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Sheffield Wednesday journalist Dom Howson says that it’s a ‘worrying trend’ that Darren Moore’s side can’t seem to beat the bigger teams in League One.

The Lowdown: Midweek heartbreak

The Owls suffered late heartbreak at Home Park on Tuesday night after letting in a stoppage-time winner to be on the receiving end of an excruciating 2-1 defeat to Plymouth.

The boss was the subject of heavy criticism after taking off Barry Bannan and Josh Windass in a second period, where they could have changed the outcome of the game.

The Hillsborough outfit have now only beaten one of the top seven teams in the division this season, something that appears to be causing concern among supporters.

The Latest: Howson’s ‘worrying’ claim

Asked during a YorkshireLive Q&A on Wednesday where the Owls go from here after losing to another of the big teams, Howson responded:

“I agree that it is a worrying trend. Peterborough was a slightly different case. I don’t think Wednesday would have lost had they not gone down to ten men. But they didn’t perform against Barnsley. They only played well in bits and starts at home to Portsmouth and Ipswich.

“I thought some of their football was excellent last night. Wednesday created some really good opportunities. They were the better team for 70 minutes. The subs shifted the momentum Plymouth’s way. Moore has got to learn from those tactical changes. He got them wrong.

“The reality is Wednesday are still in a good position. They are averaging nearly two points per game. Plymouth is a setback but they have got a good run of games coming up. Things could look very different in another month’s time. People have to keep the faith and trust in the process.”

The Verdict: No need to panic

Whilst Moore’s side will be concerned by the lack of success against some of their main competitors, there’s definitely no need to panic.

The Owls are currently third, just five points off the top of the table with three-quarters of the season still left to play, which is a fantastic position to be in so early on.

There are also several players missing through injury, so when they return and are available for selection again, one would think those top of the table clashes could swing the Owls’ way.

Tottenham Hotspur transfer target Ruslan Malinovskyi is now eyeing a last-gasp move to north London before tonight’s deadline, according to reports

The Lowdown: Spurs keeping busy…

After sealing a Premier League top four finish last term, Spurs manager Antonio Conte and sporting director Fabio Paratici haven’t rested, seeking to improve the squad in key areas ahead of a long 2022/23 season.

The Lilywhites have already completed eight major signings including a permanent deal for star defender Cristian Romero, with Ivan Perisic, Fraser Forster, Yves Bissouma, Richarlison, Clement Lenglet, Djed Spence and Destiny Udogie also putting pen to paper.

Reports suggest that more could follow that plethora of names, with a promising update coming to light involving Malinovskyi.

The Latest: Malinovskyi eyeing late Spurs move…

According to claims out of Italy within the last 24 hours, the Ukraine international certainly knows his preferred transfer before the cut-off.

Calciomercato say, as also shared by Sport Witness, that Malinovskyi really wants to sign for Spurs – going as far to state that north London is his ‘greatest hope’.

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The report adds that he prefers a move to Hotspur Way over the likes of Nottingham Forest and Leicester City.

The Verdict: Get it done?

Hailed as one of Atalanta’s ‘top players’ by members of the media, it’s safe to say that the 29-year-old would boost Conte’s options.

Malinovskyi finished 2021/22 as one of their best-performing players by average match rating whilst also ranking in their top five for attempts at goal, key passes made and completed dribbles per 90 (WhoScored).

Having gained plenty of experience on the international stage also, he could be a late coup for Spurs if they decide to advance.

One of Nottingham Forest’s transfer targets is now in talks with another club, according to Fabrizio Romano…

What’s the word?

The Italian noted on Twitter that Ruslan Malinovskyi had entered into discussions with Marseille over a potential move to the Ligue 1 club.

He tweeted: “Excl: Olympique Marseille are in talks to sign Ruslan Malinovskyi. Ukrainian midfielder wants a new challenge, as OM are negotiating with Atalanta and player side.”

Romano had detailed earlier this month that the Premier League club were interested in the wantaway midfielder, but the 29-year-old now seems poised to move elsewhere.

It’s a huge blow for Cooper

After recently securing the signing of Remo Freuler, Steve Cooper will be disappointed to see the Switzerland international’s Atalanta midfield partner heading elsewhere.

The 30-year-old and Malinovskyi have been regulars for the Nerazzurri in recent years and were mainstays in the side which finished third in the 2020/21 Serie A season. That campaign actually saw the latter rank as “Serie A’s best playmaker” when accounting for assists, big chances created and key passes.

He also impressed last season with his offensive output for his team and even ranked as one of the outstanding attacking midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues.

He ranked in the top 3% for shots total and top 7% for shot-creating actions, instantly marking him out as a constant threat to the opposition’s goal. He can create and score, as outlined with six goals and five assists in the league last season. Adding these qualities to a Forest team who scored 73 times in the Championship last season could have been devastating.

His progressive passes were also exceptional, with an average of 5.79 per game ranking him in the top 5% across Europe. Jesse Lingard would have thrived off his service, as Malinovskyi would have the vision and ability to find the Englishman in dangerous pockets of space on the half-turn.

Similarly, the likes of Taiwo Awoniyi would have feasted on his deliveries. With an xG assisted of 0.32 per game, again ranking him in the top 6%, his creativity would likely be rewarded more often with a fine finisher up front like the Nigerian, who netted 17 Bundesliga league goals last term.

Malinovskyi’s figures mark him out as one of Europe’s most creative attacking midfielders, and the links to Forest would have been flattering for both player and club.

It represents a big blow for Cooper that, for all their signings made over the summer, this is the one they seem set to miss out upon. The Forest manager will surely be left scratching his head after this one, especially given the possible pull of ex-Atalanta team-mate Freuler.

Fleetwood Town have reportedly made an ‘offer’ to sign Jack Diamond on loan from Sunderland.

The Lowdown: Interest registered

It was recently reported that Fleetwood have officially registered their interest in Diamond, and the winger is a ‘top target’ for the League One club.

He has not featured for Alex Neil’s team so far this season, and was shipped off on loan to Harrogate Town in the last campaign after making just five appearances for the Wearsiders (Transfermarkt), so it seems as if his long-term future is away from the Stadium of Light.

The Latest: Offer made, Neil gives green light

Taking to Twitter, journalist Scott Wilson has revealed that Fleetwood have now made a ‘loan offer’ for Diamond, with the Black Cats wanting him to play in League One rather than return to Harrogate in League Two:

“Fleetwood make loan offer for Jack Diamond – with #SAFC wanting the forward to play in League One rather than return to Harrogate in League Two.”

Expanding in his article for The Northern Echo, Wilson added that Neil is ‘ready to sanction’ Diamond’s departure, and the ball is now in his court over whether he would be willing to move.

The Verdict: Right call

Given his lack of game time, it is certainly the right call to let Diamond leave on loan.

At 22 years of age, the Englishman needs to be playing regular football, which he should be able to get playing in a division below the Championship.

However, Neil has claimed that Diamond will be involved in their cup game at Sheffield Wednesday tonight, so maybe the winger can change his mind with regards to keeping him in the squad.

Leeds United appear to be ramping up their interest in Paris Saint-Germain starlet Arnaud Kalimuendo as the Premier League club’s search for a new centre-forward continues.

What’s the word?

As per journalist Graeme Bailey, the Elland Road outfit are “in talks” to sign the 20-year-old this summer, with the reported fee set to be in the region of €25m (£21m) for a player who impressed last season on loan at Lens.

Writing on Twitter about the Yorkshire club’s interest in the youngster, the transfer insider stated: “Leeds United in talks to sign PSG striker Arnaud Kalimuendo and they are close to agreeing €25m deal.”

In his attached piece for 90min, Bailey reported that the Whites have made the young Frenchman their ‘number one target’ to bolster their forward line and are seemingly ‘confident’ of getting an agreement over the line.

Augustin 2.0

There will no doubt be much excitement regarding a player who netted 12 Ligue 1 last season during his temporary stint away from the Parc des Princes – having once been labelled “prolific” by talent scout Jacek Kulig – although supporters may be wary of a repeat of a previous transfer disaster.

Like Kalimuendo, former Leeds flop Jean-Kevin Augustin was also a highly-rated product of the PSG youth system, although he ultimately failed to deliver in his brief stint under Marcelo Bielsa at Elland Road, having been plucked from RB Leipzig on an initial loan deal in January 2020.

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The former France under-21 international was expected to help with the Whites’ promotion push in the second half of the 2019/20 campaign, although he ultimately went on to make just three appearances totalling a mere 48 minutes, having been unable to get up to speed with Bielsa’s intense style of play.

The club had agreed to an obligation-to-buy of £18m if they achieved promotion that term, although the pandemic-impacted nature of the season saw them manage to find a loophole in the deal to avoid having to pay that fee, something which is now the subject of a dispute with the Bundesliga club.

Although that scenario likely won’t occur again with Kalimuendo, there may be similar concerns as to whether he can make an instant impact in Jesse Marsch’s side, with adapting to the rigours of English football no mean feat.

As talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook suggested, Leeds may potentially be searching for or in need of a “bigger name” than that of the £16.2m-rated starlet if they are to improve upon last season’s disappointing overall performance, when they were hampered by the lengthy absences of regular starter Patrick Bamford.

Should sporting director Victor Orta get the Kalimuendo deal done, the 5 foot 9 menace deserves time to settle into life in Yorkshire, although a failure to mark his mark early on could well evoke memories of the disastrous Augustin capture.

AND in other news: Victor Orta plotting Leeds bid for “formidable” £19m sensation, he’s “one of the best”

Manchester United are interested in Inter Milan defender Stefan de Vrij, according to Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness). 

The lowdown

The Red Devils are poised to announce their first signing of the summer in the form of full-back Tyrell Malacia, as transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano told GiveMeSport that the £14.6m deal for the Feyenoord man is effectively ‘done’.

Erik ten Hag might now turn his attention to a centre-back, with The Athletic reporting that talks over Ajax’s Lisandro Martinez are already at an advanced stage.

However, it seems that the 52-year-old may also be interested in De Vrij, who is now into the final year of his contract with Inter.

The latest

Gazzetta dello Sport claimed (via Sport Witness) that Inter may look to offload the 30-year-old this summer for two reasons.

First of all, they want to avoid losing him on a free transfer next summer, and secondly, they can put the funds towards further incomings.

United have ‘turned on their radar’, which suggests that this situation has alerted them and that a formal approach might be in the works. De Vrij is ‘waiting for a call’ but isn’t expected to try to force through a move of his own accord.

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The verdict

It wouldn’t be a surprise if United sought multiple defensive additions this summer. After all, they set a new club record last season for goals conceded in a Premier League campaign.

To that effect, Ten Hag may feel that it is an area in need of a revamp ahead of his first full season in charge at Old Trafford.

Martinez’s capacity to play as a full-back and as a defensive midfielder, in addition to centre-back, is also worth noting. With that in mind, both he and De Vrij could certainly fit into the same squad.

The £25.2m-rated Dutchman brings appropriate pedigree, having won Serie A with Inter in 2020/21 and earned a host of individual accolades. He was named the league’s Defender of the Year in 2019/20 and also made the best XI in 2020 and 2021.

Rangers sensation Rory Wilson ‘will sign’ for Aston Villa on 1 July, transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano reports. 

The lowdown

Wilson seemingly has the potential to become a superstar, having bagged a whopping 49 goals at youth level last season.

The 16-year-old centre-forward has been capped 11 times by Scotland at Under-18 level and already scored eight goals.

The clubs have been in talks over a suitable package ‘for months’, but Rangers rejected Villa’s latest offer of around £300,000 (via The Athletic).

Unless one of the two sides agrees to compromise, the matter could be settled by a FIFA resolution committee.

The latest

Romano shared the news about Wilson in a tweet on Monday morning.

Villa are ‘set to sign’ the ‘talented Scottish striker from Rangers’ with ‘personal terms now agreed’.

He’ll officially become their player at the beginning of next month.

He adds that former Gers boss Steven Gerrard has been ‘the main factor’ in Wilson’s decision to move to the Midlands.

The verdict

This will be a blow for Rangers, who went to great lengths to try to persuade the starlet to commit long-term.

Football Insider claimed that Wilson was offered the most lucrative first-year professional deal in the club’s history. Giovanni van Bronckhorst and director of football Ross Wilson met with the player and his family to try to win him over.

The Gers could yet lose a senior player to Gerrard and Villa this summer too, with transfer insider Dean Jones telling GiveMeSport last week that the Premier League ‘seem to be in a good position to negotiate’ for Calvin Bassey.

They’re said to want £25million for the 22-year-old, which would represent a record sale.

In other news, Rangers have a potential Alfredo Morelos replacement in mind.

On the 3rd July 2007, Liverpool broke their transfer record at the time to sign a young forward with the world at his feet.

That player was El Nino, better known to an English audience as Fernando Torres.

The Spaniard was a sensational player in his prime and was signed from Atletico Madrid as one of the hottest properties in European football.

A deal of just £26.5m was agreed and the rest, as they say, was history.

Torres would go on to score 81 times in 142 outings for the Reds before joining Chelsea in a remarkable deal.

Why, I hear you ask, is this relevant in the modern-day? Well, it’s because Liverpool are now chasing another of Europe’s hottest properties.

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A record-breaking deal may not be on the cards but with FSG and Jurgen Klopp reportedly keen on signing Benfica’s Darwin Nunez, a potential £68m deal this summer would evoke memories of Torres.

He was just 23 when he joined and in 23 days time, Nunez will turn that age himself.

The parallels are already clear for a player dubbed a “monster” and a “sensational talent” by FOX reporter James Dodd.

Nunez is a young individual who like Torres, has the world at his feet. He is capable of terrorizing defenders and is already one of Virgil van Dijk’s worst nightmares.

Speaking about the Uruguayan after facing him this season, the Dutchman said: “[Sergio] Aguero was obviously unbelievable. [Lionel] Messi, arguably the best player in the history of football in my opinion. [Kylian] Mbappe is different, quick… [Erling] Haaland and also Darwin. He’s a bit similar – very direct, quick, tall, strong and it’s quite difficult to play against him.”

If you trouble van Dijk then you’re clearly good enough to be in Klopp’s side.

With Sadio Mane reportedly leaving it feels essential that Liverpool invest in some new offensive weapons and in Nunez, they’d find the perfect replacement.

This season was a real breakthrough one for the young South American talent who was a ruthless threat in front of goal. He found the net on 34 occasions in 41 matches for Benfica, proving that like the aforementioned Torres, he is deadly inside the penalty area.

The former Liverpool star had the luscious blonde locks to go with it and even if Nunez is of different hair colour, the long locks are there to go with his goals too.

Signing a player from Portugal has gone well in the last six months already with Klopp welcoming Luis Diaz to Merseyside back in January.

If Nunez is anything like that then he’ll be an enormous success. This could just be Torres 2.0 all over again for Liverpool.

AND in other news, LFC set for disaster as “sensational” star close to £25.5m exit, Klopp will be gutted…

Crystal Palace midfielder Luka Milivojevic may depart Selhurst Park this summer, according to Inside Futbol.

The Lowdown: Milivojevic under Vieira

Milivojevic, who Roy Hodgson labelled as ‘outstanding’, has struggled for regular game time under Patrick Vieira this season.

The 31-year-old has made just 10 starts in all competitions this season, the latest of which came against Aston Villa on the weekend.

That was the club captain’s first Premier League start since February, and as he enters the final 12 months of his Selhurst Park contract, it looks as if an early exit could be on the cards.

The Latest: Olympiacos make move

Inside Futbol shared an update on Milivojevic’s future on Tuesday. They claim that former side Olympiacos are keen to bring him back to the club and have already made moves to get a deal in place.

The report adds that Milivojevic is considering his Eagles future and that he could even ask Steve Parish and Co. to terminate his contract.

The Verdict: Additions needed first

Vieira could be fairly short of midfield options in the summer, with Conor Gallagher set to return to Chelsea following an extremely successful season-long loan.

Cheikhou Kouyate is also out of contract at the end of June, so if Palace let Milivojevic go, Jairo Riedewald could be the club’s only senior defensive midfielder on the books.

Therefore, holding midfield additions could be needed first before the club possibly allow Milivojevic, who doesn’t appear to be fancied under Vieira, to cut short his five-year Palace stay.

In other news: Reliable journalist now reveals ‘secret’ Parish and Vieira plan from SE25. 

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly eyeing up a move for Sporting CP defensive midfielder Joao Palhinha during the upcoming transfer window.

The Lowdown: Palhinha profiled

Despite having faced multiple spells on the sidelines due to injuries and suspensions, the 26-year-old has made 36 appearances in all competitions so far this season, scoring three goals during that time, as per Transfermarkt.

The 12-time Portugal international, whose contract with the Lisbon-based outfit isn’t set to expire until 2026, is expected to draw some big attention in the summer, with a move away from the Jose Alvalade looking likely and Wolves sniffing around.

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Following a fresh update, the Lilywhites seem to have well and truly joined the race.

The Latest: Interest from Spurs

According to Portuguese newspaper O Jogo (via Sport Witness), it’s claimed that Antonio Conte’s side ‘study the signing of a midfielder’ ahead of the new campaign, and are set to fight English rivals Wolves.

The source states that Sporting want to make €30m (£25.2m) with the sale of Palhinha, but reluctantly know ‘it will not be easy’ to get that sum, as Sport Witness claim the opportunity is there for a ‘bargain deal’.

The Verdict: Get it done

Should the 6 foot 2 maestro fail to win back his place in the Portugal squad, then the asking fee could be lowered even more come the end of May, and if this is this case, then it’s an absolute bargain of a move that Paratici should be all over.

The £24k-per-week ace is currently averaging a hugely impressive 3.1 tackles per 90 minutes in the top-flight this season – more than any Spurs player –  making him a very attractive prospect to offer protection in front of Conte’s defence.

Once described as a “special” player by his manager, Ruben Amorim, we feel Paratici and co should seriously consider a move for Palhinha, who has the potential to become a rock in the middle of the park under the Italian boss, and could help Spurs achieve that all-important place in the top four next term.

In other news, Tottenham officials are on the move today to watch a Conte target in action…