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Sheffield Wednesday trio Jack Hunt, Dominic Iorfa and Mallik Wilks could all start against Leicester City Under-21s, according to journalist Dom Howson.

The Lowdown: Sheff Wed in cup action

The Owls have a brief respite from League One commitments on Tuesday night, as they host the young Foxes in an EFL Trophy clash at Hillsborough.

In truth, even Darren Moore would admit that this competition certainly doesn’t take precedence this season, although a win still isn’t to be sniffed at.

While numerous changes are expected to the starting lineup, it could be that Moore’s team is stronger than some expect.

The Latest: Trio could all start

Taking to Twitter on Monday, Yorkshire Live‘s Howson claimed that key trio Hunt, Iorfa and Wilks could all feature prominently against Leicester:

“There is a strong chance Jack Hunt, Dominic Iorfa and Mallik Wilks will be involved in Sheffield Wednesday’s Papa John’s Trophy dead rubber with Leicester City’s Under-21s tomorrow night.”

The Verdict: Needlessly strong?

This is an intriguing update from Howson, considering the EFL Trophy feels more like a competition to give youngsters playing time in, rather than risk senior figures.

An injury to an important player at Hillsborough would likely cause much frustration among the fanbase when they could instead have been at home recharging the batteries.

That being said, Wednesday do arguably have the biggest squad in League One and Moore will want to retain match fitness in his players, so Hunt, Iorfa and Wilks could all benefit from the minutes, retaining sharpness ahead of the bigger matches to come.

Sky Sports pundit Kevin Campbell is ‘happy’ that Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli hasn’t been chosen to represent Brazil for their upcoming Nations League fixtures.

The Lowdown: Martinelli’s squad omission

The 21-year-old first joined the Gunners back in 2019, but has really come into his own during the opening six games of the new Premier League season, with his performances deserving of an international call-up.

However, The Athletic reported on Tuesday that the attacker has been left out of Tite’s squad to face Ghana and Tunisia later this month, alongside teammates Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Magalhaes.

The Latest: Campbell’s positive reaction

Asked by Football Insider for his reaction to the shock news, Campbell insisted that Martinelli not linking up with Brazil will benefit his performances with Arsenal.

“I think Martinelli for me is certain to go to the World Cup, I really do.

“Look at the way he has started the season. Martinelli has really played his way into the reckoning. He is adding goals to his game.

“Tite knows what he has got in the locker.

“I am happy because he can put his feet up. He can rest up and not have to travel all of those miles to play in a couple of friendlies.

“At the back end of last season Martinelli would come back and he was knackered. It hurt us. I will not complain if they are resting up for the games that are ahead.”

The Verdict: Boost for Arteta

Arsenal have made the best possible start to the new campaign, currently sitting top of the table having won five of their six matches, and Martinelli has played a significant role in helping them get there.

The Gunners star already has three goals to his name and is averaging an outstanding 3.3 shots per game (WhoScored), highlighting the prolific impact he has in the final third.

It will be a relief for Arteta to not have to worry about Martinelli picking up any injuries whilst away on duty, and there’s no doubt that he will have a massive part to play in where Arsenal end up come the end of the season.

West Ham United have informed Manuel Lanzini that he is free to leave the London Stadium in the next 24 hours.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Football Insider, who claim that David Moyes has now decided the 29-year-old is no longer a key part of his first team squad, with the Hammers said to be open to offers for the Argentina international prior to the closure of the summer transfer window tomorrow evening.

And, while the reason for this decision is stated as the Irons recently confirming the club-record €60m (£51.3m) signing of Lucas Paqueta, there is an argument to be made that Moyes could be making room in his squad for the further addition of Club Brugge KV attacking midfielder, Hans Vanaken – with whom West Ham have been linked with a €20m (£17m) move in recent weeks.

Dream Lanzini replacement

While it is undeniable that Lanzini has been a fantastic servant to West Ham over the years – scoring 29 goals and registering 27 assists over his 208 appearances for the club – considering just how talented a forward-thinking midfielder Vanaken undoubtedly is, the 30-year-old would appear to be a dream replacement for the outbound Argentine.

Indeed, over his 39 Jupiler Pro League appearances last season, the £14.4m-rated Belgium international was in astonishing form for Brugge, scoring 11 goals, registering nine assists and creating 10 big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 1.8 shots, making 1.6 key passes and completing 0.6 dribbles per game.

These returns saw the £48k-per-week midfielder who Onur Kaya dubbed “extraordinary” average a simply sensational SofaScore match rating of 7.31, ranking him as the ninth-best performer in the top flight of Belgian football as a whole in 2021/22.

For comparison, over Lanzini’s 30 Premier League appearances last time out, the £10.8m-rated midfielder scored five goals, provided three assists and created three big chances for his teammates, in addition to taking an average of 0.5 shots, making 0.8 key passes and completing 0.8 dribbles per fixture.

These returns saw the £70k-per-week Argentine average a SofaScore match rating of 6.88, ranking him as West Ham’s 12th-best performer in the league last season.

As such, it is clear to see that, should Moyes be hoping to add more goals, assists and general creativity to his attacking midfield options this summer, Vanaken would undoubtedly be a signing who ticks all three boxes – while Lanzini, unfortunately, appears to be one of the most expendable players in the 59-year-old’s first team squad.

Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Bruno Jordao is reportedly nearing a move away from the club, according to a report from Mais Futebol (via Sport Witness). 

The lowdown: One in

The Wanderers have completed the capture of Matheus Nunes from Sporting Lisbon for a club-record fee overnight and Bruno Lage could already be looking to balance the squad out.

As a result of the incoming maestro, out of favour Jordao could be set to head in the opposite direction and return to Portugal having made just five first-team outings following his arrival from Lazio in 2019.

The 23-year-old Portugal youth international has spent time on loan at Grasshoppers and Famalicao since joining the Old Gold and could now be ready for another temporary departure…

The latest: One out

As per Mais Futebol, translated by SW, the one-cap Portugal Under 21 starlet is close to completing another loan move to Primeira Liga outfit Santa Clara.

It’s claimed that an ‘official source’ at Molineux has confirmed the deal for Jordao to return to his homeland for the duration of the 2022/23 campaign.

The report also states thata move for the man who was hailed by journalist Joe Edwards for a ‘brilliant’ goal whilst on loan at Famalicao in 2020 ‘does not include any purchase option’.

The verdict: Beneficial

Following battles with injuries during a stop-start time in the Midlands, allowing Jordao to go away, prove his fitness and obtain regular match action is a smart move from the Old Gold hierarchy.

In addition to Nunes, with Morgan Gibbs-White and Ruben Neves still in situ despite the strong interest, opportunities for the young Portuguese sensation would’ve been few and far between under Bruno Lage this term.

Under contract until 2024 (Transfermarkt), time is still on Jordao’s side to become a Wolves regular, however, this move may need to work well if Lage is going to integrate the versatile central midfielder into his plans moving forwards.

Tottenham Hotspur are growing in belief that they will tie Harry Kane down to a new contract in the near future…

What’s the word?

That’s according to talkSPORT journalist and transfer expert Alex Crook, who claims that the England international is likely to extend his current £200k-per-week deal due to two main factors – one, manager Antonio Conte, and two, their qualification to the Champions League.

When asked about the likelihood of the 29-year-old extending his stay, he told GIVEMESPORT:

“I think they are more confident because of Antonio Conte and the fact they’re back in the Champions League.”

Best business yet

Recently, ever-reliable football.london reporter Alasdair Gold revealed that Spurs would soon submit a contract offer to their leading talisman and that he was a “huge part” of Conte’s plans at the club.

His current deal expires in 2024, so there is no rush as he still has two years to run but given last summer’s interest from Manchester City and lingering interest from Bayern Munich, it would be a very wise decision from sporting director Fabio Paratici to get it done sooner rather than later.

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If he can get this over the line in the coming weeks, then arguably, it would be the Lilywhites’ best piece of business yet as a large part of their success will boil down to the Englishman and his goalscoring exploits.

Signing a new long-term bumper contract at Hotspur Way will make it very hard for the Bundesliga champions, something that their manager Julian Nagelsmann has already alluded to.

“He is very expensive. That’s the problem – but brilliant player. One of two or three who can play as a centre-forward [as well as a] No 10, but he’s very strong, brilliant with [his] head and both feet,” the German claimed (via the Daily Mail).

“He could score a lot in the Bundesliga. I don’t know the price, but it’s really tough for Bayern Munich. We’ll see what happens in the future.”

City’s interest was a very frustrating saga as Kane, according to Sky Sports, even asked to leave his boyhood club.

Last campaign, the 29-year-old striker finished with 17 goals and nine assists in the Premier League, having started the season off slow. Overall, he was their top goalscorer in all competitions, just as he has been for the past eight seasons.

Now with Conte at the helm and Spurs back in the Champions League, it would make sense for Kane to commit his future to Tottenham, if that happens anytime soon, then you can forget about Richarlison and Yves Bissouma. This news would eclipse the lot.

AND in other news, Paratici could seal “incredible” 7th Spurs signing with Conte keen on £58.7m “monster”…

Aston Villa could be priced out of a move for Rangers’ Calvin Bassey amid increased transfer interest in the 22-year-old.

What’s the word?

That’s according to Ryan Taylor, who took to Twitter on Saturday morning to update Villa supporters on Bassey’s future.

The Daily Express reporter outlined: “Rangers keen to encourage an auction for Calvin Bassey. Ajax, who view Nigerian as Lisandro Martínez replacement, currently highest bidders. Brighton have also made an offer. Asking price: £25m but with race hotting up, any sale could surpass that figure.”

Villa had shown interest in the Nigeria international during May and this recent development will be a blow to Steven Gerrard, who brought him to Ibrox in 2020.

Supporters will be gutted

Bassey impressed last season for Rangers, and he showcased his talents on one of the biggest stages with a fine performance in the Europa League final, which Owen Hargreaves dubbed “astonishing” on BT Sport.

This has made things significantly harder for Gerrard, who would surely have loved a reunion with the enforcer at Villa Park.

The versatile defender, who often operated at left centre-back in a back three, or at left-back, was almost ever-present for Rangers both in the league and in their remarkable European run. He featured 29 times in the Premiership and a further 15 times in the Europa League journey.

His league performances in particular were of a high standard, with a 6.97 average SofaScore rating. He was a stalwart for the Light Blues and combined his incredible speed with a tendency to be in the right place at the right time.

Still just 22 years old, his future is looking increasingly bright. Even back during his Leicester days, the Foxes’ under-23s coach Steve Beaglehole claimed that the Nigerian was “outstanding”.

Bassey’s underlying figures only serve to support this statement. He shows his willingness to defend on the front foot as he sits in the 94th percentile for pressures and the 99th percentile for blocks per 90 among positional peers in Europe’s major leagues and continental tournaments.

Not just a capable defender, he also ranked in the 95th percentile for assists per 90, and the 99th percentile for dribbles completed. He can seemingly do it all, and it would represent a huge blow for Villa to lose out on this high-quality player.

Supporters too will be gutted to see this transfer target slip away. Everyone finally saw his qualities come to the fore in Rangers’ European adventure, and it appears that this showcase of talent has now put him beyond Gerrard’s reach.

AND in other news: Gerrard can finally axe “frustrating” Villa dud by signing “unplayable” £40m target.

Transfer insider and talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook has revealed that Joe Aribo is now ‘likely’ to leave Glasgow Rangers this summer.

The Lowdown: Contract expiring

The Nigeria international only has one year left on his contract at Ibrox, so Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side risk losing him on a free transfer next year if he does not sign a new deal with the Premiership giants in the meantime.

Therefore, the Rangers board will need to contemplate whether to cash in on him this summer, as his market value will surely start to decrease the closer it gets to his contract expiry date.

The Latest: Aribo exit ‘likely’

Taking to Twitter, Crook has revealed that Aribo is now ‘likely’ to leave Rangers this summer, and Southampton are among a number of clubs in the Premier League who are ‘interested’ in his signature.

The talkSPORT reporter tweeted: “#SaintsFC are among the Premier League clubs interested in signing #RangersFC midfielder Joe Aribo. Is into the last year of his contract so a summer move away from Ibrox is likely.”

The Verdict: Keep him!

Of course, the Light Blues run the risk of letting Aribo go for free next summer, but he is simply too important of a player to the team right now, so they must look to keep hold of him at all costs.

Hailed as ‘phenomenal’ for club and country by Vavel journalist Jack Koblitz, the Nigeria international played no fewer than 70 times last season, showing what an incredible engine he has.

He also ranked as Rangers’ third-best performer on WhoScored and boasted the team’s second-highest dribbling average (1.4) per match in the Premiership, so replacing the 25-year-old this summer would likely be a very difficult task for Van Bronckhorst and co.

Everton are interested in making a move for Wolves winger Adama Traore in the summer transfer window, according to a fresh transfer rumour.

The Lowdown: Traore out of favour under Lage

The winger struggled to become a key man under Bruno Lage last season, starting a total of just ten Premier League matches for the Wanderers.

He was then shipped out on loan to Barcelona, where he also failed to impress, starting well but eventually falling out of favour at the La Liga giants.

Traore will return to Wolves this summer but it could be that a permanent exit comes to fruition, despite being hailed as ‘fantastic’ by BBC pundit Tim Sherwood.

The Latest: Everton keen on move

According to Football Insider sources, Everton are interested in snapping up the 26-year-old, as Frank Lampard looks at attacking reinforcements ahead of next season.

A bid of £20million should be enough for Wolves to accept, with former Molineux Director of Football Kevin Thelwell now at Everton, having bought Traore back in 2018. That could be key to a deal being done.

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The Verdict: Right time to sell

This feels like an ideal time for Traore to move on permanently from Wolves, considering Lage likely doesn’t see him as an important part of his future plans.

The club could receive a hefty amount for his services, which could then be spent on players the manager actually wants, as he looks to improve his squad this summer.

The fact that Traore’s current Wolves deal expires next summer means they could lose him on a free transfer at that point, further highlighting why now is the time to sell.

In other news, Wolves have been linked with a move for one player after a meeting took place. Read more here.

Sunderland are not interested in signing Tom Barkhuizen from Preston North End this summer, ending any hopes of a reunion with his former manager Alex Neil.

What’s the word?

When asked about The Black Cats’ interest in the winger on Twitter, journalist Alan Nixon confirmed that Sunderland weren’t interested in signing the player whose contract runs out at the end of this month.

He simply commented in four words: “Sunderland and Barkhuizen? No.”

He’s a player that Sunderland manager Alex Neil will know well, but it appears he’s not interested in bringing him to Wearside to help with their task in the Championship next season.

They recently defeated Wycombe Wanderers 2-0 in the League One play-off final to secure a long-awaited return to the second tier of English football.

Supporters will be gutted

Supporters of Sunderland will surely be gutted that Barkhuizen is not on their list for the summer. There have been many outgoings at the Stadium of Light recently as Neil looks to overhaul his squad in preparation for the challenge ahead.

The 28-year-old would have come with heaps of experience in the Championship, having made a total of 209 appearances for Preston North End where he was directly involved in 28 goals during that time.

He joined Preston for free in 2017 just before Neil was appointed, and he was valued at £180k. That has since risen massively to £1.35m which proves that he is a better player than when he arrived.

The Scottish manager regularly used the player and he clocked up over 30 league appearances in all three seasons Neil was at Deepdale.

Securing his services with no transfer fee involved seemed like a no brainer, but it appears Sunderland club are focusing on targets elsewhere. One of those players is Nathan Broadhead with The Northern Echo reporting recently that Sunderland want him to move to the club permanently following a successful loan spell.

It will be interesting to see the signings that the club make ahead of next season, will they be ambitious in the hope of achieving their ultimate goal of returning to the Premier League, or will they be cautious and look at establishing themselves in an already tough division.

IN other news: Sunderland can unearth their new Henderson by signing “exciting” £450k-rated EFL gem…

The English Football League have officially come to a decision regarding the potential use of VAR in Nottingham Forest’s upcoming Championship play-off semi-final against Sheffield United.

The Lowdown: A top-four finish

The Reds narrowly missed out on automatic promotion to the Premier League, but were still able to successfully secure a play-off place after recording a fourth-place finish, where they will now face the Blades at Bramall Lane in the first leg of this crucial fixture on Saturday afternoon.

Just last week, The Telegraph claimed that all four teams who were still in contention to make the jump up to the top flight had been questioned over the use of VAR in the upcoming games, to which the response was overwhelmingly positive.

However, following a fresh update, it seems as though the clubs in question haven’t received the news that they were hoping for.

The Latest: VAR not in use

In a decision published in the last 48 hours by NottinghamshireLive, it’s stated that the EFL have concluded that VAR will ‘not be in use’ for any of the semi-finals involving Forest, Huddersfield Town, Luton Town, and Sheffield United.

The source goes on to say that it still ‘remains unclear’ whether or not this particular rule will be in place for the final at Wembley Stadium on May 29th.

The Verdict: Completely wrong decision

Not having VAR in use for one of the most important games of the season for the Reds is surely the wrong choice considering the number of matches that have been won and lost based on poor refereeing decisions this term – just look at the wrongly flagged offside decision against Sam Surridge at Bournemouth.

Manager Steve Cooper will already be familiar with the technology after it was used in Forest’s FA Cup game against Liverpool earlier in the campaign, and whilst it does have it’s pros and cons, clubs have generally been supportive of it’s use.

The east Midlands outfit will be making the trip to Yorkshire this weekend looking to gain a positive result and put one foot into that all-important play-off final at the end of the month.

In other news… a Sky Sports pundit has recently backed the Reds to gain promotion to the Premier League.