All posts by h716a5.icu

Nottingham Forest are believed to be eyeing a move for Wolfsburg forward Omar Marmoush, according to reports in Germany.

What’s the word?

As per Kicker, the Reds have been named among a handful of clubs – along with fellow Premier League side Brentford and La Liga outfit Espanyol – who are interested in signing the 23-year-old this summer.

The report outlines that the Egypt international is yet to sign a contract extension, with just a year remaining on his existing deal with the Bundesliga club, although it’s set to be only a ‘matter of time’ before the 13-cap gem is offered improved terms.

The Cairo-born menace had spent last season on loan at Stuttgart, scoring three goals and providing five assists in 23 top-flight games.

Cooper’s own Salah

Fresh from that impressive spell with Die Roten, the £5.4m-rated ace has also settled in quickly to life back at his parent club, netting a 92nd-minute winner in the recent DFB-Pokal victory over Carl Zeiss Jena at the weekend.

Previously dubbed “fantastic” by Stuttgart sporting director Sven Mislintat, the £20k-per-week forward has enjoyed a real breakthrough last 12 months or so, having also played a key role in his country’s surge to the Africa Cup of Nations final at the start of this year.

The 6 foot sensation featured in all seven games during that run to the decider, despite having only made his debut at senior international level last October, with the winger rubbing shoulders with national team icon Mohamed Salah as part of Egypt’s attacking lineup.

The hope for those at the City Ground will be that Marmoush – who also netted seven times while on loan at St Pauli in the second half of the 2020/21 season – can replicate the impact that his compatriot has enjoyed at Liverpool in recent times.

An integral figure under Jurgen Klopp at Anfield, Salah has been in simply outrageous form for the Reds since joining from AS Roma in 2017, having scored 157 goals and provided 64 assists in 255 games so far.

The 30-year-old has won a plethora of major honours during his five years on Merseyside and is arguably one of the most potent forwards in the English top flight, having finished top of the charts for both goals (23) and assists (13) in the league last term.

Even if Marmoush – who can play anywhere across the forward line – were able to hit anything near those heights, it would no doubt be a real boost for Forest manager Steve Cooper, with the Welshman seemingly wanting to add increased squad depth despite having already made 12 summer signings so far.

Amid the buzz surrounding the arrival of players like Jesse Lingard and club-record purchase Taiwo Awoniyi, if the Wolfsburg ace were to be signed, it could be him who goes on to terrorise defences in the Premier League for Forest this season, just as Salah has so often done with Liverpool in recent times.

Leeds United winger Helder Costa will join Al-Ittihad on a permanent basis at the end of his loan spell next year, according to journalist Phil Hay.

The Lowdown: Costa heads out on loan again

The £32.5k-per-week winger spent last season on loan at La Liga side Valencia, with Marcelo Bielsa unable to promise him regular playing time at Elland Road.

Having returned to Leeds at the end of last season, Jesse Marsch’s stance has been the same as his predecessor’s, with Costa again unwanted at the Premier League club, for whom he last played almost a year ago in a Carabao Cup tie against Crewe.

On Sunday, it was confirmed that the 28-year-old has joined Saudi Pro League team Al-Ittihad on a temporary basis until the end of the season. He will link up once more with his former Wolves manager Nuno Espirito Santo, who branded him “immense” in October 2020 prior to a clash between the Old Gold and Leeds.

The Latest: Permanent move expected

Taking to Twitter, Hay delivered a 10-word update claiming that Costa will join the Saudi club for good once his loan spell expires.

In response to a tweet from Leeds confirming the winger’s loan move, The Athletic journalist succinctly stated:

“Permanent deal for Costa at the end of the loan.”

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-news-48/” title=”Latest Leeds United news!” poster=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/cropped-2022-03-10T184055Z_1834933207_UP1EI3A1FW561_RTRMADP_3_SOCCER-ENGLAND-LEE-AVA-REPORT-1-scaled-1.jpg” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=“none”]

The Verdict: Right time to move on

It is clear that Costa’s time at Leeds is now up, so the sooner he seals a permanent exit, the better it will be for all parties, bringing an official end to his time at Elland Road.

The Portuguese’s current Whites deal doesn’t run out until 2024, so they will still be able receive a fee for his services next summer, which could help go towards new signings.

Costa’s time at Leeds certainly won’t go down in legend but he still had his moments, registering 19 goal involvements in 71 appearances overall, with a brace against Fulham in the club’s first home match back in the Premier League two years ago showing how effective he can be when at his best.

Journalist Pete O’Rourke has claimed that signing Stuttgart striker Sasa Kalajdzic ‘would be a real coup’ for Everton.

The Lowdown: Talks held

As per The Daily Mail, the Goodison Park outfit are among a number of clubs who have held talks over the possible signing of Kalajdzic this window.

However, Manchester United, Chelsea and Bayern Munich also thought to be keen on the Austria international, so it could be quite the race to snap him up.

The Latest: ‘Real coup’

Speaking to The Transfer Tavern, O’Rourke has claimed that it ‘would be a real coup’ for the Merseyside club if they can beat the likes of Man Utd to Kalajdzic’s signature:

“Yeah again, another good player who’s got good pedigree and a real good goalscoring record in the Bundesliga with some top clubs being mentioned in the past with him as well.

“And if Manchester United are interested in him, if Everton were to beat United to his signature it would be a real coup for the club as well.”

The Verdict: Get it done

Considering the level of competition Kalajdzic’s signature, this is a deal that Frank Lampard’s team simply need to get done as soon as possible.

The 25-year-old has an impressive record in the Bundesliga, scoring 22 goals and providing ten assists in 50 games after this afternoon’s clash with Werder Bremen (Transfermarkt).

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/everton-news-7/” title=”Everton news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

His biggest asset is perhaps his aerial ability, as he has been hailed by journalist Marcel Reif as a striker who can do ‘crazy‘ things in the air, intimidating defenders with his towering six-foot-seven stature.

Nonetheless, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin out injured, Kalajdzic could be the ideal replacement.

Nottingham Forest are showing ‘serious’ interest in Atalanta midfielder Ruslan Malinovskyi and have even made a first bid, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Forest linked with Malinovskyi

The Reds were linked with a move for the 29-year-old earlier in the week, with the club seeing him as someone who could further take their midfield up a gear.

Malinovskyi has won 49 caps for Ukraine and made 128 appearances for Atalanta, registering ten goal contributions (six goals and four assists) in Serie A last season.

While Forest are yet to get their man, a new update suggests that they are pushing hard.

The Latest: Interest ‘serious’, bid made

According to Calciomercato [via Sport Witness], the Reds are ‘serious’ about bringing in Malinovskyi, having ‘already made’ a €15million (£12.6m) bid for him.

Atalanta want ‘closer to €20m (£16.9m)’ though, and the level of interest in the Ukrainian means they can drive up his price.

It is stated that he ‘could indeed be the next to go’ from the Serie A club this summer, however, giving Forest hope.

The Verdict: Is he needed?

Malinovskyi’s pedigree speaks for itself, given his international experience and the fact that he has made nine appearances in the Champions League in the last two seasons.

That being said, Forest just need to make sure they don’t overbuy in the summer transfer window, to a point at which Steve Cooper has too many options all of whom need bedding into an unfamiliar system.

Midfield does still arguably look the most in-need area for reinforcements, but a move for Cheikhou Kouyate looks all but done and Lewis O’Brien and Orel Mangala have already been added.

Club Brugge star and West Ham United target Hans Vanaken is ‘charmed’ by the east Londoners and ‘willing to listen’ to them, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Moyes eyeing moves…

The Irons and manager David Moyes, after losing two consecutive Premier League games, are said to be busy behind-the-scenes and want more new signings through the door before September 1.

West Ham have already sealed deals for Nayef Aguerd, Flynn Downes, Alphonse Areola, Gianluca Scamacca, Maxwel Cornet and, most recently, Germany international Thilo Kehrer from Paris-Saint Germain.

However, reports suggest that Moyes  also wants to strengthen his midfield and Vanaken is a sure-fire target.

The Latest: Vanaken ‘charmed’ by Irons…

As per a report in the last 48 hours out of Belgium, there has been a very mixed update on West Ham’s chances of landing the 29-year-old.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/west-ham-latest-news-4/” title=”West Ham latest news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

HLN claim that Vanaken is ‘charmed’ by Moyes’ side and ‘willing to listen’ with the attacking midfielder seemingly tempted to join.

It’s added that West Ham’s interest has made the player ‘think’, however, his club are a major stumbling block.

Brugge have apparently adopted a no-sale stance due to the fact he is ‘indispensable’.

The Verdict: Keep pushing?

Every club has their price and we believe pushing for Vanaken is worth the time and effort.

A tempting enough bid may just convince Brugge if the attacker pushes for a move to east London so Vanaken himself being tempted by West Ham could be a major factor in this saga.

Approaching 30, the Jupiler Pro League star is running out of time to try his hand in England and Moyes’ interest may hand him an unmissable opportunity.

His quality is evident, having finished 21/22 as Brugge’s third-best performer by average match rating whilst racking up 11 goals and nine assists in the process (WhoScored).

Former teammate Onur Kaya also raved over his ‘special’ qualities and in particular his ‘extraordinary intelligence’, leaving little wonder West Ham are chasing him.

Liverpool have joined the race to make a late move for Paris Saint Germain midfielder Leandro Paredes, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Juventus in advanced talks

The 28-year-old still has two years remaining on his contract with the French giants, but is expected to make a Parc des Princes exit this summer to seek more game time after making zero league starts so far this season.

Juventus are believed to be in very advanced negotiations to sign the Argentina star, but fresh reports have now emerged which suggest that the Reds believe they can block the deal and bring the maestro to the Premier League.

The Latest: Liverpool’s Paredes pursuit

According to Argentinian outlet El Litoral (via Liverpool Echo), it’s claimed that Liverpool have ‘joined the race late’ in a bid to sign Paredes this window.

It’s stated that the Merseyside outfit are in an ‘attempt to hijack’ Juventus’ move, who are currently in the ‘latter stages’ of a transfer.

Jurgen is a Red! Show how happy you are about it with this awesome t-shirt! Click here to buy…

The Verdict: Back up option to De Jong?

Liverpool are seemingly hurriedly trying to sign a midfielder before the September 1 deadline, having reportedly made a bid for Barcelona’s Frenkie De Jong.

The Netherlands international would surely be the first choice if he’s attainable, given his status and reputation as one of the best young midfielders on the planet.

The Argentina international Paredes meanwhile, dubbed ‘beautiful to watch’ by former PSG ace Fabrice Pancrate, is supposedly leaving Ligue 1 in search of regular football, so a move to Anfield, where he may not even achieve that once everyone is fit, seems like an emergency option for both parties.

One thing Paredes does have on his side however is remarkable passing statistics, ranking in the 99th percentile amongst central midfielders across Europe for both passes and pass completion – to put those numbers into perspective, Liverpool’s Thiago sits in the 98th and 93rd percentiles.

Wolves have joined the race to sign talented PSV Eindhoven winger Cody Gakpo before Thursday’s deadline, according to reports in the player’s homeland.

The Lowdown: Gakpo a wanted man

The 23-year-old has been linked with moves to various Premier League clubs in recent months, with Liverpool and Manchester United among those believed to be interested.

Gakpo has been one of PSV’s most influential players in recent years, scoring 12 goals and registering 13 assists in the Eredivisie last season, labelled as ‘incredible’ and ‘fantastic’ by football talent scout Jacek Kulig.

With Wolves looking for attacking reinforcements by the end of deadline day on Thursday, it looks as though they are in the mix to snap up the Dutchman.

The Latest: Wolves keen on winger

According to Einhovens Dagblad [via Molineux News], Wanderers have been eyeing up a move for Gakpo for a number of weeks and he is happy to leave PSV this summer if the ‘whole picture is right’ for him.

The winger’s current deal doesn’t expire until 2026, however, and his current club are expected to demand €50million (£43m) for his services.

[freshpress-quiz id=“398117″]

The Verdict: Statement of intent

Gakpo is a hugely exciting prospect who has already matured into a formidable attacking player, so Wolves’ rumoured interest is extremely encouraging.

[freshpress-poll id=“399044″]

Admittedly, it could mean that Pedro Neto is set to leave Molineux in the coming days, but ideally, one of them on either wing would make Wanderers so much more of a threat in the final third. It could also be that he is seen as a replacement for Hwang Hee-chan instead, which makes more sense given the January arrival’s links to Leeds.

Gakpo’s aforementioned end product last season speaks for itself and there is no reason why his speed and unpredictability out wide can’t be similarly influential in the Premier League, with the Dutchman also hoping to star for the Netherlands at the upcoming World Cup.

Everton failed to make the second centre-forward signing that they wanted in the final hours of Deadline Day as an offer for Ben Brereton Diaz came in too little too late, and Frank Lampard will now have to work with the squad that he has in order to inspire better results in the Premier League this season.

The Toffees signed Neal Maupay over the summer following the exit of Richarlison and the injury sustained by Dominic Calvert-Lewin, which left them without a trusted out-and-out striker before the ex-Brighton and Hove Albion forward made his move to Merseyside.

As a result of the lack of goals in the squad, Everton have had a slow start to their Premier League campaign. They are currently 16th in the table with just six goals scored, and despite being unbeaten in their last four games, they have only taken four points from their first six outings.

It is clear that the Toffees are lacking the edge needed to turn their equalisers into winners and there is one player on the club’s books that could be the solution to their problems, saving the club millions in the process.

Ellis Simms is currently on loan with Championship outfit Sunderland and has been a standout performer there already, with the young forward being labelled an “absolute nuisance” by journalist Phil Smith for his impact on the Black Cats.

Across seven league appearances, Simms has scored three goals and created two big chances, making one key pass and taking 2.6 shots per game. He scored a brace on his debut and is already the fourth-highest rated player in the squad at the Stadium of Light with a 7.16 rating according to SofaScore.

The 21-year-old’s quick start in the Championship should come as no surprise to the powerbrokers at Goodison Park, with the young sensation scoring 58 goals during his time in the Everton under-18 and under-21 teams, with a goal contribution every 97.5 minutes whilst progressing through the youth ranks.

Lampard could have the next Calvert-Lewin on his hands in Simms, and if the youngster continues to flourish at Sunderland during his loan spell, it could open up the opportunity for him to follow in the footsteps of Anthony Gordon and earn a regular place in the Everton first team.

Middlesbrough are eyeing up a January move for Northampton Town midfielder Sam Hoskins, according to reports in the last 48 hours.

The Lowdown: Boro miss out on Delph

Chris Wilder previously admitted that he would be open to looking at some free agents to add depth to his midfield, but after missing out on Fabian Delph following his retirement, the boss will now have to search elsewhere.

Hoskins still has two years remaining on his deal with the Cobblers, but after an impressive start to the season, both individually and collectively, he has caught the eye of a couple of Championship clubs, and Boro are one of those name-checked.

The Latest: Middlesbrough eyeing Hoskins

According to Football League World, Middlesbrough, alongside rivals Sunderland, are the two second-tier teams ‘with an eye’ on Hoskins, and are ‘keeping tabs’ ahead of the winter market opening.

There’s also strong interest being generated from League One, with the likes of Sheffield Wednesday and Derby County keen to secure his services.

The Verdict: Perfect for Wilder

Middlesbrough have had an underwhelming start to the season so reinforcements are definitely needed and Hoskins would be a welcome addition at the Riverside Stadium.

The League Two star’s technique in the final third and in front of goal has been revered as ‘perfection’ by sports journalist Josh Bunting, as also evident by his outstanding 11 goals and one assist in just ten appearances this season (Transfermarkt).

Hoskins offers plenty of versatility having previously operated both in the centre and on the left wing which will be attractive to Wilder given the relentless amount of fixtures, so this is a deal that Steve Gibson should seriously consider pursuing in the New Year.

Tottenham Hotspur could make a move for Leicester City midfielder James Maddison in January, according to journalist Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Previous interest from Spurs

Throughout summer, it was reported that Antonio Conte sought to add a creative playmaker to his Lilywhites squad.

Reportedly valued at £60m by his club, Maddison was heavily linked with a move away from the King Power Stadium during the transfer window, amid bids from Newcastle and interest from Spurs.

However, with the Foxes sitting bottom of the Premier League table, the 25-year-old could seek to leave the club in January if a turnaround in their results fails to transpire.

The Latest: Jones’ claim on Maddison

Jones believes that Leicester’s situation in January will determine the attacking midfielder’s immediate future as to whether he decides to leave in the winter or stay for the remainder of the season.

Speaking ahead of the Foxes’ crucial upcoming league clash against Nottingham Forest tonight, the journalist told GiveMeSport: “They’ve got a big game on Monday and they’ll be looking to turn around their season.

“If they can’t do that, then I think there’ll be a few clubs, probably including Tottenham, knocking on the door in January.”

Nice one, Son! Show your love for Heung-min Son with this awesome t-shirt! Click here to buy…

The Verdict: Great addition

When looking at the Englishman’s underlying attacking statistics, it is easy to see why Conte would be keen to bring him to Hotspur Way in January.

As per FBRef, compared with positional peers across Europe over the past year, the 25-year-old ranks in the 95th percentile for non-penalty goals, the 88th percentile for shots total and the 86th percentile for assists, which illustrated the impact that he can make in the final third of the pitch.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/tottenham-latest-news-3/” title=”Tottenham latest news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Having earned stylistic comparisons to the likes of Juventus’ Angel Di Maria and AS Roma’s Paulo Dybala, the playmaker has gone on to yield huge praise for his contributions in the final third.

England manager Gareth Southgate has previously dubbed Maddison ‘world class’ for his set-piece delivery, which has helped him bag three goals in six league games so far this season. Also, BBC presenter Rob Butler has previously dubbed the Leicester playmaker a ‘magician’.

Therefore, this would appear to be a brilliant potential move both for the player and for Tottenham.