Wolves In Talks To Sign ‘Dangerous’ £14m land £13m ace in "dangerous" upgrade

Wolverhampton Wanderers are reportedly interested in Sevilla forward Lucas Ocampos, as Julen Lopetegui aims to bolster his side on a budget this summer.

The Spaniard must address the Old Gold’s struggles in the final third of this transfer window after his side ended the season as the Premier League’s lowest scorers with limited creativity in attack.

With Ocampos linked, Molineux could see an injection of attacking prowess added to the ranks, at a price that would not damage the clubs’ finances.

As reported by The Guardian earlier this week, Wolves are reportedly ‘in talks’ to sign the 28-year-old winger from Sevilla, in a deal worth €15m (£13m).

Earlier this month, the Telegraph confirmed Lopetegui’s commitment to the Midlands side, adding that the club will ‘intend to pay’ around £8m-£15m for new recruits this summer to remain within Financial Fair Play (FFP) boundaries.

In Ocampos, the Spaniard could land himself a financially friendly asset as well as an experienced player that can add an abundance of threat on the flanks.

What could Lucas Ocampos offer to Wolves?

Hailed as “dangerous” by members of the media, the 28-year-old could provide a new outlet to the right flank at Molineux, following the departure of Adama Traore.

After a total of five years employed by Wolves, the Spaniard will leave as a free agent this summer, having marked himself as one of the Premier League’s most feared players to challenge 1v1.

Averaging 2.95 successful take-ons per 90 over the past year, the 27-year-old ranks in the top 7% of players in his position in Europe in this area, as per FBref, showing the presence Wolves will be without next term.

Despite possessing such a threatening skillset, the £46k-per-week attacker only registered 25 goals and assists in a total 157 appearances at Molineux, conveying that at a time of need his exploits on the flank came to little avail.

With just 31 goals in 38 games, individual expeditions won't cut it next season for Lopetegui, who requires a genuine menace in attack to break Wolves free of their goal-scoring woes.

As per Sofascore, Sevilla’s Ocampos averaged 1.6 shots per game in La Liga this season, as well as averaging 4.95 touches in the attacking penalty area per 90, significantly more than Traore who registered 3.37 per 90, via FBref.

Similarly to the Spaniard who received an average of 9.39 progressive passes per 90, the Argentine received 8.73 per 90, showing the positions he can create just as Traore has for Lopetegui’s side.

Most prominently for Wolves is the added threat on goal that the 28-year-old could bring, highlighted by his 0.35 xG (expected goals) per 90 in La Liga, incomparable to the club’s departing star who averaged just 0.08 xG, as per FBref.

Lopetegui could ease the Spaniard’s departure by signing Ocampos, who could prove to be an upgraded asset to the front line at Molineux.

Leeds Could Land Their Next Raphinha In £29-p/w Wizard

Leeds United are still without manager after falling from the Premier League this year, but that has not stopped rumours filtering through of the club's interest in Amad Diallo.

According to The Mirror, the Manchester United winger has emerged as an option for a loan move this summer with Wilfried Gnonto eyeing a departure from Elland Road after relegation from the Premier League.

The Championship outfit's soon-to-be-confirmed owners, the 49ers, will be targetting a swift return to the top-flight, and the Ivorian could hold the formula after a prolific loan spell with defeated Championship play-off semi-finalists Sunderland.

Signing for the Red Devils from Atalanta for a fee potentially rising to £37m in January 2021, the 20-year-old is certainly an unlikely candidate given the historic rivalry between the respective outfits but it could serve as a move to fit the interests of all parties.

How would Amad Diallo perform at Leeds?

The £29k-per-week winger has only made nine appearances for Manchester United since his arrival, scoring one goal and supplying one assist, and after an indifferent loan spell with Scottish giants Rangers, Diallo has found his feet in England's north east.

With Sunderland returning from the obscurity of the third tier last term, a stellar season is the only way to describe the job that Tony Mowbray did in mounting a promotion push, with the one-year deal for Diallo proving a masterstroke as the prodigious talent served as the offensive centrepiece.

Indeed, the three-cap gem scored 14 goals and supplied four assists from 43 matches across all competitions, including a goal against promoted Luton Town in the play-offs – his feats are even more impressive when noting that he blanked across his first eight matches in the Championship.

Earning an average Sofascore rating of 6.98 after complimenting his direct return with an 86% pass completion rate, averaging 1.8 shots and 1.1 key passes per game, Leeds would inject a "wizard" of a winger, as he has been called by journalist James Copley.

He could even emerge as Elland Road's next Raphinha, with the Brazilian "magician" – as he has been hailed by Dan James – departing the club for Barcelona for £55m last summer.

Sunderland forward Amad Diallo.

Like Diallo, Raphinha is an electric flanker with the capabilities to conjure up something out of nothing from the right wing, darting inside onto his favoured left foot to wreak havoc.

Indeed, for the Whites, he posted 17 goals and 12 assists across his two Premier League campaigns with the outfit, and given that he averaged 2.2 and 2.5 shots, and 2.1 and 1.9 key passes a game – as per WhoScored -across the two terms, it's clear that Diallo can match his presence in the second tier as Leeds target an instant return.

Perhaps their dynamic nature can be best compared via their dribble success. Both can beat an opponent with ease out wide, with Diallo registering 3.72 progressive carries per 90 in the last year to Raphinha's four per 90.

Blessed with trickery and speed to bamboozle any defender, such a signing would surely have fans at Elland Road standing to attention.

Arsenal: Gunners "Advancing" To Sign "Shining Star"

Arsenal supporters have been told to get “very excited” as they reportedly advance on a move to sign Southampton star Romeo Lavia this summer.

Who will Arsenal sign this summer?

The Gunners are aiming to seriously back manager Mikel Arteta in the transfer market this summer, so much so that they have already had two bids rejected for West Ham star Declan Rice.

One of those offers was a club record, and despite their approaches being snubbed, it is believed they’re preparing a third attempt to land the England international.

Meanwhile, it is reliably believed that Chelsea’s Kai Havertz is about to make the switch to Arsenal, with the north Londoners apparently sealing a £60 million deal (plus £5m in add-ons) for the forward.

Ajax defender Jurrien Timber is also being targeted by Arteta’s side amid reports of an offer for the 22-year-old Netherlands ace, but he isn’t the only starlet who could join Arsenal.

Southampton central midfielder Romeo Lavia.

According to reports in the last few days, Arsenal are advancing in talks to sign Lavia from Southampton, with some sources even claiming that personal terms are almost agreed.

Amid these claims, former Southampton FC and Bleacher Report journalist Sam Tighe has told supporters to get “very excited” about Lavia’s possible signing. Tighe claims the 19-year-old has been a “shining star” on the south coast, having watched him throughout the entirety of last season.

Taking to Twitter, he said:

What’s been said about Romeo Lavia?

The impressive teenager has once been likened to former Man City captain and mainstay Fernandinho, with Pep Guardiola holding him in very high esteem.

“I am really impressed with what Romeo has done and is doing,” said Guardiola to City’s official website.

“We had, and we have, an incredible opinion about him. We thought to keep him, but maybe he would not (get) enough minutes like he has in Southampton.

“(It’s a) good experience to go to the Premier League and play at this early age. So important.”

According to WhoScored, Lavia also averaged Southampton’s second-highest rate of tackles per 90 in the top flight last season, eclipsed only by Mohammed Salisu, whilst also amassing a higher pass accuracy than any other Saints player (86.4%).

Tottenham: Levy Praised After News Out Of Spurs

Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy has been praised for his work at Spurs after off-field news that he is become the highest-paid director in Premier League football.

How much does Daniel Levy earn?

As Lilywhites chairman, Levy ultimately oversees both on-field and off-field operations in N17, at least until they hire a new sporting director to replace Fabio Paratici.

Incoming Chief Football Officer Scott Munn is also due to start work in July, alongside new manager Ange Postecoglou, but until then, it appears Levy may be spearheading Tottenham's charge in the summer transfer market.

The Spurs chief, alongside these duties, is apparently attempting to seal a deal for Tottenham's stadium naming rights – with reports suggesting he is holding out for a record-breaking deal.

Levy, however, cuts a polarising figure among the Spurs fanbase. Indeed, supporters protested the leadership of him and club majority owners ENIC during a march back in April.

The board member has also been subject to criticism for not backing certain managers financially, with an off-field report by The Daily Mail recently revealing that he is England's highest-paid director on £3,265,000 per year.

Following this news, finance expert Kieran Maguire praised Levy for his efforts in some respects, claiming he is worth every penny of that lucrative wage packet.

If you separate Tottenham in terms of what happens on the pitch and what happens off of it – Daniel Levy probably is worth every penny that he earns,” said Maguire to Football Insider.“He has created a stadium that will at the very least be in the top two in terms of matchday income in the UK.They will be challenged for the top spot by Arsenal next season after they qualified for Europe.The ability to sign commercial arrangements is very good, and the wage control is absolutely excellent.However, a cynic would argue that not having to pay bonuses for winning trophies or qualifying for Europe would contribute to that low wage bill."

Who is Daniel Levy?

Graduating from Cambridge University in 1985 with a First Class Honours Degree in Economics and Land Economy, Levy has gone on to serve as Spurs chairman since December 2000.

He is also the longest-reigning chairman in the Premier League right now, alongside his role as Managing Director of the ENIC Group.

Levy also oversaw the recent appointment of former Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou, which marks the return of attacking football to N17.

"Ange brings a positive mentality and a fast, attacking style of play," said Levy.

He has a strong track record of developing players and an understanding of the importance of the link from the academy – everything that is important to our Club. We are excited to have Ange join us as we prepare for the season ahead."

Julia Roberts Sends Pep Guardiola Man City Message

Hollywood A-lister Julia Roberts has congratulated Manchester City and Pep Guardiola for winning the Champions League after he called her one of his biggest idols earlier in the season.

What happened between Pep Guardiola and Julia Roberts?

Back in March, the City manager told the press that he had three idols in his life in Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, and Julia Roberts.

However, Guardiola went on to say that he was left disappointed when she came to England and went to Old Trafford and not the Etihad.

He explained: “Julia Roberts years ago came to Manchester – not in the 90s when Sir Alex [Ferguson] was winning titles and titles and titles. She came in the period where we were better than United, in these four or five years, right?

“And she went to visit Man United. She didn't come to see us. That's why even if I win the Champions League it will not compare for the fact that Julia Roberts came to Manchester and didn't come to see us."

He joked: “Even if I win the Champions League it will not compare to this disappointment I had.”

Well, on the weekend, Man City finally did manage to go all the way in Europe's most prestigious football competition, with a 1-0 win against Inter Milan.

And it seems Roberts has taken notice of all this as she took to Instagram to post a message of support.

He wrote: "Congratulations @pepteam for leading your team to be UCL champions. #pep #soccermom"

Why did Pep Guardiola say he is a failure?

It was no doubt a brilliant day for all those involved with City as a single goal from Rodri was enough to seal the victory in Istanbul.

Not only did that give the Manchester outfit their first-ever Champions League trophy, it also sealed the treble, having already won the Premier League and the FA Cup during the season.

After managing all that, Guardiola won't have had many better weeks during his many fears as a top coach and this personal message from one of his idols would have been the sweetest of cherries on top.

Indeed, back when first talking about Roberts, he claimed: “I am a failure in the Champions League. If I win the Champions League three times in a row I will be a failure."

This was all because of Robert's past snub, but now he's won the trophy and been acknowledged by the Hollywood star, perhaps he can feel like more of a success.

Liverpool Could "Become Involved" For £70m "Machine Man"

Liverpool "could yet become involved" in the race to sign Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo, according to reliable journalist Sam Dean.

Is Moises Caicedo leaving Brighton?

The Ecuador international first arrived in the Premier League back in 2021 and has since gone on to become an integral member and regular feature of Roberto De Zerbi’s squad, starting 34 out of the 38 games in the top-flight last season, establishing himself as the top-performing defensive player at The Amex.

Back in January, Arsenal saw two bids for the 21-year-old rejected as he even penned an open letter on his social media channels expressing his desire to leave, as per Sky Sports, but despite wanting to embark on a new challenge, he then signed a new long-term contract keeping him at the club until 2027.

Speaking on his YouTube channel in February, Fabrizio Romano confirmed that the Reds and Chelsea were also following the Seagulls talisman but claimed that Jurgen Klopp hadn’t made a formal approach due to his top target at the time being Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham, but with that pursuit now over, they could have a change of heart over the south coast star.

Are Liverpool signing Caicedo?

Taking to Twitter, Dean revealed that Liverpool aren't yet fully ruled out of the running for Caicedo and could be tempted to try their luck should they feel his price tag is reasonable. He wrote:

"Brighton will demand significantly more than £70m for Moises Caicedo this summer. Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United have all shown interest — and Liverpool could yet become involved, depending on the eventual cost."

Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo.

Should FSG make a move for Caicedo?

Liverpool will already have a strong existing relationship with Brighton due to the deal for Alexis Mac Allister, and with him completing a switch to Anfield, FSG should definitely enquire to see if the Argentine’s former teammate could follow in his footsteps to Merseyside.

The World Cup participant is naturally a defensive midfielder which is proven by him recording a total of 100 tackles over the course of the last campaign, higher than any of his fellow peers, via FBRef, alongside averaging 1.5 interceptions per top-flight game, so he’s a real rock and protector of the backline.

Brighton’s “Machine Man”, as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, would also add wonderful versatility to the squad, so could well be worth his "astronomical" price tag of well over £70m. He has previously operated at right-back and slightly higher up in central midfield alongside his usual role in front of the defence, so should the opportunity to sign him arise, the board shouldn’t even have to think twice about wrapping this one up.

Chelsea Keen On Signing £67k-A-Week Goalkeeper

Chelsea remain interested in signing Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana during the summer transfer window, according to a fresh claim.

Do Chelsea want to sign a new goalkeeper?

There have been various issues at Stamford Bridge throughout this season, with so many players underperforming, not to mention three different managers being in charge. While a lack of attacking spark has been a major problem, defensive midfield additions are wanted, with personal terms agreed with target Manuel Ugarte, and an upgrade is also wanted in goal in the summer window.

Onana is a player who has been linked with a move to west London numerous times in recent months, as he continues to thrive for an Inter side who are preparing to face Manchester City in the Champions League final later this month. The £67,000-a-week 'keeper has started 24 Serie A games this season, as well as 12 in Europe, with four Man of the Match awards coming his way from WhoScored.

andre-onana-chelsea-transfer-pochettino-gossip-inter-milan-edouard-mendy-kepa

Could Onana join Chelsea this summer?

According to Calciomercato [via Sport Witness], Onana could join Chelsea this summer, with Inter happy for him to move on at the end of the season. The Italian giants are "aware of the fact" that the Blues are keen on acquiring his signature, with a "very high offer" potentially arriving in a "few weeks".

The 34-cap Cameroon international could be exactly what the Blues are looking for this summer, having performed at such a high level for an extended period now. He was part of the Ajax team that came so agonisingly close to reaching the Champions League final back in 2019, but at 27, he has now matured into a more formidable all-round stopper.

Onana, sponsored, by Adidas, was hailed as "excellent' by fellow 'keeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic during the 2022 World Cup, where he made one appearance for Cameroon, and he is someone who could provide more stability between the sticks at Chelsea, giving more confidence to the defence and ensuring that the Blues go up a gear under Mauricio Pochettino.

Without a top-quality goalkeeper, it is hard for any team to enjoy success – Petr Cech was so instrumental when he joined the Blues, for example – and Onana could immediately make the west Londoners more of a force, simply by being a more consistent performer than Kepa Arrizabalaga and Mendy.

Rodon could now stay at Tottenham

Tottenham Hotspur insider John Wenham has said that he believes defender Joe Rodon does now have a future at the club after a ‘telling’ development in recent weeks.

The Lowdown: Expected to leave

A Lilywhites source told Football Insider just last month that the 24-year-old had been informed by the club that he was free to leave this summer. The Welshman was also reportedly keen on a move away from north London back in January following interest from the likes of Premier League rivals Newcastle and Brighton.

However, the centre-back has been brought on as a substitution in Spurs’ last two games after previously failing to make any top-flight appearances under Antonio Conte, signalling that his luck might just be about to change.

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The Latest: Twist in the tale

Wenham claimed that even though these outings have only amounted to nine minutes of action, it is a hugely positive development for Rodon and one that could mean Antonio Conte now wants to include him in his plans for next season.

He told Football Insider: “I think it is really telling that Conte has brought Rodon on in his last two games.

“He did not have to do that, make no mistake about it. I said a few weeks ago that maybe there was a way back for him.

“Obviously he hadn’t played at all under Conte so it was clear to see where he is in the pecking order.

“I think him coming on in these games has been Conte telling him that he might have a future here.

“He definitely wants Rodon to feel a part of this squad because, as I day, he did not need to bring him on in either of those games.”

The Verdict: Rodon’s pre-season chance

Despite not being handed hardly any game time at Spurs, Rodon has become an integral part of Robert Page’s Wales international squad, where he’s been capped 24 times since making his debut three years ago and drawn praise as ‘flawless’ and ‘special’ from journalist Ian Mitchelmore.

The 5 foot 11 youngster has been in great form when performing for his country on the world stage, averaging an outstanding 6.3 clearances, 1.3 interceptions, and 1.3 blocks per game at Euro 2020, via WhoScored, showing his defensive capabilities are more than passable.

If Conte does view Rodon as part of his long-term vision at Tottenham, he should maybe start giving him more of a chance to prove himself, with pre-season being the perfect opportunity for the talented prospect to show just what he’s capable of ahead of the start of the new campaign.

In other news… a BBC pundit has hinted at Conte’s number one ‘underlying problem’ at Spurs.

Spurs: Source highlights Cucurella interest

According to a report from Italian outlet Tutto Juve (via Sport Witness), Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing Brighton wing-back Marc Cucurella. 

The lowdown: Star arrival

The 23-year-old arrived in England at the start of the season from Getafe and has enjoyed a stellar debut campaign in the Premier League.

Formerly of the youth setup at Espanyol and Barcelona, the marauding left-back amassed 209 appearances in Spanish football before moving to Brighton, where he’s registered two assists in 35 showings.

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Now, another move could already be on the cards for the Spain international…

The latest: Major interest

As per Tutto Juve, translated by SW, Tottenham, as well as Fabio Paratici’s former employers, Juventus, are ‘evaluating’ whether or not to move for Cucurella this summer.

Under contract until 2026 (Transfermarkt), it’s claimed that the one-cap Spain ace would cost €20million (£17.1million).

Described as the ‘smartest kid in class’ due to his ability to read the game by former Eibar manager Jose Luis Mendilibar, Cucurella has started 32 league games for Graham Potter’s side this season.

The verdict: Reguilon’s replacement?

Blighted by injuries in recent times, Spanish wing-back Sergio Reguilon has been extensively linked with a move away from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this summer and Cucurella could be the man in line to fill the void.

Primarily operating in a back five as a wing-back in a 3-5-2 formation at Brighton,  the Spaniard has also played higher up as a left-winger and as a more conventional left-back. Therefore, as Antonio Conte also prefers to employ a similar style, it’s no surprise that interest would be forthcoming.

So far this season the energetic Spaniard has earned a 7.06 Sofascore average match rating with an impressive 5.3 duels won per game – and would represent superb value for money at the mooted price point.

In other news: Tottenham ready to cash in on ‘colossal’ international gem, find out more here.

Manchester United eyeing Denzel Dumfries

Manchester United are reportedly looking to pip Tottenham to a move for Inter Milan right-back Denzel Dumfries.

The Lowdown: Spurs contact

Dumfries, labelled as a ‘difference maker’ by Eurosport journalist Siavoush Fallahi, only made the move to Inter last summer. Since then, the 26-year-old has made 41 appearances for the Serie A giants, contributing to 12 goals.

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The Netherlands international is under contract until 2025, however, he is already a wanted man ahead of the summer, with Spurs making contact to discuss a deal.

It now looks as if Manchester United have joined the race, with a busy summer expected at Old Trafford.

The Latest: United links

Sports Witness relayed an update from Tuttosport on Wednesday regarding Dumfries and United.

They claimed that the full-back is high on Erik ten Hag’s wishlist, with a €35m figure (£29.5m) mooted ahead of a potential swoop.

The Verdict: Wan-Bissaka replacement?

Aaron Wan-Bissaka hasn’t been a regular since the turn of the year, with Paul Scholes labelling him as ‘useless on the ball’ back in November.

The 24-year-old will be entering the final two years of his Old Trafford deal this summer and has been linked with a return to Crystal Palace.

Therefore, Dumfries could prove to be the Englishman’s replacement under Ten Hag, providing United can pip Tottenham to a deal. It could be a move to keep a close eye on, but it won’t be the only transfer to watch closely ahead of Ten Hag’s first season in charge.

In other news: ‘In the coming weeks’ – Fabrizio Romano drops Man Utd transfer news as Ten Hag gets his way. 

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