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Nottingham Forest are interested in signing Blackburn Rovers midfielder Joe Rothwell, according to a report from the Lancashire Telegraph. 

The lowdown: Rothwell’s career so far

Formerly of Manchester United, Rothwell arrived at Ewood Park in 2018 and has since become a mainstay for the Lancashire side, amassing 161 appearances.

However, the 27-year-old is out of contract at the end of June (Transfermarkt), and it appears as though a move could be on the cards for the former England youth international.

It now seems as though Forest could be among the interested parties ahead of a crucial week…

The latest: Forest keen on Rothwell

As per the Lancashire Telegraph, Steve Cooper’s side, along with Sheffield United and already-promoted Bournemouth, are in the mix to sign Rothwell.

It is claimed that the Rovers midfielder is ‘expected to receive offers’ this summer from the aforementioned clubs.

The report stated that the man for whom Cooper admitted a ‘love’ following a 2-0 Forest victory at Ewood Park earlier this season is set to ‘leave’ the Lancashire club at the end of his current deal.

The verdict: Make it happen

Regardless of what happens next week at Wembley against Huddersfield Town in the play-off final, adding Rothwell to the City Ground ranks would be a smart move from Cooper.

During the 2021/22 campaign, the energetic midfielder scored three times and provided 10 assists in 41 Championship outings, earning an outstanding 7.08 Sofascore rating whilst winning three duels, making 1.7 key passes and playing on average 77 minutes per game.

Valued at £3.15m by Transfermarkt, signing Rothwell – who has been tipped to become a ‘top player’ by his manager Tony Mowbray – for free would have to be regarded as a superb piece of business to kickstart what could be an exciting summer on the transfer front at the City Ground… especially if there is a Premier League campaign for which to prepare.

David Moyes has led West Ham to an excellent season, securing European qualification for next term and also reaching the Europa League semi-finals, but the Scot will be aiming to go one better.

In order to do so, he will need to strengthen his squad. With more creativity needed, Moyes could have the perfect solution.

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Transfer insider Dean Jones has stated that the Hammers are set to make an offer for exit-bound Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “They are going to make an offer to Jesse Lingard. They haven’t got around to it just yet, but there is going to be something happening on that front.

“We’ll just have to wait and see what that Lingard proposal is, first of all.”

West Ham fans will love it

This is news that’ll leave the West Ham faithful absolutely delighted, given what they have seen before. Lingard joined the club on loan for the second half of the 2020/21 season and he scored nine goals and registered five assists in what was a phenomenal spell in east London.

With the 29-year-old’s contract due to expire at Old Trafford, Moyes has reignited his interest in the player, who is also attracting attention from Serie A trio AC Milan, Juventus, and Roma.

Lingard is demanding a massive £150k-p/w, which is double what he is earning at the moment, and this wage could be the only downside to a potential move.

On a free transfer, though, Moyes could be tempted to secure his signature before too long. The 29-year-old has struggled for regular game-time this season at Manchester United, featuring only 22 times and scoring just twice across a mere 548 minutes of action.

There is no doubt that Moyes could galvanise the player just like he did last season, and the midfielder’s spell at the London Stadium was a true representation of his talent, as he was so close to making Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2020 squad in what would have been a wonderful achievement.

The opportunity appears to be there for Lingard, who would likely get regular game-time and will have the chance to play in Europe at West Ham. Moyes mustn’t let this chance slip away.

AND in other news, Cost £1.5m per goal: GSB made a colossal blunder on “strong” £40k-p/w West Ham flop

Everton manager Frank Lampard could sign his next Mason Mount in the form of midfielder Conor Gallagher this summer, with both players having a lot of similarities.

What’s the story?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT journalist Peter O’Rourke has said that there are many similarities between Gallagher and Mount and that if Everton were to get him it would be a “huge signing”.

It was recently reported by The Daily Star that Everton are one of the clubs interested in signing the player from Chelsea. He spent this past season on loan at Crystal Palace where he impressed greatly.

It was confirmed by Blues boss Tomas Tuchel that Gallagher would return to Chelsea for pre-season and then a decision would be made then.

It’s thought the midfielder’s price tag is as much as £50m.

He can solve Everton’s problems

If a move to Merseyside did happen then it would go a long way in helping solve Everton’s current problems. They secured their Premier League status with a game to spare and are now looking to rebuild.

A player of Gallagher’s quality would surely pull them away from the relegation dogfight for next season. The Toffees scored just 43 goals as they secured a 16th placed Premier League finish and Gallagher’s creative ability would help increase that number.

The 22-year-old made 34 appearances for Palace in the league this season, scoring eight and assisting three. If you compare that to Everton’s players, only forward Richarlison scored more.

When you look at Gallagher in relation to his positional peers in Europe’s top five leagues over the past year, his performances are outstanding. He ranks in the top 2% for successful dribbles that lead to a goal, and the top 3% for pressures in the attacking third which shows his work rate.

It’s no wonder he has been dubbed as the “next Mount” by pundit Noel Whelan to Football Insider.

“Even though he is young, he’s very much in the mould of Mason Mount. He’s got that kind of attitude where he wants to be the star, the next Mount, he wants to be the player who gets hold of the game and is always making things happen.

“He’s brave, he makes himself available, he’s got no fear. That’s the way it should be,” he added.

Chelsea have yet another talented academy product on their hands, but he’s not going to want to sit on the bench. If Tuchel can’t offer him enough game time then he’ll want to go somewhere that will.

Although he would be offered that at Everton, it would take a lot of money to buy him permanently given his talent. A loan deal would look more likely, Gallagher only earning £17k per week would allow The Toffees to recover financially.

AND in other news: Everton eye £30m swoop for 21 y/o “special talent”, just imagine him and Gordon…

An ever-reliable source has dropped a major update about Tottenham Hotspur’s summer transfer plans…

What’s the word?

According to football.london reporter Alasdair Gold, the north London outfit are looking to bolster Antonio Conte’s playing squad with two central defensive additions, particularly if either of Joe Rodon or Japhet Tanganga depart on loan in the coming months.

“A big piece on Spurs’ search for new centre-backs this summer, including the latest on Alessandro Bastoni and some of the other names that can be found on [Fabio] Paratici and Conte’s defender transfer wishlist,” he tweeted alongside an accompanying article.

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It’s thought that a left-sided option is the main priority, with Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni and RB Leipzig’s Josko Gvardiol among the top targets.

Other names on Spurs’ shortlist include Villarreal’s Pau Torres, Crystal Palace gem Marc Guehi, Torino’s Gleison Bremer and Barcelona colossus Clement Lenglet.

Exciting options

It’s certainly an exciting time to be a member of the Lilywhites faithful and this latest claim from one of the most trustworthy sources is sure to elevate hopes even more heading into next season.

After qualifying for the Champions League in stunning fashion on the final day of the 2021/22 campaign, Conte will know just how important squad depth will be when trying to compete for three or four different trophies.

Since his arrival in November, the Italian head coach has stuck by a three-man defensive line of Eric Dier, Cristian Romero and left-back Ben Davies, who has done a solid enough job, but in the long run, Conte needs an out-and-out colossus to pair with the other two.

Both Bastoni and Gvardiol are hugely appealing names but they could both prove to be the most difficult of the names on the shortlist to sign – Inter want £51m for the Italy international, who Conte has managed before, whilst the Leipzig star would far exceed that and he’s said to be happy there.

The fallback options aren’t bad at all, though, with Torres probably the pick of the bunch.

He has played a big role in Villarreal’s recent rise in Europe, winning the Europa League in 2021 before a stunning run to the Champions League semi-finals this season.

The £45m-rated titan has been lauded as an “extraordinary talent” by former Yellow Submarines midfielder Javi Calleja.

Many watchers of the Premier League have seen what Guehi has been able to achieve under Spurs’ former foe Patrick Vieira at Crystal Palace, whilst Paratici and Conte will know about Bremer from their time in Serie A.

That then leaves Lenglet, who is perhaps the most uninspiring of the bunch but that said, his experience could prove to be influential to Spurs if it boiled down to him.

All in all, Spurs supporters must be absolutely buzzing by this big reveal. If the north Londoners can seal two solid centre-backs this summer, then you really will have to take them seriously next season – that’s for sure.

AND in other news, Paratici given green light for “unbelievable” £40m Spurs signing, he’s Conte’s “dream”…

Newcastle United are interested in signing FC Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa, according to a report from Portuguese newspaper Jornal de Notícias (via Sport Witness). 

The lowdown: Rising star

Brought up in the famed Porto academy, Costa has already made 146 appearances across all levels for the Portuguese giants despite his tender years.

Only 22-years-old, the fully-fledged senior Portugal international made a first-team debut in 2019 against Boavista and has since amassed 68 senior outings for the illustrious club.

Under contract until 2026 (Transfermarkt), Newcastle could now be preparing an audacious attempt to bring the young stopper to the Premier League.

The latest: Magpies interested

As per Jornal de Notícias, translated by SW, Newcastle are ready to ‘really advance for the signing’ this summer.

It’s claimed that officials at St James’ Park have Costa ‘very well referenced’, having been attentive to the three-cap star’s talents for some time.

Possessing a €60million (£51million) release clause, it’s believed newly appointed transfer chief Dan Ashworth would need to bid at least €40million (£31million) for Porto to even consider a sale of the goalkeeper hailed by journalist Zach Lowy for a ‘superb’ display against Benfica.

The verdict: Make it happen

After previously nailed on number one choice Martin Dubravka succumbed to a series of regular lengthy injury absences, the gloves have been somewhat of a poisoned chalice at Newcastle.

Karl Darlow took over the mantle for a short period but inconsistent performances soon led Dubravka back into the fold under Eddie Howe. Aged 33 and 31 respectively, it’s no surprise that Howe would be looking for a long-term alternative to both Dubravka and Darlow.

Overall during 2021/22, Costa kept 15 clean sheets and saved 69.7 per cent of the shots taken against him (Fbref), higher than Dubravka’s 67.9 and Darlow’s 64.9 for the same statistic.

Holding a market value of £22.5million, signing the talented Portuguese ‘keeper for anything close to the mooted asking price would be a big expenditure but perhaps one to truly kickstart Ashworth’s plans.

In other news: Newcastle eyeing move for PL pass master Eddie Howe loves, read more here

Jurgen Klopp faces an interesting summer ahead as Liverpool manager as he aims to rejuvenate his squad ahead of another tilt at success next season.

The Anfield club won two trophies last season and came so close to Premier League and Champions League glory but the German constantly wants to improve wherever possible.

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One of their key transfer targets in Aurelien Tchouameni appears to be heading to Real Madrid from Monaco, and this could have been a real blow to Liverpool’s ambitions next season.

Klopp is a master of recruitment, though, and this news will have only had a small impact on the 54-year-old before thoughts turn to other targets, and there may be good news when it comes to a midfielder that the Reds are chasing.

Ibrahim Sangare, the PSV Eindhoven midfielder with whom Liverpool have been linked, has said that he believes he will be a Premier League player next season. With his heart set on a move to England, the Reds face competition from Manchester United and Chelsea.

With three years remaining on his contract and a €35m (£29.7m) release clause, it’s a deal which certainly won’t break the bank compared to what Tchouameni would have cost.

The 24-year-old played 38 matches for PSV last season, scoring four goals in total, mainly in a defensive midfield position. Sangare ranked third in the Eredivisie for interceptions with 72, while his 64 tackles was the second-most in the division.

These figures clearly show that his defensive attributes are top-class, and he could fit into Klopp’s midfield with ease alongside someone like Thiago, who could be given licence to go forward more often and pick out deft passes from which the front three can work their magic in the final third.

Former PSV manager Aad de Mos lauded Sangare as “dangerous” recently, and his performances for the Eindhoven club last season allowed him to showcase his abilities, both attacking-wise and defensively.

For just under £30m, it could be a wise investment for Klopp and Liverpool to make.

AND in other news, James Pearce drops “laughable” Liverpool transfer development, FSG will be furious

Celtic defender Christopher Jullien could reportedly be in line to remain at Parkhead next term, despite previous reports linking the Frenchman with a move away from the club.

What’s the word?

According to the Daily Record, the 29-year-old is keen to ‘stay and fight for his place’ under manager Ange Postecoglou, despite recent suggestions that he could be set for a return to Ligue 1, having been signed from Toulouse in a £7m deal in 2019.

The report does state, however, that the Old Firm side would be willing to ‘listen to offers’ for the 6 foot 5 colossus this summer, albeit with the Glasgow outfit yet to receive any ‘concrete bids’ to prise him from the club.

Should the centre-back not be sold in the current window, the Scottish champions face the prospect of losing him for nothing next year, with just 12 months remaining on his existing deal.

Supporters annoyed

Although it may be somewhat commendable that the £4.95m-rated man is keen to try and work his way back into the manager’s plans, there will no doubt be sections of support who are frustrated and annoyed by this latest news, with it seemingly having been the ideal time to cash in on the towering defender to raise funds for incomings.

The £20k-per-week giant made just a solitary, 16-minute appearance in all competitions last term, having been unable to unsettle the “immense” partnership of Carl Starfelt and Cameron Carter-Vickers, as the duo have been dubbed by pundit Chris Sutton.

The pair were instrumental as the Hoops wrestled the title back from bitter rivals Rangers, with the latter man having since made his loan move permanent from Premier League side, Tottenham Hotspur.

That recent signing has only served to rubberstamp Jullien’s continued slide down the pecking order, with the one-time Freiburg man having failed to regain his starting berth of late, despite having been available for selection for much of the second half of last term.

The former France U20 international had been out for over a year due to injury prior to his return to fitness at the start of 2022, with that lengthy absence curtailing what had been a bright start to life at the club under Neil Lennon.

Under new management, however, it would appear that he is not quite the right fit, with it perhaps best if he is moved on in the next few months, particularly with the club targeting other centre-back additions – including Manchester City starlet Taylor Harwood-Bellis.

Supporters won’t want to see Jullien taking up space in the squad for another season, while for the player’s own sake he would perhaps be better served seeking out pastures new.

IN other news, Celtic’s next summer signing now a “matter of time”, Ange will be absolutely delighted

Celtic are yet to receive any official bids for right-back Josip Juranovic this summer, reliable journalist Mark Hendry has confirmed.

The Lowdown: Juranovic’s future unclear

The future of the Croatian is up in the air at the moment, with recent reports suggesting he could leave Parkhead during the summer transfer window.

Juranovic was a consistent performer for Celtic last season, vying with Anthony Ralston for regular playing time and making 26 appearances in the Scottish Premiership.

A new update has now emerged regarding the situation – one that could suggest the defender is set to stay put.

The Latest: Hendry drops fresh claim

According to Football Scotland‘s Hendry on Twitter, Celtic have received ‘no bids’ for Juranovic to date, even though clubs are ‘monitoring his progress’.

It is claimed that he is ‘excited’ about potentially playing Champions League football next season, which hints at him staying put at Parkhead.

The Verdict: Keep him

Juranovic has been hailed as an ‘important’ player by Ange Postecoglou and he showed his quality last season in his first year at the club.

The Croatia international averaged 1.4 tackles and 1.5 clearances per game in the league in 2021/22, as well as playing 1.3 key passes per match – only Ralston (1.4) averaged more out of Celtic’s defenders.

The hope is that Juranovic remains a Hoops player moving forward, but should a bid arrive from another top club, his head may end being turned, forcing Postecoglou into the transfer market for a new right-back.

A claim has emerged regarding Sunderland’s pursuit of Leicester City goalkeeper Daniel Iversen in the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

The Black Cats are reportedly interested in a deal to sign the Dane in the coming weeks, although Alan Nixon has now revealed that they are one of numerous teams eyeing him up.

When asked about Sunderland’s chances of landing the shot-stopper, the journalist tweeted: “There’s a queue for him”. He went on to add that it “doesn’t sound like there’s much money about” for the Wearside club ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

When questioned on the budget, Nixon said: “Young guy comes in with big ideas. Then finds out the reality and cost of football. I think they will start spending low and if it goes well … then have a go. Maybe not a bad strategy. You don’t blow all your cash at once. Seen that before and clubs go pop.”

Speakman will be concerned

Black Cats sporting director Kristjaan Speakman must now be concerned that he will not be able to negotiate a deal to sign former Preston loanee Iversen this summer.

Nixon’s claim that the club do not have much money to work with, coupled with there being a queue for the shot-stopper, does not make for good reading from a Sunderland point of view.

Whilst it remains to be seen who the other interested suitors are in Iversen, Speakman will surely be worried that the lack of funds available to him will put the Wearsiders at a disadvantage in the transfer race.

This will be frustrating for the Stadium of Light chief, as Iversen has the potential to be a superb signing for the Black Cats. He is a proven Championship performer who can come in and push Anthony Patterson for the number one jersey, duly creating real competition for places.

In the 2021/22 campaign, the 24-year-old averaged an excellent SofaScore rating of 6.93 across 46 appearances in the division. He saved 70% of the shots on target against him and kept an impressive 13 clean sheets for the mid-table outfit.

Iversen also spent the second half of the 2020/21 season on loan at Deepdale and averaged a SofaScore rating of 6.95 in 23 games, saving 71% of the shots against him and keeping nine clean sheets.

These statistics show that the 24-year-old knows how to perform consistently to a high level in the second tier, and that is why Speakman will be concerned by the impending battle for his signature.

AND in other news, Speakman can land a big Gooch upgrade at Sunderland with swoop for “fantastic” £33k-p/w wizard…

Gianluca Di Marzio has dropped an update on reported Tottenham Hotspur transfer target Clement Lenglet.

What’s the latest?

In a recent post on Twitter, the Italian journalist revealed that, following a number of reports linking Fabio Paratici with a move for the Barcelona centre-back this summer, the 27-year-old is now set to sign for Antonio Conte’s side on loan – with a deal between the two clubs having now been completed.

In his tweet, Di Marzio said: “Clement Lenglet set to join Spurs on loan from FC Barcelona. Done deal.”

Conte will be buzzing

While it is true that Lenglet was not Conte’s first-choice target for the signing of a new left-sided centre-back this summer, with Tottenham having been heavily linked with both Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni and RB Leipzig’s Josko Gvardiol, the news that Spurs look now set to land the France international will nevertheless have left the Italian manager buzzing.

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Indeed, while the defender has fallen down the Barcelona pecking order since Xavi’s appointment at the Camp Nou last November – starting just five LaLiga fixtures under the 42-year-old manager – Lenglet’s metrics over the last 365 days very much suggest that he could be something of a perfect fit on the left of Conte’s back three at Tottenham.

According to FBRef data, the £170k-per-week left-footer ranks in the top 1% of centre-backs in Europe’s big five leagues for passes attempted per 90, in addition to the top 1% for progressive passes, the top 1% for progressive carries, the top 18% for passes completed, the top 6% for assists, the top 15% for pressures, the top 39% for tackles and the top 43% for aerial duels won over the past 12 months.

As such, while he may not be the long-term prospect many Tottenham supporters would have been hoping for Paratici to land this summer, it would appear as if Lenglet more than possesses the ability to be being the ball-playing centre-back Conte was looking to add to his options at the back ahead of the new Premier League campaign – leading us to believe that Di Marzio’s latest update will have delighted the 52-year-old manager, especially after the club’s earlier capture of Richarlison.

AND in other news: Reliable journo drops big Spurs transfer update, supporters will be fuming with Levy