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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.

Aston Villa are reportedly looking ahead to the summer transfer window, with the latest rumours linking a young forward to the club.

The Villans have enjoyed a journey of success since the arrival of Unai Emery in October, with the destination potentially being Europe with just one game remaining in this Premier League campaign.

Despite firing Villa from bottom-half dwellers to European hopefuls, the Spaniard is targeting a busy summer, telling The Athletic in April when he revealed his plans to increase squad depth in the break.

The four-time Europa League winner reportedly has increased interest in players from La Liga, as relayed through the speculated potential arrivals, with the latest name being one famed in the Basque Country.

What’s the latest on Nico Williams to Aston Villa?

As revealed by a report from The Athletic last week, Athletic Bilbao forward Nico Williams is believed to be a target for Emery at Villa Park.

The Spaniard was linked to the club in January, however with his contract expiring next summer, it could be time for Bilbao to cash in on his talents rather than see him leave as a free agent.

The 20-year-old has a €50m (£43m) release clause, with the Daily Mail reporting back in February that Emery could “revive” his interest in the winger in the coming window.

What could Nico Williams bring to Aston Villa?

Brother of Bilbao hero Inaki Williams, the youngster has been lauded by his older sibling for his capabilities.

Speaking in comments relayed by the BBC, the 28-year-old claimed the rising-star was more “technically” capable than him, and described him as having “confidence with both feet”.

The Pamplona-born ace is most known for his dribbling abilities, as conveyed by WhoScored when weighing up the player’s strengths.

His traits are supported through his on-field numbers, with the exciting winger ranking in the top 5% of players in Europe’s top five leagues in his position when it comes to progressive carries, averaging 5.92 per 90 – as per FBref.

The Spaniard’s skill on the ball could be reformative in Emery’s system, with the 51-year-old stating he desired to sign a "specialist winger" in January.

In comparison to Villa’s options now, the young star could certainly rival Jacob Ramsey, but furtherly be a significant upgrade on Bertrand Traore, who ranks poorly next to the “sensation”, as dubbed by journalist Shina Oludare.

The 27-year-old has averaged a dismal 0.1 (25%) successful dribbles per game this season, with the Bilbao ace registering 2.2 (48%) in La Liga – as per Sofascore.

In terms of actual goal threat, Williams could administer more in the squad than Traore, scoring six goals in Spain's top division this campaign, with the Villa man scoring just nine times in the last three seasons.

Likened statistically by FBref to Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli, who netted 15 Premier League goals this season, Williams could be a livewire if introduced to the league, particularly in Emery’s plans.

At a young age and budding period of his career, the forward could be nurtured by the Spaniard who is famed to have elevated the careers of a host of young forwards, most notably Bukayo Saka in whom he handed his professional debut.

With the speculation hanging on whether the young ace is handed a new contract at Bilbao, his movements will certainly be something to monitor this summer.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta will go full tilt in his bid to land West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice in the summer window, according to journalist Paul Brown.

What's the latest transfer news involving Declan Rice?

As per Sky Sports News, West Ham United are said to be open to letting Rice leave for a Champions League club this summer if they are presented with an offer of around £120 million for his services.

Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool have all expressed an interest in the England international and the Hammers would also consider a bid of £100 million with a player in part-exchange for the 24-year-old in the off-season.

Nevertheless, The Sun have claimed that the Gunners 'fear being priced out of a deal' for Rice in a similar manner to their failed pursuit of Mykhailo Mudryk in January, who ended up moving to Chelsea for £88 million despite being heavily linked with a switch to the Emirates.

The report also states that Rice wants to test himself in the Champions League and has been 'impressed' by Arteta's preference to build his squad around young ambitious stars.

Capology understand that Rice earns £60,000 per week on the books at the London Stadium on a contract that runs until June 2024.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Brown thinks that Rice will be at the top of Arsenal's priority list this summer.

Brown told FFC: "They want Declan Rice above anyone else at the moment. They see an opportunity there, they've been given encouragement by Rice and his people and they know that this might be the year that Rice has to leave West Ham. I'm sure if Declan Rice ends the season with a trophy, as he could, he will probably feel that that's the perfect way to leave the London Stadium because he will have brought them success and will be leaving on a high."

Would Declan Rice be a good signing for Arsenal?

Rice is an elite Premier League midfielder and it would be a coup if Arteta was able to entice him to swap the London Stadium for the Emirates in the summer transfer window.

In 2022/23, before West Ham United's Europa Conference League semi-final first-leg clash against AZ Alkmaar on Thursday, Rice has made 44 appearances in all competitions for his current employers, registering four goals and four assists, as per Transfermarkt.

WhoScored also takes into account that Rice has managed to obtain an average match rating of 7.05/10 for his exploits in West Ham colours, making him the Irons' most consistent performer this term overall.

Bringing in Rice would be viewed as a statement signing by Arsenal in footballing circles and he could help to elevate the Gunners to the next level in 2023/24.

Ian Healy and Brad Haddin headed a group of former and current wicketkeepers conducting a week-long wicketkeeping camp at the Bupa National Cricket Centre (NCC) in Brisbane

ESPNcricinfo staff04-Jun-2016Ian Healy and Brad Haddin headed a group of former and current wicketkeepers conducting a week-long wicketkeeping camp at the Bupa National Cricket Centre (NCC) in Brisbane.Eight young wicketkeepers – six men and two women – attended the camp, which also featured mentors such as Australia’s current Test wicketkeeper Peter Nevill, South Australia wicketkeeper Tim Ludeman and former South Australia coach Mark Sorell.Wicketkeepers camp participants

Josh Inglis, Sam Harper, Alex Reardon, Jake Doran, Lewin Maladay, Tom Healy, Beth Mooney, Megan Banting

Haddin, who retired from international cricket last year, had the chance to get a taste of coaching, having just completed his Level III coaching certificate at the NCC.”I’m just trying to help the guys understand the basics of wicketkeeping, and showing them drills that will help them get better but also explaining why you do this and that,” Haddin told .Haddin praised the youngsters at the camp for their attentiveness and emphasised the importance of smart training, as opposed to simply logging the hours. “What I like to see is they’re always training to get better,” he said. “I think sometimes [you can fall] into the trap of training for long periods of time rather than concentrating on training to get better.”All the training we do here is so that when we’re put under pressure in a game we don’t second-guess our techniques, and in those big moments we go back to basics and we’re confident we can get through.”Jake Doran, a promising young wicketkeeper from Tasmania and one of the participants in the camp, said the opportunity to pick the brains of accomplished wicketkeepers like Haddin and Nevill had been invaluable.”It has been good to have that experience there to get their knowledge and pick their brains,” Doran said. “The main thing they’ve reiterated to us is the importance of the basics – be really, really good at your basics and then, anything else that happens outside of that, your natural instincts will take over.”

Sky Sports journalist Peter Smith​ has slammed Tottenham Hotspur defender Pedro Porro for his "pathetic" defending in the club's shocking loss.

What's the latest on Pedro Porro and Spurs?

Spurs suffered an absolutely humiliating defeat against Newcastle United on Sunday afternoon as they lost 6-1 in the Premier League.

Coming up against a main rival in their hunt for Champions League football, Tottenham shipped five goals in 21 minutes away at St James' Park.

Indeed, a brace each from Jacob Murphy and Alexander Isak with Joelinton also scoring put Newcastle out of sight before halftime. Harry Kane did pull one back in the second 45, but Callum Wilson then added the cherry on top to make it 6-1 at full-time.

Understandably, all the players came in for heavy criticism in the media but one moment when Porro failed to halt a Joe Willock run really seemed to irk Smith.

Indeed, he told Sky Sports: "That piece of 'defending' from Porro just now against Willock really sums up the attitude Spurs have taken into this game.

"A pathetic, half-hearted waft of a leg as Willock glides into the final third…"

How bad was Porro for Spurs?

It's not been a good time for the £85k-p/w defender of late and after last week's loss to Bournemouth, he sent out a defiant message online saying: " "You never know how strong you are, until being strong is the only option you have left."

However, it's safe to say Porro didn't back up his talking with a performance on the pitch. That much is evident in the player ratings by journalist Alasdair Gold for football.london.

The right-back picked up a 2/10 for his efforts, with Gold writing: "Breezed past too easily by Joelinton in the opening moments and was nowhere near Wilson for Newcastle's sixth.

"Doesn't look like a natural full-back. Tried to get balls into the box at the other end and hit one shot into the side-netting."

When you look at his stats on SofaScore, it makes for ugly reading too. Indeed, the 5.8-rated Porro was terrible in possession, losing the ball 20 times (the most of any player on the pitch) and completed just 29/43 (67%) of his passes – only Ivan Perisic was worse in the Tottenham starting line-up.

What's more, he didn't defend well either as he was dribbled past twice, made two fouls, and win just 3/9 duels attempted.

All in all, another bad day at the office for the January signing who is fast becoming a bit of a flop.

West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper Alex Palmer has returned to full training ahead of their Championship game against Stoke City on Saturday, according to reports.

What's the latest injury news on Palmer?

The Baggies earned a 2-2 draw with QPR at The Hawthorns on Monday and will now turn their attention towards this weekend as they travel to the bet365 Stadium to take on Alex Neil’s Potters.

The Midlands outfit’s shot-stopper has been on the sidelines for almost three months having sustained a serious ankle injury in training and hasn’t featured under Carlos Corberan since January. The Spanish boss has therefore had to rely on Josh Griffiths between the sticks, but a positive update has now emerged on the 26-year-old’s situation which supporters may well be relieved to hear.

As relayed by the Express and Star, Corberan confirmed that Palmer has staged his comeback on the training pitch and hinted that he won’t be far away from putting his gloves back on.

He said: "From the last four days, Palmer is making the normal training with the group. It’s true in a game situation he did not have exposure for a long time and during the international break unfortunately he had to slow more from using this time to help everyone in the recovery and be closer to the first team.

"He couldn’t use it in the way we wanted to use [it]. The games [over Easter] arrived very quickly and he was not able to play the B team game one week ago that was necessary to make him ready to play. But he was able to train normal after that game, and now, of course, arrives to one condition where every day, he is training normally, he starts to be more fit to help the team."

How good has Palmer been for West Brom?

Palmer has been hailed a “sublime” goalkeeper by journalist Josh Bunting, and we feel it’s great news for Corberan that he’s closing in on a return to action for West Brom.

The 6 foot 3 ace has kept ten clean sheets in 20 senior appearances for the Baggies, ranking him in the 98th percentile for clean sheet percentage compared to goalkeepers at a similar level over the past year. The £10k-p/w tank has also recorded 36 saves from 49 shots on target against and has a save percentage of 77.6%, as per FBRef, which shows how strong he is behind the ball and therefore could have a significant impact being back in his pride of place when able to do so.

When Wolverhampton Wanderers broke their transfer record to sign precocious 18-year-old Fabio Silva for £35.6m in 2020, optimism was rife that the club had clinched the services of a possible prodigy.

Speaking of the deal, chairman Jeff Shi said: "Fabio is a young player who shows not only incredible technical ability, but also his game intelligence for a player of his age is top class."

The Old Gold did not meld with the Portuguese teenager as anticipated, and Silva only managed to clinch four goals from 62 appearances before being shipped out on loan last summer to Belgian outfit Anderlecht, where he was recalled and pushed out to PSV Eindhoven in January.

The Premier League outfit will remain positive that Silva can hit the rich vein of form desired in the midlands, especially after the forward has enjoyed some fruitful fortunes this season.

How has Fabio Silva played this season?

Silva's quality has never been in question, rather, his physical presence and authority in the thick of the robustness of the Premier League, but at such a young age there is still plenty of time to make the increments to his physicality to partner the innate goal-scoring threat.

He is improving quickly, though, and has scored 15 goals and served five assists from 33 starts across his two temporary outfits this term.

What's been said about Fabio Silva?

Prior to his sojourns in Belgium and the Netherlands, The Mail's Ollie Lewis even hailed his "enormous potential" in August and said he "led the line superbly with his energy and physicality."

Former Old Gold captain Conor Coady also waxed lyrical over the rising star last year, praising the now 20-year-old for his impact on the squad, belying his youthful years and inexperience.

He said: "He’s been fantastic since he came in. He works so, so hard to improve and get better, and you see that now. We know when he comes into the team, he’ll do a job, and that’s what he’s doing at the minute."

Who could Silva replace at Wolves?

With Silva's development perhaps leaving him in good stead to forge a second surge for a place as the undisputed talisman at Molineux, Lopetegui must consider axing Diego Costa, with the 34-year-old striker failing to find the back of the net since his summer arrival as a free transfer.

Indeed, Costa has played 16 matches this season and failed to record even one direct contribution, and it is hard to envisage that his one-year deal will be extended.

As per Sofascore, the Spaniard has recorded an average league rating of only 6.56, taking 1.5 shots per match but unable to strike the back of the net; Costa's 0.4 key passes per match are below par too, his verve and efficiency waning after his past feats on English soil, starring for Chelsea and scoring 52 goals from 89 outings en-route to winning two Premier League titles.

With Silva in the maiden phase of his career and already boasting, as per WhoScored, 1.4 shots and 0.4 key passes per match – almost identical numbers to his senior peer – the ace could unleash the "monster" inside – as hailed by Jack Collins – and devastate Premier League defences with a shot at prominence at Molineux once again next term.

Recent reports have suggested that Wolves will target Sporting’s Manuel Ugarte this summer as a potential replacement for Ruben Neves, yet Julen Lopetegui may already have his ideal heir at Molineux.

Could Wolves replace Ruben Neves with Joe Hodge?

According to Spanish news publication Sport, Wolves are one of the most interested sides in Ugarte, who has been one of the star performers in Ruben Amorim’s side so far this campaign, averaging a superb 7.02 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

The report goes as far as to suggest that Wolves will target the Uruguay international as a direct replacement for Neves, who is expected to leave Molineux this summer, with Barcelona one of the sides who have been credited with an interest in the former Porto man.

However, Ugarte is only 21 and given that Chelsea were forced to pay a British transfer record for Enzo Fernandez, who was impressing in the same division, Wolves could be forced to pay a similarly eye-watering fee for the Sporting Lisbon starlet this summer.

Therefore, Lopetegui might be better off looking towards Wolves’ current first-team squad in his search for a Neves heir at the end of the season and could find a dream long-term option in Joe Hodge.

Hodge has broken into Wolves’ first team since joining from Manchester City and the 20-year-old looks to have all the attributes required to be a big hit in the Old Gold’s first team in the future.

He was recently rewarded with a new four-and-a-half-year contract at Molineux and boasts 10 first-team appearances already this season, which suggests that he is highly rated by Lopetegui and the senior staff.

Hodge, who was described as a “midfield destroyer” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, has certainly won over U23s boss James Collins during his two years with the Old Gold.

Last year, Collins said: “I can’t speak highly enough of Joe. He’s a manager’s dream in the fact that he’s got talent and ability, but also understands that to make it at the top level or any level of professional football you have to do the hard work and the hard yards.”

These comments suggest that the 20-year-old has the work ethic to go along with his quality on the pitch and this bodes well for his future development at the club, which is why he could be a future star in the middle of the park.

There will certainly be a big gap to fill in Wolves’ midfield next season if Neves completes his expected move away from Molineux but if Hodge can live up to his potential and impress Lopetegui in pre-season, the Spaniard might not need to spend big on a replacement such as Ugarte.

It would save the owners millions and give the supporters a player to root for, given that the gem – via Manchester City – has come up through their academy set-up.

Newcastle United are interested in signing Wolves centre-back Max Kilman this summer although they are set to face ‘stiff competition’ for the defender.

The Lowdown: Kilman a key player for Wolves

The Englishman has continued to be an influential figure at Molineux this season, starting all 24 of his side’s Premier League matches to date.

While Wolves are struggling towards the wrong end of the table, it has been difficult to criticise Kilman’s displays. As per WhoScored, he is their second-highest rated player to have started more than four league games for them in 2022/23.

The 25-year-old isn’t out of contract at Molineux until 2026, but the club could face a challenge in trying to keep hold of him this summer.

The Latest: Newcastle eyeing up Kilman

According to Football Insider, Newcastle are ‘plotting a move’ for Kilman at the end of the season as they look to bolster their defensive options at St James’ Park.

The Magpies are set to face ‘stiff competition’ from other clubs, highlighting the impressive level that the Wolves defender has reached.

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The Verdict: He’d be a big loss

There is no denying that Kilman leaving during the summer would be an almighty blow for Wolves, considering that he has recently been hailed as ‘absolutely unbelievable’ by journalist Liam Keen.

The centre-back has averaged a hugely impressive 4.6 clearances per game in the league this season, which is more than any other player in Julen Lopetegui’s squad.

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At 25, the £15,000-per-week Kilman is also someone whose best years will likely still be ahead of him, so Wolves would be losing him at the worst possible time in his career.

It would be hard to begrudge him a move to a club like Newcastle, though, especially if they qualify for the Champions League. If the defender is intent on leaving Molineux, then Wolves must get as much money as possible for him, given his importance to the current squad.

Tottenham may well take on Manchester City this afternoon without Antonio Conte in the dugout after the Italian underwent surgery to remove his gallbladder in the week.

As a result, Cristian Stellini could earn a rare opportunity to take charge of the team and he’ll certainly have his work cut out as they welcome the champions to the capital.

Spurs looked fantastic in the first half against the Citizens a few weeks ago, scoring two goals, but they were eventually undone in the second period as they succumbed to a 4-2 defeat.

It was damaging for Conte and co but they have the perfect opportunity to get revenge on Sunday.

It’ll be a game of change for Spurs who could make a host of alterations to the side that beat Preston North End in the FA Cup last week, with Football FanCast predicting the following side to take to the field:

Lloris, Romero, Dier, Davies, Porro, Bentancur, Hojbjerg, Sessengon, Kulusevski, Kane, Son.

Our XI features seven changes from the side that took to the field last weekend with the most notable one coming at right wing-back.

Pedro Porro, signed from Sporting Lisbon on the deadline day, could earn a debut against his former employers with the Spaniard potentially starting ahead of £40k-per-week Emerson Royal.

The Brazilian has been a “liability” at times – in the words of Jamie O’Hara – and his run in the team must soon come to an end.

There are a wealth of changes to the backline as a whole with skipper Hugo Lloris coming back in for cup ‘keeper Fraser Forster, while Clement Lenglet, Davinson Sanchez and Japhet Tanganga all step out for Ben Davies, Eric Dier and Cristian Romero who have been regular starters throughout 2022/23.

Rodrigo Bentancur is set to keep his place but he is likely to be beside Pierre-Emile Hojgjberg with the £63m-rated midfielder “monster” – as dubbed by Morten Bisgaard coming in for Yves Bissouma. The Dane has been one of the first names on the team sheet this term, having featured for 90 minutes in all but one of the league games he’s played in.

The final change comes in attack where Harry Kane will come in for Ivan Perisic having been rested last weekend.

He has been nothing short of sublime of late, scoring five in his last seven outings.