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Tottenham Hotspur are interested in a deal to bring Josko Gvardiol to the Premier League this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by German publication BILD (via Sport Witness), who claim that Spurs ‘want’ to secure a deal for the RB Leipzig centre-back this summer, with the report suggesting that an offer of €100m (£88m) should be enough for the Bundesliga side to sanction the 20-year-old’s departure.

However, BILD go on to state that Tottenham’s Premier League rivals Chelsea are also in the race for the Croatia international’s signature at the end of the current campaign, with the Blues said to be ‘fighting’ Fabio Paratici and Antonio Conte for the signing of Gvardiol next summer.

“Gladiator”

Considering just how much ability Gvardiol already possess, coupled with the 20-year-old’s exponential scope for future development, it is easy to see why Paratici and Conte would be interested in a deal to bring the Leipzig starlet to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium next summer.

Indeed, over his 29 Bundesliga appearances last season, the £115m-rated talent was in imperious form in the heart of the Leipzig defence. He helped his side keep seven clean sheets, in addition to making 1.8 interceptions, 1.6 tackles and 1.9 clearances and winning 5.9 duels – at a success rate of 58% – per game.

The £19k-per-week defender also impressed in an attacking capacity in 2021/22, scoring two goals, providing two assists and creating four big chances for his team-mates, along with averaging 3.4 long balls, 1.3 dribbles and 59.3 passes – at a success rate of 84% – per match.

These returns saw the player who Ivica Olic dubbed “extraordinary” average a sensational SofaScore match rating of 7.10, not only ranking him as Leipzig’s fourth-best performer in the league but also as the 36th-best player in the entire German top flight in 2021/22.

The 20-year-old also caught the eye for all the right reasons over his seven appearances at the World Cup this winter, helping Croatia to keep two clean sheets, in addition to making 1.3 tackles, 1.6 interceptions and 5.3 clearances and winning 2.7 duels – at a success rate of 51% – per match.

The 19-cap international also chipped in his for his country going forwards, scoring one goal in Qatar, along with averaging 3.4 long balls and 66.1 passes – at a success rate of 90% – per game.

These metrics saw the youngster – who journalist Ryan Taylor labelled a “gladiator” – average a breathtaking Sofascore match rating of 7.16. That ranked him as Zlatko Dalić’s fifth-best performer in the tournament, with Gvardiol playing a crucial role in Croatia going on to secure a very impressive third-place finish in the most prestigious competition in world football.

As such, considering just how exciting a prospect the 20-year-old evidently is, it would undoubtedly represent an extraordinary coup for Paratici and Tottenham if they manage to beat Chelsea to the signing of the Leipzig sensation this summer, as Gvardiol is very much one of the biggest defensive talents in world football at present.

Arsenal are reportedly one of threee clubs in the race to sign Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Alexis Mac Allister, who could potentially depart the Amex Stadium in 2023. 

The Lowdown: Mac Allister’s season so far

This season has seen the 24-year-old score five goals in 14 Premier League appearances for the Seagulls. More recently, the Brighton star netted one goal and provided one assist for Argentina in their World Cup-winning campaign.

As things stand, Mac Allister has found himself in the middle of a transfer tug-of-war involving two of England’s biggest clubs, along with a well-known European power.

The Lowdown: Arsenal in Mac Allister transfer race

Argentine journalist Gaston Edul took to Twitter to share an update on Mac Allister’s future amid this three-pronged transfer interest.

Translated from Spanish, he tweeted: “There are three teams interested in Alexis Mac Allister: Chelsea, Arsenal and Atletico de Madrid (in that order).

“It is difficult for him to leave Brighton in this transfer market. He can only leave if the club wants to sell him and its intention is to retain him. His departure may take place in June.”

The Verdict: He’d be a great signing

In addition to his goals for Brighton this season, a tally which doesn’t include a disallowed strike that journalist Charlie Haffenden described as “extraordinary”, Mac Allister has shown in other areas of his game just how impressive he has been in 2022.

Along with having the fourth-highest number of shot-creating actions (31) and passes into the final third of the pitch (65) at the Amex Stadium, he also has the second-highest combined total of tackles and interceptions (64) and has made more ball recoveries (124) than anyone at the south coast club.

His efforts in Qatar earned the Brighton star an overall tournament rating of 7.11/10 from WhoScored, making him the third-highest rated player in Argentina’s squad.

Taking all of that into account, we feel that the midfielder would be an excellent addition to Mikel Arteta’s ranks and that Arsenal should do all they can to sign him in the summer.

Leeds United have are interested in a move for Boulaye Dia in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Italian media outlet Tutto Salernitana (via Sport Witness), who claim that, having been heavily linked with a move for the centre-forward in recent weeks, Victor Orta has now expressed interest in a winter move for the 26-year-old.

However, the report goes on to state that Leeds are not alone in their pursuit of the Senegal international – who is currently on loan in Italy from CF Villarreal – with the likes of Everton, Leicester City and West Ham United also believed to be keen on a move for the striker in the January transfer window.

Absolutely fantastic

Considering just how impressive Dia has been for club and country so far this season, it is not difficult to understand why Orta would be keen on a deal to bring the Salernitana sensation to Elland road this winter.

Indeed, over his 14 Serie A outings – only ten of which have come as starts – this season, the £17.5m-rated forward has been in devastating form, scoring six goals, providing two assists and creating one big chance for his side, in addition to taking an average of 1.1 shots, making 0.9 key passes and completing 0.8 dribbles per game.

These returns have seen the £30k-per-week talent average an extremely impressive SofaScore match rating of 6.88, currently ranking the striker as Davide Nicola’s joint fourth-best performer in the top flight of Italian football.

The 26-year-old has also impressed at the Qatar World Cup this month, with Dia particularly catching the eye during Senegal’s 3-1 victory over the host nation last Friday.

Indeed, over his 90 minutes on the pitch, Dia proved a constant thorn in the Qatar defence’s side, taking two shots at goal, completing one dribble and making one key pass, as well as making one interception, one clearance and winning five duels.

However, it was undoubtedly the striker’s 41st-minute opener that made the biggest impact for his county, with the 20-cap star picking up a loose ball after some shocking defending by Qatar, before unleashing a furious drive beyond a helpless Meshaal Aissa Barsham between the home side’s sticks.

These metrics saw the Villarreal loanee earn a simply sensational SofaScore match rating of 7.3, ranking him as Senegal’s best performer in the meeting, as well as seeing him pick up the Man of the Match award in the fixture.

As such, with Dia having proven he can perform on the biggest of stages this month, coupled with the centre-forward having also been on fire in Italy, it is easy to see why Leeds would be keen on €17m (£15m) talent, as Dia would undoubtedly represent an “absolutely fantastic” – in the words of Marlon Harwood – addition to Jesse Marsch’s current attacking options at Elland Road.

Newcastle United have Vasco da Gama midfielder Andrey Santos on their ‘wish list’, according to Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie.

The Lowdown: Recent interest

The Premier League side have certainly strengthened their squad ever since PIF completed the takeover of the club last year, though they are now on the lookout for a talented prospect as a signing for the future.

The Magpies have held an interest in the Brazilian, with reports last month claiming that the 18-year-old, who is valued at approximately £20m, was in talks over a potential move to St. James’ Park.

The Latest: Downie’s comments

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Downie revealed that Newcastle are in the process of looking at several younger players, and name-checked Santos as being one of the particular targets.

“I think he’s one of a number of younger players they’re looking to bring in, to try and get around the FFP rules.

“We saw them bring in the guy from Australia, Garang Kuol, 18 years old, and I think this is another player on that kind of wish list.”

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The Verdict: Guimaraes successor

Santos has been dubbed a ‘monster’ by Juninho, and he could be seen as the ideal long-term successor of Bruno Guimaraes in the northeast.

The teenager has bags of potential and has already shown what he’s capable of this year having scored eight goals, not to mention he has the versatility to operate in all positions across a midfield (Transfermarkt).

If the opportunity to land him does arise next year, Eddie Howe and co could jump at the chance to secure his services and bag themselves a possible star in the making.

Leeds United want Jack Harrison to sign a new contract ‘as soon as possible’, according to journalist Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Harrison rumours

Harrison has less than two years remaining on his current Elland Road deal and was linked with a move to Newcastle United over the summer.

Reports last month suggested that Leeds chiefs wanted to finalise a new contract before January, with speculation mounting over a new double-your-money deal.

As we know, fresh terms in West Yorkshire have yet to materialise for Harrison, and Jones has been giving his thoughts on the situation.

The Latest: Jones’ comments

Jones, talking to GiveMeSport, said that Leeds have ‘intent’ when it comes to Harrison’s contract and would like him to officially sign a new deal ‘as soon as possible’.

“Obviously, Leeds do have some intent around this and want to persuade him to put pen to paper as soon as possible.”

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The Verdict: Worrying times

Leeds and Harrison started the season in fine form, with the winger contributing to four goals in the opening three Premier League fixtures.

However, the Whites and Harrison have struggled since, so the player may feel wary of extending his stay, with the club currently in the relegation zone.

He may hold off signing a new deal with Leeds in danger of dropping back down into the Championship, so this could be one to keep an eye on heading into the new year.

West Ham United summer signing Gianluca Scamacca is ‘working hard’ after his arrival from Sassuolo, according to reporter Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Scamacca shining for West Ham…

The Italy international has been impressing when given the chance by manager David Moyes, particularly in the Europa Conference League, in which Scamacca has scored in four out of his team’s six games (including play-off round).

In seeking to make his debut Premier League season a successful one, the former Sassuolo striker has also netted in two of his last three top-flight matches.

The 23-year-old has shown signs of real promise in claret and blue, with Moyes now given the pleasant selection headache of consistently rotating between him and previous mainstay Michail Antonio.

The Latest: Jones praises Scamacca…

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones noted that Scamacca seems highly motivated to prove himself in England and is “working hard” to that effect.

He explained: “Scamacca seems so motivated to be a success. I mean, he’s working hard. Even when things don’t come off for him, he’s trying hard to go again and make things happen.

“He’s a really useful player. He’s bouncing off the atmosphere, too. I think he’s just loving life in the Premier League and being at this level.”

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The Verdict: Good to hear…

This claim can only come as good news for West Ham and Moyes as they attempt to maintain their place among England’s best clubs challenging for Europe.

Scamacca is perhaps setting an example for other players in the squad with his apparent work ethic, and it’s exactly what Moyes would’ve wanted from the Italian when finally bringing an end to his long, drawn-out search for a centre-forward alternative to Antonio.

Sunderland could welcome back Ellis Simms and Dennis Cirkin for their next game against Preston, James Hunter reports.

The lowdown

Simms, who’s on loan at Sunderland from Everton, missed Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Watford because of a toe injury he sustained the first half of last week’s 3-0 win over Reading.

Manager Tony Mowbray had hoped that he would be ready to face the Hornets, but the trip came too soon.

Meanwhile, left-back Cirkin has missed the last two matches as a result of a hamstring injury.

The latest

Hunter, a Sunderland writer for The Chronicle, relayed the positive fitness update on Simms and Cirkin on his Twitter account on Monday.

He wrote: “Tony Mowbray hoping for a double injury boost after the international break.”

The verdict

After the high of Jewison Bennette’s late equaliser at Vicarage Road, this represents more great news for Sunderland.

Simms made his debut in the second game of the season against Bristol City and went on to complete 90 minutes in four of the next six matches, underlining his importance.

With three goals to his name, he’s the team’s joint-second highest scorer behind Ross Stewart (five).

Cirkin, meanwhile, had played all but 15 minutes for the Black Cats prior to his injury, and showcased some strong form.

He’s a specialist ball-winner, ranking fifth in the squad for tackles per game and third for interceptions whilst also placing second for clearances (via WhoScored).

Their returns will boost Sunderland’s chances of holding onto a play-off spot in the coming weeks and months.

Crystal Palace had a quiet deadline day with no players arriving at Selhurst Park but they did submit a bid for Peterborough defender Ronnie Edwards.

According to The Daily Mail, the Eagles submitted a second bid worth £7.5m for the 19-year-old after they saw a bid rejected earlier in the summer but if they are to sign the teenage defender, it will have to be in a future transfer window.

They suggest that Edwards, who was a prominent part of England U’19s World Cup-winning side during the summer, is also being tracked by Tottenham Hotspur after breaking onto the scene in the Championship with the Posh last season.

After making 34 appearances in the second tier as Peterborough were relegated last season, Edwards has been a mainstay in Grant McCann’s side this season, starting all six games as they look for an immediate return to the Championship.

Edwards’ former manager Darren Ferguson was also a big fan of the young defender and sang his praises last season.

He said: “He’s an incredible talent, easily the best young player I’ve managed. He seemed to get everyone playing. It was a remarkable performance as he also coped defensively against two Premier League standard players in Troy Deeney and Tahith Chong.”

Therefore it is easy to see why he is attracting interest from Premier League sides, and Palace may well regret not increasing their offer during the summer transfer window, as if he continues to perform for Peterborough their asking price is only going to increase further.

Vieira has shown a preference for younger defenders during his time at Selhurst Park, with Marc Guehi and Joachim Andersen forming a strong partnership at the back, while 22-year-old Chris Richards also joined the club from Bayern Munich.

The French manager would definitely love to have another top prospect such as Edwards in his side, so it would not be a surprise to see the Eagles return for the Peterborough star in January after missing out on his signing on deadline day.

Dharmesh Sheth has dropped an update on reported West Ham United transfer target Hans Vanaken.

What’s the talk?

In a recent post on Twitter, the Sky Sports journalist revealed that, despite it being reported that Club Brugge KV had rejected David Moyes’ opening €10m (£8.5m) bid for the attacking midfielder, with there being a feeling that the 29-year-old is very much open to a switch to east London this summer, West Ham remain in talks with the Jupiler Pro League side regarding a deal.

Regarding the Irons’ move for the Belgium international, Sheth said: “Ongoing talks over Club Brugge midfielder Hans Vanaken.”

Imagine him & Bowen

Considering just how deadly a forward-thinking midfielder Vanaken has proven himself to be during his time at Brugge, the prospect of the 29-year-old lining up alongside Jarrod Bowen in the Hammers’ attacking quartet next season is sure to be an incredibly tantalising one for Moyes and the London Stadium faithful alike.

Indeed, over his 39 Jupiler Pro League appearances last season, the £14.4m-rated talent was in sensational form, scoring 11 goals, providing nine assists and creating ten big chances for his teammates, in addition to taking an average of 1.8 shots, making 1.6 key passes and completing 0.6 dribbles per game.

These returns saw the £48k-per-week midfielder who Onur Kaya dubbed “extraordinary” average a quite breathtaking SofaScore match rating of 7.31, ranking him as the ninth-best performer in the top flight of Belgian football last time out.

For comparison, over Bowen’s 36 Premier League fixtures in 2021/22, the £37.8m-rated winger was in similarly spectacular form, bagging 12 goals, registering ten assists and creating nine big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 2.2 shots, making 1.2 key passes and completing 1.4 dribbles per game.

These metrics saw the £96k-per-week attacker who Stephen Killen dubbed “unreal” average an extremely impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.09, ranking him as Moyes’ second-best player in the top flight of English football last season.

As such, the prospect of this duo linking up behind either Michail Antonio or Gianluca Scamacca in the Hammers’ attacking four next season is sure to strike fear into Premier League defences up and down the country – leading us to believe that the Irons should do everything they can to convince Brugge to part with Vanaken this summer with an unreal partnership potentially on the horizon.

West Ham United transfer target Georginio Wijnaldum has been deemed surplus to requirements by Paris Saint-Germain and will look to leave the Ligue 1 club. 

What’s the word?

That’s according to Fabrizio Romano, who wrote on Twitter: “Paris Saint-Germain and Gini Wijnaldum have decided to part ways this summer, confirmed. Work in progress to find new club as soon as possible, PSG are prepared to loan him out in the next days or weeks.

“AS Roma, really interested – but no official bid yet.”

Both Everton and West Ham had registered an interest in the Netherlands international towards the end of June.

Supporters will be buzzing

David Moyes has been a busy man in the transfer market already this summer, although this could be his biggest addition yet if it comes off.

Declan Rice and Tomas Soucek have formed one of the better Premier League midfield pairings in the last couple of years, but adding this slightly different dynamic could be the difference between another Europa Conference League finish or a push for the top four.

Wijnaldum is already considered a cult hero for his Champions League heroics with Liverpool, so he already has the necessary pedigree for that level.

He has struggled to truly establish a place in a stacked PSG line-up, although he still managed a respectable 38 appearances under Mauricio Pochettino, although it was his stint with Liverpool which should excite West Ham fans the most.

Jurgen Klopp was emotional when talking about the 31-year-old’s exit from Anfield last year, stating: “I will miss the player he is like crazy, highest-quality ability, one of the smartest players I have ever had the privilege to coach. His contribution was off the scale, a manager’s dream.”

He featured in all 38 of the Reds’ league matches in 2020/21 and made 37 appearances in the campaign prior as he helped his team to win their first league title since 1990.

Although his goals and assists count are seldom exceptional, what he offers to a team is incredible work rate and intelligence, combined with the ability to push forward and finish neatly from close range.

Last season he ranked in the 96th percentile for non-penalty expected goals among positional peers in Europe’s top five leagues, suggesting that he is getting into areas of promise. His 90.4% pass completion rate also outlines him as something of a metronome when he features, and he could become integral to Moyes’ side if he moves to east London.

West Ham supporters should be buzzing at the prospect of attaining this exceptional footballer with such experience at the highest level, who would push the fine midfielders already at the club to strive to be even better.

AND in other news – Bid submitted: Gold in West Ham talks for “extraordinary” signing, Moyes will love him