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It appears that Leeds United have their sights set on a seventh summer signing…

What’s the word?

According to talkSPORT transfer expert Alex Crook, the Yorkshire outfit have submitted a bid for a new striker, though the player is currently unnamed.

“I have been told they’ve got a bid in for an unnamed striker,” he revealed in a huge update to GIVEMESPORT.

“I don’t know who that is, but they want a bit of cover and a bit of competition for Patrick Bamford.”

Bamford backup is a must

This latest claim will surely leave manager Jesse Marsch absolutely delighted as the no.9 position was rather problematic after he took over from Marcelo Bielsa back in late February.

The American head coach was left without the club’s main talisman, Bamford, for large parts of the season due to a range of injury problems and without having a senior backup, he had to turn to youth or to deploying other players out of position.

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Bamford only made Premier League last term, a gutting blow as he finished their maiden campaign back in the Premier League a season before on 17 goals.

The inexperienced Joe Gelhardt garnered some minutes but it was often the lightweight, diminutive figure of Daniel James up top for the Whites.

It remains to be seen exactly who Leeds have bid for, though they have been linked with some intriguing options in the press throughout the off-season.

These include Paris Saint-Germain starlet Arnaud Kalimuendo, who is thought to be available for £21m, and Blackburn Rovers’ prolific Chilean, Ben Brereton Diaz, who has long been mooted with a switch to Elland Road.

Marsch will be desperate to add some depth to his frontline, having already bolstered other key areas of the squad with as many as six new additions, so to learn that there is a bid in for someone of this role is certainly hugely encouraging.

Tyler Adams and Marc Roca have been brought in to fill the void left behind by Kalvin Phillips in central midfield, whilst Luis Sinisterra is likely to be the man to replace the soon-to-be departing Raphinha.

Now Leeds just need to find that elusive new striker to ensure that a repeat of last season does not happen this time around.

AND in other news, Orta could now seal “massive coup” with Leeds swoop for “scary” £19.8m-rated machine…

Leeds United have been dealt a blow in their bid to bring Charles De Ketelaere to Elland Road this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a claim made by Gianluca Di Marzio, who revealed in a recent post on Twitter that AC Milan have now made their first offer for the Club Brugge forward – believed to be in the region of €20m (£17m) plus add-ons.

In his tweet, the Italian journalist said: “First offer of Milan for De Ketelaere.”

However, the transfer insider went on to state in a supporting article that the Rossoneri face competition for the 21-year-old’s signature from the Whites, while further reports have also revealed both Arsenal and Lyon’s interest in the Belgium international – for whom Brugge are said to be demanding a figure of €35m (£30m) in order to part with this summer.

Supporters will be gutted

Considering just how exciting a prospect De Ketelaere undoubtedly is, in addition to it being reported that the versatile attacking midfielder is one of Victor Orta’s priority targets in the summer transfer window, Di Marzio’s claim that Milan have now made a move for the youngster, coupled with the new interest of Arsenal and Lyon, is sure to have left the Elland Road faithful gutted.

Indeed, upon making his first-team debut for Brugge back in 2019, the £27m-rated talent burst onto the European football scene, having scored 25 goals and registered 20 assists over his 120 appearances for the Jupiler Pro League side – averaging a direct goal involvement every 190 minutes of football played.

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The £17k-per-week versatile forward – who can operate from almost any position in midfield and attack – particularly caught the eye last season, bagging 18 goals and providing ten assists over 49 appearances in the Jupiler Pro League, the Champions League, the Beker van Belgie and the Belgian Supercup.

These returns have seen De Ketelaere receive a significant amount of praise, with De Krant van West-Vlaanderen journalist Frans Buyse even going as far as to compare the 21-year-old to Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne.

In an interview with BBC Sport last October, Buyse said: “Charles’ best position is number 10, but experienced star Hans Vanaken plays there, so he had been moved around, used in attack, on the wing and even at left-back.

“Lately, he started to enjoy life in the penalty area, but his biggest strength is to have a lot of the ball in central midfield.

“De Ketelaere’s style is reminiscent of De Bruyne. He is intelligent, and possesses great vision and a superb passing range. His dribbling is similar to De Bruyne’s too. Eventually, he should take his place for Belgium.”

As such, with it being abundantly clear just how promising an attacker the Brugge starlet is, should Leeds miss out on a move for the eight-cap international, it would undoubtedly come as a gutting blow to the Whites – leading us to believe that Orta simply must do all he can to land the forward ahead of Milan, Arsenal and Lyon this summer.

AND in other news: Victor Orta agrees £30m deal for Leeds sixth summer signing, imagine him & Tyler Adams

Everton are among the clubs interested in signing Clermont Foot striker Mohamed Bayo, according to a report from French outlet Foot Mercato. 

The lowdown: Wanted man

A product of the youth system at Clermont, Bayo has flourished in France and has amassed 48 direct goal involvements in 79 appearances for the Ligue 1 outfit.

The 24-year-old Guinea international had previously been a reported target for West Ham but any move failed to materialise and now several clubs have taken notice of the powerful frontman.

As Blues boss Frank Lampard looks to replace Richarlison following the Brazilian’s switch to Tottenham last week, Bayo could be among the candidates to fill the void at Goodison Park…

The latest: Everton interested

As per Foot Mercato, Everton, Valencia, Hertha Berlin and Tottenham themselves all ‘follow’ the 11-cap Guinea international.

It’s claimed that Eintracht Frankfurt and Marseille also hold an interest in Bayo – who was lauded for his ‘clinical finishing’ by football writer Antonio Mango in April 2021 having fired Clermont to promotion to the French top flight.

The report also cites admiration from Lille and states that it would take offers of around €10-11million (£8.5-9million) in order to prize the star away this summer.

The verdict: Make it happen

Albeit still relatively inexperienced at the highest level, Bayo has already shown a ruthless streak in front of goal in his short career to date that would be of huge benefit to Lampard’s ranks, particularly following the exit of Richarlison which leaves just Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Salomon Rondon as the only two remaining senior centre-forward options.

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Last season, the France-born Guinean sensation scored 14 times and provided five assists whilst earning an impressive 6.94 Sofascore rating comprising of 2.1 shots, one key pass and 2.8 successful duels on average per game in Ligue 1.

Sharing similar stylistic traits with familiar names such as Tammy Abraham, Che Adams and Arkadiusz Milik (Fbref), signing Bayo for the mooted asking price would be a worthwhile venture for the Toffees and Director of Football Kevin Thelwell.

Former Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish has been reacting to the club’s interest in Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher, as per Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Gallagher linked with Villa

The Midlands club have been credited with an interest in the 22-year-old recently following his successful loan spell with Crystal Palace last season.

Ashley Preece believes that Steven Gerrard’s side ‘will test the water’ for Gallagher, whereas journalist Josh Holland has claimed that a move to Villa Park could be a possibility.

Fabrizio Romano has said that Gerrard ‘loves’ the midfielder, and McLeish has now given his thoughts on the potential move.

The Latest: McLeish reacts

The 63-year-old, who contributes as a pundit for Sky Sports, was talking to Football Insider regarding Villa and Gallagher.

He said that the England international would be a ‘terrific asset’ with Villa ‘trying to get a foothold in the top end of the table’.

McLeish stated:

“Stevie likes flair players, he wasn’t one himself, he had a bit of everything.

“But he likes those players who have a bit of flair going forward. Gallagher made such an impact at Crystal Palace last season.

“I think he would be a good asset. He would be a good asset to any club in the Premier League other than maybe the top four.

“If Chelsea are considering selling him, Villa are trying to get a foothold in the top end of the table, he would be a good signing.

“He’s young and he’s still learning. He’s a terrific asset.”

The Verdict: Fifth summer signing?

Villa have already brought in four players this summer, so Gallagher could prove to be the fifth arrival ahead of Gerrard’s first full season in charge in the Midlands.

He could prove to be a ‘terrific asset’, in the words of McLeish, after contributing to 13 goals in 39 games at Selhurst Park.

Gallagher can play anywhere in the middle of the park so would provide plenty of versatility for Gerrard, and you’d expect that the 22-year-old will only get even better over the coming years, so a summer swoop could be a shrewd one for Villa owners NSWE to try and pull off.

Nottingham Forest have been handed a boost in their bid to land former loanee Djed Spence.

What’s the word?

That’s according to a recent report by Football League World, who claim that Middlesborough are now growing frustrated with Tottenham Hotspur, who are stalling in negotiations for the wing-back.

Spence spent last season at the City Ground, however, it was thought that the Reds would not be able to compete with the financial muscle of Spurs in the race for the England U21 international.

However, Steve Cooper is reported to have not given up hope of re-signing the 21-year-old and looks to strike up talks once more.

Cooper’s dream signing

Spence burst onto the scene last season, as he was an integral part of the side that beat Huddersfield Town in the play-off final.

Cooper’s introduction helped lift Forest from rock bottom when he took over back in September to promotion chasers, and his patented formation was a huge reason for this.

With three centre-backs, this allowed the marauding Spence huge freedom to attack down the right, earning him seven goal contributions this season.

He also boasts a 7.05 average WhoScored rating, marking him out as a consistent performer who constantly threatens opposing full-backs.

He has earned widespread praise for his exploits, particularly from Ian Wright, who labelled the defender “unbelievable”.

Antonio Conte and the Forest boss share huge similarities in their systems, which therefore makes it unsurprising to see the two keen on the £7.2m-rated speedsters’ signature.

It is a huge vote of confidence that a manager with such pedigree across Europe shares Cooper’s eye for talent.

With the Italian struggling to see the value in forking out the reported £15m asking price, perhaps the newfound promotion money could be invested in a player who has already performed well for Forest.

Speaking to The Athletic, it is clear that Cooper would love to bring the youngster back on a permanent deal. He claimed: “I am very fond of him. He is a sensible lad and you can tell that he cares a lot about the next game, about Forest — he loves Forest”.

Perhaps he can prove this love by snubbing Spurs and re-signing for the Tricky Trees; a move which would be a dream for the Reds’ manager.

AND in other news: “Have asked..”: Fabrizio Romano drops big NFFC transfer news that’ll excite supporters

Reliable journalist Charlie Eccleshare of The Athletic has shared a very promising update on Tottenham Hotspur’s attempts to sign Brentford playmaker Christian Eriksen.

The Lowdown: Spurs eye Eriksen reunion…

Spurs head coach Antonio Conte is reliably believed to be eyeing a move for the 30-year-old, who could leave on a Bosman deal later this month.

The potential free agent and his representatives have apparently held ‘discussions’ with many clubs, including the Lilywhites, Leicester City, Manchester United and Brentford, according to Fabrizio Romano.

A man in demand, signing a player of Eriksen’s ilk for zero cost is seemingly an attractive proposition for many Premier League clubs who are looking to strengthen for 2022/23.

The Latest: Eccleshare makes promising Eriksen claim…

Speaking in a fan Q&A for The Athletic, Eccleshare has now shared a very promising update on Eriksen for Spurs supporters.

When asked how possible the signing of the Denmark star could be this window, the journalist replied: “Fairly likely. As The Athletic reported earlier this week, Manchester United have made an offer to sign Eriksen but we’re hearing that the midfielder would like to stay in London and that it’s a fight between re-signing with Brentford and re-joining Spurs.”

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The Verdict: Potentially huge…

Brentford manager Thomas Frank perfectly summed up the quality of Eriksen by calling him a ‘world class’ player, and the coach’s verdict has been vindicated by some impressive statistics from the 30-year-old.

According to WhoScored, the former Inter Milan star finished 2021/22 as the Bees’ best-performing player by average match rating, whilst also averaging more than twice as many key passes per game in the final third than any of his team-mates.

It’s little wonder that Conte has taken a keen interest, and we believe that Eriksen’s arrival in N17 would be a shrewd fourth addition of the transfer window for Tottenham, if they can get it done.

In other news: Tottenham eyeing ‘big’ 183-goal player move, Harry Redknapp called him ‘priceless’…find out more here

While a lot of Aston Villa fans might have been focussing on their impressive early transfer business in recent weeks, academy graduate Cameron Archer has been staking his claim for a spot in Steven Gerrard’s first-team squad next season.

The 20-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan at Preston North End and hit seven Championship goals for Ryan Lowe’s side, with the Lilywhites reportedly keen on loaning him again next season.

Archer caught the eye for Villa early last season when he hit a hat-trick in a League Cup win against Barrow, before notching a goal against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the same competition.

He has also excelled for England U’21s in the recent international break, with a goal off the bench against Albania as well as a double against Kosovo earlier this week.

Reports have suggested that Gerrard will assess the youngster before deciding whether to send him out on loan again next season, but given Villa’s strikers struggled to hit the back of the net consistently last season, he might consider unleashing the clinical Archer in the Premier League.

Ollie Watkins finished the season as Villa’s top scorer in the top flight, hitting 11 goals, which suggests that Gerrard needs a more trustworthy option in front of goal if his side are to achieve European qualification next season.

Although he is only 26 and likely won’t need replacing for some time, Watkins showed his inadequacies last season as he underperformed on his xG, whereas the £5.4m-rated Archer’s recent efforts for England U’21s have shown that he knows where the net is.

Preston boss Lowe was full of praise for the young striker last season, saying: “Cameron has got an abundance of talent.

“His quality levels are fantastic, he’s bullish, strong, he can roll, he has got that little burst of pace too.”

Therefore, it seems like only a matter of time before Archer is given regular opportunities at Villa, and he could be the ideal man to replace Watkins in Gerrard’s side in the long term.

And, in other news… Bye-bye McGinn: Lange must now finalise Aston Villa swoop for “outstanding” £10m star 

West Ham have been linked with a move for Stade Rennais defender Adrien Truffert recently and he could be the next Theo Hernandez in David Moyes’ side.

According to French news outlet L’Equipe, West Ham, Everton and Leicester City have all enquired about signing the 20-year-old, who established himself as a regular at Roazhon Park last season.

With Arthur Masuaku reportedly set to leave the London Stadium and Aaron Cresswell set to turn 33 next season, it was perhaps always likely that Moyes would look to recruit a left-back this summer and Truffert could be the ideal man.

FB Ref suggests that the French defender excels going forward, particularly impressing in terms of progressive carries, shot-creating actions and progressive passes, while he is also strong at the back, with an impressive blocking rate.

The website suggests that Truffert’s style of play is very similar to that of Hernandez, and if the Stade Rennais man were to perform at anywhere near the level of the AC Milan ace at West Ham next season, then he would be a superb addition.

Last season saw Hernandez make 32 appearances in Serie A for I Rossoneri, in which he contributed an impressive five goals and six assists, averaging a 7.16 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

Truffert meanwhile, contributed three goals and two assists in a strong season with Les Rouge et Noir, so clearly doesn’t lack attacking quality.

Former Rennes coach Julien Stephan was full of praise for Truffert in 2020, saying:

“He’s a young player who I know very well. He has huge potential and a very good left foot.

“He’s very intelligent, has the right mentality and the versatility to play in different positions. He has all the qualities needed to keep progressing and to break through in the near future.”

Considering Truffert is only 20, he has plenty of time to adapt and grow in the Premier League, so signing him now might be a smart move by GSB, especially if he can develop to the same extent as Hernandez, who is now valued at £77m after his incredible performances with AC Milan.

And, in other news… West Ham could now sign their own Cancelo in “incredible” £30m gem, he’s Moyes’ dream

Celtic have been linked with a move for midfielder Connor Barron ahead of the upcoming summer window as Ange Postecoglou look to bolster his ranks at Parkhead.

What’s the news?

According to a recent report from the Scottish Daily Express, the Hoops sent scouts to watch the 19-year-old during Scotland’s U21s clash against Belgium.

The report also added that “Ange Postecoglou and his scouting team have been impressed with Barron throughout the season.”

Celtic’s next Scott Brown

As a product of Aberdeen’s youth ranks, the midfielder has now made 15 senior appearances for the club after completing loan deals with Kelty Hearts and Brechin City.

With 13 appearances in League Two under his belt with Kelty, the teenager scored one goal and provided two assists before returning to his parent club in January and seeing out the remainder of the season with them.

In those appearances, the youngster won 15 tackles, made 15 interceptions and delivered 59 crosses in the process, highlighting how capable he is on and off the ball.

Back in March, Jim Goodwin had this to say about the young talent: “Connor is a very good player with great potential. He has so much to learn and improve on which he knows and he is not getting above his station at all.

“He has been a breath of fresh air since I came in. You talk about bravery and courage, the wee man has it in abundance.

“He demands the ball from the centre halves, in tight areas he wants to play out of trouble and that takes courage.”

Celtic said goodbye to club legend Scott Brown last summer after 14 years of service and Barron could well be seen as a potential long-term replacement for the Hoops veteran after he left to join Aberdeen during the previous summer transfer window.

Having shared the pitch with the former Celtic midfielder at Aberdeen this season, Barron will have certainly learnt a lot from having a figure like Brown around him in the dressing room.

While he would certainly have some big shoes to fill as Brown’s potential long-term replacement at Parkhead given the legacy the 36-year-old has at the club, the youngster definitely has the talent and time ahead of him to become a solid first-team option for Postecoglou.

After all, as Goodwin eludes to, he has the bravery that made Brown such a hit in Glasgow.

In other news: Deal close: Big transfer update emerges that’ll have many Celtic supporters buzzing

The Athletic’s Chris Waugh has reacted to the latest transfer rumour linking Newcastle United captain Jamaal Lascelles with a move away to newly promoted Premier League side Nottingham Forest.

The Lowdown: Lascelles falling down pecking order

Following the arrival of former Brighton defender Dan Burn at St. James’ Park, club captain Lascelles has fallen down the pecking order at Newcastle.

Since the closure of the January transfer window, the 28-year-old has made just nine appearances in the English top-flight, only five of which have come in Eddie Howe’s starting XI.

Considering the skipper had been a fixture in the side whenever fit before Howe’s arrival, it would be no surprise to see him go in search of regular playing time.

The Latest: Waugh’s reaction

Taking to Twitter, Newcastle journalist Chris Waugh shared The Athletic’s article linking Lascelles with a return to Nottingham Forest, eight years after he left the City Ground.

Reacting to the news, Waugh said: “Interesting on Jamaal Lascelles… NUFC may listen to a decent offer for their skipper.”

The Verdict: Losing a leader

Speaking about Lascelles after he was left out of his starting XI for the Magpies’ 1-0 loss against Everton, Howe claimed (via GeordieBootBoys): “His attitude has been spot on. He’s obviously our captain and he’s led like a captain even in a difficult moment for him because he would want to play every game.

“I always think that’s a true test of a leader is in the difficult moments, and I think Jamaal has been absolutely superb – he’s been positive in the changing room before the game, during training – I cannot speak highly enough of his reaction to that.”

Regardless of whether Lascelles is in Howe’s starting XI or not, the defender provides a leading presence in the dressing room at St. James’ Park, and we feel this could be a big loss for Newcastle even despite his of serious minutes this season.

In other news: Newcastle United: Magpies send scouts to watch Ben Nelson