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Crystal Palace are plotting to sign highly-rated Botafogo striker Matheus Nascimento this summer and hope to complete the deal ahead of other interested clubs.

According to a recent report in Brazilian outlet Lance, the club have been in talks over a possible move for the player who has also attracted interest from Spanish giants Real Madrid.

The Eagles hold an advantage over others because their co-owner John Textor is also a majority shareholder in Botafogo, which is likely to make any deal much easier to complete.

The technical director at the Brazilian club Andre Mazzuco told Lance that the player had been ‘offered’ the chance to continue his development in the Premier League.

However, there is the possibility of him doing the same at Lyon or Belgian club RWD Molenbeek which are also under the ownership of Textor.

Mazzuco went on to say that talks were ‘ongoing’ between the club and Palace’s sporting director Dougie Freedman who is central to the negotiations.

It’s reported that Botafogo are interested in an initial loan deal to aid his development, but a permanent deal could also be on the cards with the player having a €50m (£42m) release clause in his contract.

He’s a brute due to his tall and powerful stature and made his professional debut at the age of 16, becoming the club’s youngest player. He’s since scored eight goals in 45 senior appearances on his way to being named a “huge talent” by scout Jacek Kulig.

Now aged 18, Nascimento is a U20 international for Brazil, but because of his long-haired appearance has been likened to Uruguay’s Edinson Cavani. If he manages to become as prolific as the bushy-haired South American, then Palace would have quite the player on their hands.

The club are insistent that he follows the development plan laid out for him and rejected a £19m bid from an unnamed club last year. However, with just one year remaining on his contract, they don’t want to risk losing him for free.

He would be a great addition to Patrick Vieria’s side and could add even more energy upfront potentially replacing Christian Benteke who the club want to sell.

They could wait until next summer when he could be available for free, but with the two clubs under the same ownership, it’s unlikely that Textor would allow Palace to do that.

The Eagles need to use the advantage they have and secure him now, he’s one of Brazil’s best young talents and would be a great investment for the future.

AND in other news: Vieira must ruthlessly axe “scared” £120k-p/w Palace dud, he’s cost them too much…

Liverpool will not sign Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham this time around but he is a definite option for 2023, reliable journalist James Pearce has confirmed.

The Lowdown: Bellingham rumours galore

The Reds’ summer business looks like it may already be done for another transfer window, following the additions of Fabio Carvalho, Darwin Nunez and Calvin Ramsay.

One player who has been continually linked with a move is Bellingham, however, with the 19-year-old considered one of Europe’s hottest young prospects.

Despite this, it looks as though Liverpool will have to wait before they have a chance of signing him.

The Latest: Pearce drops key update

Writing for The Athletic on Monday, Pearce stated that the Reds wouldn’t be signing Bellingham this summer but he is a ‘serious option’ in 2023.

The England international’s current Dortmund contract expires in the summer of 2025 and the Bundesliga giants are not willing to sell him now, following the departure of Erling Haaland to Manchester City.

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The Verdict: Next summer nailed on?

While it is a shame not to see Bellingham be available this summer, if he ends up joining Liverpool next year it could be well worth the wait.

He looks like a special talent with an enormous future ahead of him – he has been hailed as ‘fantastic’ by Mats Hummels – and he could eventually take Jordan Henderson’s spot in the Reds’ midfield.

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For now, Jurgen Klopp should have enough midfield quality at his disposal, with the likely first choice three of Fabinho, Thiago and Henderson joined by the likes of Naby Keita, James Milner, Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Carvalho.

Everton are reportedly already eyeing up a potential replacement for Richarlison in the form of Reims striker El Bilal Toure.

The Lowdown: Richarlison leaves

As confirmed by the Merseyside club, Richarlison has now officially left Goodison Park to join Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

The Brazil international leaves after a memorable four seasons, scoring 53 goals and making a further 14 assists in 152 games in total over all competitions (Transfermarkt).

The Latest: Replacement lined up?

Taking to Twitter, transfer expert Graeme Bailey has revealed that Frank Lampard’s team are now eyeing up a move for Toure as a potential Richarlison replacement:

“Everton eye Reims star as potential Richarlison replacement. El Bilal Toure is a major talent and the Toffees have been watching the Mali ace for a number of months.”

Expanding in his article for 90min, Bailey adds that Borussia Dortmund, Sevilla, Lyon and Monaco have also looked at the Mali international, who is thought to cost in the region of £20m.

The Verdict: Big boots to fill

Of course, Richarlison’s boots are big ones to fill, and so a lot of expectation would be placed on Toure should he sign.

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The striker only managed two goals and four assists in Ligue 1 last term (Transfermarkt), and so is a player that Toffees supporters would likely have to be patient with.

He is only 20 years of age, and so has the potential to reach Richarlison’s heights in time, but the Blues really need someone who can hit the ground running straight away, so perhaps we could see two new front men arrive this summer.

According to a Spanish source, Tottenham Hotspur target and Villarreal defender Pervis Estupinan is in the shop window this summer.

The Lowdown: An uncertain future

The 24-year-old first joined the La Liga outfit from former Premier League side Watford two years ago and has become an integral part of Unai Emery’s starting XI, making 73 appearances during his time at the club so far.

Even though the left-back still has five years remaining on his contract in Spain, he has recently been linked with a move away from the Yellow Submarine, with CBS reporter Ben Jacobs claiming talks are ‘advanced’ over a move to north London.

Following a fresh update, it looks like this is a move that could well happen in the coming weeks…

The Latest: Spurs gifted Estupinan boost

In an article published by Spanish outlet El Periodico Mediterraneo (via Sport Witness), it’s claimed that Tottenham are indeed ‘interested’ in Estupinan, and whilst there hasn’t yet been any official bids made, it’s stated that Villarreal would be ‘willing to sell’ if an offer arrived that would ‘satisfy’ the hierarchy.

The source report that the giants have firmly placed their man ‘in the shop window’ and is just ‘one of the several’ players who would be allowed to leave in order to help reduce the club’s large wage bill.

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The Verdict: Potential bargain

Antonio Conte is already closing in on the signings of Clement Lenglet and Djed Spence, but the boss must feel like he needs to strengthen his defensive options even further, and with the future of Sergio Reguilon uncertain, Estupinan’s arrival would surely only push the former Real Madrid man out the exit door.

The 26-cap international, who was once dubbed an ‘impressive’ player by football analyst Reece Chambers, isn’t renowned for his attacking abilities, but is a versatile player and can add some much-needed assurance to a backline. He averaged 1.3 tackles per league game and an 81.5% pass success rate last term, via WhoScored, and ‘handled (Mohamed) Salah exceptionally’ against Liverpool in the Champions League semi-finals.

It yet remains to be seen how much Villarreal would value Estupinan at, but considering they are desperate to generate transfer funds and are voluntarily open to letting him go, Spurs should be all over this potential bargain if the opportunity to sign him arises.

Giacomo Iacobellis has dropped an update on the future of Tottenham Hotspur right-back Emerson Royal.

What’s the talk?

In a recent post on Twitter, the TuttoMercatoWeb journalist revealed that, following a number of reports linking the defender with a move to Atletico Madrid this summer, the LaLiga side are now in negotiations with Spurs regarding a deal for the 23-year-old.

Previous reports have also claimed that Antonio Conte would be willing to part with the Brazil international ahead of Tottenham’s 2022/23 campaign, with a figure of €25m (£22m) believed to be enough for Fabio Paratici to sanction the full-back’s sale in the summer transfer window.

In his tweet, Iacobellis said: “Atletico Madrid negotiates with Tottenham for the transfer with the purchase option of Emerson Royal.”

Supporters will be buzzing

While Emerson is undoubtedly a player who boasts a considerable amount of potential, considering his below-par debut campaign at Spurs last time out, in addition to the fact that the defender is more suited to playing on the right of a back four than at wing-back, Iacobellis’ latest update regarding the Brazilian’s future is sure to have left Tottenham supporters buzzing.

Indeed, over his 31 Premier League appearances in 2021/22, the £35m-rated talent offered little going forwards, scoring one goal, registering one assist and creating one big chance for his teammates, as well as missing two big chances of his own.

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The £62k-per-week full-back did return more impressive numbers in a defensive capacity, helping his side keep five clean sheets, in addition to making an average of 0.7 interceptions, 2.3 tackles, 2.5 clearances and winning 5.4 duels – at a success rate of 55% – per game.

However, his overall metrics saw the former Barcelona starlet average a rather underwhelming SofaScore match rating of 6.88, ranking him as Spurs’ joint 10th-worst performer in the league last term.

And, with Conte also having the option of Matt Doherty at wing-back – who scored two goals, provided four assists and created three big chances over 16 fewer league outings than Emerson – as well as Tottenham being reported to be in talks for Middlesbrough right-back Djed Spence – who bagged two goals, registered five assists and created six big chances over 42 Championship appearances for Nottingham Forest last season – it is easy to see why the Italian would be willing to let Emerson leave this summer.

As such, Iacobellis’ claim that Atletico are now in talks for the 23-year-old is undoubtedly good news for both the player and club, as a parting of ways this summer would very much look to suit both parties.

AND in other news: Paratici can land the left-footed Romero as Spurs make move for “dominant” £34m target

Alfredo Morelos’ future at Rangers has been cast into further doubt, with the Ibrox outfit reportedly open to selling him this summer if he cannot agree to a new contract with Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side.

What’s the word?

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, Rangers could cash in on the free-scoring forward this summer if a new contract cannot be agreed upon, as they look to avoid losing him for nothing when his current deal expires in 2023.

The likes of Sevilla, Newcastle United, West Ham, Nottingham Forest, Brighton, Fulham and Aston Villa have all been linked with the 26-year-old after another impressive season for the Gers.

Since signing from HJK Helsinki in 2017, ‘El Bufalo’ has gone on to make 224 appearances for Rangers, in which he has contributed a fantastic 113 goals and 51 assists, while he also became the club’s all-time top European goalscorer.

With Champions League qualifying fixtures on the horizon, Rangers must keep their main European man around, and supporters would surely be disappointed to see him leave.

Supporters will be fuming

Perhaps if Morelos were to move to Champions League regulars Sevilla then Rangers fans could understand, but none of the Premier League clubs linked, apart from West Ham last season, have enjoyed any real success in Europe in recent times, so it would perhaps be a step down if he were to leave for England.

After a penalty shootout loss in the Europa League final last season, Rangers fans will be hoping that the club can progress this summer with the aim of establishing themselves in the Champions League once again, and selling Morelos would certainly harm their chances of that.

The striker was at his best in the impressive win against Borussia Dortmund last season, with former Rangers man Mark Hateley saying:

“He looks a lot more comfortable with the ball coming into him, he is making the right decisions now, when to hold on to the ball and when to lay it off first time.”It all seems to have just come with the arrival of Gio. In the Dortmund games, he was unplayable.” [freshpress-quiz id=“712674″]Therefore, fans will be hoping that Morelos can agree to a new deal at Ibrox this summer, otherwise they risk losing one of the best forwards to play for the Gers in recent times.And, in other news… Contact made: Rangers have held talks for £1.7m goal machine, he’d be a Roofe upgrade

According to a Spanish outlet, Liverpool are interested in signing Real Madrid forward Marco Asensio this summer.

The Lowdown: Klopp’s high ambitions

Despite the recent arrival of Darwin Nunez, Jurgen Klopp may feel that he wants to bolster his attacking ranks even further with the imminent departure of Sadio Mane looming, and the boss will need plenty of squad depth if he wants to aim for that unprecedented quadruple again next season.

The 26-year-old Asensio still has just over 12 months remaining on his contract with the Spanish giants, but has reportedly been told that he can leave the Bernabeu, and it looks like Carlo Ancelotti’s side want to cash in now, rather than letting the winger leave as a free agent.

The Latest: Liverpool ‘main bidders’ for Asensio

In a fresh article published by Spanish newspaper Sport (via TEAMtalk), it’s claimed that Liverpool are ‘one of six’ potential suitors exploring the option of signing Asensio, with the Reds, alongside fellow Premier League rivals Arsenal, being the current ‘main bidders’ in the English top-flight.

The source further states that Madrid are seeking £51.7m for the sale of their man, but would be willing to let him go for a fee in the region of £43m if the opportunity was suitable.

The Verdict: Not a necessity

The Spaniard will no doubt find it difficult to sometimes compete with the likes of Vinicius Jnr and Eden Hazard for a place in the Real starting XI, and with just a year left on his deal, it makes sense that he’s edging close to an exit.

Asensio, who was once dubbed a “quality” player by Ancelotti, and has even been likened to Lionel Messi, managed to score ten goals within the space of 31 La Liga appearances last season, as per Transfermarkt, but his price tag will surely be too much for the Reds to afford at this moment in time.

Having just splashed out an £85m club-record fee for Nunez, Liverpool won’t be in a position where they will want to go out and spend big money on attackers unless absolutely necessary, and whilst the 29-cap international is a highly-talented and versatile forward, the front line isn’t an area of the pitch that desperately needs to be added to right now.

In other news… Spanish press believe that Liverpool have already made their move for a new midfield maestro.

West Bromwich Albion have been linked with a move for Luton Town defender James Bree ahead of the summer window.

What’s the news?

According to a recent report from the Express & Star, “Bree is understood to be one of the players under consideration as Albion look to strengthen at full-back.”

The right-back joined Luton on a permanent deal back in 2020 after spending some time there on loan from Aston Villa.

Bruce’s new weapon

During his time at Kenilworth Road, the 24-year-old has gone on to make a total of 114 appearances for the club across all competitions.

In those appearances, the Englishman has scored two goals and delivered 16 assists along the way.

Having played more minutes in the Championship this season than any other Luton player, this shows just how important he is to the side and why the club may be reluctant to let him leave this summer, especially to another side in the division.

With more crosses delivered (272) and tackles won (47) than any of his teammates as well, this shows that he is just as impressive off the ball as he is on it.

Back in March, Sky Sports pundit Kris Boyd described a free-kick scored by Bree as a “thing of beauty,” which further highlights the talent he has.

The defender, who is currently picking up a weekly wage of £5.1k-per-week according to Salary Sport, was also described as being a potential “weapon” for Villa back in 2018 by presenter and podcaster Dan Bardell.

However, it seems as though he’s become a rather important weapon for Luton since his move away from Villa Park and could now become one for West Brom should he make a move to the Hawthorns this summer.

Having played 21 times under Bruce during their time at Villa, the Baggies boss will be aware of what Bree is capable of and what he can add to his side.

With the summer transfer window set to open for business tomorrow, if the Baggies can secure a deal for the former Villan as soon as possible, he could be a great asset for the side and give them a good chance of getting closer to promotion.

In other news: Bruce can seal dream Sawyers replacement as WBA plot bid for “very special” £10m star

Manchester United are reportedly lining up a move for Juventus centre-back Matthijs de Ligt this summer, as Erik ten Hag looks to oversee a defensive overhaul at Old Trafford.

What’s the word?

According to reports in Italy (via Daily Star), United consider the Juventus man their main centre-back target this summer, with ten Hag unsurprisingly a big fan of the defender after their time working together at Ajax.

The report also claims that Juventus are unlikely to want to sell the Netherlands international and makes reference to his release clause, which currently stands at £106m, which could perhaps rule out any United move for him.

However, other reports have claimed that the 24-year-old wants any new contract with the Old Lady to include a more realistic release clause, while he has also spoken out about Juventus’ disappointing fourth-place finishes in the last two seasons.

Ten Hag’s dream signing?

De Ligt is well-known to ten Hag, having captained Ajax during their memorable run to the Champions League semi-final in 2019.

The centre-back would make 11 appearances in the competition, averaging a superb 7.17 rating from WhoScored for his performances, which emphasises his ability to play at the very top.

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With ten Hag also linked with reunions with Frenkie de Jong and Jurrien Timber, it seems clear that the new United boss will make use of his Ajax connections this summer as he looks to lead a revolution at United.

De Ligt earned high praise from former Juventus centre-back Andrea Barzagli last year, as he said:

“De Ligt is a modern defender who likes physical contact, has incredible potential and a strong professionalism. He has been under pressure since he was very young, yet he is always calm.”

Considering United’s defensive woes last season, which saw them concede more than Burnley, Brighton and Brentford in the top-flight, signing a top-class defender to partner Raphael Varane should be a top priority for ten Hag this summer.

At just 22-years-old, de Ligt would also be a great investment for the future, as he could easily be a key man at Old Trafford for the next decade, so if a deal can be done, then United should do everything they can to sign him.

The new manager would absolutely adore him.

And, in other news… MUFC now edging closer to “unreal” £67m signing, he’d be “absolute magic” for Ten Hag – opinion

After struggling with a relegation battle in the Premier League, Everton will need to make changes to ensure they don’t find themselves in the same situation again next season and are already identifying potential signings that could improve their squad.

What’s the latest?

According to The Mirror, Everton are prepared to fight with other Premier League clubs for the signing of out of contract midfielder Christian Eriksen this summer.

As per the report, the Toffees face tough competition for the player’s signature this summer with Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur also keen to add Eriksen to their squad ahead of next season.

Supporters will love him

Eriksen has made an instant impact on Brentford since joining the club on a six-month deal back in January, and his quality is something Everton could really use in their midfield set-up next season, so supporters will surely love him if he did make the move to Merseyside.

When the 30-year-old playmaker joined the London club, the Bees were finding it difficult to get points in the Premier League with seven defeats out of eight games between the end of November and the end of February, however, this quickly changed when Eriksen was introduced in the team.

The £13.5m-rated maestro who was hailed “unbelievable” by Thomas Frank made his first 90 minute performance against Norwich City at the beginning of March and from then on the club went on to win the next five games and drawing one that Eriksen was involved in.

In fact Brentford only lost two of the last 10 games of the season where Eriksen played 90 minutes, with the midfielder scoring one goal, delivering four assists and creating five big chances, as well as making 2.8 key passes, 1.2 tackles and 1.1 clearances on average per game.

With that being said, his positive impact and influence on Frank’s team is in desperate need at Everton next season as they attempt to move on from their joint-worst ever campaign in 2021/22 and compete for a better position in the Premier League.

Signing Eriksen on a free transfer would be a major coup and brilliant business from Farhad Moshiri as he looks to improve the squad whilst working within a tight budget that Everton need to stick to this summer amidst financial troubles.

AND in other news: Everton will compete to sign “top class” £10.8m-rated dynamo, he’s a massive Tosun upgrade