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Leeds United winger Raphinha has now agreed on personal terms with Barcelona ahead of a summer move, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Final home appearance?

The Whites travel to Brentford on Sunday for the final game of the season, with relegation back to the Championship still a major possibility for Jesse Marsch’s side.

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Leeds managed to take a point in their last home game of the campaign against Brighton which took them out of the bottom three for the time being, with Burnley set to travel to Aston Villa on Thursday night.

Raphinha played the entirety against the Seagulls and came back out to an empty Elland Road following the final whistle, sitting on the turf, with some believing that was his final home appearance for the club.

The Latest: Terms agreed

Goal Brazil provided an update regarding Raphinha and Barcelona on Tuesday. They claimed that the winger has now agreed on personal terms ahead of a move to the Nou Camp which will see his current salary doubled through to 2027.

The Catalan giants will be able to sign the 25-year-old for €25m if Leeds are relegated and are yet to put an official offer on the table, as reports have recently suggested.

The Verdict: Sunday huge

Raphinha has made it clear to Leeds chiefs that he wants to depart this summer, so a transfer to the Nou Camp seems to be a matter of when and not if, following Laurens De Bock as the second man out of the door after the left-back signed a one-year deal with Zulte Waregem.

However, if the Whites manage to remain in the Premier League, they’d hold the cards when it comes to a deal. You’d expect that the attacker would go for much more than €25m if Leeds avoid the drop, another reason why Sunday’s trip to Brentford is absolutely huge both in the short and long term.

In other news: Radz and Orta have had enough of Leeds ‘liability’; now set to be released from Elland Road. 

Aston Villa could be set to make another addition from Ligue 1 outfit Marseille, following the recent signing of Boubacar Kamara…

What’s the word?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Ryan Taylor has revealed that the young Frenchman could be joined at Villa Park by former team-mate Duje Caleta-Car. The Midlands outfit are believed to be keen on a deal for the 25-year-old, who is potentially set cost in the region of £15m.

Having been asked about other potential centre-back targets, namely James Tarkowski and Joe Gomez, Taylor also threw the Croatian’s name into the mix, saying: “I think Marseille’s Duje Caleta-Car as well.

“He was one of the players Gerrard was watching when he was pictured at the Velodrome recently; went to watch Marseille versus Nantes. I think Villa are quite clear in what they’re trying to do.”

As the respected transfer insider mentioned, Villa manager Steven Gerrard had reportedly been watching the Croatian centre-back in action at the Stade Velodrome in April, with the club seeking a new defensive recruit.

Supporters will be buzzing

That potential bargain addition would no doubt go down well with Villa supporters, with Caleta-Car – whose existing deal expires next summer – having caught the eye after an impressive few seasons in France.

Plucked from Red Bull Salzburg on a €19m (£16.2m) deal in 2018, the 22-cap international has gone on to make 128 appearances for his current club in all competitions, while also reportedly coming close to joining Liverpool in January 2021.

As for the 2021/22 campaign, the 6 foot 4 brute recorded a string of standout statistics, averaging 2.1 clearances, 0.8 tackles and 0.9 interceptions per game in Ligue 1, while also winning a remarkable 71% of his duels.

The £14.4m-rated gem has also excelled in possession, comparing favourably to those in his position across Europe’s five big leagues, ranking in the top 3% for attempted passes and in the top 7% for both pass completion and progressive carries.

That seemingly illustrates his ability to bring the ball out of defence with ease, something which has been sorely lacking at present at Villa Park. Tyrone Mings ranks in the bottom 39% for progressive carries, while he is also in the bottom 17% for pass completion, losing possession on average 10.3 times per league game.

Caleta-Car – who has been dubbed “excellent” by talkSPORT’s Alex Crook – could therefore be the perfect man to supplant the England defender, with his potential arrival set to be something of a coup should NSWE be able to push through a deal.

He has also been given a ringing endorsement from compatriot Dejan Lovren, with the former Liverpool defender tipping his international colleague to “explode” over the next few years.

The Midlands club have already wrapped up deals for both Kamara and Philippe Coutinho, who made his loan deal permanent earlier this month, although a quality addition at the back should have supporters buzzing.

IN other news, Cost £1.5m per goal: GSB made a colossal blunder on “strong” £40k-p/w West Ham flop

All hope may not be lost in West Ham United’s bid to sign Leeds United winger Raphinha, according to ExWHUemployee.

What’s the word?

As per the club insider, the Hammers could still be in the running for the Brazilian this summer, despite persistent speculation that the 25-year-old is set to join Barcelona.

Asked whether the east Londoners are one of the sides interested in the player, following an update from Fabrizio Romano, the West Ham source offered his view on the forward potentially arriving at the London Stadium, revealing on Twitter that: “We were keen in January so I guess there is a chance but we bid a lot less than £55m I believe.”

The suggestion had been in the winter that GSB had placed a club-record bid to try and prize the seven-cap gem from Elland Road, while David Moyes and co also reportedly failed with a £50m offer for teammate Kalvin Phillips.

Supporters will be buzzing

This latest claim will have reinvigorated hope among supporters that the former Rennes man could be pulling on a claret and blue jersey next term, with the £63k-per-week trickster seemingly the type of player that the Hammers faithful would simply worship.

While something of a maverick, the one-time Sporting man has been a largely consistent figure for his current side in recent seasons, having been signed by former boss Marcelo Bielsa on a £17m deal back in the summer of 2020.

Since then, the £40.5m-rated wide man has scored 17 goals and provided 12 assists in just 65 Premier League games, with 11 of those goals having come in the recent campaign despite what was a gruelling season in which the Yorkshire outfit only just staved off the drop.

Raphinha had been pivotal in ensuring survival for his side, notably netting a crucial penalty on the final day away at Brentford, before a stoppage-time winner from Jack Harrison – another reported West Ham target – confirmed their narrow escape.

Pundit Ian Wright praised the 5 foot 9 ace for converting his spot-kick under “immense pressure” to help Jesse Marsh’s side on their way to victory, while he endeared himself even more to the Leeds faithful following his jubilant celebrations post-match.

Such an infectious presence would no doubt thrive at the London Stadium, with West Ham having so often been a stage for unique talents to blossom, namely the likes of Dimitri Payet and Paolo Di Canio who could so often carve out a moment of magic from nothing.

It would seem that Raphinha is cut from a similar cloth, with supporters likely to warm to the fleet-footed talent quickly, were he to make the switch this summer.

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

A report in the last 48 hours claims Tottenham Hotspur are in negotiations to bring Barcelona centre-back Clement Lenglet to the Premier League this summer.

The Lowdown: Barcelona offer Lenglet to Spurs

The Frenchman first made the switch to the Camp Nou in a £31.7m move from Sevilla back in 2018, where he’s so far made a total of 160 appearances for the Catalan giants during his spell at the club.

Despite still having four years remaining on his current contract, which expires in 2026, the 15-cap ace has recently fallen out of favour under Xavi, and therefore has been linked with a move away after it was revealed that Barca have offered him out to clubs to complete a potential loan transfer.

One of the teams named is the Lilywhites, and following a fresh update, it would seem as though Antonio Conte is very much keen on striking up an agreement for the defender.

The Latest: Spurs in transfer negotiations

In a new article published by Spanish website Sport (via Sport Witness), it’s claimed that Spurs are now ‘working on a deal’ for the transfer of Lenglet, and are currently in negotiations with the Blaugrana.

The source further states that Paratici and co initially made a proposal to sign the Beauvais-born talent on a two-season loan, but a new regulation that comes into force from July 1 prevents loans from lasting longer than one term. The two parties are now looking for a loophole.

If a move is arranged, it’s believed that the 6 foot 1 colossus would spend the ‘whole time’ getting his salary paid by the north Londoners.

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The Verdict: A risk worth taking

Lenglet, who was once valued at £54m back in 2019, has had a disappointing season in La Liga, having only recorded 21 outings after falling down the pecking order under Xavi.

Despite this, the £97k-per-week starlet was among the best centre-backs in Europe when he left Sevilla to join Barca, labelled ‘impeccable’ at passing out from the back by Catalan media outlets. The evidence in his limited appearances this season backs that label up – Lenglet ranks in the 99th percentile for progressive passes for centre-backs in Europe’s top five leagues (FBRef).

He also typically plays on the left-hand side of a backline, a position that Ben Davies, who’s not a natural central defender, currently occupies.

Considering any possible move would only be temporary, we feel Conte should take the risk and give Lenglet the chance to show what he’s capable of in the English top-flight, and even if the switch doesn’t go as well as hoped, he would simply be allowed to return if he fails to impress the Italian following the conclusion of his spell.

In other news… Paddy Kenny has reacted to a ‘ridiculous’ new £310m Spurs reveal.

Liverpool have been heavily linked with Darwin Nunez ahead of the summer transfer window, and now a new transfer update has emerged that gives the club a major boost in completing the signing.

What’s the latest?

According to The Independent, the Benfica star favours a move to Liverpool over Manchester United this summer.

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As per the report, the new Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has made the signing of Nunez the top priority at Old Trafford during the transfer window, however, it is believed that he would prefer a move to Anfield instead.

Klopp will be thrilled

With the reports that Sadio Mane could be leaving Liverpool this summer, there is no doubt that Klopp will be thrilled with the news that Nunez would favour joining the side to replace the Senegalese winger’s outstanding goal contributions next season.

Whoever replaces Mane will have big boots to fill with the forward scoring 23 goals and assisting five times in 51 appearances this season alone, but when you consider the Benfica striker’s attacking output for the Portuguese side, if he could emulate that at Anfield, FSG could be onto a winner.

The £63m gem who was hailed “tenacious” and a “monster” by football reporter James Dodd, has scored 34 goals and contributed four assists in 41 appearances in all competitions, and impressively made a goal contribution every 74 minutes this season, proving that he has the ability to be a solid attacking threat for Liverpool.

The Reds manager is also a huge admirer of the Uruguayan player, and sang his praises in an interview ahead of his team’s Champions League second leg tie against Benfica earlier this season.

Klopp said (via The Mirror);

“Extremely good-looking boy and a decent player as well,”

“Physically strong, quick, was calm around his finish when he finished the goal off. Good, really good.”

With that being said, Nunez would clearly be welcome at Anfield and if he can continue with his goal-scoring form in the Premier League next season could become a real asset to the Merseyside giants if they were to lose Mane during the transfer window.

AND in other news: Forget Tchouameni: LFC eye a move for “outstanding” £60m ace, he’s “one of the best”

Everton are in need of a transformative transfer window this summer following a difficult season in the Premier League that left them in a relegation battle for the most part, and now a new potential target has been revealed.

What’s the latest?

According to Italian news outlet Tutto Udinese, Everton are interested in signing Udinese defender Rodrigo Becao.

As per the report, the Toffees will need to compete with Antonio Conte’s Tottenham Hotspur this summer to secure the signature of the player with a reported fee of €20m (£17m).

Big Holgate upgrade

There is no doubt that Frank Lampard will be looking for ways to improve his squad ahead of next season to make sure the club does not find itself in the same position as the previous Premier League campaign with the side surviving relegation by the skin of their teeth in the penultimate game of the season.

With that being said, the powers at Goodison Park must identify players that can come in to replace the underperforming members of the team with Mason Holgate one of the clear culprits for the lack of good defensive play that led Everton to concede the fifth-most goals in the entire league last season.

Holgate has been in the firing line for criticism over the last campaign with Micah Richards branding the defender “out of control” after Holgate received a red card for a dangerous challenge on Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg in a 0-0 draw with Spurs.

“You know when you come on and want to make an impact, he got a little bit excited there, but he can have no arguments with that.” Richards claimed.

“That is reckless, out of control so, red card.”

The signing of Becao can inspire a fresh start, giving Everton’s backline better control and stability next season, and when you compare his defensive attributes for Udinese it is clear he would be a big Holgate upgrade.

The Brazilian monster who was dubbed “insurmountable” by journalist Bruno Queiroz, has made more tackles and interceptions on average per game, put in ten more league performances proving his reliability and won more duels as well as being more successful in his dribbles compared to the Everton defender.

As a result, it would be a big signing for Farhad Moshiri if he could get a deal done for Becao this summer and tempt the player away from a move to Spurs in favour of a move to Merseyside as he could play a huge role in Everton’s attempts to compete in the Premier League next term.

AND in other news: Moshiri plotting Everton bid for “powerful” £25m monster, he can be Calvert-Lewin 2.0

An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their pursuit of landing a new goalkeeper in the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook has named Yann Sommer as a player he has been told is on the Magpies’ radar as they eye up competition for Martin Dubravka.

The journalist has also cast doubt over the possibility of Burnley’s number one making his way to Tyneside in the coming months.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “I’m not sure Nick Pope is good enough with the ball at his feet. They’re looking for someone that can play out from the back, that’s always been his Achilles heel.

“The name I was given this week was Yann Sommer at Monchengladbach, the Swiss international. He’s got a year left on his contract so wouldn’t cost a lot of money. I’d definitely keep an eye on that one.”

Forget Dean Henderson

One goalkeeper who had been linked with a move to St. James’ Park was Manchester United’s Dean Henderson but it is now time to forget about the England international.

The £20m brute, who was once dubbed “insane” by teammate Sander Berge, did not play a single minute of Premier League football last season and has only played more than 15 league games in a top-flight campaign once in his career.

He is relatively inexperienced at the top level and this is why Sommer can be a better signing for the Magpies ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

The Switzerland international has played 30+ Bundesliga matches in each of the last eight seasons and this shows that he is experienced and knows what it takes to play in a major European league. He was once hailed as “one of the best” in the Geman top-flight by Adi Hutter and his statistics show that he has been superb in the division.

In the 2021/22 campaign, he averaged an excellent SofaScore rating of 6.95 as he was named in the Team of the Week seven times in 32 appearances. This shows that he was consistently brilliant between the sticks for Monchengladbach as he showcased his quality in goal.

Howe will, therefore, love the club’s interest in Sommer over Henderson as he is an in-form, experienced, option who he would be able to rely upon for Newcastle next season.

The 33-year-old would be able to provide Dubravka with significant competition, as he has proven that he can be an outstanding performer in a major league, and the Toon boss would surely be delighted to have both players pushing each other for a starting place.

AND in other news, Decision imminent: Romano drops “serious” update that’ll leave NUFC supporters nervous…

Newcastle United reportedly may now make an ‘official proposal’ to sign Porto winger Pepe ‘in the coming days’.

The Lowdown: £60m release clause

Pepe is a player who is starting to make a name for himself in European football, breaking into Porto’s first-team after shining in Brazil with Gremio – he is even protected by a whopping €70m (£60m) release clause.

However, FC Porto could do a deal for less, as they reportedly sold Fabio Vieira to Arsenal earlier this month for less than his release clause. Sergio Conceicao’s side are notorious for cashing in on their top talents.

The Latest: Offer expected?

Taking to Twitter, journalist Jeremias Wernek, who works for one of Brazil’s biggest outlets, has revealed that Pepe is in the ‘sights’ of the St. James’ Park outfit, and that they may make an ‘official proposal’ for the player ‘in the coming days’:

“Pepe, Portuguese champion for Porto, is in Newcastle’s sights. The English team may present an official proposal in the coming days. Gremio has 12.5% of capital gain from the business.”

The Verdict: Avoid

Even though Pepe is clearly a player with a lot of promise, having helped Porto win the domestic cup double in Portugal last season, he could be very expensive even with a deal below his release clause.

The Brazilian scored just four goals and made four assists in Liga Portugal last term (Transfermarkt), numbers that do not really stand out on paper for a title-winning team, and at 25 years of age, he’s not exactly a young prospect still learning his craft.

Nonetheless, it is still very early in the window, and so the North East club should be looking at other targets for now, with other Brazilians like Gabriel Barbosa and Angelo Gabriel recently linked and showing higher potential.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst is looking at strengthening his Rangers squad ahead of a crucial campaign next season. The Ibrox side won the Scottish Cup for the first time in 13 years and reached the Europa League final in what was an incredible continental run.

There were disappointments, especially with rivals Celtic lifting the Premiership trophy following the Gers’ poor form upon the return from the winter break and Van Bronckhorst will be determined to win back the title.

John Souttar has already joined from Hearts and with youngster Zak Lovelace agreeing to join the club, it has been a solid start to business in the transfer window for the club.

More depth is needed, however, especially in the attacking areas and Rangers have been linked with a player who could immediately improve the starting 11.

The club are keen on Welsh winger Tom Lawrence, although they face a battle with Watford and West Brom, with the Baggies leading the race, according to the Daily Mail.

Lawrence is set to leave Derby County on a free transfer when his contract expires, and he could form a dream duo with Gers striker Alfredo Morelos, with the Colombian feeding off of the 28-year-old creativity ability.

He has been involved in 98 goals and assists during his senior career, which is extremely impressive considering he has spent the majority of his career on the left wing. The Welshman can also play as a centre-forward or as a second striker and this versatility will be a big bonus for Van Bronckhorst.

Journalist Elias Burke described his style as “delicious” following a match in April and although the Ibrox side have a solid left-winger in Ryan Kent, Lawrence could offer more of a goalscoring threat, scoring eight more goals than him last season (11 to 3).

Signing Lawrence would signal a statement of intent from the Dutchman that Rangers can still hold off English interest – where higher wages will be offered – to sign players.

Van Bronckhorst needs to act fast, or he could lose out on a potential deal.

AND in other news: GvB now now plotting Rangers bid for “unbelievable” £4.5m-rated target, he’s Kent 2.0

Rangers are leading the race to sign Motherwell wonderkid Bailey Rice, according to Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Sought-after prospect 

The youngster does not turn 16 until October; once he does, he will then be eligible to sign his first professional contract.

Back in March, it was reported that Brighton and Manchester City were interested in signing the Scotsman, who has now made 14 caps at youth level for his country, but it looks like he will be opting to stay closer to home.

The 15-year-old is a centre-back who also has experience playing in midfield, having featured in a number of roles for Scotland’s U17 side.

The Latest: Rangers leading the race

Rice has been the subject of heavy interest by both Rangers and Celtic this summer, alongside a number of Premier League clubs.

According to a fresh report by Football Insider, the Gers are emerging as the favourites to sign the young defender, with the Light Blues now in pole position to secure the Motherwell player’s signature.

The Verdict: Bags of potential

It would be a major coup for Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side if the Glasgow outfit beat their city rivals to the Scottish wonderkid.

Rice could end up on the same trajectory as academy graduate Nathan Patterson, who joined Premier League side Everton for a reported £12m fee in January, with add-ons bringing this total up to £16m.

Rangers will of course want to try and replicate this type of business in the future, so the potential arrival of the 15-year-old may be yet another master-stroke in the long-run, whether he fulfils his potential at Ibrox or elsewhere.