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Transfer expert Dean Jones has stated that Glasgow Rangers winger Ryan Kent is attracting interest from Germany as well as England ahead of January.

The Lowdown: New talks planned

It was reported earlier this week that Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s team are ‘making a fresh attempt’ to try and tie down the 26-year-old to a new contract at Ibrox and are planning to use the international break to ‘open new talks’ over his future.

Premier League side Fulham are thought to be ‘monitoring’ his situation, and they will ‘weigh up’ whether or not to make an approach in the January transfer window.

Kent’s current deal expires in the summer, meaning that he can leave as a free agent then, or for a cut-price fee in January.

The Latest: Plenty of interest

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones has stated that not only clubs in England but Germany too are interested in signing the Rangers forward, adding that his future should be decided by the end of the year.

The journalist said of Kent: “I know he’s got a couple of clubs interested in him in England, there’s been a couple of clubs in Germany tracking him for a little while now as well too.

“So, we should know by the end of the year exactly which way this is going.”

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The Verdict: Keep him!

Kent has perhaps not been at his best this season, with some of his performances criticised as his team have struggled to keep up with Celtic at the top of the Premiership.

However, the winger has still managed five assists in the division, the joint-most out of his team-mates at Ibrox.

Hailed as a ‘wizard’ by his former Gers team-mate Leon Balogun, Kent managed an impressive 19 assists in all competitions last season, including five on the Light Blues’ journey to the Europa League final (Transfermarkt).

He is still only 26 years of age, and he has plenty more to offer for the Teddy Bears should they extend his contract.

Sheffield United could move back into the Championship’s automatic promotion spots as they face Rotherham at Bramall Lane on Tuesday evening.

Paul Heckingbottom’s side produced a superb display at the weekend as they thrashed table-toppers Burnley 5-2 to hand Vincent Kompany’s side just their second defeat of the campaign.

Three points against Rotherham in Tuesday’s Yorkshire derby would see the Blades move above Burnley into top spot.

Thus, Heckingbottom will be desperate for his side to pick up where they left off, against a Millers side that are without a win in their last five.

Here is how Football FanCast expects Sheffield United to line up at Bramall Lane, with two changes from the side that started against Burnley.

Wes Foderingham looks unlikely to lose his place in between the sticks after starting 16 games in the Championship so far this season, with seven clean sheets to his name.

There is one change at the back for the Blades, as Ciaran Clark starts ahead of Jack Robinson in the left centre-back position, to give the “fantastic” – as dubbed by his manager – Englishman some rest after he only recently returned from injury.

Clark starts alongside John Egan and the impressive Anel Ahmedhodzic to complete a solid back three, with George Baldock and Enda Stevens keeping their place as the bombarding wing-backs.

John Fleck and Oliver Norwood also keep their place in the middle of the park, although assistant manager Stuart McCall suggested that loanee Tommy Doyle could return to the squad, so he will be pushing for a start.

However, his Manchester City teammate James McAtee will definitely be fit, so he earns a start ahead of Ben Osborn in midfield, to provide some more creativity and attacking threat against a side the Blades should be looking to defeat.

Finally, Iliman Ndiaye and Oliver McBurnie unsurprisingly start together up front, with 18 league goals between the pair so far this season.

Journalist Steve Madeley believes Wolves signing Diego Costa is ultimately a move that has backfired, following the striker’s red card against Brentford.

The Lowdown: Costa back in the controversy

The Spaniard joined Wanderers back in September, as they looked to add firepower in the final third after the losses of Raul Jimenez and Saša Kalajdžić to injury.

Costa has struggled for Wolves to date, however, not yet finding the net or providing an assist in six Premier League appearances and being sent off at Brentford.

The 34-year-old was shown his marching orders for head-butting Ben Mee in stoppage time, meaning he will now serve a three-match suspension.

The Latest: Madeley bemoans signing

Taking to Twitter on Monday, The Athletic‘s Madeley admitted it is a transfer that is ultimately a flop for Wolves:

“Sadly, it’s beginning to look like a wolf video and a head-butt might be the most memorable moments of Diego Costa’s return to the Premier League. A piece on a necessary gamble that seems destined to fail for Wolves.”

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The Verdict: Desperate times…

There was hope that Costa may be able to conjure up some of the magic from his prime in a Wolves shirt but that hasn’t proved to be the case at all so far.

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Perhaps it is to be expected at 34, but he has lost the spark that once made him such a huge handful, at a point where similarly-aged players such as Robert Lewandowski and Karim Benzema are still world-class, largely due to the fact that rely on instinct rather than physicality.

The hope is that Costa can contribute something positive after his suspension but it looks as though his stay at Molineux will end up being a short, unsuccessful one.

While Wolverhampton Wanderers boss Bruno Lage may well be operating with something of a threadbare squad at present – having lost a host of key figures over the summer – that fact has had a positive outcome with regards to the promotion of young talent.

One young man who has been on the cusp of the first-team of late is defender Hugo Bueno, with the 20-year-old having been named in the matchday squad on a handful of occasions so far this term, albeit with a senior outing having as yet eluded him.

A left-back by trade, the promising Spaniard could well prove hard to ignore for much longer such has been his form at youth level of late, having notably provided two assists in just three Premier League 2 games so far this season.

The attacking full-back appears to have continued the sparkling form that he had showcased last season, scoring four goals and providing seven assists from his left-sided berth in just 17 games across all fronts.

Such a creative touch could well be vital for the Molineux outfit at present, with the Old Gold having so far scored just three goals in their opening seven league games, having previously only scored at a rate of one goal per game last term.

With only three senior full-backs in Lage’s squad – in the form of Jonny, Nelson Semedo and Rayan Ait-Nouri – there is no doubt a need for further competition in the defensive ranks, particularly with Marcal and Ruben Vinagre having both left the club over the summer.

Part of an exciting crop of prospects alongside the likes of Chem Campbell and Lee Harkin, Bueno could well be a real long-term option for the Midlands side, with the club able to save themselves millions on bringing in new recruits by turning to their academy talent.

The youngster has already been on the receiving end of hefty praise from Wolves’ U23’s coach, James Collins, who lauded his work rate following a win over Newcastle United last season, stating:

“You talk about hard work, and that boy works harder than anyone I know. After we finish training he grabs a bag of balls and he’s doing little stepovers and jinks. I actually tease him at times because I tell him that’s not his game, but then he gets in those positions and he produces it and scores.

“Some people think that’s luck or talent, but that’s not talent, that’s him working extremely hard at his craft to become more threatening in the attacking thirds, and he’s got his rewards tonight, which he may well have got earlier on in the season at different times, but he’s been unlucky, so I was delighted for him to get his goals tonight.”

That ringing endorsement should well be a sign to Lage that he can trust the emerging sensation if he is to hand him a first-team debut in the near future, with Bueno having no doubt done more than enough to warrant the promotion.

West Ham United insider Claret & Hugh has shared an update on the reports linking Torino loanee Nikola Vlasic with a permanent exit from the Premier League club.

The Lowdown: Torino hatch Vlasic plan…

The Irons midfielder is currently enjoying a fruitful temporary spell in Turin and has been linked with a permanent move away from east London just over a year after West Ham signed him from CSKA Moscow.

Tuttosport recently claimed that the Serie A club are set to open talks over signing Vlasic permanently as early as January, with suggestions that the player is even ready to take a pay cut to that effect.

The Croatia international has bagged three goals in six league starts and currently ranks as Torino’s third-best performer by average match rating (WhoScored), seemingly motivating Il Toro’s serious interest.

The Latest: Insider shares Vlasic update…

Club insider Claret & Hugh has shared an update from their ‘key London Stadium contact’, who maintains that this is ‘news’ to West Ham.

The source explained: “It’s news to us. You would have to ask Torino but a move in the next summer is more logical and usual in these circumstances.”

The Verdict: Bit soon…

The 24-year-old, who has been dubbed a ‘quality player’ by members of the Italian media for his recent performances, has undoubtedly started life brilliantly at Torino.

That being said, we’re currently seven matches into the Serie A campaign, and it could be a little bit too early for talks surrounding a permanent move for Vlasic.

It also seems confusing that they wouldn’t want to see out the remainder of his loan spell before taking up the purchase option in his contract.

Leeds United return to Elland Road for the third outing of the new Premier League season this afternoon as they host Chelsea.

Both teams remain unbeaten on four points after their opening two matches, so we’re in for a good encounter in west Yorkshire and manager Jesse Marsch has plenty to think about with Patrick Bamford the big story heading into kickoff.

Just like last season, the England international is set for a stint on the sidelines after he picked up an injury during last weekend’s 2-2 draw with Southampton, where the Whites threw away a two-goal lead.

With that in mind, here’s the XI we’re predicting today…

There could be just the one change for Marsch as he looks to cope in the absence of Bamford.

In goal, usual no.1 shot-stopper Illan Meslier is set to keep his place as are the back four in front of him, meaning Pascal Struijk continues at left-back with Junior Firpo also on the treatment table.

Robin Koch and Diego Llorente continue as the central defensive pair, with summer signing Rasmus Kristensen on the right.

Fellow arrivals Marc Roca and Tyler Adams have emerged as Marsch’s first-choice duo in the engine room, so they should remain, though it could be a position change for Brenden Aaronson as he moves into the central no.10 role.

That would push top goalscorer Rodrigo (three) further forward in a bid to cope without Bamford, whether that be as an actual striker or a false nine remains to be seen just yet.

Out wide, Jack Harrison could switch to the right flank, something the £15k-per-week “sensation” has done numerous times throughout his career and that opens up a spot on the left for Luis Sinisterra to make his full debut following his £21m arrival from Feyenoord this summer.

It means the likes of Joe Gelhardt and Daniel James will have to settle for a place on the bench.

AND in other news, Orta could seal “real coup” in Leeds swoop for 30-goal monster, he’s shades of Sadio Mane…

Leeds United have now officially registered their interest in Southampton forward Che Adams, according to Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Adams links

Reports at the weekend claimed that the Whites were lining up a shock move for the 26-year-old, with Phil Hay believing the Scotland international may come onto the radar late in the window if moves for other targets fall away.

Journalist Alex Crook believes the Saints could be open to offers for Adams, with reporter Pete O’Rourke also believing a move to Elland Road could be on the cards, so the signs look pretty good in terms of Victor Orta finally finding that sought after centre-forward addition.

The Latest: Leeds make contact

FI shared an update regarding Adams and a possible St Mary’s exit on Thursday morning.

They claimed that Nottingham Forest have opened talks over a potential deal, but added that Leeds have also now made their approach by registering their interest with the St. Mary’s outfit.

Forest appear to be the furthest advanced though.

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The Verdict: Orta needs to act fast

It looks as if Forest are the big obstacle in Orta’s way of bringing Adams to Yorkshire after first being linked with a move in 2020, so Leeds may have to act fast instead of waiting until the end of the month.

Labelled as ‘clever’ by Ally McCoist, Adams could in fact be a smart addition to challenge Patrick Bamford and Joe Gelhardt.

He has plenty of Premier League experience, can play out wide and is still just 26 years of age, potentially making him the perfect third option in attack for Jesse Marsch.

Pundit Kevin Campbell believes that Leeds United would be the ‘best’ destination for Manchester City attacker James McAtee, Football Insider report.

The Lowdown: Leeds links

McAtee, primarily an attacking midfielder who has also played on the wing and as a centre-forward, has been linked with a move to Elland Road this summer.

The Whites were first credited with an interest in McAtee following Manchester City’s talks for Kalvin Phillips, with The Daily Mail recently revealing that City may grant a loan exit if clubs can guarantee him regular game time.

Leeds, Nottingham Forest and Villarreal are all showing a ‘strong interest’ in the 19-year-old, who was labelled as ‘stunning’ by BBC journalist Jordan Elgott.

The Latest: Campbell’s comments

Campbell, who contributes for Sky Sports, was talking to FI regarding McAtee after learning of interest from Leeds, Forest and Villarreal.

The pundit believes that a move to Elland Road would be the ‘best’ as he feels McAteee would ‘get game time’ in Yorkshire.

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“He needs to be in the Premier League.

“I tell you why, this is where he wants to cut his mustard. This is where he needs to prove himself.

“It is not the same going out to Spain. If you can get in and play in the Premier League, that would be best.

“Yes, those clubs are not a Man City but you are playing against top clubs week in, week out. Pep Guardiola needs to know you can cut it.

“You learn about players character when the chips are down. Do you still do the right things when you are 3-0 down? Are you still working?

“I think he has a lot of good choices but I think Leeds would be best. He would get game time there next season.”

The Verdict: Avoid

If Leeds needs to guarantee minutes for a young player who will only be at Elland Road for a season, then it could be best to avoid a move completely.

The Whites already have plenty of exciting youngsters coming through, including summer arrivals Darko Gyabi and Sonny Perkins, so including the pair with long-term futures in more match-day squads instead of signing McAtee for the season could be a more sensible move.

Sam Greenwood will also be able to provide a versatile option similar to McAtee and has first-team experience under his belt, so if no permanent deal is on the cards, it may well be the correct call to look elsewhere.

Celtic are in the midst of another significant summer transfer window in terms of the number of players who have come to or left the club.

One big departure saw Tom Rogic wave goodbye to Parkhead at the end of the Bhoys’ latest Premiership-winning season.

With 272 appearances to his name in a Hoops shirt, the Australian scored 46 goals, delivered 49 assists and won seven league titles along the way.

Taking this into account, it safe to say that whoever comes in to replace the midfielder has some pretty big shoes to fill.

One man who has been linked with a move to Celtic in the past few months and who could be seen as the club’s next version of Rogic is fellow Australian midfielder Aaron Mooy.

After making a combined total of 152 appearances for Huddersfield and Brighton, in which he scored 13 goals and provided 17 assists, the 31-year-old joined Shanghai Port two years ago.Since then, the midfielder has scored six goals and provided three assists in 31 appearances in China.

This shows just how similar he is to Rogic in terms of being a useful figure in front of goal from midfield.

Labelled a “classy” player by Sky Sports presenter Jeff Stelling in 2019, Mooy is currently valued at £4.5m by Transfermarkt.

The former Brighton dynamo also wowed Pep Guardiola during his time with Manchester City, with the Spaniard hailing the 31-year-old as “amazing”.

Having already played under Ange Postecoglou on international duty between 2015 and 2017, Mooy knows what it takes to work under the current Celtic boss.

In fact, he had this to say about playing under the 56-year-old: “He’s a very good coach. The style that he wants to play is the way I like playing as well. I’m happy to be playing under him. He’s intimidating, but the way he wants to play football, I want to play like that as well.”

Therefore, this could work in Celtic’s favour should the manager try and convince his fellow countryman to join his squad in Glasgow.

With the Bhoys in need of some midfield reinforcements following the departure of Rogic, plus Nir Bitton and now Ismaila Soro, securing a deal for Mooy should be at the top of Celtic’s priority list before the 2022/23 campaign starts.

AND in other news: Ange can seal dream Souza alternative with Celtic swoop for “complete” £5.4m-rated gem

Soon-to-be free agent Christian Eriksen is ‘mulling over’ a number of offers from Premier League clubs, including one from Everton, according to The Times.

The Lowdown: Eriksen’s return to England

The Denmark international returned to professional football earlier this year after Brentford signed him in January on a short-term deal until the end of the season, after Serie A medical rules forced Inter Milan to terminate his contract (via The Athletic).

The 30-year-old is set to become a free agent in a few days’ time upon the expiry of his contract, and a myriad of English top-flight clubs have stepped up with offers for the Dane.

According to the Liverpool Echo’s Christopher Beesley, Everton manager Frank Lampard is keen on strengthening his options in midfield this summer, with Goodison Park touted as a possible destination for the former Tottenham playmaker.

The Latest: Everton offer for Eriksen

According to a report by The Times (via Liverpool Echo), Eriksen is ‘mulling over’ a plethora of offers from Premier League clubs.

It is understood that Everton are one of those who have offered the player a contract, with the Brentford man now assessing his options.

According to football.london, ‘there had been some suggestions’ that Eriksen’s priority is to stay in London, but it is now believed that he would be willing to play elsewhere.

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The Verdict: He’d be a fantastic signing

Considering the vast number of clubs expected to be in for the Dane this summer, this will be no easy signing to make for the Merseyside club. Tottenham are deemed to be one of the favourites for the 30-year-old, supported by Antonio Conte’s recent comments that Eriksen is in ‘fantastic form’ and has ‘great quality’ as a player (via 90min).

However, with Everton’s offer a potential reality, what a fantastic signing this would be for the Toffees.

When compared with positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year, Eriksen ranks in the 99th percentile for assists, non-penalty expected goals plus expected assists, and shot-creating actions (via FBRef).

Therefore, the Toffees should do anything they can to sign the attacking midfielder this summer.