All posts by h716a5.icu

West Ham United retain a ‘tremendous’ interest in signing Clermont Foot striker Mohamed Bayo, according to French outlet Foot Mercato (via Sport Witness). 

The lowdown: January target

The Hammers were originally linked with the Guinea international back in January when David Moyes was expected to strengthen the attacking ranks.

Ultimately, despite links to numerous options, no centre-forward arrived at the London Stadium and Michail Antonio finished the campaign as the only recognised senior frontman.

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Now, as Moyes looks to delve into the transfer market this summer in search of a striker to support Antonio, Bayo appears to be on the radar once again…

The latest: Major interest

As per Foot Mercato, translated by SW, West Ham, Eintracht Frankfurt and Marseille are all cited as holding an admiration for the 11-cap ace.

The report claims that the east London club ‘tremendously appreciate’ Bayo who was heralded for a ‘breakout sensation’ following a stellar first campaign in the top-flight by journalist Zach Lowy.

Under contract until 2024 (Transfermarkt), it’s suggested that Clermont Foot could accept bids in the region of a bargain €10-12milllion (£8.5-10million) for their talismanic forward this summer.

The verdict: No brainer

Signing the Guinean hotshot at the mooted price would represent superb value for money as Moyes and transfer chief Rob Newman attempt to bolster the entire squad.

During 2021/22, the 23-year-old scored 14 times and provided five assists in 32 league appearances for the newly-promoted outfit, matching the direct goal contributions of Paris Saint-Germain superstar Neymar in Ligue 1.

Standing at 6 foot 1, the France-born ace boasts stylistic similarities with the likes of Tammy Abraham, Andre Silva and previously linked Hammers target Boulaye Dia (Fbref).

Bayo would be a superb and cost-effective addition to the West Ham ranks.

In other news… a transfer insider has claimed that West Ham are set to make an official ‘offer’ for one of their summer targets

A big Rangers transfer claim has emerged regarding Gio van Bronckhorst’s pursuit of a new attacker heading into the summer transfer window… 

What’s the talk?

Reporter Alan Nixon has suggested that the Light Blues will only pursue a deal for Oladapo Afolayan if Ryan Kent leaves the club in the coming months.

The journalist has cast doubt over whether or not the Bolton forward would be interested in joining the Gers as a back-up to the current Ibrox gem.

In response to a fan asking about a deal for the Trotters winger, Nixon tweeted: “Only if Kent goes I suspect … if there was spare cash you could do him as cover … if he fancied that.”

Supporters will be concerned

This claim from Nixon will surely leave Rangers supporters concerned for multiple reasons.

Firstly, the suggestion that they may not want to sign him if they keep Kent is a worrying one. The club is in dire need of additional reinforcements on the left flank in addition to retaining the ex-Liverpool man, as Joe Aribo was the only other Gers midfielder with more than three assists in the Premiership.

Scott Wright, Amad Diallo, Fashion Sakala, Aaron Ramsey, Scott Arfield and Ianis Hagi managed just two assists between them in the league in 2021/22. This shows that Van Bronckhorst did not have much in the way of creativity outside of Kent and Aribo, in terms of his midfielders.

Therefore, Rangers need to strengthen in this area even if they can keep hold of the ex-Liverpool winger, and this is why fans will be concerned that Afolayan may only be a replacement for the 25-year-old.

The supporters will also be gutted by the suggestion that the English League One attacker may not be willing to come to Ibrox as a squad option. This would result in the club missing out on an excellent addition to the depth of their squad.

Bolton manager Ian Evatt previously lauded the winger’s style of play, saying: “The way that Dapo plays out wide is that he’s always drifting inside into pockets of space into half spaces and then looking to thread passes or dribble and drive and shoot, so as a number 10, he can really affect the game from that position.”

These comments indicate that Afolayan is a player who can excite Gers fans, and his statistics in the 2021/22 campaign back that up. He found the net 12 times and created eight ‘big chances’ whilst playing on the left as he showed that he can deliver in the final third on a regular basis.

Hopefully Rangers are able to retain Kent and decide that they want to bring in the Bolton gem to challenge him, whilst convincing the 24-year-old to make the move to Glasgow, as these stats suggest that he could be a big asset for the Gers.

AND in other news, Imagine him & Souttar: Rangers can seal dream deal by signing 23 y/o “real leader”…

Liverpool have had a successful season winning two trophies, competing closely in the Premier League title race and getting to the Champions League final, but now a huge transfer update has emerged ahead of the summer transfer window.

What’s the latest?

According to Guinea-based outlet Imedias.net (via Liverpool Echo), Paris Saint Germain are interested in signing Naby Keita this summer.

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As per the report, it is believed that the Ligue 1 champions could make a £42.5m bid for the midfielder who is in the last 12 months of his contract at his current club on Merseyside.

Klopp can finally axe Keita

Since his arrival at the club four years ago Keita hasn’t had an easy ride with numerous injury troubles, and if there is an opportunity in the last year of his contract to sell on the player for a large amount of money, Klopp and FSG should welcome the opportunity.

The Liverpool midfielder was brought into the club in 2018 for £52.75m and his market value is now rated at just £27m according to Transfermarkt, so if this rumoured bid from PSG has any truth to it, it would be major coup for Liverpool to move on and spend the money strengthening the team.

The £130k-per-week midfielder who was dubbed “not good enough” by Dietmar Hamman, has had 16 different instances of injury or illness accumulating 307 days out of the team which is equal to 62 fixtures for Liverpool during his time at the club. Evidently, that has clearly affected his consistency and reliability in the team.

Despite his injury problems, Keita has been able to pick up a run of form this season in the Premier League making 23 appearances, which is shockingly the most appearances he has made for the club since his first season in 2018/19.

With that being said, Aurelien Tchouameni is a reported target that Liverpool wants to pursue and if they could build some transfer funds this summer it could put the club in a good position to make a competitive offer for the Monaco midfielder.

Thus, if the bid is accurate for Keita, FSG should jump at the chance to make the sale.

AND in other news: Liverpool can land dream Mane heir in £43m deal for “exceptional” 25 y/o “nightmare”

Bruno Lage’s first season in charge of Wolves looked rosy for such a long time but once the campaign was said and done in May, supporters will have been disappointed.

What’s the word?

That’s because they ultimately finished tenth in the Premier League table, missing the chance to qualify for European football.

A lack of goals can be attributed to that so it’s crucial the Old Gold act in the summer transfer window.

TEAMtalk have reported that Blackburn Rovers forward Ben Brereton Diaz is a target for Lage and co but they face plenty of competition.

It’s thought the likes of Leeds and newly-promoted Nottingham Forest are keen on the player who was valued at around £30m in January.

Best signing since Neto

Last summer Lage made some valuable acquisitions to the squad with players like Jose Sa impressively greatly as Wolves conceded the fifth-fewest goals in the Premier League.

Sadly, the goals didn’t particularly flow in at either end if you attended Molineux this season.

That’s due to the fact that Raul Jimenez finished the campaign as the club’s top scorer with just six goals.

Granted he had just returned from a horrendous skull injury but it’s clear to see the Mexican isn’t the same potent threat he once was.

Neither was young forward Pedro Neto who struggled with his own injuries in 2021/22, registering just the two goal involvements in 13 matches and 463 minutes of top-flight action.

However, this is a player who in the previous campaign ended the term as Wolves’ player of the season after bagging five and claiming six assists.

A new player of his dynamic qualities being added to the squad would only benefit their struggles in goal and thus, Diaz could be their best signing since the aforementioned Neto.

Described as “extraordinary” by former Blackburn boss, Tony Mowbray, the Chile international was in devastating form for the Championship outfit in 2021/22.

He scored a whopping 22 times, proving that he’s got the talent and hustle to become a Premier League regular.

With a goal tally like that it’s hardly a surprise that he’s caught the imagination of the top-flight.

It also explains why he’d be the club’s best acquisition since Neto as Diaz would be arriving at a crucial time with goals dry and options limited.

Adama Traore will return to Wolves this season while Hwang’s temporary stay has been made permanent too but the pair only contributed to seven goals themselves.

As a result, both of them fail to offer the consistency that Lage needs right now so a more deadly threat simply has to be added to the squad. It’s time for Jeff Shi and co to act on their interest in Diaz.

AND in other news, Wolves can seal dream summer swoop in “special” £36m-rated gem, he’s better than Neto…

Leeds United’s No.9s during their Premier League years have usually performed exceptionally well. Out of the eight who have worn the shirt, only two players have failed to hit double figures.

The current holder of the shirt is Patrick Bamford, who has every chance of keeping the No.9 jersey in the coming years provided he puts his injury problems behind him.

The Englishman scored an impressive 17 goals in his first season playing in the top flight at Elland Road. A dip last season due to what felt like an injury curse may lead many to forget just how good a goalscorer Bamford is, but next season will hopefully provide some timely reminders.

With Raphinha potentially on his way out of the exit door this summer, the responsibility will fall on Bamford once again to find the goals in this Leeds side. Under Jesse Marsch, the striker will hope to put his injury troubles behind and kick on once more.

Those before Bamford, if you cast your minds back, didn’t have a bad time in front of goal, either, as revealed by TransferMarkt.

Every Leeds No.9 ranked on Premier League goals scored

Noel Whelan – 0 goals

Ian Rush – 3 goals

Tony Yeboah – 12 goals

Lee Chapman – 15 goals

Patrick Bamford – 19 goals

Brian Deane – 27 goals

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink – 34 goals

Mark Viduka – 59 goals

As you can see, it is Mark Viduka who leads the way for Premier League goals scored by Leeds United number nines. The Australian did everything he could to keep Leeds afloat, but couldn’t do enough to prevent the drop in the end, as the Yorkshire club suffered relegation in 2004.

Behind Viduka is Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink. The forward enjoyed an affluent spell at Elland Road before making a big-money move to Chelsea, netting on 34 occasions.

Brian Deane provided a healthy return of 27 strikes, while Lee Chapman only featured for Leeds during one Premier League season and Yeboah’s Elland Road spell was explosive but shortlived.

The only real flops in the list of number nines are Noel Whelan and, surprisingly, Ian Rush, although the Liverpool legend was very much in the latter stages of his career when he turned out for the Whites.

Now, the responsibility lies with Bamford. 35 goals away from Viduka, can the former Chelsea forward become the most successful number nine in Leeds United’s Premier League history?

He’s got a long way to go but at 28 years of age, the England international still has a few years left to try and whittle down his predecessor’s tally.

Tottenham Hotspur may have been handed an exciting boost in their bid to sign Championship starlet Djed Spence, according to reliable journalist David Ornstein of The Athletic.

The Lowdown: Spurs eye move…

The Lilywhites are believed to be well in the hunt to sign Middlesbrough’s promising wing-back who dazzled on loan at Nottingham Forest and played a ‘significant’ part in their Premier League promotion.

Spurs talks to sign Spence have been backed by credible sources in the last week, including Sky Sports journalist Lyall Thomas, with a report by The Guardian even claiming that a fee had been agreed.

While reports by Thomas since then haven’t quite backed it being that far down the line, Ornstein has broken news of a potentially exciting boost in the race for his signature.

The Latest: Ornstein shares Spence boost…

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According to his information, the 21-year-old now favours Spurs ‘ahead of other suitors’ in what could be a significant development.

He explained on Twitter:

“Djed Spence has expressed a preference to sign for Tottenham this summer as negotiations continue between Middlesbrough & THFC over a fee. No agreement so far but talks ongoing + 21yo right-back favours Spurs ahead of other suitors”.

The Verdict: Big?

The Englishman comes with much potential and could really help to balance the books of Tottenham’s troubling homegrown quota.

A capable wing-back option possessing an abundance of quality, Spence was a mainstay under Forest boss Steve Cooper last season, starting 41 second tier matches at such a young age.

He’s also been called a ‘perfect player’ for Conte by members of the media (Alex Crook), possibly making his addition a real no-brainer for Spurs as they remain busy before pre-season.

In other news: Conte enters pole position to sign ‘excellent’ international defender for Spurs! Find out more here.

West Ham United are believed to be plotting a move for Hoffenheim defender David Raum, according to reports in Germany.

What’s the word?

As per BILD, the Hammers have been named as one of the clubs who ‘have their eye’ on the 24-year-old, albeit with fellow Premier League outfit Newcastle United also reportedly in the running for his signature.

The report suggests that the two clubs are willing to meet the left-back’s €40m (£34.3m) asking price – with a €30m (£25.8m) release clause not set to come into effect until 2023 – with that fee set to put rival suitors Borussia Dortmund out of the picture.

There has also been recent speculation to suggest that Manchester United are also keeping an eye on the Germany international, following what has been a breakthrough year in the Bundesliga.

Moyes’ own Robertson

That figure mentioned above may appear fairly sizeable for a player who has only played top-level football for one season in his career thus far – that coming in the 2021/22 campaign – although his form has seemingly warranted the attention.

In 32 league games last season, the 5 foot 11 menace chipped in with three goals and a hugely impressive 11 assists, while also averaging 2.7 key passes per game and providing 19 big chances – with only Bayern Munich’s Thomas Muller having created more big chances in the German top-flight (22).

Dubbed an “assist machine” by WhoScored’s Ben McAleer, the former Greuther Furth man – who joined his current side on a free transfer last summer – is a clear weapon from his full-back berth, as he also led the way in the Bundesliga last term for crosses from open play, with 188.

Equally, the £18m-rated ace also ranks in the top 1% for assists and shot-creating actions among those in his position across Europe’s top five leagues, as well as in the top 1% for expected assists, further rubberstamping his quality in possession.

Not solely an attacking asset, however, Raum also puts a shift in defensively, having averaged 1.6 tackles, 1.1 clearances and 0.8 interceptions in the league last term, while he also ranked highest in the top-flight for sprints (1058), showcasing his illness to put in the hard yards down the left flank.

Such form has unsurprisingly seen him force his way into Hansi Flick’s plans at international level, while the nine-cap gem can also seemingly be compared to Liverpool’s Andy Robertson, with the pair sharing a number of statistical and stylistic similarities, as per FBref.

That comparison will no doubt pique the interest of those at the London Stadium, with the Scotsman having been in truly remarkable form in recent years at Anfield, having recorded a simply staggering haul of 2017.

The relentless, aggressive defender has become renowned for his unrelenting approach to both attack and defence and has been dubbed the “best in the world” in his position by pundit Kevin Phillips, with Raum seemingly possessing that similar all-round trait to impact the game at both ends of the pitch.

Equally, much like the German, the 28-year-old has also had to fight his way from lower league Scottish football to becoming a Premier League and Champions League winner, proving that the Hoffenheim man’s shortage of top-level experience may not be a concern.

It may prove to be an expensive addition, although Moyes and co would no doubt reap the rewards of adding Raum to their ranks in the coming weeks.

IN other news, Moyes plotting move for “special” £45m “baller”, he’d be a “superstar” for West Ham

An update has emerged on Sunderland and their pursuit of striker Nathan Broadhead in the January transfer window…

What’s the talk?

Northern Echo reporter Scott Wilson has claimed that the Black Cats have made contact with Everton as Kristjaan Speakman plots a deal for the attacker.

However, the journalist has also revealed that his parent club will not make a decision in the imminent future as they weigh up what they want to do with the forward.

He Tweeted: “TRANSFER UPDATE: SAFC have held talks to try to re-sign Jack Clarke and Nathan Broadhead – but a final decision on both players is unlikely until later in the summer. Both are entering the final year of their current deals with Spurs and Everton…”

Alex Neil will love it

The Black Cats head coach will love this update as he will surely be keen to be reunited with the Welsh centre-forward this summer.

Broadhead was sublime on loan at the Stadium of Light last term and showcased his quality on a regular basis, playing under the Scot and Lee Johnson.

He ended the campaign with an impressive ten League One goals in 15 starts, along with two goals in three League Cup outings. This shows that he was lethal in front of goal when he was available to play, which is one of the reasons Neil will be buzzing with the club’s attempts to sign him.

Speakman recently hailed the youngster as he said: “Look, he’s had some incredible moments and he’s been an inspiration in many respects in terms of some of the goals he’s scored. It has been harder for him of late because of injury but you can’t take away from the fact that he has got all the attributes to go and play at Championship level.”

This shows that the club believe Broadhead has the quality to make the step up to the second division. Sunderland will be looking to avoid the drop at the first time of asking and will need as many Championship standard players as possible to do so.

Neil will want players with the potential to thrive in the second tier and, at 24, the Everton man falls into that category. Therefore, he will be eager to get the Welshman in the door and will surely be pushing Speakman to do everything in his power to get a deal over the line.

AND in other news, Speakman can find SAFC’s own Kane in swoop for “incredible” £7k-p/w gem who’s “flying”…

Fabrizio Romano has revealed a big transfer decision deadline regarding Barcelona forward Ousmane Dembélé that will excite Liverpool supporters.

What’s the news?

Liverpool have been linked with a move for Dembele since the end of the season and Romano has now tweeted news surrounding the Frenchman wanting an improved deal to stay in La Liga.

In his post, the transfer insider said: “New contacts between Ousmane Dembélé’s agent Moussa Sissoko and Barcelona will take place today. Ousmane wants an improved proposal to extend the contract and stay at Barça, as reported yesterday. Key hours ahead as Dembélé will decide his future this week.”

This news will surely lift the spirits of Jurgen Klopp that a deal can be worked out sooner rather than later, and with the financial problems at Barcelona, the Anfield side might be in a good position to offer better terms.

Klopp eyes another signing

There is no doubt that the Premier League side needs more depth in the attacking areas. Having lost Sadio Mane and Divock Origi, and with Takumi Minamino having joined Monaco this summer, Klopp’s attacking depth has been severely diminished.

This has been softened of course by the club’s record £85m signing of Benfica signing Darwin Nunez, however, another fresh face or two could do wonders for the frontline ahead of next season.

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Dembele didn’t exactly set the world on fire at Barcelona last season, as a campaign that was disrupted by injuries and poor form saw the winger only score twice and grab 13 assists.

He has yet to properly show the form which persuaded Barcelona to sign the player from Borussia Dortmund in a deal that may have risen to £135.5m following his showings and incredible potential.

It hasn’t worked out for the Frenchman in Spain, and Klopp, without breaking Liverpool’s tight wage structure, might just be able to land the player and offer him a fresh chance in England.

If the German does manage to secure his services on a free transfer, and Dembele rediscovers his pre-Barcelona form – bagging 10 goals and registering 22 assists over 50 appearances for BVB – then it could be one the finest moves Klopp will ever make – not to mention one that will excite Reds supporters.

AND in other news: FSG could unearth Klopp’s own Vinicius Jr with Liverpool bid for “magic” £34m “weapon”

Everton have only made one signing so far and have already lost Richarlison this summer so Frank Lampard will be hoping to identify some more new recruits before the season begins next month, and now a new potential transfer target has been named.

What’s the latest?

According to French news outlet Foot Mercato, Everton are plotting a bid to sign Mohamed Bayo from Clermont this summer.

As per the report, the striker is becoming a hot prospect with Lille OSC, Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham United, Frankfurt and Marseille alongside Everton all named as clubs interested in securing his signature.

It is reported further that Clermont wants at least €13-14m (£11.1-11.9m) to sell the player in the current transfer window.

Lampard needs him badly

There is no doubt that Lampard will be wanting to get players in to establish his best team going forward, and the signing of Bayo could be the perfect step forward to move on from Richarlison’s exit ahead of next season.

The 24-year-old who was hailed a “handful” by journalist Andy Brassell, has been impressing over his time with his French side scoring 36 goals and delivering 12 assists over 79 appearances, with a goal contribution every 119 minutes played.

Thanks to Bayo’s 21 goals last season Clermont Foot were promoted to Ligue One last season, and the forward has continued to impress in the top flight of French football this season.

The Guinea international scored 14 goals, delivered five assists and created six big chances, making one key pass and taking 2.1 shots on average per game, whilst also successfully completing the majority of his dribble attempts (53%) over 32 league appearances.

Bayo’s hunger for goals is something Lampard needs badly in his Everton team next season, with the side conceding 23 goals more than they scored last term, which ultimately led to a relegation scrap at the bottom of the table, a situation the Toffees will not want to find themselves in again.

With that being said, the signing of Bayo could be a major coup for Farhad Moshiri, especially if they can secure a deal for the bargain asking price and he can continue to emulate his goal-scoring abilities at Goodison Park.

AND in other news: Everton “trying to sign” £20m maestro who “dominates” games, he can be Arteta 2.0