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Chelsea have started to explore a deal to sign Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia this summer, according to reports.

Is Romeo Lavia leaving Southampton?

The Belgium international only arrived at the St. Mary’s Stadium from Premier League rivals Manchester City, who do have a buy-back clause available, last summer, but after establishing himself as Ruben Selles’ second top-performing defensive player last season, has caught the eye of Mauricio Pochettino.

Speaking to GiveMeSport, journalist Rudy Galetti revealed that the Blues have the 19-year-old at the “top of their list” of central targets and have “already started” talks regarding a potential move, and it’s fair to say that reinforcements will be needed in the months ahead.

The Stamford Bridge outfit have N’Golo Kante and Denis Zakaria both out of contract this summer whilst Mateo Kovacic has reportedly entered negotiations over joining Pep Guardiola’s side so fresh faces will be required which is where the south coast starlet comes in.

Are Chelsea signing Lavia?

According to Football Insider, Chelsea, and by extension owner Todd Boehly, have “sounded out the possibility” of a deal for Lavia ahead of the 2023/24 term. The SW6 side have already “made some early moves” for Southampton’s midfielder, and it’s stated that Pochettino has “marked” the teenager as a player who he is a “huge fan” of. The £25k-per-week gem, who is preparing to leave, is also attracting interest from Liverpool, Man City and Arsenal.

Could Lavia be a good signing for Chelsea?

Chelsea will know that Lavia is still a very young player in the development stages of his career, but having been labelled a “diamond” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the defensive midfielder could be a fantastic signing for the long-term future at Stamford Bridge.

The Elite Project Group Ltd client ranks in the 96th percentile for blocks and recorded a total of 60 tackles throughout last season which was the third-highest number out of the squad on the south coast, as per FBRef.

Hailed as "perfect for Chelsea" by journalist Nick Emms, Lavia is sponsored by Adidas and also occasionally chips in with his team’s efforts at the opposite end of the pitch having provided one goal and the same number of assists during his debut campaign at Southampton.

Finally, Lavia would add versatility to the manager’s ranks with his ability to operate slightly higher up in central midfield alongside his natural role sitting just in front of the backline, and he could only excel even further under the guidance of Pochettino.

Tottenham Hotspur chiefs have discussed the possibility of hiring Sporting Lisbon manager Ruben Amorim amid Arne Slot’s rejection, according to reports.

Who could be the next Spurs manager?

It’s becoming a rather embarrassing search for Antonio Conte’s replacement, with the Italian departing two months ago and Spurs still yet to confirm his successor.

This is becoming quite similar to their long, drawn out attempts to hire Jose Mourinho’s replacement in 2021 – which took around 72 days to draw to a close.

Spurs went through a succession of candidates in that time, six in total according to ESPN, and Slot’s latest declaration of intent to remain at Feyenoord means Tottenham are still firmly on the look-out for a new manager this time round.

It’s now back to the drawing board for Spurs chairman Daniel Levy, who has been under-fire in recent months, and this latest debacle will only be heaping more pressure on the club chief.

Tottenham remain keen on a number of alternatives to Slot, with Spurs drawing up a shortlist which includes the likes of Champions League winner Luis Enrique and former Chelsea boss Graham Potter.

As per reporter Graeme Bailey, writing on Twitter, this is indeed the case and Sporting CP’s Amorim is among the names to have been discussed internally as an option.

The 38-year-old has amassed a reputation as one of Europe’s most promising young managers, making him an enticing option for Levy.

Who is Ruben Amorim?

Amorim has made history at Sporting, having previously ended their 19-year wait for a Primeira Liga title in 2021, with Man City boss Pep Guardiola saying this on the Portuguese in an interview with the media (via City Xtra):

Spurs journalist Jack Pitt-Brooke has also called him “the most exciting” young coache on the continent, yet it remains to be seen whether he will depart Sporting for the Premier League.

Everton have been given the green light to sign Manchester City left-back Oleksandr Zinchenko during the summer transfer window.

What’s the news?

That’s according to Fabrizio Romano, who tweeted: “Manchester City are prepared to let Oleksandr Zinchenko leave as they are targeting Marc Cucurella, with an official bid coming soon – decision was made in May. Zinchenko can be sold and Everton have his name in the list as one of the main targets. Other clubs also keen.”

The Toffees could hold the advantage in this deal as Frank Lampard is likely to play the Ukrainian further forward in a midfield role, with the 44-year-old looking to add a bit more creative input to his stagnating midfield.

Man City value the player at £30m according to 90min.

He can be Lampard’s Robertson

Everton escaped relegation by the skin of their teeth last season and Lampard will know a slow start in the upcoming campaign won’t be enough to please the Goodison faithful.

He inherited a squad from Rafa Benitez and this is the first full transfer window that he will have to be able to add some quality to his side, and with the imminent signing of James Tarkowski, it looks like an excellent start.

Being linked with the £22.5m-rated Zinchenko shows real ambition from Lampard and he may have to pay over his valuation to secure his services.

Having been dubbed “unique” in the past, his versatility will be a bonus for the manager, and he is similar to Liverpool’s Andy Robertson as per FBref.

Although both play at left-back on a regular basis, their attacking abilities are excellent, with both generating over three shot-creating actions per match (3.61 for Zinchenko and 3.37 for Robertson).

Both players passing was of a high standard last season, with Zincehnko (89.3% completed passes) and Robertson (81%) displaying their ability to start attacks and keep possession.

While Robertson loves to burst forward down the left-wing and deliver crosses (89 last season), Zinchenko wasn’t as proficient (28), but he did play fewer matches.

The two play the game in a similar fashion and with Lampard potentially moving the player into a midfield role next season, these stats could be even higher next year.

AND in other news, Moshiri plots Everton bid for “dangerous” £72k-p/w “real talent”, he’s another Anthony Gordon…

Aston Villa are already exploring the possibility of signing Luis Suarez on a free transfer, according to The Telegraph’s Jason Burt.

The Lowdown: Quick start

Villa chiefs haven’t wasted any time when it comes to new additions for Steven Gerrard ahead of his first full season in charge.

Philippe Coutinho is now a permanent Aston Villa player, while midfielder Boubacar Kamara will officially become one when his Marseille contract expires at the end of June after penning a five-year deal in the Midlands.

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Villa have also reached an agreement with Sevilla for centre-back Diego Carlos, and it looks as if Gerrard, who is currently in Paris for Liverpool’s Champions League final, now wants to raid La Liga for a third time with a move for former teammate Suarez.

The Latest: Suarez move?

Chief writer Burt shared an update on The Telegraph regarding Villa and Suarez on Friday morning. He revealed that the club are ‘exploring’ the possibility of signing Suarez, who is available on a free transfer after being released by Atletico Madrid.

The 35-year-old wants to play in one of Europe’s major leagues next season, however, his preference is reportedly to remain in Spain.

The Verdict: Get it done

Gerrard has just two senior strikers on the books in Ollie Watkins and Danny Ings, while youngster Cameron Archer is set to return to Bodymoor Heath for pre-season following an impressive loan spell out at Preston North End.

You could argue that another striker is needed, especially as Gerrard has found success using a 4-3-1-2 system with Coutinho in behind two strikers.

If he goes with that again, Villa will be just one centre-forward injury away from being down to the bare bones, so landing Suarez, who has scored 69 goals in 110 Premier League games, could be another shrewd move.

In other news: Blow for NSWE: Villa will now miss out on key target after talks; Gerrard was desperate for him

Sadio Mane has ‘waved goodbye’ to Liverpool fans but he won’t be allowed to leave on the cheap, journalist James Pearce has claimed.

The Lowdown: Mane on the move?

It could be the end of an era at Anfield in the coming weeks, with the Senegal forward reportedly deciding to leave the Reds over the summer transfer window.

The 30-year-old looks most likely to join Bayern Munich, following six memorable years in a Liverpool shirt which have seen him become a genuine club legend, netting 120 goals to rank 14th in the all-time scoring charts ahead of the likes of Ian St John, Kevin Keegan and John Barnes.

It is clear that the Reds will only allow Mane to leave for the right amount of money, though, following a fresh claim from a renowned source.

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The Latest: Pearce makes Mane observation

Taking to Twitter in sharing a corresponding article for The Athletic, Pearce noticed that Mane was seemingly saying his goodbyes during Sunday’s open top bus parade to mark the two trophies that Liverpool won this season.

However, the journalist added that only the right fee will see the Reds sanction the 30-year-old’s exit, tweeting:

“Sadio Mane waved goodbye on yesterday’s open-top bus parade – but it will take a lot more than €30m for Bayern to get their man. If Mane is granted his move #LFC will have some big boots to fill. He’s not a fading force, he’s a resurgent one.”

The Verdict: Big boots to fill

While it would be better to see Mane stay at Liverpool, given his resurgence this season – he ended the campaign with 23 goals in all competitions – it seems as though he has made up his mind.

The crucial thing now is to replace the Senegal superstar with someone who is both younger and capable of filling the sizeable void that he leaves in Jurgen Klopp’s attack.

Darwin Nunez is a player who has been linked with a move  to Anfield and he could be a superb option, having scored 32 times for Benfica in 2021/22. At 22, he would also be a long-term acquisition with immense potential, so he could be a worthy transfer target to pick up where Mane is seemingly set to leave off.

In other news, Liverpool are reportedly ‘willing’ to trigger one player’s release clause. Find out who it is here.

Leeds United remain firmly in the race for the signing of Aberdeen youngster Calvin Ramsay this summer, according to reports from Italy.

The Lowdown: Leeds linked with Ramsay

The Whites have been linked with a move for the 18-year-old following some impressive performances for the Scottish Premiership club.

The teenager made two league appearances in 2021/22 and seven in all competitions, and has been described as an ‘elite’ player by Pittodrie chairman Dave Cormack.

It appears as though Leeds continue to view the right-back as a long-term transfer target, with reports of their interest refusing to go away.

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The Latest: Leeds still interested in Ramsay

According to Italian outlet Tutto Bologna Web [via Sport Witness], the Whites remain in the conversation regarding Ramsay, but that also remains the case with Bologna and Liverpool.

However, it is suggested that Aberdeen could be looking to increase their asking price for the player amid the renewed interest of two Premier League clubs.

The report suggests that a heightened asking price could eliminate Bologna from the equation, coming as an undoubted advantage for Leeds.

The Verdict: Hugely exciting prospect

Ramsay looks like an exceptional prospect, and it would feel like a significant coup if he opts to join Leeds over Liverpool it would feel significant, given the Reds’ current standing in the European game.

The Whites need to be looking at long-term right-back replacements for Luke Ayling, who turns 31 later this year, and the Aberdeen youngster could fit the bill perfectly, slowly becoming a regular in years to come and suiting Jesse Marsch’s style of play with his attacking forays.

There would surely be more chance of him earning playing time at Elland Road than at Anfield, too, considering that Trent Alexander-Arnold is virtually unmovable in Jurgen Klopp’s starting XI and is still only 23 years old, therefore looking set to nail down the position for another few years yet.

Leeds also set a Premier League record for the most teenage debutants in a season (eight) in 2021/22, so there is a clear first-team pathway for Thorp Arch’s top talents.

In other news, a worrying Leeds transfer update has emerged. Read more here.

Football finance expert Kieran Maguire has claimed that Kyril Louis-Dreyfus could end a ‘toxic’ era at Sunderland if he buys out Stewart Donald and Charlie Methven.

The Lowdown: Sunderland takeover development

As per Football Insider, Louis-Dreyfus currently owns 41 percent of the Black Cats, which amounts to a controlling stake in the club.

However, The Sunderland Echo have recently reported that Louis-Dreyfus is looking to take full-control of the North East outfit.

Football Insider understands that Methven and Donald would part with their shares for £10.7m.

The Latest: Maguire reacts

Maguire believes that the day-to-day running of Sunderland would change drastically if Louis-Dreyfus were to take over.

Speaking with Football Insider, the Sky Sports football finance guru claimed:

“Decisions under this format would be made more smoothly.

“Methven and Donald are a toxic legacy of some of the worst years in the club’s history as far as fans are concerned.

“They had two years of parachute payments in League One and failed to get promoted. Fingers have to be pointed at Donald and Methven because it is ultimately their responsibility.

“With a majority stake, there can be more focus and the club can be run on a more streamlined basis.

“If he is to be constrained in terms of what he can invest because all shareholders have to agree on the level of spending, they are then acting liking an anchor.”

The Verdict: Needs to happen

With years of misery endured under the poor leadership of Donald and Methven, Sunderland needs a fresh take on its ownership.

If Louis-Dreyfus were to take full-control, this would spark a new era within the Black Cats, with a streamlined running of the club taking a priority as they finally bounce back to the second tier.

Therefore, if the possibility for a complete takeover is there, Sunderland fans will be urging Donald and Methven to accept the offer, happy at the thought of the pair’s departure.

In other news: Sunderland: James Hunter shares Carl Winchester injury news

Liverpool duo Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah will miss the Reds’ Premier League clash against Southampton tonight, reliable journalist Paul Joyce has claimed.

The Lowdown: Must-win game for Liverpool

Jurgen Klopp’s side make the trip to St Mary’s in the knowledge that defeat will officially spell the end of their title hopes.

Liverpool are four points behind Manchester City with a game in hand, so victory against Saints will take the title race to the final day of an incredible season. A draw would mathematically keep the race alive, but the Reds would then need to beat Wolves and hope City lose to Aston Villa with a seven-goal swing, which seems massively unlikely.

Both Van Dijk and Salah went off injured in Saturday’s FA Cup final triumph over Chelsea, and they have been big doubts leading up to tonight’s match.

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The Latest: Van Dijk and Salah to miss out

According to Joyce, who was reporting for The Times, the two Liverpool superstars will both miss out at St Mary’s, coming as an undoubted blow to the Reds’ hopes of getting a positive result.

The report states that Liverpool are looking to ‘protect their fitness’ ahead of the Champions League final clash with Real Madrid on May 28th, which at least suggests that the injuries to Salah and Van Dijk aren’t serious.

The Verdict: Huge task for Klopp’s men

It makes perfect sense for Klopp not to risk Van Dijk and Salah tonight, even though there must be a part of him tempted to throw them back in, given that there is still slight yet plausible hope of regaining the Premier League title.

It simply isn’t worth potentially losing them for Champions League final in Paris, though. If Liverpool drop points away to the Saints, it will just have to be one of those that the Reds accept and then move on.

The Premier League has always felt like the free hit out of the four competitions in recent weeks, given City’s lead, and it is now a case of battling through one more away game by any means necessary.

In other news, Liverpool have been linked with a move for a Premier League attacker. Find out who it is here.

Newcastle United return to action today as they travel away to face Manchester City at The Etihad in the Premier League.

The Magpies have won four of their last five games in the division and are in with a shot of finishing the season in the top half of the table.

Eddie Howe’s men lost their last outing, however, as they were beaten 1-0 by Liverpool at St. James’ Park. Naby Keita scored the only goal of the game as he found the back of the net shortly after Fabian Schar was caught by a challenge from James Milner.

How many changes will Howe make to the team from that loss? Here is our predicted XI…

Martin Dubravka; Javier Manquillo, Jamaal Lascelles, Dan Burn, Matt Targett; Joelinton, Bruno Guimaraes, Jonjo Shelvey; Miguel Almiron, Chris Wood, Allan Saint-Maximin.

We are predicting that he will make three alterations to the side, with Manquillo, Lascelles and Wood all coming into the XI.

Starting off at centre-back, Schar may miss out after the head coach confirmed on Friday that he had not trained during the week. Howe said: “We haven’t seen him this week. We hope he’ll be back to be available but he’s not trained yet. He got a knock on the top of his foot so he went for a scan after the Liverpool game because it was swollen. Fortunately, there was no fracture.”

Lascelles should come in for him at the heart of the defence. The Magpies skipper came on for him against Liverpool and started in his place against Norwich as he helped the team to a 3-0 win – winning 100% of his ground duels and making six clearances in the process – and this shows that he is a reliable option for the boss to call upon.

At right-back, Javier Manquillo, who Steve Bruce once described as “terrific”, may come in for Emil Krafth to round out the back four.

The Swedish defender, who Ian Wright previously said was “out of his depth”, recorded a dismal SofaScore rating of 6.2 against Liverpool, losing five of his nine duels and completing 63% of his passes – and Howe may opt to rest him to give the Spaniard a chance to impress.

Finally, we are predicting that Wood will come in at the top end of the pitch. FFC published an article explaining why the striker should come into the team and may replace Joe Willock – with Joelinton dropping back into central midfield.

AND in other news, Imagine him & Bruno: Howe must land NUFC swoop for £17.1m gem who “radiates calmness”…

Leeds United correspondent Phil Hay has revealed that forgotten left-back Laurens De Bock will leave Elland Road this summer.

The Lowdown: De Bock’s Leeds career

De Bock made the move to Yorkshire back in 2018 from Club Brugge in a deal worth £1.53m. Since then, the 29-year-old has made just seven appearances for the Whites, heading out on loan to four different clubs.

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The Belgian, on £15,000-a-week, is currently back in his native country with Zulte Waregem where he has been a regular as captain. His deal with Leeds is set to expire in the summer, and it looks as if he’ll finally leave the club for good.

The Latest: Hay’s claim

Hay contributed to a story for The Athletic on Tuesday, looking at free agents this summer across the Premier League.

When it came to Leeds, Hay said that many would have forgotten that De Bock was still under contract with the club, adding that he will ‘leave quietly at the end of the season’.

The Verdict: Finally

De Bock was never in the picture under Marcelo Bielsa, so it’s a shame the club failed to move him on for good in recent years. Doing that may have brought in a small fee, but he’ll now depart for nothing in the summer.

Left-back has been an area of the pitch where Leeds have struggled to improve in recent years, and De Bock is just another who failed to fit the bill at Elland Road and won’t be remembered in years to come.

Should the Whites go down, Jesse Marsch could be on the hunt for another new left-back, especially with Junior Firpo struggling in his first season and Stuart Dallas out for the foreseeable with a broken leg.

In other news: Leeds working on cheap deal for ‘outstanding’ 24 y/o; may replace ‘horrible’ flop.