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Newcastle United have reportedly watched RB Salzburg striker Benjamin Sesko closely ahead of a potential move.

The Lowdown: Striker wanted

With links to the likes of Armando Broja and Ludovic Ajorque in recent days, it is clear that the St. James’ Park outfit want to bring in a new striker for Eddie Howe before the transfer deadline.

They are also reportedly interested in signing Marco Asensio and Jack Harrison, suggesting that the manager wants to bring in a winger as well before the window closes.

The Latest: Sesko watched

Co-writing in his latest piece for 90min, transfer expert Graeme Bailey has revealed that the North East club have watched Sesko closely ahead of a possible move this summer, alongside Manchester United, Wolves, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig.

The striker has drawn comparisons with former Salzburg hitman and now Manchester City superstar Erling Haaland, and impressed during a recent pre-season friendly against Liverpool, in which he scored the only goal of the game.

The Verdict: Get it done

Given the number of high-profile clubs courting Sesko this summer, the Tynesiders would do well to secure his signature.

With 11 goals and seven assists in total over all competitions last season (Transfermarkt), the 19-year-old is clearly very talented, and the Magpies would no doubt benefit from his development.

Clocking an in-game speed of 36.11 km/h in 2021, Sesko also possesses unique speed as ‘one of the fastest players on the planet’, even dubbed the ‘new Haaland’ for that combination of electric speed and raw power.

That pace could also make him an option on the wings – the Toon could kill two birds with one stone should they be able to strike a deal.

West Ham United are in talks to sign Fenerbache defender Atilla Szalai as reliable club insider ExWHUemployee shares news for Irons supporters.

The Lowdown: West Ham eye new defender…

The Hammers are going through somewhat of a defensive crisis at the moment as their Premier League campaign gets underway, with manager David Moyes apparently keen to reinforce his options at the back before this summer window closes.

Injuries to Nayef Aguerd and Angelo Ogbonna have severely depleted West Ham’s options in defence, while Craig Dawson is thought to want a return up north, not this season but potentially soon after.

Meanwhile, some concerns surround Kurt Zouma’s injury history and there are doubts over the future of Issa Diop, prompting Moyes and Irons officials to weigh up their options in the transfer market.

The Latest: West Ham in Szalai talks…

Sharing news for West Ham supporters, ExWHUemployee claims that the east London club are eyeing a move for Szalai.

Taking to Patreon, the club insider believes that talks are ‘ongoing’ for the Hungary international, who could leave his club for just £10m.

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Ex adds that West Ham appreciate Szalai’s profile and ability to play on the left-hand side of central defence or at left-back.

The Verdict: Get it done…

Having impressed against England at international level, the Fenerbahce ace stands out as a possible bargain for just £10m.

The 24-year-old, who has drawn comparisons to Virgil van Dijk, has also been tipped by Hungary boss Marco Rossi to become ‘one of the best central defenders in Europe’ soon.

Already building quite a reputation, Szalai’s age and potential marks him out as a very astute target for Moyes and West Ham, especially with the club’s glaring need to strengthen their defensive options.

Newcastle United are believed to be eyeing a move for Rennes winger Kamaldeen Sulemana as the search for a new attacking recruit continues.

What’s the word?

According to L’Equipe, the Magpies are weighing up whether to make a move for the highly-rated 20-year-old, having so far been frustrated in their attempts to bolster Eddie Howe’s forward line.

The Ghana international – who still has four years remaining on his existing deal in France – joined the Ligue 1 outfit on a €20m (£17m) move from Nordsjaelland last summer, having reportedly been a target for Manchester United at the time.

Previous reports have suggested that the 11-cap gem could command a fee of around £30m, with the youngster offering a potential alternative to Leeds United winger Jack Harrison after the Tynesiders reportedly saw a €40m (£34m) bid rejected for the Englishman.

Forget Diaby

A move for the Rennes starlet could also help Newcastle to forget about another previous target in Moussa Diaby, having been forced to walk away from a deal for the promising Frenchman after being quoted in the region of £60m for his signature.

While he appears a real talent, having racked up 31 goal contributions last term, the 22-year-old simply did not warrant such a hefty price tag, with those at St James’ Park seemingly taking the sensible approach to look elsewhere for a new forward, rather than be coaxed into paying over the odds.

In Kamaldeen – as he is known – Howe and co have identified another sparkling gem who actually won’t break the bank, with the 5 foot 9 menace having proven just what a talent he is in his embryonic senior career thus far.

After netting 14 goals and providing eight assists in just 43 games during his time in Denmark, the £16.2m-rated man has since dazzled again in the French top flight, scoring four goals and registering two assists in just 20 league games (only 11 of which came from the start), albeit while seeing his campaign disrupted by a back injury.

Although that return may not have been overly eye-catching, the general assessment is that the £6k-per-week ace will continue to blossom in the years to come, having been dubbed a “brilliant player” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig.

Perhaps more excitingly for those of a Newcastle persuasion, the winger has also been likened to Brazilian icon Neymar by his former boss Flemming Pedersen, with that no doubt of particular interest considering the club’s links to the Paris Saint-Germain genius in recent times.

Such praise will surely set pulses racing among Magpies supporters, with that speculation seemingly the fresh excitement which is needed after the disappointment of the failed Diaby swoop.

If all goes to plan with the Kamaldeen approach, then the failure to land the Leverkusen starlet will simply become a distant memory to the Toon Army.

Celtic have submitted an offer for Chelsea midfielder Ross Barkley, according to Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Celtic linked with Barkley move

The Hoops’ transfer business may not be done just yet, with Ange Postecoglou thought to be chasing one more midfielder and one more attacking option.

Barkley is a player who has been linked with an audacious switch to Parkhead, having been deemed surplus to requirements by Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel.

The 28-year-old only made one start in the Premier League for the Blues last season, and although some members of the media have claimed a move to Glasgow won’t happen, a fresh report suggests it could truly be on.

The Latest: ‘Shock’ offer

According to Football Insider, Celtic have ‘submitted an offer’ for Barkley and ‘Postecoglou has given the green light to a shock swoop’.

A season-long loan deal for the 33-time capped England international is mooted, and while the Hoops cannot afford his £120,000 per week wages in full, they have offered to ‘pay a significant portion’ of his salary.

The Verdict: Hugely exciting news

Barkley could be an outstanding signing for Celtic, possessing the technical quality and unpredictability to light up Parkhead with an injection of end product into the attacking midfield ranks.

The former Everton prodigy himself has said in the past that he wants to be considered ‘world-class’, while Joe Cole has described him as ‘fantastic’ and a ‘top, top’ player in the recent past, and although it hasn’t worked out at Stamford Bridge there is certainly talent ready to be unleashed.

Barkley has 60 goal contributions to his name in the Premier League and 77 in total for club and country, which is a testament to his class, and at 28, there is no reason why he can’t perform at his peak for Celtic this season.

Journalist Graeme Bailey of 90min has been left thrilled by West Ham United and their signing of Germany international defender Thilo Kehrer.

The Lowdown: Hammers seal deal…

After days of talks, the east Londoners sealed an agreement to sign Kehrer from Paris-Saint Germain in a deal worth £10.1 million plus add-ons, bringing an end to their hunt for a first team centre-half.

The 25-year-old has put pen to paper on a four-year deal at West Ham and hands manager David Moyes a much-needed extra option amid his mounting defensive injury concerns.

Head of recruitment Rob Newman allegedly beat La Liga giants Sevilla to Kehrer’s signature, but he wanted to a move to West Ham and the Premier League instead – according to Sky Sports.

The Latest: Bailey thrilled…

After this development, 90min reporter Bailey has been left thrilled by West Ham’s astute transfer business – calling it a ‘huge’ move by Moyes and the club.

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He stated (via Twitter):

“Huge signing for West Ham as Thilo Kehrer arrives from PSG – their defensive situation was getting to beyond crisis levels.”

The Verdict: Excellent addition…

Kehrer’s versatility is a huge bonus of his arrival.

The German can operate as a full-back, wing-back and holding midfielder alongside his natural duties at centre-half, so just over £10 million plus add-ons really is a brilliant price (Sky Sports).

Kehrer’s experience at the top level will also be invaluable, having clinched six major domestic honours with PSG and featuring often for Germany’s national team squad.

Indeed, this could end up being one of West Ham’s signings of the summer.

Wolves are ‘in talks’ with Stuttgart striker Sasa Kalajdzic over a summer move to Molineux, according to an update from reliable journalist David Ornstein.

The Lowdown: Striker badly needed

It is no secret that Wanderers are lacking attacking quality currently, with Raul Jimenez not looking the force he once was and Pedro Neto being linked with a move to Arsenal.

Bruno Lage’s side have been too goal-shy over the past year or so and it arguably ended up costing them a top-four finish in the Premier League last season, with the defensive side of things impressive.

They looked blunt again this weekend, dominating the first half against Tottenham but failing to find a cutting edge, .

The Latest: Wolves ‘in talks’ with Kalajdzic

Taking to Twitter, The Athletic‘s Ornstein confirmed that Wanderers are in discussions with Stuttgart and Kalajdzic over a summer move:

“Wolves in talks with Stuttgart to sign striker Sasa Kalajdzic. 25yo Austria int’l also speaking to WWFC over personal terms. No formal offer or agreement yet & sense is he’s among a number of options being explored.”

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The Verdict: Goals and creativity

Kalajdzic could be a great signing for Wolves this summer – he has been described as a ‘monster’ by European football writer Maxi Angelo – with the Austrian currently 25 years of age and possibly heading into the peak years of his career.

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He has scored four goals in 15 caps for Austria, as well as netting 24 times in 60 appearances for Stuttgart to date, chipping in with 12 assists for good measure. His creativity is actually very overlooked, as he remarkably ranks in the 95th percentile amongst strikers in Europe for xG assisted.

These kind of numbers are exactly what Lage is crying out for, and Kalajdzic could provide Wolves with the firepower they so badly need, acting as a talismanic figure, leading the line and putting his towering 6 foot 7 frame to good use.

Wolves are believed to be preparing a new offer for Stuttgart striker Sasa Kalajdzic, with personal terms not an issue according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Kalajdzic bid rejected

The Premier League club are badly in need of bringing in a new striker this summer, with goals continuing to come at a premium and Raul Jimenez arguably past his best, with his goal return diminishing ever since his horrific skill fracture nearly two years ago.

Kalajdzic has emerged as a primary target for Wolves in this summer’s transfer window but their initial bid has been knocked back by Stuttgart, who want more money for the 25-year-old.

Bruno Lage isn’t going away quietly, though, with a significant update emerging.

The Latest: New offer imminent?

Taking to Twitter on Monday, Romano claimed that another bid is on its way from Wolves and that Stuttgart may be open to selling the Austrian for a fee in the region of £17m to £21.3m, with hope that a deal could be completed this week.

The Italian tweeted:

“Wolves are prepared to bid again for Saša Kalajdžić this week after €15m proposal turned down. Stuttgart are prepared to sell but asking for €20/25m fee. It’s still open.

“Kalajdzic wants the move, personal terms won’t be an issue.”

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The Verdict: Get him in

Kalajdzic looks like an ideal option to come in and bolster Wolves’ attacking options this summer, given his pedigree as a proven Bundesliga striker.

The giant attacker, who stands at two metres tall, has scored 24 goals in 60 appearances for Stuttgart, including 22 in the last two Bundesliga campaigns, and he has been hailed as ‘unstoppable’ by football talent scout Jacek Kulig.

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Kalajdzic could ease the burden on Jimenez and potentially allow the 31-year-old to become more of an impact substitute, proving to be a more regular source of end product than the Mexican, who was Wolves’ top scorer last term with a measly six goals.

With the Austrian keen on coming to Molineux and Stuttgart’s asking price not a massive stretch from the Old Gold’s initial offer, chairman Jeff Shi and co must make a concerted effort this week to try and make this transfer happen.

Manchester United ‘would love’ to sign Gavi from FC Barcelona and could be helped if Manchester City sell Bernardo Silva to the La Liga giants, Graeme Bailey of 90Min reports.

The lowdown

Gavi, an 18-year-old central midfielder, verbally agreed to sign a new contract earlier this year.

Barcelona, however, were unable to find the funds for his improved deal during the transfer window.

The Catalan giants are now looking to finalise the agreement, with the player’s current terms due to expire at the end of the season.

The latest

Bailey took to Twitter to share the latest on Gavi, revealing that United have communicated their interest.

But Barcelona are optimistic that they will be able to keep hold of him and see off his suitors.

He wrote: “Barcelona confident Gavi contract agreement is close despite fresh transfer interest.

“Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool would all love to take brilliant Spaniard and have made it known.”

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In the attached story, he adds that Gavi’s representatives ‘were ready to commit to a new deal’ but have grown frustrated with the delays. And they’ve also been left miffed by Barcelona’s pursuit of another midfielder in Man City’s Silva.

United are among the clubs to have held ‘meetings’ about Gavi’s situation as interested parties rekindle their interest.

In Europe, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus are all back on his trail too.

The verdict

It’s no wonder that so many elite sides are trying to sign Gavi.

After all, alongside Real Madrid’s Eduardo Camavinga, he’s viewed as a frontrunner for this year’s Golden Boy Award.

That award goes to the player deemed the best under-21 talent in world football, and previous winners include Raheem Sterling, Sergio Aguero and Kylian Mbappe.

France manager Didier Deschamps has predicted that Gavi will enjoy a ‘long and beautiful’ career, Spain boss Luis Enrique says he’s a ‘volcano’ who plays football ‘as if he were in a schoolyard’ and Xavi has dubbed him ‘spectacular’.

If United can snap up a generational talent, it would be seen as a huge victory from John Murtough.

Liverpool transfer target Jude Bellingham will almost definitely leave Borussia Dortmund at the end of this season, reliable journalist Neil Jones has claimed.

The Lowdown: Bellingham constantly linked

The England international is one of Europe’s most sought-after young talents, having already matured into a top-quality Bundesliga and Champions League player.

Liverpool have emerged as a clear front-runner to sign Bellingham in 2023, with the general feeling that this will be his final season in a Dortmund shirt.

A fresh update has further added fuel to that fire.

The Latest: Jones provides telling update

Speaking to The Redmen TV, Jones said that Bellingham will almost certainly move somewhere new in 2o23, also confirming Liverpool’s continued interest:

“Liverpool want Jude Bellingham. The educated thing is that he leaves Dortmund next summer. Almost 100%. That was sort of made clear that he’s not going anywhere this year.”

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The Verdict: Snap him up, Reds

In terms of no-brainer signings, Bellingham feels like one of the most obvious for Liverpool in many years, such is his style of play and incredible long-term potential. Jack Grealish has described him as having ‘scary’ ability and still with so many years ahead to develop further.

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Predominantly a right-sided central midfielder, the 19-year-old could fill the role that arguably looks like a weakness for the Reds currently, with Jordan Henderson ageing, Naby Keita injury-prone and Harvey Elliott still learning his trade.

Bellingham will clearly cost a huge amount but Liverpool were frugal in the transfer market this summer and simply must go big on midfielders in 2023, with the England man their marquee addition who could be a superstar for a decade.

Sunderland may reportedly make three new signings in the January transfer window, while an update has also been given on their activity in the free agent market.

The Lowdown: Mowbray to be given funds

It has been reported that Tony Mowbray will be given funds to spend in January, providing that he can keep his team in the fight for promotion to the Premier League.

The Stadium of Light outfit are currently fifth in the Championship table on 15 points from their opening ten games, and look like they have coped with promotion from League One very well.

The Latest: Three new signings?

Writing in a Q&A session for The Sunderland Echo, journalist Phil Smith has revealed that the Wearside club will look at ‘three main areas’ in terms of strengthening in January.

They ‘would ideally add’ another striker, while they could revisit signing another defender and a versatile player to cover for Corry Evans in defensive midfield and at full-back, after failing to strengthen in those positions in the summer.

However, it is now ‘highly unlikely’ that they will dip into the free agent market between now and January, after being linked with a move for former Everton central midfielder Fabian Delph.

The Verdict: Ideal

It is certainly ideal for Mowbray to be able to add to his squad in January, especially after the recent injury concerns his side have had.

Both strikers Ross Stewart and Ellis Simms have been missing and on the treatment table, meaning signing another centre-forward especially will be imperative.

Nonetheless, it is good to hear that Mowbray is set to be backed by the Black Cats board, after only relatively recently taking over from Alex Neil.