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With Sunderland looking to finally appoint a new permanent manager, Sky Sports' Keith Downie has provided an update on their pursuit of Lorient man Regis Le Bris.

Sunderland manager news

A month since a disappointing Championship season came to an end, Sunderland are yet to appoint a new boss. Several names have been linked, but not one has arrived, be that Paul Heckingbottom, Pascal Jansen or Will Still. Those at the Stadium of Light are clearly keen to get things right after their nightmare Michael Beale appointment midway through the last campaign.

Under Tony Mowbray, Sunderland found themselves battling for a place in the Championship's top six. Not content with where they were, however, Kyril Louis-Dreyfus and co decided to part ways with the former Blackburn Rovers boss and turn to Beale fresh from his Rangers sacking. What followed was the story of Sunderland's season, with Beale winning four of just 12 games in nine weeks, before the Black Cats pulled the plug on a decision to forget.

Sunderland could sign "terrific" Bellingham replacement

Sunderland will be drafting up a list of replacements in case Jobe Bellingham does walk away soon.

By
Kelan Sarson

Jun 19, 2024

By the end of the Championship campaign, they found themselves as low as 16th as interim manager Mike Dodds headed for the exit. Now, however, as pre-season approaches, Sunderland look to have finally found their man in Regis Le Bris. According to Downie, Sunderland are hopeful that Le Bris will travel to Wearside next week to confirm his appointment just before the start of pre-season.

Downie claims that the "feeling within the club" is that, whilst Le Bris was relegated at Lorient in Ligue 1 last season, he was handed a difficult hand and impressed enough in the 2022/23 season when leading the French club to a top ten finish.

Months after Beale's exit, it finally looks as though Sunderland's next manager is on his way, as the Black Cats gear up for significant improvement in the Championship next season.

Le Bris appointment isn't without risk

On paper, appointing a manager who was just relegated with his current club is hardly a move that will instantly win the fans over, and rightly so – Sunderland's move for Le Bris certainly isn't without its risks. The 48-year-old has taken charge of just one club in the form of Lorient and has endured two incredibly mixed seasons. What Sunderland are betting on is a manager who took his side to the highs of 10th, before they then suffered relegation.

Those in Wearside will hope to see the boss replicate his first Lorient season which did exceed expectations, but only time will tell whether their risk pays off.

Nottingham Forest are reportedly among the clubs interested in signing Wolfsburg forward Omar Marmoush, according to a report from Kicker. 

The lowdown: Career so far

Signed from Wadi Degla in 2017, the Egypt international has spent time on loan at St Pauli and Stuttgart in Germany, directly contributing to 18 goals in 42 appearances across those two spells combined.

The 23-year-old has previously attracted attention from Tottenham and Arsenal, whilst he himself has admitted to harbouring a ‘dream’ of playing in the Premier League.

Having returned to his parent club this summer, Marmoush appears to have an uncertain future under manager Niko Kovac, and Forest are in the mix to make a deal happen…

The latest: Kicker cites Forest interest

As per reputable German outlet Kicker on Monday, Nottingham Forest, Brentford and Espanyol are all keen on signing the 13-cap winger this summer.

It’s claimed that, despite entering the final 12 months of his deal at the Bundesliga club, there is ‘no offer for an extension’ for Marmoush to stay at Wolfsburg.

Therefore, the trio of the aforementioned clubs are all believed to be ‘watching’ the situation surrounding the versatile attacker with intent, although it is stated that Kovac ‘thinks highly’ of the Egyptian.

The verdict: More to come…

Forest have been extraordinarily busy during the transfer window so far, adding no fewer than 12 senior players to Steve Cooper’s ranks at the City Ground, shelling out just over £85m from the coffers in the process.

Linked elsewhere with Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Junior Dina Ebimbe, the transfers certainly don’t appear to be over in the east Midlands just yet.

However, despite the impressive business carried out so far, none of those 12 signings are natural wingers, bringing into question the Reds’ ability to play alternative formations to their manager’s preferred 3-4-2-1 system.

Capable of playing on either wing or as a makeshift centre-forward, Marmoush Sofascore rating whilst winning 6.8 duels and completing 1.9 dribbles per league game, outperforming new Forest signings Orel Mangala for the latter metric.

Sharing a close stylistic likeness to such renowned forwards as Gabriel Martinelli, Kevin Volland and Jarrod Bowen (FBRef), adding a player of the £5.4m-valued Egyptian’s ilk to Cooper’s options would certainly be another significant statement from the City Ground hierarchy.

An update has emerged on Leeds United and their interest in Nicolas Pepe in the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

According to The Daily Mail, the Whites are one of the teams eyeing up a swoop to land the winger ahead of the 2022/23 campaign, as Victor Orta eyes the Ivorian international.

The report claims that Sevilla and Marseille are also set to compete to land his signature, if Arsenal opt to part ways with him.

It has been claimed, earlier this summer, that the Gunners would be willing to cash in on the attacker for as little as £25m, although it remains to be seen how much Leeds would be willing to pay for him.

Raphinha 2.0

By snapping up a deal to sign Pepe from Arsenal, Orta can find Leeds their next Raphinha by signing a skilful left-footed right winger with Ligue 1 and Premier League experience.

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The Whites sold the Brazil international, who they signed from Rennes in 2020, and he enjoyed a fantastic time in England. He scored 17 goals and racked up 12 assists in two league campaigns – starting 60 matches – for the club, showcasing his ability to make a big impact at the top end of the pitch.

Pepe endured a difficult 2021/22 – scoring once in 20 league outings – but has previously shown that he has the potential to be a useful player at this level.

In his first two Premier League seasons for the Gunners, the Ivorian international scored 15 goals and registered seven assists – starting 38 games in total. This suggests that he can have a similar impact to Raphinha in the final third if Leeds can help him to rediscover his best form.

Talent scout Jacek Kulig once claimed that the 27-year-old “destroyed Ligue 1” and the statistics from his time in France with Lille back that up.

Pepe amassed a whopping 22 goals and 11 assists in 38 matches in the French top-flight in 2018/19. He created 16 big chances for his teammates and averaged an excellent SofaScore rating of 7.28, proving that he did destroy the league with his quality out wide as he regularly made a big impact in front of goal.

His form for Lille coupled with his first two campaigns with Arsenal suggest that there is a brilliant player – who is Raphinha-esque in style and end product – for Leeds to unlock if they are able to sign him this summer.

AND in other news: Orta could land Marsch his very own Scamacca in Leeds swoop for 56 G/A “wonderkid”

BBC journalist Simon Stone has shared his view as Leeds United signing Luis Sinisterra picked up an injury in the Whites’ pre-season friendly with Crystal Palace.

The Lowdown: Sinisterra joins Whites

The winger completed a move from Feyenoord to Leeds earlier this month, helping fill the void left by Raphinha, who has joined Barcelona in a big-money transfer.

Sinisterra is an exciting signing, having scored 12 goals and chipped in with seven assists in the Eredivisie last season, and fans have been enjoying watching him in pre-season action.

Unfortunately, things have taken a negative turn in that respect.

The Latest: Injury update

Taking to Twitter during Leeds’ friendly clash with Palace, Stone confirmed that Sinisterra had limped off after picking up an injury, which he believes to be a hamstring issue.

The reporter confirmed it was a non-contact injury and shared a brief moment involving manager Jesse Marsch before the player headed down the tunnel.

“Sinisterra went down with no-one near him. Looked like a hamstring injury. Had a brief word with Jesse Marsch before making his way slowly to the tunnel. Colombian one of LUFC’s big summer signings.”

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The Verdict: Big concern for Marsch

A new signing getting injured is always hugely disappointing and this is especially concerning, given the manner in which Sinisterra picked up the knock.

Nobody was around him when the incident happened, which can mean potential muscle or even ligament damage due to an awkward turn or landing, which will be of big concern for Marsch.

The hope is that Sinisterra’s setback is nothing serious and that he left the field as a precaution, but with the new Premier League season only two weeks away, anyone associated with Leeds will be sweating.

Tottenham Hotspur could make a surprise move for former academy graduate Kyle Walker-Peters…

What’s the word?

That’s according to CBS Sports reporter Ben Jacobs, who revealed to GIVEMESPORT that it was a deal that Spurs were exploring before deadline day on September 1st.

“Arsenal are keeping tabs on Walker-Peters, but nothing beyond that at this stage. Tottenham are exploring re-signing Walker-Peters from Southampton,” he said.

“I think whoever lands him will land a tremendous player. He was one of the best right-backs in the Premier League last season.”

Worthy comeback

Indeed, the 25-year-old was a standout star for Southampton, even despite the arrival of Tino Livramento from Chelsea. His form for the Saints even led to a call-up to Gareth Southgate’s England squad – it’s been a while since one of Spurs’ defensive players managed that.

23 of his 37 appearances last season actually came at left-back, making him an even better prospect to sign because he is clearly capable of playing on either flank and that could work wonders given Antonio Conte’s system.

Walker-Peters left the north London outfit back in August 2020 for £12m and has seen his value soar to £26m, as per CIES Football Observatory, who assess the transfer value of professional footballers on a scientific basis.

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He has gone onto play 82 times on the south coast, emerging as one of the top players in his position, as Jacobs alludes to.

When compared to his positional peers across Europe’s top divisions, the former Spurs man ranks inside the top 4% for progressive carries (7.90 per 90), the top 6% for dribbles completed (1.74 per 90) and the top 7% for touches in the opposition’s penalty box (3.14 per 90), via FBref.

This would suggest that his attacking presence is something of a lethal threat, and that has to be a valuable asset considering his performances are in the Premier League.

“He remembers me a little bit of Philipp Lahm I must say, because he is so good on the ball, he always has good decisions. He can run and makes nearly any mistakes,” boldly claimed Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl to the Daily Echo.

Meanwhile, he has also been praised for his leadership qualities by his manager, describing him as a “role model” and “complete.”

Conte has struggled with the right wing-back position ever since he took over from Nuno Santo in November and with a deal for Djed Spence dragging on, it could make sense for Spurs to look elsewhere as it’s less than a month until the new season gets underway.

The £50k-per-week gem perhaps should have never been sold by Daniel Levy, so now sporting director Fabio Paratici has a chance to right those wrongs in the coming weeks.

Walker-Peters would be a solid sixth signing of the summer transfer window.

AND in other news, £16.6m wasted: Conte must axe £50k-p/w Spurs passenger who Pochettino dubbed “perfect”…

Liverpool’s interest in Matheus Nunes could leave Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola frustrated if the Reds were to get their man.

The Merseyside have been linked with a slew of midfielders this window, and with Jurgen Klopp already showing his eagerness to plug any gaps he sees in his squad, it is not unlikely to think that he will once again move to re-energise his ageing midfield.

With Thiago recently turning 31, this Portuguese talent could be the perfect replacement for the silky maestro.

Matheus Nunes is a similarly magical midfielder, who has earned high praise for his performances despite being just 23 years old.

He has recently been linked with a switch to Anfield, however, Chelsea and Man City are also thought to be interested in the £34m man.

One person who this signing could frustrate is Guardiola, who was vocal in his praise for the youngster. Perhaps not only would Nunes look to replace Thiago, but it would provide a mental edge in next season’s title race.

Guardiola claimed that “Matheus Nunes is one of the best players in the world today. Nunes is one of the best at the moment.”

The stats help to support his glowing recommendation, as he ranks in the 99th percentile for both dribbles completed and assists per 90. Already he seems to play like Thiago, with incredible ball control and the ability to pick out a killer ball.

This is indicative of his 6.95 average SofaScore rating, which suggests that he is a solid performer across an impressive 33 league appearances. He has the ability to set the world alight, and under Klopp there is no telling how impressive he could become.

He also managed a respectable five goal contributions from central midfield, which perfectly matches Thiago’s return last season.

Nunes could offer a wildcard aspect to Klopp’s midfield and help when breaking down the low block tactic his side so often faces. He possesses skill, incredible control, vision and the ability to execute.

He should swoop quickly to beat their rivals and leave Guardiola scratching his head as to why he didn’t move for supposedly one of the world’s best.

AND, in other news: FSG could land Klopp his own Modric with Liverpool bid for “terrific” £8m talent.

The Athletic journalist David Ornstein has revealed some positive transfer news on Anthony Gordon for Everton supporters.

The Lowdown: Offer made for Gordon

It has been reported that Newcastle United have made a £35m bid to try and lure the 21-year-old away from Goodison Park.

Tottenham Hotspur are also thought to be readying an offer for the England under-21 international, and it will now be up to the Merseyside club whether they sell to the highest bidder.

The Latest: Ornstein’s update on Gordon

However, taking to Twitter in sharing a corresponding article for The Athletic, Ornstein has revealed that Everton have ‘no intention’ of selling Gordon this summer ‘amid enquiries’ from a number of clubs in the Premier League when ‘interest’ was expressed by them ‘during conversations’ with the Toffees.

The reporter tweeted: “Everton have no intention of selling Anthony Gordon amid enquiries from other PL clubs. Interest expressed during conversations but #EFC unwilling to consider 21yo’s exit. Likely new deal will be offered but not result of rival admiration.”

The Verdict: Positive for Everton

It is certainly positive to hear of Everton’s intentions to keep Gordon, and indeed potentially offer him a new contract.

The 21-year-old is a player who has come through their academy, so he would have that extra special connection with the club’s supporters.

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Moreover, he was one of their most important players last season, with up four goals, two assists and two man-of-the-match awards in 35 appearances in the Premier League (WhoScored).

Having already sold Richarlison to Spurs, the Toffees must do everything that they can to keep homegrown talent Gordon at the club for as long as possible.

Sunderland are now ‘hoping’ to push on with a deal for Tottenham youngster Jack Clarke, according to Scott Wilson for The Northern Echo.

The Lowdown: Last season’s loan spell

The 21-year-old joined the Black Cats in January on a loan deal which would keep him at the Stadium of Light until the end of the 2021/22 season.

The winger played a key part in Alex Neil’s side winning promotion to the Championship, with the youngster having made 20 league appearances for the Wearside club.

The former Stoke loanee has now entered the final 12 months of his contract with Spurs, raising suggestions of a move away from north London.

The Latest: Wilson’s news

Wilson has now shared the latest news on Clarke’s future with the Lilywhites.

Taking to Twitter, the journalist claimed: “#SAFC hoping Spurs will make a decision over Jack Clarke’s future this week. Antonio Conte takes his squad to South Korea next weekend, and Sunderland are understandably hoping Clarke will not be part of the trip…”

In the accompanying article for The Northern Echo, Wilson reported that talks have taken place between the Black Cats and the Premier League club, with the Wearsiders keen on securing a permanent deal for the player. As a result, it is understood that Tottenham are actively considering selling Clarke this summer.

The Verdict: No wonder Neil wants him

The Black Cats manager was full of praise for Clarke after the attacker produced the moment of magic which led to Patrick Roberts’ injury-time goal to send Sunderland through to the League One play-off final at Wembley at Sheffield Wednesday’s expense.

Following that decisive moment, Neil proclaimed: “Jack has got good quality. He can take the ball, he can dribble, he can go past people, and those kind of players are really useful to have in the team and he delivered the moment we needed and Pat [Roberts] got on the end of it.”

With a current Transfermarkt valuation of £3.15m, it is unclear as to the sort of price that Spurs will demand for Clarke, given the length of time remaining on his contract at Tottenham.

However, if Sunderland can secure his permanent signing, this could be a great addition to Neil’s squad ahead of the Championship campaign.

Nottingham Forest will make their long-awaited return to the Premier League next season after 23 years away from the top flight, and now they have been linked with a potential transfer target who could be joining the side in their new challenge.

What’s the latest?

According to The Daily Mail, Nottingham Forest are now interested in signing Ainsley Maitland-Niles.

As per the report, the newly-promoted club are weighing up a potential move for the Arsenal outcast this summer after completing the signing of Taiwo Awoniyi last week.

Cooper would love him

Steve Cooper will be wanting to not only strengthen his team this summer by adding reliable depth to key positions in his squad but will also be looking for players who have Premier League experience, something that Maitland-Niles can offer in spades.

The £48k-per-week gem has 87 appearances in the top flight mostly earned with Arsenal, but also made 15 appearances at West Bromwich Albion whilst on loan with the club, this experience in playing at the highest level could be a huge asset to Forest as they compete in the league next season.

Maitland-Niles will return to North London after a disappointing six-month loan spell at Roma and will now be looking for his next challenge, with hope that he can go to a club that can give him first-team football after making only 12 appearances in Jose Mourinho’s side.

The 24-year-old has been the recipient of high praise from his Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, who hailed the midfielder “versatile” and a “huge talent” after an impressive performance against Watford last season before he was sent on loan to the Serie A.

Speaking to the Arsenal club website, Arteta claimed;

“First of all, I see a different player in terms of his urgency, his commitment, the clarity in his play, his purpose.

“He has a huge talent because he’s versatile enough to adapt to almost any position on the pitch. Today we made use of him to do what he had to do in the game, which was really important.”

With that being said, Cooper could unearth a real talent and offer Maitland-Niles the game time he needs to develop and grow as a player at Forest whilst benefiting from adding his Premier League experience into the team next season.

AND in other news, “I am hearing..”: Journo drops NFFC transfer update that’ll excite supporters

Fabrizio Romano has dropped an update on reported Tottenham Hotspur transfer target Gabriel Jesus.

What’s the talk?

In a recent post on Twitter, the Italian journalist revealed that, despite the Manchester City centre-forward being heavily linked with a move to Antonio Conte’s side this summer, Arsenal are now in advanced negotiations with the 25-year-old, with the Gunners hoping to tie up a reported £50m deal for the Brazil international in the coming weeks.

The transfer insider goes on to state that both Tottenham and Paris Saint-Germain remain interested in the former Palmeiras starlet, and are waiting to see how Arsenal’s talks with the striker develop before potentially making a move of their own.

In his tweet, Romano said: “Gabriel Jesus deal update. Arsenal are working on it and negotiations are very advanced – Arsenal will now need to be fast on final, key details involving player/agents to get the deal done and avoid twists. Tottenham & PSG, still waiting to see the end of this story.”

Supporters will be gutted

Considering just how talented a player Jesus undoubtedly is, in addition to it being reported that the signing of a centre-forward who can also operate on the left being one of Conte’s primary targets this summer, Romano’s claim that Arsenal now look to be closing in on a deal for the Brazilian is sure to have left both the 52-year-old manager and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium faithful gutted.

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Indeed, over his 28 Premier League appearances in 2021/22 – 13 of which came on the wing – the £60m-rated attacker was in extremely fine form for Pep Guardiola’s side, scoring eight goals, registering eight assists and creating eight big chances for his teammates, in addition to taking an average of 2.3 shots, making 1.4 key passes and completing 1.6 dribbles per game.

These returns saw the £110k-per-week forward average a quite astonishing SofaScore match rating of 7.18, ranking him as Manchester City’s ninth-best player in the league last time out – playing a key role in his side’s triumphant Premier League campaign.

As such, it is clear to see just how impressive an addition Jesus would make to Conte’s current attacking options in north London, with the added blow of potentially seeing the 25-year-old line up for Tottenham’s most fierce of rivals next season sure to be a thought that will devastate both Conte and supporters of the club.

AND in other news: Paratici could seal “unreal” signing as Spurs now plot late bid for £225k-p/w target