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Former Scottish Premiership striker turned pundit Frank McAvennie has urged Giovanni van Bronckhorst to drop Malik Tillman for Glasgow Rangers.

The Lowdown: Poor Anfield showing

Tillman put in a poor performance last time out in the 2-0 loss away at Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday night.

The attacking midfielder recorded no shots on goal or dribbles, made just three accurate passes and only managed a mere 18 touches of the ball in total throughout the entire game (SofaScore).

He was heavily criticised for his work rate in the match, and so there are question marks over his form going into their clash at home to St. Mirren in the league on Saturday afternoon.

The Latest: Van Bronckhorst ‘has to drop’ Tillman

Speaking to Football Insider, McAvennie has claimed that Van Bronckhorst ‘has to drop’ Tillman ahead of their next fixture, and suggested that there may be an agreement with Bayern Munich that he has to play a certain number of games, which he dubbed ‘ridiculous’:

“He is not having the best of times at the moment.

“But there might be something in his agreement that he has got to play, which I think is ridiculous. If that is there the manager has to try and get it out of the contract because he has to drop him.

“Gio has got to be able to say, ‘you’re not playing well, you’re not playing’.“

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The Verdict: Take out of the firing line

Following Tuesday’s poor performance, Van Bronckhorst should be looking to take Tillman out of the firing line.

There is a lot of pressure to perform having come from a club like Bayern, and while he showed signs of early promise, with three goal contributions in August, he has only managed one assist since then (Transfermarkt).

Nonetheless, Tillman has only missed one match in both the league and Champions League combined so far this season, and so Saturday could be the best time to give him a rest.

When Leeds United parted with £11m in order to make Jack Harrison’s temporary stay at Elland Road a permanent move in the summer of 2021, many of the Elland Road faithful were well aware that Victor Orta had sealed the Whites an absolute steal.

Indeed, after the club confirmed their acquisition of the Manchester City winger on Twitter, hundreds of supporters flocked to share their delight at the news, with one stating their belief that the deal was “daylight robbery,” while another dubbed the former England U21 international’s signing a “bargain.”

And, considering the fact that the £25.2m-rated talent has already scored 29 goals and registered 25 assists over 172 appearances for Leeds – albeit with many of these goal contributions coming before the forward was made a permanent member of the Whites first team squad – it is not difficult to understand why supporters felt this way.

Indeed, following his signing last summer, the 25-year-old enjoyed a fine campaign in front of goal last season, scoring eight goals – including a last-minute winner against Brentford that all but secured Leeds’ top-flight status – over his 35 Premier League fixtures, with his performances reportedly catching the eye of both Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United.

However, with Orta reported to be demanding a figure of more than £60m in order to part with the former New York City starlet, Harrison remained at Elland Road upon the closure of the summer transfer window on September 1 – with Jesse Marsch’s side now believed to be eager to tie the £15k-per-week sensation down to a new deal in LS11 in order to fend off future interest.

And, considering his emphatic start to the 2022/23 campaign, it is no wonder the Whites are hoping to keep hold of the player who Hunter Godson dubbed “unbelievable” for as long as they can, with Harrison having already bagged one goal, registered three assists and created three big chances over his six Premier League fixtures so far this season.

These returns have seen the winger average a simply sensational SofaScore match rating of 7.22, not only ranking him as Leeds’ second-best performer in the league but also as the 36th-best player in the top flight of English football as a whole in the current campaign.

As such, considering his remarkable returns, coupled with the fact the Whites currently value the 25-year-old at a price 445% more than the £11m they paid for him last summer, it is clear to see that Orta very much hit the jackpot when bringing Harrison to Elland Road.

Nottingham Forest have made contact regarding the availability of Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah, according to a report in the last 48 hours.

The Lowdown: Falling out of favour

The centre-back made his breakthrough into Thomas Tuchel’s first team last season, clocking up 20 Premier League appearances, but the recent arrivals of Kalidou Koulibaly and Marc Cucurella have pushed him down the pecking order.

It’s been reported that the Blues are willing to let the 23-year-old leave on loan this summer, and following a fresh update, it sounds as if he won’t be short of potential suitors, with attention being drawn from the City Ground.

The Latest: Forest make Chalobah enquiry

90min report that Forest have ‘contacted’ Chalobah’s representatives over a potential move, and would be ‘interested’ in signing him if he enters the market.

The Reds are set to face stiff competition for his services though, with Leeds, Everton, Southampton, Inter Milan and Roma also name-checked.

It’s claimed that a permanent exit from Stamford Bridge would be ‘unlikely’ as a result of him still having four years left on his contract.

The Verdict: Niakhate replacement

Moussa Niakhate has now been ruled out of action with injury for a few months, so it makes sense that Steve Cooper is looking for a central defensive replacement, and Chalobah has all the qualities to be a rock at the heart of the boss’ backline.

The 6 foot 2 colossus, dubbed a ‘monster’ by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, averaged an impressive 90.6% pass success rate for Chelsea last season, alongside making 2.1 clearances and two tackles per top-flight game, via WhoScored.

The Reds have already signed Dean Henderson on loan from Manchester United, and Chalobah could be the next to follow in his footsteps and make the temporary move from a Premier League giant.

Sunderland are believed to be closing in on the signing of highly-rated Morecambe defender, Connor Pye, according to recent reports.

What’s the word?

As per Football Insider, the Black Cats are said to have ‘agreed a deal’ for the 18-year-old, having secured a ‘breakthrough’ in negotiations with the League One outfit for the promising left-back.

The report suggests that the teenager – who is said to have two years left on his current deal – is seemingly a player for the future at the Stadium of Light, as he is ‘unlikely’ to go straight into manager Alex Neil’s plans at senior level.

As per the report, the full-back was one of a number of players made ‘available for transfer’ by the shrimps earlier this summer due to financial restrictions, thus allowing the northeast side to pounce.

Neil should love it

Managing to secure the signing of a player who has been likened to Liverpool ace Andy Robertson would no doubt be a great source of delight for the Sunderland boss, with Neil set to love securing what would be a seventh major signing of the summer thus far.

Although Pye – who has made just a solitary senior outing for his current side – appears unlikely to make an impact for the Championship side this season, his capture could prove to be a notable coup in the longer term, having previously been linked with a move to Premier League outfit, Everton.

With Dennis Cirkin currently the only recognised left-back option in the first-team squad, it is not beyond the realms of possibility that the impressive starlet could force his way into the manager’s plans sooner rather than later, with depth undoubtedly needed in what will likely be a gruelling season.

A move for the Englishman will also help the club to move on from the disappointment of missing out on former loanee Nathan Broadhead, with the 24-year-old recently opting to join Wigan Athletic on a loan deal from the Toffees.

The forward had reportedly been targetted by Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman ahead of a potential return to the club, although has favoured a move to the Latics in search of more regular game time.

Getting another new arrival in the door in the form of Pye, however, could ensure that transfer failure is swiftly forgotten about, with Neil no doubt set to love the chance to help nurture such a well-regarded young talent.

Leeds United boss Jesse Marsch will be without one of his key summer signings when his side kick off the new Premier League campaign against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday afternoon…

What’s the latest?

The Yorkshire giants welcome the Midlands side to Elland Road to begin the 2022/23 season but the American head coach will not have the services of winger Luis Sinisterra after he picked up an injury in their pre-season friendly against Crystal Palace.

According to The Athletic’s Phil Hay, the £21m signing from Feyenoord will not be involved tomorrow.

Marsch did, however, provide some encouragement over his return during his pre-game press conference, hinting that he could be involved next week instead.

“Luis was on the pitch today, and looking very good, getting closer and closer to his top speed, so I would assume that he would be in training next week,” he said. “Hopefully available for the weekend after, let’s see.”

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Setback for Marsch

Whilst there are promising signs that the 23-year-old wide man will return in the near future, it will be a gutting blow to Marsch to not have him avaialble for this weekend’s encounter.

“It’s a blow because I think the Leeds United fans were desperate to see him,” claimed former Leeds striker Noel Whelan. “He’s that Raphinha replacement and someone with the skill to get you off the edge of your seat.

“It’s disappointing that he won’t be playing against Wolves, but it gives someone else a massive chance to come in and impress.”

Indeed, Raphinha was sold to Barcelona during the summer and his goals and creativity will be hard to replace. He was the only Leeds player to surpass double figures (11 goals) in the 2021/22 Premier League and led the squad for key passes created (1.9 per game), via WhoScored.

The sizeable investment in Sinisterra suggests that he was brought in to ease the void left behind by the Brazilian and it’s easy to see why as he delivered a whopping 23 goals and 14 assists across 49 appearances, as per Transfermarkt.

As he’s unavailable, Marsch may have to turn to the rarely-seen Crysencio Summerville, who was surprisingly handed the no.10 shirt, or he may well have to tinker his formation – that’s the last thing you want to do on the opening day.

The American will want to start the season with a bang by sealing three points against the Old Gold but Sinisterra’s absence creates a headache and as Whelan claims, it’s a big blow to the club right now.

AND in other news, Orta could seal perfect £40k-p/w “liability” heir as Leeds move for £12k-p/w “bargain”…

West Ham have submitted another bid for Lille midfielder Amadou Onana.

What’s the word?

That’s according to Sky Sports, who claimed that the Hammers have made offers for both Onana and Armando Broja.

The latest bid for the Belgian is thought to be around £32.3m plus add-ons. Lille are reportedly seriously considering the offer, having knocked back two bids prior to this one.

Supporters will love him

With Onana a tough-tackling midfielder with an eye for a pass, David Moyes could pull off another coup and add another high-quality operator to his ranks at the London Stadium, in what would be the Hammers’ fourth signing of the summer transfer window.

With many Irons supporters already big fans of both Declan Rice and Tomas Soucek, this prospective addition would only add to their collection of hulking midfielders with the ability to progress the play.

Onana was a regular for Lille last season, featuring in 31 Ligue 1 matches and all eight of their Champions League games.

He boasted an average SofaScore rating of 6.85 throughout the campaign, which is solid if unspectacular –  Soucek accumulated a 6.97 average rating.

During these 31 league games, the Lille youngster showed an appreciation for the dirty side of the game and has been hailed by football talent scout Jacek Kulig for some  “masterclass” performances.

He ranked in the 94th percentile for tackles per 90 among midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues, and West Ham supporters may well appreciate another midfielder with the ability to put in the hard graft out of possession.

Furthermore, he boasted a pass completion rate of 83.1% and made 2.95 progressive passes per 90. Whilst not the most forward-thinking midfielder, this shows that he still has an eye for a pass after he has won possession back.

His introduction could also add more freedom to the other midfielders currently at West Ham, allowing Soucek to return to his goalscoring form of the 2020/21 season and freeing up Rice to flex his creative muscles.

If Onana comes to the club and can improve those around him, or if he is anything like the Irons’ two regular central midfielders, then it should not take long for the 20-year-old to become a fan favourite in east London and light up the Premier League.

AND in other news – “West Ham have…”: Fabrizio Romano reveals huge transfer update that supporters will love

Newcastle United are fans of Sassuolo striker Gianluca Scamacca, The Daily Mail’s Simon Jones writes.

The lowdown

Newcastle are lining up alternative striker targets after talks with Reims’ Hugo Ekitike seemingly broke down.

23-year-old Scamacca signed a new contract with Sassuolo as recently as April, in the midst of a fine individual season.

Even though he didn’t start 13 of his side’s 38 Serie A matches, the £27million-rated full Italy international managed to score 16 Serie A goals.

The latest

Jones says that Newcastle ‘like’ Scamacca as an alternative to Ekitike, but they face fresh competition from Atletico Madrid.

And even Diego Simeone’s side, who have qualified for the Champions League, may not be able to persuade the player.

‘There is a feeling’ that the centre forward would prefer to remain in Serie A.

The verdict

Scamacca scored a goal every 134 minutes last season for a side that finished 11th in the table, and that’s very impressive.

He out-performed his xG of 10.8 by a full 5.2 and while some might argue that’s unsustainable, others would simply say it demonstrates his ruthlessness in front of goal.

And to further boost his reputation, he’s racked up seven caps for European champions Italy since his first call-up in the autumn of 2021.

Stylistically similar to Leicester City’s Jamie Vardy and AS Roma’s Tammy Abraham, he’s been called a ‘complete’ striker by former Italy Under-21 coach Luigi Di Biagio.

Newcastle should do all they can to persuade him if he turns out to be available for a reasonable price.

Newcastle United may be interested in a move Borussia Monchengladbach goalkeeper Yann Sommer, journalist Alex Crook has told GiveMeSport.

The lowdown

According to The Chronicle’s Lee Ryder, Eddie Howe is ‘exploring his options in terms of livening up the competition’ for Martin Dubravka’s number one spot next season.

The Slovakian missed the start of the 2021/22 campaign through injury but returned against Arsenal in November and started every Premier League match thereafter.

Sommer is valued at just £4.5m by Transfermarkt, with only 12 months remaining on his deal at Borussia Park.

The latest

Crook said that he has learned that Sommer may be one of the options under consideration at St James’ Park, telling Newcastle supporters to ‘keep an eye on that one’, with the Magpies potentially sensing the opportunity for a bargain deal for the 33-year-old.

He told GiveMeSport: “The name I was given this week was Yann Sommer at Monchengladbach, the Swiss international. He’s got a year left on his contract so wouldn’t cost a lot of money. I’d definitely keep an eye on that one.”

The verdict

Sommer is a vastly experienced goalkeeper, having made 262 Bundesliga appearances and racked up 74 caps for Switzerland.

He has earned some prestigious individual honours along the way, featuring in the 2019/20 Bundesliga Team of the Season and winning his country’s Player of the Year award in 2021.

There were rave reviews for the Monchengladbach man at last summer’s European Championship, with journalist Zach Lowy called the ‘amazing’ stopper ‘one of the most underrated goalkeepers of the past decade’. At the finals, he denied Kylian Mbappe from the spot as Switzerland knocked out France on penalties and made a string of saves in the quarter-final against Spain.

Dubravka could well have an almighty fight on his hands to keep his place if Sommer were to arrive on Tyneside.

In other news, this pundit reacts to significant injury news involving a Newcastle target 

West Bromwich Albion manager Steve Bruce has spoken in recent weeks about the potential transfer overhaul he’s looking to complete at the Hawthorns this summer.

One potential move that has been reported could see current Baggies defender Cedric Kipre leave the club this summer.

Since arriving at the club back in September 2020 from Wigan Athletic, the centre-back has made just 19 appearances for the Baggies across all competitions.

This latest season saw the 25-year-old appear just 14 times for his side in the Championship, the latest of which coming all the way back in January.

This shows just how much Bruce doesn’t fancy him and why it’s not a surprise to hear that the Baggies boss would be willing to see the Frenchman leave this summer.

Previously slammed for his “shocking” tackle on Rangers midfielder Ryan Jack that kept him sidelined for six months back in December 2017, Kipre may now be on the lookout for a new club to join.

In terms of who the Midlands side could look to bring in as a suitable replacement for the Frenchman, one figure the Baggies have been linked with that could fit the bill for Bruce is Blackburn Rovers defender Darragh Lenihan.

With a total of 219 appearances in the Championship under his belt, the 28-year-old certainly has more experience at this level than Kipre, who has just 88 games in the second division to his name.

This season saw the Irishman end Blackburn’s campaign with the second-highest number of interceptions (58) and third-highest number of tackles (43) to his name in the Lancashire club’s squad.

His overall performances earned him a season rating of 7.1/10 from WhoScored, making him Blackburn’s highest-rated player.

To put that into perspective, this rating would also put him as West Brom’s highest-rated player for the recent campaign.

To further highlight how impressive the £14k-per-week centre-back is, Rovers boss Tony Mowbray had this to say about him back in December.

He said: “He’s right at the top of his game, you can tell the way he’s dominating, he’s towering over players inches taller than him, his passing he looks so assured, long passing, short passing.”

Moving forward, with Lenihan’s contract at Ewood Park set to expire at the end of June, potentially cashing in on Kipre and securing the Blackburn star on a free transfer could be an excellent bit of business from Bruce and the Baggies.

In other news: Cost £0, sold for £15m: WBA sealed a big transfer masterclass with “quiet” 28 y/o flop

Reliable journalist Alan Nixon has revealed that Derby’s deal for Pride Park ‘still needs doing’, but has suggested that Chris Kirchner now has some ‘power’ behind the move.

The Lowdown: Kirchner confirms the deal is done

The Rams first entered administration last September amid ongoing financial problems at the club, but the American businessman was later named as the preferred bidder to swoop in and come to their rescue.

In a fresh update earlier this week, the 34-year-old expressed his delight in a Twitter post from his personal account confirming that the deal is done after exchanging contracts for the sale of the club with administrators Quantuma, with Kirchner now having until May 31 to complete the finer details after being granted conditional approval from the EFL.

However, it had previously been claimed by Sky Sports reporter Rob Dorsett that the new owner would be reluctant to proceed with the deal if he was unable to reach an agreement with Mel Morris over the sale of Pride Park, and Kirchner is still allowed to withdraw his plans to buy the club if he’s unhappy with the stadium situation.

The Latest: Nixon shares Pride Park update

When responding to a fan question on Twitter about whether the potential Pride Park roadblock would still be an issue in the takeover, Nixon wrote:

“The deal still needs doing… only thing is now Chris Kirchner has some power behind his move…”

The Verdict: Significant progress

The latest development means that the American is now funding the running of Derby, and that is hugely significant when it comes to the club being able to make progress in the short term.

Of course, there is still very much a chance that Kirchner could have a change of heart about making the final move if he fails to come to an agreement with Morris over Pride Park, but with every day that passes, it’s starting to look more and more likely that the takeover will be completed before the end of the month deadline.

As all of this is going on behind the scenes, Wayne Rooney will no doubt be starting to prepare his squad for their new chapter in League One where they will be hoping to make the immediate bounce back up to the Championship at the first time of asking.

In other news… a journalist has revealed that Derby are set to be handed a huge boost ahead of the start of the new season.