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Southampton are set to demand "£50m plus" for midfielder Romeo Lavia this summer amid heavy interest from Premier League clubs in his services, according to Sky Sports journalist Dharmesh Sheth.

How much will Romeo Lavia cost interested suitors?

£50 million is the figure that Southampton are 'holding out' for before considering sanctioning a departure for Lavia from St Mary's Stadium this summer amid interest from Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and Barcelona in his services, according to Football Insider.

The outlet claim that Liverpool are frontrunners to bring in the Belgium international and indicate that a move to Anfield would be his preference ahead of other options on the table.

Manchester City, Manchester United and Newcastle United are asking to be kept informed on Lavia's situation as speculation surrounding the 19-year-old's future ramps up, according to 90min.

Earlier this year, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano took to Twitter to confirm that Lavia's former club Manchester City have a buyback clause for the youngster at the £40 million mark that activates in 2024, stating: "Romeo Lavia will be one to watch in the summer. Man City £40m buy back clause, valid in 2024. Chelsea [wanted him last summer] and Arsenal [still keen on Caicedo too] among clubs interested – Southampton hope to keep him."

Contractually, Lavia is tied to Southampton until the summer of 2027 and earns £25,000 per week on the South Coast, as per Capology.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Sky Sports journalist Sheth has belief that Southampton will hold out for a minimum of £50 million for midfield talent Lavia.

Sheth said: “Southampton, even though they’ve gone down to the Championship they know what they’ve got in Romeo Lavia and all the noises are suggesting that it’s going to be £50m plus to prise him away from St Mary's.

"So maybe one that goes later in the window once a number of clubs have got all of their positions sorted, and then they’ll have a look whether they can actually realistically do a deal for someone like Lavia. I think that might happen later in the window.”

Will Romeo Lavia leave Southampton?

It's looking very likely that Lavia will leave Southampton at this point due to their relegation to the Sky Bet Championship; however, they should be very well compensated for the Belgium international if he finalises a move elsewhere between now and the close of play.

The former Manchester City star had a promising campaign last term, registering one goal and a solitary assist in 34 appearances across all competitions, as per Transfermarkt.

Lavia also showed his penchant for getting stuck into tackles last season and won an average of 2.1 challenges per match in the Premier League, according to WhoScored.

Driving forward from the middle of the park, the 19-year-old also successfully conjured up 41 shot-creating actions, demonstrating that he can also help to fashion chances for his side, as per FBRef.

Now, it looks like the question on everyone's lips is where will Lavia end up come the end of the transfer window, with several elite sides keen to take him on board due to his potential.

Southampton won't care about the destination too much as their sole focus will be accumulating a hefty financial reward before letting him depart St Mary's.

Newcastle United are intending to sign three new players in key different areas of the pitch this summer, according to an exciting new transfer update.

Who have Newcastle signed in 2023?

The Magpies enjoyed a superb 2022/23 season, arguably exceeding all expectations and eventually finishing fourth in the Premier League. It means that they are back in the Champions League next term, which will lead to some memorable European nights at St James' Park in 2023 and hopefully 2024.

It is imperative that Newcastle don't sit still this summer and fail to kick on from last season's excellence, however, making sure their squad is bolstered enough to reach another level in 2023/24. Italy midfielder Sandro Tonali has already been brought in from AC Milan, but their business cannot afford to stop there.

The money is seemingly available for the Magpies to continue their recent spending, so Eddie Howe should be able to have an even more formidable-looking starting lineup by the time their opening fixture of the new campaign rolls around at home to Aston Villa next month.

While Newcastle look well-stocked in certain positions, not least midfield, especially after the signing of the highly-rated Tonali, there are other areas that look a little light currently, and that could do with summer surgery. A new update suggests that the Magpies have the situation under control, though.

Are Newcastle linked with new signings?

According to Football Insider, Newcastle still want to sign a left-back, a centre-back and a wide attacking forward this summer, in order to perfect their squad.

They see those areas as key points of focus, in order to have more options moving forward, and it will be "another big money window" according to this report.

This is encouraging to hear for Newcastle, with all three positions mentioned in needed in strengthening, if Howe's men are to go up another gear and secure back-to-back top-four finishes in the Premier League.

Dan Burn did a commendable job at left-back last season and remains an important figure, but it is important that a more natural left-sider comes in there, at least to provide competition and a different style of play to the towering Englishman. Arsenal's Kieran Tierney has been linked with a move to St James' Park and he could be ideal, in that respect.

Meanwhile, a younger centre-back is needed to come in and be a long-term replacement for Fabian Shcar, who at 31 years of age, has arguably reached his peak as a player. Monaco favourite Axel Disasu continues to be a target and a player of that ilk would be perfect.

Finally, another winger is also of the utmost importance for Newcastle, especially with Allan Saint-Maximin potentially heading off to pastures new, with a move to Saudi Arabia mooted in recent days.

The Frenchman is a threat on his day, but an upgrade is required moving forward, in terms of someone who can provide more reliable end product. Harvey Barnes looks like a primary option to come in and be that man, having scored 13 times in the league for a Foxes side who ended up being relegated from the Premier League last season.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are edging closer in the pursuit of Bristol City gem Alex Scott, as Julen Lopetegui aims to secure the signature of the highly-rated youngster.

The Midlands club have been linked to the Championship star since January, however after making sufficient sales, the Old Gold can now focus on the chance to equip the Englishman to their side.

How much is Alex Scott worth?

As reported by Football Insider yesterday, Wolves are believed to have leapfrogged fellow Premier League side Bournemouth in the race for Scott.

The report claimed that Lopetegui’s side are in ‘pole position’ to sign the midfielder after having two bids rejected by the Robins, with the latest figure said to be around the £20m mark.

It’s believed that the Championship side will hold out for £25m for the teenager, who was an integral part of their squad last season.

How good is Alex Scott?

At just 19, the teenager has imposed himself as a key figure in Bristol City’s line-up, being the conductor to orchestrate the midfield with authority and skill.

Described as a "top talent" by Jack Grealish, the Guernsey-born diamond played a mammoth 49 games for his club last season, adding to the 39 appearances recorded in his breakthrough term in 2021/22.

Deployed as a box-to-box midfielder, Scott could prove to be a youthful cog in Lopetegui’s depleted Molineux midfield, following the departures of Joao Moutinho and Ruben Neves earlier this summer.

The Spaniard could equip his side with a promising fearless talent, who could force fans to forget about the magic that the Portuguese duo once brought to Wolverhampton.

After signing Joao Gomes from Flamengo in January, Wolves displayed preliminary signs of a midfield revamp, which could be rounded off by the potential introduction of Scott, who could pose to be an upgrade to existing options to partner the Brazilian.

29-year-old Mario Lemina was also introduced in the winter transfer window of 2023, signing from Nice in the bid to bolster the midfield.

While the Gabonese star has been a strong introduction to Lopetegui’s side, the former Southampton player could find his position in the starting line-up compromised should Scott enter the Spaniard’s plans.

When comparing the two players based on their respective 2022/23 league campaigns, it’s clear to see why the former Real Madrid manager wants to bring in the 5 foot 10 Championship star, who would represent an upgrade on Lemina.

As per FBref, the teenager recorded a higher average than the Gabon international for his distribution, averaging 3.43 progressive passes per 90 to his 2.91, as well as 1.04 key passes to the Wolves man’s mere 0.21 per 90.

Acting as a lively dominator of the middle of the park, Scott also scored higher averages while in possession, averaging 1.22 successful take-ons and 2.34 progressive carries to Lemina’s 0.76 successful take-ons and 0.42 progressive carries per 90 in the Premier League.

While tackling is a major element of maintaining control of the engine room, the Englishman showed his potential in comparison to the former Juventus ace, making an average of 2.05 tackles and 0.98 interceptions per 90, to his 2.63 tackles and 0.97 interceptions.

Lopetegui could form a youthful spark in Molineux’s midfield by recruiting Scott, however, it could be uncomfortable viewing for Lemina, who could see himself usurped by the teenager.

Southampton are preparing to compete in the Championship for the first time in over a decade and Russell Martin will be tasked with the ambitious challenge to earn promotion back to the Premier League.

The Saints have already completed the signings of left-back Ryan Manning and former Manchester City youth prospect Shea Charles so far, but with so much speculation surrounding potential outgoings, there is still plenty of work to be done before they kick off their campaign in the second tier next month.

Romeo Lavia has been the subject of huge interest from Premier League giants like Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal over the past few weeks, whilst James Ward-Prowse's future also hangs in the balance at present, but the most concrete first-team departure so far is likely to be Brazilian centre-back Lyanco.

Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano revealed on Tuesday that an agreement has been reached for Lyanco to join Turkish club Besiktas:

Who could replace Lyanco?

Considering the 26-year-old was the seventh highest-rated player (6.81) in the entire Southampton squad last season, according to SofaScore, it will be important to replace his defensive contributions ahead of next season.

Not only that, Valentino Livramento and Kyle Walker-Peters have also been linked with an exit from St Mary's too, so Martin will need to make the signing of reinforcements in the back line a top priority.

One player who has been tipped for a move to the south coast is Everton's Mason Holgate, a versatile defender who has found himself falling out of favour in recent seasons at Goodison Park.

It was reported by Mail Sport last week that Saints were holding discussions with the Toffees titan, who is also attracting interest from newly-promoted Sheffield United.

How good is Mason Holgate?

Despite struggling to gain consistent game-time with Everton over the last 18 months, Holgate has a wealth of experience and the versatility to be a real asset to Southampton next season.

The 26-year-old has tallied up 149 appearances with the Merseyside club and whilst predominantly playing most of his football in a centre-back partnership, has also made 38 appearances over his career in the right-back role.

Holgate ranked in the top 21% of his positional peers across the top five European leagues per minutes played for shot-creating actions, successful take-ons, clearances and tackles, proving that he is both a progressive presence in the defensive third and a confident ball-winner.

Not only that, the £11m-rated ace tallied up an 86% pass completion rate in his own half, successfully completed 100% of his dribbles and won the majority of his ground and aerial duels combined (51%) over his eight Premier League appearances last season, showcasing his strength in a multitude of areas.

Holgate has had his struggles, notably when it comes to make individual errors at the highest level, but has earned high praise over his career so far, especially when he was featuring consistently for Everton in the past, with Liverpool Echo reporter Sam Carroll waxing lyrical about the defender back in 2020:

"He’s a leader in this team. How old is he? 23/24, absolutely superb.

"I think you can play him right-back, left-back, centre-back, centre-mid as he showed last season and he’ll be excellent."

With that being said, Holgate could now revive his career at Southampton and would provide Martin with some much-needed Premier League quality in the team to ensure they can comfortably compete for automatic promotion back to the top flight.

Manchester United are believed to be in the mix to sign Paris Saint-Germain sensation, Kylian Mbappe, with the in-demand ace facing an uncertain future at the Parc des Princes amid his expiring contract.

What's the latest on Mbappe to Man United?

As per The Telegraph, the Frenchman has been the subject of a mammoth £260m offer from Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal, with the 24-year-old's current side seemingly open to a sale rather than seeing the forward depart for nothing next summer.

The report reveals that United – as well as the likes of Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur – are among the clubs who have 'made contact' with the Ligue 1 powerhouse regarding an ambitious swoop, albeit with sources at Old Trafford having 'dismissed' the notion of making a bid.

That being said, Sky Sports have also suggested that the Red Devils are one of the interested parties in the race to prise the World Cup winner from Paris, with PSG open to 'any offer' for the contract rebel, with a loan exit for the upcoming campaign having even been mooted.

Will Mbappe join Man United?

With Erik ten Hag's side still yet to strengthen their centre-forward ranks, it would undoubtedly represent a sizeable coup if a deal for Mbappe could be agreed, with the former Monaco man likely to be the dream signing to lead the line moving forward.

At present, much of the talk is centred on the Red Devils' apparent interest in Atalanta hotshot, Rasmus Hojlund, with the 20-year-old having caught the eye after netting ten goals in all competitions during his debut season in Italy last time out.

Despite the Dane's desire to move to the Theatre of Dreams, a deal has thus far yet to be agreed due to the difference in valuation between the two parties, with Ten Hag and co reportedly unwilling to fork out more than £60m to sign the promising youngster.

While excitement has been building regarding the former Sturm Graz man due to his potential likeness to fellow Scandinavian star, Erling Haaland, that £60m fee does appear rather steep for a player who has netted just 27 club career goals to date at senior level.

With Hojlund evidently a player for the future, Mbappe, by contrast, is simply a "phenomenon" who could make an instant impact in the Premier League – as hailed by teammate, Neymar – having sparkled for both club and country over recent years.

Despite still being relatively young himself, the 5 foot 10 speedster already boasts a haul of 310 goals and assists in just 260 games for his current side, having also netted 40 goals in just 70 outings for his country – for whom he is now captain.

While young Hojlund was not even named as part of Denmark's squad for the recent World Cup, Mbappe simply sparkled yet again after netting eight goals in Qatar as Les Bleus reached the final, memorably netting a hat-trick in the showpiece thriller with Lionel Messi's Argentina.

Such exploits left former United man Rio Ferdinand to suggest that the Paris native is now "the best" in the world, with it hard to argue that Hojlund – who bagged just nine Serie A goals last term – is anywhere close to reaching such heights.

Of course, it remains to be seen whether the Red Devils have the financial muscle to be able to pull off such a mouthwatering deal, yet throwing money at Mbappe is likely to be worth every penny.

Arsenal "could make a play" to sign Khvicha Kvaratskhelia from Napoli this summer and are boosted by a pre-existing relationship with their sporting director Mauro Meluso, according to reports.

Who will Arsenal sign?

Mikel Arteta's side have already shown true ambition this summer, having sealed the signings of Kai Havertz, Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber for north of £200 million in total.

Havertz's £65 million move from Chelsea kickstarted their spending spree, while Timber's £38 million transfer from Ajax was closely joined by Rice's club-record £105 million signing from West Ham.

The latter star is now England's most expensive ever player, ahead of both Jack Grealish and Jude Bellingham, with sporting director Edu heaping praise on Rice after his arrival.

“Declan is a player with fantastic ability and a proven record at both club and international levels," said Edu.

"The process of this transfer has been a big team effort with a clear plan, and we are so happy that Declan is joining us.

“Declan is a high-quality, young international player who will add great strength to our squad, fitting so well into our strategy of competing with young talented players at the centre of our club."

After investing a significant amount of their transfer kitty on the aforementioned trio, it appears Arsenal could yet make more signings, as Brentford's David Raya is now being chased by the Gunners.

To add fuel to the fire, a report by Football Transfers and journalist Steve Kay has some exciting news on Kvaratskhelia coming after his fine season for Serie A champions Napoli.

It is now believed Arsenal could "make a play" for the Georgian winger who lit up the Italian top flight over 2022/2023, due to their good relationship with Napoli director Meluso.

Meluso and Arsenal were in dialogue during the transfer chief's time at Spezia, where he helped to facilitate Jakub Kiwior's move to the Emirates Stadium.

It would take a "huge bid" from the north Londoners for Kvaratskhelia, but it seems like an approach is entirely possible, and they're "boosted" by ties with Meluso.

How good is Khvicha Kvaratskhelia?

The 22-year-old racked up 22 goal contributions during his first full season at Napoli and was a key player on their run to the Scudetto.

Only Victor Osimhen averaged a higher match rating per 90 than Kvaratskhelia, according to WhoScored, with the forward also ranking in Napoli's top three for attempts at goal, key passes made and successful take-ons.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, speaking after his side took on Napoli in the Champions League last season, heaped praise on the international following a battle with Trent Alexander-Arnold.

“You have to try to be there in the moment when the ball arrives," said Klopp.

"But if you cannot do that then you need to be protected because he [Kvaratshhelia] has speed, he is cheeky, he goes inside, he can go outside, that makes it always really difficult.

“A good player and I thought Trent played a really good game against him, was really on fire, didn’t get frustrated by one or two situations where he was second-best, stayed in the game and I liked Trent’s game tonight.”

The former Rubin Kazan star has also been called "unplayable" by sections of the Italian media.

Glasgow Rangers return to action this evening as they host Swiss side Servette at Ibrox in the first leg of their Champions League qualifier.

What is the latest Rangers team news?

Light Blues head coach Michael Beale has revealed that left-back Ridvan Yilmaz and central defender Ben Davies will not be available for selection, although they are both expected to be back in action before the end of the month.

The club also confirmed on Tuesday that Fashion Sakala has officially left the club on a permanent basis to join Saudi Arabian side Al-Fayha.

Read the latest Rangers transfer news HERE…

Glen Kamara, Kemar Roofe, Jon McLaughlin, and Tom Lawrence will also be absent for this game as the English manager opted against including them in his UEFA squad list.

Will Todd Cantwell start against Servette?

One player who must be unleashed from the start for the Gers tonight is attacking midfielder Todd Cantwell, after Beale placed him on the bench against Kilmarnock on the weekend.

Rangers lost 1-0 on the opening day of the Scottish Premiership and the former Norwich maestro was given less than 30 minutes to turn the game around as a substitute.

Meanwhile, Sam Lammers lined up in attack and failed to produce a shot on target or key pass in 84 minutes, which could lead to him being dropped for the Englishman.

The former QPR tactician must now name the 25-year-old maestro in his starting XI tonight alongside Kieran Dowell as they could cause serious problems for the opposition with their respective attacking quality and pre-existing relationship.

Cantwell and the ex-Everton prospect played 24 matches alongside each other on the pitch at the same time during their spell at Carrow Road and won a league title in the Championship together during the 2020/21 campaign.

This means that they already know how to function in the same team and know what it takes to be successful in doing so, which is why they could be an excellent partnership for the Gers in midfield.

Both players carry a goal threat and have the potential to be a match-winner tonight from the middle of the park. Cantwell showcased his ability for Rangers during the second half of last season after his move from Norwich in January.

The Canaries academy product, who was once described as "outstanding" by journalist Josh Bunting, scored six goals and provided four assists in 13 Premiership outings.

He also averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.36 in that time, which was the third-highest score at the club – only behind Borna Barisic and James Tavernier.

Malik Tillman (ten) was the only midfielder who scored more league goals than the 5 foot 10 wizard last season, which illustrates how important the talented maestro was to Beale when you consider that he was only at Ibrox for five months of the campaign.

Dowell is also a player with the potential to be a scoring threat as the left-footed dynamo produced ten goals in 26 Championship starts for Norwich across the 2020/21 and 2022/23 terms combined, which shows that he is able to regularly chip in with strikes when given the opportunity to start.

These statistics show that both midfielders are capable of scoring goals from the middle of the park, or from a wide position in Cantwell's case, and would be able to hit the ground running alongside each other because of their experiences in England.

Therefore, Beale must start them against Servette tonight in order to give the Light Blues the best chance of building up a healthy lead to take into the away leg later this month.

The Times have shared an important update on Tottenham Hotspur and their transfer plans as Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg hopes to leave alongside star striker Harry Kane.

Who will Spurs sign?

Kane, who has now flown to Germany and signed his Bayern Munich contracts as one of Thomas Tuchel's new superstars, will come as a huge, huge loss for manager Ange Postecoglou.

The 30-year-old had entered the last 12 months of his Spurs contract, giving Lilywhites officials the very tough decision to make of selling him this summer and avoid losing the player for nothing next year.

Kane's transfer to the Allianz Arena is a sore one to take for supporters who have long watched their star mark himself out as one of Europe's best marksmen.

Postecoglou, speaking to the press on Kane's move to Bayern yesterday, said the forward had already made up his mind on leaving this summer.

Read the latest Tottenham transfer news HERE…

“I had a conversation with Harry the first day he arrived and he was up front and honest, and I was the same,” the Australian said ahead of their opener against Brentford on Sunday.

“There's nothing along the way that's sort of made me feel there's anything other than this outcome. None of these things happen in isolation, everyone is pretty clued into to what's going on, so from my perspective I hadn't received anything from Harry, the club or anyone else to suggest to me anything had changed about his stance."

Kane's move to the Bundesliga comes as one of the most headline-grabbing moves of this summer window, but he may not be the only high-profile departure.

Midfielder Hojbjerg, who has been a mainstay under previous Tottenham bosses, could also make a switch to Atletico Madrid, according to numerous reports.

The Times back this and claim Hojbjerg "hopes to move to Atletico", meaning the Denmark international could well follow Kane out the Spurs exit door.

As a result of this, it is believed the north Londoners are planning a triple transfer coup in the form of signing three more players this month.

This includes another new centre-back and midfielder, though it is undisclosed whether Tottenham will move for a marquee striker to succeed Kane.

How good is Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg?

The 28-year-old has been a regular in recent seasons and even stood out as one of Spurs' best-performing players per 90 by average match rating, according to WhoScored.

Hojbjerg also chipped in with goals and assists from his defensive midfield position last year, with Kane being the only Spurs player to feature over more league minutes (WhoScored).

Former Leeds striker Noel Whelan, speaking to Football Insider, praised the former Southampton star as an "invaluable" member of the Spurs squad last summer.

"I think they’ve got to try and do what they can to keep him," said Whelan.

"I didn’t think I’d be saying that after some of his performances when he first signed. What he’s doing right now is invaluable for that front three at Spurs.”

Manchester United's deal for Benjamin Pavard is now on "standby" following the revelation that former captain Harry Maguire is staying at the club for now, per transfers expert Fabrizio Romano.

Manchester United news – what is the latest?

It's been a mostly successful summer of transfer business for United so far this year.

The arrival of Mason Mount from Chelsea for around £55m should instantly impact the team's midfield and help create more competition among the players already there.

Andre Onana was always going to be a good signing and was only made all the more of a necessity once David de Gea left the club upon his contract running out.

Read the latest Manchester United transfer news HERE…

And whilst Rasmus Hojlund is still only a youngster – an incredibly inexperienced one at that – he was able to show in his short time with Atalanta that he has the raw attributes to eventually become the club's leading number nine, even if that doesn't happen this season.

However, for as good as these three signings have been, it's the club's inability to shift their unwanted stars that is causing them problems, with Scott McToninay, Donny van de Beek and especially Harry Maguire all still at the club.

The former captain looked like he would be joining West Ham United just a few days ago, but Sky Sports News have revealed that the deal was never that close and Maguire had never even spoken to David Moyes.

This is an issue for Erik ten Hag's side as without the 30-year-old leaving for the reported £30m, their attempts to sign Bayern Munich star Benjamin Pavard will become a lot harder, with Sky Sports reporting that signing the Frenchman without sending someone the other way would've had negative implications on FFP.

This has left the World Cup winner in an awkward position as despite informing his club that he wants to leave, his opportunity to do so could have gone, per transfers expert Fabrizio Romano.

He explained the situation on his YouTube channel, saying:

"On standby now Benjamin Pavard to Manchester United because the player was waiting for United. He told in any case to Bayern that he's not going to extend the contract and he wants to leave for this opportunity with United.

"Let's see now what's going to happen because it was linked to Harry Maguire; let's see what happens now between Pavard and Man United.

"For sure, this Maguire story is not helping the deal, but again let's see what happens with Maguire in general also the other clubs the next couple of weeks.

How tall is Benjamin Pavard?

The 27-year-old stands 6 foot 1 tall and would be United's joint tallest full-back alongside Luke Shaw were he to join this summer and play on the flanks, but he would be the shortest centre-back.

He had an outstanding season for the Bundesliga champions last year, starting 27 games, scoring four goals, providing one assist taking 1.1 shots per game, maintaining a passing accuracy of 89.9%, winning 2.1 aerial duals per game, winning two Man-of-the-Match awards and averaging an outrageously good match rating of 7.17, per WhoScored.

Were the Red Devils to sign the £82,000-a-week man, they would also have an incredibly versatile player at their disposal as in his 256 senior appearances, he has played in six different positions on the pitch, an attribute that would surely make life much easier for ten Hag when the games start coming thick and fast later on in the season.

United should do all they can to shift Maguire if his presence is the only thing stopping them from signing the "outstanding" Pavard, as his arrival would surely benefit the team in their hunt for more silverware this season.

It has been a worrying and difficult start to the season for Everton.

The Toffees have lost their first two games of the season without scoring. In the opening game, Everton lost 1-0 to Fulham and had shots totalling 2.73 expected goals – the highest xG sum without netting in a Premier League game since Newcastle vs C.Palace in September 2022 (2.83).

In the latest match against Aston Villa, Sean Dyche’s men were painfully second-best and were outplayed in a damaging 4-0 defeat.

To add insult to injury, Dominic Calvert-Lewin was forced off in the first half to heighten the narrative surrounding his bizarre and patchy fitness record.

If Everton are to survive, they must find a more dependable option than the Englishman – a lack of end-product and attacking threat remains two prominent issues, with the club unsurprisingly set to make late moves in the market…

What’s the latest Everton transfer news?

According to the Telegraph's John Percy, the Toffees closing in on the £15m signing of Southampton’s Che Adams.

"Everton close in on £15m deal to sign Southampton's Che Adams. Bloody hell, how they need him – and a few more," he tweeted.

Following the Saints’ relegation last term, the 27-year-old is set to make a quick return to top-flight football as the Merseysiders are in the final stages of agreeing a fee and payment structure with the Championship outfit.

Read the latest Everton transfer news HERE…

AFC Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest have also been interested in Adams, but Everton are now the leading contenders in the race for his signature.

It is understood that Dyche is ‘prioritising the addition of a new forward’ after his team were the second-lowest scorers in the division last season.

Would Che Adams be a good signing for Everton?

The Scotsman, who was hailed as a “phenomenon” by Ralph Hasenhüttl, has been at Southampton since 2019, and in 124 Premier League appearances has registered 39 goal contributions.

This season, he has already demonstrated that he is above the level of Championship football, having netted in the first three games of the season, despite starting two of those on the bench.

Interestingly, all of those goals have come from inside the box, to highlight his predatory instinct, a trait that Everton are drastically missing. As a result, Southampton manager Russell Martin has said that Adams has “brilliant energy” and has dealt with transfer speculation in an “amazing” fashion.

Last season, the former Birmingham City dynamo ranked second in the squad for goals (5) and assists (3), only behind the ever-present and ridiculously consistent James Ward-Prowse, as per WhoScored.

Football pundit Ally McCoist is a fan of Adams’ profile, describing him as a “clever player”, who possesses a “bit of pace” and “can finish.”

Throughout his Southampton career, the 23-cap international has only missed one game due to injury, which is vastly different to Calvert-Lewin.

The Everton striker’s persistent injury problems have almost become laughable. Since 2016, he has missed 75 games due to multiple issues, and in a year that looks to be another tense relegation scrap, Dyche must look for a more reliable and dynamic frontman.

Moreover, with four seasons of Premier League football under his belt, Adams would be instantly ready to join the fight and could be a vital piece of depth for the struggling Toffees.