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.

Everton had a slow start to the summer transfer window but have now signed three new players to strengthen the squad at Goodison Park, and a reliable source has revealed a potential new target for the Toffees.

What’s the latest?

According to Everton insider and journalist Alan Myers, the Merseyside club are now interested in signing Conor Coady this summer.

Myers tweeted: “Everton want to sign Wolves defender Conor Coady. Frank Lampard is an admirer of the experienced centre-back, who’s been at Wolves for 7 years.”

Imagine him & Tarkowski

It is no secret that Everton struggled last term as they were embroiled in a relegation scrap at the bottom of the Premier League table until the penultimate game of the season, so it comes as no surprise that Frank Lampard is keen to strengthen his squad, especially in defence.

In March, Jamie Carragher gave a scathing assessment on Sky Sports of what he believed to be a huge problem for the Toffees following their humiliating 5-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.

The pundit raged: “If Everton aren’t going to be good enough, it can be quality and they’re not. That back four is miles away, it’s Championship level.”

The Toffees’ poor defensive performances ultimately led to them conceding the fifth most goals (66) in the Premier League last term, and after signing James Tarkowski from Burnley last month, they could now strengthen their defence even further to ensure that they don’t repeat the mistakes of the past.

Coady, who was dubbed “phenomenal” by former team-mate Dave Edwards, has been a reliable and solid performer for Wolverhampton Wanderers, earning the captaincy at the club with his sound leadership which has led to inclusion in the England team.

Over 38 appearances last season, the £62k-per-week titan scored four goals, made 3.7 clearances per game and won the majority of his duels (53%), becoming one of the standout performers in the division.

The Wolves captain ranked second for successful dribbles, third in conversion of big chances and fourth for blocked shots in the entire top flight.

There is no doubt that Lampard could form the perfect centre-back partnership between Tarkowski and Coady if Everton can secure a deal for the Wolves skipper before the transfer window shuts, as the pair are both renowned for their leadership skills and are both proven defenders who have been important players for the teams they have represented.

Both Englishmen are capable of playing either side in the centre-back role, which will again be very useful to Lampard if he can get them together at Goodison Park, as the strength and experience of the pair combined could help Everton to seriously improve over the course of this season.

The signing of Coady would be a huge coup for the Toffees and would put Lampard in a great position to deploy a defence that he can trust to compete and contribute in their efforts to retain their Premier League status more comfortably this time around.

Motherwell have reached an agreement with Leeds United to sign Stuart McKinstry on a season-long loan, according to Football Insider.

The Lowdown: McKinstry’s Leeds career

The 19-year-old joined Leeds in 2020 from the Scottish club and has been a regular in the Whites’ academy, making a combined 50 appearances for the under-18s and under-23s.

The teenager made two senior appearances under Marcelo Bielsa last season, with the club’s former manager describing the Scot as having ‘great character’.

The midfielder is now into the final 12 months of his Elland Road deal, though, and it looks as if a return to Scotland is on the cards.

The Latest: McKinstry transfer update

Football Insider provided an update on McKinstry after being informed by sources on Tuesday.

They claimed that Motherwell have agreed to re-sign the player on loan after a breakthrough in talks, with the youngster set to undergo a medical and finalise a move to Scotland in the next days.

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The Verdict: Make-or-break loan move?

Should McKinstry spend the entirety of the 2022/23 campaign at Fir Park, he will be approaching the end of his contract at Leeds by the time he returns.

Therefore, it could be make-or-break for the midfielder back in Scotland, where some impressive displays may well earn him a new deal with the Whites.

It didn’t take long for McKinstry to impress after joining in 2020 as he was training with the first team before the year was out, but he has failed to make a genuine breakthrough like Joe Gelhardt and Sam Greenwood have, so a loan spell away from Elland Road could be exactly what he needs.

Leeds United have been dealt a blow in their bid to bring Che Adams to Elland Road this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Football Insider, who claim that, despite Victor Orta being heavily linked with a move for the Southampton centre-forward in recent weeks, it is Nottingham Forest who now appear to be leading the race for the 26-year-old’s signature – with Steve Cooper’s side believed to have opened talks with Saints regarding a deal for the Scotland international.

The report goes on to state that the Reds are looking to add more firepower to their frontline ahead of the new Premier League season, while Leeds are looking to bring in support for Patrick Bamford up top, with both clubs having identified Adams – for whom Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side are reported to be demanding a figure of £10m – as a suitable candidate.

Orta must now act

With the Whites’ Premier League opener against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday afternoon now just a little over 48 hours away, and, at present, Orta having yet to add a new out-and-out centre-forward to Jesse Marsch’s squad in the summer transfer window, time is very much running out for the Spaniard to seal a deal before the 2022/23 campaign kicks off.

And, with Forest now reportedly in talks with one of Leeds’ well-known attacking targets, Orta simply must join the Reds in the race for Adams’ signature if he truly does wish to bring the striker to Elland Road in the coming weeks.

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Indeed, while the £16.2m-rated forward would by no means be the Whites’ biggest-name signing of the window, the Scot is a Premier League-proven option who would add substantial depth to Marsch’s options in attack.

Over his 30 top flight fixtures – only 23 of which came as starts – last season, the £52k-per-week hitman impressed for Saints, scoring seven goals, registering three assists and creating six big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 1.6 shots, making 0.9 key passes and completing 0.7 dribbles per game.

These returns saw the 26-year-old average a very respectable SofaScore match rating of 6.85 – a rating which, if the forward were playing for Leeds, would have ranked him as Marsch’s joint seventh-best player – alongside Kalvin Phillips – in the top flight of England football last time out.

As such, considering the fact that Adams clearly knows how to find the back of the net in the Premier League, in addition to it being reported he would cost an extremely reasonable £10m this summer, Orta simply must launch a move to rival Forest in their pursuit of the Southampton hitman in the coming days – or else the Spaniard could find himself empty handed come the transfer deadline on September 1.

TalkSPORT journalist Alex Crook has revealed that Everton are ‘pushing’ to sign Neal Maupay in what ‘could be a late twist’ to the transfer saga.

The Lowdown: Forest bound?

Italian football journalist and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano claimed earlier this week that Nottingham Forest are ‘closing in’ on Maupay, and that he ‘will be their next signing’.

However, it looks as if that deal is far from done, as other clubs are now entering the race for the Brighton and Hove Albion striker.

The Latest: Everton ‘pushing’

Taking to Twitter, Crook revealed that there ‘could be a late twist’ in Maupay’s proposed move to Forest, adding that both the Goodison Park outfit and Fulham are ‘pushing’ to sign him as well:

“Could be a late twist in Neal Maupay’s move from BHAFC to NFFC with both EFC and Fulham pushing for the Frenchman.”

The Verdict: One to watch

Given the Merseyside club’s need for a striker after Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s injury, this deal could be one to watch.

Hailed as an ‘exciting‘ forward by former Seagulls ace Glenn Murray, Maupay has been his club’s top scorer in all competitions for five years straight, stretching back to his time at Brentford as well as Brighton.

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Of course, the Frenchman boasts three seasons of Premier League experience, so should be able to settle in fairly quickly at the Toffees, and at 26 years of age, they would be getting a player about to enter his prime.

Frank Lampard’s team will have to be quick if they are to hijack his proposed move to the City Ground.

Arsenal have been tracking Yeremi Pino ahead of a potential move before the summer transfer deadline…

What’s the word?

That’s according to Italian transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, who revealed the exciting claim to GIVEMESPORT this week.

He said:

“They are one of many clubs that have been following him for a long time. He’s doing great with Villarreal. At the moment, there is still no bid or nothing advanced for Pino.”

GOAL recently claimed that the Gunners were interested in signing the 19-year-old sensation but the Yellow Submarines were holding out for a fee in the region of €45m (£38m), despite having an €80m (£67m) release clause in his current €57.7k-per-week (£48.5k-per-week) contract.

Arteta’s own Jarrod Bowen

The Spanish teenager, who has now been capped four times at senior level for his national side, has been a key player for former Arsenal boss Unai Emery at the Yellow Submarines over the past two years as they clinched the Europa League trophy over Manchester United in 2020.

It was a true breakthrough year for Pino last season, though, as he delivered seven goals and four assists across 40 appearances, via Transfermarkt.

That level of form has certainly attracted the interest of technical director Edu Gaspar as he looks to bolster Mikel Arteta’s squad with another winger, having missed out on Raphinha to Villarreal’s LaLiga rivals, FC Barcelona.

The 19-year-old, who Romano even lauded as a “special talent” earlier this year, has an interesting profile for a winger with FBref highlighting some likeness to West Ham United star Jarrod Bowen, who too has been linked with a switch to the Emirates Stadium this window.

Not only is he delivering in the final third but Pino also tracks back to help out his side defensively, which is always a bonus – when compared to fellow wingers across Europe over the last year, the youngster ranks inside the top 1% for blocks (2.62 per 90) and the top 24% for tackles (1.79 per 90), also via FBref.

Meanwhile, last season in LaLiga alone, he was within the top 2% for shots on target, the top 5% for goals per shot and the top 10% for non-penalty expected goals and assists, showing a similar sort of pizzaz to the West Ham star in the final third.

Bowen returned a whopping 12 goals and 12 assists in the Premier League for the Hammers last season and seems unlikely to be sold, particularly this late in the window, so in Pino, they could have a really viable alternative.

£38m may be a sizeable investment for a teenager but it’s some way off the premium fee it would take the Irons to sell. He thought to have an eye-watering £75m price tag.

As such, Edu and his recruitment staff should look to sign Pino before September 1st as Arteta could get his very own Bowen, which is a mouthwatering prospect along that right flank.

AND in other news, Arsenal have “genuine interest” in £25m “phenomenon”, could be a dream Arteta signing…