Liverpool Readying Bid To Sign Levi Colwill From Chelsea

Liverpool feel confident that they can land Levi Colwill this summer, according to 90Min, and are even readying a bid to snap up the defender from big six rivals Chelsea.

How many games has Levi Colwill played for Chelsea?

The current Chelsea man has really shone in the Premier League when he's got onto the field – which is even more impressive when you consider that he's actually yet to make his debut for the Blues in the top flight. The club have still not given him a minute of action in the top tier, instead opting to send him out on various loans to get action under his belt.

He started with a loan spell at Huddersfield in the Championship and featured prominently as they broke into the play-off places. With 29 second tier games at just 18-years-old, he didn't look out of place in that Terriers backline and they even ended the campaign in third place.

Having proven his worth in the second tier, it was Brighton who next got to add the centre-back on a short-term deal. The Seagulls brought him in at the beginning of the 2022/23 season and the young Englishman continued to stand out. Playing 17 times in the Premier League, the teenager, now 20, bagged two assists and actually managed more progressive carries than the likes of Danny Welbeck and Evan Ferguson despite being a defender, showing the signs of a truly unique ball-playing talent at the back.

Are Liverpool signing Levi Colwill?

These performances have led to interest in signing him up from Chelsea permanently this summer. Most notably, Liverpool have been really keen to bring in Colwill and have made him one of the players on their wanted list. Their eagerness to sign the 20-year-old has even been confirmed by Fabrizio Romano, who stated that the links are "genuine" and "100% confirmed".

Now, according to a report from 90Min, the Reds are ready to launch an actual formal move to sign the centre-back. It states that they feel a deal can be struck with his current side Chelsea in order to bring him to Anfield and are ready to now make a bid in order to try and snap up the youngster. The Blues are holding firm and don't want to sell, but Liverpool do still intend to make a bid and are "confident" of getting a deal done for the Englishman.

Despite being just 20-years-old, the Chelsea man is highly regarded in the game. Football talent scout Jacek Kulig stated that Colwill is "one of the most talented" players in his position in the world – which is huge praise for someone considering all the other options in that centre-back area. He also added that the youngster has a "huge future".

Those who have seen him play then have clearly been impressed with what they have seen. It's no wonder Liverpool are eager to wrap up a deal for the Premier League ace – and if they can land him, then they have a player who could arguably lead the back line for years to come once Virgil van Dijk goes past his peak.

Man City to beat Bayern to £50m signing? Pep Guardiola's side target Joao Palhinha as possible Kalvin Phillips replacement

Manchester City are eyeing a move for Bayern Munich target and Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha in the January transfer window.

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  • Man City eyeing move for Palhinha
  • Will compete with Bayern for him
  • Ready to pay £50m for midfielder
  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    The reigning English champions are reportedly ready to pay £50 million ($63m) for the Portuguese international as the club eye him as a replacement for outgoing Kalvin Phillips, according to the . Despite being handed a rare start by Pep Guardiola in the club's final Champions League group stage clash against Red Star Belgrade in the midweek, Phillips is almost certain to leave the club in the upcoming transfer window.

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    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    The 28-year-old was very close to joining Bayern Munich in the summer but the deal collapsed on the transfer deadline. Despite missing the opportunity to sign the midfield star, the Bundesliga champions remain interested in him. Bayern are also being linked with Phillips and if they manage to sign the English international, it will clear City's way to rope in the Fulham star.

  • DID YOU KNOW?

    City have kept Fluminense star Andre on their wishlist in case they miss out on Palhinha. The Brazilian wonderkid is likely to cost the Premier League giants £30m ($38m).

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    WHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER CITY?

    The Sky Blues are in trouble at the moment having won just one of their last six Premier League games. On Saturday, they squandered a two-goal lead and dropped important points against Crystal Palace at home. If Liverpool beat Manchester United on Sunday, they will extend their lead to six points over the reigning champions.

Liverpool Eye Move For £90m Caicedo Clone

Liverpool are now looking for their next defensive midfielder with Fabinho expected to make a move to Saudi Arabia this summer and now a new potential transfer target has been identified.

What's the latest on Liverpool's interest in Joao Palhinha?

According to Sky Sports reporter Melissa Reddy, Liverpool are interested in signing Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha.

Reddy revealed on Twitter: "Lavia and Gravenberch have long been considered by LFC (regardless of current situation), with their reps spoken to. Other players they've looked at: Nicolo Barella, Khephren Thuram, Florentino Luis, Joao Palhinha, Teun Koopmeiners…"

"They do love a surprise, stealth signing"

How good is Joao Palhinha?

There is no doubt that Jurgen Klopp will be desperate to quickly replace Fabinho as the Brazilian mainstay has had a huge influence on the club's success over the last five years.

The Liverpool ace played a key role in his deep-lying role to lead his team to a Champions League trophy, FA Cup, League Cup and their first-ever Premier League title, so it will be difficult to find a player who can emulate his impact.

As a result, the signing of Palhinha would be a great move for the Merseyside giants as the Portuguese sensation has been a revelation over the last 12 months and has been a difference-maker at Craven Cottage.

No other Premier League player completed more tackles and interceptions than the 6 foot 3 titan (193), with fellow Liverpool target Moises Caicedo coming in second to the Fulham whiz (156), and this attribute is not the only one that the two hot top-flight talents share.

moises-caicedo-brighton-arsenal-transfer-gossip-declan-rice-west-ham-edu-arteta

When comparing Palhinha's output to his Ecuordorian positional peer last season, the pair came close in a number of key attributes desirable in the defensive midfield role including pass completion (82.5% v 88.5%), percentage of dribblers tackled (53% v 58.8%), blocks (48 v 43) and aerial duels won (64.5% v 64.9%). as per FBref.

Not only that, the 28-year-old ranks in the top 1% of his positional peers across the top five European leagues for tackles per 90, as well as ranking in the top 12% for clearances per 90 and aerial duels won per 90, proving that he is one of the best defensive presences in Europe.

Lauded as being as "strong as an ox" by Sky Sports reporter Jamie Weir, the confident ball-winner has been the recipient of high praise during his short time in English football, with pundit Jamie Redknapp showering compliments on Palhinha:

"He has been a brilliant signing. £20 million. He has got a real knowledge and nous of where he should be. He picks the right pass. He has a real presence about him. He is a fantastic signing for them."

Despite making a £20m move from Sporting Lisbon to west London last summer, the Portugal international has already become an invaluable asset to Fulham and it would reportedly take an offer of £90m for them to part ways with their star player, presenting a slightly cheaper alternative to Caicedo who has a £100m price tag.

With that being said, if sporting director Jorg Schmadtke could secure a deal for Palhinha it would be a major coup for the club and if he can continue to dominate in midfield at Anfield, he would be the dream successor for Fabinho next season.

West Indies ready for 'momentous' Lord's encounter

Few would have predicted a decider at Lord’s after the thrashing at Edgbaston but West Indies captain Jason Holder believes the confidence born out of their performance at Headingley could lift his side to victory in a “momentous” match.Only two members of this West Indies squad – Kemar Roach and Shannon Gabriel – have played a Test at the home of cricket, adding to the sense of occasion for Holder’s men.”It’s obviously a momentous game for everybody,” Holder said, speaking at Lord’s on the eve of the match. “Especially in our group. A number of us are playing our first Test match here at Lord’s, our first series in England. There’s a lot to play for, and our guys are really up for it.”West Indies haven’t won a Test series in England for 29 years but go into the final match having beaten their opponents in two of their last three Tests (going back to Barbados in 2015). Victory at Headingley was West Indies’ first in England in 17 years and further history beckons.It is a rare challenge for Holder, still relatively callow in his captaincy. In some ways, his side has already surpassed expectations and inspired hope for the future. Should they acquit themselves well at Lord’s, no matter the result, they will have gained the respect of many who perhaps underestimated their qualities. But they would gain so much more with victory.”It would be great to win the series in England, but there’s a process towards going about that,” Holder said. “We can’t focus on the end result.”Our focus is our process. I spoke about consistency a lot on this tour, and that’s the main objective for me. Once we’re consistent and do the small things well, that end result should be more or less in our favour.”There have been unforeseen and unfortunate distractions in the build-up to the final Test. Bowling coach Roddy Estwick has returned to Barbados after the death of his mother and in his absence former Middlesex, Sussex and Yorkshire swing bowler Paul Hutchison has temporarily stepped into the role. Holder hopes Hutchison’s local knowledge will prove invaluable.Shai Hope chats with Brian Lara during West Indies training•Getty Images

“We’ve tried to get as much information as possible coming into this game,” Holder said. “We’ve got the luxury of having an outsider, Paul Hutchison, give us some tips about how to bowl here at Lord’s. He’s had some experience of bowling here at Lord’s.”There’s a lot of talk about the slope and such and we’ve studied it and had a chance to formulate some plans about how we go it. But cricket is always played on the day. You may be faced with different dilemmas and you just have to adjust and cope with it. That’s the nature of professional sport.”The threat of devastation from Hurricane Irma throughout the Caribbean has also loomed large in the thoughts of the players, particularly for Antiguan Alzarri Joseph, whose island was originally feared to be in the direct path of the storm.”I understand it hasn’t done major damage to Antigua, where Alzarri is from,” Holder said. “It’s gone further up north. We just hope the islands it is going to affect, the people prepare well and hopefully they are not hurt too badly.”We send our prayers back home, we have everybody back home in our thoughts and prayers. There’s not much we can do from here but sit and pray and wish them all the best.”West Indies declined to name a team before the toss, deciding to take another look at the pitch. It will, no doubt, have surprised them to see it displaying odd markings, known as ‘fairy rings’, caused by fungus spores below the turf. One perfect ring sits just short of a length for batsmen at the Pavilion End – perfectly positioned as a ‘bullseye’ for short balls coming from the Nursery End.But who will bowl them for West Indies remains unclear. It could be the case that Devendra Bishoo misses out on the final Test – he bowled 31 overs at Headingley, compared to the 44 bowled by Roston Chase – giving West Indies the option of including an extra seamer. Miguel Cummins and Joseph played in the first Test at Edgbaston while Raymon Reifer was particularly impressive in the nets at Lord’s on Wednesday.But whoever walks out at Lord’s will have the opportunity to create their own history, the challenge put to them by their coach, Stuart Law, at the start of the series. Some have already done so, with Shai Hope becoming the first batsman to score two centuries in a first-class match at Headingley. But, for a team which – more than any other international side – seems to have the ghosts of the past constantly hovering, making history at Lord’s would quieten talk of past legends and garner hope that last week’s victory was no false dawn.”It has done a lot,” Holder said of the Headingley win. “The first game, pretty much everybody wrote us off. Our heads were a bit down after how we got defeated in the first Test match.”To pick ourselves back up and come back and respond how we did at Headingley was remarkable. It’s obviously given us some new life. We’ve got a chance to win this series so we are going out in this last Test match to win it.”

Sunderland Deal Held-Up For 18-Year-Old Talent

Sunderland looked like they were close to bringing in Eliezer Mayenda – but a deal is currently being held up, as reported by journalist Santi Aouna.

Who is Eliezer Mayenda?

The 18-year-old currently plays for Sochaux in France and has already burst onto the scene and their first-team picture despite being in his teens. He made his league debut for the Ligue 2 outfit during the 2022/23 season and played 15 times in total for the club, although only one of those appearances was a start.

The striker though did manage to hit the back of the net despite his youth and when you consider he managed only 3.2 lots of 90 minutes, it isn't a bad rate for the youngster.

He's also clearly regarded highly at national team level as well, albeit not with the first-team. Mayenda has represented Spain at youth team level, making his debut for their Under-17 side only last year and playing three times for his country. The centre-forward then is clearly viewed as having some talent, so it's no surprise to see Tony Mowbray and Sunderland weighing up a move.

Sunderland manager Tony Mowbray.

Are Sunderland signing Eliezer Mayenda?

Now, his performances could have earned him a move to England. According to journalist Santi Aouna, Sunderland have already reached an agreement to bring the 18-year-old to the Championship – but it has currently been put on hold. That is because, despite already sorting out a move for the wonderkid – and with the man himself eager to switch to the Stadium of Light – Sochaux are now holding out for more money.

"Agreement reached between Sochaux and Sunderland for the transfer Eliezer Mayenda," the reporter said.

"But the file is temporarily blocked by the Sochaliens who are now demanding more money. Striker wants to join Sunderland."

It looks as though a move could therefore hinge on whether one of the two clubs can alter their offer or valuation for Mayenda. If Sunderland don't opt to splash more funds, a move could fall through at the last hurdle, which would certainly be frustrating.

It would be a shame for the centre-forward, who seems to want to head to the EFL outfit now. It's unclear how much Sochaux are holding out for, or how much is currently on the table, but Transfermarkt suggest that his value is around the 300,000 Euro mark (or £259,900) and that would be a fairly cheap transfer for someone who is still only young but is already proven in a first-team environment.

There isn't much to go off in terms of what he could offer Sunderland, having only played those 15 league games for Sochaux so far. However, his reserve team stats make for good reading, as he bagged four in 14 in National 3 – Group J for the youth setup.

He clearly knows where the back of the net is then – and more gametime, for a side in Sunderland who do have a young team already, could allow him to prosper if he does move to the Stadium of Light.

Where's Christopher Nkunku?! Mauricio Pochettino explains why attacker was left on bench against Sheffield United as he waits for Premier League debut

Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino has explained why Christopher Nkunku was left on the bench during the win against Sheffield United.

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Nkunku made £52m move to ChelseaSuffered an injury and yet to make debutReturned to bench vs Sheffield but not usedWHAT HAPPENED?

Pochettino, 51, stated he did not want to risk the former RB Leipzig forward during the 2-0 win against Sheffield United at Stamford Bridge, with the player only just returning to full fitness following a substantial injury.

AdvertisementGettyWHAT POCHETTINO SAID

Speaking after the victory against Sheffield United, Pochettino revealed the reason why Nkunku was left on the bench throughout the clash, he said to : "We didn’t want to take a risk with him and give him more time for his recovery."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Nkunku, who joined the Blues this summer in a deal worth £52 million ($65m), is yet to make a Premier League appearance for his new side, after suffering a knee injury during pre-season. Speaking prior to the game against Sheffield, Pochettino hinted that the player may be involved at Stamford Bridge, however the opportunity never materialised.

"It's a big motivation for us, for his team-mates, and the fans to see a player that should be important for us being in the squad for the first time," he said. "It's very good news for us and it's time to be calm and quiet because we don't want to put the pressure on him."

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR CHELSEA?

The Chelsea boss will be hoping his side can build on the three points against the Blades this weekend, as they prepare for a busy Christmas period with games against Newcastle, Wolves, Crystal Palace and Luton Town all approaching.

'I want to stay' – Blow for Chelsea! Sporting CP hitman Viktor Gyokeres dismisses talk of €100m Blues transfer

Chelsea have been dealt a disappointing blow in their efforts to sign Viktor Gyokeres with the striker saying he wants to stay at Sporting CP.

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  • Gyokeres in excellent form in Portugal
  • Chelsea among teams eager to sign striker
  • €100m forward wants to stay at Sporting
  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    The Blues are said to be after the Sweden international, who has scored 17 goals in 20 matches this season. However, the 25-year-old striker is in no hurry to leave the Portuguese club any time soon having only moved to Lisbon in the summer.

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    WHAT GYOKERES SAID

    He told : "I’m very happy here and I don’t care about any interested parties at the moment. I’m enjoying every day here and not thinking about what’s going on around me. Yes, there’s talk of big clubs, but for now it’s just news. That’s all… This is where I want to stay."

  • THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Sporting have no intention of selling one of their prized assets at this stage, either, and any team trying to sign him will have to match the €100 million (£87m/$110m) release clause in his contract. Coach Ruben Amorim reiterated that they would not accept a lower fee, but admits Gyokeres' attitude could change at any moment and he may want to leave. He told reporters recently: "Anything is possible, the players may want to stay but it could happen that changes our way of seeing things. In the past it was more difficult for me because an offer could come up and the player had to go, we had another urgency, but now it's just for the clause. The player's will changes, sometimes anything in our life changes, everything is possible. But we are protected because we have a clause that is high. I am more relaxed now because our situation is clearer, if you have to go, go by the clause. What matters is that the player is happy, but Sporting will survive without Viktor."

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  • DID YOU KNOW?

    Gyokeres is not the only Sporting player Chelsea are reported to be interested in signing. They are said to be already in talks with the Lisbon club over a possible deal for central defender Ousmane Diomande, who is said to valued at around £69m ($88m).

Kingsmead not to host India Test

Cape Town, Centurion and Johannesburg were named as the venues for South Africa’s three-match Test series against India

Firdose Moonda27-Sep-20171:06

India’s tour of South Africa itinerary

Durban will not host a Test against India this summer after Cape Town, Centurion and Johannesburg were named as the venues for South Africa’s three-match series. The news is particularly surprising since Durban is documented to have the largest Indian population outside of India.

South Africa’s fixtures against Zimbabwe and India

Zimbabwe
December 20-22: Zimbabwe v SA Invitation XI, Paarl
December 26-29: Only Test, Port Elizabeth
India
Tests
January 5-9: 1st Test, Cape Town
January 13-17: 2nd Test, Centurion
January 24-28: 3rd Test, Johannesburg
ODIs
February 1: 1st ODI, Durban
February 4: 2nd ODI, Centurion
February 7: 3rd ODI, Cape Town
February 10: 4th ODI, Johanneshburg
February 13: 5th ODI, Port Elizabeth
February 16: 6th ODI, Centurion
T20Is
February 18: 1st T20, Johannesburg
February 21: 2nd T20, Centurion
February 24: 3rd T20, Cape Town

Since readmission, when India first visited South Africa, there has only been one tour in which India did not play a Test in Durban. In 2001, the matches were held in Bloemfontein and Port Elizabeth. Kingsmead has been a Test host in all India series of three Test matches or more.The same Test venues were chosen to host the T20Is against India. The T20s will all be double-headers with the South African Women playing the India women before the men’s matches.The only consolation for Kingsmead is that it will host the first of the six ODIs. The second and sixth ODI will both be played at Centurion’s SuperSport Park with Johannesburg, Cape Town and Port Elizabeth being given the third, fourth and fifth matches.In their release confirming the fixtures, CSA did not provide an explanation for Durban’s exclusion and Dolphins CEO Heinrich Strydom admitted he was not privy to the exact reasons behind it. “With the shortened tour, it was a tricky one for them to sort out,” Heinrich Strydom, Dolphins CEO told ESPNcricinfo. “We just want to serve cricket as best as we can.”ESPNcricinfo has learned Kingsmead had to take the fall for contractual agreements CSA made with other stadia and the India series being cut from four Tests to three. As a result, one major ground had to lose out and it was expected to be the Wanderers. Since there are two Test venues on the Highveld, SuperSport Park, not given an Australia Test, was thought to be the favourite venue to host India, while the Wanderers, South Africa’s largest stadium, could be content with the inaugural T20 Global League final. Instead, Kingmead was cut off.South Africa have grown wary of playing India at a venue where they enjoy a large support base and a surface that has become slower over the years. India have won one Test win at Kingsmead – and only two in South Africa – in 2010. Still, there may be a subcontinental argument. Sri Lanka’s only Test win in South Africa was achieved in Durban in 2011 and Pakistan’s first of two Test wins in the country came at Kingsmead, though that was in 1998.A more convincing argument could have been the debacle of last summer, when Durban’s August Test against New Zealand was unable to be concluded after the outfield became waterlogged following a massive storm. The fault, though, was largely CSA’s after they didn’t allow much time for the outfield to settle after a re-scarifying process. Some sources said the incident last year had nothing to do with the scant fixtures the venue will stage this summer.The biggest beneficiary in Test terms is St George’s Park, where a four-day, day-night match against Zimbabwe over Boxing Day and a Test against Australia will be held.

Majority of Afghan T20 league's foreign contingent stays back after blast

Barring eight, the overseas contingent involved in Afghanistan’s domestic T20 tournament has decided to stay back after being convinced of presidential-level security by Afghanistan president Mohammad Ashraf Ghani

Nagraj Gollapudi and Mohammad Isam18-Sep-2017A majority of overseas players and coaches involved in the Shpageeza Cricket League, Afghanistan’s domestic Twenty20 tournament, has decided to remain in the country, despite an incident last week when a suicide bomber reportedly detonated explosives at a checkpoint en route to the Alokozay Kabul International Cricket Ground in Kabul. Eight foreign personnel, most from South Africa and Zimbabwe, left the country.The blast, which killed three persons including the attacker, took place last Wednesday afternoon, during a league match between Boost Defenders and MIS Ainak Knights.Although the match resumed once security officials gave the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) the nod, there was concern among the overseas players and officials and their respective cricket boards. Cricket South Africa was one of the first boards to revoke the no-objection certificates of its players, while Zimbabwe Cricket, too, asked players to return immediately.Four South Africans (Cameron Delport, Morne van Wyk, Glenton Stuurman and Abdul Razak), two Zimbabweans (Hamilton Masakazda and Solomon Mire), and West Indian Rayad Emrit chose to leave, while former South African batsman Herschelle Gibbs, who was the head coach of Speen Ghar Tigers, was the only overseas official to depart. According to the ACB, Emrit played two further matches after the blast before flying home to Trinidad to be with his wife who is pregnant.Zimbabwe’s Elton Chigumbura, Sikandar Raza, Johnathan Campbell, Ryan Burl, Richard Ngarava, Tendai Chisoro, Luke Jongwe, Richmond Mutumbami and Vusi Sibanda, former Pakistan allrounder Abdul Razzaq, Sri Lanka’s Ashan Priyanjan, and Oman cricketers Bilal Khan and Zeeshan Maqsood were among those who opted to stay back, along with overseas coaches Adam Hollioake, Andy Moles, Gus Logie, Gordon Parsons and Umesh Patwal. Former Australia batsman Dean Jones and former Zimbabwe captain Alistair Campbell, who are part of the commentary team, also opted to stay back.According to Shafiqullah Stanikzai, the ACB chief executive, Afghanistan’s interior minister Wais Bamrak met all the teams on the evening of the blast and conveyed to them the message from president Mohammad Ashraf Ghani that the government would ensure their safety. Last Saturday, Ghani invited the overseas players and officials to his palace in Kabul, which is adjacent to the team hotel. Ghani, who is also the patron-in-chief of the ACB, told players and officials that they would receive presidential-level security.Ghani’s words had a positive effect, and Zimbabwe allrounder Raza also stated that security had been increased around the teams and the team hotel immediately after the blast. “The security has improved. The radius of the safe zone has grown bigger,” Raza told ESPNcricnfo. “After the incident, there are two ways to look at it. One way is that the incident happened close to the ground. The other way to look at it is that the security forces managed to stop that guy from getting in. So, security did work.”Raza admitted that there was a “moment of fear” following the blast as security personnel assessed the situation. “There was a moment of fear, but once we realised that everyone was safe and nobody was hurt or dead, I think it brought us to our feet again,” he said. “The game stopped and we tried to find out what exactly had happened. We managed to find out that the security forces had done their job and the man was stopped. The sound itself was pretty loud and there was a moment of fear. But we got out of it pretty quickly and that’s why we went out and played the game.”Cricket is the most popular sport in a country that has been war-torn for decades. According to Raza, the Shpageeza League had “houseful” crowds for every match. “I just hope the tournament can finish smoothly now and we are hoping such incidents don’t happen again because all lives matter and are worth the same. From the cricketers’ point of view, we certainly don’t want anyone to lose their lives for us.”

Nottingham Forest Book Medical For Exciting £15m Signing

Nottingham Forest have scheduled imminent medical tests to finalise a summer deal for Manchester United star Anthony Elanga, according to reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Who is Anthony Elanga?

Elanga is primarily a left-sided winger who has played his football at Old Trafford for the past eight years having graduated from the club’s academy to get promoted to the first-team fold back in January 2022, as per Transfermarkt, but there’s a chance that he could be on the move during the present window.

During the 2022/23 Premier League season, Erik Ten Hag only handed the 21-year-old five top-flight starts and he was reduced to coming off the bench as a substitute on 11 occasions, via WhoScored, showing how out of favour he is and highlighting that he needs to leave should he want to receive more regular game time elsewhere.

The Telegraph have reported that despite interest from West Ham United and Everton, the Sweden international turned down the chance to join David Moyes’ and Sean Dyche's sides and instead has opted to make the switch to Steve Cooper’s men, with The Athletic revealing that the Reds have had a £15m offer for the attacker accepted in M16.

So far this summer, the Midlands outfit have finalised a permanent deal for Chris Wood who initially joined on loan from Newcastle United and most recently they confirmed the arrival of defender Ola Aina from Torino, and the club’s third recruit could be about to walk through the doors at The City Ground.

Are Nottingham Forest signing Anthony Elanga?

Taking to Twitter, Romano revealed that Nottingham Forest have already agreed with Manchester United for a medical to take place for Elanga, whilst also providing an update on their pursuit of goalkeeper Dean Henderson, who Cooper is keen to secure following his successful loan spell last season.

“Nottingham Forest are insisting on Dean Henderson as negotiations are ongoing with Manchester United after loan bid sent earlier this week. Medical booked for Anthony Elanga after permanent deal agreed on Friday.”

Manchester United forward Anthony Elanga.

How many goals has Anthony Elanga scored?

Whilst Nottingham Forest will know that Elanga wasn’t given a fair chance to prove what he was capable of last season, the left-winger has racked up a total of 50 goal contributions (30 goals and 20 assists) in 124 appearances since the start of his career, so should he put pen to paper, he could be reborn under Cooper.

The CAA Stellar client can pose a huge threat in the final third having ranked in the 92nd percentile for most attacking touches in the opposition’s penalty area, whilst averaging 3.59 shot-creating actions per top-flight match last term was also impressive even though he was a bit-part player, as per FBRef.

The Malmo native, who has the versatility to operate in five different positions across the pitch, including everywhere across the frontline, also has bags of experience under his belt having previously played in both the Champions and Europa League competitions, so he would be able to instil a much-needed winning mentality and increase the level of performance in the Midlands.

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