All posts by z3u9t.icu

Arsenal are reportedly reigniting their interest in Argentine forward Emiliano Buendia, as Mikel Arteta and Edu Gaspar eye further reinforcements this summer.

The duo have already equipped the side with the talents of Kai Havertz, Jurrien Timber and Declan Rice this window, spending over £200m in the bid to continue their title challenging form of the 2022/23 campaign.

It’s speculated that the spending is far from over with one week remaining until the opening fixture of the 2023/24 season, as the club continues to be linked with talent.

Could Arsenal sign Emiliano Buendia?

As reported by FootballTransfers, Arsenal could eye a move for Aston Villa attacking midfielder Buendia with the hope to add to their depth on the right side.

Read the latest Arsenal transfer news HERE…

The Gunners were said to be ‘seriously’ interested in signing the winger from Norwich City back in 2021 prior to his move to Villa, as per football.london.

In a transfer that was worth £38m, the 26-year-old could be on the move again after just two years in the Midlands.

How many goals has Emiliano Buendia scored for Aston Villa?

After making the move from Carrow Road to Villa Park, the Argentine has found the net on just nine occasions in two seasons in claret and blue in what has been a slightly underwhelming spell in the Premier League.

Arsenal’s reported interest in the 26-year-old back in 2021 was understandable following his phenomenal 32 goal and assist-contributing season in the Championship for the Canaries.

Scoring 15 goals and registering 17 assists, Buendia captured the eye of the top-flight and opted to sign for the Villans.

In hindsight, the Gunners dodged a bullet with him being branded as a player that has “not been consistent enough” by former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan via Football Insider.

On the back of his 15-goal campaign, the Argentine managed four goals in the Premier League, suggesting that the full story of his potential has not been translated to the highest level as it was on show in the Championship.

For Arsenal, interest in the 26-year-old could spell disaster for Edu as he looks to improve the depth of the squad at the Emirates, something that he could move further away from in hiring the Midlands flop.

The Gunners are in the process of sanctioning a move for Nicolas Pepe, who as a fellow right-sided forward has been unable to impress in the Premier League.

Despite being cut away from Arteta’s plans, the Ivory Coast international made more of an impact in the English top-flight than Buendia has in his opening two seasons, scoring 15 goals over the 2019/20 and 2020/21 league campaigns.

Making a move for the £82k-per-week dud would be a less ambitious move in comparison to the other deals secured this summer, in a player that has performed at a lower level than Pepe, who has been exiled from the Emirates for his lack of form.

At a time when the north Londoners have worked their way to be regarded as title contenders once again, Edu should avoid a move for a figure proven to struggle in the Premier League, in a deal that could replicate the right-sided failure of Pepe’s tenure.

Manchester City’s goalkeeper Ederson was spared his blushes on Tuesday night in Manchester City’s emphatic victory over RB Leipzig in the Champions League.

Pep Guardiola’s men secured themselves a spot in the quarter-finals of the Champions League in front of the Etihad crowd with an incredible 7-0 victory on the night.

However, they may have been fortunate to do so with all 11 men on the pitch after their Brazilian goalkeeper was caught in the middle of a controversial incident inside the first half.

After Konrad Laimer was played through, Ederson came charging out to win the ball first but instead got none of the ball and all of the Leipzig midfielder.

However, the referee decided against taking any action against the Brazilian goalkeeper and instead booked Timo Werner for his protests.

The incident was relayed on Twitter and fans from far and wide vented their thoughts with many feeling City had gotten off the hook massively with this one.

The best of the reactions can be seen below…

Southampton are still in the hunt for a new attacking right-back following the departure of Tino Livramento to Newcastle, and now a new update has emerged on the club's pursuit of a potential target.

What is the latest Southampton transfer news?

According to Football League World, Tottenham are looking to send Djed Spence out on loan this summer with Southampton being one of several clubs showing an interest.

Since joining Spurs in July last year, the 23-year-old has only played 41 minutes of senior football and with his development continuing to stagnate in north London, a loan move away could help him get back to his "swashbuckling" best – as he was once described by Ian Wright.

Despite a whole host of clubs circling for his signature, including Crystal Palace, the report also states that Ange Postegcoglou wants to send Spence to a club that would be the right fit for him and given the Saints play a possession-heavy style under Russell Martin, they certainly fit the profile.

How good is Djed Spence?

From being one of the standout players in Nottingham Forest's promotion-winning campaign to virtually playing no senior football at Spurs, it's fair to say that Spence's career has taken a turn for the worst in the past year, though a Championship loan this summer can help spark his career back into life.

After being sent out on loan by Middlesbrough in the 2021/22 season, Spence went on to make 39 appearances, scoring twice and assisting five times, but it was during Forest's shock victory over Arsenal in the FA Cup that he announced his name in lights.

Lauded by Stephen Warnock as "outstanding" following this exceptional performance, the pacey 6 foot right back was a thorn down the Gunners' left side all evening, wreaking havoc with his electric pace and monstrous ball-carrying.

This magnificent display drew praise from several high-profile pundits but the most flattering of compliments came from Arsenal legend Wright, who said: "I have not seen a combative, technical, swashbuckling performance like that for a very long time."

He then continued to wax lyrical about his display by saying: "I said to him, in all seriousness, 'that level we saw there? You should be in the Premier League'. Simple as that."

While Spence would later get his dream move to the top flight, it hasn't worked out as he would have desired, but dropping to the Championship and playing for Southampton can see him resurrect his career and become the heir of Livramento.

Similarly to Livramento, Spence has pace to burn in possession, can carry the ball in an effortless motion and thrives in one vs one situations, which are all strengths that saw him quickly rise to stardom at Forest and become one of the most sought-after prospects in the second tier.

He exemplified his ability to carry the ball long distances and become a driving force for his team through his excellent attacking metrics, ranking in the top 1% in the division during 2021/22 for his progressive carries (4.35), the top 4% for his successful take-ons (1.89) and the top 5% for his carries into the final third (2.54) with Livramento recording 3.23, 1.23 and 2.21 for those metrics in the same season, albeit in the Premier League.

With Arsenal reportedly eyeing up a move for Kyle Walker-Peters following the injury to Jurrien Timber, this would leave a void that needs filling and if Spence can return to the form he showed while at Forest, then Southampton should strongly consider acting quickly in their pursuit of the 23-year-old.

The biggest task for Sean Dyche in order to provide Everton with more breathing space away from relegation is organising a reconfiguration of the frontline.

Last season in the Premier League, the Toffees only scored two or more in a match on six occasions as their lack of attacking threat nearly condemned the club to its first relegation from the top flight since 1951.

Their proud record means the club currently has the second-longest tenure in the top flight, and if Dyche wants this to continue, it is clear what is needed.

They have already kickstarted this process as Arnaut Danjuma is set to undergo a medical at Goodison Park ahead of signing a loan deal until June 2024.

This is a solid start, but Everton still require a conventional striker and focal point, with Brian Brobbey identified as a possible target.

What’s the latest on Brian Brobbey to Everton?

According to Football Insider, Everton are interested in signing the Ajax frontman this summer.

The 21-year-old is reportedly keen on a move to the Premier League and the Merseyside outfit are weighing up the option of pursuing a deal.

A new striker is understood to be a key priority as the club look to provide support for Dominic Calvert-Lewin, whose patchy fitness record means he is an unreliable asset.

Ellis Simms has already been allowed to join Championship side Coventry City, whilst Neal Maupay could follow him as he has many potential suitors in Italy.

This has opened the door for Brobbey, who could be a vital addition to the side.

Would Brian Brobbey be a good signing for Everton?

The forward re-joined Ajax on a permanent deal last summer and has just enjoyed his most productive season to date. In 17 Eredivisie starts, he recorded 16 goal contributions and was the club’s top scorer.

Brobbey has demonstrated that he is above the current level of opposition and warrants a move to a more competitive league. This is shown by his rank within the best 3% outside of Europe’s top-five leagues among his positional peers for non-penalty goals per 90 and touches in the attacking penalty area per 90.

His quality has been recognised by Virgil van Dijk, who praised Brobbey’s glimmering potential, saying: “I think he’s a great boy. He is a great talent and basically has everything. He is fast, strong and can finish well.”

The Liverpool titan also backed the youngster to be a “weapon” for the national team. He is yet to make his international debut for the senior side, but the Dutchman has netted nine times in 17 games for the U21 side.

The £50k-per-week livewire can follow in Danjuma’s footsteps by moving to the north-west.

In the 2021/22 season, Brobbey's compatriot was an indispensable component of a Villarreal side that reached the Champions League semi-finals, netting six times in 11 matches. He was also the club’s top La Liga scorer with ten goals.

Therefore, both players have shown they can provide notable levels of output and could be invaluable additions to a squad that desperately lacks conviction and potency.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is personally keen to close a deal to sign a midfielder he has previously shown heavy admiration for, according to recent reports.

What's the latest news involving Manchester City?

The Blues have favored quality over quantity this window in the transfer market, strengthening their squad with the additions of Jeremy Doku, Josko Gvardiol and Mateo Kovacic, as per Transfermarkt.

Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Manchester City have also added another exciting young talent to their conglomerate The City Football Group, stating on X: "Excl: RB Salzburg talent Leon Lalić joins Man City/City Group, here we go. It’s first deal ever from RB Salzburg to City Group — historical for 2006 born midfielder. Lalić will initially join Lommel. David Fernandez’s team followed Lalić for more than 2 years."

City are also believed to be keen on Crystal Palace playmaker Eberechi Eze in the final stages of the transfer window; however, the Eagles are looking to hold out for a fee of £70 million for the 25-year-old, according to Football Insider.

Eze has become a target for Manchester City following their decision to withdraw from their pursuit of West Ham United playmaker Lucas Paqueta. His former club, Queens Park Rangers, would be entitled to 20% of any fee Crystal Palace recoup for the midfielder due to a sell-on clause present in his contract at Selhurst Park.

BILD via The Manchester Evening News share quotes from RB Leipzig chief Oliver Mintzlaff who had dispelled rumours linking Spain international Dani Olmo with a move to the Etihad Stadium, stating: "Dani Olmo will be part of the Leipzig squad, no matter who is interested."

Olmo also recently commented on links to Manchester City directly, stating: “There is nothing [in the rumours]. I’m fully focused on the task in Leipzig, the Bundesliga, the Champions League and the cup. Man City are a big club – one of the biggest in the world. Josko [Gvardiol] went there. But I’m happy here.”

Who else could Manchester City sign?

Transfer guru Romano has delivered a fresh update on Manchester City's pursuit of Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Matheus Nunes on X, revealing: "Manchester City will insist to close Matheus Nunes deal with Wolves in 24/48h after initial €50m proposal plus add-ons discussed yesterday. Pep, big fan of Nunes; player has already accepted City as destination. It's now up to Wolverhampton."

Cited by The Mirror, Manchester City boss Guardiola is no stranger to £85k-a-week earner Nunes and has previously offered up some really high praise when discussing the Portugal international, saying back in 2022: "I would say that Matheus Nunes is one of the best players in the world today."

In his time at Molineux, Nunes has become a fan favourite due to his tenacious displays in the middle of the park and has featured 41 times for Wolves in all competitions, registering one goal and a solitary assist, as per Transfermarkt.

Football Insider claim that Manchester City are confident of sealing a deal to land Nunes and are readying a bid close to £60 million to try and get a deal over the line, which would also help to provide cover for the injured Kevin De Bruyne.

West Ham United have not always had the best of luck, or judgement perhaps, with their dealings in the transfer market over the years.

Who are West Ham's biggest signings?

The Hammers have not been afraid to splash out the cash to bolster their squad, particularly over the last five years or so, in an attempt to push on in the Premier League.

Player

Fee paid

Sebastien Haller

£43m

Mohammed Kudus

£37m

Lucas Paqueta

£37m

Edson Alvarez

£32.7m

Felipe Anderson

£32.7m

Fees via Transfermarkt.

Haller and Anderson, of the five most-expensive signings in the club's history as shown above, did not enjoy the best of times at the London Stadium and David Moyes could be on course to oversee another expensive disaster with Pablo Fornals.

The former Villarreal whiz, Tomas Soucek, Vladimir Coufal, Michail Antonio, and Aaron Cresswell are among the players who are out of contract next summer and will be free to leave for £0.

What's the latest on Pablo Fornals' future?

It was recently reported that Spanish side Sevilla are eyeing up a swoop to sign Fornals from the Hammers as their sporting director Victor Orta, who was previously at Leeds United in England, is keen to secure a deal for him in 2024.

The report stated that the attacking midfielder is free to speak with other clubs from January onwards and that a move to Sevilla would be among his preferences if the option arises.

He is allowed to sign a pre-contract with another team in January ahead of a free transfer next summer due to his expiring contract, which is why West Ham must get him to put pen to paper on an extension.

Football Insider claimed, prior to the news of Sevilla's interest, that the Hammers are planning to sit down with Fornals, along with Coufal and Soucek, to discuss a possible contract extension.

They also revealed that teams from Saudi Arabia were showing an interest in the ace, although nothing came of that before the Saudi Pro League transfer deadline earlier this month.

How much did West Ham pay for Pablo Fornals?

In the summer of 2019, West Ham completed the signing of the then-23-year-old wizard from Spanish side Villarreal for a reported fee of £24m, which made him the second-most expensive player in the club's history – behind Felipe Anderson at £33.5m – at the time.

Fornals arrived at the London Stadium after two impressive campaigns in LaLiga, following on from his move to the club from Malaga in 2017.

The creative Spaniard enjoyed a fantastic 2017/18 campaign with Villarreal as he racked up an outstanding 12 assists and created 15 'big chances' for his teammates across 30 league starts, to go along with three goals, as per Sofascore.

His teammates then let him down throughout the 2018/19 season as the technical ace produced ten 'big chances' for his fellow attackers over 28 LaLiga starts and was only rewarded with three assists. This suggests that his teammates did not make the most of the opportunities that he created for them.

The talented whiz's performances were impressive enough to convince West Ham and then-manager Manuel Pellegrini to splash out £24m to secure his services.

How well has Fornals performed for West Ham?

Fornals has been a solid performer for the Hammers over the years as he has racked up 184 appearances in all competitions and played 141 times in the Premier League to date.

He has featured in at least 32 top-flight matches in all four of his seasons with the club so far, which speaks to his reliability in terms of his performance level and durability. Managers have rarely not selected him to play, whether that is from the bench or within the starting XI, and he has not had any major injury lay-offs.

His best season in a West Ham shirt to date arguably came during the 2021/22 campaign. The Spanish maestro provided a consistent creative threat and added goals to his game as he delivered brilliant Premier League performers week-in-week-out.

Fornals averaged an excellent Sofascore rating of 6.94 across 36 league appearances for the club and contributed with six goals and ten 'big chances' created from midfield. He also showcased his defensive quality with 2.3 tackles and interceptions per game to win the ball back for his side.

The former Villarreal star, who was once dubbed "unbelievable" by journalist Karl Matchett, was the team's outstanding creator as he averaged 1.3 key passes per match throughout the season, which none of his teammates were able to better.

More recently, Fornals caught the eye in the Europa Conference League last term as the club went on to win the competition. He averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.13 over 12 appearances as he scored three goals and created two 'big chances' from the middle of the park.

What's next for Fornals?

The report of Sevilla's interest and the player potentially being keen on the move is worrying for West Ham as it suggests that there is chance that he will sign a pre-contract with the Spanish team to join them for nothing next summer.

This would mean that the Hammers would not get back a single penny of the £24m that they initially paid to secure his signature back in 2019, which would be a disaster when you consider that he will be 28 and in his prime years ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.

FootballTransfers currently has his Expected Transfer Value at €22.2m (£19.1m) and this is an indication of the kind of fee that the club are set to miss out on if they do not tie him down to an extension.

Moyes and West Ham have allowed him to enter the final 12 months of his contract before sitting down to have talks over a new deal, as per the aforementioned Football Insider report, and this has allowed Sevilla, and potentially other teams, to show an interest and possibly sway Fornals' thinking.

The situation should have been dealt with before the recent summer transfer window as they could have been able to cash in on him this year if he refused to put pen to paper on an extension.

Therefore, the Hammers are currently on course for a howler with the Spanish magician unless they are able to convince him to turn down Sevilla and remain at the London Stadium beyond the end of this season.

An update has emerged on Sunderland and their attempts to add a new number nine to the playing squad before the summer transfer window slams shut on Friday.

What's the latest Sunderland transfer news?

Black Cats boss Tony Mowbray and sporting director Kristjaan Speakman are reportedly eyeing a deal to land the services of a Premier League striker who has attracted interest from a host of Championship clubs ahead of the deadline.

According to journalist Alan Nixon, the Championship side are 'trying' to secure a late move for Everton marksman Thomas Cannon to bolster their options at the top end of the pitch.

The reporter has, however, stated that league rivals Middlesbrough and Norwich City are also keen on the talented ace and Sunderland will need to win a race to seal his signature.

Interest from the latter has been backed up by the Daily Mail, who have claimed that the Canaries have tabled a £7m offer for his services, although he has previously been touted with an £8m price tag.

How good is Thomas Cannon?

Although he is not a vastly experienced player at senior level, the 20-year-old whiz is a fantastic prospect who has the quality to allow Mowbray to forget all about Ross Stewart, who could be on his way out of the Stadium of Light.

Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie has claimed that Southampton are confident of snapping up the Scotland international before the deadline after they made a £7.5m offer, despite the Black Cats wanting £10m.

The former Ross County star has been out of action with an Achilles injury since January but proved himself to be a reliable scoring option for the club prior to that blow.

Stewart has racked up 40 goals in 80 appearances in all competitions for Sunderland since his move to Wearside in January 2021 and Cannon's record at youth level for Everton suggests that the potential is there for him to make a similar impact in the final third.

The Ireland U20 international, who was lauded as "outstanding" by Hull City boss Liam Rosenior last season, racked up an impressive 51 goals in 97 U18 and U21 matches combined for the Toffees before his first-team breakthrough.

Cannon spent the second half of the 2022/23 campaign on loan with Preston North End and proved himself to be capable of scoring goals at Championship level with eight goals and four 'big chances' created for his teammates in 19 starts.

That was his first taste of regular senior football and he was able to average almost a goal every other game.

With that experience under his belt, the 20-year-old finisher could take the next step in his development to be a reliable goalscorer over the course of an entire season with Sunderland.

His phenomenal statistics for Everton's youth teams suggest that the potential is there for him to be a superb goalscoring threat on a regular basis in the same way that Stewart has been for the Black Cats in recent years, with his Preston form also proving that he has what it takes to deliver end product in a first-team environment.

Therefore, Mowbray could move on from Stewart and allow the Scottish ace to join Southampton with no concerns about a lack of goals in his squad if the club can secure a deal for Cannon ahead of Middlesbrough and Norwich.

Manchester United have been handed a boost after learning that Crystal Palace attacking midfielder and target Eberechi Eze has rejected a new contract at Selhurst Park, according to reports.

Is Eberechi Eze leaving Crystal Palace?

The Premier League playmaker first joined Roy Hodgson’s side from QPR back in 2020, where he’s since gone on to make a total of 93 senior appearances to date, but despite still having another two years remaining on his contract, there’s a chance he could be heading for the exit door before the end of the ongoing transfer window.

The England international, who made his professional debut under Gareth Southgate last month, firmly established himself as the Eagles’ top-performing player last season with a WhoScored match rating of 7.02, and this consistent standard of displays has brought him onto the radar of Erik ten Hag.

Back in June when writing for GiveMeSport, freelance football writer Steve Bates reported that the Red Devils have had the 23-year-old under review since Christmas and initially earmarked Eze as an alternative to Mason Mount, and even though that move did eventually happen, it hasn’t stopped chiefs from monitoring the talisman in SE25.

Read The Latest Man United Transfer News HERE…

Are Man United signing Eberechi Eze?

According to TEAMtalk, Eze has "turned down the chance" to sign a new contract at Crystal Palace amid interest from Man United.

Selhurst Park chiefs are looking to tie down their prized asset for the foreseeable future, but it's claimed that he has "rejected" the opportunity to put pen to paper on fresh terms, which has sent an "alert" to the M16 side, who are named as a "potential suitor".

Ten Hag's interest is "unlikely" to have passed despite securing Mount's signature, and it would seem that making a swoop now "looks more viable than it otherwise would have been" given the player's desire to possibly start a new adventure elsewhere.

How good is Eberechi Eze?

Eze not wanting to commit his future to Crystal Palace is a huge boost for Ten Hag, who will now be in a better position to make a move for his target, and having been dubbed a “magic” player by former teammate Christian Benteke, the attacking midfielder is a special talent.

The Eagles’ £30k-per-week earner racked up 14 goal contributions (ten goals and four assists) in 38 Premier League matches last season – form which saw him receive four Man of the Match awards from WhoScored, but he also proved to be a threat in the final third aside from his goalscoring contributions.

The Greenwich-born talent ranked in the 99th percentile for successful take-ons and recorded a total of 70 shots over the course of the campaign, which was the highest tally throughout the whole of his squad, via FBref, highlighting that he loves to dribble past his marker and take aim at the opposition goalkeeper.

Furthermore, Eze shares the same agency – CAA Base Ltd – as Raphael Varane, so this existing connection that his representative already has to the club could potentially help United during negotiations, having had previous dealings should they try to wrap up a deal in the weeks ahead.

Chelsea are still extremely active in the transfer market despite kicking off their Premier League campaign this weekend, and now a fresh update has emerged on a potential transfer target.

What's the latest on Chelsea's interest in Elye Wahi?

According to 90min, Chelsea are one of the clubs interested in signing Montpellier striker Elye Wahi this summer.

As per the report, the player is attracting lots of interest from Premier League clubs with Arsenal and West Ham United among those who are potential suitors alongside the Blues, whilst it is claimed that the west Londoners have already made a verbal offer.

Read the latest Chelsea transfer news HERE…

It is noted that the Ligue 1 club would expect a fee of around £35m to part ways with their youth prospect, a fee that should not trouble the financial power at Stamford Bridge.

Who is Elye Wahi?

The France U21 international was a standout performer in front of goal in France last season, which has ultimately led to huge interest from many clubs who are vying to secure his signature.

Over 33 Ligue 1 appearances, the 20-year-old scored 19 goals, registered five assists and created seven big chances, as well as averaging 1.2 shots on target and 1.9 shots in total per game, featuring seventh in the French top flight's top-scorers list – just ten goals shy of PSG star Kylian Mbappe.

Not only that, as per FBref, Wahi ranks in the top 15% of his positional peers across the top five European leagues for non-penalty goals, goal contributions in total, shots on target and carries into the final third per 90, demonstrating strong attributes in front of goal.

Despite snapping up the services of Nicolas Jackson already this summer, bringing in depth and quality in the final third will be crucial for Chelsea this summer as they endeavour to improve upon their shocking campaign that saw them finish 12th in the top-flight last season, missing out on European football.

As a result, the signing of Wahi would be a great opportunity for Mauricio Pochettino to bring in a young and hungry talent who could be the perfect heir for Romelu Lukaku, a player whose future at Stamford Bridge is likely over after failing to make the impact needed to compete for the centre-forward role – having scored just eight league goals during the 2021/22 season.

The Chelsea flop has been given the green light to complete a permanent move away from west London following his season-long loan with Inter Milan, however, there is still no move set in stone for the Belgian to depart as of yet, although fresh interest from Tottenham Hotspur has been revealed.

The Montpellier goal machine could be the man to truly oust the Belgian as the Blues' new leading man in attack, with the youngster having rightfully been the recipient of high praise for his development so far, with reporter Andrés Onrubia Ramos full of compliments for Wahi last year:

"Montpellier: Elye Wahi (2003). If he manages to polish the definition, we are facing a striker who is going to exceed ten goals per season. A real beast in space that, in addition, associatively also leaves interesting things. It should definitely explode.”

With that being said, if Chelsea could secure Wahi's signature this summer it would provide Pochettino with a youth prospect that he can develop to become a key player in the forward line, ensuring that the club can swiftly move on from their Lukaku nightmare.

Nottingham Forest have appeared as the frontrunners to sign Chelsea forward Callum Hudson-Odoi this summer, but they aren’t the only club interested in the Premier League.

How old is Callum Hudson-Odoi?

Hudson-Odoi is 22 years of age so should be playing football on a regular basis and entering some of the prime stages of his career, but that’s not the case because his future is extremely uncertain having been sent out on an unsuccessful loan to Bayer Leverkusen last season.

England’s former international’s contract is also set to expire in less than a year meaning that this window is Mauricio Pochettino’s ideal opportunity to cash in, something which looks likely considering he’s told chiefs that he wants to leave, whilst being yet to communicate with his manager since taking to the dugout.

The Blues’ left-winger already holds an existing connection to Steve Cooper having worked under him during his time with the Three Lions’ U17s, and The Evening Standard recently reported that the Reds had entered the running to sign him, alongside Everton and Fulham.

The Cottagers were believed to be leading the race, but with that move having since collapsed, the contest has really opened up, giving his other potential suitors a chance to swoop him, and there’s a possibility that he could be on his way to The City Ground.

Are Nottingham Forest signing Callum Hudson-Odoi?

According to TEAMtalk, Nottingham Forest are "emerging as favourites" to sign Hudson-Odoi, with Chelsea "open" to sanctioning his sale before the end of the window.

With Fulham and now also Everton's move for the attacker having "stalled", this leaves the "path clear" for Cooper to form a reunion with his ex-international starlet.

The Stamford Bridge academy product also had his brother, who is his agent, as an "interested observer" watching on from the stands at last week's match vs Sheffield United, further sparking speculation that he could be joining in the coming weeks.

How good is Callum Hudson-Odoi?

Nottingham Forest will know that Hudson-Odoi hasn’t been given a fair chance to prove what he’s capable of at Chelsea, but Cooper will know just how much potential he has to offer having previously been dubbed a “monster of a talent” by journalist Nizaar Kinsella, and he could the perfect manager to restart his career.

The Wandsworth-born talent has posted 89 goal contributions (48 goals and 41 assists) in 208 appearances since bursting onto the scene and could provide the boss with excellent versatility with his ability to operate everywhere across the frontline, alongside three roles in the midfield, as per Transfermarkt, making him a great option to have available should any unexpected injuries occur.

Pochettino’s £180k-per-week earner also knows what it takes to compete and be successful having helped to win five senior trophies for his boyhood club, including the likes of the Champions League, Europa League and the FIFA Club World Cup, so he could bring a much-needed winning mentality to the Midlands to achieve a place as high as possible in the table this season.