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An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their chances of landing Gabriel Barbosa in the summer transfer window… 

What’s the talk?

According to The Chronicle, the striker is keen on a move to St. James’ Park ahead of the 2022/23 campaign, giving the club the green light to snap him up.

The report claims that his representatives are willing to discuss a deal with the Magpies after holding talks over a potential loan with a view to signing permanently for £17m in the January window.

It is, however, stated that the Toon are weighing up their options as they eye the likes of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Moussa Diaby.

Callum Wilson 2.0

Newcastle’s go-to man for goals in the last two Premier League campaigns has been the ex-Bournemouth man Callum Wilson.

The English centre-forward ended both of his first two seasons with the club as their top goalscorer in the league, scoring 12 in 2020/21 and eight in 2021/22.

In Gabigol, the Magpies can now find their new starting number nine who can score goals on a consistent basis in the top flight. He has proven himself in his home country and could now be ready to make the leap to England this year.

Former Brazil international Zico previously lauded the attacker’s quality, saying: “I think Gabigol has everything to be the greatest striker in Flamengo’s history. It’s getting there. His performance got better and better, consolidating himself as one of the greats.

“He’s already gone down in history. He is young and can do much more, and hopefully, he can do it. Doing this is always good to give joy to the Rubro-Negro fan and, logically, we always expect this from a guy who has the potential that he has.”

Since joining Flamengo, Barbosa has scored 103 goals in 158 games in all competitions – providing 28 assists along the way. He also scored 43 goals in 125 matches for Santos earlier in his career, whilst scoring five times in 18 caps for Brazil.

These statistics show that the 25-year-old is a lethal striker who has the potential to be the new Wilson at St. James’ Park, allowing the Englishman to play second fiddle as he continues to struggle with injuries.

The Brazilian gem can be the go-to man for goals if he is able to adapt to English football and Eddie Howe must now zoom through this green light to strike a deal for the attacker.

AND in other news, PIF can hit the “jackpot” as they prepare “record-breaking” NUFC offer for £40m dynamo…

It was reported earlier this week by Sky Sports News that Tottenham Hotspur were not only interested in Richarlison but also wanted Anthony Gordon, and an update has now emerged on the potential transfer this summer.

What’s the latest?

Journalist Dean Jones has given his verdict on the rumoured Spurs move for the boyhood Everton player.

The transfer insider told GIVEMESPORT: “Everton have had so many problems over the last couple of seasons, especially with the relationship between the club and the fanbase.

“So, if they were to get rid of Anthony Gordon there would be uproar, so I don’t believe they will sell Anthony Gordon unless they get absolutely ridiculous money for him.”

Supporters surely buzzing

With news of Richarlison’s imminent exit from Goodison Park, Everton supporters will surely be buzzing to hear that Gordon seems likely to stay at the club this summer.

The Toffees have had a disastrous 12 months in every sense. A relegation scrap amid the backdrop of financial troubles has caused uproar at the club and seen a number of protests from supporters outside the Goodison Park gates, so to lose their local hero who has made his way through the academy to become a key first-team player would be a nightmare.

Gordon gives Evertonians something to believe in during their bad times, and losing him could weaken their forward line even further when you consider how effective he has been in his position over the last 12 months.

Over 35 league appearances last season, the 21-year-old attacker scored four goals and delivered two assists, with an impressive shot on target rate of 43.2%. In addition, he was successful in 25.8% of his pressures and made 2.88 shot-creating chances on average per 90 minutes (FBRef).

Frank Lampard is a big fan of the youngster, who said of Gordon in an interview with Sky Sports; “He’s becoming more of a man, more of a leader with every game, with every day. His dedication and talent is huge.

Keeping the 21-year-old at Everton should be a massive priority for Moshiri this summer, as the owner already has a fragile relationship with many supporters, and selling the young talent could cause further discord at the club next season.

AND in other news: Fabrizio Romano reveals major Everton transfer development, Moshiri will be scrambling

Phil Hay has dropped an update on the future of reported Leeds United transfer target Darko Gyabi.

What’s the latest?

In a recent post on Twitter and report for The Athletic, the journalist revealed that, following the Whites’ acceptance of a £42m bid from Manchester City for Kalvin Phillips, Victor Orta is now closing in on a £5m deal for the 18-year-old midfielder from the Etihad Stadium.

Hay added in a further tweet that the England under-18 international is set to sign a four-year deal at Elland Road following the completion of his medical with Jesse Marsch’s side, which is expected to take place next week.

In his tweets, the journalist said: “Leeds lining up 18-year-old centre midfielder Darko Gyabi to come in the opposite direction from City. Set to sign a four-year deal with Leeds after a medical next week.”

“Ideal number 8”

The prospect of losing a homegrown talent such as Kalvin Phillips will undoubtedly come as a gutting blow to Orta, Marsch and supporters of the Whites, but with the seemingly imminent signing of Gyabi, it appears as if Leeds have landed a player who could well go on to match the England international’s impact in the middle of the park further down the line.

Indeed, since making the move from Milwall to Manchester City in November 2018, the midfielder has become something of a stalwart in the heart of City’s under-18 and under-23 sides, with nine goals and two assists in 24 appearances for the former and one goal and three assists in 15 outings for the latter.

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Furthermore, the teenager who Neil Harris dubbed an “exceptional young player” has already earned some high praise in his short career, none more so than from Harry Brooks, the co-founder of CREATE talent agency.

He stated of Gyabi following news of the teenager’s proposed switch to LS11: “Leeds United are signing a wonderful talent and class young man in Darko Gyabi. He will have made his Premier League debut by the end of the season, I have zero doubts. If you’re building an ideal number 8 in a lab, you’d come up with something like him.”

Brooks added: “There is no downside to this transfer from a Leeds United perspective. It’s unlikely he will be signed with a view to immediate first-team football. He will simply force his way in by being so good. It’s as good as a youth transfer as you can get.”

As such, while Gyabi is by no means a direct and readymade replacement for Phillips, it is clear to see just how talented a prospect the 18-year-old is. Hay’s update that Orta is closing in on the England youth international as his fourth summer signing is undoubtedly fantastic news for the future of the Whites.

AND in other news: Victor Orta now plotting Leeds bid for “beautiful” £26m target, he “has everything”

Aston Villa have been getting their transfer business done early during the summer window, and a reliable source has now given an update on the club’s next signing.

What’s the latest?

Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano has given a huge update on Villa’s pursuit of Rangers striker Rory Wilson.

The transfer insider tweeted: “Aston Villa and Rangers have now full agreement for 16-yo Scottish striker Rory Wilson’s transfer. Villa will pay £350k plus add ons reaching £1m based on PL appearances.”

“Personal terms finalised last week, deal now done. Paperwork to be signed on July 1.”

Gerrard will be buzzing

The signing of Wilson will be Steven Gerrard’s first player to join from his former club Rangers, so the manager will surely be buzzing to have secured a deal to bring the youngster to Villa Park this summer.

The 16-year-old goal machine scored a monstrous 49 goals last season, leading the Ibrox youngsters to victory in the Scottish Youth Cup along the way, and he has been impressing on the international stage too.

For the Scotland under-17s, Wilson has scored eight goals and delivered one assist in just 11 appearances, showing the potential of a very bright future ahead of him.

The youngster has been the recipient of high praise due to his efforts in front of goal, with Scotland under-17s boss Brain McLaughlin dubbing the youngster “clever”.

He said (via Daily Record): “Rory is another who can play again in the next campaign. We have been brave enough to go really young at this age group. So Rory is leading the line as a 2006 against big powerful 2005s.

“He is a clever player, his touch is good, his attitude is superb and his finishing .. for a young boy to be able to finish the way he can finish, just clinical and calm in front of goals. He knows he is always going to get a chance because his movement gives him that.”

With that in mind, the signing of Wilson looks a real coup for Aston Villa, and they could have their next star striker on their hands if the teenager continues to fulfil his potential in the Midlands in the years to come.

AND in other news: Journalist issues huge Villa update over “brick wall” that will have supporters ecstatic

Jurgen Klopp has begun the summer transfer window quite well, as Liverpool have signed Fabio Carvalho from Fulham and also landed Darwin Nunez from Benfica in a club-record £85m deal.

With the club also very close to announcing Aberdeen defender Calvin Ramsay as their third summer signing, it’s clear that the Reds manager is adding some much-needed youth into the squad at Anfield.

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Given these incoming transfers, it looks likely that there will be a few players leaving Merseyside over the next few weeks, with one midfielder already being linked with a departure from Liverpool.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has been linked with a surprise move to Premier League rivals Manchester United, and with the player earning £125k-p/w, Klopp may be be keen to get him off the wage bill.

With a WhoScored rating of 6.56, the player ranks a lowly joint-23rd in the Liverpool squad following a poor season which has seen him fall down the pecking order at Anfield.

Klopp could replace the 28-year-old with a deal for Porto midfielder Vitinha, who impressed for the Portuguese champions last term.

News outlet O Jogo (via Sport Witness) reported in April that Liverpool were linked with a move for the player, whose release clause of €40m (£34m) would be well within Klopp’s budget.

Vitinha has some Premier League experience under his belt following a stint at Wolves in 2020/21, featuring in 19 top-flight matches.

Porto manager Sergio Conceição has lauded him as “fabulous” following a victory last season which propelled Porto to yet another league title, with the 22-year-old contributing two goals and three assists.

Vitinha displayed his attacking attributes throughout the campaign, registering 2.48 shots per match, higher than Oxlade-Chamberlain’s 2.41. He also proved his defensive worth by winning 31 tackles, 17 more than the Liverpool midfielder, and making 4.5 times as many interceptions (36 to eight).

These figures clearly show that signing the Porto midfielder would be a shrewd move from the Reds, especially for the price quoted, as he could well be a major upgrade on Oxlade-Chamberlain.

It appears that Klopp has a few more big decisions to make during this summer’s transfer window.

AND in other news, “To be completed…”, Romano drops major LFC transfer development, its great news

Liverpool are among the clubs interested in Kilmarnock defender Charlie McArthur, according to a report from the Daily Mail. 

The lowdown: Top talent

Still just 17 years old, McArthur has already made great sides in senior football north of the border following a senior debut in a 3-1 victory over Queen’s Park in October 2021.

Since then, the Scotland Under 17 captain has made three further jaunts into first-team action and has often appeared on the substitutes’ bench in the Scottish Championship.

Having already secured a deal to bring Aberdeen right-back, Calvin Ramsay, to Anfield, despite the suggestion that the entrance could now be closed on new arrivals, another talented Scottish teenager has been linked to the Reds.

The latest: Liverpool named

As per the Daily Mail report, Liverpool, Manchester City West Ham, Wolves and Brighton are all in the mix to sign McArthur as the newly promoted Premiership side look to recoup a six-figure fee for the central defender.

It’s claimed that mega-rich Newcastle United are the frontrunners for the ten-cap Scotland youth ace but they ‘face competition’ from the numerous Premier League rivals.

The report also states that ‘other unnamed clubs’ have informed Kilmarnock of their interest in the youngster who was described as a ‘dream to work with’ by former manager Tommy Wright after his senior bow.

The verdict: Room for one more?

Whilst numerous journalists have claimed that the business is done and dusted for the summer in terms of first-team additions on Merseyside, a recent tendency to snap up the hottest young talents could see Julian Ward fire up his negotiation prowess once again for a target such as McArthur.

Captures of Harvey Elliott, Fabio Carvalho, Kaide Gordon – as well as the aforementioned Ramsay – are proof of a penchant at Anfield to stockpile the next generation of stars and with early exposure to competitive action already under his belt, the Scottish teen would certainly tick plenty of boxes as a potential candidate to add to Jurgen Klopp’s deepening squad.

Add to that a burgeoning desire to bring Scotland’s best to the Premier League in the wake of the impact of Brexit on bringing in youngsters from the continent, further illustrated by the signing of Ben Doak from Celtic, then the Reds could certainly enter the running for McArthur before it’s too late.

In other news… a Premier League club has reportedly made an approach for one of Liverpool’s defenders

According to journalist Gianluigi Longari, Liverpool are now ‘close’ to reaching an agreement to sign Benfica striker Darwin Nunez and have agreed personal terms with the player.

The Lowdown: Nunez attracting interest

The 22-year-old first joined the Primeira Liga outfit in a £21.6m move from UD Almeria back in 2020, where he’s since gone on to make 84 appearances during his two-year spell at the club to date.

Even though the forward still has three years remaining on his contract at the Estadio da Luz, his outstanding displays in Portugal appear to have caught the eye of Premier League clubs, with Fabrizio Romano revealing way back in March that Nunez is a ‘big name to watch in the summer’.

The Latest: Liverpool close to reaching agreement

In a post on his personal Twitter account, Longari, a fellow transfer specialist in Italy, confirmed the news that Nunez is very ‘close’ to completing the switch to Anfield. He wrote.

“Liverpool close to reach an agreement with Benfica for striker Darwin Nunez. LFC Agreement on personal terms.”

The reporter then followed on later on Wednesday evening with further confirmation of a five-year contract.

“Confirmed by some other reliable sources Darwin Nunez has a total agreement with Liverpool on personal terms (2027) – First offer from LFC to Benfica to find a total agreement – Darwin Nunez never been so close to Liverpool.”

The Verdict: The perfect reinforcement

With the future of duo Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane currently up in the air, it comes as no surprise to see Jurgen Klopp already looking for reinforcements in the final third, and the ten-cap international has all of the ingredients to be the perfect replacement.

Nunez, who was once hailed a “sensational” talent by Fox Sports reporter James Dodd, has been prolific in front of goal this season, having found the back of the net 26 times in just 28 league outings for Benfica, as well as chipping in with four assists, as per Transfermarkt.

Regardless of who stays and who leaves, this attacking prowess is exactly what the German boss needs in his starting XI if he wants his team to continue to be serious contenders for big honours.

In other news… Liverpool are now believed to be ‘monitoring’ a Premier League player ahead of a potential summer move.

Bayer Leverkusen are reluctant to sell winger Moussa Diaby despite Newcastle United’s willingness to break their transfer record for the 22-year-old, claims journalist Graeme Bailey.

The Lowdown: Great season for Diaby

The France international enjoyed a fantastic campaign in the Bundesliga, having scored 13 goals and producing 12 assists across 32 matches.

Impressively, only Bayern Munich’s Thomas Muller and RB Leipzig’s Christopher Nkunku created more goals than the Leverkusen man.

After arriving in Germany in 2019 as a teenager, Diaby quickly established himself as a key player for Bayer 04, and he has now helped his club qualify for the Champions League with a third-place finish in the Bundesliga this season.

The Latest: Bailey’s news

Taking to Twitter, transfer insider Bailey shared the latest news involving Diaby’s future in the Bundesliga, claiming:

“Bayer Leverkusen determined to keep Moussa Diaby despite Newcastle interest.”

In the adjacent 90min article, Bailey reports that Newcastle would be willing to break their transfer record and pay over £50m for Diaby after glowing reports from their scouts. However, he claims that this may not be enough.

Diaby does not have a release clause in his contract, and it is believed Leverkusen have made it clear to any interested parties that they are not going to entertain offers for the Frenchman.

The Verdict: Would be a fantastic signing

With Eddie Howe on the hunt for a direct winger who is clinical in front of goal, Diaby’s underlying stats illustrate why he would be a perfect fit for the Tyneside club.

As per FB Ref, the 22-year-old ranks in the 94th percentile for assists, in the 91st percentile for non-penalty goals, and in the 85th percentile for non-penalty expected goals plus expected assists, when compared with positional peers across Europe over the past year.

Described by Wolfsburg striker Nils Petersen as “incredibly dangerous and difficult to stop”, it is easy to see why Newcastle are so keen on signing the France international.

However, this deal won’t be easy to make, and it seems it will take a substantial fee to make Leverkusen budge and get the signing across the line.

In other news: Newcastle United: Magpies target Hugo Ekitike ‘told’ he can leave Reims

Aston Villa are reportedly one of the clubs who have made contact with intermediaries regarding the availability of Roma striker Tammy Abraham, with a potential return to the Premier League on the cards.

What’s the story?

That’s according to 90min, who claimed that Villa – alongside Arsenal and Newcastle United – have made contact in an effort to bring the 24-year-old back to the club where he scored 26 goals on loan in the 2018/19 campaign.

The Englishman has been exceptional in Italy this season having left Chelsea last summer, with the striker scoring 27 goals in 53 appearances for Jose Mourinho’s side.

Abraham has been a major contributor to the Giallorossi’s sixth-place finish in Serie A as well as their triumph in the Europa Conference League, winning the inaugural edition of the tournament.

Villa must secure Abraham deal

Already a fan favourite at Villa Park for his contribution to getting the club promoted, the 24-year-old would be a sensational addition to Steven Gerrard’s squad.

The West Midlands outfit have already shown serious ambition by confirming the signings of Boubacar Kamara and Diego Carlos before the end of May, and a deal for their former loanee would most likely trump any other transfer that NSWE complete this summer.

Naturally, though, there are plenty of obstacles in the way of making this deal a reality.

Firstly, Abraham’s current deal at Roma doesn’t expire until 2026, having only played one season so far in the Eternal City, and it is believed that the Giallorossi value the Englishman at £100m.

Labelled “unreal” by Chelsea journalist Nizaar Kinsella whilst being claimed to have enjoyed a “perfect start” at Roma by Sky Sports’ Angelo Mangiante, the 24-year-old has finally settled at a club, having endured a mixed spell in the Chelsea first team.

Earlier this season, the player himself claimed: “I got to the point that I needed to leave and explore. All I knew was Chelsea. It’s nice to explore, learn a different culture, and a different language. It’s different, but I am enjoying it.”

Abraham was limited to just 12 Premier League starts for the Blues last term, with Thomas Tuchel handing the forward little game-time after taking over from Frank Lampard.

Although the 24-year-old would likely be guaranteed regular playing time at Villa Park, Abraham has settled in Rome, and it may prove a tall task to lure him back to England after just one season at the Stadio Olimpico.

AND in other news: Gerrard must ruthlessly axe £52k-p/w Villa “issue” with swoop for “unreal” metronome

Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge has admitted that it is a “surprise” to see that Tottenham Hotspur’s Eric Dier has been left out of the England squad following Gareth Southgate’s recent announcement.

The Lowdown: Dier not named in England squad

The 28-year-old has been capped 45 times for his country, but despite not playing any part in the England starting XI since November 2020, he has enjoyed a standout campaign with the Lilywhites under Antonio Conte. He has made 25 Premier League appearances since the Italian’s arrival in N17, offering hope that he might have had a strong chance of earning a recall under Southgate.

However, the Three Lions boss has denied the Spurs centre-back that opportunity by selecting the likes of Conor Coady, Marc Guehi and Ben White ahead of him, even though Aston Villa’s Tyrone Mings has also been omitted from the 27-man squad.

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The Latest: Bridge ‘very surprised’ by Dier omission

Bridge has admitted his disbelief at the fact that Dier had been overlooked by Southgate and suggested that the Tottenham defender deserved to be given a place in the England squad.

The journalist told GiveMeSport: “I’m surprised, very, very surprised. I thought he would be a shoo-in for this England squad, because for me, he’s my player of the year at Tottenham, but Gareth Southgate only seems to appreciate him in a back three.

“But I still believe if there was a World Cup next month, Dier would be in it. I could be completely deluded, although I’m very surprised, especially given how much he valued him at Under-21 level.”

The Verdict: Valuable experience at the back

Considering the form of some defenders who did make the cut, it does come as a bit of a shock to see the £92k-per-week Spurs star miss out on the Nations League fixtures. For instance, Dier’s WhoScored rating of 6.76 for the season matches that of Guehi and exceeds Coady’s 6.64, so it is understandable why Bridge has been left astonished.

The Cheltenham native has averaged four clearances and 3.7 long balls per league game in 2021/22, via WhoScored, showing not only his ability to be a rock at the heart of the Spurs backline, but also how he can create attacking moves for his team-mates at the other end of the pitch.

Dier has recorded a total of 16 clean sheets in the Premier League this term, which contributed to Tottenham successfully securing a Champions League place for 2022/23, and that experience is something that England will now miss out on ahead of their upcoming games against Hungary, Germany and Italy next month.

In other news… a huge Spurs transfer update has come to light involving one of the club’s ‘top targets’