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Chelsea are reportedly in discussions with Southampton over re-signing Tino Livramento this summer with a view to loaning the right-back immediately back to the Saints.

How much is Tino Livramento worth?

According to the Daily Mail, Southampton have already rejected two offers from Newcastle United for Livramento, the most recent of which was in the region of £21m.

It is claimed that if Chelsea wish to trump top-four Premier League rivals Newcastle for the England U21 international, they may have to splash out as much as £38m.

That is an almighty fee given that Chelsea received just £4m when Southampton signed the youngster – who had never played a game at senior level – two years ago.

Do Chelsea need Tino Livramento?

First and foremost, Chelsea already have Reece James – one of the finest full-backs on the continent when fit – and highly rated new arrival Malo Gusto competing for a right-back spot next season, while long-serving Cesar Azpilicueta is still at the club for now.

Mauricio Pochettino is not exactly in desperate need of a right-back, then, even if Livramento is clearly a talented player, with other positions far more in need of upgrades.

Chelsea have mixed experiences when it comes to bringing players back to Stamford Bridge, with high-profile examples being Didier Drogba, Nemanja Matic, David Luiz and Romelu Lukaku.

That most recent example is particularly pertinent as Chelsea paid a club-record £97.5m to re-sign Lukaku from Inter Milan two years ago, only to loan him back last season. As things stand, it is unclear whether the Belgian will return to Stamford Bridge for the 2023-24 campaign, or once again be sent out on loan.

Either way, the West London outfit will surely wish they had not let their heart rule their head when paying big for Lukaku, with the powerful Belgian scoring just 15 goals in 44 matches since returning.

Livramento and Lukaku are two completely different players at different stages of their careers, of course, but lessons must be learned. After all, it must be remembered that the Southampton youngster has played just 34 senior matches in his entire career.

There is no doubt that Livramento looked "top-class", as per scout Jacek Kulig, during his maiden campaign at Southampton, but a long-term injury restricted him to just two Premier League outings in 2023-24, and there is no guarantee that he will be able to regain his previous level any time soon.

Even when earning widespread praise in his debut top-flight term, then-Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl warned Livramento he "still has a lot of things to learn". Having not played a great deal of football since then, it is hard to know if said lessons have been learned.

With a massive price tag, a history of injuries and so little senior football, there is no doubt Chelsea would be taking a huge risk if they reach an agreement to sign Livramento.

When you also consider fellow youngster Gusto has outperformed Livramento in a number of areas across both players' careers, ranging from goal involvements (0.14 per 90 minutes v 0.07) to tackles (2.43 v 2.26), as per FBref, then you have to question whether the Blues risk getting another transfer call totally wrong.

Wolverhampton Wanderers boss Julen Lopetegui has been assured that the club will make several first-team signings following the sale of Ruben Neves this summer, according to Dean Jones.

No side scored less goals than the club's 31 in the Premier League last season and with a talent like Neves leaving, there's a lot of work to be done to address the glaring weaknesses left in the squad.

Money was initially an issue for Wolves, with the club facing financial difficulties, but following the big-money sale of the Portuguese midfielder, there have now been assurances to Lopetegui that deals will be made and money will be spent.

What's the latest Wolves transfer news?

With their star player in Neves leaving, Wolves have their work cut out for them as they look to replace the midfielder's presence within the squad, and they've had their eye on a young, promising talent from the Championship.

Bristol City's Alex Scott is a name that is on the club's radar according to Birmingham Mail, but they face stiff competition for the prospect, with Serie A side Inter Milan also interested in him, Italian outlet Tuttomercatoweb reports.

The club has been faced with financial difficulties lately, with Lopetegui admitting that competing in the Premier League would be difficult unless they fixed their money issues, but with the sale of Neves, they might have been handed a lifeline.

What has Dean Jones said about Wolves' transfer business?

While losing your highly-rated captain is never easy, the sale of Neves may have been a blessing in disguise for Wolves, with the money generated from his departure helping the club's money problems, Jones revealed.

Speaking to Football FanCast, the journalist said: "The sale of Neves really helps Wolves get back on their feet here. So, it's probably a relief to more than anything to Lopetegui. That Neves deal to Saudi really helps him."

According to Jones, the Wolves board has also assured the manager that they will be active this summer, saying: "He's been assured that the club will make signings. I still don't think it will be quite to the level he probably dreamed of a few months back and his vision is probably going to have to alter slightly."

How big a miss will Ruben Neves be to Wolves?

While making £47m on a sale is going to help Wolves massively off of the pitch, losing Neves is going to be a big blow on it.

Just in terms of his impact, no one in the side had a better average WhoScored rating than his 6.95 for the club last season and in a team starved for goals, he was the joint top scorer, with six Premier League strikes to his name.

He was head and shoulders above the rest of the side last year, being named Man of the Match on five different occasions, the most of anyone at the club and only Max Killman and Jose Sa played more minutes in all competitions than Neves' 3408, showing how heavily the club relied on him during their struggles.

So, of course, while the money will be a huge help to the side's current financial troubles, Neves is going to be a major miss for the club next season, and they'll almost certainly have a hard job replacing him.

West Ham United's captain Declan Rice has been the talk of the transfer window so far, and with so many twists and turns surrounding his future, Football FanCast is here to keep you informed on all the latest updates.

What's the latest on Rice?

After two failed bids, Arsenal's third offer worth £105m has been accepted by the Hammers.

Talks will continue over the structure of the deal, but by all accounts, Mikel Arteta should have his man.

The Gunners have been working tirelessly to reach an agreement for Rice and have faced competition for his signature throughout. The highly sought-after midfielder was subject to a £90m bid from treble winners Manchester City, but that effort was knocked back.

The Citizens then withdrew from the race after deciding against matching Arsenal's colossal bid, which would've come as a relief to Arteta and the Gunners board.

Now, after a long drawn-out transfer saga, Rice is closing in on a move to the Premier League runners-up, but his medical won't take place until the structure of the payment is agreed with the Irons.

Who else was interested?

Apart from the aforementioned Arsenal and Manchester City, Manchester United had been touted as potential suitors.

According to Football Insider, the Red Devils were prepared to offer £45m plus two players – one of whom was believed to be captain Harry Maguire – for Rice.

But that deal never transpired and Erik ten Hag's side seem focused on landing Chelsea's Mason Mount.

Chelsea had registered their interest in the 43-cap England international but appeared more intent on trying to bring Moisés Caicedo to Stamford Bridge. The Guardian further added that the prospect of losing Mount had not helped their chances of signing his best friend.

Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich were another club mooted as a potential destination for Rice but they withdrew their interest after the deal became more and more expensive.

Who did Rice want to join?

Rice's preferred destination always appeared to be Arsenal. The Guardian reported earlier this month that he would like to remain in London and be close to his family after becoming a father last year.

He had held talks with Pep Guardiola, and there was a feeling City could potentially hijack a deal, particularly after İlkay Gündoğan departure, but there was no indication to suggest his head had turned away from a move to the Gunners.

He admires Arteta's playing style and recognises he would be a regular starter at the Emirates.

Arsenal are reportedly growing closure to securing their first signing of the transfer window, as a Premier League ace edges closer to the Emirates.

Mikel Arteta and Edu are expected to have a busy summer, as the Gunners aim to push to further heights after their title-challenging campaign.

What’s the latest on Kai Havertz to Arsenal?

As reported earlier this week by Fabrizio Romano on his Youtube channel, Chelsea star Kai Havertz remains linked to north London.

As stated on the video (03.58), Romano explains that the German “has an agreement with Arsenal on personal terms”, adding that the Londoners “have to be fast” to secure a deal to capture the forward.

On Tuesday, The Athletic’s David Ornstein added that talks are ‘ongoing’ with Chelsea over the 24-year-old, claiming his ‘preference’ is to join Arsenal.

Mail Sport also covered the saga, saying that a new verbal offer of £60m has been made.

What could Kai Havertz offer to Arsenal?

Havertz hasn’t been the only Premier League gem linked with a move to the Emirates, with Declan Rice being another narrative of the club’s transfer window so far.

The West Ham United midfielder like the German has reportedly favoured a move to Arsenal, in two signings that could gel perfectly to take Arteta’s squad to new heights.

Lauded as "magic" by ESPN reporter Jeff Borzello, the versatile attacker thrives in getting himself into positions in the final third, as supported by his average of 8.27 progressive passes received per 90, via FBref.

On the other side, Rice is a master at passing and creative progressive movement from deep midfield, as conveyed by averaging 6.60 progressive passes per 90, placing him in the top 20% of midfielders in Europe to do so, via FBref.

Having the ability to play as a forward or midfielder, Havertz could add a real threat to Arsenal’s attack in abundance, as shown through his form in the Bundesliga where he registered 61 G/A in 118 appearances playing in central midfield for Bayer Leverkusen.

The German’s versatility could equip the north Londoners with added depth in a number of positions, acting as a perfect outlet for the creators in the side.

West Ham’s captain would thrive playing behind someone as tactically aware as Havertz, who has been praised as a “machine” by talent scout Jacek Kulig for his attacking ability.

As per FBref, Rice averaged 6.31 passes into the final third per 90 on average in the Premier League this season, showing his strengths in picking passes.

Havertz could be the perfect figure to exploit the Englishman’s ability to pass into space, with the Aachen-born gem praised for his movements that see him ‘ghosting into space’, as told by writer Sam Tabuteau via Breaking the Lines.

Arsenal could land the perfect duo to add to Arteta’s attack, in players that boast both experience and along with the talent already on show at the club, it could be an exciting time for the Gunners.

Tottenham Hotspur have identified Tosin Adarabioyo as a central defensive target ahead of the new Premier League season, according to reports…

Tottenham transfer news – Tosin Adarabioyo

The Lilywhites appear to be acting early in the transfer market, having already signed off on a permanent deal for loan sensation Dejan Kulusevski and now the agenda seems to be set on signing reinforcements to Ange Postecoglou's backline.

And the Fulham titan is among the potential options, having also been linked to Brentford shot-stopper David Raya in recent days.

Sky Sports reporter Lyall Thomas gave an update on the situation and tweeted:

"Exclusive: Tosin Adarabioyo is among the centre-back options being considered by #Tottenham this summer. One year left on his deal at #Fulhamfc + he is open to an exit #thfc #ffc."

Spurs will face stiff competition to land the 25-year-old's signature, however, with Champions League finalists Inter Milan keen.

Meanwhile, RMC Sport reporter Fabrice Hawkins also highlighted interest from Ligue 1 earlier this month, with AS Monaco and Stade Rennes keeping a close eye on developments surrounding Adarabioyo.

Fulham will reportedly look for a fee of around €15m (£13m) to let their star defender leave this summer.

Who is Tosin Adarabioyo?

Adarabioyo was one of the Cottagers' key players during their first season back in the top-flight as he was graded as Marco Silva's highest-rated centre-back (6.72), per WhoScored figures.

To put such returns into context, only Cristian Romero (6.80) outranked the former Manchester City youth graduate in the Spurs squad, meaning the 6 foot 5 colossus was more consistent than the likes of Eric Dier, Davinson Sanchez, Clement Lenglet and Ben Davies.

Fulham are not in the strongest position, with Adarabioyo only having one year left to run on his current £40k-per-week contract after the south-west Londoners triggered an extension earlier this year.

That means Silva may have to let him go this summer, if the club are to receive a decent fee for him, nearly three years after paying City just £2m.

Having once been hailed as "fast" and "strong in the air" by Pep Guardiola, it's easy to see why Postecoglou would be keen to bring the homegrown talent to Hotspur Way this offseason.

Standing at a whopping 6 foot 5 in stature, he offers aerial qualities that few have in the current squad – with 2.4 headers won per game during the 2022/23 campaign, Adarabioyo would sit atop the tree at Spurs, as per WhoScored.

For just £13m, the "sensational" defender – as lauded by journalist Rahman Osman – would surely be something of a bargain coup for the Lilywhites this summer, particularly given the glowing evidence above.

An update has emerged on Celtic and their efforts to replace Ange Postecoglou ahead of the 2023/24 campaign…

What's the latest on Daniel Farke to Celtic?

Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg has revealed that the Hoops are in talks with former Borussia Monchengladbach head coach Daniel Farke.

The journalist Tweeted: "Excl. Farke: Talks with Celtic FC! Celtic very interested in signing him as a replacement for Postecoglou. First talks took place. Celtic FC Next option: @leeds confirmed. But not advanced yet. Could change next week. Farke, ready to take over a new club now!"

Gladbach parted ways with the German boss earlier this month and majority shareholder Dermot Desmond is now eyeing a swoop to bring him back into management with the Scottish giants.

Would Daniel Farke be a success at Celtic?

The 46-year-old head coach, who typically deploys a 4-2-3-1 formation, would be an exceptional replacement for Postecoglou as he has a proven track record of being able to lead a title-winning team.

Prior to finishing tenth in the Bundesliga with Gladbach, the tactician enjoyed an excellent spell with Norwich City in England and won the Championship title in two of his three seasons in the second tier.

His Canaries side racked up 94 and 97 points in 2018/19 and 2020/21 respectively and did so while playing exciting free-flowing football.

The Yellows plundered 93 league goals in 18/19 and 75 in 20/21 and this shows that the coach knows how to organise a team that can consistently win matches, under the pressure of fighting for a title, and demolish opposition outfits by being lethal in the final third.

Farke was hailed as an "exceptional" coach by the legendary Pep Guardiola, who in 2021 revealed that he spent some of his spare time tuning into the German boss' matches, saying: “I have a good relation with the Norwich manager, so if they play I like to watch them."

These comments from the Manchester City boss, who was beaten 3-2 by the ex-Canaries manager in 2019, suggest that he would be able to deploy a style of play that would excite the Celtic supporters. If it was enjoyable enough to entice Guardiola, then it's surely good for those at Parkhead.

Postecoglou's Hoops scored 114 goals in the Scottish Premiership this season as they won the title and Farke could come in and carry on that fine work by replicating his success with Norwich in Scotland and building a team that can win whilst playing entertaining football and scoring plenty of goals.

West Ham United are keenly tracking the possibility of making a move for Liverpool’s Fabio Carvalho.

What’s the latest on Fabio Carvalho to West Ham United?

According to Fabrizio Romano, the Reds are reluctant to let the 20-year-old leave on a permanent deal, but there any many clubs who are interested in his signature.

The Football Insider previously reported that the Hammers, Brentford, and Burnley are the English contenders.

The youngster has only clocked 340 minutes of Premier League football and Klopp recently said:

“I think there is a possibility Fabio could go on loan, but we will see.

“No player has impressed me more than Fabio, that’s the truth. This very talented boy came here with big dreams and big expectations and it didn’t work out. His work ethic will give him a fantastic career.

“His reactions in a row [to not playing], I’ve never seen before, unbelievable.”

How would Fabio Carvalho fit in at West Ham United?

The Portuguese whiz rose to extraordinary prominence during the 2021/22 season, where he registered 18 goal involvements in 36 outings for a Fulham side that netted a monstrous 106 goals as they cantered to the Championship title.

As a result of his potential, he moved to Merseyside for £7.7m.

Carvalho started his Liverpool career incredibly, he has netted scored his first goal in a 9-0 thumping of Bournemouth, and in the next game, he found a 98th-minute winner against Newcastle.

However, even with Liverpool suffering an underwhelming year, he failed to appear regularly, as he has been restricted to just eight starts in all competitions.

The young playmaker is still someone of ridiculous quality, and departing teammate Roberto Firmino is also a big fan, having previously claimed that he is a “great player” and "a star.”

This is perhaps why he’s been linked with the Irons, and the frightening creativity he displayed in his previous stint with the Cottagers could make for a devastating partnership with the equally inventive Lucas Paqueta.

Similarly to Carvalho, the Brazilian has endured a tricky debut season in the English top flight but has been unplayable recently.

The former Lyon ace was at the peak of his powers in the 3-1 victory over Leeds United on May 21st, where he managed three key passes, six successful dribbles, four accurate long balls, and 11 winning ground duels, as per Sofascore.

This dazzling performance included an awe-inspiring assist, where his two mesmeric ball rolls left two defenders sprawled on the turf to tee up Manuel Lanzini for a simple tap-in.

The 25-year-old playmaker also ranks in the top 7% in Europe’s top five leagues among his positional peers for progressive passes per 90, and his link-up with Carvalho could be magic.

The former Fulham prodigy’s incredible functionality is another casing point for a move to east London as he has appeared across the frontline throughout his career.

With Paqueta behind the striker, and Carvalho tucked in as an inverted forward, it could be an exciting prospect for Hammers boss David Moyes heading into next season.

An update has emerged on Glasgow Rangers and their efforts to land a replacement for Alfredo Morelos in the summer transfer window…

What's the latest on Haji Wright to Rangers?

According to Football Insider, the Light Blues have opened talks with Turkish side Antalyaspor over a deal to sign centre-forward Haji Wright ahead of next season.

The report claims that the Gers are now attempting to negotiate a fee for the American international's signature and that he is valued at £7m by his current club.

It is stated that the Scottish giants have made the number nine their first-choice target to bolster their options at the top end of the pitch, with Matija Frigin and Tasos Douvikas named as players they are also interested in.

Would Haji Wright be a success at Rangers?

The former Schalke 04 dynamo could be a huge success at Ibrox as the 25-year-old has the quality to come in as a big upgrade on Morelos, who departed on a free transfer upon the expiry of his contract at the start of the month.

In the 2022/23 campaign, Wright has been on fire for Antalyaspor in the Super Lig and found the back of the net 15 times in 27 appearances so far – one goal every 1.8 outings.

The American gem, who has averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.99, has also created four 'big chances' and showcased his ability to bring others into the game.

Morelos, meanwhile, averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.89 in the Scottish Premiership and contributed with 11 goals and four 'big chances' created in 32 outings – one every 2.9 appearances.

This was after the Colombian international plundered 11 goals in 26 games in 2021/22 in the top-flight for the Light Blues, whilst the USMNT talent struck 14 goals in 32 matches in the Super Lig that season.

These statistics over the last two campaigns suggest that Wright, who was once lauded as a “dangerous striker” by former Schalke sporting director Horst Heldt, could offer more in front of goal than the free agent based on his impressive strike rate in Turkey.

The Antalyaspor star, who scored once at the World Cup in 2022, would also be able to offer more physicality at the top end of the pitch. He has averaged 5.3 duels won, including 2.2 aerial battles, per game this season and Morelos only won 1.9 battles, including 0.9 in the air, per outing in the Premiership.

This suggests that Wright puts himself about and is a nuisance to the opposition defenders by consistently challenging for balls and competing for 50/50s, whereas the ex-Rangers forward rarely engaged in physical contests.

Therefore, the 25-year-old marksman could be a big upgrade on Morelos as he has the potential to offer Michael Beale's side more of a goal threat and a greater presence on the pitch.

Injury expert Ben Dinnery has ruled Leeds United captain Liam Cooper out of this weekend’s meeting with Arsenal.

The Lowdown: Cooper’s late withdrawal

Cooper made a long-awaited return to action last month and helped the Whites concede just once in three games, with Jesse Marsch’s side picking up five points against Southampton, Watford and Crystal Palace.

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The 30-year-old was due to start against Manchester City last weekend but pulled out during the warm-up with a knee problem that required a scan.

Midfielder Mateusz Klich replaced Cooper at Elland Road, and it looks as if the centre-back may well miss the trip to the Emirates on Sunday too.

The Latest: Dinnery’s claim

Dinnery, a sports injuries expert and analyst who contributes for Sky Sports, has six injury concerns for Leeds on his Premier Injuries website.

One of those is Cooper, whose current status is listed ‘ruled out’ with a knee problem – the site doesn’t even name a hopeful return date.

Meanwhile, according to Dinnery, striker Patrick Bamford has a May 15 return date following his foot problem.

The Verdict: Wait and see…

Marsch will more than likely provide an injury update to start his pre-match press conference at Thorp Arch later today, with Cooper’s condition obviously a concern.

He helped the Whites stop the rot at the back following his return from a hamstring injury and has been the club’s best-rated defender this season, as per WhoScored.

Therefore, it would be a boost for Marsch and Leeds if Cooper were able to travel to London, so fingers crossed Marsch shares different news to Dinnery.

In other news: Leeds officials sent abroad as Radz plots move for 56-goal attacker. 

The race for the top four in the Premier League is heating up heading into the final few matches of the 2021/22 season but for Tottenham Hotspur, it doesn’t get trickier than this evening.

Antonio Conte’s side travel to Merseyside to face an in-form and title-chasing Liverpool team at Anfield, who too are in need of points to keep the pressure on Manchester City, who were knocked out of the Champions League in agonising fashion in midweek.

Last weekend, Spurs bolstered their claims for European football next season with a resounding 3-1 victory over a heavily-rotated Leicester City side; their fifth win in seven.

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Just like Brendan Rodgers, the Italian head coach also tinkered with his lineup but only slightly, with Lucas Moura coming in for Dejan Kulusevski in the attack.

Ten minutes into the second half, the Brazilian winger was withdrawn for the Sweden international with the Lilywhites only holding a 1-0 lead, and Kulusevski quickly made his presence known by providing two assists for Heung-min Son to net a brace.

Moura has struggled for form and has lost his place in the starting XI to Kulusevski, so that change is ought to be one that Conte makes for this encounter.

Across 31 league appearances, the former Paris Saint-Germain ace has delivered only two goals and five assists – by comparison, the Juventus loanee has already usurped that with three goals and eight assists in only 14 games, via WhoScored.

Valued at £18m by Transfermarkt, the 29-year-old winger has previously been described as a “nightmare” to train against by team-mate Eric Dier, but we’ve seen anything but that from Moura in 2022, with his last league goal coming back in December.

Moura has also provided two assists since Boxing Day, despite only failing to make two appearances in that time.

Furthermore, Kulusevski is clear for creating chances, even if they do not get converted into a goal – his average of 1.6 key passes per game eclipses Moura by 0.7.

Therefore, it should be a no-brainer for Conte to make the ruthless call to axe Moura from the starting XI up against Liverpool. If there’s any game where he’ll go missing, it’s certainly this one. He is just not good enough to start for Tottenham.

AND in other news, Conte could land his own Jorginho in Spurs swoop for “extraordinary” £45m-rated titan…