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Sunderland have reportedly now ‘held talks’ over re-signing both Nathan Broadhead and Jack Clarke.

The Lowdown: Impressive seasons

The pair had impressive seasons on loan at the Stadium of Light from Everton and Tottenham Hotspur respectively, playing their part in getting the Black Cats promoted to the Championship.

They both ranked among the Wearsiders’ top eight performers in League One, scoring 11 goals and supplying three assists between them, picking up four man-of-the-match awards combined (WhoScored).

The Latest: Talks held

Taking to Twitter, Scott Wilson has revealed that Sunderland have now ‘held talks’ over re-signing Broadhead and Clarke, who are both entering the final year of their contracts at their respective clubs.

The Northern Echo journalist said: “#SAFC have held talks to try to re-sign Jack Clarke and Nathan Broadhead – but a final decision on both players is unlikely until later in the summer. Both are entering the final year of their current deals with Spurs and Everton…”

The Verdict: Sign both

Given the duo’s form for Alex Neil’s side last term, there is sure to be plenty of interest in both players again this summer, so the Black Cats must ensure that they are the first to sign them.

Considering their contract situations, it is likely that they will be available for cut-price fees, as their respective clubs will not want to risk losing them for nothing next summer.

Nonetheless, Broadhead and Clarke have already shown that they can perform for Sunderland, and although the Championship is a step up from League One, they will both surely relish the challenge coming down from the Premier League.

In other news, find out what big Sunderland claim this finance expert has now made

Wolves are edging closer towards signing Sporting Lisbon midfielder Joao Palhinha this summer, with a new report claiming that an agreement has been reached and that he wants to join Bruno Lage’s side.

The Lowdown: Palhinha linked with Wolves

There has been no shortage of speculation in recent days and weeks linking the Portugal international with a move to Molineux.

The 26-year-old appears to have been earmarked as the perfect replacement for Ruben Neves, who has been strongly linked with a move away from the Black Country.

It now looks as though Wolves are closer to getting their man, following a new update.

The Latest: Palhinha closer to Wolves move

According to Record [via Sport Witness], Wolves have an ‘agreement in principle’ to sign Palhinha, with a fee of approximately €20m (£17.1m) expected to be agreed, with the possibility of bonuses on top of that figure.

It is stated that the transfer won’t happen until Neves departs, but the Sporting player has told his manager Ruben Amorim that he wants the move to happen.

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The Verdict: Get it done

To miss out on Palhinha now would be a big blow for Wolves, especially with Palhinha seemingly so keen on coming to Molineux, so it is vital that they get this deal over the line in the coming weeks.

Replacing Neves is going to be a difficult task, considering the influence he has enjoyed at Wolves. The 25-year-old was the highest-ranked midfielder in Lage’s squad last season as per WhoScored, while only centre-forward Raul Jimenez posted a greater shots-per-game average than his 1.3.

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However Palhinha is similarly metronomic in the middle of the park, keeping the ball ticking over (he had an 87.8% pass completion rate in the Primeira Liga last term) while offering a strong off-the-ball presence. He averaged three tackles per game in the league in 2021/22, which was more than any other Sporting player (or Wolves, for that matter).

Therefore, he seems the ideal candidate to pick up where Neves seems set to leave off.

In other news, Wolves are reportedly in pole position to sign one player. Find out who it is here

West Bromwich Albion manager Steve Bruce spoke previously about the significant overhaul that he’s looking to oversee during the upcoming summer transfer window.

Having secured a deal to sign John Swift on a free transfer from Reading last month, this shows just how eager the club have been to get new faces through the door quickly.

On the flip side, the Baggies did release some big names from the club in recent weeks such as Andy Carroll, Sam Johnstone and Romaine Sawyers.

Regarding any potential future recruitment from the club this summer, one player who has been linked with a move to The Hawthorns recently and who could be an ideal replacement for Sawyers in particular is Lewis O’Brien.

Having played in 123 Championship games throughout his career, with eight goals and 10 assists to his name, the 23-year-old certainly has the experience to come in and be a fine addition to Bruce’s side.

His latest season with Huddersfield Town saw the midfielder play a big part in their campaign which saw the Terriers make it all the way to Wembley for the play-Off final, only to then fall at the final hurdle and miss out on securing their place in the Premier League.

In 46 league appearances in the current campaign, O’Brien highlighted what a capable all-around midfielder he is by scoring three goals and providing three assists.

He also racked up 48 shots at goal, 31 crosses and 33 interceptions and won 59 tackles, totally eclipsing Sawyers for each of these statistics as the former Baggies midfielder spent the season on loan with Stoke City.

Ending the campaign as Huddersfield’s highest-rated outfield player according to WhoScored also shows how capable O’Brien is of performing at a high level in the Championship.

Labelled a “very special” player by Huddersfield head coach Carlos Corberan, the 23-year-old could be a significant prospective signing for the Baggies this summer as Bruce looks to build a side capable of reaching promotion back to the Premier League.

With a reported price tag of £10m, this is a deal that West Brom should be all over as they continue their summer overhaul ahead of the new season.

In other news: WBA can finally replace Evans as Bruce eyes move for “solid” £2.7m-rated machine

Celtic and Ange Postecoglou showed during the previous summer and winter transfer windows just how astute they can be when it comes to securing deals for players moving in and out of Parkhead.

Last month, the Australian revealed that the club are “always looking to improve areas” that they see fit on and off the pitch.

Now that his debut campaign in charge of the Bhoys has come to an end, his focus can now turn to helping the club to progress even further and strengthen the areas that he feels need work.

In terms of improving his squad as they look to not only retain the Premiership title but also compete with the top clubs in Europe, one area of his ranks that he may feel the need to strengthen is the left-back position.

Looking at current left-back options Greg Taylor and Boli Bolingoli, the latter has found himself out of the squad more often than not this season, meaning that this summer could well see him leaving the club if he’s not in Postecoglou’s plans for the future.

One man who has been linked with a move to Celtic recently and who could not only be a suitable potential replacement for Bolingoli but also a possible upgrade on Taylor is Hammarby left-back Mohanad Jeahze.

Better than Taylor

Last month, the Hoops were linked with a £2m move for the Iraq international.

Taking a look at the Hoops full-back and his recent campaign, in which he made 24 league appearances, the 24-year-old only delivered three assists and failed to score, making him one of the few Celtic players who started more than one league game not to find the net.

To compare Taylor’s latest campaign at Celtic with Jeahze’s previous full season with Hammarby, the 25-year-old not only managed to get his name on the scoresheet, he also racked up more assists than his Hoops counterpart.

He also had more shots at goal, crosses and interceptions than the Scotland international, which says to us that Taylor could see his place in the team come under threat should Jeahze find himself at Parkhead in the summer.

Hailed by his teammate Darijan Bojanic as a player who “always makes good decisions” on the pitch, Jeahze could find himself making another good decision if he chooses to link up with Postecoglou at Celtic to help them achieve their targets for next season.

In other news: Worrying behind-the-scenes development emerges, it’s bad news for Celtic

It’s already proving a remarkable post-season for Aston Villa, with the Midlands outfit having confirmed three summer signings, with a deal for current loanee Robin Olsen also believed to be in the works.

Plotting a vast improvement on last season’s disappointing 14th place finish, it would appear that NSWE are willing to make a major investment in the playing squad this summer, with manager Steven Gerrard set to get the backing that he had craved at former club Rangers.

Not content with the business done thus far, however, the Englishman is still eyeing further additions as the window progresses, with a left-sided defender, a striker and an additional midfielder believed to be the areas of interest.

The hunt for a new recruit in the centre of the park, in particular, has generated notable interest, albeit with one leading candidate at present that of Brighton and Hove Albion gem Yves Bissouma, with reports suggesting that Villa are eyeing a £30m move for the 25-year-old.

With just a year remaining on his existing deal, it would appear that the Mali international is keen to try his hand elsewhere, with Villa park potentially offering the ambition that he is craving.

The £29k-per-week colossus enjoyed another fine campaign at the Amex under the tutelage of Graham Potter, having joined the club four years ago from Ligue 1 outfit Lille in a £17m deal.

Dubbed a “Champions League level” talent by the Seagulls’ boss, the 18-cap gem is arguably one of the most imposing and impactful midfielders in the game, ranking in the top 14% for interceptions made, the top 13% for tackles and the top 10% for clearances across those in his position across Europe’s top five leagues.

Not just a commanding defensive presence, the £31.5m-rated brute also ranks highly for his quality in possession, ranking in the top 10% for dribbles completed and the top 9% for pass completion, with it no real surprise to have seen him described as a “baller” by one journalist.

His arrival in Gerrard’s squad could also help spark the departure of current regular, Douglas Luiz, with rumours abound that the Brazil international is of interest to Roma boss Jose Mourinho at the Stadio Olimpico.

That report from the Italian press suggests that the 24-year-old is keen on a ‘change of air’ this summer, having been with the Villans for three years since joining from Manchester City on a £15m deal.

Although he has been a first-choice pick ever since, now could prove the ideal time to part ways, particularly following the addition of young Boubacar Kamara and the possible incoming of Bissouma.

Once labelled a “luxury player” by James Chapple, Luiz may not fit the more robust, defensive style that Gerrard is looking for, with his capabilities not suited to the holding midfield role that he had been utilised in during recent times.

His statistics, as per FBref, also make for grim reading, with the one-time Girona man frankly poorly in almost every metric, notably finding himself in just the top 58% for tackles made and the top 71% for clearances made, while his use of the ball has also been surprisingly poor, ranking in just the top 47% for pass completion.

In the 2021/22 campaign, in particular, he squandered possession on average 10.3 times per game and achieved just a 6.89 average match rating, while the Brighton man, by contrast, lost possession just eight times per game and recorded a 7.07 average match rating.

Equally, from a simple business point of view it also may prove a wise time to let the £52k-per-week playmaker go, as he has just a year remaining on his existing deal.

That may mean no more long-range stunners for the Villa fans to witness, although in Bissouma the club have found an ideal replacement who can produce his own spectacular moments.

IN other news, Gerrard can land AVFC’s next Southgate with move for “outstanding” £120k-p/w warrior

Reliable journalist Sami Mokbel of The Daily Mail has now shared an interesting Tottenham Hotspur transfer update involving Newcastle United forward Allan Saint-Maximin.

The Lowdown: Paratici talks held…

Spurs head coach Antonio Conte, gearing up for his first full Premier League season in charge of the Lilywhites, has now held a summit with transfer chief Fabio Paratici in Italy.

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On Friday, it is believed that the pair had talks over the club’s recruitment plans and strategy in Turin – coming after Conte lead his side to a previously unthought of Champions League qualification place.

A list of targets, as mapped out by Conte, have apparently been drawn up.

According to the Mail and Mokbel, though, a brand new name has found it’s way on to Tottenham’s radar with the north London coach now eyeing a move for Saint-Maximin.

The Latest: Conte eyes brand new target…

Their sources believe that the Frenchman is now a target ‘for Conte’ with Spurs seemingly holding no shortage of ambition after their £150 million equity increase.

They have allegedly ‘already’ started making ‘firm enquiries’ for their targets as they seek to full back their manager, but in Saint-Maximin’s case, the move will ‘prove difficult’.

The Verdict: Ambitious move?

Depending on whether Spurs advance with a possible summer bid, landing the 25-year-old could be one of their more challenging transfer goals for the summer.

Newcastle, now backed by PIF, are seemingly under no pressure to sell one of their star assets, who has been a revelation for them over the last few seasons.

That being said, if Tottenham can somehow pull it off, there is little denying his arrival would be a head-turning forward addition for Conte.

Former Leeds striker Noel Whelan has lavished Saint-Maximin as a ‘massive’ and ‘exciting’ player in two separate interviews with Football Insider, as evident by the fact no top flight star averaged a higher rate of successful take-ons per 90 last year (WhoScored).

In other news: Conte could see ‘one of the best in the world’ join Tottenham after behind-scenes demand…find out more here.

Manchester United’s ambition of signing Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong could easily be realised this summer.

What’s the word?

According to the latest report from Corriere dello Sport, via The Faithful MUFC, the La Liga giants have a debt of more than €1bn (£848m) and are required to “bring this to an acceptable level” before June 30.

As per the report, Barcelona president Joan Laporta needs to sell players in this summer’s transfer window in order to reduce the Blaugrana’s wage bill and make way for signings who can strengthen Xavi’s squad further.

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After the sale of the Nou Camp club’s record signing Philippe Coutinho to Aston Villa, it is said that De Jong could indeed be next out the door and is ‘close’ to securing a deal to join United, but he will likely not be the last to leave.

On the other hand, it is also reported that Laporta is still optimistic of improving the financial situation at Barcelona without having to sell any key players, saying: “We are working. If we manage to settle the accounts with the operations we are preparing, no player will leave for economic reasons.”

De Jong could be Modric 2.0

With the latest news in mind, United have a fair chance at signing a player who could be their next talismanic figure in the mould of a Luka Modric, with FBRef categorising the two as stylistically similar playmakers.

The “magic” 25-year-old, who has been dubbed a “unicorn”, has failed to hit the heights we saw at Ajax, but he has still managed to post some excellent numbers over the past year.

Whilst De Jong’s average of 56.7 passes completed per 90 is not far behind Modric’s average of 65.43, his averages of 1.5 key passes, 5.59 passes into the final third and 7.06 progressive carries per game are similar to the Croatian’s 1.63 key passes, 7.35 passes into the final third and 6.73 progressive carries per 90.

It’s also worth noting that the Netherlands international has registered a slightly higher pass completion percentage over the past year than the Real Madrid veteran, with his 90.3% success rate pipping that of the 35-year-old, who boasts a pass completion percentage of 88.3%.

It takes some doing to beat a pass master like the Croatian, and with De Jong’s ability, he would make for a sure-fire astute signing for United for what looks to be a fee of £58m.

In other news: Man Utd eye £25m talent with “bulldog-like” approach, Ten Hag loves him

Reliable journalist Steve Nicholson has dropped an update regarding a mystery local businessman’s potential role in the takeover of Derby County.

The Lowdown: Takeover saga ongoing

The future of the Rams remains up in the air, following relegation from the Championship and constant rumours swirling regarding the club’s future ownership.

A recent update suggested that American businessman Chris Kirchner’s potential acquisition of Derby had hit roadblocks, with issues surrounding the purchase of Pride Park.

Now, another key update has emerged regarding a possible takeover, with a ‘behind the scenes’ bidder potentially about to smooth things over when it comes to purchasing the stadium.

The Latest: Journalist makes fresh claim

Speaking in a Q&A with The Derby Telegraph, Nicholson claimed that a mystery individual is ‘working hard behind the scenes’ to resolve the roadblock:

“He does not want his name in the public domain at present, I am told, and that has to be respected. He and others are working hard behind the scenes, I understand.”

The Verdict: Divisive potential owner

The idea of a local success story being involved in the takeover at Derby is something that could appeal greatly to supporters, rather than handing the reins completely over to a foreign entity.

Someone like Mike Ashley could be a more unpopular owner, for example, with many Newcastle fans thinking he never invested enough money or was the right fit in general during his time at St James’ Park.

The Rams are admittedly in a position where beggars can’t necessarily be choosers – frankly, any takeover would feel welcome during a precarious time for the club – but it could be that a local influence is the best solution.

In other news, Wayne Rooney is facing a battle to keep one Derby player. Find out who it is here.

West Bromwich Albion concluded what has been a thoroughly disappointing Championship campaign with an emphatic 4-0 victory over already-relegated Barnsley at The Hawthorns this afternoon.

A Karlan Grant penalty kicked off proceedings and Adam Reach doubled the Baggies’ lead before half-time, with a second-half effort from Matt Clarke and top-scorer Grant’s 18th goal of the campaign completing the rout.

The victory secured a 10th-placed finish for Steve Bruce’s side, having been relegated from the Premier League last year. However, it is the West Midlands side’s lowest league placing for more than two decades.

It was an excellent way to close out a poor season, with Reach’s heroics particularly pleasing for Albion supporters.

Reach stole the show

The Englishman’s first season at The Hawthorns has mirrored West Brom’s in the sense that, on the whole, it has been below par after his move from Sheffield Wednesday last term.

Today saw the 29-year-old score just his second goal of the campaign, having netted his first in March against Bristol City. However, it was an excellent performance to close out the season ahead of what he will hope will be a better campaign personally next year.

Alongside the goal, Reach made an impressive 74 touches whilst completing 40 of his 50 attempted passes for an 80% accuracy return. Moreover, the winger managed two shots on target, including the one which ended up in the Barnsley net, and he provided three key passes for his Baggies team-mates in an 8.1/10 rated performance.

There was also a solid defensive contribution from the 29-year-old, with three interceptions and one tackle.

Having scored five league goals in a relegated Sheffield Wednesday side last term, scoring two for a team with the quality of West Brom will be a serious disappointment for the wide midfielder.

Moreover, whilst at Hillsborough, Reach was the subject of praise from former interim manager Lee Bullen, who claimed that the player “works so hard”.

However, with manager Bruce set to stay on at The Hawthorns, today’s performance from the 29-year-old will hopefully act as a strong audition for a more regular place in the Albion team next term.

AND in other news: West Brom must swoop for “super talented” £25k-p/w ace, he’s way better than Diangana

A huge Rangers update has emerged on goalkeeper Allan McGregor and his future in Glasgow heading into the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

According to Football Insider, Ibrox sources have revealed that the Scotland international is set to put pen to paper on a fresh deal with the club ‘imminently’.

The report claimed that both sides are close to reaching an agreement to keep him with the Light Blues next season, with his current contract expiring at the end of next month.

Supporters will be delighted

Gers supporters will surely be delighted by this news, as the veteran’s performances in Europe have been sensational this season.

Although he has struggled domestically for Rangers, the 40-year-old has been a standout in the Europa League and has been crucial to the team’s run to the final. Across 13 appearances in the tournament, he has averaged an excellent SofaScore rating of 7.00.

He has been named in the Europa League Team of the Week twice in that time and saved 73% of shots against him. The shot-stopper has also been able to avoid making a single error leading to a shot or goal, which shows that the Ibrox stalwart of 443 club appearances has been a reliable presence between the sticks for Gio van Bronckhorst.

Therefore, fans will be buzzing with this update, as they will surely want to see him rewarded for his form with the chance to play in the Champions League next season, if Rangers can see off Eintracht Frankfurt in the Europa League final in Seville next week or go through via the qualification phases in the summer.

It is worth stressing, though, that Ross Wilson must bring in a young goalkeeper to challenge McGregor for his position. The Scot has been underwhelming in the Premiership, as he has made three direct errors leading to goals, and only saved 67% of the shots against him in the league.

At this stage in his career, the 40-year-old has not been able to maintain a consistent level of performance across multiple competitions, and that is why a new shot-stopper must be brought in. This will allow Van Bronckhorst to rest the veteran regularly and ensure that the club do not suffer from any of his lapses in concentration, as they have in the league this season.

For now, Rangers fans will surely be happy with McGregor’s new deal and hoping that he is provided with a significant challenge for his number one jersey in 2022/23.

AND in other news, Van Bronckhorst can finally axe £14k-p/w Rangers dud by unleashing “really impressive” 18 y/o gem…