All posts by n8rngtd.top

Arsenal and sporting director Edu by extension are now "insistently" pursuing a deal for Galatasary defender Victor Nelsson, according to reports out of Turkey.

Who will Arsenal sign?

Manager Mikel Arteta has been seriously backed so far this transfer window, coming after a 2022/2023 campaign which saw him fall just short of the title to eventual treble-winners Man City.

Arsenal were in pole position for much of the campaign but Pep Guardiola's side were in imperious form towards the back end, meaning the north Londoners must regroup and strengthen in key areas for next term.

Germany international and former Bayer Leverkusen star Kai Havertz was first through the door at Arsenal this summer, with the club paying £65 million for his services.

“Kai is a player of top quality," said Arteta after his signing.

"He has great versatility and is an intelligent player. He will bring a huge amount of extra strength to our midfield and variety to our play.

“We welcome Kai and his family to Arsenal Football Club and we are all excited to start working with him when we start pre-season training soon.”

Arsenal also agreed a club-record £105 million deal to sign Declan Rice from West Ham United, making him the most expensive English player ever ahead of both Jack Grealish (Man City) and Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid).

Ajax defender Jurrien Timber has also completed his switch from the Eredivisie, but despite Arsenal's flurry of recent activity, they could make more signings.

The likes of Gremio midfielder Bitello and Montpellier forward Elye Wahi have been linked this week, and a report from Fanatik now claims Arsenal are pushing for Nelsson from Galatasary.

The 24-year-old, who featured at last year's World Cup in Qatar, is at the centre of interest from north London with both Arsenal and rivals Tottenham "insistently" pushing for him.

Nelsson is apparently in behind-scenes transfer talks to leave Galatasary, and if Arsenal wish to prise him away, they need just £21 million – the sum of his release clause.

There is little else said beyond that but it seems like a very do-able transfer for Edu, if they manage to beat Spurs to the punch.

How good is Victor Nelsson?

Reports in the Turkish press have revered Nelsson for his performances at Galatasary, branding the defender their "star player".

His stats certainly reflect that of a crucial player in their starting eleven, with no other star in their squad boasting a higher rate of aerial duels won or blocks made per 90 in the Super Lig (WhoScored).

Galatasary boss Okan Buruk views Nelsson as an indispensable member of their starting eleven, as highlighted by the numbers.

No other Galatasary outfielder played more league minutes than the Denmark international over 2022/2023, which potentially comes as an indicator of his reliability (WhoScored).

Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig, writing on Twitter, also tipped him for stardom all the way back in 2020.

"Nelsson is a great mix of a pure defender and ball-playing centre-back," said Kulig.

"He can also play as a defensive midfielder. Great defensive skills combined with really good ball skills. The future leader of the Danish defence."

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.

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.

Arsenal are reportedly interested in Aston Villa star Douglas Luiz, as Mikel Arteta assesses his midfield options ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

The Spaniard has already recruited Declan Rice and Kai Havertz in the bid to bolster the middle of the park, though he could add even more firepower this window.

Could Arsenal sign Douglas Luiz?

As reported by The Sun earlier this week, Arsenal are speculated to be interested in Luiz amid interest from rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

The 25-year-old machine is rumoured to be on Spurs’ shopping list should they opt to sell Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, however, the Gunners are ‘eyeing a fresh move’ for the Brazilian as per the report.

Valued at €39.8m (£34.4m) by FootballTransfers, the midfielder could be a strong signing for the Gunners should other targets not prevail.

How good is Douglas Luiz?

Registering an impressive average match rating of 7.10 in the Premier League last season, Luiz ended the campaign as Villa’s best-performing player, as per Sofascore.

The midfielder is highly valued by the Villans, where he has cemented himself as a key player in Unai Emery’s set-up for his defensive strengths and technical swagger in the engine room.

Having once been lauded as a “midfield enforcer” by journalist Ashley Preece, the 25-year-old could be the perfect acquisition for Arteta, as he puts together the puzzle of how to line-up his side next season.

Recently, it was rumoured that the Gunners could chase Ajax star Mohammed Kudus, however, it has since been reported by David Ornstein that Chelsea are close to agreeing personal terms with the 22-year-old.

Despite occupying a more attacking role in Amsterdam, Arsenal could make a more efficient move in chasing Luiz over the Ghanaian, who would be of better use to Arteta at this time.

Signing a player from abroad is always a gamble, with the Premier League possessing such a demanding physical strain, making the Brazilian a strong player to pursue considering his expertise in the league.

In 37 appearances, the Villa ace made 12 goal contributions, scoring six and assisting six in an impressive display in the final third from his allocated role in deep midfield.

Kudus managed 14 contributions in last season’s Eredivisie, showing the slight gap between the two in an attacking sense, with Luiz possessing the expertise in a more defensive role in an area Arsenal require added depth.

As per FBref, the 25-year-old averaged an impressive 2.24 tackles and 1.23 interceptions per 90 last term, as well as winning 52% of his total duels with an average of 4.4 per game.

The Rio de Janeiro-born ace could be integral to Arteta building the depth of his midfield, offering an option of an experienced and Premier League-savvy individual with strengths in areas required at the Emirates.

With an average of 1.38 key passes per 90, the Brazilian would suit the Spaniard’s demands of his midfield, with an eye for a good pass and the ability to execute it to the benefit of those around him.

Considering the importance of him in Villa’s squad, it could be an audacious move for Arsenal to enquire over the £67k-per-week star, who at 25 has his best years still to come.

Aston Villa are reportedly still in pursuit of Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Giovani Lo Celso, as Unai Emery eyes a reunion with his former player.

The Spaniard has already reconnected with Pau Torres, in whom he managed at Villarreal, with the four-time Europa League winner now reported to have set his sights back on the Argentine.

Could Aston Villa sign Giovani Lo Celso?

A report from Football Insider back in October first linked the midfielder with a move to Villa worth £15m, with news coming this month that the Villans remain interested.

As per Estadio Deportivo, from the viewpoint of Napoli, the Italian champions are set to face competition for the midfielder, with the Midlands club ‘very interested’.

The 27-year-old has played under Emery in two different spells, with both Paris Saint-Germain and most recently, Villarreal.

How good is Giovani Lo Celso?

Despite having a stop-start career in England so far, the Argentine has still managed to impress in the Premier League, seeing him dubbed an “amazing player” by former Spurs boss Jose Mourinho.

Although he made the switch to north London back in 2019, initially on a year-long-loan, the Argentine has registered just 55 appearances in the Premier League, endeavouring on multiple loan spells away from England.

Spending last season on loan at Villarreal, the midfielder had the chance to reconnect with Emery, who was thrilled to be joined in Spain by his former player, praising him as “versatile”.

Now, the Spaniard could repeat old tricks in recruiting the 27-year-old in the Midlands, with the Spurs creator showing signs that he could be the perfect fit in Emery’s set-up.

Villa striker Ollie Watkins added 15 goals to his Premier League tally last season, in a strong individual campaign that led his side to a European finish.

In adding Lo Celso to the squad, Emery could hand the Englishman a constant flow of creativity, in a player that was one of the key creators in La Liga last term.

As per FBref, the Argentine averaged 2.48 key passes per 90 last campaign, ranking him among the top 1% of midfielders in La Liga in this decimal.

As well as being cut-throat in his dispatching of the ball in front of goal, the Spurs outsider ranked highly in terms of progressive passes, averaging an impressive 7.75 per 90, placing him in the top 4% of the Spanish top-tier.

Villa’s allocator of the pocket behind Watkins last term was predominantly John McGinn, who in comparison to Lo Celso, averaged 0.60 key passes per 90, suggesting just how much of an impact the presence of the Spurs man could have on the forward.

Hailed as an “incredible target man” and one of the “best outlets” by analyst EBL on Twitter, the Villa forward needs little incentive to score, making the interest in the 27-year-old an encouraging prospect.

The Argentine’s ability to read the game and dispatch the ball into a dangerous area makes him the perfect figure to deploy behind the Englishman in the free-flowing attack at Villa Park.

Monchi and Emery could pull off yet another superb piece of business this summer in capturing Lo Celso, who could be fundamental to the club’s progression next term.

Wolves are reportedly battling with Premier League rivals Bournemouth for the signing of Sporting CP youngster Youssef Chermiti this summer.

Who is Youssef Chermiti?

The 19-year-old is arguably one of the most exciting young players in the Primeira Liga at the moment, having made his way through the youth system at Sporting. Last season, he made the grade from youth team hopeful to first team player, making 16 appearances in the league and registering five goal contributions (three goals and two assists) in that time.

Chermiti also played five times in the Europa League, further gaining some invaluable experience, in what was undoubtedly a breakthrough campaign for him. The teenager attacker's current deal at Sporting doesn't run out until the summer of 2027, so it isn't necessarily going to be easy for another club to get him on the cheap any time soon.

That may not be putting Wolves off, however, with a fresh report suggesting that a move to Molineux this summer may not be out of the question.

Could Wolves sign Youssef Chermiti?

According to Record [via Sport Witness], there is a chance that Chermiti could leave Sporting before the new season gets underway, being one of numerous players who could move on, seeing him as a "negotiable" figure. They want €20m (£17.1m) plus 20% of any future sale.

Wolves are still "attentive" to him, suggesting they are in the mix to bring him in, although Bournemouth could have the edge over them, as things stand. It looks as though Sporting are waiting for one of the clubs to officially make a move for the youngster.

It is essential that Wanderers make attacking reinforcements this summer, considering how goal-shy they were in the Premier League last season, scoring just 31 goals in 38 matches, which ended up being the lowest amount of the 20 teams in the division.

While Chermiti is still a very young player who has plenty of maturing to do as a player, he could be such an exciting long-term acquisition, with his ceiling clearly high. He has scored three goals in just four caps for Portugal's Under-19s, as well as six in 12 for the Under-18s, and it could be that a future call-up for the senior side is on the cards.

To already be playing regularly for a club of Sporting's stature say a lot about the progress Chermiti has already made, and he could be viewed as a future key man at Molineux, as he gradually becomes a more rounded footballer as the years pass.

Football talent scout Jacek Kulig has called Chermiti as "another very interesting player from Alcochete, the famous Sporting CP youth academy", not to mention being a "superb prospect", which says a lot about what a high-level footballer he could become, and why Wolves beating Bournemouth to his signature could prove to be a major coup.

Whether Sporting end up selling him remains to be seen, but it is encouraging to see Wanderers looking a young talent, rather than simply looking to older players who won't be around for as long as someone like Chermiti.

Tottenham Hotspur head coach Ange Postecoglou has "validated the profile" of Gent striker Gift Orban with Spurs now "in contact" to sign him.

Who else will Spurs sign?

Spurs have completed a plethora of transfer deals for Postecoglou as chairman Daniel Levy attempts to back his new head coach.

Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, youngster Ashley Phillips, defender Micky van de Ven, playmaker James Maddison, winger Manor Solomon and striker Alejo Veliz have all now officially joined the north London club, but there may well be more soon.

Postecoglou, speaking to the press last night after Tottenham's entertaining friendly against Barcelona in Catalonia, claimed there may well be another defensive addition if the club can sort more outgoings.

"We've to see what happens with outgoings," explained the Spurs boss.

"But the potential is there to bring in one more centre back after van de Ven"

Read the latest Tottenham transfer news HERE…

The north Londoners may also sign a new midfielder, as Spurs regular Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg is still attracting serious interest from La Liga giants Atletico Madrid.

Amid all of the noise surrounding Harry Kane's future, as Bayern prepare to mount yet another attempt to prise him away from Spurs, the club have been looking at possible forward options as well.

Orban, who finished the 22/23 season in electric form, is one attacker who's been linked with a move to Tottenham and journalist Sacha Tavolieri has an interesting update.

The reporter believes Spurs are now in contact over a deal for the Nigeria international, with Postecoglou giving the green-light after he "validated the profile" of Orban.

Tottenham have held verbal discussions with Gent for the player, where they have apparently disclosed their intent to go as high as €30 million (£26m), including bonuses.

"Tottenham in contact with KAA Gent for Gift Orban!," wrote Tavolieri on X.

"Spurs could go as high as €30M (including bonuses) according to the latest oral discussions undertaken with their Belgian counterparts.

The profile of the Nigerian striker has been validated by Ange Postecoglou. The green light to send the written offer is obviously linked to the Harry Kane affair. The English are anticipating the market by paying €30m in 2023 than have to offer the double once Orban has exploded in an intermediate league… Wait&See."

How good is Gift Orban?

The wonderkid is a player of real quality, as displayed by his numbers for Gent last term, with Orban scoring 20 goals in 22 appearances across all competitions.

Orban has also been praised by members of the press as one of Nigeria's latest dazzling talents, as journalist Ryan Taylor points out.

Gift Orban, Victor Boniface & Tolu Arokodare. Remember these names," wrote Taylor.

"Making waves in Belgium & on European stage. Throw in Victor Osimhen & Terem Moffi – future looks very bright for Nigeria. Quickly approaching a golden generation for the Super Eagles."

Meanwhile, Sport 1 reporter Patrick Berger has branded Gent's star as one of Nigeria's "very interesting" crop of new players to have emerged in the last 12 months. Orban could be a promising capture for Spurs, especially given his sky high ceiling, for just £26m.

Southampton boss Russell Martin will be 'given funds' between now and the end of the window to strengthen his side's promotion bid and both Jack Stephens alongside Samuel Edozie will be crucial to making a return to the Premier League a reality, according to talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook.

What's the latest transfer news at Southampton?

According to The Northern Echo, Southampton are keen on making a move for out-of-favour Newcastle United midfielder Isaac Hayden; however, no 'formal offer' has been submitted to land the 28-year-old.

Hayden is training with Newcastle United's second string and has formed one part of a three-way unwanted quartet at St James' Park that also includes Ryan Fraser and Jeff Hendrick.

Football Insider report that Swansea City striker Joel Piroe is on the radar at St Mary's Stadium as a potential addition this summer, though Leeds United and Leicester City are also hot on the tail of the Dutchman.

The same outlet claim that Swansea City will demand between £15-20 million for their prize asset, who scored 20 times and delivered two assists in 45 appearances in 2022/23.

Southampton have recruited three players this window to help with their promotion bid in the form of Shea Charles, Joe Lumley and Ryan Manning, as per Transfermarkt.

Starting the 2023/24 campaign in mixed fashion, Southampton have four points from six available in the Sky Bet Championship following a victory against Sheffield Wednesday and draw against Norwich City; nevertheless, they were knocked out of the Carabao Cup last week by Gillingham, as per Sky Sports.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, talkSPORT reporter Crook expects Martin to get backed in the final stretch of the window at St Mary's Stadium and praised Southampton's owners.

Crook stated: “They’ve got Jack Stephens back from Bournemouth, who I think will replace Mohammed Salisu. By all accounts, Stephens looked decent enough in pre-season, I think he’ll do a job at that level, I mean he did well for Bournemouth. They wanted to keep him permanently but didn’t want to pay £10m.

“So, the owners are ambitious, you can question some of their recruitment, but you can’t question their ambitions.”

What else could happen at Southampton between now and the close of play?

Departures have formed a major part of Southampton's transfer window and will continue to impact their ability to squad plan between now and the end of the window.

Belgium international Romeo Lavia is keen to join Chelsea despite a £60 million deal being agreed between Southampton and Liverpool for the 19-year-old, as per Sky Sports.

The Sun report that Southampton goalkeeper Alex McCarthy is being eyed by Everton to provide competition to Jordan Pickford and Joao Virginia, with a free transfer potentially in the pipeline to take the 33-year-old to Goodison Park.

Crystal Palace are believed to be weighing up a £10 million bid for Southampton striker Che Adams, who is keen to return to the Premier League after the Saints suffered relegation to the Sky Bet Championship, according to The Evening Standard.

Leeds United remain in the market to bolster the depth in their squad for their challenging Championship season ahead, and now a new update has emerged on the club's pursuit of a potential target.

What's the latest on Leeds' interest in Nat Phillips?

According to journalist and transfer insider Peter O'Rourke, Leeds are preparing a big-money offer to sign Liverpool defender Nat Phillips this summer.

As per a report written for Football Insider, O'Rourke has claimed that the Whites will go back into the market for defensive reinforcements after Liam Cooper suffered an injury blow, with Phillips named alongside Taylor Harwood-Bellis as the prime targets to replace the centre-back during his recovery.

Read the latest Leeds transfer news HERE…

Will Leeds sign Nat Phillips?

There is no doubt that Daniel Farke will be feeling the pressure following a number of injury issues already plaguing his squad at Elland Road, alongside ongoing transfer drama involving Italian winger Wilfried Gnonto and midfielder Tyler Adams.

Crysencio Summerville is out of action with a groin strain, whilst Junior Firpo is still recovering from torn lateral ligaments in his knee and not expected to be back for at least four weeks, as well as a huge blow to Liam Cooper who will be out of action for eight weeks due to a ruptured plantar fascia.

As a result, the signing of Phillips could not be a more urgent for the West Yorkshire club, as his experience of Championship football and quality in the centre-back role would be a major asset to Farke over the upcoming fixtures for Leeds in the second tier.

The Liverpool defender has struggled for game-time at Anfield over his tenure at the club due to the high-quality competition the club boasts with Virgil van Dijk, Joel Matip, Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez all ahead of the Bolton-born titan.

Indeed, all has not been lost for Phillips – who has a reported price tag of £10m – as he has taken every opportunity to prove his worth when either leaned on by Jurgen Klopp or during loan spells away from Merseyside, especially during his six-month stint Bournemouth in the 2021/22 season.

Over 17 Championship appearances, the 26-year-old – once hailed "colossal" by journalist Josh Bunting – tallied up an 82% pass completion rate, kept eight clean sheets, successfully completed 50% of his dribbles and won 65% of his duels combined, as well as averaging 76.1 touches and 53.5 accurate passes per game, proving he is a huge and dominant presence on the pitch.

Despite being rarely-seen in the starting eleven under Klopp, the Liverpool boss has waxed lyrical about Phillips' strengths in the past, following an outstanding performance in the Champions League back in 2021:

"Oh my god. What a boy he is, what player he is, what a night it is for him."

"The concentration level he shows now week in week out since he is playing for us is absolutely incredible."

With that being said, if Leeds could secure the services of Phillips it would undoubtedly soften the blow in Cooper's absence, but would also provide Farke with a high quality defender who could be a reliable contributor throughout the season.

Leeds United have just under two weeks left to finish any of their remaining business for the summer transfer window.

Who have Leeds signed this summer?

The Whites have not been particularly active in bringing players to Elland Road as they have only signed Ethan Ampadu, Sam Byram, Joe Rodon, and Karl Darlow so far.

However, they have allowed the likes of Marc Roca, Brenden Aaronson, Max Wober, Rasmus Kristensen, Rodrigo, Jack Harrison, and Robin Koch to depart either on loan or permanently.

Read the latest Leeds transfer news HERE…

Bringing in a striker appears to be on the cards for the Whites before next month’s deadline as they have been linked with a swoop for Venezia star Joel Pohjanpalo, who has a release clause worth €4m (£3.4m).

How good is Joel Pohjanpalo?

The Finland international is coming off the back of an impressive season in the Serie B and he could be the man to lead the line for the club this term.

His performances in Italy suggest that the quality is there for him to be the go-to player for goals for Leeds, which would make him Daniel Farke’s next version of Pohjanpalo’s compatriot Teemu Pukki.

The now-MLS star enjoyed a terrific spell with the German head coach at Norwich as the pair worked together during two title-winning Championship campaigns, in which time the centre-forward was his top-scorer.

Pukki plundered an exceptional 29 and 26 goals respectively across the two seasons as the Canaries lifted silverware on both occasions to secure promotion up to the Premier League.

Farke will now be hoping to reach the top-flight with a second division club for the third time in his career in England and Pohjanpalo’s goals could help him to do that, as Pukki’s did at Carrow Road.

Last season, the Finnish ace, who was once dubbed "dangerous" by journalist Josh Bunting, caught the eye with an impressive return of 19 goals in 35 Serie B starts for Venezia, whilst he was also a provider for his teammates with seven assists.

Pohjanpalo averaged an excellent Sofascore rating of 7.19 for his performances in Italy, which is higher than any Leeds player managed last season in the Premier League.

Pukki averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.10 during the 2020/21 title-winning season and a score of 7.22 throughout the 2018/19 term. This suggests that his compatriot is able to deliver consistently brilliant displays to a similar standard.

No Whites forward scored more than 14 league goals last term and no current player produced more than five strikes. This suggests that the Venezia star has the potential to be Farke’s outstanding scoring option through the middle of the pitch.

Pohjanpalo would be an exceptional striker for the Yorkshire-based outfit if he is capable of translating his form from Italy over to England, based on his sublime displays over the last 12 months.

Therefore, the £3.4m-rated talent could be Farke’s next Pukki as a free-scoring Finland international whose goals could help his side to push for promotion back to the Premier League.

His goal return for Venezia shows that he has the quality to be a reliable scorer and that could allow him to be a match-winner on a regular basis for the Whites, which could lead to vital points being won throughout the campaign.

It looks as if Tottenham Hotspur are set to be heavily involved in the late transfer window scramble, amid reports that the Lilywhites are planning to raid one of their Premier League rivals for a marquee midfield addition…

Who will Tottenham sign on Deadline Day?

According to journalist Jacob Steinberg, writing on Twitter, the north Londoners are seemingly plotting a move for Chelsea's Conor Gallagher, albeit with the England international also attracting interest from German giants Bayern Munich.

Read the latest Tottenham transfer news HERE…

In his piece for The Guardian, Steinberg revealed that Spurs have been monitoring the 23-year-old throughout the summer, with it seemingly not of the question that the Blues would sell the player if they were to receive a suitable offer – with a £50m price tag suggested.

As per the piece, any concrete approach for the former Crystal Palace loanee could well depend on whether Ange Postecoglou and co are able to move on Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, with the Denmark international having been deemed surplus to requirements by the club.

Should Tottenham sign Conor Gallagher?

With Harry Kane out the door – and with Richarlison having scored just a solitary league goal since joining Spurs last season – it may be that Postecoglou should be looking to strengthen his centre-forward ranks as a matter of urgency, rather than splashing the cash on bolstering his midfield options.

That being said, however, the signing of Gallagher would not be without merit as the seven-cap machine has showcased his proven Premier League quality in recent years, notably scoring eight goals and providing three assists while on loan at Palace during the 2021/22 campaign.

While last season was a difficult one for most at Stamford Bridge as the Blues finished in 12th place, the one-time West Bromwich Albion loanee has made a strong start to the new campaign under Mauricio Pochettino, having started all three league games thus far.

Such a high-profile addition for Postecoglou could well be terrible news for a player who is currently bang in form – Pape Matar Sarr – with the Senegalese starlet likely to see his place in the side threatened, despite having notably scored in the win over Manchester United.

With James Maddison operating in an advanced midfield role and with Yves Bissouma holding the fort at the base of the midfield, it is likely to be Sarr who is forced to give way if Gallagher is to arrive, despite having been praised for his "quality" by his manager.

While the 20-year-old is a player who "disrupts the opposition" and has "real energy" about him – as per Postecoglou – Gallagher also has those traits in abundance, having been hailed for his box-to-box nature by talkSPORT pundit Tony Cascarino, who likened the Englishman to N'Golo Kante previously, while also stating:

"He can get into the 18-yard box and ten seconds later he can make a tackle in his own 18-yard box."

That has been evident so far this term as the Epsom-born ace has averaged 5.4 tackles and interceptions per game as a marker of his ball-winning quality, while his Spurs counterpart, by contrast, has averaged just 1.3 in that regard in the opening weeks of the season.

With Sarr also yet to be truly tested across an entire campaign in English football, it may prove less of a gamble for Postecoglou to turn to a "leader" such as Gallagher – as described by Chelsea legend Ashley Cole – to be a starting option in his midfield three.

Not that the current Tottenham man deserves to be ousted from the side – with a goal and an assist to his name already this season – yet he could find himself resigned to the bench if the Lilywhites do opt to splash the cash to snap up Gallagher.