All posts by h716a5.icu

West Ham are reportedly closing in on the signing of Watford winger Ismaila Sarr, but if the Senegal international does arrive at the London Stadium, it could well be the catalyst for Jarrod Bowen to depart.

ExWHUemployee recently revealed on his West Ham Way Patreon: “There has also been some talk of Sarr being 70% done by a source who seems to have taken the Watford equivalent of my name. I believe we had had talks with Watford but these need to continue for the deal to go anywhere.”

The 24-year-old managed just five goals and two assists last season as the Hornets were relegated from the Premier League, but previous performances, most notably his two-goal display in a 3-0 win against Liverpool in February 2020, demonstrate his ability.

Reports have suggested that Sarr would cost interested clubs as much as £40m this summer, and while West Ham fans would surely be hoping to see him arrive as competition for Bowen on the right-hand side, he could instead be arriving as the England international’s replacement.

Bowen enjoyed a fantastic season for David Moyes’ team, contributing 12 goals and 10 assists in the Premier League and averaging a superb 7.15 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

His displays earned him a call-up to Gareth Southgate’s England squad recently and he will no doubt want to stay there ahead of the World Cup in November.

Although Declan Rice has shown that you can play for West Ham and still be called up for the Three Lions, there is arguably more competition for wingers in Southgate’s squad than central midfielders, and Bowen may feel that he has a better chance if he is playing his football elsewhere.

He may also be tempted to test himself in the Champions League, and with the likes of Liverpool having been linked in recent weeks, his head may well be turned by a move to Anfield.

However, Sarr could be a quality replacement for the former Hull City dynamo if he is given time to develop and reach his obvious potential.

When the Watford winger arrived in the Premier League, he was described as “rapid” by Senegalese compatriot Sadio Mane, while BBC journalist Garth Crooks later compared him to the new Bayern Munich signing last year after he hit a brace against Norwich.

Sarr hasn’t yet shown the same level of goal-scoring instincts of Bowen, but if the Englishman does leave the London Stadium this summer, the Hornets star could well be the ideal replacement on West Ham’s right flank.

In other news… West Ham can sign their own Smith-Rowe with swoop for “explosive” gem, Moyes would love him

Liverpool are ready to rival Chelsea for the signing of Juventus centre-back Matthijs de Ligt this summer, according to a fresh transfer claim from Italy.

The Lowdown: De Ligt on the move?

The 22-year-old has been seen as one of Europe’s leading young centre-backs for several years now, having burst onto the scene with Ajax back in 2018/19, being called ‘world-class’ by Jaap Stam.

De Ligt made 31 appearances in Serie A last season, as well as starting seven Champions League games, averaging 2.9 aerial duel wins per match in the former.

The £63million-rated Dutchman has been tipped for a move away from Juve this summer, with Liverpool thought to be one of the teams in the mix.

The Latest: Liverpool keen on signing

According to Tuttosport [via Sport Witness], the Reds are still interested in signing De Ligt, with the report saying ‘pay attention to Liverpool’.

A move to the Premier League would reportedly be ‘difficult to refuse’, with Chelsea also seen as contenders to snap up the highly-rated Netherlands international.

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The Verdict: Is he needed?

De Ligt is clearly a top-class centre-back with enormous potential – his mentality has been compared to Cristiano Ronaldo by Edwin van der Sar –  but Liverpool are extremely well-stocked in that area currently.

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In Virgil van Dijk, Joel Matip and Ibrahima Konate, Jurgen Klopp has three wonderful defenders at his disposal and Joe Gomez is also a strong option, should he stay put.

A move for De Ligt could be ideal once the likes of Van Dijk and Matip are past their best – he and Van Dijk both averaged 3.1 clearances per game in the league last season – but for now, their money should be spent on more pressing areas, such as midfield.

In other news, one attacking player is wanted by Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool this summer. Read more here.

An update has emerged on Rangers and their attempts to bolster their squad at Ibrox in the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

talkSPORT reporter Geoff Peters has revealed that Rangers are one of the clubs in the race to land a talent from south of the border in the market.

Ross Wilson is plotting a swoop for the English attacker and will need to pay up to £3m to bring him to Glasgow in the coming weeks.

Peters Tweeted: “Blackburn’s highly rated Tyrhys Dolan is attracting serious interest north and south of the border. Celtic and Rangers are both keen as are newly promoted Nottingham Forest. The England Under 20 striker has two years left on his #brfc contract. Fee could be around £2m-£3m.”

Ianis Hagi 2.0

By securing a deal to sign Dolan from Rovers, Wilson can land the new Ianis Hagi for the Light Blues in the sense that he is a talented, young, attacking midfielder who can be developed in the coming years

Like the Romanian, he is often deployed out wide on the right but is also capable of playing through the middle. This means that Gio van Bronckhorst can use him in a multitude of ways; playing on the right of a front three, as a number 10, as a striker in a 3-5-2, and in any other ways he can think of to utilise the gem’s talents.

In the 2021/22 campaign, Dolan managed four goals and three assists in 20 starts. This is a solid base for the 20-year-old to build from as he has plenty of room to add consistency to his end product, given that he is at the start of his career.

His former boss Tony Mowbray previously said he is “like a wasp” and lauded his attitude earlier this year, saying: “Tyrhys Dolan is a shining beacon for any kid who’s released from any football club. When he gets left out he works even harder on the training ground. He doesn’t sulk, he just gets to work on the grass.”

This shows that he will put the work in to improve and hone his skills to help him fulfil his potential. He will, therefore, be an investment for the future as he can develop over time and grow in influence on the pitch by scoring and assisting more goals.

The young talent has shown signs of promise in the Championship and can now explode with regular minutes in Scotland. Therefore, much like Hagi – 23 – is, Dolan would be a player van Bronckhorst can work with on the training pitch to turn him into a crucial player for the Gers.

AND in other news, “I’m sure..“: Journo drops big Rangers transfer claim that will frustrate supporters…

An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their interest in Bournemouth’s Lloyd Kelly in the summer transfer window… 

What’s the talk?

According to The Telegraph’s Luke Edwards, Dan Ashworth is plotting a swoop for the £13m centre-back if he is unable to seal a deal for his main target in the coming days.

He Tweeted: “Lille have a decision to make on Sven Botman this week. I agree with the way #nufc have reacted to them driving up asking price. They either accept the £30m bid or Newcastle move on to other targets. Lloyd Kelly and Nathan Ake two others on list. There are others playing abroad.”

Eddie Howe’s own Aymeric Laporte

The Premier League PFA Team of the Year was announced recently and one player hinted at his frustration at not being selected.

Manchester City’s Aymeric Laporte posted a GIF of Jose Mourinho saying “I prefer not to speak”, suggesting that he felt he deserved to make the cut.

The Spain international, who can play at both centre-back and left-back, averaged an excellent SofaScore rating of 7.12 in 33 top-flight appearances. He was consistently brilliant throughout the campaign for the title-winners but just missed out on being one of the best two players in his position, according to his peers.

In Kelly, Ashworth can land Howe his own version of Laporte as they are both versatile left-footed defenders built in the same mould.

Spennymoor Town boss Anthony Johnson once dubbed the Cityzens man a “Rolls Royce” of a defender and ex-Cherries manager Jonathan Woodgate used “Rolls Royce” to describe the Englishman. This suggests that both players are modern-day, quick, defenders who stroll around the pitch with ease.

In the 2021/22 Championship campaign, the Bournemouth man averaged a superb SofaScore rating of 7.04 across 41 appearances. He delivered top-quality performances on a consistent basis in the second tier and may now be ready to make the step up.

Like Laporte, Kelly can play at left-back and centre-back as a left-footed defender and this means that Howe can deploy him as a full-back if he ever needs cover in that area of the pitch. He can play as a centre-back in a back four, as a left-back centre-back in a back three or as a conventional full-back in a four.

Therefore, Ashworth sealing a deal for the 23-year-old will result in Howe having his own version of the Manchester City centre-back at St. James’ Park next season.

AND in other news, NUFC can land their own Foden in deal for “explosive” £30m dynamo, he’s “dangerous”…

As per London World and journalist Rahman Osman, there has been an update on Tottenham Hotspur’s pursuit of former star playmaker Christian Eriksen.

The Lowdown: Spurs eye move…

Spurs head coach Antonio Conte and transfer chief Fabio Paratici, after their summit in Italy, have already been very busy before the summer market has even opened.

Both Ivan Perisic and Fraser Forster have arrived at Hotspur Way on Bosman deals with the Lilywhites already sealing two signings ahead of Conte’s first full Premier League season in charge.

The north Londoners are reportedly eyeing another potential free agent swoop for ex-favourite Eriksen, but it won’t be easy, with the Brentford ace attracting plenty of interest.

The Latest: Tottenham ‘hot on his heels’…

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Sharing an update, London World explain that Tottenham are ‘hot on his heels’ amid the competition with Conte ‘looking to build a side that can compete both in Europe and the Champions League’.

As Paratici and co attempt to sign Eriksen, the report also explains that Brentford supporters ‘are really on the edge’ given their love for the 30-year-old and would love to have him for another season.

The Verdict: Time to pounce…

Finishing 2021/2022 as the Bees’ best-performing player by average match rating, Denmark’s international legend also managed the most key passes per 90 for them in the final third (WhoScored).

Described as ‘amazing’ by Conte himself, it’ clear the £158,000-per-week star still has what it takes to be a real asset for the Italian at Spurs.

On a possible Bosman deal, a move for Eriksen really feels like a low-risk one and no-brainer for Paratici.

In other news: ‘Better and better’ – Insider claims Tottenham could make announcement ‘in the coming days’…find out more here.

Liverpool have rejected Bayern Munich’s opening £21m bid for Sadio Mane, according to reliable journalist Paul Joyce.

The Lowdown: Mane leaving Liverpool?

After six years at Anfield, it looks as though the Senegal forward will be departing before the start of next season as he looks for a fresh challenge.

The 30-year-old has been one of the true modern greats for Liverpool, scoring 120 goals in 269 appearances, along with winning the Champions League and Premier League.

Bayern are the clear favourites to sign Mane this summer, and an official bid has now been tabled from the German champions.

The Latest: Liverpool reject Bayern bid for Mane

Taking to Twitter late on Sunday night, Joyce confirmed that the Bundesliga giants have seen their first bid turned down by the Reds. He revealed:

“Liverpool have turned down Bayern Munich’s opening bid for Sadio Mane. It was for £21m guaranteed, plus £4m in add-ons payable if, for example, Bayern won the Champions League.”

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The Verdict: Ridiculously low offer

Frankly, for Bayern to expect such a low bid for Mane to be accepted is bordering on ludicrous, considering the forward’s current standing in the game.

He has been described as ‘world-class’ by Jurgen Klopp in the past and is still one of the foremost attacking players in Europe, having netted 23 goals in 2021/22.

If Bayern want to get their man, they will have to pay a far bigger amount than £21m, with Liverpool needing to remain stubborn in the coming weeks and demand a fee which is much more indicative of Mane’s phenomenal abilities.

In other news, Liverpool are reportedly ‘ramping up’ their interest in one player. Find out who it is here.

Rangers defender Connor Goldson has signed a new contract at Ibrox in a huge blow to Nottingham Forest’s transfer plans.

The Lowdown: Goldson pens new deal

The 29-year-old first completed the switch to Glasgow from top-flight side Brighton and Hove Albion back in 2018, where he put pen to paper on a four-year deal, making a staggering 222 senior appearances for the club since that time.

The centre-back’s spell with Gio van Bronckhorst’s side looked to be coming to an end this summer, but the Gers shocked fans on Wednesday by announcing a four-year extension.

The Latest: Forest were about to move

The Scottish Sun revealed late on Monday night that the Reds were about to ‘step up’ their interest in Goldson.

Steve Cooper is said to be ‘huge fan’ of the player and the Premier League new boys were ‘ready to make their move’.

The Verdict: Huge blow

The 1-0 victory against Huddersfield Town in the play-off final at Wembley last weekend will see the club receive an astonishing £170m cash boost for making the jump up to the top division.

Goldson, once dubbed an “incredible” player by former Gers boss Steven Gerrard, would have been a superb way to start off their summer business, immediately granting Cooper one of his top targets without paying a penny on transfer fees due to his contract situation.

Averaging 3.3 clearances and 1.2 tackles per league game this season, via WhoScored, he’s been an absolute rock in Rangers’ back-line, also racking up 13 Europa League appearances.

A reunion with Joe Worrall would have provided Cooper with a truly solid pairing of two colossal defenders ready to take the top flight by storm, but the manager will now have to look elsewhere for defensive reinforcements, and it’s extremely unlikely he’ll find one he likes so much on a Bosman deal.

Tottenham Hotspur correspondent Alasdair Gold has made a teasing summer transfer claim involving midfielder Weston McKennie.

The Lowdown: Conte summer in full swing…

Having already announced the signing of Ivan Perisic from Inter Milan on a Bosman deal, Spurs have wasted absolutely no time in showing manager Antonio Conte they’re serious.

Guiding the Lilywhites to a top-four Premier League finish, Conte will have a near-£150 million kitty to play with as the bulk of Tottenham’s recently announced equity increase will be re-invested into the team.

Sharing news on who transfer chief Fabio Paratici could target in the next few months, Gold has made a teasing claim involving McKennie.

The Latest: Spurs could move…

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According to the football.london journalist, Tottenham ‘held talks’ with the USA international’s representatives in January and he wouldn’t be surprised to see McKennie emerge back on Paratici’s radar – especially given the club director is a ‘big’ fan.

He explained:

“Weston McKennie is someone Paratici is a big fan of and I reported back in January that he held talks that month with the player’s representatives about a potential summer move. I wouldn’t bet against him following up on that this summer but much depends on how willing Juventus are to let him go after a season in which he was a regular starter before suffering a metatarsal fracture in February which all but ended his campaign until the final match.

The Verdict: Make a move?

Still just 23-years-old and already possessing a glowing reputation, his reported valuation of around £34 million is arguably a snip.

Described as a ‘pressing machine’ and ‘supremely underrated’ attacking threat by MLS expert Chris Smith of 90min, the starlet’s sell-on value appears to only be matched by his ability as a tenacious midfield presence.

As Conte looks for fresh additions who can shore up his options in that position, McKennie may well be someone to look out for.

In other news: Alasdair Gold also suggests £122,000-per-week ‘genius’ is open to joining Tottenham, find out more here.

A twist in the tale has now come to light regarding Declan Rice’s future at West Ham United, as broken by 90min journalist Toby Cudworth.

The Lowdown: Rice summer saga…

Reports concerning the 23-year-old’s London Stadium future have been in no short supply over the last few months, with Fabrizio Romano even lifting the lid on a rejected third contract offer from the Irons.

According to some, David Moyes’ star asset has pledged to remain in east London until at least 2023, as explained by insider Claret & Hugh. Meanwhile, there have been other suggestions that Rice is more open than ever to leaving the Premier League club this summer as the likes of Manchester United hover for his signing.

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In a bid to keep Rice at the club and extend his deal, in what has been described as a ‘big’ story, Cudworth has shared a twist out of West Ham.

The Latest: GSB pull U-turn?

According to the reporter, a ‘sizeable shift in stance’ is on the cards surrounding a new deal for the 23-year-old, with West Ham now ‘ready to consider’ inserting a release clause.

This would hand Rice a route out of Rush Green, a contractual clause thought to be never on GSB’s agenda, but it may now be a possibility to entice him to put pen to paper.

Sharing a corresponding article for 90min, Cudworth explained on Twitter: “West Ham ready to consider including a release clause in improved Declan Rice contract. Would mark a sizeable shift in stance but increases agreement chances and preserves full value when the time comes to sell.”

The Verdict: Significant update?

The inclusion of a possible exit clause would relinquish West Ham and GSB’s control over stopping the 23-year-old from departing.

In this respect, Cudworth’s update comes as potentially significant, but much will depend on the size of the figure and whether any interested club will pay it.

In other news: Moyes now very likely to make major bid for ‘world class’ striker after claim that he ‘likes’ West Ham! Find out more here

Sol Campbell is ‘apparently’ a shock contender to replace Mark Warburton at Queens Park Rangers, leaving The Sun journalist Alan Nixon baffled.

The Lowdown: Warburton out

Warburton’s departure became official at the end of the season as QPR missed the playoffs by nine points.

The 59 year-old was a steady presence during his time at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium though, winning 1.4 points per game across 150 matches.

Now tasked with finding a replacement capable of closing that gap to the top six next season, the Hoops leadership have been linked with numerous names, such as MK Dons boss Liam Manning, and after reports this week claimed former Arsenal legend Campbell is a contender, Nixon has now weighed in…

The Latest: Nixon shocked

According to the reliable reporter, news of interest in acquiring Campbell’s services is indeed true.

Asked by a QPR fan on Twitter about the validity of the links, Nixon confirmed the 47 year-old is ‘apparently in the shortlist’ and added a surprised emoji.

The Verdict: A huge risk

Put simply, one has to question the direction of the club if they truly feel Campbell is the right man to serve as an upgrade to Warburton.

The former centre-back averaged roughly half of Warburton’s win rate in his last role at Southend United – an incredibly poor 0.74 points per game, leaving the club relegated after just 23 matches (Transfermarkt).

With several key players approaching either the ends of their contracts or the last 12 months this summer (Transfermarkt), the board cannot afford to get this wrong and cast the squad into turmoil.