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Leeds United remain interested in a deal to bring Otavio to Elland Road in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Portuguese publication A Bola (via Sport Witness), who claimed that, despite seeing a bid of €30m (£26m) rejected by FC Porto, Victor Orta is still keen on securing the versatile midfielder’s signature this summer, with the Whites’ sporting director now said to be plotting an improved €40m (£35m) offer for the 27-year-old.

However, the report added that even this amount may be rejected by the Portuguese champions, who are said to have informed Leeds of the player’s €60m (£42m) release clause.

It is also claimed that the player himself may not be in favour of giving up Champions League football with Porto in favour of a move to LS11.

Raphinha 2.0

Considering just how impressive Otavio was for Porto last season, it is not difficult to understand why Orta appears keen to seal a deal for the 27-year-old this summer, especially with Raphinha looking set to depart Elland Road in the coming weeks.

Indeed, over his 32 Liga Portugal appearances in 2021/22, the £27m-rated talent was in remarkable form for Sergio Conceicao’s side. He scored three goals, registered 13 assists and created 17 big chances for his team-mates, along with making 2.3 key passes, taking 1.6 shots and completing 1.1 dribbles per game.

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The £32k-per-week playmaker who Alex Goncalves dubbed “phenomenal” also impressed in a defensive capacity, making 3.2 tackles, 0.7 interceptions and 0.5 clearances and winning 7.4 duels (at a success rate of 51%) per match.

These returns saw Otavio – who can operate from left, central, right and attacking midfield, and on either the left or right wing – average a quite astonishing SofaScore match rating of 7.48. That ranked him not only as Porto’s best performer in the league but also as the joint third-best player (alongside Darwin Nunez) in the entire division.

As such, with Otavio quite clearly being a player who is extremely creative, exceptionally versatile and incredibly impressive when working back, it is easy to see why Orta views the 27-year-old as a replacement for Leeds’ in-demand Brazilian winger.

That leads us to believe that the Spaniard simply must do everything in his power to get a deal over the line for the former Internacional starlet this summer.

AND in other news: Orta could land the next £76.5m-rated talent as Leeds plot bid for “elite” £26m target

Aston Villa have reportedly joined the race to sign Bristol City starlet, Reuben McAllister, with manager Steven Gerrard looking to hoover up the best young British talent going.

What’s the word?

As per The Sun, the Midlands side are now in the mix to land the 16-year-old wonderkid from Ashton Gate this summer, with the club believed to be keeping tabs on a player who has enjoyed ‘rapid progress’ through the Robins’ youth set-up.

The attacking midfielder – son of former Scotland international Jamie McAllister – is also coveted by fellow Premier League side Newcastle United, as per the report, with Old Firm rivals Rangers and Celtic also vying for the youngster’s signature.

This comes after the news that the Villa Park outfit have agreed a deal to sign Ibrox gem Rory Wilson, with the striker – who is also 16 – believed to be on his way to England in a £350k move, having scored 49 goals at youth level last term.

Grealish 2.0

A deal for McAllister may not have much bearing on the club’s performances next season, with it unlikely that he would be thrust straight into first-team action any time soon, although it would see the Villans add yet another exciting wonderkid to a youth system that is already brimming with quality.

The most recent campaign has seen the likes of Jacob Ramsey, Carney Chukwuemeka and Tim Iroegbunam all feature at senior level having risen through the academy ranks, while 20-year-old forward Cameron Archer is also attracting attention following his impressive six-month loan stint at Preston North End.

Arguably the most talented and successful youth product that the club has nurtured in recent years – and someone that the Bristol ace will be looking to emulate – is Jack Grealish, with the Englishman having risen from boyhood fan to eventual club captain, dragging his beloved club to promotion to the Premier League in 2019.

The £63m-rated gem had registered vital final day strike to help keep Dean Smith’s side in the division.

The 2020/21 campaign saw the 23-cap gem assume an even greater, talismanic role, as he chipped in with six goals and ten assists to ensure a comfortable mid-table finish for his side, with only a lengthy injury absence denying Villa a shot at European qualification.

Having since secured a £100m switch to Manchester City – where he has already claimed the Premier League title – the task now is to find his heir apparent, with McAllister potentially the player to fill that void in the coming years.

The playmaker is something of an unknown quantity to most although clearly possesses a heap of talent, having been handed his U23s debut at Bristol back in October at the age of just 15 – a clear sign of just how highly rated he is.

Who knows, he could be pulling the strings in the Villa side in the near future, as the aforementioned Grealish did so successfully.

IN other news, AVFC face battle to land “aggressive” £60m machine, he’s one of the “best” in his role

Aston Villa are reportedly prepared to make a sizeable contract offer to Inter Milan forward Alexis Sanchez, in order to try and tempt the Chilean into a return to the Premier League.

What’s the word?

That’s according to La Tercera, with the Midlands outfit named as one of the clubs who are believed to be interested in signing the 33-year-old this summer, with the player set to be allowed to depart by the Serie A side despite having a year remaining on his existing deal.

The report suggests that NSWE are willing to ‘match the current salary’ that the former Arsenal man takes home in Italy, with the 146-cap star reportedly raking in around £175k-per-week at present.

The veteran ace has been at the San Siro since joining, initially on loan, from Manchester United in the summer of 2019, having spent just 18 months with the Red Devils following his high-profile switch from the Emirates in January 2018.

Imagine him and Coutinho

Some may question the wisdom in bringing in a player no longer in his pomp, although were these reports to prove accurate it would represent another major coup for manager Steven Gerrard, with the 42-year-old having already demonstrated his immense pulling power this summer.

One notable signing in the current window has been that of former Liverpool talisman Philippe Coutinho, the Brazilian playmaker joining from Barcelona on a £17m permanent deal, having spent the last six months on loan at Villa Park.

The “creative genius”, as he has been described by pundit Phil Thompson, has already shown a flickering of his quality in a claret and blue jersey thus far, chipping in with five goals and three assists during the second half of the 2021/22 campaign.

The thought of a player who once cost £142m ending up with the Villans would have seemed laughable a few years ago, yet it now appears he could even be joined by a player who was once raking in a reported £400k-per-week at Old Trafford in Sanchez.

Two huge names, but undoubtedly two huge talents, with the latter man having sparkled during his previous stint with the Gunners, proving himself one of the most deadly forwards in the division during his three-and-a-half-year stay in north London.

While his subsequent switch to the Theatre of Dreams failed to work out – as he provided just 14 goal contributions during his time with United – his overall Premier League record remains hugely impressive, as he netted 63 goals and provided 31 assists in 154 appearances, while also providing 396 crosses and creating 52 big chances.

Not just a creative influence, however, the diminutive forward also impressed with his aggressive and relentless all-round approach, having been rightly dubbed a “warrior” by Liam Canning.

Once also described as “electric” by pundit Martin Keown, the £3.15m-rated ace may not quite be what he once was in the present day, although he can still deliver a moment of magic when needed, having scored five goals and provided two assists in the league last term, despite only starting seven games.

Making a move for what is now a fading force may not be particularly wise, yet it would no doubt be worth it just to see both him and Coutinho share the pitch together, with the mercurial duo adding that sprinkling of star quality that can excite a stadium.

IN other news, AVFC face battle to land “aggressive” £60m machine, he’s one of the “best” in his role

Celtic secured their first deal of the summer transfer window earlier this month when they sealed a permanent move for Cameron Carter-Vickers from Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur.

After completing a rather successful season-long loan spell with the Hoops last term, which ended with Ange Postecoglou’s side winning the Premiership title and boasting the best defensive record in the division, it’s easy to see why the club were keen to keep hold of the American.

To highlight how important he was for the Bhoys at the back, in Carter-Vickers’ 33 league games, he racked up more interceptions (43) than any other Celtic player, along with the highest average of clearances per game (4.2).

Now that this deal has been confirmed, the Scottish champions have the rest of the transfer window to make any changes to the squad that they see fit.

In terms of another defender potentially coming through the door at Parkhead, one man with whom the Hoops have been linked and who could give Postecoglou the chance to form an unstoppable duo alongside Carter-Vickers is Ahmed Touba.

After working his way through Club Brugge’s youth ranks, the centre-back left the club on a permanent basis in August 2020 for a move to RKC Waalwijk. Since then, the Algerian has gone on to make 62 appearances for the Dutch side across all competitions, scoring three goals and delivering two assists in the process.

To highlight his defensive capabilities, the 24-year-old won more tackles (32) than any other player at Waalwijk this season and made the joint-highest number of interceptions (57).

Described by journalist Chebli Ishaq as a player with “has all the assets to succeed”, Touba certainly seems to have what it takes to be a solid addition to Celtic’s ranks in terms of his defensive attributes.

Having a player like Carter-Vickers next to him who has shown just how impressive he can be at Parkhead, this could make a potential pairing of him and Touba an unstoppable one for the Hoops.

With all this in mind, securing a deal for the Algerian this summer should definitely be in Postecoglou’s plans for the remainder of the current transfer window.

In other news: “Celtic would like..”: Joseph drops Lennoxtown transfer claim, Ange will be thrilled

Aston Villa have now made Liverpool midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain a transfer priority, according to Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Busy summer

Villa haven’t wasted any time in preparing for Steven Gerrard’s first full season in charge of the club.

Four new signings are already through the door at a cost of just under £50m, while Matt Targett has sealed a permanent move to Newcastle. [Transfermarkt]

Gerrard is on the hunt for more additions, though, and it looks as if Oxlade-Chamberlain is a real target over the coming months.

The Latest: Villa interest in Oxlade-Chamberlain

Football Insider shared a story on Saturday afternoon regarding Villa and Oxlade-Chamberlain. They claimed that Gerrard is a ‘huge’ admirer of the midfielder and has made him a top priority.

Liverpool are willing to cash in on the 28-year-old as he enters the final 12 months of his Anfield contract, with the Villa manager keen to use Oxlade-Chamberlain in an advanced midfield role.

The Verdict: Interesting…

Oxlade-Chamberlain, who has been dubbed ‘unreal’ by journalist Joel Rabinowitz in the past during a reasonably prolific 2019/20 season, has lined out in a number of midfield and attacking roles throughout his career, so he would bring plenty of versatility to Villa Park.

He has been compared stylistically to Philippe Coutinho, although the Englishman has featured as an attacking midfielder on just 17 occasions throughout his career. Most of his displays have either come as a central midfielder or on the right, so it will be interesting to see how Oxlade-Chamberlain copes at Villa Park, should a move go through.

A transfer may not be too expensive due to the player’s contract situation at Anfield, and with Gerrard a ‘huge’ admirer of the 28-year-old, this appears to be one to watch closely.

In other news: Gerrard set to axe £18m-rated Villa pair next after Targett; ‘very important’ Smith star may go

Everton are said to be looking at signing Manchester City man Oleksandr Zinchenko in the summer transfer window, and the Ukraine captain could be a superb addition to Frank Lampard’s side.

What’s the word?

According to journalist James Benge, a number of Premier League sides including Arsenal and Everton have the 25-year-old on their radar ahead of next season.

Since joining City from Ufa in 2016, the versatile midfielder has gone on to make 128 appearances for the Citizens, contributing two goals and 12 assists, predominantly from left-back.

However, Zinchenko is equally adept in midfield and showed his quality with a superb performance in Ukraine’s 3-1 win over Scotland on Wednesday night.

As per SofaScore, he earned an 8/10 rating for his display, which ranked him as the best player on the pitch from both sides.

The City star registered an 87% pass accuracy and played three key passes, one of which found Artem Dovbyk who scored Ukraine’s third goal with the last kick of the game to seal a World-Cup qualifying showdown with Wales on Sunday.

Lampard would love him

According to WhoScored, last season saw Zinchenko register an impressive 7.05/10 rating for his performances in the Premier League, as he helped Pep Guardiola’s side to the Premier League title.

As regular captain of Ukraine, the £22.5m-rated man would offer Lampard some vital leadership, while his versatility could also be significant for the Toffees next season as they look to improve on what was so nearly a catastrophic 2021/22 campaign.

Although he has often been a bit-part player for the Citizens in his time at the club, his influence cannot be underestimated, and he played a key part in City’s final day turnaround against Aston Villa.

The Athletic’s Villa correspondent Gregg Evans was full of praise for his performance on Twitter, writing:

“Zinchenko has been so good for MCFC since coming on. The composure he shows in the final third is frightening.”

Not only would the 25-year-old offer Everton plenty on the pitch, but he could also be a great mentor for fellow Ukrainian Vitaliy Mykolenko, who was a regular starter for the Toffees at left-back towards the end of last season.

Therefore, this is a signing that would make a lot of sense for Lampard, and if Everton can prise him away from Manchester City, then he could be a superb addition at Goodison Park.

And in other news… Moshiri heading for transfer disaster deja vu with 5 ft 6 weakling

Recent reports have seen Arsenal heavily linked with re-signing Germany international Serge Gnabry from Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich, the 26-year-old having initially joined the Gunners’ youth ranks in 2011, before departing five years later after failing to establish himself in the first team at the Emirates.

With just ten Premier League appearances for the north Londoners under his belt, the Stuttgart born gem joined Werder Bremen on a permanent deal in 2016 after a disappointing season-long loan stint at West Bromwich Albion.

The 31-cap speedster was famously deemed not good enough for the Baggies by then-boss Tony Pulis during his dismal period at the Hawthorns, although has since made that assumption look truly ridiculous, having gone on to win a plethora of major honours at the Allianz Arena.

Having joined his current side in 2017 – initially spending the first campaign on loan at Hoffenheim – Gnabry has gone on to score 64 goals and register 40 assists in 174 appearances in all competitions, notably winning four successive league titles as well as the Champions League in 2020.

Once moved on by Arsene Wenger for just £7m, the latest indication is that the £115k-per-week menace could now cost as much as £34m, with that figure having only been reduced due to his contract expiring next summer.

There is, as expected, a great deal of excitement regarding a potential return to English football, although one club that will no doubt be fearing the worst is rivals Tottenham Hotspur, with the Lilywhites having been on the wrong end of a Gnabry masterclass a few years ago.

Then Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino saw his side completely dismantled by Hansi Flick’s rampant Bayern outfit in a brutal Champions League group stage mauling back in October 2019, with the hosts suffering the further ignominy of being torn apart by the aforementioned former Gunners gem.

In a scintillating showing at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Gnabry hit four in a remarkable 7-2 victory for the eventual tournament winners, with the result seemingly contributing to Pochettino’s sacking just a month or so later.

The encounter had been relatively even heading in at the interval as the visitors led 2-1, before a blistering second period saw Flick’s men surge to victory in ruthless fashion, with the former Arsenal man becoming the first player to hit four second-half goals in a Champions League game.

His first illustrated his lightning speed as he tore past a lunging Davinson Sanchez before cutting onto his right foot to unleash a remarkable precise finish past Hugo Lloris, before bettering the Frenchman again with a composed finish off the post with his weaker left foot.

The £63m-rated man then put the game out of sight late on with another quick-fire double, wrapping up his hat-trick after racing clear to again slide the ball past a helpless Lloris, before completing his haul with a divine strike across goal that gave little chance to the flailing ‘keeper.

In truth, his greatest impact for Arsenal did in fact come in the red of Bayern, as the Gunners supporters revelled in that display, before he again punished a London outfit by netting twice against Chelsea in the last-16 a few months later.

Not living on past success, however, he has again impressed in the most recent campaign, netting 17 goals and ten assists in all competitions for the German champions, while he also compares remarkably well to those in his position across Europe’s top five leagues, ranking highly in a string of attacking metrics as per FBref.

Once described as “magic” by Transfermakrt’s Stefan Bienkowski, the lethal forward has that rare quality to make an impact at the highest level on a consistent basis, with his arrival only set to bolster Arteta’s hopes of returning to Europe’s premier competition.

If not to aid them in getting back into the top four, Arsenal simply must sign Gnabry so that he can torment their north London rivals once again.

In other news, Arsenal eye bid for £76.5m-rated “fighter” who “always creates”, he’s better than Saka

Newcastle United’s potential swoop for Leeds United star Raphinha has now been deemed ‘unlikely’ by the Telegraph, who claim that Leeds’ Premier League survival has made a potential deal trickier to complete.

The Magpies also have enquired over the availability of Bayer Leverkusen winger Moussa Diaby with deals for both the Frenchman and the Brazilian unlikely.

Having joined the Yorkshire side from Stade Rennais in 2020, Raphinha has become one of the Premier League’s most talked-about stars, having been deemed as “magic” by Leeds ambassador and ex-striker Noel Whelan.

The 25-year-old’s first season in England saw the winger score six goals and provide nine assists as Leeds finished ninth.

However, despite his side battling relegation until the final day of the season, the £40.5m-rated Brazilian has been impressive once again, scoring 11 goals and providing three assists.

Although he would have been an excellent addition for Newcastle, Eddie Howe’s side can afford to miss out on Raphinha.

It’s not all doom and gloom for Newcastle

Already, the Magpies have a winger who can marvel supporters in Allan Saint-Maximin whilst also having incredibly deep pockets.

This summer transfer window is the first under the ownership of PIF and big signings are certainly expected to be made by the North-East outfit.

The January window saw statement additions come through the door in Bruno Guimares and Kieran Trippier, giving supporters. a taste of what can be expected now that Newcastle is the richest football club in the world.

Therefore, Howe and the Newcastle hierarchy will most likely have put together a mouthwatering wish list meaning that if they are to miss out on one target, they have a suitable alternative to swoop for.

This is exactly the case with Raphinha, with the Magpies now reportedly making an enquiry over Diaby, who actually provided more goal contributions than the Brazilian with 17 goals and 14 assists across all competitions.

Signing Raphinha would’ve been a seriously impressive feat from the Toon Army, however, missing out on a deal certainly isn’t doom and gloom with the Magpies already benefitting from the talents of Saint-Maximin whilst also targeting numerous other quality wingers.

AND in other news: Howe can ruthlessly axe £63k-p/w deadwood as PIF plot “insane” £40m Newcastle signing

The Chronicle journalist Charlie Bennett has revealed what he has now been ‘told’ from Newcastle United in relation to Dean Henderson.

The Lowdown: One to watch

With the Premier League season now completed, transfer rumours are already heating up for the summer, none more so than at St James’ Park.

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One player who has been strongly linked with a move to the northeast recently is Manchester United goalkeeper Henderson, and an update has now been given on that situation.

The Latest: Henderson deal ‘close’

Taking to Twitter, Bennett has revealed that Henderson is ‘keen’ on a move to Tyneside and would ‘prefer’ to sign permanently than on loan. The 25-year-old’s camp believe that a deal is now ‘close’ after meeting representatives of Newcastle in Northumberland last week.

Bennett tweeted: “Understand Dean Henderson is keen on a Newcastle move and has made it known he prefers a permanent transfer to a loan deal.

“Also told player’s camp believe a deal is “close” after meeting club representatives in Northumberland last week.”

The Verdict: Get it done

Given Henderson’s desire to move to the Magpies, and a seemingly positive meeting with their representatives, one would suggest that the Toon shouldn’t have to do too much more to get this deal over the line.

However, given his reputation in the top flight after keeping 13 clean sheets while on loan at Sheffield United in the 2019/20 season, and having played for England at international level, Henderson is likely to be a man in demand this summer.

Therefore, the Newcastle board need to wrap up this deal as soon as possible in order to fend off any other potential suitors.

In other news, Newcastle have now scheduled a meeting over signing this transfer target

Leeds United’s failure to bolster the playing squad in January was down to former manager Marcelo Bielsa, according to journalist Beren Cross.

What’s the word?

During a recent Q&A on LeedsLive, the reporter was asked about the club’s decision-making during the winter transfer window and in particular, why they did not sign a new striker, given Patrick Bamford’s troubles.

He responded:

“Only the people party to those conversations will know for sure who said what when it came to January recruitment, but sources have continued to say Bielsa had the final say and he said no to reinforcements like [Donny] van de Beek and [Harry] Winks in that window.”

Indeed, both the Everton loanee and Tottenham Hotspur outcast were linked with moves, as per the Yorkshire Evening Post, but it is in attack where the Elland Road giants have suffered most.

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Bielsa’s big mistake

Heading into the final game of the season against Brentford, the Whites occupy the final place in the relegation zone, tied on points with Burnley, who face an in-form Newcastle United side, albeit one with nothing to play for.

A whopping difference of 20 goals is what keeps them in the drop over the Clarets and in the far weaker position heading into the weekend. Only five teams have scored fewer goals than Leeds throughout the course of the 37 games played.

Meanwhile, only Raphinha (ten goals) has hit double figures in the Premier League this term, following on from Bamford’s 17-goal feat in 2020/21. This term, the 28-year-old has only managed nine top-flight appearances, scoring twice.

You’d imagine that if he had been available for even double that number of matches, they’d be out of sight of the drop zone by now. Even if that’s in hindsight.

The Elland Road faithful have long rued their unrelenting injury crisis throughout the season but this latest claim from Cross will do nothing to alleviate the negativity.

If anything, they will be furious to learn that Bielsa is said to have rejected reinforcements, a decision that is now looking very catastrophic indeed.

AND in other news, Jesse Marsch dealt fresh blow in relegation fight…