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Tottenham Hotspur are ready to hand academy graduate Oliver Skipp a new contract, according to emerging reports…

What’s the word?

The Sun claim that the north London outfit would like to reward the 21-year-old midfielder for breaking into the first-team as a regular under Nuno Santo, despite only signing an extension last summer.

It’s thought that the England U21 international could see his wages increase from £25k-per-week to between £35k-per-week and £40k-per-week.

Skipp spent time out on loan to Norwich City last season and whilst they were keen to sign him permanently, there was no way Spurs were letting go of one of their most talented youngsters.

Exciting news

The Hotspur Way youth product has quickly cemented himself in as one of the Portuguese’s favourites, having started four of their five Premier League outings, as well as their UEFA Europa Conference League group opener.

His emergence has kept Harry Winks, 25, out of the side completely and their faith in Skipp led to the club’s willingness to listen to offers for the fellow English midfielder.

Skipp was once lauded as the future leader of the Lilywhites by ex-manager Jose Mourinho.

After signing his new deal last year, the departed Spurs boss told reporters (via the Evening Standard): “I think he’s genuinely Tottenham’s future. He’s one of these players by human quality, by personality, he is one of these kids that I have no doubt he will be an important player for Tottenham.”

He then added: “I see this kid being one day a future captain here by his character, by his personality. I feel really happy that he signed.”

Skipp has also been a hit with the fanbase, with plenty of supporters waxing lyrical about his qualities in recent games – “future Spurs legend” and “deserves Winks’ wages” were just two comments from many about the young midfielder.

As evident above, both Nuno and the Spurs faithful should be delighted by this latest development as it looks as if Skipp will be here for the long term.

The Portuguese head coach will also be set for a massive boost as he looks to shape his squad alongside sporting director Fabio Paratici. Tying Skipp down with a better deal helps massively.

AND in other news, 83.3% ground duels won: £31.5m-rated Spurs colossus was Nuno’s one shining light vs Chelsea…

Leeds United have reportedly pulled out of the signing of Huddersfield Town midfielder Lewis O’Brien, having tracked him throughout the summer.

The Lowdown: Leeds track O’Brien

The Whites have been linked with a number of players during the transfer window, with some central midfielders tipped to make a move to Elland Road.

Nahitan Nandez is another regular link but O’Brien’s name has cropped up more than most, with Marcelo Bielsa seemingly keen on adding the Huddersfield man to his squad.

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The Latest: Whites pull out of move

According to Football Insider, however, the saga has taken a dramatic twist, with Leeds backing out of a move for the 22-year-old.

Numerous bids are thought to have been rejected by Huddersfield and a Whites source told the outlet they have now decided to ‘end their interest’ in O’Brien,

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The Verdict: No great issue

While a new midfielder would be ideal between now and the end of the transfer window, not signing O’Brien is no disaster for Leeds.

In truth, he is still a young player learning his trade and the likelihood is that he would have come in as a squad player, not strengthening Bielsa’s first XI.

It will be interesting to see if Leeds now look elsewhere before deadline day on Tuesday however, as some pundits have suggested they will need to rest and rotate Kalvin Phillips more this season to avoid burnout.

In other news, a pundit has made a key Leeds transfer prediction – read more here.

Liverpool have suffered an injury blow ahead of their trip to Leeds United next weekend after Takumi Minamino picked up a knock while on national team duty.

The Japan international was forced to withdraw from the squad after picking up an injury and won’t be able to feature in Tuesday’s World Cup qualifier against China.

What’s the word?

Although the 26-year-old was called up by Hajime Moriyasu last week, he didn’t feature in his nation’s 1-0 defeat to Oman on Thursday.

“Midfielder Takumi Minamino (Liverpool FC) has been withdrawn from the team due to an injury at SAMURAI BLUE, which is active for the Asian final qualifying (Road to Qatar) China national team match,” read a statement from the Japan FA (as relayed by the Liverpool Echo).

It continued: “We will inform you of additional convened players to replace Minamino as soon as they are decided.”

Jurgen Klopp will be gutted

Despite Minamino not playing a single minute of Liverpool’s 2021/22 campaign so far, Reds manager Jurgen Klopp is still likely to be gutted to learn of the 26-year-old’s recent setback.

The former RB Salzburg forward is set to join Roberto Firmino on the treatment table after the 29-year-old was forced off the field against Chelsea in the first half last weekend.

That leaves just the out-of-form Divock Origi as backup to a front three of Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota and Sadio Mane, meaning that Klopp is desperately short of options in the final third of the pitch.

The Merseysiders will be hoping to maintain their solid start to the new campaign when they travel to Elland Road to face Leeds following the international break, but they’ll have to do so without a selection of their forward players. News of Minamino’s injury will not amuse his club manager.

In other news… Edwards can redeem himself at Liverpool with January move for “devastating” maestro 

Manchester United are not interested in re-signing Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Ander Herrera, contrary to reports.

What’s the story?

The Reds Devils were linked with a shock move for the experienced 31-year-old campaigner by The Guardian following Lionel Messi’s arrival at the Parc des Princes in recent days.

However, according to well-known reporter Jonathan Shrager, United aren’t looking to bring the Spaniard back to Manchester this summer.

He tweeted: “In terms of today’s report which proposed a possible return to United for Ander Herrera, I am told that there is currently nothing in it”.

Fans will be delighted

United manager Ole Gunnar Solkjaer is thought to be desperate to bolster his engine room options with a new defensive midfielder in the current window.

The likes of Ruben Neves, Saul Niguez and Eduardo Camavinga have all reportedly caught the eye of the club’s hierarchy, but a formal offer has yet to be made for any potential target.

News of the Old Trafford outfit’s proposed interest in Herrera came as a shock, though. The tough-tackling dynamo enjoyed five relatively successful years on English shores before departing for Paris in 2019.

He scored 20 goals and provided 27 assists in 189 appearances for the Red Devils during his time at the club, winning the FA Cup, Europa League and League Cup along the way.

During a tricky time on and off the field for the 20-time English champions, Herrera’s honest, consistent and full-blooded displays endeared him to the supporters, earning his status as a fan’s favourite at the time.

However, talk of his potential return would have done little to excite the United supporters. At 31, the former Athletic Bilbao ace is entering the twilight years of his career and is not the solution to Solskjaer’s midfield conundrum.

The Norwegian tactician is thought to be keen on a holding midfielder capable of providing the necessary support to Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba, allowing him to drop the ‘McFred’ double pivot.

Whether such a player even exists is up for debate, but the answer certainly doesn’t lie in Herrera’s ageing legs, and a large section of the fanbase will surely be delighted that a return appears to be off the cards.

And, in other news…Man Utd plot big-money move for £36m-rated “conductor”, Ole would love him 

According to a report by Italian news outlet Corriere dello Sport, via Sport Witness, Bologna defender Takehiro Tomiyasu is ‘close’ to joining Tottenham Hotspur – but there’s one caveat involving Fabio Paratici.

The Lowdown: Tomiyasu in talks, still…

Tottenham have been in talks to sign the Japan international since the start of this month, with Sky Sports first revealing that Spurs had an offer of around £12.9m (€15m) plus an extra £2.6m (€3m) in add-ons rejected.

Since that point, Spurs have been working to come to an agreement over Tomiyasu and the Athletic’s update last week looked very promising.

It was claimed that the Lilywhites are ‘closing in’ on the 22-year-old with both Bologna and Spurs ‘finalising terms’.

The Latest: Spurs ‘close’, but there’s been a Paratici twist…

According to Corriere dello Sport (translated by Sport Witness), Tottenham are still ‘close’ to signing Tomiyasu but there may be one caveat which involves managing director Paratici.

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As per the Italian news source, Spurs’ new transfer guru, as it stands, is unwilling to reach Bologna’s €25 million (£21.6m) asking price ‘between fixed part and bonuses asked for’.

It seems Tottenham’s move to sign the versatile defender rests on Paratici’s shoulders and whether or not he will increase his bid, with the 49-year-old seemingly prioritising other transfers at this point.

The Verdict: On the back burner…

Whether or not Spurs reach £21.6m for the 23-cap ace remains to be seen, but he could certainly be worth the trouble based off his stats and accolades from last season.

Tomiyasu was a key player for Bologna over 2020/2021, averaging the joint-most clearances per match in their squad over 31 Serie A starts (WhoScored).

Lauded as a ‘giant’ by the Italian press for his performances, while this move could be placed on the back burner for now, Tottenham definitely shouldn’t give up the chase.

In other news: ‘Wow’, ‘No way’, ‘This can’t be true’…Tottenham fans erupt as Harry Kane news emerges, find out more here.

Everton completed a host of deals two weeks ago but we’re yet to see Rafa Benitez really splash the cash since becoming the new manager of the Toffees.What’s the word?Everton secured two straight victories in the Florida Cup and they could be turning their attentions to America again to formalise another move in the ongoing transfer market.That’s according to Grant Wahl, who took to Twitter to report that Benitez’s men were now eyeing a swoop for Matthew Hoppe.He commented: “Hearing Matthew Hoppe (who’s having a good Gold Cup) is now drawing interest from Arsenal and Everton. It’s looking likely he’ll make a move from Schalke following Gold Cup.”The new DCLIf Hoppe pens on the dotted line at Goodison Park, he could be the club’s new Dominic Calvert-Lewin. The England international enjoyed the best campaign of his career to date in 2020/21, scoring 21 goals in the royal blue of Everton.However, they could bolster their attacking options by signing a like-minded forward in Hoppe.He scored six times for Schalke in the Bundesliga last term and has impressed with his all-around ability as a striker for his country at the Gold Cup.Hoppe has scored for the United States and has created three big chances in four matches at the tournament. Adept at bringing others into play, his tall frame is what gives us the biggest Calvert-Lewin vibes.He stands at 6 foot 3 and has even been compared to the brute force of Robert Lewandowski. An article put together on the official Bundesliga website details:“Tall and lithe but with a strong frame, the American has a knack of losing his marker at just the right time, his clever movement creating pockets of space inside the penalty area. Although predominantly right-footed, he can also score with his left, with his head and from outside the box.”That could quite easily describe Everton’s current star striker, a player who picks up useful areas in the area with quick-minded decisions.Speaking about his time with Barcelona’s academy in the USA, academy director Sean McCafferty, commented: “In the Southwest Division you’ve got LA Galaxy, Real Salt Lake, two of the best academies in the country, and we were able to win the division. We’ve had tremendous consistency throughout the year, and we have the top goal scorer in the country in Matthew Hoppe. He’s of the highest level.”He only won 1.1 aerial duels per match in the German top flight last term, which is a significant drop off from Calvert-Lewin’s tally of 4.7 per game, but his combative and tall presence means he could have a similar impact if he arrives in England.Hoppe would likely play second fiddle at first but he could be an incredibly useful option with Benitez lacking depth in the final third of the pitch.AND in other news, Imagine him & DCL: Benitez can form scary Everton duo by signing “special” £25m gem…

Aston Villa confirmed on Tuesday that winger Tyreik Wright has completed a season-long loan move to League Two side Salford City.

And a number of Villa fans were quick to react to the transfer update on social media.

The 19-year-old was one of seven Under-23’s who signed new deals at Villa Park earlier this summer.

Wright, who is yet to make a senior appearance for Villa, has made over 50 appearances for Villa’s respective youth sides and spent the second half of last season on loan at Walsall.

He’ll now get the chance to add to his 16 League Two appearances with The Ammies, who are co-owned by Gary Neville.

Wright has become the eighth Villa U23 who has left on loan this summer, with the likes of Louie Barry and Brad Young also sealing recent moves to Ipswich Town and Carlisle United respectively.

Villa fans react

Villa shared the news regarding Wright on their official Twitter page. This is what these supporters had to say in reply, with one labelling a temporary exit as ‘fantastic’.

“Another one – add him to the list! Good move this for Tyreik”Credit: @AVFCLOAN”Great move all round”Credit: @GW_94″Fantastic opportunity, you will smash it Ty, good luck fella”Credit: @CreaneyTom”Jedinak really earning his money. Getting the youngsters some really decent loan moves”Credit: @andrewstone85″Personally think Villa and Salford could be a perfect link up.”Credit: @doc3d”Wanted to see him get first team game time icl”Credit: @AstonWilll

In other news: Exit news: Ashley Preece thinks ‘underrated’ Aston Villa ace will now leave before window shuts. 

Nottingham Forest reportedly value Brennan Johnson in the region of £8m to £10m amid interest from Brentford, according to The Athletic.

What’s the story?

Johnson has found regular game-time with Nottingham Forest’s first team hard to come by in the early stages of his professional career, playing just eight times for them, but he has caught the eye with a number of impressive showings out on loan.

The winger was loaned out to League One side Lincoln City and scored 13 goals, whilst also being on hand to provide 14 assists for his team-mates. However, his efforts still weren’t quite enough to see Michael Appleton’s side over the line in their bid for promotion, as they were beaten by Blackpool in the play-off final at Wembley.

Johnson has since returned to the City Ground and has been attracting interest from the likes of Brentford, Leeds United and Barnsley already this summer. The Bees have reportedly lodged a £3.5m bid for him, although that is well below Forest’s rumoured £8m-£10m valuation of the 20-year-old.

Forest are set to hold talks with Johnson over a new contract as they look to fend off interest from interested parties ahead of the 2021/22 campaign.

It’s a statement of intent ahead of the 2021/22 season

Nottingham Forest endured a frustrating league campaign in 2020/21 and the club’s supporters must be eager to see them challenge much higher up the Championship table next season.

The Reds finished 17th in the table last season, which will have been tough to take for Chris Hughton, who has already shown that he can guide teams into the Premier League having won promotion with Brighton and Newcastle earlier in his managerial career.

Forest have a number of players who are being linked with summer moves away from the City Ground, with Joe Worrall catching the eye of Premier League side Burnley.

However, Johnson is one player who Forest are clearly keen to retain for the foreseeable future, and you can understand why as he could play an important role in their bid for promotion to the Premier League over the coming months.

With 13 goals and 14 assists to his name last season, he’ll certainly feel as though he’s more than capable of playing regularly for the Reds in the Championship, and this could be the breakthrough season that he’s been waiting for with Nottingham Forest.

Former City Ground manager Sabri Lamouchi had previously labelled Johnson as an ‘unbelievable player with the right mentality’, and it seems as though he’s starting to show glimpses of that exciting potential.

It would be a real statement of intent by Hughton’s side if they can keep hold of Johnson this summer, and it’s good to see them standing firm in their valuation of the youngster, as he’s a player who could easily be worth even more if he can hit the ground running and replicate the form he had shown in his loan spell with Lincoln.

The club’s steadfast approach in refusing to accept less than what they feel Johnson is worth, and planning contract talks to safeguard his future at the City Ground, may well have Forest fans delighted with the intent being shown in order to try and hold on to such a promising player.

In other news, Forest handed transfer boost over “incredible” 20 y/o, Hughton must be delighted

Nottingham Forest have been dealt a further blow to their hopes of keeping Joe Worrall at The City Ground this summer after a fresh twist about his list of suitors was made over the weekend.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by The Sun on Sunday (via Football League World), who claim that newly promoted Premier League side Brentford are now keeping a close eye on the situation of the Forest centre-back ahead of a potential move in the summer transfer window.

The Bees are the latest of a host of top-flight teams believed to be keen on the 24-year-old, with Burnley, Norwich City and West Ham United all being linked with the former England U21 international, for whom Chris Hughton’s side are reported to be demanding a fee of around £10m to part with this summer.

Hughton will be gutted

Having just witnessed his side endure something of a season to forget in the Championship, with the Reds finishing in a rather embarrassing 17th place in the second tier standings last term, the now very real prospect of losing his star defender this summer is sure to be an eventuality that will leave Hughton gutted.

Indeed, despite Forest’s general poor performances last season, Worrall was one of the few players to come out of the campaign with their reputation intact, if not improved.

Over his 31 Championship appearances for the Garibaldi in 2020/21, the £3.6m-rated man helped his side keep 12 clean sheets, as well as making an average of 1.1 interceptions, 0.8 tackles, 4.2 clearances and winning 3.5 duels per game.

The £10k-per-week centre-back also posed a threat for Forest in an attacking capacity, scoring one goal, providing one assist and making an average of 0.3 key passes per league fixture.

These returns saw the man Steven Gerrard dubbed an “outstanding” defender earn an average SofaScore match rating of 6.94, ranking him as Hughton’s fifth-best performer in the second tier of English football.

As such, with the Nottingham Forest manager undoubtedly hoping for an improved campaign next time around with Forest, should he go on to lose the services of Worrall this summer – a prospect that appears increasingly likely with more and more Premier League interest reported in the 24-year-old – it would come as huge blow for the 62-year-old, who would then have to find a suitable replacement for the home-grown Forest captain in the current transfer window – a rather unenviable task.

The one saving grace in Brentford joining the race for Worrall is that it could drive up his price, but Hughton will be gutted to lose such a key player ahead of what will be a crucial season for Forest..

In other news: Taylor drops Forest update over potential summer incoming, Hughton will be buzzing

Writing on Twitter, reliable club insider ExWHUemployee has dropped an update on Felipe Anderson’s future, with the player reportedly seeking a move away from West Ham this summer.

The Lowdown: Anderson on the move?

Following a dismal 2020/21 season on loan at FC Porto, where he started just one Liga NOS game, the Brazilian winger has returned to Rush Green and is again at West Ham’s disposal.

However, he has been heavily linked with a potential move away from the Irons this summer, with recent claims emerging involving Anderson and his former club Lazio.

As per La Lazio Siamo Noi, the 28-year-old is ‘pressing’ for a return to the Stadio Olimpico and has already told his agents to facilitate negotiations between West Ham and the Serie A outfit.

The Latest: ExWHUemployee drops update…

Writing on Twitter, club insider ExWHUemployee has provided the latest on Anderson and his future at the London Stadium.

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He believes that no proposals have come forward for the winger despite the alleged interest from Italy, with Ex also refusing to rule out Anderson staying in the English capital for 2021/22.

“At the moment there has been no concrete moves for him,” Ex revealed on Twitter.

“So that would leave us with the option of seeing if he can have another good season (part of me wants us to do that).”

The Verdict: Keep or sell?

Anderson’s contract expires in 2022, so a decision must be made this summer if West Ham wish to make some money back off his signature.

He enjoyed a brilliant 2018/19 season at the London Stadium after being signed by former Irons manager Manuel Pellegrini, starting 36 Premier League games in his debut campaign in England whilst completing an impressive 2.1 dribbles per match (WhoScored).

Anderson also managed nine goals and four assists in the league alone that year, and if he does stay in east London, supporters will be hoping he can replicate that kind of form under David Moyes. He could prove a useful option as West Ham gear up for their involvement in the Europa League group stage next season.

However, amid difficult financial circumstances and the need to make new signings in key positions, West Ham face a big dilemma over whether to cash in and use that money to strengthen.

We believe that, if a suitable offer comes in, the club should definitely lean towards selling Anderson this summer, especially if he does wish to move on.

In other news: ‘Concerning West Ham’…Italian journalist makes transfer claim involving ‘amazing’ ace, find out more here.