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Nottingham Forest have sacked head of recruitment George Syrianos and head scout Andy Scott, according to The Telegraph’s John Percy.

The Lowdown: Summer signings

Having won promotion to the Premier League for the first time in 23 years, the Tricky Trees set about building a squad capable of retaining their status in the top-flight.

With 20 players having left the club this summer, the Reds were forced into a spending spree in the transfer market. Consequently, Forest welcomed 22 new signings to the City Ground before the cut-off with more free agent additions since, with Steve Cooper’s side having spent a massive £146m.

However, subsequent results haven’t gone the way owner Evangelos Marinakis would have hoped for, with the club 19th in the Premier League table.

The Latest: Percy’s claim

Despite a vast transfer overhaul this summer, a surprising twist has now taken place behind-the-scenes at Wilford Lane.

Taking to Twitter, Telegraph journalist Percy revealed:

“NFFC have sacked head of recruitment George Syrianos & head scout Andy Scott. Review of summer transfer business and strategy conducted by owner Evangelos Marinakis & sporting director Filippo Giraldi. Process underway to appoint replacements.”

The Verdict: Too late?

With over 20 summer signings and nearly £150m spent, the rash sackings of Syrianos and Scott come a little too late in the grand scheme of Forest’s top-flight survival.

If Marinakis had concerns over his scouting department following their promotion from the Championship this summer, a decision as to their futures should have been made ahead of time – rather than in hindsight.

Despite this, two of the side’s top three best rated players thus far this season are new recruits. Neco Williams tops the list with a 6.89 average match rating, whilst record signing Morgan Gibbs-White stands in third (via SofaScore).

Whilst a number of signings weren’t entirely necessary, Marinakis’ decision to part ways with the recruitment pair appears somewhat scapegoating, given the squad were given very little time to gel with one another ahead of the new campaign.

Liverpool midfielder Naby Keita is at the top of Borussia Dortmund’s wish list next summer, according to a fresh transfer rumour which has emerged.

The Lowdown: Keita’s injury troubles continue

The Guinean’s time at Anfield has been extremely frustrating, with fitness problems continually holding him back in his quest to reach his potential.

Once again, Keita finds himself on the treatment table, having not played a minute of Premier League action so far this season, and his return date is tentatively set for next month.

The 27-year-old is out of contract at Liverpool next summer, and despite his stop-start Anfield career, he likely won’t be without suitors if he decides to move on.

The Latest: Dortmund eye up Keita move

According to Bild, Dortmund see Keita as a primary transfer target in 2023 as they eye him up on a free transfer.

Jude Bellingham is widely expected to leave the Bundesliga giants at the end of the season, so it could be that the Liverpool man is seen as a replacement for the 19-year-old in the middle of the park for Dortmund.

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The Verdict: Right time to leave?

Keita is an excellent player when he is fit and firing – Virgil van Dijk has called him ‘world-class’ in the past – but his inability to stay fit is a huge problem for Jurgen Klopp.

The Guinean has only started 72 games in four-and-a-bit years for Liverpool, so for that reason, next summer could be the time to finally part ways with the midfielder, potentially even bringing in Bellingham in a cash-plus-player deal.

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Ultimately, Keita’s Reds career looks set to be defined as an injury-prone one if he can’t rid himself of his fitness woes.

If he can prove himself once he returns to action, there may be a chance of him signing a new deal, but it feels more logical to let him go judging by his time at Anfield so far.

Everton are looking to complete a deal quickly after hitting a stumbling block in their pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Idrissa Gueye, according to David Ornstein of The Athletic.

The Lowdown: Everton’s pursuit

Back at the end of July, reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano revealed the Toffees had approached the Ligue 1 giants over a potential move for the 32-year-old, with the club keen to sell him this summer.

Just a few days later, Romano shared an update on the progress of the transfer, in which he claimed Everton were closing in on a deal with PSG to sign the Senegal international on a permanent basis.

Nearly a full month later however and the deal is still not complete…

The Latest: Ornstein’s news

In his latest transfer roundup for The Athletic ahead of Thursday’s deadline, Ornstein dropped a fresh update on Everton’s pursuit of Gueye, revealing his arrival at Goodison Park remains a priority for Frank Lampard.

According to his report, an agreement has been in place with the player and PSG for some time but there is still no movement between all the parties to actually finalise his move.

The Toffees want a quick resolution to the situation, otherwise they will move on to pursuing other targets ahead of Thursday’s transfer deadline.

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The Lowdown: Get it done

Having left Goodison Park in 2019 to join the French outfit, the midfielder’s return to Merseyside would certainly be welcomed by Blues fans.

During his three-year stint as a Toffee, Gueye made 108 appearances in an Everton shirt, quickly becoming a fan favourite with his ability to win the ball back in the middle of the park.

Despite worries about his age damaging his effectiveness as a holding midfielder, his underlying stats indicate he still has the attributes needed to succeed in the Premier League.

As per FBRef, compared with positional peers across Europe over the past year, the 32-year-old incredibly ranks in the 98th percentile for pass completion, in the 96th percentile for pressures and in the 88th percentile for tackles.

Hailed as a ‘machine’ with ‘breathtaking’ stamina by pundit Micah Richards, this certainly seems to be a strong addition to Lampard’s squad, so let’s hope the club can get the deal over the line in time.

Leeds United may decide to ‘ramp up their efforts’ to sign Rennes forward Martin Terrier, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

The Lowdown: Leeds keen on Terrier

The Whites are still yet to bring in a new centre-forward this summer to rival Patrick Bamford and Joe Gelhardt.

Plenty of attackers have been linked though, including Terrier – Phil Hay said that Leeds like the 25-year-old Rennes front man, who would cost in excess of £30m.

European football writer Tim Williams called the forward ‘phenomenal’ following a fine 2021/22 campaign where he netted 21 Ligue 1 goals in 37 games, and Jacobs has now been having his say on a possible transfer.

The Latest: Jacobs’ comments

Talking to GiveMeSport, journalist Jacobs said that Leeds ‘really like’ Terrier and may decide to ‘ramp up their efforts’ to sign him with the new season just days away.

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“This is a player that Leeds really like. It’s not as advanced as Kalimuendo at this point, but we’re getting to that stage now where Leeds don’t want to start the season over-reliant on Bamford, and as a consequence, they may well ramp up their efforts on Terrier.”

The Verdict: Gamble

Terrier may have just come off the back of a free-scoring campaign in France, however, a £30m+ move, which would be a record for Leeds, could be a gamble.

The 2021/22 season is the only time Terrier has hit double figures in the league, and as Hay mentions, he may not suit Leeds’ resale model at the age of 25.

Going after a young target like Arnaud Kalimuendo or proven Premier League quality in Che Adams would be a cheaper and potentially smarter choice, with Leeds’ summer outlay likely to surpass £100m in one window for the first time in their history.

Tottenham Hotspur target Memphis Depay has reportedly rejected a ‘call from Tottenham’, according to Spanish outlet Sport (via Sport Witness). 

The lowdown: Spurs interested

Signed as a free agent following the expiry of a contract at Ligue 1 outfit Lyon, Depay enjoyed a strong first campaign for the Catalan giants but now still finds himself surplus to requirements at Camp Nou.

That’s because Barca have recently added Robert Lewandowski and reported Lilywhites target Raphinha to their ranks as well as tying down Ousmane Dembele to a new contract, leading to question marks over the 28-year-old’s continued role as a key player in Xavi’s plans.

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Having originally been linked back in 2019, Tottenham have once again been credited with an interest in bringing Depay to Hotspur Way and an emerging claim has shed some light on the current state of play…

The latest: Contact rejected, door not closed

As per Sport, translated by SW, the 80-cap Holland international is believed to have ‘said no’ to the opportunity to join Spurs this summer.

It’s claimed that the Dutchman and his entourage ‘received the call from Tottenham a few days ago’ regarding his ‘situation’, however, the versatile attacker rejected the chance in order to ‘explore’ alternative options with clubs who have ‘serious aspirations to win titles’.

The report makes no mention of other serious suitors for the man hailed as ‘one of the best’ players in Europe by Barca teammate Riqui Puig, instead suggesting that the ‘door is not completely closed’ on a move to north London as the La Liga giants look to recoup in excess of €20million (£17million) for Depay.

The verdict: Wait and see

Albeit far from a necessity signing having already snapped up Richarlison in the summer window, Depay’s ability to play across the frontline would give Antonio Conte another high calibre option to call upon from the bench, particularly having lost Steven Bergwijn to Ajax.

Last season, the skilful Dutch ace scored 13 times and provided two assists in 37 appearances across all competitions, earning an outstanding 7.26 Sofascore rating whilst completing 1.6 key passes, taking 2.2 shots and successfully carrying out 1.6 dribbles on average per Spanish top-flight outing.

That current form, affordable asking price, plus a wealth of experience that has seen Depay score 146 professional domestic goals in his career, would make him a smart addition to Conte’s ranks should there be a change of heart.

A big claim has emerged on Sunderland and their plans for the remainder of the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

Black Cats boss Alex Neil has confirmed that the club are still working behind the scenes to improve the squad ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

The Scottish coach has revealed that he wants to strengthen his team to deal with a tough season in the second tier and said that things have been happening out of the spotlight.

He told the Shields Gazette: “We still have signings to make in a variety of positions so we know we have work to do.“We’ve worked well and quietly in the background to get players in which has been good but we understand that we have got more to do because it is going to be a long, hard, difficult season in the Championship.“It’s a tough level to operate at, particularly when we haven’t been there for a significant amount of time. I think it will open some eyes when we get there.” Supporters will be excited

These comments from Neil will surely excite supporters as they suggest that the club are set for a busy end to the window.

The season starts in just under two weeks and the Black Cats have until the end of August to get deals done to bolster their squad. This means that Kristjaan Speakman has around six weeks to bring multiple new signings to the Stadium of Light.

Fans can, therefore, look forward to an exciting few weeks as Sunderland make moves, and hopefully sign, players who can improve the team and help them to avoid relegation straight back down to League One.

Daniel Ballard has come in from Arsenal and if that sets the bar for the standard of player the club are eyeing then fans will be buzzing. The central defender is a promising young player who proved himself in the Championship last season.

He averaged a superb SofaScore rating of 6.95 on loan at Milwall, winning 64% of his duels and making 3.5 tackles and interceptions per match. The prodigy consistently delivered quality displays and has the potential to grow and improve over time, at the age of 22.

Hopefully, Sunderland can add a few more players who are also proven in the second tier and have the quality to make a big impact next season. For now, supporters will be hoping that is the case and will be excited by the prospect of more incoming business in the weeks to come.

AND in other news, Big blow: Sunderland dealt pre-season injury setback that’ll leave Alex Neil gutted…

Former Celtic striker Frank McAvennie has delivered his verdict on the future of Hoops defender Christopher Jullien. 

The lowdown: Surplus to requirements

The Frenchman returned to full fitness last season following a horrendous spell with injuries but failed to break into Ange Postecoglou’s plans, having been usurped by Cameron Carter-Vickers and Carl Starfelt.

The 29-year-old has found himself way down the pecking order at Parkhead, even behind academy graduate Stephen Welsh and potentially Osaze Urhoghide, who is set to return from a loan stint at KV Oostende. His involvement in 2021/22 was confined to a solitary 16-minute appearance against Raith in the Scottish Cup.

Clearly unhappy with his standing in the squad after one failed attempt to move to Schalke 04, an invested onlooker has given his take on the future of wantaway Jullien and what it means for the Hoops…

The latest: ‘Replace him’

Speaking to Football Insider, McAvennie – who represented the Bhoys on 106 occasions and scored 50 times – suggested that Postecoglou would need to sign a successor for Jullien, who may not be suited to the Australian’s system.

The 62-year-old said: “The manager has come in with this interpretation of football that, initially, nobody understood, but everyone loves it now.

“I was critical of it, I just didn’t know about it – two fullbacks playing in midfield, couldn’t get my head round it. But he knows what he wants.

“Letting Jullien go, he’s not been playing, even when he could’ve been on the bench he was in the stands, he’s a bit removed from the first team so I don’t have a problem with him going. I think the manager will bring another centre-half in to replace him.”

The verdict: Spot on

It seems highly likely that Jullien – who was hailed by ex-Hoops boss Neil Lennon for an ‘excellent’ display against performance against KR Reykjavik in 2020 – will move on during this transfer window, despite the apparent breakdown of a move to Germany.

Standing at 6 foot 4 and boasting impressive aerial ability (WhoScored), the towering Frenchman strengths lie very much in the defensive department, winning 2.1 tackles per game during his first Premiership season in 2019/20.

By contrast, both Starfelt and Carter-Vickers are comfortable with the ball at their feet and playing out from the back, posting 91.3% and 89.5% passing success rates respectively last term, something that Postecoglou is keen to see his centre-backs implement.

In terms of a replacement, having already been linked with Schalke youngster Malick Thiaw, it appears as though an incoming to Lennoxtown would be expected as and when Jullien leaves, with Postecoglou unlikely to put total faith in Urhoghide, Welsh and fellow youngster Dane Murray as backup options.

Newcastle hope to take ‘decisive’ steps this week in their pursuit of Reims striker Hugo Ekitike, according to two experienced journalists. 

The lowdown

Newcastle have already agreed a deal with Reims, worth an initial €30million (£25.8million), to sign Ekitike.

The move was at a similar stage late in the January transfer window before Ekitike opted to wait until the summer and decide his future then.

The Frenchman is only 19 years old and so will be viewed as a long-term signing, but also someone who can compete with Callum Wilson for a starting spot this season.

The latest

Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano tweeted on Monday evening that ‘Newcastle now hope to get the deal done this week’.

They’ve initiated ‘new contact with his agent’ and ‘all parties [are] now confident’ that the completion of the move is imminent.

Meanwhile, Rudy Galetti shares an update from ‘sources close to NUFC’, who believe ‘this week could be decisive for the final move for Ekitike’.

The verdict

Newcastle can be excited if they get this signing over the line.

Ekitike scored ten Ligue 1 goals in 23 appearances as a teenager last season, averaging one every 123 minutes.

Only two players under the age of 20 in Europe’s top five leagues – Arnaud Kalimuendo of Lens and Bukayo Saka of Arsenal – found the net more often in 2021/22.

Journalist Lee Davey, who has often covered the French top-flight, has billed Ekitike as ‘a hell of a player’ and reckons he ‘could be one of the signings of the summer’.

In other news, Newcastle and Dan Ashworth are hoping to close this deal.

Liverpool have reportedly held a long term interest in West Ham United star Jarrod Bowen, and now a new update has emerged on the club’s intentions to make a move for the player this summer.

What’s the latest?

According to transfer insider Dean Jones, Liverpool are “keeping an eye” on Bowen ahead of the summer transfer window.

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Jones told GIVEMESPORT: “Right now, it will be Declan Rice that gets all the transfer headlines, but Liverpool have been linked with Jarrod Bowen in the last year and they’re keeping an eye on that situation and I think other clubs in the top four or five would like to have him in their squad going forward.”

Klopp loves him

The signing of Bowen has been one that has been highly anticipated for a long time with the player linked to Liverpool back in the summer transfer window last year, and since then the player has only got better following an impressive season with the Hammers.

The 25-year-old star has scored 18 goals and contributed 13 assists in all competitions, with a goal involvement every 131 minutes which is an incredible attacking output that would put him in a position to compete for a spot in the Liverpool team, with a better G/A than Sadio Mane and Diogo Jota this season in fewer appearances.

His talent has not gone unnoticed by the Reds boss who holds Bowen in high regard praising him when given the opportunity to in a pre-match press conference when Liverpool played West Ham earlier this season.

Klopp told the press (via Mirror Online): “Bowen, what a player he became.

“He was at Hull as well but I don’t think anybody expected this kind of jump. Unbelievable player.”

With that in mind, the German coach would surely love to sign him in the future.

It is unlikely that the player’s current club would be happy to let Bowen leave for a reasonable amount as he has been a key player for him over the last few seasons, and reports suggest Liverpool would need to pay somewhere in the region of £75m.

Ultimately, at the moment it would be hard to see how Bowen could fit into the already heavily rotated forward line after the signing of Luis Diaz in January, but if he was to sign for the Kopites it would be a huge coup for Klopp and could add even more strength to an already dominating attacking threat on Merseyside.

AND in other news: Forget Tchouameni: FSG can get Anfield rocking with LFC deal for “dangerous” £21m tank

Manchester United have initiated contact with Napoli over the potential signing of their 23-year-old Nigeria international, Victor Osimhen.

What’s the word?

That is according to the latest report from Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport, via Sport Witness, who claim the Old Trafford side have initiated contact with the Serie A outfit to find out the price for the 23-year-old star.

As per Sport Witness, United have been told that Napoli want €110m (£94.2m) for Osimhen, but that price is negotiable.

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Given the figures mentioned, it would easily be the Old Trafford side’s biggest signing of the summer.

A star signing

The potential coup of the Napoli star would represent what would be a star signing for Erik ten Hag’s new side.

Having bagged 18 attacking returns in the form of 13 goals and five assists over 25 appearances in the Serie A this season, Osimhen presents an astute option for United up-top.

Whilst the fee at around £94.2m is a heavy price tag, it would also ensure that the Red Devils’ record transfer fee was smashed – surpassing the £89.3m fee that was paid for Paul Pogba back in 2016.

Given the comparisons to Bayern Munich’s Robert Lewandowski, as per FBref, it is no wonder why the young forward is rated so highly.

Osimhen’s match average of 3.88 shots is not too far off Lewandowski’s average of 4.49 shots per game, bearing in mind that the latter operates in a dominant Bayern Munich side.

In a similar fashion, the pair’s non-penalty xG total is also not too dissimilar with the Nigerian registering an average of 0.52 and the Polish striker averaging 0.89 npxG per 90.

Considering that Manchester United have been linked with Lewandowski recently, United could sign a statistically similar talent in Osimhen who presents more long-term value with the fact that he is just 23-years-old.

The fact that United have enquired about Osimhen’s price is a promising indication of their interest.

In other news: “Manchester United are..” – Romano drops exciting transfer claim, ten Hag will love it