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The Chronicle journalist James Hunter has been left ‘pleased’ by the latest contract news he has seen from Sunderland.

The Lowdown: Gooch deal

As per the official website of the Stadium of Light outfit, Lynden Gooch has now signed a new two-year contract that will now keep him on Wearside until 2024, after it was due to expire this summer.

He is the longest-serving player at the club, and has now linked up with the rest of the squad for pre-season training.

The Latest: Hunter ‘pleased’

Taking to Twitter, Hunter was left ‘pleased’ by the news of Gooch’s contract, claiming that it is ‘excellent’ that he has signed on for another two years:

“New two-year deal for @LyndenGooch is excellent news. I’m pleased he’s staying – quality player and a top man, too.”

The Verdict: Relief

It will certainly come as a relief to the Black Cats supporters that Gooch has signed a new deal, especially given that there was reported interest from some of their Championship rivals for his signature.

The United States international was a mainstay in the side last term under Alex Neil, making six assists, which helped SAFC finally win promotion back up to the Championship from League One.

Nonetheless, he has shown his loyalty to the club over some of their most difficult years, and so it was only right that he is rewarded with a new deal for his efforts.

Tottenham Hotspur are interetsed in a deal to bring Piero Hincapie to the Premier League this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by German publication Kicker, who claim that Fabio Paratici is now plotting a €40m (£34m) offer for the Bayer 04 Leverkusen centre-back, while AC Milan are also reported to be keen on a move for the 20-year-old in the summer transfer window.

These claims have been backed up by Diario AS journalist Marcos Duran, who revealed in a recent post on Twitter that both the Premier League and Serie A clubs have made contact with Bayer regarding a deal for the Ecuador international.

In his tweet, Duran said: “As reported in Italy and Germany, both Milan and Tottenham were contacted by the Ecuadorian Piero Hincapie, the Bayer 04 player. Player and club in talks to improve the contract. He wants to play in the Champions League, but the market is just beginning.”

The left-footed Romero

Considering just how exciting a talent Hincapie is, in addition to the signing of a left-footed centre-back reported to be one of Antonio Conte’s priority targets in the summer transfer window, it is easy to see why Paratici is pursuing a deal for the South American sensation ahead of Tottenham’s 2022/23 campaign.

Indeed, following his €7.8m (£6.7m) move to the BayArena last summer, the £26m-rated defender highly impressed over his 27 Bundesliga appearances, helping his side keep two clean sheets, as well as making an average of 1.2 tackles, 1.2 interceptions, 2.0 clearances and winning 4.4 duels – at a success rate of 56% – per game.

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The centre-back who Rudi Voller dubbed “a ball winner, intelligent and technically gifted” also impressed going forwards, scoring one goal, registering two assists and creating four big chances for his teammates, in addition to completing an average of 32.4 passes, 1.5 long balls, 0.4 key passes and 0.6 dribbles per fixture.

Furthermore, according to FBref data, the £19k-per-week talent also ranks in the top 2% of centre-backs in Europe’s big five leagues for ariel duels won per 90, as well as the top 5% for interceptions, the top 6% for clearances, the top 16% for passes completed, the top 19% for passes attempted and the top 39% for dribbles completed over the last 365 days.

These metrics would appear to back up Tim Vickery’s claim that Hincapie is something of a perfect fit for the left of a back three, with the South American football expert stating in an interview with Sky Sports News earlier this year:

“He’s first-choice for Ecuador. He’s a left-sided centre-back. He has a nice left foot. Brings the ball out of defence very well. Making it interesting perhaps for a back three formation. If you are going to play a three, then two of those must be able to bring the ball out of defence.

“He moved already from Ecuador to Argentina and he had a good season in Argentina. He’s done very, very well in the Bundesliga as well… I have been very, very impressed by his progress.”

As such, it is clear to see that the 20-year-old who Jacek Kulig dubbed a “complete, elegant and dominant” defender is very much a player in the mould of Tottenham’s own Cristian Romero – the Argentina international known for his exceptional reading of the game, his ability to launch counter-attacks with progressive passes and his composure when bringing the ball out from the back.

So, should Paratici go on to seal a deal for Hincapie this summer, it would seem as if the sporting director could well have landed a left-footed version of Romero, not to mention a talent who ticks almost every box for Conte’s left-sided centre-back – a prospect that is sure to delight both the Italian manager and Spurs supporters alike.

AND in other news: “Agreement should…”: Journo reveals big Spurs transfer update, Conte will be buzzing

Former Scotland defender Alan Hutton has delivered his verdict on the transfer situation surrounding Celtic ace Josip Juranovic. 

The lowdown: Instant impact

Signed from Legia Warsaw for £2.5m (Sky Sports), the Croatia right-back has been nothing short of sensational since arriving at Parkhead.

The 26-year-old was one of numerous new signings last summer as Ange Postecoglou built a squad to try and dethrone Rangers at the top of the Premiership, playing a major role whilst making 26 league appearances as the Bhoys reclaimed their crown as Scottish champions.

After a stellar campaign in Glasgow, Spanish giants Atletico Madrid are reportedly keen on acquiring Juranovic’s services, a prospect that one pundit can foresee becoming a reality this summer…

The latest: Hutton on Juranovic

Speaking to Football Insider, Hutton has claimed that both Old Firm clubs would find offers of around £10m for their prized assets difficult to resist.

The BBC Sport contributor said of Juranovic and Celtic: “Ultimately I don’t think they’ll want to sell him. I think he’s one year into a five year contract. He’s had an excellent first year, he’s very versatile and he fits into the Ange Postecoglou way so ultimately they won’t want to sell him.

“But, if Atletico Madrid come in for you and they put £10million on the table, I think it’s a figure that a team like Rangers or Celtic can’t turn down.

“So it’s going to come down to the fee. What that’ll be I don’t know but he has had an outstanding season.”

The verdict: Not enough

Holding a market value of £6.3m and just 20% of the way into a five-year deal at Parkhead (Transfermarkt), Celtic could and should be demanding offers of at least their reported £15m asking price for the 20-cap Croatia international.

Furthermore, unlike in previous campaigns, the Hoops can now offer Champions League football to the likes of the man branded ‘different class’ by Celtic podcast host Ryan Clifford. That proposition that had been off the table in the past and perhaps lured star names away or prevented potential signings from materialising.

Capable of playing on either side as a full-back, the energetic Croatian won three duels, made 1.5 clearances and completed 1.3 key passes per game in the Scottish top-flight during 2021/22, showcasing his attacking and defensive acumen in both halves of the pitch (Sofascore).

Having already bolstered the squad with the permanent double swoop of Jota and Cameron Carter-Vickers, along adding Alexandro Bernabei and Benjamin Siegrist to the Lennoxtown ranks, the Parkhead hierarchy should be doing everything in their power to further back Postecoglou. They must resist any temptation to cash in on Juranovic, who ended the 2021/22 season with the eighth-highest average Sofascore rating among the squad at 7.21.

Sacha Tavolieri has dropped an update on reported Leeds United transfer target Charles De Ketelaere.

What’s the talk?

In a recent interview with CMIT TV (via Sport Witness), the Italian journalist revealed that, despite Leeds having submitted a €30m (£26m) offer for the Club Brugge attacking midfielder – a bid the Whites believe AC Milan will be unable to match – the 21-year-old would much prefer a move to the San Siro ahead of one to Elland Road this summer.

Speaking about the interest in the Belgium international, Tavolieri said: “Now De Ketelaere’s choice is clear: he wants to go to Milan. De Ketelaere doesn’t want to go to Leeds; he wants to play the Champions League with Milan.

“We can say that €25m (£21m), bonuses, a percentage on resale, the player’s pressing, and De Ketelaere goes to Milan. De Ketelaere no longer wants to play on the right or left; he wants to be in the centre of the game.”

Orta will be livid

Considering the fact that Leeds appear to be more than capable of outbidding Milan in the race for De Ketelaere’s signature, coupled with just how promising a talent the forward-thinking midfielder undoubtedly is, Tavolieri’s claim that the 21-year-old is not in favour of a move to the Premier League this summer is sure to have left Victor Orta livid.

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Indeed, the £27m-rated Belgian is one of the most exciting young talents in European football at present, having scored 14 goals and registered eights assists over his ten appearances in the Champions League, the Beker van Belgie and the Belgian Supercup.

So promising a player is the Brugge starlet that he has already been dubbed the next Manchester City and Belgium legend, Kevin De Bruyne, while Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig also described the £17k-per-week forwards’s traits as the following: “Strong, excellent technique, creative, versatile, high work rate. Complete package. Lovely player to watch.”

As such, should Leeds indeed miss out on a move for the 21-year-old to Milan this summer, it would certainly come as a gutting blow to Orta, Jesse Marsch and supporters of the Whites alike – as it is clear that De Ketelaere is destined for great things in the professional game.

AND in other news: Victor Orta can seal “unreal” signing with Leeds bid for “outstanding” £30k-p/w target

A huge update has emerged on Glasgow Rangers winger Ryan Kent and his future at Ibrox under Giovanni van Bronckhorst beyond the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

Scottish journalist Fraser Fletcher, formerly of The BBC, has revealed that Rangers are closing in on a contract extension for the winger.

The reporter has confirmed that the forward will be putting pen to paper on an extension at the Gers and that it will be announced this month.

He told Ibrox News: “You could be looking into next week, perhaps before then, but it’s coming close now for a few of those deals to be done, and Rangers fans should be excited by that.

“Rangers don’t want to lose all their best assets, of course they don’t, that’s absolutely just not the way to do things.

“Ryan Kent, I know for a fact, loves it. He loves it at Rangers, so it’s just no surprise at all that Ryan Kent’s signing an extension. He absolutely loves it. So you should expect them quite quickly.

“Rangers are happy but all contract negotiations that are happening right now in terms of players in the last year, you’re going to hear quite imminently.”

Supporters will be ecstatic

This claim will surely leave supporters ecstatic as keeping hold of the attacker would be a huge boost to Gio van Bronckhorst’s side.

Kent signing a new contract would be a big deal as it would eliminate the potential of him being able to leave on a free transfer in 2023 and it would show that he is committed to staying at the club.

The attacker has proven himself to be a key player for the Light Blues in recent years as he has showcased his ability in the final third. In the 2021/22 campaign, he scored three goals and provided a whopping 20 assists in all competitions – showing that he can contribute in the final third on a regular basis.

This came after he scored 13 goals and set up 15 in the previous season under Steven Gerrard. He has, therefore, proven himself over multiple years and this is why he is such an important player for the club.

Kent is a player van Bronckhorst can rely on to provide quality at the top end of the pitch and supporters will now be ecstatic with Fletcher’s claim that he is going to sign an extension.

The fans can now stop worrying about the prospect of him leaving in this window, on a pre-contract in January, or next summer for nothing.

AND in other news, Rangers “confident” of sealing deal for £6m maestro, he could be GvB’s own De Bruyne…

Former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan has thanked Raphinha for his role in helping the Whites to retain their Premier League status for the upcoming season. 

The lowdown: Pastures new

Signed in October 2020 from Ligue 1 outfit Rennes, the talented Brazilian recently completed a £55m switch to Barcelona (BBC), the most lucrative player sale in Elland Road history.

The 25-year-old directly contributed to 29 goals in 67 outings during his time at Leeds and was a key figure as Jesse Marsch’s side avoided relegation on the final day, scoring in the 2-1 victory over Brentford to ensure top-flight safety.

Despite moving on so soon after having played an integral role in the Whites’ cause, one heavily invested figure has lauded Raphinha for his time at Elland Road…

The latest: Whelan praises Raphinha

Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan – who works as a club ambassador/employee for Leeds – heralded the impact of the nine-cap Brazil star, who he believes will forever remain a fan favourite at Elland Road.

The 47-year-old said of Raphinha: “He gave everything to keep Leeds United in the Premier League. Even if he knew that if we went down, the fee would have been a lot more acceptable and affordable for Barcelona.

“I think he proved to everyone his commitment to Leeds United. He was a massive, pivotal part of us staying up. For that, I think he’ll always be welcomed by the fans and by the football club for that honesty and leaving everything out there on the field.

“It was a great pleasure to watch him, even if it was for such a small amount of time. He can leave now with his head held high.”

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The verdict: Raphinha has been ‘phenomenal’

While it’s never nice to lose such a key part of the squad (Raphinha was Leeds’ highest-rated first-team regular last season by WhoScored), fending off the advances of Barcelona with all the lure and lustre of the Catalan giants was always going to prove difficult for Leeds and the Brazilian.

Ultimately, despite the debt-ridden La Liga club struggling to make their finances work, Victor Orta and Andrea Radrizanni managed to recoup a healthy sum up front for the balletic 25-year-old, who was recently dubbed ‘phenomenal’ by Tim Sherwood.

Last season, Raphinha scored 11 times and provided three assists in 35 Premier League outings, earning a superb 6.97 Sofascore rating. He won 5.2 duels, made 1.9 key passes and completed 1.8 successful dribbles per game to showcase a penchant for the spectacular which was apparent throughout his time in Yorkshire.

There is no doubt that the skillset and output of the versatile attacker will be sorely missed, but Marsch has already proven to be an astute operator in the transfer market, and there remains optimism that the 2022/23 season can be a positive one at Elland Road.

Italian journalist Loris Marinelli has made quite an exciting West Ham United transfer claim involving Sassuolo striker Gianluca Scamacca and Eintracht Frankfurt star Filip Kostic.

The Lowdown: West Ham enter transfer talks…

As reliably reported, the Premier League club have their sights set on the duo as they look to bolster both their forward line and their defensive options.

West Ham are apparently in talks for Scamacca and Kostic simultaneously, as backed by reliable transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano.

It has also since been confirmed by Sassuolo CEO Giovanni Carnevali that there is an Irons agreement in place for the former, but while the Italian’s signing seems more than likely, things are bit more uncertain around Kostic.

The Latest: Marinelli makes double transfer claim…

However, in an exciting update, Marinelli has claimed that both transfer targets ‘will arrive’ at the London Stadium.

Sharing what he knows, the journalist – as seen on La Gazzetta dello Sport and Sport Italia TV – claims that West Ham will sign Scamacca and Kostic for a combined fee of €60m (£51m).

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He explained (via Twitter, translated from Italian): “Two hits in one hit for the #WestHam. #Kostic and #Scamacca will arrive for a figure around €60m.”

The Verdict: Huge few days ahead?

If this claim comes to fruition, it’s safe to say this could be an exciting next few days for West Ham on the transfer front.

Scamacca netted 16 goals in 25 Serie A starts last season and could add real dynamism up front, while Kostic, who bagged a brilliant 15 assists in all competitions over 2021/22 as he helped Eintracht Frankfurt to Europa League glory, will be there to supply him.

With David Moyes’ Irons battling on four fronts again this term, any additions to pad out squad depth will surely be greatly appreciated by the London Stadium faithful.

Journalist Rosario Dello Iavoco has now shared a potentially promising West Ham United transfer update as the club eye a move for Napoli midfielder Piotr Zielinski.

The Lowdown: West Ham talks held…

The 28-year-old, according to recent reports, is a player firmly on the agenda of West Ham and manager David Moyes with reliable club insider ExWHUemployee backing that negotiations have been held.

Zielinski is thought to be a real target for the east Londoners as they aim to further upgrade their squad in key areas and keep chase with the Premier League’s biggest sides.

West Ham have already added defender Nayef Aguerd, midfielder Flynn Downes, goalkeeper Alphonse Areola and striker Gianluca Scamacca to their ranks ahead of the 2022/2023 season but Zielinski could well join them depending on developments.

The Latest: Journalist shares promising Zielinski update…

Now, as per journalist Dello Iavoco (via Area Napoli), there’s been a potentially promising update on talks between Napoli and West Ham.

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Indeed, according to the reporter, the Serie A side and Irons have found an ‘agreement’ over Zielinski.

Dello Iavoco explained:

“Between Naples and West Ham I understand that an agreement has been reached for Zielinski for about 30 million pounds, which is equal to 35.63 million of euros, more than the bonuses that I do not know at the moment.” 

However, while both clubs have found common ground over the fee, it is claimed that personal terms are yet to be resolved.

The Verdict: Big few weeks…

The return of English top flight football is no longer far away and these next few weeks may well be crucial in determining whether West Ham can keep competing with the very best.

Landing their key targets will be a major factor in this and Napoli’s £106,000-per-week star could seriously upgrade Moyes’ midfield options, especially considering he’s even been likened to Man City star Kevin De Bruyne.

Nottingham Forest are reportedly not set to make a move for Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White, despite their recent links with the player.

What’s the word?

As per journalist Matt Davies in a Q&A for Nottinghamshire Post, a deal to sign the 22-year-old now appears unlikely, with the Englishman’s reported £30m asking price seemingly set to prove too high for the Reds.

Asked whether the playmaker will make the move to the City Ground this summer, the Forest correspondent stated: “I’m not sure he will now. Ask me a week ago and I was very confident but the injury to Raul Jimenez is a real problem. Speaking to people over the summer, MGW would be happy to come to Forest, but Wolves want a huge price to fund other moves.

“They really need a striker now, but Bruno Lage is a big fan of MGW. Will Wolves sell another attacking option when their main striker is out early on. Not sure? Jimenez says he’ll only miss a couple of games, but it’s also been reported he’ll miss 8.

“Forest might have to wait till late in the window and then test Wolves with a bid. Every player has a price, but also a price limit and £30m is a lot! Not sure you can go that high.”

Previous reports have suggested that Steve Cooper and co were interested in Gibbs-White, although other reports have claimed that the Stafford-born gem is keen to remain at Molinuex this season.

Cooper will be gutted

That news will serve as a notable blow to those of a Forest persuasion, with the club’s promotion-winning coach in particular likely to be gutted at not being able to add such a promising talent to his ranks before the September 1st deadline.

The Welshman has already overseen 12 new arrivals in the transfer window thus far, albeit with further acquisitions needed having seen a host of last season’s loanees return to their parent clubs.

In Gibbs-White, the 42-year-old would have been able to secure the addition of not only a familiar face – having coached the youngster at England under-17 level and at Swansea City – but also a versatile asset, with the £9.9m-rated ace comfortable all across the midfield and the forward line.

Although the explosive menace is yet to truly nail down a regular role for the Old Gold, having made just ten starts from his 46 Premier League outings so far for the club, his form on loan at Sheffield United last term showcased just what a huge talent he is.

In 35 Championship appearances for the Blades during the 2021/22 season, the 5 foot 10 speedster recorded a haul of 11 goals and nine assists, while also creating 16 big chances in total and averaging 1.6 key passes per game, showcasing his creativity and his potent threat in the final third.

That sparkling form saw him prove “instrumental” for the Bramall Lane outfit, in the words of former team-mate Billy Sharp, while he has also previously been dubbed a “sensation” by journalist Mike McGrath.

A fresh start now appears to be on the cards for Gibbs-White at his parent club following that string of eye-catching displays in the Championship, with Cooper likely to be frustrated at having to come up against him in 2022/23 rather than having the player as a part of his squad.

Journalists Jordan Campbell and Bill Young hailed the performance of Malik Tillman for Glasgow Rangers in their Scottish Premiership game this afternoon.

The Lowdown: Home debut

Tillman made his home debut at Ibrox after arriving on loan from Bayern Munich this summer.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst gave him 45 minutes from the bench in the 2-1 win away at Livingston last week, but decided to hand him the start against Kilmarnock.

The Latest: High praise

Tillman received a lot of praise for his performance this afternoon, in particular from The Athletic’s Gers writer Jordan Campbell and Scottish football journalist Bill Young.

Campbell hailed him as ‘outstanding’ and praised his movement, while Young called him ‘exceptional’.

The Verdict: Impressive

Tillman was particularly impressive in the 2-0 win against Kilmarnock, and was one of the standout players in the Teddy Bears team.

The 20-year-old won seven of his duels, and completed all four of his dribble attempts (SofaScore).

He also made three key passes and achieved an 81% pass accuracy, doing his defensive work as well with two tackles and one interception recorded (SofaScore).

Of course, it is very early in his Light Blues career, but Tillman does look a player, and Van Bronckhorst now has a decision to make over whether to keep him in the starting line-up with the second leg of their UEFA Champions League qualifier coming up.