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Sunderland could now miss out on another top transfer target after losing the race to sign Ellis Simms, with multiple Premier League clubs joining the race for Amad Diallo.

Which players are Sunderland signing in 2023?

The Black Cats are expected to be busy in this summer’s transfer window, and they have already moved to sign promising young centre-back Jenson Seelt, wonderkid Jobe Bellingham and exciting talents Luis Semedo and Nectarios Triantis (Transfermarkt), but the biggest saga is sure to be in the centre-forward department.

Kristjaan Speakman has assured Black Cats fans the club’s hierarchy are doing everything they can to keep star man Ross Stewart and fully intend to get him to extend his current contract, but with that uncertainty combined with the Scotland international’s injury issues, they are sure to need a marquee signing up front.

And that was of course meant to be Simms, who thrived on loan at the Stadium Of Light last season, but the Everton youngster has joined Championship rivals Coventry City instead.

Simms scored seven goals during his spell on Wearside, so if both he and Stewart are not around come the start of the new season, Tony Mowbray will be desperate for an injection of end product from elsewhere…

Is Amad Diallo joining Sunderland?

And that’s exactly where Diallo could come in, with Football Insider reporting that the Sunderland boss would “love” to sign the winger again for the upcoming season.

The Manchester United starlet managed 14 goals and four assists during last term’s temporary stay up north, but that form has also attracted interest from elsewhere, and the bad news for Sunderland is some of that interest is now from the top flight.

According to Football Insider’s report, both Burnley and Sheffield United want to boost their chances of staying up by signing Diallo, as they join the Black Cats and also Southampton in the race for the 20 year-old sensation.

How good is Amad Diallo?

One would have to think Sunderland have an advantage over the Saints purely given their past connection with the youngster, who seemed to love playing in front of the Stadium of Light faithful, but Erik Ten Hag may feel the time is right to get his young talent experience in the top flight.

And that would be a major blow for Mowbray, given what Diallo is capable of. The Ivory Coast international – now capped four times by his country – ranked in the 99th percentile amongst his positional peers for pass completion last season, also scoring highly for non-penalty goals, successful take-ons and interceptions.

This paints the picture of not only a cool head with composure on the ball far beyond his years, but a committed player who is willing to do the hard yards and embrace the physical nature in the second tier.

Diallo also proved he loves the spotlight by stepping up to the plate towards the end of the season when the pressure is highest, scoring five goals in the final nine matches of the regular season, and then a sumptuous strike in the play-off semi-final first leg against Luton Town as well.

Mowbray will be absolutely gutted if he loses out on another exciting young target, and it’s hard to envisage the scouting department finding an alternative with the Manchester United gem’s abilities.

Leeds United have been craving someone to replace Raphinha ever since his departure last summer. His exit was an expected one, as the Brazilian had offered all he could to the club that he had admittedly outgrown.

His future was destined to be at a much better and brighter side, and having won La Liga in his first year in Barcelona, this has been proven correct. Meanwhile, the Whites fell to relegation from the Premier League.

In an effort to finally recapture that true maverick, who can be a match-winner all on their own, now the 49ers must search for such an asset within their new level.

The Championship boasts plenty of untapped talent just waiting to be unleashed, but in Joel Piroe, many throughout this division will already know his name.

Standing at 6 foot 1 but retaining blistering speed and skill, the Dutchman terrorised defences for fun last term.

If the rumours are true, he could be set to repeat this feat again next season, but in Elland Road rather than Wales.

Is Joel Piroe similar to Raphinha?

Having come up through the academy at PSV Eindhoven, Swansea City secured a huge coup when they tempted him to join them back in 2021.

Ever since that switch, he has proven himself to be a more than dependable source of goals and assists in the Championship, recording 19 strikes last term, following the 28 goal contributions he had posted the season before even that.

Despite naturally being a centre forward, he has been deployed from the right wing too, enabling him to cut into his deadly left foot with devastating effect. Such blistering form in front of goal even led his former manager Russell Martin, who has since departed for Southampton, to brand him "clinical".

Their former Brazilian trickster was also a star down that flank, scoring 11 league goals as the Yorkshire outfit narrowly avoided the drop before his departure. He could beat a man, create and, quite clearly, score with ease.

Although Piroe might represent a far more physical alternative to the 26-year-old, his ability to win matches on his own makes him even more similar than could be imagined. Not to mention that he also maintained 0.8 key passes per game (sixth-best at Swansea) and an 83% pass accuracy last season too in the league, suggesting he is far more than just a classic brutish number nine.

Should Daniel Farke, who is the frontrunner for Leeds' vacancy, opt to keep Patrick Bamford as his striker for next season or even subscribe to the links for Viktor Gyokeres, this £12k-per-week 23-year-old could still thrive should he join even if his favoured position is occupied.

This versatility, plus his ability to do the spectacular, only emphasises the dynamic that the 49ers could recapture in acquiring Piroe.

Liverpool are interested in signing Rennes and Belgium attacker Jeremy Doku in the summer transfer window, according to a fresh claim.

Have Liverpool been linked with Doku before?

The 21-year-old has been seen as a potential target for the Reds in the past, although a move for him has never materialised over the years, as he forges an impressive career for himself.

Currently plying his trade at Rennes, Doku has become a key player for the Ligue 1 side, scoring six goals and registering two assists in the league last season, as well as two of the latter in the Europa League. The winger has also caught the eye for Belgium since making his debut, netting twice in 14 caps, and possibly being seen as a long-term starter as he matures with age.

With Liverpool looking to enjoy a busy summer in the transfer market, it looks as though their interest in Doku isn't yet dead in the water.

What's the latest on Doku to Liverpool?

According to journalist Mohamed Toubache-Ter on Twitter [via Get French Football News], the Reds' level of intrigue is "powerful", suggesting a move is far from out of the question this summer.

Not a huge amount else is provided on the matter, which suggests a bid hasn't been tabled, but it certainly looks as though Anfield is a potential next destination for the Belgian.

Doku is a massive talent who could have a big future in the game – journalist Robin Bairner has described him as "devastating" in the past – so in many ways, it is exciting to see him being linked with a move to Anfield. That being said, there have to be questions marks over whether Liverpool actually need to bring him in right now, considering they already have Mohamed Salah, Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez, Diogo Jota and Cody Gakpo as strong attacking options.

It is hard to see where Doku would fit in, especially in terms of playing regular football, with his preferred right-sided role filled by Salah, who is one of the most indispensable players at the club and has been a regular over the years, scoring 186 Liverpool goals in 306 appearances.

If the Rennes star was happy to warm the substitutes' bench most weeks, possibly playing a role as an impact substitute looking to break through down the line, then a move that could work out – he could be viewed as a long-term starter – but the Reds' money could be spent on more pressing areas of the pitch, such as midfield.

A big update has emerged on Aston Villa and their attempts to bolster their defensive options ahead of the 2023/24 campaign…

What's the latest on Pau Torres to Aston Villa?

According to Football Insider, the Villans are in contact with Villarreal over a deal to sign central defender Pau Torres in the summer transfer window.

The report claims that Unai Emery has made the Spain international his number one target and that the club are now closing in on a swoop for the 26-year-old titan.

It states that they are making progress over a transfer and that it is set to take a fee of at least £40m, which would be a club record, to get it over the line.

Would Pau Torres be a good signing for Aston Villa?

The Premier League side appointed Monchi as their new president of football operations recently and securing a deal for Torres would represent his first blinder as the LaLiga ace would be a terrific addition to the squad.

It would be a masterclass from the former Sevilla supremo as he would be providing Emery with a top-quality left-footed defender who excels at keeping the ball away from his own box and using his ability in possession to progress his team up the pitch.

Over the last 365 days, the Villarreal star, who talent scout Jacek Kulig dubbed "wonderful" on the ball, ranks in the top 4% or higher amongst his positional peers across the Men's Big Five Leagues for progressive passes and progressive carries per 90.

Whereas, Tyrone Mings does not rank higher than the top 47% of players in the same category for either statistic over the last 365 days of action.

This suggests that Monchi could improve Villa's ability to play out from the back by landing an upgrade on the left-footed England international on the ball, given that Torres is one of the best players in the major leagues when it comes to breaking lines and driving up the pitch to make things happen for his team.

The Spaniard has also produced consistently impressive and dominant performances for his club in LaLiga in recent seasons.

He averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.04 across 34 league outings in 22/23 and won 61% of his individual duels, which came after the colossal ace won 66% of his battles and averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.09 in 21/22.

Mings, on the other hand, has averaged a rating of 6.91 in the Premier League across the last two campaigns, indicating that Torres would also be an upgrade on the current Villa defender in terms of his average performance level at the back.

Therefore, Monchi could land his first masterclass by getting this deal over the line for the defender as his statistics suggest that he would be a sensational addition to Emery's options in defence.

Aston Villa are reportedly in "advanced talks" with Liverpool's soon-to-be-out-of-contract midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Is Oxlade-Chamberlain leaving Liverpool?

The 29-year-old has spent six up-and-down years at Anfield, winning almost all there is to win in the game, including the Champions League, but also struggling to consistently be a key man.

A serious knee injury back in 2018 arguably took Oxlade-Chamberlain down in his prime, and while he still contributed positively to Liverpool overall – he scored 18 goals and registered 15 assists in 146 appearances – it has become increasingly clear that his future lies away from the club.

The £120,000-a-week former Arsenal man is out of contract with the Reds at the end of this month, and with no extension coming his way, he will then be able to join a new club on a free transfer from July onwards.

With Villa looking to make numerous key reinforcements during the summer transfer window, a fresh report suggests that Oxlade-Chamberlain could be a primary target.

Are Villa eyeing move for Oxlade-Chamberlain?

According to Football Insider, the Villans are in "advanced talks" with the Englishman over a summer move to Villa Park, with the club working on a deal to bring him in, having already locked up Youri Tielemans from Leicester City on a free.

Villa are believed to see Oxlade-Chamberlain as a "key target who is proven in the Premier League and capable of slotting straight into their team", while Unai Emery admires his "versatility, dynamism and ability to create and score goals".

The 35-cap and seven-goal England international could be a really shrewd signing by the Villans this summer, coming in as someone with a wealth of experience at the top level, and who can thrive in various positions, from central midfield to out wide.

Granted, his injury problems down the years are far from ideal, so Emery would have to accept that he is a risky signing, but the free element of the deal would make it less of an issue, should he spend too much time on the treatment table.

When fully fit and in-form, Oxlade-Chamberlain can be a real handful, with Jurgen Klopp once describing him as "spectacular", and he could bolster Villa's squad great with his versatility, especially at a time when they are preparing to play in the Premier League, UEFA Europa Conference League, FA Cup and EFL Cup next season.

Leeds United have "opened talks" with now former Norwich City sporting director Stuart Webber over a move to Elland Road, according to a new report.

Who is Stuart Webber?

The 39-year-old has been a highly thought of figure at Carrow Road for some time now, having joined as sporting director back in 2017, despite only being in his early 30s at that point.

Webber has previously enjoyed roles at the likes of Liverpool, QPR, Wolves and Huddersfield Town, working his way up in the game and enhancing his reputation, with former Norwich boss Daniel Farke once saying he "can't ask" for a better sporting director. However, it has been announced this morning that he will leave the club this summer.

With Leeds on the lookout for a new man in that job, following Victor Orta's exit and 49ers Enterprises' subsequent takeover at Elland Road, it looks as though they have eyes on the soon to be free agent.

Are Leeds looking to bring in Webber?

According to Football Insider, the Whites have "opened talks" with Webber over a summer move to the club, seeing him as an ideal figure to come in and fill the vacant sporting director position.

The report claims that the "recently relegated Yorkshire giants have turned their attention to hiring the recruitment expert from the team who will be their Championship rivals next season", as they look to gain an immediate advantage over those they will be battling with for Championship promotion.

Interestingly, it is stated that he is a "United fan", which could certainly work in Leeds' favour, with Webber potentially dreaming of having some sort of involvement with his boyhood team throughout his life.

This could be such an exciting appointment if Leeds manage to acquire Webber's signature in the near future, at a time when the job of a sporting director is seen as so vital. He could immediately make the Whites strong in the transfer market, identifying the right players, and while Orta had his plus points, the Englishman could come in as a more stable and less volatile figure who allows things to run smoothly behind the scenes.

Should Farke end up becoming Leeds' new boss, as has been mooted in recent days, Webber could be an even more perfect appointment, with their relationship at Norwich clearly strong, as mentioned, allowing the Whites to have a manager and sporting director who are both on exactly the same wavelength.

This summer is so important at Elland Road, with a quick return to the Premier League needed, and bringing in Webber would be a great place to start.

West Ham are plotting to launch an ambitious loan bid for Manchester United starlet Amad Diallo.

That's according to the Northern Echo, which state the Hammers are the latest Premier League to register an interest in the 20-year-old.

The Ivorian has just finished a loan spell with Sunderland and is due to return to Carrington for the start of pre-season in the North-West later this summer.

The report also details that Erik ten Hag intends to give the mercurial talent a chance to force himself into the first-team plans, but hasn’t ruled out any loan move if he feels it benefits Diallo’s development.

Sunderland had harboured hopes of resigning the youngster, but with several top-flight clubs interested, it seems that Diallo is destined for Premier League football in some capacity next season.

Would Amad Diallo be a good signing for West Ham?

The Ivorian's career had veered off track after cutting a peripheral figure during a loan spell with Rangers at the beginning of 2022, making just 13 appearances.

He then joined the Black Cats in August of last year and recorded 16 goal involvements in 37 Championship outings. This meant he was the club’s top scorer and was an indispensable component that narrowly missed out on promotion after losing to Luton in the play-off semi-finals.

When the former Atalanta prodigy joined the Red Devils in 2021, then-manager Ole Gunnar Solskjær predicted a huge future for the star and said: “His speed, vision, and fantastic dribbling ability will stand him in good stead to make the transition.

"He is a player with all of the raw attributes that are needed to be an important player for Manchester United in the years to come."

After his imperious stint in Wearside, the "electric" winger – as per The Athletic's Peter Rutzler – ranks within the highest 27% to those at a similar level for progressive carries and successful take-ons per 90, according to FBref.

Extraordinary levels of productivity led his teammate Luke O’Nein to describe him as “incredible.”

His small, weaving diminutive stature, coupled with his potency, close control, and frightening speed means that he shares many similar traits to Arsenal’s Buyako Saka.

The Englishman has been unplayable for the title challengers, having notched 25 goal contributions in 38 top-flight outings and ranking inside the top 10% of positionally similar players in Europe for progressive carries, to underline his similarity to the United starlet.

It is uncalculated to suggest that Diallo will immediately replicate these sensational numbers, but given consistent minutes in the manner that Mikel Arteta has nurtured Saka, it would be exciting to see where this player could end up.

He has clearly proven he is emphatically above Championship level and the London Stadium would be a perfect destination to continue the right pathway.

Sheffield United fell victim to Nottingham Forest’s excellent attacking threat as the Blades lost 2-1 in the first leg of their Championship play-off semi-final at Bramall Lane.

Boasting the fifth-best home record in the division, Paul Heckingbottom and his team will be bitterly disappointed that they couldn’t claim a result ahead of the second leg at the City Ground.

Goals either side of half-time from Jack Colback and Brennan Johnson gave Forest breathing space and Steve Cooper’s men could easily have had more goals having recorded 17 shots across the afternoon, eight of which were on target.

However, Sander Berge converted from close range following a corner in added time to halve the deficit and give the South Yorkshire side hope ahead of their trip to the East Midlands on Tuesday.

It was a thoroughly disappointing afternoon for the Blades, with wing-back Ben Osborn struggling against his former club.

Osborn had a shocker v Forest

The 27-year-old cruelly slipped in the penalty area to allow Philip Zinckernagel to have a shot from close range, with Colback burying the follow-up after a parry from United goalkeeper Wes Foderingham.

Moreover, there was limited defensive contribution from the Blades wing-back, who provided just one clearance, two interceptions and one tackle whilst winning only one of four attempted duels, making for a 75% failure rate.

Osborn also lost possession 12 times but his passing was generally impressive with an 84% success rate, whilst he also provided two key passes.

There had been debate prior to the match as to whether or not Heckingbottom would keep the 27-year-old in the starting line-up with George Baldock back fit. However, the Blades boss stuck with the side which beat Fulham 4-0 last weekend to secure a play-off spot, with Osborn playing on the opposite flank of his preferred left-hand side.

A decision must now be made by the 44-year-old as to whether or not he chooses to start Baldock on Tuesday in Osborn’s place, with the former making a return to action off the bench this afternoon.

Nonetheless, it was an afternoon to forget for Osborn, who sadly had a shocker against his former employers.

AND in other news: Forget Johnson: “Excellent” Forest ace who won 100% duels was Cooper’s hero vs SUFC

Steven Gerrard could be a ‘big factor’ in Joe Gomez possibly joining Aston Villa from Liverpool this summer, according to Pete O’Rourke.

The Lowdown: Gomez links

NSWE have already made a start on their summer spending ahead of Gerrard’s first full season in charge by securing a permanent deal for Philippe Coutinho.

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Barcelona revealed that they have reached a €20m (£16.9m) agreement with Villa to make the Brazilian’s loan spell permanent in the Midlands, and it looks as if defensive reinforcements are next on NSWE’s radar.

Moving on from the little magician, recent reports have now suggested that Gomez is wanted at Villa Park in a defensive overhaul, with the 24-year-old making just ten starts this season.

The Latest: O’Rourke’s comments

O’Rourke, talking to The Transfer Tavern, said the Gerrard factor could play a ‘big’ role in Villa’s chances of signing Gomez, however, he added that the defender is still ‘highly regarded at Anfield’.

“I’m sure it would be a big factor if Villa did go for Joe Gomez to work under Steven Gerrard.

“Villa have been keeping tabs on Gomez for a while now for the last couple of transfer windows but Liverpool have always opted to keep him.

“I’m not too sure Jurgen Klopp will be willing to lose Gomez either who obviously has come back after that serious injury he had last season.

“He’ll find it hard to get first-team chances but I know he’s still highly regarded at Anfield so Klopp will be in no rush to send him out the exit door. I think Liverpool ideally would like to keep him at Anfield.”

The Verdict: Tricky

It looks as if a move for Gomez won’t be as straightforward as the one for Coutinho, with O’Rourke believing the Reds may not be in a rush to part ways with the defender.

Gomez will be entering the final two years of his Anfield contract in the summer, so he may have to try and force an exit in search of regular game time in the Midlands.

However, with Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa possibly moving on over the coming months, Villa will need to bring in more defenders than just Gomez, meaning it could be an extremely busy summer in regards to defensive incomings and outgoings.

In other news: NSWE now close to agreeing deal for another midfielder alongside Coutinho.  

Sky Sports pundit Kevin Campbell believes that Manchester City will allow Gabriel Jesus to leave the club this summer, despite his recent impressive displays.

The Lowdown: Contact with Arsenal

The Brazilian, who first joined the Premier League giants in a £27m move from Palmeiras in 2016, has one year remaining on his current contract and has been in scintillating form of late, most recently getting his name on the scoresheet in the Citizens’ comfortable 4-0 victory against Leeds United.

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Despite this, The Athletic claimed just last month that Arsenal’s technical director, Edu, has been in talks with the 25-year-old’s representatives over a potential move to the Emirates at the end of the season, and the former Gunners striker has backed the club to sanction Jesus’ exit.

The Latest: Back-up option

When asked for his thoughts on the future of the 54-time international, Campbell told Football Insider: “Listen, Man City know the player and they know the value of who they’ve got.

“If they get Erling Haaland in though, he will be a starter. He will not be coming to mess around. He will be starting every game. That would then restrict the game time of Jesus.

“Jesus has been a good servant to Man City and he is proving that right now. But I think they will do the honourable thing and let him go. He will start somewhere else. At Arsenal he would start.

“There is no way he is going to sign a new deal if Haaland comes in because he won’t be starting. I think they will let Jesus go this summer to recoup some money.”

The Verdict: Game time needed

Jesus has been a brilliant servant for the Manchester outfit, making an outstanding 141 goal contributions in just 232 appearances during his time at the club, but as Campbell said, he wouldn’t get a look in if the Dortmund striker did end up putting pen to paper at the Etihad.

The Norwegian has been prolific in the final third in the Bundesliga this term, scoring 21 goals and registering eight assists in 22 outings, as per Transfermarkt.

The £45m-rated Jesus, who has been described as a “superstar” player by BT Sport pundit Steve McManaman, will need to look elsewhere at the end of the campaign if he desires the game time he deserves moving forward, and with the future of Alexandre Lacazette unknown, a surprising move to north London could well be on the cards for Jesus in the coming months.

In other news… a journalist has dropped a big claim on one of Man City’s summer targets.