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Manchester United will again loan out midfielder James Garner to Nottingham Forest next season, according to journalist Jacque Talbot.

The Lowdown: Garner excels at Forest

The 21-year-old joined Forest on a temporary basis last season, with United seeing it as beneficial to his development in terms of earning more regular minutes.

Garner was a revelation at the City Ground, proving vital to Steve Cooper’s side earning promotion to the Premier League, scoring four goals and registering eight assists in the Championship.

While the midfielder could return to Old Trafford for good this summer, it looks as though that won’t be the case.

The Latest: Garner going back to Forest

Taking to Twitter in sharing his report for Football Transfers, Talbot claimed that Garner would instead return for another season-long loan spell at Forest in 2022/23, amid reported transfer interest from other clubs.

He tweeted:

“Exc: Told Manchester United will fend off interest for James Garner as they wish to keep him permanently – but he will be loaned back to Nottingham Forest. Don’t think Everton or Leeds have a chance at this point.”

The Verdict: Great news for Forest

This is a massive boost for Forest, with Garner’s technical ability in the middle of the park proving to be influential last season.

Only three players registered more goal contributions for the Reds in their promotion campaign, while the 21-year-old led the way for key passes (two) and crosses (1.6) per game, as per WhoScored.

While they might not be getting the youngster on a permanent deal, this would be the next best thing, with Cooper no doubt delighted to retain the youngster’s services.

This boost is especially needed after negative reports surrounding the likes of Brice Samba and Djed Spence, both of whom may not be at Forest next season.

In other news, Forest have been dealt a transfer blow. Read more here.

Phil Hay has dropped an update on the future of Leeds United transfer target Rasmus Kristensen.

What’s the talk?

In a recent post on Twitter, The Athletic journalist revealed that, following numerous reports claiming that a deal for the Red Bull Salzburg right-back was all but done, the 24-year-old is now travelling to Leeds in order to complete a medical – with the Denmark international expected to officially become Victor Orta’s second summer signing by Wednesday evening.

Hay went on to state that the full-back looks set to put pen to paper on a five-year deal at Elland Road, with his transfer fee believed to be in the region of £10m.

In his tweet, the journalist said: “Assuming his medical goes to plan today, Rasmus Kristensen will be a Leeds United player by the close of play. Five-year contract, fee in the region of £10m.”

When asked whether his medical take place on international duty with Denmark, Hay added: “No, travelling to Leeds. Denmark have a day off today, has been given permission to come here.”

Supporters will be elated

Considering just how exciting a talent Kristensen evidently is, Hay’s update suggesting that the right-back looks set to become the Whites’ second signing of the summer is sure to have left the Elland Road faithful elated.

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Indeed, over his 29 Austrian Bundesliga appearances in 2021/22, the £13.5m-rated full-back was in breathtaking form for Matthias Jaissle’s side, scoring seven goals, registering four assists and creating seven big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 1.4 shots, making 1.2 key passes and completing 1.3 dribbles per game.

The £14k-per-week full-back also impressed in metrics more typical of his position, helping Salzburg keep 13 clean sheets, in addition to making an average of 1.3 tackles, 1.1 interceptions, 1.4 clearances and winning 5.7 duels – at a success rate of 60% – per fixture.

These metrics saw the 24-year-old average a quite astonishing SofaScore match rating of 7.31, not only ranking him as RB’s second-best performer in the league but also as the fourth-best player in the Bundesliga as a whole.

As such, with both Stuart Dallas and Luke Ayling facing lengthy spells on the sidelines due to injury, and with Kristensen very much looking to be a remarkable piece of business for just £10m, Hay’s update that Orta is now extremely close to completing the signing of the Dane is undoubtedly fantastic news for Jesse Marsch and supporters of the club alike.

AND in other news: “They’re tempted…”: Phil Hay drops big Leeds transfer hint that supporters will love

Southampton striker Shane Long is reportedly being watched by his former side Reading ahead of the upcoming transfer window.

The Lowdown: Long set to become free agent

The 35-year-old veteran first joined the Premier League side from Hull City back in 2014 for a fee believed to be in the region of £12m, where he’s since gone on to make 244 appearances for the south coast outfit during his eight-year spell at the club.

Despite his long-term service though, the forward’s current contract with the Saints is set to expire at the end of the month, making him a free agent to any clubs interested, and it would appear that a familiar suitor has emerged.

The Latest: Reading monitoring Long’s situation

In a new article published by Berkshire Live, it’s claimed that Paul Ince’s Reading are ‘monitoring’ their former player’s situation at Southampton ahead of making a ‘potential move’ for Long in time for the new season.

The sources further states that the Irishman is ‘expected to leave’ Ralph Hasenhuttl’s squad following the conclusion of his deal, with him now having to weigh up what will likely be the ‘final move’ of his career before hanging up his boots for good.

Due to the Championship side’s financial transfer problems, they are currently only able to sign free agents or loan players this summer, and can offer them no more than a one-year contract.

The Verdict: A Royal reunion?

Long has significantly dropped down the pecking order under the Austrian boss, having made just 13 top-flight outings this season, netting one goal during that time, as per Transfermarkt.

The 88-cap international, who was once hailed for being an “incredibly talented” player by his former teammate Charlie Austin, enjoyed a hugely successful previous spell with the second tier outfit, recording 82 goal contributions over six years.

A former Reading fan favourite, it now looks highly unlikely that Long will be staying at Southampton beyond the summer, and if this interest is serious, we could be seeing a Royal reunion in weeks to come.

In other news… it’s been reported that the Saints have given the green light for one of their players to leave on loan during the upcoming window.

Leeds United and Newcastle are both keen on signing Burnley defender Nathan Collins this summer, Football Insider report.

The Lowdown: Whites working on second signing

Andrea Radrizzani, the 49ers Enterprises and Victor Orta have already made their first marquee signing under Jesse Marsch, with Brenden Aaronson penning a five-year deal on Thursday.

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Aaronson has cost in the region of £25m and is the club’s first permanent senior midfield signing since Adam Forshaw back in 2018.

The Whites are now working on sealing a second signing ‘in the next few weeks’, according to Graham Smyth, and it appears as if Collins is on the radar at Elland Road.

The Latest: Collins interest

According to FI, both Leeds and Newcastle are plotting moves for Collins following Burnley’s relegation to the Championship.

Whites chiefs view the 21-year-old as a player with ‘huge’ potential after he made 22 appearances last season following a £12m move from Stoke City.

The Verdict: Needed?

You could argue that centre-back is an area where Leeds are well-stocked at this moment in time, so bolstering other areas of the squad could be wise before looking at a move for Collins.

Marsch has five centre-back options and is also able to call upon Luke Ayling for cover if required. The Leeds boss is still fairly light at full-back, in midfield and in attack, so perhaps looking to strengthen those areas first could be a shrewd move.

However, it appears as if they are now keen on Collins, so this could be one to watch closely over the coming weeks as Leeds look to get a head start on their summer business.

In other news: Phillips partner: Leeds now want ‘extraordinary’ int’l for free; Orta’s already spoke with agent

West Bromwich Albion are setting up for a big summer transfer window in the Championship with Steve Bruce keen to improve the squad and now reportedly a new transfer target has been approached.

What’s the latest?

According to Football Insider, a West Brom source has told them that the club have approached Aston Villa with the view to sign Conor Hourihane.

The report suggests that Hourihane is not expected to sign a new deal with the Villains and now the Baggies have registered their interest in the player ahead of the transfer window.

Bruce loves him

The Albion manager and the Villa midfielder are no strangers to each other, as Bruce was the manager at Villa Park when Hourihane joined back in 2017, so it’s clear that the manager loves him and would like to add his qualities to his current squad at The Hawthorns.

Hourihane scored a hattrick against Norwich City when the former Villa boss gave him his chance in the team five years ago, and Bruce was full of praise for the player:

“I’m delighted for Conor.

“It is not often a midfield player gets a hat-trick. He was terrific.”

Since working with Bruce, the 31-year-old has been on loan at Swansea and more recently played his part in Sheffield United’s promotion challenge in the play-offs.

This season the £42k-per-week ace who was hailed “impressive” by Steve Cooper has scored one goal and contributed four assists, creating six big chances, making 1.3 key passes on average per game whilst being successful in the large majority of his dribbles (82%) and winning most of his aerial and ground duels (61%) in the Championship.

Hourihane who has been dubbed a “lucky charm” for his team by journalist Matt Law, has offered consistency and creativity for Sheffield United which has obviously caught the eye of the Albion boss with a reunion between the pair is looking possible if the reports are to be believed.

Ultimately, Bruce must recruit the right players who can offer leadership and qualities that can push West Brom back into the right direction next season so that they can push for promotion back into the Premier League sooner rather than later.

AND in other news: Steve Madeley: WBA eye move for “unbelievable” 18 G/A gem, he’s a big Diangana upgrade

Leeds United centre-forward Patrick Bamford is attracting increasing interest ahead of the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by the Daily Mail, who claim that, should the Whites go on to suffer relegation from the Premier League on Sunday, Newcastle United could make a move for the 28-year-old striker in the off-season.

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The report goes on to state that a new centre-forward is Eddie Howe’s priority in the summer transfer window, with it being claimed that the Magpies have a transfer budget of around £60m plus player sales to work with in their hunt for a new frontman.

Unforgivable decision

While Leeds are by no means considering the prospect of playing Championship football next season just yet, should the Whites fail to secure their Premier League status against Brentford on Sunday, the argument that selling Bamford would be an unforgivable decision by Andrea Radrizzani is an easy one to make.

Indeed, the £18m-rated forward proved influential in helping the Whites secure a return to the top flight over his 45 Championship appearances back in 2019/20, scoring 16 goals, registering two assists and creating six big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 3.2 shots and making 0.5 key passes per game.

The £74k-per-week striker then undoubtedly proved his Premier League quality over 38 outings last season, bagging 17 goals, providing seven assists and creating five big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 2.8 shots and making 0.8 key passes per game.

These returns saw the England international average an extremely impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.01, ranking him as Marcelo Bielsa’s seventh-best player in the top-flight – with the 28-year-old playing a key role in Leeds securing a top-half finish in the league.

And, with injury having seen the Nottingham Forest academy graduate miss the vast majority of the current campaign, considering Leeds’ current record of 40 goals scored – 22 fewer than they managed last season – it is abundantly clear just how important a part of Jesse Marsch’s side Bamford is.

As such, whether Leeds survive or go down come the final whistle on Sunday, it is clear to see that cashing in on the centre-forward who Sam McGuire dubbed a “goal machine” would be a huge mistake by Radrizzani, as Bamford has proven that he can both fire the Whites up and lead his team to the higher reaches of the Premier League standings.

AND in other news: Leeds now handed handed huge boost ahead of Brentford, Jesse Marsch will be buzzing

Reliable transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has revealed the latest information regarding Liverpool striker Divock Origi’s future at Anfield.

What’s the story?

According to Romano, Origi has already told Liverpool he will depart this summer on a free transfer with AC Milan looking like his likely destination.

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The journalist tweeted: “AC Milan are working on final details to complete Divock Origi deal on a free transfer. Liverpool are aware of the negotiations between AC Milan and Origi agents, the contract proposal almost ready. Origi already informed Liverpool board that he’s gonna leave.”

The 27-year-old has played just six times in the Premier League for Jurgen Klopp’s side this term and will be targeting more frequent game time upon the expiry of his contract at Anfield.

Supporters will be gutted

Although he has often been a backup option during his tenure at the Merseyside outfit, Origi has contributed some famous performances and goals and will be remembered fondly by the Liverpool supporters.

The Belgian joined from Lille in 2014 but was instantly loaned back to the French club for the 2014/15 campaign before being slowly integrated by Jurgen Klopp.

Following another loan spell in the 2017/18 season at Wolfsburg, the striker returned and made a major impact, scoring some of Liverpool’s most famous goals in recent history.

A brace from the striker proved pivotal as the Reds overturned a 3-0 Champions League semi-final deficit against Barcelona to win 4-0 at Anfield and eventually win the trophy with the forward scoring in the final too.

Moreover, the 27-year-old has popped up with a couple of vital goals against Everton in the Merseyside Derby, with one recently.

In 174 appearances for the Reds, Origi has scored 41 times whilst also providing 18 assists, averaging at an impressive goal contribution every 117 minutes given that most of his football has come from the bench.

Despite a decent goal scoring record, the Belgian has constantly fallen victim to the club having an array of world-class attacking talent with the likes of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Luis Diaz, Roberto Firmino and Diogo Jota all above the striker in the attacking pecking order.

Supporters will be gutted that the scorer of some iconic Liverpool goals will be leaving but it will prove to be the best option for Origi with game time set to be limited at Anfield.

AND in other news: Liverpool must now brutally sell £85k-p/w dud who’s lost possession every 4.5 minutes

Wolverhampton Wanderers are open to selling their Mexican striker of four years, Raul Jimenez, this summer.

What’s the word?

That is according to a report from talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook, who has claimed that the Old Gold are open to offers for the 31-year-old and will consider selling him for as little as £15m – just under half of what they paid for the Mexican’s services back in 2019.

Having disappointed with his goal returns over the current season, it is said that there is a feeling amongst the Wolves hierarchy that the 31-year-old needs a change of scenery.

As per the report, Crook stated that the £100k-p/w Mexican would be open to a return to Spain, where he began his European journey with Atletico Madrid.

Jimenez out, Gibbs-White in?

Jimenez, who has scored six goals in the Premier League this season.

Whilst there is the argument that the Old Gold’s chance creation has been poor – having made just 37 big chances this season, the joint-fourth worst in the English top flight – that debate is quickly shut down with the Mexican’s squad-high tally of eight big chances missed.

When they needed him to be clinical, he has often failed to find the net, and with Lage’s recent switch in tactics catering to a counter-pressing approach, a more mobile forward would be better suited to the Old Gold.

A player who could step up to the plate, and would cost the Molineux outfit nothing in transfer fees, is their on-loan star Morgan Gibbs-White, who has set the Championship on fire this season in taking up a more offensive position as an attacking midfielder for Sheffield United. He has also played as a centre-forward six times, with four goals and two assists from that position.

Hailed as a “sensation” by The Telegraph reporter Mike McGrath, the £8.1m-rated Gibbs-White has proven himself as a goal poacher, having scored 11 times whilst chipping in with nine assists for a total of 20 goal contributions in 35 appearances for the Blades.

With Lage eager to involve the 22-year-old in Wolves’ pre-season plans this summer, it would be worth testing his potency as a striker, with his returns this season underlining his threat in front of goal.

In other news – Mendes links: Wolves now plot bid for “exciting” 20y/o wonderkid, Lage will love him 

Pundit Paul Robinson has been reacting to an injury scare for Leeds United captain Liam Cooper, MOT Leeds News report.

The Lowdown: Pope’s post

Cooper returned to action last month following a lengthy layoff with a hamstring problem he picked up back in December.

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The club captain helped the Whites concede just once in three games against Southampton, Watford and Crystal Palace and was set to start on Saturday against Elland Road.

However, Cooper was withdrawn just before kick-off, with Adam Pope revealing on Twitter that the defender suffered a knee problem that requires a scan.

The Latest: Robinson reacts

Robinson, who contributes for Sky Sports, was talking to MOT Leeds News regarding Cooper’s latest problem, shared by Pope.

He labelled it as a ‘big loss’, should the Scot miss any of the final four Premier League games with Leeds in serious danger of relegation.

“You only have to look at when Cooper’s come back into the team when he and Kalvin Phillips kept two clean sheets.

“It’s not just his performances that are good but his leadership qualities are as well both on and off the field.

“Robin Koch, Diego Llorente and Pascal Struijk all look better players when they play alongside Cooper just because of that.

“He’s got a good understanding of the game and when he doesn’t play, I think it’s more of a communication issue.

“It’ll be a big loss for Leeds if he’s out any longer.

“If it was a case of missing the Manchester City game and then playing the rest of the season or playing the Man City game and missing the season, they’ve made the right choice.

“You’d much rather him miss one and play the rest.”

The Verdict: Fingers crossed

Cooper has been Leeds’ best-rated defender this season, as per WhoScored, with Stuart Dallas next on the list.

As we know, Jesse Marsch will be without Dallas for the foreseeable future, so it would be a major blow if Cooper, who has made more interceptions than any Leeds player, were to also miss the run-in.

Hopefully, scans will show no long-term damage to Cooper’s knee and he’ll be able to return to the squad for the trip to the Emirates this weekend, where Marsch’s side need to pick up points or risk ending the weekend in the bottom three.

In other news: Radz, Orta and Marsch now want to bring ‘X-factor’ attacker to Leeds despite possible relegation

New Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag will be ‘monitoring’ the situation of Barcelona midfielder Frenkie De Jong ahead of the summer transfer window.

What’s the story?

That’s according to transfer insider Pete O’Rourke, who said to GIVEMESPORT: “I’m sure Ten Hag will be monitoring his situation.

“They’ve enjoyed success together in the past, and De Jong would be a big upgrade in that Man United midfield, if they were able to sign him.”

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The current Ajax boss coached De Jong before the midfielder’s move to the Catalan giants, and he could be keen to reunite with the 24-year-old at Old Trafford.

United need De Jong

Ten Hag is set to lead a major squad overhaul this summer, with the Dutchman having a serious rebuilding job ahead of him in Manchester.

The likes of Paul Pogba, Nemanja Matic, Juan Mata, Edinson Cavani and Jesse Lingard are all set to leave this summer upon the expiry of their contracts, whilst further outgoings is incredibly possible.

Therefore, adding new faces to the United squad is an absolute must for the 52-year-old, who will take charge of the Premier League giants from July.

With Pogba and Matic leaving, an entire restructuring of the midfield could be possible, with De Jong at the heart of it. As a result, Brazilian midfielder Fred could also be on his way out of Old Trafford.

The 29-year-old has been a regular this season under both Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick, making 33 appearances across all competitions. In fact, he scored the first goal under Rangnick’s management against Crystal Palace.

However, the Brazilian’s contract is set to expire next summer, and the Red Devils may be keen to receive funds for the midfielder before he can leave as a free agent.

As for De Jong, the £63m-rated Dutchman has been an integral part of Barcelona’s setup this season, making 43 appearances across all competitions, with Xavi Hernandez’s team sitting third in La Liga. Moreover, at just 24, he already has 40 caps for the Dutch national team, and he had made 89 appearances for Ajax by the age of 22.

The Netherland international, who has been dubbed a “genius” by his manager, has averaged a 7.08 rating from Sofascore for his performances in La Liga this term, compared to Fred’s 7.03 in the Premier League. Therefore, the former would likely supplant the Brazilian in United’s line-up.

Having performed excellently under Ten Hag in Amsterdam, coming to Old Trafford could certainly be a decent prospect for De Jong. Indeed, his prospective signing could spell the end of Fred’s much-maligned Manchester United tenure.

AND in other news: Man Utd handed setback in swoop for £60m “baller”, Ten Hag will be furious