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Sheffield Wednesday journalist Joe Crann has shared his verdict on the latest injury updates on Akin Famewo and Dennis Adeniran. 

The Lowdown: Injuries

Darren Moore has been unable to call on the pair since August, with centre-back Famewo making just a single League One appearance so far this season.

Central midfielder Adeniran has made four appearances in all competitions, scoring twice in the EFL Cup. The pair have missed the majority of the third-tier fixtures, but it looks as if they could be back sooner rather than later.

The Latest: Crann reacts

Crann took to Twitter on Monday afternoon, sharing a story for The Star regarding comments from Moore on Famewo and Adeniran’s respective injuries.

He said: “Good to hear that Akin Famewo and Dennis Adeniran are on the comeback trail…

“SWFC say they should be back in contention next month if all goes to plan.”

The Verdict: Good news

Wednesday have enjoyed a relatively strong start to the season, averaging two points per game after 13 league games. Moore has had a number of injury problems during that time, with Famewo and Adeniran just two of a number of issues the club have had to deal with.

Therefore, knowing that they are working hard behind the scenes and edging closer to a full return is ideal news for everyone associated with the club, especially as the Owls won’t be stopping when the World Cup gets underway next month.

Tottenham Hotspur youngster Bryan Gil has been spotted in open training ahead of their crunch Group D clash with Marseille tonight.

The Lowdown: Spurs preparing…

Spurs head coach Antonio Conte is arguably preparing for one of the biggest matches of his tenure so far as his side gear up for their first Champions League appearance since 2020.

The Lilywhites were humbled in their Last 16 tie against RB Leipzig over two years ago but the mood around north London has undergone a dramatic transformation since then.

Tottenham are playing with a new-found confidence under Conte and remain unbeaten in the league this season, coming after the Italian was well and truly backed with eight major signings in the transfer market.

The Latest: Gil spotted in training…

As they also look ahead to Man City in the Premier League this weekend, tonight could be an opportunity for Spurs to hand rarely-seen players a chance to impress.

Gil may well fall into this category considering he is available again after his injury with journalist George Sessions spotting the Spaniard in open training on Tuesday.

He explained:

“At Hotspur Way for Tottenham’s open training session before Wednesday’s #UCL opener with Marseille. No Lucas Moura but Bryan Gil is there.”

The Verdict: Hand opportunity?

Depending on the developments in tonight’s game, Conte may well want to give Gil a chance to shine off the bench if Spurs find themselves in a comfortable position.

Lauded as a ‘raw’ and ‘exciting’ talent by members of the media, the 21-year-old needs minutes to further his development and he could even evolve into a crucial player over the next few seasons.

Having failed to seal a loan move away from Spurs, it will be interesting to see if he can fight his way into Conte’s plans.

Leeds United employee Noel Whelan has been reacting to what he’s heard on Patrick Bamford’s latest injury, as per Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Bamford injured

The England international endured an injury-hit 2021/22 season, with ankle, hamstring and foot issues limiting him to just seven Premier League starts.

The 28-year-old suffered his first injury problem of 2022/23 against Southampton last Saturday when he was forced off with an abductor problem.

Bamford, who has begun the season as captain in Liam Cooper’s absence, was replaced by Dan James at St Mary’s, although Jesse Marsch confirmed after the game that the striker’s injury is “not bad” and claimed that he could be back in training before the match against Chelsea this coming Sunday.

The Latest: Whelan’s comments

Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan was reacting to the update on Bamford’s problem not being too serious, describing it as a ‘massive’ boost for Leeds.

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The Elland Road ambassador said:

“We don’t want to be missing Patrick – he’s the captain by rights at the moment.

“He gives us a different dimension when he’s playing. We’ve got that focal point that allows Rodrigo to take up good positions and allows Jack Harrison to push further forward.

“He’s very important to this side, so to hear that he’s back in training soon and it’s not a serious injury – it’s massive.

“This might be a season where he needs time to rest and recover a bit more. He’s just come back from a really horrible season filled with injuries.”

The Verdict: Phew…

Joe Gelhardt didn’t travel to Southampton due to an issue of his own, highlighting Leeds’ lack of depth in attack, so having Bamford out for the foreseeable future would’ve been a major blow, not least because of the 19 Premier League goals that he has scored since the Whites returned to the top flight two years ago.

While it looks as if he could feature on Sunday, it could still be wise for the Leeds hierarchy to explore a new signing in the final third before the September 1 deadline.

Hopefully Bamford will avoid any serious injury issues this term, but as Whelan mentions, the club may need to be especially careful with him as the season goes on given the troubles of 2021/22.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are keen to fix their striking options as soon as possible…

What’s the word?

talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook recently made a short but sweet statement about Wolves’ upcoming business to GIVEMESPORT.

He claimed: “They’re working on it and they’re ideally looking to bring someone in on loan with Premier League experience.”

Having been linked with a host of strikers, to have it confirmed that a forward is potentially inbound at Molineux will be fantastic news for the Wolves faithful. 

It’s smart business

With something of a gap to fill up front, Bruno Lage has had this glaring issue facing him ever since Raul Jimenez was dealt a serious injury blow in pre-season.

His deputy from last season, who did not score in any of his 22 Premier League appearances, Fabio Silva has since been sent out on loan. This has left Wolves scrambling for any sort of presence up top, and this news suggests they are working to find that man.

One man who they have been linked with is Edin Dzeko, who certainly fits the bill when it comes to Premier League experience. The Bosnian striker featured 130 times for Manchester City and scored 50 times.

However, at the age of 36, he still has proven he has an eye for goal. Just last season he bagged 17 times in all competitions as Inter Milan narrowly missed out on the title.

Another player of interest is Ben Brereton-Diaz, however he would be more of a wildcard decision for Lage. To sign the Chilean would be to put the parts in motion to replace Jimenez, who admittedly did only score six times last season and is 31 years old.

The 23-year-old conversely rattled in 23 league goals for Blackburn Rovers and has certainly earned a step up to the Premier League.

Whilst this would be something of a risk compared to Dzeko, it could have huge implications on the future of the Midlands club, as they could secure a fine forward for many years to come.

Regardless of who Lage turns to, the simple fact is that he needs a striker before the season starts in a week’s time. The news that they are in the market will please supporters, and it would make for very smart business to plug that gaping hole up front.

AND, in other news: Wolves could seal a “top player” by signing £153k-p/w goal machine in late swoop.

Despite West Ham United looking likely to be bringing in Chelsea striker Armando Broja in the near future, speculation persists regarding additional centre-forward targets who could also potentially join the Albania international at the club.

Recent reports coming out of Spain (via Caught Offside) have suggested that one name who is of interest to the Hammers is that of Espanyol marksman Raul de Tomas, with the Spaniard also said to be attracting interest from fellow Premier League side, Everton.

The 27-year-old has courted attention following a standout campaign last time out in La Liga, in which he plundered 17 league goals for the Catalan outfit, having helped drag his current side out of the second tier the year prior with 23 league goals.

With the one-time Real Madrid man – who reportedly has a £60m release clause in his current deal – there are perhaps concerns about his lack of regular top-flight football, having spent much of his career thus far in the lower divisions.

That is somewhat reminiscent of one of his compatriots who failed to deliver during his time in east London – Lucas Perez – with the now 33-year-old having also taken something of an unconventional route to England, after stints in Ukraine, Greece and his homeland.

It was, however, Arsenal where the 5 foot 11 dud was plucked from by the Irons in 2018, with then-boss Manuel Pellegrini deeming it wise to sign a player who had made little impact during his two-year spell with the Gunners, scoring just one league goal in 11 outings.

Perhaps as expected, Perez went on to join a long list of strikers who have struggled upon pulling on the claret and blue jersey, scoring just three goals in 15 league appearances for the club, before being quickly moved on to Alaves at the end of his debut season.

While the current Cadiz man only cost GSB a reported £4m, the sums being mentioned with regards to De Tomas are far heftier, with it no doubt set to be an even greater mistake if the £13k-per-week man is signed this summer.

What is perhaps most concerning is that – much like Perez – he has seemingly only been at his best in Spain, having endured a brief, dismal stint at Benfica in his solitary move away from the country thus far, in which he lasted just six months before returning back home.

For all the desperation to bolster Moyes’ forward ranks, supporters would not want the Scot to make the same mistake as his predecessor and agree to what would seemingly be a doomed, Perez-like signing.

AND in other news, Contact made: Moyes can unearth a new sensation as West Ham move for “complete” £39m target 

David Moyes means business in the summer transfer window with West Ham signing Nayef Aguerd and Flynn Downes, whilst securing a permanent move for PSG goalkeeper Alphonse Areola following his loan spell last season.

The Scot will be aiming to carry the momentum from last season, where West Ham reached a historic Europa League semi-final and finished a lofty seventh place in the Premier League.

With additions to the defence and midfield so far, Moyes will be looking at bolstering his attacking options, and with the club linked with moves for strikers Armando Broja and Emmanuel Dennis amongst others, he should be making a move for a 23-year-old who has had an excellent 18 months for both club and country.

The Sun reported in May that West Ham were interested in Blackburn Rovers striker Ben Brereton-Diaz, with the Championship club slapping a £20m price tag on the player.

His former manager Tony Mowbray dubbed the striker “extraordinary” with FourFourTwo describing him as a ‘superstar’ and it could be an excellent move for West Ham.

The 23-year-old scored a remarkable 22 goals from 37 Championship appearances last season and this has naturally attracted interest from the likes of West Ham and fellow Premier League side Leeds United.

He has also added four goals from 14 international appearances for Chile – the country of his mother’s birth – and the striker even scored at the Copa America in 2021.

With West Ham only having one senior forward at the club in Michael Antonio, who scored 13 goals last season, signing Brereton-Diaz would prove to be a major upgrade.

In terms of league goals, Brereton-Diaz scored more (22 to 10), had more shots per game (2.8 to 2.3) and scored more frequently (a goal every 139 minutes to 238 minutes).

These stats show that the Chilean international could be an upgrade on Antonio for next season as Moyes aims to improve his attacking options.

AND in other news: Big West Ham transfer update emerges that’ll delight Moyes…

Everton’s interest in Harry Winks could play a part in negotiations with Tottenham Hotspur over Richarlison, according to The Telegraph’s Matt Law.

The lowdown

Tottenham have expressed an interest in signing the 25-year-old, but the Toffees are driving a hard bargain. They believe he’s worth ‘well over’ £50m, having paid an initial £35m (potentially rising to £50m with add-ons) for the Brazilian in 2018.

Winks, who can play as both a defensive midfielder and a number eight, has two years remaining on his contract with the Lilywhites. The 26-year-old only started nine Premier League matches last season, and may therefore be open to making a move in pursuit of additional game time.

The latest

In The Telegraph, Law explained that Everton are admirers of Winks, who could consequently be included as part of a deal which would see Richarlison going in the opposite direction.

Alternatively, he and the Brazil international could move in separate transfers.

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The verdict

Transfermarkt value Winks at £15.3m, so that’s roughly the figure that we may see knocked off Richarlison’s price tag if he becomes part of the package. Would this be a smart business decision from Everton?

Winks is an accomplished distributor, ranking in the 76th percentile among positional peers in Europe’s top five leagues for passing accuracy (86.6%) and the 98th percentile for progressive passes, as per FBRef. Also, he is capable of ‘dictating the game’, in the words of former Spurs striker Robbie Keane.

In this respect, the Englishman – who is similar in profile to Chelsea’s Jorginho – could be a real asset if he is added to Frank Lampard’s midfield.

He has earned praise from Pep Guardiola in the past, with the City manager noting after a 1-0 win for his team against Spurs at Wembley in 2018 that Winks ‘changed the game’ as a substitute, while the 26-year-old’s former boss Mauricio Pochettino likened him to Xavi and Iniesta.

Just imagine seeing a player of that ilk strutting his stuff at Goodison Park every other week…

In other news, David Ornstein has shared some big Everton news.

According to Sky Sports injury expert Ben Dinnery, Manchester City could have an agreement in place with Gareth Southgate to make sure that right-back Kyle Walker isn’t too heavily involved whilst on duty with England this month.

The Lowdown: Walker’s injury concerns

The 32-year-old veteran sustained an ankle injury earlier in the season during the Sky Blues’ Champions League quarter-final second leg against Atletico Madrid. Pep Guardiola at one point even confirmed that the £150k-per-week star had been ruled out for the remainder of the season.

Despite these fears, the defender managed to make a comeback and was named on the bench for City’s thrilling 3-2 victory over Aston Villa on the final day of the season, which clinched the Manchester outfit the Premier League title in dramatic style.

It was then revealed by the club’s media team just last week that the Sheffield-born talent had been included in the Three Lions squad for their upcoming Nations League games.

The Latest: Dinnery’s agreement claim

Speaking during an interview with Football Insider, Dinnery revealed that he thinks Southgate will be very sensible when it comes to Walker’s game time. He told correspondent Adam Williams:

“He is a very, very fit player.

“We saw that when he returned in the Champions League semi-final. He had done very little training with the group but he put his body on the line.

“Then, after being ruled out for the season, he made a surprise inclusion on the bench for the final day. The time between then and now will certainly have helped him.

“I’m sure Gareth Southgate will have agreed with clubs that he won’t be pushing players unnecessarily. I can’t see Kyle Walker playing every minute of every game.”

The Verdict: An integral England starter

The City gem first made his England debut under Fabio Capello 11 years ago and has since gone on to become an integral part of the Wembley outfit’s starting XI, having been capped 65 times to provide eight assists across all competitions, as per Transfermarkt.

Walker has been equally as effective in and out of possession for Southgate’s team, where he averages 1.3 tackles and clearances apiece along with 6.5 long balls per game, via WhoScored, showing the impact he can have at both ends of the pitch.

The Three Lions are set to face Germany, Italy, and Hungary in their forthcoming fixtures over the next few weeks as they begin their preparations for the start of the World Cup in November.

In other news… a Manchester City first-team star has been told he is free to leave the club this summer.

Transfer insider Dean Jones has been told that Manchester United are ‘extremely close’ to signing Benfica forward Darwin Nunez, GiveMeSport report.

The Lowdown: Nunez links

The Red Devils appear to be on the hunt for a new marquee striker this summer, with Nunez and Napoli’s Victor Osimhen heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford.

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Approaches have been made for both and United are willing to spend big on Nunez, who knocked Erik ten Hag’s Ajax side out of the Champions League last season.

Ajax defender Jurrien Timber is reportedly on the brink of reuniting with Ten Hag in Manchester, and it looks as if Nunez could follow suit.

The Latest: Jones’ claim

Jones, talking to GMS, had this to say on United and Nunez, stating that he’s been told from a ‘source’ that an Old Trafford move is ‘extremely close’.

“One source described this deal to United to me as being ‘extremely close’.

“They consider Atletico Madrid as their main rivals to sign him, from what I hear, but obviously, loads around Europe are looking. If Darwin does move to Old Trafford, it will be a brilliant signing for the Ten Hag era.”

The Verdict: Fingers crossed

Nunez has come off the back of an outstanding campaign, scoring 34 times in 41 games. He impressed as a centre-forward, left-winger and second striker, so a move to United could be just what Ten Hag needs.

It looks like it could be an expensive deal with United willing to spend €80m (£67.8m), but you’d like to think it would be a shrewd long-term investment following his excellent campaign.

The new boss could find himself short of attacking options with Edinson Cavani leaving, so Nunez could be the ideal signing to play alongside Cristiano Ronaldo in a front two, in behind or on the wing.

In other news: Reliable journalist leaks Man Utd talks as Ten Hag now eyes ‘terrific’ Englishman. 

With something of a rebuild on the cards for Jesse Marsch and Leeds United this summer, one would expect a number of the 48-year-old’s first-team players to be moved onto pastures new in the upcoming window – in order for the American to raise funds for his own signings ahead of 2022/23.

One such player who looks certain to depart Elland Road is Helder Costa, the winger currently on loan at Valencia.

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The LaLiga side are reported to have a €20m (£16.5m) option to buy the Angola international, however, disappointing performances coupled with the January arrival of Tottenham Hotspur’s Bryan Gil have seen the £7.2m-rated forward’s minutes become extremely limited, with the latest updates from Spain suggesting that Los Che will not be taking up the purchase clause of the 28-year-old.

And, considering the fact that the player who Noel Whelan dubbed “negative” is reported to be earning a whopping £70k-per-week at Elland Road, in addition to the fact that Costa has ranked as the club’s second-worst and 10th-worst performer in the 2020/21 and 2021/22 Premier League campaigns respectively, it is unsurprising that reports are suggesting the Whites could look to move the player on permanently this summer.

Indeed, with an extremely inflated wage and failing to live up to his £16m fee, it would appear a wise move for Marsch to finally call time on the Angolan’s career at Elland Road.

Another player whose head could be on the chopping block at the end of the season is Robin Koch, the £13m 2020 signing from SC Freiburg.

The £15.3m-rated centre-back has struggled with both form and injury in 2021/22, making just 15 Premier League appearances, over which he has averaged a well below-par SofaScore match rating of just 6.54 – ranking him as Marsch’s sixth-worst player in the division.

These returns have seen the Germany international come in for criticism, with Danny Mills stating his belief that the 25-year-old could well find himself on the unwanted list as a result of failing to stake a claim in the starting XI:

“He hasn’t really found a position. He’s OK here, he’s OK there and he’s decent there. You don’t look at it and go, ‘he is playing centre-half’ or ‘he’s playing defensive midfield.’

“That is difficult for a player and also for a manager. Where does he fit in? Can the manager get somebody to do a specific job in that position who is maybe a little bit better?

“Sometimes being a utility player is great but it often means you are on the fringes. You are often second-choice in six or seven different positions.”

“The new manager will be looking to bring in two or three of his own players, players that he wants. If that means you have to get a couple out then so be it.”

And, with Koch also earning a quite considerable £46k-per-week at Elland Road, from his performances this season, it would not appear as if the player who Beren Cross dubbed both “horrible to watch” and “not good enough” is worth this outlay.

As such, it would seem as if moving Koch on – alongside Costa – could also be a smart move by Marsch, as not only would these exits free up room in the 48-year-old’s first-team squad, but it would also save Leeds a colossal £116k-per-week in wages.

AND in other news: Orta now plotting £20m Leeds bid for “unbelievable” talent, he’s better than Aaronson