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Alexandro Bernabei will undergo a medical at Celtic imminently and a move could be completed ‘this weekend’, according to reliable journalist Anthony Joseph.

The Lowdown: Bernabei heading to Celtic

Hopefully the Hoops have a productive summer in the transfer window ahead of them as Ange Postecoglou strengthens his options for next season.

One player who looks to be on the verge of a move to Celtic is Bernabei, who has excelled at left-back for Argentine side Lanus, becoming a key figure for the club at just 21. He started 23 league games for them last season and was their fourth-best player according to WhoScored performance metrics.

It now looks as though the youngster’s proposed move to Parkhead is edging closer all the time.

The Latest: Joseph drops Bernabei transfer claim

Taking to Twitter on Saturday, Joseph claimed that Bernabei would have a medical at Celtic imminently, with the £3.75m move potentially being completed before Monday.

The reporter tweeted:

“UPDATE: Alexandro Bernabei is due to undergo his medical at Celtic this weekend, before signing a long-term contract. The deal with Lanus is £3.75m, with a 10% sell-on clause. Bernabei & Jota are expected to be with the Celtic squad travelling to Austria for pre-season in July.”

The Verdict: Strong summer addition

Left-back is an area which could do with added depth this summer for Celtic, with Greg Taylor a good option there but more rotation needed ahead of a hectic 2022/23 campaign.

Bernabei looks like an exciting addition in that respect, coming in as a young player who can mature into a force for the Premiership champions, having won one cap for Argentina’s under-23s to date and established a reputation as a tough tackler – his average of two per game last term was better than any of the Hoops’ regulars.

The defender may not come in as an immediate first-team regular as he adjusts to his new surroundings, but over time there is no reason why he can’t become first choice under Postecoglou at Parkhead.

Manchester United’s move for Frenkie de Jong is ‘still on’ following ‘direct contact’ with Barcelona, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Saga of the summer

The Red Devils have been linked with a move for the Dutchman ever since Erik ten Hag was announced as the club’s new manager towards the end of April.

That prospective transfer has turned into one of the biggest so far during the off-season, with United having an opening offer turned down last week. Barcelona rejected an initial €60m (£51.5m) fee plus €10m (£8.6m) in add-ons and are looking for a total of €85m (£73m) for their star midfielder.

The Latest: Romano’s update on De Jong

Romano took to Twitter on Friday evening to provide an update on De Jong.

He claimed that a deal is ‘still on’ and said that the player’s salary will be ‘really huge’ next season, which is a ‘problem’ for Barcelona due to their financial situation.

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The Verdict: Positive signs

All of the small updates in recent days appear to be pointing towards an Old Trafford move for De Jong.

The Athletic have well-placed sources who believe that a move will eventually happen, whereas the 25-year-old’s wage will be an issue for Barcelona according to Romano, and Ten Hag has also reportedly persuaded De Jong over a move to England.

All that’s left now is for an agreement to be reached between the two clubs. They currently appear to be €15m (£12.9m) apart when it comes to a total valuation, so hopefully they can meet in the middle with a second offer and De Jong can finalise a move to Manchester before the end of the month.

In other news: ‘They’ve looked at him’ – talkSPORT man drops huge Man Utd transfer claim involving ‘lethal’ ace

TalkSPORT journalist Alex Crook has delivered an update on West Ham United’s pursuit of Rennes centre-back Nayef Aguerd. 

The lowdown: West Ham interested in Aguerd

This comes following a report from Le Parisien (via Get French Football News) last week claiming that the Hammers were progressing in their chase to sign the 26-year-old.

It has since been claimed that David Moyes views the Moroccan as a priority this summer, as the Irons manager attempts to bolster a problem area in the London Stadium squad.

One informed onlooker has now provided the latest situation surrounding this potential deal…

The latest: Crook on Aguerd

Speaking to GiveMeSport, transfer specialist Crook claimed that West Ham could tie up a move for Aguerd in the near future, whilst also ruling out a swoop for one Premier League defender who has been linked with the east Londoners.

He said: “I’m not convinced Michael Keane would be that attractive for West Ham if they’re trying to challenge for Europe again. I don’t think he had a brilliant season for Everton, maybe his best days are behind him.

“But Aguerd, they’re keen on him, they’ve scouted him quite a lot towards the back end of last season, they sent people over to France, so I’m expecting that one to happen.”

The verdict: Could be a good fit

Standing at an imposing 6 foot 3, Aguerd has been described as a ‘monster in the air’ by football consultant and writer Jonathan Fadugba, and would therefore fit the mould of what Moyes wants from a centre-back.

Last season, the 19-cap Morroco ace scored four times and provided three assists in 40 appearances across all competitions in France, highlighting his prowess in the attacking third. He also averaged an impressive 3.1 successful aerial duels and four clearances per game whilst helping his team to keep 10 clean sheets in Ligue 1 (Sofascore).

Closely indexed to Liverpool superstar Virgil van Dijk, Lille’s Sven Botman and Barcelona legend Gerard Pique in terms of playing style (FBRef), signing Aguerd this summer would appear to be a superb piece of business from GSB and Moyes.

In other news: Journalist says West Ham are ‘in talks’ to sign an ‘amazing’ forward, find out more here.

An update has emerged on Sunderland and their interest in signing Daniel Iversen from Leicester in the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

According to The Sun, the Black Cats are keen on the shot-stopper as Kristjaan Speakman plots to bring in a new goalkeeper for the club.

The report claims that Middlesbrough and Preston North End are also in the race for his signature ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

Alex Neil would love him

The Sunderland boss would love to have him at the Stadium of Light next season as he already knows exactly how good the Dane is, having worked with him at his previous club.

Upon signing Iversen for Preston in 2021, Neil said: “We know what we are getting; young, enthusiastic, played at a good level, played international football for his country, so I think he will be a great addition.”

The Scot was seemingly confident that he had landed an excellent goalkeeper and he was proven correct as the shot-stopper enjoyed an excellent second half to the 2020/21 season.

In 23 Championship appearances, he averaged a superb SofaScore rating of 6.95 as he kept nine clean sheets and saved 71% of the shots against him.

He then returned to Deepdale for a second spell in the 2021/22 campaign – after Neil left – and caught the eye between the sticks. The 24-year-old averaged a SofaScore rating of 6.93 as he played in all 46 league matches – keeping 13 clean sheets.

These statistics show that the £22k-per-week colossus – who stands at 6 foot 4 – is a proven Championship performer, with Preston reporter George Hodgson dubbing him “unbelievable”. He will, therefore, add much-needed second-tier experience to the goalkeeping ranks.

Current number one Anthony Patterson has never played at a higher level than League One and only has 23 professional league appearances in his career to date. He is untested over a long period of time and this means that he cannot be relied upon as the only goalkeeping option heading into next season.

This is another reason why Neil would love to have Iversen in his squad as he would provide serious competition for the number one shirt. He would be able to challenge Patterson for his place and step in if the 22-year-old is unable to make the step up to Championship level.

The former Preston loanee knows exactly what it takes to perform in the second tier and Speakman must now work hard to land him in the coming weeks.

AND in other news, Forget Stewart: SAFC deal for gem who’s “loved by the fans” would get SOL rocking…

Rangers boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst is eyeing an English left-back as a potential replacement for Borna Barisic at Ibrox, as per football.scotland.

The Lowdown: Barisic leaving?

According to Sky Sports, the Light Blues defender was wanted by clubs in England in the January transfer window, whilst others were also reportedly interested in the Croatia international.

However, with a deal failing to materialise, fresh rumours have once again started to emerge.

The National have claimed that a number of clubs are now looking to make a swoop for the 29-year-old Ibrox ace this summer.

The Latest: Rangers interested in Tymon

According to football.scotland, Rangers are showing an interest in Stoke City defender Josh Tymon, with Barisic potentially leaving Glasgow this summer.

In order to sanction the transfer, it is said that Van Bronckhorst will have to wait until either the Croatian is sold, or if the Gers qualify for the Champions League group stage.

Tymon is said to be valued at around £5m.

The Verdict: Potential Barisic upgrade

With the arrival of Tymon dependent on Barisic’s future at Ibrox, there doesn’t seem much that Van Bronckhorst can do except sit and wait.

The 23-year-old had five goal contributions this season compared to the Croatian’s three, while Tymon also won more tackles, took more shots and made more interceptions than Barisic during 2021/22, as per FBRef.

It appears that, should their current left-back depart, Rangers have already identified their preferred replacement in the “quick” Stoke youngster, as his manager Michael O’Neill called him, so Gers fans will be eager to see how this situation turns out over the coming weeks.

In other news: Alex McLeish has had this to say on Nikola Katic’s Ibrox return

Journalist Rudy Galetti has shared a Tottenham Hotspur transfer update from ‘sources close’ to star Benfica striker Darwin Nunez.

The Lowdown: Spurs eye new striker…

After last week’s meeting in Turin with club chief Fabio Paratici, it is believed that an alternative frontman to Harry Kane is on manager Antonio Conte’s agenda for this summer window (The Telegraph).

The Lilywhites are on for a really interesting few months, already confirming the signing of free agent Ivan Perisic, and there is no sign Spurs are finished after their £150 million equity increase.

Conte has set his sights on a major overhaul after guiding his side to a Premier League top-four finish with Man City forward Gabriel Jesus among the strikers he is interested in.

Nunez is another, with Galetti sharing what he knows – ‘according to sources close’ to the Uruguay sensation.

The Latest: Galetti shares update…

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According to the Sport Italia TV reporter (via Twitter), while the north Londoners are still firmly ‘in the race’ for Nunez, it is believed that his favourite club is actually Man United.

Indeed, he says that Tottenham and Newcastle could still sign the 22-year-old but United have swooped in first to make ‘constant contact’ with his entourage.

The Verdict: Take action?

Reportedly valued at around £100 million, Nunez could be just out of Spurs’ reach given his price and all the competition.

Called a ‘superb’ striker by ex-Arsenal star Kevin Campbell, his phenomenal 34 goals in 41 appearances over 2021/2022 certainly back up his potential, but alternative options like Jesus or Inter Milan forward Lautaro Martinez could be more attainable.

Jesus, valued at £55m, and Martinez (£67.3m) could prove more realistic options for Conte in terms of price and both men have proved they’re capable of finding the net in recent years.

In other news: Alasdair Gold now suggests £122,000-per-week ‘genius’ is open to joining Spurs! Find out more here.

Phil Hay has dropped an update on reported Leeds United transfer target Calvin Ramsay.

What’s the talk?

In a recent article for The Athletic, the Leeds United correspondent revealed that, alongside a deal for RB Salzburg attacking midfielder Brenden Aaronson, Victor Orta has also been working on a move to bring the Aberdeen right-back to Elland Road in the summer transfer window.

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In his piece, Hay wrote: “The club have agreed a fee for Aaronson from RB Salzburg, and have also been working on Aberdeen defender Calvin Ramsay.”

Supporters will be buzzing

Considering just how talented a prospect Ramsay quite clearly is, the news that Orta and his Leeds United transfer team have been working on the transfer of the defender behind the scenes is sure to be an update that will have left the Whites faithful buzzing.

Indeed, over his 24 Scottish Premiership appearances this term, the £540k-rated talent enjoyed a spectacular breakthrough season for Aberdeen, bagging one goal, providing five assists and creating three big chances for his teammates, in addition to making an average of 1.8 key passes, 0.8 interceptions, 0.8 tackles and winning 3.4 duels – at a success rate of 51% – per game.

These returns saw the £880-per-week 18-year-old average a quite extraordinary SofaScore match rating of 6.92, ranking him as Jim Goodwin’s joint fifth-best player in the Scottish top flight.

And, with Luke Ayling looking as if he will be ruled out of the start of the Whites’ 2022/23 campaign after undergoing knee surgery, the argument that Jesse Marsch and Orta could do with signing a new right-back this summer is an easy one to make.

As such, considering his age, undoubted ability and huge potential for future growth, it would appear an extremely wise move for the Spanish sporting director to do everything he can to secure a deal for the Dons teenager in the coming weeks, as Ramsay could quite easily prove to be the next big thing to come out of Scottish football.

AND in other news: Forget Raphinha: Radz now set for LUFC disaster on £20m talent, he’s “one of the best”

Everton will host Crystal Palace in their final home game of the season at Goodison Park, and now some fresh injury news has emerged from the Crystal Palace camp that could give Frank Lampard the lifeline he needs.

What’s the latest?

According to BBC Sport football reporter Alex Howell, Patrick Vieira has confirmed that four players will be unavailable for selection and will not be in the squad against Everton on Thursday night.

Howell tweeted:

“Vieira also confirmed that James McArthur, Nathan Ferguson, Michael Olise and James Tomkins will not be in the CPFC squad for the game against Everton.”

Relegation lifeline

With Crystal Palace missing these players it could be the perfect opportunity for the Toffees to capitalise on taking the victory and securing safety in the Premier League ahead of the final game of the season at the Emirates on Sunday.

Everton currently have a two-point cushion on the bottom three in the table and squandered their chance to end their relegation battle last weekend when they lost at home to Brentford, going down to nine-men over the 90 minutes which will be a big blow for Lampard.

However, with Vieira’s side coming to Merseyside with a weakened squad and a side that has nothing to play for in their final games of the season, it should give Everton the golden opportunity and lifeline they need to secure survival.

The Toffees boss has already confirmed that Yerry Mina and Fabian Delph remain unavailable for selection in their penultimate clash tomorrow evening, along with Salomon Rondon and Jarrad Branthwaite both suspended following red cards in the last game.

Everton have only lost one of their last four games, with the side picking up 11 points from their last seven but the final three points to remove them from the relegation fight are desperately needed.

With that being said, Lampard must inspire his team to move on from the disappointing performance at the weekend and get back to the form they were in prior to the game against Thomas Frank’s side.

This is one of their final chances to keep their survival efforts in their own hands going into the last day of the season.

AND in other news: Everton plotting swoop for 18y/o “shining light”, he can be the next Calvert-Lewin

Former Premier League striker Noel Whelan has delivered his verdict regarding the future of Neco Williams at Liverpool. 

The lowdown:  Loan sensation

The 21-year-old spent the second half of the 2021/22 campaign on loan at Fulham and helped the London club earn a promotion to the Premier League.

Having previously acted as an understudy to Trent Alexander-Arnold for the most part, Williams scored twice and provided another two assists in 14 Championship appearances following the January switch.

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As a return to the AXA Training Centre beckons in the coming weeks, the Wales international’s future is bound to be in the spotlight during the summer transfer window and a source close to Craven Cottage has already revealed there is interest in a permanent £12million move.

And with the player valued at just £7.2million by Transfermarkt, Julian Ward would be starting his reign as the new Anfield transfer guru with a hefty 40 per cent mark-up.

The latest: ‘Nice little boost’

Speaking to Football Insider, former BBC pundit and now Leeds United employee Whelan has suggested that selling Williams could be the best move for all parties.

The 47-year-old said: “He’s done a fantastic job at Fulham. He was shown a lot of trust by Marco Silva and Jurgen Klopp. He’s repaid it by playing his part in the title win.

“He’s well worthy of that £12million price tag. I think he put himself on a platform with his performances at Liverpool over the past few seasons. I just can’t see him having a future in that red shirt – for sure.

“If they can get that kind of money for three or four players on the fringe like Williams, wow…that could be a nice little boost to the transfer budget.”

The verdict: Ward’s first move

Although there is little question as to whether Williams is a Premier League level operator having already made 13 top-flight outings in a fledgeling career, the 18-cap Wales ace is unlikely to usurp surefire starter Alexander-Arnold at Anfield and was often overlooked in favour of Joe Gomez and even James Milner.

Therefore, it seems inevitable that the Welshman will seek more regular first-team action this summer having contributed so heavily at Fulham in recent months, particularly in light of Liverpool’s reported pursuit of Aberdeen youngster Calvin Ramsay.

One thing that is definite, new sporting director Ward will be tasked with emulating his predecessor Michael Edwards in extracting the maximum possible fee for outgoings to fund possible signings for Jurgen Klopp’s squad, and it looks like the sale of Williams could be the first.

In other news: BBC man stunned by ‘obscene’ news coming out of Liverpool, read more here

Crystal Palace are plotting a summer move for FC Porto winger Pepe according to Portuguese outlet A Bola, via Sport Witness, and have reportedly already ‘collected information’ on the player.

The 25-year-old Brazilian joined the Portuguese outfit from Gremio last summer and is also subject to interest from Arsenal, having scored six goals and registered five assists in 40 appearances across all competitions this term. Moreover, Pepe reportedly has a €70m (£59.4m) release clause, which could cause Palace a real issue.

However, the 25-year-old would undoubtedly be a quality addition to Patrick Vieira’s squad.

Palace should sign Pepe

Vieira has had an excellent first season as Crystal Palace manager, with the Frenchman subject to doubts regarding whether or not he would be able to keep the Eagles in the Premier League.

The 45-year-old has added plenty of bright young talent at Selhurst Park, with the south London outfit certainly a more exciting prospect going into next season, but there are still some areas of the squad which have ageing personnel or could do with extra quality in depth.

The Eagles have strong options out wide in Wilfried Zaha, Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze, but they could certainly do with more options in case of unplanned absences.

Moreover, there have been concerns that Olise could be lured away from Selhurst Park after just one season, with the 20-year-old’s current contract reportedly including a £35m release clause, although there are works behind the scenes on handing the French youngster a new deal to extinguish any fears regarding his future.

Therefore, adding Pepe to his ranks would certainly be a wise from Vieira, although the winger’s goal contributions don’t justify an asking price anywhere near £59.4m. At 25, he is at an excellent age where he already boasts ample experience but still has huge potential.

The £13.5m-rated Brazilian averages an 84% passing accuracy whilst providing 1.1 key passes per match. Moreover, he completes 1.3 dribbles per game at a 56% success rate whilst being right footed, as opposed to Olise being left-footed.

In the Premier League this term, the 20-year-old has completed 1.1 dribbles per match at a 45% success rate whilst having a slightly lower passing accuracy at 81% and averaging 0.9 key passes per game.

Although Zaha will be at the top of the pecking order after his 13 Premier League goals this term, having other options would certainly improve Crystal Palace’s squad depth, with Pepe being a player that Vieira could certainly adore given his evident talents.

AND in other news: Big boost as Vieira handed injury lift which will leave Palace supporters buzzing