According to reliable journalist Tom Barclay, Southampton transfer target Liam Delap would ‘definitely’ fit the profile of player that manager Ralph Hasenhuttl might be tempted to sign during the upcoming transfer window.

The Lowdown: Delap profiled

The 19-year-old first joined the academy at Manchester City as a scholar three years ago and has worked his way up through the ranks at the club, which saw him rewarded with his first-team debut in the Sky Blues’ 2-1 Carabao Cup victory against Bournemouth in September 2020.

The forward put pen to paper on a new three-year contract extension with the Etihad Stadium outfit last summer, but he has recently been touted with a move away from the Premier League champions in a bid to get some much-needed game-time and further his development.

In a recent report from The Sun, it’s claimed that the teenager is on Southampton’s shortlist as they desperately look to bolster their attacking ranks; and after raiding Chelsea’s academy to sign Tino Livramento and Dynel Simeu last year, the Saints have been backed to pull off a similar move by tempting Delap into a south coast switch in the coming months.

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The Latest: Barclay backs Southampton links with Delap

Barclay has suggested that Delap could be the perfect fit for Hasenhuttl’s plans at Southampton, given the Saints’ previous raids for young prospects from the Premier League’s top brass.

Wnd when asked whether he thought he could see any parallels in their swoops for the aforementioned ex-Chelsea youngsters, he told GiveMeSport: “Yeah, definitely. They’ve targeted Chelsea’s academy in recent history with great success, with obviously Livramento being the standout one, Broja as well.

“Dynel Simeu, who went on loan to Carlisle and did well, although he’s not been as much of a standout player; he was signed more for the B team but is another player they signed from that club’s academy.

“And I think we’ve talked about Tino Anjorin as well as another possible target in the future. So, they’ve looked at that area.”

The Verdict: Perfect replacement for Long

With veteran striker Shane Long set to depart St Mary’s upon the expiry of his contract next month, Delap could be viewed as the ideal candidate to take the Irishman’s place in the squad, either on a temporary or permanent basis.

The Winchester-born talent, who was once dubbed a “special” player by City manager Pep Guardiola, has been in excellent form in Premier League 2 this season. With eight goals and two assists in just ten appearances at that level, as per Transfermarkt, he has shown just how prolific he can be in the final third regardless of his age.

After a disappointing 15th-place finish in the top flight this season, the possible addition of someone like Delap up top could be just what Southampton need if they are to start making a serious push towards a top-ten finish next time around.

In other news… a talkSPORT reporter has made this huge Saints transfer claim involving one of their summer targets

A Sunderland development has emerged regarding Ross Stewart heading into the summer transfer window… 

What’s the talk?

According to The Northern Echo, the Black Cats are set to make a contract offer to the centre-forward as they attempt to keep him at the Stadium of Light.

Middlesbrough and Rangers have been linked with a swoop for the Scotland international, and the Wearside club are now ready to ward off interest by extending his current terms.

On that note, Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman hinted at potential deals for existing members of the squad as he said: “From our contractual status and planning, we have got players that are on contracts where it’s Sunderland’s decision what happens to those players to a certain degree.

“We are constantly negotiating with players. You want happy players in the club to obviously then perform but ultimately we are putting ourselves in position where we are protecting the club. We are looking after the players and therefore everyone is happy.”

Supporters will be delighted

The supporters will surely be delighted by the prospect of Stewart signing a new deal, as keeping him at the Stadium of Light would be a major boost for Alex Neil.

Sunderland will need to keep their best players to give them the best chance of being able to compete in the Championship next season, and the striker certainly falls into that category.

In the 2021/22 campaign, the Scot scored a whopping 26 goals in 49 games for the Black Cats in League One. He has proven that he can find the net on a consistent basis and is the biggest goal threat in the team by some distance.

Nathan Broadhead’s tally of 10 goals was the next highest in the squad and he has now returned to Everton following the end of his loan deal, illustrating how important Stewart’s goals will be to Sunderland next term.

It is also worth mentioning that the 25-year-old started all 46 games in the regular season and then the three play-off matches for the club. This proves that he is reliable in terms of his availability as well as his goalscoring, and this will be important in another gruelling 46-game season.

Stewart has proven that he can withstand a high volume of matches without breaking down due to injury, and Neil would be buzzing if he can keep hold of a player he can rely upon at the top end of the pitch.

AND in other news, Imagine him & Wright: Neil can land “perfect” Sunderland signing with deal for “superb” brute…

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

Phil Hay has revealed that Leeds United are now targeting the signing of attacking midfielder Sonny Perkins this summer.

What’s the talk?

In a recent article for The Athletic, the Leeds United correspondent revealed that Victor Orta is continuing to pursue a number of up and coming talents in the summer transfer market, with the Spaniard having now turned his attention to West Ham United’s Sonny Perkins.

Hay goes on to state that, with the Whites’ sporting director having spent steadily on youth prospects in recent seasons, it looks as if the 43-year-old will continue in this fashion in the coming months, with the 18-year-old starlet being one of Leeds’ primary targets to strengthen their U23 squad ahead of the new season.

“The next Declan Rice”

Considering just how exciting a prospect Perkins looks to be, it is easy to understand why Orta would be keen on a move for the England U18 international this summer.

Indeed, the £720k-rated talent highly impressed for both West Ham’s U18 and U23 sides this season, scoring four goals and providing one assist over his four U18 Premier League appearances, as well as bagging ten goals and registering one assist over 20 outings in the Premier League 2.

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These returns saw the teenager earn regular call ups to David Moyes’ first-team squad, with the midfielder – who can also operate up top – making three senior appearances for the Hammers in 2021/22 – two in the Europa League and one in the Premier League.

Furthermore, the hopes of those in the know at West Ham are extremely high for Perkins, with ExWHUemployee even suggesting in October of last year that the youngster could go on to become the club’s next Declan Rice.

Regarding the future of the 18-year-old, the Irons insider said: “One player to pay attention to is a West Ham youngster called Sonny Perkins. This is someone I’ve spoken about on the podcast before as a talent, and he’s really beginning to stand out now at academy level, really getting rave reviews.

“Obviously, he’s performing on the international stage as well for his age, and he is one to keep an eye on. From what I’ve heard in the academy circles, he could be the next Declan Rice. So just keep your eye out for his progression within the next few years.”

As such, should Orta go on to get a deal over the line for the Hammers starlet this summer, it would very much appear to be yet another fantastic piece of business by the Leeds sporting director – with Perkins undoubtedly possessing the ability to make a real mark on the Whites first-team in not too distant future.

AND in other news: Journo reveals Leeds are “planning talks” with “unbelievable” talent, Marsch must act

Leeds United are interested in a deal to bring Ben Brereton Diaz to Elland Road in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by the Daily Mail, who claim that Victor Orta and Jesse Marsch have discussed the possibility of making a move for the Blackburn Rovers centre-forward this summer – with the Championship side reported to be demanding a figure in the region of £15m in order to sanction the 23-year-old’s sale.

Further reports claim that West Ham United and Sevilla are also interested in a move for Chile international in the coming months, while Brighton & Hove Albion, Southampton, Wolverhampton Wanderers and newly-promoted Nottingham Forest are also believed to be keeping an eye on the situation of the striker ahead of a potential swoop.

“Could be the real deal”

Considering just how impressive Brereton Diaz was for Blackburn this season, in addition to it being reported that the signing of a new centre-forward is one of Orta’s priority targets in the summer transfer window, it is easy to see why the Spaniard would be keen on a deal to bring the Chilean to Elland Road.

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Indeed, over his 37 Championship appearances in 2021/21, the £14.4m-rated talent was in breathtaking form for Tony Mowbray’s side, scoring 22 goals, registering three assists and creating three big chances for his teammates, in addition to taking an average of 2.8 shots, making 0.6 key passes and completing 1.6 dribbles per game.

These returns saw the £6.5k-per-week striker who Matias Grez dubbed “unbelievable” and Matt Davies claimed “could be the real deal” average a SofaScore match rating of 6.94, ranking him as Rovers’ eighth-best player in the second tier of English football.

And, with Leeds only managing to hit the back of the net 42 times in the Premier League this season, something that was largely down to the continued absence of Marsch’s first-choice number nine Patrick Bamford, it is evident that the Whites could do with greater attacking firepower at Elland Road next term.

As such, it would appear extremely wise for Orta to do everything he can to win the race for the £15m Brereton Diaz this summer, as the Chilean sensation – who can also operate on either wing – could indeed prove to be the real deal in the Whites’ frontline.

AND in other news: Fabrizio Romano drops “key” Leeds United transfer update, supporters will be buzzing

Tottenham Hotspur have seen an offer for Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford rejected.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to Alex Turk, with the Daily Express journalist revealing in a post on Twitter that Fabio Paratici has now seen a bid for the 24-year-old winger rebuffed, with the England international believed to be in favour of remaining at Old Trafford in order to play under Erik ten Hag next season.

In his tweet, Turk said: “United have rejected an audacious Tottenham approach for Marcus Rashford. 24-year-old star wants to stay and play a part in Ten Hag’s revolution. Entering final year of current deal. Talks over a new contract expected this summer.”

Supporters will be buzzing

While it is undeniable that Rashford is a player who boasts a considerable amount of potential, considering just how poor the forward was for United last season, in addition to Spurs being linked to a number of incredibly exciting players on the left-wing this summer, the news that Paratici has seen a bid rejected for the 24-year-old is sure to have left the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium faithful buzzing.

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Indeed, over his 25 Premier League appearances – only 13 of which came as starts – in 2021/22, the £63m-rated winger was in incredibly poor form, scoring four goals, registering two assists and creating three big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of just 0.9 shots, making 0.4 key passes and completing 0.9 dribbles.

These returns saw the £200k-per-week forward average an extremely disappointing SofaScore match rating of just 6.56, ranking him as United’s third-worst performer in the top flight of English football.

As such, when taking into account Rashford’s shocking returns last time out, in addition to the fact that the 46-time capped international is earning an extremely hefty weekly wage, it would very much appear as if Spurs have dodged something of a bullet by missing out on the 24-year-old’s signing this summer.

AND in other news: Paratici now given green light for “special” £170k-p/w Spurs signing, he’s Bastoni 2.0

Leeds United have made an offer for on-loan Bordeaux striker Alberth Elis, according to a report from L’Equipe (via Sport Witness). 

The lowdown: European adventure

Having made his name in the MLS with Houston Dynamo, Elis made the switch to Europe in 2020 when signed by Portuguese Primeira side Boavista.

After eight goals and six assists in 32 appearances for his new club, the 26-year-old Honduran was sent out on loan to recently relegated Ligue 2 outfit Bordeaux, where he continued to impress.

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Despite being set to return to Portugal in the coming weeks, it’s likely another move could be on the horizon ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

The latest: Bid made

As per L’Equipe, translated by SW, Leeds and Director of Football Victor Orta are among those to have shown an interest in the 53-cap ace.

It’s claimed Elis has been ‘attracting interest’ recently and is ‘expected to be sold’ in the transfer window after Bordeaux trigger a €7.5million (£6.4million) option to buy on the frontman. Bordeaux plan to make a quick profit on the forward hailed as ‘very fast and strong’ by compatriot and former Celtic defender Emilio Izaguirre amidst interest from Glasgow.

The report states that the French club have ‘been approached’ by suitors and Leeds have even made a bid already, although the nature of the offer is not known.

The verdict: Versatility is the key

Albeit the powerful attacker was unable to guide Bordeaux to safety last season, nine goals and one assist in 20 league outings is proof of an impressive campaign in the face of adversity.

Capable of playing on either wing and as a centre-forward, Fbref say Elis’ closest stylistic match is breakout West Ham star Jarrod Bowen, while the statistical analysis site also likens him to Watford’s Emmanuel Dennis and Liverpool linked Rennes’ hitman Martin Terrier.

Perhaps an unknown quantity to the Premier League, Elis is clearly a familiar name to Whites’ boss Jesse Marsch having crossed paths in the MLS and therefore should be a welcome addition to the Elland Road ranks given the backing of the 48-year-old’s judgement.

In other news: Leeds now eyeing move for ‘lethal and sublime’ gem, read more here

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.

Fabio Paratici is closing in on a deal to bring Alessandro Bastoni to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Italian publication Corriere della Sera (via Sport Witness), who claim that, following Ivan Perisic’s move from Inter Milan to Spurs, there is now a good chance the 23-year-old defender follows the Croatia international to north London.

Further reports also claim that the Tottenham sporting director has sent unmistakable signals of intent to the Serie A side regarding a £54m deal for the Italy international, while Alasdair Gold recently revealed that Spurs “believe that they’ll be able to sort out wages and the fee for Bastoni” in the coming weeks.

“Heir to Jan Vertonghen”

Considering just how exciting a talent Bastoni undoubtedly is, in addition to it being reported that the signing of a new ball-playing left-footed centre-back is one of Antonio Conte’s priority targets in the summer transfer window, should Paratici go on to secure a deal for the Inter Milan starlet ahead of the club’s 2022/23 campaign it would certainly represent something of a huge coup for Spurs.

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Indeed, according to FBref data, the £60m-rated defender ranks in the top 15% of centre-backs in Europe’s big five leagues for pressures per 90, in addition to the top 14% for passes attempted, the top 25% for passes completed, the top 14% for progressive passes, the top 11% for progressive carries, the top 22% for dribbles completed and the top 3% for shot-creating actions over the last 365 days.

As such, it is easy to understand why Gold recently claimed that Spurs see the £122k-per-week talent as the “heir to Jan Vertonghen,” as the 23-year-old’s ability with the ball at his feet sees FBref rank him amongst some of the most prestigious ball-playing defenders in European football, such as Bayern Munich’s Dayot Upamecano and Girondins de Bordeaux starlet Anel Ahmedhodzic.

However, with the Italian still appearing to have doubts as to whether this summer is the right time to make a move to the Premier League, it would seem as if Paratici still has a job on his hands to convince Bastoni that Tottenham is the right club for him – although, considering the centre-back’s ability, these efforts will be more than worth it if his transfer is eventually agreed.

AND in other news: Paratici can seal “complete” Spurs signing in £68m bid for Van Dijk’s worst nightmare

Wolves could make a move for Braga centre-back David Carmo in the summer transfer window, according to transfer expert Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Wolves linked with Carmo

Bruno Lage could look to make defensive reinforcements before the start of next season, with the experienced Romain Saiss moving on from Molineux recently.

Carmo is one player with whom Wolves have been linked in recent weeks, following another impressive season at the heart of Braga’s defence.

The 22-year-old won 3.4 aerial duels per game in the Europa League in 2021/22, along with making a monstrous 6.2 clearances per match.

The Latest: Carmo move to Wolves is quite possible

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones claimed that Carmo joining Wolves is more than possible this summer, as other suitors may have abandoned their interest in the defender due to injury troubles.

The report stated:

“David Carmo obviously is a guy that they’re looking at. And the fact that he had a serious ankle problem not too long ago might actually help them land him because there were bigger clubs having a look who might just have lost focus on him.

“And it might be that they get a player like that at a time when he could have been going elsewhere.”

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The Verdict: Great potential signing

While Wolves were secure defensively last season, conceding fewer league goals than any team who finished outside the top four – they can’t afford to rest on their laurels; and fresh blood is required, especially with Saiss leaving.

Carmo looks like a perfect candidate to come in and make Wolves even more resolute at the back – he has been described as ‘fantastic’ by his manager Carlos Carvalhal – with his aforementioned statistics highlighting the presence that he offers at the back.

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At 22, Carmo is also quite young and should only improve even furthe, so Lage could sign someone who could be a mainstay at the club for a number of years. Partnering him with Max Kilman and Conor Coady, assuming they both stay at Molineux, would make for a dominant back three in Old Gold.

In other news, Wolves are reportedly in pole position to sign one player. Find out who it is here.