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Journalist Dean Jones of GiveMeSport has now made an exciting Tottenham Hotspur claim as talks advance for Middlesbrough starlet Djed Spence.

The Lowdown: Conte eyeing move…

The Championship defender, after enjoying a brilliant spell on loan at Nottingham Forest over 2021/2022, has since been attracting real interest from Spurs in the Premier League.

As backed by Sky Sports, chairman Daniel Levy has even personally intervened in attempt to push through a move for the 21-year-old as sporting director Fabio Paratici concentrates on other targets.

Right-wing-back, alongside the possible additions of a centre-back and striker, are said to be high priority at Hotspur Way with Jones now sharing an exciting Spence update.

The Latest: Jones shares exciting update…

Speaking to GiveMeSport, the reporter has now shared some positive news for Lilywhites supporters on the chase for Spence.

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He explained:

“Spurs are refusing to be rushed into paying over the odds for Spence but talks are progressing and there’s a general feeling that they should have him on board in time for pre-season.”

The Verdict: Promising…

We believe the defender should be next in line to arrive at Tottenham, especially considering he could solve many glaring issues both and off the field.

Spurs’ troubling homegrown quota issue has been well documented and landing another Englishman on the books will seriously boost the club in terms of fixing this.

Spence’s quality is also evident, having turned heads on loan at Forest during their promotion push.

The Boro ace, called a ‘perfect player for Conte’ by talkSPORT’s Alex Crook, could certainly be a shrewd addition for the club.

Gianluca Di Marzio has dropped an update on reported Tottenham Hotspur transfer target Clement Lenglet.

What’s the latest?

In a recent post on Twitter, the Italian journalist revealed that, following a number of reports linking Fabio Paratici with a move for the Barcelona centre-back this summer, the 27-year-old is now set to sign for Antonio Conte’s side on loan – with a deal between the two clubs having now been completed.

In his tweet, Di Marzio said: “Clement Lenglet set to join Spurs on loan from FC Barcelona. Done deal.”

Conte will be buzzing

While it is true that Lenglet was not Conte’s first-choice target for the signing of a new left-sided centre-back this summer, with Tottenham having been heavily linked with both Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni and RB Leipzig’s Josko Gvardiol, the news that Spurs look now set to land the France international will nevertheless have left the Italian manager buzzing.

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Indeed, while the defender has fallen down the Barcelona pecking order since Xavi’s appointment at the Camp Nou last November – starting just five LaLiga fixtures under the 42-year-old manager – Lenglet’s metrics over the last 365 days very much suggest that he could be something of a perfect fit on the left of Conte’s back three at Tottenham.

According to FBRef data, the £170k-per-week left-footer ranks in the top 1% of centre-backs in Europe’s big five leagues for passes attempted per 90, in addition to the top 1% for progressive passes, the top 1% for progressive carries, the top 18% for passes completed, the top 6% for assists, the top 15% for pressures, the top 39% for tackles and the top 43% for aerial duels won over the past 12 months.

As such, while he may not be the long-term prospect many Tottenham supporters would have been hoping for Paratici to land this summer, it would appear as if Lenglet more than possesses the ability to be being the ball-playing centre-back Conte was looking to add to his options at the back ahead of the new Premier League campaign – leading us to believe that Di Marzio’s latest update will have delighted the 52-year-old manager, especially after the club’s earlier capture of Richarlison.

AND in other news: Reliable journo drops big Spurs transfer update, supporters will be fuming with Levy

Transfer insider and talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook has revealed that Joe Aribo is now ‘likely’ to leave Glasgow Rangers this summer.

The Lowdown: Contract expiring

The Nigeria international only has one year left on his contract at Ibrox, so Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side risk losing him on a free transfer next year if he does not sign a new deal with the Premiership giants in the meantime.

Therefore, the Rangers board will need to contemplate whether to cash in on him this summer, as his market value will surely start to decrease the closer it gets to his contract expiry date.

The Latest: Aribo exit ‘likely’

Taking to Twitter, Crook has revealed that Aribo is now ‘likely’ to leave Rangers this summer, and Southampton are among a number of clubs in the Premier League who are ‘interested’ in his signature.

The talkSPORT reporter tweeted: “#SaintsFC are among the Premier League clubs interested in signing #RangersFC midfielder Joe Aribo. Is into the last year of his contract so a summer move away from Ibrox is likely.”

The Verdict: Keep him!

Of course, the Light Blues run the risk of letting Aribo go for free next summer, but he is simply too important of a player to the team right now, so they must look to keep hold of him at all costs.

Hailed as ‘phenomenal’ for club and country by Vavel journalist Jack Koblitz, the Nigeria international played no fewer than 70 times last season, showing what an incredible engine he has.

He also ranked as Rangers’ third-best performer on WhoScored and boasted the team’s second-highest dribbling average (1.4) per match in the Premiership, so replacing the 25-year-old this summer would likely be a very difficult task for Van Bronckhorst and co.

Aston Villa’s 2022/23 campaign will see Steven Gerrard take charge for his first full term at Villa Park, and he will be well aware of just how important pre-season is. It gives him the chance to decide his strongest 11, whilst also handing new signings the chance to fully integrate themselves into the squad.

A good pre-season can lead to an excellent Premier League campaign – something that those at Villa Park will be desperate for after an underwhelming 14th-place finish last season. As they prepare for the new Premier League season, the Midlands club will have five games to get up to speed.

Aston Villa’s pre-season schedule

Saturday 9 July 1pm BST: Walsall vs Aston Villa 

Aston Villa kick off their pre-season with a trip to the Poundland Bescot Stadium, where they will face League Two outfit Walsall, with kick off taking place at 1pm BST.

Monday 17 July 5:35am BST: Aston Villa vs Leeds United

Next up for Gerrard’s side in pre-season is a game against fellow Premier League outfit Leeds United. And it’ll be an early start for Villa fans, with kick off scheduled for 5:35am. The game is set to take place at the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Australia.

Wednesday 20 July 10:45am BST: Brisbane Roar vs Aston Villa 

Three days after playing Leeds, Aston Villa take on Brisbane Roar at the Queensland Country Bank Stadium, with the kick off set for 10:45am BST as Gerrard’s side continue their tour of Australia. 

Saturday 23 July 10:45am BST: Aston Villa vs Manchester United

Whether it’s a friendly or competitive game, Steven Gerrard vs Manchester United in some capacity is always entertaining. In this instance, it is a friendly with Aston Villa taking on Manchester United at the Optus Stadium in Perth to close their trip to Australia. 

Saturday 30 July 5pm BST: Rennes vs Aston Villa 

To end their pre-season, Villa take a trip to France to face Rennes at Roazhon Park, with the kick off time set for 5pm BST. Fans will be hoping that, by this point, the players are back to full fitness and sharpness ahead of the start of the Premier League season. 

How to watch Aston Villa’s pre-season fixtures online

On Villa TV, fans have the option to buy a five-match package, which will come with 12 months of access to VillaTV+ for £44.99. Meanwhile, a match pass for the one Walsall game is £4.99. Or you can buy an Australia match pack, which comes with 12 months of VillaTV+, for £27.99. There’s also the option of a four-match pack for £36.99. You can subscribe to Villa TV here.

Tottenham Hotspur have been rebuffed in an approach for Atletico Madrid midfielder Rodrigo de Paul, according to journalist Giacomo Iacobellis. 

The lowdown

Spurs have made five additions to their squad so far this summer, with forward Richarlison, midfielder Yves Bissouma, wing-back Ivan Perisic, goalkeeper Fraser Forster and centre-back Clement Lenglet all joining.

But still the recruitment drive continues, with Middlesbrough’s Djed Spence poised to be signing number six, and De Paul contacted too.

It was only last summer that the Argentine made a £31.5million move from Udinese to Atletico.

De Paul made 48 appearances in his first season at the Wanda Metropolitano, including 24 La Liga starts.

He predominantly played as the left centre midfielder in a 4-4-2 formation, alongside Geoffrey Kondogbia.

The latest

Iacobellis tweeted that De Paul had ‘rejected several offers because he wants to stay’ with Atletico Madrid.

He ‘received calls’ from Spurs, while Fiorentina gave him the opportunity to return to Serie A.

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The verdict

De Paul is a midfielder who fashions dangerous situations. He ranks in the 93rd percentile across Europe for expected assists per 90 minutes, the 91st for progressive passes and the 87th for progressive carries (via FBRef).

In terms of profile, he’s similar to Chelsea’s Mateo Kovacic and Leicester City’s Youri Tielemans.

And he would also bring real pedigree, having featured in the 2021 Copa America Team of the Tournament after Argentina’s triumph.

He’s labelled one of compatriots, Spurs’ Giovani Lo Celso, a ‘magician’, but it seems that the move isn’t going to be possible right now unless the player’s stance changes.

According to Football Insider, West Ham are weighing up a move to sign former Monaco defender Djibril Sidibe this summer.

The Lowdown: A free agent

The 29-year-old will be available on a free transfer following the expiration of his contract with the Ligue 1 side after turning down the opportunity to sign a new deal in a bid to try and secure a move to the Premier League.

The right-back is no stranger to the top-flight, having previously had a loan spell at Everton during the 2019/20 season, and a return to England could now be on the cards amid interest from two potential suitors, particularly the London Stadium.

The Latest: West Ham considering Sidibe move

In an article published by Football Insider, it’s claimed that West Ham, alongside newly-promoted Fulham, are both ‘plotting moves’ for Sidibe.

The source states that the Irons and Cottagers are ‘keen’ on the player as a result of him being a free agent, as well as the fact that he has the ‘versatility’ to play at both right-back and left-back.

The Verdict: Get it done

David Moyes already has Ben Johnson and Vladimir Coufal available for selection in that right-back position, but the latter has had a slump in form after returning from injury, so it’s not surprising to see the boss looking for a new addition.

Sidibe, once dubbed an ‘unbelievable’ player by former Everton caretaker manager Duncan Ferguson, is someone who possesses plenty of energy and can provide impetus both defensively and offensively, having averaged 1.4 tackles and 1.9 successful long balls per league game last season, via WhoScored.

The Troyes-born talent is a FIFA World Cup winner having lifted the coveted trophy with France back in 2018, and the fact that he can cover both flanks is a huge advantage for Moyes when it comes to squad depth, making a short-team deal for zero initial cost a no brainer.

Celtic are reportedly set to land a transfer deal for Lorient defender Moritz Jenz.

What’s the news?

According to a recent report from L’Equipe, the German centre-back will be joining Ange Postecoglou’s squad in the coming days. It was also recently reported that the Hoops are set to secure a free transfer for former Huddersfield Town midfielder Aaron Mooy.

As for Jenz, after making a combined total of 73 appearances for Fulham’s under-18 and under-21 sides, the centre-back found himself leaving England for a move to Switzerland with Lausanne-Sport.

A year later, despite then being linked with a move to Celtic, the defender – who is currently valued around €7m (£5.9m) – joined his current club in France.

Despite only making 17 Ligue 1 appearances last season, the centre-back still showed what a capable defensive figure he can be and why he’d be a useful asset for Celtic.

In those 17 appearances, Jenz won 17 tackles and made 32 blocks, 33 interceptions and 60 clearances throughout the campaign.

Bye-bye Jullien

With the reportedly imminent arrival of the 23-year-old, this could signal the end of the line for current Celtic defender Christopher Jullien at Parkhead.

Bearing in mind how the injury-plagued defender only made one appearance for the Bhoys last season, having another centre-back in the squad will not do much to improve his chances of getting regular playing time next season.

Having already been linked with a move to Schalke 04, which eventually fell through, the Frenchman could well be looking to find a new club to join in the remaining weeks of the summer transfer window.

Taking into account how the 29-year-old is currently Celtic’s third-highest earner on a wage of £20k-per-week and is seemingly not fancied by Postecoglou, that could make a potential exit for him this summer beneficial for all parties, especially if they have Jenz to come in as a replacement.

Now that it has been reported that the Hoops will potentially be adding Mooy and the Lorient defender to their ranks before the upcoming Premiership campaign kicks off, this shows just how eager Postecoglou is to ensure that his squad is strong enough and has the right amount of depth to give his side the best chance of enjoying another successful season.

AND in other news – “Definitely going to…”: Ange drops transfer claim that Celtic supporters will love

Injury expert Ben Dinnery has made a claim on Leeds United winger Luis Sinisterra following his recent muscular scare, Football Insider report.

The Lowdown: Sinisterra injury

Sinisterra headed down under with Leeds for a pre-season tour of Australia days after signing from Feyenoord earlier this month.

However, he didn’t have the initial impact he would have hoped for when making his first start in the club’s final game against Crystal Palace before returning to England.

The Colombian winger had to limp off early on with a hamstring issue, with Adam Forshaw also making way in the first half with a problem.

Jesse Marsch admitted after the friendly that he was hopeful both injuries won’t prove to be serious, with Leeds facing Cagliari on Sunday in their final pre-season fixture before the new season.

The Latest: Dinnery’s comments

Dinnery, who contributes for Sky Sports, told FI that hamstring injuries tend to be avoidable and may lead to Leeds wondering if they could have done something different in the lead up to the problem.

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“When looking at the data, the avoidable injuries are the non-contact ones.

“The hamstrings, muscular injuries and the like can lead a club to question whether they have done something wrong with their handling of the player’s load. That is what Jesse Marsch is insinuating there.

“It’s always a disappointment when you have these injuries because they are the ones you like to think you can avoid, although sometimes that’s not possible.

“But hamstring injuries account for around 40 per cent of all muscular problems. They aren’t going anyway, regardless of the advancements in technology.

“But he is joining a new team and was always going to push himself hard to impress. Hopefully, it is towards the lower end of the spectrum.”

The Verdict: Fingers crossed

The club have remained quiet following their pre-season game regarding the injuries, and you’d like to think that they would have provided an update if anything was serious with either Sinisterra or Forshaw.

Marsch will more than likely be quizzed on the pair if they don’t feature against Cagliari on Sunday evening, with the Premier League opener just around the corner.

Hopefully, both players will be in the squad this weekend, and Leeds’ medical team may want to be cautious with Sinisterra, who does have history when it comes to serious injuries in recent years.

Tottenham Hotspur potentially signing Villarreal left-back Pervis Estupinan is on the cards this summer after a recent meeting with the La Liga club’s board, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Conte eyes more signings…

While the focus is on outgoings for now, it is reliably believed that Spurs remain in the market for a creative attacker and could also reinforce other areas of Antonio Conte’s squad.

Tanguy Ndombele, Giovani Lo Celso, Sergio Reguilon and Harry Winks are on the chopping block, with Matt Doherty, Emerson Royal, Bryan Gil and Japhet Tanganga also linked with exits.

Following on from some of these potential departures, it is entirely possible the Lilywhites could further strengthen ahead of what looks set to be a very interesting 2022/23 Premier League campaign.

The Latest: Estupinan signing ‘possible’ after Villarreal talks…

Indeed, according to journalist Xavi Jorquera Márquez, signing Estupinan from Villarreal is now on the cards for Spurs after talks were held with club chiefs in a recent meeting.

They discussed Lo Celso’s possible move to Spain at this summit, where the idea of a ‘possible exchange’ involving both Estupinan and Ndombele also came up.

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Marquez explained (via Twitter):

“The club has taken a very important step for Gio

The names of Pervis Estupiñán and Tanguy Ndombelé have come out

A possible exchange has been considered.”

The Verdict: Do it?

Dubbed ‘excellent’ by some members of the media, Estupinan could well strengthen Conte’s left-back area and provide sufficient backup for the likes of Ryan Sessegnon.

The Ecuador international would also come to N17 in place of Ndombele, who has been left out of Spurs’ pre-season programme, and it’s safe to say that securing a move away for the latter could take great pressure off Tottenham’s wage bill.

Indeed, this potential swap deal could seemingly benefit the club in numerous ways.

Sheffield Wednesday are the front-runners to sign Swansea City youngster Kyle Joseph this summer.

The Lowdown: Owls keen on new signings

The Owls’ League One season is underway but that doesn’t mean Darren Moore’s business in the transfer window is necessarily done yet.

The manager himself has publicly admitted he’s still keen on making additions in the attacking third of the pitch, in order for Wednesday to have enough firepower throughout the squad.

And a new update suggests an exciting young player could be heading to Hillsborough before deadline day ends on September 1.

The Latest: Wednesday linked with Joseph move

According to Wales Online, the Owls are ‘battling it out’ with Oxford United for the signing of Joseph.

The 20-year-old will be allowed to leave on loan, and the two sides name-checked are the ‘front-runners’ for a deal.

The striker scored four times and added two assists in 13 League One starts on loan at Cheltenham last season.

The Verdict: Strong squad option

Joseph could be an ideal signing for Wednesday this season, coming in as someone who can provide strong competition for the likes of Lee Gregory and Michael Smith.

His form at Cheltenham last season is proof that he can shine in England’s third tier, and he could give the Owls that extra piece of class in attack as he looks to prove to his permanent employers he has what it takes to be a serious player in the senior game.

The bonus of a loan move is that if Joseph proves to be out of his depth at Hillsborough, Wednesday won’t have wasted too much money on him, and perhaps they can even negotiate a permanent deal if the opposite happens and the youngster thrives.