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Nottingham Forest are interested in signing Southampton striker Che Adams, according to journalist Ryan Taylor. 

The lowdown: Rise to prominence

Formerly of Non-League Oadby Town and Ilkeston, the 25-year-old has taken a rather inauspicious route to the elite level both domestically and internationally.

Signed by Sheffield United in 2014, the forward then moved to Birmingham prior to his £15m move to Southampton and the Premier League three years ago (Sky Sports).

Since then the Leicester-born star – who represents Scotland at international level – has scored 21 times in 110 outings for the Saints, and he now appears to be on the radar in the East Midlands…

The latest: Adams ‘of interest’ to Forest

Taking to Twitter, Taylor claimed that Nottingham Forest are keen on acquiring Adams’ services this summer, although Southampton aren’t likely to part ways with the 25-year-old.

The Daily Express journalist stated: “Nottingham Forest set to wrap up signing of Omar Richards from Bayern Munich in deal worth around £9m. More: Che Adams among striker targets of interest to Steve Cooper but Southampton unlikely to sell. Tyrese Fornah also set to join Reading on season-long loan. #NFFC #SaintsFC”

Elsewhere, the Reds have also been linked with Burnley forward Maxwel Cornet, although an approach was rebuffed by the Lancashire club, while a £17m fee has been agreed with Liverpool over a possible move for Neco Williams.

The verdict: Smart move

Although summer arrivals Taiwo Awoniyi, Giulian Biancone and Moussa Niakhate could all prove to be masterstrokes in their own right, none of the trio are proven operators in the English top flight as things stand, and it can be a notoriously difficult league to which to adapt quickly.

Goalscoring in particular is an art form which can be very difficult to master in the Premier League; but although Adams – who was hailed as a ‘clever player’ by Scotland and Rangers legend Ally McCoist earlier this year – has only managed 20 goals in 96 appearances in the English top flight, he still has a proven track record of being able to compete at that level.

In 2021/22, the energetic frontman earned an impressive 6.85 Sofascore rating in what was a tough campaign for Southampton, scoring once every 292 minutes, but also contributing to the cause by winning 4.5 duels per game. That trait could be imperative for Cooper’s team in games where the tempo can be dictated by elite opposition and consolidation is required on Forest’s part.

Valued at a lofty £16.2m (Transfermarkt), despite Southampton’s current steadfast stance, the City Ground hierarchy would be wise to test the Saints’ resolve when it comes to Adams by making an enticing offer.

Leeds United have turned their attention to a new forward…

What’s the word?

According to CBS Sports journalist Ben Jacobs, the Yorkshire outfit are now eyeing a move for Paris Saint-Germain attacker Arnaud Kalimuendo as a move for Charles De Ketelaere seems unlikely.

The Club Brugge sensation is instead closing in on a move to AC Milan and it is thought that the Whites have now submitted an enquiry for the former Lens loanee, though they are facing competition from other Premier League and European teams.

“Told Leeds, Newcastle, Ajax and Atalanta have all made enquiries to PSG about Arnaud Kalimuendo. Jesse Marsch wants a striker but that won’t be Charles De Ketelaere, who is getting nearer to a Milan move,” the reporter tweeted.

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He added:

“Kalimuendo would be a bargain at around £20 million. PSG open to a sale despite impressive loan with Lens. He’s technically gifted and always seems to find space.”

Forget De Ketelaere

Jesse Marsch can forget about signing De Ketelaere by launching a move for Kalimuendo in the coming weeks, but the club will need to act fast given the coveted interest in his signature.

It is easy to see why so many clubs would be keen on signing the 20-year-old striker.

During a two-year loan spell at Ligue 1 side RC Lens, the France U21 international found the net 21 times and provided a further six assists across 65 appearances, as per Transfermarkt.

The £16.2m-rated machine has received plenty of praise for his potential and already-established ability.

“Kalimuendo is a modern forward, his incisive speed, decision-making, intelligence, and technical ability are all of the highest level,” claimed Get France Football News’ Cameron Smith, before later adding: “His ceiling is sky high and, in 2022, Arnaud Kalimuendo will only get better.”

Meanwhile, FBref name the likes of Jonathan David, ex-Liverpool goal machine Luis Suarez and Neal Maupay as ‘similar players’ based on Kalimuendo’s statistical profile.

Last season, he averaged 2.51 shots per 90 and scored 0.34 goals for every shot on target, also via FBref. De Ketelaere, by comparison, managed 0.1 fewer shots per 90.

Kalimuendo has been described as “absolutely deadly” and “very prolific” in front of goal by scout Jacek Kulig, which only bolsters the reasoning over why Leeds should make their move.

For £20m, it seems like director of football Victor Orta could land his manager an absolute bargain this off-season. Leeds must make their move before it’s too late.

AND in other news, Orta plotting Leeds bid for “extraordinary” £20m target, imagine him & Kalimuendo…

Manchester United are reportedly getting closer to their second summer signing, as they remain in talks with Christian Eriksen over his move to Old Trafford.

What’s the word?

After his impressive performances in the second half of last season with Brentford, Eriksen has been a man-in-demand so far this summer, with the vast majority of the Premier League linked with signing him at one point or another.

The 30-year-old is available on a free transfer having only signed a six-month deal with the Bees in January and while they are understandably keen on keeping him, it seems as if United are in pole position to bring him in.

Sky Sports journalist Dharmesh Sheth recently revealed that:

“I’ve been told today that the signing of Christian Eriksen is progressing positively. Three-year deal we know has been agreed in principle, it will formally be signed off once Christian Eriksen completes that medical with Manchester United.”

The news comes amid United’s pursuit of Frenkie de Jong with talks ongoing in Barcelona between the respective parties.

Ten Hag will love him

Eriksen has proven himself to be a world-class player over the past decade, contributing 69 goals and 90 assists during his time at Tottenham Hotspur, and to sign him on a free transfer represents excellent business for United.

The Denmark international was in inspired form for Thomas Frank’s side last season, helping them comfortably avoid relegation, as he contributed one goal and four assists in 11 Premier League appearances, averaging a superb 7.37 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

No player in United’s side would average as many key passes (2.7) per game than Eriksen last season, which emphasises just what he will add to Erik ten Hag’s midfield.

Considering the Dane came through Ajax’s famous academy, he will already be aware of how Ten Hag will want to play at United next season, and his immense ability on the ball suggests that he could be a perfect midfield player for the new manager.

If he can carry on his form with Brentford at Old Trafford next season, he will surely prove to be a quality signing for the Red Devils.

AND, in other news: BBC journalist drops big Man United transfer update, supporters will be buzzing…

Celtic are reportedly set to land a transfer deal for Lorient defender Moritz Jenz.

What’s the news?

According to a recent report from L’Equipe, the German centre-back will be joining Ange Postecoglou’s squad in the coming days. It was also recently reported that the Hoops are set to secure a free transfer for former Huddersfield Town midfielder Aaron Mooy.

As for Jenz, after making a combined total of 73 appearances for Fulham’s under-18 and under-21 sides, the centre-back found himself leaving England for a move to Switzerland with Lausanne-Sport.

A year later, despite then being linked with a move to Celtic, the defender – who is currently valued around €7m (£5.9m) – joined his current club in France.

Despite only making 17 Ligue 1 appearances last season, the centre-back still showed what a capable defensive figure he can be and why he’d be a useful asset for Celtic.

In those 17 appearances, Jenz won 17 tackles and made 32 blocks, 33 interceptions and 60 clearances throughout the campaign.

Bye-bye Jullien

With the reportedly imminent arrival of the 23-year-old, this could signal the end of the line for current Celtic defender Christopher Jullien at Parkhead.

Bearing in mind how the injury-plagued defender only made one appearance for the Bhoys last season, having another centre-back in the squad will not do much to improve his chances of getting regular playing time next season.

Having already been linked with a move to Schalke 04, which eventually fell through, the Frenchman could well be looking to find a new club to join in the remaining weeks of the summer transfer window.

Taking into account how the 29-year-old is currently Celtic’s third-highest earner on a wage of £20k-per-week and is seemingly not fancied by Postecoglou, that could make a potential exit for him this summer beneficial for all parties, especially if they have Jenz to come in as a replacement.

Now that it has been reported that the Hoops will potentially be adding Mooy and the Lorient defender to their ranks before the upcoming Premiership campaign kicks off, this shows just how eager Postecoglou is to ensure that his squad is strong enough and has the right amount of depth to give his side the best chance of enjoying another successful season.

AND in other news – “Definitely going to…”: Ange drops transfer claim that Celtic supporters will love

Whilst Steven Gerrard has not wasted any time in upgrading his Aston Villa squad this summer, one particular position which remains untouched is that of a creative midfielder.

John McGinn is the obvious candidate for that berth, but he does not quite possess the flair required for the number eight role. One player who Villa already know well, and who Gerrard could potentially mould for that position in his image, is former loanee Ross Barkley.

The 28-year-old has reportedly been offered back to the Midlands outfit by Chelsea, who are looking to offload the midfielder. Everton are also linked with a move for their former player.

We know of Gerrard’s abilities as a player as he marauded up and down the pitch, scoring and setting up an abundance of goals in his Liverpool days. If he is to take Barkley off Chelsea’s hands, he has ample opportunity to bestow all his wisdom on his fellow Scouser.

The 28-year-old featured 26 times for the Villains in the 2020/21 season, scoring two goals in his first four games before injury struck him down and he never truly recovered.

However, even in his limited game-time last season, he impressed at times for the Blues. He averaged a SofaScore rating of 7.05 from his six Premier League appearances and 7.03 in three outings during their run to the Carabao Cup final.

The £100k-per-week maestro still possesses the talents which saw his former Everton boss Roberto Martinez label him a “special talent”, and with a little faith in him and a run in a team with considerably less pressure than the Stamford Bridge goldfish bowl, it could be a fine recipe for success.
Barkley even offered 1.3 key passes per game and an 85.1% pass success rate last term, suggesting that he could provide a huge creative threat in an Aston Villa side with a wealth of attacking talent.

He could thrive in the three-man midfield that Gerrard prefers, and under the 42-year-old’s tutelage, he could finally start working towards the potential which was evident from his time at Everton.

If Barkley gains even the smallest amount of Gerrard’s midfield ability from the Villa chief’s managership, it could certainly be deemed a success, as he would deliver a huge additional attacking threat to a team looking to break into the top half of the Premier League.

AND in other news – Contact made: NSWE in talks for “extraordinary” £20m Villa target, it would be a huge coup.

Everton are reportedly showing an interest in Strasbourg centre-forward Ludovic Ajorque, according to the latest reports.

What’s the word?

As per Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol – via the outlet’s Transfer Centre – the Toffees were among a number of Premier League clubs who watched the Frenchman in action against Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.

The transfer insider stated: “A player who we could be hearing a lot more from in the next couple of weeks played against Liverpool for Strasbourg at the weekend.

“He’s a striker called Ludovic Ajorque, 6ft 6in striker with a very good scoring record for them, is available for £18m.

“I’m told the clubs that watched him yesterday were Wolves, Everton, Leicester, West Ham, Fulham, Nottingham Forest, Bournemouth and Newcastle. He’s someone we might be hearing a lot more from.”

The Merseyside outfit are in need of further attacking reinforcements having seen former talisman Richarlison join Tottenham Hotspur in a £60m deal earlier this summer.

Ferguson 2.0

For those interested parties watching on at the weekend, it would have been relatively easy to keep tabs on the aforementioned Ajorque, with the former Clermont man an eye-catching presence due to his towering 6 foot 6 frame.

The £14.4m-rated giant is more than just an impressive physical forward, though, having proven himself a prolific marksman in France in recent years after netting 28 Ligue 1 goals across the last two top-flight campaigns.

That tally includes 12 league goals from the 2021/22 campaign for the £14k-per-week colossus, and it’s unsurprising to note that the 28-year-old scored six of those with his head, such is his stature.

Having such an aerial threat leading the line at Goodison Park next term could evoke memories of a certain Duncan Ferguson, with the iconic Scotsman having been an imperious presence in attack for the Merseysiders in the past.

The 50-year-old – who only recently left the coaching setup at the club – spent ten years with the Toffees across two spells during his playing career, scoring 73 goals in 273 appearances in all competitions and quickly cementing himself as a cult hero.

Renowned for his no-nonsense aggressive manner in leading the line, the 6 foot 4 titan was a striker of a different era such was his no-holds-barred approach, notably racking up eight red cards in his Premier League career – the joint-highest tally in the competition’s history.

Not just an intimidating presence, like Ajorque the former Scotland international also used his imposing frame to good effect, memorably scoring nine headed goals during the 1997/98 campaign – the most by a player in top-flight history.

A true hero at Goodison Park, for some Toffees supporters there will never be another Duncan Ferguson to pull on an Everton shirt. While that may be true, Lampard and could well have found his ultimate heir in the Strasbourg sensation.

Leeds United are monitoring Michy Batshuayi’s situation ahead of a potential summer swoop, according to Ben Jacobs.

The Lowdown: De Ketelaere to Milan

The Whites seem to still be on the search for a new forward after missing out on key transfer target Charles De Ketelaere. Andrea Radrizzani recently confirmed that Leeds were in the race to sign the Belgian and that it was ’50/50′ before he opted for Milan over Elland Road.

The Leeds owner revealed that a €40m (£33.75m) deal was agreed with Club Brugge and added that, in hindsight, he should have looked to seal a transfer at an earlier stage.

The Latest: Batshuayi linked with Leeds

Speaking to EFC Daily, Jacobs made a claim on Batshuayi’s future, with Leeds getting a mention.

He said that Everton ‘have explored’ a move and that Leeds are ‘also monitoring the situation’, although the journalist stated that it’s likely ‘that he ends up at Wolves, probably on a loan’.

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The Verdict: Avoid

Batshuayi was described as ‘unstoppable’ back in 2017 by Pat Nevin, and he lived up to those comments last season. The 28-year-old spent the 2021/22 campaign in Turkey with Besiktas, netting 14 league goals and registering five assists in 33 games.

However, he has struggled in England with just 15 goals in 77 appearances for both the Blues and Crystal Palace, so Leeds could be better off exploring younger alternative targets.

It could also be wise for a new attacking addition to have that bit of versatility as well in Jesse Marsch’s new narrow formation, which would make a move for centre-forward Batshuayi, who currently earns £90,000 per week, a risk.

Manchester United have had an opening bid rejected for Bologna striker Marko Arnautovic as Erik ten Hag desperately tries to bolster his attacking options.

What’s the word?

Fabrizio Romano confirmed via Twitter that Manchester United’s offer was rejected, saying: “Opening bid around €9/10m has been turned down.”

The price tag for the Serie A striker has been set at €15m (£12.6m) according to 90min and with Ten Hag aiming to add some attacking depth to his squad, another bid seems inevitable.

Italian outlet iI Resto del Carlino, which is local to Bologna, have reported that Arnautovic has asked his side to sell him to Manchester United. Still, the Serie A side doesn’t want to.

It’s a blow for ten Hag

The Premier League side began their campaign with a toothless 2-1 defeat at home to Brighton as the new revolution under the Dutchman started off with a whimper.

A quickfire double by Pascal Gross gave Brighton a lead they never relinquished and Ten Hag will need to bolster his attacking options, and fast, if he wants to get the supporters behind his vision for the club.

Arnautovic has previous Premier League experience, scoring 43 goals in the competition in spells at Stoke City and West Ham United. Last season he netted an impressive 14 goals in 33 Serie A appearances, proving he still has the ability to terrorise defences at the highest level.

It is that touch in front of goal that the Red Devils desperately need with Cristiano Ronaldo potentially facing the exit door as well.

Any potential move might be seen as a sign of the way things have become at the club, with Gary Neville expressing his frustrations, saying: “I’ve got a comment on everything in the world, apart from Manchester United signing Marko Arnautovic. I’ve got nothing to say.”

These are understandable considering his age; however, the striker still has plenty to give and this could represent his last chance to shine in the Premier League.

Journalist Manuel Veth dubbed the player a “fantastic talent” and with Man United urgently needing a goal scorer, it could well be a move that surprises a lot of people.

Arnautovic generated 82 shot-creating actions in total last season for Bologna, which would have ranked him level with Jaden Sancho for United last season so it’s clear to see that he’d add a great deal more to a United side that lacks a much-needed spark.

He is a brute and tough to play against too, which is perhaps just the thing this feeble and lacklustre team are lacking.

The Austrian may not be the superstar the Old Trafford faithful want, but with a track record of scoring in England, it should be a blow to ten Hag that their first offer has been rejected.

Newcastle United, and by extension club owners PIF, are interested in signing Chelsea attackers Conor Gallagher and Callum Hudson-Odoi this summer, journalist Ben Jacobs has claimed.

The Lowdown: Relatively low-key summer

The Magpies’ newfound wealth has made the headlines in the past nine months or so, following their big-money takeover that went through late last year.

While many were expecting Newcastle to spend a huge amount of funds on new signings this summer, things have been fairly serene, with Sven Botman (£33.3m) the most expensive arrival.

There are still a few weeks remaining in the transfer window, however, and a fresh update suggests more incomings could be heading to St James’ Park.

The Latest: Newcastle eye up Chelsea pair

Taking to Twitter, Jacobs claimed that Newcastle are keen on signing Chelsea duo Gallagher and Hudson-Odoi before deadline day ends.

“#NUFC interested in Conor Gallagher and considering Callum Hudson-Odoi.”

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The Verdict: Two shrewd additions

This is exactly the sort of business Newcastle should be looking to do, with Gallagher and Hudson-Odoi both hugely exciting young players who could strengthen Eddie Howe’s side significantly.

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Neither are looking like key starters for Chelsea, so the Blues would surely be happy to sell them on loan, while the players themselves would likely jump at the chance of being regulars elsewhere. For that reason, it feels like an ideal scenario for all parties.

Gallagher was superb on loan at Crystal Palace last season, scoring eight times in the Premier League, while Hudson-Odoi’s pace and trickery out wide could give Newcastle an extra dimension, with the 21-year-old potentially comes as an alternative to Allan Saint-Maximin.

Glasgow Rangers turn their attention away from the Champions League as they return to Premiership action on Saturday afternoon.

The Light Blues travel away from Ibrox to face Hibernian as they go in search of their fourth win in four games in the Scottish top flight.

Gio van Bronckhorst’s men head into the game off the back of a 2-2 draw against PSV Eindhoven in their Champions League play-off first leg on Tuesday night.

Summer signings Tom Lawrence and Antonio Colak scored the goals for Rangers on the night to set up a tense second leg in the Netherlands next Wednesday.

For now, the Gers must focus on their clash with Hibernian, and Van Bronckhorst may look to make some changes to his team to keep players fresh and avoid burning anyone out.

One player who must be unleashed from the start tomorrow after missing out against PSV is summer signing Rabbi Matondo on the wing.

The former Manchester City man was an unused substitute in midweek and was possibly left feeling hard done by after a stellar showing against St Johnstone last weekend.

He played the full 90 minutes of that Premiership match and was sublime on the left wing as he created four chances and registered two assists. The Wales international was also successful in six of his 10 attempted dribbles and received a SofaScore rating of 8.2 – the joint-highest on the pitch out of anyone to start.

These statistics show that he was a standout in the match because of his ability to beat players with the ball and then create opportunities for his team-mates. He has shown that he has the pace, dribbling and passing ability to make a big impact in the final third, and that is reflected in his statistics.

Former Wales boss Ryan Giggs once dubbed the £14.8k-per-week magician “electrifying”, and Matondo’s display against St Johnstone backed that up as he dazzled the Ibrox crowd with his trickery and creativity on the wing.

Last season, the 21-year-old racked up nine goals and two assists in 23 Pro League outings on loan at Cercle Brugge, and this suggests that he also has the potential to be a goalscorer, along with his chance creation and dribbling.

Therefore, he has the quality to be a match-winner for the Light Blues against Hibernian. He proved last weekend that he can perform at Premiership level and, after leaving him on the bench on Tuesday, Van Bronckhorst must unleash him from the start for the clash at Easter Road.