Fabrizio Romano has dropped an update on the future of Leeds United transfer target Tyler Adams.

What’s the talk?

In a recent post on Twitter, the Italian journalist revealed that, following a number of reports linking the Whites with a move for the RB Leipzig midfielder this summer, Victor Orta has now agreed a £20m fee – that will be paid in instalments – with the Bundesliga side for the transfer of the 23-year-old.

The transfer insider goes on to state that the USA international is now set to undergo a medical at Elland Road this week, with the former New York Red Bulls starlet thought to be the Whites’ replacement for Kalvin Phillips – who recently joined Manchester City in a £42m deal.

In his tweet, Romano said: “Tyler Adams will undergo medical tests as new Leeds player this week. £20m fee includes add-ons and will be paid in instalments, RB Leipzig have accepted all the conditions on Monday afternoon. He’ll be the replacement for Kalvin Phillips who joined Man City.”

Supporters will love Romano’s update

While the loss of a home-grown player as talented as Phillips will certainly be a bitter pill to swallow for many of the Elland Road faithful, Romano’s suggestion that Orta is now closing in on a deal for Adams as a replacement for the England international in Jesse Marsch’s first-team squad is sure to be news that supporters will love.

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Indeed, after making the move from New York to Leipzig back in January of 2019, the £26m-rated American made an immediate impact on Ralf Rangnick’s side over his 10 Bundesliga fixtures in 2018/19, registering two assists, creating two big chances for his teammates and making an average of 0.5 key passes per game.

The £38k-per-week midfielder also impressed in metrics more typical of his position, completing an average of 42.1 passes, 1.8 long balls, 1.4 dribbles, 1.6 interceptions, 2.9 tackles, 0.7 clearances and winning 7.1 duels – at a success rate of 57% – per fixture.

These returns saw the player who Marsch himself dubbed a “special talent” average an extremely impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.19, not only ranking him as Leipzig’s joint fourth-best performer in the league but also as the joint 23rd-best player in the Bundesliga as a whole that year.

As such, while it is true that, following Domenico Tedesco’s appointment at the Red Bull Arena back in December, Adams found his game time become much more limited – starting just five league games under the management of the 36-year-old – should Marsch be able to help his compatriot refind his 2018/19 form at Elland Road next season, £20m could very quickly look like an absolute steal for the Whites.

AND in other news: Journo reveals Leeds now “close to” record-breaking deal, supporters will be buzzing

Sunderland right-back Niall Huggins has suffered an injury setback ahead of the 2022/23 campaign…

What’s the latest?

Black Cats boss Alex Neil has confirmed that the full-back has not been involved in training with the first-team squad as he continues to recover from his knock.

He told the Sunderland Echo: “Unfortunately for Niall, he’s not doing pre season with us at the moment.

“He’s still on the way back from his injury, which has obviously been ongoing. He’s come out with us to work with the physios, he’s part of our group and we want him to be involved.”We just need to make slow progress with Niall, so we can get him in the best nick so that he doesn’t break down. It’s been tough for him. We value him a lot so we want him to get fit as soon as we can, but there’s no rush on it.”It’s really important we get him back to a point where he doesn’t break down.” Neil will be gutted

The Black Cats’ head coach will be gutted by this situation because Huggins being unavailable is a blow to his squad heading into the 2022/23 campaign.

Sunderland’s season kicks off later this month as they face the prospect of a first year in the Championship since 2017/18. They will need as many of their players available as possible to give them the best chance of enjoying a successful term in the second tier, which is why the right-back’s injury is a frustrating one.

It leaves the club with two natural options at full-back ahead of the opener against Coventry; Dennis Cirkin and Trai Hume.

Huggins has played in the Premier League – for Leeds – and caught the eye in the EFL Cup for Sunderland last season. He averaged a SofaScore rating of 7.00 in the competition, making 3.5 tackles and interceptions and providing 1.5 key passes per game.

The 21-year-old has, therefore, shown signs of promise at right-back and has the potential to break into the team as he gains more experience at senior level.

However, he is not going to get the minutes he needs whilst he is injured. This means that his knock is stunting his development whilst also leaving Neil short in the full-back department, which is why the Welshman missing pre-season so far is a big blow that will leave the manager gutted.

AND in other news, Speakman plotting SAFC bid for 21 y/o set for “huge things”, imagine him & Pritchard…

Manchester United have been linked with a move for AS Monaco striker Wissam Ben Yedder recently and the Frenchman could form a superb partnership with Christian Eriksen in Erik ten Hag’s side next season.

Reports from France have claimed that both United and Wolves are keen on signing the 31-year-old forward this summer as they look to amend their attacking woes, with Ben Yedder high on their lists after yet another impressive season with Monaco.

Ten Hag will be desperate for attacking reinforcements this summer having already lost the likes of Edinson Cavani and Jesse Lingard, while last season’s top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo could also be on his way out of Old Trafford.

Ben Yedder would represent an excellent option for the Dutch manager given his remarkable consistency in recent seasons with Monaco and Sevilla.

Last season saw the £34m France international contribute 25 goals and five assists in 37 Ligue 1 appearances, averaging an impressive 7.04 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

Ben Yedder scores very highly in terms of touches in the attacking penalty box and non-penalty goals, which highlights his ability as a goal-poacher, and suggests that he could be the ideal man to benefit from the signing of Eriksen.

The Denmark international is reportedly set to join United on a free transfer after his contract at Brentford expired, with the 30-year-old seriously impressing for Thomas Frank’s side in the second half of last season, notching one goal and four goals in just 11 Premier League appearances.

Eriksen’s creativity and ability to play key passes make him the dream for any striker and given that Ben Yedder has never had any trouble finding the back of the net, being described as “one of the best” strikers around in 2016, the two would surely work together well under ten Hag next season.

Therefore, given the lack of attacking options currently at ten Hag’s disposal, the former Ajax boss should definitely look at bringing Ben Yedder to Old Trafford this summer, as he could prosper alongside fellow new signing Eriksen.

And, in other news… After Eriksen: MUFC get green light for “phenomenal” signing, supporters will love it

Nottingham Forest are looking to build and improve their squad ahead of their long-awaited return to the Premier League, and now a reliable source has revealed a new potential transfer target for the club.

What’s the latest?

Italian journalist and transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Nottingham Forest have made contact with Chelsea regarding a move for Levi Colwill.

Romano tweeted: “Chelsea will sign two centre backs this summer but will also make final decision on Levi Colwill, as multiple clubs are interested in signing the English centre back on a permanent deal. Leicester, Crystal Palace, Brighton and Nottingham Forest have asked for Colwill.”

Supporters will be excited

There is no doubt that supporters will be excited that Forest are making moves in the transfer window in an effort to get a great squad together upon their return to the Premier League, and Colwill could be a great addition to the team following his season in the Championship with Huddersfield Town.

The 19-year-old scored two goals, contributed one assist and created two big chances over his 29 Championship appearances last term, as well as making an average of 1.8 tackles, 1.3 interceptions and 4.1 clearances per game, in addition to winning the majority of his duels combined (65%) and successful in completing the large majority of his dribble attempts too (76%).

Colwill’s efforts contributed to the Yorkshire club’s achievement in making it to the Championship play-off finals this summer, but they fell just short – ironically missing out on promotion to the first tier to none other than Nottingham Forest.

The Huddersfield boss Carlos Corberan gave the young defender huge praise in an interview last season (via Yorkshire Post):

“I think he’s going to be one of the most important centre-backs for this country in the future. I am seeing a player with a lot of potential and a lot of personality.”

Steve Cooper will surely be hoping that if Forest can sign Colwill this summer that he will be able to bring his talent and solid performances into the Premier League next season and continue to develop his game at a higher level with regular minutes in the top flight.

With that being said, the signing of Colwill would be a major coup for Forest and would give them the opportunity to not only develop a promising young talent but also sign a high-quality player who could put them in a great position to maintain their top-flight season for years to come.

AND in other news: Sky Sports deliver big NFFC transfer development that’ll leave supporters delighted

Transfer insider Dean Jones has now shared some ‘whispers’ from Arsenal involving Raheem Sterling.

The Lowdown: Raphinha alternative?

It now seems unlikely that the Gunners will sign Raphinha, after reports of FC Barcelona, who are the Leeds United winger’s preferred destination, wanting to gazump Chelsea’s own £60m deal.

Thus, the north Londoners will have to look at alternative targets if they want to strengthen out wide, with Sterling a reported option at the start of the summer, although Chelsea are reportedly now also in talks for his signature.

The Latest: Arsenal ‘whispers’

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Jones has now shared ‘whispers’ of Sterling possibly moving to the Emirates Stadium, although they ‘can’t compete’ with Chelsea in terms of his wages:

“There have been whispers of Arsenal going for Sterling but there is very little chance of them jumping in on that deal to revenge at Chelsea for bidding on Raphinha.

“The main issue, away from the level they’re at, is the wages. I’m told they just can’t compete at his pay level.”

The Verdict: Shame

It would be a shame for Mikel Arteta’s team to miss out on both Raphinha and Sterling, especially if they both end up at London rivals Chelsea.

The latter has shown that he can score and assist goals on a consistent basis for Manchester City, racking up 78 goals in the last five top flight seasons (Transfermarkt).

However, his massive £300,000-per-week salary could prove to be a stumbling block in terms of making the move to North London, and would break their current wage structure.

Given that Chelsea can offer him UEFA Champions League football as well, any deal for Sterling this summer seems highly unlikely.

Former West Ham teenager Sonny Perkins is ‘likely to join Leeds’, according to insider ExWHUemployee.

The Lowdown: Leeds links

The Whites have been hard at work bolstering Jesse Marsch’s first team ranks this summer, spending £95m on six players. One of those is young midfielder Darko Gyabi, who is part of a 26-man Leeds squad in Australia after joining from Manchester City.

More youngsters like Gyabi could arrive at Thorp Arch, though, with Perkins first linked with a move to Yorkshire last month. Leeds were thought to be lining up a deal for the 18-year-old, who officially left the London Stadium earlier this month.

The Latest: Perkins update

MOT Leeds News relayed an update from reliable Hammers insider ExWHUemployee regarding Perkins on Thursday.

He claimed that ‘Perkins looks most likely to join Leeds’ after his West Ham departure, with the ‘stand out’ player (in the words of Ex) even appearing to follow the Whites on Instagram in recent days.

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The Verdict: Fingers crossed

The likes of Aston Villa and Tottenham have also been linked with Perkins, who Leeds reporter James Marshment has said could be a ‘£30m’ player in ‘three or four years’.

He’s described as a midfielder by both WhoScored and The Athletic but can also play further forward and has an impressive goalscoring record for West Ham’s academy sides.

Therefore, Leeds could be about to secure a versatile future star in Perkins, so hopefully, ExWHUemployee’s claim regarding a move to the Whites is accurate.

Wolverhampton Wanderers look to be finally making some progress in the summer transfer window, with the latest reports suggesting that they are in contact with Benfica over a potential move for Goncalo Ramos.

What’s the word?

According to Portuguese journalist Sérgio Pereira in Mais Futebol, Wolves have started talks with the striker in the hope of bringing him to Molineux ahead of the new Premier League season.

Bruno Lage has already worked with Ramos during his time at Benfica, so it is no surprise to see the 21-year-old being linked with the Old Gold, as they look to bolster their attacking options this summer.

With Fabio Silva set to join Anderlecht on loan, Lage’s options up front are looking extremely limited, so it seems extremely likely that a new striker will be brought in this month, with Ramos perhaps looking the most probable at the moment.

Supporters will be buzzing

Wolves fans weren’t treated to too much excitement in the Premier League last season.

The Old Gold were one of the lowest scorers in the division, with only the relegated teams scoring fewer, and after a strong start built on a resolute defence, their season tailed off.

Lage’s side played out five defeats and two draws in their final seven fixtures, scoring just five goals, so vast improvements are needed this summer if the club are to improve on that relegation form.

It seems clear, therefore, that they need to bring in a striker capable of scoring goals, and Ramos could well be the ideal candidate, having hit seven for Benfica last season.

The young forward has also been extremely prolific in Benfica’s academy and has 14 goals in just 18 appearances for Portugal U21s, so evidently knows where the back of the net is and looks to possess a great deal of potential.

Given that Wolves are yet to sign anyone this summer, supporters will be buzzing to hear that progress is being made towards bringing in a new centre-forward, which Lage desperately needs considering the form of Raul Jimenez last season – when the Mexican hit just six goals in the top-flight.

Hopefully for the Old Gold, a deal for Ramos can be completed, and they can be much more potent going forwards in the 2022/23 Premier League campaign.

AND in other news: Lage must seal Wolves swoop for £18m machine who’s “exploding”, imagine him and Neves

Nottingham Forest are on the brink of finally completing the signing of Manchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson, according to Nottinghamshire Live correspondent Sarah Clapson. 

The lowdown: Career so far

A highly rated product of the youth setup at Manchester United, the prodigiously talented Henderson spent time on loan at Stockport, Grimsby and Shrewsbury during a fledgeling career.

However, it was during an impressive 2019/20 campaign with Sheffield United when the 25-year-old stopper truly came to the fore with a host of impressive displays that earned senior international recognition.

Now, amidst seemingly never-ending links with a season-long loan move to Forest, it appears as though Steve Cooper is on the verge of finally getting his man…

The latest: ‘Soon…’

Answering questions from supporters as part of a Q&A for the Nottingham Post, Clapson claimed that the one-cap England ace is expected to arrive at the City Ground in the coming days.

Asked about the current state of play in the goalkeeping department, she replied: “All being well, Henderson should be the next new face in the building. Expecting that one to go through, hopefully fairly soon. Should get completed once he has returned from honeymoon.”

Clapson also shed some light on the latest with wantaway Brice Samba: “Looking likely that Samba will move on, though. Lens seems the most likely destination at the minute. Will go down as a Forest hero – that performance against Sheffield United was one of the best goalkeeping displays I’ve ever seen live. A shame to see him go, but Henderson is a very good keeper, too.”

The verdict: Smart moves

Signing a ‘keeper of Henderson’s class just days after securing what Cooper hopes will be a prevalent goal threat in the shape of Taiwo Awoniyi is an excellent start to the transfer window as Forest prepare for a long-awaited return to the Premier League.

Last season, the Englishman managed only five appearances across all competitions, but he has previously proven his ‘exceptional’ quality – as recently lauded by writer Danny Hall – whilst earning a superb 7.00 Sofascore rating during 2019/20, making 2.5 saves per game and keeping 13 clean sheets in the process.

With Forest correspondent Clapson also doubling down on Samba seemingly heading towards the exit door in Nottingham, Cooper will no doubt be delighted with the Reds hierarchy and the ability to tie up the deal for £16.2million valued Henderson as swiftly as possible.

Arsenal are interested in making a sensational move for Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante this summer, and with just one year remaining on his contract, the Blues could decide to cash in now.

What’s the story?

According to a report in The Daily Star, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta wants to add more world-class midfield talent to his squad and the club believes there could be an opportunity to prise Kante across London.

It would be a huge move considering the rivalry between clubs in the city, but it could be a good move for the 31-year-old as he starts to think about prolonging his career.

The Gunners aren’t the only club interested, with the report stating that Manchester United are also keeping tabs on the availability of the Frenchman.

It’s not the first time Arsenal have been interested in signing him – last year former boss Arsene Wenger made yet another transfer revelation when being interviewed by LadBible.

He explained how he could have signed Kante while he was playing for French club Caen but turned down the opportunity. He eventually moved to Leicester City and then to Chelsea for £32m after Arsenal investigated a deal and decided against a move in 2016.

He’s a Xhaka upgrade

One player Kante would be competing with for a spot in the team is Granit Xahka. The Switzerland international made 30 appearances for the Gunners last season so was a crucial part of their campaign.

However, if Arsenal want to push further and secure a place in the Champions League then Kante would represent the perfect upgrade needed to take them to the next level.

He’s rated at £36m but could be secured for less due to the time remaining on his current deal.

If you compare their statistics in possession last season, the Chelsea midfielder performs better. He made 148 progressive carries whereas Xhaka made 111.

He’s also better at winning the ball back having successfully tackled 50% of the dribblers that ran past him in the same period, this compares to Xhaka who was successful against 36%. With that in mind, memories of a certain box-to-box player in Patrick Vieira came crawling back.

He was a brute in the middle of the pitch, winning the ball back and progressing it quickly up the pitch in a similar way to Kante.

Former pro Ally McCoist has previously described him as “magic” and from several impressive displays, it’s easy to see why.

Kante has won almost everything there is to win domestically with Chelsea, and at Arsenal, he could take on more leadership responsibilities and be a real role model to the younger players in Arteta’s squad.

It’s a signing that works for both clubs and the player, there’s still a long way to go, but fans of the Gunners can get excited about the possibility of this one.

IN other news: Bid made: Arsenal submit offer for “special” £18m-rated gem, he could be Tavares 2.0…

An update has emerged on Rangers and their interest in bringing a new forward to Ibrox in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

According to outlet Foot News, citing their sources in Scotland, Rangers are plotting a bid to sign winger Theo Bongonda ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

The report claims that Genk would be willing to sell him for a fee in the region of €7m (£6m) – the price they paid to sign him from Zulte-Waregem in 2019.

It is also stated that the attacker is attracting interest from the UAE but would prefer to join a club playing European football.

Forget about Joe Aribo

By securing a deal to sign the Pro League forward, Ross Wilson can land the dream replacement for Joe Aribo at Ibrox. The Nigeria international is reportedly closing in on a £10m move to Premier League side Southampton and the Gers can bring in Bongonda with £4m to spare.

In the Premiership last season, the ex-Charlton man produced eight goals and five assists – playing in a number 10 role and out wide at times for Steven Gerrard and then Gio van Bronckhorst. This came after he managed seven goals and four assists in the Scottish top-flight in 2020/21.

He is a proven performer for the Gers in the final third and will leave a huge hole in the squad if and when his move to Southampton is confirmed.

However, Rangers fans may quickly forget about the 25-year-old if the club can secure Bongonda’s services as he has the potential to be a better player for the club.

The Genk attacker, who can play on both flanks, can come in and be Aribo’s replacement on the right of van Bronckhorst’s front three and has been in fantastic form in recent seasons in Belgium.

In the 2021/22 campaign, he found the back of the net 12 times and set up two goals – creating seven big chances – after scoring 16 goals and providing eight assists – creating ten big chances – in the previous season.

This means that, in the last two league campaigns, the wing wizard has been directly involved in 14 goals more for Genk than Aribo has been for Rangers.

These statistics suggest that he has the potential to come in and make a bigger impact in the final third and make Light Blues fans forget all about the Nigerian maestro by being a dream replacement for him…

AND in other news, Rangers can land Jack 2.0 by signing £20m gem who “dominates”, he’s “one of the best”…