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CBS journalist Ben Jacobs has now made a Tottenham Hotspur transfer claim involving Inter Milan star defender Milan Skriniar.

The Lowdown: Conte hunting centre-back…

Spurs head coach Antonio Conte, setting his sights on a left-footed central defensive star, has been linked to no shortage of options as club chief Fabio Paratici adopts his scattergun approach.

The Lilywhites have shortlisted many names, including Alessandro Bastoni, Josko Gvardiol, Pau Torres, Marc Guehi, Gleison Bremer, Stefan De Vrij and Clement Lenglet (GiveMeSport).

A real priority for Spurs, it appears their defender chase has taken another twist as Jacobs shares news on Skriniar.

The Latest: Jacobs makes Skriniar claim…

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According to his sources, the Lilywhites are eyeing a move for Inter’s colossal defender alongside Premier League rivals Chelsea.

Skriniar is apparently ‘very much for sale’ and the Nerazzurri value him at around £69 million – but they could be forced to accept a lower bid if Dybala and Lukaku arrive.

The Slovakia international, according to Jacobs, apparently wants his future ‘resolved by early July’.

The Verdict: Advance?

Depending on developments, more specifically if Inter lower the player’s £69m valuation, we believe Skrinair would be a brilliant addition for Conte.

Called a ‘monster’ by Italian football writer Carlo Garaganese, the 27-year-old was a mainstay under Simone Inzaghi last season, playing the second-most Serie A minutes behind goalkeeper Samir Handanovic (WhoScored).

The Inter untouchable also made more clearances per 90 than any of his teammates with over five league starts (WhoScored), finishing 21/22 as one of their top ten performers overall (WhoScored).

As Tottenham’s defender chase continues, this may well be one to keep an eye on.

In other news: Significant talks: Tottenham emerge as likelier destination for ‘superstar’! Find out more here.

David Moyes is reportedly now looking to raid his old club Everton for Michael Keane.

The Lowdown: Poor season

Keane has come off the back of a poor season at Goodison Park, where he was criticised by both pundits and supporters for some of his performances.

In truth, he has lost his way from the player who impressed so much at Burnley, as Premier League legend Rio Ferdinand once likened him to a ‘sponge’ for the way he is constantly hungry to learn and improve, after earning his first senior England cap.

Now, central defender James Tarkowski looks set to sign on a free transfer from Burnley, which could pave the way for Keane’s exit.

The Latest: West Ham interest

As per Football Insider, former Toffees manager Moyes is now interested in bringing to Keane to West Ham United this summer, as the Scot is a ‘big admirer’.

The Hammers have made an enquiry over the Englishman, with the view of potentially acting on their interest now that the window is officially open.

The Verdict: Sell

With Tarkowski set to come in on a Bosman deal, the Blues can afford to let Keane go, especially if they can get a good price for him.

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He is 29 years of age now, and so is likely to decline over the next few seasons, meaning that the summer is the optimum time to cash in.

Keane is currently earning £69,000-per-week, and it would also be handy for Frank Lampard’s team to get those wages off of their books.

In other news, find out which ‘incredible’ star EFC have now reached out to sign here!

Tottenham Hotspur correspondent Alasdair Gold was one of the first to react on Twitter to news that right-back Emerson Royal was a victim in an attempted armed robbery.

The Lowdown: Emerson involved in incident

The Brazilian first made the switch to the Premier League when he joined the Lilywhites on a five-year contract from Spanish giants Barcelona for a fee believed to be £25.8m. He has since made 41 appearances in all competitions for Antonio Conte’s side during his first season in north London.

News was broken by football.london reporter Rob Guest that in the early hours of Friday morning, the 23 year-old defender had successfully managed to escape an attempted armed robbery.

The article states that there were ’29 shots fired’ between police and the assailant, but the Spurs star has assured people that he is safe and well and will speak out about the incident soon.

The Latest: Gold reacts to Emerson update

In a new post on his personal Twitter account, Gold reacted to the shocking revelation he’d heard involving Emerson and wrote:

“This sounds horrible. Thank goodness Emerson is ok.”

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The Verdict: Relief

It will come as hugely positive news to not just his family and friends, but also to everyone associated with Tottenham to know that the six-cap international is unharmed.

The £22.5m-rated starlet has been a regular feature in Conte’s starting XI this season, making 31 top-flight outings, scoring one goal and providing one assist during that time, via Transfermarkt.

Royal is said to have returned to his home country for a short break following the conclusion of the season, but will obviously now need to be given the appropriate time to recover from the incident before even considering making a return to the football pitch ahead of the start of the new term.

In other news… Fabio Paratici has reportedly opened talks over the possibility of signing a ‘scary’ new player.

Portuguese newspaper Jornal de Noticias (via Sport Witness), has provided an update on the future of Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Joao Moutinho. 

The lowdown: Wanderers’ stalwart

Signed in 2018 from Ligue 1 outfit AS Monaco for £5million on an initial two-year contract (BBC), Moutinho has been a superb servant to the club since his arrival.

Moutinho has amassed 176 appearances for Wolves, scoring five times and providing 23 assists taking an illustrious career to a mammoth 774 outings across spells with FC Porto, Sporting Lisbon, Monaco and the Molineux club.

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Out of contract in a matter of weeks (Transfermarkt), the future of the 35-year-old needs urgent attention and Bruno Lage has seemingly made his own wishes known…

The latest: Mourinho wants Moutinho

As per Jornal de Noticias, translated by SW, Lage is believed to have ‘asked for the player’ to be offered a new deal to stay in the Midlands.

However, Wolves may have already ‘set other priorities’ for the midfield department as the club prepare for a potential major overhaul with interest in Ruben Neves ramping up all the time.

The report states that Moutinho – who was praised for an ‘outstanding’ display against Brentford by Alan Shearer after a stunning goal and assist – could be willing to ’embrace a new challenge’ as Roma manager and compatriot Jose Mourinho watches on with interest from Italy.

The verdict: Keep at all costs

Despite the Portuguese international’s advancing years, an impressive 6.96 average rating from 35 Premier League outings in 2021/22 and standout showings are proof enough of continued longevity and ability to perform at the very highest level.

With the futures of Neves and Leander Dendoncker in doubt, it comes as little surprise that Lage would want to keep Moutinho in situ in order to maintain some midfield stability ahead of next season.

Keeping the 144-cap Portugal star, whilst also adding further options over the summer, would be a huge feather in the cap of Lage after what was a disappointing end to the campaign.

In other news, one Wolves hero has been linked with a summer exit. Find out who it is here.

Reliable journalist Alan Nixon has backed Nottingham Forest striker Keinan Davis to be the one to ‘make the difference’ in the club’s upcoming Championship play-off final against Huddersfield Town.

The Lowdown: Wembley preparations

Steve Cooper’s side booked their place at Wembley Stadium having defeated Sheffield United 3-2 in a scintillating penalty shootout at the City Ground on Tuesday night, and so will now start preparations for their all-important clash against the Terriers on May 29.

The 24-year-old wasn’t in the starting line-up for the game vs the Blades after returning from injury, but did come on as a substitute at the 75-minute mark to replace fellow forward Sam Surridge, and Nixon believes that Davis could prove to have a huge impact in the looming final.

The Latest: Nixon backs Davis to start

When responding to a fan question on his personal Twitter account asking if he thought Forest could go all the way and gain promotion, Nixon replied:

“Davis needs to start. Would make the difference. Johnson can then move wider. Spence can then go forward and link.”

The Verdict: Instant impact

Despite only making 15 league appearances in the second-tier this season, Davis has still managed to score five goals and provide two assists during that time, as per Transfermarkt, showing just how much of an influence he can have when on the pitch.

Forest defender Steve Cook previously dubbed his teammate an “unsung hero”, so it’s clear to see the admiration that the rest of the squad have for him.

This kind of strong team spirit is exactly what Nottingham are going to need if they want to secure promotion and get the victory over the line against a tough opponent in Huddersfield at the end of the month.

Tottenham Hotspur may have been handed a boost in their pursuit of former star Christian Eriksen, according to journalist Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Lilywhites eye reunion…

The Denmark superstar’s return to the grass after suffering a cardiac arrest at Euro 2020 has been nothing short of a fairy tale story.

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Eriksen ended the 2021/2022 Premier League season in fine form on a temporary spell at Brentford with a return to Spurs becoming possible.

The Times add Antonio Conte’s former midfielder at Inter Milan is a target for the Lilywhites alongside Leicester City playmaker Youri Tielemans, and what’s more, he could be open to re-signing.

The Latest: Eriksen eyeing return…

According to Jones, speaking to GiveMeSport, if the right conditions are met, Eriksen ‘would be keen on a return’ to Spurs this summer as he eyes a move back to north London.

He adds that Tielemans, Weston McKennie (Juventus), Joao Palhinha (Sporting Lisbon) and Idrissa Gueye (PSG) are also potential midfield additions at Tottenham.

The Verdict: Get it done?

Eriksen has displayed flashes of his best Spurs form under Thomas Frank across London.

According to WhoScored, he finished the campaign as Brentford’s best all-round performer by average match rating – making the most key passes per 90 for the Bees and displaying real creativity.

Indeed, the ‘big name’ attacker will also be available on a Bosman deal as things stand – arguably a snip given Spurs themselves valued at him at £100 million just three years ago.

Taking all of this into account, it may well be a no-brainer to get it done.

In other news: Tottenham eyeing shock move for ‘unplayable’ star who Pochettino called ‘huge’, find out more here.

Barcelona have now reportedly made a whopping €55m (£46.2m) offer for Leeds United star Raphinha.

The Lowdown: Relegation release clause

The Whites are currently out of the bottom three but are still in serious danger of dropping back down to the Championship. Jesse Marsch’s side travel to Brentford on the final day, with Burnley currently a point behind with a game in hand.

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Should Leeds suffer relegation, star forward Raphinha will have a €25m (£21m) release clause activated. The Brazilian’s agent Deco has been in advanced talks with Barcelona since March over a five-year deal at the Nou Camp, and it looks as if the La Liga giants have now firmed up their interest with a formal offer.

The Latest: Formal offer made

Sport Witness relayed an update from UOL regarding Barcelona and Raphinha on Monday.

They claimed that the Catalan giants have now made an offer worth an initial €55m (£46.2m), with €10m (£8.4m) worth of performance add-ons included. The report added that Leeds have yet to respond to the offer, with all their focus on remaining in the Premier League.

The Verdict: Surprise

Should this report prove accurate, then Andrea Radrizzani and the 49ers Enterprises have a big decision to make over the coming days.

If things go horribly wrong this weekend, then you’d expect that Raphinha will leave for around £21m and that Barcelona’s reported €55m offer will be withdrawn, so it’s certainly a surprise to see such an offer just days before the club’s fate is sealed one way or another.

It looks as if the La Liga club want to get a deal wrapped up as soon as possible and have made an offer more than double that of the player’s relegation release clause, which could be the best the Whites can get – should they bite the bullet and accept it now?

In other news: Leeds journalist claims ‘incredible’ Orta signing may now leave with Phillips and Raphinha this summer

Sunderland have been handed a big injury lift over Leon Dajaku’s fitness ahead of the League One play-off final… 

What’s the talk?

According to the Sunderland Echo, the German winger is now back in training with the rest of the first-team squad, joining in with the group on Thursday.

The report claims that he has been out of action since March due to illness and went back to Germany for treatment in recent weeks. He has now recovered from his ailment and is back out on the pitch with just over a week to go until the final at Wembley.

Alex Neil will be delighted

This is a major boost for the Black Cats and one which will leave head coach Alex Neil delighted, as Dajaku has the potential to be a match-winner for Sunderland.

He has directly contributed to seven goals in 14 League One starts throughout an injury-plagued and illness-hit campaign. The forward has chipped in with four goals and three assists from out wide, which shows that he can have a big impact whenever he is fit to play.

In League One, he has registered seven shots on target and scored four goals, missing one ‘big chance’ in the process. This suggests that he has been clinical in front of goal when he has found himself with an opportunity to find the net, which is a useful attribute to have with the Black Cats facing a mammoth clash against Wycombe at Wembley next week.

Dajaku has also put his foot in and shown fight for Sunderland. He has made 1.4 tackles and interceptions per game, frequently tracking back and attempting to help out his defensive team-mates by winning the ball back off the opposition.

Promotion is on the line for both clubs and Neil will want as many of his players available as possible, including the German. Whilst the 21-year-old may not be fit enough to start, having been out of action since March, he can have a say in the game if he comes off the bench.

Therefore, the ex-Preston and Norwich boss will be delighted to have him back as an option heading into the clash with Wycombe. Dajaku has the potential to be a key player for the Black Cats, from the start or off the bench, and his return to training is a timely one for the Wearside club.

AND in other news, Neil must seal Sunderland swoop for “outstanding” 24 y/o machine who scores every other game…

A new transfer update has emerged surrounding the future of Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves, according to a Spanish source.

The Lowdown: Plenty of interest

The 25-year-old first joined the Premier League outfit from FC Porto in 2017, and has since gone on to make a total of 208 appearances for Bruno Lage’s side.

Neves’ contract with the Wanderers isn’t set to expire until 2024, but he has been linked with a move away from Molineux for most of this season, with the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal, and Barcelona said to be the three main suitors interested in his services.

Making the switch to either the Gunners or the Red Devils would obviously mean staying in the top-flight, but the thought of a move to the Spanish giants is huge for any player, and following a new report, it seems as though we might just know where the 26-time international’s next destination is going to be.

The Latest: Neves’ dream

According to major Spanish outlet Sport (via TEAMtalk), it’s claimed that Neves would ‘rather opt’ for a move to the Blaugrana, with it being his lifelong ‘dream’ to wear the Barcelona shirt.

It was thought that a move to the Catalans would be the least likely option due to their current financial situation, but given the fact that the maestro is ‘keen’ on a transfer, it’s reported that Barca may want to do ‘all in their power’ to secure his signature in the summer.

The Verdict: Bags of potential

Making 32 outings in all competitions under Lage so far this season, the £36m-rated talisman has managed to score four goals and register two assists in what has been a difficult campaign for the Wanderers, as per Transfermarkt.

Neves has been dubbed an “outstanding” player by Wolves journalist Tim Spiers, and still has plenty to give wherever his next club might be, should he depart.

If the midfielder were to join Xavi’s outfit in the upcoming window, it would at least save the Molineux faithful from having to see him in a rival shirt twice a season, and presumably bank the club a huge fee to reinvest into the squad.

In other news… a journalist has backed Wolves to strengthen one key area this summer.

Sunderland have been hit with a huge injury setback over centre-forward Nathan Broadhead…

What’s the latest?

Black Cats manager Alex Neil has hinted at a worrying blow for the on-loan Welshman, who limped off in the win against Morecambe on Saturday.

The 40-year-old has claimed that Ross Stewart is currently the only number nine who is fit and available in the squad ahead of Sunderland’s big play-off clash with Sheffield Wednesday later this week.

The Examiner quote him as saying: “The worry we’ve got now is we’ve finished the game with no centre forward on the pitch, I brought Stewart off because I knew the scores elsewhere. He’s literally [our only striker].. I don’t need to say anything else do I?”

Supporters will be raging

The prospect of Broadhead being unavailable for the first leg against Wednesday will surely leave Sunderland fans raging, as it would be a major blow for the Wearsider’s promotion prospects.

He has been phenomenal for the Black Cats since joining on loan from Everton, proving himself to be a reliable goalscorer at this level. The 24-year-old netted the winner against Morecambe to seal a play-off spot and that was his 10th League One goal of the season, on just his 15th start.

His recent form for the club has been sensational, with 11 goals in his last 14 outings in all competitions. This shows that he has been red-hot in front of goal and that is why the fans, and indeed Neil, will be desperate for the 20-year-old to be fit for the play-offs.

Sunderland are set to battle for a place in the Championship and they will need their best players to be fit and available for selection to give themselves the best chance of reaching the second tier. Broadhead’s goalcoring record suggests that he is one of the club’s top talents, as he has the quality to be a game-changer at the top end of the pitch with his finishing ability.

Therefore, supporters will be raging with Neil’s claim that Stewart is the only fit striker in the squad ahead of their clash with Darren Moore’s team on Friday night. Hopefully it turns out to be merely a minor issue for the Everton loanee and he is able to feature but, for now, Sunderland fans will likely be very worried about his condition.

AND in other news, Cost £10m, left for nothing: Sunderland had a huge nightmare on £70k-p/w dud…