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According to Football Scotland, Jack MacIver is set to undergo a trial at Sunderland, with the view of the club offering him a professional deal at the end of it.

The Lowdown: An uncertain future

The 19-year-old worked his way up through the ranks as part of Aberdeen’s reserves, but has failed to make any senior appearances during his time in the Scottish Premiership.

The midfielder has most recently been out training with Sheffield Wednesday, but the Owls have decided against making a permanent move for his services.

His contract at the Pittodrie Stadium expired at the end of May, making him a free agent, and it looks as though the Black Cats want to give him a chance to prove his worth ahead of the new season in the Championship.

The Latest: MacIver set for Sunderland trial

As part of a live transfer blog, Football Scotland revealed that MacIver is ‘set for a trial’ with Sunderland.

The source stated that the maestro had been ‘training’ with Wednesday, but will now ‘go to the Black Cats’ training ground’ and get to work, with the aim being to ‘win a deal’.

The Verdict: U23s prospect

Sunderland are clearly interested in seeing what MacIver is capable of, but with the Owls turning down the chance to retain his services, this does cause a little bit of concern.

It feels likely that the Stadium of Light outfit will be plotting to integrate the teenager into their U23s side given his lack of experience at first-team level, so it’s certainly not an upgrade to the first-team ranks.

There’s no doubt that Alex Neil always keeps a close eye on the club’s exciting young talents however, and with the right amount of progress, MacIver could potentially go on to become one of the fresh faces who forces his way into the senior starting XI in years to come.

A big summer transfer exit update has emerged regarding Liverpool defender Neco Williams.

What’s the news?

According to The Telegraph, Nottingham Forest are in talks with the Merseyside club over the possibility of signing the Welsh youngster, whose club want £15m for him.

A battle could be about to commence for the 21-year-old, as Fulham and Southampton are also credited with an interest in the Wales international.

Klopp will be delighted

Williams played a big part in Fulham’s Championship-winning side last season, spending the second half of the campaign on loan at Craven Cottage as Marco Silva’s team sealed a return to the Premier League.

He played 15 times for Fulham, scoring twice and registering two assists, and it appears that Klopp doesn’t want the academy graduate to go out on another loan but to instead sell him.

Williams has played 32 times for Liverpool and won the Premier League in 2020, but with Trent Alexander-Arnold holding down the right-back spot for the previous few years and the signing of Calvin Ramsay from Aberdeen recently, its time for a move for the Welshman.

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With Nottingham Forest about to embark on their first top-flight campaign for 23 years, they will be looking for additions who can bring Premier League quality to the team and ensure that they avoid relegation.

With 21 caps for Wales and featuring in the World Cup play-off win against Ukraine, it’s likely that Williams will increase that tally and play on the grandest stage of all.

After spending close to £100m on signing Fabio Carvalho, Darwin Nunez, and Ramsay, there will need to be some player sales from Liverpool in order to balance the books.

Selling Williams for £15m would represent a good piece of business by Klopp. With first-team opportunities set to be limited for the Welshman, it makes sense if he gets a move to another club, and it could benefit all parties in the long run.

AND in other news, Klopp can finally axe £125k-p/w dud in LFC deal to sign “top class” £77.2m metronome

Leeds United are interested in a deal to bring James McAtee to Elland Road in the summer transfer window.

What’s the word?

That’s according to a recent report by The Athletic, who claim that Victor Orta is very keen on the idea of a move for the Manchester City attacking midfielder this summer, whether that is on a loan or a permanent deal.

The report goes on to state that, while Pep Guardiola is planning on using the 19-year-old as part of his first-team squad next season, City could be tempted into parting with the England U20 international should their own negotiations concerning a £60m deal for Leeds central midfielder Kalvin Phillips begin to drag on.

The next David Silva

Considering just how exciting a prospect McAtee quite clearly is, it is not difficult to understand why Orta would be interested in a deal to bring the youngster to Elland Road ahead of the Whites’ upcoming Premier League campaign.

Indeed, over his top scorer and fourth-highest assist provider in the division.

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It is this level of form that has seen the £2.7m-rated talent who Jacek Kulig dubbed “exceptional” earn comparisons to Manchester City legend David Silva, while Barry-Murphy also took the time to heap a considerable amount of praise on the teenager in an interview with GOAL earlier this season.

Concerning McAtee, the youth coach said: “I’ve seen a real hunger from him to develop his goal scoring, and drifting towards that goal. He is a very, very talented player and a very creative player.

“I think it’s very early in his development. He wants to score goals to support the team and work alongside his teammates but he understands he has a special set of qualities that will allow him to score goals and create goals. He’s very focused on improving that, which is intriguing me.”

As such, should Orta go on to seal a deal for the attacking midfielder this summer, it is clear to see that the Spanish sporting director will have landed an exceptionally promising young talent – one who, if he continues his remarkable rise following a theoretical switch to Leeds, could go on to become the Whites’ very own Silva.

AND in other news: Victor Orta now in talks for “scary” £18m signing, it’d be an “unreal” coup for Leeds

Leeds United are interested in a deal to bring Ola Aina to Elland Road in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Italian publication Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness), who claimed on Thursday that Victor Orta has now made contact with Torino regarding a move for the 25-year-old, whom the Serie A side are desperate to keep “at all costs.”

The report went on to state that the right-back is also being pursued by a number of other English clubs, with the Nigeria international said to be well-known amongst Premier League sides due to his progression through the Chelsea academy, as well as a loan spell at Fulham.

Imagine him & Kristensen

While it is true that Leeds have only recently confirmed the signing of a new centre-back in the £10m Rasmus Kristensen, considering Aina’s extremely impressive positional versatility, it is easy to see why Orta is keen to bring the 25-year-old to Elland Road this summer.

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Indeed, over his 21 Serie A appearances – 15 of which came on the left flank – in 2021/22, the £6m-rated full-back highly impressed for Ivan Juric’s side, creating five big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 0.5 shots, making 0.8 key passes and completing 0.9 dribbles per game.

The £24k-per-week talent who Michael Oti Adjei dubbed “unreal” and Cristian Ansaldi labelled an “animal” also impressed in metrics more typical of his position, making an average of 1.3 interceptions, 1.3 tackles, 1.2 clearances and winning 4.3 duels – at a success rate of 54% – per fixture.

As such, it is clear to see just impressive a signing Aina would be for Orta to get over the line this summer, with the prospect of the Nigerian lining up on the left and Kristensen starting on the right of Jesse Marsch’s back four sure to be an incredibly tantalising one for both the Elland Road faithful and the American manager alike.

AND in other news: Victor Orta in ongoing talks for “unreal” Leeds United deal, supporters surely buzzing

A claim has emerged regarding Newcastle United’s interest in Sven Botman heading into the summer transfer window… 

What’s the talk?

Daily Mail journalist Craig Hope has revealed that everyone at the Tyneside club wants a deal for the Dutch defender to be completed in the coming months.

The reporter has hinted that not every target on whom the Magpies have set their sights has had backing from every member of the club, whereas that is the case with the Lille centre-back.

Hope tweeted: “Botman is one they’d like to do. From what I gather (unlike some others on shortlist) he gets a unanimous “yes” from all at Newcastle.”

The player himself has also confirmed that the Premier League club, along with AC Milan, are keen on him, saying: “Those clubs are interested, yes. I can’t and won’t say much more about it. What do I want? To take a nice step towards a nice competition. I am also looking forward to a new step.

“I am aware of what I want. That is not necessarily to that club or that competition. You weigh all kinds of things, and then the total picture has to suit you. I must have a very good feeling about it.”

Supporters will be buzzing

Newcastle supporters will be buzzing with Hope’s claim, as it shows how highly Botman is rated within the club. The journalist’s tweet suggests that there is little doubt over the player’s ability, with the likes of Dan Ashworth, Eddie Howe and Jason Tindall, among others, all seeming to agree that the Netherlands under-21 international would be an excellent signing.

This will excite the fans as they now know that the club would be bringing in a talent that everyone on Tyneside believes will be a success, if they can strike a deal for him.

It is easy to see why the Magpies are interested in Botman, who has been a star for Lille since arriving in France from Ajax in 2020.

In his first season in Ligue 1, he averaged a SofaScore rating of 7.08 as he won 68% of his duels and helped his team to keep 20 clean sheets in his 37 top-flight appearances. He made 2.3 tackles and interceptions per game as he produced consistently solid displays at the back, leading to his team  winning the title.

As you can see in the graphic above, Botman continued his fine form into the 2021/22 campaign, proving over two seasons that he is a reliable centre-back at the top level.

Couple this with the fact that he only turned 22 in January and has plenty of scope to develop even further, and it is no wonder that Newcastle are so keen to get him in the door.

Fans will be buzzing with the enthusiastic interest in the Dutchman and will now be hoping that Ashworth and Howe can convince him that moving to St James’ Park is the ideal next step for him in his career.

AND in other news, “Newcastle hopeful…”: Craig Hope issues major transfer claim that’ll excite Eddie Howe…

Manchester United have made contact with Borussia Monchengladbach over a move for midfielder Kouadio Kone.

The Lowdown: Kone profiled

Kone, described as an ‘interesting box-to-box’ midfielder, signed for Monchengladbach last year in a deal worth £8.1m. The 21-year-old is primarily a central midfielder who can also play in a defensive or attacking midfield role.

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He’s valued at a career-high £13.5m by Transfermarkt and was a regular in the Bundesliga last season, making 27 appearances.

The Latest: United links

Sports Witness relayed an update from L’Equipe on Friday regarding Kone. They claim that United are one of three top clubs who have made ‘initial contact’ over a move for Kone.

The report adds that Ralf Rangnick has been tracking Kone for several years.

The Verdict: De Jong alternative?

Erik ten Hag is keen to bolster his midfield ranks at Old Trafford, with Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong seemingly a top target.

Recent reports have suggested that the Red Devils reached an agreement with Barcelona for De Jong, however, the midfielder is thought to be unconvinced over a move to United and has snubbed a reunion with Ten Hag.

Should that be the case, then Kone could well emerge as an alternative midfield target, and you’d like to think a move for the Frenchman would be a lot cheaper, which could help the club in their attempts to sign striker Darwin Nunez from Benfica.

In other news: Reliable journalist leaks Man Utd talks as Ten Hag now eyes ‘terrific’ Englishman. 

Italian football expert Conor Clancy has been discussing reported West Ham United transfer target Arthur Theate.

What’s been said?

In a recent interview with Football FanCast, Clancy went into detail about the Bologna defender and his “old school” style of play, amid reports that the Hammers have been offered the chance to sign the promising 21-year-old this summer as David Moyes plots a new centre-back signing.

Asked just what type of player the young centre-back is, the journalist said: “He’s almost like a throwback in how he approaches defending. He’s a little bit in your face, he can be a bit aggressive – if he bit someone I wouldn’t be surprised. He’s just an ugly defender, you’d hate to play against him because he could give you a smack.

“But when he has the ball as well he can play. He’s a modern defender crossed with an old school defender in that way – I quite like him.”

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Koulibaly 2.0

The old-fashioned, no-nonsense defender has almost become a dying breed in the modern game, although that assessment of the young Belgian would suggest that he is very much a traditional defender first and foremost, with the £2.5k-per-week gem likely to thrive under Moyes’ tutelage.

Despite his youth, the Liege-born starlet has already been called up for senior international duty, making his two Belgium appearances to date against Wales and the Republic of Ireland.

At club level, Theate has shone as part of a youthful and exciting Bologna side, averaging 1.4 interceptions, 1.1 tackles and two clearances per game in Serie A in the 2021/22 campaign, having only joined the club from Oostende last summer on a season-long loan deal.

Having included an obligation to buy in that move, however, it will be the Italian club with whom the Hammers will be dealing in the upcoming window, should they wish to pursue a transfer for the Belgian.

There is seemingly little reason why they wouldn’t want to do so, with the youngster able to combine that hard-nosed defensive approach with quality in possession, as Clancy referenced. He ranks in the top 6% for dribbles completed among those in his position across Europe’s top five leagues, in the top 11% for progressive passes received and in the top 15% for progressive carries.

That ability to play the ball out of the back but also relish his defensive duties has seen him noted by FBRef as a similar player to Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly in terms of his style of play and statistics.

The Senegal international had reportedly been a player on whom Moyes and co were keen just over two years ago, with suggestions that the east Londoners were plotting a £70m bid in January 2020.

Although it is unclear just how much it would take to prise Theate from Bologna, his £9m market value (as per Transfermarkt) would seemingly indicate that he will be a far cheaper option than Koulibaly, with his age also offering him the chance to be a long-term solution at the London Stadium.

IN other news, Cost £1.5m per goal: GSB made a colossal blunder on “strong” £40k-p/w West Ham flop

Leeds United have been handed a late boost ahead of their Premier League meeting with Brentford on Sunday afternoon.

What’s the latest?

Speaking in his pre-match press conference on Friday (via Leeds Live), Jesse Marsch revealed that Patrick Bamford – who has not featured since March due to a foot injury – has looked impressive in training this week, with the manager adding that he is hopeful that the 28-year-old will be available for the trip to west London.

Regarding the centre-forward’s current condition, the 48-year-old said: “Patrick Bamford has looked really good this week. We still haven’t made a final decision on exactly where he’ll stand for the moment on Sunday, but he had a day off today, inside to recuperate effectively, but we’re hopeful that we can make the decision in the next couple of days that we can make him available for minutes on Sunday.”

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When asked what he needed to see from Bamford in order to select the England international for his 20-man matchday squad, Marsch added: “More than anything that we’re not risking him at any level. At the moment I don’t believe we would be.

“And then to just have one more meeting with Patrick tomorrow to go through what it looks like, what the loads have been, how he feels and then do a final assessment of ‘is he available?’, ‘how many minutes’, ‘what’s the best strategy’ and then we have to be ready to let him go and play.”

Supporters will be buzzing

Considering the fact that Leeds simply must better Burnley’s result against Newcastle United to secure their place in the Premier League next season, the news that a player as important as Bamford now looks as if he could feature against Brentford is sure to have left the Elland Road faithful buzzing.

Indeed, while a number of injury setbacks have severely limited the forward’s game-time this season, the £18m-rated talent proved just how crucial he is to the Whites over his 38 Premier League appearances last term. In the 2020/21 top flight, he scored 17 goals, registered seven assists and created five big chances for his team-mates, in addition to taking 2.8 shots and making 0.8 key passes per game.

These metrics saw the £74k-per-week hitman average an astonishing SofaScore match rating of 7.01, ranking him as Leeds’ seventh-best performer in the top flight.

As such, it is clear to see that Bamford’s availability for what is a must-win fixture on the final day of the season will come as a huge boost to Leeds’ chances of leaving west London with all three points. That result, combined with the Clarets failing to defeat the Magpies, would see Marsch’s men retain their Premier League status heading into 2022/23.

AND in other news: Marsch can save Leeds millions with 20 y/o “Duracell Bunny”, he’s “such an asset”

Liverpool have taken their Premier League title challenge with Manchester City down to the last day of the season after taking all three points from St Mary’s last night.

Jurgen Klopp made the decision to rest key players like Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold for their penultimate league game after a tough 120 minute FA Cup Final on Sunday against Chelsea where the club picked up their second trophy of the season.

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Luckily for the German coach his decision to rest players paid off. Although the game was tight between the two teams, Liverpool pulled through and prevailed in their efforts winning 2-1.

Despite the tight scoreline, the Kopites dominated in every area of the game with 71% possession, 20 more shots, over twice as many accurate passes and winning more duels than Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side on Tuesday evening.

The goal-scoring started with Southampton taking an early lead when Nathan Redmond found the back of the net in the 13th minute of the game, but it wasn’t enough to hold off Liverpool’s FA Cup and Carabao Cup top scorer Taki Minamino who delivered a defiant response by equalising in the 27th minute.

In the second half, the hosts struggled to contain their visitors and Joel Matip managed to put one past Alex McCarthy in the 67th minute to kill the game and ruin Manchester City’s Premier League title party and take their title chances all the way to the final day of the season.

One player who didn’t get on the scoresheet but remained resilient and put on a solid performance to become Klopp’s unsung hero in the game was James Milner.

According to SofaScore, the 36-year-old midfielder was supreme in possession, making 123 touches, 86 passes, six key passes and successfully delivering 100% of his long balls.

The former £150k-per-week England international was also superb from a defensive point of view, winning 80% of his duels whilst making four tackles, one interception and producing a clearance, proving that he was a huge presence in the centre of the pitch.

With those kinds of statistics in mind, it’s hardly a surprise that writer Taj Ali took to Twitter to describe the veteran as a “beast.”

The Liverpool vice-captain is currently negotiating a new deal with the club after Jurgen Klopp reportedly wants to keep the former Man City star at the club for next season, and spoke out on Klopp and his current contract situation recently in an interview with Alan Shearer for The Athletic:

“He’s one of the very best managers in the world and if he wants me here for another year, it would be silly not to play, wouldn’t it?”

The Merseyside giants will have to hope Steven Gerrard’s Aston Villa can steal the game from Man City on Sunday if they have any chance of winning the league but Klopp’s side have done their job in making sure they can stay involved with the challenge which is all the manager can ask from his side ahead of their Champions League final clash with Real Madrid at the end of the month.

AND in other news: Liverpool eyeing bid for “complete” £36m-rated colossus, he’s even better than Fabinho…

Sunderland are interested in Birmingham City starlet Jobe Bellingham, the younger brother of Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham. 

The lowdown

The younger Bellingham still plays for Birmingham City, where his sibling made also made his breakthrough. Dortmund agreed a fee that could rise beyond £30million to recruit Jude from St Andrew’s, and the Blues even retired the player’s number 22 shirt.

Jobe, 16, made his Championship debut against Preston in January and also played the final half-hour on the last day of the season against Blackburn Rovers.

An attacking midfielder who can also play out wide, he too has been linked with Dortmund.

The latest

The Daily Mail’s Craig Hope broke the transfer news on Monday as Sunderland ‘explore [an] ambitious move’ for Bellingham.

They apparently ‘invited’ the player and his family to the Stadium of Light for a ‘recent home game’.

Hope stresses that Sunderland will win have to win promotion to the Championship for the deal to be viable.

The verdict

Bellingham’s first-team chances have been limited, but he’s underlined his potential at youth level.

He’s scored five goals in nine matches in the Under-18 Premier League, and that’s helped to earn him 13 appearances at Under-23 level, as well as eight caps for England’s U17s. (via Transfermarkt).

Tellingly, he’s already valued at £450,000 even though he’s still so young and has barely featured at the senior level.

Can Sunderland compete if top clubs like Dortmund are sniffing around too? Well, they may have a key advantage.

As Hope points out, sporting director Kristjaan Speakman was previously the academy director at Birmingham and enjoys a close relationship with the player’s parents – Mark and Denise Bellingham – given the role he played in Jude’s development.

Sunderland hope that this connection will be key.

In other news, The Black Cats risk losing this key figure.