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Tottenham Hotspur have once again been named in the race for defensive reinforcements…

What's the latest on Micky Van de Ven to Tottenham Hotspur?

This latest reference comes from Fabrizio Romano, who actually sought to update fans on the transfer progress of their rivals Arsenal.

Despite the bulk of his tweet applying to the Gunners' pursuit of Jurrien Timber, the Italian journalist's final line actually discounts them from the race for Micky van de Ven and instead credits the Lilywhites as an interested party. He wrote: "No confirmation on Micky van de Ven; he's not in Arsenal list, he's on Tottenham list."

It is expected that Wolfsburg will command a fee of around €30m (£26m) to sanction the exit of their top Dutch defender.

How good is Micky Van de Ven?

For a couple of years now Spurs have been blessed with the defensive excellence of Cristian Romero, but no partner to equal his levels.

The Argentina international has been the club's highest-performing defender ever since he joined in 2021, yet has retained a reckless nature that let his side down on occasion. His foolish red card in their Champions League exit to AC Milan acts as a microcosm for the man who has accumulated 17 yellow cards and one dismissal across just two Premier League seasons.

Despite this, his first year in north London saw him truly shine. Maintaining a 7.15 average rating, this figure was bolstered massively by his 87% pass accuracy, 1.5 interceptions, 2.8 tackles and 3.3 clearances per game, via Sofascore. It was no surprise that this was the campaign he was joined by Davinson Sanchez, who posted an impressive 7.08 average rating of his own.

When he wants to be, the 25-year-old is arguably one of the league's most dominant centre-backs.

To now pair him with a dependable asset such as Van de Ven could help elevate him to new levels, calming him down and perhaps allowing him to explore his creative side too.

After all, the 22-year-old has proven himself a dependable asset in the German top flight and only has managed five yellow cards during his time in that division. This reliability is aided by the 1.4 tackles and 3.1 clearances per game he recorded last year in the league, as part of a defence that kept 11 clean sheets, via Sofascore.

Such imperious form even led journalist Ronan Murphy to write: "Van de Ven’s performances for Wolfsburg this season have him knocking on the door of the Netherlands international team. A giant on the pitch, he’s flourishing under head coach Niko Kovac."

Perhaps a switch to England could give Ange Postecoglou the dream backline he likely desires, and help skyrocket his top defender to new heights.

Tottenham Hotspur have enjoyed a fine start to this summer's spending, welcoming Pedro Porro and Dejan Kulusevski on permanent deals, and signing James Maddison and Guglielmo Vicario to bolster two other key areas.

Already this side is shaping up in the image of Ange Postecoglou, although he will be far from finished with truly transforming this club that has struggled so much in recent years.

They need more than just an upturn in quality, as the mentality has been just as lacklustre. Given both Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte failed at improving the north London outfit, despite having been serial winners before joining, speaks volumes.

The Australian head coach has a tough task on his hands, but it will be aided should Daniel Levy continue sanctioning big-money signings to alter this.

In an effort to truly announce that this tenure will be unlike the rest, perhaps one truly outstanding acquisition could make rivals finally start to worry about Spurs again.

Perhaps the €80m (£70m) Dusan Vlahovic could be that man, with Gazzetta dello Sport outlining their interest back in March.

How good is Dusan Vlahovic?

As a tall, aggressive, left-footed marksman, it is hard not to immediately draw comparisons with Manchester City's Erling Haaland. After all, that is the kind of striker every team craves.

Clinical, calm under pressure and a little bit crazy, the Norwegian smashed numerous Premier League records last term, including the number of goals scored in one season.

A tally of 52 in all competitions proved instrumental in Pep Guardiola's treble success, making it clear that a classic number nine has not been completely eradicated from the modern game.

Postecoglou could seek to mimic such success, especially if Harry Kane were to leave, by signing someone who matches that physical profile.

Whilst Haaland stands at 6 foot 4, Vlahovic is hardly dwarfed given his 6 foot 3 frame. Fortunately for him too, he is blessed with that same intelligence and blistering speed that are often unforeseen in players of their build.

This allows them to bully defenders with their back to goal, but also spin in behind and leave centre-backs in their wake. Such diversity resulted in 21 goals during his breakout term for Fiorentina before he would share his Serie A goals across two teams the year following.

Moving in January, the Serb would still maintain 24 league strikes much to the Turin club's delight.

However, with the turmoil surrounding them now, the once devastating Serbia international has faltered. At 23 years old though, this is hardly a surprise. Writer Emmet Gates summed it up rather succinctly, noting: "Dusan Vlahovic has the ability to be a generational talent, but he's suffering in this iteration of Juventus. To paraphrase a famous Zlatan line: He's a Ferrari being driven like a Fiat."

A switch to England could see him become the focal point of a club that finally seems to be moving in the right direction, expelling the dead wood and bringing in true quality.

Vlahovic could provide that added injection of firepower to finally rival the unstoppable Haaland both physically and technically.

Everton are interested in the services of Fenerbahce defender Attila Szalai, as per reports.

Everton transfer news – What’s the latest on Attila Szalai?

According to the Turkish publication Star, the Toffees are among several ‘European giants’ that have taken notice of the Hungarian defender for his performances with the Istanbul club, as well as his national side this term.

The other teams reportedly circling the player include Anderlecht, Wolfsburg, Valencia, and Zenit St Petersburg.

The Yellow Canaries have set an asking price of €20m (£17m) for the 25-year-old colossus, which could represent something of a bargain in today’s transfer market.

With the decision not to keep Conor Coady at the club for another season and the departure of Yerry Mina, Sean Dyche could certainly use some defensive reinforcements.

Could Attila Szalai be Everton’s own Virgil Van Dijk?

Could Everton replicate their neighbours across Stanley Park with the signing of Szalai and get their own talismanic centre-half to build a winning team around?

Well, Hungarian journalist Bence Bocsak certainly seems to think so, having dubbed him the “Hungarian Van Dijk” after a masterful international performance against England last summer.

The first thing instantly recognisable between the two players is their height – the Budapest-born titan is 6 foot 4, and Virgil Van Dijk is only just slightly taller at 6 foot 5.

However, the major difference in their physical attributes is their weight, as Liverpool’s Dutch destroyer comes in at a heavy 92kg, whereas Everton’s potential signing is just 82kg, as per Eurosport.

That’s not to say the difference couldn’t be cut down with the proper training and dietary programme, but it does mean that at this moment in time, the Dutchman is a more imposing figure for attackers to deal with, but that is also expected in the English top-flight.

One of his strengths, akin to the superstar he is compared to, is his work rate.

Petros Konnafis, the sporting director of his old side Apollon Limassol heaped praise on the player for his work ethic, saying:

“He’s a 100% professional. He is one of the most intensive and focused football players I have ever met in my life.

“Attila was always doing extra training, he was always trying to learn and trying to work on his body. He worked a lot, and he worked very hard, he’s not just a football player, he’s the full package.”

It was another good season for the Hungarian last year, as he was heavily involved yet again, playing for his club side 52 times, scoring three goals and creating three assists along the way.

According to WhoScored, he averaged a respectable rating of 6.75 across his 32 league games, whereas the Breda-born colossus just edged him out on 6.97.

Interestingly he averaged 1.1 tackles per game to the Dutchman’s 0.8 and 1.1 interceptions to one, per WhoScored, granted in an easier league, but that suggests he has a strong foundation to build upon.

Whether he can quite be the next Van Dijk for Dyche or not, he would certainly be a great addition to the Toffees’ back line next season, given the evidence and clamour above, and for £17m, it’s undoubtedly worth the risk.

Leeds United want to sign West Brom midfielder Jayson Molumby, according to reliable reporter Alan Nixon.

What’s the latest Leeds transfer news?

The Whites, and by extension new owners the 49ers Enterprises, are currently busy looking for a new manager, while also attempting to move some players on.

Out-of-favour forward Tyler Roberts and defender Diego Llorente could soon be joining Birmingham City and AS Roma respectively, whereas Robin Koch could be on course to leave Elland Road for free.

When it comes to midfielders, Adam Forshaw is set to be released this summer but has been invited back for pre-season training, whereas star man Tyler Adams is being linked with a number of clubs, including Liverpool, Manchester United and Newcastle United.

Therefore, new midfielders look set to be high on the transfer wishlist for Leeds and the 49ers, and by the looks of it, they want to go after proven Championship talent, with Molumby a target.

According to Nixon, via MOT Leeds News, those at Elland Road are keen on signing the West Brom man, who is available to leave The Hawthorns at the right price.

“Leeds United are keen on West Brom’s Republic of Ireland midfield enforcer Jayson Molumby.

“The Elland Road club are looking to recruit proven players to toughen up their team and Molumby is available at the right price.”

Who is Jayson Molumby?

Molumby is 23 years of age and is primarily a central midfielder who can also play in defensive and attacking roles if needed.

The Republic of Ireland international made a permanent move to the Midlands last summer from Brighton & Hove Albion and appears to be at the top of his game with a career-high €3.2m Transfermarkt valuation.

He has made 125 appearances in the Championship and has an admirer in West Brom boss and Leeds target Carlos Corberan, who called Molumby an “animal” back in January after his display against Reading.

“It’s important for every player to go on to the pitch when they’re in the first XI with the mentality to compete, this is what Molumby is doing.

“He is working as an animal and that’s what football demands of you.”

It looks as if a transfer will be one to keep an eye on, especially if Corberan gets the job in Yorkshire, and who knows, Molumby may not be the only central midfielder to arrive at Leeds over the coming months.

Nottingham Forest could look to the summer transfer window to add depth to their squad ahead of next season and now a new update has emerged on a potential transfer target.

What's the latest on Forest's interest in Romain Saiss?

According to Foot Mercato, Nottingham Forest are one of the clubs interested in signing Besiktas defender Romain Saiss.

As per the report, the Garibaldi Reds are keen to take advantage of Saiss' Premier League experience by bringing him back to the Premier League this summer, but will face strong competition from fellow relegation battlers Everton.

Would Romain Saiss be a good fit for Forest?

Steve Cooper will be thrilled with the way his squad performed at the business end of the Premier League season to secure survival, but will be looking for solutions to improve the consistency in the team across the next campaign to ensure they don't fall into trouble again.

Indeed, at 33 years old, Saiss would not be a long-term prospect for the Tricky Trees but would provide a wealth of Premier League experience and add depth to the centre-back roles, making him an ideal addition for next season at the very least.

The 6 foot 3 Moroccan titan is best known for his six-year stint with Wolverhampton Wanderers, but has continued to shine in the Turkish top-flight and on the international stage at the 2022 World Cup for his national team; part of a record-breaking tournament for Morocco.

Over six appearances in Qatar, Saiss – hailed "impeccable" by Medhi Benatia – scored one goal, kept three clean sheets and won 100% of his aerial duels, as well as averaging 41.7 touches, five clearances and 26.5 accurate passes per game, captaining his side to become the first African team to ever get to the semi-final of the prestigious international tournament.

The £48k-per-week Besiktas ace has demonstrated excellent leadership skills over his career and from his centre-back role has never struggled to display his huge presence on the pitch with not only his defensive consistency but his eye for attacking opportunities, making him the perfect player to work alongside Serge Aurier at the City Ground.

The Forest full-back has been a consistent and reliable performer since joining the club with both defensive and attacking attributes on the right flank – averaging 1.2 interceptions, 2.7 tackles, 2.7 clearances and six duels won per game over his 24 Premier League appearances.

Combine that aggressive and combative nature with the titanic approach of Saiss and you'd have a fine defensive pairing, one certainly capable of helping improve Forest's record at the back next term.

Indeed, Saiss could be the perfect player to bolster Forest's defensive presence. He could form a particularly solid partnership with Aurier next season and help the club retain their top-flight status more comfortably than they did this time out.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly interested in sealing a move for Manchester City star, Aymeric Laporte, with the Lilywhites keen to bolster their centre-back ranks this summer.

What's the latest on Laporte to Tottenham?

That's according to journalist Sean Walsh, with the transfer insider revealing on Twitter that the Spain international – as well as Manchester United captain Harry Maguire – are among the targets being considered by the north London outfit:

"In regards to a new defender, Harry Maguire is a target, while Aymeric Laporte is also someone that Tottenham greatly admire."

In his attached piece for 90min – alongside colleague Graeme Bailey – Walsh goes on to add that Laporte, in particular, is 'high on Spurs' shortlist' ahead of next season, with the same publication previously stating that Daniel Levy and co have been offered the chance to sign the 29-year-old.

Should Tottenham sign Laporte?

If new boss Ange Postecoglou is looking to find a centre-back solution over the coming weeks and months, the 57-year-old would seemingly be wise to push to sign Laporte, rather than opting to prise the struggling Maguire from Old Trafford.

While the latter man has only recently been described as a "walking disaster" by journalist Samuel Luckhurst after falling down the pecking order at United, the City ace, by contrast was at one stage hailed as the "best left central defender in the world" by manager, Pep Guardiola.

Although the former Athletic Bilbao man has not been a regular fixture for the treble-chasing outfit this season – having notably started just 11 Premier League games – the France-born titan does still compare favourably to his position in Europe's top five leagues.

A talent who is both "fast" and "strong in the air" – according to Guardiola – Laporte has particularly impressed in recent times due to his quality in possession, as he notably ranks in the top 1% among his European peers for both progressive passes and progressive carries.

Evidently a master at playing out from the back, the 6 foot 2 warrior – who has been valued at around £43m by CIES Football Observatory – also ranks in the top 1% for attempted passes and the top 3% for pass completion, highlighting his innate composure on the ball.

That quality is in stark contrast, for instance, to that of Maguire, with the 30-year-old – who also typically operates in a left-sided centre-back role – ranking in just the top 48% for progressive passes and the top 19% for progressive carries, as well as in just the top 48% for pass completion and the top 17% for attempted passes.

With Spurs needing to "upgrade" their centre-back options, it would thus be a real "no-brainer" to bring Laporte into the fold – according to pundit Gabby Agbonlahor – with more solidity needed to bolster a backline that shipped the sixth-most goals in the division in 2022/23.

Manchester City are considering signing Nicolò Barella to replace Ilkay Gundogan this summer.

The German is out of contract at the end of the month yet is contributing as much value to Pep Guardiola's side as he did throughout his time at the Etihad.

The midfielder has 11 goals and seven assists this season, bagging three doubles in his last six games. Gundogan put Manchester United to the sword in the FA Cup final, scoring from outside the 18-yard box twice.

So, how can Manchester City replace such a clutch player?

Is Nicolo Barella joining Manchester City?

According to reports in Italy (via Sport Witness), Pep Guardiola wants Barella at Man City to replace the Barcelona-bound Gundogan and could have a very opportune chance to speak to him this weekend.

Inter and City lock horns in the UEFA Champions League final on Saturday (8PM BST) but following the match, there could be the chance to discuss Man City signing Barella this summer.

Guardiola "dotes" on the Italian maestro and could present a "mind-boggling offer to snatch him from Inzaghi". While the report doesn't mention how much it would cost, Inter Live reported in February that Inter want €90-100m (£80-88.5m) to part ways with Barella.

It's noted by Sportmediaset, as per FC Inter News, that Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United are also following Barella "closely".

How good is Nicolo Barella?

While speaking on commentary for Channel 4 ahead of a Euro 2024 qualifier against Italy in March, Steven Gerrard waxed lyrical about Barella.

He said: “They [Italy] have potential world class players emerging now. Now you have the likes of Barella, Raspadori. These are players who could become world class over the course of their careers.”

Barella, specifically, has continued to demonstrate his class and it's no fluke that he and his Inter teammates have reached the final of the Champions League.

Like Gundogan, Barella is an extremely dangerous midfielder to play against. Not only is he capable of dictating games, playing more passes into the box than 90% of Europe's midfielders, but he is also a threat himself in the 18-yard area. This season, he has nine goals and ten assists, surpassing projections for expected goals and assists.

Replacing Gundogan with Barella would once again highlight Man City's relentless approach in the transfer market. Rarely has there been a club so consistent when replacing key players – Sergio Aguero left and he was soon replaced by Erling Haaland.

Barella could be next for the Premier League champions.

Wolverhampton Wanderers could be closer to easing their goal scoring woes, as the club have been linked with a goal machine ahead of the summer transfer window.

Julen Lopetegui must find the solution to get his team firing, with Wolves being the lowest scorers in the Premier League, netting just 31 goals in 38 games.

Seeking and recruiting an established goalscorer is difficult for some of the world’s more financially lucrative teams and even more so for the Spaniard, who is facing a difficult summer following the revelation of Wolves’ FFP issues.

The Midlands club shouldn’t give up all hope, as news has emerged linking a goal machine to a potential move to Molineux.

What’s the latest on Georges Mikautadze to Wolves?

As reported by French outlet le10sport, FC Metz striker Georges Mikautadze is rumoured to have gained interest from Wolves.

The Georgian forward, who is valued at €20m (£17m) is wanted by Olympique Lyonnais and Burnley as well as in the Midlands, as stated in the report.

At just 22-years-old, the link could be an exciting one to everyone at Molineux as there is potential for Lopetegui to get his hands on an established goalscorer that won't break the bank.

What could Georges Mikautadze bring to Wolves?

The Lyon-born striker has lit up Ligue 2 this season, making an emphatic 31 goal contributions in 36 appearances for Metz, scoring 23 himself and assisting eight, as per Sofascore.

The Georgian international is the league’s top scorer, averaging a goal every 130 minutes of play and acting as a deadly talisman for his side.

Wolves’ highest-scoring players this season are Ruben Neves and Daniel Podence, who have both scored six goals and neither are strikers, showing the quality that the Metz forward could make in terms of just adding goals alone.

Having been lauded as a “Georgian killer” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the 22-year-old has a lot more to his game than just putting the ball in the net and could benefit Lopetegui’s side through his passing and creativity.

As per Sofascore, the Lyon-born forward averages 1.5 key passes per game, as well as creating seven big chances on top of having strengths in dribbling, as noted by WhoScored.

The same outlet also points to his style of play being his liking towards running at players, being a threat on the counter-attack and enjoys playing long balls, as supported by him completing 81% of his long balls this season – as per Sofascore.

At 5 foot 9, the dynamic forward is nimble and agile, making him a real handful for defenders, which is shown by his huge goal contribution this term alone.

Wolves could get themselves a bargain at a critical time, and one that could benefit the future of Lopetegui’s side and end their dreadful form in front of goal as of late.

Celtic are interested in signing young Argentine left-back Francisco Ortega in the summer transfer window, according to a new transfer rumour.

The Lowdown: Summer business expected

Ange Postecoglou may still be basking in the glory of winning the Scottish Premiership title but attention will soon turn to incoming signings if it hasn’t already.

The Australian will know that he has to make Celtic’s squad even more formidable, ahead of what is hopefully a successful title defence and a return to the Champions League in 2022/23.

Left-back could be an area that the Hoops look to strengthen – there have been plenty of links to Iraq international Mohanad Jeahze – and a new update has emerged in that respect.

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The Latest: Celtic eye up Ortega move

According to The Daily Mail‘s Stephen McGowan, sharing his article on Twitter, Celtic are keen on signing Velez Sarsfield defender Orteta this summer:

“Celtic looking at Argentinian U23 left-back Francisco Ortega.”

Expanding in the report, McGowan says the Hoops have compiled impressive scouting reports on the talented young South American, and are also closing in on a permanent deal for Jota.

The Verdict: Great for squad depth

Ortega could be a shrewd signing by Celtic ahead of next season, acting as a strong backup option to Greg Taylor, ahead of Boli Bolingoli’s expected exit.

The 22-year-old is a player who ‘dominates defensively’, according to South American fan site Football FV, as well as being described as a ‘very all-round left-back’, suggesting he would be a strong acquisition.

The fact that Argentinian giants River Plate have reportedly shown an interest in signing Ortega is a sign that he is a big prospect in his homeland, and this could yet prove to be another shrewd snip from Ange in the transfer market.

In other news, Kieran Devlin has dropped a Celtic transfer claim. Read more here.

Rangers boss Gio van Bronckhorst used his side’s Premiership clash at Ibrox on Sunday to offer minutes to the fringe members of the first-team squad.

The likes of Charlie McCann, Alex Lowry and Leon King, among others, were handed game-time to showcase their quality at senior level.

King started alongside Connor Goldson at centre-back and put in a mature display as he helped the team to a clean sheet against in a 2-0 win over Dundee United.

The 18-year-old gem stepped up and made the most of his opportunity, and he may now force Van Bronckhorst to consider his plans for the summer.

The Athletic reporter Jordan Campbell heaped praise on the defender’s performance, tweeting: “Leon King been very assured today at centre-back, and now at left-back. He’ll have more difficult tests of his defensive ability but his distribution been really tidy and he’s never rushed or panicked on the ball.”

Josh Bunting was another journalist left impressed by the teenager’s display, tweeting: “Thought Leon King was really impressive today, so comfortable on the ball, broke the lines well, big player for the future at Rangers, just never really looked fazed, went about everything really comfortable. Good pass selection as well. Assured performance and more to come.”

This display from the centre-back suggests that he has the quality to make the step up to senior football, and he must now be given more game-time in the 2022/23 campaign. He can take on more responsibility throughout the season as a backup to the first-choice options.

By unleashing the teenager as a regular squad member, Van Bronckhorst will finally be able to axe Filip Helander from the club, after a season riddled with injuries for the Swede. FFC previously published an article explaining why the £14k-per-week dud must be moved on in the summer amid interest from Aston Villa, and King’s emergence gives them the perfect chance to cash in on the 29-year-old.

The Rangers academy product has averaged a SofaScore rating of 6.90 across three Premiership outings this term. Meanwhile, Helander has averaged a rating of 6.75 in six appearances for the Light Blues, suggesting that the youngster could be an upgrade on the Sweden international in the immediate future, whilst also having 11 years on the former Bologna enforcer.

Therefore, Van Bronckhorst must make King a regular first-team squad member in 2022/23 and sanction the sale of Helander to Villa.

AND in other news, Van Bronckhorst issues huge Rangers injury relief that’ll leave supporters delighted…