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Journalist Jacque Talbot is ‘sure’ that Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips will sign for Manchester City this summer.

The Lowdown: City move ‘in motion’

Pep Guardiola’s side have made the 26-year-old a top target this summer as they look to replace Fernandinho at the Etihad Stadium.

Reports have stated that the Premier League champions feel that the Leeds midfielder fits the profile of their current squad, with City journalist Tom Young believing that a move is ‘in motion’.

Phillips is entering the final two years of his Elland Road contract and hasn’t signed new terms since the club’s return to the top flight.

The Latest: Talbot’s claim on Phillips

Talbot shared his thoughts regarding Phillips’ future in Yorkshire via Twitter on Friday afternoon.

The journalist thinks that the ‘imminent’ pull of Champions League football, a ‘considerable wage increase’ and the World Cup in November could be enough for a move to go through, with Talbot ending his thread by admitting that he is ‘sure this one gets done’.

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The Verdict: Valuation must be met…

With Leeds avoiding the drop on the final day of the season against Brentford, they are no longer in a position where they need to sell any of their stars in cut-price deals.

Phillips is the Whites’ most valuable player alongside Raphinha and the only holding midfielder at the club, so they shouldn’t feel any pressure to cash in unless their valuation is met.

Reports have recently suggested that Leeds want more than £50m for the 26-year-old. Should he leave, Victor Orta and Jesse Marsch will need to act fast on bringing in midfield reinforcements or risk entering the new season extremely short of options in the middle of the park.

In other news: Phil Hay now drops big update on Raphinha’s Leeds future after what he’s heard from Elland Road

Manchester United are interested in Leicester City defender Wesley Fofana, according to a report from RMC Sport (via Sport Witness). 

The lowdown: Hot prospect

Signed for £36.5million from Ligue 1 outfit St Etienne as a 19-year-old in 2020 (The Guardian), Fofana has enjoyed a meteoric rise to stardom in the Premier League.

Now 21, the talented young centre-back made 28 English top-flight appearances in his debut campaign before suffering a horrific leg break during pre-season last summer, ruling the Frenchman out for six months.

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Having made a successful comeback against the Red Devils in February and ending the campaign by making three consecutive starts for Brendan Rodgers’ side, Fofana could be at the centre of a gigantic transfer tussle over the coming months.

The latest: PL giants keen

As per RMC Sport, translated by SW, Manchester United and Chelsea are both ‘closely interested’ in the France Under 21 starlet.

It’s claimed that Leicester are ‘counting’ on the three-cap ace but could be persuaded into sanctioning a sale should offers of ‘at least €80million (£68million)’ be forthcoming.

Under contract at the King Power Stadium until 2027 (Transfermarkt), the Old Trafford hierarchy would likely have to meet the demands in order to land the defender once hailed for a ‘phenomenal’ display in which he dominated Bukayo Saka and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

The verdict: Second time lucky?

No strangers to paying big money for a centre-back from Leicester City, spending the mooted lofty asking price for Fofana would be a smart piece of business from Manchester United as Erik ten Hag attempts to fix what was a leaky backline at times during 2021/22.

Still not the finished article given his tender years, the talented Frenchman ended the recent season earning an impressive 6.97 Sofascore rating from just seven league outings, making 3.7 clearances, winning 6.0 duels and completing 67.0 accurate passes on average per game – highlighting both his defensive and ball-playing acumen.

Sharing similar stylistic traits with star compatriots Ibrahima Konate, Presnel Kimpembe and United’s own Raphael Varane (Fbref), Fofana certainly possesses all the attributes to become an elite defender and would be a welcome addition to the ranks this summer.

In other news: Man Utd now eyeing ‘world class’ Serie A gem, read more here

Celtic are believed to have identified Dundee United goalkeeper Benjamin Siegrist as a potential new recruit this summer, according to Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph.

What’s the word?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the reporter revealed that the Parkhead club have been keeping tabs on the Swiss ‘keeper, with a deal potentially in the works.

He stated: “Siegrist is someone they’ve been looking at for quite a while, just in terms of their wish list of good goalkeepers. And he’s out of contract, so that would be quite an easy one, and it would not surprise me if Siegrist was to join this summer. He probably wants to also be back in the setup for international football as well.”

As Joseph stated, the 30-year-old is set to be available on a free transfer this summer having confirmed his departure from Tannadice, having spent the last four seasons with the Premiership outfit.

This update follows a report last week which suggested that the former Wycombe Wanderers stopper has been monitored by Celtic as a potential replacement for Vasilis Barkas, with the Greece international joining FC Utrecht on a season-long loan deal.

Barkas replacement

That exit for the 28-year-old comes after what has been a truly dismal and error-strewn stint at Parkhead thus far, with the former AEK Athens man having failed to ever justify the £5m paid by the Hoops in 2020.

With some of his performances described as “awful” by the club’s former striker Frank McAvennie, the £9k-per-week disaster made 15 league appearances in his debut campaign before being swiftly replaced by Scott Bain. The arrival of current first-choice Joe Hart last summer pushed Barkas even further down the pecking order, as he made just one league outing last term.

With his temporary departure opening up a place in the squad alongside the aforementioned Bain and Hart, a move for Siegrist would duly make sense, with Celtic in need of increased depth as they prepare to compete both domestically and in Europe next term.

The £585k-rated colossus has racked up 145 appearances for Dundee United over the last four seasons, notably keeping nine clean sheets and conceding a respectable 41 goals in his 34 league starts last term, averaging an impressive three saves per match for the Tangerines.

Such form has seen him tipped to be a “great signing for Celtic” by his former Tannadice manager Micky Mellon, with the 50-year-old having lavished him with praise for his “top work ethic”.

That glowing assessment would suggest that Ange Postecoglou and co could have a hugely valuable asset on their hands if they are to swoop for the 6 foot 5 ace this summer, with Siegrist offering a reliable presence as an understudy to Hart.

IN other news, Deal imminent: Celtic “very close” to big summer move, it’d be Ange’s best swoop yet…

According to the Express and Star, West Bromwich Albion have made an offer for Millwall star Jed Wallace.

The Lowdown: Wallace set to become free agent

The 28-year-old put pen to paper on a permanent deal with the Lions when he made the switch to the Championship outfit from Wolverhampton Wanderers back in 2017, quickly becoming a regular feature of the starting XI at The Den with 259 appearances to date.

However, the maestro is set to become a free agent when his contract with Gary Rowett’s side expires at the end of the month, and reports earlier in the summer suggested Steve Bruce was keen on move.

The Latest: West Brom table offer

In a new article published by the Express and Star, it’s claimed that West Brom are ‘among a host of clubs’ who are understood to have ‘offered him a deal’.

The winger is currently away on his honeymoon, but the source states that he is ‘expected to confirm’ his next destination when he returns from his holiday ‘next week’.

The Verdict: Perfect profile of player

After a disappointing end to the 2021/22 season, Bruce will hoping to bolster his ranks with plenty of new additions over the coming weeks in a bid to make a serious push for promotion next year, and Wallace would be the ideal person to help him do just that.

The Reading-born talent, who was once hailed “unplayable” by Rowett, has excellent link-up play in the final third, which is proven by the fact that he registered 11 assists in the second tier last season, as well as managing to find the back of the net six times himself, as per Transfermarkt.

This is the profile of player that the Baggies boss will need in his match-day squad if he wants to improve next term, and fending off the competition to snap up a deal for no initial transfer cost would be a brilliant piece of business.

In other news… West Brom are reportedly interested in re-signing one of their former strikers this summer.

Everton are plotting a bid for Leicester City midfielder Hamza Choudhury as Frank Lampard aims to boost his squad.

What’s the news?

That’s according to the Mirror, which states that Everton are keen on bringing Choudhury to Goodison Park during the summer transfer window.

The Toffees face a battle with Premier League newcomers Nottingham Forest for the player however and with a year left on his contract, they may be able to land themselves a bargain.

He’s better than Gomes

It’s no secret that Everton needs to massively overhaul their playing squad and get rid of the deadwood, especially as Lampard enters his first summer transfer window.

With the signing of James Tarkowski all but confirmed, it’s been a solid start, but there is still plenty of work to be done.

Having conceded 66 goals in the Premier League last season, the fifth-worst total in the division, the main area for the 44-year-old to prioritise is the defence. Tarkowski will be a crucial element at the heart of defence but making a move for Choudhury could be another shrewd signing.

He earns £61k-per-week at Leicester now and will surely be looking to earn more at Everton. Brendan Rodgers described him as “sensational” and he could well be a better option than Andre Gomes.

Choudhury made 83% of his completed passes last season compared to 77% for Gomes, while also taking more touches on average during a game than the Everton player (36.2 to 29.4).

Defensively, the Leicester midfielder won two interceptions per match (0.1 for Gomes), made 1.5 tackles (Gomes 1.1), and was only dribbled past 0.3 times per game (1.7 times for Gomes).

These stats clearly show who would be the better option for Lampard going forward and from an economic point of view, it makes sense. Gomes earns a staggering £120k-per-week and moving him on can free up some money for a player who will provide more of an input.

AND in other news, “On the radar..”: Everton plotting £46.8m-rated triple swoop, Lampard will be buzzing…

Sergio Gomez is an entirely viable option for Aston Villa.

What’s the word?

That is according to a report from Birmingham Mail who claim that the 21-year-old is still on Aston Villa’s “list” as a young but experienced understudy option for Lucas Digne.

After the sale of Matt Targett to Newcastle United, Digne is undoubtedly the first choice left-back, with Gerrard looking to embed competition for places in order to maintain a level of desire within the squad.

The Anderlecht left-back is rated at around £9m, as per Transfermarkt.

Gomez x Watkins

Barcelona youth product, Gomez, has found his feet in the Belgian top-flight, chipping in with five goals and 12 assists in 34 appearances throughout his maiden Jupiler Pro League campaign.

Operating throughout Vincent Kompany’s 4-4-2 system as an offensive left-back, he has gathered more goal returns in the league this season than Digne has managed throughout the last two Premier League campaigns and has quite simply been “on fire” as put by Stefan Buczko.

With 65 chances created, Gomez surpasses Digne’s squad-topping 52 chances at Villa, with the Spaniard’s 15 big chances created almost double that of Villa’s top ‘big chance’ creator Emi Buendia, with eight in the season just gone.

His offensive acumen is astonishing and represents what would be an unorthodox, but entirely prosperous, partnership with Ollie Watkins, who has enjoyed two solid Premier League campaigns back-to-back.

Watkins finished as Aston Villa’s top-scorer for the second season in a row and despite possessing athleticism and agility, has slotted into the role of a poacher with relative ease.

With an average of just 33.51 touches per game, he is reliant on teammates to create chances, so you can imagine the field day he would have if Gomez was operating on the left flank.

As a versatile asset, Gomez can occupy more advanced positions, so it would not be a shock to see him deployed as a left-midfielder at times.

But ultimately, he shines in defence and has proven himself as one of Europe’s most promising defensive prospects.

Gerrard needs to wrap this deal up.

AND in other news: Lange eyeing Villa move for £30m “goalscoring machine”, he’d be their own Darwin Nunez 

An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their interest in Youri Tielemans in the summer transfer window… 

What’s the talk?

Journalist Ben Jacobs has revealed that the club have already begun talks over a potential deal for the Belgium international as they now plot a swoop for him.

He Tweeted: “There is a growing feeling Newcastle could enter the Tielemans race, too. Dan Ashworth has already made enquiries. Challenge for NUFC would be convincing Tielemans how he fits into a midfield with Joelinton, Bruno and Shelvey. One to watch…”

This came after he claimed: “Tielemans wants to join Arsenal and Edu still in touch with his agent. Arsenal have agreed terms, and worked on the deal for a year, but have never placed an official bid.”

Leicester have a reported asking price of £25m and it remains to be seen whether or not the Magpies or the Gunnerss are willing to meet it.

Eddie Howe’s own Joshua Kimmich

Ashworth can land the head coach his own version of Bayern Munich star Kimmich by securing a deal for the former Monaco man.

FBRef lists the Germany international as one of the most similar players to Tielemans in Europe’s top five leagues, which may come from the fact that they are both central midfielders who are capable of chipping in with goals and assists.

In the Bundesliga last season, Kimmich scored three goals and assisted nine – ranking in the 99th percentile for expected assists and shot-creating actions per 90 minutes over the last 365 days in his position.

The Leicester man, meanwhile, chipped in with six goals and four assists in the Premier League – ranking in the 85th and 89th percentile respectively of the two aforementioned statistics – showing that he can also make an impact in the final third from a number eight or six role.

Brendan Rodgers previously lauded the gem’s talents, saying: “He is an outstanding player, one of Europe’s top midfielders. He is integral to our game and a joy to work with — a super professional. A young player with that focus is great to see.”

These comments suggest that Howe would love to work with him and that the Belgian gem is keen to fulfil his potential. He could, therefore, develop whilst at St. James’ Park – given that he is currently 25 – and eventually reach Kimmich’s levels of creativity – making him the Magpies’ own version of the German maestro.

AND in other news, NUFC could land their own Vlahovic in Ashworth swoop for “exceptional” £40m predator…

Tottenham Hotspur could make a late move for Jesse Lingard this transfer window…

What’s the word?

That’s according to journalist Pete O’Rourke, who revealed to GIVEMESPORT that the former Manchester United man had been on Spurs’ radar for quite some time.

The 29-year-old midfielder departed his boyhood club after 21 years at the end of June and is now free to join whoever he wants.

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Lingard has been linked with a switch to Premier League rivals Everton and West Ham United, where he impressed on loan during the 2020/21 campaign, whilst a move to the MLS isn’t yet off the cards.

“It’s an interesting link. I think he’s been on Tottenham’s radar for a while, maybe not the top of it,” claimed O’Rourke.

“But he’s a free agent, Jesse Lingard, probably a player with a point to prove after the way it finished at Manchester United last season when he hardly ever played for them.”

Kill two birds with one stone

Whilst a swoop for Lingard may raise a few eyebrows with supporters around N17, it would actually be a very shrewd and much-needed signing for two big reasons.

The first is the club’s need to add homegrown talent to meet the Premier League’s registration rules and the second would be to add a creative option in midfield, something they have lacked for quite some time.

Lingard’s time at Old Trafford ended on a very quiet note, having registered only 355 minutes of Premier League action during last season. However, arguably his best-ever form came at the London Stadium.

Under David Moyes again, he delivered nine goals and five assists from only 16 appearances.

Only two players that season were more creative than Lingard, though to his credit, they had played the entire duration of the campaign at the Hammers, whereas he did not.

Irons assistant Stuart Pearce once claimed the England international “could be a huge benefit to a lot of clubs in the Premier League” during in an interview with talkSPORT.

“He’s a special lad and was very good around the players, the players really like him. His ability shone out last year and gave us a great option in our squad,” he added.

Valued at around £16.2m by Transfermarkt, signing Lingard on a free transfer would also be something of a bargain for sporting director Fabio Paratici.

On the above evidence, the Red Devils academy graduate could offer Spurs a lot with his versatility and experience in attack, so nobody should turn their nose up at potentially signing him.

Over the course of his United career, the Englishman delivered 35 goals and 21 assists, featuring in the Premier League, Champions League and Europa League.

Tottenham could kill two birds with one stone by signing Lingard this summer.

AND in other news, Fabrizio Romano reveals “full agreement” for £45m Spurs target, Paratici will be livid…

An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their interest in Jean-Clair Todibo in the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

According to Foot Mercato, the Magpies are one of two Premier League teams eyeing a swoop for the tank as PIF look to improve the squad ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

The report claims that Manchester United are also keen on the Frenchman and both teams could make an attempt to sign him in the coming weeks.

It is stated that OGC Nice will look for a fee in the region of €20m (£17m) from any club making an offer to sign the ex-Barcelona talent.

Imagine him & Sven Botman

PIF can now land Eddie Howe the perfect partner for recent signing Sven Botman by securing a deal to sign Todibo this summer.

The former Lille man is a left-footed centre-back who typically plays on his preferred side and the club can now find his partner on the right of the duo.

Todibo’s preferred position is at right centre-back and this means that he would complement Botman as they would be able to play alongside each other and both be in their favoured position.

Whereas, Dan Burn or the Dutchman would need to play on their weak foot if they were the first-choice pairing, potentially harming the build-up play if they are unable to effectively play the ball out from the back on their right side.

Not only would the signing of Todibo be ideal because of his position, the potential pairing formed by the addition of the Frenchman would form an excellent, strong, backline for Howe.

Botman caught the eye in Ligue 1 last term for Lille as he proved that he can deliver consistently impressive displays at the back.

Todibo, meanwhile, was sublime for Nice in the same division. Talent scout Jacek Kulig previously dubbed him “solid as a rock” and his statistics suggest that he was a brick wall for the French outfit.

The 22-year-old played 36 games in Ligue 1 and averaged a SofaScore rating of 7.09 as he won 60% of his duels and helped his team to keep 12 clean sheets. He has proven that he can perform at a high-level week-in-week-out and this suggests that he has the scope to be an excellent signing for the Toon.

They are both gems with the potential to improve, as they are both 22, and have plenty of time left ahead of them to develop as players. This means that they could grow alongside each other and be a sublime pairing at the back for Newcastle for many years to come.

AND in other news, Newcastle given green light to pursue £58m gem who’s “exploded”, imagine him & Wilson…

Crystal Palace have been linked with Tottenham midfielder Harry Winks on a regular basis this summer, and the Englishman could be Patrick Vieira’s own version of Jorginho should he make the move to Selhurst Park.

According to the Daily Mail, the Eagles were set to rival Everton for the Spurs ace this summer, as he appears to be surplus to requirements in Antonio Conte’s side.

The 26-year-old was omitted from Spurs’ pre-season trip to South Korea and it seems clear that he will be on the move this summer, and Palace could be the team to benefit.

Although his form for Spurs in recent years has been less than impressive, having been one of their lowest-rated performers on WhoScored, Winks has had a real lack of game-time with the north London club, and regular starts at Selhurst Park could help him to rediscover his best performances.

After all, it was only a few years ago when he was considered a top young prospect, earning 10 caps for England, and at 26 he still has plenty of time left in his career to progress further.

Should the Eagles win the race to sign Winks this summer, he could be utilised in a similar role to Jorginho at Chelsea.

According to FBRef, the Italy international is the most similar player to the Englishman in terms of playing style; and given that he has won Euro 2020 and Champions League and finished third in the Ballon d’Or in recent years, he is not a bad player with whom to be so closely compared.

According to WhoScored, both Winks and Jorginho’s main strengths are through balls and passing, so the Spurs man could add some real creativity to Vieira’s midfield, in the same way that the Italy international dictates play for Thomas Tuchel’s side.

Mauricio Pochettino was full of praise for Winks after he scored in a win against Fulham in 2019, saying: “He deserves the praise because the whole action is amazing. He recovered the ball like a full-back, we started to build from the back and then he arrived for the cross from GK, which was fantastic – we have to praise him too.

“It’s amazing, amazing, because we were talking in the last few weeks that he had to score and to have more presence in the opposition’s box because he has the quality to do it. I’m so happy.”

Therefore, if Palace do bring in the £20m-valued Winks this summer, he could prove to be a vital player in Vieira’s side, and he could even be as influential as Jorginho is to Chelsea.

AND in other news: Parish can repeat Guehi masterclass in Palace move for “outrageous” £4.5m-rated talent