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Wolverhampton Wanderers appear to be heading for a midfield reshuffle this summer, with manager Bruno Lage plotting new recruits amid uncertainty over the futures of some of his current stars.

Former Porto man Ruben Neves – who joined the club back in 2017 – appears set for pastures new as speculation builds regarding his future, while his fellow Portuguese Joao Moutinho could also be departing in the current window with just weeks left on his existing deal.

There are still hopes of a contract extension to keep the 35-year-old at the club beyond the end of the month, although the stall in negotiations will no doubt be a source of concern, with the Molineux outfit running the risk of losing their starting midfield pairing of recent seasons.

With that scenario potentially on the horizon, however, the Old Gold have seemingly identified one man to fill the void in Sporting CP’s Joao Palhinha – who would appear to be on his way to England – while another gem who could potentially join him at the club is Barcelona’s Nico Gonzalez.

The 20-year-old starlet is of huge interest to Lage and co, according to reports, with the Premier League side keen to secure a permanent deal or a temporary swoop this summer, as part of a switch that would see Neves head in the other direction.

The club’s links to agent Jorge Mendes – who represents young Gonzalez – could help to push through a deal, while the Nou Camp outfit’s financial woes may also help Wolves’ cause, as the La Liga side look to lighten their wage bill.

The two clubs seemingly already have a good connection, with Francisco Trincao having joined Lage’s side on loan last summer, while unique forward Adama Traore headed in the opposite direction in January in another temporary deal.

Should the Midlands side manage to secure the youngster’s services this summer, they would undoubtedly be taking on a player of huge potential, with the £18m-rated playmaker having been one of a crop of hugely exciting prospects to have emerged from La Masia in recent years.

Dubbed “highly gifted” by former youth team coach Fran Artega, the Spaniard may not be regarded quite as highly as current teammates and compatriots Gavi and Pedri, although is still a real, exciting talent, as demonstrated by his hugely impressive statistics of late.

In comparison to those in his position across Europe’s top five leagues, the £10k-per-week maestro ranks in the top 1% for dribbles completed and in the top 4% for progressive carries, while also in the top 7% for pass completion, showcasing his ability to both drive his side up the pitch as well as retain possession.

That gift has seen him tipped to be the heir to veteran teammate Sergio Busquets by former Barcelona B boss Francisco Xavier Garcia Pimienta, while Xavier Vilajoana – who also worked for the Catalan giants – went as far as to suggest that Gonzalez is “going to be better” than Busquets as he is “more complete”.

That is high praise indeed considering all that the 33-year-old has won in the game thus far, for both club and country, with few players seemingly more comfortable with the ball at their feet than the World Cup winner.

Gonzalez may wish to stay put in order to be moulded into a player of that ilk in the coming years and eventually usurp his colleague, although should Barca wish to cash in, it could prove to be a major coup for Lage and co if they can win the race for his signature.

The battle for his services would no doubt be intense, although from Lage’s point of view he will seemingly want to do all he can to land what could potentially be the next Busquets.

IN other news: Deal agreed: Big Molineux transfer development emerges, it’s great news for Wolves

Liverpool are reportedly preparing to step up their pursuit of Leeds United winger Raphinha this summer, according to a report from The Mirror. 

The lowdown: Anfield admiration

Directly contributing to 31 goals in 65 Premier League appearances since arriving from Ligue 1 outfit Rennes in October 2020, Raphinha has made a spectacular impact for the Whites and was integral to the Yorkshire club’s survival last term.

That form has led to strong links with a move away from Elland Road for the Brazilian winger, with Barcelona long touted as the main suitors.

However, having initially been linked with Raphinha last year, it appears as though the Reds could be about to reignite their admiration for the 25-year-old…

The latest: Klopp’s a ‘fan’ of Raphinha

As per The Mirror, Liverpool are said to be ‘ramping up’ their interest in Raphinha ahead of the summer transfer window.

It’s claimed that Jurgen Klopp is a ‘big fan’ of the 25-year-old and could be willing to ‘sacrifice’ Takumi Minamino as part of a deal, as the Japanese forward has previously worked with Leeds manager Jesse Marsch at Red Bull Salzburg.

The report added that the man lauded as a ‘magician’ by team-mate Dan James is valued at £60m and ‘fits the bill perfectly’ for the Reds, as Klopp and Julian Ward seek a potential replacement for the seemingly wantaway Sadio Mane.

The verdict: Better options…

Although signing Raphinha would appear to be a sensational piece of business from Liverpool, the skilful Brazil international predominantly operates as a right winger and cuts in from that side on his left foot, a position occupied on a near-permanent basis by Mohamed Salah at Anfield.

After ending the campaign operating as a centre-forward following the success of Luis Diaz’s capture, Klopp and co would be best served to replace Mane with a natural central option, a role that the eight-cap Brazil ace has carried out on just one occasion in his career.

Despite another stellar campaign in 2021/22, during which Raphinha scored 11 times and provided three assists in 35 league outings, at the mooted lofty asking price Liverpool should be looking elsewhere for their Mane successor. They have already been credited with an interest in the likes of Darwin Nunez, who may be a better fit for the number nine role, having racked up 34 goals in the most recent campaign.

In other news: Another Liverpool rumour has emerged regarding this winger

Wolves will try to nail down Morgan Gibbs-White to a new contract this summer but may also be tempted to cash in on him, according to journalist Alex Crook.

The Lowdown: Gibbs-White in good form

The 22-year-old spent the 2021/22 season on loan at Sheffield United, where he enjoyed a hugely fruitful time of things.

Gibbs-White ended up with a tally of 12 goals and 10 assists in the Championship for the Blades, being hailed as having the ‘world at his feet’ by Bramall Lane team-mate David McGoldrick.

The midfielder will now return to Molineux this summer, at which point a big decision may need to be made regarding his future.

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The Latest: Gibbs-White’s Wolves future

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Crook claimed that Wolves are very much keen on securing his future at the club, but could also be tempted by a substantial transfer offer for him. The journalist stated:

“There’s a lot of interest in Morgan Gibbs-White, I’m just trying to stand up exactly where that’s going. I think Wolves would like to sign him to a new contract, but if he’s a player they can get £20m for, they might see that as a good investment and a chance to rebuild.”

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The Verdict: Don’t lose him

To lose Gibbs-White at this point in his career would be criminal, considering his vast potential and the distinct possibility that Ruben Neves will be sold.

The 22-year-old is too good a talent not to be kept at the club, considering that he has made seven appearances for England’s under-21s and been touted as one of the best young players in the country.

Handing Gibbs-White a new deal seems a no-brainer for Wolves, especially given his current form. Whether or not the player accepts it is another thing altogether, and he may feel that he wants a new challenge. An interesting summer could lie ahead for player and club.

In other news, a key update regarding one Wolves hero’s future has emerged. Read more here.

Former Leeds United goalkeeper Paul Robinson has been reacting to the club’s interest in Aberdeen right-back Calvin Ramsay.

The Lowdown: Leeds links

The Whites were first linked with a move for the 18-year-old during the January transfer window and rumours have continued, with reports at the end of April suggesting Leeds were granted permission to enter talks.

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Phil Hay stated after the club secured their Premier League status last weekend that Ramsay was a player Leeds were working to bring to Elland Road.

Liverpool are also keen on the Scot, with Aberdeen willing to sell if they receive a ‘significant’ seven-figure fee.

The Latest: Robinson’s comments

Robinson, who contributes for Sky Sports, was talking to MOT Leeds News regarding the interest from Elland Road in Ramsay.

He believes the Whites simply have to sign a right-back due to Stuart Dallas and Luke Ayling’s respective injuries.

“Leeds have to sign a right-back.

“Luke’s a top player. He’s a leader on the pitch and they miss him when he doesn’t play because of those leadership qualities. He’s very vocal, he’s a captain without being a captain.

“But I think they’ve come out and said he’s not going to be back until the autumn which rules him out of pre-season and the start of the season.

“It’s vitally important they get some reinforcements in that area.

“Stuart Dallas would have been a natural replacement but obviously, we know that he’s out for a long time as well.

“That’s two players who you need reinforcements for.”

The Verdict: Spot on

The Whites’ small squad and injury woes nearly cost them their place in the Premier League last weekend, so it’s vital that the club add to their squad over the coming months.

They’ve made a solid start by signing a midfielder on a permanent deal for the first time since 2018 in Brenden Aaronson.

Bolstering their right-back ranks could be a smart next step, especially with Ayling and Dallas sidelined.

Cody Drameh and Jamie Shackleton should be available for Marsch at the start of his first full season in charge, but it looks as if the club like what they see in Ramsay, so landing him ahead of Liverpool could be an exciting move.

In other news: Orta now working on bizarre transfer for ‘magnificent’ ace; he has history with Leeds supporters.  

A big update has emerged on Newcastle United and their plans for Karl Darlow heading into the summer transfer window… 

What’s the talk?

According to The Sun, the Magpies are set to offer the shot-stopper to Manchester United in an attempt to land Dean Henderson ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

The report claims that the Red Devils are in need of an experienced goalkeeper to replace Lee Grant – who has retired – and Darlow could fit the bill for Erik ten Hag.

Huge Eddie Howe masterclass

The Newcastle boss can seal a huge masterclass by negotiating a deal to offload the ex-Nottingham Forest man to Old Trafford whilst also securing a loan/permanent move for Henderson.

Axing Darlow would be an excellent piece of business by the club as he proved, this season, that he is not good enough to provide serious competition to Martin Dubravka.

Toon legend Alan Shearer claimed that the £30k-per-week shot-stopper looked “nervous” between the sticks for the Magpies against Brentford this season and that was a theme throughout the early parts of the Premier League campaign.

He was called upon in eight games under Steve Bruce and struggled badly as he conceded 1.9 goals per match in that time. The 31-year-old averaged a dismal SofaScore rating of 6.47 and made one error directly leading to a goal as well as giving away one penalty as he made himself a liability to the team.

Therefore, selling him to Manchester United – given the season he had – would be an incredible move by Howe and Newcastle, before you factor in the possibility of it helping them land Henderson as part of the deal.

The report claims that the Magpies want the England international in to replace Dubravka and his form in the Premier League in previous years suggests he has the potential to be a superb signing.

In his two top-flight campaigns, Henderson has averaged a SofaScore rating of 6.94 or higher and kept 17 clean sheets in 49 games. The Slovakian number one, meanwhile, has averaged a score of 6.88 this term for Newcastle and kept eight clean sheets in 27 outings.

He is eight years older than the Red Devils stopper and this means that the former Sheffield United loanee can come in as a long-term option for Howe between the sticks. This is another reason why this swap deal, in whatever way it materialises, would be a masterclass by the head coach.

AND in other news, PIF could sign Newcastle’s answer to Haaland in “sensational” £60m “monster”…

Sunderland can save millions by delving into their Academy of Light, the place that produced Champions League winner, Jordan Henderson.

The Black Cats have another promising central midfielder on their hands in 19-year-old starlet, Harrison Sohna, though it is worth noting that he has not come through all steps of the youth set-up, having switched last year from Aston Villa U23s.

Having featured in just two goals and three assists along the way – this, despite functioning as a defensive midfielder for seven games.

His performances for the Black Cats’ reserve side have paved the way for opportunities to play in the first team. Though his three appearances for the senior side have all come under former boss Lee Johnson in the EFL Trophy, so he is yet to make his professional league debut, and yet to impress Alex Neil who will surely be looking to embed the youngster into the first team come next season.

Over the last year, Sohna has registered some stats that demonstrate why he deserves a chance to play a higher level of football.

His average of 58.7 touches, 44 accurate passes and 0.7 key passes better that of Corry Evans who averages 45.5 touches, 28.3 accurate passes and 0.3 key passes per game – with the 31-year-old featuring 33 times for the Black Cats in the standard League One season, including two additional appearances in the League One play-offs.

Right now is a tricky time to hand an inexperienced youngster a league debut in what is such an important game in the season-defining play-off final on the 21st May. Though, it would not hurt to let Sohna train with the first team from now and across pre-season to see how he fairs in the level above.

His stats are certainly promising and his playstyle is what has got him noticed, with his forward-thinking approach and ability to make something happen echoed by Josh Bunting: “Harrison Sohna against his former club with the goal, really like when he gets on the ball, always thinking forward and opens up trying to make something happen.”

With that in mind, he’s certainly one to watch in the northeast.

In other news: Sunderland make “an enquiry” to sign highly-rated journeyman, Neil surely ecstatic

Crystal Palace are keen on signing Huddersfield Town midfielder Lewis O’Brien ahead of Leeds United this summer, according to TEAMtalk.

The Lowdown: O’Brien profiled

O’Brien is 23 years of age and has been with The Terriers since 2019. Primarily a central midfielder who can also turn out in an attacking midfield role, O’Brien has been described as a ‘very special’ talent by Carlos Corberan.

He has made 47 appearances in all competitions this season and could reach 50 at Wembley, should Huddersfield beat Luton Town in the Championship playoff semi-final.

O’Brien has captained Huddersfield on multiple occasions in 2021/22 and has turned out in seven different positions, with his displays seemingly catching the eye of Patrick Vieira.

The Latest: Palace and Leeds in six-way fight

TEAMtalk shared an update regarding O’Brien on Wednesday, claiming Leeds are finally looking to secure a deal for their long-term target, who they even bid for last summer.

Any move would depend on the Whites remaining in the Premier League, something which looks increasingly unlikely with two games to go.

Palace are one of five more top-flight sides looking to capitalise if the Elland Road outfit do go down and therefore miss out, with O’Brien’s meagre £12m release clause seemingly causing quite the battle for his signature.

The Verdict: Shrewd move?

Palace have just three central midfielders on the books at Selhurst Park, one of which being Conor Gallagher, who looks set to return to Chelsea in the summer.

Therefore, a new central midfielder could be beneficial ahead of Vieira’s second season in charge, and it looks as if it is just a matter of time until O’Brien plays in the Premier League.

That could be with Huddersfield or even Leeds, but if both are Championship sides for the 2022/23 campaign, a Palace swoop for a £12m fee could be a wise move both in the short and long term.

In other news: Palace now set for boost; three-year deal for midfielder has been reached. 

Former Celtic striker John Hartson has urged the Hoops to sign Cameron Carter-Vickers, claiming ‘people at Spurs’ want to sell him this summer.

The Lowdown: Strong interest in Carter-Vickers

The American has been a fantastic signing by Celtic, joining on loan from Spurs last summer and producing a string of rock-solid performances at centre-back.

Carter-Vickers has been an aerial monster for Ange Postecoglou’s side, winning an average of 4.0 and 3.2 aerial duels per game in the Scottish Premiership and Europa League respectively.

Celtic have been strongly linked with signing the 24-year-old on a permanent basis this summer but numerous clubs are also thought to be battling for his signature.

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The Latest: Hartson urges Hoops to pounce

Speaking to The Daily Record, Hartson, 47, claimed that Spurs are willing to sell Carter-Vickers, calling for the Hoops to snap him up:

“I speak to people at Spurs and I know for a fact they want to sell Carter-Vickers. He’s been on loan four or five times and they feel he’s not going back to Spurs, so they want to do a deal with somebody.

“You can talk about the forwards, Jota, Liel Abada, Kyogo, whose numbers have been frightening. Joe Hart has been brilliant. But you’ve got to look at Carter-Vickers, he’s been the dominant one. Carl Starfelt has come onto a game, but he’s shown weaknesses and defensive frailties at times.

“It’s Carter-Vickers who has been that man-mountain alongside him and taken a lot of pressure off him. To do that for your other centre-half, I think he’s been outstanding.

“He would be as important a signing as Jota would be because we know that Celtic are a forward-thinking team, get on the front foot with a high intensity, press, and pressure.

“As soon as they lose it there’s a trigger, four and five players around the ball, they don’t go in ones and twos, they don’t leave players 40 yards behind.

“Reo Hatate pushes the forwards, the defence comes up to the halfway line. They’re a forward-thinking team who almost just want to outscore the opposition.

“That’s what they want to do so you need to have really good defenders to go on to another level where you’re up against better opposition and better quality of player as they can hurt you at the highest level. So they need Carter-Vickers in terms of a defender.”

The Verdict: Key piece of summer business

Signing Carter-Vickers permanently has to be considered one of Celtic’s key pieces of summer transfer business, given the impact he has made at Parkhead.

He has been described as a ‘most crucial’ player for the Hoops by Chris Sutton and the partnership he has forged with Carl Starfelt has arguably been the backbone to Celtic’s league success this season.

Missing out on Carter-Vickers now would be a hammer blow and the hope is that his head isn’t turned by any potential Premier League interest in the coming weeks and months.

In other news, one Celtic player has been backed to leave the club. Find out who it is here.

Wolves should complete the signing of Liverpool striker Divock Origi in the summer transfer window, according to journalist Josh Holland.

The Lowdown: Origi set to leave

The 27-year-old will leave the Reds at the end of the season, having enjoyed a memorable career at Anfield over the years.

Origi has become a cult hero on Merseyside, scoring some iconic Premier League and Champions League goals against the likes of Barcelona, Tottenham and Everton, in addition to being hailed as a ‘monster’ by Jurgen Klopp.

Wolves have been linked with a move for the forward in the past few months as Bruno Lage looks for summer reinforcements.

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The Latest: Journalist backs Wolves move for Origi

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Holland talked up the idea of Wolves signing Origi, claiming that the Belgian would be superior to current Old Gold marksman Raul Jimenez, who has netted 54 goals for the club.

The reporter stated:

“I think he’s better than Jimenez. If they can bring Origi in and have him starting as their number nine going forward, I think that would be perfect.

“I think he is quality and has an eye for goal. He is always in the right place at the right time.”

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The Verdict: Seems highly unlikely

Origi would be an excellent signing for Wolves, given the pedigree he possesses and the fact that he is still at a good point in his career age-wise.

Although he hasn’t started a single Premier League game this term, he still has six goals in just 572 minutes of football across all competitions. That equates to one every 95.3 minutes, illustrating his predatory goal-poaching nature.

Sadly, it looks likely that the Belgian will be joining AC Milan instead at the end of the season, with the Rossoneri guaranteeing him Champions League football.

However, if Origi has a sudden change of heart and wants to remain in the Premier League, then Wolves should do all they can to acquire his services.

In other news, a Premier League player has emerged as a target for Wolves. Find out who it is here.

Manchester City have been one of the most successful teams in the Premier League over the past decade or so in terms of the number of trophies they’ve won.

Since the 2010/11 season, the Etihad Stadium outfit have won six League cups, two FA Cups and five Premier League titles.

One figure in their current squad who has been a big part of that success over recent years is Fernandinho.

Since arriving at the Etihad back in the summer of 2013, the soon-to-be 37-year-old has gone on to make 378 appearances for the Citizens across all competitions. In that time, the Brazilian has scored 26 goals and provided 33 assists along the way.

With 28 appearances to his name this season, the midfielder has only started 14 times, as he looks to run down the final two months of his current contract.

Having claimed that this could be his last season with City, the club could have a big challenge on their hands to try and find a suitable replacement for the Brazil veteran.

However, there is one player with whom the Manchester club have been linked recently who could be a dream heir for Fernandinho – West Ham United’s Declan Rice.

Labelled a “freak” in terms of his physicality, the 23-year-old has also been described by former Irons team-mate Jack Wilshere as a player that “can do anything” on a technical level on the pitch.

From a defensive point of view, the England international has racked up a combined total of 585 tackles and interceptions in the Premier League since the 2017/18 season.

By comparison, Fernandinho has 313 tackles and interceptions to his name during the same period of time, highlighting just how tough the West Ham star is to play against.

With that in mind, and only two other midfielders in the Premier League having a higher pass completion percentage than Rice this season, he could well be the perfect long-term replacement for City’s long-serving stalwart.

Even though it could cost Pep Guardiola’s side a hefty fee of £100m for the 23-year-old’s services, shelling out this sort of money could be a wise investment for the club as they prepare for the future without Fernandinho.

In other news: Man City plot bid for “unbelievable” £60m ace who’s “one of the best”, Pep would love him