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Journalist and Sunderland supporter Josh Bunting has given his reaction to some transfer news that he has heard involving Jack Diamond.

The Lowdown: Fleetwood interested in Diamond

As per Football Insider, League One club Fleetwood Town have now registered their interest in signing Diamond, with the winger is a ‘top target’ for Scott Brown’s side.

The Championship club have reportedly given the ‘green light’ for the 22-year-old to leave the Stadium of Light, despite giving him a contract extension last year.

The Latest: Bunting reacts

Taking to Twitter, Bunting gave his instant reaction to the news of Diamond’s possible departure from Sunderland, claiming that the winger would be a ‘good signing’ for Fleetwood, and that he hopes that the propsed deal comes off.

Bunting stated: “Good signing for Fleetwood this if they get him, they’ve been direct in their opening two League One games and that will suit Jack Diamond. Just get the ball into him and he will drive at defenders. Can see him do well there, hope it happens.”

The Verdict: Sell him

Given the recruitment of attackers Ellis Simms, Jack Clarke and Leon Dajaku so far this summer, it seems unlikely that Diamond would get much game-time if he stays at Sunderland beyond the current transfer window.

He has not featured for Alex Neil’s side yet this season and was shipped off to Harrogate Town last term after making just five appearances for the Black Cats when they were in League One (Transfermarkt).

At 22 years of age, Diamond needs to be playing regular football now, so if Sunderland can get a decent fee for him from Fleetwood, it would be a move which would surely suit all parties involved.

Leeds United are lining up a surprise move for Che Adams…

What’s the word?

That’s according to journalist Alan Nixon of The Sun, who claims that the Whites are keen on signing the Southampton striker and are hopeful of securing a deal for him now that he has fallen further down the pecking order at St Mary’s.

The Yorkshire outfit are willing to pay around £10m for his signature and whilst the Saints are holding out for more, there is optimism that a compromise can be reached.

Adams came close to sealing a loan switch to Elland Road back in January 2020 but then-manager Marcelo Bielsa wasn’t able to get his man through the door.

Marsch needs him

The addition of a new frontman is certainly one of the priorities left on the ‘to-do’ list for director of football Victor Orta, who has already signed six fresh faces to bolster manager Jesse Marsch’s playing squad.

But they are still lacking a major alternative to Patrick Bamford.

The England international missed a large chunk of last season through a variety of injuries, leaving the American and his Argentine predecessor in a big predicament.

Without a senior backup, the coaching pair had to turn to diminutive winger Dan James, fellow wide man Jack Harrison and young forward Joe Gelhardt to fill the massive void left behind by Bamford, who led the squad for goals in the Premier League (17) a season earlier.

So far, they have been left frustrated in the transfer market, having missed out on a move for Club Brugge sensation Charles De Ketelaere. He has instead opted for Serie A champions AC Milan.

Adams could be a cheaper and more reliable alternative given his experience in the English top-flight.

The Scotland international has delivered 31 goal contributions across 96 appearances in the big time, as per Transfermarkt. six goals in 19 caps.

Back in March, Rangers legend Ally McCoist waxed lyrical about the Scotsman, claiming that “he has been a breath of fresh air for us,” before adding: “He’s such a clever player. He’s got a bit of pace and can go in behind and he can finish,” via the Daily Echo.

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Meanwhile, in the past, Adams was lauded as “a very exciting talent” by Mirror reporter David Hughes prior to his move to Southampton.

The Saints forward, who was described as “amazing” by Sheffield Star reporter Alan Biggs, would be an ideal second fiddle option to Bamford this season.

Leeds and Marsch cannot afford to start the season next week without a backup or alternative, especially given the injury problems that the 28-year-old has been suffering.

Therefore, a move for Adams makes sense at this stage and Orta must deliver on that front as soon as possible.

AND in other news, Transfer insider drops Jack Harrison update…

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in a deal to bring Joaquin Piquerez to the Premier League this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to Marc Mechenoua, with the Goal France journalist revealing on Twitter that Antonio Conte’s side are among a number of clubs interested in a move for the Palmeiras left-back in the summer transfer window, with Marseille and an unnamed German club also believed to be keen on the 23-year-old.

In his tweet, Mechenoua said: “The left side and Uruguayan international Joaquin Piquerez is the subject of interest from Olympique de Marseille. Other European formations like Tottenham and another German club appreciate the player who plays in Palmeiras.”

“Tactical evolution”

Considering just how impressive Piquerez has been for Palmeiras ever since his €3.2m (£2.7m) move to Allianz Parque last summer, and with Sergio Reguilon looking set to leave the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this summer, it is easy to see why Conte would be interested in a deal to bring the Uruguay international to north London ahead of Spurs’ 2022/23 campaign.

Indeed, over his 12 Brazilian Serie A appearances in 2021, the £2.7m-rated talent immediately caught the eye for the Verdão, registering one assist and creating one big chance for his team-mates, along with taking 1.1 shots, making 0.5 key passes and completing one dribble per game.

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The left-back also impressed in metrics more typical of his position, helping his team to keep three clean sheets, along with making 1.7 tackles, 0.9 interceptions and 1.2 clearances and winning 4.5 duels (at a success rate of 61%) per match.

It has been a similar case for the 23-year-old over his 11 league outings in 2022, with the £7.1k-per-week defender helping his team to keep five clean sheets and providing one assist, along with making 2.2 tackles, 1.7 interceptions and 0.7 key passes and winning 4.9 duels (at a success rate of 57%) per match.

These returns have seen the player who Martin Charquero labelled “very tempting” for European clubs due to his “tactical evolution” average an impressive SofaScore match rating of 6.96, ranking him as Abel Ferreira’s 10th-best player in the Brazilian top flight.

As such, it is easy to see why Conte would be keen on a deal to bring Piquerez to Tottenham this summer, as the left-back undoubtedly has the potential to become a key part of the Italian’s squad heading into the club’s upcoming Premier League and Champions League campaigns.

AND in other news: Spurs eyeing deal for “lovely” £30m gem who lacks “nothing”, he can be their Tielemans

Leeds United have had a bid rejected for FC Porto midfielder Otavio, according to Portuguese newspaper Record (via Sport Witness).

The lowdown: Orta not messing around

Having already added Brenden Aaronson, Rasmus Kristensen and Marc Roca to Jesse Marsch’s squad this summer, Director of Football Victor Orta is seemingly showing no signs of letting up with the search for reinforcements.

Whilst some of the additions over the coming weeks could prove to be replacements for highly sought-after duo Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha, the Whites are certainly getting their ranks in order in a timely fashion.

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Now, it appears as though the Elland Road hierarchy have pinpointed their next target in the shape of 27-year-old Porto star Otavio…

The latest: Bid made

As per Record, transcribed by SW, Leeds have seen a €30milion (£25million) offer to sign the seven-cap Portugal international turned down.

It’s claimed that there is an ‘indication’ that Porto would only sell Otavio should a €60million (£51million) release clause be met, having recently also cashed in on the move that saw Luis Diaz arrive at Liverpool.

The report states that Leeds are looking to add ‘reinforcements of weight’ after a disappointing 2021/22 campaign. They apparently view the man recently lauded for an ‘exciting’ standout display for Portugal against Turkey as a candidate to strengthen Marsch’s options.

The verdict: Not at that price

Predominantly operating as a right-winger, Otavio scored five times and provided 14 assists in 49 appearances across all competitions last season, earning an outstanding 7.48 Sofascore rating – the fourth highest in the Portuguese top-flight – whilst winning 7.4 duels, making 2.3 key passes and successfully completing 1.1 dribbles on average per league outing to showcase a well-rounded game.

However, despite this eye-catching form and excellent versatility which has seen the Portuguese ace operate in numerous positions across the midfield and frontline, spending the mooted £51million release clause on this deal would be a huge gamble from Leeds owner Andrea Radrizzani.

Albeit the Whites will recoup a major profit on Raphinha should the Brazilian eventually leave, we feel that money can be reinvested in smarter ways than spending big on Otavio, despite the midfielder’s obvious talents.

An update has emerged on Rangers and their interest in bringing another striker to Ibrox in the summer transfer window… 

What’s the talk?

According to The Express, Rangers are considering a swoop to sign striker Ellis Simms on a permanent deal ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

The report claims that Middlesbrough will challenge the Gers in a battle to land his services as he looks set for an exit from Goodison Park.

It remains to be seen how a swoop for Antonio Colak, who is reportedly closing in on a move to Ibrox, will affect their interest in the Everton man.

Kemar Roofe upgrade

The gem, who is reportedly valued at £500k, could come in as an upgrade on Jamaica international Kemar Roofe this summer.

In 72 games for Rangers, the former Leeds man has scored an impressive 34 goals in all competitions, which does not appear to be an issue on paper.

However, he has struggled in Europe, averaging a dismal SofaScore rating of 6.61 in the Europa League last season as he scored twice in nine games. This came after he averaged a score of 6.39 in the competition in 2020/21, scoring two times in seven outings.

Roofe turns 30 in January of next year and it remains to be seen whether or not he has any development left to go through as he heads into the latter stages of his career.

This means that the Gers could land an upgrade on him by signing a player with a similar scoring record but with plenty of room to grow – Simms.

Toffees reporter Chris Smith also dubbed him a “clinical finisher” and this is backed up by his outstanding record for the club’s youth teams. He scored a sensational 58 goals in 83 games for the club at U18 and U23 level combined, showing that he has the quality to score goals on a regular basis.

The predator has carried his form over to senior level with 15 goals in 30 starts on loan at Blackpool and Hearts combined, showing that he can score at a similar rate to the Gers man.

At the age of 21, he also has many, many, years left ahead of him to develop and can become the go-to man for goals in Europe that Roofe has been unable to be, if he is able to adjust to life in Scotland and continue his goalscoring form.

Therefore, he has the potential to become an upgrade on the current Light Blues striker and is worth a gamble on at £500k.

AND in other news, Rangers can land Jack 2.0 by signing £20m gem who “dominates”, he’s “one of the best”…

Wolves were rather ineffective in front of goal throughout their previous Premier League season.

Having scored just 38 goals in the top-flight campaign, only the three relegated clubs found the net on fewer occasions than the Old Gold.

Now that their goal-resistant season has finally come to an end, the summer transfer window will give Bruno Lage the chance to make whatever changes to his squad that he sees fit.

For Wolves fans, that would presumably entail seeing some new players come in who can add a much-needed attacking spark to the team.

With that in mind, one player with whom the Midlands club have been linked and who could fit this bill is Keane Lewis-Potter.

A product of Hull City’s youth system, the 21-year-old has already made 121 senior appearances for the Tigers, in which he has scored 30 goals and deliver 12 assists along the way. His latest campaign saw the winger find the net 12 times and deliver four assists in 45 Championship appearances.

To further highlight his attacking prowess, the Englishman had 103 shots at goal in the league last season, which is more than twice the number that any of his team-mates managed.

Having played across numerous positions for Hull, this sort of versatility combined with a clear knack of being an attacking nuisance for opposition teams could make him an ideal prospective addition to Lage’s ranks.

Labelled a “special talent” by his former Tigers boss Grant McCann, Lewis-Potter reportedly has a price tag of £18m.

Should the Old Gold secure a deal for the youngster this summer, this could replicate the same sort of move that West Ham United pulled off when they signed one of Hull’s attacking talents in the shape of Jarrod Bowen in January 2020.

Having scored 54 goals in 131 appearances for the Tigers, the 25-year-old has now found the net 27 times in 102 appearances for the Hammers, with 18 of those coming in a magnificent 2021/22 campaign.

Now that Wolves have the chance to land what could be their own version of the England winger, securing a deal for Lewis-Potter should be one of their top priorities before the new season kicks off. Hopefully the 21-year-old has what it takes to follow in Bowen’s footsteps and become a deadly Premier League figure at Molineux.

In other news: Mendes could deliver transfer masterclass as Wolves eye move for 173-goal “animal”

Aston Villa aren’t looking at Sonny Perkins as a potential striker signing, Express & Star journalist Matt Maher says. 

The lowdown

Fabrizio Romano reported on Thursday afternoon that Villa had opened talks over a deal for the West Ham United youngster.

Both Steven Gerrard’s side and Jesse Marsch’s Leeds ‘want to sign him’, he wrote on Twitter.

Perkins, 18, has only made three appearances for the Irons’ first team up to this point, clocking 99 Europa League minutes in substitute outings against Rapid Vienna and Dinamo Zagreb before a late Premier League run-out against Leeds in January.

According to Carlton Cole, he’s only recently adopted a striker role, having previously been used in a variety of positions, including centre-back.

The latest

Maher has been ‘told’ that Perkins ‘isn’t a target’ for this summer’s transfer window.

However, he does stress that ‘it’s possible AVFC could strengthen up front’ with an alternative addition.

The verdict

Villa may not be sold on Perkins just yet. Though he does have a strong record at youth level – with 10 goals in 20 Premier League 2 games – and has the endorsement of Cole, who called him ‘top class’, he’s barely played any senior football.

Were he available on a free transfer, their stance might be different, but a source at the London Stadium has insisted that he’s actually under contract for a year longer than initially thought.

Besides, Gerrard knows he already has another bright no. 9 on his books in the form of Cameron Archer, who’s made the step-up to senior level on loan at Preston and thrived, scoring seven times.

In other news, this Midlands reporter drops a triple exit claim.

Leeds United have fallen behind in the race to sign Liverpool forward Takumi Minamino, according to a report from The Times. 

The lowdown: Leeds interested in Minamino

The Whites have been heavily linked with a move for Minamino for some time now, and recently the interest surfaced once again as a report from This Is Anfield claimed that Liverpool were willing to listen to offers of around £17m for the Japan international.

Having successfully worked under the stewardship of Jesse Marsch at Red Bull Salzburg previously, the 27-year-old attacker was viewed as a genuine candidate to arrive at Elland Road to strengthen the ranks.

However, the Yorkshire club appear to have slipped down the list of potential destinations for Minamino as one competitor receives a timely cash injection…

The latest: Monaco lead Minamino race

As per The Times, AS Monaco have swept to the front of the race to sign the 41-cap ace ahead of Leeds, Wolves, Fulham and Southampton.

It’s claimed that Monaco are now ‘leading the chase’ to sign the man who directly contributed to 20 goals in just 22 outings under Marsch in Austria.

The Ligue 1 outfit are set to receive a massive fee in the region of €100m (£85m) for the sale of Aurelien Tchouameni from Real Madrid and would therefore have no problem reaching the asking price for Minamino, who was hailed by James Pearce for a ‘clinical’ finish against Norwich City last season.

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The verdict: Don’t delay

With Monaco seemingly ready to act, Leeds cannot afford to wait for Raphinha to decide on his future before moving for a top target.

Despite being somewhat of an onlooker in the Premier League during 2021/22, Minamino scored 10 times and provided one assist in 24 appearances across all competitions, highlighting that aforementioned clinical nature whenever he is handed an opportunity.

Although there is no lure of European football on the table in Yorkshire, the prospect of reuniting with Marsch should excite the versatile Japanese star, and as such, Victor Orta and Andrea Radrizzani must be going all-out to try and make this deal happen.

In other news: Leeds now won’t sign ‘superb’ midfielder despite Phil Hay revealing talks

According to a fresh report out of France, a big Tottenham Hotspur transfer update has come to light involving in-form Rennes striker Martin Terrier.

The Lowdown: Striker on the cards?

Lilywhites manager Antonio Conte has reportedly earmarked the signing of a striker as one of six transfer targets for the summer window, according to reports.

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Spurs have been linked with the likes of Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan) and Andrea Belotti (Torino) as club chief Fabio Paratici seemingly turns his head to Italy in search of fresh faces.

However, as per fresh reports from elsewhere, Ligue 1 could also be a fruitful source to back Conte with upgrades in the centre-forward position.

The Latest: Paratici makes offer…

According to Foot Mercato, the north-Londoners, and by extension their transfer director Paratici, have already made a ‘proposal’ to sign Terrier, who is currently enjoying a fine 2021/2022 campaign.

Currently at the ‘top of his game’, Rennes’ star has been nominated for the Ligue 1 Player of the Year award as Spurs now ‘like him a lot’.

The Premier League top-four chasers are apparently ‘very fond’ of Terrier and have been ‘seduced’ by his form with the forward blowing them away this season.

The Verdict: Get it done?

Scoring 21 goals in 36 league appearances, it is little wonder Tottenham are enticed and have made a pre-summer move.

Valued at £14.4 million by Transfermarkt, he could also come as a slightly cheaper option to the likes of Inter star Martinez to provide Harry Kane with some competition.

That being said, it remains to be seen whether Rennes charge more for their pivotal attacker given he is under contract there until 2o25.

In other news: ‘I’ve heard…’ – Sky Sports reporter hints £64m ‘nightmare’ could be open to joining Spurs! Find out more here.

Manchester United made ‘last-minute’ enquiries over potential striker signings as a Deadline-Day contingency plan, transfer insider Dean Jones has told GiveMeSport. 

The lowdown

The Red Devils have two centre-forwards at their disposal in the form of Cristiano Ronaldo and Anthony Martial.

The former pushed to leave Old Trafford during the summer transfer window in the hope of securing Champions League football, while the latter’s prospects at the club appeared bleak after he was loaned to Sevilla last season.

At least Erik ten Hag did manage to strengthen his frontline, with the £86m signing of right winger Antony confirmed on the final day of the transfer window.

The latest

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones said that United weren’t actively looking to sign another striker but did make contact over some potential options ‘just in case Ronaldo left’.

He stated: “They were happy with the Antony signing once they could announce that. Once it was clear that Ronaldo was staying, nobody was going to be coming in.

“Obviously, they made enquiries just in case Ronaldo left last minute, but none of that came to anything.”

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The verdict

United probably will need another striker next summer.

Even if he changes his mind about wanting to leave, Ronaldo will be 38 by the end of the season, leaving the Red Devils in need of a long-term successor.

There must also be doubts about Martial’s capacity to play in that role regularly after he was deemed surplus to requirements in the second half of last season, being loaned out to Sevilla.

Who might they be looking at as a successor to that duo?

One potential option is Napoli’s Victor Osimhen. Sky Sport Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg recently reported that the Nigerian has been placed ‘on the list’ because Old Trafford officials see ‘a lot of quality and development potential in him’.

It may be that the 23-year-old is their ‘top target’ in future windows, and having hit double figures in each of his last four league campaigns, he could be an astute option to bring in.