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Nottingham Forest are thought to be interested in a move for KRC Genk attacker Mike Tresor this summer, 90min report.

What’s the latest on Tresor and Forest?

Tresor is 23 years of age and is primarily an attacking midfielder who can also turn out as a left-winger or as a centre-forward if required. The Belgian made the move to Genk back in 2021 and has enjoyed a successful spell with his current employers, with his Transfermarkt valuation rising from €4m to a career-high €13m.

He has enjoyed a productive year in front of goal during the current campaign, scoring seven times and registering a whopping 18 assists in the Jupiler Pro League, a career-best tally in both departments. His displays have resulted in praise from members of the media of being a ‘very, very strong’ player, whereas scout Alberto Casas has said that Tresor is ‘exploding numerically this season’.

90min reporter Graeme Bailey provided a transfer update regarding Tresor in the last 24 hours, claiming that Forest are one of five Premier League sides keen on securing the Belgian’s services. Forest, alongside Brentford, Brighton, Leicester and Wolves have all watched the player in recent months, with Championship leaders Burnley also keen on signing Tresor.

Would Tresor be a good signing at the City Ground?

You’d expect that Forest will need to remain in the Premier League over the coming months to stand any chance of signing Tresor in the summer, but you can see why Steve Cooper’s side would be interested in bringing him to the City Ground.

Goals have been a problem for Forest this season as they battle relegation, with just three players scoring three or more goals during the current campaign. Brennan Johnson is the only player who has scored more goals than Tresor this season, with the attacking midfielder registering more assists than the entire Forest squad combined.

Therefore, you could make a strong argument that a player like Tresor is required heading into the 2023/24 campaign, so this could be one to keep an eye on, providing things go to plan for Cooper and his side over the next ten games.

According to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Tottenham’s board aren’t considering selling Harry Kane to Bayern Munich amid recent comments made by the Bundesliga club’s CEO.

The Lowdown: Bayern targeting Kane

The 28-year-old has two years remaining on his contract with the Lilywhites, but over the past few weeks he has been the subject of some serious interest from Bayern, who are believed to be targeting the England captain as a replacement for Robert Lewandowski.

90min claimed last week that, whilst Fabio Paratici and co are keen to open talks over a new deal with the forward in the near future, they are in no rush to tie him down purely based on the attention from the Bundesliga.

The Latest: Oliver Kahn’s statement

Taking to Twitter, Romano shared the statement made by Bayern’s CEO Oliver Kahn on Kane, but revealed that the Spurs hierarchy are standing firm.

The Italian relayed quotes from the former Germany goalkeeper, saying: “Bayern’s Oliver Kahn on Harry Kane as target for summer 2023: ‘He is under contract at Tottenham. Sure, an absolute top striker, but that’s all a dream of the future. So let’s see what happens’, tells @cfbayern.

“Tottenham board considers Harry Kane untouchable.”

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The Verdict: ‘Untouchable’ for a reason

It comes as no surprise to hear that one of the biggest clubs in Europe have their eye on a world-class striker like Kane, especially with Lewandowski having now joined Barcelona, but it’s pretty obvious to see why Tottenham would consider the England captain to be ‘untouchable’.

The 73-cap international has played a significant role in Spurs’ success over the last few years, with an outstanding 306 goal contributions (247 goals, 59 assists) in 385 appearances during his time at the club, via Transfermarkt.

Carrying such a goalscoring comes with a lot of responsibility, but having not won a trophy with the club, there’s surely so much more that he wants to achieve in N17 before hanging up his boots or leaving Spurs, so he may want to continue leading Tottenham’s attack for another few years yet.

Aston Villa’s reported hopes of signing Manchester City defender Nathan Ake look to be over, as the Dutch defender closes in on a move to Chelsea.

What’s the word?

Villa were heavily linked with the former AFC Bournemouth centre-back earlier in the window, with reports suggesting that he was keen on a move away from the Etihad due to a lack of regular starts under Pep Guardiola.

However, it now seems as if Thomas Tuchel’s side have won the race to sign the Netherlands international, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The football journalist wrote on Twitter that: “Chelsea have full agreement with Nathan Aké on personal terms. Man City are aware of the situation on the player side, but still waiting to receive the official bid.

“City want around £40/45m for Aké and plan is to replace him with a new centre-back in case he leaves.”

With Chelsea’s new billionaire owner Todd Boehly in place, that fee should represent no problem for the Blues, and a transfer will likely be completed ahead of the new season.

Supporters will be gutted

Although Steven Gerrard has already signed Diego Carlos for his backline this summer, to add to a number of centre-back options at Villa Park, Ake could have been a superb option in the heart of his defence.

Tyrone Mings showed his vulnerabilities on a number of occasions last season and considering Ake’s impressive performances for City, on the rare occasions he started ahead of Aymeric Laporte, Ruben Dias and John Stones, the Dutchman would arguably have been an upgrade on the Englishman.

Ake averaged a strong 6.92 rating from WhoScored across his 14 Premier League appearances last season, which was better than any of Villa’s centre-back options would manage, so he definitely could have added some quality to Gerrard’s side.

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The 27-year-old was dubbed “fantastic” by international teammate Virgil van Dijk, who will surely go down as one of the best defenders in Premier League history, so Villa supporters will surely be gutted that they are set to miss out on Ake this summer.

AND in other news: Bye-bye Luiz: Lange must now seal Aston Villa swoop for “elite” £25.2m-rated machine

Leeds United correspondent Graham Smyth has revealed that the club are in ‘advanced talks’ with Joe Gelhardt over a new deal.

The Lowdown: Gelhardt at Leeds

The Whites brought Gelhardt to Elland Road back in 2020 from Wigan Athletic for just £900,000. Since then, the 20-year-old has gone from strength to strength at Thorp Arch, contributing to 24 goals in 28 games for the U23s. He also enjoyed a breakthrough year in the first team during the previous campaign, making 20 appearances.

Gelhardt played his part in helping Leeds avoid relegation with a dramatic late winner against Norwich and a sublime assist in stoppage time against Brighton, which resulted in Alan Hutton labelling the forward as ‘unreal’.

The Latest: Smyth’s update

Smyth took to Twitter on Thursday evening to reveal that Leeds are in ‘advanced talks’ with Gelhardt over a new long-term deal.

The Yorkshire Evening Post reporter added that Gelhardt is set to be ‘the first of several to enter contract discussions’.

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The Verdict: Good news

Gelhardt’s impressive displays didn’t just catch the eye at Elland Road, with the youngster recently nominated for the 2022 Golden Boy award.

His current deal has just two years left to run, so now is the perfect time for a well-earned extension. Gelhardt proved he can step up to the demands of the Premier League, so he could be in line to feature more regularly from the off as a result under Jesse Marsch.

Hopefully, talks can be finalised over the coming days and Leeds can announce a new deal next week, as Smyth states could happen.

Steven Gerrard will be ‘desperate’ to keep hold of coveted Aston Villa gem Carney Chukwuemeka. 

That is according to sports journalist Pete O’Rourke, who was speaking to GiveMeSport.

The lowdown

A host of elite European clubs are said to be pursuing Chukwuemeka, with a recent talkSPORT report identifying Liverpool, Arsenal, Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich and Barcelona as the teams who have been linked.

Significantly, the 18-year-old midfielder is now into the final year of his contract at Villa Park. Gerrard has said the club have ‘done everything’ to convince him to commit, but the player is apparently keen to leave (via Birmingham Live).

Chukwuemeka has made 16 appearances for the Villa first team up to this point, including two Premier League starts.

The latest

O’Rourke has said that Villa have been trying to secure Chukwuemeka’s future for some time, but to no avail.

There is considerable excitement about what he could achieve at Villa going forward, but his future in the Midlands is clearly in doubt.

O’Rourke told GiveMeSport about the 18-year-old: “It’s been a priority for Villa for a while now to sort out his long-term future. He has been linked with a move for the last couple of transfer windows.

“He’s obviously highly-rated, and they have high hopes for him, so Gerrard will be desperate to keep him in the long-term to see how he can fit into the Aston Villa team.”

The verdict

It’s easy to understand why Chukwuemeka has so many suitors. He started every game for England’s under-19s en route to glory at the recent European Championships at that age level, while Goal ranked him 37th on their list of the best 50 wonderkids in world football in March.

Indeed, Villa journalist John Townley has called the 18-year-old’s potential ‘scary’, while talent scout Jacek Kulig has dubbed him a ‘superstar in the making’.

Gerrard and Villa may be torn – do they take their opportunity to cash in on an outstanding academy graduate, or do they fully integrate him into the first team next season in a bid to change his mind?

There’s certainly a dilemma to face, but considering Chukwuemeka’s undoubted potential, Villa must take great care with their eventual decision on the youngster.

Everton are looking for ways to improve their squad this summer following a difficult relegation battle in the Premier League last season, and now a new potential transfer target has emerged.

What’s the latest?

According to 90min, Everton are one of the clubs interested in signing Georginio Wijnaldum.

In a report based on players who need to make a move this summer, the publication named the Paris Saint-Germain midfielder as one of the players who could be in contention for a new challenge.

Tottenham and Arsenal are also named as interested clubs alongside the Toffees.

Lampard’s very own Bernardo Silva

Frank Lampard will be hopeful that the powers at Goodison Park can bring in some talent to add quality to the Everton squad ahead of next season, and taking the opportunity to sign Wijnaldum could be a great start.

The Dutchman made the move to PSG last summer after contract negotiations failed with Liverpool, leaving on a free transfer at the end of the 2020/21 season, but it hasn’t gone according to plan in France.

Despite scoring three goals and bagging three assists, the midfielder has struggled to find consistency and a solid position in the starting XI thus far, so a move back to the Premier League could be the perfect chance for Wijnaldum to prove that he is capable of the quality he displayed whilst at Anfield.

The £180k-per-week gem who was hailed “sensational” by Jurgen Klopp has averaged 52 minutes per game over his 38 appearances in all competitions for PSG, but has proven that, despite the media criticism, he has the potential to still be a really effective player.

Wijnaldum created five big chances, with an impressive pass completion rate of 92% and won the majority of his ground and aerial duels combined during his 31 Ligue 1 appearances last season.

According to FBref, Bernardo Silva was one of the most comparable players to the PSG midfielder last term, so Lampard could have his very own Silva on his hands if he can bring out the best in Wijnaldum next season.

Despite Silva scoring more than his fellow midfielder, the 31-year-old has a far better pass completion rate (90.5%) and a better pressure success rate (31.0%) than the Man City star, proving that he is a solid midfielder that can be relied upon to look after the ball in the centre of the pitch.

With that being said, if Moshiri could land a deal to bring Wijnaldum back to Merseyside it would be a major coup in Everton’s pursuit to repair the mistakes of the past and move forward positively into next season.

AND in other news: EFC submit offer for “exceptional” £24k-p/w maestro, he can be Frank’s own de Bruyne

Aston Villa are reportedly monitoring Flamengo striker Gabriel Barbosa, having previously been linked with the Brazilian in January.

What’s the word?

According to 90min, the Midlands side are said to be ‘keeping tabs’ on Barbosa – better known as Gabigol – with his current side believed to be open to a departure, having been unwilling to do a deal in the winter window.

Reports at the time suggested that the 25-year-old – who endured a previous, difficult stint at Inter Milan – is keen on a return to European football, with Villa believed to be one of a number of clubs interested in securing his signature.

The 18-cap brute – who could command a fee of around £30m with over two years left to run on his existing deal – is also said to be of interest to Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Gerrard’s own Nunez

A top-class centre-forward would appear to be on Steven Gerrard’s wishlist this summer, amid suggestions that former Southampton man Danny Ings could be moved on just a year after arriving at Villa Park in a £25m deal.

The 29-year-old found goals hard to come by in a frustrating debut campaign, netting just seven goals in 30 Premier League appearances, while striker partner Ollie Watkins was also far from prolific having scored 11 league goals.

With putting the ball in the back of the net seemingly an issue, sporting director Johan Lange appears to have identified Gabigol as the man to be the solution, the £23.4m-rated ace having scored a remarkable 101 goals in just 155 games for his current side, while also providing 28 assists.

The 5 foot 10 marksman also enjoyed two similarly devastating spells at fellow Brazilian side Santos, netting 43 goals in 125 appearances in total having started his career at the club, before later returning on a loan deal from Inter.

His switch to Italy in 2016 may have ultimately ended in disappointment – as he scored just once in ten games in total and spent much of his time out on loan – yet for the most part he has proven himself something of a “goalscoring machine”, as per scout Andre Noruega.

In a seismic summer which has seen Erling Haaland join Manchester City and Darwin Nunez arrive at Liverpool, Barbosa could be the next high profile, centre-forward addition to the Premier League, with both he and the latter man, in particular, marked as similar players, as per Football Transfers.

That may be a bold claim considering Nunez has already proven himself in European football – netting 34 goals for Benfica last term – yet he also had to make that transition from South America originally, having begun life with Uruguayan outfit, Penarol.

The hope for Gerrard and co will be that they should he get his man this summer, the striker can go on to adjust to life in a new league and on a new continent just as easily, with it perhaps time that he is afforded another chance to shine in Europe.

IN other news, AVFC face battle to land “aggressive” £60m machine, he’s one of the “best” in his role

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has already begun his work in the transfer window by making Matt Targett his first signing of the summer.

With deals agreed to bring Kilmarnock youngster Charlie McArthur and Reims striker Hugo Ekitike to St James’ Park as well, the Magpies boss seemingly isn’t finished there.

According to Brazilian news outlet Globo Esporte, Newcastle have reportedly reached out to the agent of Santos winger Angelo Gabriel as they look to enhance their squad further.

With the youngster having just signed a new contract until 2024, the Brazilian club won’t be looking to sell him right now; and with no formal offer made, it might be a while before any breakthrough in talks becomes apparent.

Having been described by his first coach Betinho as a player who “is like Neymar”, Newcastle may have found a new wonderkid.

He became the youngest-ever scorer in the Copa Libertadores in April 2021 and his rise to one of South America’s most wanted talents is similar to that of the PSG winger.

With Howe looking for more improvements to the first team, Gabriel could well be placed to take over from right-winger Jacob Murphy, with the Brazilian’s versatility being particularly impressive.

In only four matches this year, Gabriel already has two assists, with Murphy registering just two in 33 appearances last season. In terms of shots, the 17-year-old has taken 4.09 per match in the current campaign, while Murphy averaged 1.71 during the 2021/22 season.

Therefore, it’s clear to see the Santos teenager’s keen eye for goal, particularly compared to the Magpies forward.

Moving from Brazil to Europe before reaching adulthood is a big risk and the hype might be too premature, but given his statistics and success so far at Santos, it looks like Gabriel could be the next big thing and duly follow in Neymar’s footsteps.

The Paris Saint-Germain superstar, who also featured for the Brazilian club, has gone on to score more than 200 goals at a high level in Europe after moving across the Atlantic.

Howe will just be hoping it is Newcastle who manage to secure Gabriel’s signature.

AND in other news, Deal close: Keith Downie relays huge Newcastle transfer news that supporters will love

Leeds United are reportedly close to securing a transfer for Bayern Munich midfielder Marc Roca.

What’s the news?

According to a recent report from Marca, the Yorkshire club are closing in on a deal, said to be worth between €13m and €15m (£11.1m – £12.8m), for the 25-year-old.

The report also adds that the player will be signing a three-to-four-year deal at Elland Road and is expected to have a predominant role in Jesse Marsch’s side.

Marsch will be buzzing

As a product of Espanyol’s youth system, the midfielder went on to make a total of 172 appearances for the Spanish club across their senior and youth sides in all competitions.

In those appearances, Roca found the net nine times and delivered six assists before joining the Bundesliga side back in October 2020.

Since then, the midfielder has only made 24 appearances for Julian Nagelsmann’s side and hasn’t scored one goal or delivered one assist.

This makes it easy to see why Bayern have reportedly been willing to sell him to Leeds as he clearly isn’t near the top of the pecking order in the squad.

In fact, the Spaniard only made 13 appearances for the German side across the Bundesliga and Champions League this season, starting just four of them.

That said, it would still be a fantastic signing for the Whites. Having already secured deals for the likes of Brenden Aaronson and Rasmus Kristensen, Marsch will be over the moon to get another new player through the door so early in the transfer window.

Praised by Nagelsmann for his “impressive” performances when he has been given the chance to play, Roca could well relish the opportunity to not only play for a big club like Leeds in the Premier League but also to play regularly once again instead of being a bit-part player at Bayern.

This also shows that he could well be a good fit at Leeds and in the English top division if he’s able to deliver impressive performances at a club like Bayern.

With current Leeds midfielder Kalvin Phillips linked with a move away from Elland Road this summer, adding a player like the £6.3m-rated figure could be the best way forward for the Whites should they end up losing the England international.

In other news: Leeds receive green light to seal third summer signing for free, Orta will be buzzing

Leeds United have been handed a huge boost in their bid to bring Marc Roca to Elland Road in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a recent report by German publication BILD, who claimed that Bayern Munich are willing to part with the midfielder this summer, as long as they receive an offer in the region of €9m (£7.5m). That’s £2.5m lower than the Daily Mail had initially claimed the Bundesliga champions were demanding.

BILD went on to state that the former Spain under-21 international is said to be open to a move away from the Allianz Arena in the coming weeks, as he would like to join a team who can offer him regular first-team minutes next season.

“Ridiculously talented”

While it is true that Roca’s career has somewhat stagnated since his €15m (£13m) move from Espanyol in October 2020, it is undeniable that, under the management of a coach who knows how to best utilise his skillset, the 25-year-old could become an incredibly dangerous weapon in the heart of the pitch.

He made just 13 appearances in the Bundesliga and Champions League in 2021/22, but according to FBRef data, the £6.3m-rated talent still ranks in the top 8% of midfielders in Europe’s big five leagues for passes attempted per 90, as well as the top 13% for pass completion, the top 13% for progressive passes and the top 30% for progressive carries over the past 12 months.

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The £31k-per-week midfielder also ranks in the top 7% for pressures per 90, the top 21% for interceptions, the top 34% for blocks and the top 43% for tackles over the last 365 days.

As such, it is easy to see why ESPN’s David Cartlidge recently stated his belief that Roca was “on the verge of something very special” prior to his move to Bayern, while it is also evident as to why the journalist believes the 25-year-old is a “ridiculously talented player.”

It very much appears as if Orta has now been given the green light to move for the Spaniard this summer, so if the sporting director can get a £7.5m deal over the line for Roca, he would not only have landed a potential bargain but also added an extremely gifted footballer to Jesse Marsch’s midfield ranks ahead of Leeds’ upcoming Premier League campaign.

AND in other news: Huge Leeds United transfer twist now emerges in £17m deal, Jesse Marsch will be fuming