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West Ham United have been given the green light in their bid to bring Justin Kluivert to the London Stadium this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Italian publication Gazzetta dello Sport, who claim that, following reports of West Ham’s interest in a move for the 23-year-old winger this summer, the Netherlands international has now been instructed to train separately from AS Roma’s first team squad ahead of his likely departure in the coming weeks.

Previous reports had already revealed that Jose Mourinho would be willing to part with the former Ajax starlet this summer, with the Giallorossi said to be happy to accept an offer in the region of €15m (£13m) for the Dutchman – while Ligue 1 side AS Monaco also said to be interested in Kluivert’s signing ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

Imagine him & Kostic

Kluivert’s €17.25m (£15m) move to Roma has not worked out as the left-winger would have hoped, but should David Moyes believe that he can be the manager to help the 23-year-old realise his undoubted potential, a £13m move for the two-cap international could quite easily prove to be one of the signings of the summer.

Indeed, over his 30 Eredivisie appearances in his first full season with Ajax back in 2017/18, the £13.5m-rated forward was in astonishing form, scoring 10 goals, registering five assists and creating nine big chances for his team-mates, as well as taking an average of 2.7 shots (1.1 of which hit the target), making 1.7 key passes and completing 2.7 dribbles per game.

These returns saw the £54k-per-week talent who Nick Mercadante dubbed “limitless” and Match of the Day labelled “unreal” average a spectacular SofaScore match rating of 7.33, not only ranking him as Ajax’s fifth-best performer in the league – behind the likes of Hakim Ziyech, David Neres and Frenkie de Jong – but also as the joint 18th-best player in the Dutch top flight as a whole that season.

As such, should Kluivert be able to rediscover this level of form following a potential move to east London this summer, coupled with the Hammers managing to get a €15m (£13m) deal over the line for Filip Kostic – the left wing-back who scored seven goals and registered 15 assists over 43 appearances for Eintracht Frankfurt last season – in the coming weeks, it is clear to see that Moyes will have formed an incredibly deadly and exciting duo on the Irons’ left flank next term.

AND in other news – “Already scheduled…”: Romano drops West Ham transfer update that supporters will love

A big claim has emerged on Leeds United and their thoughts on potential outgoings in the summer transfer window… 

What’s the talk?

Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano has claimed that he is expecting Jack Harrison to remain at the club beyond the end of August.

Newcastle United are reportedly ready to bid for the attacker but Romano has revealed that the Whites plan on retaining their current squad.

When asked about a potential transfer for the Englishman, he told GIVEMESPORT: “I think it’s not easy. I think Leeds are happy with the team they have right now and they have already sold Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha.

“I don’t see them selling one more player this summer, but never say never. It depends on the proposal but, as of now, Leeds want to keep the same team.”

Supporters will be delighted

Supporters of the Whites will be delighted by Romano’s update as keeping hold of Harrison would come as a major boost to Jesse Marsch heading into the 2022/23 campaign.

The club have, as Romano stated, lost Raphinha to Barcelona and he was the club’s top goalscorer in the Premier League last term. He racked up 11 goals from the wing as the team struggled to find the back of the net consistently enough – hitting the back of the net just 42 times over 38 league fixtures.

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His exit means that Harrison is the current Leeds player with the most league goals (eight) for the club last term and one of only two players – alongside Rodrigo – with more than four league goals in 2021/22. This suggests that Marsch will be keen to keep him as he is one of the few goal threats in the team.

The former Manchester City man is a proven performer in the top-flight who has the quality to be a difference-maker in the final third, as he has shown that he can score and assist goals at that level.

Since Leeds won promotion to the Premier League, Harrison has racked up 16 goals and nine assists from a wide position. These statistics suggest that he will, once again, be a big player for the club next season as he is a known quantity, whereas the new signings are untested and it remains to be seen whether they will be able to adapt to Premier League football.

Therefore, the fans will be buzzing to learn that Victor Orta does not want to cash in on any more first-team players after selling Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips.

AND in other news: Orta could land Marsch his very own Scamacca in Leeds swoop for 56 G/A “wonderkid”

According to an Italian source, Tottenham Hotspur have joined the race to sign Fenerbahce defender Kim Min-Jae this summer.

The Lowdown: Registering an interest

Antonio Conte has already made a rapid start to the transfer window, having secured the signings of Ivan Perisic, Fraser Forster, Yves Bissouma, Richarlison, Clement Lenglet and soon-to-be Djed Spence, but the boss is showing no signs of stopping there.

The 25-year-old Kim was the bright spark in what was a disappointing season for the Turkish outfit last season, and the Lilywhites must have been impressed with what they saw, having been credited with an initial interest last month.

In a fresh update, it sounds as though the colossus would be keen on a move to the Premier League…

The Latest: Kim wants to join Spurs

In an article published by Italian outlet Corriere del Mezzogiorno (via Sport Witness), it’s claimed Napoli are ‘showing an interest’ in Kim after identifying him as their ‘main target’, but they are ‘joined’ in the race by Tottenham.

The source reports that the Serie A giants must ‘beat the competition’ from Spurs, Everton and Rennes if they want any chance at signing the man nicknamed the ‘monster’ for his imposing physical style.

It’s stated that the 40-cap international is ‘looking to leave’ Fenerbahce to seek a new challenge and ‘has been hoping’ for his chosen destination to be north London, though Antonio Conte has so far ‘made other choices’ in defence.

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The Verdict: Son influence?

Japhet Tanganga and Joe Rodon have both been linked with a move away from Tottenham, so it’s understandable that Conte will be wanting a further addition alongside Lenglet to provide himself with some squad depth at the back next season.

The 6 foot 2 Kim, once dubbed ‘the best’ player in Super Lig by former Turkey and Fenerbahce star Ridvan Dilmen, had an outstanding campaign last term, averaging 4.1 clearances, 2.3 interceptions and 1.5 tackles per league game, via WhoScored.

The fact that he is a compatriot of Son Heung-Min having played alongside each other in South Korea’s national team could well be the reason he wants to join, and this could be a huge contributing factor when it comes down to the ace deciding his next move.

A major update has emerged on Rangers and their pursuit of Rabbi Matondo in the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

Sport1 reporter Patrick Berger has revealed that the Gers will be finalising a deal to sign the forward imminently.

He Tweeted: “Glasgow Rangers set to sign Rabbi Matondo. The Scottish side agree fee with Schalke (around €3m). The player should fly to Glasgow within the next 24 hrs to complete medicals.”

The attacker will now go through the required tests before putting pen to paper on a contract to join the Light Blues for the 2022/23 campaign and beyond, although an announcement may not be within that timeframe due to the social content that will need to be put together first.

Supporters will be buzzing

This update will surely leave supporters buzzing for multiple reasons.

Firstly, they will be delighted with how quickly Ross Wilson is working in the transfer market after recently securing a deal to sign Antonio Colak.

After a slow start to the summer, Rangers are now on the verge of a second signing in quick succession and fans will be pleased with the progress being made in the window.

Secondly, they will be buzzing with the addition of Matondo as he has the potential to be an excellent player for Gio van Bronckhorst.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola previously hailed the youngster as he said: “They (Schalke) are interested in another young player. I know how good he is, incredibly fast winger, and a young talent. This club is working so good.”

These comments from the Spaniard suggest that he will be an exciting player for the fans to watch as he has the speed to skip past his marker and make things happen in the final third.

As you can see in the graphic above, the Welshman showed signs of promise in Belgium last term. In all competitions, the attacker produced ten goals and two assists on loan at Cercle Brugge from Schalke and these stats offer a glimpse of what he can provide Rangers with.

At the age of 21, he is still in the infancy of his career and is a player who can make an impact in the immediate future whilst also holding the potential to improve and grow in importance and value in the long term.

Fans will, therefore, be buzzing to see him come through the door and will be hoping that there are no last-minute stumbling blocks in the move.

AND in other news, Gvb can find his dream Ramsey replacement in “unplayable” 16 G/A Rangers “talent”…

Rangers will have the ‘perfect replacement’ lined up for Alfredo Morelos, according to one talkSPORT pundit.

The Lowdown: Morelos exit links

According to a report by Spanish outlet Estadio Deportivo, one La Liga club are said to have submitted an €8m (£7m) bid for the Colombian attacker.

With less than a year left on his Ibrox contract, Rangers could end up seeing the 26-year-old departing on a free transfer next summer. As a result, the Premiership outfit may be forced into accepting a bid lower than his £11.7m Transfermarkt value.

The Latest: Agbonlahor’s claim

Gabriel Agbonlahor, who works as a pundit for talkSPORT, has now weighed in on Morelos’ future with Rangers.

Speaking with Football Insider, the former Aston Villa striker claimed: “I think Alfredo Morelos will want to go, he’ll want to test himself in another league.

“He’s a very exciting player. I think teams will love the aggressiveness about him. The naughtiness about him is what I like and he will show his passion on the pitch.

“He’s been a good servant to Rangers and I think if they can get they money they deserve and feel that they want for him it’s something that they will let happen.

“And Rangers are going to be OK. They’re a team that attracts a lot of good players. They’ve got a good setup there with Giovanni van Bronckhorst and they’ve got a lot of players in there with experience of the Europa League so Rangers will be fine even if Morelos goes.

“I’m sure van Bronckhorst will have his eye on a perfect replacement.”

The Verdict: He’d be a big loss

Regardless of who the Light Blues bring in as his replacement, Morelos’ departure would come as a big loss to Rangers.

When compared with positional peers across Europe’s major leagues over the past year, it is easy to see why this will be the case. As per FBRef, the Colombian ranks in the 96th percentile for dribbles completed, the 90th percentile for passes attempted and the 89th percentile for shots and assists.

Former Ibrox manager Steven Gerrard was clearly a huge fan of the 26-year-old, having previously hailed him as an ‘outstanding’ player, a claim which is backed up by the aforementioned figures and the striker’s fine record of 113 goals in 224 Gers appearances.

Therefore, if Rangers do accept a bid for Morelos this summer, he will be seriously missed at Ibrox this season.

Celtic have agreed a permanent contract for Benfica winger Jota following his successful loan spell at the Parkhead club last season.

What’s the news?

Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph took to Twitter late on Thursday night to reveal a major development in the Hoops’ pursuit of a full-time deal for the 23-year-old.

The reporter tweeted: “Jota has tonight agreed a four-year contract with Celtic. Celtic and Benfica agreed a final deal of £6.3m, with a 30% sell-on clause, last month. The Hoops have been patiently waiting for Jota to come back from his holidays to finalise personal terms.”

In fact, following Joseph’s tweet, the Hoops have now officially announced that the attacker has joined them permanently.

Last month saw the Bhoys secure a permanent transfer for Tottenham defender Cameron Carter-Vickers, who like Jota had a successful loan period with Celtic in 2021/22.

During his spell at Parkhead last season, the winger made Premiership title.

Great news for Celtic supporters

Over 29 league appearances last term, the Portuguese attacker racked up 76 shots at goal, leaving only Liel Abada (81) with more at Celtic, in addition to delivering more crosses (229) than any other player in Postecoglou’s squad.

His overall performances earned the winger an impressive season rating of 7.53/10 from WhoScored, making him the second-highest rated player currently at the club.

This shows just how influential and pivotal he was during Celtic’s title-winning campaign and why the club made the right choice in signing him in the first place.

Now that the Hoops will have Jota back in their ranks for the next few years, this will surely have lots of supporters buzzing, given how impressive he was last season.

Also, having the former loan star on a permanent basis for the foreseeable future would undoubtedly give the Hoops a great chance of not only retaining the Premiership title, but also possibly winning other domestic trophies and having a successful run in Europe as well.

In other news: Postecoglou can finally axe £20k-p/w Celtic “shocker” by signing “outstanding” machine

TalkSPORT reporter Alex Crook doesn’t expect Liverpool to make further additions to the attacking department this summer, providing Mohamed Salah stays put. 

The lowdown: Salah saga

On the verge of entering the final 12 months of a deal at Anfield (Transfermarkt), the long-term future of Salah remains in doubt, particularly after the Reds sold Sadio Mane to Bayern Munich with the Senegalese star in a similar position.

Despite reports suggesting that Liverpool won’t cash in on the 30-year-old during this transfer window, with claims that Salah wants to more than double a £225,000-per-week deal in Merseyside and owners FSG reluctant to break their wage structure for one player, a departure as a free agent in 2023 currently seems inevitable.

Jurgen Klopp has already added Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez to the ranks as part of the succession plan, and one informed source has now claimed that the incomings in the frontline are over for the time being…

The latest: ‘Murmurings…’

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Crook has suggested that Liverpool will refrain from making further signings unless Salah decides to move on before the September 1 deadline.

He said: “I don’t think they’re overly in the market for another attacker because they’re fairly well stocked in that department assuming that Salah stays.

“There are still one or two murmurings that he won’t, but I expect him to be there at least until the end of the season.”

The verdict: Well stocked…

Klopp was certainly afforded an embarrassment of attacking riches last term as the Reds competed in every possible fixture during the 2021/22 campaign, falling narrowly short of a never before seen quadruple.

Ultimately, despite the glistening firepower at his disposal, the German boss had to settle for a domestic cup double of the FA and Carabao Cups, trophies that were won in no small part down to the exploits of the now-departed duo Takumi Minamino and Divock Origi.

As things currently stand, the Anfield attacking ranks are made up of Diogo Jota, Roberto Firmino, Diaz, Nunez and Salah, although new arrival Fabio Carvalho and youngsters such as Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott and Kaide Gordon could well be called upon more frequently next term.

Albeit the likes of Nunez and Carvalho are relatively unknown in the Premier League, those aforementioned options are more than enough for Klopp to plot another challenge for silverware as FSG and Julian Ward continue in their behind-the-scenes attempts to tie Salah – who was hailed as ‘unstoppable’ by ex-Kop icon Dean Saunders last season – down to an extension on Merseyside without breaking the bank.

Aston Villa are believed to have made an offer for Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips this summer, with the Englishman the subject of interest from a number of Premier League clubs.

What’s the word?

According to Football Insider, the Midlands outfit – as well as West Ham United – have submitted offers for the 26-year-old in the current window, although the player seemingly ‘has his heart set’ on joining champions, Manchester City.

The report suggests that the 23-cap gem will complete his move to the Etihad in the ‘coming weeks’, with the fee expected to be in the region of around £50m.

That follows recent speculation that Pep Guardiola’s side view the Yorkshire-born ace as a potential long-term replacement to Fernandinho, with the veteran Brazilian set to depart the club this summer.

McGinn replacement

Although the indications are that Phillips is on his way to the title winners, Steven Gerrard and co will no doubt retain hope that they can swoop in if the situation changes, with the £38k-per-week warrior seemingly the solution in their hunt to land a new midfielder this summer.

That search for an additional midfield recruit – having already signed highly-rated Frenchman, Boubacar Kamara – comes amid suggestions that Gerrard could be willing to cash in on regular starter John McGinn, with the Liverpool legend said to be ‘not totally convinced’ by the Scotland international.

Should the 27-year-old – who has been linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur – be on his way this summer, Gerrard will be in need of another dynamic, midfield presence to fill the void, with the Leeds ace seemingly the man for the job.

Dubbed a “machine” by current Everton boss Frank Lampard, the £45m-rated man put himself firmly on the map at last summer’s European Championship, earning praise from former Three Lions manager Fabio Capello who dubbed him “the best modern midfielder” that he has seen.

That breakthrough tournament – which saw the defensive-minded talent feature in all seven games for Gareth Southgate’s side in the surge to the final – has been followed by a frustrating, injury-hit 2021/22 campaign, yet the Whites’ academy product has still impressed when he has featured.

Such has been his strong form in recent times, he compares favourably to those in his position across Europe’s top five leagues, ranking in the top 2% for pressures, the top 3% for tackles and the top 4% for blocks made, showcasing just what an all-action gem he really is.

Were McGinn to face the axe this summer, Phillips would no doubt be an ideal replacement and even a possible upgrade in the eyes of the Villa boss and Johan Lange, with the hope being that they can try and rival City’s significant interest.

IN other news, “Gerrard wants…” Preece drops exciting AVFC transfer update that supporters will love

Former Premier League striker Gabby Agbonlahor has tipped Celtic attackers to flourish following the appointment of Harry Kewell as first-team coach. 

The lowdown: Jobs for the boys

Sky Sports revealed recently that the former Australia winger is set to be named among Ange Postecgoglou’s backroom staff for the 2022/23 campaign having left English National League side Barnet last September, where he was manager for just seven matches.

Kewell will join John Kennedy, Stephen McManus, Gavin Strachan and Stevie Woods in making up the coaching setup at Celtic Park and will bring a wealth of experience to the Lennoxtown ranks that saw the 43-year-old represent Leeds United, Melbourne Heart, Liverpool and Galatasary during an illustrious playing career.

Since retirement, the Champions League winner has managed Watford Under 23s, Crawley, Oldham, and Notts County before the spell at Barnet.

The latest: Agbonlahor endorses move

Speaking to Football Insider, former Aston Villa striker and regular talkSPORT pundit Agbonlahor claimed that the appointment of Kewell could be a masterstroke from the Hoops hierarchy.

He said: “The wingers in the team especially will be looking at Harry Kewell thinking ‘I remember you at Leeds, Liverpool and how good of a winger you were’. He had great technique and shooting.

“Definitely they will want to learn off him. I always think it’s a good idea to have ex-players who have played the game to be around and help. They can give their experiences of football and coaching to players.”

The verdict: Smart move

Albeit the managerial career of Kewell hasn’t quite gone to plan as of yet, having appeared at a World Cup, started a Champions League final and lifted the English FA Cup, the 56-cap ex-Australia international boasts a wealth of knowledge that each and every Celtic player can tap into.

A goalscoring winger who netted 122 goals in 506 career outings, allowing the Sydney-born coach to pass on information to the likes of Jota, Liel Abada, Daizen Maeda and talented youngster Mikey Johnston seems priceless.

A compatriot of Postecoglou, the pair will likely work harmoniously in tandem on the touchline and beyond as the Bhoys embark on their own Champions League adventure to accompany their domestic duties next season.

In other news… a reliable journalist has dropped a Sadio Mane transfer twist.

Leeds United could be set to receive an approach from Barcelona regarding a potential transfer move for Raphinha this summer.

What’s the news?

According to a recent report from Sport (via Leeds Live), the La Liga club are ready to launch a move to sign the Leeds winger during the current summer transfer period.

Given Barcelona’s recent record of signing players from Premier League clubs such as Ferran Torres, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Adama Traore, it seems as though the Leeds star is the next figure they want to take from England.

After having spells in Brazil, Portugal and France, the 25-year-old joined the Yorkshire club back in October 2020 from Rennes in a deal worth £17m.

Leeds fans would be fuming

The Brazilian has become a crucial figure for the Whites since signing, having scored 17 goals and delivered 12 assists in 67 appearances across all competitions.

To further highlight his importance to Jesse Marsch’s side, the winger ended his latest campaign with the club as their top goalscorer in the league with 11 goals to his name as well as three assists in 35 outings.

Meanwhile, Raphinha topped the list for the highest average of shots, key passes and dribbles per game at the club.

His overall performances earned him a solid season rating of 6.97/10, making him the highest-rated outfield player at Leeds according to WhoScored.

Taking all of this into account, it’s easy to see why Barcelona would want to add a player like Raphinha to their ranks but it also shows why Leeds supporters would not be happy to see him leave this summer.

Should Xavi’s side make an approach to Leeds to sign their winger in the coming weeks, it would surely take a mega-money deal to take the Brazilian out of Elland Road with a £47m being mooted.

Couple that with Barcelona’s financial difficulties, and could be of some comfort to Leeds fans that a potential move to the Camp Nou may not be straightforward.

The Leeds hierarchy should be doing all they can to keep Raphinha at the club and convince him to continue his journey with the Whites and help Marsch take the team forward.

In other news: Deal close: Leeds on the verge of signing “impressive” dynamo, Marsch will be buzzing