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Nottingham Forest are about to make their long-awaited return to the Premier League and will be looking to add depth to their squad to compete in the top flight with a new transfer target revealed.

What’s the latest?

According to the German news outlet BILD, Nottingham Forest are one of the clubs interested in signing Schalke and Cercle Brugge loanee Rabbi Matondo.

As per the report, Cercle Brugge did not exercise their option to purchase Matondo on a permanent move this summer as salary negotiations failed.

Nottingham Forest are named alongside two other Premier League clubs, Brentford and Leeds United, in the report as interested parties.

Cooper’s very own Sancho

Steve Cooper could unearth his very own Jadon Sancho by signing fellow Welshman Matondo this summer, as the 21-year-old has followed a similar path as the Manchester United star.

Both Sancho and Matondo rose through the Manchester City academy before making the move to the Bundesliga to develop their craft and now the Forest manager can facilitate the Schalke winger’s opportunity to play in the Premier League just like Ole Gunnar Solskjaer did for Sancho.

The £3m magician who was dubbed “electrifying” for his pace by Ryan Giggs was sent on a season-long loan deal to the Belgian Pro League and has made impressive strides showing glimpses of his potential whilst playing for Cercle Brugge.

Matondo scored nine goals, delivered two assists and created four big chances, taking 2.9 shots and winning four duels on average per game, proving he has the capabilities to be effective in attacking play and dangerous for his opponents.

Nottingham Forest will need to take all their opportunities to score as many goals as possible in their first season back in the Premier League to ensure they don’t suffer a similar fate as the likes of Norwich City and Watford who bounced straight back into the Championship after being promoted last season.

With that being said, the signing of Matondo could be the perfect opportunity for Cooper to add some depth to his attacking threats in the squad ahead of next season to ensure they can compete and remain in the top flight for years to come.

AND in other news: Bad news: NFFC have now held transfer talks that’ll leave Cooper scrambling

Newcastle United have made significant progress in their pursuit of Reims striker Hugo Ekitike, according to reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Failed January pursuit

The 19-year-old was a firm target of the Magpies in January as new manager Eddie Howe looked to bring in a couple of forwards to St James’ Park.

Burnley striker Chris Wood arrived in the northeast after Newcastle swiftly struck a £25m deal following an injury to Callum Wilson, and it appeared that Ekitike was set to follow suit and make a late switch on deadline day after the Magpies had a £33m bid accepted by the Ligue 1 outfit.

However, the Frenchman decided that the timing wasn’t right and that he would instead assess his options at the end of the season.

The Latest: Romano’s update on Ekitike

Romano has now shared the latest update involving Newcastle’s pursuit of Ekitike.

Taking to Twitter, he claimed: “Hugo Ekitike deal. Newcastle and Reims have full agreement on €30m fee plus €5m add-ons, agent is now in talks with Newcastle after being given permission by Reims.

“Work in progress as Newcastle have been leading the race for weeks.”

The Verdict: Huge talent

According to analyst Statman Dave, who has featured on Sky Sports, the Magpies are set to sign “a big talent”. He elaborated: “Only Kylian Mbappe [1.25] registered more non-penalty direct goal involvements than Hugo Ekitike [0.85] in the 21/22 Ligue 1 season.”

Newcastle writer Charlie Bennett has claimed that the unfulfilled deal for the 19-year-old paralleled one failed transfer from the past; like Ekitike, a young, highly-rated Ligue 1 striker in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was close to joining the Magpies in the past, but a deal to bring him to St James’ Park ultimately failed to materialise.

Therefore, if Ekitike can live up to the Gabon striker’s legacy in the Premier League, in which he scored 68 goals for Arsenal, it would be a fantastic signing for Newcastle.

In other news: Craig Hope shares Sven Botman transfer insight

Celtic had a rampant start to the 2021 summer transfer window but Ange Postecoglou hasn’t exactly been busy at Parkhead yet this time around.

What’s the word?

The Hoops have been looking into completing permanent deals for Cameron Carter-Vickers and Jota during the off-season but a new exciting transfer rumour has emerged.

It concerns Schalke youngster Rabbi Matondo who could be moving to Scotland this summer.

That’s according to Wales Online who suggest that Celtic and their Old Firm rivals have now opened talks with the German side regarding a move.

Matondo joined them from Manchester City but spent last term on loan at Cercle Brugge.

Cercle are understood to be keen on keeping the winger at the club, while their own rivals in Club Brugge are believed to be interested too.

Transfermarkt values the player at £3.6m.

The next Sane?

Does an exciting young winger with ties to Manchester City and Schalke remind you of anyone? Well, look no further than a certain Leroy Sane, someone who took the opposite career path to Matondo.

While the German wide man, who signed for Bayern Munich for £54.8m, started his career at Schalke, he went on to enjoy a hugely successful stint with the current Premier League champions.

It was at City where Matondo learnt his trade before joining Sane’s former employers where he even spoke of the Germany international’s talent.

Upon signing for the recently-promoted Bundesliga outfit, he said: “Mesut Özil, Ivan Rakitic & Leroy Sane all took big steps in their careers here.”

Matondo’s career hasn’t quite taken off in the same way as the aforementioned trio, scoring just twice in 32 games for Schalke, but his stint on loan in Belgium last term was particularly impressive, with the winger bagging ten goals and registering two assists in all competitions.

With that in mind, it’s hardly a surprise to see him praised relentlessly, with Ryan Giggs previously hailing his “electrifying pace.”

That attribute is also synonymous with Sane, someone who uses his speed and trickery to make himself a real nuisance for defenders.

With 1.7 dribbles per game to his name throughout 2021/22, the 21-year-old is evidently also particularly dangerous in possession of the ball while his 32 career goals make him deadly inside the penalty area too.

With all of that said, it’s clear that Matondo would be a very exciting addition should he make the switch to Parkhead over the summer.

Celtic have some captivating options in their forward line already but the Wales international would surely complete the set.

AND in other news, Ange can land his own Denayer as Celtic eye £7k-p/w gem who has “fire in his belly”…

Celtic defender Christopher Jullien has been touted to leave Parkhead during the upcoming summer transfer window.

What’s the news?

Speaking to Football Insider, former Hoops striker Frank McAvennie did not mince his words about the defender’s current situation at the club and what the immediate future could hold for the Frenchman.

He declared: “It’s clear that Ange doesn’t like him [Jullien]. There were so many games to play last season and he never got a look in, that tells me he’s pretty much finished at Celtic.

“[Cameron] Carter-Vickers and [Carl] Starfelt played every game. I think one of them needs a big, powerful defender to partner them at the back and you would think Jullien fits that mould.

“But he hasn’t played and it doesn’t sound like he’s injured again so Ange clearly doesn’t like him as a player.  I expect he will leave this summer because Ange won’t keep anyone who isn’t contributing.”

Fans will be buzzing

Celtic signed the centre-back from French club Toulouse during the 2019 summer transfer window in a deal worth a reported £7m.

Since then, the 29-year-old has gone on to make just 62 appearances for the Hoops across all competitions (47 of those in his first season at the club), chipping in with 10 goals and four assists over the three years.

After being sidelined for the best part of a year as a result of a serious knee injury, the defender only played 16 minutes for Celtic this season once he recovered, which makes it easy to see why McAvennie thinks Ange Postecoglou doesn’t view Jullien as a credible squad option.

With the defender’s current contract at Parkhead set to expire in the summer of 2023, if what McAvennie says is true and the Celtic manager isn’t a fan of the Frenchman, the upcoming transfer window could give the Hoops the best chance to cash in on the 29-year-old.

Taking this into account, if Jullien isn’t likely to have a future at Celtic, then the club getting as much money as they can for him this summer would surely be the best option for all parties. That scenario would likely have lots of Hoops fans buzzing, especially if the club can find a suitable replacement for the forgotten French defender.

In other news: “Celtic have..”: Transfer insider drops exciting claim that’ll have supporters buzzing

A major Sunderland update has emerged regarding their interest in Nathan Broadhead heading into the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

Kristjaan Speakman has confirmed that the Wearsiders will be holding talks with the 24-year-old’s parent club Everton with a view to bringing him back for another spell at the Stadium of Light, after spending the 2021/22 campaign on loan from the Premier League outfit.

The Black Cats chief told The Northern Echo: “We will have a conversation with Everton this week, to see where they are at with it and where we are at with it, and see if that’s aligned.

“We have to respect the fact that he is an Everton player. We have seen him as our player for the year, because we had to get the best out of him but now that the season is finished he unfortunately goes back to being an Everton player.”

Alex Neil will be excited

The Sunderland head coach will surely be left feeling excited by these quotes from Speakman, as Broadhead returning next season would be a huge boost for the 40-year-old.

The Welsh attacker was lethal in front of goal in the 2021/22 League One campaign as he produced an eye-catching 10 goals in 15 starts for the club. He averaged a SofaScore rating of 6.91, remaining consistent with his performances whenever he was available during an injury-hit time on Wearside, which illustrates the big impact he had when he was on the pitch.

The youngster has also been backed to step up to the mark in the second tier as Speakman said: “Look, he’s had some incredible moments and he’s been an inspiration in many respects in terms of some of the goals he’s scored. It has been harder for him of late because of injury but you can’t take away from the fact that he has got all the attributes to go and play at Championship level.”

Neil will therefore be excited by the prospect of working with the 24-year-old next season, as he is a talented player with the potential to improve even further. He has the scope to develop into an excellent option for the club in 2022/23, as suggested by Speakman’s comments and his form in League One, and the Sunderland manager would surely enjoy attempting to get the best out of him if the Black Cats can obtain him for another season.

This is why the ex-Norwich and Preston manager will be thrilled by the club’s efforts to bring Broadhead back to the Stadium of Light, and he will now be hoping that a deal can be agreed for the Welshman.

AND in other news, Speakman confirms exciting Sunderland news that will leave supporters delighted…

West Ham United are believed to be interested in bringing Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips to the club this summer, having previously tried to do a deal in January.

What’s the word?

As per The Sun, Hammers boss David Moyes is eyeing new midfield targets ahead of next season, with the Scotsman keen to welcome the Euro 2020 star to the London Stadium in the upcoming transfer window.

Such a move would not be viewed as a replacement for Declan Rice, though, with the east Londoners holding firm on their desire to keep the £150m-rated talisman at the club, despite his recent rejection of a new contract offer.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-this-weeks-latest-west-ham-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-and-more” title= “Read the latest West Ham news!”]

Moyes and co had reportedly seen a £50m offer for Phillips rebuffed in the winter, although the 26-year-old – who has also been linked with a move to Manchester United – could now be available for a reduced fee should Jesse Marsch’s side suffer relegation.

Imagine him and Rice

Despite the persistent rumours about Rice’s future, it would appear that West Ham are anticipating the 23-year-old to still be at the club next season, hence the move to try and bring in his England colleague to rekindle the formidable partnership which inspired the Three Lions to the Euro 2020 final last summer.

Although Phillips has endured a frustrating season due to injury – with his absence having been a notable factor in Leeds’ demise – his displays in his first major tournament and in his debut Premier League campaign last term showcased just how huge a talent he truly is.

Such were the quality of his performances on the international stage, managerial icon Fabio Capello dubbed the £45m-rated man the “best modern midfielder I have seen”, while also labelling him as an “aggressive player” for his all-action, robust style.

More excitingly for those of an Irons persuasion, the veteran coach also heaped praise on the Rice-Phillips midfield axis, dubbing them a “phenomenal” duo and saying of their partnership: “They are the secret of this great England. If the defense is iron, it is thanks to them because they protect their comrades.”

Furthermore, even amid a trying season at Elland Road, the £38k-per-week warrior has still produced a string of impressive statistics, averaging 1.1 interceptions, 2.7 tackles and 0.8 clearances per game in his 18 league outings.

A ferocious competitor with seemingly boundless energy, he also ranks in the top 1% for pressures made among midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues, as well as the top 4% for both tackles and blocks made.

A real workhorse, the Leeds academy graduate appears a perfect fit for Moyes’ approach and the perfect long-term partner for Rice at West Ham as well as for England.

IN other news, GSB must complete swoop for “unbelievable” £31.5m-rated star, Moyes will love him..

Everton have had a troubling season in the Premier League and their battle with relegation has led to wide speculation on the future of players like Dominic Calvert-Lewin, and now Frank Lampard has addressed the rumours surrounding the striker.

What’s the latest?

The Toffees manager took to his pre-match press conference to quash rumours about the 25-year-old potentially leaving Goodison Park this summer, after Newcastle United were strongly linked with him earlier this week.

Lampard told the press (via Daily Mail): “He’s a huge player, they are not very common. He is contracted to us, three years left on his contract, and I want to take this club forward and players like Dominic help that.”

‘He’s a player that would be wanted by clubs because of the level of player he is. There are not many strikers out there, they cost a lot of money. I’m not worried about him at all.”

Supporters will be delighted

There is no doubt that Calvert-Lewin has become a fan favourite at Everton when you consider his goal contributions to the team since his arrival at Goodison Park six years ago, so supporters will surely be delighted that Lampard has no intentions of letting the striker leave this summer and is planning for a future which includes him.

The transfer rumours come after a disappointing season by the striker’s standards, with numerous injury problems plaguing the England international throughout. As a result, he has not scored a goal for the Toffees since August as he struggles to gain a consistent run of form this season.

Despite Calvert-Lewin’s injury problems this term, the centre-forward is by far the biggest attacking threat the club has had over the last few years, with an impressive 56 goals and 17 assists in 188 appearances for Everton since he joined back in 2016.

Lampard’s admission that the striker is firmly in his plans is a promising update for supporters, as the 25-year-old has been constantly linked with multiple Premier League clubs, with Arsenal also reportedly interested in snatching him away from Merseyside this summer.

That being said, if the former Chelsea boss can’t pull off the great escape in the relegation battle by the end of the season, it will almost definitely play a huge part in potential outgoings at Goodison Park this summer, so focusing on getting the points needed to remain in the Premier League is essential.

AND in other news: Thelwell plotting Everton swoop for “exceptional” 6 foot 2 tank, Lampard would love him

Sheffield Wednesday have taken free agent Max Haygarth on trial ahead of a potential out-of-window move.

The Lowdown: Haygarth profiled

Haygarth is 20 years of age and is a left-footed winger who left Brentford over the summer. Previously on the books of Manchester United, Haygarth is valued at £90,000 by Transfermarkt.

He made three senior appearances for Brentford but has been without a club since the summer, and it looks as if a move to Hillsborough could be on the cards.

The Latest: Wednesday trial

According to The Star, Haygarth is now on trial with Wednesday after spending time with Luton Town earlier in the summer.

Their report claims that Haygarth isn’t the only player on trial with The Owls, with an unnamed trialist also in action for the U21s on Tuesday.

The Verdict: Good first impression

Haygarth will be looking to earn a contract with Wednesday and made the best first impression possible against Coventry City yesterday. The youngster netted a late winner for the U21s in what was just their second win of the season.

You’d expect that he may feature in upcoming games against Wigan Athletic and Sheffield United, and more positive performances could earn him a professional deal.

Tottenham Hotspur have a ‘magnificent’ talent in Sweden international Dejan Kulusevski, according to the club’s former boss Tim Sherwood.

The Lowdown: Kulusevski shines…

The former Parma star has seriously turned heads since he put pen to paper on a move from Juventus in the winter transfer window.

Joining Spurs alongside Rodrigo Bentancur, the 22-year-old took to life in north London by storm over the second half of 2021/22, scoring five goals and registering eight assists over 14 Premier League starts (WhoScored).

His performances have put him in good stead with the Lilywhites faithful and Kulusevski has continued that fine form when given the opportunity this term, racking up another goal and two assists over six domestic appearances so far.

While the Scandinavian starlet now has marquee summer signing Richarlison to battle for a starting place, it’s clear that the winger can compete going by the opinion of one ex-Spurs manager.

The Latest: Sherwood makes ‘magnificent’ Kulusevski claim…

Speaking on talkSPORT, Sherwood absolutely raved over Kulusevski, calling the Sweden international a ‘revelation’..

The former Tottenham midfielder and manager gushed: “Kulusevski, since he’s been to the club, has been a revelation. He’s been magnificent.”

The Verdict: Serious talent…

The exciting forward really is a serious talent and we’ll hold little surprise if he goes on to become a real Tottenham fan favourite for years to come.

Dubbed a ‘frightening talent’ by members of the Italian press (Carlo Garganese), Kulusevski has certainly lived up to that tag since putting pen to paper on a move to Hotspur Way this year.

According to WhoScored, the attacking midfield man already ranks in Tottenham’s top five for shots at goal, key passes made and completed dribbles per 90 on average this season.

Given Richarlison’s brilliant form also, Spurs supporters could be about to witness a real battle for places on the right-hand side of Antonio Conte’s forward line.

Sky Sports pundit Paul Robinson has been left astounded by new Tottenham Hotspur signing Richarlison so far this season.

The Lowdown: Tottenham move

Having arrived at Hotspur Way earlier this summer in a deal worth £60m, Spurs manager Antonio Conte has eased the Brazil international into the starting XI, with his first four appearances coming off the bench.

However, Richarlison was handed his first start in a Lilywhites shirt at the weekend in Tottenham’s 2-1 victory over Fulham.

As quoted by football.london, the Italian praised the 25-year-old for his ‘amazing’ performance against the Cottagers, in which he played the full 90 minutes.

The Latest: Robinson’s comments

Robinson, who works as a pundit for Sky Sports, has sung Richarlison’s praises for how well he has adapted to life in N17.

Speaking with Football Insider about the Brazil forward, the former Spurs goalkeeper claimed: “Wow, he is looking like a top-class signing.

“I was really impressed with him at the end of last season for Everton. He was playing well in a side that was really struggling. He scored some important goals. When it really mattered, he stood up to be counted.

“Now we are seeing him be better with better players around him. He is getting the service and the interaction. Players are seeing his runs quicker.

“He is looking like a top-class player at the moment. I have no doubt that he is going to prove to be a great signing.”

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The Verdict: Great signing

When looking at Richarlison’s underlying statistics, it is no wonder why Conte wanted to bring him to Hotspur Way this summer.

As per FBRef, compared with positional peers across Europe over the past year, the 25-year-old ranks in the top 2% for blocks, the top 4% for tackles and the top 5% for pressures.

On Saturday, he achieved the joint-highest Sofascore rating of any Spurs player (7.7), winning nine duels and four tackles while also providing the assist for Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s opener and seeing a late goal of his own chalked off by VAR.

Having scored 53 goals in 152 appearances for Everton, Richarlison is certainly a Premier League proven talent who can be relied upon to finish his chances in the final third.

Therefore, with more rotation possibly now expected for Dejan Kulusevski as the Champions League gets underway, the Brazilian could become a crucial player for Spurs as they head into a busy schedule this season.