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As per Claret & Hugh, there has now been a fresh update on West Ham United’s efforts to tie down midfielder Tomas Soucek to a bumper new contract.

The Lowdown: West Ham hold talks over Soucek…

The insider recently claimed that West Ham and GSB were set for discussions over fresh terms for the 26-year-old this week as David Moyes priorities tying down the club’s most crucial players.

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This comes amid reports of the club also eyeing new deals for the likes of Jarrod Bowen and Declan Rice, but despite Soucek’s worrying form in parts over 2021/22, the Czech ace is still considered an important member of Moyes’ squad.

The Latest: Insider drops fresh update on Soucek…

According to Claret & Hugh, a fresh midweek update has come to light as West Ham and Moyes, who was present at the table, were unable to find an agreement with Soucek following a new round of negotiations.

However, a close source has explained that more talks are scheduled as both sides agree to keep discussions going.

The informant explained: “We have been unable to come to terms to day but we’ll continue talking towards and at the end of the season”.

The Verdict: Get it done…

The 2021 Hammer of the Year has been a revelation overall since signing from Slavia Prague in 2020, regardless of some sticky patches this season.

Soucek’s towering physical presence has been a real asset for Moyes both defensively and going forward, as he finished 2020/21 as West Ham’s joint-top Premier League scorer.

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He also won an incredible 6.2 aerial duels per 90 on average in England’s top flight last term and it’s safe to say that, if Soucek rediscovers such form, he could come good again for the Irons.

Taking this into account, it’s little wonder that former Leeds goalkeeper Paddy Kenny has said that it would be a ‘massive statement’ for GSB and Moyes to secure the 26-year-old’s future at the London Stadium.

In other news: Insider: West Ham exit now on the cards for ‘extra threat’ who Moyes called ‘really important’, find out more here.

Everton have a unique chance to call upon some of the younger players on the fringes of the first-team squad so late in the season tonight, as they take on National League side Boreham Wood at home in the FA Cup fifth round.

The hosts, who as you can imagine are massive favourites to go through and book themselves a place in the quarter-finals, are expected to make wholesale changes, with a number of youngsters being given the opportunity to shine, including Nathan Patterson who is expected to make his debut after joining from Rangers in January for £16m.

Dele Alli might also feature from the start for the first time since his move from Tottenham, while youngsters Reece Welch and Isaac Price have been confirmed by Lampard to be in the squad for the game.

As has 19-year-old striker Lewis Dobbin, who signed a new long-term deal in January after speculation he could run his contract down and follow in the footsteps of former Everton youngster Mohamed-Ali Cho, who joined Ligue 1 side Angers from the Merseyside club in 2020 and has since gone on to become a first-team regular at the age of just 18.

Despite strong interest from German clubs, Dobbin remained committed to the club, saying: “It’s a huge honour that the club has put their faith in me with this new deal.

“I love Everton and I’ve been here for such a long time now. I’m so grateful for the chances I’ve been given and to all the coaches I’ve had during my time in the academy.

“I’m going to keep working hard and keep pushing. Hopefully I can get more opportunities in the first team and score my first goal.”

The teenager has already appeared three times for the first team, having impressed in the U23s, particularly against Tottenham in January when he scored the only goal of the game with a fantastic header, which, among other impressive performances, led to him being nominated for the January Premier League 2 Player of the Month award.

As a result, it’s hardly a surprise to see him dubbed an “exciting talent” by The Athletic’s Patrick Boyland

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With Salamon Rondon having scored just one goal in all competitions for Everton, it would seem like a wasted opportunity should Lampard, who has excelled at developing youth so far in his managerial career, deploy the Venezuelan striker up top, instead of the exciting youngster.

In other news: Everton ruing sale of “complete” left-back after his value rises 428%…

The Leeds United era of Andrea Radrizzani and Victor Orta has been one plagued with transfer mistakes left, right and centre.

Of course, there have been success stories too, namely in the likes of Patrick Bamford, Raphinha and Jack Harrison.

However, too often there has been an instance where a player like Jay-Roy Grot, Pawel Cibicki or Vurnon Anita have come along.

Most recently, the acquisition of Rodrigo has also somewhat backfired on them. Currently the club’s record signing, he only has 11 goals in 53 outings to show for his enormous £26m fee.

It was an eye-catching signing at the time but had Leeds secured one piece of business back in 2019, they wouldn’t have had any need for the Spanish attacker.

Numerous bits of business continue to haunt Orta at Elland Road but their decision not to sign Erling Haaland has to go down as a blunder.

Hindsight is a wonderful thing, of course, but they will be ruing both their lack of finances and Championship status for a failed move.

The son of Alf-Inge Haaland, Erling was born in the city of Leeds and is a famed supporter of the Yorkshire club.

With that in mind,  the Norwegian was essentially gift-wrapped and tailor-made for the Whites. Instead, they ignored his £4m asking price and he eventually signed for RB Salzburg.

Speaking previously about the situation, reporter Phil Hay commented: “Leeds had a go at Haaland but he wouldn’t have been instead of Bamford.”

But how and why did their interest come about? Agent Hayden Evans has the story.

“We spoke to Victor [Orta] and said, ‘Look, I can bring Erling to Leeds and the rest will be over to you’. The best proof you can have [that a player wants to join] is to physically bring a player into the club, so we said we can do that.

“We brought Alfie and Erling over to stay at Oulton Hall, which had been like a second home for Alfie when he first came to Leeds. We got them in, we’re talking about Leeds United, took him to meet Victor, [and] Victor already had the Leeds United shirt already made up with ‘Haaland’ on the back.”

Evans concluded: “Victor being Victor thought there’s a way around this – he would contact Juventus because he knew the guys there and do a deal with them where he would be loaned back to Leeds, developed at Leeds United, with an option [to buy] him and all that, but it never quite worked.”

The youngster was not a household name by any means at the time but since a move to Leeds fell through and he went to Austria in a £7.2m move, he has become nothing short of a sensation.

Haaland bagged 29 goals in 27 outings for Salzburg before swiftly moving to Borussia Dortmund a year later.

His record in Germany has been equally as impressive registering 80 strikes and 21 assists in just 79 appearances. As a result, the 21-year-old’s market value continues to soar and according to Transfermarkt, he is now rated at a mind-blowing £135m.

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It’s no surprise, therefore, that he was dubbed a “goal-scoring cyborg” by reporter Alex Truica and as a “one-man wrecking ball” by Gregor Robertson.

His languid but powerful play style is one of the most unique in the game, combining raw speed with a frightening leap and devastating finishing ability to become one of the best centre-forwards in world football.

Consequently, if Haaland was now in the Leeds ranks, they may well be staring at a scenario where they aren’t fighting relegation.

Instead, they will be made to rue an unfortunate call three years ago as they struggle near the foot of the division.

AND in other news, Released by Bielsa, already has 12 G/A: Leeds machine is shining away from Elland Road…

Wolves forward Pedro Neto is a fan favourite at Molineux, and it’s safe to say that they have missed him in recent months as their struggles in front of goal have continued from last season into the current campaign.

Having scored just 28 goals in the Premier League under Bruno Lage, supporters will be hoping that Thursday’s 4-0 thrashing of Watford will be a sign of things to come in the next few weeks, and today’s clash against Everton will present the Old Gold with a chance to make hay against a struggling defence.

Wolves have been linked with a number of attacking options over the last year to try and improve their output in the final third – including Aston Villa loanee Philippe Coutinho – but there is one exciting young prospect who is already on Wolves’ books and is currently out on loan.

Theo Corbeanu has spent the season in League One, firstly with Sheffield Wednesday for the first half of the campaign – scoring two goals and supplying two assists – before moving to MK Dons, where he has contributed one goal and one assist.

Standing at 6 foot 2, the Canadian is an exciting prospect who has already made six appearances at international level, scoring two goals, and the striker may well feature in the World Cup later this year.

Averaging a solid 6.90 Sofascore rating in League One this season, Corbeanu could also help his current club MK Dons achieve promotion to the Championship, with Liam Manning’s side firmly in the hunt to go up. However, even if the 19-year-old doesn’t stay at the club next season should they achieve that feat, the second tier seems his most likely destination.

Wolves under-23 coach James Collins has previously heaped praise on the forward, saying in an interview last year with Birmingham Mail: “He’s athletic, tall, can head it, can defend, can dribble past people and score, he can shoot, he can pass, he’s both footed, he’s got a bit of everything.

“Theo can be anything he wants to be, he’s an outstanding prospect. But, and there’s always a but with these players, he’s got to learn to play within the system and play with the others, adapt his game for different scenarios and situations.

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Wolves will be hoping that Corbeanu has an impressive pre-season to hopefully give Lage a selection headache that he will appreciate. Neto may just have some competition for a place in the Old Gold first team next season…

In other news: Fosun must surely regret huge Wolves howler over £67.5m-rated title-winning “rock”

Everton manager Frank Lampard has shared a major injury update regarding Andros Townsend following the Toffees’ 4-0 defeat to Crystal Palace on Sunday.

The Lowdown: Townsend struck by injury

During the FA Cup quarter-final clash against his former club, the 30-year-old had to be substituted in the 17th minute after he seemingly twisted his knee in an agonising manner.

Clearly in a lot of pain, he had to be carried to the changing rooms by a number of Everton staff, sparking fears of a serious injury.

The winger was applauded off by both sets of fans – he left Palace for the Toffees last summer, ending a five-year spell with the Eagles.

The Latest: Lampard’s worry…

Lampard has expressed his worry over the possibility that Townsend could be out of action for a long time, which would come as a body blow in Everton’s fight for Premier League survival.

As quoted by The Athletic, the Toffees manager said of the winger’s injury: “It looks bad. A knee injury. He got his studs caught in the grass and we’ll scan him over the next day or two but the early signs are that it will be a bad knee injury.”

The Verdict: More injury issues for Lampard

Since arriving on Merseyside, Lampard has faced a number of injury issues at the club. Although they have now returned to action, the likes of Ben Godfrey, Demarai Gray and Dominic Calvert-Lewin had been unavailable for a time during the 43-year-old’s fledgling reign at Goodison Park.

This adds to the current injury list, which involves long-term absences for Tom Davies and Cenk Tosun, and an unknown return for Fabian Delph. Yerry Mina is set to return next month, which will come as a defensive boost for the side, but Townsend’s injury leaves Everton short of right wingers.

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Therefore, this will come as a big blow to Lampard, who may now need to put his trust in Anwar El Ghazi, who has played a grand total of 11 minutes since his January move from Aston Villa.

In other news: These were Everton’s three worst players against Palace

Transfer insider Dean Jones believes there is ‘still a chance’ that Leeds United keep hold of Kalvin Phillips beyond the summer.

The Lowdown: Villa interest

Phillips made a return to the matchday squad for the first time since December prior to the international break in Leeds’ 3-2 win at Wolves.

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The central midfielder failed to feature from the bench, and just days later, reports suggested that Aston Villa are leading the race for his services this summer.

Villa are apparently ready to pay Leeds £60m for Phillips and would offer the 26-year-old a contract worth in the region of £10m-a-year (£192,000-a-week).

Leeds are confident that their star man and boyhood Whites fan will remain at Elland Road, with the reliable Graham Smyth claiming a new deal will be a priority over the summer.

The Latest: Jones’ comments

Speaking to The Transfer Tavern after that update from Smyth, Jones had this to say on Phillips, claiming there is ‘still a chance’ he could stay in Yorkshire.

“But with Kalvin Phillips, if I was a Leeds fan, I would have some optimism right now amid all the headlines of which club is he going to end up at. Still a chance he might stay.”

The Verdict: Fingers crossed

It looks as if Raphinha could well leave the club at the end of the season, with Barcelona keen on taking the Brazilian to the Nou Camp.

Providing Leeds remain in the Premier League, you’d expect that they will have a better chance of keeping the England international at the club over their South American star.

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Phillips wanted a new deal back in December, and it seems as if one will be forthcoming over the coming months, so should the Whites be able to give him what he wants, there is every chance he’ll still be a key Leeds player ahead of Jesse Marsch’s first full season in charge.

In other news: ‘Been told’ – Sky Sports journalist now drops big Raphinha ‘update’ as Leeds exit gathers pace. 

West Ham United have seen numerous players come and go over the past few years, either on loan or permanent deals.

However, with the upcoming summer transfer window on the horizon, it seems as though the Hammers may have a challenge on their hands to keep hold of one of their key figures.

What’s the news?

According to club insider ExWHUemployee on his podcast (West Ham Zone), fellow Premier League side Newcastle United are interested in making a transfer move to sign Irons full-back Ben Johnson.

Despite this, Ex also claimed that the east London club are still in talks with the player over a potential new contract.

As a product of West Ham’s youth system, the defender has made a combined total of 75 appearances for their under-18 and under-23 sides, scoring one goal and providing six assists along the way.

Back in February 2019, Johnson made his senior debut for the club in a 1-0 defeat against Manchester City under former Hammers boss Manuel Pellegrini. Since then, the 22-year-old has gone on to make  50 senior appearances for Moyes’ side, scoring two goals in the process.

To highlight how important the former youth prospect has become for the team, particularly in a defensive sense, he has averaged 1.8 tackles, 1.3 interceptions and 2.5 clearances per Premier League game this season, putting him in the top five players in Moyes’ squad for each statistic.

Fans would be fuming

Labelled a “sensational” player by Ex, it would surely be a major disaster from GSB to even consider selling Johnson this summer, particularly to another Premier League club.

Given how he is a shining example of a youth player working his way through the ranks at West Ham to become a key first-team figure, it’s safe to say that plenty of supporters at the London Stadium would be fuming if Johnson were to be sold any time soon.

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With that in mind, securing the defender to a new long-term contract should be at the top of the club’s priority list to ward off any interest from elsewhere.

In other news: West Ham can seal dream deal as bid plotted for £25m gem with a “foot like a magic wand”

Arsenal have been in contact with one of the most sought after players in the January transfer window, David Ornstein has revealed.

Arteta shares striker update as Asenal prepare for Brighton

Arsenal could be boosted by the return of Kai Havertz on Saturday against Brighton.

The 26-year-old has not been seen since Arsenal’s first match of the season following surgery on his right knee.

“He (Havertz) was quite close and it will be a matter of days,” Arteta said after the Gunners’ Carabao Cup penalty-shootout triumph over Crystal Palace on Tuesday night.

“Let’s see how he responds to the next step, but he is a player that we have missed a lot and a player who brings another dimension to the team. I will be very happy to have him back soon.”

Gabriel Martinelli meanwhile faces a late fitness test ahead of the clash with the Seagulls. Martinelli was withdrawn in the second half against Palace after picking up a knee injury.

The Brazilian’s inconistent form, particularly in the Premier League, has led to Arsenal seeking reinforcements in the final third ahead of the January transfer window.

Antoine Semenyo is the name on everyone’s lips as we approach the winter window, with every club in the ‘big six’ eyeing the Bournemouth winger, and David Ornstein has now shared an update on Arsenal’s interest.

Arsenal staff blown away by Semenyo with contact made

Writing for The Athletic on Boxing Day, the reliable reporter revealed Andrea Berta has already made contact for the boyhood Gunner, and Arsenal staff have been amazed by Semenyo’s development in recent years.

Subscribe to our newsletter for Arsenal transfer insight Track Arsenal’s transfer ambitions more closely by subscribing to the newsletter for focused, in-depth coverage of targets like Semenyo, clear explanations of release clauses and club interest, and sharp Gunners analysis. Subscribe Subscribe to our newsletter for Arsenal transfer insight Track Arsenal’s transfer ambitions more closely by subscribing to the newsletter for focused, in-depth coverage of targets like Semenyo, clear explanations of release clauses and club interest, and sharp Gunners analysis.

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He says there is a “feeling Arsenal would have ranked as his first choice had they been firmly at the table”, although Man City now lead the chase given their preference for a quick deal in January.

Semenyo has a £65m release clause which can be activated by certian clubs in the early days of the window.

The versatile winger has scored eight times and provided three assists in 16 Premier League appearances this season.

Related 20 years after leaving Arsenal, £86m star is now miles better than Gyokeres

Viktor Gyokeres has come under fire during his first season at Arsenal.

Posts ByMatt Dawson

Talks between Liverpool officials and Mohamed Salah’s representative are set to continue as the attacker plays his way through the African Cup of Nations with Egypt over the next month.

It’s been a disquieting period for a club already in turmoil, this breakdown in relations between star player and the club. Whether or not you feel Salah’s post-Leeds United outburst was justified, there’s no argument to be had that it has not done Arne Slot’s struggling side any good.

But this is the situation, and FSG are dealing with it. The 33-year-old’s inclusion during the win over Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League last weekend certainly hints toward reconciliation, but Saudi and US-based suitors are said to be circling, and there’s no denying the £400k-per-week Reds star has struggled to perform this season.

Salah’s Premier League Career

Season

Apps

Goals + Assists

25/26

14

4 + 3

24/25

38

29 + 18

23/24

32

18 + 10

22/23

38

19 + 12

21/22

35

23 + 13

20/21

37

22 + 5

19/20

34

19 + 10

18/19

38

22 + 8

17/18

36

32 + 11

Data via Transfermarkt

How could Liverpool replace their talisman this January, if he does indeed agitate to leave? Well, Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes have a few options.

How Liverpool could replace Mohamed Salah

A range of reports have outlined Liverpool’s interest in Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo over the past few months, and The Athletic have confirmed the versatile forward has a £65m release clause in his contract and FSG are ready to activate it this winter.

He is a terrific player and has rode the crest of a wave this season, albeit with the goals having dried up amid the Cherries’ tough run over the past month or so.

Could he be the man to replace Salah?

There’s also a forgotten man named Harvey Elliott, who is expected to be withdrawn from his difficult loan spell at Aston Villa, having scarcely played.

Elliott is creative and dynamic, but he’s not the most mobile and he was limited to a bit-part role under Slot’s wing last season, only starting twice in the Premier League, both times in May.

There may, however, be another prospect on the Anfield books who could step up and replace Liverpool’s wide talisman in the near future.

Liverpool's cost-free Salah replacement

Salah is irreplaceable. How can you find a wide forward who boasts such a keen edge in front of goal, just like that?

FSG likely recognised this well in advance, signing both Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike this summer. Two high-profile forwards with their best years ahead of them, supposedly.

But Liverpool have a rising prospect with a show-stopping style that reflects Salah’s own, in a different way. Rio Ngumoha has already become a part of Slot’s plans, playing eight games this season and scoring the winner at St. James’ Park back in August.

Aged 17, he is one of the most dangerous ball carriers in the Premier League. That rawness now needs to be focused and developed on the major stage.

But he’s got the grit to go with the glitz and glam, alright, having shown as much against Newcastle, in the right spot to dispatch a wonderful curling strike past Nick Pope. It was Salah’s ball that brought the goal about, coincidentally.

Principally a left-sided winger, the direct and dynamic winger would symbolise a new talisman out wide, should Slot help him become a superstar.

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Reporter Lewis Bower considers him a unique and “frightening” talent, with a mix of physical and technical qualities that differentiates him from rivals in his age bracket.

The teenager’s former youth coach Saul Isaksson-Hurst has even said this: “I don’t say it lightly, he is one of the best academy talents I have come across, and I have seen some top players become superstars.”

Youngest Scorers in Premier League History

#

Player

Age

1

James Vaughan

16 yrs, 8 months, 27 days

2

James Milner

16 yrs, 11 months, 22 days

3

Wayne Rooney

16 yrs, 11 months, 25 days

4

Rio Ngumoha

16 yrs, 11 months, 26 days

5

Cesc Fabregas

17 yrs, 3 months, 21 days

There is so much still to come from this young man. Let’s not forget that he has joined Liverpool at a testing point in their direction under Slot’s management.

But still he has shown off his quality, his capacity to provide on the biggest stage.

Related Ekitike 2.0: FSG in the race to seal big-money £123m signing for Liverpool

Liverpool is still in the race to land this statement signing, although it will be tough to secure his coveted signature.

Posts ByKelan Sarson

In the aftermath of Rio Ferdinand’s knee injury which has ruled him out of contention for England’s World Cup campaign in South Africa the media hailed it as some sort of crisis, but is he really that important for the Three Lions?

Personally I do not feel as though we will miss him all that much during the tournament. Yes, he is the captain, but was he the right choice after John Terry was stripped of the armband? I don’t think so, I’m glad Steven Gerrard is the captain even though I thought the decision over Terry was a knee-jerk reaction about press speculation over a non-footballing issue. Not condoning what the player allegedly did, but nobody is talking about it now and if we’re going to start punishing bad role models then most of the squad are doomed.

I’m not denying Ferdinand’s quality as a player and as a defender, but even his most ardent fans will have to admit that he has not been the same player over the last 18 months. Over the last season the Manchester United defender made just 21 appearances for the Red Devils as his campaign was marred by unfortunate injuries.

When Ferdinand was playing he was something of a liability as he never seemed to be able to regain his form and he did stupid things…like landing himself with a four-match ban following an altercation with Hull City’s Craig Fagan, of which the Man United defender was found guilty of violent conduct. His ban was originally three games, but after the FA deemed his appeal to be frivolous and it was extended further.

One positive that almost everyone can agree on following Ferdinand’s injury was that Michael Dawson of Tottenham got the chance to join the squad. Many believe that his original omission over an out of form Matthew Upson was a criminal decision and now he has the place he deserved on merit throughout the good season he has had.

Another positive is that Ledley King, who I believe is England’s most able defender (such a shame about his chronic injury problems) can partner up with Terry, who was likely to be the loudest voice in the back four with or without the captaincy and remains the most natural leader in the squad. Terry has come into some stick this season for his performances, whilst it was not his best year his form was nowhere near as bad as it was made out. Of course he had a few bad games (against Everton, Bolton and most notably at White Hart Lane), but he was fantastic in games like the win at Old Trafford and in the FA Cup semi final victory over Aston Villa.

Having the captaincy could also be a real boon for Gerrard, who has not been able to showcase the best of his talent for England due to being wasted in a role on the left. Hopefully having him as the skipper will highlight the fact we are not utilising his talents well enough, or that of Frank Lampard (new vice-captain). We ought to be playing Rooney as a lone striker with the Liverpool captain just off of him and Lampard through the middle to get the most out of our three best goal scorers.

As for Ferdinand, it’s no crisis for Capello that you’re injured (sorry, Rio) and the press’ insistence that it is a disaster is a hyperbole. Now if Rooney, Gerrard or Lampard got injured (fingers crossed they don’t) then that would be fairly catastrophic.

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