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Wolverhampton Wanderers are finally ready to bid for Sporting Lisbon midfielder Matheus Nunes, according to Portuguese newspaper Correio da Manhã (via Sport Witness). 

The lowdown: Waiting game

Extensively linked with Nunes throughout the transfer window so far, the Wanderers are seemingly immersed in the most protracted and tiring – at least for fans anyway – pursuit of the summer.

The 23-year-old Portugal international has been earmarked as a potential replacement for Ruben Neves, who incidentally himself has so far failed to secure a move despite plenty of speculation.

However, according to a fresh report from Portugal, it seems as though the Old Gold could finally be about to make their intentions known and land their man…

The latest: Bid ‘prepared’

As per Correio da Manhã, transcribed by SW, Wolves are now ‘prepared’ to make the desired offer for Nunes.

It’s claimed that Fosun will submit a bid worth €45million (£38million) plus €5million (£4million) in bonuses for the eight-cap star.

The report also states that the man dubbed an ‘absolute monster’ as well as a leader by Portuguese commentator Маnuel Oyola recently ‘should leave to Wolverhampton’ soon.

The verdict: Game changer

Valued at £31.5million and under contract until 2026 (Transfermarkt), signing Nunes – who was previously courted by Manchester City and Manchester United – for the mooted price would be a sensational coup for the Wanderers as Bruno Lage attempts to strengthen the entire squad in the Midlands.

Last season, the cultured ace scored four times and registered five assists in a mammoth 50 appearances, highlighting impressive durability as well as an eye for impacting matches from the middle of the park.

Potentially now being brought into play alongside Neves and Leander Dendoncker with the future of Joao Moutinho also in doubt, Nunes’ ability to play as a conventional box-to-box midfielder and in more advanced roles will likely see the Brazil-born gem lineup as the most advanced of a two in Lage’s preferred 3-4-3 formation.

Leeds United have reportedly had a recent transfer bid for Otavio turned down by FC Porto.

What’s the news? 

According to a recent report from Portuguese media outlet Record (via Sport Witness), the Yorkshire club have had a €30m (£25.7m) bid rejected for the player, who apparently has a release clause of €60m (£51.4m).

The 27-year-old joined Porto in 2014 from Brazilian club Internacional. Since then, he has gone on to make 237 appearances for the Dragoes across all competitions.

During his eight years with his current club, Otavio has found the net 24 times and delivered 67 assists, highlighting the attacking and creative talent that he has.

Over 32 league appearances last season, the £27m-rated winger scored three goals, supplied nine assists, had 49 shots at goal and provided 74 crosses. He also ended the campaign with a higher average of key passes per game (2.2) than any other player currently at the Estadio Dragao.

In addition, the Portugal international also won more tackles (62) than any other player in Porto’s squad, showing that he is willing to put in the workin for his team and win the ball back when needed.

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His overall performances earned him an impressive season rating of 7.46/10 from WhoScored, making him the second-highest rated figure currently in Sergio Conceicao’s squad.

Leeds fans will be gutted

Taking all this into account, it’s easy to see why Leeds have made a bid to sign the player and why his current club were quick to reject it.

It would also be safe to assume that many Whites fans will be gutted to hear that this attempt to bring Otavio to Elland Road has been thwarted.

Moving forward, it’ll be interesting to see whether or not Leeds decide to go back in and trigger the Porto star’s release clause before the summer transfer window closes.

With Raphinha being linked with a move away from Yorkshire and a fee of around £65m being touted as enough to see the Whites let him go, the Brazilian’s potential departure could pave the way for Jesse Marsch’s side to launch a move to sign Otavio.

In other news – “Negotiations ongoing..”: Romano drops big Leeds claim, it’s great news for supporters

Reliable journalist Paul Brown has now dropped some significant Everton exit news on Richarlison.

The Lowdown: Tottenham interest

As per The Daily Telegraph, Tottenham Hotspur are now targeting a move for Richarlison this summer, but would have to pay more than £50m for the Brazil international.

The outlet have also reported that Frank Lampard is targeting a move for Harry Winks as part of his rebuild at Goodison Park, and so perhaps a deal can be struck between both clubs this window.

The Latest: Brown update

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Brown has said that the Merseyside club would rather take the money on its own for Richarlison should they wish to sell him, rather than accepting any kind of player swap deals like they could potentially do with Spurs and Winks:

“My understanding is that from Everton’s point of view, they would rather keep the two things separate and that any deal for Richarlison would be just for money. That might change.”

The Verdict: Keep

The Toffees should be looking to keep Richarlison if possible, regardless of what kind of prices are offered to them from Tottenham or any other club.

The 25-year-old remains one of their key players, having been their top scorer and highest-rated performer in 2021/22 (WhoScored), and so would be very difficult to replace.

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He was their saviour at the end of last season, as he scored six goals and made a further two assists in his last ten games in the Premier League, including a goal in the 3-2 win at home to Crystal Palace which secured their top-flight status (Transfermarkt).

Nonetheless, the Blues could well be dragged into another relegation battle if he departs.

In other news, find out who EFC have now made ‘contacts’ over signing here!

According to transfer insider Dean Jones, Wolverhampton Wanderers are ‘definitely looking’ at potential moves for duo Haris Seferovic and Goncalo Inacio.

The Lowdown: Inacio signing a possibility

According to Portuguese outlet A Bola, Bruno Lage recently met with Seferovic to discuss the possibility of signing a deal at Molineux, but it appears as though it’s actually Inacio who could join the Wanderers as early as next week.

In an article published by The Mirror, it’s reported that the Midlands outfit are now ‘closing in’ on the 20-year-old, with the source stating that the defender is keen for the move to happen and that both parties are expected to soon meet to arrange details.

The centre-back remains under contract at the Jose Alvalade until 2026, but has a £39m buyout clause included as part of his deal at Sporting CP, allowing potential suitors to take him off their hands earlier than anticipated.

The Latest: Jones confirms Wolves interest

Jones confirmed that Wolves are currently ‘looking’ at both Inacio and Seferovic, but believes that it’s the Portugal U21 starlet who the club could swoop for ‘this week’. He told GiveMeSport:

“They are definitely looking at them. And I think Inacio is one to perhaps even look out for this week.

“They’re trying to get a better idea of whether they can make a breakthrough and get this signing done. If not, they want to move on quite quickly from it.”

The Verdict: Positive impact at both ends

If Lage was able to get the signing of Inacio over the line, he would be a fantastic addition to the defensive backline, where he’s proven to be so solid in Lisbon.

This season, the 6 foot 1 colossus, who was once hailed a “quality” player by former Sporting manager Jose Lima, made 28 appearances in Liga Portugal, recording six goal contributions whilst averaging 2.4 clearances and 1.4 tackles per game, via WhoScored, showing his ability to make a positive impact at opposite ends of the pitch.

Whether Wolves will be able to fend off interest from Manchester United remains to be seen, but his potential arrival at Molineux could come as a huge advantage for the club as they look to regain a place in Europe next term.

In other news… Wolves have offered a 22 y/o ace a new contract in a bid to keep him at the club.

Everton and, in particular, Farhad Moshiri have a reputation for making bad transfer decisions with over £500m spent over the last six years and their most recent relegation battle proves they have nothing to show for it.

The Toffees now find themselves in reported financial turmoil as they attempt to pump money into their new riverside Bramley-Moore Dock Stadium whilst trying to keep the club’s neck above water in the top flight, with the side a game away from losing their Premier League status.

As a result, Moshiri, Frank Lampard and the powers at Goodison Park have work to do to ensure they can identify the right players at the right price this summer as they are in no position to be continuing on the path of reckless spending that once was, and instead should be making smart business decisions when it comes to improving the team.

One player that has been recently linked with a move to the blue side of Merseyside is Adama Traore in a deal believed to be worth £20m, and if the reports are true then Everton could be heading for yet another disaster next season.

The 26-year-old Wolves outcast who was slammed for his “poor decisions” by journalist Muhammed Butt, was shipped off to La Liga via Barcelona for the second half of the most recent campaign on loan after failing to make little impact on the team down in the Midlands.

In Traore’s 20 league appearances for Bruno Lage’s side, the Spaniard scored just one goal and delivered no assists to his teammates, hardly living up to his “unstoppable” tag in the words of Darren Bent.

He also lost possession of the ball every 3.1 touches on average per game and missed three big chances, proving that he is not effective in delivering an end product when deployed in the forward line.

One thing Everton are desperate for next season are goals, as Frank Lampard’s side scored 23 fewer than they conceded this season which contributed to putting them in a dangerous position at the bottom of the table. In fact, Richarlison was the side’s top goal-scorer with just 11 strikes in all competitions.

Everton cannot afford to make mistakes of the past, and Moshiri should consider the weaknesses found in Yannick Bolasie that could quickly become a similar scenario with Traore. Bolasie was a prolific dribbler just like the Wolves winger but similarly had no end product when it came to goal contributions.

Bolasie scored just two goals and contributed four assists in 32 appearances for the Toffees after signing a five-year deal with a transfer fee of £25m back in 2016, and after seeing out his contract on various loan deals left the club in 2021 on a free transfer.

With that being said, Moshiri must learn from his mistakes and avoid making any more signings that can’t deliver a reliable impact on the team going forward, otherwise Everton could find themselves in a similar situation as they were last season or worse.

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

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in a deal to bring Joakim Maehle to the Premier League this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Danish media outlet Ekstra Bladet (via Sport Witness), who claim that Tottenham scouts were in attendance for Denmark’s 2-1 UEFA Nations League victory over Austria on Monday evening, with the Atalanta wing-back – alongside Christian Eriksen – believed to be the focus of their attention.

Previous reports have suggested that Fabio Paratici and Antonio Conte are both keen on the idea of signing the 25-year-old this summer, with the Italian sporting director said to be willing to make an €18m (£15m) offer for the Denmark international in the coming months – while the Serie A side are thought to be open to the defender’s sale.

The next Jordi Alba

With the signing of a new wing-back reported to be one of Conte’s priority targets in the summer market, it is not difficult to understand why the 52-year-old would be interested in a deal to bring Maehle to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

Indeed, it is clear to see that the £26m-rated talent is extremely efficient going forwards, with FBref ranking the defender in the top 20% of full-backs in Europe’s big five leagues for non-penalty goals per 90, as well as the top 10% for npxG, the top 11% for shots and the top 24% for shot-creating actions over the last 365 days.

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The £22k-per-week wing-back is also evidently a threat with the ball at his feet, with FBref also ranking the Dane in the top 21% of full-backs for passes completed per 90, in addition to the top 25% for progressive carries, the top 29% for progressive passes and the top 11% for touches in the opposition penalty area over the last 12 months.

These metrics see FBref compare Maehle to some of the most recognised full-backs currently playing the game, such as Barcelona’s Jordi Alba, AC Milan’s Theo Hernandez, Real Madrid’s Lucas Vazquez and Borussia Dortmund’s Raphael Guerreiro.

Furthermore, with the former KRC Genk starlet being comfortable operating from either right or left wing-back, the player who Maikel Bill dubbed a “monster” and Joe Short claimed can “run all night” would very much look to be a perfect option for Conte to call upon at Tottenham next season.

As such, should Paratici go on to seal a deal for the Atalanta defender this summer, not only would the Italian have satisfied one of Conte’s biggest requirements, but he also could have unearthed the next Alba at Tottenham – something that is sure to be an incredibly exciting prospect for supporters of the club.

AND in other news: “Paratici spoke to…”: Gold drops big Spurs transfer update that supporters will love

Liverpool will need to ramp up their interest in signing a forward this summer as reports have emerged that Sadio Mane is set to leave this summer, and now a new update has emerged on a potential transfer target.

What’s the latest?

According to Daily Express, Liverpool’s recruitment team have already identified a transfer target in Arnaut Danjuma to potentially replace Sadio Mane and could make a £38.3m bid.

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As per the report, the powers at Anfield are already preparing for the potential departure of the Senegalese winger and the Villarreal player is seen as the perfect candidate for the role to replace him and is someone the club has done extensive research on.

Sadio Mane heir

When it comes to replacing a player like Mane who has had a huge impact and influence on Liverpool’s success over the last six years, it will be a difficult task and one that the club won’t take lightly as they intend to continue to compete for trophies at the highest level.

Jurgen Klopp has had no trouble seamlessly fitting in new players when it comes to adapting and adding strength to his team with Ibrahim Konate and Luis Diaz making a positive impact on the side since their arrival this season, so whoever was to replace Mane in the long term would also need to live up to his high-quality output.

Danjuma has gone from strength to strength with Villarreal. This season he has been a consistent and reliable player for the La Liga club following their Europe League win the season before.

The 25-year-old who was hailed “exceptional” by Jonathan Woodgate, has scored 16 goals and contributed four assists, with six of his strikes making a huge influence on Villarreal’s Champions League campaign.

The Spanish side reached their first semi-final in the prestigious European competition in 16 years with Danjuma scoring against Atlanta three times, as well as finding the back of net against BSC Young Boys, Juventus and netting the winning goal in the first leg of the quarter-final against Bayern Munich.

The Dutchman was dubbed a “nightmare” by pundit Kevin Phillips in an interview with Football Insider, telling the publication:

“On his day he is a nightmare for defenders. He can create and score goals. He can hurt any defence with his pace and directness.”

With that being said, it is no wonder that Liverpool have identified the player as a potential replacement for Mane when you consider the attacking threat he has imposed on opponents this season and the signing would be something worth considering if the Senegalese star does leave Anfield this summer.

AND in other news: FSG could unearth Liverpool’s next Salah by signing “special” 131-goal star

West Ham United are reportedly looking to capitalise on Burnley’s recent relegation and economic woes with a move for England stopper, Nick Pope.

What’s the word?

As per talkSPORT’s Alex Crook, in his transfer notebook, the Hammers are keen to exploit the financial uncertainty at Turf Moor by making a bid for the 30-year-old this summer, with the eight-cap international one few ‘saleable assets’ that the Lancashire club can cash in on.

Mike Jackson’s side are facing a perilous period due to their failure to stave off the drop, with the report outlining that the club now need to pay off a significant loan due to a relegation clause, hence the potential need to part ways with their first-choice ‘keeper.

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Previous reports have suggested that they will still hold firm on their asking price, however, with the east Londoners set to have to fork out around £40m to secure his services.

One of the best

That figure may appear sizeable to those at the London Stadium, although it could prove a relative bargain for a player who has been a colossal figure since establishing himself as the Clarets’ undisputed number one back in 2017.

In 141 Premier League outings, the former Charlton Athletic man has registered an impressive 46 clean sheets, while the most recent campaign saw him finish joint-fourth in the division for saves made (121).

An imposing presence at 6 foot 3, the £13.5m-rated monster has already caught the eye of a notable West Ham figure, with Three Lions colleague Declan Rice dubbing him “one of the best in the world” when it comes to making saves near the top of the goal.

The praise doesn’t end there, however, with Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp having described him as “sensational” following a 1-1 draw at Anfield back in July 2020, as the £59k-per-week giant kept the then champions at bay.

Such displays have seeming become the norm for the dynamic shot-stopper, with it no surprise that GSB are eyeing a deal, particularly with current goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski having only recently turned 37 – heightening the need for a younger, long-term option.

Pope has also already proven his quality to David Moyes and co after producing a heroic display when the two sides met back in December to ensure a hard-fought point for Sean Dyche’s side, with that performance rubberstamping Rice’s claim that he is one of the very best in his position.

IN other news, “Another target…”: Ex drops big WHU summer transfer claim that supporters will love

Wolves are plotting a bid for Vitoria Guimaraes midfielder Andre Almeida ahead of a crucial summer transfer window for Bruno Lage.

What’s the word?

Portuguese news outlet Jornal de Noticias (via Sport Witness) claim that Wolves are discussing a deal for Almeida as Lage plans a major summer rebuild for next season.

The player could cost £6.8m and at only 21 years old, would represent a shrewd investment.

With his contract due to expire at the end of next season, Wolves may take advantage and try to secure a bargain deal.

Dream Moutinho heir

Lage has had a very solid first season in charge of Wolves, leading the club to a top-half finish despite a poor final few weeks of the campaign derailing some momentum.

He faces a big summer ahead, with the futures of Ruben Neves and Joao Moutinho uncertain, fresh faces will be guaranteed.

In Almeida, Wolves could have the perfect heir to the 35-year-old maestro. Almeida plays slightly further forward in an attacking midfield role and despite not scoring any goals this campaign, an 86% passing accuracy stat is solid.

The midfielder can also contribute defensively, making on average 1.4 tackles per game and winning 56% of his total duels.

These are extremely similar to Moutinho’s, who has a slightly better pass accuracy (87%) and wins 2.1 tackles per match, although his dominance in duels isn’t as good as Almeida’s (43%).

With that in mind, it’s easy to see why he’d make such a good replacement for the Portuguese veteran with his easy on the eye and accurate passing a key attribute when assessing the heir to his midfield throne.

For the aforementioned fee, Lage should be going all out to secure the youngster’s services, with Zach Lowy lauding him as “intriguing”, then it could certainly be worth the money.

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

Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton has aimed a brilliant dig at the Hoops’ arch-rivals after the end of the Scottish season, one in which the Bhoys reigned supreme domestically.

The Lowdown: Celtic reign supreme in Scotland

Ange Postecoglou’s side endured a tense Premiership title battle with their crosstown adversaries throughout the season, with the pair neck-and-neck going into May.

It was Celtic who prevailed in the end, picking up a vital 2-1 win at Ibrox last month and ultimately regaining their crown after seeing the Gers deny them in the quest for a 10th successive league title last year.

The Hoops also won the Scottish League Cup in what was a superb season under Postecoglou, his first in charge of the Parkhead club.

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The Latest: Sutton aims cheeky dig

Sutton is never one to shy away from confrontation, and taking to Twitter on Saturday, he dropped a nine-word dig in Rangers’ direction in the immediate aftermath of the Light Blues’ Scottish Cup triumph, their only trophy of the season.

The former Celtic striker cheekily stated: “They’ve finished the season in Celtic’s shadow once again…”

The Verdict: Celtic back where they belong

Losing out on the title last season was tough to take, robbing Celtic of 10 league titles in a row, but the Hoops’ response to that disappointment has been incredible.

They are back at the summit of Scottish football again, and it’s all the sweeter that it is at the expense of their bitter Glasgow rivals, to which Sutton alluded in his provocative tweet.

The main thing now is for Postecoglou and his players to kick on from here rather than standing still, hopefully winning many many trophies in the coming years as Rangers resume the role of hunters rather than being hunted.

In other news, Kieran Devlin has talked up one possible Celtic signing. Find out who it is here.