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Tottenham Hotspur have thrown their hat in the ring as they eye a move for in-form Ajax attacker Mohammed Kudus, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Spurs making transfer plans?

Sporting director Fabio Paratici appears to already be making plans ahead of the January window after he orchestrated seven major signings in the summer.

Ivan Perisic, Fraser Forster, Yves Bissouma, Richarlison, Clement Lenglet, Djed Spence and Destiny Udogie joined Spurs in the last market – on top of a permanent deal for Cristian Romero from Atalanta.

However, the north Londoners are having to cope with an ever-congested fixture schedule as a result of the 2022 World Cup in November and added European matches to their regimen.

This could prompt Paratici to make mid-season moves as a report shares the latest on Kudus’ future at Ajax.

The Latest: Lilywhites join Kudus race…

As per Bild in Germany, via Sport Witness, it appears Tottenham are now contenders to sign the in-form attacking midfield ace.

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They claim Antonio Conte’s side ‘already’ have Kudus ‘on their list’ as they join the race alongside Everton and Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund.

The Verdict: Very exciting…

The Ghana international arguably stands out as one of Europe’s most exciting attacking players right now.

Called ‘world class’ by ex-Dutch footballer Jan van Halst, Kudus has now bagged four goals in eight Eredivisie appearances thus far whilst completing more dribbles per 90 than any current Ajax player (WhoScored).

Indeed, to reinforce his quality further, ex-Tottenham fan favourite Rafael van der Vaart is a ‘huge fan’ of the player by his own admission – a glowing endorsement from a formerly brilliant attacking asset at N17.

Middlesbrough boss Chris Wilder will have to cope without striker Chuba Akpom for tonight’s Championship clash against Rotherham.

The Lowdown: Boro off to slow start…

The Teesiders have won just two out of their first nine second tier matches so far and only Hull City have conceded more goals than Wilder’s side (BBC).

Boro will be looking to go on a consistent run after their shaky start to the 2022/2023 campaign, especially if they wish to keep any play-off hopes alive before the mid-season break.

Wilder is boosted by the return of loanee goalkeeper Zack Steffen, who is set to return to action against Rotherham this evening,

However, as per the latest news, it appears Akpom will be absent again alongside Darragh Lenihan.

The Latest: Akpom missing…

The former Arsenal starlet and Lenihan are apparently still out with knee and ankle problems respectively, forcing them to both miss tonight’s bout.

As relayed by Teeside Live, it is believed that Akpom could be ready and raring to go again after the next international break – which lies just beyond the Rotherham game tonight.

The Verdict: Big absentee?

Over his three appearances before injury, the 26-year-old impressed and stood out as one of Boro’s most threatening players.

So far this season, Akpom ranks in Wilder’s top four best-performing players per 90 – having scored two goals in 198 league minutes whilst attempting more shots per 90 (3) than any of his teammates (WhoScored).

Called ‘outstanding’ by Wilder, the Boro boss will be hoping to have him back as an option after the internationals.

An update has emerged on Rangers midfielder Glen Kamara and his future at Ibrox beyond the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

According to 90min reporter Graeme Bailey, the Light Blues maestro looks set to be the subject of an offer from a Ligue 1 outfit before next month’s deadline, whilst teams south of the border are also keen on him.

He Tweeted: “Glen Kamara left out of Rangers squad as Nice prepare bid. A host of Premier League also monitoring Finnish ace ahead of transfer deadline. Player didn’t ask to be left out was manager’s decision.”

The accompanying article states that Gio van Bronckhorst decided to leave the midfielder out due to the uncertainty over his future.

It has also been reported in Turkey that Besiktas are considering a move for the Finland international as an alternative option to Everton’s Dele Alli.

Departure time

With clubs lining up to sign the former Arsenal academy talent, it could be time for van Bronckhorst to sanction a departure for the £21k-per-week gem.

Kamara has fallen down the pecking order this season and the interest in his signature could allow the club to cash in on him before his value plummets.

He started the club’s first two games of the campaign and struggled as he recorded a SofaScore rating of 6.6 against Livingston in the Premiership and then started the 2-0 loss to Union Saint-Gilloise.

The Finnish midfielder then sat on the bench for the next four fixtures, including being an unused substitute against Kilmarnock, before being left out completely against Hibernian.

Steven Davis, Ryan Jack, Scott Arfield, Tom Lawrence, John Lundstram, and Malik Tillman have all started ahead of him in the middle of the park in that time, in the Premiership and the Champions League.

This suggests that his game time could be limited in Glasgow this year as van Bronckhorst seemingly favours others ahead of him in his position.

His transfer value could, therefore, plummet if he spends the next few months as a back-up option for the Scottish giants, as a player who has not been deemed good enough for the Gers may not appeal to clubs in Europe’s top five leagues.

How could Rangers demand a sizeable fee for someone who – in January – may not have started many games in the first-half of the campaign?

If the Dutch head coach does not see him as a crucial member of the starting XI then selling him to Nice and reinvesting the money on either a replacement or another area of the squad would be a smart decision.

Patrick Vieira is reportedly looking to add a highly rated Championship striker to his ranks… 

What’s the word?

According to Alan Nixon of The Sun, Crystal Palace have switched their attention to Antoine Semenyo following the departure of Christian Benteke.

The Eagles have dipped into the Championship on numerous occasions, having success with the likes of Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise.

They could now be set to add another young talent to this list, with the 22-year-old potentially costing £12m should they make their interest more concrete.

He could challenge Edouard & Mateta

With Benteke leaving the club, and a Championship striker set to be his replacement, many could be fooled into thinking Semenyo will be brought in simply to make up the numbers as their fifth deal of the summer.

However, this move could be deceptively impressive for Vieira, who will add a young and hungry striker who will want to challenge both Odsonne Edouard and Jean-Phillipe Mateta for that starting spot.

Last season was something of a breakout season for the Ghana international, as he scored eight and set up an astounding 12 in a Bristol City side that slumped to a mediocre 17th-placed finish.

Edouard only mustered six goals last season, whilst Mateta could only manage five. Semenyo could surely achieve numbers similar to this with a season to acclimatise, having proved both his proficiency and creativity last year.

His 7.03 average SofaScore rating also suggests that he would be a consistent performer across a long campaign, and averaging 1.1 key passes per game only reinforces how the £3.5k-per-week earner, who has been dubbed a “nightmare for defenders” by Nigel Pearson, has the ability to forge chances in every game he plays.

The exciting prospect who Martin Keown dubbed “a really good target man” has all the ability to step in and perform straight away for Vieira’s exciting youthful side, and would offer a fierce new dynamic alongside the other Championship graduates.

He would bring a freshness to Palace’s striking position that the somewhat stiff Mateta and Edouard lack, and would make Eagles fans quickly forget all about the departure of Benteke.

Nottingham Forest are reportedly closing in on the signing of Switzerland and Atalanta midfielder Remo Freuler as their busy summer continues.

The Lowdown: Strong Frueler links

The Reds have been relentless during the summer transfer window, bringing in a host of new players to help aid them in their return to Premier League action.

On Thursday, Forest were strongly linked with a move for Freuler, with a report stating that they were in ‘talks’ with the 30-year-old midfielder over a move.

Now, it looks as though the transfer is only a matter of time, following a fresh claim from Italy.

The Latest: Move set to happen

According to Tutto Mercato Web [via Sport Witness], Forest are now ‘one step’ away from completing the sign of Freuler, bringing him in as their latest midfield addition.

The Reds have raised their offer to €10million (£8.4m), which Atalanta are willing to accept, meaning the move is now ‘around the corner’.

The Verdict: Another good signing

Much like the earlier capture of Jesse Lingard, Freuler is a hugely experienced figure who should add quality and authority to the team, having won 46 caps for Switzerland and racking up 202 Serie A appearances in total.

A tenacious midfield presence, the Swiss ace averaged 2.4 tackles per game in the league last season, and he could be an ideal foil for more expansive players such as Lewis O’Brien and Jesse Lingard, as well as Morgan Gibbs-White and Houssem Aouar, should they join as has been mooted.

Forest feel absolutely primed for an assault on the Premier League after such an encouraging summer and signings of Freuler’s ilk would be the cherry on top as the new campaign gets underway.

A huge update has emerged regarding Tottenham Hotspur’s pursuit of Djed Spence in the summer transfer window… 

What’s the talk?

The Athletic’s David Ornstein has revealed that Spurs are now closing in on a deal for the England under-21 international after discussions with Middlesbrough.

He tweeted: “Tottenham on the verge of total agreement with Middlesbrough to sign Djed Spence. Talks between Daniel Levy, Steve Gibson, player rep Scott Smith have produced a breakthrough. If all goes to plan medical expected in next 48hrs.”

Fabrizio Romano later added to the story, tweeting: “Tottenham are set to complete Djed Spence deal, confirmed and here we go! He’s gonna sign a five year deal, medical tests ready – final details discussed now & contracts being prepared. #THFC Fee will be £12.5m guaranteed plus add ons, total package will be just under £20m.”

Antonio Conte will be delighted

The Spurs head coach will be delighted by this latest development, as Spence would be an exciting addition to his squad for the 2022/23 campaign.

At the age of 21, the full-back is a player who can make an impact in the short run and the long-term for Tottenham. He played 42 games in the Championship on loan at Forest, producing two goals and four assists in that time as he showcased his attacking quality.

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His potential was illustrated by ITV pundit Ian Wright, who said: “If we are talking about right-backs performing at an unbelievable level, we’re talking about Reece James and Trent, but I have not seen a combative, technical, swashbuckling performance like that for a very long time.

“I said to him, in all seriousness, ‘That level we saw there? You should be in the Premier League.’ Simple as that.”

These comments suggest that Spence has the ability to put in an elite wing-back performance, although it is up to him to develop and prove that he can do it week in, week out to be on the same level as the likes of James and Alexander-Arnold.

Spence has the scope to become a full-back capable of making a big impact at the top end of the pitch, scoring and creating goals for the team.

He has plenty of years left ahead of him to hone his skills and build his consistency over time as he gains experience playing in the Premier League. The gem is a player who can benefit from Conte’s coaching and learn from the likes of Ivan Perisic, who is a vastly experienced winger/wing-back in Europe.

AND in other news, Fabrizio Romano delivers frustrating Spurs update that’ll leave Conte & Levy fuming…

Wolverhampton Wanderers are finally ready to bid for Sporting Lisbon midfielder Matheus Nunes, according to Portuguese newspaper Correio da Manhã (via Sport Witness). 

The lowdown: Waiting game

Extensively linked with Nunes throughout the transfer window so far, the Wanderers are seemingly immersed in the most protracted and tiring – at least for fans anyway – pursuit of the summer.

The 23-year-old Portugal international has been earmarked as a potential replacement for Ruben Neves, who incidentally himself has so far failed to secure a move despite plenty of speculation.

However, according to a fresh report from Portugal, it seems as though the Old Gold could finally be about to make their intentions known and land their man…

The latest: Bid ‘prepared’

As per Correio da Manhã, transcribed by SW, Wolves are now ‘prepared’ to make the desired offer for Nunes.

It’s claimed that Fosun will submit a bid worth €45million (£38million) plus €5million (£4million) in bonuses for the eight-cap star.

The report also states that the man dubbed an ‘absolute monster’ as well as a leader by Portuguese commentator Маnuel Oyola recently ‘should leave to Wolverhampton’ soon.

The verdict: Game changer

Valued at £31.5million and under contract until 2026 (Transfermarkt), signing Nunes – who was previously courted by Manchester City and Manchester United – for the mooted price would be a sensational coup for the Wanderers as Bruno Lage attempts to strengthen the entire squad in the Midlands.

Last season, the cultured ace scored four times and registered five assists in a mammoth 50 appearances, highlighting impressive durability as well as an eye for impacting matches from the middle of the park.

Potentially now being brought into play alongside Neves and Leander Dendoncker with the future of Joao Moutinho also in doubt, Nunes’ ability to play as a conventional box-to-box midfielder and in more advanced roles will likely see the Brazil-born gem lineup as the most advanced of a two in Lage’s preferred 3-4-3 formation.

Everton youngster Ellis Simms is wanted on loan by Scottish Premiership side Hearts next season, according to a report from Edinburgh Evening News. 

The lowdown: Hot prospect

Formerly of the youth system at Manchester City, Simms joined the Blues in 2017 and has since progressed remarkably through the ranks on Merseyside.

The 21-year-old striker amassed an incredible 62 direct goal contributions in 84 outings across the Everton Under 18s and Under 23s before a spell out on loan at Blackpool, where the starlet netted ten times in 24 appearances for the then League One side.

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Set to return to Goodison Park this summer following a loan spell at Hearts last season, Simms is wanted for a second spell north of the border.

The latest: Approach made

As per the report from Edinburgh Evening News, Hearts officials have already made a ‘strong pitch’ to take the frontman back.

It’s claimed that the Toffees will wait to make a decision on Simms amidst interest from a ‘number of teams’ in the Championship and to allow Frank Lampard to ‘assess him’ during pre-season.

The report also states that the man lauded for an ‘absolutely magnificent’ goal against Hibernian in the Scottish Cup semi-final could be required to fill the void left behind by either Richarlison or Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

The verdict: Keep him

Given the lack of striking options at his disposal due to injuries and suspensions last season, Lampard should seriously consider keeping Simms for the 2022/23 campaign, regardless of what happens with Richarlison and Calvert-Lewin over the coming weeks.

Standing at an imposing 6 foot 2, the Oldham-born youngster has the physical attributes to cope with the Premier League and could provide a younger, more agile alternative to 32-year-old target man Salomon Rondon, who was so often the go-to option in times of need late last term despite only scoring once in the league.

Having enjoyed further senior success and big match exposure whilst scoring seven times and providing two assists in 21 outings in Scotland, the ace who won the 2018/19 Premier League 2 Golden Boot award with a staggering 32 strikes can be an affective member of the Everton squad moving forwards.

In other news, Everton are eyeing this midfielder from a big-six side

Aston Villa fans were left reeling by the exit of club captain and talisman Jack Grealish last summer when he joined Manchester City, but Steven Gerrard may already have a natural heir for the £100m man up his sleeve in teenage wonderkid Louie Barry.

The forward, who joined Villa after a spell in Barcelona’s La Masia academy, has already won a lot of plaudits for his performances in the academy and out on loan, after spending the second half of last season with Swindon Town in League Two, helping them to a playoff position in England’s fourth tier.

Barry is already well-known to Villa fans after marking his senior debut with a goal against Liverpool in the FA Cup during the 2020/21 season, when the Villans were forced to start an academy side after a virus outbreak at the club.

The youngster contributed 23 goals and six assists in just 30 appearances for the academy sides before Villa decided he was ready for a taste of senior football and it certainly didn’t take him long to adjust, as he contributed six goals and one assist for Swindon last season.

Swindon boss Ben Garner was full of praise for the teenager after a sensational performance against Walsall, saying:

“He’s very coachable, very very coachable and takes things on. Tactically very intelligent.

“The confidence of the goal at Carlisle last week and then these two finishes on Tuesday, for a young lad at 18-years-old, to go in like that and show that composure, is wonderful.”

Birmingham Live reporter Ashley Preece also suggested that the “hype is real” regarding Barry after he scored twice against his old side West Brom in an academy fixture, which suggests that Villa fans can be really excited about his future at the club.

Although he was initially seen as a striker, Barry featured predominantly on the left-hand side for Swindon and showed that he could finish with devastating effect with both feet with this brace against Walsall – something which Villa fans became accustomed to seeing on a regular basis during Grealish’s spell at the club.

WhoScored suggests that Barry’s strengths include his shooting, dribbling and ability to play through balls, so the similarities with Grealish are clear to see.

While he might need another loan or two at a higher level before making his mark on Villa’s first-team squad, all the signs suggest that Barry will have a very good career, and there seems no reason why he can’t emulate what Grealish achieved at his boyhood club.

And, in other news… Forget Suarez: Gerrard must unleash Villa’s “unsung hero” next season

Leeds United winger Raphinha remains on the radar at Barcelona ahead of the summer transfer window, according to the latest update from Mundo Deportivo. 

The lowdown: Growing interest in Raphinha

Unsurprisingly following what has been a disappointing second season back in the Premier League, there has been heightened speculation over the future of the Whites’ top talents.

That applies to nobody more so than Raphinha, as the likes of Bayern Munich and Liverpool have previously been credited with an admiration of the 25-year-old.

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However, it now appears that there could be a new frontrunner in the pursuit of the flamboyant Brazilian…

The latest: Price drop pending?

As per a report from Mundo Deportivo highlighting the top summer targets in Catalonia, Barcelona manager Xavi has Raphinha in his ‘sights’ as the legendary former midfielder turned manager attempts to strengthen the ranks at Camp Nou.

It is claimed that the deal is ‘conditional on the future’ of Leeds, which suggests that relegation for the Yorkshire club would mean a definite departure for the seven-cap Brazil international.

Furthermore, the report claimed, that despite Raphinha holding a current market value of £40.5m from Transfermarkt, a loss of top-flight status could see a move completed for around €25m (£21m) this summer.

The verdict: Premier League status is crucial

Having played 90 minutes in the 1-1 draw against Brighton at Elland Road on Sunday, BBC journalist Jonathan Buchan took to Twitter to suggest that the man who was dubbed a ‘magician’ by team-mate Dan James could’ve played his final home game for Leeds.

With 28 direct goal contributions in 66 outings so far for the Whites, Raphinha has been a superb capture for £17m from Ligue 1 outfit Rennes (BBC) in October 2020 and has certainly proven to be at a good enough level to remain amongst the upper echelons of European club football.

Whilst the retention of top-flight football is pivotal for more than just the winger’s continued presence at the club, avoiding a possible cut-price sale of such prized assets – as has been mooted by this report – is almost as important for the club financially.

Selling Raphinha or indeed the much-coveted Kalvin Phillips at a bargain fee due to the loss of Premier League status would be a huge blow to the Whites’ finances and would likely hinder any plans that Jesse Marsch and Andrea Radrizzani may have in place to strengthen the squad at Thorp Arch this summer.

In other news: Leeds want this powerful 12-goal striker who is ‘ideal’ for the Championship