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Fabrizio Romano has dropped an update on reported Tottenham Hotspur transfer target Nathan Ake.

What’s the talk?

In a recent post on Twitter, the Italian journalist revealed that, despite Fabio Paratici reportedly being keen on a move for the Manchester City centre-back this summer, Chelsea have now reached a full agreement with the 27-year-old regarding a move to Stamford Bridge.

The transfer insider went on to state that Pep Guardiola’s side are aware of the situation surrounding the Netherlands international, however, City are now waiting to receive an official bid from Thomas Tuchel’s outfit that meets their asking price of around £45m for the defender.

In his tweet, Romano said: “Chelsea have full agreement with Nathan Ake on personal terms. Man City are aware of the situation on the player side, but still waiting to receive the official bid. City want around £40/45m for Ake and plan is to replace him with a new centre back in case he leaves.”

Paratici will be livid

While it is true that Tottenham have recently confirmed the capture of Clement Lenglet on a season-long loan, with it being reported that Paratici remains interested in adding further players to Antonio Conte’s options at the back this summer, Romano’s claim that Ake has now agreed a move to Chelsea is sure to have left the sporting director livid.

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Indeed, over his 14 Premier League appearances in 2021/22, the £26m-rated talent was in impressive form for City, helping Guardiola’s side keep five clean sheets, in addition to making an average of 0.6 interceptions, 1.1 tackles, 1.5 clearances and winning 3.9 duels – at a success rate of 66% – per fixture.

The £100k-per-week defender – who is also comfortable in operating from left-back – also posed a threat going forwards, scoring two goals and creating one big chance for his teammates, as well as completing an average of 55.1 passes, 1.0 long ball and taking 0.4 shots per game.

These returns saw the Dutchman who Bill DiFilippo dubbed “unreal” average an extremely respectable SofaScore match rating of 7.08, ranking him as City’s 14th-best performer in their title-winning campaign last season.

As such, it is clear to see that Ake would have made a fantastic addition to Conte’s defensive arsenal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium next season – leading us to believe that Paratici will be rueing what looks to be a huge opportunity missed to land the 27-year-old this summer.

AND in other news: Journo “hearing” £20m Spurs deal set to be “pushed through”, supporters surely buzzing

Nottingham Forest are on the verge of signing Mainz defender Moussa Niakhate, according to reputable journalist Fabrizio Romano. 

The lowdown: Rise to stardom

Having spent much of his early career in the lower reaches of the French footballing pyramid, the 26-year-old made a professional breakthrough at Ligue 2 club Valenciennes, where he racked up 76 appearances before moving to top-flight outfit Metz in 2017.

The former France youth international centre-back then made a switch to Bundesliga side Mainz, going from strength to strength whilst amassing 135 games for the German club.

It now seems as though Forest are set to make Niakhate their third summer arrival following the signings of Taiwo Awoniyi and Dean Henderson.

The latest: ‘Getting closer…’

Taking to Twitter, Romano has claimed that the Reds are nearing the completion of a deal to sign Niakhate from Mainz.

The journalist stated: “Nottingham Forest are getting closer to signing Moussa Niakhaté, deal at final stages. Agreement in principle with Mainz on the fee – some details to be sorted out. #NFFC Niakhaté, expected to become the next signing after Awoniyi, Dean Henderson and Giulian Biancone.”

Elsewhere, The Athletic have reported that the move for a player hailed for his ‘terrific ball-playing abilities’ by journalist Maxi Angelo will cost a fee in the region of £10m as Steve Cooper looks to bolster the squad at the City Ground.

The verdict: Well-rounded recruit

Although it’s nigh-on impossible to guarantee the perfect formula for success or even survival back in the Premier League, the Forest hierarchy certainly seem to be equipping Cooper with all of the tools required to stand a chance of meeting their objectives for next season.

During 2021/22, Niakhate scored four times in 30 league outings, earning a 6.94 Sofascore rating whilst winning 4.3 duels and making 2.2 clearances and 1.7 interceptions per game in the process, highlighting an eye for goal to accompany his superb defensive attributes.

Holding a perceived market value of £16.2m (Transfermarkt), the likelihood is that the Reds are landing the Frenchman at a relatively bargain rate, with him being in the final 12 months of his contract in Germany, so this can be regarded as a smart piece of prospective recruitment from the club.

ESPN reporter Moisés Llorens has now made a major Tottenham Hotspur transfer claim involving manager Antonio Conte with a development expected ‘in the next days’.

The Lowdown: Spurs eye new defender…

As widely reported, it is said that a world class central defender is on Conte’s agenda among other positions after the north Londoners sealed an agreement for Premier League star Yves Bissouma (The Evening Standard).

A new right-wing-back and forward are also believed to be priority but club chief Fabio Paratici seems to be working pretty hard on the central defensive signing particularly.

GiveMeSport recently lifted the lid on Tottenham’s long list of targets for the role, including Alessandro Bastoni, Josko Gvardiol, Pau Torres, Marc Guehi, Gleison Bremer and Stefan De Vrij.

The Latest: ESPN reporter makes major claim involving Conte…

Indeed, a major update has come to light involving another defensive Conte target.

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ESPN claim that Spurs talks are ongoing to sign Barcelona defender Clement Lenglet as they eye a temporary deal.

Their reporter Llorens, sharing news on Twitter, says the Frenchman has ‘doubts’ so Conte will personally speak with him ‘in the next days’ to convince Lenglet to join.

The Verdict: Get it done?

The £170,000-per-week defender, we believe, should come as a last resort.

Targets like Torres and Bremer arguably come with more quality as the former is called a potentially ‘perfect’ Spurs signing while the latter has been branded an ’emerging superstar’.

Lenglet, meanwhile, struggled for regular starts at the Camp Nou over 2021/2022 and we believe Paratici should first set his sights higher before attempting a loan.

Liverpool are set to make a move for FC Porto winger Otavio in the summer transfer window, according to a new transfer rumour which has emerged.

The Lowdown: Otavio impresses for Porto

The 27-year-old has become a key player for Porto over the years, catching the eye with his performances on the right wing and racking up 237 games for the club.

Otavio registered 11 assists in 32 Primeira Liga appearances last season, also chipping in with three goals for good measure, as he consistently excelled in the final third.

It could be that the winger leaves Porto this summer, though, and Liverpool have emerged as candidates to sign him.

The Latest: Liverpool linked with Otavio

According to The Mirror, the Reds will ‘firm up their interest’ in Otavio in the coming days after Leeds United saw a £26m bid for him rejected.

Liverpool will reportedly table a £34m offer for the Portugal international this week, with his release clause currently £51m, and his agent Israel Oliveira is currently in England trying to secure a transfer for his client.

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The Verdict: Good for squad depth

While Otavio probably wouldn’t come in as a guaranteed starter at Anfield, considering that the mercurial Mohamed Salah would take up the right-sided attacking role ahead of him, he could be a great squad option.

The exits of Sadio Mane, Divock Origi and Takumi Minamino will make Liverpool’s attacking options far more threadbare, so one new face could be ideal in that respect.

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Otavio has the quality and end product to thrive for this Reds team – he has been hailed as ‘phenomenal’ by journalist Alex Goncalves and has chipped in with 86 goal contributions for Porto – and as long they don’t end up paying over the odds for him, he could be a very shrewd addition at Anfield.

West Ham United transfer target Youssef En-Nesyri could be made available by Sevilla this summer, according to ‘noises’ from the Spanish club.

The Lowdown: Hammers’ interest

The 25-year-old first came onto the Irons’ radar 12 months ago when manager David Moyes began looking to add depth to his front line as competition for lone striker Michail Antonio.

According to the Daily Mail, the Hammers also had a £27m bid turned down for the attacker in January, and it is now reported that the East London club are expected to revive their interest in the La Liga target man this summer.

The Latest: Brown’s claim

Brown has revealed that Sevilla now seem willing to sell En-Nesyri this summer, although this may not be a great sign for West Ham.

Speaking with GiveMeSport, he claimed:

“I think Moyes is looking for someone reliable in that position, and I think there’d be question marks now over En-Nesyri.

“His club seem more willing to sell the player now, and his asking price has clearly dropped because the noises coming from his club are that they would accept the offer they turned down from West Ham.

“And that’s probably not a great sign really for West Ham in terms of how good the player is rated now.”

The Verdict: Poor form…

In the Spanish top-flight this season, the Morocco international netted just five goals, down from his impressive 18 in the previous campaign (via Transfermarkt).

When compared with positional peers across Europe over the past year, the 25-year-old disappointingly ranks in the 23rd percentile for non-penalty goals and in the 19th percentile for assists (via FB Ref).

These stats illustrate a poor turn in form for En-Nesyri, who was once highly rated across Europe.

Therefore, if Moyes can get him back firing like his old self, this could be a good transfer for the Hammers, but as it is, it seems like the East London side have missed the boat on this arrival.

In other news: Dharmesh Sheth shares Alphonse Areola update on live TV

Everton have recently been tipped to make a move for Udinese defender Rodrigo Becao, but the statistics suggest that he would be no better than Michael Keane in Frank Lampard’s side next season.

According to Mirror journalist Rich Jones, the Toffees are considering a move for the Brazilian centre-back this summer as they look to amend some of their defensive frailties ahead of next season.

Lampard’s side shipped 66 goals in the top-flight last term, the fifth-worst of any team in the Premier League, so defensive improvements must be made if the Toffees are to avoid another relegation battle next time around.

However, they might be better off looking elsewhere for new defensive options, as Becao’s form in recent seasons does little to support any claims that he would be a success in the Premier League.

Last season saw the Brazilian make 35 appearances in Serie A, in which he contributed two goals and one assist, averaging a disappointing 6.65 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

Despite some horrible displays from Keane last term, with the red card against West Ham and his own-goal-stained performance in the 5-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur springing to mind, he still managed more goals and assists and a better WhoScored rating in the Premier League than Becao in Serie A.

Keane also contributed more interceptions, blocks, clearances and successful headers per game than Becao, so it seems strange that Everton are reportedly keen on signing the 26-year-old.

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Considering that the Toffees have reportedly secured the signing of James Tarkowski on a free transfer from Burnley, they would surely be better off strengthening in other positions, rather than arguably wasting money on the £5.4m-rated Becao.

It is difficult to see what the Udinese man, who has been labelled “insurmountable” in the past by Brazilian journalist Bruno Queiroz, would offer Lampard next season if the Everton boss wants to make improvements in defence, as all the statistics suggest that the 43-year-old would be better off persevering with Keane.

In other news… Dele Alli 2.0: Everton plotting swoop for “average” £20m dud, supporters will be fuming

It’s the news that all Liverpool fans have been waiting for, as transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has given his much-anticipated thumbs up regarding the Reds’ move for Darwin Nunez.

What’s the word?

Writing on Twitter, the respected journalist gave the all-important “here we go” announcement to all but confirm the 22-year-old’s switch from Benfica to Anfield, with the suggestion that the Premier League outfit are set for a “meeting” on Sunday morning.

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After weeks of speculation, it would appear that Jurgen Klopp is now nailed on to get his man, as Romano revealed that: “Liverpool are now closing on Darwin Núñez deal, here we go! Meeting in the morning with verbal agreement in place between Liverpool & Benfica, just waiting to sign. €80m plus €20m add ons fee.

“Liverpool are preparing paperworks. Five year contract, already agreed.”

That deal would likely see the Uruguayan become the Merseysiders record signing, surpassing the £75m paid for Virgil van Dijk in 2018, with the club seemingly having won the race for the striker’s signature ahead of bitter rivals, Manchester United.

Supporters will love it

That latest update will be music to the ears of the club’s supporters, with it now looking as if the £31k-per-week marksman will be a Liverpool player next term, adding further firepower to an already star-studded forward line.

Having seen long-time title rivals Manchester City move swiftly and decisively to secure the signing of Borussia Dortmund machine Erling Haaland, Klopp and co are set to hit back with their own statement, early addition, with Nunez potentially set to soften the blow of the impending departure of Sadio Mane.

Even with the Senegal international potentially heading for the exit door, the FA Cup winners still have the likes of Diogo Jota, Mo Salah, Roberto Firmino and January arrival Luis Diaz in tow, making them firm contenders to challenge for major honours again next term.

Throw Nunez into that mix and not only will the Champions League finalists have even further depth, but they will also have the out-and-out centre forward that some quarters have been crying out for in recent years, even though they have enjoyed success without one.

There may be concerns at spending such a hefty fee on a player who has largely enjoyed only one standout campaign in his senior career thus far, although his prolific form in that most recent season illustrates that the Anfield outfit will have a real talent on their hands.

The £49.5m-rated predator hit 34 goals in all competitions in what was a stellar 2021/22 campaign for the Portuguese side, notably netting twice against the Reds in the Champions League quarter-finals to catch the attention of what look set to be his future employers.

The one-time Almeria youngster showed in that two-legged clash that he can be a real handful for even a usually watertight defence – Klopp’s men having only shipped 26 goals in the league last term – with hopes that he can be the man to end City’s title dominance in the coming years.

Supporters will no doubt be praying that Nunez can be the difference-maker next term as Liverpool plot to usurp Pep Guardiola’s relentless side at the summit.

IN other news, Klopp now plotting Liverpool bid for “dangerous” £34m talent, just imagine him & Nunez

Leeds United have been handed a huge boost in their bid to bring Noa Lang to Elland Road in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

In a recent interview with Het Laatste Nieuws (via Sport Witness), the Club Brugge winger suggested that the Jupiler Pro League side’s fixture against RSC Anderlecht on the final day of the season could have been his last game for the Belgian champions, with the 22-year-old going on to suggest that he will be available to sign for the same €25m (£21m) fee he was 12 months ago.

The Netherlands international then went on to reveal that Leeds made three separate offers for his services in the summer of 2021, before suggesting that Victor Orta and his transfer team flew out to Holland in order to discuss a potential switch to Elland Road.

Regarding his future, Lang said: “As long as I am under contract, and there is nothing concrete, I will never refuse to play for Club. They do not deserve that. By the way, for the same money, it will all start in August, just like last year.”

When asked about Leeds’ interest, the forward added: “They were concrete, yes. Leeds made three offers. We even negotiated – they flew to the Netherlands.”

Huge coup for Leeds

Considering just how impressive Lang was in Belgium this season, coupled with his recent come and get me plea to the Whites, it is easy to see why Orta is reported to once again be interested in a move for the 22-year-old this summer.

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Indeed, over his 37 Jupiler Pro League appearances this term, the £19.8m-rated talent was in devastating form, scoring seven goals, registering 12 assists and creating 19 big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 2.0 shots, making 1.9 key passes and completing 1.7 dribbles per game.

These metrics saw the £20k-per-week forward who Jacek Kulig dubbed “unstoppable” average a quite remarkable SofaScore match rating of 7.20, ranking him as Brugge’s joint fifth-best performer in the top flight of Belgian football.

As such, should the Whites’ Spanish sporting director be confident that Lang would be able to replicate this level of form in the Premier League after his potential switch to Leeds, it would very much appear as if the Dutchman would be a huge coup for just £21m.

And, with Raphinha looking to be an all but certain departure from Elland Road this summer, Jesse Marsch’s side will be in need of a new winger to replace the Brazilian’s attacking threat – with Lang looking to be something of an ideal candidate.

AND in other news: Orta could land his next £47m asset as Leeds eye 21 y/o with a “huge amount of talent”

Leeds United have reportedly now tabled a bid just shy of the £10m price tag for FC Salzburg star Rasmus Kristensen.

The Lowdown: Kristensen links

The Whites were first linked with a move for Kristensen earlier this week when Phil Hay revealed that the club have been following the right-back, described as a ‘goal threat’ by Salzburg boss Matthias Jaissle as he bagged ten goals in all competitions this season.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano picked up on the rumour regarding Leeds and the Denmark international, adding that an ‘opening bid’ was ready.

It now looks as if Andrea Radrizzani and the 49ers Enterprises have tabled that offer, with Hay previously stating that a £10m fee should be enough to secure Kristensen’s services.

The Latest: £9.9m?

Danish outlet Eksra Bladet provided an update regarding Leeds and Kristensen on Wednesday.

They claimed that the Whites have now made an offer of around DKK 87 million (roughly £9.9m), adding that talks are underway.

Reliable reporter Mike McGrath has since added that personal terms have been agreed upon and that a move is edging closer.

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The Verdict: Cheeky

It seems as if Leeds officials have tabled a cheeky offer just shy of the mooted £10m figure, but you’d like to think that an agreement will be reached, especially as Kristensen is expected to leave Austria this summer and the figures are so close together.

A possible obstacle though could be if Borussia Dortmund or Brentford firm up their reported interest in the 24-year-old with an offer of their own, something that could drag Leeds into a bidding war which then far exceeds the initial offer.

Hopefully, Kristensen will be keen to work under Jesse Marsch once again after the Leeds boss signed the right-back for Salzburg 2019, which could swing a transfer in the Whites’ favour.

In other news: Reliable journalist: Leeds and Orta now want to sign in-demand goalkeeper ahead of Tottenham. 

Rangers have rejected a bid from Galatasaray for Ibrox starlet Ianis Hagi, reports Sport.ro (via Rangers News).

The Lowdown: January interest

According to Sport.ro, the Turkish giants previously had a bid dismissed by the Gers for the 23-year-old ahead of the January window late last year. Jose Mourinho was also reportedly interested in bringing the Romania international to Roma.

However, a knee injury towards the end of the winter window sidelined Hagi for the remainder of the season, rendering him out of action for Rangers’ sensational Europa League campaign.

Former manager Steven Gerrard had hailed the midfielder for a “brilliant” performance in Rangers’ 1-0 win in the Europa League play-offs ahead of the season, so the player’s absence was as a huge blow for the Glasgow side.

The Latest: New bid, GvB wants to keep him

According to a fresh report by Sport.ro relayed by Rangers News, Galatasaray are not giving up their long-term interest in Hagi, and it is reported that the Turkish outfit have had a £6m bid rejected by the Blues for the player.

It is claimed that Gers boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst views the midfielder as an important player for his side next season.

The Verdict: Could be further interest?

With the report also suggesting that Roma were keen to make a move for the 23-year-old before he sustained his serious knee injury, it would not be surprising to see the UEFA Conference League winners come back in for the Rangers man, given that he will be back playing soon.

Furthermore, with Hagi being a Galatasaray fan, this could complicate the situation. He was also born in Istanbul and his father even played for the giant club.

Therefore, we feel further interest in Hagi could yet lead to a transfer away from the Glasgow club this summer despite GvB’s desire for him to stay.

In other news: Rangers: Cedric Itten on brink of Ibrox exit