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Sunderland have been dealt a transfer blow after learning that Amad Diallo is set to be given a chance in the senior first-team at Manchester United next season, according to reports.

What's the latest on Amad's future?

The Ivory Coast international first made the move to the northeast when he put pen to paper on a season-long loan last summer. During his 36 appearances to date, he has taken the Championship by storm, becoming Tony Mowbray’s top-performing offensive player.

The Black Cats don’t have the option included in their terms to buy the winger permanently, meaning that they would have to negotiate with the Red Devils should they want him back for good next season, and whilst the boss has already admitted that’s what he wants, said that it’s “unlikely” he will be returning.

The Old Trafford starlet also hasn’t helped the cause by publicly revealing during an interview with FourFourTwo that it’s his “dream” to play regular football with Erik Ten Hag’s side and his intentions appear to be very much in line with that of the Dutchman.

According to Manchester Evening News, Ten Hag is “open” to including Amad as part of his senior first-team squad for the 2023/24 campaign. The United boss and the remainder of his coaching staff are “pleased” with the significant development and progress that he’s made.

Ten Hag is “likely” to name the 20-year-old as part of his pre-season tour squad who are jetting off to the United States, with two friendlies in Europe scheduled before leaving for the Atlantic Coast on July 19. The Red Devils did have the option to recall the forward at the start of the year but chose not to as a result of his solid run of form in the northeast, though the chances of seeing him at the Stadium of Light beyond the summer are slim.

Will losing Amad be a blow for Sunderland?

Since joining Sunderland, Amad has been hailed an “insane” player by journalist Josh Bunting and it’ll be a massive blow for Mowbray that he’s set to lose one of his most standout performers of this season.

The £28k-per-week ace has clocked up 15 goal contributions (12 goals and three assists) during his time in red and white and has recorded a total of 49 shots which is the second highest of the whole squad, just three behind Jack Clarke on 52, via FBRef.

Amad has also been an extremely versatile player having operated in five various positions this term, including in the midfield and across the frontline, so is a great option for the boss to have at his disposal, though he won’t be available for much longer so supporters will have to enjoy him whilst they still can.

Arsenal’s Europa League defeat to Sporting CP last night could be spun as both a positive and a negative depending on who you ask. Of course, it wrecks the clubs chances of winning only a second major European trophy in their history, yet the penalty shootout loss may prove to be beneficial when it comes to the Gunners chasing their first Premier League title since 2003/2004.

Fewer matches will mean more recovery time between games and with Manchester City breathing down their neck, some of the Emirates faithful may be slightly relieved of an early European exit.

Mikel Arteta was forced to make two changes in the first half as William Saliba and Takehiro Tomiyasu had to be substituted due to injury and the match ended 1-1 after extra time.

Aaron Ramsdale failed to stop any of the five Sporting spot kicks and the Portuguese outfit prevailed. Despite the poor result, there were a few solid performers in the Gunners line-up.

Granit Xhaka scored his fifth goal of the campaign while earning a Sofascore rating of 8.2/10 for his efforts. He took 107 touches during the match, succeeded with three of his four dribble attempts and had two shots during the tie, yet his defensive output was also outstanding.

The Swiss international made an impressive six tackles, won 16 duels, made three clearances and blocked two shots. It was defender Gabriel however, who could well have been Arteta’s hero during the tie.

How did Gabriel play against Sporting CP?

The towering centre-back had a fine game, despite the eventual shootout defeat. He ranked second behind Xhaka in terms of overall rating via Sofascore, averaging 7.5/10 and proved he was an unmovable object at the heart of the defence.

The Brazilian took 93 touches during the match, while no one from the Sporting side managed to dribble past him – justifying his “rock” praise from Kevin Campbell previously – in 120 minutes.

He made three tackles, two interceptions and two clearances in all whilst also winning 100% of his aerial duels and Arteta couldn’t have asked for more from his 25-year-old.

Sporting scored a ridiculous 46-yard goal which forced extra time, yet there was nothing Gabriel could do to prevent it, and he even had two chances to score the winner during the dying embers of extra time.

Firstly, his header was tipped over the bar, then he had an effort cleared off the line which would have seen Arsenal through to the quarter-final stage.

It wasn’t to be unfortunately, although losing could well be a blessing in disguise for the North Londoners, and thoughts will now turn to their match against Crystal Palace on Sunday.

Chelsea have identified Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo as a summer transfer target, according to a new report.

The Lowdown: Missed out in January

At one stage in the January transfer window, Caicedo was believed to be ‘extremely keen’ to join Chelsea, however Brighton priced the midfielder out of a move, demanding £90m to let him leave.

The Blues eventually settled on signing Enzo Fernandez for £106.8m on deadline day, however with Mason Mount’s future at the club in doubt, Graham Potter may need to once again strengthen the midfield area in the summer.

The Latest: Caicedo shortlisted

According to a report from Football Insider, Chelsea have shortlisted four midfield targets for the next window, with the Brighton ace named alongside the likes of Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice and Frenkie de Jong.

The Blues may find it hard to sign the Ecuadorian, however, given that he has recently signed a new long-term contract with his current club, and so it would be a major deal for this one to happen.

The Verdict: Get it done?

While it may be a very difficult task to prise the central midfielder away from Brighton, Chelsea should still test the waters in the summer transfer window, as he would be an excellent addition to the squad.

Hailed as ‘fantastic’ by football scout Jacek Kulig, who has also likened him to Steven Gerrard, the 21-year-old particularly specialises in winning the ball back, ranked third in the entire Premier League for tackles completed so far this season.

Not only that, but the starlet ranks in the 87th percentile for interceptions and the 86th for his pass completion rate per 90 in the past year, highlighting his defensive aptitude, as well as his ability in possession.

Chelsea may find it difficult to tempt the likes of Bellingham and Rice without Champions League football, and so Caicedo could be a fantastic alternative for Potter.

Tottenham Hotspur are targeting a replacement for club legend Hugo Lloris this summer transfer window, with Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana a potential candidate…

What’s the latest on Andre Onana to Spurs?

That is according to TEAMtalk’s transfer insider Graeme Bailey, who provided a fresh update on the situation this week.

“Onana joined Inter from Ajax last summer, but he could now be allowed to leave after just 12 months in Milan,” he said. “Tottenham are very much one to keep an eye on. They liked him a lot before he moved to Milan.”

The Serie A giants are treading a fine line financially and the owners may have to sell some of their key players to generate more income, which is why the 26-year-old could already be moved on.

It remains to be seen exactly how much the Cameroon star would command, with FootballTransfers currently estimating his value to be in the region of €14.5m (£12.8m).

What is happening with Hugo Lloris at Spurs?

Lloris’ time in north London could soon come to an end – it was always going to happen with him turning 36 in December but his recent form, combined with a fresh injury, could see it happen a lot faster.

It’s no secret that the Lilywhites are in the market for a true heir to the gloves, with shot-stoppers such as Jan Oblak, Jordan Pickford and Robert Sanchez all mooted in recent months.

Since joining from Lyon in 2012, the veteran has typically been a reliable and long-serving colossus for the club but this season, he leads the Premier League for errors leading to a goal, having made more than double any other player in the division.

There have been some pretty costly blunders in 2023 alone, making mistakes in defeats to Aston Villa, arch-rivals Arsenal and defending champions Manchester City, leading to Sky Sports pundit Graeme Souness stating that Lloris is “past his sell-by date.”

Others, including former BBC presenter Matthew Stadlen and the Evening Standard’s Dan Kilpatrick, have lambasted him as a “liability” and that’s not really a great case for your skipper and a move for the Inter glovesman could allow manager Antonio Conte to make a change, with current backup Fraser Forster not likely to pull up any trees in the long run.

Onana, meanwhile, has kept six clean sheets in his 14 top-flight appearances this term, in which Inter have conceded less than a goal a game. The Cameroon titan hasn’t recorded a single error leading to a goal – or a shot – either, which makes him appear to be a far greater source of consistency, and thus more confidence, at the back.

As Inter’s sixth best-rated performer in the Serie A, it’s evident that the “excellent” Onana – as lauded by Serbia no.1 Vanja Milinkovic-Savic – would be an outstanding upgrade on the dwindling £100k-per-week Lloris, who was still blighted by his World Cup heartbreak after returning from Qatar.

Perhaps it could be another ‘Italian job’ for sporting director Fabio Paratici as he looks to find a viable and long-term suitor for the first-choice goalkeeping role at Hotspur Way.

AND in other news, As well as Lloris: Conte must bin £85k-p/w Spurs ace “nowhere near the required level”…

Liverpool would be an ‘attractive proposition’ for Chelsea and England midfielder Mason Mount this summer, according to former goalkeeper Paul Robinson.

The Lowdown: Mount on the move?

The 24-year-old has been linked with a move to Anfield in recent times, as Jurgen Klopp looks to make significant changes to his midfield next season.

Mount’s current Chelsea deal runs out next year and he is yet to come close to agreeing an extension, suggesting that he could be contemplating a fresh challenge.

It looks set to be a key period in the midfielder’s career, as he continues to weigh up his options.

The Latest: Liverpool transfer backed

Speaking to Football Insider, Sky Sports pundit Robinson said that Mount could jump at the chance to sign for Liverpool:

“I still think it would be an attractive option for Mount. Liverpool are an attractive proposition for player even when they are not in the Champions League. It was not so long ago that they were in the Champions League final.

“I think Mount would see it as a great opportunity despite the recent struggles.

“Liverpool have to invest. I know that the owners are trying to sell the club but they have to invest at the same time. The must protect the club and protect their asset. You have to speculate to accumulate. Champions League football is imperative.”

The Verdict: Great option but unlikely

Mount could be an inspired signing by Liverpool this summer, bringing the legs, tactical nous and end product – 33 goals and 37 assists for Chelsea overall – that has so often been missing this season.

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At 24, he is far younger than the likes of James Milner, Jordan Henderson, Thiago and Fabinho, with two tackles per game in the Champions League this season highlighting his off-the-ball work.

Mount can operate as a No.8 or a No.10, with that versatility likely to appeal to Klopp, and he has been hailed as an ‘unbelievable’ player by ex-Reds man Joe Cole.

In truth, it still feels more likely that the 36-cap England international will end up committing his future to Chelsea, given his love for the club, but Liverpool should be ready to pounce just in case.

Journalist Fabrizio Romano says that Newcastle United have had a bid rejected for Flamengo attacking midfielder Matheus Franca.

The Lowdown: Bids made

Romano reported last week that Newcastle had made a bid worth €16m (£14m) for Franca, who has also been courted by Real Madrid and Lyon.

Journalist Jacque Talbot then claimed on Tuesday night that the St. James’ Park outfit have also bid for Everton attacker Anthony Gordon, suggesting that the final third is an area that they are keen to strengthen going into the last week of the transfer window.

The Latest: Bid rejected

Taking to Twitter again, Romano has since shared that Newcastle’s bid for Franca has been rejected, but ‘talks continue’ with Flamengo over a potential deal, alongside Gordon:

“Negotiations on between Newcastle and Everton for Anthony Gordon. He’s in the list alongside Matheus Franca — talks ongoing as @CraigHope_DM has reported.

“Understand Flamengo have turned down €16m bid from Newcastle for Franca but talks continue.”

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The Verdict: Get both in!

While the North East club are going well at the moment, having just won their Carabao Cup semi-final first leg clash 1-0 away at Southampton on Tuesday night, and keeping six clean sheets in a row in the Premier League, they are having some troubles in front of goal.

They have only managed to score nine goals in nine games in total in all competitions since the restart after the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, and have started the same team four games in a row.

Thus, they could do with some rotation, especially in attacking areas, in order to keep the side fresh and hopefully turn their fortunes around in front of goal.

After letting Chris Wood go out on loan to Nottingham Forest, Eddie Howe is in need of more options in his squad, and Franca and Gordon would help with that, with the former an exciting Brazilian talent who has already played 28 times for Flamengo by the age of just 18, scoring seven goals (Transfermarkt), and has won both the Copa do Brasil and Copa Libertadores.

Nonetheless, it looks like the Magpies need to increase their bid for Franca, and make sure that they get this deal over the line.

Arsenal are interested in a move for Barcelona winger Raphinha after missing out on the signing of Mykhailo Mudryk, according to Italian journalist Gianluigi Longari.

The Lowdown: Arsenal suffer Mudryk transfer blow

On Saturday, Sky Sports reported that Chelsea had pipped the Gunners to a deal for Mudryk, despite Mikel Arteta’s side having been in talks with the 22-year-old as recently as Friday.

It was a clear blow for Arsenal, with the Ukrainian an attacker of huge promise who had accrued 18 goal contributions in as many games this season and could cost Chelsea as much as £88.5m, and it means that the club may now turn their attention elsewhere.

The Gunners were linked with a move for Raphinha last summer prior to him joining Barcelona, and it looks as though their interest in the 26-year-old hasn’t gone away.

The Latest: Raphinha back on Arsenal’s radar

Taking to Twitter, Longari claimed that Arsenal could now see the former Leeds United winger as a viable alternative to Mudryk.

Sharing a corresponding article from Sport Italia which stated that ‘exploratory contacts’ have been made but no offer yet forthcoming, the reporter tweeted:

“Arsenal are still interested in Raphinha from Barcelona after Chelsea’s Mudryk deal.”

The Verdict: Strong option for Arteta

Raphinha has struggled to impress consistently since joining Barcelona, managing only seven starts in La Liga, scoring just twice, and not necessarily looking like a key part of Xavi’s future plans.

For that reason, a return to the Premier League could appeal to the 26-year-old, who scored 17 goals and registered 12 assists during his time at Leeds, including a penalty in the 2-1 win at Brentford which ultimately spared them from relegation last year.

Raphinha would add competition for places in attack at the Emirates Stadium, allowing Arteta to rotate more effectively. His wand-like left foot is always capable of wreaking havoc, having been hailed as a ‘magician’ by former Whites team-mate Dan James and regularly scoring with his left.

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Leeds United boss Jesse Marsch will be without two experienced squad members for their FA Cup clash with Cardiff City this afternoon, according to Phil Hay…

What’s the latest?

The Athletic’s ever-reliable reporter claimed that the Whites would be without the “usual suspects” when they make the trip to Wales, where they will begin their latest cup campaign in the third round.

He revealed:

“It was quite telling, I thought, that Jesse Marsch said on Friday that Leeds (or Angus Kinnear) had told him that they want a cup run. That’s clearly removed the scope for Marsch to weaken his line-up drastically this afternoon.

“The usual suspects are likely to be missing again – [Patrick] Bamford, [Adam] Forshaw etc – but Cardiff are not having a great season and Leeds should be confident of making this tie theirs.”

A big blow to Marsch

Given the recent comments from Kinnear to Marsch, it will come as a frustrating blow and bad news that he will not be able to call upon two of the club’s most experienced stars – and more – in a competition that has been a cause for concern in recent times.

Indeed, the Yorkshire giants have a diabolical record in the FA Cup, having been knocked out at this very stage in each of their last five attempts and that includes embarrassing defeats to lower league opposition like Newport County and Crawley Town, both of whom are in League Two right now.

Patrick Bamford has endured a rough time with injuries since the start of the 2021/22 campaign and recent surgery has ruled him out of action thus far in 2023. Leeds could certainly do with the man who bagged 17 goals in their first season back in the Premier League.

Meanwhile, Marsch’s current first-choice engine room are all signings from the summer transfer window, with Mateusz Klich departing for pastures new.

Marc Roca and Tyler Adams, with all respect, will not understand what this competition means to fans in England, at least in comparison to Forshaw, who has made an FA Cup appearance for four different teams.

The Whites have also struggled massively in the league, finding themselves languishing down in 14th place, just two points above the relegation zone and with only two wins in their last 15 in the top-flight.

Game-changers such as Luis Sinisterra are also likely to be missing in the Welsh capital, only further adding to Marsch’s frustrations, with the Elland Road hierarchy clearly looking for a run in this competition to offer supporters some respite from their league woes.

As such, the American has got to be frustrated to have the likes of Bamford, Forshaw and Sinisterra unavailable, not just because they are all valuable in their own right but because their involvement could have also handed valuable rest to those that have been playing in their place each week.

AND in other news, Marsch has unearthed “an absolute star” at Leeds after he gave West Ham “nightmares”…

Journalist Paul Brown is ‘not convinced’ by West Ham United central defender Thilo Kehrer, claiming that he ‘looks a yard off the pace’.

The Lowdown: Summer signing

Kehrer signed at the London Stadium from French giants PSG for a reported transfer fee of £10.1m plus add-ons.

Hailed as a ‘talented player’ by David Moyes upon his arrival, there were high hopes for the central defender when he signed, but his move does not seem to have worked out so far.

The Latest: Unconvincing

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Brown has claimed that he is ‘not convinced’ by Kehrer, as he ‘looks a yard off the pace’, and is not a player that Moyes can ‘trust on a regular basis’:

“I’m not convinced by him either. He looks a yard off the pace at the moment. He doesn’t seem to have adapted very well since he’s come in.

“He’s had the odd game where he’s looked okay, but I’m not sure you can trust him on a regular basis.”

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The Verdict: Needs time

Given he only arrived in the summer, Kehrer still needs time to settle in.

He has played in every minute of his 14 Premier League appearances this season, suggesting that Moyes fully trusts him, so he is clearly impressing on the training pitches and just needs to translate that onto the big stage.

Kehrer ranks as the 16th-best performer in the Hammers squad, with three central defenders all ranking higher than him in the top flight, and his poor form coincides with the team struggling in the table.

Irons supporters will just be hoping that he can find his feet quickly in the second part of the campaign.

Tottenham Hotspur boss Antonio Conte will continue to look to sign some of his former players during the upcoming January transfer window, according to Tam McManus. 

The Lowdown: Conte’s track record

Since becoming Spurs’ manager last November, the Italian has signed players from his former clubs such as Dejan Kulusevski and Rodrigo Bentancur from Juventus and Ivan Perisic from Inter Milan.

The north London outfit have previously been linked with other players from those two clubs such as Juventus’ Weston McKennie and Inter’s defensive trio of Stefan de Vrij, Milan Skriniar and Alessandro Bastoni.

Looking ahead to the upcoming January transfer window, it seems as though Conte has been backed to continue his track record of bringing in players who he has experience of managing.

The Latest: Conte’s transfer plan

Speaking to Football Insider, McManus was discussing potential incomings at Spurs in January.

He said: “Conte hasn’t been at Spurs that long, really. It’s not his squad yet. It’s a bit unfamiliar. Maybe some players he has worked with before coming in could help him and the club.

“We have seen it with Perisic, he has come in and been a revelation. He’s got seven assists already I think. He’s doing some of the heavy lifting going forward and at the back.

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“He is a slightly older player who a lot of Premier League teams would have looked at and maybe thought he was past it. Clearly, Conte knows better than that. He knows these guys.

“So if either of the guys from Inter come in then you would have to back them to improve the side. And let’s face it, that defence needs improving.”

The Verdict: Faith in Conte

Given how prominent the likes of Bentancur (14) and Perisic (15) have been in Conte’s side this season in terms of the number of Premier League appearances they’ve made, it’s clear that when the Italian signs one of his former players, he knows that they are good enough to improve his current team.

Bearing in mind how Spurs (21) have conceded more goals this season than 10 other teams in the top flight, it’s easy to see why they’ve been linked with almost every defender that Inter have in their squad, and why McManus thinks this should be an area that they look to strengthen in January.

With January in mind, we think the Spurs board should put faith in Conte’s knowledge when it comes to his former players and do all that they can to bring in any new figure that he wants in the squad.