Newcastle United are interested in Inter Milan’s Hakan Calhanoglu, according to Italian outlet Calciomercato Web. 

The lowdown

Central midfielder Calhanoglu only joined Inter last summer, making a cross-city move from AC Milan as a free agent.

And he’s actually been heavily involved so far this season, starting five of Inter’s six Serie A matches as well as their Champions League Group C opener against Bayern Munich.

The 28-year-old, who can also play as an attacking midfielder and left winger, has two years left on his contract.

The latest

The report states that Inter are ready to sell Calhanoglu if they receive ‘the right offer’.

The Nerazzurri apparently value him in the region of €30million, which equates to £26million.

Calhanoglu has been ‘in the sights’ of Newcastle ‘in recent months’, with other Premier League sides interested too.

Significantly, Inter already have a replacement lined up in Atalanta’s Ruslan Malinovskyi.

The verdict

Calhanoglu boasts a fairly strong record for Inter, scoring or assisting 23 goals in 53 appearances for the club (9G, 14A).

And it’s a signing that could seriously excite Newcastle fans given the Turkish midfielder’s flair for the spectacular.

Since the start of the 2014/15 season, he’s scored 20 goals from outside the penalty area and, over the course of his career as a whole, he’s netted 24 direct free-kicks. To put that into perspective, Kieran Trippier has just eight for club and one for country.

His scarcely believable dead-ball effort in Hamburg’s 3-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund in 2014 has been viewed 5.2 million times on YouTube.

Leeds United enjoyed a busy summer transfer window, with the big money departures of both Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha affording Victor Orta a considerable budget to play with in order to adequately strengthen Jesse Marsch’s first team squad ahead of the 2022/23 Premier League campaign.

And, with the director of football bringing the likes of Brenden Aaronson, Luis Sinisterra, Tyler Adams, Rasmus Kristensen, Marc Roca, Darko Gyabi, Wilfried Gnonto and Sonny Perkins to Elland Road prior to September’s transfer deadline, the Spaniard very much did a stellar job over the summer window.

However, while both Gnonto and Perkins are undoubtedly incredibly exciting attacking prospects for the future, one area of the Leeds squad that the 43-year-old failed to land a first-team-ready addition was at centre-forward – with Patrick Bamford and Joe Gelhardt being Marsch’s only viable options up top.

This was not through lack of trying, with the Whites being linked with a number of attacking talents over the course of the summer – including the likes of Stade Rennais FC striker Martin Terrier, Paris Saint-Germain forward Arnaud Kalimuendo and Fenerbahce frontman Mergim Berisha.

And, considering just how well the latter of this trio has performed following a season-long loan switch to German side FC Augsburg, Orta’s decision not to sanction a £4.2m move for the 24-year-old already looks to have been something of a mistake for the Whites’ director of football.

Indeed, over his three Bundesliga appearances in the current campaign, the £5.4m-rated talent has been in exceptional form, having already bagged one goal, registered one assist and created two big chances for his teammates, in addition to taking an average of 1.7 shots, making 1.3 key passes and winning 5.3 duels per game.

These returns have seen the £40k-per-week striker average an extremely impressive SofaScore match rating of 6.90, currently ranking him as Augsburg’s second-best performer in the top flight of German football.

The 24-year-old who Max Camilleri dubbed “amazing” particularly impressed in the Fuggerstädter’s 1-0 victory over reigning Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich last time out, as, despite being under considerable pressure for large portions of the match, Berisha expertly dispatched his one chance in front of goal – sealing a famous three points for his side.

So eye-catching have the performances of the former Germany U21 international been that Augsburg sporting director, Stefan Reuter, stated his belief that the centre-forward could well be a surprise inclusion in Hansi Flick’s World Cup squad this winter.

Concerning the striker, Reuter said: “Mergim Berisha is a player worth thinking about if there is a surprise in Germany’s World Cup squad.”

As such, considering his fantastic displays in Germany so far this season, coupled with the fact that he would have been available for as little as £4.2m this summer, the argument that Orta had something of a mare when deciding against a move for Berisha is an easy one to make.

Liverpool were ‘really interested’ in RB Leipzig midfielder Konrad Laimer in the final week of the summer transfer window, Fabrizio Romano says. 

The lowdown

Liverpool did wind up signing a midfielder on Transfer Deadline Day, with Arthur arriving from Juventus on an initial loan with an option to buy.

But Laimer could still be on their radar, particularly as he’s set to be available on a free transfer next year once he reaches the end of his contract at Leipzig.

The latest

Writing on his Twitter page, Romano said that Liverpool wanted to sign Laimer but met insurmountable resistance from Leipzig at a late stage in the window.

There will now be ‘many clubs’ in the running to sign the Austrian in 2023, with Bayern Munich also named as a suitor.

“Liverpool were really interested in Konrad Laimer as new midfielder but it was impossible to negotiate with Leipzig on last week of August,” he said.

“Laimer’s contract expires next June and there are many clubs interested — especially Bayern, as Nagelsmann is big fan.”

The verdict

It looks like Liverpool will need further midfield signings in 2023, even if the highly touted Jude Bellingham joins.

As it stands, James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita will all be leaving the club on the expiry of their contracts.

If they are to go toe-to-toe with Bayern for Laimer, then they may have a key advantage – as a foreign club, they will be able to negotiate pre-contract terms with the 25-year-old from January onwards.

And Laimer could quickly win the approval of the Anfield faithful because of his renowned work rate.

International team-mate Marko Arnautovic has marvelled at his ‘crazy’ running volume, while talent scout Jacek Kulig has called him a ‘pitbull’.

It’s no surprise, in light of these comments, that Laimer ranks in the very highest percentile among midfielders in the big five leagues for pressures per 90.

Aston Villa have invested heavily in plenty of new talent in recent years, with both Dean Smith and Steven Gerrard having accumulated a net spend of nearly £260m.

Both were tasked with taking the Midlands club to the next level, and with the latter currently struggling for results, it seems like it is a task easier said than done.

Plenty of the new faces have succeeded, however, it is a more familiar face that continues to impress at Villa Park.

Signed for just £2m, John McGinn joined from Hibernian back in 2019.

He quickly established himself as a fan favourite and was recently appointed captain of the club following the removal of Tyrone Mings from the position.

The Scotland international has since seen his value rise astronomically, with CIES Football Observatory rating him at €35m (£30m). This marks a remarkable 1400% increase, with the 27-year-old viewed as invaluable by the Villains.

McGinn has earned his plaudits for his typically busy performances in the engine room, willing to get through the dirty work but pop up with a goal.

Journalist Mat Kendrick actually labelled him a “relentless creature”, lauding his ability to feed off the crowd to summon “even more energy in his leg.”

This season for Villa he is averaging 1.1 interceptions and 2.4 tackles per game, whilst during his career he has scored a respectable 16 goals across his 155 appearances.

He blends his goal-scoring and defensive know-how with a keen ability to drive with the ball at his feet, as he ranks in the top 18% for dribbles completed across Europe’s top five leagues.

Having worked his way to complete seniority over his teammates, it is clear that the 27-year-old possesses all the mental attributes to match his technical ability.

It is this which has led to his incredibly solid performances over his career in England, contributing to this exceptional increase in value.

It has become something of a dream deal, as he continues to improve at every opportunity. This season, holding the captaincy will surely only serve to continue this development.

Journalist Pete O’Rourke has been reacting to an injury to Celtic defender Cameron Carter-Vickers during the international break.

The Lowdown: International break injuries

Carter-Vickers was absent in the Hoops’ 2-0 defeat to St Mirren prior to the international break and was left out of the USA squad due to a ‘minor’ injury. The centre-back is also thought to be a major doubt for this weekend’s clash with Motherwell.

Celtic’s issues went from bad to worse during the international break, with Daizen Maeda, Sead Haksabanovic and Giorgos Giakoumakis all suffering injury scares while representing their countries.

The Latest: O’Rourke’s comments

O’Rourke, talking to The Transfer Tavern, labelled Carter-Vickers a Celtic ‘leader’ and said that the injury is ‘a blow to Ange Postecoglou’s side’.

“He is a bit of a leader in that Celtic team, so to lose him will be a blow to Ange Postecoglou’s side because the replacements are nowhere near as good as Carter-Vickers.”

The Verdict: Postecoglou’s options

Carl Starfelt has been out for almost a month now, last featuring against Rangers on September 3, with Postecoglou hinting that he could ‘potentially’ return after the international break.

Stephen Welsh and Moritz Jenz started against St Mirren, so the Hoops boss may have to call upon the pair once again, should Carter-Vickers and Starfelt miss out.

Welsh especially struggled last time out and was one of the worst performing outfield Celtic players, as per SofaScore, with a match rating of 6.5/10, so Postecoglou will be hoping for an improved display, while also wanting Starfelt and Carter-Vickers back fit as soon as possible.

Liverpool are ‘keeping close tabs’ on Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo and even made an official approach this month, according to a fresh transfer report.

The Lowdown: Caicedo linked with Reds switch

The 20-year-old has emerged as arguably one of the best young midfielders in the Premier League, producing consistently influential performances for the Seagulls.

Caicedo was linked with a move to Liverpool during the summer transfer window and his social media activity suggested a move was close, but he ended up remaining at the Amex Stadium.

It looks as though Jurgen Klopp and Julian Ward’s interest hasn’t gone away, however, following a new report.

The Latest: Approach made

According to Football Insider, Liverpool are monitoring Caicedo closely at the moment, as they battle with Chelsea for the Ecuadorian’s signature.

The midfielder’s current Brighton deal expires in the summer of 2025, so only a sizeable bid would likely be able to prise him away in January or at the end of this season.

The Reds made official contact to register their interest before the deadline on September 1.

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The Verdict: Superb potential signing

Caicedo looks like an exceptional young talent – Graham Potter has described him as ‘fantastic’ – so Liverpool snapping him up could be a game-changing moment in terms of bolstering their midfield.

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At 20, he has so many years ahead of him at the top level but he is already an eye-catching performer in the Premier League, averaging 2.7 tackles and 1.8 interceptions per game this season.

If Liverpool could bring in both Caicedo and Jude Bellingham by next summer, it would help Klopp rebuild what is now an ageing midfield, bringing an immediate injection of freshness and quality in the middle of the park.

Leeds United are thought to be interested in a move for Linfield teenager Cole Brannigan.

The Lowdown: Academy additions

The Whites were proactive this summer when adding to their youth ranks, with a number of players brought into the Thorp Arch academy.

Darko Gyabi and Sonny Perkins were the two high-profile arrivals from Manchester City and West Ham respectively, whereas younger players Max McFadden and Charlie Crew joined from Colchester United and Cardiff City respectively.

Leeds also secured the services of goalkeeper Rory Mahady from Celtic, and it appears as if the club are now eyeing an out-of-window move for Brannigan.

The Latest: Brannigan next?

According to The Sun on Saturday evening, Leeds are among a number of Premier League sides who are keen on Brannigan.

The report claims that Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City are also interested in the Northern Ireland under-16 international.

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The Verdict: Good to see

Leeds have been building for the future and have already reaped the rewards with the likes of Illan Meslier, Pascal Struijk and Joe Gelhardt all now regulars under Jesse Marsch.

The likes of Gyabi and Perkins could follow suit in years to come, so a clear pathway to first-team football at Elland Road might tempt Brannigan over joining Chelsea, Liverpool or Man City.

It could prove to be another academy coup if the Whites get a deal over the line, so we’ll have to wait and see if Victor Orta can do just that.

Liverpool have got ‘no chance’ of signing Real Madrid star Federico Valverde next summer, according to Sky Sports pundit Kevin Campbell.

The Lowdown: FSG bid rejected

The Reds had been in the market over the summer for a new midfielder to cover for the ongoing injury crisis, but despite signing Arthur Melo from Juventus on a season-long loan, he wasn’t the only player being targeted by FSG.

Spanish outlet AS reported that the Premier League giants made an £86.5m bid for the 24-year-old Valverde in the final days of the window, though this was turned down by the La Liga side, who weren’t willing to let him leave before the deadline.

The Latest: Valverde not for sale

Asked by Football Insider whether Liverpool might be able to land Valverde in 2023 should they increase their offer, Campbell said:

“No chance.

“Valverde is a player who Real Madrid have put a lot of time into. They have built him up and developed him into a regular starter.

“The guy scored an unbelievable goal at the weekend as well. He is a player who I think will go on to be world-class. He has got a great engine, a hell of a shot on him and can pass the ball with both feet.

“Real Madrid are not a selling club. They have developed this youngster and he is now starting to repay the faith. I cannot see him moving to Liverpool.

“Real Madrid are not a club who sell their best players.”

The Verdict: Not surprising

Valverde has become an integral member of Carlo Ancelotti’s starting XI at the Bernabeu, so it’s no surprise that Liverpool’s approach was rejected.

The Uruguayan has got off to a flying start this season, making five goal contributions in eight appearances in all competitions, registering one goal and one assist in just two Champions League outings (Transfermarkt).

Valverde still has five years remaining on his deal with Real so he won’t come cheap, but with Arthur now in the building, the Reds should wait until next summer to further assess their options.

Sheffield Wednesday striker Lee Gregory is an injury doubt for the midweek League One clash against Plymouth Argyle, according to reliable journalist Dom Howson.

The Lowdown: Wednesday pick up weekend win

The Owls made the trip to Port Vale on Saturday afternoon looking to continue their good start to the season and they battled their way to a 1-0 win. Will Vaulks’ stunning long-range strike proved to be the difference between the two teams, in what could be looked back upon as a gritty three points come the end of the season.

One player who wasn’t available was Gregory, with Wednesday having to make do without one of their regular attackers.

The Latest: Gregory injured

Taking to Twitter after Saturday’s match, Howson reported that the 34-year-old picked up an injury in training on Friday, although he didn’t say for definite whether Gregory would be available for Tuesday’s trip to Plymouth.

The Yorkshire Live reporter tweeted:

“George Byers and Lee Gregory will be assessed on Monday ahead of the trip to Plymouth. Gregory picked up a minor knock in training yesterday.”

The Verdict: Potential big loss

The clash with Argyle in midweek looks like a huge game on paper, with the current League One leaders hosting the third-placed Owls and just two points separating the teams.

Gregory’s ruthlessness in the final third would be a big loss if he isn’t available – he has scored 18 goals in 50 appearances for Wednesday – with the match potentially being decided by fine margins given the form of the two teams.

That it is only deemed a “minor” injury might suggest that he could be available, but whether or not Darren Moore brings him straight back into the line-up remains to be seen, with Mallik Wilks, Josh Windass and Michael Smith possibly preferred in attack.

Tottenham Hotspur are in advanced talks to sign recruitment expert Jeff Vetere, according to Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Vetere’s career

Vetere has not held a senior recruitment position since being sacked as Birmingham City’s director of football in March 2018, which came at the same time as manager Steve Cotterill losing his job in a major club reshuffle.

The 56-year-old has extensive experience in Premier League recruitment, having worked for the likes of Charlton Athletic, West Ham United, Newcastle United and Fulham whilst they were all in the English top-flight.

He also has experience working as a scout for Real Madrid, aided by the fact he speaks five languages.

The Latest: Close to joining Spurs

According to a report by Football Insider, Tottenham are now in advanced talks with Vetere with the view for him to come in and oversee their Under-21s recruitment.

It is claimed he is a close ally of Spurs managing director Fabio Paratici, who has given the green-light on the appointment.

Negotiations are said to be close to completion, with Vetere ready to join the north London club immediately.

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The Verdict: Academy needs a reshuffle

The Lilywhites have faced criticism in recent times having failed to bring through a number of top talents from the academy all the way to Antonio Conte’s first-team.

This criticism became all the more prominent last week when Tottenham academy graduate Marcus Edwards stunned his boyhood team whilst playing for Sporting CP as they beat Spurs 2-0 in the Champions League.

Edwards was even awarded the player of the match for his dazzling display, throwing in the question as to why the north London club allowed his departure in the first place.

Therefore, Paratici will have high hopes in Vetere’s reshuffling of the academy’s operations, because, at the moment, it is failing in its production.