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Tottenham Hotspur target Ruslan Malinovskyi has given the green-light to join as a report shares the latest update on talks to sign him from Atalanta.

The Lowdown: Paratici keeps moving…

The Lilywhites and sporting director Fabio Paratici are reportedly keeping active in the transfer market with deadline day on September 1 now less than a fortnight away.

Spurs boss Antonio Conte has also refused to rule the possibility of more summer signings despite having already sealed moves for Ivan Perisic, Fraser Forster, Yves Bissouma, Richarlison, Clement Lenglet, Djed Spence and Destiny Udogie.

Malinovskyi is one player who has been heavily linked in the last week with a report now sharing the latest on negotiations.

The Latest: Malinovskyi says ‘yes’…

Indeed, according to a claim out of Italy, the 29-year-old has already given his green-light to join the Premier League side.

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Tutto Atalanta say Malinovskyi has ‘said yes to Tottenham’ and Atalanta ‘negotiates the sale’ of their attacker.

However, while talks are ongoing, it is also believed that both sides remain far apart with the north Londoners ideally wanting to sign him on loan with the option to make his stay permanent.

Atalanta, meanwhile, wish to offload through a straight sale or, at worst, a loan with the obligation to buy.

The Verdict: Compromise?

The Ukraine international could be a solid addition at N17 going by his Serie A performances over 2021/2022.

According to WhoScored, Malinovskyi finished last campaign as their fifth-best player by average match rating – scoring six goals and assisting four others.

The attacking midfielder also ranked in Atalanta’s top five when it comes most attempts at goal, key passes made and completed dribbles per 90 – perhaps backing Tottenham’s interest in his signing.

Depending on the potential compromise over Malinovskyi’s signature, he could end up being a shrewd capture.

West Ham United, led by head of recruitment Rob Newman, are now eyeing a move for Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek.

The Lowdown: Hammers keep busy…

Deadline day and September 1 is now less than a fortnight away as Irons head coach David Moyes remains in the market for further additions to his squad.

After securing the signings of Nayef Aguerd, Flynn Downes, Alphonse Areola, Gianluca Scamacca, Maxwel Cornet and Thilo Kehrer, it is believed that a new left-back and midfield option are now on the cards at West Ham.

Failing to finish in the Premier League top six last season, Moyes and co are looking to challenge for a European spot again this year but haven’t got off to the best start – losing their two opening games of the campaign.

The Latest: West Ham eye Loftus-Cheek move…

According to reports, it is now believed that Chelsea midfielder Loftus-Cheek is on Newman’s agenda.

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talkSPORT claim that the east Londoners, and by extension their head of recruitment, have the £150,000-per-week ace on their ‘radar’ amid West Ham’s search for more depth.

This comes almost a year after the same outlet reported that Loftus-Cheek was actually offered to Moyes in the summer of 2021.

The Verdict: Make a move…

While a move is yet to be made, we believe he could add a real injection of quality to West Ham’s midfield.

The 26-year-old has received high praise when given the opportunity to showcase his skills with pundit Rio Ferdinand calling him a ‘fantastic specimen’ and a ‘top-tier player’.

As per WhoScored, over his 13 top flight starts for Chelsea last season, he was actually a real menace to play against, completing more dribbles per 90 than any of his teammates.

He also attracted the second-highest rate of fouls behind left-back Ben Chilwell and such a player could prove very useful for Moyes over this long season.

Crystal Palace finally seem set to see a fan favourite return to Selhurst Park… 

What’s the word?

According to sports writer Sam Pilger, Aaron Wan-Bissaka could be preparing for an SE25 homecoming after an underwhelming spell at Manchester United.

Taking to Twitter, Pilger stated: “It is looking increasingly likely Aaron Wan-Bissaka will leave Manchester United and return to Crystal Palace before the end of the transfer window”.

The English full-back has two years left on his £90k-per-week contract, having left the Eagles in 2019 for a mouth-watering £50m.

Could be a transfer masterclass

Having sold the youngster for an astronomical fee, to see him return just three years later for what we can assume will be a heavily reduced fee (given reports of a possible £10m swoop) would be a transfer masterclass from Dougie Freedman.

The 24-year-old’s stock has dropped dramatically, but if anyone knows the value that he can offer to a team it is Palace, from whose academy he emerged. When he first left the club, Dave O’Grady labelled him an “unstoppable force”, denoting just how highly Wan-Bissaka was rated.

His defensive output has continued to be outstanding, as he ranks in the top 3% for interceptions and top 1% for blocks per 90 among positional peers in Europe’s top five leagues over the past 12 months.

It is offensively where Wan-Bissaka has fallen short at Old Trafford, but with the summer addition of Chris Richards, the Eagles would quickly have two varied profiles of full-back who both excel in their respective fields.

The American ranks in the top 7% for assists per 90 and the top 12% for touches in the attacking penalty area over the past 12 months.

To bring back their academy graduate, who has gone away and earned invaluable Champions League experience with United, to a considerably less pressured environment in Selhurst Park could see him return to his best.

If the 24-year-old can improve upon his disappointing 23% accurate cross rate, there is every chance that he could be one of the best all-round full-backs in the Premier League.

His 59% dribble success rate is indicative of a player who wants to get forward, and often successfully, so perhaps Vieira can help to make Wan-Bissaka a tidier full-back once he gets into the final third.

If he were to return to Selhurst Park for just 20% of the fee at which Palace sold him in 2019, it would mark a sensational transfer masterclass from Freedman.

Aston Villa have made an approach for Wolves midfielder Leander Dendoncker, according to Sky Sports.

The Lowdown: Dendoncker profiled

Dendoncker, hailed as ‘brilliant’ by team-mate Max Kilman, is primarily a defensive midfielder but can also turn out as a centre-back or even further forward in midfield.

The 27-year-old has been with Wolves since 2019 but is into the final 12 months of his Molineux deal. He started the first two Premier League games under Bruno Lage this season but has been a substitute for the next three, and it looks as if Wolves could move the Belgium international on.

The Latest: Villa approach

Sky Sports revealed live on air this morning that Villa are one of three Premier League sides who have made a deadline day ‘approach’ for Dendoncker.

They said “it’s understood to be 50/50 that Wolves will let him leave and will likely hinge on whether they can bring in a replacement late in the window”.

The Verdict: Shrewd signing?

Steven Gerrard could do with a midfielder after Douglas Luiz was linked with a late exit and a centre-back due to Diego Carlos’ long-term absence.

Dendoncker would bring plenty of Premier League experience to Villa Park and would be able to play in both positions. Therefore, a move here could be a smart one by Villa chiefs.

However, NSWE will face plenty of competition for his signature, and perhaps no surprise given the Belgian’s massive potential – according to FBRef, he ranks highly in nearly every defensive metric, as well as pass success rate, non penalty goals and assists.

Tottenham Hotspur defender Joe Rodon, currently out on loan at Rennes, has been criticised by sections of the media for his displays in France.

The Lowdown: Rodon sets off…

The Wales international was never guaranteed consistent game time under manager Antonio Conte so a temporary move to Ligue 1 seemed a reasonable solution.

Before Rodon jetted off for Rennes, there were claims suggesting he was eager to seal a move away from north London so he can gain valuable minutes and further his development as a player.

The 2022 World Cup in Qatar is also merely months away so the 24-year-old will be looking to impress national team boss Robert Page with a steady string of solid performances, even if it’s away from the Premier League.

The Latest: Media criticise Rodon…

However, so far, things haven’t gone to plan for Rodon at Roazhon Park – at least going by the verdicts of French media outlets.

Indeed, a report by newspaper Ouest-France (via Sport Witness) suggested the centre-half needs to improve his game – criticising him for two major weaknesses and being at fault for Troyes’ goal in Rennes 1-1 draw on Sunday.

These two flaws of Rodon’s game are highlighted as being a consistent lack of ‘audacity’ and ‘precision’.

The Welshman was indeed one of the worst rated players in the Rennes XI at Troyes, winning no ground duels, making zero tackles and no interceptions (Sofascore).

The Verdict: Only way is up…

While French media have pointed out that Rodon’s start to life on loan has been challenging, we believe the young defender’s potential to improve is vast.

The former Swansea City star has excelled in Spurs’ own starting eleven before this point with former Lilywhites manager Jose Mourinho even calling him ‘perfect’.

Rodon will also be looking to get back to tip-top form before Qatar and his redemption may well soon begin.

West Ham midfielder Nikola Vlasic, currently on loan at Torino, ‘thundered’ to leave during the summer window with permanent deal talks now expected.

The Lowdown: Vlasic seals temporary exit…

Following a bit-part debut campaign at the London Stadium after signing from CSKA Moscow last year, Vlasic was sent out on loan to Serie A side Torino for the 2022/2023 campaign.

The Croatia international made way for a plethora of West Ham summer signings as the club completed deals for Alphonse Areola, Nayef Aguerd, Flynn Downes, Gianluca Scamacca, Maxwel Cornet, Thilo Kehrer, Emerson Palmieri and club record signing Lucas Paqueta.

Vlasic couldn’t replicate his electric Russian Premier League form whenever manager David Moyes did give him a chance, with a report from Italy now sharing the latest on his future at West Ham.

The Latest: Vlasic ‘thundered and thundered’ to leave…

According to Tuttosport, Torino ‘will start new negotiations’ with both Vlasic’s agents and West Ham as they contemplate signing him permanently – coming after some brilliant outings so far.

Expanding on the 24-year-old’s move to Turin, the report claims Vlasic ‘thundered and thundered’ to leave east London when Torino boss Ivan Juric came calling.

The Verdict: Let him go?

The former Everton player has started life brilliantly at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino and we wonder if a permanent exit for him may be best for all parties – especially given his alleged willingness to leave.

Called a ‘top class’ talent by former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan, there have been question marks surrounding Vlasic’s suitability to the English game given two failed spells at both West Ham and Goodison Park.

Indeed, it may be time for Moyes and co cut their losses on the attacker.

After being withdrawn due to an injury picked up during his last international outing, Tottenham Hotspur supporters must have been delighted to see Ivan Perisic back in Croatia’s starting XI for their Nations League fixture against Austria on Sunday evening.

Indeed, after a coming together with fellow Spurs star Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg in a 2-1 victory over Denmark last Thursday resulted in the 33-year-old being substituted, fears were starting to mount that Perisic may be unavailable for the upcoming north London derby this weekend.

However, not only was the £9m-rated talent selected from the off against Ralf Rangnick’s Austria, but he completely alleviated any remaining fears concerning his fitness by turning in an exceptional display for Croatia – something that will have undoubtedly have left his club manager, Antonio Conte, buzzing ahead of such an important fixture.

Indeed, over his 90 minutes on the pitch, the £178k-per-week flanker took three shots at goal – one of which hit the woodwork – completed two dribbles, won two aerial duels and made three tackles, as well as set up Marko Livaja to put Croatia ahead on the night with a beautifully whipped cross.

These metrics saw the 33-year-old who Conte himself dubbed a “very important player” average a simply sensational WhoScored match rating of 8.5 – the best score received by any player to feature in the fixture – with his contributions not only helping his county take all three points from the match but also top their Nations League group.

As such, with Perisic’s performance on Sunday not only proving that he is in peak physical condition but also in exceptional form ahead of Tottenham’s trip to Arsenal on Saturday afternoon, this will certainly come as a huge boost to Conte’s chances of securing a victory against Spurs’ most fierce of rivals.

And, considering a win at The Emirates would see Tottenham move ahead of Mikel Arteta’s side at the top of the Premier League table, the 53-year-old Italian will be hoping that Perisic can continue his international form for Spurs this weekend – as the Croat undoubtedly has the ability to make a real difference against the Gunners.

Queens Park Rangers have offered free agent Elijah Dixon-Bonner a contract at Loftus Road, according to reports in the last 48 hours.

The Lowdown: Beale’s connection

The midfielder worked his way up through the ranks at Arsenal before making the switch to Liverpool but now appears to be swapping the Premier League for the Championship.

The 21-year-old’s contract on Merseyside expired at the end of last season, which resulted in him getting released, and Michael Beale appears to be keen on a reunion having previously worked alongside the player in the Anfield academy.

The Latest: QPR make Dixon-Bonner offer

According to West London Sport, QPR have ‘decided to offer’ Dixon-Bonner a contract after being ‘on trial’ with the second tier outfit for the past few weeks.

The report states that the Hoops are ‘looking to sign’ the former Reds starlet, who they consider to be a ‘similar type’ of player to that of Luke Amos, making him a ‘useful option’ to have in the squad.

The Verdict: Exciting addition

Given the fact that this signing holds no risk due to Dixon-Bonner being available on a free, it could prove to be a smart move and one that QPR may well be confident in completing.

The Harlow-born ‘enforcer’, as hailed by sports journalist Josh Bunting, scored four goals in 15 appearances in all competitions for Liverpool’s youth side last term, and has the versatility to play anywhere across a midfield.

Beale will know Dixon-Bonner better than anyone having cast a watchful eye over him for many years, and there’s no doubt that the boss will feel he can get the best out of him in seasons to come.

Everton are now unbeaten in their last six Premier League games after taking another victory when they travelled to the south coast to play Southampton this weekend.

Frank Lampard will be delighted with how far his team have come since the difficult relegation scrap at the bottom of the table earlier this year and the eight new signings have certainly contributed to the new-found consistency in the team.

Despite having less possession (46%) and fewer shots on goal, Everton displayed their resilience and quality in the moments when it was needed the most against Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side on Saturday afternoon.

It was a quiet first half in the game at St Mary’s with neither side finding the goal needed to break the stalemate. However, in the second half both teams came to life with the Toffees delivering a comeback that has led them to 11th in the Premier League table.

Joe Aribo found the first goal to give the home team the lead in the early stages of the second half, but it wasn’t long before Conor Coady found the equaliser in the 52nd minute quickly followed up by a winner from Dwight McNeil just two minutes later.

There was one player though who proved to the Everton manager that Dominic Calvert-Lewin can’t come back soon enough, as Neal Maupay found life difficult throughout the clash with Southampton.

Over his 89 minute appearance, the former Brighton and Hove Albion striker lost the ball every 2.8 touches, made just 15 passes and failed to complete a single dribble attempt, proving that he didn’t offer enough when in possession of the ball.

The Frenchman has had a tricky start to life at Goodison Park, scoring just once so far in the win over West Ham before the international break. In the two matches either side of that, however, he has been disappointing, winning just 37.5% of his physical duels, a terrible tally for someone usually such a bullish customer up top.

Indeed, one Saints writer summed up his efforts on Saturday quite aptly, taking to Twitter during the game to say: “Maupay for Everton works hard but doesn’t offer much else at forward.”

Everton will take on some difficult fixtures over the month ahead, facing both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur next, so Lampard will be hoping that his team can continue their momentum and confident run in the league by causing upsets in both.

With that being said, Calvert-Lewin’s return could not come at a better time for Lampard, especially as Maupay seems to be lacking threat in front of goal. That said, it remains to be seen if the Englishman will be fit and available for selection as he did not appear on the bench yesterday.

Everton have been handed an injury boost after Frank Lampard confirmed that Dominic Calvert-Lewin is back in contention to face Manchester United in the Premier League.

The Lowdown: Spell on the sidelines

The Blues host the Red Devils at Goodison Park on Sunday evening and will be hoping to continue their decent run of form, where they are now unbeaten in their last six top-flight outings.

The 25-year-old has been out of action ever since sustaining a knee injury in the week prior to the opening game of the season, but having been closely monitored during his rehabilitation, could finally be set to return to the first-team fold.

The Latest: Lampard’s injury update

Speaking during his pre-match press conference, Lampard confirmed that Calvert-Lewin is ready to be considered to play again after resuming full training with the rest of the Toffees squad.

As quoted by the club’s official website, he said:

“He’s in contention. We’ll have to see how match-fit he is but in terms of the injury he’s better. It’s a really good boost.

“He’s a good player for us, pivotal in us staying [in] the league last year and [we] want to get him playing regularly.”

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The Verdict: Boost for Lampard

Everton having Calvert-Lewin available for selection again will come as a massive boost to Lampard given the impact he has on his starting XI.

The ‘monster’, as hailed by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, clocked up seven goal contributions in 15 starts last season, and is a real target man up top having won 5.5 of his aerial duels per league game (WhoScored).

The Toffees will be looking to extend their unbeaten run against Erik ten Hag’s side this weekend, and the potential return of one of the club’s most prolific strikers will only increase the chances of that happening.