Journalist drops Cameron Archer update

Mail Online journalist Tom Collomosse has dropped a ‘big’ Sunderland transfer update involving summer target Cameron Archer.

The Lowdown: Archer attracting interest

The 20-year-old currently plays his football at Aston Villa, although he spent the second half of the 2021/22 season on loan with Championship club Preston North End in a bid to further his development and gain some much-needed regular game-time.

The talented youngster hugely impressed during his spell at Deepdale, making eight goal contributions in just 20 league appearances and being hailed as a “bullish” presence up front by Lilywhites manager Ryan Lowe.

Such form has seen him attract interest from multiple clubs in the second tier who want to take him for the upcoming campaign, including Watford, West Brom and the Black Cats.

The Latest: Collomosse drops Archer update

Taking to Twitter, Collomosse shared a fresh update on Archer’s situation and revealed that the young s striker is currently set to join Villa on their pre-season tour.

The reliable reporter wrote: “Villa/Cameron Archer: lots of loan interest (also Watford/Sunderland) but as it stands would expect him to go on tour to Oz. One thing that could change that is v big offer to sign him permanently – but who would have the cash?”

The Verdict: Get it done

As Alex Neil now prepares his squad for life back in the second tier, the Sunderland boss will surely want to bolster his ranks with as many new signings as possible if he is to give this team the best chance of being able to seriously compete with the Championship’s big boys next season.

Archer will be a hard deal to get over the line given that Preston also want to get him back, not to mention the number of other clubs going after him.

However, having scored six goals and provided two assists in just four EFL Trophy outings last term (via Transfermarkt), it’s obvious to see why the Black Cats would target him.

If the opportunity did arise at the right price, then this is a move that Sunderland should be all over as they get ready for an exciting new challenge ahead.

In other news… Sunderland could now be set to receive a surprising financial windfall.

Luka Jovic could be West Ham’s Harry Kane

West Ham have regularly been linked with a move for Real Madrid striker Luka Jovic in recent years, and if he were to join David Moyes’ side this summer, he could be their very own Harry Kane.

It was reported earlier this week that the Serbian striker is set to leave Real Madrid following their Champions League success, and given their long-standing interest in him, West Ham could be the ones to take advantage.

While his spell at the Santiago Bernabeu hasn’t gone to plan, he has been behind one of the greatest strikers of this generation in Karim Benzema, and his previous form at Eintracht Frankfurt suggests that he could be a huge success in the Premier League.

Since joining Los Blancos from the Bundesliga side in 2019, Jovic has appeared just 51 times for Madrid, contributing three goals and five assists.

However, with regular game time, there seems no reason why the Serbia international couldn’t rediscover the form he showed at Frankfurt in the 2018/19 season when he managed 27 goals and seven assists in all competitions.

There is little doubt that the Hammers need a striker to compete with Michail Antonio next season and Jovic could be the goal-poacher that Moyes’ side have arguably lacked in recent seasons, with Jarrod Bowen finishing as the top scorer in the Premier League with just 12.

FBref suggests that Jovic, who reportedly earns £152k per week at Madrid, has a very similar style of play to Kane, and if he were to even come close to the England captain’s performances for Tottenham Hotspur in recent seasons, then the Hammers would have a very good player on their hands.

Kane contributed 37 goals and 11 assists for Spurs last season and while he is still a deadly finisher in the box, some of his best work came from deep, where he would pick up the ball and dictate the play, regularly assisting teammate Heung-Min Son.

The Real Madrid man scores extremely impressively in terms of shots, assists and goal-creating actions, which suggests that he is far more than just a goalscorer and would offer Jovic a very different option in Moyes’ side next season.

Former Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri labelled Jovic “dangerous” ahead of a game against Frankfurt in 2019, and if he can find his feet at West Ham after a difficult spell with Real Madrid, the 24-year-old could become as talismanic for the Hammers as Kane is for their London rivals.

And, in other news… In talks: West Ham now in “final stages” of £34m deal, he’s David Moyes’ dream signing

Man Utd linked with Adrien Rabiot

Manchester United have been linked with a move for Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window.

What’s the news?

According to a recent report from TuttoMercatoWeb (via TEAMtalk), United have expressed an interest in securing a deal for the midfielder after reportedly being offered the chance to sign him.

While the Red Devils will undeniably need to add at least one new midfielder to their ranks with the likes of Nemanja Matic, Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard and Juan Mata announcing their departures recently, we feel that the club and Erik ten Hag should not be considering Rabiot as a potential recruit.

After making 227 senior appearances for Paris Saint-Germain in which he scored 24 goals and delivered 14 assists, the 27-year-old joined Juventus on a free transfer three years ago. Since then, though, the Frenchman has found the net just six times and provided a mere six assists in 129 appearances.

His latest Serie A campaign with Juventus provides a good indication of why United should avoid signing the former PSG youngster.

United must swerve Rabiot move

In 32 league appearances this season, Rabiot racked up a passing accuracy percentage of just 82.7%, lower than many of his current Bianconeri team-mates. Also, with just seven shots on target and 39 shot-creating actions throughout the campaign, the £175k-per-week midfielder failed to have much of an attacking impact on the team.

One other important factor is his behaviour off the pitch at times, as he left his previous club on rather sour terms after

Antero Henrique slammed the player for going out to a nightclub not long after PSG were knocked out of the Champions League by United in March 2019.

Henrique said: “

I find the attitude and lack of professionalism of a player like Adrien Rabiot towards the club, his teammates and the supporters unacceptable.”

Taking all this into account, while it does seem like United need to sign some midfielders this summer, the Juventus misfit should not be on their radar, or else it could result in a huge transfer calamity for Ten Hag at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils should instead be looking at other, more reliable midfield options who could come in and help get the club back to where they want to be.

In other news – Bid made: Man Utd now in talks for “spectacular” signing, supporters will be buzzing

Liverpool: Oxlade-Chamberlain could leave

Liverpool are not only attracting players with potential moves to Anfield but are also working to clear out some of the current squad this summer, with an update on one Reds player emerging ahead of the transfer window.

What’s the latest?

According to The Mirror, Aston Villa and West Ham United are interested in signing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain this summer.

The 28-year-old currently has one year left on his contract at Anfield and the report claimed that the Merseyside club will listen to offers for the player, with Steven Gerrard suggested as a keen contender to plot a move for Oxlade-Chamberlain in order to strengthen his squad at Villa Park.

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Time to go

The midfielder has been a loyal servant to Liverpool over the years since he joined from Arsenal in 2017 and has gone on to achieve plenty of success, winning the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup, but now it looks like it could be the right time for him to go.

This season Oxlade-Chamberlain has made 29 appearances in all competitions, scoring three goals and contributing three assists. He has averaged only 52 minutes of game-time per appearance, proving that he has become more of a fringe player for the team as opposed to a starter, which won’t be ideal for him.

Kevin Campbell claimed that the £10m-valued Liverpool dud is “frustrated” with the lack of game-time in an interview with Football Insider.

The former Arsenal striker stated: “Look, he is frustrated because he wants more game time. But there is only so much game time available when you have that much quality in your squad.”

“The Ox won’t be happy though because he wants to play every week. It is something he needs to consider at the end of the season.”

That is rather summed up in his play, with the midfielder proving incredibly lax in possession of the ball, giving it away once in every 6.3 minutes of Premier League action in 2021/22.

If the Reds can make some money on the 28-year-old and he can move to a club which can offer him more involvement and a bigger role in their team, then it could be mutually beneficial for both Liverpool and the player.

Supporters will be sad to see Oxlade-Chamberlain leave this summer as he has been at Anfield for the majority of Jurgen Klopp’s tenure and excelled in his first season on Merseyside before being struck by serious injury, but ultimately seeing the midfielder get the game-time he deserves elsewhere would be the best outcome.

AND in other news: James Pearce shares exciting Liverpool update that supporters will love

Newcastle "will sign" a ‘keeper this summer

A huge Newcastle United claim has emerged regarding the club’s plans for the upcoming summer transfer window… 

What’s the talk?

Reporter Alan Nixon has revealed that the Magpies “will sign a keeper” ahead of the 2022/23 campaign, in response to a fan questioning the potential pursuit of a new number one.

The journalist initially stated, to the same fan, that signing a goalkeeper will be a priority for PIF as they look to add to Eddie Howe’s squad in the coming months.

Howe will be buzzing

The Toon head coach will surely be buzzing with this claim, as it means that PIF are going to try and bring in competition for Martin Dubravka.

Karl Darlow is the current number two at St James’ Park and has left more than a little to be desired with his performances in the Premier League.

In the 2021/22 campaign, the 31-year-old averaged a dismal SofaScore rating of 6.47 across eight starts, placing him 26th in the squad. He conceded 1.9 goals per game and struggled between the sticks at the start of the season when Dubravka was unavailable.

Darlow made one error leading to a goal and gave away one penalty in his eight appearances, to go along with his abysmal ratings, and this indicates that he is not good enough to play for Newcastle on a regular basis. The ex-Forest ‘keeper also completed just 57% of his attempted passes, being found lacking with the ball at his feet.

Therefore,  hedoes not have the quality to come in and adequately replace the Slovakian shot-stopper, and this means that the current goalkeeping contingent is in need of a refresh.

Meanwhile, Dubravka averaged a solid SofaScore rating of 6.88 across 26 matches and made zero errors directly leading to goals and did not concede a single penalty. He has been a reliable presence between the sticks with consistent shot-stopping and will surely be a good option for the Magpies again next season.

However, he too struggled with the ball as he completed just 59% of his passes. Like Darlow, he failed to pick out his team-mates consistently, and Howe may be hoping to bring in a goalkeeper who excels in possession in order to challenge Dubravka.

This will hopefully give Newcastle two strong goalkeepers to call upon and create competition between them, which will likely drive them on to improve as they motivate each other.

Therefore, the Magpies boss will be delighted with the club’s intentions for the summer transfer window so far…

AND in other news, Imagine him & Bruno: NUFC can form a deadly duo by signing “outstanding” £34m “rock”…

Tottenham: Transfer insider makes Eriksen claim

Tottenham Hotspur have an unmissable chance to bring back former fan favourite and Premier League playmaker Christian Eriksen this summer, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Spurs eye move…

The Times, sharing news out of Spurs in the last few days, believe that there could be a real summer of change at Hotspur Way as manager Antonio Conte sets his sights on a major overhaul.

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They claim as many as eight players could be offloaded by Conte, a contingent including Sergio Reguilón, Emerson Royal, Steven Bergwijn, Giovani Lo Celso and Tanguy Ndombele.

Meanwhile, the Lilywhites head coach is thought to be targeting six major signings in three defenders, a midfielder and a forward.

The likes of Eriksen and Leicester City playmaker Youri Tielemans are thought to be on the radar but much could hinder on their final push for a Champions League qualification place.

The Latest: Jones makes claim…

Speaking to GiveMeSport, journalist Jones say Spurs have an unmissable chance to sign Eriksen this summer given his soon-to-be free agent status.

He explained:

“There’s a general rule in football that is don’t go back, but in this sense Eriksen can be a rule break because he’s ridiculous and this isn’t your normal situation that has opened up.

“Eriksen being available as a free agent is an opportunity you simply can’t turn down.”

The Verdict: Get it done…

The 30-year-old’s fairy-tale return to the grass after suffering a cardiac arrest at Euro 2020 has been nothing short of sublime.

According to WhoScored, he has stood out as Thomas Frank’s main man since joining in January – averaging the most key passes in the final third and best match rating per 90.

Sealing a sensational return for Eriksen could be a brilliant move by Spurs and one which would gift Conte more creativity in his starting eleven.

Already hailed as a ‘superstar’ by teammate Pontus Jansson, this move could certainly be on to watch for supporters.

In other news: Tottenham push for ‘statement’ signing as ESPN man makes five-word claim! Find out more here.

Rangers handed Ryan Jack boost

Ibrox boss Gio van Bronckhorst has been handed a huge Rangers injury lift over Ryan Jack ahead of the Europa League final next week…

What’s the talk?

Bundesliga journalist and commentator Derek Rae has revealed that the club are expecting the midfielder to be fit enough for the Europa League final next week.

The reporter has also confirmed that Scott Wright will not miss out on the game after he suffered a blow in the club’s 4-1 win over Ross County.

Rae tweeted: “After his goal, Scott Wright had to leave the pitch due to a bruise but his use in the final does not seem to be in danger. Rangers are confident that the important sweeper Ryan Jack will return, but for attacking all-rounder Kemar Roofe it will probably be tight.”

Supporters will be buzzing

The Light Blues’ supporters will surely be buzzing over this news, as having Jack fit and available is a major boost for the club.

He has not featured in a matchday squad for the Gers since the 3-1 win over RB Leipzig in the semi-final of the Europa League earlier this month but looks set to be winning the race to be ready to face Eintracht Frankfurt in Seville on Wednesday night.

Jack has been sublime in Europe for the Gers this season. After an injury-hit start to the campaign, he returned to fitness and has started eight matches in the Europa League for Van Bronckhorst, averaging an excellent SofaScore rating of 6.94.

The Scotland international has made 3.3 tackles and interceptions per game and won 55% of his duels in the Europa League. This shows that he has been able to consistently hold his own in the middle of the park, winning the ball back off the opposition on a regular basis and providing the attack with a solid base from which to work.

He and John Lundstram have started all eight of the club’s knockout ties, although the latter has played at centre-back on occasion, and they have formed a strong partnership in midfield.

Therefore, the 30-year-old’s return will be a major boost for Van Bronckhorst’s side. Jack has proven that he can put in top-quality displays alongside Lundstram, helping the club to beat the likes of Braga and Borussia Dortmund along the way, and the supporters will be buzzing with his availability as they will want to see the best possible XI out on the pitch in Seville.

AND in other news, Wilson heading for big Rangers disaster on “ridiculous” £6.4k-p/w tank, GvB needs him…

Rangers: Jordan Campbell drops £80m claim

A major Rangers claim has emerged over their potential financial position at Ibrox heading into the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

The Athletic’s Jordan Campbell has revealed that the club will make in excess of £80m over the course of the next two seasons if they win the Europa League later this month.

Rangers will qualify for the group stages of the Champions League by winning the Europa final in Seville next week and will receive a hefty financial boost for doing so.

Campbell tweeted: ‘ “Don’t you think they need the Champions League money here? I think so.” Jon Dahl Tomasson wasn’t wrong. It’s pivotal for Rangers but they’re just a game from securing the cash via the #UEL door. Looking at £80m+ over the two seasons if they do it.’

This sum includes their participation in Europe’s premier competition, winning the Europa League and their involvement in the UEFA Super Cup against either Liverpool or Real Madrid at the start of next season.

Van Bronckhorst will be excited

Gers head coach Gio Van Bronckhorst will surely be left feeling excited by the prospect of the club having more money at their disposal in the coming years.

The 47-year-old and Ross Wilson will be able to utilise the increased funds to attract a higher calibre of player, whether that is because they can afford bigger transfer fees or higher wages – or both. They would also have the lure of playing Champions League football, which could also be a factor in convincing players to make the move to Ibrox.

It will be the Dutchman’s first summer transfer window in charge of the club and he will surely want to put his own stamp on the squad by bringing players in. Being handed a larger war-chest will surely only help his cause, as he will be able to pursue quality signings who have the potential to improve the team.

Mateusz Zukowski, a young prospect, was the only player on whom Rangers spent a transfer fee in January as Amad Diallo, James Sands and Aaron Ramsey all arrived on loan, whilst John Souttar will join as a free agent at the end of next month. This shows that Van Bronckhorst has not had much to work with in terms of bringing in players with a long-term goal in mind.

Therefore, he will have the added motivation to do everything in his power to help the team win the Europa League later this month and will be excited by what doing so wouldl mean for the club off the pitch.

AND in other news, Ibrox sources: Gvb set for imminent Rangers deal that’ll leave supporters delighted…

Celtic: Ange must move for Mendy

Celtic are currently flying high with their title triumph now seemingly a matter of when and not if, following a remarkable debut campaign for new boss Ange Postecoglou.

The Australian visionary has delighted the Parkhead faithful with his brave, attacking approach, while he’s proven something of a transfer market maestro such has been the number of success stories among the club’s new signings this season.

As this jubilant campaign draws to a close, however, the 56-year-old will surely be turning his attentions towards further recruitment in the upcoming window, amid reports that he may have a £20m transfer kitty at his disposal, following the club’s qualification for the Champions League.

One potential transfer target that has emerged is SM Caen striker Alexandre Mendy, with reports late last week suggesting that the Scottish Premiership outfit were eyeing a deal and had even made a €3m (£2.5m) offer for his services.

The player’s agent – Yacine Ayad – has since come out in an attempt to debunk those claims, however, suggesting that any reports of contact with his client are “obviously not true”, although he did admit that the 28-year-old forward “is followed by European clubs”.

Whether or not an offer has actually been made, it would certainly be a wise move for Postecoglou and co to pursue a deal for the Guinea-Bissau international, such has been his sparkling form this season.

Dubbed “very strong” by Jocelyn Gourvennec, the 6-foot gem would provide a real focal point to the Hoops’ attack, something that was sorely lacking in the recent Old Firm, Scottish Cup semi-final defeat following the absence of Georgios Giakoumakis, according to pundit Alan Hutton.

Even the Greek striker hasn’t enjoyed a perfect first season in Glasgow, however, with injury restricting him to just nine goals in 16 top-flight appearances.

Mendy, by contrast, has been in a rich vein of form in France, plundering 16 goals in 31 appearances for the Ligue 2 outfit, albeit with this campaign perhaps something of an anomaly as he has only once previously netted more than five league goals in a season.

Nevertheless, on current form it is no surprise that club’s across the continent have begun to take notice of his talent, while his physical attributes ensure he has more than just a goalscorer, having won a solid 57% of his total aerial duels, as well as provided 0.8 defensive clearances.

Although not a household name, Mendy could prove to be yet another relative unknown who emerges as a diamond under Postecoglou, just like Giakoumakis.

IN other news, £2.5m fee agreed, then snatched away: Celtic had Old Firm blinder on “unplayable” ace

West Brom: Report provides Wallace claim

According to a report from the Express & Star, West Brom are interested in Millwall forward Jed Wallace. 

The lowdown: Career so far

The versatile ace made the grade at Portsmouth making 121 appearances for the south coast club before moving to Wolves in 2015.

However, Wallace struggled at Molineux and was eventually sold to Millwall on a permanent basis following two long-term loan spells at The Den.

Since then, the Reading-born former England youth international has amassed 90 direct goal contributions in 259 outings for the Championship playoff chasers.

Now a fresh report has suggested that the Baggies could be keen…

The latest: West Brom waiting

As per the Express & Star, Albion ‘will enter the race’ to sign Wallace should the 28-year-old become a free agent at the end of the season.

Set to be out of contract in July, the report states that the ex-England Under 19 man is ‘expected to move on’ this summer.

Furthermore, it’s claimed that Baggies boss Steve Bruce is a ‘big fan’ of the man once hailed as ‘unbelievable’ by Gary Rowett.

The verdict: Get it done

So far this season Wallace has scored six times and provided 11 assists in 37 league outings – earning a 7.15 rating whilst creating 12 big chances, completing 1.0 dribble and making 2.6 key passes on average per game (Sofascore) – underlining the attacking midfielder’s first-class influence.

As Bruce attempts to bolster the ranks at the Hawthorns this summer, adding a player of the Englishman’s proven quality to the squad for nothing would be a superb piece of business.

Still holding a market value of £6.3million despite the dwindling contract (Transfermarkt), Wallace should be regarded as a top priority for West Brom on a Bosman deal.

In other news, West Brom have been backed to sign a Premier League midfielder. Read more here.

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