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Nottingham Forest have enjoyed an impressive start to the season, sitting in 9th place on six points from the first four games and being only merely beaten in visits to Arsenal and Manchester United.

Another busy summer saw the Reds make 13 new signings, including seven on deadline day, where they announced the signing of Ivorian midfielder, Ibrahim Sangare for £30 million – a new club record.

Perhaps a more underrated piece of business, however, was the signing of Anthony Elanga, who joined from Manchester United for a fee of around £15m.

What did Rio Ferdinand say about Antony Elanga?

Speaking on his YouTube channel FIVE, Ferdinand was full of praise for the former United dynamo.

He said:

“[Chelsea] got smoked by Elanga, one of the players [United] let go.

“Elanga has looked red-hot by the way, did you see what he did to Mudryk?

"He’s done well man, every game he’s had an impact since he’s been at Forest. He came on against [Arsenal] and set up the goal, then he scored against Chelsea and got the winner.

"This kid looks electric.”

Seemingly disagreeing with United’s decision to let the winger leave the club, Ferdinand has no doubt about Elanga’s “application and desire” to succeed in his new endeavours.

How did Elanga sign for Forest?

The Swedish whiz made his first-team debut for Manchester United in May 2021 and would score his first senior goal less than two weeks later against Wolves in the Premier League.

Elanga became a regular for United under Ralf Rangnick for the second half of the 2021/22 season, making 27 appearances and scoring three goals, including an unforgettable equaliser against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League knockout stages.

When Erik Ten Hag took over ahead of the 2022/23 season, Elanga lost his position in the starting eleven and made only five league starts over the season.

With his place in the national team at risk, the 21-year-old decided he needed to leave for a club that could offer him more game time, with the Daily Mail reporting in May that over 12 clubs around Europe were interested.

Eventually, Nottingham Forest announced the signing of Elanga in July, becoming their second signing of the summer.

How has Elanga performed for Forest so far?

Without having started in the league yet, the 21-year-old dynamo's impact has been instant.

He got his first assist after only two minutes of coming off the bench against Arsenal on the opening day.

This past weekend when Forest faced Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, Elanga was introduced ahead of the second half with the scores level.

Within three minutes, he found space in behind the defence and placed the ball past Robert Sanchez, which would be the winning goal in a huge 1-0 win.

Just as Ferdinand said, he gave Mudryk – who cost a whopping £89m – a torrid afternoon in west London, as seen by the following clip that shows the Ukraine star getting beaten all ends up by an exceptional piece of skill.

Meanwhile, as per Sofascore, the Sweden international registered the second-highest rating in the match (7.7), having contributed three shots on target, three successful dribbles and a total of four duels won in just 45 minutes on the pitch.

Tricky Trees boss Steve Cooper will be looking for more of the same after the international break when his Forest outfit return to action with a clash to basement boys Burnley at the City Ground on September 18th.

Journalist Tony Scott has insisted on the All Together Now podcast that Seamus Coleman is finished as a player at Everton.

The Lowdown: Everton need a squad overhaul

It’s not just the sheer number of managers that Toffees owner Farhad Moshiri has seen in and out of the door during his time at the club, but also the raft of players that have been lingering around Goodison Park for so long.

Players such as Coleman, Jordan Pickford, Yerry Mina, Michael Keane, Mason Holgate and Tom Davies have all been in and around the first team for a long period of time, and that’s coincided with the Toffees’ steady decline down the league table.

Therefore, it would have made sense last month for Everton to recruit at least one or two new faces to ensure Sean Dyche could phase out some of the old guard and players that have overseen the team’s decline.

The Latest: Coleman’s time is up

Scott ripped into Coleman after his Merseyside derby display and believes that the 34-year-old should no longer be starting for Everton given his age and lack of pace.

He said: “We’ll speak about Seamus Coleman. Lad, brilliant servant to Everton [but] here we go again, rewind these podcasts back from the last three years – he shouldn’t be in the team.

“It’s not his fault, he’s done. He should be playing 10 games a season, he should be cover. But again, he was just getting ripped apart yesterday [Monday] when young lads were flying past him. He couldn’t even foul them on the halfway line, he was that far behind them.”

The Verdict: The squad needs freshening up

The fact that Everton are embroiled in their second successive relegation battle shows how desperate their squad is for investment, and while they splashed out over £50m last summer, that was largely funded by the sale of Richarlison.

Therefore, Moshiri is yet to dip into his own pockets this season, so he can have no complaints if the Toffees end up being relegated and the value of the club drops like a stone, as it’s been under his watch and down to his failings.

Since the start of last season, Coleman has started 41 games in the Premier League alone, which is simply unacceptable for someone of his age, and is a sign of a club that is resting on its laurels and looking to do the bare minimum just to survive.

However, the performances of more recent times shouldn’t detract from how good and reliable Coleman has been for Everton, racking up 400 appearances for the Toffees and just last year was still being tipped to play a role for the Republic of Ireland due to him having an ‘enormous amount to contribute’.

It appears referee David Coote may have made another huge mistake on top of harshly sending Takehiro Tomiyasu off in the most recent Arsenal game.

What's the latest on David Coote and Arsenal?

On Monday night, the Gunners travelled to Selhurst Park as they took on Crystal Palace in their first away match of the new Premier League season.

It was a closely contested fixture and this is reflected by the scoreline as a single penalty – won by Eddie Nketiah and scored by Martin Odegaard – was enough to see the Gunners win 1-0.

It could have perhaps been a more comfortable win for Mikel Arteta and co, however, had the refereeing been a little more favourable from an Arsenal point of view.

After all, left-back on the day Tomiyasu picked up two yellow cards in the second half which both seemed to be for pretty minimum offences as his dismissal looked to be quite unjust.

He was first booked for time-wasting. Although, statistician Scott Willis pointed out that before conceding, Crystal Palace had throw-ins that took 27, 25, 22, and 22 seconds. And yet it was the Japan international who was punished for being partially involved when Arsenal's throw-in took 24 seconds to be taken – according to Sky via afcstuff), Tomiyasu held onto the ball for just eight of those seconds before being booked.

As for his second yellow, it appeared as though next to no contact was made with Jordan Ayew and yet referee Coote deemed it sufficient enough to warrant the consequential red card.

This is questionable enough. But to make things worse, footage shared on the game on Twitter shows that the Palace winger – who was also already on a yellow card – made an even worse foul on Bukayo Saka and yet he wasn't sent off for a second bookable offence.

What was said about Jordan Ayew and Takehiro Tomiyasu?

This sort of inconsistency was noted by a number of journalists and football writers online. For instance, Charles Watts wrote: "That's so harsh [on Tomiyasu] for a second yellow. There is no shirt tug. Especially as Ayew just got away with a similar foul having already been booked."

He later added: "The more you watch the clips of Ayew's foul which didn't get a yellow and Tomiyasu's which did, the crazier the decision to send Tomi off becomes. The inconsistency is incredible."

Writer for football.london Aaron Catterson-Reid added: "My issue with that is Ayew had a yellow then held Saka’s shirt for the foul. But no second yellow was given. Consistency just doesn’t exist."

Read the latest Arsenal transfer news HERE…

After the game was finished, manager Arteta was understandably annoyed but managed to bite his tongue, telling the press: "I prefer not to make comments because for me it’s so obvious."

All in all, it's not hard to see why many have been left baffled by the level of officiating in this game and after Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana avoided punishment for his wild challenge against Wolves on the opening weekend, it hasn't exactly been the best start to the seasons from the PGMOL.

As for Arsenal, they managed to cling on for the three points away at Palace, and so they've made a perfect start to the season – even in the face of this adversity – with two wins from two.

Everton will need to further supplement their attacking ranks this summer to hit the ground running this season, with Sean Dyche setting his sights on Southampton striker Che Adams.

Who are Everton signing this summer?

According to multiple sources – including BBC Sport – the Toffees are closing on a deal for Sporting Lisbon striker Youssef Chermiti, aged 19, who broke into first-team contention last term.

Ashley Young has already been signed on a free transfer while Arnaut Danjuma arrives on a one-year loan transfer, but a recognised and established centre-forward would also be well-received as Everton strive to avoid another season mired in relegation troubles.

Read the latest Everton transfer news HERE…

And so, Adams – who was relegated with Saints last season – is also being considered for transfer, with Football Insider revealing the Merseyside outfit have a genuine interest in the Scotland international, with Premier League rivals Bournemouth and Wolverhampton Wanderers also in pursuit.

Should Everton sign Che Adams?

Adams penned a deal with the south coast club for £15m from Birmingham City in 2019, and has scored 31 goals and supplied 15 assists from 145 outings across all competitions.

Once quirkily likened to "the ketchup bottle phenomenon" by former manager Ralph Hasenhuttl for maintaining his hunger for goals despite a concerning goal drought, Adams is the tenacious and multi-skilled striker Everton could benefit from.

He suffered an injury-disrupted campaign as Southampton fell into the second tier, but still plundered five goals and three assists from 23 starts, as per Sofascore, forging 1.7 shots and 0.9 key passes per match.

To compare this to Dyche's attacking options last term, Maupay scored once, averaging 1.2 shots and 0.3 key passes per match, while Dominic Calvert-Lewin only scored twice as he fought his own fight against injury, though did average 1.8 shots and 0.5 key passes per outing.

As per FBref, Adams is interestingly considered the most comparable player to Roma striker Tammy Abraham, and given the former Chelsea ace's dynamism and variety in attacking approach, Dyche could certainly benefit from adding a similar player to the ranks.

Abraham was once described as "incredible" by former manager Frank Lampard, and has impressed during his time in Italy, scoring 36 goals and supplying 12 assists from 107 appearances, winning the Conference League in the 21/22 campaign.

The 11-cap England international averaged 1.6 shots and 0.9 key passes per game last season and as such boasts a similar profile to Adams, which would only play in Everton's favour.

There is a cautious optimism that Calvert-Lewin will play a major role in the forthcoming campaign, and has been partaking in a new summer fitness regime to build his resilience.

The 6 foot 2 focal point will be the team's main goal-grabber if he can indeed put his medical issues behind him, and Adams could prove to be the perfect partner, offering a more dynamic, multi-faceted threat.

Abrahams once claimed that Jose Mourinho's tutelage in Rome was turning him into a "monster", and perhaps Dyche can play to Adams' strengths to a similar effect.

Aston Villa return to action in the Premier League this afternoon as they travel to London to take on Brentford away from home.

The Villans are unbeaten in their last eight matches in all competitions and come into this game off the back of a 1-1 draw with Zrinjski in their final Europa Conference League group stage outing.

Unai Emery's side have won 11 of their 16 top-flight games so far this season and are looking to continue their push for Champions League football next term.

After Thursday night's draw in Bosnia, the Spanish head coach could look to make changes to his side and one player who must be unleashed from the start is England international Ollie Watkins.

Jhon Duran's performance against Zrinjski in numbers

Colombia international Jhon Duran started ahead of the star striker in midweek and did not do enough to suggest that he deserves to start against Brentford.

It was another learning experience for the 20-year-old prospect as he played 90 minutes without landing himself a goal or an assist to show for his efforts.

The left-footed dud did not create a single chance for his teammates and failed to beat the goalkeeper with the two shots that he was able to take, alongside a duel success rate of 33.3% (1/3).

Birmingham Mail's John Townley gave Duran a match rating of 6/10 and pointed to his failure to convert the chances that came his way as the main reason why his performance was not a particularly impressive one.

Meanwhile, Watkins spent the entire match in Bulgaria as an unused substitute for Villa and should be fresh to face the Bees this afternoon.

Watkins' Premier League statistics this season

The £130k-per-week whiz should be unleashed over Duran as he has been in superb form for the Villans in the Premier League this season.

He has showcased his ability as both a scorer and a creator of goals for his teammates in the top-flight and is the "perfect" – as put by journalist Josh Bunting – striker for Emery as the system suits him and the way he likes to peel off defenders and constantly make runs in-behind to stretch defences.

Watkins has contributed with eight goals and six assists in 16 league games for Villa so far this term, which works out as a goal involvement every 1.14 games on average.

The England international, who was once described as 'lethal' by Trevor Sinclair, currently ranks within the top 8% of Premier League forwards for assists (0.39) per 90. This shows that he has the awareness and quality to create opportunities for others to go along with his own terrific goal threat.

He also ranks within the top 8% of his positional peers for touches in the opposition's box (6.58) per 90 and this shows that the system is allowing him to get in dangerous positions on a regular basis, which has led to his impressive return of goals and assists.

Therefore, Emery must unleash his perfect, lethal, number nine and ditch Duran, who failed to take his chance on Thursday, against Thomas Frank's side today as he has the quality to be the match-winner for Villa.

Leeds United have made a fine start to life back in the Championship this season as they have made themselves play-off contenders so far.

The Whites are currently sitting in fifth-place and have only lost two league matches in 11 outings under German head coach Daniel Farke, who was brought in to replace Sam Allardyce over the summer.

A number of players were snapped up in order to bolster the ex-Norwich City boss' squad ahead of the 2023/24 campaign, following their relegation from the Premier League.

Jaidon Anthony, Joel Piroe, Joe Rodon, Karl Darlow, Sam Byram, Djed Spence, Glen Kamara, Ilia Gruev, and Ethan Ampadu were all signed either on loan or on permanent deals.

Despite the side's strong start to the season, the upcoming January transfer window will provide Farke with an opportunity to improve his team again.

One player whom he must look to reignite his interest in is Genk ace Joseph Paintsil, who would thrive alongside Georgino Rutter if the talented whiz can adapt to English football.

Were Leeds interested in Joseph Paintsil?

The Athletic reported that Leeds made an offer of €10m (£8.7m) to sign the Ghana international during the summer transfer window.

It was stated at the time that the player's preference was a move to Elland Road after a transfer to Championship rivals Southampton had fallen through, due to Paintsil and Paul Onuachu – who was set to go the other way – opting against the switch.

However, the Whites were unable to get a deal over the line for the exciting forward and it has since been revealed, by the player, that it was due to reasons out of their control.

Paintsil claimed that he was not interested in a move to Southampton or Leeds as his dream is to play in the Premier League, or in one of the other major European leagues.

The £8.7m-rated whiz added that it was not about Farke's side being a 'bad' team but he could not be convinced to make the drop down to the Championship at that moment in time.

However, the German head coach could make a more convincing case to persuade the Genk star to join the Yorkshire-based outfit in January if his team are well in the race for promotion to the top-flight.

The player has confirmed that his dream is to play at the top level in England and Leeds could offer him a good chance to join a side that could be promoted to that level if they are in the play-off, or automatic, mix by the time that January comes around.

Why were Leeds interested in Paintsil?

Farke and the club may have been interested in a deal to sign the Ghana international due to his phenomenal form for Genk throughout the 2022/23 campaign.

The 25-year-old winger showcased his ability to score and create goals at an impressive rate in the Belgian top-flight and his statistics suggest that he could have been a superb addition to Leeds' squad.

Paintsil was a regular for his side over the course of the campaign as he made 36 league appearances and started 36 times, with an average of 81 minutes per outing, as per Sofascore.

The right-footed whiz was lethal in front of goal and proved himself to be a reliable option to chip in with goals at the top end of the pitch from a wide position.

He ended the Pro League season with a stunning 17 goals from out wide, with only six 'big chances' missed in total. Meanwhile, no Leeds player managed more than 13 league goals last term and no Whites ace has scored more than 17 in a season since Chris Wood in the 2016/17 term.

Paintsil also caught the eye with his ability to carve open the opposition's defence to create opportunities for his teammates. Farke's target created 12 'big chances' and assisted 11 goals in total throughout those 36 outings.

Whereas, no Leeds player produced more than seven assists over the course of the 2022/23 Premier League campaign and no Whites star has hit double figures for assists since Pablo Hernandez did (12) during the 2018/19 Championship season.

These statistics, which were described as "sensational" by Scott Coyne of the Belgian Football Podcast, suggest that the Genk magician has the quality to be a terrific forward for the club and he could thrive alongside Rutter if Farke can snap him up in January.

How has Rutter performed this season?

The French wizard has enjoyed a fantastic start to the campaign and has proven himself to be a big threat at the top end of the pitch at Championship level.

Rutter has contributed with two goals and three assists in nine league starts for the Whites so far this season and has been an exceptional creator for Farke.

The former Hoffenheim prospect has produced ten 'big chances' for his teammates and only been rewarded with three assists for his efforts.

As per FBRef, the 21-year-old maestro ranks within the top 6% of his positional peers at Championship level for xAG (0.49) and shot-creating actions (4.27) per 90.

This essentially means that there are not many players in his position who are able to create high-quality chances as frequently as Rutter.

However, there is work to do with his own finishing as the talented youngster has missed five 'big chances' to go along with his two goals, which suggests that he could be more ruthless in front of goal.

Should Leeds sign Paintsil?

Leeds should, therefore, reignite their interest in Paintsil during the January transfer window as his goalscoring record for Genk suggests that he would thrive alongside Rutter.

The 5 foot 7 talent has proven himself to be a prolific scorer from a wide position and rarely misses presentable opportunities at the top end of the pitch, as shown by his aforementioned statistics from last season.

Starts

Eight

Goals

Two

Assists

Three

Big chances created

Four

Paintsil's form this season (via Sofascore)

This suggests that the Whites target would be able to make the most of the chances that the French wizard is putting on a plate for his teammates week-in-week-out.

Paintsil's creative number also indicate that he could provide Rutter with the ammunition he needs to find the back of the net on a regular basis, if the ex-Bundesliga man can find his feet and form in front of goal during the second half of the season.

Liverpool's need for midfield reinforcements in no secret, even after they overcame the odds to defeat Newcastle United at St James' Park and extend their unbeaten run to start the season to three Premier League games.

The Reds were, of course, on their way to a fairly successful transfer window, with the arrival of Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai, but the departures of Jordan Henderson and Fabinho to Saudi Arabia threw a spanner in the works.

Since then, they have welcomed Wataru Endo, but it could be argued that a more high-profile name is still needed.

With that said, though, the club have reportedly ruled out signing one particular midfielder.

What's the latest Liverpool transfer news?

As the summer transfer window edges closer and closer to slamming shut, Liverpool are scrambling for the extra reinforcements needed to ensure that Jurgen Klopp has a side capable of returning to the Premier League's top four, after missing out last season.

The name at the forefront of their current list of targets seems to be Bayern Munich's Ryan Gravenberch, who the Bavarians could reportedly soften their stance on in the coming days.

As Gravenberch rises to the top of Liverpool's list, however, it is Sofyan Amrabat who has reportedly been ruled out altogether.

According to Manchester Evening News, who were reporting on Manchester United and Liverpool's interest in Amrabat, the Reds have clarified that they will not be making a move for the Fiorentina man this summer.

This news comes at a time when Amrabat has been frozen out at the Serie A club, with La Viola dropping the Morroco international from both first-team games, and training until his future is resolved, as per Fabrizio Romano.

Should Liverpool sign Sofyan Amrabat?

Liverpool's stance on Amrabat is a surprising one, given their need for midfielders, and Fiorentina's reported price-tag of just €30m (£25.6m) this summer.

Statistically speaking, too, the Moroccan would be an upgrade on the options that Klopp waved goodbye to this summer.

According to FBref, Amrabat outperformed Henderson in some key areas throughout the previous campaign.

Player

Progressive Carries Per 90

Blocks

Pass Completion Rate

Tackles Won

Sofyan Amrabat

1.62

23

88.8%

24

Jordan Henderson

1.61

21

83%

23

Meanwhile, the 27-year-old earned plenty of praise during the 2022 World Cup, as he helped Morroco to reach the semi-final stage, in the surprise of the tournament.

Alan Shearer praised the midfielder, saying on BBC's Match of The Day, via the Liverpool Echo: "He gets it and then he can feed the ball in, and you can see him go back there. He’ll be reluctant to get forward as he wants to protect, he’ll want to do that.

"He really enjoys that and he’s really good at that – ‘get off the ball, I’m having it’ – and he’s setting his team forward. He’s been key. He does that, he protects, he can get out there and help his full-backs, and that’s what he’s in that role to do – to stop, and be a spoiler – he’s excellent at it. Then he drives forward and they’re on their way. He’s been magnificent, he really has."

Read the latest Liverpool transfer news HERE…

Nonetheless, despite the praise and the stats, Liverpool reportedly remain unlikely to push ahead for Amrabat's signature this summer.

Celtic enjoyed a terrific start to their 2023/24 Scottish Premiership term as they beat Ross County 4-2 on the opening day at Parkhead.

Who scored for Celtic against Ross County?

David Turnbull, who scored twice, Kyogo Furuhashi, and Matt O'Riley all got their names on the scoresheet for the Hoops in Brendan Rodgers' first official match of his second spell at the club.

O'Riley has started his campaign with a goal after the Denmark international produced three in 38 appearances throughout the entire 2022/23 season, whilst he also registered an assist on Saturday.

The former Fulham midfielder is an outstanding attacking threat from the middle of the park and Rodgers could find a dream partner for him by completing a swoop for Manchester United's Scott McTominay, who is a reported transfer target for the Bhoys.

How good is Scott McTominay?

Across the 2021/22 campaign, the Scotland international showcased his ability as a defensive midfielder for the Red Devils and could be a fantastic signing for Celtic if he is able to translate that form over to Parkhead.

McTominay only started ten league matches under Erik ten Hag last term, which meant that the United academy graduate did not have many chances to impress, but thrived as a number six across 28 Premier League starts during the previous season.

The £78k-per-week titan averaged an outstanding 3.2 tackles and interceptions combined per game for the English giants and the 6 foot 4 giant displayed his ability in the air as he won 2.3 aerial battles per outing, with a success rate of 67%.

Last season, no Celtic central midfielder with at least one Premiership start managed more than 2.2 tackles and interceptions or 0.7 aerial duels won per clash.

This suggests that McTominay has the quality to be a phenomenal defensive presence at the base of Rodgers' midfield, which could provide O'Riley with even more opportunities to show off his attacking ability at the top end of the pitch.

The ex-MK Dons ace racked up an exceptional 12 assists and created 2.1 chances per game for his teammates in the league last term, which meant that he topped the charts for the club in both statistics.

O'Riley provided 16 'big chances' from midfield and chipped in with three goals as he proved himself to be a consistently impressive performer in possession who can open up the opposition's defence on a regular basis.

McTominay, however, is not an attack-minded midfielder who is likely to bomb forward and leave the defence exposed as he has only scored 19 goals and produced five assists in 209 first-team appearances for United.

The Scottish colossus, who was once lauded as a "monster" by his former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, could sit in midfield and use his defensive instincts to consistently cut out opposition attacks to protect the likes of Maik Nawrocki and Cameron Carter-Vickers.

This could, therefore, free up the likes of Reo Hatate, David Turnbull and O'Riley to go and do what they want to do on the ball without having to worry about the other side of the game as much, as they would have a terrific enforcer there to cover for them if the ball is turned over in midfield.

After missing out on the Scottish Premiership in a campaign to forget last season, Rangers now have the hard task of preventing Celtic from making it three consecutive title wins.

The man in charge of standing in the way of Brendan Rodgers' new side is Michael Beale, who will be hoping to use the remaining days of the transfer window to gain an edge over his Old Firm rivals.

As things stand, however, reports suggest that Celtic have already taken the lead off the pitch, potentially beating Rangers to their transfer target.

What's the latest Rangers transfer news?

So far this summer, Rangers have welcomed a total of eight reinforcements, with Feyenoord's Danilo and Atalanta's Sam Lammers the pick of the bunch, alongside Jack Butland and Kieran Dowell.

With seven days still remaining in the summer transfer window, however, Rangers may yet hope to welcome even more fresh faces. It's clear so far that Beale's side could do with all the help that they can get if they are to dethrone Celtic this season.

After two games in the Scottish Premiership, Rangers have lost one and sealed all three points in the other, with their opening day defeat against Kilmarnock a particular shock.

Of course, the Gers have since defeated Livingston with ease to get back on track on the pitch, but off the pitch, things aren't going quite so well.

According to The Daily Mail, Rangers' rivals Celtic have launched a £3.5m bid to sign Gers target Luis Palma. Rangers reportedly viewed the winger as a replacement for Ryan Kent, who left the club earlier in the window, but now look likely to miss out following Celtic's reported bid.

No matter which club takes pole position in Scotland, however, they will still have to reportedly battle it out for Palma's signature against Watford and Anderlecht this summer.

Is Luis Palma any good?

Currently plying his trade for Greek Super League side Aris, Palma was involved in an impressive 21 goals last season, scoring 13 and assisting a further eight in all competitions.

Meanwhile, so far this season, the 23-year-old has already found the back of the net twice and made three assists in five appearances. From Beale and Rangers' perspective, they could be missing out on a player in form who looks likely to only get better. Worse is the fact that it is Celtic who could secure Palma's signature, too.

At his best, the Honduran has earned plenty of praise, including from Aris manager Apostolos Terzis, who said, via Daily Record, after Palma scored twice in his side's 4-2 victory in the Europa Conference League: "Luis has done that all season. He has been a huge player for us. We know there has been a lot of interest in him and it's not surprising. Hopefully, playing in Europe next season will persuade him to stay with us."

Read the latest Rangers transfer news HERE…

Palma, himself, also commented on his future at the end of last season, saying, via Daily Record: "First of all, there have been no concrete proposals or offers for me. It's just been speculation.

"I am completely focused on my team. Nothing can distract me during this important time. In my mind, I am only thinking to try and help Aris to get as many points as possible. If a good proposal comes after that, then we can talk. But for now, I only care about this season and Aris."

West Ham United fans would’ve thought that losing the talismanic Declan Rice to Arsenal for £105m would be the most damaging outgoing for the club this summer.

However, a new – almost equally devastating – storyline has since emerged, with Manchester City keenly pursuing a deal for attacking midfielder Lucas Paqueta.

Fabrizio Romano revealed that the Brazilian is keen to join the reigning Premier League and European Champions, who had an initial verbal approach of £70m rejected. A fresh offer is expected, with the Italian journalist indicating that players could be included in the deal.

This has led to suggestions that Cole Palmer could be on his way to the London Stadium.

What’s the latest on Cole Palmer to West Ham?

According to the ever-reliable ExWHUEmployee, the 21-year-old is attracting serious interest from the Hammers.

The Guardian’s Jacob Steinberg has echoed this view, stating that West Ham are eyeing a loan deal for the youngster.

Read the latest West Ham transfer news HERE…

Pep Guardiola has communicated his impression of the situation, saying:

“We have lot of confidence in Cole. I know he wanted to play last season, and didn't much. The agent, himself, we have to talk.

“If he wants to stay, we're more than pleased. If he wants to leave, we'll find a solution because he's a top player.”

Would Cole Palmer be a good signing for West Ham?

The 6-foot academy gem has been at Manchester City since 2010, rising through various academy sides.

In 61 appearances for the U18 and U21 teams, he has recorded 61 goal involvements – a frightening level of productivity to emphatically demonstrate that he is more than ready for regular senior football.

As a result, he has become partially integrated into the first team, making 39 appearances in the last 3 years, including five goals.

Internationally, the playmaker has also performed admirably – at England’s U21 European Championship winning campaign, Palmer played five matches, scored once, registered three assists, and completed 88% of his passes and 56% of his dribbles, as per Sofascore.

Nevertheless, last season he only notched seven starts in all competitions and a loan at a fellow top-flight side could be the perfect platform to further ignite his limitless potential.

Moreover, his hypnotic dribbling and magical technique could make him the new jewel of West Ham’s crown as he ranks within the best 1% in Europe’s top five leagues among his positional peers for progressive carries, successful take-ons and touches in the attacking penalty area per 90.

The joyous technician, who netted in the Community Shield final against Arsenal, possesses the profile and skill to soften the blow of Paqueta’s possible exit.

The former Lyon maestro has only been at West Ham for one year but has quickly established himself as one of the club’s most talented and influential assets.

Described as “simply sensational” by CBS Sports' James Benge, the South American ranks within the top 6% in Europe’s top five leagues among his positional peers for progressive passes per 90, and his repertoire of flair and exuberance means he looks destined to compete at the highest level.

Nevertheless, Palmer is also a ridiculous talent, and with a year of consistent game-time, could further flourish into one of the division’s most sought-after forces.

Also hailed as “outstanding” by Paul Dickov, the 21-year-old starlet to West Ham would be an extremely smart piece of business for all parties, given the evidence above.