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Recent reports have suggested that Aston Villa are in the race for Inter Milan defender Stefan De Vrij, with the Dutchman set to be available for as little as £15m, with just a year remaining on his existing deal.

That news comes amid suggestions that manager Steven Gerrard is eyeing a new left-sided centre-back this summer, throwing into doubt the future of England international Tyrone Mings.

Further rumours this week have also claimed that the current club captain could well be moved on in the upcoming window, with fellow defender Ezri Konsa another name potentially on the chopping block.

Such speculation illustrates a notable decline this season for Mings, in particular, with the 29-year-old having gone from starting group stage games at Euro 2020 to fearing for his place at club level, all in the space of just ten months.

Pundit Danny Mills has previously suggested that the former Bournemouth giant was “fortunate” to earn a Three Lions call up in the first place, while the 44-year-old also more recently slated the Villa man for his current displays, insisting that there “seems to be a mistake in his game somewhere.”

The statistics also prove rather damning, with the £28.8m-rated man part of a backline that has shipped 46 goals this season – the tenth-worst in the division – while he has also given away one penalty and committed one error leading to a goal in the top-flight this term.

In De Vrij then, Gerrard appears to have identified a viable alternative, with the 30-year-old offering a wealth of experience, having made 55 caps for his country as well as being a vital part of Antonio Conte’s title-winning Inter team last season.

As for this term, as the Italian giants chase a second successive Serie A title, the £116k-per-week “monster” – as he has been described by former Lazio teammate Mauricio – has caught the eye again, averaging 1.8 clearances, 1.3 tackles and one interception per game.

Not just impressive defensively – with the one-time Feyenoord man lining up on the left of a back three at the San Siro – he is also comfortable in possession, ranking in the top 5% for pass completion among centre-backs in Europe’s top five leagues.

As the current Villa boss seeks to take the ambitious club back towards the European qualification places next season, a quality upgrade such as De Vrij could be what is needed, with £80k-per-week Mings the man who must give way.

IN other news, “Destined for a move”: Journo drops exciting AVFC transfer claim, Gerrard will love it –

West Ham bowed out of Europe last night at the hands of Eintracht Frankfurt in the Europa League semi-finals as a historic opportunity escaped from their grasp.

David Moyes had steered the Premier League side to a first European semi-final since 1976 and despite a 2-1 defeat in the first leg, there were genuine hopes that they could turn it around.

The Hammers got off to the worst possible start, though, with Aaron Creswell receiving his marching orders following a VAR check in the 19th minute, leaving his team to play for more than an hour with ten men.

Three minutes later, Manuel Lanzini had to be taken off and replaced by Ben Johnson. Frankfurt took full advantage of this opening 25 minutes of chaos from the away side to score a splendid goal which put them in pole position to secure a place in the final.

The goal seeped any life out of West Ham, but some performances were poor. Lanzini was particularly off-colour before he was replaced.

The £69k-p/w dud barely contributed during his time on the pitch, losing 100% of his duels and taking only seven touches. His 22-minute spell also saw the Argentine lose possession twice, make only four passes and get dribbled past on one occasion.

All in all, it was a forgettable performance from the player on a night when Moyes needed everyone to step up and make themselves heroes. Although Lanzini was taken off after only 22 minutes, this was a time in which West Ham really needed to take advantage and score an early goal to give themselves some degree of hope.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be for Moyes and his team, but he can be proud of the European run and how much it meant to the supporters, even if the 29-year-old Argentine let his side down last night.

With the Hammers sitting seventh in the Premier League table, there is hope that the Scot can deliver Europa League football again next season.

AND in other news, Forget Rice: Moyes now set for West Ham disaster on “remarkable” £125k-p/w giant

According to a report from talkSPORT’s transfer insider Alex Crook, Tottenham Hotspur are looking into the possibility of signing Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford. 

The lowdown: Rise to the top

Signed from Sunderland for a then club-record £25million in 2017 (Sky Sports), Pickford has kept 53 clean sheets in 195 appearances for the Merseyside club and also established himself as a household name as England’s number one under Gareth Southgate.

However, the 28-year-old has endured a tricky campaign as Everton battles against relegation from the Premier League.

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Despite facing the potential doom of the drop, Pickford may yet be set for a top-flight stay of execution…

The latest: Spurs’ interest

As per talkSPORT, Tottenham are believed to be ‘monitoring’ the former Sunderland stopper’s situation amidst interest elsewhere from Newcastle United.

It’s claimed that Everton manager Frank Lampard is ‘contemplating cashing in’ on the 43-cap England man who was recently heralded by David James for an ‘outstanding’ display against Chelsea last weekend, in which he made five saves (Sofascore).

Moreover, the report states that Pickford himself will ‘push for a move’ should his current club suffer the indignity of relegation.

The verdict: No upgrade on Hugo…

Ultimately, whilst the Englishman is a superb operator, when using the WhoScored comparison tool, Spurs’ first-choice gloveman and club captain Hugo Lloris comes out on top. The 35-year-old France star has a higher save percentage with 76.7% compared to 48.4% and a better overall rating with 6.76 to 6.57.

Albeit time isn’t necessarily on Lloris’ side, goalkeepers generally enjoy greater longevity and as such, the World Cup winner has at least another year or two left at the very highest level.

With all of this in mind and Pickford likely to be an expensive outlay for Daniel Levy and Fabio Paratici to sanction, the Lilywhites would be best served looking elsewhere in order to improve the options at Antonio Conte’s disposal.

In other news: Tottenham expected to move for ‘phenomenal’ £101m star after Conte request, find out more here.

Leeds United have been dealt a potentially huge injury blow ahead of Sunday’s Premier League meeting with Brentford.

What’s the latest?

That’s according to a report by Leeds Live, who claim that the availability of Patrick Bamford – who has not played a minute of first-team football since the 3-2 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers back in March – is touch and go for the trip to west London on the final day of the season, before suggesting that the centre-forward’s lack of match fitness could well see the 28-year-old ruled out of the final day clash regardless.

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Regarding the England international’s current condition, Leeds Live state: “It remains touch and go as to whether Patrick Bamford will be involved at Brentford but his lack of match sharpness might keep him out even if he is deemed fit.”

Huge blow

Considering just how crucial a player Bamford is for Leeds, the news that the striker looks unlikely to make a full recovery in time for what is undoubtedly the Whites’ biggest game of the season is certainly awful news for the club.

With three points being an absolute must if Jesse Marsch’s side are to avoid slipping back into the second tier of English football ahead of the 2022/23 campaign, the £18m-rated striker being unavailable for selection would come as a huge blow to Leeds’ chances of leaving the Brentford Community Stadium victorious.

Indeed, it is abundantly clear just how much the Whites have missed the £74k-per-week striker – who scored 17 goals over 38 Premier League appearances last season – in the current campaign, with Leeds having currently scored 22 goals fewer than the 62 they managed in 2021/22.

However, should Bamford indeed be ruled out once again on Sunday, Marsch must find a way to deal with the loss of the 28-year-old as best he possibly can – or else Elland Road could be witnessing Championship football once more come August.

AND in other news: £13.8m out of pocket: Victor Orta had a nightmare on “headless” £52k-p/w Leeds flop

Newcastle have been hit with a frustrating injury setback as an update has emerged regarding Ryan Fraser…

What’s the latest?

Eddie Howe revealed in his pre-match press conference that the Scotland international is set to miss out this weekend.

The Magpies travel to face Burnley in their final Premier League match of the campaign later today, and it appears as though they will have to make do without the 28-year-old.

After the press conference, journalist Jordan Cronin tweeted: “Ryan Fraser felt his hamstring again versus Arsenal and is unlikely to feature.”

Supporters will be gutted

This injury update will surely leave Newcastle supporters gutted, as it means that they will now have to wait until next season to watch the winger in action again.

Fraser has not started a game for the Magpies since 8 April against Wolves, while he came on as a substitute in the recent 2-0 win over Arsenal. This latest claim means that his next start will not be until August at the earliest, hopefully after a strong pre-season without any fitness issues.

After a difficult start to the campaign under Steve Bruce, the ex-Bournemouth man then found his feet on Tyneside and showed signs of promise out wide. He has averaged a solid SofaScore rating of 6.86 across 27 appearances this term, chipping in with two goals and three assists along the way.

The winger was not at his blistering best all the way through the campaign, as shown by the statistics, but he came alive in flashes. This indicates that the potential is there for him to play a big role for the club next season if he is able to maintain his fitness.

In the 2018/19 campaign, Fraser managed seven goals and 14 assists in the Premier League for Bournemouth. This proves that the talent is there and that Howe has previously been able to unlock it on the south coast, which is why there may be hope that the 44-year-old can do so again.

Newcastle supporters will be keen for the Scottish wide man to hit the ground running next season so that they can see him scoring and setting up goals on a regular basis. That is why this latest blow for the 28-year-old is a frustrating one which will leave the Toon Army gutted ahead of today’s clash, as he will not be able to go into the summer on a high.

AND in other news, “Sources at Newcastle”: Huge transfer update emerges that’ll leave supporters gutted…

Soccer betting has become one of the most popular forms of gambling in recent years. This is because it offers punters the chance to have plenty of fun and maybe even make some money from their bets.

However, before you start placing your soccer bets, it is important to understand the different types of bets that are available. This will help you make more informed decisions about your bets and better your chances of winning. You must also try your best to play only at secure sites, like Pickasino for example. But, have you ever wondered why soccer betting is so popular?

Today we are going to show you why people love soccer betting so much.

The camaraderie of betting with friends on soccer matches

There’s nothing quite like the camaraderie of betting with friends on soccer matches. Whether you’re cheering on your favourite team or rooting for the underdog, the thrill of the game is amplified when you have skin in the game. And what better way to show your support than by putting your money where your mouth is?

Of course, betting with friends comes with its own set of rules and etiquette. For starters, it’s important to be clear about the stakes before placing any bets. Will you be betting for fun or for money? If it’s for money, how much are you willing to potentially lose? It’s also important to agree on a format for the bets. Will you be betting on the outcome of the match or on individual players’ performances?

The chance to make some extra money

Many people love soccer betting simply because it is a wonderful way to make some extra money. Of course, that shouldn’t be your career, but a hobby. People who know soccer can win a lot of money by betting on the sport. But if you’re not careful enough, you can also lose a lot.

The satisfaction of correctly predicting the outcome of a match

There are not many things more satisfying than correctly predicting the outcome of a match. Whether it’s a close game or a blowout, correctly guessing the winner is a great feeling.

But, if you want to predict the scores you must know the recent form of the clubs. You must also know if there are injuries or other factors that could affect the outcome of the match.

Correctly predicting the outcome of a match can be complicated, but it’s definitely possible with some effort and knowledge. With these tips in mind, you’re sure to have more success in picking winners!

Soccer betting is a wonderful hobby, but you must only play at secure sites and take good care of your money.

Photo from Pexels

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in a deal to bring Filip Kostic to the Premier League in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Italian publication Gazzetta dello Sport, who claim that Fabio Paratici is now planning to launch an offensive for the Eintracht Frankfurt left wing-back in the off-season, with Antonio Conte believed to be extremely keen on the signing of the 29-year-old.

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The report goes on to state that Juventus are also tracking the Serbia international ahead of a potential move of their own, while further reports have revealed that the Bundesliga side could be tempted into parting with Kostic this summer, as long as they were to receive an offer in the region of £25m.

Bye-bye Reguilon

Considering just how impressive Kostic has been in Germany this season, coupled with Sergio Reguilon having been heavily linked with a move away from north London this summer, it is easy to see why Conte would be interested in a deal to bring the Serbian to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Indeed, over his 31 Bundesliga appearances this term, the £18m-rated talent was Oliver Glasner’s standout performer, scoring four goals, registering nine assists and creating 16 big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 1.6 shots, making 2.8 key passes and completing 0.8 dribbles per game.

These returns saw the £43k-per-week wing-back who Fredi Bobic dubbed “extraordinary” average a quite breathtaking SofaScore match rating of 7.25, not only ranking him as Eintracht’s best performer in the German top flight but also as the 15th-best player in the league as a whole.

In comparison, over Reguilon’s 25 Premier League outings this season, the £32m Spain international scored two goals, provided three assists and created five big chances for his teammates, in addition to taking an average of 0.8 shots, making 1.2 key passes and completing 0.8 dribbles per fixture.

These returns saw the £68k-per-week defender who George Sessions labelled “shocking” average a SofaScore match rating of 6.92, ranking him as Tottenham’s 12th-worst performer in the top flight of English football.

As such, should Paratici indeed be able to shift Reguilon this summer, it would appear an extremely wise move to replace the 25-year-old with Kostic, as not only would the latter be a much more budget-friendly option for Tottenham, but he is also quite evidently a much better option at left wing-back.

AND in other news: Contact made: Conte now plotting £55m bid for “stunning” Spurs target, he’s Diaz 2.0

Liverpool forward Sadio Mane has decided to leave Anfield for a new challenge, with Bayern Munch the leading contenders for his signature.

What’s the latest?

Journalist Fabrizio Romano tweeted to say that Mane has “decided to leave” following the Champions League final and is ready for a new challenge.

“Sadio Mané has decided to leave Liverpool this summer.

“He’s ready for a new experience after many special years with Reds – it will be confirmed to the club.

“FC Bayern are strong contenders – but it’s still open and not completed as Sadio wanted to wait for the final.”

It is set to be confirmed by the club soon with German side Bayern Munich strong contenders to secure his signature. The news comes after the player said he would give an update on his future after Saturday’s final, in which the Reds lost 1-0.

It was reported recently that Bundesliga champions Bayern were in pole position to sign him, with a fee as little as £25.5m stated due to the fact the 30-year-olds contract is running down.

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Supporters will be gutted

For Liverpool supporters, this is their worst nightmare come true. Although they knew that one day Mane would depart for pastures new, many won’t have thought it would have come this soon.

He made the move to Merseyside in the summer of 2016 for £34m from Southampton. In many ways he represents the beginning of the Jurgen Klopp revolution that has seen The Reds lift their first ever Premier League title, and appear in three Champions League finals in five years, one of which they won.

His overall record at Anfield is out of this world with 168 direct goal contributions in 269 games. Those are numbers that will be hard for anyone new to repeat, but they’ll have to do all they can to recruit a ready made replacement.

He’s considered one of the greatest in Europe right now, and ranks in the top 5% for goals when compared to his positional peers in Europe’s top five leagues over the past year.

Along with Mohamed Salah he has become key to the success on the pitch and they will find it difficult to replace him. Does this mark the beginning of the end of Klopp’s tenure?

Well with the German recently signing a new deal we think not, but what he’s now tasked with is refreshing the squad whilst ensuring the levels of success don’t drop.

He’ll no doubt go down as a legend for Liverpool, but it seems as though we have seen him wear the famous red shirt for the final time.

AND in other news: Liverpool now eyeing £27m-rated “phenomenon”, could be their perfect Mane replacement…

Leeds United are preparing to step up their pursuit of Sporting CP winger Gonzalo Plata, according to Portuguese newspaper Correio da Manha (via Sport Witness). 

The lowdown: Hot property

After taking the well-trodden pathway from South America to Europe when moving from Independiente to Sporting Lisbon in 2020, Plata struggled to make the desired impact in Portugal.

Sent out on loan to La Liga.2 outfit Real Valladolid for the 2021/22 campaign however, the Ecuador international has recaptured his best form and now is in the middle of a transfer tussle.

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Valladolid are keen on making the move permanent but a hesitancy over his lofty release clause has alerted Leeds, and the Yorkshire giants are seemingly waiting to pounce…

The latest: Whites ready

As per Correio da Manha, translated by SW, Leeds ‘will advance’ with their own bid should Valladolid reject a €10million (£8.5million) option to buy.

Valladolid have currently bid just €7million (£5.9million) for the 21-year-old, who was described as ‘lethal and sublime’ by journalist Marina Marco back in November 2021.

It’s claimed that Sporting are ‘in expectation’ that Plata will move on this summer and Leeds are attentive to the situation, with the press in Portugal believing it ‘sounds like’ the Whites will win the race.

The verdict: Raphinha replacement?

At the mooted fee, a wholehearted move for Plata would make an abundance of sense for owner Andrea Radrizzani and Director of Football Victor Orta as the hierarchy attempt to bolster the Elland Road ranks.

Last term, the 27-cap Ecuadorian scored six times and registered five assists in 30 league appearances, earning a 6.96 Sofascore rating whilst winning 6.0 duels, making 1.4 key passes and completing 2.3 successful dribbles on average per game – that’s actually more take-ons per match than Raphinha.

Predominantly operating as a right-winger, Plata could feasibly be viewed as a realistic and affordable option to replace the Brazilian in Jesse Marsch’s squad as the former Rennes starlet continues to be linked with a move away from Leeds.

In other news, another Leeds transfer target has emerged.

Tottenham Hotspur are now lining up a swoop for Richarlison…

What’s the word?

That’s according to the very reliable David Ornstein of The Athletic, who delivered the claim on Twitter this weekend.

He tweeted:

“Tottenham interested in signing Richarlison. No bid yet – will only do it at right price + have other options. Everton want more than reported €60m but need for funds likely to reduce fee + some close to #EFC think #THFC move will happen.”

In an accompanying article, it’s stated that the Toffees could make a significant sale this summer to improve the Financial Fair Play position and free up funds for manager Frank Lampard.

It’s also believed that the Merseyside outfit are unlikely to receive as much as the £51m they reportedly desire, with Transfermarkt currently valuing him at a slightly lower £45m.

Conte will be buzzing

Whilst it is hard to envisage where the Brazil international fits into Antonio Conte’s attack, he would still be a significant piece and a big threat that Spurs know very well.

Last season, he bagged ten goals and laid on five assists across 30 top-flight appearances, improving on his tally of ten direct Premier League goal contributions across 34 games in 2020/21, despite being in a worse performing side as Everton narrowly avoided relegation this term.

That campaign also saw him bag a brace against the Lilywhites during their 5-4 win in the FA Cup fifth round; he did so from the left flank but the 25-year-old is also capable of playing through the middle as a centre-forward, on the right and as a no.10.

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Not only is that versatility going to be hugely appealing to the Italian head coach but it’s his work rate that also appeals, leaving no doubt in why Conte would want to sign him.

As per FBref, the 6-foot forward – compared to his positional peers across Europe’s top five divisions – ranks amongst the top 1% for blocks (1.71 per 90), the top 5% for tackles (1.43 per 90), the top 7% for interceptions (0.75 per 90), as well as the top 8% for pressures (21.05 per 90) and clearances (1.14 per 90).

These are pretty remarkable defensive figures for an attacker and only goes to show the effort he’s able to put in when defending from the front, effectively.

Lauded as a “complete” player by record four-time Champions League-winning manager Carlo Ancelotti, it’s quite evident that Richarlison is a perfect fit for Conte, so he must be buzzing that Spurs are seemingly ramping up their efforts to sign him this off-season.

On the above evidence, it would be quite the coup indeed.

AND in other news, Paratici could land the next Sergio Ramos as Spurs now plot bid for £30m “leader”…