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Tottenham manager Antonio Conte may have received a timely boost in his chase for a world-class centre-back signing amid an emerging update involving Eintracht Frankfurt’s Evan Ndicka.

The Lowdown: Spurs moving…

The start of this summer’s transfer window has arguably been Spurs’ most electrifying of the last decade, with three major signings having already been confirmed by mid-June.

Barely a fortnight into the window, sporting director Fabio Paratici has sealed the captures of Ivan Perisic, Fraser Forster and Yves Bissouma ahead of Conte’s first full Premier League season in charge in N17.

More arrivals are in the pipeline as Tottenham allegedly keep up the chase for a central defensive upgrade.

The Latest: Tottenham favourites to sign Ndicka…

According to Foot Mercato, there has been a very promising update involving Bundesliga colossus Ndicka.

Indeed, as per their information, north London appears to be the most likely destination for the Eintracht Frankfurt defender, with Tottenham now entering ‘pole position’ for his signing.

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The Verdict: Finalise the move?

A brand new target for Conte and Paratici, we believe it is no surprise that Ndicka has entered Spurs’ sights.

As per WhoScored, the 22-year-old finished the most recent campaign as Eintracht Frankfurt’s third-best performer by average match rating, whilst also winning more aerial duels and making more clearances per match than any of his team-mates.

Still quite young and barely near his peak, Ndicka has already displayed real reliability and assurance at the back, leaving little wonder he played the second-most Bundesliga minutes for his club last season behind goalkeeper Kevin Trapp (WhoScored).

The mainstay defender has also been revered by members of the media, with journalist Christopher Michel calling him an ‘exciting complete package’.

On top of all this, Ndicka employs the same representatives as Bissouma, who recently joined Spurs – perhaps handing Paratici and co an advantage in this transfer race.

Tottenham should certainly open talks and discuss the terms of a possible move for the French starlet.

In other news: ‘Attention has turned…’ – The Athletic claim Tottenham are ‘working’ to seal ‘genius’ signing, find out more here

Sky Sports journalist Dharmesh Sheth has now made a claim involving West Ham United  transfer target Jesse Lingard as the east London club step up their pursuit of the 29-year-old.

The Lowdown: Moyes keeps moving…

The arrival of Nayef Aguerd in a £30m deal from Rennes is expected to be followed by even more additions at Rush Green, with manager David Moyes said to be chasing a host of new Premier League signings.

West Ham allegedly want ‘at least’ six new additions and have been tipped to be ‘very busy’ this summer, with attacking midfielder and soon-to-be free agent Lingard a target for the Irons.

The east Londoners want to strengthen in attack as the England international, alongside the likes of Chelsea striker Armando Broja, enter Moyes’ thinking.

The Latest: Lingard ‘offer’ made…

It is claimed that West Ham, setting their sights on Lingard, have now moved to potentially secure the 29-year-old on a Bosman deal.

Sharing news on Twitter, Sky reporter Sheth has updated Hammers fans about an ‘offer’ which has now been made by GSB and co.

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He explained (via Twitter): “West Ham United have made an offer to Jesse Lingard’s representatives over signing the player on a free transfer. Lingard officially becomes a free agent on July 1st following the expiration of his Manchester United contract.”

The Verdict: Make a move?

Having dazzled during a half-season temporary spell at West Ham in 2020/21, scoring nine goals and racking up five assists, Lingard has already proven that he can be an asset under Moyes.

It’s hardly a surprise that some members of the media, like pundit Paul Robinson, stated that the 29-year-old would be a ‘massive signing’ at the London Stadium, and this is arguably even more relevant since he could now sign for zero transfer cost.

Depending on Lingard’s demands in terms of salary and personal terms, West Ham could be working on a very shrewd major incoming.

Wolves have reportedly made contact with Paris Saint-Germain striker Mauro Icardi as they look to get their summer transfer business underway, and the Argentine forward could prove to be a huge hit at Molineux.

What’s the word?

The former Inter captain was reportedly offered to the Premier League club last month, with Jorge Mendes being asked to try and engineer a move.

Italian news outlet Corriere Dello Sport have now claimed (via Sport Witness) that the Old Gold are in contact with Icardi over a potential deal, with the prospective transfer seemingly getting closer.

The 29-year-old’s time at the Parc des Princes is seemingly over as they plan a rebuild with the imminent arrival of Christophe Galtier as manager; and considering the other attacking options available at PSG, it was perhaps always likely that Icardi would be moved on this summer.

Lage would love him

Since signing from Inter in 2020, the forward has gone on to make just 92 appearances for Les Parisiens, in which he has contributed a respectable 38 goals and 10 assists.

Although he has struggled for game-time in France, there is no doubting Icardi’s quality, with his 124 goals for Inter marking him out as one of the top strikers in European football not so long ago.

If he could rediscover that form at Molineux next season, he would undoubtedly be a huge success and could help to push Wolves up the table after a lack of goals arguably cost them a European place for next season.

Only the three relegated teams scored fewer top-flight goals than Bruno Lage’s team last season, so adding a clinical forward should be a priority for the 46-year-old this summer, as Raul Jimenez’s measly six goals were enough to see him finish as the Old Gold’s top scorer in the Premier League.

Icardi certainly has a lot of pedigree, with legendary Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini dubbing him “world-class” in his autobiography, and there is no doubt that he would add serious quality to Lage’s frontline next season.

If Wolves can take advantage of their connection with Mendes and bring Icardi to Molineux this summer, they will certainly look a lot stronger up front and could easily push themselves up the Premier League table as a result.

He seems like the type of predator who Lage would surely love to be able to call upon, given his team’s goalscoring woes over the last few months.

In other news… Lage plots Wolves bid for £16.2m-rated wizard, he’s like a “hot knife through butter”

Fabrizio Romano has suggested Manchester United target Denzel Dumfries would be ‘perfect’ for the Premier League.

The Lowdown: United eye bid

The Red Devils appear to be closing in on two Netherlands internationals as Erik ten Hag’s first signings. Reports have suggested that deals have been agreed in principle for Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong and Feyenoord left-back Tyrell Malacia.

Ten Hag appears to have his eye on another Dutch star, with rumours suggesting that United may launch a €30m (£26m) bid for Inter Milan full-back Dumfries.

Goal have also claimed in recent weeks that the 26-year-old is under consideration as an ‘ideal player’ for Ten Hag’s favoured system.

The Latest: Romano’s comments

Talking to GiveMeSport, Romano had this to say on Dumfries following links of a move to Old Trafford, hailing the right wing back as ‘perfect’ for the Premier League.

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“He’s a very good player and I’m sure he would be perfect for the Premier League.

“He’s a physical player, he’s scoring goals, he had a very good first season at Inter and it was not easy because he was replacing Achraf Hakimi, who was one of the best right backs in Inter’s history, so it wasn’t easy, but he did very well.”

The Verdict: One to watch?

It looks as if United could go after Dumfries after they tie up moves for both De Jong and Malacia. As Romano mentions, he enjoyed a fine first season with Inter, contributing to 12 goals in 45 games.

Dumfries was also the club’s best rated full-back in 2021/22, as per WhoScored, with an average match rating of 6.81/10.

United may need to move on one of Aaron Wan-Bissaka or Diogo Dalot in order to bring Dumfries to Manchester and use him as a wing-back on the opposite side to Malacia, so fans may have to keep an eye on outgoings before we see any serious movement on the Dumfries front.

Aston Villa have been heavily linked with Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher this summer and his signing could finally allow Steven Gerrard to axe Villa flop Morgan Sanson.

Following a superb season on loan with Crystal Palace, where his performances earned him a call-up to Gareth Southgate’s England squad, Gallagher has not been short of suitors so far this summer.

It is still unclear whether or not he will get guaranteed football at Stamford Bridge and Villa could offer him regular first-team minutes ahead of the World Cup in Qatar later this year.

The 22-year-old contributed eight goals and three assists in 34 appearances for Patrick Vieira’s side last season, averaging a superb 7.08 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

The French manager was certainly a big fan of the 22-year-old, as he praised him last season, saying:

“He has got so much strength, so much power, so much mobility, but it’s about finding the right time to use his energy.

“He is unbelievable, and he is like that in life as well. He gives everything in every relationship with his teammates and he plays in the same way as he is in his life.”

Villa definitely seem to be in the market for a central midfielder this summer and should the England international arrive – with Chelsea reportedly willing to sell the youngster for a figure in the region of £50m – you feel it would put the final nail in Sanson’s Villa career.

Since signing from Marseille in a £16m deal in 2021, the Frenchman has made just 20 appearances for the Villans, in which he has failed to contribute a single goal or assist.

The signing of Gallagher would surely give Gerrard enough cover in midfield and Sanson could finally be axed, with his old side Marseille said to be interested in re-signing him in a £10m deal.

Unfortunately for the 27-year-old, his move to England has simply not worked out, emphasised by his shocking 6.34 average rating in the Premier League last season.

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Therefore, Villa fans will be hoping that a deal for Gallagher can be done, as it would surely bring an end to Sanson’s nightmare spell at the club.

AND in other news: Journo drops Villa claim on gem dubbed the “heir to Iniesta”, Gerrard would love him

Leeds United could potentially lose Jack Harrison in the summer transfer window, according to a report from The Daily Mail.

The Lowdown: Harrison an excellent servant

The 25-year-old has been a key man for the Whites for a number of years now, helping them return to the Premier League and continuing to perform in the top flight.

Harrison has 50 goal contributions (28 goals and 22 assists) in 166 appearances for Leeds, with presenter David Brown once hailing him as a ‘joke’ of a player while Marcelo Bielsa also highlighted the versatile starlet as a ‘big’ player.

It could be that the winger moves on this summer, however, should a fresh update be believed.

The Latest: Newcastle aren’t alone…

According to The Daily Mail, Newcastle are keen on signing Harrison in the near future and are willing to pay £20million for his services.

It is stated that amount falls short of Leeds’ valuation, but a worrying claim suggests the Magpies are not alone, as ‘so many clubs’ are attracted to Harrison’s versatility.

The Verdict: Potential blow after Raphinha

With Raphinha officially following Kalvin Phillips out the exit door earlier in the week, losing Harrison in the same transfer window would be a big blow, even if he isn’t on the Brazilian’s level.

The Englishman has been a reliable source of end product down the years and also works relentlessly for the team, and Jesse Marsch would surely rather keep hold of him.

Harrison may not be a guaranteed regular week in, week out moving forward, especially if more summer business is done at Elland Road, but he knows Leeds inside out and losing him to another Premier League team would hurt.

Glasgow Rangers have been very active in the summer transfer window thus far, bringing six new players to Ibrox, but it seems as if their transfer business could soon be done.

What’s the word?

Following the additions of Antonio Colak, Rabbi Matondo, Ben Davies, Tom Lawrence, John Souttar and Malik Tillman, the Gers have bolstered their squad in defence, midfield and attack.

While Joe Aribo and Calvin Bassey have both left for significant transfer fees, Giovanni van Bronckhorst has worked quickly to replace them, and Ridvan Yilmaz looks set to arrive as Rangers’ seventh signing in the coming days, with the Turkey international a likely heir to Bassey at left-back.

However, it seems as if the 21-year-old will be the final recruit ahead of the upcoming season unless we see any more key players leave Ibrox.

The Athletic’s Rangers reporter Jordan Campbell shared this update on Twitter, writing: “When asked how close Yilmaz is to being announced as a Rangers player, Giovanni van Bronckhorst says that he expects him to be the final piece of business for this transfer window unless players go out.”

Supporters will be gutted

Although Rangers supporters will no doubt be happy with the transfer business their side have concluded so far this summer, the club have made a profit and the Ibrox faithful might have hoped to see more of the Aribo and Bassey money invested into the squad.

Ahead of Yilmaz’s arrival, Rangers have spent around £9m on new players, while they have received around £28m in fees, so there is still plenty of cash in the bank for a marquee signing should Van Bronckhorst want it.

Supporters may feel that spending this money would be worth it if any potential new signings can help them secure a spot in next season’s Champions League, with Gers’ first qualifying game against Union Saint-Gilloise to come next week.

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A spot in Europe’s elite club competition will earn Rangers a significant financial boost, so it could well be worth the risk of bringing new players in, and supporters may well be disappointed to hear that Yilmaz could be their final signing of the window.

AND in other news: Imagine him & Hagi: Rangers can land dream duo as GVB eyes “exciting” £8.5m signing

Manchester United are reportedly preparing an offer for Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.

The Lowdown: Midfielder search

Erik ten Hag has bolstered United’s squad ahead of his first season in charge with three new signings. Two of those have been defenders in Tyrell Malacia and Lisandro Martinez, with the other being free agent Christian Eriksen.

A new holding midfielder is still on the agenda at Old Trafford, and with no real progress being made regarding a move for Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong, it looks as if United officials are moving on to Milinkovic-Savic.

The Latest: Milinkovic-Savic offer

The Daily Mail relayed an update from an Italian outlet regarding United and Milinkovic-Savic on Thursday.

They claim that the Red Devils will make an opening £42m offer, with the player’s agent set to present Lazio with an offer they can’t refuse from United by the beginning of August.

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The Verdict: Shrewd alternative?

Milinkovic-Savic, labelled as ‘extraordinary’ by Demetrio Albertini, is valued at a whopping £63m by Transfermarkt and is mainly a central midfielder with an eye for a goal after 73 strikes for club and country throughout his career.

Still just 27 years of age, you’d like to think that the Serbia international has plenty of high-level years ahead of him and could be at the peak of his powers.

United can’t afford to waste any more time when it comes to midfield reinforcements with the new season fast approaching, and with the player’s agent set to go to Lazio with a bid from United they can’t refuse in the coming days, a transfer could gather pace relatively quickly.

Fabrizio Romano has dropped an update on the future of reported West Ham United transfer target Filip Kostic.

What’s the latest?

In a recent post on Twitter, the Italian journalist revealed that Rob Newman has now scheduled a new round of talks with the Eintracht Frankfurt wing-back and his representatives in order to discuss personal terms ahead of a potential €15m (£13m) move to the London Stadium this summer.

The transfer insider went on to state that Eintracht have received the Premier League club’s bid for the defender, and the decision as to whether the 29-year-old does indeed join West Ham ahead of the 2022/23 campaign is now solely down to the Serbia international himself.

In his tweet, Romano said: “West Ham have already scheduled a new round of talks with Filip Kostic in order to discuss personal terms, after an official bid. His agent, now busy with the Scamacca deal, will be in London very soon. Eintracht have received the West Ham bid, it’s up to the player.”

Supporters will love Romano’s update

Considering just how big a coup Kostic’s signing would be for West Ham, Romano’s latest update that Newman is set for further talks with the 29-year-old concerning a switch to east London this summer is sure to have left the London Stadium faithful buzzing.

Indeed, over his 31 Bundesliga appearances in 2021/22, the £21.6m-rated wing-back was in breathtaking form for Frankfurt, scoring four goals, providing nine assists and creating 16 big chances for his team-mates. He also took 51 shots, made 88 key passes – the most of any player in the division – and completed 26 dribbles over the course of the season.

These returns saw the forward-thinking £43k-per-week defender average a simply sensational SofaScore match rating of 7.25, ranking him as Oliver Glasner’s best performer in the league and the 15th-best player in the German top flight as a whole last time out.

The 48-cap international also highly impressed over his 12 appearances in Eintracht’s Europa League-winning campaign, scoring three goals, registering six assists and creating four big chances for his team-mates, along with taking 2.7 shots, making 2.1 key passes and completing 0.8 dribbles per game.

These returns saw the 29-year-old average a quite extraordinary SofaScore match rating of 7.33, with his exceptional displays seeing him named the tournament’s Player of the Season.

As such, it is clear to see just how exciting an addition Kostic would make to David Moyes’ options at left wing-back ahead of the 2022/23 campaign, leading us to believe that Newman simply must do everything he can to convince the Serbian of a switch to the London Stadium this summer.

AND in other news: Moyes plotting West Ham bid for “sensational” £38m target, he’s better than Lingard

Everton have been linked with a move for Billy Gilmour this summer, and now a reliable source has given his insight into the player’s future and the club’s potential of signing the player before the transfer window shuts.

What’s the latest?

According to talkSPORT journalist and transfer insider Alex Crook, Frank Lampard’s relationship with Gilmour could play a part in Everton’s ability to sign the player this summer.

Crook told GIVEMESPORT:

“He’s got that relationship. He gave him his debut at Chelsea, probably played his best football under Lampard.

“He had a pretty difficult time at Norwich last year. I think that relationship could be important, and I wonder if Chelsea might even consider selling him permanently. I wouldn’t rule it out.”

Imagine him & Doucoure

It is no secret that Everton struggled over last season with the Merseysiders embroiled in a relegation scrap at the bottom of the Premier League until the penultimate game of the campaign, but Lampard will be hoping to leave the troubles of the past behind when the Toffees return to action this week.

In terms of midfielders, Everton have lost Fabian Delph this summer due to his contract expiration while Donny van de Beek returned to Manchester United after a six-month loan. Although, over last season Delph did only make 11 appearances, and the Dutch loanee only appeared seven times.

Despite the two midfielders making little contribution to the Toffees’ campaign, their exit from Goodison Park has undoubtedly weakened the midfield depth in the squad, so the signing of Gilmour could be a great piece of business for Kevin Thelwell if he can secure a deal before the transfer window shuts in a few weeks.

Gilmour didn’t have the greatest season-long loan experience at Norwich City with the side being relegated back into the Championship, but the young midfielder still showed glimpses of his talent despite the disappointing outcome for the Canaries last season.

The £28k-per-week gem delivered one assist and created one big chance, making one key pass, 1.7 tackles and 1.2 clearances per game, as well as completing the majority of his dribbles (68%) and tallying up a 91% pass accuracy in his own half, proving that Gilmour is showing signs of becoming a solid and reliable midfielder.

Lampard can use his experience with the 21-year-old to not only take his development to the next level, but could also form a great partnership in the centre of the pitch between the Scottish talent and Toffees midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure.

Combining Gilmour’s progressive attributes from deeper in midfield with Doucoure’s creativity in central midfield could give Everton their best chance of comfortably competing and improving their attacking threat this season.

While the former is a smooth and technical player on the ball, Doucoure offers that and more with a successful tackle rate of 2.5 per game in 2021/22. While he is progressive on the ball, as Gilmour is, the pair could combine in perfect fashion as they offer the manager a variety of layers in the centre of the pitch.

With that being said, the powers at Goodison Park must act now to ensure they can seal a deal for Gilmour and get him into their squad so Lampard can quickly establish the best way to deploy his team in the Premier League, as a good start for the club is essential.