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Leeds United are interested in a deal to bring Arnaud Kalimuendo to Elland Road in the summer transfer window.

What’s the word?

That’s according to a report by Tutto Mercato Web (via Sport Witness), who claim that Victor Orta is making strong moves for the Paris Saint-Germain centre-forward this summer, with the Ligue 1 champions believed to be willing to part with the 20-year-old for a figure in the region of €20m (£17m).

An earlier claim made by Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna suggested that the Spanish director of football has even gone as far as to make a bid offer for the France U21 international, although the French reporter claimed that it would actually take an offer of €22m (£19m) in order for PSG to part ways with the young striker in the current market.

“Beautiful palette”

Considering the sheer amount of potential Kalimuendo quite clearly possesses, in addition to the signing of a new centre-forward reported to be one of Orta’s priority targets in the summer transfer window, it is easy to see why the Spaniard is believed to have made contact with PSG regarding a deal for the 20-year-old.

Indeed, over his 34 Ligue 1 appearances while on loan at RC Lens in 2021/22, the £17m-rated forward was in spectacular form, scoring 12 goals and creating three big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 1.8 shots, making 0.6 key passes and completing 0.8 dribbles per game.

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Furthermore, according to FBref data, the £6.6k-per-week forward also ranks in the top 28% of centre-forwards in Europe’s big five leagues for non-penalty goals per 90, in addition to the top 1% for pass completion, the top 19% for progressive carries and the top 11% for progressive passes received over the last 365 days.

These metrics saw the French youth international come in for a considerable amount of praise last season, none more so than from Lens head coach Franck Haise, who stated of Kalimuendo earlier this year:

“He is already the prototype striker of the present. From 18 to 20, he not only showed that he held his place in Ligue 1, but he continued to score in a team which evolves in the first part of the classification.

“He is an attacker for the future because he feels the blows and is clever in the finish. He is able to keep his back to the goal, attack the depth, to de-zone to create spaces for the others. He is already a beautiful palette that will be enriched.”

As such, with the PSG starlet evidently being a player who knows how to find the back of the net, boasts the potential to flourish into an exceptional top-tier striker and is available for an extremely reasonable £19m this summer, a move for the 20-year-old would appear an extremely smart one for Orta to make in the coming weeks.

AND in other news: Victor Orta now working on fourth summer signing, Leeds supporters will be buzzing

Newcastle United are reportedly now eyeing up a move to sign Nick Pope this summer.

The Lowdown: New goalkeeper?

Eddie Howe reportedly wants to sign a new ball-playing goalkeeper to replace Martin Dubravka as his number one, with Yann Sommer and Dean Henderson thought to be on his list of potential targets.

They have already signed one player in the permanent deal for Matt Targett, and will now be looking to get more deals through the door as the window officially opened on Friday.

The Latest: Pope eyed

Writing in his latest column for GIVEMESPORT, transfer insider Dean Jones has revealed that the St. James’ Park outfit are now eyeing Pope as a potential alternative to Henderson, as their pursuit of the Manchester United ace has ‘faded’.

Pope is ‘highly regarded’ in the North East, along with Brighton and Hove Albion ‘keeper Robert Sanchez.

The Verdict: Sign

Given Burnley’s relegation from the Premier League, Pope should be available for a cut-price, and so could end up being an absolute bargain for the Tynesiders.

The six-foot-five giant can hold little of the blame for the Clarets going down, given his ‘outstanding’ performances in the eyes of fellow teammate Ashley Barnes, while West Ham United journalist Roshane Thomas even went as far as to call him ‘super saiyan’ after earning his team a point at the London Stadium last season.

The England international was the second-best performing goalkeeper in the top flight after Liverpool star Alisson (WhoScored), which is so impressive considering he was playing for a relegated side, and so the Magpies will not be disappointed if they took a chance on him.

In other news, find out what big transfer update on this ‘supernatural’ NUFC target has now emerged here!

Everton are in need of bolstering their squad this summer following a difficult Premier League season, and now they are reportedly interested in a new target ahead of the transfer window.

What’s the latest?

According to French news outlet L’Equipe, Everton are interested in signing Stade Rennais left-back Adrien Truffert.

As per the report, the Toffees are following the player’s situation alongside West Ham United, Leicester City, Ajax and Hoffenheim this summer.

Baines 2.0

There is no doubt that Frank Lampard will be wanting to add quality and depth to his Merseyside based squad ahead of next season to ensure they don’t find themselves in another tough relegation battle and Truffert could be the perfect addition to make an instant impact in the team.

Lampard has a penchant for developing young players with Mason Mount, Reece James, Conor Gallagher and Armando Broja just four of the players the former Chelsea boss has brought into the spotlight, and the 20-year-old Frenchman could be his next youth project at Goodison Park.

By no means is Truffert inexperienced with 75 appearances in total and has been a standout player for Rennes, with high praise after his debut in 2020 from former coach Julien Stéphan who hailed the youngster “ultra decisive”.

This season the £10.8m-rated dynamo has shown his quality more than ever over his 30 appearances in Ligue 1, scoring three goals, delivering two assists and creating two big chances, as well as making 1 tackle and winning 2.7 duels on average per game, proving that he has the potential to be a threat in attacking play and offers defensive qualities too.

The young left-back could follow in the footsteps of Everton legend Leighton Baines who signed for the Toffees when he was just 22-years-old back in 2007, becoming one of the most promising left-sided defenders in the Premier League, earning 30 caps for the England national team thanks to his impressive impact at club level.

Truffert is currently in the France U21 team and will surely be hoping that he can one day break into the senior France team, something he could achieve by gaining more game-time and developing his craft with Everton just like Baines did for England.

With that being said, Lampard could unearth a great young prospect in the squad that can help him not only add depth on the left side of the squad but Truffert could also add another attacking threat in the side by emulating his success in forward play at Rennes.

AND in other news: Offer accepted: Everton closing in on 1st summer signing, Lampard will be ecstatic

Liverpool forward Sadio Mane is edging closer toward a move to Bayern Munich, according to a claim from Reds writer Dave O’Connell. 

The lowdown: Anfield icon

Signed for £34million from Southampton in 2016 (BBC), Mane has been nothing short of sensational for the Reds in six years on Merseyside.

Under the tutelage of Jurgen Klopp, the 30-year-old Senegal star played a huge part in ending the 30-year wait for a top-flight title, whilst also lifting the UEFA Champions League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup, FIFA Club World Cup and UEFA Super Sup during a trophy-laden period at Anfield.

In that time Mane has scored 120 goals and provided 48 assists, taking the versatile attacker to 14th on the club’s illustrious all-time top scorer charts.

The latest: O’Connell drops update

Taking to Twitter, amidst much speculation about the end of the Senegalese international’s time on Merseyside, O’Connell has claimed that Mane and Bayern Munich have already agreed on their end of the deal.

He said: “Sadio Mane has agreed a three year contract with Bayern Munich. PSG and Barcelona were also interested. He has spoken directly to Julian Nagelsmann. Now up to clubs to agree a fee. Liverpool and Bayern Munich began official talks yesterday.”

The verdict: Time to say goodbye?

Whilst the breaking up of what has been a nigh-on untouchable front three of Roberto Firmino, Mohamed Salah and Mane had to happen at some stage, losing the 86-cap ace at this juncture so soon after Premier League and Champions League heartbreak is a huge blow to Jurgen Klopp’s squad.

During the recently concluded 2021/22 campaign, the powerful frontman was reborn in a central role following the arrival of left-wing sensation Luis Diaz, ending the season with 23 goals and five assists from 51 appearances across all competitions.

One sticking point on the deal being conducted in a swift fashion appears to be the fee, with initial reports suggesting somewhere in the region of €30million (£25.5million) could be enough. However, Liverpool seem certain to demand more for the £72million valued attacker despite his dwindling contract.

Albeit replacing the man once hailed for his ‘monstrous’ performances by Arsene Wenger is no mean feat, under Klopp and the ownership of FSG, Liverpool have been the envy of the world when it comes to recruitment and Julian Ward will no doubt be charged with the task of finding a suitable striker successor.

In other news: Liverpool identify ‘intelligent’ forward to replace Mane, read more here

With Aston Villa finishing the Premier League season in a disappointing 14th place, it hasn’t exactly been the start that Steven Gerrard would have wanted when he took the reins last November, arriving from Rangers after he had revived the Glasgow club’s fortunes.

There has been some positives along the way, though, especially in the transfer market. The 41-year-old reunited with former Liverpool team-mate Philippe Coutinho, signing the Brazilian on a permanent deal from Barcelona after he impressed on loan in the Midlands.

Gerrard has also signed Diego Carlos and Lucas Digne as he aims to build his own squad ahead of a massive season for the club, and there is more news which will be sure to delight the supporters.

Transfer insider Dean Jones has claimed that the Villa manager wants to get his top targets into the club before pre-season.

The journalist told GIVEMESPORT: “I think that he wants that sorted before they get to pre-season so that he’s got the base and the spine of his team there. So, then he can work around and add a couple of little flair players or bits and pieces that can finish off the job.”

Villa fans will love it

Villa supporters will be delighted to hear that, much like at Rangers, Gerrard wants to have his incoming transfer business sorted as soon as possible to give players the best chance of bedding into the squad well before the start of a new season.

With Coutinho, Carlos and Boubacar Kamara already added to the Villa squad for next term, the 41-year-old doesn’t appear to be stopping there.

Interest in Rangers defender Calvin Bassey could enhance their defence, and a move for another former Anfield team-mate in Luis Suarez could be a massive move due to his tremendous scoring record and the chance to land him on a free transfer from Atletico Madrid.

Potentially adding these two players after the business that Gerrard has already done could be vital in terms of Villa challenging for a European spot next season, which must be their aim.

There is certainly no shortage of backing from Johan Lange, and if the manager gets it right, Villa could be a force to be reckoned with next season.

AND in other news, Gerrard can land AVFC’s next Southgate with move for “outstanding” £120k-p/w warrior

Celtic had one of their most significant summer transfer windows in recent memory last year, which saw the club make a number of changes on and off the pitch.

Along with seeing many players move in and out of the club, the Hoops also appointed Ange Postecoglou as their new manager following Neil Lennon’s departure.

These changes seemed to work out well for the Parkhead club, as the 56-year-old and his players ended up taking the Premiership title off their Old Firm rivals.

Now that the campaign has come to an end, it seems as though a clue has emerged regarding the next steps for one of Celtic’s key figures at Lennoxtown.

What’s the talk?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Dean Jones made a promising claim regarding Postecoglou and his future at Parkhead.

The reporter said: “I imagine they’ll try to reward him in some term. I mean, whether he wants a long-term commitment, who knows, I don’t think he’ll be pushing necessarily for raises or anything like that at this point.

“But from a Celtic point of view, you’ve got this identity now; they’d hate to get into a situation at the start of next season where they’re doing really well, and suddenly another job comes up elsewhere, and he’s pretty available because there’s not going to be much of a fee to get him out of there.”

Celtic appointed Postecoglou last June on a 12-month rolling contract, which has yet to be renewed. In 60 games so far in charge of the Bhoys, the Australian has won 42, drawn seven and lost 11.

Taking into account how the former Yokohama F Marinos manager was able to secure the league title and end the season with his side boasting the best attacking and defensive record in the Scottish top flight, it’s easy to see why the club would be keen on offering him a new deal.

This would also make it easy to assume that Celtic fans would like nothing better than to see the popular 56-year-old, who has already taken the club to glory, once again continue his journey with them.

We feel that Postecoglou has certainly done enough in his debut season to warrant a new deal at Parkhead. Whether that is another 12-month contract or a more long-term agreement is down to the club and how long they would want to see him in charge.

Either way, it would surely be brilliant news for Celtic and their supporters to see the Australian put pen to paper on a new contract soon.

In other news: Bad news: Postecoglou heading for big transfer error as Celtic eye move for £2m dud

Crystal Palace journalist Matt Woosnam thinks another loan move is a possibility for Conor Gallagher next season. 

The lowdown

Chelsea midfielder Gallagher has now come to the end of his season-long loan at Crystal Palace.

The Englishman played the full 90 minutes on Sunday as Palace rounded off the campaign with a 1-0 victory over Manchester United at Selhurst Park.

It was his 33rd start from 38 matches, underlining his value to Patrick Vieira and the Eagles.

Thomas Tuchel and Chelsea must now decide whether to integrate Gallagher, who has also spent time on loan at Charlton Athletic, Swansea City and West Bromwich Albion, into their first team next season.

The latest

Speaking in The Athletic’s Palace match-day discussion on Sunday evening, Woosnam raised doubts about Gallagher’s immediate prospects at Chelsea.

He wouldn’t be ‘surprised’ if the Blues sanctioned another temporary exit.

“I’m not sure Gallagher gets into that Chelsea team, but then perhaps they’ll set up in a way that suits him better than the slightly more defensive outlook Palace have had in the last couple of months that doesn’t play to his strengths,” he said.

“Would not be surprised to see him back out on loan somewhere.”

The verdict

Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish has already publicly expressed the club’s desire to re-sign Gallagher for the 2022/23 season.

And that’s absolutely no surprise in light of his contribution this season. Gallagher finished the campaign second in Palace’s goalscoring charts with eight (behind Wilfried Zaha on 15) and was also runner-up in the assist rankings behind Michael Olise (who had eight to his five).

Chelsea will surely have encouraged by these returns, but there’s some pretty daunting competition at Stamford Bridge.

Tuchel primarily operated with just two central midfielders in 2021/22, and the likes of N’Golo Kante, Mateo Kovacic, Jorginho and Ruben Loftus-Cheek are already jostling for those positions.

Kovacic is Chelsea’s former player of the year, while Kante and Jorginho have both been nominated for the Ballon D’Or.

If Gallagher winds up behind them in the pecking order, his development may slow down.

In other news, this Palace stalwart may leave in the summer. 

Celtic have had a rather busy week in terms of what’s been happening on and off the pitch at the Parkhead club.

After officially being declared champions on Wednesday following their 1-1 draw against Dundee United, the Hoops topped their campaign off with a blistering 6-0 win over Motherwell at Celtic Park.

Prior to Saturday’s final game of the season, it was revealed that Celtic’s veteran duo of Tom Rogic and Nir Bitton will be leaving the club after nearly ten years of service.

Looking ahead to the upcoming summer transfer window and the Bhoys’ next campaign, rather than dive into the transfer market to find suitable replacements for their departing duo, one figure that Ange Postecoglou could look to unleash is Bosun Lawal.

The Hoops signed the defensive midfielder back in July last year from Watford’s youth ranks on a three-year deal.

Shortly before leaving the Hornets, the teenager won their Academy Player of the Season award, highlighting just how much of an exciting talent he is.

Having played as a holding midfielder and as a centre-back in the past, this could make him an ideal long-term replacement for Bitton, who has also been deployed in those positions throughout his career.

After scoring on his debut for the Celtic Reserves in a 2-1 defeat against Bonnyrigg Rose, Tommy McIntyre had this to say about the youngster.

He said: “I thought he was outstanding, very composed and good at stepping out in front of their striker who was a handful.

“He tops it off by scoring a goal and was unlucky not to have had another with the one that was chopped off for offside.

“The fact he’s only been in with us for two days, I’m absolutely delighted with the impact he’s made.”

With this in mind, it seems as though the young Irishman can not only be a useful and versatile figure at the back, but he can also be a goal threat as well.

Former Watford striker Troy Deeney has also shared his praise for the youngster by calling him a “strong and powerful” figure on the pitch.

While Postecoglou may want to add a more experienced figure to his squad this summer to replace either Bitton or Rogic, giving Lawal his first taste of senior football with the Hoops should be in his plans at some point in their upcoming campaign.

Not only could this give the 56-year-old the chance to unearth another one of Celtic’s exciting youth prospects, but it could also give him the chance to save the club millions in potential transfer fees further down the line.

In other news: Insider: Celtic set £10m summer transfer “priority”, it’s great news for Postecoglou

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly promoted five of their young stars into the first-team setup amid an injury crisis at the club, according to a Spurs source’s reveal to Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Injury concerns at Tottenham

Antonio Conte hasn’t had the best of luck with injuries this season, with Japhet Tanganga (knee), Oliver Skipp (pelvic) and more recently Sergio Reguilon (groin) being added to the medical list.

As a result, it appears that the Italian has decided to present an opportunity to some of the club’s most talented under-23 players before the end of the current campaign.

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The Latest: Spurs youngsters get senior call-up

A Spurs source is claimed to have told Football Insider that Marcel Lavinier, Malachi Fagan-Walcott, Harvey White, Nile John and Matthew Craig have all ‘moved their kit’ into the senior training area.

The young quintet have reportedly ‘been told’ that they will all be in and around the first team for the remainder of the season, and it will no doubt come as a huge boost to them to be shown such faith amid Conte’s injury worries.

The Verdict: The perfect opportunity

Out of the players named above, White has probably been the most influential and eye-catching on the pitch this term, having made 11 goal contributions in just 18 appearances in Premier League 2, as per Transfermarkt.

Earlier this year, Lilywhites insider John Wenham admitted that he would like to see more of the club’s youth prospects being included within matchday squads in north London, and it now seems as though that might be the case.

As Conte looks to reassemble his squad ahead of the start of the 2022/23 season, this will be the perfect chance for the youngsters to impress in front of the first-team boss if they want to give him a selection headache.

They have the perfect opportunity to make their mark, having been introduced into the senior fold for the final few games before the end of May.

In other news… Spurs are unlikely to pay a huge asking price for one of their transfer targets this summer

Celtic took another step towards securing the Premiership title today as they beat Hearts 4-1 at Parkhead.

The hosts found themselves 1-0 down with just three minutes on the clock as Jam Tarts striker Ellis Simms put the ball past Joe Hart.

The Hoops then managed to not only equalise but also go ahead by half-time thanks to goals from Kyogo Furuhashi and Daizen Maeda.

Two more goals from the home side in the second half secured the victory for Ange Postecoglou’s side after their early scare. Midfielder Matt O’Riley scored the third before Giorgos Giakoumakis found the net in the 90th minute after he replaced Furuhashi earlier in the half.

Despite having four different scorers, it was another Celtic figure who wowed on this occasion, namely Cameron Carter-Vickers.

Hailed by Greg Taylor as being a “huge part” of why the Hoops have been so successful in the league this season, the USA centre-back proved his worth yet again this time out.

Even though Hearts managed to break the short-lived deadlock at the start, the defender made sure that the away side didn’t end up scoring again.

With 90 minutes under his belt, the £2.7m-rated American had 72 touches of the ball in total and ended up completing 55 of the 60 passes that he attempted, as per Sofascore.

From a defensive point of view, the 24-year-old racked up six clearances, two tackles, two interceptions and blocked one shot from the opposition. He also ended up winning 83% of his duels, showing just how tough he was to play against and why the visitors only found the net once.

This display ultimately earned the centre-back an impressive overall match rating of 7.4/10 from SofaScore, which is higher than the likes of Furuhashi and Maeda managed.

His performance also caught the attention of the Scottish Daily Express, who called it a ‘solid showing from the centre half again with no problems’.

Having been praised by Chris Sutton for his “immense” performance against Rangers last month, that is what he was again today for Postecoglou’s side.

If the on-loan Tottenham defender can keep up this level until the end of the campaign, he will be a big reason why the Bhoys will almost surely end up lifting the league title.

In other news: Enquiry made, then joined rivals: Celtic had the last laugh over “huge” 161 G/A dynamo