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Nottingham Forest were active, to say the least, in the summer transfer window, so it does not come as a shock to discover that PSV Eindhoven and Netherlands star Cody Gakpo was on that list.

The Lowdown: Gakpo the goal machine

The 23-year-old is genuinely on fire this season, and his impressive haul of three World Cup goals for Louis Van Gaal’s Netherlands have well and truly put his name on the global footballing map.

Whilst this tournament in Qatar has been the cherry on top of his ever-growing reputation, his efforts in the Eredivisie paved the way. In 14 league games under Ruud van Nistelrooy at PSV this term, Gakpo has almost equalled his record from of 12 goals and 13 assists from last season, having played 13 fewer matches at this point. 

The PSV star appears to be having a breakout year amidst his growing reputation as a big-hitter in the final third of the pitch. 

The Latest: Gakpo had been in line for Forest move

According to Nottingham Post, Gakpo was on Forest’s list of potential summer transfers. 

The report states that, at one stage, the Reds were well placed to land the Dutchman, with a fee rising to around £35m quoted by the end of the summer. 

That amount now looks to be a bargain, with Gakpo’s World Cup displays and stellar start to the club season paving way for a fee closer to around £50m, as mentioned in the report.

It is added that Arsenal is now the only ‘realistic destination’ for him, with Forest now likely to focus on bringing in a centre-forward and a ball-playing defender in January rather than a winger.

The Verdict: Missed opportunity 

With Gakpo’s stellar form broadcasting his name onto the world stage, it would seem that Forest have missed their chance to sign the rising star, with PSV playing a blinder by holding onto his services for another few months as his stock and his asking price grow all the time. 

The Eredivisie outfit will now receive a much larger fee, with this revelation sure to rub salt into the wounds of the Garibaldi faithful. 

A presence like Gakpo’s is much-needed at the City Ground, with Steve Cooper’s side the second-lowest scorers in the Premier League with just 11 goals scored to date.

For additional context, the “flying” Dutchman – as dubbed by Fabrizio Romano, has scored 13 goals on his own for PSV this season in all competitions. The maths tell you all you need to know here.

Tottenham Hotspur crashed out of the Carabao Cup in unceremonious fashion on Wednesday night, with Antonio Conte’s side losing out 2-0 to bottom-of-the-table Nottingham Forest at The City Ground.

As has become something of an unwanted trait of Spurs in recent weeks, the visitors once again started the fixture incredibly slowly, creating little over the first 45 minutes of the match and hitting the target with just one shot.

This slow start was punished shortly after the break, first when Renan Lodi was afforded an enormous amount of time on the edge of the Tottenham box before curling brilliantly beyond Fraser Forster, before Jesse Lingard nodded in Forest’s second just seven minutes later.

And, despite Conte making a host of second-half substitutes, the north London outfit simply did not have enough to get themselves back into the game, despite the best efforts of one of the Italian’s aforementioned introductions, Djed Spence.

Indeed, the right wing-back was finally handed an extended period of time in which to impact the game, with the club’s £20m summer signing’s only three outings for Tottenham this season all having lasted exactly one minute each.

Against Forest, however, Spence was undoubtedly Spurs’ brightest spark, with the 22-year-old’s surging runs up the right flank representing the most danger the visitors created over the course of the 90 minutes, while the England U21 international’s late header also forced Wayne Hennessey into an excellent save.

Regarding his metrics more generally, the defender’s 21 touches of the ball, 12 passes completed and one shot on target did not see the £25k-per-week talent earn a very impressive SofaScore match rating on the night – coming in at 6.4 – however, journalists watching on awarded the youngster much more credit.

Indeed, in Alasdair Gold’s player ratings, the football.london reporter awarded the “huge problem” – in the words of Trevor Sinclair – a match-best seven, as well as stating of the £19m-rated starlet’s performance: “The brightest of Spurs subs, trying to take the game to Forest with a few surging runs up the pitch and one header that forced Hennessy into a flying save.”

Meanwhile, speaking on Sky Sports Soccer Special (09/11/22; 21:30), Jobi McAnuff also heaped a considerable amount of praise on the full-back, stating: “He has been really, really good since he came on. I think he has given Antonio Conte something to think about.

“He is one of the only real positives from a really poor night from Spurs. But again, they can’t keep giving themselves a mountain to climb every time they go out. They are conceding, not just the first one, it becomes so hard to win the game because they are then chasing it.”

As such, with Spence very much proving to Conte that “he’s ready” for a more regular starting spot in the Tottenham side against Forest, the Italian simply must start to place his trust in the 22-year-old, as the defender undoubtedly stole the show for Spurs last night.

CBS Sports journalist Ben Jacobs has revealed that there is ‘no chance’ that Bruno Guimaraes will leave Newcastle United in the January transfer window.

The Lowdown: Big interest

It has been reported by 90min this morning that a number of big clubs are monitoring Bruno’s situation at St. James’ Park as talks continue over the terms of a new contract.

Real Madrid, Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea are all interested in his signature, but his current deal does not expire until 2026.

The Latest: No January move

Taking to Twitter, Jacobs has revealed that there is ‘no chance’ that Bruno leaves the North East club in January, and they plan to offer him improved terms ahead of expected interest next summer:

“Newcastle are not worried about losing Bruno Guimaraes. He’s happy, settled and under contract until 2026. Told there is no chance the club will accept any offers in January. They do plan to offer him improved terms, knowing suitors will try to lure him away in summer 2023.”

He adds that Bruno is ‘only focused’ on the Tynesiders and trying to qualify them for European football this season:

“But even without them in place, and due to time left on his contract, told Bruno is only focused on Newcastle and trying to get them into Europe this season. Clubs chasing him are going to have the play the long game. He’s relishing being part of NUFC’s rise right now.”

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The Verdict: Relief

It will no doubt come as a relief to the Toon Army that Bruno is fully committed to the club, and that it looks as if he is going to stay beyond this campaign.

The Brazilian has been their third-best performing player in the Premier League so far, contributing two goals and two assists (WhoScored), helping the Magpies rise up to an impressive fourth spot in the table.

Very much part of the new regime, Bruno will help attract other big names the longer he stays, and at 24 years of age, the club will be hoping that he is a mainstay in the side for years to come.

Crystal Palace are set to take another Real Salt Lake goalkeeper on trial in Gavin Beavers.

The Lowdown: Palace scouring MLS market

Reports last week name-checked Palace with an interest in Fernando Delgado, another stopper from the MLS club. The Eagles were set to take the Mexico under-17 international on trial between 3rd and 19th November, with the youngster looking to earn a contract with Palace.

It looks as if Delgado will be joined in south London by a Real Salt Lakr team-mate in Beavers, who at 6 foot 4 is a towering figure for his tender age.

The Latest: Trials confirmed

Real Salt Lake confirmed on their official website on Monday evening that Delgado is heading to Palace for a trial.

The MLS club added that Beavers will follow suit in regards to travelling to London for the same purpose, with Real Monarchs goalkeeper coach Mirza Harambasic accompanying the young duo.

The Verdict: One to watch

You’d expect that Delgado and Beavers will both be looking to impress Palace chiefs and potentially earn a deal at Selhurst Park, so the pair could be names to keep an eye on over the course of the month.

Beavers is older than the Mexican and has more experience for Real Monarchs, a third-tier side in the USA and the reserve team for Real Salt Lake, making 17 appearances compared to Delgado’s two.

Therefore, he could stand a better chance of earning a contract with Palace, and it’s good to see that the Eagles are always on the lookout to bolster their academy ranks.

Manchester United are ‘expected’ to make a fresh push for the signature of Jude Bellingham next summer, according to Laurie Whitwell of The Athletic.

The lowdown

The 19-year-old left Birmingham City to join Bundesliga outfit Borussia Dortmund in 2020 in a £25m transfer. He has since established himself as a regular starter for both the Champions League club and for his country.

Bellingham, who featured in the Bundesliga Team of the Season in 2021/22, is reportedly valued at a whopping £131m.

The latest

Whitwell took to Twitter to rave about Bellingham’s display in England’s UEFA Nations League game against Germany on Monday night. He says that United have received ‘unanimously positive’ reports after seven years of scouting, and that should lead to an attempt to sign the teenager next summer.

He wrote: “Jude Bellingham gave another example last night of why so many clubs have chased him for so long.

“#MUFC watched him 46 times since age 12 – reports unanimously positive. United expected to try again next summer. Liverpool seen as current frontrunners.”

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The verdict

Like Whitwell says, Bellingham once again proved his worth in England’s 3-3 draw against Germany.

He earned a SofaScore rating of 7.6/10 – the highest in Gareth Southgate’s side – after winning a penalty, completing 41 out of 45 passes (91%), prevailing in eight out of 14 ground duels, drawing three fouls and making seven tackles and interceptions. It was truly a brilliant all-round display, and it led to an array of plaudits.

Andros Townsend said that it was ‘a pleasure to witness’ the ‘special talent’ produce a ‘brave’ display, while The Mirror journalist Colin Millar dubbed him ‘genuinely outstanding’ and a ‘generational talent’, and Liam Tharme of The Athletic described him as ‘absolutely phenomenal’.

Based on those rave reviews and the teenager’s obvious high ceiling, why wouldn’t United make an approach for him in 2023, particularly given their extensive long-time scouting of the youngster?

Arsenal’s youth academy is one of the best in the business and both Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe are shining examples of that.

The homegrown pair have gone from being mere Hale End prospects to England internationals in the space of just a couple of years, largely thanks to the clear path to the Gunners’ first-team under manager Mikel Arteta.

We got to witness another glimpse of that before the recent break when the Spaniard handed a record-breaking debut to 15-year-old prodigy Ethan Nwaneri.

The schoolboy midfielder became the youngest-ever player to feature in the Premier League after Arteta sent him on as a substitute in the closing moments of their 3-0 win over Brentford in west London.

Although he’s not the only young talent to receive such high acclaim in recent weeks as Nwaneri’s U18s teammate Omari Benjamin was named in the Guardian’s ‘Next Generation’ list for 2022.

He follows the likes of Reiss Nelson (2016), the aforementioned Saka (2018) and Charlie Patino (2020) to have been named in the exciting showcase, all of whom have gone onto feature for the senior squad.

Both Nwaneri and Benjamin have a true potential to become the next Saka and Smith Rowe, given the pair have already struck up a fine understanding together at U18 level, as described by the Guardian’s Nick Ames.

The journalist has also described the Welsh 16-year-old as ‘dangerous’ from the left-flank and as having ‘exceptional speed and close control along with explosive finishing ability.’

Benjamin has been in fine form already this term, providing Jack Wilshere’s team with four goals from three outings, including a hat-trick against Spurs’ U18s, as per Transfermarkt.

In a similar fashion to the aforementioned Gunners duo, Benjamin is primarily a winger (like Saka) and Nwaneri is best deployed through the middle (like Smith Rowe), so this Hale End duo could genuinely be the next big thing to come from Arsenal’s famed setup.

Youth expert and journalist Jeorge Bird has tipped the teenager for big things, too, claiming that Benjamin is “prolific” and is “a good prospect,” whilst he has also described Nwaneri as “very skilful” with “excellent vision.”

It’s no wonder the young pair are hitting the headlines around north London this term, so in a few years’ time, Arteta could well unearth the next Saka and Smith Rowe in the exciting Hale End youth talents.

AND in other news, Arsenal handed potential injury boost ahead of Spurs, it’s great news for Arteta…

An update has emerged regarding Glasgow Rangers’ plans for the remainder of the summer transfer window… 

What’s the talk?

According to Belgian outlet La Libre, the Light Blues are eyeing a swoop to sign central midfielder Nicolas Raskin from Standard Liege before next week’s deadline.

The report claims that the player has rejected a transfer to domestic rivals Club Brugge, as he would like to leave Belgium to play abroad.

It is stated that he has one year left to run on his current contract with Standard Liege, who are demanding €5.5m (£4.6m) for his services.

Glen Kamara 2.0

Earlier this month, Glen Kamara was left out of the Rangers squad to face Hibernian amid interest from Ligue 1 club Nice and a number of teams from the Premier League.

The Finland international is seemingly being eyed up by a host of clubs heading into the final days of the transfer window, and it remains to be seen whether or not the Light Blues will keep hold of him.

Gio van Bronckhorst could find Kamara 2.0 by working with Ross Wilson to secure a deal to sign Raskin before next Thursday’s deadline.

Both players are versatile central midfielders with the quality to win the ball back and make things happen in the final third.

In the Premiership last term, the Rangers ace averaged a SofaScore rating of 7.01 across 31 appearances, making 1.7 tackles and interceptions, winning 54% of his duels and providing 1.3 key passes per match. He played as a number six, eight, and ten during this time, which shows that he was trusted in multiple midfield roles.

Talent scout Jacek Kulig claimed that Raskin is “the future” of Belgian football and is “brilliant” in a number six or number eight berth, which suggests that he would offer a similar level of versatility to the Gers in comparison to the Finnish gem.

In the Pro League last season, the 21-year-old made 3.3 tackles and interceptions and made 0.8 key passes per match, creating four ‘big chances’ in total. He has stepped his creativity up for the 2022/23 campaign, as he is currently playing 1.4 key passes and making 2.6 tackles and interceptions per game, averaging a SofaScore rating of 7.02.

Therefore, the Belgian could be Kamara 2.0 for the Gers by coming in as a midfielder capable of playing in several positions, whilst consistently offering quality defensively and creatively, making an impact from box to box.

Raskin is also five years younger than the Light Blues midfielder and has time on his side to continue developing and honing his skills over the years, which means that he could be a short- or long-term replacement for the ex-Arsenal midfielder, depending on what happens to him in the final week of the transfer window.

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.

Everton have had a slow start to the transfer window with only one signing confirmed so far, however, there has now been an update on a new potential transfer target who could make the move to Goodison Park this summer.

What’s the latest?

According to Italian news outlet Calciomercato, the Toffees are interested in signing Olympique Lyonnais midfielder Lucas Paqueta.

As per the report, it is claimed that the French club could lose their star midfielder to either the Toffees or Arsenal this summer.

A big Dele Alli upgrade

Everton are in desperate need of improvements in the team this summer ahead of the new Premier League season starting next week, and Paqueta could be the perfect answer to freshening up the midfield and attacking threat at Goodison Park.

Paqueta has been courted by several Premier League clubs over the current transfer window with Newcastle United also keen on the Lyon star, and it comes as no surprise that the player is so greatly desired as he has been an outstanding performer in Ligue One over last season.

Over 35 league appearances, the Brazilian scored nine goals, delivered six assists and created nine big chances, making 1.2 key passes, 1.9 tackles, taking 2.5 shots per game and winning 6.9 duels per game, as well as successfully completing the majority of his dribbles (69%).

The impressive midfielder also ranked first for tackles in the opponent’s half, seventh for key passes and sixth for chance creation in the entirety of Ligue One last season, proving that he really is the hard-working attacking-minded player Lampard’s midfield is crying out for.

The 33-capped Brazil international who is reported to have a price tag of £50m was even hailed “extraordinary” by Lyon head coach Peter Bosz who lavished praise on the player following his performance against Paris Saint-Germain.

In fact, Paqueta would be a big upgrade on Dele Alli who currently occupies the advanced midfield role on the blue side of Merseyside, but is yet to show any signs that he has what it takes following 11 disappointing appearances over the second half of last season amounting no goal contributions.

With that being said, the signing of Paqueta would be a major coup for Everton and would certainly improve their strength in the centre of the pitch if he can emulate his form at Lyon in the Premier League next season.

AND in other news, Everton given green light to sign 65-goal “all-round player”, he could be Cahill 2.0…

According to ex-BBC pundit Noel Whelan, Tottenham Hotspur will let either Emerson Royal or Matt Doherty leave this summer if the Premier League giants sign Djed Spence.

The Lowdown: Spence pursuit and Emerson bid

Earlier this year, it was revealed that Antonio Conte was targeting six new signings in the summer transfer window, with one of the priority positions being right wing-back.

The Lilywhites have been in talks over a move for Middlesbrough gem Spence for weeks, with Football Insider reporting at the end of June that the two clubs were just £1m apart in their valuations.

The same outlet claimed later that day that Atletico Madrid had tabled a bid for Emerson, with Spurs open to letting him go if they could receive at least £20m for his services.

The Latest: Conte tipped to wield the axe

Whelan was asked by Football Insider whether he expects either Emerson or Doherty to leave Tottenham in the coming weeks.

The 47-year-old replied: “It was an indifferent season [for Emerson]. That was the one area where Conte really struggled to find the right balance. You’ve got Doherty there and you’ve got Royal there.

“At times they showed up and showed their qualities, but there weren’t enough times. Conte has had enough time to assess that.

“If Spence does come in then there’s going to be some movement in that area, you don’t need three right-backs so something’s got to give.

“With the time that Conte has had there, he’s made up his mind up and if an offer comes in that is good enough then he’ll allow one of them to leave.”

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The Verdict: Emerson the more likely to go

Both Doherty and Emerson still have a considerable amount of time left on their respective contracts, with the Irishman’s not expiring until 2024 and the latter committed until 2026.

However, Conte doesn’t require three right-backs in his squad, so there is almost certain to be at least one departure in that position.

Between the two, you might imagine that Doherty is the more likely to face the chopping block, having only made 14 top-flight appearances last season compared to Emerson’s 31. However, the ex-Wolves defender did face a long spell on the sidelines due to injury, and while Atletico apparently hold an interest in Emerson, no potential suitors have emerged for Doherty.

That could make the Brazilian the most likely right-back departure from N17 this summer, although that decision rests in the hands of Conte and Fabio Paratici.