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Chelsea completing a deal to sign Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo is now at the "final stage", according to reliable journalist Rudy Galetti.

Is Moises Caicedo leaving Brighton?

Back in January, Brighton’s defensive midfielder was heavily linked with a move to Arsenal and he even penned an open letter on his social media channels confirming that he wanted to leave, but instead he ended up signing a new long-term contract until 2027, likely so that he could be sold for more during the summer.

The Ecuador international has recently been attracting significant interest from Mauricio Pochettino in SW6 with the Daily Mail claiming that the Blues have already seen a £60m opening offer rejected, but having seemingly since returned to the negotiating table, it appears that all financial roadblocks have been resolved.

The Stamford Bridge outfit will have a more healthy budget now that the likes of N’Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic have been sold from their engine room, and the 21-year-old looks like he could be one of the central reinforcements making his way to London.

Are Chelsea signing Caicedo?

Taking to Twitter, Galetti revealed that Chelsea and Brighton are close to reaching a full agreement for the sale of Caicedo, with the player having already personally said yes to the giants in the Premier League. He wrote:

"Moises Caicedo, the talks between Chelsea and Brighton are entering in the final stage. Understand the 2 clubs agreed the fixed amount of the transfer (£75m) and now they are discussing the add-ons. Moises is keen to join CFC and he’s pushing for the move."

What could Caicedo bring to Stamford Bridge?

Chelsea and Pochettino will be aware that Caicedo is much stronger in the natural defensive midfield aspect of his game having recorded just one goal and assist in the top-flight last season, so he could bring an excellent layer of protection to the backline should he sign on the dotted line.

The Futbol Division client won 50 out of his 100 tackles during the previous campaign which was not only the highest-success rate but also the most made throughout the whole of his squad, via FBRef, alongside averaging 1.5 interceptions per game in the Premier League.

Brighton’s “Machine Man”, as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, would also add wonderful versatility to the manager’s ranks with his ability to operate higher up in central midfield and even at right-back alongside his usual role, and if possible, he would only excel further under the leadership of Pochettino.

Aston Villa have been linked to Villarreal winger Samuel Chukwueze, as Unai Emery seeks to raid his former club for talent this summer.

With the signing of Pau Torres reportedly close, Villa Park could see a host of figures from La Liga arrive this window both on and off the pitch, with Chukwueze another potential target according to reports in June.

What’s the latest on Samuel Chukwueze's future?

Villa are known to be keen on the winger but they now face competition from AC Milan.

Gianluca Di Marzio reported during the weekend that they were in ongoing contact over a potential move for Chukwueze.

A separate report from journalist Ruben Uria claimed that Villarreal have a price for the attacker in the region of €80m (£70m), with his contract expiring with the Yellow Submarine in 2024.

What could Samuel Chukwueze offer to Aston Villa?

Named the “Nigerian Arjen Robben” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the 24-year-old could be just what Emery requires to take his side to greater heights next season.

The left-footed assassin displays a similar playing style to the legendary Dutch winger in his preference to cut in on his favoured foot, as well as possessing an innate ability when in possession.

With six goals and five assists in a total of 37 La Liga appearances las term, via FBref, the right-winger has demonstrated the danger he can bring to an attack from the flank.

Praised as “flamboyant” by Kulig, the Nigerian could add significant depth to Emery’s budding side, and act as an upgrade to players in his position, most notably the out-of-favour Bertrand Traore.

The £63k-per-week winger made just eight Premier League appearances last campaign, and could be a player sacrificed this summer to make way for the revolution expected at Villa Park.

When comparing the two players via FBref, based on Chukwueze’s 2022/23 La Liga season and Traore’s 2021/22 Premier League term where he played more minutes, it’s clear to see just how much of an upgrade the Nigerian could bless Villa Park with.

With Emery wanting a “specialist winger”, the 24-year-old could be the perfect fit for the Spaniard, as highlighted through his dynamic play averaging a monstrous 3.31 successful take-ons per 90 to Toure’s 2.02.

In terms of getting the ball into dangerous areas, the forward has significant strengths on the Villa winger, recording an average of 5.12 progressive carries to his 1.98 per 90 in the Premier League.

Most notable is the threat that the Villarreal gem offers in the final third, as highlighted through his average of 5.50 touches in the attacking penalty area per 90 in La Liga, a substantial upgrade to Traore’s 3.92 touches per 90 recorded in the 2021/22 campaign, via FBref.

It would be a bold move for Villa to secure the signing of Chukwueze, but it could well be a masterclass by Monchi in his first summer at the club.

Burnley are close to Union Berlin forward Sheraldo Becker, however, they will have to do battle for his signature with Fulham and West Ham United, according to a report.

What's the latest Burnley transfer news?

Burnley are keen on strengthening in attacking areas ahead of their return to the Premier League next season, having submitted two bids for Millwall's Zian Flemming, and with both being knocked back, they are now considering a third.

Vincent Kompany is also targeting Celtic's Kyogo Furuhashi in the search for a new striker, with the Japan international potentially being viewed as an alternative option to Nathan Tella, if a deal cannot be struck for their former loanee.

Southampton striker Che Adams has been named as another option for the Clarets, while Becker has also been identified as a target, and a move for the Union Berlin could now be on the cards.

According to a report from Sport Bild (via Sport Witness), the striker wants to move to the Premier League, where a number of potential suitors are waiting in the wings, including Burnley, West Ham and Fulham, who are all "close to him".

Union Berlin are hoping to receive €20m (£17m) for the forward, whose contract expires next summer, meaning there could be a little pressure for him to be gone this summer, as it will be their last chance to receive a transfer fee. The 28-year-old has recently switched agents, now being represented by Sports360, which indicates he may be at the exit door.

Who is Sheraldo Becker?

After coming through the youth ranks at Ajax, the Amsterdam-born forward has gone on to play for the likes of PEC Zwolle and ADO Den Haag, however, he has been at his most prolific in a Union Berlin shirt over the past few years.

Last season, the Suriname international was particularly impressive, recording 11 goals and seven assists in 34 Bundesliga appearances, which placed him at the very top of the goal-scoring charts for Union Berlin in all competitions.

Over the past year, the former Ajax man ranks in the 84th percentile for assists per 90, highlighting his ability to bring his teammates into the play, while his dribbling ability is showcased by the fact he ranks in the 97th percentile for progressive carries.

Hailed as "brilliant" and "mega-quick" by members of the media, Becker could be exactly the type of singing Burnley need to strengthen their frontline ahead of their return to the top flight.

Tottenham Hotspur are a 'suitor in the race' to sign Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher this summer as Ange Postecoglou gets down to work in N17, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

What's the latest transfer news involving Conor Gallagher?

As per Football London, Tottenham hold an interest in Gallagher this summer and have him on a list of potential targets as boss Postecoglou earmarks areas of his squad he would be keen to strengthen.

The 23-year-old is expected to leave Chelsea this off-season and Newcastle United were also previously linked with a swoop for the England international.

90min report that Brighton & Hove Albion are in discussions with Gallagher as they try to bring the £50k-a-week ace to the Amex Stadium and they have set their sights on him as a potential replacement for departed midfielder Alexis Mac Allister.

West Ham United have shortlisted Gallagher as David Moyes looks to build on their impressive Europa Conference League-winning campaign at the London Stadium, signifying that there is plenty of interest in the Epsom-born star from Premier League suitors.

According to The Daily Mail, it may cost in the region of £40 million for any interested parties to prize Gallagher away from Chelsea this window.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Jacobs has indicated that several clubs will be looking to sign Gallagher this summer.

Jacobs told FFC: "The indication in the last window was that Chelsea would be looking for about £40 million for the player and at that point, clubs like Everton and Newcastle and Crystal Palace were all looking. Gallagher wasn't keen on Everton at the time, Newcastle never really escalated their interest and Crystal Palace have always been keen because, of course,

"West Ham will be looking to strengthen in the midfield area, both a defensive midfielder and an attacking midfielder or a box-to-box one. There'll be several clubs looking at Conor Gallagher."

How did Conor Gallagher fare for Chelsea in 2022/23?

Gallagher, who has been hailed as a "warrior", was a regular for Chelsea across the season, though he struggled to influence their disappointing 12th place in the Premier League as the Blues collectively flattered to deceive.

In 2022/23, the England international amassed 45 appearances in all competitions, registering three goals and one assist, as per Transfermarkt.

As per WhoScored, Gallagher remained strong in the tackle throughout the campaign and averaged around 1.3 successful challenges per match in the English top flight.

FBRef show that Gallagher was also able to drive his side forward from the middle of the park with regularity, successfully carrying out 59 shot-creating actions.

Tottenham may be interested in his services; however, they will likely have to battle with several other clubs to secure his signature this summer.

Glasgow Rangers are in talks regarding a summer swoop to bring Cyriel Dessers to the Scottish Premiership, according to reports.

Who is Cyriel Dessers?

The Nigeria international is a striker who currently plays his football for Cremonese having moved there from KRC Genk last summer, and during his debut season at the Giovanni Zini Stadium, he clocked up a total of 29 appearances under Davide Ballardini.

The Scottish Daily Mail (via Ibrox News) first credited Michael Beale with an interest in the 28-year-old and revealed that he was one of the names “on a list” of targets being considered for the upcoming window, and it wasn’t long before the boss made his opening move.

The Daily Record earlier this month reported that the Light Blues had submitted a seven-figure bid for the Serie B forward after seeing their initial offer turned down which resulted in the two parties getting locked in talks, though it would appear that there has now been a successful breakthrough in negotiations.

Are Rangers signing Dessers?

According to Football Insider, Rangers are "pursuing" a move for Dessers with talks firmly "underway" ahead of the 2023/24 campaign. The Cremonese striker has been a target north of the border for "some time" and it's stated that a fee of £5m "could be enough" to get a deal over the line this summer.

The Italian outfit are looking to "trim costs" following their recent relegation so are resigned to selling some of their prized assets, one of those being the attacker who could well be on his way to Glasgow.

Rangers have confirmed that Alfredo Morelos has left the club upon the expiration of his contract so Beale will need a natural centre-forward to replace him, and having been described as someone who is “awkward to play against” because of his physical strength by journalist Josh Bunting, Dessers could be the perfect successor.

The Stirr Associates client, who has the versatility to operate everywhere across the frontline, posted 13 goal contributions (ten goals and three assists) from 32 appearances in all competitions last season so was prolific in the final third, but he also posed a threat when he wasn’t on the scoresheet.

Dessers ranked in the 92nd percentile for number of attacking touches in the opposition’s penalty area and recorded 49 shots over the course of the term which was the second-highest total throughout his squad, as per FBRef, so should he sign on the dotted line, it would be a massive coup for Beale.

Manchester United have a 'big opportunity' to sign Leicester City midfielder James Maddison in the off-season as Erik Ten Hag looks to strengthen ahead of 2023/24, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

What's the latest transfer news involving James Maddison?

As per The Telegraph, Leicester City are set to sell Maddison this summer and Manchester United, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur all hold an interest in signing the £110k-a-week ace.

It is said that Maddison is valued at around £45-60 million by the Foxes and they may elect to sell several first-team players to try and raise transfer funds of their own as they prepare to compete in the Sky Bet Championship.

According to The Athletic, Arsenal are also keen on Maddison, potentially creating a transfer tug-of-war for his services between several high-profile clubs.

Football Insider claim that Leicester City are lining up a bid for Queens Park Rangers midfielder Ilias Chair, who could be acquired as a replacement for Maddison, who is all but guaranteed to leave the King Power to return to the English top-flight.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Romano has confirmed that Manchester United are one interested party in trying to lure Maddison elsewhere this summer.

Romano said: "They know there will be competition, because now is a big opportunity I would say on the market to sign Maddison, now that they have been relegated. Newcastle will be there for Maddison, but they know there are other clubs informed, including Tottenham Hotspur and also including Manchester United. So it's not an easy one.”

What were James Maddison's stats like for Leicester City in 2022/23?

In 2022/23, Maddison was a shining light in a Leicester City side that flattered to deceive and eventually suffered relegation on the final day of the season. He also caught the eye of former assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, Juanma Lillo, who described him as an "authentic footballer".

Across 32 appearances in all competitions, the 26-year-old netted ten goals and laid on nine assists in total for Leicester City, as per Transfermarkt.

WhoScored also notes that Maddison was Leicester City's most consistent performer during the campaign, racking up an average match rating of 7.24/10 for his exploits on the pitch.

As per FBRef, Maddison has also been an inventive presence in attack and has managed to successfully carry out 138 shot-creating actions in the Premier League.

With Leicester City set to try and balance the books in the forthcoming transfer window, Manchester United could inherit a creative midfielder with distinguishable qualities in the form of Maddison this summer.

West Ham have done it. This humid, sticky, unforgiving evening in Prague will go down in their history.

It was far from a classic, but the Hammers won’t care. The trophy was clinched at the death when the ever-present Jarrod Bowen sprinted on goal and calmly slotted it into the back of the net.

The club had flirted with relegation throughout the year, finding themselves in the drop zone at various points.

But through the murky turmoil of domestic football, the Europa Conference League provided a shining beacon of light that has culminated in the club’s first major trophy in 43 years and European success since 1965.

There were many points within the season when the faith wavered. The trust in David Moyes, who was elated at full-time and his cohort of extravagant new signings was under constant scrutiny.

But they have emerged as champions, blessed with another season of top-flight and European football.

In recent weeks, when the pressure intensified, one player who has emphatically proven his worth is Lucas Paqueta, who was instrumental in this monumental victory.

How did Lucas Paqueta perform against Fiorentina?

The Brazilian arrived in East London with humongous expectations for a club-record fee of £51m – a dazzling, scintillating playmaker expected to orchestrate another top-half finish.

However, at the start, he flattered to deceive. The 40-cap international often cut an anonymous, dejected, and uninvolved figure, unable to showcase his extraordinary talent.

The 25-year-old didn’t score his first goal for his new club until January 2023, but in the latter stages of the Premier League and in Europe, the former Lyon ace has repaid every penny of his transfer.

Although he struggled to influence the first half of their famous 2-1 victory, he provided that match-winning moment, threading an expertly weighted through ball to the onrushing Bowen, who coolly converted.

As well as this, the joyous technician recorded two key passes from his 46 touches, won 11 defensive duels, and made four tackles, as per Sofascore, in a well-rounded performance from central areas.

Throughout the term, the £150k-per-week star’s contribution to the defensive effort has been undeniable; in Europe’s top five leagues among his positional peers, he ranks in the highest 4% for tackles, blocks, clearances, and aerials won per 90 – a glowing testament to his unrelenting work rate and commitment to the Irons.

Described as “simply sensational” by CBS’ James Benge following the game, the attacker has finished the season with 43 appearances, 12 goal involvements, and the second-highest average rating in the squad across the campaign.

Big players forge even bigger moments and Paqueta’s contribution to this fateful European excursion is unforgettable. It may well have been Bowen who popped up with that remarkable late goal, but it was his Brazilian colleague that he owes it to.

More power to Moyes, who after receiving a torrent of speculation regarding his future, is deservedly entitled to another season at the helm.

Tottenham Hotspur manager candidate Ange Postecoglou is a 'concrete option' for the Lilywhites in their hunt for a permanent successor to Antonio Conte, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

What's the latest news involving Ange Postecoglou?

As per The Sun, Tottenham look likely to announce Postecoglou as their new manager and could do so by early next week, bringing their long search for a new boss to an end.

The report states that Celtic are 'resigned' to losing the 57-year-old and have already started to look at potential replacements, with West Ham United coach David Moyes said to be 'a likely front-runner' for the position.

talkSPORT have also chimed in and offered an update on the future of the former Australia boss, detailing that Celtic are 'bracing themselves' for Postecoglou to take up the vacant role at The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Talks are set to ramp up following the Hoops' Scottish Cup final clash with Inverness Caledonian Thistle on Saturday where Postecoglou could lead his side to a domestic clean sweep of trophies in 2022/23.

Sky Sports revealed on Wednesday that Postecoglou was now Spurs' 'preferred candidate' for the job after they failed in their pursuit of Feyenoord's Arne Slot.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Romano has detailed that Postecoglou is a 'concrete option' to step in as manager in N17.

Romano said: "Postecoglou is a concrete option, for sure. He's on the list, but he is not the only one.

"After what happened with Arne Slot, Tottenham want to be careful and also have different options."

What has Ange Postecoglou achieved in his managerial career?

Interestingly, the Celtic boss, whose side play some "beautiful" football, recently broke a record at Parkhead as his side recently netted an 114th goal, which is the highest total seen from the club since the 1937/38 season.

A shed load of trophies, to put it bluntly. Postecoglou is an experienced figure in football management and has achieved remarkable success at both club and international level, making it no surprise that a club like Tottenham would be interested in his services.

In his time at Celtic, the 57-year-old has won consecutive Scottish Premiership titles and two Viaplay Cup trophies. At the same time, he will have the chance to add the Scottish Cup trophy to his lengthy list of honours if Celtic can defeat Inverness at Hampden Park on Saturday evening.

Before crossing into Europe, Postecoglou raked in trophies in both Asia and Oceania, racking up four A-League titles, One J-League triumph, one OFC Champions League and winning the Asian Cup with the Australia international side, among other impressive achievements, as per Transfermarkt.

His distinctive brand of high-intensity attacking football has caught the attention of Premier League and other English clubs and Chelsea, Brighton & Hove Albion, Everton, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Leeds United have all tracked his progress across the last year.

Postecoglou is a man in demand and it looks as if fans of both Celtic and Tottenham won't have to wait too long to find out where his future lies.

Pundit Gabriel Agbonlahor thinks West Ham could sign Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips during the summer transfer window if they sell Declan Rice.

Has Phillips had a good season?

The 27-year-old moved to City from Leeds United last year in what looked like an exciting move for him during the peak of his career. Unfortunately, it hasn't worked out for him, however, with injuries hampering his progress and a lack of minutes coming his way.

Phillips has only started one Premier League game in the whole of 2022/23, with only another nine appearances in the competition from the substitutes' bench, and it is hard to see him breaking into the team regularly moving forward.

For that reason, the £150,000-a-week England international could move on at the end of the season, with West Ham one of the clubs who have been linked with a move for him.

Could West Ham snap up Phillips?

Speaking to Football Insider, Agbonlahor talked up West Ham's chances of signing Phillips in the summer window:

"Rodri isn’t in his 30s, he’s not going anywhere. He’s that good – Pep plays him in every game. Whether it’s a big FA Cup game, Carabao Cup game, or whatever. There have even been games where Rodri hasn’t started, but Gundogan slots into that position.

"Pep fits other players in before Kalvin Phillips. If I’m Phillips and I want to play in the European Championships next summer, I’m leaving in this transfer window. Go and play somewhere where you are the first name on the team sheet. A Crystal Palace, or a West Ham. If West Ham lose Declan Rice, they could get him in.

"You want to play football as a player, and he hasn’t done that this season. These are his peak years, and he needs to be playing football."

Phillips could be an excellent signing by West Ham this summer, coming in as a direct replacement for Declan Rice, who he knows so well after partnering him in England's midfield throughout Euro 2020. Granted, this season has been a disappointing one for him, but given his displays for Leeds persuaded Pep Guardiola to make a move for him, there is every reason he can be a key man for another Premier League side – as long as he remains fit.

The fact that Spain and Barcelona legend Xavi once hailed both Phillips and Rice as "superb" speaks volumes, and the former could come in and provide tackling tenacity and technical quality in the middle of the park for the Hammers, having averaged three tackles per game in the EFL Cup this season, as well as a 92.1% pass completion rate in the Premier League.

Newcastle United face the daunting prospect of facing an aggravated Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium in the Premier League this afternoon.

Pep Guardiola’s side lost 6-5 on aggregate to Real Madrid in the Champions League in midweek and the domestic title is the one trophy they can win this season, which may spell bad news for the Magpies as the league leaders focus all of their effort, and frustration, on this match.

Meanwhile, the Toon come into the game off the back of a 1-0 defeat to Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool at St James’ Park last weekend. Naby Keita scored the only goal as Eddie Howe’s side managed to avoid a drubbing against the Reds, which the 44-year-old will be hoping to prevent again today.

With Newcastle playing away from home against the Cityzens, the ex-Cherries head coach may be expecting a tough 90 minutes playing against the ball for the most part. He may therefore pick a team with this in mind, and one player he must finally unleash from the start is centre-forward Chris Wood.

Howe must unleash Chris Wood

The New Zealand international has not started a Premier League match since 20 April against Crystal Palace, and he must now be brought back into the fold.

Magpies reporter Ciaran Kelly claimed last month that the striker provides the team with a “focal point”, and this is why the 30-year-old needs to start against City. He can offer an outball for the rest of the players to hit in order to relieve pressure as the opposition potentially sustain attack after attack whilst dominating possession.

In Europe’s top five leagues over the past 365 days, Wood ranks in the 97th percentile for aerial battles won per 90 minutes amongst strikers. He has won a whopping 8.7 headers per 90 minutes in the Premier League, which illustrates the value that he will be able to provide to Newcastle at the top of the pitch.

The striker, who Howe claimed has been “fantastic” since coming to St James’ Park, can make himself a target for the likes of Jamaal Lascelles and Dan Burn to hit when they have the opportunity to clear the ball. Wood can then either hold the ball up with his strength or flick the ball on to the likes of Joelinton and Allan Saint-Maximin, allowing them to use their pace to threaten on the counterattack.

Therefore, the £72k-per-week colossus can play a crucial role in Newcastle getting anything out of this match, and he must be selected in the starting line-up today.

AND in other news, Imagine him & Bruno: Howe must land NUFC swoop for £17.1m gem who “radiates calmness”…