Spurs and Liverpool in £68m attacker battle as Everton chase free agent Brazilian ‘going’ to Wolves

You know what they say, owt for nowt. And in this post summer transfer window haze, while the dust is still settling and clubs from all across the Premier League are trying to get to grips with whether or not they have done enough to meet their respective targets in the coming campaign, the only opportunity for strengthening at this present moment in time is to delve into the free agent market.

How fitting, then, that Friday’s Premier League transfer rumours is headed up by a tale of several top flight clubs jostling for the affections of a player who is currently sat kicking their heels awaiting an offer of gainful employment; Everton, Crystal Palace, Wolves, and Sheffield United fans let the battle commence.

Check out all of today’s top flight speculation below...

Xeka in demand

A host of Premier League clubs are considering potential moves to sign free agent Portuguese midfielder Xeka, according to TEAMtalk. The 28-year-old is currently without a club having parted company with Rennes at the end of last season, and is said to be attracting interest from the likes of Everton, Crystal Palace, Wolves, and Sheffield United.

Previously a youth international, the experienced talent made 144 appearances during a previous stint with Lille, and helped his former side to an unexpected league title in 2021, recording 33 outings in the process. Alongside interest from the top flight, it is understood that West Brom and Southampton are monitoring his situation, as well as clubs in Italy, Spain, and Turkey.

The 3AM Verdict: Given his pedigree, Xeka has the potential to be a really decent recruit for any number of English sides in need of a little post-summer reinforcement. If there is one concern, however, it is that he underwent ankle surgery in January, and has endured a fairly tumultuous time since. Any attempt to sign him would, therefore, be a gamble, but one that could pay considerable dividends.

Wolves in for Veiga

Wolves are in pole position to sign Palmeiras midfielder Raphael Veiga during the January transfer window, according to Brazilian sports reporter Neto. Himself a former Palmeiras player, the South American personality has stated clearly that he believes Wanderers are the most probable destination for the 28-year-old, who has previously been linked with the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, and Fulham.

Speaking to O TV Foco as relayed by TEAMTalk, Neto said: “Raphael Veiga will say goodbye to Palmeiras next year. He is going to Wolverhampton, and the transfer will be completed next year. If this doesn’t happen, Palmeiras can criticise me at will.”

The 3AM Verdict:This is an awfully big claim from Neto, but he seems fairly certain that his information is correct. Undoubtedly, Wolves need midfield reinforcements, and the prospect of bringing in a player with four Brazil caps to his name partway through the season will certainly go some way to easing the justifiable concerns of the Molineux faithful.

Spurs linked with Goncalves

Despite having started the new season at a canter, there is perhaps a lingering feeling that Tottenham could really do with parachuting in more attacking firepower during the January transfer window to make up for the obvious shortfall in output brought about by Harry Kane’s summer departure.

As per O Jogo, one name they have seemingly identified in that regard is Sporting CP’s Pedro Goncalves, who can player on either wing, or as an advanced midfielder. According to the Portuguese outlet, Spurs are keeping tabs on the 25-year-old alongside the likes of Aston Villa, Newcastle United, and Liverpool. It is understood that the former Wolves youth star has a release clause of around £68 million written into his current contract in Lisbon.

The 3AM Verdict: While Ange Postecoglou would undoubtedly like to bring in a player of Goncalves’ quality and versatility, surely a more pressing priority for Spurs would be the signing of an out-and-out centre forward. At £68 million, the Sporting attacker would not come cheap, and presumably that money could be better spent in other ways.