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Bruno Lage has already confirmed there will be changes made for Wolverhampton Wanderers this summer, and with the transfer window fast approaching a reliable source has given an update on what lies ahead.

What’s the latest?

Wolves reporter for The Athletic Tim Spiers, has given an insight on what supporters of the club can expect from the summer transfer window.

Writing in an article for The Athletic based on Lage’s impact and vision for the squad, Spiers confirmed that the publication had been told that Wolves want a younger and fresher squad for 2022-23, something Lage instigated in his time at Benfica.

He cited the success of Joao Felix as potentially one of the reasons behind Lage’s new desire.

Supporters will be delighted

The Midlands club currently have the fourth oldest squad in the Premier League with an average age of 28.2 this season, so supporters will be delighted that there are steps being put into place to freshen up and add young players to the side this summer.

Wolves ended their campaign in disappointment after being in and around the European qualification spots in the league table for almost the entirety of the season, but the side failed to pick up a single win in their last seven fixtures of the season, leaving them five points off West Ham United in seventh and finishing tenth in the table.

In fact, despite their comfortable season in the top half of the table for the most part, Wolves had the lowest scoring top goal-scorer of all the clubs in the entire Premier League, with Raul Jiminez netting six goals in total.

As a result, Wolves have some work to do this summer to identify players who can come and make an instant impact when the season starts again in a few months’ time, and Lage has wasted no time in speaking out on his transfer window plans.

Lage admitted on the last day of the season (via Sky Sports): “Maybe we need two or three players to increase the quality and the number of players in the squad.

“It’s hard to replace Pedro [Neto], Max [Kilman], and in this moment we don’t know if [Romain] Saiss continues with us or not. He is still talking with the club. First, we need to bring two or three to increase, then if others go we need to replace them with the same quality.”

Saiss has indeed left the club now so that is certainly one gap that needs filling.

It’s clear that the manager has strong opinions and his mind set on what Wolves need to achieve this summer to compete at the level they want to by securing European football, but Fosun must now facilitate his vision by backing the manager in the transfer window if they want to see improvements next season.

That starts by handing a young squad who can help carve out a brighter future at Molineux.

AND in other news: Lage must brutally axe “poor” £20m Wolves flop who’s “gone backwards”, his time’s up

Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez could join Tottenham Hotspur this summer, according to journalist Jacque Talbot.

The Lowdown: Previous agreement

As per a report by The Times, the Lilywhites had agreed a £60m transfer fee with the Serie A club last August, only for Antonio Conte’s former side to go back on the proposed deal.

With Romelu Lukaku making a £97.5m return to the Premier League with Chelsea, Inter decided to end negotiations with Spurs over a potential move for the Argentina international.

Whilst the 24-year-old has signed a new contract keeping him in Milan until 2026, The Times have recently reported that Inter have now set a new £70m asking price for the striker.

The Latest: Talbot’s claim on Martinez

With ENIC having announced a £150m investment into the north London club, Talbot believes that some of these funds could be put towards a transfer fee for Martinez.

Speaking with GiveMeSport, he claimed: “I’m told Martinez would be coming into Spurs, and I think it’s good because it’s down to (Daniel) Levy wanting to appease (Antonio) Conte.

“And there was a little bit of concern, would he do it, is he going to invest loads of money? But then they’ve just got Champions League, and now they’ve just got £150 million extra investment.

“And they’ve got Son (Heung-Min), who’s just won the Golden Boot with (Mohamed) Salah, and Harry Kane, who looks to be signing a new contract, then they’ve got (Dejan) Kulusevski, who will be staying as well.”

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The Verdict: Great signing

In 135 appearances in the Italian top flight, the Argentine has netted an impressive 58 goals (via Transfermarkt), illustrating his clinical nature in the final third.

When compared with positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year, Martinez ranks in the 99th percentile for total shots taken and in the 90th percentile for non-penalty goals (via FBRef).

With the Inter marksman gaving established himself as one of the best strikers in European football, his international team-mate Lionel Messi piled on the praise, hailing the 24-year-old as a ‘spectacular’ player.

With the acclaim coming from one of the greatest footballers of all time, Martinez certainly must be the real deal. Therefore, this would be a fantastic signing for Spurs if they can get it done.

In other news: Fabrizio Romano drops significant transfer update on this reported Spurs target

Rangers have been linked with a move for goalkeeper Berke Ozer recently and if the shot-stopper were to arrive at Ibrox this summer, it could prove to be the end for Allan McGregor in Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side.

According to Turkish news outlet En Son Haber, the Teddy Bears have made an offer to sign the 22-year-old ‘keeper, with the report claiming that he would be open to a move to Rangers this summer, as he eyes regular first-team football away from Fenerbahce.

The youngster is set to leave the Turkish giants on a free transfer this summer despite making 19 appearances last season, in which he conceded 20 goals and kept six clean sheets.

Ozer has played regularly in Turkey’s youth sides and has also featured in the Europa League, so isn’t short of experience despite his age, and he could be an excellent long-term addition to Van Bronckhorst’s side, especially since Rangers can sign him for nothing.

Given his age, experience and lack of transfer fee, Van Bronckhorst would surely love to have Ozer as part of his squad for the 2022/23 campaign, as the Gers look to regain the Scottish Premiership title and continue to progress in Europe.

If he were to arrive at Ibrox ahead of next season, it may well be the catalyst for McGregor departing, with the 40-year-old certain to leave with legendary status after amassing 445 appearances for the club across two different spells.

The former Hull City man is yet to agree to a new deal at Ibrox and despite being first-choice for the majority of last season, Van Bronckhorst seems to be eyeing up a younger alternative to the Scotsman in between the sticks.

McGregor’s last appearance was a one-minute cameo in the Scottish League Cup final win against Hearts, which certainly felt like an opportunity for the Rangers fans to thank the veteran goalkeeper for his service, so the signs suggest that he won’t be at Ibrox in a playing capacity next season.

Therefore, with Jon McLaughlin also in the latter stages of his career at 34, it is no surprise that Rangers are being linked with a younger option such as Ozer, and the 6 foot 3 stopper could be the ideal heir to McGregor at Ibrox.

And, in other news… GvB can land the next McCoist as Rangers eye summer swoop for “superb” £5m gem

West Ham will formalise their interest in Watford’s Ismaila Sarr, according to ExWHUemployee. 

The lowdown

Watford finished down in 19th in the Premier League, meaning they will be back in the Championship just a year after promotion.

It’s the second time Sarr has suffered relegation since he joined the Hornets in a £27million move from Rennes in August 2019.

And he’s reached an understanding with the club’s hierarchy, who will allow him to leave this summer under the right conditions (via The Athletic).

Watford may be satisfied if they’re given the opportunity to break even three years after signing Sarr.

The latest

West Ham will advance beyond mere interest by making an approach for Sarr, the Hammers insider reported on his Patreon page (via West Ham News).

They also intend to initiate a move for his team-mate Emmanuel Dennis, but the pursuit of Sarr is regarded as more important.

The verdict

Sarr, 24, may have only managed five goals and two assists last season, but those numbers have to be put in context.

Watford were a desperately poor side last season, scoring only 34 goals and picking up a mere 23 points.

And Sarr showed what he was capable of on the international stage with Senegal, returning from injury to score in the Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinal against Equatorial Guinea before providing an assist in the semifinal against Burkina Faso. He would then play 77 minutes in the final as they beat Egypt on penalties to win the tournament.

Compatriot Sadio Mane raved about Sarr following his arrival in England, describing him as ‘rapid’ and warning team-mate Andrew Robertson that he could ‘kill’ him with his pace.

In other news, a major West Ham United departure has been predicted by this pundit.

Fabrizio Romano has delivered a transfer update which will leave Liverpool supporters and Jurgen Klopp gutted.

What’s the word?

It regards Christopher Nkunku, with whom the Reds have reportedly been linked, as the player has signed a new contract at RB Leipzig.

Romano tweeted: “Official and confirmed. Christopher Nkunku extends his contract with RB Leipzig until June 2026, deal now signed and sealed. There’s a release clause included in the new deal for €60m.”

This new contract means that the player won’t be leaving the Bundesliga this summer, which will be a disappointment to Klopp and other Premier League suitors such as Manchester United.

Nkunku staying at Leipzig

The Frenchman had an incredible 2021/22 season, playing 50 times for Leipzig as they reached the Europa League semi-finals and won the DFB-Pokal while scoring a remarkable 35 goals and registering 19 assists. It’s no wonder so many clubs have been monitoring his progress.

His versatility would have been a big bonus for Klopp, as he can play in either an attacking midfield role or as a second striker.

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All hope is not lost, though. As stated by Romano, Nkunku has a release clause worth €60m (£51m) in his new contract and this can be activated from summer 2023, which means that there could be plenty of clubs on standby who continue to follow his development.

If the 24-year-old carries on last season’s form into the 2022/23 campaign, Klopp should be doing all that he can to make the deal happen, as the Frenchman would fit well into Liverpool’s style of play.

Nkunku scored once every 137 minutes in the Bundesliga last season, and with 10 big chances missed, he could easily have added to his 20-goal tally. He also made 1.9 key passes per match while completing an impressive 67% of his dribbles, which suggests that he is more than capable of providing big chances for team-mates to convert.

A fee of £51m for a player of his calibre is a bargain in today’s transfer market, and Klopp should be closely monitoring the Leipzig star’s situation up to next summer. For now, Reds fans will likely be disappointed to hear that Nkunku won’t be at Anfield before then.

AND in other news, Klopp could land dream Mane heir with Liverpool bid for “world-class” £200k-p/w dynamo

Manchester United are interested in signing Atletico Madrid winger Yannick Carrasco, according to a report from Spanish outlet AS (via Sport Witness). 

The lowdown: Wanted man

Already heavily linked with a move to mega-rich Newcastle United this summer, the 28-year-old is in high demand following another impressive campaign in Spain.

Signed in 2015 from AS Monaco, Carrasco spent time in China plying his trade for Dalian Professional before returning to Madrid in 2020 for €27million following an initial loan spell back in the Spanish capital (Marca).

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Now, having amassed a mammoth 219 appearances across two spells under Diego Simeone, a move could be on the horizon and United are seemingly in the hunt…

The latest: ‘Knocked on’

As per AS, translated by SW, Manchester United and Chelsea have both ‘knocked’ on Atleti’s door for the 57-cap Belgium international.

It’s claimed that the Red Devils have been ‘sounding out’ the possibility of a swoop for Carrasco, who has a €60million (£51million) release clause that makes him a ‘desirable’ target for top clubs.

The report also states that it would need a ‘great deal’ to make the transfer a reality this summer as Atletico have little interest in losing the man once dubbed ‘one of the most dangerous wingers in Europe’ by journalist Krunal Raval.

The verdict: Not a priority

Capable of playing across numerous attacking positions, Carrasco has spent the majority of his professional career operating from the left-wing, a position that is well stocked in the Old Trafford ranks with Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford and the returning Anthony Martial among the options for Erik ten Hag.

Despite an impressive 2021/22 campaign during which the Belgian scored six times and provided six assists in 34 La Liga outings, outperforming an out-of-sorts Rashford in the process, United should be focusing on more pressing matters.

Four years younger than Carrasco and a product of the United academy, Ten Hag should put faith in Rashford to recapture his best form and avoid spending big on a potential replacement to leave funds free for areas of the squad in more urgent need of an overhaul.

An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their interest in Scott McTominay in the summer transfer window… 

What’s the talk?

According to The Times, via The Express, the Magpies have made an enquiry about a potential deal for the midfielder ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

The report claims that they are one of two teams keen on snapping the Scotland international up, as Dan Ashworth looks to improve Eddie Howe’s squad after bringing in Matt Targett, Nick Pope, and Sven Botman.

It is, however, stated that new Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag would like to keep the Old Trafford academy product at the club next term.

Imagine him & Bruno Guimaraes

If Newcastle can convince the Dutch boss to change his mind and manage to bring McTominay to St. James’ Park, Howe can form a strong midfield partnership with the Scot and Guimaraes.

The Brazilian gem has already shown that he has the quality to excel at Premier League level after catching the eye last term. He averaged a sublime SofaScore rating of 7.25 as he scored five goals and provided one assist in 11 starts for the club.

Whilst the former Lyon man can provide a big attacking threat and guile from the middle of the park, the Manchester United midfielder offers a defensive presence and is also proven in the top-flight.

Former Red Devils boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer previously hailed McTominay and his midfield partner Fred, saying:

“Those two are brilliant. They’re absolutely top. You just see Fred running forward today, scoring a goal. Scott is probably one of the best we have got at arriving in the box at the right time.

“He is a beast of a man physically; he has only played 20 minutes in pre-season – as a centre-back – because he has been nursing an injury.

“Today, for me, you can see he is a man. So all the criticism on them two, I am completely against because I love them.”

The £73k-per-week machine made 3.3 tackles and interceptions and 2.0 clearances per game in the Premier League last term, showing that he makes a high volume of defensive actions and can screen the back four by sitting in a holding midfield role.

This would then free up Guimaraes to get forward on a regular basis as he would have a reliable, strong, number six behind him – making them a pairing with the potential to thrive on Tyneside next season.

AND in other news, Ashworth eyeing NUFC swoop for “dangerous” £30m dynamo, just imagine him & Wilson…

Everton are ready to battle with several Premier League clubs for the signing of Chelsea’s young talisman Armando Broja.

What’s the word?

That’s according to Sky Sports News, who claim that the Toffees have made an approach to sign the forward this summer.

Breaking the news live on air, they reported: “Everton are another of the clubs that have approached Chelsea in terms of signing the striker Armando Broja. Chelsea want to assess Broja in pre-season before making a decision on his future. West Ham are one club that approached Chelsea last month – they remain interested, as do Newcastle.”

Previous reports have claimed he could cost in the region of a whopping £58m.

Imagine him and DCL

With Richarlison having just left Everton for Tottenham Hotspur, perhaps Frank Lampard could employ a slight shift in formation to allow two strikers to play up front together.

Broja and Dominic Calvert-Lewin is a partnership that would certainly frighten Premier League defences, with their respective blistering speed and aerial prowess.

Last season the Albania international notched up six Premier League goals whilst on loan at Southampton, but impressed due to his willingness to run the channels and press defenders.

His huge frame made him a handful for defenders and afforded his other attackers more space to create. What is slightly more important is the fact he managed 33 league games, whereas Calvert-Lewin only managed 17 due to his injury-ridden season.

If the latter can find fitness then Lampard will be delighted, but if not at least he will have a central striker that he can rely upon to be available and shares many of the qualities the 25-year-old possesses.

One thing that the two do share and excel in is their aerial duels, as the England international ranks in the 95th percentile for aerials won.

Broja ranks in the 85th percentile, meaning that if a decent delivery was to be stuck in, there’s a good chance one of these two would meet it.

The 20-year-old’s surprise emergence last season led former Italy international Sergio Porrini to say the following about his talents: “From last year to this he has grown a lot and at Southampton he has exploded.

“His greatest qualities are in his progression, especially the ball and chain. . Less good on the other hand with his back to the goal, in the construction of the action, but in the spaces it is devastating.”

These two strikers could form an overwhelming strike partnership that would bully Premier League defences, if Lampard is only willing to experiment with his system and take the risk on this relatively unproven talent.

AND, in other news: Thelwell plotting bid for “massive” £13m Everton target, just imagine him & Gallagher.

Journalist Alan Nixon has revealed that Everton are now moving to try and sign Kyle Walker-Peters.

The Lowdown: Full-back cover needed

Frank Lampard’s current full-back options are Seamus Coleman, Nathan Patterson, Vitaliy Mykolenko and the returning Niels Nkounkou.

Coleman is not getting younger at 33, while Patterson has been plagued by injury since his arrival in the January transfer window. Mykolenko also arrived mid-season, while Nkounkou’s future is uncertain having returned from a loan spell in Belgium.

Therefore, the Toffees could do with some extra cover in the full-back areas going into the new season.

The Latest: Walker-Peters interest

Taking to Twitter, Nixon revealed that Everton are now moving to sign Walker-Peters from Southampton.

Sharing a link to corresponding content from his Patreon, the journalist succinctly tweeted: “Everton move for Walker-Peters.”

The Verdict: Get it done

Dubbed ‘fantastic’ by Sky Sports pundit and former Premier League full-back Micah Richards during his time with the Saints, Walker-Peters would be a very smart addition for the Toffees.

The 25-year-old was Southampton’s joint-third best performer in the league last term (as per WhoScored) after putting in some solid displays at the back for Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side, including one where the defender recalled keeping world superstar Cristiano Ronaldo ‘quiet’ during a 1-1 draw at Manchester United.

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Walker-Peters is equally as comfortable at playing at left-back as well as on the opposite flank, so he would be a most useful squad player for Lampard.

Also, the 25-year-old shares the same agent as the Everton manager, so this is a prospective deal which could well be pushed through.