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Tottenham Hotspur have enjoyed notable success over the years with regards to their desire to promote from within, with a number of exciting talents having emerged from the Lilywhites’ youth set-up.

Arguably the most impressive academy graduate that the north Londoners have produced in the modern era is that of current talisman Harry Kane, with the England skipper having enjoyed a remarkable rise over the last decade or so.

There may well have been initial doubts over the Walthamstow-born striker following what was a stop-start to his senior career, with the striker having failed to really catch fire while on loan at Leyton Orient, Millwall, Norwich City and Leicester City, scoring just 16 goals across each of those temporary stints combined.

It was until the 2014/15 campaign that the 6 foot 2 marksman truly emerged as a leading light for the club – after netting three goals in ten top-flight games a year earlier – having scored 21 Premier League goals under Mauricio Pochettino.

No mere one-season wonder, the prolific forward has only gone from strength to strength since then, with his total tally with Spurs now standing at 254 goals in just 395 games in all competitions.

Not just a lethal goalscoring presence, the £81m-rated star has also proven himself an elite creative force in recent seasons, having been dubbed “one of the best passers in world football” by pundit Jamie Carragher.

Such an all-round asset is seemingly a rare commodity, although Antonio Conte and co may well have a potential successor in their midst in the form of young Jamie Donley, with the 17-year-old having sparkled in the club’s youth set-up in recent times.

The Northern Ireland-born centre-forward boasts an impressive record for the Premier League outfit at U18 level having scored 21 goals and laid on six assists in just 33 games, while he only recently netted in the UEFA Youth League triumph over Marseille.

That display saw him receive glowing praise from journalist Josh Bunting, who stated: “Jamie Donley scoring for Tottenham Hotspur Under 19’s in the UEFA Youth League this afternoon. Fantastic young talent, a natural finisher, comfortable driving with the ball. Powerful carrying the ball forward. Has a lot of good attributes, brilliant left footed forward.”

Unsurprisingly, such quality has seen the teenager tipped to be the ‘new Harry Kane’, having also been included in the Guardian’s ‘Next Generation’ list last year, seeing him named among the best prospects at top-flight clubs.

Previous reports have suggested that prior to moving to his current side at the age of eight, the youngster had scored a staggering 175 goals for Colchester Villa Youth, while both England and Northern Ireland are currently vying to secure his services at international level.

The signs all appear to point to a player who could well explode onto the scene in the coming years, with the aforementioned Conte – who has typically shied away from promoting young talent – potentially unable to ignore what could be a star in the making.

If Donley is able to have anything like the success of Kane, then the Tottenham faithful could well be in for a real treat.

Southampton have been dealt a huge injury blow as Ralph Hasenhuttl confirmed that Romeo Lavia will miss Saturday’s Premier League game vs Wolves after being ruled out for six weeks.

The Lowdown: Lavia’s hamstring

The Saints earned a magnificent 2-1 victory over Chelsea at St. Mary’s in midweek, but the mood was dampened when the 18-year-old goalscorer was forced off the pitch with a hamstring injury.

The red and white stripes will now travel to the Midlands to take on Bruno Lage’s side at Molineux, but will have to do it without their summer recruit, who hasn’t received good news on his situation.

The Latest: Hasenhuttl’s injury update

Speaking during his pre-match press conference, Hasenhuttl revealed that Lavia is facing at least six weeks on the sidelines and will therefore be absent for the upcoming fixture with Wolves.

As quoted by Southampton’s official website, he said:

“Romeo is injured now but has shown he can be a massive part of our game.

“He will be out for longer – how long we will see, but I expect minimum six weeks.”

The Verdict: Big blow for Ralph

Lavia being out of action will come as a massive blow for the Saints, especially after the impressive start he’s made to life on the south coast.

The midfielder, dubbed ‘aggressive’ by Vincent Kompany, has averaged two interceptions and 1.4 tackles per 90 minutes, via WhoScored, as well as the drive he offers going forward from midfield.

Lavia has walked into Hasenhuttl’s starting XI and made an instant impact, so the boss will be hoping that his new starlet is back fighting fit and available for selection again as soon as possible.

Leeds United could soon launch a move for Philipp Max…

What’s the word?

According to Tuttomercatoweb (via Sport Witness), the Whites have identified the PSV Eindhoven left-back as a target for this summer’s transfer window and it’s thought that they have already tabled an €8m (£6.7m) offer.

The 28-year-old is viewed as a crucial starter for the Eredivisie outfit with Mauro Junior currently absent through injury, so as per Eindhovens Dagblad, there’s no certainty that he will be sold before September 1st.

Other unnamed clubs are said to be interested, though the German is under contract for another two years and is currently valued at £7.2m by Transfermarkt.

Bye-bye Junior Firpo?

A new left-back is thought to be among the priorities at Elland Road after Junior Firpo suffered an injury during pre-season that will see him miss the opening few weeks of the new campaign, with Stuart Dallas also on the treatment table.

Although, any new addition in this role has the chance to usurp the former Barcelona man as he hasn’t been up to scratch since Marcelo Bielsa secured his move to west Yorkshire last summer.

Summed up perfectly by the Mirror’s David Anderson, Firpo has been something of a “liability” to manager Jesse Marsch and his side.

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“All he seems to do is get booked all the time. I think he’s up to 10 yellow cards or something. You don’t expect that from a player coming from Barcelona; you expect a bit of class, a bit of maturity, a bit of leadership, and he’s provided none of that, really,” he said to GIVEMESPORT.

Max could well be a worthy upgrade on the left flank.

Not only has he amassed fewer yellow cards (eight) than Firpo (11) over his 91-game PSV career so far, but he has also proven to be a big threat in the final third, where he has delivered eight goals and a whopping 18 assists, averaging one goal contribution every 284 minutes, via Transfermarkt.

An average of 1.8 tackles, 0.8 interceptions and 0.7 clearances per game last season, via WhoScored, also suggests he’s equally adept when it comes to defensive contributions seemingly making him the perfect fit for Marsch’s system at Elland Road.

“Philipp is a real asset. He’s so dangerous in the forward areas,” once claimed his former Augsburg coach, Martin Schmidt.

Having already signed six players this off-season director of football Victor Orta must look to make Max his seventh signing as on the above evidence, he would add a lot more to the club than Firpo, who has been a bit of a flop thus far.

If signed, the ex-Barca man may well struggle to regain his place, due to the obvious credentials that the PSV star has.

AND in other news, Orta could unearth the next Bellingham as Leeds plot bid for “explosive” talent…

A major update has emerged on Sunderland and their pursuit of Ellis Simms in the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

Northern Echo reporter Scott Wilson has revealed that the club are closing in on the signing of the 21-year-old attacker ahead of the 2022/23 campaign after he decided that he wants to move to Wearside.

The journalist has also claimed that Alex Neil’s squad would be bolstered by the arrival of another goalkeeper to challenge Anthony Patterson, which has since been confirmed.

He Tweeted: “TRANSFER LATEST: Turning into quite a day for #SAFC, with Ellis Simms having expressed a desire to join Black Cats on loan from Everton. With Alex Bass on verge of signing from Portsmouth, both deals should hopefully be done in next couple of days…”

Nathan Broadhead 2.0

Signing a striker on loan from Premier League side Everton to challenge Ross Stewart at the top end of the pitch… sound familiar?

The Black Cats brought Nathan Broadhead in on a temporary deal from the Toffees last summer and the Welshman enjoyed a terrific campaign with the club.

He scored an outstanding 10 goals in 15 starts – playing 22 matches – in League One as he helped the team to secure promotion back up to the second tier.

In Simms, Sunderland can land their next lethal goalscorer on loan from Goodison Park as the 21-year-old has shown great promise in his career so far.

John Ebbrell, who previously coached the gem, once praised his finishing ability, saying: “What I do know with Ellis, if he ends up one-vs-one with the goalkeeper, he’s scoring.

“From experience, I know if you have time to think for that finish it can be difficult but Ellis is really calm and composed in those situations. He very rarely misses.”

He has been able to translate his finishing into senior football in loan spells at Blackpool in League One and Hearts in the Premiership. In the third tier of English football, Simms scored 10 goals in 23 appearances – starting 19 matches – and averaged an excellent SofaScore rating of 7.03.

The gem then caught the eye in Scotland with five goals and one assist in 11 starts for Hearts, which proves that he is a natural goalscorer as he has showcased his quality in two different leagues.

Therefore, he has the potential to be a superb signing for the Black Cats and could have a similar impact to the one Broadhead had at the Stadium of Light in 2021/22.

AND in other news, “Major blow..”: Journo drops frustrating SAFC transfer claim that’ll leave Neil gutted…

Leeds United could look at two more signings in the reminder of the summer transfer window, reliable journalist Phil Hay has claimed.

The Lowdown: Raphinha money available

On Friday, Raphinha clinched a big-money move to Barcelona, bringing to an end a transfer saga that had rumbled on throughout the summer.

While losing the Brazilian is clearly a big blow for Leeds, Jesse Marsch will now have a huge amount of money available to make important reinforcements after the winger added to the funds provided from Kalvin Phillips’ exit earlier in the window.

And according to a fresh claim from Hay, the Whites have got plenty of work still planned for supporters to look forward to.

The Latest: Hay backs double signing

Taking to Twitter on Saturday morning, Hay said that a new goalscorer could well be joined by another left-back after the injury to Junior Firpo:

“The Raphinha money will be thrown at a new forward but with Junior Firpo injured, the smart money would be on signing another left-back too.”

The Verdict: Make it three?

This is an encouraging update from Hay and one that is to be expected, with back-up for the injury-prone Patrick Bamford surely the number one priority.

Bringing in a like-for-like replacement for the Whites’ outgoing winger could also be one to watch though, ensuring they have plenty of end product around whoever takes the number nine role and not heaping all the pressure to replace Raphinha’s output onto Luis Sinisterra.

Arsenal man Nicolas Pepe has been linked with a move, although whether or not he is consistent enough is up for debate.

Equally, a new left-back is also vital, considering Junior Firpo could be out for around two months and Stuart Dallas is also missing for the foreseeable future with a serious leg injury.

Sky Sports have provided a big update on Manchester United’s pursuit of Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong, going against previous news of an opening bid.

The Lowdown: Bid turned down?

Erik ten Hag is seemingly keen to reunite with De Jong at Old Trafford and has reportedly persuaded him over a move to England.

However, United and Barcelona are yet to reach an agreement when it comes to a fee.

Fabrizio Romano claimed last week that the Catalan giants have turned down an opening offer from United worth €60m plus €10m in add-ons.

The Latest: Sky Sports update

Dharmesh Sheth provided the latest when it came to transfer updates from Old Trafford. He said live on Sky Sports that the club’s priority is still a new midfielder and that they remain locked in talks over a move for De Jong.

However, Sheth said that ‘we’re told there’s been no official offer yet’ but added that the ‘noises’ are that a deal is there to be done.

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The Verdict: Need to get a move on…

It is certainly interesting to hear Sky Sports say that a formal offer is yet to be made, despite reports from Romano who has said that a first bid was rejected.

United do need to get a move on when it comes to additions for Ten Hag, though, so it could be wise to set a deadline regarding a move before looking elsewhere.

The Red Devils seemingly haven’t made any real progress when it comes to De Jong after first being linked with a transfer at the end of April, and with time ticking, action is urgently needed.

In other news: ‘They’ve looked at him’ – talkSPORT man drops huge Man Utd transfer claim involving ‘lethal’ ace. 

Leeds United have reportedly held ‘conversations’ over a move for Red Bull Salzburg striker Junior Adamu.

The Lowdown: Leeds interested in Adamu

The Whites have already raided the Austrian giants twice this summer by signing Brenden Aaronson and Rasmus Kristensen. Leeds may not stop there though, with Sky Sport Austria recently claiming that Adamu is of interest to Jesse Marsch’s side.

Described as ‘ice cold’ and ‘special’ by UEFA-licensed coach Cherno Samba, Adamu has contributed to 14 goals in 44 games for Salzburg, and it looks as if a move to Yorkshire could be on the cards for the 21-year-old.

The Latest: Adamu transfer update

LUFCFANZONE provided an update regarding Leeds’ pursuit for a striker on Friday evening, which they shared on Instagram.

They spoke to a source close to Adamu, who confirmed that there have been ‘conversations’ over a possible move to Elland Road. The source added that ‘nothing is concrete yet – but he is definitely on Leeds’ shortlist’.

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The Verdict: Exciting

Victor Orta, Andrea Radrizzani and Marsch aren’t hanging around when it comes to bolstering Leeds’ squad this summer, with a third signing from Salzburg now on the cards.

Adamu looks like an exciting target, as he is still just 21 years of age and has an excellent record for Austria under-21s, scoring 11 goals in 13 games, so he could fit in perfectly at Elland Road alongside Patrick Bamford and Joe Gelhardt.

LUFCFANZONE have mooted a £12m figure over a potential transfer, so Adamu could be the next exciting forward to leave Salzburg for the Premier League, following in the footsteps of Sadio Mane and Patson Daka.

In other news: ‘In the last few minutes’ – Sky Sports drop live TV news; Leeds now free to secure third summer signing

Wolves have reportedly agreed a deal to sign Sporting Lisbon midfielder Joao Palhinha.

What’s the news?

According to a recent report from CM Jornal, the Old Gold have reached an agreement with the Portuguese club to sign their midfield star. Wolves will reportedly pay €20m (£17m) up front and a potential €5m (£4.2m) in add-ons for the 26-year-old.

Across a combined 170 senior appearances for Sporting Lisbon and Braga, the midfielder has scored 13 goals and delivered three assists in the process. He also has experience of playing in the Europa League and the Champions League, which could be useful for Wolves as they aim to break into Europe under Bruno Lage.

In fact, he got a good taste of what it’s like to come up against the Premier League’s top brass as he played the full 90 minutes against Manchester City in the Champions League in February.

Great news for Wolves

His latest season with Sporting saw him score three goals in 27 league appearances and earn himself an overall performance rating of 7.03/10 from WhoScored.

However, it was his defensive talent which stood out throughout the campaign, as the midfielder won more tackles (47) than any other player at the Estadio Jose Alvalade.

Taking into account how Wolves only won two of their final 12 Premier League games of the season and conceded 23 goals in those matches, it’s easy to see why they have sought to secure a deal for Palhinha so early in the summer transfer window.

Also, with current Old Gold midfielder Joao Moutinho’s contract at Molineux set to expire at the end of the month, this reported deal could see the £22.5m-rated figure come in and be a potential long-term replacement for his veteran compatriot.

Bearing in mind how the Midlands club already have a significant number of Portuguese players in their ranks, and coaching staff as well, this could make it easier for Palhinha to settle into life at Molineux.

Even though the summer transfer window has only just opened for business, it would undoubtedly be great news for the club and their fans if they’re able to get the midfielder through the door and announced as soon as possible, so that they can then move onto other potential targets who may be on their radar.

In other news: Wolves eyeing swoop for “terrific” 20 y/o “hotshot”, he can be their next Moutinho

Reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano has shared an exit update on Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus.

The Lowdown: Jesus’ City future

According to reports which emerged out of Brazil last week and were shared by City Xtra, Gabriel Jesus has communicated his desire to leave the Sky Blues this summer.

As a result, the 25-year-old has become a major target for Arsenal.

Romano even previously reported that Jesus’ agent had claimed how they ‘like the project’ at the north London club, thus making Mikel Arteta’s side the most likely destination this summer.

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The Latest: Romano’s update

Taking to Twitter, Romano shared comments from Jesus’ latest interview with ESPN:

“My future is still uncertain. I have already expressed my desire to Man City people and to my agent. I have in my head very clear what I want”.

Romano then proceeded to add his own words: “Gabriel Jesus wants to leave and he’s not extending the contract with City. Work in progress.”

The Verdict: Big loss

Whilst the Brazil international may not have secured a position in the starting XI week in and week out, the forward has gone on to produce a fantastic goalscoring record at City; in 236 appearances for the club, the 25-year-old has netted 95 goals and has pocketed 46 assists.

Arsenal legend Ian Wright has described a number of Jesus’ goalscoring performances as “super”, whilst teammate Bernardo Silva has claimed that the Brazilian is “one of our most important players”.

Therefore, Jesus’ decision to leave the Etihad will come as a huge blow to Pep Guardiola’s squad.

In other news: Manchester City: Danny Mills makes Declan Rice transfer claim

Journalist Ryan Taylor believes Aston Villa will sign Rangers star Calvin Bassey this summer because he’s ‘highly rated’ by Villa chiefs, GiveMeSport report.

The Lowdown: Closing in?

Bassey, who Owen Hargreaves labelled as ‘astonishing’ for his display in the Europa League final, appears to be next on Villa’s transfer radar.

NSWE have already signed Philippe Coutinho and Boubacar Kamara on permanent deals while also reaching an agreement with Sevilla for centre-back Diego Carlos.

Reports over recent days have suggested that Villa chiefs are now closing in on a move for Bassey, and Taylor has had his say on a possible transfer after Sky Sports called the youngster a ‘key’ target for Gerrard.

The Latest: Villa love Bassey, ‘deal will happen’

Talking to GMS, Taylor said that Bassey is extremely well thought of by those at Villa Park and believes a ‘deal will happen’.

Taylor did add that Carlos’ arrival could possibly change things, however, he described a move for Bassey as a ‘no-brainer’.

“Bassey is clearly highly rated by Villa. I think that deal will happen; I can see it happening. Obviously, [Diego] Carlos coming in might change the picture, but it’s clear Villa rate him highly, and for me, it’s just a no-brainer.

“The way he played in the Europa League, he looks like a player that’s just naturally ready to step up and perform.”

The Verdict: Smart…

Bassey appears to be ready for the next step in his career after starring on the European stage and is entering the final two years of his Ibrox contract. Rangers could see this summer as the right time to maximise the defender’s value, should he wish to leave.

You’d expect that agreeing on a fee with the Scottish giants could be the only potential obstacle. Villa already know Bassey’s agency well as they represent Jacob Ramsey, who recently penned a new Villa contract, so it wouldn’t come as a shock if the Nigerian was the club’s fourth major signing.

In other news: Villa may now move for another Rangers star after Bassey; Gerrard loves him – transfer insider.