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West Bromwich Albion are interested in a deal to bring Jack Hendry to The Hawthorns this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by the Daily Mail, who claim that Valerien Ismael is keeping a close eye on the situation of the 26-year-old centre-back ahead of a potential move in the summer transfer window.

It is reported that Hendry will complete a £1.8m move from Celtic to KV Oostende in the coming days after the Belgian side activated an option to buy clause in the defender’s loan deal.

However, the Jupiler Pro League team are believed to be willing to immediately move the seven-cap Scotland international on this summer, should they receive a bid in the region of £5m.

Ismael must move

Considering just how impressive Hendry was for Oostende last season, it is not difficult to understand why Ismael is considering a move for the centre-back this summer.

Indeed, over his 30 Jupiler Pro League appearances for Alexander Blessin’s side last season, the £8k-per-week defender helped his team keep six clean sheets, as well as making an average of 0.6 interceptions, one tackle, 4.1 clearances and winning 4.8 duels per game.

The 26-year-old also impressed in an attacking capacity for his club, scoring two goals and providing one assist, in addition to making an average of 0.2 key passes per league fixture.

These returns saw the £3.15m-rated man earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 7.01, ranking him as Oostende’s third-best performer in the top flight of Belgian football.

Furthermore, with Ismael reported to have been an admirer of the £3.15m-rated Hendy during his time at Barnsley, as the Frenchman likes defenders who are comfortable bringing the ball out from the back, with West Brom having much greater financial capacity than the Tykes, as well as considerable more pull due to stature of the club, a move for the man whom Brendan Rodgers dubbed a “fabulous” player would very much appear to be on the cards for the Baggies in the summer transfer window.

And, having looked at Hendry’s stats for Oostende last season, it would indeed appear as if the 26-year-old would make a fine addition to Ismael’s options in the centre of the West Brom defence next season, leading us to believe the 45-year-old should do all he can to get a deal over the line for the Scot this summer.

For just £5m, it could be a massive bargain, especially when you consider the finances put behind moves for players like Charlie Austin and Oliver Burke in the past.

Ismael must urge Guochuan Lai to make the move this summer.

In other news: Get it done: Ismael must sanction West Brom swoop for “exceptional” £41k-p/w dynamo

A source from Newcastle United has dropped some insight on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium after news emerged of Rafael Benitez’s move to Merseyside.

The Lowdown: Benitez wanted

Liam Kennedy, who has been following the whole takeover saga closely, has claimed that Rafa Benitez is wanted by the potential owners-in-waiting to return to the North East should a deal between Mike Ashley and the KSA group be pushed through, as he helped bring them to the table in the first place.

However, the former Liverpool manager is set to be appointed at Everton, meaning that it is now very unlikely he will return to St. James’ Park.

The Latest: Consortium insight

As per Football Insider, the KSA consortium are ‘devastated’ that Benitez is set to be appointed as the new manager at Goodison Park.

A source from the Tyneside club has told the news outlet that his appointment is ‘devastating for the consortium’, after they were previously told that the Spaniard was keen on a return to the Magpies.

The Verdict: ‘Devastating’ indeed

It is certainly ‘devastating’ not just for the consortium, but for the Toon Army as well, that Benitez is set to be appointed as the new Toffees boss.

Many NUFC fans have previously called for him to come back, and so he would have certainly been a popular appointment to take over from Steve Bruce, and would have been a good way for the consortium to immediately get fans on their side.

Benitez also has a vast amount of experience in managing in the Premier League, and his overall CV is certainly very impressive, a coach who would have been perfect in taking Newcastle into a new era.

In other news, find out which Magpies ace Liam Kennedy thinks time is up for here!

A Portuguese news outlet has claimed that Wolves will now sign Vitinha in the summer transfer window.

The Lowdown: Vitinha promise

Upon signing Vitinha on a loan deal from FC Porto at the start of the 2020/21 season, Jeff Shi dubbed him as an ‘exciting’ player and a ‘special young talent’, with an ‘abundance of technique and creativity’ (Wolves).

This was clearly evident by the influence that he had on his teammates, as he recorded the highest pass success percentage (90.3%) out of any Wolves player to have played 10 or more matches in the Premier League last term (Whoscored).

The Latest: Vitinha will be signed

As per Jornal de Noticias (via Sport Witness), the Molineux faithful will complete the signing of Vitinha on a permanent deal for €20m (£17.1m).

He will reportedly sign a contract of ‘four or five’ years, after originally starting pre-season training with FC Porto.

The Verdict: Great news

It is certainly great news to hear that Vitinha will join up with the Wanderers permanently under new manager Bruno Lage.

He became a fans favourite very quickly during his short time at WWFC, with some supporters recently showing their delight at the news.

Nonetheless, at just 21 years of age, Vitinha has a lot of potential, and so £17.1m could turn out to be an absolute bargain if he fulfils it, providing that there are no remaining obstacles in the way to get the deal over the line.

In other news, find out what transfer update has Wanderers gushing here!

Leeds United could potentially sign Denmark star Mikkel Damsgaard this summer, according to former England striker Kevin Phillips.

The Lowdown: Damsgaard linked with Leeds move

The 21-year-old is hot property at the moment following a hugely impressive Euro 2020 campaign with Denmark, which included a superb free-kick in the semi-final defeat to England.

Damsgaard has been linked with a move to Leeds, as well as a host of other clubs, as Marcelo Bielsa eyes up key additions in the summer transfer window.

The Dane is currently playing for Sampdoria, but an exit could be on the cards in the next few months.

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The Latest: Phillips makes key claim

Speaking to Football Insider, Phillips claimed that Damsgaard is likely to move to the Premier League, possibly paving the way for a switch to Leeds. The former Sunderland striker said:

“I picked him out as one of their danger men before the game the other night. Obviously he stepped up and scored a wonderful free kick. He was a danger throughout the night.

“He looks like a very good young player and a lot of players have done that this tournament. Big clubs will sit up and take notice of him now. Some big clubs have already been linked with him.

“No surprise. It wouldn’t surprise me if we see him in the Premier League at the start of next season.”

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The Verdict: Outstanding potential signing

Damsgaard looks to be a player of immense potential, possessing so much natural ability and end product, scoring twice and setting up one goal at Euro 2020.

He could add an extra dimension to Leeds’ attacking play, not only popping up in central attacking areas but also providing competition for Jack Harrison and Raphinha out wide.

Damsgaard may cost a lot of money – Sampdoria reportedly want €30m (£25.7m) for him – but he could be worth every penny given his quality and long-term potential.

In other news, a key week reportedly lies ahead in Leeds’ quest to sign one player. Find out who it is here.

Everton have been linked with a number of defenders since Rafa Benitez entered the club but he is yet to conclude a single deal.

Work will be underway behind the scenes but Marcel Brands and co will have to go the extra distance in order to live up to the promises they made to the new manager.

What’s the word?

Everton could still make a mega-money move for Brighton defender Ben White this summer but they have other options in mind if he prefers a switch elsewhere.

Merih Demiral has been on their radar but full-back is also a priority for Benitez. Denzel Dumfries continues to be linked after a stunning European Championships, for instance.

However, according to 90min, Norwich City right-back Max Aarons is still an option.

Aarons has been the subject of their attention for a good few months now but a fresh report states that there is a direct line of communication between the Canaries and Everton.

A deal for the youngster could cost around £30m.

Benitez needs him

With Seamus Coleman the only viable option at right-back heading into the new season, the Toffees desperately need to add another player in that position to their ranks.

The price tag for Aarons is steep but for an English defender, it’s hardly a surprise.

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Coleman could depart in a year’s time once his contract expires and they need a player in place to take up his position.

It could also lead to an improved defensive record next season.

Aarons was part of the horrendous Norwich side that got relegated in 2019/20 but proved his quality in the Championship again last season.

The Englishman, who’s been described as “outstanding” by Daniel Farke, registered four goal involvements, putting in some wonderful displays from an offensive point of view.

He recorded 1.4 key passes per game and beat players with relative ease, succeeding with 1.4 dribbles per match as well.

For context, the full-back was just 0.1 behind Lucas Digne in terms of chance creation but his dribbles were streets ahead. In fact, no other defender managed more successful take-ons than the Everton target last season.

The Toffees have enjoyed great success with Ben Godfrey since he made the switch from Norfolk so Benitez will be hoping for a similar impact from Aarons if he joins.

AND in other news, Everton eye move for £46k-p/w beast who’s “top-level”, he’d be a huge upgrade…

Conor Gallagher is a player Newcastle like as they look to strengthen in midfield, according to The Athletic’s Chris Waugh. 

The lowdown

Gallagher spent the 2020/21 season on loan from Chelsea at West Bromwich Albion, who suffered relegation from the Premier League.

The Englishman started 28 Premier League matches for the Baggies, scoring twice and contributing two assists (via WhoScored).

Only Aston Villa’s John McGinn (12) picked up more yellow cards than the 21-year-old (11) over the course of the campaign.

It was reported earlier this week that Crystal Palace are also trying to sign Gallagher as they close on the signing of fellow Chelsea youngster Marc Guehi (via The Athletic).

The latest

Newcastle are apparently looking to sign two midfielders of different moulds during the transfer window. They want one ‘box-to-box’ player but also a ‘combative presence’ in the middle of the park.

‘Ideally’ one of their additions would be Joe Willock, who spent the latter half of the 2020/21 campaign at St James’ Park, but Gallagher is a player the Toon ‘admire’.

The verdict

Gallagher probably deserves another shot in the Premier League after a season in what was a desperately poor, ill-equipped West Brom side.

He underlined his talent in a spell at Swansea the year before, playing a key role as they reached the Championship play-offs.

Missing out on Willock would be a pretty huge disappointment and Gallagher would enter St James’ Park under that cloud, but he has the tools to be a decent alternative, registering one shot and one dribble per game last term while completing 81.5 per cent of his passes (Whoscored).

In other news, Ben Jacobs has dropped this claim on Newcastle’s takeover arbitration. 

Everton have reportedly entered the race to sign Burnley winger Dwight McNeil as the club’s transfer business starts to gather pace.

What’s the story?

According to the Liverpool Echo, the Toffees are keen on acquiring 21-year-old’s services this summer, with the youngster set to cost potential suitors in the region of £25m.

However, the report added that fellow Premier League side Aston Villa are in pole position for McNeil, so Rafael Benitez may have to move quickly in order to secure his transfer target.

Rafael Benitez would love him

McNeil has been one of Burnley’s standout performers in recent years, and last season saw the youngster produce one of his best campaigns yet, scoring two goals and laying on five assists in 36 Premier League appearances.

His magnificent displays have earned several plaudits, including from Burnley teammate Ashley Westwood, who lauded the England under-21 international and admitted that teams will be interested in signing the forward if he continues to catch the eye for the Clarets.

“He’s really mature. I think the world of him; he’s a special talent. It’s been good to see him grow up because when he first came training with us, he was really quiet,” said Westwood.

“He’s already racked up more than 50 games in the Premier League now, which at his age is phenomenal. He’s producing as well, so if he keeps doing that and we all keep doing what we’re doing then there will be teams circulating.”

It’s becoming increasingly clear that Benitez is determined to bolster his attacking options out wide over the coming months, with Demarai Gray and Andros Townsend closing in on transfers to the Goodison Park club.

Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored the most headed goals in the Premier League last season with seven, while Townsend had the best crossing accuracy and McNeil has had the second-highest crossing accuracy over the previous two campaigns.

Therefore, Benitez is evidently planning on creating a constant supply line for Calvert-Lewin to feed off of in the opposition penalty area, and McNeil would be the ideal addition for the Spaniard’s plan to succeed.

In other news…The Athletic drops Everton claim on “unbelievable” Euro 2020 star, fans surely buzzing

Paul Stewart is puzzled as to why Liverpool are struggling to tie Jordan Henderson down to a new deal.

The England midfielder has been on the Reds’ books since joining from Sunderland in a deal worth a reported £20million a decade ago.

He has gone on to captain the Merseyside club to their first ever Premier League title and also held the Champions League, Super Cup, Club World Cup and League Cup trophies aloft during his time at Anfield.

The 31-year-old has entered the final two years of his £140,000-per-week deal and his long-term future at the club now appears to be in doubt.

Liverpool have opened discussions with a host of players this summer but contract talks with Henderson have stalled.

It has resulted in the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Atletico Madrid monitoring the situation, with them ready to open negotiations if Henderson fails to agree terms.

Former Liverpool man Stewart feels Henderson, who is currently training with La Liga club RCD Mallorca ahead of returning for the latter stages of pre-season at Liverpool, may have failed to have penned a new deal for a number of reasons.

He exclusively told Football FanCast: “It doesn’t seem right to me and I think there’s something underlying that we don’t know, which is why he is stalling on a contract.

“That could be for a few reasons. They may have offered him less money because of his age. He might want to go to China, where he could triple his wages. He might not be first choice in midfield, but only time will tell why he’s stalling on his contract.”

Aston Villa are facing the prospect of losing out on Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe amid a recent transfer update.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent weeks have claimed that the centre-back could be set for a reunion with Dean Smith, having, of course, played under the Villa boss during their time in the Championship.

Football Insider delivered an update on the £50k-a-week earning defender’s situation, saying that: “A Villa source has told Football Insider that the club have been given encouragement that United are planning to let Tuanzebe go in the current window. The 20-times champions have been sounded out by Villa over a potential deal and they will listen to offers if they can secure a replacement.”

But now, the same outlet have now claimed that fellow Premier League side Newcastle have leapfrogged Villa in the race to sign Tuanzebe on loan, with the Magpies increasingly confident of striking a deal.

Dean Smith will be livid

The £6m-rated ace came in for some big praise from United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer last season after a particularly impressive display against French giants PSG in the Champions League.

He said: “Axel’s a tremendous defender, a great leader. He’s come through the academy and we’ve known for years that he’s going to be a top player for us and he’s got the character and the attitude that a Man United player should have. Sometimes you’ll get in a foot race with Mbappe and you have to run with him and we know Axel’s qualities, he’s a top defender.”

While he may not have had too many minutes in the top-flight last year, Tuanzebe showed exactly why Villa are after him, averaging 1.4 tackles per game and boasting an impressive 88.6% pass accuracy – as per Whoscored, both of those stats are actually better than Ezri Konsa and Tyrone Mings.

What will frustrate Smith is that given his previous ties to Tuanzebe, and the fact that reports suggested Villa had sounded out United over a potential deal much earlier, Newcastle swooping in at the last moment to sign him will sting.

With Bjorn Engels’ departure, Villa are left with a real shortage of centre-back options, and Tuanzebe on a season-long loan would’ve fit the bill to a tee given his Premier League experience and the fact he’s been at the club before.

This latest update will have Smith livid with the club failing to get his man in. News that he’s now closer to joining a fellow Premier League side at that, is unlikely to help how he feels either.

Meanwhile, Ashley Preece drops Villa claim on Anwar El Ghazi…

Noel Whelan has suggested that Everton could be a potential destination for Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Harry Winks. 

The lowdown

Football Insider reported last week that Winks is in talks with an unnamed Premier League club after new manager Nuno Espirito Santo approved his sale.

Winks was limited to just nine league starts for Spurs last season, making a further six substitute appearances.

He averaged 1.1 tackles, 45.4 passes and 1.7 accurate long balls per 90 minutes (via WhoScored).

The 25-year-old still has three years left on his deal in North London and is valued at £18million by Transfermarkt.

Everton may look to replace Andre Gomes if he leaves Goodison Park this summer. According to The Athletic, Rafael Benitez is considering whether the Portuguese will be part of his plans.

The latest

Whelan says Winks’ attributes make him a valuable asset to any club, and thinks it’s feasible that Everton are the mystery club in talks with the Englishman.

“I think everybody needs a player like that,” the former Leeds United forward told Football Insider.

“You can look at Everton, they’ll have the money for a player like that, somebody with that sort of experience. I think most clubs will be fancying him.”

The verdict

Winks would be a reasonable replacement were Gomes to leave, but it’s hard to say with any confidence that he’d improve at Everton.

And if Rafael Benitez was to play a 4-2-3-1 formation, perhaps Allan and Abdoulaye Doucoure would be his preferred midfield options. Winks could simply be trading one squad role for another.

There are question marks, then, over whether this deal would truly be beneficial for either party.

In other news, fans fumed over this transfer update.