Liverpool and Manchester United are now said to be going head-to-head to sign a midfielder after surprise developments at Old Trafford. Michael Carrick thought he had boxed off one of his midfield signings after reaching an early agreement with Atalanta to sign Brazil star Ederson, but that deal is no more.

United requested further medical checks on the midfielder following his World Cup participation, and it is now being reported that they have communicated to Atalanta that they will not progress with the deal. Atalanta say Ederson is fully fit, but the Red Devils have made their decision, and they will search elsewhere, likely to want two or three midfield signings this summer.

Meanwhile, Liverpool are also searching high and low for a new midfield, keen to add competition to the middle of the park this summer.

Liverpool and Man Utd tussle for Joao Gomes

According to Portuguese website Globo, both Liverpool and Man Utd have enquired about the possibility of signing Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes. Oddly Gomes is said to have had a deal fully agreed with Atletico Madrid this summer, but it’s claimed the Spanish club blocked the deal because agent Jorge Mendes, who also represents Bernardo Silva, agreed to send the former Manchester City star to Atletico, only to agree a last-minute deal with Real Madrid.

Atletico reacted by punishing Mendes by canceling the deal involving his other client, Gomes. That means the 25-year-old midfielder is still on the table, and Liverpool and Man Utd are both said to have ‘contacted’ Wolves to explore a possible deal. Atletico agreed to pay Wolves £38.3million (45million euros), so it’s likely the Midlands club will demand the same total as they prepare for a Championship campaign.

Gomes is ‘going to the top’

Gomes won Wolves’ Player of the Season award last season, and while the Midlands club endured a dire season, the Portuguese midfielder clearly stood out.

In fact, he came in for special praise from former Manchester City defender Micah Richards on the Rest is Football podcast last season. “We have to give a quick shout-out to Gomes of Wolves,” said Richards. “Oh my word, what a player he is by the way. Gomes, he is a player by the way. Obviously, we don’t get to see Wolves too much on TV. We see them on Match of the Day. Seeing him up close and personal, his touches, his anticipation when he’s winning the ball back and his weight of ball forward. Sorry Wolves fans, he’s going to the top that lad.”

Tottenham Hotspur remain interested in signing Bournemouth striker Eli Junior Kroupi this summer, although the Cherries are doing ‘everything they can’ to prevent the North London club from securing the player, according to journalist Peter O’Rourke.

Kroupi scored 13 goals in his debut campaign in the Premier League after completing a switch from Lorient to the south coast of England last summer. This impressive return has sparked interest from some of the country’s top clubs, including Spurs, Arsenal and Manchester United.

The Lilywhites have emerged as the frontrunners in the chase for the young Frenchman, although Bournemouth’s reported £85 million valuation could ultimately prevent the deal from materialising.

The Europa League side are intent on keeping hold of their prized possession ahead of what is set to be a historic season in their club’s history.

Bournemouth keen to deter Tottenham from Junior Kroupi move

Spurs have emerged from a dire season firing on all cylinders in the transfer market. Sandro Tonali has joined in a mammoth £100million move, while Mateus Fernandes has signed for the North Londoners for £85million.

Roberto De Zerbi has also strengthened his backline significantly, adding Jan Paul van Hecke, Marcos Senesi and Andy Robertson to his ranks.

Now, attention has turned to bolstering the forward line. Cody Gakpo and Savinho are targets for De Zerbi, while they also want a new centre-forward to compete with and eventually succeed the likes of Richarlison and Dominic Solanke.

Kroupi is understood to be the primary target, but Bournemouth are looking to make things difficult for Spurs in their pursuit of the 20-year-old.

Journalist O’Rourke told Football Insider that the Cherries are doing ‘everything they can’ to keep hold of the number nine.

“Kroupi is somebody that they’re [Spurs] definitely interested in, whether they can pull it off or not, it’s going to be very difficult, there’s no doubt about that,” he said.

“Bournemouth are doing everything they can to keep hold of the player. They’ve put a huge price tag on his head as well.”

Tottenham need to be careful in Junior Kroupi pursuit

via Reuters

Multiple reports suggest that £85million is the sum Spurs will have to stump up to land Kroupi.

While this would be a reasonable fee in the context of this market for the most promising young striker available, Tottenham need to be careful in their pursuit of the former Lorient man.

By all accounts, Bournemouth are desperate not to lose the youngster in this window. This desperation could ultimately be reflected in the asking price, which could easily rise above the £85million mark in reality.

At somewhere between £90million and £100million, this move becomes a huge risk for Spurs. While Kroupi has shown glimpses of brilliance, there is no guarantee that he will develop into a superstar striker.

This potential fee reflects a nailed-on generational striker — something Kroupi simply cannot be considered as, just yet.

Newcastle United hold an interest in versatile defender Neco Williams, although the full-back is currently locked in contract talks with Nottingham Forest, according to BBC Sport.

Williams impressed last season for the East Midlanders, scoring twice and registering four assists across all competitions. The Nottingham-based club are eager to reward this form by penning the Welshman down to a new lucrative long-term contract.

While Forest are said to be confident that he’ll agree to this new deal, interest from elsewhere could sway the player.

Newcastle, as well as Manchester United, are said to be monitoring Williams’ situation, with a view to making a move for him at some point this summer.

Newcastle considering making a move for Neco Williams

Since opting to leave Liverpool in 2022, Williams has established himself as a dependable Premier League full-back, capable of operating on both sides.

Thus, it’s no surprise that clubs with recent Champions League pedigree are looking to prize the 25-year-old away from the City Ground. Newcastle are among the mooted suitors, with BBC Sport reporting that the Magpies and Michael Carrick’s United are considering an attempt to hijack the player’s contract talks with Forest.

Forest hold leverage in the saga, as Williams still has three years left on his current deal. However, their desire to extend his contract and offer him significantly improved terms does suggest that they may be fearful of interest from elsewhere.

Newcastle are flush with cash after selling Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon for astronomical fees, and should therefore be able to better any salary package Forest present to Williams.

It remains to be seen what sort of fee Forest would demand to even contemplate selling one of their most accomplished players, although it’s not likely to be minimal.

Eddie Howe is a huge admirer of Williams, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him push the Tyneside board to sign the player, regardless of the prospective fee.

Newcastle could be in desperate need of full-backs this summer

With Tonali out and Bruno Guimaraes linked with Arsenal, a midfield rebuild may be at the forefront of Newcastle’s transfer activity this summer.

However, it’s also possible they are forced to renovate in the full-back areas, hence the links to Williams. Lewis Hall is a target for Manchester United, while Tino Livramento has been mooted as a target for Arsenal.

Even if the pair of Chelsea academy graduates remain at St. James’ Park, the loss of Kieran Trippier means at least one new full-back is required.

Williams would be the perfect candidate, as he can play on both sides, and wouldn’t oust either Livramento or Hall if both stay, rather provide them with healthy competition.