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Nottingham Forest are on the verge of completing the signing of Stuttgart midfielder Orel Mangala, journalist Fabrizio Romano has confirmed.

The Lowdown: Mangala strongly linked with move

On Monday, the Reds were strongly linked with sealing a deal for the 24-year-old, as Steve Cooper looks for another midfield signing after Jesse Lingard.

It was claimed that it was only a matter of time until the move was sorted, with Mangala free to leave Stuttgart after making 28 appearances in the Bundesliga last season.

Now, it looks as though he could be a Forest player in a matter of hours, rather than days.

The Latest: Transfer nearly complete

Taking to Twitter on Tuesday morning, Romano provided an exciting update, saying Mangala is indeed set to join the Reds imminently and outlining the details of the transfer:

“Nottingham Forest are set to sign Orel Mangala from Stuttgart, here we go. Full agreement reached, as first called by Florian Plettenberg – deal now completed.

“More details: £12.75m fixed fee, £3/4m add-ons. Been told sell-on clause also included around 12/14%.”

The Verdict: Another shrewd acquisition

Midfield was always an area that needed strengthening ahead of Forest’s return to the Premier League, considering the calibre of players that exist in the top flight.

Cooper has delivered emphatically on that, bringing in the youthful Lewis O’Brien and hugely experienced Lingard, and now seemingly also adding Mangala to his squad in what represents a shrewd signing.

Mangala has one cap to his name for Belgium’s golden generation and will hope to feature at the upcoming World Cup in Qatar, while a total of 72 Bundesliga appearances is proof that he can cut it at the top level.

A major update has emerged on Sunderland and their pursuit of Ellis Simms in the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

Northern Echo reporter Scott Wilson has revealed that the club are closing in on the signing of the 21-year-old attacker ahead of the 2022/23 campaign after he decided that he wants to move to Wearside.

The journalist has also claimed that Alex Neil’s squad would be bolstered by the arrival of another goalkeeper to challenge Anthony Patterson, which has since been confirmed.

He Tweeted: “TRANSFER LATEST: Turning into quite a day for #SAFC, with Ellis Simms having expressed a desire to join Black Cats on loan from Everton. With Alex Bass on verge of signing from Portsmouth, both deals should hopefully be done in next couple of days…”

Nathan Broadhead 2.0

Signing a striker on loan from Premier League side Everton to challenge Ross Stewart at the top end of the pitch… sound familiar?

The Black Cats brought Nathan Broadhead in on a temporary deal from the Toffees last summer and the Welshman enjoyed a terrific campaign with the club.

He scored an outstanding 10 goals in 15 starts – playing 22 matches – in League One as he helped the team to secure promotion back up to the second tier.

In Simms, Sunderland can land their next lethal goalscorer on loan from Goodison Park as the 21-year-old has shown great promise in his career so far.

John Ebbrell, who previously coached the gem, once praised his finishing ability, saying: “What I do know with Ellis, if he ends up one-vs-one with the goalkeeper, he’s scoring.

“From experience, I know if you have time to think for that finish it can be difficult but Ellis is really calm and composed in those situations. He very rarely misses.”

He has been able to translate his finishing into senior football in loan spells at Blackpool in League One and Hearts in the Premiership. In the third tier of English football, Simms scored 10 goals in 23 appearances – starting 19 matches – and averaged an excellent SofaScore rating of 7.03.

The gem then caught the eye in Scotland with five goals and one assist in 11 starts for Hearts, which proves that he is a natural goalscorer as he has showcased his quality in two different leagues.

Therefore, he has the potential to be a superb signing for the Black Cats and could have a similar impact to the one Broadhead had at the Stadium of Light in 2021/22.

AND in other news, “Major blow..”: Journo drops frustrating SAFC transfer claim that’ll leave Neil gutted…

Wolverhampton Wanderers only had three players in their squad who netted five or more Premier League goals last season.

Their top scorer was Raul Jimenez, but even he only managed a mediocre six strikes.

Now with his recent pre-season injury having ruled him out for several weeks, Bruno Lage has been left scrambling to find a replacement for both the start of the season and to be his natural successor.

Despite securing a deal for former loanee Hwang Hee-Chan from RB Leipzig, the final weeks of the transfer window leaves Wolves with a huge opportunity to purchase this successor and finally start to phase out the 31-year-old.

One man who has been linked with a move to the Old Gold in recent days, and who could quickly make fans of the club forget all about Jimenez’s absence, is Ben Brereton-Diaz of Blackburn Rovers.

Having amassed 169 appearances in the Championship at the age of just 23, the forward found particular success last season as the Lancashire club narrowly missed out on a playoff spot.

His 21 league strikes dwarf that of any Wolves player from last season and has proven that he has the ability to make the step up in leagues.

This meant that his minutes per goal was around 139, compared to Jimenez’s 441 minutes. It is no surprise to see him labelled a “marksman”, as his proficiency in front of goal makes him a constant goal threat.

He would thrive off the creativity of Pedro Neto and Daniel Podence.

However, his link-up play also suggests that he can offer more than just goals to Lage’s side.

Three assists is a modest return, but averaging 0.6 key passes per game and boasting a 73% pass accuracy outlines him as a solid if unspectacular performer, worthy of being dubbed “remarkable” by Jaquob Crooke.

Available for a reported £20m, it makes perfect sense for Scott Sellars invest in this forward who only seems to be getting better.

Should Lage feel the need to splash the cash on a new striker to dispose of the Mexico international, he should look no further than to Ewood Park, where he can snatch a readymade replacement with nothing but goals in his future.

talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook has dropped a West Ham transfer update.

What’s the word?

The update concerns Watford striker Emmanuel Dennis with Crook recently speaking to GIVEMESPORT to give an update on West Ham’s reported pursuit of the player, saying:

“Now they’ve got Scamacca, I wonder if they’ve done some background checks on him because, from what I’m told, maybe he’s not necessarily the type of character that David Moyes wants to bring into the dressing room.”

It appears that Moyes and West Ham have dropped their interest in the 24-year-old following this update and it could be a decision that the manager regrets.

Moyes needs another striker

West Ham opened up their Premier League campaign with a 2-0 defeat at home to Manchester City. Erling Haaland grabbed a double for the away side and although Moyes won’t be able to recruit players of his calibre, another striker is required if they are aiming to build on last season’s success.

The club has signed Italian frontman Gianluca Scamacca from Serie A side Sassuolo, but this still just leaves the Hammers with two senior centre forwards in their ranks. With another demanding campaign ahead with continental fixtures, injuries will be commonplace and thus, not signing Dennis could be a decision they live to regret.

A move for the striker looked to make a lot of sense. He wouldn’t break the bank, with Watford valuing him at £20m and he has top-flight goalscoring experience.

The Nigerian international scored ten goals and grabbed a further six assists for Watford last season as they were relegated from the Premier League. With West Ham relying on wingers Said Benrahma (11) and Jarrod Bowen (17) and Michail Antonio (13) for goals last season, its clear that further additions to the front three are required.

Moyes could regret not signing Dennis as the 24-year-old generated more shot-creating actions per match than Antonio last season (3.17 to 3.09) and had a higher percentage of shots on target (44.3% to 32.5%), showing that he could have been a worthwhile addition to the West Ham squad.

Moyes will look at other targets, yet this decision might not be one of his wisest moves.

Transfer insider Dean Jones has delivered his verdict on the speculation linking Liverpool with a move for Bayern Munich superstar Leroy Sane this summer. 

The verdict: Reds links

Recently, a report from Spain claimed that the Reds were preparing an offer for Sane as Jurgen Klopp attempts to further bolster the attacking ranks having lost Sadio Mane earlier in the window.

The 26-year-old former Manchester City star has directly contributed to 53 goals in 91 appearances for the Bavarian giants but has regularly been tipped to make a return to the Premier League.

Now, upon hearing about the speculation, one well-informed onlooker has shed some light on the situation surrounding Liverpool and Sane…

The latest: Sane a maybe?

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Jones – a journalist for Eurosport – claimed that Liverpool boss Klopp could be tempted into a dramatic late move for the 45-cap Germany ace.

He said: “I think one thing to consider with Liverpool is that they’re going to miss Sadio Mane. That was one thing that was clear.

“I mean, I know Darwin Nunez offers something very different in their attack and he causes chaos, but the guile of Sadio Mane is missing, and I wonder if that’s why they’re being linked with Leroy Sane at the moment.

“They have got options, but let’s see how their next results go over the next couple of weeks because I reckon in that last week, Klopp might go for somebody else if he feels that they’re still lacking.”

The verdict: Exciting…

Albeit the injury to Diogo Jota has left the forward department somewhat light at present, the January signing of Luis Diaz has made the blow of losing Mane far more palatable for the Reds and an attacking signing can be considered far less pivotal than a midfielder given the recent Thiago injury.

However, with his capabilities of playing on either wing and abundance of attacking attributes (WhoScored), Sane would represent a sensational coup for any club across Europe and spending the reported €50million (£46.4million) price tag would be a no-brainer for the Anfield hierarchy.

Last season, the dazzling German – who was hailed as a ‘scary talent’ and a ‘mesmerising’ player by sports broadcaster Daniel Garb in 2019 – scored Bundesliga and DFB Pokal winning campaign.

All told, should this move become a possibility, Klopp, Julian Ward and FSG should do everything in their power to bring Sane to Merseyside.

Aston Villa attacker Philippe Coutinho has faced criticism from one journalist for his display against Everton on Saturday afternoon. 

The lowdown

Villa beat Everton 2-1 to get off the mark for the new season, with Emi Buendia’s goal proving to be the difference.

Coutinho kept his place from the opening day defeat against Bournemouth, this time starting behind Ings and Watkins in a 4-3-2-1 formation.

The Brazilian would only be able to complete an hour before he was forced off with an apparent injury though, as Steven Gerrard sent Buendia on in his place.

The latest

Matt Maher, the chief sports writer at The Express & Star, issued his verdict on Coutinho’s performance as he left the field.

He felt the 30-year-old had been unable to make a real impression across his hour on the field.

“Coutinho, who has struggled to make any impact, down getting treatment,” he wrote on Twitter. “Buendia warming up.”

The verdict

The statistics certainly justify Maher’s take.

Coutinho picked up a SofaScore rating of just 6.4 out of 10, the lowest of all Villa’s starters.

He won only one of his four ground duels, and lost all three of his aerial battles, meaning his success rate was a mere 14% overall.

The former Barcelona man was unable to register a shot or create a chance, and he also turned the ball over on 11 occasions.

On this evidence, it’s doubtful whether he would have kept his place for next weekend’s trip to Crystal Palace even without his injury.

Wolverhampton Wanderers have begun their Premier League campaign with a whimper, losing 2-1 to Leeds United before labouring to a woeful 0-0 draw against Fulham and losing 1-0 to Tottenham, leaving Bruno Lage’s men on one point from three games.

The club’s lack of a genuine goalscoring threat was evident in their first three matches, scoring once in 270 minutes. Even then it was from winger Daniel Podence, with the club clearly missing Raul Jimenez from injury.

The pressure has been somewhat alleviated by the signing of Goncalo Guedes from Valencia for £27.5m, and although he isn’t an out-and-out number nine, he should still provide a threat from wide areas.

Lage has been looking for a traditional striker and he could well repeat the club’s Jimenez masterstroke by making a move for Benfica star Goncalo Ramos.

Alex Crook reported that Wolves face a shootout with fellow Premier League side Southampton for the signature of the Portuguese forward, and the talkSPORT reporter reckons that it would be a bigger signing than Matheus Nunes due to the team’s lack of goals.

The Old Gold signed Jimenez from Benfica in 2019 for £30m after an initial loan spell and could well repeat that masterstroke, with Ramos being valued at the same price and playing at the same club.

Jimenez has scored 54 goals and registered 23 assists in 147 appearances for Wolves. and his goals propelled them to a seventh-place finish in his first two seasons at Molineux.

There’s no reason to doubt that Ramos could have the same impact, especially if he gets excellent service from the likes of Ruben Neves, Nunes and Guedes.

The young forward’s space-invading talents and knack for scoring on a regular basis is comparable with that of Thomas Muller, with the 21-year-old saying in relation to the German: “I think I have some similarities with him and he is also an example for me. Looking at what I do and what he does, I love the comparison. He is a position I feel comfortable in the game. I have always played there since he started.”

Muller has been one of the most prolific players in Europe since his breakthrough at Bayern Munich in 2009/10, netting 227 goals and registering 245 assists across 626 appearances for the Bundesliga giants.

If Wolves sign Ramos – who has been dubbed “one to watch” – they could repeat the coup of Jimenez and have a Muller-esque marksman all in one go, which will give the Molineux faithful a much-needed boost after their team’s dreary start to the campaign.

Tottenham Hotspur defender Djed Spence could already be allowed to leave on loan, according to former Premier League striker Gabby Agbonlahor. 

The lowdown: Not Conte’s signing

Recently, Spurs boss Antonio Conte admitted it wasn’t his decision to sign Spence from Middlesborough, citing an ‘investment’ from the club as the reason behind the deal.

The 22-year-old England youth international is yet to feature competitively for Spurs, although the London-born right-back was on the bench for the last two league fixtures and has been tipped to stay put previously.

Now, one pundit has suggested that Tottenham could allow Spence to leave on loan in order to obtain regular match action…

The latest: ‘I think they will…’

Speaking to Football Insider, ex-Aston Villa frontman and Sky Sports regular Agbonlahor was asked whether the Lilywhites would sanction a temporary exit for the three-cap Under 21 starlet.

He said: “I think they will. I feel that they’ve got options there with Emerson Royal and I just don’t think that Djed Spence is going to get a chance.

“There was chat that he wasn’t Conte’s signing, that Conte didn’t want to sign him. I think, if it’s the club that signed him then maybe Conte has that power where he says ‘I don’t think that I want to keep him’ and he ends up letting him go.

“It’s a shame because he would’ve come to Spurs thinking he was going to start and play every game. Sometimes when a manager doesn’t sign you you’re not going to get a chance there. He’ll want to play football as well. If he’s not going to play maybe a six-month loan would be something that would suit him.”

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The verdict: Spot on

Ultimately, with Royal and Matt Doherty likely to continue taking the lion’s share of competitive action, Spence will be forced to take a watching brief, a time period that could hinder what has been a rapid development until now.

Last season, whilst on loan with newly promoted Nottingham Forest, the £20million man scored three times and provided five assists in 50 appearances across all competitions, proof of a player ready to have a major influence on an entire campaign.

Dubbed an ‘exciting’ prospect by journalist Marc Williams in March, allowing Spence to leave would certainly be the best option for all parties, particularly were the ideal top-flight club be found in order to further enhance the marauding full-back’s already upwards career trajectory.

Southampton have been dealt a huge injury blow as Ralph Hasenhuttl confirmed that Romeo Lavia will miss Saturday’s Premier League game vs Wolves after being ruled out for six weeks.

The Lowdown: Lavia’s hamstring

The Saints earned a magnificent 2-1 victory over Chelsea at St. Mary’s in midweek, but the mood was dampened when the 18-year-old goalscorer was forced off the pitch with a hamstring injury.

The red and white stripes will now travel to the Midlands to take on Bruno Lage’s side at Molineux, but will have to do it without their summer recruit, who hasn’t received good news on his situation.

The Latest: Hasenhuttl’s injury update

Speaking during his pre-match press conference, Hasenhuttl revealed that Lavia is facing at least six weeks on the sidelines and will therefore be absent for the upcoming fixture with Wolves.

As quoted by Southampton’s official website, he said:

“Romeo is injured now but has shown he can be a massive part of our game.

“He will be out for longer – how long we will see, but I expect minimum six weeks.”

The Verdict: Big blow for Ralph

Lavia being out of action will come as a massive blow for the Saints, especially after the impressive start he’s made to life on the south coast.

The midfielder, dubbed ‘aggressive’ by Vincent Kompany, has averaged two interceptions and 1.4 tackles per 90 minutes, via WhoScored, as well as the drive he offers going forward from midfield.

Lavia has walked into Hasenhuttl’s starting XI and made an instant impact, so the boss will be hoping that his new starlet is back fighting fit and available for selection again as soon as possible.

Crystal Palace forward Wilfried Zaha could be set for a shock exit after being approached by Premier League rivals Chelsea, according to journalist Simon Phillips.

The Lowdown: Previous interest

The Ivorian has now entered the final year of his contract at Selhurst Park and was initially claimed to be in discussions over a new deal with the Eagles.

However, this will be the 29-year-old’s last opportunity to make a big-money move, and after enquiring last summer, it seems as if Thomas Tuchel’s side are ready to give their pursuit another shot in the hope that this one will be successful.

The Latest: Chelsea make Zaha approach

Taking to Twitter, TalkChelsea reporter Phillips revealed that the Blues have made ‘contact’ with Zaha’s agents regarding a potential move to west London in the final few days of the transfer window.

He wrote: “EXCL: Chelsea have been in contact with the reps of Wilfried Zaha for face to face talks last week on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. There was a positive reaction from his camp. Let’s see if we open official talks if Aubameyang falls through.”

The Verdict: Goodbye to a Palace hero?

Patrick Vieira will be keen to hold on to Zaha given the massive impact he has had over the past few years, becoming the club’s 10th-highest scorer of all time, but now might be the right time for Steve Parish and Dougie Freedman to cash in if a sizeable offer is made.

The 29-year-old, who was dubbed ‘unstoppable’ by sports journalist Josh Bunting earlier this year, has previously asked to leave the club on more than one occasion, which shows his desire to play at a level beyond where he is currently operating.

The fact that Chelsea have now enquired more than once will show him that their interest is serious, so there’s a strong chance that he may feel Stamford Bridge is the place where he will able to achieve his ambitions in years to come, particularly with Champions League football on offer.