Liverpool have had quite the summer of transfer sagas when it comes to midfielders, from facing rejection from Moises Caicedo to suffering the same fate from Romeo Lavia, as the duo opted for moves to Chelsea over an Anfield switch.

That left the Reds crying out for a defensive midfielder, so in came surprise choice Wataru Endo from Stuttgart to at least hand Jurgen Klopp an option in that role.

The German could yet welcome another midfielder this summer, however, and could reportedly turn to a fellow Premier League side when it comes to finally solving his midfield issue once and for all.

What's the latest Liverpool transfer news?

All seemed to be going well for Liverpool in the transfer window at the start of the summer. They instantly welcomed Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton & Hove Albion for a reported £35m before swooping in to sign RB Leipzig midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai for a reported £60m. Things went downhill from there.

After the arrival of midfield reinforcements, Liverpool took a step back with the exits of both Jordan Henderson and Fabinho, who they are still struggling to replace. In what is a glaring problem, though, Klopp could yet turn to Aston Villa midfielder Boubacar Kamara to solve his crisis in the middle of the park.

According to reports in Spain, via Caught Offside, Liverpool are keeping tabs on Kamara, who they are keen on.

Villa, of course, are under little pressure to sanction a deal, given that they only signed the midfielder last summer on a free deal, tying him down to a contract until 2027.

As Liverpool's desperation grows, however, it remains to be seen if they'll push on and attempt negotiations with those at Villa Park in the remainder of the transfer window.

Should Liverpool sign Boubacar Kamara?

After missing out on both Caicedo and Lavia this summer, welcoming Kamara would be an ideal piece of business for those at Anfield. It would be a difficult deal to pull off, that much is true, but the statistics suggest that he would solve their biggest problem in midfield.

According to FBref, when compared to Fabinho last season, who left the club this summer, Kamara made more progressive carries, attempted more tackles and made more blocks than the Brazilian. At just 23-years-old, too, the Frenchman would arguably be an upgrade on Fabinho at Anfield this summer.

At his best, he has earned deserved praise, too, including from Football Talent Scout's Jacek Kulig, who said, after listing Kamara's stats for Marseille a couple of years ago: "21 years of age. Marseille's biggest jewel."

The stats that Kulig revealed were incredibly impressive, too. Kamara made one assist, five key passes, one successful dribble, won two tackles, two aerial duels, and made four interceptions, alongside a pass accuracy of 89% with 74 passes in a match against Montpellier.

Read the latest Liverpool transfer news HERE…

It was the type of performance that earned the Frenchman a move to Aston Villa in the first place, and he has not looked back since.

Now, as the summer transfer window comes to a close, Liverpool could yet make their own move for the Frenchman.

An unbroken 174-run stand between Dawid Malan and Jonny Bairstow allowed England to enjoy a strong start to the pivotal third Test

The Report by Brydon Coverdale14-Dec-20171:48

Nannes: Starc couldn’t quite get the radar right

Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsThere was a wry smile on Joe Root’s face when he won the toss at the WACA and chose to bat. At Adelaide Oval, he had learnt the hard way that sending the opposition in and then losing is difficult for a captain to live down. So in Perth it was back to conventional wisdom: bat first and put runs on the board. On a day when Dawid Malan scored his maiden Test century and Mark Stoneman posted his highest Test score, and England moved to 4 for 305 at stumps, Root must have breathed a sigh of relief.And by the close of play, another decision had also paid off for England: the move of Jonny Bairstow up from No. 7 to No. 6. Bairstow was the second leading scorer in Test cricket in 2016, but has found himself batting behind Moeen Ali in this series – until today. At stumps, he was on 75 and Malan had 110, and their unbeaten 174-run partnership was England’s best Ashes stand in Australia since the second Test of their memorable 2010-11 campaign.Notably, England’s success on this day came without significant contributions from Root, who made a brisk 20 before he gloved one down leg off Pat Cummins, or Alastair Cook, who began his 150th Test in disappointing fashion by missing a straight one from Mitchell Starc and being adjudged lbw for 7 in the fifth over of the match. Little did England care, though, for all that mattered was that at 2-0 down they had given themselves some hope of fighting back in the series.Australia may yet rue a missed opportunity late in the day when Starc swung the first delivery with the second new ball and Malan, on 92, edged to third slip, where Cameron Bancroft spilled the chance. It was Australia’s second dropped catch in the cordon: Mitchell Marsh at first slip had grassed a straightforward chance off Josh Hazlewood’s bowling when Stoneman edged on 52. At least that cost Australia little, for Stoneman was soon out for 56.But the key to the day was the Malan-Bairstow stand, which lasted throughout the final session and set England up for a potentially hefty first-innings total. Malan was strong when driving through cover and he was given plenty of opportunities to do so. Australian fast bowlers have often spoken of the importance of not getting carried away with the pace and bounce at the WACA, where visiting fast men regularly bowl too short. Here Australia were punished when they bowled full.Dawid Malan takes in his maiden Test hundred•Getty ImagesMalan struck 15 fours and one six – a top-edged hook off Starc – and brought up his century late in the afternoon with a boundary pulled off Hazlewood, from his 159th delivery. It was the 20th century of Malan’s first-class career and his second on this tour, after he scored 109 against the Cricket Australia XI in Townsville, and it was the first by any England player in an Ashes Test in Australia since Ben Stokes at the WACA four years ago.Bairstow too could go to bed dreaming of an Ashes hundred, having already managed the highest score of his 12-Test Ashes career. He was productive through the leg side when the Australians bowled too straight and by stumps had struck 10 boundaries.There were a few cracks on the WACA surface at the toss, and a little bit of grass, but the Australians believed it would be a good batting pitch, hence their decision to include Mitchell Marsh for Peter Handscomb as a fifth bowling option. It was Marsh’s first Test since the tour of India earlier this year and while he did send down seven overs on the opening day, it was Starc, Hazlewood and Cummins who looked the most likely to do any damage.Stoneman was impressive when sweeping Nathan Lyon, who found himself struggling for impact for the first time in the series, and the opener also picked off three fours from one Starc over early in the day. But Stoneman’s initially quick scoring rate slowed considerably after lunch, when he was struck on the helmet by a fierce bouncer from Hazlewood. The next delivery was another short one that Stoneman fended towards Lyon at point, though he couldn’t hold a tough chance, and soon Stoneman found himself bogged down.Stoneman’s fifty came up from his 82nd delivery but soon fell to another accurate bouncer, this time from Starc. Stoneman was given not out on field but Australia’s review was upheld by third umpire Aleem Dar, on the evidence of a Snicko spike as the ball passed Stoneman’s glove on the way through to Tim Paine. The hasty overturning of the decision caused a brief ruckus, but further replays showed it was the correct call.The review perhaps also overshadowed the fact that it was a brilliant take from Paine, who had to leap into the air and snared the catch with one hand thrust above his head. But it was the last breakthrough of the day for Australia, who had picked up Cook and James Vince, who flirted outside off and edged behind off Hazlewood for 25, in the first session, and then Root and Stoneman in the second. Malan and Bairstow ensured this was unequivocally England’s day.

An unbroken 174-run stand between Dawid Malan and Jonny Bairstow allowed England to enjoy a strong start to the pivotal third Test

The Report by Brydon Coverdale14-Dec-20171:48

Nannes: Starc couldn’t quite get the radar right

Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsThere was a wry smile on Joe Root’s face when he won the toss at the WACA and chose to bat. At Adelaide Oval, he had learnt the hard way that sending the opposition in and then losing is difficult for a captain to live down. So in Perth it was back to conventional wisdom: bat first and put runs on the board. On a day when Dawid Malan scored his maiden Test century and Mark Stoneman posted his highest Test score, and England moved to 4 for 305 at stumps, Root must have breathed a sigh of relief.And by the close of play, another decision had also paid off for England: the move of Jonny Bairstow up from No. 7 to No. 6. Bairstow was the second leading scorer in Test cricket in 2016, but has found himself batting behind Moeen Ali in this series – until today. At stumps, he was on 75 and Malan had 110, and their unbeaten 174-run partnership was England’s best Ashes stand in Australia since the second Test of their memorable 2010-11 campaign.Notably, England’s success on this day came without significant contributions from Root, who made a brisk 20 before he gloved one down leg off Pat Cummins, or Alastair Cook, who began his 150th Test in disappointing fashion by missing a straight one from Mitchell Starc and being adjudged lbw for 7 in the fifth over of the match. Little did England care, though, for all that mattered was that at 2-0 down they had given themselves some hope of fighting back in the series.Australia may yet rue a missed opportunity late in the day when Starc swung the first delivery with the second new ball and Malan, on 92, edged to third slip, where Cameron Bancroft spilled the chance. It was Australia’s second dropped catch in the cordon: Mitchell Marsh at first slip had grassed a straightforward chance off Josh Hazlewood’s bowling when Stoneman edged on 52. At least that cost Australia little, for Stoneman was soon out for 56.But the key to the day was the Malan-Bairstow stand, which lasted throughout the final session and set England up for a potentially hefty first-innings total. Malan was strong when driving through cover and he was given plenty of opportunities to do so. Australian fast bowlers have often spoken of the importance of not getting carried away with the pace and bounce at the WACA, where visiting fast men regularly bowl too short. Here Australia were punished when they bowled full.Dawid Malan takes in his maiden Test hundred•Getty Images

Malan struck 15 fours and one six – a top-edged hook off Starc – and brought up his century late in the afternoon with a boundary pulled off Hazlewood, from his 159th delivery. It was the 20th century of Malan’s first-class career and his second on this tour, after he scored 109 against the Cricket Australia XI in Townsville, and it was the first by any England player in an Ashes Test in Australia since Ben Stokes at the WACA four years ago.Bairstow too could go to bed dreaming of an Ashes hundred, having already managed the highest score of his 12-Test Ashes career. He was productive through the leg side when the Australians bowled too straight and by stumps had struck 10 boundaries.There were a few cracks on the WACA surface at the toss, and a little bit of grass, but the Australians believed it would be a good batting pitch, hence their decision to include Mitchell Marsh for Peter Handscomb as a fifth bowling option. It was Marsh’s first Test since the tour of India earlier this year and while he did send down seven overs on the opening day, it was Starc, Hazlewood and Cummins who looked the most likely to do any damage.Stoneman was impressive when sweeping Nathan Lyon, who found himself struggling for impact for the first time in the series, and the opener also picked off three fours from one Starc over early in the day. But Stoneman’s initially quick scoring rate slowed considerably after lunch, when he was struck on the helmet by a fierce bouncer from Hazlewood. The next delivery was another short one that Stoneman fended towards Lyon at point, though he couldn’t hold a tough chance, and soon Stoneman found himself bogged down.Stoneman’s fifty came up from his 82nd delivery but soon fell to another accurate bouncer, this time from Starc. Stoneman was given not out on field but Australia’s review was upheld by third umpire Aleem Dar, on the evidence of a Snicko spike as the ball passed Stoneman’s glove on the way through to Tim Paine. The hasty overturning of the decision caused a brief ruckus, but further replays showed it was the correct call.The review perhaps also overshadowed the fact that it was a brilliant take from Paine, who had to leap into the air and snared the catch with one hand thrust above his head. But it was the last breakthrough of the day for Australia, who had picked up Cook and James Vince, who flirted outside off and edged behind off Hazlewood for 25, in the first session, and then Root and Stoneman in the second. Malan and Bairstow ensured this was unequivocally England’s day.

Celtic were dealt a blow this week as the club officially confirmed that Carl Starfelt has moved on to join La Liga side Celta Vigo for an undisclosed fee.

Who has left Celtic this summer?

Prior to the Sweden international's departure from Parkhead, Brendan Rodgers had already lost central midfielder Aaron Mooy and winger Jota.

The former decided to call time on his professional playing career and retired from the game after one season in Scotland, whilst the latter completed a reported £25m switch to Saudi Arabian side Al Ittihad.

Marco Tilio, Hyun-jun Yang, Maik Nawrocki, Odin Thiago Holm, and Hyeok-kyu Kwon have all come in to bolster the squad but the Hoops could now be forced back into the market after this latest sale.

Who could replace Carl Starfelt at Celtic?

Rodgers could unearth a clever replacement for the Swedish central defender by securing a deal to sign reported transfer target Scott McTominay from Manchester United.

The towering titan has experience playing there for Scotland and once claimed that the position comes as "second nature" to him now, as he had played there previously at club level.

Despite being a defensive midfielder by trade, the Red Devils have played him in the heart of the defence on occasion and club legend Gary Neville suggested in 2020 that he could see a future for the 26-year-old ace in that role.

The former United full-back stated that the talented gem has the speed, aggression, and understanding of the game to thrive as a central defender, which has been utilised by Steve Clarke at international level.

McTominay has the physical and defensive attributes to excel in that position. Standing at 6 foot 4, the English-born brute is an imposing figure on the pitch who could provide a big presence in both boxes from set-pieces and crosses into the box to clear danger or provide a goal threat.

The Red Devils academy graduate only started ten Premier League matches last term but his form throughout the 2021/22 campaign showcased his ability across 28 starts.

In that season, he won an impressive 67% of his aerial duels and made 3.2 tackles and interceptions per match for his side, which is more than any Hoops player managed last term in the Scottish Premiership and shows that the £60k-per-week giant is able to consistently win possession back for his team.

These statistics show that McTominay is dominant in the air and does not allow the opposition to get the better of him in those battles very often, which could make him an ideal centre-back when it comes to dealing with opponents who want to consistently launch crosses into the box to create chances.

The United outcast, who ex-midfielder Danny Murphy dubbed a "nightmare" to play against due to his ability to "destroy" attacks, could, therefore, be a fantastic signing for the Hoops to replace Starfelt.

Due to him being a natural midfielder, McTominay would not be an obvious replacement for the Swedish titan but Rodgers could be clever and use his experience playing in that position to bolster Celtic's squad before the deadline passes next month.

Liverpool supporters will be desperate for a few more incomings before the summer transfer window closes next week, and manager Jurgen Klopp will be assessing his options ahead of that fateful day.

While the Reds missed out on both Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia to Chelsea, the astute if surprising signing of the experienced Wataru Endo at least provides some defensive stability after the acquisitions of creative midfielders Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai earlier in the window.

Bolstering the attack will not have been at the forefront of Liverpool's focus this summer, but following revelations regarding Saudi Arabian interest in Mohamed Salah, the Anfield side look to be searching for an heir.

Who could replace Mo Salah at Liverpool?

According to Calciomercato, Bayern Munich star Leroy Sane is being considered by the Liverpool hierarchy to replace the Egyptian phenom, with Federico Chiesa and Karim Adeyemi also on the shortlist.

Valued at £42m by Football Transfers, Sane has entered the penultimate year of his contract at the Allianz Arena, and Liverpool could look to take advantage by testing Bayern's resolve.

How good is Leroy Sane?

Liverpool will be hoping to produce a more successful season than last time out, as Klopp's side failed to qualify for the Champions League after finishing fifth in the Premier League.

Read the latest Liverpool transfer news HERE…

While they are adamant that Salah is not for sale this summer, the 31-year-old has also entered the final two years of his deal at Anfield and it is possible he would be sold next year to recuperate as much as possible for such a first-class forward.

Sane, who used to play for Manchester City, boasts creativity and incisiveness in abundance, having scored 40 goals and supplied 37 assists from 135 appearances for Bayern, having once been dubbed "incredible" by former Bavarian boss Julian Nagelsmann.

Having netted twice in the opening Bundesliga match of the current season against Werder Bremen, the 53-cap Germany international now ranks among the top 5% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for goals per 90, as per FBref.

Given that he also ranks among the top 10% of peers for pass completion, the top 11% for progressive passes and the top 7% for successful take-ons per 90, Sane's ball-playing and dribbling skills are showcased and hence underlining the dynamism he could bring to Klopp's team.

By maintaining his diverse attacking nature, he could find the perfect attacking partner in Cody Gakpo, with the Dutchman's all-encompassing approach on the pitch aligning with wide players such as Sane's skills.

Indeed, Liverpool's £35m January signing has been immense since arriving, and ranks among the top 12% of positional peers across Europe for assists, the top 17% for shot-creating actions, the top 8% for progressive passes, the top 11% for progressive carries and the top 1% for tackles per 90.

Described as "something special" by Fabrizio Romano, Gakpo's selflessness, creativity and movement would allow Sane to weave inside and wreak havoc, and it truly could be the inception of a "world-class" duo – as the 27-year-old Bayern ace has been called by talent scout Jacek Kulig.

Liverpool will lose an irreplaceable asset when Salah does exit Anfield for the final time, and while Sane does not boast the prolificness of his £350k-per-week peer – alas, few do – he does offer a superlative range of tricks and skills to cement a starring role under Klopp's stewardship and thrive.

And with Gakpo pulling the strings from the centre, the high-octane energy of Liverpool's frontline might just remain intact.

The goal for every West Ham United youngster is to emulate the journey and heroics of Declan Rice.

After being released by Chelsea in 2013, the Englishman joined West Ham. Within the Irons’ academy, he developed into one of the club’s most talented assets.

After seven seasons, 245 appearances, and 15 goals, Rice captained the Hammers to their first European trophy since 1965.

His quality and consistency earned the midfielder a £105m transfer to Arsenal, where he is expected to be a crucial component of a side looking to be persistent challengers for the Premier League title.

But, West Ham academy coach Trevor Bumstead asserted that his mentality is the reason for his success, saying: “A lot of players who are more talented than him don't get as far as he has gone, because they don't have the character and desire that he's got."

"We speak a lot about having outstanding attributes. Declan's aren't technical attributes. It's his character, determination, and personality.”

It has set the precedent for the next generation of West Ham’s academy, with Lewis Orford tipped to follow this pathway.

Who is Lewis Orford?

The 17-year-old is a lifelong West Ham fan and made his Premier League 2 debut for Mark Robson’s U21 side in March 2023, before scoring his first goal for the development team in a 5-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers. He also played a pivotal role in the club’s FA Youth Cup victory over Arsenal.

Read the latest West Ham transfer news HERE…

Moreover, in total for the U18 side, Orford has recorded 34 goal contributions in 53 games, whilst operating as a conventional central midfielder.

As a result of his limitless potential, Orford signed professional terms with the Hammers ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

How good is Lewis Orford?

The teenager was named West Ham’s most promising academy talent by the Guardian, who likened his trajectory to that of some previous greats.

They wrote: “West Ham continues to be production line for midfielders and Orford, a lifelong fan, might be the latest to follow Declan Rice, Mark Noble, Frank Lampard, Joe Cole, and Michael Carrick. His height reminds of Rice and Carrick though he exhibits a greater turn of pace than either, with a range of passing beyond his years that has made him the Hammers’ Under-18 playmaker.”

By this reasoning, Orford seems to be a generational mix of various Premier League giants, but due to its recency, the aim has to be Rice’s influence.

The Arsenal recruit has previously been showered in praise by former Chelsea scouting coordinator Martin Taylor, who said: “I always saw him as a player who could play at the top level because of the desire he's got. Nothing fazes him.

"He was always the rock in midfield. He'd win the ball, break it up, win tackles.”

Their play styles arguably differ, as Rice never even came close to replicating the numbers that Orford has produced in the youth system. But, Orford has that intelligence, defensive acumen, athleticism, and range of passing that we have become so accustomed to seeing from his senior.

If he assumes Rice’s confidence, fearlessness, and aspiration then he has the perfect foundation to build a glittering career with David Moyes.

West Ham academy manager Kenny Brown has described Orford’s development as “impressive” and it appears that the sky is the limit for this boundlessly talented gem.

عزز فريق أتالانتا الإيطالي تقدمه أمام باير ليفركوزن بهدف ثانٍ في المباراة المقامة بين الفريقين بنهائي الدوري الأوروبي.

ويلتقي أتالانتا وباير ليفركوزن على ملعب “أفيفا” في العاصمة الأيرلندية، دبلن، لخوض نهائي بطولة الدوري الأوروبي لموسم 2023/24.

وأضاف أديمولا لوكمان الهدف الثاني لفريقه أتالانتا في الدقيقة 26 من عمر المباراة من تسديدة رائعة في الزاوية البعيدة.

وكان لوكمان سجل هدف أتالانتا الأول في شباك ليفركوزن، في الدقيقة 12 من عمر المباراة.

يذكر أن باير ليفركوزن قد تأهل إلى النهائي بعدما فاز على روما الإيطالي بنتيجة 4-2، فيما تأهل أتالانتا بعدما تغلب على مارسيليا الفرنسي، بأربعة أهداف مقابل هدف. هدف لوكمان الثاني في مباراة أتالانتا وباير ليفركوزن

Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsQazi Onik took a four-wicket haul on debut•Raton Gomes

Rajshahi Kings kept their qualification hopes alive with a crushing win over Chittagong Vikings at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium. While Rajshahi rose to fifth position with the win, Chittagong’s defeat knocked them out of the 2017-18 BPL.Qazi Onik enjoyed a stunning debut, taking four wickets as Rajshahi defended 157 for 6 after electing to bat first. Chittagong were bowled out for 124 in 19.2, becoming the first team to exit the tournament.Onik, the left-arm pacer, took the key wickets of Anamul Haque and Stiaan van Zyl, before adding Sunzamul Islam and Tanbir Hayder to complete impressive figures of 4 for 17 in 3.2 overs.When Rajshahi batted, they recovered from 86 for 4 with the help of Darren Sammy, who top-scored with 40 off 25 balls, muscling two fours and three sixes.Chittagong apply early chokeMominul Haque fell in the second over of the match, slicing Taskin Ahmed for a catch at third-man. Zakir Hasan and Luke Wright then went on a boundary-barrage, which included four fours in six balls, until Luis Reece took out Zakir for 17.Mushfiqur Rahim got cracking with a four off his first ball but Rajshahi were again hit when Wright was caught sharply at deep midwicket by Sikandar Raza, who kept himself inside the field as he moved back to take an overhead catch. All the while, Mushfiqur was in fine form, striking Sunzamul Islam for a six and two fours in the 11th over.Nayeem Hasan, one of four BPL debutants this match, then outsmarted Mushfiqur, bowling slower through the air and getting him to hole out to long-on. Mushfiqur made 31 off 22 balls and Rajshahi were reduced to 86 for 4 in the 12th over.Sammy turns the heat on ChittagongSammy was at his imperious best in the slog overs. He struck three sixes – two of them off Reece and one against Taskin – in the last five overs. He added 69 runs for the fifth wicket with James Franklin, who made for a study in contrast with his run-a-ball 30. Rayad Emrit, Taskin and Reece bowled very well in the slog overs, never letting Rajshahi to get away with anything significant. Still, with the help of Sammy’s timely boundaries, Rajshahi punched 56 runs in the last six overs: a recovery that proved more than good enough in the end.Balance shiftsRajshahi and Chittagong went back and forth in the early exchanges during the chase. In a frantic first over, when Mushfiqur Rahim injured a finger, Mohammad Sami weeded out the big-hitting Luke Ronchi, who swiped across a length ball and offered a catch to Mehidy Hasan at the deep square-leg boundary.Anamul and Soumya Sarkar then led a quick turnaround with a 38-run second wicket stand off 28 balls. By the end of the fifth over, Chittagong had raised their fifty and were well on course to chasing the total down.Mustafizur Rahman then found a way past the partnership in the last over of the Powerplay, when he duped Soumya with a slower ball that was skewed to mid-off. Anamul followed Soumya into the dugout two overs later, top-edging a pull to the keeper and giving Onik his maiden BPL wicket.Fielding brilliance brings back Rajshahi Sikandar Raza and van Zyl kept the score ticking, but their partnership of 32 took 30 deliveries and the required rate climbed. The Pakistan legspinner Mir removed Raza, who swung at a full toss and was very well-caught at deep square-leg by the substitute Naeem Islam jnr.Luis Reece fell to his own undoing, attempting an improbable second run and being caught short of his crease. Naeem was back in the mix in the next over, when he reached over his head to catch van Zyl’s pull at the deep midwicket boundary and flicked the ball over to Mir as the momentum carried him over the ropes.Another moment of brilliance on the field, this time from Mehidy, who took a brilliant catch running to his left from long-on, sent back Rayad Emrit in the 17th over. With that, Chittagong had lost four wickets for 24 runs.Rajshahi did not let their intensity drop despite having pulled themselves ahead. They were sharp on the field right until the end, when wicketkeeper Zakir Hasan’s direct hit effected a run out of Taskin and sealed the game. Chittagong lost their last seven wicket wickets in 6.4 overs, for the addition of just 32 runs.

Nottingham Forest's pursuit of Sevilla defender Gonzalo Montiel has been well-documented and a big update has now emerged, courtesy of journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Who is Gonzalo Montiel?

The 26-year-old was something of an unknown amongst British football fans until relatively recently, even though he was a perfectly solid performer for Sevilla, having arrived at the La Liga side from River Plate back in 2021.

That all changed at the 2022 World Cup, however, as he tasted glory with Argentina, famously stroking home the winning penalty in the shootout victory over France in the final. It was a truly iconic moment for the country, as they won the competition for the first time since 1986, and it etched Montiel's name into Argentine folklore forever.

At club level, a move away from Sevilla – where he makes £20k-per-week – has looked increasingly likely this summer, however, and it is Forest who have emerged as the strong favourites to snap him up for some time now.

The Reds are still looking for defensive reinforcements and the right-back has stood out as a good option to battle the likes of Serge Aurier and Neco Williams for playing time this season, allowing Steve Cooper to rotate his squad and keep it fresh the longer the campaign goes on.

Now, a fresh update has emerged – one that suggests Montiel could be announced as a Forest player sooner rather than later, as the City Ground welcomes yet another new face to the club.

Will Nottingham Forest sign Gonzalo Montiel?

Taking to Twitter, Romano provided a significant update regarding the Reds' move for Montiel this summer, with the transfer now very close to being completed and medical potentially on the cards imminently:

"Nottingham Forest are closing in on Gonzalo Montiel deal – agreement on personal terms being finalised then medical on Monday. Deal will cost €11m (£9.4m), as @CLMerlo has reported."

This is great news for Forest, at a time when they need to build on last season's Premier League survival and become a genuinely established top-flight club again, rather than finding themselves battling for their lives come the spring.

While Montiel may not be the most explosive of full-backs, he is an experienced head with lots of defensive nous, having made 72 appearances for Sevilla and won 23 caps for Argentina, scoring once for his country, aside from his aforementioned penalty heroics last winter.

That moment back in December may have given him an extra winning mentality – he also scored the winning spot-kick in last year's Europa League final – which should stand him in good stead and possibly impact on the squad's mentality when he arrives, with World Cup winners a rare commodity in football.

Montiel could come in as a less flamboyant but more solid alternative to Aurier at right-back, having averaged 1.5 clearances and 1.3 tackles per game in last season's Champions League, as well as registering three assists in La Liga in 2022/23.

These are exactly the kind of signings that will make Forest strong moving forward, and at 26, there is no reason why the defender can't be a key man for the next five or six years.

Leeds United have reportedly suffered a huge blow in their pursuit of West Ham United midfielder Flynn Downes this summer, as they look to build a squad capable of promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

So far this summer, Daniel Farke has welcomed four reinforcements at Elland Road.

What's the latest on Flynn Downes to Leeds United?

As per Football Insider, Leeds were among the clubs interested in making a move for Downes this summer, but now face the prospect of losing out on the midfielder, with Southampton in pole position.

This comes with West Ham in ongoing deal to sign Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse. Football Insider reports that a fresh twist in the deal could see Downes head in the opposite direction.

Leeds, of course, are unable to offer the Hammers such a deal, leaving them unlikely to land the former Swansea City man this summer.

The Yorkshire club won't be the only side to miss out, however, with Middlesbrough and Crystal Palace also among the clubs interested in securing the 24-year-old's signature.

Losing out on Downes to a potential promotion rival in the form of Southampton will be a particular blow for Leeds, who need all the help they can get if they are to earn back their top flight status in the coming year.

How good is Flynn Downes?

Of course, with a deal yet to be agreed between West Ham and Southampton, those at Elland Road could still swoop in. Signing Downes would represent solid business from a Leeds perspective, too.

This is a player with plenty of Championship experience due to his time at Swansea, whilst also possessing the quality to play in the Premier League, as proved by his move to West Ham last summer.

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At his best, the Englishman can outperform the current options under Farke, as shown by the numbers. According to FBref, whilst at Swansea in the Championship, Downes made more progressive carries per 90 than current Leeds midfielder Ethan Ampadu managed last season, while also producing more goals and assists per 90, painting the picture of a midfielder who contributes at both ends.

It's the type of statistics that have earned the midfielder some significant praise in the past, including from former Swansea manager Russell Martin, who said, via the official club website: "Flynn was incredible, it’s difficult to single people out, but he does the dirty work perfectly well.

“He enables other people to do their roles brilliantly, he knows exactly what his role in the team is.

“Kyle Naughton and the guys at the back appreciate him a lot, I know I would have if I had him playing in front of me. He has an excellent willingness to learn, his attitude, his attention to detail and how quickly he learns is outstanding.

“He’s playing in a completely different role to what he used to play at his previous club, as most of the guys are. His desire to win and athleticism, with his increasing and improving technical ability, shows how much he wants to work.

“That’s the point of playing him in this way, it’s the best way to improve players, it really is.”