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West Ham are in a strong position to sign a free agent with 22 trophies to his name throughout his career, according to an exciting new transfer claim.

West Ham transfer news

Julen Lopetegui is looking to make his mark immediately at the London Stadium, with the Spaniard replacing David Moyes as manager at the end of last season. He and technical director Tim Steidten have already made three signings, including snapping up Max Kilman from Wolves in a big-money deal, and plenty of other business is also being mooted.

One recent update has claimed that West Ham have made a bid for Nottingham Forest defender Neco Williams this summer, but they have been rebuffed by their Premier League rivals. Meanwhile, a verbal agreement is reportedly in place with Aston Villa attacker Jhon Duran, as Lopetegui looks to add firepower to his squad. A deal was also in place for Bayern Munich's Noussair Mazraoui, however, that is now off with an agreement unable to be reached on the agent's side.

Arkadiusz Milik has been linked with a summer switch to the Hammers, too, with the 30-year-old currently playing for Serie A giants Juventus. In fact, West Ham are said to have made contact with him, with the Pole seen as an alternative option to Duran, should he fail to seal a move to east London.

Speaking of strikers, one exciting report has suggested that Lopetegui's men are leading the race to sign Brentford star Ivan Toney, which could be a statement signing. Tottenham are also providing competition for his signature, and Manchester United have emerged as potential suitors, too.

West Ham well-placed to sign 22-trophy ace

According to Tot Costa on X, West Ham, and by extension Steidten, are one of three clubs best-positioned to sign former Barcelona utility man Sergi Roberto this summer, with the Spaniard available on a free transfer after leaving the Camp Nou:

"Sergi Roberto, practically out of Barça Deco has personally called the player to maintain the proposal, but does not offer him any guarantee that he will be able to be registered. Aston Villa, West Ham and Ajax, the best positioned to sign the player."

There is no denying Roberto's calibre as a footballer, considering he has won 22 trophies in his career, including seven La Liga titles and two Champions League crowns.

While never arguably a star player for Barca, his versatility has always made him a hugely effective squad player, and he famously scored the last-gasp goal that defeated Paris Saint-Germain in an epic comeback in 2017. That led to none other than Lionel Messi heaping praise on him at the time, saying: "You have become one of the best full-backs in the world. The moment you made us live was amazing, because of how it came to be, it was impressive."

Report: West Ham now reach verbal £35m agreement to sign "special" player

He appears keen on making the move to the London Stadium.

By
Ben Browning

Jul 25, 2024

Signing Roberto could feel like a shrewd piece of business by West Ham, showing the pull that Lopetegui has as a manager, and it would further suggest that the Hammers really are going places this season, as they look to reach another level than they were at under Moyes.

Neymar may have hinted at an Inter Miami transfer being possible, with the Brazilian telling Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez: “I wish I were there too.”

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• Brazilian plying his trade in Saudi Arabia
• Talk of contract being terminated
• Has seen move to America speculated on

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  For now, South American superstar Neymar is plying his trade in the Saudi Pro League for Al-Hilal. He has, however, endured an injury-ravaged spell in the Middle East – with another knock being picked up shortly after returning from 12 months out with knee ligament damage.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  It is being suggested that Neymar’s lucrative contract could be terminated, allowing him to take on another challenge. There has been talk of him returning to his roots at Santos and plenty of rumours to suggest that he would be open to reforming Barcelona’s famous ‘MSN’ strike partnership alongside Messi and Suarez at MLS side Inter Miami.

• WHAT NEYMAR SAID

  Neymar has been reunited with Messi and Suarez as part of a promotional campaign for eFootball, with the trio turning the clock back as they enter the world of virtual gaming and compete as an iconic Barcelona team that they once all graced. At the end of the video, Neymar tells his former team-mates – who are now turning out in Florida: “I wish I were there too”.

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• WHAT NEXT?

  Inter Miami would need to free up space in their squad and salary cap in order to bring Neymar on board, but they do have plenty of time on their hands when it comes to planning for 2025. That is because another bid for MLS Cup glory has come to a close after suffering a shock play-off defeat to Atlanta United.

Mary Earps has become the first female footballer to have a statute at Madame Tussauds and the England goalkeeper has shared a hilarious story.

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• Earps receives a statue at Madame Tussauds
• First female footballer to feature at famous attraction
• Shares hilarious photo of siblings with the statue

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Earps won an overwhelming majority in a vote to determine which Lionesses star deserved to receive a statue at the famous London attraction. Prior to the official launch on Sunday, Madame Tussauds disclosed that they had been working with the former Manchester United keeper for almost a year in order to have the best possible figure.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Earps was able to visit the official unveiling of the statue at Madame Tussauds on Sunday having played for Paris Saint-Germain on Saturday evening. The goalkeeper visited the London attraction with her family and Earps shared a brilliantly hilarious photo of her siblings on Instagram.

• WHAT EARPS POSTED

  On Instagram, Earps posted a story of her siblings poking their fingers up Earps' statue's nose and posing for a photo with the caption: "Maturity at an all-time high from my siblings as usual."

  Instagram (@maryearps)

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• WHAT NEXT FOR EARPS?

  The Lionesses legend will soon return to France in order to prepare for Paris Saint-Germain's clash with Reims on Saturday, November 16.

The start of the new Premier League season remains just under a month away, yet Manchester United appear keen to get their business done swiftly now that Euro 2024 and the Copa America have drawn to a close, with Leny Yoro edging closer to becoming the club's second signing of the window.

Shock horror, the teenage centre-back – who is set to sign on an initial £52m deal from Ligue 1 side Lille – is neither Dutch nor has any prior Eredivisie connections, with this high-profile coup looking like a deal that has INEOS, rather than Erik ten Hag, written all over it.

With the 18-year-old's impending arrival set to follow the £36.5m capture of Bologna's Joshua Zirkzee, it remains to be seen what Dan Ashworth and co will have left in the coffers to pursue further targets, although that has not prevented speculation regarding additional recruits making their way to Manchester.

Latest on Man Utd's midfield search

With the backline and the attacking ranks having already been strengthened, the next issue now appears to be bolstering the midfield unit, with the ageing duo of Casemiro and Christian Eriksen seemingly up for grabs, while Scott McTominay is believed to be generating significant interest at present.

As per Sky Sports, the Red Devils have reportedly rejected a bid of around £17m from Fulham for the Scotland international, with the Cottagers now debating whether to return with an improved offer for the 27-year-old.

This piece adds that with McTominay's future in doubt, United continue to keep tabs on Paris Saint-Germain star, Manuel Ugarte, having kept up contact with the French outfit over the potential signing of the £38m Uruguayan.

How Ugarte compares to Scott McTominay

Now, it must be said off the bat that Ugarte would not necessarily represent a direct replacement for McTominay in the centre of the park, with the latter man having typically operated in a more advanced attacking berth last season – culminating in career-best figures of ten goals in all competitions.

That said, much of the in-demand talent's work for the Old Trafford side has come at the base of the midfield in years gone by, while it is difficult to see him ousting either Bruno Fernandes or Kobbie Mainoo in those more advanced roles on a permanent basis.

As such, the main hope of McTominay nailing a starting berth would be in place of Casemiro in front of the back four, yet in that regard, Ugarte – who has been lauded for his "relentless" approach by writer Zach Lowy – would represent a significant upgrade.

That can be seen by the fact that in relation to his peers across Europe's top five leagues, the former Sporting CP warrior ranks in the top 1% for interceptions and the top 4% for tackles made per 90, with McTominay, meanwhile, ranking in just bottom 51% and the bottom 17% for those same two metrics, respectively.

What also sets the PSG man apart is the innate quality that he showcases on the ball, ranking in the top 5% across the last 365 days for pass completion (91.2% average), with his United counterpart ranking in just the bottom 44% (81% average) in that regard.

As Lowy also noted, there are games where it "seems he’s doing the defensive work of two players", such is Ugarte's presence as that midfield pivot, with such an addition no doubt needed after United were repeatedly left exposed last season – the midfield having been described as "non-existent" by Gary Neville at one stage.

With Ugarte a more natural fit to operate as a defensive-minded asset – while McTominay is something of an all-action, box-crashing threat – there would be wisdom in cashing in on the academy graduate to fund the Red Devils' pursuit.

Man Utd want to sign £84m "superstar" who's more exciting than Yoro

Manchester United are closing in on their second signing of the summer.

By
Matt Dawson

Jul 17, 2024

Mason Mount was brutally mocked by fans online after Manchester United confirmed the English midfielder's return to training after another injury.

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• Fans slam Mount after return from injury
• Has not played since September
• Man Utd face PAOK on Thursday

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Mount's journey with United has been nothing short of a nightmare. Since joining the club from Chelsea, he has been plagued with multiple injuries and missed most of last season. In the 2024-25 campaign, the midfielder has been sidelined with a head injury since appearing for the Red Devils in their 3-0 loss to Tottenham in the Premier League in September. However, on Monday, United released a statement to confirm that the England international has finally returned to training.

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• WHAT THE FANS ARE SAYING

  Mount's latest return from injury has sparked an influx of disparaging comments on social media.

  A Chelsea fan on X claimed that Mount was waiting for United's clash with his former club Chelsea to pass before he re-joined training. The account named @CarefreeLewisG wrote: "Ducked Chelsea."

  Another Blues supporter Evicks is enjoying the player's misery at Old Trafford as he wrote: "This boy has got more injuries than G/A for Manchester United since signing for them from Chelsea. The things we love to see."

  @BradleyCarl256 added: "3 games away from another 4-month injury."

  Meanwhile, a Man Utd fan named Sober Mind has even urged United to release Mount. He said: "Mount contract should be terminated."

  @DebbyChelsea10 slammed the midfielder as she wrote: "He offers nothing btw."

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Along with Mount, Tyrell Malacia has also returned to the training pitch. Malacia has not played for United since the 2022-23 season, having spent more than a year on the sidelines after undergoing knee surgery in the summer of 2023.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER UNITED?

  Ruud van Nistelrooy will be present on the touchline in his penultimate game as interim coach of United on Thursday night as they take on PAOK in a Europa League clash. It is unlikely that Mount will be involved as United have confirmed he will "not be rushed back" into action.

West Ham United could be about to miss out on another top target if reports are to be believed…

What’s the word?

Taking to Twitter, Fabrizio Romano issued the following update on Eintracht Frankfurt wing-back Filip Kostic: “Juventus will be in direct contact with Eintracht during the weekend to complete Filip Kostic deal.

“West Ham are aware of player’s priority to join Juventus as soon as possible. Kostic has reached full agreement on personal terms with Juve – clubs are in contact.”

Moyes needs him

The news that West Ham seem set to miss out on a target who they could have wrapped up by now will be a gut punch for David Moyes, who hoped to enhance his team’s left-hand side with the man who terrorised the Hammers in their Europa League semi-final tie last season.

It was this competition which saw the Serbian impress on a continental platform, with his performances broadcast onto a much bigger stage than Bundesliga matches.

However, Kostic excelled in whatever competition he played in last season, with his eye for a goal, speed down the wing and wicked delivery making him a “dangerous” prospect for all who faced him, in the words of RB Leipzig manager Domenico Tedesco.

Seven goals and 15 assists across 42 European and Bundesliga appearances from what is technically a defensive position makes for astounding reading and dwarfs the figures accrued by Aaron Cresswell.

With just two assists and three goals for the 32-year-old in the Premier League last term, including two red cards in key moments of their Europa League run, it could be argued that the time had come to replace the Englishman.

With Kostic seemingly available, to miss out on him will be sorely disappointing for Moyes.

The £43k-per-week wing-back also created a mouth-watering 16 big chances last season in the Bundesliga, which suggests that the likes of Michail Antonio (13 goals in 2021/22) and Gianluca Scamacca (16 goals) would have had a feast with his deliveries from out wide.

With Cresswell’s powers waning and no obvious positional alternative, Moyes is in desperate need of someone to either step up or come in and take the 32-year-old’s place at left-back.

Kostic could have been the perfect replacement, but this latest update suggests that it may not come to fruition for the Hammers.

Pete O’Rourke has dropped a claim concerning Celtic’s reported interest in signing Bristol City striker Antoine Semenyo.

What’s the talk?

Speaking to Football FanCast, the journalist and transfer insider had this to say on the matter: “Semenyo has been linked with Celtic for a long time now. He’s somebody that’s been on their radar for the last couple of transfer windows as well.

“Obviously, I think he’s carrying an injury at the minute so that’s maybe stalled a potential move on this one, but I’m sure Celtic will be maintaining a close brief on his return to fitness.” 

With 136 senior club appearances to his name throughout his career, the 22-year-old really made a name for himself throughout his latest season in the English Championship.

Celtic fans will be buzzing

Having made 31 league appearances for Bristol City in 2021/22, the striker found the net eight times and delivered 12 assists in the process, which shows just how capable he is of scoring goals and setting them up for his team-mates.

He also posted a higher rate for shots on target per 90 minutes (1.14) than any other Robins player last season, along with the highest average for dribbles per game (1.2) at Ashton Gate.

This makes it easy to see why the Hoops have had their eye on the player and what he could offer to Ange Postecoglou’s side.

As O’Rourke mentioned, the striker suffered an injury in June which will reportedly keep him out of action until September.

With that in mind, it could make a move for him in this summer’s transfer window rather difficult to complete.

However, with the Ghanaian’s contract set to expire next June, the forthcoming January transfer window could be an ideal time for the Hoops to finally make a move for the player, as it could be the only chance that Bristol City get to cash in on him if he doesn’t sign a new deal.

Now that O’Rourke has claimed that Celtic could be still keeping an eye on the player, this would surely have a lot of Hoops fans buzzing and hopeful that their club will make a move for the 22-year-old in January.

AND in other news: Journalist drops big behind-the-scenes transfer update, it’s bad news for Celtic supporters

Everton are closing in on their second signing of the summer with Ruben Vinagre set to make the move to Merseyside, and now a reliable source has given an update on a long-term target that has given the club the green light to seal a deal.

What’s the latest?

Italian journalist and transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Juventus have released Aaron Ramsey.

Romano tweeted:

“Official. Juventus and Aaron Ramsey have just parted ways by terminating the contract, agreement has been signed today.

“Ramsey will now be available as free agent.”

Everton have been heavily linked with a move for Ramsey since the January transfer window, according to the Mirror (via The Top Flight).

He can be Cahill 2.0

It is no secret that Everton are in desperate need of reinforcements this summer following a difficult relegation battle at the bottom of the table over last season, and the former Arsenal star could be the key to unlocking the experience and talent needed at Goodison Park.

Ramsey is best known for his football at Arsenal where the Welshman scored 65 goals and delivered 65 assists over 371 appearances, with a goal contribution every 185 minutes from his attacking midfield role, however, since leaving the Emirates the grass has not been greener on the other side.

The 31-year-old star joined Juventus in February 2019, and it hasn’t been plain sailing with his game-time dwindling and constant injury issues plaguing the midfielder’s move to the Serie A, tallying up just 69 appearances with six goals and six assists.

Ramsey who was hailed an “all-round player” by Arsene Wenger made just three appearances in the first half of last season, before making the move to the Scottish Premiership where he scored two goals in 13 appearances, but again his entire season was plagued with muscular problems.

Frank Lampard is a huge fan of the Wales international, lavishing praise on Ramsey, having hailed him as “class” in an interview back in 2018.

“He is class when at his best and I do feel there is another level for him to strive for. He showed great quality at the 2016 European Championships.”

If Ramsey could stay fit there is no doubt that he wouldn’t be able to make a positive impact in midfield for the Toffees and could even be their very own Tim Cahill 2.0 – given his ability to add goals and assists from midfield – if he can get a good run of games and work with Lampard to get the very best from his talent.

With that being said, the signing of Ramsey would a great piece of business for Everton as he is available for a free transfer and could save Farhad Moshiri millions amid financial troubles, but it would be a risk as the player’s injury problems could be an issue.

AND in other news: Thelwell eyeing Everton swoop for “world-class” £28k-p/w gem, Lampard would love him

An update has emerged on Sunderland and their interest in Nathan Broadhead in the summer transfer window… 

What’s the talk?

According to the Shields Gazette, the Black Cats are keeping tabs on the Welsh centre-forward, who spent the 2021/22 campaign on loan at the Stadium of Light.

The report claims that he has gone on tour with Everton to the USA and this does not indicate that a transfer is imminent for him.

It is not stated whether or not Sunderland are prepared to make an offer for the Welshman and Alex Neil currently has one senior striker – Ross Stewart – at his disposal.

Dream duo

By bringing Broadhead back to Wearside this summer, the Black Cats can form a dream duo at the top of the pitch in the Championship next season.

Neil can pair the £2.9k-per-week gem with Stewart to create a deadly forward line in the second tier, with a view to them firing the club to safety.

In League One last term, both players were superb and played a huge role in the team’s promotion to the second tier, with the loanee from Everton catching eyes with his displays.

The Athletic’s Patrick Boyland previously hailed the gem’s talents, Tweeting: “A lot to like. Mobile, finishes well, can play across the front line.”

Kristjaan Speakman has also praised the attacker this year, saying: “Look, he’s had some incredible moments and he’s been an inspiration in many respects in terms of some of the goals he’s scored. It has been harder for him of late because of injury but you can’t take away from the fact that he has got all the attributes to go and play at Championship level.”

The Welshman scored an impressive ten goals, whilst also creating two ‘big chances’ for his teammates in 15 League One starts. Stewart, meanwhile, fired in 26 goals, and created nine ‘big chances’, in 49 starts.

These statistics show that both players were goal machines in League One and both deserve an opportunity to show that they can produce in the Championship.

They have a pre-existing relationship and Broadhead’s silky, dynamic, forward play complements Stewart’s classic number nine style. Now, imagine both of them lining up as a double act in the second tier next season – scoring goals and creating chances for each other.

It would be a dream partnership if they can both make the step up…

AND in other news, SAFC hit with big blow over gem they were “seriously” eyeing, Alex Neil will be gutted…

According to a French source, West Ham have been gifted the chance to sign Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum this summer.

The Lowdown: West Ham monitoring Wijnaldum

Despite securing the signing of Flynn Downes from Swansea City, David Moyes is clearly keen to bolster his central midfield ranks even further, and the former Liverpool maestro is one of the most recent names to have been linked with a move to the London Stadium.

90min reported at the end of June that the Irons were keeping a close eye on the 31-year-old’s situation with the French giants, and after a fresh update, GSB may now have been granted the perfect opportunity to make their move and bring him back to the Premier League.

The Latest: Wijnaldum set to leave PSG

According to French outlet L’Equipe (via The Daily Mail), Wijnaldum has been ‘put on the transfer list’ by PSG after failing to ‘have an impact’ at the Parc des Princes.

The source claimed that the Ligue 1 champions’ board have ‘made the decision’ to exclude him from the club’s pre-season tour of Japan and have told him that he will ‘not play a part’ next season.

West Ham were name-checked as prospective suitors in The Daily Mail’s report and are said to be ‘interested’ in a potential move this summer, alongside top-flight rivals Everton and Leicester.

The Verdict: Noble replacement

With Mark Noble officially hanging up his boots, the Hammers need to find a replacement who can bring a wealth of experience to their midfield, and Wijnaldum has plenty of that.

During his time with Liverpool, the Dutchman made an impressive 237 appearances, with 179 of those coming in the top flight (via Transfermarkt), and he was dubbed a ‘legend’ by his former manager Jurgen Klopp upon his exit from Anfield 14 months ago.

Even though he’s probably older than the age profile that Moyes would typically go for, Wijnaldum will already know what it takes to compete against the big boys in the Premier League and would be a fantastic addition to the Scot’s starting XI in east London.

A winner of some of football’s biggest prizes and a scorer of 143 goals for club and country, the 31-year-old would undoubtedly bring a glittering CV to the London Stadium.