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An update has emerged regarding Newcastle United’s interest in Brentford striker Ivan Toney heading into the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie has revealed that the Bees attacker may be on the Tyneside club’s list of potential targets ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

Speaking to Football FanCast, when asked about Toney and Hugo Ekitike being targeted by the Magpies, the journalist replied: “I could see why Eddie Howe would like him as a player. You know, I can see he can lead that line by himself with two wingers either side.

“They’re all very different sorts of players that you mentioned there. I would imagine Tony and Ekitike are both on the list as options. I would imagine the list is pretty long.”

Eddie Howe needs him badly

Newcastle must get a deal over the line for the £30m-valued striker this summer, as Toon boss Eddie Howe needs him badly at St James’ Park.

Toney is the complete centre-forward in terms of his skill set and is the ideal player to lead the Magpies’ line on his own in the 4-3-3 formation that the head coach has been deploying this season. The 26-year-old can score goals and set them up for his team-mates, in addition to holding up the ball and linking the play, as he has proven throughout the campaign with Brentford.

Peterborough chief Barry Fry once dubbed him “tremendous”, and that is exactly what Toney has been this year. In the Premier League this season, he has produced 12 goals and five assists in 30 starts, also missing five ‘big chances’ for Thomas Frank’s side.

Whilst this proves that he can score and create at the top end of the pitch, the 26-year-old has also shown that he can be a physical outlet up front. He has won 4.5 aerial battles per game and won 52% of his duels in total, being more than able to hold his own against Premier League defenders.

Howe does not have any strikers in his squad who, like Toney, have the full package. Chris Wood has been able to win 6.9 aerial battles per game but has scored just twice and failed to provide an assist in 16 outings for the Magpies.

Meanwhile, Callum Wilson has six goals and zero assists, whilst he has only won 1.7 aerial battles per game, losing 63% of his duels in total.

Therefore, the Brentford predator is badly needed at St James’ Park, and Howe would be over the moon if PIF are able to get a deal for Toney over the line in the coming months.

AND in other news, Romano claims PIF are now plotting Newcastle swoop for “magic” £20m wizard, just imagine him & Saint-Maximin…

Celtic have reportedly stepped up their pursuit to complete the permanent signing of winger Jota during the upcoming transfer window, according to a Portuguese source.

The Lowdown: Jota’s impressive loan spell

The Bhoys look set to complete the capture of Mohanad Jeahze soon, and it appears as though Jota could follow as the second signing through the door.

The 23-year-old first joined the Hoops on a season-long loan from Benfica last summer, and as part of that deal, it’s reported that the club do have the option to buy.

The forward has majorly impressed during his spell with the Glasgow giants this season, having scored 13 goals and provided 14 assists in all competitions, as per Transfermarkt, and following a fresh update, it’s no surprise that the club are keen to retain his services for next term and beyond.

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The Latest: Celtic ready to trigger clause

In a new article published by Portuguese newspaper Record (via Sport Witness), it’s claimed that the Scottish Premiership outfit ‘want to trigger’ the buying option, which has reportedly been set at €7m (£5.9m).

In fact, the outlet’s headline even claims the deal is ‘agreed’, while they say that Ange Postecoglou and co. want to get the deal over the line ‘quickly’ and ‘don’t consider the hypothesis of losing the opportunity’ to sign him on a permanent basis.

The Verdict: Handful in the final third

Jota, who has been dubbed an “outstanding” player by his manager Postecoglou, has clearly caught the eye of the hierarchy following his scintillating run of form, and it sounds like the club are very confident of securing his signature in the coming months.

The 5 foot 9 attacker has proven to be a real handful for his opponents in the final third this season, having averaged 2.7 shots and 1.7 dribbles per 90 minutes in the Premiership, via WhoScored, which played a huge part in the Hoops taking the league title.

It now looks like purely a matter of time before we’ll be seeing Jota playing in the green and white stripes week in, week out, where he will no doubt go on to contribute to plenty more success at Celtic Park in years to come.

In other news… an ex-BBC pundit is thrilled by the ‘brilliant’ news he’s heard coming from Parkhead.

Wolves will face a Liverpool side with both Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk on the final day of the 2021/22 Premier League season this afternoon after both players were pictured in training earlier this week.

What’s the word?

As reported by the Mirror, images of the two Liverpool stars in training were taken this week and it appears as though both will be available for contention after missing Tuesday’s 2-1 win at Southampton.

The duo weren’t risked by Reds manager Jurgen Klopp for the trip to the South Coast after both being withdrawn with injuries in last weekend’s FA Cup final win over Chelsea.

Van Dijk appeared to have a knee issue and was withdrawn after Salah was replaced at half-time by Diogo Jota.

Wolves fans will be worried

Although there will be little expectations from the Wolves faithful regarding their side coming away from Anfield with a result, the thought of their team having to face both Salah and van Dijk will be a major concern.

Bruno Lage’s side have averaged just one goal per game in the Premier League this season and with the presence of a defender as solid as van Dijk, the visitors won’t fancy their chances of finding the back of the net.

Moreover, in Salah the Black Country outfit face one of the league’s most deadly goalscorers, with the Egyptian still in line to win the Golden Boot ahead of Tottenham’s Heung-Min Son.

The 29-year-old has netted 22 goals in the top-flight this term, just one more than the South Korean who faces relegated Norwich City today.

Therefore, there will be an extra incentive for this season’s FWA Player of the Year to score against Wolves today.

However, the main incentive for Liverpool will be to beat Wolves in order to give themselves a chance of winning the Premier League title.

The Merseyside outfit must win today and hope that Manchester City drop points at home to Aston Villa in order to be crowned Champions of England for the second time in three seasons.

What was already a major task for Wolves will now be a colossal one with the inclusion of van Dijk and Salah, with their return seriously bad news for Lage and co.

AND in other news: Lage must unleash Wolves’ £52k-p/w “mini-Hazard” today, he can spoil Liverpool’s party

Everton are set to have a busy summer transfer window following a disappointing season in the Premier League, and now a new transfer target has emerged that could be the first signing to improve the squad.

What’s the latest?

According to Spanish news outlet SPORT, Everton are eyeing a move for Barcelona outcast Clement Lenglet this summer.

As per the report, the La Liga defender was not keen on an exit but has now accepted he is not in the current future plans of the club and is looking for a loan deal with an option to buy.

It is reported that Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United and Arsenal join Everton in keeping an eye on the player’s situation but no official moves have been made by any of the Premier League clubs as of yet.

Lampard needs him

There is no doubt that improvements are needed at Goodison Park and when you consider their defensive record in the Premier League last season, it is clear that Frank Lampard needs to acquire a player like Lenglet.

Everton faced a challenging relegation battle this season and only secured safety in their penultimate fixture in the league, which is a situation the Toffees won’t want to repeat again, so improving the defensive line is a huge must for the club when they’re identifying players to improve the squad.

Lampard’s side conceded the fifth-highest number of goals in the Premier League, and Jamie Carragher even branded the defence a “Championship back four” following their humiliating defeat to Spurs.

Lenglet who was hailed “world-class” by Didier Deschamps has been struggling for minutes at Barcelona but when he has played he has been efficient in his role as centre-back.

The £97k-per-week star has contributed one assist, created two big chances, made one tackle, completed two duels and offered up a 91% pass accuracy on average per game in his 21 La Liga appearances this season.

With that being said, making signings to improve the defence should be a huge priority for Farhad Moshiri this summer and if they can secure a deal for Lenglet it would be a major coup for the club over their competitors.

AND in other news: Everton can finally axe “waste of space” by signing £50m ace who is “Kante with goals”

West Ham United are keen on signing Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips this summer.

What’s the story?

That’s according to Irons insider ExWHUEmployee [via This Is Futbol], who claimed that the 26-year-old is one of David Moyes’ midfield targets for the summer transfer window.

Writing on the West Ham Way Patreon page, Ex said: “The manager is also said to fancy Kalvin Phillips of Leeds.”

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Despite Leeds’ Premier League survival, Phillips is subject to plenty of interest from other top-flight clubs, with both Manchester City and Aston Villa also named as potential suitors for the England midfielder.

Therefore, securing a move for the 26-year-old could prove a tall order for Moyes and the West Ham hierarchy.

West Ham must sign Phillips

Despite an injury-plagued season, there is no doubt that Phillips would be an excellent addition for the east London outfit.

Named England men’s player of the year for 2021 after his efforts at the European Championship, the midfielder has been restricted to 18 Premier League starts this term, having missed three months with a hamstring injury.

However, that hasn’t hindered his progress as an England international, with the Leeds star – who has been nicknamed the Yorkshire Pirlo – included in Gareth Southgate’s latest squad.

There is plenty of uncertainty regarding the future of Phillips’ England team-mate Declan Rice at West Ham, with the 23-year-old the subject of a plethora of speculation regarding a potential departure from east London this summer.

If Rice were to move on, then the Hammers would undoubtedly need to fork out for a quality replacement, and Phillips would certainly fit the mould.

The Leeds colossus has averaged 62 touches per Premier League match this term, whilst completing 38.9 passes per game at an 82% accuracy. Moreover, the defensive-minded midfielder has contributed an impressive 1.2 interceptions, 2.7 tackles and 0.9 clearances per match.

Even if Rice remains an Irons player, signing the Leeds star would be a huge statement of intent from West Ham and would certainly excite supporters at the London Stadium.

AND in other news – “Interested in signing…”: Ex drops huge West Ham transfer claim that supporters will love

Leeds United have been dealt a blow in their quest to Aberdeen youngster Calvin Ramsay, with Liverpool now in advanced talks over a move.

The Lowdown: Endless Ramsay links

The 18-year-old is considered a hugely exciting young prospect in Scotland, with Aberdeen chairman Dave Cormack describing him as an ‘elite’ talent.

Ramsay has been constantly linked with a move away from his current club this summer, with Leeds and Liverpool the two sides seemingly battling to acquire his signature.

The Whites are also thought to be chasing RB Salzburg full-back Rasmus Kristensen, as Jesse Marsch eyes up reinforcements in defence.

The Latest: Reds move ahead

According to Football Insider, Liverpool ‘have been granted permission’ to discuss terms with the player, with the Reds ‘well placed’ to make progress regarding the move.

It means Leeds are now firmly second-favourites to get their man, with the negotiations from Merseyside described as ‘advanced’.

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The Verdict: Sign Kristensen instead

Missing out on Ramsay would undoubtedly be a blow for Leeds, given his long-term potential, but the lure of Liverpool could be too great for him to turn down.

Should he move to Anfield, the Whites must snap up Kristensen instead, providing competition for Luke Ayling, who turns 31 this summer.

The Salzburg man could be an excellent signing, having averaged a hugely impressive 4.6 tackles per game in the Champions League this season, as well as 2.3 clearances.

In other news, Leeds are keen on signing an exciting young player. Find out who it is here.

West Ham have been credited with an interest in Manchester City full-back Oleksandr Zinchenko recently and if the Ukrainian were to arrive at the London Stadium, he could be David Moyes’ very-own version of Joao Cancelo.

According to the Evening Standard, West Ham and Arsenal are both interested in signing the versatile 25-year-old this summer, as he eyes regular first-team football away from the Etihad.

Despite Pep Guardiola’s side spending copious amounts on defenders in recent years, the £1.7m spent on signing Zinchenko from FC Ufa in 2016 has proved to be one of their best transfer dealings.

In six years with the club, Zinchenko has made 128 appearances, in which he has contributed two goals and 12 assists, although Guardiola has always been full of praise for him, labelling him “incredible” earlier this year.

Last season saw him make just 15 appearances in the top-flight for City, although he impressed in that time, contributing four assists and averaging a strong 7.05 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

The Ukrainian, who is reportedly valued at £3om, has regularly found himself down in the pecking order at City, finding it difficult to overcome Joao Cancelo. However, the data suggests that he could perform a similar role to the Portuguese if given regular playing time.

FB Ref suggests that Cancelo is the second-most similar player to Zinchenko, with Liverpool’s full-back duo Andrew Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold also compared with the 25-year-old.

Cancelo was one of the standout players for City last season as they won the Premier League title, with the former Juventus man contributing one goal and seven assists in 36 top-flight appearances for the Citizens, which was enough to earn him a superb 7.43 average rating from WhoScored.

The website also suggests that both players’ strengths include holding on to the ball and passing, which is perhaps unsurprising considering the system they play in at City.

With Arthur Masuaku seemingly on his way out of West Ham, Moyes will need another left-back to compete with Aaron Cresswell next season, while Zinchenko has also shown himself capable of playing in midfield, doing so excellently for his country in recent international fixtures.

The City man’s versatility, age and obvious ability suggest that he would be a dream signing for Moyes this summer, and with consistent game time, there seems no reason why he can’t replicate the form that Cancelo has shown at the Etihad in recent seasons.

And, in other news… West Ham can sign their own Harry Kane in “dangerous” £14.4m-rated goal-machine – opinion