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The Chronicle journalist James Hunter has been left ‘pleased’ by the latest contract news he has seen from Sunderland.

The Lowdown: Gooch deal

As per the official website of the Stadium of Light outfit, Lynden Gooch has now signed a new two-year contract that will now keep him on Wearside until 2024, after it was due to expire this summer.

He is the longest-serving player at the club, and has now linked up with the rest of the squad for pre-season training.

The Latest: Hunter ‘pleased’

Taking to Twitter, Hunter was left ‘pleased’ by the news of Gooch’s contract, claiming that it is ‘excellent’ that he has signed on for another two years:

“New two-year deal for @LyndenGooch is excellent news. I’m pleased he’s staying – quality player and a top man, too.”

The Verdict: Relief

It will certainly come as a relief to the Black Cats supporters that Gooch has signed a new deal, especially given that there was reported interest from some of their Championship rivals for his signature.

The United States international was a mainstay in the side last term under Alex Neil, making six assists, which helped SAFC finally win promotion back up to the Championship from League One.

Nonetheless, he has shown his loyalty to the club over some of their most difficult years, and so it was only right that he is rewarded with a new deal for his efforts.

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in a deal to bring Ben Brereton Diaz to the Premier League this summer.

What’s the word?

That’s according to a recent report by Claret & Hugh, with the West Ham United insider claiming that sources at Spurs have revealed that Fabio Paratici’s reported interest in the Blackburn Rovers centre-forward is indeed true, with the sporting director believed to be plotting a bid for the 23-year-old in the coming weeks.

The insider goes on to state that the Hammers are also pursuing a deal for the Chile international in the summer transfer window, while LaLiga side Sevilla are also reported to be keeping a close eye on the situation of the forward – who is thought to possess a £20m asking price – ahead of a potential move of their own.

Imagine him & Kane

While Brereton Diaz is far from the most glamorous name Tottenham have been linked with this summer, it is not difficult to understand why Paratici would be interested in a deal to bring the Blackburn hitman to north London ahead of Spurs’ upcoming Premier League campaign.

With the signing of a new centre-forward reported to be one of Antonio Conte’s priority targets in the summer transfer window – in order to provide Harry Kane with both backup and competition for his starting spot in the Italian’s starting XI in 2022/23 – Brereton Diaz looks to be something of a perfect candidate for this role.

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Indeed, over his 37 Championship appearances last season, the £14.4m-rated forward was in exceptional form for Rovers, scoring 22 goals, registering three assists and creating three big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 2.8 shots, making 0.6 key passes and completing 1.6 dribbles per game.

These returns saw the £6.5k-per-week striker who Tony Mowbray dubbed “extraordinary” average an extremely impressive SofaScore match rating of 6.94, while his 22 strikes saw him rank joint-third in the division’s scoring charts.

And, with Brereton Diaz still only being just 23 years of age, the Chilean attacker undoubtedly possesses the potential for further growth in the professional game – with there not being many better mentors in the role of centre-forward than Kane.

As such, with the Championship sensation being young, deadly in the final third and – presumably – willing to play the role as the England captain’s deputy next term, a £20m bid for the former Nottingham Forest starlet would appear to be a very wise move for Paratici to make this summer.

AND in other news: Fabrizio Romano reveals Spurs “contact” for £75m signing, supporters will be buzzing

Sadio Mane is set to leave Liverpool this summer as a deal is reportedly getting closer to being made with Bayern Munich, and now the club must do all they can for damage control in terms of replacing his attacking output and goal contributions in the team.

The Senegalese winger has played a huge part in the success during Jurgen Klopp’s tenure at Anfield over the last six years, with the player integral in winning several trophies including the Premier League title, Champions League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup, so to replace him will be no easy task for FSG.

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Darwin Nunez has completed his move to Merseyside, but with Divock Origi leaving the club on a free transfer and Taki Minamino speculated to be sold this summer, further reinforcements may be required at the club to ensure they have enough depth to compete on all fronts once again next season.

With that being said, the powers at Anfield must identify and carefully consider potential transfer targets that can join the formidable forward line to continue Liverpool’s pursuit for trophies, and Jarrod Bowen could be the transfer target up to the job.

The West Ham United star has been a player that Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp have admired and held interest in for some time, and the German coach has even reserved high praise for the player calling him “unbelievable” in a press conference last season.

The £75m ace who was hailed “first-class” and a “genius” by Daniel Gabiddon has been an absolute force for the Hammers scoring 18 goals and delivering 15 assists in 51 appearances across all competitions, but it’s not just his goal contributions that have caught the attention and interest of other clubs.

In 36 Premier League appearances, Bowen has created nine big chances, made 1.2 key passes, one tackle and taken 2.2 shots on average per game while proving successful in completing the majority of his dribbles (57%), evidence that he is an absolute nuisance for his opponents.

However, if Liverpool want to sign the winger this summer they will need to ramp up their interest as soon as possible, as Arsenal have now reportedly made contact with West Ham about signing Bowen according to The Beautiful Game Podcast.

Signing the 25-year-old would be a great piece of business for Liverpool as he could be the perfect Mane heir in terms of his attacking talents and could even strike up a great partnership with new signing Nunez if he was deployed in the Liverpool forward line in the future.

AND in other news: “Terms agreed”: Fabrizio Romano drops big LFC transfer claim that’ll delight Klopp

Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph has shared a behind-the-scenes claim regarding Celtic’s reported interest in signing Hammarby left-back Mohanad Jeahze.

What’s the talk?

Back in April, it was reported that the Hoops were looking to secure a £2m deal for the full-back.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Joseph had the following to say on the matter.

“They’ve already approached Mohanad Jeahze at Hammarby, and talks progressed to an advanced stage is what I was told.

“They haven’t gone any further yet, that doesn’t mean the deal is off the cards, it just means nothing has progressed any further.”

Worrying news for Postecoglou

Having spent his entire career in Sweden, the defender joined Hammarby back in August 2020 after leaving Mjallby AIF.

Since then, the 25-year-old has made 63 appearances for his current side across all competitions, scoring three goals and delivering 13 assists along the way.

With nine league games to his name this season, Jeahze currently has more crosses (46) and interceptions (19) under his belt than any other player at Hammarby, as well as the third-highest number of tackles won (13), demonstrating how good he is at both ends of the pitch.

It demonstrates why the Bhoys have taken an interest in the player and why they have been in talks with the Swedish club to take him off their hands.

It’s also why a lack of progression in talks to land the player is worrying news for those of a Celtic persuasion.

While there is still plenty of time left before the summer transfer window closes, it’s safe to assume that the Hoops manager would want to see any deal they aim to complete done as soon as possible.

With a previous report from The Athletic suggesting the Hoops are looking to get current left-back Boli Bolingoli off their books on a permanent basis this summer, if they manage to do that, this would only make their need to bring a new full-back in greater and potentially ramp up the pressure to secure Jeahze’s signature.

If the club are eager to bring the Hammarby star to Parkhead, then they should be doing all they can to get the deal finalised so they can then move on to other areas of the squad they may want to sign players for.

In other news: Celtic closing in on deal to sign “dangerous” 21 y/o sensation, Ange will be thrilled

Celtic have been linked with a move for St Pauli goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window.

What’s the news?

According to a recent report from Football Insider, the Hoops are “closely monitoring” the shot-stopper, along with Premier League club Wolves and Championship outfit West Bromwich Albion. The report claimed that the Bosnian “could be available for a cut-price fee of around £1.25m.”

The 26-year-old, who is valued at £1.08m by Transfermarkt, joined his current club last summer after leaving Ukrainian outfit Zorya Luhansk on a free transfer.

Throughout his debut campaign in the German second tier, Vasilj made 33 league appearances and kept seven clean sheets in the process, with 86 saves made from 128 shots on target faced.

Bye-bye Barkas

In terms of a potential move to Parkhead for the shot-stopper, this could give the Hoops the chance to finally get rid of one of their current goalkeeping options in Vasilis Barkas.

Signed from AEK Athens two years ago in a deal worth a reported fee of £4.5m, the 28-year-old has sadly proven to have been a rather dismal addition to Celtic’s ranks. With just 24 Hoops appearances to his name, the Greek international has conceded 23 goals in total.

Taking into account how he only made two appearances for Ange Postecoglou’s side across all competitions this season and failed to keep a clean sheet on both occasions, rarely even being named in the matchday squad, it’s safe to say that he’s not particularly high up in the pecking order.

In fact, his first and penultimate appearance of the season saw him make what was described as a “catastrophic” error by Michael Stewart during their Champions League qualifying second round tie against FC Midtjylland last July.

It was reported in March that the goalkeeper had demanded to leave Parkhead in the summer, which could be why they have now been linked with a move for Vasilj.

If Celtic can finally bring an end to Barkas’ rather poor spell at the club and bring in the Bosnian as his replacement, this could be an ideal situation for all parties.

In other news – Deal close: Big behind-the-scenes transfer claim emerges, it’s great news for Celtic

West Bromwich Albion failed in their first attempt to win promotion back to the Premier League after the Midlands club finished 10th in the most recent Championship season.

The Baggies won 18, drew 13 and lost 15 of their 46 matches, leaving them with 67 points on the board.

Despite this ultimately disappointing finish, one factor in their season in which they can take a bit of pride, and which Steve Bruce can use as a platform to build upon for next term, is their defence.

Albion conceded just 45 goals in the 2021/22 campaign, fewer than four of the nine teams who finished above them in the table.

One man who played a big part in this regard for the Baggies is Matt Clarke.

Signed on a season-long loan deal from Premier League side Brighton, the centre-back made 33 league appearances for the Baggies in the most recent campaign. He even managed to round off his loan spell at The Hawthorns by scoring on the final day of the season in their 4-0 win over Barnsley.

However, it was his defensive contribution which made him a solid figure for the team.

Having racked up more interceptions (60) than any other Baggies player, the 25-year-old also won 33 tackles in total and averaged 3.1 clearances per game, the second-highest in the squad behind Kyle Bartley (four).

Now that the season has drawn to an end, the upcoming summer transfer window could give the West Brom hierarchy to replicate their masterstroke of bringing Clarke to the club by securing a deal for Cameron Carter-Vickers.

The Baggies were linked with a move for the Tottenham defender back in February.

During his recent loan spell with Celtic, with whom he secured the Scottish Premiership title, the American showed just how capable a defensive figure he is, a bit like Clarke.

In 33 league appearances for the Hoops, the 24-year-old ended his season in Glasgow with more interceptions (43) than any other Celtic player, along with the highest average of clearances per game (4.2) in Ange Postecoglou’s squad.

This pretty much mirrors the sort of defensive abilities that Clarke showed during his time with the Baggies this season, and illustrates why it would be a great move for the club to sign the Spurs defender.

Described by Simon Donnelly as being “solid as a rock” for the Bhoys, the USA defender certainly has what it takes to improve what is already a rather sturdy backline.

With a reported price tag of £6m, the Spurs outcast could be well worth a punt if Bruce believes that the 24-year-old can help to get Albion closer to promotion.

In other news: Imagine him & Dike: Bruce can form scary WBA duo by signing “invaluable” 103-goal ace

Everton are reportedly now eyeing up a double swoop for Brennan Johnson and James Tarkowski this summer.

The Lowdown: Positions identified

With links to the likes of Cameron Carter-Vickers and Jack Harrison recently, it is clear that the Goodison Park faithful are now targeting a new central defender and winger this window.

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It has been reported that up to seven first-team players could be allowed to leave, including Michael Keane and Andros Townsend, and so the Merseyside club will need to strengthen if that is to happen.

The Latest: Double swoop

Taking to Twitter, reliable journalist Craig Hope has revealed that the Toffees are now eyeing up moves for Johnson and Tarkowski, with the former depending on how Nottingham Forest get on in their Championship play-off final against Huddersfield Town:

“Everton eye move for Nottingham Forest winger Brennan Johnson, but a lot hinges on Forest fate in play-off final. Newcastle, Leicester, Brentford have also watched 21-yr-old. James Tarkowski also near top of Everton list this summer.”

Expanding in his article for The Daily Mail, Hope added that Johnson would likely cost around £20m, and a move away from Forest would be more likely if they lose the final.

The Verdict: Exciting

These are exciting times for Blues supporters given their links to Johnson and Tarkowski, who would both be excellent acquisitions to the team.

The former comes off the back of a standout season in the Championship, where he won the league’s Young Player of the Year award after scoring 19 goals in 50 games over all competitions (The Daily Mail).

Meanwhile, Tarkowski already has that added Premier League experience, and is available on a free transfer with his contract at Burnley set to expire.

Given that he is currently valued at £19.8m on the market, signing him for free would prove to be a real bargain.

In other news, find out which £44,000-per-week star EFC are now showing ‘interest’ in here!

Aston Villa are once again being linked with a move for Burnley central defender James Tarkowski, according to a report from The Telegraph. 

The lowdown: Growing interest

Recently, Midlands journalist Josh Holland told Give Me Sport that Villa could make a move for Tarkowski as Steven Gerrard looks to add leaders to the squad over the summer.

Set to become a free agent in July (Transfermarkt), the 29-year-old has also been extensively linked with Newcastle United and West Ham previously.

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As the end of a six-year affinity with Turf Moor comes into view, the next move for the twice-capped England international is in the spotlight…

The latest: Villa discuss move

As per reputable journalist John Percy on Twitter and in a more recent report from his colleagues for The Telegraph, it’s suggested that Gerrard wants to bring Tarkowski to Villa Park.

Following an injury to Ezri Konsa, the Burnley man ‘has been discussed’ at Villa as a possible target in order to address a problem area in Gerrard’s squad.

Now safe from relegation, Everton have also been linked with the man hailed as ‘outstanding’ by former Burnley manager Sean Dyche.

The verdict: No brainer

Boasting 193 Premier League appearances and a no-nonsense approach to defending, adding a player of the £19.8million valued Tarkowski’s vast experience to the squad without the need for a transfer fee would be a masterstroke from Aston Villa.

This season, the combative Englishman has earned a superb 7.17 Sofascore rating whilst winning 6.8 duels and making 5.3 clearances per game and helping Burnley towards seven clean sheets, further proof of a well-rounded defensive acumen.

Prominent aerially (WhoScored), Tarkowski would provide an added weapon to Gerrard’s ranks, particularly for a manager who has developed an early reputation for allowing defenders the opportunity to score an abundance of goals.

Furthermore, adding someone of the ace’s know-how to the Midlands squad will only help bring on the likes of Konsa and Kourtney Hause.

In other news: Journo reveals Villa now eyeing ‘surprise’ move for 201-goal attacking midfielder 

Rangers were left heartbroken on Wednesday night as the Ibrox giants lost on penalties in the final of the Europa League.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side gave their all in Seville as they took it all the way to spot-kicks after a 1-1 draw in 120 minutes.

The Glasgow outfit took the lead in the second half as Joe Aribo capitalised on a mistake at the back and raced through to slot the ball past Kevin Trapp with a composed finish.

Their lead did not last for long, though, as Rafael Borre pounced on a cross after Connor Goldson failed to cut it out at the front post.

Both sides had chances to win it in extra time and the best chance fell to Ryan Kent as he saw a close-range effort saved by Trapp from point-blank range.

It then came down to penalties and Aaron Ramsey’s poor spot-kick was comfortably saved by the Frankfurt stopper, with every other penalty in the shootout being expertly dispatched – sealing the win for the German outfit.

Whilst Aribo scored the goal for the Gers, the real standout, in what was a superb performance in spite of the defeat, was central defender Calvin Bassey. After the match, BT Sport pundit Owen Hargreaves dubbed his performance as “astonishing” and that sums it up perfectly.

Defensively, he was absolutely outstanding. As per SofaScore, he won seven of his 11 individual duels, won two tackles and made four clearances, two blocks and three interceptions over the course of the 120 minutes on the pitch.

The defender, who had 93 touches in total, was a menace to the Frankfurt attackers as he towered above them to win the ball time and time again – winning 80% of his aerial battles as he dominated the match.

During the BT Sport commentary, Alex Rae claimed that the Nigeria international “eats up ground” when running back to track runs in behind. He showcased his recovery speed, making nine recoveries in total, as he stopped the Bundesliga side from exposing the space between the backline and Allan McGregor.

These statistics and quotes on his display illustrate his exceptional showing in the final. He was incredibly unlucky to end the night on the losing side and van Bronckhorst will now be hoping that this display does not catch any eyes heading into the summer transfer window…

AND in other news, Gvb must finally unleash “powerful” 19 y/o Rangers gem who “took his chance” in 2022…

An early Rangers team news hint has emerged ahead of the Glasgow giants’ participation in the UEFA Europa League final…

What’s the latest?

The Daily Record have relayed an Instagram story from the centre-forward that shows two custom shinpads with “Sevilla final 2022” and “Kemar Roofe” in text along with a picture of the striker with his family.

He posted the teaser on Saturday as he continues to fight to be available for the showpiece in Seville on Wednesday night.

Gio van Bronckhorst recently provided an update on his situation, saying: “He’s not training with the team at the moment. For him, he’s doing everything.

“I really admire his desire to be ready for the game on Wednesday. We’re pushing hard, but it’s one of those injuries where it’s a close call.

“Hopefully he can make some positive steps in the coming days.”

Supporters will be excited

Ibrox supporters will be excited by this teaser from the Jamaica international as it hints that Roofe is expecting to be fit for the game.

Although it is merely guesswork at this point, it seems unlikely that the forward would post that picture on his story if he was set to miss out on the squad and watch on from the sidelines. Van Bronckhorst confirmed that he is still in with a chance of making the match and this post suggests that the player is confident that he will be putting those shinpads into action against Frankfurt.

Fans will be delighted by the prospect of him being available as his return would be a huge boost to the team heading into the massive clash in Seville.

Roofe was hitting his stride before this injury disrupted his season as he scored four goals and provided two assists in his last six outings for Rangers in all competitions. One of those strikes ended up being the winner in the quarter-final of the Europa League against Braga – as he tapped home in extra time to make it 3-2 to the Gers on aggregate.

He has shown that he can be a match-winner for the club, in Europe and domestically, and van Bronckhorst will be keen to have his goalscoring talents to call upon on Wednesday.

Therefore, supporters will be excited by the teaser from Roofe and will be hoping that it means that he will be kitting up for a major European final next week.

AND in other news, GvB already heading for huge summer disaster at Rangers, Ross Wilson will be livid…