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Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski and Atletico Madrid hero Antoine Griezmann could be on the way to MLS, according to ex-USA star Taylor Twellman.

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Article continues below

Article continues below

• MLS tipped to bring in more big names
• Barcelona & Atletico stars could join
• Twellman insists they won't go to Inter Miami

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The former USMNT forward-turned-analyst expects big names to follow the likes of Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez by making the move to the United States next summer. However, he does not expect to see them flood into Florida to join the South American duo at Inter Miami.

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  WHAT TWELLMAN SAID

  He told : "I am as intrigued as I've ever been, because I think 2024 summer after the Euros, after Copa America, I think you're gonna see some names being talked about that a lot of people right now would think I was completely out of my mind [for saying]. And I'm not sure I will be come July 15. Let's say [Robert] Lewandowski and Antoine Griezmann come to Major League Soccer this summer. They're not coming to Miami. What does Atlanta do? If Atlanta transfers Thiago Almada [away] for 25 plus million, you know they're not going to sit on their hands, they're going to bring someone else in."

  He added: "You've got some real heavy hitters as owners now in this league. I think they're all kind of surveying the field waiting for this summer. And that's where I think that playing field could absolutely 100% be much more even than it is [now]."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The likes of Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba have already followed their former Barcelona team-mate Messi to Florida. The American league will hope to recruit more big names from Europe in the coming years to boost its reputation across the world.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  The 2024 season of MLS is set to get underway when Messi and Inter Miami take on Real Salt Lake. A few days after their opening game, the Florida side will then make the journey to California to take on the LA Galaxy.

The duo were in an utterly devastating mood and fired City to an emphatic victory at Kenilworth Road

It is no secret that Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland have a wonderful understanding on the pitch but they took their special relationship to obscene levels against Luton, combining for four goals as Manchester City blitzed the Hatters 6-2 to reach the FA Cup quarter-finals in style.

De Bruyne set up Haaland to score twice within the opening 18 minutes and the pair combined again in the 40th for the Norwegian's eighth hat-trick for City but his first away from home. Luton came alive either side of half-time to make it 3-2 with two thumping strikes from Jordan Clark. Incidentally, Clark was fed on both occasions by Ross Barkley.

De Bruyne set Haaland up for a fourth goal soon after though to reassert City's control on the game and the Norwegian then bagged his fifth, helped this time by Bernardo Silva. Mateo Kovacic completed the rout with a ferocious hit from outside the area, continuing the theme of stunning goals. The only negative note was Jack Grealish getting injured once more, almost certainly ruling him out of the Manchester derby.

GOAL rates Man City's players from Kenilworth Road…

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  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Stefan Ortega (6/10):

  His punt forward helped City score their second goal and his saves prevented Luton from reducing the deficit further in the second half.

  Kyle Walker (6/10):

  Had a bit of trouble from Alfie Doughty.

  John Stones (8/10):

  Back to the best form he showed last season, running the show in midfield when he wasn't bossing the defence.

  Manuel Akanji (6/10):

  Worked better in defence than when he has had to shuffle into midfield on other occasions.

  Nathan Ake (7/10):

  Did well to thwart Carlton Morris when City were 1-0 up.

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  Midfield

  Matheus Nunes (6/10):

  Played a big part in the first goal and looks more and more like a City player.

  Mateo Kovacic (7/10):

  Held the fort so Rodri could get a rest and scored the most impressive goal of the night.

  Bernardo Silva (7/10):

  Was in an artistic mood and thrived in the chaotic nature of the game.

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  Attack

  Kevin De Bruyne (10/10):

  Knew exactly where to find Haaland and always gave him the perfect delivery.

  Erling Haaland (10/10):

  Took his goal tally from 22 to 27 in one evening. The only negative note is he could not get a double hat-trick.

  Jack Grealish (5/10):

  Looked a little rusty and then through no fault of his own pulled another muscle, forcing him off just 38 minutes into his comeback.

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  Subs & Manager

  Oscar Bobb (6/10):

  Wanted to get in on the scoring act.

  Julian Alvarez (5/10):

  Will be disappointed he couldn't made the scoreline even bigger.

  Rico Lewis (6/10):

  Took the baton from Stones.

  Sergio Gomez (5/10):

  Got a rare outing but not enough time to make his mark on the game.

  Pep Guardiola (8/10):

  Was able to rest Rodri and still see his side score for fun. And once the result was assured, he got others involved from the bench.

Antonio Conte reportedly has his sights set on bringing Manchester City forward Raheem Sterling to Tottenham Hotspur this summer, according to The Telegraph.

The Lowdown: Sterling profiled

The 27-year-old joined the Sky Blues in a £49m move from Premier League rivals Liverpool seven years ago, and he has since gone on to make 339 appearances for his current club, scoring 131 goals and providing 95 assists during that time, as per Transfermarkt.

Despite still having just over a year remaining on his contract with Pep Guardiola’s side, the winger has been heavily linked with a move away from the Premier League champions, with the likes of Barcelona and Chelsea being named as potential suitors.

However, following a fresh update, it would now appear as though the most current interest is coming from the Lilywhites.

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The Latest: Spurs line up Sterling swoop

In a new article published by The Telegraph, it is claimed that Sterling is a player that Conte would ‘no doubt’ look at signing if he decides to leave City. However, it remains ‘highly questionable’ whether or not Spurs would be able to afford his wages and price tag, which is believed to have been set at around the £80m mark.

The report added that the 74-cap England international will ‘carefully weigh his options’ up whilst on holiday next month before making a return to the UK to hold ‘talks’ with City about his future, although it is thought that the attacker would aim to join a club ‘higher’ than the north London outfit.

The Verdict: Second time lucky?

Despite finding the net 17 times across all competitions this season, Sterling has slightly fallen down the pecking order under Guardiola in recent weeks behind the likes of Phil Foden, Riyad Mahrez and Jack Grealish, so it’s no shock to see him being rumoured with a summer exit.

The former Liverpool man, who was once dubbed a “beast” by former City centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo, has previously been associated with a switch to N17, after Spurs chairman Daniel Levy was offered the player as part of an attempted swap deal for Harry Kane just last year.

After successfully securing Champions League football for Tottenham next term, Conte is now said to be targeting between six and eight new signings to bolster his ranks ahead of the 2022/23 season, one of which is a forward who can play either centrally or out wide. If the price is right, the versatile Sterling might just be someone who comes back onto the club’s radar in the coming months.

In other news… Conte is believed to have made a major transfer decision involving this former Spurs star

According to BBC pundit Alan Hutton, it would be a ‘huge blow’ for Liverpool if they were to be without Thiago Alcantara for the Champions League final on Saturday night.

The Lowdown: Thiago injured

The Reds are set to take on Real Madrid in the Paris showdown this weekend after securing a 5-2 aggregate victory over Villarreal in the semi-finals to book their place at the Stade de France.

However, they might have to try and get their hands on the trophy without the 31-year-old maestro, who suffered an Achilles injury in the Premier League clash against Wolves which forced him off early on the final day of the domestic season.

According to the Liverpool Echo, the Spain midfielder is facing an uphill battle to be fit in time for the match in Paris.

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The Latest: Hutton praises Thiago’s quality

Speaking to Football Insider, Hutton admitted that Thiago would be a big loss in the middle of the park for Liverpool, but he thinks that the Spaniard will do everything within his power to make himself available for selection.

The former Scotland defender said of the midfielder: “He gives you that calming influence. He’s got that quality a lot of people could only dream of.

“So to not have him fit and available will be a huge blow, I think. You have to look at the other way and be positive. It’s an opportunity for somebody else to come in and shine.

“They’ll do everything they can to get Thiago fit. I think if there’s even a little chance of playing, you’re going to give it a try.

“I just see it as an opportunity, they’ve got a strong squad. It’s a chance for somebody else to come in and play in the Champions League final. It’s the biggest game you’ll ever play in your life.”

The Verdict: Big-game player

The 46-cap Spain international has been an integral part of Jurgen Klopp’s starting XI this season, so if he isn’t declared fully fit in time to take on Carlo Ancelotti’s side on Saturday, the Reds will have a huge void to fill in midfield.

Thiago has made nine European appearances during this run to the final, scoring one goal (as per Transfermarkt), showing that his performances on the Champions League stage have played a vital role in helping the Reds make it all the way to their third such final in five years.

Having won the trophy twice before (with Barcelona in 2011 and Bayern Munich two years ago), he has shown that he can come to the fore on the big occasion, just as he did in the FA Cup showpiece at Wembley a couple of weeks ago. Therefore, Kopites everywhere will pray that he can feature against Real Madrid in Paris this weekend.

In other news… one Liverpool first-team star is expected to sign a new deal with the club

Everton are in need of reinforcements this summer after struggling in the Premier League this season and facing a difficult relegation battle, so Frank Lampard will surely be looking for players to improve his squad and improve the side’s performances in the league next season.

The Toffees survived their first potential relegation to the Championship since the Premier League began by the skin of their teeth, a win in their penultimate game of the season saved them and the club need to find a solution to make sure they don’t fall into a similar situation or worse in the future.

On top of the problems with performances, Everton could be set to lose one of their most consistent performers and top goal-scorer this season as Richarlison has spoken out with doubt on his future and may potentially leave the club this summer which would be a massive blow to Everton’s frontline.

With that being said, the club have already been strongly linked to a move for Chelsea youngster Armando Broja this summer, with Frank Lampard’s relationship with the player and his Chelsea connections set to give the Toffees a boost in completing the signing.

The £25m-valued forward who was dubbed “dangerous” by Ralph Hassenhuttl could be a huge prospect for Everton if they could secure a deal for Broja this summer and offers many similarities to former Toffees striker Romelu Lukaku, who was also signed from Chelsea.

He was hugely effective in his time at Goodison Park scoring 87 goals.

Broja, meanwhile, offers similar characteristics to Lukaku in the way he plays and the profile of striker with both players use their height to dictate play and pose a threat to opponents.

The Southampton loanee ranked third for the most aerial duels won in his opponent’s half proving that he uses his height to his advantage to help him in his attacking output, which has had a huge influence on the Saints this season.

According to SofaScore, Broja scored six goals, created two big chances, took 1.4 shots per game and won five of his ground and aerial duels combined on average per game.

The powers at Everton should make the signing of Broja a top priority this summer especially if they are set to lose Richarlison as the young player clearly has the attributes to become a great young player and under Lampard’s guidance could get the development he needs to become Everton’s next Lukaku.

AND in other news: Lampard set for 1st major Everton disaster in deal for “sloppy” £20m “Mr Conservative”

Journalist Jacque Talbot has dropped an interesting claim regarding the future of Aston Villa striker Danny Ings. 

The lowdown: Surprise capture

Villa moved quickly under the radar to sign Ings with minimal fuss in a £25million transfer from Southampton last summer (Sky Sports).

Since arriving in the Midlands, the 29-year-old Englishman – who was lauded as a ‘phenomenal finisher’ by former Leeds United attacker Noel Whelan – has scored seven times and provided six assists in 31 outings for the Villans, a decent first season in most people’s books.

However, one journalist believes that Steven Gerrard – a former Liverpool teammate of Ings – could already be looking for life after the diminutive frontman.

The latest: ‘Might sound harsh…’

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Talbot has suggested that Villa may have already ‘outgrown’ Ings.

He said: “Injuries have hampered him a lot and he didn’t have the best of seasons.

“I think it might sound harsh, but Aston Villa have probably outgrown Danny Ings and he might be the sort of player that could be sold to a club coming up, maybe someone like Fulham could do with a Danny Ings.”

The verdict: Surely not!

Despite a checkered injury history that saw Ings miss an astonishing 85 matches whilst at Liverpool and regularly miss games for Southampton, the three-cap England man remained in decent health throughout last season at Villa Park.

One area Gerrard may look to address with the 108 career goal centre-forward could be his consistency. Having scored in his first two Premier League appearances for the club, the £19.8million valued ace then went five games without a goal on two separate occasions, lulls that will inevitably have a adverse impact on results.

That said, still under contract until 2024, following such a large outlay and with Gerrard likely to want more firepower in the ranks to accompany Ollie Watkins and the returning Keinan Davis, selling Ings is surely not on the agenda at this juncture, especially not to a domestic rival.

In other news: ‘I think…’ – Journalist makes claim involving ‘machine’ Gerrard wants at Villa, read more here

Former Premier League goalkeeper Paddy Kenny has suggested that Danny Ings may have fallen out with key figures at Aston Villa.

The lowdown

Football Insider reported late last month that the Villans are willing to entertain offers for the 29-year-old in the summer transfer window. A source at the club told the outlet that Steven Gerrard is prepared to sell the £120,000-per-week Englishman to free up some funds for a top-class replacement.

Villa paid £25m to sign Ings from Southampton just 10 months ago, when Dean Smith was in charge in the Midlands.

The striker made 22 Premier League starts and a further eight substitute appearances in what may yet prove to be his only season at the club.

The latest

Speaking to Football Insider, Kenny hinted that a rift may have formed behind the scenes.

The former Republic of Ireland international said that the development was a ‘surprise’ and isn’t sure whether Villa will be able to land a significant upgrade on Ings, who is now valued at £19.8m by Transfermarkt.

Kenny said: “You wonder if something has happened behind closed doors if he has been transfer listed. They have already signed a number of players and I’m sure they have the money to go out and get a few more.

“Who that will be, I don’t know. No matter what happens, they will want to get someone in before they let him go.

“You could do a lot worse than Ings so it is a bit of a surprise, that one.”

The verdict

It’s probably fair to say that Ings’ exploits in 2021/22 were a little underwhelming. He only managed to score seven top-flight goals, having averaged 13.6 per season across his three years at Southampton.

However, the 29-year-old did record six assists, the joint-most in the Villa ranks.

Also, there were promising signs when he was deployed in a front two alongside Ollie Watkins, with Noel Whelan suggesting that the ‘phenomenal finisher’ was ‘flourishing’ next to a strike partner.

Perhaps Ings deserves one more year to prove his worth at Villa Park off the back of a full pre-season with Gerrard.

In other news, read this significant Luis Suarez transfer claim. 

Aston Villa are one of several Premier League sides said to be interested in signing Atletico Madrid winger Yannick Carrasco this summer and the Belgian could be Steven Gerrard’s very own version of Jadon Sancho if he were to join.

According to reports in Spain, via The Sun, Villa, Newcastle and Tottenham Hotspur are all keen on signing the former Monaco man ahead of next season, with the 28-year-old likely to cost around £50m.

Gerrard has already added four permanent signings to his squad this summer, with Philippe Coutinho, Robin Olsen, Boubacar Kamara and Diego Carlos all joining, and Carrasco could be another statement signing from the Villans as they outline their intentions for a European finish next season.

The Belgium international has made 219 appearances across two separate spells at Atletico, in which he has contributed 37 goals and 39 assists, which shows he clearly has an eye for goal.

He also emphasised his attacking credentials during a two-year dalliance with Dalian Professional, crashing in 23 goals and 17 assists in just 51 appearances.

Diego Simeone was full of praise for the winger after he hit a hat-trick in 2016, saying:

“I’m very happy for Carrasco. He is a very complete player, with a bright future ahead of him.”

If Villa were to win the race for Carrasco this summer, Gerrard could have a player deemed very similar to Sancho on his hands at Villa Park.

FB Ref suggests that the Manchester United man is the second-most similar winger to Carrasco, with both excelling at progressive carries, dribbling and touches in the attacking penalty area.

Although the England international struggled on his debut season at Old Trafford, contributing just three goals and three assists in the Premier League, he has undoubted talent and his previous form at Borussia Dortmund emphasises that he is a top-quality player.

In 137 games for the Bundesliga side, the youngster contributed a hugely impressive 50 goals and 67 assists, and it seems like when he finds his feet at United, Erik ten Hag will have a top young talent at his disposal.

If Carrasco can show anywhere near that level of form in the Premier League, then he would surely prove to be a dream addition to Gerrard’s squad this summer.

And, in other news… Gerrard can sign Aston Villa their own Vardy with swoop for “fearless” £26m warrior – opinion

Alasdair Gold has dropped an update on the future of Tottenham Hotspur central midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.

What’s the latest?

In a recent post on Twitter, the football.london journalist revealed that, despite recent reports suggesting that Antonio Conte could look to cash in on the central midfielder following Fabio Paratici’s £25m signing of Brighton & Hove Albion’s Yves Bissouma, Spurs currently have no plans to move the 26-year-old in the summer transfer window.

In his tweet, Gold said: “Spurs have no plans to sell Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg this summer.”

Supporters will love Gold’s update

Considering just how impressive Hojbjerg has proven himself to be for Spurs ever since his £15m move to north London back in the summer of 2020, Gold’s claim that Conte and Paratici currently have no plans to sell the Denmark international is sure to be news the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium faithful will love.

Indeed, over his 36 Premier League appearances in 2021/22, the £60m-rated talent was imperious in the heart of Conte’s side, scoring two goals, providing two assists and creating four big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 0.9 shots, making 0.6 key passes and completing 1.2 dribbles per game.

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The £100k-per-week midfielder also impressed in metrics more typical of his position, making an average of 1.3 interceptions, 2.2 tackles, 1.4 clearances, completing 63.1 passes – at a success rate of 90% – and winning 5.1 duels per fixture.

These returns saw the great Dane average a rather extraordinary SofaScore match rating of 7.19, ranking him as Tottenham’s fifth-best performer in the league.

As such, while it is true that the middle of the park is an area of the pitch in which Conte’s side is now incredibly well-stocked, the news that Hojbjerg will not be moving onto pastures new this summer is undoubtedly fantastic news for everyone involved with the club, as the 26-year-old more than proved his worth to Tottenham over the course of the last Premier League campaign.

AND in other news: Bid made: Paratici now working on fourth Spurs summer signing, Conte will be buzzing

An update has emerged on Sunderland and their interest in signing Jarrad Branthwaite in the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

According to the Daily Mail, sporting director Kristjaan Speakman is plotting a swoop for the Everton defender as the Black Cats are among the teams eyeing him up.

The report claims that the Toffees want to send him out on loan for the 2021/22 campaign to gain experience playing regular first-team football.

The likes of Middlesbrough, Schalke, PSV, Sheffield United and Huddersfield are the other clubs looking into a deal for the 6 foot 5 titan.

Imagine him & Danny Batth

By signing Branthwaite on loan next season, Sunderland can form a solid partnership at the back with him and former Stoke man Danny Batth.

The 19-year-old has already racked up 10 Premier League appearances for the Toffees and this shows that they have faith in his ability despite his age. They seemingly believe that he has the potential to be a regular in the top-flight in the future, as they are giving him exposure to the division in the early stages of his career.

Branthwaite was once dubbed “fabulous” by Glen Hoddle and former Everton boss Benitez previously heaped praise on the centre-back, saying:

“He showed character and he’s a player who has potential. Always with the young players, you have to be careful but you have to give them a chance if it is possible.”

The £5.1k-per-week gem would come in with Championship experience under his belt after playing 10 times on loan at Blackburn in the 2020/21 campaign.

He averaged a solid SofaScore rating of 6.87 as he made a whopping 4.6 tackles and interceptions per game, winning 62% of his duels in total.

These statistics suggest that he has the potential to be an excellent performer in the second tier if he can get a run of games under his belt, given that he won the ball back on a consistent basis and won the majority of his individual battles for Blackburn.

Batth, meanwhile, averaged a score of 7.10 in the Championship for Stoke in the first half of last season. He made 2.6 tackles and interceptions and 5.1 clearances per game, winning 68% of his duels.

The experienced defender can, therefore, be the perfect partner for Branthwaite as he is a proven performer in the second tier who can be a calming influence next to the youngster. This will allow the Everton teen to flourish at the Stadium of Light as he gains more experience and learns from Batth.

AND in other news, Speakman eyeing SAFC deal for “unpredictable” £4.7k-p/w “maverick”, he’s Pritchard 2.0…