Leeds: Phil Hay shares goalkeeper update

Leeds United correspondent Phil Hay has said that the club have ‘spoken’ about bringing in an experience second-choice goalkeeper.

The Lowdown: Adams, Sinisterra and CDK

The Whites have already made five signings this summer and have their eyes on making it seven with moves for Luis Sinisterra and Charles De Ketelaere.

RB Leipzig midfielder Tyler Adams became the fifth confirmed arrival on Wednesday, whereas Feyenoord winger Sinisterra also appears to be closing in on a €25m (£21.4m) Elland Road move.

A deal for Club Brugge forward De Ketelaere appears to be more complicated, however, Leeds have reportedly made a bid for the 21-year-old who they see as an inside forward or a secondary forward to support Patrick Bamford.

The Latest: Hay’s claim

Hay shared a story for The Athletic on Wednesday morning regarding Leeds’ transfer business, citing Adams, Sinisterra and De Ketelaere.

He said that those inside Elland Road have also ‘spoken about sourcing a more experienced second-choice goalkeeper’, however, the reliable reporter didn’t mention any possible targets.

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The Verdict: Who could it be?

The Whites have been linked with free-agent Ben Foster in recent weeks and also had a look at West Ham’s Darren Randolph back in January.

They could be two options for Leeds over the coming weeks, but there are plenty of other senior ‘keepers available who may well be happy to move to Yorkshire.

As well as Foster, the likes of David Ospina, Sergio Romero, Joel Robles and John Ruddy are also free agents who have Premier League experience, so it could be wise to potentially make a shot-stopper with top-flight knowledge their eighth and final summer signing to help Illan Meslier.

Forest "interested" in Gibbs-White

Nottingham Forest are believed to be keen on a deal for Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder, Morgan Gibbs-White, as Steve Cooper’s extensive summer recruitment continues.

What’s the word?

As per the Telegraph’s John Percy, writing on Twitter, the newly-promoted side are said to be “interested in signing” the 22-year-old in the current window, albeit amid rival interest from both Everton and Crystal Palace.

The Englishman – who made his first-team debut at Molineux as a 16-year-old back in 2017 – impressed on loan at Sheffield United last term in the Championship, notably scoring against the City Ground outfit in a 1-1 draw back in November.

The promising starlet – who has just two years remaining on his current deal with the Old Gold – is expected to be moved on by his current side, with the Toffees having already reportedly seen a £25m offer rejected.

Sensational coup

The door remains open then for the Midlands outfit to land the England U21 international before the start of the upcoming season, in what would no doubt prove to be yet another astute piece of business in an already eye-catching window for the club.

Back in the Premier League for the first time since 1999, it would appear that the two-time European Champions are doing all they can to ensure they avoid a swift return to the second tier, having already made notable moves in the transfer market.

The club have thus far brought in six new additions with the start of the new campaign still a few weeks away, notably wrapping up deals for Bayern Munich defender Omar Richards and highly-rated Liverpool full-back Neco Williams in recent days.

Adding Gibbs-White to that list of incomings – which also notably includes club-record signing Taiwo Awoniyi – would serve as yet another statement of intent for last season’s playoff final winners, with the youngster set to be a notable coup if an agreement can be struck.

Although the £9.9m-rated starlet has fallen down the pecking order at his parent club in recent years – with just ten top-flight starts to his name thus far – he proved “instrumental” during his time at Bramall Lane, according to club captain Billy Sharp, having scored 11 goals and provided nine assists in 35 league outings.

Also dubbed “sensational” by the aforementioned Sharp, the Stafford-born ace also recorded an impressive 16 big chances created and averaged 1.6 key passes per game, proving himself a real menace in the attacking third.

A member of Cooper’s stellar U17 World Cup-winning squad in 2017, the 5 foot 10 playmaker could well link up with his former boss again in the coming weeks, having previously featured under the 42-year-old at Swansea City.

The Forest boss must surely utilise that connection to strike a deal again in the current window, with it finally time that Gibbs-White is truly handed the chance to shine in the top tier.

AND in other news – Imagine him & Awoniyi: Cooper can form deadly duo by signing “stunning” £10m star

Everton eye Chelsea midfielder Tino Anjorin

Everton journalist Chris Smith has revealed some transfer news that he has now been ‘told’ on Tino Anjorin.

The Lowdown: Midfielder wanted

The likes of Morgan Gibbs-White and Amadou Onana have been linked with moves to Goodison Park in recent days, suggesting that Frank Lampard would like to strengthen in the middle of the pitch.

The Toffees have only brought in James Tarkowski of note so far this summer, and have of course sold Richarlison to Tottenham Hotspur, so some supporters may be worried that their lack of transfer business will result in them fighting a relegation battle again.

The Latest: Anjorin interest

Taking to Twitter in sharing a corresponding article for 90min, Smith has revealed that Everton are now ‘considering an offer’ to sign Anjorin, and a move would be ‘far more likely’ if they fail in their bid to land Gibbs-White.

He tweeted: “I’m told #Everton are considering an offer for #Chelsea youngster Tino Anjorin.

“EFC are pushing for a permanent transfer but CFC would prefer a loan. Anjorin is happy to make the move.

“Understand this is far more likely if EFC fail with Gibbs-White.”

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The Verdict: Cheaper alternative

With Wolves wanting more than £20m for Gibbs-White, and Lille’s president Olivier Letang valuing Onana at £33.8m, Anjorin could be seen as a cheaper alternative, given that he is valued at only £2.7m by Transfermarkt.

Dubbed a ‘confident’, ‘strong’ and ‘creative’ player by Thomas Tuchel, the 20-year-old has already broken into Chelsea’s first-team squad, with five appearances made for the Blues in total.

He was sent out on loan to both Lokomotiv Moscow and Huddersfield Town last term, where he gained vital experience of playing senior men’s football on a more regular basis, playing in the Europa League for the Russian club before helping the latter reach the Championship play-off final (Transfermarkt).

Even getting Anjorin in on loan would represent smart business from the Toffees.

Newcastle "like" Lens’ Seko Fofana

Newcastle United could launch a move for Seko Fofana this summer…

What’s the word?

That’s according to transfer insider Dean Jones, who recently revealed the Magpies’ interest in the RC Lens midfielder to GIVEMESPORT.

He said:

“They also like Seko Fofana at Lens. So, I think there are all sorts of players right now.”

The 27-year-old, who was once on the books at Premier League champions Manchester City, is expected to cost around £25m.

Imagine him and Guimaraes

Despite never making a senior appearance at the Etihad Stadium, the Ivory Coast international has emerged as one of Ligue 1’s standout stars in recent seasons.

FBref cite City star Ilkay Gundogan and Barcelona man Frenkie de Jong as statistically similar players and it’s easy to see why, given the level at which he has been performing over the past 365 days.

Fofana, when compared to his positional peers across Europe, ranks amongst the top 1% for total shots (2.63 per 90), the top 2% for dribbles completed (1.93 per 90) and the top 10% for progressive carries (6.49 per 90).

The Lens star, dubbed “unplayable” and “very reliable” by journalist Said Amdaa, could therefore be a fine addition to Eddie Howe’s engine room and one that could form a frightening duo with Bruno Guimaraes, who has already taken to the northeast like a duck to water.

After providing nine goal contributions across 38 appearances in the French top-flight, the Magpies could have two lethal midfielders in the final third, given just how well the Brazilian has done in the Premier League so far (six goal contributions in 11 starts).

Elsewhere, Fofana’s manager Franck Haise has dubbed him “the most complete player”, whilst journalist Zach Lowry has lauded him as a “phenom,” too.

The £22.5m-rated machine would be a mighty fine acquisition for sporting director Dan Ashworth to make and at £25m, they wouldn’t be overspending whatsoever.

Just imagine him and Guimaraes under Howe this season.

AND in other news, Newcastle “join chase” to land “special” £5m dynamo, he’s a “superstar in the making”…

Tottenham: Paratici targeting Nicolo Barella move

Tottenham Hotspur, and by extension sporting director Fabio Paratici, are now targeting a move for Inter Milan star Nicolo Barella as reports emerge from Italy.

The Lowdown: Spurs mean business…

Judging by their impressive summer window so far, Spurs mean business ahead of Antonio Conte’s first full Premier League season in charge of the club.

They finished last season in a coveted Champions League berth, potentially gifting the north Londoners some strong financial leeway to tackle this summer’s transfer window. ENIC granted a £150m equity increase which has subsequently been put to good use with an array of first-team signings as Conte is well and truly backed in the market.

Reports suggest that the club aren’t done there either, with news coming to light on Spurs and their links with Barella.

The Latest: Paratici eyeing Barella swoop…

According to reports, it is believed that Spurs and Paratici now have their eyes on the 39-cap Italy international.

As relayed and translated by The Boot Room, Il Messaggero reported that Tottenham are ‘also interested in Barella’, with this transfer window taking yet another turn.

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The Verdict: Ambitious…

Given that the 25-year-old is valued at around €90m (£77m), this may be a tricky move for Tottenham to pull off.

There is little denying his quality, though, with Serie A journalist Carlo Garganese calling him ‘world class’ and Conte himself branding Barella ‘perfect’ during their mutual time at the San Siro.

Barella’s marquee price tag appears to be the only obstacle to a move, and Paratici may need to do his fair share of negotiating to find a realistic agreement if Spurs enter official talks for the player.

Spurs: Aouna drops Zaniolo update

Santi Aouna has dropped an update on the future of reported Tottenham Hotspur transfer target  Nicolo Zaniolo.

What’s the latest?

In a recent post on Twitter, the Foot Mercato journalist revealed that, following a number of reports linking Fabio Paratici with a move for the AS Roma midfielder this summer, the Italian sporting director is set to enter into fresh negotiations with the Serie A side over a deal for the 23-year-old this week.

In his tweet, Aouna said: “Info: New discussions planned this week between Roma and Tottenham for Zaniolo.”

Supporters will be buzzing

Considering just how exciting an addition Zaniolo would undoubtedly make to Antonio Conte’s options in the middle of the park next season, Aouna’s update concerning Paratici’s talks with the Giallorossi regarding a deal for the Italy international is sure to have left supporters buzzing.

Despite having already suffered two serious cruciate ligament injuries in his career, the £33.5m-rated talent more than proved last season that he is back on track to become one of the most talented Italian midfielders currently playing the game.

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Indeed, over his ten appearances in Roma’s Europa Conference League campaign last time out, the £76k-per-week centrocampista highly impressed, scoring five goals, providing four assists and creating three big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 2.0 shots, making 1.1 key passes and completing 0.8 dribbles per game.

These metrics saw the former Inter Milan starlet – who is also more than comfortable operating from attacking midfield, as well as on either wing – average a quite astonishing SofaScore match rating of 7.11, ranking him as Jose Mourinho’s sixth-best player in the Giallorossi’s European triumph. With that in mind, it’s clear to see why he’d be such an exciting signing to Conte’s ranks this summer.

Furthermore, although his returns were not quite as spectacular domestically, the 23-year-old still impressed over his four big chances for his teammates – playing a key role in his side securing a sixth-place finish in the Italian top flight.

As such, with it being reported that Conte would still like to add a new attacking midfielder to his Tottenham ranks prior to kick-off against Southampton on Saturday afternoon, Zaniolo would very much appear something of a perfect fit for the 52-year-old and his Spurs side – leading us to believe that Paratici must do everything he can to get a €50m (£42m) deal over the line for the nine-cap international in the coming days.

Forest: "Talks ongoing" for Remo Freuler

Nottingham Forest are believed to have set their sights on their next summer target, amid reports linking the newly-promoted side with Atalanta midfielder, Remo Freuler.

What’s the word?

As per journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Midlands outfit are currently in talks to sign the Switzerland international from the Serie A outfit in the current window, with the 30-year-old having spent the past eight years in Bergamo.

Writing on Twitter about that apparent interest in the 46-cap gem, the transfer insider stated: “Nottingham Forest are interested in Swiss midfielder Remo Freuler. Talks ongoing with Atalanta, still nothing agreed but he’s one of the targets in the list.

“Forest are also working for a new left back.”

Forest boss Steve Cooper has already overseen 12 new arrivals ahead of the club’s long-awaited return to Premier League action this weekend, although the Welshman recently admitted that more incomings could be on the cards.

Cooper masterclass

In what’s already been an impressive window thus far, Cooper could be yet to pull off another market masterclass with the signing of the 5 foot 11 maestro, having already wrapped up notable deals for the likes of former Manchester United man Jesse Lingard and club-record purchase Taiwo Awoniyi thus far.

Adding Freuler to the mix would be yet another astute piece of business, with the £18m-rated man set to provide undoubted quality to an area of the pitch that has been depleted by the return of last season’s loanee James Garner to Old Trafford.

Something of an all-action midfield presence, the £22k-per-week ace has thrived in Italy in recent years, notably netting once and providing three assists in his 29 league outings last term, while also showcasing his defensive strength by chipping in with 2.4 tackles and 1.2 interceptions per game.

Such form has also seen him compare favourably to those in his position across Europe’s top five leagues, as he ranks in the top 14% for progressive carries and the top 7% for progressive passes, proving himself adept at impacting play in the final third.

The former Luzern man has also been a standout performer for his country of late, memorably providing a goal and an assist in the thrilling 3-3 draw with Germany in the Nations League back in October 2020.

Such an experienced figure could well be what is needed to help bolster and guide a largely youthful Forest dressing room this season, with his addition potentially set to prove vital as the club prepares to step up back into the top tier.

With 259 appearances under his belt at his current side, providing 43 goal contributions in that time, Freuler has proven himself an elite and reliable figure in one of the continent’s toughest leagues as well as in the Champions League – it could prove to be a real masterstroke to bring him to England this summer.

Newcastle line up Anthony Gordon bid

Newcastle United are set to return with another offer for Everton starlet Anthony Gordon, having previously been rebuffed by the Toffees earlier this summer.

What’s the word?

According to the Chronicle, the Magpies are believed to be ‘considering’ a new bid for the 21-year-old, as they remain frustrated in their approach for Leicester City’s James Maddison – having seen two offers rejected by the Foxes thus far.

In the case of the Merseyside youngster, the Englishman was reportedly the subject of a £35m approach by the northeast side back in early July, with Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie recently suggesting that a wide player – as well as a striker – could be targeted before the window closes.

Despite having brought in three new faces so far this summer, the Tynesiders are yet to bring an attacking recruit to help bolster the current squad, with manager Eddie Howe opening up on his desire to add to his forward line in the coming weeks.

Could be incredible

While it could prove a hefty fee for a player who has made just 50 Premier League appearances in his embryonic, senior career thus far, Gordon has no doubt illustrated just what a talent he is of late, having enjoyed a real breakthrough campaign last time out.

After returning from a six-month loan spell at Preston North End at the end of the 2020/21 season, the local lad went on to become a key figure at Goodison Park last term, scoring four goals and providing two assists in 35 league games for the club, proving a rare ray of sunshine in what was another wise turbulent season for Frank Lampard’s side.

A dynamic and relentless attacking presence, the £18m-rated ace also impressed due to his stunning defensive approach, ranking in the top 2% for blocks, the top 4% for tackles and the top 5% for pressures made among those in his position across Europe’s top five leagues.

Current Newcastle star Allan Saint-Maximin, for instance, ranks in just the bottom 1% for tackles made and pressures, as well as in the bottom 5% for blocks made, with that a stark illustration of the differing work ethic between the pair.

Not that the Frenchman would need to be necessarily dispensed from the side, however, with Gordon potentially able to make up for Saint-Maximin’s defensive shortcomings and allow the mercurial talent to shine, while he also offers the flexibility to feature all across the front line, having notably started through the middle in Saturday’s 1-0 defeat to Chelsea.

The £10k-per-week sensation may not be the glamour name that Magpies supporters were craving – after a summer of links to the likes of Hugo Ekitike and Moussa Diaby – yet he remains an “incredible” talent, in the words of former teammate Morgan Feeney, as well as a “frightening” prospect for any defence – as per Boreham Wood boss Luke Garrard.

A player with invaluable Premier League experience already under his belt, there is no reason why the Kirkdale-born star couldn’t thrive as part of Howe’s squad this season were he to sign on the dotted line.

Although desperation is potentially setting in at St James’ Park as the search for a new forward addition goes on, Gordon could well prove to be an ‘incredible’ capture, both for his attacking flair but also his dogged defensive approach.

Journalist gives key Celtic transfer update

Celtic are not interested in signing Chelsea midfielder Ross Barkley this summer despite rumours suggesting otherwise, according to journalist Mark Hendry.

The Lowdown: Barkley rumour emerges

The Hoops have made an ideal start to their Scottish Premiership title defence, winning their opening two matches against Aberdeen and Ross County.

That’s not to say that Ange Postecoglou isn’t still potentially looking at more signings, however, with rumours of a move for a midfielder and striker, and Barkley has been linked with a move to Parkhead in recent days.

The 28-year-old is out of favour at Chelsea currently and may be able to leave before the end of the current transfer window.

The Latest: Journalist rubbishes transfer

According to Football Scotland‘s Hendry, however, Barkley is ‘not on Celtic’s radar’, with recent claims ‘well wide of the mark’.

“To address one of this summer’s more farfetched transfer rumours, now, and Football Scotland can confirm that Ross Barkley is not on Celtic’s radar,” reports Hendry.

“The Hoops were linked with a sensational loan move for the Chelsea midfielder but those claims are well wide of the mark. Silly season is upon us, after all.”

The Englishman’s current Chelsea deal expires in 2023.

The Verdict: Always seemed unlikely

While the thought of Barkley in a Celtic shirt is exciting – he is a 33-cap England international who has been described as ‘very dangerous’ by Thomas Tuchel – it always felt like more of a pipe dream than anything.

If the midfielder does leave Chelsea this summer, it may be to another Premier League team, with the former Everton man arguably seeing the Scottish Premiership as a big drop down in quality.

Postecoglou should still look to sign someone of Barkley’s ilk, however – a player who could add a sprinkling of magic and unpredictability in the middle of the park, opening up defences with his drive and creativity.

Arsenal ‘aware’ of Pedro Neto availability

Arsenal have been ‘made aware’ of the availability of Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Pedro Neto, report 90min. 

The lowdown: Long-standing admiration

The Gunners have been extensively indexed to Neto previously, with many believing that the Premier League sensation could be the ‘mystery winger’ Edu was in search of for Mikel Arteta’s squad.

Signed from Lazio in 2019, the 22-year-old fully fledged Portugal international has impressed for Wolves in the top flight despite suffering injuries during his time in England.

Now, it appears as though the interest from the north Londoners could be about to be resurrected as Arsenal and others get given encouragement to make a move for Neto…

The latest: ‘Made aware’

As per 90min, the three-cap star is believed to be ‘attracting interest late in the window’ from a number of clubs.

It’s claimed that Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United have all been ‘made aware’ that Neto could be available for a transfer before the September 1 deadline.

The report also states that ‘intermediaries have been making it known’ that the attacker – who was hailed as a ‘wonderful talent’ by journalist Nathan Judah – would be available ‘at the right price’ this summer.

The verdict: Make a move

Albeit the signings of Marquinhos and Gabriel Jesus mean that Arteta has a healthy set of attacking options at his disposal, adding a player of Neto’s ilk would truly be the icing on the cake of the Emirates Stadium squad.

Already linked to the likes of Lucas Paqueta, Raphinha and Cody Gakpo, it seems apparent that Edu is keen to add another wide option before the September 1 deadline passes.

Sharing a close stylistic likeness to Adama Traore, Lorenzo Insigne and Arsenal’s own Bukayo Saka (FBref), the skilful Portuguese forward can operate on either wing and in central positions, making him the ideal candidate to bolster the N7 ranks.

Under contract until 2027 (Transfermarkt), the aforementioned ‘right price’ is likely to be close to or even in excess of the Gunners’ club record expenditure of £72million shelled out to bring Nicolas Pepe to north London.

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