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Leeds United are believed to have made an offer for Paris Saint-Germain Arnaud Kalimuendo.

The Lowdown: Kalimuendo a bright talent

The 20-year-old is a big young attacking talent with a bright future ahead of him, outlining his quality during a two-year loan spell with Lens.

Kalimuendo scored 12 goals in 27 starts in Ligue 1 last season and coach Franck Haise has described him as the ‘prototype striker’ in the modern game, while European football expert Antonio Mango hailed him as a ‘superstar in the making’.

With Leeds in desperate need of attacking reinforcements this summer after the injury woes of Patrick Bamford last season, an exciting rumour has emerged.

The Latest: Leeds make offer

According to Miguel Delaney of The Independent, the Whites have submitted an offer in the region of €20million (£17.1m) for Kalimuendo.

PSG are thought to be ‘amenable’ to a deal coming to fruition, not seeing him as a key man moving forward, but they want various clauses in the deal, including a buy-back option.

The report reaffirms that Raphinha ‘will leave’ and says the PSG gem is earmarked to help Jesse Marsch ‘reshape’ the attacking ranks at Thorp Arch.

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The Verdict: Snap him up

Kalimuendo could be a hugely exciting summer arrival at Elland Road, bringing much-needed firepower to the squad, as well as partly filling the void left by the outgoing Raphinha.

He can play both on the left-hand side and in a central role, with that versatility likely to appeal to Marsch, and he would also be a long-term acquisition who should only improve in the next three or four years.

Incredibly, the youngster ranks in the 99th percentile for forwards across Europe’s top leagues when it comes to pass success rate, showing impeccable composure in the final third for such a young player.

Kalimuendo also has four goals in 10 caps for France’s Under-21 side, further highlighting his potential, and Leeds should do all they can to bring him in, even if a buy-back clause isn’t ideal.

In other news, Leeds have stepped up their chase to sign a Premier League player. Find out who it is here.

Newcastle United have reportedly now ‘promised’ to make an offer for Roger Fernandes, with the Portuguese press labelling the Magpies’ interest as a ‘big story’.

The Lowdown: Record-breaker

Fernandes became a record-breaker last season when he became the youngest player to feature in the Portuguese league at just 15 years of age.

Now 16, the winger capable of playing on either flank has already made 11 senior appearances for Braga, scoring three goals (Transfermarkt), and is seemingly one of the most promising young prospects in Europe.

The Latest: Offer ‘promised’

As per O Jogo (via Sport Witness), a ‘big story’ has now emerged involving the St. James’ Park outfit, claiming that they have ‘promised’ to make an offer for Fernandes after watching him play last term.

Braga rejected a bid from Ajax for the winger back in the January transfer window, but it is thought that the Magpies could sign him for around €20m (£17.1m).

However, Fernandes possesses a €40m (£34.2m) release clause, and if interest starts to grow, Braga may well demand a fee closer to that figure.

The Verdict: Low risk

Given that Fernandes is just 16 years of age, signing him this summer would be a relatively low risk move from the North East club.

He has already tasted senior football at a high level, having even made an appearance in the UEFA Europa League last campaign.

The Tynesiders are building for the future, and Fernandes could turn out to be a great squad option for Eddie Howe over the next few years and eventually develop into a superstar. Even if he doesn’t, his age and potential means the Magpies could likely cash in for a decent fee down the line.

In other news, find out what big NUFC transfer update has now emerged here!

Tottenham Hotspur correspondent Alasdair Gold has now shared an update on the Lilywhites’ pursuit of Championship starlet Djed Spence.

The Lowdown: Tottenham eye Spence move…

According to recent reports, Spurs are still well and truly in contention to sign the 21-year-old, who dazzled on loan at Nottingham Forest from Middlesbrough over 2021/22.

Spence was a key figure and mainstay in Forest’s push for Premier League promotion, making a ‘significant’ contribution for manager Steve Cooper as he started 41 league matches and earned the squad’s sixth-highest rating from WhoScored.

As such, the north Londoners are reliably believed to be keen on signing him for Antonio Conte, and while some reports suggest that a fee has been agreed, Gold has come out with a claim to the contrary.

The Latest: Gold shares Spence update…

The football.london journalist took to Twitter after seeing ‘confirmation’ from the Boro side that no club is in advanced talks to sign Spence just yet.

However, Gold did go on to say that ‘early’ developments are expected this coming week.

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The Verdict: Make the move…

Homegrown and possessing bags of potential as an attack-minded wing-back -he was included in the EFL Championship Team of the Season – we believe that signing Spence should come as a no-brainer for Tottenham transfer chief Fabio Paratici.

Described by ex-Spurs full-back Alan Hutton as an ‘incredible’ player who ‘massively fits the bill’ for Conte (Football Insider), the possible arrival of the 21-year-old could also help to fix a glaring issue with Spurs’ unbalanced homegrown quota.

Reports suggest that he is valued at around £20m, and while that could be viewed as a considerable investment for someone so young, we believe that a defender of his ilk may well be worth the gamble.

In other news: ‘What is this witchcraft?’ – Media thrilled by ‘great’ transfer news out of Tottenham! Find out more here.

Reporter Jacques Talbot has now made a Tottenham Hotspur transfer claim involving in-demand Benfica forward Darwin Nunez.

The Lowdown: Spurs eye striker move?

Spurs boss Antonio Conte seemingly has his eye on a plethora of summer targets after guiding the north Londoners to a top-four Premier League place last season.

Their place in Europe for 2022/2023 is now confirmed with plenty of more good news having soon followed, including the signings of Ivan Perisic and Fraser Forster on Bosman deals and a £150 million equity increase.

Tottenham’s financial windfall will be used to back Conte ahead of his first full season in charge with reports claiming a possible striker addition is certainly on the agenda.

The Latest: Talbot makes Nunez claim…

According to reporter Talblot, the Lilywhites are still well in the mix to sign star Benfica striker Nunez with an update now emerging in the last 48 hours.

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Shedding light on the 22-year-old’s situation amid intense interest from England, he explained:

“Been asked about him a lot recently. Was indicated to me his favoured place was Man United. But can see Liverpool, Tottenham, Arsenal, Newcastle, West Ham, and even Chelsea depending on Lukaku, all with an interest (though to what extent varies).”

The Verdict: Get it done…

Scoring 34 goals across 41 appearances in all competitions last season, it’s little wonder Nunez has garnered a reputation for being a ‘sensational’ striker over the last few years (James Dodd, Fox Sports).

One big red herring for Tottenham and transfer chief Fabio Paratici will be the price tag, especially considering the competition and how Benfica have their star man protected by a staggering £125 million release clause.

In other news: Paratici opens Spurs talks to sign ‘scary’ £183,000-per-week star once worth £130m, find out more here.

Tottenham Hotspur journalist Dan Kilpatrick of The Evening Standard has now shared a ‘looming problem’ for manager Antonio Conte in north London.

The Lowdown: Spurs summer reshuffle begins…

Having confirmed the signing of Ivan Perisic on a Bosman deal from Inter Milan, Spurs boss Conte has shown no sign of slowing down there going by recent reports.

The Italian’s transfer meeting with club chief Fabio Paratici in Turin last week revealed that the Lilywhites could strengthen in a number of key areas after their £150 million equity increase.

However, despite the seemingly never-ending good news recently, Kilpatrick has seen fit to remind supporters of a ‘looming problem’ facing Conte.

The Latest: Kilpatrick shares bad news…

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According to the reporter, as Spurs approve an exit for midfielder Harry Winks, the consequence is a real problem balancing the books in terms of homegrown quota.

He explained:

“Spurs have approved Harry Winks leaving the club and Conte wants a new midfielder. But the club has a looming problem with non-homegrown numbers.”

The Verdict: Dilemma…

Selling surplus-to-requirements assets like Winks will inevitably have this consequence but, luckily for Lilywhites supporters, the club does have an eye on English replacements.

The likes of Djed Spence and James Ward-Prowse, alongside Fraser Forster, may well come in given their serious links with a move to Hotspur Way.

Tottenham targeting homegrown players as part of Conte’s Premier League plans is a promising indicator that they do have this issue in mind at the very least.

In other news: Conte sets sights on once-£100m ‘game changer’ who once agreed personal terms with Spurs! Find out more here.

Rangers ended the 2021/22 campaign on a high as they won the Scottish Cup with a 2-0 win at Hampden Park at the weekend.

Gio van Bronckhorst’s side needed extra time to win the match as brilliant goals from Ryan Jack and Scott Wright ensured that James Tavernier was lifting the trophy after full-time.

The Gers brushed aside the disappointment of missing out on success in the Premiership and Europa League and will now head into next season with one trophy to build on.

Whilst many in light blue impressed in the win, one of the best performers on the day was Hearts central defender John Souttar.

After the game, ex-Dundee FC manager James McPake heaped praise on the 6 foot 1 defender, Tweeting: “John Souttar has cruised this. He’s the real deal. Top player. To be out for so long and to play the way he has in a cup final.”

The centre-back is set to join Rangers on a free transfer this summer and his performances throughout the 2021/22 campaign suggest that he is the dream heir to Connor Goldson’s throne at Ibrox.

Van Bronckhorst’s go-to man at the heart of the defence is out of contract at the end of the month and is, currently poised to depart from Glasgow to pastures new. The club already have his replacement in the door, though, as Souttar has been exceptional in the Premiership.

As you can see in the graphic above, with stats provided by SofaScore, the Hearts man stacked up incredibly well in comparison to Goldson.

Both players were consistently brilliant for their respective clubs and have proven that they are elite performers in the Scottish top-flight. Journalist Ewan Murray dubbed Souttar as “outstanding” earlier this year and his stats back that up as he has made himself a brick wall at the back for his team.

His form for Hearts suggests that losing Goldson is not as big of a blow as it may seem on paper. If the Scotland international can adjust to van Bronckhorst’s tactics and hit the ground running then it seems as though he will be a very important player for the club next season.

He is a proven player at this level and still has more development to go through at the age of 25. Souttar can be Rangers’ starting centre-back for many years to come and is, hopefully, the dream replacement for the English colossus at Ibrox.

AND in the news, Enquiry made: Rangers avoided disaster with “annoying” dud whose value dropped £8.4m…

Nottingham Forest have qualified for the Championship play-off finals and could potentially secure Premier League promotion, with a new transfer update emerging on one of their most influential players in the team.

What’s the latest?

According to Manchester Evening News, Manchester United youngster, James Garner will be assessed this summer by new manager Erik ten Hag and it will be his decision if he wants to give the midfielder a chance at Old Trafford.

However, the report does give hope to his current loan club, as they claim to understand that there is a chance that Garner will be loaned out again.

A dream in the Premier League

If Forest were to get promoted back into the Premier League for the first time since 1999 it would be an incredible coup for the club to secure another season-long loan deal for Garner which would benefit the player, the club and Manchester United.

Another loan deal would be advantageous if Cooper can secure a deal for the player and gain promotion as he would not only get further development from guaranteed first-team football at the club but Premier League experience that would be hugely beneficial to Man United, in the long run, to see how he can perform at the highest level.

All of these advantages should put Forest in a good position to keep Garner next season and when you consider his output this season in the Championship and the positive influence he has had in the centre of the pitch, he would clearly be a huge loss to the team.

The £6.3m-rated midfielder who was hailed “magic” and a “threat” by MEN journalist George Smith, has scored four goals and eight assists, creating seven big chances and making 2.0 key passes.

He’s also thrived defensively, producing 1.8 tackles and 1.4 interceptions and winning the majority of his ground and aerial fuels combined (58%), proving he is effective in multiple facets of play.

With that being said, it would be a great opportunity for Forest if they can keep one of their most consistent players for another season whether they earn promotion or remain in the Championship.

Either way, they now look in a better good position to land Garner if Ten Hag decides to let him go back on loan next season.

AND in other news: Forget Samba: Forest’s “unbelievable” brute who won 12 duels was Cooper’s unsung hero

West Ham United manager David Moyes must finally axe a defender who’s been causing him “problems” in Vladimir Coufal.

He’s already cost them too much, and could contribute to them missing out on a Europa League place if they lose against Brighton and Hove Albion on the final day of the Premier League season.

On the Chalkboard

There is a lot on the line for both sides who face off at the AMEX Stadium this afternoon. The Hammers will be targeting a sixth-place finish and to achieve that will have to win and hope Manchester United drop points. Meanwhile, the hosts could confirm their first-ever top-half Premier League finish depending on how results go elsewhere.

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If West Ham are to secure victory then axing right-back Coufal will help them. The 29-year-old joined the club in 2020 from Slavia Prague for £5m. He has been a solid player at times but isn’t the long term solution and if the club want to keep growing and push for the Champions League places next season they need someone better.

Last week saw the farewell of club captain Mark Noble and an impressive 2-2 draw against Manchester City that has had a huge effect on the title race. However, that result could have been a victory if it wasn’t for an own goal scored by Coufal.

It would have given the club a much better chance at securing a Europa League place. It also meant that the Czech Republic international now has more own goals for The Hammers than he does goals.

Moyes can’t risk starting the £27k-per-week full back again and should start the more promising option of Ben Johnson. The 22-year-old Englishman has made 19 league appearances for the club this season so isn’t short of experience. He also has a goal to his name which proves he can be more of a threat going forward.

Coufal’s contract at The London Stadium expires next summer, at which point he will be almost 31, so it wouldn’t make sense for West Ham to keep him for any longer than that.

They could potentially sell him this summer and try and recoup some of what they bought him for, he’s rated at £10.8m according to Transfermarkt.

IN other news: “It’s my understanding…”: Ex drops big WHU summer update, supporters will be buzzing…

Manchester United have asked for ‘official information’ regarding a possible mega-money move for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen.

The Lowdown: Cavani set to depart

Erik ten Hag looks set to be extremely busy this summer when it comes to incomings and outgoings and appear to be in the market for a marquee forward.

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A number of players are out of contract at Old Trafford at the end of June, including Edinson Cavani, who looks set to leave after two seasons in Manchester.

Osimhen, who former United striker Odion Ighalo described as ‘the future’, seems to be a forward on Ten Hag’s radar, but it could be an expensive transfer.

The Latest: Osimhen update

Sports Witness relayed an update from Corriere dello Sport regarding United and Osimhen. They claim that United are in the lead for the Nigerian’s signature and have now asked for ‘official information’ on a figure.

Napoli have reportedly told United that there is a €110m (£93.6m) starting point, with the Serie A side not willing to go below €100m (£85.1m).

The Verdict: A lot of money…

United are reportedly willing to hand Ten Hag a £100m budget and are keen on looking at potential free agents. Therefore, spending a large percentage of his budget on Osimhen may not be the best idea.

Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong is expected to be a major target, and while Cristiano Ronaldo could be the only centre-forward available to Ten Hag when he arrives, should Cavani depart, splashing the entire remaining budget on Osimhen would leave the squad bare in other areas.

A major rebuild at Old Trafford is required and the club are seemingly extremely keen on signing de Jong, so pursuing someone like Paulo Dybala on a free transfer instead of Osimhen for £90m+ could be a wiser move.

In other news: Man Utd now working to sign ‘underrated’ defender in £38.5m move; offer ‘imminent’

Steven Gerrard has added Liverpool’s Phil Roscoe to his ‘support staff’ at Aston Villa, The Athletic’s Gregg Evans reports. 

The lowdown

Gerrard took on the Villa job last November and is still putting his imprint on the role.

The 41-year-old is one of Liverpool’s greatest legends, ranking third on the club’s all-time appearance list and fifth on their goalscoring charts.

His coaching career began with a stint as their Under-18 boss following his retirement.

And his backroom team at Villa already includes former Reds Under-23 coach Michael Beale and ex-Liverpool midfielder Gary McAllister, who played 87 games for the club.

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The latest

Evans tweeted on Friday afternoon that ‘Gerrard is adding’ to his behind-the-scenes team at Villa.

Roscoe ‘will join from LFC’ after a 17-year spell on Merseyside to take up a role as head of player care.

He was invited to watch Villa in action against Leicester City on 23 April.

The verdict

Gerrard will be pleased to secure this appointment – Evans notes that Roscoe’s position is ‘very important’ and will see him work closely with the first-team squad.

His success stories at Anfield include the integration of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Raheem Sterling into the first team set-up.

It will now be interesting to see whether Gerrard looks to poach any playing staff from his alma mater this summer.

According to a report from Football Insider, Reds centre-back Joe Gomez is his ‘no. 1 target’ ahead of the transfer window.

In other news, read this transfer insider’s claim on Villa’s CBs.