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Former Premier League striker Noel Whelan has delivered his verdict on the protracted Liverpool pursuit of Borrusa Dortmund wonderkid Jude Bellingham. 

The lowdown: Waiting game

The Reds are expected to hold off adding a midfielder to the AXA ranks this summer in order to leave space for Bellingham in 2023.

That’s despite holding a strong interest in the 18-year-old and having missed out on the capture of Aurelien Tchouameni, as the Frenchman opted to make a move from AS Monaco to Real Madrid.

After a recent report from the Mirror claimed Jurgen Klopp has already informed Julian Ward of the parameters required when seeking a midfield signing, and one intrigued pundit has had his say on the decision to wait for Bellingham.

The latest: ‘Worth waiting for’

Speaking to Football Insider, ex-Leeds United frontman and ex-BBC show host Whelan was adamant that Liverpool were making the right call regarding the prodigious teen.

He outlined: ‘That’s where Jude Bellingham comes in. It’s known that Borussia Dortmund don’t let two stars go in one season, that’s not how they operate.

“I think they’ve got enough in midfield to see one more season out and then get the player they want. I don’t see any point of getting a third-choice, fourth-choice stand-by when you know you are building a squad with the likes of [Luis] Diaz and [Darwin] Nunez that have come into the first-team.

“Now you need that next big player for five, six years to take the place of a Fabinho, a [James] Milner or a [Jordan] Henderson. You’ve got to bring in your number one target. For me, that’s worth waiting for in Jude Bellingham.”

The verdict: Stop gap required

Undoubtedly a generational talent, leaving funds set aside and getting a deal in place to complete the acquisition of the £100million rated Bellingham to Anfield next year is a wholly sensical move from the club’s hierarchy.

However, failing to bolster the department this summer places much of the workload on Fabinho, Naby Keita, Thiago and Jordan Henderson once again, whilst young and relatively unproven trio Fabio Carvalho, Harvey Elliott and Curtis Jones will also be required to take up some of the burdens amidst a congested season punctuated by a mid-season World Cup.

Boasting 28 direct goal involvements in 89 outings for the Bundesliga giants, Bellingham – hailed as ‘phenomenal’ by Bundesliga journalist Kevin Hatchard – is already an elite-level talent and the 15-cap England sensation should remain a top priority in the long term.

Nevertheless, adding a versatile midfield option to Klopp’s ranks this summer would be a smart move, even were it to be the suggested move to bring Gini Wijnaldum – a player who knows the Liverpool system inside out – back to Merseyside on a short-term loan deal.

Celtic have often been rather active in the transfer market over the years, especially in terms of bringing new players to Parkhead either on loan or permanent deals.

One man who had a rather significant period of time with the Premiership champions is Patrick Roberts.

During two loan spells from Premier League giants Manchester City between 2016 and 2018, the winger made 78 appearances across all competitions for the Hoops. In that time, the Englishman scored 18 goals, delivered 26 assists and won seven trophies along the way.

Now that some years have passed since the attacker donned a Celtic shirt, this summer’s transfer window might give Ange Postecoglou the chance to seal what could be the club’s next version of Roberts.

Earlier this month, it was reported that the Parkhead club are looking to sign Schalke 04 winger Rabbi Matondo.

The Welshman shares a connection with Roberts in that they both play on the wing and have both spent time at Manchester City.

After leaving Cardiff City’s youth ranks, the winger went on to make 53 appearances for the Citizens across their youth teams. In that time, Matondo scored 19 goals and provided 11 assists before his move to Schalke in January 2019.

Despite not making it into Man City’s first team, the attacker still managed to wow Pep Guardiola, who said of him in 2019 before the Welshman left the club: “I know how good he is, incredibly fast winger, and a young talent”.

The 2021/22 season saw the 21-year-old score 10 goals and supply two assists in 27 appearances for Belgian side Cercle Brugge on loan from Schalke. In fact, over his 26 league appearances last term, the winger had more shots at goal (75) and shots on target (33) than any other player at the Jan Breydel Stadium.

Taking all this into account, the former Man City youngster – who is currently picking up £12k-per-week at Schalke – certainly has the attacking talent to be a useful addition to Celtic’s ranks and become their next version of Roberts.

If Postecoglou wants to add some extra attacking power to his squad, securing a deal for Matondo could be the best way to do it this summer.

In other news – “Celtic would..”: Antony Joseph drops behind-the-scenes claim, supporters will be thrilled

Everton are ready to battle with several Premier League clubs for the signing of Chelsea’s young talisman Armando Broja.

What’s the word?

That’s according to Sky Sports News, who claim that the Toffees have made an approach to sign the forward this summer.

Breaking the news live on air, they reported: “Everton are another of the clubs that have approached Chelsea in terms of signing the striker Armando Broja. Chelsea want to assess Broja in pre-season before making a decision on his future. West Ham are one club that approached Chelsea last month – they remain interested, as do Newcastle.”

Previous reports have claimed he could cost in the region of a whopping £58m.

Imagine him and DCL

With Richarlison having just left Everton for Tottenham Hotspur, perhaps Frank Lampard could employ a slight shift in formation to allow two strikers to play up front together.

Broja and Dominic Calvert-Lewin is a partnership that would certainly frighten Premier League defences, with their respective blistering speed and aerial prowess.

Last season the Albania international notched up six Premier League goals whilst on loan at Southampton, but impressed due to his willingness to run the channels and press defenders.

His huge frame made him a handful for defenders and afforded his other attackers more space to create. What is slightly more important is the fact he managed 33 league games, whereas Calvert-Lewin only managed 17 due to his injury-ridden season.

If the latter can find fitness then Lampard will be delighted, but if not at least he will have a central striker that he can rely upon to be available and shares many of the qualities the 25-year-old possesses.

One thing that the two do share and excel in is their aerial duels, as the England international ranks in the 95th percentile for aerials won.

Broja ranks in the 85th percentile, meaning that if a decent delivery was to be stuck in, there’s a good chance one of these two would meet it.

The 20-year-old’s surprise emergence last season led former Italy international Sergio Porrini to say the following about his talents: “From last year to this he has grown a lot and at Southampton he has exploded.

“His greatest qualities are in his progression, especially the ball and chain. . Less good on the other hand with his back to the goal, in the construction of the action, but in the spaces it is devastating.”

These two strikers could form an overwhelming strike partnership that would bully Premier League defences, if Lampard is only willing to experiment with his system and take the risk on this relatively unproven talent.

AND, in other news: Thelwell plotting bid for “massive” £13m Everton target, just imagine him & Gallagher.

Leeds United star Raphinha will be a Barcelona player ‘in the coming days’, according to journalist Shay Lugassi.

The Lowdown: Marsch’s comments

The Whites took on Blackpool on Thursday evening in their first public pre-season fixture, winning 4-0.

Jesse Marsch revealed after the game that Raphinha had returned to training yesterday, and that it was still undecided if the 25-year-old would travel with the squad to Australia on Sunday.

The Brazilian appears to be holding out for a move to Barcelona, despite Leeds agreeing a fee with Chelsea, and it looks as if he may just get his wish.

The Latest: ‘Deal almost done’

According to Barca Times journalist Lugassi, Raphinha will be a Barcelona player ‘in the coming days’.

He shared the news on Twitter in the last 24 hours, revealing that a ‘deal is almost done’, with just ‘final details’ left and contracts already swapped.

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The Verdict: Best for all involved

It looks as if Raphinha may well get his wish over the coming days, but it remains unclear as to what the finances involved in a potential transfer would be.

Leeds may not receive a £60m up-front fee like they could have gotten from Chelsea, but the plus side of that is he won’t be joining a Premier League rival.

Hopefully the fee will still be a respectable one, as that would then allow the club to invest in a new marquee striker, which appears to be their final piece of major business to accomplish ahead of the new season.

Manchester United have been linked with a move for AS Monaco striker Wissam Ben Yedder recently and the Frenchman could form a superb partnership with Christian Eriksen in Erik ten Hag’s side next season.

Reports from France have claimed that both United and Wolves are keen on signing the 31-year-old forward this summer as they look to amend their attacking woes, with Ben Yedder high on their lists after yet another impressive season with Monaco.

Ten Hag will be desperate for attacking reinforcements this summer having already lost the likes of Edinson Cavani and Jesse Lingard, while last season’s top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo could also be on his way out of Old Trafford.

Ben Yedder would represent an excellent option for the Dutch manager given his remarkable consistency in recent seasons with Monaco and Sevilla.

Last season saw the £34m France international contribute 25 goals and five assists in 37 Ligue 1 appearances, averaging an impressive 7.04 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

Ben Yedder scores very highly in terms of touches in the attacking penalty box and non-penalty goals, which highlights his ability as a goal-poacher, and suggests that he could be the ideal man to benefit from the signing of Eriksen.

The Denmark international is reportedly set to join United on a free transfer after his contract at Brentford expired, with the 30-year-old seriously impressing for Thomas Frank’s side in the second half of last season, notching one goal and four goals in just 11 Premier League appearances.

Eriksen’s creativity and ability to play key passes make him the dream for any striker and given that Ben Yedder has never had any trouble finding the back of the net, being described as “one of the best” strikers around in 2016, the two would surely work together well under ten Hag next season.

Therefore, given the lack of attacking options currently at ten Hag’s disposal, the former Ajax boss should definitely look at bringing Ben Yedder to Old Trafford this summer, as he could prosper alongside fellow new signing Eriksen.

And, in other news… After Eriksen: MUFC get green light for “phenomenal” signing, supporters will love it

According to a report in the last 48 hours, Tottenham aren’t in a hurry to offer Harry Kane a new deal despite interest from Bayern Munich.

The Lowdown: Contrasting claims

The Spurs captain has been the subject of plenty of interest from the German giants in recent weeks, with the Bundesliga champions reportedly confident that they will be able to prise him away from the Premier League as a replacement for Robert Lewandowski, even though the England captain still has two years remaining on his existing contract in N17.

Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano claimed on Sunday that Spurs are keen to open talks with the striker over a new deal soon amid attention from Bayern, but after a fresh update, that doesn’t necessarily appear to be the case.

The Latest: Spurs and Kane in no rush

In an article published by 90min on Wednesday which provides an apparent twist in the tale, it’s claimed that Tottenham ‘are not rushing’ to tie down Kane to fresh terms despite hearing of interest from Bayern.

The source stated that, whilst both parties do have a ‘mutual interest’ in opening talks in future, the player and club are ‘happy’ with the current situation and aren’t forcing ‘discussions’.

It’s reported that the England attacker is content at Spurs under Antonio Conte, with the general mood around the building ‘better’ than it was under the leadership of Nuno Espirito Santo.

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The Verdict: He’s going nowhere

Given the fact that Kane has just under 24 months left on his contract and is evidently happy with his position at the club, it’s difficult to imagine that any team would now be able to turn his head to the point where he leaves in the foreseeable future.

The 73-cap England international netted 27 times across all competitions for Spurs last season, and he will know just how much of an impact he has under Conte, with 20 of those coming after the Italian replaced Nuno at the helm last November.

Kane has contributed to so much of Tottenham’s success over the years, becoming the second-highest league goalscorer in the club’s history; and given his strong childhood ties with Spurs, he will no doubt want to continue inspiring them out onto the pitch for another while yet.

Tottenham Hotspur chief Fabio Paratici has travelled to Milan for exit discussions, but according to reports in Italy, the Lilywhites official could also turn his attention to Roma star Nicolo Zaniolo.

The Lowdown: Paratici busy…

After sealing a flurry of major Premier League signings in Ivan Perisic, Fraser Forster, Yves Bissouma, Richarlison, Clement Lenglet and Djed Spence, sporting director Paratici is at work to orchestrate yet more Spurs activity.

Having touched down in Milan, it is believed that the Spurs chief is there to find possible market solutions for Antonio Conte outcasts like Tanguy Ndombele and Bryan Gil.

There is also apparently a Thursday summit scheduled over a potential loan exit for defender Japhet Tanganga as Serie A giants AC Milan circle for the prospect.

The Latest: Spurs eyeing Zaniolo…

However, as per Calciomercato, Tottenham exit deals aren’t the sole purpose of Paratici’s visit.

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Indeed, according to the Italian outlet and reporter Daniele Longo, his trip abroad could also give the managing director a chance to revisit a long-term ‘target’ of his in Roma star Zaniolo.

Although Spurs would need to submit a ‘rich offer’ for the 23-year-old, it is believed that Roma would prefer selling overseas than to a direct domestic rival – potentially handing the north Londoners a boost.

The Verdict: Make the move…

Zaniolo would demand a significant investment on Tottenham’s part given the player’s alleged €80 million (£68m) price tag but we believe he could be worth it.

As per WhoScored, the Italian attacker proved a real menace under Jose Mourinho last season – attracting more fouls per 90 than anyone in their squad whilst also completing the most successful take-ons.

It’s hardly surprising he has been revered as a major talent with Serie A football critic Carlo Garganese even calling Zaniolo a ‘beast’.

One worry for Conte and co may well be the midfielder’s injury history but there is little denying he can seriously turn it on when fully fit and firing.

Graeme Bailey has dropped an update on reported Leeds United transfer target Arnaud Kalimuendo.

What’s the latest?

Speaking recently to the One Leeds Fan YouTube channel, the 90min journalist revealed that, following numerous reports linking Victor Orta with a move for the Paris Saint-Germain centre-forward this summer, Leeds have already agreed a deal with the Ligue 1 side regarding the transfer of the 20-year-old – who is believed to be available for a figure in the region of €25m (£21m).

However, Bailey went on to state that, after the France under-21 starlet impressed in PSG’s pre-season fixtures, Christophe Galtier is now unsure whether or not he would be willing to part with the striker ahead of the 2022/23 campaign – despite the club’s sporting director, Luis Campos, looking to move the attacker on.

Concerning Leeds’ interest in a move for Kalimuendo, the journalist said: “The broad principle of the deal is agreed. As with a lot of these deals, agreeing a fee can sometimes be the easiest bit, all of these deals are very different.

“In Leeds’ case here, agreeing the terms with PSG isn’t the issue, but he’s come back from pre-season and performed very well. Christophe Galtier has come in and likes what he is seeing, he’s a very good player. Luis Campos, the sporting director, was looking to move him on. It’s not off, it’s just purely stalled.”

Supporters will be buzzing

While it is true that Galtier’s hesitation as to whether or not he will allow Kalimuendo to leave the Parc des Princes this summer is sure to be a source of frustration to Orta and his transfer team, Bailey’s claim that Leeds have agreed a deal with PSG for the transfer of the 20-year-old is nevertheless sure to have left the Elland Road faithful buzzing.

Indeed, over the course of his £16.2m-rated forward really caught the eye, bagging 19 goals, providing five assists and creating six big chances for his teammates, in addition to taking an average of 1.5 shots, making 0.6 key passes and completing 0.85 dribbles per game.

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These returns helped Les Sang et Or to secure consecutive seventh-place finishes in the French top flight, a quite remarkable feat for a side who were only promoted to the top tier as recently as 2019/20.

Also, considering the fact that Kalimuendo currently has the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Neymar, Lionel Messi, Mauro Icardi and summer signing Hugo Ekitike ahead of him in PSG’s attacking pecking order, in theory, it should not be difficult to convince Galtier into parting with the 20-year-old ahead of the 2022/23 campaign – especially with Campos pushing for a sale.

As such, Bailey’s claim that the Whites already have a deal in place with Les Parisiens for the transfer of the French youth international is undoubtedly fantastic news for all involved with the club, as Kalimuendo would very much appear to be one of the final pieces of Jesse Marsch’s first-team jigsaw this summer.

AND in other news: “Told..”: Reliable journo drops huge Leeds transfer update, supporters will be buzzing

Everton have been linked with a move for Billy Gilmour this summer, and now a reliable source has given his insight into the player’s future and the club’s potential of signing the player before the transfer window shuts.

What’s the latest?

According to talkSPORT journalist and transfer insider Alex Crook, Frank Lampard’s relationship with Gilmour could play a part in Everton’s ability to sign the player this summer.

Crook told GIVEMESPORT:

“He’s got that relationship. He gave him his debut at Chelsea, probably played his best football under Lampard.

“He had a pretty difficult time at Norwich last year. I think that relationship could be important, and I wonder if Chelsea might even consider selling him permanently. I wouldn’t rule it out.”

Imagine him & Doucoure

It is no secret that Everton struggled over last season with the Merseysiders embroiled in a relegation scrap at the bottom of the Premier League until the penultimate game of the campaign, but Lampard will be hoping to leave the troubles of the past behind when the Toffees return to action this week.

In terms of midfielders, Everton have lost Fabian Delph this summer due to his contract expiration while Donny van de Beek returned to Manchester United after a six-month loan. Although, over last season Delph did only make 11 appearances, and the Dutch loanee only appeared seven times.

Despite the two midfielders making little contribution to the Toffees’ campaign, their exit from Goodison Park has undoubtedly weakened the midfield depth in the squad, so the signing of Gilmour could be a great piece of business for Kevin Thelwell if he can secure a deal before the transfer window shuts in a few weeks.

Gilmour didn’t have the greatest season-long loan experience at Norwich City with the side being relegated back into the Championship, but the young midfielder still showed glimpses of his talent despite the disappointing outcome for the Canaries last season.

The £28k-per-week gem delivered one assist and created one big chance, making one key pass, 1.7 tackles and 1.2 clearances per game, as well as completing the majority of his dribbles (68%) and tallying up a 91% pass accuracy in his own half, proving that Gilmour is showing signs of becoming a solid and reliable midfielder.

Lampard can use his experience with the 21-year-old to not only take his development to the next level, but could also form a great partnership in the centre of the pitch between the Scottish talent and Toffees midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure.

Combining Gilmour’s progressive attributes from deeper in midfield with Doucoure’s creativity in central midfield could give Everton their best chance of comfortably competing and improving their attacking threat this season.

While the former is a smooth and technical player on the ball, Doucoure offers that and more with a successful tackle rate of 2.5 per game in 2021/22. While he is progressive on the ball, as Gilmour is, the pair could combine in perfect fashion as they offer the manager a variety of layers in the centre of the pitch.

With that being said, the powers at Goodison Park must act now to ensure they can seal a deal for Gilmour and get him into their squad so Lampard can quickly establish the best way to deploy his team in the Premier League, as a good start for the club is essential.

Leeds United could ramp up their efforts to bring Martin Terrier to Elland Road in the coming days.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to Ben Jacobs, with the CBS journalist revealing in a recent interview with GIVEMESPORT that, despite it being believed that Victor Orta is in talks with Paris Saint-Germain regarding a deal for Arnaud Kalimuendo, the Spaniard could look to intensify his interest in the Stade Rennais centre-forward this week.

Jacobs goes on to suggest that this could be down to the fact that, alongside the Whites’ move for the 20-year-old PSG talent appearing to have stalled somewhat, Jesse Marsch does not want to start the new Premier League season – that kicks off on Saturday – being overly reliant on Patrick Bamford.

Regarding Leeds’ interest in Terrier, the journalist said: “This is a player that Leeds really like. It’s not as advanced as Kalimuendo at this point, but we’re getting to that stage now where Leeds don’t want to start the season over-reliant on Bamford, and as a consequence, they may well ramp up their efforts on Terrier.”

Perfect Kalimuendo alternative

While Kalimuendo is undoubtedly an incredibly exciting young striker – having scored 21 goals and registered six assists over 65 appearances during a two-year loan with RC Lens in 2020/21 and 2021/22 – should Orta end up missing out on a deal for the 20-year-old, Terrier would very much appear to be a perfect alternative to the France U21 international.

Indeed, according to FBref, the £22.5m-rated Rennes hitman ranks in the top 2% of forwards in Europe’s big five leagues and European competitions for non-penalty goals per 90, as well as the top 8% for non-penalty xG, the top 7% for aerial duels won, the top 18% for shots and the top 27% for pass completion over the last 365 days.

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The £21k-per-week talent also returns impressive metrics in a defensive capacity, with FBref also ranking the 25-year-old in the top 28% of forwards for clearances per 90, in addition to the top 30% for tackles, the top 37% for pressure and the top 29% for blocks over the past 12 months.

These returns see the website list some of the Frenchman’s most comparable players as the likes of Bayern Munich’s Sadio Mane and RB Leipzig’s Christopher Nkunku, while European football writer Tim Williams – speaking on the Sky Sports Transfer Talk podcast – even went as far as to compare Terrier to Arsenal legend, Thierry Henry.

Williams said: “He’s a very quick, left-sided right-footed attacking player whose trademark is coming in off the left flank and whipping shots in, a-la Thierry Henry. Looking at his age and the phenomenal season he had last season, he will probably think that if he is ever going to make a big move to the Premier League, it’s probably going to be now or never.”

As such, while it is undeniable that Kalimuendo is an extremely exciting prospect for the future, should Orta fail in his bid to temp the 20-year-old to Elland Road, the £30m Rennes sensation who Bruno Genesio dubbed “high-level” would appear to be something of a perfect alternative – and perhaps even an improvement upon – the PSG starlet.