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Sunderland are among a number of clubs who are interested in signing Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite this summer, according to a fresh transfer claim.

The Lowdown: Branthwaite out on loan?

The 19-year-old was only a bit-part player for the Toffees last season, starting just four Premier League matches and making eight appearances in all competitions.

Frank Lampard has already secured the services of James Tarkowski on a free transfer this summer, and it could mean that Branthwaite drifts further down the centre-back pecking order at Goodison Park.

It therefore looks as though a loan move away from Everton could make sense next season, as the teenager looks to enjoy more regular football elsewhere.

The Latest: Sunderland keen on Branthwaite

According to The Daily Mail [25/06, p110, via Football League World], Sunderland are interested in signing Branthwaite on a temporary basis this summer.

Middlesbrough and Sheffield United are also mentioned as potential suitors for the teenager, who has been described by his former Carlisle manager Steven Pressley as a ‘future England international’.

The Verdict: Shrewd summer signing

This could be a perfect move for all parties this summer, with Sunderland possibly benefiting from having a player with 10 Premier League appearances in his locker.

Granted, he remains extremely young and is still learning his trade, but coming up against some world-class attacking players already in his fledgling career should stand him in good stead and enable him to thrive in the Championship.

New additions with genuine pedigree are needed at Sunderland this summer as they aim for a solid campaign upon their return to the second tier, and Branthwaite could be a dominant presence at the back, having averaged 3.3 clearances and 1.8 successful aerial duels per Premier League game last season.

West Ham United may have been given a timely boost in their pursuit of Raphinha, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Moyes in chase?

The Hammers, having recently confirmed the signing of Nayef Aguerd, are ready to make even more moves this summer as Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth expects them to be ‘very busy’.

It is believed that manager David Moyes wants ‘at least’ six new additions overall this window as he gears up for what will be an interesting 2022/2023 Premier League season.

Sharing news on reported transfer target Raphinha, 90min now have a promising update for Hammers supporters.

The Latest: West Ham in mix…

According to their information, West Ham may not be out of the picture to sign Leeds’ attacking sensation just yet despite much interest.

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Indeed, it is claimed that the 25-year-old would ‘consider’ a move to the London Stadium after Moyes tried to sign him in January and the Irons remain keen on a deal.

However, while Raphinha refuses to discount West Ham, his preferred move remains Barcelona.

The Verdict: Keep pushing?

While the South American is holding out for Barca, if the Catalans should fall away due to their financial troubles, Raphinha’s openness to joining Moyes could come as a potential boost.

In terms of whether he would add quality, the answer is obvious – absolutely.

As per WhoScored, Leeds’ best player of 2021/2022 averaged their highest rate of shots at goal, key passes made and completed dribbles per 90 in the top flight.

He finished the campaign as their best-performing regular domestically and racked up the most goals for Jesse Marsch’s side.

Raphinha also terrorised Irons defender Issa Diop during West Ham’s 3-2 defeat at home to Leeds in January, as perfectly explained by Josh Bunting of Islington Gazette, who stated the attacker had him ‘on toast’ (Twitter).

West Ham United have identified a new midfield target according to reports.

What’s the word?

That is per a claim from The Mirror, who suggest that the Hammers are keen on signing Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse.

It is said that Moyes is looking to revamp his midfield following the retirement of Mark Noble, along with the uncertainty surrounding prize midfield duo Tomas Soucek and Declan Rice.

As per the report, Moyes sees Ward-Prowse as a stellar addition to the West Ham ranks and joins Newcastle United as notable admirers of the 27-year-old England international.

Mark Noble 2.0

With the latest news surrounding Southampton’s dead-ball specialist, Hammers supporters will surely be elated at the prospect of a classy and respectful midfielder joining their beloved club.

Almost all of the fanbase will have a soft spot for a hardworking technician in that mould, having seen Noble, aka Mr. West Ham, occupy that role in the side for around 18 years.

If there is any player in European football who can draw comparisons to Noble, it is £28.8m-rated Ward-Prowse.

The 27-year-old’s leadership qualities and ability to dictate play through mastering the basics make him a sure-fire signing who would slot right into the shoes of recently retired Noble.

The Southampton captain had yet another stellar season on a personal level, bagging ten goals and chipping in with a further five assists in 36 appearances for the Saints.

Now in the prime of his career and gaining acknowledgement on the international stage, he will surely be looking to take the next step of his career in joining a club who will at the very least challenge for the European places season-upon-season.

His ability to pick a pass, along with his 3.25 switches and 1.96 key passes per game, make him a super asset in the centre of the pitch and his status as a free-kick “magician” in the words of talkSPORT is of course a welcome bonus to any club.

West Ham could not find a better replacement for Noble.

In other news: Sky Sports journo: Big transfer at West Ham is now “imminent”, Moyes will love him 

Aston Villa will step up their efforts to recruit a new left-back after sealing the departure of Matt Targett.

What’s the word?

That is according to a report from The Mirror, who claimed that the Englishman’s reported £15m departure from the club will see that fee put towards recruiting a young, up-and-coming player who can develop as an understudy to Lucas Digne.

The club reportedly want to provide competition for the Frenchman, who has been entrusted with a starting role ever since his move from Everton in the winter transfer window.

Anderlecht full-back Gomez is rated at around £9m by Transfermarkt.

Better than Digne?

Gerrard’s ideology of signing a bright prospect like Gomez, rather than sitting on the sum received for Targett, is an astute one, made even greater by the level of competition that the 21-year-old Spaniard will hope to bring to Villa Park.

Gomez, who has been dubbed a “starlet” by Andrew Gaffney, was not given a chance at Dortmund, making just three appearances at Signal Iduna Park before departing for Vincent Kompany’s Anderlecht after a loan spell at Huesca.

The Barcelona youth product has found his feet in the Belgian top flight, chipping in with 12 assists in 34 appearances throughout his maiden Jupiler Pro League campaign.

Operating throughout Kompany’s 4-4-2 system as an offensive left-back, he has gathered more goal returns in the league this season than Digne has managed throughout the last two Premier League campaigns.

With 65 chances created, Gomez surpasses Digne’s squad-topping 52 chances at Villa, with the Spaniard’s 15 big chances created almost double that of Villa’s top ‘big chance’ creator Emi Buendia, with eight this season.

As a creative defensive asset this season, he can count himself as one of the best in Europe. As such, Gerrard would be quite right to reinvest in a prospect like Gomez, who can provide some very stiff competition for 28-year-old Digne.

In other news: Gerrard must pounce on Villa swoop for £263k-p/w “stallion” who supporters would love 

Aston Villa aren’t looking at Sonny Perkins as a potential striker signing, Express & Star journalist Matt Maher says. 

The lowdown

Fabrizio Romano reported on Thursday afternoon that Villa had opened talks over a deal for the West Ham United youngster.

Both Steven Gerrard’s side and Jesse Marsch’s Leeds ‘want to sign him’, he wrote on Twitter.

Perkins, 18, has only made three appearances for the Irons’ first team up to this point, clocking 99 Europa League minutes in substitute outings against Rapid Vienna and Dinamo Zagreb before a late Premier League run-out against Leeds in January.

According to Carlton Cole, he’s only recently adopted a striker role, having previously been used in a variety of positions, including centre-back.

The latest

Maher has been ‘told’ that Perkins ‘isn’t a target’ for this summer’s transfer window.

However, he does stress that ‘it’s possible AVFC could strengthen up front’ with an alternative addition.

The verdict

Villa may not be sold on Perkins just yet. Though he does have a strong record at youth level – with 10 goals in 20 Premier League 2 games – and has the endorsement of Cole, who called him ‘top class’, he’s barely played any senior football.

Were he available on a free transfer, their stance might be different, but a source at the London Stadium has insisted that he’s actually under contract for a year longer than initially thought.

Besides, Gerrard knows he already has another bright no. 9 on his books in the form of Cameron Archer, who’s made the step-up to senior level on loan at Preston and thrived, scoring seven times.

In other news, this Midlands reporter drops a triple exit claim.

Celtic have been circling Israeli midfielder Mohammed Abu Fani ahead of a potential summer move, according to Record Sport.

The Lowdown: Abu Fani’s career

Abu Fani has spent his entire professional career in his native country, where he currently plays for Israeli Premier League side Maccabi Haifa.

For the 2017/18 season, the midfielder was sent out on loan to second-tier outfit H. Ramat Gan, before returning and quickly heading straight back out to Hapoel Hadera, where he enjoyed two separate loan spells with the club.

All in all, the versatile midfielder has 18 goals and 11 assists in 182 club appearances.

The Latest: Hoops interested

According to a report by Record Sport, Celtic are keen to strengthen their squad further after their Premiership win and have identified Abu Fani as a potential arrival.

It is said that the Hoops are now circling the midfielder ahead of a potential summer switch.

As per Sport 5, Celtic will send scouts to watch Israel face Iceland and Albania in the UEFA Nations League, as they assess the 24-year-old before making a move.

The Verdict: Good signing for depth

Taking to Twitter, football analyst Julien San James has analysed the Israel international’s game, claiming that he has a ‘fearsome’ long-ball strike, and that he is ‘mobile and technical’ on the ball.

Following the departure of midfielder Nir Bitton, Hoops boss Ange Postecoglou needs to bring in a fresh face as a means of developing the squad’s depth, as the Glasgow side will look to make a push in next year’s UEFA Champions League.

Therefore, the Israeli’s arrival could prove useful for Celtic’s busy schedule next season, as rotation will be a key for success.

In other news: Alex McLeish makes Hoops transfer claim

Manchester United have discussed the idea of signing Villarreal centre-back Pau Torres along with Ajax defender Jurrien Timber, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Torres profiled

Torres has progressed through Villarreal’s academy and has made 134 senior appearances for the La Liga side, 47 of which came during the 2021/22 campaign.

The Spain international, who was hailed as ‘sensational’ by his national team boss Luis Enrique, is at the peak of his powers, holding a career-high £45m Transfermarkt valuation. The 25-year-old is entering the final two years of his contract in the summer and holds a release clause in the region of €55m-€60m (£46.8m-£51m).

The Latest: United discussions

Romano took to Twitter on Monday lunchtime to share a transfer update from Old Trafford.

He said that, alongside Timber, Torres has also been ‘discussed internally’ by United chiefs and Erik ten Hag ahead of a possible move.

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The Verdict: Ten Hag’s priorities clear

Ten Hag is yet to add to his United squad since taking the reins, but it seems as if defensive reinforcements are top of his wish list, something which doesn’t exactly come as a major shock with the Red Devils conceding 57 times in 38 league games this season.

The Dutchman appears to pride himself on making his teams hard to beat at the back, with his Ajax side conceding just 19 goals in 34 league games in 2021/22. Therefore, potential swoops for Timber (who he knows well from Amsterdam) and Torres (who appears to be at the top of his game) could be wise first moves for the 52-year-old at Old Trafford.

In other news: Reliable journalist leaks Man Utd talks as Ten Hag now eyes ‘terrific’ Englishman

Wolves rounded off their 2021/22 Premier League season with a 3-1 defeat to Liverpool having taken the lead in the third minute through Pedro Neto.

Goals from Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson secured the comeback for the Reds as defeat condemned Wolves to a tenth place finish in the Premier League, having spent plenty of recent weeks in eighth.

Eyes were on Bruno Lage’s side to see whether or not they could play a part in the title race with their opponents in need of a victory as well as Manchester City dropping points against Aston Villa to be crowned Champions of England.

However, Pep Guardiola’s side sensationally scored three goals in five minutes to go from 2-0 down to 3-2 leaders as City secured a fourth Premier League title in five seasons.

Although Wolves couldn’t cause a shock at Anfield, it was, at times, a spirited performance from Lage’s men.

However, what has been a poor end to a decent campaign was rounded off with another defeat, with midfielder Joao Moutinho quiet on what could potentially be his final appearance for the West Midlands outfit.

The 35-year-old’s contract at Molineux is set to expire next month, although Lage has confirmed that the Portuguese veteran wants to stay at Wolves.

At Anfield, the midfielder lost all of his four attempted duels whilst losing possession nine times having made 52 touches, an average of once every 5.8 touches.

Moreover, Moutinho failed to make a single tackle as well as making just one interception and clearance whilst being dribbled past twice.

A decision now has to be made by the hierarchy at the West Midlands outfit regarding the future of the veteran with Lage undoubtedly keen to build on his first season in England and make Wolves genuine contenders for European football next term.

Whether or not that involves extending the midfielder’s contract will be a decision made by Jeff Shi and Fosun in the near future.

However, rounding off the campaign with one win in nine matches will certainly be a major disappointment for Wolves who will strive for improvement come August.

AND in other news: Great news: Huge Wolves transfer development emerges; supporters will be ecstatic

Wolverhampton Wanderers look set to miss out on a permanent deal for Barcelona-loanee Francisco Trincao this summer.

What’s the word?

That is according to a journalist in Portugal, who claims that the 22-year-old winger has already decided his next move.

Taking to Twitter, the following statement was issued: “Sporting’s priority target, Trincão has already given the “yes” to being directed again by Rúben Amorim, with whom he worked at SC Braga. It is the ideal replacement for Sarabia. Talks for a 1-year loan are moving in a positive way – salary issues with Barcelona still need to be settled.”

The latest report echos the word ‘rebuild’ even louder around the Molineux, with Trincao yet another name who will leave at the end of the summer. Another face constantly linked with the exit door is Ruben Neves and it’s still uncertain whether he’ll be in the Midlands next term.

Wolves had an option to buy Trincao for around £25m, though Lage has not executed this and now it looks as though Sporting CP will seal a reunion between former Braga duo Ruben Amorim and Trincao.

Lage surely fuming

Having managed just three returns in the form of goals and assist across 27 Premier League games, Trincao has endured a rocky time at Wolves for the most part, but in fairness has shown glimpses of the quality that we saw in his final season at Braga, where he bagged goals and assists in 27 games.

His recent goal against Chelsea was one of these positive displays, though they have been few and far between for a player previously described as “magic.”

With the latest news around Trincao’s loan spell faltering to become permanent, Lage has a rebuild on his hands and this departure could add yet further complication.

In an ideal world, the Old Gold boss may have hoped for a straight swap deal between Adama and the £19.8m-rated Trincao, though, just like the option to buy, this is now not viable.

In this case, Lage will surely be kicking himself for his indecisiveness around a player who could have flourished next season, after taking this season to settle into what is such a fast-paced and physical league.

Tactically, it weakens the side, with a lack of inverted options at the right wing position, leaving just Pedro Neto as the only left-footed winger in the side. That’s a piece of news that will surely be gutting to Lage and his coaching staff.

In other news: Wolves now plot bid for “flourishing” £20m gem, he’s better than Moutinho 

Former Celtic striker Frank McAvennie believes the Hoops will make at least four new signings for the first XI in the summer transfer window.

The Lowdown: Busy summer ahead

Ange Postecoglou’s men may have sealed Scottish Premiership glory this season, regaining the title from rivals Rangers, but attention is immediately turning to 2022/23.

New signings will be required in order to take this Celtic side to the next level, allowing them to compete in the Champions League, rather than exit the competition in a meek fashion.

The money should be available to bring in new faces with a £40m+ windfall expected from qualification to Europe’s elite competition, so it promises to be an exciting summer window.

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The Latest: Four signings predicted

Speaking to Football Insider, McAvennie, reacting to news of a deal being close for Mohanad Jeahze, claimed he thinks at least three more players will come in to the starting line-up, although he didn’t rule out the idea of even more signings being made:

“New players have to come in, that’s for sure. We have a pretty good squad at the moment but we saw how stretched it got when we were playing in Europe.

“It will be even harder in the Champions League next season as well so new players will have to come in.

“I think four players, around that number, hopefully more. Four players who can challenge for a starting spot or of that quality to start every week.

“We are getting that money so hopefully Ange gets a bit to spend. I’m sure he will because he has worked wonders with this squad.”

The Verdict: Sign them up, Ange

In Cameron Carter-Vickers and Jota, Celtic have two loanees who immediately need to be signed permanently, given the impact they have made this season.

The pair made 52 league appearances between them, with the former a rock at the heart of the defence and the latter chipping in with nine goals and ten assists.

Away from Jeahze, Carter-Vickers and Jota, it is then vital that other new faces arrive at Parkhead, though, adding quality and freshness to the squad, ahead of what is hopefully another glorious campaign next time around.

In other news, Celtic are believed to be ‘desperate’ to sign one player this summer. Read more here.