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Leeds United youngster Cody Drameh looks set to depart Elland Road during the January transfer window, according to an update from journalist Joe Donnohue.

The Lowdown: Drameh out of favour

The 20-year-old had been lured to Elland Road from Fulham two years ago and was frequently included in matchday squads by Marcelo Bielsa, but things have somewhat stagnated for him of late.

Drameh has been limited to just one appearance in the Premier League this season, and one in the Carabao Cup, with Jesse Marsh not seeing him as part of his first-team plans.

Indeed, it now looks as though the right-back may have reached the end of the line at Leeds.

The Latest: January exit seems likely

Taking to Twitter on Monday evening, Donnohue reacted to Graham Smyth’s report for the Yorkshire Evening Post which claimed that Drameh is expected to depart Leeds permanently in January.

He tweeted:

“A shame this looks to be the end of the road for Drameh at #LUFC, but best for all parties. Bags of talent, as shown throughout his time at Thorp Arch and with Cardiff last season, but completely wasted in U21s football. Writing on the wall in summer when Leeds signed Kristensen.”

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The Verdict: Time to move on

While it is a pity to see talented young players moving on from Leeds, this does feel like a natural parting of ways between Drameh and the Yorkshire club.

It would be far more beneficial to his career to enjoy regular football somewhere else, rather than potentially staying in the under-23s and not reaching his potential.

Drameh is unlikely to be without suitors during January given his long-term promise and a host of Championship and European interest over the summer, and it is simply a case of making the right decision for his career, ensuring that he carves out a positive pathway for himself.

Jurgen Klopp and Michael Edwards’ diligence in the transfer market has arguably been the club’s biggest strength since he joined Liverpool.

Signing players such as Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz for transfer fees that have since looked like incredible value is something the German is keen to repeat as he chases more glory.

His ability to get fees for underperforming or underused players should also not be ignored, with Dejan Lovren, Harry Wilson, and Takumi Minamino all being excellent examples.

However, selling Neco Williams this summer for a fee of £16m to Nottingham Forest, especially considering the lack of game time he would have received this season, has been a masterstroke by Klopp.

Klopp robbed Forest

Williams did make 33 appearances for Liverpool after emerging from the youth system but it was unlikely he was going to overtake Trent Alexander-Arnold for the right-back position.

He was even dubbed “out of his depth” by athlete Ryan Crouch and with Calvin Ramsey arriving at the club in the summer to provide competition for Alexander-Arnold, the German moved him on to Forest and it has turned out to be a wise move.

The 21-year-old has played in 13 Premier League matches this season, averaging a SofaScore rating of 6.85. It’s a solid if unspectacular rating but alongside the rest of the Forest side, he has again looked out of his depth at times.

The club have kept just two clean sheets while he has featured and the defender has been dribbled past on average 1.1 times per match.

Losing possession 16.5 times per match ranks him second in the Forest squad, and while he does have some solid stats such as making 0.8 key passes (second in the squad) he hasn’t quite lived up to last season’s performances for Fulham.

Indeed, the Wales international scored twice and registered five assists while on loan with the Cottagers.

Granted these numbers were in the Championship, but with his talent, Williams should have been able to make the transition with more confidence.

The full-back is still young and has time to continue his development, but by receiving £16m for the player in the summer, Klopp has performed an excellent piece of business.

Tottenham Hotspur star Harry Kane is on Bayern Munich’s transfer ‘list for next summer’, according to Bild (via SportWitness).

The Lowdown: Conte not happy

Back during the summer window, Julian Nagelsmann refused to rule out a move for the England captain as the Bundesliga giants sought a replacement for Barcelona-bound Robert Lewandowski.

Spurs boss Antonio Conte asserted the German’s comments were ‘disrespectful’ as the 29-year-old remains a crucial part of his Lilywhites XI, proclaiming:

“I don’t like to speak about players from another club. If I want to do something I go to speak to the club, not through the media.

“I think maybe it’s a bit disrespectful for the other club. This is my way. This is my way to face the situation with other players.”

The Latest: Bayern’s interest

According to a report by Bild (via SportWitness), Kane remains one name which is ‘particularly hotly debated’ at Bayern, and the star striker has been added to the club’s transfer ‘list for next summer’.

Amid rumours the German outfit would struggle to secure the likes of Kane due to a lack of funds for a world-class player, Bayern president Herbert Hainer has said: “It’s not primarily a question of money, it has to be the right player on the market. If the opportunity arises, we will take a closer look at it.”

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The Verdict: Could be a huge loss for Spurs

Having made 288 top-flight appearances in a Lilywhites shirt, the striker has bagged a sensational 191 goals in the league, also contributing another 48 assists.

Astonishingly, bar last season, the 29-year-old has ended each Premier League campaign as Spurs’ top scorer since the 2014/15 season.

Hailed by Premier League record goal-scorer Alan Shearer as a ‘sensational’ player, it is clear to see why Conte decided to respond to Nagelsmann’s comments with Kane paramount to Tottenham’s success.

If Bayern do come in with an offer for their star man, the north London club should be asking for a quite simply astronomical fee to even enter negotiations.

Liverpool striker Roberto Firmino is wanted by Atletico Madrid as his contract runs towards its final six months, according to reports in Spain.

The Lowdown: Firmino into final year

The Brazilian has been a true modern-day great at Anfield, playing a huge role in Jurgen Klopp’s side enjoying so much success in recent years.

Firmino’s current Liverpool deal expires at the end of this season, however, and there is no sign yet of him penning a new contract and extending his stay.

The 31-year-old is therefore unlikely to be without suitors and a new update is now doing the rounds.

The Latest: Atletico eye up move

According to Spanish outlet Todo Fichajes, Atletico are eyeing up a move for Firmino next summer, with Diego Simeone an admirer of the Brazil international.

The forward has scored 104 goals and registered 77 assists for Liverpool in 338 appearances, being described as a ‘world-class’ player by Klopp.

The Verdict: Exit feels likely

While the thought of Firmino leaving the Reds is a sad one, considering the seven years of wonderful service he has provided, it does feel as though this will be his final season at the club.

At 31, there is no shame in admitting that his very best days are now behind him, and despite him scoring six goals so far this season, his all-round game isn’t what it was, in terms of energy and influence.

A summer exit ultimately makes the most sense for all parties, allowing Firmino one last big move in his career and giving Liverpool the chance to sign a younger alternative.

Liverpool have endured somewhat of an injury crisis in midfield already this season and the signing of Arthur Melo on Deadline Day was made to bolster the centre of the pitch, but now Jurgen Klopp may have changed his mind on the player.

What’s the latest?

According to Italian news outlet Tutto Mercato Web, Liverpool could cut short their season-long loan deal with Arthur if they make a midfielder signing in January.

As per the report, Klopp is not particularly keen on what he has seen from the Brazilian so far and the club will keep their eye out for a potential permanent signing they can snap up in the winter transfer window so that they can send Arthur back to Juventus.

It would be a big risk

Considering the position that Liverpool have found themselves since the start of the season, it would be a big risk to let go of any midfield reinforcements even if the club do manage to secure a permanent signing to add to the depth in January.

The Reds’ midfield options are some of the most injury-prone players in the team with Naby Keita, Jordan Henderson, Curtis Jones, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Thiago Alcantara all sustaining injuries of the last few weeks and months, which would suggest that they need more than just one midfielder to cover the three key roles in the centre of the pitch.

Not only that Keita, Oxlade-Chamberlain and James Milner are all in the last 12 months of their contracts and at present, there are no indication that the three players will remain a part of the squad at Anfield beyond next summer.

As a result, signing just one midfielder in January may not be enough to strengthen the side especially if Liverpool are still in all European and domestic competitions in the new year, so letting go of Arthur – whether he is in Klopp’s plans or not – could be a big mistake.

The £125k-per-week ace has only been featured for 13 minutes so far since joining the Merseyside giants with his arrival coinciding with the return of Thiago, who earlier this month recently recovered from a hamstring injury.

It will be interesting to see if Arthur will get opportunities over the next few months before the transfer window reopens again.

Nottingham Forest have made an offer to sign VfL Wolfsburg midfielder Aster Vranckx this summer, report L’Equipe (via Sport Witness). 

The lowdown: Rise to prominence

Signed from Belgian outfit KV Mechelen in 2021, Vranckx has gone from strength to strength since arriving in Germany, having made 47 first-team appearances for his previous employers, where he came through the academy system.

The 19-year-old Belgium youth international made 28 outings last season for the Bundesliga side, scoring twice whilst operating centrally and in wide areas to showcase impressive versatility.

Having previously been linked to Vranckx, a fresh report emerging from France has claimed that Forest did more than just show their interest…

The latest: Offer made

As per L’Equipe, translated by SW, the three-cap Under 21 starlet is understood to have ‘received offers’ from Nottingham Forest, Fiorentina and Bologna this summer.

It’s claimed that Lille are also attentive to the situation surrounding Vranckx and a move could still be on the cards before the end of the transfer window.

The report makes no mention of the details of the offer for the youngster – who was billed as a ‘very exciting’ prospect by football talent scout Jacek Kulig – but previous reports have claimed that he could be available for around €8million (£6.7million).

The lowdown: Try again

Albeit the midfield department has already been strengthened with the signings of Lewis O’Brien, Orel Mangala and Cheikhou Kouyate, adding a supremely talented and versatile operator such as Vranckx to Steve Cooper’s ranks would be a significant capture.

Sharing a similar stylistic likeness to proven Premier League performers such as Conor Gallagher, Joelinton and Jeffrey Schlupp (FBref), the teenage Belgian seemingly has all the attributes required to make the grade in the English top flight.

Earning a reported £15,000 per week, signing Vranckx at the aforementioned asking price should be an affordable venture for the City Ground hierarchy and Dane Murphy even alongside the rumoured move for Neal Maupay.

Nottingham Forest have been linked with a move for Che Adams this summer, and now a new update has emerged from a reliable source on the club’s pursuit of the player in the final weeks of the transfer window.

What’s the latest?

According to transfer insider and journalist Dean Jones, Nottingham Forest are “trying to sign” Southampton striker Adams.

Jones told GIVEMESPORT:

“I do wonder about this Nottingham Forest interest. I think there’s something in that and I think that Forest are trying to sign him.

“I mean, Nottingham Forest, I’ve lost count now, but I think they’ve signed 12 players. Their aim for this window was to sign 15 players.”

Imagine him & Gibbs-White

Forest have already signed a number of new players to strengthen their team ahead of their campaign in the Premier League, however, following their first defeat in their first game against Newcastle United at the weekend, Steve Cooper will surely be hoping to resolve some of the issues displayed so far.

The Reds weren’t capable of taking anything from their opening game of the season on their visit to St James’ Park on Saturday, and the lack of attacking threat will surely be a concern for Cooper.

Forest failed to register a single shot on target against the Magpies and didn’t create a single big chance either, something that will need to be quickly resolved if the newly-promoted side want to start picking up points to have any chance of remaining in the top-flight next season.

As a result, the pursuit of Adams could be the perfect opportunity to strengthen and improve the attacking threat, along with the chances needed to be created in front of goal over the campaign ahead.

Over 30 Premier League appearances last season, the £15m striker scored seven goals, delivered three assists and created 31 big chances, as well as making 17 key passes, proving that he could be a very valuable asset to Cooper if a deal can be done.

The Saints striker was not only impressing in league football, as Adams was lavished with praise for his performances last year for national side Scotland with Ally McCoist dubbing the player a “breath of fresh air” in the team:

“He’s come away from matches bursting with confidence and it has shown in his club displays. Since then, he scored against the likes of Manchester United at Old Trafford and away to Spurs as well. He has been a breath of fresh air for us.”

Forest are also trying to sign Morgan Gibbs-White from Wolverhampton Wanderers this summer with three bids already rejected, but if they can strike up a deal with Wolves, it could be a double boost for Cooper in his attempts to inject more creativity in front of goal.

Gibbs-White scored 11 goals, delivered nine assists and created 16 big chances for Sheffield United whilst on loan with the Championship side last season, so if the Welsh manager can combine the strong anchor play of Adams with the 22-year-old’s playmaking talents, it could cause non-stop nightmares for opponents coming up against them.

With that being said, the signing of Adams could be just what Cooper needs at The City Ground to further improve his team and get the side more creative in attacking play as they come up against tough competition in the top tier.

Combine the forward with a dose of Gibbs-White and the Garibaldi could strike gold. It’s a mouth-watering combination just waiting to happen.

Newcastle United have been linked with a move for Maxwel Cornet, and now a new update has emerged on the club’s pursuit of the player this summer.

What’s the latest?

According to talkSPORT, Newcastle are preparing to trigger the £17.5m release clause of Burnley forward Cornet this summer.

As per the report, Eddie Howe is looking to strengthen his front line ahead of the new season and has identified the striker as a target, but Everton are also keen to sign Cornet too, whilst Nottingham Forest failed to agree on personal terms.

He’d be a great signing

The Magpies have already added three new faces to their squad this summer, but they remain on the lookout for a star striker, and with Cornet effective when deployed at centre-forward – he is capable of offering a great deal to Howe if the Magpies can seal a deal for the player.

Cornet has tonnes of experience playing across the front three, in left midfield and at left-back – giving the Newcastle manager the opportunity to sign a player with great versatility as well as the quality needed in each position to be reliable.

The £44k-per-week Ivorian sensation had a fantastic debut season in English football, scoring nine goals and delivering one assist – finishing the season as the top goalscorer for the Clarets – but it wasn’t enough to stop the side from being relegated on the final day.

Despite a difficult relegation battle, it didn’t stop Cornet from drawing high praise for his performances, with his former team-mate Nick Pope hailing the forward “quality” and journalist Alex James even claiming Cornet was “the best summer signing” last season.

Howe could even form a formidable attacking partnership between Callum Wilson and Cornet next season, combining the Burnley star’s eye for a goal-scoring opportunity and Wilson’s hunger for goals, a duo that could be an absolute nightmare for their opponents this season.

With that being said, the signing of Cornet could well prove to be one the Magpies’ best addition this summer, however, they will need to put in their offer soon with Everton and Nottingham Forest also keeping an eye on the player.

AND in other news: “Back in…”: Sky Sports journo drops NUFC transfer update, supporters will be buzzing

Everton have only made one signing so far but continue to be linked with a number of players this summer, and now an update has emerged on an offer made for a new transfer target.

What’s the latest?

According to Italian journalist Gianluigi Longari, Everton have made a loan offer for Tottenham Hotspur defender Japhet Tangana.

Longari tweeted:

“Many admirers for Tanganga as anticipated last month. Milan but also Napoli closely follow the central of the THFC which also has requests on loan from the Premier as Southampton and Everton. An Italian adventure teases the English defender.”

Frank needs him badly

It is no secret that Everton struggled in the Premier League last season with a relegation scrap that left the side vulnerable to a drop into the Championship, but ultimately they managed to secure survival on the penultimate game of the season.

There were a number of issues Frank Lampard’s squad faced over the season with the side suffering a major injury crisis for the majority of the season and having the worst injury record per 1,000 minutes in the Premier League, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin in particular missing the majority of the season through injury.

Not only did the Toffees suffer a number of injury issues to key players, their performances on the pitch were atrocious and the side ended the season conceding 23 more goals than they scored with Jamie Carragher branding the Everton defence “a Championship back four”.

As a result, it’s clear Lampard needs to address and improve the team’s defensive play, and signing Tanganga could be a great opportunity to do so.

Despite the 6 foot 1 monster’s limited game time with Spurs, he has proven that he can offer fantastic defensive attributes and reliability in the back-line when he has been given the opportunity to play.

Last season over 11 Premier League appearances, Tanganga who was hailed “really special” by Gary Neville made 1.3 tackles, 2.7 clearances and won 3.8 duels on average per game, as well as being successful in completing the majority of his dribble attempts too (71%).

With that being said, the signing of Tanganga could be a major coup for Everton as they attempt to rectify their issues and improve ahead of next season, and the 23-year-old could gain more game time and development at Goodison Park.

AND in other news: Alan Myers delivers seven-word Everton transfer claim that’ll leave supporters excited

Tottenham Hotspur could finally axe one of their struggling stars as they line up a move for a former academy graduate…

What’s the word?

According to 90min, the north London outfit are tracking their former winger Noni Madueke ahead of a potential move this summer after an exciting breakthrough at Dutch side PSV Eindhoven.

Verified journalist Sean Walsh relayed the report from his colleague Graham Bailey, claiming that Spurs were among multiple Premier League teams “keeping tabs” on the 20-year-old.

Leeds United and Newcastle United have also been mooted with interest, though it remains to be seen how much the Englishman would command. Transfermarkt currently value him at £16.2m.

Bye-bye Bergwijn

Given the arrival of Richarlison from Everton this week, and Dejan Kulusevski remaining on loan in N17, the arrival of another winger would certainly raise questions.

However, strength in depth will be required this season as the Lilywhites will be competing in the Champions League, and in a bid to compete on all fronts, manager Antonio Conte will need an array of options.

Behind the aforementioned duo, there is little quality, with Steven Bergwijn proving to be something of a flop ever since his £27m move from PSV in January 2020.

The 24-year-old lightweight has been linked with a switch to Ajax all summer, so the arrival of Madueke could certainly allow the Italian head coach to finally axe the Jose Mourinho signing.

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Bergwijn has managed just one start under Conte since his arrival in November, so it’s evident that he’s just not fancied by the manager.

The former Hotspur Way starlet could be an intriguing replacement and a likely upgrade in the role, considering his form for the Eredivisie side.

Over the last two seasons, Madueke scored 18 goals and laid on a further 14 assists across the Dutch top-flight, Dutch cup and all three of UEFA’s European club competitions, as per Transfermarkt.

Given the fact that Bergwijn has only managed 18 goal contributions across his 83 appearances for Spurs, it’s clear that the England U21 international would be a better option, not to mention the homegrown benefits he’d bring, too.

Former PSV midfielder Tommie van de Leegte has been left impressed by Madueke’s impact over in Europe, telling Omroep Brabant (via Goal): “He’s fast and has the capability to trick his opponent. He brings creativity and is very explosive in his actions.”

On the above evidence, sporting director Fabio Paratici would be wise to follow up their interest with a firm bid as it would allow them to sell Bergwijn to Ajax and, at the same time, improve Conte’s squad.

AND in other news, Alasdair Gold drops Christian Eriksen update…