Southampton’s hopes of signing Manchester United midfielder James Garner this summer have been handed a boost, with reports suggesting that he is set to leave the Red Devils in the coming days.

What’s the word?

Southampton are one of several sides to have been linked with signing the 21-year-old in recent weeks with Erik ten Hag willing to let the academy graduate leave on a permanent deal, despite an impressive campaign on loan with Nottingham Forest last season.

Fabrizio Romano has now provided an update on the youngster’s situation, writing:

“Everton and Southampton are both showing interest in James Garner. No agreement/decision made, but he’s expected to leave Manchester United in the next days.”

Crocker must act

It has been suggested that any deal for Garner would cost around £15m, which could prove to be a bargain for Southampton considering his obvious potential, which he emphasised last season with Steve Cooper’s side, helping them to promotion to the Premier League.

The young midfielder made 44 appearances in the second tier for Forest, contributing four goals and eight assists, earning an impressive 7.08 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

This would have ranked him as the top player in Southampton’s squad last season, which emphasises the quality he could add in Hasenhuttl’s side should he make the move to St Mary’s.

Paul Robinson was full of praise for the United academy graduate during his time at Forest, saying:

“Garner has been exceptional at Forest.

“He is an example of why players get sent out on loan.

“He can play at the top level and I think he has proven that at Forest. I don’t think he’s one that will go straight into the Man United side but I think there is a first-team role there for him and he will feature next season.

The Austrian manager looks to be set on James Ward-Prowse and Romeo Lavia as his main midfield options this season, with both Oriol Romeu and Ibrahima Diallo linked with moves away from St Mary’s, which suggests that more depth is needed in the middle of the park.

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Garner would definitely fit into Southampton’s philosophy of signing young players from the top six and giving them a chance, so director of football Matt Crocker should definitely look to bring the Manchester United man in before the transfer deadline.

Leeds United looked set to sign Bamba Dieng from Marseille on deadline day before that move collapsed but Jesse Marsch has an ideal replacement in Joe Gelhardt.

Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Leeds had pulled out of a deal to sign the 22-year-old forward having previously agreed terms, after the Senegal international had his head turned by a potential move to OGC Nice and failed to board his flight to England.

While Dieng could have been a quality addition to Marsch’s squad, after he burst onto the scene with Marseille last season by hitting eight goals in Ligue 1, his failed signing perhaps gives the American manager the perfect opportunity to unleash a young alternative in Leeds’ own Gelhardt.

Indeed, the English talent deserves a chance to be unleashed for a prolonged period of time in the first team, even before Marsch hands a chance to Leeds’ only deadline day signing in Wilfried Gnonto.

The 20-year-old, who signed from Wigan Athletic in 2020, has already made 27 appearances for Leeds’ first team, in which he has contributed two goals and four assists, showing bright signs of life in his limited game time so far.

He has also proven himself to be prolific with the academy side, hitting 18 goals in just 28 appearances, so it is clear that he is ready to contribute more with the senior team.

He has come off the bench in four of Leeds’ fixtures so far this season, so he is clearly in Marsch’s plans, but the manager could get more out of him by handing him a rare start, especially after Rodrigo’s injury earlier this week.

Patrick Bamford is also yet to rediscover the form he showed in the 2020/21 season when he hit 17 top-flight goals, so perhaps it is time that someone else was given a shot up front, and Gelhardt could be a superb option, especially if he lives up to his obvious potential.

Gelhardt earned a lot of praise from talkSPORT presenter Adrian Durham last season after an impressive cameo against Wolves.

He said: “Joe Gelhardt for Leeds, was astonishing at the weekend. This is somebody who is 19, he’s not even 20 until May.

“What a player this kid is going to be. Joe Gelhardt rescued Leeds and Bielsa, he was brilliant. By the way, he should be involved in far more games. I think he’s been a bit reluctant to use him because of his age, but get him in there.”

Gnonto will take some time to settle into his new surroundings and moving to a new country at a young age could be a challenging task, as it would have been for Dieng too.

Thus, while the Italy international gets himself up to speed and accommodates to his fresh surroundings, Marsch should hand more opportunities to Gelhardt, as he could be superb if given further opportunities to shine.

Liverpool have shown an interest in signing Benfica midfielder Enzo Fernandez before deadline day ends, according to reliable journalist Melissa Reddy.

The Lowdown: Midfield search continues

Injuries to the likes of Thiago, Naby Keita, Curtis Jones and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have left the Reds in a perilous situation, with midfield options severely lacking.

It means there is a real need to bring in a new signing before the Thursday night cutoff, or risk leaving Jurgen Klopp with a far weaker-looking squad until at least January.

A number of players have been linked with solving the issue – such as Ruben Neves and Frenkie De Jong – but a new name has now been thrown into the mix.

The Latest: Fernandez scouted

Writing for Sky Sports, Reddy claimed that Julian Ward and Liverpool scouts have kept a ‘watching brief’ on Fernandez, following his move from River Plate to Benfica.

No bid has been tabled but he appears to be someone who could potentially be a late-window target.

Jurgen is a Red! Show how happy you are about it with this awesome t-shirt! Click here to buy…

The Verdict: Feels increasingly unlikely

As frustrating as it will be for many supporters, it does feel as though the chances of Liverpool signing a new midfielder are diminishing all the time, with Klopp only wanting someone who is close to the perfect fit.

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It is an approach that has worked superbly throughout his tenure, in fairness, but this is a desperate situation and the Reds need to take a punt on someone who could end up being more of a gamble. If not, their season could be affected greatly.

And Fernandez is a player who would be an exciting addition, with Premier League legend Robert Pires once saying that he ‘loved’ watching him and that he ‘gives solutions’ for his teammates, suggesting the 21-year-old could bring much some much-need guile in the middle of the park.

Talent scout Jacek Kulig delivered an in depth profile on the player when Benfica brought him to Europe, describing the youngster as a ‘fantastic midfielder’ and a ‘playmaker’ with great technique, versatility, ‘very high’ football IQ and top tackling ability.

Newcastle United are waiting on a response from West Ham United over a deadline day move for right-back Harrison Ashby, according to Daily Mail journalist Craig Hope.

The Lowdown: Career so far…

The 20-year-old has been tipped for a bright future after bagging two goals and eight assists in 31 Premier League 2 appearances for the Hammers youth sides.

With such promise at academy level, the U21 Scotland international has been handed six senior appearances for West Ham, having made his Premier League debut back in March.

Ashby even featured once for the Irons during their impressive Europa League run last season.

The Latest: Hope’s news

With Emil Krafth out for several months after suffering a serious knee injury, Newcastle are keen on signing Ashby as a direct replacement.

Hope has shared an update on the Magpies’ pursuit, with the club hoping to get a deal over the line before tonight’s 11pm deadline.

Taking to Twitter, the reliable journalist claimed:

“Newcastle are waiting for a response from West Ham re Harrison Ashby & would like to do a deal today. For now, that is the only move they are pursuing. #nufc”

The Verdict: Promising talent

With Krafth out injured for a considerable amount of time, it is imperative Newcastle bring in another right-back to St James’ Park before the transfer deadline, otherwise leaving Kieran Trippier without an understudy for months.

Therefore, Ashby’s proposed move to Tyneside could be brilliant for the youngster’s development, as he would be learning from an experienced professional and would likely get plenty of playing time with fixtures coming thick and fast.

West Ham U21 coach Dmitri Halajko previously singled out the ‘real quality’ of the 20-year-old after an impressive EFL Trophy display.

And in truth it was surprising that Ashby’s Irons contract was allowed to get down to the final 12 months, with the Irons triggering a one-year extension only to take him to 2023.

The talented full-back clearly has the potential to succeed at the highest level for years to come, so if the Magpies can secure this move for a cut-price, this would be a shrewd bit of business for Newcastle.

Tottenham Hotspur are surprisingly interested in Leeds United forward Daniel James, according to reliable journalist Alan Nixon.

The Lowdown: Gil replacement wanted

As reported by the Evening Standard, if Spurs winger Bryan Gil does end up leaving the club before next Thursday’s transfer deadline, Lilywhites manager Antonio Conte will demand a direct replacement.

Having already welcomed a £60m Richarlison to the plethora of forwards available at his disposal, the Italian boss is obviously keen to keep strength in his squad’s depth and rotational options, with a busy season ahead competing in both the Premier League and the Champions League.

Consequently, a number of wide players and attacking midfielders have been touted with a move to Hotspur Way, with a surprising addition now added to the list.

The Latest: Nixon’s news

Nixon has shared the latest Tottenham transfer news, revealing an unexpected name is now being linked with the north London club.

Taking to Twitter, the reliable journalist said: “Spurs shock interest in Dan James.”

Simply titled on his Patreon, Nixon added that indeed “Spurs want” the Wales international in what could be a dramatic late saga this summer.

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The Verdict: Questionable signing

After failing to make a significant impact at Manchester United, where he contributed nine goals and nine assists in 74 games for the club, the Wales speedster was offered a lifeline at Elland Road, joining the Whites in a deal worth £25m.

Whilst the winger was a regular at Leeds last season, he didn’t stand out in the relegation-threatened side, adding just four goals to his Premier League tally.

Therefore, this appears to be a strange move by Tottenham, who have been linked with a myriad of attackers this summer.

However, James still shows signs of some untapped promise. Earlier this year, pundit Micah Richards hailed the 24-year-old for his ‘outstanding’ performance against Aston Villa: “I’ve seen a measured, a more composed approach, his runs in behind – as a defender, it’s an absolute nightmare.”

The Spurs hierarchy may have spotted something they really like in the winger’s ability to stretch games – perhaps as an option off the bench against tired legs – although this appears to be a questionable candidate by Conte’s usual standards.

Liverpool are interested in signing Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Leandro Paredes to help ease their midfield crisis, according to a new transfer rumour.

The Lowdown: Reds’ midfield crisis

The Reds were beaten 2-1 by rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford on Monday night, in what was a putrid performance from start to finish.

The midfield was arguably the biggest issue, with Jordan Henderson and James Milner out of sorts, and the likes of Thiago, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all out injured.

The need for a new midfielder to come in this summer is increasing all the time and it looks as though Jurgen Klopp could be addressing the problem.

The Latest: Paredes linked with move

According to Calciomercato, Liverpool see Paredes as a potential option this summer, with the 28-year-old not a guaranteed starter at PSG and playing just 49 minutes of Ligue 1 action so far this season.

Keita’s injury is thought to have altered the Reds’ decision about a new signing and Paredes is seen as the replacement.

Roma and Juventus are also eyeing the Argentina international.

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The Verdict: Panic buy or shrewd signing?

Paredes is an interesting target, with the midfielder possessing a huge amount of experience in his career, winning 44 caps for Argentina and making 117 appearances for PSG.

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At 28, the reigning and three-time Ligue 1 champion is not a young player and injuries have hampered him in the past, however, so there would be a clear risk element in bringing him into an already fitness-plagued Liverpool squad.

Paredes’ quality isn’t an issue, though – former PSG man Fabrice Pancrate has said his ‘tempo is perfect’, suggesting a coolness and composure on the ball that may remind Reds fans of Thiago.

Indeed, he ranks in the 99th percentile amongst midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues for passes and pass completion, also coming in at the 89th mark for progressive passes, suggesting he isn’t just taking the easy option (FBRef).

Tottenham Hotspur have been rocked with a late twist on deadline day, and it won’t leave sporting director Fabio Paratici very happy…

What’s the word?

According to the Telegraph’s Mike McGrath, Spurs transfer target Daniel James has been left ” in limbo” over a potential exit from Leeds United today.

It seems unlikely that the Wales international will be allowed to depart as the Yorkshire side have failed to hit a breakthrough with their own business, where they have attempted to sign PSV’s Cody Gakpo and Wolves’ Hwang Hee-chan.

The 24-year-old is free to speak to other teams, with Premier League rivals Everton, Fulham and Leicester City all keeping an eye on developments, though it would be a surprise to see him move at this stage.

Paratici will be gutted

This news will surely set the Spurs supremo back as he looks to bolster Antonio Conte’s attacking options this late in the summer window.

Moves for the likes of Ruslan Malinovskyi and Yannick Carrasco have failed to materialise over the last few weeks, leaving the former Juventus chief looking a little closer to home.

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Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano revealed on Wednesday that the Lilywhites were “back in negotiations” with Leeds over a deal for James, which would be an initial loan with an option to buy – but he also claimed that the diminutive winger was happy at Elland Road.

This could well be a blessing in disguise, given the Welshman’s struggles in the top-flight, particularly in west Yorkshire, where his run of 18 straight matches without a goal has led to criticism from the press.

LeedsLive contributor Conor McGilligan deemed him to be a “headless chicken” who runs about for 20 minutes, whilst club legend Ian Harte questioned his lack of end product, claiming: “Let’s be honest, if he didn’t have the pace, he wouldn’t play in the Premier League. He doesn’t have the knowledge or the know-how.”

An average of one goal or assist every 314 minutes for the Whites is a pretty poor record for an attack-minded winger that has also played upfront and cost an eye-watering £30m.

But given it is Paratici and co who want to sign him, they will surely be left frustrated by these developments at Leeds heading into the final few hours of the window.

AND in other news, Talks underway: Spurs plot late move for £33m “enigma”, Conte can forget Malinovskyi…

West Bromwich Albion look set to sign a new midfielder…

What’s the word?

According to The Athletic journalist Elias Burke, Josh Onomah seems poised to move to the club in a loan move.

He wrote on Twitter: “Josh Onomah looks set to join WBA. Undergoing a medical ahead of a loan move. Good business for a midfielder who has worked under Bruce previously. Adds a different pace to the midfield and has an eye for goal.”

 Could spark a play-off push

To sign a man Steve Bruce will know well could be the key to unlocking a Baggies side who have struggled to find the net early on in the season.

Just 11 goals this season in seven games, with five of them coming in one match, is indicative of a side struggling in front of goal. The injury to January signing Daryl Dike will certainly play a part in this.

However, to sign a creative midfielder who has played in the Premier League and the Champions League at the age of still only 25 marks a huge coup for Bruce.

Eight goals and 12 assists in 99 Championship appearances are suggestive of a consistent threat, however, in recent years, his form has dipped.

If he can recapture the form of the 2017/18 season, where he recorded his best SofaScore rating of 6.86 in the league across 20 starts, it could mark a massive signing. His attacking return of four goals and three assists outlined him as a young starlet, with his performances at the U17 World Cup earning him the title of “outstanding.”

Indeed he’s been used to acclaim during his career with one journalist hailing him for his “superb” runs in the final third.

He has struggled to live up to his immense potential, but the fact he suggested it was there at all gives credence to the claim that he could now be a success for West Brom.

If he can find any kind of form, he could be instrumental in realising Bruce’s dreams of a play-off push for his side.

Leeds United are interested in a deal to bring Hwang Hee-chan to Elland Road this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Sky Sports, who claim that, after Alan Nixon revealed the Whites could target the Wolverhampton Wanderers forward should Tottenham Hotspur firm up their reported interest in a £20m move for Daniel James, Victor Orta is indeed considering launching a move for the 26-year-old in the coming days.

However, while Sky did reveal that the South Korea international would be keen to link up with his former Red Bull Salzburg manager, Jesse Marsch, once again at Elland Road, it is also claimed that Bruno Lage’s side would demand a figure in the region of £25m in order to part with the attacker – considerably more than the £15m Nixon had initially reported.

Marsch’s final piece of the puzzle

While the vast majority of Leeds supporters would likely claim that Leeds still need a new centre-forward and left-back – something Beren Cross backed up in a recent Q&A – in order for Victor Orta to have completed the perfect summer transfer window, with it now looking as if the club are content with deploying Pascal Struijk on the left of their back line, it would appear the signing of a striker could well be the final target on the club’s shortlist this summer.

And, considering Marsch’s previous relationship with Hwang, in addition to the Wolves forward having impressed following his arrival at Molineux last summer, the 26-year-old attacker may just be the 48-year-old’s final piece of the puzzle at Elland Road heading into the bulk of the 2022/23 campaign.

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Indeed, over his 30 Premier League appearances – only 20 of which came as starts – last season, the £17m-rated talent scored five goals, registered one assist and created two big chances for his teammates, a rather impressive feat considering he was playing for a Wolves side who scored just 38 goals last time out – the fourth-worst record in the league.

However, the £19k-per-week winger’s form at RB Salzburg will undoubtedly be the primary reason for Marsch’s interest in the Korean, as Hwang scored a quite astonishing 16 goals and provided 24 assists over his 43 appearances under the American’s management – averaging a simply sensational direct goal involvement every 66 minutes of football played.

Furthermore, with the former RB Leipzig forward being able to operate from attacking midfield, on either flank and as a centre-forward, the 26-year-old’s impressive positional versatility would not only see him be capable of providing the increasingly injury-prone Patrick Bamford with competition for his starting spot up top, he would also give Marsch another wide attacking option.

As such, should Leeds manage to get a £25m deal over the line for Hwang in the coming days, the 47-cap international could well prove to be Marsch’s final piece of the puzzle in the summer transfer window – an outcome that will surely delight the 48-year-old manager.

Rangers are not short of exciting young talent at present, with the likes of Leon King, Robbie Ure and Alex Lowry all looking like players who can potentially emerge as first-team regulars in the coming years after rising from the youth ranks.

There is clearly a pathway there for academy assets to shine at senior level at Ibrox, with the Old Firm side seemingly having a good track record for promoting from within.

That’s not to say they have always got it right, however, with Lewis Morgan one of the few who was overlooked at youth level by the Glasgow outfit, only to go on to thrive elsewhere in the years since.

The Greenock-born forward had been on the books at the Scottish giants until 2013, before opting for a change of destination in the hopes of taking on a more prominent role at another side, having admitted he was “talked out” of signing a new two-year deal with the club.

He was subsequently snapped up by St Mirren and quickly showcased just what the Gers had missed out on, going on to score 29 goals and provide 23 assists in 118 appearances for the Buddies, albeit while largely competing in the second tier.

That form ultimately alerted the attention of Brendan Rodgers and Celtic, with the Hoops securing a deal for the versatile winger in January 2018, with Morgan eventually arriving at Parkhead later that year.

While previously lauded as “dynamic” by Rodgers, the then youngster struggled to secure a regular role under both the Northern Irishman and his successor Neil Lennon, making just 31 appearances in all competitions over the next few years, scoring two goals.

Having hardly been handed a chance at Celtic Park – after also being shipped out on loan to Sunderland in January 2019 – the 5 foot 10 speedster ultimately traded life in Scotland for the United States, joining David Beckham’s newly-formed franchise, Inter Miami a year later.

It is in MLS where the two-cap Scotland international has shown both Rangers – and their bitter rivals – what they have been missing, as he scored seven goals and provided seven assists in 51 games for the Florida-based outfit.

A subsequent switch to New York Red Bulls has proved particularly fruitful for the £4.5m-rated gem, as he has since scored 16 goals in just 32 appearances for far this season, while also laying on three assists.

A creative asset who can pose a real threat in the final third, Morgan has only recently been attracting interest from a handful of clubs in England, with Championship duo Huddersfield and Millwall said to have made an approach earlier this summer.

Still just 25, the fleet-footed playmaker may well go on to even bigger and better things in the coming years, leaving the Gers to rue their decision not to keep him all those years ago.