Tottenham plot £30m defender raid as Man Utd 'confident' of imminent swoop for Premier League star

We begin Friday’s Premier League transfer rumour round-up with news of Tottenham Hotspur, and their apparent pursuit of a new defender. According to CalcioMercato, Spurs have ‘started initial contacts’ with Torino over a potential swoop for Alessandro Buongiorno this summer. It is increasingly expected that the 24-year-old will be on the move in the coming months.

Alongside Tottenham, AC Milan and Napoli are also said to harbour interests in the player, but Spurs are very much in the picture and have already opened talks. It is understood that a fee of around £30 million could be enough to tempt Torino into a sale.

The 3AM Verdict: Buongiorno is undoubtedly a top player, and one who seems destined for a high profile move in the coming weeks and months. For their part, Tottenham could certainly use another body at the centre of defence, and the Italian feels like an affordable and realistic option. This could be one to keep an eye on.

Arsenal eye Sudakov

Elsewhere, Arsenal are said to have ‘entered the dance’ to sign Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Georgiy Sudakov. According to Corriere dello Sport, the Gunners have taken an interest in the 21-year-old following a period of impressive form in Ukraine.

Back in January, Napoli saw a bid of around £42.8 million rejected for the player, and it is understood that any agreement to prise him away from Shakhtar will have to eclipse that figure. For their part, the Italian giants are still keen on Sudakov, but now face considerable competition for his services in the form of Mikel Arteta’s men.

The 3AM Verdict: Sudakov is steadily developing into one of the most sought after young talents in European football. With 14 senior Ukraine caps to his name already, and with seven goals and three assists in 30 outings from the centre of midfield this season, he has proven that he is more than capable of making an impact at the highest level in his home country, and it is surely only a matter of time before he heads to one of the biggest leagues on the continent. In that sense, Arsenal would be a fine destination for him, and if he makes good on his obvious potential, he could be a fine addition for the Gunners for years to come.

Man United plot major Branthwaite raid

And finally, an update on Manchester United and their continued interest in Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite. According to Football Insider, the Red Devils are ‘confident’ that a bid of between £60-70 million will be enough to tempt the Toffees into a sale.

The promising defender has emerged as a serious target for Erik ten Hag’s side in recent weeks, and it is claimed the 21-year-old could be sold by his current employers before June 30th to include his transfer fee in their accounts for the 2023/24 campaign in an effort to avoid further points deductions.

The 3AM Verdict: Branthwaite is an immense young talent, and exactly the kind of player that United should be looking to sign as they aim to rebuild their silverware-winning credentials. At £70 million or so, he would represent a huge outlay, but would also be a sound investment in the club’s long term future.