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This article is part of Football FanCast’s Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news…

According to David Ornstein at The Athletic, Wolverhampton Wanderers could go back in for Diego Llorente in the January transfer window.

It would certainly soften the blow to losing Willy Boly, but also, it gives manager Nuno Santo an opportunity to atone for a previous mistake.

Watch Wolverhampton Wanderers Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

What’s the word?

Ornstein suggests that the 26-year-old very nearly signed for the club during the summer, having been given a personal presentation of the local area and the club.

Wolves eventually ended their pursuit and opted for a temporary loan deal with fellow Spaniard Jesus Vallejo instead.

The Euro U21 winning captain has struggled to adapt to life in the west Midlands and has made just one start in the Premier League – fans have certainly made their thoughts clear on his abilities, and it is far from positive.

Llorente has played nine La Liga matches this term, starting at centre-back in each despite possessing versatile characteristics.

Correcting his ways

Nuno has recently been faced with the devastating loss of mainstay defender Boly after the 28-year-old broke his fibula during training last month, but in his absence, he has made a few surprising decisions.

The Portuguese boss first experimented with Matt Doherty in the centre for one half against Newcastle United, and last time out saw midfielder Leander Dendoncker feature the entire match in the role.

That’s even despite having Vallejo and Max Kilman available, who are both natural centre-backs.

Check out a hilarious review of Wolves’ new ‘Mexico’ kit in the video below…

It is clear to see that Nuno has a severe lack of faith in the young Real Madrid man, so these links to Llorente could be the 45-year-old trying to make amends for choosing the wrong Spaniard in the summer.

The Real Sociedad regular is described as a player who possesses ‘excellent positioning’ and considerable strength in the air – with a passing accuracy of 87.6% and an average of 2.8 aerial duels won per game this season, he could well be an ideal target for the west Midlands outfit.

Transfermarkt rate the defender at £22.5m as his value has been ever-increasing since he joined the Basque Country club.

You know that saying about lightning never striking twice?Well that seems to be what Nottingham Forest fans are praying doesn’t happen this weekend, but instead of lighting, they’re on about the rain.Having seen their last home game against Reading postponed because of the weather, fans are concerned they might have another home match in jeopardy.And with weather warnings in place just north of Nottingham, you never know if that rain is going to make its way a little bit further south over the coming days to put the game at risk, because let’s face it, you never truly know what the weather’s going to do in this country.So when Forest put out a ‘hype’ tweet (probably the best word for it) ahead of this weekend’s clash with Derby County, there was just one thing on the minds of the fans.Part of you thinks that this is due to the international break coming up, otherwise, there will be three weeks without Forest playing a game and they might end up having withdrawal symptoms.Watch Nottingham Forest Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

Although imagine the ridicule that would come their way from Derby County fans if they had two home games in a row called off. So maybe it’s more about saving face rather than saving the game.

Ipswich Town supporters will be looking forward to their side getting back to Premier League action after the lengthy international break has finished, with plenty of positives to take away from their last league game which ended in a 1-1 draw with Marco Silva's Fulham.

The Tractor Boys will aim to pick up their first three points soon in the testing division, but will know there are no charitable sides in such an intense league, with Brighton and Hove Albion away from home the next tricky clash awaiting the Suffolk underdogs.

Kieran McKenna would have taken many plus points from the home draw with Fulham to move forward with, happy that new recruit Liam Delap is now up and running in an Ipswich shirt after scoring the opener against the Cottagers.

Liam Delap's transfer to Ipswich

Fresh off multiple loan spells at EFL clubs, this major move to Ipswich – which sees Delap leave behind the comforts of Manchester City permanently – will be the ultimate test of the 21-year-old's character and talent.

Quiet in the opening two league contests in terms of goal contributions, Delap finally got the monkey off his back by scoring his first Ipswich goal last time out.

Placing a wonderful shot past Bernd Leno following a lightning-quick burst of pace which saw the Cottagers back off him, everyone with associations to Portman Road will hope that Delap can now go on a run of scoring important goals to help his team move away from the dreaded bottom three positions.

Costing a bumper £20m to acquire, the pressure will be on the ex-Man City wonderkid to deliver, with a significant wad of cash being splashed on his services.

He could well have been helped in his mission to affirm his status as Ipswich's new main man up top if the Tractor Boys had managed to secure a deal for Dennis Praet.

Dennis Praet's failed move to Ipswich

As per journalist Graeme Bailey, Ipswich – among a whole host of other lower Premier League outfits – had an opportunity to snap up Dennis Praet this summer on a free transfer after he walked away from Leicester.

Praet has now headed back to his native Belgium with Royal Antwerp, but the likes of Ipswich, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Fulham and many more just couldn't strike up a deal for the forgotten former Foxes man to join their respective clubs.

Praet could well have given McKenna's men another versatile body capable of cutting defences open with a killer through ball or pass, picking up six assists from the central midfield positions at the King Power Stadium from 38 games.

Capable of also playing further forward in an attacking midfield capacity, and all across many different positions in the forward areas, he could well have linked up with Delap well on his potential arrival to Portman Road, having notched up 15 goals and 21 assists in an attacking midfield spot for Anderlecht before a £18m move to Leicester occurred in 2019.

CM

133

6

12

AM

127

20

24

LM

40

7

11

RM

17

0

3

RW

14

1

0

LW

7

1

2

DM

3

0

0

SS

2

0

0

Labelled as "outstanding" by former Foxes boss Brendan Rodgers when the now Celtic manager was still situated at the King Power, moving to Ipswich would also have allowed Praet to redeem himself in the English game, having picked up just one paltry assist last season in league action under Enzo Maresca.

McKenna does have a knack of getting more out of talents who have been thrown to the footballing scrap heap, but Ipswich will have to make do with what they have now, as the Premier League gets back underway very soon.

Ipswich hit gold selling hero who'd be worth more than Szmodics in 2024

Ipswich Town sold this former star on for some big profit.

ByKelan Sarson Sep 8, 2024

Daniel Farke’s top midfield target for Leeds United this summer has just rejected a new contract and will now be available for free in nine months as things stand.

The Yorkshire side had a very busy but stressful summer transfer window, but that hasn’t affected them on the pitch, as they have made a strong start to the campaign, remaining unbeaten in their opening four league matches.

Leeds' new signing is already not in Farke's good books as dispute emerges

Leeds United’s new signing has already caused a dispute with manager Daniel Farke.

2 ByBrett Worthington Sep 3, 2024 Leeds United’s transfer window

Most of Leeds’ transfer window was spent worrying about which player they were going to lose next, as the club saw Archie Gray, Crysencio Summerville, Luis Sinisterra, and Georginio Rutter leave and sign for Premier League teams.

Those departures brought a lot of money to the club, and Leeds used that to add eight new players to their squad as they look to end their stay in the Championship. One of the players that they brought in was midfielder Ao Tanaka, who joined from German side Fortuna Düsseldorf.

Joe Rodon

Tottenham

Largie Ramazani

UD Almeria

Jayden Bogle

Sheff Utd

Ao Tanaka

F. Düsseldorf

Isaac Schmidt

FC St. Gallen

Alex Cairns

Salford City

Manor Solomon (Loan)

Tottenham

Joe Rothwell (Loan)

Bournemouth

The 25-year-old has only featured once for Leeds so far, but it has come to light that Tanaka has caused a dispute at Leeds. It emerged on Tuesday that Tanaka was never “first choice” for the Yorkshire side in the summer transfer window, as they went for him after missing out on another target.

The hierarchy decided to move for Tanaka, which was a decision that didn’t please Farke, and that has caused a dispute between the Leeds boss and the people above. Tanaka had less than a year left to run on his contract at Düsseldorf, and given he refused a new contract, the German side were an easier outfit to negotiate with. However, there may be good news for Leeds, as their top target will soon be available after the latest developments.

Farke’s main Leeds target refuses new contract

FC Koln sporting director Christian Keller has revealed that midfielder Dejan Ljubicic has refused to sign a new contract at the German club, and given his contract expires at the end of the season, he will soon become a free agent just nine months from now.

This is potentially good news for Farke and Leeds, as it was reported during the summer that the Yorkshire side tabled a bid worth £3.4 million to sign Ljubicic, which explains who the manager's first choice target was before getting rejected and moving on to Tanaka.

The 26-year-old already has two goals and two assists in four Bundesliga 2 games, but while Koln try and tie him to a new contract, the player just wants to concentrate on his football.

Keller said on Ljubicic’s situation: “I didn't have to do a lot of convincing. There is always a lot written about a transfer period. The fact is: Dejo has not changed. The fact is: Dejo likes to be there. It's also a fact that he's playing well.

"Dejo and I have addressed this very openly, already at the beginning of the pre-season in the training camp and now again recently. His position at the moment is that he wants to concentrate on the season and play the football he can play again."

Chelsea have reportedly just opened talks to sign an interesting new target, who may even prefer to link up with Enzo Maresca over joining a rival elite European suitor.

Chelsea make moves for Toney and Osimhen in late summer surge

The west Londoners, as widely claimed, are in the market for a high-profile new goalscorer – as Todd Boehly and BlueCo attempt to end what has been another busy summer transfer window with real gusto.

Chelsea tell £170k-p/w star's agent they're happy to pay his release clause

Chelsea are eying a last minute transfer swoop, but they’ve got some convincing to do…

ByBrett Worthington Aug 27, 2024

Chelsea have already officially completed the signings of Joao Felix, Mike Penders, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Marc Guiu, Renato Veiga, Estevao Willian, Filip Jorgensen, Tosin Adarabioyo, Aaron Anselmino, Caleb Wiley, Omari Kellyman and Pedro Neto – spending a total of around £271 million (including their £51m deal for Estevao, who'll join in 2025).

Despite their 12 confirmed summer arrivals, there is another position which Maresca and co are eager to strengthen before the transfer window cut-off on August 31. Indeed, a flurry of reports in the last few weeks have shared that Chelsea remain in the market for a talismanic new number nine.

The Blues were heavily reliant on both Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson for the majority of their goals last campaign, with both players scoring a combined 43 goals in all competitions throughout 2023/2024.

What many believe Chelsea are missing, though, is a reliable and proven target man, to both lead the line and provide Maresca with a prolific new option up top. This has apparently prompted co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley to cast their eyes on two big-name targets late in the window, with both Brentford striker Ivan Toney and Victor Osimhen on their radar.

Appearances

25

Goals

15

Assists

3

Shots Per 90

3.86

Key Passes Per 90

1.05

Successful Take-Ons Per 90

0.73

via WhoScored

The Telegraph are among many outlets to report that Chelsea have made a late inquiry for Toney, as a deal for Osimhen hangs in the balance and could go either way.

Toney has been subject to late interest from the Saudi Pro League, but Chelsea can offer the England international Premier League football, which may well be tempting for him despite the riches available abroad.

Chelsea have been in talks over a deal for Osimhen since late July, but the Nigerian's transfer would be an expensive and complicated one financially. While Boehly and co weigh up their best options up front, there is also the matter of Raheem Sterling and his future.

Chelsea open talks to sign Jadon Sancho in Raheem Sterling swap deal

Sterling has been deemed surplus-to-requirements by Maresca, and Man United have been named as a very credible potential new home for the 29-year-old.

This has allegedly opened up the possibility of Chelsea making a surprise late swoop for United outcast Jadon Sancho, and it is something they're very much considering.

According to The Daily Mail, and other outlets this week, Chelsea are in talks with Man United over a swap deal involving Sancho and Sterling. The £250,000-per-week winger may also prefer to join them over Serie A giants Juventus, who have also registered a last-gasp interest in the 24-year-old's services.

This interesting new development indicates that Maresca could add blockbuster new names to his ranks both in the striker position and out wide, with there proving to never be a dull day at Stamford Bridge.

Newcastle United appear set to make it a double raid on Serie A as they look to add to the imminent arrival of Sandro Tonali by bringing in Federico Dimarco.

Widespread reports on Wednesday suggested Newcastle are increasingly confident of bringing in Tonali for a fee in the region of £60m, but the ambitious Magpies are not likely to stop there.

Newcastle transfer news – Dimarco a target for Ashworth

According to NUFC Blog, Newcastle sporting director Dan Ashworth has not just flown to Italy to speak to AC Milan about a deal for Tonali, but also Inter Milan regarding a move for Dimarco.

It would be quite the coup for Newcastle should they pull off the transfer, as Dimarco is a player who has been touted as a €35m (£30m) target for Real Madrid and Manchester United this summer.

The ten-cap Italy international still has three years to run on his San Siro contract, so Inter will not feel obliged to sell unless their valuation is met in full.

Where would Federico Dimarco fit in at Newcastle United?

It is no secret that Eddie Howe is after a new left-back this window to rival – or more likely replace – Dan Burn for the 2023-24 season and beyond. While Burn largely did a good job there last season, the fan favourite is not expected to start there in the Champions League next season.

Kieran Tierney had been strongly linked with a switch from Arsenal to St James' Park, but news on that front has gone quiet of late and it now appears Dimarco is Howe's favoured option.

It is clear to see why, too, as Dimarco played a big part in Inter's run to last season's Champions League final, starting ten of their 13 games – including the full 90 minutes of the 1-0 defeat to Manchester City in Istanbul.

Dimarco can play left-back and also left wing-back given his attacking nature, highlighted by his eight goals for Inter in all competitions last season. Indeed, The Analyst ranks the Italian in the top 2% of all defenders last term for goals scored across Europe's top five leagues last season.

No defender across Serie A, Ligue 1, LaLiga, Bundesliga and the Premier League performed better than Dimarco in terms of shots, touches in the opposition penalty box and chances created.

To put those figures into some perspective, Dimarco's 0.20 goals per 90 minutes last season, as per FBref, compares to 0.05 for Burn, who was also occasionally used at centre-back.

Dimarco assisted ten goals last season, meanwhile, whereas Burn did not set up a single goal, while the Inter defender's 2.01 shots per 90 minutes compares to 0.67 for Burn.

The former Hellas Verona loanee is also a threat in terms of his deliveries, much like Kieran Trippier on the opposite flank, earning praise from European football expert Carlo Garganese for his "world-class" crosses and set-pieces.

That is not to say Burn does not have his own qualities in other areas, and the same is true of Dimarco in terms of his weaknesses.

For example, Burn wins 2.43 aerial duels per 90 minutes, compared to 0.23 for Dimarco, while the latter is also second best in terms of tackles won (0.98 v 1.07) and blocks (0.80 v 1.21).

Ultimately, Howe must decide whether he wants to be cautious on that side of the pitch or integrate a player into the team capable of getting even more out of the likes of Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson. Should he go with the latter option, this move would no doubt be bad news for their current towering full-back.

In an exciting new era at St James' Park with Champions League football set to return, Dimarco is surely the man for Howe to go for.

Newcastle United are interested in completing a move for Barcelona winger Raphinha this summer after qualifying for next year's Champions League, according to reports…

What's the latest on Raphinha to Newcastle?

According to Spanish outlet Sport – via TEAMtalk – the 'first approach' has been made by Magpies technical director Dan Ashworth to sign the 26-year-old, who joined La Blaugrana from Leeds United for £55m last season.

The Brazilian is said to be reluctant to leave Catalonia but Newcastle are undeterred and hoping to enter formal negotiations over the coming weeks as manager Eddie Howe looks to bolster the ranks ahead of next term.

Xavi's LaLiga champions have made it clear, however, that they will only agree to a deal if their €80m (£69m) valuation is met, meaning Newcastle would have to break their transfer record to seal a deal.

Should Newcastle sign Raphinha?

Despite exceeding expectations and securing a fourth-placed finish in the Premier League this season, Howe is hardly going to rest on his laurels and will look to make waves in the transfer market this summer to consolidate their newfound stature.

While the Toon concluded the 22/23 league season with the joint-best defence, they finished sixth in the goal-scoring charts and signing someone like Raphinha could be the optimum way to increase the flow.

The Brazilian registered 22 direct contributions from 50 outings in Spain this term as his prestigious side secured the league title and would undoubtedly bring the side of prolific dynamism Howe craves to bridge the gap on the likes of Manchester City and Arsenal, who waged a spectacular title fight this year.

As per FBref, the 16-cap star ranks among the top 13% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for rate of assists, the top 15% for shot-creating actions, the top 10% for passes attempted, the top 22% for progressive carries and the top 3% for progressive passes received per 90, drawing parallels between his game and Arsenal prodigy Bukayo Saka's.

The 21-year-old England international, who like Raphinha loves to cut inside from the right channel onto his left, was arguably the offensive centrepiece of the Gunners' title-chasing campaign, scoring 14 goals and supplying 11 assists in the Premier League and ranking himself among the top 10% of positional peers for progressive carries and the top 2% for progressive passes received.

Hailed as a "superstar" by Charles Nicholas, Saka finds success driving up the field and wreaking havoc in and around the opposing area, something Raphinha could emulate on Tyneside given his similar skill set.

A "magician" with the ball at his feet – as former teammate Dan James once stated – Raphinha boasts all the attributes, and acumen to flourish under Howe's wing and with that in mind, he must be signed.

Arsenal are preparing to make a renewed offer for Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo, according to a recent report from London World.

What's the latest Arsenal transfer news?

West Ham United captain Declan Rice reportedly has his heart set on a move to the Emirates Stadium, with manager David Moyes now believed to be interested in a swap deal, with Emile Smith Rowe going in the opposite direction.

It is unclear whether the Gunners are interested in a deal of that nature, with other reports indicating that a transfer fee has almost been agreed for the signing of Rice, however, he is not Mikel Arteta's only midfield target.

TalkSport reporter Alex Crook "wouldn't rule out" a move for Caicedo, alongside the England international, and there are now reports that Arsenal have started to work on a proposal for the Brighton star.

According to a report from London World, the north London club are preparing to make a renewed offer for the Ecuadorian, having missed out on his signature in the January transfer window.

The Gunners are planning to make a bid similar to the £75m package that was rejected in the previous window, at which point Brighton were adamant about keeping the 21-year-old. However, they are now open to negotiations.

There is an agreement that the Seagulls will allow the youngster to leave if a substantial offer comes in, with Arsenal now planning to test the waters.

Do Arsenal need Rice and Caicedo?

It is questionable whether Arsenal need to sign both players in the upcoming window, as they have very similar attributes, both particularly specialising defensively, with Caicedo ranking highly for interceptions completed per 90 over the past year.

Rice has averaged slightly more interceptions during that timeframe, however, the Brighton star recorded 21 more tackles in the Premier League last season with a total of 100, which ranked him second in the top flight.

Given their similar skillsets, it may be wise for Arteta to settle on one of the two, and there are indications that Caicedo could be an excellent addition, having been hailed as "world-class" and "incredible to watch" by members of the media.

A fee of £75m is a lot for a player who has only regularly played in the Premier League for one season, but the Ecuador international was among Brighton's best-performing players last term, and should be more than capable of making the step up.

Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan has stunned fans by scoring a brilliant goal after just 13 seconds before then scoring another volley in the second half.

What is the quickest-ever FA Cup final goal?

Meeting at Wembley in the FA Cup final, Pep Guardiola and co faced bitter rivals Manchester United with both aiming for a double.

Indeed, City have already won the Premier League and also have a Champions League final to come.

The Red Devils, on the other hand, have already lifted silverware at Wembley this season after beating Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final.

With so much on the line, both teams would have been raring to go but all of Erik ten Hag’s pre-game plans would have had to have been reassessed after just a matter of seconds.

Indeed, after a long ball upfield was nodded to the edge of his own box by Victor Lindelof, Gundogan volleyed the ball into the back of the net.

Incredibly, this moment of magic was the fastest goal in an FA Cup final. What’s more, it’s the first scored in the opening minute of the competition final since Louis Saha netted for Everton against Chelsea in 2009.

Supporters were blown away by Gundogan’s quality – as he netted another fine volley after United had equalised – and here are the best reactions on Twitter…

Supporters just couldn’t believe it.

Here’s his second goal.

Fulham are in “talks” with Willian regarding a new contract at Craven Cottage, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Is Willian leaving Fulham?

The Brazilian only joined Marco Silva’s side from Corinthians last summer and has impressed during his 29 appearances in his debut season, ranking as the manager’s overall second-best-performing player this term with a WhoScored match rating of 6.99.

The Whites winger, though, is already used to playing in the Premier League having previously undergone spells at both Chelsea and Arsenal so is no stranger to the style of play in England, hence why he’s likely adapted so well since putting pen to paper in SW6.

Willian, however, will be out of contract at the end of the season meaning that he could be set to depart as a free agent should the club not offer him an extension, but it sounds like work is already underway behind the scenes to retain his services beyond the current campaign.

Have Fulham offered Willian a new contract?

Taking to Twitter, Romano revealed that Fulham have now opened discussions with Willian over fresh terms, but admitted that there are admirers overseas that are keen to recruit him should he leave. He wrote:

“Understand talks are ongoing between Willian agent and Fulham over [a] new deal in order to stay next season. Nothing is done/sealed yet. There are more European clubs and Saudi League clubs interested in signing Willian.”

Fulham will know how much of an integral part of their success Willian has been this season, and having been hailed “electric” in the final third by journalist Simon Collings, the left-winger being rewarded for his displays with a new contract would be nothing less than he deserves.

The Cottagers’ £40k-per-week attacker has ten goal contributions (five goals and the same number of assists) to his name in 29 appearances since joining, with this form having seen him receive three man-of-the-match awards, not to mention that he’s averaging 4.38 shot-creating actions per top-flight game which is higher than any other member of Silva’s squad, via FBRef.

Willian also provides the boss with wonderful versatility having operated slightly deeper in left midfield and even on the opposite flank as a right-winger over the course of the current term which is a great attribute to have, so making the decision to keep him beyond the summer has to be a no-brainer for the Craven Cottage board.