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Leeds United have made an approach to sign PSV Eindhoven forward Cody Gakpo, according to The Mirror.

The Lowdown: Leeds linked with Gakpo

The 23-year-old and Charles De Ketelaere were thought to be big targets for the Whites in June. As we now know, Leeds failed to bring the latter to Elland Road after he opted for AC Milan instead, while talk cooled when it came to a move for Gakpo after the Premier League club signed Luis Sinisterra.

However, Fabrizio Romano claimed at the end of July that the PSV wizard ‘has always been on the list for Leeds’, while reports last week even hinted at a potential move prior to the Whites’ season opener against Wolves on Saturday.

The Latest: Interest registered

The Mirror shared a story regarding Gakpo on Saturday morning, claiming that Manchester United have added the Dutchman to their transfer wish list.

Their report name-checked Leeds, adding that Victor Orta and the Whites ‘have also registered an interest’ in the forward, who is likely to cost around £40m.

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The Verdict: Unlikely?

Even though Leeds have still been linked with Gakpo recently, and have now reportedly registered their interest, it does look as if that ship has sailed.

Called a ‘sensational player’ by football-oranje.com editor and Dutch football expert Michael Bell, the 23-year-old netted two goals in PSV’s league opener against Emmen on Saturday and is primarily a left-winger who can play centrally if needed.

Jesse Marsch appears to be fairly well-stocked out wide with Jack Harrison, Brenden Aaronson, Sinisterra, Dan James and Crysencio Summerville, so Leeds could be better off looking to sign a player who is more suited to a central role who can play on the left, such as ongoing target Arnaud Kalimuendo.

Transfer insider Dean Jones has provided an update regarding Aston Villa’s potential dealings in the remainder of the window.

What’s the word?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the reliable source revealed that Villa boss Steven Gerrard is keen on adding a new midfielder before the September deadline, with strengthening that position seemingly something of a priority for the 42-year-old.

Regarding that quest for a new midfield recruit, Jones stated: “He wants more of a traditional eight coming to the Villa midfield. It’s really probably the main position he’s looking at right now, is getting the right midfielder.”

The Midlands outfit have already signed promising Frenchman, Boubacar Kamara, to bolster their options in the centre of the park, although Jones’ claim would suggest a more box-to-box addition is on the cards.

Gerrard would be delighted

While Kamara is one of five major deals that have been completed by the Villans so far in the current window, it would appear that Gerrard is not content with his options at present, particularly following a dismal opening day display against newly-promoted Bournemouth at the weekend.

That concerning 2-0 defeat has enhanced the scrutiny on the Liverpool legend following what’s been a mixed start to life in the hot seat at Villa Park, with the former Rangers boss failing to replicate the impact that he previously had at Ibrox.

In his Premier League managerial career thus far, the former England international has lost (13) more games than he’s won (10), with the pressure now on to start turning things around, particularly after a summer of strong investment.

Securing his desired targets could well serve as a real boost to the Villa boss, however, with Gerrard set to be delighted if the club can secure a new midfield addition in the coming weeks, to help bolster his current squad.

This summer has already seen reported target Yves Bissouma join Tottenham Hotspur and Kalvin Phillips – another potential target – make the switch to Manchester City, while academy prospect Carney Chukwuemeka has opted to make the move to Chelsea.

Although it is unclear at present who the manager’s alternative targets could be as deadline day approaches, it is positive to hear for supporters that there are moves being made behind the scenes, with time left still to get another new face in the door.

Should sporting director Johan Lange manage to do so, it would certainly make Gerrard a happy man.

Everton chiefs are reportedly confident of signing Morgan Gibbs-White, and are lining up a new bid for the Wolves central midfielder.

The Lowdown: Bid rejected

The Goodison Park outfit have reportedly had an initial bid of £22.5m rejected by Wolves for Gibbs-White, while Nottingham Forest have also seen an offer turned down.

The Englishman is a player in demand this window, coming off the back of a very impressive season where he managed 13 goals and ten assists in total over all competitions, with the vast majority of them coming during a successful loan spell at Sheffield United (Transfermarkt).

The Latest: New bid lined up

As per Football Insider, the Merseyside club are ‘confident’ of signing Gibbs-White before the transfer window closes.

Toffees chiefs have been ‘encouraged’ by the fact that he is ‘keen’ on signing for them, and Frank Lampard’s side are now lining up a new bid for the 22-year-old.

The Verdict: Gueye alternative?

The proposed re-signing of Idrissa Gueye from PSG seems to have hit a stumbling block, and so the Blues may have to look at targeting other midfielders in the last few weeks of the window.

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Hailed as ‘outstanding’ by former Barnsley head coach Poya Asbaghi, Gibbs-White was voted as the Blades’ Player of the Season last term despite only being on loan, and he is ready to make his mark in the Premier League.

If the Gueye deal does fall though, while Gibbs-White doesn’t offer the same defensive skill-set, he could provide another body in midfield to drive the game forward and get the Blues on the front foot.

Manchester City have won four Premier League titles over the past five years under manager Pep Guardiola.

One player in Guardiola’s ranks that has played a significant part in this domestic dominance is Bernardo Silva.

Since joining the Manchester club back in the summer of 2017, the midfielder has gone on to score 30 goals and provide 31 assists in 169 Premier League appearances.

Despite recent reports claiming that the Portugal international is fully focused on staying at City for this season, there have been previous claims linking him away from the club, mainly to Barcelona.

With that in mind, the remaining time left before the summer transfer window closes could give the Citizens and Guardiola the chance to bring in a potential replacement for Silva.

One figure that has been mentioned with a move to the Etihad Stadium that could fit the bill is Olympique Lyon midfielder Lucas Paqueta.

Since joining his current club back in 2020 from AC Milan, the Brazilian has scored 21 goals and delivered 14 assists in 80 appearances across all competitions.

To compare the two midfielders from their previous domestic campaigns, with both making 35 appearances each, the duo managed to achieve double figures for goal contributions, showing how capable they are at scoring and creating chances.

In fact, both Silva and Paqueta completed ten live-ball passes that led to a goal for their sides.

While this highlights the similarities between the two players, the Lyon star has some areas where he trumps the City figure.

For example, he was able to rack up a higher success percentage for the number of dribbles he attempted as well as making more tackles, pressures and blocks, in addition to winning a higher percentage of aerial duels.

Hailed as a player who is a “pure joy to watch” that has a left foot that “could tie a tie”, by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, Paqueta certainly has the credentials to be a suitable addition to City’s squad.

Despite having a rather hefty reported price tag of £68m, securing a deal for the Brazil international would be a smart investment for City, especially if rumours linking Silva with a move away emerge again further down the line.

Celtic are set to miss out on the signing of Paris Saint-Germain attacking midfielder Edouard Michut, according to Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Celtic links

Back in July, Sky Sports reported that Ange Postecoglou’s side were preparing an offer in the region of £2m for the 19-year-old.

After impressing in PSG’s academy, it was believed that the youngster was frustrated by the lack of playing time with the first-team, sparking rumours of a move away from the club.

Michut was also linked with the likes of Sevilla, Nice and Toulouse, with the Ligue 1 giants demanding around £5m for his services.

The Latest: Hoops to miss out

Football Insider have now shared an update on the midfielder’s future, following a major behind-the-scenes development.

According to their report, Championship outfit Sunderland are in advanced talks to sign the 19-year-old on a loan deal.

It is reaffirmed that the player has held talks with the Hoops this summer, but he now nears a loan move to the English second division.

The Verdict: Huge blow

Whilst the youngster may be a relatively unknown quantity amongst Scottish supporters, there was a belief that his signature would result in a long and prosperous career at Celtic Park.

Having made just six appearances in Ligue 1, a move to the Glasgow giants would have allowed his talents to flourish, as Postecoglou would have been able to give him plenty of minutes on the pitch.

Dubbed “highly technical” by talent scout Jacek Kulig and a “dream signing” by Fabrizio Romano, the young playmaker has shone through the youth tanks at the Parc des Princes, and it’s hardly a knock on his abilities that he can’t break into PSG’s star-studded attack.

The Hoops will now need to look elsewhere if they are to bring in an additional midfielder before September’s transfer deadline.

Tottenham Hotspur have a chance to put their midweek 1-1 draw against West Ham United behind them today as Antonio Conte’s side take on Fulham in the Premier League.

Looking ahead to today’s showdown at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, it seems as though the Lilywhites have been handed a double injury boost that could very much impact their chances of securing a victory against Marco Silva’s side.

What’s the news?

Speaking in his latest press conference, Conte revealed that both Cristian Romero and Rodrigo Bentancur are fit enough to be available in the squad after both missing Wednesday’s clash against West Ham through injury.

Focusing on Romero, the fact that he currently has a higher average for tackles made per game (3.5) in the league this season than any other Spurs player, as well as the third-highest for clearances per game (3.5), this shows just how much of a defensive unit he is and why it’d be a big boost to have him back in the squad.

Bearing in mind how Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic has started the campaign in fine form by scoring five goals in five games, leaving only Erling Haaland (9) with more, this proves just how much Spurs will need Romero in the side to try and keep the prolific Fulham striker quiet.

Similarly with Bentancur, he currently has a higher average of blocks per game (1.5) than any other player in Conte’s squad, showing just how useful he can be in a defensive sense from the midfield area of the pitch.

Taking into account how only five clubs have scored more goals than the Cottagers (8) so far in this campaign, Spurs could do with all the defensive reinforcements they can deploy on the pitch to help stop the visitors from getting something out of the game.

With all of that in mind, it’s safe to say that to have both of these players fit again is a big lift for the Italian and will surely improve Spurs’ chances of picking up a win this afternoon following their midweek draw in east London.

Moving forward, if both players are fit enough to start the game, Conte should have no doubts over putting them both in the starting XI, as they could well be the difference in seeing the Lilywhites pick up a positive result or not.

West Ham United have been dealt two late fitness concerns ahead of their Premier League meeting with Tottenham Hotspur this evening.

What’s the latest?

That’s according to a report by BBC Sport, who claim that both Craig Dawson and Ben Johnson are facing late fitness tests to determine whether or not the defensive duo will be available for selection at the London Stadium tonight – with Premier Injuries giving both players a 25% chance of featuring against Tottenham.

The 32-year-old centre-back is returning from a groin injury picked up in pre-season – something that has seen him miss all six of the Hammers’ fixtures so far in 2022/23 – while the 22-year-old right-back picked up a hamstring injury in the first half of the 1-0 victory over Aston Villa last weekend.

Moyes would be gutted

While it is true that West Ham’s first win of the season against Villa will have eased the pressure on David Moyes somewhat, Antonio Conte’s unbeaten side are sure to pose the Irons a stern test in east London this evening – with the 59-year-old manager sure to be hoping that both Dawson and Johnson will be available for selection against Spurs.

Indeed, both players have proven incredibly important to the Hammers over the past 12 months, with Dawson featuring in 34 of a possible 38 Premier League fixtures for the club last season – averaging an extremely impressive SofaScore match rating of 6.94 in the process, ranking him as Moyes’ joint seventh-best player in the league last time out.

Meanwhile, Johnson has started five of the club’s six matches in all competitions so far this term, with the versatile full-back having filled in at centre-back, right-back and right wing-back.

And, with the free-scoring Harry Kane, Son Heung-min and Dejan Kulusevski set to line up against the Irons this evening, Moyes will know that his backline simply must not put a foot wrong if West Ham are to have any chance of taking all three points from their London rivals.

As such, the potential absence of such a dependable defensive duo in Dawson and Johnson would undoubtedly come as a gutting blow to the 59-year-old manager, who will certainly be praying that at least one of the two are deemed fit enough to feature this evening – to avoid once again being left desperately short at the back.

The Northern Echo journalist Scott Wilson has shared the latest injury blow for Newcastle United regarding striker Chris Wood.

The Lowdown: Attacking injuries

Magpies number nine Callum Wilson has been absent for the team’s last five Premier League games after suffering from a hamstring injury. This left new signing Alexander Isak to step up to the plate in his absence, with the £63m arrival scoring twice in the subsequent three games.

However, whilst on international duty with Sweden, the 22-year-old was withdrawn due to an unspecific issue for which he was deemed medically unfit to play against Serbia and Slovenia.

The Latest: Wood’s injury

With Newcastle’s first two strikers out of action, this leaves just Wood as a centre-forward at Eddie Howe’s disposal. However, Scott Wilson has now revealed another major injury blow for Newcastle.

Taking to Twitter, the journalist claimed: “#NUFC’s attacking injury problems continue to mount – with Chris Wood having been forced off in first half of New Zealand’s defeat to Australia because of a rib problem. Alexander Isak left Sweden squad last week after injury setback….”

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The Verdict: Hopefully Wilson can return…

Having arrived at St James’ Park in January, Wood was one of the reasons that the Magpies ensured their Premier League safety after a prior relegation scare.

The New Zealand international made 17 appearances for the Tynesiders in the second half of last season, weakening relegation rivals Burnley with his move to the northeast.

Whilst his position in the team was never going to be permanent, the 30-year-old has still played seven times in the league this season, coming off the bench on six occasions.

However, following Wood’s injury, Howe will be hoping that Wilson can make it back to full fitness in time for Saturday’s clash against Fulham. If not, it could be a case of Joelinton needing to revert to a number nine role from his now-favoured central midfield position.

Following an injury sustained during the international break, Everton have now received a positive update regarding the fitness of right-back Nathan Patterson.

The Lowdown: Patterson’s emergence

Having arrived at Goodison Park in January in a deal worth £16m, the 20-year-old failed to make an instant impact at the club before undergoing ankle surgery, which kept him on the sidelines for the remainder of the season.

Going into the new campaign, the Scotland international was yet to make his Premier League debut. However, the full-back must have made a great impression during pre-season because he has since started every single top-flight game for the Toffees.

Patterson was thus included in Scotland’s squad for their UEFA Nations League fixtures taking place during the international break.

The Latest: Positive update

Worryingly for Blues fans, the Scotsman succumbed to injury within just 25 minutes of his side’s 3-0 victory over Ukraine on Wednesday, for which he taken off the field on a stretcher.

However, according to Scottish Express Sport, the injury to the Everton man is not as bad as first feared, meaning he is not facing a lengthy period on the sidelines.

The player will see a specialist on Tuesday to confirm the extent of his injuries, but he is only expected to miss a short period.

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The Verdict: Promising youngster

Having signed a long-term deal with the Toffees, it is clear to see Frank Lampard thinks highly of the youngster, as he is seemingly destined to take over the right-back role from club legend Seamus Coleman.

As per FBRef, compared with positional peers across Europe over the past year, the full-back ranks in the 96th percentile for tackles, in the 91st percentile for pressures and in the 83rd percentile for dribbles completed – illustrating his ability to push forward, as well as defend.

Therefore, with Everton preparing for their away visit to Southampton on Saturday, Lampard will be hoping Patterson can make it back fit as soon as possible, with the Manchester United clash also just round the corner.

Southampton have cultivated an exciting but albeit inexperienced side over the summer, with the worst elements of it creeping through in their naïve loss at home to Everton on Saturday.

Whilst they have relative strength in most positions, left-back stands out as somewhere that is in desperate need of a dependable option to be added.

Previously Tino Livramento and Kyle Walker-Peters have had to deputise on the wrong flank to fill it, and whilst Juan Larios was signed over the summer and comes with a big reputation, at just 18 years old his inexperience could prove costly.

It will, therefore, leave Ralph Hasenhuttl dreaming of defenders of the past from St Mary’s, with Ryan Bertrand the standout name for someone who would be simply perfect for their current side.

Signed permanently in 2015 by Ronald Koeman for just £10m, after being a part of Chelsea’s Champions League winning side in 2012, the 33-year-old went on to feature 240 times for the Saints.

Across his spell at St Mary’s he scored eight goals and assisted 20 times, but it was his reliability and defensive stability that made him such a success.

He even captained the club, and if he were to return now in his prime he would bring a wealth of experience and leadership that they are sorely lacking at the moment.

Especially with the departure of Romeu, James Ward-Prowse remains the only standout character who could possibly captain the club.

Commentator Arlo White was full of praise for the Southampton side that Bertrand came into on loan in 2014, as he took to Twitter to claim: “Saints fans must be crushed today, but very optimistic. Tadic a joy to watch. Fonte a rock. Clyne & Bertrand outstanding. Spirit in tact.”

Those four players featured for the Saints during a far more productive time on the south coast and as much as the likes of Tadic would offer in the present day, Bertrand has also been a big miss.

He would continue to be outstanding defensively for the Saints, managing 1.0 interceptions, 2.1 tackles and 1.3 clearances per game in his final season, whilst he was noticeably declining.

Bertrand will remain a modern-day hero for Southampton, and fans would surely delight in the prospect of having the Leicester man in his prime return to fill their left-back slot.