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After weeks of speculation, it would appear that Liverpool have finally got their man, with Benfica striker Darwin Nunez seemingly on his way to Anfield in an £85m deal.

While not yet confirmed by the club, the move has been given the much-coveted green light from transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, with it only a matter of time before the Uruguayan is officially announced by the Merseyside outfit.

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Having seen title rivals Manchester City act clinically and decisively to secure the services of Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund, Jurgen Klopp’s side have moved to recruit an exciting young forward of their own, fending off Manchester United to snap up the promising Nunez.

After firing in 34 goals in all competitions for the Portuguese side last term, including two against the Reds in the Champions League quarter-final, the 22-year-old has caught the attention of those across Europe, with it seemingly having been a case of when and not if he would leave his current side.

There will be understandable excitement among the Liverpool support regarding the deal, although some may see it wise to not get carried away just yet, with hard to shake the memories of another young prospect who failed to deliver after trading Benfica for the Reds – Lazar Markovic.

Plucked from Portugal in 2014 on a fairly sizeable £20m deal, the Serbian was tipped for big things upon his arrival in England, even earning comparisons to the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi for his prodigious talent from former Chelsea interim Avram Grant.

With little first-team experience under his belt he was something of an unknown quantity to most, although soon became a well-known name – for all the wrong reasons.

In truth, he simply never managed to make his mark for the club, scoring just three goals and registering just one assist across all competitions in his four-and-a-half-year spell, albeit with much of that time spent out on loan.

He would eventually join Fulham in February 2019 on a free transfer, although was again almost anonymous for the west Londoners, with the 28-year-old now plying his trade for Partizan Belgrade having joined the Serbian outfit just a matter of months into his stint at Craven Cottage.

That horror transfer for the Reds – which came in the same summer as Mario Balotelli’s infamous arrival and Luis Suarez’s long-awaited exit – could prove a warning sign for the impending Nunez arrival, with Markovic showing how a lack of experience, a big fee and a change of leagues can prove problematic.

Of course, the youngster has enjoyed a remarkable breakthrough campaign at the top level, although does one standout season warrant such a hefty fee?

While City are gaining an almost guaranteed supply of goals in Haaland – the Norwegian netting 86 goals in 89 games for Dortmund- Nunez is far more of a gamble and one that could well come back to bite them.

Liverpool have rarely got it wrong in the transfer window of late, although this latest deal may prove to be an anomaly.

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

Everton owner Farhad Moshiri will be aiming to avoid a repeat of last season in which the club just avoided relegation by the skin of their teeth with a win over Crystal Palace on the penultimate day of the campaign.

It wasn’t looking rosy for Frank Lampard, who only took charge in January following the sacking of Rafa Benitez and he will need to get his summer recruitment spot on if he aims to still be in a job this time next year.

There have been reports linking the club with Tottenham Hotspur player Steven Bergwijn, although Ajax are also keen on the £27m Dutchman who recently admitted that he wanted to leave Spurs ahead of the summer transfer window.

Lampard should be acting quickly to sign the left-winger, who can also play across the frontline as he could add a different dimension to their struggling attack.

Only Richarlison (11) hit double figures for goals last season at the club, and their attacking woes have been well documented.

Bergwijn could become Everton’s very own Sadio mane, with the two players alike on FBref’s similar player model and it could be a match made in heaven.

Both players generate over three shot-creating actions per match (3.19 for Bergwijn and 3.10 for Mane) while the Dutchman has the greater shots on target percentage (52.6%) compared to the Liverpool winger (37.4%), although Mane has played more matches this season.

Mane appears to be the better goalscoring threat, having netted 16 goals in the Premier League this season, but Bergwijn has only played in 25 matches, with just four starts. During this time he has scored three goals and registered one assist, just one behind Mane.

If the 24-year-old, who has been dubbed “incredible” in the past by Jose Mourinho, was a regular fixture in his team like Mane, then his goalscoring abilities might have yielded better results.

The potential is clearly there, and he has shone on international duty for the Netherlands, scoring five goals in 18 appearances, including the opener against Belgium in the recent Nations League clash.

It could well be a shrewd signing by Lampard, and one that will give the supporters a big lift.

AND in other news, “No chance…”: Journo drops big Everton transfer twist that’ll disappoint supporters…

According to reliable journalist Dan Kilpatrick of The Evening Standard, Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte could see a ‘cult status’ player leave as he eyes a double summer swoop.

The Lowdown: Spurs summer reshuffle…

A major revamp at The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has been mooted ahead of Conte’s first full Premier League season in charge of the Lilywhites.

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After a summit with transfer chief Fabio Paratici in Italy on Friday, it is believed that a long list of transfer targets has now been drawn up, coming after Tottenham also announced a £150 million capital increase just before the summer window.

These are promising and exciting times to be a Spurs supporter, but according to Kilpatrick, the north Londoners still need to balance the books with outgoings.

Even in-form players aren’t safe from the possible axe as he shares who could leave Hotspur Way.

The Latest: Tottenham open to Emerson offers…

Kilpatrick, writing for The Standard, claims both Matt Doherty and Emerson Royal, despite the pair being Conte’s ‘biggest success stories’ and ‘achieving almost cult status’ by the end of 2021/2022, could be sold by Spurs.

He says Tottenham ‘will listen to offers for both’, coming as the Lilywhites head coach eyes a new full-back signing on each flank as his ‘top priority’.

Indeed, Conte would ‘ideally’ like a new addition on either side as he eyes a double-summer swoop.

The Verdict: Right call?

While Doherty’s form before his injury will raise question marks over the Irishman’s possible sale, we believe Emerson’s potential exit is all the more surprising.

Still just 23-years-old, he finished the season strongly as one of Tottenham’s top 10 performers going by average match rating – all while making the second-most tackles per 90 behind star defender Cristian Romero (WhoScored).

Emerson also improved going forward with the third-highest amount of crosses from out-wide out of Conte’s squad, backing pundit Kevin Campbell’s early-season theory that the Brazilian is a ‘perfect’ full-back (Football Insider).

That being said, if Conte has set his sights on upgrading the full-back areas, Tottenham should perhaps let him take the reins given he somehow guided them to Champions League football.

In other news: Conte could see ‘one of the best in the world’ join Tottenham after behind-scenes demand, find out more here.

Journalist Xavi Jorquera Márquez of Cadena SER is adamant that Tottenham Hotspur have reached an ‘agreement’ over the permanent departure of midfielder Giovani Lo Celso.

The Lowdown: Lo Celso on the way?

As backed by reliable reporter Fabrizio Romano, Villarreal are interested in re-signing the Argentine on a permanent deal from the Premier League club after his brilliant spell on loan at the Estadio de la Cerámica.

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Lo Celso spent the second half of 2021/2022 on a temporary spell in La Liga under former Arsenal boss Unai Emery, thriving in their Champions League campaign in particular. Indeed, the South American averaged their second-most key passes and completed dribbles per 90 over six starts on their run to the semi-finals before being knocked out by Liverpool (WhoScored).

As such, the La Liga side are keen to snap him up indefinitely, with Marquez adamant that they have already agreed a fee with Tottenham.

The Latest: Marquez makes Lo Celso claim…

The reporter has said that, despite claims to the contrary, an ‘agreement’ between Spurs and Villarreal ‘exists’, with the fee ‘already’ discussed and specified.

He explained (via Twitter, translated from Spanish):

“Despite some, I still keep the same info.

The agreement between Villarreal and Tottenham exists and the amount has already been discussed and specified.

And I respect and always will respect the information of other journalists. that will never fail.”

The Verdict: Interesting…

Reiterating Marquez’s previous claim, Spurs have apparently agreed a deal in principle to sell Lo Celso for around €15m-€18m (£13m-£15m) plus bonuses.

Villarreal have also allegedly decided on the date of the announcement ‘if all goes well’, and as the Lilywhites seek to back Conte in the transfer market summer, it is also imperative that they make money through sales.

Paratici must balance the books, and managing to offload Lo Celso this early would come as a boost. This development may well be one to keep an eye upon over the coming weeks.

In other news: Paratici eyeing Spurs move for ‘sensational’ £75m man who Pep called ‘quality’…find out more here.

Sky Sports pundit Gabby Agbonlahor has backed Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan to sign a new deal with the club, amid reports that he could leave the Etihad Stadium.

The Lowdown: Gundogan’s title-winning heroics

The 31-year-old joined the recently-crowned Premier League champions from Borussia Dortmund in 2016 for a reported fee of around £20m, and in the intervening six years, he has made 253 appearances for the Sky Blues across all competitions.

Despite having just over 12 months remaining on his current contract with Pep Guardiola’s side, it was reported by the Daily Mail earlier this month that the Germany international is set to depart City this summer.

However, Gundogan was introduced from the bench in the 68th minute to score two goals within the space of five minutes during City’s 3-2 victory over Aston Villa on the last day of the Premier League season, which ultimately secured the top-flight title and may have added a fresh twist in the contract tale.

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The Latest: Agbonlahor backs Gundogan to stay

When asked by Football Insider whether or not he thinks Gundogan will now leave the club after his recent heroics, Agbonlahor replied: “I don’t think so, no.

“There was the same sort of talks about Bernardo Silva last summer. After what he’s done, especially in that last game, I cannot see Gundogan going.

“Next season you need more players. Man City are losing Fernandinho already so they won’t want to lose another midfielder.

“I don’t believe that. Gundogan will be there and sign a new contract.”

The Verdict: Hugely valuable player

Even though the 56-cap Germany international isn’t getting any younger, you can’t deny the difference he makes to this City side, just as Sunday afternoon proved.

Gundogan has scored 49 goals and provided 33 assists since arriving at City (as per Transfermarkt), and despite only making 20 Premier League starts this season, he has shown that he can still make a massive impact off the bench.

There is no greater evidence of that than last Sunday, for if it weren’t for him, it would have been Liverpool lifting thePremier League trophy last weekend.

Guardiola has already admitted that he doesn’t want to lose the £140k-per-week midfielder, and hopefully we will continue to see the 31-year-old in a City shirt at the beginning of the 2022/23 campaign.

In other news… a BBC pundit has dropped this huge Man City transfer claim

BBC pundit Carlton Palmer has admitted that he remains confident that Sheffield Wednesday captain Barry Bannan will stay at the club next season.

The Lowdown: Missing out on promotion

Despite successfully securing a place in the top six in League One, Darren Moore’s side suffered a heart-breaking 2-1 aggregate defeat at the hands of Sunderland in the play-off semi-final, meaning that they will be playing in the third tier of English football for at least another campaign.

Since the game, this has caused plenty of speculation surrounding the 31-year-old’s future, who might understandably have aspirations to play at a higher level than the club have been resigned to for next term.

The Latest: Palmer makes Bannan transfer claim

Palmer, however, believes that no potential suitor interested would be willing to pay Bannan’s huge wage packet, so therefore thinks he will stay put at Hillsborough. He told Football League World:

“Well, let’s not kid ourselves. Right. Barry. I know Barry, he’s a lovely kid.

“He’s a nice bloke. He’s 100% Sheffield Wednesday, he’s brilliant for Sheffield Wednesday.

“But let’s not kid ourselves, who is going to pay him £27k a week. He isn’t going anywhere.

“So him saying, ‘Oh, I’m going to commit to staying at Sheffield Wednesday.’ Yes, other clubs will be interested in him, but who’s going to pay him 27 grand a week.

“With all due respect, he’s better than the league. He’s miles better. He’s been Sheffield Wednesday’s best performer.

“He’s been brilliant since he came to Sheffield Wednesday, but he’s playing in League one, right. And he’s earning that amount of money. He’s not going anywhere.”

The Verdict: Second time lucky?

It’s no secret that the midfielder was one of the main reasons why the Owls managed to reach the playoffs, having scored nine goals and provided 12 assists in League One this season, as per Transfermarkt.

Once hailed an “incredible” player by Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, Bannan isn’t getting any younger, and with his age, it’s hard to imagine that any club would want to take him on in any of the divisions above, so his best option would be to remain with Wednesday in the hope that they can earn promotion at the second time of asking.

If the maestro can reach the performance levels that he has over this last year, then that should give his side a strong fighting chance to compete at the top end of the table again next season.

Wolverhampton Wanderers look as though they may face a summer battle to keep hold of their highly rated midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White.

That is according to a report from Yorkshire Live, who interviewed 22-year-old.

What’s the word?

When pushed on his Wolves future, the Old Gold loanee said: “I have had ongoing conversations throughout the season. I was going to go back in January but wanted to stay here. Anything is possible. Whether up or down I absolutely love this place.”

With Gibbs-White named as Sheffield United’s player of the season, the Yorkshire club clearly reciprocate those feeling towards the starlet, something which is bound to worry the Wolves faithful.

Lage surely gutted

With this latest admission coming from the mouth of Gibbs-White, Wolves manager Bruno Lage will surely have his reservations as to whether he will have the luxury of including the 22-year-old in his plans for next season.

The versatile midfielder, who been described as a “breath of fresh air” by Sheffield United team-mate Chris Basham, has had an unbelievable campaign in the Championship and has played in advanced positions for the Blades, having found his goalscoring touch whilst forming a brilliant partnership with Iliman Ndiaye along the way.

On his relationship with the former Boreham Wood talent, Gibbs-White said: “When I first came here we clicked straight away with the way we played in training. All the boys hate it when we are on the same 5-a-side team. When we are on the pitch I just know where he is going to be you’re on the same wavelength he enjoys football and plays with a smile on his face he’s creative and he’s like me, so I have seen that in him straight away.”

In the Championship, Gibbs-White has scored the same amount of goals (11) as Wolves duo Raul Jimenez and Hwang Hee-chan combined in the Premier League – a real statement from the England under-21 international, who has registered a total of 20 goal contributions in 35 domestic appearances.

He could offer serious potency to the Wolves attack next season and could even play as a centre-forward for the Old Gold, having struck four goals and two assists in the six games that he functioned as a striker for Sheffield United this season.

Therefore, if the 22-year-old is offered a permanent deal by the Blades and if he accepts it, Lage could be left gutted at the prospect of seeing the talented and prolific youngster slip through the Molineux net.

In other news – Mendes links: Wolves now plot bid for “exciting” 20y/o wonderkid, Lage will love him 

Sunderland are interested in signing Jobe Bellingham, who is the younger brother of Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham.

That is according to a report from the Daily Mail, who claims that the Black Cats are willing to “explore an ambitious” move for the 16-year-old.

As claimed here on Football FanCast yesterday, it is claimed that Kristian Speakman has a close relationship with the Bellingham brothers’ parents and having functioned as Birmingham City’s academy manager, is said to have played a key role in the youngster’s development.

Jobe’s influence

If Sunderland are able to pull of a summer coup for the £450k-rated starlet, it will be a real signal of intent and could present Black Cats boss Alex Neil with a youthful, energetic option in attack.

The signing would also potentially give the 40-year-old his new Alex Pritchard, who has been vital in their quest for promotion this term, racking up seven assists in 38 games and scoring four goals.

Given the example that Dortmund star Jude has set, his brother could certainly be on track to better Pritchard’s total this season, but at this early stage of his career, needs assurances over regular minutes.

Despite featuring twice for the Blues in the Championship this season, Jobe has played the majority of his football in the Premier League 2, where he has provided one assist in 13 games. However, having featured in the U18 Premier League on nine occasions, he has scored five goals from an attacking midfield position.

Whilst his potential is clearly there, the surroundings, along with regular minutes, are the most important aspects surrounding Bellingham’s development at the tender age of 16.

His arrival at Sunderland could be both integral to his career and further down the line, even detrimental to Pritchard, who operates in the same position as the youngster.

The biggest factor will surely be dependent on the level of football that Sunderland are playing come next season.

In other news: Craig Hope: Speakman plotting “ambitious” SAFC swoop for gem, it’ll delight Neil

West Ham responded to their Europa League disappointment on Thursday evening against Eintracht Frankfurt by defeating Norwich 4-0 which boosts their top seven ambitions and a return to European competition next season.

A double from Said Benrahma and further efforts by Michail Antonio and Manuel Lanzini eased the Hammers to another three points, although there were a few injury scares during the match.

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Both Antonio and Benrahma had to come off during the contest and there were initial fears of their involvement in the next few Premier League matches.

David Moyes reveals injury update

Moyes spoke after the routine victory and revealed some good news that will much give the supporters a boost.

“Mick’s got a bit of a knock on his hip. Dawson took one in the calf, and Saïd’s could have been his ankle – I’ve not had the chance to see it yet,” said Moyes

“So hopefully they’ll all be okay. I don’t think they looked that serious.”

With the news that nothing look too serious on the injury front, it could be massive as Moyes and his side currently sit just three points behind Manchester United in sixth place, with a game in hand, so they have an excellent chance to secure Europa League football again.

Benrahma has arguably been one of the side’s key performers this season, scoring 11 goals and producing a further six assists in all competitions.

The winger has an average score of 6.87 on WhoScored which ranks him fifth in the West Ham squad, proving his importance to the team.

His performance against already relegate Norwich drew him praise from the Athletic’s West Ham correspondent Roshane Thomas, who declared that the Algerian winger has “definitely improved this season” when talking about his goal involvement stats.

The 26-year-old only bagged three times last season and this rapid increase in offensive productivity this campaign will have done his confidence the world of good.

Hopefully, he can feature in the last two matches of the season and propel West Ham to sixth place.

AND in other news, Imagine him & Said: West Ham set to move for 22 y/o “hurricane”, he won’t cost a penny…

A major claim has emerged on Premier League side Newcastle United and their interest in French striker Hugo Ekitike…

What’s the talk?

Northern Echo journalist Scott Wilson has revealed that the club will step up their pursuit of the 19-year-old in the summer as they attempt to bolster their attacking options. Stade Reims are prepared to cash in on the young talent and PIF are now looking to take advantage of the situation.

The reporter Tweeted: “NUFC will make a new move for Hugo Ekitike this summer – with Reims ready to sell the teenager. January’s deadline-day events won’t stop Newcastle going back in for Ligue 1 striker…”

This comes after Pete O’Rourke recently claimed that the Toon are set to be the ‘favourites’ to land him in the upcoming window after missing out on his signature in January.

Supporters will be delighted

The Magpies supporters will surely be delighted with this latest update as it means that the club will be making a bid/attempting to sign Ekitike in the coming months. Couple this with O’Rourke’s claim and you are left with the exciting prospect of the attacker landing at St. James’ Park ahead of next season.

After PIF failed to get a deal over the line on deadline day, as Wilson hinted at, the fans will be buzzing with their willingness to go back in for him. It shows that the owners do not want to settle for second best and are determined to get their number one target through the door to improve Eddie Howe’s options at the top end of the pitch.

This is an impressive mentality and shows that the club will not be easily deterred when chasing targets, lessening the chances of them moving further down their list of potential signings and bringing in someone who may not be as good as they hoped.

The supporters will, therefore, be pleased with the club’s approach and they will be delighted if it ends up working in the pursuit of Ekitike. In Ligue 1 this season, he has scored nine goals and provided two assists in just 14 starts for Reims, which shows that he has the quality to score goals on a consistent basis at the top level.

He also has the potential to improve further and develop over time. At the age of 19, he is a player Howe can work with in the years to come and supporters will surely be excited to see such a promising, young, gem join the club.

AND in other news, “NUFC want..”: Mark Douglas drops big Darsley Park transfer claim that’ll delight Howe…