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An update has emerged on Wolves centre-back Conor Coady, regarding Newcastle’s interest in his services.

What’s the talk?

According to The Sun, Frank McPartland, a leading advisor for Amanda Staveley, is championing a move for the England international ahead of the January transfer window.

The report claims that it would take an offer in the region of £20m to prise him away from Molineux, along with big wages to tempt him to quit Wolves.

Fans would be fuming

PIF must avoid their first major blunder as owners of Newcastle following this update on Coady. The fans would surely be fuming if the club splurged out on £20m for the centre-back when it could be better spent elsewhere.

Coady is renowned for his leadership and personality on and off the pitch. He has been the captain at Wolves since Nuno Santo initially joined in 2017 and his former Liverpool teammate Adam Morgan once hailed him as a ‘mentality monster’, saying:

“Some players leave a big club, their boyhood club, and they struggle to adjust. They can’t get their head round the fact they’ve dropped down.

“I couldn’t. I wasn’t mentally strong at that time. I am now, but I wasn’t then. Conor was different.

“A lot of football is played in the head, and Conor is as mentally strong as you can get. That’s a quality you can’t buy, but he had it in abundance. It didn’t take a rocket scientist to realise Conor Coady was going to be OK when he left Liverpool. He was always a mentality monster.”

This suggests that Coady would be a fantastic presence to have around the club with the way he conducts himself on and off the pitch. However, you also want a top-class player if you are paying £20m and splashing out on significant wages. Simply, his statistics for Wolves do not suggest that Newcastle would be getting one.

In the 2018/19, 2019/20 and 2020/21 campaigns, Coady averaged WhoScored ratings of 6.45, 6.51 and 6.53 respectively. During that same period, Lascelles, who is one year younger than the ex-Liverpool man, averaged scores of 6.80, 6.70 and 6.60. This suggests that the current Magpies defender has performed to a significantly higher level, despite declining each year, which is why the supporters would be furious to see such a fee spent on the Wolves man.

Therefore, PIF would be committing their first real blunder by spending big money to bring Coady to the club. Instead, they should look to bring in a player who can stand out on the pitch in the Premier League whilst also offering leadership in the dressing room. A daunting task… but one that could be worthwhile if they can unearth a gem in the transfer market.

AND in other news, Forget Wilson: Newcastle beast with 8 clearances stole the show vs Palace…

As shared by The Evening Standard, West Ham United boss David Moyes has been dealt a blow for Thursday evening with defender Vladimir Coufal still out of action.

The Lowdown: Coufal ‘discomfort’…

The Czech Republic star, who has been a revelation since his 2020 move from Slavia Prague, missed West Ham’s last Premier League game away to Everton due to injury.

Moyes, providing a cryptic update on Coufal’s condition after their 1-0 win at Goodison Park, revealed that he missed the trip due to ‘discomfort’ he has been carrying for a ‘few weeks’ (West Ham Zone).

The Latest: Coufal set to miss Genk…

While the Scotsman didn’t provide an update on the right-back in his pre-Europa League press conference yesterday, a report from The Evening Standard has shared his condition.

According to their confirmed team news and injuries piece, Coufal is indeed still out and set to miss tonight’s highly-anticipated clash at the London Stadium.

They say he is still nursing the groin injury and Moyes will also have to cope without summer signing Alex Kral, who has come down with COVID-19, and potentially Ryan Fredericks too, who is a doubt.

The Verdict: Blow for Moyes…

After winning their first two matches, West Ham could take one giant leap towards finishing top of Group H with another victory tonight.

If Moyes’ men can secure top spot, they would immediately qualify for the post-Christmas round of 16 as per the new Europa League format.

Tonight certainly comes as a big occasion in east London and losing Coufal through injury is undoubtedly a blow, especially considering he was a key player last season and lauded as ‘absolutely sensational’ by Stuart Pearce (Super Six Podcast via HITC).

In other news: ‘Yes yes yes’, ‘No brainer’…West Ham fans excited as contact made to sign ‘big’ striker, find out more here.

Former Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Mark Crossley hopes that Brennan Johnson stays at the City Ground this summer. 

The 20-year-old has featured in all four of Forest’s opening Championship fixtures providing an assist for Lyle Taylor on the opening day of the season against Coventry.

The youngster spent last season out on loan at Lincoln City and was in fantastic form, scoring 13 goals and providing 14 assists and helped Lincoln reach the play-off final at Wembley Stadium.

His performances have captured the attention of Premier League newcomers Brentford but the Athletic reported that Brentford had been unsuccessful with their latest bid for the attacking midfielder and said that Forest value Johnson at around £10m, but the Bees’ bid fell considerably short of that figure.

Crossley hopes that Johnson stays at the City Ground, telling The Transfer Tavern: “I’d like to see him put pen to paper, sign a new deal. His career is more important moving forward rather than instantly going to a Premier League club where he probably wouldn’t play on a regular basis. 

“I’d like to see him stay at Forest because I really like him, I think he’s an excellent talent and for Forest to do well they need to keep hold of the talent that they’ve actually got.”

With just a week to go in the transfer window, will Nottingham Forest be able to stave off interest in Johnson and keep him at the City Ground?

As per Torino Granata, a promising update has now emerged on Tottenham Hotspur’s plans to sign Torino defender Gleison Bremer.

The Lowdown: Spurs in centre-half hunt?

Lilywhites boss Antonio Conte and Spurs transfer chief Fabio Paratici have been tipped to raid Serie A for talent, with centre-backs especially appearing to be on the agenda.

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The likes of Stefan de Vrij and Matthijs de Ligt are two big defensive names to be linked with a move to north London recently, while Bremer of Torino is another one to have emerged.

Praised as one of the Italian top flight’s best performers and a standout in the division so far this term (Calciomercato) – he has the fifth-highest performance rating of all Serie A players in 2021/22 as per WhoScored metrics – Spurs have apparently let their interest be known as Torino Granata provide the latest.

The Latest: Spurs ‘pressing’ insistently…

As per the Italian source, Tottenham’s ‘pressing’ for the Brazilian has become ‘insistent’, with Conte personally adding Bremer to his list of targets for next season.

Torino president Urbano Cairo, who is keen to avoid the prospect of losing him on a free deal akin to Andrea Belotti potentially, is now ‘already listening to possible proposals’ for his centre-back as Bremer’s contract expires in 2023.

That’s where Spurs come in, as they now push hard to meet the 24-year-old’s asking price. Cairo has apparently requested ‘over €20 million (£17.1m)’, a figure which Spurs can ‘reach’ according to this report.

The Verdict: Get it done…

A mooted fee of £17.1m is nothing short of a bargain for a player of Bremer’s calibre, form and age, so we strongly advise Paratici to back Conte with his signing.

According to WhoScored, the Brazilian has averaged an incredible 3.7 interceptions per 90, almost double that of Tottenham’s highest interceptor Sergio Reguilon, thus highlighting Bremer’s real tenacity in defence.

In another incentive, out of all Spurs’ regulars with more than one start, only Eric Dier has averaged more clearances per match (4.3) in that time than Bremer (4.2). In terms of aerial duels, Torino’s mainstay has made more on average than any Lilywhites player, and it’s clear that his colossal presence could be a real asset to Conte.

Described as ‘strong’ and ‘powerful’ by Italian football expert Conor Clancy (via Football FanCast), this could be a very shrewd move by Tottenham if they can execute it.

In other news – Talks ongoing: Spurs in contact to sign ‘incredible’ £29.9m man, club open to temporary deal, find out more here

Southampton have been linked with a move for RB Leipzig striker Alexander Sorloth recently, and the Norwegian could be a big upgrade in Ralph Hasenhuttl’s attack.

What’s the word?

Following Danny Ings’ shock move to Aston Villa earlier this month, it appears that Southampton are in a hurry to add a new striker to their squad ahead of their Premier League opener against Everton on Saturday.

The Athletic have claimed that the 25-year-old Sorloth is one of the names they are considering as a replacement for the England international, with Hasenhuttl said to be a fan of the former Crystal Palace man.

Would Sorloth be an upgrade on Southampton’s current options?

Following Ings’ departure, Hasenhuttl is looking desperately low on goalscorers in his current squad, with Che Adams yet to hit double figures in the league since his arrival from Birmingham City.

Whilst Nathan Tella and Michael Obafemi have both impressed in attacking roles in pre-season, neither can be expected to fill the void left by Ings, who hit 34 goals in the previous two Premier League campaigns.

Sorloth has experience in the Premier League with Crystal Palace, where he managed just one goal and one assist in 24 appearances in the Eagles.

However, he enjoyed a sensational run of form when on loan with Trabonzspor in the 2019/20 season, managing 33 goals and 11 assists in 49 appearances for the Turkish side, which earned him a move to RB Leipzig.

After one season with the Bundesliga side, in which he managed six goals and three assists in 37 appearances, it seems as if he could be on the move once again this summer, and he could be a big upgrade to the current options available to Hasenhuttl, provided he doesn’t replicate his previous form with Crystal Palace.

The £14.4m-rated forward won a lot of plaudits during his time in Turkey, with his Norway teammate Erling Haaland singing his praises in 2020, dubbing him the “King of the North” on Instagram.

At 6ft 4in, Sorloth would certainly give Hasenhuttl a very different option up front, and would free up the possibility of sending more crosses into the box and more long balls forward, which is something they struggled to do last season when deploying a partnership of Ings and Adams.

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Whilst the 25-year-old might never be a prolific Premier League striker, he could help to increase the output of someone like Adams, so he could be well worth the money if Southampton do bring him to St Mary’s this summer.

And, in other news… Imagine him and JWP: Semmens should seal Saints swoop for Euro 2020 star

Aston Villa could complete their midfield jigsaw with the signing of Southampton star James Ward-Prowse.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent weeks have suggested that Dean Smith is lining up a summer swoop for the England midfielder, and Noel Whelan has thrown his backing behind a potential move for the Saints man.

He said: “I’m not surprised he wants to move. Villa are showing real intent early on. I think the move will materialise, it’s happening. They have already got Buendia through the door so it really is exciting times for Aston Villa fans.

“If they can get James Ward-Prowse as well, another international, they could really reach that next level. He was very unlucky not to be in the England squad for the Euros. He would add serious competition for places.

“It would be a very exciting midfield if he was in there with Grealish, Buendia and McGinn. Time will tell if these signings are seen as replacements for Jack Grealish or not.”

Could complete Villa

The £35k-a-week earning ace would offer something that Villa really missed last season – goals from midfield. The Saints star managed eight goals in the Premier League, as well as chipping in with seven assists too, numbers that are far better than anything that Smith’s current options produced (John McGinn was the closest with three).

With Grealish and Buendia further ahead, Ward-Prowse would be tasked with breaking the lines with his passing deeper from midfield, and giving those two enough touches of the ball to cause havoc.

As Whelan says, it would make for a “very exciting midfield” if the trio started for Villa next season in the Premier League, with Grealish and Buendia offering real creativity, and Ward-Prowse coming in from deep and providing a supply line of both goals and assists too.

It’s a move that could see Johan Lange complete the midfield jigsaw for Villa.

Meanwhile, Ashley Preece has dropped a major Aston Villa transfer update…

Arsenal are eyeing a transfer move for Sevilla striker Youssef En-Nesyri as they plan for life after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

What’s the story?

The Gabon international has endured a difficult 12 months or so after lifting the FA Cup with the Gunners back in the summer of 2020, scoring just ten goals in the Premier League last season.

Now, according to La Colina de Nervion, Mikel Arteta’s side have identified En-Nesyri as a player who could come into replace Aubameyang once the current club captain leaves the Emirates.

The report adds that the Gunners could face competition from fellow Premier League side West Ham however.

Edu must sign him

While Arsenal themselves may see En-Nesyri as someone to replace Aubameyang, when you look at the stats, he’s arguably been better than another one of the Gunners’ star-studded strikers: Alexandre Lacazette.

The 24-year-old En-Nesyri bagged 24 goals in all competitions for Sevilla last season, including scoring a whopping six times in just eight games in the Champions League – a sure sign of how he rises to the big occasion.

In comparison, Lacazette managed just 16, and only netted three times in eight Europa League games.

Speaking about his qualities to This is Futbol, La Liga expert Euan McTear raved about the penalty-box instincts the striker has.

“He’s not someone that will move out wide and create a chance, he’s very much a centre-forward, if he’s moving out of the box to create something, it’s usually for his own good – a bit like Benzema, but he does that well and scores a lot of goals.”

Dubbed a “world-beater” at times by Sky Sports’ Spanish football commentator, Terry Gibson, he added: “When you look at his attributes, he’s as good in the air as anyone now. Not only is he tall, (but) he’s got that athletic ability to leap as well. He seems to really enjoy aerial challenges.

“He’s quick, he’s strong, great attitude, his finishing has improved, his first touch has improved, his movement has improved – all those things you expect players to improve on, he is doing.”

The £60m-rated star could be exactly the kind of striker Arteta needs at Arsenal, and Edu simply has to sign him.

Meanwhile, some Arsenal early team news has emerged before Norwich…

Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge believes Tottenham Hotspur should have targeted a creative midfielder on transfer deadline day.

Nuno Espirito Santo, who was appointed as Spurs’ head coach following a lengthy managerial search in June, welcomed five fresh faces to north London during the transfer window.

Pierluigi Gollini and Cristian Romero made the move from Italian outfit Atalanta, while Bryan Gil joined from Sevilla with Erik Lamela moving in the opposite direction.

Highly-rated teenager Pape Matar Sarr has been loaned straight back to Metz for the rest of the season after completing a switch to Spurs and Emerson Royal became the final signing as a £25.7million deal was agreed with Barcelona on deadline day.

But Nuno failed in his attempts to be reunited with Wolverhampton Wanderers winger Adama Traore as Spurs were unwilling to meet his £45million valuation late in the window.

Bridge feels the north Londoners have failed to ever replace Christian Eriksen, who left the club for Serie A giants Inter Milan in January 2020, and got their priorities wrong in the transfer market.

He told Football FanCast: “Tottenham are desperate for a creative midfielder. It’s just so apparent. They needed someone who has got good ball retention and can pick a pass.

“It’s all well and good having pacy runners and the drive and work rate of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, but it needs a little bit more guile.

“I look at Tottenham when they were really good and the two people I talk about are Mousa Dembele and Christian Eriksen. Tottenham would keep the ball for 70 per cent of the possession but now they are struggling to hold onto the ball.”

Former Everton star Michael Ball believes that Rafael Benitez has all the required credentials to take over from Carlo Ancelotti, but fears that it may turn ugly if such an appointment goes wrong.

Ancelotti shockingly left the club last week to rejoin Real Madrid after the departure of Zinedine Zidane.

The Italian was only appointed in December of 2019 but he has departed, having taken in just one full season at Goodison Park.

Everton finished 10th in 2020/21 but he has still left to join one of the biggest clubs in world football, if not the best.

Everton have since been linked with a number of managers and former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has suggested that the club should make a move to bring in the former Reds boss, who was also rumoured to be a contender in The Athletic.

Ball thinks he has the CV to do a good job, but believes his associations with the Reds, with whom he won the Champions League, could see the appointment turn “toxic”.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, he said: “All the managers I’ve seen us linked with, all have got pros and cons. Even top managers like Rafa Benitez, he’s a fantastic coach, he’s probably got the credentials Everton need.

“He knows the Premier League, he knows how to play in Europe but unfortunately, I feel if they have some bad performances, I think it would turn toxic quite quickly.

“That’s the only downfall. He’s such a big name across the park but his credentials are probably what Everton need going forward.”

Reliable journalist Gary Jacob has made a claim on defender Angelo Ogbonna amid recent hopes he could make a return before the end of 2021/2022.

The Lowdown: Insider shares West Ham hope?

The Italian, who hasn’t featured since November, sustaining an ACL injury against Liverpool, has been at the centre of claims in recent days that he could in fact be available for the final few games of this season.

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Indeed, West Ham insider Claret & Hugh believe that there is hope within the club that Ogbonna could make a contribution for manager David Moyes over the last couple of matches.

This comes after the centre-half returned to light training and travelled to France, watching the Hammers’ historic victory over Lyon in the Europa League, though he was not a squad member.

It’s also been claimed that Ogbonna, if Moyes’ men make the Europa League final, ‘could be fit enough’ to start.

However, issuing a claim to the contrary, Jacob has more pessimistic news amid this update.

The Latest: Jacob makes Ogbonna claim…

Jacob, writing for The Times in midweek, says that Ogbonna is in fact ‘out for the season’ with West Ham suffering somewhat of an injury crisis at the back.

Kurt Zouma could already be sidelined for ‘several weeks’, meanwhile Issa Diop’s ankle injury could rule him out for the remainder of this campaign.

This may leave Craig Dawson as Moyes’ only fit, natural centre-half for the final run-in.

The Verdict: Blow for Moyes…

Amid C&H’s update, Irons supporters will be hoping that there is in fact hope of an Ogbonna return despite Jacob’s firm claim.

The colossal 6 foot 3 defender was a mainstay in Moyes’ side before the ACL injury and has been an arguably crucial player for nearly two full seasons.

Former Hammers defender James Collins has labelled Ogbonna ‘phenomenal’ for his contribution at the London Stadium and his return would be a real boost.

However, as things stand, it appears Moyes may not be able to rely on the 33-year-old’s surprise early comeback.

In other news: Moyes set for GSB backing as West Ham insider makes exciting big-money claim, find out more here.