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Liverpool have missed out on signing Paris Saint-Germain wonderkid Ismael Gharbi, as first reported by French journalist Fabrice Hawkins. 

The lowdown: Rising star

A product of the youth system at the Parc des Princes, the 18-year-old has graduated through the ranks of the Ligue 1 giants and now made four senior appearances.

Born in Paris, the talented forward has been part of youth squads for both Spain and France before representing the latter at under-18 level.

Having previously been set to become a free agent this summer, Liverpool and Chelsea were linked with the teenager, but the Premier League duo have now missed out…

The latest: New deal at PSG

Taking to Twitter, Hawkins claimed that the Reds made a ‘very good offer’ to Gharbi before the teenager extended his stay at PSG.

The reporter outlined on Friday: “Ismaël Gharbi, 18, will sign his first professional contract at PSG today! The biggest European clubs had positioned themselves. Liverpool made him a very good offer, for example, but Paris has always been the midfielder’s priority.”

Since then, PSG’s official Twitter channel has confirmed the new deal which will keep Gharbi at the European superpower until 2025.

Darwin’s a Red! Get your special edition Darwin Nunez tee here. The verdict: No surprise

Valued at £1.35m following a Ligue 1 debut in 2021/22, and potentially viewed as one that got away in years to come, it comes as no surprise to see that Liverpool were willing to act upon their interest in the talented youngster.

The model at Anfield has changed under FSG in recent years as the club attempts to furnish each of the development squads with the most talented players across Europe, an approach underlined by signings such as Harvey Elliott, Kaide Gordon and now Calvin Ramsay.

Described as a ‘leader’ by former PSG under-15 coach Said Aigoun, Gharbi – who operates either as a winger or in a central attacking position – would’ve been another exciting addition to the ranks, as Jurgen Klopp keeps at least one eye on the next generation of stars for the Reds.

In other news, a transfer expert has dropped a key Liverpool claim. Read more here

Newcastle United have received a transfer boost concerning Lyon midfielder Lucas Paqueta. 

The lowdown

It emerged in April that the 24-year-old is a target for the Magpies, with recruitment chief Steve Nickson watching him in action multiple times (via The Chronicle).

Lyon apparently want £58m for the Brazilian, who is predominantly an attacking midfielder but can also play as a central midfielder, right winger and centre-forward.

His compatriot and former team-mate Bruno Guimaraes has publicly said that he dreams of playing with his ‘brother’ Paqueta once again.

The latest

Lee Ryder took to Twitter to share a piece he wrote for Chronicle Live regarding the Lyon maestro, tweeting a link to the story along with the caption: “The good news on Lucas Paqueta for Newcastle as Tottenham talk is played down”.

He writes that Newcastle remain at the forefront of the race for the Brazilian, and while the Magpies have ‘other priorities’ this summer, they could pull off a ‘surprise’ move for Paqueta. They know that ‘there is a deal to be done’, with the player thought to be keen to make the switch to St James’ Park.

Ryder added that Paqueta may even ‘wait for Newcastle to make their move’ and remain at Lyon for another season if necessary.

The verdict

Newcastle officials will surely be very pleased when they get wind of this. It underlines the pulling power of the project on Tyneside, with Premier League titles the long-term goal at St James’ Park.

Of course, Paqueta’s fraternal relationship with Guimaraes also gives them an added advantage in this particular race.

The 24-year-old scored 11 goals and provided seven assists in 44 appearances for Lyon last season, with European football expert Alex Barker raving about his ‘phenomenal’ performances in Ligue 1. Paqueta even earned a nomination for the division’s Goal of the Season award for his strike against Clermont in August

He has also reached 33 caps for Brazil, the top-ranked international team in world football, and he seems to have all the ingredients of a marquee addition on Tyneside.

In other news, Newcastle are positioning themselves for this signing. 

Wolves have reportedly agreed a deal to sign Sporting Lisbon midfielder Joao Palhinha.

What’s the news?

According to a recent report from CM Jornal, the Old Gold have reached an agreement with the Portuguese club to sign their midfield star. Wolves will reportedly pay €20m (£17m) up front and a potential €5m (£4.2m) in add-ons for the 26-year-old.

Across a combined 170 senior appearances for Sporting Lisbon and Braga, the midfielder has scored 13 goals and delivered three assists in the process. He also has experience of playing in the Europa League and the Champions League, which could be useful for Wolves as they aim to break into Europe under Bruno Lage.

In fact, he got a good taste of what it’s like to come up against the Premier League’s top brass as he played the full 90 minutes against Manchester City in the Champions League in February.

Great news for Wolves

His latest season with Sporting saw him score three goals in 27 league appearances and earn himself an overall performance rating of 7.03/10 from WhoScored.

However, it was his defensive talent which stood out throughout the campaign, as the midfielder won more tackles (47) than any other player at the Estadio Jose Alvalade.

Taking into account how Wolves only won two of their final 12 Premier League games of the season and conceded 23 goals in those matches, it’s easy to see why they have sought to secure a deal for Palhinha so early in the summer transfer window.

Also, with current Old Gold midfielder Joao Moutinho’s contract at Molineux set to expire at the end of the month, this reported deal could see the £22.5m-rated figure come in and be a potential long-term replacement for his veteran compatriot.

Bearing in mind how the Midlands club already have a significant number of Portuguese players in their ranks, and coaching staff as well, this could make it easier for Palhinha to settle into life at Molineux.

Even though the summer transfer window has only just opened for business, it would undoubtedly be great news for the club and their fans if they’re able to get the midfielder through the door and announced as soon as possible, so that they can then move onto other potential targets who may be on their radar.

In other news: Wolves eyeing swoop for “terrific” 20 y/o “hotshot”, he can be their next Moutinho

Reports in the last few weeks or so have seen Aston Villa named as one of the clubs who are keeping an eye on developments regarding RB Leipzig midfielder Konrad Laimer, with the Austrian ace having just a year remaining on his existing deal.

Despite the Bundesliga side’s desire to keep the versatile gem, that contract situation has sparked uncertainty over his future, with Bavarian giants Bayern Munich one of the frontrunners in the battle to secure his services this summer.

The serial-winning outfit are believed to have proposed a deal for a fee in the region of €20m (£17m), although time is still on Villa’s side to try and steal a march on Julian Nagelsmann and co, with NSWE having already proven their financial muscle with three marquee arrivals already this summer.

One of those acquisitions is Marseille midfielder Boubacar Kamara, although despite having secured the services of the 22-year-old, it would seem as if manager Steven Gerrard is keen to bolster his midfield ranks even further.

Familiar Premier League names such as Kalvin Phillips and Yves Bissouma have been bounded about, although in Laimer the Midlands outfit could well find a more suitable and exciting fit, even if it may appear something of a left-field option to some.

Despite being comfortable on the right flank or in a defensive midfield role, the 20-cap workhorse is most renowned for his all-action displays in a central midfield berth, with his style of play having even drawn comparisons to a certain N’Golo Kante.

That will no doubt pique the interest of those at Villa Park, with the diminutive Frenchman one of the “most outstanding midfielders ever seen”, according to pundit Joe Cole, having won a plethora of major honours at both club and international level over the last half a decade or so.

At current side Chelsea in the most recent campaign, the 31-year-old was again a real force, despite injury, averaging 2.3 tackles and 1.2 interceptions per game, while also netting two goals and registering four assists in 26 Premier League outings.

Equally, in comparison to those in his position across Europe’s top five leagues, he also remains among the elite, ranking in the top 6% for progressive carries and the top 7% for dribbles completed, illustrating his ability to drive the Blues up the pitch.

Statistically, Laimer is not too far off the World Cup winner, ranking in the top 12% and the top 14% for those two metrics, respectively, while he also ranks in the top 1% for pressures made – with Kante in just the top 39% for the same metric.

In the 2021/22 season, in particular, the 25-year-old also netted three goals and provided three assists in 31 league games, while averaging 2.2 tackles and 2.9 interceptions per game – a superior record to that of the man above.

Having his own version of Kante in tow would make life a lot easier for Gerrard next term, with the “elite presser” – as he has been dubbed by Premier League Panel – seemingly a player that would make an instant impact in a Villa shirt.

The Liverpool legend may also have a trump card to play in the battle for the Salzburg-born star’s signature, as the £23.4m-rated monster previously admitted that he had idolised the Englishman during his youth.

Recent addition Kamara has already hinted at the Villa boss’ pulling power, with Gerrard potentially set to be able to welcome in another midfield diamond in Laimer – a man who could prove to be his very own Kante.

IN other news, Gerrard can land AVFC’s next Southgate with move for “outstanding” £120k-p/w warrior

Everton are in desperate need to make changes this summer following a worrying season that saw the side embroiled in a Premier League relegation battle, and now a new transfer target has emerged.

What’s the latest?

According to 90min, Everton have joined the race to sign Leeds United winger Jack Harrison.

As per the report, the Toffees are showing interest in the player alongside fellow Premier League club West Ham United and are keeping an eye on his situation as Leeds are unlikely to let him go if Raphinha leaves this summer.

Lampard loves him

With the speculation surrounding Richarlison’s future and a move away from Goodison Park a possibility this summer, the signing of Harrison would be a huge coup for Lampard and a worthy replacement for the Brazilian winger should he leave.

Lampard already holds the Leeds star in high regard and was full of praise hailing him “one of the best” in an interview with Sky Sports after beating the Yorkshire side 3-0 at Goodison Park.

In fact, the former Chelsea boss and Harrison played together in the MLS at New York City so there is clearly a connection there and Lampard has the experience with the player to know his strengths and abilities that can be deployed at Goodison Park next season.

The £60k-per-week gem who was hailed “explosive” by Jesse Marsch, has scored eight goals and contributed one assist, creating three big chances, making 1.2 key passes, 1.6 tackles and taking 1.2 shots on average per game in 35 Premier League appearances, proving he can be a reliable attacking threat.

If Richarlison was to leave this summer, Harrison could form a formidable strike partnership with fellow Englishman Dominic Calvert-Lewin and improve Everton’s chances of having a better campaign next season by linking up with the striker to increase the number of goals scored and ultimately avoid another relegation battle.

After all, this is a player who has found the net 28 times since arriving at Leeds, initially being brought to the club by Marcelo Bielsa.

With that being said, Lampard will need to act fast if he wants to secure the signing as West Ham United can offer the Leeds winger European football next season which would surely be an attractive prospect for Harrison.

AND in other news: “I’m told..”: Journo delivers big Everton transfer claim that’ll delight supporters

West Bromwich Albion secured their first signing of the upcoming summer transfer window on Thursday as they announced the capture of John Swift from Reading.

Now that they have one deal confirmed for the summer, the Midlands club and Steve Bruce can move on to other areas of the squad that they feel may need strengthening.

Looking at the defence, despite making 39 appearances in the Championship this season, Kyle Bartley is currently the oldest centre-back in West Brom’s squad.

With the 31-year-old’s current contract at The Hawthorns set to expire in the summer of 2023, the Baggies could well look to sign a long-term replacement for the Englishman this summer.

One figure with whom West Brom have been linked recently and who could fit this bill is Cameron Carter-Vickers.

Having spent the 2021/22 season out on loan from Tottenham Hotspur again, this time securing the Scottish Premiership title with Celtic, the centre-back showed how formidable a defensive unit he can be.

With 43 interceptions and 22 tackles to his name in the Scottish top flight, the American ended the season with the highest average of clearances per game (4.2) in Ange Postecoglou’s squad.

Bartley 2.0

Taking into account how Bartley ended the campaign with the highest average for clearances per game (four) in West Brom’s squad, this highlight how similar the defensive duo are in that regard.

Described by Celtic full-back Greg Taylor as a player who has “got all the tools”, as well as being called a “huge” part of why the Hoops were so successful this season, Carter-Vickers reportedly has a price tag of £6m.

His overall league performances for Celtic earned him a season rating of 7.36/10 from WhoScored, which would have made him by far the highest-rated player at The Hawthorns by the same metric.

Even though Celtic are reportedly and rather unsurprisingly looking to turn Carter-Vickers’ loan deal into a permanent move, the Baggies should definitely jump in and try and convince the defender to make a return to England and help to take West Brom back to the Premier League.

If the Midlands club are able to bring the 24-year-old to The Hawthorns, he could well go on to become an ideal long-term replacement for Bartley given his clear defensive talents.

In other news: Bruce can save WBA millions by unleashing “explosive” prodigy, just imagine him & Dike

Glasgow Rangers are reportedly now set to offer Calvin Bassey a ‘massive’ new deal.

The Lowdown: Premier League interest

As per Football Insider, there are numerous suitors from the English Premier League eyeing a swoop for the 22-year-old.

They reported that the likes of Aston Villa, West Ham United and Fulham have all shown interest in signing Bassey in the summer, after impressing with some recent performances.

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The Athletic journalist Jordan Campbell hailed him as an ‘incredible’ athlete after their 2-0 win against Hearts in the Scottish Cup final this weekend, while Giovanni van Bronckhorst has lauded the player’s ‘tremendous’ development.

The Latest: Deal lined up

According to Football Insider, the Teddy Bears are now preparing to offer Bassey a new contract in order to try and keep him at the club.

A source from inside Ibrox has revealed that they are lining up talks over a new deal, and will be offered a ‘massive’ pay rise.

He would duly become one of the highest earners at the club in a deal which would help to fend off transfer interest this summer.

The Verdict: Big boost

It will certainly be a big boost for the Light Blues faithful to hear that Bassey has been lined up for a new deal amid interest from the Premier League.

He has ranked highly among his team-mates in terms of average tackles, blocks, passes and crosses per game this season (WhoScored), and his ability to play at both left-back and as a central defender has really helped the team, especially considering that they got to the final of both the Scottish Cup and the UEFA Europa League.

Bassey is a key player for the team, so the Gers will surely want to keep him at all costs.

In other news, find out which other RFC star is now attracting Premier League interest here!

Wolves centre-back Romain Saiss was ‘waving goodbye’ to supporters after his team’s Premier League clash against Norwich City at the weekend, according to journalist Tim Spiers.

The Lowdown: Wolves draw with Norwich

It has been a disappointing end to the season for Bruno Lage’s side, who bowed out at Molineux for another campaign with a 1-1 draw against the relegated Canaries on Sunday afternoon.

It means that Wolves’ European dream is over for another year but the players still got a nice reception from the crowd as they showed their appreciation after the final whistle.

It was a moment to gauge the body language of some, in order to see if it looked as though they were saying their farewells in the Black Country.

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The Latest: Spiers reckons Saiss was ‘waving goodbye’

That certainly appeared to be the case with Saiss, with Spiers taking to Twitter to claim that the Moroccan may have played at Molineux for the last time as he shared a clip of the Wolves players acknowledging the fans in a post-match lap of honour.

The journalist tweeted: “Saiss at the end there. Waving goodbye you’d have to say.”

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The Verdict: Great servant for Wolves

It makes sense for Saiss to move on at this point, with his contract expiring next month. At 32, it would seem that his best days are no longer in front of him.

He should be remembered as a brilliant servant for Wolves, though, with the Moroccan making 206 appearances for the club, scoring 15 goals for good measure and standing out as one of their best performers this term.

It is now a case of replacing Saiss, who has been such a reliable and regular part of the defence for a number of years, to ensure that Lage’s side remain as defensively savvy next season as they were for the bulk of 2021/22.

In other news, Spiers has also lamented the decline of one Wolves player. Find out who it is here.

A major Newcastle United claim has emerged regarding PIF’s plans for the upcoming summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

The Telegraph reporter Luke Edwards has revealed how many additions the Magpies are hoping to make to their squad ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

PIF showcased their ambition in January as they brought in Matt Targett, Bruno Guimaraes, Dan Burn, Chris Wood and Kieran Trippier, and now they are set to dip into the market again.

Edwards tweeted: “Multiple sources have confirmed the plan for #nufc this summer is to bring in between four and six signings to boost first team strength. Will depend on how much money raised through sales but also looking closely at loan market with at least one likely towards end of window.”

Supporters will be excited

Toon supporters will surely be left feeling excited by this claim from Edwards, as it shows that the club will be looking to improve the squad in several areas this summer.

This was far from the case at this point last year, as Joe Willock ended up being the only senior arrival at St James’ Park in summer 2021 when he joined on a permanent deal from Arsenal. Mike Ashley was prudent with his cash and gave Steve Bruce little in the way of help to build a strong squad.

The noises coming out of the club now suggest that Howe will not find himself in that position with PIF at the helm, as the owners are keen to progress the club in the coming years. Newcastle are on course to comfortably avoid relegation from the top flight and are only one point off the top half of the Premier League table, which may be the aim for next season – 10th and higher.

Fans will surely want to see progression on and off the pitch, and bringing in new talent to improve the team is one way of going about achieving that. They will be excited to see what kind of players Howe wants to bring in and who he wants to axe from the squad, as some duds will need to be offloaded in order to make way for additions.

Supporters will be buzzing to see deadwood players who are deemed to not be good enough cut from the squad in the summer, as it means that they will not have to worry about watching them in action again in the Premier League.

It is now over to PIF to put their plan into action and enjoy a successful summer of ins and outs on Tyneside…

AND in other news, Craig Hope drops worrying worrying £50m NUFC claim, it’s a first major disaster for PIF…

Tottenham Hotspur may have been given a real boost in their quest to bring colossal Villarreal defender Pau Torres to the Premier League.

The Lowdown: Spurs in Torres chase…

The Spain international, as he’s admitted to the media, rejected the chance to join Spurs last summer – choosing to stick it under Unai Emery due to their presence in the Champions League.

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However, The Daily Mail claimed earlier this week that the Lilywhites and transfer chief Fabio Paratici could come back in for the 25-year-old after being given encouragement by his change in stance.

It is now believed that Torres is ‘ready to leave’ Villarreal in a possible boost for Antonio Conte’s side.

Now, sharing another update, a Football Insider ‘source’ has lifted the lid on yet another cause for optimism over signing the central defender.

The Latest: Emery gifts discount?

According to their information, there is now growing ‘confidence’ at Hotspur Way that Villarreal will sell Torres to Spurs for a bargain price.

Spurs insiders are allegedly operating under the belief that Paratici could seal the centre-half’s signing for £10 million less than his asking price – £45 million instead of his £55 million clause specifically.

This is due to the La Liga side’s financial problems with last season’s Europa League winners apparently needing to raise cash through player sales.

The Verdict: Time to move?

Called a would-be ‘great signing’ for Spurs by journalist Pete O’Rourke, his national team partnership with Aymeric Laporte at the Euros last summer prompted ‘sensational’ praise from manager Luis Enrique.

He’s continued his good form well into 2021/2022, winning more aerial duels per 90 and playing more minutes than any of his teammates – standing out as a really pivotal player for Emery (WhoScored).

Even for £45m, Torres would arguably come as a snip for Spurs.

In other news: ‘Hope for a miracle…’ – Journalist shares what Conte has now ‘told Tottenham’, find out more here.