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Nottingham Forest have reportedly ‘made an offer’ to try and sign Lille defensive midfielder Amadou Onana this summer.

The Lowdown: Busy transfer window

The newly-promoted Premier League outfit have already made three solid additions in the summer transfer window so far, securing the loan signing of goalkeeper Dean Henderson from Manchester United along with deals for striker Taiwo Awoniyi and right-back Giulian Biancone.

They are also closing in on the signing of defender Moussa Niakhate from Bundesliga club Mainz, who looks set to become their fourth summer signing already, and it does not look like they will stop there.

The Latest: Onana ‘offer’

Taking to Twitter, reliable journalist Sacha Tavolieri has revealed that Steve Cooper’s side have ‘also made an offer’ for Onana, but it has been ‘refused’ by Lille and his entourage.

The reporter tweeted: “Among the clubs interested in #PremierLeague, the club of #NottinghamForest has also made an offer to Amadou #Onana. A proposal refused by #DiablesRouges and his entourage.”

The Verdict: Go again

Even though their first offer has been pushed back, Forest should look to go in with an improved offer for Onana.

A player who has been courted by the likes of Liverpool and West Ham United, the 20-year-old certainly seems a ‘huge talent’, in the words of talent scout Jacek Kulig.

With 42 appearances across all competitions last season, he was a mainstay in Lille’s line-up, featuring in all eight of their Champions League games (WhoScored).

His impressive performances earned him his first senior cap for the Belgium national team in June, so this is a potential transfer which should have Forest fans greatly excited.

West Bromwich Albion have been handed a boost by boss Steve Bruce, who has issued a positive update on his squad.

What’s the word?

That is according to a report from BirminghamMail who claim that the vast majority of Bruce’s squad are in “ship shape” and are slowly building up fitness levels before their pre-season friendly campaign which begins next Monday.

As per the report, the Albion squad are in the Portimao region of Portugal in pre-season camp, with Bruce and his staff watching the players closely.

And the boss has issued a positive update that will please the WBA faithful. As per BirminghamMail, Bruce said:

“Dike is okay, Mowatt is okay, Bartley not for the first week at least, and Kean Bryan is still a few weeks away from joining in with us,” Bruce explained.

“We set up a training camp in Portugal and took my staff out there with the physios. Dike and Zohore both did a couple of weeks, so did Townsend, so did Mowatt, so they’ve got themselves in good nick.

“The only ones missing are Bartley and Kean.”

Supporters will be buzzing

West Bromwich Albion look to be serious about achieving their ambition of Premier League promotion this season.

You can see this from their movement in the transfer market, as well as the reports surrounding their pre-season preparation.

But from the update issued by Bruce, perhaps the biggest news for supporters, aside from new signings in Jed Wallace and John Swift joining up with the squad, is the status of Dike.

The 22-year-old American is highly rated and has proven himself in all three full seasons of his career, scoring 28 goals in that time frame.

Essentially, it’s a case of where there is game time, there is most certainly goals for Dike, and he has not been afforded the former due to an unfortunate situation with a hamstring problem that ruled him out for the majority of the campaign.

As such, he has not had a chance to prove his worth at The Hawthorns, but the latest developments from Bruce, who was careful with his minutes at the end of the season, paints a positive picture for supporters who will be eager to see him bagging goals on the regular across the upcoming campaign.

AND in other news: Journalist drops big 8-word West Brom transfer claim that supporters will hate 

Liverpool have again been linked with a move for Real Madrid winger Marco Asensio, with the Spaniard’s future expected to lie away from the club.

The Lowdown: Asensio saga rumbles on…

The Reds have been tipped to sign the 26-year-old in recent weeks, as they look at potentially replacing Sadio Mane during the summer transfer window.

Asensio lost his regular place in the Madrid team last season, with Vinicius Jr and Federico Valverde preferred out wide in the Champions League final win over Liverpool, and recent reports have boosted Liverpool’s chances as the player is now expected to leave.

The Spain international has just one year remaining on his current deal.

The Latest: Journalist drops update

According to COPE journalist Melchor Ruiz [via Sport Witness], Liverpool are definitely in the conversation, with Asensio getting ‘increasingly‘ closer to the Madrid exit door.

He has ‘decided to listen’ to offers from elsewhere, which is where both the Reds and AC Milan are mentioned, although neither are picked out as favourites to sign him.

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The Verdict: Still feels unlikely

Asensio has already had a brilliant career, winning the Champions League three times, among numerous other trophies – Jorge Valdano once compared him to Lionel Messi – so it is easy to envisage him being a force at Liverpool.

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He has become an injury-prone player in recent years, however, which immediately works against the move happening, with no more than 21 La Liga starts coming his way in a single campaign since the 2015/16 season.

Asensio would also have to be content with playing second fiddle to Mohamed Salah on the right-hand side, putting him in a similar squad role to the one he’s currently seeking out of in Madrid. For that reason, Milan feel the more likely to snap him up.

Premier League and BBC journalist Andy Sixsmith has been left wowed by what Newcastle United are plotting after the imminent signing of Nick Pope.

The Lowdown: Pope signs

The St. James’ Park outfit have confirmed that Pope has now signed from Burnley on a four-year deal, as he becomes their second summer signing after Matt Targett.

Their early arrivals means that they can now focus on other areas further up the pitch, with both the North East club and Arsenal reportedly leading the race to sign Fabian Ruiz from Napoli.

The Latest: Sixsmith wowed

Taking to Twitter, Sixsmith was left wowed when he heard that the Tynesiders are in for Ruiz this summer, even going as far as to claim that he would be ‘right up there with the Bruno Guimaraes signing’:

“There was NUFC interest in Fabian Ruiz in January – seemingly now again in the summer. A wonderful player with fantastic vision & an incredible left foot, this would be right up there with the Bruno Guimaraes signing if NUFC make a move.”

The Verdict: Exciting

The fact that the Magpies are being linked with a player of Ruiz’s quality is so exciting for the Toon Army.

He has consistently played at the highest level for Napoli over the last four campaigns, playing in both the UEFA Champions League and Europa League as well as in Serie A (Transfermarkt).

A midfield maestro like Bruno, the Spain international has scored 22 goals and 15 assists during his time in Naples so far (Transfermarkt), and would surely relish the opportunity to play alongside the Brazilian in the middle of the park.

The former Lyon star is already adored by NUFC supporters despite only joining in the January transfer window from Lyon, and so adding Ruiz to the mix would be a dream.

Former Rangers defender Alan Hutton has claimed that Ibrox goalkeeper Allan McGregor could stay at the club and embark on his coaching career in Glasgow.

The Lowdown: Mega-money offer

According to reports, the veteran stopper has been offered the chance to end his career in the United Arab Emirates after receiving a lucrative two-year contract. However, it is also claimed that the ‘keeper has entered talks with Rangers over a combined role involving coaching and playing duties.

The 40-year-old is reportedly weighing up his options after his contract at Ibrox expired at the end of May.

The Latest: Hutton’s claims

Hutton has claimed that he can now see his former team-mate heading down the coaching path, rather than accepting the offer from the UAE.

When asked in an interview with Football Insider whether a coaching role would be something that McGregor would consider, the ex-Scotland right-back claimed: “I think he would.

“If you asked me that a couple of years ago, I would have said definitely not. But the older he has got, the more you can see that pathway into coaching opening up.

“If Rangers are there to help him along the way with badges and so on, it’s always a little bit easier when you’re already in the building. You know everybody and you feel comfortable – so it’s something he’ll look at.

“I’ve always told him that he needs something to keep his mind active when he does retire, and that could be the route forward for him.”

The Verdict: Sign him up

Despite his age, the former Scotland international played 47 times for the Gers last season, including 14 matches in the Light Blues’ incredible Europa League campaign.

Having played more than 330 times in the Premiership, Rangers could utilise McGregor’s experience on their coaching staff, with the ‘keeper clearly knowing the club inside and out from his 446 appearances in blue.

Furthermore, Giovanni van Bronckhorst could continue to use the 40-year-old as a squad option, adding depth to a crucial position. Therefore, a joint role would be brilliant for all parties involved.

In other news: Rangers have now ‘approached’ to sign this transfer target

West Ham United are reportedly close to sealing their first signing of the summer transfer window.

What’s the word?

That is according to a report from Sky Sports’ Dharmesh Sheth, via GIVEMESPORT, who claims that the Hammers are closing in on a deal for Rennes defender Nayef Aguerd.

Sheth revealed that the signing is close and that the unveiling as a West Ham player will take place if he goes through his medical without any issues.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Sheth said:

“There are two signings that look quite imminent as it stands, and one of them is the Rennes central defender Nayef Aguerd. He’s either been having a medical today, or tomorrow he’ll be having that medical at West Ham.”

As per the Metro, the Hammers will sign the Moroccan for a fee of £20m.

Moyes will love him

From a West Ham perspective, this would be some start to the summer transfer window.

Injuries to Angelo Ogbonna and Issa Diop left Moyes with a shortage of established centre-backs at the club, with pressure piled on the likes of Craig Dawson and Kurt Zouma to remain fit.

Ogbonna’s omission from the squad will arguably have hindered Moyes the most, with the Italian defender the only left-footed centre-back at the club.

In order to successfully build sustained attacks from the back, natural-footed centre-backs are seen as an effective way to boost possession stats, making it easy for a right-footed centre-back to play a switch towards the left-flank.

Aguerd, being a left-footed defender can not only offer that option to Moyes, but is proven in doing so effectively, averaging 64.37 passes completed and 3.26 switches with a progressive passing distance of 482.48 yards per 90.

The Morrocan has all of the technical ability needed to thrive as a ball-playing centre-back in the league and will bring something different to Moyes’ side who are clearly looking to improve on their 47.7% average possession metric. As a result, the Scot will love to have him in his team next term.

In other news: WHU can unearth a new Zola by signing £18m-rated “machine” who can “chop people down” 

Manchester United are reportedly lining up a move for Juventus centre-back Matthijs de Ligt this summer, as Erik ten Hag looks to oversee a defensive overhaul at Old Trafford.

What’s the word?

According to reports in Italy (via Daily Star), United consider the Juventus man their main centre-back target this summer, with ten Hag unsurprisingly a big fan of the defender after their time working together at Ajax.

The report also claims that Juventus are unlikely to want to sell the Netherlands international and makes reference to his release clause, which currently stands at £106m, which could perhaps rule out any United move for him.

However, other reports have claimed that the 24-year-old wants any new contract with the Old Lady to include a more realistic release clause, while he has also spoken out about Juventus’ disappointing fourth-place finishes in the last two seasons.

Ten Hag’s dream signing?

De Ligt is well-known to ten Hag, having captained Ajax during their memorable run to the Champions League semi-final in 2019.

The centre-back would make 11 appearances in the competition, averaging a superb 7.17 rating from WhoScored for his performances, which emphasises his ability to play at the very top.

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With ten Hag also linked with reunions with Frenkie de Jong and Jurrien Timber, it seems clear that the new United boss will make use of his Ajax connections this summer as he looks to lead a revolution at United.

De Ligt earned high praise from former Juventus centre-back Andrea Barzagli last year, as he said:

“De Ligt is a modern defender who likes physical contact, has incredible potential and a strong professionalism. He has been under pressure since he was very young, yet he is always calm.”

Considering United’s defensive woes last season, which saw them concede more than Burnley, Brighton and Brentford in the top-flight, signing a top-class defender to partner Raphael Varane should be a top priority for ten Hag this summer.

At just 22-years-old, de Ligt would also be a great investment for the future, as he could easily be a key man at Old Trafford for the next decade, so if a deal can be done, then United should do everything they can to sign him.

The new manager would absolutely adore him.

And, in other news… MUFC now edging closer to “unreal” £67m signing, he’d be “absolute magic” for Ten Hag – opinion

A huge development has emerged in Manchester United’s ploy to bring Frenkie de Jong to Old Trafford this summer.

What’s the word?

De Jong has emerged as a target for new manager Erik ten Hag over the last few weeks as the former Ajax boss aims to reunite himself with the Dutch maestro.

No official bid has been submitted yet but the club are now in contact to sign the 25-year-old this summer.

Speaking on YouTube channel, Romano said:

“I have an update for you after a check I had in the last few hours. Frenkie de Jong spoke in public in the last 24 hours and said again that he has no intention to leave Barcelona. But what I can tell you is that after some checks, Barcelona and Manchester United are in direct contact for Frenkie de Jong.

“There is still no official bid from Manchester United. They are still discussing, speaking, there is no official proposal yet. It could happen in the coming hours or days. For sure, Manchester United have intention to act soon for Frenkie de Jong. They really want to complete this transfer this summer. The fee, from what I’m told is around €85m (72.4m). This could be the price tag to sign the Dutch midfielder.”

Exciting times for Man United

Manchester United now have the price they need to bring De Jong to the Premier League this summer.

Although not necessarily a breakthrough in proceedings, it should excite the Old Trafford faithful considerably that the two teams are now in talks regarding a potential deal.

With confirmation arriving on Wednesday that Paul Pogba is set to depart, bringing in a new central midfielder is simply of utmost importance.

A player as good as De Jong would be a fine way to replace him too.

A quick look at FB Ref’s similar player model puts the Dutch dynamo in fine company, with the player comparable in playstyle to the likes of Luka Modric, Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva.

He is blessed with a wonderful range of passing, with de Jong registering a success rate of 91.3% for Barca in La Liga this season.

To compare that to the United squad throughout 2021/22, he ranks higher than any player to start a game for the Red Devils in the Premier League.

A safe pair of hands in the middle of the park is exactly what ten Hag needs to start his rebuild and it’s evident he’d be an upgrade on the likes of Scott McTominay and Fred.

He makes more key passes per match (1.3) than the pair of them – a statistic that would place him fourth in the United side – and he also completes 1.6 dribbles a game. Once more that’s a number that betters United’s midfield options and again places him fourth compared to ten Hag’s squad.

With that in mind, it’s clear to see that he’d offer a great deal more in the centre for the Premier League side, an eventuality that should leave fans excited at the prospect of him arriving in England this summer.

AND in other news, MUFC can sign their answer to Haaland in “magical” £222k-p/w gem who’s “like Maradona”…

Celtic could well have received some promising news regarding the future of reported target, Ko Itakura…

What’s the word?

Writing on Twitter, the Japanese defender appeared to confirm that he will not be signing a permanent deal with newly-promoted Bundesliga side, Schalke, having spent the recent campaign on loan at the club: “I am very grateful for my time with Schalke. It is a great club and we enjoyed a great season together. I really felt like a family. I will miss everyone here very much, but I wish Schalke all the best for the future. Thank you for everything”.

The German outfit have also released a statement thanking the 25-year-old for his service, with sporting director Rouven Schröder admitting that they had simply been unable to do the deal for ‘financial reasons’, with Sky Sports previously reporting an option to buy fee of around £6m to prise him from parent club Manchester City.

That same report also noted the Hoops interest in the eight-cap international, with Postecoglou and co plotting new defensive additions ‘regardless’ of whether Cameron Carter-Vickers sees his temporary deal made permanent.

Postecoglou buzzing

This latest news will prove a notable source of delight for the Celtic boss, with the Scottish champions now far better placed to strike a deal for the one-time Groningen man, should they wish to follow up their previous interest.

The £3.15m-rated machine – who is yet to make a single appearance for Pep Guardiola’s side since arriving at the Etihad in January 2019 – had emerged as a target for the club last summer, albeit with the Parkhead outfit eventually bringing in the likes of Carl Starfelt and the aforementioned Carter-Vickers.

That pair have formed an “immense” partnership in recent months – according to pundit Chris Sutton – although further competition will no doubt be needed, particularly with Champions League group stage involvement to come for the first time since 2017.

Equally, a lack of depth could emerge if Christopher Jullien departs the Old Firm side this summer, having seemingly fallen out of favour in the 2021/22 campaign, making just a solitary appearance in all competitions despite returning from injury midway through the season.

In Itakura, however, Postecoglou could have identified a more suitable fit, having likely been aware of the defender’s talents due to his strong connections to the J-League, with the versatile ace having begun his career at Kawasaki Frontale.

Raiding the Japanese market has already worked wonders for the 56-year-old in recent times, first bringing in Kyogo Furuhashi during the summer, before adding Daizen Maeda, Reo Hatate and Yosuke Ideguchi in the winter to help with their title push.

The aim will be to kick on again next term, with managing to secure the services of the City man likely to go down well with the Celtic visionary.

In other news, Celtic can unearth a new Giakoumakis after submitting bid for “very strong” £2.5m gem

Everton could reportedly now sell Salomon Rondon this summer as Real Mallorca consider making an offer.

The Lowdown: Flop

It is safe to say that Rondon has been a flop since arriving at Goodison Park in the summer, having managed to score just once in the Premier League in 20 games.

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His last match summed up his time on Merseyside perfectly, as he got himself sent off for what Sky Sports pundit Andy Hinchcliffe described as a ‘reckless’ challenge in a 3-2 loss at home to Brentford, which could have ended up as what costed them dearly if the relegation threat had been realised.

The Latest: Offer considered

As per The Daily Mail, Spanish club Real Mallorca are now considering making an offer for Rondon, as Frank Lampard is expected to overhaul his attack.

He has one year left on his current deal at the Toffees, with the option of a further year, so the summer presents a good time to sell him, should they want to recoup any decent transfer fee.

The Verdict: Get rid

It has come to the point where the Blues simply need to get rid of Rondon, and reinvest in a new striker for the future.

The 32-year-old is currently earning £43,000-per-week, and so EFC could do with getting his wages off of their books to free up room for any potential additions.

Sadly, it just has not worked out for Rondon, who was signed by Rafa Benitez for the third time in his career, a player that the former Everton manager clearly loves.

Nonetheless, now is the time for both him and the club to part ways.

In other news, find out which ‘outstanding’ leader the Toffees are now favourites to sign here!