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Tottenham Hotspur are edging closer to completing their first summer signing under Ange Postecogou in the form of Brentford goalkeeper David Raya, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

What's the latest transfer news involving David Raya?

As per Sky Sports, personal terms are not expected to be an issue for Raya as Tottenham look to find a new goalkeeper to replace veteran star Hugo Lloris.

Brentford value the Spain international at around £40 million; however, Spurs are reluctant to shell out such a fee given that he is out-of-contract at the Gtech Community Stadium in 2024.

The Telegraph understand that Manchester United are also in the hunt to sign Raya to compete with or replace David De Gea, though Tottenham are believed to be in 'pole position' to sign the 27-year-old.

Postecoglou is keen to add another figure between the sticks to the ranks and it is believed to be 'one of the most pressing priorities' for the Australian manager in N17.

talkSPORT understand that Raya is open to moving to Spurs and the Lilywhites are trying to convince Brentford to lower their price to sell one of their prize assets.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Romano has indicated that Tottenham are moving closer to signing Raya this summer in north London.

Romano said: "The agreement on personal terms with David Raya is almost done. They are negotiating with Brentford, so I think Tottenham have a good chance of finding a way.

"They will not pay £40million, so the price has to change. But I'm sure the conversation will take place soon."

Would David Raya be a good signing for Tottenham Hotspur?

Raya has established himself as a very competent Premier League goalkeeper who has garnered interest in his services due to his composure on the ball and safe handling.

In 2022/23, the 27-year-old made 39 appearances in all competitions for Brentford and managed to keep 12 clean sheets, as per Transfermarkt.

Raya also appeared in WhoScored's top five most-consistent performers for Brentford for his exploits during the campaign, gaining an average match rating of 6.97/10 in the English top flight.

FBRef show that Raya recorded a 77.7% save percentage rate across the season, proving to be a reliable presence between the sticks for his current employers.

Tottenham need a new goalkeeper as they look to refresh their squad under Postecoglou ahead of next term and Raya would be a sensible signing that would excite the Lilywhites' faithful.

Aston Villa are interested in signing Leeds United midfielder Tyler Adams in the summer transfer window, according to reliable journalist Phil Hay.

Is Adams leaving Leeds this summer?

The Whites had a bitterly disappointing 2022/23 season, suffering relegation from the Premier League and eventually getting through three different managers – Jesse Marsch, Javi Gracia and Sam Allardyce.

For that reason, Leeds now face a summer exodus, with a number of their most important players unlikely to be wanting to play Championship football next term.

Someone who is an undoubted key man for them is Adams, who was a big miss through injury during the latter part of the campaign and will surely move on in the summer. It could be either a permanent or loan exit for the £57,000-a-week American, but either way, it would be a big surprise if he was at Elland Road in August.

With Villa no doubt on the lookout for some significant transfer business once the summer window opens, it looks as though they could be eyeing up the Leeds hero.

Could Villa make a move for Adams?

Writing on Twitter, The Athletic's Hay claimed that the Villans are showing an interest in signing Adams before the start of the new season, although they aren't alone:

"Forest one of the clubs sniffing around Tyler Adams. Aston Villa having a look too."

Adams could be a fantastic option for Villa to bring in during the summer, and he could potentially jump at the chance to play in Europe next season, which someone like Nottingham Forest can't offer him.

While Leeds may have gone down, the 36-cap USA international was an impressive performer for them, adding tenacity and class in midfield after arriving from RB Leipzig last year. He averaged an eye-catching 3.8 tackles per game in the Premier League in 2022/23, as well as 2.8 per match at the 2022 World Cup, and he also enjoyed a 90.2% pass completion rate in the latter, highlighting his quality in possession.

At 24, Adams would also be joining Villa at a perfect time, already possessing plenty of experience in the game, but still having so many years ahead of him. He has been lauded as "exceptionally bright" by Gary Lineker – high praise indeed – while Marsch labelled him "very important", and he could help take Unai Emery's midfield up another level next season and beyond in the coming years.

Aston Villa are set to look towards the summer transfer window, following the close of the 2022/23 Premier League season.

The Villans couldn’t have imagined the success the campaign would bring, with them experiencing relegation form at the start of the term, to ending it with a spot in the UEFA Europa Conference League and a seventh-place finish.

Villa’s key to success has undoubtedly been the arrival of Unai Emery, who has fired the Midlands side up the table in less than a full season in charge.

Despite the campaign being a memorable one, the heights of the Spaniard’s success is set to go far beyond his first year at Villa Park with part of the process being recruitment in the transfer window.

A host of talent throughout Europe has been linked with a move to the Midlands already this summer, with Emery’s pull being significant due to his career triumphs and the magnitude of talent he has moulded.

The latest reports link a young prospect to the Premier League, and one that could bolster the Spaniard’s midfield.

What’s the latest on Ibrahima Bamba to Aston Villa?

As reported by Fabrizio Romano last week, Vitoria SC midfielder Ibrahima Bamba could make the switch to Villa Park this summer.

As per the report, it’s claimed that Villa have been “tracking” the player for a long time, with the 21-year-old expected to be on the move from the Portuguese side – reportedly valued around the €30m (£26m) mark.

Romano states that nothing has been agreed yet, and that many clubs are monitoring the youngsters' movements ahead of the window.

What could Ibrahima Bamba bring to Aston Villa?

Hailed as being a “special talent” by journalist Zach Lowy, Bamba has established himself as one of the continent's most talked about young players after a solid season in Liga Portugal.

Maintaining a Sofascore average match rating of 7.00 over 28 appearances highlights the consistency of the defensive-minded ace, which is supported by his season averages.

As per Sofascore, the Italy international wins 60% of his total duels averaging 5.0 per game this season in the league.

The youngster’s versatility in the defensive zones is one thing that makes him so highly regarded ahead of the transfer window, being equipped to play as both a centre-back and a defensive midfielder.

Lauded by U23 scout Antonio Mango as having it “all”, the scout expressed that it is “extremely difficult” for players to break through Bamba, as reinforced through him being dribbled past just 0.4 per game this season – as per Sofascore.

To put the numbers in comparison to what he could bring to Villa, midfield maestro Douglas Luiz is dribbled past 0.9 times on average per game, showing the immense level the starlet is playing at.

In the absence of Boubacar Kamara, John McGinn has dropped back to partner Luiz in defensive midfield, however signing Bamba could prove to be a vast upgrade on the Scotsman in adding depth to the middle of the park.

The 28-year-old averages 1.9 tackles and 0.7 interceptions per game, with the Italian excelling in his efforts by making 2.3 tackles and 1.3 interceptions per game to showcase his "aggressive" presence in defensive areas.

Emery could relieve McGinn of his deep midfield duties in signing Bamba, who would be a formidable figure for any side to have in their arsenal this summer.

Insider ExWHUEmployee has revealed that David Moyes will almost certainly stay on as West Ham United manager if they win the Europa Conference League despite some issues with David Sullivan.

When did West Ham last play in a major European final?

After beating AZ Alkmaar both home and away in the European semi-final, the Hammers will now meet Fiorentina in Prague next month as they make a major European final for the first time in 47 years.

Despite this success on the continent, the Irons have underperformed domestically and have actually spent the past few months in a relegation battle – although they have now done enough to cement their status as a Premier League side for another season.

With that inconsistency in mind, however, there has been talk that Moyes could be sacked at some point during the season. What's more, co-owner Sullivan has reportedly been unhappy with the 60-year-old's business in past transfer windows, thus putting more pressure on the manager.

However, speaking about all this on The West Ham Way Podcast, Ex revealed that it's unlikely the club will be on the hunt for a new head coach if they are successful in Europe.

The insider explained (6:07): "On the whole, I think the understanding is certainly if we win the Conference League, then Moyes will be the manager next year. That's my understanding for now.

"Of course, it's going to come down to conversations in the summer. And it will also come down to recruitment because as I've said on the show before, David Sullivan is not happy with the recruitment that we had over the summer.

"Although that said, a lot of those players have started to show their worth now…”

Who could replace Moyes at West Ham?

There has been plenty of speculation about who could come in and replace Moyes should he depart in the summer. For instance, Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou has been touted in the media as an ideal target.

And his relationship with the West Ham fanbase has been strained at times this term, with the manager being booed and jeered by his own support earlier on in the campaign.

However, form has picked up in recent times and the Hammers will technically finish as high as 12th this season. Add a European trophy to that and it's hard to see why the club would let him go – even if Sullivan has a few issues with his transfer recruitment ability.

Journalist Lee Ryder has praised Newcastle United defender Kieran Trippier after he "dominated" in the club's most recent draw.

What's the latest on Newcastle vs Leicester?

The Magpies managed to qualify for the Champions League for the first time in 20 years last night after playing Leicester City.

The Foxes are fighting for their lives at the other end of the Premier League table and managed to come away with a point on the day.

Indeed, the match ended 0-0 with Newcastle unable to get on the scoresheet, despite hitting the post three times. That point was still enough to see Eddie Howe's side secure a spot in the top four.

And it seems as though the manager can thank his captain for that as the right-back put in a fine display – as noted by Ryder.

In the ChronicleLive player ratings, the journalist handed Trippier and 8/10 for his efforts and wrote: "Dominated down the right with a ridiculous 162 touches."

What award has Trippier won?

It seems Ryder wasn't the only one to appreciate the defender's efforts with Dominic Scurr signing Trippier's praises in the Shields Gazette player ratings too.

He gave him a 7/10 and said: "Kept Newcastle on the front foot all evening with smart passing down the right. Put some good deliveries into the box which Newcastle ought to have done better with."

And when you look at the stats on SofaScore, you can see why the journalists were impressed. After all, Trippier helped out defensively as he made one clearance, one tackle and of course was part of the backline that kept a clean sheet.

More eye-catching, though, was his attacking involvement as he was immense on the right flank with a whopping 162 touches (39 more than any other player). He delivered 20 crosses (17 more than any other player), completed 113 passes and 15/18 long balls as well as three key passes, with one big chance created.

Having been the first signing under the new ownership group – which has been able to invest in the transfers that have propelled NUFC up the table – it's safe to say Trippier has been a hit.

After all, the £120k-p/w England international was honoured after the game as he was handed the club's 22/23 Player of the Season award.

All in all, not a bad night for the defender with Champions League football secured and personal accolades picked up.

Tottenham manager Antonio Conte ‘will be pleased’ after a big development coming out of north London, BBC reporter Simon Stone has said.

The Lowdown: Conte eyes major overhaul…

As per a recent report by The Telegraph, the Lilywhites manager is eyeing a summer overhaul, with transfer chief Fabio Paratici set to hold talks with Conte in Italy soon.

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It is believed that a list of ‘potential targets’ includes the likes of Alessandro Bastoni, Gleison Bremer, Djed Spence, Christian Eriksen, James Ward-Prowse, Kalvin Phillips and Gabriel Jesus.

Conte is apparently set to be promised six major incomings, with a recent confirmed Spurs update now gifting the Italian a potential transfer windfall. The club – and by association owners ENIC and chairman Daniel Levy – announced midweek that the north Londoners have agreed a £150m capital increase.

The Latest: Stone makes £150m claim…

As per BBC journalist Stone, sharing an update after this big news, the £150m can be used for ‘any purpose’, including transfer costs and player salaries. As a result, the reporter claimed that Conte ‘will be pleased’ and has hailed the ‘significant news’.

Stone explained (via Twitter): “Significant news this off the back of return to Champions League. £150m equity increase that can be used for any purpose, including transfer fees and wages. Antonio Conte is going to be pleased with this.”

The Verdict: Big boost…

As if qualifying for next season’s Champions League wasn’t enough, this £150m boost is yet more reason to be optimistic for Conte’s first full season in charge in N17.

This major windfall could go some way to assisting Paratici in backing Tottenham’s head coach in the summer transfer market as the Premier League club now seek to get back among the top-flight’s elite and come closer to challenging the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool.

In other news: ‘Told Spurs are ready’…Kilpatrick has exciting transfer news for supporters! Find out more here.

Rangers have never been shy when it comes to bringing players to Ibrox on temporary loan deals during previous transfer windows.

The Gers have also seen numerous players come in on loan from English clubs, with Amad Diallo being a fairly recent one during the previous January transfer window.

Looking back to that period of time, Rangers were also linked with another young player making a name for himself in Manchester – James McAtee.

As many fans will be aware, the Europa League finalists were ultimately unsuccessful in their attempts to secure a loan move for the Englishman.

In February, the midfielder put pen to paper on a new long-term deal at Manchester City, firmly securing his future with the Citizens.

With the next summer transfer window on the horizon, it could well be worth the Ibrox club making an attempt to see if City would be willing to let them take their starlet on loan to give him his first real taste of regular senior football.

The 19-year-old has seen just 18 minutes of Premier League action for Pep Guardiola’s side this season, which doesn’t make his chances of playing regularly next season look particularly high.

For their U23s, the Englishman has scored 18 goals and provided seven assists in 23 league games, highlighting the sort of talented attacking midfielder he is and why Van Bronckhorst would love to have a player like that in his squad.

This also backs up why he was called a “massive talent” by journalist Jonathan Smith and why the Manchester club were so keen to tie him down to a long-term deal.

It also shows why the Rangers manager should be banging on Ross Wilson’s door to get him to sanction a move for the midfield star.

To further highlight how impressive the £2.7m-rated City sensation is, he has been nominated for the 2021/22 Premier League 2 Player of the Season award

Taking into account the relationship that Van Bronckhorst has with Guardiola and the influence that the City boss has had on the Gers manager, this could potentially help Rangers and their potential chances of signing McAtee on a loan deal this time around.

With all of this in mind, should an opportunity to sign the young midfielder on loan arises this summer, Rangers should definitely be in the mix to secure his signature.

In other news: Big blow: Rangers dealt crushing injury setback, it’s a huge worry for Van Bronckhorst

Leeds United have been linked with a summer swoop for Cardiff City winger Japhet Matondo.

The Lowdown: Matondo profiled

Matondo, already sponsored by Nike, is primarily a left-winger who can also play on the opposite flank. The Wales U17 international is yet to make a senior appearance for Cardiff but has featured for the U23s.

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The 16-year-old is yet to pen a professional deal with the Championship side due to his age, but he is already catching the eye across the country, including those at Elland Road.

The Latest: Leeds interest

Football Scotland shared an update regarding Matondo on Wednesday, where they claimed that Celtic have registered their interest in the teenager. The Scottish champions could land the attacker for a £130,000 compensation fee.

Leeds are also keeping tabs on the Cardiff teenager, however, Matondo would cost the Whites substantially more than £130,000 as the Hoops would be benefitting from cross-border compensation rules.

The player’s future may well be mapped out over the coming weeks.

The Verdict: Shrewd U23s move?

Should Leeds secure Matondo’s services ahead of Celtic over the coming weeks, you’d expect that he could be placed in with the U18s or U23s next season, having been hailed as a ‘very exciting’ talent in a piece from Wales Online.

A move wouldn’t necessarily rely on Leeds remaining in the Premier League, however, Matondo may well be in line for more game time with the academy if the Whites drop down to the Championship.

Raphinha looks set to leave for Barcelona, which could result in Crysencio Summerville stepping up and establishing himself in the first team, leaving a regular spot on the wing for the U23s up for grabs.

In other news: Orta now finally set to accept defeat as Leeds plot exit for Bielsa ‘mistake’ – opinion. 

Celtic could break their own Scottish record of earning £100m in a season, according to financial expert Kieran Maguire.

The Lowdown: Memorable season at Parkhead

The Hoops are on the verge of regaining their Premiership title, with just one point required in their final two matches of the season.

Ange Postecoglou has come in and done a superb job in his first campaign as manager at Parkhead, with the Scottish League Cup already added to the trophy cabinet earlier in the season.

It appears as though Celtic are thriving on and off the pitch, following a fresh revelation from a financial guru.

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The Latest: Expert makes £100m Celtic claim

Speaking to Football Insider, Maguire claimed that the Hoops could generate more money next season than their record £100m earnings back in 2018. He revealed:

“Celtic are the only club in the history of Scottish football to generate more than £100m in a single season. That came in 2018 when they were in the Champions League. It is transformational.

“Last year, they generated £60m worth of income. I expect that to go up because they will have a full season of matchday in 2021-22.

“For every £1 in the Europa League, you get £5 in the Champions League. Celtic will be joyous in the boardroom with this news.”

The Verdict: Hugely exciting times

This is a wonderful time to be a Celtic fan again, with last season’s on-field disappointment and football behind closed doors now a suppressed memory.

The Hoops are excelling both in terms of performances on the pitch and being run shrewdly behind the scenes, with this latest update indicating their healthy financial position.

It means that funds should be available to make significant signings during the summer transfer window, ensuring that Postecoglou builds an even more potent squad moving forward – something which will be vital ahead of a return to the Champions League group stage.

In other news, one Celtic player has been backed to leave this summer. Find out who it is here.

Everton forward Richarlison could incur a three-match ban after throwing a flare against Chelsea on Sunday, ESPN’s Dale Johnson has hinted. 

The lowdown

The Brazil international scored his team’s winning goal just a minute into the second half at Goodison Park.

It was a potentially huge moment, with the relegation-threatened Toffees five points adrift of safety at kick-off, but amid the celebrations, Richarlison appeared to pick up a flare from the pitch and throw it towards the stands. Even though it was a possible red-card offence, VAR did not examine it during the game.

Everton are due to travel to Leicester on Sunday before a midweek trip to Watford and a home clash against Brentford on 15 May.

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The latest

Taking to Twitter, Johnson pondered the possibility of Richarlison being hit with a suspension for those three matches, although the outcome of any such decision could rest on where the flare ultimately landed.

Sharing footage of the incident, he tweeted: “Will Richarlison face a three-match ban? Possibly. Much may depend upon where he threw it. Did it land in the fans or did he throw it out of the stadium? I suspect it didn’t land in the fans, so he might escape with a fine or censure.”

The verdict

Johnson isn’t the only one to raise the possibility of a ban for Richarlison. Former Premier League referee Keith Hackett believes that the incident is worthy of a one-match suspension at a ‘minimum’.

However, former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson has come to the Brazilian’s defence, insisting that ‘you wouldn’t think for one minute that he’s thrown it into his supporters’.

Everton will be nervously awaiting a decision on any possible ban, given the importance of Richarlison. First and foremost, he’s their top scorer this season with nine goals in 29 appearances.

That figure alone doesn’t fully outline how vital he is to the cause, though. In the past five years, no Premier League player has scored more goals directly impacting the outcome of games, so for Everton to lose him now over one spontaneous incident could be calamitous.

In other news, a fresh Everton transfer claim has emerged