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The new coach is officially on the job, and he's not wasting any time as he prepares for his first camp

If you're trying to track down Mauricio Pochettino over the next month, good luck.

The Argentine's time as U.S. men's national team manager is officially underway, and these first few weeks will be a multi-continental whirlwind that will lay the foundation for his tenure. The job is just getting started, and Pochettino won't be wasting any time.

Before the globetrotting starts, though, Pochettino is due for a quick trip to Atlanta. There are important matters to attend to.

"I think next weekend, we're all heading down to Atlanta," U.S. Soccer CEO J.T. Batson said, referencing the site of the federation's new headquarters. "We'll get some barbecue and do some house hunting."

What comes after will be vital, too. Over the next month, Pochettino will lay the foundation for his coaching tenure, one in which U.S. Soccer hope can transform the American game forever.

For now, Pochettino just needs to get things ready for October. In less than a month, he'll take charge of the USMNT for the first time in Austin, Texas when they take on Panama in the first of two friendlies. In that month, he'll have much to accomplish.

By the time players gather in Texas for his first USMNT camp, he'll almost certainly be relieved. That's the light at the end of the tunnel but, before that, he has an enormous amount of logistics to sort.

From strategic meetings to player evaluations to relationship building, Pochettino has a considerable to-do list. So how will Pochettino's first month play out? GOAL takes a look

• Finding a place to live

  First up, as Batson says, is a bit of personal business. If Pochettino is going to coach in the U.S., he'll need a place to live.

  The coach and U.S. Soccer leadership will be on the case, sorting out his living arrangements. The barbecue Batson mentioned – some Argentinian asado, perhaps? – will be nice, but conducting the home search is a priority.

  Atlanta will be Pochettino's home base. U.S. Soccer is in the process of relocating from Chicago down to Atlanta, with their new base being headlined by a new state-of-the-art training center. The Arthur M. Blank U.S. Soccer National Training Center will officially open in 2026, giving U.S. Soccer a new center of operations.

  "I think the idea is to live here in the USA. That is the idea," Pochettino said. "But of course, for different reasons, I will be between Europe and the USA."

  While based stateside, there will surely be trips to England, France, Germany and Italy on the agenda in the very near future.

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  Building relationships

  The most important thing Pochettino will do over the next month is build relationships. He's the newcomer, and he'll need to introduce himself to everyone from the ground up.

  "Not only is he a great coach, but he's what I call a connector of people," said U.S. Soccer sporting director Matt Crocker, who previously worked with the coach at Southampton. "He's somebody that can build outstanding relationships, not just with the players who are starting but the players who are not in the team, the staff across the club, somebody that might work in the ticket office or somebody that might work within the administration team.

  "I remember him coming to everybody's office and he would pretty much physically hug everybody in the club. He created this unbelievable spirit, and that's something that hasn't left him."

  Pochettino need to bring that to the forefront as he introduces himself to team leaders. Christian Pulisic took aim at the USMNT's players in the wake of back-to-back disappointing performances in recent friendlies, saying that the team lacked a winning mentality. Matt Turner said the Argentine need to "steady the ship" – one that has been way too wobbly in 2024.

  Over the next few weeks, Pochettino will need to sit down with players and implement ground rules, introducing them to the concepts and expectations they'll face when they do arrive for camp.

  It remains to be seen when and where Pochettino will pop up in Europe over the next few months, but he's already met with leadership in the U.S. A spokesperson confirmed to GOAL that Pochettino met with MLS commissioner Don Garber, LAFC's co-managing owner Larry Berg, Philadelphia Union chairman and principal owner Jay Sugarman and vice chairman and alternate governor Richard Leibovitch, in New York on Friday. And he left all in the room impressed with his plans for the national team.

  "I think we need to create links with the organization and the team," Pochettino said. "I think I'm required to be there with the players, with the staff, with the coaching staff, working around the world, not only here with MLS.

  "That is the plan: to try to build a very good relationship with all the clubs. Clubs, they need to feel our support. Players need to feel that we care for them. It's not OK if, after one month, you go and then you don't feel that relationship. I feel it's important to create a better relationship with the players. They need to feel that."

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  Assembling a staff

  Pochettino's staff is already largely assembled. He's set to be joined by longtime assistants Jesus Perez and Miguel D'Agostino, as well as goalkeeper coach Toni Jimenez. He's worked with each of them for years.

  "If there's one thing I know in my life, I think it's that I have to have people that have the qualifications and then people that challenge me," Pochettino said. "We work because I think the personalities and the quality that they have fit for me as a coach. We've created a very good relationship. Maybe we can say that we are friends, but in between, we are professionals and always are going to be.

  "People say you need to always bring people from outside, but I think that it's priceless to have people that work with you and every day want to challenge you and want to improve and be better. I think, for me, that is the most important thing."

  A spokesman told GOALthat Pochettino will head to Chicago later this month to meet with the current USMNT staff, which was fronted by interim coach Mikey Varas during the September window. The new coach could also expand his staff in the future to include someone with more familiarity with American soccer.

  "We are flexible, and we are always hoping to add people because we know that football is changing," Pochettino said. "We need people, qualified people, working next to us to provide us with information to be better, to help the players to perform."

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  Making the family happy

  There is another aspect of this worth considering: the off-field portion. By making the decision to take over the USMNT, Pochettino wasn't just dictating life for him or his trusted assistants.

  Pochettino's sons are both grown. Sebastiano Pochettino was recently Chelsea's fitness coach and sports scientist. Maurizio Pochettino is a professional player, having most recently featured for Primera Federación club Gimnastic in Spain. Pochettino's wife Karina is also ready to begin this new chapter (and presumably so is his Rhodesian Ridgeback named Sansa, who even has her own Instagram page).

  The coach offered a phrase he learned back in England – "over the moon" – to describe his family's reaction. Everyone in the Pochettino family seemingly is excited about the opportunity.

  "I am happy," he said. "I am motivated and showing passion. My family has seen me in the last few weeks or months with the fire in my eyes. That is the most important thing: how you feel. I feel so, so happy, because I see my family are also so excited for this challenge. They are part of it because they support me."

Tottenham are considering a potential £21 million signing this summer, following a rave review from some of Fabio Paratici's personal contacts.

Postecoglou eyeing new centre-back for Spurs

Despite bringing in Radu Dragusin to the tune of £25 million in January, it remains the case that Spurs and manager Ange Postecoglou are keen to add another new centre-back to their ranks this summer.

Tottenham now eyeing move to sign "intelligent" £50m+ Hojbjerg replacement

He’s a player in demand.

By
Tom Cunningham

Apr 29, 2024

As we've seen time and time again this season, injuries can seriously weaken Postecoglou's starting eleven, and the latest victims of this have been star left-back Destiny Udogie, centre-back Ben Davies and Timo Werner – who will all miss the remainder of 2023/2024.

Earlier this season, both Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero were also unavailable for large parts due to either injury or suspension, with Spurs often struggling to deal with their absences.

If the Lilywhites are to continue their growth under Postecoglou, strength in depth on par with England's elite is absolutely necessary, and the Tottenham boss is on record stating that he wishes to bring in another centre-half this summer.

“If you’re saying, ‘Is it an area we can strengthen?’, yes it’s an area we will probably look at”, said Postecoglou on signing another centre-back.

“With all these things, it’s about trying to strengthen the group as much as anything else. If you think about when I first arrived, we had maybe six or seven centre-backs at the club. So it’s not just numbers. It’s more about the ability of those players to play the football we want and to fit in to what we’re trying to build here.

“I think it is an area of the park we will look to strengthen, but I think we’ll look to strengthen all areas of the park come the end of the season. That is planning that’s already underway, and other people are in charge of it at the moment.”

Of the centre-backs linked, there are many, with Bournemouth's Lloyd Kelly and Fulham's Tosin Adarabioyo standing out as the potential bargain options on a free deal. Spurs won't wish to spend huge money on another central defender, considering they already have van de Ven, Romero and Dragusin at their disposal.

Tottenham considering Calafiori move after rave review from Paratici contacts

According to Football Insider and journalist Wayne Veysey, an astute option for Spurs could also be Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori.

The Italian, who's been called an "aerial monster" by football analyst Ben Mattinson, has been in fine form under Thiago Motta this season and reports suggest he could be available for around £21 million.

FI and Veysey claim Tottenham are considering a summer move for Calafiori, with Fabio Paratici's contacts in Italy left impressed by his excellent displays across this campaign.

The 21-year-old has made 27 Serie A appearances for Bologna over 23/24, registering four assists in that time, and another enticing draw for Postecoglou is that he's also capable of playing as a left-back – meaning he can fill in across multiple areas.

Kingsley Coman has reportedly decided to leave Bayern Munich amid transfer links with Arsenal, Barcelona and Manchester City.

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• Coman linked with Man City and Barcelona
• Winger decides to leave Bayern Munich
• Arsenal also credited with interest

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  reports that after Coman and many of the club's big earners were invited to leave Bayern, the France international has decided not to stay at the club. He is expected to leave the Bundesliga outfit before the transfer window shuts on August 30.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Coman has been at Bayern for seven years but his days at the club appear to be numbered, following a trophy-laden spell with the Bavarians. The report adds that Premier League sides are interested in recruiting the 28-year-old, with City, the Gunners, Barcelona and Al-Ahli said to be keeping tabs on him.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Coman still has three years left on his Bayern contract, so he is unlikely to leave for a cut-price deal. A loan may be more achievable but it remains to be seen what will happen next for the ex-Juventus man – who has made 296 appearances and scored 64 goals for Bayern to date.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  If Coman, who has made two appearances and scored one goal for Bayern this season, does not get his transfer move, he could feature for Vincent Kompany's side against Freiburg on September 1.

The pillars of change are shifting down in east London, with David Moyes' tenuous grip on the managerial seat at West Ham United weakened further after a desperate 5-2 defeat against Crystal Palace in the Premier League.

Having lost, valiantly, to Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League quarter-finals last week, a reaction was needed in the top flight to forge a path toward continental qualification, but, eighth in the standings and two points off Manchester United in seventh – who have two games in hand – it's looking unlikely that the Hammers will paint the purple patch needed.

Sporting Director Tim Steidten appears to have had enough, and while the London Stadium owes much to Moyes and the gains made under his leadership, moves have been made to identify a successor, with the Scotsman out of contract in the summer.

West Ham eyeing Ruben Amorim alternatives

Some exciting news arrived on Monday, with The Athletic's David Ornstein confirming that Sporting manager Ruben Amorim is West Ham's top target and is no longer the frontrunner for the Liverpool job, but Steidten has mapped out a list of alternatives.

According to The Guardian, former Germany and Bayern Munich boss Hansi Flick is under consideration.

The 59-year-old has been out of work since being dismissed by Die Mannschaft in 2023, though boasts a wealth of high-level experience and an attractive playing style to boot.

Why Hansi Flick would be perfect for West Ham

Flick first rose to prominence when serving as Joachim Löw's assistant as his nation triumphed at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, then moved to Bayern Munich as Niko Kovac's understudy and took the leading position in the dugout when the former Croatia star was dismissed in November 2019.

In that maiden term – not even a full season – at the helm, Flick led Die Roten to a stunning continental treble, winning the Champions League, Bundesliga and DFB Pokal. An erudite footballing mind with a far-seeing tactical disposition, Flick, at his best, is up there with the greatest the game has to offer.

One of the most discernible differences when Flick replaced Kovac at the Allianz Arena was a ramping-up of aggression, with goal machine Robert Lewandowski saying: "His tactical and footballing knowledge are at a high level."

He galvanised and wrapped the team into a uniform vision, a singular goal, in short time sparking a change that saw a return to enterprising and fluid attacking football.

It's for this reason that Flick would be the perfect man to lead a new chapter at West Ham. He would arrive at an outfit with a proven record but that nonetheless has fallen by the wayside, and his vision could signal a prosperous change, rooting his philosophy into the London Stadium and swiftly winning the club, wall-to-wall, over.

Moyes has done much for West Ham but his tactics have long been perceived as negative and this has sundered the fanbase into a bleak schism. Success breeds longing, naturally, and the Irons now have a taste of gold.

Amorim, while young and bold and compelling, is more of an unknown commodity and would demand radical shifting in style and system, brandishing a three-at-the-back line-up and completely rewriting the way West Ham play.

Flick, conversely, operates with a 4-2-3-1 set-up – as, would you look at that, does Moyes, albeit with contrasting emphases – though is reliant on similar ball-focused build-up, with those in the rearguard equipped with top-class distribution ability.

Moreover, the German has been described as "world-class" by reporter Stefan Bienkowski, a sentiment echoed by the masses when he was at the summit of his career with Bayern.

While Amorim is the frontrunner, it has been stressed that Liverpool remain on stand-by despite distancing themselves from the Liga Portugal table-topper.

Should West Ham opt against moving for one of the most coveted rising stars in the managerial stratosphere, Flick, not quite the grizzled veteran but wizened and substantiated at the top of the game, would be worth the venture – now that there is a first-rate alternative.

West Ham eyeing an amazing Amorim alternative who’s perfect for Bowen

This manager has reportedly rejected AC Milan as he targets a move to east London.

By
Angus Sinclair

Apr 23, 2024

Vinicius Junior has hailed the playing style and ability of Kylian Mbappe but insists Real Madrid will not be 'unstoppable' because of his signing.

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• Vinicius Jr speaks on Mbappe relationship
• Maintains Real face a "really hard" season
• Mbappe and Vini hoping to dovetail

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Vinicius Junior, who has rejected a hugely lucrative move to Saudi Arabia, has expressed his excitement at playing with Mbappe after the World Cup winner was lured to the club on a free transfer following his exit from Paris Saint-Germain. The pair have yet to truly align, with Real drawing one and winning one of their opening two La Liga games, although Vinicius has expressed his hope that the superstar will start hitting the back of the net with regularity, and has hailed his style.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  While there are hopes that Real will be able to conquer all-comers this season, given the sheer weight of attacking talent – they now boast Vinicius and Mbappe as well as Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo, and Endrick – Vinicius is not sure that they will be able to simply sweep teams aside as they aim to retain both La Liga and the Champions League.

• WHAT VINICIUS JR. SAID

  Vinicius told CNN: “I love Mbappe’s style, I love how he plays, and the truth is that I’m very excited about what we can do during the season. He’s coming in after having scored so many goals, after winning so many titles. He’s arriving at the club he always dreamed to be in and where every player always dreamed to play for: Real Madrid. God willing, Mbappé will be able to score as many goals for us as he did in his previous team, as he does in the national team, and that he can do even more together with us.”

  The Brazilian added: "The team is very good and has been that way for a long time now. Now with the arrival of Mbappé, everyone says the team can become unstoppable, but for now, we have to perform the best training sessions and try to understand each other as quickly as possible.”

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Mbappe and Vinicius will next link up when Los Blancos play Las Palmas on Thursday. Their opponents have yet to win a game this season and Real will hope to put them to the sword.

Celtic have a chance to book a place in the final of the SFA Cup on Saturday as they face Aberdeen at Hampden Park in the semi-finals of the competition.

The Hoops turn their attention away from the Scottish Premiership, in which they currently sit top of the tree, for this clash with the Dons in Glasgow this weekend.

They won 3-0 against St Mirren in their last game, which came in the league, thanks to goals from Reo Hatate, Kyogo Furuhashi, and Adam Idah.

However, Brendan Rodgers could rotate his team and offer opportunities to other players to ensure that he makes the most of his squad ahead of the run-in to the end of the season.

Therefore, the Northern Irish head coach could make some changes to the starting XI that was selected against St Mirren last time out, and here is FFC's predicted Celtic lineup to take to the field on Saturday.

1

Joe Hart

Starting off between the sticks, Joe Hart has been the manager's first-choice throughout the season and should start once again in goal as he looks to cap off his playing career with another cup trophy.

2

Alistair Johnston

At right-back, Alistair Johnston should start and look to provide an attacking threat down the flank, as he has done in recent weeks with his superb crossing ability.

He has provided four assists in his last seven league appearances for Celtic and will be looking to supply the forwards with quality service into the box.

3

Cameron Carter-Vickers

Celtic's man mountain at the back, Cameron Carter-Vickers, should start and command the backline with his towering presence to the left of Johnston.

The USA international has won 69% of his duels across 21 appearances in the Premiership this season, which speaks to how dominant he is against opposition players in physical battles.

4

Maik Nawrocki

Former Legia Warsaw star Maik Nawrocki could be handed another opportunity to impress at the heart of the defence next to Carter-Vickers, after his start against St Mirren.

The Polish defender, who started in place of the injured Liam Scales, won five of his seven duels and completed 93% of his attempted passes in 64 minutes last time out.

5

Greg Taylor

Alexandro Bernabei's departure in March has left Greg Taylor as the only natural, senior, left-back option for Rodgers, which is why he should start once again against Aberdeen.

6

Callum McGregor

The first change to the starting XI could come at the base of the midfield, with captain Callum McGregor returning to the lineup to replace Tomoki Iwata.

Recently returning from an Achilles injury, the Scotland international could be selected for his leadership in the middle of the park for this big semi-final clash at Hampden.

Iwata also did his chances of retaining his place in the XI few favours against St Mirren as he lost three of his five duels, failed to create any chances, and made just one tackle with zero interceptions.

7

Paulo Bernardo

Another alteration to the lineup could come in midfield next to McGregor. Hatate, who scored last time out with a sumptuous outside the foot finish, is recently back from injury and could be rotated out for Paulo Bernardo.

The Portuguese midfielder, who is on loan from Benfica, has two goals and one assist in his last four appearances for club and country in all competitions.

He could, therefore, provide an attacking spark from midfield, to replace the Japan international, and that would allow Rodgers to give Hatate a rest, rather than overworking him after his calf injuries.

8

Matt O'Riley

Matt O'Riley should keep his place in the middle of the park as he has been a terrific performer for Celtic throughout the campaign and could be the match-winner.

The Denmark international has produced a stunning 13 goals and 11 assists in 32 Premiership appearances this season, which shows that the left-footed magician has the quality to cause huge problems for opposition defences with his quality as both a scorer and a creator of goals.

9

Nicolas Kuhn

On the right side of the attack, Nicolas Kuhn should keep his place in the starting XI as the January signing from Austrian side Rapid Wien has been in superb form of late.

The German winger has scored one goal, provided two assists, made 11 key passes, and created four 'big chances' in his last five appearances for the club in all competitions, and could look to be a creator for his team on Saturday.

10

Adam Idah

The third alteration to the lineup could come in the number nine position as Norwich City loanee Adam Idah could be selected ahead of Kyogo Furuhashi.

Idah, whose ability has been described as "incredible" by Rodgers, has produced two goals and one assist in his last three appearances off the bench for the Hoops, with goals against Rangers and St Mirren in the last two outings.

Whereas, Kyogo had one goal, zero assists, and three 'big chances' missed as a starter in those three matches, which suggests that the Bhoys could improve their team by dropping the Japanese forward to unleash the Ireland international in his place.

The 6 foot 3 centre-forward has scored seven goals and provided two assists in ten league outings for the Scottish giants so far, and could be handed the chance to fire Celtic to a cup final as a starter against Aberdeen on Saturday.

Everton journalist Christopher Beesley believes reported target Oleksandr Zinchenko could be a good fit for the Blues.

The lowdown

Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano reported at the weekend that Premier League champions Manchester City are ‘prepared’ to let Zinchenko leave.

That’s because they’re targeting Brighton’s Marc Cucurella, with an ‘official bid’ for the Spaniard thought to be in the works.

He’s on ‘the list as one of the main targets’ at Goodison Park this summer, though ‘other clubs [are] also keen’.

The latest

Beesley wrote on his Twitter account that, based on his displays for Manchester City, Zinchenko ‘could be ideal in a new role if he makes a summer transfer to Everton’.

In the attached story for The Liverpool Echo, he explains that the 25-year-old could thrive in the midfield ‘engine room’ at Goodison Park.

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The verdict

Frank Lampard wants to bolster his central midfield ranks this summer but Zinchenko would appear a surprising choice.

That’s because, of his 28 appearances for City last season, 26 came as a left-back.

But the £22.5million-rated man showed on Ukraine duty recently that he’s more than equipped to play in the middle of the park.

Operating as the LCM in a 4-1-4-1 formation in the World Cup playoff semifinal against Scotland, Zinchenko earned SofaScore’s man of the match award.

He recorded one assist, having created two big chances, won eight of the 13 duels he contested and completed 59 of his 68 passes (87%) and two of his three dribbles.

The Daily Mail’s Craig Hope called it a ‘superhuman’ display, and surely it only strengthened Lampard’s desire to bring him in.

In other news, Everton have made contact over another midfield option. 

CBS journalist Ben Jacobs has now made a Tottenham Hotspur transfer claim involving Inter Milan star defender Milan Skriniar.

The Lowdown: Conte hunting centre-back…

Spurs head coach Antonio Conte, setting his sights on a left-footed central defensive star, has been linked to no shortage of options as club chief Fabio Paratici adopts his scattergun approach.

The Lilywhites have shortlisted many names, including Alessandro Bastoni, Josko Gvardiol, Pau Torres, Marc Guehi, Gleison Bremer, Stefan De Vrij and Clement Lenglet (GiveMeSport).

A real priority for Spurs, it appears their defender chase has taken another twist as Jacobs shares news on Skriniar.

The Latest: Jacobs makes Skriniar claim…

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According to his sources, the Lilywhites are eyeing a move for Inter’s colossal defender alongside Premier League rivals Chelsea.

Skriniar is apparently ‘very much for sale’ and the Nerazzurri value him at around £69 million – but they could be forced to accept a lower bid if Dybala and Lukaku arrive.

The Slovakia international, according to Jacobs, apparently wants his future ‘resolved by early July’.

The Verdict: Advance?

Depending on developments, more specifically if Inter lower the player’s £69m valuation, we believe Skrinair would be a brilliant addition for Conte.

Called a ‘monster’ by Italian football writer Carlo Garaganese, the 27-year-old was a mainstay under Simone Inzaghi last season, playing the second-most Serie A minutes behind goalkeeper Samir Handanovic (WhoScored).

The Inter untouchable also made more clearances per 90 than any of his teammates with over five league starts (WhoScored), finishing 21/22 as one of their top ten performers overall (WhoScored).

As Tottenham’s defender chase continues, this may well be one to keep an eye on.

In other news: Significant talks: Tottenham emerge as likelier destination for ‘superstar’! Find out more here.

Journalist Pete O’Rourke says West Ham United could be making a ‘really exciting signing’ if they manage to bring Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins to the London Stadium.

The Lowdown: Moyes eyeing Watkins…

The east Londoners, after just missing out on a place in the Premier League top six last season to Man United, are looking to go again for 2022/23 with fresh additions in the transfer market.

A striker is reportedly high on the agenda for Moyes with West Ham seriously short of options and alternatives to mainstay forward Michail Antonio in the attacking areas.

Reliable journalist Simon Jones of The Daily Mail backs that the Hammers are eyeing a move for Villa star Watkins, even if it will be a difficult deal to pull off.

The Latest: O’Rourke makes Watkins claim…

Speaking to GiveMeSport, journalist O’Rourke says West Ham could make a ‘really exciting signing’ for Moyes if they do somehow get Watkins in.

He explained:

“I think he’d be a really exciting signing for West Ham and all their fans. He’s really proved at Aston Villa over the last couple of years that he is a top player, who I think can only get better as well.

“West Ham, obviously they’ve needed a new striker for the last few transfer windows and haven’t been able to bring the right one in.”

The Verdict: Push the boat out?

Villa are likely to demand at least £50 million for Watkins but such an investment could be worth it from West Ham’s perspective.

According to WhoScored, the 26-year-old finished 2021/2022 as one of Steven Gerrard’s best-performing players and top goal scorer domestically with 11 strikes and two assists.

He ranked among their top-five by average match rating per 90 with Watkins also taking the second-most shots at goal every game – just behind sensational January signing Philippe Coutinho (WhoScored).

There’s arguably few better alternatives already proven in England and we believe GSB should attempt a move at the very least.

In other news: West Ham officials dispatched as GSB eye ‘superstar’ signing for Moyes…find out more here.

Newly promoted Nottingham Forest are ready to make a move for Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White, reports Birmingham Live.

The Lowdown: Gibbs-White’s season

The 22-year-old Wolves man joined Championship side Sheffield United on a season-long loan last year after going out to Swansea the year prior.

The midfielder made 35 league appearances for the Blades, contributing 11 goals and nine assists to United’s failed promotion push.

The Latest: Forest interested

Unfortunately for the youngster, his penalty in the play-off semi-final against Forest was saved by goalkeeper Brice Samba.

However, Gibbs-White clearly impressed Steve Cooper, as he is said to be a huge admirer of the Wolves man, and he could now look to add him to his side’s squad ahead of next season (via Nottingham Post).

It has now been reported by Birmingham Live that Forest are ready to move for Gibbs-White this summer, as they look to build a squad capable of competing in the Premier League.

The Midlands club value the midfielder at around £20m, however manager Bruno Lage is said to be desperate to keep the Wanderers man.

Lage has previously claimed (via Birmingham Live): “In January I did everything to convince him to stay here.

“After, we will see. If I want him in January, I continue to want him here because he can be an important player for the club. He’s one of the players that comes from the academy and I know it’s so important for the club to have that.”

The Verdict: Big loss for Wolves

Whilst the youngster has previously been told to go out on loan to gain experience, he is surely now a part of Lage’s plans at Wolves, having proven what he can do with extended playing time this term.

During his time in the Championship, former Barnsley boss Poya Asbaghi hailed the 22-year-old as the Blades’ “most outstanding” player, indicating he is ready to make the permanent step-up to the Premier League.

Therefore, if Wolves do lose hold of Gibbs-White this summer, it is likely that we will see the midfielder playing in the English top-flight next season and perhaps even biting the hand that once fed him.

In other news: Two EFL clubs target Dion Sanderson…