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Newcastle United are reportedly ready to make ‘contact’ to sign Girondins de Bordeaux forward Sekou Mara, according to journalist Loïc Tanzi.

The lowdown: Rise to stardom

Previously a member of the youth system at Paris Saint-Germain, the France youth international arrived at Bordeaux in 2017 on a free transfer.

The 19-year-old has flourished since, directly contributing to 11 goals in 36 senior outings for Les Girondins, and he has already attracted the attention of fellow French clubs AS Monaco and Lyon.

After Newcastle’s lengthy pursuit of compatriot Hugo Ekitike came to an end, a claim has emerged suggesting that the Magpies could be about to begin negotiations for Mara…

The latest: ‘Contact…’

Taking to Twitter, Tanzi – a journalist for reputable French outlet L’Equipe – has suggested that Newcastle are set to make their move to sign the France under-20 sensation.

He stated: “After the failure of the Ekitike track, Newcastle will embark on Sekou Mara. The Magpies will contact Bordeaux, which is asking for 15 million euros excluding bonuses and % on resale. Atletico, who need to sell first, are there too.”

The verdict: Minimal risk attached

Signing Mara at the suggested €15m (£12.7m) fee would represent a relatively risk-free investment from the St James’ Park hierarchy given the forward’s age, potential and ever-rising stock, along with the Newcastle owners’ vast riches.

While still vastly inexperienced at an elite level, the exciting teenager – who was described as an ‘all-round finisher’ by reputable analysis site Breaking The Lines – netted six times in 26 Ligue 1 outings last term, highlighting an ability to make an impact despite his tender years and his team’s relegation.

Boasting similar stylistic traits to such renowned target men as Olivier Giroud, Gianluca Scamacca and Jonathan David (FBRef), the talented teenager should be regarded as a top target for Dan Ashworth and the Tynesiders for the remainder of the summer transfer window.

Journalist Josh Bunting has shared his verdict on the news linking Sunderland with a double swoop for strikers Nathan Broadhead and Troy Parrott.

The Lowdown: Need a striker

The Black Cats’ lack of options up front were highlighted on Tuesday night as Ross Stewart was rested for the 2-0 defeat pre-season to Bradford City.

Speaking after the game, Sunderland manager Alex Neil said: “I’m naturally concerned by the fact that we’ve currently got one centre-forward in the building.

“There is a lot of work going on behind the scenes to try to make sure we remedy that. That situation hasn’t changed over the last few weeks.

“I don’t want to do my business on the last day in August – I want to get my business done as quickly as possible. But as I say, the simple fact, unfortunately for us, is that we’re not on control of that.”

The Latest: Bunting’s verdict

According to The Shields Gazette, two forwards that Sunderland have been monitoring are Everton’s Broadhead and Tottenham’s Parrott.

Weighing in on the Wearside club’s striker rumours, Bunting took to Twitter to share his verdict.

The Sunderland-supporting journalist claimed: “If we get Nathan Broadhead I think we need Troy Parrott as well, adds that competition up front and doesn’t only do that it will be key for squad rotation. Really hope we do manage to get both in the door, Parrott is very intelligent with his link up play so that will be key #SAFC”

The Verdict: They’d be good signings

With just one forward remaining at the Stadium of Light, it is imperative that Sunderland bring in at least one extra body to add depth up top this summer.

With the greater physicality and higher standard of the Championship, Neil should be doing all that he can to bring in a couple of additions to the final third.

The likes of Broadhead and Parrott would add two talented youngsters, who have been receiving Premier League-level training on a daily basis, to the Black Cats’ squad. They could use the opportunity to show their parent clubs what they can do when playing first-team football, while for Sunderland they would provide alternative attacking outlets for tactical selections.

Whether these arrivals join on permanent contracts or loan deals is irrelevant; the focus is on securing new strikers ahead of the 2022/23 season at the Stadium of Light.

Tottenham Hotspur have carried out a ‘survey’ regarding Fiorentina defender Nikola Milenkovic, according to Italian newspaper La Nazione, as relayed by Fiorentina.it (via Sport Witness). 

The lowdown: Hot property

Previously linked with the likes of Manchester United, West Ham and Newcastle, Milenkovic has already been heavily touted with a switch to the Premier League in recent transfer windows.

However, the 24-year-old Serbia international opted to sign a new deal in Florence to remain at the Serie A club last summer, extending his stay until 2023 having joined from boyhood club Partizan Belgrade in 2017 for £4.95m (Transfermarkt).

Despite that contract renewal with La Viola, Milenkovic is once again appearing in the sights of numerous suitors, and Tottenham are believed to be among the contenders…

The latest: Spurs run the rule over Milenkovic

As per Fiorentina.it (via Sport Witness), it’s claimed that Inter Milan, Juventus and Spurs are in the mix to sign the 37-cap centre-back.

It’s suggested that the defender has a ‘gentlemen’s agreement’ with Fiorentina which would allow the Serb to move on should suitable offers be forthcoming, with the club asking the 24-year-old to give them a definitive answer on his future by Thursday at the latest.

The report also states that Tottenham have ‘already done a survey’ regarding Milenkovic, who was hailed as a ‘sensational defender’ by Juventus striker and ex-Fiorentina team-mate Dusan Vlahovic when speaking to Sky Italy (via ACF Fiorentina).

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The verdict: Make it happen

The Lilywhites have already suitably strengthened the centre-back department with the loan capture of Clement Lenglet from Barcelona, but with Japhet Tanganga and Joe Rodon both strongly linked with exits from Hotspur Way, there remains room in the squad for at least one further quality addition into Antonio Conte’s ranks.

Already into the final 12 months of that aforementioned contract, signing Milenkovic – who currently has an estimated market value of £18m – would be a wholly affordable option for Fabio Paratici and ENIC to pursue.

Last season, the 6 foot 5 powerhouse scored three times in 38 appearances across all competitions, earning a 7.00 Sofascore rating whilst making 2.7 clearances and 1.1 interceptions and winning 5.1 duels per Italian top-flight outing.

Sharing similar stylistic traits to the likes of Stefan de Vrij, Harry Maguire and Ibrahima Konate (FBRef), signing a player of Milenkovic’s ilk to partner Cristian Romero at the back would be a superb coup for Tottenham.

Youri Tielemans would ‘definitely’ be interested in leaving Leicester City for Manchester United, journalist Pete O’Rourke has told GiveMeSport.

The lowdown

The 25-year-old is into the final year of his contract with the Foxes and, according to Fabrizio Romano, he’s not considering signing a new deal at the King Power Stadium.

That could force the Foxes to either sell at a reduced price, or face the prospect of losing one of their most valuable assets on a free transfer next summer.

United have been pursuing a central midfielder in the form of Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong, but Samuel Luckhurst says that deal is very much up in the air.

That could lead the Red Devils to pursue Tielemans as an effective plan B, with Romano recently stating that they have been ‘exploring’ a possible move for the Belgian.

The latest

Speaking to GiveMeSport, O’Rourke explained that Tielemans would be drawn to playing for ‘one of the biggest clubs’ in the world and the ‘exciting’ project under Erik ten Hag. While the player’s preference would be to play in the Champions League, it’s though that it wouldn’t be a dealbreaker for the Belgian.

O’Rourke stated: “I think he’d definitely be interested. It’s Manchester United we’re talking about, one of the biggest clubs in the world.

“Obviously, it’s a new project under Ten Hag as well so I’m sure that will be exciting to any prospective transfer target as well. If Manchester United come calling it’s pretty hard to turn down.

“I’m sure that will be the case for Tielemans as well, even with no Champions League football on the horizon this season as well, which Tielemans is keen to be playing in. but I think Manchester United is still a huge draw for any player across the world.”

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The verdict

The admiration would appear to be mutual. According to CBS Sports journalist Ben Jacobs (20 July), United hold a ‘genuine’ and ‘growing’ interest in Tielemans, with Ten Hag shortlisting him as a midfield candidate.

Like De Jong, Tielemans makes and receives a high volume of progressive passes, can pop up with occasional goals and assists and isn’t particularly active defensively.

On paper, he certainly looks like a ‘far cheaper and far less complicated’ option for United than De Jong, in the words of Jacobs.

On top of all that, he has the advantage of vast Premier League experience, having played 120 games in the English top flight, so perhaps he is the one worth pursuing over the Barcelona midfielder.

Nottingham Forest have been handed a boost in their pursuit of Inter Milan striker Andrea Pinamonti, according to an Italian report.

The Lowdown: Forest make enquiry

The 23-year-old spent last season out on loan with fellow Serie A side Empoli, and after a hugely successful spell, appears to have caught the eye of a Premier League suitor, with a summer switch away from the San Siro highly likely.

The Reds were credited with an interest in the forward earlier this week, with reports suggesting that the club had made contact with Inter regarding his availability, and it now sounds like they have been gifted the chance to officially make their move.

The Latest: Forest given financial boost

Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport (via Sport Witness) report that whilst Atalanta are currently Pinamonti’s favoured destination, they are ‘struggling to reach’ the €20m (£16.7m) asking price that Inter have put on his head.

Sassuolo are also said to be ‘keen’, though it’s Forest, Dane Murphy and Co who are waiting ‘in the background’ having already made their enquiry.

The source states that if a deal with an Italian side can’t be agreed upon, this would allow the Reds to ‘push for the transfer’ and change the situation entirely.

It’s believed that the £16.7m fee would consist of a €15m (£12.5m) fixed fee with an additional €5m (£4.2m) in extras, a sum that could fit what the hierarchy would be willing to spend.

The Verdict: Proven goalscorer

Steve Cooper has already signed Taiwo Awoniyi for a club-record fee this summer, but with Sam Surridge being the only other out-and-out striker, the boss will be keen to add to his attacking ranks even further.

Pinamonti, once dubbed an ‘excellent prospect’ by Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte, was prolific in front of goal for Empoli last season, netting 13 times and providing two assists in the Serie A, as per Transfermarkt.

This is exactly the kind of form that the 42-year-old needs in his starting XI, and if the price is right, the Cles-born talent could be the 13th fresh face walking through the doors at the City Ground in weeks to come.

A claim has emerged on Glasgow Rangers and how good of a signing one of their targets would be in the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

Journalist Pete O’Rourke has claimed that it would be a fantastic deal for Rangers if Giovanni van Bronckhorst could snap Harry Winks up, although he is unsure if a permanent move is viable. 

It was reported earlier this summer that the Gers had been offered the chance to sign him from Tottenham, as the English club attempt to shift him on.

O’Rourke told GIVEMESPORT: “If Rangers were to land Harry Winks it would be a real coup and getting into the Champions League could be pretty key to signing someone like him.

“We all know that Tottenham are open to offers, but if he was to be sold on a permanent basis, it would be for a big price tag, which might be out of Rangers’ reach.”

Imagine him & John Lundstram

By striking up a deal to sign Winks, whether that is on loan or otherwise, could lead to van Bronckhorst forming a brilliant pairing in midfield.

The £91k-per-week gem has plenty of time left on his hands to get his career back on track, at the age of 26, and a move to Ibrox could help him to gain regular minutes and impress in a team that controls the ball.

Former Premier League goalkeeper Paul Robinson previously lauded his ability in possession, saying: “For me, I think Harry Winks is one of the best of the bunch. He dominates the game, defensively and offensively he offers you both and his ball retention, the stats speak for themselves.

“A fit Harry Winks is an important selection for England.” 

In the last 365 days, the midfielder ranks in the 88th percentile for passes attempted and, impressively, in the 98th percentile for progressive passes per 90 in Europe’s top five leagues and European competitions.

This suggests that he is one of the best midfielders on the continent when it comes to progressing the play with his passing and this could make him a phenomenal player for the Gers because of how much of the ball they have.

In the Premiership this season, Rangers have averaged 75.7% of the possession across their three games. This means that Winks would have ample opportunity to play progressive passes and create attacks from a deep-lying midfield role, as he would be in a team that plays the majority of the game with the ball. 

Lundstram, meanwhile, ranks in the 27th percentile for progressive passes per 90 in European competitions over the last 365 days. However, he also ranks in the 96th and 90th percentiles for interceptions and clearances per 90 and this shows that he offers defensive quality in the six role.

Therefore, Winks and the former Blades man could make a superb partnership as one offers plenty off the ball and the other has the ability in possession to run the attack as a midfield metronome.

West Ham United are believed to be monitoring Atalanta star Teun Koopmeiners, as manager David Moyes seeks to bolster his midfield ranks.

What’s the word?

According to transfer insider Dean Jones – speaking to GIVEMESPORT – the 24-year-old is a player who the Hammers are keeping tabs on this summer, albeit with it seemingly unlikely that they will be able to secure his signature.

He stated: “I mean, he is definitely on the radar. I just think that it might be a bit too ambitious. He’s such a good player, and some of the genuinely top clubs across Europe have been looking at this guy.

“It’s going to be tough, if I’m totally honest, I just don’t see him joining.”

This follows a recent report from Italy that claimed the east Londoners had made an enquiry regarding the Dutchman, albeit with a move said to be ‘complicated’ with just a few weeks remaining in the window and with the midfielder having three years remaining on his existing deal in Bergamo – plus the option for a further year.

Moyes’ own Tielemans

While it’s been a largely impressive window for West Ham boss David Moyes thus far – securing five major deals in total – one area of concern remains the centre of the park, even with boyhood fan Flynn Downes having joined from Swansea City.

The retirement of long-serving skipper Mark Noble – and the exit of loanee Alex Kral – has left the former Everton boss with little depth in his midfield department, with an injury or absence to one of Declan Rice and Tomas Soucek likely to prove catastrophic.

With a new recruit needed, turning to Koopmeiners could well be the ideal solution, with the £22.5m-rated man having shone since his move to Italy last year, having provided eight goal contributions in 44 games for the Serie A side thus far.

Prior to that, the £31k-per-week ace had scored an impressive 43 goals and chipped in with 17 assists in 153 games for Eredivise side AZ Alkmaar, having also notched up nine caps thus far at international level.

That goalscoring record is all the more remarkable considering the 6-foot menace typically lines up in a defensive midfield berth, showcasing his ability to impact the game in the final third even from a deep-lying position.

While a player perhaps unfamiliar to some supporters, it is telling to note that he can be compared to Leicester City gem Youri Tielemans, with the pair sharing a number of stylistic and statistical similarities, as per FBref.

The two men are both seemingly masters at kickstarting attacks with an incisive forward pass, with Koopmeiners averaging 3.51 for progressive passes received per 90 as well as 5.15 for progressive passes, while Tielemans compares similarly with an average of 3.06 and 5.83 for the same two metrics, respectively.

Furthermore, they are both goal-scoring midfielders, with the latter bagging 16 times in the past two campaigns to the Dutchman’s 21 strikes.

That will pique the interest of those at the London Stadium such has been the form of the Belgian maestro in recent seasons, with the 25-year-old’s stunning displays having seen him repeatedly linked with a move to Arsenal.

Should Moyes and co get Koopmeiners through the door, the hope will be that he can make a similar impact as to that of the Foxes sensation.

West Brom crashed out of the Carabao Cup in the second round on Tuesday night as they lost out 1-0 to Derby County at Pride Park.

Louie Sibley’s early goal was enough for Liam Rosenior’s side to progress against the Baggies, who missed a host of chances to equalise against their lower league opposition.

One man who disappointed in the defeat was former Sheffield Wednesday winger Adam Reach.

The 29-year-old was handed a rare opportunity to impress Steve Bruce after starting on the bench in each of the Championship fixtures thus far, but failed to take that opportunity.

As per SofaScore, Reach would earn a poor 6.2 rating for his performance on Tuesday night, which was the second-worst of any player on the pitch, with only Matt Phillips (6.1/10) rated lower.

The match did not start well for Reach as he was played in over the top in the opening minutes with Derby goalkeeper Joe Wildsmith in no man’s land, but he sent his effort way over the top.

During the game, Reach would lose possession a remarkable 22 times, which was the most of any player on the pitch by some distance, which emphasises how wasteful he was with the ball.

Bruce was relying on his wingers to provide quality crosses into the box but just one of Reach’s five crosses on Tuesday night would find its mark, while he was also successful with just two of his dribble attempts as he was regularly thwarted by Derby’s Kwaku Oduroh, who earned a strong 7.5 rating for his performance at right-back.

Reach was out-battled on a number of occasions, winning just five of his 15 duels in the game, resulting in a very disappointing 33% success rate.

The experienced attacker offered very little from an attacking perspective, with no key passes and no shots on target, which was lower than last season’s average of 1.1 key passes per game.

Therefore, it is clear that Reach wasn’t good enough on Tuesday night, and it would be a surprise to see him keep his place when Bruce’s side take on Huddersfield on Saturday afternoon.

West Ham United have been dealt a blow in their reported bid to bring Andrea Belotti to the London Stadium.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Italian media outlet CalcioMercato, who claim that, despite previous reports last month suggesting that West Ham had met with the centre-forward’s representatives in order to discuss a deal to bring the 28-year-old to east London this summer, Wolverhampton Wanderers have now made a move for the Italy international.

However, the report goes on to state that, at present, Belotti has rejected the proposal offered by Bruno Lage’s side, as he is waiting for AS Roma – who are believed to have an agreement in place with the striker – to make room in their first team squad in order for Jose Mourinho to be able to register the former Torino attacker officially.

Although, despite Roma’s agreement with the forward, CalcioMercato suggest that, should the Serie A side be unable to complete their signing of the 28-year-old in the coming days, the centre-forward will consider other options.

That eventuality could well open the door for West Ham to enter the conversation again and make a late move for the 44-cap international.

“Unbelievable”

While it is true that David Moyes has already added Gianluca Scamacca to his attacking arsenal this summer, considering the sheer amount of talent Belotti undoubtedly possesses, in addition to the fact the Italian would be available to sign on a free, the argument that the 28-year-old’s signing would be an unbelievable deal for West Ham to complete is an easy one to make.

Indeed, over his seven Serie A campaigns during his time with Torino, the £18m-rated forward proved just how deadly a marksman he well and truly is, hitting double figures for goals in all but one of these seven seasons.

The £60k-per-week hitman’s best league campaign for Il Toro undoubtedly came back in 2016/17, when he scored a quite astonishing 26 goals, registered seven assists and created five big chances over 35 fixtures, returns that saw the striker not only rank as his club’s best performer in the division but also as the sixth-best player in the Italian top flight as a whole that year.

And, with West Ham currently being the only side in the top flight who are yet to hit the back of the net so far this season, it is clear to see that Moyes is still in need of further attacking reinforcements should he wish to replicate the Hammers’ top-seven finish in the league, as well as their run to a European semi-final, this time around.

As such, the signing of a player who Tancredi Palmeri dubbed “unbelievable” and has 100 league goals in 232 appearances to his name would indeed appear to make for an unbelievable addition to the Irons’ current attacking options – particularly as he would not cost the club a penny in transfer fees.

Fulham are reportedly plotting a move for Tottenham Hotspur left-back Sergio Reguilon, and the Spaniard could be a big upgrade in Marco Silva’s squad.

What’s the word?

According to the Daily Mail, the Cottagers and Lazio are both interested in taking the former Real Madrid man on loan this summer after he was made surplus to requirements in Antonio Conte’s side.

The Italian coach left Reguilon out of Spurs’ pre-season trip to South Korea and has altered between Ivan Perisic and Ryan Sessegnon in their Premier League games so far this season, with it seeming clear that Reguilon has no part in Conte’s future plans, so an exit was always on the cards.

A big upgrade for Silva?

While Reguilon clearly isn’t rated by the Spurs boss, he still performed admirably in the Premier League last season, making 25 appearances in the top flight as he contributed two goals and three assists, averaging a solid 6.95 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

He has also starred for Sevilla in the past, helping them to win the Europa League in 2020 as he averaged a superb 7.23 rating from WhoScored for his performances in the tournament that season.

This led Football.London’s Alasdair Gold to sing Reguilon’s praises ahead of him joining Spurs later that year, as the journalist said: “You kind of don’t want to overshadow Sergio Reguilon, who I think is going to be one of the best left-backs in Europe – probably almost is.

“With Sevilla, he was phenomenal: had a great season, won the Europa League. He’s got incredible confidence. He’s come straight into the group and everyone loves him.”

Fulham’s current left-back options consist of Antonee Robinson and Joe Bryan, with the latter linked with a loan move away from Craven Cottage so far this summer.

Reguilon has experience of playing at the highest level in England, Spain and Europe, and while Robinson was a trusted left-back for Fulham in the Championship, he could perhaps benefit from added competition.

The Spanish defender, who is valued at £26m by Spurs, also averaged more shots (0.8 v 0.3) and key passes (1.2 v 1.1) than Robinson last season, despite playing in a higher league, which suggests that he would be a better option than the American at left-back for Fulham.

Therefore, bringing Reguilon to Craven Cottage on loan before the transfer window shuts seems like a no-brainer for Silva.