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Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Steven Bergwijn is set to undergo a medical at Ajax on Wednesday as he closes in on a Tottenham exit.

The Lowdown: Bergwijn’s Ajax dream

The Dutchman still has three years remaining on his contract with the Premier League giants, but admitted earlier this year that he was open to leaving the Lilywhites this summer, with a return to his homeland a possibility that he’d very much like to explore.

The 24-year-old had received interest from fellow English sides Manchester United and Everton, but turned down a move to Spurs’ rivals to secure his dream switch back to the Eredivisie.

The N17 outfit rejected an opening bid from Ajax last month, but discussions have continued ever since, and following a fresh update, it now looks as though the winger is officially on his way back to the Netherlands.

The Latest: Bergwijn set for Ajax medical

Taking to Twitter, Romano revealed that Bergwijn will carry out medical tests on Wednesday ahead of completing his proposed move. He wrote:

“Steven Bergwijn will undergo medical tests on Wednesday and then sign as new Ajax player. €30m fee set to be received by Tottenham, always been the price tag required by Paratici.

“Official statement this week. Huge one for Ajax. Here we go.”

The Verdict: Bit-part player

Bergwijn, who was dubbed ‘quality’ by sports journalist Josh Bunting, played nothing more than a temporary role under the management of both Nuno Espirito Santo and Antonio Conte last season, making just four starts in 25 league appearances, via WhoScored, so it’s no surprise that he’s been looking elsewhere.

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This lack of game time wasn’t helped by the January arrival of Dejan Kulusevski either, who walked straight into the Italian’s starting XI and has been a revelation in north London ever since, not to mention the new signing of Richarlison in the final third.

Bergwijn’s looming departure is the next stage in the evolution of Conte’s attacking ranks as he prepares his Spurs squad for an exciting new campaign ahead.

Aston Villa’s reported hopes of signing Joe Aribo from Rangers are over, with the midfielder set to sign for Southampton in the coming days.

What’s the word?

After a superb season with Rangers, it was only natural that Aribo would attract interest from south of the border, and Villa were one side said to be very interested in signing the Nigeria international, who played under Gerrard at Rangers.

However, Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side have won the race for the former Charlton Athletic man, with Fabrizio Romano reporting that:

“Joe Aribo will undergo medical tests in the next days in order to complete his move to Southampton. £6m fee plus add-ons, £10m total package to Rangers.”

Supporters will be gutted

Given the minimal fee that Southampton are paying for the 25-year-old, who scored in last season’s Europa League final, Villa fans will no doubt be disappointed that their side didn’t push harder to sign Aribo.

Last season saw the midfielder contribute an impressive nine goals and 10 assists in 57 appearances for the Gers, which emphasises how instrumental he was in Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side.

The versatile midfielder, who has also featured in defence and attack, was a big favourite of Gerrard’s during his spell in charge at Ibrox, with the former Liverpool man singing his praises after a superb performance at left-back, saying:

“I tell you what I’ll say about him – good players can play football, and top players can play anywhere on the football pitch and a manager can ask a player to do a role.

“Good players can do some and can’t do some, but Joe Aribo is a top player, so whatever I ask him to do, he goes out and gives it his best shot.”

Therefore, he clearly would have loved to have a player of Aribo’s quality and professionalism at Villa next season, and will no doubt be disappointed to see him join the Saints.

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Although Villa are well stocked when it comes to attacking midfielders, few possess the physicality of the six-foot-three Aribo, and the Nigerian could have added a different element to their attack, so supporters will no doubt be gutted with this update from Romano.

And, in other news… Villa could seal “incredible” signing as Lange plots swoop for “unplayable” £15m titan

Everton are reportedly set to loan defender Jarrad Branthwaite to PSV Eindhoven, according to Dutch outlet Eindhovens Dagblad (via Sport Witness). 

The lowdown: Hot prospect

Signed from Carlisle United in 2020 as a fledgeling teenager, Branthwaite has impressed in the youth ranks and at Finch Farm since becoming a Toffee.

The 20-year-old England youth international spent time on loan at Blackburn Rovers in 2020/21, making ten appearances for the Championship outfit – completing 90 minutes on each outing.

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However, having failed to break into Frank Lampard’s immediate first-team plans and following the capture of James Tarkowski on a free transfer, the talented centre-back now looks set to further his development elsewhere…

The latest: ‘Close’

As per Eindhovens Dagblad, translated by SW, a deal for the one-cap England Under 20 starlet is believed to be ‘close’ to being confirmed by all parties.

It’s claimed that ‘confirmation’ has been secured from the player’s personal entourage and ‘it looks good’ that a temporary transfer will be completed to send Branthwaite on loan to PSV on a season-long loan.

Finally, the report states that the Eredivisie runners-up are ‘well on their way’ to signing the powerful defender, who was described as being ‘strong and composed’ by journalist Sam Carroll during a 2-1 Everton Under 23s victory over Brighton and Hove Albion.

The verdict: Fingers crossed

Although in an ideal world Branthwaite would come on leaps and bounds whilst experiencing a new culture, league and indeed UEFA Champions League football whilst in Holland, there is a chance that Lampard could regret sanctioning the youngster’s departure.

Last season, the Blues were far from solid at the back as the Goodison Park defensive department all toiled their way through the season, conceding 66 goals in 38 Premier League matches.

Albeit the capture of Tarkowski should go some way to resolving the issues at the back, none of Mason Holgate, Yerry Mina – who himself has been linked with a move away from Merseyside – or Michael Keane covered themselves in glory in 2021/22 and Branthwaite may have felt an opportunity to break into the first team was forthcoming.

Should the switch go ahead as now seems inevitable, the progression of the 6 foot 4 powerhouse will certainly be worth keeping a close eye on.

Celtic need to replace another midfielder between now and the end of the summer transfer window, according to former Hoops striker Frank McAvennie.

The Lowdown: Mooy in, Johnston out?

The Scottish Premiership champions continued their productive summer on Tuesday, securing the services of Australia international Aaron Mooy.

The 31-year-old joins Celtic on a two-year deal and brings him with vast experience at a high level – he has 53 caps and eight goals for his country – as he looks to fill the void left by Tom Rogic.

Mooy’s arrival certainly boosts the Hoops’ squad depth but it could still be that more transfer business is conducted at Parkhead in the coming weeks, with McAvennie believing Mikey Johnston is next up for the chopping block.

The Latest: McAvennie wants holding midfielder

Speaking to Football Insider, McAvennie said he would like to see a holding midfielder arrive instead:

“I still think they need a holding midfield player. Get somebody in and get Mikey [Johnston] off the wage bill. [Ismaila] Soro has gone, [Tom] Rogic has gone, [Nir] Bitton has gone, so there’s places there.

“There’s nothing like having a big squad and having a good squad.”

The Verdict: Is it needed?

The arrival of Mooy has made a big difference to Celtic’s midfield options and the Australian is capable of playing in a deep-lying role, which could suit McAvennie’s demands.

Whether or not another central midfielder is needed this summer is up for debate, but if Ange Postecoglou follows the former Hoops striker’s advice and clears Johnston out, then a new face will indeed be required.

However, perhaps the top focus should be on signing a prolific striker who guarantees regular goals – Giorgos Giakoumakis topped the Bhoys’ Premiership charts last term with just 13.

Tottenham Hotspur could look to make more signings before transfer deadline day, much to the delight of their supporters…

What’s the word?

That’s according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth, who claims that it’s not possible to rule out more business in north London heading into the final month of the summer transfer window.

“I don’t think you can rule Tottenham out of doing any more business,” he told GIVEMESPORT.

“Tottenham have surprised everyone, I think.

“If you’re a Tottenham fan, the ones I speak to, they just can’t believe how quickly they’ve done their business.”

Six and counting

The Lilywhites have already signed six new players to Antonio Conte’s squad for the upcoming Premier League season, with the most notable splash being a £60m swoop for Richarlison from Everton.

Conte will be looking to strike a balance in his side as Tottenham will be competing in both their domestic competitions, as well as the Champions League.

Yves Bissouma has also arrived in a £25m deal from Brighton and Hove Albion, and Djed Spence in a £15m swoop from Middlesbrough.

Meanwhile, Clement Lenglet has joined on loan from LaLiga giants Barcelona, with Ivan Perisic and Fraster Forster signing on free transfers from Inter Milan and Southampton respectively.

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However, it appears that sporting director Fabio Paratici and co aren’t done there, as Sheth cannot rule out Spurs making more additions in the coming weeks, and that surely leaves many supporters absolutely buzzing.

It’s an exciting time to be a Tottenham fan and the prospect of further signings may well raise expectations, especially considering the names who have been linked recently.

Leicester City playmaker James Maddison is one player that the club are thought to like, whilst Paratici has been in Italy discussing a potential move for Roma star Nicolo Zaniolo.

This would suggest that the Lilywhites are looking to bolster their attack once again, with a couple of no.10-type figures mooted.

Those around the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium are surely delighted to hear this claim from Sheth this week.

AND in other news, Paratici in talks to seal “Lampard-type” £43m gem, could be bye-bye “lazy” Spurs flop…

Leeds United have opened new contract talks with 20-year-old winger Crysencio Summerville.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a recent report by Football Insider, who claim that Victor Orta has now entered into negotiations with the Netherlands U21 international and his representatives over a new deal that will see the forward extend his stay beyond the summer of 2023 – when his current contract at Elland Road is set to expire.

The report goes on to state that talks between the player and the Whites are progressing well, with Jesse Marsch and his backroom staff at Thorp Arch believed to be extremely keen to agree on terms with the attacker – as they rate Summerville extremely highly.

Supporters will be buzzing

Considering just how exciting a talent Summerville undoubtedly is, in addition to it previously looking as if the winger’s long-term future at Elland Road was in serious doubt after a falling out with Marcelo Bielsa back in January, the news that the 20-year-old now appears set to remain in LS11 for the foreseeable future is sure to have left supporters of the Whites buzzing.

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Indeed, over his 18 appearances for Mark Jackson’s U23 side last season, the £1.8m-rated talent was in breathtaking form, scoring 11 goals and registering one assist – with these metrics helping the Dutchman claim the youth side’s Player of the Season award in 2021/22.

As a result of these exceptional returns, Marsch very quickly integrated the £6k-per-week forward into his first-team set-up, with the former Feyenoord starlet featuring in six of the 48-year-old’s matchday squads over the Premier League run-in, even playing seven minutes in the all-important 3-0 win over Watford back in April.

And, with the player who Beren Cross dubbed “unplayable” having been a regular fixture in the Whites’ team for their pre-season friendlies this summer, it would appear as if Summerville’s role in the first-team squad is only set to increase next season.

As such, considering the sheer amount of potential the forward possesses, the news that Orta is making move to retain the services of the 20-year-old beyond June of 2023 is undoubtedly fantastic news for everyone involved with Leeds – as the youngster’s signing of a new long-term deal could quite easily prove to be one of the Spaniard’s most important deals of the summer.

AND in other news, Bid made: Orta now begins talks for “scrumptious” Leeds target, Marsch will be buzzing…

Nottingham Forest have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Manchester City starlet James McAtee, amid reports that the teenager could be heading elsewhere this summer.

What’s the word?

According to the Daily Mail, the 19-year-old is believed to be in talks regarding a potential loan move to Championship outfit Sheffield United, with the Blades currently the frontrunners ahead of several Premier League clubs.

The likes of Forest, Leeds United and promoted Bournemouth are all named among those who are keen on landing the highly-rated playmaker, while La Liga outfit Villarreal are also said to be admirers of the teenager.

A previous report from the same publication last week revealed that City are willing to sanction a temporary exit for their promising gem, provided that any interested party is able to guarantee regular playing time for the attacking midfielder.

Cooper must act now

It has already been a hectic summer for the Midlands club, with 12 new faces having already come through the door at the City Ground, although the indication is that manager Steve Cooper is plotting more additions to help bolster his squad even further.

With the start of the new Premier League campaign just a few days away, the Reds are potentially still in need of new recruits, having seen a number of last season’s loanees return to their parent clubs over the summer, including the likes of Djed Spence, James Garner and Keinan Davis.

While ultimately just temporary, those deals proved integral to securing promotion out of the second tier last term as the trio made 104 appearances between them in the league, with the two-time European champions potentially able to strike gold again with a loan move for young McAtee.

As interest mounts in the England under-21 international, Cooper and co simply must act to make a move for the “stunning” youngster – as described by Jordan Elgott – with the youngster potentially a player who could prove something of a hidden gem this season.

Despite the wealth of talent at Pep Guardiola’s disposal at the Etihad Stadium, the Salford-born menace has already made six senior appearances for the English champions, notably making his Champions League debut in the round of 16 second leg clash against Sporting Lisbon in March.

However, more regular involvement elsewhere could prove invaluable to the £3.1k-per-week sensation’s development, having already proven that he is far too good to reside largely in youth football, having scored 26 goals and provided 16 assists in just 46 games at Premier League 2 level.

While Forest have already acted to bring in a playmaking creative addition in former Manchester United man Jesse Lingard, a move for McAtee would provide the 29-year-old with quality cover and competition, with depth undoubtedly set to be needed in what will likely be a challenging return to top-flight football for the Reds.

In truth, Cooper must act swiftly to try and seal what would be yet another impressive summer swoop. Otherwise, Forest look set to miss out to Sheffield United.

Glasgow Rangers picked up their second Premiership victory of the season this afternoon as Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side secured a 2-0 victory at Ibrox.

After losing by the same scoreline in midweek in the Champions League qualifiers, the Light Blues managed to put that defeat behind them with today’s win.

With Kilmarnock keeping Rangers scoreless at half-time, it took the home side six minutes into the second half to break the deadlock thanks to a goal from Antonio Colak.

After 64 minutes, Van Bronckhorst brought on Alfredo Morelos, who then managed to double Rangers’ lead in the latter stages of the match to confirm the victory for last season’s Europa League finalists.

Despite the two strikers getting their names on the scoresheet, one man who arguably outshone both of them is Malik Tillman.

Having started in Rangers’ midweek defeat to Union Saint-Gilloise, the on-loan midfielder was given his first Premiership start this afternoon and made the most of it after coming off the bench in last weekend’s win against Livingston.

In 75 minutes of action today, the USA international had 42 touches of the ball, made three key passes and completed all four dribbles he attempted. This shows just how dangerous he was on the ball in terms of being an attacking threat for the Gers.

From a defensive point of view, the 20-year-old did his bit for the team by making two tackles and one interception and winning seven of his 11 ground duels.

This display ultimately earned him an impressive overall match rating of 7.5/10, making him the joint-second highest rated player on the day alongside James Sands, Connor Goldson and Tom Lawrence according to SofaScore, with only James Tavernier ranking higher.

Tillman’s performance also caught the attention of The Athletic’s Rangers correspondent Jordan Campbell, who described what he saw from the player as “outstanding”.

Taking all this into account, it’s safe to say that the Bayern Munich loanee passed Van Bronckhorst’s test to see if he would be able to perform at a high level from the start in the Premiership rather than off the bench.

Considering what Tillman delivered on the pitch today, the youngster certainly did enough to potentially warrant a place in the starting XI for Rangers’ crucial Champions League qualifying clash against Union SG on Tuesday.

Sunderland are likely to be without Leon Dajaku for their Championship showdown against Queens Park Rangers on Saturday.

What’s the news?

Speaking in his latest press conference ahead of the Black Cats’ clash against the west London side, Alex Neil had this to say on the situation.

He said:

“I doubt Leon will be available, he’s had a recurrence of his thigh problem.”

Dajaku only came on as a very late substitute during Sunderland’s 3-2 win over Bristol City last weekend after Neil revealed the fitness issues the player had.

The 21-year-old was then not included in the squad for midweek’s 2-0 defeat against Sheffield Wednesday in the Carabao Cup.

A big blow for Sunderland

The Wearside club signed the German on loan from Union Berlin during the previous summer transfer window.

After making 22 League One appearances for the Black Cats, in which he scored four goals and provided four assists, Sunderland signed him on a permanent deal in May.

In those 22 league appearances, the youngster racked up the third-highest rate for goals per shot (0.57) at the club, which shows that when he got into goalscoring positions, he provided a big threat.

He also delivered 53 crosses in total, leaving only four other players with more, highlighting how dangerous he can be in terms of setting up goalscoring opportunities for his teammates as well.

As well as this, the 21-year-old showed off his versatility by playing on both sides of the pitch when called upon, which would surely make him a useful asset for the club this season.

Bearing in mind how Neil said that revealed that Dajaku has suffered a reoccurrence of his thigh problem, this could become a big concern if it doesn’t heal and ultimately keeps him out of action for a significant period of time.

With tomorrow’s game in mind, the fact that Neil’s side managed to not only pick up their first three points of the season last weekend, but also racked up more shots at goal (16) than Bristol (15), this should fill the Sunderland boss and their supporters that they will have enough firepower to overcome QPR with the attacking players they have available.

Moving forward, the best thing the Black Cats can hope for now is that the attacker recovers from this issue as soon as possible and can become a reliable option for Neil to use throughout the season.

Rumoured Everton transfer target Neal Maupay is now wanted by Nottingham Forest, with the two clubs potentially scrapping for his signature.

The Lowdown: Everton keen on Maupay

The Blues lost 2-1 at Aston Villa on Saturday afternoon, with a lack of ruthlessness in the final third ultimately proving key as they searched for an equaliser.

A new striker is needed at Goodison Park this summer, following Richarlison’s exit, and one player Everton have been linked with signing is Brighton attacker Maupay.

It looks as though the Blues have competition for his signature after a new update, though.

The Latest: Forest emerges at suitors

According to journalist Alex Crook on Twitter, Forest are ready to battle Everton for Maupay’s service, with Steve Cooper keen on attacking reinforcements:

“#BHAFC striker Neal Maupay looks to have played his last game for the club. #NFFC favourites to sign him as per @mcgrathmike but #EFC have also shown some interest. Understand he has been pressing for a move after falling down the pecking order.”

The Verdict: Snap him up, Blues

It is imperative that Everton bring in a new attacker between now and deadline day – preferably someone with a proven track record in the Premier League.

Maupay could be just that, having scored 26 goals in the top flight, not to mention being described as a ‘unique’ footballer by Brighton boss Graham Potter.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Forest are ‘set to sign’ Maupay since Crook’s update, but there is still time for Everton to potentially hijack the move.

Whether or not the Frenchman could be swayed by Forest’s interest remains to be seen, but he would be an ideal figure to bring end product and tenacity to Goodison Park.