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Italian source Noi Biancocelesti has now shared an interesting transfer update involving Tottenham Hotspur and Lazio star Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.

The Lowdown: Conte wants him…

Spurs boss Antonio Conte, according to recent reports, is a really big fan of the Serbian international with links to the north Londoners starting to emerge in April.

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Regional news outlet La Lazio Siamo Noi claimed last month that the Lilywhites ‘could really make an attempt’ to sign Milinkovic-Savic in the summer window – but much will depend on their ability to qualify for the Champions League.

Both Conte and transfer chief Fabio Paratici are allegedly ‘crazy’ for the midfielder who is attracting serious demand.

The Latest: Milinkovic-Savic update emerges…

As per Noi Biancocelesti, an update has emerged with Spurs still firmly in the mix.

They say a ‘real auction has been launched’ for Milinkovic-Savic as Manchester United attempt to move, with The Red Devils even readying a £68 million bid which ‘would satisfy’ Lazio president Claudio Lotito.

However, Lotito is stalling due to more potential offers and interest from Tottenham who ‘would like to bring’ the 27-year-old to Hotspur Way – backing Conte with his signing.

The Italian is said to ‘dote’ on Serie A’s midfield machine and ‘knows him very well’.

The Verdict: Ambitious move…

Chairman Daniel Levy will have to sanction a big money bid to make this potentially ambitious Spurs move happen and one which would almost certainly break their transfer record.

The marquee Lazio ace would be a stellar addition though and one which would almost certainly appease Conte amid his own links to Paris-Saint Germain.

Called ‘extraordinary’ by AC Milan legend and Parma sporting director Demetrio Albertini, Milinkovic-Savic stands out as Maurizio Sarri’s most crucial player going by average match rating per 90 this season (WhoScored).

He’s also played more minutes than any Lazio player domestically, making the most tackles per match out of all of them in that time (WhoScored).

Milinkovic-Savic has also racked up an incredible ten goals and 11 assists going forward in the league, coming as a real midfield all-rounder who can seemingly do it all.

There is little wonder he will command a huge summer fee and Spurs will need to pull out all the stops to beat United to his Premier League signing.

In other news: Tottenham expected to move for ‘phenomenal’ £101m star after Conte request, find out more here.

Former Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp was eulogising about Reds winger Luis Diaz ahead of the 2-1 victory over Aston Villa on Tuesday. 

The lowdown: Pressure maintained

Jurgen Klopp’s side were able to keep the pressure on Manchester City at the top of the Premier League with a hard-fought three points against Steven Gerrard’s Villa.

Goals from Joel Matip and Sadio Mane were enough for the travelling Reds on a night marred by a hamstring injury to Fabinho that will need further assessment as confirmed by the club post-match.

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After Klopp made the decision to leave superstar forward Mohamed Salah on the bench from the outset, Diaz took the plaudits from pitch-side during the build-up…

The latest: Redknapp waxes lyrical

Speaking during Sky Sports’ pre-match coverage, ex-Anfield man Redknapp hailed the latest arrival on Merseyside.

The 48-year-old said: “He’s so skilful, it’s so great to watch. There’s absolutely no fear when he plays football.”

In truth, this was one of the 25-year-old Colombian’s quieter nights as the winger completed 2/4 dribbles, made one key pass and provided the assist for Mane’s match-winner. He registered just 36 touches – one fewer than goalkeeper Alisson – whilst earning a 6.90 rating before being replaced on 72 minutes (Sofascore).

The lowdown: Sensational impact

Signed for an initial £37million during the January transfer window (Sky Sports), few could’ve predicted the instant influence Diaz would have on Klopp’s plans, and it’s little surprise the likes of club legend Robbie Fowler have called him ‘wonderful’.

Diaz already has nine direct goal contributions in 22 appearances for Liverpool and has been nothing short of a revelation for the Reds, giving the entire season a whole new outlook following his arrival.

Overall, the former FC Porto man has completed 2.3 successful dribbles on average per game, highlighting Redknapp’s point as Klopp unleashes another type of attacking weapon.

Already a trophy winner with the Carabao Cup success against Chelsea under his belt, Diaz could add an FA Cup and UEFA Champions League medal in the coming weeks to make the dazzling attacker one of the most decorated players in the club’s recent history just months after his move.

In other news, Liverpool have been boosted by a fresh transfer update. Read more here.

Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cooper is set for a disaster if Brennan Johnson departs the club in the summer with several Premier League clubs interested.

What’s the latest?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Dean Jones has stated that Leeds United are “in a great position” to sign Johnson ahead of next season.

They are among several clubs interested with Brentford also keen according to The Daily Mail.

In full, Jones stated: “They should make him their number one target, 100%.

“They are in a great position to sign Brennan Johnson if they do stay up and Forest don’t manage to get promoted.”

He’s “destined for the top”

This is worrying news for Forest who hoped they would be able to keep hold of the star player for a little longer, especially if they managed to secure promotion to the Premier League.

However, Leeds are involved in a battle of their own as they are currently fighting for survival in the top flight. If they do go down it would be hard to see why Johnson would move to Elland Road.

Many journalists and ex-players have been full of praise for the 20-year-old who has had a stand out season. Ex-Forest striker Glen Murray described him “as a cut above the rest” saying that he is “destined for the top.”

The Wales international has made 46 appearances in the Championship for Forest this season, in that time he has scored 16 goals and assisted nine which has been crucial to their promotion push. He also makes on average an impressive 1.3 key passes per game.

As their top scorer and joint top provider it’s clear that Johnson is the best player at the club and if they do go up then keeping hold of him will be a key to how successful they are next season.

Forest were subject to a £15m bid from Brentford in January for the Welshman which was turned down. So if a club is to secure his signature they will have to offer a decent fee.

Cooper has transformed Forest since his arrival and as a result they are closing in on a return to the Premier League for the first time this century.

They have to get up through the play-offs now though, after finishing 4th in the Championship. If they manage to win the semi final and claim victory in the Wembley showpiece then we think Johnson will stay.

A season in the Premier League with Forest, where he is guaranteed to start, will give him the perfect platform to showcase his skills and potentially earn a move to an even bigger club than those he’s currently linked with.

But if they fail in their attempt to return to the top flight then it will be very difficult to persuade him to stay.

IN other news: NFFC must now swoop for “senastional” £29k-p/w machine, he’s even better than Worrall…

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has been dealt a triple injury setback ahead of Tuesday night’s pivotal Premier League clash against Southampton.

What’s the word?

Speaking in his pre-match press conference on Monday, the German revealed that the influential trio of Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Fabinho will all miss the trip to St Mary’s.

Having missed the FA Cup final triumph after limping off against Aston Villa last week, the latter will once again be absent against Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side, with Klopp revealing that while the Brazilian is “progressing very well”,  he will “not be involved” in the Reds’ penultimate match of the top-flight campaign.

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As for his fellow team-mates, the former Borussia Dortmund boss later hinted that Salah and Van Dijk won’t be involved against the Saints, although they could return for Sunday’s final day clash against Wolverhampton Wanderers. Klopp said of the duo: “Very positive, or no doubt, about the final. Pretty realistic about the Wolves game. But tomorrow [Tuesday], rather not.”

Salah was forced off just 33 minutes into Saturday’s Wembley showdown due to a groin injury, while Van Dijk was replaced prior to extra time with a knee complaint.

Huge blow for Liverpool

Despite the positive news that the three players will likely be involved this weekend or at least be ready for the following Saturday’s Champions League final against Real Madrid, their expected absence tonight will no doubt be a real cause of concern for the Reds boss and will leave him fuming with his luck.

The Merseysiders are currently still in the race to lift the Premier League title, although they are fully aware that anything other than victory would effectively hand the crown to reigning champions Manchester City.

With the Reds currently four points behind Pep Guardiola’s side with a game in hand, defeat at St Mary’s would see City crowned before the final day, while the league leaders’ superior goal difference also means that a draw on the south coast would effectively end the Anfield outfit’s charge for a second league triumph in three seasons.

With a win needed to keep themselves in contention, not being able to call upon the three aforementioned absentees will make tonight’s task more difficult, with the trio making up part of the club’s impressive spine.

Van Dijk has been integral to Klopp’s team conceding a joint-league low 24 goals so far this term, while Brazilian midfield star Fabinho has proven a reliable defensive screen, averaging 1.6 tackles and 1.4 interceptions per game and also chipping in with five league goals.

Arguably the biggest miss of all could be that of Salah, with the Egyptian genius currently leading the division in both goals (22) and assists (13), having plundered a staggering 155 goals and 63 assists in 252 Liverpool games in all competitions since his £34m move from Roma in 2017.

With Sky Sports pundits Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville having recently praised the club’s new-found strength in depth, tonight’s encounter will be an indicator of just how deep their resources are and whether or not they can cope without such leading figures.

In other news, “Met his agent…”: Sky Sports reporter drops big Liverpool update, Klopp will be fuming

Patrick Boyland has now dropped another injury boost before Everton before they play Crystal Palace at home in the Premier League tonight.

The Lowdown: Team news

Taking to Twitter, The Athletic journalist Boyland has shared that both Yerry Mina and Fabian Delph will miss the game through injury.

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However, he also shared that the likes of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Michael Keane should make the squad, alongside potentially Ben Godfrey.

The Latest: van de Beek return

On top of those players coming back, Boyland has shared that Donny van de Beek is ‘also ready to return’.

The Manchester United loanee has not played at Goodison Park since March, and will be eager to help the team get the three points needed in order to confirm their safety in the top flight.

The Verdict: Big boost

It is a big boost for the Merseyside club to have so many first-team players returning tonight, especially van de Beek.

The Netherlands international ranks highly among his teammates in terms of average tackles and passes per match in the division, while his 84.9% pass accuracy is the highest out of any Toffee to have played in five or more times this season (WhoScored).

Nonetheless, that extra creativity in midfield could be the key to unlocking the door against the Eagles, and so Frank Lampard will be hoping that van de Beek is fit enough to play from the start.

In other news, find out what injury update has this Blues journalist ‘gutted’ here!

Wolverhampton Wanderers have their sights set on a swoop for Vitoria Guimaraes’ young midfield duo, Andre Almeida and Guilherme Guedes.

What’s the word?

That is according to a report from Portuguese outlet Zero Zero who claims that negotiations are underway between Wolves and Vitoria SC.

As per the report, Wolves have long been tracking Almeida with the intention of moving for the 21-year-old in what will be a package deal, that would also see the 19-year-old known as Gui included.

It is said that a sum of between €10m (£8.5m) and €15m (£12.8m) could be enough to secure the duo in a package deal, with the fee expected to be closer to the latter mentioned €15m (£12.8m).

As of yet, no official agreement has been made.

Neves & Moutinho replacements?

With the uncertainty surrounding a certain Wolves duo in Ruben Neves and Joao Moutinho, the Vitoria SC youngsters could help to fill the rather large void that the pair would leave.

Though, with Moutinho at least in talks with Wolves over a possible extension, and only one of the Vitoria SC duo ready to go straight into the first team, it’s more like a mix and match package.

Almeida, having featured 31 times for the Liga Portugal side is a player who could quickly be integrated within the Old Gold first team.

His average of 2.4 successful dribbles per 90 are better than Moutinho and Neves’ averages combined – with the Wolves pair’s 0.5 and 0.9 respective averages totalling 1.4 successful dribbles per game. Almeida’s average is actually around that of a winger, with his average this season also beating the likes of Daniel Podence, who has registered 2.1.

It’s a severely underrated but important metric in the centre of midfield, with Lage’s side lacking a central option that can consistently progress the ball. Almeida would allow them to be more direct in the attacking transition and allow them to build on the measly total of 41 big chances created – a metric that ranks the side as the fourth worst for BCC.

Gui, having made just five appearances in Liga Portugal will need a longer amount of time to establish himself in Lage’s side, but with Lage already negotiating a deal for the Portuguese starlets, you can see where his head is at amidst his rebuild this summer.

In other news: Tim Spiers drops behind-scenes Wolves update that’ll worry supporters at Molineux 

Leeds United may be in a ‘difficult’ position now that Manchester City have set their sights on Kalvin Phillips. 

That’s according to sports journalist Pete O’Rourke, who was speaking to GiveMeSport.

The lowdown

The Daily Mail reported last week that Phillips tops the Premier League champions’ shortlist of potential replacements for Fernandinho, who is leaving the club. City are ‘expected to pursue’ the England midfielder, whom they believe to be a ‘perfect’ stylistic match for Pep Guardiola’s side, ‘in the coming weeks’.

Leeds told Phillips in December that they would like to open discussions over a new deal, but no agreement has been reached as of yet, with the 26-year-old’s contract due to expire in two years’ time.

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The latest

O’Rourke has said that Leeds will be doing all that they can to persuade Phillips to remain at Elland Road, but warned that the midfielder may find the opportunity of working with Guardiola hard ‘to turn down’.

In quotes published at 8pm on Sunday night, the journalist told GiveMeSport: “There are lots of reports suggesting Manchester City are monitoring his situation right now as well.

“That might make it difficult for Leeds to secure his long-term future because if you get the opportunity to move to Manchester City, it’s a pretty hard one to turn down, joining the champions and possibly working under Pep Guardiola.

“Leeds, I’m sure, will be pulling out all the stops now to try and convince Phillips to stay at the club.”

The verdict

The news of City’s interest in Phillips will come as no surprise to the Leeds hierarchy.

He was named England’s Player of the Year for 2021, edging Chelsea star Mason Mount and City’s own Raheem Sterling, while last December he finished second behind Raphinha when Whites fans voted for their player of the year, collecting 24% of the vote.

Phillips has also won some rave reviews, with Everton manager Frank Lampard dubbing him a ‘machine’ and Arsenal legend Tony Adams describing him as a ‘wall’ in front of the defence.

He could well be tempted to move to the Etihad Stadium after admitting in 2020 that he was ‘mesmerised’ by Guardiola and the football that his team plays.

Sadly for Leeds fans who adore Phillips, the prospect of him going to Manchester cannot be disregarded – although at least it’s to the blue half of the city rather than red.

In other news, another Leeds man could be about to leave.

Tottenham Hotspur have been offered the chance to bring Tomas Soucek to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Football Insider, who claim that, following a breakdown in his contract renewal talks with West Ham United, the central midfielder’s agents have now offered Tottenham – who had already been credited with an interest in the Czech Republic international this summer – the chance to sign the 27-year-old.

The report goes on to state that a source has revealed it is extremely likely the former Slavia Prague star secures a £40m move away from the London Stadium in the coming months, as Soucek’s relationship with David Moyes is believed to have completely deteriorated as a result of his failed talks over a new deal in east London.

Conte’s “dream” signing

Considering just how impressive Soucek has been for West Ham over the past two and a half years, the suggestion that Fabio Paratici now looks to have been given the green light to move for the midfielder is undoubtedly fantastic news for the sporting director and Antonio Conte alike.

Indeed, over his 38 Premier League appearances during his first full campaign in England, the £40.5m-rated talent proved just how deadly he can be in an attacking capacity, scoring ten goals, registering one assist and creating two big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 1.7 shots and making 0.5 key passes per game.

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The £67k-per-week midfielder also impressed in metrics more typical of his position, making an average of 1.6 interceptions, 2.1 tackles, 2.7 clearances, 31.9 passes and winning 9.6 duels – at a success rate of 54% – per fixture.

These returns saw the 27-year-old average a quite remarkable SofaScore match rating of 7.16, ranking him as Moyes’ second-best performer in the top flight of English football – playing a key role in West Ham securing a sixth-place finish in the league.

Furthermore, Declan Rice is clearly a huge fan of his central midfield partner, with the England international stating of Soucek last year:

“He is so good, I played against him against the Czech Republic for England and I knew then it was going to be a big game and now to have him next to me is when you realise how much he actually does: He runs, he is strong, he is athletic, good in the air and he gets in the box. He does everything you want a midfielder to do.

“When we played Manchester United he ran 17km in the game, 17k! All the lads are like ‘that’s not normal Tom!’ Honestly, he’s unbelievable, and this season it’s no doubt he’s going to be our player of the year and he absolutely deserves it, he’s been unbelievable.”

As such, considering the fact that one of Conte’s primary targets in the summer transfer window is reported to be the signing of an all-action centre mid, it would very much appear as if the player Moyes dubbed a “manager’s dream” would be exactly this for the Italian.

AND in other news: Bid rejected: Spurs trying to sign “unreal” £77m “monster”, he’d have a “huge impact”

The Rangers Review journalist Joshua Barrie has now revealed some worrying news from inside Ibrox involving Allan McGregor.

The Lowdown: Out of contract

McGregor is out of contract this summer, meaning that he will leave Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s team as a free agent if a new deal is not signed.

The veteran goalkeeper is 40 years of age now, and so there is a big decision to be made over whether he will be able to carry on into next season.

Despite his age, the Ibrox legend was a huge part of the manager’s plans this season, racking up over 4,000 minutes played in all competitions.

The Latest: No talks

Taking to Twitter, Barrie has shared the inside scoop – McGregor has not entered talks with the club with regards to a new deal and is not interested in a coaching role with the Teddy Bears either.

However, both parties are ‘open’ to discussions: “I understand that Allan McGregor has not entered talks with Rangers and isn’t currently interested in a coaching role. Both sides are open to discussions however none have taken place at this moment in time.”

The Verdict: Worrying

It certainly is worrying to hear that talks are not taking place over a new contract for McGregor.

He managed to keep 17 clean sheets and concede fewer than a goal a game last term, including three shutouts in the UEFA Europa League, helping them on their way to the final against Frankfurt (Transfermarkt).

In their European journey, the Scotsman saved a penalty, made no errors leading to goals and averaged 2.9 saves per match (SofaScore), showing that he is still capable of performing at the highest level.

We feel the Light Blues need to tie him down to a short-term extension as soon as possible.

In other news, find out who is now in advanced talks to leave Gers here!

Nottingham Forest are now looking to the transfer window to strengthen their team ahead of their new chapter in the Premier League, and a reliable journalist has given an update on the club’s pursuit of a potential target.

What’s the latest?

According to Sunday Mirror Sports news editor Darren Witcoop, Nottingham Forest are “leading the race” to sign Lucas Joao.

Witcoop tweeted:

“Reading resigned to losing star man Lucas Joao this summer. Nottingham Forest leading the race for the Portuguese striker. Watford also in the hunt for his signature.”

Keinan Davis upgrade

Nottingham Forest will be in the market for a striker this summer as loanee striker Keinan Davis will return to parent club Aston Villa, but they could be about to sign a massive upgrade on their current number nine as Joao has been much more prolific in front of goal.

Davis scored five goals and contributed two assists this season in 15 Championship appearances, but was only part of the team on a six-month loan.

Joao, however, has been a goal machine for Reading over the last three years scoring 38 times and contributing 14 assists in 83 appearances, with a goal contribution every 116 minutes, proving that he could add a real attacking threat for Forest in the striker role next season.

It’s not just his goals and assists that have caught the attention of Forest, as the 28-year-old has been a force in all areas of his game this season in the Championship winning 4.7 duels and proving successful in the large majority of his dribbles (63%), according to SofaScore.

The 6 foot 2 forward was hailed by former teammate Jose Semedo, who was full of praise for the striker after Joao’s international debut for Portugal.

Semedo told BBC Radio Sheffield: “He’s remarkable. I don’t remember any other player playing second division and getting picked by Portugal.”

“I love the way he plays. He combines power, pace, skill and he’s a big guy.”

With that being said, if Forest could secure the deal for the £5m striker it would be a major signing for the club ahead of next season in the Premier League and would give them more depth in terms of goal contributions.

AND in other news: In talks: NFFC plotting bid for “exceptional” £12.8m dynamo, he can be Cooper’s Tevez