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Leeds United have been dealt a setback in their bid to bring George Hall to Elland Road in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Birmingham Live, who claim that, following The Athletic revealing last month that Victor Orta is interested in making a move for the 18-year-old attacking midfielder this summer, Birmingham City are adamant that they will reject any offers made for the England under-18 international over the remaining weeks of the transfer market.

Previous reports had suggested that both Newcastle United and Brighton & Hove Albion are also keeping a close eye on the situation of the Blues’ starlet ahead of potentially launching a bid of their own this summer.

The next Bellingham

Considering just how much hype there appears to be about Hall’s future in the game, coupled with the fact that Orta is well-known for trying to lure England’s most exciting youth prospects to Thorp Arch – as is evidenced by his signings of Joe Gelhardt, Sam Greenwood, Lewis Bate, Darko Gyabi and Sonny Perkins in recent years – it is not difficult to see why the Spaniard would be keen on a move for the 18-year-old this summer.

Indeed, the forward-thinking midfielder highly impressed for both Birmingham’s under-18 and under-23 sides last season, scoring three goals and registering two assists over 12 fixtures for the latter last time out.

These impressive returns saw the two Championship appearances in 2021/22.

While it is undeniable that the youngster has a long way to go before he can truly be compared to another of Birmingham’s academy graduates in Jude Bellingham, it is clear that hopes at St Andrew’s are similarly high for Hall, with under-18s coach Martyn Olorenshaw stating of the Redditch-born prospect:

“He is explosive, dynamic and has the prowess to influence games. He is a really exciting player that has the ceiling to achieve whatever he wants to achieve. He has received international recognition recently which is a huge achievement, a testament to all his hard work and a reflection of his character.”

As such, considering just how exciting a prospect the 18-year-old appears to be, should Orta manage to convince Birmingham into parting with the attacking midfielder this summer, the Whites’ director of football could very well have unearthed the next Bellingham for Leeds – something that is sure to be an extremely tantalising prospect for both supporters and Jesse Marsch alike.

AND in other news: Orta plotting Leeds offer for “stunning” target, he’s “one of the brightest prospects”

Glasgow Rangers midfielder Glen Kamara has been the subject of interest from clubs across Europe this summer, throwing his future at Ibrox into doubt.

What’s the word?

Recent reports have suggested that the 26-year-old is a target for the likes of Nottingham Forest, Galatasaray and Marseille in the current transfer window, with the Premiership giants said to value the Finland international at around £10m.

Reliable journalist Pete O’Rourke has now delivered his verdict on the future of the former Dundee man, insisting that it would likely need a sizeable offer for the Light Blues to even contemplate the 42-cap gem’s exit from Ibrox.

Speaking with Football FanCast, the transfer insider stated: “I think again, like some of the other players we’ve talked about, it would take a big transfer fee for Rangers to agree to sell Glen Kamara as well.

“He is still a key man for Giovanni van Bronckhorst and I’m sure he would ideally like to keep hold of the midfielder.”

Rangers must keep him

As O’Rourke stated, the versatile midfielder is a crucial figure in Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side, with the Dutchman unable to afford to lose yet another highly-rated talent this summer.

Rangers have already seen Calvin Bassey and Joe Aribo departing for Ajax and Southampton respectively, with losing another key asset potentially set to derail the good work which had been done last season in reaching the Europa League final.

Kamara proved integral to that lengthy European adventure, scoring once and providing two assists in 14 outings in the competition (11 of which came from the start), while also proving his worth in a defensive sense by averaging 1.2 interceptions per game.

His most telling contribution came in the semi-final as he netted in the 3-1 second leg victory over RB Leipzig to help secure a place in the final in Seville, where the Gers were only narrowly edged out by Eintracht Frankfurt on penalties.

Dubbed a “monster” by his former boss Steven Gerrard, the £21k-per-week Kamara represents a colossal figure in the centre of the park for Rangers, and it’s hard to imagine being able to secure a like-for-like replacement between now and the summer transfer deadline without breaking the bank.

Having signed for just £50,000 three-and-a-half years ago, there is the chance to make an immense profit on the former Arsenal man with a sale in the coming weeks, although it could well prove more valuable to keep him at Ibrox beyond the current transfer window.

West Ham United are interested in a deal to bring Thilo Kehrer to the London Stadium in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by the Evening Standard, who claim that, with Issa Diop looking set to secure a £15m move to Fulham in the coming days, David Moyes’ side are now pushing ahead with their interest in the Paris Saint-Germain centre-back.

The report goes on to state that, although Conor Coady was the 59-year-old manager’s first-choice target in the heart of his defence, with the former Wolverhampton Wanderers captain now having joined Everton, the Scot is focusing solely on Kehrer – who is also believed to be a target of LaLiga side Sevilla.

A further report by the Daily Mail also claims that Rob Newman has made contact with the Ligue 1 outfit regarding a deal for the 25-year-old – with Luis Campos believed to have informed the Premier League side that the Germany international will cost around £17m.

Moyes would love him

With Diop moving onto pastures new and Nayef Aguerd, Angelo Ogbonna and Craig Dawson all currently sidelined due to injury, it is not difficult to understand why Moyes is looking to add a new centre-back to his first-team squad before September’s fast-approaching transfer deadline.

And, considering just how talented a defender Kehrer is, coupled with the fact the 25-year-old can operate from anywhere across the backline, as well as in defensive midfield, it is also easy to see why Newman and Moyes have identified the Germany international as their primary target in the position.

Indeed, while it is true that the former FC Schalke 04 starlet is not exactly a bonafide starter at the Parc des Princes, the £19.8m-rated talent has nevertheless impressed over his four full domestic campaigns with the French champions, averaging a SofaScore match rating of 7.00 in 2018/19, 6.79 in 2019/20, 6.78 in 2020/21 and 6.80 in 2021/22.

Furthermore, the £78k-per-week defender also boasts a wealth of experience in the Champions League, having featured no less than 20 times in Europe’s most prestigious club competition – something that would prove incredibly useful in West Ham’s inaugural Europa Conference League campaign this season.

Further still, as previously mentioned, the 20-cap international can also operate from left, centre and right-back, as well as in defensive midfield – a trait that the former PSG and current Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel praised back in 2018.

Regarding Kehrer, the German coach told PSGTV: “Thilo is a very committed player, very professional. I like his personality, he already has a certain maturity as he’s captain of Germany’s U21 side. He’s quick, able to play in any of the four positions at the back, is two-footed, and can even play as a defensive midfielder. He’s the sort of player any coach would like to have.”

As such, should West Ham manage to get a deal over the line for the 25-year-old in the coming days, it would very much appear as if the Hammers will have landed a talented, versatile and – for just £17m – cost-effective replacement for Diop in the heart of their defence, not to mention a player who Moyes would undoubtedly love to have in his squad this season.

West Ham United are close to agreeing a deal to bring Emerson Palmieri to the London Stadium this summer.

What’s the latest?

That’s according to ExWHUemployee, with the club insider revealing in a recent post on The West Ham Way that, despite having an initial £13m bid for the left-back rejected by Chelsea, David Moyes’ side remain in talks with the Blues over a deal for the 28-year-old, with an agreement now thought to be close between the two clubs.

In his post, Ex said: “I am told that whilst the initial offer for the Italian international Emerson was turned down, we are still in talks with Chelsea and that an agreement is said to be close to happening.”

Moyes should be buzzing

With it being well known that one of West Ham’s priorities over the remainder of the summer transfer window was the addition of a new left-back, Ex’s claim that a deal to bring Emerson to the London Stadium is now close should have left Moyes buzzing.

While it is true that the 28-year-old’s £20m move to Chelsea has not exactly worked out as planned – with the Italy international having featured just 71 times for the club over his four-and-a-half year spell at Stamford Bridge – the full-back nevertheless proved just how astute a signing he would be for the Hammers while on loan at Olympique Lyonnais last season.

Indeed, based on his 2849 minutes played in domestic leagues and European competitions over the last 365 days, FBref rank the £12.6m-rated defender in the top 8% of full-backs for passes attempted per 90, as well as the top 11% for passes completed, the top 21% for progressive carries, the top 29% for dribbles completed and the top 30% for shot-creating actions.

As such, it is clear to see that the £75k-per-week talent is extremely effective in a creative capacity, a trait that is known to be something Moyes is looking for in the signing of a new left-back this summer.

Furthermore, FBref also rank the 27-cap international in the top 36% of full-backs for shots per 90 over the past 12 months, in addition to the top 42% for non-penalty xG, the top 35% for xG assisted – xG that follows a pass which assists a shot – and the top 36% for touches in the opposition penalty area – metrics that prove his efficiency when presented with chances of his own in the final third.

So, it would appear as if the 28-year-old defender is very much a perfect fit for the type of left-back Moyes was hoping to add to his options at West Ham this summer, leading us to believe that Ex’s claim that – following the club’s prospective £10.1m signing of Thilo Kehrer – the Hammers are close to agreeing a deal for the defender as their seventh summer signing is sure to have left the 59-year-old buzzing.

Transfer insider Dean Jones has shared that Newcastle United ‘really like’ Marseille striker Bamba Dieng and are contemplating whether to make a move for him.

The Lowdown: Tested the waters

As per Foot Mercato, the St James’ Park outfit, Everton and Fulham have all ‘tested the waters’ for Dieng, but none of those three Premier League clubs have been able to match Marseille’s asking price of €15m (£12.6m) so far.

Hailed as a ‘big talent’ and the ‘new Sadio Mane’ by 90min journalist and transfer expert Graeme Bailey, the 22-year-old seems to have a very bright future ahead of him.

The Latest: Newcastle ‘really like’ Dieng

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Jones has stated that Dieng is a player who Newcastle ‘really like’, although both Everton and Fulham are ‘further ahead’ in terms of securing his signature.

The transfer insider said, in relation to the Magpies: “Dieng is one they really like as well.

“I think after looking further into it, they’ve discovered that Fulham and Everton are actually further ahead than they are in terms of scoping out what the deal is and whether they can get him to the Premier League.

“And I think there’ll be other clubs keeping an eye on the situation.”

The Verdict: Great option

Dieng would offer Eddie Howe another great option in Newcastle’s attack, given his ability to play anywhere across the frontline.

Last season, he managed a handy eight goals and three assists in 36 games in total over all competitions (second in Ligue 1 behind Paris Saint-Germain.

Nonetheless, £12.6m should be an affordable price should the Magpies meet Dieng’s valuation, and given that he is just 22 years of age, it could turn out to be a real bargain in the future.

Newcastle United view Lucas Paqueta as an alternative transfer target to James Maddison and even have an offer ready to go on the table, according to French outlet Foot Mercato (via Sport Witness).

The lowdown

The Magpies have two bids for the Leicester City star rejected already, as per Sky Sports’ Keith Downie, and Ben Jacobs of CBS Sports says that they do not plan to lodge a third offer unless the Foxes ‘dramatically lower their valuation’ of the 25-year-old.

Newcastle may therefore have to find a plan B, with Brendan Rodgers revealing last week that Maddison is in talks with the Midlands club over a new contract.

The latest

The report from Foot Mercato (via Sport Witness) states that Maddison is Newcastle’s priority, but the Magpies are still keeping an eye on Paqueta, for whom they are ‘ready to put €45m-€50m’ (£38m-£42.2m) on the table to sign if necessary.

The player is said to be disappointed about Lyon’s 2021/22 campaign, which saw them finish a lowly eighth in Ligue 1.

Bruno Guimaraes is apparently a ‘powerful ally’, having struck up a friendship with his compatriot during their time together at the Groupama Stadium.

The verdict

Paqueta would be an excellent signing for Newcastle if Maddison proves to be out of reach.

The Brazilian may not have been happy with Lyon’s efforts last term, but he still managed to post strong individual numbers, with 11 goals and seven assists in 44 appearances across all competitions.

The 24-year-old has also racked up 33 caps for Brazil, currently the top-ranked international side in the world.

Paqueta has been endorsed by Zico – who once said that the Lyon ace has ‘a ton of quality’ – and Thierry Henry, who has spoken highly of his dribbling, ‘blind passing’, ‘his desire, his activity, his selflessness [and] his commitment’.

Imagine those traits coming to the fore with Paqueta in the black and white of Newcastle…

Celtic take on Jack Ross’ Dundee United side at Tannadice on Sunday afternoon, with the Premiership champions looking to continue their 100% start to the new season after winning their opening four games in convincing fashion.

Ange Postecoglou’s side are currently on an unbeaten Premiership run which stretches back to last September, having been in truly imperious form of late, with another three points no doubt the ambition against a Tangerines side who have picked up just one point so far this term.

Ahead of that intriguing clash, here’s how Football Fancast thinks the Hoops will line up today…

The major talking point this week has been the arrival of forward Sead Haksabanovic from Russian outfit Rubin Kazan, although Sunday’s clash appears set to come too soon for Celtic’s new number nine, with Postecoglou revealing that the Montenegro international won’t be involved against Ross’ men.

With January arrival Yosuke Ideguchi the only major doubt after his recent absence, any changes to last weekend’s triumph over Hearts are likely to be tactical. As such, we are predicting that the 56-year-old will make just two alterations from the side which ran out 2-0 winners last weekend at Parkhead.

In goal, Joe Hart is a nailed-on starter having continued his revival in Scotland after falling out of favour south of the border. Ahead of him, the back four should almost certainly remain Josip Juranovic, Moritz Jenz, Cameron Carter-Vickers and Greg Taylor, with the quartet having recorded two successive clean sheets.

In midfield, the ever-reliable Callum McGregor could well be partnered by the returning Reo Hatate, with the Japan international having replaced David Turnbull early in the second half against the Jam Tarts last week. Completing that central trio should be highly-sought youngster Matt O’Riley once again, with the 21-year-old having started all four league games so far this term.

As for the forward line, a potential shake-up could see Giorgos Giakoumakis replace Daizen Maeda in attack, with Kyogo Furuhashi joining Jota on the flanks. The Japan forward might pay the price after recording only one shot against Hearts a week ago on a quiet afternoon for him.

The £23.5k-per-week “Greek god” – as dubbed by his manager – has scored off the bench for two weeks running, while the 27-year-old also has three goals in as many games against this weekend’s opponents.

Leeds United winger Daniel James has been the subject of a loan-to-buy offer from Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Harrison and James in demand

Jack Harrison has been linked with a move away from Elland Road after receiving two bids from Newcastle, but it appears that he’s not the only Whites winger who could leave before the end of the transfer window.

The Welshman was a club-record signing when he arrived in Yorkshire last summer, but he was brought in by Leeds’ former boss Marcelo Bielsa and has struggled to make much of an impact under Jesse Marsch.

This has left the 24-year-old’s future up in the air over the summer, and following a fresh update, it sounds like there could be a potential suitor lurking in the background.

The Latest: Leeds receive offer for James

The Sun journalist Alan Nixon reports (via MOT Leeds News) that Spurs have made a bid for James, although it is ‘only’ a ‘loan with a view to a permanent deal’ at this moment in time.

It’s stated that Leeds would be willing to sanction the sale, with Andrea Radrizzani believed to ‘want straight-up cash’ for the forward.

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The Verdict: Cash in

If Tottenham are willing to pay cash for James, Leeds should snap their hand off and let him make the move given his underwhelming form of late.

The Wales international was once dubbed ‘exemplary’ by football talent scout Jacek Kulig but is yet to contribute to a goal in the new campaign, continuing his struggles under Marsch, during whose reign the 24-year-old has yet to score in 14 outings.

Victor Orta will already have players in the back of his mind who he knows could come in place of James, which is why he ought to cash in to generate useful transfer funds for any possible new additions before Thursday night’s transfer deadline.

Wolves youngster Fabio Silva has hit some impressive form on loan in Belgium, thriving in Europa Conference League action this week.

The Lowdown: Anderlecht loan

Bruno Lage decided to send Silva on loan to RSC Anderlecht in Belgium for this season in order for him to get more minutes and further his development after struggling to adapt to the physicality of English football.

The striker was limited to just impending Diego Costa, Silva’s game time was likely to be even more limited this campaign.

The Latest: Impressive performance

Silva played for Anderlecht in the UEFA Europa Conference League on Thursday night, and scored the winning goal as his side beat Danish team Silkeborg IF 1-0 in their group stage opener.

The Portugal U21 international scored from the penalty spot with just under ten minutes to go in the match, admitting that he ‘celebrated like crazy’ after tucking it away.

Aside from his goal, Silva was the star of the show, achieving the highest rating (7.7) of anyone on the pitch by SofaScore, while he also had more shots (seven) than anyone else and made a joint-high two key passes.

He also won two duels in the game, and had 43 touches of the ball in total (SofaScore).

The Verdict: Someone to think about

Given that the Wanderers have struggled to score goals yet again this season, with only 38 scored in the Premier League last term and just three so far this campaign, the joint-lowest of any team, one could question whether sending Silva out on loan was such a good idea.

He now has seven goals and two assists in 12 matches in total for Anderlecht (Transfermarkt), showing that perhaps more patience was needed before deciding to let him go.

Kalajdzic now has an ACL injury, and Costa may struggle to get up to speed straight away having not played any competitive football since January, so perhaps Wolves should have kept hold of Silva for this season.

Scottish champions Celtic are currently facing something of a defensive injury crisis, with last season’s title-winning centre-back pairing of Cameron Carter-Vickers and Carl Starfelt both currently sidelined.

While the international break may well provide the necessary time for that impressive duo to return to fitness, there are likely concerns as to whether they will be able to feature once league action resumes at the start of next month, with Ange Postecoglou’s side having already felt the effect of their absence against St Mirren last weekend.

That grim, 2-0 defeat away in Paisley saw the Old Firm outfit struggle to contend with the Buddies’ powerful attacking partnership of Curtis Main and Jonah Ayunga, with the backline having simply been a “mess” on the day, in the words of journalist Josh Bunting.

The most obvious culprit for that limp showing was Carter-Vickers’ replacement, Stephen Welsh, with the 22-year-old enduring a torrid afternoon alongside summer signing Moritz Jenz, with the pair having looked “all over the place”, according to Bunting.

The Scotland U21 international was criticised for his “weak” defending in the build-up to the home side’s second goal by Sky Sports commentator Andy Walker, having gone to ground far too easily following a rather innocuous nudge from the impressive and imposing Main.

Such a performance – on what was the academy graduate’s second league start of the season – has raised question marks over his ability to provide adequate cover at the heart of the defence, with Postecoglou potentially needing another option if both Starfelt and Carter-Vickers are to remain unavailable for a little while longer.

A seemingly obvious pick would be that of 19-year-old, Dane Murray, with the youth star having already caught the eye in his embryonic senior career thus far, having featured in Champions League qualifying against FC Midtjylland last season.

While those two outings against the Danish outfit remain his only taste of life at first team level, the “remarkable” teenager – as dubbed by former youth coach Martin Miller – showcased real confidence and composure across the two legs, having been lauded for his “fantastic” debut by teammate Welsh.

The Hoops boss was also full of praise for his display having been thrust into the action following a red card to Nir Bitton in the first leg, highlighting the youngster’s “personality and character” which “belies his age.”

Although the young Scot has since been unable to force his way back into the manager’s plans, it could well be the ideal time for a recall once club action returns next week, with the Welsh-Jenz defensive axis having simply not worked out on Sunday.