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Leeds United look set to miss out on signing Manchester City’s Romeo Lavia, with Southampton closing in on the midfielder, according to The Athletic.

The Lowdown: Leeds interest

The Whites have been in negotiations with the Premier League champions over the past seven days regarding a move for Kalvin Phillips. The two clubs have now agreed on an initial £42m fee for Phillips, which could rise to £45m with add-ons.

Leeds were thought to be interested in bringing Lavia to Elland Road in a separate deal, but City were reluctant to part ways with the Belgian, labelled an ‘aggressive’ player by Vincent Kompany and ‘highly thought of’ by City reporter Sam Lee.

The Latest: Saints close to deal

The Athletic provided an update regarding Lavia on Wednesday morning.

They claimed that Southampton are close to completing a move for the 18-year-old, pipping Leeds to a deal in the process.

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The Verdict: Gyabi instead

Even though Leeds were after Lavia, it still looks like Andrea Radrizzani and Victor Orta may have a chance of landing another City youngster.

News emerged with Phillips’ pending move to the Etihad that teenage midfielder Darko Gyabi could be heading to Elland Road in a separate £5m transfer.

Gyabi has been described as a ‘Rolls Royce’ by Xander Wilkinson and an ‘outstanding signing’ by Harry Brooks, so a transfer should soften the blow when it comes to Lavia.

Bruno Lage will be aiming to do some solid business in this summer’s transfer window, with Wolves looking to secure a European spot next season for the first time since Nuno Espirito Santo left the club.

With the Molineux side finishing the Premier League campaign in tenth position, it was a solid start to life at the helm of the club for Lage, but an improvement will be required next season.

There could well be an influx of transfer activity, with the future of Ruben Neves still uncertain following the end of the season, a replacement might well be needed.

One player that has been linked perennially with the club is Braga defender David Carmo, who could be the perfect replacement for Romain Saiss, who departed the club recently.

He can be Lage’s own Virgil van Dijk

The 22-year-old has a release clause of £34.3m and it’s likely Wolves might have to move someone on in order to fund the move.

The centre back hasn’t been short of praise in the past, with Leicester City boss Brendan Rodgers stating that he has an “excellent profile” and this could mean his style will allow him to settle in with ease to life in England.

Journalist Josh Holland has compared Carmo’s ability on and off the ball to that of Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk, saying: “They could be getting a defender who’s good on the ball whilst defending balls over the top, like how van Dijk does with his very good body positioning.

“That’s quite important for Wolves to get sorted.”

Both players are particularly good at bringing the ball out from the back and also have excellent passing ability.

For instance, Carmo made more forward passes and interceptions than Wolves captain Conor Coady as per Squawka.

Consequently, Lage could get a defender who might make the same sort of impact in the Premier League that van Dijk did with Liverpool.

AND in other news: Interested in..”: talkSPORT journo drops big Wolves claim that’ll delight supporters

Tottenham Hotspur believe that they are leading the race to sign Maccabi Tel Aviv wonderkid Oscar Gloukh, according to The Mirror (via The Spurs Web).

The Lowdown: Gloukh in profile

The Israel under-21 international was promoted to Maccabi Tel Aviv’s first team in April and has since gone on to play eight games in Ligat ha’Al (Championship round), scoring three goals as an attacking midfielder.

The 18-year-old was a vital component in Israel’s superb run to the final of the European Under-19 Championship earlier this summer. Gloukh scored three goals in the tournament, including one in the final against England.

The Latest: Spurs interested in Gloukh

According to a report by The Mirror (10/7, p74, via The Spurs Web), Spurs believe that they are in the lead in the race to sign Gloukh this summer.

The report stated that the midfielder is valued at £10m and is wanted by the likes of Ajax, Borussia Dortmund, Rangers and AS Roma, but Tottenham have already made early contact over a possible transfer.

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The Verdict: Huge talent

Hailed as a ‘special’ player by former Israel international Gil Vermouth, Gloukh has been likened to former Premier League star Yossi Benayoun, who played for West Ham, Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal, making 194 appearances in the English top flight.

With some big-money arrivals at Hotspur Way this summer, it is promising to see Antonio Conte and Fabio Paratici keeping an eye on youth talent, with the club clearly preparing for the longer-term in addition to the here-and-now.

Therefore, if Gloukh is as good as his widespread transfer interest suggests, then this could be a great swoop for the north London club.

Newcastle United are reportedly ready to make ‘contact’ to sign Girondins de Bordeaux forward Sekou Mara, according to journalist Loïc Tanzi.

The lowdown: Rise to stardom

Previously a member of the youth system at Paris Saint-Germain, the France youth international arrived at Bordeaux in 2017 on a free transfer.

The 19-year-old has flourished since, directly contributing to 11 goals in 36 senior outings for Les Girondins, and he has already attracted the attention of fellow French clubs AS Monaco and Lyon.

After Newcastle’s lengthy pursuit of compatriot Hugo Ekitike came to an end, a claim has emerged suggesting that the Magpies could be about to begin negotiations for Mara…

The latest: ‘Contact…’

Taking to Twitter, Tanzi – a journalist for reputable French outlet L’Equipe – has suggested that Newcastle are set to make their move to sign the France under-20 sensation.

He stated: “After the failure of the Ekitike track, Newcastle will embark on Sekou Mara. The Magpies will contact Bordeaux, which is asking for 15 million euros excluding bonuses and % on resale. Atletico, who need to sell first, are there too.”

The verdict: Minimal risk attached

Signing Mara at the suggested €15m (£12.7m) fee would represent a relatively risk-free investment from the St James’ Park hierarchy given the forward’s age, potential and ever-rising stock, along with the Newcastle owners’ vast riches.

While still vastly inexperienced at an elite level, the exciting teenager – who was described as an ‘all-round finisher’ by reputable analysis site Breaking The Lines – netted six times in 26 Ligue 1 outings last term, highlighting an ability to make an impact despite his tender years and his team’s relegation.

Boasting similar stylistic traits to such renowned target men as Olivier Giroud, Gianluca Scamacca and Jonathan David (FBRef), the talented teenager should be regarded as a top target for Dan Ashworth and the Tynesiders for the remainder of the summer transfer window.

West Ham United are maintaining their attempts to sign Napoli midfielder Piotr Zielinski this summer as an update emerges on negotiations.

The Lowdown: West Ham enter talks…

In seeking to further upgrade David Moyes’ options ahead of a crucial 2022/23 Premier League campaign, the Hammers reportedly have their fingers in many pies.

Discussions are currently ongoing for both Sassuolo striker Gianluca Scamacca and Eintracht Frankfurt star Filip Kostic, with reports suggesting that the Irons are also trying to prise Zielinski away from Serie A.

West Ham narrowly missed out on qualification for next season’s Europa League, perhaps showing the need to add more options this summer if they’re to remain competitive at the top level.

The Latest: West Ham negotiations ‘continue’….

As per reports from Italy, it appears that the east Londoners are not halting in their pursuit of Poland’s 72-cap star.

Corriere dello Sport claim (via Sport Witness) that West Ham negotiations ‘continue’ over signing Zielinski, even if their submitted bid of €20m (£17m) has now been rejected by Napoli, who value him at twice that figure.

This hasn’t deterred Moyes and co, who will apparently maintain discussions in hopes of reaching an agreement.

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The Verdict: Make the move?

Having previously drawn comparisons to the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden, the 28-year-old comes with a fairly impressive reputation.

Former Poland manager Paulo Sousa has also called Zielinski ‘exceptional’ and ‘amazing’, with there appearing to be no shortage of plaudits for the Napoli playmaker.

As Moyes aims to add a creator to his ranks at the London Stadium, the former Udinese ace could come as a good candidate, but West Ham will need to significantly invest given his €40m (£34m) valuation.

West Ham United have reportedly submitted a bid for Eintracht Frankfurt’s Filip Kostic, and the Serbian could be a superb addition to David Moyes’ squad this summer.

What’s the word?

The Irons have already clinched deals for Alphonse Areola, Flynn Downes and Nayef Aguerd so far this summer as they look to build on an impressive 2021/22 campaign which saw them excel in both the Premier League and Europa League.

In the latter competition, the Hammers fell in the semi-final stage to Eintracht Frankfurt, the eventual winners, for whom Kostic is a star player.

It seems as if Moyes was impressed by the 29-year-old, as West Ham have now officially submitted a bid for his services.

Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth stated on Twitter: “West Ham United have made a bid for Eintracht Frankfurt left-back Filip Kostic. Left-back has been a priority position this window. Kostic played in both legs of Europa League semi-final against West Ham last season.”

Moyes would love him

Although Sheth appears to be describing Kostic as a left-back in that tweet, the Serbian excels more as a left midfielder or wing-back and has been extremely consistent in that position in the Bundesliga in recent years.

Last season saw the versatile Serbia international make 31 appearances in Germany’s top flight, in which he contributed four goals and nine assists, averaging a superb 7.11 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

He was also instrumental to their Europa League success, notching three goals and four assists en route to the penalty shoot-out win in the final against Rangers.

Former Eintracht Frankfurt sporting director Fredi Bobic was full of praise for Kostic last season, saying: “I signed Filip at Stuttgart. He showcased his extraordinary qualities there and then at Hamburg. We remained in touch, and he acclimatised very well after coming here. He’s a quiet and reserved guy, works very hard in training and puts in extra running shifts – he’s a top professional.”

The 29-year-old sounds like exactly the sort of player that Moyes would love to have both on and off the pitch at West Ham, and it could prove to be a quality piece of business if David Gold can bring him to the London Stadium this summer.

AND, in other news – “The club are…” – ExWHU shares worrying West Ham update, supporters will be gutted

Wolves will reportedly make a ‘last move’ for transfer target Matheus Nunes this weekend when Wanderers come up against Sporting CP in a friendly.

The Lowdown: Nunes a long-time target

Throughout this summer, Wolves have been constantly linked with bringing the midfielder to the club, with Liverpool also thought to be interested in signing him.

Nunes, who has a release clause of €60m (£51m), has been a key man for Sporting in recent years, making 33 Primeira Liga appearances last season and also forcing his way into Portugal’s team, winning eight caps to date.

Ironically, Wolves take on Sporting on Saturday evening, in what could prove to be a more important day off the pitch than on it.

The Latest: Wolves to make ‘last move’

According to Correio da Manha [via Sport Witness], Wanderers will make a ‘last move’ for Nunes this weekend, walking away from a deal if they fail to make significant progress.

Sporting are aware that it is going to be ‘hard’ to keep hold of the 25-year-old, given his potential preference for a new challenge.

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The Verdict: Make-or-break weekend

Nunes is a top-quality midfielder who could be a fantastic signing for Wolves, so it is no surprise to see them trying so hard to get their man. His pass completion rate of 86.2% in the league last season is proof of the technical ability he could bring to Bruno Lage’s side.

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If Wanderers fail in their efforts to snap up the midfielder, it is vital that either a similar player comes in this summer or Ruben Neves ends up staying put.

Encouragingly, talk surrounding the Portuguese’s future has gone a little quiet of late and keeping hold of him would arguably be more significant than any new signing, Nunes included, considering he has been a fulcrum of Wolves’ midfield for five years now, making 212 appearances in total.

A teasing Sunderland claim has emerged on the club’s plans for the remainder of the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

Black Cats chief Kristjaan Speakman has revealed that he is targeting several new signings before the end of the window to bolster Alex Neil’s squad.

The sporting director has also confirmed that he wants to bring in young players with the potential to improve as he has a long-term vision of where he wants the team to be.

When asked about how many signings the club want to make, he told Sky Sports: “There’s two or three positions on the pitch, two or three profiles, that we’d like to get in to balance the squad. We’ll see how that pans out over the next four weeks.”

Supporters will be excited

Black Cats supporters will be excited by this claim from Speakman because it shows that the club wants to sign promising players who have their best years ahead of them.

This means that Sunderland are unlikely to sign any journeymen with no potential to improve or resale value in the future.

Instead, it will hopefully leave Neil with a group of young and hungry players who are keen to make their mark on the Championship whilst developing as players.

This is an exciting prospect for fans as they can look forward to seeing players giving their all out on the pitch with a point to prove, which may not be the case with older signings who have proven themselves in the past.

Sunderland supporters have already been shown a glimpse of the benefits of this strategy with Daniel Ballard’s debut against Coventry on Sunday. The young centre-back – signed from Arsenal this summer – impressed as he made two clearances, one tackle and two interceptions in the 1-1 draw.

He looked up for the fight and showed character as Neil’s men picked up a draw on the opening weekend, whilst fellow new signing Jack Clark scored and Ellis Simms was named on the bench.

The Everton loanee, 21, scored five goals in 11 Premiership starts for Hull last term and ten goals in 19 League One starts for Blackpool the year before that. This shows that he is a young player with promise, as he has already shown quality early in his career, and fans will be looking forward to seeing him in action.

Imagine two or three more players like Ballard, Clarke, and Simms coming through the door before the window slams shut on September 1st. It is an exciting prospect for the rest of the window and supporters will now be keen to see who Speakman is able to bring in.

AND in other news, Sunderland “seem hopeful” of sealing major deal that’ll leave supporters buzzing…

Tottenham Hotspur could still sign an attacking midfielder and another centre-back before the transfer window closes, according to The Athletic’s Charlie Eccleshare.

The Lowdown: Busy window

Spurs managing director Fabio Paratici has been hard at work this summer, bringing six new signings to Hotspur Way while Destiny Udogie is all set to become the seventh.

Surprisingly, none of the new arrivals were selected to start in Tottenham’s dominant 4-1 victory over Southampton on Saturday and Udogie himself is expected to be loaned back to Serie A.

However, with four major trophies up for grabs, including the UEFA Champions League, these players will undoubtedly see game-time throughout the campaign, and it looks like we could see even more new faces arrive before September 1.

The Latest: Eccleshare’s claim

Eccleshare believes an attacking midfielder and another option at centre-back remain on the Italian’s shopping list, with just three weeks left of the summer window.

Speaking with GiveMeSport, The Athletic journalist claimed:

“I think they may make that signing, the attacking midfielder, if the opportunity presents itself. Less likely, but possible is another centre-back. I don’t think Conte will perhaps want it to go down to the last day.”

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The Verdict: Adding further depth and quality

Having eased past Saints in the Lilywhites’ opening game of the new Premier League season, it could be argued that Conte has all the additions he needs to go and succeed with his extensive squad this year.

However, the arrival of an attacking-midfielder could allow Harry Kane to get further forward, rather than having to drop quite so deep to pick up the ball, as has become a significant feature of his game.

With the arrival of Clement Lenglet, the need for a left-sided centre-back has taken a momentary back seat at the north London club; however, with his transfer being a season-long loan, the Italian duo will be on the hunt for his long-term replacement at the back.

Regardless, Conte and Paratici have added quality and depth to the Lilywhites squad, allowing for more regular rotation this season, and any extras now would be icing on the cake.

West Ham United have submitted a bid for Polish centre-back Jakub Kiwior, who currently plays for Italian side Spezia.

What’s the news?

That’s according to Sky Sports international reporter Gianluca Di Marzio, who tweeted: “€12m bid from West Ham for AC Spezia talent Kiwior.”

It’s no secret that David Moyes urgently needs defensive reinforcements due to injuries, but a move for Kiwior has somewhat come out of the blue.

There is interest from AC Milan too, however, it appears that the Rossoneri are only looking at a potential deal for January or next summer.

A fee of £10m for a player who has already made 22 Serie A appearances could turn into a bargain.

Moyes needs another defender

West Ham signed Nayef Aguerd in the summer for a fee of £30m and he was expected to ease the problems in the heart of the defence for Moyes.

A serious ankle injury in a pre-season clash against Rangers firmly put those plans on the back burner and has spurned the manager back into the transfer market for another defender.

With a move for Thilo Kehrer reportedly heating up, the Polish defender could be next on the list.

A move for Kiwior could be a shrewd one, especially with the aforementioned fee quoted. The 22-year-old made his Poland debut in the 2-2 draw with the Netherlands in the Nations League in June and a move to the Premier League could give him a chance at a World Cup spot.

Compared to positional peers in Europe’s big five leagues, Kiwior ranks in the top 4% for blocks (2.38 per 90), 6% for clearances (2.57) and top 11% for pressures (23.92) over the last 365 days, proving that he should be able to ease into life in England without any problems.

Although Kiwior won’t be signed to immediately displace Zouma, the Polish international stats in comparison to the Frenchman’s are like night and day, with the 27-year-old ranking in the fourth percentile for pressures (4.83 per 90) and 54th percentile for blocks (1.74).

While Moyes needs reinforcements to adjust straight away, Kiwior has the attributes and talent that could make him a mainstay at the heart of the West Ham defence for the next few seasons.

The defender has been dubbed “strong” by Ryan Hubbard and the next logical step for him to make is a move to the Premier League.