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Despite winning a third consecutive Scottish Premiership title, Celtic are reportedly now set to lose one of Brendan Rodgers' future stars, with a medical already scheduled.

Celtic transfer news

It's been a quiet transfer window so far at Celtic Park with Sead Haksabanovic the only departure and not a single incoming through the door as of yet.

Of course, that hasn't stopped the rumours from coming, however. The Bhoys have been linked with the likes of Adam Idah and even Euro 2024 star Giorgi Mamardashvili. The latter would be a particularly impressive arrival to replace the retired Joe Hart, whilst Idah would also be a welcome arrival on a permanent basis.

The Norwich City striker starred on loan last season, finally discovering his goalscoring touch, and even made himself a hero by netting a late winner in the Scottish Cup final against Old Firm rivals Rangers. With that said, a permanent deal this summer would make perfect sense for both parties. On the outgoings front, meanwhile, Matt O'Riley's future continues to be questioned, but it is a future star heading for a summer exit.

Celtic could ease possible O'Riley exit with swoop for SPFL goal threat

The Hoops are facing interest from the Premier League in their star midfielder.

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By
Dan Emery

Jul 3, 2024

According to Sky Sports' Anthony Joseph, Rocco Vata is now set to join Watford with a medical scheduled as soon as today and a four-year deal on the line, which would see Celtic receive £240,000 in training compensation.

Just 19 years old, Vata's exit will deal Celtic a frustrating blow, especially for such a low compensation price for a player who could yet reach his potential in years to come.

Rodgers a fan of "strong" Vata

If Rodgers' previous praise is anything to go by, then he's certainly a fan of the young striker. The former Leicester City boss told BBC Sport: "There’s been a lot of noise around Rocco but any young player has to earn the opportunity. I’ve given many young players opportunities in my career. But I like Rocco, he has qualities. He is strong, he’s aggressive, he wants to get goals. When he came on he got his goal and he had other opportunities."

Speaking about Vata's future at the time, the Celtic boss continued: "That will be up to him. He’s a talent. It depends what the mentality is with him and his representatives. You get some young players whose representatives will tell you if they are not playing in the first team, starting, they don’t want to stay. You better go then, because you have got to earn the right."

Months later, of course, we know Vata's decision despite that praise and Celtic may now need to look elsewhere for future stars. The young Irishman featured for the first-team twice last season, scoring once to offer Glasgow a glimpse of his impressive potential. It's Watford who will now benefit from that potential, however, in what could quickly look like a solid deal this summer.

West Ham United have reportedly made contact to sign an international left-back ahead of Premier League rivals Aston Villa.

Defenders wanted at West Ham

New manager Julen Lopetegui has promised to put his own stamp on things at the London Stadium, saying after being announced as David Moyes’ successor last month: “I feel very happy, first of all, to be able to be part of the future of this big Club. We will try to put our stamp on the Club.

"I feel that we have a fantastic platform. I think the last few years have been very good years to have this base, of course, but my ambition as a coach is always to be better and better, to achieve more and bigger aims and to encourage and improve the players, the team, and to compete because football is about this – to compete. We are very ambitious about this.”

In the transfer market, the Hammers officially made Luis Guilherme their first summer signing, with the Brazilian costing a total of €30m. Guilherme looks set to be the first of many through the door at the London Stadium, with the Hammers and technical director Tim Steidten also agreeing a deal to sign goalkeeper Wes Foderingham for free when his Sheffield United contract officially expires at the end of the month.

£21m striker is now open to signing for West Ham

Julen Lopetegui is keen on a move.

By
Charlie Smith

Jun 25, 2024

In defence, a new centre-back and left-back also appear to be high on Lopetegui’s wishlist. Centrally, Wolves’ Max Kilman appears to be the top target, with the Hammers already having two proposals turned down and are now preparing a third offer.

Meanwhile, at left-back, contact has been made for Ryan Sessegnon, who is available on a free transfer after leaving Tottenham. Another mooted target is Jayden Oosterwolde from Fenerbahce, with the Irons holding talks with the player’s representatives and are reportedly preparing an offer.

Now, a new name has emerged when it comes to Lopetegui bringing in a left-back to provide competition for Emerson Palmieri.

West Ham keen on Luca Pellegrini

According to reports in Italy, relayed by Sport Witness, both West Ham and Aston Villa have carried out surveys, and by extension, made contact with Lazio over left-back Luca Pellegrini.

The Italy international isn’t with his country at Euro 2024, and at club level, he’s currently on a two-year loan at Lazio from Juventus and have an obligation to buy him in 2025.

However, it looks as if both the Irons and Villa have made their first move to cut Pellegrini’s stay with Lazio short, although the Serie A side have sent those requests back and want to keep the 25-year-old, who cost Juventus £20m from Roma back in 2019.

Pellegrini, who can play further forward as a left midfielder if needed, made 34 appearances for Lazio last season, and by the looks of things, he’ll continue to represent the Biancocelesti during the 2024/25 campaign and beyond.

That could leave West Ham focusing more on Sessegnon or Oosterwolde over the coming weeks, making the Hammers’ left-back search one to watch ahead of Lopetegui’s first season in charge.

Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo will not square off against one another in Friday's Saudi Pro League clash despite the former now being fit to play

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• Neymar has returned from ACL injury
• His Al-Hilal take on Al-Nassr this week
• Brazilian won't play against Ronaldo… yet

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The 32-year-old was out for nearly a year with an anterior cruciate ligament injury but marked his return to football last week in a cameo display for Al-Hilal in the AFC Champions League against Al-Ain. Ahead of his team's heavyweight clash with Ronaldo's Al-Nassr, the Brazilian will not feature in this Saudi Pro League encounter – and here's why.

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  THE EXPLANATION

  As GOAL previously reported, the former Paris Saint-Germain star is eligible to appear in AFC Champions League right now as this tournament has no restrictions on the number of foreign players allowed. However, that cannot be said for the Saudi Pro League and, with Neymar not having been registered due to his long-term injury, the Brazil international can only play in this competition from January 2025. Therefore, his Saudi Pro League duel with Ronaldo will have to wait until April at the earliest, when Al-Hilal host the Al-Nassr outfit.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Although Neymar is back playing football, the medical team of the Brazil Football Federation (CBF) want to ease the ex-Barcelona ace back into action. Therefore, he is unlikely to return to the national team until March as he should be back to full fitness by then.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  While Neymar will be absent for Al-Hilal's trip to Al-Nassr on Friday, in a battle between first and third in the division, the Brazilian could feature for his team against Esteghlal FC on Monday when the AFC Champions League returns.

After a disappointing seventh-placed finish in the Premier League last season, Newcastle United could now sacrifice one of their top stars in order to bring new players through the door at St James' Park.

Magpies eye up defensive reinforcements this summer

After struggling to settle on a nailed on back four last season, Eddie Howe appears to be in the market for players to reinforce his backline. One defender has already made the move to Tyneside with free agent Lloyd Kelly set to join the club at the start of July after leaving Bournemouth at the end of his contract.

Top target: Newcastle want to sign "unbelievable" PL star who's like Gordon

Newcastle looking to add more firepower in attack

By
Connor Holden

Jun 26, 2024

With one already through the door, the latest rumours out of St James' Park have linked Newcastle with a number of further defensive signings. AC Milan's Fikayo Tomori is one name linked with a move to the Magpies with the English defender potentially available for £42million this summer.

Another defender on PIF's shopping list is Juventus' Federico Gatti. The 26-year-old central defender is linked with a £25 million move away from the Turin outfit and Newcastle are reported to be ready to launch a formal bid for the player.

With fresh faces in defence clearly high on Newcastle's list of priorities, the club could now use the transfer window to sell one of their most reliable players in this area of the pitch.

European club target Toon star

As first reported by Sport Witness, the Turkish press are claiming that Trabzonspor are interested in signing Newcastle United defender Fabian Schar. The Swiss centre back has just one year left on his current deal at St James' Park meaning that he is likely to be moved on this summer.

The report goes on to state that Schar is now Trabzonspor's top target in their search for a new central defender after the 2022 Süper Lig winners failed to convince Marseille’s Samuel Gigot to join, and they have already reached out to the Magpies star.

Current Toon boss Howe spoke on Schar's unique abilities back in March, telling the press: “There won’t be many centre-halves like Fabby (Schar). He is a total one-off, he is a very good defender when he is absolutely concentrated and really well-trained.

"He is as good a defender as I’ve seen. But he would probably tell you that his biggest strengths are on the ball, and he can see things and execute things that I don’t see many other centre-halves capable of doing. That’s why he’s so important to us."

Schar made 36 league appearances for the Magpies last season, scoring four goals in the process. The 32-year-old's goal scoring prowess is well known with the player synonymous with well struck efforts that end up rippling the back of the net.

As he is currently away representing Switzerland at Euro 2024, Sport Witness states that any negotiations will not take place until the tournament has concluded.

With Newcastle eyeing up moves for a number of high profile defenders, shifting Schar's £45,000 per week wages off the books could be what allows the Magpies to go after some of their top targets.

England's abysmal defensive display against Germany on Friday highlighted a number of issues that need addressing before next summer's tournament

Until Germany came to visit on Friday, England had never conceded four goals in a single game under Sarina Wiegman. After letting in three before the break for the first time in almost 10 years, the fourth marked the worst defensive performance in the Dutchwoman's tenure – both statistically and on the eye. While the final score was eventually close at 4-3, it certainly flattered England.

In eight months' time, the Lionesses will start their European Championship title defence in Switzerland and so, in that sense, this defeat could be something of a blessing in disguise, as it could serve as a well-needed wake-up call for a team that has the ability to retain that trophy, but only with some improvements.

"None of us ever want to lose, but if we don't lose, we're never going to learn, and if we don't play top opponents like Germany, we're never going to be ready for the Euros," was the take of defender Jess Carter after the game. "I think we'd all take days like this now, rather than in however many months' time."

So, what will Wiegman, her staff and her players have taken from Friday's defeat? And, with three more friendlies in 2024 to come, how can those issues be addressed before Euro 2025 kicks off? GOAL picks out six areas that need attention…

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  Depth in midfield

  England have a whole host of options in the No.10 position, but what about the two roles behind it? Over the last few years, Keira Walsh has locked down the holding role and Georgia Stanway has done the same in the box-to-box position. They’ve formed a great relationship by playing together so often, and in so many big games, and they will almost always be picked if they are fit, not just for important matches in qualifying or at tournaments but also in friendlies. That’s part of the problem.

  Wiegman is well-known for playing her tried and trusted XI very often, with her not making a single change to her starting line-up through the Euro 2022 triumph. While that helps players build relationships, it does also prevent those on the fringes on the squad from having partnerships that are as strong, and it also hinders a national team’s ability to build real depth in certain positions.

  That’s the case in midfield for England. For a long time, Walsh’s main competition for the holding role was Katie Zelem, but she hasn’t been called up since December. The former Manchester United captain moved to the U.S. when she joined Angel City in the summer, a move that felt good for her career and progression as a player. However, last week, Wiegman was clear on where Zelem stands right now in her England team. “We keep an eye on her, but at the moment, she's not in our plans,” she said.

  As for Stanway’s competition, that has come from different players over time, albeit not in a particularly strong sense since Jill Scott retired after Euro 2022. Laura Coombs and Jordan Nobbs went to the World Cup last year, yet neither played much in the build-up to the tournament and only Coombs got game time at it, with two substitute appearances totalling 96 minutes.

  If something was to happen to Walsh or Stanway in a crucial moment, who would be there to step up? Some of those No.10s could adapt and drop deeper, as could Stanway to Walsh’s role, but there is no natural option to back-up either, and especially not one who has been exposed to the England environment properly.

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  Lack of a proper left-back

  One issue that has been prevalent throughout Wiegman’s tenure is the lack of options at left-back. There’s a reason why Rachel Daly, a No.9, played every game there at Euro 2022. Of course, it’s not entirely the coach’s fault that there isn’t a go-to player in this position. This is international football; you can’t just go out and buy a left-back. However, it’s hard not to feel like a better solution could’ve been found at some point in the past three years.

  There have been English players playing at left-back in that time who haven’t really got a look in. Gabby George has had a few call-ups but has never actually played minutes under Wiegman, Hannah Blundell’s last involvement with England came in 2019 and Poppy Pattinson wasn’t selected this month, despite starting the season strongly with Brighton in what is a position of need for England. None of these options are flawless. George’s position has changed a lot for club, Blundell is right-footed and Pattinson has been thriving as more of a wing-back. One way or another, none have suited Wiegman’s plans.

  At the moment, Niamh Charles, who is missing from the October camp due to injury, is England’s first-choice left-back. She is a practical option, given she plays the role at Chelsea, even if she started out as a forward. But that she is not left-footed does present a slight issue, especially given the rest of Wiegman’s defence is also usually right-footed.

  If Charles isn’t available, as she wasn’t on Friday when England faced Germany, there are a lack of suitable replacements, too. Jess Carter, who can play anywhere across the back line, filled in at Wembley, but she hadn’t played the role since doing so for England in July – and it showed.

  Is there something Wiegman can do to prevent this being an obvious weakness? Is there another option she could look at before the Euros next summer? Could a return to the 3-5-2 formation from the World Cup help mask the issue? Only time will tell whether she believes it is a big enough problem to find a solution.

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  Dependence on Bronze

  England also have a slight right-back problem. It’s a position Lucy Bronze has held down for years now, but with her celebrating her 33rd birthday just this week, it’s certainly fair to wonder who her successor will be, even if she is bullish about playing at the highest level for as long as she can.

  For a spell, Maya Le Tissier looked like the obvious choice. After coming through as a central defender, Hope Powell moved her to right-back in her third senior season at Brighton, pointing to her fitness and athleticism as reasons why she believed the youngster would thrive there. She was right, and Le Tissier excelled.

  However, in the last few seasons, she’s moved central again at Manchester United. Head coach Marc Skinner believes what Le Tissier contributes in possession makes her more influential for his team there, but that has cost her more opportunities with England. Wiegman sees her as a right-back but has been grouping her in with the centre-backs when choosing her squads, because that’s where she has been playing. That approach has certainly been questioned by many, given the coach has often played the likes of Daly and Carter in roles they do not play at club.

  That appears to be changing a little bit now. Le Tissier has twice started at right-back in 2024 and she replaced Bronze from the bench on Friday. Unless another player for this position emerges, Le Tissier is the best option Wiegman has to build up as a strong back-up for Bronze and she should continue to give her opportunities there ahead of next summer’s Euros to ensure she is ready to step up if needed.

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  Greenwood’s role

  It was both surprising and unsurprising to see Alex Greenwood among the substitutes on Friday against Germany. Surprising because she has been the best, most consistent and most in-form English centre-back for several years now, but unsurprising because she has struggled for starts for her country throughout 2024 despite all that.

  Only once Leah Williamson suffered her ACL injury last April did Greenwood really get a run in the team in her best position and she took it, easily marking herself out as England’s most impressive performer on the way to the World Cup final. However, since Williamson has returned and Wiegman has ditched the back three, which allowed her to slot more of the top quality centre-backs at her disposal into her XI, Greenwood has lost out.

  What made it more surprising on Friday was that Williamson has not been in good form. “That just kind of sums up how she’s been playing this season,” said Ian Wright on punditry for , referring to the sloppy pass from the Arsenal star which led to Germany’s first goal. "I know that's the England captain but Alex Greenwood is playing better at the moment and the way Alex Greenwood takes care of that ball, we probably don't give away that goal [if she plays].”

  It's difficult to know what to say anymore. Greenwood is clearly England's best centre-back right now, and has been for a while. She would only improve this team if given the opportunity on a regular basis.

Thomas Tuchel is set to be named as the new England manager after agreeing a deal with the FA this week.

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• Tuchel agrees to become Three Lions boss
• Unveiling expected this week
• Will end Lee Carsley's run as interim coach

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  In a quick turn of events, the former Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss is set to pick up the mantle from Gareth Southgate and lead England into the 2026 World Cup. Tuchel is widely reported to have finalised a deal with the Football Association, despite being a leading contender for the Manchester United job should Erik ten Hag be sacked in the coming weeks. Tuchel is a Champions League winner and specialised in tournaments and is favoured to finally get the Three Lions over the line in at a major competition.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Tuchel's appointment marks a shift away from the English-born candidates that the FA had previously favoured. Reports suggest the governing body also sounded out Pep Guardiola for the job, but could not guarantee he would take it, even if it was at the end of the 2024-25 campaign and his current contract with Manchester City. Tuchel has plenty of experience working with Premier League players, including ex-Tottenham striker Harry Kane, who he brought to Munich just over a year ago.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  The 51-year-old will become the first German-born manager to take charge of England. As well as this, Tuchel will be only the third foreign coach to lead the Three Lions after Sven-Goran Eriksson and Fabio Capello.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR TUCHEL?

  Interim boss Lee Carsley is due to take charge of two more matches in November before stepping aside, but his recent comments outlining England's need for a world-class coach may have ended his time in the dugout after just four matches. The Three Lions take on Greece and the Republic of Ireland next month and could see Tuchel step in immediately, though some reports suggest he won't start work until January 1, 2025.

Arsenal enjoyed another season of brilliant football, enthralling games, and promising progress, yet, come the final whistle on the final day, they were left empty-handed.

Mikel Arteta's side have come on leaps and bounds from when he first took charge in December 2019, and while they managed to take the Premier League title race right up until the final day last season, they still haven't been able to end their two-decade title drought.

However, the summer transfer window is now upon us, and as they have shown over the last couple of years, the Gunners aren't afraid to splash the cash anymore.

It was only a year ago that they smashed their own transfer record – and the record for a British player, at that – when they picked up Declan Rice from West Ham United, and if they want to finally overtake Pep Guardiola's sky-blue behemoth next season, they're going to need to be just as willing to part with their cash in the coming months.

So, with that in mind and considering the club would have sold several pricey players of their own, such as Aaron Ramsdlae, Thomas Partey, Gabriel Jesus, Eddie Nketiah, Reiss Nelson and Emile Smith Rowe, here is what Arteta's dream lineup could look like next season following a mammoth £300m spend.

1

GK – David Raya

Starting between the sticks, we already have our first signing as David Raya's loan move is set to be made permanent for around £27m.

The Spaniard came in for Ramsdale early on in the season, and while his arrival certainly stirred up some conversation, he's since proven himself good enough to be the Gunners' number one and won the Premier League Golden Glove.

Arsenal set to announce £27 million signing when the transfer window opens

The Gunners will soon make it public.

By
Emilio Galantini

Jun 13, 2024

Overall, he made 41 appearances this season, keeping 20 clean sheets and conceding just 31 goals.

2

RB – Ben White

The right-back position is another familiar face, as Ben White starts.

The Englishman had arguably his best campaign for the Gunners to date last season, starting 92% of league games, in which he scored four goals and provided four assists.

One of those goals was the club's 10000th in all competitions, and he was also voted the fans' Player of the Month for March.

3

CB – William Saliba

The first centre-back in the side is, unsurprisingly, William Saliba, who enjoyed another stellar year in North London and has a genuine claim to being the best centre-back in the league.

Incredibly, the 23-year-old started 100% of league games and played 100% of league minutes for the Gunners last season, and so long as Arsenal can keep hold of him and he can stay fit, he'll likely start every game possible for a very long time to come.

4

CB – Gabriel

Alongside the Frenchman will be his partner in crime, Gabriel.

The Brazilian might not get quite the acclaim he deserves from outside fans, but the former LOSC Lille star is just as essential to the Gunners' incredible defence.

His slightly more aggressive style perfectly complements Saliba's, and with 15 goals in his 168 appearances for the club, he can occasionally pitch in at the other end.

5

LB – Ferdi Kadıoğlu

The last player in the back four is another signing, but the first new face and someone who could spell trouble for Oleksandr Zinchenko: Ferdi Kadıoğlu.

The Turkish international has been quite heavily linked with a £17m move to Arsenal over the last month or so, and given his impressive performances for Fenerbahçe, it's easy to see why.

In 51 games last season, the "electric" full-back, as data analyst Ben Mattinson dubbed him, scored three goals and provided five assists, but he has also shown another trait Arteta appreciates in his players: versatility.

He has started at least 20 games at left-back, right-back, attacking midfield, right wing, and left wing while also occasionally starting in several other positions.

6

DM – Declan Rice

The first man in midfield is Arsenal's current record transfer, Declan Rice.

The Englishman more than lived up to his price tag last season, starting 97% of league games, playing 94% of league minutes and racking up an impressive seven goals and ten assists in 51 games across all competitions.

A natural in both the left eight and six positions, he plays the latter role in this lineup to further strengthen the North Londoners' best-in-class defence.

7

CM – Bruno Guimarães

The left eight brings us to the second new face in the team as Newcastle United's Bruno Guimarães starts just ahead of Rice.

The Brazilian has been linked with a £100m move to the Emirates several times in the last few weeks due to the Toon's ongoing PSR concerns, and he would be a brilliant addition if Edu can get it over the line.

He started 97% of league matches for the Magpies last season and racked up an impressive seven goals and eight assists in the process – add that to Arsenal's midfield, and that alone could be the difference next year.

8

CM – Martin Ødegaard

The furthest forward midfielder brings us to captain fantastic himself, Martin Ødegaard.

The Norwegian worked tirelessly for the North Londoners last season and won the club's Player of the Season award for the second year running.

In 48 appearances, the former wonderkid racked up 11 goals and 11 assists, including a genuinely brilliant one in the Champions League against Porto.

If Arsenal are to win anything in the coming years, it will be with the Drammen-born magician leading the way.

9

RW – Bukayo Saka

The first player of the front three will probably be the first on Arteta's teamsheet for the rest of his tenure at Arsenal: Bukayo Saka.

Saka, the club's poster boy and the fans' starboy, is just 22 years old but has already become a leading player in the Premier League and one of the most important players for England.

In 47 games last season, the Hale End superstar scored 20 goals and provided 14 assists, which equates to a goal involvement every 1.38 games – bonkers.

10

ST – Victor Osimhen

We've reached the striker position, and with it comes another new face, Victor Osimhen.

The Nigerian striker has been linked with a £113m move to Arsenal over the last few months, and while it is an egregious amount of money, the signing of Rice has already shown that the club are willing to smash records to get the right man, and Osimhen is the right man.

It might be harsh on Kai Havertz, who had a good season, but his goalscoring numbers don't match the Nigerians' over the last two seasons.

For example, since the start of the 2022/23 campaign, the Napoli ace has scored 48 goals and provided nine assists in 71 games, while the German has scored 23 goals and provided eight assists in 98 games.

Moreover, there will still be space for the former Chelsea man in the squad, especially if Jesus is sold.

Sunderland may have signed winger Jack Clarke from Tottenham for ‘next to nothing’ on the condition that a ‘huge’ sell-on clause is included in the deal, claims Spurs insider John Wenham.

The Lowdown: Clarke’s signing

At the weekend, Sunderland announced that they had reached an agreement with the Lilywhites over the permanent signing of the 21-year-old, who spent the second half of last season on loan at the Stadium of Light.

The winger played an integral role in the Black Cats’ promotion to the Championship, making 20 appearances for the Lads, including the club’s play-off final victory over Wycombe Wanderers.

As per BBC Sport, Clarke signed for the Wearside outfit for an undisclosed fee.

The Latest: Wenham’s claim

Wenham believes that the transfer for Clarke should command a minimal fee, but with focus on a sell-on clause.

Speaking with Football Insider, the Lilywhites insider claimed:

“I have seen some people quoting ridiculous figures, you have to be realistic.

“He has 12 months left on his contract. For me, Tottenham would be wiser to let him go for next to nothing with the caveat of a huge sell-on clause.

“That way, if he does go and impress and move again, we will see some of that money back. It has happened before.

“Tottenham got 50% on Marcus Edwards when he moves to Vitoria for essentially nothing. So letting Clarke go for nothing would be better than letting him go for a smaller transfer fee without the clause.

“So I hope that is something Tottenham have included because Clarke has a high ceiling.”

The Verdict: Great signing

Former Leeds United forward Noel Whelan heaped huge praise on the youngster during his time at Elland Road, saying: “He has got a great ability to glide past players. I don’t think I’ve seen a winger really as talented as that, where it looks effortless, just to take somebody on and he really does get you on the edge of your seat, he’s one of those exciting players.”

This was backed up by former Black Cats boss Lee Johnson, who asserted that the winger has the potential to be an ‘influential’ player for the Wearside club.

With such high praise, it is clear to see Sunderland now have a great, young talent on their hands, and with the rumoured fee potentially so low, this could turn out to be shrewd business for the North-East side regardless of what they may lose down the line in clauses.

Tottenham Hotspur could make a move for free agent Jesse Lingard if he fails to come to an agreement with West Ham, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Lowdown: Lingard’s offers

With the midfielder now out of contract following his departure from Manchester United, the 29-year-old has recently been at the centre of numerous of transfer rumours.

According to a report by ESPN, the former England international is travelling to the United States to meet with a series of MLS teams ahead of a proposed move this summer. However, the same report also cites West Ham and Everton as clubs who remain interested in the free agent’s services.

Adding to the number of Premier League teams interested, The Telegraph have reported that Tottenham are keen on bringing Lingard to Hotspur Way in attempt to improve upon their homegrown quota.

The Latest: O’Rourke’s claim

O’Rourke believes that there is a possibility that the attacking midfielder could snub his former loan club in favour of Champions League football with Spurs this summer.

Speaking with GiveMeSport, the journalist said of Lingard: “West Ham obviously will probably offer him more of a guarantee of regular first team football.

“That probably couldn’t be guaranteed at Tottenham right now under Antonio Conte with the quality of the squad he’s now got at his disposal.

“But Champions League football is on offer at Tottenham and West Ham can only offer Europa Conference League football so that might be a big decision in where Jesse Lingard does end up moving this summer.

“I still think Tottenham will be thinking if West Ham can’t agree a deal with Lingard, then they might make a move for him.”

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The Verdict: Good addition for squad depth

During Lingard’s time at Old Trafford, former United coach Michael Carrick previously praised the 29-year-old for the hard work that he put in to establish himself at the highest level, describing him as a  ‘dynamic’ midfielder with a ‘unique’ playing style.

The free agent is also a proven Premier League operator, with 46 goal contributions in 165 appearances in England’s top flight.

Following the addition of Yves Bissouma to Antonio Conte’s squad, the arrival of the 32-cap England international would add further depth to the Lilywhites’ options in the middle of the park, with a more creative outlet able to come off the bench.

When you consider that Lingard would also be adding to Tottenham’s homegrown quota, this could be a move which makes perfect sense for both parties.

Fabrice Hawkins has dropped an update on the future of reported Leeds United transfer target Arnaud Kalimuendo.

What’s the latest?

In a recent post on Twitter, the French journalist revealed that both Leeds and Inter Milan are keeping a very close eye on the situation of the Paris Saint-Germain centre-forward ahead of a potential move this summer, with the Ligue 1 Champions believed to be demanding a figure in the region of €22m (£19m) in order to part with the 20-year-old.

Hawkins goes on to suggest that, despite the new PSG manager, Christophe Galtier, previously being eager to sign the France U21 international during his time at OGC Nice, all things still point to the striker securing a move away from Le Parc des Princes ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

In his tweet, the journalist said: “Arnaud Kalimuendo is well tracked by Inter Milan. His relatives were even invited to see a match in Milan a few weeks ago. Leeds are there too. The trend is towards a departure even if Christophe Galtier wanted to recover him when he was coaching Nice.”

Jonathan David 2.0

Considering just how exciting a prospect Kalimuendo undoubtedly is, it is not difficult to understand why Orta would be plotting a move to bring the centre-forward to Elland Road this summer.

Indeed, over his 34 Ligue 1 appearances for RC Lens last season, the £17m-rated talent was in deadly goalscoring form, hitting the back of the net on 12 separate occasions, as well as creating three big chances for his teammates and taking an average of 1.8 shots, making 0.6 key passes and completing 0.8 dribbles per game.

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Furthermore, according to FBref data, the £6.6k-per-week forward also ranks in the top 28% of centre-forwards in Europe’s big five leagues for non-penalty goals per 90, as well as the top 1% for passes completed, the top 19% for progressive carries and the top 11% for progressive passes received over the past 12 months.

These metrics see FBref compare the 21-year-old to some of the most recognisable centre-forwards in European football, such as LOSC Lille’s Jonathan David, Lazio’s Ciro Immobile and Sampdoria’s Francesco Caputo.

And, with Jacek Kulig dubbing Kalimuendo a “prolific” forward – as well as listing the youngster’s strengths as his “pace, finishing, instinct, movement and technique” – it is easy to see the similarities between the PSG starlet and the 69-goal David – who Leeds were linked with a move for in 2020 and who has more recently been tipped to become Robert Lewandowksi’s heir at Bayern Munich.

As such, considering the fact that the signing of a new forward is reported to be one of Orta’s priorities ahead of the new Premier League campaign, it would appear highly advisable for the Spaniard to do everything in his power to seal to deal for the 20-year-old ahead of Inter this summer – as Kalimuendo could well prove to be the Whites very own David at Elland Road next season.

AND in other news: Victor Orta now given green light for “sublime” £13m Leeds signing, he’s “unstoppable”