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Leeds United will ‘closely observe’ Serbia midfielder Sasa Lukic at the World Cup, according to Calciomercato.

The Lowdown: Lukic links

The Whites have been linked with a move for the Torino man in recent weeks, with reports suggesting that Leeds have ‘not hidden their interest’ when it comes to the 26-year-old.

Lukic has said that he has ‘big ambitions’ following interest from Elland Road, and he’s been predicted to start for his country against Brazil in Group G later today.

The Latest: Leeds update

Calciomercato shared an update regarding Lukic on Tuesday evening, where Leeds were once again mentioned. They claimed that Roma and Leeds admire the midfielder, with the Whites set to ‘closely observe’ Lukic during the World Cup in Qatar’.

The report adds that there are no negotiations between Leeds and Torino at this moment in time, but Jesse Marsch’s side are ‘on the trail’ of Lukic.

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The Verdict: One to watch

Some Leeds fans may have been planning to watch Brazil take on Serbia, mainly to watch former Elland Road star Raphinha in action.

However, it looks as if Lukic, labelled as ‘outstanding’ by journalist Josh Bunting, will be another player to keep an eye on, with a future move to Yorkshire possibly on the cards.

He’ll be looking to make his 33rd appearance for Serbia, where he has played in holding, central and attacking midfield roles, so his versatility could be something that appeals to Marsch and Victor Orta.

West Ham have been heavily linked with a move for Atalanta star Ruslan Malinovskyi recently and the Ukrainian could be similar to an £86m talent.

Italian news outlet Calcio Mercato claimed earlier this month that the attacking midfielder is preparing to leave the Serie A side with a host of clubs having already made contact over his availability.

As well as the Hammers, Olympique Marseille, Nottingham Forest and Tottenham Hotspur are also credited with an interest, with the Italian club expected to demand an offer of at least €30m (£26m) to prise him away from the Gewiss Stadium.

West Ham already spent big on an attacking midfielder in the summer, with Lucas Paqueta joining the club in a club-record deal worth £51m, but the Brazilian has struggled to have too much of an impact in his limited appearances thus far.

The former Lyon man boasts no goals and just two assists in 12 appearances in all competitions for the Hammers, so it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Moyes bring in another creative option in January.

WhoScored suggests that Malinovskyi, who earns £21k-per-week at Atalanta, excels at dribbling, key passes, long shots and set pieces, so it certainly seems as if he could add some creativity into West Ham’s ailing attack.

FBRef also shows that the “stunning” Ukraine international – in the words of journalist Josh Bunting – scores above the 90th percentile when compared to other attacking midfielders across Europe in shots, expected assists, shot-creating actions and progressive passes, which emphasises his ability to create moments out of nothing.

The website also suggests that the most similar player to Malinovskyi is Bayern Munich star Kingsley Coman, who was valued at £86m according to Sky Germany (via Metro), by the Bundesliga champions when Premier League sides came knocking in the summer of 2021.

The Frenchman has won multiple titles and the Champions League in his short career and has 50 goals and 61 assists in 246 appearances for Die Roten, so he is certainly not a bad player to be compared with.

This season has seen the two players register extremely similar statistics with regard to goals per shot (both 0.07), goals per 90 (0.18 vs 0.17), passes received (274 vs 275) and expected assists (two vs 0.9).

Therefore, it is clear that both players can be influential in the final third and play in a similar way, so if West Ham are looking to turn their poor start to the season around, GSB should look to bring in a player similar to the mega-money Coman in Malinovskyi.

Considering the exposure gained in the Premier League, there is an argument to suggest that if the Atalanta man furthers his game even more, he could be worth a similar amount in the future.

West Ham United are thought to be keeping an eye on a £325,000-a-week attacker ahead of a potential London Stadium transfer.

West Ham transfer rumours

The summer transfer window officially opened on Friday, and the Hammers have already made a start on their business with the acquisition of Brazilian teenager Luis Guilherme from Palmeiras. West Ham will pay an initial €23m fee for Guilherme, with a deal including €7m in add-ons and a 20% sell-on clause.

Sporting director Tim Steidten strongly wanted Guilherme, who could be the first of many to arrive ahead of Julen Lopetegui‘s first season in charge.

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Celta Vigo forward Jorgen Strand Larsen has reportedly been at the centre of an approach from West Ham, with a deal possibly setting the Irons back more than £25m. Meanwhile, Juventus winger Matias Soule is also a target.

A new attacker who has plied his trade in the Premier League for his entire career is now believed to be on Steidten’s radar, according to a fresh report.

West Ham eyeing Raheem Sterling move

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, writing for TBR, West Ham are eyeing a move to sign Raheem Sterling from Chelsea. It is believed that the Blues are looking to move Sterling on from Stamford Bridge this summer following the arrival of new head coach Enzo Maresca, however, the Englishman is in no rush to leave.

In fact, Sterling has already turned down approaches from Saudi Arabia and Turkey, with West Ham now keeping an eye on the situation ahead of a potential transfer. The 29-year-old is comfortably Chelsea’s biggest earner, picking up £325,000-a-week.

Rank

Player

Gross pay per week

Gross pay per year

1

Raheem Sterling

£325,000

£16,900,000

2

Reece James

£250,000

£13,000,000

=3

Wesley Fofana

£200,000

£10,400,000

=3

Ben Chilwell

£200,000

£10,400,000

5

Christopher Nkunku

£195,000

£10,140,000

6

Enzo Fernandez

£180,000

£9,360,000

7

Marc Cucurella

£175,000

£9,100,000

8

Moises Caicedo

£150,000

£7,800,000

Since moving to Chelsea from Manchester City in 2022, Sterling has made 81 appearances for the Blues, scoring 19 times and providing 12 assists. He’s also come in for praise from West Ham forward Michail Antonio, who hailed Sterling’s pace following the Irons’ 3-1 win over Chelsea last August.

“He was unreal. After the game, we were calling him ‘Sonic’ because I’ve not seen a man move that quickly with a football. It was madness. He was driving everywhere. It’s the best game I’ve ever seen him play, he was on fire. He didn’t deserve to be on the losing team at all.”

Antonio may therefore be excited if Sterling was to move across London, but due to the forward’s huge salary, any deal could be a complicated one over the coming months.

Former Premier League forward Kevin Campbell has backed Newcastle United to sign Christian Pulisic in the January transfer window.

The Lowdown: Could be tempted

It was reported earlier this month that the American could be tempted by a move to St James’ Park in January, should the Magpies make the right offer for him.

The Chelsea winger has been limited to just 10 appearances so far this season and has not completed a full 90 minutes in the Premier League yet (Transfermarkt).

The Latest: Campbell backs Pulisic move

Speaking to Football Insider, Campbell – who now contributes for Sky Sports – has backed Newcastle to sign Pulisic, claiming that the 24-year-old could ‘take them to the next level’.

The ex-Arsenal striker said: “I like Pulisic. He is a very good player.

“It has not worked out for him at Chelsea. He normally just comes off the bench. As an international, he wants to start games. He will feel he deserves to start games.

“I think he would benefit from a move to a club where he can play week in, week out. He needs to build himself back up.

“Could Newcastle offer him that? I think they could. Newcastle need players who can take them to the next level.

“Allan Saint-Maximin is unplayable on his day, but he is not always available. The best ability is availability. Saint-Maximin is just not available enough.”

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The Verdict: Needs more consistency

There is no doubt that Pulisic – likened to a ‘dragon’ by Football Talent Scout’s Jacek Kulig – has quality, as he has managed a total of 66 goals and 58 assists in his senior club and international career combined by the age of just 24.

He has also won the Champions League with Chelsea and has captained the USA national team.

However, £58m in 2019.

Pulisic is also earning a hefty £150,000 per week at Stamford Bridge, so it would be risky for Newcastle to pay out that much on an inconsistent performer.

Sheffield Wednesday will be looking to continue their strong start to the League One season when they face Port Vale away from home on Saturday afternoon.

Darren Moore’s side currently sit fourth in the third tier after losing just two of their opening 10 fixtures, and could potentially go top with a win in Stoke-on-Trent this weekend.

The Owls will travel in a confident mood after dispatching fellow promotion hopefuls Wycombe Wanderers 3-1 in their most recent fixture, whilst Port Vale suffered a 3-0 defeat against Peterborough, so could be vulnerable against Moore’s side.

Here’s how Football FanCast expects the Owls to line up at Vale Park.

After an impressive five clean sheets in his opening 10 league appearances for Sheffield Wednesday, summer signing David Stockdale keeps his place in between the sticks.

Moore looks to be settled on his current back three, with fellow summer additions Ben Heneghan, Reece James and Michael Ikhiekwe all starting in defence after another strong display in the win over Wycombe, with Mark McGuiness unlikely to be risked as he edges closer to full fitness.

Marvin Johnson and Liam Palmer have both started nine of Wednesday’s 10 league fixtures this season so look unlikely to be dropped from their wing-back roles on Saturday.

There is one change in midfield, as the “very creative” Tom Dele-Bashiru starts ahead of Josh Windass, as the Owls could need the Nigerian’s creativity as they look to unlock a Port Vale defence that will likely drop deep against superior opposition.

He is partnered with midfield mainstays Barry Bannan and Will Vaulks, with Moore confirming that George Byers wouldn’t be risked.

Finally, after just one goal in nine appearances this season, the “energetic” Lee Gregory drops to the bench, with Malik Wilks replacing him and partnering Michael Smith in the attack.

Liverpool have ‘definitely looked at’ Sheffield United midfielder Sander Berge as a possible option, according to transfer insider Dean Jones. 

The lowdown: Midfield saga

Having missed out on Aurelien Tchouameni earlier in the window, the Reds appeared to curtail their pursuit of additional midfield options.

However, following injuries to Naby Keita, Thiago, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Curtis Jones in the opening weeks of the season, Jurgen Klopp admitted that the FA Cup holders could well be forced back into the market for a late swoop.

With less than 48 hours remaining in the transfer window, time is against the Anfield recruitment team, although one well-informed onlooker has suggested that there is a possible target for Liverpool to pursue…

The latest: ‘Definitely looked at’

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Jones – a journalist for Eurosport – claimed that 24-year-old Berge could certainly be an option for Julian Ward in the final hours of the window, seemingly also ruling out a move for Youri Tielemans.

He said: “If Liverpool do sign someone, I think it’s going to be someone that holds good value and also is probably going to be someone that they’ve had on their radar for a while.

“That makes me wonder about someone like Sander Berge. He is a player that Liverpool have definitely looked at closely in the past.

“He has had problems with injury, which is obviously a bit off-putting but, if he is available at a decent fee, I could see Liverpool suddenly doing a deal like that.

“They would say ‘this guy’s been a long-term target of ours and we feel he fits in with our style of play’, rather than going for somebody like Tielemans, who is just a trendy name at the moment.”

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

The verdict: Make it happen

Despite the aforementioned injury issues that have seen the 30-cap Norway ace miss 33 matches since arriving in England, Berge would still be a superb addition to the Liverpool ranks.

So far this season, the powerful midfielder – who was dubbed a ‘physical beast’ by football writer Sebastian Pedersen – has scored twice and provided two assists in seven appearances for the Championship table toppers.

Previously described as a ‘very interesting’ player by Klopp himself, it’s clear to see that there is admiration from Liverpool and given the current predicament, a move for the £14.4million valued Berge would be a welcome one and could emulate the deal that saw Ben Davies also arrive on Merseyside from Bramall Lane.

Leeds United could be offered Ollie Watkins before deadline day on September 1st…

What’s the word?

That’s according to transfer insider Dean Jones, who commented on the future of the England international to GIVEMESPORT this week.

There have been reports suggesting that Aston Villa would be willing to sell the 26-year-old as he and manager Steven Gerrard ‘do not see eye-to-eye’ and with Leeds thought to be on the lookout for a new striker, Watkins could well be offered to them by his agents.

“What would happen in a situation like this is, typically, intermediaries start targeting obvious clubs when a player is made to feel like they don’t have much of a future,” the journalist claimed.

“So, if that is the case with Watkins, like it’s been reported, then I would expect Leeds, Crystal Palace, Everton also be offered his services in the next week or so just to gauge how much interest there is out there.”

Better than Bamford?

Villa paid £28m for Watkins back in 2020 and it very much remains to be seen how much it would cost to sign him this month, though if that opportunity becomes available, then it’s one that director of football Victor Orta must consider.

As we saw on Saturday, Patrick Bamford’s injury troubles will just not go away as he was withdrawn before half-time in their 2-2 draw with Southampton. He was only able to play nine times in the Premier League last season, so the frontline is certainly a cause for concern heading into the rest of the campaign.

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Leeds boss Jesse Marsch cannot afford to be without a reliable alternative and he could find that in Watkins, who in fewer games has provided more goals in the English top-flight than his fellow countryman.

Indeed, across 74 appearances, Watkins has found the net 20 goals in 76 matches.

Not only is he younger but the Villa frontman has rarely missed time through injury, so it would make sense for him to become a target. This weekend, he showed off more creative exploits as he assisted both of Villa’s goals in their 2-1 win over Everton, whilst the Leeds star is yet to score or assist in 2022/23.

His style of play could be an ideal fit for Marsch’s attacking, high-press system at Elland Road, too.

“I really think he’s making a big difference actually, to Villa, I think that he’s given them a new dimension and his hold-up play is great, he creates space for others and that’s helping the midfielders flourish,” claimed The Athletic’s Gregg Evans not long after he arrived at Villa Park.

Meanwhile, the £75k-per-week talisman has also been dubbed a “machine” by Brentford programme editor Chris Deacon.

On the above evidence, it could be therefore wise for Orta and co to make their move for Watkins. Ultimately, he’s a proven striker in the top-flight, one that appears fitter and more prolific than Bamford.

The pair would be the perfect two to battle for that starting place under Marsch, so Leeds must take this opportunity if the aforementioned reports are true.

AND in other news, Leeds could now miss out on £25m “amazing signing”, it would be an Orta blunder…

Journalist Pete O’Rourke has provided an update on the future of Glasgow Rangers striker Kemar Roofe, amid interest from a handful of English Football League clubs.

What’s the word?

Speaking to This is Futbol, the transfer insider confirmed that there is interest in the 29-year-old from both Sheffield Wednesday and Derby County – as has been reported – with the Premiership giants potentially set to sanction an exit if the Jamaica international wishes to return south of the border.

O’Rourke stated: “Roofe obviously had a few injury problems of his own last season. I’m sure he’s had a good time up in Scotland as well, but the chance to move to England is obviously there.

“There is interest from the likes of Sheffield Wednesday and Derby, so maybe he wants to move back down south as well.

“If that’s the case, maybe Rangers would be willing to let him leave, but I think ideally, Van Bronckhorst will be looking to keep hold of that squad and maybe add to it rather than take away from it, really.”

Van Bronckhorst heading for a mistake

Although O’Rourke suggested that the ideal plan would be to keep the former Anderlecht marksman at Ibrox, it is no doubt concerning that Rangers could possibly let the forward depart if he wishes to return to England.

In truth, it would also be a headscratcher as to why the Walsall-born ace would trade competing for silverware and European nights at Ibrox for life in League One in England, with there seemingly still a role to play in Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s ranks moving forward.

While the former Leeds United man has been plagued by injury since arriving in Glasgow two years ago, he still boasts an impressive record for the Gers, having scored 34 goals and provided five assists in 72 games across all competitions.

That tally includes a haul of 18 goal contributions in 36 games last season, netting ten goals in just 21 Premiership games – an even more eye-catching return considering that he started just nine league matches in total.

The £4.95m-rated marksman offers not only a goalscoring threat but also an invaluable versatility to feature anywhere across the frontline, with such an asset seemingly not one who should be allowed to head for the exit.

With talisman Alfredo Morelos only just nearing his return from a long-term injury and with doubts over the Colombian’s future at the club – with less than 12 months left on his contract – further cover in the attacking ranks is seemingly needed at Ibrox.

Equally, while the new season is still in its infancy, summer arrival Antonio Colak has failed to really make his mark when leading the line as yet, with the Croatian striker having been dubbed a “waste of time” by pundit Mark Hateley following his performance in the defeat to Union Saint-Gilloise in midweek.

Amid all that uncertainty over the centre-forward role – having also seen Cedric Itten join BSC Young Boys – it is clear to see that having Roofe in tow could well be crucial for the Gers this season, with it set to be a notable mistake if he is allowed to depart Glasgow.

Leeds United are interested in signing Martin Terrier in this summer’s transfer window…

What’s the word?

According to The Athletic’s Phil Hay, the club’s scouting department has been analysing the Stade Rennes forward ahead of a potential move. He revealed to his podcast:

“You’ll have seen them linked with Martin Terrier at Rennes as well.

“Interesting that one, because we were told a few weeks ago that they’d be analysing him, the Leeds scouting department had been analysing him but weren’t sure and saw him as pretty pricey.

“He had a very, very hot season for Rennes last season, but it was his first where he really exploded.”

He could cost in the region of €40m (£34m), as per reports in France.

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Shades of Raphinha

Leeds’ director of football Victor Orta could repeat his Raphinha masterclass with a swoop for Terrier, given that both were relatively unknown talents who broke through at Rennes.

It is true that last season was the 25-year-old’s first standout campaign in the men’s game, having scored a whopping 21 goals and laid on a further three assists (via WhoScored), but it was the same for the new FC Barcelona star.

The Brazilian delivered eight goal contributions in 20 starts for the Ligue 1 outfit in 2019/20 before Leeds took a £17m punt on him, and the rest was history. He left Elland Road as a firm fan favourite, especially as he did not join a Premier League rival.

Manager Jesse Marsch could do with another forward, seeing as he really struggled in the absence of Patrick Bamford, who missed a large chunk of the 2021/22 campaign with a range of injuries.

He doesn’t really have a senior backup besides the relatively inexperienced Joe Gelhardt. Terrier can help plug that gap.

FBref have likened the Frenchman’s style to that of Sadio Mane, so that only adds to the excitement of potentially signing him, as he also ranks inside the top 2% of all attacking midfielders and wingers for non-penalty goals.

Terrier has been described as a “real coup” by journalist Pete O’Rourke, and it’s easy to see why he might think that.

European football writer Tom Williams has likened him to former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry, as he said on the Sky Sports Transfer Talk podcast:

“He’s a very quick, left-sided right-footed attacking player whose trademark is coming in off the left flank and whipping shots in; a-la Thierry Henry.

“Looking at his age and the phenomenal season he had last season, he will probably think that if he is ever going to make a big move to the Premier League, it’s probably going to be now or never.”

On the above evidence, Leeds would be foolish to not secure a move for Terrier before deadline day on September 1st. They could well repeat their Raphinha trick here.

AND in other news, Orta could unearth a new £100m talent as Leeds plot bid for “generational” £20m target…

Manchester United have reportedly made an offer to out-of-contract midfielder Christian Eriksen this summer, and if he were to arrive at Old Trafford, he would arguably be an upgrade on the departing Paul Pogba.

After some impressive performances with Brentford in the second half of last season, the Denmark international isn’t short of offers from Premier League clubs ahead of the 2022/23 campaign, with United, Everton, West Ham, Newcastle and Tottenham amongst those reportedly interested in the 30-year-old.

Eriksen signed for the Bees in January after he was released by Inter due to Serie A restrictions on players with heart monitors, and the bold move certainly paid off as his excellent displays inspired Thomas Frank’s side to a strong end to the season, which helped them secure their Premier League status with comfort.

In 11 appearances for Brentford, the former Spurs playmaker contributed one goal and four assists, averaging a superb 7.37 rating from WhoScored for his performances, which certainly justified Frank’s claim of the player being “world-class” when he signed earlier this year.

It is easy to see why United are interested, and Erik ten Hag certainly needs some midfield reinforcements after the departures of Juan Mata, Nemanja Matic and Pogba.

The Frenchman was rarely able to demonstrate his immense ability in a United shirt and was far from consistent enough, with injuries and perceived attitude problems limiting him to just 20 appearances in the top flight last season.

Eriksen has been a consistent performer throughout his career for both club and country and has enjoyed spectacular seasons in the Premier League before, contributing eight goals and 12 assists in the 2016/17 campaign.

He was certainly a fan favourite during his time at Spurs, with former team-mate Dele Alli singing his praises in 2019 by saying: “He’s got unbelievable technique. He’s a maestro and he’s a magician on the ball.”

Eriksen averaged more key passes, more shots and fewer dispossessions per game than Pogba last season, so with a full pre-season under his belt, the 30-year-old could be the perfect man to replace the Juventus-bound midfielder in Ten Hag’s side next season.

In other news… Forget Antony: Glazers can land Ten Hag his own Robben in deal for £65m “phenomenon”