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West Ham United are believed to be still in the running to sign Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse as David Moyes continues his summer transfer business.

What’s the word?

According to Sky Sports, the Hammers are said to be ‘in the market’ for a new midfielder and remain interested in the 27-year-old, albeit with an acceptance that a deal could be ‘difficult’ to pull off.

The Saints’ academy graduate only signed a new five-year deal with his current club last August and is an England international, with it likely to take a sizeable fee for the east Londoners to be able to prise him from a fellow Premier League club.

Previous reports have suggested that the figure could be as high as £75m – which would be a record deal for the London Stadium outfit – although Moyes is said to be a ‘big fan’ of the 11-cap sensation.

Bye-Bye Soucek

This hunt for a new midfield addition comes amid rampant speculation regarding the future of current first-team regular Tomas Soucek, with the Czech Republic international having been heavily linked with a move to Aston Villa in the current window.

The 27-year-old has scored 18 goals and provided two assists in 86 Premier League games since joining West Ham from Slavia Prague (initially on loan) in January 2020. However, despite that vital contribution, it has been reported that the £15m ace could be allowed to leave this summer.

While Ward-Prowse would be unable to replace the 6 foot 4 giant’s physical midfield dominance – with Soucek ranking in the top 2% for aerial duels won among those in his position across Europe’s top five leagues – the Englishman would provide a greater threat in an attacking sense.

The set piece wizard – who Pep Guardiola described as the “best free-kick taker” he has ever seen earlier this year – provided ten goals and five assists in the league in the 2021/22 campaign alone, with his total top-flight tally now standing at 40 goals and 34 assists in 305 games for the St Mary’s outfit.

The £100k-per-week “baller” – as described by Lianne Sanderson – has netted 14 of those from free-kicks, with only Manchester United icon David Beckham having a better record (18) in Premier League history.

West Ham supporters can only imagine the carnage that the £28.8m-rated ace could cause with his lethal set piece skill, with the likes of Craig Dawson and Kurt Zouma set to thrive on his wicked delivery into the attacking penalty area.

A sheer master of his craft, the “unbelievable” playmaker – as described by team-mate Oriol Romeu – would also help to bolster a midfield which has been depleted by the recent retirement of long-serving captain Mark Noble. Ward-Prowse is potentially the man to fill the penalty-taking void left by the Irons legend, having scored 11 spot kicks in his top-flight career thus far.

An all-round asset, the Portsmouth native’s arrival at the London Stadium would not only help to soften the blow of Soucek’s possible departure, it could also provide an extra attacking threat to Moyes’ team.

AND in other news, Moyes plotting move for “special” £45m “baller”, he’d be a “superstar” for West Ham

Reliable journalist Joseph Chapman has revealed Steve Bruce’s transfer plans at West Brom ahead of the start of the new season.

The Lowdown: Duo check-in at the Hawthorns

After a disappointing end to the 2021/22 Championship campaign, the 61-year-old will now be looking to bolster his ranks with plenty of fresh faces over the next few weeks as he aims to guide his team to promotion next year.

The Baggies have already brought in star free agent duo John Swift from Reading and Jed Wallace from Millwall, but it’s likely that they won’t be the only new arrivals walking through the doors at the Hawthorns this summer after a fresh update from Chapman.

The Latest: Bruce’s summer plans

In an article written for Birmingham Live, Chapman claimed that Bruce wants to add ‘at least three’ new signings to his squad before the deadline, which comes at the start of September.

Speaking back in May, as quoted by the website, the Albion boss himself revealed the business that he is hoping to complete this summer. He said: “Five or six – we need half a team and hopefully, we will get a few of those in before the start of pre-season.”

The Verdict: No messing around

West Brom already have way too many players on their books that are committed to the club on a longer-term basis, so any transfer activity will be based on if they are able to move individuals on to balance their numbers.

With money still tight, the Baggies are only really able to target free agents and the loan market, but after the success of fending off strong competition to capture Wallace and Swift, they should hold the belief that they are more than capable of attracting potential Bosman signings without having to spend.

The Midlands outfit are now out in Portugal as part of their pre-season plans, but there’s no doubt that there will be some new additions on the horizon upon their return in time for when the new term kicks off at the end of July.

Everton are among the clubs interested in signing Clermont Foot striker Mohamed Bayo, according to a report from French outlet Foot Mercato. 

The lowdown: Wanted man

A product of the youth system at Clermont, Bayo has flourished in France and has amassed 48 direct goal involvements in 79 appearances for the Ligue 1 outfit.

The 24-year-old Guinea international had previously been a reported target for West Ham but any move failed to materialise and now several clubs have taken notice of the powerful frontman.

As Blues boss Frank Lampard looks to replace Richarlison following the Brazilian’s switch to Tottenham last week, Bayo could be among the candidates to fill the void at Goodison Park…

The latest: Everton interested

As per Foot Mercato, Everton, Valencia, Hertha Berlin and Tottenham themselves all ‘follow’ the 11-cap Guinea international.

It’s claimed that Eintracht Frankfurt and Marseille also hold an interest in Bayo – who was lauded for his ‘clinical finishing’ by football writer Antonio Mango in April 2021 having fired Clermont to promotion to the French top flight.

The report also cites admiration from Lille and states that it would take offers of around €10-11million (£8.5-9million) in order to prize the star away this summer.

The verdict: Make it happen

Albeit still relatively inexperienced at the highest level, Bayo has already shown a ruthless streak in front of goal in his short career to date that would be of huge benefit to Lampard’s ranks, particularly following the exit of Richarlison which leaves just Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Salomon Rondon as the only two remaining senior centre-forward options.

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Last season, the France-born Guinean sensation scored 14 times and provided five assists whilst earning an impressive 6.94 Sofascore rating comprising of 2.1 shots, one key pass and 2.8 successful duels on average per game in Ligue 1.

Sharing similar stylistic traits with familiar names such as Tammy Abraham, Che Adams and Arkadiusz Milik (Fbref), signing Bayo for the mooted asking price would be a worthwhile venture for the Toffees and Director of Football Kevin Thelwell.

Crystal Palace are happy to keep hold of club captain Luka Milivojevic this summer despite interest being shown from other clubs, according to journalist Alan Nixon.

What’s the latest?

Nixon’s update (via Inside Futbol) claims that the Eagles are happy to keep hold of the Serbian midfielder despite interest from elsewhere.

A previous report from Inside Futbol claimed that the player was prepared to leave the club after falling out of favour at Selhurst Park and seeing his game time limited.

A number of clubs have shown interest in the Serbian including recently promoted Fulham, but the Eagles are happy for him to stay and be part of the squad next season.

The club may want to avoid selling him to a potential rival, but if he’s not guaranteed enough game time he could eventually force a move.

Supporters will be fuming

It’s clear that Palace supporters’ relationship with Milivojevic has soured recently due to frustrations over some of his performances which have been below standards expected.

As a result a lot of fans probably would have been hoping that he would be offloaded this summer, but it’s looking increasingly likely that he’ll be around for longer.

When you look at his statistics for last season you can see why they’re not happy. He ranked in the bottom 10% for interceptions when compared to his positional peers in the Premier League and the bottom 6% for players dribbled past.

This proves that he doesn’t carry the ball far and struggles when it comes to reading opposition passes. It may seem simple to move him on, but it’s a bold statement to sell your captain and that might be contributing to Patrick Vieira’s reasoning.

The 31-year-old also scored a crucial own goal in a game against Burnley at home back in February, which earnt the Clarets a point at Selhurst Park and further added to Milivojevic’s woes.

Supporters’ discontent towards him was made even more obvious at the end-of-season awards where he was remarkably booed. He may deserve more respect than that, but it seems like it’s best for all if he departs the club as soon as possible.

If Palace make any more signings in the middle of the park then they may be more willing to let Milivojevic leave, and with his contract running out next summer they might as well cash in now.

IN other news: “I’m hearing..”: Sky Sports journo drops exciting CPFC claim that supporters will love…

Phil Hay has dropped an update on Leeds United’s pursuit of a new left-back in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

In a recent article for The Athletic, the publication’s Leeds correspondent revealed that conversations between Victor Orta and his transfer team are now ongoing about signing a new player in that position this summer

That comes as a consequence of Junior Firpo’s hip injury after the 4-0 pre-season friendly victory over Blackpool last week, which will see the defender ruled out for eight weeks and subsequently miss the start of the 2021/22 Premier League campaign.

Supporters will be buzzing

Considering just how short Leeds have been on the left of their back four in recent years, Hay’s claim that Orta finally appears to be looking to address this issue ahead of the Whites’ upcoming campaign is sure to leave the Elland Road faithful buzzing.

Indeed, following the exits of both Ezgjan Alioski and Barry Douglas last summer, and with 22-year-old Leif Davis being sent on a season-long loan to Bournemouth, Leeds were left with just one natural left-back for the 2021/22 campaign – £12.8m summer signing Firpo.

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To say that the 25-year-old enjoyed a poor debut season in LS11 would be something of an understatement, as the £10.8m-rated full-back scored no goals, registered two assists and created just three big chances over his 24 Premier League outings in 2021/22.

The £55k-per-week defender also did little to impress at the back, helping Leeds to keep just one clean sheet, in addition to being dribbled past 1.2 times, losing possession 9.2 times and committing 1.6 fouls per match.

These returns saw the Dominican Republic native average a disappointing SofaScore match rating of 6.60, ranking him as Jesse Marsch’s seventh-worst performer in the league last time out.

As such, the former Barcelona player’s injury could well prove to be a blessing in disguise for the Whites, as it is clear to see that they could do with a much more reliable option at left-back ahead of the new Premier League campaign.

AND in other news – “Soon…”: Insider reveals huge Leeds transfer development, supporters will be buzzing

Everton are reportedly plotting a move for Real Betis midfielder Guido Rodriguez, according to the latest reports.

What’s the word?

As per journalist Cesar Luis Merlo, the Toffees are believed to have identified the Argentine as a possible target this summer, albeit with the Premier League side yet to make a move to try and land the 28-year-old.

Writing on Twitter about the 24-cap international’s future, Merlo stated: “Everton set their sights on Guido Rodríguez, a footballer for Real Betis and the Argentine national team. The English club had a rapprochement with the player, but there is still no formal offer.”

Frank Lampard and co have made minimal investment in the summer transfer window thus far, with the club’s solitary addition having been that of free agent James Tarkowski following the 29-year-old’s departure from Burnley.

Lampard’s own Kalvin Phillips

Although perhaps an unfamiliar name to some, Rodriguez has blossomed into a hugely impressive figure in Spain in recent years, notably enjoying a fine 2021/22 campaign under Manuel Pellegrini in which he made 47 appearances in all competitions.

That includes 32 outings in La Liga, with the 6 foot 1 menace – who has been dubbed “top-class” by Kevin Campbell – chipping in with one goal and two assists, while also averaging three tackles, 1.6 clearances and one interception per game.

Equally, in comparison to those in his position across Europe’s top five leagues, the £33k-per-week titan also comes out favourably, ranking in the top 8% for blocks made, as well as the top 11% for tackles and the top 18% for pressures made.

That standout defensive record could potentially see him likened to new Manchester City signing Kalvin Phillips, with the pair believed to share a number of stylistic and statistical similarities, according to FBRef.

The Englishman also ranks highly in the same three metrics as Rodriguez, finding himself in the top 4% for blocks, the top 3% for tackles and the top 3% for pressures made, albeit from fewer minutes played.

The 26-year-old – who has been labelled the “best modern midfielder” by Fabio Capello – was snapped up by Pep Guardiola’s side on a £42m deal earlier this summer, having shone in recent years during his time at boyhood club Leeds United.

Such was his sparkling form at Euro 2020 in particular that the £45m-rated ace was even dubbed a “machine” by then-TV pundit Lampard, with the 44-year-old having clearly been impressed by what he’d seen of the ‘Yorkshire Pirlo’.

While the all-action gem won’t be heading to Goodison Park any time soon after his recent Etihad Stadium switch, Lampard and co can find an ideal alternative in the form of Rodriguez.

AND in other news – “We hear…”: Journalist drops major transfer update on £30m Everton target, it’s bad news

An update has emerged on Glasgow Rangers and Gio van Bronckhorst’s pursuit of a new left-back in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

According to the Daily Mail, Rangers are now eyeing up a potential deal to sign Ridvan Yilmaz from Besiktas ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

The report claims that the full-back is likely to cost a fee in the region of £4m, despite being in the final year of his contract in Turkey.

Scottish journalist Fraser Fletcher has added that the club are now in talks over a swoop to sign the defender in the coming weeks.

This comes as Nigeria international Calvin Bassey seals an exit from Ibrox and after Ben Davies arrived at the club earlier this week.

Imagine him & James Tavernier

By snapping up Yilmaz before the end of the transfer window, Rangers can land a brilliant full-back pairing by starting the Turkey international and the skipper next season.

Tavernier enjoyed a phenomenal 2021/22 campaign as he caught the eye on a regular basis domestically and in Europe.

In the Premiership, he averaged an astounding SofaScore rating of 7.77 as he scored nine goals and provided 13 assists from right-back. He created 15 ‘big chances’ in total and delivered 3.3 key passes as he showcased his consistency and quality in the final third.

The Englishman also impressed in the Europa League as he averaged a rating of 7.49. He scored seven goals and provided two assists in 14 matches as the Gers made it all the way to the final, showing that he is also capable of performing on the continental stage.

Yilmaz, meanwhile, has shown that he can make an impact at both ends of the pitch from left-back. Whilst he may not rack up goals and assists like a winger, the gem produced three goals and four assists in 23 outings in the Super Lig last term.

The 21-year-old did not shy away from the other side of the game, though, as the Turk made 2.8 tackles and interceptions per game and won an outstanding 89% of his aerial battles. This shows that he is capable of regularly winning the ball back for his team and excels at defending long balls and crosses.

Former Besiktas defender Adriano Correia dubbed him an “incredible talent” and his ability to merge his attacking prowess with defensive strength suggests that he is worthy of that comment.

Now, imagine Rangers lining up with Yilmaz and Tavernier at full-back in the 2022/23 campaign. They would be an exciting duo to have bombing up and down the flanks and the club must now work hard to strike a deal with Besiktas for the gem.

AND in other news, GvB can land huge Arfield upgrade as Rangers eye move for “interesting” £8.5m gem…

Tottenham Hotspur potentially signing Villarreal left-back Pervis Estupinan is on the cards this summer after a recent meeting with the La Liga club’s board, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Conte eyes more signings…

While the focus is on outgoings for now, it is reliably believed that Spurs remain in the market for a creative attacker and could also reinforce other areas of Antonio Conte’s squad.

Tanguy Ndombele, Giovani Lo Celso, Sergio Reguilon and Harry Winks are on the chopping block, with Matt Doherty, Emerson Royal, Bryan Gil and Japhet Tanganga also linked with exits.

Following on from some of these potential departures, it is entirely possible the Lilywhites could further strengthen ahead of what looks set to be a very interesting 2022/23 Premier League campaign.

The Latest: Estupinan signing ‘possible’ after Villarreal talks…

Indeed, according to journalist Xavi Jorquera Márquez, signing Estupinan from Villarreal is now on the cards for Spurs after talks were held with club chiefs in a recent meeting.

They discussed Lo Celso’s possible move to Spain at this summit, where the idea of a ‘possible exchange’ involving both Estupinan and Ndombele also came up.

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Marquez explained (via Twitter):

“The club has taken a very important step for Gio

The names of Pervis Estupiñán and Tanguy Ndombelé have come out

A possible exchange has been considered.”

The Verdict: Do it?

Dubbed ‘excellent’ by some members of the media, Estupinan could well strengthen Conte’s left-back area and provide sufficient backup for the likes of Ryan Sessegnon.

The Ecuador international would also come to N17 in place of Ndombele, who has been left out of Spurs’ pre-season programme, and it’s safe to say that securing a move away for the latter could take great pressure off Tottenham’s wage bill.

Indeed, this potential swap deal could seemingly benefit the club in numerous ways.

Tottenham Hotspur are working on a deal to sign Destiny Ugodie as their seventh signing of the summer transfer window, according to Fabrizio Romano…

What’s the word?

The Italian journalist revealed that Spurs had opened talks with Udinese over the 19-year-old wing-back earlier this week and now he has provided a further update on the situation.

“Fabio Paratici and Antonio Conte are both admirers of Destiny Udogie. The negotiations are progressing well as Udinese want to keep Udogie on loan until June 2023,” he tweeted.

“Tottenham are working on it, as reported yesterday.”

The Telegraph believe the Italy U21 international is likely to cost in the region of £21m. They also claim that sources in Italy believe the transfer is very close to being complete.

Exciting talent

It’s thought that Ivan Perisic, 33, is manager Antonio Conte’s first choice left wing-back heading into the new Premier League campaign, with Ryan Sessegnon his likely backup. That’s because it appears that Sergio Reguilon is available for transfer and has little part to play under the Italian.

Therefore, this signing very much seems like it’s one for the future, especially considering that Spurs are prepared to loan him back for the season, just as they did with Pape Matar Sarr last summer.

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If he arrives in north London before deadline day on September 1st, then he’ll follow the Croatian, Djed Spence, Yves Bissouma, Richarlison, Clement Lenglet and Fraser Forster as sporting director Fabio Paratici backs his manager.

Ugodie is certainly an exciting talent and one capable of providing a goal threat from the left flank.

Last season in the Serie A, the teenager provided the Bianconeri with eight goal contributions from 35 appearances but did so without causing any detriment to his defensive duties. He also ranked within the top 9% of his positional peers across Europe for tackles won (1.91 per 90), via FBref.

The Italian has been described as an “accurate and tenacious tackler”, as well as “the future” of the national team, by talent scout Jacek Kulig. Meanwhile, his former manager Gabriele Cioffi once lauded him as “extraordinary.”

Spurs would also be beating the likes of Brighton and Manchester City to his signature, so Paratici could seal another great move here.

On the above evidence, it’s clear that the young Udinese gem is one for the future and whilst it may be a while before we get to witness him in Tottenham colours, there is certainly reason to be excited.

He seems likely to become their seventh signing of a rather successful summer window.

AND in other news, Spurs have “unplayable” £10m ace “on their list”, could be bye-bye “shaky” Jose Mourinho flop…

Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin is likely to leave the Emirates Stadium this summer but the club have not discussed terminating his contract, according to Daily Express journalist Ryan Taylor.

The Lowdown: Bellerin’s contract

The Spaniard has entered the final 12 months of his deal in north London, with seemingly no prospect of game-time under Mikel Arteta this season, having not even made the 20-man matchday squad against Crystal Palace on Friday night.

According to reports emerging from Spain, the Gunners have accepted they are unlikely to receive a fee for the 27-year-old. As a result, they are said to be willing to cut the full-back’s deal short and let him re-join Real Betis on a permanent basis after he spent the 2021/22 campaign there on loan.

Bellerin’s former team-mate Borja Iglesias has claimed that the Arsenal man is desperate to return to the La Liga outfit.

The Latest: Taylor’s claim

Whilst Taylor expects the four-cap Spain international to leave the Emirates and join Betis this summer, he doesn’t believe that a termination of the defender’s £110,000-per-week contract has been considered by the club.

Speaking with GiveMeSport, the reliable journalist claimed: “At the moment, I’m told there’s nothing in talks that he’s going to mutually terminate his contract, I do think that is something that could still happen, but as of now, it’s not something that has been discussed.

“There’s an appreciation that he wants to return to Real Betis, and it will probably happen, but at the moment, he’s still very much an Arsenal player.”

The Verdict: La Liga return could suit everyone

During his year-long loan stint in Spain, Bellerin made 23 appearances in La Liga and featured four times for Betis in the Europa League. More impressively, he made five appearances in the Copa del Rey, helping the club to their first major trophy in 17 years.

During the league campaign, the 27-year-old averaged 2.3 tackles and 2.4 clearances per game, earning a solid 6.87 match rating for the year (via WhoScored). The tackling average was better than anyone who played in more than two league matches under Mikel Arteta in 2021/22.

Therefore, with limited game-time on the table at Arsenal, a move back to Betis would appear to be the best option possible for the Gunners defender.