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Phil Hay relayed news on the future of Leeds United attacking midfielder Tyler Roberts.

What’s the latest?

In a recent post on Twitter, The Athletic journalist relayed the news that the 23-year-old has now joined Queens Park Rangers on a season-long loan deal, with the Championship side having the option to make the deal permanent next summer.

In his tweet, Hay said: “Tyler Roberts has joined QPR from Leeds United. Season-long loan. Includes an option for a future permanent move.”

Supporters will be buzzing

Considering just how much Roberts struggled with life in the Premier League, the news that the Wales international has now moved onto pastures new this summer is sure to have left the Elland Road faithful buzzing.

Indeed, over his 27 league fixtures in 2020/21 – only 14 of which came as starts – the £7.2m-rated forward scored one goal, registered two assists and missed one big chance, as well as taking an average of 1.0 shot, making 0.4 key passes and completing 0.6 dribbles per game.

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These returns saw the 23-year-old average a disappointing SofaScore match rating of just 6.76, ranking him as Marcelo Bielsa’s eighth-worst performer in the league that season.

Things did not improve for Roberts over his 23 Premier League appearances last season, with the £22k-per-week attacker scoring one goal, providing one assist and missing one big chance, as well as taking an average of 1.3 shots, making 0.7 key passes and completing 0.5 dribbles per fixture.

These metrics saw the player who Gabby Agbonlahor dubbed both “shocking” and “not good enough” average an even more disappointing SofaScore match rating of 6.74 last time out.

Furthermore, in a poll ran by Football FanCast earlier this year, the overwhelming majority of Leeds supporters made it known that they felt Victor Orta simply must sell the former West Bromwich Albion talent this summer – leading us to believe the fact that Roberts looks as if he could have played his final game for the Whites is sure to delight many involved with the club.

AND in other news: Report reveals huge Leeds United summer transfer twist, supporters will be buzzing

Manchester City have been backed by Juventus to make a move for their defender Matthijs de Ligt this summer, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Getting down to business

The Blues aren’t wasting any time in completing their transfer business, having already secured Erling Haaland up top and now close to securing Kalvin Phillips in midfield, but the one area of the pitch where the movement has been pretty quiet is in defence.

The 22-year-old is the only name who has made the headlines when it comes to a potential Etihad switch, with Pep Guardiola’s side previously understood to have been battling it out with Premier League rivals Manchester United for his signature, and another link to the former Ajax captain has now surfaced.

The Latest: Juventus ‘confident’ of City interest

In a new article published by Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness), it’s claimed that Juventus are ‘confident’ that City will attempt to sign De Ligt this transfer window.

The source states that the reason for this is because Guardiola has ‘never hidden his admiration’ for the centre-back, and that if Nathan Ake were to leave the club this summer, this could create ‘space to include’ the 6 foot 2 ace at the back.

The Verdict: Not a transfer priority

Whether Ake is to stay in Manchester or not, De Ligt isn’t someone who City should be making a priority to sign at this moment in time, given his sizeable price tag.

The 38-cap international, who was once hailed a ‘complete’ player by his former Ajax teammate Dusan Tadic, is believed to have a whopping €120m (£103m) release clause in his contract at Juventus.

This isn’t a sum that the hierarchy should be coughing up for someone who they don’t consider a serious transfer target in comparison to the level of interest they held in their new signings, but this could definitely be a deal to watch in the future if his contract situation lowers the price tag.

Sunderland AFC face the tough task of replacing Black Cats main-stay Aiden McGeady, after releasing the veteran winger last month.

Despite struggling with a knee injury in the season just gone, McGeady still managed to make 14 appearances for Alex Neil’s side, chipping in with a healthy seven returns in the form of three goals and four assists.

Whilst he did not directly contribute to the Black Cats’ play-off success on the pitch, his experience in and around the dressing room would surely have helped the side to pull off such a feat.

McGeady has been there through thick and thin with Sunderland, joining them in the Championship and staying with them as they sunk to the third tier of English football.

Sunderland could surely make use of an experienced and clinical midfielder in what could be a tough survival campaign in the Championship this season.

And they can find that experience in the soon-to-be free-agent Robbie Brady, who joined Bournemouth ahead of the second half of last season, with rumours around a potential move to Sunderland growing, as per TEAMtalk.

The 57-cap Ireland international only made six Championship appearances due to injury though, with Scott Parker stating this last year via the Bournemouth Echo:

“Robbie has been probably one of the most frustrated out of everyone really. It’s been very stop-start. It’s been niggly for Rob, so he’s pleased to be back.

“We need to try and keep him back now, keep him ticking along, because he’s got big quality, big experience as well and he could help us for the run-in.”

Brady, who has scored “cracking free-kick”, offers a greater level of versatility, being able to occupy both advanced and defensive positions along the flanks, and if he can stay fit, could bolster Neil’s side having been a first-team Premier League player just two seasons ago.

Available on a free, Brady is worth a gamble from the perspective of the Sunderland boss and could offer a similar presence to club veteran McGeady.

AND in other news: Huge Sunderland behind-scenes development emerges, supporters will be buzzing

Wolves are willing to sell right-back Ki-Jana Hoever during the summer transfer window, according to a new report which has emerged.

The Lowdown: Hoever struggles for game-time

The 20-year-old joined the Old Gold from Liverpool in 2020, coming in as a precocious defender who appeared to have a bright future ahead of him.

Hoever has struggled for playing time at Molineux to date, though, only starting four Premier League games last season and finding himself as a backup to Nelson Semedo, obtaining less than 500 minutes of senior game-time.

It now looks as though the Dutchman’s time at Wolves could be coming to an end.

The Latest: Wolves happy to sell Hoever

According to The Express & Star’s Liam Keen, the Molineux club are ‘open’ to the idea of letting Hoever leave this summer, as they aim to recoup the £9m that they paid for him.

The youngster’s current deal expires in the summer of 2025, but the report mentioned that Bruno Lage has previously called him out over sustaining injuries due to inadequate preparation.

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The Verdict: Get rid for the right amount?

While Hoever seems a talented young player – Lage called him ‘fantastic’ in April – it does feel as though he is not in his manager’s main plans.

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For that reason, Wolves should jump at the chance to sell him if somewhere close to a £9m offer arrives, generating funds for new signings at the same time.

There would be an element of risk in selling Hoever, given that he has been nominated for the European Golden Boy award for 2022, but he hasn’t yet kicked on at Molineux as some may have initially hoped.

In other news, one Wolves signing is reportedly edging closer. Find out who it is here.

Beren Cross has dropped an update on reported Leeds United transfer target Arnaud Kalimuendo.

What’s the latest?

In a recent Q&A on Leeds Live, the journalist revealed that, following recent reports of Victor Orta’s interest in a deal for the Paris Saint-Germain centre-froward, the Whites are indeed keen on a move for the 20-year-old this summer.

However, Cross went on to state that the France U21 international is a player on a number of clubs’ transfer wishlists in the current market, while he also claimed that the former RC Lens loanee is not currently Orta’s number one target in attack.

In response to a question asking whether Leeds hold an interest in Kalimuendo, the journalist said: “Kalimuendo is one Leeds are understood to like, but talk of a formal bid may be wide of the mark. He’s a striker on a lot of clubs’ shortlists, we are told. He’s not the number one target, but one that could well emerge as a goer.”

Supporters will be buzzing

Considering just how exciting a talent Kalimuendo undoubtedly is, Cross’ confirmation that Orta is interested in pursuing a move for the 20-year-old striker this summer is sure to be news that will leave the Elland Road faithful buzzing.

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Indeed, over his 34 Ligue 1 appearances for Lens last season, the £17m-rated youngster was in fantastic form, hitting the back of the net on 12 occasions and creating three big chances for his teammates, in addition to taking an average of 1.8 shots, making 0.6 key passes and completing 0.8 dribbles per game.

These returns saw the £6.6k-per-week average an incredibly impressive SofaScore match rating of 6.82, playing a key role in Les Sang et Or’s rather surprising seventh-place finish in the top flight of French football last time out.

As such, when considering the fact that the PSG starlet is still only 20 years of age – with the Frenchman being a little over three months older than Joe Gelhardt – it is clear to see just how promising a talent the striker truly is, leading us to believe that Cross’ latest update on the Whites’ pursuit of Kalimuendo is sure to be one that supporters of Leeds will love.

AND in other news: Orta now plotting Leeds bid for “devastating” £30m target, his “potential is scary”

According to Tottenham Hotspur insider John Wenham, the club could now make a move for Villarreal defender Pau Torres after missing out on Alessandro Bastoni.

The Lowdown: Spurs confident of Torres deal

Despite still having two years remaining on his current contract with the La Liga outfit, a recruitment source told Football Insider just last month that the Spanish giants are expecting to cash in on the 25-year-old this summer.

The same source also claimed that the centre-back could be signed for a fee in the region of the £45m mark, with Fabio Paratici growing confident of being able to secure his services at a discount from his £55m release clause.

This comes after news has emerged within the last week, as confirmed by transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, that Spurs’ previous target, Bastoni, is expected to stay at Inter.

The Latest: Wenham’s praise for Torres

Speaking to Football Insider, Wenham said he has been ‘blown away’ when watching Torres, urging Spurs to make the ‘huge’ upgrade by signing him.

“Possibly, I have seen some people seem unconvinced by Torres.

“Online I have seen stats guys say he maybe isn’t physically strong enough for the Premier league but personally, whenever I have seen him play he has looked very, very good.

“In a Europa League game against Man United, I was blown away by him. On the ball, his leadership skills, he looked a really good player.

“He regularly starts for Spain as well so if Conte and Paratici want him, who are we to question them?

“Torres would be a huge upgrade for our defence.“

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The Verdict: Second time lucky?

Torres, who was once dubbed an “extraordinary” talent by former Villarreal midfielder Javi Calleja, made a total of 33 appearances in La Liga this season, making six goal contributions and averaging 3.1 clearances per game, alongside winning 1.8 of his aerial duels, via WhoScored, firmly squashing any fears that he isn’t physically strong enough.

It’s thought that Antonio Conte is looking for a new central defender as part of his squad rebuild ahead of the start of the new term, and after suffering a huge blow in their pursuit of Bastoni, it doesn’t come as any shock to see Spurs turning their attention elsewhere to find their ideal fit.

Tottenham did actually try to sign the 6 foot 2 colossus last year, but he resisted the urge to join as a result of wanting to play Champions League football – with that carrot now dangling from N17, could it be a case of second time lucky?

In other news… Tottenham chiefs are set for talks in the ‘next few days’ regarding a possible move for one of their transfer targets.

The Athletic journalist James Pearce says Darwin Nunez could be a ‘huge’ signing for Liverpool ahead of his possible move to the Premier League.

The Lowdown: Nunez agrees personal terms

The 22-year-old put pen to paper on a deal with the Lisbon-based outfit back in 2020, and even though his contract at the Estadio da Luz isn’t set to expire for another three years, the striker is now poised to make the switch to Anfield after recent developments.

On Wednesday evening, it was reported by Italian transfer specialist Gianluigi Longari that the Uruguayan had agreed personal terms on a move to Merseyside, with press in Portugal saying Liverpool are the player’s first choice due to the presence of Champions League football, with Manchester United also trying to swoop in.

The Latest: Pearce’s delight

In a post on his personal Twitter account, Pearce reacted to the news that Nunez is in Julian Ward’s crosshairs as he shared his article on the ongoing saga.

“A lively start to Julian Ward’s reign as LFC sporting director,” he said.

“Liverpool are increasingly likely to win the race for Darwin Nunez. Such an exciting player. Huge talent.”

The Verdict: A transfer priority

As a result of both Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane facing an uncertain future at Liverpool, not to mention the fact that the club have now confirmed that Divock Origi will be leaving Anfield, the attacking areas are surely a transfer priority for Jurgen Klopp during the upcoming window.

The 11-cap international netted 34 times across all competitions for Benfica this season, and even scored in both legs of the Champions League quarter-final defeat against the Reds back in April.

After missing out on the signature of Kylian Mbappe earlier this year, the Reds clearly haven’t given up in their pursuit of adding some fresh young quality in the final third, and Nunez now looks like he’ll be the new man to lead the line on Merseyside in years to come.

In other news… one of Liverpool’s transfer targets is now set to undergo a medical after the club recently had a bid accepted.

Journalist Graeme Bailey has now shared an exciting Southampton transfer update involving Blackburn Rovers star Ben Brereton-Diaz.

The Lowdown: Semmens plan in place…

Under the new ownership of Sport Republic, Saints club chief Martin Semmens, who actively oversees their transfer business, has admitted that they already have their ‘plan in place’ for the summer (The Daily Echo).

This comes as a fair few squad members like Nathan Redmond, Theo Walcott and Moussa Djenepo head into the final years of their current deals as the St Mary’s side become open to offers for all three players (GiveMeSport).

Ralph Hasenhuttl, as a result, could see some fresh Premier League additions this window as he allegedly sets his sights on a striker signing.

The Latest: Bailey shares update…

According to journalist Bailey, writing for TEAMtalk, Southampton, and by extension Semmens, are now ‘in the running’ to sign Rovers star striker Brereton-Diaz this summer alongside Leeds, Brighton and Wolves.

This come as the Championship outfit decide to ‘cash in’ as they green-light his sale.

The Verdict: Finalise bid?

This report claims Rovers may ask for ‘slightly more’ than £20 million for any sides wishing to sign the Chile international, and going by his phenomenal return of 22 goals over 21/22, it could be a bargain.

Called a ‘beast’ by manager Toby Mowbray, the Ewood Park side could potentially be forced to accept a lower fee given Diaz is entering the final year of his deal.

Much will depend on Semmens’ negotiating power as he eyes some star recruits for Hasenhuttl.

In other news: Southampton emerge as frontrunners for ‘fabulous’ signing who’d suit Ralph ‘down to the ground’…find out more here.

West Ham United insider Claret and Hugh have shared an interesting update on the club’s transfer plans involving Southampton star James Ward-Prowse.

The Lowdown: Hammers set for busy summer…

Reports suggest the Irons and manager David Moyes could be set for quite a busy summer as West Ham aim to make up for what was a lack-lustre January window.

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Late moves for Atalanta forward Duvan Zapata and Benfica star Darwin Nunez failed to materialise as the Hammers head coach ended winter with zero new signings or transfer backing.

The Premier League side finished 2021/2022 in seventh, just missing out on a Europa League place to Manchester United, potentially making many wonder what might have been had Moyes’ side landed some fresh upgrades.

Allegedly determined to redeem their lack of action this time round, some West Ham movement has already been mooted behind-the-scenes, with C&H now claiming that Moyes is also eyeing an interesting signing.

The Latest: C&H make Ward-Prowse claim…

As per the club insider, sharing news on West Ham’s ‘surprising’ recruitment policy thus far, Moyes personally ‘hopes of getting’ Ward-Prowse from Southampton in an ‘ambitious’ move.

This comes as Tomas Soucek, despite being crowned Hammers Player of the Year in 2020/2021, could be ‘on his way’ this summer – as shared by the report.

The Verdict: Marquee…

Ward-Prowse will be an extremely difficult move for Moyes to pull off going by recent claims.

The 27-year-old could cost up to £75 million to prise away from St. Mary’s Stadium and we believe it is hardly a surprise Southampton will make it as difficult as possible.

According to WhoScored, Ward-Prowse has been an untouchable in Ralph Hasenhuttl all season, playing the most top-flight minutes out of anyone in his squad and even finishing the campaign as their top goalscorer.

The fact he averaged their highest match-rating per 90 (7.01/10) and made more key passes per 90 than any Saints player is further evidence of the Englishman’s tag as a ‘cracking’ player (Noel Whelan, Football Insider).

In other news: BBC journalist: Moyes eyeing potential ‘massive signing’, West Ham have already moved…find out more here.

Joe Donnohue has dropped an update on the future of Leeds United right-back Cody Drameh.

What’s the latest?

In a recent post on Twitter, the Yorkshire Evening Post journalist revealed that, despite the defender’s long-term future at Elland Road previously looking extremely uncertain, after the 20-year-old held talks with Jesse Marsch regarding his place in the Whites squad, the England U21 international is now fully committed to earning a place in the 48-year-old’s starting XI next season.

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In his tweet, Donnohue said: “Cody Drameh was Cardiff’s Player of the Season after going on loan in January, but is focused squarely on LUFC now. With [Luke] Ayling (2-4 months) & [Stuart] Dallas (6 months) on crutches, there’s no time like the present. He & Marsch have already spoken of his intention.”

Supporters will be buzzing

Considering just how exciting a talent Drameh quite clearly is, in addition to it previously looking as if the right-back’s time in LS11 was all but over, Donnohue’s update that the 20-year-old now intends to stay and fight for a place in Marsch’s first team is sure to be news that will have the Elland Road faithful buzzing.

Indeed, over his 22 Championship appearances in 2021/22, the £2.7m-rated full-back more than proved his undoubted ability, registering three assists and creating four big chances for his teammates, as well as making an average of 0.6 key passes and completing 1.1 dribbles per game.

The £4.4k-per-week defender also impressed in metrics more typical of his position, helping Cardiff keep six clean sheets, in addition to making an average of 1.0 interceptions, 3.8 tackles, 2.0 clearances and winning 6.9 duels – at a success rate of 57% – per fixture.

These returns saw the former Fulham starlet average a quite extraordinary SofaScore match rating of 6.92, ranking him as the Bluebird’s fourth-best performer in the second tier of English football.

As such, it is clear to see that the defender choosing to remain at Leeds in order to fight for a starting spot ahead of seeking a move away from the club is fantastic news for everyone involved with the Whites, as Drameh undoubtedly boasts the potential to overtake Ayling in Marsch’s right-back pecking order next season.

AND in other news: Orta now plotting Leeds bid for “unreal” £59.5m-rated talent, he’s Alphonso Davies 2.0