Leeds United are interested in a deal to bring Ismaila Sarr to Elland Road this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by French media outlet Foot Mercato, who claim that, following Raphinha’s €58m (£48.5m) move to Barcelona earlier in the summer transfer window, Victor Orta is looking to replace the Brazilian in Jesse Marsch’s squad ahead of the Whites’ upcoming Premier League campaign – with the Watford winger said to be one of the Spaniard’s targets.

The report goes on to state that the recently relegated Hornets are believed to only be willing to part with the 24-year-old for an offer in the region of €35m (£29m), a figure it remains to be seen whether Leeds will meet.

“Unbelievable” signing

While it is true that £29m would be an extraordinarily large fee for the Whites to pay a Championship side for one of their talents, considering just how impressive Sarr has been for Watford ever since his £40m signing from Stade Rennais back in the summer of 2019, the argument that the Senegal international would be an unbelievable signing is an easy one to make.

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Indeed, over his £24.3m-rated forward made an instant impact, scoring five goals, registering six assists and creating nine big chances for his teammates, in addition to taking an average of 1.6 shots, making 0.9 key passes and completing 1.7 dribbles per game.

However, with the Hornets finishing 18th that season, a spell in the Championship followed, with Sarr once again impressing – bagging 13 goals, providing 10 assists and creating 11 big chances over his 39 league fixtures in 2020/21, helping Watford secure an immediate return to the top flight with numbers akin to that of the departed Raphinha.

Yet again, the £71k-per-week attacker impressed over his 28 Premier League outings last time out, totalling numbers that would certainly make a great deal of difference to the Leeds side, scoring five goals, registering two assists and creating five big chances, as well as taking an average of 1.8 shots, making one key pass and completing 1.5 dribbles per match.

As such, considering the fact that Sarr achieved these returns as part of a side who have suffered two relegations in the past three years, it is not difficult to see why Troy Deeney dubbed the 24-year-old an “unbelievable” talent, nor is it hard to understand why Orta is reported to have made the Senegalese sensation his “top target” this summer, as the Watford star would undoubtedly make an unbelievable addition to Marsch’s attacking options at Elland Road next season.

Leeds United are thought to be interested in signing Los Angeles FC midfielder Jose Cifuentes.

The Lowdown: Cifuentes profiled

Cifuentes, an Ecuador international, is primarily a central midfielder but can also play in holding or attacking roles.

The 23-year-old is valued at a career-high £5.85m by Transfermarkt and is under contract with LAFC until the end of 2023.

Cifuentes, described as a ‘dynamic’ player with an ‘eye’ for goal by LAFC general manager John Thorrington, has scored 13 goals during his career, six of which have come in 2022.

The Latest: Leeds links

Sports Witness relayed an update from Ecuadorian journalist Andres Ponce, who provided an update to Radio Diblu FM regarding Cifuentes.

He claimed that Europe is chasing the midfielder, name-checking Leeds and Brighton as sides who are ‘interested’ in his services.

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The Verdict: 49ers to lay the groundwork?

Cifuentes is plying his trade in the MLS, so the investment arm of the San Francisco 49ers could help lay the groundwork over a potential transfer.

They hold a 44% stake in Leeds and have an option to buy the club outright from Andrea Radrizzani until 2024 so may well look at Cifuentes as a potential signing for their future.

Of course, it would need to be green-lit by Jesse Marsch, but with Mateusz Klich’s future up in the air, Cifuentes could prove to be a shrewd replacement as he can play in a variety of midfield roles and has good ‘mobility’.

According to transfer insider Dean Jones, Southampton will find it difficult to sign Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi this summer.

The Lowdown: Hudson-Odoi wants Chelsea exit

The Guardian reported last weekend that the 21-year-old has asked to leave the Premier League giants on loan in a bid to find more game time, and after being omitted from the Blues’ match-day squad for their opening day victory against Everton, an exit looks highly likely.

Fabrizio Romano first credited the Saints with an interest in the forward when he revealed that they have enquired about his availability, but there are doubts regarding the possibility of a deal being pulled off.

The Latest: Jones shares Saints concern

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones admitted that he thinks Hudson-Odoi won’t view Southampton as an ideal club for him to join in comparison with other offers he might receive. He said:

“Southampton is the one that has been most widely circulated. I’m not wholly convinced, at this point in time, that Hudson-Odoi sees that as the best place for him.”

The Verdict: Good deal for both parties?

If Ralph Hasenhuttl could convince Hudson-Odoi to put pen to paper at St. Mary’s, he would be a wonderful addition to the squad, even if it is temporary.

The Chelsea starlet only made 11 starts in the top-flight last season due to injury, but managed to make a positive impact when given the chance, averaging 1.7 key passes and 1.2 shots per game, via WhoScored.

Hudson-Odoi wants minutes under his belt and he could be a guaranteed starter under the Austrian if he hits the ground running, so a move to the south coast could be a lot more appealing than he thinks.

Crystal Palace forward Wilfried Zaha could make a move to Chelsea ‘at the end of the window’, Simon Phillips has told GiveMeSport.

The lowdown

With less a month of the transfer window remaining, Palace have only sold one first-team player – Christian Benteke.

The Belgian striker sealed a move to MLS outfit DC United for an undisclosed fee ahead of Palace’s season opener against Arsenal.

But the departure of Zaha, Palace’s most valuable player according to Transfermarkt, would of course be a far bigger story.

The 29-year-old only has 12 months left on his deal, which leaves the Eagles facing the prospect of losing him on a free next summer.

The latest

Phillips says Chelsea hold a long-standing interest Zaha and now spy an opportunity given his contract situation.

Blues manager Thomas Tuchel is a big fan of the player and could view it as a no-brainer.

“Wilfried Zaha, I’ve been told there’s still interest there,” he said. “Obviously that’s historical interest from Chelsea’s side before the new owners. Something could be done there at the end of the window with Zaha, one year left on his contract, and Chelsea have always admired him.

“And I think Tuchel has the same way of thinking there. So he wouldn’t be an expensive signing to do, and I think he would be the kind of player that Tuchel would really like.”

The verdict

It seems like Palace may be minded to sell Zaha if they receive a suitable offer.

The Athletic’s Matt Woosnam reports that they ‘have no intention’ of allowing him to leave for nothing in 2023.

And with Palace now looking to build around younger players with a high resale value, the wisdom of handing out a big contract to someone who’s about to turn 30 might be questioned internally.

Still, it would no doubt be a pretty mighty challenge to replace Zaha, who top-scored for the club last season with 15 goals in all competitions.

He proved his worth again on Friday night, even as Palace fell to a 2-0 defeat, by completing three dribbles, creating two chances (including one big chance) and making three tackles. If you go by SofaScore metrics, he was his team’s second best player behind Joachim Andersen.

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.

West Ham United are still pressing on with their bid to sign Eintracht Frankfurt star, Filip Kostic, according to the latest reports.

What’s the word?

As per club insider ExWHUemployee – via the West Ham Way Patreon page – the Hammers are hoping that the Serbian international’s agent, Alessandro Lucci, can tempt the 29-year-old into making the switch, with the player currently said to be “indecisive” about the deal.

The respected source stated: “It is believed that Lucci is trying his best to convince the player to be open to a move to West Ham if the Italian move does not happen and that a new improved financial offer has been made to him as of today to try and persuade him to sacrifice the Bosman option,” he wrote.

“It is expected that we will be clearer in the next few days although the player is very indecisive at the moment and as a result, no one in the club knows definitively whether we have a chance or not.”

The 48-cap gem – who has spent the past four seasons in Frankfurt – is reportedly set to be available for a cut-price fee of around €20m (£17m), with just a year remaining on his existing deal with the German outfit.

Unreal signing

It would appear then that a decision over the former Hamburg man’s future could well be imminent, with supporters likely praying that the east Londoners are able to make what would undoubtedly be an unreal signing for the club.

Comfortable anywhere down the left flank, the £43k-per-week sensation would offer a real potent attacking threat to David Moyes’ side, having been in truly sparkling form both domestically and in European competition in recent seasons.

The 2021/22 campaign saw the £21.6m-rated menace register an impressive tally of seven goals and 15 assists in all competitions, notably recording three goals and six assists in just 11 appearances during the Bundesliga side’s triumphant Europa League run – beating the Irons en route to the showpiece.

That haul also ensures his overall record at his current side now stands at 33 goals and 63 assists in 169 games across all fronts, with that stunning form unsurprisingly seeing him dubbed an “assist machine'” by journalist Ronan Murphy.

The one-time Stuttgart man also compares favourably to those in his position across Europe’s top five leagues in a number of metrics, ranking in the top 2% for progressive passes received, the top 5% for progressive carries and the top 6% for touches in the attacking penalty area.

Having largely featured in a wing-back berth at the Waldstadion, it remains to be seen just where the 6 foot wizard would line up at the London Stadium were he to be plucked in the coming weeks, although his versatility could potentially see him usurp Aaron Cresswell at left-back or feature ahead of the Englishman in midfield.

With his cliched wand of a left boot, there is no telling as to the damage that West Ham can inflict with Kostic swinging in inch-perfect deliveries to 6 foot 5 summer arrival Gianluca Scamacca, with that attacking threat a truly mouthwatering prospect.

AND in other news, Moyes can now form “unreal” duo as West Ham given green light for “limitless” £13m signing…

Arsenal are said to hold a long-term interest in Pedro Neto and according to recent reports, the north Londoners have even made an enquiry.

“If they decide to stay in the Premier League, I think Pedro Neto could be one to look out for,” transfer insider Dean Jones revealed to GIVEMESPORT.

“There have been some enquiries made along that path and I think that’s one that might get talked about a little bit more in the next week or so.”

Indeed, the Gunners are thought to be keen admirers of the Portugal international and given their search for wide additions, it could be a wise decision from technical director Edu Gaspar and his recruitment staff to launch an offence in the coming weeks.

The Brazilian chief missed out on one of his key targets, Raphinha, earlier in the window as the former Leeds United dynamo opted for a dream transfer to FC Barcelona.

Other names that have been linked to the Emirates Stadium include PSV Eindhoven’s Cody Gakpo and Bayer Leverkusen’s Moussa Diaby.

However, it is the Wolverhampton Wanderers star that makes the most sense but only if he can be lured from Molineux before September 1st.

Similar to Saka

According to FBref, the 23-year-old is most comparable to current Gunners sensation Bukayo Saka in terms of statistical profile and that has to be encouraging news indeed.

The Wolves gem is someone who likes to get on the ball and influence the game in the final third, as summed up by his 8.58 progressive carries per 90 and 6.15 touches in the opposition box per 90, which sees him rank within the top 12% of his positional peers across Europe.

Saka is very similar in this regard, having averaged 7.92 progressive carries per 90, which ranks in the top 15% of wingers, and 7.01 touches in the opposition’s penalty area, which is better than Neto as he ranks inside the top 5%, also via FBref.

The pair also like to get a shot off, meaning they regularly create a goal threat for their respective teams, with Neto averaging 3.24 shots per 90 and Saka managing 2.87 shots per 90.

It’s clear that both players are very similar in terms of playing style and that would make Neto a fantastic fit for manager Mikel Arteta and his playing style, given just how big of an influence the England international has been.

Last season, no one contributed to more goals than Saka (11 goals, seven assists) as he led the team for shots per game (2.6) and ranked second for creating key passes (1.8 per game), as per WhoScored.

Neto has suffered from injuries in recent times, the latest being a serious knee problem that saw him miss the majority of last season as he was restricted to 463 minutes of Premier League action.

But the winger, who has been lauded as a “superstar” by Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher and a “very special talent” by his colleague Jamie Redknapp, is evidently a proven threat in the big time and one that would need little time to settle in heading into a hectic fixture list.

His presence on the left would also allow Saka to be deployed in arguably his best position on the right flank. A front three of Neto, Saka and Gabriel Jesus is a mouthwatering prospect.

Edu must do whatever he can to secure the £18m-rated dynamo before the end of the summer transfer window.

AND in other news, Enquiry made: Arsenal eyeing swoop for £50m “huge talent”, he’s clear of Pepe…

Leeds United have rejected Newcastle United’s €40m (£33.5m) offer for Jack Harrison, according to French journalist Santi Aouna.

The Lowdown: Harrison transfer rumours

The Whites have already cashed in on two star players this summer in Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha, pocketing just over £96m following their respective moves to Manchester City and Barcelona.

Harrison has been linked with becoming the next high-profile player to leave Elland Road, with Newcastle manager Eddie Howe an admirer.

The 25-year-old was coy when quizzed on his future following a pre-season friendly against Aston Villa last month, and it looks as if the Tyneside club have submitted a big-money bid.

The Latest: Bid turned down

Aouna took to Twitter on Monday morning to provide an update on Newcastle’s interest in Harrison.

He revealed that Leeds have turned down a €40m (£33.5m) bid from the Magpies and are holding out for €47m (£39.4m).

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The Verdict: Wow

Harrison, who was labelled a ‘cracking player’ by pundit Kevin Campbell, is valued at a career-high £16.2m by Transfermarkt.

Leeds previously placed a £35m price tag on the winger, but it looks as if that has increased slightly, should Aouna’s claim be accurate.

Andrea Radrizzani and the 49ers Enterprises paid £11m for Harrison last year, so they could have made an eye-catching profit if they were to cash in on him.

It’ll be interesting to see if Newcastle return with an improved offer, especially with Harrison seemingly taking the number 11 shirt at Elland Road for the new season.

There has been an update regarding the fitness of Newcastle United midfielder, Jonjo Shelvey…

What’s the word?

As per journalist Craig Hope, the Magpies have been dealt a major blow with the Englishman facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines, after picking up a hamstring injury in the pre-season clash against Benfica at the end of July.

Writing on Twitter about the 30-year-old’s potential long-term absence, the respected source stated: “Exclusive: Jonjo Shelvey set to miss first half of season after undergoing hamstring surgery. Midfielder expected to be out for 12 weeks into early November. Newcastle will now definitely keep Elliot Anderson at club rather than evaluate loan offers”

In his attached piece for the Daily Mail, Hope revealed that the former Swansea City playmaker is unlikely to feature again before the Premier League season is halted in early November, when the Qatar World Cup will get underway.

As he also alluded to, that fact will likely see promising teenager Elliot Anderson remain at the club beyond the end of the window, despite potential loan interest in the 19-year-old.

Must move for Maddison

Even with Anderson – who impressed last season on loan at Bristol Rovers – remaining part of manager Eddie Howe’s first-team squad, the former Bournemouth boss will still be left distinctly short of options in the centre of the park due to Shelvey’s injury woes.

Facing the prospect of a lack of depth in such a key area, the Tynesiders must surely ramp up their pursuit of Leicester City ace James Maddison, with the Englishman a quality, Premier League-ready figure who can slot straight into Howe’s side.

While not a direct replacement for the deep-lying Shelvey, the 25-year-old is comfortable both in a number eight role and in a more creative attacking berth, offering that much-needed link between the forward line and midfield.

The northeast side have already had two bids rejected for the one-cap sensation – the second of which was reportedly around £50m – with the Foxes holding out for around £60m for a player that Brendan Rodgers is desperate to keep.

That reluctance to sell is no surprise such has been the £45m-rated man’s sparkling form of late, with the former Norwich City ace netting 12 goals and providing eight assists in the top-flight last season, while he’s already got off the mark with an assist in Leicester’s opening weekend draw with Brentford.

Further additions had seemingly been needed even prior to this recent injury blow, with it now even more imperative that PIF are able to get another midfield player through the door.

With approaches having already been made, Howe and co must now step up their bid to land Maddison before the window draws to a close.

Wolves are reportedly interested in signing Chelsea’s Ethan Ampadu this summer, and the Wales international could be the ideal man to replace Conor Coady at Molineux.

What’s the word?

According to reports from Italy, a number of Serie A clubs are interested in taking the former Exeter City man on loan, while he has also attracted the interest of Wolves.

However, they suggest that Ampadu is keen on a permanent move away from Stamford Bridge as he seeks regular first-team football, which looks unlikely at Stamford Bridge following the signing of Kalidou Koulibaly and the potential addition of Wesley Fofana.

Ideal Coady heir?

Wolves made the somewhat surprising decision to loan out their captain to Premier League rivals Everton earlier this month, with Bruno Lage seemingly set to favour a four-at-the-back formation this season.

While Nathan Collins has arrived from Wolves, partnering Max Kilman in the heart of Lage’s defence, you could argue that more cover is needed in that position before the transfer window shuts.

Lage does have Willy Boly available too but the Ivorian’s form last season, when he was ranked as one of Wolves’ worst performers in the Premier League, suggests that he won’t be featuring too much this season.

The Portuguese boss also has young options in Yerson Mosquera and Toti, but neither have much Premier League experience, so Ampadu could definitely be a shrewd acquisition when you consider his experience and versatility.

The Welshman, despite being just 21, has been a regular in each of the last two seasons with Sheffield United and Venezia respectively, so will undoubtedly be looking for another season of first-team football.

Ampadu is also capable of playing in defensive midfield, which is where Coady started his career at Liverpool before adopting the centre-back role during his time at Molineux.

The Chelsea youngster, who was dubbed “versatile” by his Wales manager Rob Page, earned a lot of praise from Sheffield United boss Paul Heckingbottom during his time at Bramall Lane.

He said: “The biggest thing with Ethan is his application and his love of the game and his professionalism to be as good as he can be. That’s a real bonus of him if you like, and he’ll fulfil his potential, wherever that may be.

“He’s been used in a number of positions cos he’s got a good brain and he knows the roles. But he’s also keen to find a position that he can become a master in and that’s something I’ve encouraged with Ethan.

“It can be an attribute that you can fill all the gaps. But I think Ethan has aspirations to be a top player at the top teams and at international level, so I think to become a master in one position will help him with that.”

Considering Ampadu is still only young, he could definitely adjust to whatever role Lage wanted to utilise him in, and the Welshman could prove to be the ideal man to replace Coady in Wolves’ squad this summer.