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Southampton have joined a clutch of Premier League teams in the race to sign FC Koln defender Timo Hubers this summer.

The Lowdown: Hubers’ career so far

In 2015, the 25-year-old left the Hannover 96 under-19s to join FC Koln II, before returning to Hannover the following year. The 6 foot 2 defender played five seasons for Die Roten before rejoining Koln, but this time for the latter’s first team.

Hubers has made 15 appearances in the Bundesliga this season and has left a great impression on Steffen Baumgart’s defence. As a result, WhoScored have ranked him as Koln’s best player this season, having averaged a 7.13 rating.

However, at the end of the season, Hubers will enter into the final 12 months of his current contract.

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The Latest: Saints interested in Hubers

According to the Daily Mail, Newcastle, Leeds and Crystal Palace are all understood to be closely tracking the 25-year-old centre-back, whilst West Ham, Southampton and Championship promotion favourites Fulham are also monitoring his situation.

It is said that the Hammers and the Saints are likely to prioritise bringing in a centre-back during the summer transfer window, with Hubers set to command a £6m fee.

The Verdict: Good for rotation…or maybe more

The central defenders currently at Ralph Hasenhuttl’s disposal are Mohammed Salisu, Jan Bednarek, Jack Stephens and Lyanco. Furthermore, the Saints also have Dynel Simeu, who joined from Chelsea last summer, and his loan deal with Carlisle United is set to expire at the end of May.

However, with Lyanco and Stephens only featuring sporadically this season and with another loan deal potentially in the offing for Simeu, Southampton may well be looking to reshuffle their options at the back in search of more first-team quality.

Therefore, the addition of Hubers could provide Hasenhuttl with a stronger option for rotation – or possibly an immediate first-team starter, with the 25-year-old reportedly tailor-made for the Saints manager’s preference for playing the ball out from the back.

In other news: Dan Sheldon has criticised one Saints player during the 1-1 draw at Leeds

Newcastle United have been handed a fresh injury lift over Miguel Almiron…

What’s the latest?

Magpies boss Eddie Howe has revealed that the midfielder has recovered from his ailment and will be back in the squad against Wolves for their Premier League clash tonight.

The 28-year-old was absent from the matchday squad for the 5-1 defeat to Tottenham last weekend but will now be available for selection against Bruno Lage’s side.

On Thursday, Lee Ryder tweeted: “Eddie Howe says he is ‘delighted’ to welcome back Miguel Almiron from illness #nufc.”

Buzzing

The 44-year-old will be buzzing with this news, as it means that he will have a solid option to bring off the bench if required.

It will be a big boost to his squad as Almiron offers plenty of endeavour and work rate when he comes off the bench for Newcastle. He works his socks off for the team and that is a valuable trait to have in a player coming on as a substitute.

Whilst he may not have the attacking quality required to make an impact in the final third, from the start or off the bench, he is the perfect player to bring in to help see out a game by adding a steeliness to the forwards on the pitch.

For example, if Newcastle are winning 2-1 in the 70th minute and Allan Saint-Maximin is starting to look fatigued, Howe can put Almiron on and let him run himself into the ground to help the team. The Paraguayan has averaged 2.1 tackles and interceptions per game this season, which shows that he puts in a shift out of possession to try and win the ball back for his side.

Meanwhile, Saint-Maximin has only averaged 0.8 tackles and interceptions per game, the same as Ryan Fraser. This suggests that neither of them offers the defensive protection that the Paraguay international does when he is on the pitch, as they do not win the ball back as often as him.

Therefore, Almiron is a useful option for Howe to have, and that is why the manager will be buzzing to have the 28-year-old available for selection. The head coach will surely want as many options as possible on the bench to use in a multitude of scenarios, with the Magpies attempting to put their three-match losing streak to an end against Wolves tonight.

AND in other news, Signed for free, now worth £9m: Ashley sealed his final NUFC gift in £35k-p/w “dream”…

Everton are likely to sign a couple of players on transfer deadline day as the club moves closer to appointing Frank Lampard in the manager’s dugout at Goodison Park.

What’s the word?

This has been a chaotic transfer window for the Toffees and on deadline day this Monday, it’s set to get even crazier.

As well as being on the verge of appointing Lampard, they are set to welcome Donny van de Beek to the club on loan from Manchester United.

But, the new boss won’t stop there in his pursuit of new signings according to reporter Alan Myers.

The journalist was asked on Twitter on Sunday whether the Dutchman would be the club’s final addition but he responded; “I doubt it.”

Myers then added in another tweet: “I’d guess 2 to 3 [signings] maybe.”

Fans buzzing

After all of the protest and rage that has engulfed Goodison this month, it looks as though Everton are set to end the month on a high.

The appointment of Lampard is ambitious and will take the club in a new direction after the previously appointed Carlo Ancelotti and Rafa Benitez; two individuals with far more coaching experience under their belts.

However, what Lampard has in common with those two, is a lure, particularly for young English players or footballers looking to get their careers back on track.

Van de Beek perfectly fits that description and with Jesse Lingard and Dele Alli also on the club’s radar, this could be a captivating finish to the window.

Myers doesn’t mention who may follow the Man United midfielder through the door but the fact that Lampard is wasting no time in looking to strengthen his squad should be music to the ears of supporters.

After all, this is a team that sit in 16th place in the Premier League after just one win in their last 14 top-flight encounters.

AND in other news, Everton gifted late transfer boost that may save their season, Lampard will be a hero…

Liverpool are interested in signing Inter Milan star Lautaro Martinez if Mohamed Salah leaves, according to Serie A journalist Niccolo Ceccarini.

The Lowdown: Martinez shines for Inter

The 24-year-old has become one of the key figures at Inter in recent years, scoring 14 goals in just 21 Serie A starts this season, not to mention registering two assists.

Martinez has been described as ‘spectacular’ by the one and only Lionel Messi, which is high praise indeed, and it could be that he is on the move at the end of the season, with Inter seemingly already eyeing up replacements in the shape of Paulo Dybala and Gianluca Scamacca.

The £63million-rated Argentine’s current deal in Milan expires in the summer of 2026.

The Latest: Liverpool keen on signing

Speaking to Tuttomercatoweb [via Sport Witness], Ceccarini claimed that Liverpool are interested in making a move for Martinez if Salah leaves:

“As for Lautaro, the club’s (Inter’s) position is very clear. The Argentine striker remains central and fundamental in the Nerazzurri project, but in the face of a big offer, Inter will still make a reflection.

“We have to understand if a big European name will come forward concretely. Liverpool is a possibility, especially if Salah should leave at the end of this season.”

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The Verdict: Hard to see happening

While Martinez is undoubtedly a special talent who could thrive at one of Europe’s top teams, it is hard to see Liverpool signing him this summer.

In Salah, Sadio Mane, Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino, the Reds already have five magnificent options in attack, so the Inter man would struggle for playing time if he came in.

The only way that a move would make sense is if Salah, Mane or Firmino moved on, with the trio all out of contract in 2023, but there is no guarantee that that will happen.

In other news, a journalist has made an exciting claim regarding one Liverpool target. Read more here.

Huddersfield Town proved to be the surprise packages of the week when they forced through a shock 1-0 win against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Tuesday night.

However, those accustomed with this fixture will know that the Terriers have been absolute nightmares for Wolves in the past few years.

As a matter of fact, they had won their last four games in all competitions against Nuno Espirito Santo’s men (stats via SofaScore). Despite being stuck to the bottom of the league and having last won a league game in November, the Terriers somehow managed to pack all their energy in dealing a knockout punch to the Wanderers.

After pushing on relentlessly for a winner, Steve Mounie scored in the dying moments to give Jan Siewert his first win as manager. That being said, this inspired win doesn’t mean things are going to turnaround for their doomed season. The Terriers are still 13 points astray from avoiding relegation and have a tough schedule ahead.

While Siewert might have brought back life into their game, allowing them to attack with more intensity, they’re still quite poor defensively. Wolves were clueless in front of goal in the mid-week, allowing Huddersfield to cling onto hope for a winner till the absolute end.

Huddersfield have games against Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool and Manchester United remaining along with tough away fixtures against in-form sides. Being so far off from the shallow end of surviving relegation, Huddersfield’s fate is almost sealed and despite picking up form recently, it’s too little too late for the Terriers.

However, Siewert’s appointment is – oddly considering results against him – is looking a smart one and could yet be another masterstroke from Dean Hoyle.

According to a report from Spanish outlet Super Deporte (via Sport Witness), Wolves are interested in signing Sevilla winger Lucas Ocampos. 

The lowdown: Impressive rise

Signed for €13million (£10.7million) in 2019 from Marseille (Football Espana), the Argentine ace quickly established himself as a key member of Julen Lopetegui’s side.

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The 27-year-old was the club’s top goal scorer in his debut season in Spain with 16 goals in all competitions and has since gone from strength to strength, dazzling on the wing with 1.6 successful take-ons per game this term.

Now, as the summer transfer window approaches, Premier League clubs are paying close attention…

The latest: Big spend needed

As per the report from Super Deporte, as translated by SW, Wolves and West Ham are both keen on the Argentina international.

It’s claimed that the Wanderers ‘want’ Ocampos and would be looking to utilise a pre-existing ‘good relationship’ between the La Liga outfit and Scott Sellars.

However, Sevilla are believed to be determined to keep the left-winger and would therefore demand a €70million (£58million) release clause was met.

The verdict: Record-breaking

Signing Ocampos for the mooted fee would require executive chairman Jeff Shi to shatter a previous £36million high-spend on the deal that brought Fabio Silva to Molineux (Transfermarkt).

So far this season, the skilful forward, hailed as ‘electric’ by journalist Fede Praml, has scored nine times and registered four assists in 36 outings.

Capable of playing on either wing, the 10-cap Argentinian would seemingly be the ideal candidate to replace the outgoing Adama Traore in Bruno Lage’s squad.

In other news, Wolves interested in South American wonderkid. Find out who it is here.

Tottenham Hotspur, and by extension their transfer chief Fabio Paratici, are ‘expected’ to ‘win the race’ for a potentially impressive summer signing, according to Alasdair Gold.

The Lowdown: Major summer looming…

The Lilywhites, tasked with showing manager Antonio Conte that they’re serious about building a winning Premier League side, are set for an intriguing window upon the end of 2021/2022.

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Spurs’ head coach has apparently got his eye on as many as six major signings, which include the possible additions of a reserve keeper, right-wing-back, central defender, two midfielders and a forward (The Telegraph).

This comes amid recent claims that Paris-Saint Germain are eyeing Conte as an heir to ex-Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino, who is allegedly set to leave the French capital.

The Latest: Gold makes promising Johnstone claim…

In some good news for Spurs, backing recent reports, it appears the north Londoners are firm favourites to seal West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper Sam Johnstone on a Bosman.

Indeed, sharing news in a football.london piece on who could leave N17 this summer, reliable journalist Gold also claimed, when commenting on Pierluigi Gollini’s future, that Paratici and co are ‘expected to win the race’ for Johnstone this summer.

The Verdict: Get it done…

Johnstone’s contract runs out in June, gifting the club an opportunity to snap up a capable understudy to Hugo Lloris for zero cost.

An England international and ‘world class’ keeper, at least according to Wolves legend Steve Bull, journalist Pete O’Rourke has also raved over the thought of Spurs landing Johnstone for nothing.

Speaking to GiveMeSport, recently, the reporter claimed finalising a free transfer for West Brom’s 29-year-old would be a ‘really impressive’ first signing of the window by Spurs.

His proven top flight quality, and the fact his capture could go some way to mitigating Tottenham’s homegrown quota issues, make this move a real no-brainer.

Gold’s update that Paratici is still in pole position certainly comes as a promising one.

In other news: Source: Tottenham edge closer to ‘top signing’…he really wants to join Conte! Find out more here.

When Celtic spent £7m on Christopher Jullien back in the summer of 2019, hopes for the centre-back were extremely high at Parkhead.

Indeed, upon the then-26-year-old’s signing, Neil Lennon said of the Frenchman: “We are delighted to bring Christopher to Celtic. He is a quality player with great attributes.”

And, the Northern Irishman’s belief that the £4.95m-rated defender was a talented player proved to be correct over his secure the Premiership title, the Scottish Cup and the Scottish League Cup, as well as reaching the knockout stages of the Europa League.

The £23.5k-per-week man continued his impressive form over his nine Premiership outings last season, in which he helped his side keep five clean sheets, scored one goal and registered one assist, in addition to making an average of 1.2 interceptions, 1.2 tackles, 3.6 clearances and winning 6.9 duels per game – with these returns seeing the 29-year-old average a highly impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.43.

However, since sustaining a serious knee injury in a 3-0 victory over Dundee United in December 2020 – a setback that was initially predicted to keep the former French youth international sidelined for around four months – Jullien has played just 16 minutes of football for Celtic, coming on as a second-half substitute in the 4-0 SFA Cup win over Raith Rovers in February.

Indeed, over the Bhoys’ last monster” – in his matchday squad, something which has left many to question whether the centre-back has a future under the Greek-Australian coach.

And, with just 12 months of his current contract remaining this summer, in addition to having already set Celtic back around £3.5m in wages over his 142 weeks in Glasgow – 60 of which were spent on the treatment table – it would indeed appear a wise for Postecoglou cut his losses on the defender at the end of the current campaign, as Jullien is quickly becoming a rather expensive burden at Parkhead.

AND in other news: Celtic handed huge Old Firm boost as fresh update emerges, Postecoglou will be buzzing

Newcastle were active throughout the January transfer window as PIF moved to bring a number of players to Tyneside.

Kieran Trippier, Bruno Guimaraes, Dan Burn and Chris Wood all joined on permanent deals, while Matt Targett was signed on loan from Premier League side Aston Villa.

The Magpies are currently 18th in the table and facing a fight against relegation to the second tier, with these fresh additions potentially helping them to move out of the bottom three.

How could Howe’s best XI look? Here is our take on it…

Dan Burn and Matt Targett could start in the back four for Howe, joining Trippier – who has already established himself at right-back.

The January signing from Brighton, Burn, has averaged a SofaScore rating of 6.96 in the Premier League, whilst Targett has managed a score of 6.82. No Newcastle player with five or more league outings this term has achieved a higher rating in either of their positions, suggesting that they will be able to immediately improve the team.

In midfield, Joelinton and Jonjo Shelvey could keep their places, with new signing Guimaraes added to the starting XI. The Brazilian midfielder joins off the back of an impressive campaign in Ligue 1, averaging a sublime SofaScore rating of 7.30, which is why he could slot straight into the team.

Howe said of him: “Bruno is a hugely exciting talent and has been one of our primary targets so I’m delighted to secure him. He strengthens the group immediately ready for the challenge ahead.”

His consistently brilliant displays could provide a lift in the middle of the park alongside Shelvey and Joelinton. This could provide protection to the back four, whilst giving the attack some support going the other way – with Bruno averaging 1.8 key passes per game.

At the top end of the pitch, there may not be a place for Wood in the starting XI if Howe decides to go with a 4-5-1 formation. When Callum Wilson returns from injury, he should be the player leading the line for the Magpies, having scored six goals in 14 – compared to the former Burnley man’s three in 19.

The New Zealand international could be used in a 4-4-2 set-up alongside Wilson, but in this best XI there is no room for him to play. Therefore, the January signing could end up on the bench as an impact substitute if Howe’s best XI comes to fruition.

AND in other news, Forget Ekitike: Howe dropped D-Day Newcastle clanger on “underrated” £50k-p/w flyer…

According to a report from The Mirror, Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing Bristol City playmaker Alex Scott. 

The lowdown: Rising stock

Born in Guernsey, the 18-year-old made the move from FC Guernsey to Bristol City in 2020 and has gone from strength to strength since arriving in the English Football League.

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Having made three fleeting appearances during the 2020/21 season, Scott has established himself as a mainstay in Nigel Pearson’s side this term.

Now it appears that Spurs, as well as a host of other top-level clubs, could be taking a closer look at the England youth starlet…

The latest: Tottenham eye talented youngster

As per the report from The Mirror’s James Nursey, Tottenham officials have ‘scouted’ the playmaker and were in attendance to run the rule over Scott during their win at Stoke City on Good Friday.

It’s claimed that the Championship outfit rate Scott at £10million but could be open to a summer sale of the seven-cap England Under 19 ace in order to meet Financial Fair Play regulations.

Furthermore, the report confirms that officials from N17 were in situ with a ‘view to a summer raid’ as the teenager – who has the ability to ‘float’ around the pitch according to ex-manager Tony Vance – played 90 minutes against Stoke City.

The verdict: No brainer

Already dubbed the ‘Guernsey Grealish’, signing Scott looks to be a relatively risk-free venture for Spurs.

Whilst both manager Antonio Conte and transfer guru Fabio Paratici are likely to target ready-made first-team operators during the summer transfer window, it’s important to keep at least one eye on the future.

So far this season Scott has scored four times and provided two assists in 36 second-tier outings and has shown an unrivalled versatility with a capability of playing in advanced midfield roles, as a centre-forward and more recently as a makeshift wing-back.

Under contract until 2025 (Transfermarkt), the fee, playing style and homegrown status makes this deal akin to the capture of Dele Alli in 2015 and is one that Spurs should be desperate to get over the line.

In other news: Fabrizio Romano delivers exciting transfer update involving Tottenham! Find out more here.