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Tottenham Hotspur could make a surprise move for former academy graduate Kyle Walker-Peters…

What’s the word?

That’s according to CBS Sports reporter Ben Jacobs, who revealed to GIVEMESPORT that it was a deal that Spurs were exploring before deadline day on September 1st.

“Arsenal are keeping tabs on Walker-Peters, but nothing beyond that at this stage. Tottenham are exploring re-signing Walker-Peters from Southampton,” he said.

“I think whoever lands him will land a tremendous player. He was one of the best right-backs in the Premier League last season.”

Worthy comeback

Indeed, the 25-year-old was a standout star for Southampton, even despite the arrival of Tino Livramento from Chelsea. His form for the Saints even led to a call-up to Gareth Southgate’s England squad – it’s been a while since one of Spurs’ defensive players managed that.

23 of his 37 appearances last season actually came at left-back, making him an even better prospect to sign because he is clearly capable of playing on either flank and that could work wonders given Antonio Conte’s system.

Walker-Peters left the north London outfit back in August 2020 for £12m and has seen his value soar to £26m, as per CIES Football Observatory, who assess the transfer value of professional footballers on a scientific basis.

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He has gone onto play 82 times on the south coast, emerging as one of the top players in his position, as Jacobs alludes to.

When compared to his positional peers across Europe’s top divisions, the former Spurs man ranks inside the top 4% for progressive carries (7.90 per 90), the top 6% for dribbles completed (1.74 per 90) and the top 7% for touches in the opposition’s penalty box (3.14 per 90), via FBref.

This would suggest that his attacking presence is something of a lethal threat, and that has to be a valuable asset considering his performances are in the Premier League.

“He remembers me a little bit of Philipp Lahm I must say, because he is so good on the ball, he always has good decisions. He can run and makes nearly any mistakes,” boldly claimed Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl to the Daily Echo.

Meanwhile, he has also been praised for his leadership qualities by his manager, describing him as a “role model” and “complete.”

Conte has struggled with the right wing-back position ever since he took over from Nuno Santo in November and with a deal for Djed Spence dragging on, it could make sense for Spurs to look elsewhere as it’s less than a month until the new season gets underway.

The £50k-per-week gem perhaps should have never been sold by Daniel Levy, so now sporting director Fabio Paratici has a chance to right those wrongs in the coming weeks.

Walker-Peters would be a solid sixth signing of the summer transfer window.

AND in other news, £16.6m wasted: Conte must axe £50k-p/w Spurs passenger who Pochettino dubbed “perfect”…

Manchester United are reportedly among the clubs interested in signing free agent defender Dan-Axel Zagadou, according to French outlet Media Foot Marseille (via Sport Witness). 

The lowdown: Career so far

Signed from Paris Saint-Germain in 2017 having come through the youth system in the French capital, Zagadou made 91 appearances for Borussia Dortmund before leaving the club as a free agent last month.

The 23-year-old former France youth international played a part in the side that lifted the German Cup and the German Super Cup during his time in Germany, as well as making 14 UEFA Champions League outings for the Black and Yellows.

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Now seeking a new club, a fresh claim has emerged suggesting that Old Trafford could be a potential landing spot for Zagadou…

The latest: ‘Very interested’

As per Media Foot Marseille, translated by SW, Manchester United are believed to be ‘very interested’ in the six-cap France Under 21 ace.

It’s claimed that Inter Milan are also attempting to sign Zagadou as a replacement for the potentially PSG-bound Milan Skriniar but will need to ‘watch out’ for the competition from the Red Devils.

The report also states that the Ligue 1 club ‘hope that Manchester United will not’ move for the man described as a ‘great talent’ by German football writer Adam Khan to avoid complications in their ongoing move.

The verdict: No brainer

Still holding a market value of £8.1million (Transfermarkt), without the need for a transfer fee, signing Zagadou represents a wholly viable opportunity for Erik ten Hag to strengthen the defensive depth and leave money in the coffers to further bolster other positions.

Last season, the 6 foot 4 Frenchman made 22 appearances across all competitions for Dortmund, earning a 6.71 average Sofascore rating whilst winning 3.9 duels, making 2.5 clearances and completing 53.1 accurate passes on average per Bundesliga outing – highlighting strong defensive qualities as well as ball playing ability that would suit Ten Hag’s preferred style of play.

Sharing similar stylistic traits with Liverpool phenomenon Ibrahima Konate, Leicester City giant Caglar Soyuncu and Barcelona star Eric Garcia (Fbref), Zagadou would be a shrewd addition to the United squad to supplement the capture of Lisandro Martinez, particularly as the club are reportedly willing to allow central defensive trio Phil Jones, Axel Tuanzebe and Eric Bailly leave the club.

Leeds United will be keeping hold of Jack Harrison this summer, much to the delight of manager Jesse Marsch…

What’s the word?

That’s according to transfer insider Dean Jones, who recently revealed to This is Futbol:

“They expect him to stay.

“I think they’ve been surprised at just how much talk there’s been about him leaving in this window.

“They’ve never had any intention to sell him.

“But they also didn’t think that he would cause this much fuss, because he’s ultimately not one of the biggest parts of their project. But because of that, they thought he would be fine to keep.”

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Premier League rivals Newcastle United are one side thought to be really keen on the winger’s signature during this summer’s transfer window, with CBS Sports journalist Ben Jacobs even claiming that the Magpies have “enquired” about a potential deal.

Great news for Jesse Marsch

This development will surely leave the American head coach absolutely buzzing at Elland Road as it seems as if he won’t be losing another key member of the current squad.

It would have been a big blow to lose Harrison on top of Kalvin Phillips, who joined Premier League champions Manchester City, and Raphinha, who sealed a dream move to Barcelona.

Even more so given the 25-year-old’s contribution to the Whites in recent seasons, as well as the manager’s clear admiration for his ability.

During his first campaign in the big time, Harrison delivered eight goals and eight assists as Leeds sealed a ninth-place finish under Marcelo Bielsa and last season, he needed to step up in the absence of injured top goalscorer Patrick Bamford, and did so with another eigh-goal tally, as per Transfermarkt.

Marsch has even tried to sign the 5 foot 9 winger before, as revealed in one of his first press conferences at the club.

“I spoke to Victor Orta two years ago. Before that I followed Leeds so I could see Jack. I’ve followed players from MLS and their adaptation. I could see Jack had taken a lot of new responsibility here. He was always the type of player after the game was always very respectable and would shake your hand,” he said (via LeedsLive) before adding:

“He can run all day, he is explosive, he’s effective in 1-v-1s, he’s dangerous, he’s smart. I’m asking him to play a different role, I want him to play a little bit more of an interior player.”

So with Jones’ claim that Leeds have no intentions to sell the former City winger, it will come as pleasing news to the manager just weeks before the start of the new campaign. He will surely be buzzing to have Harrison around for the remainder of the year, at the very least.

AND in other news, Orta could now land “dream” CDK alternative with Leeds bid for “unreal” £33m sensation…

Reported Aston Villa target Memphis Depay is available this summer according to widespread reports and Ashley Preece.

What’s the word?

As per Villa correspondent Ashley Preece – in a Q and A for Birmingham Mail – the Dutchman is on the market this summer amid Steven Gerrard’s desire to land a new forward.

That said, asked if there was any truth to the online speculation linking the 28-year-old with a move to Villa Park, the respected source stated: “I’ve had nothing on those Depay links, nor have my colleagues. I’d be really surprised if Villa were to make a move. Player is available, as we know, Spurs have been linked as well. I just can’t see that happening from a Villa point of view, as things stand.”

As Preece alluded to, the former Lyon man – who only arrived at the Camp Nou last year on a free transfer – is seemingly up for sale this summer, amid reports that he is even set to see his number nine shirt relinquished following the arrival of Poland hotshot, Robert Lewandowski.

Time to act

Although the situation could well change as the window closes, it doesn’t appear at present that Depay is in line to join the Villans, with supporters set to be gutted at not being able to see the £31.5m-rated man in a claret and blue jersey this season.

However, that’s precisely why the decision makers at Villa Park need to act now and as Preece says, spring a “surprise” to bring him to the club. Despite his frustrating situation in Catalonia, the one-time Manchester United man still boasts a respectable record for the La Liga side, having scored 13 goals and provided two assists in 37 games for the club thus far.

That tally includes 12 goals from just 28 league appearances last season – only 20 of which came from the start – with the 80-cap international also averaging an impressive 1.6 key passes per game and creating five big chances.

Prior to joining to La Blaugrana, the £158k-per-week menace had also been in explosive form in France, scoring 76 goals and providing 55 assists in 178 games at Parc Olympique Lyonnais after rejuvenating his career following a difficult stint at Old Trafford.

Almost a sure thing when it comes to providing goals and assists, the 5 foot 9 superstar – who ranks joint-second in the all-time scoring charts for Oranje – would seemingly solve Villa’s attacking woes, with the club’s top scorer last term having been that of Ollie Watkins with just 11 goals in all competitions.

An enigmatic and charismatic figure, Depay is the type of character and type of player who can light up a stadium, with it time for Johan Lange and co to make a late dash to sign the Netherlands international in the remaining weeks of the window.

Fulham’s 2-2 draw against Liverpool on Saturday not only saw the west London club take on one of Europe’s top teams, but also one of the best attacking players in world football in Mohamed Salah.

After scoring 23 goals and providing 14 assists in 35 league games last season, the Egypt winger got his new campaign off to a good start by scoring and providing an assist for his team as they rescued a point from Craven Cottage last weekend.

Another top wide attacking talent in the Premier League that Marco Silva’s side will be taking on at some point this season is Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha.

With 278 top-flight appearances to his name, the Ivory Coast international has found the net 61 times and delivered 41 assists along the way, which highlights just how established he is at Premier League level.

However, with there still being just over three weeks left before the transfer window closes, the west London club could use this time to bring in someone who would be their own version of Zaha.

Some days ago, it was reported that Fulham are in talks over a potential move for AS Roma winger Justin Kluivert, who has the Palace star included in a list of players similar to him according to Football Transfers.

Having made 220 club appearances at senior and youth level, the winger has 47 goals and 47 assists to his name, showing how similar he is to the Ivorian in being able to not only score goals but set them up for his team-mates as well.

Looking at the duo’s previous league campaigns, they both ended the 2021/22 season with an almost identical rate for key passes per game, with Zaha making 1.4 and Kluivert 1.3.

Hailed by his former Ajax coach Peter Bosz as a player who has “swagger in his game”, the Dutchman made good use of his ability to run with the ball to be an attacking threat last season as only one other Nice player racked up more successful dribbles than him.

This also mirrors Zaha and his main attacking attribute, as he attempted more dribbles (140) than any of his Palace team-mates in the league last term. In fact, only three other players in the 2021/22 Premier League had more dribbles than the 29-year-old.

Taking all this into account, securing a deal for the £55k-per-week Roma attacker could be a very promising and exciting bit of business for Fulham and potentially give them someone who can develop into being up there with the likes of Zaha and Salah as one of the league’s top attacking players.

Jordan Campbell from the Athletic has dropped a Rangers squad claim that could leave Ibrox boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst delighted.

What’s the latest?

The news surrounds the Rangers squad ahead of the rest of the season and Campbell gave an update via his Twitter page, saying:

“Would take something huge to alter Rangers’ plans for the squad this season. Katic & Kelly likely to leave but everyone else will play a role.”

This should offer some comfort to Van Bronckhorst and the Rangers faithful knowing that the squad is settled and ready to embark on yet another gruelling campaign.

More signings look unlikely

Following a tepid start to the summer transfer window, there has been an influx of activity during the previous three weeks which has given the Ibrox side a solid spine to the squad.

Ben Davies, Antonio Colak, Tom Lawrence, Rabbi Matondo, and Malik Tillman arrived at Ibrox as the Dutchman gave the side somewhat of a makeover, with the inevitable departures of Joe Aribo and Calvin Bassey, new replacements were required.

The Gers defeated Union Saint-Gilloise 3-2 on aggregate to reach the Champions League play-off round where Dutch side PSV Eindhoven await them.

The comeback victory will have given the team confidence ahead of the mouth-watering tie and shows that Van Bronckhorst’s side appears to be gelling together quite well.

The manager has also had somewhat of a clear out of fringe players this summer, with Glenn Middleton, Jack Simpson, Cedric Itten, and Andy Firth all departing the club and freeing up space for the new faces.

Campbell’s update also states that Nikola Katic and Stephen Kelly are also likely to leave as first-team football appears unlikely for the pair. With Alex Lowry and Leon King likely to continue their development in the first team this season, it proves there is a pathway from academy to senior football at the club.

Van Bronckhorst will be delighted at how his squad is shaping up, despite the performances in the first couple of matches falling short of the high Ibrox standard. St Johnstone awaits at Ibrox tomorrow ahead of the crucial Champions League first leg on Tuesday and three points will be expected.

An update has emerged on Newcastle United target Anthony Gordon and his availability in the summer transfer window… 

What’s the talk?

Ben Jacobs has claimed that the England youth international is valued at around £50m after Chelsea had an offer turned down for his services.

The journalist has also refused to rule out a Magpies swoop for the winger as those behind the scenes on Tyneside rate the talented attacker.

He Tweeted: “Everton value Anthony Gordon at £50m and were clear with Spurs and Newcastle that they wouldn’t entertain a sale unless that valuation was met. #CFC’s £40m bid has been rejected. Chelsea considering their next move.”

The reporter then added: “The other point to make is if it becomes apparent Everton will sell (a change of stance), don’t rule out #NUFC making a real push again. They were put off by the valuation, & Everton dismissive of their bid. But Eddie Howe and Dan Ashworth really like Gordon.”

Get it done

Newcastle must now reignite their interest, and make the “real push” that Jacobs believes they are capable of, to beat Chelsea to the signing of the young winger this summer.

At the age of 21, the attacker – who David Unsworth once dubbed “unbelievable” – has shown signs of great promise on the wing and could offer Howe a different option to Allan Saint-Maximin on the left that could improve the team out of possession.

For all of his fancy footwork and trickery out wide, the Frenchman leaves a lot to be desired when it comes to his work off the ball. Over the last 365 days, he ranks in the bottom percentile in both pressures applied and tackles attempted per 90 in Europe’s top five leagues out of all of the players in his position, whilst also being in the 4th percentile for blocks and clearances.

Gordon, meanwhile, is exceptional in the work that he puts in for his team out of possession. He ranks in the 96th percentile for pressures and tackles respectively per 90, whilst also being in the 99th percentile for blocks and the 34th for clearances.

These statistics show that the Everton man is one of the best wingers in Europe when it comes to putting the hard yards in off the ball to help his team. He is constantly putting pressure on opposition players and making blocks and tackles to defend from the front. 

Boreham Wood boss Luke Garrard dubbed him a “frightening” prospect for any defence and his work rate out of possession will leave opposition players scared as they know that he has the pace and know-how to close them down quickly.

Whilst his two goals and four assists are inferior to Saint-Maximin’s five goals and five assists last term, he is four years younger than the French attacker and has time on his side to add that to his game.

He could develop under Howe and become an important cog in the Newcastle forward line for many years to come, which is why they must reignite their interest in the £50m wizard.

Crystal Palace are reportedly considering a move for Leicester City midfielder Boubakary Soumare, and Patrick Vieira could turn him into a top player at Selhurst Park.

What’s the word?

According to the Daily Mail, Vieira’s side are keen to sign the 23-year-old, who has struggled for consistency with the Foxes since joining from Lille last summer.

Leicester are keen to recoup the £23m they paid to sign the Frenchman, which brought an end to Monaco’s interest in the young midfielder, but Palace could offer him a lifeline this summer after a difficult spell at the King Power Stadium.

Vieira would make him a monster

Soumare arrived in England with a big reputation after playing a leading role in Lille winning the Ligue 1 title in the 2020/21 season.

The youngster made 32 appearances in the French top-flight that season, averaging a solid 6.76 rating from WhoScored for his performances, and given Leicester’s propensity for successful French midfielders, there was hope that he would be a success in Brendan Rodgers’ side.

However, he would make just 12 starts in the Premier League last season, failing to score and providing just one assist, which resulted in him earning a shocking average rating of 6.41 from WhoScored – ranking him as the second-worst player in Leicester’s squad of those to make at least ten starts.

He is yet to play a single minute of the new season for the Foxes, despite doubts around the future of fellow midfielder Youri Tielemans, which suggests that he simply isn’t fancied at Leicester and needs a new club to get his career back on track.

Soumare was very highly-rated at Lille and if he were afforded regular opportunities at Palace, we could see him achieve his obvious potential, especially considering he will be working under Vieira, a manager who has already shown a great deal of faith in young up and coming footballers.

Indeed, Ligue 1 expert and journalist Ian Holyman suggested that Soumare had all the attributes to succeed in the Premier League when he joined the Foxes, saying:

“He’s a powerful guy, 6ft 2ins, really athletic, but he’s also got ability on the ball. He’s not just about being a midfield destroyer.”

Rodgers did also offer some praise for Soumare after his debut performance at Leicester, saying:

“[Boubakary Soumare’s] a very strong player and we need his quality. He’s very good on the ball, but he’s physically good as well.”

Unfortunately, we’ve not quite seen those abilities from him on a regular basis in England but that could change under the guidance of someone who knows all too well about the rigours of the top-flight.

A physical French midfielder who is good on the ball may well remind older Premier League fans of a certain Vieira, who is regarded as one of the top players of the Premier League era after his sensational spell with Arsenal. Thus, under his coaching, Soumare could really reach his monstrous aforementioned potential as he seeks to learn from one of the best to grace the game in his position.

Therefore, Vieira should definitely look to bring Soumare to Selhurst Park this month, as he could be a superb long-term addition to the Eagles’ midfield.

Sky Sports journalist Pete Graves has revealed that new signing Alexander Isak is ‘in line’ to make his debut for Newcastle United against Wolves in the Premier League this afternoon.

The Lowdown: Isak signs for Newcastle

The St James’ Park outfit confirmed the signing of the Swedish striker from Real Sociedad on Friday for a reported club-record £63m fee.

He has signed a long-term deal in the northeast and will wear the number 14 shirt.

The Latest: Debut today?

Taking to Twitter, Graves has revealed that Isak is ‘in line’ to make his debut for the Magpies at Molineux this afternoon, as the necessary paperwork was submitted in time to meet the weekend deadline for them to register their players ahead of the match.

The Sky Sports reporter stated: “Understand Alexander Isak is in line to make his Newcastle United debut on Sunday. Although #nufc are still awaiting international clearance, @SkySportsNews has learned that necessary paperwork WAS submitted by the club in time to meet the weekend deadline.”

The Verdict: Exciting

It is certainly exciting for the Toon Army to hear that Isak is able to make his Newcastle debut this afternoon, as they will be able to get a first glimpse of their new striker.

At Sociedad, he boasted a record of 44 goals in 132 games, while he also has nine senior goals for the Sweden national team (Transfermarkt).

Also, with Callum Wilson out injured at the moment, Isak should be able to come in to lead the line straight way, and it will now be up to Eddie Howe whether he plays him from the start against Wolves or uses him from the bench, with Chris Wood another option to start up top.

According to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal have a ‘serious interest’ in Shakhtar Donetsk winger Mykhaylo Mudryk and could make a move in the final few hours of the window.

The Lowdown: Agent talks held

After Nicolas Pepe joined Nice on a season-long loan last week, Mikel Arteta has been on the hunt for a new wide player, with the likes of Wilfried Zaha heavily linked with a switch to the Emirates.

The Premier League giants have seemingly turned their attention to the 21-year-old though, with reports suggesting that the Gunners have held talks with his representatives over a potential move.

It’s believed that the Ukrainian giants would only be willing to do business should an offer of a fee in the region of £30m arrive.

The Latest: Arsenal’s big decision

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Romano claimed that Arsenal are in the process of deciding whether to make a late proposal after Shakhtar have upped their initial valuation. He said:

“There is serious interest. Now, the problem is the price because after the Antony deal, internally at Shakhtar, they feel they can sell Mudryk for more than €30million.

“They consider Mudryk to be a fantastic player. Not just a talent, but a player absolutely ready to have an impact in England and ready to have an impact everywhere. They think he is more than a talent, so they are not selling him for €30million to €35million.”

The Verdict: Alongside Luiz?

Arsenal are currently in ongoing talks to sign Douglas Luiz from Aston Villa, and Mudryk could be the next to follow in his footsteps.

The forward, praised for his ‘fast pace’ by Total Football Analysis journalist Fintan O’Reilly, has made 12 goal contributions in 28 appearances for Shakhtar, and has already bagged one assist in two games this season (Transfermarkt).

Mudryk will already know Oleksandr Zinchenko from representing Ukraine internationally together, so this existing connection could prove valuable when it comes to the attacker deciding whether to make the move or not.