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Championship returnees Sunderland are preparing to launch a mega contract offer in order to convince their talisman to remain at the Stadium of Light.

What’s the word?

That is according to a report from Daily Record, who claimed that the Black Cats are ready to offer star striker Ross Stewart more money in a bid to fend off interest from last season’s Europa League finalists Rangers.

As per the report, the Wearsiders’ 2021/22 top scorer already pocketed an automatic pay rise after playing a vital role in their promotion bid.

The outlet has now claimed that Sunderland want to “table a further improvement” in the form of an extended deal, and the club plan to kickstart further talks when Stewart is back from his summer break.

Neil will be buzzing

Quite simply, securing the future of a player who has just come off the back of a 26-goal campaign would be as good as, if not better than, securing the services of a new signing.

It’s a terrific statement of intent from the Black Cats and an ultimately important move for the club as they preparing for a dogfight next term. Stewart’s presence up top will surely make life easier for manager Alex Neil, with the forward possessing the ideal profile for Championship football.

The 25-year-old was so integral to Sunderland’s promotion season that, if he had not featured, they would go from League One’s third-highest scorers with 79 scored (just three behind both Oxford and Wigan, the joint-most prolific teams with 82 goals) to the eighth-lowest scorers with just 56 goals.

Ensuring Stewart’s commitment to the club is integral for the upcoming campaign, and as such, Neil will be buzzing with the efforts being made by Kristjaan Speakman and co to keep the Scotland international at the Stadium of Light.

AND in other news: Alex Neil now drops teasing Sunderland transfer update, supporters will be buzzing

According to a Brazilian source, Nottingham Forest have now opened talks to sign Palmeiras midfielder Gustavo Scarpa.

The Lowdown: Contract expiration looming

The Brazilian first put pen to paper on a deal with the Sao Paulo-based side in 2018 when he arrived at the Allianz Parque from Fluminense, and he’s clocked up 182 appearances for the club to date.

The 28-year-old is still currently in the middle of his season, with Palmeiras’ campaign having only begun in April and not set to finish until November.

However, his contract in his homeland is set to expire on New Year’s Eve, and his recent performances appear to have been attracting some Premier League interest, more specifically from the City Ground.

The Latest: Forest open talks for Scarpa

In a new article published by Brazilian outlet UOL Esporte (via Nottinghamshire Live), it’s claimed that Forest, alongside Olympiacos, who are also owned by Evangelos Marinakis, both ‘want’ to complete a deal for the maestro this summer.

The source states that ‘talks’ for the player have now been ‘opened’ by both clubs, though it’s believed that Palmeiras are ‘determined’ to do everything they can to keep him.

The report further reads that the one-cap international will be able to ‘sign a pre-contract’ with any potential suitors from next month onwards for a free transfer, with the creative thought to be ‘keen on a move to Europe’.

The Verdict: Zinckernagel replacement

With Philip Zinckernagel looking set to depart the Midlands, Steve Cooper will now be on the hunt to find a new suitable replacement in that attacking midfield position, and Scarpa could be just the man he’s looking for.

The Campinas-born talent, who was once likened to a young Roberto Rivellino by former Fluminense star Paulo Cezar Caju, has so far made 14 goal contributions in 31 outings across all competitions under Abel Ferreira this season, via Transfermarkt, highlighting his crucial involvement in the final third.

Scarpa played the full 120 minutes of Palmeiras’ Club World Cup defeat to Chelsea back in February, so he’ll know exactly what it feels like to play against Premier League opposition, and if this positive contact between himself and Forest continues, there’s a strong chance he could be testing his mettle against the very best on a more regular basis.

Borna Barisic is being linked with a move away from Rangers this summer and it could prove to be a disastrous move by Giovanni van Bronckhorst to let him leave Ibrox.

What’s the word?

According to the Daily Record, Trabzonspor are set to up their interest in the Croatia international after securing the Super Lig title last season, while an unnamed Serie A side are also said to be keen on the left-back.

The report suggests that while claims from Turkey that an official bid has been made are wide of the mark, it is only a matter of time before the newly-crowned Champions make their move for Barisic.

Van Bronckhorst heading for disaster?

While some Rangers fans might have been consigned to losing a left-back this summer, they probably would have expected to see Calvin Bassey depart after his impressive performances last season, with the likes of Aston Villa and West Ham linked with the young defender.

Therefore, it could be something of a disaster if Van Bronckhorst were to lose both Bassey and Barisic this early in the window, especially with Champions League playoff fixtures to come next month, and supporters will surely be worried that they could start the season without a recognised left-back.

To make matters worse, promising left-back James Maxwell has already announced his departure from the club, with Rangers unable to convince him to extend his stay at Ibrox after a lack of first-team opportunities.

Although he lost his starting spot to Bassey on occasion last season, Barisic was still a regular for Rangers last season, making 19 appearances in the Scottish Premiership, in which he contributed three assists and averaged an impressive 7.24 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

While previous reports have suggested that Van Bronckhorst is yet to be convinced by the Croatian, the statistics suggest he was one of the top performers domestically last season, so it would perhaps be unwise to let him leave with Bassey’s future still in doubt.

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Barisic has been a consistent performer for the Teddy Bears during his time at the club, contributing seven goals and 35 assists in 155 appearances, so while he may have lost his place at times last season, it would be a mistake to let him leave this summer when Van Bronckhorst could potentially be left with no options at left-back.

And, in other news… GvB can land Rangers’ ideal Morelos heir with move for £5.4m-rated “goal machine”…

Journalist Toby Cudworth of 90min has now shared a West Ham United transfer update involving Hull City forward Keane Lewis-Potter.

The Lowdown: Moyes in transfer chase…

After just missing out on a 2022/2023 Europa League place to Man United on the Premier League final day, it is believed that the Hammers are seeking summer reinforcements to come back stronger.

Attackers are believed to be high on the agenda for manager David Moyes as links continue to surround the likes of Leeds United star Raphinha and long-time target Jesse Lingard (90min).

Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins is another who is of interest to the east Londoners with Cudworth now sharing news on Championship sensation Lewis-Potter.

The Latest: West Ham eye move…

According to the 90min journalist, West Ham’s chase is ‘ongoing’ to sign the 21-year-old with Moyes eyeing the starlet forward.

He explained:

“Interest in Raphinha remains & Keane Lewis-Potter chase ongoing. Difficult deals to do given vast interest and price tags but clear West Ham want forwards.”

The Verdict: Get it done…

Reports have suggested that the Englishman could cost up to £20 million, but going by his age and scintillating form, he’d be worth every penny.

Called a ‘special’ attacker by former Hull boss Grant McCann, Lewis-Potter has been a mainstay for The Tigers over this last season and finished 2021/2022 as their most threatening player (WhoScored).

He bagged more Championship goals (12) and racked up more attempts per 90 than any of his teammates over last season (WhoScored), marking himself out as truly elite prospect who could shine at the London Stadium.

In other news: ‘Moyes loves him’ – Journalist says West Ham are eyeing a potential ‘huge’ signing, find out more here.

Recent reports have seen Liverpool linked with a move for Saint-Etienne starlet Saidou Sow, with the central defender having reportedly been recommended to the Merseyside outfit by current star Naby Keita.

The midfielder plays alongside the 19-year-old at international level for Guinea and has advised the Reds to take a closer look at the teenager, with the club believed to have taken note by heading to watch the player in action against Egypt in Cairo last weekend.

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The 6 foot 1 gem has a contract that runs until 2025, although the Ligue 2 outfit could be tempted into a sale if they are to receive an ‘interesting’ offer for his services, with the player currently valued at £3.6m, according to Transfermarkt.

The “superb” youngster – as he has been dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig – has only made 30 senior appearances to date since making his debut back in October 2020, although that lack of action has also been caused by an ankle injury which hampered his game time in the second half of last term.

Prior to that, the centre-back had started the season strongly for the French side, eventually averaging 1.8 interceptions, 2.2 tackles and 2.5 clearances per game from his 13 league outings, while also winning 56% of his total duels and chipping in with two goals.

An all-round defensive talent, Sow can even be compared to Borussia Dortmund veteran Mats Hummels, as per FBref, as the pair share a number of statistical and stylistic similarities.

That will no doubt be of interest to a certain Jurgen Klopp, with the German having coached his compatriot during his hugely successful stint with the Bundesliga outfit, the pair overcoming the typical dominance of Bayern Munich to win successive league titles in 2011 and 2012.

Hummels was the bedrock of that side – which also reached the Champions League final in 2013 – with Klopp having even reportedly been keen to bring the World Cup winner to Anfield in 2016, before the defender opted instead to link up with Bayern.

Once labelled “extraordinary” by the Reds boss, the now 33-year-old has enjoyed a lengthy and successful career at the elite level, racking up 447 club appearances in all competitions, while also winning 76 caps for his country.

To think that Klopp may be able to find a similar talent in the form of Sow will no doubt be music to the ears of both him, but also to Liverpool supporters, with it always a joy to snap up an emerging, exciting young talent who can then blossom before your eyes.

The £3.6k-per-week starlet may be something of an unknown quantity to some, yet he could prove to be the next Hummels in the coming years. The Reds won’t want to miss out as their efforts in the window ramp up with Darwin Nunez close to arriving.

IN other news, Klopp now plotting Liverpool bid for “dangerous” £34m talent, just imagine him & Nunez

Leeds United director of football Victor Orta could repeat his Joe Gelhardt masterclass as the Yorkshire giants look to continue their investment in the club’s impressive academy set-up.

According to The Athletic’s Phil Hay earlier this week, the Whites are targeting a move for West Ham forward Sonny Perkins, who has been a standout for their development squad this season, earning a professional debut in the Europa League.

The 18-year-old was recently named April’s Premier League 2 ‘Player of the Month’ and he ended the 2021/22 campaign with back-to-back braces, taking his total to 14 goals and two assists for the Hammers’ youth sides.

Perkins is widely believed to be one of the hottest prospects coming through the system at the London Stadium, at least as per club insider ExWHUemployee.

“One thing to also pay attention to is a West Ham youngster called Sonny Perkins,” he revealed to his ‘The West Ham Way podcast. “This is someone I’ve spoken about on the podcast before as a talent, and he’s really beginning to stand out now at academy level, really getting rave reviews.”

“From what I’ve heard in the academy circles, he could be the next Declan Rice. So just keep your eye out for his progression within the next few years.”

Given the success the Whites have had in recent times, improving their academy with additions like Gelhardt and Sam Greenwood, it certainly makes sense for Orta and co to continue to make great strides for the long-term future.

Signed on the cheap from Wigan Athletic last summer, ‘Joffy’ has quickly emerged as a fan-favourite at Elland Road after he announced himself on the big stage with an assist from the bench against Wolves in just his second appearance before an eye-catching consolation goal against the then Champions of Europe, Chelsea.

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The 20-year-old then found the net a second time in Leeds’ crunch match with Norwich City, a goal that ultimately saw them over the line with safety.

Perkins, capped at England U18 level, could easily be the next to follow Gelhardt’s lead, should the Whites manage to prize him away from east London.

Whilst he would not be a signing for the immediate, he is certainly an exciting prospect and one that could play a part in the club’s long-term future.

Orta must look to repeat his recent success with youth signings by signing the 18-year-old prodigy this summer.

AND in other news, “On the agenda”: Phil Hay drops exciting Leeds transfer claim, supporters will love it…

Former Glasgow Rangers manager Alex McLeish has claimed that Joe Aribo could now leave Ibrox this summer.

The Lowdown: Mass exodus?

Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s team could be looking at a mass exodus this summer, given the number of players running down their contract.

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The likes of Ryan Kent and Calvin Bassey have also been linked with moves to the Premier League, which could spell trouble for the Dutch coach in terms of trying to keep his squad together.

The Latest: Aribo claim

Speaking to Football Insider, McLeish, who also contributes for Sky Sports, has claimed that ‘it’s a worry’ for the Gers when the English top flight come calling for their key players, and believes that Aribo could be another one that could be tempted by the switch:

“It’s a worry, isn’t it?

“The lure of the Premier League is very real. The main example of that is Steven Gerrard leaving Rangers to go to Aston Villa.

“It’s the strongest and richest league in the world.

“These Premier League clubs are like birds of prey circling. If they can’t land their targets in the Spanish or Italian leagues, they know there are always bargains to be had in Scotland.

“Rangers are one of the biggest clubs in the world. However, the ambition of most players means they will almost always choose to move to England.

“Aribo will be no different.”

The Verdict: Tricky position

The Teddy Bears will certainly find themselves in a tricky position if big offers start to come in from the Premier League.

Aribo himself has been linked with a move to Crystal Palace, among other clubs in the division, and the Light Blues will not want to let everyone go in one window.

Thus, they need to be demanding high transfer fees for all of these stars, and only sell if the price is right.

Nonetheless, they will be hoping that their hands will not be tied by the players themselves, in case they try and force their way out of the club.

In other news, find out which ‘magnificent’ leader could now join Gers here!

Aston Villa will be looking to spoil Manchester City’s party this afternoon with the Premier League title still to be won on the final day of the season.

Either City or Liverpool will be crowned champions of England today, with former Reds captain Steven Gerrard undoubtedly keen to give his boyhood club a helping hand as he takes his Villa team to the Etihad.

But how will Gerrard opt to set up his team this afternoon, having played as recently as Thursday when the Villans drew 1-1 with Burnley? Here is how Football FanCast expect the West Midlands outfit to start at the Etihad:

Aston Villa XI vs Man. City: Martinez, Digne, Mings, Chambers, Cash, Ramsey, Luiz, McGinn, Buendia, Ings, Watkins

There are no changes in goal or in defence with Calum Chambers once again filling in for Ezri Konsa who has been ruled out for up to 16 weeks with a knee injury.

Moreover, there had been concerns regarding Martinez’s fitness prior to the clash with the Clarets, however, the Argentine recovered in time and appears set to make his 37th league appearance of the season, missing just one league game this term.

The same applies in midfield with the regular trio of Jacob Ramsey, Douglas Luiz and John McGinn all linking up.

However, could this be the last time the three all start together in the Premier League with plenty of talk regarding new midfielders coming in at Villa Park this summer?

The only change comes in attack with Carney Chukwuemeka dropping out for Danny Ings.

Labelled as “elegant” by former Villa player and Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson, the £2.2m-rated 18-year-old undoubtedly has an exciting future ahead of him.

However, having been given the opportunity to impress from the start against Burnley, it seems incredibly likely that Gerrard will send him back to the bench against such a quality-ridden side like Manchester City. After all, his performance in midweek was hardly convincing.

On the other hand, Chukwuemeka’s teammate Ings has plenty of experience playing against quality sides like City with the 29-year-old in decent form for Villa.

It’s been an uneventful first season in claret and blue for the £100k-per-week Englishman claimed to be “outstanding” by former manager Jurgen Klopp, but he will certainly be looking to end on a high having scored twice in his last four starts.

Taking points off City will certainly be a monstrous task for Gerrard’s side, however, it would be the ultimate gesture to his former club if the West Midlands outfit can end the season with a result.

AND in other news: Huge blow: Villa dealt double injury setback ahead of MCFC, Gerrard will be worried…

Manchester United have held talks to sign Ajax defender Jurrien Timber, according to Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg.

The Lowdown: Ten Hag meeting

Erik ten Hag has already made a head start when it comes to summer transfer business at Old Trafford, holding a meeting in Amsterdam last week.

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He has now terminated his Ajax contract six weeks early in order to get going in England, with Timber seemingly a player of interest. The 20-year-old appears to be at the top of his game, with a career-high £27m Transfermarkt valuation, and he was a regular in Ten Hag’s Eredivisie-winning team.

Timber has made 74 senior appearances for Ajax and is entering the final two years of his contract, and it looks as if United are making their move for his services.

The Latest: Plettenberg’s update on Timber

Sky Sports reporter Plettenberg provided an ‘update’ regarding Timber, who is also of interest to Bayern Munich, on Monday afternoon.

He claimed (via Twitter) that the 20-year-old could join Ten Hag at Old Trafford after ‘talks’ with his ‘management’ took place. United’s interest is reported as ‘serious’, although Bayern have made an enquiry of their own for the centre-back.

The Verdict: Needed?

United have had their struggles at the back this season, with just seven other Premier League teams conceding more goals than the Red Devils’ tally of 56. They shipped four last time out against Brighton, so a defensive rebuild could be of real interest to Ten Hag over the coming months.

His Ajax side conceded just 19 times in the Eredivisie this season, 15 fewer than the next-best defence in the division, with Timber playing a vital role in that impressive record.

Therefore, he could be a good addition in both the short- and long-term at Old Trafford, and you’d like to think that Timber will get even better over the coming years.

In other news: Man Utd now eyeing move for ‘absolutely lethal’ Bundesliga star. Read more here

According to transfer insider Dean Jones, Tottenham Hotspur target Idrissa Gueye could be the perfect ‘upgrade’ on midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.

The Lowdown: PSG open to Gueye exit

The 32-year-old currently plays his football with Paris Saint-Germain, having made a total of 110 senior appearances for the club since joining in a £29m move from Premier League side Everton.

However, French outlet Jeunes Footeux recently reported that the French giants would be open to letting the defensive midfielder leave the club at the end of the season, which may well have caught the eye of the Lilywhites.

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The Latest: Jones makes Hojbjerg ‘upgrade’ claim

Jones says that he very much likes the thought of Gueye making the switch to Spurs and believes that the maestro would be an ‘upgrade’ on current first-team star Hojbjerg. He told GiveMeSport:

“With Idrissa Gueye being linked, I can understand why he might be a fit because he wears his heart on his sleeve and he’s a great midfielder. He would seem to fit, and you would imagine they’re looking for an upgrade on Hojbjerg.”

The Verdict: A welcome new addition

With Antonio Conte reportedly wanting to add two new midfielders to his ranks as he starts to rebuild his squad ahead of the start of the new season, Gueye would be a welcome signing in the middle of the park, whether that’s as a Hojbjerg replacement or playing alongside him.

The 5 foot 7 beast, who was once hailed as an “amazing” player by Chelsea stalwart Thiago Silva, already has plenty of experience in the top-flight, having made 108 outings for the Toffees, so will know exactly what is required of him.

Gueye will be out of contract at the Parc des Princes next summer so there’s no doubt that PSG will want to try and complete a deal in the upcoming window to get some kind of fee for him, but if his price tag is affordable for Paratici and co, Spurs should do everything they can to get it over the line.

In other news… a Sky Sports pundit is thrilled by some transfer news he’s heard coming out of N17.