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Nottingham Forest are reportedly interested in signing Atletico Madrid full-back Manu Sanchez, according to Spanish journalist Sergio Gomez. 

The lowdown: Top talent

The left-back has enjoyed a steady rise through the youth system in the Spanish capital and has spent the last two seasons out on loan at Osasuna to further aid his development.

The 21-year-old has also been recognised at under-21 level for Spain and has been a highly-rated prospect within the academy at the Wanda Metropolitano, making 30 appearances for the La Liga club’s B team while also being handed seven senior outings.

Despite being under contract in Madrid until 2025 (Transfermarkt), Forest and a Premier League rival appear to have taken a liking to Sanchez…

The latest: Forest ‘love him’

Taking to Twitter, Gomez, who writes for major Latin football outlet Relevo, has claimed that both the Reds and Brighton are enamoured with the Spanish starlet.

It’s claimed that Sanchez wants to return to Osasuna for a third loan deal, although a permanent move away could be on the cards for the Spaniard, who was recently praised by football analyst Marcus Bring for his ‘brilliant final third threat’.

Santos said: “Theme Manu Sánchez-Atleti. The club will announce its renewal but intends to make the most of it because it has a market. The plan was to repeat a transfer (the player prioritizes Osasuna), but a transfer is no longer ruled out. Brighton and Nottingham love him.”

The verdict: Smart signing

In 2021/22, Sanchez scored once and provided three assists in 33 La Liga appearances, gaining invaluable exposure at the top level whilst earning an impressive 6.70 average Sofascore rating in the process.

Boasting strong defensive and attacking qualities including tackling and crossing (WhoScored), the attack-minded Spaniard looks ideally suited to Cooper’s style of play as the Welshman likes his full-backs to get on the ball either in a natural defensive role or as a wing-back.

Although the wide areas were a position of strength during Forest’s surge to promotion, left-back is certainly an area that Cooper will need to address before the 2022/23 season commences.

As things stand, the only natural senior option in that role is Gaetan Bong, who is set to leave the club as a free agent this week. Therefore, signing the £9m-valued Sanchez would be a smart move from the City Ground hierarchy.

According to a Spanish source, Tottenham have now made an important offer for Atletico Madrid forward Yannick Carrasco.

The Lowdown: Tottenham’s previous interest

The 28-year-old still has two years remaining on his current deal with the La Liga outfit, but has recently been linked with a move away from the Metropolitano Stadium.

The Lilywhites had first been credited with an interest in the Belgian back in January, as it was reported that the club were willing to trigger the winger’s €60m (£51.5m) release clause, but nothing ever came to fruition.

However, after a fresh update, it would now appear as though a move to the Premier League could be on the cards this summer, with Spurs set to face competition from a couple of their top-flight rivals in the race for his signature.

The Latest: Spurs make important Carrasco offer

In a new article published by Spanish outlet AS (via Sport Witness), it’s claimed that Tottenham, alongside Chelsea and Manchester United, have all made Carrasco ‘important offers’, and are ‘probing the possibility of a change of scenery’.

The source further states that Diego Simeone has ‘made it clear’ that no offers will be listened to, but that the player feels like he is ‘entitled to request a review of his contract’, as a result of not being happy with his current ‘average’ wage compared to other Atletico players.

The report says that any club wanting to negotiate a deal with the Madrid star will need to activate his buyout clause, and the £51.5m mentioned earlier would be seen as a ‘big deal’ for Tottenham.

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The Verdict: Already got Perisic

There’s no doubt that Carrasco, who was once dubbed “absolutely outstanding” by journalist Josh Bunting, is a hugely talented player, having made 13 goal contributions across all competitions under Simeone last season

However, Antonio Conte has already secured the signature of Ivan Perisic from Inter Milan on that left-hand side, so it’s not worth coughing up a huge chunk of money for another player on that side.

Instead, the sensible option would be to use the £150m put into the club for regaining their Champions League status to fund transfers in more priority positions like a back-up striker.

Tottenham Hotspur and sporting director Fabio Paratici appear to be eyeing a move for Leeds United star Raphinha, and Sky Sports have now backed the rumours surrounding the Brazil international.

The Lowdown: Spurs eye busy summer…

The start of this summer transfer window has perhaps been Spurs’ busiest in recent memory with the Lilywhites confirming Ivan Perisic, Fraser Forster and Yves Bissouma already.

It is believed that manager Antonio Conte has his eye on yet more possible signings at Tottenham with the right-wing-back position, central defensive area and further forward now potentially being upgraded.

Premier League star Raphinha star has also been heavily linked with a move to north London this week as rumours suggest that the north Londoners are even ready to make an offer.

The Latest: Sky Sports back reports…

Now, as per Sky Sports and their senior reporter Melissa Reddy, it appears Spurs’ interest is very real.

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Speaking on live TV (via Football Daily), the broadcast giant and Reddy claim ‘Tottenham have looked at’ the 25-year-old and are in the mix alongside Arsenal and Chelsea.

The Verdict: Push forward…

The Brazil starlet would undoubtedly be a fine capture for Spurs and Paratici as the club chief allegedly eyes a move.

As per WhoScored, Leeds’ star finished 21/22 as their top goal scorer and best-performing regular by average match rating – all attempting the most shots at goal, completing the highest number of dribbles and making the most key passes per 90.

Called ‘unbelievable’ by pundit Paddy Kenny, his arrival at the Hotspur Way would be some statement, especially if it comes by beating Arsenal and Chelsea to the punch.

West Ham United boss David Moyes is personally weighing a summer bid for Sevilla striker Youssef En-Nesyri as his club make a major decision, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Moyes eyes striker move…

This summer could finally be the time West Ham end their long, drawn out search for a striking back-up to Michail Antonio.

The sale of club-record signing Sebastien Haller to Ajax last year has left the Irons without an alternative to their Jamaica international forward and Moyes may need one if he is to keep pace with the Premier League’s elite.

Watford striker Emmanuel Dennis is one man said to be on their radar, but according to The Mirror, En-Nesyri may well be another one to watch out for.

The Latest: West Ham weigh bid…

As per their information, Sevilla are now ‘ready to cash-in’ on their forward due a dip in form – which could be a result of injuries and COVID-19.

West Ham boss Moyes, as a result, is said to be personally ‘weighing whether to go back in’ for En-Nesyri after seeing a £27 million bid rejected in January 2021.

The Verdict: Make the move?

Even though last season was one to forget for the Morocco international star, we believe he could potentially find his feet again in England at West Ham.

The 6 foot 2 forward bagged a brilliant 23 goals for Sevilla over 2020/2021, indicating quality is certainly there, with La Liga expert and journalist Guillem Balague calling him an ‘excellent’ player (Premier Sports).

His eye for goal and physicality perhaps suggests he could fit into Moyes’ system at the London Stadium and this may well be a move the club should consider making.

In other news: ‘In negotiations’ – Journalist says club are ‘considering’ West Ham bid for their ‘superb’ star, find out more here.

Newcastle United have reportedly now positioned themselves to sign Roger Fernandes.

The Lowdown: Busy already

Having already confirmed the signing of Matt Targett on a permanent deal from Aston Villa, it looks like the Magpies may now be close to securing their second signing of the summer in Lille defender Sven Botman.

That would cover two positions on the pitch, meaning that the Tynesiders could then look for other targets to further strengthen Eddie Howe’s starting XI.

The Latest: Fernandes interest from Newcastle

As per A Bola (via Sport Witness), Newcastle are now preparing an offer of €20m (£17.1m) to sign Braga winger Fernandes.

The Portuguese club have already turned down offers from both Ajax and Borussia Dortmund, and the Tynesiders have now positioned themselves for a potential move.

Their offer could reach as much as €25m (£21.3m) if certain targets are met, and the Magpies could even let him stay in Braga to continue his development after signing him.

The Verdict: Worth a punt?

Indeed, Fernandes is still so young at just 16 years of age, so signing him would be quite a punt from Newcastle.

He became a record-breaker during the 2021/22 season when he became the youngest player to feature in the Portuguese top flight when he was just 15, but he has made an impression at that level, scoring three goals in 11 games (Transfermarkt).

Nonetheless, while spending as much as £21.3m on him would be a gamble, money is no object to the wealthy owners at St James’ Park, so Fernandes could be worth it in the long-term.

In other news, find out who is now ‘on verge’ of leaving St James’ Park

Reliable journalist Matty Jones has revealed that Glasgow Rangers have now been ‘contacted’ over the possible signing of Josh McPake.

The Lowdown: Rangers return

The 20-year-old is back at Ibrox after his loan spell at English League Two outfit Tranmere Rovers, his fifth temporary move away from his parent club.

He has only made one senior appearance for Rangers, a first round Europa League qualifier against St Joseph’s in July 2019, casting his long-term future into doubt going into the summer transfer window.

The Latest: Contact made over McPake

Taking to Twitter, Jones has revealed that Hartlepool United have now ‘contacted’ the Light Blues over potentially signing McPake on loan, with a number of other clubs also thought to be ‘interested’ in doing the same.

Sharing a corresponding article from The Northern Echo, he outlined: “Reliably informed that Pools have contacted Rangers about signing winger Josh McPake on loan. He’s made 64 senior appearances at the age of 20 with 37 of those games being played in League Two. Other clubs also interested.”

The Verdict: Just get rid

McPake has already been out on loan five times already in his fledgling career so far, so another such move is unlikely to benefit him or Rangers much further.

Thus, the Teddy Bears should just be looking to get rid at this point, assuming that he is not in Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s plans going into the new season.

Dubbed a ‘really exciting’ signing by Morecambe manager Stephen Robinson when they acquired him on loan last July, perhaps a permanent move to the lower leagues of English football would best suit the 20-year-old, and then the Gers could finally get the winger off their books for good.

In other news, find out who is now ‘close’ to leaving Ibrox here!

Liverpool are among a number of elite European clubs interested in signing Benfica striker Darwin Nunez this summer, according to a fresh transfer report.

The Lowdown: Nunez linked with Liverpool

The 22-year-old has enjoyed a wonderful season for the Portuguese giants, scoring 26 goals and registering four assists in just 28 Primeira Liga appearances.

Nunez has been linked with a move to Liverpool in recent days, with the Uruguayan potentially seen as a replacement for Sadio Mane, who seems set leave Anfield this summer.

A fresh transfer report suggests that the youngster could indeed be a Reds player next season.

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The Latest: Liverpool ‘interested’ in Nunez

According to Sport Witness, a source has informed them that Liverpool are one of ‘several interested’ clubs when it comes to Nunez.

Real Madrid, Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain are also mentioned in the report, with the possibility of a summer bidding war for the highly-rated striker.

The Verdict: Reds’ next attacking superstar?

Nunez certainly looks like a player with incredible potential – Diego Forlan has called his compatriot ‘spectacular’ – so Liverpool’s interest in him is exciting as Jurgen Klopp looks to build his next great attack.

The Uruguay international outlined his brilliance against the Reds twice in 2021/22, scoring home and away against Klopp’s side in the Champions League, and he looked a lively presence throughout that quarter-final tie in April.

At 22, there is still plenty of time for Nunez to mature into an even more formidable striker, especially if he is playing under Klopp and alongside world-class forwards like Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz.

In other news, Liverpool are reportedly still in the hunt to sign one player. Find out who it is here.

Newcastle United have made an enquiry for Bayer Leverkusen star Moussa Diaby with the Magpies keen to invest heavily this summer.

What’s the story?

That’s according to the Telegraph, who claim that Newcastle boss Eddie Howe wants to add a wide forward to his squad this summer with the northeast club making enquiries over a deal for the 22-year-old winger.

Diaby is now a senior French international and helped Leverkusen qualify for the Champions League this season with the German outfit finishing third in the Bundesliga.

The Frenchman still has three years left on his current deal at the BayArena and is therefore expected to cost in excess of £40m if a deal is to be struck this window.

Newcastle must sign Diaby

With Allan Saint-Maximin a firm fan-favourite whilst being one of Newcastle’s best players, having Diaby on the opposite flank alongside his fellow countryman would be a mouthwatering concept for the Toon Army.

Having spent three seasons in Leverkusen after joining from Paris Saint-Germain in 2019, this campaign has been Diaby’s best to date.

Described as “clever” by teammate Kerem Demirbay,  the 22-year-old finished the season with 17 goals and 14 assists in 42 appearances across all competitions, an improvement on last term’s ten goals and 15 assists in 43 appearances.

There is plenty of interest surrounding the Frenchman, who now has five caps for his country, with the wide man one of Europe’s hottest prospects on the flank.

Newcastle are expected to be busy this summer with the upcoming transfer window the first summer window under the ownership of PIF who have already demonstrated how deep their pockets really are.

The captures of Bruno Guimares and Kieran Trippier in January laid down a marker for what is to be expected from the Magpies over the coming seasons as they look to build a monstrous proposition.

Had it not been for a woeful start to the season under Steve Bruce, Howe’s side could’ve genuinely been in with a shout of securing a place in Europe with Newcastle finishing 11th, despite not winning their first league game of the campaign until December.

With Diaby alone, the Toon Army would massively upgrade their attack with the 22-year-old surely set for plenty of speculation this summer with numerous suitors keen.

AND in other news, Howe can ruthlessly axe £63k-p/w deadwood as PIF plot “insane” £40m Newcastle signing…

Leeds United have reportedly enquired about the availability of Barcelona starlet Ez Abde, according to Spanish newspaper Sport (via Sport Witness). 

The lowdown: Top talent

Signed by Barcelona B in 2019 from Hercules, the 20-year-old winger progressed into Xavi’s first-team plans during the 2021/22 campaign.

Abde ended the season with 11 senior outings for the Catalan giants, having scored twice and provided seven assists in 20 appearances for the B team.

Despite seemingly having a bright future in Spain, it appears that Leeds are keen on bringing the Moroccan to the Premier League…

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The latest: Leeds interested in Abde

As per Sport, translated by Sport Witness, Leeds have ‘mentioned’ the name of Abde whilst discussing other deals with Barcelona – perhaps the widely-speculated transfer of Raphinha to Camp Nou.

It is suggested that Wolves – who loaned Adama Traore to the La Liga club in January – also enquired about the possibility of signing the 20-year-old.

Under contract at Camp Nou until 2024 (Transfermarkt), the report makes no mention of a desire from Barcelona to sell the youngster, who was hailed as ‘extraordinary’ by Xavi following a 2-2 draw against Osasuna in which the versatile attacker scored and also completed five successful dribbles in a 7.2-rated performance from Sofascore.

The verdict: Smart move

Equally adept on either wing, signing Abde amidst the possibility of either or both of Raphinha and Jack Harrison departing would be a smart piece of business from Jesse Marsch and Victor Orta.

The talented starlet completed 3.4 dribbles per game during 10 La Liga outings in his breakthrough season at that level, highlighting a penchant for beating defenders which would be welcomed with open arms at Elland Road, where nobody averaged more than two successful dribbles per match in 2021/22.

Boasting stylistic similarities with the likes of Crystal Palace star Wilfried Zaha, Sevilla ace Lucas Ocampos and the aforementioned Traore (Fbref), Abde is certainly one to watch as the next generation of talent comes through at Barcelona, and Leeds would be wise to remain attentive to the possibility of this capture.

In other news, Leeds are eyeing up another signing after Aaronson. Find out who it is here

Leeds United remain interested in Liverpool forward Takumi Minamino, according to a report from David Lynch, writing for Anfield Watch. 

The lowdown: Long-standing admiration

Leeds were heavily linked with a move for Minamino during the January transfer window and even had approaches turned down, while there was also interest elsewhere from French Ligue 1 club AS Monaco.

Since then, the Japan international has remained a bit-part player on Merseyside despite scoring in the midweek Premier League victory over Southampton.

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Now, perhaps unsurprisingly, Whites’ boss Jesse Marsch could be weighing up a possible reunion at Elland Road with the versatile ace whom he selected on 22 occasions during their time together at Red Bull Salzburg.

The latest: Marsch loves him

As per the report from Anfield Watch, Leeds were indeed ‘among the clubs’ that attempted to make a deal happen in January.

It’s claimed that Liverpool will demand a fee in the region of £17million for Minamino and the former Southampton loanee is still ‘attracting interest’ from Yorkshire and Inter Milan.

The report also states that should Leeds avoid relegation this weekend then Marsch will ‘renew their attempts’ to land the 39-cap ace who is said to be ‘receptive’ to the possibility of making the switch.

Marsch is a huge fan of the player, having gushed over his abilities when Liverpool first signed him.

The verdict: Go all out

Despite a lack of regular opportunities since joining Liverpool, Minamino continues to prove his quality when called upon, scoring ten goals and providing one assist in just 24 appearances across all competitions this season.

In truth, the inability to break into Jurgen Klopp’s first team has been through no fault of the gifted Japanese attacker and was instead caused by a lengthy settling in period as the pandemic struck followed by the arrival of instant superstar signings Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz.

Dsecribed as being a ‘very clever’ operator by Marsch following his transfer to the Premier League, Minamino’s ability to play in both wide and central positions would make him a huge addition to the Leeds squad and Director of Football Victor Orta should desperately be attempting to make this deal come to fruition.

In other news: Orta now finally set to accept defeat as Leeds plot exit for Bielsa ‘mistake’ – opinion.