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Liverpool are interested in signing Sporting CP defender Goncalo Inacio, who has a €45m (£39m) release clause included in his contract, according to reports from Portugal.

What's the latest Liverpool transfer news?

Torino defender Perr Schuurs is emerging as a key target for Liverpool, with Tuttosport reporting they have had an opening offer of €30m (£26m) rejected by the Italian club, however they are set to return to the negotiating table with a fresh bid.

Jurgen Klopp has instructed FSG to sign the Dutchman at any cost, so the German tactician is clearly determined to win the race for his signature, but he is not the manager's only defensive target, with Bayer Leverkusen's Edmond Tapsoba also emerging as an option.

90min report that Tottenham Hotspur are also in talks with the Burkina Faso international, though they are concerned about growing interest from the Reds and Newcastle United, so there may be a transfer battle on the cards and it is clear Liverpool want a new central defender.

With Ibrahima Konate recently being linked with a move to Napoli, Klopp could be forced to bring in multiple new additions at centre-back this summer, and there has now been an update on the pursuit of Inacio.

Sport Witness relay reports from Portugal, which detail that Klopp is "not satisfied" with his defence, and the Sporting CP defender is "one of the names" on his list of targets for this window.

Liverpool are said to have sent scouts to watch the 21-year-old on several occasions last season, and they would have no problem meeting the €45m (£39m) release clause included in his contract.

However, the Reds may have to move swiftly if they want to sign the youngster for a lower amount, as Sporting are working on offering him a new deal, which would ideally see his release clause raised to €80m (£69m).

As such, if Liverpool are going to make their move, they will need to do so before any contract is signed.

How good is Goncalo Inacio?

The Almada-born defender almost exclusively plays at centre-back, but that has not stopped him from pitching in down the other end of the pitch, ranking in the 98th percentile for assists, and in the 99th percentile for shot-creating actions per 90 in the past year, when compared with other centre-backs.

Lauded as a "sensation" by football scout Jacek Kulig, the youngster has a keen eye for cutting out opposition attacks, averaging 1.4 interceptions per game last season, the second-highest figure of any Sporting player who played more than two games.

Although he is still very young, the Portugal international is already well-adjusted to first-team football, having made a minimum of 25 appearances in all competitions for Sporting over the past three seasons.

In the 2021-22 campaign, the starlet averaged more passes per game than any other player in the Portuguese top flight, highlighting how composed he is in possession of the ball.

£39m could end up being a steal for Inacio, and Liverpool should move quickly before he puts pen to paper on a new deal.

West Ham United have “enquired” about a deal to sign Chelsea forward Callum Hudson-Odoi this summer, according to CBS reporter Ben Jacobs.

Is Callum Hudson-Odoi leaving Chelsea?

The Blues academy graduate was sent out on a season-long loan to Bayer Leverkusen last term in the hope of finding him some regular game time, but having only started seven games out of 34 in the Bundesliga, the left-sided winger had an underwhelming spell on the road.

With the Premier League starlet’s contract at his parent club expiring at the end of the next campaign, Mauricio Pochettino is reportedly set to hold crunch talks with the 22-year-old this week regarding his future in SW6, and should he depart, he seemingly won’t be short of potential suitors.

Back in August 2022, 90min credited the Irons with an interest in signing England’s former international before he made the temporary move to Germany, and despite a deal failing to materialise at the time, David Moyes is looking to take a second bite of the cherry.

Are West Ham signing Hudson-Odoi?

Writing in his column for CaughtOffside, Jacobs name-checked West Ham as potential suitors for Hudson-Odoi but admitted that the Chelsea attacker is yet to make a full decision as to where his next destination will be. He said:

“As has been reported, a move to Saudi Arabia is certainly an option for Callum Hudson-Odoi this summer. But nothing has been decided just yet. Hudson-Odoi is assessing his future and may prefer to stay in Europe. Despite a relatively underwhelming loan at Bayer Leverkusen last season, there is no shortage of interest in the 22-year-old.

“Keep an eye on Brentford and Fulham. Crystal Palace and West Ham have also enquired. Newcastle are a historic suitor, but not currently considering a move. There is also some initial interest from Atalanta.”

Should Moyes take a chance on Hudson-Odoi?

West Ham will know that Hudson-Odoi wasn’t handed as many minutes as he would have hoped at Bayer Leverkusen hence why he only recorded one goal and assist during his time there, but he still has the potential to pose a threat in the final third.

Last season, the Adidas-sponsored gem, who pockets £120k-per-week, ranked in the 87th percentile for progressive carries so loves to take on his marker and push his team up the pitch, but he also recorded 3.86 shot-creating actions per league game which was the third-highest total throughout Xabi Alonso’s squad, via FBRef.

Chelsea’s “monster of a talent”, as dubbed by journalist Nizaar Kinsella, would further add excellent versatility to the manager’s ranks with his ability to operate all across the frontline and even three roles in the midfield, so with the game time that he’d receive in E20, it’s well worth bringing him to the London Stadium.

Aston Villa are in advanced talks to sign West Bromwich Albion midfielder Rico Richards, according to a recent report from Football Insider.

What's the latest Aston Villa transfer news?

Despite having already completed the signing of Youri Tielemans, Villa are keen to bolster their midfield even further, and they have emerged as potential suitors for Villarreal's Alex Baena, who is said to be valued at €50m (£43m).

Leeds United's Tyler Adams is another option for the Villans following the Whites' relegation from the Premier League, however, the likes of Brighton & Hove Albion, Everton and Nottingham Forest have also enquired about his availability.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain reportedly "expects" to make the switch to Villa Park this summer after leaving Liverpool, and Unai Emery has now been presented with another opportunity to snap up a midfielder on a free transfer.

According to a report from Football Insider, Villa are in advanced talks to sign Richards, who will be available for free upon the expiration of his contract with West Brom at the end of this month.

Talks have progressed well and Emery's recruitment team are confident of securing a full agreement with the 19-year-old, who primarily plays in advanced midfield, but can also play on either wing and up front.

To begin with, the youngster could join the likes of Louie Barry and Aaron Ramsey in the under-21 setup at Villa Park.

Who is Rico Richards?

The starlet has come through the ranks at West Bromwich Albion, making a total of 52 appearances in the Premier League 2, during which time he has registered a respectable six goals and eight assists.

After impressing at youth level, the Englishman was handed one appearance in the Championship last season, though that ten-minute cameo is the only experience he has of first-team football.

As such, the midfielder is likely to be some way off competing for a starting place at Villa Park, but he has certainly caught the eye in the youth setup, being hailed as "splendid" by journalist Joe Chapman after a quality display against Arsenal.

Villa are now in the privileged position of being able to attract top-quality young players, and there is every indication the West Brom youngster is in that bracket, recording nine goal contributions in 19 Premier League 2 games last season.

Given that Richards is available on a free transfer, it is a very low-risk signing, and it is exciting news that a deal is edging closer to completion.

Fulham are interested in making a move for Manchester United midfielder Fred this summer, who has been valued at £20m, according to Jason Burt of The Telegraph.

Fulham transfer news – will they sign Fred?

With just one year left on his current deal at Manchester United, if Fred is to leave the Red Devils, it would make sense for them to cash in this summer.

With Fulham interested, too, a move to the London club may well happen before the start of the forthcoming Premier League season.

Marco Silva could see the Brazilian as a replacement for Joao Palhinha, who has been linked with a move to West Ham United, as they seek to replace the departing Declan Rice.

According to Fabrizio Romano, the Hammers are set to make their first approach for the midfielder.

Would Fred be an upgrade on Harrison Reed?

After Fulham shocked the Premier League to finish in the top half in their first season back in the top flight, not many upgrades are needed in Silva's side.

If they are to keep their place in the top half, however, then welcoming a player of Fred's experience wouldn't be a bad start this summer.

As solid as Harrison Reed has been for the Cottagers, the Brazilian would simply be a significant upgrade, as backed up by the stats.

Silva's side broke into the top half through their free-flowing football, and adding Fred would only enhance that style of play and hand the likes of Aleksandar Mitrovic more service and, therefore, more goals.

As per FBref, when compared to Reed last season, the United man made more progressive passes per 90 and had a better pass completion rate, too.

Meanwhile, defensively speaking, the "magnificent" Fred – as lauded by his manager Erik ten Hag – also lost fewer challenges than the current Fulham midfielder and made more blocks per 90. So, with that said, the London club would be getting themselves a player capable of bettering Reed offensively and defensively.

Not to mention the trophies he has picked up at Old Trafford either.

Speaking about the Brazilian machine back in 2019, Sky Sports pundit, Jamie Redknapp said, via Manchester Evening News:

"The stick he received was remarkable. From 'useless' to 'waste of money', he was called it all. Maybe he is not the answer for Manchester United in the long term. Maybe he won't be their midfield lynchpin for years to come.

"But he has dug deep and refused to let the critics win. He was superb against City. In the same way everyone was quick to criticise, let's give him the credit he deserves, too."

After playing just 1231 minutes in the Premier League for Manchester United – the same as just over 13 games – Fred may feel as though now is the right time to move on from Old Trafford.

A side on the up such as Fulham would certainly make for an interesting project, too. We saw his former teammate Andreas Pereira make the same move last summer, before going on to enjoy a far better season at Craven Cottage than any that he experienced on an individual level for the Red Devils.

It is a transfer that would see Fulham upgrade on Reed, and Fred receive far more game time.

Newcastle United are 'progressing well' in their attempts to bring Leicester City playmaker James Maddison to St James' Park this summer, according to journalist Rudy Galetti.

What's the latest transfer news involving James Maddison?

According to Football Insider, Newcastle United are said to be 'frontrunners' in the race to sign Maddison this summer amid stiff competition from other Premier League sides.

The report states that Newcastle United are ahead of Tottenham Hotspur in their pursuit of the £110k-a-week ace, who is set for an exit from Leicester City in the next few months due to their relegation to the Sky Bet Championship.

Sky Sports also broadly state along the same lines that Newcastle United are in pole position to bring in Maddison; however, the outlet detail that Spurs could 'formalise' a bid now that they have appointed a new manager in the form of Ange Postecoglou.

Maddison caught the eye of the Magpies in January, though Leicester City were unwilling to do business mid-season, which is a stance that they look to have changed and it is now believed that they are open to offers for the Coventry-born playmaker.

As per The Guardian, Maddison's teammate Harvey Barnes is also a target for Newcastle United as they plot a double raid of the Foxes' best talents ahead of 2023/24.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Galetti has revealed that talks between Maddison and Newcastle United over a summer transfer are going well.

Galetti said: "The talks between Newcastle and Leicester over James Maddison are progressing well, even if not at a great pace. I’m told Newcastle want to strengthen every role of their squad after the qualification for next season’s Champions League and they are working on multiple deals."

Would James Maddison be a good signing for Newcastle United?

Maddison would be a brilliant addition for Newcastle United who would add some extra flair to their talented midfield at St James' Park looking forward to next term.

In 2022/23, the England international made 32 appearances in all competitions for Leicester City, registering ten goals and nine assists, as per Transfermarkt.

Proving to be an inventive presence in the Foxes' midfield, Maddison also successfully performed 138 shot-creating actions in the Premier League, as tallied by FBRef.

Possessing a keen goal threat, Maddison hit an average of 2.8 shots per game in the English top-flight, demonstrating his penchant to make things happen despite the faltering nature of the team around him this term, as per WhoScored.

Newcastle United are preparing for Champions League football under Eddie Howe and bringing Maddison to Tyneside could help to take the Magpies to the next level.

Aston Villa will know about their chances of bringing Sevilla sporting director Monchi to the club by Monday, according to a fresh update.

Are Villa keen on Monchi?

The Villans are flying as a club at the moment, with everyone seemingly pulling in the right direction and a great period in the club's history potentially on the horizon.

They enjoyed a brilliant 2022/23 season – one that ended in a seventh-place finish in the Premier League and qualification for the UEFA Europa Conference League – but the hope is that this is only the start under Unai Emery.

It could be that a new sporting director is looked at in the summer, in order to aid Emery in the transfer market, and Monchi has been linked with a move to Villa. The 54-year-old is a hugely influential figure in his field, having enjoyed a playing career in the past, and he been in his current role on-and-off since 2000.

As Villa look to make what could feel like a major appointment, a key update has emerged to make the current situation a little clearer.

When will Monchi decision be made?

According to ABC Sevilla [via Sport Witness], Sevilla have put a "48-hour deadline" on Monchi when it comes to making a decision over his future, with the La Liga club not wanting matters to "extend beyond Monday."

He has made it clear that he wants a fresh challenge this summer, having helped Sevilla win the Europa League yet again, with the current situation described as "tense", with an "absolute divorce" the most likely outcome in the near future.

Villa's offer to bring in the Spaniard is described as "very strong financially", as they look to clinch what could be a significant piece of business.

Monchi really could be a superb addition at Villa Park, given his vast experience and success as a sporting director, overseeing two different Europa League triumphs at Sevilla. Emery himself has hailed him as "good person and a good professional" in the past, also saying that they had a strong working relationship, suggesting the pair could again thrive alongside one another at Villa.

It is far from a done deal, but if NSWE can get a move over the line, it could well prove to be the latest major positive in an increasingly promising period at the club, potentially enticing top players to Villa Park this summer in the process.

Celtic are battling to hold on to coach John Kennedy and have been able to halt an approach from Ange Postecoglou and Tottenham thanks to a little known contract clause, according to Football Insider.

What is the latest on Ange Postecoglou leaving Celtic?

The Scottish Premiership side have had a period of success under the leadership of Postecoglou, with the boss taking them to yet another league title victory this season. The side had first-place wrapped up before the final day of the campaign and it meant that the manager had won two league titles in two years with the club.

Add in the Scottish League Cup on two occasions too and the Scottish Cup and it meant that Ange claimed five pieces of silverware in just two seasons of stewardship. It was this form that led to Postecoglou catching the eye of other potential suitors and the boss has finally been lured away from Scotland by Tottenham in the Premier League.

Now, the manager understandably wants to try and make his team and his backroom staff as strong as possible at White Hart Lane – and that means he is eyeing a swoop on his old club for their assistant manager John Kennedy. With the former player having spent over ten years in the backroom team though, they are not keen to let him move on, and it appears as though Celtic may now be able to hold on to their long-serving coach according to Football Insider.

They report that a clause in the contract of Postecoglou is denying Kennedy from making the leap straight to London. That's because the side inserted a stipulation that meant once their former boss departed, he was unable to instantly poach members of his old backroom team for any new side, blocking moves for Kenendy as well as coach Gavin Strachan and analyst Greg Wallace.

How long has John Kennedy been at Celtic?

The coach has worked his way up through the ranks having initially joined as a scout back in January 2010, and has most recently been their assistant manager. His run of 113 games alongside Postecoglou has been his longest in the role, although he also held the same position when Neil Lennon was at the club and Gavin Strachan.

He has worked with their Under-20 and Under-17 teams to boot, meaning that he is not only experienced at helping lead a main squad but has worked with younger players and can identify talent too. He has a wide skillset that would certainly come in useful at Tottenham then, but Postecoglou may have to find somebody else to help him in that role in the interim.

West Ham United are reportedly hoping to secure a reunion with Jesse Lingard this summer, with the player destined to leave Manchester United in the coming months.

What’s the word?

As per Sky Sports News presenter Tom White, “West Ham have made initial enquiries” into bringing the versatile midfielder back to the London Stadium in the upcoming transfer window, with the 29-year-old set to be available on a free once his existing deal expires in June.

Having spent the second half of the 2020/21 season on loan in east London, the Red Devils academy graduate had been linked with a £25m permanent move to the Hammers last summer. Instead, he ultimately spent the entire campaign back at Old Trafford, where he was restricted to a bit-part role.

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A loan move to Newcastle United also fell through in January towards the end of the month, with a host of clubs now set to reinvigorate their interest to try and capture the 32-cap international for nothing.

Supporters will be delighted

That news will no doubt be music to the ears of Irons supporters and David Moyes, with the £18m-rated maestro having been a revelation during his previous stint at the club, rejuvenating his career after falling out of favour under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Old Trafford.

In a stunning six-month spell at the London Stadium, Lingard netted nine goals and registered five assists in just 16 appearances for Moyes’ team, helping the club to secure Europa League qualification after narrowly missing out on the top four.

That blistering form saw the Warrington native with 165 Premier League appearances return to the England setup under Gareth Southgate, albeit that he was omitted from the Euro 2020 squad, with it expected that he would be able to kick on in the 2021/22 campaign.

However, his decision to remain at the Theatre of Dreams rather than push for an exit last summer has not gone to plan, as the £80k-per-week playmaker has started just two league games all season, having failed to earn a starting berth despite some notable cameos in the early months of the campaign.

One such outing saw the 29-year-old come off the bench to haunt the Irons, netting a stunning curled effort late on to secure a 2-1 victory for the Red Devils last September.

That strike was simply a marker of his undoubted quality, and it was bizarre to see him not being afforded a chance to prove his worth at Man United over the last few months, despite their dismal form.

It is easy to forget that this is a player who has scored at a World Cup and netted in three Wembley triumphs for his current club, with the Red Devils potentially more to blame for his current woes than he is himself.

Should GSB be able to secure a deal this summer, it would no doubt represent a major coup, with West Ham supporters set to be hoping that he can recapture the stunning performances that he showed at the London Stadium last year.

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

Manchester United have reportedly made contact with Kalidou Koulibaly’s agent over a possible summer transfer.

The Lowdown: Koulibaly links

The Red Devils have been linked with Koulibaly for a number of years now and have seemingly come close to his services on a number of occasions.

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Back in 2020, reports claimed that a £60m move to Old Trafford was done, whereas stories last year suggested the club snubbed a £34m deal in favour of signing Raphael Varane.

Koulibaly, who has been described as the ‘second-best defender in the world’ by Serie A expert Conor Clancy, has remained with Napoli, but it looks as if rumours over a Manchester United move have started once again ahead of the summer window.

The Latest: Contact made

Sports Witness relayed an update from Area Napoli regarding Koulibaly on Friday. They claimed that there has now been contact between United and Fali Ramadani, Koulibaly’s agent.

There is hope from Ramadani that some teams could offer €35m (£29.7m) for the defender’s services, with Erik ten Hag keen on bolstering the club’s centre-back ranks.

The Verdict: Ship sailed?

Koulibaly is valued at £40.5m by Transfermarkt, so a potential £29.7m summer move would be seen as a cheap one given the £60m links two years ago.

However, the Senegal international will turn 31 next month and has seen his valuation drop from £67.5m since 2019, so you could argue that United could be better off looking elsewhere.

Another centre-back who has been linked is Sporting CP’s Goncalo Inacio, with an offer from United thought to be ‘imminent’, so perhaps looking to build for the future with Inacio may be a better decision than pursuing Koulibaly, who seems to be past his prime based on valuation.

In other news: Fabrizio Romano: Man Utd have now agreed key deal for ‘important’ Old Trafford move. 

Tottenham Hotspur’s Sergio Reguilon now fears the axe by manager Antonio Conte as Barcelona eye a surprise move to sign the former Real Madrid talent, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Conte overhaul looming?

The Spurs head coach is reportedly plotting a major summer overhaul with as many as six major signings on his mind (The Telegraph).

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Conte wishes to add a reserve goalkeeper, right-wing-back, central defender, two midfielders and a new forward to his ranks as he prepares for a first full 2022/2023 season in charge at the Premier League club.

Several Lilywhites players have been tipped to make way as transfer chief Fabio Paratici is tasked with balancing the books and ensuring Conte’s transfer market wishes are fulfilled.

Now, sharing an update on who could leave north London, chief football writer John Cross of The Daily Mirror has an update for supporters.

The Latest: Cross makes Reguilon claim…

According to his sources, La Liga giants Barca are eyeing a ‘sensational’ move to sign former Real Madrid academy ace Reguilon from Spurs.

As well as this, the 25-year-old ‘fears he is not part of Conte’s long-term plans’ as he grows fearful of the Italian’s possible axe.

It is thought that Reguilon ‘could be surplus to requirements’ and it looks ‘increasingly likely he will leave’.

The Verdict: Let him go?

Depending on whether Madrid activate their £27.5 million buy-back clause for the defender or if it is Barca who end up swooping in, letting Reguilon depart should be considered by Paratici and Conte.

Ryan Sessegnon has been shining in the left-wing-back role when deployed and the Spaniard’s exit could help to balance Spurs’ worrying homegrown quota issue.

The potential fee will also bolster Paratici’s transfer kitty to fund summer swoops and appeasing Conte’s wishes in the summer will be crucial in keeping him at the club.

Lauded as a ‘top-class’ player by former Spurs keeper Paul Robinson, a Reguilon sale may well be one to watch out for regardless of his quality at times.

In other news: Fabrizio Romano: Conte could lose ‘monster’ Spurs player who’s now ‘expected to leave’…find out more here.