Reporter Drops Update On Levi Colwill to Liverpool

Liverpool see Levi Colwill as their "top target" this window and are pushing for the deal as they can sense "blood in the water" at Chelsea, claims transfer journalist Graham Bailey.

Is Levi Colwill joining Liverpool?

Liverpool have had a brilliant transfer window so far this summer, with the club almost completely overhauling their midfield with the signings of World Cup-winning Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton & Hove Albion and the Hungarian international Dominik Szoboslai from Bundesliga outfit RB Leipzig.

Alexis Mac Allister Brighton Argentina

With those deals only costing the Merseysiders an estimated £95m combined, the club look set to continue their summer spending with Chelsea's exciting young defender Colwill, their new top target.

The Southampton-born-gem spent last season on loan with Premier League high-flyers Brighton, where he enjoyed his breakout top-flight campaign under the progressive tutelage of Italian manager Roberto De Zerbi.

His brilliant performances for the Seagulls saw him earn a call-up to England's under-21s for the European Championships this summer, a competition he helped them win without conceding a single goal along the way.

Unsurprisingly, this positive momentum has turned the heads of prospective buyers, with his loan side making a £30m offer for the 6 foot 2 prospect, an offer that the Pensioners immediately rejected.

Levi Colwill Brighton

Despite Chelsea's insistence that their young star isn't for sale, the lack of guaranteed game time is the number one concern for the player and why he has yet to put pen to paper on a new extended deal.

This inability for the Blues and Colwill to reconcile his desire for first-team football and their reluctance to guarantee it has given the Reds confidence that they can snatch the "outrageous" youngster away from their rivals, per Graham Bailey.

He explained the situation on the Talking Transfers podcast:

"There's something in this. Liverpool are pushing hard for this, there's blood in the water, and they can really sense that.

"I think Liverpool, he is their top target now. There is a belief at Anfield that they could get him."

levi-colwill-chelsea-premier-league

Who is leaving Liverpool this summer?

Whilst there is a lot of excitement around the potential incomings at Liverpool this summer, there are also quite a few significant players that could be departing as well.

It could be the end of the road for club captain Jordan Henderson this summer as he has reportedly accepted a colossal offer worth £700,000-a-week from Saudi Pro League outfit Al Ettifaq, per TalkSPORT.

Liverpool captain JordanHenderson

The move would see him link up with old Reds teammate and Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard, the side's new manager.

Following the skipper to the Middle East could potentially be Brazillian midfielder Fabinho, with the Guardian reporting that the player's camp have been in conversation with Saudi side Al-Ittihad over a move, but no discussions have been held between the two clubs as of yet.

Spanish midfielder Thiago Alcantara is another senior player that could be on the way out, as Spanish outlet SPORT report that while Liverpool aren't actively looking to sell the 32-year-old, they would be willing to part ways with him should a reasonable offer be made, and with Xavi reportedly interested in the service of the former Bayern Munich man, that could be on the table.

Premier League, Liverpool, Liverpool news, Liverpool latest news, Liverpool update, Liverpool team news, Liverpool analysis, Liverpool vs Arsenal, LFC team news, LFC news, LFC injury news, LFC update, Thiago Alcantara

Whatever happens with Colwill, it looks like Liverpool could be fielding a completely different starting eleven when the Premier League kicks off again next month.

West Ham Can Kickstart Post-Rice Era With Move For £20m Gem

West Ham United can be forgiven for being distracted by negotiations with Arsenal over a payment structure for £105m midfielder Declan Rice, but David Moyes' side are at risk of being left short come the start of the new Premier League season.

What new players have West Ham bought?

With five weeks to go until their trip to Bournemouth to kick off the 2023-24 season, West Ham have yet to make any signings this window.

That will surely frustrate manager Moyes, who will be fully aware that his squad is in need of freshening up, with May's Europa Conference League triumph papering over the cracks of a poor Premier League season.

A new central midfielder is top of Moyes' list of targets – or indeed a couple if a like-for-like Rice replacement cannot be found – with Ajax's Edson Alvarez, Manchester United's Scott McTominay and Everton's Amadou Onana all rumoured targets.

According to The Guardian, West Ham also hold an interest in Bristol City's Alex Scott, who is on the radar of fellow Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers.

How much is Bristol City's Alex Scott worth?

Scott may have spent his senior career to date in the Championship, yet he is reportedly worth at least £20m to Bristol City due to the fact he has two years to run on his Ashton Gate contract.

Despite being just 19 years old, Scott already has 81 Championship appearances under his belt, having been a regular for the Robins over the past two campaigns.

The teenage midfielder rose to prominence earlier this year after impressing Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola in an FA Cup tie, with the Catalan describing him as an "unbelievable player".

As pointed out by football talent scout Jacek Kulig after Scott was named the Championship's Young Player of the Year, he has a "big future ahead" of him.

Declan Rice

Scott cannot be expected to slot straight in and take over the role of Rice, of course. Then again, who could?

Instead, the Guernsey native can provide some versatility for Moyes, given he featured in defensive midfield, central midfield, attacking midfield and on both flanks last season, as per WhoScored.

Versatile he may be, but it is as a pure central midfielder that Scott thrives. The Englishman ranks in the top 11% of all midfielders in the eight competitions most similar to the Championship for progressive carries (2.34 per 90 minutes), as per FBref, and in the top 16% for successful take-ons (1.22).

In that aforementioned FA Cup tie with Man City last season, which Bristol City lost 3-0, Scott's five dribbles were the joint-most of any player on the field, level with opponent Phil Foden – quite the company.

As per WhoScored, Scott's pass accuracy of 83.3% that day was also the third-most of any Robins player to attempt 10 passes or more, which is made all the more impressive when you factor in he was playing as an attacking midfielder.

Scott is not exactly a hidden gem, which explains his price tag, but he could be a very smart option for West Ham to kick off their transfer business in the post-Declan Rice era.

Liverpool Could Sign Their Own Fernandes In £61m Star At Anfield

Liverpool made a blistering start to the 2023 summer transfer window after swiftly signing Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton & Hove Albion for a bargain £35m, but are yet to make their next move.

That's despite a wealth of names entering transfer circulation, mostly focussing on the midfield after the departures of James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain at the end of their contracts.

However, following a revelation from The Athletic's David Ornstein earlier this week, it could be that the next man to join the Anfield ranks is Red Bull Leipzig star Dominik Szoboszlai, who has enjoyed an exemplary campaign with his German Bundesliga outfit.

Ornstein's report reveals that Liverpool met with the Hungarian's representatives, with a release clause of €70m (£61m) the requirement if the Reds' sporting director Jorg Schmadtke does decide to lodge a formal offer for the playmaker.

The sticking point comes in the clause's conditions, which purportedly expires at the end of June and as such leaves Jurgen Klopp's side with a paltry window of opportunity to make their move before the bargaining chips fall into Die Roten Bullen's hands.

How good is Dominik Szoboszlai?

Should Liverpool decide to pay the lucrative sum to procure the fleet-footed phenom, they would wield a creative midfielder of a calibre unseen on Merseyside since Philippe Coutinho plied his trade for the club.

And what a signing it would be; Szoboszlai has made 91 appearances since arriving from RB Salzburg, registering 42 direct goal contributions and has been hailed as a "generational talent" by journalist Marcel Moeller.

This season, the 22-year-old scored ten goals and supplied 13 assists from 46 outings as Leipzig secured a third-place finish in the German top-flight, also winning the DFB Pokal for the second season in succession.

Given his ability as a dynamic and prolific No. 10, Szoboszlai could be Klopp's answer to Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes, who has cemented his stature as one of Europe's premium attacking midfielders since joining the Red Devil ranks from Sporting Lisbon for an initial £47m in January 2020.

Dominik Szoboszlai

Fernandes has scored 64 goals and registered 54 assists from 185 outings for the Old Trafford side and has been hailed as the "example" and "inspiration" by his manager Erik ten Hag as United clinched the Carabao Cup last term and finished third in the league.

As per FBref, the £240k-per-week Portuguese gem ranks among the top 3% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for shot-creating actions, the top 6% for passes attempted, the top 5% for progressive passes, the top 20% for tackles and the top 5% for clearances per 90.

This all-encompassing skill set exemplifies the nature of his trade and why he has been so effective over the past several years and is something that Szoboszlai could certainly emulate, given that he is listed as a 'similar player' to the Portugal maestro.

This is evidenced through the 32-cap Hungary captain's FBref metrics, where he ranks among the top 15% for assists, the top 9% for shot-creating actions, the top 13% for progressive passes, the top 11% for blocks and the top 13% for clearances per 90.

Described as a "magician" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Szoboszlai is exactly what Liverpool need to thread the thirds together and restore balance and cohesion to Klopp's outfit, and despite the high valuation, he must be signed to close the gap on the likes of Manchester City, Arsenal and Manchester United after a lacklustre year.

Arsenal: "Sensational" Star Now Set To Leave

Arsenal star Thomas Partey is set to leave the north London club this summer after personally requesting a transfer, according to reports.

Who will leave Arsenal?

In terms of incomings, it is an exciting time to be a Gooner, as their side have now agreed a £105 million total deal to sign West Ham United star Declan Rice this summer.

There were some concerns of Man City potentially hijacking this move after Pep Guardiola's side entered the race, but following Arsenal's latest nine-figure bid, the treble-winners swiftly pulled out.

Meanwhile, it is believed Ajax defender Jurrien Timber could soon follow both Rice and Germany international Kai Havertz through the door, with renowned transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano claiming they're likely to advance.

However, to make room and generate funds, certain Arsenal squad members have to make way – with defender Kieran Tierney, Emile Smith Rowe, Nuno Tavares, Sambi Lokonga, Folarin Balogun and Granit Xhaka all having been mentioned as exit candidates (Goal).

Partey, as Arteta plots a midfield overhaul, is also on the chopping block with a report by Football Transfers sharing an interesting line on the Ghanaian.

mikel-arteta-arsenal

The 30-year-old was a regular at Arsenal during their title challenge last season, making 33 appearances, but it is believed he could make away instead of Jorginho this summer.

FT and reporter Jacque Talbot claim Partey has personally requested this himself – speaking to Arteta behind-the-scenes and asking to be sold this summer.

As a result, the former Atletico Madrid star is set to leave, according to this update, with Xhaka also looking to make a move to Germany.

Indeed, Arsenal could even sign another midfielder after Rice with both players potentially going.

What's been said about Thomas Partey?

The African starred as one of Arsenal's best performing players per 90 last season, according to WhoScored, but maybe the time is now to cash-in on him.

Partey's stock is high and Arsenal may be able to generate more funds through his transfer away.

Called "sensational" by La Liga expert Gerry Armstrong, Gunners legend Ray Parlour has also heaped praise on the midfield engine, calling him "important".

"I think Partey has been so important," said Parlour (talkSPORT via Goal).

"If Arsenal are going to go anywhere near trying to win a title, he’s got to stay fit because last season, he had so many injuries.

"But he’s been real instrumental in that midfield, just keeping it ticking over, very efficient player, can get around the pitch, very mobile."

Phil Foden’s Son "El Wey" Goes Viral With New Instagram

It’s not easy to steal the show from Phil Foden. After all, the 23-year-old has just won the treble at Manchester City and has been winning trophies as one of the best young players around since he made his first-team debut in 2017.If anyone was going to take the spotlight from the academy graduate, however, it was going to be another Foden – with Ronnie, his son, going viral after the Champions League final.First nicknamed ‘El Wey’ (the dude) by those in South America, the name quickly caught on across supporters, resulting in the creation of his Instagram account, which has reached over 1M followers in the space of a day.

Why has Ronnie Foden ‘El Wey’ gone viral?

As Man City celebrated their Champions League win, one constant feature was Foden’s son, as he made sure to even get his hands on the trophy, himself, before joining in on the celebrations, dancing in the dressing room. Clearly loved by his dad’s City teammates, Ronnie stole the show in several videos.

The ‘El Wey’ trend began among South American fans out of nowhere and has become bigger and bigger since, with Ronnie’s photo even seen hanging up in a school.

The creation of the Instagram account almost instantly pulled in over 1M followers.

With Foden and his partner controlling the account, Ronnie’s first post showed him sat atop his dad’s shoulders after the Champions League final, with the caption saying: “El Wey has arrived.”

That first post, which came on Sunday, has already received over a million likes. Meanwhile, the account’s second post, which shows Ronnie and Foden with Sergio Aguero at the Champions League final has reached 600k likes in six hours.

Fans react to El Wey on Instagram

Fans have been reacting to the viral Instagram account on Twitter, some of which you can see below:

It seems the Foden’s are pretty popular right now with a mural recently popping up in his home town of Stockport following his incredible treble-winning season with Manchester City.

No doubt, as a homegrown player, the midfielder is adored by the City faithful and with a Champions League now added to his numerous FA Cup, Premier League, and League Cup trophies, he’s essentially completed club football.

And now, after the popularity of his son’s Instagram account, it seems as though he’s conquered social media too! Not bad for a 23-year-old.

Arsenal Want ‘Elite’ £39m Saka Partner

Arsenal's constantly-increasing stature in the game is already paying dividends this summer, as they seem set to secure yet another deal…

What's the latest on Jurrien Timber to Arsenal?

Having already reportedly tempted Kai Havertz to join their revolution, with it well reported that he "only wanted to join Arsenal", Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg has now detailed another star who is reportedly desperate to mimic such a move.

Writing on his Twitter, he outlined the Gunners' interest in Ajax star Jurrien Timber and the reciprocal feeling of the Dutchman: "J. #Timber wants to join Arsenal as his move was prepared in detail in the last weeks. #Ajax in negotiations with Arsenal now. Agreement expected between €40-45m. ManUtd no topic as they have a similar profile with Martinez."

With the apex of his price tag settling at this €45m (£39m) fee, this seems one of the more affordable deals given the figures being touted for some of their other potential deals. Given he could strike up a fine partnership with Bukayo Saka down that right flank too, it truly is a tantalising option.

How good is Jurrien Timber?

Although predominantly a centre-back, his immense versatility means that the 22-year-old is just as comfortable as a central midfielder, and therefore also as an inverting full-back.

Such qualities have understandably drawn comparisons with another of the Gunners' technically-proficient defenders, with journalist Sam Dean suggesting he was a "Zinchenko-type player".

bukayo-saka-arsenal

When delving into his underlying statistics, it is clear that he is comfortably one of the best ball-playing central defenders in Europe. This aids in the notion that his true potential lies in a more advanced role, perhaps just behind Saka to form a truly potent right side.

FBref details what makes Timber so special, by pitting him against others in that centre-back role across the continent. The youngster still manages to rank in the top 1% for passes attempted, pass completion rate, progressive passes and progressive carries per 90.

Football writer Anthony Onifade even outlined why the defender would be ideal for Mikel Arteta's fluid system in particular, taking to Twitter: "Jurrien Timber would be EXCEPTIONAL for Mikel Arteta, just as he would be for Erik ten Hag. He’s an elite-level footballer, incredible tactical smarts and intelligence who’d fit into any possession-based side like a glove. A masterstroke if AFC pull this off."

To place such creativity behind Saka could help the England international take his game to another level, despite enjoying a true standout campaign last term. The 21-year-old found the net on 15 occasions, offering up 11 assists too in all competitions whilst featuring in every single league game.

He did all this with the defensively solid but creatively-lacking exploits of Ben White behind him, further emphasising the attacking quality of their young trickster.

After all, the 25-year-old could only muster 0.7 key passes per game in the league. Swapping that out for Timber could prove revolutionary, and might be the catalyst to make Arteta's team true Premier League challengers.

Wolves: Lopetegui could yet sign "unplayable" £17m gem at Molineux

Wolverhampton Wanderers have reportedly identified their target to solve the clubs’ goal scoring woes, as Julen Lopetegui looks towards a busy summer.

The Spaniard will face a challenging transfer window following the emergence of Wolves’ FFP issues, however the show must go on and Molineux must see improvements over the break.

One name has been on the radar since the conclusion of the Premier League season, in a move that could transform Wolves in the final third.

What’s the latest on Viktor Gyokeres to Wolves?

As reported by talkSPORT at the beginning of May, Wolves are interested in Coventry City talisman Viktor Gyokeres.

Since the news first surfaced, it has emerged that the Midlands side will face competition for the striker, with Sporting Lisbon and Burnley also interested.

Portuguese outlet Record (as relayed by Sport Witness) revealed this week that Wolves remain in the race for the Swedish forward, with Sporting CP set to ‘struggle’ to battle the Premier League side due to their ‘bigger financial capacity’.

The report claimed that the price set by Coventry for the goalscoring machine is in the region of €20m (£17m).

What could Viktor Gyokeres bring to Wolves?

Ending the season as the lowest scorers in the Premier League, Lopetegui must solve the equation to get his side firing again, having netted just 31 goals in 38 games.

Once hailed as “unplayable” by former teammate Maxime Biamou, Gyokeres could be the man to end the stagnant nature in front of goal at Molineux, having scored 21 goals in the Championship this campaign.

While Wolves as a club would benefit hugely by the influence of having a goal machine leading the line once again, one player in particular could be unearthed by his presence.

Coventry centre-forward Viktor Gyokeres.

Matheus Nunes made the move from Sporting CP to Molineux last summer, and has shown glimmers of his quality since arriving, but has been starved of having an attacking outlet to generate play with.

Having also been described as a “playmaker” by members of the media, the Portuguese ace averaged 0.8 key passes per game, a number that could be significantly raised should Lopetegui bring in the correct reinforcements.

As per FBref, the 24-year-old averaged 3.06 progressive passes per 90 this season, far fewer than his average the term before in Portugal, where he completed an average of 5.74 per 90, which shows what he is capable of should Wolves sign a frontman.

Gyokeres could finally unlock Nunes by acting as a player that is goal hungry and always looking for the ball, as communicated by his monstrous 11.01 progressive passes received per 90 over the past year, via FBref.

Placing financial constraints aside, Wolves must find a goal scorer this summer and not many could be more suited to the club than Gyokeres, who could prove to be a vast influence on Lopetegui’s attack.

Man City can land next Barry with Phillips

Manchester City have shown over the years that they are not shy when it comes to signing players from their fellow Premier League clubs.

While the Citizens have a number of players currently in their squad that have been brought in from other top flight sides such as Jack Grealish, Riyad Mahrez and Raheem Sterling among others, they’ve also done the same throughout previous stages of their history.

One player, in particular, that fits that bill is Gareth Barry, who the Manchester club signed from Aston Villa back in 2009 in a deal worth £12m.

During his time at the Etihad Stadium, the midfielder made 175 appearances in total across all competitions, scoring eight goals, providing 18 assists and winning an FA Cup and Premier League title in the process.

After leaving the club in 2014, it seems as though now, eight years later, City could find themselves getting a new version of the midfielder this summer.

Earlier this month, the Citizens were linked with a move for Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips, who reportedly has a price tag of £60m.

Having worked his way through Leeds’ youth ranks, as Barry did at Villa, Phillips has made 234 appearances for the Yorkshire club across all competitions, scoring 14 goals and delivering 13 assists along the way.

In terms of Phillips being City’s and Pep Guardiola’s modern version of Barry, the former City title winner was described in The Guardian as “a technically gifted player with an eye for a pass and an ability to anticipate danger”.

That is along the same lines of the praise that Andrea Pirlo gave the Leeds star by saying that he was a “rock” in midfield for England during their Euro 2020 campaign, whilst also showing his technical passing ability by setting up Sterling’s winning goal against Croatia.

Having made a total of 139 tackles across the 2020/21 and 2021/22 Premier League seasons for Leeds, this highlights how much of a tough midfield opponent he can be and backs up what the former Juventus player and manager said about him.

The 26-year-old also found himself on the receiving end of praise for his international performances by former England manager Fabio Capello who called him a “phenomenal” player.

This shows that the England international has experience of playing with the likes of Sterling, Grealish, Phil Foden, John Stones and Kyle Walker, which may make it easier for him to settle in at City if he does join them this summer.

In other news: Imagine him & Grealish: Pep can form deadly MCFC duo by signing “refreshing” £30m star

Sunderland can save millions with Sohna

Sunderland can save millions by delving into their Academy of Light, the place that produced Champions League winner, Jordan Henderson.

The Black Cats have another promising central midfielder on their hands in 19-year-old starlet, Harrison Sohna, though it is worth noting that he has not come through all steps of the youth set-up, having switched last year from Aston Villa U23s.

Having featured in just two goals and three assists along the way – this, despite functioning as a defensive midfielder for seven games.

His performances for the Black Cats’ reserve side have paved the way for opportunities to play in the first team. Though his three appearances for the senior side have all come under former boss Lee Johnson in the EFL Trophy, so he is yet to make his professional league debut, and yet to impress Alex Neil who will surely be looking to embed the youngster into the first team come next season.

Over the last year, Sohna has registered some stats that demonstrate why he deserves a chance to play a higher level of football.

His average of 58.7 touches, 44 accurate passes and 0.7 key passes better that of Corry Evans who averages 45.5 touches, 28.3 accurate passes and 0.3 key passes per game – with the 31-year-old featuring 33 times for the Black Cats in the standard League One season, including two additional appearances in the League One play-offs.

Right now is a tricky time to hand an inexperienced youngster a league debut in what is such an important game in the season-defining play-off final on the 21st May. Though, it would not hurt to let Sohna train with the first team from now and across pre-season to see how he fairs in the level above.

His stats are certainly promising and his playstyle is what has got him noticed, with his forward-thinking approach and ability to make something happen echoed by Josh Bunting: “Harrison Sohna against his former club with the goal, really like when he gets on the ball, always thinking forward and opens up trying to make something happen.”

With that in mind, he’s certainly one to watch in the northeast.

In other news: Sunderland make “an enquiry” to sign highly-rated journeyman, Neil surely ecstatic

Tottenham: Report makes big Barak transfer claim involving Conte

A report out of Italy has now shared some big transfer news involving Hellas Verona star Antonin Barak and Tottenham Hotspur coach Antonio Conte.

The Lowdown: Spurs enter mix…

The in-form Serie A playmaker has exploded for Hellas over 2021/2022, attracting interest from Premier League sides, including Spurs.

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Fabio Paratici reportedly has his eye on Barak with reports suggesting a summer swoop could be on the cards.

The Czech Republic international is now attracting Conte’s personal interest as Italian Italian source Mondo Udinese.it make a major claim.

The Latest: Conte could convince…

According to their information, Tottenham’s manager could now ‘make an attempt’ to ‘convince’ Barak to join the Lilywhites.

This comes as he prepares for his first full campaign in charge over 2022/2023 and interest in the 6 foot 3 powerhouse from Conte is seen as an ‘excellent opportunity’ for Hellas to make a profit off his sale.

The Verdict: Underrated target…

Barak stands out as seriously key player for the Italian side, racking up 11 goals and four assists in the top flight alone.

He’s also their third best player going by average match rating over 2021/2022 and it’s clear to see why Conte is attracted by the possibility of signing him for Spurs.

Reports suggest Barak could leave his club for as little as €20 million (£17m), an arguable bargain fee given he is still in his prime and has struck double figures in his league.

For a price in and around that, Conte shouldn’t hesitate in trying to sway the player into a Spurs move, with reporters even branding Barak ‘phenomenal’ at international level (Sacha Nabet).

In other news: Fabrizio Romano: Conte could now lose ‘monster’ Spurs player who’s ‘expected to leave’! Find out more here.

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