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Liverpool have been linked with a move for Matheus Nunes this summer, and there has been a new update on the club’s pursuit of the player.

What’s the latest?

According to Portuguese newspaper Correio da Manha (via Paisley Gates), there is a strong possibility that the 23-year-old will make the move to England, with the Reds remaining interested.

As per the report, Sporting Lisbon are now only interested in doing business in the transfer market to sell players at this point, and the midfielder seems one of the most likely outgoings for the Portuguese club.

Big Keita upgrade

The Reds are reportedly prioritising the midfield as key area to improve and strengthen after completing the club-record signing of Darwin Nunez this summer, and Nunes could be the perfect Naby Keita upgrade if FSG can secure a deal for the 23-year-old in the coming weeks.

The Guinea international will be out of contract in less than 12 months’ time, and although Liverpool are speculated to be in talks to negotiate a new deal for the midfielder, they may not need to if they can sign the Sporting star this summer.

According to FBRef, both Nunes and Keita matched up for goal contributions, scoring three goals and delivering one assist each, although there are many attributes where Nunes outperforms his positional peer on Merseyside.

The 23-year-old has a better shot on target accuracy (27.3%), created more big chances (six), made more tackles (two) and won more duels (6.5) on average per game, while also being more successful in completing his dribble attempts (70%) compared to Keita (63%).

The £42.2m-valued dynamo has been the recipient of high praise, with his former team-mate Goncalo Santos hailing him previously (via Liverpool Echo).

Santos said of Nunes: “It’s unbelievable when he has the ball at his feet. Nobody can catch him; it’s impossible because he’s too fast.

“If you are in the defensive phase and he gets the ball, he can run with it and fire the team 30 yards up the pitch because he is so good in possession.”

With that in mind, the powerbrokers at Anfield should carefully consider whether they ought to offer a new contract to Keita or sign an upgrade in Nunes this summer to replace the Guinea midfielder.

AND in other news: Fabrizio Romano drops Liverpool transfer update that’ll frustrate supporters

Scottish football journalist Anthony Joseph has revealed that Celtic are now ‘in contact’ over the possibility of signing Jordan Larsson on a free transfer.

The Lowdown: Out of contract

The 25-year-old is currently a free agent, having had his contract at Russian club Spartak Moscow terminated due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The Sweden international is the son of Hoops legend Henrik Larsson, and he could potentially now follow in the footsteps of his father by signing for Ange Postecoglou’s side this summer.

The Latest: Celtic ‘in contact’ over Larsson

Taking to Twitter, Joseph has revealed that Celtic have been ‘in contact’ with Larsson’s representatives over a potential move, although there is ‘plenty of interest’ in the striker.

The Sky Sports reporter tweeted: “The reps of striker Jordan Larsson have been in contact with a number of clubs across Europe, including Celtic & Nottingham Forest. He’s a free agent after his contract was terminated at Spartak Moscow. Understood to be plenty of interest from EPL, Bundesliga & Serie A clubs.”

The Verdict: No-brainer

To sign Larsson without paying a penny is surely a no-brainer for the Bhoys.

Dubbed a ‘great talent’ by his father’s former Sweden team-mate Marcus Allback, the 25-year-old managed 27 goals and nine assists in 83 games in total over all competitions for Spartak across the last three seasons (Transfermarkt).

He is capable of playing anywhere across the front line and can even drop deeper into midfield (Transfermarkt), so he would offer Postecoglou that extra versatility which could be so useful throughout the campaign.

Nonetheless, with so much competition for his signature, this is a deal that the Premiership champions need to get wrapped up as soon as they can.

Nottingham Forest remain interested in signing Wolves midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White this summer, according to journalist Jacque Talbot. 

The lowdown: Forest linked with Gibbs-White

The Reds have been linked with a move for the 22-year-old since the start of the transfer window, although their Premier League rivals are said to be keen to retain the player’s services, amid reports of a £20m price tag.

The England youth international spent the 2021/22 campaign on loan at Sheffield United, having come through the ranks in the Midlands, also previously enjoying a temporary spell at Swansea City.

Expected to return to Wolves for pre-season over the coming days, it now appears that Forest still want to make a deal happen for Gibbs-White…

The latest: ‘Huge interest…’

Taking to Twitter, Talbot – a European football correspondent for numerous outlets – has claimed that Steve Cooper’s side still hold out hope of signing the seven-cap England under-21 starlet.

He stated: “Huge interest remains in Morgan Gibbs-White but suspect that’s one that might take a bit longer yet. Forest are nowhere near done [sic] this window, I hear, and there will be a good number of fresh faces incoming at City Ground over the summer.”

The verdict: Sign at all costs

Holding a market value of £9.9m and under contract at Molineux until 2024 (Transfermarkt), signing Gibbs-White should remain an affordable venture for the Reds despite Wolves’ lofty valuation.

Capable of operating in numerous attacking positions, the 22-year-old scored 13 times and provided 10 assists in 40 appearances last season whilst earning a sensational 7.16 average Sofascore rating from 35 Championship outings. He completed 1.3 successful dribbles, took 2.4 shots and made 1.6 key passes per match during his time at Bramall Lane.

Dubbed a ‘proper baller’ by journalist Sean Gallagher upon signing for Swansea on loan in 2020, albeit relatively unproven in the Premier League, adding a player of Gibbs-White’s calibre and creative prowess should be a high priority for Cooper in order to provide the ammunition for club-record capture Taiwo Awoniyi up top.

West Bromwich Albion are eyeing a move for Derby County winger Tom Lawrence this summer, he could be available on a free transfer.

What’s the word?

According to a report from The Daily Mail, West Brom are leading the chase for Lawrence but face competition from several clubs including Scottish giants Rangers.

With his contract at The Rams expiring, he is set to leave for free with the club failing to persuade him to stay following their relegation to League One.

Baggies boss Steve Bruce is a known admirer of Lawrence, but he will have to fight off interest from elsewhere and offer him a lucrative deal if they want to complete the deal.

He’s a big Robinson upgrade

If he did make the move to the West Midlands, one player he would be competing with for a spot in the team is Callum Robinson, and he would certainly be an upgrade for Bruce.

Both wingers were directly involved in 16 goals in the Championship last season, but despite the similarities, this is more impressive from Lawrence who was playing for a side battling relegation.

Journalist Jake Barker also offered praise last season for his “inspirational” form.

The Welsh international was also captain for The Rams which shows the leadership qualities he has, and as Robinson doesn’t offer this as much, it would make him more valuable to the dressing room.

He’s a former youngster at Manchester United, having come through the academy during Sir Alex Ferguson’s final years at the club. This may be another reason why Bruce is a fan of his, considering their mutual affiliation to The Red Devils.

It’s not just in front of goal where the 28-year-old impresses though, his passing statistics stand out too. He has a pass success percentage of 83% which is significantly higher than Robinson on 69%.

This further proves his reliability in keeping hold of possession which could be a key asset in the final third for West Brom as the manager looks to improve their attacking fortunes.

Ultimately, it’s a no-brainer to sign a player with such experience at this level on a free transfer. He’s on a wage of £27k-per-week, but with no fee to pay Derby, that’s justifiable.

However, they need to move fast to avoid missing out, with other clubs likely to offer him a contract as well.

AND in other news: “We’re looking..“: Bruce drops big WBA transfer hint that’ll leave supporters elated…

West Ham United could still be in with a chance of landing free agent Jesse Lingard this summer, despite the speculation having died down of late.

What’s the word?

As per journalist Ryan Taylor, speaking to GIVEMESPORT, it is not out of the question that the 29-year-old will return to the London Stadium in the current window – having been tipped to make a move in recent months – even though the deal has gone “very quiet”.

The transfer insider stated: “West Ham are obviously going to look at that deal because of the success he had on loan, but it’s gone very quiet to be honest. But from what we read, there are not too many clubs interested, so I wouldn’t write that one off, although it has gone reasonably quiet.”

The England international previously enjoyed a hugely impressive six-month loan spell with the Hammers during the second half of the 2020/21 campaign and had been linked with a permanent move to the club last summer.

Having eventually remained at parent club Manchester United for the most recent season, the versatile forward struggled for game time amid the Red Devils’ woes, with the club recently confirming his departure from Old Trafford once his contract expires at the end of the month.

Better than Benrahma

It has proven a case of one step forward, two steps back for the £80k-per-week playmaker in recent times, with Lingard – who has been dubbed “lethal” by one source – having failed to build on his strong form for the Irons last term, eventually starting just two league games all season for United in what culminated in a sad end to his time at the club.

The 32-cap star – who Ryan Giggs praised as a “nightmare” to coach as a youngster – had seemingly warranted a better send-off having risen up through the club’s youth ranks before forcing his way into the first-team picture, after several stints out on loan, eventually proving his worth to his boyhood club after netting in three Wembley triumphs.

That success may seem a distant memory to some, although his form in a Hammers shirt was a reminder of just what he can do when handed the opportunity, as he chipped in with nine goals and four assists in just 16 league games for the club, playing a vital role as David Moyes’ side secured Europa League qualification.

That same campaign saw 2020 arrival Said Benrahma struggle to truly make an impact in his debut season in east London, the former Brentford man scoring just once and providing six assists in 30 appearances.

While he has since bettered that record with 14 goal contributions from his 32 top-flight outings in the 2021/22 season, that tally is still only one more than Lingard achieved in half of the number of games the year prior, with the Englishman potentially set to inflict more damage were he to be given a full term to impress.

For Benrahma, there have been question marks over his lack of consistency, with reports suggesting that he could even be moved on this summer as Moyes plots something of a squad shake-up, ahead of another campaign that will see the club compete both domestically and in Europe.

In truth, the Algerian has failed to really steal the limelight in a claret and blue jersey, with it perhaps time that Lingard steps in to take his place.

IN other news, Moyes plotting move for “special” £45m “baller”, he’d be a “superstar” for West Ham

Leeds United will find a way to move on Kiko Casilla this summer and may even terminate his contract, according to Phil Hay.

The Lowdown: Elche loan

Casilla, labelled as a “complete liability” by Leeds TV podcaster Oscar Mario, spent the 2021/22 campaign on loan with Elche after the Whites brought in Kristoffer Klaesson.

The 35-year-old made just 15 appearances back in his native country, keeping five clean sheets. He’s set to return to Yorkshire ahead of Jesse Marsch’s first full season in charge, but it looks as if Andrea Radrizzani, the 49ers group and Victor Orta will be looking to move the goalkeeper on over the coming months.

The Latest: Hay’s claim

Hay shared a story for The Athletic on Saturday morning, looking at the contract status of every Leeds player.

When it came to Casilla, who is entering the final 12 months of his deal, the Leeds correspondent said that ‘Leeds will find a way to move him on this summer, potentially by settling the remainder of his contract’.

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The Verdict: Correct call

Leeds have Illan Meslier as first choice and three young shot-stoppers in Klaesson, Dani van den Heuvel and Elia Caprile. The club are also considering adding an experienced goalkeeper this summer, so it makes sense to cut ties with Casilla for good.

He did play his part in the club’s title-winning campaign, making 36 appearances prior to being found guilty of racial abuse and rightly hasn’t been a regular since. Therefore, for reasons both on and off the pitch, it would be best for all involved to part ways, and it looks as if that will be the case.

In other news: £25m: Leeds now want ‘complete’ Phillips replacement; just waiting for Radz green light. 

Sky Sports and North East reporter Keith Downie has confirmed that Newcastle United are now ‘keen’ to sign Nick Pope this summer.

The Lowdown: Five signings?

The Daily Telegraph journalist Luke Edwards recently revealed that the St. James’ Park outfit want to sign up to five new players this window, having already secured the permanent signing of left-back Matt Targett from Aston Villa.

They will now set their focus on other areas of the pitch, and given recent links to the likes of Alphonse Areola, it seems as if a new goalkeeper is being targeted to replace Martin Dubravka in net.

The Latest: Pope interest

Taking to Twitter, Downie has revealed that the Tyneside club are now ‘keen’ to sign Pope, who is ‘likely’ to leave Burnley:

“Newcastle keen on England goalkeeper Nick Pope, who is likely to leave Burnley following their relegation…”

The Verdict: Bargain?

Given the Clarets’ relegation from the Premier League, Pope could be available for a cut price. Despite their relegation however, the six-foot-six giant was hardly to blame, as fellow teammate Ashley Barnes hailed his ‘outstanding‘ performances towards the end of the season.

In fact, the England international was the second-best performing goalkeeper in the division after Liverpool shot-stopper Alisson (WhoScored), and will no doubt want a move back up to the Premier League in order to stay on Gareth Southgate’s plans ahead of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Pope actually shares the same agent as three Magpies players, and so this could further help push a deal through.

In other news, find out which ‘deadly’ colossus NUFC now ‘like’ here!

West Ham manager David Moyes’ interest in former loan star Jesse Lingard is still prominent, with his stance on the player unchanged.

What’s the word?

That is according to a report from journalist Toby Cudworth, who took to his Twitter profile to issue an update on the Irons’ transfer interest in the 29-year-old.

He issued a seven-word update on the stance towards Lingard amid the midfielder’s departure from Manchester United, saying: “Lingard interest unchanged too, Moyes loves him.”

The Hammers will be able to sign Lingard on a free transfer, with the 29-year-old’s contract at Old Trafford expiring at the end of the month.

Supporters will be buzzing

In what may have been a surprise to some at the time, Lingard shone during his spell on loan at West Ham during the 2020/21 season, scoring nine goals and supplying five assists in 16 appearances under the guidance of Moyes, who gave the 32-cap England international licence to roam in the final third.

Lingard’s form for the Hammers seemed as though it would revitalise his career at Manchester United, but with just 16 appearances and 355 minutes all season in the Premier League, that was not the case.

For the sake of his career, the 29-year-old needs a chance of scenery, and a bit like his former team-mate Paul Pogba, some appreciation and trust given to him. Under Moyes at the London Stadium, he had just that, which is why a move to familiar territory is a move which would surely benefit both parties.

Moyes is in need of further depth up top, with Andriy Yarmolenko officially departing the club at the end of the month.

Tactically speaking, Lingard suits the Scotsman’s system as a number 10 in a 4-2-3-1 setup, and given the duo’s history together, it seems a no-brainer for both sides.

If Lingard can return to West Ham and have the same level of impact as he did during his loan spell in east London in 2021, Irons fans will be buzzing with a move which would cost the club nothing.

In other news: West Ham now plot bid for £50m “nightmare”, he’d be an “unbelievable” coup for Moyes 

A report in the last 48 hours claims Tottenham Hotspur are in negotiations to bring Barcelona centre-back Clement Lenglet to the Premier League this summer.

The Lowdown: Barcelona offer Lenglet to Spurs

The Frenchman first made the switch to the Camp Nou in a £31.7m move from Sevilla back in 2018, where he’s so far made a total of 160 appearances for the Catalan giants during his spell at the club.

Despite still having four years remaining on his current contract, which expires in 2026, the 15-cap ace has recently fallen out of favour under Xavi, and therefore has been linked with a move away after it was revealed that Barca have offered him out to clubs to complete a potential loan transfer.

One of the teams named is the Lilywhites, and following a fresh update, it would seem as though Antonio Conte is very much keen on striking up an agreement for the defender.

The Latest: Spurs in transfer negotiations

In a new article published by Spanish website Sport (via Sport Witness), it’s claimed that Spurs are now ‘working on a deal’ for the transfer of Lenglet, and are currently in negotiations with the Blaugrana.

The source further states that Paratici and co initially made a proposal to sign the Beauvais-born talent on a two-season loan, but a new regulation that comes into force from July 1 prevents loans from lasting longer than one term. The two parties are now looking for a loophole.

If a move is arranged, it’s believed that the 6 foot 1 colossus would spend the ‘whole time’ getting his salary paid by the north Londoners.

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The Verdict: A risk worth taking

Lenglet, who was once valued at £54m back in 2019, has had a disappointing season in La Liga, having only recorded 21 outings after falling down the pecking order under Xavi.

Despite this, the £97k-per-week starlet was among the best centre-backs in Europe when he left Sevilla to join Barca, labelled ‘impeccable’ at passing out from the back by Catalan media outlets. The evidence in his limited appearances this season backs that label up – Lenglet ranks in the 99th percentile for progressive passes for centre-backs in Europe’s top five leagues (FBRef).

He also typically plays on the left-hand side of a backline, a position that Ben Davies, who’s not a natural central defender, currently occupies.

Considering any possible move would only be temporary, we feel Conte should take the risk and give Lenglet the chance to show what he’s capable of in the English top-flight, and even if the switch doesn’t go as well as hoped, he would simply be allowed to return if he fails to impress the Italian following the conclusion of his spell.

In other news… Paddy Kenny has reacted to a ‘ridiculous’ new £310m Spurs reveal.

Adam Jones has been left thrilled by some news that he has now heard from Everton.

The Lowdown: Everton hand contract to Warrington

As confirmed by the Toffees’ official website, under-23s midfielder Lewis Warrington has now signed a new two-year deal which will keep him at the Merseyside club until the end of June 2024.

He spent the second half of this season on loan at Tranmere Rovers, where he scored one goal and supplied two assists in League Two (top-half finish as they narrowly missed out on the play-off spots.

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The Latest: Jones reacts to Warrington contract

Taking to Twitter, Liverpool Echo journalist Jones was left thrilled by the update, claiming that there is a ‘lot of excitement’ over Warrington’s contract at Everton.

Sharing a corresponding article on the news, he tweeted: “Understandably a lot of excitement around Lewis Warrington’s new contract. He’s had a very strong season, both with the U23s and on loan, and certainly given himself a great platform to build.”

The Verdict: One for the future

Warrington is certainly one for the future, and his exposure to men’s football at Tranmere should help him with his eventual transition into the Everton first team when Frank Lampard feels that he is ready.

The 19-year-old has played 51 times at youth level for the Toffees over the last four seasons, scoring five goals and supplying three assists and showing his versatility by adapting to a number of different positions across the pitch (Transfermarkt).

Also, at such a fledgling age, he will surely only get better as he continues his development with the Blues, so it’s little wonder that Jones is so enthused by the confirmation of a new Everton deal for the youngster.

In other news, Everton are now ‘waiting’ to sign this 6 foot 1 colossus