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Liverpool have agreed personal terms with exciting youngster Calvin Ramsay over a move to Anfield, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Ramsay joining Liverpool?

The Aberdeen right-back has been strongly linked with a move to the Reds in recent months, as Jurgen Klopp eyes up summer reinforcements.

Ramsay has already registered nine assists in just 39 appearances for the Scottish club, highlighting his attacking pedigree from his defensive role.

It now looks as though the highly-rated Scot has edged ever closer to signing for Liverpool, following a fresh update from a reliable reporter.

The Latest: Romano makes Ramsay transfer claim

Taking to Twitter on Sunday morning, Romano claimed that personal terms are set to be agreed and that there is confidence that a €10m (£8.54m) move will go through. He revealed:

“Liverpool are set to reach an agreement with Calvin Ramsay on personal terms – they made an official bid to Aberdeen for the Scottish fullback.

“Club confident on agreement between clubs – but Aberdeen want around €10m with add ons included. Talks ongoing.”

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The Verdict: Hugely exciting prospect

While Ramsay won’t necessarily come to Anfield as part of Liverpool’s strongest XI – he surely won’t be replacing Trent Alexander-Arnold any time soon – he is undoubtedly a big prospect for the future.

For that reason, his imminent arrival is hugely exciting, allowing him to learn from arguably the world’s best right-back in the 23-year-old, not to mention being given chances to prove his worth by Jurgen Klopp in pre-season or domestic cup matches. At 18, time is very much on his side, too.

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It would also allow Neco Williams to move elsewhere permanently this summer, generating more transfer funds for new signings in the process in the knowledge that there is ample right-back cover in place.

In other news, another key Liverpool transfer update has emerged. Read more here.

Newcastle United have made significant progress in their pursuit of Reims striker Hugo Ekitike, according to reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Failed January pursuit

The 19-year-old was a firm target of the Magpies in January as new manager Eddie Howe looked to bring in a couple of forwards to St James’ Park.

Burnley striker Chris Wood arrived in the northeast after Newcastle swiftly struck a £25m deal following an injury to Callum Wilson, and it appeared that Ekitike was set to follow suit and make a late switch on deadline day after the Magpies had a £33m bid accepted by the Ligue 1 outfit.

However, the Frenchman decided that the timing wasn’t right and that he would instead assess his options at the end of the season.

The Latest: Romano’s update on Ekitike

Romano has now shared the latest update involving Newcastle’s pursuit of Ekitike.

Taking to Twitter, he claimed: “Hugo Ekitike deal. Newcastle and Reims have full agreement on €30m fee plus €5m add-ons, agent is now in talks with Newcastle after being given permission by Reims.

“Work in progress as Newcastle have been leading the race for weeks.”

The Verdict: Huge talent

According to analyst Statman Dave, who has featured on Sky Sports, the Magpies are set to sign “a big talent”. He elaborated: “Only Kylian Mbappe [1.25] registered more non-penalty direct goal involvements than Hugo Ekitike [0.85] in the 21/22 Ligue 1 season.”

Newcastle writer Charlie Bennett has claimed that the unfulfilled deal for the 19-year-old paralleled one failed transfer from the past; like Ekitike, a young, highly-rated Ligue 1 striker in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was close to joining the Magpies in the past, but a deal to bring him to St James’ Park ultimately failed to materialise.

Therefore, if Ekitike can live up to the Gabon striker’s legacy in the Premier League, in which he scored 68 goals for Arsenal, it would be a fantastic signing for Newcastle.

In other news: Craig Hope shares Sven Botman transfer insight

Reliable journalist Alasdair Gold has highlighted the three key areas that Tottenham will look to strengthen next during the summer transfer window.

The Lowdown: Perisic and Forster incoming

This looks set to be an intriguing summer for Spurs, having finished in the Premier League top four and returned to the promised land of the Champions League.

The money should be available for Antonio Conte to bring in a number of new signings, beginning with winger Ivan Perisic and goalkeeper Fraser Forster.

The pair are both expected to be Spurs players by the start of next season, with the former Inter star’s deal the first to be confirmed in an announcement on Tuesday.

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The Latest: Gold makes fresh claim

Writing in a Q&A for football.london, Gold was asked what comes after Perisic and Forster, claiming there are three areas of the pitch Conte will specifically look to strengthen next:

“They’ll keep looking across the squad for improvements and move when they can. Right wing-back, a forward-thinking midfielder and a striker are all on the list plus replacing anyone who might be heading out the door.”

The Verdict: Exciting times

There is no doubt that these are exciting times to be a Spurs fan, with Conte excelling as manager and masterminding a return to Champions League action, and now backed by a £150m cash injection.

While it is not clear how much of that capital increase is just for transfers, the financial gains from a top-four finish are great, too, and there is no reason why this can’t be one of the most productive summers in recent memory, as top players come in and replace those deemed not fit to serve in Conte’s system.

If the Italian can strengthen in those positions mentioned, another top-four finish has to be the bare minimum next season, with winning a trophy surely the main target.

In other news, a journalist is adamant over one Spurs agreement. Read more here.

Journalist Niccolo Ceccarini has now shared a big Tottenham Hotspur transfer update on their hunt for Inter Milan star Alessandro Bastoni.

The Lowdown: Conte draws list…

After deciding to stay at Spurs for his first full Premier League season in charge of the club, it is believed manager Antonio Conte and transfer chief Fabio Paratici met in Italy last week to discuss summer recruitment strategy.

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The Lilywhites must use their £150 million equity increase wisely as they seek to back Conte whilst also operating efficiently in a competitive market.

Conte wishes to add a central defender to strengthen his back three and it is believed that Serie A sensation Bastoni is among his prime targets.

The Latest: Ceccarini shares update…

TMW reporter Ceccarini, sharing news in the last 48 hours, now claims that a Tottenham ‘assault is ready’ to sign the Italy international, who is also wanted by Manchester United.

Spurs are apparently ‘strong on him’ and manager Conte approves the move, with this report going on to claim he ‘would be happy’ to welcome his former star at Hotspur Way.

The Verdict: Get it done…

Bastoni’s potential signing would signal a real statement of intent and perhaps sum up the change in mentality which Conte has managed to instil at N17.

He shined for Inter over 2021/2022, making the second-most interceptions per 90 for them in the Italian top flight and racking up the third-highest number of clearances on average (WhoScored).

At just 23-years-old, Bastoni has been widely tipped as Italy’s next generation reliable defender after Azzurri legend Georgio Chiellini – backing his glowing reputation.

Serie A writer and Get Italian Football News (GIFN) reporter Kaustubh Pandey has branded the defender a ‘world class’ left-footed star, but if Spurs are serious, Ceccarini say they will need €60-70 million (£51m-£59m) to seal the deal.

In other news: Meeting held: Tottenham enter talks over ‘beast’ as Conte eyes marquee striker move, find out more here.

Aston Villa could be able to secure a deal for Wolfsburg defender Maxence Lacroix, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

What’s the word?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the transfer insider insisted that a deal for the Frenchman – who has been tipped to move Villa Park this summer – could be ‘more achievable’ than that of Liverpool centre-back Joe Gomez.

Amid speculation regarding a potential move to the Midlands for the Reds defender, O’Rourke suggested that it could be Lacroix who proves easier to sign, saying: “Lacroix could be a more achievable target for Aston Villa right now. They could maybe put in a decent offer for him. I’m sure Wolfsburg reluctantly might consider selling him to get the money.”

Reports in Germany have suggested that the 22-year-old has a €40m (£34m) release clause in his existing contract, ensuring that a deal could well be struck if Villa are willing to cough up the required fee.

The next McGrath?

The 6 foot 3 colossus has earned comparisons to Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand for his quality both in and out of possession, although for the Villans his style of play could well evoke memories of another hero of the past in former Republic of Ireland international Paul McGrath.

Plucked from the Red Devils in 1989, the immensely talented defender emerged as a cult figure at Villa Park over the next seven years, notably winning two League Cups and securing a second-place finish in the inaugural Premier League season. Indeed, he was named the PFA Players’ Player of the Year for his form in that 1992/93 campaign.

Nicknamed ‘God’ by the Villa faithful, McGrath remains a hugely popular at his former club, with many supporters likely wishing that they had a player of his quality in the first-team ranks to help bolster what has at times been a leaky backline in recent months.

In Lacroix, however, Gerrard could well have found an heir to the Irishman’s throne, the youngster having that ‘healthy aggression’ (as per the official Bundesliga website) which is required to succeed at the top level.

It evokes echoes of McGrath, who was noted for his ‘pace, power and composure’ during his stellar playing career.

The most recent campaign saw the former Sochaux man impress once again, averaging a remarkable 2.1 interceptions, two tackles and 4.8 clearances per game in 29 Bundesliga outings, while also winning 64% of his total duels. With that in mind, it’s hardly a surprise to see him dubbed a “top tier CB talent” by BBC Sport writer Raj Chohan.

In comparison to those in his position across Europe’s top five leagues, the £18m-rated gem also stands out from the rest, ranking in the top 1% for dribbles completed and also for interceptions, showcasing his ability to play out from the back but to also read the game commendably.

Although it may be a burden to compare him a player who Jack Charlton once described as “one of the all-time greats” of the sport, Lacroix seemingly has the speed, athleticism and quality to be a success in English football, with Gerrard potentially having the next McGrath on his hands should he secure a deal for the 22-year-old.

IN other news, Gerrard can now axe £20m “mistake” by signing £15m ace who’s “capable of leading” AVFC

Newcastle United will surely be in the market for new recruits to bolster Eddie Howe’s team when the summer transfer window opens up.

The Magpies will be in the Premier League again next season as an incredible second half of the current campaign has taken them from being in the bottom three to 12th in the table.

Howe has worked wonders and PIF will now be able to add more quality to his squad in the hope that he can take the club into the top half in 2022/23.

One player for whom the club have recently been linked with a move is Hellas Verona striker Giovanni Simeone. The son of Atletico Madrid manager Diego is a transfer target for the Magpies, who look set to battle it out with West Ham and Napoli to land the attacker.

It has been reported that he is valued at around €25m (£21m) by the Serie A club, who will sign him permanently before potentially moving him on, although it remains to be seen whether or not any of the three interested parties will meet that figure.

Howe can get St James’ Park rocking

Howe must implore PIF to splash the cash to sign Simeone, as he will be able to get St James’ Park rocking with a deal for the Argentine predator.

Newcastle have not had a consistent goalscorer in the Premier League this season, and this is why fans would surely love to see the striker arrive on Tyneside. Callum Wilson is the club’s top scorer in the league with just six goals, some way short of what the Cagliari loanee has managed this term.

Journalist Toni Padilla claimed that Simeone has found the “scoring nose” in Serie A, and the 26-year-old’s statistics for Verona back that up. He has scored 16 times in 31 league starts for the Gialloblu, whilst also providing five assists for his team-mates. 

These statistics suggest that the Argentine would the main man up front that Newcastle have been lacking throughout the current campaign. He has proven that he can score on a regular basis at the top level and he has room to develop further at the age of 26, which means that Howe could work with the striker to help him improve and score even more regularly.

This is why St James’ Park would be rocking with excitement at a deal for Simeone, as he would be a phenomenal addition to the squad and one which would solve a glaring problem with the team, namely the lack of a consistent goalscorer.

AND in other news, Forget Guimaraes: £59k-p/w NUFC dynamo who won 100% duels was a monster on Monday…

Everton star Richarlison is looking to line up a move to a European ‘giant’ this summer, according to Goal Brazil journalist Thiago Fernandes. 

The lowdown

Everton are battling to remain in the Premier League, and Richarlison is at the heart of those efforts.

The Blues are just two points above the bottom three with two games – against Crystal Palace and Arsenal – remaining.

Richarlison has bagged five goals in the last eight games, with his strikes against Leicester City and Chelsea earning the Toffees four potentially crucial points.

But it seems the £45million-rated man, who has just over two years left on his contract, may look to leave even if they’re successful in their survival bid.

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The latest

Fernandes took to Twitter to report that Richarlison is assessing potential exit routes.

The player’s camp would like to arrange a transfer to one of the continental elite, he says.

“Richarlison considers leaving Everton at the end of the season and seeks a giant in Europe,” he wrote.

“Striker should not stay at the English club in 2022/2023. His staff wants to put him in a team considered “top” on the continent.”

The verdict

Football Insider reported in April that ‘crunch talks’ had been held behind the scenes over Richarlison’s future, and it seems that he may have mind his made up.

Everton will be safe if they can beat Crystal Palace on Thursday, but it’s possible that this season has raised serious doubts in the player’s mind.

He may have been hopeful of a European push after a 10th-place finish last season, but instead the Blues have gone rather alarmingly backwards.

The 25-year-old, who has 34 caps for world-number-one Brazil, might now have come to the conclusion that Everton can’t match his ambition.

In other news, Adam Jones slams this Everton midfielder.

After Frank Lampard was appointed as the new manager at Everton on Deadline Day, the manager had to rush into making some impact signings he thought would help him steer the club into safety and out of the relegation battle.

The former Chelsea boss managed to acquire the services of Manchester United’s Donny van de Beek and Tottenham Hotspur’s Dele Alli, both of whom were facing similar fates at their parent clubs with the pair being outcasts in their teams and struggling for game time, with Lampard offering them both a golden opportunity to prove the doubters wrong.

However, the pair have been less than satisfactory since their arrival at Goodison Park, with Alli only picking up 218 minutes of play over the last four months and Van de Beek hasn’t been much better, although he did make an instant impact on his debut that seemed promising at the time.

The 24-year-old who was criticised for being a “danger” by Casey Stoney won the most possession in the middle third (6), made ten ball recoveries, making the joint-most tackles (4) and aerial duels won (3) against Leeds United but failed to emulate this stand-out performance ever since.

In February, it was reported by The Mirror that the Man United loanee would set out to make his temporary move to Everton permanent and at that point, it looked like a promising prospect for Lampard, but as the months have gone on and time runs down on his half-season loan, the manager must brutally axe Van de Beek, sending him back to Old Trafford.

The Toffees were without the support of the Dutch midfielder again on Sunday in their victory at the King Power Stadium with Lampard confirming that he is injured for the third time, which means that he hasn’t been featured in the team since March, unavailable to assist Everton in their tight relegation battle.

This inconsistent form will come as no surprise to Dutch legend Marco van Basten, who cast doubt on Van de Beek’s ability to handle the Premier League, even going as far to say he was “not that good” in a scathing review of the player.

“Van de Beek is not that good,” he said. “As number 10 at Ajax it is much easier than as number 10 in Spain or England.”

Ironically, the £22.5m-rated former Ajax star may get his second chance at Manchester United despite his inconsistencies and lack of minutes in the Premier League since his arrival, as when he returns to Old Trafford this summer, the manager that propelled him into the spotlight will be taking charge.

Erik ten Hag has been appointed as the new Man United manager, and Van de Beek will be given the chance to prove his worth back in Manchester this summer according to reports, which will take pressure off Farhad Moshiri and Lampard having to have awkward conversations about his future this summer.

Ultimately, with light at the end of the tunnel almost in reach for the manager and his Merseyside team after moving out of the relegation zone on Sunday, he will need to focus on improving the squad next season by getting rid of deadwood, and Van de Beek will be an easy offload for Everton.

AND in other news: Forget Holgate: Everton’s “top pro” who completed 95% passes saved Lampard today

Two players at Manchester United are considering their future at the club amidst the incoming rebuild led by Erik ten Hag and Ralf Rangnick.

What’s the word?

That is according to the ever-reliable Fabrizio Romano, who has claimed that both Eric Bailly and Aaron Wan-Bissaka could join Nemanja Matic, Juan Mata, Edinson Cavani, Lee Grant, Jesse Lingard and Paul Pogba in leaving the club this summer.

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Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano said: “It’s important to say that two more players have chance to leave Manchester United in the summer.

“One is Eric Bailly because the player is not happy with his game time and so he’s waiting to see what will be the position of Erik ten Hag, but from what I’m told there are good chances for him to go in the summer to leave Manchester United. So Bailly will consider potential proposals.

“And for [Aaron] Wan-Bissaka, there is interest from Crystal Palace. They would love to have the player back but still no decision made on player side. So let’s see what Wan-Bissaka will decide in the coming months.

Supporters will be buzzing

Having conceded 52 Premier League goals this season, United’s defence has well and truly crumbled. The Red Devils have the eighth-worst concession record in the current top-flight campaign, with the likes of Burnley, Aston Villa and West Ham all shipping significantly fewer goals.

As a result, the majority of United fans will surely welcome the news that two defenders could be on their way out of Old Trafford this summer.

The appointment of Ten Hag, with Rangnick set to move into a consultancy role, is massive for United. It presents an opportunity to tear everything down and build from scratch.

That begins by addressing the futures of the current first-team players and trimming down the squad, before adding signings who can come in and reignite the spark of this sleeping giant.

With the likes of Denzel Dumfries mentioned as a potential replacement for Wan-Bissaka, the intent as to how Ten Hag will want to play at United seems very clear.

The 52-year-old wants his defenders to press and win back possession in and around the attacking third. United have been mediocre in that regard this season, winning the ball back in the attacking third at an average of just 4.4 times per match, a return bettered by 11 top-flight teams.

Therefore, the new manager will be looking for players who are comfortable operating in such an intense system and are competent both in and out of possession.

It’s an exciting time for Manchester United, who will be hoping that Ten Hag and Rangnick can awaken what is a sleeping giant in the world of football, and this planned overhaul of the defence will surely leave the Old Trafford faithful buzzing given their troubles in that regard over the past few months.

In other news: Man United are now best placed to sign £83m “diamond”, just imagine him & CR7

Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United side fell to a disappointing defeat on Saturday afternoon, with Liverpool running out 1-0 winners at St James’ Park.

The Magpies had some of their own chances, but if it were not for Martin Dubravka’s highly impressive display between the sticks, the scoreline may well have made much worse reading, with the 33-year-old making a whopping nine saves throughout the match.

However, despite the result, it was not only the Slovakia international who turned in an impressive display for Newcastle against the Reds, with Matt Targett being “on point again” – in the words of Jamie Carragher – against Jurgen Klopp’s side.

Targett impressed for Newcastle

Indeed, over his 90 minutes on the pitch, the 26-year-old was imperious in a defensive capacity, making three clearances, one interception and six tackles, blocking one shot and winning eight of his 12 duels – a success rate of 67%.

While the £35k-per-week talent did not offer much going forwards – a story which was consistent throughout the majority of the Magpies side – he still had 62 touches of the ball (the second-most for Newcastle) while also completing 21 passes and two long balls.

These returns saw the £15.3m-rated left-back earn an impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.2, ranking him as Howe’s joint second-best performer on the day behind Dubravka. The Chronicle’s Lee Ryder also awarded the defender an eight in his own player ratings, in addition to stating: “A solid display with half a dozen successful tackles. Did well.”

Indeed, from this performance, it is easy to see why the 44-year-old Magpies boss is reportedly eager to make Targett’s temporary stay at St James’ Park a permanent one this summer, as the former England under-21 international has already proven himself to be a key part of Howe’s first-team squad since his January arrival.

AND in other news – Forget Almiron: “Sloppy” 18-touch Newcastle passenger failed Howe against Liverpool