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Tottenham Hotspur are "still interested" in completing a summer deal for Nottingham Forest attacking midfielder Brennan Johnson, according to The Athletic journalist Paul Taylor.

Is Brennan Johnson leaving Nottingham Forest?

Since graduating from the club’s academy to get promoted to the first team back in 2019, Johnson has become an integral member of Steve Cooper’s senior side having made 33 starts in the Premier League last season, but despite his contract not expiring for another three years, there’s a possibility that he could be on the move in the weeks ahead.

The Wales international emerged as the second-best performer in an offensive position at The City Ground during the previous campaign, via WhoScored, and has caught the eye of chiefs in N17.

Indeed, Football Insider reported that the Lilywhites had joined the race to secure his services after sending a scout to watch him live in action – a display that clearly impressed those looking on, with Spurs attempting to bounce back from last year's disappointing Premier League campaign.

Thomas Frank’s Brentford are the other top-flight club to have been the most heavily linked with a move for the 22-year-old after seeing two offers rejected, but with former Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou now in charge in the capital, Daniel Levy may well be keeping close tabs on his target in the east Midlands until the window closes.

Read The Latest Tottenham Transfer News HERE…

Are Tottenham signing Brennan Johnson?

Taking to Twitter, Taylor revealed that Tottenham remain keen on Johnson, though as it stands, a deal looks unlikely to take place, not only as a result of Nottingham Forest's valuation, but also due to the fact that Steve Cooper has reaffirmed to the player how much he is appreciated at the club.

He wrote: "Another bid rejected from Brentford. Other clubs – including Spurs – still interested but NFFC value him at £50m. Informal discussions have been held with Steve Cooper over Brennan Johnson's future and he remains an integral figure at the CG."

Why are Spurs interested in Brennan Johnson?

In the Premier League last season, Johnson clocked up 11 goal contributions (eight goals and three assists) in 38 appearances, with his pace against an opposition’s backline having previously seen him dubbed a “real handful” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, so it’s no surprise that the attacking midfielder is being pursued by Spurs.

The 2022 World Cup participant also registered a total of 52 shots over the course of the campaign, which was the second-highest total throughout his squad, via FBref, while another attractive aspect of his repertoire will likely be his versatility to operate in several different positions over the pitch – including across the frontline, despite his natural role being in the centre of the park.

Furthermore, Johnson shares the same agent, Unique Sports Group, as Ryan Sessegnon and Brandon Austin, so this existing connection that his representative already has to the club – having negotiated a deal for his other clients in the past – could give the board a small advantage should they decide to open talks and attempt to close a deal for Johnson before 1st September.

West Ham United are reportedly ready to continue their pursuit of Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse, as David Moyes remains on the lookout for reinforcements.

The Hammers must welcome new signings this window, particularly following the loss of Declan Rice and the £105m profit made by the gargantuan sale.

What’s the latest on James Ward-Prowse to West Ham?

As reported by The Athletic on Sunday, the Irons could secure the signing of Ward-Prowse for a reduced figure of £35m this summer.

The initial asking price from the Saints is said to be at £40m, making West Ham’s opening offer of £20m one that disgruntled the freshly relegated side.

Read the latest West Ham transfer news HERE…

Considering that the Englishman could fill the gap left by Rice, as well as bring an abundance of experience to the side, Moyes must act fast should he wish to finally get the deal over the line now that his price tag is clear.

How good is James Ward-Prowse?

Notorious for his expertise in set play on the south coast, the 28-year-old could be the ideal capture at the London Stadium this summer in the middle of the park.

Despite being part of a struggling Southampton side, the Portsmouth-born gem recorded 13 goal contributions last season, netting nine and assisting four, appearing in all of his side’s league fixtures, via FBref.

Lauded as a “master” for his dead-ball play by members of the media, the midfield maestro has far more in his locker than being a specialist in that area.

After a season threatened with relegation masked by the success of winning the UEFA Conference League, the Hammers must seek some creativity in order to lift themselves back up the table and Ward-Prowse could be that man.

One area they must address is the midfield, with captain and The Athletic’s pick for player of the season, Rice, embarking on a new venture in north London.

While primarily, his vacancy must be filled with some urgency, the potential capture of Ward-Prowse could elevate the overall performance in the engine room, in a player that could challenge the current midfielders on show.

Despite being an integral member of Moyes’ squad, Tomas Soucek could find himself ousted by the Saints captain, who performed at a higher level to the Czech Republic international last term.

As per FBref, the Englishman averaged 5.05 progressive passes and 4.73 final third passes per 90 in the 2022/23 Premier League, showcasing the strengths he has over Soucek who averaged just 2.81 progressive passes and 2.14 final third passes per 90.

Despite the West Ham ace averaging a higher record of tackles per 90 with 2.46 to Ward-Prowse’s 1.74, the Southampton general has the fundamentals to unleash a challenge in the middle of the park, and to provide a threat going forward, which the Czech lacks.

Recording an average of 1.98 key passes per 90, the “unbelievable” talent, as heralded by former teammate Oriol Romeu, could add the creativity integral to unlocking the Hammers’ attack, with Soucek averaging just 0.48 per 90, via FBref.

Moyes could replenish his midfield with a further attacking option, in a player with 343 Premier League appearances and a host of attributes that could bolster the side.

Leeds United will remain confident that their return to the Championship following relegation from the Premier League does not stick despite losing several key stars already this summer.

A host of first-team stars – including top scorer Rodrigo, Brenden Aaronson, Robin Koch, Marc Roca and Rasmus Kristensen – have all completed moves away from Elland Road, with just the one acquisition at present, in the form of £7m plus add-ons man Ethan Ampadu from Chelsea.

Transfer insider Dean Jones even went as far as to say that the Whites' transfer strategy has been "all over the place", given that only one deal has been finalised with the second tier kicking off the term in less than two weeks, which means manager Daniel Farke might be wise to act upon interest in Nottingham Forest forward Emmanuel Dennis.

How much is Emmanuel Dennis?

Earlier this month, Football Insider reported that the Whites had turned their attention to the Nigerian ace, who has endured a tough spell at the City Ground after arriving from Watford in a deal worth approximately £20m one year ago and has consequently been made available for transfer, as per The Athletic.

The Athletic also claim that the 25-year-old is keen to remain in Europe despite ostensible interest from the affluent Saudi Arabian clubs, circling like sharks this summer and swiping many players from Europe's top five leagues.

How many goals has Emmanuel Dennis scored?

Despite his relatively high fee, Dennis failed to impress for the Garibaldi and plundered only two goals and assists apiece in the top-flight from 19 outings.

However, if his exploits the previous term are anything to go by with Watford, Leeds could provide their forward ranks with a dynamic and destructive striker to lead the line with aplomb, with ten goals and six assists from 33 games his conclusive tally for the 21/22 Premier League season.

And given that Rodrigo has left Leeds after scoring 13 goals from just 23 starting appearances in the Premier League, a prolific talisman is most certainly required to tread water above the pack in the Championship, navigating a course back to the light.

While Leeds will be hoping for a term fighting at the reverse end of the table that has housed the side over the past two years, Farke will hope for cohesion and tenacity from all facets of his squad, which bodes well for Dennis given that he ranks among the top 10% of positional peers over the past year for tackles, the top 4% for blocks and the top 20% for clearances per 90, as per FBref.

He could also revitalise stricken striker Patrick Bamford, who has somewhat flattered to deceive over the past several seasons after bagging 17 goals in the league upon Leeds' return in 2020.

Admittedly, injuries have been the detriment to his craft over the past two years, but the 29-year-old boasts just six Premier League strikes to his name over this period nonetheless, and Dennis, who Transfermarkt claim has missed just five games across the duration of his professional career, could provide both a new dimension and a greater sense of striking reliability.

With the pair on the pitch together, however, Farke's side could wreak havoc on hapless Championship defences, with Dennis previously lauded for his "electric" presence on the pitch by reporter Josh Bunting, utilising his blistering pace and directness, while Bamford thrives as more of an offensive focal point, a conduit to link the play.

The partnership could play into that old footballing flow of traditional centre-forward – although Bamford arguably boasts an array of skills to navigate away from such a single-minded tag – melding with the pacy, fleet-footed strike partner, and Dennis could prove to ignite the frontline with a move to West Yorkshire.

Rangers have been given a fresh update over Auston Trusty's future, with the youngster stating via the Daily Record that he is only focused on the present and his current pre-season tour with Arsenal.

Who is Auston Trusty?

The 24-year-old currently plays for Arsenal, having been poached by the Gunners only last year. Despite the Premier League side snapping him up, he has yet to make his top flight debut for the side and has instead been shipped out on loan in order to get minutes. That meant spending the 2022/23 season on loan with Birmingham in the Championship.

The youngster ended up being an integral part of the Blues' first-team squad and missed only two second tier outings all campaign. He featured on 44 occasions in total and fired in four goals with two assists along the way, despite his position on the field.

Prior to joining Birmingham though, Trusty had no experience of English or Scottish football. His entire playing time came in his native USA, having been given his league debut by Bethlehem in the USL at the age of 17. He then joined up with Philadelphia in the MLS, before switching to Colorado Rapids, which resulted in his most outstanding time as a player to date.

He managed 57 league appearances during his time there, with two goal contributions, and also helped drag them up to second in the standings in one campaign.

Are Rangers signing Auston Trusty?

It was these showings that led to Trusty heading to England for Arsenal. Now, it looks as though he could be cast aside by the club this summer, with talks of a permanent switch away on the cards. Rangers are one of the sides mentioned in terms of the interest in the American, with a price tag of £2m mentioned as potentially enough to seal a deal to send him to the Scottish Premiership outfit.

However, they do face competition from England, with Ipswich also linked with the player – his experience in the second tier could prove invaluable to the newly-promoted Tractor Boys.

Now, according to the 24-year-old himself via the Daily Record, he has spoken out about his current situation and future. He hasn't spoken of any interest in his signature and has instead insisted he is only thinking about things on a "day-to-day" basis. He has, of course, been taken on Arsenal's pre-season tour in his homeland. That means he is currently "focused" on that – so any potential deal for the ace may have to wait until he is home and able to think about a potential deal.

"My mindset has been here since the beginning. So I'm not focused on anything else. I'm focused on day by day. You can ask anybody how I approach things. my mindset has always been focused on day by day. You never can control the future but I'm focusing on myself."

Rangers then could have to play the waiting game over Trusty. The central defender will likely showcase his stuff for the Gunners over the summer, and then his future could be decided upon his return to England.

If the Gers did manage to sign the 24-year-old though, it could be a shrewd move. He's proven to be a reliable option at a decent level in the Championship and was a regular in the MLS to boot. His age and his current skillset means he has all the capabilities of being a very solid part of the Scottish side's backline if they sign him this transfer window.

Manchester United could be set to launch a bid for a new striker, with Sportsmediasetl via Sport Witness, reporting that the Red Devils have an offer lined up for Dusan Vlahovic as an alternative to Rasmus Hojlund, who is also strongly linked.

How many goals has Dusan Vlahovic scored for Juventus?

The 23-year-old has only been with current club Juventus for two seasons, but has already made quite the impression for the Serie A outfit. His goal tally has gradually increased and improved, with the Serbian managing to hit a double-digit tally over the course of the 2022/23 league campaign. In total, he featured on 27 occasions for the Turin side but managed ten goals and two assists – meaning that he ended the season with a rate of 0.56 goal contributions per 90.

Prior to the move to Juve, he was even better for Fiorentina. Vlahovic plundered 17 Serie A strikes in his last campaign with the club and managed to break the 20-goal barrier for La Viola in 2020/21. It means that his career total currently stands at 62 league goals in just 104 starts – and with the 23-year-old still only early on his career, there is room for plenty more where that came from.

Are Manchester United signing Dusan Vlahovic?

With Juventus now missing out on European football after a seventh-placed Serie A finish, there is interest in luring the Serbian away from the club this transfer window. Chelsea have been one of the sides most keen to do business, with a recent report suggesting that the striker himself may fancy a switch to Stamford Bridge.

They aren't the only Premier League side keeping tabs on the situation though, with Man United also eager to try and wrap up a deal for the attacker if they can this window, presumably as a different option to Hojlund – it's hard to envisage both joining.

Now, according to a report from Sportsmediaset, via Sport Witness, the Red Devils are indeed pushing on with trying to sign Vlahovic this summer. Their report claims that the top flight side have a bid ready to go for the forward, adding that it is an offer that could cost them a whopping 65 million Euros (or £55.7m).

Erik Ten Hag's outfit though are not the only club prepared to splash the cash to land him, with Tottenham and Chelsea also ready to make the same offer to try and land the Serbian on a deal this window. It means it could be a three-way choice for the player, though none of the three are close to Juve's price tag yet.

The level of interest in his services showcases how superb Vlahovic has been since his switch to Juventus. The striker has really stood out with his goalscoring antics, and former professionals and managers alike have complimented the forward for his abilities to date.

Alessio Tacchinardi for example, who is a current coach and formerly featured for Juventus, has stated that Vlahovic is an "extraordinary" player and he can "tremendously increase" the goalscoring ability of a team. The attacker is a real threat upfront then – and if United were able to sign him, then it would help solve their current forward line dilemma ahead of next season.

Liverpool are having "concrete" talks to sign Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia, according to a key update from reliable journalist Florian Plettenberg.

How much does Romeo Lavia earn?

The 19-year-old is arguably one of the most talked-about young player in the country at the moment, having caught the eye with his performances for Saints last season, despite their relegation from the Premier League to the Championship, finishing bottom of the table in the process.

Lavia, who currently earns £38,000 per week at St Mary's Stadium, was a commanding presence in front of the defence, starting 26 league games and averaging 2.1 tackles per match, outperforming almost everyone around him, despite his tender years.

It seems clear that the Belgian will not be a Southampton player once the 2023/24 season gets underway, however, with a move to one of the biggest clubs in the Premier League clubs seemingly on the cards. Liverpool have emerged as one of the front-runners to snap up the teenager, but they are far from alone in expressing an interest, with rivals such as Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Newcastle all thought to be in the mix.

The Reds are perhaps still in need of signing one more midfielder this summer, despite Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai already arriving at Anfield, and it does look as though Lavia is now their primary target to add to the squad.

What's the latest on Romeo Lavia to Liverpool?

Reports over the weekend suggested talks had started between the Reds and Southampton, and now taking to Twitter, Sky Germany's Plettenberg has revealed the manager's personal desire to sign the player, confirming there are "ongoing" negotiations:

"Talks between Liverpool & Lavia are concrete and ongoing. Understand there is no agreement in terms of salary conditions yet.

"As reported: His price tag is around £50m. Klopp wants him! Very press resistant player – even in high pressure situations, he loses the ball only once out of 10 times."

This is a hugely encouraging update regarding Liverpool's pursuit of Lavia, with the player himself seemingly keen on the idea of moving to Merseyside, despite them missing out on Champions League qualification last season. The lure of working with Jurgen Klopp is certainly a massive positive for the Reds, given the German's reputation as one of the outstanding managers of his generation, and he seems keen on signing the Saints ace.

The one-time capped Belgium international is someone who could be viewed as Fabinho's long-term successor in the No.6 role, with the Brazilian turning 30 later this year and arguably being past his very best, so he could arrive at Anfield as a squad player, before eventually becoming one of the first names on the team sheet.

Pep Guardiola has called Lavia "incredible" in the recent past, with the midfielder leaving Manchester City last summer in order to enjoy regular football elsewhere, and he could give Liverpool's long-term midfield a perfect balance, sitting behind the likes of Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott, and combining a potent mix of tackling excellent and quality on the ball in defensive midfield to perfection, especially as he matures as a player.

Arsenal are reportedly interested in RB Leipzig defender Benjamin Henrichs, as Mikel Arteta and Edu set their sights on bolstering the squad this summer.

The Gunners have already penned a deal with Kai Havertz, and with Declan Rice set to be announced imminently, the clubs’ two former players could be planning something special at the Emirates.

Arteta’s side battled well last campaign, surpassing expectations by taking the title race to the wire, however, a lack of squad depth signalled a time for refurbishment this summer.

Signing Henrichs could be a leap in the right direction in terms of boosting the depth of the squad, in a player that shows shades of a fellow Premier League gem.

Journalist Florian Plettenberg revealed earlier this week that ‘talks’ between the German’s management and the north Londoners had taken place.

Plettenberg added that Arsenal are ‘considering’ the versatile full-back as a ‘backup target’ this summer.

Valued by Football Transfers at €9.2m (£8m), the 26-year-old could be a solid option for the Gunners to consider.

Where could Benjamin Henrichs play at Arsenal?

Hailed as a “talented” player by former Monaco vice-president Vadim Vasilyev, the 26-year-old has played at the top level for the majority of his career, working his way through the ranks at Bayer Leverkusen.

The versatile defender departed his boyhood club for Monaco in 2018, before returning to the Bundesliga with RB Leipzig, where he has cemented himself as a valued member of the squad.

In signing Henrichs, Arsenal could get their hands on a widely versatile defence-minded player, with capabilities of playing both on the right side of defence and in central midfield.

The German international has contributed to 66 career goal contributions over 327 appearances, having an eye for a pass as well as being a sturdy figure at the back.

Averaging three tackles and 1.44 interceptions per 90 in the Bundesliga last campaign, Henrichs has excelled defensively, as well as showing his abilities on the ball, averaging 4.48 progressive passes per 90 at right-back, via FBref.

Having a versatile full-back is something that the Premier League has become accustomed to, with Arteta reaping the benefits of having both Ben White and Oleksandr Zinchenko capable of contributing to offensive play.

Despite arriving as a side to watch last term, Arsenal still saw a gap between themselves and champions Manchester City, however, the Gunners could provide an answer to one of City’s sensations by signing Henrichs.

Lauded as a “versatile and tactical genius” by members of the media, John Stones has been a revelation under Pep Guardiola, emerging last season as having the talent to be deployed as a deep midfielder.

Averaging 1.12 tackles and 4.92 progressive passes per 90, via FBref, the Englishman showcased just how far the depth of his versatility goes, acting as the complete player for City.

Like Stones, Henrichs has the ability to venture into midfield, described by talent scout Jacek Kulig as being a player that ‘dictates tempo’ in central areas.

Averaging 3.78 passes per 90 into the final third, the 26-year-old has room to grow and flourish around the field, displaying strengths in his distribution and reading of the game.

Arteta could take another page from Guardiola’s book by signing a defensively equipped versatile player, replicating past notes that have seen the revolution of how the Spaniard orchestrates his back line.

Manchester City are now eyeing a stunning move for Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong, according to a recent report from The Sun.

Which midfielder are Man City signing?

With club captain Ilkay Gundogan putting pen to paper on a move to Barcelona, there is a huge gap in Man City's midfield that needs to be filled, and Declan Rice emerged as a major target, with a £90m bid being tabled earlier this week.

However, the Citizens have now pulled out of the race as they were unwilling to match Arsenal's offer of £105m, and they have now started to run the rule over other targets, including Celta Vigo's Gabri Veiga, as reported by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Veiga is not the only La Liga central midfielder that City have shown an interest in, as The Sun reports they are now mulling over a stunning £90m move for De Jong, who has been linked with a move away from Barcelona for quite some time.

Rivals Manchester United considered the Dutchman a major target a year ago, but he opted to remain at Camp Nou, and the report details that he is still in no major rush to leave Spain.

However, Barca want the central midfielder off the wage books, and they know that City have the money to sign a top-class midfielder, following their pursuit of Rice.

Guardiola tried to sign the 26-year-old in 2019, and the Man City manager remains a fan.

How much does Frenkie de Jong earn?

According to Capology, the former Ajax man rakes in a massive £620k-per-week at Barcelona, so it is no wonder the La Liga club are keen to get him off the wage bill, particularly considering the recent arrival of Gundogan.

Despite Barca's willingness to sanction the departure of the Netherlands international, he is thought of in high regard by manager Xavi, who described him as "spectacular" last season.

The Arkel-born midfielder certainly played his part in Barca's title-winning 2022/23 campaign, making 33 appearances in La Liga, during which time he picked up two goals and four assists.

Over the past year, the maestro has averaged an 89.5% pass-completion rate per 90, which ranks him in the 97th percentile compared to his positional peers, indicating he would be a perfect fit for a Guardiola system.

However, De Jong's attacking output probably does not justify a £90m outlay, particularly if he is seen as a Gundogan replacement, so Man City should initially test the waters with a much lower offer.

Thomas Partey is happy to stay at Arsenal this summer, amid reports linking him with a move away, journalist Charles Watts has claimed.

What's the latest on Thomas Partey?

The Ghanian midfielder was one of Arsenal's key performers this season, although his form dropped off towards the end of the campaign, and he has been linked with Juventus as well as clubs in Saudi Arabia.

The 30-year-old's fitness record has been inconsistent since arriving at Arsenal in 2020, and with just two years left on his deal, as well as links to Declan Rice and Romeo Lavia, there have been suggestions that Mikel Arteta could cash in on the £200k-per-week star.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Watts revealed that despite rumours linking him with a move away, Partey would be happy to stay at the club if no transfer materialises and Arsenal want to keep him.

"I've heard Partey is very happy at Arsenal, he wants to stay, is happy to stay and play in the Champions League," he stated.

"The whole reason he signed for Arsenal was to get the club back in the Champions League. Now they're there, he wants to play in that, but instead that if you've got a bunch of Saudi clubs offering you unbelievable wages and you're a 30-year-old, then that is a highly tempting offer, so you know that might well turn his head.

"From a footballing point of view, my understanding is that Partey is absolutely happy to stay at Arsenal, and wants to play in the Champions League with Arsenal.

"Money talks at the end of the day, if someone's offering unbelievable money which will set you up for life and your family up for life, that might change your thinking as a player. So we'll wait and see on that."

Should Arsenal cash in on Partey?

Although the midfielder was a crucial figure as Arsenal surged to the top of the table in the first half of the season, his form dipped in the second half of the campaign, which even resulted in him losing his starting spot to Jorginho.

Arsenal have struggled when Partey has been absent, with their first three losses this season coming when he failed to appear for 90 minutes.

His injury record and age means he may no longer be reliable enough to count on, but given that Granit Xhaka looks set to depart, Arsenal could struggle to replace two starting midfielders in one transfer window.

Leeds United are on the hunt for the right manager who can lead the club in their Championship campaign next season and now a new update has emerged from a reliable source on a potential candidate.

What's the latest on Leeds' interest in Scott Parker?

According to The Athletic's Leeds reporter Phil Hay, the club's hierarchy are now entering the stage of face-to-face interviews this week and has named Scott Parker as one of those interviewees.

As per an article for the publication, Hay revealed that alongside Daniel Farke, Parker will be one of the candidates spoken to about the role, with the club expected to make a decision imminently due to pre-season coming up fast.

Is Scott Parker a good fit for Leeds?

Time is running out for the West Yorkshire club to bring in a manager who can get up to speed with the unfolding situation at Elland Road and build connections with players, whilst also utilising the summer transfer window to bring in new additions that possess the profile to succeed in the style of play deployed.

The 49ers have a big decision to make on whether they bring in a manager who can guarantee quick but short-term success in terms of promotion from the Championship back to the Premier League or somebody who can be part of the long-term project for the new owners, with Parker the perfect option for the former.

The 42-year-old coach – hailed "outstanding" by Jurgen Klopp – has twice masterminded automatic promotion to the Premier League from the second tier with Bournemouth and Fulham, making him the ultimate expert to give Leeds their best chance at following in the footsteps of Burnley next season and bouncing straight back up.

However, his 0.77 points per game record in the Premier League is much less inspiring than his 1.84 points per game in the Championship and could be a cause for concern should he be appointed and promote the Whites next term.

Over 52 top-flight fixtures in charge of both Bournemouth and Fulham, the English coach has tallied up just nine wins and 30 defeats, which ultimately saw Parker sacked in both appointments after leading them as far as he could take them.

That means that even if this just a short-term gig for the former midfielder, it could pay dividends. Indeed, in the second tier he has lost just 19 times while winning over 50% of his matches in charge.

With that being said, Parker would be the perfect appointment if Leeds are looking for a sure-fire way to get promoted next season.