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Sky Sports journalist Dharmesh Sheth has now revealed the latest details of ‘talks’ going on at Newcastle United to try and sign Hugo Ekitike this summer.

The Lowdown: Dragging on…

The story of Ekitike potentially moving to St. James’ Park has been dragging on ever since the season ended, with reports that they are closing in on a deal for the Reims striker.

However, a move has not materialised as of yet, casting doubt over whether it will get done before the new campaign starts, with some reports even claiming they are ready to move on.

The Latest: Talks ‘difficult’

Taking to Twitter, Sheth has revealed that the North East club are ‘still in talks’ over Ekitike, although they have been ‘difficult’ and they are ‘prepared to walk away’ if further progress is not made:

“Newcastle United still in talks over Reims striker Hugo Ekitike – but are prepared to walk away if progress isn’t made. Told talks have been difficult. PSG interested. Other clubs keen too.”

The Verdict: Worrying

It is certainly worrying that a move for Ekitike has not gotten over the line yet, and that the Tynesiders could even walk away from the deal after so much time spent on one target.

Hailed as a ‘very special’ talent by his manager Oscar Garcia, some in France believe that the French teenager could become the ‘next Mbappe’, after bursting onto the scene in a similar vein to the PSG superstar with 11 goals and four assists last term (Transfermarkt).

Nonetheless, this is a deal that the Magpies will not want to see slip through their fingers, and so they will now be hoping for a breakthrough in discussions over the coming days.

Journalist Alfonso Leocadio has provided updates on Leeds United’s interest in both Charles de Ketelaere and Cody Gakpo.

The Lowdown: Leeds links

The Whites have been linked with moves for both De Ketelaere and Gakpo as the club look to bolster Jesse Marsch’s attacking ranks.

De Ketelaere is viewed as a forward by Leeds and would provide competition to Patrick Bamford, whereas Gakpo appears to be a target to come in for Raphinha, who seems to be on the verge of joining Chelsea.

The Latest: Leocadio’s ‘info’

Leocadio, a transfer market writer who is followed by reliable figures from Sky Sports and The Athletic, took to Twitter on Tuesday evening to provide some ‘info’ on Leeds’ transfer targets.

He claimed that talks with De Ketelaere could happen today and that Leeds are expected to push for Gakpo to replace Raphinha, labelling the pair as ‘big targets’.

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The Verdict: Over to you Orta

It looks as if Leeds will bring in around £100m for both Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha in what would be the two most expensive departures in the club’s history.

Victor Orta will be the man looking to bring in replacements for the duo, and it is vital that he gets these big money calls spot on. Mohamed Camara from RB Salzburg could be brought in for Phillips, and it seems that the club may also be able to get deals done for De Ketelaere and Gakpo.

Landing all three for roughly the combined fee of £100m that they receive for Phillips and Raphinha could be good business, so it looks set to be an exciting few weeks at Elland Road prior to the new season.

Leeds United correspondent Phil Hay has said that the club have ‘spoken’ about bringing in an experience second-choice goalkeeper.

The Lowdown: Adams, Sinisterra and CDK

The Whites have already made five signings this summer and have their eyes on making it seven with moves for Luis Sinisterra and Charles De Ketelaere.

RB Leipzig midfielder Tyler Adams became the fifth confirmed arrival on Wednesday, whereas Feyenoord winger Sinisterra also appears to be closing in on a €25m (£21.4m) Elland Road move.

A deal for Club Brugge forward De Ketelaere appears to be more complicated, however, Leeds have reportedly made a bid for the 21-year-old who they see as an inside forward or a secondary forward to support Patrick Bamford.

The Latest: Hay’s claim

Hay shared a story for The Athletic on Wednesday morning regarding Leeds’ transfer business, citing Adams, Sinisterra and De Ketelaere.

He said that those inside Elland Road have also ‘spoken about sourcing a more experienced second-choice goalkeeper’, however, the reliable reporter didn’t mention any possible targets.

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The Verdict: Who could it be?

The Whites have been linked with free-agent Ben Foster in recent weeks and also had a look at West Ham’s Darren Randolph back in January.

They could be two options for Leeds over the coming weeks, but there are plenty of other senior ‘keepers available who may well be happy to move to Yorkshire.

As well as Foster, the likes of David Ospina, Sergio Romero, Joel Robles and John Ruddy are also free agents who have Premier League experience, so it could be wise to potentially make a shot-stopper with top-flight knowledge their eighth and final summer signing to help Illan Meslier.

West Bromwich Albion got their summer transfer business off to an exciting start as they announced in May that they had secured a deal to sign John Swift on a free transfer from Reading.

Having scored 11 goals and delivered 13 assists in 38 league appearances last season, it’s easy to see why the Baggies were so eager to secure his signature and what they will be expecting from him on the pitch moving forward.

With still a few weeks left before the summer transfer window ends, another midfielder who has been linked with a move to The Hawthorns and who would allow Steve Bruce to form a potentially scary duo alongside Swift is Lewis O’Brien.

In 130 appearances for Huddersfield Town, the 23-year-old has found the net eight times and supplied 10 assists along the way. This shows that, just like Swift (albeit not on as regular a basis), the Terriers midfielder has a nose for scoring and creating goals.

However, it’s O’Brien’s defensive nous which could make it a suitable addition to West Brom’s squad and give Swift the freedom to be a regular attacking threat in the team.

No other player at the Yorkshire club won more tackles in the league last season than the Englishman (59), who also made 33 interceptions. This highlights just how difficult an opponent he can be and why he would be a great asset for the Midlands club.

This defensive industry combined with Swift’s ability to be a menace in front of goal is the sort of midfield partnership which could push the Baggies further up the table and into the mix to win promotion back to the Premier League.

O’Brien’s overall performances in his 46 Championship games during the previous campaign earned him an impressive season rating of 7.09/10 from WhoScored, making him the highest-rated outfield player at the John Smith’s Stadium.

This backs up why he was described as a “sensational” player by Jonathan Hogg and why Huddersfield are reportedly looking to recoup a rather significant fee of £10m for him this summer.

If Bruce feels the need to strengthen his midfield further before the 2022/23 campaign kicks off, adding the Huddersfield star to his ranks could be a worthwhile investment for the Baggies to make, especially if he can help to get the best out of Swift at the same time.

AND in other news: WBA can finally axe “overhyped” flop with move for £10m dynamo who’s “one of the best”

Glasgow Rangers and Giovanni van Bronckhorst are reportedly eyeing up a move for Darius Olaru this summer, according to a report from Romanian outlet ProSport.

The lowdown: Hot property

Previously a reported target for West Ham, Borussia Dortmund and Aston Villa, attacking midfielder Olaru has enjoyed an impressive rise to stardom in his homeland with FCSB.

Signed from Gaz Metan in 2020 having made 114 appearances for the club, the 24-year-old playmaker has gone from strength to strength since arriving in the Romanian top flight.

The senior international has directly contributed to 34 goals in 84 outings for the 1985/86 UEFA Champions League winners and is now seemingly on the radar at Ibrox…

The latest: Scouts impressed

As per ProSport, Rangers officials are believed to have ‘watched’ the six-cap ace in action recently.

It’s claimed that Olaru ‘came to the attention’ of scouts at the Glasgow giants and the Teddy Bears are now ‘following in the footsteps’ of the Romanian.

The report also states that Rangers will make a ‘final decision’ over a move during this window, whilst FCSB will demand a fee in excess of €10million (£8.4million) for the man described as being ‘great with both feet’ by scout Jan Říha.

The verdict: Aribo 2.0?

Following the departure of Joe Aribo to Southampton last week, signing Olaru would be a superb piece of business from Rangers as Van Bronckhorst will require a direct replacement for the influential midfielder.

In a similar fashion to the former-Ibrox favourite, the attack-minded Romanian can operate in a variety of positions, including centrally in midfield, in wide areas and even as a central striker. Predominantly operating as a conventional midfielder last season, Olaru scored six times and provided 12 assists in 37 appearances across all competitions.

Despite the positives of this potential deal, although the suggested asking price for Olaru isn’t astronomical in the grand scheme of transfer fees, it may be ambitious for a player who is yet to play outside of Romania and currently holds a perceived market value of £4.95million (Transfermarkt).

Therefore, the Europa League runners-up would be wise to maintain a watching brief and perhaps even pursue alternative targets such as the Bayern Munich sensation Malik Tillman for the time being before potentially making a move at a lower rate for the compatriot of Ianis Hagi.

Tottenham Hotspur are closing in on a deal to bring Memphis Depay to the Premier League this summer.

What’s the word?

That’s according to a report by Spanish publication AS, who claim that, after Fabio Paratici was given the green light by Barcelona to make a move for the centre-forward during the Italian’s negotiations for Clement Lenglet, the sporting director has now moved a step closer to signing him after informing the LaLiga side he is willing to pay €17m (£14.5m) for the 28-year-old – a figure just €3m (£2.5m) short of Barca’s €20m (£17.5m) asking price.

The report goes on to state that, while the Netherlands international would prefer to remain at the Camp Nou beyond the summer, he is willing to leave the club in the search of regular first-team football with a top European side – with it being said that a move to Sevilla does not interest him, while a number of interested Italian sides are not believed to be able to meet Barcelona’s demands for the striker.

An “unreal” coup

Considering just how impressive Depay was for Barcelona last season, in addition to the centre-forward currently possessing a market valuation of around £34m, should Paratici manage to seal a £14.5m deal for the 28-year-old as Tottenham’s seventh signing of the summer, it would undoubtedly represent an unbelievable coup for Antonio Conte’s side.

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Indeed, over his 28 LaLiga appearances in 2021/22, the £158k-per-week talent was in scintillating form, scoring 12 goals, providing two assists and creating five big chances for his teammates, in addition to taking an average of 2.2 shots, making 1.6 key passes and completing 1.6 dribbles per game.

These returns saw former Olympique Lyon forward who Liam Canning dubbed “unreal” average a quite remarkable SofaScore match rating of 7.26, not only ranking him as Xavi’s fourth-best performer in the league but also as the joint 10th-best player in the Spanish top flight as a whole.

Furthermore, according to FBref, the Dutchman also ranks in the top 1% of forwards in Europe’s big five leagues for passes attempted per 90, as well as the top 3% for progressive carries, the top 3% for progressive passes received, the top 6% for shot-creating actions, the top 6% for progressive passes and the top 8% for dribbles completed over the past 12 months.

As such, while it is true that Paratici has already added the £60m Richarlison to Conte’s attacking options in north London this summer, should the Italian be able to add the further addition of Depay to Spurs’ squad ahead of the 2022/23 campaign, the argument that Tottenham will be serious contenders for the Premier League title next season would become much easier to make.

AND in other news: “Definitely want..”: O’Keefe reveals huge Spurs transfer update, Conte will be buzzing

Liverpool have made some big changes at Anfield this summer with three new signings joining the squad and nine players being shown the door, but will the Reds get any more business done before the transfer window slams shut?

James Pearce has given an update which may be of intrigue to Kopites…

What’s the latest?

According to The Athletic’s Liverpool reporter, the Premier League club have not changed their stance in terms of making more signings this summer.

Pearce responded to a concerned supporter who asked if there would be more midfield signings during a Q&A session ahead of the pre-season match against RB Salzburg on Wednesday evening, saying: “I think the midfield debate will rumble on but so far no sign of the club’s stance changing regarding any further signings.”

Supporters will be gutted

There is no doubt that Liverpool supporters will be gutted that there is unlikely to be any further midfield additions this summer, and there will duly be high expectations set for FSG to deliver next year when the Reds will be in desperate need of reinforcements if nothing changes before then.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Naby Keita and James Milner will all be out of contract next summer, with Jordan Henderson’s game-time dwindling to 68 minutes per game last season. When you also add in Thiago Alcantara’s inability to stay fit for an entire campaign at Anfield so far, it puts into perspective how much work needs to be done for Liverpool to have a dearth of stable midfield options.

Nevertheless, there is still an opportunity for Keita to sign a new contract, as speculation is mounting that he will be given an extension.

However, with a number of the Reds’ midfielders already well into their 30s, FSG have to start looking to the future and identifying players who can come into the team.

It is no secret that Liverpool did try to obtain a young rising star to improve the midfield earlier this summer, as it was reported in May that Aurelien Tchouameni had agreed personal terms with the Champions League finalists. However, he had also agreed terms with opponents Real Madrid, who eventually sealed the deal.

With that being said, the Reds need not overly worry as the recruitment team are renowned for being meticulous in their transfer strategies, and it would be surprising if they weren’t prepared to future-proof the club’s midfield over the next 12 months to continue Liverpool’s pursuit of success.

AND in other news: Klopp can land his ideal Firmino replacement with £34m bid for “high-level” star

Tottenham Hotspur are growing in belief that they will tie Harry Kane down to a new contract in the near future…

What’s the word?

That’s according to talkSPORT journalist and transfer expert Alex Crook, who claims that the England international is likely to extend his current £200k-per-week deal due to two main factors – one, manager Antonio Conte, and two, their qualification to the Champions League.

When asked about the likelihood of the 29-year-old extending his stay, he told GIVEMESPORT:

“I think they are more confident because of Antonio Conte and the fact they’re back in the Champions League.”

Best business yet

Recently, ever-reliable football.london reporter Alasdair Gold revealed that Spurs would soon submit a contract offer to their leading talisman and that he was a “huge part” of Conte’s plans at the club.

His current deal expires in 2024, so there is no rush as he still has two years to run but given last summer’s interest from Manchester City and lingering interest from Bayern Munich, it would be a very wise decision from sporting director Fabio Paratici to get it done sooner rather than later.

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If he can get this over the line in the coming weeks, then arguably, it would be the Lilywhites’ best piece of business yet as a large part of their success will boil down to the Englishman and his goalscoring exploits.

Signing a new long-term bumper contract at Hotspur Way will make it very hard for the Bundesliga champions, something that their manager Julian Nagelsmann has already alluded to.

“He is very expensive. That’s the problem – but brilliant player. One of two or three who can play as a centre-forward [as well as a] No 10, but he’s very strong, brilliant with [his] head and both feet,” the German claimed (via the Daily Mail).

“He could score a lot in the Bundesliga. I don’t know the price, but it’s really tough for Bayern Munich. We’ll see what happens in the future.”

City’s interest was a very frustrating saga as Kane, according to Sky Sports, even asked to leave his boyhood club.

Last campaign, the 29-year-old striker finished with 17 goals and nine assists in the Premier League, having started the season off slow. Overall, he was their top goalscorer in all competitions, just as he has been for the past eight seasons.

Now with Conte at the helm and Spurs back in the Champions League, it would make sense for Kane to commit his future to Tottenham, if that happens anytime soon, then you can forget about Richarlison and Yves Bissouma. This news would eclipse the lot.

AND in other news, Paratici could seal “incredible” 7th Spurs signing with Conte keen on £58.7m “monster”…

Arsenal could still complete a couple of deals before the transfer deadline on September 1st…

What’s the word?

That’s according to Italian journalist and transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, who believes the Gunners will have a “busy” end to the summer window.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT this week, he revealed:

“It will take some time but I’m sure Arsenal will be busy in August with one or two more signings, it depends on the opportunities or outgoings, though.”

Arteta will love it

The north London giants have enjoyed a pretty successful window so far, with technical director Edu Gaspar bringing in five new signings through the door at the Emirates Stadium.

Former Manchester City duo Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko have left the Premier League champions for Mikel Arteta’s project, whilst they have also signed a backup goalkeeper in Matt Turner, another young winger in Marquinhos and an exciting creative talent in Fabio Vieira.

Last weekend, the Gunners completed their pre-season schedule with another win, meaning they remained unbeaten throughout the off-season, which is an encouraging sign heading into Friday’s Premier League opener with Crystal Palace.

And if Romano’s claim rings true, then Arteta will surely be a very happy man as it appears as if the club aren’t finished yet.

Arsenal missed out on a move for right winger Raphinha and continued to be linked to midfielders such as Youri Tielemans and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, so it’s reasonable to predict that they are on the hunt for players in these two roles.

The Gunners were pipped to Champions League qualification by arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur, so it’s easy to see why the Spanish head coach is in need of plenty of reinforcements as Spurs themselves have been on something of a spree, too.

Arteta’s side are back in the Europa League, so midweek rotation could prove key as the season rumbles on, only adding to the need for further additions.

The former City assistant will know this, which is why he will be delighted with Romano’s latest revelation and with less than a month to go, we should expect further movement at London Colney in the coming weeks.

AND in other news, Edu can seal “phenomenal” £38m signing, he’d be Arsenal’s next Thierry Henry…

Wolves have agreed a deal to sign Valencia forward Goncalo Guedes as Bruno Lage secures the club’s second transfer of the summer window.

What’s the news?

Fabrizio Romano announced that Wolves had secured an agreement with the striker yesterday evening. tweeting: “Gonçalo Guedes joins Wolves on a permanent deal, agreement finally completed.

“Guedes, expected to fly on Monday to undergo medical and sign as new Wolves player.

“Long term contract agreed, €32m plus add-ons to Valencia.”

The €32m (£27m) deal for Guedes will make him the fourth biggest transfer in the Premier League side’s history.

A new animal for Wolves

Wolves got their Premier League campaign off to a poor start with a 2-1 defeat to Leeds United on an opening day that offered so much hope.

Despite taking the lead and dominating the second half, Lage’s side slipped to defeat and his striker woes continued.

Key man Raul Jimenez was missing through injury and Wolves lacked any sort of focal point in their attack, making the move for Guedes even more important.

The Portugal international, who can play either on the left wing or through the middle, scored 13 goals and registered six assists in 42 appearances in all competitions for Valencia last season.

He was directly involved in 17 of Valencia’s 48 La Liga goals last season (35.4%) showing his importance to the side, and he could finally be the forward that Lage needs.

The club have beaten fellow Premier League side Newcastle to the player’s signature, which will surely give the manager a boost going forward.

Jimenez and Daniel Podence were Wolves’ highest scorers last term with a measly six goals each and this heavily contributed to the side only netting a total of 38 league goals, with only the three relegated teams scoring less.

Having been dubbed an “animal” by one journalist, he could be exactly that at Molineux with Guedes certainly looking ready to come and tear up the Premier League when you consider his impressive numbers.

Signing a forward from one of the biggest La Liga teams certainly shows the pulling power of playing in the English top flight, with Lage’s Portuguese connections yet again working wonders as they seek to add much-needed firepower to the squad.