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Aston Villa are reportedly interested in Barcelona midfielder Franck Kessie as the Catalan giants bid to offload talent due to financial pressures.

Unai Emery and Monchi are more than familiar with identifying talent in LaLiga, with the two holding extensive experience in Spain which could now be transferred to the Midlands.

With Pau Torres reportedly en route to Villa Park, the Villans could pull off a masterclass in exploring Kessie, who could seriously bolster Emery’s midfield.

Could Aston Villa sign Franck Kessie?

Reports from Spain claim that Emery is an admirer of the Ivory Coast international, claiming that the Spaniard ‘wants’ the midfielder in his squad.

It’s also thought that the Spanish champions would not be open to selling the 26-year-old for a price below €30m (£26m), with the report speculating that negotiations ‘are open’ between the two clubs.

Valued by FootballTransfers at €36.8m (£31.4m), Monchi could capitalise on Barcelona’s struggles by snatching the talent at a lesser price than his market value.

How good is Franck Kessie?

Having been previously lauded as a “warrior” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the Ivory Coast machine has worked his way to being regarded as a top midfielder in Europe by developing his career in Italy.

Signed by Barcelona last summer from AC Milan, the 26-year-old titan was initially signed by Milan on a two-year-loan deal with an obligation to buy from Atalanta, however after one season in LaLiga, Kessie could be on the move again.

Making just seven league starts in his debut campaign in Spain, the midfielder averaged just 36 minutes per game placing him further away from contention for a starting spot at the soon-to-be revamped Camp Nou.

Barcelona’s financial pressures off the pitch could come as a plus for Villa, who had Kessie on their radar prior to the January window as the Spanish giants were speculated to have interest in Douglas Luiz.

Monchi could win the battle for the Ouragahio-born gem by capturing his signature to play alongside Luiz at Villa Park.

Deployable as a more attack-minded central midfielder, Emery could unearth a stylish pivot between the Barcelona whiz and the Brazilian, who has been defensively solid for Villa in the Premier League.

The 2020/21 Serie A campaign was a dominant one for Kessie in the final third, highlighting his ability going forward, scoring 13 goals and registering six assists for Milan, via Transfermarkt.

Displaying a passing accuracy of 85.6% in LaLiga last season, the 6-foot midfielder excels in all areas required in the engine room, averaging 1.36 tackles per 90 as well as being an assured passer.

Also hailed as being a player that “controls and leads” in midfield by writer Maxi Angelo, Villa could equip Luiz with a similarly rounded talent, after the 25-year-old shone during Emery’s first season at Villa Park.

With an average match rating of 7.10 last term, the Brazilian gem was a reliable figure in midfield in claret and blue, and could have his ability furthered with the presence of Kessie.

Having registered as many as six goals and six assists for the Villans last campaign, Luiz is similarly effective in the final third to Kessie, as well as being defensively competent.

Winning 52% of his total duels during the 2022/23 Premier League season, Emery could add a similar calibre of player to partner the Brazilian to allow him to explore new levels to his individual game.

It could be a smart move for Monchi to explore the availability of Kessie, who could depart the Catalan giants for a slim price this summer.

Nottingham Forest are reportedly one of the clubs interested in Ian Maatsen, as Steve Cooper looks to add quality to his squad this summer.

Forest left it late to confirm their safety from relegation last season, leaving the Welshman under pressure to avoid another battle at the bottom of the table next campaign.

Could Forest sign Ian Maatsen?

As reported by The Athletic yesterday, Forest have emerged as one of the potential suitors for the young Chelsea starlet.

The 21-year-old is being chased by Burnley, who want to re-sign the left-back on another loan deal after failing to meet the Blues’ £20m asking price for a permanent switch.

After an impressive campaign in the Championship, the Dutchman has a wave of clubs knocking at his door, with the Tricky Trees, as well as West Ham United, Benfica, and Wolfsburg named as those that have ‘expressed interest’.

How good is Ian Maatsen?

The versatile left-back could be just the player Cooper requires to take Forest forward, in a young talent displaying strengths in an inverted wing-back role due to his attacking spark.

Last season was a memorable one for the 21-year-old, who helped Burnley towards promotion to the Premier League, making 39 appearances in Vincent Kompany’s side.

Based on his numbers accumulated over that period, it’s clear to see why clubs are on his tail this summer, with him showcasing the versatility wanted by many coaches due to the progression of the role of full-backs in today’s game.

Averaging 1.4 interceptions and 1.9 tackles per game in the Championship, the Dutchman highlighted his defensive durability, seeing him hailed as “incredible” by U23 scout Antonio Mango.

While having defensive strength is pivotal, the left-back showed just how far his talents can stretch through his contributions in the final third, while balancing his duties at the back.

The youngster registered an impressive 10 goal contributions, scoring four and assisting six to show his expertise going forward.

Chelsea have a real talent on their hands, warranting a £20m price tag for an academy player that can really do it all, portraying his added bonuses in his distribution with an average of one key pass per game and a mammoth 6.14 progressive passes per 90 last season.

For Forest, the inclusion of Maatsen could be critical, particularly with reference to the departure of Renan Lodi, who returned to his parent club Atletico Madrid earlier in the summer before being snatched up by Marseille permanently.

The quality of the Brazilian gave the City Ground a taste of the importance of having a dynamic full-back, who has in the past been praised as “superb” by talent scout Jacek Kulig for his ‘dynamism’.

Despite the quality of the former Atletico Madrid gem who made 28 Premier League appearances for the Reds, Cooper could replace him with the Chelsea starlet, who could well prove to be an upgraded copy.

The Brazilian bettered the numbers of the former PSV youth defender when it came to some defensive attributes, averaging 2.11 tackles per 90, the Dutchman ran clear of the former Forest man for his progressive play, with Lodi averaging just 1.26 progressive passes per 90 in the Premier League last term, via FBref.

With plenty of suitors available for Maatsen, Cooper must act fast should he wish to cash in on a player with the potential to be special.

Arsenal seem to be a quiet contender to pull off one of the greatest transfers the Premier League would have ever seen…

Is Kylian Mbappe leaving Paris Saint-Germain?

That's according to Football Transfers, who attest that the Gunners are keeping a close eye on the developing situation regarding Kylian Mbappe's drawn-out exit from Paris Saint-Germain.

With Sky Sports having detailed the deterioration of the relationship between player and club, suggesting the former is willing to sacrifice his next year of football in order to leave for free next summer, many clubs have been put on high alert as such a generational asset becomes available.

Not least Mikel Arteta, who will reportedly use Gabriel Martinelli as a makeweight to convince the Parisian giants to allow him to join them.

A package is in place for the France international should he choose an Emirates switch, although it would hinge on the move happening in January or next summer.

It had previously been suggested that his exit would not come unless a €200m (£173m) fee was stumped up, although that could drop dramatically given the fresh update.

How many goals does Kylian Mbappe have?

It does not need much to outline just how utterly exceptional Mbappe is and would be wherever he chooses to play.

With 212 goals in 260 games for PSG and a total of 244 strikes across an already illustrious career thus far, the 24-year-old truly has the world at his feet.

Even teammate Neymar would agree with that notion, as he claimed last year: "He’s a world-class player, present and future of this club. I’m very happy that Kylian – who’s my friend and teammate – he’s staying here at Paris."

It, therefore, goes without saying that he would walk into virtually every team in the world, even if elite stars stand in their way.

Martinelli enjoyed arguably the best year of his career since moving to north London and finished as the club's joint-top scorer as they made the lofty step up to title challengers.

Scoring 15 times and assisting a further six across all competitions, it is hard to imagine many who would even challenge the 22-year-old, let alone completely usurp him.

However, his tally pales in comparison to his potential successor, who notched 41 goals and assisted a further ten in just 43 games in all competitions in France.

What makes Mbappe even more special, aside from his remarkable goalscoring figures, is the imperious technical quality he boasts on the ball.

His dribbling technique is exemplary, and his creativity is unparalleled. When compared to other forwards across Europe, he ranks in the top 5% for progressive passes per 90, the best 1% for progressive carries per 90, and the top 3% for successful take-ons per 90, via FBref.

The former AS Monaco star is the perfect all-around attacking package, and for all Martinelli's progress in recent years, there is little chance he will grow to such an unparalleled level.

Upon securing the Brazilian's contract extension, Arteta noted earlier this year: "He’s a player with enormous potential – he still has so many things to improve but he’s already performing at a really high level.

“He can develop physically. He can develop mentally. He can develop in terms of consistency. He can develop defensively. He can develop in the final third and in the spaces that he occupies. His numbers can be improved, and he’s so willing – that’s the best thing about Gabi."

Whilst this is outlined to excite fans at the ceiling he boasts, there are a few attributes with which Mbappe could improve. It is this gulf that separates the two, with his potential acquisition set to turn Arsenal from mere contenders into the team to beat.

Crystal Palace fans expected Wilfried Zaha’s departure to be the most detrimental storyline of the window.

But, Chelsea and Manchester City are now circling around the club’s next most influential talent, Michael Olise.

Last season, the Frenchman recorded 11 assists, which was the joint-fourth-highest tally in the Premier League. This fabulous statistic also meant he was the first Palace player to ever claim double-digit assists in a top-flight campaign.

If Olise departs, it will leave the Eagles scrambling for another attacker.

However, instead of rummaging through outside options, the club already possesses Malcolm Ebiowei, who deserves a chance in the first team.

Who is Malcolm Ebiowei?

The 6 foot 1 Englishman enjoyed youth stints at Chelsea, Arsenal, and Rangers, before joining Derby County in 2021.

Ebiowei made his senior debut in February 2022 when the Rams beat Hull City in the Championship. Two months later, the youngster scored his first senior goal in a 2-0 victory away at Blackpool.

Although he only notched 16 senior appearances for Derby, his brimming talent was quickly recognised. After the club’s 1-1 draw with Coventry in March, then-manager Wayne Rooney described his performance as “one of the best I have seen from a young player consistently for 90 minutes in a long time.”

The Manchester United legend added:

“He was excellent all game. He was the best player on the pitch, and he deserves that because he’s worked so hard. His attitude is incredible, and he’s an exciting young player.

“He has got an enormous amount of ability. He’s brave — he’s not afraid to take players on, get tackled, and make mistakes.”

How good is Malcolm Ebiowei?

The 19-year-old gem also netted seven goals in eight games for the U18 side, which alerted the Eagles to his glimmering potential, and he joined on a five-year deal that summer. He was then swiftly given his debut when he came on as a substitute on the opening day of last season against Arsenal.

Since then, he joined Hull on loan, and despite only being used sparingly, has displayed a glistening effervescence. Last term, in just 12 second-tier starts, the former Chelsea academy gem averaged the most dribbles per game (2.3) in the squad.

Ebiowei also excelled across the continent, as he ranked within the best 1% outside Europe’s top five leagues among his positional peers for successful take-ons per 90. His pace, directness, and dynamism could make him a formidable asset for Roy Hodgson.

If fast-tracked to the first team, his journey could bare similarity to that of Tyrick Mitchell.

The left-back made his debut in 2020 and in the last two seasons, has featured in 72 of the club’s last 76 Premier League games.

Although, unlike Ebiowei, Mitchell spent time in the Palace academy, and Hodgson and Patrick Vieira both displayed undeterred faith in the defender, who rewarded them with consistency, reliability, and tenacity.

The full-back’s former U16 coach Anthony Hayes lauded him as an “outstanding talent from day one” and a “silent assassin”, who looks comfortable at the top level.

Palace have never been notoriously big-spenders, so having to possibly source Zaha and Olise replacements is an extremely daunting prospect.

But, half the issue could be solved if more trust is placed in Ebiowei. If the attacker can pinpoint some elusive productivity, then he could forge a promising career at Selhurst Park.

Tottenham Hotspur are keen on a summer deal to bring Bayern Munich forward Mathys Tel to the Premier League, according to reports.

Who is Mathys Tel?

Tel is naturally a centre-forward who only arrived at the Allianz Arena last summer from Ligue 1 side Rennes, but there’s a strong possibility that he could be once again on the move after just one season having failed to make a significant impact.

The France youth international was handed just one start last season in the Bundesliga and spent the majority of his time on the bench having been introduced as a substitute on 21 occasions, so he’s clearly out of favour and extremely low down in Thomas Tuchel’s pecking order.

Read The Latest Tottenham Transfer News HERE…

Despite still having another two years to run on his contract, the 18-year-old could therefore be wanting to start a new adventure elsewhere in order to get more regular minutes under his belt, and should that be the case, it’s believed he has admirers in N17.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Fabrizio Romano reported that one unnamed member of the Lilywhites board “appreciates” the teenager, though the journalist made it clear that Ange Postecoglou and Daniel Levy have not yet made any kind of “direct approach” for their target.

According to The Guardian, Spurs are “interested” in a swoop for Tel ahead of the 2023/24 campaign. Bayern manager Tuchel recently admitted that whilst he plans to keep the attacker, he could leave “if something changes very late in the transfer window”.

Levy is set to meet with a number of top executives in Germany next week to talk about a potential deal for Harry Kane, and should the England skipper seal his exit, the chairman could use negotiations to discuss a swap deal which would see Tel coming the other way.

How good is Mathys Tel?

Tottenham will be aware that Tel is still only 18 years of age, so he could definitely be seen as more of a signing for the long-term future of the club, but having been hailed a “huge talent” by football scout Jacek Kulig, the striker would be an exciting recruit should he put pen to paper.

The Sarcelles native has scored 15 goals in 47 appearances throughout his career, six of those coming last season at Bayern despite receiving limited opportunities to play, as per Transfermarkt, and he’s also a threat even when the ball doesn’t hit the back of the net.

Tuchel’s £66k-per-week earner ranked in the 97th percentile for shots and most touches in the attacking penalty area, highlighting his constant desire to create chances for himself and his fellow teammates in and around the opposition’s box.

Furthermore, Tel has the ability to operate out wide on both the left and right flanks alongside through the middle when leading the line so he would provide the boss with wonderful versatility if any unexpected injuries were to occur, making him a player that ticks a lot of boxes and a promising candidate to be targeting during the ongoing summer transfer window.

Arsenal, fresh off the back of their Community Shield victory, could compound their early-season success with a fine signing to replicate a star of their past…

Is Emi Buendia leaving Aston Villa?

With Manchester City having now been proven that, if you hit them hard enough you can in fact make them bleed, Mikel Arteta will be hoping to add to his list of weapons capable of hurting them and their chances of securing another Premier League title.

With new signings Declan Rice, Jurrien Timber and Kai Havertz all having contributed to that Wembley triumph, Edu's talent identification continues to be proven as second to none. So, the links suggesting they could move for Aston Villa's Emi Buendia should be greatly supported, with the Brazilian sporting director having earned the credit to have his decisions wholeheartedly trusted.

Read the latest Arsenal transfer news HERE…

Especially when considering the Gunners tried for the Argentine back in 2021, after his stunning campaign with Norwich City had drawn attention.

Now, despite still having three years left on his deal with the Midlands outfit, Football Transfers value the 26-year-old at €22.4m (£19m).

How good is Emi Buendia?

There was a reason why the versatile star was so sought-after two years ago, as he was fresh off winning the Championship Player of the Year award, having scored 15 times and assisted a further 17.

Despite those figures naturally dwindling, ten goal contributions in his debut year at Villa Park marked a fine return, backed up by his seven recorded in the most recent top-flight campaign. Steven Gerrard sought to laud his new signing back in 2021, noting: "He's a little warrior. He's going up for headers with players that are a foot taller than him. But that's what I love about him, as he's all in."

However, what will likely have caught Arteta's eye more than anything is his adaptability, given last term saw him feature in seven different positions, predominantly operating just behind the striker.

It is this preference to star in the number ten spot that marks the first of many similarities the creative ace shares with a former Emirates favourite, Santi Cazorla.

The Spaniard spent six fine years in north London, posting 74 goal contributions across 180 games and dazzling with his patented technique and trickery.

Arsene Wenger even sought to laud the 38-year-old, noting back in 2014: "When you play in your opponents’ half, in the final third, he is one of the players who can create something special, either through his passing or through his finishing. He is two-footed, and that makes him very dangerous.”

Standing at just 5 foot 6, many initially questioned if the diminutive creator could compete with the physicality of English football. However, he shone, just as the 5 foot 8 Buendia has done too.

Not only this, but during a 2015/16 league season where he only posted three goal contributions, he retained a 7.59 average rating as if to emphasise his quality that transcends the traditional way to showcase success. This was a figure buoyed by his 90% pass accuracy, 2.6 key passes and 1.9 tackles per game, via Sofascore.

And yet, Unai Emery's star showcases similar traits, which could be transformed into tangible goals and assists should he join a higher-level squad. In fact, in that 2021/22 season where he began his journey at Villa, he too maintained 1.4 key passes and 1.1 tackles per game, outlining this shared penchant for creating, but only after earning the right to do so (via Sofascore).

Even this pre-season has seen him lauded, with journalist John Townley branding him "magic" for his current club in the USA.

In Buendia, Edu could emulate an old favourite of Arsenal's, handing Arteta a versatile, hard-working magician sure to improve his squad and those within it.

Chelsea are set to hold a “new round of talks” to discuss the potential signing of Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic, according to reliable reporter Fabrizio Romano.

Is Dusan Vlahovic leaving Juventus?

The Serbia international still has another three years remaining on his contract at the Allianz Stadium, but having established himself as Massimiliano Allegri’s top-performing offensive player last season, not to mention that his club could be forced to cash in due to Financial Fair Play issues, Mauricio Pochettino has been alerted to his situation.

Speaking to GiveMeSport, writer and transfer reporter Dean Jones last month delivered a significant update on the Stamford Bridge outfit’s pursuit of the 23-year-old. He said:

“I know some people are ruling out of Vlahovic and they say that nothing is happening there. But Vlahovic has definitely been explored by Chelsea and conversations have definitely happened in terms of that. The fact that they are even contemplating that, tells you they're tempted to go and sign another striker by the end of this transfer window.”

Read The Latest Chelsea Transfer News HERE…

After that, Romano confirmed that Blues chiefs would contemplate the idea of signing the attacker “internally”, and the conversations that they held behind the scenes must have been positive because it seems they are now weighing up a player-plus-cash switch that would see Romelu Lukaku return to the Serie A and Vlahovic come to the Premier League.

Are Chelsea signing Dusan Vlahovic?

Taking to Twitter X, Romano revealed that Chelsea are set to hold fresh discussions with Juventus regarding a possible move for Vlahovic, and his club are adamant to receive a fee as part of the deal. He wrote:

“Chelsea and Juventus have scheduled new round of talks to discuss Vlahovic and Lukaku swap deal. It will take place via intermediaries. Juve insist on €40m [£34m] fee to be included but crucial point is Chelsea decision on Vlahovic — it’s up to Pochettino.”

How many goals has Dusan Vlahovic scored?

In the Serie A last season, Vlahovic posted 12 goal contributions (ten goals and two assists) in 27 appearances so showed how prolific he can be, and if the forward was to sign on the dotted line in the final weeks of the window, it would be a massive coup for Pochettino.

The Belgrade native, who’s sponsored by Nike, also recorded a total of 65 shots over the course of the campaign which was more than any other of his fellow teammates, via FBRef, and this impressive form saw him receive three man-of-the-match awards.

Standing at 6 foot 2, Juventus’ “beast”, as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, could also prove to be an ideal replacement for Christopher Nkunku, who is set to be on the sidelines for 16 weeks as a result of undergoing surgery on a knee injury that he sustained in pre-season.

With Nicolas Jackson now needing a new strike partner – albeit Nkunku would have likely played a bit deeper – this is a deal that would make sense for both parties to complete.

Liverpool have made an enquiry over Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde, and there has now been a suggestion the Spanish side may be willing to let him leave this summer…

Who are Liverpool signing this summer?

After the Reds' 1-1 draw against Chelsea in their Premier League opener on Sunday, Jamie Carragher made it clear he believes his former club need to strengthen in two key areas, saying:

"The big worry for me with Liverpool is defensively. The last action sums it up as they had a corner and they nearly conceded a goal at the other end.

"Liverpool need a holding midfielder. They need a real defender, an out-and-out defender who can play right across that back four."

Benjamin Pavard is now emerging as a potential defensive target for Jurgen Klopp, and the Bayern Munich star could fit the bill perfectly, given that he is capable of playing at right-back and centre-back, making him a versatile option.

In terms of holding midfielders, Liverpool have already lost out to Chelsea in the race for Moises Caicedo, and with Romeo Lavia also now poised to move to Stamford Bridge, they have been forced to run the rule over some alternative options.

Read The Latest Liverpool Transfer News HERE

According to The Secret Scout, the Reds have now "enquired about the situation" of Aurelien Tchouameni and Valverde, with Real Madrid likely to make one of the midfielders available this summer.

With Caicedo and Lavia off to Chelsea, the Madrid duo are now "of serious interest" to Klopp's side, who have now made their first move by contacting the Spanish side over a potential deal.

It is not detailed which player the La Liga club are set to make available, however, a more recent update from David Ornstein indicates it may be Valverde, with the journalist reporting Tchouameni is not available, saying:

"Liverpool among a number of leading clubs who have long-term admiration for Aurelien Tchouameni but Real Madrid see 23yo France int’l as key player & would not consider his departure, while midfielder has no interest in leaving."

How good is Federico Valverde?

The Uruguayan has established himself as a key player for Real Madrid over the past few seasons, making 34 La Liga appearances in the 2022-23 campaign, during which time he amassed a total of seven goals and four assists.

Lauded as "untouchable" by Los Blancos boss Carlo Ancelotti, the £135k-per-week maestro is also a confident dribbler of the ball, ranking in the 91st percentile for progressive carries per 90 over the past year, when compared to his positional peers.

It is fair to say the central midfielder poses a real threat on the front foot, but you could argue that he is not the signing Liverpool need at this moment in time, as he would not offer much to the side defensively, placing in just the eighth percentile for tackling.

Valverde could help improve the Reds' attacking depth, but Klopp could do with bringing in a like-for-like replacement for Fabinho and Jordan Henderson in the latter stages of the summer transfer window, so it could make sense targeting a player who excels defensively.

An update has emerged on Leeds United and their attempts to bolster the playing squad before the end of the summer transfer window…

What's the latest Leeds transfer news?

Daniel Farke has already been able to sign Joe Rodon, Ethan Ampadu, Karl Darlow, and Sam Byram, and is now looking to secure his fifth addition.

According to Argentine journalist Victor Bilsky, the Whites have opened talks with Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion over a deal to sign attacking midfielder Facundo Buonanotte.

Read the latest Leeds transfer news HERE…

The reporter claims that the Seagulls are prepared to allow the Argentina international to depart on loan before next month's deadline.

He also states that Leeds are pursuing a move that would include a purchase option for them to sign him on a permanent basis at the end of the season, although it remains to be seen what the fee would be.

How good is Facundo Buonanotte?

The 18-year-old prodigy, who was signed by Brighton for a fee of up to £10m, is a talented young player who could have the potential to be the club's next Pablo Hernandez if he explodes onto the scene this term.

Farke has a history of developing exciting talents and the German tactician could use his coaching ability to turn the teenage ace, who was dubbed a "huge talent" by scout Jacek Kulig, into a star for the Whites.

AllLeedsTV presenter Oscar Marrio claimed that Buonanotte has a "similar" profile to Hernandez – as well as former Norwich star Emiliano Buendia – as a player who can play in a hybrid role as a right winger and attacking midfielder.

Farke helped to develop the likes of Max Aarons, Ben Godfrey, James Maddison, Buendia, and Jamal Lewis during his time at Carrow Road.

Godfrey (£20m), Maddison (£20m), and Buendia (£38m) went on to be sold for a combined £78m.

This suggests that the Leeds boss knows how to get the best out of up-and-coming prospects, which is why Buonanotte could thrive up at Elland Road this season.

The 18-year-old talent has already been capped once by Argentina and was given 13 Premier League appearances by Roberto De Zerbi last term, which shows how highly he is rated by club and country at such a young age.

Prior to his move to Brighton, Buonanotte scored four goals and provided two assists in 19 league starts for Rosario Central as he created 1.2 chances per game, whilst no current Leeds player managed more than 0.9 per outing last season.

The Argentine gem, who scored one goal and provided one assist in six top-flight starts for the Seagulls, could now take the next step in his career and start to deliver quality at the top end of the pitch on a regular basis.

Stepping down to the Championship could provide him with the opportunity to showcase his ability against lesser opposition after showing flashes, with two goal contributions, in the Premier League.

Whilst it remains to be seen whether or not he will be able to replicate Hernandez's return of 36 goals and 41 assists in 175 matches, but Buonanotte is an exciting prospect who can play in the Spanish wizard's attacking midfield role and has the potential to score goals and create chances from that position.

West Ham United are one of several clubs who have expressed an interest in one of Leeds United’s most promising talents…

What’s the latest West Ham transfer news?

According to The Athletic, Irons boss David Moyes is keeping a 'speculative eye' on Cody Drameh, amid the uncertainty of his contract situation at Elland Road.

Crystal Palace and Brentford are also keeping tabs on the youngster's situation in west Yorkshire.

However, Southampton could arguably be the leading contender for his signature, as boss Russell Martin is described as one of his “biggest admirers” and previously tried to sign him when he was coaching at Swansea City.

Read the latest West Ham transfer news HERE…

Drameh’s current deal expires next summer and there is no offer of an extension on the table.

Leeds manager Daniel Farke is yet to properly utilise the 21-year-old gem, who has been recovering from a hamstring injury he suffered in training a few weeks ago.

Nevertheless, the article underlines that Drameh has been told he is in the club’s plans this season, but he is waiting to see if that chance materialises, knowing if the game time doesn’t arrive, he has a vast array of potential suitors.

Would Cody Drameh be a good signing for West Ham?

The Yorkshire giants signed the £2.5k-per-week man from Fulham in 2020 and would’ve hoped by now he would have progressed as a first-team regular.

However, the defender’s senior development has largely taken place at other clubs, where he has looked to be a consistent and solid asset.

His first loan spell occurred at Cardiff City in the second half of the 2021/22 season.

During this time, he made 22 Championship appearances and averaged the most tackles per game (3.8) and dribbles per game (1.1) in the squad, and won 56% of his ground duels – despite only spending five months at the Welsh outfit, Drameh was named the club’s Young Player of the Season and the Player of the Season.

Bluebirds manager Steve Morrison appreciated the 5 foot 9 dynamo's contribution, lauding him as “excellent.”

Ahead of the 2022/23 campaign, you would have expected to result in a notable first-team breakthrough at Leeds, but he only managed three outings in all competitions and was sent out on another second-tier loan to Luton Town.

In 19 games for the Hatters, he averaged the second-highest number of tackles per game (3.3) and interceptions per game (1.2), as well as the most dribbles per game (1.1), as the club secured promotion to the Premier League.

Despite two exceptional loan spells, Drameh’s future is still murky and complicated, and if moved to the London Stadium, he could form a glowing partnership with Konstantinos Mavropanos.

The former Arsenal defender recently joined the Hammers from Stuttgart for £19m. In three seasons with the German club, he has become established as one of the Bundesliga’s most talented and coveted centre-backs.

The 25-year-old ranks within the best 8% in Europe’s top five leagues among his positional peers for progressive carries per 90, successful take-ons per 90, interceptions per 90, and aerials won per 90.

Therefore, the prospect of these defensively solid and technically astute players appearing together in the West Ham backline is an exciting thought for Moyes.