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Sunderland have reportedly edged closer to sealing a deal to sign Spurs left-back Dennis Cirkin, with a medical taking place this weekend, according to Football Insider. 

What’s the story?

Sunderland will have been looking to add additional strength in depth to their defensive options before the summer transfer window reaches a conclusion.

The Black Cats have lost Callum McFadzean after he was released at the end of his contract with the League One side, after making 33 appearances in total for them.

Dion Sanderson also returned to his parent club after his loan spell at the Stadium of Light, which meant that Lee Johnson has found strength in depth hard to find in defence at this moment in time.

Football Insider have reported that Tottenham Hotspur youngster Dennis Cirkin is close to joining Sunderland as they look to add much-needed depth to their defensive options, with a six-figure deal reportedly being agreed.

‘Kid with a lot of quality’

Cirkin has clearly made a good impression whilst playing for the Tottenham Under-23s, and even though his lack of experience in senior football might be a slight concern to some supporters, the prospect of him improving every week should make it an exciting signing for the Black Cats, if the formalities of the move are finalised in the near future.

Former Tottenham Hotspur boss Jose Mourinho labelled Cirkin as a ‘kid with a lot of quality’, as he trained with the first-team squad earlier in his career.

“OK, he’s 17, but he’s a kid with a lot of quality, and I look forward to bringing him to train with us and to help his development.”

Cirkin has also had comparisons with Chelsea full-back Ben Chilwell in the pas, and will be hoping he can further his knowledge in senior football at the Stadium of Light with Sunderland.

The Athletic have also stated that Cirkin is ‘energetic’, and ‘strong in the tackle’ in previous reports, and Lee Johnson will be hoping he can see some of those attributes whilst with Sunderland this season.

If Cirkin can hit the ground running with the Black Cats, then Sunderland could have made a shrewd addition in signing the youngster on a permanent basis this summer.

Sunderland beat Wigan Athletic in their first match of the new League One campaign and will be hoping they can go from strength to strength moving forwards.

Lee Johnson’s side are set to return to action on Tuesday evening, when they take on Port Vale in the EFL Cup, in what could potentially be a tricky test for the Black Cats at Vale Park.

Celtic’s talks with Shamrock Rovers for defender Liam Scales are thought to be at an advanced stage, according to Glasgow Live.

The Lowdown: Scales links

Initial links to Scales came out last week, with The Irish Mirror’s Paul O’Hehir one of the first to share discussions between the two clubs for the 23-year-old.

Scales, who was described as ‘really, really good’ by Rovers manager Stephen Bradley, admitted recently that he could be on the move before the transfer window slams shut, with Norwich City and Southampton also thought to be keen on his services.

The Irish Examiner’s John Fallon believes that Celtic could have to pay a ‘significant’ six-figure sum for Scales, and it seems as if transfer talks are progressing well.

The Latest: Advanced stages

Glasgow Live shared a transfer story on reported Celtic target Fabricio Bustos on Monday evening.

Within their report, they dropped a line on Scales, stating that talks between the Glasgow giants and Shamrock Rovers are at an advanced stage.

The Verdict: Desmond’s deal?

Dermot Desmond has a 25% stake in the Irish champions, so perhaps the Celtic chief has helped talks to progress in the past week.

Should Scales arrive at Parkhead, he would offer Ange Postecoglou plenty of versatility. Last season, the Republic of Ireland under-21 international made 10 appearances in his primary centre-back position, 12 as a left-midfielder, one as a left-back and one as a defensive midfielder.

He also showed his goalscoring knack with a crucial last-gasp winner over Longford Town at the weekend, a result which maintained Rovers’ three-point lead in the League of Ireland Premier Division and ensured a happy 23rd birthday for the defender.

He may not be an instant starter, should he sign for Celtic, but over time he could prove a key member of the squad in a number of positions.

In other news: Roma interested in Celtic ace, find out more here. 

Leeds United are looking increasingly unlikely to sign Rangers winger Ryan Kent this summer, according to an update from journalist Alan Nixon.

The Lowdown: Kent a key man for Rangers

The Gers have enjoyed a great period under Steven Gerrard and Kent has been one of his team’s star players, helping them win the Scottish Premiership title last season.

The 25-year-old has scored 27 goals in 132 appearances for the Scottish giants, wreaking havoc with his pace and trickery out wide.

Leeds have been linked with a move for Kent in the past, but a fresh update has now been provided on the situation.

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The Latest: Journalist provides update

In response to a follower’s query about Kent on Twitter, Nixon replied that Leeds would need to fork out around £15m to sign the attacker, adding the five-word verdict of “I doubt that just now” on the chances of the transfer happening.

It appears unlikely that the Whites will be willing to pay that amount juding by the journalist’s update, so a different wide attacking target may be sought in the final two weeks of the transfer window.

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The Verdict: Slightly overpriced

Kent is a very talented player who Gerrard has described as “sensational”, but £15m is a lot of money for someone who doesn’t have a single Premier League appearance to his name.

It’s one thing to stand out in Scotland, but the English top flight is a much higher level, and Leeds need to be sure they sign someone who is up to the challenge when investing that much money.

Kent could be capable of making the transition, but spending that much on him could be deemed a big gamble, so it’s understandable why the Whites have their doubts about committing to a deal for him.

In other news, Leeds are still reportedly trying to sign one player this summer. Find out who it is here.

Many Southampton fans have been left buzzing as it was confirmed who will they will play in the Carabao Cup second round.

As per their official Twitter page, they will face Newport County away from home, who currently play their football in the EFL League Two.

Given that they are three divisions above them in the Premier League, this means that the St. Mary’s faithful should have a good chance of going through into the next round of the competition.

Perhaps more importantly in this instance, it gives Saints supporters a chance to go on a new away trip after a year of football without fans, and so it is not a surprise to see so many of them buzzing when they heard who they were going to face.

Southampton fans on cup draw

These fans buzzed as the draw was announced on Twitter, with one Saints supporter exclaiming it is a cup tie they can get ‘excited’ for, while another described it as ‘fantastic’:

“What a fantastic draw…! Better than Palace, Arsenal or Sunderland!”

Credit: @cj_garrett

“Can’t wait”

Credit: @ryanrd1905

“Away days are backkkkk”

Credit: @DanColmer

“Now this is a cup tie I’m excited for”

Credit: @Trimbleee_

“This’ll be a good away day #SaintsFC”

Credit: @T_2292

“Love that!”

Credit: @SaintsProgs

In other news, find out what club news has Saints buzzing here!

An update has emerged regarding Wolves’ interest in PSV Eindhoven forward Noni Madueke.

 What’s the talk?

According to Sky Sports, Wolves are interested in signing the PSV winger this month. Leicester and Tottenham are also said to be keen on the forward, who could cost a fee in the region of £30m.

The report claims that the Barnet-born attacker could prove to be too expensive for the three Premier League clubs but does not completely rule out a move from any of them.

Neto 2.0

Wolves must take the plunge and seal a deal for Madueke for £30m this summer if they have the funds available to snap him up. The winger could solve a key issue for Bruno Lage this season – goals and assists from out wide.

Pedro Neto was the club’s top scorer and creator in the Premier League last year with five goals and six assists to his name. The Portuguese forward is now out until at least February with a dislocated kneecap, which means that he will not be available for the majority of the campaign.

This means that Wanderers are without their main goalscoring and creative threat for the next six months or so, which has created an issue at the top end of the pitch which needs fixing. Adama Traore managed a paltry two goals and two assists last season and started this campaign off by missing a gilt-edged chance against Leicester on the opening day, which suggests that he is not the man to solve their woes.

Meanwhile, Madueke already has five goals and one assist in seven competitive games for PSV this term. This comes after providing nine goals and eight assists in all competitions last term for the Dutch outfit.

Former PSV midfielder Tommie van de Leegte hailed Madueke as explosive and praised the creativity he brings to the team, saying: “He’s fast and has the capability to trick his opponent. He brings creativity and is very explosive in his actions.

“Yes, he’s young, but age doesn’t matter to me. He has shown himself in pre-season, so I would give him the chance to prove himself in the big games as well.”

This shows that he has the quality to impact games on a regular basis despite only turning 19 in March. It is impossible to say whether or not he will be able to translate his form over to the Premier League, but if he could, then Lage’s Neto problem would be alleviated as Madueke can both score and create goals.

At the age of 19, the gem also has plenty of scope left to grow and develop as a player. This is why the £30m fee could be worth paying as Wolves could end up making a profit in the future if he is able to come over to the Premier League and replicate his stunning form from the Netherlands in his home country.

AND in other news, Wolves must seal £12.8m deal for 18 y/o beast tipped for “incredible future”…

West Ham United are thought to be exploring a move for Lille’s Jonathan Bamba before Tuesday’s transfer deadline.

That’s according to the Express, who claim that the Irons view the 25-year-old as a potential alternative to Jesse Lingard but he should be considered regardless of whether last season’s loan sensation returns to the London Stadium.

As Football FanCast have already explained this week, the 5 foot 9 dynamo would be a mouthwatering prospect alongside free-scoring Hammers talisman, Michail Antonio.

And that’s largely due to his creative exploits from both the flank and through the middle.

Breaking the Lines journalist Zach Lowry waxed lyrical about these attributes back in February this year, just as Lille were starting to mount a serious charge on the Ligue 1 title, which they eventually won over big-spending Paris Saint-Germain.

“Jonathan Bamba has established himself as the creative leader of this Lille team this season,” he tweeted. “He was the ‘fourth wheel’ from the 2018/19 side with Nicolas Pépé, Jonathan Ikoné and Rafael Leão, but he’s cemented himself as their talisman — everything runs through him in attack.”

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Indeed, the former France U21 international, who is currently valued at £22.5m by Transfermarkt, played a crucial role under Christophe Galtier last season – as per Transfermarkt, he provided six goals and 11 assists in 38 league appearances, managing a direct contribution every 176 minutes.

This sort of presence should draw plenty of similarities to that of Dimitri Payet, the last true player to regularly have supporters on the edge of their seats in east London.

In 48 appearances for West Ham, the technically-gifted Payet delivered 11 goals and 18 assists, and perhaps it could’ve been so much more. Even after his exit, no West Ham player could match his chances created since the 2015 season, which speaks volumes.

He is arguably the Irons’ greatest-ever playmaker in the modern era and on the above evidence, Bamba could certainly follow in his footsteps if signed. That is why the arrival of Lingard should not matter, because the Lille star can play wide, too – just like Payet, who has played more times at left-wing than any other role.

Described as ‘lightning-quick,’ the 25-year-old could well have the attributes to eclipse his fellow countryman’s exploits at the Hammers.

David Moyes must look to sanction a swoop for Bamba before next week. He would be one exciting addition to the side that’s currently sat top of the Premier League table.

AND in other news, “Quite likely”: Journalist drops huge West Ham transfer claim, fans will surely erupt…

Many Sheffield Wednesday supporters have been sharing their delight on Twitter following the news that Saido Berahino has completed his move to the club from Zulte Waregem.

Starting his career at West Bromwich Albion, the 28-year-old arrives at Hillsborough with a big reputation after registering 84 goals in 300 appearances between first team and underage level [Transfermarkt].

Berahino has plied his trade in Belgium since 2019, rebuilding his reputation as a clinical centre-forward. In his time at Zulte Waregem, the Burundian chipped in with 14 goal contributions in 34 appearances, in the form of 10 goals and four assists across three seasons [Transfermarkt].

He has previously worked with Sheffield Wednesday boss Darren Moore at West Bromwich Albion, whilst he will beef up the manager’s offensive options as the Yorkshire club aim to win promotion to the Championship this campaign.

In light of this news, plenty of Sheffield Wednesday supporters took to Twitter to celebrate Berahino’s arrival at Hillsborough.

Sheffield Wednesday fans react

Replying to the club’s official Twitter channel, here is what some fans had to say about the “incredible signing”:

“Buzzing with this, UTO”

Credit: @lukepeo1867

“Incredible signing. Let’s hope he gets his career back on track here! Welcome to Hillsborough!”

Credit: @andymcelwaine

“HE’S MAGIC YOU KNOWWWW”

Credit: @BrxdSWFC

“Incredible. So much potential still and bags of talent. Has gone through so much & matured. Perfect fit for Darren Moore to get best out of him. We’ve built a great Championship side for League One. Welcome to the club Saido.”

Credit: @SteveJ2403

“Solid signing especially in League 1,  time to allow the new squad to gel a little and get some cohesion going. Got a better squad of players now than last season”

Credit: @RossSiddons

“Welcome to S6”

Credit: @litherland_sara

In other news, many Owls fans criticised one player over a recent performance. Find out more here.

According to a report by Spanish news outlet Fichajes, Tottenham Hotspur and managing director Fabio Paratici already have their sights set on more transfers after the closure of the summer window – including AC Milan star Franck Kessie.

The Lowdown: Spurs keeping tabs…

Tottenham became heavily linked with a move for the 44-cap Ivory Coast international at the end of the summer window as Paratici looked to take full advantage of his 2022 contract situation at the San Siro.

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They have also been linked to the player after the conclusion of the summer market with Calciomercato stating Spurs are preparing a contract offer for January.

Now, Fichajes have come out with their own claim on Kessie to Spurs.

The Latest: Kessie on Spurs radar…

Paratici appears to already have his sights set on 2022 swoops as this latest report details three Spurs targets for next year, with Stefan de Vrij, Houssem Aouar and Kessie all on the list.

The latter man in particular arguably comes as the most high profile option, especially given his incredible performances for Milan across last season.

Despite being a natural defensive midfield player, Kessie bagged a brilliant 13 goals and four assists in 36 Serie A starts (WhoScored).

Apparently, those within Tottenham’s board of directors love his profile as Spurs eye a possible move next year.

The Verdict: Get it done…

Lauded as ‘devastating’ by ex-Italy international Antonio Cassano, we believe Kessie could come as Tottenham’s most exciting target yet.

The 24-year-old comes with plenty of sell-on value and the fact Tottenham could even land him for free next year due to his contract situation makes this possible move even more exciting.

All eyes turn to the San Siro as Lilywhites supporters potentially pray he doesn’t put to paper on a new deal.

In other news: ‘Finished article’…Sky pundit in awe of Spurs starlet who’s an ‘improved version of Ndombele’, find out more here.

Talking to the Transfer Window Podcast, journalist Ian McGarry has made a claim on the future of Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane.

The Lowdown: Staying put in London 

The 28-year-old was at the centre of one of the biggest transfer rumours of the summer as Premier League champions Manchester City wanted to sign him to replace Sergio Aguero, who moved to Barcelona at the end of his contract at the Etihad Stadium. 

However, despite Pep Guardiola confirming his interest in the England striker in August, a deal couldn’t be agreed and Kane announced in a statement on Twitter that he was ‘100% focused on helping the team achieve success’. 

The England captain made his first club appearance of the season in the 1-0 victory at Wolves two weeks ago and he praised the Spurs fans for their ‘incredible’ reception that afternoon.  

The Latest: Input a release clause 

McGarry spoke about the striker’s future in a recent episode of the Transfer Window Podcast and claimed that Kane’s representative, his brother Charlie, is attempting to agree on a new and improved deal for the striker which would see an increase in wage and a release clause which could be activated at a specific point.

Speaking on the podcast, McGarry said: “My information is that Kane’s position now is that his representative, who is his brother, Charlie Kane, is hopeful of negotiating an upgrade on Kane’s current contract. 

“That would include a release clause, meaning that Kane could leave next summer or indeed in January for a set fee, rather than the haggling which went on during the last few months between City and Tottenham. 

“Kane himself still sees his future as playing in a team that will win trophies, something that he has not experienced.” 

The Verdict: Not good for Spurs 

Whilst it will be music to the ears of Tottenham fans who adore the star striker, it isn’t really good news for the club due to the addition of the release clause.  

Kane’s decision to stay put for now provides Spurs with a stronger chance of returning to the Champions League next season, but long-term it could ultimately lead to a deal happening in the future which will see the ‘special player in the history of the club’ finally move on if the release clause is triggered.

For now, let’s just enjoy what he can do at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, where he has already become of the club’s greatest-ever goalscorers.

In other news: Forward lifts lid on summer links with Spurs – find more here.

After an exciting spree on transfer deadline day from Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou, it must be frustrating for supporters that they have to wait so long to see their new signings in action.

The Hoops added two offensive bodies to their ranks in the form of Giorgos Giakoumakis and Jota, someone who’s been quite vocal about his opportunity to flourish at Parkhead.

In the nick of time, the Bhoys also added Cameron Carter-Vickers to their ranks on a temporary deal for the season.

The excitement of those arrivals, however, has died down. That’s because Celtic have suffered a potentially massive blow heading into their fixture with Ross County on Saturday.

They’ve had a plethora of players away on international duty over the break and unfortunately, it looks as though star striker Kyogo Furuhashi has picked up an injury.

Playing for Japan against China, the forward went down holding his knee and was brought off just five minutes after half-time.

The extent of the issue hasn’t been confirmed yet but it will be of huge concern if he isn’t fit enough in time to start this weekend.

It will also sadden supporters who have taken to the Japanese attacker so well.

Since arriving in Glasgow, Kyogo has been a breath of fresh air and made a certain Odsonne Edouard look dispensable to the club.

It takes a special talent to achieve that but Furuhashi is exactly that. The 26-year-old has been rampant during his early career in Scotland, scoring seven goals in his first nine outings.

That makes him comfortably Celtic’s top scorer this season and with Edouard leaving, Postecoglou may have to gamble on his replacement.

Giakoumakis is yet to play a single game for the club but may be forced to hit the ground running if Kyogo does indeed miss out.

It’s highly unlikely the manager would choose Albian Ajeti either, a man who’s scored just six times since arriving in the summer of 2020.

There is no guarantee that Giakoumakis will start life at Celtic in the same manner as Kyogo so this should come as a huge blow. Fans will also be gutted if they don’t get to see their new favourite man fit and raring to go.

AND in other news, Sold for £12.5m, now worth £5.8m: Celtic struck gold over “fantastic” Lennon signing…