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Famed transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano has claimed sporting director and club chief Fabio Paratici has pulled off a ‘masterpiece’ at Tottenham Hotspur.

The Lowdown: Good times return?

The brief Nuno Espirito Santo era is one Spurs supporters will be hoping to quickly forget.

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Paratici’s decision to appoint the ex-Wolves boss was met with criticism, particularly after Nuno was given his marching orders for terrible results and an arguable lack of exciting football (The Daily Mail).

Seven months on, new manager Antonio Conte has re-instilled faith in Lilywhites and guided them to a possible Champions League qualification finish – depending on how north London rivals Arsenal finish the campaign.

To even be competing for a Premier League top four place seemed like a pipe dream back in November, testament to Conte’s phenomenal job at Hotspur Way.

The Latest: Romano makes ‘masterpiece’ claim…

Taking to Twitter, Romano claims Spurs official Paratici was actually responsible for bringing in the former Chelsea manager – claiming he’s pulled off a ‘masterpiece’.

The journalist explained:

“Tottenham can’t lose Antonio Conte at the end of the season, no matter what happens with UCL race. He completely changed everything in the club since Paratici did a masterpiece to appoint him. #THFC Conte will meet with Levy at the end of the season to decide his future.”

The Verdict: Interesting claim…

Question marks surrounded Paratici following a 50/50 January transfer window but the game-changing Conte appointment appears to have vindicated chairman Daniel Levy’s decision to hire him.

Now, all focus for the 49-year-old will be on spearheading the club’s transfer assaults for this summer as he aims to back Conte and ensure that he can get most, if not all, of the six summer signings allegedly on the ex-Inter Milan boss’ radar.

In other news: Reliable source: Tottenham agreement ‘very likely’ as Conte closes in on ‘top signing’! Find out more here.

ESPN broadcaster Christian Martin has a five-word update for Tottenham Hotspur supporters amid the club’s links to Juventus forward Paulo Dybala.

The Lowdown: Spurs in the mix?

Spurs could take to the free agent market this summer in a bid to back manager Antonio Conte with his desired upgrades for the 2022/2023 Premier League season.

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The Italian is on the cusp of guiding his side to a Champions League qualification place with just one point needed against the already-relegated Norwich this Sunday.

Few would’ve envisaged this stunning turnaround after the sacking of Nuno Espirito Santo late last year and it’s safe to say there is plenty of cause to be positive at Hotspur Way.

The upcoming transfer window is set to be a very interesting one given Conte’s alleged major demands behind-the-scenes with a real N17 overhaul on the cards, according to reports.

One man who has been linked with a move to north London is Juve star Dybala who looks set to leave Turin on a Bosman deal, and as per Martin of ESPN, there’s been a development involving Spurs.

The Latest: Lilywhites ‘go’ for Dybala…

According to the broadcaster, the Lilywhites and transfer chief Fabio Paratici by extension are now pushing to sign the Argentine.

Martin, dropping a five-word message on Twitter in the last 24 hours, explained:

“Tottenham go for Paulo Dybala.”

The Verdict: Promising…

The 28-year-old is a proven Serie A star having racked up 98 goals and 51 assists during his time in the Italian top flight (Transfermarkt).

Still in his prime, Dybala has impressed this season under Massimiliano Allegri with 15 goals and six assists in all competitions.

His versatility across the forward line, having experience in a variety of attacking roles both out wide and through the middle, could also back exactly why he appeals to Conte and Paratici.

The fact Spurs could sign him for zero transfer cost is a big incentive to move and we believe this update comes as a promising one.

Pundit Paddy Kenny, speaking to Football Insider recently, called Dybala a would-be ‘statement’ signing and we’re inclined to agree given his real pedigree and experience at the top level.

In other news: ‘Spurs will…’ – Fabrizio Romano shares exciting behind-scenes update with Conte ‘very happy’, find out more here.

Liverpool are reportedly willing to pay the €50m (£42.5m) release clause to sign Barcelona midfielder Gavi this summer.

What’s the news?

According to a recent report from Sport, the Merseyside club are the biggest threat in terms of the La Liga giants being able to keep hold of their midfield star.

After joining Barcelona’s youth system from Real Betis in 2015, the 17-year-old has gone on to work his way through the ranks and get into the first team at Camp Nou.

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The teenager already has 46 senior appearances under his belt, in which he has scored two goals and provided six assists.

This shows how highly he is rated at the Catalan club and why they would be so keen to keep hold of him for the future.

Liverpool’s Greatest European Nights! Click here to OWN yours now!

Fans would be delighted

To further highlight how important he has been for Xavi’s side, only three other outfield players at the club have racked up more minutes in La Liga this season that the youngster.

Also, only Ousmane Dembele (16) has contributed more goal-creating actions in the 2021/22 campaign than Gavi (13), showing just how much of an attacking threat he can be for his team.

The teenage talent has shown what a solid player he can be without the ball too, as only Sergio Busquets and Ronald Araujo have made more tackles where Barcelona have won the ball back than him.

In addition, only Busquets has racked up more successful pressures than Gavi, which could be a big clue as to why Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp are reportedly willing to pay such a hefty fee for the 17-year-old given their penchant for suffocating teams with their press.

Taking into account how Liverpool have a track record when it comes to sign teenage talents such as Harvey Elliott and Fabio Carvalho, it seems likely that the Reds would be looking at adding a player like Gavi to their ranks.

With all this in mind, it would be safe to assume that if Liverpool are able to entice one of Barcelona’s top young prospects away from Camp Nou and bring him to Anfield, this would surely have lots of Kopites buzzing given the potential and talent that the Spanish gem has already shown.

In other news: Fabrizio Romano delivers big Liverpool transfer update that’ll disappoint supporters

Leeds United have been handed a huge boost in their bid to bring Noa Lang to Elland Road in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

In a recent interview with Het Laatste Nieuws (via Sport Witness), the Club Brugge winger suggested that the Jupiler Pro League side’s fixture against RSC Anderlecht on the final day of the season could have been his last game for the Belgian champions, with the 22-year-old going on to suggest that he will be available to sign for the same €25m (£21m) fee he was 12 months ago.

The Netherlands international then went on to reveal that Leeds made three separate offers for his services in the summer of 2021, before suggesting that Victor Orta and his transfer team flew out to Holland in order to discuss a potential switch to Elland Road.

Regarding his future, Lang said: “As long as I am under contract, and there is nothing concrete, I will never refuse to play for Club. They do not deserve that. By the way, for the same money, it will all start in August, just like last year.”

When asked about Leeds’ interest, the forward added: “They were concrete, yes. Leeds made three offers. We even negotiated – they flew to the Netherlands.”

Huge coup for Leeds

Considering just how impressive Lang was in Belgium this season, coupled with his recent come and get me plea to the Whites, it is easy to see why Orta is reported to once again be interested in a move for the 22-year-old this summer.

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Indeed, over his 37 Jupiler Pro League appearances this term, the £19.8m-rated talent was in devastating form, scoring seven goals, registering 12 assists and creating 19 big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 2.0 shots, making 1.9 key passes and completing 1.7 dribbles per game.

These metrics saw the £20k-per-week forward who Jacek Kulig dubbed “unstoppable” average a quite remarkable SofaScore match rating of 7.20, ranking him as Brugge’s joint fifth-best performer in the top flight of Belgian football.

As such, should the Whites’ Spanish sporting director be confident that Lang would be able to replicate this level of form in the Premier League after his potential switch to Leeds, it would very much appear as if the Dutchman would be a huge coup for just £21m.

And, with Raphinha looking to be an all but certain departure from Elland Road this summer, Jesse Marsch’s side will be in need of a new winger to replace the Brazilian’s attacking threat – with Lang looking to be something of an ideal candidate.

AND in other news: Orta could land his next £47m asset as Leeds eye 21 y/o with a “huge amount of talent”

A club in the Premier League are reportedly now in advanced talks to take Glasgow Rangers striker Rory Wilson away from Ibrox this summer.

The Lowdown: Sensational season

Wilson has come off the back of a sensational season with the Gers’ youth teams, scoring over 40 goals while also notching up eight in 11 games for Scotland’s U17s (Football Insider).

Unfortunately for the Light Blues, this is sure to drive up interest in the youngster, who is such a hot prospect at just 16 years of age and is now set to leave the club when his contract expires.

The Latest: Villa talks

As per Football Insider, Aston Villa are now in ‘advanced talks’ to sign Wilson, and are ‘confident’ of securing a deal ahead of Brighton and Hove Albion and other clubs in the English top flight.

A source from Villa Park has revealed that they are ‘close’ to a breakthrough for Wilson, who is regarded as a ‘big talent’ at the Teddy Bears.

Ross Wilson and Giovanni van Bronckhorst have ‘failed’ to convince him to stay, and so he looks set to leave for a development fee of just £300,000.

The outlet describes the news as a ‘major blow’ for the club, who also lost the talented Billy Gilmour when he was the same age.

The Verdict: Major blow indeed

Of course, losing Wilson will be a big blow for RFC, especially given what looks to be a minimal fee that they will get for him.

The lure of the Premier League is sometimes too difficult to turn down, and the 16-year-old now looks set to continue his development in Villa’s Academy.

Nonetheless, Rangers may now need to try and find a replacement for their youth sides, and of course the much bigger implication is potentially missing out on a massive transfer fee down the line if Wilson fulfils his potential.

In other news, find out who Gers have now enquired over signing here!

West Ham have been heavily linked with Leeds United talisman Kalvin Phillips in recent months, with the Hammers targeting a midfield partner for Declan Rice.

However, their chances of signing him took a hit when the Yorkshire side maintained their Premier League status on the final day and it would seemingly take a huge bid to bring him to the London Stadium this summer.

While fans might have been hoping to see Rice and Phillips play together, as they did so successfully for England at the European Championships last summer, it seems unlikely that the Hammers will be able to keep Rice at the club for his whole career.

The 23-year-old recently rejected an eight-year contract from the club and has been widely tipped to return to Chelsea in the near future, having spent much of his youth career at Stamford Bridge.

Fortunately for David Moyes, the club may already have a ready-made replacement for Rice in Conor Coventry.

The academy graduate has captained various West Ham youth sides and has experience out on loan with Peterborough in the Championship and MK Dons and Lincoln City in League One.

Last season was his most successful loan yet, as the 22-year-old helped MK Dons earn a spot in the playoff positions, making 22 appearances for Liam Manning’s side, in which he contributed one goal and one assist, averaging an impressive 6.8 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

The Athletic’s Roshane Thomas was full of praise for Coventry in 2020, saying:

“Conor Coventry’s an exciting talent. He’s definitely someone Moyes is aware of.”

After a strong spell in League One last season, another year of regular football in the Championship could be exactly what Coventry needs before he can start to establish himself in Moyes’ first-team squad.

Although the club would receive a significant amount if Rice were to leave and fans might expect a big-money signing as his replacement, Coventry stood out in a strong MK Dons side next season as one of their best tacklers, dribblers and passers, which suggests that he has the attributes to replace Rice in the future, so he deserves a chance to show what he can do.

And, in other news… West Ham should seal move for PL gem, Moyes needs him

Leeds United target Sonny Perkins is under contract at West Ham United for a year longer than previously thought. 

That’s according to Irons insiders Claret & Hugh.

The lowdown

Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano reported on Thursday afternoon that Leeds had ‘opened talks’ to sign Perkins from West Ham.

Perkins is an 18-year-old centre-forward who’s also made 16 appearances on the left flank in his fledgling career.

It was thought that Perkins’ deal was up in a matter of weeks, potentially enabling his suitors to line him up on a free transfer. But now Leeds are forced to negotiate with West Ham to get a deal done.

The latest

A ‘key source inside the London Stadium’ told C&H that Perkins is ‘with us for another year’.

West Ham are hopeful of extending his contract, but they’re encountering problems with the player’s representative.

The source explained that ‘the agent wants silly money to extend his contract’, so perhaps Leeds could still look to capitalise on the situation.

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The verdict

If negotiations between the two parties break down because West Ham refuse to meet the demands, then it would be worth making an offer.

Perkins is an exciting prospect, scoring nine goals in 31 appearances at Under-18 level before adding ten more in 22 games for the Under-23s (via Transfermarkt).

He’s also earned international recognition, with seven caps and two goals to his name for England U18s.

David Moyes has been so impressed that he handed him Europa League group-stage minutes against Rapid Vienna and Dinamo Zagreb.

The noises from the academy circles, according to ExWHUemployee, are that he could be ‘the next Declan Rice’ in terms of his potential to break into the first-team and become a star.

Together with Joe Gelhardt, he could be part of the next generation of young attackers at Elland Road.

In other news, Leeds have made contact with a former Chelsea ace.

Manchester City are now set to submit an opening bid to Brighton for Marc Cucurella, according to reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Cucurella impresses in England

Having joined the south coast club last year from La Liga outfit Getafe for £15.4m, the Catalan defender went on to make a fantastic impression in the Premier League, winning his club’s Player of the Year award and catching the attention of City manager Pep Guardiola (The Guardian).

With Oleksandr Zinchenko on the brink of leaving the Etihad Stadium, Benjamin Mendy indefinitely suspended and Joao Cancelo naturally a right-footer, the 51-year-old is seeking a new left-back to join his ranks.

The Latest: Romano’s update on Cucurella

According to Romano, City are now set to make their opening bid for Cucurella, with Guardiola a big fan of the 23-year-old.

Taking to Twitter, the journalist claimed: “Excl: Manchester City are now set to submit opening proposal to Brighton for Marc Cucurella. First bid ready to proceed in advanced talks in the next days.

“Cucurella is still Man City top target as left back, Pep Guardiola really wants him. Work in progress.”

The Verdict: Another playmaker from full-back

With four years remaining on his contract at the Amex Stadium and a current Transfermarkt valuation of £25.2m, it would likely take a huge offer for Brighton to sell the Spaniard, as they would like to retain him ahead of next season.

However, described by GiveMeSport journalist George Cannon as “an elite-level full-back who is perfect for the Premier League”, it is easy to see why Guardiola is keen on luring him to Manchester.

Having averaged 2.7 tackles (more than anyone in Guardiola’s squad) and 1.2 key passes per game last season (via WhoScored), Cucurella has the attacking and defensive attributes that City are looking for in a full-back. In fact, he ranks very highly amongst all European left-backs for progressive passes and shot creating actions (FBRef), so he could be another Cancelo for Pep.

Therefore, regardless of the transfer fee, this would be a good signing for Guardiola’s side if they can pull it off.

In other news: Noel Whelan reacts to this transfer update on one Man City player

Arsenal are believed to be back in the hunt for Juventus midfielder, Arthur Melo, having been linked with Brazilian back in January.

What’s the word?

As per journalist Claudio Raimondi (via Tutto Juve), the Gunners could well be set to reignite their interest in the 25-year-old this summer, having attempted to bring the €40m (£34m) player to the Premier League during the winter window only for the deal to fall through.

Speaking about the 22-cap international’s future – and that of club teammate Aaron Ramsey – Raimondi stated: “Juve are interested in Fabian Ruiz, but before starting a real negotiation, they must resolve the Ramsey-Arthur situations.

“For the Welshman, who is of interest to the Turkish team coached by Pirlo, they will move towards the termination of his contract with severance pay, while for the Brazilian midfielder, something is moving on the Arsenal side.”

The playmaker joined the Serie A side on a reported £66m deal back in 2020 from Catalan giants Barcelona, with fellow midfielder Miralem Pjanic moving in the other direction.

Arteta’s own Xavi

While that move has failed to work out for either party, with Arthur having fallen down the pecking order in Italy and with Pjanic spending last season on loan at Besiktas, that should not overshadow what would be a major coup for Mikel Arteta and co, were they to bring the former to the club this summer.

Despite starting just 11 league games last term, the £16.2m-rated gem is still a supremely gifted player in possession, notably ranking in the top 4% for pass completion and the top 7% for attempted passes among those in his position across Europe’s top five leagues.

The man to keep things ticking in the centre of the park, the £125k-per-week unsurprisingly drew comparisons to current Blaugrana coach Xavi Hernandez during his spell at the Nou Camp, with former teammate Lionel Messi stating upon his arrival:

“Those who came are very good. Arthur, I didn’t know that much about but he seems similar to Xavi. He’s very safe and trustworthy. He has the La Masia style. Playing short passes, without losing the ball, and he grasped it quickly, the dynamic of the team.”

Such a glowing assessment from arguably one of the greatest players of all time illustrates just what a talent the Juve man is, while the likeness to the aforementioned Xavi will also set pulses racing back in north London, with the Spaniard having enjoyed a lengthy career at the elite level.

A product of the famed La Masia academy, he went on to rack up 766 appearances in all competitions for the La Liga outfit, scoring 85 goals and providing 185 assists in that time, while also claiming a plethora of major honours, including four Champions League triumphs.

On the international front, the now veteran star was part of the remarkable La Roja side that came out on top in three successive major tournaments between 2008 and 2012, having arguably won all there is to win in both forms of the game.

Arteta and co will know that such talents and such success is rare, although the Gunners boss will no doubt be keen to bring in a Xavi-esque talent like Arthur who can dictate the tempo in the centre of the park, having himself been a product of that much-celebrated Barcelona youth system.

AND in other news, Arsenal now plotting record-breaking bid for £100m gem, he’d be a “superstar” signing