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Chris Hughton is open to the idea of allowing Lyle Taylor to leave Nottingham Forest this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Football League World, who claim that the Garibaldi could make the 31-year-old centre-forward available for loan in the upcoming transfer window.

It is reported that a number of Championship clubs, including the likes of Middlesbrough, Blackburn Rovers and Barnsley, are keeping a close eye on the situation of the £900k-rated Montserrat international ahead of a potential summer move.

Taylor must go

After signing for Sabri Lamouchi’s Forest side on a £5k-per-week three-year deal back in August of last year, Taylor did not enjoy the finest of debut seasons at The City Ground this term.

With Evangelos Marinakis sacking the manager who signed the striker just four games into the club’s 2020/21 campaign, before subsequently appointing Chris Hughton, it soon became clear that Taylor was not the 62-year-old’s first-choice centre-forward.

However, the 31-year-old still went on to make a total of 39 Championship appearances for Forest this year – although only 15 came as starts – over which the former Charlton Athletic hitman scored a mere four goals, registered no assists and created just one big chance for his teammates.

Taylor also hit the target an average of just 0.4 times per game, as well as missing eight big chances over the course of the season, with these metrics seeing the striker earn an extremely disappointing seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.64 – ranking him as Hughton’s joint-ninth worst performer in the second tier.

These lacklustre displays largely contributed to Nottingham Forest’s worst league finish since Mark Warburton was in charge of the club in the 2016/17 Championship season, with the Garibaldi scoring a mere 37 goals over their 45 league fixtures this season – with the only side scoring fewer than the Reds being Derby County, who hit the net just 36 times this term.

As such, it would appear highly advisable for Hughton to move Taylor on this summer, be that on a loan or even a permanent deal, as the former Wimbledon forward – whom Neal Ardley previously dubbed an “outstanding” player – does not appear to be compatible whatsoever with the 62-year-old’s style of play at Forest.

In other news: Transfer update emerges on “hit and miss” 24 y/o dynamo that could divide Forest fans

Dominic Calvert-Lewin has reportedly now told his friends that he would like to leave Everton in the summer, with Arsenal being his preferred destination.

The Lowdown: Big interest

It has been reported that both the Gunners and Newcastle United have now made enquiries over the possibility of signing Calvert-Lewin this summer, who is almost certain to leave Goodison Park if they are relegated from the Premier League.

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His season has been plagued by injuries, but the striker has shown his credentials in previous campaigns on Merseyside (one of the best‘ in his position.

The Latest: Arsenal preferred

As per Football Insider, a recruitment source has revealed that Calvert-Lewin is now ‘likely’ to leave the Toffees in the summer, whether they end up getting relegated or not.

He has ‘told friends’ that he would prefer to move to Arsenal over Newcastle, implying that he would be happy to move on from the Blues.

The Verdict: Sell

Given that Calvert-Lewin is seemingly unhappy at EFC with his willingness to move, added on top of his injury problems, the summer may now be the best time for the board to cash in.

An England international at 25 years of age, the former Sheffield United ace should still command a big fee in today’s market, regardless of whether the club end up relegated.

Calvert-Lewin would not be easy to replace, but with the likes of Richarlison still in the squad, they could then use that money to strengthen in other areas of the pitch.

In other news, find out who has now been talked about as a potential Frank Lampard replacement here!

Brendan Rodgers has a dilemma to debate ahead of Leicester City’s Premier League clash with Crystal Palace on Monday.

The Northern-Irishman can welcome Ricardo Pereira back after the Portuguese international missed out on the 3-0 win against West Bromwich Albion with a “knock”.

In his absence, youngster Luke Thomas came into the side, allowing Timothy Castagne to move over to the right-hand side.

That is a selection that Rodgers must stick with against Palace despite the return of the £27m-rated Pereira.

Against the Baggies, both Thomas and Castagne dovetailed brilliantly; the former turning in mature defensive showing, whilst the latter was a constant attacking threat down the right.

If they can continue that work against the Eagles on Monday, there is no reason why the Foxes couldn’t chalk up another win in pursuit of a UEFA Champions League place.

It would be silly for Rodgers to disrupt a successful system and the performances of Thomas this season also certainly justify his inclusion in the team on Monday.

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At just 19 years of age, the Foxes’ academy graduate has made 18 appearances in all competitions this season, 15 of those being starts.

In that time, the left-back has racked up some impressive defensive numbers. He has accumulated more tackles per game in the Premier League this season than Jonny Evans, whilst he has also managed to out-do Caglar Soyuncu in terms of interceptions, according to WhoScored.

Meanwhile, his 2.1 clearances puts him ahead of the likes of Castagne, Pereira and the impressive James Justin.

His performances have certainly drawn praise from his teammates as well. Evans labelled Thomas as “immaculate” following his debut at the back end of the 2020/21 season.

So, with Rodgers seemingly have found a system that suits Castagne and the young Leicester full-back, it would be a silly move for the Leicester boss to take him out of the line-up against Palace.

AND in more news, read why Leicester must resist any approaches for striker Kelechi Iheanacho…

Former West Brom loanee Mbaye Diagne would “tear it up” in the Championship, claims Express & Star journalist Luke Hatfield.

Diagne spent the second half of last season on loan at The Hawthorns after Sam Allardyce decided he wanted to bring in another striker to aid the Baggies in their quest to avoid the drop.

In the end, however, Diagne was unable to help them do that. During that short spell with the club, the 29-year-old was far from prolific.

In 16 Premier League appearances, he scored just three goals, though two of those came against Manchester United and Chelsea.

At Championship level, though, Hatfield is backing Diagne, believing he could do a job for West Brom if he returned to the Midlands outfit.

“I think in the Championship he’d be a great striker,” Hatfield told FFC. “I think he’d really do well at Championship level. He’d probably tear it up to be honest with you.

“Whether he fits in Valerien Ismael’s style of play, they want to play a very high press, would he suit that? I’m not too sure, but I think fans would love to see him back.”

Diagne did have some good moments last season, such as the goal he created in West Brom’s impressive 3-0 win against Southampton, with Don Goodman describing his assist as “magnificent”. Perhaps he could offer a big threat in the second tier of English football.

Arsenal are eyeing up a fresh transfer move for Real Madrid’s Martin Odegaard as they look to bolster their creative options this summer.

What’s the story?

The Norway international joined Mikel Arteta’s side on loan back in the January transfer window, but it had since been claimed in recent weeks that he would not be returning to the Emirates Stadium, instead looking to fight for his place at the Bernabeu.

However, Football.London have now claimed that the Gunners haven’t given up on making a late move for Odegaard, with a belief that Madrid would be open to offers for him.

Arsenal’s new Ozil

Described as a “phenomenon” by Norwegian football writer Lars Sivertsen, Odegaard is the kind of creative playmaker who appears to be tailor-made to come in and finally replace Mesut Ozil – another creator who came to the club from Real Madrid – at the Emirates.

Spanish football journalist Alvaro Montero said: “He’s very similar to Mesut Ozil, he’s left-footed, he plays extremely well between the lines and between the striker and the midfielders. Maybe he even has more goal threat than Mesut Ozil, but he travels a little less. He’s an amazing player and I think he’ll be an amazing player for Arsenal and for Mikel Arteta.”

Having seen him impress during his loan spell at the Emirates, Arteta himself lauded Odegaard’s ability and leadership, saying: “Well, he’s showing that I think from week one. The way he steps on the pitch, he always wants the ball, the way he commands the pressing. He’s been really influential.

“I think we’ve all been a bit surprised because he looks really shy and humble, but when he steps on that pitch he’s a real character and he loves to play football.”

While the Norwegian didn’t exactly set the world alight in his first few months with the Gunners, he showed more than enough, both with his creativity and off-the-ball work, to suggest that he could become a real star over a longer period.

As per WhoScored, Odegaard averaged 1.4 key passes per game in the Premier League, which was the joint-highest of any Arsenal player last season along with Emile Smith Rowe. His 0.9 dribbles per match put him in the top five, while his impressive 90.9% pass accuracy was good enough to place him second in the Gunners’ entire squad.

The £36m-rated star could finally arrive on a permanent deal and banish any lingering thoughts about Ozil at the Emirates.

Meanwhile, Arsenal could sign their new Vieira in this star…

In an exclusive interview with Transfer Tavern, Steve Howey, who made 278 appearances during his career, has claimed that Charlie Wyke would not be making a step up in his career if he left Sunderland to join Middlesborough.

Wyke has been in scintillating form for the Black Cats this season as his 25 goals have spearheaded them into the play-offs as they prepare for a two-legged affair against Lincoln City.

The 28-year old has been linked by Keith Downie with a return to his boyhood club, Middlesborough, where he failed to make an appearance before being sold in 2015 but with his contract set to expire this summer, Neil Warnock could look to Wyke for goals next season.

Speaking on why joining Middlesborough would not be a step up but why Wyke may feel he’s earned the chance to play in the Championship, Howey exclusively told The Transfer Tavern:

“If I’m being brutally honest Middlesborough is a lovely club, but it’s not Sunderland. You don’t get the support that you do at Sunderland because when the Stadium Light is packed it’s one of the top atmospheres in the country.

“If Sunderland don’t go up, then he might want to test himself in the Championship and if that’s the case then that’s absolutely fine, I’ve got no problems with players wanting to play at a higher level.”

This has been Sunderland’s third season in League One and they will be hoping they can gain promotion this time around after tasting defeat against Charlton Athletic in the 2019 final.

Sunderland are currently experiencing their worst form under Lee Johnson at the worst time as they head into what could be a defining moment for them against Lincoln.

West Ham United star Declan Rice has reportedly had his head turned ahead of a potential summer of transfer interest…

What’s the word?

According to Eurosport’s Dean Jones, the 22-year-old’s former club, Chelsea, are now leading the race to secure his signature before the new season, with several other Premier League teams keen, including both Manchester clubs and Liverpool.

It’s thought that the England international, who is currently playing at Euro 2020, is becoming increasingly open to the idea of leaving the London Stadium this summer, with sources close to Rice claiming he is interested in pursuing a move to a bigger side.

However, getting him out of East London may prove difficult for any keen party as the Hammers do not want to lose him and now believe he’s worth more than the £70m they valued him at last summer.

Rice is also understood to want wages in excess of £150k-per-week, as well as a substantial signing on bonus.

Moyes won’t be happy

This is probably the last thing that Irons boss David Moyes and the West Ham faithful want to hear right now.

It contradicts further reports from May, when club insiders Claret and Hugh claimed that “there’s zero chance” Rice would be leaving the club this summer, so this certainly puts a worrying new twist on the situation.

The 58-year-old guided the Hammers into the Europa League, a year on from steering them to Premier League safety with one game remaining and he will need to bolster his playing squad to stand a chance at remaining competitive.

Whilst Rice would generate substantial funds to do exactly that, his absence would leave an irreplaceable void in central midfield as he’s emerged as one of Moyes’ most reliable and trustworthy options.

The young 6 foot 1 beast has often worn the captain’s armband in the absence of soon-to-be retiring Mark Noble and ranked as the Irons’ fourth-best (7.01) player as per WhoScored ratings.

During the 2020/21 season alone, Rice topped the charts for interceptions (1.8 per game) and wasn’t far behind for tackles (1.6 per game), whilst also proving to be the best passer at the club, averaging more attempts per game (47.7) and a better accuracy rate (88%) than anyone else, also via WhoScored.

Speaking about his worth in the past, Moyes suggested that it would  “take the Bank of England and the Royal Bank of Scotland to get him,” so perhaps that is one thing in their favour, with the Englishman tied down to the London Stadium until 2024, though they may need to improve his £60k-per-week wages.

But this fresh update does West Ham and their manager no favours whatsoever. He has every right to be livid and perhaps a little concerned, even with the position the club is in right now.

With a historic season ahead, Moyes does not need a transfer saga floating above his star midfielder all summer and hearing that his star player might have his eye on a move away will surely have the Scottish manager feeling furious.

AND in other news, GSB must secure West Ham swoop for “complete” £20m beast amid exciting transfer claim…

Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds moved up to 16th in the Premier League table with a 1-0 win over Watford at Elland Road on Saturday.

Diego Llorente brilliantly finished from close range after the ball dropped at an awkward angle for him, expertly turning his body to drill a shot past Ben Foster.

His strike ended up winning the three points for Leeds, as Watford only managed one shot on target in the entire match.

Whilst Llorente won the game for the Whites, one player who was an unsung hero for Bielsa was right-back Jamie Shackleton.

With regular starter Luke Ayling ruled out, Shackleton was called upon to step up at full-back for the second game running and he produced an excellent performance. He was defensively solid along with offering a reliable outlet on the ball down the right, which played a part in allowing Leeds to dominate the game and ultimately beat the Hornets.

In terms of his defending, Shakleton was superb. Per SofaScore, he won eight of his 11 ground duels and made two clearances and four tackles. Along with that, he did not allow a single Watford player to dribble past him in the 90 minutes.

This shows that he was strong in the challenge and positionally aware, as he was not exposed by any players dribbling past him. By being solid at the back, Emmanuel Dennis was limited to one shot in the game and had a dribble success rate of 0% on the left wing, coming up against Shackleton.

On the ball, the youngster also impressed. Via SofaScore, he had a whopping 96 touches of the ball in the 90 minutes. Shackleton was successful with two of his three attempted dribbles and completed 84% of his passes, whilst also winning two fouls and managing one shot in the final third.

He was active on the ball throughout the match and assured in possession, as he completed the vast majority of his passes. His dribbling success shows that he was also able to offer quality in transition, beating players to push Leeds up the pitch and get the team closer to the Watford goal to build pressure on the Hornets.

Therefore, forget Llorente, Shackleton was Leeds’ unsung hero against Watford. He merged strong defending with composure on the ball and Bielsa will surely be hoping that he can maintain this level of performance until Ayling is fit to return.

AND in other news, Fresh development emerges on “unlimited energy” beast that’ll leave Leeds fans excited…

A source from Newcastle United has revealed that the new owners are now interested in bringing in Rafa Benitez as their new manager.

The Lowdown: Bruce out?

According to 90min, the new owners at St. James’ Park are now ready to put in place a brand new management team following their takeover, which is set to see Steve Bruce leave the North East ‘within weeks, if not sooner’.

It means that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium are now on a manager hunt, and a new one could well be appointed as early as before their game at home to Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on Sunday 17th October.

The Latest: Benitez move

Speaking to Football Insider, a Tyneside source has now revealed that one of the first things that the new owners want to do is ascertain Benitez’s interest, in what would be a stunning appointment given that he was a fan favourite once before but only just took the job at Everton in the summer.

The Verdict: Ambitious

Hailed as a ‘proven winner’ by majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri upon his appointment at the Blues, a return for Benitez to the Magpies should appease a lot of the Toon Army.

They still idolise him after bringing them straight back up from the EFL Championship as champions and then finishing in the top half of the table in their first season back in the Premier League (Transfermarkt).

However, it would be a very ambitious move, as the Spaniard is still only just settling in at the Toffees, and has started off well there, currently sitting in fifth spot in the top-flight table.

Also, the consortium may want to try out someone new to mark the new era, with plenty of other candidates, including England boss Gareth Southgate, now being linked with the job.

In other news, find out what ‘big boost’ NUFC have now received here!

West Ham United winger Felipe Anderson has secured a move away from the London Stadium.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to the new Lazio manager Maurizio Sarri, who all but confirmed in a recent press conference (via TuttoMercatoWeb) that the West Ham winger would be making a return to the Stadio Olimpico this summer.

The 62-year-old said: “If I hadn’t believed in his relaunch, I would have opposed his purchase. Here at Lazio, he had an incredible 6-7 months. It seemed he was destined for Barcelona or Bayern Munich. When I was in England, he had a good first year, but he always struggles with consistency.

“We must try to create the best situation for him. I cannot understand the reason for his inconsistency. I hope to understand him when I meet him. He has ferocious potential.”

The Italian club also appeared to confirm the arrival of the Brazil international in a post on their official agency app on Wednesday, with Sport Witness reporting that the club are set to pay West Ham just €3m (£2.5m) for the signing of the 28-year-old.

GSB will be delighted

While the fee for Anderson is certainly nowhere near the reported £34m figure the Hammers paid for the winger back in 2018, the fact that David Gold and David Sullivan have got the Brazilian’s £85k-per-week wages off of their books, in addition to a small transfer fee, will have undoubtedly delighted the West Ham owners.

Indeed, it is evident that things did not go as planned for Anderson in east London, despite the forward showing real signs of promise in his first season at the club.

That year, the £9m-rated man scored nine goals, registered four assists and created a whopping 10 big chances over his 36 Premier League appearances, earning a highly impressive seasonal SofaScore match rating of 7.09.

However, after a less impressive campaign in the following season, scoring just one goal and providing four assists over his 25 top-flight appearances, the 28-year-old found himself slipping down the pecking order at the London Stadium, before eventually being loaned out to FC Porto last term.

And, it would now appear that the man Robert Snodgrass once dubbed a “terrific talent” is seeing his West Ham relationship nearing an end. It now looks incredibly likely that Anderson will be making a return to his former club in the very near future.

In other news: West Ham handed transfer boost over “exceptional” Euro 2020 gem, Moyes will be buzzing