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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

Following the arrival of club-record signing Lucas Paqueta, West Ham United are planning to sell midfielder Manuel Lanzini, according to Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Lanzini’s career

Having initially arrived at Rush Green on loan from Al-Jazira, the Argentina international joined the Hammers on a permanent deal in the summer of 2016 for a fee of £9m.

The 29-year-old went on to become an integral part of David Moyes’ side, having amassed 210 appearances for the Irons.

This season however, the attacking midfielder has played just 93 minutes of Premier League football, having failed to make an appearance in four of the Hammers’ opening seven games.

The Latest: Lanzini exit news

According to a report by Football Insider, West Ham are now ready to offload Lanzini following the £51m arrival of Paqueta at the London Stadium.

It is believed the Argentine was told going into the summer transfer window that he was free to find a new club, whether that be on a loan or on a permanent deal.

Having failed to agree terms elsewhere, the midfielder remained in east London.

However, he has reportedly been informed that his situation remains the same ahead of the winter window, as he will once again be allowed to leave in January.

Moyes no longer views Lanzini as a key player, meaning he is surplus to requirements at Rush Green.

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The Verdict: Lanzini vs Paqueta

When comparing the two attacking-midfielders’ stats, whilst Lanzini comes out on top in a couple of areas, Paqueta’s all-round abilities clearly dominate the rankings.

As per FBRef, compared with positional peers across Europe over the past year, the Argentine ranks in the 99th percentile for pass completion and in the 97th percentile for passes attempted. In the same categories, the Brazilian ranks in the 81st percentile and 88th percentile respectively.

However, Paqueta also ranks in the top 15 percent for shots total, progressive passes, progressive passes received, pressures, tackles, clearances and aerials won. Lanzini, on the other hand, ranks in the bottom 50 percent for five of these categories.

Whilst Lanzini has been a brilliant servant for the club, having been hailed as a ‘special player’ by teammate Declan Rice, it seems like his stay in Moyes’ XI has now come to an end.

Huddersfield Town are looking at Birmingham City boss John Eustace as a possible alternative to David Wagner, according to journalist James Nursey.

The Lowdown: Eustace profiled

Eustace has limited managerial experience in the Football League after retiring as a player back in 2015.

The 42-year-old was in charge of non-league side Kidderminster Harriers before joining QPR as an assistant in 2018. He took caretaker charge of The R’s in 2019 and has also served as Stephen Kenny’s assistant with the Republic of Ireland.

Eustace, who likes to play a 3-4-1-2 formation, is now in charge of Birmingham City, winning just three of his opening 11 games.

The Latest: Huddersfield update

Nursey provided an update for Huddersfield in their search for Danny Schofield’s successor.

He stated that the club are ‘keen to bring back David Wagner to fill their managerial vacancy’ but said that ‘it is not an easy deal to do’. Nursey then said that the Terriers are ‘looking at other candidates’, which includes Eustace.

The Verdict: Strange

Eustace isn’t exactly lighting up the Championship, although his Birmingham side headed into the international break three games unbeaten which included impressive away wins over Preston North End and West Brom.

You could argue that Wagner would be a more reliable appointment after previously taking the club into the Premier League. However, he has struggled in short stints with Schalke and Young Boys since leaving, and if the club can’t get a deal over the line, Eustace could be a risky appointment by owner Dean Hoyle due to the large difference in experience in the dugout.

Glasgow Rangers’ transfer business in the last few years has been decidedly hit-or-miss.

For every Connor Goldson there has been a Fabio Cardoso, and for every Ryan Kent there’s been a Carlos Pena, and it sometimes feels like there have been more poor signings than players who have actively improved the starting XI since the Ibrox club regained their place in the top flight in 2016.

One of the Gers’ most underwhelming signings was that of Umar Sadiq in 2018, who joined from Serie A side AS Roma on a season-long loan deal, having impressed at NAC Breda in the campaign prior, netting five times in 12 matches.

With Alfredo Morelos the only out-and-out striker at Ibrox at the time, Sadiq was expected to add competition and much-needed cover for the position, but his spell was nothing short of a nightmare. He made four appearances for the Light Blues, with a League Cup semi-final defeat to Aberdeen the last of those, and the loan deal was cut short before the January transfer window.

However, his stint at Rangers hasn’t set Sadiq back greatly – quite the opposite in fact, with the striker having recently sealed a move to La Liga side Real Sociedad for a fee of €25m (£21.6m) including add-ons.

His remarkable rise from failing at Ibrox to starring in La Liga has seen him travel from Partizan Belgrade to Almeria, which then sealed a move to replace Alexander Isak at Sociedad, and he even scored on his debut for his new employers.

The 25-year-old has netted electric” by FOX reporter James Dodd during his spell at Almeria

His market value was just £1.62m when he was on loan at Rangers, and Steven Gerrard may have attempted to make the move permanent had Sadiq impressed in Scotland. Following his success recently, it’s a decision which the club will have regretted.

He was linked with European heavyweights such as Manchester City and Bayern Munich, a stunning turn of events for the player who couldn’t score against St Mirren, Aberdeen, Maribor or Kilmarnock during his spell in Scotland.

His resilience to go from a terrible spell at Rangers to facing Manchester United in the Europa League should be commended, yet it was another case of what might have been for the player at Ibrox, with the club’s hierarchy having a howler in jettisoning him so quickly considering what he has achieved since.