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Southampton have joined the race to sign Club Brugge midfielder Charles De Ketelaere this summer, according to an Italian outlet.

The Lowdown: De Ketelaere profiled

The 21-year-old, who was once likened to Kevin De Bruyne by journalist Frans Buyse, currently plies his trade at the Jan Breydel Stadium. He has played in a variety of roles for the Belgian giants, primarily in central areas but also behind the strikers and even up top, making him a versatile footballer.

Despite still having two years remaining on his contract, he has become a man in demand after a run of impressive performances last season, and it sounds as though a few potential suitors from the Premier League have emerged, including from St Mary’s.

The Latest: Southampton enter De Ketelaere race

According to Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness), AC Milan are currently leading the chase for De Ketelaere, but they are set to face competition from Southampton and Leeds United for his signature.

The source claimed that the Serie A champions have already had a €20m (£16.9m) bid turned down, whilst Jesse Marsch’s side are believed to have made an offer of €30m (£25.3m) of their own.

It’s reported that Milan are hoping that an increased fee will be enough for them to ‘overcome the competition of the English’, as the Saints have been ‘added to Leeds’, both of who could present Brugge with a ‘rich offer’ alongside a ‘super salary’ for the player.

The Verdict: No need to spend big

Milan hold the advantage of having Champions League football to their name, something which will probably prove too good of an opportunity for De Ketelaere to turn down, but Hassenhuttl doesn’t need to be spending such large sums of money anyway.

Southampton look set to announce the signing of another midfielder in Joe Aribo from Rangers for a much cheaper sum of just £10m, so the Austrian isn’t required to go out and buy multiple players in the same position.

It has been a relatively quiet window for the south coast club in terms of financial purchases, but it’s important that the manager targets various areas of the pitch to give himself plenty of squad depth heading into the new season, rather than being imbalanced towards one particular position to the detriment of others.

Leeds United could make Chris Richards their seventh signing of the summer…

What’s the word?

According to CBS Sports journalist Ben Jacobs, manager Jesse Marsch is considering a move for Bayern Munich and USMNT defender Chris Richards as he looks to bolster his backline.

“Sources tell me Marsch is still considering USMNT defender Chris Richards, though nothing beyond that yet,” he tweeted.

It’s thought that, whilst the Whites are yet to make an official move, they would face competition from Premier League rivals Southampton and Crystal Palace, as well as unnamed teams from Spain.

Jacobs also added:

“Logic of Richards from Marsch’s perspective is he can be used at full-back. Leeds ideally want another left-back. Richards is primarily a centre-back, though, and I am told Leeds haven’t yet made any Bayern approach. One to watch given Leeds love signing Americans these days!”

Defensive depth

Just as the reliable reporter suggests, Richards could add a valuable option to Marsch’s defensive line as he can not only play centrally but also out on the left, where the American head coach has just lost Junior Firpo to injury.

With the former Barcelona man set to miss the start of the season next month, it would be wise for director of football Victor Orta to add the Bayern Munich gem as his next signing this window.

Following a loan spell at Bundesliga outfit Hoffenheim, the 22-year-old from Alabama has emerged as one of Europe’s biggest talents, as seen by FBref metrics, with the statistical site comparing him to that of Mats Hummels.

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Richards, compared to his positional peers across Europe, ranks inside the top 1% for blocks (2.62 per 90), the top 2% for aerial duels won (4.75 per 90) and the top 4% for non-penalty expected goals and assists (0.12 per 90), proving to be a threat in both boxes.

It’s no wonder his USMNT head coach Gregg Berhalter has dubbed him a “great talent”, with former Bayern boss Hansi Flick a fan too, once claiming: “Chris has very good qualities – he is strong and knows how to jump for the ball. He absolutely deserves his playing time with the first team.”

Elsewhere, former scout-turned-analyst Thomas Rongen has praised another aspect of his game – his passing ability.

“He’s different than anything we’ve ever had as a centre-back because I think his range of passing is better than any centre-back we’ve ever seen in the United States. His ability to see the field and break lines with his passing – he’s a high-level passer from the back – and he’s just an athletic freak,” he said.

Also lauded as a “complete” and “dominant” centre-back by scout Jacek Kulig, Richards could well hit the ground running at Elland Road under his fellow countryman.

Whether he’s a partner for Liam Cooper, a backup or a versatile option on the left, he would be a very worthwhile signing for the Yorkshire giants, going by the evidence above.

The 6 foot 2 powerhouse is thought to be free to leave Bayern for a fee of around €15m (£12.6m), so he could well be an absolute bargain for Orta and co.

AND in other news, Orta handed huge boost in Otavio pursuit…

Recent reports have suggested that Arsenal could be set to make a move for Wolfsburg defender Maxence Lacroix, with the 21-year-old having caught the eye in recent seasons for the Bundesliga outfit.

The suggestion is that should William Saliba – who has returned to the Emirates following his loan spell at Marseille last term – be moved on this summer, then the Gunners could turn to his compatriot as an alternative.

Mikel Arteta is currently in need of quality cover for the first-choice centre-back pairing of Ben White and Gabriel, with Rob Holding seemingly not of the quality required, while Pablo Mari looks surplus to requirements after spending the second half of last season on loan at Udinese.

There have been reports of a move for Ajax’s Argentine central defender, Lisandro Martinez, although Lacroix represents another quality option, with the 22-year-old having been dubbed “magnificent” by Alex Chaffer.

It is no surprise that there are clubs ready to do battle for his signature such has been his form of late, the £18m-rated colossus having enjoyed a stellar 2021/22 campaign, averaging 4.8 clearances, 2.1 interceptions and two tackles per game in his 29 league outings, while also winning a solid 64% of his total duels.

Equally, the £61k-per-week brute also compares favourably to those in his position across Europe’s top five leagues, ranking in the top 1% for dribbles completed and interceptions, as per FBref, showcasing his strength both in and out of possession.

That quality has also seen him likened to former Manchester United and England star, Rio Ferdinand, with the Bundesliga website writing of the youngster that:

‘A centre-back cut from the ‘tall and lean’ mould, rather than ‘big and hulky’ variety, Lacroix has a certain grace on the ball that is reminiscent of former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand in his prime. Similarly able to glide out of defence and pick a forward pass to a teammate, his elegance masks a steely will to win and a healthy aggression.’

While Ferdinand had long been an adversary of the north London side during his time with United, even those of an Arsenal persuasion would find it hard to question the undoubted talent of the Englishman in his pomp.

A six-time Premier League winner and one-time Champions League victor, the defender-turned-pundit enjoyed a stellar career at Old Trafford after joining from Leeds United in 2002, earning recognition as the top-flight’s best-ever defender from Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk, with the Dutchman labelling him an “icon” of the game.

It would be some feat to replicate the heights of the former West Ham United academy graduate, although the suggestion is that Lacroix has the talent to be just as influential, with Arteta and co likely to have a gem on their hands if they can push a deal through.

AND, in other news: Arsenal plotting move for £19.8m-rated “assist machine”, could be better than Raphinha

Jesse Marsch is hopeful that Leeds United pair Luis Sinisterra and Adam Forshaw didn’t pick up serious injuries in their pre-season clash against Crystal Palace.

The Lowdown: Double injury concern for Leeds

The Whites drew 1-1 with the Eagles on Friday in their latest friendly of the summer as both clubs’ preparations for the new Premier League season continue.

There were two injury concerns during the match, though, as new signing Sinisterra and long-serving midfielder Forshaw were both forced to leave the pitch.

Leeds fans will no doubt be concerned over the severity of both issues, but a positive update has emerged regarding the situation.

The Latest: Marsch allays Leeds injury fears

Taking to Twitter, Hay confirmed that Marsch is hopeful that neither Sinisterra nor Forshaw are expected to be out for a long period.

The journalist relayed behind-the-scenes comments from the Leeds manager, stating:

“Marsch says Sinisterra has a ‘little hamstring injury’. Forshaw tweaked a knee. He’s hoping neither problem is a major issue.”

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The Verdict: Massive sigh of relief for Leeds

This is a relief for anyone of a Whites persuasion, with injuries to a number of key players completely derailing their 2021/22 season, with Liam Cooper, Kalvin Phillips and Patrick Bamford among those laid low by lengthy absences.

The manner in which Sinisterra went down with nobody around him was a big worry, while Forshaw’s well-documented fitness issues in recent years made his injury a big concern, too.

The pair could still be out for a while but the hope is that they will be available for the season curtain-raiser at home to Wolves on August 6 as Marsch looks for vast improvements from his squad in 2022/23.

Reliable journalist Lee Ryder of The Chronicle has now weighed in on Tottenham Hotspur and their ‘real’ interest in Newcastle United star Allan Saint-Maximin.

The Lowdown: Spurs’ summer overhaul…

Spurs could yet be busy towards the end of the summer transfer window after completing six major signings already for Antonio Conte.

It is believed that sporting director Fabio Paratici remains in the market for a creative midfielder and could yet target another defender despite the arrival of Barcelona’s Clement Lenglet on loan.

Saint-Maximin has also been linked with a move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this summer as Conte gears up for his first full Premier League season in charge of the Lilywhites.

The Latest: Ryder backs Saint-Maximin interest…

Tottenham’s interest in the exciting Frenchman has now been backed by a reliable source in Ryder of The Chronicle.

The Newcastle correspondent claims that Paratici’s interest in Saint-Maximin is ‘real’, with the north Londoners having sent senior talent spotters to keep watch on the 25-year-old over the last few months.

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The Verdict: Advance?

While Ryder states that it is solely interest from Spurs for now, we believe that it is a no-brainer for Paratici and co to at least consider opening talks.

Saint-Maximin can be truly devastating on his day, as backed by his numbers from 2021/22, with the winger completing more successful take-ons than any of his team-mates (WhoScored).

The 25-year-old has stood out as a ‘huge, huge player’ for Newcastle, as explained by their manager Eddie Howe, and reports suggest that he could cost a fairly reasonable £40m.

Newcastle United have reportedly ‘also asked’ about Harvey Barnes as well as James Maddison.

The Lowdown: Maddison offer

The Daily Mail journalist Craig Hope claimed on Saturday morning that the St James’ Park outfit had made a ‘structured’ £35m offer for Maddison.

However, a deal is likely to prove ‘difficult’, so ‘other options’ are currently being explored by the Magpies.

The Latest: Barnes too?

Taking to Twitter, Daily Mail reporter Tom Collomosse has now revealed that Newcastle have ‘also asked’ about Barnes, but Leicester City value the 24-year-old in the region of £50m to £60m.

He tweeted: “Maddison not the only player attracting Newcastle interest. Believe they have also asked about Harvey Barnes but again, Leicester value their homegrown star highly – £50-60m mark.”

The Verdict: Big coup

If the Tynesiders could sign Barnes as well as Maddison, it would certainly be a big coup.

Hope claims that the Foxes winger would ‘be a tremendous signing’ for Newcastle, and it is hard to argue with that, given that his numbers in the Premier League are impressive.

His six goals and 10 assists last season was his best return in the division so far, and he has managed 22 goals and 24 assists in total over the last four campaigns (Transfermarkt).

It may be difficult to sign both players, given that Maddison is also thought to be valued closer to £60m, but if the Magpies could sign the duo, it would send out a real statement of intent to the rest of the top flight.

In the process, they would also be seriously weakening one of their rivals in Leicester.

Journalist and Sunderland supporter Josh Bunting has given his reaction to some transfer news that he has heard involving Jack Diamond.

The Lowdown: Fleetwood interested in Diamond

As per Football Insider, League One club Fleetwood Town have now registered their interest in signing Diamond, with the winger is a ‘top target’ for Scott Brown’s side.

The Championship club have reportedly given the ‘green light’ for the 22-year-old to leave the Stadium of Light, despite giving him a contract extension last year.

The Latest: Bunting reacts

Taking to Twitter, Bunting gave his instant reaction to the news of Diamond’s possible departure from Sunderland, claiming that the winger would be a ‘good signing’ for Fleetwood, and that he hopes that the propsed deal comes off.

Bunting stated: “Good signing for Fleetwood this if they get him, they’ve been direct in their opening two League One games and that will suit Jack Diamond. Just get the ball into him and he will drive at defenders. Can see him do well there, hope it happens.”

The Verdict: Sell him

Given the recruitment of attackers Ellis Simms, Jack Clarke and Leon Dajaku so far this summer, it seems unlikely that Diamond would get much game-time if he stays at Sunderland beyond the current transfer window.

He has not featured for Alex Neil’s side yet this season and was shipped off to Harrogate Town last term after making just five appearances for the Black Cats when they were in League One (Transfermarkt).

At 22 years of age, Diamond needs to be playing regular football now, so if Sunderland can get a decent fee for him from Fleetwood, it would be a move which would surely suit all parties involved.

Leeds United have been handed a boost in their bid to bring Philipp Max to Elland Road in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to Fabrizio Romano, with the Italian journalist revealing in a recent post on Twitter that, despite TSG Hoffenheim having been linked with a move for the PSV Eindhoven left-back in recent weeks, the Bundesliga side now look to have captured RB Leipzig full-back Angelino on a season-long loan deal – with a €20m (£17m) option to make the move permanent at the end of the 2022/23 campaign.

Following this news, the Express reported that Hoffenheim’s move for the 25-year-old Spaniard will come as a huge boost to Victor Orta and Leeds United, as the former Manchester City defender’s move to the Rhein-Neckar-Arena would now appear to give the Whites a clear run at Max – for whom it was reported that the Premier League side had submitted an €8m (£7m) bid earlier this summer.

The next Kolarov

With both Junior Firpo and Stuart Dallas remaining sidelined due to injury, in addition to the fact that the former somewhat struggled to adapt to life in the Premier League last season – averaging a disappointing SofaScore match rating of 6.60 over his 24 league fixtures – it is not difficult to see why Orta is targeting the signing of a new player in the position this summer.

And, considering just how impressive Max has been on the left of a back four throughout his professional career – particularly going forwards – it is also no wonder why the Whites’ director of football has earmarked the 28-year-old as a potential addition to Jesse Marsch’s first-team squad.

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Indeed, despite his position, the £7.2m-rated talent has proven something of a constant threat on the left flank for whichever club he has played, scoring 15 goals and registering 29 assists over 156 appearances for FC Augsburg, bagging three goals and providing 17 assists over 54 fixtures for FC Schalke II and notching eight goals and 18 assists over 93 outings for PSV.

As such, it is easy to see why Bundesliga.com compared the £33k-per-week Germany international’s style of play to that of the former Lazio, Manchester City, AS Roma and Inter Milan full-back Aleksandar Kolarov – the now retired defender who scored 52 goals and registered 69 assists over his 504 career appearances.

Indeed, the German website wrote: “Max is a solid defender, but much in the same way as Roma and Serbia counterpart, Aleksandar Kolarov, it’s going forward where he really shines.

“An ever-willing runner and the proud owner of a laser-guided left boot, the striker-turned-left-back is every centre-forward’s dream. He takes set-pieces and isn’t frightened to have a pop from range, making him one of the most dynamic and effective left-sided defenders in the Bundesliga.”

So, with Romano revealing that Hoffenheim are now out of the picture for the player Alex Chaffer dubbed “scrumptious” this summer, Orta now looks as if he has something of a clear run to bring Max to Elland Road prior to the closure of the summer transfer window this September.

And, should the Spaniard be successful in doing so, he could well have unearthed the Premier League’s next Kolarov – a prospect that is sure to delight both Leeds supporters and Marsch alike.

Fabrizio Romano has said that Leeds United will only make further signings ‘if they find top opportunities’.

The Lowdown: Striker shortage

The Whites have made six new first-team signings this summer while also adding Darko Gyabi and Sonny Perkins to the club’s academy ranks.

More is seemingly required before September 1, though, especially with Saturday’s draw with Southampton highlighting a striker shortage. Joe Gelhardt didn’t travel due to a minor injury and Patrick Bamford was withdrawn in the first half with an abductor problem.

Links have since emerged to FC Zurich forward Wilfried Gnonto, with reports claiming that the Whites want to get a deal wrapped up in the next 10 days.

The Latest: Romano’s update

Romano took to Twitter on Monday morning to provide a transfer update from Elland Road.

He rubbished rumours regarding moves for Ismaila Sarr and Juan Mata while adding that the club have been following Gnonto for a long time. The transfer expert said that ‘Leeds will complete new signings only if they find top opportunities’.

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The Verdict: Risky?

Charles De Ketelaere was a perfect example of Leeds willing to act on a ‘top opportunity’, but as we know, the Belgian opted for AC Milan over Elland Road.

It does seem risky that the club are seemingly happy to make no further signings, though, especially in attack. Bamford’s injury struggles have continued already this season, which could put plenty of pressure on a youngster like Gelhardt.

Jesse Marsch did use Rodrigo as a number nine in the second half on Saturday, with the Spaniard scoring twice, but hopefully a new forward is brought in before the end of the month to put everyone’s minds at rest.

Transfer insider Dean Jones has claimed that wages are proving to be the ‘sticking point’ for Celtic as the agent of Chelsea midfielder Ross Barkley seeks a new home for the midfielder. 

The lowdown: Hoops make offer

The Hoops have been extensively linked with a move for Barkley in recent weeks and a report from Football Insider claimed that the Scottish champions have ‘submitted an offer’ to make a loan deal happen.

However, as things stand the 28-year-old England international remains on the periphery of matters at Chelsea as West Ham consider a move and Everton also eye up their former academy graduate.

Now, one well-informed onlooker has shed some light on the current situation surrounding Barkley and a possible move to Parkhead…

The latest: ‘Sticking point is…’

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Jones – a journalist for Eurosport – claims that the Bhoys are struggling to land the 33-cap star due to the wages involved, though his agent is hard at work behind the scenes.

He said: “I think this is a move that suits all parties, but the big sticking point is whether Celtic can find a way to pay his wages.

“I think if it can get done, it will, because his agent has been working to find him a new club because they know he’s got no future at Chelsea.”

The verdict: Expensive outlay

Currently earning a reported £96,000 per week at Chelsea, it’s perhaps no surprise that the Celtic Park hierarchy are reluctant to go near that sum for the Liverpool-born ace given their own top earner, Callum McGregor, earns £30,000 a week at present (Salary Sport).

That said, out of favour in London, Barkley could be willing to drastically reduce his demands in order to play regular football once again, particularly with former England teammate Joe Hart already in situ and with UEFA Champions League football on offer in Glasgow.

Boasting a mammoth 209 Premier League appearances in a career that has seen the attacking midfielder lift the UEFA Europa League, FIFA Club World Cup and the FA Cup, adding the marauding Englishman to Ange Postecoglou’s ranks would be a superb acquisition if the issues over wages can be overcome.