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Tottenham Hotspur are one of the teams looking at Memphis Depay…

What’s the word?

That’s according to Italian journalist Gerard Romero, who delivered a fresh update on the Dutchman’s situation at Barcelona to his Twitch channel, where he revealed that Spurs and Serie A giants Juventus are two likely destinations for the forward.

The 28-year-old is expected to leave the Nou Camp on a free transfer, as revealed by Fabrizio Romano last week, who tweeted:

“Excl: Barcelona and Memphis Depay lawyers are in negotiations to reach an agreement on free agency. No way for €20m fee. Depay will accept to leave Barça only in case he’ll find the right option for his future.

“Memphis Depay will only consider top clubs.”

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Free agent bargain

That means the former Manchester United man may not cost the Lilywhites’ owners, the ENIC Group, a penny in terms of a transfer fee as Barcelona will be desperate to get his wages off the books.

And just like with Ivan Perisic, sporting director Fabio Paratici and his recruitment staff could seal another free transfer masterclass.

Another forward may be the least of manager Antonio Conte’s priorities, having added the £60m acquisition of Richarlison to a frontline containing Harry Kane, Heung-min Son, Dejan Kulusevski and Lucas Moura, but another option would add serious depth and quality to the squad, especially when they could be available for nothing.

The north Londoners will also be competing in the Champions League this season and in a World Cup year, rotation could be imperative heading into the second half of the season – at least if Spurs are aiming to end their trophy hoodoo.

Depay may have struggled in the Premier League before but that came at an early time in his career.

Since then, he has bagged 19 goals in 36 appearances in 2017/18, then 20 goals across 37 league matches in 2020/21, both for Lyon, and even finished last season as Barca’s top goalscorer, despite losing his place to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

It’s no wonder he has been lauded as a “special talent” by Dutch legend Marco van Basten, who certainly knows a thing or two about goalscoring himself.

Not only does he offer goals, though, as he ranks inside the top 1% of all forwards across Europe for passes attempted (48.11 per 90), as well as the top 3% for progressive carries (7.37 per 90), showing that he can get on the ball and help provide for his teammates, whether that be through a pass or a drive through the defensive line, as per FBref.

With Depay valued at €40m (£34m) by CIES Football Observatory, who assess the transfer value of professional footballers on a scientific basis, it’s clear that signing him on a free would be an absolute bargain, not to mention his aforementioned credentials.

As such, the Dutchman would be a pretty good depth option for Conte this season but they’ll have to beat Juventus to his signature.

AND in other news, Paratici can seal “incredible” Maddison alternative in Spurs bid for “special” target…

Nottingham Forest defender Giulian Biancone is expected to play a squad role rather than be a starter this season, according to journalist Sarah Clapson.

The Lowdown: Biancone one of many signings

The Reds are just over a week away from marking their return to the Premier League, with Steve Cooper’s side making the trip to Newcastle United on August 6.

It has been an excellent summer for Forest in the transfer window, with a whole host of new names coming in, one of which was young defender Biancone.

The 22-year-old joined from Ligue 1 side Troyes for £9million, making him the club’s third-most expensive signing of the summer window and fourth all time.

The Latest: Squad role predicted

Speaking in a Q&A for The Nottingham Post, Clapson claimed that Biancone would not be considered a better right-back option than Neco Williams, with a squad role looking likely:

“Think he’s looked better when he’s played at right wing-back. Thought he’d done well there in the previous friendlies. When he first signed, we were told it was with a view to him being more as a centre-back, but one who could also play wing-back. He’s played more of the latter since signing, but Cooper did say that was mainly through circumstance.

“Don’t think he’s going to get in ahead of Neco Williams. But still looks a decent addition to me, even if he didn’t show it on Tuesday night. Useful to have players who can play in a few different positions. Trying to form any kind of judgement is tough in pre-season, though.”

The Verdict: Still young and maturing

While Biancone’s hefty transfer fee means he should be expected to perform from the off, he is going to be a raw player finding his feet in a new country, and in arguably the world’s toughest league.

Miracles shouldn’t be expected from him straight away and it is likely that he is used sporadically to begin with, proving to be a good squad player who gets minutes in domestic cup games.

Over time, however, the hope is that Biancone becomes a formidable defender who is deployed mostly as a right-sided centre-back, making the £9million eventually look like a bargain.

Wolves have been linked with a move for Inter striker Edin Dzeko recently and the former Manchester City man could form a dream partnership with Pedro Neto in Bruno Lage’s attack.

Reports from Italy have suggested that the likes of Wolves, Everton and Leicester City are all interested in signing the Bosnian hitman, who could be set to leave the San Siro, despite an impressive debut season at the club.

The 36-year-old signed from Roma after a prolific spell with I Giallorossi and contributed 17 goals and ten assists in 48 appearances, which emphasises that he still has the ability to produce at the top level.

It is no surprise to see Wolves linked with such a consistent goalscorer, considering their lack of goals in the top flight last season, with only the relegated sides scoring fewer.

Raul Jimenez has not been the same player since his head injury, while Fabio Silva has left for Anderlecht on loan after failing to find the net last season, so a new striker is definitely required.

Should the Old Gold convince Dzeko to make the move to Molineux, the veteran striker could excel alongside Portuguese winger Neto, who may well feel like a new signing after missing much of the last campaign through injury.

The 22-year-old made just 13 appearances in the Premier League last year having been one of the star performers in the 2020/21 season, and he will be hoping to make a similar impact in the upcoming campaign.

Jamie Redknapp was full of praise for Neto last season, saying:

“He’s not going to be a good player, he’s going to be a world-class player once he comes back from injury.

“You could see last year when you were watching him he was developing every single week.”

With Neto’s pace and ability on the wing, he is sure to create goalscoring opportunities next season, and who better to put them away than the “fantastic” Dzeko.

AND, in other news: Wolves plotting bid for £20m target who’s “full of assists”, he’s Lage’s dream signing

Lewis Bate is set to follow the likes of Jamie Shackleton and Ian Poveda out of the Leeds United exit door this summer, reports Joe Donnohue.

The Lowdown: Busy summer

Jesse Marsch, along with Victor Orta, has been hard at work all summer, rebuilding the Whites’ squad with six exciting new signings.

Brenden Aaronson, Luis Sinisterra, Tyler Adams, Rasmus Kristensen, Marc Roca and Darko Gyabi have all arrived, but of course, their presence requires spaces to be cleared within the squad.

Alongside the high-profile exits of Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips, Marsch and Orta are also hard at work finding homes for many of the club’s young players, and Bate now looks set to venture away from the Premier League in search of regular first-team football.

The Latest: Another exit

According to Donnohue, Bate, who has one very important admirer in the shape of Andrea Radrizzani, ‘could be the next LUFC youngster heading on loan after Shackleton’, with interest from multiple League One clubs.

‘Understand the reason he didn’t go on tour is due to (the) loan interest,’ the Yorkshire Evening Post reporter writes.

Ian Poveda is also expected to depart, with the club reportedly willing to listen to loan and/or permanent offers for the former Manchester City talent.

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The Verdict: Great decision

With the arrivals of Gyabi, Roca and Adams more than filling the void left by Phillips, the decision to send Bates out into the big bad world of lower-league football is certainly a good one.

At 19, the midfielder has already paid his dues in underage football, racking up 57 appearances for Chelsea’s various youth sides and a further 23 while at Leeds, popping up in the Whites’ first-team just four times, per Transfermarkt.

Likened to a young Jack Wilshere and hailed by Jermaine Beckford for his ability to control the ball in tight spaces, spray passes around and drive forward with the ball, if Bate can display all of these skills on a consistent basis in League One there is no reason he cannot be a part of Marsch’s plans from 2023/24.

Liverpool have made three new signings this summer and are now on their pre-season tour in Thailand, but the club could be about to make their fourth signing of the transfer window.

What’s the latest?

According to 90min, the Merseyside club are interested in signing Matheus Nunes this summer and have made contact with the player’s representatives.

As per the report, Liverpool are ready to rival their Premier League title competitor Manchester City for the signing of the Portuguese midfielder, who could be available for €40m (£33.8m).

Imagine him & Thiago

Liverpool are reportedly making their midfield a priority area to strengthen after the club’s record-breaking signing of Darwin Nunez this summer, and Nunes could be the perfect option for Jurgen Klopp’s side as they continue their pursuit of more trophies.

The Sporting CP star scored three goals, delivered two assists, created six big chances and was successful in completing the majority of his dribbles (70%) during a productive attacking campaign.

He was also effective in a defensive capacity, making 1.3 tackles and 0.9 interceptions on average per game, as well as winning the majority of his duels (55%)  over 33 league appearances.

Former teammate, Goncalo Santos gave Liverpool Echo a review of Nunes’ qualities and talent:

“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.”

According to SofaScore, Nunes’ main strengths are his long balls and ball control, with a 92% pass accuracy in his own half during his appearances in Liga Portugal, which would make him the perfect player to form a formidable midfield partnership with Liverpool star Thiago Alcantara if he joined the Reds.

The 23-year-old dynamo who was hailed “very promising” by journalist Zach Lowry has been attracting interest from not only the Champions League finalists but the Premier League champions too, so if FSG are serious about signing the player they will need to work fast to stop Nunes from going to their league rivals.

With that being said, FSG could not only bolster their midfield by signing Nunes this summer but could also steal him away from Manchester City to stop them from adding more strength to their team ahead of next season.

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

Wolverhampton Wanderers have been named as one of the clubs who have made contact with Manchester City regarding a possible move for versatile gem Oleksandr Zinchenko.

What’s the word?

According to 90min, the Molineux outfit are said to have ‘asked’ the Premier League champions about the Ukraine international’s ‘availability’, with the player believed to be considering an exit from the Etihad Stadium this summer.

The report suggests that the 25-year-old – who still has two years remaining on his contract – has a preference to play in midfield, having largely been deployed at left-back under Pep Guardiola.

The latest suggestion is that any deal could cost in the region of £35m for a player who was bought for just £1.7m six years ago, although Arsenal are currently believed to be in the strongest position to land the 52-cap gem.

Reliable option

While perhaps not one of the marquee names among the City squad, Zinchenko has proven himself a hugely effective performer during his time in English football, slotting in comfortably on the left-hand side of defence in a role which is not his favourite.

Making that sacrifice to take on something of a makeshift role has paid off for the £22.5m-rated ace, who has gone on to be a vital squad player for Guardiola in recent years, racking up 127 appearances for the club in all competitions and winning four league titles in that time.

His performances have clearly made an impact on his manager, with the serial-winning coach having dubbed him “so reliable” a few years ago for his unerring consistency, while the 25-year-old’s team-mate Kyle Walker has  labelled him “incredible” due to his talent with the ball at his feet.

Bruno Lage and co would clearly be bringing in a player who rarely lets his team down, although categorising the £59k-per-week Ukrainian as a mere steady performer would be doing him a disservice, such is his undoubted quality.

That is rubberstamped by Zinchenko’s impressive comparison to those in his position across Europe’s top five leagues, in which he ranks in the top 1% for both progressive carries and progressive passes among full-backs, and also the top 1% for assists and the top 2% for pass completion.

A master in possession, restoring him to his preferred midfield role could well be of great benefit to those at Molineux, with the Old Gold seemingly in need of further additions in that department amid uncertainty over the future of Ruben Neves.

A rather expensive signing it could potentially be, but those at Wolves will know that it would likely prove to be very much worth it.

AND in other news, Shi can sign Lage his own Harry Kane with Wolves swoop for “incredible” goal machine

Leeds United employee Noel Whelan has been reacting to the club’s move for Luis Sinisterra, as per Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Sixth summer signing

The Whites announced a deal for Sinisterra on Thursday, with the 23-year-old becoming the sixth summer signing at Elland Road.

The Colombian has signed a five-year deal in Yorkshire and has reportedly cost the club £21m. He arrives at Leeds after contributing to 37 goals in 49 games in all competitions last season and has been named in the squad to fly to Australia for the pre-season tour.

The Latest: Whelan reacts

Whelan spoke to Football Insider to give his thoughts on Sinisterra following the move. He labelled the forward a ‘really exciting’ player and a ‘mouth-watering prospect’, believing that he will quickly become a fan favourite.

The 47-year-old gushed:

“He looks really exciting. I’ve seen clips of him playing, I saw the Europa Conference League final as well – he’s a real player and someone who is going to get people off their seats.

“The goals he’s scoring, the pace, he’s exciting to watch – and that’s what the Leeds United fans want, especially if he is to come in and replace Raphinha.

“He looks a real mouth-watering prospect and someone who is going to open doors for us going forward.

“He will very quickly become a fan favourite if he can maintain that kind of form, just as Raphinha was soon after coming in.”

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The Verdict: Raphinha replacement

Sinisterra can play on either wing but featured solely from the left in 2021/22. It looks as if he has been brought in to replace the skill and flair that the Whites look set to lose in Raphinha.

The Brazilian hasn’t travelled with the Leeds squad to Australia, with a move away looking likely, so hopefully Sinisterra can bring his fine form over the last 12 months to England and get to grips with the Premier League straight away under Jesse Marsch.

Southampton reports have now been backed by talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook, as the club eye a move for Chelsea’s rising star Levi Colwill.

The Lowdown: Southampton make moves…

The Saints have had a busy start to the summer transfer window as Ralph Hasenhuttl sees a host of promising starlets make the move to St Mary’s.

Republic of Ireland international goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu has signed from Manchester City, while promising German defender Armel Bella-Kotchap has joined from VfL Bochum.

Another head-turning starlet from the Etihad Stadium is also on the way in midfielder Romeo Lavia, coming after his comparisons to Sky Blues legend Fernandinho.

The Latest: Crook makes Colwill claim…

Backing other reports, Crook has now made a Saints transfer claim involving Chelsea defender Colwill, as Hasenhuttl eyes even more moves this summer.

The talksSPORT reporter explained (via Twitter): “Definite interest from #SaintsFC in Southampton-born centre-back Levi Colwill. Fits their recruitment profile and likely to be allowed to leave Stamford Bridge once #CFC have recruited a couple of defenders.”

The Verdict: Make the move…

Provided that Chelsea sign new defenders, a move for Colwill could prove hugely beneficial to Southampton and Hasenhuttl.

The 19-year-old sensation enjoyed an absolutely stellar spell on loan at Huddersfield last season, playing an integral role in their run to the Championship play-Off final as he started 28 league matches.

As per WhoScored, Colwill finished the 2021/22 campaign as one of the Yorkshire club’s top four performers by average match rating, having even made a colossal 4.3 clearances per 90 minutes.

The teenager also won more aerial duels per game than any Terriers player except Tom Lees, leaving little wonder as to why journalists like Steven Chicken raved over his ‘sensational’ and ‘flawless’ time at the John Smith’s Stadium (via Chelsea Loan Army).

Raphinha’s proposed move from Leeds United to Arsenal is still on, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

The lowdown

Brazilian outlet Globo Esporte claimed that the north London club had ‘pulled out’ of the race to sign the 25-year-old after reportedly sealing a deal for Gabriel Jesus, boosting Barcelona’s chances of landing the Elland Road star.

It emerged last week that the Gunners had submitted a bid for the Whites winger, but it was rejected because it fell significantly below Leeds’ valuation (via The Athletic).

The Yorkshire club are expected to allow Raphinha to leave without being ‘unfair’ or ‘obstructive’ if their demands are met.

The latest

Jacobs took to Twitter on Sunday night with a couple of telling updates on the Brazil international’s future at Leeds, ahead of what could be a pivotal week in the transfer saga.

Firstly, he tweeted: “Told Arsenal have not ‘pulled out’ of trying to sign Raphinha. Raphinha does want to see if a Barcelona deal is possible (Camp Nou move always been of appeal). It’s complicated and may require Ousmane Dembele to leave, hence why this week is key.”

In a follow-up tweet, Jacobs claimed: “Raphinha’s representatives haven’t blanked EPL suitors. Arsenal have further talks scheduled with them this week. Leeds will hold out for around £60 million. Barcelona need to find those funds. Raphinha wants to assess all options, and one of them remains Arsenal.”

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The verdict

Raphinha doesn’t look like an essential signing for Arsenal.

He played 33 of his 36 matches on the right flank last season, and that’s the role Bukayo Saka typically occupies at the Emirates Stadium.

In the England youngster, Arsenal already have a top-quality option, as his nomination for Premier League Player of the Season demonstrates, so perhaps the Gunners won’t feel pressure to meet that reported £60m asking price for the Brazil star.

That could ultimately work in Leeds’ favour as they do their utmost to keep Raphinha at Elland Road, but could this yet prove to be a long and drawn-out negotiation?

Journalist Paul Brown has said that Everton could now sign Lucas Moura this summer.

The Lowdown: Richarlison swap deal?

As per The Telegraph, Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing Richarlison from the Toffees and are prepared to offer both Harry Winks and Moura as part of a potential swap deal for the 25-year-old.

The arrivals of Rodrigo Bentancur and Dejan Kulusevski from Juventus in the January transfer window pushed the aforementioned Spurs players down the pecking order in terms of minutes played last season, so they do not seem to be in Antonio Conte’s long-term plans.

The Latest: Moura transfer speculation

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Brown has said that Moura has ‘come up in talks’ at Goodison Park, but there is ‘less of a push’ to sign him over Winks.

The reporter said of Eerton’s interest in the duo: “They certainly do like Winks, while Lucas Moura has come up in talks, but there’s less of a push for Everton to sign him and there’s also the Dele Alli situation with Everton still owing Spurs money for him.”

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The Verdict: Sign Moura over Winks

If Everton could sign only one of the players mentioned, they should go for Moura over Winks.

They already have a plethora of central midfield options, whereas Anwar El Ghazi has returned to Aston Villa from his loan spell, leaving Andros Townsend as the only recognised senior right winger (Transfermarkt).

Moura should certainly add quality from the flanks, having scored 38 goals and supplied a further 27 assists over the course of his Spurs career (Transfermarkt).

Also, at 29 years of age, the Toffees could take advantage of a player who is currently in the peak of his career and has plenty of big-game experience from his time with Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham.

In other news, find out who Everton have now made contact with over signing here!