GiveMeSport transfer insider Dean Jones returns with his latest Thursday column...
Leeds line up Kalvin Phillips replacement
Sander Berge is emerging as a target for Leeds United as they prepare to lose Kalvin Phillips this summer.
There had been hope that winning the battle to remain in the Premier League would be enough to keep Phillips at Elland Road for next season but that feeling has been on the wane in recent weeks.
Manchester City are expected to make an offer for Phillips and if it is close to the £50million valuation, a deal is expected to progress.
With that in mind Leeds are having to weight up their transfer options and even with the addition of midfielder Marc Roca, a new face will be coming in.
GiveMeSport Transfer Update With Dean Jones
Sheffield United’s Berge is understood to be one of the names on their radar - and Victor Orta has a good chance of landing him if a pursuit gets the green light.
Berge, 24, is valued at £25million and recently no other club has made contact over a potential deal.
The Norway international was able to overcome a hamstring injury to put together 34 appearances for the Blades last season.
His international boss Stale Solbakken hinted at the need for Berge to move back to the Premier League earlier this month, stating: “I think it would be good for him to be aware that he does not belong to the Championship now that he has his physique and match fitness back.”
Lautaro Martinez open to Premier League move amid Chelsea link
Lautaro Martinez would be open to a Premier League transfer, amid fresh links to Chelsea.
The €120m-rated (£102m) Argentina forward is understood to be open-minded about how this summer market may change the landscape at Inter Milan, who are interested in bringing back Romelu Lukaku.
The chances of that materialising are high as Inter players are indicating to people around them that they have been told to expect a return. And some reports have indicated that Lautaro, 24, could become part of a swap deal for it to happen if there is no breakthrough on a straight loan fee.
There has been no genuine movement on the swap-front and such a deal would be complex. Yet even away from the Chelsea link the player has remained open to a move to England, so we can not rule out the possibility he lands in the Premier League.
Publicly Martinez continues to state his desire to stick with Inter yet this week sources close to the player indicated to GiveMeSport that a switch to England is still possible.
Tottenham have long been mooted as a landing spot and still hold an interest. And they would have the jump on rivals Arsenal - thanks to Champions League football.
It has emerged that the player would no longer consider a move to Emirates Stadium, given their lack of top-level European football.
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Jarrod Bowen future update at West Ham
West Ham are celebrating Darwin Nunez’s move to Liverpool as it eased fears the Reds could launch a move for Jarrod Bowen.
And now the Hammers have fresh hope that Bowen will put pen to paper on a new, improved contract.
His current deal expires in 2025 but West Ham are keen to push up the terms of his current deal, which brings in around £60,000-a-week.
His status has been elevated over the past year with regular good performances in the Premier League earning him a place in the England squad and talks are expected to take place later this summer.
It is felt that Bowen will be open to the idea but is likely to ask for a release clause to be included.
In general, West Ham are hopeful this summer continues to bring good news - but some at the club are still bracing themselves for a bid from Chelsea for Declan Rice.
Man Utd want senior player like Christian Eriksen
Manchester United are keen to sign at least one player aged 30 or over.
United want a new senior player to come in after losing Juan Mata, Edinson Cavani and Nemanja Matic as it means they now have just two outfield players in the squad over the age of 29: Cristiano Ronaldo and Phil Jones. We can expect also Rafael Varane, Harry Maguire and Fred - all 29 - to play key roles next season as their nous is considered vital.
Under the leadership of Erik Ten Hag there are going to be changes to pretty much every element of the squad and one thing he is keen to do is ensure there is enough experience on the field to help manage difficult moments.
It is, in fact, one of the reasons they like Christian Eriksen. Outside of the club there may be concerns over whether they have missed Eriksen’s best years, yet inside the club that is not the case.
His mindset and professionalism could be key to taking the side into a new era along with 37-year-old Ronaldo.