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West Ham United have had a very quiet transfer window so far, but that could all be about to change with less than two weeks remaining until the August 31 deadline.

What’s the story?

According to 90min, the Hammers have identified Sevilla striker Luuk de Jong as a potential target, with David Moyes desperate to add some strength in depth to his threadbare squad.

The report states that the Spanish club are prepared to let the 30-year-old depart the Estadio Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan summer after agreeing a deal to sign Wolves forward Rafa Mir for a £12m fee.

GSB must sanction West Ham United swoop

After rising through the ranks at boyhood club De Graafschap Doetinchem, de Jong moved to FC Twente in 2009 and fired the club to their first and only Eredivisie title under the stewardship of former England manager Steve McClaren.

A Dutch Cup followed as the 6 ft 1 forward bagged 59 goals and provided 36 assists in just 120 appearances for the overachieving minnows. His incredible performances for Twente earned him a move to Bundesliga outfit Borussia Monchengladbach, but he struggled to adapt to the pace of German football.

After making just 17 top-flight starts in 18 months for Monchengladbach, a short-term loan move to Newcastle United failed to rejuvenate the Netherlands international as he failed to score in 12 outings for the Magpies.

However, a return to his homeland with PSV Eindhoven in 2014 saw de Jong revert to his scintillating best, inspiring the club to two league titles during his five-year stay, with 112 goals and 56 assists in 204 games.

The £9m-rated hitman tried his luck in one of Europe’s top leagues once again in 2019, and his winning touch transferred to the Spanish giants.

Although he struggled to find the back of the net on a regular basis throughout his first campaign with the club, de Jong stepped up in the Europa League final, scoring two headers as the Rojiblancos overcame Inter in the final.

His heroics earned him a place in the club’s folklore, with Spanish outlet AS claiming he that can no longer do wrong in Seville: “He struggled with his productivity all season, but not in the final. These kinds of things make football beautiful. His goals make de Jong an eternal hero,” they wrote.

However, the well-travelled frontman appears to be on the move once again, and West Ham’s owners GSB must sanction a move for the Dutchman.

Michail Antonio is currently the only recognised striker in Moyes’ first team squad, and with his dodgy injury record and the added Europa League fixtures, West Ham will need extra reinforcements up top if they are to challenge on multiple fronts.

With de Jong excelling at holding the ball up and bringing others into play, his attributes would offer Moyes a different option in the final third of the pitch and could perfectly complement the likes of Said Benrahma, Jarrod Bowen and Pablo Fornals in behind.

At this moment in time, goalkeeper Alphonse Areola is the capital club’s only summer acquisition, something which must change before the window shuts, and de Jong’s possible arrival would be a good way to make up for lost time.

In other news…West Ham handed huge transfer boost over “special” 29-cap beast, fans surely buzzing 

A scintillating 53-ball century from big-hitting Shaun Marsh led Western Australia to a convincing win over New South Wales at the WACA

The Bulletin by Andrew Fuss05-Jan-2010
Scorecard
Mitchell Marsh, handed the ball for the first time in Twenty20 cricket, made it a memorable day for the Marsh family•Getty ImagesA scintillating 53-ball century from big-hitting Shaun Marsh led Western Australia to a convincing win over New South Wales at the WACA. Former Australian opener Geoff Marsh watched from the stands as son Shaun hit the Blues attack to all corners, racking up a 168-run Big Bash record-partnership (for any team and any wicket) with fellow-opener Wes Robinson.So swift was Shaun’s second fifty that when he reached his hundred, Robinson was on just 54 – having beaten Shaun to the half-century mark.The Blues bowlers had started steadily through Josh Hazelwood and Mitchell Starc, backed up by some darting offspinners from Dominic Thornely, and had restricted the hosts to 87 off the first 12 overs. However, when Thornely exited the attack, Marsh unleashed fury on Dwayne Smith, Moises Henriques, and the often wayward Aaron Bird.He blasted six fours and the same number of sixes, including several effortless drives over long-off as the Warriors set the Blues an imposing target for victory.The visitors came out swinging with David Warner falling early to a good catch by Luke Pomersbach at cover from a lethal cut shot. Usman Khawaja fell shortly after trying to pull Michael Hogan and when Henriques was bowled trying to loft Brad Knowles, the Blues looked in dire straits.Aaron Heal ended a mini fightback from Steve Smith and Phil Jaques, dismissing them in consecutive balls and when Mitchell Marsh was handed the ball for the first time in Twenty20 cricket, the visitors were in for a tough time. The younger Marsh brother showed he’s got plenty of talent with the ball, regularly hitting the mid-130s kph, and gave father Geoff even more to smile about, taking 4 for 6 in just 2.2 overs to wrap up a comprehensive win.The Warriors moved to third on the table and will host Victoria on Sunday night, while the Blues dropped back to fifth (with a net run-rate of -1.667) with home matches against Queensland and South Australia to come.

Andrew Symonds has been assured by his team-mates that he will be warmly welcomed when he returns to the Australian side for Friday’s Twenty20 match against an All-Stars outfit

Cricinfo staff12-Nov-2008
A one-off Twenty20 match will be the perfect comeback for Andrew Symonds, according to Ricky Ponting © Getty Images
Andrew Symonds has been assured by his team-mates that he will be warmly welcomed when he returns to the Australian side for Friday’s Twenty20 match against an All-Stars outfit. It will be the first time Symonds has rejoined his international colleagues after he was sent home from the ODI series in Darwin in August due to concerns about his attitude.Ricky Ponting will be rested for the Gabba game but he said he was certain Symonds would be readily accepted by his team-mates having completed his welfare programme. “The Twenty20 game in Brisbane on Friday is a perfect way and opportunity for him to come back into the Australian team,” Ponting said on his return from India.”Speaking to him the other night, he’s going to sit in the room and he’s going to almost be like a guy that’s been picked for the first time again. He’s going to sit back and wait and see what sort of reception comes his way which I’m pretty sure is going to be very positive from all of us.”The inclusion of Symonds for the one-off Twenty20 game opens the door for him to potentially return to the Test team as well. The squad for the opening Test against New Zealand will likely be named later this week and, following Australia’s 2-0 loss in India, there is a chance the selectors will rush him straight back in.”He’s a great bloke and a great guy to have around the dressing room and particularly when things are tough,” Michael Hussey said. “It’s important to have great characters and it’s important to have great characters like Andrew Symonds around the team, and as I said particularly when things are tough.”Matthew Hayden, one of Symonds’ closest friends in the team, said he was “incredibly biased” but he wanted Symonds back in the side as soon as possible. “As we’ve said all along, an Australian side with Andrew Symonds in it is a better side,” Hayden said.”He’s a great team man and one I love, and have missed, playing cricket with for the last eight weeks. If Roy feels he’s in a position to play cricket for Australia, which I’m certain he is, then good luck. It will be open arms from this dressing room door I tell you.”

Liverpool have expressed an interest in Juventus’ Dejan Kulusevski but have been rebuffed by the Italian giants, according to Tuttojuve. 

The lowdown

Kulusevski’s £29.7million move to Turin was confirmed as recently as January 2020, though he did spend the remainder of that season on loan at Parma.

In his first full campaign with the Old Lady he made 47 appearances, scoring seven goals and providing seven assists (via Transfermarkt).

The 21-year-old is predominantly a right winger but he’s also been used through the middle and on the left in his fledgling career.

Sweden national team manager Janne Anderson has described Kulusevski as ‘similar to [Arjen] Robben’ because of ‘his pace, his ball control and his finishing’.

Cristiano Ronaldo has also sung his praises, hailing him as an ‘excellent’ player with ‘great talent’ (90min).

He played no part in his country’s first two matches in the European Championships after a positive Covid-19 test but came up with two assists on Matchday Three as Sweden secured top spot in Group E.

The latest

The report from Turin says that not only Liverpool, but also Premier League rivals Arsenal and Tottenham, are keen on Kulusevski.

However, Juventus regard him as ‘non-transferable’, much like Italy international Federico Chiesa, who was linked with the Reds earlier in the week.

The verdict

Liverpool could certainly do with a versatile forward like Kulusevski. The likes of Divock Origi and Takumi Minamino are inadequate as back-ups and AFCON will leave the Reds without Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane for a portion of the winter.

However, given that the player still has four years left on his contract and is very much a rising star, it would probably take an astronomical fee before Juventus even considered a deal. This one feels like a no-go unless Michael Edwards can concoct some form of player-plus-cash deal to lower the price.

In other news, Liverpool joined the race for another coveted Serie A ace.

According to Italian newspaper La Repubblica, via Calciomercato, Tottenham Hotspur have already made their first offer to sign Sampdoria sensation Mikkel Damsgaard.

The Lowdown: Spurs eyeing Damsgaard…

As per The Evening Standard, managing director Fabio Paratici now has his eyes firmly on strengthening the creative positions in Tottenham’s team after sealing Cristian Romero from Atalanta.

Damsgaard is one of the targets on Spurs’ agenda alongside former academy player Noni Madueke, according to that report, with La Repubblica (via Calciomercato) now bringing a further development.

The Latest: Spurs have already made Damsgaard offer…

As per the newspaper from Italy, Tottenham have actually already made their first offer to sign the 21-year-old rising star this summer.

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They claim the bid is ‘higher than €20 million (£17.04 million)’ but nowhere near Sampdoria’s €40m (£34.02m) asking price, which club president Massimo Ferrero is demanding for his services.

Spurs’ first offer looks unlikely to be accepted as a result but a ‘good starting point’ for negotiations could be a figure in and around the €30 million (£25.5m) mark.

The Verdict: Perfect for Spurs…

Signing Damsgaard, in our opinion, would be the cherry on top of an already impressive window so far for Tottenham.

Paratici has undergone an extensive Lilywhites rebuild with the departures of Toby Alderweireld, Joe Hart, Erik Lamela, Juan Foyth, Danny Rose and Paulo Gazzaniga – shifting deadwood and making space for marquee arrivals.

The Lilywhites have already secured most of their main targets but adding Damsgaard into the mix would really be a masterstroke by Tottenham’s new managing director.

He is arguably one of the most exciting youngsters in world football with there already being a ‘gigantic buzz’ around him in Denmark, according to his former youth coach Kasper Kurland (inews.co.uk).

The starlet’s sensational free-kick against England in their Euro 2020 semi-final at Wembley could only be a glimpse into his ability, especially considering he has drawn comparisons with former Spurs favourite Christian Eriksen.

In other news: ‘My understanding’…Sky Sports reporter drops on air Kane update for Spurs, find out more here.

Terry Jenner, the former Australian legspinner who mentored Shane Warne, has said while Sri Lankan spinner Ajantha Mendis is an exciting prospect, it is too early to assess him

Cricinfo staff16-Jul-2008
Ajantha Mendis picked up 17 wickets in the Asia Cup last month © AFP
Terry Jenner, the former Australian legspinner who mentored Shane Warne, has said while Sri Lankan spinner Ajantha Mendis is an exciting prospect, it is too early to assess him.Mendis, who picked up 17 wickets in the Asia Cup last month, including two five-wicket hauls, has had batsmen confounded by his mixture of googlies, offbreaks, top-spinners, flippers and legbreaks. But Jenner said it still had to be seen whether Mendis had the variation of pace to bowl in Tests.”We don’t know yet, but that’s where [Anil] Kumble has been fantastic, particularly over the last five years,” said Jenner, who was in Chennai for a coaching clinic for young spinners at the MAC Spin Foundation.Jenner, also said that though the Indian Premier League was fantastic for a lot of reasons, it did not help in the development of young players. “It’s a mature-age spinner’s game, not a developing spinner’s. When I watch Harbhajan [Singh] bowl yorkers at 100 kph, it’s clever, but where’s the development?”Switching between formats, Jenner said, was very difficult. “From my experience, when a spinner starts pushing it through, he starts to lose the ability to spin it. Twenty20 serves a purpose with the entertainment, but it mustn’t encroach on Test cricket.”

Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba is reportedly showing no signs of signing a new contract with the club.

What’s the story?

According to The Athletic’s Oliver Kay, the 28-year-old is, so far, unwilling to put pen to paper on a fresh deal at Old Trafford after entering the final year of his current contract.

He tweeted: “#MUFC have a problem. Paul Pogba’s contract expires next summer and he shows no sign of wanting a new deal. No surprise, given he’s wanted out for 3 yrs. Do they 1) make an offer he can’t refuse, 2) lose him on a free next year, 3) sell now? (It’s 3 for me)”.

Solskjaer will be absolutely gutted

The latest update regarding Pogba’s future will surely leave Red Devils manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer feeling absolutely gutted.

United have taken great strides under the Norwegian tactician, finishing second in the Premier League standings last term while reaching the Europa League final.

Although a penalty shootout defeat to Spanish outfit Villarreal in the showpiece event extended the club’s lengthy trophy drought, Solskjaer has been backed in the current transfer window.

The addition of former Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho has significantly strengthened the Old Trafford outfit’s ranks, and Real Madrid centre-back Raphael Varane has also been heavily linked with an imminent arrival.

However, losing Pogba would be a substantial setback in United’s progress. The France international became the world’s most expensive player when the Old Trafford outfit re-signed the midfielder for £89 million back in 2016, although he’s often struggled to live up to that price tag.

How much of that fault lies at Pogba’s door is up for debate, though, and he often splits opinion amongst fans, pundits and members of the media alike.

An apparent lack of work rate has often been an unfair stick to beat the former Juventus ace with, although he’s undoubtedly failed to produce consistent top-level performances expected of a player of his ability.

Nevertheless, Pogba has often found himself surrounded by underwhelming teammates playing in a dysfunctional side under a manager failing to live up to United’s expectations; hardly an environment built for stars to flourish.

It’s no surprise then, that the World Cup winner has produced his best performances in a United shirt under Solskjaer.

The added quality of Bruno Fernandes, Harry Maguire and Edinson Cavani, alongside the stability and harmony that the ex-Molde boss has brought to the red half of Manchester, has allowed Pogba to produce his best football while on English shores, making his potential exit even more distressing.

And, in other news…Fabrizio Romano provides exciting Man Utd transfer update that’ll leave fans buzzing 

Writing for Eurosport, journalist Dean Jones has shared news involving star West Ham midfielder Declan Rice – with the player now set to have his loyalty tested as Chelsea weigh a summer offer.

The Lowdown: Rice exit saga…

The Telegraph first broke news of Rice rejecting two new West Ham contract offers and his future has been the point of much discussion since then.

Indeed, the 22-year-old is apparently open to leaving east London this summer and is expected to snub any more imminent attempts to extend his deal.

The midfielder also wishes to be informed of any bids that do come in for him from interested clubs.

The Latest: Jones drops Rice update…

As per Eurosport, reporter Jones has shared what he knows on Rice as Thomas Tuchel’s side now weigh a summer bid.

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The journalist believes he ‘will have his loyalty tested’ this summer and it is understood that he would be ‘very open’ to a return to Chelsea, despite being released as an academy product.

Rice is also ‘more hungry’ for top level silverware ‘than ever before’ after starring for England at Euro 2020, with West Ham potentially about to face a summer battle to keep him.

The Verdict: Worrying update…

A disastrous start to 2021/2022 for David Moyes, a campaign where West Ham will be competing in Europe, would be losing Rice to one of their London rivals.

Rice averaged the joint-most interceptions per 90 (1.8) for West Ham last season whilst also completing the highest rate of accurate passes (88%) out of any Irons player with over 30 appearances (WhoScored).

GSB’s valuation is thought to be around £80 million according to this report, but even a sum that big may not be enough to successfully replace his influence in midfield, or the hole he would leave in the fans’ ambitions.

In other news: West Ham in pole position to sign ‘goal king’ with formal bid expected soon, find out more here.

Rangers target Danilho Doekhi will need to develop a nasty streak if he completes a move to Ibrox, according to Michael Ball.

Doekhi, the nephew of former Chelsea and Barcelona defender Winston Bogarde, has been linked by De Telegraaf with a move to the reigning Scottish Premiership champions this summer.

The 23-year-old made 37 appearances for Eredivisie outfit Vitesse Arnhem last season, with him scoring his first-ever senior goal in the January win over Utrecht.

Vitesse are keen to keep the central defender on their books amid summer interest from the likes of Rangers, Newcastle United, Norwich City, Fulham and Atalanta.

However, the Dutch club have suffered a blow as Doekhi has confirmed he would be open to moving to Ibrox if Steven Gerrard’s side follow up their interest with a bid.

Ball has warned Rangers fans would need to be patient if Doekhi joins the club, with the Dutchman needing to adapt his game if he is to enjoy success in Scotland.

Speaking exclusively to The Transfer Tavern, the former Rangers left-back said: “He is young and the Dutch style of centre-half in that he is good on the ball.

“But he needs to add nastiness to his game and it would be perfect playing for Rangers. When you’re against lower opposition in Scotland, they give everything because they want to sign for Rangers and Celtic.

“Because of that, you’ve got to be on your toes and aggressive at the right times. He’s a young kid and got the opportunity to sign for a huge team like Rangers. I’m all for it.” 

Manchester United are reportedly close to completing the signing of Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane.

What’s the story?

According to Diario AS journalist Edu Cornago, the 28-year-old is edging closing to the Bernabeu exit door as he seeks pastures new in the red half of Manchester.

He tweeted: “The Varane-United agreement is very close to being produced. Varane welcomes the option of going to Manchester.”

Fans will be thrilled

United have already secured two transfers so far this summer, finally acquiring former Borussia Dortmund star Jadon Sancho in a £73 million deal, while goalkeeper Tom Heaton has returned to his boyhood club on a free transfer.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is now hopeful of adding a new centre-back to his ranks as he plans for a tilt at the title, and Varane has seemingly emerged as the Norwegian’s primary transfer target.

Varane is set to enter the final year of his current deal at Madrid, and the Old Trafford outfit are keen to take advantage of the World Cup winner’s contract situation, with Los Blancos fearful of losing one of their prized assets for free next summer.

His arrival at United would be seen as a significant coup by the club’s fans and hierarchy alike, and news that his potential addition is thought to be close to completion will have the supporters feeling thrilled.

After 10 years in the Spanish capital, the French international has won all there is to win in club football, establishing himself as one of the world’s best players in his position.

Forming a key part of one of the best club sides in recent times, Varane has collected four Champions League crowns, three La Liga titles, one Copa del Rey and four FIFA Club World Cups during his time in Madrid.

While United undoubtedly made significant progress under Solskjaer last season, they finished 12 points behind champions Manchester City in the Premier League table and extended their longest trophy drought in over 30 years.

Adding Varane to their ranks could go some way to help United reel in Pep Guardiola’s Cityzens and ending the Red Devils’ eight-year wait for another top-flight title, so this transfer update should delight their supporters.

And, in other news…Duncan Castles provides intriguing Man Utd transfer update that’ll delight fans