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Tottenham Hotspur are considering a move for Sassuolo’s Domenico Berardi, according to Gazzetta Dello Sport. 

The lowdown

Berardi was directly involved in 25 goals (17 goals, eight assists) in 30 appearances for Sassuolo last season.

The 26-year-old averaged 3.8 shots, 1.9 key passes and one dribble per game in Serie A (via WhoScored).

He earned a call-up from Roberto Mancini for the European Championships and created Italy’s opener against Turkey on Friday.

He also created five chances in that game, with The Athletic’s Mark Carey hailing him as a ‘real threat’.

The latest

With three years still to run on his contract, Sassuolo are said to have slipped a €50million (£43million) price tag on Berardi.

But the player himself ‘feels ready for the big leap’ of a high-profile move, and the report claims the most significant interest has come from the Premier League, with Spurs ‘thinking about’ a swoop.

Fabio Paratici, who will take up his post as managing director of football in July, is apparently a long-term admirer of Berardi.

Arsenal and Manchester United could rival Spurs, having ‘knocked on the door’ of Sassuolo.

The verdict

Berardi’s numbers in Serie A are hugely impressive but he would have to adjust to a new league after spending his entire career in Italy.

At just 26 years of age though, he has plenty of time to develop as he enters his prime, and he could well be the final piece of the puzzle in the Spurs attack – he once scored four times in a Serie A match aged just 19, becoming the youngest player to do so and even prompting Mario Balotelli, his opponent on the day, to drool over his display on Twitter (via ESPN).

Maybe Spurs will be reluctant to shell out £43m, but if Paratici is really a big fan of the man who has bagged 105 goals with 67 assists in 291 Sassuolo appearances, then perhaps Daniel Levy would be wise to pull the trigger and let his new transfer guru start off with a bang.

In other news, Spurs are eyeing another Serie A star. 

Borussia Dortmund have been credited with an interest in Leeds star Raphinha, according to Eurosport.

The Lowdown: Raphinha’s impressive season

It’s safe to say now that the Whites struck gold with their £17m move for the Brazilian back in October.

Leeds sealed a deal on deadline day, and Raphinha was one of the standout performers under Marcelo Bielsa in an impressive first season back in the Premier League.

The 24-year-old scored six times and registered six assists in 30 league appearances, ending the campaign as Leeds’ best-rated performer, as per WhoScored.

It appears that his displays have caught the eye abroad, with the summer transfer window set to open over the next few weeks.

The Latest: Dortmund’s interest

According to Eurosport, German giants Dortmund have made tentative enquiries to sign Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi as they seek replacements in case Jadon Sancho departs.

The report adds that the former Champions League winners could explore deals for Lille’s Jonathan Ikone and Raphinha as alternatives.

Raphinha, who former Elland Road man Noel Whelan described as ‘sensational’, is under contract at Elland Road until 2024.

The Verdict: Whites should be under no pressure to sell

In our opinion, unless a mega-money offer comes in from Dortmund, the Whites should dismiss all interest in the winger.

Only five players in the Premier League registered more assists than the Brazilian last season. He started just 26 league games, so that tally could have been a lot more if he signed prior to the start of the campaign.

Leeds will be looking to improve on their 9th place finish next year, and to do that, you’d expect keeping hold of their prized assets will be crucial.

It just goes to show the impact he’s had in Yorkshire for Dortmund to show an interest, but hopefully, a deal won’t materialise.

In other news: Whites boosted in hopes of signing Emi Buendia, find out more here. 

According to a report by the Sun, the promise of first team football ‘could be enough’ to convince Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus to make the switch to Tottenham Hotspur this summer.

The Lowdown: Spurs and Jesus…

Recently, Spurs have been touted with interest in the Brazilian as part of a possible swap deal for star striker Harry Kane – who is now believed to want out of north London this summer (Sky Sports).

The coronavirus pandemic ensures that clubs do not have mounds of money to spend when it comes to blockbuster transfers and part-exchange deals may be seen as a good alternative.

Reports suggest chairman Daniel Levy could demand up to £200 million for Kane with City apparently interested in using makeweights to bring his asking price down.

The Latest: Jesus could be convinced by Tottenham move

Sharing the latest on Tottenham and Jesus, the Sun believe that the 24-year-old joining Spurs as part of a Kane swap deal is far more likely than Raheem Sterling, who is now being touted with another potential switch to Arsenal.

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It is believed Jesus’ £90,000-per-week wages won’t be a problem for the Lilywhites, even if they are increased, and the promise of first team football could convince him to join Spurs this summer.

He bagged nine goals and four assists in 22 Premier League starts for the Premier League champions over 2020/2021 (WhoScored), and despite the departure of club legend Sergio Aguero, Jesus is still not seen as the man to lead City’s forward line.

The Verdict: Do it Levy…

Lauded as an ‘incredible fighter’ by his manager, Pep Guardiola, Jesus is revered at the Sky Blues for his work off the ball and other aspects of his game than goalscoring acumen – including a tireless work rate (mancity.com).

He is prolific at finding the net too, however, having scored 103 career goals in total across his spells at both City and Palmeiras.

Valued at around £54 million by Transfermarkt, Levy could feasibly bypass a fee entirely if he was included in a swap deal for Kane.

The Englishman would undoubtedly be a huge loss for the club, but Jesus is arguably a capable alternative if plenty of cash comes Spurs’ way as part of the deal as well.

In other news: Negotiations now underway for this ‘exciting’ Spurs youngster, he wants to leave…find out more here.

Daniel Farke’s Norwich City side have been dealt a huge blow ahead of their Premier League campaign next season.

What’s the latest?

According to a statement posted on the Norwich website, the Canaries midfielder Kenny McLean is set to be ruled out of action for around 12 weeks after suffering a knee ligament injury on the final day of the Championship season.

It is stated that the 29-year-old will now undergo an assessment with an orthopaedic consultant in order to put together a rehabilitation plan for his injury.

The club also go on to confirm that the Scotland international will be out of contention for his country’s European Championship campaign this summer.

Farke will be livid

While the injury will undoubtedly come as devastating news for McLean personally, particularly as he will be unable to participate in a major international tournament with Scotland, the midfielder’s setback is also likely to have left Daniel Farke livid.

Shortly prior to the confirmation of McLean’s injury, Norwich revealed that central midfielders Alexander Tettey and Mario Vrancic would be leaving the club upon the expiry of their contracts this summer, while the loanee defensive midfielder Oliver Skipp has also returned to Tottenham Hotspur.

As such, Farke has been left with only Lukas Rupp and Moritz Leitner as senior options in the middle of the park ahead of his side’s Premier League campaign, with the latter of the two having not even been assigned a squad number at Carrow Road last season.

If they don’t bring in some quality midfield reinforcements quickly, it will be tough for Farke to get his side fully ready during pre-season simply because of a lack of numbers.

So, while McLean’s injury was in no way predictable, it would appear as if Stuart Webber already has a great deal of work to do in the summer transfer window if he is to provide Farke with any chance of being able to keep his side in the top flight next season, it could have catastrophic effects if he doesn’t get a few deals done as early as possible.

In other news: Encouraging update emerges on “outstanding” £17k-p/w NCFC star, Farke will be buzzing – opinion

Southampton are the latest side to have been linked with a move for Ryan Gauld ahead of the summer transfer window, and he could be a superb addition to Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side.

What’s the word?

According to the Daily Record, the Saints have joined the race to sign the former Dundee United man after his impressive spell with Portuguese side SC Farense.

The likes of Norwich City, Sheffield United, Brentford, Blackburn Rovers, Swansea City and Brighton have all been linked with the 25-year-old, who is available on a free transfer, as his deal at Estadio de São Luís is set to expire in June.

Would he be a good signing?

Gauld has had a very strange career thus far, signing for Sporting Lisbon from Dundee United when he was just 18-years-old and earning comparisons with Barcelona legend Lionel Messi for his style of play.

Whilst things wouldn’t work out for him with the current Liga NOS champions, as he made just five appearances, he has rebuilt his reputation with Farense in recent seasons.

In 71 appearances for the Portuguese side, he has contributed an impressive 20 goals and 12 assists, including nine goals and seven assists in the most recent season, which helped him average a superb 7.19 rating from WhoScored.

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Therefore, it is no surprise that he is attracting interest ahead of the summer transfer window, as he could be a bargain option for any Premier League or Championship side.

There are certainly a lot of similarities between Gauld and Southampton ace Stuart Armstrong, as both were youngsters at Dundee United, both are attack-minded players and both could arrive at St Mary’s in bargain deals, as the Saints paid just £7m for Armstrong from Celtic in 2018, which has certainly proved to be an excellent signing.

Therefore, the potential arrival of Gauld, who has been described as a “top player” by one of his coaches at Farense, could well end up being a repeat of that Armstrong signing, so is one that Martin Semmens should definitely be looking to complete.

And, in other news… £6m down the drain: Southampton potentially cost new signing, Hasenhuttl surely fuming

Moise Kean has ‘no intention’ of returning to Everton after his loan spell at Paris Saint Germain ends, according to Tuttosport (via Sport Witness).

As per the news outlet, the Italy international is the ‘hottest name’ at his former club Juventus as they are looking to strengthen their forward line in the summer transfer window.

Kean would also ‘gladly return’ to the Old Lady, even if they do not qualify for the UEFA Champions League for the 2021/22 term.

Andrea Pirlo’s team could also offer Merih Demiral and Adrien Rabiot in exchange for the 21-year-old, with the latter a player that Carlo Ancelotti is a big admirer of.

Everton could benefit from Kean sale

The Goodison Park faithful could well turn the potential sale of Kean in their favour, and use the money that they would receive to invest in another striker.

He is currently valued at £31.5m by Transfermarkt, and may demand a tasty fee given his form for PSG so this season.

There is no doubt that Kean can be a great player on his day, with former PSG striker Pauleta was describing him as ‘very talented’ back in February, but it did not really work out at the Merseyside club, and so the Toffees should look to gain the benefit of a potentially large sum of money from his sale.

In other news, find out whose display was slammed versus Spurs here!

When Celtic finally announce who will sit in the Parkhead dugout next season, Bhoys supporters will surely breathe a huge sigh of relief.

After Neil Lennon left his role as manager the Hoops have found it incredibly difficult to find his successor.

That being said, they’ve not had any shortage of suitors.

What’s the word?

The first name to really emerge as a serious candidate to take on the role was Roy Keane.

The Manchester United legend had a brief stint as a player in Glasgow but after ten years away from management, it certainly raised eyebrows that he was in the frame.

Celtic were in talks with the Irishman and reportedly even held an interview with him. However, just a few days after that development it came to light that Keane was now unlikely to land the job.

Indeed, that’s what the television pundit is now telling his friends.

The Sun on Sunday (18.04.21, pg. 67) revealed last weekend that Keane has told friends that his hopes of landing the job have faded.

According to the report, there is a split opinion amongst the Hoops hierarchy over the former midfielder.

Good news

This is a piece of news that could come as a great source of happiness to Celtic supporters.

Of course, it means the Bhoys will have to step up their search elsewhere but it stops the board from appointing a man who the fans weren’t keen on seeing at Parkhead.

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When the news first broke that he could succeed Lennon, Celtic podcaster Paul John Dykes said: “That seems to have gone down like a lead balloon amongst the Celtic support today when we were talking about that on A Celtic State of Mind.”

Thus, the opinion from the man himself that he won’t get the job should come as music to the ears of the Green Brigade.

It’s certainly understandable why they wouldn’t want him.

The 49-year-old hasn’t managed for the best part of ten years and his record is hardly jaw-dropping. He may have earned promotion from the Championship to the Premier League with Sunderland but that’s the only inspirational point of note from his days as a number 1.

Keane only won 42% of his matches while in charge of the Black Cats but his record was even worse with Ipswich. The Irishman won just 34.6% of the games he took charge of while at Portman Road.

Celtic might be in the process of being played around by Eddie Howe but they were right to swerve Keane.

AND in other news, Director of Football makes big Celtic manager claim, Desmond won’t be happy…

Farhad Moshiri must make a huge call over Carlo Ancelotti and decide whether he is willing to back the Italian in the transfer market after Barry Fry claimed that Everton are too inconsistent in their challenge for a regular top-four finish.

What’s the word?

While speaking exclusively with Football FanCast, Fry claimed that Everton have set their sights on a consistent challenge for Champions League action. However, Peterborough United’s Director of Football suggested that the Toffees are currently too inconsistent to achieve their goals, despite praising the progress seen since Ancelotti’s arrival.

The Italian has stood at the Goodison Park helm for 48 Premier League games ahead of Monday night’s clash with Crystal Palace, but has won less than 50% of those fixtures and boasts an even goal difference at 64 scored and 64 conceded.

Fry believes that progress is being made on Merseyside, with a 50% win rate this season, but claimed that more needs to be done to disrupt the established order long-term.

“They definitely want to get in the top-four, they want to play in the best competitions in the world, there’s no doubt about that,” he told FFC.

“So does the manager, so when the manager went there a lot of people went ‘why has he gone there, they don’t really have any ambition’, but I think they’ve shown they have with the progress of the new ground and he’s made them a better team.

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“They’re a bit inconsistent, I think everybody in the country bar Manchester City is inconsistent, but they’re going to be a powerful club again, I’m sure of that.”

Moshiri faces huge Ancelotti call

Fry’s comments will surely leave Everton’s owner Moshiri facing a huge call over whether he is willing to back Ancelotti to the hilt this summer, or whether enough funds have already been invested in the playing squad to make the Toffees consistent top-four challengers.

Reports by talkSPORT have suggested that Moshiri is willing to back Ancelotti as the Blues feel they have the right man in charge to maintain a regular challenge at the top of the table, amid the former Napoli head coach’s efforts to be reunited with Kalidou Koulibaly.

However, Football Insider have claimed that Yerry Mina could be on the chopping block at the end of the season, as the Merseysiders strive to raise funds to land a high-ticket centre-back of Koulibaly’s stature.

A deal to sign the Senegal ace is expected to be worth €50m (£42.5m) and could see Everton go toe-to-toe with Bayern Munich and Manchester City, per La Repubblica via Football-Italia, more than double what Everton are expected to make through the sale of Mina.

With doubts over the futures of Moise Kean, Cenk Tosun and Joshua King on Merseyside, Ancelotti will also need to invest in a striker to support Dominic Calvert-Lewin, adding extra millions of pounds to Everton’s likely summer outlay.

With £21m spent on Allan, £20m on Abdoulaye Doucoure and £20m on Ben Godfrey last year, plus the vast millions fluttered under Marco Silva, only time will tell how willing Moshiri will be to reach for the chequebook again this summer.

AND in other news, Everton face a £17m price tag to land a 26-y/o leader once considered to be “one of the strongest”…

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Barry Fry, who is Director of Football at Peterborough United, claims that Eddie Howe will be keeping his options open before deciding whether or not to commit to the Celtic job.

Celtic are still on the hunt for Neil Lennon’s successor after he left the club by mutual consent with the Bhoys surrendering the league title to rivals Rangers earlier this season.

Last week Eddie Howe was reportedly set to be appointed as Celtic manager last week, however, Howe is now apparently having second thoughts with reports linking him to the potentially soon-to-be-vacant Crystal Palace job.

Speaking on how Eddie Howe is keeping his options open and why he won’t commit to Celtic just yet, Fry told FFC:

“He’s just keeping his options open at the minute and he’s not going to rush into anything.

“So, I can see Eddie waiting for an opportunity in the Premier League again.”

Heading into this season Celtic had a chance to make it a record 10 SPFL title in a row, however, they were blown away by Rangers’ dominance and consistency.

Howe has been out of a job since he left Bournemouth after failing to keep them in Premier League during the 2019/20 season.

Some Liverpool fans have played down the idea of Philippe Coutinho making a return to Anfield as the Brazilian’s future continues to be discussed.

The 28-year-old became one of the standout Reds players during the early years of Jurgen Klopp’s reign, producing consistent brilliance in the final third.

In January 2018, however, Coutinho decided to trade Liverpool for Barcelona, viewing the Nou Camp as a dream destination and seemingly seeing the La Liga giants as a step up in quality.

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Instead, Klopp’s men reached the Champions League final a few months after the playmaker’s exit, winning the competition the following year and then clinching Premier League glory in 2019/20.

Liverpool have enjoyed one of the best periods in their history without Coutinho around, but on the flip side, he has had a nightmare at Barca, making just 90 appearances in three-and-a-bit years and even being shipped out on loan to Bayern Munich.

According to Sport, Barca are looking to offload the Brazil international this summer, with a return to England potentially on the cards. The report claimed that the Catalan club still owe around €50m (£) in instalments of the £142m transfer fee from 2018 and are desperate to try and clear large debts promptly, particularly with Coutinho being one of the highest earners in their squad.

Liverpool fans don’t want Coutinho return

These Liverpool fans don’t want to see Coutinho back at Anfield, however, providing their thoughts via Twitter.

“He’s not worth 50m now”

Credit: @AroelRoenaldo

“No”

Credit: @Hablechina

“Nah. Way past his prime. For Barca and Bayern not to want him, we don’t need him.”

Credit: @Sir_Charles_E

“No, he shouldn’t come back”

Credit: @HopelessBaby

“No thanks”

Credit: @Tom92855662

“Wouldn’t touch him. Too quick to leave first time round. He’d be an expensive waste of money that we don’t need or can really afford”

Credit: @DavidPa50276463

In other news, many Liverpool fans were gutted over one incident this weekend. Read more about it here.