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Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth has been reacting to Tottenham Hotspur’s early business in the transfer window, heaping praise on the club’s new strategy.

The Lowdown: Busy busy

Spurs are busy preparing for the Champions League ahead of next season, with the fourth place Premier League side having wasted no time in adding quality and depth to Antonio Conte’s squad.

Fabio Paratici first secured the signature of Inter Milan’s Ivan Perisic, with the Croatian star set to arrive at Spurs upon the expiry of his contract at the end of the month.

The free market was utilised once again with the signing of Southampton goalkeeper Fraser Forster, coming in as back-up for club captain Hugo Lloris.

Paratici’s latest acquisition was Brighton midfielder Yves Bissouma, who arrived at Hotspur Way after the Lilywhites agreed an initial £25m fee for the player.

The Latest: Paratici masterclass

Sheth believes that Spurs fans will be overjoyed with Paratici’s impressive early business this window and is impressed by the new transfer strategy.

Speaking with GiveMeSport, he proclaimed: “If you look back in the history of transfer windows, normally Tottenham go to the last day.

“They always seem to do something on the final day and Tottenham fans wonder ‘why didn’t we do that earlier?’ because they could have been in for pre-season and they could have got used to the squad.

“It feels different this time because they’re getting their business done.”

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The Verdict: More signings expected

As per The Athletic, Tottenham are prioritising signing a left-sided centre-back next up, with football.london’s Alasdair Gold reporting that Paratici’s top two options are Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni and RB Leipzig’s Josko Gvardiol.

Furthermore, Spurs are thought to be the frontrunners in the race to sign highly rated right-back Djed Spence from Middlesbrough, with the likes of Manchester City’s Gabriel Jesus touted for a possible move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

With Paratici’s evident success so far and reports suggesting they will rack up six total first-team signings, this could truly be a defining summer for the future of Tottenham Hotspur.

In other news: Spurs now most likely club to sign Evan Ndicka…

Liverpool are interested in signing Nicolo Barella in a swap deal with Naby Keita this summer, according to a fresh transfer rumour from Italy.

The Lowdown: Barella a top midfielder

The 25-year-old has matured into one of the best midfielders in Serie A, producing consistently influential performances for Inter Milan.

Barella started 36 of his side’s 38 league games last season, scoring three times and registering a hugely impressive 12 assists, highlighting his quality as he stood out as a top five players in the squad, per Whoscored.

The Inter man also tasted Euro 2020 glory with Italy last summer, drawing immense praise for his performance in the competition, and he is now being linked with a move to Liverpool.

The Latest: Reds linked with move

According to Calciomercato, the Reds are willing to offer Keita in exchange for Barella this summer, with Jurgen Klopp unable to pay the straight-up £77million that Inter want for his services.

The Liverpool manager is thought to be ‘bewitched’ by the Italian’s performance for Inter and wants to sign him ‘at all costs’.

The Verdict: What a signing he would be

Barella would be an outstanding signing for Liverpool, bringing so much natural ability to the midfield as he comes into the prime years of his career.

Football talent scout Jacek Kulig had this to say last year: “Stamina, passion and determination combined with great technical skills. One of the best box-to-box midfielders in the world and he’ll get even better. Barella is awesome.”

Indeed, he is far more than just a luxury midfielder with technical qualities, averaging 1.8 tackles per game in the league last season, which would rank him fourth in the Liverpool squad.

Dubbed ‘really good’ by Klopp, who said he likes the Italian ‘a lot’ because he ‘can run for ages’, this certainly feels like a deal worth exploring given Keita’s extensive injury record.

In other news, a journalist has dropped an interesting Liverpool tactical claim. Read more here.

Southampton are interested in re-signing Danny Ings this summer, according to a report from 90min. 

The lowdown: Ings’ Premier League past

Sold last summer for £25m following three years at St Mary’s (Sky Sports), the striker left the Saints having scored 46 times and registered 10 assists in 100 outings.

Despite being a regular for Aston Villa last season, the 29-year-old could already be deemed surplus to requirements as Steven Gerrard looks to strengthen the ranks in the Midlands.

Perhaps unsurprisingly given his impressive top-flight record of 62 goals in 170 Premier League appearances, Southampton could be in the mix to bring Ings back to the south coast…

The latest: Saints keeping tabs on Ings

As per 90min, the Saints have ‘asked to be kept informed’ of the situation surrounding the three-cap England ace.

It’s claimed that fellow south coast clubs Brighton & Hove Albion and newly-promoted Bournemouth are also keen on signing Ings this summer.

The report states that Villa will ‘entertain offers’ for the man who Martin Keown dubbed ‘outstanding’ in 2020 amidst interest from elsewhere.

The verdict: No-brainer

Despite leaving in rather inauspicious circumstances, the opportunity to bring the Englishman back to Ralph Hasenhuttl’s squad isn’t one which should be passed up by Southampton.

Having ended the 2021/22 season with four consecutive defeats, the Saints will be looking to freshen up the squad this summer, and the attacking department is certainly in dire need of a more clinical goal threat.

Club captain James Ward-Prowse ended the campaign as their top scorer with 11 from midfield, with strikers Che Adams, Shane Long and Adam Armstrong only mustering 12 goals between them.

Meanwhile, Ings netted seven goals and provided six assists in 30 Premier League outings for Villa, so he remains a worthwhile target for Hasenhuttl and co.

In other news: ‘Likely to be resolved quickly’ – Southampton meet with agent as they ‘world class’ 40-cap forward move…find out more here

An update has emerged regarding Newcastle United’s pursuit of Yannick Carrasco heading into the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

According to Spanish outlet AS, the Magpies are ready to pay the 28-year-old’s release clause of €60m (£51m) to bring him to St James’ Park in the coming months.

The report claims that Atletico Madrid will refuse to negotiate a lower fee as they want to keep the Belgian international, who is said to be happy in Spain.

Eddie Howe would love him

Howe would surely love to have the winger on Tyneside next season, as Carrasco is a proven performer at the top level in Europe.

He has played in six La Liga campaigns for Atletico and two Ligue 1 seasons for Monaco earlier in his career, showing that he knows what it takes to perform in a major European league.

The attacker played more than 100 games for the latter and is currently sat on 219 appearances for the former, scoring 57 goals and setting up 63 in that time for both clubs combined.

Carrasco has showcased his quality over a number of years in two different countries, and journalist Josh Bunting once dubbed him “extremely underrated”.

In the 2021/22 campaign, the forward produced six goals and six assists in La Liga and created 10 ‘big chances’ for Atletico. He can score and set up goals in the final third, and Howe would be buzzing to have a player of his quality in the Magpies’ squad.

No Newcastle player managed more than five assists in the Premier League and Callum Wilson was the only one to score more than five times. This suggests that Carrasco would be an upgrade on what the 44-year-old currently has to work with at the top end of the pitch.

At the age of 28, the Belgian wizard should be in the prime years of his career, as he is not a young player coming up through the ranks with little experience under his belt. This means that he whould be expected to slot straight into the team and hit the ground running if he moves to St James’ Park.

Howe will love to have a player who he can trust enough to throw in the deep end instantly, as it means that he can immediately improve the team, rather than needing to wait for them to develop over several months or seasons.

AND in other news, Ashworth can land big Wood upgrade in Newcastle deal for £30m gem who’s “one of the best”…

Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth has provided an update on Manchester United’s attempts to sign Frenkie de Jong.

The Lowdown: Romano’s reveal

United have been linked with a move for the Barcelona star ever since Erik ten Hag took over at Old Trafford at the end of April.

Fabrizio Romano provided a key update regarding De Jong and the Red Devils on Wednesday morning. The transfer expert revealed that United have ‘opened direct talks’ with Barca, who want €85m for the midfielder’s services.

De Jong reportedly wants to play Champions League football, something United can’t currently offer, however, they are still looking to ‘push’ for a move.

The Latest: Sheth’s update

Sheth took to Twitter hours on from Romano’s claim on De Jong to share what he knows regarding a possible transfer.

The Sky Sports reporter stated that United have indeed ‘held initial talks’ over a transfer, but he’s been ‘told’ there are ‘significant obstacles’, name-checking a fee and will of the player as two.

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The Verdict: Barca’s financial situation key?

As Sheth claims, agreeing on a fee and persuading De Jong to move to Old Trafford could prove tricky. However, something that could work in United’s favour is Barcelona’s ‘financial issues’.

The Catalan giants ‘need to solve’ their problems off the pitch, according to Romano, so selling De Jong for a big fee would certainly help their situation.

It appears as if a move could be extremely complicated, and with United looking at a ‘number of midfielders’ and making it their priority area to bolster, it’ll be interesting to see how long they pursue De Jong before moving on to alternative targets.

In other news: MUFC eye £28.8m-rated maestro after ‘Louvre’-worthy moment – Paul Hirst. 

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s (KSA) Public Investment Fund (PIF) are reportedly now ‘waiting’ to sign Tyrone Mings for Newcastle United this summer.

The Lowdown: Down the pecking order?

With the signings of Boubacar Kamara and Diego Carlos, Mings may find himself falling down the pecking order at Aston Villa.

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Having been left out of Gareth Southgate’s recent England squad, the six-foot-five colossus may need a move away in order to get more regular game time ahead of the winter World Cup in Qatar.

The Latest: Newcastle ‘waiting’

As per the print edition of The Daily Star (via The Daily Express), the St, James’ Park faithful are now ‘waiting in the wings’ to sign Mings.

However, he is likely to cost them in the region of £30m, should they step up their interest.

The Verdict: Avoid

There is no doubt that Mings has his qualities, as Southgate has previously hailed him as an ‘outstanding leader’, demonstrated by captaining the Villa team.

However, he is 29 years of age, and £30m would be a big outlay for someone who is likely to decline over the next few years.

He has also come under criticism by some of his own supporters for some of his performances this season, which is perhaps why he has been left out of the England squad.

Nonetheless, the Magpies still hold an interest in him, and given that he shares the same agent as Eddie Howe, this is a deal that could very well go through.

In other news, find out who is now ‘keen’ to join NUFC here!

Gabby Agbonlahor has suggested that Liverpool forward Sadio Mane might not sign a new contract at the club unless particular demands are met.

The Lowdown: Huge update from Liverpool source

The 30-year-old has been part of the furniture at Anfield since arriving in a £34m move from fellow Premier League club Southampton six years ago, with an outstanding return of 168 goal contributions in just 268 appearances for the Reds, as per Transfermarkt.

Despite still having just over one year remaining on his current contract on Merseyside, the Senegal star has been the centre of attention recently amid rumours that Bayern Munich have registered interest in his services.

However, in a new update just last week, it was revealed that a Liverpool source told Football Insider that Mane was keen to remain a Reds player. However, whilst FSG want to do everything within their power to keep him, they are not willing to offer him a ‘huge’ pay rise.

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The Latest: Agbonlahor full of praise for Mane

Speaking to Football Insider, Agbonlahor admitted that he can’t see Mane committing his future to Liverpool unless he receives what he’s asking for, but the 35-year-old’s was full of praise for the African’s ‘phenomenal’ displays in red.

The talkSPORT pundit said: “I don’t think Mane signs unless he gets exactly what he feels he deserves. If Liverpool doesn’t pay that, I don’t feel he will sign. He knows he will not be short of options.

“He’s been phenomenal this season and since he’s joined Liverpool. I’m sure he will demand what he’s worth.

“If he sees Salah is getting £300,000-a-week, he’ll want £250,000-a-week and he deserves it. With the numbers he’s getting, it’s huge but he deserves it.

“These players will know what other players in the league are getting and they will make Liverpool pay the same.”

The Verdict: Seventh piece of silverware?

The 86-cap Senegal international is such an integral member of Jurgen Klopp’s starting XI and is one of the main reasons why Liverpool have enjoyed so much success over the past few years.

This season alone, Mane has found the back of the net 23 times in all competitions and has provided five assists, showing just how much of a threat he poses in attack for the Reds.

Therefore, while FSG may be looking at the logic of handing big wages to a player who is now in his 30s, Agbonlahor makes a fair point about Mane’s enormous contribution to Liverpool over the years, and indeed during the last few weeks of what has been a hectic and memorable season.

In other news… Liverpool appeared to have suffered a huge blow in the hunt for one of their ‘top’ summer transfer targets

Liverpool must do all they can to keep star player Sadio Mane at the club as he will be vital to the continuation of their success on and off the pitch.

What’s the word?

According to Football Insider, Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group “will” offer Mane a new contract this summer in a move that could warn off potential interested clubs.

It was reported earlier this month that Bayern Munch are interested in signing Mane and with his contract expiring next summer The Reds seem to be doing the right thing and offer the player a fresh deal.

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Given the success he’s had at Anfield and how much the Liverpool fans adore him, if any terms he’s offered elsewhere are matched by the Merseyside club then why wouldn’t he want to stay.

Supporters will be buzzing

The Senegalese star has been vital to Liverpool’s trophy successes this season and will certainly help them in winning today and doing all they can to take the Premier League title off Manchester City.

He has made 33 appearances in the league this season and has been directly involved in 19 goals during that period. His record speaks for itself and alongside Mohamed Salah he is Liverpool’s most important player and one of the best forwards in the Premier League.

His versatility is incredible with Jurgen Klopp using him in a more central position at times this season rather than the wide positions we are used to seeing him operate in. His goal tally has proven he is just as capable of operating in that area of the pitch.

Doing this has allowed Luis Diaz to come in and complete a perfect trio that can be easily interchanged given the quality they have in the squad.

If you compare Mane to others in his position playing in Europe’s top five leagues for the past year, he ranks in the top 10% for goals per shots on target proving just how clinical he is.

FSG have been notable for selling star players on for a huge profit and using the money to buy up and coming talent. Luis Suarez and Phillipe Coutinho are the most notable examples, and because of this people might think Liverpool should do the same with Mane.

Whilst it would give them a significant amount of cash to spend, he is a player at the top of his game and Liverpool are a club who need him for a least a few more years if they are to remain successful.

Thus, plans to offer him fresh terms is undoubtedly exciting for everyone involved at Anfield.

IN other news: Fabrizio Romano drops “crazy” Liverpool transfer update that supporters will love…

Crystal Palace boss Patrick Vieira should make a move to bring Aaron Wan-Bissaka back to the club, according to pundit Carlton Palmer.

What’s the word?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the former England international suggested that the Manchester United man would be welcomed back at Selhurst Park, should he opt to secure a return to south London this summer.

Asked about the player potentially linking back up with the Eagles, Palmer said that: “I think they would (welcome Wan-Bissaka back). I mean, he was a fan’s favourite when he was there. We’ll have to wait and see what Ten Hag thinks about him as a football player.

“He’s a good defender, Wan-Bissaka, but he’s pretty short on dealing with the football coming out, and I’m assuming that at Manchester United, with the way that they will want to play under Ten Hag, the full-back positions will be crucial. So, it may be that Wan-Bissaka goes back to Crystal Palace, he’s still a young player, and learns more about his craft under Patrick Vieira.”

This follows recent reports that suggested that Palace are considering a move to re-sign the full-back, although there has been an inclination that he may wish to stay and fight for his place at Old Trafford next term.

Welcome return

Vieira and co may have to wait and see what incoming United boss Erik ten Hag makes of the player, although should they be able to do a deal it would no doubt represent a sensible piece of business.

Having sold him on for a club-record fee of £50m in 2019, the right-back is likely to return for a much-reduced fee – amid suggestions he could be worth less than half of that original price – while a loan deal has also been mooted.

The Red Devils’ hastiness to let him go may be a marker of his struggles over the past few seasons, although that’s perhaps as much of a reflection of the overall turmoil surrounding the Theatre of Dreams than the man himself, with the Englishman not the only player to have suffered a real dip in performances.

It would seem that there is still a quality defender in there somewhere, with the £27m-rated man – who has been dubbed “top class” by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer – once described as the “best one-on-one defender for a full-back in the world” by pundit Jamie Carragher.

That assessment may have been made in his early stint at Carrington, although it shows the high regard he was held in following his original exit from Palace, notably averaging 3.7 tackles, 2.4 interceptions and 3.7 clearances per 90 during his final Premier League season at his former club during the 2018/19 campaign.

Equally, at still just 24, there is plenty of time left for the £83k-per-week warrior to recapture his form and finally realise his early potential, with Vieira potentially the right man to aid that progression having improved a number of youthful stars so far this term.

Most importantly, a new addition on the right side of defence is also needed, with both Joel Ward and Nathaniel Clyne both into their thirties, and with young Nathan Ferguson struggling for fitness since his move from West Bromwich Albion two years ago.

It may prove to be something of a shock move, although Palace must secure a deal for the United man’s return.

IN other news, “Agreement close…”: Ornstein drops huge CPFC update that supporters will love

Manchester City have never been shy when it comes to getting involved with various transfer deals over the past few years.

Now that the next summer transfer window is around the corner, this will give the Manchester club yet another opportunity to make whatever changes to their squad that they see fit.

However, it seems as though a clue has emerged around one deal that could take place behind the scenes at the Etihad Stadium. Although, it’s not regarding a player.

What’s the talk? 

Speaking to Football Insider, Gabby Agbonlahor had this to say about the possibility of Guardiola putting pen to paper on a new deal with the Citizens.

“I’m sure Pep will sign a new deal as well and Liverpool and Man City will be winning the league for a long time. Pep will think he wants to sign a new deal but he knows there is no rush. There is nobody good enough to take his job, he’s doing so well.

“He’s got two years left on his contract so there is no rush and he can sign a new one next season. I’m sure Pep will be fine. There’s talk of [Erling] Haaland [signing] so I’m sure Pep will want to stay for a long time and get the best out of Haaland.”

Great news for City fans

Since his appointment back in the summer of 2016, Guardiola has taken charge of 347 games in total across all competitions, making him the longest-serving manager in the club’s history.

In those games, City have won 257, drawn 38 and lost just 52, winning a whopping ten trophies along the way. As a result of that, the Spaniard is the most successful manager in the history of the club, making him a legend at the Etihad Stadium.

Thus, taking into account how successful and domestically dominant the Manchester club have been under the 51-year-old’s reign, it’s undeniable that City fans will be over the moon to hear Agbonlahor’s claim that Guardiola would be willing to sign a new deal at the Etihad Stadium.

If the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager does pledge his future to his current club for some more years of service, it will surely lead to even more titles for the Citizens, an eventuality that will no doubt leave supporters buzzing.

In other news: Guardiola can unearth his next Aguero as MCFC plot bid for “outstanding” £17m predator