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Newcastle United are reportedly considering an approach to sign Leeds United winger Jack Harrison, according to a report from the Mail Online.

The lowdown: Interest so far

The Magpies have already been linked with multiple wingers this summer, including Bayer Leverkusen sensation Moussa Diaby and Everton starlet Anthony Gordon.

Former England youth international Harrison has also been strongly indexed with a move to the St James’ Park outfit – Luke Edwards said don’t rule it out – as Eddie Howe certainly seems intent on strengthening the wide areas in the squad.

Now, yet more claims have now emerged suggesting that the Tynesiders could make an attempt to land the 25-year-old during the ongoing transfer window…

The latest: £20m bid ready

As per the Mail Online report, Newcastle are believed to be weighing a bid and ‘willing to offer around £20million’ for the twice-capped England Under 21 ace.

It’s claimed however that the North East club’s offer wouldn’t meet the demands from Leeds and the Yorkshire outfit will ‘hold out for a bigger fee’ for their versatile midfielder.

The report also states that Harrison – who was hailed as ‘unplayable’ by football writer Adonis Storr following a impressive display against Bristol City in February 2020 – is ‘admired by Howe for his unwavering ‘work ethic’.

The verdict: Smart signing

Valued at £16.2million and under contract at Elland Road until 2024 (Transfermarkt), signing Harrison for anything close to the mooted fee would be an example of yet another astute piece of business from PIF during their time as Toon owners.

Albeit predominantly operating as a left winger – the same position as Allan Saint-Maximin – the former Manchester City prospect can also play on the opposite side as well as in deeper and central roles – highlighting impressive versatility that would be a welcome addition to Howe’s ranks.

Last season, Harrison – who shares similar stylistic traits to Burnley gem Dwight McNeil, Crystal Palace star Jordan Ayew and previously linked Gordon (Fbref) –  scored ten times and provided two assists in 38 appearances across all competitions.

All told, this is a deal that would make an abundance of sense for Newcastle and certainly one Dan Ashworth should remain very attentive to the possibility of making a reality.

Arsenal could still look to complete a move for Youri Tielemans after closing in Oleksandr Zinchenko…

What’s the word?

That’s according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, who delivered an update on the Gunners’ interest in the Leicester City star during a recent podcast appearance.

“One question I’m asked most, by Arsenal fans, in particular, is what is the latest with Youri Tielemans. He has 12 months left on his Leicester contract and they would be open to selling if they get a suitable offer,” the reliable reporter told The Athletic’s flagship show.

“We’ve reported that Arsenal have a firm interest in him.

“The decision-makers at the club are all-in on him but it’s more complicated than that because when you speak to people around this situation they make it clear that there may need to be a departure first for Tielemans to come in, be that Granit Xhaka or someone else in that area of the field to free up the space and the finance.”

Imagine him & Jesus

The 25-year-old could be the icing on the cake for the Gunners’ faithful.

As the north London giants close in on their fifth signing of the summer in Zinchenko, who will add a versatile option to Mikel Arteta’s squad, they could round off their business with one more exciting swoop.

Outside first-choice duo Xhaka and Thomas Partey, Arteta has very few reliable options and it is something that hindered the side’s progress last season, whenever either of the two were absent.

Tielemans can improve that situation tenfold as he can add some creativity from a deep-lying role, something that Arsenal have perhaps lacked.

The Belgium international, who has been described as an “outrageous talent” by scout Jacek Kulig, ranks inside the top 12% for progressive passes (5.80 per 90) and expected assists (0.16 per 90), as well as being among the top 6% for shots attempted per 90, too, when compared to his fellow midfielders across Europe.

Indeed, Tielemans has provided 48 goal contributions across 158 appearances for the Foxes, and that’s a record that will surely leave Gabriel Jesus drooling as the prospect of the pair linking up at the Emirates Stadium is hugely exciting.

The former Anderlecht gem has also been dubbed the “creator” of Brendan Rodgers’ side, which only adds to the potential furore of signing him and further reason to why the Brazilian would want the club to seal his signature, too.

Gunners technical director Edu Gaspar should, therefore, make the £60m-rated maestro – who ex-Sweden midfielder Par Zetterberg dubbed a “phenomenon” – his next signing of the summer.

He could be available for just £25m, which on the above evidence, is an absolute snip.

AND in other news, Arsenal in talks for “incredible” £34m deal, supporters will love it…

Manchester United are still ‘very much looking’ to bring Ajax winger Antony to the Premier League, talkSPORT’s Alex Crook has reported live on air on Wednesday afternoon.

The Lowdown: Antony links

The Red Devils were strongly linked with a move for the tricky Brazilian almost as soon as the summer transfer window opened, with his connection to Erik ten Hag of course playing a role.

The new Old Trafford boss praised Antony’s ‘incredible’ abilities back in March, as the winger racked up 12 goals and ten assists in 32 appearances across the 2021/22 campaign.

As Crook alludes to, ‘there’d been reports’ that United’s interest had cooled, with links even popping up from Liverpool, but the talkSPORT journalist now says a move to Old Trafford is still very much on.

The Latest: ‘A reliable source…’

Speaking live on the radio on Wednesday (via Twitter, 12:50), Crook claims ten Hag is ‘a big admirer’ of the 22 year-old and feels he can ‘add something’ to his side.

Crook says ‘I’ve had some information from a very reliable source’ and the deal is ‘very much still on’.

The price may be a ‘little bit less’ than the €70m (£59.6m) being reported in the Netherlands, he says.

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The Verdict: No brainer

Regardless of how impressive the likes of Jadon Sancho, Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford have been in pre-season, the Red Devils would be foolish not to reinforce ten Hag’s attacking ranks with this move.

Last season, that aforementioned trio scored a measly eight top-flight goals between them – that number even includes Martial’s games in La Liga with Sevilla.

Antony meanwhile has yet to his his prime and is already recording impressive numbers in front of goal, not to mention his connection with the manager should help him settle in England rather easily.

Dubbed a ‘sensational player in the making’ by popular Ajax news feed TheEuropeanLad, Antony fulfilling his potential in Manchester could form one of the cornerstones of ten Hag’s revolution.

Manchester United have approached Benjamin Sesko’s representatives ahead of a potential move to the Premier League, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Sesko profiled

The 19-year-old, who stands at 6 foot 5, is already a senior Slovenia international with 13 caps to his name.

The centre-forward has netted 36 goals for club and country during his career and has been dubbed “the new Erling Haaland” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig.

Sesko joined Red Bull Salzburg in 2019 and is under contract with the Austrian giants until 2026, but it looks as if he could be on the move in the coming weeks.

The Latest: Romano’s claim

Romano took to Twitter on Saturday evening to provide an update on United and Sesko.

He claimed that ‘approaches with player side’ have continued with the player definitely on the Red Devils’ list, although a transfer isn’t straightforward as Salzburg would ideally want to cash in on the teenager next year.

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The Verdict: Exciting

The Red Devils may well keep hold of Cristiano Ronaldo this summer despite plenty of talk over his future, although there will come a point where they will need to find a replacement for the marquee forward.

He will turn 38 in February, so securing a move for the promising Sesko now could be a brilliant piece of business in the long run.

The teenager appears to have an eye for goal and has already been compared to someone like Haaland, who also excelled at Salzburg; and who knows, securing a deal and loaning him back to the Austrian club could tempt them into doing business.

West Bromwich Albion manager Steve Bruce has delivered an injury update on the situation of striker Callum Robinson.

The Lowdown: Robinson’s injury concern

The Baggies kicked off their new Championship season with a 1-1 draw against Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium last weekend, but were without the services of the 27-year-old.

The Republic of Ireland international was forced off the pitch after sustaining an injury during his side’s pre-season friendly with Northampton Town last month, and has not featured since, causing concern surrounding his fitness.

The Latest: Bruce’s fitness update

Speaking after the game vs Boro (as quoted by the Express and Star), Bruce shared an update for West Brom fans on Robison’s current injury latest. He said:

“He took a knock against Northampton and he’s still a while off. It’s nothing serious, he’s been scanned, but it’s obviously enough to keep him out for a couple of weeks.”

The Verdict: Time to cash in

Robinson has already been the subject of plenty of transfer speculation in recent weeks, with a move away from the Hawthorns consistently talked about after suffering a lack of game time.

The 5 foot 10 talisman, once dubbed ‘perfect’ by Sky Sports commentator Don Goodman, has only made 16 appearances under Bruce since his arrival in February.

The injury coming into play, mixed with the fact that he was out of favour before being ruled out of action, will only push him even further down the pecking order upon his return to fitness, so the Baggies should consider cashing in and letting him leave the Midlands in the coming weeks.

Everton reportedly ‘watched’ Strasbourg striker Ludovic Ajorque on Saturday ahead of a potential move to the Premier League club.

The Lowdown: Good performance

Despite his team’s 2-1 defeat at home to AS Monaco in Ligue 1, the 28-year-old put in a good individual performance.

The 6 foot 6 colossus won five of his seven aerial duels and recorded a team-high three shots on goal and one key pass, despite coming off in the 66th minute (SofaScore).

The Latest: Everton ‘watched’ Ajorque

Taking to Twitter, journalist Pete O’Rourke has revealed that Everton, along with Leicester City and Brentford, ‘watched’ Ajorque over the weekend ahead of a potential move to England.

He stated: “Everton, Leicester and Brentford watched Strasbourg striker Ludovic Ajorque in action against Monaco in Ligue 1 on Saturday.”

The Verdict: Sign him

With Dominic Calvert-Lewin out injured, Everton need to bring in a striker of a similar mould, and Ajorque fits the bill with his physical stature and aerial threat.

Hailed as a ‘beast’ by journalist Alessandro Schiavone, the 28-year-old managed an impressive 12 goals and eight assists in Ligue 1 last season, and he has 81 goals in total over the course of his club career so far (Transfermarkt).

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Of course, it is a risk signing a player who has never played in the Premier League before, but Ajorque certainly seems like a striker who would relish the battles against English top-flight defenders, and he could want to prove himself in the division.

Nonetheless, this is a deal that the Toffees could get done fairly quickly for the right price.

Everton have reportedly been offered the chance to sign Marseille forward Bamba Dieng, with the Ligue 1 outfit seeking to move the youngster on this summer.

What’s the word?

According to L’Equipe (via Sports Witness), the Toffees are one of the clubs – alongside both Fulham and Newcastle United – who are ‘watching his situation’, albeit with it unclear at present if the Merseysiders do actually hold genuine interest.

The suggestion is that his current side are seeking out Premier League clubs whom they could potentially offload the Senegalese international to before the window closes, with the 22-year-old having been frozen out by new boss Igor Tudor.

The report suggests that those at the Stade Velodrome are holding out for around €15m-€12m (£13m – £11m) for the emerging prospect.

Lampard’s own Mane

Although the report outlines that the Goodison outfit are currently not considering a move for the 11-cap gem, it would appear somewhat foolish to turn their noses up at a player who would represent something of a bargain for Frank Lampard’s side.

With two defeats from two in the top-flight so far this season, one major issue has been the lack of a centre-forward due to the absence of Dominic Calvert-Lewin through injury, leaving Newcastle United target Anthony Gordon to feature in a makeshift striking role.

The absence of a real focal point could well harm the club’s chances of survival if no new addition is made before the September deadline, hence the need to turn to Dieng who can provide instant quality to Lampard’s forward line, as he has the versatility to feature both centrally and on the flanks.

The 5 foot 10 speedster scored eight goals and provided three assists in a breakthrough campaign in France last term, with only the now departed Richarlison having netted more times in all competitions among the Everton squad during the 2021/22 campaign.

Equally, the “explosive” marksman – as dubbed by Jorge Sampaoli – also appears set to go from strength to strength in the coming years, having even been dubbed the “new Sadio Mane” in his homeland, such are the expectations that he can emulate his compatriot.

That comparison is a hugely exciting one such is the devastating impact that Mane made for their Merseyside neighbours Liverpool, scoring 120 goals and providing 48 assists in 269 games in all competitions during his six-year spell at Anfield, while also winning a plethora of major honours in that time.

Now at Bayern Munich after joining the Bundesliga side on a £35m deal earlier this summer, the 30-year-old blossomed into a real superstar during his stint under Jurgen Klopp, with pundit Jamie Carragher labelling him as a “true Liverpool legend” upon his departure.

Those at Everton would likely jump at the chance to have a Mane-esque player in their ranks, hence the need to take the opportunity of signing young Dieng.

He is almost being handed to them on a plate…

Aston Villa have had a mixed start to their Premier League season. An opening day defeat to new boys Bournemouth was swiftly followed by an excellent 2-1 win against Frank Lampard’s Everton in a battle of the former England maestros.

Gerrard may have had a free reign during last term, where he arrived from Rangers midway through the season, but following an impressive summer transfer window, the Villa faithful won’t take kindly to poor performances.

The victory against Everton could well be the catalyst to kickstart their season, despite the side suffering an injury that may have severe ramifications.

Carlos replacement

Villa’s £26m summer signing Diego Carlos was taken off injured against the Toffees, with Gerrard admitting that he was “extremely worried” about the situation.

The Brazil international has ruptured his achilles tendon and now required surgery as he begins a significant period of rehabilitation and time on the sidelines.

As a result, it may prompt the manager to delve back into the transfer market and hunt for a replacement. One target who Gerrard should take another look at is Marseille defender Duje Caleta-Car, who Villa were linked with at the start of the summer.

Indeed, he could now be available at a bargain price too, with a fresh update regarding the player’s price tag last week suggesting Marseille are ‘inviting’ the defender to leave and have asked for €10m (£8.5m) in order to sell the defender.

An impressive season last year at the French club earned him “quality” praise from teammate Alvaro and it’s clear to see why.

Caleta-Car showed his quality by winning 1.3 aerial duels per match, making 0.8 tackles, and only being dribbled past on average of 0.1 times per game.

These stats prove that not only is the 25-year-old excellent in the air, but he also has the strength to prevent attackers from dribbling past him and these qualities will be what Gerrard is looking for in the absence of Carlos.

Still only 25 years old, there is significant potential for the player to keep developing and a move to the Premier League could work wonders for him.

Not only an astute defender, the Croatian possesses the ability to bring play out from the defence, an important facet of the game in the modern era. Compared to positional peers in the top five leagues, the Croatian ranks in the top 7% for progressive carries (5.22 per 90) and in the top 3% for passes attempted (79.44).

For the aforementioned price of £8.5m, Gerrard might not find anyone of this quality for a bargain fee and he could be the perfect Carlos replacement with the player seemingly now on the market.

Newcastle United are reportedly keeping tabs on Benfica starlet Goncalo Ramos, although face intense competition from other Premier League clubs for his signature.

What’s the word?

According to Sky Sports journalist Lyall Thomas, the Magpies have the 21-year-old “on the list” of possible striker targets this summer, albeit with Wolverhampton Wanderers also said to be keen on the Portuguese gem.

Writing on Twitter about that interest, the transfer insider stated: “Wolves are interested in signing Benfica striker Goncalo Ramos – also on the list at Newcastle. Jorge Mendes rumoured to have become involved with a prospective transfer into the UK.”

Recent reports have also suggested that Southampton are in talks for the 6 foot 1 marksman, with the forward set to be available for a fee of around £25m.

Ashworth must act

After the influx of new additions in January to help stave off relegation, it has been a more measured approach to the current window for the Tynesiders thus far, having made just three major signings – one of which was the permanent capture of Matt Targett after his loan spell last term.

With the northeast side wary of getting stung by exorbitant asking prices and potential Financial Fair Play regulations, there has as yet not been the wave of incomings that some might have expected under the uber-rich new owners.

Although that cautious manner can be commended, manager Eddie Howe has recently noted his “slight frustration” at the current market and his side’s inability to get an attacking addition through the door, with the 44-year-old left with the same forward line as last term.

Needing to appease his manager and strengthen the current squad, sporting director Dan Ashworth must surely act quickly with the remainder of the window fast approaching to try and secure a new recruit, with young Ramos seemingly an ideal candidate to bolster Howe’s options.

The £12.6m-rated sensation has been in sparkling form already this season, having scored five goals and provided three assists in just five games thus far, notably netting four times in the club’s Champions League qualification journey to date.

The prolific ace had netted eight goals and registered four assists for the Primeira Lige side in all competitions last term, while he also has 14 goals to his name in just 18 caps for Portugal at U21 level.

The youngster had also previously recorded “outrageous numbers” for the Lisbon outfit’s B team, in the words of talent scout Jacek Kulig, having registered 15 goals and six assists in 37 games.

Such a dynamic and deadly asset would offer genuine competition to current first-choice striker Callum Wilson, while also providing quality cover should the former Bournemouth man be struck down by injury once again.

With time running out as deadline day approaches, the aforementioned Ashworth must act quickly to secure such a highly-rated talent, particularly with rival interest mounting.

Newcastle United could be in line to make further moves in the transfer market before the window closes, following the recent addition of Alexander Isak.

What’s the word?

According to Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie – speaking to GIVEMESPORT – the Magpies could well be facing a busy end to the window, with manager Eddie Howe potentially set to add to the four major signings made already this summer.

The transfer insider stated on Friday: “Just a little thing I picked up this morning – I just feel it might be a little bit more frantic than perhaps what I thought a couple of weeks ago, because, obviously there are scans and a couple of injuries that the players have got that may change things somewhat. But we wait on the outcome of those results first.”

This follows the £59m capture of that man Isak, with the Tynesiders opting to splash the cash on the promising striker after previously walking away from a deal earlier in the summer due to concerns over the hefty financial package.

Howe will be delighted

News of more incomings will no doubt be well received by Howe, with the 44-year-old likely to be demanding even more investment despite the impressive recruitment completed thus far.

As Downie referenced, notable injury concerns have somewhat heightened the need for further additions, with the arrival of Isak likely influenced by yet more concerns surrounding the fitness of Callum Wilson.

The long-term absence of Jonjo Shelvey – who is expected to be unavailable until league action resumes after the World Cup – has also potentially sparked the need for a new recruit in the middle of the park, with resources somewhat stretched at present.

Recent reports have suggested that one possible target could be Celtic playmaker Matt O’Riley, with the 21-year-old potentially set to command a fee of around £15m-£20m should he be sold in the coming days.

Equally, strengthening the flanks has long been noted as a priority for the Magpies this summer, with Downie having previously suggested that a new winger and a striker could be brought in before the September 1st deadline, with the latter void subsequently filled by Isak.

A potential solution to the search for a wide attacker could be Leeds United’s Jack Harrison, with the Englishman having been heavily linked with a move to St James’ Park in recent months, albeit with any approaches thus far having been rebuffed.

It remains to be seen just what new additions – if any – are snapped up before the transfer window draws to a close, although Howe will no doubt be delighted that his squad could yet be bolstered even further.

After a somewhat measured approach at the start of summer in terms of transfer dealings, it looks as Newcastle could well be set for a far more frantic next few days.