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According to a report in the print edition of Record, via Sport Witness, West Ham United have now joined the race to sign Benfica star striker Darwin Nunez.

The Lowdown: Nunez wanted across Europe…

The 22-year-old is a wanted man across the continent amid his eye-catching performances for Benfica in the Primeira Liga and at Champions League level.

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Often linked with the likes of Manchester City and Manchester United from the Premier League, he has also been attracting interest from Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Inter Milan, AC Milan and even Newcastle United (Sport Witness).

There are no shortage of suitors for the Uruguay sensation as he becomes the latest South American in an ever-growing line to now be linked with West Ham as well.

Indeed, the club’s head of recruitment Rob Newman, who is said to have his eyes on two Brazilian strikers in Gabriel Barbosa and Arthur Cabral, is now also in the race to sign Nunez.

The Latest: West Ham join Nunez race…

As per Record (via Sport Witness), West Ham have been dragged into the battle for his signature alongside the plethora of other interested clubs.

Their apparent involvement is considered all the more shocking given that Nunez has a marquee release clause of €150m (£127.5m) if any club wish to sign him in January. As a result, the Irons would have to nearly triple their current transfer record to get a deal done.

The Verdict: Pinch of salt…

Given that other prolific strikers like Andrea Belotti, Barbosa and Cabral could be available for much less, we advise to take this claim with a pinch of salt.

West Ham don’t have the means to invest that heavily in a star forward, as highlighted by new shareholder Daniel Kretinsky, who played down mega spending in the winter transfer window. However, it is reliably believed that Moyes will be backed to bring in a new striker and top centre-back, as well as the possibility of England international Jesse Lingard (The Evening Standard).

Nunez, who has been tipped to become ‘the best in the world’ by Benfica boss Jorge Jesus, is most likely out of West Ham’s reach, unfortunately.

In other news: ‘Abysmal’, ‘Most frustrating player’ – Many West Ham fans slam ‘invisible’ ace who lost the ball 18x vs Brighton, find out more here.

A journalist has revealed that Newcastle United are now in talks to sign Ludovic Blas in the January transfer window.

The Lowdown: Standout season

The 24-year-old is enjoying a standout season at Nantes at the moment, scoring seven goals and supplying one assist in 19 games in Ligue 1 from midfield and currently ranking as the club’s fourth-best player (WhoScored).

He is averaging more shots and dribbles per match than any of his teammates, and he could be one for France national team coach Didier Deschamps to consider ahead of the World Cup in Qatar next winter.

The Latest: Newcastle talks

As per The Daily Star journalist Jacque Talbot on Friday evening, Newcastle and Watford are both in talks to sign Blas this month, while there is also interest in the player from Lille and from abroad. He revealed on Twitter:

“Understand Newcastle and Watford are in discussions to sign Ligue 1 star Ludovic Blas.

“The 24-year-old is talking to the Premier League relegation rivals who are set to play tomorrow, while there is also interest from Lille and in the Bundesliga.”

Of course, the two English clubs vying for Blas played out a 1-1 draw in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon, so talks may now intensify in the coming days.

Intriguingly, the Nantes maestro is represented by the same agency as Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood, both of whom have signed for the Magpies since the start of the month.

The Verdict: Get it done

Newcastle are severely lacking in goals from the middle of the park, and Blas could certainly provide that given his record this season.

Nantes teammate and former Liverpool player Pedro Chirivella has previously described the 24-year-old as a ‘pure talent’, as well as an ‘incredible’ and ‘spectacular’ player. The Spaniard has even compared him to former Anfield teammates Mo Salah, Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Philippe Coutinho (So Foot), which is very high praise indeed.

At 24 years of age, Blas still has such a high ceiling, and he could provide that extra bit of quality that the Tynesiders need in order to avoid relegation to the Championship.

In other news, find out who else is now ‘keen’ on signing for NUFC

Some Liverpool fans are terrified at the prospect of Jurgen Klopp quitting as manager amid reports of a European Super League forming.

The German has transformed the Reds since taking charge in October 2015, improving matters both on and off the pitch and becoming a legendary modern figure at Anfield.

Klopp has masterminded a glorious period in the club’s history, winning both the Champions League and Premier League, along with working wonders in the transfer market by signing the likes of Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk among others.

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On Sunday, news broke regarding the Premier League ‘big six’ breaking off and being part of a new European Super League, which has prompted widepsread fury. In the past, Klopp has spoken of his displeasure at the proposal actually coming to fruition, claiming that he sees few positives behind the idea.

Liverpool fans fear Klopp exit

A number of Liverpool supporters have taken to Twitter to voice their concern about Klopp’s future, with those in question fearing that he could walk away based on the furore over the new Super League and his vocal opposition to the concept in the past.

“The horrible thing about all this I can see Jurgen Klopp walking away, and that’s not something I’m ready for”

Credit: @ScouserChrisLFC

“Genuine concern Klopp could walk away”

Credit: @DFImpressionist

“Jurgen Klopp appreciation post. If he walked, I wouldn’t blame him one bit”

Credit: @TheKop_com

“If Klopp leaves we’re all following, right?”

Credit: @AnfieldMagic

“Genuinely concerned as to how Jurgen Klopp reacts to this. 100% does not align with his views”

Credit: @BenWebbLFC

“Klopp could leave any minute, I feel sick”

Credit: @archielfc

In other news, one Liverpool player is thought to have told friends he wants to leave this summer. Find out who it is here.

Journalist Pete O’Rourke has urged Celtic to offer a new deal to keep first-team coach Gavin Strachan at Parkhead. 

The lowdown: Strachan a favourite of Celtic’s board

The 43-year-old survived a coaching staff overhaul and has since continued to impress in the role of first-team coach following the departure of Neil Lennon in February 2021 and the subsequent arrival of Ange Postecoglou.

A recent report from Football Insider claimed that the Parkhead hierarchy were keen to secure Strachan’s long-term future at the club and have duly opened contract talks with him, given his status as as a highly-regarded figure in Glasgow.

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As the Bhoys set their sights on a 52nd Premiership crown to add to their Scottish League Cup success from earlier in the campaign, there could also be positive off-field developments in the near future…

The latest: O’Rourke endorses Strachan extension

Speaking to GiveMeSport, O’Rourke has implored Celtic to persuade Strachan to stay on.

The reporter outlined: “I think it would be a positive move for Celtic. It would just keep that continuity within the coaching group right now.

“If they can agree a new contract, it will just keep things ticking over nicely for everybody involved there.”

The verdict: He’s right

As the summer fast approaches and the managerial merry-go-round begins to fire up, the Hoops should be acting fast to appease the former Doncaster Rovers man after he turned down the opportunity to manage English League Two outfit Hartlepool United back in November.

Postecoglou is clearly onto something with the current setup at Lennoxtown, and retaining the status quo within the coaching ranks is equally as important as keeping hold of key players.

Having endured a torrid 2020/21 campaign, Celtic have been crying out for stability, and as such the club should be doing everything to keep the likes of Strachan, assistant manager John Kennedy and coach Stephen McManus in place at Parkhead.

In other news, an expert has made a key claim regarding the ownership of Celtic. Read more here.

Rangers were heavily linked with a move for Brighton and Hove Albion striker Florin Andone during the summer transfer window but considering his lack of appearances for the Seagulls this season, it appears that Steven Gerrard dodged a bullet in him not making the move to Ibrox.

It was widely reported last summer that after his loan spell at Galatasaray, both Rangers and their Old Firm rivals were keen on bringing him to Scotland for this season but a move never materialised and he ended up staying with Graham Potter’s side.

Whilst the Seagulls have been struggling this season, particularly in front of goal, Andone hasn’t made a single appearance in any competition for Brighton, as it is clear that they feel he is completely surplus to requirements.

In 12 appearances for Galatasaray last season, the Romanian striker would manage just two goals, so it was something of a surprise to see Gerrard’s side linked with him in the first place.

In fact, the 27-year-old striker has never really been prolific in his career, with his best season coming in the 2015/16 La Liga 2 season with Cordoba, when he contributed 21 goals and eight assists in 36 league appearances.

It seems as if after their reported pursuit of Andone failed, Rangers turned their attention to bringing in Kemar Roofe from Anderlecht and that certainly proved a good decision, with the former Leeds man having contributed 10 goals and two assists in just 18 Premiership appearances so far this season, resulting in an impressive 7.13 rating.

Considering Gerrard also has the likes of Cedric Itten and Jermaine Defoe available as options in his squad, it is difficult to imagine that Andone would have been a regular had he joined, and considering his lack of goals and appearances in recent seasons, it looks like Rangers dodged a bullet by not signing the Romanian international.

And, in other news… Wilson shouldn’t rush transfer decision on Rangers ace Gerrard dubbed a “real threat”

Everton are reportedly eyeing a move for goalkeeper Neto in the summer transfer window.

The Lowdown: Everton need back-up

Given that Robin Olsen was only on loan at the Goodison Park faithful in the 2020/21 season, the Merseyside club may need to look to bring in a back-up ‘keeper.

Promoting Joao Virginia to number two is also another option, but the new manager may want to bring in someone with more experience.

The Latest: Everton eye Neto

As per Mundo Deportivo (via Sport Witness), the Toffees are ‘interested’ in signing Neto from FC Barcelona, whose future there is ‘uncertain’.

The La Liga giants want to keep him, but it looks as if he is heading through the exit door, as if he receives an offer from a team where he can have a ‘leading role’, he will ask Barca to let him leave.

Ronald Koeman’s team may not be able to ask for a big fee for Neto, given the financial impact of the global pandemic, and so the Blues may be able to sign him at a reasonable price.

The Verdict: Avoid

Given that he currently earns a whopping £105,000-per-week at the Nou Camp, and the fact that EFC are in the Premier League, Neto is likely to demand a sizeable wage if he were to join, which for a 31-year-old who may not start ahead of Jordan Pickford, is simply too much money.

There is no doubt that he has been a good player over the years, representing as many as three different teams in the UEFA Champions League (Barcelona, Juventus and Valencia), but given his high wages, his age and his desire to be a regular first-team player, it would be much better for Everton to either invest in another back-up option or to promote Virginia.

In other news, find out what comments from one Toffee on his future has fans fuming here!

Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos left the Spanish club earlier this week and having been linked with Manchester City in the past, sporting director Txiki Begiristain should sign him for Pep Guardiola’s side this summer.

After bringing an end to his 16-year spell with the La Liga giants, where he would win a plethora of honours including four Champions League titles and five La Liga titles, Manchester City have been named by ESPN as the front runners in the race for the Spanish centre-back this summer.

The report claims that whilst Real Madrid were unwilling to offer him a two-year deal to stay at the Santiago Bernabeu this summer, City could offer him a two-year deal to play under Guardiola at the Etihad.

Whilst Ramos is now 35-years-old, he would bring a wealth of experience and a winning mentality to the Citizens, which could prove vital if they are to end their hunt for success in the Champions League next season.

Although he would go off injured in the final against City, Chelsea’s signing of fellow veteran centre-back Thiago Silva proved to be a masterstroke this season and he more than earned his one-year contract extension recently, so perhaps Ramos could have a similar impact at the Etihad next season.

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Ramos missed much of last season through injury but emphasised his quality when he was on the pitch, averaging a solid 6.96 rating from WhoScored for his performances in La Liga, whilst his five appearances in the Champions League earned him an impressive 7.20 average rating.

Of course, City already have an impressive number of options at centre-back including Ruben Dias, John Stones, Aymeric Laporte and Nathan Ake but they could learn from Ramos’ immense experience should he arrive at the Etihad this summer.

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The Spain international has proven himself, again and again, to be “world-class” throughout his career and whilst his playing days might be coming to an end, he can still be a massive addition for City this summer both on and off the pitch, so Txiki Begiristain must consider bringing him in after his Real Madrid release.

And, in other news… Txiki must seal Man City swoop for “intelligent” beast after dazzling Euro display

Many Liverpool fans have been left to laud the display of Curtis Jones for the England U21s in their 2-1 win over Croatia on Wednesday evening.

The central midfield player put in a solid performance overall, managing to get himself on the scoresheet, although it was not enough for Aidy Boothroyd’s team who were sent crashing out at the group stages of the European Championships.

Jones managed to win three of his duels in the game, as well as completing one successful dribble, one clearance, two key passes, one accurate cross and one long ball, earning him a very decent 7.4 rating on Sofascore, the joint-highest out of any of his teammates to have set foot on the pitch.

The 20-year-old did get himself sent off after the final whistle after a tussle with a Croatian player, but that showed just how much it meant for him to play for his country.

Liverpool fans on Jones display

These members of the Anfield faithful lauded his performance on Twitter, with one Reds supporter even going as far as to call him an ‘absolute baller’:

“Great to see Curtis Jones playing well for the under 21s. I still think he’s a better midfielder than some in England’s first-team squad! #CROENG #LFC”

Credit: @MattGibbsOnAir

“Curtis Jones showing why he’s one of the best young English talents! #CROENG #U21EURO #LFC”

Credit: @BeingSpoken

“Great goal from Curtis Jones for the England U21s #lfc”

Credit: @davidc98

“Curtis Jones is an absolute baller #lfc #EuroU21 #ENGU21”

Credit: @tomalston_

“That’s a brilliant finish from Curtis Jones #CROENG”

Credit: @dbrindle_

“Curtis Jones!!! Get in lad what a hit. Class this is why you start him Aidy #CROENG #U21EURO”

Credit: @Haych_K

In other news, find out what news James Pearce has relayed on one LFC star has left Kopites fuming here!

According to a report by Foot Mercato, talks between Paris-Saint Germain and Tottenham have been initiated over the sale of defender Serge Aurier – with a four-year deal and salary of around €7 million-per-season (£6 million) already drawn up from their side.

The Lowdown: Aurier linked with exit

The Ivorian has been attracting interest from France in recent weeks with reports detailing interest from PSG.

RMC Sport revealed earlier this month that the Ligue 1 giants hold an interest in Aurier and even touted a possible sale price of around €10 million (£8.6 million).

The 28-year-old, despite enjoying a fine start to the season, hasn’t been at that imperious level since then – resulting in speculation mounting over his future.

The Latest: Contract offer already drawn up

Foot Mercato, bringing an emphatic claim, believe talks are already well underway between PSG and Aurier’s representatives  – so much so that a four-year contract has been drawn up with a wage offer of around £6 million (£125,000-per-week).

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As well as this, talks with Tottenham are said to be ‘initiated’ despite the lack of a real bid – with chairman Daniel Levy now setting the asking price at around €12 million (£10.3 million).

Former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino is also believed to be in favour of the right-back’s return to Parc des Princes nearly four years after he swapped the French capital for north London.

The Verdict: Aurier make way…

Aurier has just one year left on his Lilywhites contract and Tottenham need to adopt a sell-to-buy policy this summer, making him one of the prime candidates to be sold.

Even though £10.3m seems like a disappointing price for a player with 66 international caps at 28-years-old, this market marred by coronavirus means bumper sales will be made that bit more difficult.

Finding a buyer willing to spend big on Aurier would prove a tough task given his contract situation, and we believe that Spurs need to sell him and bump up Tottenham’s transfer kitty for their next manager – regardless of the price.

In other news: Tottenham eyeing ‘one of the best coaches in Europe’, find out more here.

West Bromwich Albion are hoping to seal Kenneth Zohore’s departure from The Hawthorns before the end of the day.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Birmingham Live, who claim that Valerien Ismael has given the green light for Albion to sanction the departure of the 27-year-old centre-forward, with the Frenchman potentially looking to create space in his first-team squad in order to make a last-minute move for a target of his own.

Further reports have also revealed Albion’s plans to offload the Denmark international prior to the closure of the summer transfer window on Tuesday evening, with the Baggies having failed in their attempt to land the former Watford centre-forward Troy Deeney, who ultimately sealed a move to Birmingham City – something which would suggest the 45-year-old Baggies boss is indeed keen to bring in further attacking reinforcements.

Fans will be buzzing

Having made an £8.01m move from Cardiff City to West Brom back in the summer of 2019, it would be fair to say that Zohore has not exactly lived up to his price tag during his spell at The Hawthorns.

Indeed, over his 17 Championship appearances in his first season at the club, the £1.8m-rated man scored just three goals, provided his teammates with no assists and missed four big chances for his side.

These returns saw the 27-year-old earn a disappointing seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.67, ranking him as Albion’s fourth-worst performer in the second tier of English football that season.

Things did not get any better for the £16.5k-per-week forward last term, when, after being loaned out to Millwall, Zohore managed a mere two goals, registered no assists and missed three big chances over his 17 Championship appearances for the Lions.

These metrics saw the striker average an even more disappointing SofaScore match rating of 6.65, ranking him as Millwall’s joint sixth-worst player in the league.

As such, it would indeed appear as if it is the right call to try and move Zohore on prior to Tuesday’s deadline, as the former ACF Fiorentina forward does not appear good enough to play a regular role in a promotion-chasing Albion side, with the news that Ismael is hoping to sanction the 27-year-old’s sale before the end of the day sure to have fans of the club buzzing.

In other news: West Brom face possible transfer blow on “unbelievable” £10m gem, Ismael surely fuming