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Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira ‘would love’ the opportunity to re-sign Manchester United defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Lowdown: Selhurst return possible

The Premier League giants signed the right-back from the Eagles three years ago, but he has struggled to find any kind of consistency at Old Trafford and has fallen out of favour under Erik ten Hag.

Sky Sports previously claimed that the Red Devils were open-minded about the 24-year-old’s future, which saw the Eagles credited with an interest, and a return to Selhurst Park could now be on the cards.

The Latest: O’Rourke’s comments

Speaking to Football Transfer Tavern, O’Rourke was asked whether Palace could make another attempt for Wan-Bissaka in 2023.

He responded: “Yeah, I think it’s a deal that makes a lot of sense for everybody involved. They tried to sign him in the summer but were unable to agree a deal with Manchester United.

“Wan-Bissaka obviously showed what a top player he was at Crystal Palace. That helped him win that big-money move to Manchester United, but he does seem to be out of favour under Erik ten Hag right now as well so I think Patrick Vieira would love the opportunity to bring him back to Selhurst Park.”

The Verdict: Don’t do it…

Wan-Bissaka has previously been dubbed a ‘monster’ by Jacek Kulig, but looking at his performance numbers, a deal should be avoided at all costs.

The Croydon-born talent has played just four minutes of football this season, so he would likely need time to get up to full speed, while he no longer matches the south London club’s attacking style of play.

He has scored only twice in 173 club career appearances and managed just 14 assists, so his attacking output is minimal, particularly in an era where full-backs often have licence to bomb forward at will.

Nathaniel Clyne has been doing more than a good enough job in that right-back position, his 6.19 WhoScored rating exceeding his counterpart’s 6.11 at Old Trafford, so it would be extremely harsh for him to be dropped in favour of an out-of-practice Wan-Bissaka.

Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cooper is still under ‘massive pressure’ despite signing a new contract, according to former BBC pundit Noel Whelan.

The Lowdown: Cooper’s new contract

The Tricky Trees recorded a shock 1-0 victory over Liverpool last weekend, but are still currently sitting at rock bottom of the Premier League, level on points with Wolves and Leeds in the relegation places.

The Welsh boss had been facing calls to be sacked amid the club’s disappointing start to the season, but was instead backed with a new contract until 2025 for his efforts in getting them promoted in the first place.

The Latest: Whelan’s comments

Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan, a former top flight striker, claimed that Forest made too many new signings in the summer and instead should have tried to make last season’s loan deals permanent.

“I think there’s still massive pressure on Cooper. He’s got to make big decisions with all these new players at the club.

“He’s got to find a system that works.

“But I think ultimately Forest have got to put all their trust in Cooper. It’s been a whirlwind start to the season, bringing in 22 players – which is probably too many.

“They’ve gone all out because they had that scared feeling about stepping up to the Premier League.

“I think if they could go back in time they’d probably go out and get some of the loan players that got them into the Premier League in the first place.”

The Verdict: Right man for the job

Forest need to start picking up more points if they want to get themselves out of the danger zone and into a more comfortable position, but Cooper is still the right man for the job.

The 42-year-old has won 30 and drawn 14 of his 58 matches in charge at the City Ground, and averages 1.79 points per match (Transfermarkt).

The Reds have done well to reduce the deficit and catch up with their rivals at the bottom, and only one win is needed to climb out of the bottom three and up the table.

Former BBC pundit Noel Whelan has been left wowed by Newcastle United CEO Darren Eales’ plans to expand St James’ Park.

The Lowdown: Eales’ plans

Speaking to The Chronicle, Eales has shared that the new owners are going to look at the possibility of expanding the stadium over time, with it currently being able to hold 52,000.

Matchdays are starting to sell out after some tickets had to be given away under the previous ownership of Mike Ashley, and as part of the long-term vision for the club, an expansion could well be in order.

The Latest: Whelan wowed

Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan was left wowed by the plans to expand St James’ Park, claiming that it is a ‘smashing’ ground, and that the expansion would ‘make  absolute sense’ for Newcastle.

The 47-year-old stated: “It’s a smashing stadium, and somewhere you love to go. It’s very imposing when you approach it, and probably one of the only grounds which is in the city centre as well.

“Now that they’ve got the team sorted and they’re building on the pitch, why not? They know they have the demand, so why not improve the stadium if you know you can sell x amount of tickets?

“Not just for Newcastle, but for World Cups, European Championships – they’ll want it to stand out. If they can build up the capacity, it makes absolute sense.”

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The Verdict: Get it done

Considering the trajectory in which Newcastle are heading, sitting sixth in the Premier League table and having enormous financial backing, eventually they will need a bigger stadium if they are selling out St James’ Park now.

They will likely attract many more supporters to Tyneside, and expanding the stadium would also mean more revenue in terms of tickets sold and accommodating the Toon Army.

Furthermore, it would also create a number of new jobs for locals in and around the area, and help the wider community further.

Aston Villa are still keen on signing Rangers forward Ryan Kent, according to The Sunday Mirror.

The Lowdown: Kent rejects new contract

Hailed as a ‘big-game player’ by journalist Andrew Dickson, the 25-year-old was linked with a move to Villa Park to reunite with his former Gers boss Steven Gerrard over the summer.

As we know, a transfer failed to materialise, although Kent has reportedly rejected a new ‘big-money’ deal at Ibrox and has set his sights on a move to the Premier League. His current deal with the Scottish giants expires at the end of the current campaign.

The Latest: Villa still want Kent

According to the print edition of The Sunday Mirror (2 October, page 71), as relayed by MOT Leeds News, Villa remain in the hunt for Kent and will watch him in action in the Champions League against Liverpool.

The report also states that the 25-year-old has snubbed a new contract at Ibrox and ‘will be a free agent next summer’.

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The Verdict: One to watch

Kent is currently valued at a career-high £15.75m Transfermarkt valuation, so he appears to be at the top of his game.

He can play in a variety of attacking roles and registered 11 league assists in each of the past two seasons, so he could definitely be a shrewd signing if he arrives at Villa Park on a free transfer.

Villa and NSWE will be able to discuss potential pre-contract terms for Kent in the New Year should his situation remain the same, so this could be one to keep a close eye on over the coming months.

West Ham United have informed Manuel Lanzini that he is free to leave the London Stadium in the next 24 hours.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Football Insider, who claim that David Moyes has now decided the 29-year-old is no longer a key part of his first team squad, with the Hammers said to be open to offers for the Argentina international prior to the closure of the summer transfer window tomorrow evening.

And, while the reason for this decision is stated as the Irons recently confirming the club-record €60m (£51.3m) signing of Lucas Paqueta, there is an argument to be made that Moyes could be making room in his squad for the further addition of Club Brugge KV attacking midfielder, Hans Vanaken – with whom West Ham have been linked with a €20m (£17m) move in recent weeks.

Dream Lanzini replacement

While it is undeniable that Lanzini has been a fantastic servant to West Ham over the years – scoring 29 goals and registering 27 assists over his 208 appearances for the club – considering just how talented a forward-thinking midfielder Vanaken undoubtedly is, the 30-year-old would appear to be a dream replacement for the outbound Argentine.

Indeed, over his 39 Jupiler Pro League appearances last season, the £14.4m-rated Belgium international was in astonishing form for Brugge, scoring 11 goals, registering nine assists and creating 10 big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 1.8 shots, making 1.6 key passes and completing 0.6 dribbles per game.

These returns saw the £48k-per-week midfielder who Onur Kaya dubbed “extraordinary” average a simply sensational SofaScore match rating of 7.31, ranking him as the ninth-best performer in the top flight of Belgian football as a whole in 2021/22.

For comparison, over Lanzini’s 30 Premier League appearances last time out, the £10.8m-rated midfielder scored five goals, provided three assists and created three big chances for his teammates, in addition to taking an average of 0.5 shots, making 0.8 key passes and completing 0.8 dribbles per fixture.

These returns saw the £70k-per-week Argentine average a SofaScore match rating of 6.88, ranking him as West Ham’s 12th-best performer in the league last season.

As such, it is clear to see that, should Moyes be hoping to add more goals, assists and general creativity to his attacking midfield options this summer, Vanaken would undoubtedly be a signing who ticks all three boxes – while Lanzini, unfortunately, appears to be one of the most expendable players in the 59-year-old’s first team squad.

Newcastle United could reportedly turn to Chelsea’s Christian Pulisic as a potential attacking target this summer, according to the latest reports.

What’s the word?

According to journalist Chris Waugh – in a Q and A for The Athletic – the Magpies ‘would consider’ a move for the USA international over the coming weeks, albeit with doubts as to whether the 23-year-old will be ‘made available’.

The former Borussia Dortmund man – who signed for the Blues on £58m deal back in January 2019 – is facing an uncertain future at Stamford Bridge amid reports that manager Thomas Tuchel doesn’t trust him.

With just two years left on his contract, a departure could potentially be in the offing, although it remains to be seen how willing the west Londoners will be to sell having already seen Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner leave the club – leaving them somewhat short for attacking depth.

Hero at St James’?

With Pulisic currently cutting a frustrated figure under Tuchel, those at St James’ Park should well be ready to pounce in order to tempt him into a move to the northeast, with the 50-cap gem likely to play a far more prominent role under Eddie Howe.

Dubbed a “national hero” by Frank Khalid, there’s no reason why the £37.8m-rated ace can’t assume a similarly talismanic role were he to join the Tynesiders before the September deadline, with his talent there for all to see.

Likened to Chelsea icon Eden Hazard for his innate dribbling ability and low centre of gravity by pundit Paul Scholes, the £150k-per-week winger is simply a true natural talent and a real joy to watch, with Newcastle supporters likely to thrive off his dynamic attacking displays.

The 5 foot 10 menace can combine that eye-catching style with an impressive attacking output, having scored 25 goals and provided 18 assists in 115 games for his current side thus far, having previously chipped in with 45 goal contributions in 127 games during his stint in Germany.

Such a strong record will no doubt help bolster Howe’s options in attack, with the former Bournemouth boss currently far too reliant on the lethal duo of Callum Wilson and Allan Saint-Maximin to make the difference in the final third.

Wilson led the way with eight goals in all competitions last season, while the latter man topped the club charts for assists with five across all fronts, with the club no doubt in need of more quality figures who can shoulder that creative burden.

Pulisic is seemingly the man to do just that, with the highly-rated “sensation”, as described by Bolarinwa Olajide, having provided 13 goal contributions in total last term – more than any Newcastle player – despite having been restricted to just 21 starts.

With a regular run of games under his belt who knows the damage that the American could inflict, with the forward potentially the man to become the new hero of St James’ Park.

Sky Sports journalist Dharmesh Sheth had made a definitive West Ham United transfer claim as David Moyes eyes a move for Lille midfielder Amadou Onana.

The Lowdown: West Ham keeping busy…

The Irons are looking to bolster their ranks and keep pace with the Premier League elite after just falling short of Europa League qualification last term.

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West Ham are believed to be in talks for multiple players ahead of what will be a crucial 2022/23 campaign at the London Stadium, with Ligue 1 sensation Onana also a firm target.

Bids have allegedly been submitted for the Belgium international, who could cost a marquee sum of £50m this summer, with Sheth now sharing what he knows.

The Latest: Sheth makes definitive Onana claim…

Speaking to GiveMeSport, the Sky Sports journalist says that West Ham are ‘definitely’ still in the mix as Moyes aims to upgrade a ‘priority position’ in midfield.

He explained: “I just wonder whether Lille are trying to fish out other clubs who might be interested in Onana as well, but West Ham are definitely interested.

“It’s another priority position for them. The strike force and central midfield are two of the areas that they really wanted to strengthen.”

The Verdict: Get it done?

If West Ham can whittle down Onana’s £50m valuation, the 20-year-old could prove to be a shrewd prospective capture given his real potential and the fact that he has already worked his way into a star-studded Belgium international squad.

The colossal 6 foot 4 defensive midfielder could gift Moyes a different option to mainstay duo Declan Rice and Tomas Soucek in front of the back four, not to mention being a potential star of the future.

Leeds United are thought to be ‘leading’ the race for FC Porto attacker Otavio.

The Lowdown: Otavio links

Otavio has recently been linked with a move to Leeds, with reports claiming that the Whites saw a £25m offer turned down.

The 27-year-old’s agent was even in England last month looking to finalise the player’s next move, with Transfermarkt currently having a probability of a move to Elland Road materialising at a whopping 98%.

Leeds are on the hunt for a new forward and appear to have moved on from Charles De Ketelaere, who is close to joining AC Milan, and it looks as if that could be Otavio, despite mainly turning out on the wing or as an attacking midfielder.

The Latest: Transfer update

MOT Leeds News relayed an update from Portuguese outlet Record regarding Otavio on Tuesday.

They claimed that it is the Whites who are leading the race for the attacker, with the Portugal international also attracting interest from Aston Villa and Leicester City.

The report adds that Otavio’s current release clause stands at around £33m, but that will increase to a figure close to £50m on July 15, leaving Victor Orta little time to get a deal done on the cheap.

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The Verdict: Centre-forward instead

Otavio has scored 40 senior goals for club and country during his career and has been labelled as ‘phenomenal’ by Portuguese football expert Alex Goncalves and an ‘exciting’ player by ESPN commentator Marc Lewis, but he might not be what Leeds are after.

Luis Sinisterra became the sixth summer signing and looks set to fill the void left by Raphinha, so Orta and co could be better off going after an out-and-out centre-forward instead of someone like Otavio, who typically plays just off the front or on the right.

It seems as if the Whites are still keen on his services, though, so it could be one to keep a close eye on, especially over the next 48 hours prior to his release clause increasing by £17m.

Leeds United would be willing to pay €40m (£34.7m) for Club Brugge forward Charles de Ketelaere, according to 90min.

The Lowdown: De Ketelaere not sure

The Whites have been heavily linked with a move for De Ketelaere over the last seven days. Journalist Dean Jones said it would be an ‘unbelievable signing’ and a ‘massive coup’ if Leeds managed to get a deal over the line ahead of Jesse Marsch’s first full season in charge.

De Ketelaere is viewed as a forward by those at Leeds, however, he has reportedly ‘said no’ to a move to Yorkshire after contact was made.

The Latest: Leeds still keen

90min journalist Graeme Bailey provided an update regarding De Ketelaere on Thursday. They were informed from ‘sources’ that Club Brugge are holding out for €40m (£34.7m) for the attacker, with Leeds ‘extremely keen’.

The report adds that both the Whites and Leicester City are willing to pay that asking price but look set to test the waters with an initial €30m (£25.9m) proposal, while AC Milan are also monitoring the situation.

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The Verdict: Raphinha sale to be a domino effect?

It appears as if Andrea Radrizzani and the 49ers group are willing to smash their transfer record for the second time this summer after already landing Brenden Aaronson for £29.56m, so fans can certainly take solace in what is a serious show of trust in Marsch.

However, they may have to wait until Raphinha’s future is resolved before splashing the cash. Leeds agreed on a £60m-£65m with Chelsea for the Brazilian, but it looks as if a move to Barcelona still isn’t out of the equation.

Securing a figure around the £60m mark for Raphinha could then allow Leeds to go all-in to try and convince De Ketelaere, providing he doesn’t move to Milan or Leicester in the meantime.

Everton could be facing the prospect of life without Richarlison next term, following a worrying update from journalist David Ornstein.

What’s the word?

Writing on Twitter, the respected insider revealed that the Brazilian gem is the subject of interest from fellow Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur, with sources close to the Merseyside outfit believing that a deal could well happen.

Amid speculation over the 25-year-old’s future at Goodison Park, Ornstein has revealed that north London could well be his next destination: “Tottenham interested in signing Richarlison. No bid yet – will only do it at right price + have other options. Everton want more than reported €60m but need for funds likely to reduce fee + some close to #EFC think #THFC move will happen.”

In his attached piece for The Athletic, the transfer guru added that the Toffees may be inclined to sell due to a need to raise funds, although Spurs are yet to make a concrete offer for his services.

Lampard will be fuming

After having clinched top-flight survival by the skin of their teeth in the penultimate game of last term, Frank Lampard and co would have been hoping to put that gruelling campaign behind them and kick on in the 2022/23 season, although this latest news will no doubt throw a spanner in the works.

While perhaps not unexpected – with the former Watford man having long been linked with a departure – that will do little to soften the blow, with the club having been so reliant on the £45m-rated gem in recent years.

The 2021/22 campaign saw the 36-cap international help to steer Lampard’s men away from danger with ten goals and five assists in 30 league games, having largely shouldered the goalscoring burden alone following Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s dismal, injury-hit season.

Since joining Everton from Vicarage Road on a £50m deal back in 2018, Richarlison has gone on to score 53 goals and supply 14 assists in 152 games across all competitions, with only six players having scored more league goals for the club in the Premier League era.

There may be a small silver lining that the Toffees can rake in a fairly sizeable fee with any sale, although as they have proved under the Farhad Moshiri regime, the club have rarely invested wisely in the transfer market.

Those at Finch Farm will seemingly be powerless to prevent a departure – with just two years remaining on the player’s contract – with the one-time Fluminese man seemingly craving Champions League football, something that Antonio Conte’s side can offer.

At present, Everton are a world away from mixing it with Europe’s elite, with the versatile forward’s exit only set to widen the gap between themselves and the top six.

As for Lampard, the former Chelsea boss may only be a few months into his tenure at the club, although will be acutely aware of the scale of the job at hand, with losing a player of such importance and quality only set to be another unwanted headache.

The Englishman will no doubt be fuming if he is forced to head into next term without his key asset in tow, having previously lavished him with praise for his “work ethic” and labelled him a “pleasure” to coach earlier this term.

It appears that he may not be coaching the player for much longer…

AND in other news – “Interested…”: Insider drops big Everton transfer update, supporters will be buzzing