Latest transfer news today: Spurs target £50m centre-back as Newcastle goalkeeper shortlist revealed

With the summer window edging closer, clubs across the Premier League are quietly moving pieces into place, and a few intriguing names have suddenly jumped to the top of several shortlists.

Ranging from emerging talents catching the eye of Europe’s biggest sides to established stars attracting fresh interest, today’s headlines hint at some potentially significant moves taking shape behind the scenes.

So with that in mind, Football Whispers unpacks the biggest stories of the day:

Arsenal keeping tabs on PSG target Aleksey Batrakov

Arsenal have reportedly joined the race to sign Lokomotiv Moscow midfielder Aleksey Batrakov, who has long been courted by their Champions League final opponents, Paris Saint-Germain.

It is thought that the 20-year-old playmaker has caught the eye of several European heavyweights, having racked up an impressive 29 goal contributions in 35 appearances this season.

Already capped ten times by Russia, Batrakov is being dubbed as the ‘next Andrey Arshavin', which will make obvious appeal to the Gunners.

The attacking midfielder is valued at around £21 million, with Arsenal believed to hold the edge over Premier League rivals Everton, as well as PSG.

Tottenham targeting Jan Paul van Hecke

Tottenham Hotspur are hopeful they have an edge in the Premier League transfer battle for Brighton & Hove Albion defender Jan Paul van Hecke.

Reports now suggest that Roberto De Zerbi is keen to reunite with his former Seagulls centre-back, but they face stiff competition from rivals like Liverpool and Chelsea.

What makes their pursuit more difficult is the uncertainty over which division they will be in next season, given their relegation dogfight looks set to go down to the wire.

Van Hecke isn't likely to come cheap either, considering he's a regular starter for the south coast outfit, though £50 million could be enough to tempt Brighton into a sale.

Newcastle make goalkeeper signing a priority

Newcastle United look set to keep faith in Eddie Howe, and the focus has already shifted towards strengthening the squad next season.

According to reports, the arrival of a new goalkeeper is likely to be one of the Magpies' top transfer priorities, with two names emerging on their shortlist.

One of which is Manchester City's out-of-favour backup James Trafford, while the other is highly-rated Brighton no.1 Bart Verbruggen.

The plan is to find genuine competition for Nick Pope, though Newcastle would need to fork out a substantial fee, with Trafford likely to cost £35 million, while Verbruggen is expected to cost in excess of £40 million.