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Newcastle United have been linked with a move for Real Betis midfielder Nabil Fekir.

What’s the news?

According to recent reports in Spain (via Sport Witness), the Magpies will look to secure a move for the Frenchman this summer.

After scoring 69 goals and providing 46 assists in 193 appearances for his previous club Lyon, the 28-year-old joined Betis in 2019. Since then, the midfielder – who is currently valued around the €40m (£34m) mark according to CIES – has found the net 22 times and delivered 23 assists in 118 appearances across all competitions.

Over 34 appearances throughout the 2021/22 La Liga campaign, the Frenchman racked up more shots at goal (84), shot-creating actions (161) and successful dribbles (57) than any of his team-mates.

This highlights just how dangerous he can be in front of goal when it comes to scoring and setting up goalscoring opportunities for his team-mates.

He also ended the campaign with the joint-third highest number of successful tackles (34) at the La Liga club, which shows that he isn’t afraid to get stuck in and win the ball back for his team.

Taking all this into account, it’s easy to see why he has been listed as the highest-rated Betis player to start more than one league game last season according to WhoScored, with an overall performance rating of 7.38/10.

It’s also easy to see why the 2018 World Cup winner was lauded as a “world champion with tremendous quality” by Betis president Angel Haro.

Ben Arfa 2.0

Fekir’s clear talent in front of goal could put him in the same light as former Newcastle star Hatem Ben Arfa.

Bearing in mind how the 35-year-old racked up 29 goal contributions in 86 appearances for the Magpies ( 14 goals and 15 assists), this mirrors the Betis dynamo’s effectiveness at the top of the pitch.

In fact, over 26 Premier League appearances in the 2011/12 season, the Frenchman ended the campaign with five goals, five assists and an average of 1.3 key passes and two dribbles per game, highlighting the attacking similarities between him and Fekir.

If Newcastle were able to strike a deal for the Betis star this summer, this would surely be a fantastic addition to Eddie Howe’s squad given the clear talent that the 28-year-old has.

AND in other news: PIF plotting Newcastle bid for £211k-p/w target, he’d be “one of the best” summer signings

West Ham United are increasingly confident that Jesse Lingard will sign for the club, according to Sky Sports journalist Dharmesh Sheth.

The Lowdown: Lingard links

According to a report by ESPN, the 29-year-old flew out to the USA last week in order to entertain any offers emerging from the MLS.

However, the same article suggests that there is still interest coming from the Premier League, with the Hammers and Everton both interested in securing the former Manchester United man’s signature.

The attacking-midfielder rejected a contract offer from David Moyes’ side last summer as he preferred to fight for his place in the Red Devils’ side, but he has now left Old Trafford upon the expiry of his contract, making him available on a free transfer.

The Latest: Sheth’s news

Sheth has now shared the latest news on Lingard’s footballing future. Taking to Twitter, the reporter claimed:

“West Ham United in negotiation with Jesse Lingard’s representatives – growing feeling the player will choose to return to the club. Has other Premier League offers. #Lingard #WHUFC”

The Verdict: Great signing

The former England international excelled in his last stint at the London Stadium; in 16 appearances for the club, Lingard netted nine goals and provided five assists (via Transfermarkt).

As a result, the 29-year-old was rated as West Ham’s best player during his time in East London (via SofaScore), making him a core piece of Moyes’ starting XI.

Therefore, it is no surprise that the Scottish boss is back in for his star man, who has been hailed as “one of the best in terms of making runs off the ball” – he’s not too bad on it either.

This feels like a no brainer signing for the Hammers.

Aston Villa have reportedly been ‘seduced’ by the prospect of signing Bordeaux striker Sekou Mara, according to Foot Mercato (via Sport Witness). 

The lowdown: Rise to stardom

Born in Paris, Mara was part of the youth system at French powerhouses Paris Saint-Germain before arriving at Bordeaux in 2017.

The 19-year-old France youth international has since developed at a rapid rate and has already attracted the attention of fellow French Ligue 1 clubs AS Monaco and Lyon as well as strong interest from Southampton following an impressive breakout season.

Now as Villa boss Steven Gerrard attempts to bolster the attacking ranks in the Midlands, a fresh claim has emerged suggesting Mara is on the radar…

The latest: ‘Seduced’

As per Foot Mercato, translated by SW, Aston Villa, Newcastle United and Leeds United are all interested in the ten-cap France Under 21 starlet.

It’s claimed that the interest from mega-rich Newcastle is ‘very concrete’ whilst Leeds and the Villans have both been ‘seduced’ by Mara in this transfer window.

The report also states that the French youngster – who was labelled a ‘brilliant young talent’ by journalist Zach Lowy –  is valued at around €10million (£8.5million) by the French outfit, who find themselves in financial turmoil having been relegated to the French third tier due to off-field issues.

Johan Lange may need to act fast however if the Villans wish to turn their interest into a serious move, with Southampton edging closer to completing the signing.

The verdict: Get it done?

At the mooted price, signing Mara represents a wholly viable option for Villa ownership group NSWE as they and Lange attempt to bolster the attacking ranks at Gerrard’s disposal ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

As things stand, out of favour Brazilian striker Wesley is expected to secure a loan deal to join Levante, leaving only Ollie Watkins and Danny Ings as experienced natural frontmen with previously want-away Keinan Davis and pre-season sensation Cameron Archer acting as understudies.

Albeit Mara himself remains inexperienced at an elite level, the 11 direct goal contributions from 36 appearances across all competitions, earning an average 6.77 Sofascore rating in the French top flight, shows early signs of an ability to make an impact on the big stage.

Possessing hugely impressive long-range shooting and finishing attributes, the teenager shares similar stylistic traits to such renowned target men as Olivier Giroud, Gianluca Scamacca and Jonathan David (FBRef), and should be regarded as a smart target should Lange be able to entice Mara to Villa Park ahead of their domestic rivals.

Leeds United are now eyeing a move for Colombian forward Julian Quinones, according to a report late on Thursday evening.

The Lowdown: Quinones profiled

Quinones, currently on the books with Mexican side Atlas, is 25 years old and primarily a centre-forward but can play on either flank if required.

He’s valued at a career-high £4.5m by Transfermarkt and has scored 49 goals at club level. The right-footed forward appears to have a fiery temper following a sending-off back in March for an X-rated gesture, but it looks as if he Whites like what they see in Quinones.

The Latest: Leeds interest

Foot Mercato shared a story regarding Quinones in the last 24 hours, claiming he has the desire to move to Europe and has been offered to a number of Ligue 1 sides.

However, the report then name-checks Leeds with an interest in the player, claiming the forward is ‘very popular’ with Jesse Marsch.

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The Verdict: Worth a gamble?

Leeds are on the hunt for attacking reinforcements, so a move for Quinones could be worth the risk.

Yes, he hasn’t played in a top European league and isn’t a senior international, but he appears to have an admirer in Marsch and could be reasonably cheap for Leeds officials with his £4.5m TM valuation.

Quinones would also provide an option out wide, something that could be handy after an injury to his fellow countryman Luis Sinisterra, so this may well be one to watch over the coming days.

Journalist Sripad Kilkar, who has contributed for the likes of Sportskeeda, has revealed what he has now ‘heard’ from Everton on Michy Batshuayi and Billy Gilmour.

The Lowdown: Chelsea raid?

It was reported on Friday by 90min that the Goodison Park club are weighing up moves for Chelsea trio Batshuayi, Gilmour and Ross Barkley.

They are in talks over potential deals for all three players, while they also remain keen on Armando Broja.

The Latest: Offer made

Taking to Twitter, Sripad revealed that two clubs in the Premier League have made an offer for Batshuayi, who could seal a move as early as next week.

The journalist tweeted: “I’m told Michy Batshuayi has two Premier League offers on his table and could seal a move next week if a deal is agreed with Chelsea.”

When asked by journalist Rob Pratley if the Toffees were one of those two top-flight clubs, Sripad added that he ‘heard’ that they were, as they were also ‘looking at’ Gilmour, saying: “Everton is what I heard earlier this month along as they were also looking at Billy. Trying to get confirmation on the second club.”

The Verdict: They’d be shrewd signings

Batshuayi and Gilmour would certainly be shrewd signings for Everton.

The former has a decent goal record at both club and international level, netting 14 times for Besiktas last season, while he boasts 25 goals in 45 games for the Belgium national team (Transfermarkt).

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Gilmour is a player that Frank Lampard knows very well having managed him at Chelsea, and he also handed the Scottish youngster his senior debut at just 19 years of age.

The Everton boss will believe that he can get the best out of the now 21-year-old, who could also make a real impact from midfield.

Tottenham Hotspur could be set for a transfer meeting next week as reporter Gianluigi Longari shares an interesting update on Roma star Nicolo Zaniolo.

The Lowdown: Spurs in hunt…

Spurs head coach Antonio Conte is reportedly keen to bolster his options further despite a flurry of transfer activity already this summer.

Indeed, after sealing a place in the Premier League top four last season, funds for the subsequent signings of Ivan Perisic, Fraser Forster, Yves Bissouma, Richarlison, Clement Lenglet and Djed Spence were soon awarded.

Despite this, sporting director Fabio Paratici and Conte allegedly have their eyes on a creative midfield player with more signings not ruled out before this window closes.

The Latest: Zaniolo meeting imminent?

Now, Italian transfer journalist Longari has shared a potentially important update on the club’s attempts to sign Zaniolo – who has long been linked with a move.

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According to his sources, writing for Football Transfers, Spurs could set up a meeting next week as they line up official talks to sign the 23-year-old.

It’s added that Roma’s sporting director Tiago Pinto may even travel to London as the Lilywhites explore a deal for Zaniolo.

The Verdict: Get it done?

Depending on the total coast of any deal, we believe the Italy international would come as a sure-fire upgrade to Conte’s forward line.

The 6 foot 3 star, called ‘physically imposing’ by journalist Zach Lowy, seems tailor-made for English top flight football and finished 21/22 as one of Jose Mourinho’s brightest attacking threats – completing more successful take-ons than any Roma player (WhoScored).

Indeed, it’s clear to see why Paratici and co are fans of Zaniolo and it will be interesting to watch this unfold with just a few weeks remaining of the window.

West Ham have had a bid rejected for Club Brugge’s Hans Vanaken, according to Sky Sports News. 

The lowdown

Vanaken, 29, is primarily an attacking midfielder, but he can also operate from a slightly deeper role in the middle of the park or in a variety of attacking roles on the flanks and behind the striker.

The versatile 29-year-old has three years left on his contract with the reigning Jupiler Pro League champions Brugge.

He’s been with the club since 2015, but Sky Sports report he’s now thought to want a move to the Premier League.

The latest

SSN revealed live on air on Tuesday morning that West Ham have been unsuccessful with an offer of roughly £8.4million.

“Some breaking news just reaching us concerning a player we mentioned earlier on this hour.

“Club Brugge have rejected West Ham United’s opening offer for the midfielder Hans Vanaken.

“The bid for this one [is] thought to be in the region of about €10million.”

Continued: “Growing belief the player wants to play in the Premier League, but we’re just hearing that has been rejected.”

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The verdict

West Ham should be wary of overpaying Vanaken, purely on the basis that he’ll turn 30 on 24 August, at which point he’ll be leaving his theoretical peak window.

But a slightly improved bid is advisable, because this is a deal that would significantly improve West Ham’s depth as they potentially embark on another European campaign.

He scored 15 goals and provided 12 assists for Brugge in all competitions last season, netting three times in the Champions League group stages (against Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester City and RB Leipzig – quite the level of competition).

Vanaken has also made his mark at international level, notching 21 caps, five goals and six assists for one of the best sides in the world in Belgium.

Sports journalist Josh Bunting has hailed him as a ‘catalyst’ and a ‘real stern leader’, and those are qualities David Moyes might relish too.

Arsenal are believed to be monitoring Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo, following the youngster’s impressive start to the new season.

What’s the word?

According to The Mirror, the Gunners – as well as West Ham United – are believed to be ‘keeping tabs’ on the 20-year-old’s progress, while Premier League rivals Manchester United are ‘weighing up’ a move for the Ecuadorian gem.

The 23-cap starlet only cost the Seagulls £4.5m to sign him from Independiente del Valle back in February, although the suggestion is that Graham Potter’s side would likely be able to make a sizeable profit were they to cash in this summer.

The report does also suggest, however, that the south coast have little need to sell such a promising asset, having only recently seen Marc Cucurella join Chelsea on a £63m deal.

Arteta’s own Bissouma

Another key departure from the Amex this summer was that of Yves Bissouma, with the Mali international joining Tottenham Hotspur for a fee of around £25m after having starred at his former club in recent seasons.

His partner-in-crime in the centre of the park last term had been that of Caicedo, with the younger man having since taken on his ex-teammate’s midfield mantle to become the real heartbeat of Potter’s side.

Having seen their north London rivals snap up Bissouma, those at the Emirates will be hoping they can land their own version of the 25-year-old in Caicedo, with the 5 foot 10 sensation having already showcased his remarkable talent in the early weeks of the new campaign.

Dubbed a “terrific player” by South American football expert Tim Vickery, the £5.4m-rated man was at his dazzling best in the opening day victory over Erik ten Hag’s Red Devils at Old Trafford, making the hosts pay for their decision not to sign him just over 18 months ago.

The £3.5k-per-week destroyer produced an imperious performance without seemingly breaking a sweat, with journalist Josh Bunting lauding him for his “sensational” display as the visitors ran out deserved 2-1 winners.

That outing saw him record a hugely impressive 8.0 match rating, as per SofaScore – the third highest among his teammates – having enjoyed a remarkable 92% pass accuracy rate and completed four clearances, three tackles and two interceptions.

His performance also saw journalist Raj Chohan liken him to his former teammate, as he stated: “Looks like he has Bissouma’s work rate defensively but an additional threat going forwards.”

Caicedo himself has also previously given his backing to such comparisons, stating back in March that: “While I’m not at his level yet and much younger, I like to think I am a similar player in terms of the way I play. I can break up the play and I can push forward, I can do both sides, although I see myself as more of an attacking player.”

Such a claim will no doubt have caught the eye of Arteta and co, with it undoubtedly huge praise to compare him to a player such as Bissouma, who has previously been dubbed an “exceptional footballer” by Gary Lineker.

Having seemingly missed out on signing the new Spurs addition after rampant speculation earlier this summer, Arteta could well soften that blow by signing another Brighton, midfield machine in Caicedo.

Sky Sports have made an on-air transfer claim involving Leeds United and Watford forward Ismaila Sarr.

The Lowdown: Sarr links

Sarr, labelled a “freak” of a talent with “scary” ability by former team-mate Ben Foster, has been linked with an Elland Road move for a number of weeks.

The 24-year-old first emerged on the radar at the beginning of the month, with reports last week even suggesting an agreement was close with the Senegal international.

Rumours have since cooled after Phil Hay dismissed a potential transfer being close, but Sarr’s name has popped up in conversation once again when it comes to any late business from Leeds.

The Latest: Sky Sports claim

Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol said this on Wednesday’s club by club round-up regarding Leeds and Sarr.

“Leeds United looking for a forward and they continue to be linked with a move for Watford’s Ismaila Sarr.”

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The Verdict: Interesting…

The rumours regarding Sarr seemed to have eased off in recent days, so it is interesting that Sky Sports have name-checked the Whites and Sarr again.

Jesse Marsch may well be open to the possibility of bringing Sarr to Yorkshire, however, the wiser move may be to bring in a player who is more naturally suited to a central attacking role.

Sarr has played central in the past but is primarily a winger, and with Patrick Bamford and Joe Gelhardt’s recent injury issues, a recognised striker could be of more use.

Liverpool have already found themselves struggling with injury issues which have translated onto the pitch with the side winless in their first three Premier League games, and now a reliable source has given an update on the transfer plans over the last week of the window.

What’s the latest?

Italian journalist and transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has revealed a more detailed insight into Liverpool’s transfer plans over the next seven days in his daily briefing with subscription service Sub Stack via Caught Offside.

Romano revealed:

“I think Jurgen Klopp told the truth about the club’s plans: Liverpool can only think of a new signing if a smart opportunity like Luis Diaz appeared in January for example, otherwise they will stay with the current squad.

“We’ve seen in the past that Liverpool under Klopp don’t tend to do panic buys – as things stand, the approach is the same.”

It’s a big risk for Klopp

Liverpool are already setting records for all the wrong reasons as they are currently experiencing their worst start to a Premier League season in a decade, so it’s a big risk for Jurgen Klopp and the powers at Anfield to not focus on recruitment in these remaining days in the transfer market.

The stand-out issue is in the centre of the pitch with Naby Keita, Thiago Alcantara, Curtis Jones and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all unavailable with various injury problems.

Leaving the midfield with only Jordan Henderson, Harvey Elliott, Fabinho and 36-year-old James Milner to occupy the midfield three over the coming fixtures, and after a disappointing defeat to Manchester United on Monday night the pressure to sign a new player has reached new heights.

Since the loss at Old Trafford, the Merseysiders have been linked with a move for AC Milan’s Ismael Bennacer and Brighton and Hove Albion’s Moises Caicedo, but there is yet to be any progress or official approaches made for either player.

Liverpool are currently 16th in the Premier League already seven points adrift of Arsenal at the top of the table, but Klopp will surely be hoping the home advantage in upcoming league fixtures against Bournemouth and Newcastle United will see the team through.

Both games will be played before the transfer window closes on September 1st, with the game against Eddie Howe’s side coming the evening before Deadline Day.

With that in mind, depending on the outcome of the upcoming fixtures if the team do fail to pick up points against Bournemouth, Newcastle or both it will be interesting to see if FSG do make some very last-minute moves in the transfer market.