Lewis Bate is set to follow the likes of Jamie Shackleton and Ian Poveda out of the Leeds United exit door this summer, reports Joe Donnohue.

The Lowdown: Busy summer

Jesse Marsch, along with Victor Orta, has been hard at work all summer, rebuilding the Whites’ squad with six exciting new signings.

Brenden Aaronson, Luis Sinisterra, Tyler Adams, Rasmus Kristensen, Marc Roca and Darko Gyabi have all arrived, but of course, their presence requires spaces to be cleared within the squad.

Alongside the high-profile exits of Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips, Marsch and Orta are also hard at work finding homes for many of the club’s young players, and Bate now looks set to venture away from the Premier League in search of regular first-team football.

The Latest: Another exit

According to Donnohue, Bate, who has one very important admirer in the shape of Andrea Radrizzani, ‘could be the next LUFC youngster heading on loan after Shackleton’, with interest from multiple League One clubs.

‘Understand the reason he didn’t go on tour is due to (the) loan interest,’ the Yorkshire Evening Post reporter writes.

Ian Poveda is also expected to depart, with the club reportedly willing to listen to loan and/or permanent offers for the former Manchester City talent.

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The Verdict: Great decision

With the arrivals of Gyabi, Roca and Adams more than filling the void left by Phillips, the decision to send Bates out into the big bad world of lower-league football is certainly a good one.

At 19, the midfielder has already paid his dues in underage football, racking up 57 appearances for Chelsea’s various youth sides and a further 23 while at Leeds, popping up in the Whites’ first-team just four times, per Transfermarkt.

Likened to a young Jack Wilshere and hailed by Jermaine Beckford for his ability to control the ball in tight spaces, spray passes around and drive forward with the ball, if Bate can display all of these skills on a consistent basis in League One there is no reason he cannot be a part of Marsch’s plans from 2023/24.

Tottenham Hotspur do not appear to be finished when it comes to attacking reinforcements…

What’s the word?

According to Daily Express journalist Ryan Taylor, the Premier League outfit are keeping tabs on the progress of RB Salzburg forward Benjamin Sesko ahead of a potential move.

The Slovenia international is thought to be the next big talent to come through the system at the Austria side and is set for further minutes due to Karim Adeyemi’s switch to Borussia Dortmund.

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Sesko is widely regarded as the ‘next Erling Haaland,’ as per the report.

AC Milan are also said to be keen and sporting director Fabio Paratici is set to continue to scout him over the coming months.

Next Erling Haaland

If the Italian chief likes what he sees, then he could well secure Spurs a top future talent, one to rival Manchester City’s move for the aforementioned Norwegian colossus.

Valued at just £9m by Transfermarkt, Sesko is already thought to be a serious player, having provided ten goals and seven assists in 36 appearances last season, in which only 15 were starts.

At 6 foot 4, he is certainly in the Haaland mould but he’s also quick on his feed, registering speeds similar to that of Paris Saint-Germain superstar Kylian Mbappe (36.1km/h), who is some five inches shorter.

“My teammates at the club tell me that Haaland and I are very similar, especially in terms of speed. Most of them even tell me that I’m better than him!” the striker himself once told reporters in his home country (via Goal).

With his towering frame and explosive pace, there’s no denying that Sesko is a mouthwatering prospect and one that Spurs should really try to secure for their long-term ambitions.

Harry Kane, whilst still at his peak, isn’t going to be around forever and the Salzburg gem could well be the ideal candidate to take his place one day.

It’s easy to see why scout Jacek Kulig has dubbed the 19-year-old as “the new Erling Haaland” and a “killer in the making,” given his attacking exploits and physical attributes.

Spurs fans may have to wait a while for this transfer to come to fruition but it’s surely one that leaves many around N17 absolutely excited. Sesko would be a top acquisition for the north Londoners.

Paratici can certainly seal the new Haaland with a move for Sesko.

AND in other news, Paratici in talks to sign “extraordinary” £17m Spurs target, it’d be an “unreal” coup…

Nottingham Forest are said to be close to securing the signing of Lewis O’Brien this summer, and an update has emerged from a reliable source on the club’s progress in completing a move for the player.

What’s the latest?

According to journalist Jacque Talbot, the signing of the Huddersfield Town midfielder will happen this summer for Steve Cooper’s side.

Talbot told GIVEMESPORT: “I think the Lewis O’Brien one, they’ll get that over the line soon from Huddersfield, that will happen.

“I think Forest must do a few more outgoings to bring anyone in at this point, but the O’Brien one certainly has got legs there. And I imagine that will be sort of done relatively soon.”

Cooper will be buzzing

There is no doubt that Cooper will be buzzing that the deal for O’Brien is close to being completed. It would be Forest’s eighth signing of the transfer window but the first new midfielder to join the squad at the City Ground since they won promotion back to the Premier League.

Forest have pretty much strengthened every other area of their squad so far, from signing goalkeeper Dean Henderson to securing the signature of striker Taiwo Awoniyi, so it’s safe to say that the manager is determined to bolster and improve his squad ahead of their return to the top flight.

O’Brien impressed over the last 12 months with Huddersfield and played a huge part in the Terriers’ successful Championship campaign, which had a bittersweet ending when they lost out on promotion to in the play-off final against… Nottingham Forest.

Over 43 appearances last term, he completed the most tackles (59) of anyone at Huddersfield. Indeed, only two players in the entire division exceeded him in this regard.

The 23-year-old Huddersfield academy graduate has made 130 senior appearances for the Terriers, scoring eight goals and delivering 10 assists for his boyhood club, but could be now given the golden opportunity to take the next step in his career and join Cooper’s team in the Premier League.

Forest are showing no signs of slowing down in their pursuit to build a team which can complete in the top tier next season, and it will be interesting to see who they look to next if, as now seems likely, they complete the signing of O’Brien.

AND in other news: Paul Taylor issues huge transfer claim that’ll excite Forest supporters

An update has emerged involving Glasgow Rangers and an opportunity to bring a new striker to Ibrox in the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

Football Scotland reporter Mark Hendry has claimed that the Light Blues have the chance to sign an Italy international ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

He tweeted: “Wolves’ Patrick Cutrone offered to Rangers but new striker hinges on Alfredo Morelos transfer future.”

The accompanying article states that the Gers will only swoop for the Premier League attacker – who was signed for £16m – if they lose their Colombian talisman or decide to part ways with Kemar Roofe.

Imagine him & Rabbi Matondo

Cutrone has struggled since his move to England, and Rangers could offer him the chance to start a fresh chapter of his career and rediscover the form that he showed prior to his spell at Wolves.

He began his career with AC Milan in Italy and caught the eye for their reserve team as he scored a stunning 43 goals in 67 games. The predator then made the breakthrough into the first team as a teenager and went on to score 27 goals and provide eight assists in 90 appearances.

Cutrone also showcased his goalscoring instincts for Italy at youth level. He scored a whopping 40 goals across various age ranges for his country and has been capped once by the senior Azzurri side.

One-time Ibrox icon Gennaro Gattuso managed Cutrone in the past and claimed that he has “venom inside of him”, which is backed up by his form for Milan and Italy at such a young age.

At the age of 24, he still has plenty of time to get his career back on track after three goals in 28 games for Wolves, and playing alongside someone like Rabbi Matondo in the Premiership could help him to do just that.

The Welsh winger offered fans a glimpse of what he is capable of in the recent friendly against West Ham and his assist for Tom Lawrence – racing down the right to cut the ball back to his team-mates – is the kind of play on which Cutrone could thrive.

He produced 11 assists for Manchester City’s youth team and was directly involved in 12 goals on loan at Cercle Brugge last term.

Matondo can use his pace and trickery on the wing to provide the Italian centre-forward with the service that he needs in order to find his feet and regain the goalscoring touch that he showed earlier in his career.

AND in other news, Fabrizio Romano drops Rangers “agreement” claim that’ll delight Gio van Bronckhorst…

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 

Crystal Palace are reportedly interested in signing Burnley midfielder Dwight McNeil, according to Sky Sports. 

The lowdown: In demand

A product of the youth system at Manchester United, McNeil cut his teeth in senior football in the Premier League and has racked up 134 appearances in the top-flight over five consecutive seasons, scoring seven goals and supplying 17 assists.

After suffering the indignity of relegation from the division with Burnley last season, the 22-year-old former England youth international is seemingly a wanted man with multiple suitors already in the mix.

Previously linked with a move to Everton, Tottenham, Brentford and newly promoted Fulham, an emerging report has claimed McNeil is now on the radar at Selhurst Park…

The latest: ‘Approach’ made

As per Sky Sports, Crystal Palace and West Ham have both made an ‘approach’ to sign the 10-cap England Under 21 starlet.

It’s claimed that McNeil is ‘keen to return to the Premier League’ and is currently ‘considering a number of options’ regarding his future.

The report also states that Burnley are ‘likely to demand a fee in excess of £15million’ for the youngster who was dubbed a ‘sensational player’ by The Athletic journalist Andy Jones back in June 2020.

The verdict: Strength in numbers

Eagles boss Patrick Vieira already has an embarrassment of riches at his disposal in wide areas with Michael Olise, Eberechi Eze, Jeffrey Schlupp and Malcolm Ebiowei all capable of operating on both wings.

Furthermore, despite the incessant links to a move away from South East London, including this summer with AS Roma touted as potential suitors, talismanic winger Wilfried Zaha remains in situ in the Palace squad.

However, still just 22, McNeil has already proven to be a capable operator at the elite level and would therefore be a superb addition to the ranks ahead of what looks certain to be a long campaign with a World Cup thrown into the mix.

Although the Englishman supplied only £16.2million valued ace still managed to outperform Zaha when it comes to what many would say is the Ivorian’s forte by completing 2.4 successful dribbles per outing compared to the Palace favourite’s 2.3 completed attempts.

All told, at the suggested price, McNeil would be an impressive signing for the South East Londoners.

Aston Villa could make a ‘surprise’ striker signing before the end of the summer transfer window, according to reliable reporter Ashley Preece.

The lowdown: Summer so far

The Villans have already been busy in the transfer market as ownership group NSWE continues to back Steven Gerrard – who himself made the bold decision to replace Tyrone Mings with John McGinn as club captain this week – with multiple signings.

So far, Philippe Coutinho, Diego Carlos, Ludwig Augustinsson, Robin Olsen and Boubacar Kamara have been added to the Villa Park ranks, whilst Matt Targett, Trezeguet, Conor Hourihane,  Lovre Kalinic and Wesley all departed the senior squad whether it be on loan or on a permanent basis.

However, the exit of Wesley on loan to Levante has left Gerrard with only Danny Ings and Ollie Watkins at his disposal as experienced senior centre-forward options, leading to speculation as to whether there will be an attempt to bring in another signing to the Midlands club…

The latest: Preece predicts a ‘surprise’

Responded to questions from supporters for a Q&A on Birmingham Mail, Villa correspondent Preece was asked whether there was any movement on a possible incoming frontman.

He replied: “No. It could well be a Lange-esque surprise a little later in the window, though.”

The verdict: Options out there

Having already been active in the window, there has also been no shortage of potential options for Johan Lange as the likes of Espanyol striker Raul de Tomas, now Southampton gem Sekou Mara and Lille sensation Jonathan David have all been linked with a switch to Villa Park.

Even former Barcelona superstar Luis Suarez had been indexed to the club prior to completing a move to Uruguayan outfit Nacional this week, suggesting that Gerrard has been attentive to the possibility of adding more firepower to the ranks at Bodymoor Heath.

Despite the impressive loan spell enjoyed by Keinan Davis at Nottingham Forest and the promise of highly rated Cameron Archer, going into the 2022/23 campaign with just Watkins and a previously injury-prone Ings as the Premier League proven operators would undoubtedly represent a major risk.

Lange has already pulled off some major coups out of the blue in this time as technical director in the Midlands, none more so than the under-the-radar capture of Ings himself, and therefore many will be hoping Preece’s premonition becomes a reality and another central striking option is indeed forthcoming before the September 1 deadline.

Aston Villa will be set to begin their first full season with Steven Gerrard at the helm in the next few weeks following his appointment at the Midlands club last November.

One player in Villa’s ranks who the 42-year-old will undoubtedly be hoping will be an important figure for the team going forward, just as he was last season, is John McGinn.

With 35 league appearances to his name last term, the Scotsman ended the campaign with more successful tackles (61) and more shot-creating actions (96) than any other Villa player.

This highlights just how crucial the 27-year-old is for the Villans in terms of both his defensive talent and attacking output.

While the Premier League club have already brought in a new midfielder in the shape of Boubacar Kamara, there is still time left before the summer transfer window closes for Gerrard to add some more strength and depth to that position.

One midfielder with whom the Villans have been linked and who would give the 42-year-old the opportunity to form a potentially frightening duo alongside McGinn is Ibrahim Sangare.

In 87 appearances for his current club PSV Eindhoven, the Ivorian has found the net five times and delivered six assists.

In his 29 league games for the Eredivisie club last season, the 24-year-old ended the campaign with more interceptions (72) and more successful tackles (64) than any other player at PSV.

From an attacking point of view, only three other PSV players took more shots at goal than Sangare (42), which backs up why he was described as a “dangerous” player in front of goal by analyst Aad de Mos.

This highlights the sattributes that the Ivory Coast international has in common with McGinn and why having the pair together in the same team could be a huge asset for Gerrard and his side in terms of having two midfielders who can be tough opponents without the ball, as well as offering a reliable attacking threat.

Despite having a rather hefty reported price tag of €40m (£34m), this would certainly be an investment worth making for NSWE this summer, as the Ivorian midfield machine definitely has the talent to be as important to Villa as McGinn has been.

AND in other news: Gerrard can unearth his own Marcelo if Villa sign 37 G/A gem who’s “one of the best”

Leeds United have seen some fairly young players make their way to the Yorkshire club over the course of the summer transfer window.

However, there are still some vastly experienced players in the squad that Jesse Marsch will undoubtedly be relying on throughout the upcoming season.

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One figure, in particular, that will be a big help for some of Leeds’ new players – specifically their new midfielders such as Tyler Adams, Marc Roca and Brenden Aaronson – is Mateusz Klich.

At the age of 32, the midfielder is currently the oldest outfield player at the Yorkshire club and has a total of 178 appearances under his belt for the Whites.

In those appearances, the Polish international has scored 22 goals and provided 21 assists along the way.

Bearing in mind his age, the remaining weeks of the summer transfer window could give Victor Orta and Jesse Marsch the chance to bring in what could be a new version or long-term heir for Klich.

One player that has been linked with a move to Elland Road who would fit this criteria is Sporting Lisbon midfielder, Matheus Nunes.

With 131 appearances for the Portuguese club to his name across their senior and U23 sides, the 23-year-old has found the net 10 times and delivered 11 assists in the process.

This shows the similarities between the two players with their ability to score and provide goals for their teams.

In addition to this, their two previous league campaign shows just how similar they are.

For example, having both made 33 appearances each, the duo both racked up 28 crosses and at least 30 interceptions and an almost identical number of successful tackles.

This highlights just how useful they both are for their sides in terms of being attacking threats and tough defensive figures as well.

Nunes has even caught the attention of Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, who labelled the Portuguese star as “one of the best players in the world.”

Moving forward, despite having a rather hefty release clause of €60m (£50m) written into his current contract in Portugal, if Sporting would be willing to let their star midfielder go this summer, this could be a very exciting move from the Whites.

AND in other news: Graham Smyth drops huge behind-scenes Leeds transfer claim, supporters will be buzzing

Journalist Josh Bunting has shared his verdict on the news linking Sunderland with a double swoop for strikers Nathan Broadhead and Troy Parrott.

The Lowdown: Need a striker

The Black Cats’ lack of options up front were highlighted on Tuesday night as Ross Stewart was rested for the 2-0 defeat pre-season to Bradford City.

Speaking after the game, Sunderland manager Alex Neil said: “I’m naturally concerned by the fact that we’ve currently got one centre-forward in the building.

“There is a lot of work going on behind the scenes to try to make sure we remedy that. That situation hasn’t changed over the last few weeks.

“I don’t want to do my business on the last day in August – I want to get my business done as quickly as possible. But as I say, the simple fact, unfortunately for us, is that we’re not on control of that.”

The Latest: Bunting’s verdict

According to The Shields Gazette, two forwards that Sunderland have been monitoring are Everton’s Broadhead and Tottenham’s Parrott.

Weighing in on the Wearside club’s striker rumours, Bunting took to Twitter to share his verdict.

The Sunderland-supporting journalist claimed: “If we get Nathan Broadhead I think we need Troy Parrott as well, adds that competition up front and doesn’t only do that it will be key for squad rotation. Really hope we do manage to get both in the door, Parrott is very intelligent with his link up play so that will be key #SAFC”

The Verdict: They’d be good signings

With just one forward remaining at the Stadium of Light, it is imperative that Sunderland bring in at least one extra body to add depth up top this summer.

With the greater physicality and higher standard of the Championship, Neil should be doing all that he can to bring in a couple of additions to the final third.

The likes of Broadhead and Parrott would add two talented youngsters, who have been receiving Premier League-level training on a daily basis, to the Black Cats’ squad. They could use the opportunity to show their parent clubs what they can do when playing first-team football, while for Sunderland they would provide alternative attacking outlets for tactical selections.

Whether these arrivals join on permanent contracts or loan deals is irrelevant; the focus is on securing new strikers ahead of the 2022/23 season at the Stadium of Light.