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Liverpool have been boosted if they wish to sign Adrien Rabiot this summer, with the Frenchman now keen on a move to the Premier League.

The Lowdown: Rabiot set to leave Juve

The 27-year-old made 32 appearances in Serie A last season, proving to be a solid squad player who provided quality in the middle of the park for Juve.

Rabiot has never necessarily been an undisputed key man with the Turin giants, however, and with his current deal running out in 2023, he is expected to leave this summer before they can lose him for free.

While the Frenchman has mainly been linked with the likes of Newcastle and Manchester United, the Reds are name-checked in a key new update on his future.

The Latest: Liverpool emerges as possible suitor

According to The Telegraph, Rabiot is eyeing up a move to the Premier League, but only to one of the four teams who have qualified for the Champions League.

That is, of course, Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham, all of whom are mentioned in the report when it comes to the Juve man’s next move. Manchester United and Arsenal are noted as backup options, having only qualified for the Europa League.

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The Verdict: Good player but seems unlikely

Rabiot is a classy footballer who has been described as ‘complete’ by none other than midfield legend Andrea Pirlo, and with Liverpool in need of a new midfielder this summer, there is some logic behind him moving to Anfield for a relatively low fee – the report prices him at just £15m.

He has won a ridiculous haul of trophies – 24 to be exact – and also has 29 France caps to his name.

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The France international is 27 now, however, and it feels more likely that Jurgen Klopp will look for a younger option such as Jude Bellingham or Nicolo Barella, either this summer or next.

Rabiot feels more likely to end up at somewhere like Spurs, with Antonio Conte expected to be very busy this summer, not to mention being able to promise him more chance of regular playing time.

Tottenham Hotspur and by extension transfer chief Fabio Paratici are now plotting a major summer bid, according to a report by Italian journalist Alfredo Pedulla.

The Lowdown: Spurs in summer hunt…

Reliable reports suggest the Lilywhites are certainly showing no sign of slowing down as head coach Antonio Conte reportedly sets his sights on more targets.

The former Chelsea boss has overseen a real turnaround at N17, guiding Spurs to a top four finish in the Premier League last season and subsequent qualification for next season’s Champions League campaign.

Club owners ENIC and chairman Daniel Levy even granted a £150 million equity increase which will be used to back Conte in the market and grant him necessary additions.

Paratici is the man tasked with putting plans in place to land Tottenham’s targets with Pedulla now making an exciting claim on what he’s plotting.

The Latest: Pedulla makes Martinez claim…

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According to his sources, the north Londoners ‘will’ make a major bid to sign Inter Milan star striker Lautaro Martinez but it will be difficult to get the deal done.

He explained (via Twitter):

“#Lautaro wants to stay at ANY COST. We have already talked about it, let’s add: #Tottenham will present a proposal of 90 million upwards that #Inter will evaluate that it can legitimately reject.”

The Verdict: Crucial few days?

It will be interesting to see whether the Nerazzurri contemplate selling their forward amid their reported need to make cash through player sales.

The San Siro side may have to generate revenue through letting their big name players leave for pastures new, and if they green-light Tottenham’s mooted bid, Conte may well be boosted by the Argentine’s possible arrival – depending on if they can agree terms,

The 38-cap international, who Romelu Lukaku called a ‘beast’, stood out as one of Simone Inzaghi’s most crucial assets over 2021/2022 – scoring 21 goals and assisting three others in the top flight alone (Transfermarkt).

Martinez would certainly inject real quality in the final third for Conte and provide serious competition for star man Harry Kane.

In other news: Club chief ready to offer £22.5m-rated ‘beast’ in Tottenham talks with Paratici! Find out more here.

Manchester City are now set to submit an opening bid to Brighton for Marc Cucurella, according to reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Cucurella impresses in England

Having joined the south coast club last year from La Liga outfit Getafe for £15.4m, the Catalan defender went on to make a fantastic impression in the Premier League, winning his club’s Player of the Year award and catching the attention of City manager Pep Guardiola (The Guardian).

With Oleksandr Zinchenko on the brink of leaving the Etihad Stadium, Benjamin Mendy indefinitely suspended and Joao Cancelo naturally a right-footer, the 51-year-old is seeking a new left-back to join his ranks.

The Latest: Romano’s update on Cucurella

According to Romano, City are now set to make their opening bid for Cucurella, with Guardiola a big fan of the 23-year-old.

Taking to Twitter, the journalist claimed: “Excl: Manchester City are now set to submit opening proposal to Brighton for Marc Cucurella. First bid ready to proceed in advanced talks in the next days.

“Cucurella is still Man City top target as left back, Pep Guardiola really wants him. Work in progress.”

The Verdict: Another playmaker from full-back

With four years remaining on his contract at the Amex Stadium and a current Transfermarkt valuation of £25.2m, it would likely take a huge offer for Brighton to sell the Spaniard, as they would like to retain him ahead of next season.

However, described by GiveMeSport journalist George Cannon as “an elite-level full-back who is perfect for the Premier League”, it is easy to see why Guardiola is keen on luring him to Manchester.

Having averaged 2.7 tackles (more than anyone in Guardiola’s squad) and 1.2 key passes per game last season (via WhoScored), Cucurella has the attacking and defensive attributes that City are looking for in a full-back. In fact, he ranks very highly amongst all European left-backs for progressive passes and shot creating actions (FBRef), so he could be another Cancelo for Pep.

Therefore, regardless of the transfer fee, this would be a good signing for Guardiola’s side if they can pull it off.

In other news: Noel Whelan reacts to this transfer update on one Man City player

Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Aston Villa are in ‘talks’ with Ashley Young over a new deal.

The Lowdown: Young released

Young returned to Villa Park last summer on a free transfer and made 25 appearances in all competitions under both Dean Smith and Steven Gerrard.

The 36-year-old turned out in seven different positions, registering his two assists in Gerrard’s first two games in charge.

Young only penned a one-year deal and was named as one of eight players set to be released by the club in the coming weeks, but it looks as if he may now pen a new contract in the Midlands.

The Latest: Romano’s update

Romano took to Twitter on Tuesday morning to provide an update regarding Villa and Young.

He revealed that ‘talks’ are in progress and that there is a ‘very good chance’ Young will be a Villa player next season.

The Verdict: Wise move?

The majority of Young’s appearances last season came as a left-back, which is now an area where Villa are short following Matt Targett’s permanent move to Newcastle.

With Young set to be released as it stands, Lucas Digne will be the only senior left-back available to Gerrard, so having the former England international on the books for a further 12 months could be a wise decision.

It looks as if all parties are open to the idea, and with Young capable of providing cover in a number of different areas, a move appears to be a smart call.

In other news: ‘Very good…’ – Sky Sports man buzzing after NSWE agree ‘crucial’ Aston Villa deal for Gerrard. 

Everton are in desperate need of reinforcements and a fresh perspective in their squad following a difficult season in the Premier League which was their joint-worst season of all time in terms of points-per-game.

Whilst the Toffees will be filled with relief that they managed to secure another season in the top flight, the troubles don’t end with the close of the season, as it is reported that both Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin could leave this summer.

As a result, Frank Lampard and the powers at Goodison Park must come together to devise a plan of action this transfer window that is cost-effective due to financial worries. They must also identify players who can genuinely make the impact they need to have a much more comfortable season ahead and long term future.

One player who has been linked with a move to Merseyside is Tottenham Hotspur attacker Steven Bergwijn, with the player recently expressing his desire to leave the North London club this summer.

Bergwijn admitted in an interview with AD last week (via Daily Mail): “I just need to go play. I want to leave Spurs now, that’s for sure.”

The current reported fee wanted by Spurs to part company with the player is around £21m, which could be a good price in the current market if Lampard can get the best out of him at Everton and deploy him effectively in the team.

Despite starting just four games for his current club this season in the Premier League, Bergwijn who was hailed “excellent” by Virgil van Dijk has scored three goals and contributed one assist in 25 league appearances averaging at just 23 minutes per game.

That’s a far cry from the “unreal” numbers he racked up at PSV where he was also dubbed a “great talent” by Memphis Depay.

One of the Dutchman’s most notable performances in England came in the 3-2 victory over Leicester City back in January when Bergwijn netted two stoppage-time goals to secure the victory that tallied three important points for the club who ended the season just two points clear of Arsenal to secure Champions League football next season.

The beauty of Bergwijn is that he is capable of being deployed across all positions in the forward line which would add crucial depth to Everton’s team next season. As a result, Lampard could form a formidable partnership with the winger and Anthony Gordon working together to generate important goal-scoring opportunities.

With that being said, Moshiri should do all he can to get the deal done to not only cover for the worst-case scenario of either Richarlison or Calvert-Lewin leaving but to add a player who is clearly capable of scoring when called upon to get the job done.

AND in other news: Moshiri plotting Everton bid for “powerful” £25m monster, he can be Calvert-Lewin 2.0

Newcastle United are reportedly still interested in making a move for Brentford striker Ivan Toney, according to reports.

What’s the word?

As per the Telegraph’s Luke Edwards, the Magpies have “not given up” hope of signing the Englishman, despite having been put off by the Bees’ reported £40m plus asking price.

Writing on Twitter about the club’s hunt for a striker, amid speculation surrounding the impending arrival of Hugo Ekitike, the journalist revealed that Toney remains an option, alongside Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin: “Toney & Calvert-Lewin too expensive at moment but not given up. Ekitike is a development project and plays mainly wide. Wilson’s form at end of season complicates things. Signing better tough.”

The 26-year-old had previously been signed by the northeast side back in 2015 from lower-league outfit Northampton Town, although he went on to make just four appearances for the club in all competitions, spending much of his time at St James’ Park out on loan before joining Peterborough United on a permanent deal in 2018.

Massive signing

That decision by then-boss Rafa Benitez to let the £31k-per-week gem depart for just £650k four years ago has no doubt come back to bite the Tynesiders, with PIF now potentially set to pay substantially more to bring him back to the club this summer.

That interest in a reunion has been sparked by his lethal goalscoring form in recent seasons, the dynamic forward having emerged as something of a talisman under Thomas Frank since his £5m from Posh in the summer of 2020.

Even that fee has become to look like an absolute bargain, with Toney having since netted 47 goals in just 89 games for the west London outfit over the past two seasons, notably hitting a stunning Premier League.

Despite the step up to the higher level, the £31.5m-rated marksman has adjusted with relative ease – as have the club as a whole – scoring 12 goals and laying on a further five assists to ensure a comfortable mid-table finish for Frank’s men.

Not just a goalscorer, however, the 5 foot 10 ace has also impressed with his all-round holdup play, ranking in the top 12% for aerial duels won among those in his position across Europe’s top five leagues, as well as in the top 16% for progressive passes.

Such a presence would prove vital in Eddie Howe’s side, with a shortage of goals having been a real issue in the most recent campaign, the club’s leading scorer in all competitions that of Callum Wilson with just eight goals.

The former Bournemouth man has looked sharp when fit although has too often been restricted to a viewing brief – missing over four months of the season with injury –  with Newcastle in need of a trustworthy figure to lead the line next term.

Once dubbed a “massive” talent by journalist Gabe Henderson, Toney could well be the man to fill that striking void at his former club, with Howe and co set to rue letting him slip through their fingers once again, should they opt out of a deal.

IN other news, Eddie Howe can now help NUFC sign “spectacular” £64m “nightmare”, he’s better than Saint-Maximin…

Marcus Rashford will not leave Manchester United this summer, journalist Jacque Talbot has told GiveMeSport. 

The lowdown

The 24-year-old endured a tricky 2021/22 season as the Red Devils slumped to a sixth-place finish in the Premier League. He scored just five goals in 32 appearances across all competitions and only started 13 Premier League matches, partly as a result of a shoulder injury which kept him out until mid-October.

It emerged in March that Rashford would seriously consider seeking a move away from Manchester after growing frustrated with his limited game-time at Old Trafford.

If indeed he does stay, the England international will be hoping for an upturn in fortunes under new permanent manager Erik ten Hag.

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The latest

Talbot has said that Bayern Munich had hoped to sign Rashford, but he has since learned that the forward will remain at Old Trafford. Despite the 24-year-old’s recent struggles, the journalist believes that ‘his heart is at Manchester United’.

Talbot told GiveMeSport:”I’m told Rashford is staying put. There was definite interest from Bayern Munich, who were trying to bring him in.

“I think with Rashford there was interest because he is a big name, he’s still a young talent, but I think his heart is at Manchester United. There’s something symbolic about his name and Manchester United and the fact he’s a local lad, so I imagine he’ll be staying.”

The verdict

It has clearly been a tough year for Rashford, leading to his omission from Gareth Southgate’s England squad, but United know how good he can be.

He has already played 303 matches for the club and been directly involved in exactly 150 goals (scoring 93 and assisting 37), nearly one every other game.

Ralf Rangnick may have overlooked Rashford when he lost form, but the German also recognised that the 24-year-old has ‘everything’, hailing his ‘pace, skills, size and physicality’.

The change of manager at Old Trafford is coming at a good time for the immensely talented £63m-rated ace, offering the chance for a healthy reset. It now looks as if Rashford will have the chance to continue playing alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, an ‘animal’ who he ‘looks up to’ – and the 37-year-old is not a bad role model to have.

In other news, United have made contact over this signing.

Rangers and Ross Wilson will have to offer Calvin Bassey ‘vastly improved terms’ to keep him at the club, according to sports journalist Andrew Dickson. 

The lowdown

Bassey, who joined Rangers on a free transfer in the summer of 2020 after leaving Leicester City, still has two years to run on his existing deal.

But he’s attracting interest from elsewhere, with The Daily Record reporting that Steven Gerrard’s Aston Villa sent scouts to watch him in action in the Scottish Cup final at the weekend.

Rangers are already set to lose one defensive option in Connor Goldson, whose contract expires in a week’s time according to Transfermarkt.

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The latest

Writing on Twitter, Dickson suggested that there wouldn’t be ‘a single Rangers fan’ who would countenance selling Bassey this summer, ‘even for silly money’.

That’s partly because losing both Bassey and Goldson in the same transfer window would simply be ‘too much’.

But Sporting Director Wilson needs to grant ‘a vastly improved deal’ to the 22-year-old to prompt him to ‘commit his future’.

The verdict

What kind of salary does Bassey deserve?

Well, Rangers’ top earner is thought to be Alfredo Morelos on £33,000 per week, with the seemingly exit-bound Goldson second on £27,000 and Kemar Roofe third on £26,000.

Bassey should arguably be amongst that top bracket in light of his contribution this season.

He started all of Rangers’ knockout games on their run to the Europa League final, earning a place in the Squad of the Season, and played all 240 minutes in the semifinal and final of the Scottish Cup, helping Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side prevail after extra time on both occasions.

Former Gers boss Alex McLeish hailed him as a ‘man mountain’, BBC Sport journalist Tom English has dubbed him ‘accomplished and effervescent’ and Rangers podcasters Four Lads Had A Dream say he’s a ‘massively important’ player.

In other news, this BBC journalist drops a major Rangers transfer prediction.

The Athletic’s Aston Villa correspondent Gregg Evans lauded Matty Cash for his opening goal in their defeat against Manchester City this afternoon. 

The lowdown: So near but so far

Villa were so close to playing a huge part in the destiny of the Premier League title and causing a seismic upset after Cash headed Steven Gerrard’s side in front before Philippe Coutinho doubled the lead.

However, it wasn’t to be as an Ilkay Gundogan brace came either side of a long-range Rodri strike to consign Villa to defeat and break Liverpool’s hearts, with the Reds consigned to another runners-up finish.

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Despite what came afterwards, one reputable journalist was full of praise for the right-back after that opening goal…

The latest: Evans wowed by Cash goal

Taking to Twitter, Evans reacted instantly as the 24-year-old Poland international broke the deadlock in the first half.

He tweeted: “#MCFC 0-1 #AVFC (Cash) Wow. Huge shock on the cards. And some more VERY good Villa news on the way…”

The verdict: Capped off a fine performance

It was so nearly a monumental day for Villa, and indeed for the league as a whole, but instead it wasn’t quite to be for them or for Liverpool.

Despite the cruel manner of the defeat and the troubling aspect of three goals being conceded in five minutes, there are certainly positives to take from the match from Gerrard’s perspective.

Perhaps the biggest overall plus was the performance of the £19.8m-valued Cash, who made two clearances, won six duels and made one interception in a 6.7-rated display (Sofascore). His goal capped off what was a superb all-round showing from the 24-year-old.

In other news: Internal discussions held as Villa now eyeing bargain move for ‘outstanding’ player

Luca Zidane has received his first-ever Algeria call-up at 27 years old, marking a new chapter in his career. The Granada goalkeeper, son of French legend Zinedine Zidane, switched his international allegiance from France and says he’s “ready to give everything” with the Fennecs already sure of a place at the 2026 World Cup.

• A Zidane returns to the international stage

  Zidane’s long-awaited international debut could soon become a reality. The goalkeeper, born in Marseille and raised in Real Madrid’s academy, officially switched allegiance from France to Algeria last month. His call-up by Vladimir Petkovic was met with excitement and debate across Algeria, as fans embraced the son of one of football’s greatest icons.

  Having arrived in Algeria to a hero’s welcome, the Granada shot-stopper described the moment as a “source of pride” for himself and his family.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Zidane’s pride and message to Algerian fans

  Speaking to reporters upon arrival, Zidane said: "I am happy to be here in Algeria, it is a pride for my first call-up."

  He added that his family including his grandfather fully supported his choice to represent Algeria, adding: "The whole family is happy, they're happy that I'm here, my grandfather too, it's a source of pride. It's my choice, they're behind me, behind my choices. My loved ones are very happy for me, that's the most important thing. I've heard that on match day, there's a great atmosphere in the stadium. For us players, it's really a good boost. Personally, I would give everything to fill the Algerian people with joy." 

  He added: "There's competition like everywhere in football, it means we have a very good team, it's good for the future."

• A measured start under Petkovic’s guidance

  Despite the anticipation surrounding his debut, coach Vladimir Petkovic opted for experience, choosing Alexis Guendouz to start Algeria’s World Cup qualifier against Somalia. The decision, meant to protect Zidane from early pressure, paid off as the Greens cruised to a 3-0 victory to seal their spot in the finals in Canada, USA and Mexico. Zidane may feature in their next and final qualifier against Uganda in Tizi Ouzou. His presence adds valuable depth in goal and symbolises Algeria’s growing pull among dual-national talents.

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• AFP
  

  A new chapter in the Zidane legacy

  The goalkeepr's switch to Algeria carries emotional and symbolic weight. The son of a World Cup winner, he now seeks to write his own story with a nation eager to impress on their return to the world stage. His arrival also reflects Petkovic’s effort to blend experience with fresh ambition, a move that could define Algeria’s 2026 campaign.

  With seven starts for Granada this season, Zidane’s confidence and form make him a genuine contender to become Algeria’s No.1. For now, the journey is just beginning, but the name “Zidane” could once again echo on football’s biggest stage.