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Nottingham Forest have now made four signings in the summer transfer window in a bid to bolster their squad ahead of their return to the Premier League and now a new update has emerged from a reliable source on two more potential signings.

What’s the latest?

According to Midlands reporter for The Daily Telegraph John Percy, Nottingham Forest have deals agreed for Neco Williams and Omar Richards.

Percy tweeted:

“NFFC set to sign Neco Williams and Omar Richards, with both deals now agreed. Williams fee nearer to £17m in total and his signing from #LFCis regarded as a huge statement by Forest. Richards will join from Bayern for around €10m.

“Excellent business so far from Forest, with the summer spending around the £60m mark – with more to come. Statement of intent from owner Evangelos Marinakis, with @mil7iadis also playing a major role.”

Supporters will be buzzing

Nottingham Forest supporters will be buzzing that the club is getting plenty of players in to bolster their team ahead of their long-awaited return to the top flight to give them the best chance of competing next season.

Williams is a great young prospect that has proven Premier League experience playing at Liverpool, but has also shown he is more than capable of providing high-quality performances at both club and international level.

The Welshman has not only contributed to Wales’ first World Cup qualification in 64 years, but he also went on loan to Fulham in the second half of the season.

The 21-year-old right-back was able to shine when given the golden opportunity to play first-team football starting regularly in the Championship, opportunities he wasn’t often fortunate enough to gain regularly at Anfield.

Williams scored two goals and delivered two assists, while making one key pass. He also made 2.6 tackles and 1.3 interceptions on average per game, and won the majority of his duels (53%) and was successful in completing the majority of his dribble attempts too (51%) over 14 Championship appearances, proving that he is very effective on the right flank.

Richards will be joining the newly-promoted side to complete the wing-back partnership with Williams at Nottingham Forest next season and will be making his move from the Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich, with the hope that he can inject some of the winning mentality and experience he has earned in the German side over in the Midlands.

With that being said, it’s looking like Forest are building a team for the future with all of their new signings under the age of 26, putting Steve Cooper in a great position to retain their Premier League status for years to come.

AND in other news: “Forest will…”: Reliable journo makes huge transfer claim that’ll excite supporters

Tottenham are enjoying a superb summer transfer window so far and may yet improve upon their four completed deals to date.

Fabio Paratici is wasting no time in adding to Antonio Conte’s squad and has snapped up Yves Bissouma, Ivan Perisic, Fraser Forster, and Richarlison on permanent deals ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

They are still in the market to add further depth to their ranks as they continue to be linked with players across the globe.

ESPN Brazil recently reported that Spurs are one of a number of clubs interested in signing Lyon attacking midfielder Lucas Paqueta.

It remains to be seen how much the Ligue 1 club are currently looking for, but previous reports suggest he could cost as much as £58m.

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FBRef list Manchester City superstar Kevin De Bruyne as one of the most similar players to Paqueta in Europe’s top five leagues and this means that Paratici can land Antonio Conte his own version of the Belgian international by snapping the Brazilian up.

Like the Cityzens midfielder, the Lyon man is capable of providing attacking quality from the middle of the park and has proven that he can score and assist goals at the top level.

In the Premier League last season, no Tottenham central midfielder was able to chip in with more than two goals or more than four assists.

Conte is, therefore, not blessed with attacking quality in midfield and that is where Paqueta can come in to solve a key problem. In two Ligue 1 seasons in France, the Brazil international has produced an eye-catching 18 goals and 11 assists.

Talent scout Jacek Kulig dubbed him a “joy to watch” and Spurs fans would surely enjoy watching him play if he consistently scored and created goals in the top-flight in the years to come, like de Bruyne does for Manchester City – with 15 goals and eight assists in the Premier League last term.

Paqueta’s statistics for Lyon suggest that he has the quality to make a similar impact in the final third and that is why he can be Conte’s own version of the Belgian.

He can be the midfield talisman to make things happen in transition, which would also take pressure off the likes of Heung-Min Son and Harry Kane whilst also providing them with more chances to score.

At the age of 24, he also has the potential to be a midfield star for Spurs for many years to come and bringing him in would be an investment for the future, as well as a player for the here and now.

AND in other news, Deal agreed: Fabrizio Romano drops big Spurs transfer claim, Conte will be buzzing…

According to transfer insider Dean Jones, West Ham are leading the race to sign Chelsea forward Armando Broja this summer.

The Lowdown: Broja in demand

The 20-year-old spent the 2021/22 Premier League campaign on loan at Southampton, but despite returning to his parent club, he could be set for another move away from Stamford Bridge.

The Daily Mail credited the Irons with an interest in the Albania international at the weekend, although they are set to face competition for his signature from top-flight rivals Newcastle United and Everton.

There were reports stating that GSB were considering plotting a £30m bid for the youngster, but David Moyes’ side are yet to submit any kind of formal offer.

The Latest: West Ham leading Broja race

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones insisted that West Ham would be in pole position to secure Broja if he decides to leave Chelsea in the coming weeks.

The journalist said: “It’s all part of the discussions that they’re having this week. If Broja wants to go then they’re totally open to the player having a big say in where he actually ends up.

“As it stands, West Ham are basically at the front of the queue.”

The Verdict: Moyes needs him

With Michail Antonio the only natural centre-forward in West Ham’s squad, Moyes is extremely light in that department, so he will no doubt be looking at multiple strikers that he could bring to the London Stadium.

Broja is 6 foot 3 and could therefore add a different dimension with his height up top, while he’s also prolific in front of goal, hitting the back of the net nine times in all competitions for the Saints last term, via Transfermarkt.

The Hammers will be gearing up for a campaign in the Europa Conference League, but with the much-needed prospective addition of Broja to supplement Antonio’s scoring threat, they could be making a serious push to regain a place in the Premier League’s top six again for next season.

Transfer insider Dean Jones has shed some light on the multiple planned transfer swoops from West Ham United this summer. 

The lowdown: Reinforcements wanted

The Hammers have been pulling up trees domestically and in Europe during David Moyes’ second spell at the helm in east London, finishing inside the top seven of the top-flight in consecutive campaigns for the first time in the Premier League era.

Despite the successes, there has been a reluctance from the London Stadium hierarchy to spend lavishly, highlighted by the failure to land a replacement for Sebastien Haller after the Ivorian left for Ajax in January 2021.

However, following reports claiming that GSB were willing to shell out £100m on a sensational triple swoop for Armando Broja, Gianlucca Scamacca and Amadou Onana, in addition to the possible signing of free agent Jesse Lingard, an expert in the market has had his say on the potential transfers…

The latest: ‘Big few days’

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones has claimed that West Ham are about to get busy as they attempt to bolster their squad ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

He said: “It’s true they are progressing various deals at the moment and just waiting for one to show signs of a breakthrough.

“Onana is looking good, there’s promise over Scamacca, Broja is still up in the air, and they are waiting for Lingard to make his announcement. It’s a big few days ahead.”

The verdict: High-profile moves

While all four aforementioned transfers would certainly set tongues wagging and provide additional options for Moyes, the deal for Gianluca Scamacca is the one which may appeal most of all to the Scot.

The 23-year-old Italy international scored 16 Serie A goals last season and has been dubbed ‘a bit Zlatan-ish’ by sports journalist Maxi Angelo due to his towering 6 foot 5 frame and strong aerial ability (WhoScored).

Not only a dominant target man, Scamacca shares similar stylistic traits with a variety of strikers such as Jamie Vardy, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and former Irons forward Marko Arnautovic (FBRef), which indicates his excellent all-round ability to accompany a towering presence.

Valued at £27m and under contract until 2026 (Transfermarkt), Sassuolo are likely to hold out for a significant fee for their prized asset, but it’s one that GSB and Rob Newman should be doing everything in their power to meet.

Everton are in desperate need of improvements to their squad following a relegation scrap in the Premier League last season, and a new potential transfer target has now been named by a reliable source.

What’s the latest?

Italian journalist and Fabrizio Romano has revealed that the Toffees are interested in reuniting with Idrissa ‘Gana’ Gueye.

The transfer insider tweeted: “Everton have approached Paris Saint-Germain for Gana Gueye. He’s one of the names in the list but talks are still at early stages, discussions will continue in the next days. PSG want to sell Gueye as soon as possible.”

It’d be a massive coup

There is no doubt that the signing of Gueye would be a massive coup for Everton in their pursuit to add more quality to their team ahead of the new Premier League season, as the Senegal midfielder has gone from strength to strength since leaving Goodison Park in 2019.

Since joining Paris Saint-Germain, the 32-year-old has been a reliable player for the Ligue 1 champions, for whom he has made 111 appearances, scoring seven goals and delivering six assists.

Over 26 league appearances last season, he scored three goals, contributed one assist and created three big chances, making 2.3 tackles and winning four duels per game while successfully completing the majority of his dribbles (71%).

Gueye also ranked second for the most passes completed in the final third and ranked fifth for overall pass completion amongst his peers in the entirety of Ligue 1 last season, proving that he is a dominant presence in the centre of the pitch.

His performances did not go unnoticed by Mauricio Pochettino over the last campaign, with the ex-PSG boss hailing the Senegalese enforcer in a post-match interview after a victory over Clermont.

The Argentine said: “He [Gueye] is an important player in the balance he gives the team, he also scores goals now. Faced with stiff competition in the midfield, the Senegalese continues to score points at the start of the season.”

The talented midfielder has also enjoyed success with his national team and has racked up 94 caps for Senegal over his career, which finally paid off at the beginning of this year when he helped them to win their first African Cup of Nations crown.

The signing of Gueye would be a fantastic piece of business for Everton this summer, and if he can continue to thrive in the centre of the pitch following a return to Merseyside, it would put the club in a great position to improve in the season ahead.

AND in other news: “Very soon..”: Fabrizio Romano reveals Everton “agreement”, supporters will be buzzing

Tottenham Hotspur have been given a green light to sign Weston McKennie this summer, though he’ll come at a cost…

What’s the word?

Earlier in the week, the Daily Mail revealed that sporting director Fabio Paratici was interested in a move for the Juventus midfielder, and it’s not the first time that the American has been linked either.

Now, it appears as if the Serie A giants are open to selling him.

According to 90min, Juventus will sell the 23-year-old if an offer of €30m (£25m) comes in, even despite the recent injury blow to new signing Paul Pogba.

The Italian side are keen on Chelsea’s Jorginho, so that may well explain their stance, to some extent.

Spurs’ time to swoop?

Antonio Conte’s midfield engine room is stacked right now, with some key names needing to be offloaded, namely Tanguy Ndombele and Giovani Lo Celso.

But their likely departures would surely free up some space in the squad and the Italian head coach will need all the strength in depth possible to contend across all competitions this season, seeing as Spurs are back in the Champions League.

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McKennie would be a solid addition to his ranks.

The £22.5m-rated maestro was once lauded as a “rock” by former manager Andrea Pirlo. He certainly knows a thing or two about that role in the engine room.

Meanwhile, another former coach in David Wagner has also waxed lyrical about the American’s ability, as he said:

“He’s an outstanding talent. In the No.6 or No.8 position he has the mentality, a real working mentality that you need. And he’s brave on the ball as well. He can be one of the best midfielders in the Bundesliga.”

Not only is he astute defensively, as Pirlo’s words suggest, but the USMNT international is capable of excelling further forward – he ranks inside the top 2% of his positional peers in Europe for touches in the opposition’s penalty box (3.58 per 90) and progressive passes received (6.14 per 90), via FBref.

For just £25m, Paratici could seal quite the snip, even if Spurs’ current midfield is immensely competitive. McKennie’s versatility to play anywhere in the engine room makes him a very favourable signing indeed.

AND in other news, “Really want..”: Journo reveals Spurs’ behind-scenes “priority”, Conte will be buzzing…

Leeds United have confirmed the appointment of Rene Maric as assistant head coach.

The Lowdown: Maric profiled

Maric is just 29 years of age but has already worked with a number of high-profile clubs.

The Austrian has worked alongside Marco Rose at Red Bull Salzburg, Borussia Monchengladbach and Borussia Dortmund for a combined 246 matches.

Both Rose and Maric departed Dortmund at the end of the 2021/22 campaign, and the latter has now headed to Yorkshire to work under Jesse Marsch.

The Latest: Leeds move for Maric

The Whites confirmed a move for Maric on their official website on Saturday, with Marsch describing him as ‘the perfect fit’ at Elland Road.

Victor Orta also shared his thoughts on the deal, admitting that he was ‘really pleased’ that Maric picked Leeds ‘over several other options he had to choose from across Europe’.

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The Verdict: At Elland Road tonight?

A move for Maric appears to be a coaching coup due to his previous experience at the highest level, and who knows, he could well be present at Elland Road this evening for Leeds’ final pre-season fixture against Italian side Cagliari now that his appointment has been made official.

It is good to see that the club have acted and brought in a new number two ahead of the upcoming campaign, especially as Marsch’s previous assistant Franz Scheimer left his role on a day-to-day basis earlier this month.

Maric could be the club’s final coaching addition, with Ewan Sharp and Pierre Barrieu already brought in and Michael Skubala taking over as under-21 head coach as the backroom revolution continues in LS11.

Newcastle United are set to return with another offer for Everton starlet Anthony Gordon, having previously been rebuffed by the Toffees earlier this summer.

What’s the word?

According to the Chronicle, the Magpies are believed to be ‘considering’ a new bid for the 21-year-old, as they remain frustrated in their approach for Leicester City’s James Maddison – having seen two offers rejected by the Foxes thus far.

In the case of the Merseyside youngster, the Englishman was reportedly the subject of a £35m approach by the northeast side back in early July, with Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie recently suggesting that a wide player – as well as a striker – could be targeted before the window closes.

Despite having brought in three new faces so far this summer, the Tynesiders are yet to bring an attacking recruit to help bolster the current squad, with manager Eddie Howe opening up on his desire to add to his forward line in the coming weeks.

Could be incredible

While it could prove a hefty fee for a player who has made just 50 Premier League appearances in his embryonic, senior career thus far, Gordon has no doubt illustrated just what a talent he is of late, having enjoyed a real breakthrough campaign last time out.

After returning from a six-month loan spell at Preston North End at the end of the 2020/21 season, the local lad went on to become a key figure at Goodison Park last term, scoring four goals and providing two assists in 35 league games for the club, proving a rare ray of sunshine in what was another wise turbulent season for Frank Lampard’s side.

A dynamic and relentless attacking presence, the £18m-rated ace also impressed due to his stunning defensive approach, ranking in the top 2% for blocks, the top 4% for tackles and the top 5% for pressures made among those in his position across Europe’s top five leagues.

Current Newcastle star Allan Saint-Maximin, for instance, ranks in just the bottom 1% for tackles made and pressures, as well as in the bottom 5% for blocks made, with that a stark illustration of the differing work ethic between the pair.

Not that the Frenchman would need to be necessarily dispensed from the side, however, with Gordon potentially able to make up for Saint-Maximin’s defensive shortcomings and allow the mercurial talent to shine, while he also offers the flexibility to feature all across the front line, having notably started through the middle in Saturday’s 1-0 defeat to Chelsea.

The £10k-per-week sensation may not be the glamour name that Magpies supporters were craving – after a summer of links to the likes of Hugo Ekitike and Moussa Diaby – yet he remains an “incredible” talent, in the words of former teammate Morgan Feeney, as well as a “frightening” prospect for any defence – as per Boreham Wood boss Luke Garrard.

A player with invaluable Premier League experience already under his belt, there is no reason why the Kirkdale-born star couldn’t thrive as part of Howe’s squad this season were he to sign on the dotted line.

Although desperation is potentially setting in at St James’ Park as the search for a new forward addition goes on, Gordon could well prove to be an ‘incredible’ capture, both for his attacking flair but also his dogged defensive approach.

Celtic will once again be without midfielder Reo Hatate for today’s trip to Kilmarnock, according to Sky Sports reporter Alison Conroy.

The Lowdown: Hatate absence

Hatate, who Gabby Agbonlahor labelled as ‘outstanding’ earlier this year, made his 22nd appearance in a Hoops shirt on the opening weekend.

Ange Postecoglou gave the Japan international the nod in midfield, however, he was withdrawn just after the hour mark and didn’t feature against Ross County the following weekend.

It was thought to be a knock for the 24-year-old, who was expected to be back in time to feature this weekend, however, that won’t be the case.

The Latest: Conroy’s post

Conroy took to Twitter on Friday to relay team news ahead of Celtic’s trip to Rugby Park.

The Sky Sports journalist said that Hatate won’t feature due to the artificial surface, while Stephen Welsh will be assessed.

The Verdict: Not ideal

It looks as if Celtic are playing it safe when it comes to Hatate, however, his absence isn’t ideal for Postecoglou. David Turnbull came in for Hatate last time out against Ross County alongside Callum McGregor and Matt O’Riley.

The Hoops had to wait until the final few minutes, when Turnbull was replaced at 1-1, to score a second and third goal, so it’ll be interesting to see how Postecoglou approaches the game today without Hatate once again.

The likes of James McCarthy and Aaron Mooy are options for the Celtic boss should he wish to go back to a 4-2-3-1 system instead of a flat 4-3-3 attacking formation.

An update has emerged on Sunderland and their interest in Amad Diallo in the summer transfer window… 

What’s the talk?

Journalist Jonathan Shrager has claimed that the Black Cats are one of a number of clubs in talk with the attacker’s agent. 

The Ivory Coast international has been given the green light to leave Old Trafford on loan and he could on his way to Wearside if they can win the race for his signature.

Shrager Tweeted: “As it stands today, Manchester United are looking to loan out Amad Diallo this season. His representative Michaël N’Cho is currently talking with various interested clubs, including Blackpool, Sunderland, Anderlecht, Besiktas and Sampdoria.”

Alex Neil’s own Riyad Mahrez

By securing a deal to sign the 20-year-old on loan this season, Black Cats boss Neil could land his own version of Manchester City winger Mahrez.

The former Leicester man is renowned for his left-footed wizardry out wide for Pep Guardiola’s side – becoming only the seventh player in Premier League history to score over 50 left-footed goals in 2021.

Amad, meanwhile, is similar in style in the sense that he is a skilful right winger who likes to cut inside onto his stronger left foot.

England international Luke Shaw once compared the £29k-per-week talent to the Algerian international, saying:

“He’s a wonderful talent and already a wonderful player so I’m sure fans are looking forward to seeing him on the pitch.

“It was interesting because Harry (Maguire) said to me the other day that he reminds him of Mahrez when he was at Leicester. Really quick, skilful, agility, can turn really quick, got great skills and I would agree with Harry – he does remind me of Mahrez.”

The gem went on loan to Rangers in Scotland for the second half of last season and chipped in with three goals in four Premiership starts, playing ten matches in total, along with creating seven chances.

This spell came after he caught the eye whilst playing for Manchester United’s U21 side. He scored six goals and provided four assists in five outings, which shows that he has the potential to make a big impact in the final third if he can nail down consistency at senior level.

Therefore, he could end up being Neil’s own Championship version of Mahrez as he has the skills, the left foot, the scope to improve, and has shown that he has a knack for scoring goals.