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Tottenham Hotspur are interested in a deal to bring Weston McKennie to the Premier League in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by the Daily Mail, who claim that Fabio Paratici is keeping a very close eye on the situation of the Juventus midfielder ahead of launching a potential move in the coming weeks, with the Serie A side said to be willing to part with the 23-year-old for a figure of around €40m (£34m) this summer.

However, the report then goes on to state that, after Paul Pogba recently picked up a knee injury that looks set to keep the 29-year-old sidelined for the start of the 2022/23 campaign, Juve may now be less open to allowing the USA international to leave Turin over the remainder of the current window.

“Tick a lot of boxes”

While it is true that a metatarsal fracture saw McKennie’s game time at Juventus severely reduced last season, considering the midfielder’s impressive returns when he did play a part for Massimiliano Allegri’s side, it is not difficult to understand why Paratici would be keen on a deal to bring the 23-year-old to Tottenham this summer.

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Indeed, according to FBref, the £42m-rated talent ranks in the top 8% of midfielders in Europe’s big five leagues and European competitions for non-penalty xG per 90 minutes, in addition to the top 17% for shots, the top 17% for non-penalty xG+xA, the top 20% for non-penalty goals, the top 2% for touches in the opposition penalty area and the top 1% for progressive passes received over the past 12 months.

Furthermore, the £52k-per-week American also ranks in the top 8% of attacking midfielders for interceptions per 90, as well as the top 7% for clearances, the top 9% for aerial duels won, the top 14% for blocks, the top 31% for tackles and the top 33% for pressures over last 365 days.

As such, with it being clear that McKennie is an incredibly versatile box-to-box midfielder, it is no wonder why Alasdair Gold stated his belief that the 34-cap international would “tick a lot of boxes” for Antonio Conte’s side, nor is it hard to see why David Wagner dubbed the 23-year-old an “outstanding” player during his time at FC Schalke – as is it clear that the Juve centrocampista would make an unbelievable addition to the Italian’s options in the heart of his Spurs midfield next season.

AND in other news, Paratici now given green light for “huge signing”, it’d be an “unreal” coup for Spurs…

Tottenham Hotspur boss Antonio Conte is obsessed with Roma star Nicolo Zaniolo as a report shares the latest on his chances of signing the player.

The Lowdown: Spurs keep moving?

Spurs have certainly not concluded their summer business following the Premier League arrivals of Ivan Perisic, Fraser Forster, Yves Bissouma, Richarlison, Clement Lenglet and Djed Spence.

Indeed, it is believed that the Lilywhites could make more additions for manager Antonio Conte despite their reported mission to sell unwanted players.

The signing of a new creative midfielder, alongside a possible new centre-half, is on the cards with news emerging on the former position and their links to Zaniolo.

The Latest: Conte obsessed with Zaniolo…

Indeed, as per a report from Italy, an interesting update has come to light.

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TUTTOmercatoWEB claim Zaniolo is a personal ‘obsession’ of Conte and the Italian coach could ‘convince’  Spurs director Fabio Paratici to make a new move later in the window if the club seal enough sales.

The Verdict: Make the move…

There is little doubt the Italy international would seriously boost Spurs’ options going forward and provide an injection of real creativity.

According to WhoScored, no Roma player averaged a higher rate of successful take-ons per 90 or attracted more fouls than the 23-year-old last season – highlighting his real quality and direct threat under former Lilywhites boss Jose Mourinho.

Also called a ‘beast’ by members of the Italian press (Carlo Garganese), it is clear that Zaniolo has lived up to this tag recently and why Conte is such a huge fan of the player.

In recent days, reliable journalist Ben Jacobs (Last Word on Spurs via The Boot Room) has claimed that he is ‘open’ to joining Spurs – providing the north Londoners with a real boost if they decide to make another move.

West Ham United have ‘held initial talks’ with Paris Saint-Germain over defender Thilo Kehrer, according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.

The Lowdown: Defensive additions

The Hammers have already welcomed a fresh centre-back to the London Stadium this summer with the arrival of Nayef Aguerd from Rennes in a deal worth £30m.

However, during pre-season, the new Irons ace suffered an injury to his ankle, limping off the pitch in his side’s 3-1 defeat to Rangers.

After undergoing successful ankle surgery, The Athletic’s Roshane Thomas revealed that there is “no timeframe on how long Nayef Aguerd will be sidelined”.

With Issa Diop set to join newly-promoted Fulham, the need for an extra central defender has arisen once again at West Ham.

The Latest: Sheth’s news

Sheth has shared an update on the Hammers’ centre-back situation, touting interest in a Ligue 1 star.

Taking to Twitter, the Sky Sports journalist claimed:

“West Ham United have held initial talks with PSG over the signing of defender Thilo Kehrer. Sevilla are also interested – they can offer Champions League football. West Ham looking to bring in a central defender before Sunday’s game at Nottingham Forest.”

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The Verdict: Fantastic signing

Having arrived in the French capital in 2018 after joining from Schalke in a deal worth £33m, the Germany international has gone on to make 85 appearances in Ligue 1.

Analysing his underlying stats, it becomes obvious as to why David Moyes would like to see him in a claret and blue shirt this summer.

As per FBRef, compared with positional peers across Europe over the past year, the 25-year-old ranks in the 99th percentile for pass completion, in the 91st percentile for passes attempted, in the 89th percentile for non-penalty goals and in the 84th percentile for aerials won, coupling a real physical presence with elite ball playing skills.

Hailed as one of Germany’s fastest players by SportsMob, it appears Kehrer has all the attributes to succeed in the Premier League.

Therefore, with big competition on their hands for the defender, this would be a brilliant coup for West Ham if they get a deal over the line.

Fabrizio Romano has dropped an update on reported Leeds United transfer target Kai Wagner.

What’s the latest?

In a recent interview with the Que Golazo YouTube show, the Italian journalist revealed that, despite a number of reports linking Jesse Marsch with a $3m (£2.5m) move for the Philadelphia Union left-back this summer, Victor Orta is yet to launch an official bid for the 25-year-old.

The transfer insider went on to state that, although Leeds are monitoring the German defender, they are only likely to sanction a move for a new addition in the event that a player leaves the club prior to September’s transfer deadline.

Regarding the Whites’ potential interest in Wager, Romano said: “He is one of the names they are monitoring.

“We know that Leeds are always keeping an eye on American players and talent, so they are monitoring this boy, but at the moment, still nothing is advanced, nothing imminent. Also, Leeds are really happy with the team they have. So, I think they will sign players only if they have outgoings.”

Big mistake

Considering just how short Marsch currently is at left-back, Romano’s suggestion that Orta may not make a move for a new player in the position – and Wagner in particular – unless one of the club’s current first-teamers move onto pastures new very much looks to be something of a mistake by the Spanish director of football.

Indeed, with both Stuart Dallas and Junior Firpo ruled out due to injury at present, Marsch has been left with no choice but to field centre-back Pascal Struijk on the left of his back four in the club’s opening two Premier League fixtures of the season – a situation that is quite clearly far from ideal.

And, considering just how impressive Wagner has been for Philadelphia so far this season, in addition to the fact the 25-year-old would set Leeds back just £2.5m this summer, the full-back would very much appear to be a worthwhile signing for Orta to get over the line in the coming weeks.

Indeed, over his 25 MLS appearances in 2022, the £2.7m-rated defender has helped his side keep ten clean sheets, in addition to making an average of 1.8 interceptions, 1.3 tackles, 2.0 clearances and winning 3.6 duels – at a success rate of 56% – per game.

The left-back has also impressed going forwards, providing five assists and creating seven big chances for his teammates, as well as making an average of 2.6 key passes – the ninth-most in the league – 4.1 long balls and 2.9 crosses per fixture.

These returns have seen Wagner average an extremely impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.42, ranking him as the 10th-best performer in the MLS in the current campaign.

As such, considering just how talented a player the Philadelphia flanker very much looks to be, in addition to the Whites’ rather desperate need of a new left-back this summer, it is clear to see that not making a move for the 25-year-old could very easily prove to be a big mistake for Orta to make this summer.

Fulham are reportedly plotting a move to bring former Arsenal and Chelsea winger Willian back to the Premier League, with manager Marco Silva looking to bolster his attacking options.

What’s the word?

According to journalist Peter Rutzler, the 34-year-old could well be on his way back to London to link up with the Cottagers, having only recently ripped up his contract with Corinthians in his native Brazil.

Taking to Twitter on Wednesday about that potential shock swoop, The Athletic reporter wrote: “Fulham exploring Willian deal. The 34yo expected at club’s training ground today, with view to permanent move on free transfer. #FFC keen to bolster wide options after Solomon and Wilson injuries. Willian ended his contract with Corinthians last week”

The 70-cap veteran is said to have cut short his time in his homeland due to reported online abuse, having previously rescinded his deal at Arsenal after just a solitary season at the Emirates Stadium, joining on a free transfer from Chelsea in the summer of 2020.

Leno repeat

Although the 34-year-old may now be something of a fading force following a difficult couple of seasons, the 5 foot 9 menace still offers a wealth of both quality and experience, having won a plethora of major honours during his time at Stamford Bridge.

That glittering spell saw the one-time Shakhtar Donetsk man net 63 goals and provide 62 assists in 338 games for the Blues in all competitions, having been an “electric” presence at the club for so long, according to journalist Simon Collings.

Although it failed to work out during his time in north London, the fleet-footed forward still showed glimpses of his undoubted talent, notably recording two assists on his Gunners debut against Fulham, of all teams, in a 3-0 victory in September 2020.

Even during his most recent spell back in South America, the £4.95m-rated man still caught the eye on occasion, with journalist Tim Vickery stating that Willian had moments where he “absolutely undressed the opposition” with his speed and trickery.

Adding such a cultured asset to his squad would see Silva pull off another transfer masterstroke, having notably brought in another experienced head in Bernd Leno from Arsenal earlier this summer.

While the German stopper is yet to start so far this term, the 30-year-old – who has 429 senior club appearances to his name – will offer fierce competition for current number one Marek Rodak nonetheless, helping to bolster the overall strength of the squad.

With the west Londoners having already lost both Harry Wilson and Manor Solomon to long-term injuries, adding Willian to the ranks could well be an ideal short-term fix, with the Brazilian also set to put pressure on the current first-team regulars in Silva’s line-up, much like his former team-mate Leno.

It may be a deal which raises quite a few eyebrows if it comes off, but the ageing £29k-per-week magician could well prove to be an astute capture if Fulham can bring him back to London.

West Bromwich Albion are reportedly eyeing a move for Reading striker Lucas Joao.

What’s the news?

According to a recent report from Football Insider, the Baggies are working on a deal to sign the Royals attacker.

The report also adds that not only have the Midlands club registered their interest in signing Joao, but that Reading could be forced to sell the player before transfer deadline day as he is now into the final year of his contract at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.

After starting his career in Portugal, the 28-year-old moved to England in 2015 when he joined Sheffield Wednesday.

Having scored 29 goals in 127 appearances for the Owls, the Angolan joined Reading in 2019 and has since gone on to find the net 39 times in 84 games across all competitions.

Forget about Delap

With ten goals to his name in 24 league appearances last season, only John Swift (78) racked up more shots at goal than Joao (49) for Reading, showing the danger that he can provide in front of goal.

Bearing in mind how the Baggies have recently lost Daryl Dike to a thigh injury which could reportedly keep him out of action for the next two months, it’s easy to see why they are apparently looking to bring in another striker before deadline day.

Also, having missed out on signing Liam Delap and Keinan Davis in recent days as they completed loan moves to Stoke and Watford respectively after both players were linked with Albion, this further explains why the club are eyeing Joao.

Previously hailed as a “remarkable” player by former team-mate Jose Semedo, the Reading star has a total of 79 club goals to his name throughout his career.

Taking into account how West Brom have yet to pick up their first victory in the Championship this season, having someone like Joao – who has been described as a “gamechanger” by his manager Paul Ince – could be just what they need to push on and get their campaign going properly.

If Albion they can secure a deal for the centre-forward as soon as possible and get him integrated with the rest of the squad, this could help the club to forget about their disappointment in regards to missing out on both Delap and Davis.

Wolverhampton Wanderers would be making a ‘statement signing’ if they were to land Stuttgart striker Sasa Kalajdzic, says journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Lowdown: Kalajdzic agrees personal terms

Premier League rivals Arsenal are believed to be targeting a move for Pedro Neto, so Bruno Lage has entered the market for attacking reinforcements in case of an imminent departure.

The 25-year-old Kalajdzic has been the subject of attention from the likes of Manchester United, Brighton and Everton, though it’s the Molineux side who are the first to have taken action.

Recent reports have claimed that the Austrian is in negotiations to join Bruno Lage’s side, with a deal now believed to be close having agreed personal terms.

The Latest: O’Rourke excited by Wolves negotiations

Speaking to The Transfer Tavern, O’Rourke believes that it would be a massive coup for Wolves if they managed to fend off their competitors and sign Kalajdzic.

“It looks like it would be a big signing for Wolves if they were to land him. Kalajdzic has had some top clubs looking at him.

“He’s got a good goalscoring record for Stuttgart and also for Austria, so if Wolves were able to beat some of those other sides to his signature before the window closes, I think it’d be a real statement signing from Wolves.”

The Verdict: Get it done…

Speculation of a move to Wolves has been increased after Kalajdzic was left out of Stuttgart’s match-day squad earlier this week, and he would be an outstanding signing if he is indeed on his way to Molineux.

The 6 foot 7 giant has made 33 goal contributions in just 51 appearances in the Bundesliga, via Transfermarkt, and provides a strong aerial threat, averaging three aerial duels won per game so far this season.

Kalajdzic is likely to be available for just under £17m given his contract expires next summer, so Wolves should take this chance to snap him up whilst they still can for an absolute bargain of a fee.

Pundit Kevin Campbell believes Aston Villa have the pulling power to bring Mauricio Pochettino or Graham Potter to the Midlands, should they decide to part ways with Steven Gerrard.

The Lowdown: Gerrard rumours

Gerrard already appears to be under pressure just five games into the Premier League season. Sources from Football Insider prior to the trip to the Arsenal in the week stated that NSWE won’t hesitate to sack Gerrard if results do not improve.

Their report name-checked the available Pochettino and Brighton boss Potter in regards to possible replacements.

The Latest: Campbell’s comments

Campbell, who contributes for Sky Sports, was talking to Football Insider about the links to Pochettino and Potter.

He labelled both as ‘fantastic’ and feels Villa would have the pulling power should they decide to make a change.

“Villa are a huge club.

“They’ve got money to spend, they’ve got the facilities, and they’ve got a very good squad.

“Graham Potter and Pochettino have done a fantastic job at their respective clubs.

“Do Villa have the pull to get them in? Of course they do.”

The Verdict: Ambitious

Pochettino’s last two clubs have been Tottenham and Paris Saint-Germain, while Potter’s stock continues to rise with the impressive work he is doing on the south coast.

Therefore, a move for either could be considered an ambitious one, however, it appears as if Villa are setting the bar high when it comes to a potential new manager, just like they did when it came to additions in the transfer market.

You’d expect that Gerrard will still get time to turn things around, though, starting tomorrow evening with a meeting with Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.

Crystal Palace have had a slow start to their Premier League campaign with just six points collected from their first six outings, and Patrick Vieira will be looking for ways to improve the team before they head off for an international break at the end of the month.

The Eagles are winless in their last three and have a huge clash coming up this weekend with Erik ten Hag’s in form Manchester United side making the trip to South London, so the manager will need to find the inconsistencies in his team to avoid the Red Devils taking advantage of them on home soil.

One player who has been struggling in his position over the season so far is left-back Tyrick Mitchell who despite being a consistent performer last term, has not been able to emulate his form in the current campaign.

The 23-year-old earned himself an England call-up and debut in Gareth Southgate’s three lions team for his outstanding contributions to Palace over last season.

The England manager sang the praises of the young full-back following his performance against Ivory Coast back in March, saying:

“Tyrik is a different profile to our other full-backs, he made some good defensive decisions tonight.

“He’s quick and aggressive to get out to people. He can be really pleased with what he’s done.”

Fast forward to this season and Mitchell has been a shadow of himself on the left flank over the last three games with the player ranking 13th in the squad for player ratings according to SofaScore, with a rating of 6.60, so it could be time for a change.

Despite delivering one assist over his six appearances for Palace, Mitchell has lost the majority of his duels (63%), failed to complete 60% of his dribbles and has lost the ball every four touches so far, something Vieira cannot afford to let happen against Ten Hag’s hungry Man United attackers.

Tayo Adaramola could be now given the opportunity to make a good impression on his manager as it has been hinted by The Athletic’s Crystal Palace reporter Ed Malyon that we could see Mitchell dropped in the future.

Malyon suggested in a matchday Q&A:

“Issues we saw reappear: Mitchell targeted and struggling (Clyne looked more solid to me, and I wonder if Adaramola gets a shot soon?).”

With that being said, it will be interesting to see if Vieira puts his trust in Mitchell due to his experience in the team, or if he will give another player the opportunity to take the reigns in the left-back position in the game ahead and beyond.

Glasgow Rangers sporting director Ross Wilson was a busy man throughout the course of the summer transfer window as he dealt with a number of ins and outs at Ibrox.

The Light Blues chief dipped into the market to bolster Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side by signing Antonio Colak, Tom Lawrence, Rabbi Matondo, Malik Tillman, Ridvan Yilmaz, John Souttar, and Ben Davies.

However, he also sanctioned the sales of two key first-team players. Joe Aribo left the club to sign for Premier League side Southampton, while Calvin Bassey was sold to Dutch giants Ajax.

Rangers played a blinder with the latter as they cashed in on him for a club-record fee after picking him up from Leicester in the summer of 2020.

Sky Sports claim that the Gers paid a fee in the region of just £230k to the Foxes to snap him up, which was a compensation package after he arrived at Ibrox on a ‘free transfer’ upon the expiry of his contract at the King Power Stadium.

At the time of Bassey’s arrival, then-Ibrox manager Steven Gerrard claimed that the defender would “develop further” and described him as “physically powerful”, whilst Wilson stated that the gem had a “really bright future” in the game.

He spent his first year at the club bedding into life at senior level and only made eight appearances in the Premiership, whilst playing three times in the Europa League.

Van Bronckhorst’s appointment at Rangers and the Dutchman’s decision to move Bassey into a centre-back role then allowed the Nigeria international to flourish in 2021/22.

The ex-Leicester enforcer ended the campaign with a whopping 50 appearances in all competitions, including 14 in the Europa League as the Gers made it to the final, only to lose to Eintracht Frankfurt on penalties.

He started 12 of those 14 games and averaged a SofaScore rating of 6.90 as he won 60% of his duels and made three tackles and interceptions per game, showcasing his consistency and strength on the European stage.

BT Sport pundit Owen Hargreaves described him as “astonishing” during the coverage of the final, and that word can also be used to describe the profit that Rangers ended up making on the Nigerian.

Ajax reportedly agreed a deal worth up to a fee in the region of £23m to sign Bassey in the summer just gone, a whopping 9,900% increase on the £230k that the Light Blues paid to sign him from Leicester two years ago.

Therefore, the Gers played an absolute blinder with Bassey, as they signed him for peanuts before developing him and making a gigantic profit, allowing them to reinvest the money into a host of new signings to hopefully improve the squad for this season.