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Former Premier League striker Kevin Campbell has urged Leeds United to consider the signing of Wolves winger Adama Traore this summer. 

The lowdown: Whites linked

Recently, a report from Leeds Live claimed that whilst a move for the electric Spaniard wasn’t currently a priority at Elland Road, a swoop later in the window remained a distinct possibility.

This comes amidst growing uncertainty surrounding the future of Raphinha at the Yorkshire club as Barcelona, Chelsea, Tottenham and Arsenal all step up their interest in the Brazilian.

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Following an underwhelming loan spell at Barca, a disenchanted Traore looks set to return to Wolves this summer, and one pundit has now called for Leeds to make their move as Jesse Marsch eyes a replacement wide player…

The latest: ‘He is devastating’

Speaking to Football Insider, former Everton hotshot and regular Sky Sports contributor Campbell has implored the Whites to sign the 26-year-old should Raphinha leave.

He said: “Without a shadow of a doubt. Traore scares defences. When he is on form, he is devastating. He can cause problems for any defender. He is very difficult to handle.

“Raphinha has been excellent for Leeds. It was always going to be difficult to keep him even though they stayed up. Teams look at how players react when things aren’t going their way. Raphinha stepped up for Leeds last season. The bigger teams want a player like him because they know he can handle the pressure.

“It is a really important window for Leeds. I don’t see Raphinha being there beyond the transfer deadline.”

The verdict: He’s no ‘magician’

Replacing the goal input provided by the man dubbed a ‘magician’ by Daniel James is no mean feat, and Traore has never truly reached the heights his attributes suggest he can.

Since signing for the Whites, Raphinha has directly contributed to 28 goals in 66 outings and improved on his debut campaign with 11 goals and three assists in the Premier League last season.

Meanwhile, eight-cap Spain international Traore has never exceeded ten goals in a single top-flight campaign despite five attempts in England, highlighting a much-maligned lack of end product despite possessing ‘explosive’ speed.

Therefore, signing the dynamic winger as an impact substitute – a role in which he has thrived previously – for a low fee and signing an alternative ready-made Raphinha successor would be the smart move from Victor Orta.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are expected to complete the signing of Sporting CP midfielder Matheus Nunes in July.

What’s the word?

That is according to Sport Witness, who have relayed a report from Portuguese newspaper Record.

As per the report, it is said that the player and the club have “everything forwarded” for him to join the Old Gold next season and the player is expected to sign in July when he is back from his holiday in Brazil.

It is said that Lage’s side have a bid “prepared” that is worth the €50m (£43m) asking price that was set by Sporting, with an offer of €45m (£38.8m) plus €5m in add-ons readied by Wolves.

As usual, super-agent Jorge Mendes is at the forefront of the deal, with the newspaper stating that there have been other competitors in the race for Nunes, but that “the process should really advance” with Mendes taking care of everything.

It is now a case of Wolves awaiting Nunes’ return from holiday, as per the report.

Wolves’ very own Joelinton

With very peculiar stats considering his position, Wolves may have bagged themselves a player who can bring a very similar impact to that of Newcastle United’s Joelinton.

Just two seasons ago, this would potentially have been received as an insult, but retrospectively speaking, it’s a compliment and would certainly bring a pristine and powerful cog to the Wolves engine room.

The comparison to Joelinton begins with the passing metric and ability to leave a mark on the game without pulling the strings in midfield. The striker-turned-midfielder has found a way to shine without having a significant amount of possession, and 23-year-old Nunes appears to be of the same ilk.

Nunes completes an average of 29.41 passes per 90, which places him in the 15th percentile amongst positionally similar players. This is a very low ranking, but 10.45 of these passes are under pressure, which is an entirely contrasting and elite metric that places the Portuguese midfielder in the 87th percentile.

Joelinton is the exact same, completing a lower average of 26.21 passes, with 10.56 passes under pressure – again demonstrating a big influence with a small amount of possession.

Being able to keep the ball under pressure hints at stability and aids in possession sustenance, meaning that Nunes’ efforts are entirely productive throughout both phases of the game.

Despite averaging just 50.49 touches per game, Nunes completes 3.19 dribbles with a progressive carrying distance of 141.73 yards – another elite total.

Ultimately, he does not see much of the ball, but does a lot with it when in possession. Having chipped in with acknowledged by Pep Guardiola, who hailed him as “one of the best players in the world.”

It’s an exciting signing for Wolves.

In other news: Imagine him & Coady: Lage can form dream duo as Wolves eye bid for £40m “brick wall”

Leeds United are interested in rivalling Everton in the race to sign Tottenham midfielder Harry Winks, according to The Liverpool Echo.

The Lowdown: January rumours

The Whites, who are on the search for midfield reinforcements, have already been linked with a move for Winks in 2022. Reports suggested that former manager Marcelo Bielsa turned down the chance to sign Winks on loan during the January window, along with Manchester United’s Donny van de Beek.

The 26-year-old, labelled as ‘completely different’ by Mauricio Pochettino, who even quite bizarrely compared the Englishman to Xavi and Andres Iniesta, is entering the final two years of his current Spurs deal, and it looks as if a move to Elland Road is a possibility once again.

The Latest: Leeds keen

Liverpool Echo journalist Connor O’Neill provided an update regarding Winks on Wednesday evening.

He claimed that Leeds have expressed an interest in signing Winks this summer, with Spurs hoping to receive around £20m for the midfielder. Winks’ preference is thought to be a move to Everton, though, who are keen on a loan deal.

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The Verdict: Avoid

Winks, who has made enough of a name for himself at Spurs to get sponsored by Adidas, appears to be a player on the decline, with his Transfermarkt valuation plummeting from £36m in 2019 to £13.5m today.

He made just nine Premier League starts last season – the last of which came at Elland Road in what was Bielsa’s final game in charge.

A £20m asking price appears high for a player who hasn’t exactly been a regular over the last 12 months, so shopping abroad as Leeds have done already could be a smarter move as the club look to get value for money.

Fabrizio Romano has dropped an update on reported Leeds United transfer target Mohamed Camara.

What’s the latest?

In a recent post on Twitter, the Italian journalist revealed that, despite recent reports suggesting that Victor Orta agreed a €35m (£30m) deal for the Red Bull Salzburg midfielder over the weekend, Leeds are not currently pursuing a move for the 22-year-old – with Tyler Adams said to have been the club’s primary central midfield target this summer.

In his tweet, Romano detailed the following twist: “Tyler Adams deal, done and sealed. It means that if nothing changes in the coming weeks, Leeds won’t bid for midfielder Mo Camara from RB Salzburg despite rumours. Main target has always been Tyler Adams together with Marc Roca… and he’s now joining Leeds, here we go.”

Orta must act

While Adams is undoubtedly a fine addition to Jesse Marsch’s options in the middle of the park, considering the fact that the Whites’ have recently lost the services of one of England’s most impressive holding midfielders in Kalvin Phillips, it would certainly appear as if the further addition of Camara would be an incredibly smart move for Orta to make this summer.

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Indeed, while Adams matches up to Phillips in a number of passing metrics – such as passes attempted (914 to 944), passes completed (769 to 729) and key passes (eight each) – over the last 365 days, the USA international falls some way short of now-Manchester City midfielder in a defensive capacity – such as tackles won (16 to 43) and interceptions made (23 to 34).

However, when comparing Camara to the England international, it is clear to see that the Salzburg starlet is a much better match for Phillips, with the £24.3m-rated talent bettering the 26-year-old in goals (one to zero), assists (three to one) and shots (22 to 15) over the past 12 months, as well as being much closer than Adams in terms of tackles won (33 to 43) and bettering the Englishman in interceptions made (44 to 37).

As such, while a £20m deal for Adams and a £30m move for Camara is undeniably a great deal of money to spend on two central midfielders, considering their combined fee is roughly only £8m more than the £42m the Whites received from the sale of Phillips, it would very much appear as if a move for both players is feasible for Orta this summer.

And, when taking into account their combined metrics from the 2021/22 campaign, it would certainly appear as if the duo would do an excellent job at plugging the Phillips-shaped hole in Marsch’s midfield next season – leading us to believe that the Spanish director of football simply must sanction a move for Camara in the coming weeks.

AND in other news: Italian journalist reveals major transfer development, Leeds supporters will be gutted

Leeds United could make Chris Richards their seventh signing of the summer…

What’s the word?

According to CBS Sports journalist Ben Jacobs, manager Jesse Marsch is considering a move for Bayern Munich and USMNT defender Chris Richards as he looks to bolster his backline.

“Sources tell me Marsch is still considering USMNT defender Chris Richards, though nothing beyond that yet,” he tweeted.

It’s thought that, whilst the Whites are yet to make an official move, they would face competition from Premier League rivals Southampton and Crystal Palace, as well as unnamed teams from Spain.

Jacobs also added:

“Logic of Richards from Marsch’s perspective is he can be used at full-back. Leeds ideally want another left-back. Richards is primarily a centre-back, though, and I am told Leeds haven’t yet made any Bayern approach. One to watch given Leeds love signing Americans these days!”

Defensive depth

Just as the reliable reporter suggests, Richards could add a valuable option to Marsch’s defensive line as he can not only play centrally but also out on the left, where the American head coach has just lost Junior Firpo to injury.

With the former Barcelona man set to miss the start of the season next month, it would be wise for director of football Victor Orta to add the Bayern Munich gem as his next signing this window.

Following a loan spell at Bundesliga outfit Hoffenheim, the 22-year-old from Alabama has emerged as one of Europe’s biggest talents, as seen by FBref metrics, with the statistical site comparing him to that of Mats Hummels.

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Richards, compared to his positional peers across Europe, ranks inside the top 1% for blocks (2.62 per 90), the top 2% for aerial duels won (4.75 per 90) and the top 4% for non-penalty expected goals and assists (0.12 per 90), proving to be a threat in both boxes.

It’s no wonder his USMNT head coach Gregg Berhalter has dubbed him a “great talent”, with former Bayern boss Hansi Flick a fan too, once claiming: “Chris has very good qualities – he is strong and knows how to jump for the ball. He absolutely deserves his playing time with the first team.”

Elsewhere, former scout-turned-analyst Thomas Rongen has praised another aspect of his game – his passing ability.

“He’s different than anything we’ve ever had as a centre-back because I think his range of passing is better than any centre-back we’ve ever seen in the United States. His ability to see the field and break lines with his passing – he’s a high-level passer from the back – and he’s just an athletic freak,” he said.

Also lauded as a “complete” and “dominant” centre-back by scout Jacek Kulig, Richards could well hit the ground running at Elland Road under his fellow countryman.

Whether he’s a partner for Liam Cooper, a backup or a versatile option on the left, he would be a very worthwhile signing for the Yorkshire giants, going by the evidence above.

The 6 foot 2 powerhouse is thought to be free to leave Bayern for a fee of around €15m (£12.6m), so he could well be an absolute bargain for Orta and co.

AND in other news, Orta handed huge boost in Otavio pursuit…

West Ham United have reportedly turned their attention towards Bournemouth starlet Jordan Zemura in their search for a new left-back.

What’s the word?

According to journalist Alex Crook – writing in his transfer notebook for talkSPORT – the Hammers are believed to be ‘keeping an eye’ on the 22-year-old, with David Moyes said to be keen on bringing in ‘young legs’ as competition for current first-choice Aaron Cresswell.

As per the report, the Zimbabwe international only has one year remaining on his contract at the Vitality Stadium, albeit with the Cherries likely to ramp up their negotiations amid the potential interest from the east London outfit.

West Ham appear intent on adding a new left-sided defender this summer to contend with the aforementioned Cresswell, amid reports that they are keen on Germany’s David Raum and Paris Saint-Germain outcast Layvin Kurzawa.

Zemura could “light up” the Premier League

Although the London-born gem may be something of an unknown quantity to some, Zemura has certainly impressed those at his current club following a breakthrough season under Scott Parker last time out, the six-cap speedster having played a crucial role in the club’s successful promotion push.

In 33 Championship outings during the 2021/22 campaign, the £2.7m-rated man chipped in with three goals and one assist from his left-sided berth. He also proved himself a classy operator defensively, having averaged 1.7 clearances, 1.5 tackles and 1.2 interceptions per game, keeping 15 clean sheets in the process.

That sparkling form has seen him dubbed “excellent” by the aforementioned Parker, following a sharp rise for a player who had only made two league appearances for his current club prior to last term.

With the Cherries now back in the Premier League, the exciting Zimbabwean prospect may have less desire to jump ship to the London Stadium, having previously hinted at his ambition to “light up the left-hand side” with team-mate and close friend Jaidon Anthony.

Nevertheless, the pull of European football could well see him make the leap to link up with West Ham for next season, with the Irons possibly offering him the platform to truly enhance his burgeoning status.

While current regular Cresswell will provide stern competition, Zemura seemingly has the talent to eventually usurp the 32-year-old, and having two impressive left-backs in tow can only be a good thign for the Hammers.

AND in other news, Contact made: Moyes can unearth a new sensation as West Ham move for “complete” £39m target 

Steve Cooper is looking to bring Wolves’ Morgan Gibbs-White to Nottingham Forest.

What’s the word?

That’s according to journalist Jacques Talbot, who had the following to say to GIVEMESPORT:

“I think especially with Gibbs-White, there’s something there.

“And you look at Gibbs-White, and you look at his great relationship with Steve Cooper, who worked together at Swansea, and the player wants to move, and Steve Cooper wants to bring him in.”

Supporters will be buzzing

This Wolves youngster has been linked with several Premier League clubs, and there is a reason why he is so sought after.

Having just initiated a move for Real Betis’ defender Alex Moreno, it appears that Steve Cooper is incensed to use their Premier League promotion money to hugely strengthen his squad and add a ninth new face to their ranks.

Reportedly available for just £25m, last season he announced himself as a real quality operator who was labelled “instrumental” by Sheffield United favourite Billy Sharp.

He continued: “Scoring goals, creating goals. He really gets the crowd off their feet. He’s brilliant to have in the team. He’s always looking for the killer pass which is obviously brilliant for me.”

Last season for the Blades, Gibbs-White featured 35 times as they reached the playoffs. Throughout this fine season, he was hugely important in their top-six push, scoring 11 and assisting a further nine.

Across this campaign, he recorded an average SofaScore rating of 7.16, which saw him ranked second amongst his Sheffield United teammates.

The 22-year-old proved that he could more than handle himself at Championship level, and now he seems keen to find a place in the Premier League where he can further showcase his abilities.

At Forest, he would be allowed to thrive in a relatively risk-free environment, and he could finally start to fulfil his enormous potential.

Supporters should be buzzing at the prospect of signing Gibbs-White and poaching him from under the noses of the many Premier League clubs interested would be a huge mark of intent for the newly promoted giants looking to return to their former glory.

AND, in other news: “They will be back…”: Journo drops Forest transfer update, supporters will be buzzing.

West Ham United will turn their attention to Filip Kostic, Amadou Onana and even more signings after sealing a deal for Gianluca Scamacca, according to transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano. 

The lowdown

Scamacca, Romano says, is due to undergo a medical on Tuesday before putting pen to paper on his West Ham contract.

The East London outfit could pay Sassuolo up to £35.5million if add-ons are triggered.

Kostic, 29, is into the final year of his contract with Eintracht Frankfurt and may have caught West Ham’s eye after scoring seven goals and providing 15 assists for the Europa League winners last season.

Meanwhile, the Hammers have seen at least two bids for 20-year-old Onana rejected, the second of which was worth €30million (£25.4million).

The latest

Speaking to Caught Offside, Romano outlined the Irons’ ambitions post-Scamacca, with at least two more fresh faces targeted.

“I believe that West Ham’s priority now is to focus on Eintracht Frankfurt left-back Filip Kostic and Lille midfielder Amadou Onana, but also other possible targets,” he said.

The verdict

West Ham’s interest in Kostic and Onana is established, then, but who else might they be looking at?

Well, we can probably rule out Chelsea striker Armando Broja, with Romano suggesting that a deal is ‘off’ as things stand after the Blues rebuffed a ‘£30m proposal’.

With Scamacca on his way, West Ham’s out-and-out striker box may have been ticked.

But a swoop for Blackburn’s Ben Brereton-Diaz shouldn’t be ruled out.

Sky Sports journalist Dharmesh Sheth says West Ham are still considering a move for the £15million Chile star, who can play on both flanks as well as up front.

West Ham will be hoping to regain their place in the top six this season after slipping down a place to seventh last term, and adding that kind of versatility and depth could go a long way to making that happen.

West Ham United manager David Moyes has been handed a ‘sucker punch’ with the injury sustained by new signing Nayef Aguerd ahead of the opening day clash with Manchester City.

The Lowdown: Aguerd’s injury

The Morocco international joined the Hammers last month after the East London club agreed a £30m fee with French side Rennes.

Last Tuesday, the 26-year-old suffered an injury in the 11th minute of the Irons’ 3-1 pre-season loss to Rangers, having twisted his ankle while attempting to make a tackle (via The Athletic).

As a result, the West Ham defender underwent surgery on his ankle, and although the procedure was a success he is expected to miss several Premier League games.

The Latest: Whelan’s claim

Noel Whelan, who used to work as a pundit for BBC Radio, has weighed in on Aguerd’s injury and the effects it will have on Moyes’ team. Speaking with Football Insider, the former Leeds United striker claimed:

“Pre-season is so important, and it’s vital that you get through it – especially as a new player.

“Your worst fear is picking up any injuries – whether you’ve been there years or if you’ve just arrived.

“This is not the start he will have wanted at West Ham. It’s a sucker punch because you want to get to grasps with the English game, and the pace of the game – so he’ll be very frustrated.

“For David Moyes and Aguerd, this is certainly not how they envisioned it when they brought him in.

“They are going to need to do a bit of reshuffling now before the season starts.”

The Verdict: Huge blow

With Moyes having been so intent on securing an established centre-back this window, his worries seemed to have disappeared when the club signed Aguerd on a long-term deal.

However, the boss’ anxieties may have returned, with ExWHUEmployee (via his Patreon, 25 July) reporting that club chiefs are ‘fearful’ that the defender could be ruled out until the World Cup – which kicks off on 21 November.

Moyes’ alternative options include Issa Diop, who is the subject of interest from Fulham, and Angelo Ogbonna, who has recently returned from an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

We may well see West Ham frantically dipping back into the transfer market in search of an extra centre-back in the next few weeks.

Southampton officially completed the signing of Sekou Mara from French side Bordeaux just last week, finally bolstering their striker options.

However, with reports linking Che Adams with a move away from St Mary’s Stadium, Ralph Hasenhuttl must act quickly with the new Premier League season quickly creeping up on him.

One forward the Saints were linked with late last month is VfB Stuttgart’s Sasa Kalajdzic, who has earned huge praise for his domineering performances in the Bundesliga.

If Hasenhuttl could bring his compatriot into the south coast club, he could form a remarkable young strike partnership that could buoy his side in the league for the foreseeable future.

Sporting director of the German club, Sven Mislintat (via Inside Futbol), recently claimed that the forward had three options, with West Ham United and Manchester United the other two in for Salajdzic.

Whoever is to get the striker will need to fork out €25m (£21m) for his services.

He has received huge praise for his ability both in the air and on the deck, however it is his aerial expertise in particular that could facilitate the silky star that is Mara.

German pundit Marcel Reif claimed that the Austria international would make for an interesting signing for Dortmund while hailing his style of play, saying: “He can do crazy things in the air… but he can also handle the ball. This is a very interesting player that would give something for Dortmund if they play this type of football with good, fast wide play.”

He ranked in the 94th percentile for aerials won last season (via FBref), further supporting how he could link the play perfectly for Hasenhuttl’s men. His preferred 4-4-2 formation also facilitates this notion.

Contributing towards eight goals in just 15 Bundesliga appearances, he would certainly do a good job in replacing the seven goals scored by Adams last season for Southampton.

By adding in Mara’s six goals from Ligue 1, the blow of losing the Scotland international would certainly be softened if both of these forwards were added to the ranks.

There is no doubting that the 6 foot 6 goliath would combine well with the French forward, and the Saints should do all they can to secure this signing from under the noses of their Premier League competitors.

AND, in other news: Southampton could say bye-bye to “terrible” dud by signing “incredible” 19 y/o.