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Arsenal look to be plotting a move for Wolfsburg centre-back Micky van de Ven this summer as Mikel Arteta aims to strengthen his defensive options ahead of another Premier League title challenge next term.

What’s the latest on Micky van de Ven to Arsenal?

According to one recent report, the Gunners have been watching the Dutch defender ahead of a potential move, although it looks as though Tottenham Hotspur appear to be in the driving seat when it comes to signing him.

The north Londoners could secure themselves a bargain however if they were to make their interest concrete, with the Bundesliga outfit looking for a fee of around €30m (£26m) and this may tempt Arteta in making a swoop.

Could Arsenal sign Micky van de Ven?

Although Spurs do hold the upper hand, the Gunners could offer him Champions League football and this could be a major incentive with regard to any potential deal.

Arsenal conceded just 43 goals in the Premier League last term, the joint second lowest in the top flight, however, when they lost William Saliba to injury in March, they conceded 18 goals in just 11 matches, missing the presence of the Frenchman, and it is vital Arteta improves the depth at centre-back.

The 22-year-old was a positive influence last season for Wolfsburg, ranking first for accurate passes per game (44.6), sixth for tackles per game (1.4) and third for clearances per game (3.1), and throughout the whole Arsenal squad, only four players completed more accurate passes and only one made more clearances, suggesting that he could shine in their first team.

What could convince Arteta to make a move for the defender however is his forward-thinking mentality, as across Europe’s top five leagues, Van de Ven ranked in the top 10% for progressive carries per 90 (1.30) and in the top 7% for successful take ons per 90 (0.58) showing that he likes to bring the ball forward as often as possible and has the confidence to take players on regularly.

He was lauded by journalist Ronan Murphy at the start of the year, who tweeted: “Van de Ven’s performances for Wolfsburg this season have him knocking on the door of the Netherlands international team. A giant on the pitch, he’s flourishing under head coach Niko Kovac.”

With 11 appearances for the Netherlands U21 side, a step-up to the senior team surely isn’t far away and given Arteta’s penchant for developing young players, signing the Dutchman this summer could give the club another potentially world-class option over the next few years.

Having clearly been 'flourishing' in Germany of late, Van de Ven could well continue that stellar rise at the Emirates next season.

Leeds United remain interested in signing Coventry City midfielder Gustavo Hamer during the summer transfer window, but Fulham are also thought to be in the race to snap him up.

Is Gustavo Hamer leaving Coventry?

The Whites have now secured the services of former Norwich City boss Daniel Farke as their manager, which was an appointment that took time and seemingly slowed down their summer transfer business for the time being.

It is now vital that Leeds conduct good some work in the market in the next month or two, with new players required to boost their chances of making a quickfire return to the Premier League.

One such individual could be Hamer, who has been linked with a move to Elland Road, following an excellent season for Coventry, who so nearly achieved promotion from the Championship.

The 26-year-old midfielder enjoyed an impressive tally of 11 goals and ten assists in the league, en route to the Sky Blues reaching the playoff final against Luton Town, which he scored in, but his side eventually lost on penalties.

Coventry are finding it difficult to keep hold of their star players – the same applies to fellow Whites transfer target Viktor Gyokeres, who could be set to join Portuguese giants Sporting CP – and rumours of a move to Elland Road are refusing to go away.

Are Leeds signing Gustavo Hamer?

According to The Daily Mail in the early hours of Monday morning, Leeds see Hamer as a key summer transfer target, but are now joined by Fulham, who are of course able to offer him Premier League football:

"Fulham are keen on Coventry City midfielder Gustavo Hamer who has also been targeted by Leeds and has one year left on his contract. Hamer was one of the Sky Blues' standout stars in their run to the Play-off Final last season, scoring the crucial winner in the semi-final win over Middlesbrough.

"Leeds meanwhile are also interested in Hamer, as they look to bolster their midfield ranks following the departure of Brenden Aaronson."

Hamer could be such an exciting signing by Leeds if they manage to entice him to the club, transforming their midfield options in the process. His aforementioned end product in the final third is something that nobody for the Whites came close to replicating last season, with no central midfielders scoring more than twice in the Premier League.

The Dutchman is a former Netherlands youth international, further showing the pedigree he possesses as a player, and the fact that his current Coventry deal expires at the end of next season means that this summer is the last chance of them to receiving a good amount of money for his signature.

The fact that Fulham are reportedly in the race to sign Hamer is a potential issue for Leeds, though, given their guarantee of Premier League football next season, so Farke may have to sell him the Whites as a club, in order for them to leapfrog the Cottagers.

The Coventry ace has been hailed as "unbelievable" by Marko Marosi in the past, and if he can take his recent form with him to Elland Road, he could be a signing that ends up being inspired this time next year, at which point Leeds will hopefully be back in the top flight.

Heart of Midlothian didn’t exactly have a season to remember during 2022/23, despite playing group-stage European football for the first time since 2004/05.

They finished third in their Europa Conference League group, recording two victories along the way, yet this clearly wasn’t enough to satiate the supporters, who had to make do with a poor domestic campaign.

The Tynecastle outfit finished fourth in the Premiership, despite holding a healthy advantage over Aberdeen before Barry Robson’s side overhauled them during the final few weeks, and they failed to even reach the semi-finals of both the Scottish Cup and League Cup, coming as a major disappointment considering they had reached three of the previous four Scottish Cup finals.

Lawrence Shankland was the standout performer for the team, scoring 28 goals across all competitions, however, the Jambos had to go through most of the campaign without the services of both defender Craig Halkett, who missed 45 matches and midfielder Beni Baningime, who was ruled out of the entirety of the season due to a cruciate ligament injury.

The duo are set to return during the early stages of the 2023/24 campaign and this could be a big boost for Steven Naismith, especially as he could revive Baningime, who starred for Hearts during his first few months at the club.

Could Beni Baningime be an important player for Hearts next season?

The 24-year-old began his career at Everton, making 68 appearances for the youth sides before finally making his debut for the club during the 2017/18 season, going on to play in 12 games across all competitions, and it looked as though the Toffees had a talented youngster who was ready to make the step-up.

Despite this early promise, changing of managers at the club led to him dropping down the pecking order, failing to shine during loan spells at both Wigan Athletic and Derby County, making only three appearances combined. The Move to Hearts in the summer of 2021 gave him a new lease of life, however.

The £3.5k-per-week machine not only ranked seventh across the whole Hearts squad for overall Sofascore rating, despite playing just 24 matches, but he also finished second for tackles per game (2.6) and interceptions per game (1.2), showcasing his defensive abilities from the heart of the midfield.

Hearts clearly missed his presence last term, conceding 57 goals in 38 league matches, which is 13 more than the previous season and Baningime’s tenacious nature in the midfield was obviously key to the Edinburgh side finishing behind Rangers and Celtic in third place.

Journalist Ewan Murray lavished praise upon the former Everton starlet, dubbing him as an “absolute sensation” and it’s clear that the club sorely missed him last season.

With Naismith taking permanent charge of Hearts following an interim spell at the end of 2022/23, he could be the man to revive Baningime once he returns from his serious injury and if he manages to get him performing like his first nine months in a maroon shirt, then they will have a great chance of improving on last season.

Tottenham Hotspur, despite retaining a fierce stance that Harry Kane will not leave this summer, continue to be linked with a host of replacements for their key man.

Who are Tottenham Hotspur signing this summer?

The latest comes from Mexican outlet Jovenes Futbolistas MX, who detail the Lilywhites' interest in Feyenoord forward Santiago Jimenez.

In what could prove huge news if true, the report states that Ange Postecoglou is planning to offer around €40m (£35m) to tempt the Mexico international to join his revolution.

With James Maddison and Manor Solomon having already signed this summer too, he would provide the key addition to spearhead his new-look attack.

However, a move for the young marksman remains wholly dependent on the outcome of the Kane saga, as Bayern Munich continue to push for his signature.

Despite that, the north London outfit have already met with the players' representatives.

Who is Santiago Jimenez?

Whilst the 22-year-old in question might be an unknown name to many, he has quietly been tearing up the Eredivisie with his electric play style and lethal finishing.

Just last term saw him score 15 in the Dutch league, and across all competitions including his stint in his homeland, notched an outstanding 28 goals across all competitions.

Whilst quite a volatile league for its exports, players like Luis Suarez, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Ruud van Nistelrooy all stand as the potential ceiling for a number nine departing that division.

Given his goalscoring levels at such a young age, Jimenez clearly has all the hallmarks of a player ready to reach those heights, especially after the praise handed to him by former Liverpool winger Dirk Kuyt, who claimed:

"He’s back here in the middle of the defenders and he’s really fast. Watching the keeper before he shoots, the rest. In my opinion, he is currently the best striker in the Eredivisie."

Such glowing praise, and an endorsement of his athleticism, will likely have Postecoglou reeling at the opportunity of working with such a malleable marksman with the world at his feet.

Whilst not a direct heir to Kane in terms of his creativity, although his 0.6 key passes per game in the Eredivisie denote an admirable level, he would be a natural successor in terms of swapping one lethal number nine for another. The England captain recorded 30 league goals last campaign, whilst averaging 1.5 key passes per game, via Sofascore.

In fact, his signing could even prove to be more beneficial for Spurs' new Australian coach, who often likes to sacrifice his striker in order to spearhead the press.

During his spell at Celtic, Kyogo Furuhashi often abandoned his goalscoring duties to lead a vicious high press, in which chances would instead be forged for his teammates. When this works to perfection, the forward should still get his opportunities.

The Japan international would manage to score 34 goals last season in all competitions despite putting in such a tireless shift.

With speed in abundance and youthful energy that could be directed into such a pursuit, Jimenez could prove instrumental in underpinning a new philosophy that should get fans back invested in the club.

Given he is already regarded as one of the paramount assets of his division, perhaps it is time for him to make the next natural step up and ply his trade in the physically-demanding Premier League.

Manchester United could finally launch a move to land Sofyan Amrabat this weekend, with Corriere Fiorentino, via Sport Witness reporting that a “decisive” approach could be made.

How many games has Sofyan Amrabat played for Fiorentina?

The 26-year-old has been a mainstay in the Fiorentina first-team over the last three seasons, even helping them to reach the Europa Conference League final in 2022/23. In Serie A, he played on 29 occasions for them with 24 starts, and managed an assist along the way. It means that he has now spent more time with the Italian outfit than any other club during his career (or at least he’s played in more games), featuring 83 times for the side since his move there three years ago.

It was his loan stint at Hellas Verona that really put him on the radar, with the Morocco international proving that he could cut it at the top level in Italy. Despite the side being relatively unfancied, he led them to ninth and he played 34 times for them in Serie A that season.

More impressively, he had a progressive carrying distance of 4827 yards that season – ranking him ninth of everyone in that area in the division. His 75 successful take-ons also put him in the top five in that area that year. It showcased Amrabat’s abilities as a midfielder who likes to drive forward and help his side on the attack – something that caught the eye of La Viola, who snapped him up.

Are Manchester United signing Sofyan Amrabat?

Now, he could be on the move again. The Morocco star has been tracked by Man United for most of the summer window and it appears as though a bid – and the chance for a move – could finally happen this weekend.

According to a report from Corriere Fiorentino, via Sport Witness, "something is moving" and the Premier League side could launch a “decisive thrust” – a solid approach for his services – "over the weekend".

As things stand, no move is happening because no club has met the demands of Fiorentina and hit his 30 million Euro (£26m) asking price. However, the inclination is that the Red Devils may be about to do that, as it looks as though the Italian outfit are preparing for it to happen this weekend.

If United did decide to launch an official swoop for the Morocco international, it could be a shrewd bit of business for them. He not only has produced the goods for Fiorentina but has done similar for his country, helping them to a historic fourth-placed finish in the World Cup last year.

Stuart Pearce stated that Amrabat had too much “drive”, “energy” and “leadership” for his opponents in Qatar, whilst Nigel Adderley called him the African side's “player of the tournament”.

He is at the top of his game right now then and United should capitalise while they can. If they can land him in a deal around that £26m tag, it would be a positive step in the search for trophies by United.

The 2023 Women's World Cup has kicked off with a blaze of passion and skill, and the excitement is reaching new heights with Nike's exclusive fan gear collection. As the official kit supplier for 13 national teams, Nike has crafted a remarkable range of clothing that celebrates the diverse cultures, rich histories, and empowering spirit of the participating nations. From jerseys to lifestyle apparel, the Nike 2023 Women's World Cup collection offers a unique opportunity for fans to show their support, embrace their love for the game, and be a part of this historic tournament.

Embracing Diversity: Celebrate the Nations

Nike's design philosophy for the Women's World Cup collection revolves around embracing diversity and celebrating the unique stories of each nation. With vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and innovative materials, the jerseys and apparel reflect the distinct identities of Australia, Brazil, Canada, England, France, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Portugal, South Korea, and the USA. From the lush tropical foliage of Brazil's home kit to the Art Deco-inspired designs of England's jerseys, each piece embodies the essence of its country.

Empowerment Through Fashion: Modern & Bright Looks

The Nike 2023 Women's World Cup collection is all about empowerment. The jerseys and lifestyle apparel are designed to inspire confidence and strength on and off the pitch. The kit designs are bold and modern, reflecting the rise of women's football and the determination of players to break boundaries. Nike's focus on creating women's-specific innovation ensures that the apparel provides the perfect fit, enabling athletes to move freely and comfortably and give their best performance.

Sustainable & Eco-Friendly: A Commitment to the Planet

In line with Nike's commitment to sustainability, the Women's World Cup collection is crafted with eco-friendly materials. The jerseys and shorts are made from 100% recycled polyester sourced from recycled plastic bottles. Furthermore, Nike Grind, a collection of recycled materials, is used for the federation crests, Swooshes, and trims for the first time in a Nike kit at this stage. By choosing Nike's fan gear, fans contribute to the effort to protect the planet while celebrating their love for the beautiful game.

Fan-Focused Design: Stand Out & Be United

The Nike Women's World Cup fan gear is not just another piece of clothing; it's a statement of support and unity. With unique designs and customizations, fans can proudly stand out while showcasing their love for their team. The bespoke badges and authentic labels with subtle dotted designs add a touch of elegance, while the multicolor dot design of the authentic badge takes the excitement to a whole new level. Fans can join the ranks of the passionate supporters of Australia, Brazil, Canada, England, France, and other nations and feel connected to the global football community.

Essential Products

Nike Pegasus 40 (USWNT)

Priced at $140 Offers a springy, responsive ride suitable for all types of runs Designed with improved comfort in arch and toe areas Features neutral support for a balanced, natural stride Includes medium cushioning with Nike React technology High responsiveness for energy return with every step Uses Nike React technology paired with 2 Zoom Air units Improved midfoot strap for a molded fit suitable for all arch sizes New design features include a midfoot band for a secure, forgiving fit Available in Loyal Blue/Hyper Red/Hyper Blue/White colorway

USWNT (4-Star) 2023 Match Home

Priced at $170 Unique, abstract art-inspired paint-splatter design Commemorates team's 4 world championships with gold accents and hidden details Equipped with lightweight, quick-drying technology for enhanced comfort Incorporates body-mapped, data-driven pattern for optimal airflow and moisture-wicking Features a computer-generated cross-knit pattern for unprecedented mobility Made from 100% recycled polyester fibers, reflecting a commitment to sustainability Utilizes Nike Dri-FIT ADV technology to keep you dry and comfortable Authentic design identical to the kits worn by professional players Available in White/Loyal Blue/Metallic Gold colorway

USMNT 2023 Match Away

Priced at $170 Part of the Match collection combining authentic design details with quick-drying technology Equipped with body-mapped, data-driven pattern for optimal airflow and moisture-wicking Features a computer-generated cross-knit pattern for unparalleled mobility Utilizes Nike Dri-FIT ADV technology to keep you dry and comfortable Authentic design identical to the kits worn by professional players Made from 100% polyester Available in Hyper Royal/Speed Red/Speed Red colorway

As the 2023 Women's World Cup captures the world's attention, Nike's exclusive fan gear collection allows fans to participate in this historic tournament. With innovative designs, vibrant colors, and a commitment to sustainability, Nike's Women's World Cup apparel reflects the empowerment and unity that define the essence of women's football.

Gear up, show your support, and celebrate the game with Nike's exceptional collection. Whether you're cheering for your favorite team from the stands or watching from the comfort of your home, wearing the Nike Women's World Cup fan gear will make you feel like a part of the action. Don't miss the chance to participate in this extraordinary sporting event – get your Nike Women's World Cup gear today!

Tottenham Hotspur have received a revised bid for midfielder Tanguy Ndombele from Galatasary, according to reports out of Turkey.

Who will leave Spurs?

New manager Ange Postecoglou has seen three major signings come through the door at Spurs so far, namely goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, playmaker James Maddison and winger Manor Solomon.

It is also reliably believed that the Lilywhites wish to add two senior central defenders to their roster, coming after a league campaign which saw them concede a pretty abysmal 63 league goals.

To free up squad space and generate funds, certain players will have to make way, and there are a fair few players to have been nominated for the chopping block.

Ivan Perisic, Davinson Sanchez, Ryan Sessegnon, Eric Dier, Ben Davies, Giovani Lo Celso, Sergio Reguilon, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Ndombele just some of the players to be linked with an exit (The Telegraph), while Bayern Munich are also still chasing a deal for star striker Harry Kane.

Harry Winks comes as the only confirmed departure to date, with the Englishman joining Leicester City early last month, but there is interest in members of Postecoglou's squad.

Commenting on Ndombele's future ahead of Spurs' pre-season tour of the Far East, Tottenham's head coach had praised the Frenchman, but admitted he could leave.

"Tanguy has been good," said Postecoglou.

"He's been working hard in training, as they all have because they've got no choice.

"I take things as I see them. He was part of a Serie A-winning side last season, and he's been working well. Within that context, I'm pleased to have him here and part of the group. What that means for the long-term, we'll see. Who knows, maybe he won't want to be part of things."

Ndombele, though, has been subject to interest from Galatasary in Turkey. The Super Lig side had made an offer of around £6.8 million for the 26-year-old to be paid over four years, according to journalist Ertan Süzgün, which was swiftly rejected.

According to the reporter, Galatasary have returned with a "revised" bid for Ndombele, which decreases the years of the payment plan and offers slightly more money – though the amount isn't disclosed.

"EXCLUSIVE – Galatasaray revised their offer to Tottenham for Tanguy Ndombele," wrote Suzgun on Twitter.

"Galatasaray increased the figure of 8 million euros (£6.8m) a little more and decreased the number of years for the payment plan."

What's been said about Tanguy Ndombele?

The former Lyon star played a bit-part role on loan at Napoli last season during the Serie A side's title triumph, but star players like Declan Rice insist he's still a "top player" of real quality.

“The perception of him, it shouldn’t be what it is because I tell you now, he is one of the toughest I have played against," said Rice last summer.

“He is top. Just a street footballer on the pitch. He takes the ball anywhere, little flicks and tricks. Like he doesn’t care. He does everything so confidently.

“With players like that, you just have to let them play. Give them the freedom to go out and do whatever they want. When we played against Lyon in the Europa League, he was incredible. He’s a top player.”

After a hectic start to the summer window for Tottenham Hotspur – with manager Ange Postecoglou completing the signings of James Maddison, Guglielmo Vicario and Manor Solomon – the club's transfer dealings have somewhat dried up of late, with it yet to be seen who else could be arriving through the door over the coming weeks.

One name that has been mooted as a potential target for the Lilywhites is Lyon starlet, Rayan Cherki, with the 19-year-old forward having caught the attention following a standout season in Ligue 1 – in which he chipped in with ten goals and assists in 34 league games.

What's the latest on Cherki to Tottenham?

As revealed by Football Transfers last month, Spurs – as well as Premier League rivals Chelsea – are said to have held talks with the player regarding a potential summer swoop, with teenager's representatives having recently been in London to discuss a move.

Read the latest Tottenham transfer news HERE…

If chairman Daniel Levy is to close on a deal for the promising Frenchman, Caught Offside have previously reported that the selling party are looking for a fee in the region of €50m (£43m) if they are to part ways with their prize asset.

How good is Rayan Cherki?

Despite having been dubbed a "magnificent talent" by respected scout, Jacek Kulig, the jury is out on whether the young playmaker would actually be able to thrive were he to move to England, with transfer insider Dean Jones sounding a note of caution with regard to Levy's interest in the player, despite his obvious potential.

Speaking in an interview with Football FanCast, the respected source stated: “If Spurs turn serious on Cherki then that could become a really nice move. The only problem with players like him, who play his way, is that things can go wrong quickly just as they can go well quickly.

A bad start can be a total disaster for creative players who are looking to assert themselves so that’s the one worry I would have. But if he does come to the Premier League and fulfil his potential then he’s going to be a star and so I can see why Spurs might be mulling it over.”

Should Tottenham sign Rayan Cherki?

Those of a Spurs persuasion may well be concerned at the prospect of enduring a repeat of their failed capture of another former Lyon star, Tanguy Ndombele, with the mercurial midfielder having made little impact since signing on a mammoth £63m deal from the French outfit back in 2019.

Since then, the 26-year-old has gone on to make just 91 appearances for the Lilywhites in all competitions over the past four years, having notably spent the last 18 months out on loan at both Lyon and Napoli.

While there had been hopes that the Frenchman could turn things around under Postecoglou, the latest indication is that the £200k-per-week enigma could be on his way to Turkish giants Galatasaray for as little as £11m – representing a sizeable loss on Levy's initial investment.

One notable issue that the instinctive, "street footballer" – as hailed by Arsenal's Declan Rice – has faced in English football is his apparent lack of work ethic, having been branded a "disgrace" in that regard by Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher in the past.

The fear will be that despite Cherki's obvious gifts – having been dubbed a "difference-maker" by Kulig – he too may also represent something of a liability off the ball, as he notably ranks within the bottom 15% among his European peers for interceptions, tackles, blocks, clearances and aerial duels won.

As Tottenham have found out with the case of Ndombele, teams in the Premier League can ill-afford to carry any passengers no matter what they can do in the final third, with it looking as if Cherki could follow a similar path if he is to trade France for England this summer.

The roar of Goodison Park was silenced as the 2023/24 Premier League season kicked off, with Everton falling to a 1-0 home defeat against Fulham to accentuate the need for offensive reinforcements before the transfer window slams shut at the end of August.

Sean Dyche kept the Toffees up with victory over Bournemouth on the final day of the previous campaign, and while the club have signed Arnaut Danjuma – on loan – and Youssef Chermiti, further firepower could be crucial in ensuring the mistakes of seasons past are rectified.

Everton took 19 shots against the Cottagers – the third-highest shots tally during the opening match week – but failed to score and will hope to find a solution in Leeds United's Wilfried Gnonto, who is of a vested interest to the Merseyside outfit.

Is Wilfried Gnonto leaving Leeds?

According to TEAMtalk, the Whites have slapped a £25m price tag on Gnonto, aged 19, in an effort to ward off interest in the Italy international following their relegation from the Premier League this year.

Read the latest Everton transfer news HERE…

The Goodison Park side have been actively pursuing Gnonto over the past few months, with Fabrizio Romano confirming that the player wants the move and personal terms have already been agreed.

How good is Wilfried Gnonto?

Everton supporters will be fervently anticipating Gnonto's prospective arrival on Merseyside following the speculation over the past few weeks – speculation which looks to be coming to a head.

Nifty and nimble, Gnonto thrives across the frontline and could utilise his versatility and dynamism to great effect under Dyche's wing, complementing the central striker and weaving his way into dangerous positions, having been hailed as a "pocket rocket" by pundit Tam McManus.

Having also been proclaimed to be an "absolute nightmare for defenders" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the 12-cap Italy international ranks among the top 17% of attacking midfielders and wingers for successful take-ons, the top 24% for assists, the top 5% for blocks and the top 20% for tackles per 90, as per FBref.

The 19-year-old might have only plundered four goals and assists apiece for Leeds last season after completing a £4m move from Swiss side Zurich last year, but he was one of the few shining lights in a miserable season for the Whites and will only improve his direct output as he grows into his skin over the next several years.

His "electric pace" and "powerful finish" – as also praised by Kulig – would prove instrumental for Everton as Dyche targets a renaissance on Merseyside, and he will hope to prove to be a major upgrade on his compatriot, Moise Kean, who failed miserably for the Toffees.

Signing from Juventus for an initial £21.5m in 2019 – also as a 19-year-old – Kean scored four times from 39 outings before being signed by the Old Lady once again this year for £25m.

Having been branded "useless" by journalist Tancredi Palmeri, Kean has not lived up to his potential thus far, and the signs have been there from the off – the Italian ace was dropped by Everton just months into his Premier League career for a breach of club rules.

Gnonto should have no such issue; he has already proved his mettle on Premier League soil and could form the nucleus of the Toffees attack as Dyche looks to stamp in stability and swagger to last at Goodison Park, banishing the demons that have plagued the club over the past several years.

Sunderland are still looking to sign new players in the summer transfer window and it looks as though they are eyeing the addition of a Premier League player.

Do Sunderland need a striker?

The Black Cats have made a disappointing start to their Championship season, having done so well last time around and almost made their way into the playoffs.

Sunderland have started with back-to-back 2-1 defeats in the division, firstly away to at home to Ipswich Town and then to Preston North End on Saturday, suggesting that they could potentially have a tough campaign ahead of them. There was also the small matter of being knocked out of the EFL Cup on penalties against League Two side Crewe Alexandra last weekend, further showing what a tough start it has been.

For things to change for the better, it could be that more signings are required to bolster their squad, giving Tony Mowbray more options and allowing him to shuffle his pack effectively.

In attack, the Black Cats have looked lacking in 2023/24 to date, with star striker Ross Stewart still recovering from a serious Achilles injury picked up earlier in the year. For that reason, another attacking option is required between now and the end of the month, and it looks as though a key target has emerged.

Will Sunderland sign Tom Cannon?

According to reliable journalist Alan Nixon on Patreon [via MOT Leeds News], Sunderland are one of three Championship clubs in the battle to snap up Everton striker Tom Cannon in the current transfer window.

Stoke City are one of the teams in question, looking to boost their own attacking choices, while Leeds United "have also been keeping an eye on developments" regarding the 20-year-old.

Cannon could be just what Sunderland are looking for this summer, in terms of giving Mowbray extra depth and possibly even coming in as a regular without Stewart around.

Admittedly, Everton seem happy to let him go for £8m, which suggests they don't value him greatly, but the drop down from the Premier League to the Championship is big, and the youngster could excel there.

He certainly did a good job on loan at Preston in 2022/23, scoring eight goals in total, and he also has two top-flight appearances to his name which only adds to his experience, not to mention has been described as "incredible" by former West Ham and Norwich City striker Dean Ashton.

Sunderland clearly face stiff competition for Cannon's signature, but the Black Cats are a big club in their own right, and it looks as if a move will be one to watch. If Mowbray sees him as the best option to come in and battle with the club's current options for minutes, he should be trusted, especially with time ticking until the deadline.

Getting a deal over the line as quickly as possible has to be the aim, not only to beat off others in the race to sign Cannon, but also to ensure that a new face is brought in in time for Sunderland's next game, which comes at home to Rotherham United next Saturday.