better tough.”

The 26-year-old had previously been signed by the northeast side back in 2015 from lower-league outfit Northampton Town, although he went on to make just four appearances for the club in all competitions, spending much of his time at St James’ Park out on loan before joining Peterborough United on a permanent deal in 2018.

Massive signing

That decision by then-boss Rafa Benitez to let the £31k-per-week gem depart for just £650k four years ago has no doubt come back to bite the Tynesiders, with PIF now potentially set to pay substantially more to bring him back to the club this summer.

That interest in a reunion has been sparked by his lethal goalscoring form in recent seasons, the dynamic forward having emerged as something of a talisman under Thomas Frank since his £5m from Posh in the summer of 2020.

Even that fee has become to look like an absolute bargain, with Toney having since netted 47 goals in just 89 games for the west London outfit over the past two seasons, notably hitting a stunning Premier League.

Despite the step up to the higher level, the £31.5m-rated marksman has adjusted with relative ease – as have the club as a whole – scoring 12 goals and laying on a further five assists to ensure a comfortable mid-table finish for Frank’s men.

Not just a goalscorer, however, the 5 foot 10 ace has also impressed with his all-round holdup play, ranking in the top 12% for aerial duels won among those in his position across Europe’s top five leagues, as well as in the top 16% for progressive passes.

Such a presence would prove vital in Eddie Howe’s side, with a shortage of goals having been a real issue in the most recent campaign, the club’s leading scorer in all competitions that of Callum Wilson with just eight goals.

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The former Bournemouth man has looked sharp when fit although has too often been restricted to a viewing brief – missing over four months of the season with injury –  with Newcastle in need of a trustworthy figure to lead the line next term.

Once dubbed a “massive” talent by journalist Gabe Henderson, Toney could well be the man to fill that striking void at his former club, with Howe and co set to rue letting him slip through their fingers once again, should they opt out of a deal.

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

Luis Suarez could be set for a return to the Premier League, with Aston Villa targeting a deal for the striker, who is set to become a free agent after departing Atletico Madrid upon the expiry of his contract over the summer.

What’s the story?

That’s according to The Telegraph, who claimed that Villa manager and ex-Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard wants to reunite with his former team-mate at Villa Park next season.

It would be a sensational capture for the West Midlands outfit, who have already shown serious intent with the additions of Boubacar Kamara and Diego Carlos before the end of May.

Gerrard has already tied down one former Reds team-mate to a permanent contract in Philippe Coutinho, and the Brazilian’s former Liverpool and Barcelona colleague could be the next big name to make the move to Villa Park.

Villa must secure a deal for Suarez

Although he wouldn’t be a long-term option at 35, signing Suarez would be a seriously impressive feat by Aston Villa.

The striker is an incredible goalscorer, having scored 436 times at club level during his stellar career, with 82 of those coming at Liverpool.

Having left Anfield for Camp Nou in 2014, the Uruguayan hasn’t played for an English club since departing Merseyside. He made 282 appearances for Barcelona, where he scored 194 goals and registered 113 assists, before joining Atletico in 2020.

Suarez enjoyed an impressive first season with Diego Simeone’s side, helping them to a first La Liga title in seven years with 21 goals in the Spanish top flight.

However, this season hasn’t been as straightforward for the striker, who had fallen out of favour and was limited to just 20 league starts. Despite a significant decrease in game-time, though, the 132-cap Uruguay international still reached double digits in goals, scoring 13 times.

With Atletico refusing to extend Suarez’s contract, Villa can land the forward on a free transfer, although wages could be tricky to negotiate given that he is on a mammoth £263k-p/w. That is more than twice the pay of every Villa player except Coutinho, who is their highest earner on £150k-p/w.

Signing a striker will be imperative this summer, though, with Ollie Watkins blowing hot and cold this term despite scoring 11 Premier League goals. Meanwhile, Danny Ings has appeared to have struggled to settle in at Villa Park, netting seven goals, a significant decrease on his figures at Southampton.

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Labelled “world-class” by his former Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers and “probably the best player I have played with” by none other than Gerrard, in Suarez Villa would be getting a serial winner with massive experience and a sensational goal-scoring record.

It wouldn’t be a long-term solution, but it would surely leave Villa supporters ecstatic, with Gerrard already a huge admirer of the qualities that the Uruguay striker possesses.

AND in other news: Contact made: NSWE in talks for “unreal” £100m AVFC target, he’s “perfect” for Gerrard

Leeds United centre-forward Patrick Bamford is attracting increasing interest ahead of the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by the Daily Mail, who claim that, should the Whites go on to suffer relegation from the Premier League on Sunday, Newcastle United could make a move for the 28-year-old striker in the off-season.

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The report goes on to state that a new centre-forward is Eddie Howe’s priority in the summer transfer window, with it being claimed that the Magpies have a transfer budget of around £60m plus player sales to work with in their hunt for a new frontman.

Unforgivable decision

While Leeds are by no means considering the prospect of playing Championship football next season just yet, should the Whites fail to secure their Premier League status against Brentford on Sunday, the argument that selling Bamford would be an unforgivable decision by Andrea Radrizzani is an easy one to make.

Indeed, the £18m-rated forward proved influential in helping the Whites secure a return to the top flight over his 45 Championship appearances back in 2019/20, scoring 16 goals, registering two assists and creating six big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 3.2 shots and making 0.5 key passes per game.

The £74k-per-week striker then undoubtedly proved his Premier League quality over 38 outings last season, bagging 17 goals, providing seven assists and creating five big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 2.8 shots and making 0.8 key passes per game.

These returns saw the England international average an extremely impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.01, ranking him as Marcelo Bielsa’s seventh-best player in the top-flight – with the 28-year-old playing a key role in Leeds securing a top-half finish in the league.

And, with injury having seen the Nottingham Forest academy graduate miss the vast majority of the current campaign, considering Leeds’ current record of 40 goals scored – 22 fewer than they managed last season – it is abundantly clear just how important a part of Jesse Marsch’s side Bamford is.

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As such, whether Leeds survive or go down come the final whistle on Sunday, it is clear to see that cashing in on the centre-forward who Sam McGuire dubbed a “goal machine” would be a huge mistake by Radrizzani, as Bamford has proven that he can both fire the Whites up and lead his team to the higher reaches of the Premier League standings.

AND in other news: Leeds now handed handed huge boost ahead of Brentford, Jesse Marsch will be buzzing