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Tomas Soucek’s contract situation at West Ham United ‘has become a problem’ for the club, Daily Star journalist Paul Brown has said.

The Lowdown: Soucek’s rejection

According to various reports this summer, the Czech Republic international has rejected the offer of a contract extension from the Hammers, with just two years now remaining on his current deal at the London Stadium.

With Soucek holding a market valuation of £40.5m, David Moyes could be forced into selling the 27-year-old this summer to avoid losing out on his true value further down the line.

According to reports shared by TEAMtalk, Aston Villa and Newcastle have both shown signs of being interested in making a move for the midfielder, so GSB could be keen to let the former Slavia Prague man leave this summer.

The Latest: Brown’s claim

Brown believes that there could be a major problem at West Ham regarding Soucek’s future.

Speaking with GiveMeSport, the journalist claimed: “The question mark is what the future holds for Tomáš Souček.

“I don’t think West Ham have had any serious bids for him yet this window, but his contract situation has become a problem.”

The Verdict: Big loss

When looking at the 27-year-old’s underlying statistics, it is clear to see why the midfielder has become so pivotal in Moyes’ starting XI.

When compared with positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year, Soucek ranks in the 99th percentile for clearances, the 98th percentile for aerials won and the 92nd percentile for touches in the attacking penalty area (via FBRef).

With such a strong market valuation now, the Irons would surely be reluctant to let the Czech Republic captain leave the club on a free transfer in two years time.

Therefore, if GSB want to maximise their profits on Soucek’s departure, then the Hammers could be forced into selling the player this summer.

Pape Matar Sarr will be looking to impress Antonio Conte in what is the first full pre-season for the pair at Tottenham Hotspur.

The 19-year-old midfielder was signed by sporting director Fabio Paratici last summer in a £14.6m deal from then-Ligue 1 outfit Metz, where he remained on loan for the 2021/22 campaign.

Over the course of the season, Sarr registered 34 appearances and appeared to be a regular option for the relegated French side. He is now back at Hotspur Way where he is surely seeking to become a first-team option for the Italian head coach.

According to reliable football.london reporter Alasdair Gold, the eight-time Senegal international will be assessed over pre-season by Conte before a decision is made.

If successful, you’d imagine that he’d replace the presence of Tanguy Ndombele in the engine room.

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Bye-bye Ndombele?

Of course, a case can be made in the fact that Conte is already stacked in midfield, having added former Brighton and Hove Albion star Yves Bissouma to the mix. He joins the likes of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Oliver Skipp and Rodrigo Bentancur as key options.

Ndombele also went out on loan in January, having lost his place in the squad, and it’s believed that the club are making it a priority to sell him before the end of the transfer window on September 1st, as per transfer insider Dean Jones.

The emergence of Sarr could certainly push the club-record £55m flop closer to the exit door.

Attitude worries and a lack of consistency on the pitch has pretty much summed up his three years in north London, not even his former club Lyon wants him despite taking him on a short-term stint last term.

Football Insider pundit Alan Hutton dubbed the 25-year-old “very lazy.”

Sarr, however, is a bright prospect and one that has caught the eye of Fabrizio Romano, who believes that Spurs could well have a Paul Pogba-type on their hands.

“I am told this guy is really more than an interesting talent. He has real potential, [he’s a] fantastic talent,” he said. “One of my sources told me he could become one style of [Paul] Pogba player. He has style, he has potential, he has skills, so we will see what happens with this guy.”

The £13.5m-rated dynamo delivered four goal contributions in Ligue 1 last season, which was two more than Ndombele, who was playing for the better team.

Sarr also won 1.9 tackles per 90, and averaged 1.3 dribbles per 90, too, as per WhoScored.

That sort of return begins to somewhat backup Romano’s thoughts surrounding the player and only goes to show the potential Conte could have right under his nose.

Given the fact that he has traveled to South Korea for pre-season, we could well see Ndombele instantly usurped in the pecking order and as such, the £27m-rated dud one step closer to the exit door, at long last.

AND in other news, Paratici given green light for “outstanding” £52m Spurs signing, he’s a Romero clone…

Tottenham insider John Wenham has been reacting to Antonio Conte’s interest in Leeds United winger Jack Harrison, as per Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Not just Harrison

Spurs appear to be taking a liking to Elland Road wingers, with recent reports claiming that they have made a marquee offer to sign Raphinha. The Brazilian’s future is still up in the air, as it seems he is holding out for a move to Barcelona despite the Whites agreeing a fee with Chelsea.

Harrison is also thought to be of interest in north London, with Sky Sports claiming towards the end of June that the 25-year-old has been on Tottenham’s radar for a while.

The Latest: Wenham’s comments

Spurs insider Wenham was talking to Football Insider regarding a potential move for Harrison, He claimed that Leeds would ask for ‘big money’ and that they have ‘no real reason to sell’, believing that a transfer won’t materialise.

Wenham outlined:

“This has popped up before, I think it first came around at the end of the January transfer window.

“I think they [Spurs] like him because he is versatile. He can play left-wing, left wing-back and left-back.

“Again, Leeds would ask for big money for him. They have just sold Kalvin Phillips for big money and Raphinha looks like he is going to go so they have no real reason to sell.

“It’s not one I can see happening at the moment. We still have Lucas Moura as well and Richarlison is about to boost our options.”

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The Verdict: Spot on

Leeds look like they will lose two key players in Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha this summer, so as Wenham mentioned, the Whites won’t need to sell Harrison too.

The 25-year-old has been a regular in the Yorkshire club’s first team since 2018, making 166 appearances at Elland Road and contributing to 50 goals.

He is under contract for a further two years, so you’d expect that Leeds won’t want to lose Harrison alongside Raphinha in what is a relatively small first-team squad.

Jesse Marsch and Victor Orta will surely want to bolster the club’s attacking ranks should Raphinha leave, not weaken them by selling Harrison.

Manchester United are eyeing a swoop for Ajax centre-back Lisandro Martinez as they aim to reinforce the defence and reunite the player with manager Erik ten Hag.

What’s the story?

According to The Mirror, United have met with the representatives of Martinez and were told that £42m would be what’s needed to secure his services.

They face competition for his signature from fellow Premier League club Arsenal who also met with his agent. The Gunners recently had a £25m enquiry for the player turned down with United planning a bid of £30m.

The report said that the player wants to move to the England but fears the asking price could put suitors off.

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Ten Hag desperately needs him

If United are to improve on last season then recruiting defensively is a must. The Red Devils conceded more goals than they ever have done in a single league season (57) and ended with a goal difference of 0.

Their defenders came under a lot of media scrutiny last season and rightly so, new manager Ten Hag needs to reinforce the backline if they are to have any chance of qualifying for the Champions League.

Signing Martinez could help solve the problem, he is a talented defender who has been described as a “bulldog” by journalist Casey Evans and his statistics seem to back that claim up.

He has won 69% of his total duels in the Eredivisie last season which shows his aggressive nature and ability to win his battles. It’s this willingness to fight that United have lacked recently and if signed maybe he could influence others.

It’s not the only area where he excels, he has a passing accuracy of 92% in his own half and made 0 errors leading to a shot or goal last season.  This proves his reliability and composure when playing out from the back.

Above all else, Ten Hag was his coach last season, so he wouldn’t need time to adapt to his methods and could slot straight into the back line at United.

The competition would also likely bring the best out of current defenders Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane and Victor Lindelof.

While Ajax might be asking for a high fee, he’s currently paid just £43k-per-week so United could save money on wages.

If it means securing him ahead of their rivals, we think United should pay the money they’re asking for.

AND in other news: Ten Hag closes in on Man Utd swoop for £54m-rated “genius”, he’s a big upgrade on Fred…

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. 

Wolves are reportedly plotting a bid for Valencia forward Goncalo Guedes this summer and the Portugal international could prove to be the next Diogo Jota at Molineux.

According to Tuttosport (via Football Italia) Roma are battling Wolves to sign the 25-year-old this summer, with the report suggesting that he would cost around €40m (£34.5m).

Last season saw the former PSG man make 36 appearances in La Liga, in which he contributed 11 goals and six assists, averaging an impressive 6.99 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

If he had produced the same statistics in an Old Gold shirt, Guedes would have comfortably finished as Wolves’ top scorer in the Premier League, as well as their top performer of players to make at least 10 appearances according to WhoScored, so it seems clear that he would add some much-needed quality to Lage’s attack.

Wolves could only muster 38 goals in the top flight last season, which was the worst of any side to not be relegated, so Lage will surely be targeting attacking reinforcements ahead of next season, otherwise, he could easily find himself in a relegation fight if Wolves’ form from the second half of the season is anything to go by.

When Guedes joined PSG in 2017, former Portugal legend Pauleta was full of praise for the attacker, saying:

“He plays for Portugal’s under-21 side. I watched him grow up through his club and national team matches.

“He is a great talent – he is physically gifted and technically extremely talented.”

If he were to make the move to Molineux this summer, where he would join the club’s already impressive Portuguese contingent, then he could perform a similar role to Jota, who excelled at Wolves, hitting 44 goals for the club before moving to Liverpool in 2020.

Like Jota, Guedes is capable of playing anywhere across a front three, and he also boasts an impressive goalscoring record with Portugal, with seven goals in his 31 appearances for A Seleção.

It was a real statement signing when Wolves brought in Jota on a permanent deal following their promotion to the top flight and Guedes could be a similarly big addition should he join, considering his impressive form for Valencia in recent seasons.

And, in other news… Wolves supporters can “get excited” if Lage signs “full-blooded” £7.2m-rated “monster” 

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…

West Ham United have looked into moves for Aston Villa duo John McGinn and Ollie Watkins, according to The Daily Mail. 

The lowdown

The Hammers finished seventh in the Premier League, securing a spot in the Europa Conference League, while the Villans ended the season in 14th.

McGinn, who is valued at £27m by Transfermarkt, has three years remaining on his contract and is a key player at Villa Park, as evidenced by his 35 Premier League starts in the most recent campaign.

It’s a similar story with the £31.5m-rated Watkins, who is also committed until 2025. The striker, who joined from Brentford in 2020, started 33 top-flight matches in 2021/22.

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The latest

The Daily Mail’s Simon Jones reported that Irons manager David Moyes is ‘juggling’ a ‘number of options’ ahead of the summer transfer window.

Among those in his eyeline are Villa duo McGinn and Watkins, but there’s an understanding at the London Stadium that ‘such deals will be difficult to pull off’.

The verdict

These are two vital cogs in the Villa team, so they should do everything in their power to avoid selling them to a Premier League rival.

McGinn averaged the highest WhoScored rating in Steven Gerrard’s squad last season (7.17), scoring three goals and providing four assists while also ranking in the top three for tackles, key passes, successful dribbles, fouls drawn and accurate long balls (outfielders only) per game.

Meanwhile, Watkins was comfortably the team’s top scorer with 11 goals, four clear of Danny Ings. Since his arrival in the Midlands two years ago, he has impressively bagged 27 goals in all competitions.

Villa sold Jack Grealish in a British record £100m deal last summer and will surely be desperate to avoid losing more star players this summer. Gerrard wants to take the team to Europe, and the best way to do that is by improving on what he’s got rather than the plugging the gaps left by high-profile outgoings.

In other news, read this big Calvin Bassey claim