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Journalist Pete O'Rourke has shared when Tottenham Hotspur star Harry Kane could quit Spurs with talks over his sale "set to accelerate".

Will Harry Kane leave Tottenham?

The 29-year-old is currently attracting real interest from a host of top clubs both in Europe and domestically, with Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich, Ligue 1 champions Paris-Saint Germain and league rivals Man United linked.

Kane's contract is slowly winding down as he enters the final 12 months of his Spurs deal, and with no sign of an extension despite a mammoth reported contract offer, chairman Daniel Levy may well have to contemplate selling this window.

This isn't the first time he's been linked with a move away from north London, as treble-winners Man City attempted to sign him all the way back in 2021, even making bids in excess of £100 million.

Ange Posteocoglou, speaking on the rumours of Kane potentially leaving, admitted that the saga is an unwelcome distraction during his pre-season preparations.

"Fair to say I am not relaxed about it," said Postecoglou to the media recently.

“It’s not something you go: ‘Ah, well, you know if it does or doesn’t happen!’ I mean it’s a very important part of this football club, not just the team, but the football club.

“So, you’ve got to deal with it, and I think, for everyone concerned, we don’t want to be doing it for too long. I don’t think that is good for anyone. I don’t think it is good for Harry, I don’t think it is good for the club."

Bayern in particular are thought to be hot on Kane's trail with Sky Sports journalist Kaveh Solhekol recently saying on a live broadcast that they're growing increasingly confident.

Now, O'Rourke has shared his own update in a piece for Football Insider. The journalist writes that Kane could be out the door pretty soon, giving a timeline of exactly when he could depart.

O'Rourke suggests that the forward may quit Tottenham before the start of next season, specifically August 13 when Spurs take on Brentford in their Premier League opener.

He adds that negotiations over the sale of Kane are "set to accelerate" with Levy now willing to cash in on their talismanic star.

How good is Harry Kane?

Having scored 30 league goals in 38 starts last season, Kane's importance to this Spurs side is unparalleled.

The Three Lions superstar became England's all-time top goalscorer recently, beating Wayne Rooney's previous record, while Kane is also Tottenham's best ever goalscorer after overtaking the legendary Jimmy Greaves.

"We are talking about a world class striker,” said former Tottenham head coach Antonio Conte last season.

“He deserves the best because he's a great worker, hard worker… this is not normal because usually the players that have talent many times don't like to work hard because they have talent.

"“In my career I didn't have great talent [so] for this reason I worked hard. What I liked about him from the first time was his ability. He was a big example for his team-mates.

“When you see him work in this way, and for sure you have the desire to continue to work, to work very hard."

Arsenal, Manchester United, and Chelsea will still feel like "they can win the signature of Lavia" as the race to land the Southampton midfielder is still "pretty open", claims transfer insider Dean Jones.

Arsenal transfer news – what's the latest on Romeo Lavia

The summer window has kicked off in some style in Islington as the Gunners have already confirmed the £65m purchase of Chelsea's Kai Havertz, and the deal to bring Declan Rice to the Emirates is also nearing completion.

Alongside these established names, the club has been linked to Southampton's exciting young prospect and full Belgian international, Romeo Lavia.

According to a report from the Independent, Arsenal first turned their attention towards the £45m player after concluding that any deal to bring in Brighton & Hove Albion's Moises Caicedo would be too difficult to achieve alongside their other targets.

However, the race has become a lot more complicated as Chelsea and Manchester United are said to be directly challenging the Gunners for his signature, with Liverpool 'monitoring' developments for now.

Where there is some doubt as to where Lavia would fit in at Arsenal, there is less about any potential move to the Red Devils.

At the moment, Erik ten Hag's choices in defensive midfield are the imperious Casemiro and the hard-working but under equipped Scott McTominay. If United could bring the 19-year-old to Old Trafford, he could make for the perfect understudy to the 30-year-old Brazilian, eventually stepping in to replace him a few seasons from now.

Chelsea on the other hand have just sold a huge portion of their midfield with N'Golo Kante moving to Saudi Arabia, Mateo Kovacic to Manchester City and the aforementioned Havertz to Arsenal deal, so a move for the Brussels-gem would make perfect sense, filling a current gap in the team and potentially staying with the club for the next decade.

What has transfer insider Dean Jones said about the race to sign Romeo Lavia?

Jones was confident that no club had the upper hand regarding the young Belgian at the moment and that all three teams will feel relatively good about their chances.

Speaking to Football FanCast, he said: "I honestly think it's pretty open race at the moment. I wouldn't say that Arsenal are placed any better than Chelsea any better than Man United. I think that all of those clubs will feel that they can still win the signature of Lavia."

Do Arsenal need to sign Romeo Lavia?

The sides in this transfer saga could clearly use Lavia both now and in the future, but what about Mikel Arteta's side?

Well, it's a little more complicated; as things stand, the club have Thomas Partey and Mohammed Elneny in that defensive midfield position and will soon add Rice, the club's most expensive transfer ever.

From that, it looks hard to see where the "monster" – as dubbed by football writer Benjy Nurick – would fit into Arteta's immediate plans.

However, if the recent report from the Telegraph claiming that the club will cash in on Ghanaian international Partey is true, there could well be a way into the team for the ex-Manchester City wonderkid.

However, with Rice likely to take Partey's place as the clubs go to defensive midfielder anyway, Lavia would still be firmly behind a player only five years his senior.

While he would certainly be a fantastic rotation option, the player might view himself as something other than just a backup.

Whoever ends up landing the Southampton starlet will have an unbelievable prospect on their books, but it looks like some teams need his services more than others.

Arsenal have “held talks” to sign Southampton starlet Romeo Lavia, reports 90min journalist Graeme Bailey.

Which players are Arsenal signing in 2023?

The Gunners have been on fire in the transfer market so far this summer, splashing the cash to ensure their incredible 2022/23 season under Mikel Arteta is no flash in the pan.

The north Londoners have already announced the signing of Kai Havertz from Chelsea – a sure sign of the power shift in the capital – and deals for Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber are thought to be all but done.

Arteta and Edu’s work won’t finish there however, due to the fact that they are also set to lose some key players from the team that performed so well last term. Granit Xhaka has left the club to join Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen while Thomas Partey is also thought to be likely to leave, so the addition of Rice may need to be accompanied by another new arrival in the centre of the park.

And that’s where Lavia could come in, with the Southampton youngster expected to depart after the Saints’ relegation from the Premier League. The 19 year-old is one of several midfield targets to be linked – the likes of Moises Caicedo and even Real Madrid’s Aurélien Tchouaméni have been mentioned – but the Belgium international appears to be the most advanced.

Are Arsenal signing Romeo Lavia?

Indeed, the Gunners have actually “held talks” to sign the former Manchester City starlet, reports Bailey, but they aren’t alone as Chelsea and Liverpool have also made the same steps.

Manchester City, Manchester United and Newcastle are also keeping an eye on the situation, with the teenager “emerging as one of this summer's most in-demand players”. Saints apparently expect to recoup £50m to sell their prized asset.

It’s hard to imagine Lavia coming in and starting week in week out for the Gunners – he is outperformed by Rice in all but three of FBRef’s key metrics for defensive midfielders – but he would be an excellent option to have in the building depending on the opposition, especially with tricky European ties on the way.

The three areas he actually betters Rice in are tackles, blocks and successful take-ons, painting the picture of a player who is excellent at shielding the back four, breaking up play and then weaving out of tight situations to retain possession once he has taken it.

With Rice sure to be striding forward and aiding the more attack-minded players in the XI, having a pure number six behind the England international in certain games would allow him to focus more on those attacking phases of play, and Lavia looks the perfect candidate.

You don’t need to look far to find plaudits for the tough-tackling ace either, with Pep Guardiola saying this earlier this year: “We had, and we have, an incredible opinion about him. We thought to keep him, but maybe he would not (get) enough minutes like he has in Southampton.”

Many pundits and fans alike have pointed out the similarities between the way Arteta’s team operates and Pep’s City, so it is no surprise to see the boss looking to recruit a player valued so highly by his former mentor, and the interest from various big six rivals shows exactly how Lavia is seen by those around the game.

Manchester United have identified a "massive" Premier League player as their "number one target" in a key position in the January transfer window, according to a new update.

Man Utd targeting January signings

The Red Devils have suffered huge injury problems in defence this season, with Lisandro Martinez a long-term absentee who has been a big loss, given his influence since arriving from Ajax. Raphael Varane has also continued to struggle with fitness issues, while the likes of Luke Shaw and Aaron Wan-Bissaka are others who have been unavailable at different times.

In fairness, Erik ten Hag's side have done well to tackle these problems, winning five of their last six Premier League games., despite having so many defenders out of contention. While Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof have largely performed well of late, including in Sunday's 3-0 victory away to Everton, it is clear that reinforcements are needed at the back, with neither representing the future at Old Trafford.

United have been linked with various centre-back options in recent times, with Sporting CP youngster Goncalo Inacio one player who has emerged as a potential addition at Old Trafford. Meanwhile, a broader report has claimed that the Red Devils are prioritising the signing of a central defender in January.

"Incredible" Man Utd player lined up for shock move amid frustration at ETH

Manchester United could offload one of their first-team stars in January….

BySean Markus Clifford Nov 27, 2023 Man Utd want Marc Guehi

According to Football Insider, Manchester United have made Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi their main January target in defence, seeing him a great option to boost Ten Hag's back-line.

"Man United are planning a January move for Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi, sources have told Football Insider. The centre-back, 23, is firmly on the radar of the Premier League giants ahead of the winter window.

"A senior source has told Football Insider that Guehi is the 'number one target' for United going into January. The club are keeping close tabs on the England international and doing background checks."

Guehi is someone who looks like a perfect centre-back choice for United in the January window, with the 23-year-old becoming such a consistent performer for Palace in recent years, arguably making Chelsea look foolish for deciding to sell him to the Eagles back in 2021.

The United transfer target is enjoying an excellent individual season once again in 2023/24, having a 89.3% pass completion rate across 12 Premier League appearances, as well as averaging 4.8 clearances, 1.4 aerial duels and 1.2 tackles per game in the competition.

Pass completion rate

89.3%

Clearances per game

4.8

Aerial duel wins per game

1.4

Tackles per game

1.2

Guehi could even feel that moving to Old Trafford increases his chances of featuring prominently for England at Euro 2024 next summer, potentially even taking Maguire's place in the Three Lions' starting lineup. He would be noticed more playing for one of the biggest teams in the country, and he could immediately come in as an upgrade on the former Red Devils captain.

The Palace ace has been hailed as both "massive" and an "absolute tank" by former Stoke City goalkeeper Josef Bursik in the past, having played together for England's Under-21s, and at 23 years of age, he should only get better as the years pass, possibly even proving to be a key man at United for the next decade.

Liverpool are believed to hold the cards in the pursuit of Brazilian outfit Fluminense's rising holding midfielder Andre, who is attracting European attention after his recent exploits.

Who are Liverpool signing this summer?

Reds manager Jurgen Klopp and sporting director Jorg Schmadtke have acted with haste over the past few months, signing Alexis Mac Allister and Dominick Szoboszlai to fill the void left by James Milner, Naby Keita, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's departures back in June.

Progress suffered a blip when the tidal wave of Saudi Arabian transfer movement homed in on captain Jordan Henderson and holding midfielder Fabinho, but Liverpool are looking to complete a move for Southampton's Romeo Lavia, a precocious and promising talent.

However, according to Portuguese outlet Record – via Sport Witness – Brazilian midfielder Andre could yet join the fold on Merseyside despite the pursuit of Sporting CP, who are concerned about matching the affluence of the Anfield side.

The report touts the 22-year-old at €20m (£17m), which could prove to be a worthwhile deal given the relatively cheap valuation in the modern market.

Should Liverpool sign Andre?

While Andre looks a tough-tackling, pass-proficient midfielder with the set of skills necessary for success on English shores, previous claims indicate a stumbling block laying in Fluminense's reluctance to part with their No. 6 before the culmination of the Brazilian Serie A season in December.

However, with Lavia destined for a date with Klopp's Reds, Andre could be an exciting addition to complement the side at the season's midpoint and ease the burden on the young Belgian's shoulders.

The "leader" – as Andre has been hailed by talent scout Jacek Kulig – has recorded an average Sofascore match rating of 7.08 across 13 league matches this term, remarkably completing 94% of his passes, averaging 2.1 tackles per game and succeeding with 63% of his ground duels.

For reference, Fabinho completed 89% of his passes, averaged 1.8 tackles and won just 48% of his ground duels last term, albeit in the Premier League.

Andre ranks among the top 1% of midfielders across Men's Next 8 divisions – behind the big European five – for pass completion, while also within the top 6% for successful take-ons per 90 (FBref), and certainly looks like he holds the elements requisite for success at the highest level.

His assured passing skills and precision when utilising his defensive qualities would only serve to enhance the game of esteemed centre-half Virgil van Dijk, who has been a revelation since joining Liverpool from Southampton for £75m in 2018 but was culpable of "poor" performances last term as Klopp's side floundered, as per club legend Jamie Carragher.

Liverpool's problems were well-documented and the midfield's inability to effectively protect the backline was often cited as the crux of the malady.

Irrespective of this, Van Dijk did not exude the usual air of superiority and swagger, being said to have "languished" by pundit Jason Cundy, a central part of a defence that shipped 47 league goals – as opposed to 27 the season prior – and fell into the Europa League after seven successive years in the Champions League.

Fabinho was described as an "old man" by journalist Graeme Bailey for his part in the collapse, but this new chapter tantalises greatness once again at Anfield and with Andre entering the fray, he could develop into the perfect new option to revitalise Liverpool and restore Van Dijk back to his former imperiousness.

Everton are potentially interested in signing Chelsea centre-back Trevoh Chalobah during the summer transfer window, according to a new update.

How much does Trevoh Chalobah earn?

The 24-year-old, who currently earns £50,000 per week at Stamford Bridge, has become a solid squad player for the Blues of late, albeit being part of a struggling team that unfathomably finished 12th in the Premier League last season.

Chalobah started 18 of his side's 38 league matches, averaging 2.2 clearances per game, but it remains to be seen what his current squad role is moving forward. In Levi Colwill, Chelsea have an exceptional young defensive talent who will surely push for regular playing time in 2023/24, while Axel Disasi has arrived from Monaco as well.

Read the latest Everton transfer news HERE…

The Englishman's current Blues deal doesn't expire until the summer of 2028, but it could be that Mauricio Pochettino doesn't see him as a key figure moving forward, meaning the club are willing to listen to offers for him before the current transfer window closes later this month.

That's where Everton come into play, as they continue to look at defensive reinforcements this summer, having lost Yerry Mina and also decided not to make Conor Coady's loan move from Wolves a permanent one.

Will Everton sign Trevoh Chalobah?

According to Football Insider, Everton are one of a host of clubs eyeing up a summer move for Chalobah, should he be allowed to leave Chelsea:

"Everton are among the sides plotting a move for Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah, sources have told Football Insider.

"It is believed the 24-year-old’s Stamford Bridge exit will now be accelerated after Levi Colwill was tied down to a new deal and the arrival of Monaco star Axel Disasi was announced.

"Everton are ready to pounce and secure a deal, while fellow Premier League sides West Ham and Crystal Palace are also poised to join the race for Chalobah’s signature."

Chalobah could actually be a strong signing by Everton, at a time when a younger centre-back option could be ideal, considering James Tarkowski is now in his 30s. At 24, he should be heading towards his prime as a footballer, and the fact that he could become far more of a regular at Goodison Park than at Chelsea could entice him.

The three-time capped England Under-21 international has been praised by Graham Potter in the recent past, with the former Blues manager saying of him:

"He wasn’t in for the first couple of games, but acted perfectly: trained really well, very professional, very determined. He’s an impressive character, very focused on his football. He’s a bit of a soldier. He’s played in all the games, we’re having some problems in terms of availability for players, but he’s stood up, stood in and he’s performing at a really good level."

This further illustrated the many attributes Chalobah possesses as a footballer, and while he may not be the most sparkling of centre-backs around, he is someone who could immediately make Everton more of a force defensively, and act as a long-term signing who should only get better.

Sunderland have reportedly held talks over a move for Fulham striker Jay Stansfield, but the Black Cats aren’t the only club keen on the forward.

Are Sunderland signing a striker?

Tony Mowbray and those at The Stadium of Light have brought in six new players so far this summer in Jenson Seelt, Jobe Bellingham, Eliezer Mayenda, Nectarios Triantis, Bradley Dack and Luis Semedo.

However, the club have been on the search to sign a new forward for a number of weeks now, with Bellingham and Dack, primarily midfielders, occupying attacking roles in the 2-1 win over Rotherham United last time out. Bellingham was the match-winner with two goals, however, Mowbray admitted he wants to bring in a new striker who can run in behind.

"We're trying to control the game on most occasions, and then it's about seeing whether teams are going to press or sit off in a block.

"That's why ultimately you need some mobility at the top end because if people are sitting in a mid-block and your centre-half doesn't think they can get through the lines, sometimes you have to go over the top with some speed and some threat.

"At the moment that's what's missing from this team, because that's not really Hemir or Dack's game. Jobe has that powerful running action that can pressure people, of course, but it's not necessarily speed.

"If we can get a striker in who wants to run in behind and wants to stretch them, it'll give us more space us to play in – that'll help us create more chances and win more games."

It looks as if the club are now working on a move for Stansfield, with The Sunderland Echo reporting that talks have been held with Fulham over a loan move. However, the report adds that several other clubs are also keen on bringing in Stansfield before the deadline.

Who is Jay Stansfield?

Stansfield initially came through the academy at Exeter City before moving to Fulham in 2019. Since then, the 20-year-old has gone on to make eight senior appearances for Fulham and spent last season back in Devon on loan with Exeter.

The forward contributed to 17 goals in 39 games in all competitions for the League One side and is now into the final 12 months of his Fulham contract, although the top-flight side have the option to extend that by a further year.

Kevin McDonald, who played alongside Stansfield at Exeter, praised the player as a forward who has "got it all".

“He's a top, top guy; he's willing to learn every single game and barely ever complains. We get on well and he's a good laugh too. He's technically gifted and a lovely finisher.

“He knows he needs to bulk up as such and he will over time. He's got it all, though. I said that when I was back there [at Fulham] a couple of years ago and even more so now.”

A loan move to a Championship side appears to make sense for Stansfield as he continues his development, and by the looks of things, that could be with Sunderland following discussions over a transfer.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are eyeing up a summer swoop for Newcastle United defender Jamaal Lascelles as Julen Lopetegui looks to continue the major rebuilding of his squad.

What’s the latest on Jamaal Lascelles to Wolves?

According to the Northern Echo, the Magpies are willing to listen to offers for Lascelles during the summer window, with the Old Gold and Nottingham Forest holding an interest in the defender.

The report states that Wolves have scouted the 29-year-old in the past and with just 18 months remaining on his current £40k-per-week contract, Loeptegui would be able to secure him for a bargain fee most likely.

Could Lascelles become Lopetegui’s next Craig Dawson?

The Molineux outfit signed Dawson from West Ham United during the January transfer window, having pursued him since the summer window and it looks as though the £3.3m fee could prove to be a bargain.

His opening two matches for the club have seen the 32-year-old receive an average rating of 7.4/10 via Sofascore, while he even scored on his debut against Liverpool, and having conceded just one goal in those two matches, it is already looking like a move that could pay off handsomely.

Lascelles has had his issues this campaign, playing only four matches in the Premier League, however his experience and leadership qualities would be a big bonus for Lopetegui.

Toon boss Eddie Howe praised the centre-back in November, saying:

“He has been and will be our leader.

“He hasn’t been on the pitch as much as he probably would have liked but his status in the group, everyone looks to him as captain. His work rate and training standards have been exemplary.”

Magpies legend Alan Shearer even claimed the defender “gives everything” and a player like this would a wonderful addition to the Wolves squad – even if he wasn’t a regular starter.

Indeed, despite his lack of top-flight matches this term, he has shone in the League Cup, averaging a rating of 7.2/10 across three appearances, scoring once, averaging 61.3 touches and 1.3 interceptions per game while winning a staggering 75% of his total duels, clearly proving he can still perform when called upon.

Lopetegui could repeat his Dawson masterclass by signing Lascelles, a player who is ready to move on from his current club, and by adding another English player, he will also boost the club’s homegrown quota in the process.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are reportedly eyeing a Serie A ace this summer, as Julen Lopetegui confirms his place in the front seat ahead of the transfer window.

Ongoing speculation regarding the Spaniard’s future at Wolves was ended this week as the Telegraph confirmed his choice to stay at Molineux amidst Financial Fair Play (FFP) woes.

Regardless of having to remain on a budget, the Old Gold must introduce reinforcements to improve on this season's mishaps, which they could do in signing the latest talent linked to the club.

What’s the latest on Antonio Sanabria to Wolves?

As reported by Italian outlet Torino Granata – relayed by Sport Witness – Wolves are interested in Torino striker Antonio Sanabria.

The report claims that Wolves are ‘chasing’ the forward, along with fellow Premier League competition in Everton and Crystal Palace.

It’s added that club chairman Urbano Cairo has set the 27-year-old’s price tag at €25m (£21m) however ‘will sell’ the Paraguayan for €20m (£17m) if a suitable offer is made.

What could Antonio Sanabria bring to Wolves?

In a season lacking inspiration in all areas, Wolves’ requirement to obtain a goalscorer is critical this summer having scored just 31 goals in 38 games.

Such perished form in the final third ranked the Midlands side as the lowest scorers in the Premier League, averaging just 0.82 goals per match in a campaign that highlighted what the club needs to return to its former heights.

The drop in form of Raul Jimenez following his devastating head injury is a subject damning to both player and club, with the Mexican ending the term with no goals in 15 appearances.

Across the 2018/19 and 2019/20 seasons, Jimenez contributed 44 goals and assists in the Premier League in a streak of form that is greatly missed at Molineux, via Transfermarkt.

The 32-year-old has enjoyed a memorable career at Wolves, however could now see his place taken by fellow forward Sanabria.

As per Sofascore in 33 appearances for Torino in Serie A this campaign, the Paraguayan contributed to 16 goals, scoring 12 himself and assisting four in a strong personal year of football.

Hailed as “brilliant” by Serie A and Roma legend Francesco Totti, the 27-year-old could be exactly what is required to kickstart Lopetegui’s side into producing in the final third again.

Averaging 2.1 shots per game in the league, the San Lorenzo-born ace is a live wire in front of goal as well as being a playmaking outlet for those around him as highlighted by his seven big chances created, via Sofascore.

Lopetegui must identify what is required to get his side firing after a testing Premier League season, in signing Sanabria the Spaniard could inspire his attack with the essence of the striking flair that once ascended on Molineux through Jimenez.

Chelsea have missed out on a transfer target, with reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano sharing news that the player is poised to remain at his club instead.

Enzo Maresca has watched BlueCo orchestrate a fairly productive transfer market thus far.

Maresca is now pushing Chelsea to sign £150k-per-week World Cup winner

The Italian and his staff are big fans.

2 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 28, 2025

The Blues sealed a £30 million move for highly-rated young English striker Liam Delap, who’s already got on the scoresheet with his first-ever goal for Chelsea at the Club World Cup, and it is believed that optimism is growing over a deal for Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens.

Cole Palmer

7.33

Moises Caicedo

7.02

Enzo Fernández

6.95

Nicolas Jackson

6.88

Noni Madueke

6.82

via WhoScored

They haven’t had it all their own way, though, as Dortmund rejected three bids from Chelsea for the 20-year-old before the last transfer deadline on June 10.

Chelsea also failed with an attempt to sign AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan, with the Rossoneri insisting on a far higher price tag than Maresca’s side were willing to pay, and talks surrounding a pre-CWC move for Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitiké didn’t go anywhere either.

Maresca’s side are in the market for a centre-back too, but according to Romano, they’ll have to move on from Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite – who’s now been added to the list of players who Chelsea won’t be signing.

Jarrad Branthwaite set to reject Chelsea and sign new Everton deal

Earlier this month, journalist Simon Phillips reported that Chelsea were planning to push for Branthwaite, and there was a possibility that the 23-year-old could ask to make the move to Stamford Bridge.

“Chelsea intend to push for him [Branthwaite] again and there is a possibility that they offer players to Everton in an attempt to get the fee down and make the deal more appealing on both sides,” said Phillips.

“We’ve also heard that he is a little frustrated, on Everton putting such a big valuation on his head. We had initially heard that Branthwaite would not actively push for a move. But it has now transpired that he is keen on Chelsea and could end up asking for the move.”

However, despite Chelsea’s intention, the £70 million-rated centre-back has just been put out of Maresca’s reach.

Romano confirms that Branthwaite will commit his future to Everton by signing a new long-term deal until 2030, dealing a blow to Chelsea and other suitors, who are poised to miss out on the Englishman tipped for a very bright future.

The former PSV Eindhoven loanee was also a wanted man at Tottenham, according to some reports, but any potential move to London will have to be put on the back-burner for a long while.