Lewis-Potter could be Wolves’ Jarrod Bowen

Wolves are one of several Premier League clubs said to be interested in signing Hull City attacker Keane Lewis-Potter; and if he makes the move to Molineux, he could be Bruno Lage’s own version of Jarrod Bowen.

According to 90min, the England under-21 international is attracting interest from Brentford, Brighton, Bournemouth, Southampton, West Ham and Wolves this summer after his impressive campaign with the Tigers in the Championship. The Bees are understood to have already lodged a £20m bid.

After helping Hull to the League One title in the 2020/21 season, Lewis-Potter was instrumental once again as Shota Arveladze’s side comfortably retained their Championship status last term. The winger contributed an impressive 12 goals and three assists in 46 appearances, averaging a solid 6.82 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

Unsurprisingly, Lewis-Potter has drawn plenty of comparisons with former Hull winger Bowen, who has gone from strength to strength since signing for West Ham in January 2020, recently earning a call-up to Gareth Southgate’s England squad after a superb campaign.

Reports have suggested that, if the 25-year-old were to leave West Ham, David Moyes’ side could demand as much as £75m, which would represent a huge profit on the £20m that they paid to sign him from the Tigers two-and-a-half years ago.

Former Hull manager Grant McCann was full of praise for the 21-year-old in 2020, saying: “The kid’s a special talent. Wherever we play him across that frontline, he’ll create and score goals. He can be anything he wants to be.

“He’s quick, he’s getting stronger. If you see him physically now compared to where he was this time last year, he’s head and shoulders above in terms of his physique. He’s got all the tools to be anything he wants.”

Given that Wolves often struggled to score goals last season, netting just 38 in as many Premier League matches, attacking reinforcements should be a priority for Lage this summer.

If Lewis-Potter can fulfil his potential at Molineux and follow a similar trajectory to Bowen, then he would surely prove to be an excellent signing for the Old Gold, so they should definitely look at bringing him in – particularly given Brentford’s reported bid.

In other news… “Done deal”: Fabrizio Romano drops big transfer update, Wolves supporters surely livid

Man United linked with Leandro Paredes

Manchester United have been credited with an interest in Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Leandro Paredes recently, and the Argentine could be a superb addition to Erik ten Hag’s side.

What’s the word?

According to French news outlet L’Equipe, the Red Devils have already been in contact with the Ligue 1 champions over a potential deal for the 28-year-old.

Ten Hag is in desperate need of midfield reinforcements at Old Trafford this summer after Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard, Juan Mata and Nemanja Matic all left the club following the expiry of their contracts.

Frenkie de Jong has long been touted as Ten Hag’s main midfield target but there seems to have been little progress in recent weeks, and the former Ajax manager is now seemingly considering other options, with Paredes apparently one on his list.

Would Paredes be a good signing?

Paredes, who would reportedly cost around £30m, has been a regular for PSG since joining from Zenit St Petersburg in January 2019. The 28-year-old has made 113 appearances for Les Parisiens, contributing three goals and nine assists.

However, he made just 15 appearances in Ligue 1 last season and was regularly sidelined in favour of Georginio Wijnaldum in Mauricio Pochettino’s midfield.

WhoScored suggests that Paredes’ strengths include long shots, direct free-kicks, passing, blocking the ball and his concentration, while he has no significant weaknesses, so he could be a solid prospective addition to Ten Hag’s midfield.

Former PSG midfielder Fabrice Pancrate was full of praise for the Argentina international in 2021, saying: “The Paredes-Verratti doublet is confirmed from match to match. They are complementary. How many times has Paredes been criticized since his arrival? I have always said that I found this player to be super strong.”

“He’s smart, technical, aggressive in a good way, and he’s not just a nasty gamer. It is also beautiful to watch. His tempo is perfect.”

United’s midfield has definitely been lacking in quality in recent years, while Paredes’ perceived ‘nasty streak’ could prevent the Red Devils from rolling over in big games again next season.

Therefore, he is surely player that Ten Hag would love to have at Old Trafford, and it will be interesting to see if United can agree a deal with PSG for the midfielder.

AND, in other news: “It’s agreed” – Romano drops big transfer update that’ll leave Ten Hag gutted

Man City step up Marc Cucurella pursuit

Manchester City are set to increase their pursuit of Brighton and Hove Albion’s Marc Cucurella, according to The Sun.

The Lowdown: Ongoing negotiations

Oleksandr Zinchenko is closing in on a move to Premier League rivals Arsenal, and Pep Guardiola has been in the market for a suitable replacement, with his eyes being laid firmly on the 23-year-old for quite some time.

Football Insider reported in June that the Sky Blues had agreed personal terms with the Spanish defender and were in advanced talks to finalise a transfer, but a switch to the Etihad Stadium is yet to be completed.

The Latest: Man City going all-out for Cucurella

A report for The Sun claimed that City are ready to ‘step up’ their bid in the hunt for Cucurella, with Guardiola making a new left-back signing his ‘only priority’ this summer.

The source claimed that Brighton are ‘believed to want up to £50m’ for the 23-year-old, and whilst the English champions are ‘reluctant’ to go that high, Guardiola clearly isn’t giving up without a fight and looks like he is willing to do anything to secure his target’s services.

The Verdict: Quality at both ends

Cucurella enjoyed a hugely successful debut season at the Amex Stadium, and given his form, it’s no shock that City have identified him as a player at the top of their wish list.

The Spaniard, who was dubbed an ‘outstanding’ player by sports journalist Josh Bunting, averaged 2.7 tackles, 1.9 clearances and 1.2 key passes per game in the top flight for the Seagulls last term (via WhoScored), highlighting his qualities at both ends of the pitch.

City’s most recent arrival is Julian Alvarez, who returned from his loan at River Plate. However, if negotiations progress, Cucurella could be the next fresh face to come through the door at the Etihad in what would be a fantastic signing and a great addition to Guardiola’s starting XI.

Leeds join Ben Brereton Diaz bidding war

Leeds United have joined a bidding war for Blackburn Rovers forward Ben Brereton Diaz, according to Alan Nixon.

The Lowdown: Scouting mission

The Whites are in the market for a new forward ahead of the upcoming Premier League season and have recently pocketed £55m from Raphinha’s move to Barcelona.

Charles De Ketelaere and Arnaud Kalimuendo appear to be the club’s main attacking targets, although Brereton Diaz also seems to be of interest.

Recent reports claimed that Leeds talent spotters went to watch the 23-year-old in action for Blackburn against Accrington Stanley in pre-season, and it looks as if Andrea Radrizzani and the 49ers Enterprises may have made their move.

The Latest: Nixon’s update

Writing for The Sun, Nixon provided an update on Brereton Diaz on Saturday evening.

He claimed that Spanish outfit Sevilla are only willing to pay half of the Blackburn star’s £20m valuation, adding that Leeds, Everton and Bournemouth ‘have also joined the bidding war’.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-news-47/” title=”Latest Leeds United news!” poster=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/cropped-2022-03-10T184055Z_1834933207_UP1EI3A1FW561_RTRMADP_3_SOCCER-ENGLAND-LEE-AVA-REPORT-1-scaled-1.jpg” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Get it done

Time is ticking and Leeds don’t appear to be making any significant progress when it comes to De Ketelaere or Kalimuendo, so Brereton Diaz could be the ideal alternative attacking signing.

The Chile international was called a ‘beast’ by his former Rovers manager Tony Mowbray and can play anywhere across the front three.

He is primarily a centre-forward, though, something that Leeds are pursuing, and has just come off the back of his best season in front of goal with 22 strikes in 37 Championship games, so he could be the perfect addition to slot in alongside Patrick Bamford and Joe Gelhardt at Elland Road.

Everton make offer for Adnan Januzaj

Everton have reportedly made an offer to sign former Manchester United man Adnan Januzaj, and the Belgium international could be an excellent addition to Frank Lampard’s side this summer.

What’s the word?

According to reports from Spain, both West Ham and Everton have made offers for the 27-year-old, who is a free agent after leaving Real Sociedad.

They report that he is currently training in Malaga as he aims to find a new club, and is desperately hoping to be part of Roberto Martinez’s Belgium squad for the World Cup later this year.

The Toffees will also face competition from the likes of Napoli and Sevilla, with the report suggesting that he wants European football, which suggests that Farhad Moshiri will have to make him an excellent offer if he is to make the move to Merseyside this summer.

Lampard would love him

Januzaj is no longer the young inexperienced player we saw at Manchester United nearly 10 years ago.

The winger, who reportedly earned £76k-per-week at Sociedad, is now 27 and has more than 100 La Liga appearances under his belt. During his time at Sociedad, he has made 166 appearances in total, contributing 23 goals and 21 assists.

Therefore, for Kevin Thelwell to potentially sign him on a free transfer would represent excellent business by the Toffees, and would be a step in the right direction after several years of over-paying in transfer fees.

Following the departure of Richarlison, Lampard needs to add some quality to his attack and would undoubtedly be getting a talented player in Januzaj.

Considering Everton’s lack of goals last season, the Toffees need some creativity in their side if they are going to have a better campaign this time around. Januzaj would contribute 4.05 shot-creating actions per 90 last season, which emphasises his ability to find teammates in promising situations.

Manchester United legend Paul Scholes was full of praise for the Belgian forward in 2021 after he impressed in a Europa League game, saying:

“He’s been brilliant tonight. I never understood why it didn’t work out for him because he had such talent, but it didn’t.

[freshpress-quiz id=“638086″]

“He’s gone on to good things and tonight he’s been excellent.

“I knew this kid had ability and he’s showing it.”

Therefore, if Lampard can get some consistent form out of him, he could be a quality addition, so the former Chelsea boss will be hoping that Moshiri can secure a deal for him.

AND, in other news: “Close to agreement..”: Ornstein drops big update, Everton supporters will be gutted

Leeds target Cody Gakpo

Reputable journalist Fabrizio Romano has shared his latest information regarding the interest from Leeds United in PSV Eindhoven forward Cody Gakpo. 

The lowdown: Orta interested

Earlier in the window, Gakpo emerged as a leading candidate to head to Elland Road as the Whites began to prepare for life after Raphinha.

However, Director of Football at Elland Road, Victor Orta, opted instead to sign Feyenoord winger Luis Sinisterra for Jesse Marsch in a deal worth £20million (The Athletic).

Now, amidst reported interest from Arsenal in Gakpo, Leeds have once again been cited as continued admirers of the Dutch star…

The latest: Second choice

Speaking to CaughtOffside, Romano has claimed that the seven-cap Holland international has ‘always been on the list’ in Yorkshire.

He said: “At the moment, despite some speculation involving Arsenal, the situation is quiet around Cody Gakpo.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-news-47/” title=”Latest Leeds United news!” poster=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/cropped-2022-03-10T184055Z_1834933207_UP1EI3A1FW561_RTRMADP_3_SOCCER-ENGLAND-LEE-AVA-REPORT-1-scaled-1.jpg” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

“He has always been on the list for Leeds United, but not in the first position, just after Luis Sinisterra, who was a priority of the club.

“PSV Eindhoven are hoping to keep him and his price tag has always been around €40-45m (£33.7-37.9m). He may be a name to monitor in the coming weeks as a big opportunity for many clubs, but PSV manager Ruud van Nistelrooy hopes to keep him at the club.”

The verdict: Sign two?

Sinisterra’s early injury setback may have exposed an issue within the Leeds ranks moving forwards, particularly having suffered so badly during an injury-ravaged campaign in 2021/22.

Although it’s nigh-on impossible to plan for such eventualities occurring once again, adding more versatile attacking options to the likes of Jack Harrison, Joe Gelhardt and Daniel James in Marsch’s ranks before the window closes would certainly be a welcome move.

Capable of playing across the frontline and in central areas, Gakpo – who was dubbed a ‘beautiful talent’ and ‘extremely creative’ by journalist Josh Bunting – would be the ideal candidate to arrive at Leeds should a pursuit be reignited, perhaps even alongside out and out striker targets such as Mergim Berisha.

Berisha is believed to be available for just around £5m this summer and can also play in several positions across the attack, so signing both should ensure Marsch is completely prepared for any repeat of last season’s injury chaos.

West Ham: Sky journalist has Angelino ‘news’ for supporters

West Ham United are also in the mix to sign RB Leipzig full-back Angelino this summer amid their plethora of summer transfer activity.

The Lowdown: Hammers in talks…

The east Londoners, as they gear up for what is a tough Premier League opener against English champions Man City this weekend, are reportedly adopting a scattergun approach as they hold talks for many different players.

Amadou Onana (Lille) and Filip Kostic (Eintracht Frankfurt) remain at the forefront of West Ham’s thinking as manager David Moyes attempts moves for both players.

Meanwhile, Burnley star Maxwell Cornet has also been heavily linked over this last 48 hours with Irons supporters witnessing a potentially busy window.

The Latest: West Ham in the mix for Angelino…

Despite all of these attempts, it appears West Ham are still also in the mix for ex-City player Angelino as per Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/west-ham-latest-updates-2/” title=”West Ham latest updates!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

He explains that the Hammers are following RB’s defender alongside a host of other sides. Plettenberg stated:

“News #Angelino: Brighton is interested! Could become very interesting if #Cucurella will sign at #CFC. Would be a great replacement. West Ham follows his situation as well. Hoffenheim hopes for a big scoop via loan.”

The Verdict: Solid target?

Angelino has been known to excel going forward and has even been revered for his ‘absolutely sensational’ technique in front of goal by members of the media.

The Spaniard’s former coach Stijn Vreven certainly cannot speak highly enough of him, branding Angelino ‘unusual’ and a ‘little bit special in everything’ – going on to say the player also has ‘something extra, a brilliant left-foot, fantastic crosses and excellent at free-kicks’ (First Time Finish).

Going by these tags, it’s clear as day why West Ham have inserted themselves into the picture.

Man United in final Frenkie de Jong offer

Manchester United could finally be about to close out a long-term negotiation…

What’s the word?

According to the Mirror, the Red Devils are plotting one final attempt to pry Frenkie de Jong from a stubborn Barcelona.

A transfer saga that has dominated the summer could be set to come to a close, as United will reportedly end their pursuit should this last attempt fail.

With Barcelona desperate for any financial boost, they will be hoping the Dutchman accepts the huge wage packet being prepared for him.

Imagine him and Eriksen

At last, this lengthy transfer saga seems set to come to a close, for better or for worse. Whether they get their man or lose out at least Erik ten Hag can finally move on either forming the team around de Jong or finding an alternative.

If this huge financial package is to tempt the Dutchman, the partnership he could strike with other new signing Christian Eriksen could be frightening for the rest of the Premier League.

Both silky and creative forces, the Barcelona midfielder could offer an element of added security, and his press-resistant tendencies suggest that he could break the lines and then feed the Denmark international in dangerous pockets of space.

He ranked in the top 6% for progressive carries per 90, and with a 90.1% pass completion rate, he fits the mould of the perfect midfielder that United have been crying out for.

Reportedly rated at €85m (£71m) by a financially struggling Barcelona, it seems that this particular hurdle has already been surmounted, as United move straight onto wage negotiations.

Dubbed “sensational” by journalist Joel Rabinowitz following his demolition of the Real Madrid midfield as an Ajax player, he knew the big things that were to come.

If this kind of ability was to be placed beside Eriksen, who last season for Brentford averaged a 7.54 SofaScore rating and ranked in the top 1% for assists and shot-creating actions, could make for a perfectly balanced midfield.

If a player like Scott McTominay, or even Lisandro Martinez was to play just behind them as the midfield enforcer, this could quickly become one of the better Premier League midfields.

De Jong and Eriksen are a partnership that just makes sense, and the Red Devils just need to get the deal over the line now, with one last push.

AND, in other news: Man United have “genuine” interest in signing £25m “phenomenon”, forget about de Jong.

Nottm Forest target ‘reluctant’ to leave

Nottingham Forest are reportedly still keen on signing Benfica striker Goncalo Ramos this summer but the Portuguese side aren’t happy with the initial offer.

The Lowdown: Forest linked with Ramos signing

It has been a summer transfer window to treasure at the City Ground, with a whopping 12 exciting signings made after the Reds’ promotion back to the Premier League.

One of several players who has been tipped to be the 13th addition for Forest is Ramos, with recent reports claiming that they have bid €30million (£25.3m) for the 21-year-old.

It looks like a transfer saga that is still alive but one with a slight glitch, following a new update.

The Latest: Bid rejected

According to both Mais Futebol and journalist Bruno Andrade on Twitter [via Sport Witness], Forest’s offer for Ramos isn’t enough to force Benfica to part ways with their player.

The Eagles are thought to be ‘a little reluctant’ to accept the bid but are keen to sell, holding out for more interest from other Premier League clubs.

The Verdict: Look elsewhere for targets?

The Reds are seemingly shopping for a marquee big signing to round off their impressive summer, also seeing offers rejected for Morgan Gibbs-White.

And Ramos is an impressive striker with a record of 17 goals in 61 appearances for Benfica, but it does feel as though they could end up demanding too much for his services, given they are keen to sell to the highest bidder.

It would require Forest to comfortably break their transfer record of £18.45m set by Taiwo Awoniyi earlier this summer and spending so much on one player could be deemed a risk.

Instead, the Reds would be better off looking at other potential attacking targets who could complement the likes of Awoniyi and Brennan Johnson, perhaps someone like last year’s popular loanee Keinan Davis.

Steve Bruce pleas for new West Brom striker

Steve Bruce has admitted his side are in desperate need of transfer reinforcements… 

What’s the word?

Speaking to the press following West Bromwich Albion’s 2-1 defeat to Blackburn Rovers, he claimed that the club are actively seeking a striker replacement.

He noted: “I’m hopeful, we’re hopeful.

“We’re trying, we’re having to because the club has been unfortunate. We’ve got two big number 9s who have had a series of awful injuries which has been difficult. Especially the one to Dike.”

Daryl Dike, a January signing, was recently ruled out for “at least a couple of months.”

Ian Pearce will have to act quick, as their head of recruitment, to satisfy the manager’s issues.

They need a striker desperately

Their loss to the Lancashire side has left the Baggies languishing in 20th, having yet to win from their opening three fixtures, only scoring three whilst conceding four.

With one of the goals also coming from a set piece, that means that they have only managed two open-play goals this season.

Bruce’s side are decidedly toothless, with Karlan Grant now heavily relied upon to shoulder the main goalscoring burden.

Although he did score a respectable 18 Championship goals last season, the Baggies boss will be hoping not to have to solely depend on the English striker and will therefore be looking to bring someone else in.

Back in the 2020/21 season, when Dike was last fit, he bagged nine goals in just 19 appearances during his loan move at Barnsley, propelling them to an unlikely playoff push.

The absence of this presence will be hugely detrimental to their dreams of a promotion push themselves, as they look to return to the Premier League with haste.

Reyes Cleary did earn himself his first start in their win over Sheffield United, but despite his incredible ceiling, the 18-year-old cannot be relied upon to be a mainstay in the side just yet.

Hosting a Cardiff City side next who sit fifth, having conversely won two of their opening three league fixtures, will pose another tough test for West Brom, who will struggle once more against a resolute and hard-working side.

With Bruce so open about their need for a striker, it is clear how deep the problem lies. It is an issue that Pearce desperately needs to find a solution for as soon as possible, ideally before they fall so far that a playoff push becomes a near-insurmountable task.

Game
Register
Service
Bonus