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Despite finishing in 11th place in the Premier League last season, Newcastle United still managed to concede 62 goals in total throughout the campaign.

One player that managed to get his name on the scoresheet against the Toon was Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo.

In fact, the Portuguese attacker got his first season back at Old Trafford off to a strong start as he scored twice in United’s 4-1 win over the Magpies back in September.

Given how the 37-year-old has scored 698 goals in 932 club appearances throughout his impressive career, it’s safe to say that having Ronaldo score against you is not a particularly rare thing.

With the summer transfer window still open for business, this could give the Tyneside club the chance to bring in what could be their own version of the United icon to St. James’ Park.

Back in May, it was reported that the Magpies were interested in signing Napoli striker Victor Osimhen.

After scoring 18 goals in 38 appearances for Lille, the 23-year-old joined his current club back in September 2020.

Since then, the Nigerian has found the net 28 times in 62 games across all competitions.

In terms of being Newcastle’s own version of Ronaldo, the Portugal international currently sits at the top of a list of similar players to Osimhen according to Football Transfers.

This could be mainly due to the fact that both players clearly have a knack for scoring goals.

To get a clearer picture of how much of a confident attacking figure he is, former Cagliari coach Walter Mazzarri had this to say about the striker.

He said: “Osimhen is phenomenal because he runs alone at five players and gets through.”

According to Il Corriere dello Sport (via Football Italia), Napoli have put a reported price tag of £100m on their star striker, which suggests that it would be a substantial investment from Newcastle to get him.

However, with the goalscoring talent he has shown and the time ahead of him he has in his career to blossom into a deadlier attacking figure, in the same way that Ronaldo has, this could be an investment worth making for Eddie Howe and PIF.

AND in other news: Howe can land huge Almiron upgrade with Newcastle bid for “fearless” £18m-rated target

Nottingham Forest are looking for players in the transfer window that can come into the team and improve the squad ahead of their long-awaited return to the Premier League, and now a new potential transfer target has been named.

What’s the latest?

According to Russian news outlet Sport Express, Yusuf Yazici’s agent has now named Nottingham Forest as one of the potential clubs that are vying to sign the player this summer.

As per the report, the Lille OSC midfielder’s agent Adam Chebedzhi has spoken to the publication about the player’s future.

Chebedzhi claims:

“Yes, Fulham and Nottingham Forest are interested in Yusuf. Now the clubs are negotiating. But I want to say again that CSKA will hold a special place in our hearts”

James Garner replacement

Not only will Steve Cooper be hoping to acquire players who can strengthen the team, but he will also need to find replacements for players in key areas that have now returned to their parent clubs following loan spells at The City Ground.

Djed Spence, James Garner, Philip Zinckernagel and Keinan Davis are just some of the first team players who have now returned to their respective clubs, so it is important to Forest find the right players to replace them to ensure they are in a good position to compete in the Premier League.

Garner, in particular, has returned to Manchester United and currently there are no plans for the player to return on another loan to Forest despite reports that the club are interested in re-signing the young midfielder.

As a result, Yazici could be the perfect replacement for the 21-year-old next season with the £15.3m-rated Turkish midfielder capable of playing multiple positions in midfield.

Yazici spent the second half of last season on loan with CSKA Moscow and was a stand-out performer in the Premier Liga over his 10 appearances, scoring eight goals, making 2.3 key passes and taking 1.3 shots on target per game, as well as maintaining a pass accuracy of 87% in his own half.

The Lille star has been the recipient of high praise, with Mesut Ozil hailing Yazici an “incredible talent” back in 2018.

With that being said, if Nottingham Forest can secure a deal for the midfielder this summer it could be a great opportunity for Cooper to bolster his midfield ahead of the newly-promoted team’s Premier League return next month.

AND in other news: “Expected to…”: David Ornstein drops big NFFC transfer claim, Cooper will be buzzing

Manchester City have now agreed a fee to sell defender Nathan Ake to Chelsea, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Progress in negotiations

The 27-year-old joined the Premier League champions two years ago, but has never really developed into anything more than a bit-part player under Pep Guardiola, and this has seen him recently being linked with a move away from the Etihad Stadium.

Sky Sports first reported last month that the Blues were in talks with City over a potential move for the Dutchman, before transfer insider Fabrizio Romano stated last week that the player had agreed personal terms over a return to Stamford Bridge.

The Latest: City and Chelsea agree fee for Ake

In an article published by 90min, it’s claimed that Ake is ‘closing in’ on a transfer to Chelsea, with the two clubs involved having now ‘agreed’ a £45m fee.

It’s stated that the ‘exact structure’ and ‘add-on sums’ of the deal are ‘yet to be finalised’, although it’s apparently clear that the centre-back is ‘keen’ on making a return to the capital.

The Verdict: Should suit everyone

Manchester City have already lost Raheem Sterling to Chelsea after his departure was confirmed on Wednesday, and it seems highly likely that Ake will soon be following in his footsteps.

The 27-cap Netherlands international, who was once dubbed a ‘sensational’ player by sports journalist Josh Bunting, only made ten starts in the top flight under Guardiola last term (following on from nine in 2020/21), and he is behind the likes of John Stones and Ruben Dias in the pecking order.

Ake leaving the club would be the best scenario for all parties, as he can make a return to his former stomping ground and receive more game-time, whilst City can use his transfer fee to generate funds for any further additions they may wish to make before the start of the season.

Leeds United are interested in a deal to bring Martin Terrier to Elland Road in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by French publication L’Equipe (via TEAMtalk), who claim that, with recent reports suggesting the Whites’ long-term pursuit of Club Brugge KV centre-forward Charles De Ketelaere looks to have been unsuccessful, Victor Orta has now turned his attention to the 25-year-old Stade Rennais attacker.

The report goes on to state that fellow Premier League outfit West Ham United are also keen on a move for the former France U21 international this summer, while Rennes are believed to be looking for a figure in the region of €40m (£34m) in order to part with the forward ahead of the upcoming 2022/23 campaign.

Better than De Ketelaere

While it is undeniable that De Ketelaere is an incredibly exciting prospect, the argument that Terrier would be a much better fit for a team hoping to push themselves up towards the top half of the Premier League table next season is a relatively easy one to make.

Indeed, over his 37 Ligue 1 appearances in 2021/22, the £22.5m-rated forward was in breathtaking form for Bruno Genesio’s side, scoring 21 goals, registering four assists and creating five big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 2.4 shots – 1.3 of which hit the target – making 1.1 key passes and completing 0.8 dribbles per game.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-leeds-united-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-more” title=”Read the latest Leeds news, transfer rumours and more!”]

These returns saw the £21k-per-week talent – who can also operate from attacking midfield and on the left wing – average a quite sensational SofaScore match rating of 7.30, not only ranking him as Rennes’ second-best performer in the league but also as the joint 11th-best player in the French top flight as a whole.

Furthermore, according to FBref, the attacker ranks in the top 7% of forwards in Europe’s big five leagues and European competitions for non-penalty goals per 90, in addition to the top 7% for passes completed, top 9% for both progressive passes and progressive carries and the top 15% for shot-creating actions over the last 365 days.

The 25-year-old who Genesio dubbed a “high-level” player also impressed in a defensive capacity, ranking in the top 1% for tackles per 90, as well as the top 7% for blocks, the top 9% for interceptions and the top 17% for pressures over the last 365 days.

As such, while De Ketelaere’s returns of 18 goals and ten assists over €37m (£31m) on the Belgium international.

AND in other news: “Told…”: Ben Jacobs reveals massive Leeds transfer twist, Victor Orta will be fuming

Celtic had a rather successful season last time out as Ange Postecoglou saw his team secure the Premiership title at the end of his debut campaign in charge of the Hoops.

Across their 38 league games, the Bhoys ended up winning 29, drawing six and losing just three, scoring more goals (92) and conceding fewer (22) than any other team in the division.

However, one man in Postecoglou’s squad who was in and out of the team throughout the campaign and who the Hoops should consider getting rid of this summer is Stephen Welsh.

With just 10 league appearances to his name last season, the £3.6k-per-week centre-back started nine times, the majority of which came between August and December.

Having recently been linked with a move to French club Toulouse, this could be Celtic’s opportunity to move the defender out of Parkhead and bring in a new figure who could be a suitable replacement for him.

One player with whom the club have been linked and who could fit the bill is Schalke 04 defender Malick Thiaw.

With 31 league appearances to his name in Germany’s second tier last season, the 20-year-old ended up making more interceptions (55) and winning more tackles (45) than any other player at the club, which highlights his clear defensive credentials.

This also backs up why his former manager Christian Gross once said that the young defender has “great potential” in him, which was clearly on show last term.

Despite making 15 interceptions in the league for the Hoops in 2021/22, Welsh only won three tackles, which is fewer than the likes of Boli Bolingoli and Adam Montgomery.

Even though the Hoops have recently brought in another young German centre-back in the shape of Moritz Jenz, Thiaw has still proven he could be a very good asset for Celtic, especially if Welsh ends up leaving.

Should Postecoglou give the green light for the 22-year-old to join another club this summer, either on loan or on a permanent basis, the Scottish champions should definitely consider paying the €8m (£6.8m) that it would reportedly take to sign the Schalke starlet.

Having already spent money on the likes of Jota, Cameron Carter-Vickers and Alexandro Bernabei, it will be interesting to see whether the club could be persuaded to get the chequebook out once again before the transfer window closes.

AND in other news: “Celtic were..”: Sky Sports journalist drops transfer claim that supporters will love

West Ham United are believed to be interested in a deal for Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Daichi Kamada, according to recent reports.

What’s the word?

As per club insider ExWHUemployee, the Hammers are said to have an “interest” in the Japan international ahead of a potential deal this summer, having also been heavily linked with his current team-mate Filip Kostic.

Discussing the 25-year-old, the respected source stated: “We are interested in other players from Frankfurt. I believe there’s an interest in the Japanese midfielder Kamada.

“Again, they are going to want a lot of money for him. And he comes with the extra financial incentive of being Japanese. Therefore you get a lot of merchandise sold in Asia, as a result of having a player from that country. So I think there’s interest in him.”

Journalist Pete O’Rourke has now offered his thoughts on the 19-cap gem in an interview with Football FanCast, suggesting that Kamada could offer a real magic touch to the West Ham midfield.

He stated: “Kamada, clever player, very creative. Something maybe that West Ham’s midfield was lacking last year. And I think definitely somebody who could add that little X factor to that West Ham midfield if they were able to land him”.

Lingard alternative

A move for the highly-rated playmaker could well serve as an ideal alternative to that of former Irons loanee Jesse Lingard, with the Englishman having snubbed a return to the London Stadium in favour of a move to newly-promoted Nottingham Forest.

The 29-year-old had appeared set to reunite with manager David Moyes following his previous impressive spell with the Hammers, when he provided 14 goal contributions in just 16 league games, briefly rejuvenating his career in the process.

Alas, the Manchester United academy graduate – who ended his 20-year association with the Red Devils this summer – has chosen a different path, although it could prove to be a blessing in disguise if Kamada can be snapped up instead.

Unlike Lingard, who made just two Premier League starts last term at Old Trafford, the former Sagan Tosu man has been a regular fixture for his current side of late, bagging eight goals and providing four assists in 45 games in all competitions for Eintracht during the 2021/22 season.

That impressive campaign saw the £19.8m-rated ace prove integral as the Bundesliga side surged to Europa League glory, notably netting in the semi-final first leg victory over Moyes’ team in east London.

That display – which saw the £7.4k-per-week star record a strong 7.4 match rating from SofaScore – will have undoubtedly caught the eye of the former Everton boss, with the attacking midfielder clearly a player who can make the difference in the final third.

That is also illustrated by his impressive overall record during his time in Frankfurt, as he has registered 50 goal contributions in just 131 games across all fronts, with Lingard’s record in Manchester having only been marginally better (56 goals and assists) from significantly more matches (231).

For all the frustration at missing out on the latter, in Kamada the east London club could well have found their perfect alternative – or even a potential upgrade.

AND in other news, Moyes can now form “unreal” duo as West Ham given green light for “limitless” £13m signing…

An update has emerged regarding Sunderland’s efforts to keep Ross Stewart at the club beyond the end of the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

Sunderland reporter Phil Smith has claimed that the Championship club appear confident that the 26-year-old will not be going anywhere this season.

The journalist has quoted Alex Neil as saying that the striker’s situation will be ironed out, as he currently has less than 12 months left on his contract.

Smith tweeted: #SAFC seem hopeful Ross Stewart will sign a new deal at the club. AN spoke to him recently, said he was ‘content & looking forward to the season’. Added: ‘I’m pretty sure that’ll get resolved’.”

Supporters will be buzzing

Sunderland supporters will be buzzing with this claim, as pinning the attacker down to an extended contract would be a major piece of business by the club.

As it stands, the Black Cats are running the risk of losing him for nothing next summer. His deal expires in 2023 and he will be free to sign a pre-contract with a foreign club from January onwards, which would leave the current transfer window as the Wearsiders’ last chance to cash in on him.

However, it appears as though Sunderland fans do not have to worry about Stewart departing for nothing in a year’s time, as the club are hopeful of him committing his future to playing at the Stadium of Light.

This will leave supporters buzzing as it is a huge boost for Alex Neil this season, given what Stewart achieved in League One last term.

The 26-year-old caught the eye in 2021/22 as he scored 26 goals in 49 in League One. He was also a creator for his team-mates as he produced nine ‘big chances’ and racked up three assists in the third tier.

These statistics highlight the level of impact that he can have at the top end of the pitch, and he still has plenty of years left ahead of him to develop and showcase his skills in a red and white shirt.

He has the quality, and is in the right age bracket, to be a huge player for Sunderland in the here-and-now as well as for the long-term future, which is why fans will be delighted with Smith’s latest claim.

AND in other news, Speakman “interested” in Sunderland deal for “complete” £2.5m dynamo, forget about Broadhead…

Journalist Pete O’Rourke believes that Aston Villa could potentially look to sign Rangers forward Ryan Kent this summer.

The Lowdown: Villa’s business

Steven Gerrard has made five first-team signings ahead of his first full season in charge at Villa Park. NSWE, who have been open to splashing the cash this summer, have spent just under £50m on those additions, and more could be on their way.

A new forward and midfielder were thought to be on the club’s radar last month, and it looks as if long-term target Kent could still be on the wishlist.

The Latest: O’Rourke’s comments

When asked if he can see a move to Villa Park materialising this summer for Kent, O’Rourke, taking to The Transfer Tavern, said:

“Potentially. Obviously, Steven Gerrard is a big fan of Ryan Kent. They both had a lot of success together at Rangers. Obviously, Rangers are trying to time tie him to a new contract right now. So that’s their focus right now, to try and sort his future out.”

The Verdict: Time to act?

As O’Rourke mentions, Rangers are looking to hand Kent a new contract at Ibrox, with his current deal set to expire next summer. Therefore, the last few weeks of the current window could be the best chance Villa have to bring the forward to the Midlands.

Kent, in the words of journalist Josh Bunting, ‘destroyed’ Borussia Dortmund in the Europa League last season, can play anywhere across the front three and appears to be at the peak of his powers with a career-high £15.75m Transfermarkt valuation.

The 25-year-old starred under Gerrard in the past, contributing to 61 goals in 138 games, so could be the perfect versatile attacking addition at Villa Park, especially as Bertrand Traore has been ousted from the first team squad.

CBS Sports Golazo journalist and Leicester City supporter Ben Jacobs has revealed that Newcastle United will only bid again for James Maddison on one condition.

The Lowdown: Two bids rejected

Writing for CaughtOffside, Italian football journalist and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano shared that the St James’ Park outfit have already had two bids rejected by Leicester for Maddison.

The Foxes reportedly want £60m if they are to sell the attacking midfielder, but Eddie Howe’s team are not prepared to go that high.

The Latest: Maddison update

Taking to Twitter, Jacobs has revealed that the North East club will not bid again for Maddison unless Brendan Rodgers’ side lower their valuation of the player:

“Newcastle have no plans to bid again for James Maddison unless Leicester dramatically lower their valuation. Leicester want Maddison to stay and sign a new deal. Nothing significant in the Spurs links as yet. Leicester won’t sell Wesley Fofana and Maddison in same window.”

The Verdict: Worth it

Sometimes you have to pay a premium price if you want to sign a player as good as Maddison, and with only a few weeks of the transfer window left, the Tynesiders may just have to bite the bullet and pay the £60m if they really want to kick on and challenge up the table.

Hailed as ‘amazing’ last season by former Premier League goalkeeper Paddy Kenny, he recorded the most goal contributions of any Leicester player in the top flight, notching up an impressive 12 goals and eight assists from midfield (WhoScored).

The 25-year-old will no doubt be eager to impress ahead of the FIFA World Cup, and being the main man with the Magpies could boost his chances of getting into Gareth Southgate’s England squad.

Celtic are reportedly making a late swoop for Rubin Kazan winger, Sead Haksabanovic, with manager Ange Postecoglou still plotting new additions before the end of the window.

What’s the word?

According to Football Insider, the Parkhead outfit have ‘opened talks’ regarding a deal to bring the Montenegro international to Glasgow, with the 23-year-old said to be ‘very keen’ on the deal as he seeks to flee Russia amid the ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

That conflict had seen the one-time West Ham United forward return to Sweden – where he was born – on loan for the remainder of the 2021/22 campaign, with another exit now seemingly on the cards.

The piece suggests that the Hoops boss has given his backing to the deal after negotiations were said to have stalled earlier this summer, with further reports suggesting that his current side could be willing to let him depart for a cut-price fee or on a temporary deal.

Additional reports from Russia appear to indicate that a deal is even close to being agreed, as the player nears a switch to Scotland.

Collado alternative

This interest in the 28-cap menace comes following the blow of missing out on Barcelona starlet, Alex Collado, with the young Spaniard having made the move to Elche on loan despite rumours linking him with a move to Glasgow.

The La Masia product had also been tipped to join the Scottish Premiership side two years ago, with it seemingly a notable setback to see what appears to be a long-term target opt for a different destination.

The 23-year-old would have no doubt proven a real versatile option for Postecoglou and co, having thrived on the flanks as well as in an attacking midfield role in his career thus far, notably scoring twice and registering one assist in 17 appearances on loan at Granada last term.

In Haksabanovic, however, the Scottish champions would be able to bring in another player who can operate in a variety of attacking roles, having also proven himself a real creative and goalscoring threat in the final third.

The £4.95m-rated gem enjoyed arguably the best spell of his career so far at Swedish outfit IFK Norrkoping, scoring 21 goals and providing 25 assists in just 76 games in all competitions, while also providing 23 goals contributions in 70 games for Halmstads BK.

The “dangerous” 5 foot 9 prospect – as dubbed by former Hammers youth team coach Terry Westley – also enjoyed a fine recent spell at Djurgardens IF after joining back in March, scoring two goals and providing two assists in just 11 games.

Such impressive records are no doubt far superior to the aforementioned Collado, who has registered just 24 goals and 13 assists in his career to date, including his stint in the Barcelona B team and at youth level.

As such, while missing out on the former Spain U19 international appeared to be a setback at the time, it could prove a blessing in disguise if it does lead to Haksabanovic’s arrival in the coming weeks.