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Everton are reportedly ready to assert their dominance in the summer transfer window, as the club have been linked to a prolific forward.

The Toffees confirmed their Premier League survival in dramatic fashion on the final day, after what was a dreary season both on and off the pitch for the club.

Now that the Blues have sealed their fate in the top division, Sean Dyche will look to get to work this summer to make essential improvements in the bid to push on from a tough campaign at Goodison.

Having netted just 35 goals this term, Everton recorded their lowest-scoring tally over the past five seasons, however, the club’s latest transfer link could solve all woes in the final third.

What’s the latest on Yuri Alberto to Everton?

As reported by GOAL earlier this week, Everton are reportedly interested in Corinthians forward Yuri Alberto.

The report states that the Blues are considering a proposal to the Brazilian club for the striker, with them currently “keeping an eye” on the 22-year-old.

As per CIES Football Observatory, the Corinthians talisman is valued at €30m (£26m).

What could Yuri Alberto bring to Everton?

Operating over 2022/23 in the unfamiliar Brazilian league schedule, the striker has scored a total of 13 goals and registered six assists in 38 appearances in the Brasileiro Serie A and Paulista Serie A1 competitions – as per Sofascore.

At just 22, the forward has already had experience in European football, spending a season on loan in Russia representing Zenit St Petersburg, in which he contributed to ten goals in 15 appearances, scoring six and assisting four.

Lauded as being “dangerous” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the Brazilian has areas of expertise in most areas of his game acting as a number nine, with Kulig listing him as being a “complete forward”.

Everton have found joy in equipping a Brazilian forward to lead the line previously, with Richarlison having a similar feat in his homeland, scoring 11 goals and assisting seven for Fluminense before signing for Watford in 2017 – as per Transfermarkt.

The young striker could add so much to the Toffees squad, and even force Dyche to reconsider the solidity of Calvert-Lewin’s place at the club.

The Englishman enjoyed a formidable scoring run in the 2020/21 season, bagging 16 league goals, however since then has suffered prolonged injuries, leaving him scoring just seven goals over the past two seasons at Goodison – as per Sofascore.

While injury struggles are out of his hands, competition for starting places remain, and the introduction of Alberto would certainly raise the bar in terms of battling for the number nine spot.

When comparing the two players, the Brazilian showcases a higher threat on the ball than the Everton forward, averaging 2.62 shot-creating actions to Calvert-Lewin’s 1.85 per 90, highlighting his efficiency in attack.

A similar pattern is evident in terms of positioning and threat going forward, with the 22-year-old averaging 6.83 progressive passes received, to the Englishman’s 4.33 per 90 – all statistics as per FBref.

The most important thing for the club is to secure a goalscorer this summer, however, Alberto could offer a dynamic player with “killer instinct” to Dyche’s set-up.

A player that is still developing at just 22 could give Everton more than just goals, with the potential to be a leading name at the club should he continue to showcase his talent in the final third.

It could also mean the end of the road for the stricken Calvert-Lewin who is surely now running out of time to prove his worth in Merseyside.

Leeds United are a huge club, that many would agree should be in the Premier League. However, nothing in this sport is a given, and status must be earned no matter how prestigious an establishment may be.

However, it is this size that retains their immense pull, as players will still want to move to Elland Road knowing that being their promotion hero would see them become an instant fan favourite.

Therefore, this could suggest that the Whites are in for a big summer of vast revolution, and yet some of the key components of a Championship-winning team already remain in Yorkshire too.

Whilst plenty of the squad will likely seek an exit, their academy is instead laden with all the talent needed to maintain their levels on a much smaller budget.

In fact, returning from one hugely successful loan spell is youngster Cody Drameh, fresh from his playoff-winning exploits at Luton Town.

Despite being just 21 years old, his promotion expertise could prove invaluable in ensuring the Whites can achieve a similar feat.

How good is Cody Drameh?

In unleashing this youngster into the first team now, it would surely finally mark the exit of Luke Ayling from the first team.

The 31-year-old has been consistently poor for years now, having looked hopelessly out of his depth in the top flight. A 6.61 average Sofascore rating for the 2021/22 term was somehow worsened in the most recent campaign, with his 69% pass accuracy showcasing a defender stuck in the dark ages.

Meanwhile, in the league below, Drameh had been shining for the Hatters, recording a 7.09 average rating. His key attributes all suggest him to be the future of this club, as the perfect modern-day full-back who boasted 1.6 key passes, 3.1 tackles and 2.1 clearances per game, via Sofascore.

This technical proficiency combined with the relentless energy his youth provides further pronounces him as the outstanding option, with his former boss Steve Morison suggesting: "He is like a Duracell Bunny, isn't he? He just keeps going and going."

To compare that with the lazy exploits of Ayling, who allowed Harry Kane to ghost in unmarked for his first on their final-day thrashing to Tottenham Hotspur and went viral for his lack of effort in preventing a goal against Bournemouth. Indeed, they are worlds apart.

Whilst reports have been linking their bright young superstar with a move away, Andrea Radrizzani would do well to keep ahold of Drameh, knowing that his new boss would surely want to put him in the side.

With quality, energy, youth and fresh experience at demolishing the Championship all on his side, at last, Ayling can be ditched now a viable alternative has arrived.

Tottenham Hotspur are contenders in the race to sign Leicester City midfielder James Maddison this summer as they look to add some creativity to their midfield, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

What's the latest transfer news involving James Maddison?

As per Football Insider, Tottenham are said to have made Maddison their 'top summer target' and are already 'pushing' to try and acquire the England international despite not having a manager or Director of Football in place.

The report states that Newcastle United and Arsenal are monitoring the situation of the 26-year-old, who could be part of a mass exodus at the King Power Stadium in the off-season due to the Foxes suffering relegation to the Sky Bet Championship.

According to The Sun, Spurs are also keen on Maddison's teammate Harvey Barnes and the Lilywhites, alongside Newcastle United, are said to be 'pushing hardest' to land the duo.

Capology understands that Maddison earns £110,000 per week on the books at Leicester City on a contract that runs until June 2024, and it is believed that his price tag is currently set at £50 million.

Cited by The Daily Mail, Manchester City are also targeting Coventry-born midfielder Maddison, potentially leading to a transfer tug-of-war for his services.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Jacobs thinks that Tottenham will be in the mix to sign Maddison this summer alongside other sides.

Jacobs told FFC: "In terms of Premier League suitors, the historical one has been Newcastle. But their focus, if they were only to get one Leicester player, will still be James Maddison. Tottenham are another suitor to watch there, although, with Spurs, we obviously have to understand the new manager and new sporting director."

What have James Maddison's stats been like this season?

Despite Leicester City's relegation, Leicester City's "top player" was in relatively good form for his current employers this season and can count himself unlucky that his efforts weren't enough to save the Foxes from the drop.

All in, Maddison, who has been hailed as "100 times more intelligent than any coach", appeared 32 times in all competitions across 2022/23, registering ten goals and nine assists in the process, as per Transfermarkt.

WhoScored takes into account that Maddison has earned an average match rating of 7.24/10 for his exploits on the pitch, comfortably making him Leicester City's most consistent performer this term.

FBRef also shows that the Englishman has excelled in providing chances for his teammates, successfully carrying out 138 shot-creating actions in the Premier League.

Tottenham need some ingenuity in the middle of the park looking ahead to the new season and Maddison could certainly offer some fresh ideas under a new manager as he looks to cement his place in the England set-up for Euro 2024.

Manchester United are in the midst of an ownership battle at Old Trafford and Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani's fifth bid to try and acquire the Premier League giants will also offer an 'exit route' if he isn't successful, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

What's the latest ownership news involving Manchester United?

As per Sky Sports, Sheikh Jassim is understood to have submitted a new and improved fifth bid to try and secure control of Manchester United and has indicated that this will be the final offer on the table for the Glazer family to consider.

The Qatari businessman and his Nine Two Foundation want to buy 100% control of the Premier League giants and has set a deadline of this Friday, in a proposal that would see £1 billion of club debt wiped alongside a separate ring-fenced fund to improve infrastructure around Old Trafford and the Carrington training complex.

As per ESPN, his rival bidder, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his petrochemicals firm INEOS want to buy a 69% stake in Manchester United instead of immediately seeking full authority at Old Trafford.

Ratcliffe is said to be the leading candidate to buy Manchester United and has put forward a deal that could see Joel and Avram Glazer stay on in minority stakeholder positions, as per Sky Sports.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Jacobs has said that by submitting a fifth bid, Sheikh Jassim and the Nine Two Foundation has given them a platform to 'control the narrative' of the situation.

Jacobs told FFC: "I think the last thing to say is that with Nine Two Foundation, they were always going to have to improve, as I previously reported, and they have done now. They were always going to try and control the narrative. What the fifth bid does is not only gives them obviously a better chance of winning because their bid is higher, compared to the fourth one, but also an exit route too and that's another important point. If they are successful in beating Ratcliffe, even though the Ratcliffe group remain cautiously optimistic, then they are trying to force the issue."

Will Manchester United be able to conduct transfer business in the process of a sale?

Despite being in the process of potentially changing hands at ownership level, Manchester United and their boss Erik Ten Hag look to have taken a proactive approach in the transfer market and are already making inroads on potential summer additions.

Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount has agreed personal terms with the Red Devils ahead of a move to Old Trafford; however, both clubs are still yet to come to a compromise over a fee for the England international, as per Football Insider.

Il Mattino via The Sun also claim that Napoli defender Kim Min-jae is also a target for Manchester United and is preparing for a move to the Premier League.

Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund has also cropped up on Manchester United's radar, according to talkSPORT. Nevertheless, it will be interesting to see if the Red Devils conclude many deals despite being in the process of a takeover.

Liverpool are mulling over launching a bid for Wolfsburg centre-back Micky van de Ven this summer, with sporting director Jorg Schmadtke well-versed with the ace's skill set, having left the club for Anfield this year.

What's the latest on Micky van de Ven to Liverpool?

That's according to BILD's Christian Falk, who claims that the 22-year-old has a market value of just €18m (£15m) after impressing in the German Bundesliga this season.

Schmadtke signed the gem from FC Volendam in 2021 for a fee of just €3.5m (£3m) which has seemingly put Liverpool in pole position, with Premier League champions Manchester City also interested in a deal.

Stoking the fire on the swirling rumours, Van de Ven said to VI (via the Mirror): "Of course I heard of Liverpool links and I know they’ve been following me in the past. That’s it. Of course. Liverpool is a great club. There’s a chance for me to leave this summer. If a nice club with good plan arrives… I’d be open."

How good is Micky van de Ven?

The Bundesliga "giant" – as hailed by journalist Ronan Murphy – is left-footed and as such could be the perfect option for Reds boss Jurgen Klopp as he looks to strengthen his defensive ranks with a star to rival Virgil van Dijk on the left side of the Anfield backline.

And having made 33 appearances in the German top-flight this term, Van de Ven recorded an average league rating of 6.85 – as per Sofascore – and impressed with his assured passing, completing 88%; his sweeping excellence, tracking back to complete 3.1 clearances per game; and his solidness in the tackle, winning 64% of his duels.

Also said to be "flourishing" in Germany by Murphy, Van de Ven is one of the most dynamic defenders around; boasting superlative athleticism and blistering pace, the Netherlands U21 captain would slot into Liverpool's high-press superbly, capable of tracking back swiftly and matching even the most speedy of attackers in transition.

As per FBref, the £7k-per-week ace ranks among the top 10% of centre-backs across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for progressive carries and the top 7% for successful take-ons per 90, indicating that he utilises his innate abilities with aplomb.

A tenacious and fearless colossus, Van de Ven could therefore emulate Tottenham Hotspur centre-half Cristian Romero on English shores; despite Spurs' dismal defensive efforts this year, Romero has remained an impressive force and softened his domestic woes by basking in footballing glory with triumph at the 2022 World Cup.

Signing for the Lilywhites for around £42m from Atalanta in 2021, the 25-year-old has become known as a battleaxe of a defender, if somewhat brash, and has earned praise as a "Rolls-Royce" by Martin Keown.

The Argentine ranks among the top 17% of peers for successful take-ons per 90 and has clocked a top speed of 33.21 km/h this season, impressive given Van de Ven's standout attribute is his barrelling pace, producing a speed of 35.87 km/h.

Klopp must forge ahead with a deal for this Dutch dynamo, dubbed "dominant" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, providing his depleted defence with fresh legs to pump vigorous life back into the fold.

Tottenham Hotspur have entered talks to sign Empoli goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario and could hijack Inter Milan, according to journalist Michele Criscitiello.

Who will Spurs sign this summer?

The north Londoners, buoyed by the arrival of new manager Ange Postecoglou, are seeking to strengthen their ranks in many different areas before next season.

One of the major positions Spurs could reinforce is the goalkeeping position, especially after long-serving number one Hugo Lloris recently declared that he is seeking a new challenge.

The Frenchman, who has been at Tottenham for over a decade since signing from Lyon in 2012, told Nice-Matin that an exit is very much on the cards – a year before the expiry of his current contract.

“We have reached an important moment, whether it be for the club or me,” said Lloris.

“It’s the end of an era. I have a desire for something else. I will carefully study what is possible. However, I haven’t forgotten that I have a year left on my contract at Tottenham, and in football, it’s always hard to predict what will happen."

As a result, Spurs chairman Daniel Levy has reportedly been targeting Brentford's David Raya, though despite agreeing personal terms, it is believed there is an impasse on his £40 million asking price.

Alternatives who have been in the frame include Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, but according to reports in the lasr 24 hours, Tottenham have set their sights on a new target for in-between the sticks.

Indeed, Empoli's Vicario is now of serious interest, with Italian reporter Criscitiello telling SICafè on Sport Italia that Spurs are in talks for the 26-year-old.

They could also hijack Inter Milan, who apparently had the 6 foot 4 Vicario "in their grip" but are "wasting time" – meaning Tottenham are swooping in.

"The Nerazzurri had Vicario in their grip," said Criscitiello.

"But now they are wasting time and as a result the goalkeeper has fallen heavily in these hours, with important money, at Corsi's house. Tottenham. Empoli are negotiating with the English, I don't know the figures."

Who is Guglielmo Vicario?

The Italian starred for Empoli last season under Paolo Zanetti, even standing out as their second-best performing player by average match rating according to WhoScored.

Off the back of his national team call-up last year, BBC journalist Moseph Ekine was also effusive in his praise for the shot-stopper, calling him one of Serie A's "very good" keepers who has been "superb" for Empoli.

If Spurs can get a deal done, they may well have an excellent Raya alternative.

Newcastle United have identified West Bromwich Albion's Josh Griffiths as a potential signing, with the club targeting several names for the future, according to Dean Jones.

Having qualified for the Champions League for the first time in two decades, the Magpies have a crucial summer ahead, with plenty of talent on their radar as they look to bolster their squad.

Eddie Howe's side has done an incredible job in the transfer market since the club was taken over by the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund in 2021, and don't expect that to change this summer.

What's the latest Newcastle United transfer news?

With Champions League football on the horizon, the Magpies have been linked to several high-profile names as they strengthen the squad ahead of their return to Europe's elite competition.

In a sensational move, the club are currently agreeing terms with AC Milan midfielder Sandro Tonali, ahead of a move to St James' Park, according to the Daily Mail.

The club have also been linked to Leicester City's James Maddison with the English midfielder looking for a way out of the Foxes after they were recently relegated from the Premier League, but according to Sky Sports, any deal for the star might be hurt by the signing of Tonali.

Newcastle aren't only targeting superstars for right now, though, with the club also having a firm eye on the future as they navigate the transfer market.

West Brom's young goalkeeper Griffiths has been identified as a potential signing by The Sun, with Jones believing the club will look at numerous names for the future.

What has Dean Jones said about Newcastle United's transfer business?

Having been linked to the likes of Tonali and Maddison, many will have been surprised to see the latest reports suggesting Newcastle were interested in a prospect like Griffiths, but Jones believes the club will be targeting more names of the future going forward.

Speaking to Football FanCast, the journalist said: "I think you should always remember that, every now and then, Newcastle aren't going to be linked with big names. They're going to be linked with names for the future. It's kind of a two-tiered approach here."

Furthermore, he compared the reports to the Magpies' previous interest in Paris Saint-Germain's Hugo Ekitike as proof that the club continue to have an eye on the future, saying:

"Goes all the way really back to when we first read about Ekitike, who we spoke about for months never actually arrived, but he was always seen as a striker for the future. And so they'll be continuing to look down that path actually unveiled a signing last week along the same lines. So yeah, definitely more signings like that coming too."

How did Josh Griffiths perform last season?

Having spent half of the season on loan at Portsmouth, the 21-year-old caught the attention of many in football after an impressive spell at the south coast side, that saw him keep seven clean sheets in 22 games.

His performances for Portsmouth caused West Brom to recall the goalkeeper, and he made his Championship debut shortly afterwards against Blackburn Rovers, and in his 10 league games for the Baggies, he kept another four clean sheets, bringing his seasonal tally to an impressive 11.

The 21-year-old also showed his fine ability as a shot-stopper, pulling off an average of 2.2 saves a game throughout all competitions, a similar number to Nick Pope's 2.3.

Sunderland have thrown their hat into the ring in the race to sign Sonny Perkins on loan this summer, according to a report from TeamTalk.

Who is Sonny Perkins?

The 19-year-old currently plays for Leeds United, having been poached from West Ham at the beginning of the campaign. Whilst he hasn't been a first-team regular for the Whites, he has already been handed his first-team debut for the squad and even has a goal to his name in his three appearances for them.

Before leaving, he was also given the same amount of action by the Hammers.

Whilst he is clearly highly regarded to have been thrown into the first-team squad at his age, he has had to make do with reserve team football for the most part. However, the player has thrived in those outings and has become even more impressive since his move to Leeds.

Having produced twelve goals in 23 games for West Ham's Under-21 team, he has now managed a further 13 efforts in 23 games for the Whites' Under-21 side. It's led to him being called up for England's Under-19 team, where he has continued to shine with five goals in just three games for them. In addition, he's featured for his country's Under-18, Under-16 and Under-15 outfits previously.

Are Sunderland signing Sonny Perkins?

Now, this form has caught the eye of several Championship sides who are prepared to give him that regular first-team action. According to a report from TeamTalk, Sunderland are one of the second tier sides who are keen to try and bring Perkins in on a short-term basis for next season.

It's a surprise that Leeds are prepared to let the 19-year-old leave on loan, considering that they too are back in the Championship, but it appears that the club are willing to allow Perkins to go and find more playing time and the Black Cats have "registered their interest".

He certainly looks like he could have the potential to be a real asset for Sunderland. Back when he joined up with Leeds, he was labelled as a "very interesting signing" and "on fire" by football talent scout Jacek Kulig for example, who highlighted how impressive he had been for both his country's youth team and West Ham United's.

If he can get regular football with the Black Cats, it could bring the same kind of form out of the player next season.

After their worst full season under Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool's summer rebuild has officially started, with a number of players linked and Alexis Mac Allister already signed.

The midfield was particularly an issue throughout a campaign to forget, and now that James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have all departed, Liverpool's problem in the middle of the park has only grown – while Roberto Firmino has also left too.

Securing Mac Allister started the solution to that midfield problem, but the Reds know that one man alone can't put an end to their midfield woes, with plenty of names rumoured to be coming in at Anfield this summer.

With that said, we've taken a look at the fresh faces that Klopp could start on the opening day of the 2023/24 Premier League season against Chelsea.

4

RB: Benjamin Pavard (£25.78m)

This one's an interesting one, as a move for Benjamin Pavard could finally see Trent Alexander-Arnold get his place in midfield for Liverpool, which could help to solve their aforementioned issues. Or, he could step into a centre-back role.

The Bayern Munich man has attracted interest from Liverpool, according to CalcioMercatoWeb, but a deal is far from nearing any final stages at this moment in time.

According to Sport1, via Sport, Bayern want €30m (£25.78m) for the defender, who has just one year left on his current contract in Germany.

3

CM: Alexis Mac Allister (£35m)

Outrageously priced given his quality, Mac Allister represents a bargain deal at Liverpool, who got off to the perfect start this summer by welcoming the midfielder from Brighton & Hove Albion.

After winning the World Cup with Argentina, the 24-year-old continued to enjoy a sensational rise at the Amex, ending the season with 10 goals and two assists from midfield.

He should get himself an immediate place in Klopp's starting line-up.

2

CM: Kephren Thuram (£51.56)

It's no real surprise that another midfielder makes this list, with Kephren Thuram also linked with a move to Anfield this summer.

According to Fabrizio Romano, the Reds held talks with the young Frenchman earlier this month, though reports over a potential move have slowed in the last week or so.

As per Jacque Talbot of Football Transfers, Nice are reportedly looking for €60m (£51.56m) to sell Thuram this summer amid interest from Klopp and co.

1

CM: Dominik Szoboszlai (£61m)

Adding to Liverpool's midfield rebuild looks increasingly likely to be RB Leipzig's Dominik Szoboslai, who reportedly has a release clause of €70m (£61m).

According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, Liverpool are pushing ahead with the deal and are confident of getting it done after Newcastle United recently dropped out of the race for the midfielder.

Szoboszlai would represent the Reds' biggest deal of the summer so far, as their rebuild continues.

Liverpool's potential line-up: Alisson; Trent Alexander-Arnold; Benjamin Pavard; Virgil van Dijk; Andy Robertson; Kephren Thuram; Alexis Mac Allister; Dominik Szoboszlai; Mohamed Salah; Cody Gakpo; Luis Diaz

Newcastle United have had a long-standing interest in Moussa Diaby and now a new update has emerged on the club's pursuit of the player during the summer transfer window.

What's the latest on Newcastle's interest in Moussa Diaby?

According to Football Transfers, Newcastle have rekindled their interest in signing the Bayer Leverkusen winger this summer.

As per the report, Eddie Howe is keen to make another attempt to reach an agreement to sign Diaby ahead of next season and is hoping that with just two years left on his contract that a lower fee for the player could be negotiated.

How much does Moussa Diaby cost?

The future has never been brighter at St James' Park and in Howe's first full season in charge he led his team to achieve the dreams many Newcastle supporters thought weren't ever possible to come true just 18 months ago.

The Magpies have qualified for the Champions League for the first time in over two decades after securing a top-four finish in the Premier League last season and now Howe is tasked with a new challenge of competing on the elite European stage.

As a result, the signing of players experienced in the competition would be massively advantageous to the club in their pursuit to make their mark on Europe next season and Diaby could be another player to add that much-needed experience in the team.

The Frenchman – dubbed "incredibly dangerous" by Freiburg's Nils Petersen – has tallied up 37 appearances across major European competitions with nine of those in the Champions League, delivering 14 goals and eight assists in the prestigious tournament and Europa League combined.

Now he could offer his impressive attacking services to Newcastle as they set out next season to deliver the desired trophy and success that the club are desperate to deliver to their supporters and could ultimately be the perfect upgrade for Miguel Almiron next season on the right flank.

When comparing the Leverkusen talent's output to Almiron's last season, Diaby comfortably outperformed his positional competitor in a number of key attacking attributes including goal contributions (17 v 13), shots on target rate (43% v 29%), shot-creating actions per 90 (3.67 v 3.14) and goal-creating actions per 90 (0.53 v 0.47), as per FBref.

Not only that, the 24-year-old is an incredibly versatile prospect for the Magpies boss who is clearly keen to strengthen the wider flanks of his attacking threat, as Diaby boasts almost as much experience on the right side as he does in the left-winger role too, as well as tallying up multiple appearances in a second striker role and as a left-sided midfielder.

Whilst there is no doubt that Diaby would be an incredible asset to Howe, the stumbling block has always been his expensive transfer fee as Newcastle's hierarchy are extremely conscious of the FFP constraints they face at present.

In January the Bundesliga club reportedly quoted interested parties an eye-watering €100m (£88.5m) to sign their star winger, however, Leverkusen now are expecting a fee of around £65m if they are to part ways this summer.

With that being said, if Newcastle can agree a suitable deal for Diaby it would be a no-brainer to snap up his services ahead of next season, as his attacking presence and experience in Europe would be highly valuable in the next chapter of the club's journey for success.