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Manchester City have now set their sights on AC Milan star forward Rafael Leao, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Guardiola a fan…

The Sky Blues are currently contending for their third-successive Premier League crown as England’s champions seemingly compete with main contenders Arsenal.

Before their most recent loss to Liverpool in the league, Pep Guardiola’s side looked practically invincible at times, thanks in part to the imperious form of marquee summer signing Erling Haaland.

However, the Anfield defeat highlights that City aren’t unbeatable, and could even perhaps afford to strengthen further in key areas.

The Eastlands outfit have scored more goals than any other side in the top flight, yet according to reports, they appear to be eyeing a move for Milan winger Leao – just a year after claims Guardiola has ‘fallen in love’ with him.

The Latest: City set sights on Leao…

Claims from the Italian press have now resurfaced linking City chiefs with a move for the Portugal international.

Calciomercato have shared news that the Blues, alongside rivals Chelsea and Ligue 1 giants Paris-Saint Germain, have set their sights on Leao and are always ‘at the window’.

The 23-year-old sensation apparently has a €150 million (£131m) release clause in his current contract but the player wishes to reduce that figure as he negotiates fresh terms.

The Verdict: Worth the effort?

There is no denying Leao’s quality in the forward areas, especially given he’s already bagged a brilliant four goals and four assists in just eight Serie A appearances this season (WhoScored).

In that time, he’s also averaged more attempts at goal and successful take-ons per 90 than any of his teammates – leaving little wonder members of the media have described the winger as ‘world class’.

City already have Jack Grealish, Julian Alvarez, Riyad Mahrez, Phil Foden, Bernardo Silva and Cole Palmer who can shine in Leao’s position – perhaps questioning the need for yet another forward.

That being said, Guardiola is arguably the world’s best tactician, and if he is an alleged fan of Leao, who are the Blues to refuse him?

Manchester City have joined the hunt for in-demand Lyon sensation Malo Gusto, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Exciting times at Eastlands…

The Premier League champions have started this 2022/2023 campaign with a flourish, scoring more goals than any other top flight side whilst also boasting the least conceded.

City are the only remaining side left unbeaten in the league and have already secured their place in the Champions League last 16, following Tuesday evening’s 0-0 draw away to FC Copenhagen.

Sporting director Txiki Begiristain is handed the task of somehow improving this high-flying squad as he sets out possible future transfer targets.

Lyon starlet Gusto, as per recent reports, is now on the Sky Blues’ radar as a recent update sheds light on City’s off-field plans.

The Latest: Sky Blues join Gusto hunt…

According to 90min, Pep Guardiola’s side have joined the flurry of interested clubs keeping close tabs on the 19-year-old right-back.

Etihad officials, alongside other top teams from England, have sent officials to run the rule over Gusto in recent weeks with the teenager emerging as one of Europe’s most in-demand talents.

As well as City, Atletico Madrid, Borussia Dortmund and Juventus are eyeing the flying full-back from abroad with Man United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham also in the hunt.

The Verdict: Make the move?

Gusto is certainly a fine talent and has already managed to keep a lid on PSG superstar Neymar in a one-v-one display.

He’s been called ‘one of the most exciting’ right-backs in football and a ‘real player’ by members of the media, potentially making him a candidate to take over from Kyle Walker once the England international needs more rotation.

Joao Cancelo and Sergio Gomez operating on the left with Walker and Gusto on the right wouldn’t exactly leave Guardiola short of full-back options.

Glasgow Rangers journalist for The Athletic Jordan Campbell was left praising Ryan Jack during Scotland’s 0-0 draw away at Ukraine on Tuesday night.

The Lowdown: Promotion

Scotland earned promotion to League A of the UEFA Nations League with the draw in Ukraine, which kept them at the top of Group B1 after the last round of international fixtures before the FIFA World Cup starts in Qatar in November.

Jack started the match for Steve Clarke’s side, and was substituted off for Stuart Armstrong in the 72nd minute.

The Latest: Jack praise

Taking to Twitter during the game, Campbell praised Jack’s performance, claiming that the central midfielder was ‘looking a lot sharper’ than he did at the start of the season, and that he was ‘controlling possession well’ for his country:

“Ryan Jack controlling possession well the last ten minutes for Scotland. Looking a lot sharper than he did at the start of the season.”

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The Verdict: Regaining sharpness

Jack is slowly but surely regaining his match sharpness after injury problems kept him out for a lot of the last campaign.

The 30-year-old was a calming influence in the middle of the park, winning three of his duels while also recording one successful dribble, two tackles and an 85% overall passing accuracy, the joint-highest of any of his teammates (SofaScore).

Nonetheless, Jack’s form at international level should bode well upon his return to playing for the Gers at Ibrox, where Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s team face Hearts away from home in the Scottish Premiership at Saturday lunchtime.

Wolverhampton Wanderers have submitted a bid for a Ligue 2 midfielder as Bruno Lage looks to add more quality to his squad.

What’s the news?

That’s according to Foot365, who claim that Wolves have submitted a bid of €10m (£8m) for midfielder Boubacar Traore from Metz.

Newcastle United were keen on adding the player to their squad this summer, but it looks like the Old Gold have won the race to sign the promising 21-year-old and bring him to the Premier League.

With Traore’s contract expiring in 2024, Wolves have made the move at the right time to sign the player for a lower fee than anticipated.

He could be Lage’s own Bissouma

Wolves had a quiet start to the transfer window, adding only Nathan Collins to their squad by the start of August while making Hee-chan Hwang’s loan move permanent. However, the last few weeks have seen an increase in activity, with Lage signing Matheus Nunes and Goncalo Guedes to add some much-needed spark to his team.

Given the news surrounding Traore, it looks like another solid addition could be coming in at Molineux, and after their poor start to the season, the Old Gold need all the positives they can get.

Lage looks like he is about to unearth his own Yves Bissouma, with the two comparable via FBRef’s similar player model.

Last season, they each scored once while Traore added a further assist, with the then-Brighton midfielder setting up two goals, both proving that they can chip in with goal contributions from the middle of the park.

In terms of defensive actions, the duo offer excellent protection to the back four. Traore won 40 tackles, made 561 pressures and won 65.5% of his aerial duels in 2021/22 compared to 50 tackles won, 415 pressures and 55.3% aerials won for Bissouma.

At just 21 years of age, Traore already had better returns in important performance indicators than Bissouma last season, and with his fellow countryman sealing a £35m move to Tottenham Hotspur at the start of the transfer window, the Metz ace could follow in his compatriot’s footsteps by being on the move.

With his manager Frederic Antonetti saying that the youngster has been “exploding”, it seems clear that Lage could land himself a bargain by signing the player.

If Traore becomes anything like Bissouma during his time at Wolves, the Midlands club could look forward to turning a massive profit on the Malian, should he sign for the mooted £8m fee and fetch a similar figure to his compatriot upon being sold further down the line.

Reports earlier this summer saw Glasgow Rangers linked with a move to bring one midfielder back to the club on loan, having previously been part of the youth setup at Ibrox.

The Premiership giants have since been handed a further boost in their quest to re-sign Billy Gilmour.

This follows reports that the playmaker is expected to secure a temporary move away from his current club in the coming weeks, having not been handed a shirt number at Chelsea.

The 5 foot 8 Scotland international – who has been tipped by compatriot Kenny McLean to become a future “superstar” – had only returned to west London after enduring a mixed loan stint at relegated Norwich City last season, where he made 24 top-flight appearances, registering just one assist.

Despite those recent setbacks over the past 12 months or so, prior to that the £28k-per-week gem had blossomed for both club and country, notably starring in his nation’s brief Euro 2020 voyage last summer, earning praise from serial-winning coach Jose Mourinho in the process.

A man of the match display against England at the tournament also drew comparisons to current Blues team-mate and midfield icon N’Golo Kante, having previously been described as looking like a “world-class player” by pundit Roy Keane after breaking into the Chelsea first-team in 2020.

For those of a Rangers persuasion, however, the most eye-catching comparison will have been to that of former Ibrox hero Paul Gascoigne, with Leeds United legend Johnny Giles insisting that the youngster’s ability to go past players and drive forward mirrors that of the England idol.

Gascoigne achieved cult status during his three-year stay in Glasgow, scoring 39 goals in 103 games and winning four major trophies, while also delighting supporters with his uniquely brilliant midfield displays.

Dubbed the “best player I’ve seen in my life” by former Lazio team-mate Luigi Corino, the charismatic Geordie maestro was an unpredictable, instinctive genius who simply had a rare natural gift, with team-mate Ally McCoist notably stating: “There is absolutely no doubt that Gascoigne has been one of the players to brighten up Scottish football in the last 30 or 40 years.”

The one-time Tottenham Hotspur man himself admitted that he “played some of the best football” of his career during his time in Scotland, having been revitalised after a difficult, injury-plagued spell in Italy.

Like Gascoigne, Gilmour is another talent who seemingly possesses that natural gift of being able to glide with the ball at his feet, while he too appears in need of a fresh start after a difficult last 12 months.

An Ibrox homecoming could well be an ideal solution, with sporting director Ross Wilson also potentially able to land the club’s next ‘Gazza’ in the process, if a deal can be struck.

Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl has provided a transfer update for supporters, suggesting that their business in the transfer window isn’t yet complete.

What’s the latest?

In an interview with Sky Sports about the club’s new signing Sekou Mara, Hasenhuttl said:

“It is not the only offensive player we want to bring in. There will still be somebody else to come, but in the end, we need the guys to make the difference up front.”

This suggests that the club will continue to be in the market for a striker despite signing the youngster on a four-year deal from French side Bordeaux.

Saints seem to be committed to replacing both Armando Broja and Shane Long who were part of their squad for the campaign last season.

Supporters will love the news

Supporters of the south coast club will love to hear the news that Hasenhuttl wants to further reinforces his options going forward. It’s better to be overprepared than under heading into what will be a tough season for the club.

Chelsea star Broja contributed six goals and created two big chances during his time on loan at the clubs last season according to SofaScore.

Saints need to make sure that they replace these numbers if they’re to avoid being dragged into a relegation battle. Sides they are set to compete with next season have also been strengthening.

Newly promoted Nottingham Forest have raised eyebrows with the huge signing of Jesse Lingard and are set to continue spending.

Hasenhuttl recently commented on his club’s spending power and ability to match those around them saying they are “miles away” from other clubs in terms of fees they can afford to pay.

The focus appears to be on youth with the club also linked to Manchester City’s Liam Delap, who they are preparing to make a £23m bid for having had one initially rejected.

Last season Saints scored just 43 goals in their 38 Premier League games showing a need to improve their quality in attack. Just six other sides scored less including the three that went down.

If they’re not careful then they could find themselves back in the Championship for the first time since 2012.

AND in other news: Saints can form deadly duo with bid for “exceptional” £23m target, imagine him & Sekou…

West Ham have submitted another bid for Lille midfielder Amadou Onana.

What’s the word?

That’s according to Sky Sports, who claimed that the Hammers have made offers for both Onana and Armando Broja.

The latest bid for the Belgian is thought to be around £32.3m plus add-ons. Lille are reportedly seriously considering the offer, having knocked back two bids prior to this one.

Supporters will love him

With Onana a tough-tackling midfielder with an eye for a pass, David Moyes could pull off another coup and add another high-quality operator to his ranks at the London Stadium, in what would be the Hammers’ fourth signing of the summer transfer window.

With many Irons supporters already big fans of both Declan Rice and Tomas Soucek, this prospective addition would only add to their collection of hulking midfielders with the ability to progress the play.

Onana was a regular for Lille last season, featuring in 31 Ligue 1 matches and all eight of their Champions League games.

He boasted an average SofaScore rating of 6.85 throughout the campaign, which is solid if unspectacular –  Soucek accumulated a 6.97 average rating.

During these 31 league games, the Lille youngster showed an appreciation for the dirty side of the game and has been hailed by football talent scout Jacek Kulig for some  “masterclass” performances.

He ranked in the 94th percentile for tackles per 90 among midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues, and West Ham supporters may well appreciate another midfielder with the ability to put in the hard graft out of possession.

Furthermore, he boasted a pass completion rate of 83.1% and made 2.95 progressive passes per 90. Whilst not the most forward-thinking midfielder, this shows that he still has an eye for a pass after he has won possession back.

His introduction could also add more freedom to the other midfielders currently at West Ham, allowing Soucek to return to his goalscoring form of the 2020/21 season and freeing up Rice to flex his creative muscles.

If Onana comes to the club and can improve those around him, or if he is anything like the Irons’ two regular central midfielders, then it should not take long for the 20-year-old to become a fan favourite in east London and light up the Premier League.

AND in other news – “West Ham have…”: Fabrizio Romano reveals huge transfer update that supporters will love

Newcastle United could sign Burnley goalkeeper Nick Pope for a fee in the region of £20m to £25m, according to former BBC pundit Noel Whelan.

The Lowdown: Newcastle interested in Pope

According to a report by Sky Sports last Thursday, the Magpies are interested in bringing the England international to St James’ Park this summer, with manager Eddie Howe looking to reinforce his goalkeeping options.

The 30-year-old is reportedly keen to make a move back to the Premier League following the Clarets’ relegation to the Championship.

Pope has just a year left on his contract at Turf Moor, although Burnley have the option to extend this by a further 12 months, so Whelan believes that a deal in the region of £20m to £25m would be a fair price for the shot-stopper.

The Latest: Whelan’s claim on Pope

Following Burnley’s relegation, the former Leeds striker now believes that the Clarets would be willing to sell Pope for the right price.

Speaking with Football Insider, he claimed: “Now that Burnley have gone down, I think you’re looking at the £20million mark for an international player.

“Nick Pope, he’s 30 years of age, yes, but what he does bring at that age is that agility, that organisation and that experience. He’s a player that can play for another six, seven, eight years as a goalkeeper.

“We see the longevity of a goalkeeper doesn’t end at 35 or 34, like outfield players. The demand on their body is not as intense. I think you’re still going to get the best years of a goalkeeper at 30.

“So I think that £20-25million mark with two years left on his contract. That would be something that would go a long way to help Burnley. I also think that Newcastle would be getting that one piece of the puzzle that has always been questioned. There’s a question mark over Dubravka.

“Would it be an improvement? Yes, it would. Would £25million, for that sort of player that has now got into the England setup, be worth it? In my opinion, every single penny.”

The Verdict: Would be a great signing

When compared with other goalkeepers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year, Pope’s quality truly comes to the forefront, demonstrated by his ranking in the 99th percentile for launch percentage and frequency of  defensive actions made outside the penalty area (via FBRef).

Given such impressive statistics, it is easy to see why Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was so full of praise for the 30-year-old after Burnley’s 1-1 draw at Anfield in July 2020, with the German labelling Pope’s heroics that day as ‘sensational’.

Therefore, if Newcastle are able to secure his signing for a relatively cheap fee, this could be a great addition to Howe’s squad.

In other news: One pundit has been wowed by this Newcastle transfer news

Newcastle hope to take ‘decisive’ steps this week in their pursuit of Reims striker Hugo Ekitike, according to two experienced journalists. 

The lowdown

Newcastle have already agreed a deal with Reims, worth an initial €30million (£25.8million), to sign Ekitike.

The move was at a similar stage late in the January transfer window before Ekitike opted to wait until the summer and decide his future then.

The Frenchman is only 19 years old and so will be viewed as a long-term signing, but also someone who can compete with Callum Wilson for a starting spot this season.

The latest

Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano tweeted on Monday evening that ‘Newcastle now hope to get the deal done this week’.

They’ve initiated ‘new contact with his agent’ and ‘all parties [are] now confident’ that the completion of the move is imminent.

Meanwhile, Rudy Galetti shares an update from ‘sources close to NUFC’, who believe ‘this week could be decisive for the final move for Ekitike’.

The verdict

Newcastle can be excited if they get this signing over the line.

Ekitike scored ten Ligue 1 goals in 23 appearances as a teenager last season, averaging one every 123 minutes.

Only two players under the age of 20 in Europe’s top five leagues – Arnaud Kalimuendo of Lens and Bukayo Saka of Arsenal – found the net more often in 2021/22.

Journalist Lee Davey, who has often covered the French top-flight, has billed Ekitike as ‘a hell of a player’ and reckons he ‘could be one of the signings of the summer’.

In other news, Newcastle and Dan Ashworth are hoping to close this deal.

Rangers ended their season in joyous fashion as the Glasgow giants lifted the Scottish Cup with a 2-0 win at Hampden Park on Saturday.

Gio van Bronckhorst’s men dug in deep to overcome the disappointment of their Europa League final defeat to win a trophy, as goals from Ryan Jack and Scott Wright in extra time sealed the win.

The initial 90 minutes were cagey from both teams as they struggled to create any clear-cut chances of note, aside from a Joe Aribo strike which was well-saved by Craig Gordon.

Jack then gave Rangers the lead two minutes into extra-time as he produced a sensational strike from the edge of the penalty box which cannoned into the back of the Hearts net off the crossbar.

Wright, who also came off the bench, then made sure of the result a couple of minutes later as he latched onto a pass from Ryan Kent and buried the ball into the bottom corner of Gordon’s net.

Whilst Jack sparked the Light Blues into life, and ultimately won the cup with his sublime goal in the 94th minute, the real Scottish Cup final hero for the Gers was full-back Calvin Bassey.

Bassey was Rangers’ real hero

After catching the eye with an excellent performance against Eintracht Frankfurt in the Europa League final at centre-back, the 22-year-old was moved to left-back against Hearts and was absolutely outstanding from start to finish.

Scotland women’s international Joelle Murray described his display as “phenomenal”, while The Athletic’s Jordan Campbell also heaped praise on the defender during the game.

He tweeted: “Bassey has been outstanding again here, this time at left back. A few brilliant crosses first half and already a couple of runs down the outside since the break. It’s like he now fully appreciates just how much of a physical advantage he has over most opponents.”

As Campbell highlighted, the Nigeria international kept breaking way on the outside of defenders and got joy down the left flank. He produced two magnificent crosses into the box in regular time as he teed up Joe Aribo and Amad Diallo, only for both players to miss with their head. He also had an effort of his own which required a save from Gordon.

Bassey kept the Hearts attackers at bay and added an attacking threat with his own play as he put together a complete performance for Van Bronckhorst, further enhancing his growing reputation at Ibrox.

Therefore, the full-back was the real hero of the day as he put in a sublime display from minute one to 120 as he bombed up and down the left flank non-stop throughout the match.

AND in other news, Ross Wilson plotting Rangers swoop for 16 y/o “teen talent”, GvB will be buzzing…