All posts by z3u9t.icu

West Ham can look to next season with huge excitement and optimism. Their first major trophy in 43 years secured Europa League football and makes them a compelling option for any footballer looking to challenge themselves at a higher level.

After their £166m outlay last summer, David Moyes has demonstrated he isn’t afraid to be active in the transfer market, and the club is set for a busy summer.

One player who has been linked to joining the Hammers at this fruitful time is Brennan Johnson, who has been one of Nottingham Forest’s most consistent and productive players since their promotion back to the Premier League.

What’s the latest on Brennan Johnson to West Ham?

According to the Daily Mail, the 22-year-old is set to be the subject of an intense transfer battle between Everton and West Ham.

This outlet details that the Welshman is valued at £40m due to his massive effort to keep his side away from relegation.

However, with the added attractive option of European football, the East London outfit may have the edge to secure this talent.

How would Brennan Johnson fit in at West Ham?

The tricky attacker has been an indispensable component of a Reds side that gained promotion and kept their Premier League status.

In the 2021/22 campaign, the forward recorded 25 contributions in 46 appearances in the second tier and followed this up with 11 goal involvements in his debut season at the top level of English football.

Johnson appeared in every single domestic game and his manager Steve Cooper is a massive fan, saying: “He’s a fantastic player, we know he’s got qualities and is a great finisher.”

One of his most impressive attributes is his chameleonic ability to play across the frontline and his potential link-up with the dazzling Lucas Paqueta is a mouth-watering prospect.

The dazzling Brazilian ranks within the best 7% in Europe’s top five leagues among his positional peers for progressive passes per 90, and has averaged the second-most dribbles per game (1.2) in the West Ham squad.

Described as “simply sensational” by CBS’ James Benge, the former Lyon star’s impudent vision, skill, and passing, coupled with Johnson’s endless running and commendable athleticism could be a devastating method of attack next term.

The way Paqueta expertly slipped in Jarrod Bowen to win the final last night is a teaser of how Johnson can benefit from his creativity.

The 18-cap international was born in Nottingham and has been in the youth ranks at Forest since 2009 – to tempt Johnson to leave his boyhood club will take a humongous proposal.

The £30k-per-week man’s current deal expires in 2026, so it would certainly be an audacious swoop for the high-flying Hammers.

Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku would rather remain at Inter Milan moving forward, according to a key update from journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Has Lukaku done well at Inter?

The Belgian came back to Stamford Bridge with big things expected in 2021, but his latest spell there didn't pan out too successfully overall. Because of that, Thomas Tuchel was happy to loan him out last summer, so he rejoined Inter on a temporary basis, having excelled there previously.

In truth, Lukaku hasn't had the best 2022/23 campaign, scoring 10 times in 24 Serie A appearances, but he still has a Champions League final against Manchester City to look forward to later this month.

With Mauricio Pochettino coming in as Chelsea's new manager, there is the possibility that the £325,000-a-week striker's Chelsea career could yet be salvaged, or he may decide that he is surplus to requirements.

Will Lukaku return to Chelsea?

Taking to Twitter, Romano admitted that Lukaku's future is still up in the air, but that his preference would be to stay at Inter for the foreseeable future:

"No discussions took place in May for Romelu Lukaku between Chelsea and Inter despite reports. It will happen after the UCL final. Understand Lukaku’s priority remains to stay at Inter next season. Up to the two clubs. But no decision before June 11."

This is a tricky decision for Chelsea, with Lukaku clearly an extremely impressive striker, having scored 72 goals in 106 caps for Belgium, making him his country's all-time leading goalscorer. He has also been hailed as "world-class" by Tuchel in the past, despite his decision to move him on last year.

If Pochettino wants to take a look at him, it does make sense for him to return to west London this summer, but at 30, there is an argument to say that the Blues should simply be looking to bring in a younger alternative, such as Napoli's Victor Osimhen, who scored 25 Serie A goals this season.

The fact that Lukaku is seemingly happy at Inter also means that allowing him to join permanently again, and therefore receive a good amount of money in the process, is something that could benefit Chelsea financially. Pochettino has to be trusted, however, if he thinks the Belgium star can be a key part of his plans in the coming years, he should be given a chance to prove his worth again at the club.

Sky Sports pundit Gabby Agbonlahor says he could ‘100%’ see Tottenham Hotspur re-signing Christian Eriksen during the upcoming transfer window.

The Lowdown: Spurs make contact with Eriksen

The 30-year-old arrived back in the Premier League when he joined Brentford on a six-month deal in January, but his short-term contract is set to expire at the end of June, making him a free agent for any potential suitors interested in securing his services.

A Lilywhites source has told Football Insider that Spurs have been in contact with the midfielder and they would be interested in bringing him back to north London.

Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano also revealed over the weekend that Thomas Frank’s side have submitted a ‘serious’ offer to the Dane, but he is considering his options with several clubs in the mix.

The Latest: Agbonlahor supports Eriksen move

Speaking to Football Insider on whether he could see Eriksen making the move back to Tottenham, Agbonlahor said: “100 percent.

“I don’t think he left on good terms to go to Inter Milan but he went to Inter Milan under Conte.

“Conte is going to know him well. I think he had a shaky start under Conte but then started to play under him.

“It’s an option, definitely. It just depends on what Eriksen wants to do with so many offers on the table.

“He might want to try something different. It’s just good to see clubs willing to take a chance on him now.

“You’ve got to give credit to Brentford as the first one who decided to take that chance. He can prove that he can be fine with the procedure that he’s had because he played so many games.”

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The Verdict: Perfect addition after Bissouma?

Spurs look set to secure the signing of Yves Bissouma in the coming days, with Gary Jacob reporting this week that the Brighton midfield enforcer is set for a medical in north London over a £25m move.

Eriksen meanwhile has already enjoyed a hugely successful spell with Spurs, having made a staggering 304 appearances for the club across all competitions, so it wouldn’t come as any surprise to see him come through the door next after Bissouma.

This season, the 115-cap international has been in impressive form for Brentford, with four assists and one goal to his name in just 11 outings, as per Transfermarkt, and he could add the sprinkling of creativity to the squad while the Seagulls star adds the steel deeper in the team.

With director of football Fabio Paratici said to have promised Antonio Conte up to six new signings as he looks to rebuild his squad ahead of the start of the new season, adding two fresh faces to a position that is expected to lose Harry Winks this summer would be excellent for squad depth.

In other news… a journalist has shared an exciting Tottenham transfer rumour that has come to light involving one of the club’s summer targets.

Aston Villa will step up their efforts to recruit a new left-back after sealing the departure of Matt Targett.

What’s the word?

That is according to a report from The Mirror, who claimed that the Englishman’s reported £15m departure from the club will see that fee put towards recruiting a young, up-and-coming player who can develop as an understudy to Lucas Digne.

The club reportedly want to provide competition for the Frenchman, who has been entrusted with a starting role ever since his move from Everton in the winter transfer window.

Anderlecht full-back Gomez is rated at around £9m by Transfermarkt.

Better than Digne?

Gerrard’s ideology of signing a bright prospect like Gomez, rather than sitting on the sum received for Targett, is an astute one, made even greater by the level of competition that the 21-year-old Spaniard will hope to bring to Villa Park.

Gomez, who has been dubbed a “starlet” by Andrew Gaffney, was not given a chance at Dortmund, making just three appearances at Signal Iduna Park before departing for Vincent Kompany’s Anderlecht after a loan spell at Huesca.

The Barcelona youth product has found his feet in the Belgian top flight, chipping in with 12 assists in 34 appearances throughout his maiden Jupiler Pro League campaign.

Operating throughout Kompany’s 4-4-2 system as an offensive left-back, he has gathered more goal returns in the league this season than Digne has managed throughout the last two Premier League campaigns.

With 65 chances created, Gomez surpasses Digne’s squad-topping 52 chances at Villa, with the Spaniard’s 15 big chances created almost double that of Villa’s top ‘big chance’ creator Emi Buendia, with eight this season.

As a creative defensive asset this season, he can count himself as one of the best in Europe. As such, Gerrard would be quite right to reinvest in a prospect like Gomez, who can provide some very stiff competition for 28-year-old Digne.

In other news: Gerrard must pounce on Villa swoop for £263k-p/w “stallion” who supporters would love 

Manchester United are reportedly eyeing a swoop for Derby County youngster Malcolm Ebiowei as Erik ten Hag aims to galvanise the squad.

What’s the news?

That is according to Fabrizio Romano, who tweeted: “Manchester United and Crystal Palace are keeping tabs on Derby County’s Malcolm Ebiowei.”

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The transfer guru added that Steve McClaren, who has left Pride Park to rejoin United, could be a factor in the 18-year-old’s eventual decision.

Supporters will love Ebiowei news

Ten Hag will have a major summer rebuilding job on his hands at Old Trafford. There are plenty of outgoings expected and, in order to improve on their disappointing sixth-place Premier League finish from this season, a few new faces will need to be brought in.

With the interest in Ebiowei perhaps coming as a shock to some fans, he could certainly be a talent for the future. The teenage attacker, who can play anywhere across the front three, has previously been at Arsenal and Rangers.

It was the move to Derby which was the catalyst in the 18-year-old utilising his prodigious talent, though, featuring 16 times in the Championship last season under former United striker Wayne Rooney.

With Ten Hag seeking players who ‘work hard and give 100 per cent’, a move for Ebiowei doesn’t appear to be such a shock after all, with the youngster’s work rate suitably impressing Rooney, who explained that the youngster’s “attitude is incredible”.

United supporters will surely enjoy seeing the club linked with a player as talented as the 18-year-old, although there have been plenty of young gems who have secured a dream move to Old Trafford and suffocated under the immense pressure – Wilfried Zaha springs to mind.

Hopefully it’s different for Ebiowei and, if a move to Manchester does materialise, that he takes the opportunity with both hands.

United are about to embark on a new era, and Ten Hag will be hoping that it’s a successful one. Shrewd signings like the prospective swoop for Ebiowei should help.

AND in other news, United now closing in on “sensational” £50m signing, he’s the next Paul Scholes

Sky Sports pundit Paul Robinson has heaped plenty of praise on Tottenham winger Dejan Kulusevski for his ‘great mentality’ during the club’s final day Premier League victory over Norwich City.

The Lowdown: Kulusevski’s brace

The Lilywhites recorded an emphatic 5-0 win over the Canaries at Carrow Road in their last game of the season on Sunday, and the 22-year-old contributed to that scoreline by bagging a brace for Antonio Conte’s side.

The Sweden international arrived in north London on an initial 18-month loan from Juventus in January, with an option to buy within his contract, something that Spurs are expected to trigger after his outstanding performances of late.

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The Latest: Robinson’s high praise for Kulusevski

Speaking to BBC Sport during a post-match interview on Sunday, Kulusevski admitted that he was ‘embarrassed’ after missing a glorious chance in the second half, just moments before netting his second goal of the match.

However, former Spurs goalkeeper Robinson seemed to be very impressed by what he saw from the Swedish star, telling Football Insider: “To score that goal after the miss just goes to show that he has a great mentality.

“We know that Son [Heung-min] and [Harry] Kane are telepathic in the way that they work and the way that they play.

“He was a bit-part player at Juventus but he has come into another big European club and become a mainstay. His mentality and ability are brilliant.

“He has taken Spurs onto another level in an attacking sense. When you look at their numbers as a trio they are up there with the best in Europe.

“Kulusevski has complimented Kane and Son. He has helped Son get the Golden Boot.”

The Verdict: Great start…more to come?

The 22-cap Sweden international has more than excelled in his time so far in N17, having provided eight assists and scored five goals for Tottenham already, as per Transfermarkt.

As Robinson said, Kulusevski has been able to create a brilliant on-field relationship with the strike partnership of Kane and Son, and his addition to that double act to make it a deadly attacking trio has certainly played a huge role in the club successfully securing Champions League football next season.

If Conte does complete the permanent signing of the £31.5m-rated ace as expected, especially given how much potential he has to offer considering his young age, it’s players like him to whom the Tottenham manager may well be looking to build the team around in years to come.

In other news… Harry Kane appears to have made a huge decision regarding his future at Spurs

Tottenham Hotspur need only a point to secure Champions League football next season as they head to Carrow Road to face an already relegated Norwich City on the Premier League’s final day.

There are doubts over Harry Kane’s availability after the England talisman was struck down with illness towards the end of the week, whilst the likes of Cristian Romero, Oliver Skipp and Sergio Reguilon are all still on the treatment table.

Antonio Conte will have plenty to ponder heading into kickoff, knowing that a draw will seal a place in the top four – something that seemed impossible to achieve when he took over from Nuno Santo in November.

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An emphatic win against arch-rivals Arsenal, followed up by a win at home to Burnley last weekend has put the north Londoners in pole position but nothing is guaranteed, especially on the last day.

As such, the Italian head coach must still name his strongest lineup to ensure they go out with a bang and with that in mind, Emerson Royal’s place is surely in question as the Brazilian has struggled for consistency all season.

After signing from FC Barcelona in a £26m deal in the summer, the 23-year-old has shown flashes of his potential, especially in recent outings – three straight WhoScored ratings of 7.05 or better certainly suggest that to be the case.

However, he has struggled to maintain that to a consistent level and in part, that could be down to injury. He was withdrawn early as a precaution against the Clarets, so we may well see that level of form drop below the current trend.

As an attacking wing-back, he has failed to deliver in the final third, managing only one goal, one assist and 0.9 key passes per game across 30 appearances in the Premier League, via WhoScored.

Emerson had been so poor that Conte was desperate to bolster his squad with a new left wing-back, targeting Adama Traore before he opted for the aforementioned LaLiga giants.

Earlier in the season, former Lilywhites defender Jonathan Woodgate dubbed the Brazilian’s defending as “horrendous”, whilst fans have often slammed him as being a “liability,” so you can’t just shake that off after a couple of decent performances.

Valued at £34m by CIES Football Observatory, who assess the transfer value of professional footballers on a scientific basis, it could be wise for Conte to axe him for such a crucial encounter.

A ruthless decision perhaps but ensuring they do not concede will go a long way in securing the solitary point they need for a place in Europe’s elite competition in 2022/23.

AND in other news, Alasdair Gold reveals huge injury boost ahead of Norwich…

Eddie Howe reportedly now wants to sign Dean Henderson for Newcastle United in the summer.

The Lowdown: Henderson out of favour

The goalkeeper has largely been out of favour at Manchester United this season with just three matches played, none in the Premier League (WhoScored).

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He failed to make Gareth Southgate’s England squad for their friendly matches against Switzerland and Ivory Coast in March and will likely seek a move away from Old Trafford this summer, given that it is a World Cup year.

The Latest: Howe interest in Henderson

As per The Mirror, Newcastle have reportedly now ‘intensified’ their interest in signing Henderson, and sources from St James’ Park have revealed that Howe sees him as the ideal successor to Martin Dubravka.

The 25-year-old is currently valued at £20m and is ‘ready’ to move if he cannot secure the number one spot at Old Trafford for next season.

The Verdict: Sign him

Henderson has already showed his credentials when he gets regular playing time in the top flight, as he kept no fewer than 13 clean sheets while on loan at Sheffield United a couple of seasons ago.

His former Blades team-mate Sander Berge even went as far as to call the 6 foot 2 colossus ‘insane‘ and ‘exceptional‘, a glowing testament to how well he did at Bramall Lane.

At only 25 years of age, he is still relatively young for a goalkeeper, so he could grow into one of the best in the league under Howe’s management at Newcastle.

Incidentally, Henderson also shares the same agent as three other Magpies players, which could help to push though a move to Tyneside.

In other news, find out who NUFC are now ‘confident’ of signing this summer

West Ham United have reportedly emerged as ‘favourites’ to sign Blackburn Rovers star Ben Brereton Diaz during the upcoming transfer window, according to a Spanish source.

The Lowdown: Almost a free agent

The 23-year-old first joined the Championship outfit on loan from Nottingham Forest back in the summer of 2018, and after a successful spell, ended up putting pen to paper on a permanent deal at Ewood Park in January of the following year.

The striker has been consistently linked with a move away from the Blue and Whites as a result of his contract expiring at the end of the season, which will make him a free agent to any potential suitors, and there appears to be interest being ignited from multiple clubs across Europe.

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The Latest: West Ham leading the race

According to the Spanish press (via Sport Witness), it’s claimed that Sevilla are ‘keen’ on a move for Brereton Diaz, but the Irons are believed to be ‘favourites’ ahead of their competitors in the race for his signature.

The report further states that the option to extend, the costs of a deal, and the level of wages available would ‘benefit’ West Ham, which could be seen as an advantage in the battle for his services.

The Verdict: Goal machine

The £9m-rated forward has been in some seriously impressive form for Rovers this season, having netted 22 goals and provided three assists in just 39 appearances across all competitions, as per Transfermarkt.

Such form has seen the Stoke-born predator receive high praise from his manager Tony Mowbray, who dubbed his standout goal-getter an “extraordinary” talent, with his performances being rewarded through a surprise international call-up for Chile.

He has now become a star for his country too, with four goals in 11 caps, and perhaps the deciding factor could be that he needs to play for a club where he’s going to get guaranteed game time to cement his place in Chile’s starting XI in years to come.

In other news… a Sky Sports pundit has reacted to some huge news surrounding one of West Ham’s summer transfer targets.

Wolves have been urged to prioritise strengthening the wide positions during the upcoming transfer window by Reach PLC journalist Josh Holland, amid recent reports linking them to Newcastle United forward Allan Saint-Maximin.

The Lowdown: Confirmed interest

According to 90min, the Magpies would be open to selling the 25-year-old this summer, with the Midlands outfit believed to be just one of the clubs interested in his services, alongside fellow Premier League rivals Everton.

The Frenchman won’t come cheap for any potential suitors though, as the Mail on Sunday have claimed that Eddie Howe’s side are looking for a fee in the region of £50m for their star man.

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Following the Wanderers’ links with Saint-Maximin, the reporter has suggested that Wolves need to sign some new wingers ahead of the start of next season.

The Latest: Impressive opposition display

When asked during an interview with GiveMeSport if the club needs to strengthen out wide in the summer, Holland said:

“Yeah, of course. I think they’ve got to. Looking at their squad, you’ve got [Pedro] Neto, [Daniel] Podence, [Francisco] Trincao and Hwang [Hee-chan]. But would you say that all four of them have had a telling effect in this season? I wouldn’t say so.

“Saint-Maximin, I think we all know, is such a good player to watch. He gave Wolves so many problems [last month]. It was more like a trial game for him; it had the feeling that he was trying to impress Wolves.”

The Verdict: Traore replacement

Bruno Lage hasn’t yet found a suitable replacement for Adama Traore, but the highly-rated talent could prove to be the perfect candidate for such a role.

Whilst the £93k-per-week ace hasn’t probably been as prolific as he would have liked this season, scoring just five goals and registering four assists, he has still proven to be an absolute handful for defenders in the final third, averaging 4.3 dribbles, 1.9 shots, and 1.4 key passes per league game, via WhoScored.

Dubbed as being “unplayable” by BT Sport pundit and former Newcastle man Rob Lee, Saint-Maximin might just be the attacking profile of player that Wolves need to add to their squad ahead of next season to aim for that European finish.

In other news… Wolves have been backed to sign a ‘special’ Premier League star this summer.