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West Ham United are reportedly edging ever closer to confirmation of the signing of Rennes defender Nayef Aguerd, in what would be their first arrival of the summer window.

What’s the word?

According to 90min’s Toby Cudworth, the Morocco international is now all but set to make the move to the London Stadium, with the journalist writing on Twitter about the current situation that: “You never know with #WHUFC…but Nayef Aguerd deal close to completion. Should be the first major signing of what David Moyes hopes will be a busy transfer window.”

As per the attached article, the Hammers are now ‘putting the finishing touches’ on the deal to bring the 26-year-old to the Premier League, with the centre-back having been a ‘long-term target’ for David Moyes and co.

The report suggests that the deal could be worth as much as £30m plus add-ons to prise the 19-cap, left-footed gem from France, despite previous rumours that the fee was closer to just £13m.

Moyes delighted

After weeks of speculation, it would appear that the east London outfit have finally got their man, with manager Moyes no doubt delighted to have got up and running in what could prove to be a vital window for the club.

While there remains a number of areas in need of bolstering – particularly central midfield – securing the signing of a new central defender will seemingly solve one problem position, with the defensive ranks having been severely stretched last term.

The long-term absence of veteran Italian Angelo Ogbonna through injury left the former Everton boss with little depth at the heart of the defence, essentially relying on Craig Dawson and Kurt Zouma to perform both domestically and in Europe.

With Issa Diop also falling out of favour under the Scot – having made just ten league starts last term – there were few chances for the Hammers boss to rotate his side, with injuries and suspension at times forcing full-back Aaron Cresswell to feature in a centre-back role.

The addition of Aguerd then will go some way to easing the burden on both Dawson and Zouma, with the former Dijon man likely to provide quality competition to that pair, having shone in Ligue 1 in recent seasons.

The 2021/22 campaign proved particularly impressive for the £10.8m-rated gem as he managed ten clean sheets in his 31 league outings, averaging four clearances, 0.9 tackles and 0.8 interceptions per game, while also winning a solid 62% of his total duels.

Not just a reliable rock at the back, the £8.9k-per-week colossus – who joined his current side for as little as €4m (£3.4m) two years ago – is also comfortable playing out from the back, ranking in the top 16% for pass completion and the top 10% for attempted passes among those in his position across Europe’s big five leagues.

That all-round quality will seemingly be well suited to the rigours of life in English football, with Moyes undoubtedly delighted to have managed to snap him up so early in the window.

IN other news, “A chance…”: Ex drops exciting West Ham transfer claim, supporters will be buzzing

Celtic are interested in signing St Pauli goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj in the summer transfer window, according to a fresh transfer report.

The Lowdown: Key summer for Hoops

Ange Postecoglou has a big summer ahead of him, as he looks to make his squad more formidable after their Scottish Premiership triumph.

Celtic will be playing Champions League football next season, which exacerbates the importance of having a big enough group of quality players to battle across several competitions.

Goalkeeper could be an area look the Hoops look to add to with Vasilis Barkas expected to leave, and a new update has emerged in that department.

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The Latest: Officials plot trip to see Vasilj in action

According to Football Insider, a recruitment source has claimed that Celtic are ‘closely monitoring’ St Pauli stopper Vasilj, with the Hoops ‘in the market’ to bring in a new ‘keeper this summer.

They face competition from Wolves and West Brom, however, so it may not be easy acquiring his signature, but they will send officials to watch the six foot four colossus in action for Bosnia this month.

The Verdict: Good competition for Hart

This would be a good signing for Celtic, with Joe Hart not facing strong enough competition for playing time at Parkhead, having made 44 appearances last season.

Vasilj,  is a five-time capped Bosnia international, highlighting his experience, and he is also nine years Hart’s junior, suggesting he could be a long-term replacement for him.

Whether or not Valsilj would be happy to come in as second choice remains to be seen but it isn’t impossible to imagine him eventually usurping Hart between the sticks.

In other news, Celtic are believed to be ‘keeping tabs’ on one player. Read more here.

A huge Newcastle United claim has emerged over centre-back Matthijs de Ligt heading into the summer transfer window… 

What’s the talk?

Reporter Stefano Benzi has revealed that the Magpies and Manchester United are both keen on signing the Netherlands international from Juventus ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

He told Italian outlet CMIT TV: “I know there are offers for de Ligt. This afternoon I called two correspondents from England, one of them revealed Perisic’s contract figure of £75,000 a week.

“He also told me that in London they are talking insistently about two clubs in particular: Newcastle ready to spend a fortune and the other is Manchester United, whose coach is Ten Hag who sees in de Ligt the best, for him it would be the business card “.

Eddie Howe will be delighted

The Toon boss will be delighted by this news as De Ligt would be an incredible signing for the club and an instant upgrade on his current options at centre-back.

In both the 2020/21 and 2021/22 campaigns, the defender averaged an excellent SofaScore rating of 7.07 at the heart of the Juventus backline. This shows that he can handle the pressure of playing for a major European club and has proven that he can perform to a high level on a consistent basis – doing so over the course of two seasons in Italy.

Meanwhile, no Newcastle centre-back averaged a score higher than 6.98 in the Premier League in 2021/22 and Dan Burn was the only one with a score higher than 6.90. This shows that the Old Lady enforcer has been performing to a higher standard than the Toon players in his position.

Despite being 22, de Ligt has already played well over 200 competitive matches in his professional career – playing 117 times for Juventus and 117 for Ajax prior to making the switch to the Serie A. He has also featured in 35 matches for his country and played 37 games in the Champions League.

This shows that he is experienced at the very top level whilst still having the potential, at his young age, to develop further and improve as a defender. Newcastle would be bringing in a player who has the quality to make an impact in the here and now whilst also investing in his stock in the years to come.

Howe will, therefore, be delighted with the club’s pursuit of the Dutchman and will now be hoping that PIF can get a deal over the line for him this summer.

AND in other news, Imagine him & Burn: Howe can seal terrifying NUFC duo by signing £13m “Rolls-Royce”…

Fabrizio Romano has dropped an update on reported Tottenham Hotspur transfer target Djed Spence.

What’s the latest?

In a recent post on Twitter, the Italian journalist revealed that Antonio Conte’s side are still interested in a move for the right-back this summer, despite Nottingham Forest confirming their promotion to the Premier League on Sunday.

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In his tweet, the transfer insider said: “Djed Spence: ‘Nottingham Forest means everything to me. Playing for Forest next season? Hopefully.’ Bayern [Munich] left the race after signing [Noussair] Mazraoui while Tottenham are still interested, but there’s no official bid yet.”

Supporters will love Romano’s update

Considering just how promising a talent Spence clearly is, Romano’s update revealing that Fabio Paratici is still pursuing a deal for the Middlesbrough full-back – despite Forest’s promotion and subsequent move to sign the 21-year-old permanently – is sure to be news that the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium faithful will love.

Indeed, over his 42 Championship appearances for Steve Cooper’s side this season, the £7.2m-rated talent played a crucial role in the Reds’ promotion to the top flight, scoring two goals, registering five assists and creating six big chances for his teammates, as well as making an average of 1.0 key passes, taking 0.6 shots and completing 1.8 dribbles per game.

The £4.4k-per-week defender also impressed in metrics more typical of his position, making an average of 1.5 tackles, 1.6 interceptions, 1.4 clearances and winning 5.8 duels per fixture.

These metrics saw the England U21 international average an extremely impressive WhoScored match rating of 7.05, ranking him as the Garibaldi’s sixth-best player in the second tier.

As such, it is clear to see that Spence would be an excellent replacement for the potentially outbound Emerson Royal this summer, leading us to believe that Romano’s update concerning Tottenham’s continued interest in the former Fulham starlet is fantastic news for everyone involved with the club.

AND in other news: “I understand…”: Gold reveals huge Spurs transfer update, supporters will be buzzing

Wolves are plotting a move for Venezia striker Thomas Henry ahead of what could be a busy summer transfer window for Bruno Lage and co at Molineux.

What’s the word?

According to reports, via BBC Sport, Wolves are interested in working out a deal to bring Henry to Molineux in the summer transfer window.

The French striker has only been at the Italian side for a year but has already made a solid impression which has gathered Premier League interest.

The 27-year-old’s contract doesn’t expire for another two years and his impressive performances will surely have ramped up the fee Venezia will be able to command.

Wolves can unearth their own Luis Suarez

Bruno Lage has made a solid start in life at Molineux, he has guided the side to their third top half finish in four seasons since their promotion from the Championship in 2018 and will have high hopes ahead of next season.

Henry has scored nine times in Serie A for relegated Venezia, and this is a more than respectable return and he could bolster the Wolves frontline.

The club could unearth their own Suarez in the Frenchman with the pair stated as similar in style and statistics by FB Ref this season.

Henry has managed 2.4 shots on target per 90 minutes, whereas the Uruguayan sits at 2.5, and both players have scored over ten goals in all competitions.

In terms of shot-creating actions, Henry has 38 for the season compared to 36 for Suarez and shows that they still pose an attacking threat, despite being in teams that have struggled at points over the course of the season. With that in mind, it’s clear to see why an assessment from Lokeren boss Karel Fraeye suggested he’s a player who can “cause havoc” for defenders.

Wolves might have to pay slightly more than the striker’s £4.5m valuation, but with “powerful” praise being lavished upon the 6 foot 4 colossus earlier this season, they may just have found themselves a bargain.

AND in other news, Closing in: WWFC plot bid for “impressive” £10m ace, he’s the future

West Ham United have reportedly made ‘enquiries’ about the possibility of signing Everton forward Moise Kean this summer, according to an Italian source.

The Lowdown: Kean’s return to Italy

The Toffees first signed the 22-year-old from Juventus on a five-year deal back in 2019, but after frustration at a lack of game time at Goodison Park, the striker made the switch back to the Italian giants just two years later with the option to make it a permanent deal for £24m.

Kean might not have had a successful spell in the Premier League previously, but that doesn’t mean he couldn’t thrive in a different environment – look at the likes of former Chelsea flops Kevin De Bruyne and Mohamed Salah – and it sounds as if there is a potential suitor for him in the form of the Irons.

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The Latest: West Ham make ‘enquiries’

In a new article published by Italian outlet Tuttosport (via Sport Witness), it’s claimed that West Ham have made contact about the attacker ahead of the upcoming transfer window, and ‘certainly like’ his profile.

The source further states that Juventus are ‘trying to figure out’ whether Kean can be sold on for a ‘sufficient’ price after deciding that he is ‘not a firm part’ of their plans moving forward.

It’s reported that Massimiliano Allegri’s side are in need of a ‘particularly generous’ club to generate a big fee to make the deal worthwhile, and the Hammers could be just the team.

The Verdict: Competition for Antonio

The 12-cap international could be the perfect fit for David Moyes at the London Stadium, having scored 16 goals and registered three assists in the Serie A over the course of his career, as per Transfermarkt.

Kean, who was once hailed a “quality” player by Italy manager Roberto Mancini, could be an ideal candidate to provide some serious competition for Michail Antonio up front, with the club heavily reliant on their number nine without actually having an alternative option in the building.

West Ham are guaranteed a place in the Europa Conference League at the very least next year no matter what happens on the final day of the season against Brighton, but if they did manage to leapfrog Manchester United in the Premier League table, this could be a huge pulling factor for the talisman when deciding where his next destination will be.

In other news… a Sky Sports pundit has reacted to a major West Ham contract update.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly interested in a move for Racing Club starlet Carlos ‘Charly’ Alcaraz, according to reports in Spain.

What’s the word?

As per Marca, the Premier League outfit have been named as one of the clubs believed to be keeping an eye on the promising 19-year-old following his impressive displays for the Argentine club since his senior debut in January 2020.

The report suggests that, while the teenager has a $25m (£20.4m) release clause in his current contract, Spurs could well be able to secure his services for $20m (£16.3m) should they wish to bring him to England this summer.

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One of the most highly-rated prospects in South America, the report compares him to compatriot Lautaro Martinez for the potentially colossal fee that he could command in the future.

The next Ardiles?

A move for the teenager would no doubt stir memories of another great Argentine to have played for the Lilywhites, with the hope that he can go to replicate the success of the club’s legendary former player and one-time manager Ossie Ardiles.

The similarities don’t just exist in their country of birth, with Alcaraz also mirroring the Tottenham great in the attacking midfield role that he plays.

A star of English football in the 1970s and 80s, Ardiles scored 25 goals in 311 appearances in all competitions for the north London side in a glittering decade-long stint at White Hart Lane, notably winning the FA Cup in successive seasons in the early 1980s while also claiming the UEFA Cup in 1984.

Although it may well be an unwanted burden to compare the youngster with such an icon of the game, the £1.35m-rated gem has already shown glimpses of his talent in his embryonic career to date, netting four goals in just 13 Copa de la Liga games this season, while also developing something of a penchant for free kicks.

An all-round talent, the starlet also has a 51% dribble success rate and averages 1.2 tackles per game, while he has won an impressive 64% of his aerial duels this term – an illustration of his tenacious, hard-working nature.

Such qualities appear to indicate a player who would be at home under Antonio Conte, with Tottenham’s sporting director Fabio Paratici needing to get the deal over the line for the Ardiles-like Argentine talent Alcaraz.

In other news – Imagine him & Bentancur: Spurs can find perfect Conte gem in £49.5m-rated “phenomenon”

Wolves manager Bruno Lage will miss his side’s Premier League clash with Chelsea after testing positing for Covid-19, journalist Tim Spiers has confirmed.

The Lowdown: Wolves host Chelsea

Wanderers are back in league action on Saturday afternoon, as they welcome Thomas Tuchel’s reigning European Champions to Molineux.

Last weekend was a hugely disappointing one for Wolves, who lost 3-0 at home to Brighton, and a response is needed in their quest to qualify for Europe.

Lage’s side are eighth in the table currently and sit three points behind West Ham with a game in hand, highlighting what a tight end to the season it could be.

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The Latest: Lage not involved

Taking to Twitter, Spiers has confirmed that Lage will play no part in proceedings, however, having tested positive for Covid:

“Bruno Lage sidelined with covid and missing the Chelsea game. Keepers coach Tony Roberts sitting in the chair.”

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The Verdict: Must-win game

It will be a good chance for Tony Roberts to test himself in the Wolves hot seat, for what is undoubtedly an important game for Wanderers.

It would be a huge shame if their season ended up tailing off in the final weeks of the season, having worked so hard to get into the European picture.

Chelsea are not firing on all cylinders and lost at Everton last weekend, so Wolves must believe that they can pick up a precious three points at Molineux.

In other news, one Wolves player could leave the club this summer. Find out who it is here.

Cadena SER journalist Xavi Jorquera Márquez has now shared an interesting Tottenham Hotspur transfer update involving Villarreal defender Pau Torres.

The Lowdown: Spurs confident?

The Premier League top-four chasers have allegedly ramped up their serious interest in Unai Emery’s mainstay centre-half recently as he allegedly sets his sights on leaving the Estadio de la Cerámica.

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As reported by The Daily Mail recently, transfer chief Fabio Paratici is firmly in the mix for Torres and there is belief that the north Londoners have been ‘given encouragement’ they can ‘strike a deal’ this summer.

The Spain international has apparently been on their wanted list for two years with manager Antonio Conte also eager to sign a central defender when the transfer window opens for business.

The Latest: Marquez makes swap deal claim…

Now, according to what Marquez has learned, a swap deal to sign Torres could be on the cards amid Villarreal’s interest in making midfielder Giovani Lo Celso’s loan a permanent one.

Speaking to South American outlet ‘All about Argentina’, the reporter claims Paratici and Spurs could offer the Argentine plus cash to seal a deal for their defensive target.

The Verdict: Go ahead?

Lo Celso has been in sublime form since joining the La Liga side, even hailed as a ‘giant’ by Spanish media, and his performances in the Champions League have really highlighted his quality.

As per WhoScored, over his six European starts before the end of Villarreal’s run, Spurs’ loanee ace averaged the second-most key passes and completed take-ons per 90 whilst also attracting the highest number of fouls – proving a real nightmare to play against.

Goalkeeper and compatriot Geronimo Rulli called Lo Celso a ‘top player in the world’ just after he signed for them in January and it appears the shot-stopper’s verdict has been vindicated judging by recent displays.

However, with Conte allegedly desperate for a world class defender, we believe letting Lo Celso leave permanently in a swap for Torres could be the way forward given he just hasn’t turned it on consistently enough back in England.

A mainstay and crucial player under Emery, Torres’ number of successful aerial duels and clearances per 90 domestically eclipse most in the Villarreal squad and back why Spurs are so keen to sign him.

Lauded as a ‘sensational’ defender, any way to whittle down the player’s asking price should definitely be considered as the club aim to back Conte.

In other news: Fabrizio Romano: Conte could now lose ‘monster’ Spurs player who’s ‘expected to leave’! Find out more here.

Sky Sports pundit Paul Robinson has urged Tottenham Hotspur to battle it out for the signature of Bayern Munich star Serge Gnabry, despite a winger not being a ‘priority’ in the summer.

The Lowdown: Impressive form

The 26-year-old, who first arrived at the Allianz Arena from Werder Bremen in 2017, has just one year remaining on his current contract and has been scintillating for the Bundesliga outfit this season, scoring 16 goals and registering ten assists across all competitions, as per Transfermarkt.

Such form has seen him catch the eye of Antonio Conte, who – according to the Daily Star just last month – is pushing for the Lilywhites to pursue a cut-price deal for the German, but they are set to face serious competition from Real Madrid.

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The Latest: Kulusevski alternative

When asked for his thoughts on the possibility of Spurs pulling off a move for the 31-cap Germany international, Robinson told Football Insider:

“Gnabry is a world-class player. If he is to leave Bayern Munich you would like to think that Spurs are in the hunt for him.

“It is going to be a big summer for Spurs. A lot will depend on whether Harry Kane stays at the club, which I hope he does.

“I’d question whether Gnabry would get into the Tottenham team ahead of Son, Kane and Kulusevski right now. He’d be competition for Kulusevski but I don’t think that position is a priority at the moment.

“That level of player is what you want Spurs to be signing though.”

The Verdict: Would Gnabry have a place at Spurs?

The £63m-rated talisman has proven to be a brilliant attacking threat for Bayern this term, where he is currently averaging two shots, 1.9 dribbles, and 1.4 key passes per league game (via WhoScored), showing just how prolific he can be in the final third.

Once dubbed an “unbelievable” player by ex-Bayern midfielder Owen Hargreaves, Gnabry will already be used to life in the Premier League, having previously had a spell with Spurs’ north London rivals Arsenal, so he could be tempted to make the transition back into English football should the right offer arise.

As Robinson stated, though, it might be tough for Gnabry to get into the Spurs team ahead of the likes of Kulusevski, who has become a pivotal player in recent weeks. There seems little doubt that the German will want to be in the starting XI consistently rather than occupying a place on the bench, so the best option for him could be to stay at Bayern if he desires plenty of game-time.

In other news… one journalist has reacted to recent behind-the-scenes ‘doubts’ at Tottenham