Wolves: Journo drops Gibbs-White update

Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White is set to have “a big role” at the club next season according to journalist Paul Brown.

What’s the latest?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the reporter said:

“Gibbs-White seems to be doing really well for Wolves in pre-season.

“From what we hear, the noises coming from the club are that he’s going to have quite a big role to play for them this season.”

The update follows speculation about the player’s departure after he failed to agree on a new contract at Molineux despite being offered one.

Several clubs have been interested in signing the highly rated midfielder including Everton who had a £25m bid turned down, but he looks set to stay in the West Midlands.

Supporters will be buzzing

Supporters will be buzzing to hear that academy graduate Gibbs-White looks like he will stay at the club and be a key player for Bruno Lage’s side next season.

The 22-year-old impressed whilst on loan in the Championship at Sheffield United last season making 35 appearances and being directly involved in 20 goals.

He also created 16 big chances according to SofaScore which proves just how much of an all-rounder he is.

With his current contract due to expire next summer, many clubs have seen this transfer window as an opportunity to buy a talented youngster at a cheap price.

However, his form last season, coupled with how well he has performed for the Old Gold during pre-season, seem to have persuaded Lage that he still has a lot to offer at Molineux.

He was also named as team captain last week for Wolves’ friendly in Spain against Levante which is a further sign that the club have no plans to let him go anytime soon.

But there is still a danger that he decides not to renew and leaves on a free transfer.

The Wanderers seem willing to take that risk and will hope that because of Gibbs-White’s connection to the club where he’s been his whole career, it won’t take much to persuade him that it’s is the best place for his development in the longer term.

AND in other news: Imagine him & Neto: Lage can form “world-class” duo in Wolves bid for “fantastic” star…

Newcastle eye Leeds winger Harrison

Former Premier League striker now Sky Sports pundit Kevin Campbell has been left reacting to some Newcastle United transfer news involving Jack Harrison.

The Lowdown: Harrison interest

As per The Northern Echo, the St. James’ Park outfit are interested in signing Leeds United winger Harrison, Leicester City’s Harvey Barnes and Everton’s Anthony Gordon.

However, Harrison is thought to cost in the region of £35m, while the Toffees have slapped a similar price tag on Gordon, and the Foxes value Barnes closer to £50m.

The North East club only want to spend as much as £25m on a new wide player, so a compromise would have to be made if they are to sign one of the three targets.

 The Latest: Campbell reacts

Speaking to Football Insider, Campbell has claimed that the Tynesiders should be looking to sign Harrison over Gordon or Barnes:

“Gordon is the youngest of the three but Jack Harrison would be the one for me.

“I think he is a cracking player, I really do.

“He would suit the way Eddie Howe wants to play. He would suit them down to the ground. His game, the way he grafts up and down that left-hand side, it would be perfect.

“He scores goals and gets assists as well. His numbers are very good.

“He has that Leeds mentality of press, press, press. I think he would be the ideal signing.

“He might be the cheapest of the lot as well.”

The Verdict: Get it done

If the Magpies can get the Whites to reduce their asking price for Harrison down to around £25m, then it is a deal that they simply have to get done.

Hailed as ‘really direct, quick and exciting to watch’ by former Peacocks ace David Norris, the 25-year-old scored a handy ten goals and managed a further two assists in total over all competitions last season (Transfermarkt), as he helped Jesse Marsch’s team avoid relegation down to the Championship.

He would certainly give the Toon another dimension in attack, and could form a formidable front three with Callum Wilson and Allan Saint-Maximin that could help fire them up towards the European spots.

Fabrizio Romano drops Liverpool update

There has been numerous reports linking Roberto Firmino with a move away from Liverpool this summer, and now a reliable source has put the rumours to rest with an update on the player’s future.

What’s the latest?

Italian journalist and transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has revealed an update on Firmino’s future with the Liverpool star also speaking out on his desire to stay at Anfield.

Romano tweeted:

“Roberto Firmino confirms he has no intention to leave: ‘I love this team, city and fans. I’m here at Liverpool and I want to stay’, tells TNT Brazil.

“Juventus have never opened talks to sign Firmino, not even discussed by agents or clubs despite rumours.”

Supporters will be delighted

There is no doubt that supporters will be delighted that Firmino has confirmed he will remain loyal to Liverpool as he has become a favourite since joining seven years ago.

The Brazilian forward has tallied up 328 appearances, scoring 98 goals and delivering 74 assists during his time with the Reds, and has won it all under the management of Jurgen Klopp with a Premier League title, Champions League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup, FIFA Club World Cup, Super Cup and as of last weekend, a Community Shield under his belt.

The Liverpool manager is a huge admirer of the player’s contributions and impact in the team, claiming people will “write books” about Firmino:

“Mo gets a lot of attention and rightly so.

“But Bobby, for people with football knowledge, I’m pretty sure when he finishes playing people will write books about the way he interpreted the false-nine position.”

Klopp has already lost Taki Minamino, Divock Origi and Sadio Mane in his attacking threat this summer, with the three forwards scoring a combined 39 goals over last season, so to lose Firmino as well would’ve been catastrophic despite the record-breaking signing of Darwin Nunez.

Firmino’s inclusion in the Liverpool squad this season will be interesting to watch, as the 30-year-old gives another option and style of play for Klopp to deploy in his attacking arsenal when the side need to be more defensive.

With that being said, the supporters and Klopp will be very pleased that the Brazil international will be staying put and with just 12 months left on his contract, there could be a contract extension on the cards if he continues to thrive on Merseyside.

AND in other news: FSG plotting Liverpool bid to sign “daring” £42m phenomenon, imagine him & Nunez

Newcastle eyeing Leicester ace Tielemans

CBS Sports Golazo journalist Ben Jacobs has revealed that Newcastle United do hold an ‘interest’ in signing Youri Tielemans.

The Lowdown: Leicester raid?

Sky Sports journalist and North East reporter Keith Downie revealed on Tuesday afternoon that the St. James’ Park outfit have had a second offer for James Maddison rejected by Leicester City.

Given that they also look to be in for Harvey Barnes and now Tielemans too, they could well be plotting a massive raid of the Foxes in order to really push for a European spot for next season.

The Latest: Tielemans ‘interest’

Taking to Twitter, Jacobs has revealed that Brendan Rodgers’ side are expecting an offer for Tielemans ‘soon’, with £30m the asking price set and both Arsenal and Manchester United lurking:

“Leicester also expect an offer soon for Youri Tielemans. An Arsenal move still very possible despite the lack of offer to date. It’s £30m Leicester now need. Tielemans wants the uncertainty over his future resolved. #MUFC also still interested.”

When asked by a Magpies fan if they will make a late move for him as well, Jacobs added:

“Newcastle interest does indeed have some substance to it, although they haven’t advanced it to date.”

The Verdict: Great coup

Even if they miss out on Maddison, signing Tielemans would feel like a great coup for the Tynesiders.

The fact that big clubs like Arsenal and United, who can also offer him European football, are in for him is testament to the calibre of player that he is – Rodgers called his displays last season ‘outstanding’.

The Belgium international is currently rated at £49.5m by Transfermarkt, and so snapping him up for £30m thanks to his contract situation would be a real bargain.

Nonetheless, Tielemans already has the Premier League experience, and so should be able to settle in fairly quickly if he makes the move to the Toon.

Tottenham: Conte without Skipp after pre-Chelsea update

Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte will be without midfielder Oliver Skipp as he prepares to face Chelsea this afternoon.

The Lowdown: Spurs start brightly…

Spurs have started this 2022/2023 Premier League campaign very brightly as they seek to build upon a fantastic end to last season.

Conte guided the Lilywhites to a top four finish and subsequent Champions League qualification, prompting club owners ENIC to invest their complete faith in the Italian and grant a £150 million equity increase.

Sporting director Fabio Paratici has put these funds to good use, completing six major summer signings in the form of Ivan Perisic, Fraser Forster, Yves Bissouma, Richarlison, Clement Lenglet and Djed Spence.

A 4-1 opening weekend victory against Southampton followed as the north Londoners kickstarted their ambitious campaign with a convincing win.

The Latest: Skipp unavailable…

In full preparation for their London derby clash against rivals Chelsea today, aiming to maintain the momentum of their Saints thrashing, Conte has been dealt a blow in the form of midfielder Skipp’s availability.

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As relayed by the BBC, Tottenham will be without the 21-year-old for their trip to Stamford Bridge due to a foot injury.

The Verdict: Setback for Conte?

A midfield double pivot of Rodrigo Bentancur and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg seems to be the most likely solution for Conte in the absence of Skipp and we’re sure the 53-year-old can’t wait to have his starlet back in action.

As per WhoScored, the Englishman averaged a higher pass accuracy than any Spurs regular in the top flight last season and can instil a real degree of composure when allowed.

It’s little wonder Spurs pundits like John Wenham have called him a ‘valuable asset’, not least for his ability but also his potential to be even greater.

Indeed, the sooner Skipp can be called upon again, the sooner he can build upon his exciting start to life as a first-team player in N17.

Arsenal could repeat Kante mistake

Arsenal are still mulling over a potential move for Youri Tielemans this summer transfer window but their failure to act could see technical director Edu Gaspar repeat a previous blunder…

What’s the word?

According to transfer insider Dean Jones, the Gunners are still keen on signing the Leicester City midfielder but are yet to officially make a move, as he revealed in a fresh update on the situation to GIVEMESPORT.

“Tielemans is definitely still someone they’re considering an offer for.

“Leicester definitely do not want this one going down to deadline day and losing him then because that would leave them in trouble.

“And the player, to be fair, hasn’t really pushed for anything at the moment, but at the same time he hasn’t had any firm offers.”

Big mistake: Kante 2.0?

Tielemans’ current £33k-per-week contract expires at the end of the season, so this summer could be the last chance that the Foxes garner a substantial fee, with some reports suggesting that £25m would be enough for them to sell.

However, they clearly do not want it to go down to the wire, meaning the north London giants are running out of time if they are truly interested in the 25-year-old as there are less than two weeks until that 11pm deadline on September 1st.

Whilst there are plenty of sufficient alternatives out there – namely Brighton and Hove Albion gem Moises Caicedo, Lazio star Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and AC Milan’s Sandro Tonali – Arsenal may not want to miss out on another Leicester man, seeing as they’re still paying the price from last time.

Tielemans is also potentially the most realistic target, given his relatively low fee and experience in the Premier League.

Back in 2016, the Gunners’ hierarchy pulled the plug on a deal to sign N’Golo Kante due to the agent’s own financial demands and despite getting there ahead of arch-rivals Chelsea, it was the Blues who signed him for what now seems like a bargain £32m.

The France international has since gone on to win a Premier League, a Champions League, an FA Cup and the World Cup.

Arsenal opted for Granit Xhaka instead and in that time, he’s been named captain, stripped of it and rewarded with the vice-captaincy, not to mention his spats with supporters off the pitch and the numerous red cards on it.

They could well regret not following up their interest in Tielemans, who has been lauded as a “phenomenon” by ex-Sweden midfielder Par Zetterberg and an “outrageous talent” by scout Jacek Kulig.

The Belgian international returned six goals and four assists for Brendan Rodgers in the Premier League last season, which was more than Arteta’s current deep midfield options of Xhaka and Thomas Partey combined.

As such, Arsenal cannot afford to repeat their Kante mistake with Tielemans, he could well go and rip it up with a rival club and that’ll leave them with many years of regret, just like with the Frenchman.

Edu Gaspar, the Gunners’ technical director, and his staff must now avoid this blunder by getting a deal over the line in the coming days.

AND in other news, Fabrizio Romano claims Arsenal eyeing £38m “special talent”, he could be Arteta’s own Jarrod Bowen…

Sunderland: Black Cats eye Jamal Lowe

Sunderland are currently trailing Watford in the race to sign Jamal Lowe from Bournemouth, according to Football League World. 

The lowdown

Sunderland have brought in six new players so far this summer following their promotion to the Championship.

Daniel Ballard is perhaps the marquee addition, having joined from Arsenal for more than £2million, but Leon Dajaku (£783,000), Ali Ajese (£531,000), Jack Clarke (undisclosed), Alex Bass (undisclosed) and Ellis Simms (loan) have also strengthened the squad.

28-year-old right winger Lowe made 34 appearances for Bournemouth in the second tier last season but has been restricted to a single minute of game time across their first three Premier League fixtures (against Manchester City).

As FLW note, he ‘seems to have fallen out of favour’ after the Cherries returned to the top-flight.

The latest

FLW report that Bournemouth are open to letting Lowe leave on loan before the end of the transfer window.

Several Championship sides are in the running for his signature, with Watford thought to be at the front of the queue.

They’re ahead of fellow relegated sides Norwich and Burnley, as well as Sunderland.

The Black Cats have ‘shown interest’ in Lowe but will now need to leapfrog the Hornets.

The verdict

Lowe would be a smart addition for Sunderland.

He recorded nine direct goal contributions in as many starts for Bournemouth last season, with the lion’s share of his outings coming as a substitute.

Lowe is also capable of the spectacular, having earned a nominated for the 2020/21 Championship Goal of the Season Award after ‘a superb individual goal’ for Swansea against rivals Cardiff.

Manager Scott Parker has hailed him as ‘first class’, and while he may be down the pecking order at the Vitality Stadium, he could certainly help Sunderland.

Celtic interested in new midfield target

Celtic are still interested in signing Hajduk Split midfielder Jani Atanasov before deadline day, according to a new transfer update from Sky Sports.

The Lowdown: Atanasov profiled

The 22-year-old has matured into a key figure for his current club, making 60 appearances to date and chipping in with five goals from his defensive midfield role.

Atanasov has also won one cap for North Macedonia, being rewarded for his club form, and he has been linked with a move to Celtic numerous times in recent days, including by reliable journalist Anthony Joseph on Twitter.

A fresh update now suggests that the Hoops’ interest isn’t going away, and they could take it right up until September 1’s deadline.

The Latest: Celtic linked with move

According to Sky Sports, sharing an update on Sead Hakšabanović, Celtic are also ‘interested’ in acquiring Atanasov’s signature this month as a replacement for Nir Bitton, with Ange Posteocoglou insistent that he will only move for the ‘right player’.

The youngster’s current deal expires next summer, so Split could be eager to let him go before losing him on a free transfer, potentially putting the Hoops in a strong bargaining position.

The Verdict: Filling the Bitton void

Tom Rogic and Bitton’s exits at the end of last season were an undoubted blow for Celtic, and it looks like we’re about to see replacements for the pair in the shape of Hakšabanović and Atanasov.

The signing of the latter could add crucial depth ahead of the start of European football, with the experienced heads of Aaron Mooy and Callum McGregor unlikely to be capable of 90 minutes week in week out when the extra matches kick in.

It’s impossible to truly know how Atanasov would transition to life in Glasgow, but Ange has proven to have a keen eye for talent in his tenure so far and should be trusted to get this one right as well.

Spurs: Thomas drops Lankshear update

Tottenham Hotspur have agreed a deal to bring Will Lankshear to north London this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to Lyall Thomas, with the Sky Sports journalist revealing on Twitter that Fabio Paratici has now agreed a £2m deal with Sheffield United for the 17-year-old centre-forward, with Spurs beating Brentford in the race to land the highly-rated striker.

In his tweet, Thomas said: “Exclusive: Tottenham have agreed a £2m deal with Sheffield United to sign highly-rated young striker Will Lankshear. The 17-year-old will join the academy after they blew Brentford out of the water with a hugely-attractive offer. Released by Arsenal last summer.”

Kane 2.0

Considering the sheer amount of hype surrounding the potential of Lankshear, it is easy to see why Paratici and Antonio Conte would be eager to bring the youngster into Tottenham’s ranks prior to the closure of the summer transfer window next week.

Indeed, following his release from Arsenal in the summer of 2021, the 17-year-old was in breathtaking form for the Blades’ under-18 and under-23 sides last season, scoring 32 goals in as many appearances for the former and bagging six goals in 16 outings for the latter.

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This form has seen Lankshear become widely considered one of the best centre-forwards – if not the best –  for his age group in England, which would suggest that the teenager will push the likes of Troy Parrott, Dane Scarlett and Jamie Donley for a place in Conte’s first-team squad over the next few years.

When considering his undoubted ability to find the net, coupled with the fact that he was released from Arsenal earlier in his career, there are very clear similarities which can be drawn between the Sheffield United starlet and Tottenham’s current first-choice number nine Harry Kane.

Indeed, the £81m-rated striker was also released from Spurs’ north London rivals as a teenager, before going on to score 250 goals in 389 appearances so far for Tottenham, while also finding the net 50 times over 73 fixtures for England. Those returns have put the 29-year-old in contention to break both the all-time Premier League and England goalscoring records.

As such, while Lankshear quite clearly has a long way to go before he can sincerely be compared to one of the best centre-forwards this country has ever seen, it would very much appear as if the 17-year-old is on a similar trajectory to the England captain so far in his career, with his signing certain to be an incredibly exciting one for Spurs supporters and Conte alike.

Tottenham: Journalist raves over Lloris display against Sporting

Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Hugo Lloris has been praised for his performance during a 2-0 defeat to Champions League group rivals Sporting CP.

The Lowdown: Spurs fall to defeat…

The Lilywhites fell to a dramatic late defeat on Tuesday evening as two last-gasp goals from Sporting sealed Antonio Conte’s first loss of the group stage.

Goals from Paulinho and Arthur in stoppage time snatched a point from Spurs, who had battled for the 90 minutes but failed to find a breakthrough.

There were a few questionable performances, but shot stopper Lloris, who saved his side time and time again before Sporting’s late double, was certainly not to blame.

The Premier League mainstay, in fact, was at the centre of praise from sections of the media.

The Latest: Lloris praised…

Taking to Twitter, journalist Josh Bunting of the Islington Gazette raved over the Frenchman – calling him ‘superb’.

He explained:

“Hugo Lloris superb in that first half for Tottenham Hotspur, that save to keep out Marcus Edwards is special. Would have been a sensational goal but the reactions to make that stop are world class. If Spurs get a win they have him to thank for it. Really good performance.”

The Verdict: Not to blame…

Lloris could arguably do little about Sporting’s late strikes with other members of the media, like Sky journalist Michael Bridge, holding a degree of sympathy for the player following Spurs’ capitulation late on.

As per SofaScore, the 35-year-old also finished last night as one of Conte’s highest-rated players with a 7.0/10 match rating – having made a brilliant four saves, two high claims and completing 94% of his passes distribution-wise.

Supporters may well be grateful their side have tied down Lloris until 2024.

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