Fulham: Silva could seize transfer "opportunity" to sign £120k-p/w star

Fulham could return with another attempt to try and land Manchester United midfielder Fred later in the window, according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.

Which clubs are interested in Fred?

According to Corriere dello Sport via Man Utd News, Manchester United will ask for around €10-15 million for Fred this summer and Turkish Super Lig outfit Galatasaray lead the race to sign the Brazil international.

Galatasaray are in negotiations with Manchester United regarding a possible deal for Fred, though no official bid from them has been submitted for the £120k-a-week ace. Lazio president Claudio Lotito holds an attraction towards Fred in addition; nevertheless, Maurizio Sarri isn't keen to bring the midfielder to the Stadio Olimpico this off-season.

The Daily Mail report that Fulham alongside clubs in Saudi Arabia retain an interest in Fred. Marco Silva is believed to be a huge fan of his abilities and would like to bring him to Craven Cottage if possible.

Nevertheless, the outlet claim that Manchester United will in fact demand £20 million for Fred before sanctioning his departure from Old Trafford. Fred has changed his agency and is unlikely to have a long-term future at Manchester United under Erik Ten Hag.

Last term, the 30-year-old made a whopping 56 appearances across all competitions for Manchester United, notching six goals and six assists, as per Transfermarkt.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Sky Sports reporter Sheth doesn't think the door is completely closed on Fulham returning to the table for Fred later this window.

Sheth stated: “There has been interest from Fulham. They couldn't agree on a fee simply because United were asking for too much money.

“Don't rule that one out, though, just yet. I think the later you go in the window and the more that United might think, ‘We want to bring in another midfielder’, Fulham might spot that as an opportunity to be able to do a deal on their terms rather than on what Manchester United would want at this stage of the transfer window.”

Who else could Fulham bring in this summer?

Fulham boss Silva will be desperate to bring in some extra bodies this summer to join new additions Raul Jimenez and Calvin Bassey at Craven Cottage to prepare his side for a second successive campaign back in the English top flight, as per Transfermarkt.

Nevertheless, uncertainty continues to rear its ugly head in west London as Aleksandar Mitrovic ploughs on with his attempts to force through a lucrative move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, as per The Daily Mail.

Aleksandar Mitrovic

In terms of prospective incomings, Fulham are keen on Everton forward Demarai Gray and are willing to pay £7 million to offer the Jamaica international an escape route from Goodison Park, though the Toffees are seeking to recoup £10 million for his services, according to The Sun.

Chelsea outcast Callum Hudson-Odoi could be set to move to Fulham despite further interest from Lazio and Nottingham Forest, with the Cottagers believed to be in the box seat to convince the 22-year-old to sign on the dotted line in the final month of the window, as per Football Insider.

Wolves’ attacking output now ‘worrying’

Wolverhampton Wanderers’ attacking output is now ‘extremely worrying’, but journalist Dean Jones still backs Julen Lopetegui to steer them clear of relegation.

The Lowdown: Wolves improving

Wolves have shown definite signs of improvement under Lopetegui, having sacked Bruno Lage in October after slipping into the relegation zone, now sitting three points clear of the bottom three.

However, their work is by no means done yet, especially considering the Old Gold have a very tricky period coming up, facing Liverpool at Anfield tonight before coming up against Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United in the following games.

The Latest: Jones concerned

In an interview with GiveMeSport, Jones expressed concern about the performances of Wolves’ strikers, saying:“The goal output of this team in terms of the forwards is extremely worrying. But with Lopetegui in charge, I still think they’ll just be fine.

“He’s improved this team in most other areas and surely it’s only a matter of time before they start scoring more goals.”

The Verdict: Must improve

Not only do Lopetegui’s side have very tough games coming up, but they end the season with trips to Manchester United and Arsenal, travelling to the Emirates Stadium on the final day, by which point you feel they will have to already be mathematically safe.

As such, their strikers must start stepping up to the plate, with both Raul Jimenez and Diego Costa yet to score in the Premier League this season, despite making a total of 21 appearances between them.

Wolves have largely had to rely on goal contributions from the likes of central midfielder Ruben Neves and winger Daniel Podence so far this season, but it is not sustainable to be without a consistently-scoring striker.Lopetegui will be hoping his current strikers can do enough to keep his side up this season, before no doubt strengthening his attacking options in the summer transfer window.

Sky Sports reporter: Man United "ready" to move for "phenomenal" star

Manchester United boss Erik Ten Hag is looking at one 'key midfield target' in particular to help strengthen his engine room at Old Trafford, according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.

What's the latest news at Manchester United?

The Red Devils have made four additions so far in the form of Mason Mount, Andre Onana, Rasmus Hojlund and Jonny Evans on a short-term deal; however, it remains to be seen if he will see the campaign out at Old Trafford, as per Transfermarkt.

Of course, Manchester United kicked off their Premier League season on Monday night at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers and won 1-0 courtesy of a header from Raphael Varane, though they struggled to fashion chances against the Old Gold, who created the vast majority of opportunities present in the fixture, as per BBC Sport.

Ten Hag praised his side's ability to dig in and grind out three points on the opening day, stating in his post-match press conference: "They were more aggressive, as we were, but then still, we have to find a way to win the game. That is what we did and then you see the spirit of the team and the willingness to win. And we're happy. I was really pleased with the win, of course, and it was a fight."

In terms of recruitment, Manchester United are hot on the tail of Bayern Munich defender Benjamin Pavard, who could cost a minimum of £26 million, as per The Daily Mail.

One other name that Manchester United have been heavily linked with over recent times is Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has given an idea of when Ten Hag could move for the Morocco international, stating on the Debrief podcast: “After they clarify the situation of Van de Beek, they will enter into concrete talks for Sofyan Amrabat. "

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Sky Sports journalist Sheth thinks that Amrabat, who has been hailed as "phenomenal", is definitely a 'key midfield target' for Ten Hag between now and the close of the window.

Sheth said: "It looks like Amrabat is ten Hag's key midfield target. United are really interested in him. They like him a lot. Erik ten Hag really likes him, more importantly.

"He has played under Erik ten Hag before, when ten Hag was the manager at Utrecht and Amrabat was a player there.

"Everyone knows his qualities because he showed them on the world stage for Morocco in that fantastic run at the World Cup at the back end of last year.

"There's definitely interest there and Fiorentina are aware of the interest. I think United are in that position where they are ready to make a move for Amrabat, but they just want to streamline their squad and maybe recoup some money first of all."

Who else are Manchester United keen on and who could leave?

According to The Guardian, Manchester United are said to have approached Everton regarding midfield talent Amadou Onana, though the Toffees are reluctant to sell one of their prize assets.

Manchester United would need to pay a fee of at least £50 million to land the Belgium international, which has been benchmarked against the fees that other high-profile midfielders have moved for this window.

amadou-onana-premier-league-man-united-transfers

Anthony Martial could be set to walk through the exit door and West Ham United are keen to offer the Frenchman a new challenge at the London Stadium, as per talkSPORT.

The Hammers are also keen on bringing in Harry Maguire this summer; nevertheless, have started to turn their focus toward alternatives as doubts have creeped in regarding the proposed deal despite a £30 million fee being agreed between both clubs, as per Telegraph Sport.

Fabrizio Romano: Man City Close To Signing 20 y/o

Manchester City and Pep Guardiola are close to securing a deal for a young defender, with a deal said to be close to bringing him to the Etihad Stadium, according to reports.

What's the latest news involving Manchester City?

Cited by BBC Sport, Wolverhampton Wanderers boss Gary O'Neil has hinted that Manchester City target Matheus Nunes could be set to stay at Molineux despite going on strike to try and secure a move to the Etihad Stadium.

O'Neil has spoken about Nunes and his future at the Old Gold, stating:

"He's not with the group at the moment, his choice. After the bid from Manchester City he decided it was best for him to not to be with the group. Club policy, and how we deal with things like that, is set in place. As far as I'm aware there's been no improved bid. Matheus Nunes is still our player, we have a long contract still with him and at this moment I fully expect him to be here come 2 September."

According to The Daily Mail, Wolves are holding out for a fee of £60 million for the Portugal international; however, Manchester City are only willing to go up to £55 million in negotiations.

There has since been a further update from Fabrizio Romano, who said that Nunes is now set to sign for City, with Tommy Doyle heading the other way in a separate deal.

Kevin De Bruyne is currently sidelined through injury and West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paqueta had also been a target for the Citizens before an investigation into the Brazilian regarding potential betting breaches scuppered any notion of a transfer.

Earlier this month, talkSPORT reported that Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips was attracting interest from Liverpool to help strengthen Jurgen Klopp's engine room. Journalist Alex Crook has spoken to Give Me Sport recently and admitted that Klopp is 'really interested' in sanctioning a late deal for Phillips, which in turn could pave the way for Manchester City to bring in additional reinforcements in the middle of the park.

Are Manchester City signing Jamal Baptiste?

Transfer expert Romano has detailed that Manchester City are now on the verge of completing a deal to bring in a talented young defender, as he stated on X:

"Excl: Manchester City are on verge of agreeing deal to sign former West Ham centre back Jamal Baptiste, born in 2003 — here we go. Baptiste will join on free transfer, been told medical and contract signing soon. City project’s to develop best youngsters in Europe."

Manchester City completed summer signings

Player

Fee

Previous Club

Josko Gvardiol

£77.6 million

RB Leipzig

Jeremy Doku

£55.5 million

Stade Rennais

Mateo Kovacic

£25 million (£30 million with add-ons)

Chelsea

All transfer fees courtesy of Sky Sports News

Jamal Baptiste, who left West Ham United at the end of last term, made two senior appearances for the Hammers during his time at the London Stadium; nevertheless, has suffered from the rare illness Guillain-Barre syndrome in the past (a serious condition that affects the nerves) which curtailed his opportunity to make an impact under David Moyes, as per The Athletic.

Manchester City target Jamal Baptiste warming up for West Ham United.

Former West Ham academy manager Terry Westley sang his praises with this early claim, though, stating about Baptiste back in 2019:

"One of the finest young prospects at the club without any doubt is 15-year-old Jamal Baptiste who believe me is going to be a monster player".

Ensuring bright young prospects are well stocked at the Etihad is a big priority for Manchester City chiefs as they look to maintain their dominance in English football, and 20-year-old Baptiste could be the latest instalment in a long conveyor belt of talent in the North West.

Jose Mourinho said this forgotten Chelsea star is to blame for my grey hair

Jose Mourinho blamed his grey hairs on a former Chelsea and Real Madrid star who went on to play for a club which no longer exists.

During the special one’s first spell at Stamford Bridge, during which he won the Premier League twice, Mourinho signed a young nimble midfielder from French club Le Havre, who have produced talents such as Paul Pogba and Dimitri Payet down the years.

That man was Lassana Diarra, who would later go on to play for the likes of Arsenal, Real Madrid and PSG, also earning 34 caps for the Franch national team.

Diarra’s list of admirers includes Mourinho, who called him “amazing” during their time at Chelsea, and France manager Didier Deschamps, who brought him back into the national team set-up in 2015.

“He has intelligence, he has everything and in such an important strategical position,” Deschamps told TF1.

“It’s so good to have the choices I have. Lass is a top player, a top-class performer who has experience.”

Despite his talent, Diarra only made 13 Premier League appearances for Chelsea, many of which were out of position at right-back, before he was sold to Arsenal as he sought more playing time.

And Mourinho has since revealed in a chat on John Obi Mikel’s podcast that both Diarra and his agent were a nightmare to deal with.

And leave he did, with one year left on his contract, Diarra left for Arsenal, where again he would make just seven top flight appearances before swapping North London for Portsmouth.

After a successful 12 months at Portsmouth, the midfielder earned his big money move – €20 million – to Real Madrid, where he would win La Liga, Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup between 2009 and 2012.

Le Havre

2004-05

Chelsea

2005-07

Arsenal

2007-08

Portsmouth

2008-09

Real Madrid

2009-12

Anzhi Makhachkala

2012-13

Lokomotiv Moscow

2013-14

Marseille

2015-17

Al Jazira

2017

PSG

2018-19

He later joined a string of high profile players, including the likes of Samuel Eto’o and Roberto Carlos, in signing for Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala. Their quest to dominate Russian football was short-lived however, as the club struggled to maintain the high wages on offer and sold the likes of Diarra shortly after, eventually losing their license to operate as a professional club in Russia in 2022.

Alasdair Gold says Spurs have teenage "talent" training with first team

Ange Postecoglou has transformed Tottenham Hotspur into one of the most exciting teams to watch in the Premier League, with Spurs picking up 10 points from their opening four games.

That's not to say that the former Celtic boss has abandoned his backline, either, with Spurs also keeping two clean sheets in four games to sum up an excellent start.

All of this comes in the wake of Harry Kane's exit, making Postecoglou's work all the more impressive so far. Without the forward, some may have been worried about Spurs' ability to find the back of the net, but they've done anything but struggle.

Meanwhile, it's always nice to have an academy graduate on the pitch, and losing Kane denied the Lilywhites of that somewhat. But, now, according to Alasdair Gold of Football London, one standout centre-back could be on his way to getting his chance.

What did Alasdair Gold say?

In his latest Q&A about Spurs, Gold spoke about the club's current defensive options, with the likes of Japhet Tanganga out on loan at Augsburg, and Davinson Sanchez completing a move to Turkish Super Lig club Galatasaray.

Their departures have opened the door for a fresh face to impress from the academy, however, and Gold believes that 18-year-old Alfie Dorrington may well be handed the opportunity, saying:

“I think Alfie Dorrington stands a better chance now of making some headway with Davinson Sanchez and Japhet Tanganga heading off. The young centre-back is a real talent and he’s been training with the first team at times and will continue to do so this season and that can only help his development."

It would certainly hand Postecoglou a defensive boost if Dorrington became a viable option in the current campaign. Whilst Spurs are out of the Carabao Cup, and don't have European football to think about, when competitions such as the FA Cup come around, or when the Premier League fixtures start coming thick and fast, Dorrington may just be needed in the first team, should injuries or suspensions occur.

Who is Alfie Dorrington?

An 18-year-old centre-back, Dorrington received his first professional contract just one day after his 17th birthday, making it a moment to remember for the young defender. He comes into the first-team picture at a good time, too, given Spurs' defensive departures, and the clean slate welcomed with the arrival of Postecoglou.

If the teenager manages to impress in training, then he may just get himself a chance to make his first-team debut. When it gets to around December, as mentioned, fixtures will start to come thick and fast in the Premier League, possibly resulting in rotation and a chance for fringe players to step up.

As things stand, the Lilywhites have Micky van de Ven, Eric Dier, and Cristian Romero to call upon when it comes to senior centre-back options, alongside another teenage in Ashley Phillips. Of course, Ben Davies can slot in, but the Welshman is primarily a left-back more than anything.

The fact is, as positive as things have been for Spurs, they could be a couple of injuries away from a defensive crisis, and may be forced to turn towards Dorrington to solve that if needed.

Leeds: Farke Could Sign Alioski 2.0 In £11m-rated "Little Phillip Lahm"

Leeds United could be set to secure a sensational summer coup, should they tempt the reigning European champions to offload one of their younger stars…

How much is Rico Lewis worth?

That seems to be what Daniel Farke is seeking to achieve, as he is reportedly battling with Southampton to tempt Manchester City's Rico Lewis to continue his fine development on loan at Elland Road.

This comes per a report in the Sunday Express [July 30, page 5], who suggest that loan offers have already been dismissed by Pep Guardiola, who will seek to give his 18-year-old gem additional playing time in the coming campaign (as relayed by HampshireLive).

Read the latest Leeds transfer news HERE…

That being said, if a good enough case can be put forward, perhaps the Whites could convince the Spanish boss that the full-back is best served to receive consistent play time as a starter under their stewardship for the season.

FootballTransfers value the teenager at just €13.4m (£11m).

How good is Rico Lewis?

Last year marked a true breakthrough season for Lewis, who put himself on the map for displacing Kyle Walker due to his adaptability within Guardiola's system.

Jamie Carragher outlined this back in January, noting:

"Pep Guardiola knows how good he is and every time I've seen him play this season, Kyle Walker brings a more dynamic style to his play but Guardiola wants control of the game. Right now, Rico Lewis is giving him that control because his game understanding is years beyond his age."

It was admittedly a convoluted one, but in the end bore fruit, as the Spaniard's side wrote their name in history by claiming a historic treble.

Their academy graduate would feature admirably throughout the term, with 14 Premier League appearances, five in the FA Cup and a further two in the Champions League, where he would score too.

As such, his trophy cabinet is already bursting at the seams despite his career only really just beginning.

Perhaps a stint in Yorkshire could help add some steel to his creative arsenal, forcing him to fight in the Championship to earn promotion, rather than cruising to comfortable victories at the Eithad. After all, he has already shown he boasts more than enough quality to dominate the second tier.

Across his 14 league appearances last season, the full-back, who would often find himself in midfield, posted a 91% pass accuracy alongside 0.9 key passes and 1.1 tackles per game, via Sofascore.

To sign someone of such creative quality in that role could even see Farke emulate Marcelo Bielsa's success with Ezgjan Alioski, who operated in similar channels despite being a left-back by trade.

During their 2019/20 promotion campaign, the North Macedonian stalwart posted eerily similar figures alongside his eight goal contributions.

Whilst his pass accuracy sat at a lowly 77%, he instead maintained 1.1 key passes and 1.6 tackles per game, via Sofascore, which suggests that his role was a more offensive one where he would risk a loss of possession should it potentially forge a chance.

The 31-year-old was an all-action defender with that unique ability to invert, which Lewis could seek to replicate during a one-year stint under Farke.

ezgjan-alioski

Guardiola sought to compare him to another who enjoyed periods at both full-back and midfield, lauding Lewis:

"There are players who play for themselves really well, but he has the ability to make all the team play better. He has this ability and it's not easy to find it. He is our little Philipp Lahm."

With the foundations of a trophy cabinet that will one day rival the German legend, perhaps he could add another string to his bow by battling through the Championship and adding promotion to his ever-growing list of experiences.

Celtic Plotting Swoop To Sign £42k-p/w "Threat" For Rodgers

Celtic are plotting a summer swoop to sign Newcastle United forward Ryan Fraser, and a new report has revealed the club’s chances of bringing him to the Scottish Premiership.

Where was Ryan Fraser born?

Fraser was born in Aberdeen where he spent the early years of his career before moving to England to carry out spells at Bournemouth, Ipswich Town and finally Newcastle who he joined on a free transfer back in 2020, as per Transfermarkt, but despite having been at the club for three years, he could be on his way before the end of the ongoing window.

In the Premier League last season, the left-winger made just three starts and five substitute appearances across the whole of the campaign, via WhoScored, showing not only how out of favour he is but indicating that he may have to complete a move elsewhere should he want to receive more regular game time going forward.

The Scotland international still has another two years remaining on his contract in the northeast, so it mmay take some kind of fee to prise him away, but that doesn’t seem to be a problem for Brendan Rodgers who has set his sights on the attacker, though it’s not the first time he’s been linked with a switch to Parkhead.

Back in 2020, The Telegraph credited the Hoops with an interest in the 29-year-old before he finalised his move to St. James’ Park, so having already missed out on their target once, chiefs appear to be taking a second bite of the cherry in the hope of a more successful outcome this time around.

Are Celtic signing Ryan Fraser?

According to The Northern Echo, Celtic are “lining up a move” for Fraser in the final weeks of the window. The Glasgow outfit are “ready to make a formal approach” for the unwanted forward who has been “identified” by Rodgers as a “viable target” with the boss looking to bolster his ranks with another winger.

Newcastle are “unlikely to demand a significant transfer fee” because they want to get him off their books and wage bill having already demoted him to training with the development squad, not to mention that his number 21 shirt has been taken by their new signing Tino Livramento, so this is definitely one to keep a close eye on.

Newcastle United forward Ryan Fraser.

How much does Ryan Fraser earn?

At Newcastle, Fraser currently pockets £42k-per-week which he clearly isn’t earning considering that he’s been excluded from the first team fold, but he’s still got so much potential to offer so that could all change should he decide to put pen to paper at Celtic.

The Wasserman Client has posted 86 goal contributions (52 assists and 34 goals) since the start of his career which has previously seen him dubbed a “threat” to the opposition’s defence in the final third by journalist Josh Bunting, but he is also capable of playing in several other roles over the pitch.

Sponsored by Nike, Fraser is a versatile operator having been deployed in an incredible nine different positions since first bursting onto the professional scene, including three up top, four in the midfield and even two in defence, so for a player who really could cover every blade of grass should you ask him to adapt, he could be a fantastic bargain for Rodgers.

Aston Villa Can Land Watkins Partner In £40m Ace

Aston Villa have provided Monchi and Unai Emery with funds to bolster the playing squad so far in the summer transfer window…

Who have Aston Villa signed this summer?

The Villans brought in Belgium international Youri Tielemans on a free transfer from Leicester City as their first signing ahead of the 2023/24 Premier League campaign.

They have since added Moussa Diaby for a club-record £51.9m deal from Bayer Leverkusen and central defender Pau Torres from Villarreal on a permanent basis.

Read the latest Aston Villa transfer news HERE…

There could be further business to come for Villa, though, as they have been linked with a swoop to sign Leeds United ace Wilfried Gnonto this summer, who would cost at least £40m.

How good is Wilfried Gnonto?

The 19-year-old dynamo is an exciting young talent who could come in as a player with long-term potential whilst also having the ability to make an immediate impact on the pitch.

Emery could land Ollie Watkins a dream partner in the final third as the Italian ace is a versatile gem who could either play out wide to provide service for the England international or through the middle as a striker partner for him.

The former Inter prospect produced two goals and four assists in 14 top-flight starts for the Whites as they were relegated from the division last term and could improve upon that tally as part of a better team, given that Villa finished seventh in the table and a whopping 30 points clear of the Yorkshire-based outfit.

Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins.

Watkins scored 15 league goals for the Villans last season and he could help the Italy international, who struck ten times in 16 U17 matches for Inter, to find his feet as a goalscorer at the top level after signs of promise so far.

The Leeds ace scored 12 goals and assisted ten in 74 games for Zurich prior to his move to England, but it is his play in deep possession that has caught the eye during his time at Elland Road so far.

In the 2022/23 Premier League campaign, Gnonto ranked amongst the top 13% of his positional peers for progressive carries per 90 (4.39), which shows that the teenage ace is excellent at driving his team up the pitch by picking the ball up in a deep position before racing past players to eat up ground.

Watkins, on the other hand, ranked in the bottom half of players in his position for progressive carries per 90 (1.44) and this suggests that he would benefit from having the Leeds star as a strike partner to do that side of the game for him.

Gnonto could use his dynamism and ball-carrying ability to push Villa forward and Watkins can maintain his position through the middle as the starting number nine and concentrate on getting into goalscoring areas to punish teams at the top end of the pitch.

The £40m-rated ace, who was described as an "absolute nightmare" for defenders by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has not proven himself to be a lethal scorer but his four assists in 14 top-flight starts suggests that he also has the creativity to provide the English striker with chances to score from.

Therefore, they could form a dream partnership upfront for Villa and one that could have the potential to get even better with time as Gnonto, hopefully, develops.

Everton Will Need To Pay £13m For Attacking Target

Everton have been linked with a move for FC Porto attacker Goncalo Borges in the summer transfer window, and a big update regarding a key aspect of the deal has now emerged.

Do Everton want to sign Goncalo Borges?

Much has rightly been made of the Blues' need to bring in attacking reinforcements this summer, having struggled in the final third for goals last season. It has held them back badly, with their defending often solid enough, and that needs to change in 2023/24, as they look to avoid a third Premier League relegation battle in a row.

While the likes of Wilfried Gnonto and Hugo Ekitike continued to be talked up as potential options to arrive at Goodison Park before the end of the month, another player who has been linked with a switch there is Borges.

The 22-year-old has made 23 appearances for Porto to date, getting some important experience under his belt at the top level, and he registered 19 goal contributions (11 goals and eight assists) in 78 appearances for Porto B.

It is clear that Borges isn't going to be allowed to leave his current club on the cheap, however, so Everton will have to splash the cash if they are to get their man. A new update has now emerged regarding his future, with his price tag revealed.

What's the latest on Goncalo Borges to Everton?

According to the Sunday Mirror [via Goodison News], Porto will accept an offer for £13m for the winger's services this summer, should Everton "decide to take an initial interest further".

It is stated that the Portuguese don't want to lose Borges at this point in his career, however, with Braga also mentioned as potential suitors in the report.

While Everton's interest in the young attacker appears to be relatively tentative at the moment in time, £13m does seem like a reasonable amount to spend on someone with a high ceiling who is just getting started in his career.

Granted, he is yet to actually score or assist for Porto, which suggests that he wouldn't solve the Blues' attacking woes too much, but could be viewed as a long-term acquisition who may be a squad player to begin with, eventually becoming a key man as the years pass.

What is clear is that Everton still need to sign a more proven option, however – Gnonto and Ekitike are also very young players who aren't yet the finish article as well, just like Borges – in order to not rely on Dominic Calvert-Lewin too much moving forward.

Read the latest Everton transfer news HERE…

The Englishman continues to be plagued by injuries and Neal Maupay is not an adequate replacement to lead the line, having scored and assisted just once apiece in 30 appearances since arriving from Brighton, which is a terrible return for any striker.

In terms of Borges, though, Everton should do all they can to bring him in, especially if Gnonto ends up staying put at Leeds United, giving Sean Dyche more options in attack and bringing much-needed positivity to the fanbase, at a time when it arguably feels at a real low point.

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