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An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their pursuit of Moussa Diaby in the summer transfer window… 

What’s the talk?

Journalist Ben Jacobs has claimed that the attacker is interested in making the switch to St. James’ Park ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

The reporter has also stated that a wide player is not the only position that PIF are looking to strengthen in between now and August.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “Newcastle are really keen on signing a winger and a striker. Diaby is possible, he’s open to the move, but it remains to be seen whether Bayer Leverkusen will sell. Newcastle also won’t overpay for Diaby.”

Just imagine him & Callum Wilson

Craig Hope has claimed that the attacker is “too expensive” for the club and a fee of £60m has been touted but this latest update gives the Magpies a glimmer of hope, pardon the pun.

Whilst Leverkusen are sticking to their guns, for now, the German outfit may be forced to reconsider their position if Diaby gets itchy feet later in the window and decides that he wants to act on his interest in the Toon army.

Now, imagine the partnership Newcastle could have in Diaby and Wilson if they are able to pull off a deal in the next six weeks or so.

Chronicle editor Aaron Stokes recently hailed the Frenchman as “electrifying” and his statistics in the Bundesliga last term back up that claim. He was constantly lighting up matches with his impressive ability in the final third, scoring and creating goals to win games for Leverkusen.

The 22-year-old ended the campaign with 13 goals and 12 assists in the division, creating 15 ‘big chances’ for his teammates in total. This highlights the potential impact he can have for the Magpies as their star man out wide.

In Wilson, Newcastle already have a player who can thrive off Diaby’s creativity and take his own game to another level. The Englishman scored eight goals in 16 starts last term and 12 goals in 23 starts in 2020/21 – finding the back of the net more than once every two starts in the Premier League for the club.

He has the quality in front of goal to score on a regular basis when fit and the Leverkusen man has shown that he can consistently put chances on a plate for his teammates. This suggests that they could be a terrifying duo at the top end of the pitch – linking up with each other to punish opposition defences.

AND in other news, Howe can finally axe “struggling” flop with Newcastle bid for “humble” £30m “lion”…

Sunderland journalist James Copley has been left delighted by some transfer news that has emerged from the Stadium of Light in the last 48 hours.

The Lowdown: Simms signs

As per the official website of the Wearside club, they have now confirmed the signing of Ellis Simms on a season-long loan from Everton.

He should be able to play a part in their opening game of the Championship season against Coventry City at midday on Sunday, so supporters will be able to get an immediate glimpse of what he can offer.

The Latest: Copley reacts

Taking to Twitter, Copley gave his instant reaction to the news of Simms’ signing, claiming that he is a ‘huge piece of the jigsaw’ for Alex Neil’s squad:

“Sunderland announce signing of striker Ellis Simms from Everton, who will wear the number nine shirt.

“Huge piece of the jigsaw added to Alex Neil’s squad ahead of Coventry on Sunday.”

The Verdict: Top signing

Simms is certainly a top signing, as he will no doubt be eager to impress in the Championship.

Playing at Blackpool in League One, he managed ten goals and two assists, including two strikes in the play-offs. On loan at Scottish Premiership side Hearts last term, he scored seven times and made one assist in total over all competitions (Transfermarkt).

The Championship seems like the logical next step for the 21-year-old to further his career, and Neil has already sung his praises, so Simms could really thrive under his management this campaign.

Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou has dropped a teasing update regarding the Parkhead club’s aims for the remainder of the current summer transfer window.

What’s the news?

Speaking (via Glasgow Live) ahead of yesterday’s opening match of the new SPFL season that saw Celtic beat Aberdeen 2-0, the 56-year-old had this to say on the subject of what transfer business could take place in the coming days and weeks.

He said: “I’m pleased with where we’re at but there’s still four weeks of the window open and we’ll still be active and agile to see where we can strengthen.

“There will be some outgoings and some opportunities potentially to bring others in but there’s nothing set in stone with that.

“Where we sit right now, we’ve done the crucial bits I thought we needed to do and, if there are some areas we can still improve on in the next couple of weeks, we will.”

Celtic fans will be buzzing

So far in this latest summer transfer window, the Hoops have secured permanent deals for the likes of Jota, Cameron Carter-Vickers and Daizen Maeda following their loan spells at Parkhead last season.

The Bhoys have also brought some new faces to the club such as Benjamin Siegrist, Alexandro Bernabei, Aaron Mooy and Moritz Jenz to try and strengthen Postecoglou’s squad.

If the club can end their latest window with some more new players that are up for the challenges ahead and potentially improve the side, this will surely have lots of Celtic supporters buzzing.

The Hoops boss has outlined what the remaining weeks of the window could look like in terms of any late deals, and it could be a case of seeing which players head out before the club looks to bring some extra ones in.

Bearing in mind how the likes of Christopher Jullien, Stephen Welsh and Mikey Johnston have all been mentioned with moves away from Parkhead this summer, these are the players that Celtic may need to replace should any of them eventually end up leaving the club before the window closes.

Aside from that, with Mooy being the only midfield recruit so far, despite seeing the likes of Nir Bitton, Tom Rogic and Ismaila Soro leave the club since the end of last term, perhaps adding another player for that area of the pitch is something that the Celtic hierarchy should focus on.

AND in other news: Postecoglou could seal big CCV upgrade with Celtic bid for “tremendous” 25 y/o target

Tottenham Hotspur could still sign an attacking midfielder and another centre-back before the transfer window closes, according to The Athletic’s Charlie Eccleshare.

The Lowdown: Busy window

Spurs managing director Fabio Paratici has been hard at work this summer, bringing six new signings to Hotspur Way while Destiny Udogie is all set to become the seventh.

Surprisingly, none of the new arrivals were selected to start in Tottenham’s dominant 4-1 victory over Southampton on Saturday and Udogie himself is expected to be loaned back to Serie A.

However, with four major trophies up for grabs, including the UEFA Champions League, these players will undoubtedly see game-time throughout the campaign, and it looks like we could see even more new faces arrive before September 1.

The Latest: Eccleshare’s claim

Eccleshare believes an attacking midfielder and another option at centre-back remain on the Italian’s shopping list, with just three weeks left of the summer window.

Speaking with GiveMeSport, The Athletic journalist claimed:

“I think they may make that signing, the attacking midfielder, if the opportunity presents itself. Less likely, but possible is another centre-back. I don’t think Conte will perhaps want it to go down to the last day.”

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The Verdict: Adding further depth and quality

Having eased past Saints in the Lilywhites’ opening game of the new Premier League season, it could be argued that Conte has all the additions he needs to go and succeed with his extensive squad this year.

However, the arrival of an attacking-midfielder could allow Harry Kane to get further forward, rather than having to drop quite so deep to pick up the ball, as has become a significant feature of his game.

With the arrival of Clement Lenglet, the need for a left-sided centre-back has taken a momentary back seat at the north London club; however, with his transfer being a season-long loan, the Italian duo will be on the hunt for his long-term replacement at the back.

Regardless, Conte and Paratici have added quality and depth to the Lilywhites squad, allowing for more regular rotation this season, and any extras now would be icing on the cake.

Glasgow Rangers and Giovanni van Bronckhorst are reportedly now eyeing up a potential move for goalkeeper Dimitar Mitov.

The Lowdown: Goalkeeper needed?

The Ibrox outfit could be forgiven for going for another goalkeeper before the transfer window closes on September 1.

Allan McGregor is not getting any younger at 40, while Jon McLaughlin has not started the season off well, conceding at fault for the opening goal conceded against Union Saint Gilloise in their UEFA Champions League qualifying first leg.

The Latest: Mitov interest

As per Football Insider, the Gers have now registered their interest in Mitov, and are ‘keeping tabs’ on his situation at Cambridge United.

The six-foot-two colossus famously put in a man-of-the-match performance in a 1-0 win for the League One side away at Premier League Newcastle United in the FA Cup last season, and his contract expires at the end of this campaign.

The Verdict: Get it done

Having kept a clean sheet in Cambridge’s opening 1-0 win at home to MK Dons last weekend, Mitov has got off to a good start this term, and so could be a viable option for the Light Blues.

Given his contract situation, the Bulgarian could well be available on the cheap, so a deal in this window would make sense.

Nonetheless, he is only 25 years of age, which is relatively young for a goalkeeper, and so he could be the man in between the posts for the Teddy Bears for years to come.

Wolves may have finally added an attacker to their ranks after the signing of Goncalo Guedes, but it seems clear that more reinforcements are required in Bruno Lage’s side before the window shuts.

What’s the word?

One man who has been linked with the Old Gold is Benfica striker Goncalo Ramos, who has worked under Bruno Lage at the Portuguese club.

In a recent interview with GIVEMESPORT, journalist Ryan Taylor has claimed that the €40m (£34m) valued man is still of interest to Wolves.

He said: “PSG were looking at him as well, but we know Wolves need to sign a striker, so let’s wait and see what happens. He’s definitely one that’s admired.”

Lage would love him

Saturday’s opening game defeat against Leeds United once again highlighted Wolves’ deficiency in attack, as they had more possession and shots on goal than the hosts but still came away with nothing.

The Old Gold were one of the lowest scorers in the Premier League last season and are yet to sign a new natural striking option this summer, while Fabio Silva was allowed to join Anderlecht on loan.

Considering Raul Jimenez was the club’s top scorer in the Premier League last season with just six, it seems clear that Lage needs a more clinical option in his attack if he wants to improve on a disappointing end to last season.

Ramos could certainly provide that, as he plundered in the goals in Benfica’s academy before establishing himself in the first team, where he has contributed 17 goals and six assists.

Football talent scout Jacek Kulig was full of praise for the young striker in 2020, labelling him “incredibly prolific” which is exactly what Lage needs in a new striker.

The 21-year-old has started the season in hugely impressive style, contributing three goals and two assists in Benfica’s first two games of the season, so Wolves may have to move quickly before his stock rises even further.

WhoScored suggests that Ramos’ strengths include holding onto the ball, dribbling and defensive contribution, which suggests that he has the work rate and ability to excel as a lone striker in the Premier League, which could make him perfect for Lage’s system.

Therefore, the manager should definitely be looking to bring the young striker to Molineux before the transfer window shuts later this month.

West Ham United have been dealt a new fitness concern regarding Kurt Zouma.

What’s the latest?

That’s according to a report by 90min, who claim that David Moyes is concerned that the centre-back, who has already sustained five separate knee injuries over the course of his career, suffers from a long-term degenerative knee issue.

The report goes on to state that the 27-year-old, who only joined West Ham from Chelsea in a £29.8m deal last summer, has looked far from 100% fit in the Hammers’ opening two Premier League fixtures of the 2022/23 campaign, although it is not said whether or not the France international is a doubt for the Europa Conference League play-off against Viborg FF on Thursday.

Big blow for Moyes

Considering just how unlucky West Ham have been with centre-back injuries so far this season, should Zouma indeed prove to have a long-term issue with his knee, it would undoubtedly come as a huge blow to Moyes and his side.

Indeed, the £25.2m-rated Frenchman is currently the 59-year-old manager’s only senior option available in the heart of his defence, with £30m summer signing Nayef Aguerd ruled out of action until at least October after damaging his ankle ligaments in a pre-season friendly, while both Angelo Ogbonna and Craig Dawson also remained sidelined due to knocks.

This has seen Ben Johnson – a right-back by trade – start both the 2-0 loss to Manchester City and the 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest alongside Zouma at centre-back, something that is evidently far from ideal, particularly when you consider his performance against Forest.

As such, it is clear to see that, despite the Hammers having agreed a £10.1m deal for Paris Saint-Germain centre-back Thilo Kehrer on Tuesday – with Moyes said to be hoping that the 25-year-old will be registered in time for the Viborg clash on Thursday – the further loss of Zouma would be a disastrous blow for the Scot and his side as he simply doesn’t have the options and depth to cope with yet another fitness concern at the back.

Wolverhampton Wanderers could make a late swoop to steal a target from their Premier League rivals…

What’s the word?

According to 90min, despite Newcastle United seemingly having finalised a move for Watford’s Joao Pedro, with the deal stalling other clubs are gathering interest.

That includes the Old Gold, Everton, Leicester City, Nottingham Forest and Leeds United are all keeping tabs on the situation.

The Hornets are thought to be demanding a fee of around £30m, as the Brazilian still has five years left on his £12.5k-per-week deal.

He can be the Raul Jimenez heir

Although he is yet to explode with his goalscoring, many regard Joao Pedro as one of the most promising talents in Europe.

His ability on the ball is unparalleled for a man of his stature, and he could certainly fill in for the declining Raul Jimenez, who has struggled to recapture his form following his terrible head injury.

Pedro is a multi-faceted threat and has impressed during his time at Watford for his link-up play as well as his ability to create scoring opportunities from nothing.

In just four Championship appearances this season he has created two big chances, has averaged 1.3 key passes per game and is successful in 52% of his dribbles.

His all-around game is exceptional, and to replace Jimenez it has to be. The Mexican only managed 1.1 key passes per game last season but contributed to four assists as well as scoring six times himself.

Pedro may have a slight upper hand when it comes to his finesse with the ball at his feet, but three goals in two stints in the Premier League suggest he still has a long way to go with regard to his goalscoring.

His finishing exploits in the Championship have earned him praise, however, with the “exciting” attacker scoring ten and assisting three in 42 appearances.

He seems to improve with each passing season, and if he could be tempted to move to Molineux, it would mark a huge coup as he would continue his development at the club.

He is not the readymade replacement for Jimenez, but in no time at all, he could grow into it and show why he is the true heir to his play style.

Aston Villa have been dealt a double injury blow ahead of tonight’s Premier League clash with Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium…

What’s the latest?

Steven Gerrard is set to be without the services of centre-back Tyrone Mings, who missed their 1-0 defeat to West Ham United at the weekend with illness, and. young striker Cameron Archer, who picked up a problem during training.

“Tyrone did part of the session yesterday, he still wasn’t feeling 100 per cent,” the Villa manager revealed ahead of kick-off (via the Birmingham Mail).

“But he got through a lot of the content of the session yesterday. We’re hoping that with a full night sleep and a good rest last night that he will train this afternoon fully and he’s available, but we’ll make that call in the coming hours.

“Cameron Archer has a small issue, he came out of the session yesterday, so we could be missing Cam and Ty.”

Gerrard under pressure

The former Rangers manager is under intense pressure at Villa Park right now, having won just one of their opening four matches this campaign.

That extends a run of just three wins across 15 games and some reports have suggested that the club are already looking for replacements with Brighton and Hove Albion’s Graham Potter a leading candidate.

This scrutiny is only going to increase with some tricky fixtures ahead – after tonight’s encounter with the undefeated league leaders, it’s defending champions Manchester City.

Things will certainly get harder for Gerrard if he’s without two fan-favourites in Mings and Archer.

The former captain is probably one of Villa’s best central defenders right now, particularly with Diego Carlos out for the rest of the year with a serious injury, and that’s certainly the opinion of club legend Paul McGrath, who tweeted: “Tyrone Mings Is good enough for Aston Villa, in my opinion he ticks all the right boxes.”

Whilst the boyhood academy graduate has bags of potential and could push the likes of Ollie Watkins and Danny Ings for a starting spot.

Both of the more experienced strikers are struggling for goals at the minute, whereas Archer was not short in finding the net last term, having bagged 20 goals across the Championship (for Preston North End), the EFL Trophy, the Carabao Cup and the Premier League 2, per Transfermarkt.

As such, Gerrard will surely be feeling the heat heading into kick-off in north London.

AND in other news, John Percy claims Villa are eyeing late move for “superb” £8.5m-rated ace, it could revive their season…

Sunderland have been rather prolific in recent years with their academy, producing a host of names who have gone on to perform both for them and at a much higher station.

Jordan Henderson and Jordan Pickford and just two who have established themselves as top-quality Premier League players, with the former captaining Liverpool to winning most trophies available to him.

However, another that could be destined for the very top is a young Costa Rican signed this summer, Jewison Bennette.

The 18-year-old speedster has already made one cameo for the Black Cats this season, with just an eight-minute appearance, however before that he had contributed to three goals in four Primera Division Apertura appearances.

He is clearly highly rated, with the left winger accumulating 36 senior appearances at such a young age.

Alex Neil had labelled the 5 foot 9 dynamo a “huge talent”, but it was Tony Mowbray who seems truly excited about the player, claiming: “He’s so fast and direct, he picks it up and drives with it, his feet are so fast. He shifts it from left to right and there’s no change, he shifts his shoulders and he’s past people.”

With all the attributes to succeed in English football, he is also said to have a wicked left foot and enjoys beating defenders and whipping crosses in.

Roy Miller, who faced England for Costa Rica in the 2014 World Cup had no qualms about how Bennette might take to English football:

“You can think that the English league is physical, with physical players. It remains for him to demonstrate (his abilities), just as he has demonstrated them with the national team, with his club team.

“Although there are very tall, physical players there, that doesn’t mean it will not go well for him. Hopefully he can take advantage of the opportunity.”

Not only does he have all the attributes, but with six caps already for his country he brings a sensational amount of experience for the Championship.

He is sure to be a success upon Wearside and seems like a truly exciting signing who can be the present and the future of the club.