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There has been an update regarding Tottenham Hotspur's apparent interest in Southampton talisman, James Ward-Prowse…

What's the latest on Ward-Prowse to Tottenham?

According to Football Insider, the Lilywhites – as well as rivals West Ham United – are believed to be the frontrunners in the battle to land the England international, with the Premier League pair said to be 'pushing hardest' to get a deal over the line.

The piece adds that Spurs, in particular, have been keeping tabs on the 28-year-old over an extended period of time, with the north Londoners now having the perfect chance to pounce following the Saints' recent relegation.

If Ange Postecoglou and co are to make a move for the 11-cap playmaker, previous reports earlier this month suggested that it could require a fee of around £40m, with three years still left to run on the player's existing deal.

Should Tottenham sign Ward-Prowse?

A deal for Ward-Prowse could potentially allow Tottenham to finally fill the creative, midfield void that was left behind by Christian Eriksen following his departure for Inter Milan back in 2020, with journalist Dean Jones having stated last summer that the club "haven't replaced Eriksen's profile and creativity".

Club legend Glenn Hoddle has also spoken of the need to replace the experienced Dane after stating his desire to see Daniel Levy recruit 'a player who can pick passes', before going on to name Ward-Prowse – who he described as a 'major asset' – as a possible candidate for that vacancy.

While filling the shoes of a player who racked up 90 goals and 69 assists for Spurs in 305 games would not be easy, the Saints star also possesses the quality to make a telling impact in the final third, having registered 53 assists and 55 goals in 409 games across all fronts for the south coast side.

Lauded by teammate Jan Bednarek for having the "best delivery in the league", Ward-Prowse also mirrors Eriksen due to his set-piece quality as he has scored 17 Premier League free-kicks to date, with the current Manchester United man – who has scored eight top-flight free-kicks – also having "very, very good set-piece delivery, both from corners and direct free kicks", according to Brentford boss, Thomas Frank.

The introduction of an Eriksen-like figure could also potentially benefit Tottenham's free-scoring talisman, Harry Kane, with talkSPORT pundit Darren Ambrose claiming earlier this year that Ward-Prowse could help his compatriot to score "an extra ten goals a season", due to his devastating delivery.

While there have been claims that Kane could be on his way out of the club this summer – amid links to both Manchester United and Real Madrid – Ambrose even went as far as to suggest that if "you sign James Ward-Prowse, Harry Kane stays."

Whether that proves true or not, it would certainly be a benefit for both Kane – and for new boss Postecoglou – if Spurs could find an heir to Eriksen this summer…

Glasgow Rangers will be looking to put their poor 2022/2023 campaign in the rearview mirror as the summer transfer window looms into view.

Michael Beale has already started his business, signing Kieran Dowell and Dujon Sterling on pre-contract deals from Norwich City and Chelsea respectively, however his aim now will be to bolster his attacking options, especially considering Alfredo Morelos and Ryan have departed the Ibrox side.

If the Gers want to give Celtic a proper Premiership title challenge next term, they will need to sign forwards who can hit the ground running and score a few goals in their opening matches to build some confidence and then perhaps can Beale push for glory.

With regard to this, the Light Blues have shown interest in striker Cyriel Dessers according to the Daily Mail (via Daily Record) and he could very well be Beale’s very own version of a Serie A attacker who is attracting interest from Manchester United and Arsenal – Dusan Vlahovic.

Could Cyriel Dessers be a good signing for Rangers?

The 28-year-old currently plays for Italian side Cremonese, and has scored six goals in Serie A during 2022/23 whilst also laying on two assists, leading to journalist Josh Bunting to describe him as being “awkward to play against” due to his strength and this could come in handy due to the physical nature of Scottish football.

His adaptability could mean moving to Scotland wouldn’t faze him as he spent the 2021/2022 season on loan at Feyenoord, scoring 20 goals across all competitions for the Dutch side, while he is also statistically similar to Vlahovic.

According to FBref, the Serbian striker is the third-most similar player to Dessers and considering his goal-scoring abilities in the Italian top flight, netting 61 goals in 140 appearances, it is certainly not a bad comparison to have.

Indeed, the two players have registered similar statistics this season with regard to goals (ten to nine), shots on target per 90 (1.14 to 0.94), shot-creating actions per 90 (2.49 to 2.1) and touches in the attacking penalty area (115 to 102), indicating that they both offer a decent attacking threat for their respective club sides.

Beale desperately needs a bustling striker to cause chaos in the opposition box while being able to chip in with goals, and the £8m-rated machine certainly fits the bill.

Being likened to Vlahovic is a sign he could be a hit in the Premiership next season and with Morelos departing Ibrox, he could well fill the void left by the Colombian striker.

Wolves are plotting a bid for Braga defender David Carmo ahead of the summer transfer window as Bruno Lage identifies new targets.

What’s the word?

That’s according to Portuguese newspaper O Jogo (via Birmingham mail) which states that the Premier League is the likely destination for Carmo.

Wolves face competition from German club Wolfsburg, as confirmed by Fabrizio Romano, although their bid was turned down.

The defender has a release clause of €40m (£34.3m) and this could tempt Lage into making a move for the player.

Lage needs him

Wolves enjoyed a solid campaign in the Premier League, finishing tenth and just missing out on European football for next year.

The onus is on the manager to rejuvenate the squad and with certain players’ futures, such as Ruben Neves and Joao Moutinho uncertain, there could be plenty of incomings during the summer.

One area that Lage is aiming to boost is the defence and with Romain Saiss leaving, there is a hole that needs to be filled.

Carmo would be a fine addition to the Wolves squad and won 2.5 aerials per game last season, ranking him third in the Braga side.

Compared to positional peers in the big five leagues, Carmo ranks in the top 1% for clearances per match (6.75), whilst also displaying his attacking skills, again ranking in the top 1% for non-penalty goals (0.18 per 90) and he also generates 0.89 shot-creating actions per match.

These stats show that Lage would be benefiting at both ends of the pitch by signing the defender and at just 22 years of age, he could kickstart the next stage in his development by moving to England.

His Braga performances led manager Carlos Carvalhal to describe him as a “fantastic” centre back, while Leicester City boss Brendan Rodgers claimed that Carmo has an “excellent profile” and this is high praise indeed from two coaches who are well respected.

Lage should act sooner rather than later with a move for the player before a club of a bigger stature come along and ruin the opportunity.

AND in other news, Tim Spiers now reveals major Wolves transfer twist, supporters will be buzzing…

Tottenham Hotspur could swoop for Torino centre-back Gleison Bremer, according to Calciomercato (via Sport Witness). 

The lowdown

Antonio Conte is intent on strengthening his defence ahead of his first full season in charge at Tottenham. The Italian is particularly keen to recruit a left-sided centre-half for his back three, and while Bremer is right-footed, The Athletic reported that he’s still under ‘serious consideration’.

Torino offered Bremer a route into European football, signing him from Atletico Mineiro for £5.2m in 2018.

The 25-year-old, who has since made 110 appearances for the Serie A club, signed a new contract as recently as February. Howeverm it only runs until the summer of 2024, and his manager Ivan Juric has already confirmed that the defender will be leaving the Turin outfit this summer.

The latest

According to Calciomercato (via Sport Witness), Tottenham ‘have strongly entered the race’ to sign Bremer, along with newly-crowned Serie A champions AC Milan.

The report advises readers to ‘watch out’ for a ‘serious assault’ from Conte and Spurs’ managing director of football Fabio Paratici.

The north Londoners are ‘ready to invest’ as much as €50m (£42.6m) to get this prospective deal done.

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The verdict

Spurs do have other options in mind. According to Jack Pitt-Brooke and Charlie Eccleshare, Conte is a big admirer of both Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni and RB Leipzig’s Josko Gvardiol.

However, they claimed that the Italian will cost around £50m, and the Croatian even more, so Bremer could be the cheapest candidate.

The Brazilian is an ‘incredibly aggressive’ defender, even ‘more so than [Cristian] Romero’, in the words of European football expert Alex Barker. He clearly defends on the front foot, ranking in the 98th percentile among positional peers in Europe’s top five leagues for pressures per 90 minutes.

On top of that, he records exceptionally high volumes of interceptions (98th perecentile), blocks (99th), clearances (96th) and successful aerial duels (99th), as per FBRef. He is also someone who backs himself to carry the ball, slotting into the 79th percentile for dribbles completed.

Bremer won the Serie A Defender of the Year award even though Torino finished 10th, and that’s a glowing reflection of his talents.

Indeed, journalist Maxi Angelo has billed him a ‘monster’, perhaps a fitting summary of how huge a presence the 25-year-old could be in Conte’s defence if he comes to north London.

In other news, a journalist has shared a transfer update on Ronnie Edwards.

Reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Reims striker Hugo Ekitike is now open to becoming Newcastle United’s first signing of the summer window.

The Lowdown: January pursuit

According to a Sky Sports report from January, the Magpies had a bid worth up to £33m accepted by Reims for the 19-year-old.

On deadline day, Ekitike called off the Premier League move, as the young striker believed the timing wasn’t right for a move (via 90min).

However, Newcastle have seemingly been pushing on with negotiations ever since, and the player himself has now given the deal the green light.

The Latest: Ekitike now agrees to join

Taking to Twitter, the transfer guru shared the news of a major breakthrough concerning Newcastle’s pursuit of the forward.

“Hugo Ekitike has agreed a five year deal with Newcastle. Now it’s about final details to be discussed with Reims before deal completed.

“Talented French striker was in BVB list but Newcastle have been pushing for months after January negotiations.”

The Verdict: Fantastic signing

With the likes of Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain having been linked with a move for the youngster, Ekitike’s potential should be clear to see.

Earning comparisons to global superstar Kylian Mbappe and French legend David Trezeguet, the 19-year-old’s arrival at St. James’ Park will be one of the most exciting incomings that the club has seen in recent years.

Fans will be hoping that the final details of the deal can be agreed smoothly, so the Frenchman can join up with Eddie Howe’s side as soon as possible.

In other news: Newcastle United: Magpies send scouts to watch Ben Nelson

Crystal Palace midfielder Luka Milivojevic is reportedly considering a departure from Selhurst Park this summer with former employers Olympiacos interested in re-signing the Serbian.

What’s the word?

That’s according to Inside Futbol, who claim that the 31-year-old could leave south London with game time under Patrick Vieira this term limited.

Milivojevic has made just 14 Premier League appearances this season, nine of which have been starts, with a place in the XI against Aston Villa last weekend his first in the top-flight since February.

The Serbian had been a kingpin in the Palace side under Roy Hodgson, but new manager Vieira hasn’t taken a shine to the 31-year-old who will undoubtedly be keen to play more frequently next term, which looks like it will be away from Selhurst Park.

Palace fans will be gutted

Although it will be the best outcome for Milivojevic, Palace fans will certainly be sad to see an excellent servant leave.

Since his move from Olympiacos in January 2017, the midfielder has gone on to make 176 appearances for the Eagles, scoring 28 goals and registering six assists.

Moreover, the Serbia international is still regarded as the club’s captain, taking the armband this season whenever he has started.

However, a departure for the 31-year-old would surely be a mini-disaster as it would leave the Palace midfield incredibly light and would certainly require Vieira to dip into the transfer market to sign at least one quality central midfielder.

With Conor Gallagher set to return to Chelsea upon the conclusion of his loan deal whilst James McArthur and Cheikhou Kouyate’s contracts are set to expire, only 27-year-old Will Hughes will be left.

The French manager has already demonstrated how he wants to integrate fresh, young talent into what was an ageing Palace squad with the likes of Michael Olise, Odsonne Edouard and Gallagher all joining last summer.

Now, it appears as though the same sort of makeover will occur in the midfielder, with Miliojevic a victim of that.

Despite limited playing time this season, the Serbian will be regarded highly at Selhurst Park and supporters will be gutted to see him leave.

AND in other news: Imagine him and Olise: CPFC must swoop for £13.5m-rated wizard, Vieira would adore him

A worrying Rangers transfer claim has emerged ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

Transfer insider Dean Jones has suggested that several Gers players could be looking for a way out of Glasgow at the end of the season.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “I think for younger players in that Rangers squad, this is going to be extremely exciting.

“For the more experienced ones, a lot of them are at a key point in their career when they are still going to have to consider a transfer this summer.”

Van Bronckhorst will be deflated

Light Blues head coach Gio van Bronckhorst will surely be deflated by the prospect of a number of his first-team stalwarts wanting to leave in the summer.

In spite of Celtic securing the Premiership title earlier this week, Rangers are on a high and have the chance to end the campaign with two trophies to show for their efforts. They play Eintracht Frankfurt in the Europa League final next week before facing Hearts in the Scottish Cup final later in the month.

It is an exciting time to play for, support or manage the Gers with these huge matches to come in the next few weeks, but that excitement and joy (if they win) will soon fade if several key players start to head for the exit door.

Jones believes that some of the more experienced heads may want to move on at this point in their careers, and leaving after a major European final would be the ideal send-off from their perspective. However, Van Bronckhorst will still be frustrated at the thought of losing the likes of Connor Goldson and Ryan Kent.

The former is out of contract in the summer and it remains to be seen whether or not he will want to extend his terms, whilst the latter has been linked with a host of Premier League clubs.

Both players have averaged SofaScore ratings of 7.06 or higher in the Premiership this season and have been putting in consistently brilliant displays throughout the campaign. This illustrates how important they have been for the Light Blues, as they have been mainstays in the team.

Therefore, Van Bronckhorst will be feeling deflated at the thought of both of them leaving the club in the summer, as they would leave huge holes for Ross Wilson to fill if they depart.

AND in other news, Wilson heading for big Rangers disaster on “ridiculous” £6.4k-p/w tank, GvB needs him…

West Bromwich Albion manager Steve Bruce mentioned in recent weeks that he will be looking to conduct a rather significant overhaul at The Hawthorns during the upcoming summer transfer window.

Having ended the season in 10th place with 67 points on the board after winning 18, drawing 13 and losing 15 of their 46 games, it’s easy to see why it could be a busy summer for the Baggies as they aim to win promotion back to the Premier League.

One area of the squad where the Midlands club could look to strengthen is in defence.

Despite conceding just 45 goals, fewer than all but three teams in the Championship (each of whom finished in the top four), the Baggies have already been linked with one defender who could come in and make them stronger at the back.

Having been linked with a swoop for Blackburn’s Darragh Lenihan, who is out of contract in the summer, this could give Bruce the chance to create a formidable pairing at the back with the Rovers ace and current Baggies centre-half Kyle Bartley.

With two more appearances in the league this season to his name than the West Brom defender, Lenihan has also made more interceptions and tackles along the way, highlighting his talents at the back.

Furthermore, the Irishman has made considerably more crosses (54) throughout this campaign than the West Brom defender (two), showing that he can be an attacking threat as well as a tough opponent at the back.

The Blackburn tank, dubbed a “man mountain” by his manager Tony Mowbray, has also averaged 4.1 clearances per game, which is just above Bartley’s average of four per match.

Taking all this into account, having a £14k-per-week titan like Lenihan in the team next to Bartley could be exactly what Bruce and West Brom need in order to ensure they have a better chance of securing promotion next season by being harder to beat.

Additionally, with the possibility of a free transfer on the cards, this could be a great bit of business from the Midlands club from a financial point of view, and it may then allow them to spend money on strengthening other areas of the squad.

In other news: John Percy drops behind-the-scenes WBA transfer claim, supporters will be buzzing

Phil Hay has dropped a promising injury update concerning Leeds United centre-back Liam Cooper ahead of the Whites’ Premier League meeting with Chelsea on Wednesday.

What’s the latest?

In a recent post on Twitter, The Athletic journalist relayed the comments made by Jesse Marsch in his pre-match press conference, in which the 48-year-old manager suggested that, after missing both the Manchester City and Arsenal defeats with a knee injury, the 30-year-old should be available for selection at Elland Road tomorrow night.

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Regarding the current condition of the defender, Hay said: “From Marsch’s press conference – Liam Cooper had a reaction to his knee injury ahead of Arsenal. He trained yesterday and Marsch is hopeful that he’ll be available for tomorrow’s game.”

Marsch will be buzzing

With Leeds United’s campaign very much getting to a point of being now or never if they are to secure Premier League survival, the news that Cooper looks set to make a return to the starting XI against Chelsea on Wednesday is sure to have left Marsch buzzing.

Indeed, over his 18 Premier League appearances this season, the £6.3m-rated centre-back has been imperious in the heart of the Whites’ defence, helping his side keep five clean sheets, as well as making an average of 2.1 interceptions, 2.1 tackles, 3.4 clearances and winning 6.9 duels – at a success rate of 67% – per game.

These returns have seen the Scotland international average an extremely impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.07, ranking him as Marsch’s best performing outfielder in the English top flight.

As such, it is clear for all to see that the club captain’s return to the lineup tomorrow would provide Leeds’ chances of securing a much-needed three points with a huge boost – with Cooper’s availability perhaps being the difference between the Whites playing Premier League or Championship football next season.

AND in other news: “A very good investment”: Phil Hay drops teasing Leeds transfer update, Orta must move

Rangers delayed their rivals’ title party as they held their opponents to a 1-1 draw away from home in the Premiership on Sunday.

The Gers came from behind to secure a draw to prevent the Hoops from celebrating their league triumph on derby day.

Gio van Bronckhorst’s side found themselves 1-0 down at half-time after a strike from Jota put the hosts in front and they were lucky to only be one goal behind as Celtic missed a number of chances to make it 2-0 and potentially 3-0.

They rode their luck and eventually found the equaliser through Fashion Sakala as the Zambia international brilliantly fired the ball past Joe Hart after good build-up play from Scott Wright and Ryan Kent. The striker also came close to a winner as he struck the post late on after a quick break through the middle of the pitch.

Whilst the 2021 signing scored the goal to rescue a point for the Gers, the real Old Firm hero for Rangers was central midfielder John Lundstram.

The former Sheffield United man was absolutely phenomenal in the middle of the park as he bossed the majority of the game for van Bronckhorst. He was excellent on and off the ball as he put in a fine display that will have supporters excited to see him in derby action again next season.

In possession, he was a reliable outlet for the team. As per SofaScore, he completed 89% of his attempted passes and only gave possession away nine times from a whopping 74 touches of the ball. He was also successful with all eight of his long pass attempts and created one chance, as he showed his quality and range of passing with the ball at his feet.

Defensively, he was a monster for Rangers. As per SofaScore, he won 77% (7/9) of his individual duels as he dominated the opposition throughout the match. He also made four tackles, three interceptions and two clearances to continually cut out Celtic attacks in midfield to put the Gers on the front foot.

With these statistics in mind, Lundstram was the real hero for Rangers – not Sakala – as he made an impact at both ends of the pitch and was sublime.

Hopefully, he can carry his form into next Thursday’s Europa League clash with RB Leipzig in what is poised to be an electric night under the lights at Ibrox.

AND in other news, Wilson must reignite Rangers swoop for “impressive” 28 G/A flier, GvB needs him…