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Nottingham Forest have submitted a bid for Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar, according to a French outlet.

The Lowdown: Freuler first?

Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano reported on Thursday that the Reds are set to sign Remo Freuler from Atalanta after a deal was agreed between the two clubs, but it appears that he might not be the only fresh face Steve Cooper wants in the middle of the park.

The 24-year-old Aouar has now entered the final 12 months of his contract at the Groupama Stadium, meaning that an exit is likely if the Ligue 1 side want to cash in, and it sounds like a move to the Premier League could well be on the cards.

The Latest: Forest favourites to sign Aouar

French outlet L’Equipe (via Sport Witness) claim that Forest have ‘made a first offer’ for Aouar, having ‘raced into the picture’ to secure his signature.

The source states that whilst the Reds aren’t the ‘most expected destination’, they are now the ‘most concrete possibility’.

It’s reported that the Midlands outfit have been ‘in contact with Aouar’s agents for several days’, though the nature of the opening bid is currently ‘too far’ from Lyon’s valuation.

Despite this, the player is ‘not closed’ to the idea of moving to England, with ‘discussions’ with Forest set to continue ‘in the coming days’.

The Verdict: Creative contribution

The fact that Forest aren’t giving up on signing Aouar just shows how serious they are about getting this deal over the line, and rightly so as he would be a brilliant addition to the starting XI looking at his numbers.

The Frenchman, hailed an ‘impeccable’ player by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, has netted 40 goals and provided 35 assists during his time at Lyon, via Transfermarkt, and has the versatility to play out wide as well as centrally.

This desire to contribute in the attacking areas of the pitch will be like music to the ears for Cooper, and Aouar could create a brilliant new partnership with Freuler if they both get unveiled as Forest players in the weeks ahead.

The Rangers Review journalist Jonny McFarlane could not believe that Sky Sports did not spot a possible offside in the lead up to Glasgow Rangers conceding against Hibs.

The Lowdown: Fiery game

It was a fiery encounter this lunchtime with the Ibrox outfit having not one but two players sent off in the second half in John Lundstram and Alfredo Morelos.

They had also received a penalty at the end of the first half, which James Tavernier managed to convert, before Martin Boyle equalised for Hibernian and Tom Lawrence put the visitors back in front.

Josh Campbell grabbed a late equaliser in the most incident-packed match of the season so far.

The Latest: Possible offside?

Taking to Twitter, McFarlane noted that Thody Elie Youan, who assisted Boyle for Hibs’ first equaliser, looked as if he could have been marginally offside in the build-up.

The commentators on Sky Sports did not seem to question a possible offside, which McFarlane thought was ‘bizarre’.

The Verdict: Fine margins

Of course, there are fine margins for offside decisions, and without VAR in the Scottish Premiership, it is not fully clear whether Youan was offside or not before he assisted Boyle.

VAR will not come into the SPFL until December after the FIFA World Cup in Qatar is concluded, and so these decisions will continue to be debated until the technology is implemented.

The Gers did not manage to hold out in the end after the stoppage time goal from Campbell, and so they will feel greatly aggrieved that the decision for Hibs’ first goal did not go their way.

Tottenham Hotspur remain keen on a deal to bring Antony Gordon to north London this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by football.london, who claim that, despite Chelsea looking to be leading the race for the Everton winger over the closing stages of the summer transfer window – with Thomas Tuchel’s side having seen a recent £45m bid rejected for the 21-year-old – Antonio Conte remains very strongly interested in the England U21 international.

However, the report goes on to state that, although Gordon is believed to be extremely keen to work with the 52-year-old Spurs manager, while also being tempted by the fact Tottenham could offer him Champions League football, the Liverpool-born forward is reluctant to push for a move away from his boyhood club prior to September’s transfer deadline.

Conte’s “dream” signing

While it is undeniable that £45m+ would be an enormous fee for Spurs to pay for a player who has started just 33 Premier League fixtures in his career, considering how well suited Gordon would appear to be to Conte’s tactical setup at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, it is not difficult to see why the 52-year-old is so eager to bring the youngster to north London.

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Indeed, according to FBref, the £25m-rated talent ranks in the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s big five leagues and European competitions for blocks per 90, in addition to the top 4% for tackles, the top 6% for pressures and the top 20% for pressures over the last 365 days – proving just how hard the 21-year-old works in a defensive capacity, a trait that Conte is known to favour in his attackers.

Furthermore, despite playing for a Toffees side who scored just 43 league goals last season – the joint fifth-worst record in the division – the £10k-per-week winger still managed to impress going forwards over his 35 Premier League fixtures in 2021/22, scoring four goals, registering two assists and creating four big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 1.3 shots, making one key pass and completing 1.1 dribbles per game.

As such, while Everton’s asking price for the player who David Unsworth dubbed “unbelievable” is somewhat on the high side, should Tottenham manage to get a deal over the line for the Everton starlet in the coming days, considering his ability in the final third and tireless work rate when tracking back, Gordon could well prove to be a “dream” – in the words of Frank Lampard – signing for Conte’s side.

Celtic have already enjoyed a busy summer of recruitment at Parkhead, with manager Ange Posteoglou overseeing eight major incomings thus far, with more additions potentially on the way before the window is out.

One man who could well be the next arrival in Glasgow is Chelsea midfielder Ross Barkley, with reports earlier this month suggesting that the Old Firm giants had made an “offer” to sign the 28-year-old before deadline day.

The 33-cap England international has only recently come to the end of what had been a frustrating spell at Stamford Bridge, with the Blues having moved to rip up his existing contract with a year still left to run on the deal.

The former Everton man – who arrived in west London on a £15m deal back in 2018 – has struggled to secure a regular role at his now former club, making 100 appearances in all competitions over the last four and a half years.

Despite falling out of favour for both club and country – for whom he has not featured since October 2019 – the £96k-per-week playmaker still offers undoubted “quality” – in the words of Thomas Tuchel – with a move to Scotland potentially set to be the kickstart that he needs to his floundering career.

Much like with the case of form Three Lions teammate Joe Hart, Barkley could well spark a real turnaround in fortunes by joining Postecoglou’s side, with time firmly on his side to recover his form.

Once compared to the likes of Paul Gascoigne and Wayne Rooney, the £10.8m-rated ace had previously sparkled during his time at Goodison Park, chipping in with 55 goal contributions in 179 games across all competitions for the Toffees.

The dynamic gem could well thrive as that link between the midfield and attack for the Scottish champions, taking on the role that is currently occupied by the highly sought, Matt O’Riley.

The Denmark U21 international – who joined from MK Dons back in January on a £1.5m deal – is reportedly the subject of interest from a host of elite clubs across Europe, with Manchester United said to be one of those who are watching the 21-year-old closely.

The London-born starlet has also recently admitted that there is interest in his signature at present, albeit with Celtic likely to demand a fee of around £20m if he is to be moved on before deadline day.

The 6 foot 2 youngster has caught the eye in his brief time in Glasgow to date, scoring four goals and providing five assists in just 25 games in all competitions for the club, including three assists in just five games in the new season.

In Barkley – who is also 6 foot 2 – the club could well find an ideal fit to replace his coveted star, with his arrival set to more than soften the blow of O’Riley’s potential exit.

While they may have to fend off bitter rivals Rangers in order to land his signature, it could well prove to be another Postecoglou transfer masterstroke, particularly with the player now available on a free transfer.

Celtic have been dealt a huge injury blow ahead of tonight’s Champions League meeting with Real Madrid.

What’s the latest?

Speaking in his pre-match press conference (via BBC Sport), Ange Postecoglou revealed that, after being brought off in the second half of the 4-0 demolition of Rangers on Saturday afternoon with a knee injury, Carl Starfelt will not be available for selection for the visit of the reigning European champions tonight.

Regarding the centre-back’s current condition, the 57-year-old Hoops manager said: “On the weekend, Carl Starfelt hurt his knee. We don’t have an exact diagnosis, but it’s nothing too serious but will probably keep him out for a couple of weeks.”

Huge blow

Considering just how important a part of the Celtic backline Starfelt has become since his £4.3m move to Parkhead last summer, the fact that the defender is now unavailable to take part against Real Madrid is sure to have come as a gutting blow to Postecoglou.

Indeed, over his 34 Premiership appearances last season, the £5.4m-rated centre-back was imperious in the heart of the Bhoys’ defence, helping his side to keep 18 clean sheets, along with making 1.3 interceptions, 1.2 tackles and 3.6 clearances and winning 6.3 duels (at a success rate of 61%) per game.

These returns saw the £15.5k-per-week Sweden international average an impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.20, not only ranking him as Postecoglou’s ninth-best performer in the league but also as the 12th-best player in the Scottish top flight as a whole.

The defender has also been in eye-catching form over his three league outings so far this term, averaging a SofaScore match rating of 7.40 which ranks him as the Hoops’ sixth-best performer in the Premiership in the 2022/23 campaign.

As such, with Celtic set to face an intimidating front three of Federico Valverde, Karim Benzema and Vinicius Junior tonight, it is clear that the absence of one of the club’s most reliable centre-backs is sure to have come as a huge blow to Postecoglou and his side, as the Bhoys’ will need to be as close to perfect as possible if they are to take anything from the clash at Parkhead.

Manchester United are reportedly eyeing a move for Antoine Griezmann.

The Lowdown: Griezmann’s Atletico loan

The Frenchman is currently on loan with Atletico Madrid from Barcelona, with the former having the option to sign him permanently.

However, a clause in the deal has led to Atletico frequently playing the 31-year-old for less than 45 minutes per game, with the club thinking that will save them money.

He has a mammoth £683m release clause in his Barcelona deal, and it looks as if United are keen on his services heading into the New Year.

The Latest: Man United interest

TEAMtalk relayed an update from The Athletic regarding United and Griezmann on Sunday.

They claimed that the Red Devils enquired over the forward in the summer and are considering pouncing on an opportunity to sign the player in January.

The Verdict: One to watch

Labelled “one of the greatest players of all time” by his national team coach Didier Deschamps, Griezmann has netted 273 goals for club and country during his career.

He can play as a centre-forward, second striker or from the left wing, so he would provide plenty of versatility to Erik ten Hag’s side.

Ten Hag could really do with another centre-forward in the winter and wants to land one alongside a right-back and a midfielder.

Griezmann could prove to be that man, although it could be a costly move for the Glazers, with the forward believed to be earning £351,000 per week.

Following a successful transfer window that saw Aston Villa sign players in the calibre of Boubacar Kamara, Diego Carlos, and Philippe Coutinho, much was expected of Steven Gerrard’s side this season.

It hasn’t quite worked out this way, however, with just two Premier League wins from seven matches, European football drifts further away with every bad performance.

Despite strengthening the core of his squad, Gerrard may have some regrets about the transfer window. The need for another striker was a priority and with Danny Ings and Ollie Watkins scoring just three goals between them so far, it might be a decision that will haunt him.

One thing is for certain, not making a more concrete effort to bring in midfielder Yves Bissouma from Brighton and Hove Albion might prove to be one of the biggest things they rue this summer.

Bissouma is better than Douglas Luiz

Villa had been linked with the midfielder since the start of the year and even made a bid of £25m for the player in January, which was rejected by Brighton.

Despite signing Kamara in the summer, Gerrard still wanted to add Bissouma to his squad, with 90min claiming that talks were ongoing.

A few weeks later, the Mali international signed for Tottenham Hotspur in a £25m deal, and not acting quicker to sign the player will still irk Gerrard, especially as he is an upgrade on Luiz, someone who will be out of contract next year.

Last season, Bissouma completed 89.7% of his passes compared to 83.3% for Luiz, while also succeeding with over 70% of his attempted dribbles which was much better than the Brazilian (42.9%), showing that the Spurs player is more comfortable in possession with the ball and his passing ability can be relied upon to start attacks.

Defensively, the 26-year-old proved why the likes of Villa and Spurs were looking to sign him, winning more tackles (50 to 43), completing a higher percentage of pressures (35.9% to 29.8%) and making nearly double the number of clearances (51 to 29) than Luiz throughout the campaign.

At £25m, Gerrard may well have landed himself a bargain, especially with the player being described as a “Rolls Royce” by former presenter Leon Mann. His qualities and attributes may have helped tighten up a Villa side who have conceded 11 goals in all competitions this season.

It will be a case of what might have been for the 42-year-old, especially if Bissouma showcases his talents in the Champions League with Spurs.

It was announced on Sunday that Bruno Lage had been sacked as Wolves manager and the Midlands club are already looking at potential replacements, with Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim touted as a potential replacement.

The Old Gold’s 2-0 defeat against West Ham proved to be the final straw for the Wolves board, with Lage having endured a woeful start to the season, leading his side to just one win and three goals in the Premier League from the opening eight games.

Lage’s time at Wolves started well and halfway through last season it seemed as if a European push could be on the cards with the Midlands outfit sitting just two points off a Europa League spot at the beginning of April.

However, goalscoring has long been an issue and eventually, it caught up with Wolves as they slipped down the table after a dreadful end to the season, which saw them take just two points from their final seven games. Ultimately, they ended the campaign in tenth.

Despite eye-catching summer additions such as Goncalo Guedes and Matheus Nunes, Wolves’ poor form continued into the new season and it was no surprise that he lost his job.

A replacement is already being lined up according to freelance journalist Owen O’Brien, with the reporter suggesting on Sunday that Wolves have “made contact” with Sporting Lisbon’s Amorim as they consider replacements for Lage.

The 37-year-old could be a big upgrade, with the Portuguese coach guiding Sporting to their first Primeira Liga win in nearly 20 years in 2021. He has also won an extraordinary percentage of games during his managerial career thus far.

In 133 total matches in charge of Sporting, Braga and Casa Pia, Amorim has overseen a remarkable 96 wins, suffering just 20 losses.

During his time with the green and whites, Amorim has earned an average of 2.28 points per game. Lage, by comparison, would average just 2.17 points per game at Benfica and a measly 1.29 points per game during his time at Molineux.

With games set to come thick and fast ahead of the World Cup, a new manager is needed at Wolves as soon as possible, and considering his impressive CV, Amorim could represent a big upgrade on the outgoing Lage.

After spending much of last season sidelined through injury, Eberechi Eze is starting to show exactly why he is so highly thought of at Crystal Palace.

The exciting young winger joined Palace from QPR in the summer of 2020 in a deal that could eventually be worth £20m, having starred for the Hoops in the Championship.

The 2019/20 campaign saw Eze contribute a hugely impressive 14 goals and eight assists in 46 Championship appearances, averaging a 7.36 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

He has since gone on to make 60 appearances for the Eagles, in which he has hit five goals and assisted nine times, with his ability on the ball catching the eye on a number of occasions, with Christian Benteke commenting on the winger’s “magic” after he scored in a 2-0 win against Sheffield United.

The youngster was even set to be called up to England’s provisional Euro 2020 squad before he picked up a devastating Achilles injury that ruled him out for six months but now that he is back fully fit, you would imagine that a phone call from Gareth Southgate is not too far away.

So far this season, Eze has contributed two assists in six Premier League appearances, with his 7.03 rating from WhoScored ranking him as the third best performer in Patrick Vieira’s side, which emphasises the impact he is beginning to have in games.

No player in the Frenchman’s squad has contributed more key passes or dribbles per game, which highlights Eze’s progression from a player who is not just exciting to watch but is consistently producing chances in the final third.

When the 24-year-old joined from QPR, Transfermarkt valued Eze at just £16.2m and two years later, despite his injury issues, he is now valued at £22.5m, which represents a significant 38.8% increase so far.

If the youngster continues to perform in Vieira’s side as he has at the start of this season, and he earns that call-up to the England squad, you would only expect his value to soar during his time at Selhurst Park.

Therefore, CEO Steve Parish definitely struck gold when he sanctioned the deal for Eze in 2020, as Palace’s commitment to overhauling an ageing squad with exciting young talents is continuing to pay off.

The wait goes on to see who will be named as Bruno Lage’s successor at Wolverhampton Wanderers, with the 46-year-old having been relieved of his duties after collecting just one win in 15 Premier League games stretching back to last term.

The current chatter is that ex-Sevilla head coach Julen Lopetegui – who was only recently himself sacked by the La Liga side – could well be the preferred candidate, with the Spaniard having previously been a target for the Molineux outfit in the past.

Despite the Old Gold’s current struggles – which have seen them pick up just six points from their opening nine top-flight games of the season – any new addition, be it Lopetegui or another, is set to walk into a dressing room full to the brim with undoubted talent.

One such key figure over the past five years has been that of Ruben Neves, with the Portuguese menace having been part of the club’s rise from the Championship to European hopefuls, having signed for the Midlands outfit back in 2017.

Lauded as ‘one of the best footballers Wolves have seen down Molineux in the last 30 years’ by pundit Dave Edwards,  the 25-year-old has proven a hugely reliable figure during his time in England to date, scoring 25 goals and laying on 12 assists in 221 games to date.

Despite the £36m-rated man’s importance to the club – having been named captain following Conor Coady’s departure – it remains to be seen just what his long-term future will be, having been heavily linked with an exit in recent times with just under two years remaining on his current deal.

Having even admitted himself that he had expected to leave this summer, the indications are that a move away could be on the horizon sooner rather than later, with any new appointment at Wolves likely to need a different figure to build his time around.

That individual should seemingly be that of Neves’ compatriot, Matheus Nunes, with the former Sporting CP man having already caught the eye following his club record, £42.2m arrival back in August.

Dubbed “one of the best players in the world” by Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, the 24-year-old has no doubt lived up to the billing thus far, notably producing a sparkling display despite defeat to Chelsea last time out.

The Brazil-born starlet at one stage illustrated his quality by brilliantly surging forward from outside his own box to the opposition penalty area, breezing past a sea of blue as a marker of both his confidence and ball-playing strength.

That talent is also evidenced by the fact that the £40.5m-rated man ranks in the top 1% for dribbles completed among those in his position across Europe’s top five leagues, with the aforementioned Neves ranking in just the top 36% for that same metric.

A dynamic asset who plays on the front foot, Nunes has been lauded for his all-action style by former youth coach Ruben Franco, who stated: “Before he received the ball he was always looking where he could go next and he always passed to the other guys easily because he saw the game very clearly.

“He could be sitting in midfield and then in two or three seconds be on the edge of the box because he has a special gift to see the free space with a high intensity. We saw something special.”

As recent weeks have showcased, particularly with regards to his impact at Stamford Bridge, the Premier League is already seeing ‘something special’ from the playmaker, with any new manager likely to love the chance to work with such a “remarkable” ace – as dubbed by journalist Charlotte Duncker.