Everton Preparing New Bid For "Lukaku-Esque" £3k-p/w Striker

Everton are preparing a second offer in an attempt to bring Udinese striker Beto to the Premier League, according to reports.

Is Beto leaving Udinese?

The Portuguese giant only permanently arrived at the Dacia Arena last summer following a successful loan spell from Portimonense, but having established himself as Andrea Sottil’s top-performing offensive player during his debut season, caught the eye of Sean Dyche back in January.

The Serie A outfit’s director Marino, as relayed by Fabrizio Romano, revealed that they “turned down” a bid from the Toffees in the final days of the transfer window at the start of the new year, and despite a deal failing to materialise, that hasn’t stopped them from wanting to take a second bite at the cherry.

Mondo Udinese have since reported that the Merseyside outfit are still very much in the picture for the 25-year-old and are in pole position to secure his services should he be on the move in the weeks ahead, and the board already appear to be readying a fresh bid.

Are Everton signing Beto?

According to Tutto Udinese (via Sport Witness), Everton are “ready to return to the charge” for Beto ahead of the 2023/24 campaign. The Udinese attacker is “expected to depart” over the summer as he is the “most wanted” player on the books, and it’s stated that the board are set to “make a second bid” after failing in their initial attempt in January. There is also “concrete interest” from several other unnamed clubs, but his next destination is yet to be 100% decided.

Udinese striker Beto.

Everton and Farhad Moshiri are clearly serious about signing Beto to be considering an improved offer, and it’s no surprise that they are fans given his label as “Lukaku-esque” from talent scout Jacek Kulig, so the owner is absolutely correct to be thinking about a second approach.

The PR10 client, who pockets just £3k-per-week currently, posted 11 goal contributions (ten goals and one assist) in 33 Serie A appearances last season and recorded 60 shots over the course of the campaign, which was the second-highest total throughout his squad, as per FBRef.

Finally, Beto would make an ideal target man standing at a staggering 6 foot 4, as he was averaging 2.2 aerial wins per league game during the previous term, so he could be the missing piece of the puzzle that the boss has been crying out for in that centre-forward role.

Fabrizio Romano: Man Utd Eyeing ‘Magic’ £30m Bruno Heir

An update has emerged on Manchester United and their plans to bolster their midfield options ahead of the 2023/24 Premier League campaign…

What's the latest on Xavi Simons to Manchester United?

Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed that the Red Devils are one of a number of teams showing interest in PSV attacking midfielder Xavi Simons.

However, his former club have the option to sign him back from the Dutch side for a bargain £5m, which could prevent Erik ten Hag from landing the talented ace.

The reporter Tweeted: "EXCL: Paris Saint-Germain buy-back clause for Xavi Simons is just €6m! It can only be activated in July, from 1 to 31st.

"The final decision is ONLY up to the player. He’s waiting to hear from PSG. Man Utd, Arsenal, Brighton, Spurs, BVB and Leipzig asked to be informed."

What is Xavi Simons' style of play?

The 20-year-old maestro is a versatile attacker who can play anywhere across the frontline and has showcased his ability to score and create goals on a regular basis over the last year.

Simons is a natural number ten, but he has also been deployed out wide and as a centre-forward, and could be the dream long-term heir to Bruno Fernandes, who he is over eight years younger than.

The Portuguese, who turns 29 this year, has been a terrific performer for the club as an attacking midfielder in recent years and has proven himself capable of delivering goals and assists week-in-week-out.

Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes

Fernandes has racked up 64 strikes and 54 assists in 185 appearances in all competitions, meaning the mercurial ace has registered a goal contribution every 1.57 games on average.

Simons, who is valued at around €34.5m (£30m) by Football Transfers, is a player with the potential to replicate that form in the future if he can adapt to English football.

The former PSG prodigy, who talent scout Jacek Kulig once hailed as "magic", averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.52 and contributed with 19 goals and eight assists in 34 Eredivisie games for PSV in 22/23, which is a direct involvement every 1.26 matches on average.

Simons amassed 22 goals and 12 assists in all competitions for the Dutch side, despite only turning 20 in April, and has clearly attracted the interest of a number of top clubs in Europe.

There is no guarantee that the exciting wizard will be able to translate that form over to the Premier League but his impressive displays for PSV suggest that signing him is a worthwhile gamble as he could take over from Fernandes as the chief number ten for United in the future.

Man Utd 2023/24 Kit Launch Hit By Anti-Glazer Family Protest

Manchester United fans have once again made their feelings known about current owners, the Glazer family, protesting outside the club’s Megastore and forcing it to close as the Red Devils launched their 2023/24 home kit.

The kit was unveiled at 9am on Tuesday morning, and fans purposely planned a protest against the current ownership, blocking the entrance to the store in their numbers.

Fans have been unhappy with the Glazer family for a while, resulting in the owners putting the club up for sale. A takeover remains uncompleted at this moment in time, however.

What’s the latest on Manchester United’s potential takeover?

As things stand, a takeover is yet to reach completion, but, according to Manchester Evening News, Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani and Sir Jim Ratcliffe remain the front-runners to take ownership from the Glazers. It remains to be seen who the current owners would prefer to sell to.

Of course, United fans have been protesting for a while now. Back in 2021, fans protested on the pitch at Old Trafford, forcing the game between Manchester United and Liverpool to be postponed.

Even last season, too, when the Red Devils were winning under Erik ten Hag, Glazer-out chants could still be heard loud and clear.

The Glazer family made a statement back in November, revealing their intentions to sell the club. Avram Glazer and Joel Glazer said, via Sky Sports: “The strength of Manchester United rests on the passion and loyalty of our global community of 1.1 billion fans and followers.

“As we seek to continue building on the club’s history of success, the Board has authorised a thorough evaluation of strategic alternatives.”

You can see how the fans protested outside of the club shop below:

Manchester United fans protest

As far as Manchester United fans are concerned, it seems as though the last thing that they want to do is give the Glazers more money before a potential sale.

As the delays become more and more frustrating, too, this may not be the end of the protests. We’ve seen how the fans can disrupt games a couple of years ago, and with the new season approaching, it’s certainly something to keep an eye on.

On the pitch, Ten Hag will be keen to see a quick resolution so that the club can get on with their summer recruitment ahead of an important campaign coming up.

Aston Villa Could Form Monster Duo By Signing £60m ‘Beast’

Aston Villa are reportedly interested in Manchester City defender Aymeric Laporte, as Monchi eyes his first transfer window masterclass during his first window in charge.

The Spaniard alongside former colleague Unai Emery will fuse together to ensure the Villans are in good stead ahead of next season, as the Midlands club prepare to endeavour on their first European journey since 2010.

Laporte has been on Villa’s radar since earlier this month, when 90min revealed the club’s interest in the central defender.

An update provided by Football Insider this week cemented the Claret and Blues’ desire to sign the 29-year-old, claiming that the club had ‘set sights’ on the Manchester City star and were ‘considering a move’.

The report adds that the Spaniard ‘ticks a lot of boxes’ wanted by Emery, with the four-time Europa League-winning manager hoping to sign a left-sided centre-back this summer.

Valued at £60m by the treble winners, as per the Mirror, the defender could be Villa’s record-breaking signing this summer, however, he’s not the only centre-back linked to Villa Park.

Indeed, Pau Torres looks as though he's also on his way to the Midlands, with reports emerging on Thursday that an agreement is in place to land the player from Villarreal.

The links to the two centre-backs is exciting news for the Villans, who could see a complete shift in defence with two experienced upgrades potentially incoming.

What could Aymeric Laporte and Pau Torres offer Vila?

While Ezri Konsa and Tyrone Mings have been a revelation at the back for Emery, the Spaniard could present Villa Park with two world-class signings in a rebuild of the defence this summer.

Hailed as the “best left central defender in the world” by treble-winning manager Pep Guardiola, the City star could be just what Emery requires to take Villa forward.

pau-torres-villarreal-premier-league-liverpool-transfers

Despite falling down the pecking order at the Etihad, Laporte possesses quality that could see him dominate in most defences in Europe, seeing him lauded a “beast” by journalist Muhammad Butt.

The 29-year-old won an average of 60% of his total duels in the Premier League last season, cementing himself as a competent defender before anything else, however, his attributes go way beyond his defensive capabilities.

Similarly to Torres, Laporte flexes a powerful progressive ability, acting as a defender that can transition the ball upfield competently, in skills honed by the genius of Guardiola.

When comparing the two Villa targets based on their respective seasons and minutes via FBref, it makes for fascinating reading for those associated with the Midlands club, who could see a complete revamp of the defence as they know it.

While Torres’ 4.30 clearances and 1.74 aerials won along with Laporte’s 2.72 clearances and 2.18 aerials won per 90 communicate their defensive knowhow, their competency on the ball highlights just how much they could add to Villa Park.

As per FBref, the Villarreal gem averaged a monstrous 5.81 progressive passes and 2.24 progressive carries per 90 in La Liga this season, closely followed by the City ace who scored an average of 7.70 progressive passes and 2.72 progressive carries per 90.

By introducing two experienced players in quality and efficiency, Emery could equip his side with strength that could bolster all areas of the field, with two players boasting the ability to move the ball and dictate play from the back. This is surely a mouthwatering prospect for everyone associated with the club.

Liverpool Monitoring "Exciting" 16 y/o Man Utd Transfer Target

Liverpool are one of the clubs monitoring Birmingham City prospect Trevan Sanusi, who is poised to leave this summer, according to a recent report from The Daily Mail.

What's the latest Liverpool transfer news?

Jurgen Klopp is clearly looking to build for the future, given some of the players that have been linked with a switch to Anfield, with 19-year-old Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia now considered a priority target, following recent talks.

With the manager also keen on signing a new centre-back, 21-year-old Sporting CP defender Goncalo Inacio has emerged as a target, and the Reds would have no issues paying his €45 (£39m) release clause this summer.

Young Torino defender Perr Schuurs is also admired by Klopp, with Liverpool set to return for a new offer soon, having had their opening bid of €30m (£26m) turned down, and they could be set to match the Italian club's €40m (£34m) asking price.

Two Liverpool players feature in the top 25 of the Golden Boy Index, which ranks European football's most promising young talents, with Harvey Elliott sitting in 14th and Stefan Bajcetic ranking 21st, and the Merseyside outfit are now keen to bring in another exciting prospect.

That is according to a report from The Daily Mail, which details that the Reds are keeping tabs on Birmingham's Sanusi, who is poised to leave St. Andrew's this summer, amid growing interest in his signature.

Scouts have made regular checks on the 16-year-old's progress, and Liverpool are now keen on snapping him up, but they face fierce competition from a number of the Premier League's top clubs.

Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United are all keeping tabs on the youngster, who has already occasionally been training with the Birmingham first team, however he has not signed his scholarship contract.

The Magpies and the Reds have of course been linked with similar targets already this summer, with reports claiming the former liked what they saw of Dominik Szoboszlai while the latter fancied a move for Sandro Tonali, and it seems they could be about to go head to head with Manchester's finest along with Spurs.

The left-winger has already featured in Birmingham's match-day squad, being called up for their away trip to Blackpool last season, but he is yet to make an appearance for the first team.

Who is Trevan Sanusi?

The Birmingham starlet has managed to force his way into the U21s team, scoring the second goal in a 3-0 victory against Crewe Alexandra back in March, while he also netted a stoppage-time winner against Everton in December.

Birmingham boss John Eustace has hailed the forward as a "really exciting young attacking player", and he clearly has a lot of faith in him, given that he has already called him up to the first-team squad for a Championship match.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.

Considering the young prospect only turned 16 in April, he is likely to be some way off breaking into the Liverpool squad, however he is showing all the signs that he could go on to be a top player, if he continues his current trajectory.

Sanusi is rising through the ranks with England, making nine appearances for the Under 16s in international friendlies, weighing in with one goal and one assist, and it is exciting news that Liverpool are in the mix to secure his signature.

Sunderland Could Sign ‘Brilliant’ £10m Clarke Partner

Sunderland must go again. The heartbreak of painfully losing the play-off semi-final will still be etched upon the conscience of the players and the hurting fans.

Meanwhile, their fierce high-flying northern rivals Newcastle have unbelievably reached the pinnacle of Champions League football leaving the Black Cats itching to create some success of their own.

Therefore, another hectic and gruelling season of Championship football beckons, as it now starts in just less than a month and the club still has much work to do in the transfer window to make sure that it's ready.

Last year, much of the goal-scoring firepower was bestowed upon on-loan Manchester United sensation Amad Diallo, who scored 14 league goals.

The Ivorian has already returned to his parent club, whilst Ross Stewart, who netted ten goals in 13 outings, had the best minutes per goal ratio (104) in the division, but his time was blighted by injury and he has been linked with a possible exit from the Stadium of Light.

Kristijaan Speakman, Sunderland’s sporting director, has spoken on Stewart’s uncertain future and said: “The situation is no different to where we have been: we are really keen to retain Ross and everything from his camp is that he’d like to stay. But we haven’t got to an agreement that both parties would like to sign off.

Whether Stewart stays or goes, there's still a gaping hole in the frontline that needs to be filled and there are still rumours circulating around a potential return for Ellis Simms.

What’s the latest on Ellis Simms to Sunderland?

According to the Northern Echo, Sunderland will “keep an eye” on Simms, but have no intention to enter a bidding war for his signature.

The striker only has one year left on his deal at Goodison Park, and the Toffees are open to letting him leave for a fee of around £10m.

The 22-year-old impressed on loan for Sunderland at the beginning of last campaign and was recalled by his parent for the second half of the season as Sean Dyche’s men battled against relegation.

everton-ellis-simms-celebration-dwight-mcneil

The Wearside giants added teenage forward Luis Semedo last month, who Tony Mowbray revealed is the “only senior striker” in the ranks as Stewart is unlikely to be fit for the start of the season.

Therefore, Simms would be a pivotal addition to the club.

Why would Ellis Simms be a good signing for Sunderland?

The Englishman has already shown he has the capability to perform for Sunderland, having registered nine goal contributions in 14 second-tier starts.

Described as “brilliant” by Dion Dublin, Simms only scored once in the top flight and began just two encounters, as Dyche often preferred Dominic Calvert-Lewin or opted for a false nine approach.

It arguably showed that the youngster isn’t quite ready for consistent Premier League football and a move back to his former club could be the perfect antidote to resurrect his stuttering career.

Jack Clarke Sunderland

If the attacker returned to the Stadium of Light, it would see him rekindle a partnership with the effervescent and deliciously talented Jack Clarke.

The former Leeds star notched a league-high 12 assists last year and created 66 chances in total, at a rate of 1.40 per 90.

Such numbers would no doubt benefit Simms, who although didn't receive any assists from Clarke last term, did find the net on seven occasions in 17 outings for the Mackems. Should the two finally combine, therefore, it could be a promotion-winning combo.

Indeed, these two are more than capable of being the spearheads to catapult this historic club back into Premier League prominence.

Reporter Drops Update On Levi Colwill to Liverpool

Liverpool see Levi Colwill as their "top target" this window and are pushing for the deal as they can sense "blood in the water" at Chelsea, claims transfer journalist Graham Bailey.

Is Levi Colwill joining Liverpool?

Liverpool have had a brilliant transfer window so far this summer, with the club almost completely overhauling their midfield with the signings of World Cup-winning Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton & Hove Albion and the Hungarian international Dominik Szoboslai from Bundesliga outfit RB Leipzig.

Alexis Mac Allister Brighton Argentina

With those deals only costing the Merseysiders an estimated £95m combined, the club look set to continue their summer spending with Chelsea's exciting young defender Colwill, their new top target.

The Southampton-born-gem spent last season on loan with Premier League high-flyers Brighton, where he enjoyed his breakout top-flight campaign under the progressive tutelage of Italian manager Roberto De Zerbi.

His brilliant performances for the Seagulls saw him earn a call-up to England's under-21s for the European Championships this summer, a competition he helped them win without conceding a single goal along the way.

Unsurprisingly, this positive momentum has turned the heads of prospective buyers, with his loan side making a £30m offer for the 6 foot 2 prospect, an offer that the Pensioners immediately rejected.

Levi Colwill Brighton

Despite Chelsea's insistence that their young star isn't for sale, the lack of guaranteed game time is the number one concern for the player and why he has yet to put pen to paper on a new extended deal.

This inability for the Blues and Colwill to reconcile his desire for first-team football and their reluctance to guarantee it has given the Reds confidence that they can snatch the "outrageous" youngster away from their rivals, per Graham Bailey.

He explained the situation on the Talking Transfers podcast:

"There's something in this. Liverpool are pushing hard for this, there's blood in the water, and they can really sense that.

"I think Liverpool, he is their top target now. There is a belief at Anfield that they could get him."

levi-colwill-chelsea-premier-league

Who is leaving Liverpool this summer?

Whilst there is a lot of excitement around the potential incomings at Liverpool this summer, there are also quite a few significant players that could be departing as well.

It could be the end of the road for club captain Jordan Henderson this summer as he has reportedly accepted a colossal offer worth £700,000-a-week from Saudi Pro League outfit Al Ettifaq, per TalkSPORT.

Liverpool captain JordanHenderson

The move would see him link up with old Reds teammate and Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard, the side's new manager.

Following the skipper to the Middle East could potentially be Brazillian midfielder Fabinho, with the Guardian reporting that the player's camp have been in conversation with Saudi side Al-Ittihad over a move, but no discussions have been held between the two clubs as of yet.

Spanish midfielder Thiago Alcantara is another senior player that could be on the way out, as Spanish outlet SPORT report that while Liverpool aren't actively looking to sell the 32-year-old, they would be willing to part ways with him should a reasonable offer be made, and with Xavi reportedly interested in the service of the former Bayern Munich man, that could be on the table.

Premier League, Liverpool, Liverpool news, Liverpool latest news, Liverpool update, Liverpool team news, Liverpool analysis, Liverpool vs Arsenal, LFC team news, LFC news, LFC injury news, LFC update, Thiago Alcantara

Whatever happens with Colwill, it looks like Liverpool could be fielding a completely different starting eleven when the Premier League kicks off again next month.

2 Arsenal Men Caught Messing Around In Preseason Footage

Whilst pre-season is a time to gain match fitness, and ensure that everything is tactically where it needs to be and at the level required, it is also a time for players to enjoy each other’s company and gel as a team.Of course, players can’t enjoy themselves too much, though we’re sure there are stories from the past of certain individuals doing exactly that on a pre-season tour, but it’s always nice noticing the relaxed mood of a squad before the intensity of a campaign gets underway.From an Arsenal perspective, summers don’t get much better. So far, they’ve welcomed Kai Havertz, Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber, whilst also extending the contract of William Saliba and Bukayo Saka, who all seem more than happy at the North London club.In recent footage of the players getting off the plane, Aaron Ramsdale and Saliba showed the feel-good mood around the Arsenal camp, hilariously imitating a salute to the pilot.

William Saliba and Aaron Ramsdale salute pilot

As you can see from the footage, the duo, in another life, may have made ideal Queen’s guards at Buckingham Palace, with Ramsdale saluting and Saliba standing tall and puffing out his chest.

For good measure, Ramsdale goes in for one salute as the pilot approaches, before adding one more as he walks past. The goalkeeper was certainly keen to get his point across.

As you can see from the footage, the Arsenal squad is certainly relaxed ahead of the season, which starts with the visit of Nottingham Forest on August 12.

First, though, the Gunners must navigate their way through a pre-season of fixtures, which includes games against Manchester United, Barcelona, and AS Monaco, before squaring off against Manchester City in the Community Shield.

What’s the latest Arsenal transfer news?

After welcoming Havertz, Timber and Rice this summer, Arsenal’s transfer window may be done for now when it comes to big-name arrivals. The key from here may well be parting ways with deadwood and selling other assets for good money.

The Gunners have already waved goodbye to Granit Xhaka, and, according to The Athletic, Rob Holding could yet be on the move this summer. Meanwhile, the future of Folarin Balogun remains in question.

The young striker had a standout season on loan at Reims in the last campaign, battling for the Ligue 1 Golden Boot with the likes of Kylian Mbappe. Scoring 21 league goals in total, the American could yet play a role under Mikel Arteta.

Back in the Champions League next season, the Gunners will need as much squad depth as possible to compete on all fronts. The last thing they’ll want to do is go out with a whimper on their return to the European stage.

After competing for the Premier League title last time out, too, Arsenal will undoubtedly want to go one better by securing the silverware in what could be a year to remember in North London.

They’ve certainly made statement signings so far this summer, and with such a relaxed and competitive squad, anything is possible.

In the meantime, fans have been loving Saliba and Ramsdale’s pre-season antics, you can see some of the best Tweets below:

Aston Villa Could Sign "Amazing" Diaby Alternative For £35m

Aston Villa are now on a mission to add depth and quality.

In a stunning second half of the season, which ended with seven consecutive home victories and a total of 49 points from 25 games including victories against Manchester United and Tottenham, Brighton (twice), and Chelsea, meant they ended a long-awaited 13 absence from European football.

The Midlands outfit miraculously climbed from the brink of relegation to a Europa Conference League qualification spot.

They now face the exciting task of preparing for the demands of playing in multiple competitions, and look to add to the impressive signings of Youri Tielemans and Pau Torres.

Strengthening wide attacking areas has been described as ‘the most pressing’ concern, and with the attempted capture of Moussa Diaby proving to be tricky, the club may turn their attention to Jeremy Doku.

What’s the latest on Jeremy Doku to Aston Villa?

According to Ghana Soccer Net (via Sport Witness), Villa have seen an initial bid of €25m (£22m) for the Doku rejected, but a deal could be completed quickly if they raise their offer.

The Rennes whiz has been described as one of Unai Emery’s 'key targets', but Villa’s proposal was not enough to persuade the French club to proceed with talks.

The report details that Rennes is seeking a fee in the region of €40m (£35m) and if an agreement is reached with a second offer then the deal could be completed by the end of the week.

What can Jeremy Doku bring to Aston Villa?

Doku has been at Rennes since 2020, but last season, in what was his most productive year, he has been catapulted into the spotlight.

Across 35 appearances across all competitions, the Belgian, who was once hailed as “amazing” by Jacek Kulig, recorded 11 goal involvements. However, his most eye-catching attribute has been his dribbling, in which he even trumps Diaby.

The 21-year-old outperforms his elder for progressive carries per 90 (6.95 vs 4.04) and successful take-ons per 90 (6.59 vs 1.77). Even more impressively, these figures mean that Doku ranks within the best 1% in Europe’s top five leagues among his positional peers for the aforementioned metrics.

The winger has merged this scintillating directness with some sensational creativity. Although Doku only managed two assists in Ligue 1 last term, he sits within the top 1% for xAG (expected assisted goals), which demonstrates that if he was partnered with more clinical forwards he could achieve some frightening numbers.

Paris Saint-Germain’s Kylian Mbappe was perhaps ahead of the curve in how he rates Doku as back in 2021, he said:

“Recently, I was speaking with my father about a player who impressed me because of his speed qualities, that is Doku, at Rennes.

"In five years as a professional, I have never seen someone from a standing start demonstrate so much power."

With this spectacular profile, Doku can be viewed as an equal to Diaby, and an easier target to acquire.

moussa-diaby

Villa has recently just submitted a second bid for the Bayer Leverkusen gem of around €50m (£43m), which the Germans are yet to formally respond to.

Although Diaby has a more well-known and esteemed reputation, the ridiculous numbers behind Doku’s rapidly mounting potential would make a dream alternative for Unai Emery.

Tottenham Eye Prime Hazard 2.0 In "Generational" £35m Maestro

As far as Tottenham Hotspur supporters are concerned, Eden Hazard will forever be remembered as the man who put the final nail in the coffin of their Premier League title hopes back in 2016, with the Belgian wizard curling home from range in the infamous 'Battle of Stamford Bridge'.

With those of a Leicester City persuasion watching on knowing that a draw between the Lilywhites and rivals Chelsea would hand them the title, that late stunner from the diminutive gem ensured that the league crown would be heading the way of the Foxes, rather than to Mauricio Pochettino's youthful side.

While perhaps not easy for Spurs fans to recognise at the time amid the disappointment of that thrilling 2-2 draw, Hazard's equaliser was truly a moment of individual magic, with the former Lille ace having yet again stolen the headlines for his undoubted genius.

For all the 32-year-old's recent woes – having endured an injury-plagued stint at Real Madrid over the last four years – in his prime in English football the mercurial wizard was a true magician, recording over 200 goal involvements in 352 games during his time with the Blues.

Chelsea's Eden Hazard

At one stage the "best player in the league" – according to Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher – a figure with Hazard's talent is not one which comes around too often, with few being able to make their mark on the game quite so impressively.

According to recent reports, however, Spurs and Ange Postecoglou could potentially have their eyes set on a possible successor to the 126-cap sensation in the form of Lyon's Rayan Cherki.

What's the latest on Cherki to Tottenham?

According to a report from Football Transfers last week, the north Londoners are seemingly ready to fight it out with Chelsea, ironically, for the signing of the teenage starlet, with the 19-year-old having already held discussions with both clubs regarding a possible summer swoop.

As per the piece, the promising Frenchman – who has been a long-time target of La Liga giants Real Madrid – has been the subject of a €40m (£35m) offer from those at Stamford Bridge, with the race now on to see just who can secure his signature.

How good is Rayan Cherki?

The 5 foot 10 dynamo could follow in Hazard's footsteps in making the move from France to England in the early stages of his career, with the Belgian icon having previously joined the Blues from Lille at the age of 21 back in 2012.

rayan-cherki-lyon-tottenham-hotspur-postecoglou-transfer-gossip-dele

Like the ex-Madrid man, Cherki notably operates in a playmaking berth or on the flanks to devastating effect, having been dubbed a "generational talent" by journalist Andres Onrubia Ramos after recording 30 goals and assists in 104 games for his current side to date.

Described as a "difference-maker" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the comparison between the Lyon gem and Hazard has been noted by French football expert Jonathan Johnson, who previously wrote:

'He’s a very exciting talent, somebody who looks to have a great career ahead of him. Similarly to Eden Hazard when he first established himself in Ligue 1, he looks very technically skilled, versatile, and he’s probably the best young player to emerge from Lyon’s youth academy for many years, possibly even since Karim Benzema'.

With Hazard having scored six goals and contributed three assists in 17 outings against Spurs throughout his career to date, those at N17 are fully aware of the type of talent he was in his pomp, hence the potential excitement at snapping up his heir apparent in the form of Cherki.

Much like Hazard was Chelsea's main man for a number of years, the teenager could potentially prove a talismanic presence for Postecoglou's side over the years to come.

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