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Nottingham Forest will host Brentford at The City Ground on Saturday afternoon and Steve Cooper will be thrilled with some early team news from the opposition camp that will no doubt be great news for his team.

What’s the latest?

Brentford striker Ivan Toney collected his fifth yellow card of the season in the 1-1 draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers at the weekend, which means he will be suspended for one match and thus, ineligible for selection against Nottingham Forest this weekend.

Thomas Frank spoke out on the blow to the Bees ahead of the clash:

“It happens, we need to find solutions for Saturday.”

A big boost for Forest

Toney has been one of the standout strikers in the division this season and is currently the fourth-highest-scoring player in the entire Premier League with eight goals and two assists so far, so there is no doubt that Brentford will lose a huge threat in their forward line this weekend.

The Tricky Trees are currently at the bottom of the league table and just suffered a 5-0 defeat to Arsenal so there will be no doubt that Cooper’s side will be feeling low on confidence ahead of their next game.

However, the latest news about Toney’s suspension will come as a big boost for the newly-promoted club with the Forest boss likely to love coming up against an understrength Bees team.

Brentford have only lost two of their last five games and are 12th in the league thanks to their consistent start to the season and although Toney will be a big miss, Frank’s side do have a lot of quality in their team outside of the striker’s goal contributions.

Forest have shown glimpses of their capabilities of competing despite their league position, with an impressive performance that led to them stealing all three points from Liverpool less than two weeks ago, so if the team can go out showing similar resilience there is no reason why they can’t secure another victory.

The World Cup is just around the corner and Cooper will be wanting to pick up as many points as possible from the last two Premier League fixtures so Brentford without Toney is a great opportunity that shouldn’t be missed.

With that being said, the Forest boss must deploy his very best team who can put in the hard work and offer the quality needed to take a result in front of the home support this weekend as they could find themselves in even further trouble should they not pick up any more points before the international break.

A development on David Turnbull and Jota’s fitness ahead of Celtic’s upcoming matches has emerged…

What’s the latest?

Hoops boss Ange Postecoglou has revealed that the pair are both closing in on their respective returns ahead of the club’s UEFA Champions League match against Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday.

When asked about his squad for the clash with Hearts in the Premiership this afternoon, Postecoglou said:

“Pretty much the same as it has been the last two or three games. The guys closest are Jota and Turnbull coming back but with the team travelling well and being able to rotate there is no point rushing them back.

“We’ve got some important games coming up so they should be available next week at some point. The rest of the squad came through Wednesday (at Motherwell) well so we’ll have quite a strong lineup tomorrow.”

When specifically asked about Jota featuring, he said:

“Yeah, a chance but again we don’t want to rush him back, we’ll gauge by how he is going. He is training, he’s away from the main group, we’ll integrate him into team training [at] some point next week.”

Huge boost

This news will come as a big lift to the head coach as it appears as though both players are now in with a chance of being available for today, though the clash with Shakhtar seems more likely, which will be a huge boost to the manager and the team.

Whilst it is not confirmed that they will be fit enough to start, this is a promising development for both players and supporters will surely be hoping that they are able to overcome their injury and illness issues to feature on Tuesday.

The Hoops are currently bottom of their Champions League group and could need, given the goal difference and Shakhtar being four points ahead of them, to win both of their last two matches to give themselves a chance of finishing in third place to drop down to the Europa League.

Jota’s return would be a huge boost to the team as he has been in terrific form this season. The gem has scored one goal and created 2.7 chances per match in the Champions League, whilst he has also plundered four goals and five assists in nine Premiership appearances so far.

Turnbull, meanwhile, has created 1.8 chances per game across eight outings in the Scottish top-flight. This comes after he managed six goals and eight assists, creating 3.2 chances per appearance, in 20 starts in the division last term.

These statistics show that both players have the potential to make a big impact at the top end of the pitch and that is why their respective returns will come as a huge boost for Postecoglou ahead of both European and domestic matches before the World Cup break next month.

Pundit Paul Robinson has urged Leeds United to finalise a new contract for winger Jack Harrison.

The Lowdown: Harrison speculation

Harrison was heavily linked with an Elland Road exit in the summer, with Newcastle extremely keen on the wide man.

The 25-year-old remained in Yorkshire, though, and has begun the campaign in fine form, scoring once and registering three assists in the first six Premier League games.

Recent reports have suggested that Leeds are hoping to agree a contract extension with the winger before the winter window, and Robinson has been giving his thoughts on the player’s situation.

The Latest: Robinson’s comments

Talking to MOT Leeds News, Robinson said that Leeds ‘should definitely’ look to tie Harrison down to a new contract, citing his impressive assist record that ‘flashed up on Sky Sports News’.

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“They should definitely try to iron a new contract out [in this international break].

“Look at where he is in the chart for assists. Not just for Leeds but in the whole of the Premier League.

“He’s third for assists, it flashed up on Sky Sports News this morning.

“For assists, he’s there or thereabouts so his value is only going to increase. And obviously, his head is going to get turned at some point – if it hasn’t already.

“For Leeds, they have to protect themselves and protect the asset, which is the player.

“If the player will sign a new contract then they have to reward him financially because he’s performing.

“He needs to be on the level of other top earners in the team. I don’t know for sure but I suspect Patrick Bamford is up there and Kalvin Phillips was.

“Harrison has to be up there and be one of the top earners because of the way he’s playing.”

The Verdict: Needed

Leeds lost two key players in Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha over the summer, so it was good that they managed to keep hold of Harrison.

Jesse Marsch has reaped the rewards with the forward impressing already this season, so the quicker new terms can be agreed upon, the better.

The last thing the Whites will want is for Harrison’s contract situation to remain the same heading into 2023, as he will be into the final 18 months of his current deal, potentially leading to more speculation of a move away.

Newcastle United are waiting on a response from West Ham United over a deadline day move for right-back Harrison Ashby, according to Daily Mail journalist Craig Hope.

The Lowdown: Career so far…

The 20-year-old has been tipped for a bright future after bagging two goals and eight assists in 31 Premier League 2 appearances for the Hammers youth sides.

With such promise at academy level, the U21 Scotland international has been handed six senior appearances for West Ham, having made his Premier League debut back in March.

Ashby even featured once for the Irons during their impressive Europa League run last season.

The Latest: Hope’s news

With Emil Krafth out for several months after suffering a serious knee injury, Newcastle are keen on signing Ashby as a direct replacement.

Hope has shared an update on the Magpies’ pursuit, with the club hoping to get a deal over the line before tonight’s 11pm deadline.

Taking to Twitter, the reliable journalist claimed:

“Newcastle are waiting for a response from West Ham re Harrison Ashby & would like to do a deal today. For now, that is the only move they are pursuing. #nufc”

The Verdict: Promising talent

With Krafth out injured for a considerable amount of time, it is imperative Newcastle bring in another right-back to St James’ Park before the transfer deadline, otherwise leaving Kieran Trippier without an understudy for months.

Therefore, Ashby’s proposed move to Tyneside could be brilliant for the youngster’s development, as he would be learning from an experienced professional and would likely get plenty of playing time with fixtures coming thick and fast.

West Ham U21 coach Dmitri Halajko previously singled out the ‘real quality’ of the 20-year-old after an impressive EFL Trophy display.

And in truth it was surprising that Ashby’s Irons contract was allowed to get down to the final 12 months, with the Irons triggering a one-year extension only to take him to 2023.

The talented full-back clearly has the potential to succeed at the highest level for years to come, so if the Magpies can secure this move for a cut-price, this would be a shrewd bit of business for Newcastle.

Journalist Fraser Fletcher has revealed that Everton are ‘likely’ to sign one striker on loan and another on a permanent deal before the transfer window shuts.

The Lowdown: Reinforcements needed

It is no secret that the Goodison Park outfit need reinforcements in the striking department before the window closes.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin is currently out injured, while Richarlison has been sold to Tottenham Hotspur and both Ellis Simms and Nathan Broadhead have been allowed to go out on loan to Sunderland and Wigan Athletic respectively.

It has left them very short in that area, and so bringing in a striker or two must be the priority over the next couple of weeks.

The Latest: Two strikers ‘likely’

Taking to Twitter on Friday afternoon, Fletcher has revealed that the Merseyside club are ‘likely’ to sign one striker on loan and another permanently in order to help Calvert-Lewin for when he is injured or misfiring:

“The club is still pursuing forward options fervently. As I said before they want 2 minimum in the door, today I’m told its likely to be one loan and one permanent to help Calvert Lewin with forward duties.”

He added that Southampton’s Che Adams and Rennes’ Serhou Guirassy are among the list of targets, and ‘sources close to’ the Toffees claim that they are ‘calm and confident’ of strengthening up top:

“Serhou Guirassy still a target and Che Adams still expected to leave Southampton permanent before the window. Everton won’t pay “over the odds” clubs aware of desire for FW options. Sources close to club say they are calm and confident of strengthening up front.”

The Verdict: Exciting

It is certainly exciting to hear that Frank Lampard’s team could be bringing in two strikers before the deadline.

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They have played Anthony Gordon as a false nine in their first two Premier League games at home to Chelsea and away at Aston Villa respectively, losing both and only managing to score one goal.

Nonetheless, they need a natural number nine up top to emulate Calvert-Lewin and serve as a focal point even aside from scoring goals, and the England star’s injury record in the last 18 months  suggests this won’t be the first time this season he is out.

Southampton officially completed the signing of Sekou Mara from French side Bordeaux just last week, finally bolstering their striker options.

However, with reports linking Che Adams with a move away from St Mary’s Stadium, Ralph Hasenhuttl must act quickly with the new Premier League season quickly creeping up on him.

One forward the Saints were linked with late last month is VfB Stuttgart’s Sasa Kalajdzic, who has earned huge praise for his domineering performances in the Bundesliga.

If Hasenhuttl could bring his compatriot into the south coast club, he could form a remarkable young strike partnership that could buoy his side in the league for the foreseeable future.

Sporting director of the German club, Sven Mislintat (via Inside Futbol), recently claimed that the forward had three options, with West Ham United and Manchester United the other two in for Salajdzic.

Whoever is to get the striker will need to fork out €25m (£21m) for his services.

He has received huge praise for his ability both in the air and on the deck, however it is his aerial expertise in particular that could facilitate the silky star that is Mara.

German pundit Marcel Reif claimed that the Austria international would make for an interesting signing for Dortmund while hailing his style of play, saying: “He can do crazy things in the air… but he can also handle the ball. This is a very interesting player that would give something for Dortmund if they play this type of football with good, fast wide play.”

He ranked in the 94th percentile for aerials won last season (via FBref), further supporting how he could link the play perfectly for Hasenhuttl’s men. His preferred 4-4-2 formation also facilitates this notion.

Contributing towards eight goals in just 15 Bundesliga appearances, he would certainly do a good job in replacing the seven goals scored by Adams last season for Southampton.

By adding in Mara’s six goals from Ligue 1, the blow of losing the Scotland international would certainly be softened if both of these forwards were added to the ranks.

There is no doubting that the 6 foot 6 goliath would combine well with the French forward, and the Saints should do all they can to secure this signing from under the noses of their Premier League competitors.

AND, in other news: Southampton could say bye-bye to “terrible” dud by signing “incredible” 19 y/o.

Glasgow Rangers could be set to lose highly-rated defender, Calvin Bassey, to Ajax, according to a report from Dutch outlet Voetbal International (via Sport Witness).

The lowdown: On the radar

This follows initial reports from talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook claiming that both Ajax and Brighton and Hove Albion were keen on Bassey.

The 22-year-old Nigeria international enjoyed a breakout campaign at Ibrox and was an integral part of Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side en route to the Europa League final – making a whopping 14 appearances in the competition.

However, now it appears as though the Gers may face a monumental battle to retain Bassey for the start of the 2022/23 season…

The latest: Contact made

As per Voetbal International, translated by SW, Ajax manager Alfred Schreuder is believed to have spoken ‘exclusively’ to the six-cap star.

It’s claimed that the Dutch Eredivisie giants have Bassey ‘in mind’ as a replacement for Manchester United-bound Lisandro Martinez, having admired the versatile defender for a ‘long time’.

The report also states that Schreuder is ‘charmed’ by the powerful left-back, who was hailed by ex-Hearts ace Michael Stewart as a ‘tremendous player’ after a standout performance against Eintracht Frankfurt in the Seville showpiece, containing four clearances, three interceptions and two blocked shots (Sofascore).

The verdict: Difficult to stop

Ultimately, should valuations be met this could be a deal that gets completed rather swiftly with the lure of UEFA Champions League action on the table, particularly when Ajax welcome a huge financial windfall of a mooted £46million from the sale of Martinez.

Standing at 6 foot tall, operating as a left-back and central defender in almost equal measure, Bassey was a tower of strength in Van Bronckhorst’s ranks throughout the duration of the 2021/22 season, impressing with his athleticism, work rate and determination whilst making a mammoth 50 appearances across all competitions in what was a gruelling campaign.

Holding a market value of £9million and under contract at Ibrox until 2024 (Transfermarkt), the Gers hierarchy are at least in a strong place when it comes to demanding the highest possible fee for their influential defender and should perhaps already be eyeing up potential replacements given this latest revelation.

Rangers have been linked with an English midfielder recently, and he could give Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s his own version of a Ballon d’Or nominee at Ibrox.

According to 90min, the Light Blues – along with a plethora of Premier League clubs – are interested in signing former England international Harry Winks this summer.

The Tottenham academy graduate has struggled for regular game-time since Antonio Conte’s arrival at the north London club, starting just eight league matches under the 52-year-old. It seems likely that he will be moved on this summer, with reports suggesting that he could cost around £20m, although Rangers may well explore a loan deal.

The 26-year-old has made more than 200 appearances for Spurs in his career so far, and while his form hasn’t been the best in recent years, regular football at Ibrox could see him get back to his best.

While he doesn’t offer much goal-scoring threat, Winks is extremely adept at keeping the ball, with WhoScored suggesting that his main strengths are passing, through balls and interceptions.

This is very similar to Chelsea midfielder Jorginho, who is also very strong at passing and playing through balls. The Italian’s performances in 2021, where he enjoyed Champions League and European Championship success, were enough to see him rank third in last year’s Ballon d’Or.

FBRef also suggests that Jorginho is the most similar player to Winks in terms of style of play, so the Englishman could definitely add some real quality to Van Bronckhorst’s midfield this summer.

Winks will be keen to have regular game-time if he has any aspirations of earning a spot in Gareth Southgate’s World Cup squad and could establish himself as a key player at Ibrox if given the opportunity to make the move north of the border.

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Mauricio Pochettino was full of praise for the midfielder in 2019, saying: “He deserves the praise because the whole action is amazing. He recovered the ball like a full-back, we started to build from the back and then he arrived for the cross from GK, which was fantastic – we have to praise him too.

“It’s amazing, amazing, because we were talking in the last few weeks that he had to score and to have more presence in the opposition’s box because he has the quality to do it.”

If Winks can get back to his best with Rangers, there seems little doubt that he would be a quality addition, so Van Bronckhorst should definitely look to bring him in this summer.

In other news… “Working very hard” – Rangers closing in on next signing, supporters will be buzzing

An update has emerged on Sunderland and their pursuit of Jack Rudoni in the summer transfer window… 

What’s the talk?

According to the Daily Mail, the Black Cats remain locked in talks with Wimbledon over a deal to sign the versatile midfielder.

The report claims that they have already had one offer, of £1m, rejected by the League One outfit and are now set to battle a number of Championship sides for his signature.

He has one year left on his contract at Wimbledon and Kristjaan Speakman is now hoping to lure him to the Stadium of Light.

Alex Neil would love him

The Black Cats’ head coach would love Rudoni on Wearside as he has the potential to be a major player for the club in the Championship next season.

In League One last term, the gem produced 12 goals and five assists as he played in central midfield and out wide throughout the campaign.

He averaged a SofaScore rating of 6.96 as he made 41 appearances in the third tier and showcased his ability to be a difference-maker by making late runs into the box from the middle of the park.

South London Press reporter Edmund Brack dubbed his goals “Frank Lampard-esque” and went on to praise his style of play in an interview with the Bristol Post, saying:

“He’s quite direct. When he picks up the ball, his first thought is always to go towards goal. It’s a 1-2 and then he’s off.

“He’s quite fearless. Anyone his age, they could be affected by the winless run AFC Wimbledon went through last season (the Dons failed to win 28 games in all competitions from December 11 through to the end of the season) but he continued to put in performances, and he nearly kept them up alongside Ayoub Assal and Luke McCormick.”

Meanwhile, no Sunderland central midfielder managed more than three goals in 2021/22 and this suggests that Rudoni would add a much-needed goal threat to the ranks in that area of the pitch.

At the age of 22, he is also a player with the potential to make the step up to the Championship. He is still in the development phase of his career and can grow alongside the club as they look to compete in the second tier next term.

AND in other news, Speakman has held SAFC talks to sign “effortless” £9m magician, he’s McGeady 2.0…

West Ham have been credited with an interest in Manchester City full-back Oleksandr Zinchenko recently and if the Ukrainian were to arrive at the London Stadium, he could be David Moyes’ very-own version of Joao Cancelo.

According to the Evening Standard, West Ham and Arsenal are both interested in signing the versatile 25-year-old this summer, as he eyes regular first-team football away from the Etihad.

Despite Pep Guardiola’s side spending copious amounts on defenders in recent years, the £1.7m spent on signing Zinchenko from FC Ufa in 2016 has proved to be one of their best transfer dealings.

In six years with the club, Zinchenko has made 128 appearances, in which he has contributed two goals and 12 assists, although Guardiola has always been full of praise for him, labelling him “incredible” earlier this year.

Last season saw him make just 15 appearances in the top-flight for City, although he impressed in that time, contributing four assists and averaging a strong 7.05 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

The Ukrainian, who is reportedly valued at £3om, has regularly found himself down in the pecking order at City, finding it difficult to overcome Joao Cancelo. However, the data suggests that he could perform a similar role to the Portuguese if given regular playing time.

FB Ref suggests that Cancelo is the second-most similar player to Zinchenko, with Liverpool’s full-back duo Andrew Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold also compared with the 25-year-old.

Cancelo was one of the standout players for City last season as they won the Premier League title, with the former Juventus man contributing one goal and seven assists in 36 top-flight appearances for the Citizens, which was enough to earn him a superb 7.43 average rating from WhoScored.

The website also suggests that both players’ strengths include holding on to the ball and passing, which is perhaps unsurprising considering the system they play in at City.

With Arthur Masuaku seemingly on his way out of West Ham, Moyes will need another left-back to compete with Aaron Cresswell next season, while Zinchenko has also shown himself capable of playing in midfield, doing so excellently for his country in recent international fixtures.

The City man’s versatility, age and obvious ability suggest that he would be a dream signing for Moyes this summer, and with consistent game time, there seems no reason why he can’t replicate the form that Cancelo has shown at the Etihad in recent seasons.

And, in other news… West Ham can sign their own Harry Kane in “dangerous” £14.4m-rated goal-machine – opinion