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Sunderland manager Alex Neil has provided an exciting update about his side’s plans in the transfer market this summer, as they continue their pre-season campaign in Portugal.

What’s the story?

Speaking to the Sunderland Echo, Neil explained how the club still “have a lot of work to do” but that they have “discussions ongoing” over a number of targets.

It seems as though patience will be the key if the Black Cats are to secure the additions they want to make ahead of a tough season in a new league.

Neil was also upbeat about his team’s progress in pre-season following an impressive 45-minute display against Scottish giants Rangers.

Supporters will be buzzing

Fans on Wearside will be buzzing to hear that the club are talking to several players on a daily basis as they look to add depth and create competition for places.

They have made two additions so far with Daniel Ballard joining from Arsenal earlier in the window, and most recently they secured the signature of highly-rated forward Jack Clarke from Tottenham Hotspur.

Clarke signed a four-year deal at the Stadium of Light giving Sunderland much more strength up front. Neil has been pleased with the club’s ability to sign these young talents describing the deals as “not easy” to do.

The club secured promotion back to the Championship last season with a play-off victory after six long seasons in League One. With their large support it will be a hard place for any team to visit next season as they hope to make their mark in a highly competitive division.

Supporters will talk about a return to the Premier League but the club have a lot of work to do if they want to reach that point and it starts with success in the transfer market and making the right additions to the squad.

Time will tell whether they build a side good enough to survive comfortably next season, but they can’t take anything for granted and must not underestimate the ability of the sides around them who will have just as much desire to succeed.

IN other news: Sunderland can land Dan Neil 2.0 with bid for £6k-p/w talent who’s “the whole package”…

Liverpool have been heavily linked with a move for Gavi this summer, and now a reliable source has given an update on the player’s future.

What’s the latest?

Italian journalist and transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has given an update on Barcelona’s negotiations on a new contract with their midfielder Gavi.

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Romano tweeted:

“Gavi, set to extend his contract with Barcelona as expected. Alemany now confirms: “Gavi will 100% continue with Barça, we have an agreement in place.”

“New deal set to be signed, never been in doubt. Gavi stays.”

Supporters will be gutted

There is no doubt that supporters will be gutted that another promising midfield prospect has not been signed, with Liverpool already missing out on Aurelien Tchouameni this summer.

It was reported by the Liverpool Echo that the Merseyside giants would be making midfield a priority area to improve over the current transfer window, with Jordan Henderson, Thiago Alcantara and James Milner all in the latter stages of their career at this point.

Injecting youth and fresh faces into the centre of the pitch is certainly something that would be warmly welcomed, especially now the forward line has been updated with Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez and Fabio Carvalho all joining the club since the turn of the year.

Gavi was named the third-best wonderkid in football by GOAL, and it’s not hard to see why when you consider the 17-year-old’s output for his club and his country so far.

For Barcelona last season the central midfielder scored two goals, delivered five assists and created eight big chances. He also made 1.1 tackles and won 5.6 duels on average per game, as well as completing the majority of his dribble attempts successfully (62%) over 34 appearances.

For Spain, Gavi became the national side’s youngest ever scorer in the country’s history at the age of 17 years and 304 days with a goal against Czech Republic last month.

The youngster was given his senior debut by Luis Enrique in October last year and has already earned 10 caps, with the Spain manager dubbing Gavi an “erupting volcano” in a post-match interview following a 2-0 victory in the Nations League over Czech Republic (via 90min).

Enrique claimed: “[Gavi is] an erupting volcano. It is very difficult not to fall in love with Gavi.

“Any fan wants to see him play.”

With all considered, Liverpool have now likely missed out on signing the fantastic young midfielder this summer and FSG will need to work hard to identify other options that can offer the guaranteed high quality and impact the young Spaniard could have made at Anfield.

AND in other news: FSG plotting Liverpool bid to sign “composed” £17m “mini Haaland”, imagine him & Salah

The summer transfer window is officially open and the only first-team deal that Rangers have completed at Ibrox so far is the signing of John Souttar. 

Ross Wilson snapped up the centre-back on a pre-contract agreement in January, with the player arriving on a free transfer from Hearts ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

It now remains to be seen what other business the Light Blues will look to execute as Gio van Bronckhorst attempts to build on his first season in Glasgow as a manager.

Former Gers defender Craig Moore recently tipped the club to be one of the interested parties in a deal to sign former Hibernian star Martin Boyle, and the forward could be a player who joins Souttar as a fresh arrival at Ibrox.

The 46-year-old said: “Celtic, no, Rangers, definitely could be a possibility. I think Rangers are in a situation where they might be looking at a right winger in terms of strengthening the squad.

“Hagi is still injured, I know Wright and Sakala have played there but there are not natural winger types. Someone like Martin Boyle, who has proven himself, that for me would be very interesting and I’m sure Rangers will be monitoring the situation.”

The winger joined Al-Faisaly for £3m in January but his future is now said to be in doubt after the club’s relegation last season.

Big Scott Wright upgrade

Van Bronckhorst must now push for Rangers to sign Boyle, as he would come in as a big upgrade on current right winger Scott Wright.

Former Hibs boss Neil Lennon once dubbed the Australian an “outstanding” talent, and his statistics in Scotland back up that comment. In the first half of the 2021/22 Premiership season, the 29-year-old scored seven goals and created six ‘big chances’, along with recording three assists, in 20 games. 

He also scored a hat-trick against Rangers in the semi-final of the League Cup last November as he gave the Light Blues a first-hand display of what he would be capable of doing for them.

This came after he plundered 12 goals and six assists in 36 Scottish top-flight matches in the previous campaign, showing that he has the quality to make a huge impact in the final third at that level.

Meanwhile, Wright scored four goals and provided one assist in 19 league games for Rangers, after a haul of three goals and one assist in 26 games in 2020/21.

He has been unable to prove that he can be a regular source for goals and assists, and that is why the Gers can land a big upgrade on him by signing Boyle, who has proven his ability in front of goal in the Premiership.

The former Aberdeen man can still be a useful squad member and pacey option from the bench, but the statistics suggest that the Australian forward would improve Van Bronckhorst’s starting XI.

AND in other news, Imagine him & Morelos: Rangers can form dream duo with bid for “delicious” 98 G/A gem…

Sunderland are among a number of clubs who are interested in signing Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite this summer, according to a fresh transfer claim.

The Lowdown: Branthwaite out on loan?

The 19-year-old was only a bit-part player for the Toffees last season, starting just four Premier League matches and making eight appearances in all competitions.

Frank Lampard has already secured the services of James Tarkowski on a free transfer this summer, and it could mean that Branthwaite drifts further down the centre-back pecking order at Goodison Park.

It therefore looks as though a loan move away from Everton could make sense next season, as the teenager looks to enjoy more regular football elsewhere.

The Latest: Sunderland keen on Branthwaite

According to The Daily Mail [25/06, p110, via Football League World], Sunderland are interested in signing Branthwaite on a temporary basis this summer.

Middlesbrough and Sheffield United are also mentioned as potential suitors for the teenager, who has been described by his former Carlisle manager Steven Pressley as a ‘future England international’.

The Verdict: Shrewd summer signing

This could be a perfect move for all parties this summer, with Sunderland possibly benefiting from having a player with 10 Premier League appearances in his locker.

Granted, he remains extremely young and is still learning his trade, but coming up against some world-class attacking players already in his fledgling career should stand him in good stead and enable him to thrive in the Championship.

New additions with genuine pedigree are needed at Sunderland this summer as they aim for a solid campaign upon their return to the second tier, and Branthwaite could be a dominant presence at the back, having averaged 3.3 clearances and 1.8 successful aerial duels per Premier League game last season.

Journalist Gregg Evans has tipped Aston Villa to make further additions this summer, despite having already been active in the current window.

What’s the word?

Writing on Twitter, the club insider has suggested that “more incomings will follow” before the start of next season, with the club having made four major signings already this summer.

The Midlands outfit secured high-profile deals for Marseille’s Boubacar Kamara and Sevilla’s Diego Carlos, while Philippe Coutinho and Robin Olsen have joined permanently from Barcelona and Roma, respectively, following their recent loan stints at Villa Park.

In a previous article for The Athletic, Evans revealed that as many as three new signings are being targeted, with a midfielder, a striker and a new left-sided defender all on the shopping list.

Supporters buzzing

Excitement is already brewing among supporters following the swift, early business done by Steven Gerrard and co, although the news that further reinforcements could be made will set pulses racing even higher, with it looking set to be a hugely impressive window for the club.

Despite having spent over £100m last term, the Villans were left languishing in 14th come the end of the season, having struggled to properly kick on as expected following the appointment of the Englishman in November.

With substantial financial support this summer, however, the belief will be that the former Liverpool skipper can push the ambitious club into contention for European qualification, having previously showcased his managerial talent at former club Rangers, after ending Celtic’s nine-year title dominance in 2021.

The 42-year-old has recently admitted his slight frustration that the Ibrox side weren’t able to provide him with the backing to go again last summer, although it is looking as if he won’t be suffering a repeat scenario at his current side, with NSWE seemingly set to hand him all the tools to be a success.

Such significant investment will understandably heighten the pressure on his position, although should he be able to recruit the players of his choosing the club could well see drastic improvements next term.

At present, the likes of Luis Suarez and Calvin Bassey are just a couple of the names who have been tipped to join the Premier League side, with supporters seemingly set to see even more new arrivals come through the door in the coming weeks.

IN other news, AVFC face battle to land “aggressive” £60m machine, he’s one of the “best” in his role 

Celtic face Premier League competition in the race for Aberdeen midfielder Connor Barron this summer.

The Lowdown: Barron on the move?

The 19-year-old is a highly-rated young player, making 12 starts in the third tier on loan at Kelty Hearts last season before returning to the Scottish Premiership in January, where he played 13 times for the Dons.

Barron has been hailed as ‘absolutely excellent’ by former Dundee striker Rory Loy and Celtic have been linked with a move for him in recent times.

Now, a new update has emerged, with the Hoops facing a battle to sign the youngster.

The Latest: New update emerges

According to Football Scotland deputy editor Mark Hendry, Celtic still intend to secure the Scot’s services, but Premier League side Brentford are hovering ominously:

“Connor Barron is a target but Premier League side Brentford hope to take him south.”

The Verdict: Get it done, Hoops

While Barron wouldn’t necessarily come in as an immediate key man for Celtic this summer, he would be viewed as an exciting long-term proposition, having captained Aberdeen Under-18s and Under-20s sides.

The central midfielder already has two caps to his name for Scotland’s Under-21s and those numbers should only increase as the years pass, with senior international football surely coming his way if he continues to impress in the youth sides.

With Tom Rogic leaving Celtic this summer, fresh blood is required in the middle of the park, and Barron could be the man to help fill that void in the long-term, perhaps getting some chances in the domestic cup games initially.

In other news, one player has been backed to make a move to Celtic. Find out who it is here.

An update has emerged on Tottenham and their pursuit of Yves Bissouma in the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Spurs are set to enter contract negotiations with the gem after agreeing a deal with Brighton.

He Tweeted: on Wednesday: “Tottenham will proceed in talks with Yves Bissouma and his agents in the coming hours, in order to complete final details of his move to Spurs from Brighton. Tottenham have an agreement in place on the fee – it’s matter of final steps on player side.”

This comes after the reporter revealed the fee the club will be paying for the Mali international: “Tottenham are set to complete their third signing: agreement in place for Yves Bissouma joining from Brighton, as first reported by @garyjacob. Final details on the add-ons, €26m fee. Spurs are offering Bissouma a five year deal – new midfielder is coming for Conte.”

Antonio Conte will be buzzing

Spurs’ head coach will be buzzing with this update on the impending deal for multiple reasons.

Firstly, the timing of the move will delight the Italian. The club are set to jet off to Korea for a pre-season tour in the early parts of July and it seems like Bissouma will be in the door – if everything goes to plan from here on out – in time to join his new teammates for the trip.

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This means that he will be able to spend the entire pre-season working with Conte and the rest of the team to help get him up to speed ahead of the new Premier League campaign.

He will be able to adapt to the former Chelsea boss’ tactics, instead of coming in towards the end of the window and playing catch-up whilst important games are coming thick and fast.

Conte will also be buzzing with the news because Bissouma has the potential to be an excellent addition to his Tottenham team.

In the 2021/22 Premier League season, the 25-year-old averaged a superb SofaScore rating of 7.07 across 26 appearances. He caught the eye in midfield as he made a whopping 4.8 tackles and interceptions per game, whilst completing 89% of his attempted passes.

These statistics show that he has the ability to win the ball back for his team on a regular basis along with being reliable in possession. He will, therefore, offer a good balance between defence and attack in the middle of the park and Conte will be excited by the talks as he will be keen to work with him.

AND in other news, Spurs can unearth dream Kane heir in deal for “invaluable” £22m “Ibrahimovic-machine”…

Aston Villa have received an offer for Trezeguet, transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano reports.

The lowdown

Villa paid £9million to sign Trezeguet for Super Lig outfit Kasimpasa in the summer of 2019, ahead of their first season back in the top flight.

He enjoyed a decent first season, scoring six Premier League goals to help Dean Smith’s side in the Premier League.

In April 2021, however, Trezeguet would suffer a serious knee injury against Liverpool, sidelining him for a full 238 days and 25 matches.

He returned as a substitute in the 2-1 defeat against Brentford in January but would then be sent on loan to Istanbul Basaksehir for the remainder of the campaign.

Still valued at £9million by Transfermarkt, he has only 12 months remaining on his £32,500-per-week contract at Villa Park.

The latest

Romano tweeted at 21.22 on Thursday that Trabzonspor ‘have made an official proposal to Aston Villa’ for Trezeguet, and now ‘negotiations are set to begin’ between the two clubs.

They’re not the only Turkish outfit interested in Trezeguet, who has suitors ‘in different leagues’ too.

The verdict

If Villa’s aim was to get Trezeguet playing regular football again and drum up his value ahead of the summer, then the loan worked a treat.

He played 13 times for Basaksehir and was directly involved in ten goals, scoring six and laying on four assists.

Clearly, he impressed a number of sides in the division, and now they’re vying for his signature.

It’s tempting to wonder whether he could have forced his way into Steven Gerrard’s plans had he not been injured when the new manager arrived.

Villa podcaster Chris Dolan has raved about his ‘unbelievable’ work rate, and maybe that would have appealed to Gerrard.

In other news, Fabrizio Romano drops Aston Villa transfer news.

Celtic are reportedly on the verge of finalising the signing of Bayern Munich youngster Christopher Scott, according to GhanaSoccerNet. 

The lowdown: Rising star

A product of Bayer Leverkusen’s youth system, the youngster was snapped up by the Bundesliga champions in 2020 and has since graduated through the academy setup at the Allianz Arena.

The 19-year-old attacking midfielder boasts a glowing record across youth and reserve team levels, scoring 44 times and providing 17 assists in 114 appearances.

Despite already making two senior outings for Bayern, it appears as though the Hoops could be set to land the talented teenager…

The latest: Celtic ‘closing in’ on Scott

As per GhanaSoccerNet, Celtic are ‘closing in’ on the capture of Scott as Ange Postecoglou attempts to strengthen the Lennoxtown ranks once again.

It is claimed that the Parkhead hierarchy must meet a £250,000 asking price for compensation in order to seal a deal for the Germany under-20 starlet, who has been stylistically compared to Chelsea star Kai Havertz.

The report added that the Hoops ‘remain favourites’ to sign the prospect described as possessing ‘good speed’ by Hansi Flick amidst reported interest from Brentford.

The verdict: Exciting times

Having already shown his outstanding eye for talent in the transfer market, the prospect of Postecoglou potentially bringing in a Germany youth international from Bayern Munich is enough to whet the appetite for what could be to come at Parkhead next season.

During the 2021/22 season, Scott lit up the German fourth tier and displayed a penchant for influencing matches from deep with seven goals and six assists in 24 appearances, playing across a plethora of positions to highlight a wide-ranging versatility in the process.

Following the departure of prolific midfielder Tom Rogic from Parkhead, signing the £1.08m-rated Scott would be a superb piece of business, especially for the mooted compensation fee.

In other news: Ex-BBC man makes ‘unbelievable’ Celtic claim, read more here

Newcastle United are reportedly now eyeing up a move for Eddie Nketiah this summer.

The Lowdown: Out of contract

The 22-year-old is out of contract in the summer and Arsenal have reportedly now made their final offer in order to try and convince him to remain at the Emirates Stadium.

Dubbed a player with an ‘incredible work-rate’, ‘pace’ and a ‘smell for goals’ by Gunners boss Mikel Arteta (Sportskeeda), the striker scored five goals in his last seven games in the Premier League, helping his team to secure five wins in the process (Transfermarkt).

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The Latest: Newcastle lurking for Nketiah

Taking to Twitter, Luke Edwards has revealed that Newcastle are now watching Nketiah’s situation ‘closely’, along with Crystal Palace.

Addressing the Arsenal man’s future, The Telegraph journalist outlined: “#nufc are also watching this situation closely and the player is good friends with Joe Willock.”

The Verdict: No-brainer

It is a no-brainer for Newcastle to sign Nketiah on a free transfer, especially given the fact that he is English (therefore contributing towards homegrown quota), in a rich vein of form and only 22 years of age.

He could be a great squad option to supplement both Callum Wilson and Chris Wood in attack, and if it did not work out at St James’ Park for whatever reason, the Magpies could still sell him on for a profit.

Nonetheless, with his friend and former Arsenal team-mate Willock on Tyneside, Nketiah should be able to settle in fairly comfortably should he end up making the move to the northeast.

In other news, find out what NUFC deal is reportedly now ‘close’