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Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly joined the race for Celta Vigo starlet, Gabri Veiga, with the promising playmaker having caught the eye following a breakout 2022/23 campaign in La Liga.

What are the latest Tottenham transfer rumours?

Following the news that Spurs have secured the signing of Israeli winger, Manor Solomon, French outlet Le10 Sport are now reporting that the Lilywhites are to set compete for the signing of the exciting Spaniard, with both Arsenal and Chelsea also in the mix for the 21-year-old's signature.

The Premier League trio are also likely to face interest from both Barcelona and Real Madrid in the battle to land the 6 foot 1 ace, according to The Guardian, with the youngster up for grabs for a fee of around €40m (£34m), due to the presence of a release clause in his existing contract.

This search for a new midfielder comes amid claims that Ange Postecoglou is set to allow Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg to depart ahead of next season, with the Denmark international currently attracting interest from Atletico Madrid, as well as clubs in Germany.

What position does Gabri Veiga play?

The Spain youth international – who was recently part of the side that lost to England in the final of the U21 European Championship – has typically operated in an advanced midfield berth during his senior career to date, ensuring he could potentially slot in nicely into Postecoglou's preferred 4-3-3 formation.

Lauded as "highly talented box-to-box midfielder" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the emerging superstar appears to share a positional likeness to fellow La Liga ace, Federico Valverde, according to GOAL's Thomas Hindle, with the journalist previously writing:

'Both are tall athletic midfielders who like to shoot from distance, they share similar dribbling styles, and a remarkable versatility that could see them function in a number of different systems. And, like Valverde in Real Madrid's counter-attacking setup, Veiga is deadly on the break.'

The pair are both seemingly alike in being able to make an impact in the final third from their midfield berths, with Veiga having racked up 11 goals and four assists in 36 league games last term, with Valverde also impressing with seven goals and four assists from his 34 league outings in Spain's top-flight.

The comparison between the two men can also be made due to their ability to drive forward from deep with ease, with the Celta sensation ranking in the top 12% in Europe's top five leagues among those in his position for progressive carries, while the Madrid machine is just ahead as he ranks in the top 9% in that regard.

That likeness between Veiga and Valverde is noteworthy due to the latter man's standing as one of the finest in the game in his position, with BT Sport pundit Joe Cole suggesting back in November that the "box-to-box" ace is "on the verge of becoming the best".

The Uruguayan international was notably the "unsung hero" in Los Blancos' Champions League final triumph over Liverpool in 2022, as per Cole, having also been lauded as "untouchable" by manager, Carlo Ancelotti.

While young Veiga has a way to go to try and emulate the 24-year-old – having made just 55 appearances to date in his embryonic senior career – it would represent a real coup for Postecoglou if he could find his own version of the Madrid machine this summer.

Liverpool and Chelsea have registered an interest in Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Verratti this summer according to Kaveh Solhekol.

The 30-year-old could reportedly leave the French side this summer with a number of top European sides interested.

What is Verratti's market value?

Verratti is regarded as one of the best midfielders on the planet.

Following his move from Italian side Pescara in the summer of 2012 for a fee in the region €12m, the diminutive midfielder has become of the greats in PSG's history, making 416 appearances for the side, scoring 11 and assisting 61.

Verratti, who has been hailed as a "top player" by his teammate, has won almost everything there is to win in Paris, boasting nine league titles, six French cups and six French league cups in his 11-year tenure. The Italian hasn't enjoyed the taste of European success in his career, however, with the defeat to Bayern Munich in the 2020 Champions League final being the closest he came to having his hands on that historic trophy.

The player could be calling time on his career in Ligue 1 this summer according to reports, with Atletico Madrid exploring the possibility of bringing the midfielder to the Wanda Metropolitano this summer. The reports also states that the current Atleti boss Diego Simeone is a "huge admirer" of the 30-year-old. However, despite PSG being willing to sell all players this summer in an attempt to move in a new direction under new manager Luis Enrique, Verratti will not be cheap, with the reported asking price being set at €80m (£69.3m) whilst potential suitors believe the player is only worth half that price.

Speaking on Sky Sports News, Solhekol revealed that Premier League sides Liverpool and Chelsea hold an interest in the midfielder this summer, however it may have been agent talk in order to try and make money this summer: "We’ve also been told that two Premier League clubs are interested in signing him. We’ve been told that those clubs were Liverpool and Chelsea. We haven’t been able to confirm that, it could just be a case of he’s a player that has been offered to Liverpool and Chelsea by intermediaries, by agents, by representatives who are trying to make some money from the deal and they know that Chelsea and Liverpool are potentially looking for midfielders this summer."

Should Liverpool sign Marco Verratti?

Despite Verratti's quality and reputation, he probably shouldn't be a signing Liverpool make this window.

For one, Liverpool need a different profile of midfielder than Verratti. With Fabinho and Jordan Henderson set to depart for Al Ittihad and Al Ettifaq respectively, the Reds need to replace them with players of a similar profile. According to FBref, the type of Liverpool midfielder that the Italian is most similar to is Spaniard Thiago Alcantara, which isn't the profile Liverpool requires this summer, already having Curtis Jones and adding Alexis Mac Allister as well.

The Italian is also very injury prone, having missed over 100 games due to injury in Paris. Midfield unavailability has been a big issue for the Merseyside club for the past five seasons, with the likes of Henderson, Thiago, Naby Keita, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all struggling with injury problems which at times has hampered the club. The club have moved to address this issue with the additions of Dominik Szoboszlai and Mac Allister, who have very impressive injury records, but the addition of Verratti would be a step back to a more injury-prone and less reliable midfield.

With the position Liverpool need to address in the market, Verratti is not the right buy, and the potential €80m fee could be better used on other, younger targets who are better fits in defensive midfield.

Arsenal have once again been implicated in a transfer saga, and if their form from this window is anything to go by, the others involved should start worrying.

How much would Mohammed Kudus cost?

The latest on their pursuit of Mohammed Kudus comes courtesy of journalist Ben Jacobs, who took to Caught Offside to claim: "Kudus is under contract at Ajax until 2025 and is keen to leave. He has already rejected a one-year extension back in April.

“The Arsenal interest is genuine as well, although they won’t move prior to outgoings. They made contact a couple of weeks ago. Brighton are also in the race. Kudus is going to cost about £40m."

With Chelsea thought to be sniffing around the Ajax star too, that reported price tag could cull that list of suitors and leave the free-spending Gunners to secure this deal alone.

Given they saw off Real Madrid to tie down Kai Havertz and thwarted Manchester City to sign Declan Rice, the theme seems to be that if they want a player this summer, they will get him.

How good is Mohammed Kudus?

Whilst Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka are near-irreplaceable in their wide roles, Leandro Trossard proved what an injection of some fresh ideas can bring to a squad that is already on top.

Joining in January, the Belgian would record eight goal contributions in his first 11 league games for the Emirates outfit, helping prolong their title charge before the eventual collapse.

It could be argued that the failure to secure that honour came down to a lack of depth, which is something that has been rectified massively this summer. However, on the wing they still remain unimproved after such a fine window, leaving the three names mentioned as the only options before having to resort to Reiss Nelson.

Saka's potential absence would hurt in particular, given just how influential he has grown to be within this squad. Despite being just 21 years old, last season saw him enjoy one of his finest, building upon an 11-goal haul from the year before to score 15 and assist a further 11 in all competitions.

He finished as the club's joint-top scorer and featured in every single league match to emphasise his importance.

However, that reliance did understandably lead to a drop-off, as the England international endured a nine-game period where he would score just once at the back end of the campaign. For moments like this, when the youngster is in desperate need of rest, Kudus would provide the perfect alternative.

The Ghanaian trickster is too famed for his wicked left foot, preferring to cut inside from the right flank to devastating effect.

Last term saw him perfect such a movement, resulting in 18 goals and seven assists for the 22-year-old across all competitions. This came years after journalist Ives Galarcep had outlined him as being "outstanding" even then.

FBref helps further these similarities, as when compared against other wingers in the eight leagues most similar to the Eredivisie, Kudus ranks in the top 6% for total shots per 90, the top 1% for successful take-ons per 90 and the top 4% for touches in the attacking penalty area per 90.

He too poses a consistent offensive threat, capable of beating his man and troubling the keeper with ease.

Former Gunners favourite Kevin Campbell sought to supplement that notion too, claiming: "I remember watching him for Ajax and I was very impressed with him.

"He actually plays a bit like Saka at times, where he welcomes the contact and shifts away from it. He can play attacking midfield, up front or on the right, for £40m he’s great value for money."

For a price that is certainly affordable for a club of such stature and a play style that closely matches their star asset, it marks a no-brainer for Arteta to take a punt and finally give Saka a rest without fear of a dramatic dip in quality.

Lionel Messi is one of, if not the greatest player of all time. That is a fact of football. And with that status comes the privilege of playing with some of the best players that the beautiful game has to offer, who will likely spread the word of the Argentine's greatness even further.

There are many great honours in football, from the Champions League, all the way to the World Cup, but sometimes, players can simply realise their dream by sharing a pitch with Messi.

With that said, it must be some feeling to be named in the list of the legend's favourite teammates throughout his illustrious career – a list that we've taken a detailed look at, after it was revealed by Titan Sports, via The Daily Mirror.

10

David Villa

Arguably playing with Messi at the peak of his powers, David Villa formed quite the partnership with the Argentine, scoring a total of 48 goals in 119 appearances for Barcelona.

Messi, meanwhile, with Villa as a teammate, famously scored 91 goals in the calendar year of 2012.

9

Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Likely fuelling Zlatan Ibrahimovic's planet-sized ego even more, as if that was needed, Messi also named the Swede in his list of his favourite teammates.

During his time at Barcelona, the former AC Milan forward made just 46 appearances, in which he scored 22 goals in a short, but efficient spell at the Nou Camp.

8

Sergio Busquets

Messi then moved on to his former Barcelona teammate, and current Inter Miami teammate Sergio Busquets. And this one is up there with the least surprising.

Such is the way that Busquets makes everything easier out of the spotlight, providing the platform for greatness, many attacking players over the years will likely give the same answer as Messi.

Now in MLS, the Barcelona legend will almost certainly do the same job.

7

Andres Iniesta

There's not many players that can match Messi's Barcelona legacy, but if anyone can come close, it is Andres Iniesta. And the iconic number 10 recognised the honour of playing with the legendary midfielder, naming the Spaniard in the list of his favourite teammates.

Iniesta won the lot during his time in La Liga, and remains one of the best players to ever step onto the famous Nou Camp turf.

It came as no shock when Messi name-dropped his former teammate.

6

Xavi

Just like during their playing career, you can't get Iniesta without Xavi. Together, they formed one of the best midfields in football history alongside the aforementioned Busquets, winning four Champions League trophies together.

It's no surprise that Messi named all three midfielders in his list. There's no doubting they truly helped provide the platform for his incredible success throughout his career.

5

Neymar

Even ignoring Neymar's pure football ability for a second, his friendship alone with Messi was going to get him on the list.

Back to his football ability, Neymar isn't exactly a poor player, either. His flare was the perfect addition to Messi's magic, with the duo enjoying particular success during their Barcelona days, while also showing occasional glimpses of magic together at Barca.

4

Luis Suarez

Just like Neymar, Luis Suarez's friendship gets him on Messi's list first and foremost, before we even look back on his incredible Barcelona career.

Together with Messi and Neymar, Suarez formed one of the best front threes in the history of football. Together, 'MSN' played a total of 409, scoring an incredible 344 goals and recording 157 assists, winning honours such as the Champions League.

Suarez, himself, during his time at Barcelona, scored 195 goals in 283 appearances.

3

Samuel Eto'o

Another player that Messi had the privilege of scoring plenty of goals alongside, Samuel Eto'o was as selfless as ever during his time at Barcelona, helping a younger version of the Argentine to great success.

In total, Eto'o scored 130 goals in 199 appearances for a sensational record in front of goal.

He remains a Barcelona legend, and one of Messi's favourite players.

2

Deco

Like Eto'o, Deco had an impact on the early stages of Messi's career – something that the forward acknowledged by listing the former Barcelona man in his list of favourite teammates over the years.

During his time at the La Liga giants, Deco made 161 appearances, winning one Champions League, and scoring 20 goals.

1

Ronaldinho

Ronaldinho was always going to feature on this list, wasn't he? At the time, it felt like the passing of the torch between the Brazilian legend to Messi, as if he was almost welcoming space for his forthcoming legacy.

Not many would have believed at the time that a player could better Ronaldinho's time at Barcelona. Yet, here we are, with arguably the greatest player of all time doing exactly that, and more.

Manchester United have already recruited well this summer, but there is one surprise addition that would surpass most to emulate a global star…

Is Leon Goretzka leaving Bayern Munich?

One of the biggest deals completed this window came from Real Madrid, who tempted England international Jude Bellingham to join Carlo Ancelotti's youth-focused revolution, as one of the most expensive signing in their history.

He was a player coveted by plenty of the Premier League, with the Red Devils and Liverpool the most vocal in their pursuit. However, in the end, the allure of Los Blancos proved too much, and they all were forced to move on.

Read the latest Man United transfer news HERE…

Now, Erik ten Hag could secure his own version of the 20-year-old maestro, with Leon Goretzka one name who remains on their list.

Whilst the report in question, which came earlier this week, does outline his desire to "100%" stay in Germany, the financial incentive and ever-improving project proposed could tempt the 28-year-old to give a switch some thought. It was noted in July that an offer of around €50m (£43m) could be enough to tempt Bayern Munich to sell.

How good is Leon Goretzka?

Having moved to the Allianz Arena in 2018, the all-action midfielder has announced himself as one of the finest in his role across Europe, with steel, solidity, creativity and goalscoring impetus all within his arsenal.

In fact, a former coach of his Peter Neururer, suggested:

"For me personally, there is no one better than him in the world as a central midfielder or in the role of box-to-box player. When he plays in the right position, in the right team, in the right system, he is hard to beat."

Journalist Ricardo López helped to supplement this:

"Leon Goretzka was a lighthouse keeper in another life. What a competitive animal."

Unsurprisingly, all his figures help to back up such claims, as when compared against other midfielders across Europe he shines. He actually ranks in the top 1% for non-penalty expected goals per 90, the top 4% for assists per 90, and the top 3% for blocks per 90, via FBref.

It is such well-rounded perfection that likely lends to the comparisons with Bellingham, as FBref serve to aid by including the former Borussia Dortmund star on Goretzka's 'similar players' list.

The Birmingham-born ace is fresh off the back of a stunning season in Germany, where his 7.40 average rating was the fifth-highest of any player in the division.

This was largely buoyed by his similar penchant for starring in every attribute, as he scored eight, assisted four, and maintained an 83% pass accuracy and a 67% dribble success rate, alongside recording 1.1 key passes and 2.5 tackles per game, via Sofascore.

There is little he cannot do, and yet Goretzka stars in all the same areas but has far more experience than the young gem.

His role in winning five Bundesliga titles and a sole Champions League was imperative, as he has racked up 179 appearances for the historic Munich outfit.

Perhaps he could tread the same path as the legendary Bastian Schweinsteiger, trading his homeland for Old Trafford, and providing that title-winning expertise to help take Ten Hag's progressing squad to the next level.

With Bellingham stolen off the market, Goretzka hardly represents a downgrade to step into his role and help transform the United team into true challengers.

An update has emerged on Aston Villa and their plans to make further additions to the playing squad before the end of the summer transfer window…

What's the latest Aston Villa transfer news?

According to The Mirror, the Villans are one of a number of clubs eyeing up Manchester City central defender Aymeric Laporte as he looks set for a move away from The Etihad.

The report claims that Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are also monitoring the Spain international's situation. However, Pep Guardiola's side would prefer to sell him to a foreign team if possible.

Read the latest Aston Villa transfer news HERE…

It is stated that the Cityzens are willing to cash in on the former Athletic Bilbao star following the signing of Josko Gvardiol from RB Leipzig for £77m. The Croatia international's arrival has opened the door for the left-footed ace to depart and a fee of £30m is said to be enough to secure his services.

How good is Aymeric Laporte?

Despite having fallen down the pecking order under Guardiola of late, Laporte remains an outstanding central defender who would be a phenomenal addition to the Villa squad.

The 29-year-old Rolls-Royce has proven himself to be an excellent Premier League performer who could be Unai Emery's next Thiago Silva.

Laporte, who was once dubbed "incredible" by Guardiola, would arrive as a serial winner who knows exactly what it takes to perform at the top level as he has won 14 trophies with City, which includes five top-flight titles and one Champions League.

Silva played 79 matches under Emery during their two seasons together at Paris Saint-Germain and was a colossal figure at the back for the Spanish head coach.

The Brazil international, like Laporte, is a proven winner who is also an outstanding defender. He won an eye-catching 25 trophies during his time in Paris and has gone on to win the Champions League with his current club Chelsea.

In the 2017/18 Ligue 1 campaign, Silva showcased his ability in possession for Emery's side with 4.77 progressive passes per 90, which placed him within the top 6% of his positional peers in the French top-flight – as per FBref.

This shows that the Brazilian titan was exceptional on the ball for the now-Villa tactician as he was able to consistently progress the team up the pitch with his incisive passing.

Laporte is a defender with similar qualities as the Spanish ace has ranked within the top 2% of centre-backs in the Premier League in each of the last six seasons with City for progressive passes per 90, which is an extraordinary achievement given the length of time he has been able to remain among the best in his position when it comes to passing out from the back.

The Etihad outcast has also averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.94 or higher in all six of those top-flight campaigns, which is a greater score than any Villa defender managed for the club last term.

Therefore, Laporte, who was once described as a “beast” by writer Muhammad Butt, could be a fantastic signing for the Villans as he is a proven winner who is also a solid defender and has sensational ability in possession.

This is why he could be Emery's next version of Silva, who offered those qualities to the manager in Paris, if the club can strike an agreement for the treble-winner.

Aston Villa could lose Lucas Digne this summer, but journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed something that will see the Villans land a huge profit from any such move.

How old is Lucas Digne?

The Villans experienced a huge turnaround in fortunes last season, with Unai Emery replacing Steven Gerrard and guiding his side into the European places after a brilliant run of form.

While last Saturday's 5-1 defeat away to Newcastle United was a horrible way for Villa to start their Premier League campaign, there are still hopes that they will go up another gear in 2023/24. The signings of Pau Torres, Youri Tielemans and Moussa Diaby could all prove to be inspired, while Nicolo Zaniolo is also coming in from Galatasaray, in what is another exciting acquisition.

Read the latest Aston Villa transfer news HERE…

There is much focus on potential incomings at the moment, but players could also be heading out of the exit door before the end of the month, with Digne one of those who may move on to pastures new.

Now 30 years of age, the Frenchman has struggled to consistently make a positive impact at Villa Park since arriving from Everton in 2022, scoring twice and registering four assists in 48 appearances.

Will Lucas Digne leave Aston Villa?

Writing on Twitter on Wednesday morning, Romano provided an update on Villa's pursuit of Marcos Acuna, but also revealed their is Saudi interest in Digne:

"Aston Villa have genuine interest in Marcos Acuna. He's on the list as potential next target, no agreement on fee with Sevilla; player keen on PL experience

"Lucas Digne could leave as Saudi clubs & also two European clubs are keen on signing him. Zaniolo, arriving today."

There is no doubt that Digne has been an underwhelming signing for Villa, considering he has won 46 caps for France and been lauded as "fantastic" by Marco Silva during their time together at Everton, so getting a big chunk of cash from a Saudi suitor would be no bad thing.

The former Blues man certainly didn't impress in the aforementioned drubbing at Newcastle last weekend, losing possession 13 times and only completing three out of eight accurate crosses, and at 30, he could be a player who is on the wane at this point in his career.

Should Digne depart for Saudi in the near future, it is imperative that they replace him with a strong option, however, or Emery will be left with a lack of options at left-back. There was no recognised out-and-out alternative to him on the substitutes' bench at St James', so it looks like an area of the pitch that could end up being problematic if Alex Moreno cannot stay fit.

Should Digne end up staying put beyond the summer transfer window, it certainly wouldn't be a bad thing, but far more consistency is required from him moving forward. Moreno is the top option, but he is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury, so more depth could be further required as Villa look to impress across four different competitions this season.

Everton are still in talks with Hugo Ekitike and his entourage over a move to Goodison Park, but they are now facing increased competition for his signature, a report has revealed.

What's the latest Everton transfer news?

Everton manager Sean Dyche has recently confirmed the club are in talks with several strikers, including Che Adams, as we enter the latter stages of the summer transfer window.

"We are in for a number of situations, whether they can come into fruition, I am waiting on news,"

"These deals at the minute, I'm waiting for news – any deals, that is not about Che Adams, that is any deals."

The move for Adams is thought to be in its final stages, with the Toffees putting the finishing touches on a £15m deal with Southampton, but Dyche does have some back-up options in mind, including Troyes striker Mama Balde.

Journalist Paul Brown reports the Merseyside club hold a "genuine interest" in the 27-year-old, although he is likely to be viewed as an alternative option to one of their other targets.

According to reports from France, another player Everton have in mind is Ekitike, and the club are still in active talks with the player and his entourage over a move this summer, but they will need to move quickly as other clubs are circling (via Sport Witness).

AC Milan, Lyon and West Ham United are also interested in signing the striker, who has known for two weeks that he has no future at PSG, and needs to find a club before the transfer window closes.

The Toffees are yet to make an offer for the 21-year-old, but they are certainly in the race for his signature.

Read The Latest Everton Transfer News HERE

How good is Hugo Ekitike?

The Reims-born has been impressive in Ligue 1, considering his age, scoring ten goals in 24 games for his hometown club in the 2021-22 season, before going on to weigh in with three goals and four assists for PSG in his last campaign.

Football talent scout Jacek Kulig has lauded the starlet as a "clinical finisher", while also praising him for his "superb flair, agility, & coordination for a player of his size".

The £79k-per-week striker, who stands at 6 foot 2, is also a competent passer of the ball, ranking in the 97th percentile for his pass-completion rate per 90 over the past year, when compared to his positional peers.

Ekitike has a range of attributes that could make him a fantastic signing for Everton, who are very much in need of a striker, considering they are one of just two clubs yet to score a goal in the Premier League so far this season, but Adams appears to be the priority for now.

Leeds United have been linked with moves for Joseph Paintsil and Nadiem Amiri before the end of the summer transfer window, and now a fresh update has emerged.

Do Leeds want Joseph Paintsil and Nadiem Amiri?

The Whites are continuing to work hard on potential additions in the next few days, as they look to build the strongest squad possible to seal a speedy return to the Premier League.

Former Swansea City striker Joel Piroe has arrived at Elland Road as a hugely exciting signing – one who scored 19 goals in the Championship last season – and he hopefully won't be the last of the new faces through the door between now and next Friday.

Two players who have continued to be linked with switches to Leeds in recent weeks are Paintsil and Amiri, who are plying their trade at Genk and Bayer Leverkusen respectively. A bid has been tabled for the former by the Whites, but it has also been reported that they may walk away from the deal, while the latter's situation has also been a very on-off one, with his future constantly up in the air.

Now, a new update has emerged regarding Leeds' pursuit of both players, in what has the potential to be a busy end to the transfer window at Elland Road.

What's the latest on Joseph Paintsil and Nadiem Amiri to Leeds?

Speaking in a Q&A for The Athletic on Saturday [via MOT Leeds News], reliable reporter Phil Hay said that moves for both Paintsil and Amiri are still on the cards with bids on the table despite recent claims, with both situations described as "fast-moving" at the moment:

"In terms of incomings, Leeds have bids on the table for Nadiem Amiri at Bayer Leverkusen and Joseph Paintsil at Genk. There are conflicting reports about them but our understanding as of yesterday evening was that Leeds don’t think either bid is dead. It’s fast moving at this stage of the window though."

This is a largely positive update from Hay, suggesting that Leeds still feel they can land both Paintsil and Amiri to bolster their squad in the Championship promotion battle between now and the end of the campaign.

Paintsil has 57 goal involvements (32 goals and 25 assists) in 143 appearances for Genk, outlining the end product that he has in his game, and he could add so much in the right-sided attacking role that he prefers to play in, having been described as "superb" by football talent scout Jacek Kulig.

Read the latest Leeds transfer news HERE…

Meanwhile, Amiri could also be a shrewd signing for Leeds, further boosting their midfield options, with the Leverkusen man an impressive central attacking midfielder who All Leeds TV presenter Oscar Marrio has said would be "absolutely ideal" for Daniel Farke, winning five caps for Germany, which is no mean feat.

The outcome of both pieces of business could ultimately be so key for the Whites this season, and bringing both could make them better equipped to battle for the Championship title all season long, especially having already brought in Piroe, so they appear to be deals to watch.

Sunderland pulled off one of the shock results of the season so far, thrashing Southampton 5-0 at the Stadium of Light last weekend.

The Black Cats managed to put five past one of the promotion favourites to the bewilderment of many having only netted four times in the fixtures prior.

Despite finding their goal-scoring touch here, supporters were left disappointed late on in the window as star striker Ross Stewart coincidentally joined the Saints, leaving them light on quality options in the forward line.

The Scotsman supplied ten goals in 13 starts last season and if it wasn't for a lengthy spell on the sidelines, could have fired Tony Mowbray's side to automatic promotion.

With Stewart out the door for a reported fee of £8m, a proven Championship striker was needed to fill his void but in this climate, those are hard to find and Sunderland were made to settle for a deadline capture of striker Mason Burstow on a season-long loan from Chelsea.

Who is Mason Burstow?

Burstow is a promising 20-year-old striker who was named on the bench in Chelsea's season opener against Liverpool.

More recently, he has was brought off the bench in their 3-1 defeat against West Ham, and again in their victory over Luton Town.

Burstow made his full debut for the Blues in their Carabao Cup clash against Wimbledon last Wednesday night and joins the club with hopes of setting the Championship alight, to the belief of Sunderland Sporting Director Kristjaan Speakman.

He said: "Mason is one of the brightest young centre forwards on the cusp of the Premier League environment and he is a player that we have monitored for some time.

"Mason is a mobile number nine with experience in the EFL and he has had a really positive impact on Chelsea’s first-team squad this summer, so we are excited to see the impact he can make in our team.”

While huge praise has been directed towards Burstow, he is yet to fully justify his hype at senior level having failed to score in his loan spell at Charlton Athletic last season which could make Sunderland regret not moving for Tom Cannon, who swatted away the Black Cats' interest to join Leicester City on deadline day for £7.5m.

How good is Tom Cannon?

Sunderland were one of several Championship clubs eyeing up a move for Tom Cannon this summer but were beaten to his signature by Leicester's war chest.

Cannon's stock has quickly risen since January having impressed during a loan spell at Preston North End, netting eight times in 20 appearances.

Since the departure of Stewart, Sunderland have lost their complete forward, who is not only intelligent enough to drop deep and link play effectively but also possesses the pace to run in-behind, latch onto through balls and finish with aplomb.

The 20-year-old is of a similar mould to Stewart as demonstrated by his ability to bully defenders with his physical attributes and remain composed in front of goal, recording 1.24 successful take-ons, 1.13 shots on target and 0.43 non-penalty goals per 90, as per FBref.

Cannon is also the focal point in attack, the one who is going to trigger the press and prevent the opposition from playing out of the back. During his spell at the Lilywhites, he showcased his ability to win the ball back high on a consistent basis, placing in the top 1% of forwards in the Championship for passes blocked and the top 16% for tackles in the attacking third.

Following his move to Deepdale, journalist Josh Bunting described Cannon as a "threat" and he certainly demonstrated that on numerous occasions for the Lilywhites, with the clip above highlighting the youngster coming alive in the box to showcase his superb finishing attributes.

Although Sunderland were unable to stump up the £7.5m to bring Cannon to the Stadium of Light, he would have undoubtedly aided Sunderland's promotion bid and been a huge upgrade on their signing of Burstow.