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Manchester United have been scouting Bayer Leverkusen right-back Jeremie Frimpong but will face competition for his signature, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Frimpong profiled

Frimpong made the move to Leverkusen from Celtic last year and has gone from strength to strength in Germany.

The 21-year-old has made 62 appearances for his current employers and appears to be at the peak of his powers, with the Dutchman currently posting a career-high £22.5m Transfermarkt valuation.

Frimpong is under contract until 2025 and has been mainly playing as a right-midfielder this season, and it looks as if he is catching the eye of United officials.

The Latest: Romano’s post

Romano took to Twitter on Monday morning to provide the latest regarding Frimpong, following a recent update from Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg revealing United’s interest.

The Italian journalist said that ‘there are lot of clubs interested’ after he scored again at the weekend, with the ex-Man City ace still having over two years left on his current deal. According to Plettenberg, one of those interested clubs is indeed United.

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The Verdict: Wan-Bissaka replacement?

Erik ten Hag has Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka as right-back options at Old Trafford, with the latter of the two playing just four minutes of action all season.

Reports in the summer suggested that Wan-Bissaka would be allowed to leave the club, but as we know, a move away failed to materialise. He seems surplus to requirements under Ten Hag, so Frimpong could potentially be viewed as a replacement for the right-back.

Frimpong has contributed to seven goals in 15 appearances this season and can play in a back four or further forward as a wing-back – something that could interest United – making this one to watch heading into 2023.

Tottenham Hotspur return to Premier League action at the weekend and they’ll be gutted to learn of a big boost for their opposition…

What’s the latest?

It’s none other than the north London derby on Saturday afternoon as Antonio Conte’s side make the short trip to the Emirates Stadium to face arch-rivals Arsenal.

And the home side have been boosted by the likely return of first-choice left-back Kieran Tierney, as well as captain Martin Odegaard.

That’s according to The Evening Standard, who have delivered an injury update ahead of the long-awaited encounter.

Boost for Arsenal

The Norwegian attacking midfielder missed the Gunners’ 3-0 victory over Brentford with a calf problem but managed to make the trip for his country’s Nations League matches against Slovenia and Serbia.

Whilst the Scotsman also featured for his nation at the weekend, starting against the Republic of Ireland in Glasgow before being withdrawn as a precaution before the break.

This update will surely leave the Lilywhites boss concerned as he’ll have to face the league leaders with a near fully-fit squad at Mikel Arteta’s disposal.

Indeed, Arsenal sit top of the standings after seven fixtures, having won six and lost one, and are just one point ahead of Spurs, who are yet to taste defeat in the Premier League.

However, their defeat to Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League has exposed some weakness in the Italian’s side and now that the Gunners’ captain and main creative outlet is back, he is surely going to be worried heading into this top-of-the-table clash.

Only two other players have managed a better average WhoScored rating for the season so far than Odegaard, who has scored three goals and provided 1.7 key passes per game.

35% of Tottenham’s play comes from inside their own third, whereas 34% of Arsenal’s comes from their attacking third, so the early signs suggest that the visitors will need to soak up a lot of pressure if they are to come out on top, something made more difficult with a difference-maker like Odegaard available.

So any boost for them is certainly a blow for Conte and his side.

AND in other news, Paratici heading for 1st big blunder with Spurs “sniffing around” £60m “fearless” gem…

West Ham United were heavily linked with signing Southampton defender Jan Bednarek on deadline day but were eventually beaten to the Poland international by Aston Villa.

However, it may have been a blessing in disguise for David Moyes, as not only did it pave the way for Craig Dawson to remain at the London Stadium, but the 26-year-old wouldn’t have been an upgrade on any of West Ham’s current options.

Bednarek, who earns £20k per week at Southampton, was deemed surplus to requirements by Ralph Hasenhuttl after summer signings of Duje Caleta-Car and Armel Bella-Kotchap this summer, and it seemed as if West Ham would take advantage, with reports suggesting that he would join on loan.

But it was Steven Gerrard’s side who would welcome Bednarek on deadline day, with the defender’s comments upon signing suggesting that his attitude may have been an issue for Moyes.

He said: “I’m happy and excited. I’m looking forward to the new adventure. It’s a great opportunity for me and another great step. That’s a really important one for me, to move to a bigger club and improve as a player.”

These will undoubtedly anger Southampton fans, which is a baffling thing to do considering he is only on loan at Villa.

Last season saw Bednarek average a 6.81 rating from WhoScored for his performances, while he was a prominent part of a Southampton defence that shipped 67 goals in the top flight.

West Ham primarily lined up with Kurt Zouma and Craig Dawson in the top flight and shipped just 51, so it is difficult to see how he would have ousted either in Moyes’ first team.

New signings Nayef Aguerd also produced much improved performances in Ligue 1, averaging a 6.88 rating from WhoScored, while Thilo Kehrer has also been added to the squad, so it is difficult to see where Bednarek would have fit in at the London Stadium.

Therefore, Moyes may well be glad that Aston Villa won the race for the Poland international, as he could have been a questionable addition to the squad, especially when you consider his disruptive comments upon leaving Southampton.

Nottingham Forest have completed a whopping 12 new signings this summer, and now a reliable source has suggested that they could be closing in on what they will hope is a lucky 13th.

What’s the latest?

Italian journalist and transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Remo Freuler is set to become a Nottingham Forest player in the coming hours and days.

Romano tweeted:

“Remo Freuler to Nottingham Forest, here we go! Full agreement for €9m plus add-ons. Remo will sign until June 2025, medical booked.

“Huge signing, one more international Swiss midfielder and key player for Atalanta – Miltiadis Marinakis on it showing ambition again.”

Cooper should be thrilled

Steve Cooper should be thrilled with his 13th signing of the summer, as Freuler can add bags of experience as well as solving a key issue that stood out for the Welsh manager in the 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United in the Premier League opener last weekend.

Cooper took to his post-match interview to detail the problems Forest were facing in game that cost them two goals and ultimately three points at St James’ Park on Saturday afternoon, saying:

“We fell short in our performance today, but we live and learn. We were not right today in possession, and there were not enough passes when we could get them off, and that ultimately cost us the two goals.

“The way we gave up the ball in the play before the goals, that’s not the team I want us to be.”

Now with Freuler deployed in the centre of the pitch for Forest there is no doubt that the Swiss midfielder can improve those problems that need to be resolved when you take a closer look at his strengths in the Atalanta team.

The 30-year-old who is the fourth most comparable player to N’Golo Kante over last season had a 85.5% pass completion rate, ranking in the top 10% of players in the top five European leagues for progressive passes and the top 15% for progressive carries, attempting 63.42 passes per 90 minutes, proving that he is a midfielder who looks after the ball as well as distributing it with great precision.

RTS Swiss national team commentator David Lemos hailed Freuler “tireless” when analysing the player’s contribution in the Atalanta team:

“He is not a shiny midfielder, but incredibly reliable and precise. He is a tireless worker – one of those you don’t notice, but who are involved in almost every move.”

With that being said, Freuler is a fantastic signing for the Reds and a real bargain at just £7.6m, especially if he can comfortably incorporate his meticulous midfield skills into the team over the season ahead.

Leeds United are ‘working hard’ to secure manager Jesse Marsch a new striker…

What’s the word?

That’s according to Sky Sports journalist Tim Thornton, who provided a fresh update on the state of play at Thorp Arch to GIVEMESPORT this week.

He revealed:

“They’ve been working hard on this, this is not something they’re suddenly shining a light moment where we need to get a striker in, they’ve known about it and have identified the targets.”

Marsch needs a striker

Indeed, the west Yorkshire outfit have been linked to an array of potential forwards in recent weeks, including Stade Rennes’ Martin Terrier, Arnaud Kalimuendo of Paris Saint-Germain and a proven Premier League talent in Che Adams from Southampton.

It’s been a busy summer of activity for director of football Victor Orta and chairman Andrea Radrizzani as they have overseen some major departures and as many as six new signings.

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Some of the Whites’ recent protagonists such as Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips have moved on, the latter signing for reigning champions Manchester City.

They have been replaced by Luis Sinisterra from Feyenoord and Marc Roca from Bayern Munich, whilst manager Jesse Marsch has sealed a plethora of his former players in Brenden Aaronson, Rasmus Kristensen and Tyler Adams.

All of which add something considerable to Leeds – four of the six signings made their debut in the 2-1 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday, only going to show their importance already and exactly why they were signed.

Now, the priority must be a new striker as both the American and his predecessor, Marcelo Bielsa, suffered from a lack of frontline options last season. That’s because of the persistent injury problems to Patrick Bamford, which limited him to only nine Premier League appearances.

Without an alternative, the burden fell on young striker Joe Gelhardt, who whilst undoubtedly talented isn’t ready for a regular starting berth, and diminutive winger Dan James, who is far from a leading striker in the big time.

Whether it be Terrier or Adams, the arrival of a new frontman could be Orta’s latest masterclass as it’s abundantly clear that the American is in dire need of another forward if Leeds are to avoid a fatal repeat of last season.

Bamford, who bagged a squad-high 17 goals a season earlier, needs competition and backup if the Yorkshire giants are to steer clear of the relegation zone this time around and as such, it would be an ideal seventh signing of the summer, whoever it may be.

AND in other news, Leeds have “definite interest” in £34m goal machine, he’d be a “real coup” for Marsch…

Leeds United are now thought to be focusing on a move for Paris Saint-Germain forward Arnaud Kalimuendo.

The Lowdown: Kalimuendo linked with Leeds

Kalimuendo, who European football expert Antonio Mango hailed as a ‘superstar in the making’, was linked with a move to Elland Road earlier in the summer.

Reports previously claimed that Leeds even made a €20m (£16.9m) offer for the 20-year-old, although those rumours cooled following links to Charles De Ketelaere.

Victor Orta is after a new striker to finalise Leeds’ first-team summer transfer business after already making six signings, and it looks as if Kalimuendo is back on the radar.

The Latest: Transfer update

Calciomercato shared a transfer update regarding Leeds’ hunt for a forward on Monday.

They claimed that, ‘in the last few hours’, the Whites appear to have ‘thrown in the towel’ when it comes to De Ketelaere, who seems to be heading to AC Milan, and are now ‘focusing’ on a move for Kalimuendo.

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The Verdict: Shrewd alternative

Like De Ketelaere, Kalimuendo enjoyed an impressive 2021/22 season, scoring 12 Ligue 1 goals in 34 appearances.

The Frenchman mainly lined out as a centre-forward but was also used from the left and in a deeper role, while he has showcased other attributes aside from scoring goals.

He ranks in the 99th percentile for forwards across Europe’s top five leagues when it comes to passing success rate (82.6%), showing excellent composure in the final third for such a young player, so it looks as if he could be a smart alternative to De Ketelaere.

Manchester City have been linked with a summer move for Arminia Bielefeld goalkeeper Stefan Ortega.

What’s the news?

After the news originally broke from Sky Sports journalist Dirk Schlarmann on Twitter, Fabrizio Romano shed further light on the matter.

He tweeted: “Manchester City are really interested in signing Stefan Ortega, as called by @Sky_Dirk today. Been told there’s a verbal agreement in place with City to sign as [a] free agent #MCFC

“Deal depends on Zack Steffen to find a good solution on the market, but Ortega’s waiting for City.”

Back in 2007, Ortega joined Bielefeld’s under-17 squad from fellow German club KSV Hessen Kassel. The shot-stopper also had a three-year spell with 1860 Munich before returning to Bielefeld in 2017.

Overall, the 29-year-old has made 220 appearances for his current side, keeping 65 clean sheets in the process. However, with his contract at the club set to expire next week, it seems as though he has played his last game for them.

Guardiola will be delighted

Ortega’s latest season with Bielefeld was a rather disappointing one, as the club were relegated from the Bundesliga with just 28 points on the board.

However, he showed throughout the campaign just how capable a goalkeeper he is. Over 33 league games, the German racked up more saves (124) than any other shot-stopper in the league and could also boast the second-highest save percentage (73.3%) in the division.

Taking this into account, it’s safe to say that Pep Guardiola would be delighted to have such an experienced and capable goalkeeper in his squad as a backup option for Ederson.

As for Zack Steffen, the fact that he only managed two clean sheets in his nine appearances for the Citizens last season across all competitions could be why the club have been looking to bring Ortega in this summer.

With that in mind, if the German is seen as City’s number two goalkeeper for the future, it could be worth the American making a move away from the Etihad Stadium this summer and join a club where he would be guaranteed regular game-time.

In other news – Terms agreed: City now closing in on “refreshing” £30m signing, Pep will be buzzing

A report out of Italy has now shared quite an update on Tottenham Hotspur’s pursuit of Everton star Richarlison.

The Lowdown: Conte eyes move…

The Brazil international and Premier League striker is reliably believed to be on the Spurs agenda this summer as manager Antonio Conte chases an alternative to superstar player Harry Kane.

Reports have suggested that the Lilywhites could speed up talks for Richarlison with ‘decisive days’ ahead, coming after journalist David Ornstein claimed ‘some’ at Everton think a transfer is inevitable.

Now, as per CalciomercatoWeb.it, a big update has come to light.

The Latest: Tottenham closing in…

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According to their information, reporting due to Juventus and Milan’s interest, Richarlison’s arrival at Spurs is ‘ever closer’ and talks are at an ‘advanced’ stage for the 25-year-old, acting as a blow for the Serie A duo.

In perhaps the most surprising claim, the report states that his signing could ‘take place’ for just €40 million (£35m).

The Verdict: Major claim…

This comes as a major claim out of Spurs, particularly, when it comes to the price tag.

While it is arguably unlikely that the north Londoners will end up securing Richarlison for £35m, we believe the South American’s arrival is worth a potentially higher offer regardless.

Finishing 2021/2022 as Everton’s top goal scorer and best-performing player by average match rating, the striker is a proven top flight threat, having also attempted their most shots at goal per 90 last season (WhoScored).

It’s little wonder Richarlison has been called one of the Goodison Park side’s ‘big name’ players (Noel Whelan, Football Insider) and signing him for Conte would undoubtedly strengthen the Italian’s attacking options.

In other news: Significant talks: Tottenham emerge as ‘likelier destination’ for ‘superstar’…find out more here.

Liverpool are interested in signing Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips, according to a report from The Mirror. 

The lowdown: Phillips a wanted man

Currently a one-club man, Phillips came through the ranks in Yorkshire and has amassed 234 appearances for his boyhood club so far.

Many of those outings came in the Championship before Leeds returned to the Premier League in 2020, and since then the 26-year-old has proven his worth in the top flight and become a regular England international.

Such strong performances have sparked an increased level of transfer interest as Manchester United, Manchester City and West Ham all reporetdly take admiring glances at the combative midfielder.

The latest: Liverpool in the mix for Phillips

As per The Mirror, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is now ‘ready to rival’ Pep Guardiola for the signing of the 19-cap England ace.

It is claimed that the German is ‘understood to admire’ Phillips, with Leeds ‘bracing themselves for interest’ this summer after narrowly avoiding relegation last month.

The report added that it will cost around £60m to sign the midfielder, who was hailed as ‘superb’ at Euro 2020 by Oliver Kay after starting all seven games for Gareth Southgate’s side at the finals.

The verdict: Worthwhile target

Seemingly set to miss out on Aurelien Tchouameni, with Real Madrid the hot favourites to land the AS Monaco sensation, it’s no surprise that Klopp and Julian Ward would be seeking an alternative option for the upcoming transfer window.

During an injury-hit 2021/22 campaign, Phillips earned a 6.84 Sofascore rating whilst winning an impressive 4.8 duels, making 1.2 interceptions and completing 38.9 accurate passes per game.

Aside from the battling qualities that the first of those metrics indicates, the 26-year-old displayed impressive versatility in the process when operating as a central defender, and as a more natural defensive midfielder.

Despite the lofty asking price, signing the Englishman as an understudy to Fabinho and to supplement Jordan Henderson would be a smart move by Liverpool, given his proven Premier League experience, age profile and positive impact on the all-important homegrown quota within the squad.

In other news: A fresh rumour has emerged over a possible Sadio Mane successor

Newcastle United reportedly ‘remain keen’ on signing Sven Botman in the summer, despite a ‘sensational twist’ that has now emerged.

The Lowdown: Milan bound?

It has been reported that the St. James’ Park faithful have ‘not given up hope’ of signing Botman in the summer, despite AC Milan already verbally agreeing personal terms with the Lille central defender.

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After failing to sign him in the January transfer window, the North East club have continually held ‘extensive negotiations’ over the potential signing, but it looks like Milan could be the favourites for his signature.

The Latest: Remain keen

As per Football Insider, the Tyneside outfit ‘remain keen’ on signing Botman, even though a ‘sensational twist’ has now emerged in the form of a new suitor.

According to a source from Manchester United, the Red Devils are now ‘exploring a move’ for the Dutchman, with ‘preliminary talks’ set to take place after a board meeting involving new manager Erik ten Hag.

The Verdict: Get it done

With Manchester United, who can offer Botman European football just like Milan, now entering the frame, the Magpies need to act fast to get this deal done.

Described as a ‘golden boy‘ by his agent Francesco Miniero, he is one of the most promising up-and-coming players in the game at just 22 years of age, having already played regularly at the highest level.

Nonetheless, at six-foot-five, he is an imposing centre-back, and could form a truly scary partnership with the six-foot-seven Dan Burn.

In other news, find out which ‘terrifying’ star NUFC are now eyeing here!