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West Ham United are believed to be keeping tabs on Middlesbrough starlet Isaiah Jones, according to journalist Roshane Thomas.

What’s the word?

Writing on Twitter, The Athletic journalist stated that the Hammers are showing an “interest” in the 22-year-old gem, following his breakthrough campaign under Chris Wilder at the Riverside Stadium.

In his attached piece for The Athletic, Thomas stated that the Englishman is on David Moyes’ ‘radar’ in the current window, amid reports that the former Manchester United boss is keen to add six further signings after having already wrapped up a deal for centre-back, Nayef Aguerd.

Comfortable both at right-back and in a wing-back role, where he featured heavily last term, Jones currently has a long-term contract with his current side, with his existing deal set to run until the summer of 2025.

Moyes’ new Antonio

Despite having seen a player they own in Djed Spence blossom out on loan last term, the Championship outfit were seemingly shedding few tears over that decision, with the aforementioned Jones having stepped up so successfully to life in the first-team.

Having made just a solitary cup appearance for the second-tier outfit prior to the start of 2021/22, the £2.7m-rated ace went on to make 46 appearances in all competitions in the most recent campaign, notably chipping in with one goal and nine assists from his 42 league outings.

Dubbed “special” by George Elek, the versatile asset could well be a player who could thrive were he to make the switch to the London Stadium, with obvious comparisons to make between both the £1.1k-per-week talent and current West Ham regular, Michail Antonio.

Like the Jamaica international, Jones began his career in non-league football before being plucked by Boro in 2019, having in fact played for the same team that Antonio had also started his footballing journey, Tooting & Mitcham United.

While the latter man endured a more steady rise through the divisions, his success has laid the pathway for the young wing-back to follow, with the 32-year-old having gone on to become an integral asset for the east London outfit since his arrival from Nottingham Forest in 2015.

Signed as a wide, attacking option, the adaptable speedster was thrust into a makeshift right-back role in his early Irons career, before eventually solidifying his place as the club’s leading marksman, despite not being a recognised striker.

After seven years at the club, the £69k-per-week star is now the Hammers’ leading scorer in the Premier League era with 56 goals, having netted ten league goals in each of the last three seasons.

While he may not be the high-profile name that supporters are craving to lead the line, the £9m-rated brute remains such an integral player to Moyes’ ranks, proving himself something of a menace for any opposition defence.

Jones too would appear to hold similar traits, having been dubbed a “monster” by journalist Phil Spencer for his explosive form of late, with the potential there for him to follow in the footsteps of Antonio were he to be plucked by GSB this summer.

AND in other news: Moyes plotting move for “special” £45m “baller”, he’d be a “superstar” for West Ham

As per reports in the last 48 hours, a major Tottenham Hotspur exit update has now come to light involving wantaway winger Steven Bergwijn.

The Lowdown: Summer of change at Tottenham…

The Lilywhites could be set for a very interesting 2022/23 Premier League campaign after Antonio Conte guided them to a place in the Champions League for next season.

Finishing in the top four on the final day of the last campaign has granted Spurs some real privileges, including a £150m equity increase courtesy of ENIC and three confirmed signings already.

However, in order to balance the books, Spurs transfer chief Fabio Paratici needs to offload a few players, and one man who is expected to leave north London is Bergwijn.

The Latest: Bergwijn transfer update…

The Netherlands international has openly admitted that he’s open to leaving Tottenham, with Football Insider sharing a big development on Tuesday afternoon.

According to their information, Ajax are eyeing a big-money move for Bergwijn, who they are keen to make their ‘marquee signing’ of the summer.

Negotiations are apparently ‘advancing’ and both clubs believe that an agreement could be imminent – so much so that all parties are confident that a deal could be in place by ‘the end of this week’.

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The Verdict: Sad end for Bergwijn…

Often a big-game player, Bergwijn’s stoppage-time heroics at Leicester City in January enhance the belief that he can really be of use to Conte on his day, despite drawing criticism from the likes of Graeme Souness in the past.

However, the Dutchman – who started just four league games last season – could struggle for game-time ahead of the in-form Dejan Kulusevski, or further potential summer additions, and we believe that an exit from Tottenham may suit all parties.

Paratici will need to agree outgoings sooner rather than later, with Bergwijn coming as a likely departure from N17.

Tottenham Hotspur full-back Emerson Royal is being eyed behind the scenes by Atletico Madrid for a summer transfer.

What’s the news?

According to Sky Sports, the La Liga club have a long-standing interest in the player and are looking to bring him to Madrid this summer.

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Spurs signed the full-back from Barcelona last August in a deal worth €30m (£25.8m) on a five-year contract.

Throughout his debut season at the north London club, the Brazilian made 41 appearances across all competitions, scoring one goal and delivering one assist in the process.

Terrible news for Spurs

In his 31 Premier League appearances, the 23-year-old ended up making more tackles (86) than any of his team-mates, also finishing in the top three for blocks (56), clearances (79) and successful pressures (126), as per FBRef.

Meanwhile, from an attacking point of view, only Heung-min Son (65) delivered more crosses than Royal (60). This highlights just how useful he can be up and down the pitch and why it would be terrible to lose him after just one season at the club.

Despite some question marks being raised over his ability to play in the Premier League at times last term, to get rid of him this summer without letting him have the chance to get a pre-season with Antonio Conte and show what he can do in the 2022/23 campaign would be a very bad look for the club.

Should the player join Atletico and become a pivotal figure for them, there could be some regret from Tottenham, while it would leave them weaker in that area of the squad.

Also, with Diego Simeone’s side having previously lured one of Spurs’ full-backs in the shape of Kieran Trippier in 2019, there would surely be some Spurs fans who wouldn’t want to see lightning strike twice in that regard.

There should be no thoughts from anyone at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium about letting Royal go this summer, and they will surely consider the interest from Atletico as terrible news.

Given his young age and the path that Conte could now make for him in terms of improving his game and being better suited to playing in England at a high level, the 23-year-old could be an exciting prospect for the Lilywhites to have in their ranks for the foreseeable future.

In other news: Conte could finally axe Spurs’ £42m “liability” by signing “complete” £27m-rated titan

A report out of Italy has now shared quite an update on Tottenham Hotspur’s pursuit of Everton star Richarlison.

The Lowdown: Conte eyes move…

The Brazil international and Premier League striker is reliably believed to be on the Spurs agenda this summer as manager Antonio Conte chases an alternative to superstar player Harry Kane.

Reports have suggested that the Lilywhites could speed up talks for Richarlison with ‘decisive days’ ahead, coming after journalist David Ornstein claimed ‘some’ at Everton think a transfer is inevitable.

Now, as per CalciomercatoWeb.it, a big update has come to light.

The Latest: Tottenham closing in…

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According to their information, reporting due to Juventus and Milan’s interest, Richarlison’s arrival at Spurs is ‘ever closer’ and talks are at an ‘advanced’ stage for the 25-year-old, acting as a blow for the Serie A duo.

In perhaps the most surprising claim, the report states that his signing could ‘take place’ for just €40 million (£35m).

The Verdict: Major claim…

This comes as a major claim out of Spurs, particularly, when it comes to the price tag.

While it is arguably unlikely that the north Londoners will end up securing Richarlison for £35m, we believe the South American’s arrival is worth a potentially higher offer regardless.

Finishing 2021/2022 as Everton’s top goal scorer and best-performing player by average match rating, the striker is a proven top flight threat, having also attempted their most shots at goal per 90 last season (WhoScored).

It’s little wonder Richarlison has been called one of the Goodison Park side’s ‘big name’ players (Noel Whelan, Football Insider) and signing him for Conte would undoubtedly strengthen the Italian’s attacking options.

In other news: Significant talks: Tottenham emerge as ‘likelier destination’ for ‘superstar’…find out more here.

Sky Sports Italy have now shared a big Tottenham Hotspur transfer update involving Villarreal defender Pau Torres in the last 48 hours.

The Lowdown: Spurs eye new defender…

Spurs head coach Antonio Conte is thought to be after a left-sided central defender for his backline but the Italian was dealt a major blow on Wednesday afternoon.

Former top target Alessandro Bastoni of Inter Milan, via his agent, confirmed his intentions to remain at the San Siro for 2022/2023 – meaning the Lilywhites may have to turn to alternatives.

Torres, coming as another defensive target, has been mentioned as a potential signing in recent months with Sky Italy now sharing a big update on Spurs’ attempts.

The Latest: Sky share big Torres update…

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According to the broadcast giant, via Get Italian Football News, the north Londoners are now working on a deal to sign Torres and a swap deal is also on the cards.

Sky claim that midfielder Giovani Lo Celso will be included in any deal with Villarreal for their star defender as transfer chief Fabio Paratici gets moving before pre-season.

The Verdict: Get it done

The Spain international, called ‘sensational’ by his national team boss Luis Enrique, would come as a real upgrade for Conte’s back three.

As per WhoScored, only goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli played more La Liga minutes than Torres over 2021/2022 with manager Unai Emery clearly viewing him as indispensable.

In that time, the 25-year-old averaged Villarreal’s joint-highest rate of aerial duels won per 90 whilst also making the second-most clearances – backing just how solid and reliable he could be if Spurs bring him to the Premier League.

In other news: ‘Better and better’ – Insider says Tottenham could make announcement ‘in the coming days’…find out more here.

Leeds United are closing in on their second signing of the summer…

What’s the word?

According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, the Yorkshire giants have struck a deal to sign RB Salzburg full-back Rasmus Kristensen, having already clinched a £25m move for his teammate Brenden Aaronson, who has joined on a five-year deal.

“Full agreement set to be reached between Leeds and RB Salzburg for Rasmus Kristensen. Danish right-back’s expected to join Leeds in the coming days, once final details will be resolved,” he tweeted.

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“Kristensen will be able to undergo medical tests after international duty.”

Sky Sports believe it could cost the Whites in the region of just £10m to secure the 24-year-old, something of a bargain as Transfermarkt currently value him at £13.5m.

Marsch will be elated

If the club’s ambition wasn’t obvious already, it is now and a move for the impressive right-back is sure to leave manager Jesse Marsch absolutely delighted.

Whilst Aaronson adds a much-needed and threatening option to a threadbare engine room, Kristensen will help bolster one of the Premier League’s leakiest defences, and he is a surefire upgrade on the struggling Luke Ayling.

Indeed, the side conceded a whopping 79 goals from their 38 matches (2.07 each outing), a feat that only relegated Norwich City (84) were worse for.

Meanwhile, the long-serving vice-captain’s season ended in disgrace after he was sent off for a needless and reckless challenge against Arsenal, leaving his club in the lurch heading into the final few games.

He was brandished as an “idiot” by Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher, who also suggested that it could be his last-ever game in the Premier League.

Kristensen is a player that Marsch knows very well. The American head coach was in charge of 64 of his 107 appearances for the Austrian champions. During that time, the attack-minded full-back provided 13 goals and 19 assists, so it’s easy to see why he’s being brought in.

The Denmark international was Salzburg’s best-performing player in the Champions League this term, averaging a WhoScored rating of 6.91. He also led the squad for tackles (a whopping 4.6 per game) and also managed 1.1 shots and one dribble per game, too.

“He is an absolute leader on the pitch. His emotions push the whole team. As a right-back, he has a very strong offensive drive, marches up and down the line and is also a goal threat,” his current boss, Matthias Jaissle, once said of Kristensen.

On the above evidence, Leeds and Marsch will be getting a reliable upgrade at right-back heading into next season, where they must avoid a disastrous repeat of 2021/22.

AND in other news, Orta given green light for “unstoppable” £21m signing, it’d be a huge coup for Leeds…

Liverpool have been heavily linked with Aurelien Tchouameni over the last few weeks but are facing competition from their Champions League final opponents Real Madrid, and now a reliable source has given a significant update on the current state of play.

What’s the latest?

According to Italian journalist and transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, the Monaco midfielder is prioritising a move to La Liga this summer.

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Writing in his column for Caught Offside, Romano stated that Liverpool have held talks with Tchouameni’s agent. Although nothing has been set in stone with Real Madrid, his preference is to join the Spanish club over Liverpool or Paris Saint Germain, who are also keeping an eye on the ongoing situation.

Supporters will be disappointed

There is no doubt that Tchouameni is one of the hottest midfield prospects in world football right now, especially when you consider that three of the biggest clubs in the world are chasing him with Liverpool, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain battling it out for his signature.

Therefore, Reds supporters will no doubt be disappointed to hear that the player prefers a move to the Spanish capital over Anfield.

It is no wonder he is a popular option for clubs looking to strengthen in the centre of the pitch, as the 22-year-old has been an monstrous presence for Monaco this season.

Tchouameni has scored three goals and contributed two assists, creating six big chances, making 2.9 interceptions and 2.5 tackles and taking 75.5 touches per game. He has also won the majority of his duels (64%) and completed most of his dribbles (73%), proving that he is an absolute nightmare for opponents to handle.

Not only has the youngster offered a consistent and reliable output in both defensive and attacking play, he also ranks first in the top five European leagues for most interceptions completed this season (101).

With that being said, signing Tchouameni would have been a major coup for Liverpool as their current like-for-like midfielders Thiago Alcantara, Fabinho and Jordan Henderson are all in their 30s, and it is clear that Jurgen Klopp’s intention is to bring some youth into the squad so that the team can seamlessly transition in the years ahead.

There is still hope that the Reds could get a deal done for Tchouameni this summer as there has been no deal agreed with Real Madrid as of yet, so Klopp and FSG will need to try and find a way to attract him to Merseyside after the Champions League final this weekend.

AND in other news: Liverpool could unearth their own Heung-min Son by signing “special” £64m sensation

Journalist Larry Henry Jr has revealed that Everton are among a number of clubs who are now ‘waiting’ to sign Cameron Carter-Vickers this summer.

The Lowdown: Great season

The 24-year-old has had a great season on loan at Celtic from Tottenham Hotspur, with Hoops legend John Hartson even going as far as to claim that he has been “outstanding” for the Glasgow giants.

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The United States international was a mainstay in the side which reclaimed the Scottish Premiership title from their fierce rivals Rangers, and he has earned himself a lucrative move once the transfer window opens.

The Latest: Everton ‘waiting’ to sign Carter-Vickers

As per Henry Jr on Twitter, Everton are now ‘waiting’ to sign Carter-Vickers, in case a permanent move to Parkhead from Spurs falls through.

He outlined: “Cameron Carter-Vickers has indeed agreed personal teams with Celtic, but no official agreement yet between #SPFL winners and Tottenham, a source close to the player confirmed. Bournemouth, Newcastle, Everton, Fulham waiting in the wings.”

The Verdict: Sign him

Valued at £2.7m by Transfermarkt, Carter-Vickers could be a bargain signing for the Merseyside club, especially given question marks over Financial Fair Play (FFP) which may see them have a restricted budget once more this summer.

The 6 foot 1 colossus is still only 24 years of age, so he has plenty of room to develop into an even better centre-back over time, which should ensure that the Toffees get their money’s worth from signing him.

Nonetheless, there appears to be a lot of competition for his signature, so this is a deal that Frank Lampard and co will probably need to get done quickly.

In other news, find out which seven players the Blues are now ‘willing’ to sell

Journalist Phil Smith has sung the praises of Alex Pritchard after Sunderland were promoted to the Championship on Saturday afternoon. 

The lowdown: Sunderland promoted

The Black Cats overcame a resilient Wycombe Wanderers to return to the second tier of English football, having won the League One play-off final 2-0 at Wembley.

Elliot Embleton opened the scoring for Alex Neil’s side before Ross Stewart doubled the advantage just 10 minutes before full-time in London as Sunderland ended a four-year spell in the third tier of English football.

After the match, in a performance full of impressive outings from the Wearsiders, Smith was full of praise for one man’s standout display in particular…

The latest: Pritchard praised

Compiling the player ratings for the Sunderland Echo, the outlet’s chief SAFC writer awarded the 29-year-old a nine out of 10 rating.

Pritchard was hailed for his ‘excellent’ positional awareness and ‘superb work rate’, whilst also providing the assists for both goals at Wembley.

The midfielder completed five of his nine crosses, won six duels and made four key passes and three clearances during an 81-minute outing which earned a match-high 8.10 Sofascore rating.

The verdict: ‘What a moment’

Ultimately, Pritchard’s performance and indeed the day were summed up in Smith’s final line – ‘what a moment’. This day had been a long time coming for Sunderland supporters, and to do it in such style was an ideal way to finally seal promotion.

Former England under-21 international Pritchard has been sensational throughout the campaign, with four goals and 14 assists, and he played a fitting role in the win which ensured that Neil’s side will bring Championship football back to the Stadium of Light for 2022/23.

Attention can now turn to Neil’s transfer business both in terms of incomings and outgoings over the coming weeks and months, and the 29-year-old is almost nailed-on to remain an integral part of Sunderland’s Championship plans after his Wembley heroics.

In other news: ‘Toxic’ – Sky Sports expert rips into Donald and Methven after Sunderland takeover development

Mikel Arteta believes Eberechi Eze still has plenty more to bring to Arsenal’s attacking play after watching him score his first goal for the club in Wednesday’s 2-0 Carabao Cup win over Port Vale.

Eze struck just eight minutes into the match at Vale Park but, despite that early strike, Arsenal struggled to create clear opportunities against their League One hosts, not killing the game off until substitute Leandro Trossard struck in the 86th minute.

Arteta expecting more from Arsenal signing Eze

But Eze’s goal – his first since he returned to the club in a £60million move from Crystal Palace – already looked like being enough for Arsenal on a night when the 27-year-old was the brightest of Arsenal’s attacking players.

Eze, on £9.3m a year at the Emirates, started on the left of Arsenal’s attack for this match but has already lined up in a number of different positions for Arteta in his five appearances to date.

Arsenal spent the summer looking to add greater depth to the squad as they aim to compete on multiple fronts this term and that showed on the team sheet here as Arteta made nine changes from Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Manchester City but still fielded a strong side.

Kepa Arrizabalaga made his debut in goal, Christian Norgaard got a first start in midfield and Bukayo Saka clocked up an hour as he returns from a hamstring injury, with Arteta saying he now had a number of decisions to make ahead of Sunday’s trip to Newcastle.

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“What we need to do… is generate the performances that we want with the players that haven’t really played together, with a completely different midfield than they’ve played together before, with a front line that is different as well,” he said.

“Max [Dowman] came in as well and connect(ed) immediately with the team. It’s a lot of positives to take from the game. That’s exactly what we want, that they’re giving us and me those headaches because that means that they are so connected with the team, that they really want to help the team. Everybody will play a lot of minutes.”