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Former Premier League striker Gabby Agbonlahor has reacted to reports linking Leeds United with a move for Liverpool forward Takumi Minamino. 

The lowdown: Wanted man

Signed from Red Bull Salzburg in January 2020 after the Reds met a £7.25m release clause (Sky Sports), Minamino arrived in England with a growing reputation as a talented creator, having impressed under current Whites boss Jesse Marsch in the Champions League.

However, things didn’t quite go to plan on Merseyside for the Japan international, who was sent out on loan to Southampton for the second half of the 2020/21 campaign.

After another season of predominantly taking a watching brief at Anfield, Minamino could now be on the move amidst interest from Wolves, AS Monaco, Southampton, Fulham and indeed Leeds.

The latest: Agbonlahor has his say

Speaking to Football Insider, regular talkSPORT pundit Agbonlahor suggested that the Whites would almost certainly benefit from the capture of the 41-cap winger.

The former Aston Villa striker said: “When I watched him at Salzburg when he played that one game against Liverpool he looked really good. Liverpool just bought him after that one game. At Liverpool, he’s not really kicked on, but maybe the pressure of Liverpool, we’ve seen it with the likes of [Christian] Benteke, can get to players.

“If he went somewhere like Leeds you would see more out of him. If Jesse Marsch knows him well then it could work. It will be interesting. We know how hard it is to get players so if they know they can get one they might go for it.”

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The verdict: Could be ideal for Leeds

Seemingly destined for a fresh start this summer, reuniting Minamino with Marsch would likely be a superb move for all parties as Victor Orta attempts to bolster the Elland Road squad and the Japanese forward looks to rekindle a stalling career.

Hailed for an ‘amazing’ goalscoring performance against Southampton in the latter part of an exhausting 2021/22 season by Liverpool team-mate Joel Matip, the decorated 27-year-old has also had his praises sung highly by Jurgen Klopp during what has been a stop-start spell at Anfield.

Last season, Minamino directly contributed to 11 goals in 24 outings across all competitions, operating across the entire frontline and also an attacking midfield role. He would duly offer unrivalled versatility in the attacking department, and that would be a huge positive for Marsch’s options in attack, which have been quite sparse at times in recent months.

In other news: Leeds handed blow as Ligue 1 club lead the race for ‘clinical’ star, read more here

According to Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph, Celtic are now ‘back in the frame’ for Manchester City defender Ko Itakura and could look for a loan-to-buy deal.

The Lowdown: Itakura profiled

The 25-year-old first joined the Sky Blues from Kawasaki Frontale back in January 2019, being loaned straight back out to FC Groningen and most recently returning to England from a season out at Schalke.

It was recently reported by the Daily Record that Hoffenheim are getting set to make a move for the centre-back after being impressed by what they saw from him last term.

The Japanese defender’s contract with City is set to expire in 2023, giving the player time to weigh up his options, and the Hoops could now be set to hijack Hoffenheim’s bid and bring him to the Scottish Premiership.

The Latest: Long-term admirers

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Joseph revealed that Celtic have been long-time admirers of Itakura and admitted that this wouldn’t be the first time they have tried to sign him. He said:

“Itakura is someone they’ve been tracking for quite some time and they wanted him in last season, actually, but he chose to go on loan to Schalke, and Celtic are back in the frame for him because Schalke weren’t able to pay the €6m option to buy. Celtic might look to do a loan with an option to buy there.”

The Verdict: Get it done

Last year, Itakura made 31 appearances in the German second tier and helped Schalke gain promotion back to the Bundesliga, and his performances clearly didn’t go unnoticed by Ange Postecoglou.

The Australian boss has recently secured the permanent signing of Cameron Carter-Vickers but must want to bolster his ranks further with another new addition at the heart of the backline, and the 12-cap international doesn’t appear to be a bad option to partner the former Spurs man.

Celtic might have a bit of digging their heels to do if they want to fend off their strong competitors abroad, but the opportunity to play Champions League football next season might just prove to be too good of an opportunity for Itakura to turn down.

In other news… a Sky Sports reporter has delivered a huge update on Postecoglou’s Celtic future.

Nottingham Forest are interested in Ajax full-back Nicolas Tagliafico, according to The Daily Mail. 

The lowdown: Career so far

Signed from Independiente in 2018, Tagliafico has been nothing short of sensational for the Dutch Eredivisie champions since making the switch from South America.

The marauding 29-year-old full-back has directly contributed to 36 goals in 167 outings, lifting five major honours during his time in Holland.

Having previously been unsettled amidst speculation linking him with a move to Barcelona, Forest could now be set to land the Argentina international…

The latest: On the radar

As per The Daily Mail, Forest have ‘registered an interest’ in signing Tagliafico this summer as they look for more deals after Taiwo Awoniyi.

It’s claimed that the 40-cap ace is ‘set to leave’ Ajax in the transfer window despite still having two years remaining on a deal with the Dutch giants (Transfermarkt).

The report states that Steve Cooper is looking for ‘other reinforcements’ in defence and views the man dubbed a ‘superb player’ by football talent scout Jakek Kulig as a potential candidate.

The verdict: Class act

Adding a player of Tagliafico’s calibre to the Forest ranks would be an exceptional capture for the Forest hierarchy, especially after turning their attentions elsewhere following the £5million price tag being placed on the head of Max Lowe by Sheffield United.

The refusal to push to bring Lowe back to the Midlands and the imminent release of Gaetan Bong leaves only Jack Colback as a senior candidate to operate at left wing-back, a position Cooper’s system relied heavily upon during promotion last term.

Last season, Tagliafico scored three times and provided a further three assists in 29 appearances across all competitions, and also boasts elite top-level experience having made 25 UEFA Champions League outings to date.

Valued at £9.9million and fast approaching the final year of a contract in Holland (Transfermarkt), signing Tagliafico would be an affordable venture in terms of asking price and could potentially come down to salary as the board decide whether to match or exceed the Argentine’s current £44,000-a-week deal – a sum considerably higher than Forest’s current top earner Lewis Grabban.

According to The Athletic, Jed Wallace is now undergoing a medical at West Brom ahead of a summer move to the Hawthorns.

The Lowdown: Baggies table offer

The 28-year-old is set to become a free agent at the end of the month upon the expiration of his contract at Millwall, and the Baggies have been monitoring the winger for quite some time.

It was reported that the Midlands outfit had already made an official offer to the player in a bid to keep him in the Championship, but were set to face competition from the likes of newly-promoted Nottingham Forest.

In a fresh update though, it looks as though Steve Bruce has now beaten his competitors in the race for the Lions starlet.

The Latest: Wallace undergoing medical

In a column published by The Athletic, it’s claimed that Wallace is now ‘undergoing a medical’ at West Brom ahead of completing the switch up north.

It’s stated that the maestro is now free to find a new club after ‘turning down’ a contract extension at The Den, with the offer from Gary Rowett and co said to have been ‘lucrative’.

The Verdict: Fantastic addition

The fact that Bruce has finally managed to secure his long-term transfer target will come as a huge boost to the club, and Wallace will be a brilliant addition to the Albion starting XI.

The £5.85m-rated gem will be joining the Baggies on the back of yet another hugely successful season with Millwall, having become the assist king with 12 to his name in the second tier, as well as netting six goals himself, via Transfermarkt.

Salford striker Matt Smith, son-in-law of the West Brom boss and former teammate of Wallace, is reported to have put in a good word with the Baggies gaffer, so WBA fans may have him to thank if Wallace carries his red-hot form into the new season.

Jarrad Branthwaite is reportedly now set to leave Everton on a loan deal this summer.

The Lowdown: Breakthrough

The 19-year-old made somewhat of a breakthrough into the first team last season, with his eight appearances in all competitions coming after he had only played five times before for the senior side (Transfermarkt).

Dubbed a ‘really skilful’ defender by former Toffees boss Carlo Ancelotti, and a ‘terrific footballer’ by manager Steven Pressley while on loan at Carlisle United, the youngster possesses a rare quality on the ball for a centre-back, so he seems perfectly suited to the modern game.

The Latest: Set to leave…

As per The Daily Mail, Branthwaite is now ‘set to leave’ Goodison Park on loan this summer, as Everton want the 19-year-old to ‘push on’ in his development.

PSV Eindhoven, Schalke 04, Middlesbrough, Sheffield United, Huddersfield Town, Blackpool, Cardiff City and Sunderland are all thought to be interested in taking him on loan, in what could turn out to be an almighty tussle for his signature.

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The Verdict: Perfect

Loaning Branthwaite out to a big club in Europe or to the Championship for next term would be perfect for his development.

Even though he did get game-time for Everton last term, the 6 foot 5 colossus only featured in eight matches.

Also, with the imminent arrival of fellow centre-back James Tarkowski on a free transfer following his departure from Burnley, Branthwaite’s game-time is likely to be limited even more if he remains at Goodison Park.

Therefore, a loan move would ensure that he plays more regularly and furthers his development upon a return to Frank Lampard’s squad at the end of the season.

Glasgow Rangers and Giovanni van Bronckhorst are reportedly eyeing a move to bring young striker Kai Meriluoto to Ibrox, according to Finnish outlet MTV Urheilu.

The lowdown: Rising star

Currently, Meriluoto is on loan at Finnish top-flight outfit Ilves Tampere from third-tier side Klubi 04, the reserves of HJK Helsinki where Meriluoto came through the young ranks.

The 19-year-old Finland youth international has already amassed 40 goals in 76 outings at senior level and was part of the Helsinki side that lifted the Veikkausliiga title in 2020.

Now despite his tender years, it appears as though Meriluoto could already be being eyed up for a move to pastures new…

The latest: On the radar

As per MTV Urheilu, Rangers are believed to have ‘expressed’ interest in signing the three-cap Finland Under 21 starlet this summer, so have seemingly made an approach ahead of a potential move.

It’s claimed that Meriluoto is a ‘target’ for the Glasgow giants as Van Bronckhorst looks to add support for Alfredo Morelos and Kemar Roofe ahead of another gruelling season.

The report states that ‘several other foreign clubs are also interested’ in the teenager, who has netted nine goals in 27 appearances across all youth levels for Finland.

The verdict: Planning for the future

Valued at just £90,000 and out of contract with his parent side next December (Transfermarkt), given the likely lowly fee and salary demands, signing Meriluoto is truly the definition of a no-risk venture for the Gers hierarchy.

Although still very much in his development years as a first-team operator, the centre-forward – who can also play in wide areas and deeper roles – has shown a clinical eye for goal during the ongoing 2021/22 campaign with eight strikes in just 15 outings so far, showing he is in-form at this moment in time.

It remains to be seen whether or not parent club HJK would be willing to do a deal for one of their own, however, for Rangers, who are also closing in on PAOK striker Antonio Colak, this would make an abundance of sense in order to bolster the attacking ranks whilst also looking ahead to the next generation of stars.

Leeds United sent scouts to watch Blackburn Rovers forward Ben Brereton Diaz in action during pre-season, according to Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Striker wanted

The Whites have made six signings this summer at a cost of £95m, with winger Luis Sinisterra becoming the latest to pen Elland Road terms.

However, Victor Orta and co aren’t finished there and want to bring in a senior striker ahead of Jesse Marsch’s first full season in charge.

The likes of Charles De Ketelaere and Arnaud Kalimuendo have been linked with Leeds in recent weeks, but it looks as if Brereton Diaz is also of interest once again with the new season fast approaching.

The Latest: Leeds scouting mission

Football Insider shared a story on Monday regarding Leeds and Brereton Diaz after being informed by sources.

They claimed that Yorkshire talent spotters were in attendance for Blackburn’s pre-season game with Accrington Stanley at the weekend, with the Whites holding a long-term interest in the Chile international.

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The Verdict: Smart move?

Brereton Diaz, who has been described as the ‘face of Pepsi’ in Chile due to massive marketing campaigns following his international success, and was also labelled an ‘extraordinary talent’ by his former Rovers boss Tony Mowbray, could be a shrewd signing as an alternative to De Ketelaere and Kalimuendo.

Still just 23 years of age, Brereton Diaz scored 22 goals in 37 Championship games last season, playing on the left and through the middle.

He would provide similar versatility as De Ketelaere, as he would be able to turn out as an inside forward or as a secondary striker to Patrick Bamford.

Brereton Diaz has just enjoyed his best season in front of goal and is also into the final 12 months of his contract at Ewood Park, so Leeds could look to take full advantage.

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

Celtic have seen a number of young players make moves away from the Parkhead club over the past few weeks such as Karamoko Dembele, Luca Connell, Kerr McInroy and Ewan Henderson.

Another young player making a name for himself at one of Europe’s top clubs that has been mentioned with a reported £2m move to Glasgow this summer is Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Edouard Michut.

Having joined PSG’s youth ranks from Versailles back in 2016, the 19-year-old has gone on to make 17 appearances for the club across their senior and youth sides, chipping in with one goal and one assist along the way.

With eight senior appearances to his name for the French giants, five of them came during their previous Ligue 1 campaign, where he managed to assist a goal from Thilo Kehrer during PSG’s 1-1 draw against Olympique Lyon back in January.

To further highlight what sort of player Michut is, football talent scout, Jacek Kulig described the teenager as a “highly technical and creative playmaker” and a “fantastic” young prospect at PSG.

In fact, Kulig also spoke about the French starlet in the same breath as Barcelona youngster Gavi, in terms of their “natural football IQ” as well as their ability to “already have three passing options in their heads before even controlling the ball.”

At the age of 17, the Barcelona prodigy, who has a hefty market value of around €70m (£59m) according to CIES, already has 46 senior appearances to his name for the Spanish club.

In those appearances, Gavi has managed to score two goals and provide six assists in the process.

Hailed as an “erupting volcano” by Luis Enrique, the Spaniard certainly looks likely to have a big career ahead of him.

Taking all of this into account, if Celtic were able to land their own version of the Barcelona starlet in the shape of Michut, this could be a very exciting move for the Parkhead club to make.

With the several young players that have waved goodbye to the club in recent weeks, it’s safe to say that the Hoops have the space to add a young talent to their ranks that could have what it takes to force his way into Ange Postecoglou’s squad.

AND in other news: Ange can finally axe Celtic’s £4.05m-rated “monster” with move for “perfect” £3.4m gem

Everton have been heavily linked with a move for Conor Gallagher this summer, and now a new update has emerged on the club’s progress in making the signing before the transfer window shuts.

What’s the latest?

According to Football Insider, Everton have registered their interest in the Chelsea midfielder to sign him this summer.

As per the report, Frank Lampard is a huge admirer of the youngster and has made him a top priority transfer for Everton as he is looking for an energetic and dynamic midfielder to add to his team before the beginning of next season.

The Toffees have even contacted Chelsea to make them aware of their interest.

Lampard needs him badly

Considering the relegation scrap that Everton found themselves in last season in the Premier League you would have thought that there would have been more signings made at this point, alas only one new addition has been confirmed so far with James Tarkowski making the move to Merseyside.

There is no doubt that Lampard needs Gallagher in his team, not only can the young Chelsea talent make a huge impact from the centre of the pitch but with Fabian Delph and Donny van de Beek departing there is certainly room to bolster the midfield options ahead of next season.

Gallagher has been capturing the attention of the football world following his impressive season-long loan spell at Crystal Palace, with the 22-year-old quickly proving that he has the potential to be a star.

Over 34 Premier League appearances, Gallagher scored eight goals, delivered three assists and created five big chances. He also made 1.1 key passes and two tackles per game, as well as successfully completing the majority of his dribble attempts (57%).

Gallagher’s quality and impression on Palace also led the player to win Young Player of the Year at the London Football Awards and he earned his senior England debut in the World Cup qualifiers following his contributions at Selhurst Park.

The £50m-valued midfielder was hailed a “joy to watch” by Graeme Souness, with the legendary former Liverpool captain claiming:

“He’s a super talent. He plays with an honesty and freedom that every 21-year-old should and doesn’t. He’s obviously a very talented boy. He’s a joy to watch.”

With that being said, it is no wonder Lampard wants to reunite with his former Chelsea player this summer via Goodison Park as Gallagher can offer exactly what Everton need in order to get off to a good start when they return to action next month. Kevin Thelwell simply has to bring him to Merseyside if the chance arises.

AND in other news: Bad news: Alan Myers drops big Everton transfer claim, supporters surely gutted