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Everton target Joel Piroe is "interested" in joining the club this summer thanks to the successful "groundwork" done by the Toffees to convince the Swansea City man, journalist Paul Brown has told GIVEMESPORT.

Everton transfer news – What's the latest on Joel Piroe?

It was another near-cataclysmic season for the blue half of Merseyside last year, with Sean Dyche's men only staving off Premier League relegation thanks to an incredibly nervy 1-0 win at home to Bournemouth on the last day of the season.

It's perhaps no surprise then that the summer has already seen the start of a massive overhaul of the playing squad, with players like Conor Coady, Yerry Mina, and Tom Davies all leaving Goodison Park.

One of those touted for an exit is academy product Ellis Simms, with the Mailonline reporting that Championship side Swansea have proposed a swap deal with Everton that would see their striker Piroe don the blue and white of the Toffees.

With forward being a position of the team Dyche needs to improve, the offer could prove too good to turn down, especially as the Daily Mail report that the Swans value him at £12m, meaning a swap deal could significantly reduce that fee, if not erase it entirely.

What has Paul Brown said about Joel Piroe to Everton?

Brown revealed that Everton have already been speaking to the player and his team regarding a move to Merseyside, with those efforts appearing to pay off.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, he said: "Piroe is certainly an interesting one, and it seems that Everton have done their groundwork there, because his camp are saying that Everton are one of the clubs that he'd be interested in joining.

"He's only got a year left on his contract, as far as I'm aware, which means there wouldn't be a huge fee involved."

Would Joel Piroe be good enough for Everton?

It was an excellent season for the 23-year-old in the Championship last season as he scored 19 goals and assisted another two in 43 appearances, giving him a goal contribution every two games.

In stark contrast, Everton's top scorer in the league last season was Dwight McNeil, who managed just seven, or 0.24 goals per 90, a huge difference in productivity.

According to WhoScored, the Dutchman also averaged a very impressive rating of 6.93 across those 43 league games, maintaining a pass success rate of 82.8% and having 3.3 shots per game.

Swans manager Russell Martin was full of praise for the dynamic forward upon reaching 40 goals for the team last season, saying:

“Joel has been amazing since we have been here, he is just a great young man, first and foremost. As a footballer, he is adaptable and intelligent. He is technically really gifted with both feet and good movement.

"His willingness and capacity to learn is incredible, and his understanding of what we are trying to do is amazing."

Whilst Piroe certainly looks like the real deal, it is worth remembering that he is entirely unproven in the Premier League, and so there is an element of risk in signing him, but if the club can get him for a cut price fee with Sims going the other way it seems well worth the gamble.

Tottenham Hotspur defender Ben Davies could be part of a Spurs swap deal to sign Roma star Roger Ibanez, according to Italian media reports.

Who will Spurs sign this summer?

Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou, despite not officially starting work till Saturday, is said to be making preparations for the 2022./2023 season behind-the-scenes.

There have apparently been transfer strategy meetings with chairman Daniel Levy, leading to interest in a wide variety of targets, while Tottenham have already sealed a deal for goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario from Empoli.

The Lilywhites are also said to be seriously chasing a move for Leicester City star James Maddison, with talks advancing over an agreement which would end their long search for an attacking midfielder.

However, one position Spurs arguably need reinforcements in is centre-back, especially given no other top flight side above 15th conceded more goals than them last season.

As a result, it is believed Tottenham have shortlisted many candidates for the role, with Bayer Leverkusen defender Edmond Tapsoba, Man United's Harry Maguire and Juventus star Gleison Bremer among them (The Telegraph).

Ibanez, who impressed for Roma in parts last season, has also been sporadically linked with a move to north London.

According to newspaper Leggo, relayed by Corriere Giallo Rosso.com, there is an interesting line on this with a swap deal potentially in the offing.

Indeed, it is claimed that Spurs defender Davies could be used as a makeweight in a "hypothetical exchange" for the Brazilian given Jose Mourinho is a fan of the former.

Not much else is said in regards to detail but a Tottenham swap for Ibanez could apparently be possible.

What's been said about Roger Ibanez?

Ibanez showcased some impressive stats for Roma last season, making more Serie A interceptions per 90 than anyone in their squad (WhoScored).

The 24-year-old was also among their best for successful tackles and clearances per 90, potentially leading to Tottenham's interest.

Former Roma fullback Vincent Candela has even claimed he could become one of the world's best in his position, but gives a note of caution, namely that his "concentration" could improve.

"Ibanez can become one of the world’s best defenders," said Candela.

"But he must work on his concentration. It’s a shame, because after that mistake of his in the derby something changed for the rest of the team.”

Mourinho also branded Ibanez an "untouchable" member of his squad early last campaign, so it will be intriguing to see if he does part ways.

Liverpool’s signing of Alexis Mac Allister understandably had fans thrilled, as it marked the start of what promised to be a revolutionary summer.

However, since that early June acquisition, it seems to have all gone quiet on the transfer front, despite Fabrizio Romano promising that Jurgen Klopp wanted “two or three midfielders” back in late April.

With nearly a month and a half until the new Premier League season gets underway, the German is likely far from where he envisions his team to end up come that trip to Chelsea.

However, that could all be set to change with one marquee addition, which could leave rival clubs stunned and petrified at the prospect of facing the Reds once more.

With reports emerging late last week, it seems that this could well be the case, as the Merseyside outfit are one of the clubs listed as interested in Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, a striker valued at £60m by FootballTransfers.

In linking this in-form front-man with their new Argentinian maestro, they could form a fine partnership to catapult them back to the apex of the English game.

Would Victor Osimhen improve Liverpool?

Whilst Mac Allister is far from the most expansive attacking midfielder, his offensive figures for a Brighton and Hove Albion side that finished below Liverpool remained impressive. This is emphasised given he was often forced into numerous roles across a stellar campaign, including a defensive one too.

After all, notching ten goals and two assists merely scratched the surface of his 87% pass completion rate and 1.3 key passes per game in the league, via Sofascore.

The 24-year-old has only just begun to light up English football, with his future made all the more exciting by his Anfield switch.

This kind of goalscoring quality, combined with the lethal presence of Osimhen, could form a terrifying partnership the likes of which this striker has already been a part of. Not to mention he has the quality to drop deep and supplement such a powerful asset due to his versatility.

Journalist Marco Messina noted one such pairing he has starred in that has already brought widespread success, as he wrote on Twitter: “I can’t figure out who is more scary to play against: Kvara or Osimhen. They’re THAT good”.

With 31 goals in all competitions for the Serie A-winning Naples outfit, the 24-year-old was instrumental in bringing the Scudetto back to the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium for the first time since 1990.

However, it is not just his ability in front of goal that suggests he and Mac Allister would thrive together. When given space, the World Cup-winning gem can prove particularly deadly in the attacking third, as he proved last campaign with the Seagulls.

Given the immense power and pace Osimhen offers, with journalist Raj Chohan having branded him a “monster”, his mere presence would attract multiple defenders to quell his threat.

If that should be the case, Klopp’s first summer signing will truly be able to exercise his qualities in the pockets of space that will open up. Should the opposition then push up to keep him quiet, the 6 foot 1 marksman will instead punish them in behind.

Whilst midfield might remain the priority, this is one move which would take many by surprise, and likely take the league by storm.

Everton are interested in a move for Inter Milan forward Joaquin Correa, according to reports in Italy.

What's the latest on Joaquin Correa to Everton?

According to reports in Italy (via FC Inter News), both the Toffees and West Ham United have made contact with Correa so far this summer, with the forward and the Inter Milan looking to part ways after an unsuccessful spell.

Correa's current valuation is as low as £17m, as per FootballTransfers, which is a significantly lower price than the €30m (£27m) that Inter paid Lazio for the forward back in July of 2022.

The drop in valuation should help the Argentine's exit this summer, who looks set to leave the club just one year after making his deal permanent.

Linked with a move to the Premier League, it will certainly be interesting to keep an eye on just where Correa ends up this summer.

Should Everton avoid Joaquin Correa?

With their Premier League status hanging by a thread in the last two seasons, Everton can ill afford yet another transfer flop, particularly in attack.

Last season, the Toffees spent a staggering €78m (£67m) on reinforcements. And the season before that, they spent close to €40 million (£35m) on adding to supposed quality needed to comfortably survive.

Things were anything but comfortable though, as Frank Lampard and Sean Dyche were forced to keep their sides afloat on the final days of their respective seasons in charge, so the issue hasn't exactly been a lack of funding.

The problem therein lies with the recruitment in the transfer market.

In many ways, moving for Correa – a forward who scored just four goals all of last season – would be a classic Everton move of recent times.

In fact, it would almost mirror their £25.1m deal to sign Moise Kean back in 2019.

The Italian arrived with so much promise, before scoring just four goals in 39 appearances and eventually finding his way back to Juventus.

Those in Italy have not been impressed with the Juventus forward, either, with the Liverpool Echo reporting that Italian newspapers labelled the 23-year-old 'lazy' and 'the worst' back in September as the Serie A side struggled domestically.

Correa's stats are even more damming, however.

At least Kean showed signs of promise prior to his Goodison Park move. Correa, contrastingly, has never looked like bursting into life for Inter.

Statistically speaking, too, when comparing the Argentina international with the former Everton man during his time in England's top flight, it is Correa who comes out the worse player.

During the 2019/20 campaign, Kean had more goal involvements per 90, whilst also enjoying a better take-on success, as per FBref.

Perhaps a killer blow for Dyche, which should end all plans to sign the Inter flop, is his poor aerial duel success.

Last season, the reported transfer target won just 25% of his duels, something that would not bode well in an often scrappy, yet effective, Dyche setup.

The more that it's looked at, the more it seems as though Everton would be better off avoiding a Kean mistake in signing Correa, who writer Jerry Mancini claimed had been "awful this season" before the new campaign gets underway.

The summer transfer window officially opened for business earlier this month and Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has added to his side with one signing to date.

Youri Tielemans is set to arrive on a free transfer at the start of July, after his contract with Leicester expires, and the club have now appointed Monchi as their president of football operations to bolster their efforts to improve the squad.

One player who has been linked with a possible move to the club this summer is Leeds United forward Crysencio Summerville, who has been valued at around €12m (£10m) by the relegated team.

Where would Crysencio Summerville fit in at Aston Villa?

The Netherlands U21 international has played the majority of his career to date as a right winger but he is also capable of lining up on the left and through the middle, which means that Emery could deploy him in a multitude of ways.

Villa's head coach could, however, use the 21-year-old in his favoured role on the right and brutally ditch current attacker Leon Bailey in the process.

Last month, journalist Dean Jones claimed that he would be "surprised" if the Jamaica international is still at the club come the start of the 2023/24 campaign, as there could be a market for teams interested in his services.

This suggests that the Villans could cash in on the 25-year-old winger this summer and bringing Summerville in as his replacement could be a shrewd move by Emery and Monchi.

The Leeds wizard, who was once hailed as a speed merchant whilst playing for the club's U21 side, produced four goals and two assists in 12 Premier League starts during the 2022/23 campaign and completed 52% of his attempted dribbles.

Bailey, meanwhile, scored four and assisted four in his 26 starts for Villa throughout the season and was stopped in 57% of his dribbles, suggesting that Summerville is more effective at committing and beating opposition defenders to drive forward with the ball.

The Dutch wizard has averaged more non-penalty goals (0.25) and shot-creating actions (3.09) per 90 over the last 365 days than Bailey (0.18 and 2.84) has for the Villans, indicating that the talented youngster could provide more quality in the final third, both in terms of scoring goals and creating opportunities for others.

Summerville, who was once dubbed "unplayable" by journalist Beren Cross, is also four years younger than the ex-Bayer Leverkusen dynamo, meaning that he has more long-term potential to develop and improve, whilst already having the quality to offer more on the pitch in the immediate term.

Therefore, Emery could ruthlessly ditch Bailey and cash in on the dud this summer by signing the Whites magician as his replacement.

Tottenham Hotspur are believed to be among the clubs interested in sealing a summer move for Fiorentina star, Sofyan Amrabat, according to reports in Spain.

What's the latest on Amrabat to Tottenham?

As per Mundo Deportivo (via Sports Witness), the Lilywhites – as well as German giants Bayern Munich – are said to have joined the race for the 26-year-old's signature, with both Barcelona and Atletico Madrid also eyeing said to be eyeing a move.

The report suggests that the Morocco international 'will leave' the Serie A outfit this summer after three seasons in Florence, with the midfielder currently having just a year left to run on his existing deal.

That expiring contract has ensured that – according to the report – the Netherlands-born maestro could be available for as little as €20m (£17m), hence the growing list of high-profile suitors.

Should Tottenham sign Amrabat?

The north Londoners' apparent interest in the former Club Brugge ace comes amid reports that new boss Ange Postecoglou could be ready to move on midfield everpresent, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg this summer, with The Sun claiming that the Danish destroyer is facing an 'uncertain' future at the club.

A further report from 90min has also suggested that the 27-year-old could be allowed to depart as he is not currently part of Postecoglou's thinking, despite having racked up 145 appearances in just three seasons at N17 since signing on a £15m deal from Southampton.

The Athletic's Charlie Eccleshare had suggested previously that Hojbjerg could be one of the potential casualties of the change in the dugout, with the respected insider stating that the one-time Bayern Munich man is not a 'natural fit for either the No 6 or No 8 role' under the ex-Celtic coach.

As Eccleshare also noted, Postecoglou likes to deploy more of a playmaking figure at the base of the midfield who 'can drop deep, collect the ball from the centre-backs and spray ambitious passes to the full-backs and wingers', with Hojbjerg arguably more of a ball-winning presence, as he ranks in the top 20% among his European peers for interceptions made.

The signing of Amrabat could prove to be the solution that the Greek-Aussie will be craving in that pivot role, with the 6 foot 1 ace possessing that ability to dictate play as he ranks in the top 8% for progressive passes and the top 5% for pass completion – with the current Spurs man ranking in just the top 21% and the top 8% for those same two metrics, respectively.

Hailed as "criminally underrated" by journalist Muhammad Butt during the recent Europa Conference League meeting with West Ham United, the 48-cap rock showed his ability to 'spray' passes from deep in the build-up to his side's equaliser in that eventual showpiece defeat, having picked out teammate Nico Gonzalez with a delightful lofted pass, prior to Giacomo Bonaventura then duly dispatching the striker's knockdown.

Also described as a "monster" by journalist Carlo Garganese at the World Cup in Qatar, Amrabat would certainly be an astute addition for Postecoglou, particularly for that reported price of just £17m.

That signing would therefore mean that with Hojbjerg seemingly not the man for the job in that deep-lying role, the £100k-per-week must be ruthlessly shown the door.

Lionel Messi has called teammate Neymar a "beautiful person" in his goodbye message after the Argentine played his last game for Paris Saint-Germain.

What did Messi say to Neymar?

Having already sealed the Ligue 1 title, the 35-year-old took the pitch for the final time as a PSG player on the weekend – in a 3-2 loss at home to Clermont Foot.

His now former side confirmed the news on their official Twitter page, writing: "Paris Saint-Germain would like to warmly thank the seven-time Ballon d'Or, winner of a Trophée des Champions and two French championship titles wearing the Red & Blue colours."

Oddly enough, despite being universally loved for all his footballing achievements, the PSG fans actually booed Messi at his final game – apparently still unhappy with his performances in the Champions League and his recent unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia (via Daily Mail).

However, it seems teammate Neymar still has the utmost respect for the World Cup winner as the Brazilian sent an emotional message on Instagram.

He wrote: "Brother… it didn't turn out as we thought but we tried everything. It was a pleasure to share two more years with you.

Good luck in your new stage and be happy. I love you."

To which Messi replied: "Thanks Ney! Beyond all that remains, that we enjoyed playing together and sharing the day-to-day. I wish you all the best. Besides being a crackhead, you're a beautiful person and that's all that matters at the end. I love you so much."

Where will Messi end up next?

Obviously, it catches the eye that Messi appears to call Neymar something which is interpreted as something derogatory in English but this is just a mistranslation as he writes "Aparte de ser crack". Crack is a phrase often used in Spanish as a compliment, so if you were saying someone is good at football, you might say: “Sos un crack en futbol”.

Of course, the Brazilian doesn't have the best reputation when it comes to his off-field behaviour. According to French paper Le Parisien (via The Sun), he has been throwing house parties this season that have "infuriated" his neighbours of late. And that same article claimed he threw a party that didn't finish until 5am after PSG sealed the Ligue 1 title last season.

But Messi isn't referencing any of this as he calls Neymar "a beautiful person" and points out that this actually matters more than anything he's done on the pitch.

All in all, it's quite a sweet interaction between the players, which is nice as they haven't quite achieved what they set out to in Paris – with the club still unable to win the Champions League.

The big question now is, though, where will Messi end up next? Barcelona, Inter Miami and teams in Saudi Arabia have all been touted.

Incoming Tottenham Hotspur boss, Ange Postecoglou could already be eyeing up a first signing of the summer at N17, following an update regarding the club's pursuit of Leicester City star, James Maddison.

What's the latest on Maddison to Tottenham?

According to journalist Sean Walsh, writing on Twitter, the 57-year-old is said to have "approved" of the Lilywhites' pursuit of the England international, with the ex-Celtic man having been named as the new permanent head coach on Tuesday.

In his attached piece for 90min – alongside colleague Graeme Bailey – Walsh adds that the north London outfit are set to rival Newcastle United for the signing of the 26-year-old, with the playmaker in line to leave his current home following the Foxes' recent relegation.

This follows a previous report from The Sun which also claimed that both Spurs and the Magpies are 'pushing hardest' to sign the former Norwich City man ahead of next season, with the two-cap gem set to be available for around £40m with just a year left to run on his existing deal.

Would Maddison be a good signing for Tottenham?

The fleet-footed "magician" – as previously hailed by Statman Dave – would likely prove an astute capture for new man Postecoglou, with the Coventry-born sensation having proven his credentials in the Premier League in recent years, with 75 goals and assists in 163 games in the competition to date.

Despite forming part of a Leicester side that only recently suffered relegation, the £110k-per-week maestro did still enjoy a positive individual campaign after racking up 19 goal involvements in 30 league appearances, with only Harry Kane contributing more goals and assists (33) among the Spurs squad.

That ability to make a telling impact in the final third could ensure that Maddison proves to be a dream partner to Kane at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium next term, with the latter man likely to thrive off such elite service.

Hailed for his "world class" delivery in the past by Three Lions boss, Gareth Southgate, Maddison notably recorded 12 big chances and averaged 2.3 key passes per game in 2022/23 as a marker of his creative prowess, with that illustrating that he can be the man to deliver the goods on a plate for Tottenham's free-scoring, talisman.

Previously hailed as "the best centre-forward in world football" by his England colleague, Kane has been linked with a departure in recent times, although the current suggestion is that the 29-year-old will not be sold this summer, despite having just 12 months to run on his current deal.

As such, the 280-goal marksman would likely thrive off having quality figures around him under Postecoglou next season, such as Maddison, with the latter man clearly an asset who seeks to play forward at every available opportunity as he ranks in the top 15% among his European peers for progressive passes, as per FBref.

With Spurs seemingly "in need of that creativity" – as pundit Noel Whelan previously stated – the signing of the Leicester man could well have Kane licking his lips this summer…

Derby County goalkeeper Ryan Allsop has attracted interest from Cardiff City, according to a report from Football Insider. 

The lowdown: Allsop’s career so far

Signed from Wycombe Wanderers as a free agent in 2021, the ‘keeper has become somewhat of a journeyman across English football.

The 29-year-old started out at West Brom before spells with Blackpool, Bournemouth, Coventry and Lincoln City among others before eventually pitching up at Pride Park.

It now appears that yet another club could be added to the list in the near future, as his contract comes to an end at Derby…

The latest: Cardiff want to sign Allsop

As per a Cardiff source for Football Insider, the Bluebirds are ‘in talks’ to sign the experienced stopper.

It is claimed that ‘negotiations are underway’ over a deal which would take the Birmingham native to south Wales at the end of his current deal.

The report added that Cardiff are ‘well placed’ to reach an agreement for Allsop, who was described by journalist Jake Barker as being a ‘massive breath of fresh air’ in Wayne Rooney’s side earlier this season prior to relegation from the second tier.

The verdict: Another blow for Derby

Whilst such departures from Pride Park are inevitable following the drop into League One and the ongoing off-field issues surrounding the takeover, there is no doubt that losing Allsop is a damaging blow.

This season, the Englishman kept nine clean sheets in 33 appearances overall, earning a 6.92 Sofascore rating and making 2.7 saves per game in a valiant attempt to stave off relegation.

As things stand, Allsop’s departure would leave Kelle Roos as the last remaining senior goalkeeper at the club, albeit that there are likely to be additions over the coming weeks and months as the new-look squad take shape. That is another reason why it’s imperative that Chris Kirchner’s mooted takeover is brought to a swift conclusion.

In other news… a journalist has delivered this huge update on the potential sale of Pride Park

Jacob Ramsey is a doubt for Aston Villa’s trip to Burnley after injuring his groin in training, The Birmingham Mail’s Ashley Preece reports.

The lowdown

Villa head to Lancashire looking to make back-to-back wins after beating bottom-of-the-table Norwich City at home last weekend.

But they face a Burnley side who have rattled off three successive victories as they scrap desperately for points in their bid for survival.

Gerrard is already without Leon Bailey, who only lasted 40 minutes against the Canaries, and defender Kortney Hause, nursing a long-term abdominal issue.

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The latest

Preece tweeted another injury blow on Friday – Ramsey is ‘struggling with a groin issue’ ahead of the journey to Turf Moor.

“Team news update ahead of Burnley – Jacob Ramsey struggling with a groin issue; Leon Bailey (ankle) ruled out; Morgan Sanson returns to squad after two-game lay-off.”

In the attached story, he explains that Ramsey limped out of training at Bodymoor Heath. Gerrard is due to make a late call on whether to include the 20-year-old in his squad.

The verdict

Ramsey would be a big loss for the Villans.

He had been on an impressive run of 19 consecutive Premier League starts dating back to the clash with Manchester City at the start of December, underlining his importance to the team.

He provides a real goal threat from midfield, with six goals to his name so far this season. In the Villa squad, only Ollie Watkins (nine) can better that tally.

The Englishman is also key in getting his team up the pitch. He leads the way at Villa for progressive carries per 90 minutes with 5.91.

If he does miss out against Burnley, his involvement against title-chasing Liverpool on Tuesday would surely be in jeopardy too.

In other news, Aston Villa have been linked with this centre-back.