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Derby County are ‘showing interest’ in West Ham United winger Armstrong Oko-Flex, according to a report from insider ExWHUemployee.

The Lowdown: Forwards wanted

On Wednesday, the Rams announced the signing of Everton forward Lewis Dobbin, but Liam Rosenior appears to be keen to bolster his attacking ranks even further.

With money still tight, the League One outfit’s best chances of bringing in fresh faces is to look to the loan and free agent markets, just like they did with the Toffees teenager, and the Rams are now once again eyeing a deal for a young, talented prospect from the Premier League.

The Latest: Derby monitoring Oko-Flex

Writing on his Patreon (as quoted by West Ham Zone), ExWHUemployee revealed that the Irons are likely to allow Oko-Flex to make a temporary exit this window, with Derby a possible destination.

“As reported before we have heard a number of academy players could be about to go on loan too with Derby County showing interest in Oko-Flex for example.”

The Verdict: Next up after Dobbin?

Derby will be hoping to bounce back up to the Championship at the first time of asking, and it’s apparent that they are targeting new additions in the final third to try and help them achieve that.

Alongside Dobbin, Oko-Flex, once labelled a ‘very dangerous’ player by former West Ham’s U23s coach Dmitri Halajko, would be an energetic and pacy fit in the Rams’ starting XI given he’s still only 20 years old.

The Irishman netted 11 goals and provided two assists in 21 Premier League 2 outings last season, via Transfermarkt, showing that he can contribute in the one area of the pitch that matters most, making him the profile of player that Rosenior needs to look at getting in the building as soon as possible.

Wolves star Ruben Neves now looks ‘increasingly likely’ to remain a Wanderers player beyond the transfer window, according to reliable journalist Liam Keen.

The Lowdown: Neves’ future unclear

The 25-year-old looked to have potentially played his final game for Wolves last season, having waved an emotional goodbye to the supporters after their final home game.

Neves has been continually linked with moves away from Molineux throughout the summer, with Barcelona and Manchester United both backed to sign him.

Now, a huge update has emerged that could bode well for Bruno Lage, following their Premier League opener against Leeds United.

The Latest: Keen delivers positive update

Taking to Twitter, The Express & Star‘s Keen claimed that a Neves stay now looks on the cards, in what is a significant claim:

“Ruben Neves looks increasingly likely to stay.”

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The Verdict: Massive news, if true

Many Wolves supporters may have been resigned to the idea of Neves moving on this summer, so this will come as an enormous boost just as the season gets underway.

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The Portuguese maestro is arguably the first name on Lage’s team sheet these days, given his quality in the middle of the park – he enjoyed an 84% pass completion rate in the league last season – and the best years of his career should still be ahead of him.

Neves staying would lessen the need to bring in another midfielder, even if a new signing wouldn’t go amiss, and it would give the entire club a lift, suggesting they are still capable of keeping hold of talismanic figures, not succumbing to the lure of elite clubs.

Wolverhampton Wanderers captain Conor Coady is now ‘closing in’ on a move to Premier League rivals Everton, according to reliable journalist Paul Joyce.

The Lowdown: Coady’s career

After joining the west Midlands club in 2015 for £2m, the England international has gone on to become a fantastic servant for the Old Gold.

During his seven-year tenure at the club, the 29-year-old has amassed an incredible 317 appearances for Wolves, with 152 of those coming in the English top flight.

The Liverpudlian led Wolves out for every single Premier League game last season, illustrating his reliability and consistency to perform at the highest level.

The Latest: Joyce’s news

Despite Coady having three years remaining on his current contract at Molineux, Joyce has revealed that the Wolves captain is now set to make the move to Goodison Park.

Taking to Twitter, the reliable journalist claimed: “Everton closing in on deal for Wolves’ captain Conor Coady. Could be loan initially with view to permanent.”

The Verdict: Massive loss

Coady’s statistics alone demonstrate his importance to Wolves’ defence – during the 2021/22 season, the centre-back averaged 3.7 clearances and 1.1 blocks per game (via WhoScored), placing him second and first respectively for those metrics among Bruno Lage’s squad.

In addition, when compared with positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year, the 29-year-old ranked in the 88th percentile for non-penalty goals and the 85th percentile for pass completion (via FBRef).

Off the pitch, Lage could soon be missing a huge presence in the dressing room, a quality for which he has hailed his captain as ‘one of the best’.

Therefore, the news that the 29-year-old’s departure now looks quite likely will surely come as a big blow to the Molineux faithful.

Everton have been stuck in a back-and-forth on negotiations with Idrissa ‘Gana’ Gueye, but a reliable source has delivered a promising update on the Premier League club’s pursuit of the player.

What’s the latest?

Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano has reported that Everton are “finally” closing in on a deal for the Paris Saint-Germain midfielder.

The transfer insider tweeted: “Everton are finally closing on Gana Gueye deal, working on it since long time with Paris Saint-Germain. Clubs confident to get the deal over the line this week.”

Time to forget about Dele

The powerbrokers at Goodison Park have been showing their intent in improving and adding quality to the Everton squad over the last few weeks, but it’s not just incomings which are on the table.

It has been reported in the last few hours by Romano that the Toffees have agreed a deal with Besiktas for Dele Alli to move to the Turkish club, which suggests that Frank Lampard is taking no prisoners when it comes to making decisions on what is best for his squad moving forward.

The ex-Tottenham playmaker only came to Goodison Park seven months ago but is already deemed dispensable, having started one solitary league match for the club and failed to score or set up a goal in 370 top-flight minutes for the Toffees.

Everton have signed five new players so far this summer, with James Tarkowski, Ruben Vinagre, Dwight McNeil, Conor Coady and Amadou Onana all making the move to Merseyside, but the team are struggling so far in terms of getting results in the new season.

Lampard’s side have failed to win a point or score a goal for themselves as of yet in after two league matches, but the Toffees manager will surely be hoping that the prospective signing of Gueye will be just what the team needs in the middle of the park to improve not only the build-up of attacking play but also add more defensive steel.

The former Everton midfielder joined the Ligue 1 champions in 2019, going from strength to strength since leaving Goodison Park for the French top flight, and last season his efforts were rewarded as PSG won the title at a canter with a team which currently boasts the likes of Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe.

Over the last 12 months, the €10m-valued (£8.4m) talent has ranked in the top 2% for pass completion compared to his positional peers in the top five European leagues, along with the top 10% for pressures, tackles and passes attempted, with his contributions not going unnoticed by his former boss Mauricio Pochettino.

The ex-PSG manager hailed Gueye as “important” to the team when reflecting on his performances last season, saying: “He [Gueye] is an important player in the balance he gives the team, he also scores goals now.

“Faced with stiff competition in the midfield, the Senegalese continues to score points at the start of the season.”

With that in mind, the signing of Gueye would be a great piece of business for Everton and could distract from any concern over Dele’s seemingly imminent exit from the club if they can reunite with the Senegal midfielder this week.

Southampton have seen a significant number of new players make their way to the south coast club throughout the summer transfer window.

Interestingly, all of the Saints’ new signings this summer have been rather young.

The youngest of those summer recruits is Romeo Lavia, who, at the age of 18, cost the St. Mary’s outfit an initial fee of £10m.

With three games played in the Premier League, the teenager is one of the three outfield players to have played every minute of action for the Saints.

This shows just how highly rated he is by Hasenhuttl, who clearly has enough belief and confidence in the youngster to keep him on the pitch.

Despite the significant transfer business that has already taken place at the club, the time now before the window closes could not only see the Saints continue their track record of signing young players, but also give the Southampton manager the chance to form a dynamic midfielder duo alongside Lavia.

Last week, it was reported that Southampton were leading the race to sign Manchester United’s 21-year-old midfielder James Garner, who would reportedly cost £14m to sign.

As a young midfielder that has worked through one of the Manchester club’s youth ranks, this mirrors the journey that Lavia has been on to get him to where he is.

During his second loan spell with Nottingham Forest in the Championship last season, the Englishman managed to end the campaign with a higher average for key passes per game (2) than any other player at the Midlands club, showing how much of a tricky customer he can be in the middle of the park.

Southampton’s new Belgian currently has a higher pass success percentage (91%) than any other player in Hasenhuttl’s squad that has started all three league games so far this season, so having him in the team next to Garner could potentially allow the United midfielder to deliver more key passes than he was last season at Forest.

Hailed as an “exceptional” player by Paul Robinson, Garner was an unused substitute for both of United’s two opening league games of the season, which suggests that a potential move to St. Mary’s where he could be more likely to play regularly, as Lavia is now doing, could be a tempting prospect for him.

With all of that in mind, securing a deal for the Englishman would not only top off what has been a productive transfer window from the Saints but it could also give the club a new exceptional midfield pairing at St. Mary’s.

An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their interest in Christian Pulisic in the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

The Telegraph’s Luke Edwards has revealed that the Magpies are discussing a swoop to sign the USA international on loan from Chelsea.

He is one of a number of players the club are looking at as a potential signing with the window slamming shut next Thursday.

Edwards said: “#nufc still pushing for signings. Pedro & Harrison remain in play. Pulisic & Gallagher loans being discussed. Conversations held over last few days about Paqueta but no bid. Alvarez at Ajax of interest. But gap in valuations remain too big to get any deals done at this stage.”

Eddie Howe’s wizard

Journalist Nicholas Mendola dubbed him a “wizard” in the past and he could weave his magic on Howe’s team this season if he signs.

The 23-year-old has the potential to be an excellent signing for the club, if they can land him on loan, as he has the ability to make things happen in front of goal.

His statistics for Chelsea suggest that the quality is there for him to make a big impact in the final third, which cannot be said for some of Newcastle’s current attackers.

Miguel Almiron’s goal against Manchester City was only his second since the start of the 2021/22 Premier League campaign and Ryan Fraser has also scored twice in that time – registering three assists between them.

Last season, Pulisic made 22 appearances in the top-flight and chipped in with six goals and two assists, whilst scoring twice and assisting one in seven Champions League outings.

The £150k-per-week talent, who Ian Darke claimed is often “electric” when fit, caught the eye in his debut campaign for the Blues. In the 2019/20 season, the American plundered nine goals and four assists in 25 league matches, along with one goal and three assists in five European outings.

These statistics show that he is a proven Premier League performer and could, therefore, hit the ground running for the Magpies. He would not need a period of adaptation as he has spent just over three seasons in England and could make an instant impact on the team by offering more than Almiron and Fraser in the way of end product.

Former Premier League goalkeeper and USA international, Brad Friedel, once claimed that Pulisic would thrive in Liverpool’s system due to their pressing and the winger’s pace and willingness to run between lines.

This suggests that he would be perfect for the pressing style of play Howe wants to deploy, which is precisely why the Chelsea attacker would be a magical addition for the head coach, both in terms of what he offers on and off the ball. He suits what the team is trying to do and his quality at the top end of the pitch can help him to shine on Tyneside.

Therefore, he could be the manager’s very own wizard on the flanks, pressing teams and then breaking with pace to use his magic touch in the final third to score and create goals.

Fulham are reportedly plotting a move for Tottenham Hotspur left-back Sergio Reguilon, and the Spaniard could be a big upgrade in Marco Silva’s squad.

What’s the word?

According to the Daily Mail, the Cottagers and Lazio are both interested in taking the former Real Madrid man on loan this summer after he was made surplus to requirements in Antonio Conte’s side.

The Italian coach left Reguilon out of Spurs’ pre-season trip to South Korea and has altered between Ivan Perisic and Ryan Sessegnon in their Premier League games so far this season, with it seeming clear that Reguilon has no part in Conte’s future plans, so an exit was always on the cards.

A big upgrade for Silva?

While Reguilon clearly isn’t rated by the Spurs boss, he still performed admirably in the Premier League last season, making 25 appearances in the top flight as he contributed two goals and three assists, averaging a solid 6.95 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

He has also starred for Sevilla in the past, helping them to win the Europa League in 2020 as he averaged a superb 7.23 rating from WhoScored for his performances in the tournament that season.

This led Football.London’s Alasdair Gold to sing Reguilon’s praises ahead of him joining Spurs later that year, as the journalist said: “You kind of don’t want to overshadow Sergio Reguilon, who I think is going to be one of the best left-backs in Europe – probably almost is.

“With Sevilla, he was phenomenal: had a great season, won the Europa League. He’s got incredible confidence. He’s come straight into the group and everyone loves him.”

Fulham’s current left-back options consist of Antonee Robinson and Joe Bryan, with the latter linked with a loan move away from Craven Cottage so far this summer.

Reguilon has experience of playing at the highest level in England, Spain and Europe, and while Robinson was a trusted left-back for Fulham in the Championship, he could perhaps benefit from added competition.

The Spanish defender, who is valued at £26m by Spurs, also averaged more shots (0.8 v 0.3) and key passes (1.2 v 1.1) than Robinson last season, despite playing in a higher league, which suggests that he would be a better option than the American at left-back for Fulham.

Therefore, bringing Reguilon to Craven Cottage on loan before the transfer window shuts seems like a no-brainer for Silva.

Leeds United ‘will sanction’ a deadline day Tottenham Hotspur move for winger Daniel James on one condition, says talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook.

The Lowdown: Spurs keep active…

The Premier League giants from north London remain linked with new additions despite their very busy summer window already, having most recently completed a permanent deal to sign defender Cristian Romero following his loan spell at the club.

Along with the South American figurehead, Spurs have sealed deals for Ivan Perisic, Fraser Forster, Yves Bissouma, Richarlison, Clement Lenglet, Djed Spence and Destiny Udogie.

Leeds winger James has been repeatedly mentioned in the last few days of the transfer window, with talkSPORT reporter Crook now sharing what he knows.

The Latest: Crook shares James update…

The journalist claims that Tottenham do indeed have a late chance of signing the Wales international.

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Crook says that Leeds ‘will sanction’ James’ potential move to Spurs – but on the condition that the player himself gives his green light to join the Lilywhites.

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When asked if he can see the 24-year-old signing today, the reporter explained: “Yeah, I didn’t a week or so ago when it first got mentioned. I did understand why Tottenham would want him I just didn’t see Leeds letting him go.

“But the conversations I’ve had is it seems it’s up to the player. If he wants to move they will sanction it, I think it’s a loan with a permanent move at the end of the season.”

The Verdict: Get it done?

While James has been criticised at points over his Leeds career, he was a mainstay under Jesse Marsch last term and has been lauded for his ‘frightening’ pace.

He could certainly come as an exciting backup option to inject some much-needed energy and speed late in matches, not least backed by former Spurs boss Jose Mourinho, who said that James can ‘break defenders’.

Rotherham United boss Paul Warne has also called the Welshman a ‘phenomenal talent’, and still at a young age, he could discover a new lease of life working under Conte if he goes to Spurs today.

Newcastle United are reportedly considering a January move for Rangers wonderkid Cole McKinnon, and the 19-year-old could form a superb long-term partnership with Elliot Anderson at St James’ Park.

What’s the word?

According to The Sun, the Magpies have been tracking the teenage midfielder for some time and sent scouts to watch him play for Partick Thistle this season, where is currently on loan.

They suggest that the Toon are weighing up a bid for McKinnon, who has started the campaign in fine form, contributing two goals and one assist in 10 appearances for the Jags.

However, it may prove difficult to prise him away from Ibrox as he recently committed to a new deal with Rangers until 2025, so Dan Ashworth will do well to bring him to St James’ Park in January.

Imagine him and Anderson

Anderson looks as if he could have a big part to play in Eddie Howe’s side this season, having featured in three Premier League games already, as well as impressing in the League Cup win against Tranmere Rovers.

The 19-year-old academy graduate starred for Bristol Rovers in League Two last season, helping Joey Barton’s side to promotion as he contributed seven goals and six assists in just 21 appearances, averaging a superb 7.64 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

Former Bristol Rovers team-mate Sam Finley said of Anderson: “He is unbelievable, a top, top player. I think he realises and everyone else realises, he is too good for the level he is playing at.”

He must have impressed Howe in pre-season as the 44-year-old kept him at St James’ Park this summer, and it seems clear that the teenager has a very bright future with the club.

The prospect of two talented teenage midfielders in Howe’s squad from January, should McKinnon join the Toon, is surely an exciting one for Newcastle fans, especially if the Scottish youngster can live up to his obvious potential.

When McKinnon signed a new contract at Rangers, academy coach Craig Mulholland said: “He has an outstanding desire to win, is a supporter who cares about the club and we are all very excited to see him maximise the potential he has in the coming years here at Rangers.”

Should he arrive at St James’ Park in the next transfer window, and Anderson continues to impress, then the two could easily form a top partnership in Howe’s Newcastle side for many years to come.

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe will likely be keeping a close eye on his players who are on international duty this week, with some members of the Magpies squad potentially able to stake their claim for a more prominent role at club level by impressing for their country.

One man who has already caught the eye for their national team is forward Ryan Fraser, with the Scotland international having produced a stunning late cameo to help fire Steve Clarke’s side to victory over Ukraine in Wednesday’s Nations League clash at Hampden Park.

The 28-year-old had initially been named on the bench for last night’s encounter, although more than made the most of his brief outing on the pitch, having provided two assists in his 14-minute appearance.

With the home side already ahead through Aston Villa skipper John McGinn’s driven effort, the diminutive winger then twice teed up fellow substitute Lyndon Dykes with two delightful inswinging corners, with the towering striker duly heading home on both occasions.

That impactful display saw the Newcastle man lay on those two assists from a total of just ten touches – including only three passes – with that showcasing the type of quality the £9m-rated man can produce in the final third.

As journalist Dominic Scurr stated, the £35k-per-week ace was well and truly “back with a bang” on the international stage, having been absent from the Scotland set-up since pulling out of a squad last year with injury, only to then be pictured in training for the Tynesiders just days later.

Now firmly back in Clarke’s good books, the former Bournemouth gem will likely be hoping it can lead to a more prominent role back at his club, having largely been a bit-part player since his arrival in the northeast on a free transfer in the summer of 2020.

While last term saw the Aberdeen-born speedster reunited with former Cherries boss Howe, he was still unable to secure a greater role in the side, having made just 18 Premier League starts during the 2021/22 campaign.

The early weeks of the new season have seen the 5 foot 4 wide man make just three starts from the opening seven league games, with that involvement having largely only come as a result of an injury to teammate Allan Saint-Maximin.

The expectation is that once the Frenchman returns Fraser will then be sacrificed, although his current form could well see him moved over to the right flank rather than the left, with playmaker Miguel Almiron seemingly not an out-and-out option in that wide berth.

With two games still left to play for his country before league action resumes, the 22-cap gem could well go on to further illustrate his potent attacking threat.