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Reporter Jacque Talbot has now made a West Ham United transfer claim involving ‘big name’ Benfica striker Darwin Nunez.

The Lowdown: Moyes eyeing striker move…

Signing a striker may well be one of manager David Moyes’ top priorities for this looming summer window as the Scotsman seeks to finally seal a back-up/alternative option to Michail Antonio.

Already, the Hammers have been linked to 2021/2022 Southampton loanee and Chelsea striker Armando Broja as West Ham look to maintain their impressive last two seasons in the Premier League.

Another more audacious link has been to marquee forward Nunez with club insider Claret & Hugh even stating the Uruguayan was Moyes’ personal top summer target at one point.

C&H claimed in recent months that the West Ham manager is a big fan as he was ‘determined to land’ Benfica’s star.

While those reports have died down, Talbot now claims the east Londoners are still very much in the mix for Nunez.

The Latest: Talbot makes Nunez claim…

Taking to Twitter, the reporter claims West Ham are indeed contenders and hints they could still sign him – but the competition is fierce.

He explained:

“Been asked about him a lot recently. Was indicated to me his favoured place was Man United. But can see Liverpool, Tottenham, Arsenal, Newcastle, West Ham, and even Chelsea depending on Lukaku, all with an interest (though to what extent varies).”

The Verdict: make a move…

The 22-year-old has been a revelation over the last year in Portugal.

Scoring 34 goals in 41 appearances across all competitions, it is little wonder Nunez is one of the hottest commodities in Europe right now, with Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk even naming him as one of his toughest opponents.

However, the fact he is protected by a £125 million release clause may mean GSB will have to break the bank to sign him for Moyes this summer.

In other news: Offer ready: West Ham leap ahead of European giants in race to sign £21m forward! Find out more here.

Manchester United’s interest in Ajax defender Jurrien Timber ‘is concrete and serious’, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Nunez move close?

Erik ten Hag is yet to make his first signing as Red Devils manager, although he may not have to wait much longer.

Journalist Dean Jones has recently stated that United are ‘extremely close’ to signing Benfica striker Darwin Nunez. The transfer insider described a potential move for the Uruguayan as ‘brilliant’, and it looks as if Old Trafford chiefs and Ten Hag are also keen on Timber.

The Latest: Romano’s update on Timber

Romano took to Twitter on Monday lunchtime to provide an update on Timber. The transfer expert revealed that United’s interest in the 20-year-old ‘is concrete and serious’ with a deal at the early stages.

The Dutchman’s name has been discussed internally with Ten Hag, even though Ajax have offered the defender a new contract.

Romano also said in a piece for The Guardian that United have made contact over a potential move for the £43m-valued defender.

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The Verdict: Fingers crossed

Ten Hag knows all about Timber’s qualities and made him a regular for Ajax last season as the Amsterdam giants conceded just 19 times in 34 league games.

He can also play as a right-back if required, something which could prove handy if the Red Devils manage to offload Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

Pau Torres is another defensive target who United have discussed, according to Romano, so a defensive overhaul seems to be a priority for Ten Hag, and Timber could be the first defender to arrive at Old Trafford under the new regime.

In other news: Reliable journalist leaks Man Utd talks as Ten Hag now eyes ‘terrific’ Englishman

According to reliable journalist Tom Barclay, Southampton transfer target Liam Delap would ‘definitely’ fit the profile of player that manager Ralph Hasenhuttl might be tempted to sign during the upcoming transfer window.

The Lowdown: Delap profiled

The 19-year-old first joined the academy at Manchester City as a scholar three years ago and has worked his way up through the ranks at the club, which saw him rewarded with his first-team debut in the Sky Blues’ 2-1 Carabao Cup victory against Bournemouth in September 2020.

The forward put pen to paper on a new three-year contract extension with the Etihad Stadium outfit last summer, but he has recently been touted with a move away from the Premier League champions in a bid to get some much-needed game-time and further his development.

In a recent report from The Sun, it’s claimed that the teenager is on Southampton’s shortlist as they desperately look to bolster their attacking ranks; and after raiding Chelsea’s academy to sign Tino Livramento and Dynel Simeu last year, the Saints have been backed to pull off a similar move by tempting Delap into a south coast switch in the coming months.

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The Latest: Barclay backs Southampton links with Delap

Barclay has suggested that Delap could be the perfect fit for Hasenhuttl’s plans at Southampton, given the Saints’ previous raids for young prospects from the Premier League’s top brass.

Wnd when asked whether he thought he could see any parallels in their swoops for the aforementioned ex-Chelsea youngsters, he told GiveMeSport: “Yeah, definitely. They’ve targeted Chelsea’s academy in recent history with great success, with obviously Livramento being the standout one, Broja as well.

“Dynel Simeu, who went on loan to Carlisle and did well, although he’s not been as much of a standout player; he was signed more for the B team but is another player they signed from that club’s academy.

“And I think we’ve talked about Tino Anjorin as well as another possible target in the future. So, they’ve looked at that area.”

The Verdict: Perfect replacement for Long

With veteran striker Shane Long set to depart St Mary’s upon the expiry of his contract next month, Delap could be viewed as the ideal candidate to take the Irishman’s place in the squad, either on a temporary or permanent basis.

The Winchester-born talent, who was once dubbed a “special” player by City manager Pep Guardiola, has been in excellent form in Premier League 2 this season. With eight goals and two assists in just ten appearances at that level, as per Transfermarkt, he has shown just how prolific he can be in the final third regardless of his age.

After a disappointing 15th-place finish in the top flight this season, the possible addition of someone like Delap up top could be just what Southampton need if they are to start making a serious push towards a top-ten finish next time around.

In other news… a talkSPORT reporter has made this huge Saints transfer claim involving one of their summer targets

West Ham United are set to miss out on Burnley defender James Tarkowski and have started to turn to other options, claims transfer insider Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Moyes’ target

The 29-year-old has been a long-term target of Hammers boss David Moyes. According to The Guardian, West Ham had multiple bids rejected by Burnley for the defender in summer 2020.

Astonishingly, it is reported that the east London club’s final offer amounted to a staggering £30m.

However, with the Burnley man’s contract set to expire at the end of June, Tarkowski will leave Turf Moor on a free transfer this summer.

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The Latest: Jones’ claim

According to the Daily Mirror, West Ham have cooled their interest in Tarkowski because they expect him to sign for Newcastle.

Whilst Jones is unsure about the validity of that report, the transfer insider has asserted that the Irons aren’t confident in their chances of signing the defender.

Speaking with GiveMeSport, he claimed:

“I’m not sure that’s the reason necessarily, but I don’t think West Ham have had positive feelings that they’ve got a good chance of signing Tarkowski, and that’s why they’re starting to turn towards other options in case it can’t happen.”

The Verdict: Would be a great signing on a free

As a proven Premier League defender with almost 200 top-flight appearances under his belt, Tarkowski has been hailed as “outstanding” by former Clarets manager Sean Dyche.

With such a wealth of experience and available for zero initial cost, it is certainly no surprise to see a whole host of clubs lining up for the centre-back’s signature.

And if the likes of Newcastle decide to offer the 29-year-old a huge salary, this deal may prove difficult for West Ham to get over the line.

Either way, whichever team ends up signing him will be receiving a great player on a free transfer, and Moyes may well be gutted to miss out given his long-term interest.

In other news: West Ham nearing agreement with Rennes for Nayef Aguerd!

Tottenham Hotspur, and by extension transfer chief Fabio Paratici, allegedly have a Weston McKennie plan as news emerges out of Italy.

The Lowdown: Conte set for summer reshuffle…

The Times, sharing a big update on manager Antonio Conte’s plans past the 2021/2022 Premier League season, recently claimed that a plethora of activity could take place at Hotspur Way.

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Spurs’ head coach could offload as many as eight players, a list which includes the likes of Sergio Reguilón, Emerson Royal, Steven Bergwijn, Giovani Lo Celso and Tanguy Ndombele.

Coming in the other way, it is believed that Conte wants to make six major signings in three defenders, a forward and a midfielder.

According to Calciomercato, some news has come to light on the Lilywhites’ attempts to bolster the latter position.

The Latest: Paratici readying McKennie talks…

The Italian source says Tottenham, and by extension Paratici, are ‘ready to negotiate’ with Juventus over signing their midfield man McKennie this summer.

It is believed that Spurs are eyeing a loan-to-buy deal for the USA international in a similar move which would ‘repeat’ the trick to bring Dejan Kulusevski to N17.

The Verdict: Advance?

Football Insider, making a claim before the New Year, stated that McKennie is ‘very keen’ to play in London – something which could gift Spurs and Paratici a possible advantage over Serie A competitors Roma.

They also stated Juve’s valuation of the 23-year-old is set at around £35 million, and while it is unclear whether that would be the price to pay for Tottenham at the end of a possible loan-to-buy, we believe the ex-Schalke star could be a brilliant addition either way.

Unable to display his ability during the latter stages of this season due to a foot injury, McKennie has in fact been revered for his performances at international level.

USA football reporter Chris Smith of 90min lavished the ‘pressing machine’ and ‘supremely underrated’ ace, drawing attention to an impressive scout report last year.

At just 23, the sky is seemingly the limit for McKennie and it is little wonder Spurs are keen on opening talks.

In other news: Paratici also eyeing ‘world class’ player move tipped to ‘excite’ Spurs supporters! Find out more here.

Alasdair Gold has dropped a teasing injury update concerning Tottenham Hotspur centre-back Cristian Romero.

What’s the latest?

In a recent article for football.london, the Tottenham Hotspur correspondent relayed the comments of Antonio Conte regarding the hip injury sustained by the 24-year-old, in which the Italian stated, despite the fact reports have suggested the Argentina international will be sidelined for the remainder of the season, Romero is desperate to get himself fit before Spurs’ final game of the season against Norwich City on Sunday.

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In his piece, Gold wrote: “Cristian Romero will miss out on the [Burnley] match with his hip injury and while Conte does not believe the Argentine will return this season, the Spurs boss has stated that the defender is desperate to be fit for the final match at Norwich.”

Supporters will love Conte’s claim

While, at present, it would appear extremely unlikely that Romero will be back in time to face the Canaries this weekend, considering just how important the fixture is in Tottenham’s bid to secure a top-four finish in the league this season, the suggestion that there is a chance the centre-back could feature at Carrow Road on Sunday is sure to be an update Spurs fans will love.

Indeed, following his £42.5m arrival in north London last August, the £60m-rated defender has been imperious in the Tottenham back three over his 22 Premier League appearances, helping his side keep five clean sheets, as well as making an average of 1.5 interceptions, 2.8 tackles, 3.3 clearances, 51.9 passes and winning 5.9 duels – at a success rate of 62% – per game.

These returns have seen the £31k-per-week centre-back average an extremely impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.15, ranking him as Conte’s joint fourth-best performer in the top flight of English football.

As such, should the 24-year-old be successful in his attempt to make it back for the Norwich fixture this weekend, it is clear to see that the Argentine’s return would come as a huge boost to Tottenham’s chances of leaving Carrow Road with all three points in tow – something that could well prove to be enough to secure Champions League football next season should Arsenal fail to win at Newcastle United this evening.

AND in other news: Forget PEH: Spurs can sign next Dembele in “complete” £30m tank who’s like Yaya Toure

Aston Villa have been handed a double injury setback ahead of their Premier League match against Liverpool tonight.

What’s the latest?

That is according to Villa manager Steven Gerrard, who spoke to the media on Monday ahead of his side’s clash against Jurgen Klopp and co.

As per Birmingham Mail, the 41-year-old told reporters: “Jacob’s got a chance for the weekend, unfortunately he won’t be involved tomorrow. The squad will be very similar to what it was against Burnley.

“We haven’t got any fresh injury worries, or anyone out of the squad. We’ve got nobody coming in either, but Ben Chrisene will join us. He had 90 minutes for the reserves on Friday against Everton in a behind-closed-doors game, so he’ll come into the squad, Ben.

“But it’s too soon for JJ [Jacob Ramsey], unfortunately. I’m sure he would have wanted to challenge himself in this game but, unfortunately, it’s too soon. He’s got a good chance for the weekend.”

Leon Bailey joins Ramsey on the sidelines, with the Jamaica international remaining out of action due to an ankle injury that he sustained against Norwich at the end of April.

Gerrard will be gutted

You can tell from the use of “unfortunately” that Gerrard is feeling negative about the injury setbacks in his squad, and rightly so. Whilst Ramsey has endured a phenomenal breakthrough season, partly under Gerrard, Bailey – whilst not featuring much due to an injury-plagued campaign – also presents an astute attacking option when fully fit.

Ramsey has been a key component for Villa this season, having stared 79% of their Premier League fixtures in 2021/22. Along the way, he has helped himself and the team to six goals and one assist, which marks the best return of his albeit fledgling career. It’s a tally that’s made even more impressive considering that he did not score or set up a goal during his 22 top-flight appearances last term.

The absence of Bailey, whilst no doubt frustrating, is unlikely to hamper Villa as much as Ramsey’s, and with Gerrard’s recent formation tweak from 3-4-2-1 to 3-4-1-2, there would probably not be any room in the Villa attack for the Jamaican.

However, his absence means there is less attacking depth for the manager to call upon, which represents a blow in its own regard and will leave the 41-year-old gutted as his former club roll into town.

In other news: Gerrard must now unleash “magic” £18m-rated AVFC sensation tonight, he’d give Klopp nightmares

Newcastle United have reportedly now ‘made their first move’ to sign Jesse Lingard in the summer.

The Lowdown: Out of contract

Lingard is out of contract in the summer, with no plans of renewal from both him or Manchester United after a January full of speculation which saw him linked with the likes of Newcastle and West Ham.

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Currently rated at £18m by Transfermarkt, whoever now manages to win the race and snap him up as a free agent would be saving themselves a lot of money.

The Latest: Newcastle move

Taking to Twitter, Magpies journalist Scott Wilson has revealed that the St. James’ Park faithful have now ‘made their first move’ with regards to signing up Lingard this summer:

“NUFC have made their first move to set up a summer deal for Jesse Lingard – but are anticipating intense competition for the soon-to-be free agent…” The Verdict: No-brainer

If they could bring Lingard to the North East on a free, it is surely a no-brainer for the Tynesiders.

The 29-year-old may not have had much game time at Old Trafford this season, but he certainly showed his credentials while on loan with David Moyes at West Ham United last term.

Winning plaudits everywhere, Lingard scored a very impressive nine goals and made a further five assists from midfield in 16 games in the Premier League (Transfermarkt), despite only joining in the January transfer window.

Not all of the Toon’s signings have to be expensive ones this summer, and signing up Lingard as a free agent would certainly seem like a smart move to help build up Eddie Howe’s squad for the next campaign.

In other news, find out what ‘incredible’ NUFC update has now emerged here!

According to a report from The Mirror, incoming Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has identified Feyenoord defender Tyrell Malacia as a summer transfer target. 

The lowdown: Rising star

A product of the Rotterdam club’s academy system, the 22-year-old left-back made his senior professional debut in 2017 and has since amassed 132 first-team appearances in his homeland.

Already a fully-fledged Netherlands international, Malacia has made great strides in a short career to date, and last November he switched to a new agency with a potential view to a summer transfer.

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That move could well be to Old Trafford, if the latest reports are to be believed…

The latest: Ten Hag targeting Malacia for Man Utd

As per The Mirror, Ten Hag is believed to be eyeing the three-cap Netherlands international as his first signing in Manchester.

The report claimed that the incoming Red Devils boss has ‘targeted’ Malacia, having failed to lure the marauding full-back to Ajax last summer.

It is also stated that a £20m offer could be enough to persuade Feyenoord to part ways with their prodigy, who has been described as ‘excellent’ by journalist and Dutch football specialist Michael Bell.

The verdict: Rebuild begins

Much has been made of the task facing Ten Hag in Manchester, and it appears that the Dutchman is wasting little time in getting to work in the transfer market.

Although United’s current first-choice left-back Luke Shaw enjoyed a stellar 2020/21 campaign, he has struggled for fitness this term and has been left vying with Alex Telles for his place in the team.

Therefore, with one goal and four assists in 30 Eredivisie appearances this season alongside an impressive 7.08 Sofascore rating whilst making 2.7 tackles, 1.2 clearances and 1.6 successful dribbles per game, it’s no surprise that Ten Hag is reportedly eyeing up a move for Malacia as an early piece of transfer business at Old Trafford.

In other news: United are also interested in one Serie A star…find out more here.

New Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag appears to be pushing for a move for Juventus forward Paulo Dybala.

The Lowdown: Old Trafford talks

Dybala is out of contract in Turin at the end of June at looks set to end his seven-year stay with the Serie A giants ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

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Reports earlier this month claimed that the 28-year-old’s representatives have already met with Old Trafford chiefs over a free transfer.

Ten Hag was thought to be ‘key’ in United’s attempts to sign Dybala, and as we know, the Dutchman has been officially announced as Ralf Rangnick’s successor since then.

The Latest: Dybala update

Sports Witness relayed updates from Italy regarding Dybala in a story shared on Wednesday. They led with a title suggesting that the Red Devils are interested in Dybala ‘at the push of Ten Hag’, with United now ‘serious’ in their pursuit of the Argentine.

Premier League rivals Arsenal, Manchester City and Tottenham are also name-checked and could look to talk to the player’s agent over the coming months.

The Verdict: Shrewd move

Ten Hag could be short of senior attacking options when he takes over, with Edinson Cavani set to leave when his United contract expires at the end of the season.

That will leave Cristiano Ronaldo as the only recognised senior striker, so bringing in Dybala, rated at £36m, for nothing, could be an extremely shrewd move.

It looks as if he still has plenty of years ahead of him at the top level, so you’d like to think Dybala will add significantly to his 145 goal tally for club and country, possibly in Manchester.

In other news: ‘Been told’ – Sky Sports journalist says ‘incredible’ speedster wants to join Ten Hag at Man Utd.