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An update has emerged on Sunderland and their interest in signing Jarrad Branthwaite in the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

According to the Daily Mail, sporting director Kristjaan Speakman is plotting a swoop for the Everton defender as the Black Cats are among the teams eyeing him up.

The report claims that the Toffees want to send him out on loan for the 2021/22 campaign to gain experience playing regular first-team football.

The likes of Middlesbrough, Schalke, PSV, Sheffield United and Huddersfield are the other clubs looking into a deal for the 6 foot 5 titan.

Imagine him & Danny Batth

By signing Branthwaite on loan next season, Sunderland can form a solid partnership at the back with him and former Stoke man Danny Batth.

The 19-year-old has already racked up 10 Premier League appearances for the Toffees and this shows that they have faith in his ability despite his age. They seemingly believe that he has the potential to be a regular in the top-flight in the future, as they are giving him exposure to the division in the early stages of his career.

Branthwaite was once dubbed “fabulous” by Glen Hoddle and former Everton boss Benitez previously heaped praise on the centre-back, saying:

“He showed character and he’s a player who has potential. Always with the young players, you have to be careful but you have to give them a chance if it is possible.”

The £5.1k-per-week gem would come in with Championship experience under his belt after playing 10 times on loan at Blackburn in the 2020/21 campaign.

He averaged a solid SofaScore rating of 6.87 as he made a whopping 4.6 tackles and interceptions per game, winning 62% of his duels in total.

These statistics suggest that he has the potential to be an excellent performer in the second tier if he can get a run of games under his belt, given that he won the ball back on a consistent basis and won the majority of his individual battles for Blackburn.

Batth, meanwhile, averaged a score of 7.10 in the Championship for Stoke in the first half of last season. He made 2.6 tackles and interceptions and 5.1 clearances per game, winning 68% of his duels.

The experienced defender can, therefore, be the perfect partner for Branthwaite as he is a proven performer in the second tier who can be a calming influence next to the youngster. This will allow the Everton teen to flourish at the Stadium of Light as he gains more experience and learns from Batth.

AND in other news, Speakman eyeing SAFC deal for “unpredictable” £4.7k-p/w “maverick”, he’s Pritchard 2.0…

Sunderland chief Kristjaan Speakman is set for a big summer transfer window as he looks to forge a Championship-ready squad.

The Black Cats won promotion to the second tier through the play-offs last season and they now need to improve their squad to give them a chance of competing next term.

One player that the club are hoping to sign is AFC Wimbledon midfielder Jack Rudoni. The Daily Mail have recently claimed that they are discussing a deal with the League Two outfit after seeing an initial offer of around £1m turned down.

Imagine him & Daniel Neil

Speakman must now secure a deal to sign the 22-year-old, as he can form a dream partnership with Sunderland prospect Dan Neil.

In League One last term, the Black Cats gem produced three goals and seven assists from central midfield in 31 starts. He created 1.1 chances per game and seven ‘big chances’ for his team-mates, whilst also making 1.7 tackles and interceptions per match.

The 20-year-old has shown that he can provide a creative spark from the middle of the park, and his qualities can create an exciting blend in midfield when mixed with Rudoni’s ability to score from that position.

In 2021/22, the AFC Wimbledon maestro plundered 12 goals in 38 starts as he showcased a will to burst forward and make late runs into the box to score.

South London Press journalist Edmund Brack recently lauded the gem in an interview with the Bristol Post, saying: “He’s quite direct. When he picks up the ball, his first thought is always to go towards goal. It’s a 1-2 and then he’s off.

“He’s quite fearless. Anyone his age, they could be affected by the winless run AFC Wimbledon went through last season (the Dons failed to win 28 games in all competitions from December 11 through to the end of the season) but he continued to put in performances, and he nearly kept them up alongside Ayoub Assal and Luke McCormick.”

These comments highlight how positive Rudoni is in possession, while his goalscoring statistics show that he has the end product to go along with it.

Therefore, the AFC Wimbledon gem and Neil would be an exciting pairing in midfield. One can provide the creativity and the other can add the finishing touch, giving Sunderland a huge attacking threat to supplement the likes of Alex Pritchard and Ross Stewart, who netted 30 league goals between them last term.

AND in other news, Speakman can land a big Gooch upgrade at Sunderland with swoop for “fantastic” £33k-p/w wizard…

Manchester United are preparing a bid for a former Ole Gunnar Solskjær target.

What’s the word?

That is according to a report from The Sun, who claimed that AC Milan midfielder Ismael Bennacer is subject to a bid from the Red Devils, who have renewed their interest in a player who was originally wanted by Solskjær.

As per the report, it is said that Old Trafford officials are thought to have spoken to their Rossoneri counterparts about the Algerian, with the Serie A champions setting an asking price of £43m.

Supporters will love him

Despite being a former Arsenal player, Bennacer is the type of holding midfielder that United fans would love.

Even more pertinently, he seems the type of player who would fit into an Erik ten Hag possession-based system like a glove.

Able to function as a central midfielder, Bennacer is a progressive pivot and dictates play with his range of passing. He completes around 52.82 passes per game at a success rate of 85.8%, which is even more impressive when you look at the types of passes he is making in a 90-minute case study.

Hailed as “lucid” in possession by San Siro icon Massimo Ambrosini, the 24-year-old completes an average of 2.98 switches per game, with 5.97 progressive passes per 90 at a cumulative distance of 293.68 yards. He averages around 4.88 passes into the final third per match and is stable in possession, especially in tight-knit scenarios, averaging around 9.71 passes under pressure in a metric which hints at his ability to play in a high-possession system capable of breaking down a low block.

Bennacer is the kind of stabiliser who is needed in United’s midfield, and his ability as a ball winner (average of 5.97 tackles and interceptions per game), allied with his ability in possession, demonstrates that well.

Essentially, he is a more well-rounded version of Edson Alvarez – a starter under Ten Hag at Ajax – which gives a clear indication that the Algerian would likely take to the Dutchman’s mass-possession system like a duck to water, so to speak.

In other news – “Keen to sign..“: Transfer insider drops Man Utd claim that’ll have supporters buzzing

Celtic are reportedly interested in signing Vitoria Guimaraes midfielder Alfa Semedo, according to a report from Portuguese outlet A Bola. 

The lowdown: Semedo’s career so far

After graduating from Benfica’s academy in 2016, the Guinea-Bissau international struggled to make the grade in the Portuguese top flight and left the Lisbon club with only 16 first-team outings to his name.

Since then, the 24-year-old has spent time on loan at Nottingham Forest, Reading and Espanyol before returning to Portugal.

Despite being under contract until 2026 (Transfermarkt), Semedo could now be on the move once again less than a year on from joining Guimaraes.

The latest: Celtic interested in Semedo

As per A Bola, Celtic are believed to be leading the chase to sign the eight-cap Guinea-Bissau international this summer.

It’s claimed that there are ‘are several clubs interested’ in Semedo, but it’s the Hoops who are ‘at the forefront’ as things stand.

The report added that the man who was hailed by reporter Andy Preston for his ‘brilliant’ role in a goal for Reading against Bournemouth in November 2020 ‘will be able to leave’ the Portuguese outfit during the summer transfer window.

The verdict: Much-needed signing

After the departures of Tom Rogic and Nir Bitton, signing a midfielder – particularly a defensive-minded operator – must be a priority for Ange Postecoglou and the Parkhead hierarchy ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

During the 2021/22 season, Semedo made 31 appearances across all competitions for Guimaraes, earning an impressive 6.61 Sofascore rating whilst making one interception and 1.1 clearances and winning 4.6 duels per league game – more than Rogic’s 3.4 and Bitton’s 3.1 in the Premiership.

Valued at £1.35m by Transfermarkt, signing the former Benfica starlet should be a relatively inexpensive venture for Celtic and a wholly worthwhile one, especially given his previous experience in the English Championship, which could help to ease any transition back to the UK.

In other news, a journalist has dropped a key Celtic transfer update. Read more here.

Aston Villa have reportedly opened talks to sign West Ham United’s highly-rated young forward Sonny Perkins.

What’s the word

That is according to the ever-reliable Fabrizio Romano, who took to Twitter to issue an update over the transfer saga surrounding the 18-year-old, saying: “Leeds and Aston Villa have opened talks to sign promising forward Sonny Perkins. Perkins has made 3 appearances for West Ham. Both clubs want to sign him.”

The Villans will face stern competition from Leeds United, who may be able to offer the prospect a clearer path to first team football.

As per a report from Inside Futbol, the Whites are looking to splash cash on academy recruitment this summer, which appears to be the biggest stumbling block for Villa in this transfer race as it stands.

Gerrard surely buzzing

Amidst what seems to be a mini-rebuild at Villa Park, Gerrard will likely be eager to sign another forward to provide some much needed depth up top.

A prospect like Perkins could offer just that, so long as he would be willing to play a bit-part role as an understudy to the likes of Danny Ings and Ollie Watkins, of course.

The teenager has enjoyed a solid campaign, spending the majority of his time with the Hammers’ under-23s, for whom he notched one assist in 21 appearances in Premier League 2.

His performances have not gone unnoticed by David Moyes, who has given him well-earned minutes in the first team this season, with Perkins playing 99 minutes in the Europa League, having started the home game against Dinamo Zagreb.

At the age of 18 and given his solid return for the reserves, the starlet could now be looking for regular minutes at first-team level, although it remains to be seen as to whether West Ham, Aston Villa or Leeds could promise him that.

Perkins is definitely one to watch for the future, and if Gerrard manages to prize the asset from the clutches of Moyes, he will be buzzing to have bagged himself a potential future star, while also weakening a Premier League rival.

In other news: Gerrard must pounce on Villa swoop for £263k-p/w “stallion” who supporters would love

Reach PLC Journalist Sean McGinlay has been left shocked at Steven Gerrard’s latest move to bring Neil Critchley to Aston Villa.

The Lowdown: Critchley joins

Gerrard brought assistant Michael Beale with him from Rangers when he took over at Villa Park back in November. However, Beale has now been appointed as the new manager of QPR, penning a three-year contract with the Championship side.

Villa haven’t wasted any time in bringing in Beale’s replacement, with Blackpool manager Critchley next to pen terms in the Midlands. The Villa Park outfit have of course been impressively busy in these last few weeks, securing deals for Philippe Coutinho, Boubacar Kamara and Diego Carlos.

Critchley and Gerrard crossed paths at Liverpool’s academy, with the latter describing Critchley as his ‘number one choice when looking for a new assistant head coach’.

The Latest: McGinlay reacts

McGinlay, a Blackpool reporter for Lancs Live, took to Twitter to share the news and his reaction.

He said he ‘can’t quite believe’ that Critchley has left his post as Blackpool boss to become Gerrard’s assistant, with fans echoing McGinlay’s reaction, saying it’s a big ‘shock’ and ‘absolutely wild’, while talkSPORT called it a ‘surprise’.

The Verdict: A coup for Villa

Critchley has plenty of experience as an academy manager and a first-team manager, with Villa set to be his first assistant position.

The 43-year-old was seemingly persuaded by Villa’s long-term plans to leave a managerial role for a number two position, and you’d expect that this could be a real coup for the club.

Villa have already made a number of exciting additions on the pitch and have acted quickly to replace Beale, showing plenty of positive signs ahead of Gerrard’s first full season in charge.

In other news: Villa and NSWE now want to sign ‘stand out’ forward after Suarez; Gerrard not hanging around. 

A big Rangers claim has emerged on Ibrox loanee Aaron Ramsey and his future under Giovanni van Bronckhorst heading into the summer transfer window… 

What’s the talk?

Transfer insider Pete O’Rourke has hinted that the midfielder will not be returning to Rangers for the 2022/23 campaign.

Speaking about the Ibrox loanee, he told GIVEMESPORT: “I’m sure Aaron Ramsey looked like he enjoyed his time at Rangers.

“But a deal would have to be subsidised because of his wages at Juventus if Rangers were to bring him back. As it stands right now, it looks like he might have played his last game for the club.”

Gio van Bronckhorst will be gutted

The Ibrox boss will be gutted by this claim as it suggests that Ramsey will not be in his squad next season due to financial constraints.

Whilst the midfielder’s time at the club will be marred by his penalty miss in the Europa League final, he showed glimpses of quality throughout the second half of the campaign.

In the Premiership, he averaged a SofaScore rating of 6.93 in seven appearances. He found the back of the net twice, including one against Celtic, and set up another as he created seven chances for his teammates.

The gem also registered one assist in three games in the SFA Cup as he helped the club to win the competition. His statistics, albeit limited, show that he has the quality to pop up with goal contributions from midfield, which is in line with what he has done throughout his career.

He produced 130 goals and assists combined during his time with Arsenal – playing 371 matches – and 12 in 70 games for Juventus. The 31-year-old has enjoyed a fantastic career and has proven that he can make a big impact in the final third.

Therefore, with a full pre-season under his belt and more time to adjust to playing with his teammates, Ramsey could have been a huge player for the Gers. The quality – as shown by his statistics – is there and that is why van Bronckhorst will be gutted that he will be unable to work with him again next season.

O’Rourke has not completely ruled out a deal, as the situation may change, but it appears unlikely at this moment in time that he will be pulling on a light blue shirt again.

Hopefully, he can get his career back on track elsewhere if he does not return to Rangers.

AND in other news, GvB can find Kemar Roofe 2.0 in Rangers swoop for “clinical” gem who “rarely misses”…

Transfer insider Dean Jones has now dropped a ‘big’ Newcastle United claim involving Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

The Lowdown: Two-horse race?

It has been reported that Calvert-Lewin is a target for the St. James’ Park faithful this summer, and talks have already taken place with his representatives over a potential move.

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However, he would allegedly prefer to sign for Arsenal, if the opportunity came to light.

The Latest: Jones claim

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Jones has claimed that it would be ‘big’ for the Magpies to beat a top-six team in the Gunners to Calvert-Lewin, and it is ‘one to consider’:

“We’ll have to see whether it’s realistic because he’s been linked to other clubs like Arsenal, who are probably more likely to be in that top-six conversation. And then Newcastle, no matter how ambitious they are, it’s still a big step to actually get there. But certainly, it’s one to consider.”

The Verdict: Wait and see

The kind of striker that the North East club will be able to attract will depend on Arsenal and others that can offer European football in terms of what business they do in that area.

They have also been strongly linked with a move for Manchester City star Gabriel Jesus as well as Calvert-Lewin, and so could sign him instead.

That could pave the way for the Tynesiders to sign the Toffees talisman, dubbed ‘one of the best‘ in his position by Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.

Nonetheless, with the added Premier League experience that he has, Calvert-Lewin would be a great addition to make alongside Callum Wilson and Chris Wood as Eddie Howe’s forward options for next campaign.

In other news, find out which Thierry Henry favourite NUFC are now ready to sign here!

A Newcastle United claim has emerged on PIF’s plans for the upcoming summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

Telegraph reporter Luke Edwards has revealed that the club are attempting to do some business early on in the market ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

He Tweeted: “There is a desire to bring at least one signing in early but no stress if that’s beyond them. Progress being made but it was hard going in January too. We do know they are being very proactive #nufc.”

This comes after the Premier League outfit struggled toward the end of the January transfer window. Deals for Hugo Ekitike and Jesse Lingard both fell through on deadline day – despite a £33m bid for the former – and they did not have the time to bring in any alternative targets.

Supporters will be excited

This claim will excite the supporters for multiple reasons.

Firstly, it suggests that they may not have long left to wait before they have more Newcastle content to enjoy. The season ended on a high with a 2-1 win over Burnley – thanks to a double from Callum Wilson – on Sunday and the fans will now be without any competitive football to enjoy for a couple of months, which is why the prospect of an early signing will excite them.

With no Premier League action to sink their teeth into, supporters will be keeping a close eye on the club’s off-season business and Edwards has hinted that PIF will give them something to celebrate in the coming weeks. They will be able to look forward to seeing a new signing, or signings, playing for the team and that is an exciting prospect.

The fans will also be buzzing to learn that the owners are aware that they need to be proactive in the market. Ekitike and Lingard not coming through the door in January was a lesson for PIF as it showed them that they need to get as much of their business done as possible in the early stages of the window, as you otherwise run the risk of deadline day mayhem.

This shows that they are not stuck in their ways and are self-aware of any errors they made earlier this year. The supporters will be excited by this as it is a great sign for the future development of the club as they have owners who are seemingly desperate to progress on and off the pitch.

AND in other news, PIF plotting Newcastle swoop for “scary” £30m “freak”, he’s a major Almiron upgrade…

Fabrizio Romano has now confirmed details surrounding Pedro Porro’s transfer to Sporting CP from Manchester City.

The Lowdown: Porro’s City career

The 22-year-old joined Man City from sister-club Girona in the summer of 2019 for a reported fee of £10.8m.

However, rather than training with the Sky Blues’ first-team, the right-back was immediately loaned out to La Liga side Real Valladolid.

After spending a season in the Spanish top-flight, Porro was sent out on loan again. This time, he joined Sporting CP in Portugal, where he has remained for nearly two years.

When Sporting drew City in this year’s Champions League, the player annoyed Pep Guardiola by joking that the Spaniard didn’t even know who he is, something which drew a prickly reaction out of the boss.

He is still yet to play a single game for Manchester City.

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The Latest: Romano’s update

After a quiet announcement, Romano has confirmed that Sporting have now signed Porro on a permanent transfer from City, after triggering the £7.2m clause in the loan deal.

Taking to Twitter, Romano leaked more details, including an option for Txiki Begiristain to bring the player back for just £16.9m.

“Official, confirmed. Sporting have now signed Pedro Porro, permanent deal from Man City for €8.5m clause triggered. Contract signed until June 2025.

“Manchester City will have a buy back clause for €20m. Release clause for all the other clubs will be €45m. MCFC”

The Verdict: Good deal for both sides

The highly rated 22-year-old will be a great permanent addition to the Portuguese side.

According to FB Ref, Porro ranks in the 97th percentile for non-penalty goals as a full-back and in the 94th percentile for shots totalled, drawing praise as

Thus, this attacking threat would have fit well into Guardiola’s style of play, and perhaps with the implementation of a cheap buy-back clause, City will be able to bring Porro back to Manchester if he continues to perform well

Sporting meanwhile will have a talented player on their hands for the next few years, so this feels like a good move for both sides.

In other news: Manchester City: Kieran Maguire reveals latest twist in FFP saga