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Tottenham Hotspur are interested in a deal to bring Raheem Sterling to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by The Telegraph, who claim that Antonio Conte is extremely keen on a move for the Manchester City winger in the coming months, with the 27-year-old said to be considering his options as he enters the final year of his current contract at The Etihad.

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Previous reports had suggested that, should the England international fail to put pen to paper on an extension with the Premier League champions, Pep Guardiola’s side would be willing to part with the forward for a figure in the region of £50m this summer.

Salah 2.0

Should Sterling be made available to sign in the summer transfer window, it is not difficult to understand why Conte would be interested in a deal to bring the winger to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium ahead of the club’s 2022/23 campaign.

Indeed, over his 30 Premier League appearances this season – only 23 of which came as starts – the £60m-rated forward proved a constant threat in the City attack, scoring 13 goals, registering six assists and creating five big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 1.9 shots, making 1.4 key passes and completing 1.8 dribbles per game.

The £200k-per-week winger also impressed over his 12 Champions League outings – five of which were starts – bagging three goals, providing two assists and creating one big chance, in addition to taking an average of 1.3 shots, making 0.9 key passes and completing 1.4 dribbles per fixture.

Furthermore, according to FBref data, the 27-year-old also ranks in the top 7% of forwards in Europe’s big five leagues for shot-creating actions per 90, as well as the top 12% for npxG, the top 18% for xA, the top 1% for pass completion, the top 2% for progressive carries, the top 3% for dribbles completed, the top 15% for tackles and the top 21% for interceptions over the last 365 days.

These metrics have seen the former Liverpool star come in for a great deal of praise, with Tony Cascarino stating his belief back in April that the 74-time capped international was in better form than Mohamed Salah, as well as saying of the City sensation:

“Raheem Sterling has just been frightening. The year he has had since the Euros – he was brilliant then… left or right, he is ripping people apart. Raheem is playing the best football of his career. Better than he was at Liverpool and better than at any time at City.

“Mohamed Salah was fantastic at the start of the season. At the AFCON he didn’t play so well and he’s had a few tricky times in international football and he’s not played as well in the last month or two.

“If I’m taking from the start of the season, and even going back to the Euros, I can’t think of a player that has played better than Raheem Sterling.”

And, with FBref showing that Salah and Sterling’s respective outputs over the past year have been incredibly similar, should Conte manage to convince Daniel Levy of a move for the 27-year-old this summer, the Italian coach could well have landed his very own Egyptian in north London – something which will undoubtedly be an extremely exciting prospect for everyone involved with Spurs.

AND in other news: “Tottenham will..”: Fabrizio Romano reveals big development, supporters surely buzzing

Crystal Palace accept that it was a mistake to not send 19-year-old Jesurun Rak-Sakyi on loan in January, amidst Rangers’ reported interest.

As per a report from Matt Woosnam of The Athletic, there is regret from the Eagles in not allowing the starlet to gain experience on-loan, with his pathway to the first-team blocked by the likes of Jordan Ayew and Michael Olise.

In his report, Woosnam said: “For the first time since promotion to the Premier League in 2013, Palace have young players who are in demand, who could feasibly step up to improve the senior squad, or spend time out on loan.

“It is a delicate balance to determine the right course of action. There is an acceptance that it was a mistake not to send the 19-year-old winger Rak-Sakyi out on loan in January.

“He is the Premier League 2 joint top-scorer, but that level is not doing enough for his development any more.”

Saka 2.0

In Premier League 2 this season, Rak-Sakyi – who’s capable of an “impressive display” as per Joy Sports – has had an emphatic campaign that has seen him named as Crystal Palace’s U23 player of the season.

His Premier League debut in the last game of the season against Manchester United, in a move that would appear to bode well for the England U21 starlet going forward.

Being a left-footer, his inverted approach from the right wing is reminiscent of Bukayo Saka, with his directness and ability to operate flawlessly in the half-space evidence of his technical ability.

Described as a “standout” player by Dan Gibbs, his versatility is another resemblance, with the starlet able to play anywhere across the attack

Due to the lack of game time for the first team, his direct stats are not comparable to Saka’s, though they could have been if Palace had sanctioned his potential loan move to Rangers back in January.

Having registered 23 attacking returns in 25 appearances, it is clear that the 19-year-old is ready to make the step up to senior football.

If Palace can embed the £450k-rated youngster into the first team in the same way that Arsenal did with Saka, we could be looking at yet another English prodigy.

In other news: “Wouldn’t be surprised..“: Woosnam drops big transfer claim, it’s great news for CPFC 

Leeds United star Raphinha will likely join Barcelona if they submit an offer of between £50m and £60m for him, sports journalist Pete O’Rourke has told GiveMeSport.

The lowdown

Sky Sports reported last week that the La Liga giants hold an interest in the 25-year-old and are expected to formalise that with an offer. A source told the outlet that the Brazilian ‘would like to join’ Barcelona as he looks to fulfil his ambitions of playing at the ‘highest level’.

Had Leeds been relegated, interested parties would then have been able to pounce on a release clause in the region of £30m in the player’s contract.

However, Raphinha scored from the penalty spot on the final day of the season as Leeds beat Brentford to secure Premier League survival.

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The latest

O’Rourke is confident that Raphinha will move to the Nou Camp, but only if Leeds receive what would be a club-record fee for an outgoing transfer.

For now, Rio Ferdinand’s £41.4m departure to Manchester United in 2002 remains the most lucrative sale in the Yorkshire club’s history.

Speaking about the Brazilian potentially swapping Elland Road for Catalunya, O’Rourke told GiveMeSport: “I think this one could happen, especially if Barcelona do meet Leeds’ asking price. If they get close to £50million or £60million, I would fully expect this deal to happen.”

The verdict

Raphinha joined Leeds in October 2020 for a fee of £17m, meaning they could be about to turn a £43m profit after just two years.

The £63,000-per-week winger has made a key contribution since he moved to Yorkshire, scoring 17 goals and providing 12 assists in 67 appearances (11 and three last season).

According to Transfermarkt, he has reached exactly 100 goals and assists in his career, netting 62 times and setting up 38 goals.

It would be a blow in a footballing sense for Leeds to lose a talent like Raphinha – who has been likened to a “storm” by team-mate Illan Meslier, who also called him “amazing” – but you could also argue that it would be good business from a financial point of view.

In other news, Leeds are ready to trigger this midfielder’s release clause

Scottish Premiership champions Celtic are seemingly looking to strengthen again this summer, with Manchester City youngster Taylor Harwood-Bellis one name that appears to be of interest.

What’s the word?

According to respected journalist Alan Nixon, the Hoops are still keen on a move for the 20-year-old this summer, as manager Ange Postecoglou looks to bolster his defensive ranks ahead of next season.

Asked about a possible switch for the Englishman on Twitter, the transfer insider revealed that the Old Firm outfit are monitoring the centre-back, although there has been little movement in recent days: “Nothing since last week … there IS an interest … no decision for a couple of weeks.”

This follows a report from Sky Sports last week that suggested the Stockport-born gem was being considered by the Glasgow side, with further reinforcements needed amid reports that Christopher Jullien could be on his way out of the club.

Supporters will love it

Those at Parkhead will be hoping that the England U21 international can be another young prospect who proves a success after making the jump from the Etihad to Scotland, with the likes of Patrick Roberts and Jeremie Frimpong two of the most notable names to have starred after arriving from City.

Although a relative unknown to many, Harwood-Bellis has already gained vital senior experience at the likes of Blackburn Rovers, Anderlecht and most recently with Championship outfit Stoke City, making 22 appearances for the Potters in the second half of the 2021/22 season – all of which came as starts.

That run of games will likely have proved vital to his development, while he proved his worth after recording a string of impressive statistics, recording an average of 1.9 interceptions, 3.5 clearances and one tackle per game, while also winning a solid 60% of his aerial duels.

Having also enjoyed a taste of life under Pep Guardiola, with the serial-winning coach lavishing him with praise in the past, the 6 foot 2 colossus is likely to be able to adapt to Postecoglou’s attacking style of play, while his 81% pass accuracy rate last term illustrates his comfort with the ball at his feet.

His former Rovers boss Tony Mowbray has also highlighted his strengths both in and out of possession, the one-time Celtic man stating that the youngster is an “old school” defender in one sense, although he can also “play football if that’s the game infront of him”.

Schooled by Guardiola, and briefly managed by Premier League legend Vincent Kompany in Belgium, the £6m-rated ace likely can’t have had a better footballing education, with now the time for him to properly nail down a permanent home.

It may be too unrealistic to expect him to make an instant impact north of the border were he to be signed this summer, although Hoops’ supporters will no doubt be excited by the undoubted potential on offer, while Postecoglou has already proven his knack for developing and improving any incomings.

In other news: Ange can land his own Van Dijk as Celtic eye bid for “tremendous” £4.05m-rated machine

Graham Smyth has dropped an update on reported Leeds United transfer target Valentin Castellanos.

What’s the talk?

In a recent post on Twitter, the Yorkshire Evening Post’s chief football writer revealed that, despite recent reports linking the Whites with a move for the New York City FC centre-forward this summer, he has been informed that the 23-year-old is not currently on Victor Orta’s list of attacking targets in the transfer market.

In response to a supporter asking whether or not there was any truth to the rumours of Leeds’ interest in the Argentina under-23 internatioal, Smyth said: “Been told he’s not on the list.”

Supporters will be gutted

Considering just how exciting a prospect Castellanos undoubtedly is, in addition to how well-suited the striker would appear to be for Jesse Marsch’s setup at Elland Road, the news that the club are not currently pursuing a deal for the 23-year-old is sure to leave supporters gutted.

Indeed, over his 35 MLS appearances in 2021, the £10.8m-rated talent was in astonishing form for NYCFC, bagging 22 goals, providing eight assists and creating eight big chances for his team-mates, in addition to taking 4.1 shots, making 1.1 key passes and completing 0.9 dribbles per game.

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These metrics saw the £3.5k-per-week striker – who Conor McGilligan dubbed an “absolutely perfect” fit for the Whites – earn a quite spectacular seasonal SofaScore match rating of 7.28. That ranked him not only as Ronny Deila’s second-best performer in the league, but also as the 21st-best player in the MLS as a whole.

The 23-year-old has been in similarly fine form over his 11 league outings in 2022, with the Argentine having already scored seven goals, registered one assist and created four big chances for his team-mates, with these returns seeing the forward average a breathtaking SofaScore match rating of 7.43.

As such, with the signing of a new centre-forward reported to be one of Orta’s primary targets in the summer transfer window, it would very much appear as if the £12.8m-valued Castellanos would make an exceptional addition to Marsch’s current options up top.

However, following Smyth’s latest update, it looks as if the NYCFC starlet is not being considered by the Leeds sporting director at present, an outcome which is sure to disappoint the Elland Road faithful.

AND in other news: Orta must now ruthlessly axe Leeds’ £30m “worst signing”, he’s been “hellaciously bad”

The likelihood of Sadio Mane leaving Liverpool this summer is ‘increasing’ all the time, according to fresh transfer reports.

The Lowdown: Mane expected to leave

The 30-year-old’s Reds adventure looks set to be coming to an end this summer, following a glittering six years at Anfield.

Mane has matured into one of the world’s best attacking players and he is thought to be looking for another big challenge before his best days are behind him.

Bayern Munich now look almost nailed-on to sign the Senegal forward, with the Bundesliga giants aiming to replace the seemingly exit-bound Robert Lewandowski.

The Latest: Mane transfer latest

According to reports from Sport BILD and Sky Sports Germany [via Sport Witness], the chances of Mane completing a move to Bayern are ‘increasing’ by the day.

Liverpool are ‘prepared to hand over’ the attacking superstar, with Darwin Nunez seemingly coming in as his direct replacement from Benfica.

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The Verdict: Only a matter of time

There is no surprise about this update, in truth, with Mane’s exit now looking almost inevitable considering that Nunez appears to be closing in on a big-money switch to Anfield.

It is hard to begrudge the Senegal legend a new challenge at this stage of his career, having given every ounce of quality and energy to the Reds since 2016, scoring 120 goals and winning six trophies for Jurgen Klopp’s side.

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In fact, Liverpool could end viewing this as a shrewd summer in the transfer market, with 22-year-old Nunez a much younger (and hugely potent) option and 30-year-old Mane possibly past the absolute peak of his powers.

In other news, Liverpool are interested in signing an emerging player. Find out who it is here

West Ham United have been given a boost in their pursuit of Manchester United midfielder and soon-to-be free agent, Jesse Lingard.

What’s the word?

That is according to a report from Express journalist Ryan Taylor, via GIVEMESPORT.

As per the report, Taylor states that West Ham are keen to speak to Lingard over a potential reunion and expects the 29-year-old to push for an “eye-catching” deal before he considers signing for Moyes’ side.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Taylor revealed: “The last I heard on Lingard was just that West Ham were open to looking at the numbers involved and what kind of contract Lingard’s obviously seeking. The fact that he’s on a free transfer, naturally him and his agent are probably bargaining for a lucrative contract.”

Supporters will be buzzing

The latest news surrounding Lingard denotes that West Ham are intent on signing the 29-year-old, which bodes well for a side who are set to lose Andriy Yarmolenko at the end of the month, due to his contract expiring.

Lingard will of course offer more to the attack than the Ukrainian managed, with the 32-cap England international registering some sensational numbers in the 16 Premier League games he managed on loan at the London Stadium.

five assists were enough to demonstrate his attacking prowess, numbers that put him fondly in the hearts of those at the London Stadium and they will no doubt be delighted to see him return, especially if he can produce similar returns in the final third. At the age of 29, meanwhile, he should be afforded regular game time and relative attacking freedom.

Moyes, particularly in his 4-2-3-1 system, can offer Lingard this prescribed tactical approach and can also provide the personal support and appreciation that a player like him needs.

Bagging Lingard by way of the Bosman ruling makes for a very astute piece of business for a player well into his prime years, and with the possibility of Lingard returning back to stellar form under a more organised and consistent play style, it will be worth the supposed lucrative wages in the eyes of many.

In other news: Sky Sports journo: Big transfer at West Ham is now “imminent”, Moyes will love him 

According to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Crystal Palace have now reached a ‘full agreement’ to sign West Brom goalkeeper Sam Johnstone.

The Lowdown: Johnstone departs the Hawthorns

The 29-year-old has been a regular feature between the sticks for the Baggies ever since arriving at the Hawthorns back in 2018, but the club recently confirmed that the shot-stopper wouldn’t be putting pen to paper on a new deal upon the expiration of his contract, meaning that he is now a free agent.

Premier League giants Tottenham and Manchester United, alongside the Eagles, are all thought to have registered interest in securing the Preston-born talent’s services this summer, but it appears as though Patrick Vieira’s side have done enough to fend off their strong competitors and make their first summer signing.

The Latest: Romano confirms Palace deal

Taking to Twitter, Romano confirmed that Johnstone has now agreed a deal to join Palace. He wrote:

“Goalkeepers update. Sam Johnstone has reached full agreement to join Crystal Palace on a free transfer, deal in place.”

The Verdict: Great competition for Guaita

With second-choice goalkeeper Jack Butland likely to be heading for the Selhurst Park exit door, Vieira will want to bring someone in who can really challenge Vicente Guaita for that number one jersey, and Johnstone is the perfect man to do just that.

The three-cap international has got a great record in goal, having kept a total of 15 clean sheets in just 36 Championship appearances under Steve Bruce last season, per Transfermarkt, and already has plenty of top-flight experience under his belt, once dubbed ‘one of the best’ by Sam Allardyce after a 1-1 draw at Liverpool.

At the time of those comments from ‘Big Sam’, Johnstone had the most saves in the Premier League, so he’d certainly done enough to justify that claim.

The 6 foot 2 colossus will no doubt have been desperate to make the jump back up to the Premier League, and having that status back against his name could potentially put him in a stronger position to regain a place in Gareth Southgate’s England squad ahead of the World Cup.

West Ham United are seemingly attempting to seal another summer signing as news comes to light involving Villarreal forward and former Championship star Arnaut Danjuma.

The Lowdown: West Ham get busy…

As per Sky Sports journalist Dharmesh Sheth, the Irons and their manager David Moyes could be ‘very busy’ this summer as the east Londoners allegedly set their sights on ‘at least’ six potential upgrades.

This comes after West Ham sealed a deal for Morocco international centre-back Nayef Aguerd, while it is believed that the Hammers have also made an offer to Jesse Lingard.

Moyes apparently wants to bolster his attacking options, and news has now come to light involving a new transfer target.

The Latest: West Ham in talks for Danjuma…

According to Relevo and their journalist Toni Juanmarti, the Premier League club have set their sights on Dajuma after his impressive first campaign in La Liga.

They claimed that West Ham are negotiating the Dutchman’s signing for €36m (£31m) ‘plus variables’, adding that Moyes will have the ‘last word’ on whether or not it goes through.

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The Verdict: Make the move?

As the Hammers seemingly wait on the green light from Moyes, we believe that the Scotsman needs to give this transfer serious consideration.

Called “near enough unplayable” earlier in the 2021/22 season by pundit Owen Hargreaves, Danjuma finished the campaign as Villarreal’s biggest provider of goals and assists combined (WhoScored).

He also averaged their most attempts at goal per 90 in the Spanish top flight and ranked as one of their top five best-performing players according to WhoScored metrics.

If the Irons could successfully complete a deal for the Netherlands international, it’s safe to say that Unai Emery’s loss would be Moyes’ gain.

Journalist and Sunderland supporter Josh Bunting has been left thrilled by the signing of Daniel Ballard.

The Lowdown: Ballard signs

As confirmed by the official website of the Stadium of Light outfit, Ballard has signed a three-year deal with the option of a further year, and arrives from Arsenal for an undisclosed transfer fee.

Manager Alex Neil stated upon making the signing that he wanted to add ‘competition’ in the centre-back area after Arby Xhemajli left the Wearside club, and Ballard will certainly provide that.

The Latest: Bunting thrilled

Taking to Twitter, Bunting was left thrilled by the transfer news, claiming that he was ‘absolutely buzzing’ with Ballard’s signing:

“Absolutely buzzing with the Daniel Ballard addition, developing into a top young centre-back. Reads the game very well, in the air that’s his main strength absolutely outstanding in those battles. He’s mobile and can carry a lot of ground. Certainly makes that area much stronger.”

The Verdict: Exciting

Bunting’s analysis of what Ballard will bring to the team is certainly exciting for the Black Cats supporters.

On loan at Millwall last season, the Northern Ireland international was their fourth-best performer in the Championship, and ranked highly among his teammates in terms of aerial duels won and average tackles, interceptions, clearances and blocks per match (WhoScored).

His added experience in the second tier will certainly help, and having never made a senior appearance for the Gunners in his time there, the 22-year-old will certainly have a point to prove as he looks to eventually take SAFC back up to the Premier League.