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Nottingham Forest have been linked with a move for Omar Richards, and now a reliable source has given an update on the club’s pursuit of the player this summer.

What’s the latest?

According to Midlands football reporter for The Daily Telegraph John Percy, Nottingham Forest are now in talks with Bayern Munich to sign Richards.

Percy took to Twitter to reveal the latest news:

“NFFC are in talks with Bayern Munich over a possible deal for left-back Omar Richards.

“Fee of around €10m being discussed, but Forest face competition from Lyon. Richards joined Bayern last May from Reading.”

Supporters will be excited

There is no doubt that Forest supporters will be excited to see even more new additions making a move to The City Ground this summer, as Steve Cooper and the club seem relentless in bolstering the squad in order to have their very best chance at competing in the Premier League next season.

Richards has not been given too many opportunities to show his potential in the Bundesliga with just five league starts, but has shown glimpses of his capabilities despite his lack of game-time.

Over 12 appearances in the German top-flight, the 24-year-old left-back had an impressive pass accuracy of 92% in his own half, making 1.6 tackles on average per game, winning the majority of his ground and aerials duels combined (61%) while being successful in an overwhelming majority of his dribble attempts (73%).

The Englishman who was hailed a “great prospect for the future” by journalist Jonathan Low, could continue his development back in England if Cooper can provide a starting spot and consistent game-time in his Forest team next season, which could help the player get back into the national team after only picking up one cap so far with the U21s.

It has been reported that the Forest manager is keen to add new wing-backs to his team and Richards could be the perfect signing to continue to increase that winning mentality and experience in the team with the player recently winning the Bundesliga and earning four appearances in the Champions League last season with Bayern.

With that being said, the signing of Richards could be a great opportunity for Cooper to further develop the player’s talents and capabilities in his newly-promoted team next season and if the manager can get the best out of him it could be a great piece of business for Forest’s future.

AND in other news: Priority deal: NFFC plot bid for “fearless” £15m “prospect”, Cooper will be buzzing

Leeds United correspondent Phil Hay has claimed the club could make three more signings this summer.

The Lowdown: Two huge exits

Victor Orta has been a busy man this summer, bringing in Brenden Aaronson, Rasmus Kristensen and Marc Roca at combined cost of just over £52m.

Andrea Radrizzani’s phone has also been ringing, with Leeds looking likely to lose Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha.

Leeds have agreed to an initial £42m fee with Manchester City for Phillips and a £60m-£65m total fee with Chelsea for Raphinha.

The Latest: Hay’s claim

Hay shared a story for The Athletic on Tuesday morning regarding how Leeds will recover from selling Phillips and Raphinha.

He claimed that ‘Phillips and Raphinha moving on could mean a total of six players coming in’ – with ‘a midfielder, a winger and a forward to follow’ to the three already signed.

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The Verdict: Camara, De Ketelaere and Gakpo?

Leeds have been heavily linked with three players in recent weeks who appear to fit Hay’s recent claim.

The Whites have apparently made ‘direct contact’ with the representatives of RB Salzburg midfielder Mohamed Camara and are in talks for PSV winger Cody Gakpo.

Hay has previously admitted that Leeds are also ‘serious’ about signing Club Brugge forward Charles de Ketelaere, so those three could well arrive in Yorkshire, with Leeds potentially using all the funds from pending Phillips and Raphinha sales.

Transfer insider Dean Jones has delivered his verdict on the Aston Villa pursuit of Wales superstar Gareth Bale. 

The lowdown: Villa interested

This comes following a report from The Guardian claiming that Villa, Tottenham and Newcastle United are all keen on the 32-year-old soon-to-be free agent, with Spurs since ruled out.

Bale is now certain to leave Real Madrid at the end of the month after nine years, 258 appearances and an incredible 19 major honours whilst in Spain.

Having earned qualification to the World Cup in Qatar later this year, the Cardiff-born attacker is expected to continue his playing career and has been linked with a return to his hometown club in recent days, but one informed onlooker hasn’t ruled out the Villans…

The latest: Bale to Villa?

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Jones has suggested that the 105-cap Wales international would be a worthwhile addition to Steven Gerrard’s squad… if he can get his mind right.

He said: “The only thing I’d say is there’s not that sentiment value there that we seem to get the impression he’s looking for. Gareth Bale is at his best when there’s passion involved, and when he genuinely cares about it.

“His Wales performances and his body language and everything is so different than from when he was at Real Madrid. And I know he says that’s not all him, and it was the club and the way he was treated, but it’s got to be on him too because we can see how he’s performing. So, I think it’d be a good signing.”

The verdict: Don’t do it

Albeit a player blessed with undoubted and seemingly unwavering quality based on his recent international exploits, the one-time speedster has been forced to alter his style and now operates in a different manner, thus rendering a return to the rigours of Premier League football an unsuitable fit.

Last season, the Welshman played just 290 minutes and scored only one goal for Madrid, far removed from Bale’s previous campaigns that have seen the left-footed sensation amass 322 direct goal contributions in 540 senior appearances.

Lauded for a ‘different class’ display by journalist Lee Harpin whilst providing two assists, creating five big chances and making three clearances during the 2-0 victory over Turkey at Euro 2020, Bale can certainly still perform at the top level but Gerrard and Johan Lange should be looking at younger, more reliable options to bolster the Villa Park squad.

Tottenham Hotspur have discovered the fee they will need to pay in order to land Seko Fofana this summer.

What’s the word?

That’s according to a report by French media outlet Foot Mercato (via Sport Witness), who claim that RC Lens will be demanding a figure in the region of €40m (£34m) in order to part with the central midfielder this summer, with Spurs and Newcastle United thought to be the most interested Premier League clubs in the 27-year-old.

Indeed, previous reports revealed that Fabio Paratici had sent scouts to watch the Ivory Coast international in action for Lens earlier this season, with Tottenham said to strongly appreciate the profile of the former Manchester City player.

Conte’s next Barella

Considering just how impressive Fofana was for Lens last season, in addition to it being reported that Conte is hoping to add two new central midfielders to his ranks this summer, it is not difficult to understand why Paratici would be interested in a move to bring the Ivorian to north London ahead of the club’s upcoming Premier League campaign.

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Indeed, over his 38 Ligue 1 appearances in 2021/22, the £22.5m-rated talent was in imperious form, scoring eight goals, registering one assist and creating three big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 2.6 shots, making 1.1 key passes and completing 2.1 dribbles per game.

Furthermore, according to FBref data, the £20k-per-week Fofana also ranks in the top 1% of midfielders in Europe’s big five leagues for shots per 90, as well as the top 2% for dribbles completed, the top 3% for non-penalty xG, the top 6% for non-penalty goals, the top 10% for progressive carries and the top 18% for passes completed over the last 365 days.

These returns see FBref compare the player who Matteo Bonetti dubbed “stunning” and Zach Lowy labelled a “phenom” to some of the most talented midfielders currently playing the game, such as Inter Milan’s Nicolo Barella, Manchester City duo Bernardo Silva and Ilkay Gundogan and Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong.

As such, should Paratici go on to seal a deal for Fofana in the coming weeks, Conte could well have unearthed his next Barella at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium – a prospect that is sure to entice both the 52-year-old manager and supporters of Spurs alike.

AND in other news: “Spurs have…”: Alasdair Gold now drops big transfer update that supporters will love

Pundit Paul Robinson believes Leeds United right-back Luke Ayling will sign a new Elland Road contract.

The Lowdown: Ayling and Kristensen

Ayling underwent knee surgery towards the end of May and is expected to be out for two to four months. It looks as if the 30-year-old is in a race against time to return for the start of Jesse Marsch’s first full season in charge, with Leeds acting in the transfer window as a result.

The Whites have signed Rasmus Kristensen from RB Salzburg, and Robinson has now made a claim on Ayling, who is entering the final 12 months of his Elland Road deal.

The Latest: Robinson’s claim

Robinson, who contributes for Sky Sports, was talking to MOT Leeds News regarding Ayling’s future.

He believes the full-back will ‘extend his contract’ and labelled him as a ‘quality’ member of the Leeds squad.

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“No, he’s signing. He’s signing for an extra year to extend his contract.

“In the last two or three seasons, he’s been one of Leeds’ regular top-performers.

“You’re going to have to do well to replace anyone like that and you give them another two or three-year deal.

“You give him a chance to recover from his injury because you’re going to need him with the type of budget Leeds have in the Premier League.

“They’re not going to get better than what they’ve got in Luke Ayling.

“He’s got quality, he can play anywhere across the back-four and for me, he and Stuart Dallas are the most reliable, dependable players Leeds have got.

“He’s a leader on the field and a voice. He was a man among boys at times this season when they struggled and he’s so versatile. He’s almost irreplaceable and you give him a new contract regardless of what length it is.”

The Verdict: Interesting

With Kristensen coming in and youngster Cody Drameh impressing on loan at Cardiff City last season, it will be interesting to see what Leeds have in store for Ayling over the next 12 months.

Given Ayling’s injury, you’d expect that Kristensen will take over as first-choice on the right after the club spent £11.7m on his services, while Drameh appears to be a star in the making, winning multiple awards in Wales.

There’s no denying that Ayling has been an incredible servant in Yorkshire, making 220 appearances, however, there will eventually come a time when he moves on from Elland Road, and that could well be next summer even if Robinson doesn’t think so.

In other news: ‘Big…’ – The Athletic drop significant update on Raphinha potentially leaving Leeds

Nottingham Forest have joined the race for highly-rated Canadian striker Cyle Larin.

What’s the word?

That is according to Turkish outlet TurkiyeGazetesi, via Nottingham Forest News.

As per the report, Larin has deleted anything to do with Besiktas on his instagram account, with his contract set to expire at the end of this month.

The soon-to-be free agent opted against extending his deal with Besiktas and has attracted interest from Olympiacos, with the Greek side thought to be in pole position as things stand.

As per Transfermarkt, Larin is rated at around £9m and within their current rumours tab, there is a 43% chance that the Canadian opts to ply his trade in the Greek Super League.

Imagine him and Johnson

Since bursting onto the scene with Orlando City in the MLS, Larin’s consistent haul of 12 or more goals across three full seasons saw him secure a move to Besiktas, where he seized his opportunity with the club after a loan spell in Belgium.

His return of 19 goals and six assists in 38 Super Lig games in the 20/21 season was demonstrative of his ability and potency in front of goal.

And whilst he is quick, his strength in holding up play could make him an integral addition to the Tricky Trees’ front-two partnership with Brennan Johnson.

Cooper’s side are expected to start the Premier League in their tight-knit 3-4-1-2 system, which has proven to be a safe choice for a newly promoted team, with Brentford perhaps the best example of recent times.

With Johnson’s creative ability, having managed ten assists among his 28 attacking returns in the Championship last season, he could operate as a floating striker and create chances for the more bolshy asset in Larin.

Dubbed “big and strong” by John Welsh on Twitter and as a “predator” in the box by John Herdman, the 92-goal striker would be the brawn in what could prove to be a mischievous Premier League strike force.

In other news: Nottingham Forest plot bid for “electrifying” £3m magician, he can be Cooper’s Sancho 

Reliable journalist Ryan Taylor has now shares some big transfer news on reported Newcastle United target Moussa Diaby.

The Lowdown: Diaby eyed

It has been widely reported that the St. James’ Park outfit are eyeing up a potential move for Diaby this summer.

It is certainly no surprise to see the interest given the season that he has had at Bayer Leverkusen, where he managed to score no fewer than 17 goals and supply a further 14 assists in total across all competitions, mainly operating from the flanks (Transfermarkt).

The Latest: Not for sale

Taking to Twitter, Taylor has revealed that Diaby is ‘not for sale’ after talking to Leverkusen director Simon Rolfes:

“Sat down with Bayer Leverkusen director Simon Rolfes, who told me NUFC target Moussa Diaby is not for sale.”

The Daily Express journalist shared the following comments made by Rolfes when asked if Diaby could leave:

“We want to keep Moussa for as long as possible. We have no offers & aren’t looking for them at the moment.”

The Verdict: Big blow

It would be a big blow if the North East club were to miss out on signing Diaby this summer.

Morade Djeddi, the president of his first club Esperance Paris 19e, has claimed that the France international has a ‘supernatural, divine gift’, evidenced by his form in front of goal.

He has been praised by German media for his ‘amazing’ dribbling, ‘irresistible’ pace and ‘astonishing’ speed of thought, and was even dubbed ‘unstoppable’ after scoring one goal and setting up another in a crushing 4-0 win over Borussia Monchengladbach (Bundesliga).

Diaby and Allan Saint-Maximin could form a quite deadly duo on either wing for the Magpies, but it looks like this is one PIF will have to re-visit some time in the future.

In other news, find out what significant NUFC transfer update has now been dropped here!

Former Premier League striker Noel Whelan has made a claim involving Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou’s future. 

The lowdown: Unbridled success

Since taking over the managerial reins a year ago following the departure of Neil Lennon, Postecoglou has been a breath of fresh air in Glasgow.

The 56-year-old has transformed the fading fortunes at Parkhead and guided the Bhoys to the Premiership title, having lost their grip on the crown in 2021.

Coupling smart recruitment with an impressive tactical nous, the Australian has proven to be a sensational appointment and one that the club will surely be desperate to tie down beyond a current 12-month rolling contract.

The latest: Whelan urges Postecoglou contract offer

Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan has implored the Celtic hierarchy to offer Postecoglou a lengthy deal after the 56-year-old recently exclaimed that the Hoops are ‘everything I’ve ever wanted in a football club’.

The former BBC radio host said: “I think you always want that security in place with a manager. That way, he knows he has the backing to go into the transfer market and build the club over a number of seasons.

“He had a fantastic season and shut up a lot of doubters. I was one of them – I had no idea who he was when he came in. It was shambolic at the time, but he’s had an unbelievable first season – his transfer business has been spot on.

“He’s in a really strong position. I’m sure all the Celtic fans would love it if he signed a two or three-year deal.”

The verdict: No-brainer

Appointed as somewhat of a risk having never managed in Europe previously, Postecoglou has certainly silenced his detractors in his first year in Scotland.

Not only has the experienced coach guided Celtic back to Scottish top-flight glory after looking devoid of inspiration under Lennon in the latter stages of the Northern Irishman’s reign, he also ensured a return to the Champions League group stage and with it the ensuing financial windfall.

These feats alone should be enough to offer Postecoglou a lucrative new deal, along with full backing in the upcoming transfer window, having already proven to be an astute market operator.

In other news: Ex-Scotland manager makes Celtic transfer claim

Transfer insider Dean Jones has made a claim regarding Leeds United and the pursuit of Red Bull Salzburg midfielder Brenden Aaronson. 

The lowdown: Leeds nearing Aaronson swoop

This comes as Leeds edge closer toward making the USA international their first summer signing, having secured survival in the Premier League on the final day of the 2021/22 season.

The Whites are expected to make the 21-year-old a £28m addition to the Elland Road ranks as Jesse Marsch looks to bolster the ranks in Yorkshire.

Aaronson has already made 25 appearances under the 48-year-old during their time together in Austria, and one reputable journalist has pointed out the importance of a prospective reunion between the two…

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The latest: ‘Very significant’

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones suggested that a reunion between Aaronson and Marsch could be pivotal to Leeds’ plans for the future under their current manager.

He stated: “Ultimately, if they can get Brenden Aaronson through the door quickly, that’s a player who’s very, very significant to where Jesse Marsch wants to take this team.”

The verdict: Smart business

Previously a target for Leeds under the stewardship of Marcelo Bielsa, it’s clear that the 18-cap USA international is a huge favourite with the Elland Road hierarchy, and director of football Victor Orta in particular.

The New Jersey native scored six times and provided 10 assists in 41 outings across all competitions for Salzburg this season and will be hoping to rekindle similar form if he links up with Marsch once more in Yorkshire.

The versatile ex-Philadelphia Union youngster won 4.6 duels, took two shots and completed 1.6 key passes per game during the Austrian Bundesliga campaign, earning an impressive overall rating of 6.88 from Sofascore.

Tipped to become a ‘top class’ operator by MLS journalist Chris Smith in 2019, Aaronson is clearly on an upwards career trajectory, and he would seem like a superb addition to the Leeds squad at the mooted price for a player with such a high ceiling.

In other news: Phil Hay claims Leeds are now working on move for ‘confident’ defender; club have already approved his sale

Crystal Palace have had their hopes of re-signing Conor Gallagher boosted, but not in the way you would expect.

What’s the word?

As per a report from The Athletic’s Matt Woosnam, Gallagher could well find himself on loan next season, with his immediate prospects at Chelsea questioned.

In The Athletic’s Crystal Palace match-day discussion, Woosnam said:

“I’m not sure Gallagher gets into that Chelsea team, but then perhaps they’ll set up in a way that suits him better than the slightly more defensive outlook Palace have had in the last couple of months that doesn’t play to his strengths.

“Would not be surprised to see him back out on loan somewhere.”

Great news for Palace

If Gallagher is to head out on a second consecutive loan spell, Vieira’s side should be among the favourites to secure his services once more.

22-year-old Gallagher has built on the glimpses of potential he showed at West Brom the season prior and has shone on the platform that the Eagles have granted him.

It’s been a breakout season for the young midfielder, with his eight goals and three assists a by-product of the emphatic displays he has put in for the Selhurst Park side.

In that time, he has shown maturity in his playstyle and well-roundedness in terms of his ability to occupy more defensive roles in a slightly-tweaked tactical shape.

His form has earned him three caps for England, and in a World Cup year, he will surely want to play it safe in familiar surroundings with guaranteed game time.

He’s been integral to the Eagles’ progress this season, ranking as the second-highest goal scorer at the club, as well as the second-highest assist creator with a combined total of 11 attacking returns.

With Palace’s reported intent of signing a defensive midfielder, the 22-year-old could be granted even more attacking freedom. So, from Gallagher’s perspective, why would you not want to return to a club who are undergoing an exciting transitional project under Vieira, and could bolster your prospects of making England’s World Cup squad?

A second loan spell at the side would be best for both parties.

In other news: CPFC plotting bid to sign “outrageous” 19 y/o “huge talent”, he’s Gallagher 2.0…