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Newcastle United will now have an attacking signing ‘on the agenda’ after the arrival of Sven Botman at St. James’ Park, confirms Daily Express journalist Ryan Taylor.

The Lowdown: Botman signs

After months of negotiations, including a failed swoop during the January window, the Magpies have now announced the signing of the 22-year-old centre-back after a £32m fee was agreed with French outfit Lille.

Alongside Botman, another widely reported transfer target over the past few months has been Reims striker Hugo Ekitike.

Although Newcastle had held ‘positive talks’ with the Ligue 1 side over a potential switch this summer, the club could not come to an agreement with the 20-year-old’s representatives, leaving Eddie Howe to turn his attention elsewhere for an attacking signing.

The Latest: ‘Calculated…’

Whilst Taylor doesn’t mention any specific names being linked with a move to Tyneside, the journalist believes that an attacking signing is already the next big priority at St. James’ Park.

Speaking with GiveMeSport, he claimed:

“I do think there’s scope to recruit another wide attacker as well, but obviously as we’ve seen with Newcastle, their recruitment strategy is actually very calculated, it’s not just throwing money at big names as many expected them to do, it’s smart shopping.

“So, I don’t have any specific names, but I do think there will be an attacking signing on the agenda.”

The Verdict: Great window

If Newcastle pull off the signing of a top attacking talent before the start of the season, then this will have been a fantastic transfer window for SJP.

The Magpies have attended to fixing their backline, with the permanent signing of Matt Targett at left-back and likely new no.1 Nick Pope joining from Burnley, as well as Botman.

Including Dan Burn and Kieran Trippier, Howe’s likely first choice back five will be an entirely new group all signed in 2022, a far cry from the shambles that started the first game of last season.

Therefore, if the Tyneside outfit are now able to add to their attacking options, looking elsewhere after ending their pursuit in Ekitike, then Howe will have addressed the major weaknesses in his squad before a ball is kicked in 2022/23.

Liverpool are interested in signing Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele this summer, according to a transfer report which has emerged from a Spanish outlet.

The Lowdown: Dembele to leave Barcelona?

The 25-year-old has had a curious career in many ways, possessing undoubted ability but not always meeting the huge expectations thrust upon him.

Dembele did enjoy an improved 2021/22 season, though, registering an impressive 13 assists in just 21 La Liga appearances, making his mark under current Barcelona manager Xavi as he achieved the best goals/assists output for a league campaign in his five years at the club.

Nonetheless, the France international could be allowed to leave the Nou Camp this summer, with his current contract expiring later this week.

The Latest: Liverpool linked with Dembele

According to Sport, Liverpool are in the conversation to sign Dembele this summer, with Jurgen Klopp apparently a fan of the player, although the report did attribute that as originating from English media.

They instead focus more on Chelsea, who appear to be the front-runners to sign the winger. The Blues are thought to have a ‘firm proposal’ in place to sign him.

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The Verdict: Too hit-and-miss?

Dembele is an enormous talent who is capable of match-winning moments on his day – he was once described by ex-Barcelona president Josep Bartomeu as a ‘better player than Neymar’ – so there is bound to be some excitement over him being linked with Liverpool.

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That being said, injuries have consistently curtailed the 25-year-old’s progress, while his attitude has been questioned at times, making it a potentially risky move by the Reds.

In that case, Klopp would be better off looking elsewhere for another attacking signing, with Porto winger Otavio linked in recent days and arguably a more consistent and reliable performer.

Celtic have seen several prominent players make moves away from Parkhead to clubs south of the border in recent years.

Figures such as Odsonne Edouard, Kristoffer Ajer, Stuart Armstrong, Kieran Tierney and Virgil van Dijk all waved goodbye to the Hoops.

Another name that made the same move is Victor Wanyama, who joined Southampton in the 2013 summer transfer window after making 91 appearances for the Bhoys.

In those appearances, the midfielder scored 13 goals and delivered nine assists for the club after he arrived from Belgian club Beerschot AC in 2011.

In the seven Champions League appearances he made during the 2012/13 season, Wanyama racked up a higher average for tackles per game (4) than any other Celtic player, showing what a force he was in the middle of the park.

His overall performances in that tournament earned him a rating of 7.13/10 from WhoScored, making him the second-highest rated player in Celtic’s squad for that season in Europe’s elite competition.

However, fast forward several years and it seems the Hoops could secure a deal for their next version of Wanyama.

The player in question is Lommel SK midfielder Vinicius Souza, who was mentioned with a move to Celtic Park last month.

During his previous season on loan with fellow Belgian side KV Mechelen, the midfielder ended up winning more tackles (66) and making more interceptions (64) than any other player at the club.

This shows just how similar he is to Wanyama with the pair being incredibly difficult to beat when they are of defending their goal.

Labelled an “athletic” player and a “machine” on the pitch by Lawrence Shankland, who played against the £4.05m-rated Brazilian twice last season, Souza would surely be a very useful asset for Celtic given his defensive capabilities.

Having also been described as a “warrior” by scout and analyst, Mikail Serin, on Twitter, this further highlights what sort of player he is and what he could offer Ange Postecoglou’s side.

With the Bhoys now having a great opportunity to sign what could be their next version of Wanyama, this is something that they should be doing all they can to complete.

AND in other news: “Almost impossible”: Big transfer update emerges that’ll have Celtic supporters gutted

Leeds United winger Raphinha is now one step closer to sealing his long-awaited exit from Elland Road…

What’s the word?

It’s believed that a £55m deal has finally been agreed with LaLiga outfit Barcelona for the 25-year-old and that he will now undergo a medical in Spain before finalising the move.

The Athletic’s Phil Hay has provided a major update on the situation to supporters on Twitter, where he said:

“Raphinha heading for his medical in Spain today. Deal in place and basically good to go.”

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Time to say goodbye

This update, whilst largely expected, is going to leave many supporters around west Yorkshire absolutely gutted as whatever small hope they had of keeping the Brazil international has now been shattered.

Raphinha has been an electric and exciting talent for the Whites ever since his move from Stade Rennes in 2020. Indeed, much of their attacking fortunes throughout last season hinged on him out on the right flank.

He led Jesse Marsch’s squad for goals scored (11) and in terms of creativity, he also topped the charts, having averaged 1.9 key passes per game, which was a whopping 0.7 more attempts than any other Leeds player, as per WhoScored.

Described as a “magician” and a “storm” by soon-to-be-former teammates Dan James and Illan Meslier, it’s evident that Raphinha will be sorely missed and there is no way of knowing whether new summer singing Luis Sinisterra will step up to the demands of the Premier League so soon.

It comes as another huge blow as Leeds fans have already seen academy graduate Kalvin Phillips swap his boyhood club for the top-flight champions, Manchester City, leaving Marsch without two of last season’s biggest stars.

Some will be glad that this saga is coming towards an end, well in advance of the 2022/23 campaign, but that will not excuse feelings of sadness as Raphinha is arguably one of the most talented players to grace the Elland Road pitch, perhaps since the controversial Eric Cantona.

The 25-year-old, valued at £40.5m by Transfermarkt, will leave behind a massive void for the American head coach, though it does provide the club with a hefty cash injection.

All in all, Leeds supporters will be gutted by this latest update from Hay but now they can begin to move on and look to the future. It’s bittersweet but the right deal for all parties.

AND in other news, Contact made: Report now reveals big Leeds transfer development…

Crystal Palace are reportedly ‘confident’ of signing Chelsea defender Levi Colwill, according to The Athletic. 

The lowdown: Colwill’s career so far

A product of the Blues’ academy, the 19-year-old spent the 2021/22 campaign on loan at Championship outfit Huddersfield Town and played an integral role in the Yorkshire club’s season which saw them just miss out on promotion to the Premier League via the play-offs.

The England youth international was ultimately the fall guy in the Wembley showpiece, as his own goal meant Nottingham Forest returned to the top flight instead, marring what was otherwise a very successful developmental spell in the second tier.

Having now returned to London, Colwill has flown out to the USA as part of Thomas Tuchel’s first-team squad, although there remains a strong possibility that the young centre-back will leave Stamford Bridge this summer as Chelsea target further reinforcements in that department…

The latest: Palace ‘confident’ of signing Colwill

As per Simon Johnson for The Athletic, Crystal Palace are believed to be ‘confident’ of signing the England under-21 starlet.

It’s claimed that top-flight domestic rivals Southampton, Fulham, Leicester City, Brighton & Hove Albion and Everton are also in the mix to land Colwill.

The report added that the respective suitors are ‘prepared to spend millions’ to sign the teenager, who was described as a ‘Rolls Royce’ defender with similarities to Rio Ferdinand by the Manchester United legend’s brother Anton.

The verdict: Worth the investment

Having already reaped the rewards of signing another Chelsea academy graduate in the shape of Marc Guehi, reuniting Colwill with his former youth team-mate could prove to be another sensational piece of business from the Eagles.

The Southampton-born gem – who was on a reported £5,000 per week in 2021/22 (Salary Sport) – earned an impressive 7.10 Sofascore rating last season whilst winning 5.7 duels and making 4.1 clearances and 1.3 interceptions per game. He also helped Huddersfield to keep 11 clean sheets in the process, highlighting an impressive defensive acumen despite his tender years.

Valued at £4.5m and under contract until 2025 (Transfermarkt), signing Colwill may prove to be an expensive deal for the Selhurst Park hierarchy.

However, with just four senior recognised central defenders currently at Patrick Vieira’s disposal, including 33-year-old James Tomkins, this would undoubtedly be a worthwhile capture, not least given the teenager’s vast potential.

Journalist Charlie Gordon of The Daily Express has now shared a significant overnight update on West Ham United’s bid to sign Chelsea striker Armando Broja.

The Lowdown: Moyes pushing…

As reported elsewhere, it is believed that the Albania international is a ‘priority’ transfer target for manager David Moyes amid his long and drawn out search for a new striker.

The Irons were heavily reliant on Michail Antonio again over the 2021/2022 Premier League season but they’re seemingly determined to fix their glaring lack of options going forward this window.

Talks have been held over signing Sassuolo forward Gianluca Scamacca alongside Broja but it is the latter man who is seemingly attracting Moyes’ undivided attention.

The Latest: Gordon shared Broja update…

The latest update on Chelsea’s forward is a slightly mixed bag for Hammers supporters.

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Gordon, taking to Twitter, claims the 20-year-old is ‘keen’ to join West Ham after they made an ‘improved £30m bid’ on Tuesday.

However, his club are ‘delaying’ Broja’s transfer after manager Thomas Tuchel publicly called for him to remain at Stamford Bridge.

The Express reporter explained on Wednesday evening:

“Told that Chelsea are delaying Armando Broja’s move to West Ham. Striker still keen, Tuchel publicly calling for him to stay today hasn’t changed anything.

Improved £30m bid from Hammers made yesterday.”

The Verdict: Keep pushing?

An arguably proven player in the top flight, having even been called a ‘battle-hardened’ striker by Alan Hutton during his first proper season in the Premier League, Broja would be a shrewd capture for the right price.

However, with just over a month of the window remaining, Moyes cannot afford to wait too long on Chelsea and must move for other targets if they continue to drag their feet.

Regardless of the starlet’s real potential, this week may be crucial in determining whether West Ham should keep pushing or swiftly exit talks.

Nottingham Forest’s impressive summer of recruitment continues, amid reports that the newly-promoted Premier League side are closing in on the signing of Stuttgart midfielder Orel Mangala.

What’s the word?

As per Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Midlands club are now on the verge of making the Belgian international their 12th addition so far in the current window, with the 24-year-old set to make the switch to the City Ground on a £12.75m deal, plus add-ons.

Writing on Twitter about that imminent arrival, the transfer guru stated: “Nottingham Forest are set to sign Orel Mangala from Stuttgart, here we go. Full agreement reached, as first called by @Plettigoal – deal now completed.

“More details: £12.75m fixed fee. £3/4m add-ons. Been told sell-on clause also included around 12/14%.”

This follows a report from The Athletic’s David Ornstein on Monday which revealed that Steve Cooper’s side had reached an “agreement in principle” to land the 5 foot 10 colossus, with the deal seemingly gathering pace.

Forest supporters will be buzzing

That impending move would represent yet another astute piece of business for the two-time European champions, with promotion-winning coach Cooper having been handed significant backing ahead of the club’s first Premier League campaign in 23 years.

Mangala has proven his worth during what has been a fine spell in Germany in recent years, netting once and providing three assists in 28 Bundesliga outings from his central midfield berth last term.

While largely deployed in a more defensive holding role, the £13.5m-rated man’s strongest attribute appears to be his ability to carry the ball forward from deep, as he ranks in the top 1% for dribbles completed among those in his position across Europe’s top five leagues.

Equally, the £4.8k-per-week menace also ranks in the top 12% for progressive passes received and the top 15% for touches in the attacking penalty area, further illustrating his willingness to get forward and impact play in the final third.

Dubbed a “real talent” by national team coach Roberto Martinez, the one-cap brute will add much-needed depth to Cooper’s midfield ranks, with Forest having been left noticeably short of quality in that department following the return of loanee James Garner to parent club Manchester United.

Alongside recent addition Lewis O’Brien, Mangala will help to bolster the manager’s options in the centre of the park, with the 42-year-old seemingly not wanting to leave himself short ahead of such a crucial season for the club.

There may be concerns about just how he will go about bedding in so many new arrivals, but for supporters there will simply be pure excitement at the prospect of yet another exciting talent coming through the door.

AND in other news, Romano: Forest get green light to sign “fantastic” £5k-p/w target, he’s John Terry 2.0

The Sunderland Echo journalist James Copley criticised Luke O’Nien after the Sunderland player made a poor challenge in his team’s 1-1 draw against Coventry City this afternoon.

The Lowdown: Point in the end

Alex Neil’s team had to settle for a point in the end at the Stadium of Light, after a late strike from Viktor Gyokeres cancelled out Jack Clarke’s opener in the first half upon the Wearsiders’ return to Championship football.

The hosts were put under a lot of pressure at times, with Coventry recording more possession and nine shots on the Sunderland goal (SofaScore).

The Latest: O’Nien slammed

O’Nien was given a yellow card by referee Darren Bond in stoppage time for a bad lunge on his opponent.

Taking to Twitter, Copley criticised O’Nien for making such a ‘brainless’ challenge, saying: “Brainless by Luke O’Nien. Should have been a red card. Studs showing on the tackle after being caught out of position.”

The Verdict: No need

So late into the match, there was absolutely no need for O’Nien to go in the way that he did.

Coventry podcasters SkyBlueFansTV labelled it a ‘shocking’ challenge, and in truth the 27-year-old was lucky to get away with just a booking.

O’Nien struggled when he came on for Elliot Embleton just after the hour mark as he committed two fouls in total, making no tackles, interceptions or clearances, while he was also dribbled past twice (SofaScore).

Nonetheless, he could have easily been given a straight red card and missed the Black Cats’ next few fixtures, duly letting Neil and his team-mates down.

West Bromwich Albion didn’t find the drop back down to the Championship as simple as they may have first thought, particularly from an attacking point of view.

Despite racking up the third-highest rate for shots at goal per 90 minutes in the division last season (4.14), the Baggies also had the joint-lowest rating for goals per shot (0.07) alongside Barnsley.

One player that departed the Hawthorns during the previous summer transfer window that would have certainly made the Baggies a deadlier attacking side is Matheus Pereira.

After scoring 20 times and providing 26 assists in 77 appearances for the Midlands club, the Brazilian made a move to Saudi Arabia to link up with Al-Hilal SFC.

Having bagged eight goals and provided 20 assists in 42 appearances for West Brom in the Championship throughout the 2019/20 season, this shows just how useful he would have been had he stayed in the Midlands.

With that in the past and Pereira now elsewhere, the remaining weeks of the summer transfer window could give Steve Bruce’s side the chance to bring in what could be their new version of the departed Brazilian.

Back in late July, it was claimed by Sky Sports that the Hawthorns outfit were interested in securing a loan deal for Manchester United attacking-midfielder Hannibal Mejbri.

With 56 combined appearances for United’s U18 and U23 squads, the Tunisian has scored seven times and supplied 19 assists along the way, which just goes to show the clear attacking prowess he has.

It also mirrors Pereira’s ability to not only find the net himself but set up goalscoring opportunities for his teammates.

In fact, with 32 appearances to his name for his new club, the former Baggies star chipped in with three goals and 14 assists throughout last season.

As for Mejbri, the fact that the 19-year-old was lauded for a “world-class” pass he made during a youth game by former United trainee Paul McShane also shows the technical ability he has and how useful he can be in an attacking sense.

This could make him a very useful addition to Bruce’s ranks given their struggles in front of goal last season.

With the Baggies boss saying that any recruits between now and the end of the window are likely to be loan deals, securing one for Mejbri could be a smart move for the club, thus handing them their next version of Pereira and a potential boost to their chances of getting promoted in the process.

Liverpool have been linked with a move for Yeremy Pino throughout the transfer window so far, and now a new update has emerged on the club’s pursuit of the player.

What’s the latest?

According to popular Spanish news outlet Marca (via Paisley Gates), Liverpool are competing with Arsenal to secure the signature of the Villarreal winger this summer.

As per the report, both Liverpool and Arsenal remain interested in the young player who has a transfer valuation of €50m (£42m) and would be a club-record transfer for the La Liga side should a deal materialise over the coming weeks remaining before the transfer window shuts.

Divock Origi repeat

This summer Liverpool have been ruthless with outgoings in their forward line as Sadio Mane, Taki Minamino and Divock Origi have all made an exit from Anfield over the last few months, as a result, there may be an opportunity to strengthen the depth in the attacking prowess of the team.

If Villarreal’s rising star who predominantly plays on the right wing did make a move to Merseyside it would be unlikely that he would get a starting role in the team as his position already boasts one of the biggest attacking talents in the world, with Mohamed Salah occupying the right flank in the Liverpool team.

The 158-goal Egyptian winger recently signed a new contract to extend his stay at the club until 2025, so Pino could take up a more of an Origi-style role in the forward line as the player has experience across the forward line, not just out on the right.

Origi was just 19 years old when he joined the Merseysiders and ultimately became a cult hero for the supporters after delivering fantastic performances coming off the bench with his most infamous appearances coming in the Champions League semi-final against Barcelona in 2019.

The Belgian goal machine converted one of the most iconic Liverpool set-pieces in the club’s history from Trent Alexander-Arnold’s quickly taken corner to send them into the Champions League final where they beat Tottenham Hotspur to collect their sixth trophy in the prestigious competition.

Indeed, Pino is no stranger to iconic performances himself in European tournaments with the talent, who like Origi could also be 19-year-old when he joins the Reds, becoming the youngest ever player to win the Europa League when Villarreal took the trophy in 2021.

He has also been the recipient of high praise from his manager following his development at the club.

Unai Emery hailed the playmaker “competitive” after his performance against Espanyol last season when Pino scored four goals in just 53 minutes to become the youngest ever individual to score a first-half hat-trick in La Liga history, highlighting his already iconic status in Spain.

“Yeremy is a 19-year-old boy who has a lot of maturity for certain things. He is competitive, brave and always wants more.”

Also hailed as “special” by Fabrizio Romano, it’s clear this talented prodigy boasts all the tools to go far in the modern game.

With that being said, the signing of Pino could be a great piece of business for Liverpool, especially when looking at the future of the team beyond the current squad. For now, he could step into the shoes of Origi by delivering the super sub performances the team has thrived from.