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Leeds United’s hopes of securing the signing of Liverpool forward Takumi Minamino have been shattered, following a recent update from journalist Fabrizio Romano.

What’s the word?

The transfer guru revealed on Twitter that the Japan international is set to secure a move to Ligue 1 outfit As Monaco this summer, despite having been heavily linked with a switch to Elland Road in recent months.

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He stated:

“Takumi Minamino deal, completed. He’s joining AS Monaco, permanent move from Liverpool now confirmed by Philippe Clement: ‘We’re really happy, he was our priority.’

“Liverpool will receive €15m plus €3m in add-ons.”

The 27-year-old – who joined the Reds on a £7.25m deal back in January 2020 – had previously worked under Jesse Marsch at Red Bull Salzburg, albeit with that connection seemingly not proving enough to get a deal over the line.

Supporters gutted

That news will come as a real blow to those of a Leeds persuasion, with supporters having no doubt been hopeful that Marsch would be able to tempt his former asset into staying in the Premier League, following what’s been a mixed spell on Merseyside.

While the £10.8m-rated gem has failed to gain a regular role in Jurgen Klopp’s side – making just five league starts under the German in total over the past two-and-a-half years – Minamino had proved vital in the Reds’ recent domestic cup double, notably netting seven goals in just eight games in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup, combined.

Equally, even with his lack of top-flight action, the £72k-per-week gem still managed to net three league goals in just 11 appearances last term, showcasing that he can be a real asset if handed the chance to be a first-team regular.

Marsch, in particular, is fully aware of the 42-cap gem’s talents, with the versatile speedster having scored nine goals and provided 11 assists in just 22 appearances under the American coach during their spell in Austria, notably providing five goal contributions in just six games under the 48-year-old in the Champions League.

Although that may have been a brief relationship, the former RB Leipzig boss would undoubtedly have been keen to rekindle it in Yorkshire, with the club seemingly in need of new attacking additions amid rampant speculation regarding the future of talisman, Raphinha.

While another former Salzburg man in Brenden Aaronson has also arrived through the door, the youthful playmaker is yet to taste Premier League football, hence the need to bolster the forward line with a player such as Minamino, who has experience of the English game.

Alas, sporting director Victor Orta and co will now have to prioritise alternative targets, with supporters left gutted that the 5 foot 9 menace won’t be trading Liverpool for Leeds this summer.

AND in other news: Fabrizio Romano now reveals “crucial” transfer development, it’s great news for Leeds

Sunderland are reportedly now fighting a number of other clubs in the Championship to sign Jack Rudoni this summer.

The Lowdown: Player of the Year

The 21-year-old was AFC Wimbledon’s Player of the Year (POTY) last season, having scored 12 goals and provided a further seven assists from midfield across all competitions (Transfermarkt).

Dubbed an ‘excellent’ player by former Dons manager Mark Robinson after an impressive performance against Wycombe Wanderers last term, Rudoni has gone from strength to strength; and given their relegation to League Two, he could now be set for a move away from southwest London.

The Latest: Bid made

As per The Sun, Sunderland have now made a £1m bid to sign the youngster, which has since been rejected by AFC Wimbledon.

Fellow Championship clubs Huddersfield Town and Bristol City have also seen bids turned down for the 6 foot 1 ace, who could be sold for the right price.

The Verdict: Sign him

Alex Neil’s team have already seen first-hand what Rudoni is capable of, having come up against him in League One, so he is a player who could slot nicely into this Sunderland side.

While the Championship is another step up from the third tier, the youngster will surely want to prove that he can play at a higher level, having done so well for a relegated team.

Also, he is only 21 years of age, so he has the potential to get even better with the Black Cats over the coming years if he makes the move to Wearside.

In other news, find out who Sunderland have now held ‘talks’ with over signing

Manchester United have reportedly made a big offer to sign Leeds United winger Raphinha.

The Lowdown: Man United’s transfer targets

The Red Devils appear to be working on multiple deals for Erik ten Hag, with Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong still a priority. An offer has been made for free agent Christian Eriksen, whereas United also hold a ‘genuine interest’ in Ajax winger Antony.

Ten Hag currently doesn’t have a senior right-winger in his squad at this moment in time, and it looks as if Raphinha is still wanted at Old Trafford following links in recent weeks.

The Latest: Raphinha offer

Spanish outlet Sport provided an update regarding Raphinha on Sunday morning.

They claimed that his agent Deco has received several phone calls from those at Manchester United and have come forward with an offer which can’t be matched by fellow suitors Barcelona.

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The Verdict: One to watch?

Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham were also name-checked in the report, so it’s not as if a move to United looks set in stone just yet.

However, a move for the Whites star could be a brilliant one for the Red Devils, and just what Ten Hag needs ahead of the new season.

Described as a ‘storm’ by Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier, Raphinha almost singlehandedly kept his team in the Premier League last season with 11 goals and three assists.

He missed just three league games, one of which was due to a viral infection, and has become a regular for Brazil over the last 12 months. Therefore, United could sort out the right-hand side of their attack for the long term with a swoop from their cross-Pennine rivals.

In other news: ‘Really huge’ – Fabrizio Romano has more news on Man Utd move for De Jong after ‘direct contact’

Ex-Premier League goalkeeper Paddy Kenny has claimed that West Ham United are now expecting Declan Rice to leave the club this summer following his omission from the Irons’ recent promotional campaign.

The Lowdown: Irons’ advertising campaign

According to Football Insider, the 23-year-old has not featured in any of the Hammers’ promotional content as the East London outfit continue to advertise their new kit ahead of the 2022/23 season.

Back in April, The Athletic reported that David Moyes’ side would only consider bids for their star man if they neared the club’s whopping £150m valuation.

This followed extensive rumours which linked Rice with a move away in January, with the likes of Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United the most prominent of suitors.

The Latest: Kenny’s claim

Kenny, 44, has reacted to Rice’s recent absence in confusion, concluding that it must mean that the midfielder is set to leave the club this summer, otherwise he would be the star of their advertising campaign.

Speaking with Football Insider, he claimed:

“I find it strange that they haven’t had him in the pictures.

“Is it a massive sign that they aren’t expecting him to be there? For me, it is. Why would you not have your main player there?

“He’s a fan favourite, an England international. To not have him on the pictures for the new kit, I just don’t get that.

“Unless they know he isn’t going to be there so there is no point in taking them.”

The Verdict: Worrying absence?

Whilst rumours of an East London exit for Rice are hardly new, the emergence of potential evidence – if you want to call it that – could be viewed as extremely worrying news for West Ham fans.

The England international has refused to sign multiple contract offers with the Irons, but it has been reported that GSB will not allow their star man to leave this summer, with the player’s current deal lasting until the summer of 2024 and an option for a further year which can be triggered by the club.

Therefore, if Kenny’s suggestion is correct and Rice is set to leave this summer, then West Ham are surely counting on an absolutely huge offer for the 23-year-old as his departure would not come without a colossal fee.

In other news: Irons interested in signing James Ward-Prowse…

Tottenham Hotspur correspondent Alasdair Gold has shed light on an ‘expected’ development involving wantaway winger Steven Bergwijn.

The Lowdown: Bergwijn on the move?

Much has been made of who could follow Spurs’ first summer signing Ivan Perisic through the door at Hotspur Way as links continue to surround Inter Milan star Alessandro Bastoni among others.

However, in an effort to balance their Premier League books, transfer chief Fabio Paratici must also find a way to offload those who are surplus-to-requirements under manager Antonio Conte.

One of those players in Bergwijn has been heavily linked with a move to Ajax in the last month and has even admitted that he wants to leave north London this summer.

The Latest: Gold sheds light…

Writing on Twitter, sharing a recent article, reliable journalist Gold claims it has been a ‘strange’ time for the Netherlands international with his exit now ‘expected’.

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In the article, football.london’s reporter commented on his odd relationship with Conte and how, despite being a ‘popular player’ within the club and receiving praise, the match minutes just haven’t been there.

There’s also apparently a ‘sense’ among some within the club that Bergwijn took his omission ‘to heart’ when compared to more experienced teammates like Matt Doherty who worked hard and fought their way back into the team.

The Verdict: Loss for Conte?

Bergwijn’s sensational match-winning brace away to Leicester City earlier this year looks like the 24-year-old’s last major contribution in a Lilywhites jersey.

Having displayed his potential in brief flashes, perhaps teasing supporters with the prospect of a future star, a looming departure for the ex-Eredivisie sensation certainly comes as an anti-climax.

Taking into account the lack of match action, it’s perhaps best for both parties to amicably agree a deal for him to leave.

In other news: Paratici opens Spurs talks to sign ‘scary’ £183,000-per-week star once worth £130m! Find out more here.

Tottenham have made an offer for on-loan Nottingham Forest right-back Djed Spence, according to journalist Jacque Talbot.

The Lowdown: Spence enjoys outstanding season

Steve Cooper’s side enjoyed a memorable season, returning to the Premier League for the first time since 1999 after winning the Championship play-off final against Huddersfield Town last week.

There were numerous standout players for Forest throughout the campaign and Spence was undoubtedly one of them, scoring three times and registering four assists from right-back.

The 21-year-old is only on loan at Forest from Middlesbrough, though, and while the Garibaldi want to sign him permanently this summer, it may not be that straightforward.

The Latest: Spurs table offer for Spence

Taking to Twitter, Talbot claimed that Spurs have tabled an offer for Spence, with Champions League football potentially proving the key to getting him to opt for a move to north London, although Forest still retain hope of landing him permanently.

The journalist tweeted:

“Exc: Understand that Tottenham have put in an offer for Djed Spence but that Nottingham Forest are involved as well. Allure of European football will be the only thing standing in the way of Spence and Forest continuing their relationship next season.”

The Verdict: Too good to turn down?

While joining Forest and playing in the Premier League could undoubtedly be appealing to Spence, the fear is that his head could be turned by Spurs’ interest.

Champions League football would likely be a huge lure for any player, considering the magnitude of the competition, and he could even see himself as a regular for Antonio Conte’s side in the long run.

Ideally, Spence will ignore their advances and seal a permanent move to Forest, where his career has taken flight. However, it may be that Spurs end up doing enough to entice him to the capital, which would feel like a big blow given his influence at the City Ground over the past few months.

In other news, Forest are thought to be eyeing up a move for a Premier League player. Read more here

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Everton forward Richarlison is now ‘open’ to a Goodison Park exit this summer after the player admitted that he’s already held talks with the hierarchy surrounding his future at the club.

The Lowdown: Richarlison makes transfer confession

The Brazilian first arrived on Merseyside in a staggering £50m deal from fellow Premier League rivals Watford four years ago, where he has gone on to become one of the most influential players in this Toffees side, having made 67 goal contributions in just 152 appearances, as per Transfermarkt.

The 25-year-old was already linked with a move away from Frank Lampard’s outfit earlier this season, but after him and his Velasco Sport Group signed with CAA Base agency, Romano claimed that the striker was fully focused on helping Everton beat the drop.

However, during an interview GloboEsporte, the 34-cap international has now revealed that he has held behind-scenes discussions with his manager, Farhad Moshiri and co about his future.

The Latest: Romano shares Richarlison’s intentions

In a new post on his personal Twitter account, Romano reacted to the revelation of those talks and believes the player is ‘open’ to leaving. He wrote:

“Richarlison has new agents since April because he’s open for summer move. Many clubs exploring this possibility.”

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The Verdict: A hammer blow

The £45m-rated talisman was without doubt one of the main reasons why the Toffees successfully escaped the relegation battle given his threat in the final third.

The former Hornets man, who was once hailed “one of the best” by ex-Everton manager Sam Allardyce, averaged 2.4 shots and 1.3 dribbles per top-flight game this campaign, via WhoScored, not to mention the fact that he netted ten goals and registered five assists as well.

If Richarlison were to depart Goodison, it would come as a huge loss to the club, but on the bright side, the hierarchy could easily demand a massive transfer fee for him which could be then put towards signing a couple of fresh faces in a bid to achieve a higher league finish next term.

In other news… a member of the Everton coaching staff is reportedly in advanced talks to make the switch to a new club.

In 2021/22, West Ham have had perhaps their finest season in recent memory. A seventh-place finish in the Premier League and a Europa League semi-final were the two main highlights in a campaign which gave the London Stadium faithful some wonderful memories.

The chance of further European success will come next season, and David Moyes is duly looking to strengthen his squad ahead of an important campaign.

One of the main areas for improvement is the centre-forward position. With sole centre-forward Michail Antonio netting 13 goals, Moyes relied mainly on wingers Said Benrahma (11) and Jarrod Bowen (18) to find the net during the course of the season.

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West Ham transfer targets

The club have been linked with strikers such as Armando Broja and Valentin Castellanos, but there is another name out there which could give Moyes the goals and assists that he requires at West Ham.

In January, Foot Mercato reported that the Hammers were interested in Strasbourg striker Ludovic Ajorque, and there has now been an update regarding his position at the club.

The Ligue 1 club’s president Marc Keller stated that if “a significant offer is made”, they would consider it. This could be a big boost to Moyes, and with the striker’s asking price being set at £12.6m, it’s a fee that the Irons could comfortably afford.

West Ham’s own Griezmann?

With 12 goals and eight assists this season, Ajorque could be the ideal striker for Moyes to sign. The 28-year-old is compared to compatriot Antoine Griezmann on FBRef, and its clear to see why,

Both players are excellent in the air and extremely dangerous with the ball at their feet. They both averaged over 2.4 shot-creating actions per 90 minutes in 2021/22 (2.47 for Ajorque and 2.57 for Griezmann) and both also contributed well defensively, winning 25 and 26 tackles respectively.

West Ham could secure an excellent player for a minimal fee by moving for the Strasbourg marksman, and with the Ligue 1 club’s president willing to sell if a good offer comes in, Moyes should act sooner rather than later.

AND in other news, GSB eyeing up West Ham swoop for £12.6m “top talent”, Moyes would love him

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly identified their top three left-sided centre-back targets ahead of the upcoming transfer window, with Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni being made the number one priority, according to Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Premier League interest

The 23-year-old arrived at the San Siro from fellow Serie A side Atalanta five years ago, and he has since gone on to make 118 appearances for his current club.

Despite still having just over two years remaining on his current contract with Inter, the defender has been attracting plenty of interest of late, particularly from the Premier League in the form of Manchester United and Manchester City.

However, following a fresh update, it appears that the Lilywhites might just be the frontrunners in the race for his signature.

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The Latest: Bastoni made Spurs’ top target

Football Insider reported on Wednesday afternoon that a Tottenham source has told the website that Bastoni is the ‘number one’ target of Antonio Conte and Fabio Paratici after the pair held ‘talks’ surrounding Spurs’ pursuit of the centre-back earlier this week.

The report added that the north London outfit are ‘lining up a move’ for the 23-year-old, but are also keeping RB Leipzig’s Josko Gvardiol and Villarreal’s Pau Torres ‘in their sights’ as credible backup options should a deal not be agreed with the Italy defender.

The Verdict: Conte connection could swing it

With Tottenham wanting to sign a new left-sided centre-back who will be able to easily slot into Conte’s three-man defence formation, it’s no shock to see them chasing the 11-cap Italy international given his record this season.

Bastoni, who was once described as a “young Bonucci” by Italian journalist Mario Sconcerti, made 1.8 clearances and 1.4 tackles and won 1.4 of his aerial duels per league game this term, via WhoScored, proving physically and on the ground how much of a rock he can be at the heart of defence.

The £122k-per-week star is already very well known to the Spurs manager, having worked under the 52-year-old during his time in charge at Inter, and having that established connection to his former boss might be just the decisive factor that the club need if they’re to successfully bring him to N17.

In other news… Sky Sports have shared an ‘interesting’ live TV update for Tottenham supporters

A huge Sunderland injury update has emerged regarding Aiden McGeady ahead of the League One play-off final against Wycombe this afternoon…

What’s the latest?

Alex Neil has revealed that the Irish winger has been progressing well recently and has put himself in contention to play at Wembley.

The Black Cats manager told the Shields Gazette: “He’s been much improved over the last couple of weeks, which is great.”He’s trained really well over the last week so we’ll certainly take a view on Aiden, as we do on every player in terms of where they are.”He’s certainly done himself no harm whatsoever recently, because he’s trained well and he’s been involved in every session.” Supporters will be buzzing

This update from Neil will surely leave Sunderland supporters buzzing, as the return of McGeady would be a huge boost if he is at the peak of his powers.

The winger has not played a competitive match for the club since 23 November against Shrewsbury, and it would be a fantastic story if he is now able to come back and make a big impact in a game of this magnitude.

A win for the Black Cats will see them end their unwanted four-year stay in the third tier of English football with promotion to the Championship. They first need to make their way past Gareth Ainsworth’s Wycombe, who were in the second tier last season, and having a player with McGeady’s quality would be a big lift to the Black cats.

The Republic of Ireland international managed three goals and four assists – averaging 2.4 key passes per game – in the 12 starts he made during the first half of the campaign.

Last season, he averaged a phenomenal SofaScore rating of 7.31 as he played in 31 League One matches for Sunderland. He ended 2020/21 with four goals and 16 assists as he created an outstanding 2.5 chances per game from out wide.

Meanwhile, no other Sunderland player has created more than 1.9 opportunities per match this season in League One. This suggests that McGeady offers a level of creativity that Neil does not have in any other member of the first-team squad, as the 36-year-old’s statistics prove that he is an exceptional player when it comes to putting balls on a plate for his team-mates.

Therefore, the fans will be buzzing to read that he is in great physical condition and training well ahead of the play-off final, as he has the potential to be a match-winner if he is given the chance to play.

AND in other news, Big boost as Sunderland handed huge Wembley injury lift which will leave Neil delighted…