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Reliable transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano has now shared the latest Tottenham Hotspur transfer news amid major reports surrounding Djed Spence.

The Lowdown: Big claims…

In the last 24 hours, a really big claim emerged of a reached agreement between Middlesbrough and Spurs for the signing of Spence.

The Guardian stated yesterday evening that club chief Fabio Paratici and the Premier League giants had agreed a £20 million fee for the 21-year-old.

After they claimed manager Antonio Conte was closing in on his third summer signing after Ivan Perisic and Fraser Forster, journalists like Alasdair Gold of football.london were then quick to rebuff the update.

Gold did state that there should be developments in the next 72 hours though, with Romano now sharing what he knows.

The Latest: Spurs talks ‘on’…

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According to Romano, sharing news on Twitter, Tottenham talks are still ‘on’ to sign Spence but things aren’t as advanced as the Guardian suggested.

He explained:

“Tottenham are interested in Djed Spence since long time but they’ve not reached full agreement to sign him yet despite rumours. Talks on – there are few clubs interested in the right back. THFC Discussions about Spence’s future will continue in the coming days.”

The Verdict: Make the move…

While a fee hasn’t been agreed upon yet, the fact Spurs are still in contention with talks ongoing is brilliant news for Conte and the club’s supporters.

Spence is arguably one of the most promising young players in England right now, having played a significant part in Nottingham Forest’s push for top flight promotion over 2021/2022 whilst on loan.

The exciting wing-back’s addition would also help to balance Spurs’ homegrown quota and provide them a further boost ahead of a long and busy summer window.

In other news: ‘Being negotiated’ – Club now want their ‘sensational’ star to join Tottenham…find out more here.

Leeds United could make a statement of intent by signing Tyler Adams this summer transfer window…

What’s the word?

That’s according to journalist Jacque Talbot, who delivered his verdict on the Yorkshire outfit’s interest in the RB Leipzig midfielder to GIVEMESPORT this week.

Major League Soccer insider Tom Bogert believes Leeds will “try for Adams” during the off-season as manager Jesse Marsch has previously coached the American international.

“You’ve got Tyler Adams, who is a defensive midfielder in the Bundesliga,” Talbot said. “Again, he’s only 23 years old; I think he’d be a great addition.”

“If those signings [Adams and Sergino Dest] are made by Leeds, that is a statement of ambition.”

Better than Klich

In the 23-year-old, Marsch and director of football Victor Orta could find an upgrade to Leeds’ current midfield options and you’d imagine that any addition in this role could spell trouble for Mateusz Klich, who struggled for consistent form in 2021/22.

An average WhoScored rating of 6.37, the fourth-worst of those to start 15 or more matches, paints a sorry picture. At times throughout the campaign, he was slammed as being “non-existent” by Sky Sports pundit Clinton Morrison and “embarrassing” by one SBNation site.

The arrival of Adams, who competed in the Champions League for the Bundesliga fourth-place finishers, would almost certainly force the Poland international closer to the door.

As per FBRef, the £26m-rated powerhouse ranks inside the top 2% of his position peers across Europe for blocks (2.50 per 90), the top 18% for passes completed (61.82 per 90) and the top 20% for pressures (22.53 per 90). This is certainly Marsch’s typical profile for a midfielder.

Indeed, it was Marsch who lauded Adams as a “special talent” with a “massive” ceiling for potential, whilst former Manchester United caretaker boss Ralf Rangnick claimed that the “sky is the limit” for a player that has an “unbelievable will to win.”

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Just as Talbot suggests, if Leeds can even manage to convince the 28-time USMNT star to make the switch to Elland Road, then they will certainly be displaying their ambition after a sorry season in west Yorkshire.

On the above evidence, Adams is a way better option than someone like Klich, so Orta and co must make their move.

AND in other news, Leeds now plotting bid for “unbelievable” £15m target, he “could be the real deal”…

Manchester City have seldom been reluctant when it comes to signing players from fellow Premier League clubs in recent years.

The Citizens have seen players such as Riyad Mahrez, Jack Grealish and Kyle Walker among others moving to the Etihad Stadium, all for rather hefty transfer fees.

One other player that the club signed from a top-flight rival is John Stones, who joined in a £47.5m move from Everton in August 2016.

Since then, the England international has gone on to make 195 appearances for the Cityzens across all competitions. In that time, the 28-year-old has scored 12 goals, provided two assists and won numerous domestic trophies along the way.

Last August saw the defender put pen to paper on a bumper new five-year contract worth £250,000 per week to keep him at the Etihad until the summer of 2026, which just goes to show how highly he is valued at the club.

Now that the summer transfer window is just around the corner, it seems as though Pep Guardiola’s side once again have the chance to replicate a similar sort of masterclass to the one they pulled off by signing Stones.

A few days ago, it was reported by the Daily Mail that City “have looked” at Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite with an eye to a potential swoop.

Man City’s next John Stones?

Signed from Carlisle United in 2020, Branthwaite has made just 13 senior appearances for the Toffees after he completed a loan spell with Blackburn Rovers last season.

Having joined Everton from a lower league club, this shows that the teenager is broadly following in the footsteps of Stones, who the Merseyside club signed from Barnsley in 2013.

In 10 matches on loan at Blackburn in the Championship, the 19-year-old left the Lancashire club with the highest average for interceptions (2.3) and joint-highest for tackles per game (2.3), highlighting just how capable a defender he is at such a young age.

Labelled a “confident” player who “never loses control” according to former Toffees manager Carlo Ancelotti, who guided Real Madrid to Champions League glory just last week, Branthwaite certainly seems to have the potential to be a capable first-team player for City in the future.

If Guardiola sees enough in the Everton youngster to believe that he can be a star for the Premier League champions, then the Cityzens’ hierarchy should trust the manager and do all they can to get him to the Etihad and potentially see him become their next Stones.

In other news: Sam Lee drops behind-the-scenes Man City transfer claim, it’s worrying news for Pep

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

Manchester United appear to be are closing in on a deal to sign Ruben Neves, with the club ready to make a final push to get the move done.

What’s the word?

The Daily Mail have reported that Erik ten Hag is a big fan of the Portuguese midfielder, with the Red Devils keen to make one last big push to sign the 25-year-old.

Neves has been on United’s radar for the previous 12 months, with Wolves wanting a fee of around £50m in order to let one of their main assets leave Molineux.

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He’s the next Paul Scholes

Incoming manager Ten Hag will need to organise a major rebuild of the United squad this summer, with the midfield being a key area to prioritise.

With the future of Paul Pogba still up in the air, Nemanja Matic leaving and other members of the side simply not good enough, Neves would be the ideal signing for the Red Devils.

Journalist Tim Spiers has dubbed the 25-year-old “sensational”, while former United player Paul Parker compared Neves to Paul Scholes, drawing similarities between the two in terms of how the Portugal international strikes the ball.

Only two players (both forwards) scored more league goals for Wolves this season, while only Raul Jimenez had a greater shots per game average than Neves’ 1.3 (as per WhoScored). Also, the 25-year-old made the third-most tackles and interceptions in Bruno Lage’s squad (as per FBRef), showing an industriousness to complement his impact going forward.

With Neves’ talents and ability to be an asset both going forward and defensively, the Scholes comparisons are spot-on. If United do sign the 25-year-old, they would get the player as he is heading into what will likely be his peak years, and £50m sounds like a bargain when the positives are examined more in-depth.

His versatility will be a major advantage for Ten Hag going forward, with Neves being adept at playing either in a defensive midfield position or slightly further forward. Four goals and two assists is also a solid return in a Wolves side which only netted 38 times in as many league matches.

These figures will surely improve if he makes the move to Old Trafford, with a better quality of player around him and having the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo on the end of his passes, so it could be a fruitful move for all parties if it does come off.

AND in other news, Bid incoming: Sky Sports journalist drops MUFC transfer update, Ten Hag will be thrilled

Liverpool have been plagued with injury concerns in the final hurdle of the season ahead of their last game of the Premier League campaign and Champions League final, however, a positive new injury update has emerged from a reliable source.

What’s the latest?

According to the Liverpool reporter for The Athletic James Pearce, Joe Gomez will be fit for the Champions League final.

In an article for The Athletic, Pearce reported that Liverpool are confident that the defender will be ready and available for selection after undergoing a scan on an ankle injury sustained against Southampton earlier this week.

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The report goes on to say that the club are content that there is no serious damage and if the player recovers in the timeline expected he will be available should he be called upon against Real Madrid in 10 days time.

Liverpool fans will love it

Despite struggling for game-time this season through both injury and falling down the pecking order behind Ibrahima Konate who has had an impressive season for the Reds, Liverpool fans will surely love to see Gomez in the match-day squad in Paris.

Gomez played an integral part in the Kopite’s Premier League title win and played in the game against Tottenham Hotspur in the last Champions League win too, so although he may not be the first choice for a place in the centre-back partnership against Real Madrid, he has the necessary experience in big matches.

Another reason why it could be good to see Gomez in Paris is because he has been linked with moves away from Merseyside this summer following his lack of game time.

Newcastle United, Fulham, West Ham, Everton and Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly interested in signing the 24-year-old, so if he was to move on at the end of this season the Champions League final could be a great send-off for the player.

Ultimately, the positive injury update will be a relief for Jurgen Klopp who will now have his entire squad of defenders fit and available to do their part should they be called upon in the important clash with Real Madrid.

AND in other news: Approach made: Liverpool eye move for “wonderful” £50m “winner”, Klopp would love him

Manchester United are looking to strike a deal for Juventus centre-back Matthijs de Ligt.

What’s the word?

That is according to journalist Oriol Domenech, who was speaking on Gerard Romero’s Twitch stream, [via The Express]. He claimed that incoming United manager Erik ten Hag is keen to add the 22-year-old to his ranks after the allegedly bullet-proof signing of Frenkie de Jong has all but been confirmed.

Domenech said that the 52-year-old wants both former Ajax players at Old Trafford to ignite his era in charge of the Red Devils. Both De Ligt and De Jong were part of Ten Hag’s Ajax squad which reached the semi-finals of the Champions League three years ago.

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Imagine De Ligt and Ten Hag together again

Having managed the 22-year-old at Ajax, Ten Hag knows exactly what De Ligt’s game is all about. The Juventus star, who is rated at around £63m by Transfermarkt, braved the move to Turin back in 2019. He hasn’t looked back since, making 27 or more Serie A appearances in each of his three seasons with the Bianconeri.

The young Netherlands international has also managed to transition his goalscoring touch from Ajax, having scored in each of his seasons at youth and senior level in Amsterdam and managing to keep this consistent across his three years at Juve.

With a passing completing rate of 89% in the current Serie A campaign, De Ligt is sound in possession, and that figure suggests that he nicely suits Ten Hag’s philosophy of playing progressively from the back.

However, his arrival would pose an issue for either Raphael Varane or Harry Maguire, both of whom are right-footed. De Ligt is also a natural right-footed centre-back; and judging by the way he sets up his Ajax side, Ten Hag likes to have one left-footed and one right footed centre-back within his four-man defence.

With Varane listed on FBRef as 59% right footed, Ten Hag could utilise the Frenchman’s left-footed ability and could deploy him as a left-sided central defender. In that case, Maguire – who currently occupies the role of left-sided centre-back despite his right-footedness – could well wave goodbye to his starting berth.

De Ligt, who has been dubbed “an absolute monster”, will turn 23 in August – the same age that Ruben Dias was when he made his move to Manchester City – so it could be the perfect time in his career for him to make an impact in the Premier League.

In other news – “100% sure..”: Man Utd can sign “underrated” £38m-rated gem who’s “better than Dias”

Fabrizio Romano has delivered an update on Antonio Conte’s future and transfer plans at Tottenham Hotspur.

What’s the word?

The Italian journalist revealed that the 52-year-old’s priority is to remain in charge of the north London outfit but he must be given reassurances over Harry Kane’s future and be backed to sign three to four new players in the summer window.

Writing in a column for Caught Offside, he said:

‘Conte wants at least three or four high-level signings in the summer and then definitive clarity on the Spurs project, including keeping Harry Kane at the club. This is his priority to remain Tottenham manager, but the decision will be made in a meeting at the end of the current season.’

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Huge news

This latest claim should leave many around N17 absolutely buzzing about what the future may entail because, despite many inconsistencies on the pitch, the Italian – who won the Premier League with Chelsea in 2017 – wants to stay at the club.

He has got Nuno Santo’s struggling outfit contending for a place in next season’s Champions League, which is no mean feat, so you can only imagine what sort of magic he could do with a full pre-season and backing in the transfer window.

Conte and his coaching team could really make up the ground on some of the division’s current heavyweights, namely defending champions Manchester City, their nearest challengers Liverpool and Champions League holders Chelsea.

Whilst chairman Daniel Levy has never been one to completely splash the cash, he will surely understand that it’s a must this off-season. He’s finally got a world-class manager in the dugout, one capable of bringing that elusive silverware to their 62,850-seater stadium.

Arguably, the Italian is in need of solid backups to both Kane upfront and skipper Hugo Lloris between the sticks, whilst a left-footed central defender will surely be among the priorities with full-back Ben Davies the current first-choice alongside Eric Dier and Cristian Romero.

Making the Argentine’s loan move from Atalanta permanent will be another key deal to keep an eye on, with Conte also on the lookout for a right wing-back, having failed to secure one during the winter.

There may be some doubt over whether or not he will be backed, but the signings of Rodrigo Bentancur and Dejan Kuluseveski on deadline day in January certainly show that the club is prepared to back him.

As such, Levy and co must be absolutely thrilled by Conte’s desire to stay at the helm heading into 2022/23.

AND in other news, Fabrizio Romano drops Pau Torres-Spurs transfer update…

Blackburn Rovers are said to have made enquires regarding the availability of Carlos Carvalhal in their hunt for a new manager, according to a report from LancsLive.

The Lowdown: Rovers confirm Mowbray departure

It was officially announced by the club on Wednesday night that following internal discussions, Tony Mowbray will be leaving Ewood Park on the completion of his current contract this summer.

The 58-year-old enjoyed a memorable five-year spell in Lancashire, where he took charge of 267 matches across all competitions, winning 108 of those during that time, as per Transfermarkt.

It appears as though there won’t be a shortage of candidates to succeed the former boss and there’s one name in particular that has emerged in the appointment race.

The Latest: Carvalhal on the shortlist

In a report published by LancsLive, it’s claimed that Rovers have ‘sounded out’ some potential successors, and even though interviews are yet to be held, informal contact has been made with some of the hierarchy’s shortlist, one of those being Carlos Carvalhal.

The source states that the former Swansea and Sheffield Wednesday man is ‘on the radar’ of several Championship clubs, including Blackburn, and is said to be ‘keen to return’ to England.

The Verdict: Suitable candidate

The 56-year-old, who was once described as an “excitable” manager by his ex-Swans star Alfie Mawson, is currently working back in his home nation after being appointed SC Braga boss back in 2020.

He won the Portuguese Cup with Braga, where he has put a ‘big emphasis on giving youth a chance’, but his contract with the Portuguese giants is set to expire at the end of the season.

During his time at Hillsborough, Carvalhal guided the Owls to the play-offs in his first two seasons in the dugout, showing he is more than capable of helping a side compete at the right end of the table and offering hope that he would be able to do the same for Rovers

With just 12 weeks until the 2022/23 campaign gets underway, time is very much of the essence when it comes down to the club hiring their new man, and the former centre-back could be just what the club are searching for.

Celtic will earn at least £17million if they qualify for next season’s Champions League, according to financial expert Dr. Dan Plumley.

The Lowdown: Nearing a Champions League return

Ange Postecoglou’s side are within touching distance of Scottish Premiership glory, leading Rangers by six points with three matches remaining this season.

A title win would see Celtic automatically go into next season’s Champions League group stage, allowing them to test themselves against some of Europe’s best teams.

Not only would it be an exciting challenge for Postecoglou and his players but it would also be a significant financial boost.

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The Latest: Expert drops £17m claim

Speaking to Football Insider, Plumley claimed that a minimum £17million windfall would come the Hoops’ way if they get the job done in the league:

“If you base it on the prize money, each club gets just over £13m. You then have win bonuses, which are £2.4m for a win and just under £1m for a draw. So around £17m is what you’re looking at the very least.

“If you go straight into the group stage, you know you have that extra money to play with. Celtic do generate good revenue for where they are in that league. If you add another £17m on top, it becomes even more significant.

“In terms of future planning, you can target transfers accordingly because there is no jeopardy. You know you’re going to be there come September.”

The Verdict: Exciting time for Hoops

There is a feeling that a special era is growing again at Parkhead, with Postecoglou doing a fantastic job since arriving and the title now tantalisingly close.

The financial gains from reaching the Champions League are huge and it would allow more money to be available for transfers, not to mention a higher calibre of player coming in to play amongst Europe’s elite under a special manager.

Celtic must not rest on their laurels just yet, though, with work still to do in the league, starting with Saturday’s visit of Hearts.

In other news, a journalist has dropped a key Celtic transfer claim. Read more here.