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Nottingham Forest are looking to raid Championship side Huddersfield Town, starting with left-back Harry Toffolo.

What’s the word?

That’s according to the Daily Mail, who claim that both Toffolo and Lewis O’Brien are high on Steve Cooper’s wish list.

Both were ever-present last season for the Terriers, and the Tricky Trees are interested in the pair despite knocking them out of the playoff final just two months ago.

Forest have already made three signings, and could be set to make two more in one swoop.

Way better than Colback

Jack Colback has deputised relatively well at left wing back for Cooper’s side, recording four goal contributions across 38 Championship appearances.

However, at the age of 32 and naturally declining, it would make sense to bring in a fresh marauding full-back to rejuvenate their left-hand side.

Toffolo scored six and assisted seven throughout the Championship season, impressing greatly for the playoff pushers.

He, therefore, recorded a decent 6.88 average SofaScore rating, which is made even more impressive given the £2.25m-rated ace’s remarkable 42 league appearances.

Although Colback does boast a slightly higher SofaScore rating of 6.94, again his age will most likely prevent him from progressing this rating. The sky is the limit for the 26-year-old.

Danny Cowley, his former boss, was full of praise for the defender back in early 2020. He had the following to say: “He can score goals from left-back.

“He’s rampaging. He will get on the overlap and probably create and assist more goals than he scores, but we like the fact that he’s still about defending first.”

To support Cowley’s statement is Toffolo’s defensive stats, as he averages 1 tackle, 1.9 clearances and 0.8 interceptions per 90. Whilst not spectacular, the modern full-back does often prioritise attacking, yet his defensive stats do not falter.

His offensive output certainly suits Cooper’s three-at-the-back system, as it allows the wing-backs the freedom to push forward. That was why Djed Spence succeeded and is certainly why Toffolo would if he was to make the move.

He would certainly be an upgrade on the £7.1k-per-week midfielder turned defender, who has been solid if unspectacular. The Huddersfield flyer could certainly bring the spectacular to the City Ground.

AND, in other news: “Advanced talks”: Sky Sports journo drops claim that’ll leave Forest supporters gutted.

Liverpool have had a long-term interest in Jude Bellingham and have been linked with a move for the player again this summer.

There has now been an update on the details of what Borussia Dortmund would expect from any transfer for the 19-year-old.

What’s the latest?

According to SportBild (via Daily Mail), Bellingham will cost £103m if Liverpool want to sign the player in 2023.

As per the report, Manchester United, Real Madrid and Liverpool have been named as clubs who are interested in signing the youngster next summer, but the Bundesliga outfit have their demands and a price tag which must be met.

It is reported that, due to the absence of a release clause in Bellingham’s contract, Dortmund have given themselves the opportunity to demand whatever transfer fee they deem necessary.

Klopp’s Henderson heir

It is no secret that Liverpool’s midfield is an area in need of refinement, especially after engaging in a transfer battle with Real Madrid for Aurelien Tchouameni last month, so signing Bellingham next summer will likely be an endeavour into which FSG will put a lot of effort in completing.

Jordan Henderson is now 32 years old, and despite his amazing career at Anfield – captaining the team to many trophies and winning the first Premier League title as the club’s skipper – Liverpool need to start looking at the future of the centre of the pitch. Bellingham could be the perfect heir to succeed him.

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The Liverpool captain is a big fan of the 19-year-old Dortmund midfielder and has even claimed that “the sky is the limit” for his England team-mate.

In an interview with SPORTBible, the Anfield stalwart said of the teenager: “He’s a great lad, a fantastic player and I’m sure he’ll go from strength to strength as he gets older and matures.

“When I watch him, he plays with such maturity even now. The sky is the limit for him really.”

Bellingham has been proving his worth and justifying his reported price tag during his time in Germany, and last season he continued to impress in the middle of the park for Dortmund.

The young talent – who was dubbed “adventurous” by Michael Owen – scored three goals, delivered eight assists and created 10 big chances in the 2021/22 Bundesliga. He also made 1.6 tackles and 1.3 interceptions per game, whilst successfully completing the majority of his dribble attempts (57%) and winning the majority of his duels (51%), as per Sofascore.

The signing of Bellingham would be worth every single penny of his transfer, fee as he’d not only virtually guarantee a decade of performances in his peak, his ability and potential is crystal clear, so FSG must prepare to compete for his signature next summer.

AND in other news – In talks: FSG make move for “exceptional” £17m target, he can be Klopp’s Camavinga

Journalist Ashley Preece has shared an update regarding Aston Villa’s reported interest in Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher…

What’s the word?

Speaking in a Q & A for Birmingham Mail, the Villa correspondent revealed that the Midlands outfit could be in line to make a move for the 22-year-old, albeit with no contact having been made with the Blues as yet.

Asked for any news regarding the England international’s potential move to Villa Park, Preece stated: “As for Gallagher, I have a feeling Villa will test the water with that one but that’s just the vibe I’ve been getting. Gerrard, I’m told, really rates him. Villa yet to make an approach to Chelsea so nothing has happened.”

The four-cap England international – who spent last season on loan at Crystal Palace – is set to return to his parent club for pre-season with Thomas Tuchel keen to take a closer look at the player, although a £30m fee has been mooted if Chelsea were inclined to sell.

He’d be a major coup

There would no doubt be a long list of suitors were the Stamford Bridge outfit to put the £17k-per-week gem on the market this summer, with it set to be a major coup if Villa are able to fend off rival interest to land such a promising talent.

While the £22.5m-rated midfielder is yet to make a senior competitive appearance for the west Londoners, he has showcased his talent with a string of fine loan spells. He has caught the eye in the Championship with Charlton Athletic and Swansea City, before more recent temporary moves to West Bromwich Albion and Palace in the top flight.

That latter stint proved particularly profitable for the Epsom-born starlet as he enjoyed something of a breakthrough campaign at Selhurst Park during the 2021/22 season, netting eight goals and providing three assists in 34 Premier League games for Patrick Vieira’s side.

Not just an attacking force, the box-to-box workhorse also averaged an impressive two tackles and registered 0.9 interceptions per game in the top flight, while he also ranks in the top 7% for pressures made among those in his position across Europe’s top five leagues.

That relentless work ethic, combined with an impressive end product, has seen the 6-foot menace, who was dubbed by talkSPORT pundit Tony Cascarino as “like N’Golo Kante with goals”, with that glowing praise a marker of the English youngster’s undoubted quality.

Now pushing for a place in Gareth Southgate’s World Cup squad in Qatar this winter, there may be no better place for Gallagher to catch the 51-year-old’s eye than at his former club Villa, with the Midlanders seemingly on the hunt for a new central midfield addition.

Having already completed four major summer deals, Steven Gerrard can rubberstamp his strong pulling power by adding the 22-year-old to that list of arrivals, with the dynamic machine having the potential to be a real marquee acquisition for Villa.

AND in other news, Lange eyeing Villa move for £30m “goalscoring machine”, he’d be their own Darwin Nunez

Leeds United are reportedly looking to tie down Crysencio Summerville down to a new deal at the Yorkshire club this summer.

What’s the news?

In a recent Twitter post, journalist and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano had this to say about the current situation regarding the winger and his immediate future at Elland Road.

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He said: “Nottingham Forest and AZ Alkmaar are interested in Crysencio Summerville with many clubs exploring this possibility, but Leeds are busy trying to keep the player at Elland Road by extending his contract. Negotiations ongoing to decide his future as soon as possible.” 

Back in September 2020, the Yorkshire club signed Summerville from Feyenoord’s U19 side. Since then, the 20-year-old has gone on to make 27 appearances for the Whites’ U23 side, scoring 13 goals and delivering eight assists in the process.

The winger has also appeared nine times for the Whites’ first team but has yet to find himself on the scoresheet or delivering an assist for any of his teammates.

All of those senior appearances came during the most recent campaign, with six of them coming in the Premier League, the latest of which came during their 3-0 win over Watford.

In those six appearances, the Dutchman managed to complete 50 passes, recover 16 loose balls, deliver four crosses, make five interceptions and win four tackles.

Leeds fans will be delighted

Even though Summerville has not become a regular figure in the first team as yet, nor has he managed to deliver a goal contribution, the fact that these two clubs that Romano mentions are after him shows how highly thought of the 20-year-old is.

Also, with Leeds looking to keep the player where he is for the foreseeable future, this demonstrates just how much they value him.

This would surely be music to the ears of a lot of Leeds fans that may feel the youngster has what it takes to become an important senior player in the team.

Moving forward, should the winger put pen to paper on a new deal at Elland Road and the club decides to not loan him out, their upcoming pre-season period could be vital for the player and his chances to impress Jesse Marsch and show that he has what it takes to be a useful squad option.

AND in other news: “Leeds are monitoring..”: Romano drops big transfer update, it’s great news for Marsch

Reliable journalist Pol Ballus of The Athletic has now shared a major update on Manchester City and their chase for Brighton star Marc Cucurella.

The Lowdown: Guardiola sets sights on Cucurella…

After clinching a fourth Premier League crown in five seasons last month, Sky Blues head coach Pep Guardiola has now set his sights on the transfer window, and a real summer of change could be on the cards at Eastlands.

City’s 3-2 smash-and-grab final day victory over Aston Villa sealed one of the most dramatic title wins in English football a month ago as Guardiola’s men came back from 2-0 down with three goals in five minutes late on.

However, some members of that pivotal team may well be on the way out as exit links surround the likes of Oleksandr Zinchenko, Raheem Sterling, Riyad Mahrez, Gabriel Jesus and final day hero Ilkay Gundogan (The Times). Even one of City’s best players of the 2021/22 season, Bernardo Silva, is being heavily courted by Barcelona.

In terms of incomings, it is reliably believed that Cucurella of Brighton is a major target for Guardiola, who is looking to add more balance down the left channel.

The Latest: City talks imminent…

According to Ballus of The Athletic, City’s talks for the Spaniard are set to begin ‘within days’, and fellow reporter Andy Naylor of the same publication anticipates ‘hair-raising’ negotiations.

Ballus explained: “Talks to start within days. Brighton to ask £50m-plus. City expecting to negotiate, or will walk away. Chelsea expected on the mix too. Cucurella more seduced by City.”

The Verdict: Get it done…

While £50m would be a heavy price to pay for sporting director Txiki Begiristain and chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak, we believe that City should grant Guardiola his wish and make a move for the Brighton defender.

Cucurella dazzled at the Amex Stadium last season, finishing as their second-best regular starter by average match rating, with only star midfielder Yves Bissouma outdoing him (WhoScored).

The marauding full-back, who has been called ‘sensational’ by members of the media (Josh Bunting, Islington Gazette), also put in some memorable outings, perhaps most notably against City’s arch-rivals Manchester United.

Former top-flight goalkeeper Paddy Kenny raved to Football Insider over Cucurella’s relentless performance against the Red Devils, even claiming the ex-Getafe man ‘tore them apart’ in the Seagulls’ 4-0 win last month.

Still just 23 years old, the Spaniard could be a real fixture in Guardiola’s starting XI for many years to come.

In other news: Club already preparing to lose ‘very special’ star with Man City agreement possible…find out more here.

Sky Sports News have shared some major transfer news for Tottenham Hotspur supporters in the last 48 hours involving their pursuit of Yves Bissouma.

The Lowdown: Spurs set for busy summer…

Spurs manager Antonio Conte, after sealing his side’s place in the Premier League top four last season, securing the riches of Champions League football, is now setting his sights on this summer’s transfer market.

Indeed, the Lilywhites have already confirmed the signings of both Ivan Perisic and Fraser Forster on Bosman deals and we’re only a week into the window’s opening.

Links have emerged to many more potential additions in this last week alone and Spurs supporters could be set for a rather exciting two months before next season’s commencement.

The Latest: Sky Sports confirm Spurs have won the race

News broke earlier this week that the Lilywhites are eyeing a deal for Brighton and Hove Albion star Bissouma (Football.London).

They weren’t alone, facing competition from Arsenal and West Ham United, while Aston Villa also showed an interest last month.

Sharing news on live TV, Sky Sports (via Football Daily) have in the last 48 hours shared a major update coming out of north London – Spurs have got their man.

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According to their information, ‘it is understood’ that Tottenham have ‘agreed’ a deal worth around ‘£25 million’ to sign Bissouma.

Sky add that it looks like the Mali international is ‘going to be joining’ both Perisic and Forster at Hotspur Way as Conte closes in on a third summer signing.

The Verdict: Fantastic business…

£25m for a player of Bissouma’s ilk is nothing short of a brilliant piece of business.

According to WhoScored, the 25-year-old finished 21/22 as Brighton’s best-performing regular by average match rating whilst totalling their highest number of successful challenges and interceptions made per 90.

Proven in England’s top flight and a robust tackler in front of the back four, Conte may well be about to welcome a major upgrade at a bargain price thanks to his contract situation.

This feels like the first major piece of business following the shrewd captures of Perisic and Forster.

In other news: Conte enters pole position to sign ‘excellent’ international defender for Spurs! Find out more here.

Frank Lampard is closing in on his first summer signing for Everton as he looks to strengthen his squad before next season.

That’s according to Journalist Ryan Taylor, who tweeted that “Everton also hopeful of wrapping up the signing of James Tarkowski on a free transfer after submitting formal contract offer.”

Tarkowski has been sought after since Burnley’s relegation, with Newcastle United and Leeds United also interested in the defender.

If a deal is wrapped up, it would represent Lampard’s first summer signing at the club and could set them back around £100k-per-week in wages.

Godfrey upgrade

Everton supporters will be hoping that they don’t endure another campaign like last season’s, in which they avoided relegation by the skin of their teeth with a frantic 3-2 win over Crystal Palace.

Lampard’s team conceded 66 goals in the Premier League, the fifth-worst in the division, and the defence is the obvious area for improvement over the summer. the likes of Mason Holgate and Ben Godfrey didn’t have great seasons and Tarkowski would certainly be an upgrade on the latter.

The signing of Tarkowski would go a long way to alleviate this defensive problem ahead of next season. The defender held a WhoScored ranking of 6.97 last season, ranking him first in the Burnley squad.

Compared to positional peers in the big five leagues, Tarkowski’s stats are outstanding. The 29-year-old ranks in the top 1% in both blocks (2.67 per 90) and aerials won (4.95 per 90), while also ranking in the top 3% for clearances made (6.26 per 90).

Compare these to Godfrey’s stats from last season and it’s clear to see who would be the better player. the Everton centre back only made 2.13 blocks per match, 4.35 clearances, and only 2.26 aerials won per match.

These stats prove that Tarkowski would be an excellent addition to the Everton squad for next season, especially on a free transfer which would allow Lampard to redirect funds to other areas of the team.

The England international was once described as a “rock” by Alex James and judging by his performances for Burnley last season, even though they were relegated, the statement is spot on.

An interesting summer lies ahead for Everton and Lampard, where recruitment needs to be absolutely spot on if he hopes to remain in a job. Signing Tarkowski could go a long way to pleasing the supporters.

AND in other news, “No chance…”: Journo drops big Everton transfer twist that’ll disappoint supporters…

Crystal Palace are eyeing an ambitious move for Bayern Munich defender Chris Richards, according to The Telegraph.

The Lowdown: Richards profiled

The 22-year-old, who has been hailed as an ‘athletic freak’ by former USA national team scout Thomas Rongen, can play anywhere across the back four.

Primarily a centre-back, Richards is valued by Transfermarkt at a career-high £6.75m. He has spent time out on loan with Hoffenheim after joining Bayern Munich from FC Dallas in 2018.

Richards has only made 10 senior appearances for Bayern and is under contract until 2025, but it looks as if Patrick Vieira has his eyes on a move for the pacey USA international.

The Latest: Palace interest in Richards

The Telegraph’s Mike McGrath shared a Palace transfer update on Monday afternoon, revealing that Lens midfielder Cheick Doucoure is the club’s priority this summer.

McGrath added that Richards has also been looked at and is an ambitious target, with a move a possibility.

The Verdict: One to watch…

It looks as if Doucoure and Sam Johnstone are primary targets for Palace early in the transfer window, although Richards is also one to keep an eye on following the update from the reliable reporter.

You can see why Vieira would want to bolster his centre-back ranks after relying heavily on Marc Guehi and Joachim Andersen during his first season at Selhurst Park.

James Tomkins and Jaroslaw Jack are out of contract at the end of June, while Nathan Ferguson has struggled to stay fit, so signing Richards could be a shrewd move.

In other news: ‘Interested…’ – Transfer insider drops big Palace claim involving ‘brilliant’ EPL supremo. 

Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has revealed that West Ham are now in ‘talks’ to bring Rennes defender Nayef Aguerd to the Premier League during the summer transfer window.

The Lowdown: Moyes’ second time lucky

The Moroccan first joined the Ligue 1 outfit from Dijon in 2020 as he put pen to paper on a four-year deal with the Brittany club, making 80 appearances during his two years there.

Even though the 26-year-old’s current contract with Bruno Genesio’s team isn’t set to expire until 2025, his impressive performances have caught the eye of David Moyes, who made a move for the centre-back last summer but failed to prise him away from Rennes.

Fast forward 12 months, though, and it now looks highly likely that the Scot may be about to capture his target.

The Latest: Romano drops ‘talks’ claim

In a new post on Twitter, Romano confirmed that negotiations for Aguerd are “progressing” and that West Ham are very close to striking an agreement for the 26-year-old.

He wrote: “West Ham are now getting closer to reaching full agreement with Rennes for Nayef Aguerd, negotiations progressing.

“Talks are underway – final details about add-ons then the deal can be completed.”

The Verdict: Defensive cover needed

West Ham suffered massively from injuries this season, with Issa Diop, Angelo Ogbonna and Kurt Zouma all having long spells on the sidelines, so it comes as no surprise to see Moyes looking for cover in the centre-back department, and Aguerd could be the perfect candidate.

The 6 foot 3 colossus averaged four clearances and 5.6 long balls per league game for Rennes this term, via WhoScored, showing his ability to not only get stuck in at the back but also provide opportunities for his attacking team-mates at the opposite end of the pitch.

A long-time admirer of the Moroccan, the Hammers boss must now be buzzing to be so close to a deal for Aguerd, who would appear to be an ideal addition to Moyes’ squad ahead of the 2022/23 season, when the Irons can look forward to an exciting campaign in the Europa Conference League.

In other news… a journalist has reacted to news linking West Ham to this ‘interesting’ transfer target

Rangers boss Gio van Bronckhorst is set to embark upon his first summer transfer window in charge of the club in the coming months.

The Dutch head coach came in after last year’s dealings and was then backed in January with the signings of Aaron Ramsey, Mateusz Zukowski, James Sands and Amad Diallo.

John Souttar is officially set to join upon the expiry of his contract at Hearts to become the first signing of the 2022/23 campaign.

One player the club have now been urged to move for is Everton center-forward Ellis Simms. Former Gers striker Kenny Miller has tipped them to swoop for the Hearts loanee: “The one player in Scotland I’d look at for Rangers is Simms.

“I really like the look of him. When you see the trouble Rangers had with strikers towards the end of the season, it’s something I’d consider.”

Kemar Roofe 2.0

Van Bronckhorst can find a new striker to come in and challenge Alfredo Morelos for his place in the starting XI next season.

Simms, who was born in Oldham less than 90 miles from Roofe in Walsall, is another English-born centre-forward who has the potential to improve the club’s options at the top end of the pitch. The Jamaican international scored 10 goals in 21 league games as he played second fiddle to the Colombian and the Everton man can play a similar role.

In 11 Premiership starts, he produced five goals and one assist for Robbie Neilson’s side. This comes after he scored 10 goals in 19 League One starts for Blackpool in the previous campaign, with these two loan spells illustrating his knack for putting the ball in the back of the net.

Everton U23s Assistant John Ebbrell previously lauded the forward’s talents, saying: “What I do know with Ellis, if he ends up one-vs-one with the goalkeeper, he’s scoring.

“From experience, I know if you have time to think for that finish it can be difficult but Ellis is really calm and composed in those situations. He very rarely misses.”

Toffees reporter Chris Smith also dubbed him a “clinical finisher” and his aforementioned statistics back that up as he has an impressive strike rate at senior level during his loan spells – 15 goals in 30 starts.

Simms can come in and be the new Roofe to challenge Morelos for his throne at Ibrox. Cedric Itten tried and failed and now it is time for a new challenger to enter the fray.

At the age of 21, he has plenty of years left ahead of him to develop and the statistics in the early parts of his career show that he has an excellent base to build from. This is why Rangers must seal a deal to sign him from Everton, initially on loan or permanently, as he can be a superb addition to the squad.

AND in other news, Race won: Wilson lands Rangers deal for sought-after teenage gem, GvB will be buzzing…