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A promising injury update has emerged on Newcastle United central midfielder Bruno Guimaraes this week…

What’s the latest?

Shields Gazette reporter Dominic Scurr has claimed that the Brazil international has not suffered a significant setback and could play for his country before the end of the international break.

He tweeted:

“Another international injury blow for #NUFC with Bruno Guimaraes suffering with his thigh. Fortunately, it’s not understood to be serious and he remains with a chance of featuring in Brazil’s fixture v Tunisia on Tuesday. Hopefully he’s fine for Fulham.”

The 24-year-old gem has been ruled out of his country’s clash with Ghana on Friday night but could now return from injury to earn another cap next week.

Eddie Howe should be relieved

Magpies head coach Eddie Howe should be relieved by this news as it suggests that he does not have much to worry about heading into the club’s next competitive match.

Hearing that the Brazilian suffered an injury and was set to miss a game for his country may have left the manager and the supporters fearing the worst after his recent absence.

However, it appears as though he could play on Tuesday and that would indicate that he is fit enough to play against Fulham next weekend in the Premier League.

Having him available would be a big boost to the team as he has proven himself to be a superb player at this level since arriving from Lyon in the January transfer window earlier this year.

In the top-flight last season, Guimaraes chipped in with five goals and one assist in 17 appearances as he averaged a SofaScore rating of 7.25 – a score only Kieran Trippier could beat in the Newcastle squad – as he showcased his ability to perform to a high level on a consistent basis.

This term, he is yet to directly contribute to a goal but is making his presence felt in his own third with some sublime defensive work for the team. The gem is averaging a whopping 4.8 tackles and interceptions per game and no other Magpies player has averaged more than 4.0 per outing.

These statistics highlight the level of impact he can have at both ends of the pitch for Newcastle and that is why having him available for selection would be a significant boost for Howe.

Therefore, the manager should be relieved that the Brazilian has not come down with a serious knock that would keep him out of several Premier League matches.

Leeds United look unlikely to make a move to bring Kai Wagner to Elland Road this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to MLS insider and journalist Tom Bogert, who revealed in a recent report for MLS Soccer that, despite Victor Orta and Jesse Marsch holding a very real interest in the Philadelphia Union left-back, it now appears unlikely that the Whites will follow up this interest with a firm offer for the 25-year-old over the remainder of the summer transfer window.

This would appear to back up a claim made by BBC journalist Adam Pope, who revealed in a post on Twitter earlier this summer that the club are believed to be “going with what they have” on the left-hand side of their backline – something that would suggest a move for the German defender does not look overly likely in the coming days.

Big mistake

While it is true that, in the absence of both Junior Firpo and Stuart Dallas, Pascal Struijk has impressed while filling in at left-back – averaging an eye-catching SofaScore match rating of 7.13 over his three Premier League appearances in the position – it is undeniable that, should Leeds wish to give themselves the best possible chance of finishing in the top half of the table this season, a longer-term solution must be brought into the club.

Indeed, with Firpo having struggled with both the pace of the top flight and injuries in his debut campaign with the club – starting just 19 Premier League games largely as a result of a series of knocks and averaging an extremely disappointing SofaScore match rating of just 6.60 – and Dallas being ruled out until at least the turn of the year with a fractured femur, Marsch’s strength in depth at left-back is practically non-existent.

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As such, it would appear as if targeting a dependable, talented and cost-effective option in the position would be an extremely smart move for Orta to make prior to next week’s transfer deadline – with Wagner very much looking to tick all three boxes.

Indeed, over his 27 MLS appearances in 2022, the £3.6m-rated full-back has highly impressed, helping Philadelphia keep 11 clean sheets, as well as making an average of 1.9 interceptions, 1.3 tackles, 1.9 clearances and winning 3.5 duels – at a success rate of 55% – per game.

The defender has also caught the eye going forwards, registering five assists and creating seven big chances for his teammates, in addition to making an average of 2.6 key passes – the joint ninth-most in the league – and 2.9 crosses per fixture, with these returns seeing the German average a SofaScore match rating of 7.42 – ranking him as the eighth-best player in the division.

Furthermore, with it being reported that Wagner could be available for a figure of around just $3m (£2.5m) this summer, not only would the 25-year-old appear to be an improvement on the Whites’ current options at the back, but he would also be an incredibly budget friendly target for Orta to pursue.

As such, the argument that the Spaniard deciding against a move for the Philadelphia full-back over the remainder of the summer transfer window would be a big mistake is an easy one to make – as not launching an offer for Wagner, and Firpo continuing with his poor form and injury record from last season this time around, could quite easily blow up in Orta’s face.

Leeds United are still keen on signing a new striker this summer transfer window…

What’s the word?

The Athletic’s Phil Hay has provided a fresh update on the situation as the Yorkshire giants look to bolster Jesse Marsch’s playing squad before deadline day on September 1st.

He said during a Q&A with supporters ahead of Leeds’ final pre-season fixture against Serie A side Cagliari:

“Transfer-wise, a new striker is still the thing Leeds need most.

“Charles De Ketelaere is finally in the process of sealing a move to AC Milan, the transfer he always wanted, so Leeds won’t get their first choice.

“Some of the links still stand, though – Arnaud Kalimuendo and Martin Terrier remain of interest.”

Exciting news

It’s no secret that the American head coach is crying out for further depth up front as he is heading into the new campaign with only one senior option in Patrick Bamford.

The England international missed the majority of last term with a string of injuries, resulting in a lack of alternatives in the attack. The likes of Dan James and young striker Joe Gelhardt had to cover in his absence.

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Truth be told, this has long been a problem at Elland Road, dating back to the midst of Marcelo Bielsa’s reign, where moves for Eddie Nketiah and Jean-Kevin Augustin were effectively failures.

Leeds have also missed out on De Ketelaere, as Hay outlines, so the need to find another striker is key and in the aforementioned Ligue 1 duo, the Whites could find the perfect solution.

Terrier was in electric form last season, where he delivered 21 goals and seven assists for Stade Rennes and just as Pete O’Rourke told Football FanCast last month, he would be a “real coup” for the club.

Meanwhile, Kalimuendo has also been delivering in front of goal but isn’t likely to break into the PSG starting XI when there’s Kylian Mbappe and now Hugo Etikite.

As per Transfermarkt, he bagged 13 goals across Ligue 1 and the Coupe de France. Such form has led scout Jacek Kulig to describe him as “absolutely deadly” and “very prolific.”

Leeds’ continued interest in the duo will surely leave supporters around Elland Road absolutely buzzing as either of the pair could become their seventh signing of the summer, with director of football Victor Orta already delivering this window.

AND in other news, Journo reveals exciting Leeds transfer update…

Leeds United have been given the green light to bring Mergim Berisha to Elland Road in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to Kaan Bayazit, with the Turkish journalist revealing in a recent interview with MOT Leeds News that, following several reports linking Victor Orta with a move for the Fenerbahce SK centre-forward in recent weeks, the Super Lig side would be willing to part with the 24-year-old for a figure in the region of £5m this summer.

Speaking about the Whites’ interest in the former Germany U21 international, Bayazit said:

“He’s been a bit of a disappointment at Fenerbahce but they paid close to £4.5m for him so they’d like a bit more than that – which would take this north of £5m.

“He is up for sale and I imagine if [Jesse] Marsch worked with him before then it’s down to that. He did do decently at RB Salzburg.

“At RB Salzburg he often played as a second striker, at Fenerbahce he was expected to function alone up top more – but that didn’t really work out.”

Marsch will be buzzing

While it is true that, following his £4.5m move to Fenerbahce last summer, things did not exactly work out for the Berisha – scoring seven goals and registering three assists over 31 fixtures for the Super Lig side last term – considering just how impressive the forward was under Jesse Marsch at Red Bull Salzburg, it is not difficult to see why the American would like to bring the 24-year-old to Elland Road ahead of the Whites’ 2022/23 campaign.

Indeed, over his 52 appearances for Die Roten Bullen during the 48-year-old manager’s time in the Red Bull Arena dugout, the £5.4m-rated hitman was in exceptional form, scoring 23 goals and providing 14 assists for the Austrian outfit.

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His best campaign under Marsch undoubtedly came back in 2020/21, when the £29k-per-week striker scored 14 goals, registered 10 assists and created 13 big chances over his 28 Austrian Bundesliga fixtures, as well as taking an average of 2.7 shots – 1.7 of which hit the target – making 1.3 key passes and completing 0.5 dribbles per game.

These returns saw the striker who Max Camilleri dubbed “amazing” average an extremely impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.28, not only ranking him as the 48-year-old’s fifth-best performer in the league but also as the joint seventh-best player in the top flight of Austrian football as a whole.

That same season, the 24-year-old also caught the eye over his six outings in the Champions League, scoring four goals, registering two assists and creating three big chances for his teammates, in addition to taking an average of 2.8 shots – 1.5 of which hit the target – making 1.5 key passes and completing 1.5 dribbles per game.

These metrics saw the German average a rather remarkable SofaScore match rating of 7.18, a quite astonishing feat considering the fact Salzburg were in a group alongside Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid and Lokomotiv Moscow that year.

As such, should Marsch be able to help Berisha refind this level of form after a potential switch to Elland Road this summer, the 13-cap Germany U21 international could very easily prove to be one of Leeds’ best signings of the window – especially for a reported fee of just £5m.

AND in other news, Victor Orta could unearth the next Kaka as Leeds make contact for “superb” £42m target

Nottingham Forest have been heavily linked with signing Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White in recent weeks and the 22-year-old would arguably be an upgrade on James Garner in Steve Cooper’s side next season.

Reports have suggested that Forest, along with Everton and Crystal Palace, are interested in the £30m signing Gibbs-White following his impressive performances out on loan at Sheffield United last season.

After the loan signing of Dean Henderson from Manchester United, Forest fans have been consigned to the knowledge that Garner won’t be returning to the City Ground again next season, unless the Red Devils can be convinced to let him go permanently, which seems unlikely at this stage.

Premier League rules mean that you can only loan one player from another side and thus Cooper must look for a replacement for Garner in his midfield after the 21-year-old played a huge part in Forest’s promotion last season.

The United academy graduate would make 44 appearances in the Championship, contributing four goals and eight assists, averaging an impressive WhoScored rating of 7.09 for his performances, which were enough to establish him as a fan favourite at the club.

However, while he was undoubtedly superb, Gibbs-White enjoyed arguably a better season with the Blades, and could be a better long-term addition if he joins on a permanent deal.

The Wolves man would contribute 12 goals and 10 assists for Paul Heckingbottom’s side in the Championship, while also impressing in the playoff semi-final game at the City Ground, with WhoScored awarding him a 7.14 average rating for his performances.

While Garner is arguably better at the defensive side of the game, Gibbs-White can definitely offer more going forwards and also has far more experience in the top-flight, having made 46 appearances in the Premier League with Wolves.

Therefore, now that a move for Garner is off the table, Cooper should definitely push to bring the “outstanding” Gibbs-White to Nottingham this summer.

AND in other news: Cooper plotting NFFC bid for £15.3m-rated “incredible talent”, he can replace Garner

Tottenham Hotspur correspondent Alasdair Gold has now shared an update on the Lilywhites’ pursuit of Championship starlet Djed Spence.

The Lowdown: Tottenham eye Spence move…

According to recent reports, Spurs are still well and truly in contention to sign the 21-year-old, who dazzled on loan at Nottingham Forest from Middlesbrough over 2021/22.

Spence was a key figure and mainstay in Forest’s push for Premier League promotion, making a ‘significant’ contribution for manager Steve Cooper as he started 41 league matches and earned the squad’s sixth-highest rating from WhoScored.

As such, the north Londoners are reliably believed to be keen on signing him for Antonio Conte, and while some reports suggest that a fee has been agreed, Gold has come out with a claim to the contrary.

The Latest: Gold shares Spence update…

The football.london journalist took to Twitter after seeing ‘confirmation’ from the Boro side that no club is in advanced talks to sign Spence just yet.

However, Gold did go on to say that ‘early’ developments are expected this coming week.

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The Verdict: Make the move…

Homegrown and possessing bags of potential as an attack-minded wing-back -he was included in the EFL Championship Team of the Season – we believe that signing Spence should come as a no-brainer for Tottenham transfer chief Fabio Paratici.

Described by ex-Spurs full-back Alan Hutton as an ‘incredible’ player who ‘massively fits the bill’ for Conte (Football Insider), the possible arrival of the 21-year-old could also help to fix a glaring issue with Spurs’ unbalanced homegrown quota.

Reports suggest that he is valued at around £20m, and while that could be viewed as a considerable investment for someone so young, we believe that a defender of his ilk may well be worth the gamble.

In other news: ‘What is this witchcraft?’ – Media thrilled by ‘great’ transfer news out of Tottenham! Find out more here.

Fabrizio Romano has dropped an update regarding the situation surrounding Newcastle United’s attempts to sign Reims striker Hugo Ekitike.

What’s the news?

In a tweet on Thursday evening, the journalist and transfer expert had this to say on the matter: “New hamstring injury for Hugo Ekitike today during France game. His agent was expected in Newcastle on Monday after agreement reached with Reims, but he delayed. #NUFC

“The deal could be even more delayed now after injury – Newcastle will also consider other options.”

Having been linked with a move for the striker, it seems as though this update could be a rather unfortunate speedbump for the Magpies, and one which will surely have Eddie Howe fuming if the club aren’t able to secure the Frenchman’s signature.

Howe will be fuming

A product of Reims’ youth system, the 19-year-old has made 41 appearances across their senior and youth teams, in which he has found the net 17 times and delivered four assists along the way.

This latest season in France saw the teenager score 11 goals and supply three assists in 25 appearances, highlighting the attacking talent that he has at such a young age. He also ended the campaign with the joint-second highest average of shots per game (1.3) out of players currently at Reims.

Taking all this into account, it’s certainly easy to see why the Toon are so keen to add Ekitike to their ranks, as they could then have the chance to unearth someone who could become one of the Premier League’s top strikers in the future.

However, now that this injury to the 19-year-old may have delayed the potential deal, it’ll be interesting to see whether or not Newcastle stick with it and try and get it over the line. As Romano mentioned, they may forget about signing the youngster and move onto other potential targets on whom they could miss out by waiting around for Ekitike and his agent.

In our view, if the Tyneside club and their scouting staff are completely sure that the Reims prodigy would be a good addition to Howe’s squad, then they should stick with it and see it out. He clearly has a knack for finding the the net, and he also has plenty of time ahead of him to develop his game even further.

In other news: Newcastle eyeing £15m magician who Shearer dubbed “magnificent”, he’s better than Almiron

SportBILD journalist Christian Falk has dropped a significant claim involving Liverpool forward Sadio Mane. 

The lowdown: Interest forthcoming

Recently, the 30-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich as the German giants potentially begin to prepare for life after Robert Lewandowski.

In the final 14 months of a contract at Anfield (Transfermarkt), Mane could be about to move on at the end of yet another stellar season for the Senegalese superstar.

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The prospects of a departure appear to have been enhanced by the latest from one reputable source…

The latest: ‘Strong interest’

Taking to Twitter, Falk, the Head of Football at German outlet SportBILD, delivered an update on the 86-cap ace’s current situation, proclaiming ‘strong interest’ from France.

He said: “TRUE – If Sadio Mané will leave LFC the big favourite for a Transfer is PSG.

“The strong interest and high salary at Paris are the reason why he hesitates to sign a new contract at Liverpool.”

The verdict: No deal

Despite suffering an apparent dip in form during the 2020/21 campaign, Mane has proven any doubters wrong once more this term with 27 direct goal contributions in 49 appearances across all competitions.

Unsurprisingly, those exploits led Jurgen Klopp to hail his swashbuckling attacker as ‘absolutely insane’ following a 6-0 win over Leeds United in February.

Albeit the £72million valued star isn’t getting any younger, this season’s goal return is proof that the Senegalese sensation is more than worthy of an extended stay at Anfield and therefore interest from Paris Saint-Germain or indeed Bayern Munich should be rebuffed.

In other news: BBC man reacts to ‘obscene’ news emerging from Liverpool, read more here

Having missed the play-offs in what is their first season back in the Championship, the Baggies will be underwhelmed over this season and apprehensive about their chances of escaping the division come next season.

What’s the latest?

Bruce has already stated that he intends to bolster the West Brom squad, having already signed Jayson Molumby from Brighton & Hove Albion.

Speaking to BirminghamLive, Bruce said: “I think we need as many as five or six [transfers] – a major overhaul is needed.

“The supporters need a new face or two who they can get right behind.”

On the chalkboard

One of those new faces could well be MK Dons’ 22-year-old forward Scott Twine, who has been linked in a report from TEAMtalk and has enjoyed a prosperous campaign.

It has seen him notch up a staggering 33 goal contributions in League One, totalling 20 goals and 13 assists in 44 appearances to help the Dons march into a play-off semi-final that saw them narrowly miss out on their Championship aspirations.

Being in the form that he is in, Twine may look to cut ties with Liam Manning’s side, in order to continue his development in the division above.

Considering his £3m-rated market value, age, and pondering his potential, West Brom would be right to rival the reported teams of Burnley, Norwich City and Middlesborough for his signature.

With his goal tally in mind from the third tier, Twine has outscored two of Bruce’s forward options in Robinson and Carroll, who have scored a combined total of 12 in the Championship this season.

With the Baggies set to lose the latter upon his contract expiry at the end of the season, Twine would represent an astute replacement who could form a formidable partnership with Karlan Grant and allow Bruce to axe Robinson, who despite being the Baggies’ second-highest goalscorer this season has tailed off towards the end.

The 27-year-old is far from the “pest” that Gabby Agbonlahor once described with the Irishman scoring just twice in his final 20 appearances.

Though his ability to play on the wings could make way for Daryl Dike’s inclusion in the squad – with Twine also demonstrating his creativity this season with 13 assists – the second-highest total in England’s third division.

Bruce looks to play a strike partnership up top – whether it be through the means of a 3-5-2 formation or 4-4-2 system. And with the opportunity to play on the wings or through the middle, Bruce could help to transition the form of the “difference maker”  – in the words of Sky Football – to the Championship.

In other news: Forget Grant: West Brom’s 104-touch star put on an impressive display against Barnsley 

The India coach was an able leader in his playing days, but he will not be doing his job now if he agrees with everything Kohli feels is good for the team

Nagraj Gollapudi17-Aug-2018In 2014, when Ravi Shastri was appointed team director during India’s previous tour of England , Nottingham was the third venue in his assignment. Shastri arrived, chest out, chin up, stride heavy, voice loud. India, led by MS Dhoni at the time, had already lost the Test series 3-1. The BCCI rang in changes: the head coach Duncan Fletcher was pushed to the background and his team of assistant coaches was replaced by Shastri’s hand-picked personnel.Shastri was under little pressure, considering he had time to establish himself and his philosophy. Four years later, he’s back at Trent Bridge. He is now the head coach, though some might say the power is now in Virat Kohli’s hands. Shastri is still in charge, and this time he is facing his toughest challenge so far.The challenge is not so much that India are losing. The crisis is that most of the Indian batsmen have lost confidence. They have forgotten what they are good at: batting. Ajinkya Rahane, M Vijay, Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul and Cheteshwar Pujara are all proven batsmen. Rahane and Pujara even have 50-plus averages in different conditions, which puts them among the best in contemporary cricket. Yet all these men have lost control of their game, of their footing, of the basics.It has made Shastri restless. He’s no longer in the comfort zone. He now has to figure out how to restore confidence in his batsmen. To help them focus on the basics. Most importantly, Shastri needs to take charge.For a while now, there has been the impression of Kohli being in absolute control, to the point that his batsmen have had to change the way they usually bat to meet his target of winning at all costs in Test cricket.0:36

India make final Trent Bridge preparations

This, however, has led to insecurity among the batsmen. That is the big difference from past when India suffered big defeats overseas, including on the 2014 England trip. Players back then were not insecure. And that is what Shastri and Kohli need to work on.Last year, when he was brought back to take charge of the team, Shastri said the role of the coaching staff would be to make players comfortable. To put players in a state of mind where they can go and express themselves and play without fear. That is not happening at the moment, and Shastri will admit that.That does not mean Shastri and the coaching staff have failed at their jobs. He needs to have a frank word with all the players, but first he to hear what they have to say without judging them. If they feel insecure about their spot in the team, the position they bat in, the role set for them, or anything else that troubles them, Shastri needs to know that. He can then address the issue with Kohli.Another significant comment Shastri made when he took up the job was that Kohli would be the boss. He was saying nothing new. All great captains have been their own men: Ian Chappell, Clive Lloyd, Imran Khan, Steve Waugh. But all these men were natural leaders. And they had more than one match-winner to rely on.Kohli is a match-winner and leads by example, but as a leader he remains a work-in-progress both on and off the field. England were 87 for 7 in the second innings of the first Test at Edgbaston, leading by 100. Ishant Sharma had taken three wickets in an over that was split by the lunch break. At the other end R Ashwin had bowled an unbroken spell of 16 overs, taking all three top-order wickets. Rookie allrounder Sam Curran, a left-hander, charged Ashwin to loft an easy boundary, after which Kohli removed Ashwin from the attack. Curran was relieved, helped England raise a formidable target, and India lost by 31 runs.Did Shastri agree with Kohli’s decision to take Ashwin out of the attack? Surely, despite being tired, Ashwin could have been coaxed to bowl a few more overs to put pressure on the England lower order and tail, which has three left handers. Then, at Lord’s, did Shastri have a say in India playing two spinners in overcast conditions?India’s coach Ravi Shastri at a practice session•Getty ImagesOne of the reasons Anil Kumble, who was the India coach for a year before Shastri replaced him, reportedly fell out with the captain was because he was constantly in Kohli’s ear. Kumble wanted equal say, which supposedly did not sit well with Kohli. Has Shastri gone the other way?Shastri will not be doing his job if he agrees with everything Kohli feels is good for the team. A difference of opinion makes for constructive thinking. By having a contrary opinion at times, Shastri can also help Kohli grow as a leader.When he was a player, Shastri had been anointed a future leader by Sunil Gavaskar, who made Shastri his deputy for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy. Shastri went on to become a very good leader of men. He did that not just by inspiring his players with words, but also with deeds and tactics.On the day he was appointed team director in 2014, Shastri wrote a damning column in the after India’s 3-1 Test series defeat in England. “Five sessions and not five days have been enough to nail them,” Shastri said. “But move on we must. Sit back and watch if these glam boys are ready for penance. If they are prepared to plunge their bare hands into the coal of fire and start from scratch.”So far in this series, India’s batsmen have barely lasted two successive sessions. Will Shastri now sit back and watch the current set of glam boys serve penance, or will he get his hands dirty and help them stand up and deliver?