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Reputable journalist Pete O’Rourke has cited a host of suitors for Newcastle United youngster Matthew Bondswell this summer. 

The lowdown: Major coup

Signed from RB Leipzig last summer, Newcastle had to overcome competition from Premier League rivals West Ham to land former Nottingham Forest starlet.

The 20-year-old England youth international left-back made 24 appearances for the Magpies’ Under 23 side and was sent on loan to League One side Shrewsbury Town before being recalled without making a debut.

Now, with opportunities likely to remain few and far between in Eddie Howe’s plans it appears that Newcastle are seeking another temporary exit for Bondswell before the end of the transfer window…

The latest: ‘Loan target’

Taking to Twitter, O’Rourke – a journalist for Football Insider – has claimed that a ‘number of clubs’ are considering a move for the four-cap England Under 19 ace.

He stated: “Newcastle United defender Matty Bondswell is a loan target for a number of EFL clubs, including Forest Green. Bondswell has impressed for Newcastle in pre-season and featured in the friendlies against Burnley, Benfica and Athletic Bilbao.”

The verdict: One for the future

Following the permanent capture of Matt Targett from Aston Villa, Howe currently has four senior options to operate at left-back in the shape of Paul Dummett, Matt Ritchie, Jamal Lewis and Targett himself, leaving Bondswell way down the pecking order at St James’ Park.

As such, allowing the youngster – who was once compared to Real Madrid superstar David Alaba – to leave on loan and obtain first-team exposure is undoubtedly the best move for all parties.

Capable of operating as a conventional left-back, wing-back and as a central defender, Bondswell certainly shares similar versatility to the UEFA Champions League winner and should still have a bright long-term future at the Tyneside club beyond any forthcoming loan spell.

Leeds United have opened talks to sign Kai Wagner from Philadelphia Union…

What’s the word?

That’s according to Forbes journalist Manuel Veth, who delivered an update on the Whites’ pursuit of the left-back to Twitter.

“Although there has been no official bid by #LUFC to #DOOP. There has been good communication between Leeds United and the Kai Wagner camp per source.

“Understanding is that there is still time this window and all sides want the best solution. To continue…”

It’s thought that the 25-year-old could cost just £2.5m and he would currently be their eighth signing of the summer.

Bargain eighth signing

That would be something of a bargain for the Yorkshire giants and director of football Victor Orta as Wagner could well solve their long-standing issue out on the left flank.

Junior Firpo, manager Jesse Marsch’s first-choice, is currently absent through injury but even when he returns, he is not the most reliable of options. Having cost around £12.8m from LaLiga side Barcelona last summer, the 25-year-old has been described as a “liability” to the team.

“All he seems to do is get booked all the time,” Mirror journalist David Anderson told GIVEMESPORT. “I think he’s been a big let-down,” he added. “If anything, he’s been more of a liability for Leeds.”

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For just over £10m less, Leeds could seal a far better alternative in Wagner, who has been one of the Major League Soccer’s standout stars in recent times.

A two-time member of the MLS All-Star squad, the German defender has proven to be an attacking threat for The U, having provided four goals and 17 assists across 117 appearances, as per Transfermarkt.

He’s just as effective defensively, too, so he wouldn’t appear to be as much of a liability as Firpo, having averaged 2.52 interceptions and only 1.22 fouls per 90, via FBref.

“He’s a fighter. He’s not scared of the contact, which is something very important in this league, and I think that’s why right now he’s adapted very well,” claimed former teammate Aurelien Collin to The Athletic.

For a bargain price of just £2.5m, it would be foolish for Orta to not take the risk on Wagner as he could well be the solution to Leeds’ left-back woes.

Marsch will know him well and given how similar signings like Brenden Aaronson and Tyler Adams have already looked like they’re rather smart moves, then he should be trusted with his interest in the Philadelphia Union star.

AND in other news, Orta submits seven-figure Leeds bid for target dubbed “one of the best”, Marsch needs him…

Everton are reportedly eyeing an exciting double swoop for Napoli duo Hirving Lozano and Eljif Elmas.

The Lowdown: Potential exits

The likes of Anthony Gordon and Dele Alli have been strongly linked with moves away from Goodison Park in recent days, meaning that the Merseyside club may have to start looking at potential replacements for them.

However, they also need to look at bringing in a new striker as well, following the injury to Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

The Latest: Napoli raid?

Writing in his latest article, transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio has revealed that both the Toffees and Manchester United have ‘set their sights’ on Lozano and Elmas.

However, they would only be sold if an ‘important offer’ came in for them.

The Verdict: Get both in!

Frank Lampard’s team could do with adding some more quality to the squad, especially if more players leave the club over the next couple of weeks.

Hailed as ‘magic’ by former Premier League star Robert Earnshaw, Elmas would add a creative spark in midfield, having recorded seven goals and six assists for Napoli last season (nine goals and eight assists for his country North Macedonia.

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Lozano is a player who has been around a little longer, accumulating a total of 124 goals for club and country combined over the course of his career so far, and would offer the Blues another exciting attacking option.

Nonetheless, getting both in from an established European side in Napoli would feel like a real coup.

Celtic are closing in on the signing of Rubin Kazan winger Sead Haksabanovic, with reliable journalist Anthony Joseph confirming that it is nearly agreed.

The Lowdown: Haksabanovic move mooted

The Hoops continued their perfect start to the Premiership season on Sunday afternoon, seeing off Hearts with a 2-0 win at Parkhead.

Ange Postecoglou is not resting on his laurels, though, with more transfer business expected this month and Haksabanovic one of those strongly linked with a move to the club.

It now looks as though the Rubin Kazan forward is closer than ever to becoming a Hoops player.

The Latest: Transfer nearly done

Taking to Twitter, Sky Sports journalist Joseph shared Postecoglou’s comments regarding the prospective signing of Haksabanovic:

“UPDATE: Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou has told @SkySportsNews that a deal for Rubin Kazan winger Sead Haksabanovic is getting closer. It’s understood the final fee is still to be agreed between the two clubs. Once this is done, everything is in place for medical/signing.”

The Verdict: Strong summer addition

Haksabanovic could be exactly what Celtic are seeking in the remainder of the summer transfer window, providing them with an added spark in the final third, especially when it comes to the Champions League.

At 23, he is at a perfect age, possessing some experience (184 senior career outings) but with his best years likely to still be ahead of him.

Throughout his club and international career, he has averaged 2.1 shots and 1.9 key passes per game, which suggests that he can make a telling impact in the final third. For comparison, only three Celtic players have exceeded that shooting average in the early weeks of the Premiership season.

Haksabanovic’s versatility can make him an even shrewder signing, too, with the winger able to thrive on both flanks, centrally and even in a defensive midfield role throughout his career.

Tottenham Hotspur target Ruslan Malinovskyi is ‘open’ to a transfer away from Atalanta this summer, according to transfer insider Dean Jones. 

The lowdown: Spurs interested

Recently, reports from Italy have claimed that Spurs are keen on signing Malinovskyi before the September 1 deadline and have manoeuvred themselves into pole position in order to do so.

The north Londoners are understood to be willing to meet a £15million asking price set by the Serie A outfit to land the 29-year-old Ukraine International and further strengthen the attacking options at Antonio Conte’s disposal.

Now, one well-informed onlooker has provided a further update on the situation surrounding Malinovskyi and a possible switch to N17…

The latest: ‘Very open minded’

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Jones – a journalist for Eurosport – revealed the most recent information he’s received from a source close to the deal.

He said: “I checked this out with someone that knows far more about the Malinovskyi situation than I typically would and the message back was that the player has been very open minded about a transfer this summer.”

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The verdict: Make it happen

Despite the 2022 arrivals of Dejan Kulusevski and Richarlison, there remains room for at least one more attacking signing in the Lilywhites’ ranks and Fabio Paratici would appear determined to make it happen.

Linked elsewhere to Hakim Ziyech and with Bryan Gil seemingly heading out the door at Hotspur Way once again, signing Malinovskyi for the mooted low fee – likely due to being in the final 12 months of a contract – would be a superb piece of business from the Tottenham hierarchy.

Last season, the Ukrainian attacking midfielder scored ten times and provided seven assists in 41 appearances across all competitions, earning a 7.22 SofaScore rating whilst winning 4.1 duels, successfully completing 1.6 dribbles and making 1.5 key passes on average per Italian top-flight outing.

Hailed as a ‘king’ of long-range shooting by journalist Kaustubh Pandey, Malinovskyi would add another dimension to the Tottenham attack as well as an ability to play in numerous positions.

Boasting an impressive 74 career goals and a further 67 assists – including one of each already this term – the £25.2million valued man would be a snip at the asking price of £15m.

Anthony Elanga has been a regular fixture in Manchester United’s Premier League games under Erik ten Hag but the Dutch manager may have an ever better youngster waiting in the wings at Old Trafford in Alejandro Garnacho.

Elanga has featured in six out of seven of United’s fixtures in all competitions so far this season but has just one assist to his name, averaging a disappointing 6.50/10 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

Garnacho, meanwhile, has just two substitute appearances to his name so far this season and with his contract set to expire at the end of the current campaign, Ten Hag must give him more first-team opportunities if he wants to keep him at Old Trafford.

The Argentine winger joined United as a 16-year-old from Atletico Madrid and has caught the eye with his performances in the academy, contributing 22 goals and 11 assists in 53 appearances for United’s various youth sides.

Elanga was registering very similar numbers in United’s academy, hitting 26 goals and 16 assists in 69 appearances, which suggests that Garnacho could soon make the step up into the first team squad.

The 18-year-old was called up to Argentina’s national side when he was just 17, while Argentina U20s manager Javier Mascherano also sang his praises earlier this year, suggesting that Garnacho has “huge potential”.

The teenage star caught the eye at Old Trafford when his brace helped United win the FA Youth Cup last season, with manager Travis Binnion saying:

“That boy could be in any stadium in the world and he wouldn’t care. That’s his make-up. A few of them are like that and that’s why they are going to have good careers.”

However, Garnacho has been limited to just 19 minutes of first-team action so far this season and needs to be afforded more game time if he is going to extend his stay at Old Trafford.

Thursday’s game against Sheriff Tiraspol could represent the ideal opportunity for Ten Hag to unleash the 18-year-old, as with regular football, there seems little to suggest that Garnacho can’t be a star for United in the near future.

West Brom journalist for Birmingham Live Joe Chapman has shared that Semi Ajayi has undergone surgery ahead of their game at home to Birmingham City.

The Lowdown: Five absentees

As Steve Bruce has confirmed, Ajayi is one of five players missing for the match against Midlands rivals Birmingham in the Championship tonight, with new signings Martin Kelly and Tom Rogic lacking match fitness while Kean Bryan and Daryl Dike are long-term absentees.

Ajayi has missed the last three games in the division through injury, after only lasting 20 minutes in their 1-1 draw away at Wigan Athletic in August (Transfermarkt).

The Latest: Ajayi surgery

Taking to Twitter, Chapman has shared that Ajayi has now undergone surgery on his ankle, and is unlikely to make another appearance until after the FIFA World Cup in Qatar:

“Semi Ajayi has undergone surgery on his ankle – as things stand, he’ll do well to make a return before the World Cup break.”

The Verdict: Big blow

Of course, after already losing him for their last three matches, it is another big blow for the Baggies that Ajayi has now had to undergo surgery, and will therefore likely be ruled out for the next few months.

The Nigeria international has won more aerial duels per game than any of his teammates in the Championship so far this season, and he also ranks highly in terms of average tackles, interceptions, clearances and blocks per game (WhoScored).

Nonetheless, Albion will certainly miss his presence in the dressing room as they take on Birmingham tonight, and are sure to miss his leadership on the pitch over the next set of fixtures.

Everton missed out on securing a deal for Blackburn Rover’s Ben Brereton Diaz on deadline day, and now a reliable source has made a claim on the club’s pursuit of the player ahead of the January transfer window.

What’s the latest?

Journalist Pete O’Rourke has claimed that Everton “will look at” signing Brereton Diaz when the transfer window reopens in the New Year.

O’Rourke told GIVEMESPORT: “Brereton Diaz, I’m sure, will be somebody that they will look at again in January, knowing that his price tag will be reduced due to his contract situation as well. So I think Everton, if they are in the market for attacking reinforcements, Brereton Diaz will probably be pretty high up the list.”

Game-changer for Lampard

It is clear that Everton saw the Chile international as a striker who has the ability to strengthen their forward line over the season ahead, which is why they went down to the final hours of the summer transfer window trying to tempt the player with a move to Goodison Park.

It was reported that Rovers wanted £20m to part ways with their star centre-forward and it’s not hard to see why the Championship club were reluctant to let Brereton-Diaz leave when you consider his output for the team.

The 23-year-old – who was hailed the “catalyst” for his current club by Colin Hendry – has scored 35 goals and delivered 13 assists over his 138 appearances for Blackburn – averaging a goal contribution every 175 minutes of football played – and has continued to prove he is a reliable attacking threat in the current campaign.

Over his 10 Championship appearances in 2022/23, Brereton-Diaz has scored four goals, registered one assist and created one big chance, as well as having taken an average of 3.3 shots per game.

The Goodison Park faithful will be relieved to see Dominic Calvert-Lewin return from injury, but adding another striker to support the England international could be a game-changer for Lampard – giving the 44-year-old quality depth not only at centre-forward but also out wide.

Indeed, Brereton Diaz also has a wealth of experience playing on the left and right-wing, with 89 appearances and 18 goals from the flanks – something that suggests the Chilean could be the man to replace Richarlison’s goals from the wing.

As a result, Everton must do everything they can to seal a deal for the versatile forward in January, and Farhad Moshiri should be prepared to meet whatever Rovers demand in order to acquire his services ahead of the second half of the season.

Everton supporters have little to thank Rafa Benitez for following the Spaniard’s disastrous, brief stint in charge last season, with one of the former Liverpool man’s notable crimes having been his role in the exit of defender, Lucas Digne.

The Frenchman had emerged as a key figure at the club following his £20m arrival from Barcelona back in 2018, offering a real creative threat from his left-back berth, providing 20 assists and six goals in his 127 games for the Toffees in all competitions.

The “assist machine” – as dubbed by journalist Greg O’Keefe – had been one of the standout players at Goodison Park in recent years, although a falling out with Benitez midway through the 2021/22 campaign ultimately spelt the end for his time on Merseyside, as he joined Aston Villa on a £25m deal in January.

Much of the frustration regarding that sale came as a result of the club backing their manager in the decision to let the £119k-per-week man leave, only to then move to replace the former Newcastle United boss just days later, with it still a somewhat head-scratching decision.

The arrival of Vitaliy Mykolenko in that same window has helped to fill the void in that left-sided berth – with the Ukrainian only recently praised by new boss Frank Lampard – although there is seemingly another in the club’s ranks who could emerge as Digne’s successor moving forward.

That potential heir is 16-year-old, Ishe Samuels-Smith, with the teenager having only recently been pictured training with the first team despite his tender age, with that a marker of just how highly-regarded he is at Finch Farm.

Not just lauded by the club, the emerging full-back has also been recognised for his talents more widely having been included in the Guardian’s Next Gen list, showcasing the top young talent at each of the 20 Premier League clubs.

Journalist Andy Hunter provided a glowing reference with regards to the youngster’s talent, while also highlighting the role that both Ashley Cole and Leighton Baines could well play in his development, with the two men both currently employed by the club: ‘An athletic, left-footed defender who is equally composed at full-back or centre-back, the Manchester-born Samuels-Smith has been with Everton’s academy since Under-nines level. His twin brother, Odin, is also in the academy.

‘The 16-year-old has impressive technical qualities and is very composed offensively and defensively. He is comfortable stepping into space with the ball and has an excellent passing range.

‘Everton’s coaches consider him an exciting prospect who could mature into a dominant and robust defender. Has already been called up for training with the first team where coach Ashley Cole, and professional development coach Leighton Baines, offer the perfect education for a player in his position.’

The Manchester-born starlet – who can also feature at centre-back – may well have to fight for a first-team role with Lampard and co having only recently brought in Ruben Vinagre on loan, although the indication is that he could well be in line for a bright future.

The Toffees may well have a battle on their hands to keep the England U17 international at the club, however, with reports over the summer having linked him with a move to Chelsea, with that another sign of just what a talent he is.

After a solid start to his loan spell at Villa Park, there were high hopes for Philippe Coutinho once he joined Aston Villa on a permanent deal but his time at the club has been something of a disaster.

The former Liverpool man linked up with Reds teammate Steven Gerrard in January last season and contributed four goals and three assists in his first eight appearances for the club.

However, he would then Manchester City.

Despite that, the club decided to make his move permanent in May, signing him from the Catalan side in a deal worth £17m.

His poor form has continued into the new season, with no goals or assists in any of his nine appearances so far this campaign, with the Brazilian looking like a shadow of the player that dominated in his previous Premier League spell with Liverpool.

With the Reds, Coutinho would contribute £146m transfer to Barcelona.

His time with the La Liga giants was far less successful and it was no surprise that they were willing to cash in on the former Inter man given their well-documented financial issues in the summer.

Had Villa signed the Coutinho of his Liverpool days, that starred alongside Gerrard at Anfield, then perhaps the latter wouldn’t be under so much pressure as manager right now.

Unfortunately, after an eye-catching start, his form has fallen off a cliff and it now seems as if the Midlands club are stuck with an ageing midfielder who contributes nothing in defence and very little in attack.

His poor recent form, which has seen a return of just one goal and no assists in his last 20 matches, saw him dropped from the Brazil national side, with former Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor commenting on Coutinho’s time at Villa recently.

He said: “It would have been a wake-up call for him to understand that the Brazilian team have got so many talented players, he’s not a guaranteed pick.

“He would have had a wake-up call and thought ‘You know what, I’ve got to pick it up’. It’s a bit disappointing to see that, in the other way, it took being taken out of the Brazil squad to wake up and put in a better performance.”

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That isn’t the first time the former Villa striker has launched criticism at the playmaker, with the following works being spoken following their opening day defeat to Bournemouth:

“The big disappointment was Coutinho,” Agbonlahor began.

“He’s been brought in by Steven Gerrard and he was non-existent and didn’t really get on the ball.”

After signing a contract until 2026, Villa could be stuck with an expensive bench option in their squad for the next three and a half years, which suggests that Gerrard’s decision to sign him permanently was perhaps done through rose-tinted glasses.