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Chelsea are entering fresh talks to sign Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic this summer, according to reports, as Mauricio Pochettino looks to bolster his attacking options.

The Serie A club have reportedly valued their forward at €90m (£77m), but are willing to negotiate on that price with a swap involving Romelu Lukaku.

What's the latest on Dusan Vlahovic to Chelsea?

Juventus have placed a €90m (£77m) price-tag on Vlahovic, with the Serie A club also willing to accept €70m (£60m), plus €10m (£8.5m) in add-ons this summer, according to reports in Italy, via Sport Witness.

The complications in any deal taking place could come through Juventus' negotiations for Chelsea's Lukaku. Reports in Italy suggest that the London club value the Belgian at €40m (£34.5m), making any swap deal difficult, given Vlahovic's higher price-tag.

The Blues also want to stay between the €55-60m mark for the Serbian, so with Chelsea not willing to match Juventus' reported price-tag, there are plenty of negotiations to come if both clubs want to get a deal done for the two forwards this summer.

According to Sky Italia, though, Lukaku has agreed personal terms with Juventus, agreeing a three-year deal with the club and the option for an extra year, so those new negotiations are coming. As translated by Sport Witness, "new contacts are expected shortly" and Juve are "waiting for a strong move" from the Blues which will involve a large cash sum plus Lukaku,

Should Chelsea sign Dusan Vlahovic?

If Chelsea can get a deal done for Vlahovic, whilst also bidding farewell to Lukaku, then it would represent a solid piece of business.

The Juventus striker may not have hit top form at his current club, but his record of 49 goals in 108 appearances for former club Fiorentina proves that he is capable of finding the back of the net on a consistent basis.

When looking at Pochettino's newly-assembled squad at Stamford Bridge, too, the one thing they lack is an out-and-out goalscorer. They may have welcomed both Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson this summer, but neither's main strength comes in the form of goals, especially the former, who may operate best behind whoever leads the line for the Blues next season.

Vlahovic could add the cherry on top of a solid summer of arrivals at Chelsea. He may even bring an end to the London club's striker curse once and for all, ending a horrid run of forwards who forget how to find the back of the net as soon as they wear their famous colours.

The Juventus forward has earned plenty of praise for his performances in the past, too, with Tottenham Hotspur insider John Wenham telling Football Insider when the North London club were linked with a move: "In any case, he’s scoring every week. By all accounts, he’s an unbelievable player."

The fact that Vlahovic has been praised by Chelsea's rivals could leave the Blues extra delighted if they completed a move for the forward this summer.

With plenty of negotiations still to come, however, it remains to be seen whether or not Chelsea and Juventus can reach an agreement, which would see Vlahovic and Lukaku swap clubs in one of the deals of the summer transfer window in Europe.

Liverpool now faces a frenetic scramble to reconfigure its midfield.

Jordan Henderson and Fabinho have both departed Anfield due to mouthwatering offers from Saudi Arabia, leaving Jurgen Klopp without definitive central midfield options.

The Merseyside outfit are yet to conclude a deal for Southampton’s Romeo Lavia after their third bid of £45m was rejected.

Alongside the former Manchester City youth prospect, they are also eyeing alternatives, with Fluminese’s Andre considered to be a viable option.

What’s the latest on Andre to Liverpool?

According to reputable journalist Neil Jones, Liverpool have initiated contact with the midfielder, ahead of a proposed summer transfer.

Read the latest Liverpool transfer news HERE…

Speaking exclusively to The Redmen TV, Jones revealed that the six-time European Championships are eyeing a summer swoop for the 22-year-old:

“That’s true that Liverpool have made contact with him. A 22-year-old deep-lying midfielder, Brazilian international. Fee from a Brazilian club – you’d be talking less than £30m. There’s a lot to nod at.

“He’s a very combative player, really good bite about him. Got a good ceiling in terms of as a defensive midfielder, or an all-action central midfielder.

“ESPN Brazil are reporting that they don’t want to sell him until they’re either out of or have won the Copa Libertadores. One to keep an eye on.

“If you were to say that the two of them [André and Lavia] were coming in… you’re talking £70-odd million for those two. I think you’d come away and think that Liverpool have had a good go at overhauling the midfield. If it was one or the other, you would still think that we’re probably one short.”

Would Andre be a good signing for Liverpool?

The 5 foot 9 prodigy has been at Fluminese since 2020 and has gone on to make 145 appearances for the club.

As Klopp searches for a deep-lying defensive-minded pivot, Andre has appeared in this role on 101 occasions.

Moreover, talent scout Jacek Kulig feels he is a multi-functional asset, highlighting his on-the-ball competence and athleticism as two of his most attractive qualities:

“He’s a player that I really love. A roaming playmaker, a position that I really like.

“He’s much more than a defensive midfielder. He’s very mobile. He loves to have the ball at his feet, he orchestrates the play not only with his passing but also with his ball carries.

“His progressive carries are really impressive, he’s combative, and his work-rate is really, really high.”

Under Klopp’s meticulous management, Andre can be an extremely exciting prospect and this idea of a ‘roaming playmaker’ that can also perform defensively is reminiscent of Nuri Sahin’s glittering form under the veteran German coach.

Klopp and Sahin began working with each other in 2008 at Borussia Dortmund. In three years, the Turk made 88 league appearances, winning the Bundesliga title in 2010/11, and was named the division’s player of the year.

That season, the retired 52-cap international averaged the most key passes per game (3.5), second-most tackles per game (3.7), third-most interceptions per game (2.3), and had the fourth-highest goal contribution tally (14) in the squad.

Similarly, this term in the Brasileiro Serie A, Andre has managed 94% pass accuracy, completed 71% of his dribbles, and won 62% of his duels. This proves he also has the potential to shine in the physical and technical areas of the game.

Andre still remains in the infancy of his career and would have to dramatically elevate his output levels, but the foundations are undoubtedly there.

Given Kulig’s comments and how Sahin gloriously excelled in an all-round central midfield role, Klopp could repeat a dazzling old trick, this time at Liverpool.

Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier has been linked with a summer exit, and a new report has revealed which major club overseas are hoping to secure his services.

How much did Leeds pay for Illan Meslier?

When Meslier joined Leeds permanently back in 2020 from FC Lorient following a successful loan spell the season before, Daniel Farke’s side paid a reported £5m to secure his services, but despite still having another three years remaining on his contract, he’s been heavily linked with an exit.

In the Premier League last season, France’s youth international started 34 out of 38 games having been dropped for the final four fixtures by former manager Sam Allardyce, and with Newcastle United’s Karl Darlow having since replaced Joel Robles, the competition for the number one jersey has increased.

Read The Latest Leeds Transfer News HERE…

Following relegation to the Championship, Chelsea had been credited with an interest in the 23-year-old who admitted that he would be open to the move should he be a regular starter, but with Mauricio Pochettino’s outfit having now signed Brighton’s Robert Sanchez, it’s unlikely that they will be considering a swoop.

Regardless, Football Insider have reported that the shot-stopper is still looking to quit before the end of the window and could be forced to look overseas, which is fitting as the following update reveals that he is wanted by a major team in La Liga.

Has Illan Meslier left Leeds?

According to Spanish outlet Sport (via Football League World), Meslier has become a "shock transfer target" for Real Madrid due to Thibaut Courtois sustaining a long-term injury which will keep him on the sidelines for the foreseeable future.

Leeds' star is "on the radar" of Carlo Ancelotti's side and is being considered as a "possible alternative" to David De Gea who has been ruled out of a move to the Bernabeu Stadium.

The Elland Road outfit value their goalkeeper at £25m, though it remains to be seen whether this is a fee that his high-profile admirers would be willing to pay.

Leeds forward Wilfried Gnonto has reportedly told chiefs that he refuses to play in a bid to force through a move to Everton which has resulted in him being set to face disciplinary consequences as announced in a club statement, so whilst he could be on his way, it’s important that Farke does everything he can to retain the services of Meslier.

Despite the Lorient native only managing to keep five top-flight clean sheets last season, he still ranked in the 93rd percentile for defensive actions outside of his area and the 88th percentile for crosses stopped, via FBRef, so is great at coming out, claiming the ball and clearing the danger, even if his shot-stopping dropped off last term.

The Whites’ “big talent”, as lauded by football scout Jacek Kulig, also knows what it takes to seriously compete and be successful at the required level having helped get the side promoted from the second tier during his loan spell, so it’s vital that a player who has already previously achieved the club’s goal stays in the building to try and do it once again this season.

A sensational return could occur at West Ham United as the Irons bid to potentially replace an outgoing star.

What’s the latest West Ham transfer news?

It is understood that Lucas Paqueta has reached an agreement with Manchester City and wants the move.

The reigning European Champions had an opening £70m bid rejected by the Hammers, but City will submit an improved offer.

As a result, the club will be searching for replacements.

According to ExWHUEmployee (via Jacob Steinberg), Jesse Lingard has been training with the Irons and there is a ‘small chance’ that he could be offered a contract at the club.

The Guardian journalist has also revealed that the free agent is training with West Ham to build his fitness, but there is ‘intrigue’ over the 30-year-old, who enjoyed a sensational loan spell with the club in the second half of the 2020/21 season.

Read the latest West Ham transfer news HERE…

The former Manchester United attacker snubbed the 2023 Europa Conference League winners to join Nottingham Forest last summer, but his time at the City Ground was uninfluential.

Lingard could be an important addition to David Moyes’ squad, in light of Paqueta's potential exit from the London Stadium.

What is Jesse Lingard's style of play?

The playmaker’s 182-game Premier League career has consistently fluctuated between eye-catching brilliance and underwhelming anonymity, but a six-month loan spell at West Ham at the beginning of 2021 was the most fruitful in recent memory.

In 16 top-flight games for the Hammers, Lingard recorded 14 goal contributions and was irrepressible at times.

In a match against Wolves in April 2021, the 32-cap international travelled 52 metres with the ball, before he coolly slotted past Rui Patricio – this goal was the furthest distance a player had carried the ball before scoring in a Premier League game.

His goal tally meant he netted more times (nine) for the east Londoners than he ever managed in a single season for the Red Devils.

Former Man United defender Rio Ferdinand has been a consistent supporter of Lingard, hailing his talent: “I’ve argued with pundit after pundit, on-air, and off-air. He could play in any top team because he’s an intelligent footballer. He can play off one-touch or two-touch. Anyone who knows football surely has to see the kid has a talent.”

However, Lingard’s faltering career has perhaps been defined by two summers in which he failed to join West Ham. He played a key role in the club’s Europa League qualification, but the decision to stay at Old Trafford caused him to regress as he only started two Premier League games across the 2021/22 campaign.

Last year, Lingard opted to join newly-promoted Nottingham Forest, but he failed to have the desired impact, starting just 14 times in all competitions and scoring twice. Now in 2023, the 5 foot 9 livewire is nearing a return to the club and manager who resoundingly unlocked the best form of his career.

Needless to say, the transfer would be somewhat of a risk, considering his poor performances across the last two years, but he is available on a free transfer and can partially cover the inevitable exit of Paqueta.

The former Lyon technician dazzled for West Ham at points last season and is engrained in the club’s folklore when he provided the assist for Jarrod Bowen to clinch a first European trophy since 1965.

Lingard perhaps has the added quality of having appeared across the frontline throughout his career, and on a short-term deal, he could be a key piece of depth for a side that is about to enter a third-consecutive season of European football.

This transfer would be extremely logical if the Hammers added either Mohammed Kudus or Cole Palmer as another reinforcement, alongside Lingard.

Paqueta is undoubtedly a huge loss, but Lingard could be a quick solution and a reunion with Moyes could be the perfect antidote to revive his stuttering career.

Aston Villa could face a problem in their bid to secure their fifth summer signing, despite Unai Emery’s wishes to bolster his squad in preparation for what’s to come in the 2023/24 calendar.

The Spaniard claimed his first three points of the campaign in match week two, slaying Everton 4-0 at Villa Park to get things back on track after a nightmare Premier League opener that saw a 5-1 defeat and a devastating blow to Tyrone Mings.

While proceedings are back to the usual highs under Emery in the Midlands, there could be some difficulty in his pursuit of one of the club’s rumoured targets, making for a potentially interesting climax to the transfer window.

Who could Aston Villa sign this summer?

Having welcomed Pau Torres, Youri Tielemans, Moussa Diaby and Nicolo Zaniolo to their ranks, it’s expected that the Villans’ movements in the market are far from over.

Read the latest Aston Villa transfer news HERE…

There has been ongoing speculation over Sevilla full-back Marcos Acuna, with Football Insider claiming last week that the club were ‘continuing talks’ over the weekend to sign the Argentine.

Valued at £13m by the Spanish outfit, it appears that Monchi’s former club could retract their talks to allow the 31-year-old to depart, with journalist Rudy Galetti shedding fresh light on the situation.

The renowned Italian journalist relayed that talks have “stalled” between the two clubs, with Sevilla feeling less convinced to let the left-back leave and are currently discussing “internal evaluations” to make a decision over his future.

What could Marcos Acuna offer to Aston Villa?

Deployed as left-back, Emery could capture a player with significant experience and versatility in a position that could become vacant this summer at Villa Park.

There is ongoing speculation regarding the future of Lucas Digne, who despite starting the opening two fixtures for the Villans, could depart before the end of the window.

In Acuna, the Midlands outfit could integrate a defender capable of playing the role of a dynamic full-back expertly, with skills in going forward and being a combative presence in the back line.

Lauded as an “animal” by journalist Facundo Del Real for his performance at the 2022 World Cup, which saw him add the biggest prize of them all to his accolades, the 31-year-old could bolster Villa’s options at full-back.

Already this season, it’s become evident just how useful having a full-back with attacking tendencies is in the league, with Serge Aurier setting up both goals in Nottingham Forest’s first win of the campaign, and Pervis Estupinan thriving for Brighton.

The Ecuadorian left-back has contributed to three goals in two appearances already this term, scoring one and assisting two to begin the 2023/24 calendar as he left off.

Estupinan’s presence in Roberto De Zerbi’s side has become integral to their style of play, leaving other managers envious, however, Emery could secure his answer to the 25-year-old in Acuna.

Likened to the Seagulls star based on their statistics gathered during the World Cup, via FBref's comparison model, the Argentine could be Villa’s own explosive left-back, as supported by his numbers in the tournament.

As per FBref, Acuna averaged similarly to the Brighton whiz, recording 3.14 progressive passes and 1.21 progressive carries per 90, as well as 1.21 key passes and a monstrous 2.90 tackles per 90 for the World Cup winners.

To put into perspective the roundedness of his talents in comparison to those more familiar through Estupinan, the 25-year-old averaged 4.00 progressive passes, 1.33 progressive carries and 1.67 key passes per 90 for his country, as well as making an average of 2.00 tackles per 90, via FBref.

Emery could sign his own version of De Zerbi’s wizard, though the Spaniard will have to wait in the wings to see if Sevilla will eventually sanction a move for the 31-year-old.

Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers is now looking to bring in several reinforcements before the transfer window closes, according to latest reports.

What's the latest news involving Celtic?

The Hoops are in the midst of an injury crisis in central defense and may need to enter the market to add another body to their rearguard following injuries to Maik Nawrocki, Stephen Welsh and Cameron Carter-Vickers, who will all be out for up to two months with various concerns, as per BBC Sport.

Cited by the outlet, Celtic boss Rodgers has confirmed that he may enter the market to bring another centre-back into the fold at Parkhead, stating: "It's an area we're light in. We have to look at it, no doubt. Obviously [it's] disappointing for us. Stephen Welsh had an operation just the other day so he's come through that well. The other two, we hoped they'd be back sooner."

Speaking to The Herald, Rodgers has also confirmed that Canada international right-back Alistair Johnston is now available to play after escaping the shackles of an injury complaint, saying: “He will be available for the squad Ally, he’s looked good over the last 11 or 12 days. We didn’t involve him on the Astro [at Kilmarnock], but he’s had another good week this week so he will be available, which is really good news for us."

Greek journalist Giannis Chorianopoulos has indicated that Aris Thessaloniki winger Luis Palma will miss his side's clash on Sunday against Lamia amid speculation surrounding his future at the club. Celtic are favourites to land the Honduras international and he also has two offers on the table from outside of Europe.

Celtic winger Sead Haksabanovic has grown frustrated by his lack of involvement at the club and may seek an exit between now and the transfer deadline, with clubs around Europe believed to be willing to offer him a Parkhead escape route, as per Football Insider.

Who else could Celtic sign?

According to a separate report from Football Insider, Celtic want to wrap up a whopping five more signings in an end of window 'blizzard' of incomings at Parkhead.

Bringing in a goalkeeper, left-back, central defender and striker are believed to be areas of priority for Celtic as they seek to bolster the ranks to help maintain their Scottish Premiership crown.

Cited by The Daily Record, Celtic boss Rodgers issued a plea for signings following the Hoops' 1-0 defeat to Kilmarnock in the Viaplay Cup last weekend, stating in an interview: "You can see we need that quality and we have had quality go out the building. So we definitely need that quality in but we will work very hard to get the players in that can improve us and make us better and that is something we will do over the period of time now between now and the close of the window."

Given the injury list at Parkhead, the Hoops look to have no intention of letting their star players go this window and have rejected a bid for Denmark Under-21 international Matt O'Riley from Serie A outfit Bologna, according to The Scottish Sun.

Looking ahead, Celtic fans will be expecting an exciting end to the transfer window and plenty of incomings could be afoot in the east end of Glasgow.

With the summer transfer window having come and gone, Tottenham Hotspur can now turn their full attention toward maintaining what has been a largely positive start to life under new boss Ange Postecoglou so far this season, with a trip to face Burnley to come later today.

Despite slipping up on the opening weekend after playing out a 2-2 draw away to Brentford, impressive wins over both Manchester United and AFC Bournemouth in recent weeks have helped to propel the Lilywhites into the mix at the summit, with there little sign as yet that the club are suffering following the loss of former talisman Harry Kane to Bayern Munich.

Having raked in a sizeable £100m fee for the England skipper – who had just a year left to run on his deal at N17 – last month, the north London outfit reinvested a fair chunk of those funds late on deadline day, having forked out £45m in order to snap up Brennan Johnson from Nottingham Forest.

While the versatile asset – who can feature all across the front line – is unlikely to be viewed as a direct replacement for Kane in attack, the hope will be that the 22-year-old can go somewhat help to carry the goalscoring burden over the coming years.

Can Brennan Johnson play against Burnley?

Despite having sold the aforementioned Kane in the early weeks of August, it took until the last knockings of deadline day for chairman Daniel Levy to finally use that wealth of cash to acquire Johnson, with the lateness of the deal ensuring that the Wales international is set to be restricted to a watching brief at Turf Moor this afternoon.

That ensures that Spurs supporters will be forced to wait to see their new man in action, while another first-team figure who is also not set to be involved against the Clarets is Argentine playmaker, Giovani Lo Celso, with the 27-year-old having sustained "a quad strain" during the midweek Carabao Cup defeat to Fulham – as per Postecoglou.

As per BBC Sport, the expectation is that Brazilian enigma, Richarlison, will be fit to feature despite having sustained an ankle injury against the Cottagers, with that outing having seen the former Everton man get off the mark for the new season with a well-taken header.

Despite that much-needed goal for the 26-year-old – which ultimately proved in vain as Postecoglou's men crashed out on penalties – there is an argument to be made that the Brazilian should still find himself ditched from the starting XI today, having hardly proven that he is worthy of being the man to lead the line in Kane's absence.

Will Richarlison start today?

After finally getting himself on the scoresheet this season after nodding past Marek Rodak at Craven Cottage, the £90k-per-week marksman will likely be chomping at the bit to try and kick on from that effort by continuing to fire against Vincent Kompany and co this afternoon.

That being said, however, the return to Premier League action will see the hot-headed striker involved in a competition in which he has distinctly underwhelmed since making the move to the capital on a £60m deal last year, having bagged just a solitary top-flight goal in that time.

After previously netting ten league goals during the 2021/22 campaign to help fire his former employers away from danger, things just simply haven't worked in his new surroundings to date, with pundit Gabby Agbonlahor previously indicating that the mercurial talent needs to "wake up", or else could quickly find himself on the scrapheap.

Despite now being the only out-and-out senior striker at the club – aside from teenage arrival, Alejo Veliz – that's not to suggest that Richarlison should simply keep his place in the side by default, with it still somewhat of a head-scratching decision for Levy not to have acquired a potential competitor to the one-time Watford man through the middle.

As could be the case today, and moving forward, there is a chance that long-serving sensation, Heung-min Son could be tasked with leading the line instead, with respected journalist Alasdair Gold having stated as such after reflecting on what he described as a "strange window" for the club:

"No new number nine and I still think Son will end up filling that role in a different but effective way."

That view is a rather damning assessment of Richarlison's woes as Postecoglou could be set to consider a far more unorthodox option – like Son – to be his first-choice pick at centre-forward, despite the South Korean star having typically done much of his damage over the years from the left flank.

It could be the case that a figure such as Manor Solomon is utilised in that wide berth instead, ensuring Richarlison may find himself watching on from the bench both against the newly-promoted Clarets, and beyond.

How has Richarlison performed this season?

There may be those questioning the wisdom of dropping a player who has only recently got a much-needed goal, although as Postecoglou himself admitted, the one-time Fluminense hotshot did not produce a particularly standout all-round display, with the experienced tactician having stated:

"I actually think that he’s played better in the other games."

That's not to suggest that the striker was particularly impressive in his prior outings, however, with 90min's Ewan Ross-Murray noting that Richarlison looks 'devoid of any confidence' after he squandered 'several chances' against the Cherries last week.

A player with "no standout attributes" – according to Agbonlahor – the 6 foot hitman lost possession 11 times from just 29 touches against the south coast side and won just four of his 12 total duels, with those woes seeing him a record a lowly 6.3 match rating, as per Sofascore, by far the worst record of any of his starting teammates.

Even in the victory over Man United the misfiring asset was again something of a liability having lost the ball 15 times from only 28 touches, while also winning just one of 12 total duels on that occasion, having 'struggled to make inroads', according to the Evening Standard's Dan Kilpatrick.

Although his midweek strike could be the catalyst to help reverse those fortunes, the evidence points to a player who is hardly offering much to Postecoglou at present, be it offensively or defensively, hence why a rather ruthless change could lie in store when the teams are announced in the near future.

And so the cracks widen and worsen for Manchester United.

Following a turbulent start to the campaign both on and off the field for the Red Devils – encapsulated over the past week with the banishment of both Antony and Jadon Sancho – it is safe to say that the club are now in what can only be described as a "full-blown crisis", as per journalist Samuel Luckhurst, following Saturday's grim 3-1 defeat at home to Brighton and Hove Albion.

With two defeats from the opening four Premier League games, the hope had been that a much-needed international break would allow United to regroup and refresh ahead of a hectic run of fixtures, with that having born true in what was a positive opening period against Roberto De Zerbi's men.

Any semblance of excitement swiftly disappeared, however, as former United man Danny Welbeck struck an early blow to set the tone for another disappointing day at Old Trafford, with even a late stunner from young Hannibal Mejbri proving nothing more than a mere consolation following prior goals from Pascal Gross and Joao Pedro.

In truth, Erik ten Hag's main men yet again failed to come to the party, with Casemiro, in particular, looking off the pace after failing to track the aforementioned Welbeck for the game's opening goal, with GOAL's Richard Martin writing that the Brazilian had been 'pretty poor', prior to his 64th-minute withdrawal.

The former Real Madrid hero had won just three of his six duels in that dismal showing and achieved a pass accuracy rate of just 79%, having regularly given away possession from his deep-lying role.

That being said, however, the 31-year-old wasn't alone in having let his manager down on the day, with fellow 2022 signing Lisandro Martinez arguably putting in an even worse performance at centre-back.

How did Lisandro Martinez perform against Brighton?

Having looked like an "absolute monster" last term – according to teammate Luke Shaw – prior to his season-ending injury, the Argentine is yet to rediscover that fine form this time around, with Luckhurst writing that the 25-year-old is 'still nowhere near his level of last season'.

Despite being deemed fit to play after previously being forced off against Arsenal, the former Ajax man may have wished he had remained on the treatment table, as he was arguably given the run around by Welbeck and co.

The diminutive defender was far too easily caught out by Gross' clever shimmy for the Seagulls' second goal of the game, with the aforementioned Martin going on to suggest that it was 'one of his worst performances in a United shirt'.

That is evidenced by the fact that the £120k-per-week gem won just a solitary duel prior to his late withdrawal and was dribbled past once, with it looking as if he is longing for the return of usual partner, Raphael Varane alongside him.

It is not as if it is the first time that Martinez has come undone this season, however, with the no-nonsense asset also memorably turning into his own net in the defeat away to Tottenham Hotspur, with his overall average match rating this season of 6.64 ranking him just 17th among his teammates, as per Sofascore.

As for today's encounter, the 5 foot 9 brute was awarded just a 6.5 match rating, with that ranking him as the joint-worst performer for those in a United shirt, while placing him behind that man Casemiro (6.8).

With the Red Devils' woes deepening of late – having already slipped nine points behind rivals Manchester City – Ten Hag will desperately need Martinez et al to shake off this latest defeat quickly ahead of Wednesday's trip to Bayern Munich, with another sluggish showing likely to be punished yet again by the prowling Harry Kane.

Newcastle United haven't exactly got off to the dream start that they had been hoping for in the Premier League season, winning just once in four games, picking up three losses along the way against Manchester City, Liverpool, and Brighton & Hove Albion.

The Brighton game likely frustrated Eddie Howe the most, with his side comfortably beaten at The Amex. With that said, the international break came at the perfect time for the Magpies, who were handed the chance to regroup and go again.

Now, with Brentford up next, one pundit has delivered a surprising verdict on Sandro Tonali, despite the good start that the Italian has made to life in the Premier League, even scoring on his debut in a 5-1 thrashing of Aston Villa.

So what's been said about Tonali?

Speaking to Football Insider's Ewan Kingsbury, TalkSport regular Gabriel Agbonlahor spoke about Newcastle's start to the season, ruthlessly assessing Tonali's opening four games for the club, delivering a damning verdict in the process.

The former Aston Villa striker said: “Newcastle look very poor at the moment. That’s not a team who are going to finish in the top four again if they continue performing like that. They need to wake up. Maybe the answer is making a few changes for the next game.

“Howe could put Longstaff back in that midfield. He was a big part of the success last season but he’s lost his place. That could be the answer. Take Tonali out for a game and get Longstaff in there with Guimaraes and Joelinton again. The Brighton performance was very poor and that’s now three losses on the bounce. They need to wake up, it’s not good enough.”

Tonali, of course, arrived from AC Milan for a reported £55m in the summer transfer window, and, as previously mentioned, hasn't had a poor start to life at St James' Park, which certainly makes Agbonlahor's verdict an interesting one.

The former Premier League forward could yet get his wish, too, after the Italian missed his country's clash against Ukraine on Tuesday through a "slight" injury. Now, it remains to be seen whether he will be fit enough to start for Newcastle against Brentford.

How has Sandro Tonali performed this season?

Statistically speaking, Tonali has been far from a player that deserves to be dropped for his side so far this season. According to FBref, the Italian has been one of the standouts in Newcastle's midfield, outperforming Joelinton even as the Magpies have struggled as a collective.

So, perhaps if a regular feature in the XI does need a bit of a rest, it should actually be the Brazilian, who has looked fatigued so early in the season.

As the campaign goes on, too, and Newcastle's fixtures begin to become easier, rather than squaring off against two of the league's traditional top six in the first four games, the summer arrival will only get better. The Brentford game is an important one for Howe to get right, but that doesn't mean it should cost Tonali his place in the starting 11.

Everton are believed to be battling a number of Premier League clubs for the signing of a huge talent, according to a new transfer update.

Will Everton avoid relegation from the Premier League?

The Merseysiders have arguably been one of the most underperforming teams in the country in recent years, considering what a huge club they remain, having never been relegated from the Premier League since its inception in 1992.

Having survived by the skin of their teeth last season, with Sean Dyche coming in and keeping the Blues up after Frank Lampard was sacked as manager, the hope was that they would kick on significantly in 2023/24.

Instead, it's fair to say that Everton have been hugely underwhelming to date this season, only collecting one point from their opening five league matches prior to the trip to Brentford, and not playing with anywhere near enough invention or positivity. It means that Dyche is under pressure to keep his job at the moment, and as things stand, the Blues are possibly one of the favourites to be relegated to the Championship next year.

Things can change very quickly, of course, and once the January transfer window arrives, there will be the chance to bring in new faces, injecting the squad with quality and depth in the process.

Which young talent to Everton want to sign?

According to IG Esporte [via The Boot Room], Everton are in the mix to sign highly rated Corinthians youngster Gabriel Moscardo in the coming transfer window.

The Blues are believed to have "investigated" the idea of snapping up the 17-year-old midfielder, who is already becoming an important player for his current side, despite still being a teenager.

That being said, it is stated that Newcastle United, Nottingham Forest and Chelsea are also in the race to bring him to England, so it will be a fierce battle to sign him. Corinthians are thought to be demanding €30m (£26m) for his services, such is the extent to which they rate him as a player, with £20m of that a fixed amount.

Moscardo could be a great addition to Everton's squad, albeit as nothing more than a squad option to begin with, given how young he is. The Blues' squad arguably looks a little one-dimensional at the moment, with the likes of Idrissa Gueye, Abdoulaye Doucoure and Amadou Onana all arguably too similar in terms of bringing energy and industry, but not always enough creativity.

The Brazilian has been lauded as "the future of Brazil's midfield", and the fact that he has already been capped at under-23 level for his country shows how mature he is as a player.

Whether Everton are able to fight off the interest from other clubs remains to be seen – the likes of Newcastle and Chelsea would likely be able to guarantee him high wages and a greater chance of trophy success as the years pass – but he is someone who could become a mainstay of the team over time and represent an upgrade on their current options in that area of the pitch.