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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.

West Bromwich Albion manager Steve Bruce spoke previously about his hopes for a transfer overhaul at the Midlands club during the upcoming summer transfer window.

The Baggies got the ball rolling on that front after they announced they had secured a deal to sign John Swift on a free transfer from Reading.

While this shows just how keen West Brom are to get their summer transfer business underway, it also shows that they are not shy when it comes to signing other players in the Championship.

One other figure that has spent this recent season in the second division that has been linked with a move to the Hawthorns is Derby County attacker Tom Lawrence.

It was reported last week that the Baggies are one of the clubs interested in signing the 28-year-old this summer.

With his current contract at Derby, who have now been relegated from the Championship, set to expire at the end of June, this could give West Brom another chance to bring a player in for free as they did with Swift.

As well as the financial benefits, the £4.5m-rated Derby star could also give the Baggies an upgrade on one of their current attacking players – Callum Robinson.

To compare the two players from their recent Championship campaigns, the 28-year-old racked up more goals than the Baggies figure as well as more shots, crosses, interceptions and tackles.

This shows that he is a more all-around player up and down the pitch than Robinson, meaning that he could be a better option than him for Bruce.

To further highlight his attacking and creative talents, Lawrence ended Derby’s tough campaign with the highest average for shots (2.7) and key passes (1.4) per game.

Having scored 50 goals and delivered 40 assists in 264 Championship games throughout his career, the Welshman certainly has the experience in him to be a useful addition to West Brom’s squad as they aim to reach the Premier League once again.

Labelled as a “fabulous talent” by Gary Bowyer, Lawrence should definitely be in West Brom’s transfer target list before the next season kicks off as he could end up being crucial for their promotion hopes.

In other news: “West Brom are aware”: Madeley drops big transfer claim, it’s bad news for supporters

Former Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper and Sky Sports pundit Paul Robinson has been left excited by some major news out of the club.

The Lowdown: Spurs eye first pieces of business…

The Lilywhites and transfer chief Fabio Paratici are allegedly eyeing their first pieces of business ahead of the summer with some big decisions made behind-the-scenes, according to reliable reporter Fabrizio Romano.

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Sharing news last week, the transfer journalist claims that Spurs are set to back manager Antonio Conte with the permanent signings of Dejan Kulusevski and Cristian Romero – a move which will cost the club around £68 million.

The Latest: Robinson excited…

After this major development come to light courtesy of Romano, the ex-Spurs shot stopper turned Sky pundit had his say – praising the news in an interview with Football Insider.

He explained: “To get Romero and Kulusevski for that price is great business.”

“That is extremely cheap for two players of that calibre. I suspect there would be a lot of teams very interested in those two were Spurs not to sign them permanently.

“You have to put a lot down to the manager and Paratici. Their relationship and knowledge of the Italian market is paying dividends.

“That is a sign of what is to come in the summer I think. I’m sure there will be another one or two signings coming in from Italy.

“Spurs have to back Conte in this window. Another window like January would only be good for the club.”

The Verdict: Great news…

Both men have been absolutely integral for Spurs over 2021/2022, making their permanent deals an absolute no brainer.

Kulusevski, since arriving in January, has formed a deadly understanding with Harry Kane and Son Heung-min as part of a brilliant attacking front-three.

Meanwhile, Romero has topped Tottenham’s charts as their most colossal defensive presence – making the most tackles and interceptions per 90 for them in England’s top flight (WhoScored).

Indeed, Robinson has every right to be excited by Romano’s update on the pair.

In other news: Reliable journalist: Tottenham will aim to secure agreement for ‘fantastic’ target very soon! Find out more here.

Leeds United have been handed a huge injury boost ahead of their Premier League meeting with Brentford on Sunday.

What’s the talk?

That’s to Adam Pope’s recent post on Twitter, with the BBC journalist relaying comments made by Thomas Frank in his pre-match press conference, in which the Brentford boss revealed that he will have the same team available as the 3-2 victory over Everton last weekend – something which means Ethan Pinnocks will remain sidelined this weekend.

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In his post, Pope said: “Brentford boss Thomas Frank says the same squad that won at Everton is available to face Leeds United on Sunday. Defender Ethan Pinnock remains out.”

Marsch will be buzzing

When considering the fact that Leeds simply must secure all three points at the Brentford Community Stadium this weekend if they are to have any hope of avoiding relegation to the Championship this season, the news that a player as important as Pinnock has now been ruled out of the fixture is sure to have left Jesse Marsch buzzing.

Indeed, over his 32 Premier League appearances this term, the £9m-rated centre-back has been imperious in the heart of the Bees’ defence, helping his side keep seven clean sheets, in addition to making an average of 1.4 interceptions, 1.6 tackles, 4.6 clearances and winning 6.8 duels – at a success rate of 68% – per game.

The defender has also impressed going forwards, bagging one goal, providing one assist and creating two big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 0.5 shots, making 0.4 key passes and completing 0.3 dribbles per fixture.

These returns have seen the £27k-per-week talent average a quite remarkable SofaScore match rating of 7.01, ranking him as Brentford’s sixth-best performer in the English top flight.

As such, the fact the Jamaica international will not be lining up against the Whites this weekend will undoubtedly provide Marsch’s chances of leaving west London with all three points with a huge boost – with a victory over the Bees’ potentially being enough to keep Leeds in the top flight heading into 2022/23.

AND in other news: Big Leeds United 49ers takeover development emerges, supporters will be fuming

David Moyes enjoyed a successful season with West Ham, coming so close to a Europa League final appearance whilst securing European football (Europa League or Conference League) for another season is enough to make the Hammers faithful enjoy their summer.

Moyes will be looking to sign players of quality that could take them to the next level and the work starts now. He may have already found a big upgrade in Kurt Zouma.

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The manager has been tracking Rennes defender Nayef Aguerd for a while now and a recent report from the Guardian states that Moyes is working on a deal to sign the player ahead of next season.

A bid of around £20m could be enough to convince Rennes to sell Aguerd according to the report and this could represent excellent value for money.

West Ham have had their fair share of issues in the heart of defence this season, with Zouma and Angelo Ogbonna suffering injuries, with the latter being ruled out since November. Craig Dawson is 32 and Issa Diop has been poor, ranking fourth out of the centre backs with a WhoScored average of just 6.46.

The Morocco international is a clear upgrade on Zouma. He has won 71% of his aerial duels compared to 67.9 for the Frenchman. Aguerd has also made more tackles and interceptions (30 and 52) in comparison to Zouma (11 and 46).

These stats prove that the defender could be the rock and the ball-playing defender that GSB and Moyes has been searching for and this could make a big difference next season.

The media have referred to him as the “real boss” of Rennes and this leadership quality combined with the obvious maturity of the player could only enhance the heart of the West Ham defence.

AND in other news, 11 games, 0 goals: Bilic made “huge mistake” on WHU dud who cost £2.5m per yellow card

The Athletic’s West Ham correspondent Roshane Thomas has been full of praise for Said Benrahma following his contribution in the Irons’ victory against Norwich City today.  

The Lowdown: Benrahma at the double

David Moyes named the 26-year-old in his starting line-up for the Premier League clash against the Canaries on Sunday afternoon as the Hammers secured a comfortable 4-0 victory, with two goals coming from the Algerian, while Michail Antonio and Manuel Lanzini were also on target.

The ex-Brentford winger caught Thomas’ eye for his improved performances since signing a permanent deal at the London Stadium after making the move from the other side of the capital during the 2020/21 season.

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The Latest: Thomas praises Benrahma’s progress

Thomas took to Twitter immediately after Benrahma scored his first goal of the game.

The journalist gushed: “Ten goals and six assists in all competitions for Benrahma so far this season. He only scored three goals in 2020-21. Some will argue he needs to be more consistent but he’s definitely improved this season.”

The Verdict: Blistering Benrahma

The 17-cap Algeria international had a superb game all round at Carrow Road, with his two shots both resulting in goals, alongside making one key pass, which earned him an overall match rating of 8.61 from WhoScored, higher than any of his team-mates on the day.

The £22.5m-rated ace has made a huge improvement during his time at West Ham. During his loan spell last season, he only found the net once and provided seven assists across all competitions for Moyes’ side (as per Transfermarkt), compared to this current campaign where he is already on a total of 17 goal contributions after his double today.

If Benrahma can continue this scintillating form, he could prove to be the difference between the Hammers finishing sixth and securing another crack at the Europa League, or having to settle for seventh and Conference League football in 2022/23.

In other news… one journalist believes that West Ham might hold an advantage in the race to sign one of their transfer targets this summer

Leeds United are in a great position to bring Brennan Johnson to Elland Road in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to Dean Jones, with the transfer insider and journalist revealing in a recent interview with GIVEMESPORT that, should Leeds go on to secure their status as a Premier League side this season, coupled with Nottingham Forest failing to secure promotion to the top flight in the Championship play-offs, Victor Orta will be in a fantastic position to land his reported £20m transfer target this summer.

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Regarding the Whites’ interest in the 20-year-old attacking midfielder, Jones said: “They should make him their number one target, 100%. They are in a great position to sign Brennan Johnson if they do stay up and Forest don’t manage to get promoted.”

Supporters will be buzzing

While it is undeniable that Leeds’ place in the Premier League next season appears extremely uncertain following the weekend’s results, should the Whites go on to secure survival, the prospect of landing a player as talented as Johnson is undoubtedly something that will leave the Elland Road faithful buzzing.

Indeed, over his 46 Championship appearances this season, the £900k-rated forward has been a revelation in Steve Cooper’s attack, scoring 16 goals, registering ten assists and creating 15 big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 1.9 shots, making 1.3 key passes and completing 1.2 dribbles per game.

These metrics have seen the £2.5k-per-week Wales international average a quite breathtaking SofaScore match rating of 7.10, ranking him as Nottingham Forest’s fourth-best outfielder in the second tier – with the 20-year-old playing a starring role in the Reds’ widely unexpected securing of a top-six finish in the league.

As such, the suggestion that – as long as Leeds stay up and Forest remain in the Championship – Orta is in a great position to secure the signing of Johnson this summer is undoubtedly incredibly exciting for everyone involved with the Whites.

However, with Jesse Marsch’s side currently sitting 18th in the Premier League standings, it would appear a wise move for Leeds to hold off on printing shirts donning the attacking midfielder’s name just yet.

AND in other news: “Very possible…”: Phil Hay drops big Leeds injury update, supporters will be buzzing

Marcelo Bielsa ended Leeds United’s 16-year wait for a return to the Premier League when he led the Whites to promotion in the 2019/20 campaign.

The Argentine head coach needed two seasons in charge to successfully end their run of almost two decades in the Championship or League One and they have remained in the top-flight ever since, with Jesse Marsch now at the helm.

They were in the third tier of English football for three seasons between 2007 and 2010 and Simon Grayson was the man who managed to bring them back up to the second division.

He led them to a second-placed finish in the 2009/10 campaign and then finished seventh in their first season back in the Championship in 2010/11.

Grayson enjoyed a successful spell at Elland Road during this period but was let down by former owner Ken Bates in the summer of 2011 when it came to dealing with Bradley Johnson’s situation.

The central midfielder was a huge part of the team in the two aforementioned seasons. He played 36 times in the League One promotion and chipped in with seven goals and three assists from the middle of the park, before managing five goals and four assists in 45 outings in the second tier.

However, he was out of contract at the end of 2010/11 and Bates refused to play ball with the midfielder over an extension, with Johnson explaining: 

“It was time to negotiate a new contract and I said ‘I want to earn what this guy’s earning or the same as what this kid’s earning’. Ken Bates was just like ‘nope, this is what we’re offering’, so I didn’t sign it. It got ugly towards the end with the chairman, but the fans understood.”

He ended up departing that summer and he eventually left on a free transfer, joining then-manager Paul Lambert’s Norwich Cith. This turned out to be a huge blunder by the club as Johnson went on to be a big player for the Canaries for a number of years and made them a hefty profit when he left East Anglia.

Johnson, who Paul Clement once dubbed “invaluable”. played 97 Premier League matches in his first three years at Norwich and produced six goals and nine assists from central midfield.

He then enjoyed a phenomenal campaign in the Championship in 2014/15 as the machine found the back of the net 15 times in 41 games as he helped his side to win promotion back to the top-flight, winning the club’s Player of the Year award.

Norwich then opted to cash in on the Englishman by selling him to Derby County in the summer of 2015. They raked in £6m from the Rams for his signature, which was a sizeable payday for the Canaries given that he arrived at Carrow Road on a free transfer from Leeds four years prior to that.

Therefore, Bates committed a blunder with Johnson as Leeds missed out on enjoying his superb talent on the pitch in those years, along with a multi-million compensation for his services further down the line.

Leeds United are certainly enjoying a better time of it this campaign, though they still remain some way off their former glory.

The Yorkshire giants narrowly avoided relegation from the Premier League on the final day of the 2021/22 campaign as Jesse Marsch’s men dispatched Brentford to send Burnley back down to the doldrums of the Championship.

This time around, Leeds find themselves in a solid mid-table position, having won two, drawn two and lost two of their opening six matches. Some problems still persist for the American, though, such as at left-back where the Whites hierarchy failed to sign an upgrade or further depth.

Junior Firpo, often dubbed a “liability,” has been absent through injury, leaving central defensive colossus Pascal Struijk to deputise, when in reality, neither should be starting in the role.

There were tentative links to Philadelphia Union star Kai Wagner, who would continue the red, white and blue theme around Elland Road these days, so it’s clear that the club know and understand that there is an issue at left-back.

Whilst this is going on in west Yorkshire, one of Leeds’ former favourites – Gjanni Alioski – is lighting it up in the Europa League, two years on from being released by Marcelo Bielsa for nothing.

An erratic figure, the Macedonian international was certainly more known for his attacking exploits than his defensive contribution but that would’ve been right up Marsch’s street, particularly given his interest in Wagner, who is a bit of an assist-king over in the MLS.

Indeed, Alioski started at left wing-back for Turkish Super Lig giants Fenerbahce in their 2-1 win over Dynamo Kyiv, meanwhile from just 100 minutes of league action, he has already provided an assist, helping the Super Eagles to a 4-2 win over Britt Assombalonga’s Adana Demirspor.

Upon his exit from Elland Road, director of football Victor Orta penned an emotional farewell, via The Athletic.

“The emotion I saw in his face and the face of his parents when [he] signed his contract here at Elland Road was a beautiful moment and I was sure he was going to give everything for Leeds United.

“Even with this in mind he exceeded my expectations. Gjanni has been exceptional both on and off the field, his teammates will miss him greatly, as will all of the staff at Thorp Arch and Elland Road.”

With that in mind and Leeds still paying the price for not having a quality left-back, it seems as if Marsch and the team could have certainly done with the 30-year-old, who ex-manager Alex McLeish once dubbed “a firework”, still on the club’s books.

Alioski would have certainly offered more than either of Firpo or Struijk in terms of attacking returns, so it’s a shame that he’s no longer a Whites player.

AND in other news, Orta had Leeds transfer disaster with “special” 25 y/o, he’s more prolific than Gnonto…

Celtic saw long-serving hero Tom Rogic depart the club at the end of last season, with the Australian international seeking pastures new after nine, hugely successful years at Parkhead.

The 29-year-old – as well as teammate Nir Bitton – opted for a fresh challenge despite still having a year left to run on his deal with the Old Firm outfit, with the Glasgow side seemingly agreeing to his exit as a marker of his quality service over the years.

It had initially been a difficult start to life in Scotland for the 6 foot 2 playmaker following his arrival from Central Coast Mariners on a £400k deal back in January 2013, with the creative gem taking almost two years to establish himself in the side after having been ravaged by injury.

The midfielder certainly made up for lost time, however, as he quickly showcased his quality during a breakthrough 2015/16 campaign, scoring ten goals and providing seven assists in all competitions under Ronny Deila.

The arrival of Brendan Rodgers that summer coincided with Rogic assuming an even greater role in the side, as he subsequently laid on 18 goal contributions during the 2016/17 season as the Hoops enjoyed a remarkable unbeaten domestic campaign.

That glorious season notably saw the £1.58m-rated man produce one of his finest moments in a green and white jersey, firing in a stunning stoppage-time winner in the Scottish Cup final triumph over Aberdeen.

A man with a penchant for the spectacular, the 51-cap menace subsequently went on to score 46 goals and provide 49 assists in 272 games in all competitions, proving himself more than worth the initial, bargain investment.

While he had endured a difficult stint in recent times – notably scoring just twice during the 2020/21 campaign – the arrival of compatriot Ange Postecoglou sparked a change in fortunes last term, as he resumed his leading role as the link between midfield and attack.

Lauded as a “magician” by ex-Hoops striker Chris Sutton, the dynamic genius scored trophy-laden stint at the club.

The current free agent was handed a raucous ovation on his emotional final Parkhead outing at the end of last term, with such acclaim more than merited for a player who had grown into something of a “legend” for the club, in the words of Postecoglou.

In truth, Celtic simply struck gold bringing the relatively unknown quantity to Scotland almost a decade ago.