Man Utd Show "Interest" In £70m Premier League "Jewel"

Manchester United are reportedly ready to revive their interest in Brighton and Hove Albion star, Moises Caicedo, with the Red Devils having previously snubbed the chance to sign the midfield maestro.

What's the latest on Caicedo to Man United?

According to journalist Sam Dean, the Old Trafford outfit are said to be among a host of Premier League clubs who are keen on signing the 21-year-old this summer, albeit with any deal set to cost beyond £70m.

Writing on Twitter, the respected source stated: "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."

In his attached piece for The Telegraph, Dean reveals that the Seagulls are 'willing' to let the Ecuadorian starlet leave the Amex ahead of next season, despite the youngster only signing a new long-term deal earlier this year.

Should Man United sign Caicedo?

It would certainly be a long time coming if United were to sign the 5 foot 10 sensation this summer, with the club having pulled out of a move to sign the then-teenager from Independiente de Valle back in 2021 after the deal became too 'messy' – as per Manchester Evening News – prior to the exciting prospect joining Brighton for just £4.5m.

That decision not to pursue a deal for Caicedo now appears a notable error as far as the Red Devils are concerned, with the midfield "jewel" – as hailed by historian Enrico Castro-Montes – having blossomed into a leading presence on the south coast of late.

As manager Roberto De Zerbi noted, the one-time Beerschot loanee could "become one of the best midfielders in the Premier League and in Europe" such is his outstanding talent, with the dynamic gem looking like a player who has "no limit".

West Ham's Declan Rice

Not only would Caicedo be a player that Erik ten Hag could build his side around over the next decade or so, due to his relative youth, yet the 30-cap gem could also prove to be the Dutchman's answer to Declan Rice, with the pair said to share a number of statistical and stylistic similarities, as per FBref.

The West Ham United skipper has been mooted as a possible target for Ten Hag this summer, although a reported valuation of around £100m is likely to prove something of a stumbling block, while rivals Arsenal are also believed to be "leading the race" for his signature at present, as per Fabrizio Romano.

As such, finding an alternative to the 24-year-old in the form of Caicedo could represent a real coup, with the pair both alike due to their creative, front-foot quality from the centre of the park, showcased by the fact that the Englishman racked up 240 progressive passes in 2022/23 in the league, while the Seagulls ace recorded 219 for that same metric.

Equally, the dominant duo have also proven themselves to be particularly effective at winning back possession for their respective clubs, with Caicedo ranking in the top 11% among his European peers for interceptions, while Rice ranks in the top 5% in that regard.

That similarity is also illustrated by the fact that while the latter man averaged 3.8 tackles and interceptions per game combined in the top flight this season, his younger counterpart was only just ahead after averaging 4.2 per game for those same metrics under De Zerbi.

That would suggest that even if Rice – who has been lauded as the "best central midfielder in the country" by ex-United man Paul Parker – does prove unattainable this summer, turning to Caicedo could allow Ten Hag to find his own version of the West Ham machine.

Chelsea "In The Race" To Sign 21-Year-Old This Summer

Chelsea remain very much "in the race" to sign Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo in the summer transfer window, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Is Caicedo leaving Brighton this summer?

The Blues have a vital period ahead of them in the transfer market, as they look to forget all about a horrible 2022/23 season and kick on into the future. In order for that to happen, the right players need to come in, with incoming manager Mauricio Pochettino no doubt already eyeing up potential deals.

One player who looks set to be on the move on in the coming weeks and months is Caicedo, who enjoyed a superb campaign for Brighton, proving to be one of their most influential figures. The 21-year-old featured in 37 of his side's 38 Premier League matches – 34 of them were starts – and flourished alongside the likes of Alexis Mac Allister and Pascal Gross in the middle of the park.

A bigger challenge now lies ahead for him, however, and Chelsea are one of numerous top clubs who have been linked with a move for him, as well as the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool, in what looks set to be a fierce battle.

Mosies Caicedo

Are Chelsea in the mix to sign Caicedo?

Writing on Twitter, Romano said that Chelsea are right in the mix to sign Caicedo this summer, alongside Sporting CP midfield Manuel Ugarte:

"Chelsea remain absolutely INTO the race for Moises Caicedo. Nothing has changed. He’s in the list, 100% — no matter what happens with Ugarte deal, still ongoing."

Caicedo could be a fantastic signing by Chelsea if they manage to snap him up before the start of next season – Graham Potter has called him "fantastic" in the recent past – adding the legs and quality that their midfield badly needs.

The 30-time capped Ecuador international is already such an impressive player, despite his tenders years, with an average of 2.7 tackles per game coming his way in the Premier League in 2022/23, as well as an 88.8% pass completion rate. That shows what an effective all-round midfielder he is, so the difference he could make to the Blues could be immeasurable.

He is still so young, so he should only go up another gear in the next few years, and if Chelsea managed to sign both him and Ugarte, they could be the bedrock of a hugely exciting new-look midfield that also contains Enzo Fernandez, with Mateo Kovacic potentially leaving and N'Golo Kante now in his 30s.

£180k-p/w Man Tipped To Leave Tottenham This Summer

Journalist Alasdair Gold has claimed that Tottenham Hotspur player Ivan Perisic will "probably" leave this summer.

Who will Spurs sell this summer?

It's going to be a pretty busy next few months for the club, even if they no longer have to worry about any actual football matches.

Indeed, the Premier League season came to an end on the weekend – with Spurs finishing eighth – and now Daniel Levy will have to intensify efforts to find a new manager and a new sporting director.

Until those appointments are made, there can be no certainty about any of the club's intentions in the summer transfer window but Gold seems to think one man will likely be leaving regardless.

When talking on his YouTube channel, the journalist said that alongside goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, Perisic will be heading for the exit door.

He said (1:33): “Some of them may be heading off, you know, I would say among those players, I've just said you would imagine [Rodrigo] Bentancur, [Cristian] Romero would be a big part of the future going forward.

"Lloris and Perisic, probably, you think, will go this summer.”

Why would Spurs sell Perisic?

It's already expected that Lloris will be leaving as this has been reported for some time now with Spurs on the hunt for a new goalkeeper.

However, it might be more of a shock to learn that Perisic could be off as well. After all, he only arrived from Inter last year and his £180k-p/w contract doesn't expire until the summer of 2024.

And when he joined the north London outfit, big things were expected. Pundit Paul Merson wrote for Sportskeeda: "I'm a huge fan of Ivan Perisic, he's a top player who works as hard as anybody else on the pitch.

Spurs' Ivan Perisic

"For every young kid who wants to be a professional footballer – watch this player and see how he makes things happen on the pitch. He sets the tone with his work ethic and professionalism and will turn out to be a great signing for Tottenham."

However, it's safe to say he's not really impressed with a report in the Daily Star noting how the Spurs "flop" had been slammed by some supporters as the "worst signing ever".

With that in mind, maybe it's not quite surprising that he could be set to leave in the summer. Although, as mentioned before, this likely won't be confirmed until Levy appoints a new manager or director.

Aston Villa Could Sell £100k-A-Week Attacker

Aston Villa winger Leon Bailey could leave the club during the summer transfer window, according to an update from journalist Dean Jones.

Has Bailey had a good season for Villa?

The Villans' fortunes have turned around so much this season, with things looking bleak earlier in the campaign when Steven Gerrard was in charge. Since Unai Emery has come in as manager, however, they have been transformed, with results and performances going up a significant gear.

So many individuals have improved under the Spaniard as the season has gone on and Bailey is one of them, because a more consistent and dangerous presence in Villa's attack. The £100,000-a-week attacker has scored and assisted four times apiece in the Premier League in 2022/23, with his most recent assist coming in the 2-1 win over Tottenham earlier this month.

The 25-year-old's current deal at Villa Park expires in the summer of 2025, however, and while there is still a couple of years left on it, there is the possibility that the club decides to potentially accept an offer for him at the end of the season.

Could Bailey leave Villa this summer?

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Jones claimed that Bailey is someone who could possibly depart once the summer window opens:

"I think there will be a market for him. He's the type of player that will always attract a certain level of club. I would be surprised if he was at Villa next season, even if he was to have a banging last game of the season."

This is a tricky one for Villa, with Bailey's displays much improved in recent months and his age meaning he could improve further in the coming years. That being said, he does arguably feel like someone who could both be improved and who Villa could receive good money for, so it is a key decision to make in the coming months.

The key ultimately depends on whether Emery sees the 19-cap and three-goal Jamaica international as an important figure moving forward, or if he believes there are stronger options out there.

Granted, he has got better after some questionable form in the past, but a more prolific wide man could help take Villa to that next level this season – someone who can deliver more relentless numbers than eight Premier League goal contributions in 32 appearances.

If Bailey stays, it is unlikely that many supporters will be complaining, but equally, there would be logic in letting him go, helping boost Villa's summer transfer kitty in the process.

Spurs: Gold drops Johnson transfer claim

Alasdair Gold has dropped an update on reported Tottenham Hotspur transfer target Brennan Johnson.

What’s the talk?

In a recent video posted on his YouTube channel, the football.london journalist revealed that Antonio Conte and Fabio Paratici have now added the Nottingham Forest attacking midfielder to their shortlist of transfer targets, with the Championship play-off finalists expected to demand a figure in the region of £20m in order to part with the 21-year-old this summer.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/tottenham-hotspur-latest-news-updates-transfer-rumours-gossip-spurs-thfc-conte-paratici” title= “Read the latest Spurs news, transfer rumours and more!”]

Regarding Spurs’ interest in the playmaker, Gold said: “I know Spurs really like Brennan Johnson who plays for Forest, he is a talent. But I think there will be a queue of people for him… It’ll be interesting to see where he goes.”

The next Dele

Considering just how talented a prospect Johnson evidently is, it is easy to see why Conte and Paratici would be keen on a deal to bring the forward to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the summer transfer window.

Indeed, over his 48 Championship appearances this season, the £13.5m-rated attacker has been in breathtaking form for the Reds, scoring 18 goals, registering ten assists and creating 15 big chances for his teammates, in addition to taking an average of 1.9 shots, making 1.3 key passes and completing 1.2 dribbles per game.

These returns have seen the £2.5k-per-week Wales international who Sabri Lamouchi dubbed “unbelievable” average a quite spectacular SofaScore match rating of 7.10, ranking him as Forest’s fourth-best outfielder in the second tier – playing a key role in the Garibaldi’s run to the play-off final.

Furthermore, considering his age, position and extremely impressive showing in the Championship this term, there are quite clear comparisons that can be drawn between the Forest starlet and another of Tottenham’s former recruits from the lower leagues of English football – Dele Alli.

Indeed, in the season prior to the 26-year-old’s £5m move from MK Dons back in 2015, the attacking midfielder was in similarly exceptional form, scoring 16 goals and providing 11 assists over his 44 appearances in all competitions in 2014/15.

As such, should Conte be able to convince Johnson of a move to north London this summer, he could well have unearthed Tottenham’s next Dele, as the 21-year-old Forest sensation is undoubtedly a player who could go on to replicate the incredible impact the former England international had during his first few seasons with Spurs.

AND in other news: “I’m told…”: Alasdair Gold drops big Spurs transfer twist, supporters will be gutted

Wolves: Romain Saiss out of Liverpool tie

Ahead of their Premier League clash against title-chasing Liverpool on Sunday, Wolves manager Bruno Lage sat in front of the media for his last pre-game press conference this season to issue a fitness update on his squad.

What’s the latest?

Asked to give an update on injuries within the camp, Lage said (as per wolves.co.uk): “Just Saiss at the moment. He doesn’t recover from his injury, so Saiss, Semedo has a big injury, Max also out. Daniel is coming. Nothing new, just those things.”

Saiss ruled out

With Saiss still not fit to face Liverpool in Wolves’ final game of the season, it will come as a concern for Lage and the Molineux faithful.

The Moroccan’s contract is set to expire in the summer, so this setback could mean that he will not turn out in an Old Gold shirt again.

As Lage looks to implement a rebuild at Molineux, amidst a host of expiring contracts, there is a cloud of uncertainty hovering over the club, with Saiss’ future also still up in the air.

As a left-footed centre-back operating in Lage’s back-three, the 32-year-old has shown his worth again this season, having made 31 appearances and starting 81% of his team’s matches in the Premier League.

Since the defender’s absence, Lage has opted to use Jonny as a right centre-back, whilst right-footed Willy Boly has come in place of Saiss, with Toti Gomes also getting a run out in the last game against Norwich. During that time, the Old Gold have conceded six goals in what has been a dreadful end to a season which saw them within touching distance of European football.

Saiss is a big miss in the Wolves squad, posting the fourth-highest WhoScored performance rating this term among players to start more than 10 league games, so it will come as a big blow that he is still not in any condition to feature against a Liverpool side who still have hope of lifting the Premier League trophy at Anfield on Sunday evening.

With the Moroccan’s future at Molineux uncertain, it remains to be see whether we will ever again see him plying his trade in a Wolves shirt. For now, Lage may just be worried over the damage that the free-scoring Reds could cause against a defence deprived of one of its most assured operators.

In other news: Wolves can save millions by unearthing 22-year-old “diamond”, Lage will be ecstatic 

Everton eyeing move for Daniel Jebbison

Everton are still unclear whether they will be playing Premier League football or not next season, however, it hasn’t stopped them from working on potential transfer moves this summer as a new update emerges.

What’s the latest?

According to Football League World sources, Everton remain keen on signing Sheffield United youngster Daniel Jebbison.

The report suggests they have been told that the Toffees see the Championship striker as their next Dominic Calvert-Lewin but will likely loan him out to make sure he is playing regular football.

Everton reportedly believe that Jebbison has bags of potential and that is why they are so keen to sign him this summer.

Calvert-Lewin successor

There is no doubt that Jebbison is offering glimpses of star quality and has obviously caught the eye of the powers at Goodison Park after scoring against the Toffees during his spell in the Premier League with Sheffield United last season.

However, the centre-forward is only 18 years old and will unlikely be able to break straight into the first team but he could potentially become Calvert-Lewin’s successor in the future if he signs for the club and continues to impress.

This season Jebbison who was hailed a “shining light” by Sky Sports pundit Micah Richards, spent the first half of the season on loan to Burton Albion scoring nine goals in 23 appearances which prompted Sheffield United to recall the striker from his loan deal following Rhian Brewster’s season-ending hamstring injury. In total, he has an impressive 16 strikes across the various levels.

Since returning to Bramall Lane, the youngster has been fighting for a place in the team making just eight appearances and not able to find the back of the net in the second half of the season. With so many attacking options Paul Heckingbottom briefly explained why Jebbison wasn’t getting favoured for game time.

The Sheffield United manager claimed (via Yorkshire Live):

“If you look who is in form, Bill’s been doing great and scoring goals, Morgan has and we have spoken about Iliman and Oli Mac and Jebbo is in amongst that.

“He’s got to get past them, simple as that.”

With that being said, a move to Everton could be a great step up for the young goal-scorer and a golden opportunity for him to develop and improve under the watchful eye of Lampard who was renowned for his goal-scoring abilities with 177 Premier League goals to his name.

AND in other news: Get rid: £28k-pw EFC dud who lost the ball every 1.5 touches must never start again

Tottenham: Conte axe strikes fear in ‘top class’ player

Tottenham Hotspur’s Sergio Reguilon now fears the axe by manager Antonio Conte as Barcelona eye a surprise move to sign the former Real Madrid talent, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Conte overhaul looming?

The Spurs head coach is reportedly plotting a major summer overhaul with as many as six major signings on his mind (The Telegraph).

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/tottenham-newest-updates/” title=”Tottenham newest updates…” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Conte wishes to add a reserve goalkeeper, right-wing-back, central defender, two midfielders and a new forward to his ranks as he prepares for a first full 2022/2023 season in charge at the Premier League club.

Several Lilywhites players have been tipped to make way as transfer chief Fabio Paratici is tasked with balancing the books and ensuring Conte’s transfer market wishes are fulfilled.

Now, sharing an update on who could leave north London, chief football writer John Cross of The Daily Mirror has an update for supporters.

The Latest: Cross makes Reguilon claim…

According to his sources, La Liga giants Barca are eyeing a ‘sensational’ move to sign former Real Madrid academy ace Reguilon from Spurs.

As well as this, the 25-year-old ‘fears he is not part of Conte’s long-term plans’ as he grows fearful of the Italian’s possible axe.

It is thought that Reguilon ‘could be surplus to requirements’ and it looks ‘increasingly likely he will leave’.

The Verdict: Let him go?

Depending on whether Madrid activate their £27.5 million buy-back clause for the defender or if it is Barca who end up swooping in, letting Reguilon depart should be considered by Paratici and Conte.

Ryan Sessegnon has been shining in the left-wing-back role when deployed and the Spaniard’s exit could help to balance Spurs’ worrying homegrown quota issue.

The potential fee will also bolster Paratici’s transfer kitty to fund summer swoops and appeasing Conte’s wishes in the summer will be crucial in keeping him at the club.

Lauded as a ‘top-class’ player by former Spurs keeper Paul Robinson, a Reguilon sale may well be one to watch out for regardless of his quality at times.

In other news: Fabrizio Romano: Conte could lose ‘monster’ Spurs player who’s now ‘expected to leave’…find out more here.

Newcastle transfer news on de Vrij

Paddy Kenny has been left wowed by some Newcastle United transfer news that he has now heard on Stefan de Vrij.

The Lowdown: Newcastle boost

As per Football Insider, de Vrij has been told by Inter Milan that he can now leave for just £15m in the summer, £25m less than his previous £40m value.

A recruitment source told the outlet that the Netherlands international is yet to open talks over a new deal in Milan and that has cast his future into doubt ahead of the looming transfer window.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/newcastle-news-6/” title=”Newcastle news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The North East club are just one of a number of teams now targeting a move for him, with both Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa also in the mix for his signature.

The Latest: Kenny reacts

Speaking to Football Insider about that update, former Leeds United and Sheffield United goalkeeper Kenny has claimed that de Vrij would be an ‘incredible’ signing for the St. James’ Park faithful, and that snapping him up would be a ‘no brainer’:

“You are talking about a top-quality defender who has seen it all.

“Newcastle could do with some of that. Look at Kieran Trippier. I know he has only played a few games but his influence can’t be overstated.

“You are paying £15million for a defender of his quality, it’s an absolute no brainer for me.

“Other clubs will be interested but obviously Newcastle can blow their competition out of the water with wages.

“They can do that if they need to. Maybe de Vrij can be convinced by the project.

“He will have seen Newcastle’s rise under Eddie Howe and he might want to be a part of that.

“If he was available I would go all out to get him. He would be an incredible capture.”

The Verdict: Get it done

If a player of de Vrij’s quality is available for just £15m, the Tyneside outfit simply need to get the deal done.

As Kenny points out, the central defender has a lot of experience of playing at the highest level, and so would help raise the game of his other teammates.

Dubbed a ‘monster‘ by former Lazio defender Mauricio, the six-foot-two colossus loves to defend, and so would help shore up the backline to allow the likes of Allan Saint-Maximin to express themselves more further up the pitch.

In other news, find out who PIF are now in ‘contact’ over signing here!

Spurs: Paratici enters into Carmo talks

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in a deal to bring David Carmo to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Portuguese publication A Bola (via Sport Witness), who claim that Fabio Paratici has now opened negotiations with SC Braga ahead of a move for the centre-back at the end of the season.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-spurs-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-and-much-more” title= “Read the latest Spurs news!”]

The report goes on to state that Borussia Dortmund have also registered an interest in the 22-year-old, who is thought to be available for a figure of around £20m this summer – despite the defender possessing a €40m (£33.5m) release clause.

Spurs’ own Van Dijk

With it being reported that Paratici’s main target in the summer transfer window is the signing of a left-sided centre-back, it is easy to see why Spurs are being linked with a move for the left-footed Carmo.

Indeed, despite missing the majority of the current campaign with a broken ankle, over his ten Liga Portugal appearances following his return to action, the £9m-rated defender has highly impressed, helping his side keep four clean sheets, as well as making an average of one interception, 0.7 tackles, 3.4 clearances and winning 3.7 duels – at a success rate of 61% – per game.

These returns have seen the £3.4k-per-week talent average a SofaScore match rating of 7.01, ranking him as Carlos Carvalhal’s second-best defender and ninth-best player overall in the league.

However, it has not only been in domestic competition that Carmo has impressed, with the centre-back also shining over his five Europa League outings, helping Braga keep three clean sheets, in addition to making an average of 1.2 interceptions, 1.8 tackles, 6.2 clearances and winning 5.4 duels – at a success rate of 69% – per fixture.

These metrics saw the player who Sam McGuire claimed “looks the part” average a SofaScore match rating of 7.14, ranking him as Braga’s fourth-best performer in the competition – with the centre-back playing a key role in his club’s run to the quarter-finals of the tournament.

Furthermore, following Virgil van Dijk’s season-ending injury back in October 2020, data analysts Twenty3 identified Carmo as the perfect replacement for the stricken 30-year-old, with the former Portugal U20 international best matching the Liverpool defender in aerial duels won, defensive duels won, long passes completed, forward passes completed, final third passes completed and fouls.

Indeed, Liverpool even reportedly made an offer for the 22-year-old the following January, however, with Ozan Kabak being a more attainable option, Jurgen Klopp’s side decided upon a move for the Turkish defender ahead of the Braga starlet.

As such, considering his undoubted ability, his reasonable asking price and his strong left foot, it would very much appear as if the defender would be a signing Conte would love to welcome to north London this summer – as well as being a talent who could well go on to become Tottenham’s own Van Dijk.

AND in other news: “Told those around him…”: Journo drops big Spurs transfer claim, Conte will be livid

Game
Register
Service
Bonus