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Nottingham Forest in Che Adams swoop

Nottingham Forest will turn their attention to another Premier League star, after completing two huge deals…

 What’s the word?

According to the Daily Mail, Everton have actively made a move to sign Southampton striker Che Adams.

However, they will have to battle it out with Leeds United, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Nottingham Forest, who are all also interested in the £52k-per-week ace.

With the Tricky Trees closing in on deals for both Emmanuel Dennis and Remo Freuler, this could be their final signing to finish bolstering their incredibly deep squad.

Imagine him & Dennis

The signing of the 24-year-old Watford star Dennis – who impressed in his debut season in the Premier League last time out – will certainly excite fans around the City Ground. However, signing Adams – a proven talent in the league over numerous seasons – could be even more important in transforming the Reds’ squad into one capable of survival.

The 26-year-old scored seven and assisted three last year for a Saints side that slumped to 15th, suggesting that he can perform for a team that are at the lower end of the table.

This, combined with ten goals and six assists from the Nigerian, will give Steve Cooper a solid foundation of goals to hopefully prop them up in the league.

Dennis also ranked in the top 5% for aerials won, and with the “relentless” Adams used to playing off another striker and picking up the pieces of knockdowns from the likes of Armando Broja, the two could form a fine partnership with blistering speed and an aerial threat.

The Scottish international has proven that he can score when given the chance, however, his 0.9 key passes per game and six big chances created last term suggest that, alongside a more prolific forward like Dennis, his creative numbers could explode.

His 6.85 average SofaScore rating outlines him as one of the top six performers for an underwhelming Southampton team, and his consistency will be a useful asset for a side who could be battling at the bottom of the table for most of the campaign.

Adams and Dennis, whilst both regarded as fine if unspectacular Premier League strikers, could combine to see both of their numbers increase exponentially. They could bring the best out of one another, and in the process steer Forest well clear of the drop.

West Ham now ‘working on’ two new deals

West Ham United are currently ‘working on deals’ to bring Jakub Kiwior and Hans Vanaken to the Premier League, according to 90min journalist Toby Cudworth.

The Lowdown: After Kehrer

Thilo Kehrer became the Irons’ sixth signing of the summer when he arrived at the London Stadium earlier this week, but David Moyes remains on the hunt for further defensive reinforcements.

The Scotsman has already seen an official offer for Club Brugge’s Vanaken turned down, though he isn’t giving up the fight, and by the sounds of it, has now identified a target in that centre-back role who he’d like to sign alongside the 29-year-old midfielder.

The Latest: West Ham targeting duo

Taking to Twitter, Cudworth confirmed that West Ham are in negotiations for both Vanaken and Spezia’s Kiwior. He wrote:

“#WHUFC are working on deals for Jakub Kiwior and Hans Vanaken. A €10m bid already rejected for the latter but he’s a player David Moyes is believed to rate very highly – talks to continue with Club Brugge.”

Expanding in his column for 90min, the journalist stated that ‘talks are ongoing’ for Kiwior, whilst the Irons are ‘continuing to push’ for Vanaken, despite suffering the opening offer setback.

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The Verdict: Prioritise Kiwior

Nayef Aguerd has been ruled out of action for three months after undergoing ankle surgery and Craig Dawson is also sidelined with a hamstring injury, so that’s why Moyes should prioritise a move for Kiwior, if any.

The Polish international averaged 2.3 tackles, 2.2 clearances and 1.8 interceptions per Serie A game last season, via WhoScored, and could add some decent height to the Hammers’ backline, standing at 6 foot 2.

The 22-year-old can also operate as a defensive midfielder which offers the boss versatility, so he’d be getting a talented player who is comfortable in two positions for the price of one.

Leeds: Orta interested in Kudus

Leeds United are interested in a deal to bring Mohammed Kudus to Elland Road this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to Ghanasoccernet.com, who reported in a recent post on Twitter that Leeds, Everton, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United are all interested in a move for the Ajax central midfielder over the remainder of the summer transfer window.

It was also suggested that, despite Fabrizio Romano’s recent tweet claiming that the Toffees were set to sign the 22-year-old after personal terms between the player and club had been agreed upon, there has currently been no official offer for the midfielder made by any of the aforementioned Premier League sides.

However, it is believed that one of the four English clubs have asked FC Nordsjaelland, Kudus’ former outfit, for a character reference of the Ghana international – suggesting that this particular side, whoever they may be, are extremely interested in launching a move for the 22-year-old in the coming days.

“Special” signing

Considering just how much potential Kudus quite clearly possesses, it is not difficult to understand why all of Leeds, Everton, Spurs and Newcastle would be interested in a deal to bring the midfielder to the Premier League this summer.

Indeed, following his €9m (£7.5m) move to Ajax back in the summer of 2020, the £9m-rated talent made an immediate impact for De Godenzonen over his 17 Eredivisie appearances in 2020/21, scoring four goals and registering three assists, as well as taking an average of 1.2 shots, making 0.6 key passes and completing 1.7 dribbles per game.

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The £14k-per-week midfielder also impressed in metrics more typical of his position, completing an average of 29.7 passes – at a success rate of 91% – making 1.4 tackles, 0.4 interceptions and winning 4.3 duels per fixture.

And, while it is true that the player who Erik ten Hag dubbed “incredible” and Owuraku Ampofo dubbed “special” saw his game time become slightly more limited at the Johan Cruijff ArenA last season – starting just four Eredivisie fixtures in 2021/22 – the 22-year-old has already impressed under new Ajax manager Alfred Schreuder, averaging an extremely impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.20 over his three league outings in the current campaign.

Furthermore, with Kudus being able to operate from defensive, central and attacking midfield, as well as on the right wing and as a centre-forward, the 16-cap international’s impressive positional versatility also adds a very strong string to the youngster’s already impressive bow.

As such, should Victor Orta manage to seal a €12m (£10m) deal for the midfielder ahead of the likes of Tottenham, Everton and Newcastle in the coming days, it would indeed appear as if the Whites’ director of football will have landed an incredibly special talent – something that is sure to excite both the Elland Road faithful and Jesse Marsch alike.

Nottingham Forest closing in on Igor Gomes

Nottingham Forest could be set to sign a promising starlet from Brazil…

What’s the word?

According to Jorge Nicola, the Tricky Trees might be set to beat Premier League rivals West Ham United to the signing of Igor Gomes from Sao Paulo.

Speaking via YouTube, the Brazilian reporter revealed that “Igor Gomes will not renew with Sao Paulo” after requesting “absurd figures” for his new contract.

He continued: “Igor Gomes already has offers to leave Sao Paulo. Interested parties are Porto and Sporting Lisbon. Nottingham Forest, who have just signed Gustavo Scarpa, also intends to sign him.” 

He’s a true heir to Lingard

Although Jesse Lingard made the decision to sign for Forest earlier this summer, his one-year contract suggests that, regardless of how he performs, he will not be around at the City Ground for the long haul.

They need a natural successor to the Englishman, and to sign someone who has been likened by reporters to Brazilian legend Kaka seems like it could far surpass whatever the 29-year-old can muster for Forest this season.

Gomes has featured an astounding 46 times this season across several competitions, and with one goal and five assists to his name, he is clearly not overawed with senior football despite only being in his fourth full season at first-team level.

The 23-year-old is highly versatile, although he prefers the number ten role, where he can truly exert his influence on a game.

Football Talent Scout’s Jacek Kulig labelled him one of Sao Paulo’s “biggest talents”, and his underlying numbers certainly support this claim. Despite only registering two assists in the Brasileiro Serie A so far this term, the playmaker has created five big chances and made 1.8 key passes per game.

Lingard has started this season in a manner which suggests Gomes would not be all that far behind him should he acclimatise quickly to English football, as the 29-year-old has managed 1.3 key passes per game alongside a 50% dribble success rate.

He is blessed with fine vision and the ability to maximise that, and perhaps providing the likes of Taiwo Awoniyi, Emmanuel Dennis and Brennan Johnson with goalscoring chances will see him increase his output further.

The youngster also recorded a dribble success rate of just under 50%, which suggests that he is confident at taking on an opponent to help create chances for his team. He possesses a flair and finesse which is likely what has drawn the Kaka comparisons.

With Lingard currently set to only stay for this season, bringing in Gomes now to help find his feet and reach the Englishman’s level could prove an incredible signing. If he has even a fraction of the ability that 2007 Ballon D’Or winner Kaka possessed in his prime, he will surely become a star in the future.

Newcastle closing in on Harrison Ashby

An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their pursuit of Harrison Ashby on deadline day of the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

90Min’s Toby Cudworth has claimed that the Magpies are on the verge of snapping the youngster up on a permanent deal from West Ham.

He Tweeted: “Understanding with my colleague @GraemeBailey is is that the deal to take Harrison Ashby from #WHUFC to Newcastle is all but done. Disappointing for the Hammers to lose another academy graduate but the player indicated he would not be signing a new contract.”

The gem is now set to become the club’s fifth signing of the summer transfer window, joining Sven Botman, Nick Pope, Alexander Isak and Matt Targett.

Howe should be buzzing

Eddie Howe should be buzzing with this news as Ashby could come in and provide much-needed back up at right-back, whilst also being a potential future star.

Emil Krafth suffered an ACL injury earlier this month and that blow has left the Magpies light in the full-back department, with Kieran Trippier the current first-choice on the right side of the defence.

Ashby can now come in to take up the Sweden international’s place on the bench and provide cover for Trippier. He could play in the cup competitions and get minutes off the bench in the Premier League, whilst being ready to start if the Englishman picks up an injury or suspension.

The West Ham gem has played six times at first-team level and made his top-flight debut last season, whilst he has also been capped three times by Scotland at under-21 level.

He showcased a willingness to get forward and make a contribution at the top end of the pitch in Premier League 2 last term as he chipped in with two goals and five assists in 21 outings for the Hammers’ youth team.

This shows that he is an attack-minded defender and the fans could enjoy watching him bomb down the flank if he is able to make the step up to playing regular first-team football.

At the age of 20, he is a player with plenty of promise and room to improve and Howe could enjoy working with him on the training pitch in the months, and potentially years, to come.

Therefore, the Magpies boss should be buzzing with the club’s move to bring the youngster to St James’ Park, as he provides squad depth and an exciting prospect for the future.

Report says Everton gave Anthony Gordon ‘unbelievable’ money

Everton winger Anthony Gordon is already on an ‘unbelievable’ salary for his age group, but will need a pay-hike to reflect his position in the first-team, says transfer insider Dean Jones.

The lowdown

Having come through the youth ranks at Everton, Gordon has now established himself in the first team, starting all seven of their Premier League matches so far this season (via Transfermarkt).

After he attracted strong interest and a whopping £60million bid from Chelsea during the summer transfer window, Everton are now working behind the scenes to tie him down to a new contract.

His current deal runs until the end of the 2024/25 season, but new terms could ward off potential suitors for the time being.

The latest

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones says that Gordon is already in a great position but is about to receive a salary hike that reflects his true value to this Everton side.

He said: “It will reward him for the time being and would reflect his value to this team. He’s earning £10,000 a week which is unbelievable compared to most 21-year-olds but it’s not a lot at all for one who is starting every week in the Premier League.”

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The verdict

It’s hard to argue that Gordon won’t deserve a substantial pay rise.

Last season, he was named the club’s Young Player and Player’s Player of the Season, underlining his key contribution to their successful survival bid.

And beyond that, this would also be a savvy, forward-thinking piece of business from Farhad Moshiri.

If Chelsea believed he was worth £60million last summer, then how much could he fetch in future windows with a longer contract and another year of development under his belt?

Villa could soon unleash Ben Broggio

Aston Villa were handed a British transfer record when Manchester City offered £100m to acquire the services of Jack Grealish.

The 27-year-old, who was a proud graduate from their academy, had captained his boyhood club to promotion from the Championship and security within the Premier League.

He was their poster boy and was impressed with his consistently dangerous performances off the left wing.

In total, the England international featured 213 times for the club whilst contributing to 32 goals and 43 assists.

Steven Gerrard could now look once again to his academy, as there might be a player brewing who could be the direct replacement for their former skipper.

Whilst Louis Barry might be the main name emerging from the youth setup, there could be another who might surpass even him.

Ben Broggio is a 15-year-old midfielder who is highly rated within the club and has featured twice for England U16s.

There is great expectation that the attacking midfielder can be their next true star and the fact that he has begun this season featuring for Villa’s under-18s marks a huge step up.

One goal in his opening two games is also indicative of his faith he has in his own talent, which clearly he possesses in abundance.

BirminghamLive reporter Ashley Preece is one of many who also has high hopes for the youngster, and actually likened him to their recently departed hero.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, he said:

“Ben Broggio, is only 15 and plays for the England U16’s.

“He’s a bit of an attacking midfielder, a bit of a Jack Grealish type, dare I say it? Villa rave about him.”

Preece went on to label him a “big prospect”, concluding his praise.

Having seen Jacob Ramsey break into the first team more recently, there is clearly a pathway for youngsters to make the step up from youth football.

Also, the sale of Carney Chukwuemeka might provide hope that if he can develop at a similar rate, he will be given chances, and if not the club will be willing to see you depart.

If Broggio can have half the impact on the club that Grealish did, he will certainly be considered a success. He has taken to under-18s football well, so if he can continue this trajectory he will be destined for big things.

Rangers had a howler on James Beattie

For all the brilliant additions that Glasgow Rangers have made over the years, there have no doubt been a fair few howlers as far as the Ibrox outfit are concerned, with centre-forward additions having proven particularly problematic.

In recent times, the Old Firm giants were notably stung by their signing of Switzerland international, Cedric Itten, with the former St Gallen striker arriving in Glasgow on a £3m deal back in the summer of 2020, during Steven Gerrard’s stint in charge.

While the seven-cap marksman had impressed at his former club – with an impressive record of 36 goals and 11 assists in just 63 games – he would go on to distinctly underwhelm in Scottish football, with a measly record of just eight goals in 48 appearances across all fronts.

A ‘waste of money’ – as described by former Gers striker Kris Boyd – the floundering forward was ultimately moved on to BSC Young Boys in the recent window, having previously spent time on loan at German outfit Greuther Furth during the 2021/22 campaign.

Despite those obvious failings, the 25-year-old’s time at the club still proved more fruitful than that of a certain James Beattie, with the former England international having made little impact following his arrival from Stoke City back in 2010 – becoming the club’s first senior signing for almost two years in the process.

While once an exciting prospect following a prolific stint at Southampton – where he notably scored 23 Premier League goals during the 2002/03 season – the Lancaster-born forward was something of a fading force upon his arrival in Scotland, having scored just ten league goals across his two top-flight seasons with the Potters.

Despite those woes – which saw the five-cap dud score just three league goals during the 2009/10 season – Rangers boss Walter Smith still opted to bring the player to the club regardless, sanctioning a deal for a reported fee of around £1.5m, according to UEFA.

That decision backfired spectacularly as Beattie went on to make just ten appearances for the club in all competitions, proving wholly ineffectual as he even failed to score in that time.

In fact, the one-time Everton man registered more yellow cards (one) than he did goals, with his only contribution coming in the form of an assist against Hibernian before he was swiftly shipped off on loan to Blackpool in January 2011 – just six months into his time at Ibrox.

The then 33-year-old was subsequently released by the club later that year as he moved on for free, with the Gers left to reflect on what was a truly disastrous stint for all parties.

Newcastle have Rice 2.0 in Lucas De Bolle

Newcastle United’s academy has produced some solid talent in recent years, with Longstaff brothers Matty and Sean two dependable options and Elliot Anderson holding the hopes of the Geordies to be the next big thing.

However, they might just have another special talent who could blow the Longstaff brothers away and soon start staking his claim for a first-team spot in midfield.

Lucas De Bolle is a young Scotsman who already has vast experience across various youth levels despite his age. He featured 43 times for the Magpies at under-18 level, but with seven goals and four assists from midfield, was seemingly deemed too good for the division.

The 19-year-old has since featured exclusively in the under-21s, for whom he has made 30 appearances whilst chipping in with one goal and four assists.

Despite seemingly having gone under the radar for his quietly brilliant displays, over the summer Eddie Howe was full of praise for the teenager.

Having called him up to work with the first team, the 44-year-old singled him out for praise, saying: “I always wanted to get Lucas up as part of the under-23s group. Lucas is one who has some real good qualities technically, he’s very able and can do some really good things. He’s such a good character, a really nice kid and one that you really want to do well.”

Owen Bailey, who was captain of the Newcastle under-23s when De Bolle joined, was another to join in on the praise, saying: “He’s an intelligent lad off the field, and he shouldn’t have any bother in terms of being grounded or his focus. He is very determined and focused, the world is his oyster at the minute.

He continued: “He’s someone who shows more about what he’s about when he’s on the ball, so playing the way that Howe does, that will definitely help him.”

To see so many willing to offer compliments to De Bolle is a testament to the player’s precocious talent, whilst Bailey’s comments outline him as a technically proficient midfielder with great intelligence.

Perhaps he could be for the Magpies what Declan Rice currently is for West Ham United. He too came through the academy at his club and is also renowned for his intelligence and quality on the ball.

Just last season, the 23-year-old Irons captain averaged a 92% pass accuracy whilst making 1.8 interceptions per game. Without doing anything particularly fancy, Rice has garnered praise from all across the country for his solid midfield performances.

De Bolle could certainly replicate this in future years, and his current trajectory suggests that he will soon be in line to start challenging for a spot in the Newcastle first team once he returns from his loan spell at Hamilton Academical.

West Brom interested in Gary Rowett

West Bromwich Albion may be interested in making Gary Rowett their new manager, according to reliable journalist Alan Nixon.

The Lowdown: Bruce out

The Baggies sacked Steve Bruce following a disappointing start to the season as they now find themselves in the Championship relegation zone, with the hierarchy on the search to find his successor.

48-year-old Rowett is currently in charge at Millwall and only recently signed a new contract to extend his stay at The Den, but it now appears that there may be hopes he can be lured to The Hawthorns.

The Latest: West Brom eyeing Rowett?

Asked during a Twitter Q&A whether Rowett can be seen as a serious contender for the West Brom job, Nixon responded:

“He does get linked with jobs a lot … I think a lot of camps are dropping hints about interest … some public … some in private.”

Whether Ron Gourlay and Co are seriously making moves in private circles remains to be seen, but there is clearly some chatter of a swoop for 48 year-old Lions boss.

The Verdict: Impressive track record

Whilst West Brom would have to pay compensation to buy Rowett out of his fresh deal at Millwall, his track record is one that would definitely be welcomed in the Midlands.

The former Stoke boss has displayed some impressive numbers during his time in charge of the Lions, winning 58, drawing 45 and losing 47 of his 150 matches in the dugout (Transfermarkt).

The Bromsgrove-born manager led his side to a ninth-place finish last season, just six points away from the playoffs, so he knows what it takes to compete at the right end of the table.

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