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Liverpool are in discussions over an initial £4m deal for Aberdeen right-back Calvin Ramsay, according to Sky journalist Anthony Joseph.

The Lowdown: Nunez and Ramsay

The 18-year-old Ramsay has been touted as a Reds transfer target constantly in recent weeks, as Jurgen Klopp looks to bring in summer reinforcements.

Ramsay has caught the eye with his attacking performances for Aberdeen in the last 12 months, with the youngster inspired by Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold.

There has also been plenty of chatter about Benfica’s Darwin Nunez of course, who is missing Uruguay’s match this weekend to jet off and complete a move to Anfield, according to reports.

Now, it looks like we could be seeing both players in Liverpool red before too long…

The Latest: Liverpool make approach

Taking to Twitter on Friday night, Sky Sports News’ Joseph claimed that a £4million deal is looking likely, which would be a record for Aberdeen:

“UPDATE: Liverpool have made their approach for Aberdeen right-back Calvin Ramsay. It’s understood an initial fee of £4m is being discussed, with add-ons that could see the total figure rise to around £6m. Anything over £3m would be a record for the Dons.”

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The Verdict: Matter of time

This is a transfer that now feels like a matter of time until it is completed, with all parties seemingly agreeing on Ramsay’s next destination being Liverpool.

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The young Scot could be a great signing by the Reds, having been hailed as ‘elite’ by Aberdeen chairman Dave Cormack, maturing into a formidable talent from right-back.

Admittedly, it will be hard for Ramsay to force his way into the team ahead of Alexander-Arnold, but the competition could get the best out of both players, while the latter could even end up playing in midfield one day, opening up a spot in the team.

In other news, one Liverpool player has been linked with a shock move. Read more here.

Newcastle United are reportedly now eyeing up a move to sign Yann Sommer this window.

The Lowdown: Great career

Sommer has had a great career playing at a high level for both club and country.

He has played 74 times by Switzerland.

The 33-year-old became a national hero after an outstanding performance against favourites France in Euro 2020, keeping them in the game before saving crucial penalties in the shootout.

Asked about those displays at the Euros, former assistant coach for the national team Michel Pont claimed that Sommer is a ‘cat’ with ‘incredible muscular elasticity.’

The Latest: Henderson alternative

Writing in his latest piece for talkSPORT, transfer insider Alex Crook has revealed that the St. James’ Park outfit are now ‘on the trail’ of Sommer, after ‘cooling’ their interest in Manchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson.

They want to sign a ball-playing ‘keeper to replace current number one Martin Dubravka, and Sommer fits the bill.

He only has one year left on his contract at Gladbach, and is ‘reluctant’ to sign a new deal with the Germans.

The Verdict: Smart move

Signing Sommer would be a smart move from the North East club, given that he is likely to be available for a reduced price with only a year left on his deal.

He is only earning £40,000-per-week as well, and so is unlikely to break their wage structure.

Nonetheless, Henderson is likely to be far more expensive given that he is eight years younger, has two more years left on his contract at Old Trafford, and would be signing from a Premier League rival, meaning that Sommer would be a suitable alternative.

In other news, find out what significant NUFC transfer update has now been dropped here!

Everton look set to rival Leeds United for the signature of New York City FC striker Valentin Castellanos. 

The lowdown

NYCFC are part of the City Football Group, but ‘per sources’, English champions Manchester City have declined to exercise their option to sign Castellanos.

The 23-year-old striker, valued at £10.8million by Transfermarkt, is under contract in the States until the end of 2025.

Everton may well need to bolster their no. 9 ranks this summer, with Cenk Tosun departing the club and Dominic Calvert-Lewin thought to be considering his future.

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The latest

90Min journalists Chris Smith and Graeme Bailey write that City have ‘recommended him to a number of other EPL clubs’.

Leeds United are said to be the most interested club, and have representatives in the United States running the rule over Castellanos.

If Leeds are to sign him, though, ‘they’ll likely have to fend off interest’ from Premier League rivals like Everton, West Ham and Newcastle United.

The verdict

Castellanos has been prolific in Major League Soccer.

He’s made exactly 100 appearances in the league, scoring 44 goals and adding a further 19 assists.

He bagged 19 last season to win the Golden Boot and secure a spot in the MLS’ Best XI, and he’s carried that form in the 2022 campaign with 11 goals in 17.

It is a gamble to sign a player from the US, with Miguel Almiron, the league’s most expensive export at £21.6million, derided as a ‘flop’ in some quarters.

But one journalist, James Nalton, felt that he was ‘ready to make the step up’ to Man. City, an immense show of faith, while another says a move to Europe would not be a ‘surprise’ for the ‘truly remarkable’ frontman.

In other news, Fabrizio Romano says Everton are in the race for this signing.

Tottenham Hotspur could launch a move for Marc Guehi this summer…

What’s the word?

That’s according to football.london reporter Alasdair Gold, who claimed that the Crystal Palace colossus is among Fabio Paratici and Antonio Conte’s central defensive shortlist, where other names such as Alessandro Bastoni and Josko Gvardiol feature.

Unfortunately for Spurs, the 21-year-old signed a long-term deal to 2026 at Selhurst Park, so he would not come cheap.

CIES Football Observatory, who assess the transfer value of professional footballers on a scientific basis, currently estimates his worth to be around €70m (£60m).

Two birds with one stone

As Gold goes on to state in his report, Guehi would hugely help two of Conte’s big issues at Spurs. The first is their need for a new centre-back and the second is their need to bolster their homegrown quota.

The former Chelsea graduate recently earned a senior call up to Gareth Southgate’s England side and has captained Patrick Vieira’s Eagles at times this season.

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So with the north London outfit looking to improve their homegrown numbers, Guehi instantly fits the bill.

Only three other players outscored the 21-year-old centre-back in southeast London in terms of average WhoScored rating for the season. It was his ball-playing ability that shone through, though.

As per FBRef, the Englishman made 61.7 live passes per 90 at an accuracy rate of 87.5%. And when you then throw in defensive figures of 1.62 tackles and interceptions, and 1.28 blocks per 90, he emerges as a pretty solid all-rounder; one that would suit Contes’s system to a tee.

Standing at 6 foot tall, it’s no wonder the defender has been lauded as an “absolute tank” and “massive” by England U21 shot-stopper Josef Bursik.

He alongside Cristian Romero and fellow countryman Eric Dier, who was surprisingly snubbed from the latest Three Lions squad, could make for a formidable trio heading into next season.

English talent does come at a premium in the Premier League but when they can fix two glaring problems, then it should be money well spent. Paratici and co must seriously consider Guehi this off-season.

AND in other news, Contact made: Romano reveals Spurs talks for 8-figure “wonderkid”, he’s “unbelievable”…

Reliable journalist Jacque Talbot has now revealed some transfer news on Newcastle United target Christopher Nkunku.

The Lowdown: Nkunku wanted

As per The Daily Telegraph, the St. James’ Park outfit want to bring Nkunku to the North East this summer.

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Dubbed a ‘special’ player by his RB Leipzig teammate Tyler Adams, he has had a truly outstanding season, scoring no fewer than 35 goals and making a further 20 assists in 53 games in total over all competitions (Transfermarkt).

The Latest: Not coming…

Taking to Twitter, Talbot has revealed that Nkunku will be staying at Leipzig this summer, despite interest from the Magpies:

“Resolutely told Christopher Nkunku will not be sold in the summer by RB Leipzig amid reports Man United are lining up a bid next week and Chelsea and Newcastle are interested.”

The Verdict: Blow

It certainly is a blow to the Tynesiders to miss out on a player of Nkunku’s quality this summer.

His numbers quite frankly blow the rest of the squad away in terms of goals and assists, and at 24 years of age, it is crazy to think that he has not yet reached his full potential.

The France international is currently rated at £58.5m by Transfermarkt, and that figure seems certain to rise if he has another season like the one that he has just had.

Nonetheless, the Toon will still be able to attract other top targets, but it looks as if they will now have to be patient if they want to sign Nkunku.

In other news, find out who NUFC have now ‘watched’ ahead of a potential move here!

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 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

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.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has issued an update regarding the fitness of defender Ben White, ahead of Thursday’s pivotal Premier League clash with Tottenham Hotspur.

What’s the word?

Speaking in his pre-match press conference on Wednesday, the Spaniard revealed that it remains uncertain as to whether the former Brighton man will be fit to feature against Antonio Conte’s side, having been absent since the win over Manchester United at the end of April.

Asked about the injury latest regarding his squad, the Gunners boss stated that: “Thomas [Partey] is still out, Kieran [Tierney] is still out, “Ben [White] is a doubt. We’ll have to assess him he’s feeling much better and Bukayo [Saka] is the same.”

The 40-year-old went on to add that it will be a close to call as to whether both White and teammate Bukayo Saka will be able to feature: “Very difficult to rate (a chance) with injuries, it’s just how they feel today,” he said. “That’s the last day we can assess them so we’ll have to see.”

White has missed the wins over both West Ham United and Leeds United due to a hamstring injury, while Saka was withdrawn late on against the Elland Road outfit. Thomas Partey and Kieran Tierney remain on the sidelines.

Fingers crossed

Arteta will be praying that the England centre-back will be fit to feature at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with it set to be a titanic tussle between two bitter rivals going toe-to-toe in the race to secure fourth spot.

For the Gunners, however, the motivation is clear, with a win confirming their Champions League qualification ahead of their north London neighbours, with the Emirates outfit currently four points clear and with just two games left to play following the meeting with Spurs.

The club are on the cusp of a return to Europe’s premier competition for the first time since 2017 following a largely promising season, although defeat would ensure a nail-biting end to the campaign.

Should White be absent for that encounter, it would no doubt serve as an almighty blow, with the 24-year-old having been in imperious form since his £50m arrival last summer.

The £36m-rated man, previously dubbed “exceptional” by pundit Jamie Redknapp, has been a real force of nature at the back so far this term, averaging 3.1 clearances, 1.4 tackles and 1.4 interceptions per 90, while also winning a solid 59% of his total duels and keeping an impressive 13 clean sheets from 31 league outings.

Comfortable as both a central defender and at right-back, the £93k-per-week gem also offers his manager valuable versatility and flexibility, with his ability to also feature as part of a back three – as he did under Graham Potter last term – potentially useful up against Conte’s 3-4-3 system.

It would appear, however, that the one-time Leeds loanee faces a race against time to be fit, with it simply set to be a case of crossing fingers ahead of a game of such long-term importance. Should he miss out, though, the manager will understandably be gutted.

IN other news, Vieira 2.0: Arsenal gifted chance to sign “top-class” £25m ace, he could guarantee UCL…

A significant Rangers update has emerged on Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s bid to keep Rory Wilson at Ibrox beyond this summer.

The Rangers starlet has been in phenomenal form this term but sadly, the Gers could be on the verge of a disaster with him.

What’s the talk?

According to The Daily Record, the Rangers academy striker has told the club that he will be leaving Glasgow at the end of the season.

The Gers want him to put pen to paper on professional terms to remain at Ibrox but he will now be heading south of the border and Ross Wilson will need to get as much out of the deal as he can – with the club entitled to training compensation.

That report claims that he has made his mind up and is now set to reunite with Steven Gerrard at Aston Villa in the Premier League next term.

Van Bronckhorst will be livid

This update will surely leave the head coach livid as Wilson is a talented young prospect whose departure will come as a big blow to the club.

Rangers are on the verge of repeating the awful disaster that was Billy Gilmour’s exit from Glasgow back in the summer of 2017. Premier League side Chelsea snapped him up, at the age of 15, for a reported fee of £500k and he has made the step up to senior level in recent years.

He is currently valued at £10.8m by Transfermarkt and has spent the season on loan with Norwich in the Premier League, after winning the Champions League with Chelsea last term. The midfielder has also been capped 12 times by Scotland at international level as he has shown that he has been able to adjust to playing at senior level.

His value has soared since leaving Rangers as a teenager and now he is worth an eight-figure sum and playing at the top level in England. Meanwhile, the Gers received an initial £500k for his services and have had to watch on from afar as their academy product has achieved success.

Rangers are now set to relive that nightmare with Wilson. By the end of March, the attacker was on 40 goals for the club in all competitions at youth level, which shows how impressive he has been for the academy and that he has big potential to make himself a star in the first team.

Therefore, van Bronckhorst will now be livid that the 16-year-old wants to leave Glasgow and is on course to sign for Villa this summer as he will not be able to utilise his talents in the future. He may now have to watch the striker catch fire in England and wonder what could have been…

AND in other news, Rangers played an Ibrox blinder with £22k-pw “cornerstone” who’s like “Graeme Souness”…