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Tottenham Hotspur are interested in Manchester City centre-half Aymeric Laporte this summer, with the French-born Spain international reportedly "available" for transfer this summer.

That's courtesy of a recent report from 90min, which claims that while there are other clubs in the running for his signature, Spurs could look to tie up a deal to solve their defensive quandary.

The north London side shipped 63 goals in the Premier League this season, a tally bettered by every team in the top 14, which illustrates exactly where new manager Ange Postecoglou needs to prioritise as he looks to manufacture a winning mentality to return to European competition and end a 15-year trophy drought.

Laporte is valued at around £40m by the Citizens, and while he still has two years remaining on his current deal at the Etihad Stadium, limited game time has left the general consensus that he will leave for new pastures when the transfer window swings its door wide open, and Tottenham could benefit.

How good is Aymeric Laporte?

Having signed for the Sky Blues from Athletic Bilbao for £57m in 2018 – then a club-record acquisition – Laporte has chalked up 179 appearances, winning five Premier League titles, two FA Cups and four Carabao Cups, with the Champions League final but a day away.

He would bring experience and aptitude to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as a defender for one of the best teams in world football for half a decade, perhaps instilling his winning mentality into an outfit desperate to clinch a slice of silverware after an interminable period without silver-laden success.

While Tottenham's backline hasn't been at the races this term, star centre-back Cristian Romero remains a formidable rock, albeit somewhat haphazard in his approach at times, branded "emotional" by Rio Ferdinand and "reckless" by Chris Sutton.

The robust Argentinian only featured 27 times in the Premier League this season but recorded an average Sofascore rating of 6.97 – the highest of any Spurs central defender – and completed 88% of his passes, also averaging 2.5 tackles, 3.6 clearances and 1.6 interceptions per game.

The £165k-per-week has been heralded as a "Rolls-Royce" by Martin Keown this season and is undoubtedly a sparkling prospect.

With Laporte beside him, the 25-year-old World Cup champion could finally demonstrate his full might for his club side, already ranking among the top 5% of centre-backs across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for tackles, the top 20% for interceptions and the top 17% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref.

An unyielding colossus with a "street-wise" attitude – as remarked by Jamie Carragher – Romero could benefit from the composure of Laporte, who has been hailed as the "best left-central defender in the world" by City manager Pep Guardiola.

Indeed, the 20-cap international ranks among the 3% of positional peers for pass completion, the top 1% for attempted passes, progressive passes and progressive carries, and the top 4% for shot-creating actions per 90, which could provide Postecoglou, who favours a "positive mentality and a fast, attacking style of play" – according to chairman Daniel Levy – with the perfect orchestrator from the heart of the defence.

Romero's tenacious grit and Laporte's "exceptional" talents, as praised again by Guardiola, could work seamlessly upon the City ace's integration, and Spurs must now tie up a deal for Laporte, unleashing a dynamic new backline to cast aside the cobwebs of the 2022/23 campaign and chart a course for success unseen in what feels like a perpetual cycle of near-misses and years mired in obscurity.

Leeds United are on the lookout for a new manager and Scott Parker is a name that people are 'continuing to link' to the vacancy at Elland Road, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

What's the latest news involving Leeds United's hunt for a new manager?

According to Phil Hay, who is a journalist for The Athletic, Parker has been 'internally discussed' at Leeds United in connection with their managerial position.

Writing a piece for the outlet, Hay stated: “Scott Parker has been discussed on the basis he won promotion from the Championship twice before, with Fulham and Bournemouth. Leicester City are another possible destination for him.”

The Telegraph also report that Parker is in contention for the Whites' job; however, Steven Gerrard and Carlos Corberan have also emerged as candidates for the role.

Parker was most recently in charge of Club Brugge, where he was relieved of his duties following just 12 matches in charge, with his last being a 5-1 hammering at the hands of Benfica in the Champions League, as per Sky Sports.

Nevertheless, the 42-year-old has become something of a promotion specialist and led both Fulham and Bournemouth to the English top flight in spells at both respective clubs.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Jones thinks that despite doubts over his long-term suitability as Leeds United's potential new manager, Parker will continue to remain among the leading contenders for the role.

Jones told FFC: "There's some dark horses that have recently been mentioned, like Scott Parker. I think that Leeds would be reticent about Parker because perhaps they saw what he did in the Premier League and wonder whether he's the right long-term name and has enough experience and pedigree, but he's nonetheless a name that people are continuing to link."

Who is the right man to take Leeds United forward?

Realistically, it is difficult to guess who Leeds United chiefs may fancy to take on the challenge of guiding them out of the Sky Bet Championship at the first time of asking, which has prompted a list of candidates from wide-ranging backgrounds that has circulated among the media.

Brendan Rodgers has emerged as a contender for the job and it is believed that he is on the shortlist to take over at Elland Road, as per The Daily Star.

Daniel Farke has also come into the conversation and is among the bookmakers favourites to land the role; however, it is unclear whether he would be genuinely considered by Leeds United, as per The Yorkshire Post.

Whoever Leeds United turn to will have a lot on their plate as they gear their new side up for 2023/24, with much change expected at the Yorkshire outfit on and off the pitch.

Aston Villa aren’t looking at Sonny Perkins as a potential striker signing, Express & Star journalist Matt Maher says. 

The lowdown

Fabrizio Romano reported on Thursday afternoon that Villa had opened talks over a deal for the West Ham United youngster.

Both Steven Gerrard’s side and Jesse Marsch’s Leeds ‘want to sign him’, he wrote on Twitter.

Perkins, 18, has only made three appearances for the Irons’ first team up to this point, clocking 99 Europa League minutes in substitute outings against Rapid Vienna and Dinamo Zagreb before a late Premier League run-out against Leeds in January.

According to Carlton Cole, he’s only recently adopted a striker role, having previously been used in a variety of positions, including centre-back.

The latest

Maher has been ‘told’ that Perkins ‘isn’t a target’ for this summer’s transfer window.

However, he does stress that ‘it’s possible AVFC could strengthen up front’ with an alternative addition.

The verdict

Villa may not be sold on Perkins just yet. Though he does have a strong record at youth level – with 10 goals in 20 Premier League 2 games – and has the endorsement of Cole, who called him ‘top class’, he’s barely played any senior football.

Were he available on a free transfer, their stance might be different, but a source at the London Stadium has insisted that he’s actually under contract for a year longer than initially thought.

Besides, Gerrard knows he already has another bright no. 9 on his books in the form of Cameron Archer, who’s made the step-up to senior level on loan at Preston and thrived, scoring seven times.

In other news, this Midlands reporter drops a triple exit claim.

Journalist Jacque Talbot has revealed Newcastle United’s ‘interest’ in signing Darwin Nunez.

The Lowdown: Breakthrough season

The 22-year-old has enjoyed somewhat of a breakthrough season for Benfica, scoring no fewer than 34 goals and supplying a further four assists in 41 matches across all competitions (Transfermarkt).

Hailed as an “absolute beast” by Liverpool podcaster Hari Sethi after an impressive display in the Champions League against the eventual finalists and Premier League runners-up, the striker has shown that he looks more than capable of making the step up to the English top flight.

The Latest: Newcastle ‘interest’ in Nunez

Taking to Twitter, Talbot has revealed that while Nunez’s preferred destination would be Manchester United, there is also ‘interest’ in him from St James’ Park, and indeed a number of other clubs in the Premier League.

The journalist stated: “Been asked about him a lot recently. Was indicated to me his favoured place was Man United. But can see Liverpool, Tottenham, Arsenal, Newcastle, West Ham, and even Chelsea depending on Lukaku, all with an interest (though to what extent varies).”

The Verdict: Statement

For Newcastle to beat all of those clubs, who can all offer him European football next season, to sign Nunez would certainly be a statement of intent from PIF.

His goal record speaks for itself, and the Uruguay international is capable of spearheading Eddie Howe’s attack and firing them up the table.

Indeed, he is still only 22 years of age, so it is scary to think how good he could be in just a few years’ time.

In other news, find out which ‘superb’ colossus Dan Ashworth is now eyeing here!

West Ham United are reportedly set to offer a new deal to forward Jarrod Bowen, following his sparkling recent form for the club.

What’s the word?

As per 90min, the Hammers are ‘readying a bumper new contract’ for the 25-year-old as a statement of his growing importance to the club, as they also look to ward off any potential interest, notably from Liverpool.

The report suggests that discussions had been had in east London back in December regarding an extension to his existing deal – which currently runs until 2025 – although his impressive form and recent England call-up have heightened the desire to tie him down to improved terms.

This news comes following recent reports that suggested teammate Declan Rice won’t be signing a new deal this summer, with that fact potentially putting greater emphasis on the need to commit the former Hull City man long-term.

Signing of the summer

For all the business that David Moyes may undertake this summer, the key transfer dealing could well be hanging on to the £80k-per-week sensation, with securing that new deal likely to be a top priority for the former Manchester United boss.

Managing to do so would be like a signing in itself, particularly with Bowen now believed to be valued at roughly £75m, with it unlikely that GSB would be able to find a suitable replacement who would make an equally as instant impact.

Plucked from the Championship on a £20m deal in January 2020, the Leominster-born gem has gone on to score 27 goals and register 23 assists in all competitions for the Irons thus far, having previously netted 54 goals and provided 14 assists at his former club.

The most recent campaign proved particularly profitable as he provided 29 goal contributions in all competitions, coming out on top among the Hammers squad for both goals (18) and assists (11).

Those statistics have underlined his importance to Moyes’ machine, with supporters likely desperate to see him commit himself to the club for the long haul, particularly amid those doubts over Rice’s future.

Having been recently handed a long-awaited international nod by Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate, the forward will likely be hoping to force his way into the manager’s reckoning for this year’s World Cup in Qatar, despite the intense competition for places.

The fact he is even in the conversation is a marker of just how far he has come since life in the second tier, with both the club – and supporters – praying that he recognises the role that West Ham has played in his development by signing a new deal.

Should he do so, it would likely eclipse any other dealings that the club does this summer.

IN other news, “Another target…”: Ex drops big WHU summer transfer claim that supporters will love

Rangers and Ross Wilson will have to offer Calvin Bassey ‘vastly improved terms’ to keep him at the club, according to sports journalist Andrew Dickson. 

The lowdown

Bassey, who joined Rangers on a free transfer in the summer of 2020 after leaving Leicester City, still has two years to run on his existing deal.

But he’s attracting interest from elsewhere, with The Daily Record reporting that Steven Gerrard’s Aston Villa sent scouts to watch him in action in the Scottish Cup final at the weekend.

Rangers are already set to lose one defensive option in Connor Goldson, whose contract expires in a week’s time according to Transfermarkt.

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The latest

Writing on Twitter, Dickson suggested that there wouldn’t be ‘a single Rangers fan’ who would countenance selling Bassey this summer, ‘even for silly money’.

That’s partly because losing both Bassey and Goldson in the same transfer window would simply be ‘too much’.

But Sporting Director Wilson needs to grant ‘a vastly improved deal’ to the 22-year-old to prompt him to ‘commit his future’.

The verdict

What kind of salary does Bassey deserve?

Well, Rangers’ top earner is thought to be Alfredo Morelos on £33,000 per week, with the seemingly exit-bound Goldson second on £27,000 and Kemar Roofe third on £26,000.

Bassey should arguably be amongst that top bracket in light of his contribution this season.

He started all of Rangers’ knockout games on their run to the Europa League final, earning a place in the Squad of the Season, and played all 240 minutes in the semifinal and final of the Scottish Cup, helping Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side prevail after extra time on both occasions.

Former Gers boss Alex McLeish hailed him as a ‘man mountain’, BBC Sport journalist Tom English has dubbed him ‘accomplished and effervescent’ and Rangers podcasters Four Lads Had A Dream say he’s a ‘massively important’ player.

In other news, this BBC journalist drops a major Rangers transfer prediction.

Wolves conclude their Premier League season with a trip to Liverpool this afternoon. The Reds can still win the league title if they beat Manchester City’s result against Aston Villa today.

What was on the whole an impressive first season under Bruno Lage for the West Midlands side, Wanderers have seen their campaign crash and burn over the final match weeks.

The Black Country outfit are winless in their last six matches, earning just two points, and it will be a tall task for them to leave Anfield with a result.

However, their chances will undoubtedly be bolstered with the inclusion of Daniel Podence in the starting lineup.

On the chalkboard

The £52k-per-week Portuguese winger has been out of action lately with a foot injury and made his first appearance since early April last weekend from the bench against Norwich City.

Goals have been at a major shortage under Lage this term with the Portuguese manager’s team scoring just 37 times in 37 matches, with only three sides scoring fewer.

This has particularly been the case of late with just four goals scored in Wolves’ last six matches.

By unleashing Podence, the West Midlands club can benefit from the 26-year-old’s attacking threat, with the winger scoring six goals and providing three assists in 30 appearances this term.

Labelled as a “mini Hazard” by teammate Pedro Neto, the Portuguese’s six goals make him the club’s joint-top scorer alongside Raul Jimenez, emphasising how little goal threat there has been from the Molineux outfit this season.

However, Podence’s inclusion will force Lage to make a decision as to who makes way for the 26-year-old with the likes of Jimenez, Neto and Hee-Chan Hwang given the nod last time out.

Although the former is Wolves’ top-scorer in the Premier League this season, he is without a goal in seven appearances whereas Neto is yet to score since returning from injury whilst Hwang has had some underwhelming performances of late.

Liverpool will undoubtedly boast the majority of possession which won’t necessarily be an issue for Wolves who pride themselves on their defending and will be able to remain compact at the back.

That also means that the visitors’ best chance of a goal will most likely come on the counter-attack where Podence can be a secret weapon for Lage and spoil the Reds’ party.

AND in other news, Wolves plotting bid for “special” £25m gem who “rules midfield”, Lage will love him…

Everton will host Brentford at Goodison Park this afternoon in a clash that could be the difference between the side securing safety in the Premier League for next season or putting them deeper into relegation troubles.

Frank Lampard’s side are currently just two points ahead of Burnley and Leeds United in the league table with just three games to go, with both of their relegation rivals playing their fixtures earlier in the day.

The results taken by all three teams today will determine what position Everton will find themselves in for the final week of the season.

In terms of their chances today there are a number of injury concerns and doubts for the Toffees boss, with Fabian Delph and Yerry Mina ruled out for the game this afternoon, whilst Donny van de Beek and Ben Godfrey are doubtful on availability but were confirmed to make a comeback imminently.

Andros Townsend and Nathan Patterson remain sidelined with long term injury problems and are not expected to return before the end of the season.

With that being said, this is how Football FanCast expects Everton to line up against Brentford this afternoon…

We predict that the Toffees boss will make just two changes to his side, deploying a 3-4-3 formation against Thomas Frank’s team.

The long-awaited return of Dominic Calvert-Lewin is expected today, and he is the first change we predict with the striker reprising his role in the centre-forward position.

The 6 foot 1 forward who was hailed as “cold” by Carlo Ancelotti will make up the forward line alongside Richarlison and Anthony Gordon, with his Brazilian teammate moving back into his preferred position on the left winger, pushing Demarai Gray back onto the bench in today’s game.

The £42k-per-week dud has not been as effective as he was in the first half of the season with just one assist since he scored against Arsenal back in December last year, so it would make sense for Richarlison to take on the role on the left side of the attack with the 24-year-old much more effective in the position with four goals in his last seven appearances.

The final change we expect to see is Allan returning to his role in midfield alongside Abdoulaye Doucoure after Lampard confirmed that the squad has suffered a devastating injury blow to Fabian Delph, so the Brazilian will be relied upon to hold together the game from the centre of the pitch to replace Delph’s influence.

A win over Brentford today would put Everton on 39 points in the league table, and if Burnley or Leeds United don’t pick up points in their fixtures today it could put them five points clear of the relegation zone by the end of play, so Lampard will be hoping his team can continue their three-game unbeaten run.

AND in other news: Huge boost: Everton handed fitness lifeline in relegation fight that’ll excite Lampard

Reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano has made a fresh claim on Leeds United winger Raphinha and his potential move to Barcelona, as per CaughtOffside.

The Lowdown: Summer of change?

Leeds are currently one point clear of the relegation zone thanks to Pascal Struijk’s late equaliser against Brighton on Sunday. However, Burnley still have two matches remaining and know that four points would be enough to possibly relegate the Whites, who travel to Brentford on the final day.

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Should Jesse Marsch’s side drop back down to the Championship, then a number of players could be on their way out. That includes star midfielder Kalvin Phillips, who reportedly wants out regardless over the coming months.

Robin Koch has been another name linked with a summer exit, and an update has now emerged regarding Raphinha and his possible move to the Nou Camp.

The Latest: Romano’s claim on Raphinha

Writing for CaughtOffside, Romano said that the 25-year-old and his agent Deco have been in ‘very advanced’ talks with Barcelona since March ahead of a five-year deal in Spain.

A €25m (£21m) release clause can be activated for the Brazilian if Leeds go down, with the reliable reporter even adding that Newcastle have explored a possible deal in recent months. Chelsea have also been keen, but it is Barcelona who are ‘leading the race’ for the attacker.

The Verdict: A matter of time

It looks as if Barcelona will approach Leeds at the end of the season regarding a move for the 25-year-old, who has now seemingly outgrown Elland Road and is ready for the next step of his career.

Without Raphinha, Leeds would more than likely be down already, with his 10 goals and three assists helping to keep the club afloat.

You could tell by the images after the match on Sunday that it looks as if Raphinha knows he has played his final game at Elland Road, but if he helps Leeds to stay up this weekend, they could receive a larger fee than the €25m release clause.

In other news: Orta holds talks to sign £20k-p/w ‘phenomenon’ for Marsch; same agent as 6 Leeds players

Newcastle United only have two more Premier League matches before the end of the campaign and they are on course to avoid relegation to the Championship.

Eddie Howe was backed by PIF in the January transfer window as the club brought in Dan Burn, Matt Targett, Chris Wood, Bruno Guimaraes and Kieran Trippier.

These signings, to varying degrees, have led the Magpies up the table and fans may now be wondering where the next batch of recruits come from as we head into the summer transfer window.

One player the club are reportedly set to hold talks over a deal for is Nottingham Forest winger Brennan Johnson, who is valued at around £20m.

Chris Waddle 2.0

Johnson can be the new Waddle for Newcastle as he is an exciting, young, versatile, forward with the quality to make a big impact in the final third.

The retired Englishman played 189 games for the Magpies, joining at the age of 19, and found the back of the net 52 times before moving on to the likes of Marseille, Tottenham and Sheffield Wednesday, showing that he regularly delivered at the top end of the pitch.

He was also able to play anywhere across the attacking line for the Toon; number 10, right-wing, and left-wing.

Newcastle will enjoy the talents of a player with a similar skillset if they bring the Welsh winger, Johnson, in from Forest. The 20-year-old can play in the number 10 role, off the right, off the left and up front, whilst he has showcased his quality with 16 goals and ten assists in the Championship.

Athletic journalist Paul Taylor recently claimed that Johnson has “remarkable potential” and Michael Appleton, who managed him at Lincoln, has tipped him to make it in the top-flight, saying:

“He’s just one of those players that are very exciting, very easy on the eye. When you’re the opposition manager in League One or the Championship, hopefully soon the Premier League, he’s someone you’d take note of because he’ll always be one of the two or three teams that you’ll be aware of and be wary of.

“His development and the way it’s happened for him over the last couple of years suggests to me that he’s only going to end up going in one direction and that’s the Premier League.”

The winger ended the campaign with the most goals and assists combined (26) of any player aged 21 or under in the Championship and this, along with Appleton’s comments, illustrates the potential he holds.

Therefore, Howe can land Newcastle’s new Waddle by signing Johnson as his form for Forest and the scope for development he has indicates that he can be a key player for the Magpies in the top flight.

It is now down to PIF to ensure that they can get this £20m deal over the line.

AND in other news, Howe plotting NUFC swoop for £9m-rated “goal machine”, he’s a huge upgrade on Wood…