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Wolverhampton Wanderers are reportedly closing in on centre-back Nico Elvedi, as Julen Lopetegui gets to work on replenishing his squad this summer.

The Spaniard has accumulated almost £80m in sales so far this transfer window, including the exits of central defenders Nathan Collins and Conor Coady, initiating the need to recruit in that area.

Are Wolves signing Nico Elvedi?

As reported by Football Insider on Monday, Wolves are in ‘advanced talks’ to sign Borussia Monchengladbach ace Elvedi, with the club ‘confident’ they can secure his signature.

The report adds that the Old Gold are set to pay a price of £7.7m, which is good business for a player valued by FootballTransfers at €15.5m (£13m).

The 26-year-old’s contract is set to expire at the German club next summer, with interest also coming from Tottenham earlier this summer.

How good is Nico Elvedi?

Described as “solid” by scout Antonio Mango, the 47-time capped Switzerland international has a strong reputation in Germany, highlighted by his 230 Bundesliga appearances.

The versatile defender is equipped most frequently at centre-back, however, he has shown he has the ability to play on the right side of the defence in his career, using his "strong aerial game" – as hailed by Daniel Farke – to his advantage.

A move for the £26k-per-week Zurich-born defender has come at the perfect time for Wolves, who are somewhat depleted at the back after offloading a number of figures this transfer window to raise funds.

Obtaining £23m for Collins, who fell out of favour with Lopetegui was a stellar piece of business, however, now the Midlands club must replenish for the talent lost with him and Coady bidding farewell to Molineux.

By signing Elvedi, the Spaniard could welcome to the club one of the ‘most accomplished defenders in the Bundesliga’, as described by the league’s official website.

With all his experience, the 26-year-old has asserted himself as a reliable presence to have in the back line, as supported by his ranking in the top 5% of centre-backs in Europe’s top five leagues in terms of his pass completion percentage, with 91.5% per 90, via FBref.

While Collins was a talent for Lopetegui to have at his disposal, the Old Gold could seek an upgrade on the Irishman by signing the Swiss, who has maintained a higher average of performance in defence to the 22-year-old.

Based on their respective 2022/23 campaigns, FBref comparisons highlight the strength of the player Wolves could sign in comparison to the player sold.

In the Bundesliga last term, Elvedi averaged 1.47 tackles and 1.11 interceptions per 90, scoring slightly higher than the former Wolves defender who averaged 1.34 tackles and 1.04 interceptions per 90 in the Premier League last season.

A similar pattern was evident in their protection of the goal, with the Switzerland international averaging 4.75 clearances to Collins’ 4.17 per 90, also flexing more prominent cover in the air in winning 2.26 aerials per 90 to the Irishman’s 1.84.

When making changes at the back, it’s integral for players to settle and adapt to their new surroundings quickly, with the margin for error decreasing the deeper down the pitch you go.

Lopetegui could equip his side with a player capable of filling the boots of Collins, in a deal that could prove to be an exemplary piece of business by the Old Gold.

Since the club's takeover at the end of 2021, Newcastle United have invested hefty sums on several highly-talented players.

Notably, this list includes Bruno Guimaraes, Sven Botman, Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon, and most recently, Sandro Tonali.

Spending has increased as the club prepares for one of the biggest summers in its history as it prepares to compete in the Champions League.

However, in the tenure of the new ownership, the most important signing could arguably be their first – the acquisition of Kieran Trippier in January 2022 for just £12m has emerged as an inspired piece of business.

The 32-year-old has oozed quality, composure and leadership. He is now the club captain and an indispensable component of Eddie Howe’s machine.

Nevertheless, his age cannot be escaped, and whilst he is in the most fruitful form of his life, he is nearing the twilight years of his career.

But the Magpies hierarchy has already begun the process to pinpoint a long-term successor to the Englishman, with Tino Livramento suggested as a possible target.

What’s the latest on Tino Livramento to Newcastle United?

According to the Telegraph, the Magpies have already submitted two bids for the Southampton gem, but have failed to reach an agreement.

The Saints, who were relegated to the Championship, value the 20-year-old at more than £30m, whilst Newcastle have only offered around £21m.

The outlet describes the player as 'very keen' on the move, but the club may need to wait until the sale of Allan Saint-Maximin has been completed for a timely cash injection, whilst also easing Financial Fair Play (FFP) concerns.

It was previously reported by the Daily Mail that Chelsea supposedly has a “surprise interest” in Livramento, with a £40m buy-back clause as part of his departure in 2021.

However, with the immovable Reece James and the recently-signed Malo Gusto already in their ranks, it seems unlikely that a transfer back to west London will ever materialise.

If Newcastle can just match Southampton’s asking price then a deal is very much a possibility.

Can Tino Livramento emulate Kieran Trippier at Newcastle United?

Within the Chelsea youth system, the quick right-back forged an esteemed reputation for his class and potential.

In 30 appearances during the 2020/21 season, Livramento registered ten assists and was named as the Blues' Academy Player of the Year, winning the award alongside the likes of James, Mason Mount, and Billy Gilmour.

He was then unexpectedly sold to Southampton for the next season, and in 28 top-flight outings, he averaged 1.9 tackles and 1.1 dribbles per game (third-highest ranking for each metric in the squad) to showcase his impressively competent all-round game.

But, a devastating ACL injury against Brighton in April 2022 massively derailed his progress and kept him out of action for over a year.

Now back to full fitness, he is the subject of interest from the high-flying Magpies, and Howe could train him as Trippier’s heir to the right-back throne.

Last term, Trippier was simply sensational.

He was named in OPTA’s team of the season, playing in every fixture, creating the most chances from set plays (76), and playing the most passes into the opposition box (551) in a single season since 2004. The former Tottenham Hotspur man also recorded 138 successful crosses, the most in a single season since 2006.

Having a man of this calibre to mentor the “fantastic” Livramento – as once lauded by former teammate Theo Walcott – can continue Newcastle’s reputation as a rapidly improving asset.

Manchester United have been strongly linked with a move for Rasmus Hojlund this summer and now a fresh update has emerged on the club's pursuit of the player has been revealed.

What's the latest on Rasmus Hojlund to Man United?

According to Football Transfers, the Atalanta striker has now agreed on personal terms with Man United ahead of a potential move to Old Trafford this summer.

As per the report, the Red Devils are still in the process of coming to an agreement with his Serie A club, however, it is claimed that if negotiations don't get tied up quickly, Hojlund will hand in a transfer request to speed up proceedings.

The striker recently acquired the same representation as Erik ten Hag in the hope that it would assist with completing a deal to the Premier League, however, Atalanta are commanding a £60m fee to part ways with their promising prospect and would rather make the sale in 2024.

How good is Rasmus Hojlund?

It is no secret that snapping up the services of a prolific and talented striker is high on Ten Hag's list of priorities during the summer transfer window and with a deal for Mason Mount finally secured, the club's hierarchy can now put their focus into identifying the right goal-scoring asset in the final third.

Hojlund – who has already secured comparisons to Erling Haaland – is an exciting young prospect who is already showing glimpses of his incredible potential at just 20 years old and with the right coaching under the Man United manager who is renowned for nurturing youth talent, he could take his game to the next level.

As per FBref, the Danish goal threat is most comparable to Robert Lewandowski, Romelu Lukaku and Jonathan David over the last 12 months, which is a testament to his skill set in the centre-forward role.

Not only that, Hojlund ranks in the top 30% of his positional peers across the top five European leagues for non-penalty goals, progressive carries, successful take-ons, shot-creating actions and touches, demonstrating his clear ability to use his 6 foot 3 stature to win the ball and beat defenders in dangerous areas of the pitch.

The signing of Hojlund – once hailed "remarkable" by his manager Gian Piero Gasperini – would surely present an opportunity for Ten Hag to cash in on Anthony Martial as he is now in the final year of his contract at Old Trafford and it has been reported that the club are willing to sell should the right offer be tabled this summer.

When comparing Hojlund's output with the Man United striker over last season, the Serie A ace outperformed his position competitor in several key attributes including the vital statistic of goal contributions (16 v 8), shots on target rate (54.7% v 46.2%) and shot-creating actions per 90 (2.75 v 2.58).

With that being said, if the Manchester giants can secure a deal for Hojlund it would be a great piece of business for the club heading into next season.

Not only would they seal an upgrade on Martial but it could finally resolve one of Ten Hag's biggest headaches in his pursuit to get the club back on track after years of mediocrity.

West Ham United are keeping their eye out for some younger talent this transfer window and have now added Keisuke Goto to their wanted list, according to a report from The Daily Mail.

Who is Keisuke Goto?

Having come up through the academy with Jubilo Iwata in Japan, he has already been given his first-team debut for the club despite being just 18-years-old. He has played on a total of 17 occasions in the 2023 season, but only five of those have been starts.

Considering his youth and the fact he has had to come off the bench, it is even more impressive then to hear that he has bagged five goals and one assist along the way. It means that he has a rate of 0.64 goals per 90 – a very respectable amount for the youngster.

Goto has also been capped for his country's youth sides, but has yet to make the step up to their first-team squad. If he carries on in this vein of form though – and hits his potential – it could be a case of when and not if for that.

Are West Ham United signing Keisuke Goto?

Now, according to a report from The Daily Mail, the forward may have a chance to prove himself in England soon. That's because Premier League side West Ham are now keeping a close eye on the striker, with Goto having caught the eye with his displays in Japan.

He is now on their transfer wishlist it seems, as David Moyes want to try and bring in some younger talent to ensure they have a good amount of long-term potential in the squad.

The report adds that they also want some taller players to boot, and he certainly fits that bill. Standing at 6 foot 3, Goto would certainly be a giant of a player – so he ticks both boxes that the club are currently looking for in the window.

Even though he is still well into his teens, Goto is already viewed as having a lot of potential. Football talent scout Jacek Kulig called him a "superb talent" already and even added that may soon be called the "Japanese Haaland" because of his ability and brute-like physicality.

It suggests that the youngster is already capable of producing the goods and has a high ceiling – so if West Ham do manage to sign him, it could be a shrewd bit of business by the club.

Aston Villa head coach Unai Emery has two months left of the summer transfer window to build a squad that will be capable of matching or improving on their seventh-place finish in the Premier League last season.

The Villans have already snapped up Belgian international midfielder Youri Tielemans on a free transfer from relegated Leicester City and they are now closing in on a new central defender.

Fabrizio Romano recently claimed that the club are set to sign Villarreal star Pau Torres for an initial fee of €32.5m (£28m), with his medical set to be completed in the coming weeks after the Spaniard returns from his holiday.

Emery could land a dream partner for the left-footed ace by signing reported transfer target Gleison Bremer, who is valued at around €50m (£43m), from Juventus.

What is Gleison Bremer's style of play?

The Brazil international is a throwback defender who excels at box defending without being exceptional in possession, which is why he could work perfectly with Torres.

Bremer ranks in the bottom 5% of players in his position among the Men's Big Five Leagues and European competitions over the last 365 days for progressive passes per 90. The £28m Spaniard, however, ranks among the top 4% and is in the top 1% for progressive carries per 90, while the Old Lady ace is within the bottom 16% in that regard.

These statistics suggest that Torres is one of the best centre-backs in Europe when it comes to progressing play out from the back to advance his team up the pitch, through dribbles or passes, whereas the Juventus stopper seemingly plays it safe more often than not.

However, the 26-year-old Brazilian, who averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.11 in the Serie A last season, makes up for his lack of quality on the ball with his excellent defensive attributes.

Bremer, who former Torino team-mate Mergim Vojvoda described as an "animal", has averaged 5.69 interceptions, blocks, and aerial battles won per 90 over the last 365 days, in comparison to Torres' 3.18 for Villarreal.

The Spain international ranks below the average among his positional peers in all three statistics, whereas the Serie A titan is above the average in all of them – including in the top 12% for blocks.

This could make them the perfect central defensive pairing for Villa as they would have a right-footed defensive-minded stopper who can defend the box expertly next to a cultured left-footed ball player who can start attacks with his ability in possession.

Sadio Mane hasn't exactly hit top form since joining Bayern Munich from Liverpool last summer, having endured a difficult first season.

Looking to replace Robert Lewandowski last year, the Bundesliga turned to a Premier League, Champions League and Golden Boot winner in a transfer costing just £35m. If that didn't look like good business at the time, then we're not sure what does.

One year later, however, that transfer has been utterly underwhelming. Indeed, it's been a fairly disastrous spell for the forward so far in Germany.

What went wrong for Sadio Mane in his first season at Bayern Munich?

It seemed controversial at the time, when Liverpool so willingly let Mane leave the club. But, ultimately, this was and still is a player on the decline, as shown at Bayern.

During his first season in Germany, the Senegal international scored just 12 goals in 38 games, whilst also recording just six assists. Injury issues may have gotten in the way at times, but numbers like that for a star signing remain a disappointing read.

If the statistics weren't damming enough, a bust-up with teammate Leroy Sane really summed things up for Mane, who got into a physical confrontation after Bayern's 3-0 defeat to Manchester City in the Champions League last eight, before being fined and suspended by the club.

For Bayern, as a whole, it was a strange season, however, it must be said. The Bavarians ruthlessly dismissed Julian Nagelsmann late in the season and were very nearly made to pay as Thomas Tuchel only just guided the club to a dramatic title win on the final day.

Mane voted most disappointing player by fellow players

In what is a rather brutal vote, as shared by Kicker (via Reddit), fellow Bundesliga players take part in a Player of the Season vote, which sounds fairly standard, before you realise that it also includes a vote for the biggest disappointment of the season.

Picking up that unwanted 'award' in the season just gone was Mane with a staggering 41.7% of the votes. Something tells us the next team meeting will be an awkward one at Bayern.

The forward was one of five Bayern players to make the vote, with Joshua Kimmich receiving 7.5%, Sane receiving 3.6%, Goretzka 3.2%, and Dayot Upemecano tallying up 1.6% of the votes.

It seems that, despite ultimately winning the title, the champions of Germany had themselves a pretty difficult season.

Elsewhere, Randal Kolo Muani picked up the best Player of the Season accolade with 24.2% of the vote.

Arsenal look set to undergo a summer overhaul ahead of next season as Mikel Arteta aims to add some much-needed quality to his first-team squad.

Not only are the likes of Kai Havertz and Declan Rice being strongly linked with potential moves but there are also some players who could be saying goodbye to the club in the coming weeks.

Granit Xhaka looks set to leave Arsenal this summer, with Bayer Leverkusen interested in luring him back to the Bundesliga, while fellow midfielder Thomas Partey could also be departing the Emirates, with Fabrizio Romano stating: “Understand there’s concrete chance for Thomas Partey to leave Arsenal this summer. Clubs are interested and there are discussions about his exit.”

With two key players from last term looking like they won’t play again for the Gunners, it will now be up to Arteta to replace them properly. Southampton starlet Romeo Lavia could be the ideal replacement for the Ghanaian, with Romano claiming that “talks already took place” in regard to a potential move for the youngster.

Could Arsenal sign Romeo Lavia this summer?

Bolstering his midfield has to be the Spaniard’s priority this summer, especially with Xhaka and Partey potentially leaving, and a move for Lavia could certainly numb the blow of losing those two.

Despite the Saints being relegated from the Premier League, ending their ten-year spell in the top flight, Lavia was arguably one of their only bright sparks during a woeful season.

The former Manchester City starlet particularly showcased his defensive abilities, ranking second for tackles per game (2.1) and seventh for interceptions per game (1.1) across the Southampton squad, while also achieving an overall Sofascore rating of 6.8/10, enough to place him eighth in the first team, a solid enough showing considering he only turned 19 in January.

The teen also features alongside some fairly illustrious company in terms of winning possession in the midfield third across Europe’s top five leagues, finishing second behind Moises Caicedo, while ahead of Jude Bellingham having won possession 114 times in that area of the pitch, showcasing his ball-winning qualities.

Having this defensive solidity in the heart of the midfield could be key for Arsenal next term, and would allow the likes of Martin Odegaard to flourish, giving them more freedom going forward, knowing that Lavia will be there sweeping everything up and screening the defence.

The midfielder is valued at £45m by the south coast side, yet having been lauded as someone who is “always calm on the ball” by Jean Kindermans, the head of the Anderlecht academy, and dubbed an “absolute monster” by journalist Benjy Nurick, it’s evident Arteta should be making his move sooner rather than later.

Arsenal remain interested in a number of key men, with a fresh update having been dropped on Tuesday…

What's the latest on Moises Caicedo to Arsenal?

Writing in The Telegraph, journalist Sam Dean sought to outline the summer transfer plans of Mikel Arteta and Edu in what could be a groundbreaking window to shorten the gap between them and the treble-winning Manchester City.

Whilst the main information in the report is regarding Nicolas Pepe's supposed exit, as well as the nearing completion of the Declan Rice deal, it does also suggest that once the West Ham United star is welcomed to north London, they will turn their attention towards prying Moises Caicedo from Brighton and Hove Albion, with an offer being prepared.

Their interest remains from those two failed bids in January, and despite the Ecuador international having signed a new deal since, the Seagulls will reportedly demand at least £70m.

To sign both of these Premier League midfield monsters would be a huge statement of intent from the Gunners.

How good would Moises Caicedo and Declan Rice be together?

With the notion that these two will join as a midfield partnership together, it is easy to see why Arteta sees them as complementary assets who would bring out the best in one another.

As Rice has grown in stature over the years, shining as captain of the Hammers and an instrumental cog in the England setup, his creative qualities have been emphasised this term too.

It is this offensive impetus that would offer a fine balance alongside Caicedo, who would offer a platform for such exploits.

The 24-year-old scored five goals and assisted four more in all competitions as the Irons comfortably avoided the drop and won the Europa Conference League. It seems like the fairytale ending for the England international, who can now depart the London Stadium having truly given his all to the club that first gave him a football career.

However, if he is to shine as the centrepiece of this new-look engine room, bursting forward towards the penalty area with aplomb, the 21-year-old alternative cannot be ignored for the work he will get through behind Rice.

A tireless yet classy presence in the heart of midfield, Caicedo's 7.08 average rating this term gives way to 2.7 tackles, 1.2 key passes, and 1.5 interceptions per game, via Sofascore, with such defensive aptitude potentially allowing Rice to go about his business in the final third.

Such relentless energy even led South American football expert Tim Vickery to brand him a "terrific athlete".

To place these two in midfield would be yet another Arteta masterstroke, pairing hard work and quality with both defensive and attacking boosts.

This is even without mentioning their youth, and the fact they could hold down their spots for the next decade of what could be a dominant period should they topple Pep Guardiola's history makers.

Newcastle United are considering a swoop for Manchester City outcast Kalvin Phillips, with the Tyneside club looking to bolster the ranks after qualifying for the Champions League.

What's the latest on Kalvin Phillips to Newcastle?

According to the Telegraph, Toon technical director Dan Ashworth is pursuing a move for the England international but has been left frustrated by the player's desire to stay at the Etihad Stadium and fight for his place next season.

Recently touted at £35m, the 27-year-old has only started for Pep Guardiola's outfit four times across all competitions this term after completing a £45m transfer from Leeds United last summer.

Despite the midfielder's public desire to remain in Manchester, the Magpies' offer of a starring role could be too enticing to resist as the transfer window takes centre-stage, especially if Guardiola is unable to provide Phillips with assurances over the number of minutes he will be provided next year.

Should Newcastle sign Kalvin Phillips?

Despite flattering to deceive with the Premier League champions – though his impact at the club was hampered by detrimental early injury issues that sidelined him for much of the first phase of the season – Phillips is a proven midfield titan on top-flight soil.

Instrumental for Leeds in reclaiming a spot among England's elite and starring during a resounding 20/21 term where the entertaining Whites clinched ninth place – just three points away from European qualification – the £160k-per-week ace cemented himself as one of the most robust midfielders in the division.

Indeed, across those two campaigns, Phillips completed 82% and 84.5% of his passes, 2.6 and 2.7 tackles per game and 1.2 and 0.5 key passes per outing, as per WhoScored.

Former teammate Barry Douglas said, "as a defensive midfielder with an array of passing skills, Kalvin Phillips is probably the best I’ve played with", while former Whites boss Neil Redfearn remarked, "Bielsa has made Kalvin an expert deep-lying midfielder but he could do both roles.”

With Magpies boss Eddie Howe seeking to bolster his midfield this summer, Phillips could be a shrewd alternative to touted West Ham United star Declan Rice, with the £100m-valued man attracting attention from a plethora of top European outfits, including Newcastle, ahead of the forthcoming transfer window.

Rice has been lauded as an "absolute monster" by ESPN UK editor David Cartlidge and ranks among the top 20% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for progressive passes, the top 15% for progressive carries, the top 5% for interceptions and the top 17% for clearances per 90, as per FBref.

Phillips is capable of replicating such metrics, evidenced in the Premier League with Leeds, notably ranking in the top 8% of midfielders in the division throughout 2021/22 for tackles and interceptions combined.

Provided license to cement a prominent role at St. James' Park, he might just harness the full might of his skill set.

Newcastle United could be set for another summer of spending to bolster their impressive squad after securing Champions League football next season and now a new update has emerged on a potential transfer target.

What's the latest on Newcastle's interest in Tino Livramento?

According to The NUFC Blog, Newcastle are plotting a move for Southampton star Valentino Livramento this summer.

As per the report, the club's hierarchy have been in contact with representatives of the talented full-back and are also interested in his teammate Armel Bella-Kotchap.

Livramento is represented by the same football agency – Wasserman – as Eddie Howe and Newcastle stalwart Ryan Fraser, so it is claimed that clear lines of communication have been made in pursuit of the player.

Would Livramento be a good signing for Newcastle?

It is no secret that Howe is a big believer in nurturing young English talent, something he proved during his tenure at Bournemouth and has started to implement in his current team with England U21s international Anthony Gordon the latest to join the fold at St James' Park.

As a result, the signing of Livramento – who has a reported price tag of £40m – would make perfect sense for the Magpies manager and could even be the rightful heir to Kieran Trippier's huge role in the team.

Unfortunately, the 20-year-old – hailed a "great talent" by former Spurs ace Ledley King – suffered an ACL injury in April 2022 but did manage to return to the final two games of the season when Southampton had already confirmed relegation from the Premier League.

The rising star – who graduated from Chelsea's famous Cobham academy – played a key role in his breakout season with Saints over his 28 top-flight appearances, scoring one goal, registering one assist and creating four big chances, as well as averaging 1.7 interceptions, 1.9 tackles, 1.1 successful dribbles and 5.1 duels won per game, proving that when fit he is a consistent all-rounder on the right flank.

Indeed, the youngster is unlikely to come in and steal the starting spot from Trippier next season if he was to join the club this summer, however, with the England international now 32 years old and Livramento easing his way back into football after a horrific injury it could be the perfect opportunity to bring in an understudy who already has huge potential and top-flight experience.

With that being said, there is no doubt that Livramento would be a fantastic signing for the Magpies this summer and would give them a ready-made Trippier heir who can develop his craft and learn from one of the most experienced right-backs in the league to fulfil his true potential.