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Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Brice Samba is ‘in talks’ with Lens over a summer move, Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth has revealed.

The Lowdown: Samba rejects new deal

Steve Cooper’s men secured a return to the Premier League last season, enjoying a memorable campaign that culminated in them beating Huddersfield Town in the Championship playoff final.

Forest had endless heroes throughout the season and Samba was clearly one of them, proving to be the penalty shootout star in the semi-final win over Sheffield United.

Unfortunately, the 28-year-old has since rejected a new deal at the City Ground, suggesting he will move on this summer.

The Latest: Lens move mooted

Taking to Twitter on Monday, Sky Sports reporter Sheth claimed that Samba could join Lens after opening talks, although Forest want to line-up a replacement first:

“Nottingham Forest in talks with Lens over sale of keeper Brice Samba, who wants a return to France. Forest unlikely to finalise move until they have replacement. Talks continue with Manchester United over Dean Henderson.”

The Verdict: Such a big blow

Samba was such an influential presence between the sticks for Forest last season, so there is no denying that this is a massive blow for Cooper ahead of his side’s Premier League return.

The Congolese colossus started 43 league matches in 2021/22, winning three Man of the Match awards from WhoScored, and it is such a shame that he doesn’t want to test himself in arguably the best division in the world.

It is now imperative that Forest sign a perfect replacement, with Manchester United’s Dean Henderson looking the most likely option, in that respect. That could be an ideal move for all concerned as the Englishman seeks more playing time ahead of this year’s World Cup.

In other news, Fabrizio Romano has dropped a key Forest transfer update. Read more here.

West Ham United manager David Moyes is now weighing major bids for a number of top Premier League players, including Leeds United forward Raphinha, according to a fresh report.

The Lowdown: Moyes hoping for busy window…

The Hammers are believed to be closing in on their first major signing of the summer as West Ham edge nearer a deal for Rennes star and Morocco international defender Nayed Aguerd.

Moyes also wants to sign goalkeeper Alphonse Areola on a permanent deal from Paris-Saint Germain as the Scotsman hopes for what will be a fat busier transfer window than January.

West Ham must make new additions and strengthen in key areas if they wish to keep their place among England’s elite with 90min now sharing an update on who else they could move for.

The Latest: Moyes weighing Raphinha bid…

According to their information, the east Londoners, and by extension Moyes, are ‘considering’ a bid to sign Leeds star Raphinha among many others – including Josh Brownhill of Burnley and Championship starlet Keane Lewis-Potter.

90min add that the club are also ‘hopeful’ of fending off suitors for star duo Declan Rice and Jarrod Bowen.

The Verdict: Make the move…

Lauded as a ‘big player’ by ex-Leeds man Noel Whelan and an ‘unbelievable’ one by former QPR keeper Paddy Kenny, the Brazil international has no shortage of admirers.

Raphinha, rated at around £40.5 million by Transfermarkt, was a star player at Elland Road over 2021/2022 – finishing the campaign as their most potent attacking threat by some way.

According to WhoScored, the South American forward was Leeds’ best player in terms of average match rating, shots at goal, key passes made and successful take-ons per 90 – leaving little wonder Moyes is weighing an offer.

In other news: West Ham enter pole position for ‘game-changer’ as GSB eye ‘frightening’ forward, find out more here.

Ligue 1 Journalist Robin Bairner has now revealed some significant Newcastle United transfer news on Lucas Paqueta, and it’s not the update fans may have been hoping for.

The Lowdown: Offer prepared?

With the summer transfer window officially opening today, it has been reported that the St. James’ Park outfit are preparing an offer to sign Paqueta.

Any deal would mirror that of the one that brought Bruno Guimaraes to the North East in January, as he too was a Brazilian midfielder who played for Lyon.

Of course, ‘Bruno’ has become an immediate fan favourite on Tyneside, and the fact he is such good friends with Paqueta is sure to endear his compatriot to the Toon Army immediately if a deal gets done.

The Latest: Hold your horses

Taking to Twitter, Bairner, who covers French football, has revealed that while the Tyneside club have been eyeing a move for Paqueta, there has been no concrete approach from them thus far:

“Newcastle have been linked but I’ve been told they haven’t made a concrete approach.”

The Verdict: Time ticking

With the window officially open, time is now ticking for the Magpies if they want to get a deal for Paqueta done.

Other clubs are also thought to be interested in his signature, namely Arsenal, who can offer him the added incentive of European football next season.

Thus, the Toon may want to test the waters with Lyon in terms of making an official approach, and get an idea of how much he is going to cost.

Bairner has shared that it could cost as much as €60m (£51m) to sign the playmaker, which would end up breaking their transfer record after they signed Joelinton from Hoffenheim for a reported £40m back in 2019.

In other news, find out what late-night NUFC update Craig Hope has revealed here!

Liverpool have had a successful season winning two trophies, competing closely in the Premier League title race and getting to the Champions League final, but now a huge transfer update has emerged ahead of the summer transfer window.

What’s the latest?

According to Guinea-based outlet Imedias.net (via Liverpool Echo), Paris Saint Germain are interested in signing Naby Keita this summer.

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As per the report, it is believed that the Ligue 1 champions could make a £42.5m bid for the midfielder who is in the last 12 months of his contract at his current club on Merseyside.

Klopp can finally axe Keita

Since his arrival at the club four years ago Keita hasn’t had an easy ride with numerous injury troubles, and if there is an opportunity in the last year of his contract to sell on the player for a large amount of money, Klopp and FSG should welcome the opportunity.

The Liverpool midfielder was brought into the club in 2018 for £52.75m and his market value is now rated at just £27m according to Transfermarkt, so if this rumoured bid from PSG has any truth to it, it would be major coup for Liverpool to move on and spend the money strengthening the team.

The £130k-per-week midfielder who was dubbed “not good enough” by Dietmar Hamman, has had 16 different instances of injury or illness accumulating 307 days out of the team which is equal to 62 fixtures for Liverpool during his time at the club. Evidently, that has clearly affected his consistency and reliability in the team.

Despite his injury problems, Keita has been able to pick up a run of form this season in the Premier League making 23 appearances, which is shockingly the most appearances he has made for the club since his first season in 2018/19.

With that being said, Aurelien Tchouameni is a reported target that Liverpool wants to pursue and if they could build some transfer funds this summer it could put the club in a good position to make a competitive offer for the Monaco midfielder.

Thus, if the bid is accurate for Keita, FSG should jump at the chance to make the sale.

AND in other news: Liverpool can land dream Mane heir in £43m deal for “exceptional” 25 y/o “nightmare”

Former Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor has had his say on the club’s links with Rangers defender Calvin Bassey. 

The lowdown: Bassey’s rise to stardom

Released by Leicester City as a youngster without making a single first-team appearance, the Italy-born full-back has risen to prominence in Scotland.

Having made his senior debut and 27 further outings under current Villa manager Steven Gerrard, Bassey has gone from strength to strength following the appointment of Giovanni van Bronckhorst at Ibrox.

Already recognised at senior international level by Nigeria, the versatile defender is seemingly on the radar in the Midlands, as reports continue to link the Villans with a move for the 22-year-old…

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The latest: Agbonlahor endorses Bassey move

Speaking to Football Insider about the potential of Bassey following Gerrard from Ibrox to Villa Park, Agbonlahor suggested that the proposed switch made plenty of sense.

The regular talkSPORT pundit said: “The problem with Rangers and Celtic is they can’t pay the money that teams in the Premier League can. Goldson’s trying to move for financial reasons.

“What can Rangers offer Bassey? That’s the issue. He could probably get double the money at Aston Villa. I’m sure he would be reluctant to sign a new contract and see what is out there for him, to be honest.

“There will be clubs out there for him, 1000 per cent. He’s quick, calm on the ball, strong and good in the air. I’d take him at Aston Villa tomorrow. A lot of clubs in the Premier League will look at him. I’m surprised that Leicester let him go, to be honest. That’s very strange.”

The verdict: Spot on

Valued at just £900,000 and under contract until 2024 (Transfermarkt), any move for Bassey would likely be an affordable one for NSWE as Gerrard attempts to strengthen the ranks at Villa Park.

Despite predominantly being recognised as a left-back, the Nigeria ace made 24 of his 50 appearances across all competitions for Rangers this season as a central defender, highlighting his impressive versatility.

The talented youngster – who has been dubbed ‘the next Van Dijk’ by former Scotland defender Christophe Berra after the Liverpool player left a Glasgow club before rising to elite stardom  – earned a 6.97 Sofascore rating from 29 Scottish Premiership outings this term, winning 5.2 duels, completing 1.2 clearances and making 52.3 accurate passes per game in the process.

Having sanctioned the loan and potential permanent departure of Matt Targett to Newcastle, Gerrard currently only has Lucas Digne at his disposal as a recognised left-back option, so he certainly has scope for a reunion with Bassey, who is developing all the time into a top-class defensive operator.

In other news: NSWE now eyeing another defender; Villa chiefs sent to club after Gerrard approves

Glasgow Rangers are reportedly now targeting a move to bring centre-back Cameron Humphreys to Ibrox to play under Giovanni van Bronckhorst.

The Lowdown: Bassey exit?

It has been widely reported that Calvin Bassey could leave the Gers this summer to play in the Premier League.

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Connor Goldson is also going out of contract, meaning that the Light Blues may have to bring in one or two new central defenders once the window opens, as well as John Souttar.

The Latest: Humphreys targeted

Writing in his latest piece for TEAMtalk, transfer insider Graeme Bailey has revealed that the Teddy Bears will now ‘target’ a move for Humphreys, and are ‘keen’ to get a deal done.

He has a number of clubs interested in his signature, after deciding to leave Belgian team Zulte Waregem as a free agent.

RFC want to bring in a new centre-back, amid ‘fears’ that Bassey could leave.

The Verdict: Big boots to fill

If Bassey were to go, then Humphreys would certainly have some big boots to fill if he is brought in as a replacement.

That said, the six-foot-two colossus is fairly experienced at 23 years of age, playing for Premier League champions Manchester City before moving to Belgium, while he has also played at youth level for England (Transfermarkt).

However, a lot will depend on Bassey’s future, and whether Goldson ends up signing a new deal.

In other news, find out which other free transfer Rangers are now eyeing here!

Sunderland’s 26-year-old American Lynden Gooch does not know where he will be playing his football next season.

What’s the word?

That is according to a report from the Northern Echo, who claim that the American’s future is up in the air, with talks over his future at the Stadium of Light scheduled to take place on Tuesday.

Despite playing the full 90 minutes in Sunderland’s 2-0 win over Wycombe Wanderers in the League One play-off final, the player who has been at Sunderland since 2016 said this after the game that secured promotion:

“I don’t know where I’m going to be next season so we’re going to have to wait and see. If this is my last game for Sunderland then there is not a better way to go out.

“I’ve got a meeting with him (Alex Neil) on Tuesday and we’ll see what happens. It is what it is. I’ve give everything for the club in my ten years as a pro. We’ll see what happens.

“If it’s my last game then happy days, I can go out on a high. If not, then I’ll continue to represent the club as best I can.” as per Northern Echo.

A potential disaster

Quite simply, letting go of a player who is approaching his prime, who has started 72% of his 38 League One appearances, and has stuck with the club during one of its worst periods would be a disaster from a Neil perspective.

Particularly when you bear in mind the fight that Sunderland will face next year in terms of keeping their status as a Championship outfit. The side will never want to see League One again, after being stuck in England’s third division for four years.

Gooch has been a massive part of Sunderland since his initial breakthrough in 2016 and has represented the Black Cats in all three tiers; the Premier League, Championship and League One.

The part the £5k-per-week earner has played for Sunderland in their promotion bid this season was integral. His versatility has been his best offering for the club, occupying six different positions across both flanks for Neil.

In the Championship, the depth that Gooch offers will be integral in what will be a potentially gruelling fight for survival.

Neil will need players who know the club well and can offer stability through consistency.

Gooch can offer exactly that and is a player who “truly gets it” in the words of the Chronicle.

In other news: Sunderland may be on the verge of repeating their Charlie Wyke disaster this summer