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Sunderland may reportedly now sell Ross Stewart once the summer transfer window opens.

The Lowdown: Promotion push

Stewart has been integral to the Stadium of Light faithful’s promotion push this season, scoring 22 goals and supplying five assists in League One, where he has not missed a single game (Transfermarkt).

Black Cats legend Kevin Phillips even went as far as to claim that he has been ‘incredible’, and his numbers certainly show that, ranking as far and away the squad’s best player according to Whoscored’s match ratings.

The Latest: Interest

Taking to Twitter, The Northern Echo journalist Scott Wilson has revealed that three clubs are now ‘chasing’ Stewart in Glasgow Rangers, Norwich City and Swansea City ahead of a potential move in the summer.

Alex Neil is ‘aware’ of the interest in his talisman, but does not want to be distracted by it as he aims to bring the Wearside club up to the Championship.

However, whether they are promoted or not is ‘likely’ to be the catalyst for any decision on Stewart’s future, suggesting that he could be sold if they do not go up.

The Verdict: Keep

The board must do everything that they can to keep Stewart, even if they end up in League One again next term.

His goals are simply far too important to the team right now – after all, nobody in the squad comes close to his 22, with Everton loanee Nathan Broadhead the next best with nine strikes.

The Scotsman has received no fewer than 11 man-of-the-match awards, more than the next three SAFC players combined (WhoScored).

He also wins more aerial duels and averages more shots per game than his teammates, so replacing everything Stewart brings to the table would be an astronomical task.

In other news, find out injury boost Sunderland have been gifted here!

Aston Villa have reportedly named their price for Nottingham Forest loanee Keinan Davis, amid hopes of keeping the striker at the City Ground on a permanent deal.

What’s the word?

According to BirminghamMail, Villa have made the 24-year-old ‘available for transfer’ this summer, with the Premier League outfit set to demand in the region of £5-£10m from any potential suitors for his services.

The Englishman – who is currently sidelined with a season-ending hamstring injury – is believed to be keen on signing a permanent deal with Steve Cooper’s side, although the report suggests that any transfer may rest on the club’s play-off outcome.

Recent speculation has also suggested that Norwich City boss Dean Smith is seeking a reunion with the player at Carrow Road, with both a loan move and a permanent deal believed to be on the cards.

Get the deal done

As suggested above, Forest’s end to the season could well have a huge bearing on whether or not the deal gets done, although the club should seemingly do all they can to secure the long-term future of a player who has been a revelation since his January arrival.

Davis – whose existing deal with the Midlands outfit expires in 2024 – had netted just six goals in 86 appearances for his parent club prior to linking up with Cooper and co, although has since registered five goals in just 15 Championship games in his temporary home, while also featuring heavily in the clubs run to the FA Cup quarter-finals.

Such form has earned the Stevenage-born star glowing praise from those at the club and afar, with his current boss dubbing him a “powerful player” for his hold up ability, while Birmingham City manager Lee Bowyer also spoke highly of the forward earlier this season.

As quoted by The Athletic, the former Leeds United midfielder said of Davis that: “He is a very, very good player. He is quick, he is powerful and he has a bit of everything. He can play, he can run, he can hold the ball up… he is just a very difficult player to play against.”

The left-footed brute is also clearly more than just an out-and-out goalscorer, having laid on two assists and created six big chances so far this season, as per SofaScore, while he’s also averaged 2.5 dribbles per game.

That all-around ability has ensured the £2.7m-rated striker has the second-highest average match rating among the Forest squad (7.2), having only recently been pipped by fellow loanee James Garner to top spot, while he also received notable praise of late, with broadcaster Darren Fletcher insisting that he has a “touch of Collymore” about him – high praise indeed to be compared to such a club icon.

His absence in the coming weeks could well prove detrimental to the club’s hopes of securing a long-awaited return to the top flight, although no matter what division Cooper’s men are in next season they should seemingly pull out all the stops to ensure it isn’t just a fleeting relationship with the one-time England U20 international.

In other news: Forget Johnson: £20k-p/w Forest “talent” with 89% pass success dismantled West Brom

Celtic are closing in on securing the SPFL title for the first time under the management of Ange Postecoglou.

After having a significant overhaul of players during the previous summer transfer window, it seems as though a behind the scenes development has emerged that could present the Hoops with the opportunity to secure another new figure to the Parkhead club this time around.

What’s the latest?

According to a recent report from the Scottish Sun, Hammarby left-back Mohanad Jeahze has potentially opened the door for a move away from the Swedish club this summer amid recent links to Celtic.

When asked about a potential summer transfer exit, he said: “I can’t say much about that. I’ve always been very clear. If I am going to leave Hammarby it will be for something better than Hammarby. I love it here in Hammarby.”

Great news for Postecoglou

The full-back joined his current club back in the 2020 summer transfer window from fellow Swedish side Mjallby AIF.

Since then, the 25-year-old has made 55 appearances across all competitions, scoring two goals and providing 12 assists in the process.

This highlights just how much of a useful attacking figure he can be on the pitch, which could be why he’s on Celtic’s radar for a potential summer transfer.

Taking into account how the likes of Josip Juranovic, Anthony Ralston and Greg Taylor have all provided some goal contributions for the Bhoys in the SPFL this season from the full-back positions, Jeahze could be an ideal addition to their squad.

From a defensive point of view, the left-back has made won more tackles (9) and interceptions (13) than any other player in the Hammarby squad this season.

This shows just how capable he is off the ball and as a defensive unit for his side.

Now that Jeahze has not shut the door for a potential move away from his current club in the summer, this will be great news for Postecoglou if he thinks the full-back would be an ideal signing for the Hoops.

If the opportunity to secure a deal for the Iraq international arises during the upcoming summer transfer window, the Parkhead club should do all they can to get him in their squad and ready to take on the next campaign ahead of them.

In other news: Forget Doak: Celtic must unleash rarely-seen 19y/o who can become a “physical monster”

Tottenham Hotspur are set for a busy summer transfer window as manager Antonio Conte looks to make his own mark on this largely-inherited Lilywhites squad.

As many as ten players could be shown the exit door in a bid to increase the Italian’s transfer kitty, ranging from the likes of exiled duo Joe Rodon and Steven Bergwijn to usual starters Sergio Reguilon and Emerson Royal, as per The Evening Standard.

Dan Kilpatrick also reports that Conte is on the lookout for a new midfielder, one similar to and in the mould of Chelsea star Jorginho, putting Harry Winks’ future in jeopardy.

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Coincidentally, the north London outfit have also been linked with a move for Lazio sensation Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, who could well fit that exact profile.

The Serbia international has a whole host of clubs pursuing his signature, including Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, Manchester United and Juventus, so he won’t be an easy man to land this off-season, that’s for sure.

Milinkovic-Savic has been something of a standout and consistent performer for Maurizio Sarri, who took the Italian midfielder to Stamford Bridge with him from Napoli in July 2018, so it’s no wonder the 27-year-old has been a key player for him in Rome.

As per WhoScored, the £45m-rated powerhouse sits atop the Lazio charts for seasonal average rating, managing a 7.37 in Serie A. He has also delivered more assists (11) than any other player, on top of providing ten goals too.

However, the 6 foot 3 titan does more than just offer up goal contributions. Compared to his positional peers in Europe over the last 365 days, the Serbian has ranked inside the top 2% for progressive passes (6.08 per 90), top 8% for aerial duels won (2.65 per 90) and the top 11% for passes attempted (66.96 per 90), via FBRef.

Elsewhere, he leads the squad for tackles won (1.9 per game) and isn’t too far behind for interceptions either (one per game), thus making him one of the most complete and all-round midfielders in the game right now.

As we know with Jorginho, he can offer goals through his set-piece ability but for the Blues, he has averaged at least 2.1 tackles and 1.3 interceptions in every Premier League season since arriving at Stamford Bridge, as per WhoScored.

The similarities between the two are striking, so heading into the summer, Spurs must make Milinkovic-Savic one of their top targets to appease Conte.

Once described by Parma sporting director Demetrio Albertini as a “great champion” with “extraordinary elegance” and compared to Real Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane, the Lazio star would be a stunning arrival in N17 and ultimately one for whom Conte is clearly longing heading into next season.

In Milinkovic-Savic, the Spurs boss could well find that Jorginho-like goalscoring enforcer that he desires.

AND in other news, Fabrizio Romano drops Christian Eriksen-Spurs update…

Leeds United have made contact with Chelsea over a possible cut-price deal for Jake Clarke-Salter, according to The Sun.

The Lowdown: Clarke-Salter profiled

The centre-back has been on the books at Stamford Bridge as a senior player since 2018, and although he has made just two senior appearances for the Blues, he has gained plenty of senior experience with loan spells at five separate clubs.

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The 24-year-old spent the 2021/22 campaign with Coventry City, where he made 29 Championship appearances. Described as ‘outstanding’ by Sky Blues boss Mark Robins, Clarke-Salter is out of contract at Chelsea this summer, although there is an option to extend his deal by a further 12 months.

The Latest: Leeds enquiry for Clarke-Salter

The Sun shared a story regarding Clarke-Salter’s future on Monday, revealing that both Leeds and Sheffield United have made an enquiry for his services.

Dutch side PSV Eindhoven are also name-checked within the report, while Coventry will look to sign him on a permanent basis should he become a free agent.

The Verdict: Koch replacement?

It remains to be seen what division Leeds will be playing in next season, but either way it looks as if Jesse Marsch is planning a defensive overhaul ahead of his first full season in charge.

Reports last month revealed that the Whites will listen to offers for Robin Koch over the summer. The German, who was described as ‘horrible’ to watch by Beren Cross in the opening day defeat to Manchester United back in August, could depart for between £10m and £11m.

Should Leeds drop back down to the Championship, then Clarke-Salter could be a shrewd signing due to his experience in the second tier. However, if the Whites stay up, it could be a risky addition given that he has only made one Premier League appearance during his career, and that was way back in 2016.

In other news: ‘Sad to report…’ – Phil Hay reacts to Leeds news as things go from bad to worse at Elland Road.

Transfer insider Dean Jones believes Leeds United boss Jesse Marsch will use Patrick Bamford against Brentford.

The Lowdown: Brighton absence

Bamford has been missing since March after suffering a ruptured foot against Wolves. The 28-year-old was expected to be available for the final few games of the season, if required, but he wasn’t included in Marsch’s squad for the final home match of the campaign against Brighton.

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Pascal Struijk’s late equaliser lifted the Whites out of the bottom three ahead of Burnley, but the Clarets have a game in hand, so it looks as if Leeds will need to come away from London with something on Sunday to guarantee a third season of Premier League football.

The Latest: Jones’ comments

Jones, talking to The Transfer Tavern, had this to say on Bamford featuring on Sunday, believing Marsch will use the forward, who he thinks can get Leeds out of trouble.

“There’s just nobody in this team that can score goals consistently. There’s nobody that you can turn to in moments of trouble and hope they can get you out of it.

“That guy is Bamford still, so I think that if there’s any way they can get him out on that pitch in the starting 11 particularly, then Jesse Marsch will do it.”

The Verdict: Risk needed?

Marsch has already risked Bamford from the off against Norwich and Wolves back in March, a gamble which didn’t pay off and left the forward in tears at Molineux.

On that basis, he may well be reluctant to throw the forward in the starting XI on Sunday. However, having him travel with the squad and taking a place on the bench could still be a wise call, especially as 16-year-old Archie Gray has made the 18 in the last three games, highlighting how short the Whites are.

Defenders Struijk and Diego Llorente have scored Leeds’ last two league goals over the past five games, so if Marsch needs a goal late on, having Bamford to call upon for the second half could be the difference between relegation and survival.

In other news: Radz and Orta have had enough of Leeds ‘liability’; now set to be released from Elland Road. 

West Ham United are reportedly eyeing a move for Nottingham Forest defender Joe Worrall, according to reports.

What’s the word?

As per The Sun, the Hammers are keeping tabs on the 25-year-old, with the club contemplating a move should Steve Cooper’s side fail to secure promotion in this weekend’s Championship playoff final.

Victory for the City Ground outfit at Wembley would likely see the former Rangers man stay put, although should Huddersfield run out winners then David Moyes and co may have a chance, with the player having been described as “destined for the Premier League” by pundit Des Oldham.

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The east Londoners will face competition from the likes of Leicester City and Fulham for the player’s signature, however, according to the report.

The next Bowen?

Although the £3.6m-rated colossus may not play in the same position as current Hammers star Jarrod Bowen, he could well mirror the former Hull City man in making the step up from the Championship to the top-flight at the London Stadium.

Plucked from the second tier back in January 2020 in a £20m deal, Bowen has since made the jump to the higher level with relative ease, notably bagging 12 goals and ten assists in the league this season, with suggestions that he may now be worth as much as £75m.

The 25-year-old’s swift adjustment has shown there is a pathway for players to emerge from the lower divisions and cement themselves into the West Ham first team under Moyes, with Worrall seemingly having the talent to follow suit next term.

The towering 6 foot 4 brute has enjoyed a fine campaign as the Forest skipper thus far, notably keeping 16 clean sheets in 39 regular-season games, averaging 3.1 clearances, 1.9 tackles and 1.8 interceptions per game, while also winning a solid 63% of his total duels.

One dubbed a “fantastic player” by Steven Gerrard, the former England U21 international has gone from strength to strength over the last few seasons, playing a key role in the club’s run to the FA Cup quarter-final earlier this season.

Should GSB and Moyes make a move for him this summer, it could prove to be another market masterstroke from the Scotsman, with Worrall potentially another star that he can pluck from the EFL, in the mould of Bowen.

IN other news, Cost £1.5m per goal: GSB made a colossal blunder on “strong” £40k-p/w West Ham flop 

Sky Sports pundit Paul Robinson has been full of praise for Manchester City star Jack Grealish for delivering a ‘refreshingly honest’ TV interview after lifting the Premier League trophy on Sunday.

The Lowdown: An underwhelming start

The 26-year-old was named on the bench and ended up being an unused substitute in Pep Guardiola’s matchday squad for the Sky Blues’ final game of the season against Aston Villa last weekend, where they secured an astonishing 3-2 comeback victory to clinch the title in dramatic fashion in front of their jubilant home supporters.

The England international made the switch to the Etihad Stadium in a British record £100m move from the Midlands last summer, but he hasn’t been able to make the start that he would have hoped for in Manchester. So far for City, he has only scored three goals and provided the same number of assists in 26 top-flight appearances, as per Transfermarkt.

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The Latest: Robinson praises Grealish

Speaking to Sky Sports immediately after the match on Sunday, the former Villa captain admitted that he has felt ‘nervous’ playing under Guardiola since his arrival at the Etihad, but Robinson believes that there will be a ‘big improvement’ in Grealish ahead of the 2022/23 season.

The ex-England goalkeeper told Football Insider‘s Dylan Childs: “I liked his interview after the game. I thought it was refreshingly honest.

“He has found it tough this season but it’s a different role for him. He has stepped out of his comfort zone into a dressing room full of stars with an expectation to win the Premier League. Man City are expected to win every competition they are in. Grealish hasn’t had that before.

“It is very different playing week in, week out for Villa being the main man. At City he is not guaranteed a game.

“I think the experiences of this season will stand him in good stead for next year though. I expect we will see a big improvement next season. He will only get better.”

The Verdict: More to come from Grealish

Despite his sparsity of goal contributions so far at City, the 20-cap England international has still made a positive impact whenever he has been on the pitch, having averaged two key passes, 1.7 shots and 1.5 dribbles per 90 minutes in the Premier League, via WhoScored.

Grealish is definitely capable of creating more in the final third, which he did with ease during his time at Villa, where he racked up 75 goal contributions. This is something which could come more naturally over time once he has had the chance to properly blend into the City starting XI.

Having just claimed yet another top-flight title, Guardiola will now be preparing for the start of the new term, when the £250k-per-week star could go on to play a pivotal role in maintaining the club’s unprecedented run of success from over the past decade.

In other news… a Sky Sports pundit has backed one of Man City’s first-team stars to put pen to paper on a new contract

West Ham United manager David Moyes is stepping up his transfer push ahead of what could be an interesting 2022/23 Premier League season, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Moyes set for busy summer…

As per reports, the east Londoners seem set for a busy summer, with four departures already confirmed and the Irons’ manager increasing the tempo in attempting to land his targets (Evening Standard).

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Talks have been held over Rennes defender Nayef Aguerd and it is believed that a striker, central midfielder and left-back are ‘high’ on Moyes’ personal wish list.

This comes after West Ham’s failure to land much-needed upgrades in January, with the Scotsman seemingly determined to make sure they have sufficient depth for next season.

The Latest: West Ham set for imminent Lunin talks…

According to the print edition of The Sunday Mirror (via West Ham Zone), Moyes and co are set for imminent talks to sign Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin ‘this week’.

West Ham, and by extension their manager, are ‘stepping up their loan interest’ in the Ukraine international, who is personally ‘looking for a temporary move’ away from the Bernabeu.

The report claimed that a loan with the option to buy is possible as the Hammers eye a move for the 6 foot 4 powerhouse.

The Verdict: Surprising claim…

Reports have suggested that West Ham are actually ‘close’ to finalising a permanent deal for Paris-Saint Germain loanee Alphonse Areola, so we believe that this update comes as a surprising one.

Unless there has been an unknown twist to the tale, or if Moyes is planning to significantly strengthen his goalkeeping department to have three brilliant deputies for Lukasz Fabianski, a move for Lunin could make little sense when taking into account their alleged interest in sealing a permanent swoop for Areola.

In other news: West Ham now ahead of European giants in race to sign £21m forward! Find out more here

Manchester City have shown over recent years that they are capable of signing players from other top clubs across Europe.

Previous summer transfer windows have seen the Citizens secure deals for players such as Ruben Dias, Rodri and Joao Cancelo among others.

One other player that the Manchester club have signed from another European team that has turned out to be a phenomenal bit of business for them is Aymeric Laporte.

Signed from Athletic Bilbao back in the 2018 January transfer window for a then club record fee of £57m, the defender has gone on to make 155 appearances for Pep Guardiola’s side across all competitions.

In those appearances, the Spaniard has scored 12 goals, provided three assists and won numerous domestic trophies including four Premier League titles.

Now that his latest season with City has come to an end, the upcoming summer transfer window could give the club the chance to replicate the same sort of masterclass they pulled off by bringing Laporte to the Etihad.

Last month it was reported that City had reportedly spoken with the representatives of Inter Milan centre-back Alessandro Bastoni over a potential summer move.

The 23-year-old joined the Italian giants in the 2017 summer transfer window from fellow Serie A side Atalanta.

Since then the centre-back has made 118 appearances for the club, scoring three goals and providing eight assists in the process.

Labelled as a “special talent” by journalist Muhammad Butt, Bastoni has a reported price tag of €60m (£51m), meaning that it would cost City a similar sort of fee to the one that shelled out to sign Laporte.

To highlight his defensive talent, the Italy international ended the recent Serie A campaign in the top five for the average number of tackles (1.4), interceptions (1.1), clearances (1.8) and blocks (0.4) he made per game in Inter’s ranks.

With the current City defender racking up the third-highest average for clearances (1.8) and second-highest average for blocks per game in the Premier League this season in Guardiola’s squad, he has also once again proven himself as a solid defensive unit for the team.

Despite having the joint-best defensive record in the Premier League this season, should Guardiola feel the need to add some extra strength to that area of his squad, signing Bastoni could be the best way to do just that.

In other news: Deal close: Big Man City transfer update emerges that’ll surely have Guardiola buzzing