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Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper is believed to be keen on a move for Tottenham Hotspur defender Joe Rodon, having previously worked with the Welshman at Swansea City.

What’s the word?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge has suggested joining the newly-promoted side could be an ideal fit for the 24-year-old, amid reports that Cooper is interested in a reunion with the centre-back.

The transfer insider stated: “You can’t play more minutes for your country than club, so he either needs to leave on loan or go permanently. Not a Championship loan, a Premier League loan, and in the team.

“Forest could be a really good option and that would be a good move from Cooper and of course he would know him from Swansea, so I would put my thumbs up at that one.”

The 27-cap gem remains a regular at international level despite having struggled for game time since joining Spurs in an £11m deal back in October 2020, making just eight Premier League starts in that time.

Dawson 2.0

That lack of action – which saw the £24k-per-week colossus fail to make a single league start in the 2021/22 campaign – may be a point of concern for Forest fans, although the belief will be that the 6 foot 4 ace can rediscover his form under the tutelage of a familiar face.

While he had been handed his Swansea debut under current Brighton and Hove Albion boss Graham Potter during the 2018/19 season, Rodon kicked on again following Cooper’s appointment the following year, starting all of the first 13 league games of the 2019/20 campaign, with only a lengthy absence due to an ankle injury halting that run.

He would return to eventually make 21 Championship appearances in total that season, averaging an impressive 5.4 clearances, 1.6 interceptions and one tackle per game, with such form ultimately leading to his move to north London.

Having hit a wall in his career under Antonio Conte, however, a fresh change is needed this summer, with his continued impressive form for his country showcasing that he remains an undoubted talent, having previously been dubbed “flawless” by journalist Ian Mitchelmore.

A vital part of the Wales side that has qualified for the World Cup for the first time since 1958, the £7.2m-rated gem will seemingly be in need of regular game time in the coming months to ensure he is in prime condition for the winter tournament.

As for the Forest perspective, such a signing could prove to be something of a masterstroke, with the City Ground outfit potentially set to secure the arrival of a player in a similar mould to that of former skipper Michael Dawson.

A product of the club’s youth academy, the Englishman began his senior career in Nottingham, featuring for the club in the second and third-tier before joining Spurs in 2005, eventually spending nine years at White Hart Lane and emerging as a Premier League regular.

After a brief stint at Hull City, Dawson returned to his first club in 2018, assuming the club captaincy until his eventual release and subsequent retirement in 2021, with supporters showing their admiration for his services to the club upon his departure.

Like Rodon, the 38-year-old was an uncompromising, old-school defender willing to put his body on the line for the team, with the current crop perhaps in need of a reliable, defensive rock as they navigate their way through life back in the top tier.

Signing the one-time Cheltenham Town loanee could also prove a case of revenge for those at Forest, as they can poach the central defender from the Lilywhites – the same club who had plucked Dawson 17 years ago.

AND in other news: Cooper eyeing Forest swoop for “prolific” £34m phenomenon, he’s a big Taylor upgrade

West Bromwich Albion could have the green light to launch a move to sign Leicester City midfielder Hamza Choudhury this summer.

What’s the news?

Speaking to the Birmingham Mail, Leicester journalist Jordan Blackwell had this to say on the current situation regarding the midfielder and his immediate future at the King Power Stadium.

“Leicester would definitely be open to him leaving. As [Brendan] Rodgers put it quite bluntly not too long ago, they would prefer a sale, as there is no benefit to them to loan him out. Rodgers was of the opinion that he’s not going to make significant enough progress at a loan club that he would come back a much better player.

“If there is not enough interest in a club stumping up a fee for Choudhury, and a loan is the only option, Leicester would be open to that if the club were willing to pay a hefty chunk of his wages. He only has one year left on his contract at Leicester and so if he was to leave permanently, it would not take a huge fee to get him.”

Earlier this month, it was reported that the Baggies were looking to secure a deal for the Foxes midfielder this summer.

Now that it has been claimed by Blackwell that Leicester would be willing to allow the 24-year-old to leave in some capacity this summer, this could give the Hawthorns outfit the green light to launch a move for him.

Bruce would be thrilled

Taking into account how Steve Bruce was reportedly very keen to sign the player when he was still in charge of Newcastle United, the possibility of getting him this time around would surely be great news for the Baggies boss.

Since that prior interest, the midfielder has improved heavily, with more top-flight outings proving key in that. Indeed, should the Englishman find himself donning a West Brom shirt in the coming weeks, the his 53 Premier League appearances could make him a valuable asset for the Baggies in the dressing room and out on the pitch.

This is an Albion side who simply have to achieve promotion next term and sealing moves for proven players at a higher level, it will certainly help them achieve more compared to the dreadful 2021/22 season they had.

Praised for his “sensational” performances in the past for Leicester by his current manager, Choudhury could give Bruce’s side an extra boost in a vital area of the pitch.

The Leicester man’s ability to break up play and then lay off a pass isn’t too eye-catching but Bruce’s side must get the simple things right next term; Choudhury can help them do that.

In other news: Bruce can form “clinical” duo as West Brom eye swoop for “impressive” £5.4m-rated wiz

Aston Villa could well be best placed to land highly-rated Burnley defender Nathan Collins, according to journalist Paul Brown.

What’s the word?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the transfer insider stated that the Midlands outfit could well be in pole position to land the 21-year-old, amid reports that they are one of a handful of Premier League sides keen to prise him from Turf Moor.

Brown stated: “I think he’s definitely a good option for teams with that profile, and I think that Villa will probably have the jump on them in terms of, if they wanted to get him, I think that they would have the best chance of doing so.

“Again, because of Steven Gerrard, but also just because of where the club are heading. So yeah, a really good player that is on the market.”

Recent reports have suggested that the Lancashire side could demand as much as £25m for the centre-back, despite having only bought him for £12m from Stoke City a year ago.

Imagine him and Carlos

Newly-appointed Burnley boss Vincent Kompany has been dealt something of a difficult hand with both Ben Mee and James Tarkowski on their way this summer, while the club’s recent relegation has left them vulnerable to losing additional prized assets, such as Collins, with circling sharks smelling blood at the financially struggling outfit.

As Brown alluded to, Villa could be well placed to capitalise on that uncertainty and land the Republic of Ireland international, with the youngster having caught the eye in his debut, top-flight campaign last term.

In 19 league outings, the £9m-rated gem averaged an impressive 4.3 clearances, 1.9 tackles and 1.3 interceptions per game, keeping five clean sheets and netting twice to ensure a positive season on a personal note, despite the collective failure.

Such form also sees him compare favourably to those in his position across Europe’s top five leagues, as ranks in the top 2% for blocks made and the top 3% for aerial duels won, while his presence as an attacking threat is also obvious as he ranks in the top 1% for touches in the attacking penalty area.

The £5.9k-per-week brute was also the subject of wider acclaim while on international duty in recent weeks, as he netted a remarkable, solo goal in the 1-1 draw with Ukraine, sparking praise from Villa legend and compatriot Paul McGrath, who dubbed him a “special player”.

That endorsement from “one of the all-time greats”- in the words of Jack Charlton – will no doubt pique the interest of those at Villa Park, with young Collins potentially the man to slot in alongside recent signing Diego Carlos, to form what is a much-needed, settled defensive pairing.

Last term saw manager Steven Gerrard fail to settle on a regular centre-back partnership, with the underwhelming form of both Tyron Mings and Ezri Konsa sparking suggestions that they could be moved on this summer.

In their place, a powerful defensive axis of Collins and Carlos could well thrive, with the latter man having been praised for his “no-nonsense” approach by pundit Kevin Campbell.

With the Villans having shipped 54 top-flight goals in the 2021-22 campaign – the tenth-worst record in the division – a total revamp could well be needed to spark a drastic improvement next term, with the two men mentioned above undoubtedly a fearsome prospect for any forward.

IN other news, AVFC face battle to land “aggressive” £60m machine, he’s one of the “best” in his role

Journalist David Ornstein has shared the latest developments regarding the future of Leeds United talisman, Raphinha.

What’s the word?

Writing on Twitter about the 25-year-old’s situation, the transfer insider revealed that fellow Premier League side Arsenal are set to “intensify” their bid to sign the Brazilian, with the player himself said to be “open” to the move.

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Ornstein stated:

“Arsenal to intensify efforts next week to sign Raphinha from Leeds. More talks planned with 25yo’s camp & increased offer expected. Feeling among other suitors is #AFC now leading & he’s said to be open to joining them.”

In the attached piece for The Athletic, the report suggested that the Gunners are now ‘firm favourites’ to secure the nine-cap gem’s signature, having already seen a bid rejected by the Elland Road outfit.

Supporters surely fuming

It looks as if the Yorkshire side’s worst fears are set to be realised, with the gifted playmaker – who signed on a £17m deal from Rennes two years ago – seemingly on his way out of the club in the coming weeks.

That £40.5m-rated man’s potential destination will no doubt further anger the club’s supporters, with it looking as if Jesse Marsch’s side will have to come up against the fleet-footed forward in the Premier League next term, having perhaps hoped for a switch abroad to La Liga giants, Barcelona.

The Whites are clearly fully aware of just how much damage the £63k-per-week sensation can inflict on an opposition defence, with the one-time Sporting CP man having chipped in with 17 goals and 12 assists in the league over the last two seasons combined.

That impressive haul includes a tally of 11 goals and three assists in the top-flight during the 2021/22 campaign, with the 5 foot 9 speedster proving instrumental in helping Jesse Marsch’s side stave off the drop at the end of a largely bleak season.

While not totally consistent throughout the entire campaign, notably earning criticism from pundit Danny Mills for his “attitude”, Raphinha stepped up when it mattered most to ensure the club’s top-flight survival, netting a vital spot-kick on the final day to set Leeds on their way to a dramatic win over Brentford on the road.

The jubilant scenes that ensued – which saw the player celebrating wildly with the away support – showcased the forward’s sheer delight in helping his side avoid a return to the second tier, although just a matter of weeks later it looks as though he could well spoil the party by heading for the exit door.

AND in other news, Phil Hay now reveals “serious” Leeds transfer development, supporters will be buzzing…

Wolves have been linked with both Goncalo Guedes and Wissam Ben Yedder recently and the duo could transform Bruno Lage’s attack next season.

It is no surprise that Wolves are being linked with Ben Yedder, given that Raul Jimenez finished as their top scorer in the Premier League last season with just six goals.

Although they enjoyed a strong start to the season that was built upon strong defensive displays, the lack of goals came back to haunt Lage’s side in the end, and their results capitulated alongside their defence in the final few games of the campaign.

Therefore, with no guarantee that Wolves will be able to produce as many clean sheets next term, Lage must look to sign attacking reinforcements this summer, after witnessing his side score just 38 goals in the top flight in 2021/22.

Ben Yedder has been touted as a potential option after hitting 25 goals for Monaco in Ligue 1 last season, and the Frenchman could form a superb partnership with fellow potential marquee signing Guedes.

The Portugal international enjoyed an excellent season with Valencia and has been linked with a switch to Molineux, most likely due to the club’s connection with his agent, Jorge Mendes.

In 36 La Liga appearances last season, Guedes would contribute an impressive 11 goals and six assists, averaging a strong 6.99 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

In comparison, Daniel Podence’s two goals were enough to see him finish as the top-scoring wide player in Lage’s side last season, so it is clear to see that the Portuguese boss needs some more attacking quality on the wings if Wolves are to progress next season.

Guedes, who has previously been labelled a “special talent”, is reportedly available for £30m this summer and while that would represent a big outlay for Wolves, they are yet to sign anyone this summer and risk a season of decline unless changes are made.

Given Guedes’ ability to dribble and play key passes, he could certainly add some creativity in the final third for Lage next season and would undoubtedly work well with a goal-poacher such as Ben Yedder.

And, in other news… David Ornstein drops big Wolves transfer update that supporters will love…

Everton have only made one signing so far this summer with James Tarkowski confirmed, and now a new update has emerged from a reliable source on the club’s move for a transfer target.

What’s the latest?

According to journalist Sascha Tavolieri, Everton have made an offer for Lille OSC midfielder Amadou Onana.

Tavolieri tweeted:

“The battle between clubs is becoming clearer for Amadou Onana! #WestHam, #EvertonFC & #LeicesterCity made an offer. In #Ligue1, the middle of #LOSC is the 1st choice of #ASMonaco but Lille will not give a gift to #ASM.”

“Advantage #PremierLeague. To be continued.”

Thelwell must act fast

If the report from Tavolieri is to be believed then it is clear that Onana has a number of clubs interested in signing him, with a reported £19m bid from West Ham United already rejected by Lille this summer, so Kevin Thelwell must act fast if he wants to bring the player to Goodison Park.

The 20-year-old was impressive in Ligue 1 over last season becoming a key player in the team with 32 league appearances.

Onana scored one goal and created three big chances, while making 0.5 key passes and 1.5 tackles on average per game. That’s as well as winning the majority of his duels (59%) and successfully completing the majority of his dribble attempts too (62%), proving that he is shaping up to becoming a great prospect for the future.

However, the £20m gem has only made 11 starts in the team which could give Everton a great opportunity to win the player over with a move to Goodison Park, as they could potentially offer the young midfielder many more minutes on Merseyside.

The Toffees have lost both Fabian Delph and Donny van de Beek this summer and will be wanting to add depth to their squad to improve their chances and quality of performances in the Premier League after their disastrous relegation scrap last season.

With that being said, the signing of Onana could be a great piece of business for Moshiri if he can seal the deal this summer as he is clearly a player with the potential to make a huge impact in the centre of the pitch for Everton.

AND in other news: Offer made: Everton plot bid for “really special” 6ft 1 monster, Frank needs him badly

Leeds United are interested in a deal to bring Sergio Gomez to Elland Road in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Leeds Live, who claimed that, after Junior Firpo picked up a hip injury which will see the left-back sidelined for up to eight weeks, Victor Orta could now reignite his interest in the Anderlecht full-back. The 21-year-old is reported to have caught the eye of a number of Premier League clubs, including Arsenal, Aston Villa and Everton.

The report added that Gomez’s explosive attacking style would perfectly suit Jesse Marsch’s demands of his wide defenders, while it is also claimed that the Brussels club would be willing to part with the Spain under-21 international for a figure in the region of £15m this summer.

“King of assists”

Considering just how exciting a talent Gomez has proven himself to be since joining Anderlecht from Borussia Dortmund in a €1.5m (£1.3m) deal last summer, coupled with Firpo’s latest injury setback, it is not hard to see why Orta would be keen on a move for the Spaniard ahead of the Whites’ 2022/23 Premier League campaign.

Indeed, over his 39 Jupiler Pro League appearances last term, the £9m-rated left-back was in breathtaking form for Felice Mazzu’s side. He scored six goals, registered 12 assists and created 15 big chances for his team-mates, along with making 1.7 key passes, taking 1.2 shots and completing 0.7 dribbles per game.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-leeds-united-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-more” title=”Read the latest Leeds news, transfer rumours and more!”]

The £9k-per-week defender also impressed in metrics more typical of his position, helping Anderlecht to keep seven clean sheets, in addition to making 1.3 interceptions, 1.5 tackles and 0.9 clearances and winning 3.1 duels (at a success rate of 55%) per match.

These returns saw the 21-year-old – who Jacek Kulig dubbed a “playmaker”, the “king of assists” and a “superb footballer” – average a quite remarkable SofaScore match rating of 7.38, ranking him as the sixth-best performer in the 2021/22 Belgian top flight.

As such, it is clear to see just what Gomez would add to Marsch’s squad next season, leading us to believe that Orta must do everything that he can to beat off the competition for the Spaniard’s signature this summer.

AND in other news: Phil Hay reveals behind-scenes transfer development, Leeds supporters will be buzzing

Journalist Ashley Preece has provided a worrying update regarding Aston Villa’s search for a new midfielder…

What’s the word?

In a Q and A for Birmingham Mail, the Villa correspondent has suggested that the Midlands side are unlikely to make moves for West Ham United giant Tomas Soucek or Chelsea youngster, Conor Gallagher, despite having previously been linked with the pair.

Asked about potential deals for the two men, Preece stated: “Soucek/Gallagher not on Villa’s radar as far as I’m aware, both important players for West Ham and Chelsea.”

Previous reports had suggested that manager Steven Gerrard is a ‘massive fan’ of Gallagher, while the belief had been that the Villa Park outfit could look to exploit the doubts regarding Soucek’s future in east London.

Gerrard gutted

The former Rangers boss will no doubt be gutted that the club are not set to pursue two players of ready-made, Premier League quality, with sporting director Johan Lange seemingly set to turn his attention elsewhere to land a new midfield recruit.

The club have already brought in highly-rated Marseille man Boubacar Kamara – whom Preece tipped to be the “signing of the summer” following his recent pre-season debut against Leeds United – although the belief is that Gerrard is keen on further reinforcements in the centre of the park.

The former European champions have also seemingly lost out on another reported midfield target in the current window in the form of Yves Bissouma, with the 25-year-old having opted to join Antonio Conte’s Tottenham Hotspur in a £25m deal.

With the aforementioned Kamara potentially set to take time to adjust to life in England, the club could well have benefitted from bringing in a player already in the division, with seemingly few better targets than that of Soucek and Gallagher.

The latter man made a name for himself on loan at Crystal Palace last season, netting eight goals and providing three assists in the top-flight in what was a real breakthrough campaign, with his relentless, energetic style also earning comparisons to current Blues teammate, N’Golo Kante.

As for the Czech Republic international, the 27-year-old is a simply colossal figure in David Moyes’ side owing to his 6 foot 4 stature, proving himself a menace in both boxes for the east London outfit as he ranks in the top 1% for clearances made and the top 2% for aerial duels won among those in his position across Europe’s top five leagues.

While he and Gallagher may undoubtedly possess different traits, the two men both offer a real dynamic, box-to-box presence, something the Villans would undoubtedly have been keen to utilise.

Alas, it looks as if neither figure will be lining up for the club next term – a fact that will leave Gerrard simply devastated.

AND in other news, Lange eyeing Villa move for £30m “goalscoring machine”, he’d be their own Darwin Nunez

A frustrating Sunderland claim has emerged regarding their failed pursuit of Troy Parrott in the summer transfer window… 

What’s the talk?

Shortly before Preston confirmed the Irishman’s arrival, The Northern Echo reporter Scott Wilson claimed that the Black Cats made an offer to sign the youngster from Tottenham.

He tweeted: “TRANSFER LATEST: Preston look to have won the battle to sign Troy Parrott on loan from Spurs. Major blow for #SAFC, who had made loan offer for Irish international. #Boro were also interested, although not to the same extent as Sunderland…”

Sunderland Echo journalist James Copley added to that by explaining why Kristjaan Speakman was unable to seal a deal, tweeting: “Understand part of the reasoning behind Troy Parrott choosing Preston is that he has been promised a starting position. The Republic of Ireland man is set to begin the campaign as one of two strikers leading the line for Ryan Lowe this coming season.”

Alex Neil will be gutted

The Black Cats manager will surely be gutted by this revelation, as it shows that the club missed out on the attacker to one of their Championship rivals.

It also means that Sunderland are still set to head into the opening match of the campaign this weekend with just one senior centre-forward in their squad.

Ross Stewart is the only available striker on the books and an injury to him against Coventry would leave them in a difficult situation, with no natural replacement able to come into the side.

Parrott would have offered Neil an alternative at the top end of the pitch after an impressive campaign on loan at MK Dons in League One last term.

The Republic of Ireland international chipped in with nine goals and six assists in 36 outings for Liam Manning’s side. Whilst that was not an incredible return which suggests that he will score 20+ goals in the Championship, his statistics show that he has the quality to make things happen in the final third – whether that is scoring or setting up goals.

At the age of 20, Parrott is still in the early stages of his career and may develop as he gains valuable experience next term, which means that he could grow over the course of the campaign and become a key player for Preston.

Neil will now be gutted that he has missed out on the chance to work with the centre-forward for Sunderland during the 2022/23 campaign.

AND in other news, Neil plotting Sunderland bid for £500k target who “rarely misses”, imagine him & Pritchard…

Wolverhampton Wanderers will be making further additions to their squad this summer which will leave supporters buzzing.

What’s the story?

Confirming this on Twitter, The Athletic’s Steve Madeley said:

“Assuming nobody else leaves then I’m certain they’ll replace Fabio Silva and there’s a chance of another one or two but there won’t be loads.”

This is exciting news for supporters who may have thought their business in the window was done. It looks as though manager Bruno Lage does want to make more additions ahead of the new season.

Although there won’t be a huge number of new signings it’s positive news that more faces look set to arrive.

Supporters will be buzzing

Supporters of the Old Gold will be buzzing to hear the news, with manager Lage obviously having high ambitions ahead of the new season and wanting to form the strongest squad possible.

A report from Italy earlier this month linked the West Midlands outfit with a sensational move for Bosnian striker Edin Dzeko, he would be an expert replacement for Silva, but they face potential competition from fellow Premier League sides Everton and Leicester City.

Dzeko has a huge amount of experience in the Premier League having made 130 appearances during his time at Manchester City in which he lifted the title twice.

Although he’s now 36 years old, he was directly involved in 20 goals for Italian side Inter Milan as they narrowly missed out on the Scudetto last season.

If they want to go for a younger option and invest in the future, then Benfica’s Goncalo Ramos could be an option. The Wanderers re-opened talks last week for the striker after initially being interested in him last season.

He’s seen as “negotiable” and could be available for a fee of €40m (£34m), which might sound a lot, but as he’s just 21 years old it might be worth it.

Whatever happens, the rumour mill is sure to continue until Wolves make at least one more addition.

It’s likely they will want to focus their attention on improving upfront due to the loss of Fabio Silva, but bringing in a defender could also be an option too.

AND in other news, “Rumours that…”: Liam Keen drops huge Wolves transfer update supporters will love…