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Leeds United are in ongoing talks regarding a new deal for central midfielder Kalvin Phillips.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a recent report by The Telegraph, who claim that, despite the interest of Manchester City, Liverpool and Aston Villa, Victor Orta is in ongoing talks with the 26-year-old concerning an extension of his current contract at Elland Road.

The report goes on to state that, despite the midfielder being high on Pep Guardiola’s transfer wishlist and Jurgen Klopp also keeping a very close eye on the situation of the England international this summer, an exit from LS11 is not guaranteed in the coming months.

Supporters will be buzzing

Considering the world-class player that Phillips has developed into over the past few seasons, the news that the midfielder could end up staying at Elland Road beyond the closure of the summer transfer window on September 1 is sure to have left supporters of the club buzzing.

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Indeed, the £45m-rated talent undoubtedly proved his ability at the highest level of the English game over his 29 Premier League appearances in 2020/21, scoring one goal, providing two assists and creating five big chances for his teammates, as well as making an average of 1.2 key passes, taking 0.5 shots and completing 0.7 dribbles per game.

The £38k-per-week midfielder who Lewis Cook dubbed “unreal” also impressed in metrics more typical of his position, making an average of 1.6 interceptions, 2.6 tackles, 1.7 clearances, completing 41.0 passes and winning 5.3 duels – at a success rate of 52% – per fixture.

These returns saw the 26-year-old earn a rather astonishing seasonal SofaScore match rating of 7.21, not only ranking him as his club’s best performer in the league but also as the ninth-best midfielder in the division as a whole.

Furthermore, while a hamstring injury limited his game time in 2021/22, the 19-time capped international still managed to impress over his 20 league fixtures, providing one assist and creating one big chance for his teammates, in addition to making an average of 1.2 interceptions, 2.7 tackles, 38.9 passes, 3.5 long balls and winning 4.5 duels per game.

As such, it is clear for all to see just how huge a coup retaining the services of Phillips would be for Leeds this summer, with the fact that Orta is discussing the possibility of a new deal for the Whites’ academy product undoubtedly being fantastic news for everyone involved with the club.

AND in other news: Leeds could land their next £60m talent with Orta now in talks for “interesting” deal

While a lot of Aston Villa fans might have been focussing on their impressive early transfer business in recent weeks, academy graduate Cameron Archer has been staking his claim for a spot in Steven Gerrard’s first-team squad next season.

The 20-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan at Preston North End and hit seven Championship goals for Ryan Lowe’s side, with the Lilywhites reportedly keen on loaning him again next season.

Archer caught the eye for Villa early last season when he hit a hat-trick in a League Cup win against Barrow, before notching a goal against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the same competition.

He has also excelled for England U’21s in the recent international break, with a goal off the bench against Albania as well as a double against Kosovo earlier this week.

Reports have suggested that Gerrard will assess the youngster before deciding whether to send him out on loan again next season, but given Villa’s strikers struggled to hit the back of the net consistently last season, he might consider unleashing the clinical Archer in the Premier League.

Ollie Watkins finished the season as Villa’s top scorer in the top flight, hitting 11 goals, which suggests that Gerrard needs a more trustworthy option in front of goal if his side are to achieve European qualification next season.

Although he is only 26 and likely won’t need replacing for some time, Watkins showed his inadequacies last season as he underperformed on his xG, whereas the £5.4m-rated Archer’s recent efforts for England U’21s have shown that he knows where the net is.

Preston boss Lowe was full of praise for the young striker last season, saying: “Cameron has got an abundance of talent.

“His quality levels are fantastic, he’s bullish, strong, he can roll, he has got that little burst of pace too.”

Therefore, it seems like only a matter of time before Archer is given regular opportunities at Villa, and he could be the ideal man to replace Watkins in Gerrard’s side in the long term.

And, in other news… Bye-bye McGinn: Lange must now finalise Aston Villa swoop for “outstanding” £10m star 

Wolves are reportedly interested in making a move for St Pauli goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj in the summer transfer window.

The Lowdown: Ruddy moves on

Bruno Lage is sure to have a busy summer ahead of him, as he looks to bolster his squad options ahead of what will hopefully be a successful 2022/23 season.

John Ruddy will leave Wanderers when his current expires at the end of next month, meaning a replacement in his squad role will have to be found.

Now, a new claim has emerged regarding the hunt for a Jose Sa deputy.

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The Latest: Vasilj link emerges

According to a recruitment source speaking to Football Insider, Wolves are one of three clubs eyeing up a move for Vasilj in the coming months.

Celtic and West Brom are also battling for his signature. The trio will send officials to watch the 6 foot 4 giant in action for his country in this month’s Nations League games, with the 26-year-old winning five caps for Bosnia to date.

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The Verdict: Perfect Ruddy replacement?

Vasilj would be an ideal replacement for Ruddy but the only stumbling block could be whether or not he is happy to be on the substitutes’ bench most weeks.

In Sa, Wolves have a fantastic goalkeeper who isn’t going to be dislodged any time soon, so it could be domestic cup appearances at best for Vlasilj.

His experience speaks for itself, though – he made 33 appearances in the Bundesliga II last season and has kept 47 career clean sheets in 160 total games. He could be an ideal squad option for Lage if a back-up role is what he desires.

In other news, Wolves are reportedly in the running to sign one striker. Find out who it is here.

An update has emerged on Leeds United’s pursuit of Huddersfield’s Lewis O’Brien heading into the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

According to The Sun, Whites chief Victor Orta is plotting a fresh £10m bid to sign the midfielder ahead of the 2022/23 campaign, after missing out on a deal for him last year.

The report claimed that his current club would attempt to offer him a new contract if they won the play-off final but they went on to lose 1-0 to Nottingham Forest at Wembley.

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Big Mateusz Klich upgrade

Leeds can land a big upgrade on the Poland international by bringing O’Brien to Elland Road in the upcoming window.

In the Premier League, Klich averaged an unimpressive SofaScore rating of 6.67 in 33 appearances as he lost 60% of his duels. He failed to turn in good performances on a regular basis and struggled with the physicality of the games, which is why he is currently a weakling in the side.

O’Brien, meanwhile, won 56% of his individual battles in the Championship – winning 7.5 duels per game – and has earned a reputation for being a battler in the middle of the park.

Former Huddersfield goalkeeper Matt Glennon previously lauded the midfielder’s engine, saying: “He closes down until the 95th, 96th minute, still running to the corners, stopping defenders, he’s got unlimited energy.

“Lewis O’Brien wants to put the hard yards in and wants to be at the very top of where he can get to. He’s one of those lads who works ridiculously hard which, for me, is your minimum in any league, but he’s got that quality, the drop of a shoulder, that strength to keep people off him, a low centre of gravity to glide past people, arm aloft when they try to knock him off the ball.”

The gem also impressed in possession as he chipped in three goals and three assists as he created 1.0 chances per game. This is along with his 3.0 tackles and interceptions per match and an excellent average SofaScore rating of 7.00.

He has shown, albeit in the second tier, that he can excel as a box-to-box midfielder and he has plenty of room left to grow at the age of 23. Marsch can work with him over time to help him fulfill his potential but, in the short-term, his statistics suggest that he can be an immediate upgrade on Klich.

O’Brien can offer a level of physicality that the Poland international has been unable to provide, whilst also possessing the quality on the ball to function as part of the team on the ball.

AND in other news, Orta eyeing Leeds swoop for “exceptional” £20k-p/w “example”, Marsch needs him badly…

Tottenham Hotspur are plotting a move to bring Alessandro Bastoni to north London in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Italian media outlet TuttoMercatoWeb (via Sport Witness), who claimed that Antonio Conte has made movements in the last few hours regarding a deal for the Inter Milan centre-back, with an official offer for the 23-year-old set to be made at any time.

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The report added that the Nerazzurri would be willing to part with the Italy international in order to ease their financial concerns, with a bid of around €70m (£60m) expected to be enough for the Serie A runners-up to sanction the defender’s sale this summer.

Spurs’ own Steph Curry

Considering the sheer amount of potential that Bastoni quite clearly possesses, and with the signing of a left-footed centre-back reported to be one of Conte’s priorities in the summer, it is not difficult to see why the 52-year-old would be keen on a move to bring the youngster to north London.

Indeed, over his 31 Serie A appearances this season, the £60m-rated talent was imperious in Simone Inzaghi’s backline, helping his side to keep eight clean sheets, in addition to making 1.1 interceptions, 1.4 tackles and 1.8 clearances and winning 4.1 duels (at a success rate of 60%) per game.

The £122k-per-week defender also impressed going forwards, bagging one goal, providing three assists and creating four big chances for his team-mates, along with averaging 50.5 passes, four long balls and 0.5 key passes per match.

These returns saw the player who Muhammad Butt dubbed a “special talent” average a tremendous SofaScore match rating of 7.10, ranking him as Inter’s eighth-best performer in the league.

Aside from his defensive solidity, it is perhaps Bastoni’s creative output which is the most eye-catching of his statistics. It’s something which looks as if it is a conscious effort made by the 23-year-old, as the Italian himself revealed in April that he draws inspiration from Golden State Warriors basketball star Steph Curry.

In comments cited by Italian Football TV, Bastoni said: “One of my idols is Steph Curry, my dream is to watch him play. He changed the rules of how you defend in basketball and I want to do the same in football. I don’t like to just defend, I like to attack as well.”

As such, considering his undoubted talent, his suitability to Conte’s style of football and his potential for future growth, it would seem an extremely wise move for Fabio Paratici to do everything he can to try and land the centre-back for Spurs this summer, as Bastoni could well go on to become Tottenham’s very own Curry.

AND in other news – Deal agreed: Paratici set to seal “big signing” for Spurs, he’s “ready-made” for Conte

An update has emerged regarding Newcastle United and their interest in Amine Gouiri heading into the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

The i Paper’s Mark Douglas has confirmed that PIF are eyeing up a swoop for the Nice attacker ahead of the 2022/23 campaign, tweeting: “#nufc scout Amine Gouiri, highly-rated Nice striker.”

Douglas’ accompanying article states that the Tyneside club are in the market for a centre-forward this summer, with the 22-year-old a player they are scouting.

The Frenchman is reportedly valued at £30m by the Ligue 1 outfit, although it remains to be seen how much the Premier League side are willing to pay for his services.

Howe’s own Benzema

Journalist Evan Barlett dubbed Gouiri the “new Benzema”, and the comparison is an easy one to make. Both strikers came through the ranks at the Lyon academy and Gouiri appears to be on his way to reaching the top level, where Benzema has been showcasing his quality for many years.

In the current Real Madrid maestro’s last Ligue 1 season for Lyon in 2008/09, he scored 17 goals and provided four assists in 36 games.

Meanwhile, Gouiri was directly involved in 19 league goals last term and has caught the eye again in 2021/22 as he has proven that he can score and set up goals on a regular basis – as shown in the graphic below, with stats via SofaScore.

The 22-year-old phenomenon has been in fine form and is showing that he has the potential to become an elite player, just like his fellow countryman.

Benzema managed a direct goal contribution roughly every 132 minutes in his last Ligue 1 campaign. Gouiri has managed one every 149 minutes for Nice this term, which suggests that there is not a great deal of difference between their productivity in those respective seasons in the French top flight.

After leaving Lyon, the now 34-year-old Benzema has gone on to score more than 300 goals for Real Madrid and has netted 44 goals in all competitions this season for the Spanish giants. This illustrates how much of an honour it is for the Nice predator to be compared with him and why his potential is so high.

Gouiri’s statistics this season show that he is on the right path, and that is why Eddie Howe can land his own goalscoring and creating sensation, like Benzema, for Newcastle by securing a deal for the youngster. He has come up through the same youth system, plays in the same position and was born under an hour away from the city of Lyon – where the Real Madrid legend was born – in Bourgoin-Jallieu.

If the Magpies bring him in, it will then be down to the 22-year-old to fulfill his potential and prove that he has the ability to reach the very top level, competing for titles and being a star in the Champions League.

AND in other news, “NUFC will..”: Ciaran Kelly delivers big transfer claim that’ll excite supporters…

Sunderland will either be celebrating with tears of joy or wallowing in tears of sadness by the end of the day as they face the daunting prospect of a play-off final.

The Black Cats are up against Wycombe in the League One showpiece clash at Wembley this afternoon as they battle for a place in next season’s Championship.

Alex Neil’s men made their way through to the decider by beating Sheffield Wednesday 2-1 on aggregate in the semi-finals, drawing the second leg 1-1.

Will the Black Cats boss make any changes to his starting XI from that match? We are suggesting that he makes at least one by unleashing Jay Matete from the start, as he can win promotion for the club.

Matete must start for Sunderland

Corry Evans struggled in the middle of the park against Wednesday, and his experience may be of more use off the bench if Neil needs to bring on a calm head to see out the game in the second half.

Against the Owls, the ex-Blackburn man failed to impress. As per SofaScore, he lost five of his seven individual battles and was unsuccessful in two of his three tackles as he was dribbled past twice. He also completed just 69% of his passes – including one of his seven long passes – and did not create a single chance.

Meanwhile, Matete is a machine in midfield and will be able to slot into the team and break up Wycombe’s play throughout the match. In League One this season, he has made three tackles and interceptions per game and won 58% of his duels in total, showing that he is a strong presence in the team.

Journalist Josh Bunting previously heaped praise on him, tweeting: “Jay Matete again for me Sunderland’s best performer this afternoon, broke the play up when he needed to and drove forward trying to get the Black Cats on the front foot, he’s been a real master stroke of a signing, that run that he got the shot away from was superb #SAFC”

These quotes, and the aforementioned statistics, show that Kristjaan Speakman played a blinder by bringing the 21-year-old in from Fleetwood in January.

That deal can now win Sunderland promotion, as starting him at Wembley today can seal the win for the Black Cats against Gareth Ainsworth’s outfit.

Matete has shown that he has the bite required to compete in big games, and Neil will need that drive and strength to break up Wycombe attacks before attacking the space and allowing his side to dominate the game, which is why the youngster’s presence could make the difference today.

AND in other news, “He’s trained..”: Huge Sunderland injury update emerges that’ll leave supporters buzzing…

Manchester City have suffered two injury setbacks as they prepare to host Newcastle United at the Etihad Stadium where they hope to move three points clear at the top of the Premier League table.

City can capitalise on Liverpool dropping points yesterday and head into the final three games with a three-point cushion if they claim victory this afternoon. However, they face an in-form Newcastle who have won four of their last six games and aim to move back into the top ten.

It won’t be an easy test for Guardiola’s side who crashed out of the Champions League earlier this week after losing dramatically to Real Madrid in extra time, and they will have to be without two of their key players.

What’s the story?

If the reigning Champions are to collect the three points then they will have to do it without the help of Kyle Walker and John Stones. Both have been casualties of the clubs tough European run in, with Stones being rushed back from injury for the first leg only to be substituted in the first half.

Walker on the other hand limped off the pitch during Wednesday’s defeat with an injury. He may have aggravated an existing problem with his ankle and City are now set to monitor him ahead of the clash according to the BBC. That said, it feels doubtful that he’ll feature.

Pep Guardiola will hope that both players aren’t sidelined for long as they can be key to the final push for silverware. Last year the Spaniard said that Walker had been “crucial” to the team’s success since he became manager so he’ll surely be somewhat worried not to have him available.

In his eyes, it will be a huge miss but Newcastle can’t take too much confidence due to the strength and depth that City have. Walker can easily be covered for by Joao Cancelo who can fill in at right-back with Oleksandr Zinchenko available to fill in Cancelo’s usual left-back spot.

Ruben Dias and Aymeric Laporte are also a more than capable defensive partnership with Nathan Ake also available from the bench if needed.

The strength City have in their squad is the reason they are on course to win a fourth title in five years. Their dominance over the last decade has been incredible, and despite failing yet again in their efforts at clinching that Champions League crown, they still have a lot to celebrate.

They can’t take their foot off the gas just yet, but the finishing line is in sight.

IN other news: Huge boost: Newcastle handed major injury lift ahead of MCFC, it’s great news for Howe…

Crystal Palace are amongst the Premier League clubs interested in signing Tottenham defender Cameron Carter-Vickers.

What’s the story?

That’s according to 90min journalist Matt O’Connor-Simpson, who tweeted: “Cameron Carter-Vickers is attracting plenty of interest. Fulham & Southampton are the latest to join the race but the likes of Crystal Palace, West Ham & Wolves are looking too.”

The 24-year-old centre-back has spent this season on loan at Scottish giants Celtic and appears to have no future at Tottenham under Antonio Conte.

Previous reports claim he could cost in the region of £10m.

Palace should sign Carter-Vickers

At least one centre-back must be on Patrick Vieira’s transfer list this summer with both James Tomkins and Jaroslaw Jak’s respective contracts set to expire next month.

Moreover, 21-year-old Nathan Ferguson could be a player that the south London outfit look to cash in on this transfer window with the defender’s current deal set to expire next summer.

The signings of Marc Guehi and Joachim Andersen have proven to be shrewd with the duo amounting to a combined 74 appearances across all competitions this term.

Defensively, Vieira’s men have been decent, conceding 42 goals in 35 matches in the Premier League at a rate of 1.2 a game, with only seven other sides boasting the same or better records.

However, adding depth at the back to the Eagles squad is vital.

Carter-Vickers has enjoyed a successful loan spell in Glasgow, with Chris Sutton describing one of the defender’s Old Firm performances as “immense.”

The £20k-per-week USA international has made 42 appearances for the Hoops and looks set to lift the Scottish Premiership title with Celtic boasting a six-point advantage over fierce rivals Rangers at the summit of the Scottish top-flight.

However, whether the 24-year-old is good enough to become a regular at Selhurst Park is yet to be seen, particularly after strong seasons from Guehi and Andersen.

Although, if the American was to shift one of the two centre-backs out of the starting line up it would most likely be Andersen.

The Dane has averaged a match rating of 6.89/10 this term whilst his English teammate has achieved a rating of 7.03 whilst also captaining Palace on occasion and making his senior England debut in March.

Therefore, if Carter-Vickers is to join Crystal Palace as a regular first-team player, it could be bad news for Andersen.

AND in other news, Sources: CPFC now plot bid for “top-notch” 6 ft 3 titan, just imagine him and Guehi…

Injury expert and Sky Sports contributor Ben Dinnery has relayed a concerning update coming out of Wolves ahead of the Premier League run-in. 

The lowdown: What’s at stake…

As things stand the Wanderers sit in eighth position in the table with five games remaining starting with the visit of Brighton & Hove Albion to Molineux on Saturday.

Still with a realistic chance of earning European football for next term, Bruno Lage’s side will complete the 2021/22 campaign against title-chasing Liverpool at Anfield having faced Chelsea, Manchester City and Norwich City between now and then.

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However, the Portuguese manager looks set to be without one key figure for the all-important final weeks…

The latest: Kilman out

Taking to Twitter, Dinnery relayed Lage’s answer during the pre-match press conference and cited a report detailing a season-ending injury for Max Kilman.

“Kilman could miss the rest of the season. ‘It will be hard for him to return,’ said Bruno Lage. ‘We have 25 days in front of us, and I don’t believe he will recover. He twisted his ankle, and we need to understand what is the problem.'”

The report from Express & Star explains that the 24-year-old suffered an ankle injury in training that is still being assessed to discover the true severity.

Talismanic midfielder Ruben Neves and winger Daniel Podence also remain sidelined for the meeting in the Midlands.

The verdict: Big miss

Losing Kilman for the remainder of the season is an undoubted blow as Wolves continue their push for Europe.

Prior to the setback central defender had made 34 appearances across all competitions, winning 2.2 aerial duels, 2.6 ground duels and making 1.5 interceptions on average per match in 30 league outings (Sofascore).

Forging an impressive partnership alongside Conor Coady and Romain Saiss for the most part, Kilman had been indexed to a number of top-flight clubs back in February following an impressive breakthrough campaign.

Albeit ill-timed, this injury could perhaps deter suitors and allow Lage to reintegrate the ace back into the ranks in the summer.

In other news, Wolves are reportedly eyeing up a move for an exciting player. Find out who it is here.