Newcastle United star becomes transfer target as Nottingham Forest striker in ‘advanced talks’

It has been a summer transfer window dominated by the Saudi Pro League - there are no two ways about it. After hinting at the scope of their ambition with the signing of Cristiano Ronaldo last season, those who pull the pursestrings on the Arabian peninsula have really kicked things up a notch or two over the past few months as they bid create a division capable of competing for attention on a world stage.

And while the Premier League transfer window shut last Friday, its Saudi counterpart still has a few hours left to run. With that in mind, it is fitting that Thursday’s top flight transfer rumours are brimming with tales of apparent interest from the Middle East.

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Lascelles targeted

Hey, you! That’s right, I’m talking to you, conspiratorial naysayer who sceptically questioned why the Saudi-associated Newcastle United had not been subject to much Middle Eastern interest in their best players beyond the sale of Allan Saint-Maximin, who they were widely understood to want rid of anyways! Well aren’t you feeling a little silly now, huh? Because look at this, a report from TEAMtalk claiming that Magpies captain Jamaal Lascelles is a target for Pro League outfit Al-Shabab in the latter stages of the window.

What do you mean that despite his leadership role he is actually just another bit-part member of Eddie Howe’s squad who has also been linked with several exits in recent weeks, and that the Northern Echo have since suggested that the player will likely stay on Tyneside in spite of Saudi interest? Proves absolutely nothing, pal.

The 3AM Verdict: Facetiousness aside, it’s probably best that Newcastle aren’t bidding farewell to a player like Lascelles at this stage of the summer. He may not start matches too often, but he is a decent option for Howe in times of trouble, and without the capability to replace him, a departure would feel somewhat foolish.

Gray close to Gerrard link-up

Elsewhere, Everton’s Demarai Gray is edging ever closer to joining Steven Gerrard’s Al-Ettifaq. According to The Athletic, the winger has already passed a medical with the club, and Gerrard himself played a ‘significant role’ in bringing about the transfer.

It is unclear at this stage as to what has been the most integral catalyst in Gray’s decision to move to the Middle East, but following the reassurances of Jordan Henderson this week, we can almost certainly rule out that it has anything to do with the vast amounts of money he is likely to be paid.

The 3AM Verdict: Gray’s position at Everton has become untenable following his recent public criticism of manager Sean Dyche. A deal always looked likely anyways, but in truth, that might well have been enough to rubber stamp his exit, even without Gerrard’s charm offensive.

Dennis in advanced talks

And finally, Nottingham Forest forward Emmanuel Dennis is understood to be in advanced talks with Al-Tai, according to Saudi publication Arriyadiyah. The club, who currently sit 11th in the Pro League, have other attacking irons in the fire, but are said to have made the Nigerian their number one priority in the closing stages of the window.

Not much to add in truth, other than the fact that it must still be relatively novel feeling for Steve Cooper when a player actually leaves the City Ground, rather than arriving with a packed suitcase and an expectant look on their face.

The 3AM Verdict: No real objections here. Forest need to clear the decks a little, and Dennis needs regular minutes after failing to make much of an impact during his time with the club. Sometimes these things just don’t work out as either party would have hoped they would.