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Wolverhampton Wanderers have ‘total agreement’ for the signing of Valencia forward Goncalo Guedes, according to The Telegraph journalist John Percy.

The Lowdown: Guedes impressed last term

Having joined the La Liga outfit on loan from Paris Saint-Germain in 2017 and then on a permanent £36m transfer in 2018, the Portugal international has made 177 appearances for Valencia, with 36 goals and 30 assists to his name at the Mestalla.

The 25-year-old made 36 league appearances last season, impressively scoring 11 goals and producing six assists for a team who finished ninth.

The Latest: Agreement reached

Percy has shared an update on Wolves’ pursuit of Guedes, revealing that agreement has been reached on a £27.5m swoop for the ‘long-term target’, with a medical due to take place on Monday.

Taking to Twitter on Sunday evening, the reliable journalist claimed: “#Wolves have now total agreement on a £27.5m deal to sign Valencia striker Gonçalo Guedes, who will have a medical on Monday. A long-term target for Bruno Lage. Personal terms all sorted #wwfc”

The Verdict: Fantastic

When looking at Guedes’ underlying statistics, it is easy to see why Bruno Lage is so keen on bringing the forward to Molineux this summer.

As per FBRef, compared with positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year, the 25-year-old ranked in the 95th percentile for progressive passes, the 94th percentile for dribbles completed and the 93rd percentile for progressive carries.

Guedes has previously been described as “fast, irreverent and unpredictable” by legendary Portuguese winger Luis Figo, so Wolves fans will surely be delighted that the 25-year-old appears to be on his way to the Black Country.

Newcastle United have reportedly ‘asked’ about the availability of Callum Hudson-Odoi, Conor Gallagher and Christian Pulisic.

The Lowdown: On the fringes

Hudson-Odoi, Gallagher and Pulisic all seem to be on the fringes of the Chelsea squad at the moment, with the latter two left on the bench in the 1-0 win away at Everton on the opening Premier League weekend, while Hudson-Odoi was not even in the squad (BBC).

The St. James’ Park outfit are looking to strengthen their attack in the final few weeks of the window after buffing up the defensive and goalkeeping ranks already, and have not ruled out loan moves.

The Latest: Talks held

Writing in a Q & A for The Athletic, journalist Chris Waugh has revealed that ‘discussions’ have been held over the possibilities of signing Hudson-Odoi, Gallagher and Pulisic.

The North East club have ‘asked’ Chelsea to keep them informed if the players will be made available on loan towards the end of the window, although it may be harder to sign Pulisic over the other two.

The Verdict: Exciting

The fact that the Tynesiders could sign even just one or two of Hudson-Odoi, Gallagher and Pulisic is exciting for the Toon Army.

They are all 23 years of age or younger, so have plenty of potential to reach the top, and Hudson-Odoi and Pulisic have shown that in their careers already by playing for their national teams at the ages of 18 and 17 respectively.

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Gallagher meanwhile impressed hugely while on loan at Crystal Palace last season, winning their Player of the Season award, while he was also nominated for the PFA Player of the Year.

Nonetheless, if the Magpies can add a striker on top of a new winger and attacking midfielder, then it would have been a very successful window.

Manchester United’s hopes of signing Sergej Milinkovic-Savic this summer have been handed a boost, with the latest reports suggesting that his agent is pushing Erik ten Hag’s side to sign him in the event of missing out on Frenkie de Jong.

What’s the word?

According to The Telegraph, the 27-year-old’s representatives are moving the Old Trafford outfit towards the Serbian who could be available for €50m (£42m).

Ten Hag has spent much of the summer looking to recruit a top-level midfielder in De Jong but with a move for the Dutchman seemingly not on the cards, the former Ajax boss is being urged to take a look at the Lazio midfielder as an ‘alternative’.

Ten Hag needs Milinkovic-Savic

The Red Devils have lost the likes of Paul Pogba, Nemanja Matic, Jesse Lingard and Juan Mata from their squad this summer but have so far only brought in Christian Eriksen as a replacement, so it seems clear that new midfield additions are required if United are to improve on a woeful start to the Premier League season.

Milinkovic-Savic showed with his performances last season that he could be a phenomenal addition at Old Trafford.

The Serbian midfielder contributed 11 goals and 11 assists in 37 Serie A appearances, averaging a superb 7.37 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

This would have ranked him as comfortably the top performer in United’s side, while he also would have had the most combined goals and assists, so it is clear to see what he would add to Ten Hag’s squad if he were to join before the transfer window closes.

Journalist Jerry Mancini was full of praise for Milinkovic-Savic earlier in the summer, writing:

“Sergej Milinkovic-Savic is the complete midfielder. A box-to-box midfielder with every attribute you’d want. It’s difficult to press him. Each season he gets better and better. World Class Midfielder. The strongest and best midfielder in Serie A.”

The words ‘world-class’ should do enough to excite the fanbase at Old Trafford with supporters enduring a few wretched years of a rather mediocre midfield duo.

That pairing is Fred and Scott McTominay, who have both failed to play a single 90 minutes this term, so far. As a result, it is clear that Ten Hag needs more quality in the middle of the park, so the Glazers should sanction a move for Milinkovic-Savic as soon as possible.

During his latest press conference, Wolves manager Bruno Lage denied rumours suggesting that the club had made an offer for Benfica striker Goncalo Ramos.

The Lowdown: Ramos rumours

According to a report by newspaper Jornal de Notícias (via Sport Witness), the Old Gold are one of the Premier League clubs interested in signing the 21-year-old forward.

Wolves reportedly join the likes of  Newcastle, Southampton, Everton and Leeds in the race to secure Ramos’ signature.

The Portugal under-21 international is in strong demand after netting four goals in three Champions League qualifiers this season.

The Latest: Lage’s comments

Contrary to reports, Lage has dismissed the rumours linking Wolves with an offer for the Benfica striker.

Speaking during Friday’s press conference, the 46-year-old claimed (as quoted by The Athletic): “We’re still looking for a striker. In the last few days I have received so many messages about (Ramos).

“People send me videos on Portuguese TV that I call the player and Wolves make the offer, but I didn’t talk with him. I ask my chairman and no offer for him.

“Of course, who doesn’t want to have this kind of player, but we have our own profile and we have more targets for that position.”

The Verdict: Sign him up

While Liverpool summer signing Darwin Nunez was the main goal threat for Benfica last season, having impressively netted 26 times in the league, Ramos was still able to contribute seven goals and two assists.

The 21-year-old averaged 1.9 shots and 0.8 key passes and dribbles per game last term (via WhoScored), illustrating his importance to the Portuguese giants as their second striker.

Last year, football talent scout Jacek Kulig hailed Ramos’ 14 goals over a period of nine Benfica B appearances as ‘outrageous’, highlighting the player’s clinical nature in front of goal.

Therefore, if Wolves do end up making a move for the striker, he could be a great addition to Lage’s goal-shy squad.

Transfer insider Dean Jones has said that Everton are ‘definitely’ in for James Garner amid reports of a deal being close on Wednesday morning.

The Lowdown: Midfielders wanted

Following the imminent arrival of Idrissa Gueye from PSG, and the fact that they are ‘hopeful’ of signing Leander Dendoncker from Wolves, it is clear that Frank Lampard would like to strengthen in the middle of the park before the transfer window closes.

Both Allan and Andre Gomes have been linked with late moves to AS Roma in the Serie A, and if the pair were to leave, then the Goodison Park outfit would need to bring in at least a couple of midfielders to replace them.

The Latest: Garner rumours are legitimate

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones has shared that the Merseyside club are ‘definitely’ in the conversation to sign Garner, as Sky Sports report the Toffees are closing in on a deal:

“They are definitely still in that conversation for Garner as well.

“So, we’ll find out very quickly where Everton are going to be in terms of shaping up this season because if they don’t get three people through the door, Frank Lampard knows that he’s in a relegation battle.”

The Verdict: Get it done

Hailed as ‘outstanding’ by journalist George Smith last season while on loan at Nottingham Forest, Garner scored four goals and made a further ten assists in 49 games in total over all competitions (Transfermarkt).

He played a key part in helping Steve Cooper’s side win promotion from the Championship up to the Premier League, even ranking as one of their best five players for the entire season.

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The 21-year-old is yet to make an appearance for United this term, and with the arrival of fellow central midfielder Casemiro from Real Madrid, it is likely that the Red Devils will let him leave before the deadline.

In an update this morning, The Athletic journalist Laurie Whitwell has reported that Garner is actually ‘close’ to joining the Toffees in a deal rising up to £15m with add-ons, and so this is certainly one to watch as the hours progress.

Reliable journalist Alan Nixon has stated that Blackburn Rovers have moved to secure Adam Wharton to a new contract.

The Lowdown: Wharton’s professional deal

The younger brother of first-team defender Scott, the teenager signed his first professional deal at Ewood Park earlier this year.

The 18-year-old, who can play as a defensive, central or attacking midfielder, is under contract until 2024, with Rovers having the option of a further 12 months.

The Latest: Nixon’s update

Nixon took to Twitter on Sunday morning to reveal that Blackburn have made an in-house ‘move’.

He stated on his Patreon account, as relayed by The 72, that Wharton is ‘ready to commit his future’ to the Lancashire club despite ‘huge Premier League interest’ in his services.

The Verdict: Good news

It looks as if Wharton is keen to remain with Blackburn, which can only be seen as good news. The teenager has made his senior debut this season, making five appearances so far in all competitions.

His versatility and promising displays have seemingly caught the eye of Premier League clubs, so it is nice to see that the club are looking to tie him down to another new deal.

It is also brilliant to know that Wharton is happy to further his development with Rovers, so hopefully fresh terms can be agreed upon relatively soon.

Leeds United have been to watch Aberdeen youngster Lewis Pirie on at least two occasions, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Lowdown: Academy additions

The Whites have been extremely busy in recent months when it comes to youth additions, with a number of players brought into the Thorp Arch academy.

Darko Gyabi and Sonny Perkins were the two high-profile academy arrivals from Manchester City and West Ham, whereas Max McFadden and Charlie Crew also joined from Colchester United and Cardiff City.

The club also recently secured the services of goalkeeper Rory Mahady from Celtic, and it appears as if another Scottish youngster is now on their radar.

The Latest: O’Rourke’s comments

Talking to The Transfer Tavern, O’Rourke said that Leeds officials have been to see Pirie in action for both Scotland and Aberdeen, labelling him as a ‘very talented young player’.

“Pirie is a very talented young player. I think Leeds scouts have watched him in action for Scotland U16s as well as Aberdeen’s youth teams.”

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The Verdict: Next to arrive?

Pirie could well be the next youngster to make the move to Elland Road, a destination that seems to appeal to teenagers following changes in recent years.

Leeds have put in a lot of work to attract a number of future stars to the club, offering them a clear pathway through to first-team football.

The likes of Illan Meslier, Pascal Struijk, Joe Gelhardt, Sam Greenwood and Crysencio Summerville have gone from strength to strength after initially joining the club’s academy, so Pirie, still just 15 years of age, may well look to follow suit.

Newcastle United are planning to submit a fresh bid in January for Leicester City midfielder James Maddison, according to Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Previous bids

In surprise transfer news this summer, the Magpies had a £40m bid rejected by the Foxes for the attacking midfielder.

It was reported Leicester valued the 25-year-old at £60m, as he had nearly two years left on his contract at the King Power Stadium.

Eddie Howe’s side returned with a £50m bid, comprising of £45m plus £5m in add-ons, but this offer was swiftly turned down, with the east Midlands outfit holding out for their previous valuation.

The Latest: Newcastle back in for Maddison

According to a report by Football Insider, Newcastle are planning to make a new bid for Maddison in January, having failed to land him for £50m in the summer.

The Magpies believe with the midfielder’s contract having run down to its final 18 months, there is a chance the Foxes will cash-in on the player before his market value drops.

It is said Howe has given the green light for his recruitment staff to continue in their pursuit of the Englishman, with a line of communication already open with his representatives.

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The Verdict: Great signing

When looking at Maddison’s underlying stats, it is easy to see why the Magpies boss would want to bring the £110k-per-week man to St. James’ Park in January.

As per FBRef, compared with positional peers across Europe over the past year, the playmaker ranks in the 93rd percentile for non-penalty goals, in the 90th percentile for shots total and in the 86th percentile for assists.

Hailed as ‘superb’ by broadcaster Gary Lineker, the playmaker has earned statistical comparisons to the likes of Roma’s Paulo Dybala and Juventus’ Angel Di Maria.

Therefore, it is obvious Maddison’s arrival at Newcastle would be a brilliant signing for the north-east club.

Tottenham loaning out Djed Spence so soon into his Spurs career would raise a lot of eyebrows, according to former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan.

The Lowdown: Spence linked with loan move

The right-back traded Middlesbrough for Spurs during the summer transfer window, as Antonio Conte made an exciting addition to his squad.

Spence excelled on loan at Nottingham Forest last season, scoring twice and registering four assists, but he has struggled to get going at his new club.

Antonio Conte has admitted that he hasn’t adjusted well to his surroundings and a January loan move has been mooted recently.

The Latest: Whelan surprised by news

Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan admitted it would be a surprising decision for Spence to be loaned out in the next transfer window:

“I think there would be a lot of eyebrows raised if he were to go out on loan now. The fans might question why they’ve spent that amount of money on a player just to loan him out.

“Perisic and Doherty are both very experienced, and Royal really seems to have stepped up his game. There’s competition for places at Spurs, which is brilliant – and I’m sure Conte is loving all that rivalry too.

“Does Spence need to bide his time and maybe work harder? Probably, yeah. You can’t change a winning side too much. This is competition he knew he was going to have. He was coming into a team full of international stars.

“He won’t have thought he could walk straight into that side, absolutely not.”

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The Verdict: Could be best for him

While this is far from ideal – the hope was that Spence would provide genuine competition at right-back – it could be that another loan move makes sense in January.

The leap from the Championship to the Premier League is enormous, especially when you go straight to a top-four club, and the 22-year-old could simply need more time to mature as a player, having been hailed as ‘combative’ by Ian Wright.

In an ideal world, Spence will show Conte that he is worth persevering with before January, staying put at Spurs, but if a temporary move is best for his development, that is the best thing to do.

The Athletic’s Everton correspondent Patrick Boyland has revealed that Reece Welch is close to signing a new contract at Goodison Park.

The Lowdown: Prospect

Welch is certainly a prospect on Merseyside, having made two senior appearances for Frank Lampard’s team by the age of just 19, including in the 1-0 win at Fleetwood Town in the Carabao Cup earlier this season (Transfermarkt).

At youth level, he has played 68 games in all competitions across the last four campaigns, scoring five goals and supplying one assist (Transfermarkt).

The Latest: New contract?

Taking to Twitter, Boyland has revealed that Welch is ‘set to’ commit his long-term future to Everton in what he describes as ‘another positive step’ for the Kevin Thelwell regime at Goodison Park.

The reporter tweeted: “Defender Reece Welch latest #EFC prospect set to commit future to club long-term after Mills, Dobbin etc. Another positive step for Kevin Thelwell’s new regime.”

Expanding in his article for The Athletic, the journalist adds that the deal is now ‘close’, coming after Welch attracted interest from fellow Premier League rivals Brentford in the summer.

His current deal is set to expire at the end of the season, so the Toffees are hopeful that he will follow fellow prospects Stanley Mills and Lewis Dobbin in committing his future to the club.

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The Verdict: Great move

It is certainly a great move for Everton to tie down their young prospects to long-term deals, with Welch set to be the latest to do so.

The defender recently featured for the England under-2os during the international break, so he is clearly a talent on the international stage as well.

Welch will now be hoping that he can get more chances in the first-team squad at Goodison Park, after showing that he is fully committed to the club.