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Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cooper could still leave the club during the international break, according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.

The Lowdown: Poor start to the season

Having welcomed 22 new signings to the City Ground this summer in a £152m transfer overhaul, the Tricky Trees have not got off to the start they would have been dreaming for upon their return to the Premier League this season.

Seven games deep into the 2022/23 campaign, Forest sit 19th in the league table, having gained just four points thus far.

However, the Reds are preparing to face bottom-place Leicester City at the King Power Stadium next Monday, with Cooper’s side looking to turn round their four-game losing streak.

The Latest: Sheth’s claim

Grouping Cooper alongside Leicester’s Brendan Rodgers and Wolves’ Bruno Lage for having come under scrutiny this season, Sheth believes that whilst it remains a possibility, he doesn’t think any of the three managers will lose their jobs – just yet.

Speaking with GiveMeSport, the Sky Sports reporter claimed:

“That hasn’t happened at Leicester or at Nottingham Forest or at Wolves at all just yet. But then you’ve also got to remember what’s happening behind the scenes at the club as well.

“Because if, for example, they are after another manager, and they find that that manager is not available, say that manager became available the day after the international break finished, there’s still a possibility that one of these managers could still go.

“But as it stands, it seems like they’re going to be given that chance to turn things around at those clubs.”

The Verdict: Crucial fixture

Forest’s upcoming Premier League clash against the Foxes will prove to crucial for both Cooper and Rodgers as they face uncertainty over their futures at their respective clubs.

Leicester are yet to win a single game this season and have secured a draw just once, having lost the other five matches.

Cooper’s side, on the other hand, haven’t looked out of place going forward. Instead, they have continued to struggle defensively.

Therefore, Cooper’s back-line will need to firm-up if their manager is going to keep his job in the coming months.

Napoli are reportedly willing to sell Victor Osimhen to Manchester United on two conditions.

The Lowdown: Osimhen rumours

Osimhen, dubbed ‘the most terrifying striker in Europe‘ by journalist and African football expert Saddick Adams, has been linked with a move to Old Trafford throughout the summer.

Reports back in May suggested that the Red Devils actually made an ‘important offer’ for the forward, and after going quiet for a while, speculation has returned in the final days of the window with the club still not getting a new recognised number nine through the door.

The Latest: United rumours

The Manchester Evening News relayed an update from the Italian press on deadline day regarding Osimhen.

They claim that the Serie A side would be ‘willing to send’ Osimhen to Old Trafford on a season-long loan on two conditions.

The first would be United making a move permanent next summer for €100m (£86m), a fee worth more than what United paid for Antony, and the second being Cristiano Ronaldo joining Napoli.

The Verdict: Unlikely

Ronaldo is thought to be in the squad for tonight’s trip to Leicester, so it does seem extremely unlikely that United would be able agree to Napoli’s demands.

It is deadline day, though, so anything could happen, but United’s only chance may be to launch a late offer without the inclusion of Ronaldo.

On paper, Erik ten Hag could do with another forward to rival Anthony Martial and Ronaldo, and Osimhen may well be a brilliant addition after just coming off his best season in front of goal with 18 goals, so it could be a deal worth revisiting in January if one doesn’t materialise in the final hours.

According to transfer insider Dean Jones, West Ham United have made ‘three’ enquiries regarding a move for Chelsea sensation Conor Gallagher.

The Lowdown: Four-way race

The midfielder spent last season out on loan with fellow Premier League side Crystal Palace and enjoyed a breakthrough campaign at Selhurst Park, with his performances catching the eye of several potential suitors.

90min have claimed that Everton, Newcastle and the Eagles themselves have all been in contact with the Blues to ask about the 22-year-old’s availability, though they aren’t the only ones as the Irons have now also been credited with an interest and appear serious in their pursuit.

The Latest: West Ham make Gallagher enquiries

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones confirmed that West Ham have made several approaches for Gallagher this window, and that they remain focused on monitoring his transfer situation.

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He wrote:

“Conor Gallagher is a player they’ve asked about three times so far this summer, just to keep tabs on it more than anything.

“They’re just making sure that, as we go through the summer, Chelsea haven’t changed their mind on his stance. There’s still a possibility they do and they want to be in that conversation. So, they’ve got quite a bit of work to do still, West Ham. They’re definitely not finished.”

The Verdict: One for the future

David Moyes only currently has Declan Rice and Tomas Soucek at his disposal as experienced senior options in the midfield, and Gallagher could come in and provide a whole new creative outlet for the Hammers.

The four-cap international, dubbed a ‘warrior’ by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, made 13 goal contributions for Palace in all competitions last season, and averaged 1.5 shots, 1.3 successful dribbles and 1.1 key passes per top-flight game, via WhoScored.

Gallagher’s performances earned him his first call-up to the England squad towards the end of last year, and he is a player with bags of potential who will definitely be one to watch in the future.

Tottenham Hotspur supporters have reason to be exciting heading into the final few weeks of the transfer window…

What’s the word?

That’s according to Italian transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, who dropped a big hint about sporting director Fabio Paratici ahead of deadline day on September 1st.

When asked about the potential of Spurs signing a big-name player late in the window, such as a Memphis Depay or James Maddison, who have both been mooted with a switch to north London in recent weeks, he told GIVEMESPORT:

“I would keep it open honestly because Fabio Paratici, the director of Tottenham, always works in this kind of opportunity.”

Exciting hint

It remains to be seen exactly what the Lilywhites hierarchy will do now, having signed a whopping six new players throughout the summer.

Antonio Conte has seen his attack bolstered with the additions of Richarlison and Ivan Perisic, whilst his right wing-back woes may have been resolved with the arrival of Djed Spence. He has even found a new left-footed centre-back in Clement Lenglet and added depth to the engine room in Yves Bissouma.

All that is really lacking is a playmaker and as per the Evening Standard, that could be high on the agenda in the coming weeks, so being linked to players like Maddison and Nicolo Zaniolo should come as no surprise.

Romano’s latest comments should leave the Spurs faithful absolutely buzzing and excited about what is left to come during this window as the reliable transfer expert hasn’t played down more additions and in fact, he suggests that Paratici will be looking to make a splash as it is in his nature to do so.

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The Italian supremo has got most of his signings right thus far, with the likes of Cristian Romero and Dejan Kuluseveski instant fan favourites around N17.

With Spurs back in the Champions League and Conte given free rein in the dugout, it’s certainly an exciting time to be a Tottenham Hotspur supporter right now.

AND in other news, Transfer insider reveals Spurs’ “priority” after Spence, supporters will be buzzing…

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

talkSPORT pundit Darren Bent was left stunned after Leeds United agreed a £42m fee with Manchester City for Kalvin Phillips.

The Lowdown: Move edging closer

News broke on Friday evening regarding the England midfielder, with Leeds and Ma City reaching an agreement on a fee. Both The Athletic and Fabrizio Romano cited an initial fee of £42m, with add-ons varying between the two sources.

The 26-year-old has already agreed on personal terms at the Etihad Stadium, so it looks as if it is just a matter of time until a transfer is officially announced.

The Latest: Bent reacts

talkSPORT shared an on-air reaction from Bent on Friday evening on their Twitter channel, with the former Tottenham striker providing his thoughts on the transfer.

He believes that Man City have bagged themselves a good deal and labelled a £42m fee as ‘bonkers’, ending his reply with ‘wow’.

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The Verdict: Could Leeds have done better?

An initial £42m figure does seem to be fairly low for a player of Phillips’ quality. He now has two seasons of Premier League experience and is a regular for England, winning their Player of the Year for 2020/21.

Phillips is valued at £45m by Transfermarkt and still had two years left on his Elland Road contract, so Leeds could have attempted to push an initial fee closer to £50m.

It looks as if the 26-year-old had his heart set on working under Pep Guardiola, something which appears to have worked against the Whites when it came to negotiations.

Pundit Paul Robinson believes Leeds United right-back Luke Ayling will sign a new Elland Road contract.

The Lowdown: Ayling and Kristensen

Ayling underwent knee surgery towards the end of May and is expected to be out for two to four months. It looks as if the 30-year-old is in a race against time to return for the start of Jesse Marsch’s first full season in charge, with Leeds acting in the transfer window as a result.

The Whites have signed Rasmus Kristensen from RB Salzburg, and Robinson has now made a claim on Ayling, who is entering the final 12 months of his Elland Road deal.

The Latest: Robinson’s claim

Robinson, who contributes for Sky Sports, was talking to MOT Leeds News regarding Ayling’s future.

He believes the full-back will ‘extend his contract’ and labelled him as a ‘quality’ member of the Leeds squad.

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“No, he’s signing. He’s signing for an extra year to extend his contract.

“In the last two or three seasons, he’s been one of Leeds’ regular top-performers.

“You’re going to have to do well to replace anyone like that and you give them another two or three-year deal.

“You give him a chance to recover from his injury because you’re going to need him with the type of budget Leeds have in the Premier League.

“They’re not going to get better than what they’ve got in Luke Ayling.

“He’s got quality, he can play anywhere across the back-four and for me, he and Stuart Dallas are the most reliable, dependable players Leeds have got.

“He’s a leader on the field and a voice. He was a man among boys at times this season when they struggled and he’s so versatile. He’s almost irreplaceable and you give him a new contract regardless of what length it is.”

The Verdict: Interesting

With Kristensen coming in and youngster Cody Drameh impressing on loan at Cardiff City last season, it will be interesting to see what Leeds have in store for Ayling over the next 12 months.

Given Ayling’s injury, you’d expect that Kristensen will take over as first-choice on the right after the club spent £11.7m on his services, while Drameh appears to be a star in the making, winning multiple awards in Wales.

There’s no denying that Ayling has been an incredible servant in Yorkshire, making 220 appearances, however, there will eventually come a time when he moves on from Elland Road, and that could well be next summer even if Robinson doesn’t think so.

In other news: ‘Big…’ – The Athletic drop significant update on Raphinha potentially leaving Leeds

Celtic could make a move for exciting Bristol City attacker Antoine Semenyo in the summer transfer window, journalist Pete O’Rourke has claimed.

The Lowdown: Semenyo’s excellent season

The Robins may have had a fairly unspectacular season, finishing 17th in the Championship, but the Ghanaian stood out as one of his team’s star players.

The 22-year-old registered eight goals and 12 assists in the division, also averaging 1.1 key passes and 1.2 dribbles per match throughout the campaign.

It could be that Semenyo leaves this summer and looks for a new challenge, with Celtic potentially emerging as candidates to sign him. Indeed, the Hoops’ interest dates back to the winter, when senior scout Craig Strachan was sent to watch the player in action against Reading.

A move to Glasgow certainly doesn’t seem to be out of the question, according to one journalist.

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The Latest: Celtic backed to make move for Semenyo

Speaking to GiveMeSport, O’Rourke claimed that he could see the Ghanaian at Parkhead next season. He stated of Semenyo:

“I think he’s someone that Celtic have been watching for quite a long time. There was talk of a possible move last summer, and also during the January transfer window, and I’m sure Celtic have continued to monitor his situation. He’s got potential, Semenyo.”

The Verdict: Could be a great signing

Signing top young talent is vital for Celtic in order to aid their long-term planning, and Semenyo is a player who could be both one for the present and the future.

He has already stood out in a notoriously tough league, being hailed as a “real threat” by his manager Nigel Pearson, and he could bring some added firepower to Ange Postecoglou’s squad ahead of a relentless 2022/23 campaign.

The fact that Semenyo only has one year remaining on his current deal means that Bristol City could be willing to sell too, in order to avoid losing him for free next summer.

In other news, Celtic are believed to be keeping tabs on one player. Find out who it is here.

Illan Meslier’s error in Leeds United’s Premier League defeat against Arsenal on Sunday left BBC Sport pundit Stephen Warnock ‘astonished’.

The lowdown

Leeds slipped into the relegation zone as they fell to a 2-1 loss at the Emirates Stadium while positional rivals Everton won away to Leicester City.

It was a disastrous start for the Whites as Eddie Nketiah pounced on a heavy touch from Meslier following a back pass from Luke Ayling and lunged in to score the opener after just five minutes. Nketiah then doubled the home side’s lead on 10 minutes before Ayling saw red inside the opening half-hour.

Diego Llorente halved the deficit midway through the second half, but the visitors were unable to find an equaliser.

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The latest

Warnock rates Meslier’s highly but says that there was no excuse for failing to ‘put his foot through’ the ball in the lead-up to Nketiah’s first goal. The 40-year-old also questioned Jesse Marsch’s insistence on playing out from the back, claiming that it left Leeds vulnerable.

“Illan Meslier is an incredible shot stopper but you can’t defend him there,” he said on BBC Radio 5 Live [8 May, 2:12pm], as quoted by MOT Leeds News.

“Put your foot through it, this is the problem when you get these managers or players who want to play out from the back so often.

“I’m just astonished the way Leeds are approaching this game. They keep on trying to play out and they are caught again.”

The verdict

Marsch might argue that this strategy was designed to ensure that Leeds had a foothold in the game. By kicking it long, they may simply have given the ball straight back to Arsenal and invited waves of pressure, whereas they could retain possession if they were more patient.

The problem with that tactic, though, is that there is no room for error, particularly against a Champions League-chasing team like Arsenal, and Meslier’s poor touch was all it took for Arsenal to score.

The Frenchman, who joined Leeds on an initial loan basis in 2019 (he signed permanently a year later) while Marcelo Bielsa was manager at Elland Road, was his team’s Young Player of the Year last season but has actually endured a difficult campaign this time around.

Data from FBRef shows that the £22,000-per-week stopper has conceded seven goals more than he ‘should’ have this term, based on post-shot xG.

Perhaps that’s a small part of the reason why his team has struggled throughout the 2021/22 campaign.

In other news, one Spanish outlet has dropped a further update on Raphinha’s future

The reactions to Sri Lanka’s stunning 20-run win over top-ranked England

ESPNcricinfo staff21-Jun-2019

Wow Wow Wow
Today v England Team Work was the winner … A big salute as well to Angi , Mali, Avishka and Dhana you beauties .. It's starting to happen for Team SL pic.twitter.com/ZVmw5pCO3m

— Dimuth Karunaratne (@IamDimuth) June 21, 2019

Great win by the boys.proud to be apart of this family.Thanks for all the support pic.twitter.com/jeCH82GtGR

— Angelo Mathews (@Angelo69Mathews) June 21, 2019

Great win boys!!!!! Lasith Malinga You beauty well done @IamDimuth under pressure delivered. Played @Angelo69Mathews

— Mahela Jayawardena (@MahelaJay) June 21, 2019

Well Done Sri Lanka … Fantastic spirit showed today … Lasith Malinga take a bow … Magnificent display … !! #CWC19

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) June 21, 2019

What a moment … what a feeling #CWC2019 no one gave them a chance #ENGvSL That’s the way to do it … thought that was a great team effort and everyone pulled in the same direction .. no we realise the full value of @Angelo69Mathews innings

— Russel Arnold (@RusselArnold69) June 21, 2019

What a performance by @OfficialSLC great win inspired bowling by lasith Malinga and danajaya de silva . WOW. Hope this is the catalyst for the team to believe even more. Now for the batsmen to respond with heart

— Kumar Sangakkara (@KumarSanga2) June 21, 2019

Malinga is a champion. Fantastic win for Sri Lanka. Showing what they are capable of #ENGvSL pic.twitter.com/w70tT5bsKJ

— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) June 21, 2019

The close contest came at a time when many thought the top four, consisting of Australia, New Zealand, India and England, were unlikely to be challenged.

Brilliant stuff from Sri Lanka.
What they didn't do with the bat, they more than compensated with the ball.
Malinga and Co. were disciplined & troubled the batsmen.
With England still needing to play Australia, New Zealand & India, the #CWC19 may throw up a few surprises.#ENGvSL pic.twitter.com/T4mHATZiz2

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) June 21, 2019

WATCH on Hotstar (India only) – Fall of wickets

Sensational defence of a small total. Sri Lanka making the world cup interesting.
Whats next guys? #ENGvSL #CWC19

— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) June 21, 2019

Well done Sri Lanka. Fantastic win. Malinga and Matthews, showing what experience can do in crunch situations. Makes the table interesting #ENGvSL

— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) June 21, 2019

My gosh. What a game. Well played played Sri Lanka. . A couple of teams at least are thankful for your magnificent effort today. Happy for Malinga.

— ian bishop (@irbishi) June 21, 2019

Great win by #srilanka no one gave them chance to win against the mighty English team. Malinga was at his best with the new ball as well old. #ENGvsSL #WorldCup

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) June 21, 2019

Excellent performance from Sri Lanka to beat England.
England have India, Australia and New Zealand to play with and will have to win 2 out of these 3.
World Cup is alive #EngvSL

— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) June 21, 2019

What a thrilling game today! In-form Malinga's 4 for 43 leads Srilanka to a convincing victory. Well deserved, Srilanka. The second half of the tournament is getting tight. #ENGVSL #CWC19 pic.twitter.com/QS5Hn4m0Ni

— Suresh Raina (@ImRaina) June 21, 2019

Don’t we all prefer these type of matches?

Wow what a game for Sri Lanka beating England I like games like these 240/50 kinds not 300/350 kind of matches.. well done @OfficialSLC #WorldCup2019

— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) June 21, 2019

England still World Cup favourites despite the hiccup?

Hiccup!

NO PROBLEM AT ALL!

England still

— Kevin Pietersen(@KP24) June 21, 2019