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Tottenham Hotspur chiefs have identified Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic as a potential target as Spurs eye a "big money" striker signing to replace Harry Kane, should he leave.

Will Harry Kane leave Tottenham?

The 29-year-old is embroiled in another summer transfer saga, coming two years after he failed to seal a move to treble-winners Man City.

In 2021, City lodged bids of around £100 million in an attempt to sway chairman Daniel Levy, but the Spurs chief ultimately refused their approaches and opted to keep his prized asset in north London.

However, with Kane's deal set to expire in 2024, and no discernible sign he is agreeing an extension, Levy is now under pressure and could have to sell the forward this summer.

Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich, Ligue 1 champions Paris-Saint Germain and Man United have been credited with a serious interest in Kane, with manager Ange Postecoglou recently admitting the saga is becoming a distraction.

"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."

Spurs, amid this ongoing and worrying situation, have reportedly started making contingency plans if Kane does depart this window – with Eintracht Frankfurt star Randal Kolo Muani attracting their attention.

They have reportedly opened talks on Muani's side, with a report by Football Insider and journalist Pete O'Rourke sharing who else they could target.

According to their information, Serbia international striker Vlahovic has been identified by club chiefs as a potential move to replace Kane.

Tottenham are apparently "eyeing a big-money striker signing" should their talisman leave this summer, with Levy and co now open to selling this window if Kane refuses to commit.

Spurs hold a real concern over losing a guaranteed 25-goal-per-season striker and are ready to reinvest a huge chunk of his potential fee to sign a marquee replacement.

Vlahovic is viewed as a candidate in that regard, and it will be interesting to see if Levy is forced to offload Kane and ultimately move for the 23-year-old.

How good is Dusan Vlahovic?

Despite only scoring 10 goals and assisting two others in 22 Serie A starts last season, Vlahovic is arguably proven at the top level – as displayed by his last full season with Fiorentina before his switch to Turin.

Vlahovic bagged an incredibly prolific 17 goals in 21 top flight starts for La Viola over 2021/2022, demonstrating a brilliant finishing ability when at his very best (WhoScored).

The £215,000-per-week attacker is a credible candidate to succeed Kane if he does leave, not only for his quality in front of goal, but also young age and potential to get even better.

An update has emerged on Southampton and their plans to bolster their attacking options ahead of the 2023/24 Championship campaign…

What's the latest Southampton transfer news?

According to Wales Online, the Saints are one of a number of clubs eyeing up a swoop to sign Swansea centre-forward Joel Piroe during the summer transfer window.

The report claims that enquiries have been made over the Dutch finisher's availability, as he has one year left to run on his current contract with the Swans.

Russell Martin worked with the prolific marksman during their time together in Wales and is now looking to reunite with the exciting talent over the coming weeks.

However, they will face competition for his signature as Leeds United, Leicester City, and Atalanta are also said to be keen on acquiring the 23-year-old ace's services.

How many goals did Joel Piroe score last season?

The left-footed dynamo plundered an impressive 19 Championship goals for Swansea throughout the 2022/23 campaign and could come in as a dream heir to Che Adams at St. Mary's.

Martin's current number nine has been linked with a return to the Premier League as Crystal Palace and Fulham are both reportedly interested in signing him.

His departure would be a blow to Southampton as it stands. He has been the club's top-scoring striker in each of the last two top-flight seasons and has previously showcased his ability as a prolific second-tier forward.

Adams struck an eye-catching 22 times in 46 league games for Birmingham during the 2018/19 campaign, which convinced the Saints to snap him up. This suggests that the potential is there for him to be a lethal player at that level.

The Scotland international also created six 'big chances' for his teammates as he displayed a willingness to link up play as well as being a goalscorer.

Piroe, on the other hand, is coming off the back of two exceptional seasons at Championship level with Swansea and his pre-existing relationship with Martin suggests that he would be able to carry that form over to Southampton.

The terrific hotshot is a proven performer in the Scottish head coach's system and his statistics over the last two years indicate that the quality is there for him to be a dream heir to Adams.

Last season, Piroe scored 19 goals and created five 'big chances' in 43 league appearances. That came after a tremendous return of 22 strikes and six 'big chances' produced across 40 Championship starts throughout the previous year.

These statistics prove that the Dutchman, who was once hailed as "clinical" by Martin, knows how to find the back of the net on a regular basis at that level.

The £12k-per-week talisman would come in as a player who can hit the ground running due to his experience with the Southampton manager and in the Championship. This could make him a better option than a signing from abroad who may need time to adapt to English football.

Therefore, the Saints would be signing a ready-made replacement for Adams by swooping for Piroe, which is why this could be a phenomenal piece of business by the club if they are able to beat off stiff competition to land his signature before the deadline.

Tottenham Hotspur are in contact with Juventus over striker Dusan Vlahovic as a "priority" if Harry Kane leaves, according to reports.

Who will Spurs sign?

Ange Postecoglou has witnessed the additions of three confirmed signings so far, with Spurs putting pen to paper on deals for goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, playmaker James Maddison and winger Manor Solomon on a free deal.

The trio come as an exciting proposition for supporters, especially former Leicester City star Maddison, who bagged 10 league goals and nine assists in the league last term.

Solomon also enjoyed a hot streak of form on loan at Fulham over the second half of 2022/2023, with Vicario amassing quite the reputation in Italy during his time at Empoli.

It's Maddison, though, who has been praised already by Postecoglou when he spoke to the English press recently.

“Really excited to get James as part of the group," said the Australian.

"Any manager will tell you that part of the key to being a dominant team is having multiple attacking threats and having a midfielder who can score and create goals.

“When you look at Tottenham the last few years, they’ve been really reliant on the front three to get their goals. I thought it was a really good fit for us to look for a player like James."

Attention now turns to the signing of a centre-back, with Wolfsburg defender Micky van de Ven apparently nearing a move to north London (Fabrizio Romano).

As well as the Dutchman, Edmond Tapsoba of Bayer Leverkusen, Fulham's Tosin Adarabioyo, Barcelona's Clement Lenglet, Denmark star Victor Nelsson and Juventus ace Gleison Bremer are also all in the frame.

Star striker Kane's future is also up in the air with just 12 months remaining on his Spurs contract, meaning chairman Daniel Levy and co may have to start thinking about possible replacements.

Vlahovic has been linked in this regard, with Foot Mercato journalist Valentin Feuillette sharing news on Twitter.

The journalist claims Tottenham are in "contact" with Juve over the Serbian, who they view as a "priority" signing if Kane leaves.

Vlahovic is apparently "in the sights of Tottenham", but they face a battle with Paris-Saint Germain. Juve, for their part, are requesting around £60 million to part company.

How good is Dusan Vlahovic?

Finishing last season as Juve's top goalscorer in Serie A, the £215,000-per-week forward has previously been showered with praise by Sky pundits like Micah Richards.

Vlahovic most impressed during his time at Fiorentina, with Richards once claiming he is "lightning".

“I have watched him a couple of times now,” Richards told BBC Radio Five Live (via The Independent).

“He is lightning. It’s ridiculous. He has got 16 in 18 this season. His left foot is like a wand. I am telling you now, he is everything, he is everything you need.”

The 23-year-old still has many years ahead of him at the top level, too, making him a sure-fire potential stand-in for Kane with much longevity.

Liverpool are reportedly willing to meet Khephren Thuram’s €30m (£25.6m) asking price this summer.

What’s the latest Liverpool transfer news?

The Reds and Jurgen Klopp have been busy so far this summer in the transfer market as they look to improve on what was a disappointing 2022/23 campaign where they missed out on Champions League qualification.

Owners FSG have already splashed the cash by spending €112m (£95.7m) on two new marquee midfielders. Alexis Mac Allister was the first to make the move to Anfield from Brighton & Hove Albion, and the Argentine has since been joined by Dominik Szoboszlai from RB Leipzig.

Fabrizio Romano did hint that three new midfielders were on the radar for the Reds this summer, which may leave one more addition on the cards.

Reports have suggested that Southampton youngster Romeo Lavia could be on the way to Merseyside, with those at Anfield believing the player wants the move despite interest from Premier League rivals Arsenal and Chelsea. The Saints want £50m, whereas Liverpool are willing to offer £40m, however, Thuram, another player to be linked with the Reds, would command a lower fee.

Paisley Gates relayed an update from Spain regarding Thuram in the last 48 hours, claiming OGC Nice want to receive €30m (£25.6m) for the Frenchman.

The report states Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Liverpool are all interested, however, the La Liga winners cannot meet the asking price, whereas the Reds and Bayern Munich are willing to pay that figure.

Who is Khephren Thuram?

Thuram is primarily a central midfielder who can play in a holding role or on the left of midfield and appears to be going from strength to strength with a career-high €40m Transfermarkt valuation.

The 22-year-old, a France U21 international, has made 138 appearances for the Ligue 1 side and was the club’s sixth best performer last season, as per WhoScored. Thuram’s average match rating was actually better than any other Liverpool midfielder, so he could be a wise addition in both the short and long run.

Journalist Zach Lowy certainly feels a move could be a smart one, recently describing him as the perfect signing for Klopp’s team due to his elite ball-carrying and high press.

“Khephren Thuram is just the sort of player that Liverpool need to transform their midfield. Elite ball carrier for someone of his size and really effective at winning the ball high up the pitch — perfect signing for Klopp’s side.”

Lowy’s comments are backed up by FBref, who rank Thuram in the top 1% of midfielders for successful take-ons that lead to a shot and top 4% for progressive carrying distance.

At just £25.6m, under his current Transfermarkt valuation, Liverpool may feel that a deal could be a bargain in the long run, and by the looks of things, the Reds are willing to meet that asking price. As a result, a move could be one to keep an eye on, which could mean Liverpool lining up with Thuram, Mac Allister and Szoboszlai in a completely new midfield three at some point next season.

Newcastle United have reportedly held talks with highly-rated Celta Vigo midfielder Gabri Veiga over a summer move to St James' Park.

Who is Gabri Veiga?

The 21-year-old may still be a young footballer learning his game, but he has already grown into one of his side's most important and influential players.

Last season, Veiga scored 11 times from midfield in La Liga, which was bettered only by Iago Aspas (12), and he also got four assists to his name in the competition – the joint-second-most in the squad. His performances have clearly caught the eye of some of the Premier League's biggest teams, and he has been linked with a move to Newcastle before the start of next season.

The Magpies are looking to build on their excellent 2022/23 campaign – one that saw them finish fourth and qualify for next season's Champions League – and top-class new signings are on the agenda.

Are Newcastle in talks with Veiga?

According to a report from 90min, Newcastle are one of a number of big English clubs who have had talks with Veiga's agent over a summer transfer and are willing to meet his €40m release clause.

"90min understands that Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City and Newcastle United have all indicated that they would be willing to meet this sum up front or pay a little extra if paid in instalments.

"The quartet have recently held talks with agent Zahavi regarding Veiga's future, while Marseille and Serie A holders Napoli have also registered an interest."

Veiga could be a fantastic signing for Newcastle, adding an extra spark in an attacking midfield role and acting as a nice foil for the likes of Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton.

He could be an ideal link man between the deeper midfielders and the attack, having already registered 11 assists in a Celta Vigo shirt, and he is only going to become a more complete player as the years pass.

Veiga clearly isn't going to be available on the cheap, and the level of competition for his services will also make it difficult to snap him up, but Newcastle signing him could be a statement of intent, and they could be bringing in someone who may star at the top level for a long time.

He has been compared to former Chelsea and Spain star Juan Mata, in terms of his style of play, and labelled a "very electric player" by Fabrizio Romano, which should further excite Magpies supporters about the quality he could bring to St James' Park.

Arsenal have been given the green light to forge ahead with a bid for prodigious midfielder Xavi Simons following Paris Saint-Germain's withdrawal from consideration.

What's the latest on Xavi Simons to Arsenal?

That's according to L'Equipe – via Get Football News France – who claim that the Dutchman is against a return to Ligue 1 after joining PSV from the French champions last summer.

The report claims that Mikel Arteta's Gunners are among the clubs looking to 'capitalise' on the situation, but that Simons is seeking assurances over the regularity of his match action after such stellar work in his homeland this season.

According to Fabrizio Romano, there is a €6m (£5m) buy-back clause for PSG in the dynamic midfielder's contract, with Arsenal joined in their interest by Brighton & Hove Albion, Manchester United, Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig.

Clubs outside of PSG may well be expected to pay in the region of £30m; his expected transfer value, as per FootballTransfers. It would mark another huge statement of intent from a club desperate to improve their midfield options ahead of next season.

Indeed, only last night, the club submitted a record-breaking £100m bid + £5m in add-ons for Declan Rice.

How good is Xavi Simons?

At surface level, Simons is a prolific No. 10 approaching prominence on the major European stage; dig a little deeper, and this enigmatic midfielder is one of the most dynamic and nuanced in the game.

Still only 20-years-old, Simons turned his back on PSG one year ago and unleashed his skills on the Eredivisie with the Boeren, plundering 22 goals and 12 assists across all competitions, including 28 direct contributions from 34 matches in the league.

There's an argument that considering his diminutive stature, fleet-footed gait and versatility across the central third, Simons could be the natural successor to Santi Cazorla's former position in the Gunners team, with the elegant Spaniard forging 180 displays for Arsenal, scoring 29 goals and providing 45 assists.

As per Sqwuaka's player comparison tool, there are several similarities to the respective phenoms' skill sets, with the esteemed Cazorla creating an average of 2.4 chances throughout the 15/16 Premier League season – to Simons 1.9 last term, completing 2.7 take-ons to Simons 2.4, and winning 6.2 ground duels to Simons 6.4.

Given the 38-year-old maestro's most efficient Premier League seasons, posting 12 goals and assists apiece in the 12/13 campaign and seven goals and 11 assists in the 14/15 term, match up with Simons' budding eye for goals and assists, he could be moulded into a midfield machine every bit the calibre of Cazorla.

And with Arteta having previously played at the Emirates Stadium at the same time as the Al Sadd star, he'll undoubtedly know a thing or two about how to utilise Simons' all-encompassing qualities to the best of his ability.

Praised as a "magic" talent by scout Jacek Kulig, Simons could well be the aforementioned Rice's perfect central partner in north London. Indeed, he'd surely integrate into the fold without seam, absorbing the fruits of his teammates' labour and cementing his stature as a prodigious talent capable of emulating the success of someone of Cazorla's ilk.

Glasgow Rangers have submitted a bid for midfielder Jose Cifuentes as Michael Beale aims to get the transfer over the line this summer.

What’s the latest on Jose Cifuentes to Rangers?

According to The 4th Official, Rangers have submitted a bid for the midfielder as they look to bring him in during the summer transfer window as opposed to waiting to sign him for free upon the expiration of his LAFC contract in December.

It is claimed that the Gers have agreed terms with Cifuentes and it is now a case of working out an appropriate fee for the 24-year-old in order to lure him to Ibrox before the start of the 2023/24 campaign.

Could Jose Cifuentes improve Rangers’ midfield?

Beale is embarking on a complete rejig of the playing staff, with five players already departing due to their deals expiring, and there could well be more as he aims to assert his own authority on the first team.

Ryan Jack was one of those players who was out of contract at the end of last term, yet he signed a new one-year extension, and there is no doubting his quality despite missing large chunks of football through injury during his spell in Glasgow.

With the club entering four competitions next season, it’s vital there is strength in depth, however, could Cifuentes actually be an upgrade on Jack should he arrive this summer?

Not only does the Ecuadorian poses a much greater attacking threat, evidenced by scoring more goals (seven to one) and creating more big chances (11 to 2) than the Scotsman across their last full seasons for their respective clubs, but he also makes more tackles (1.8 to 1.2), wins more duels (4.7 to 2) and wins possession more often per game than Jack (0.7 to 0.2), showcasing his strengths across attacking and defensive aspects of his game.

Cifuentes was also hailed by Ecuadorian football expert Benedikt Duda, who said: “Cifuentes is a No 8, who is physical and strong in defence with a tendency to get involved in the attack. There is a good reason he wears the No 11, and footballing-wise, he models himself after Paul Pogba.”

The 24-year-old is seven years younger than Jack and has the potential to become a mainstay in the heart of the Ibrox midfield for years to come. The Scot may complete more passes per game (45.7 to 27.9) than Cifuentes, yet it is clear that various attacking and defensive attributes aren’t quite up to the standard of the MLS star, and this could suggest he will be a major upgrade on the 31-year-old.

The summer transfer window has now commenced, although uncertainty remains at Manchester United as to just who will be joining the club ahead of next season, amid Erik ten Hag's apparent desire to strengthen his current options.

A new 'world-class' centre-forward appears to be high on the agenda for the former Ajax boss – as per Manchester Evening News – with the Red Devils having unsurprisingly been heavily linked with a move for Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane, as the Englishman enters into the final year of his contract in north London.

More recent reports have indicated, however, that despite Ten Hag's apparent admiration for the England skipper, United are unlikely to push for a move amid Spurs' unwillingness to sell, with the Old Trafford outfit seemingly wary of engaging in negotiations with rival chairman, Daniel Levy.

As such, the search is set to continue in the club's bid to find a new, quality number nine, with reports in recent weeks having suggested that Borussia Monchengladbach ace, Marcus Thuram, could be among those being considered.

The £53k-per-week marksman is an attainable target with just a matter of weeks left to run on his existing deal in Germany, ensuring that he could represent a bargain, free-agent alternative to Kane for those at the Theatre of Dreams this summer.

Would Marcus Thuram be a good signing for Man United?

While Spurs' long-serving talisman did enjoy a stellar 2022/23 campaign after bagging 30 Premier League goals, Thuram also caught the eye in his own right, after chipping in with 16 goals and seven assists in just 32 games across all competitions.

With the 6 foot 4 sensation also offering the ability to play on the flanks, it is no surprise why he has been hailed as a player that "every Premier League club should be trying to sign", in the words of The Athletic's, Carl Anka.

Also described as "phenomenal" by former Gladbach teammate Denis Zakaria, the Italy-born ace is also a real asset due to his dribbling prowess, showcased by the fact that he ranks in the top 13% for successful take-ons and the top 12% for progressive carries among those in his position in Europe's top five leagues.

Equally, unlike Kane – who has begun to 'drop deeper' in recent years, as per MEN's Tyrone Marshall – Thuram seemingly offers more a threat inside the area, as he ranks in the top 13% for touches in the opposition box, in contrast to the Englishman, who ranks in just the bottom 34% in that regard.

Having a deep-lying player like Kane in attack is arguably 'not what United need', according to Marshall, hence looking at a more dynamic and mobile figure like Thuram instead.

Of course, the former Guingamp ace does not boast the same Premier League pedigree as his Tottenham counterpart, although the chance to land the ten-cap striker on a free should surely be too good an opportunity to turn down for Ten Hag and co.

Newcastle United have made contact regarding a deal to sign Barcelona forward Raphinha this summer, according to reports.

Is Raphinha leaving Barcelona?

The Brazilian international only swapped the Premier League for La Liga last summer when he arrived at Camp Nou in a big-money move from Leeds United. He’s made 50 appearances in Catalonia to date, but there's a chance he could already be hitting the road once again.

Xavi’s right-sided winger still has another four years remaining on his contract, but after establishing himself as the manager’s joint second top-performing offensive player during his debut season, is attracting interest ahead of the upcoming window, in particular from St. James’ Park.

Speaking on his Here We Go podcast, Fabrizio Romano revealed last month that the Magpies, alongside top-flight rivals Chelsea, both hold an “interest” in the 26-year-old, but it sounds like it’s Eddie Howe who is the first to make an official move.

Are Newcastle signing Raphinha?

According to Spanish outlet Sport (via Sport Witness), Newcastle have “already made a first approach” to enquire about a deal for the man called a "phenomenon" by his international teammates. Barcelona’s attacker is “keen to continue” where he is, but it’s stated that the northeast outfit will “insist” on signing the player regardless of his stance.

The Magpies have “positioned themselves” and “would be willing to pay a fee” to bring him to St. James’ Park. The Blaugrana have made it clear he could “only leave” if they received an offer in excess of €80m (£68m), and the opportunity to play in the Champions League could end up “convincing” him to join.

Should PIF splash the cash on Raphinha?

Newcastle will already know what Raphinha is capable of having played against him several times during his spell at Leeds, where he was dubbed “frightening” by members of the media, and with that impressive form having continued since joining Barcelona, PIF should definitely test the waters by making an offer.

Barca’s left-footed gem, who is represented by D20 Sports, clocked up 14 goal contributions (seven goals and the same number of assists) in 36 La Liga appearances last season, with this high standard of displays seeing him collect six man-of-the-match awards.

The World Cup participant was also a major threat when providing for his fellow teammates having recorded 172 crosses and 117 shot-creating actions, which were both higher than any other member of his squad, as per FBRef, so should he put pen to paper in the near future, he would only improve Howe’s attacking ranks even further.

An update has emerged on Celtic and their search for a new head coach ahead of the 2023/24 campaign…

What's the latest on Andoni Iraola to Celtic?

According to the Daily Mail, former Rayo Vallecano manager Andoni Iraola is preparing to throw his hat in the ring in the hope of being in contention for the job.

The club are in the market for a new boss after Ange Postecoglou left Parkhead to put pen to paper on a deal with Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur.

Iraola is currently a free agent after opting against a contract extension with Vallecano having kept them in LaLiga for a second straight season.

Would Andoni Iraola be a success at Celtic?

The Hoops could strike gold with the young tactician as he is an up-and-coming coach who has shown great promise in his short career so far.

Former Leeds United head coach Jesse Marsch is another name to have been linked with the job but Iraola would be a far better option than the American boss, whose poor form at Elland Road raised red flags to those at Parkhead.

The 49-year-old barely avoided relegation from the Premier League in the 2021/22 campaign as he lost five of his 12 matches with the Whites and finished 17th in the table.

He then lost ten and won four of the 20 matches he managed in the division the following campaign, and that led to him being relieved of his duties by the English side with a points per game rate of just 0.9.

That spell in England came after the American lost six of his 14 Bundesliga games with RB Leipzig in Germany, which included five wins that left them underperforming in 11th in the table. They went on to finish fourth in the table, with 17 wins to ten losses, suggesting that he was holding them back.

Iraola, however, won 22 of his 46 matches in LaLiga 2, including the play-offs, to win promotion to the top flight in the 2020/21 campaign and was then able to establish Vallecano in the Spanish top division.

The 40-year-old tactician, who typically plays a 4-2-3-1 formation, finished 12th in both 2021/22 and 2022/23 and this shows that the Spaniard was able to successfully lead a club through a transitional period.

They finished outside of the play-offs in the second tier in the season before he joined, 2019/20, and was able to turn them into an established top-flight club within three years before his departure this summer.

Therefore, Iraola, whose work with Vallecano was hailed as "insane" by scout Jacek Kulig, is a manager on the up who has proven himself capable of uplifting a team above their means.

On the flip side, Marsch has failed in his last two jobs and has been a disappointment in England and Germany, which suggests that the Spaniard would be a far better option for Celtic at this moment in time.