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Manchester City have a significant track record when it comes to signing players from fellow Premier League clubs over recent years.

One recent deal that saw the Citizens make a big investment to sign one of the top-flight’s brightest stars came during the previous summer transfer window when they splashed out a club-record fee of £100m to sign Jack Grealish from Aston Villa.

With the Manchester club already bringing in another English talent this summer in the shape of Kalvin Phillips, the remaining weeks of the transfer window could see the league champions continue their track record of signing homegrown talent from Premier League clubs and bring in what would be their next version of Grealish.

It was claimed in a recent report by The Times that Pep Guardiola is a big fan of Everton winger Anthony Gordon, who has been linked with a £50m move away from the Merseyside club this summer.

As a wide player that has worked through the youth ranks at Everton, this certainly mirrors the journey that Grealish took at Villa to get him to where he is now as one of the country’s elite talents.

Having made 121 appearances for the Toffees across their senior and youth sides, the Englishman has netted 28 times and supplied 18 assists in the process.

Despite only starting three more league games than the City star last season, the 21-year-old completed more successful dribbles (44 v 34), delivered more crosses (71 v 36), made more interceptions (36 v 16) and won more tackles (36 v 15) than Grealish, highlighting his usefulness in an offensive and defensive capacity.

Specifically, both players racked up an identical number of touches in the midfield third of the pitch (461) and successfully completed over 50% of their dribbles, showing clear similarities when it comes to carrying the ball into dangerous positions.

Hailed as a player that has a “fearless attitude” by Alan Shearer, Gordon currently has more shots at goal (4) than any other Everton player from their opening two league games of the campaign, which shows just how dangerous he is and how important he is for the Toffees.

Taking into account how City have seen Raheem Sterling wave goodbye to the club this summer, this could pave the way for them to add a player like Gordon to their ranks in order to supply them with an extra bit of strength and depth in the squad.

Thus, should Guardiola feel the need to add another English talent to his side that could be the club’s next version of Grealish, then making a move to sign Gordon or somebody likeminded would be a smart investment for the Citizens.

Nottingham Forest have made 16 signings already this summer and they are showing no signs of slowing down in the final week of the transfer window, with a new update emerging from a reliable source on a potential transfer target.

What’s the latest?

According to journalist Jacque Talbot, Nottingham Forest have “begun talks” to do a last-minute deal for Atletico Madrid star Renan Lodi.

Talbot tweeted:

“Exc: Understand Nottingham Forest have begun talks with Atletico Madrid for Renan Lodi over a possible loan deal. Jorge Mendes involved, though he’s not the player’s rep.”

It’d be a major Cooper coup

There is no doubt that the powers at The City Ground have done everything they can to improve the squad to give Steve Cooper the best chance at competing in the Premier League, but the signing of Lodi could be the final major coup to complete their transfer window success.

Lodi has been attracting attention from a number of top Premier League clubs with both Manchester City and Newcastle United linked to the talented full-back, and it’s not hard to see why when you consider his output in Diego Simeone’s side.

In La Liga last season, the 24-year-old Brazilian scored two goals, delivered two assists and created three big chances, won the majority of his duels (55%) and successfully completed 55% his dribbles attempts, proving that he would fit seamlessly into Cooper’s attacking-minded set up.

Not only that, Lodi played a huge part in Atletico’s progression in the Champions League last season with the Spanish club making it to the quarter-finals of the prestigious competition after beating Manchester United in the round of 16 over two legs.

The talented £64k-per-week left-back assisted the equalising goal at the Metropolitano Stadium leaving the two teams tied until the second leg when Lodi fired his first goal of the competition into the back of the net at Old Trafford, sending his team through to the quarter final with a 1-0 victory.

The player’s performances over last season did not go unnoticed, with manager Simeone hailing Lodi “hard-working” in an interview:

“Lodi is a hard-working, humble player who deserves all the praise and support.”

If the Atletico full-back did make the move to Forest this summer it would be an absolutely fantastic signing for the club as Lodi can add so many great attributes and experience at the highest level to not only elevate the talent in his own position but could be a great influence in the team.

With that being said, if Forest are genuinely interested in making a move for Lodi they will need to act fast as there is only one week left of the transfer window and missing out on such a talent could be a decision the club will rue in the long run.

West Ham United are ‘in contact’ to sign free agent Adnan Januzaj, according to reputable journalist Fabrizio Romano. 

The lowdown: Moyes favourite

Handed a Manchester United debut under current Irons manager David Moyes back in 2013, the Belgian burst onto the scene, scoring twice on his first competitive start for the Red Devils, and he appeared to have every chance of becoming a smash hit at Old Trafford.

However, the 27-year-old was sent out on loan to Borussia Dortmund soon after and then reunited with Moyes at Sunderland for another temporary spell away from Manchester.

Januzaj then signed for Real Sociedad, where he directly contributed to 44 goals in 168 outings before being released as a free agent this summer…

The latest: Another chance under Moyes?

Taking to Twitter, Romano has claimed that West Ham are ‘in contact’ with the 15-cap ace regarding a move to east London, with the player waiting on a decision from the Premier League club.

Alongside detailing a possible swoop for Lucas Paqueta deal, the Italian stated: “West Ham are also in contact with Adnan Januzaj – but he’s waiting for club decision.”

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The verdict: No-brainer

Signing a player of Januzaj’s proven quality for nothing – with nearly 300 senior club appearances encompassing the Premier League, Bundesliga and La Liga along with the Europa League – is a no-brainer for the Hammers, particularly with Moyes clearly in need of additional strength in depth within the squad ahead of another European group stage campaign.

Last season, the skilful Belgian – who was hailed as a ‘very special’ performer by reporter David Cartlidge – earned a 6.81 SofaScore rating whilst winning 3.8 duels, completing 1.4 dribbles and making one key pass per La Liga outing, highlighting impressive recent form at the highest level.

His dribbling average matched that of the Irons’ three best performers for that metric in 2021/22, which suggests that Januzaj would make the team even more adept at beating opponents one-on-one. Indeed, it places him in the top 7% among positional peers in Europe’s top five leagues over the past 12 months.

Sharing similar stylistic traits to the likes of Raphinha, Lucas Moura and Cengiz Under (FBRef), landing the £10.8m-valued man for free could prove to be one of the deals of the summer should GSB get it over the line.

West Ham United have submitted a late offer to sign Borussia Monchengladbach defender Nico Elvedi before deadline day, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Hammers eye new additions?

Amid their defensive injury ‘crisis’, with manager David Moyes still waiting on the likes of Nayef Aguerd to return to full fitness, West Ham have been tipped to potentially add new centre-backs to their roster.

Links have come to light in the last few days, particularly surrounding Southampton defender Jan Bednarek, coming after the Premier League side completed deals for Alphonse Areola, Nayef Aguerd, Flynn Downes, Gianluca Scamacca, Maxwel Cornet, Thilo Kehrer, Emerson and club record signing Lucas Paqueta.

The Latest: West Ham make Elvedi offer…

Now, according to reports, a new offer has gone in for Gladbach star Elvedi.

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Indeed, journalist Andreas Böni has now claimed that West Ham have launched a bid for the Switzerland international.

“OGC Nice has competition: Premier League club West Ham has made an offer for Nico Elvedi.”

The Verdict: Make the move?

Called ‘impressive’ by football analyst Marcus Bring, Elvedi’s numbers certainly back this up.

The 25-year-old made his side’s joint-third most clearances per 90 in the Bundesliga last season and only goalkeeper Yann Sommer playing more league minutes than the defender (WhoScored).

Elvedi would also come with a plethora of experience, having racked up 38 caps for his national team, not to mention real sell-on value given he is still fairly young.

He appears to be the ideal back up option for Moyes and we’re surprised his name hasn’t been mentioned sooner.

Celtic have endured notable missed opportunities with regards to incomings over the years, with one of the more recent, frustrating examples of what-might-have-been that of current Scotland star, John McGinn.

The boyhood Hoops fan had seemingly been destined for a dream move for to Parkhead in the summer of 2018, with the Old Firm outfit – then managed by Brendan Rodgers – having made multiple offers to land the midfielder from Hibernian.

As it proved, however, the Glasgow outfit’s approach was ultimately rebuffed with the selling party demanding a greater fee, with the player ultimately securing what now appears a bargain move to Aston Villa for a fee of just £2m.

The Scottish giants’ inability to fork out that relatively minor asking price has no doubt come back to haunt them, with it hard to fathom just how Rodgers and co were able to so spectacularly fail in their pursuit of a player who appeared desperate to join them.

The dynamic, all-action star has since gone on to thrive at Villa Park since then having become a crucial figure for the Midlands outfit, with former Villans boss Steve Bruce notably dubbing him one of his “best ever signings” as a result of the playmaker’s impact in England.

The 5 foot 10 sensation notably played a crucial role in helping to steer his current side out of the Championship during the 2018/19 season, scoring six goals and providing an impressive ten assists in the league under Dean Smith.

A “unique” asset – in the words of journalist Dan Bardell – McGinn remains an integral figure for the Premier League side, having now scored 16 goals and laid on 23 assists in 155 games in all competitions for the club, while only recently being handed the captain’s armband by former Rangers manager Steven Gerrard.

The 27-year-old notably ranked third in England’s top-flight last term for tackles won as well as second for fouls drawn, as per FBref, with his combative style and ability to glide up the pitch making him a real handful for any opposition midfielder.

Equally, at international level the £56k-per-week machine has also sparkled in recent times, having registered 14 goals in just 49 games in all competitions to date, with his latest strike coming in the win over Ukraine in the Nations League on Wednesday evening.

An increasingly important figure for Steve Clarke’s side – having been named skipper for that Nations League clash at Hampden Park – the one-time St Mirren gem continues to prove a real consistent performer for both club and country, leaving those at Celtic Park to regret their failure even more.

Such has been his rise since leaving Easter Road just over four years ago, the Glasgow-born star could even be worth as much as £70m, according to pundit Gabby Agbonlahor, likely rubbing further salt in the wounds of the Hoops.

The Northern Echo journalist Scott Wilson has shared the latest injury blow for Newcastle United regarding striker Chris Wood.

The Lowdown: Attacking injuries

Magpies number nine Callum Wilson has been absent for the team’s last five Premier League games after suffering from a hamstring injury. This left new signing Alexander Isak to step up to the plate in his absence, with the £63m arrival scoring twice in the subsequent three games.

However, whilst on international duty with Sweden, the 22-year-old was withdrawn due to an unspecific issue for which he was deemed medically unfit to play against Serbia and Slovenia.

The Latest: Wood’s injury

With Newcastle’s first two strikers out of action, this leaves just Wood as a centre-forward at Eddie Howe’s disposal. However, Scott Wilson has now revealed another major injury blow for Newcastle.

Taking to Twitter, the journalist claimed: “#NUFC’s attacking injury problems continue to mount – with Chris Wood having been forced off in first half of New Zealand’s defeat to Australia because of a rib problem. Alexander Isak left Sweden squad last week after injury setback….”

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The Verdict: Hopefully Wilson can return…

Having arrived at St James’ Park in January, Wood was one of the reasons that the Magpies ensured their Premier League safety after a prior relegation scare.

The New Zealand international made 17 appearances for the Tynesiders in the second half of last season, weakening relegation rivals Burnley with his move to the northeast.

Whilst his position in the team was never going to be permanent, the 30-year-old has still played seven times in the league this season, coming off the bench on six occasions.

However, following Wood’s injury, Howe will be hoping that Wilson can make it back to full fitness in time for Saturday’s clash against Fulham. If not, it could be a case of Joelinton needing to revert to a number nine role from his now-favoured central midfield position.

Leeds United centre-forward Patrick Bamford sustained yet another injury setback in the international break.

What’s the latest?

Speaking in his post-match press conference (via Leeds Live) following the 0-0 draw with Aston Villa on Sunday afternoon, Jesse Marsch revealed that the centre-forward – who has not started a fixture for the Whites since the 2-2 draw with Southampton on August 13 – was left out of his starting XI last weekend due to the 29-year-old picking up yet another training ground knock.

Regarding the England international’s condition, the 48-year-old said: “Patrick had a little bit of a knock that he took and wasn’t able to train all week. So he was a little bit in question whether he was going to be available or not. I decided not to tell you guys that two days ago.

“I hope you don’t hold it against me that I hold you held some information back but in the end, I felt like he was going to be available and I didn’t want to put any information out that he was maybe a little bit injured or picked up a little something. I felt pretty strongly that he would be ready to go today.”

Big worry for Leeds

Considering the sheer number of injury setbacks Bamford has sustained over the past 12 months or so, the news that the striker was once again unable to start a Premier League fixture on Sunday afternoon will undoubtedly be a huge worry for everyone involved with the Whites, particularly Marsch himself.

Indeed, the £12.6m-rated attacker has been a part of Leeds’ starting XI in just nine of the club’s last 45 outings in the top flight, with an ankle injury, a hamstring injury, a foot injury and an adductor injury keeping the centre-forward sidelined for long stretches of both the 2021/22 and 2022/23 campaigns.

This is a stark contrast to the 2020/21 campaign, in which the £35k-per-week talent started all but one of Leeds’ 38 league fixtures, with the striker scoring an extremely impressive 17 goals, as well as registering a further eight assists, that season.

However, despite looking sharp in an U21s victory over Southampton prior to the international break – scoring a hat-trick – Bamford’s latest knock very much raises the question as to whether or not the 29-year-old will ever be able to go a whole season without suffering some sort of setback at one stage or another.

Indeed, with a two-week break from first-team football behind him, the Aston Villa fixture very much appeared to be the perfect time for the forward to finally begin putting together a string of starts, however, this thought almost appears to be completely out of the question at present.

As such, while his 22 minutes on the pitch against Villa would suggest that Bamford is not far away from making his first senior start for almost two months, the questions regarding the one-cap international’s fitness will remain throughout the remainder of the campaign, and will undoubtedly be a big worry for both Leeds supporters and Marsch.

Everton have been backed to complete the permanent signing of Conor Coady ‘now’ by former BBC pundit Noel Whelan.

The Lowdown: Permanent fee revealed

The centre-back joined the Toffees on a season-long loan from Premier League rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers over the summer, and has enjoyed an impressive start to life at Goodison Park.

The Telegraph’s Mike McGrath and John Percy recently revealed that Frank Lampard’s side will only have to cash out £4.5m to maintain his services beyond this campaign, and the Old Gold don’t have the option to recall the 29-year-old in January.

The Latest: Whelan’s message to Everton

Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan urged Everton to complete the deal for Coady and claimed that he could go on to become a key man on Merseyside in years to come. He said:

“It’s a no-brainer.

“If you’re going to trigger that, then do it now. He’s already proven his point.

“We can see how valuable he is already in that back line. Him and Tarkowski have grown a really good relationship and they’ve got two leaders there.

“They’re talking and organising.

“Coady has got international experience and quality, and that is nothing for someone who can be at the club for at least another three years.”

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The Verdict: Absolute bargain

Everton signing Coady permanently is something that the club shouldn’t even have to think twice about considering the instant impact he’s made.

Before their match against Manchester United this evening, the England international was averaging 5.4 clearances per top-flight game and already has a goal and assist to his name in just seven starts (WhoScored).

Lampard has already asked the board to complete the deal, so it shouldn’t be too long before an official announcement is made.

Mikel Arteta has brought the good times back to Arsenal, with the club currently sitting top of the Premier League after eight wins in nine matches, including an excellent 3-2 victory over Liverpool last weekend.

The Spaniard has struck gold over new signings Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko, with both already playing an important part in the club’s renaissance.

The two summer arrivals are just 25 years old, with fellow new signings Fabio Vieira and Marquinhos just 22 and 19 years of age respectively, it appears Arteta is building for the future.

He might already have one of the future stars in his squad, and he has a key part to play in the next few years at the club…

Arsenal have hit the jackpot over Bukayo Saka

The midfielder has progressed through the age groups at the club to be a prominent fixture in the first-team squad.

Saka made his debut for Arsenal in the Europa League in 2018 under Unai Emery, while it was the next season, 2019/2020, that he had his breakthrough.

The youngster played 38 matches for the first team, scoring four goals and registering ten assists as he offered a glimpse of his potential.

Arteta has since developed him accordingly and he has since gone from strength to strength. Since the beginning of the 2020/2021 season, Saka has netted 23 goals and chipped in with a further 21 assists.

The Englishman made his national team debut in October 2020 during a 3-0 win against Wales and has earned 20 caps since, scoring four times. Saka was the one that missed the decisive penalty against Italy in the 2020 European Championship final to lose in the most agonising way.

This setback has arguably made him stronger, with Arteta claiming “experiences like that mark your career” and he certainly looks like he has put it to the back of his mind.

CIES Football Observatory values the midfielder at €100m (£87m) and Arsenal have hit the jackpot over the player. They could easily make a fortune from Saka, and there appears to be no ceiling on his potential.

Former Arsenal star Ray Parlour dubbed the youngster a “revelation” and if he continues on his current upwards trajectory, there will be plenty of potential suitors sniffing about the 21-year-old.

Brentford are ‘braced’ for an approach from Aston Villa for their manager Thomas Frank, according to Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Frank a front-runner for Villa job

The Dane is doing an excellent job in west London, turning them into an established Premier League team and playing high-tempo football along the way.

Frank has been linked with replacing Steven Gerrard as Villa manager in recent days, with the Midlands club seeing the 49-year-old as a front-runner for the role.

It looks as though their interest isn’t going away any time soon, judging by one update.

The Latest: Brentford braced for Villa approach

According to Football Insider, Brentford are already ‘braced’ for Villa making a move for their boss, with the 49-year-old having a ‘relatively low release clause’ of £3m in his contract.

It is even stated that the Bees are ‘putting out early feelers’ for potential replacements for the Dane, seemingly planning for the future should he depart the Gtech Community Stadium.

The Verdict: Favourite to take over?

With each passing day, it feels increasingly as though Frank could be Villa’s number one target to become the new manager, which would be a positive decision.

He has shown what a superb job he can do with a limited budget, both in the Premier League and the Championship, so he could really flourish if he has greater funds at his disposal at Villa Park.

The lure of joining a club which arguably has a better chance of long-term success, given the investment from the ambitious NSWE, must surely appeal to Frank, who may feel as though he has come as far as he can at Brentford.

Coincidentally, today could be something of an audition for the Villa job if he is interested in it, with the two teams meeting in the Premier League this afternoon.