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Former Premier League striker Kevin Campbell has delivered his verdict on the future of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain at Liverpool. 

The lowdown: Benchwarmer

The 28-year-old has had mixed fortunes since joining the Reds from Arsenal for £35m in 2017 (BBC), often thwarted by injuries including a lengthy layoff during most of the 2018/19 season due to a crucial ligament rupture suffered against AS Roma towards the end of the preceding campaign.

In spite of those issues, the midfielder has made 133 appearances for Jurgen Klopp’s side, playing a part in the club’s most recent Premier League, Champions League, Club World Cup, FA Cup and Carabao Cup successes.

Now into the final 12 months of his contract on Merseyside, following a campaign which saw the former England regular remain on the bench on 20 occasions, one intrigued onlooker has assessed Oxlade-Chamberlain’s chances of consistent game-time ahead of the 2022/23 campaign…

The latest: Campbell backs Oxlade-Chamberlain

Speaking to Football Insider, former Everton marksman Campbell suggested that the 35-cap ace can still play a major role in Klopp’s plans, after images emerged of his involvement in pre-season training.

The talkSPORT pundit said: “He is at Liverpool so he has got a chance. We all know that talent wise, he is brilliant. Nobody can question his talent.

“His availability has been the problem. When he does get a chance in the team he needs to take it. You have to. That is the level at Liverpool now.

“If you go in and coast, you are not going to chance. If you are not starting you are not realistically playing. The fact of the matter is, he has used his brain. He has gone into the close season, got super fit and is ready to start pre-season well.

“Why not have a right go at it. He has nothing to lose now. Have a right go at it and leave nothing on the side. If it doesn’t work out at least he can say he tried everything.”

The verdict: One last hoorah…

In truth, the £14.4m-valued Englishman’s availability was less of an issue than in previous years last term as the dynamic midfielder made the matchday squad 49 times, with 29 appearances across all competitions, scoring three goals and providing three assists in the process.

Whilst there is no doubting that on his day Oxlade-Chamberlain – who was branded ‘electric’ by football writer Liam Bekker in 2020 – can be an unstoppable force whose versatility makes him stand out from many amongst Klopp’s squad, all too often the fleeting performances haven’t been enough to warrant a prolonged run in the side.

That said, with another gruelling campaign ahead and a potential World Cup squad place still up for grabs, a fit and firing Oxlade-Chamberlain – who also has a new contract to play for – could be an exciting proposition for the Anfield faithful to behold over the next few months.

Crystal Palace have been one of several Premier League clubs linked with a move for Wolves midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White.

Speaking to Football FanCast, Pete O’Rourke said about the interest in the 22-year-old: “I think his form at Sheffield United showed just how much potential the player has and he has attracted interest from a number of other Premier League clubs.

“I think Everton, Southampton and Nottingham Forest, so it’s going to be a real battle for his signature and it might take a big money offer for Palace to get him and we could end up seeing them breaking their transfer record.”

The youngster enjoyed a fine season last year whilst on loan at Sheffield United, with his creativity and work rate drawing praise from many who watched him.

Perhaps if Patrick Vieira could tempt him to sign for the Eagles, he could bag himself a Conor Gallagher replacement who could make up for the 13 goal contributions that the Chelsea youngster provided last season.

Gibbs-White rose to the occasion in his first full season with regular action in senior football and was dubbed “superb” by journalist Jack Rathbone.

His 23 goal contributions across the campaign was certainly a superb return, and if he can translate this fine form into Premier League performances, he could quickly pay back the reported £25m price tag for whoever (if anyone) signs him.

His 7.16 average SofaScore rating is also indicative of a consistent performer, exceeding that of Gallagher’s 7.08.

It is no surprise that Gibbs-White was labelled “absolute magic” by Joe Edwards, and he finally seems to be realising the huge potential that he was previously renowned for having.

However, with Wolves possibly set to lose him, it represents a perfect opportunity in the market to sign a young English talent for comparatively little, given his remarkably high ceiling.

Vieira spoke throughout last season about how Palace struggled to replace Gallagher in his absence,  claiming: “It is difficult to find in the squad a player with Conor’s type of energy”.

Gibbs-White could prove that energy and more, potentially adding to the ranks of young hungry talent that the French manager has accumulated at Selhurst Park.

Averaging 1.6 key passes per game with a passing success rate of 73%, the versatile midfielder could play across the front line or slightly deeper. Wherever he is deployed though, Palace would likely get creativity and energy in bucketloads.

Gibbs-White could more than replace Gallagher for half the price, and in turn revolutionise Vieira’s midfield options. This deal represents a no-brainer for Palace, whose manager could partner him with Chieck Doucoure to create a finely-balanced midfield.

AND in other news: Vieira plotting bid for “outstanding” £5k-p/w “rising talent”, he’s Gallagher 2.0

West Ham are lining up a €40m (£34m) bid for Sassuolo and Italy striker Gianluca Scamacca.

What’s the word?

That’s according to Sky Sports journalist Dharmesh Sheth, who took to Twitter to share news of the Hammers’ interest in the forward and other potential deals at the London Stadium.

He tweeted: “West Ham bid of €40m + add-ons for Sassuolo striker Gianluca Scamacca under consideration. PSG bid €35m + add-ons – but are now close to signing Hugo Ekitike. Broja still a WHU target. If deals get agreed with both, final decision rests with David Moyes.”

It would be a great signing

Although the reported fee is quite high, finding an ample alternative to the seemingly irreplaceable Michail Antonio – still West Ham’s only senior striker – would be priceless in Moyes’ eyes.

This 23-year-old, who enjoyed something of a breakout season in 2021/22, could be the answer.

The Italian bagged an impressive 16 goals across 36 league appearances last term, and this reliability not only in front of goal but actually being on the pitch will be a welcome addition due to Antonio’s chequered injury history.

This consistency led to a deserved 7.03 SofaScore rating for the campaign, and his performances helped Sassuolo to a comfortable mid-table finish. In fact, this rating was second only to Domenico Berardi amongst his team-mates.

Although Scamacca’s hulking 6 foot 4 frame makes him a huge aerial threat, he is renowned for an incredibly deft touch and ability to link up the play despite this size. He fits the bill as the perfect Antonio alternative, and his goalscoring prowess only boosts this claim.

Former Italy under-21 coach Luigi Di Biagio dubbed the striker “very strong”, adding that the Sassuolo marksman “can become a very high-level centre-forward”.

Di Biagio went on to laud the 23-year-old’s ability on the ball, as well as his physical presence, saying: “He has the technique of a 1.75 m tall player and the physicality of a 1.95 m tall player, like him… and then he is complete: right foot, left, head, he attacks from deep, but also plays on the edge for his teammates.”

This prospective move could prove to be a huge coup for West Ham and could provide them with the perfect heir to Antonio for years to come.

AND in other news: Newman eyeing West Ham deal for “frightening” £35m “leader”, he’d be Moyes’ own Robertson

Newcastle United have indicated that ‘they don’t want to miss out’ on signing Braga forward Roger Fernandes, according to Portuguese newspaper A Bola (via Sport Witness). 

The lowdown

The 16-year-old left winger has already made his first-team breakthrough with his club. Last season he made 11 appearances under Carlos Carvalhal, including seven in the Portuguese top flight.

Under post-Brexit rules, Premier League clubs are no longer allowed to sign EU players before the age of 18. That means Newcastle would have to wait until January 2024 before Fernandes could play for them.

The latest

The report from A Bola (via Sport Witness) explains that Newcastle face plenty of competition for Fernandes.

Borussia Dortmund and Ajax have already seen bids of €10m (£8.5m) and €12m (£10.2m) respectively rejected by Braga, while Atletico Madrid could be the next to table an offer ‘in the coming days’.

However, in their dialogue with the Primeira Liga outfit, Newcastle have ‘guaranteed’ that they’ll pay more money so that they don’t lose out. The report also notes that Fernandes’ contract includes a €40m (£34m) release clause.

The verdict

Fernandes looks like a truly special talent. It’s impressive enough that he has reached double figures for first-team matches at the age of 16, but he has also opened his goalscoring account at that level.

The Portuguese forward netted twice off the bench in a 6-0 win over Arouca in December, having previously bagged a goal against Moitense in the cup aged just 15. Unsurprisingly, he’s the youngest goalscorer in the history of Portuguese senior football.

Carvalhal told Sky Sports that he searched for a flaw in the player’s game before promoting him but found ‘absolutely zero’. He explained that this was ‘unbelievable’ and said that Fernandes is ‘something special’.

You can see why Newcastle are so desperate to win the race for the 16-year-old’s signature.

Aston Villa aren’t close to a new signing at the moment…

What’s the word?

That’s according to reliable Birmingham Mail reporter Ashley Preece, who delivered a fresh update on the transfer situation at Villa Park this week.

“No movement just yet, outgoings expected first,” he told supporters in a recent online Q&A.

The Midlands outfit have made five signings so far during the summer window, though two of these are making loan moves permanent in Philippe Coutinho and Robin Olsen.

Boubacar Kamara has arrived on a free transfer, whilst Diego Carlos has been the main splash, costing around £26m.

Gutting news for Aston Villa

With less than two weeks until the start of the new Premier League season, this news will come as a big disappointment for many supporters around Villa Park.

It seems as if the Villans hierarchy are no closer to making a sixth summer swoop and this will be concerning as manager Steven Gerrard arguably needs further depth in midfield and on the wings, whilst a new striker is thought to be amongst the priorities.

The former Rangers boss managed to steer the club away from the relegation zone following the departure of Dean Smith, with the side finishing 14th in the standings and ten points clear of the drop zone.

Gerrard will be wanting to see a vast improvement in that, so it’s no wonder he has bolstered the playing squad but he still appears to be short of one or two players, particularly as some names have been linked with an exit.

Douglas Luiz has garnered interest from Serie A champions AC Milan and losing him would be a gutting blow, whilst Kortney Hause could be loaned out to the Championship, making the backline a little weaker.

There won’t be many supporters happy with Preece’s latest update as it seems unlikely that any new player will arrive in time for the opening game of the season, where Villa travel to newly-promoted AFC Bournemouth.

AND in other news, Huge Carney Chukwuemeka update revealed…

Ryan Kent will miss the first leg of Rangers’ Champions League qualifier tonight through injury, according to the club’s official media partners Heart & Hand. 

The lowdown

The Ibrox club are in Belgium to take on Jupiler Pro League side Union Saint-Gilloise in the third qualifying round of the competition.

In his pre-match press conference, Giovanni van Bronckhorst said that ‘a couple’ of unnamed players were considered doubts for the game.

It seems that Kent, who came through the full 90 minutes in Rangers’ Premiership opener against Livingston at the weekend, is one of those players.

The latest

The club’s media partners Heart & Hand stated on Twitter that ‘Ryan Kent didn’t travel to Belgium’. They added that, while this match ‘comes too soon for him’, Rangers have indicated that ‘it’s not a serious injury’.

In better news for Van Bronckhorst, summer signings Ridvan Yilmaz and Ben Davies are ‘in the squad’ for tonight’s clash.

The verdict

Even if it is a minor injury for Kent, this is definitely a blow to Rangers’ hopes of progression.

The 25-year-old is arguably the leading creative force in the team, having registered a whopping 20 assists in all competitions last season, three more than net-best creator James Tavernier.

The ex-Liverpool forward is already off the mark in that department for 2022/23, having teed up Scott Arfield’s equaliser against Livingston on Saturday. Indeed, his display at the Tony Macaroni Arena had Sky Sports and talkSPORT pundit Jamie O’Hara dubbing him a ‘baller’.

If the £18,000-per-week winger is back for the second leg, perhaps he can swing the tie in Rangers’ favour if they don’t get the desired result tonight.

Leeds United are ‘working hard’ to secure manager Jesse Marsch a new striker…

What’s the word?

That’s according to Sky Sports journalist Tim Thornton, who provided a fresh update on the state of play at Thorp Arch to GIVEMESPORT this week.

He revealed:

“They’ve been working hard on this, this is not something they’re suddenly shining a light moment where we need to get a striker in, they’ve known about it and have identified the targets.”

Marsch needs a striker

Indeed, the west Yorkshire outfit have been linked to an array of potential forwards in recent weeks, including Stade Rennes’ Martin Terrier, Arnaud Kalimuendo of Paris Saint-Germain and a proven Premier League talent in Che Adams from Southampton.

It’s been a busy summer of activity for director of football Victor Orta and chairman Andrea Radrizzani as they have overseen some major departures and as many as six new signings.

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Some of the Whites’ recent protagonists such as Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips have moved on, the latter signing for reigning champions Manchester City.

They have been replaced by Luis Sinisterra from Feyenoord and Marc Roca from Bayern Munich, whilst manager Jesse Marsch has sealed a plethora of his former players in Brenden Aaronson, Rasmus Kristensen and Tyler Adams.

All of which add something considerable to Leeds – four of the six signings made their debut in the 2-1 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday, only going to show their importance already and exactly why they were signed.

Now, the priority must be a new striker as both the American and his predecessor, Marcelo Bielsa, suffered from a lack of frontline options last season. That’s because of the persistent injury problems to Patrick Bamford, which limited him to only nine Premier League appearances.

Without an alternative, the burden fell on young striker Joe Gelhardt, who whilst undoubtedly talented isn’t ready for a regular starting berth, and diminutive winger Dan James, who is far from a leading striker in the big time.

Whether it be Terrier or Adams, the arrival of a new frontman could be Orta’s latest masterclass as it’s abundantly clear that the American is in dire need of another forward if Leeds are to avoid a fatal repeat of last season.

Bamford, who bagged a squad-high 17 goals a season earlier, needs competition and backup if the Yorkshire giants are to steer clear of the relegation zone this time around and as such, it would be an ideal seventh signing of the summer, whoever it may be.

AND in other news, Leeds have “definite interest” in £34m goal machine, he’d be a “real coup” for Marsch…

Dean Jones has dropped a claim concerning reported Tottenham Hotspur transfer target Mohammed Kudus.

What’s the talk?

In a recent interview with GIVEMESPORT, the transfer insider revealed that, following a recent report by GhanaWeb suggesting that Fabio Paratici and his Tottenham transfer team have been monitoring the forward-thinking Ajax midfielder over the past six months, the Italian sporting director is targeting a player in the 22-year-old’s mould this summer.

Jones went on to claim that, while reports have also linked Antonio Conte’s side with a £60m move for Leicester City talent James Maddison in recent weeks, the Ghana international would more than likely be available for a much more palatable price than the England international.

Regarding Spurs’ reported interest in Kudus, the journalist said: “I do believe that it’s potentially a position that they are looking to add even more depth to. And the signs are, I think, that he actually might be available at a much better fee than you would get someone like James Maddison at, so we’ll have to watch this space.”

“Incredible”

While it is undeniable that Maddison would make a fantastic addition to Conte’s first-team squad this summer, considering just how much the 25-year-old would set Spurs back, coupled with how talented a prospect Kudus quite clearly is, there is an argument to be made that the Ajax starlet could well be a perfect alternative to the £45m-rated Foxes star.

Indeed, following his €9m (£7.5m) move to the Johan Cruijff ArenA back in the summer of 2020, the £9m-rated midfielder burst onto the scene over his 17 Eredivisie appearances in the 2020/21 campaign, scoring four goals and registering three assists, as well as taking an average of 1.2 shots, making 0.6 key passes and completing 1.7 dribbles per game.

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

For context, although Kudus falls behind Maddison for shots and key passes, he is actually far more comfortable at beating his man, with the Leicester star managing just 0.9 dribbles per match last season. With that in mind, he could be a more dynamic alternative should Paratici submit a formal offer this summer.

The 22-year-old also impressed in metrics more typical of his position, completing an average of 29.7 passes – at a success rate of 91% – making 1.4 tackles, 0.4 interceptions and winning 4.3 duels per fixture.

As such, with it being evident that Kudus is something of an all-action midfielder, who is clinical in the final third, accurate with his passes and adept at breaking up play in the middle of the park, it is clear to see that the 22-year-old is an ideal fit for the mould of a central midfielder Conte likes to possess in his squad.

Furthermore, with the £14k-per-week Ghanaian who Erik ten Hag claimed has “incredible potential” and Owuraku Ampofo dubbed a “special” player being able to operate from defensive, central and attacking midfield, as well as on the right wing and up front, the former FC Nordsjaelland starlet’s versatility is yet another attribute that would appear to make him something of a dream match to Conte’s tactical setup at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

As such, while it is undeniable that the also versatile Maddison – who scored 18 goals and registered 12 assists over much better fee” than the Englishman’s £60m asking price, the 22-year-old could well prove to be a perfect alternative to the Foxes forward.

One young man who has caught the eye of late at Rangers is playmaker Alex Lowry, with the teenager seemingly one prospect who could go on to become a firm fixture of the senior set-up at Ibrox moving forward.

This time of year is so often dominated by talks of potential incomings and high-profile transfers, but it can often be wise for a manager to look closer to home to find their next bargain, with youth talent offering the chance for clubs to save millions.

Indeed, the 19-year-old has already showcased his talents in his embryonic, first-team career thus far, having scored two goals and laid on two assists in seven appearances for the Old Firm giants last season, making a goalscoring debut off the bench against Stirling Albion back in January.

A first Scottish Premiership start soon followed against Livingston, with the Glasgow-born gem having seemingly impressed manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst, with the Dutchman stating of the highly-rated prospect that he is “very dangerous and very energetic”.

The Gers’ B team head coach David McCallum also lauded the young Scotsman earlier this summer, insisting that he has “loads of talent and everyone can see the difference he makes in games”, having also netted on the final league game of the season against Hearts.

An exciting midfielder with an eye for goal, Lowry is seemingly the perfect long-term heir to current regular, Scott Arfield, with the £16k-per-week star also possessing that knack for providing the decisive touch in the final third.

Since joining from Burnley in 2018, the former Canada international has scored 35 goals and provided 18 assists in 193 games for the Scottish Premiership side in all competitions, proving himself a hugely reliable yet at times unsung figure for the club.

A key part of the side that won the title under Steven Gerrard back in 2021, the Scotland-born gem has been a prominent part of the club’s rise in recent years, having also featured 12 times during the run to the Europa League final last term.

As for the new season, the 5 foot 10 ace has already been an influential asset for Van Bronckhorst and co, notably netting a vital equaliser to kickstart the comeback victory over Livingston on the opening weekend.

With just a year remaining on his current deal, however, it remains to be seen whether he has a long-term role to play at the club, while at 33 he may well be nearing the end of what’s been a hugely respectable career.

Should the Glasgow side be eyeing up possible replacements for the one-time Huddersfield Town man, they should look no further than young Lowry, with the teen seemingly offering the chance for the club to save millions.

An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their chances of signing Mauro Icardi in the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

Fabrizio Romano has revealed that the Magpies have been offered the opportunity to sign the PSG centre-forward before next month’s deadline.

Reporting for CaughtOffside, Romano said: “I’ve written about Mauro Icardi being offered to Manchester United, and also Arsenal earlier in the summer, though they preferred to sign Gabriel Jesus. I can now reveal that the Argentine also been offered to Newcastle.

“Icardi’s situation is really difficult. PSG want to find a solution soon, but the player does not intend to accept unwanted destinations.

“He has been offered to Man Utd and Newcastle who have not made any kind of proposal for Icardi so far. There are also Galatasaray emissaries who contacted Icardi’s camp this week.”

Imagine him & Allan Saint-Maximin

Earlier this year, Saint-Maximin claimed that he could rack up 15 assists if he had better finishers around him at St. James’ Park.

By signing the £185k-per-week PSG gem, Newcastle could now answer the Frenchman’s prayers by pairing him with an exceptional finisher.

Since the start of the 2014/15 campaign, Icardi has scored an eye-catching 125 league goals from 119.70 expected goals. This means that he scored roughly five more than he was expected to from the chances he was provided with in that time.

He has proven over the course of a number of seasons that he is a clinical finisher at the top level and, therefore, the type of player Saint-Maximin has called out for the club to sign.

Juventus and Italy centre-back Giorgio Chiellini previously lauded the Argentine forward’s ability in his autobiography, saying:

“Among the great attackers I have faced, I highly value Icardi, who inside the area is almost impossible to mark. Mauro against Juve has often scored, it hurt me.

“He’s a world-class centre-forward, even if he lacks something in the collective game, he’s a Trezeguet but with different characteristics, lethal in the aerial game but perfectible outside the surface.”

These quotes back up his impressive finishing statistics and suggest that, if Howe can get the best out of him, Newcastle could land a terrific number nine by snapping him up in the coming weeks.

At the age of 29, he is not at the end of his career and should still have plenty to offer to the Magpies – given his sublime goalscoring record – if Howe deems him suited to the way he wants to play.

Should the club opt to take advantage of their opportunity to bring the Argentina international to St. James’ Park then Saint-Maximin’s prayers would be answered and he would have to live up to his word when it comes to assists.