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An update has emerged regarding Newcastle United and their pursuit of Goncalo Ramos in the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

According to Portuguese outlet Record, the Magpies are among a number of clubs keen on signing the attacker from Benfica in the coming weeks.

Journalist Jacque Talbot translated the story, tweeting: “Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Newcastle, and Nottingham Forest are interested in Benfica’s 20-year-old forward Gonçalo Ramos. Club are open to selling for around €40million and Jorge Mendes is leading the negotiations.”

The Toon are facing strong competition to land the £34m-valued (€40m) gem as PIF eye up a deal for the talented youngster.

Eddie Howe’s own Firmino

By signing Ramos, PIF could land Howe his own version of Roberto Firmino at St James’ Park in the Premier League next season.

Football scout Jacek Kulig has dubbed the 20-year-old “incredibly prolific” and claimed that he is a similar type of player to the Liverpool forward. He noted his style as being a deep-lying forward who likes to progress the ball, much like the Brazilian.

Firmino has scored 98 goals and provided 74 assists in 327 games for the Reds, proving his quality in England over the course of many years. The 30-year-old has been able to make a big impact in the final third, as shown by his statistics, and that is why this comparison is a big compliment to the Benfica man.

However, Ramos’ record for his country suggests that he has the potential to be an even better goalscorer than the Brazil international.

In 33 games for Portugal at under-19 and under-21 level combined, the 20-year-old has netted 23 goals. This includes a whopping 14 goals in 18 games for the under-21s, which suggests that he has the scope to develop into a top-class finisher in Europe.

Ramos has stepped up to the first-team at club level and has scored 14 senior goals for Benfica to date in 59 appearances.

He has shown glimpes of his quality against Premier League opposition. The forward scored in a 3-3 draw against Liverpool at Anfield in the Champions League last season, showing that he can handle the pressure of big occasions.

PIF must now strike a deal to bring the youngster to Tyneside. At the age of 20, he could be a long-term investment by the club and a player that Howe could mould into becoming a more clinical version of Firmino in the English top flight for many years to come.

AND in other news, Ashworth plotting Newcastle swoop for “formidable” £26m predator, he’s Havertz 2.0…

West Ham United insider Claret & Hugh has shared some interesting transfer news out of Rush Green involving Brighton star Yves Bissouma.

The Lowdown: West Ham prepare…

Tasked with maintaining his team’s incredible rise over the last two seasons, Irons manager David Moyes is currently weighing up how best to strengthen his squad for the 2022/23 Premier League season.

The Scotsman reportedly plans to strengthen in key areas amid a real shake-up at West Ham with four departures having already been confirmed.

Andriy Yarmolenko, David Martin, Ryan Fredericks and the retired Mark Noble have all departed Rush Green, with many now wondering who could come in to take their place.

The Latest: Agents offer Bissouma…

According to Claret & Hugh, Moyes has been ‘offered’ the chance to sign Bissouma from Brighton, with representatives making an ‘approach’ to West Ham.

However, the Scotsman is believed to have turned down the chance, as he has earmarked Southampton star James Ward-Prowse as a priority target.

The Verdict: Right call?

This report claims the Seagulls now value Bissouma at £25m, a seismic 50% drop from his £50m valuation in January (The Daily Mail).

The Mali midfielder is about to enter the final year of his contract at the Amex Stadium and could now be snapped up for a reasonable fee, potentially making his signing a really good opportunity for any interested suitor.

Called a ‘monster’ by members of the media (Aaron Stokes, The Chronicle), the 25-year-old finished 2021/22 as one of Brighton’s best-performing players, making more tackles and interceptions per 90 than any of his team-mates (WhoScored).

Indeed, turning down the opportunity to lodge a cut-price bid for Bissouma could certainly be considered a bold move by Moyes.

In other news: West Ham officials dispatched as GSB eye ‘superstar’ signing for Moyes! Find out more here.

An update has emerged regarding Newcastle United and the future of Dean Henderson heading into the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

The Telegraph’s Luke Edwards has claimed that the Magpies are not in for the Manchester United shot-stopper despite recent reports.

He tweeted: “The Henderson story is very, very strange but denials have been consistent from #nufc end and were especially strong when I checked again today. Got the impression they have had enough of it being reported.”

This comes after reporter Samuel Luckhurst was quoted as saying that the goalkeeper wanted a move to St James’ Park earlier this month, outlining: “He [Dean Henderson] wants the Newcastle deal done early and there’s been no indication so far that he should hang around. United are looking at options to replace him (Bachmann, Darlow) — He’s a man in a hurry.”

Eddie Howe will be frustrated

Edwards’ claim that the Toon are not in the running to land Henderson will leave Newcastle head coach Howe frustrated ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

The 25-year-old had the potential to be an excellent signing for the Magpies, and Howe will be gutted that he will not be able to work with the shot-stopper next term. The Tyneside club may have alternative targets or perhaps they are happy to stick with Martin Dubravka for another season, with the latter being a potentially dangerous decision.

Karl Darlow is the current number two and having him as back-up for 2022/23 would leave Howe fuming, as the English stopper has proven that he is not good enough to be trusted. If the Slovakian number one suffers an injury over the next year, then Newcastle would be left with a goalkeeper who has shown that he cannot handle the top tier.

Darlow averaged a dismal SofaScore rating of 6.47 in 2021/22 as he let in 1.9 goals per game and made one error directly leading to a goal in eight matches. Meanwhile, Henderson has averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.94 or higher in his two Premier League seasons to date, conceding just 0.9 goals per game across 49 outings in the division.

This shows that the Red Devils ‘keeper would be a major upgrade on Darlow and also provide Dubravka with serious competition for the number one jersey at St James’ Park.

Howe will therefore be frustrated by Newcastle’s lack of interest in Henderson and will surely be hoping that he is not forced to go into the 2022/23 campaign with Darlow as his second-choice goalkeeper.

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

Two years ago, selling Adama Traore might well have been unthinkable for a lot of Wolves fans.

However, given his disappointing form since then, Bruno Lage’s reported decision to sell the Spain winger this summer might well be the right one.

What’s the word?

According to Daily Express journalist Ryan Taylor, the Old Gold will look to cash in on the 26-year-old this summer, with Barcelona set to turn down their option to purchase him after his loan spell at the Nou Camp this season.

Taylor told GiveMeSport: “I couldn’t rule it out [Traore staying] because, technically, Barcelona are not going to sign him and he’s going to return.

“But I think he’s only got a year left on his contract, so Wolves will be looking to move him on and use that cash to sort of bolster the options within their squad.”

Should Lage axe Traore?

Since joining Wolves from Middlesbrough in 2018, Traore has gone on to make 154 appearances for the Old Gold, in which he has contributed just 11 goals and 18 assists.

Other than a strong run of form in the 2019/20 season, when he managed four goals and nine assists and averaged an impressive 7.49 rating from WhoScored for his performances, the 26-year-old has been wildly inconsistent at Molineux.

His pace and power make him a serious threat on the counter but, on far too many occasions, his final ball was lacking in quality as he found himself in good positions out wide, with his disappointing 1.2 crosses per game average in 2019/20 his best return as a Wolves player.

Therefore, given the interest being reportedly shown in him by Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United and Leeds United, this summer represents the ideal time for Lage to cash in on Traore.

The former Aston Villa man is valued at £18m by Transfermarkt and his contract with Wolves expires next season, so the Old Gold would surely be best cashing in on him now rather than potentially losing him for nothing in 12 months’ time.

While he has certainly excited opposition managers and players during his time at Molineux, with Jurgen Klopp labelling him “unplayable” and Southampton’s Che Adams dubbing him a “monster”, Traore has sadly been far too inconsistent, and cashing in on him now would be the right decision by Lage.

In other news… Wolves are targeting this prolific Championship striker

An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their pursuit of Moussa Diaby heading into the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

According to 90min, PIF are plotting a bid for the winger and are ready to break their transfer record in a deal worth over £50m as they attempt to bolster the club’s wide options.

The report claims that Bayer Leverkusen want to keep hold of the Frenchman but could be willing to do business if an offer of £60m or more comes across the table.

Eddie Howe needs him

The Magpies head coach needs Diaby at St. James’ Park next season as he would be a major upgrade on the club’s current wingers.

In the 2021/22 Premier League campaign, no Toon wide man managed more than five goals or more than five assists. Taking Allan Saint-Maximin out of the equation, none of them scored more than two or assisted more than three.

Meanwhile, the Leverkusen man plundered an astonishing 13 goals and 12 assists in the Bundesliga in the season just gone. He has shown that he can make a huge impact in the final third on a regular basis, whilst Newcastle have struggled for any consistency from their players who play in the same position as him.

Diaby created 15 ‘big chances’ in total and provided 1.9 key passes per game as he constantly set his teammates up with chances to score. The attacker is electric at the top end of the pitch and has proven that he has the end product to be a real threat in the Premier League.

Therefore, he would be a major upgrade on Howe’s current options and that is why the head coach needs him on Tyneside next season.

Former Everton man Michael Ball once claimed that Diaby is “all pace” and this makes him an exciting prospect for the fans to look forward to watching. Along with his ability to score and create goals, he can use his speed to burst down the wing and get supporters up off their seats.

This means that the fans, as well as the manager, will be buzzing to have him in the squad for the 2021/22 campaign, which is why PIF must now secure this deal. His statistics illustrate his immense quality and he still has time to develop his game as he only turns 23 next month, giving him many more years to hone his skills.

AND in other news, Imagine him & Burn: Howe can seal terrifying NUFC duo by signing £13m “Rolls-Royce”…

An update has emerged regarding Newcastle United and their pursuit of Watford winger Ismaila Sarr ahead of the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

According to Jeunes Footeux, the Magpies are keen on the Senegal international as PIF plot a potential swoop for him ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

The report claims that he will not leave Vicarage Road for anything less than €35m (£30m), with Premier League duo Crystal Palace and Everton also showing an interest.

Major Almiron upgrade

Bringing Sarr to St James’ Park would give Eddie Howe a major upgrade on current Paraguay international Miguel Almiron on the right wing.

Whilst the former Atlanta United star is a hard worker and rarely stops running for the team, he has not produced anywhere near enough in the final third to justify a regular place in the side heading into 2022/23.

Almiron played 30 matches in the Premier League in the 2021/22 and averaged a SofaScore rating of 6.68 for Newcastle.

As you can see in the graphic above, Sarr – who played 22 times in the top flight – enjoyed a far more productive season in the final third in terms of both goals and assists.

Despite playing for a team which finished in 19th place, a full 26 points behind Newcastle in 11th, the Senegal forward dwarfed Almiron’s attacking numbers, as the 28-year-old only came close to him in terms of duels won.

Sarr played 1,865 top-flight minutes and the Magpies ace featured for 1,721 in the Premier League, which shows that they spent a relatively similar amount of time on the pitch throughout the campaign.

This makes the Watford star’s return suggest that he would be a major upgrade out wide for Newcastle, especially when you consider the huge gap between the two teams in the table.

Ben Foster once dubbed the 24-year-old a “freak” of a talent and praised his ability on the ball, saying: “It’s scary, isn’t it, really? It’s almost like everything seems to just be off the cuff. Every single time he gets the ball, even he doesn’t know what he’s going to do, but it will end up being good either way.”

This shows how highly Sarr is rated by his peers, and his statistics back up the praise as he stood out for a relegated team. Therefore, Newcastle must now seal the deal and bring him to Tyneside to replace Almiron on the right of the front three.

AND in other news, Imagine him & Bruno: NUFC can form a deadly duo by signing “outstanding” £34m “rock”…

Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport have now shared a major Tottenham Hotspur transfer update involving Inter Milan star Alessandro Bastoni.

The Lowdown: Spurs eye move…

As backed by The Athletic, Inter’s colossal centre-half is firmly on the radar of Spurs as manager Antonio Conte aims to upgrade his defensive options for 2022/2023.

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The Premier League top-four chasers have apparently earmarked the signing of a centre-back signing as one of their priorities ahead of the looming summer window, drawing up a list of targets with Bastoni and Josko Gvardiol of RB Leipzig at the ‘top’ of it.

Sporting director Fabio Paratici will face a difficult task in bringing big names like these to Hotspur Way but CDS (via Sport Witness) have now shared a very encouraging update.

The Latest: Lilywhites line up ‘major bid’…

According to the publication, Conte’s side are ‘ready to pounce’ and make a ‘major bid’ to sign Bastoni with Spurs’ boss now set to ‘order’ Paratici to move.

The 52-year-old has allegedly placed his former Nerazzurri star at the top of his wish list with the outlet even going as far as to say he’s already ‘waiting for him in London’.

While Spurs will have to pay between €60-70 million (£51m-£59m) for his signing, the north Londoners are believed to be in ‘pole’ position.

The Verdict: Exciting claim…

The 23-year-old comes with a stellar reputation, even lauded as a ‘defensive genius’ and ‘mature beyond his years’ by Italian football expert Conor Clancy (GiveMeSport).

Bastoni’s numbers back tags like these, standing out as one of Inter’s top ten Serie A performers over 2021/2022 whilst averaging the second-most interceptions and third-most clearances per 90 (WhoScored).

The £122,000-per-week star has many years ahead of him at the top level and it’s hardly surprising Conte has now prioritised his capture at N17.

In other news: Offer imminent: Tottenham ready ‘sensational’ player move as club plan 50% discount…find out more here.

Liverpool are long-term admirers of Roma’s Nicolo Zaniolo and could make a move for him this summer, according to Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness). 

The lowdown

Zaniolo, 22, is predominantly a right winger but he’s also played 17 matches this season in a second striker role. That means he could provide cover and competition for Mohamed Salah, but may also be able to operate as a false nine in the manner of Roberto Firmino, for example.

Liverpool, of course, signed both Salah and Alisson from Roma in 2017 and 2018 for fees of £34million and £67million respectively.

And it seems Julian Ward, taking over as sporting director from Michael Edwards, could look to find more success by shopping in the Italian capital.

Zaniolo has just over two years remaining on his deal at the Stadio Olimpico, though his current focus may be on preparations for the Europa Conference League final against Feyenoord on 25 May.

His hat-trick against Bodo/Glimt last month helped steer Jose Mourinho’s side into the semifinals.

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The latest

The Italian press claim Zaniolo has been a Liverpool target for some time, so this is seemingly an Edwards target being carried over into Ward’s new role.

If the player is to extend his stay at Roma, he wants a contract worth €4million per year, which equates to about £65,000 per week, says the report. But if he’s to leave, he won’t be short of suitors, either domestically or abroad.

Juventus and AC Milan are waiting in the wings, and the player’s first instinct is apparently to remain in Italy.

He would apparently find it difficult to turn down a ‘super offer’ from overseas though, as Liverpool and Antonio Conte’s Tottenham Hotspur ‘have continued to monitor him for some time’.

It’s thought that he would cost somewhere between €65million and €70million (£55.3million-£59.5million).

The verdict

Is Zaniolo good enough for Liverpool? His goals/assists record this season is good without being spectacular – seven scored, eight assisted in 39 appearances across all competitions.

But it’s important to remember that he’s still a young player and that his development has badly affected by injury. The Italian suffered two anterior cruciate ligament injuries in the space of a year, so patience may be required.

What’s more, some of Zaniolo’s underlying numbers are strong. He records a high volume of dribbles (81st percentile), touches in the attacking penalty area and progressive passes received (both 80th), highlighting his technical proficiency and intelligent movement.

This is the former Serie A Young Player of the Year, and Klopp may believe he can unlock his potential.

In other news, Liverpool may have found a Jordan Henderson replacement.

Mohamed Salah is hopeful that he will be fit for Liverpool’s Champions League final clash against Real Madrid, according to journalist James Pearce.

The Lowdown: Salah injured in final win

The Reds enjoyed FA Cup glory on Saturday following a dramatic penalty shoot-out win over Chelsea at Wembley, winning their second trophy of the season.

Salah didn’t even make it to half-time, though, limping off with a groin injury and immediately sparking concern surrounding his involvement in the Champions League final on May 28th.

However, a hopeful update has now emerged regarding the 29-year-old’s situation.

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The Latest: Pearce provides Salah injury update

Taking to Twitter on Saturday night a few hours after the FA Cup final, Pearce confirmed that Salah is confident of being fit for the Champions League showpiece against Real Madrid in Paris.

The journalist tweeted: ” ‘Of course, all good’ says Mo Salah when asked if he will be fit for the CL final in Paris.”

The Verdict: Wrap him in cotton wool

While there is no official confirmation surrounding the severity of Salah’s injury, that he believes he will be fit for the 28th is certainly an enormous positive.

Having gone off injured in the 2018 decider against the same opposition, it would be cruel for the 29-year-old to suffer Champions League final heartache yet again – more importantly, Liverpool need arguably their best player on the pitch.

Salah will do all he can to prove himself, although Jurgen Klopp should be wary of not letting his heart rule his head in the meantime, only starting the Egyptian if he is ready.

There is enough depth in the squad to make do without him from the start these days, which is a very different situation to four years ago. Therefore, Klopp must wrap the 29-year-old in cotton wool for the Premier League games against Southampton and Wolves this week.

In other news, Klopp has reportedly set his sights on one Liverpool signing. Read more here.

Paddy Kenny has dropped a ‘behind the scenes’ Newcastle United claim on Matt Targett after what he has now heard.

The Lowdown: Wants to stay

As cited by The Chronicle, Targett has claimed that he ‘hopes something can be sorted’ with regards to his future at St. James’ Park.

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It is widely thought that they would like to sign him on a permanent deal once his loan spell from Aston Villa ends, but that will of course depend on the player and how much money they put up.

The Latest: Kenny reacts

Speaking to Football Insider, former Premier League goalkeeper Kenny has suggested that the deal has already been done ‘behind the scenes’, and there just needs to be an official announcement from both sides:

“I would think it just needs to be announced.

“Targett has been so good and it is telling that he has never missed a minute since he came in.

“At Villa, I think Digne has that starting spot at Villa now and Targett won’t want to go back to playing second fiddle.

“He must love playing at Newcastle, the fans seem to love him. I can’t see why it wouldn’t happen.

“It works for everyone. I can’t see anyone complaining about it to be honest.

“I honestly think there must have been talks behind the scenes.”

The Verdict: No-brainer

Signing up Targett permanently is surely a no-brainer for the North East club, given the impact that he has had on Tyneside.

He is a player that Eddie Howe clearly likes and trusts, having not missed a single minute for him in the top flight so far this season, except of course when they played his parent club (Transfermarkt).

The left-back has become a fans favourite already with his performances, so much so that 97.5% of supporters have expressed their desire for him to stay, and so this is a deal that the Magpies faithful would absolutely love.

In other news, find out which former Sunderland ace NUFC are now eyeing here!