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Wolverhampton Wanderers are interested in signing HSV Hamburg defender Mario Vuskovic this summer but face competition from three clubs in the Bundesliga.

What’s the story?

According to German outlet MOPO, some reports suggesting the player was travelling to Wolves to complete a medical are untrue, but the club remain interested in the player.

Other Bundesliga clubs are interested in the player with the price tag for him currently standing at €10m (£8.4m). The Wanderers are considering whether to contact Hamburg over the transfer, but the player is currently happy in Germany so wouldn’t push for a move away.

The 20-year-old is highly rated and has been described as “exceptional” by Aleksander Holiger.

Imagine him and Coady

One player that he would line up alongside if he did make the move to Molineux would be fellow defender and club captain Conor Coady. The Englishman has been an influential part of Wolves’ back line for several years now and Vuskovic could learn a lot from him.

Vuskovic made 24 league appearances last season as Hamburg secured a return to the Bundesliga via the play-offs. He was key to their promotion success so it’s not surprising that he’s attracted interest from others.

When you compare both players statistically they score similar in some areas. Both made 0.8 tackles per game in the league last season, but it’s the Croat who made more interceptions per game with 1.1 compared to Coady’s 0.7.

Vuskovic also won a higher percentage of his duels last season at 65% compared to the Wolves’ skippers 53%, proving that he doesn’t shy away from a battle.

Obviously if he was to make the move to the Wanderers then the Premier League would represent a much tougher challenge, but if he can replicate the numbers he’s shown previously then it will be a great signing.

At such a young age he has great potential also, so the club would definitely be getting their money’s worth if he signed a long-term deal.

If Wolves want to make improvements and get stronger defensively then moving for Vuskovic, who ticks almost every box, would make the most sense and provide Bruno Lage with all he needs.

IN other news: Bruno Lage plotting bid for £15m “goal king”, he’d be a “phenomenon” for Wolves…

Former Scotland striker Frank McAvennie has delivered a damning verdict on the future of Celtic forward Albian Ajeti. 

The lowdown: Flattered to deceive

Signed from West Ham for £5m in 2020 (Sky Sports), the Switzerland international joined the Hoops having failed to score in 12 appearances for the Premier League club.

However, the 25-year-old had previously directly contributed to 63 goals in just 95 outings for Basel and was a Swiss league and cup winner during his time in his homeland.

After just nine goals in two years for the Bhoys, Ajeti now appears to be facing an uncertain future at Parkhead, and one pundit has suggested that the Premiership champions should cut ties with the striker during the ongoing transfer window…

The latest: ‘Out the door’

Speaking to Football Insider, McAvennie – himself a former Hoops’ hitman – delivered a scathing verdict on the prospects of the 11-cap Swiss ace forging a role in Ange Postecoglou’s plans.

He said: “They really have to get someone out the door. For me, boys like Ajeti. He might be a good goalscorer but he’s not the manager’s cup of tea.

“I think the manager likes movement and he likes a lot of movement. He likes people to chase and that’s not Ajeti’s game.

”The last manager [Neil] Lennon didn’t really play him. This new manager has come in and it’s all about movement and everything that Ajeti’s not.

“That’s no disrespect to Ajeti, because he can score goals, but they need to get players like that out.”

The verdict: Cash in

The Lennoxtown ranks are well-stocked with an embarrassment of riches in the centre-forward department, with Kyogo Furuhashi, Daizen Maeda, Georgios Giakoumakis, Liel Abada and returning youngster Johnny Kenny all capable of leading the line.

Ajeti’s 17 fleeting appearances last season yielded just three goals and one assist – including a brace against Ross County in November at Parkhead – while he completed 90 minutes on just four occasions in a campaign which was plagued by a long-term hamstring issue.

Therefore, it seems unlikely that the Swiss attacker – who was described as ‘intelligent’ and an ‘excellent finisher’ by Neil Lennon upon signing for the club – will be afforded the opportunity to make a major impact next term. Selling him now whilst there are still two years remaining on his contract means that the Parkhead hierarchy could command a worthwhile fee for him.

While it seems unlikely that Celtic will recoup their expenditure in full for Ajeti, even getting somewhere close to his £2.25m market value would add money to the coffers in order for Postecoglou to pursue targets such as the heavily-linked Fausto Vera.

Everton are set to battle it out with Nottingham Forest to sign winger Maxwel Cornet from Burnley, according to Guardian journalist Ed Aarons.

The Lowdown: Cornet’s season

Arriving at Turf Moor after six-and-a-half years with Lyon, the Ivory Coast international went on to become a bright spark in a struggling Clarets side.

Last season in the Premier League, the 25-year-old found the net nine times in 26 appearances, scoring more than a quarter of his team’s top-flight goals.

However, following Burnley’s relegation to the Championship, a whole host of top-flight clubs have been monitoring Cornet with a potential swoop in mind this summer.

The Latest: Aarons’ claim

Aarons has shared an update regarding the growing interest in the Ivorian winger.

Taking to Twitter, the journalist claimed: “Understand it is between Everton and Forest to sign Maxwell Cornet from Burnley. Everton had loan bid rejected last week”

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The Verdict: Great potential coup

With a £17.5m release clause now active following the Clarets’ relegation from the Premier League, Cornet would be a great signing for the price considering his attacking contributions.

After the 25-year-old scored twice in his team’s 2-2 draw against Manchester City last season, Sky Blues manager Pep Guardiola was full of praise for the winger, claiming that he was “very impressed by the talent of Maxwel Cornet”.

Considering Everton’s struggles for goals last season, his arrival at Goodison Park would be welcomed, as nine goals in the Premier League for a relegated team with little attacking threat demonstrates his clinical ability in the final third.

Cadena SER journalist Xavi Jorquera Márquez has now shared an exciting update on Manchester City’s links to colossal Villarreal defender Pau Torres.

The Lowdown: Sky Blue summer overhaul…

The Premier League champions, in terms of both incomings and outgoings, have been one of the busier sides in England this summer as a plethora of big names come through the door whilst long-serving stars move on to new chapters.

Gabriel Jesus, Raheem Sterling and Oleksandr Zinchenko, following on from club legend Fernandinho’s return to Brazil, come as the high-profile Etihad Stadium exits of this window so far alongside departures for many promising youngsters.

Meanwhile, the arrivals of Erling Haaland, Kalvin Phillips, Stefan Ortega and Julian Alvarez have gone some way to replacing them with City also in talks to sign Brighton star Marc Cucurella.

The Latest: Marquez makes exciting Torres claim…

Indeed, it’s safe to say that there has been plenty of movement in east Manchester over the course of this hectic window.

However, according to Spanish reporter Marquez of Cadena SER, City and manager Pep Guardiola may not be done there.

Taking to Twitter, he explains that the Sky Blues are currently ‘best positioned’ to sign marquee Villarreal star Torres – who is said to have a £55m release clause.

Marquez explained:

“The best positioned club that offers Pau the best conditions is Manchester City

I’m not going to put a percentage because we already know what this is like…”

The Verdict: Finalise move?

Depending on the conditions of a potential transfer, should City push and finalise a move given they’re seemingly favourites.

Journalist Graeme Bailey backs his quality, having called Torres a ‘Spanish star’, yet we believe the signing of a new centre-back should only be considered if one of John Stones, Nathan Ake, Ruben Dias or Aymeric Laporte end up leaving.

Guardiola is well stocked at centre-half and adding another world class option could arguably just upset the applecart.

West Bromwich Albion currently have the third-oldest squad in the Championship in terms of the combined average age of their players.

With an average age of 26.5, only Birmingham City (27.3) and Wigan Athletic (27.3) have older squads according to Transfermarkt.

One figure in Steve Bruce’s squad that is a big reason why the average age is so high is Jake Livermore, who is the club’s oldest outfield player at the age of 32.

Having racked up 196 appearances for the Baggies across all competitions, the midfielder’s current contract at the Hawthorns is set to expire next summer.

With that in mind, the remaining weeks of the current summer transfer window would give the Midlands club the ideal opportunity to sign what could be a long-term heir for the Englishman.

One player that has been mentioned with a move to the Hawthorns that could fit this specific bill is Leicester City midfielder Hamza Choudhury.

The Englishman, who has been praised by Brendan Rodgers for his “outstanding” performances in the past, has 141 appearances for Leicester under his belt across their senior and youth sides.

Having played in 79 league games throughout his career, the midfielder has racked up 69 interceptions and won 34 tackles, which just goes to show how much of a useful defensive-minded midfielder he could be for the Baggies.

To compare that with Livermore, he was able to make 40 interceptions and win 44 tackles last season alone.

This highlights the similarities the pair have and how the £7.5k-per-week midfielder could be seen as West Brom’s next version of Livermore if he joins the Baggies and is able to play regularly.

Even though Bruce has said that whatever incoming deals get done before the window closes are likely to be loans, signing the Foxes figure on a temporary deal that has an option to become permanent next summer would be a great way for the club to secure a replacement for Livermore should he end up leaving when his contract expires.

If the Baggies can end their latest transfer window with Choudhury in their ranks, this could finish their summer with a flourish and give them a great boost to their chances of winning promotion with an experienced Premier League midfielder in their side.

AND in other news: Alan Nixon drops exciting West Brom transfer claim, it’s great news for Bruce

CBS journalist Ben Jacobs has shared a potentially significant Tottenham Hotspur transfer update on the club’s chances of signing Roma star Nicolo Zaniolo.

The Lowdown: Spurs chase new playmaker?

The north Londoners, set to take on Southampton today at 3pm, go into their Premier League opener after strengthening in numerous key areas with six major signings confirmed.

Ivan Perisic, Fraser Forster, Yves Bissouma, Richarlison, Clement Lenglet (loan) and Djed Spence have all put pen to paper on moves to Spurs ahead of manager Antonio Conte’s first full season in charge.

Supporters also have Champions League football to look forward to at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with reports suggesting their business is far from done as they could sign a creative midfield player.

The Latest: Jacobs shares significant Zaniolo update…

Now, CBS reporter Jacobs has shared a significant update on the club’s well-reported pursuit of Zaniolo this summer.

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The Italy international is apparently ‘open’ to joining Conte, and what’s more, further talks are ‘expected’ next week as the Lilywhites negotiate to try and bring Roma’s sky-high asking price down.

The Verdict: Push the boat out?

As per WhoScored, it’s clear the 23-year-old can turn it on when at his very best – having drawn more fouls per 90 than any Roma player whilst also completing more successful take-ons in that time.

Ex-Liverpool and Juventus midfielder Momo Sissoko is a huge fan, branding Zaniolo a ‘prominent’ and ‘excellent’ player, whilst former Spurs keeper Paul Robinson also believes he would be an ‘exciting’ signing by sporting director Fabio Paratici.

As the last few weeks of the window approach, it will certainly be interesting to see if Zaniolo opts into an N17 move and where Paratici can indeed find an agreement for a reasonable cost.

West Ham United boss David Moyes is aiming to be busy before the end of this summer window as journalist Toby Cudworth makes a triple transfer claim.

The Lowdown: Hammers ambition…

Having already signed Nayef Aguerd, Flynn Downes, Alphonse Areola, Gianluca Scamacca and Maxwel Cornet, it is reliably believed that the east Londoners are certainly not done there.

West Ham’s current defensive crisis has prompted links to many centre-backs across Europe, including the likes of Thilo Kehrer (PSG) and Dan-Axel Zagadou (free agent).

Moyes has also made clear his desire for new additions in statements to the press, even saying that his side need to do far more before this window closes.

The Latest: Cudworth makes triple transfer claim…

Taking to social media, 90min reporter Cudworth has made an exciting triple West Ham transfer claim.

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Indeed, the 90min correspondent has claimed that Moyes and co want ‘at least’ three new signings before getting on with the 2022/2023 Premier League season (Twitter).

One of these players could be Kehrer as Cudworth backs that a bid has indeed gone in for the player.

The Verdict: Needs to be done…

As highlighted by the lack of defensive options for Moyes, with youngster Ben Johnson having to play a makeshift central defensive role against Man City last weekend, a new centre-back is surely priority.

Talks have apparently been held for multiple targets at the back and it is believed that West Ham want a new attacking midfielder also.

Going by the Hammers’ squad shortage in key areas, three signings before September 1 seems more than reasonable, with potentially two of those coming at the back.

Crystal Palace return to action tonight as they travel to Anfield to face Liverpool in their first away game of the Premier League season.

Patrick Vieira will be hoping to cause an upset under the floodlights against Jurgen Klopp’s men, as they face another tough fixture after last week’s 2-0 defeat against Arsenal.

Fulham did prove that the Merseyside club were not something to be completely afraid of however, holding them to a 2-2 draw. That result will give the Eagles hope.

The French manager will have some big decisions to make going into this game, having claimed that Michael Olise could be in contention to return to the squad.

The £34k-per-week star missed large parts of pre-season after picking up an injury whilst away with France U21s back in early August.

So, will Vieira throw the youngster back in at the deep end, or will he rest him for a more favourable fixture? Here’s how we think Palace could line up against Liverpool…

In goal, Vicente Guaita seems unlikely to be displaced as the club’s undisputed number one stopper.

The back four is also unlikely to change, as James Tomkins and Nathan Ferguson’s injuries continue to rule them out. Nathaniel Clyne will once again return to his former club, with Tyrick Mitchell occupying the left side.

Marc Guehi and Joachim Anderson will continue to be ever-present in central defence.

Cheick Doucoure will be given another chance to show his credentials in one of the harshest atmospheres in the league, likely beside the relentless Jeffrey Schlupp.

Wilfried Zaha is always the first name on the Palace team sheet given his 15 goals last term and will be instrumental up against Trent Alexander-Arnold if Vieira’s side are to walk away with anything from this game.

Eberechi Eze and Jordan Ayew are expected to take up the other attacking positions, with Olise’s return coming just too soon for this particular game.

We also expect Odsonne Edouard, who started last time out against Arsenal, to be preferred to Jean-Philippe Mateta up front to spearhead their free-flowing attack. Once hailed as a “special talent” by former manager Neil Lennon, the ex-Celtic player has the tools to frighten some of the best in the division having scored against Spurs and Arsenal last term.

With an unchanged lineup due to a lack of returned players and no enforced exits, it will take a monumental task to overcome the Reds in their first home match of the season. Hopefully, for Palace this side can spoil the party.

Sunderland have been hit with an injury blow to central defender Daniel Ballard after Championship action at the weekend.

What’s the latest?

Black Cats boss Alex Neil has hinted at the summer signing’s knock from the 2-2 draw with Queens Park Rangers at the weekend being a serious one.

The centre-back was forced off after suffering an injury to his foot in the ninth minute and the Scottish head coach has confirmed that it does not look good for the youngster.

He told the Shields Gazette: “It’s a massive blow.

“Dan is a key player, we’ve spent money on him to improve the squad. We’ve lost him, and it just shows where we are. We’re light.”We’ve lost a signing we’ve brought in, if you look at the squad today we’ve only had two starters from who we signed in the summer, and now we’ve lost one of them.”It doesn’t look good for Dan.” Frustration for Neil

The Black Cats boss will surely be left frustrated by this injury blow for multiple reasons.

Firstly, it was caused by a challenge from a QPR player that did not result in a free-kick to Sunderland. The referee deemed there to be nothing wrong with the tackle and now the club may be without Ballard for a number of matches, although no exact timeline has been placed on his return.

Neil will also be frustrated by this knock because of the potential Ballard has to be a standout performer for him in the Championship.

It is difficult to judge his performance so far as he has only played two-and-a-bit matches whilst settling into a new team, but he enjoyed a superb spell on loan at Millwall last term.

In the second tier in 2021/22, the former Arsenal man averaged a SofaScore rating of 6.95 and recorded scores of 7.00 or higher in each of his last five appearances. The gem won 64% of his individual duels in that time as he stood up to the physical tests of the division at the age of 22.

This season, Danny Batth has averaged a SofaScore rating of 6.47 and won 54% of his battles, whilst Dennis Cirkin has averaged a rating of 6.57 and only won 48% of his duels.

These statistics suggest that Ballard could be a huge upgrade on the pair once he gets back from injury and is able to reach the levels he hit last term. Such is his perceived importance to the side, journalist Josh Bunting has Tweeted that the club “simply can’t afford to lose (Ballard) this season”.

Therefore, Neil will be frustrated that he will now have to cope without the 22-year-old for an undetermined period of time.

Tottenham Hotspur are back in action this afternoon as they host Wolverhampton Wanderers for game week three of the new Premier League campaign.

Antonio Conte’s side remain unbeaten through their first two matches, having defeated Southampton 4-1 and drawn to Chelsea last weekend and will be looking to build on that today.

The Italian head coach has plenty to ponder in terms of team selection as it’ll be hard to tinker from a side that is yet to lose. However, there could be as many as two changes to the starting XI.

Here’s what we are predicting…

One change will be enforced as £40m defender Cristian Romero has been confirmed as an injury absence ahead of kick-off, so we are likely to see a rare start for Davinson Sanchez.

The Colombian appears to be the only available back up in the role right now, with summer loan signing Clement Lenglet also missing game time recently. He’ll go into Conte’s usual back three next to Eric Dier and Ben Davies, who all sit in front of Hugo Lloris.

Romero, who has been dubbed an “animal” by former teammate Pierluigi Gollini, picked up an issue in last weekend’s draw.

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Out wide, Emerson Royal is expected to keep his spot over Matt Doherty, though there could be a first full debut for Ivan Perisic on the left side as he replaces Ryan Sessegnon, who endured a nightmare display against the Blues.

In midfield, meanwhile, it seems as if Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Rodrigo Bentancur are the Italian’s first-choice pairing for the time being, with Oliver Skipp out injured and summer signing Yves Bissouma yet to break into the starting lineup.

Further up the pitch, Harry Kane should lead the line as usual with Heung-min Son and Dejan Kulusevski offering support.

AND in other news, Spurs dealt big injury blow ahead of Wolves…