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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.

Ben Jacobs has dropped an update on reported Leeds United transfer target Ollie Watkins.

What’s the latest?

In a recent post on Twitter, the CBS Sports journalist revealed that, following reports suggesting that Leeds could be offered the chance to sign the Aston Villa centre-forward in the coming weeks amid apparent tension between the 26-year-old and Steven Gerrard, Victor Orta is indeed keeping a close eye on the situation of the England international ahead of a potential swoop.

In his post, Jacobs said: “A final name to mention is Ollie Watkins. Villa sources dismiss tension between Watkins and Steven Gerrard and maintain they don’t want to sell. Palace and Leeds monitoring. Key will be whether Watkins pushes for an exit. Villa calm about situation but no doubt one to watch.”

Marsch needs him

While there was an argument that Leeds were in need of greater depth up front prior to the events of Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Southampton, after Patrick Bamford was withdrawn in the 28th minute of the match with a tight adductor, it is now undeniable that the Whites simply must bring in a new centre-forward before September’s transfer deadline.

Indeed, Leeds have been heavily reliant on the goals and creativity of the 28-year-old ever since their return to the Premier League back in 2020, with Bamford scoring 17 goals and providing eight assists over 62 goals scored that season.

This point is further proven by the Whites’ goalscoring woes in 2021/22, as, with the England international managing just two goals, two assists and a mere seven top-flight starts last term as a result of injury, Leeds hit the back of the net 20 fewer times than in the campaign prior – avoiding relegation back to the Championship by the skin of their teeth.

As such, should Marsch wish to avoid a repeat of this scenario in 2022/23, the club simply must add greater depth in attack prior to the closure of the summer market, with Watkins appearing to be a very astute player for Orta to be targeting.

The 26-year-old has returned some impressive numbers for Villa since his £28m move from Brentford back in 2020, scoring 14 goals, registering five assists and creating eight big chances over 37 league fixtures in 2020/21, bagging 11 goals, providing two assists and creating four big chances over 35 top flight outings last term and having already provided two assists in two appearances this season.

So, with the £44k-per-week forward – who The Guardian claim could cost up to £50m – clearly being a proven goalscorer and creator in a mid-table Premier League outfit, should Orta indeed be presented with the chance to sign the seven-cap international this summer, it would appear an extremely wise move for the Spaniard to sanction a swoop for the striker.

Indeed, not only would the player who Dean Smith dubbed “unbelievable” be able to provide backup to Bamford in the Whites’ attack, but, when comparing their respective returns over the past few years, Watkins could well prove to push the 28-year-old for his starting spot in Marsch’s XI – something that would only help Leeds in their bid to finish in the top half of the Premier League table.

An update has emerged regarding Newcastle United’s pursuit of Watford’s Joao Pedro in the summer transfer window… 

What’s the talk?

Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Dan Ashworth is still trying to land a Magpies deal to sign the Brazilian centre-forward before next month’s deadline, despite failing with two bids so far.

He tweeted on Thursday evening: “Newcastle are still in negotiations for João Pedro despite second bid being turned down by Watford tonight. It’s not over, yet – talks ongoing. #NUFC Today’s bid was worth £22m plus £3m in add-ons but Newcastle will try to push again.”

This came after he reported the offer earlier in the day, tweeting: “Excl: Newcastle have submitted new bid today for João Pedro. £22m fee plus £3m add-ons, while Watford are asking for £30m total fee. Talks on. #NUFC João, keen on the move – he wants Premier League football again.”

Forget about Chris Wood

The club pushing to sign a new striker could mean that – after just eight months – it could be time to forget about Chris Wood. 

He was brought in from Burnley in January to bolster the striking options on Tyneside and fill in for Callum Wilson whilst the Englishman was out injured.

However, he has been unable to prove his worth so far as he has struggled in the Premier League. Since arriving at St James’ Park, Wood has played 19 top-flight matches and scored two goals for the Magpies, only one from open play.

Eddie Howe wanted to turn Newcastle into a pressing team and Wood is distinctly average at that part of the game. Over the last 365 days, he ranks in the 54th percentile amongst players in his position in Europe’s top five leagues for pressures applied per 90 at 15.25.

Meanwhile, Pedro ranks in the 84th percentile with 18.45 pressures per 90, which suggests that he could better suit Howe’s style of play – particularly off the ball – than Wood by putting more pressure on opposition defenders.

His pressing led to him making 2.24 tackles and interceptions and 1.53 blocks per 90, compared to the New Zealand international’s 0.69 and 0.83 in those respective statistics.

This shows that the 2o-year-old offers far more to the team out of possession than Wood, whilst his tally of three goals in 15 Premier League starts suggests that he could provide a similar goal threat.

Furthermore, the Watford dynamo is also 10 years younger than Wood, so he would come in as a long-term investment as he could grow and improve over time, whereas the former Clarets marksman is in the latter stages of his career.

Therefore, it is time to forget about the January arrival, as the prospective signing of Pedro – who was once dubbed “interesting” by scout Jacek Kulig – should limit Wood’s chances for the rest of the campaign, sitting behind Wilson and the Brazilian in the Magpies’ pecking order.

West Ham United insider Claret & Hugh, backing reports in the last day, have shared their own update on talks to sign Chelsea defender Emerson Palmieri.

The Lowdown: Irons hopes alive?

Earlier this week, reports suggested that a move for the Italy international became highly unlikely due to a difference over personal terms – even despite both Chelsea and the Hammers being close over an agreed fee.

Indeed, a transfer for Emerson looked in severe doubt at one stage with alternative targets, like Burnley ace Charlie Taylor, emerging at West Ham.

However, in a dramatic twist for supporters, it appears a move for the 28-year-old could be back on the cards with Sky journalist Dharmesh Sheth claiming negotiations are back on.

The Latest: Insider backs reports…

Now, sharing their own update, a West Ham insider has backed those claims whilst sharing what they know.

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Claret & Hugh state that the Irons have indeed reopened talks to sign Emerson and are ‘hopeful of reaching a compromise’ over personal terms – which was the main issue last time.

Talks are apparently ongoing with the player’s camp, as well as with Chelsea over the fee, with Moyes making a left-back signing the current priority.

The Verdict: Get it done…

When given the opportunity, Emerson can be a really useful player, as explained by Blues boss Thomas Tuchel.

The German raved over his defender’s ‘unbelievable’ qualities last year with the full-back arguably finding life difficult at Stamford Bridge due to the competition for places.

Both Marc Cucurella and Ben Chilwell fill the left-back slot in west London and perhaps joining West Ham would grant Emerson a new lease of life.

Leeds United forward Dan James is expected to remain at the club beyond the summer transfer window, following an on-air claim by Sky Sports’ Kaveh Solhekol.

The Lowdown: James hit-and-miss at Leeds

The Welshman joined the Whites from Manchester United back in January, with manager-at-the-time Marcelo Bielsa seeing him as someone who could aid their Premier League relegation fight with his pace and exuberance.

James has struggled to fully impress in a Leeds shirt to date, however, showing plenty of endeavour but only scoring four goals in 38 appearances from his attacking role.

A summer exit for the 24-year-old has been rumoured with Tottenham believed to be showing a ‘shock interest’.

The Latest: Winger expected to stay

Speaking live  on Sky Sports News on Friday [via MOT Leeds News], Solhekol confirmed the interest from Tottenham but dropped a pretty definitive update on the player’s future:

“Leeds United want another forward and it looks like they’re going to keep Dan James.

“Tottenham were interested.”

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The Verdict: Squad role

James’ work-rate and blistering pace are positive assets, but he may be limited to a squad role between now and the end of the season, despite being hailed as ‘brilliant’ by Marcus Rashford and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer saying he has an ‘X-factor’.

The Wales international lacks the all-round quality and end product to be a regular starter, with the likes of Brenden Aaronson, Jack Harrison and new star Luis Sinisterra more exciting options moving forward.

It could be that James is moved on next summer instead, should his form continue to be patchy, but this is a great opportunity for him to show Jesse Marsch that he is worth persevering with.

Liverpool have ‘made an offer’ to sign Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz, according to Brazilian journalist Matheus Leal. 

The lowdown: Career so far

Signed from Manchester City in 2019, Luiz had been a revelation for Villa early on but has fallen out of favour under Steven Gerrard.

The 24-year-old Brazil international has been linked to Atletico Madrid, Arsenal and AS Roma this summer as a result, but remains in situ as part of Gerrard’s squad as things stand.

However, having entered the final 12 months of a contract and with Liverpool linked to many midfield targets, a fresh claim has emerged suggesting the Reds have made their intentions known with an official move…

The latest: ‘Made an offer’

Taking to Twitter, Leal – a journalist for Brazilian outlet Torcedores.com – has claimed that the Merseyside giants have submitted a bid for the nine-cap star.

He stated: “Brazilian Douglas Luiz could leave Aston Villa for Liverpool in the final hours of the window. Liverpool have made an offer of £20 million for the midfielder, who (would) welcome the change of team. Aston Villa play hard and look to win (earn) a little more.”

The verdict: Go all out

Holding an estimated market value of £34.2million (Transfermarkt), signing Luiz for anything even close to the mooted fee would have to be regarded as an exceptional piece of business by Julian Ward and FSG.

With manager Jurgen Klopp himself admitting further midfield reinforcements are necessary to bolster the Anfield squad, the Brazilian powerhouse’s ability to operate in either a conventional central midfield or defensive role makes him the ideal solution to the issue.

Hailed as a ‘fantastic player’ by Villa correspondent Gregg Evans last season, Luiz won 4.4 duels and 1.7 tackles per game while completing 87 per cent of his passes in the Premier League.

That form, likely affordable fee and versatility all combine to make the Rio de Janeiro-born gem a wholly viable option for Klopp and co, even this late in the window.

Manchester City starlet Taylor Harwood-Bellis has been made a transfer priority by Everton manager Frank Lampard, according to journalist Alan Nixon (via City Xtra).

The Lowdown: Career so far

At just 20 years of age, the centre-back has already been sent on numerous loans as the Sky Blues look to prepare him for regular first-team football in the Premier League.

Currently on loan with Burnley under the supervision of Etihad Stadium legend Vincent Kompany, Harwood-Bellis has amassed 49 appearances in the Championship for Stoke City, Blackburn Rovers and now the Clarets.

The England under-21 international has also made eight senior appearances under Pep Guardiola.

The Latest: Nixon’s news

Nixon has now shared an interesting transfer update regarding the City youngster, revealing that one Premier League club is very keen on securing the defender’s services in the near future.

Taking to Patreon, as relayed by City Xtra, the journalist claimed: “Frank Lampard is making #ManCity centre-back Taylor Harwood-Bellis a transfer priority for Everton, with club staff compiling a file on the defender’s performances while on loan at Burnley this season.”

The Verdict: Huge potential

So far at Turf Moor this term, Harwood-Bellis has been rated as Burnley’s third-best player in the Championship, with the defender having averaged an impressive 7.15 Sofascore rating.

As per WhoScored statistics, the 20-year-old leads the way for the Clarets for interceptions, blocks and offsides won in the league this season, also coming in second for clearances per game.

Hailed by journalist Jonny Bentley as ‘tremendous’ for his ability to play out from the back, a trait that Guardiola seeks in his defenders, City certainly have a huge prospect on their books in Harwood-Bellis.

Therefore, if Everton do come in for the youngster, the Citizens should do anything they can to keep hold of him for the long-term, in the hope that he can emulate Phil Foden by coming through the academy ranks to become a first team stalwart.

Tottenham Hotspur have enjoyed an impressive record with regards to developing youth talent over the years, with the likes of Glenn Hoddle, Ledley King and Harry Kane having all gone from academy talents to first-team stars in north London.

One man who was unable to make that leap from emerging prospect to prominent figure was Andros Townsend, with the Englishman having failed to nail down a regular starting berth in his brief stint in the senior set-up.

To his credit, the dynamic winger had shown great persistence in an attempt to force his way into the first-team reckoning with Lilywhites, having endured a succession of spells out on loan in his early playing career.

Having made his Tottenham debut in January 2011, it wasn’t until the 2013/14 season that the 5 foot 11 forward truly become a first-team player for the club, having earned wider attention after starring during a temporary stint at Queens Park Rangers in 2013, scoring two goals in that six-month spell at Loftus Road.

A promising breakthrough campaign under Tim Sherwood – in which he made 25 Premier League appearances – was followed by a frustrating 2014/15 season under Mauricio Pochettino, as the Leytonstone-born dud was restricted to just ten top-flight starts.

The 13-cap, England international notably irked the Argentine following a row with fitness coach Nathan Gardiner in November 2015 after failing to make it off the bench in a clash with Aston Villa, subsequently receiving a ban from first-team training as a result.

Having made just three substitute appearances in the top-flight at the start of the 2015/16 season under Pochettino, Townsend opted to make the switch to Newcastle United in January 2016, having scored just 11 goals and provided 15 assists in 93 games at his former club.

That sale ultimately saw Daniel Levy and co pull off something of a blinder, as they were able to recoup a fee of around £12m for a player who had cost them nothing after coming through the academy.

After just a brief stint at St James’ Park, the wide man ultimately moved on to Crystal Palace in a £13m deal in the summer of 2016, going on to score 16 goals and lay on 28 assists in 185 games during his time at Selhurst Park.

While there were notable high points during his time with the Eagles – including his stunning effort in a shock win over Manchester City in December 2018 – the 31-year-old has done little to truly leave Spurs regretting their decision to sell, with the player himself having admitted he simply wasn’t “playing well enough” during his time at Tottenham.

The £2.7m-rated man secured a move to Everton on a free transfer last summer, although after a fine start to life with the Toffees – registering 11 goals in all competitions in the first half of last term – he has since been on the sidelines after sustaining an ACL injury back in March.

The £21.5k-per-week playmaker has enjoyed a respectable, albeit unremarkable, Premier League career since his north London departure just over six years ago, although it proved a real astute piece of business for the club to sanction his exit.

Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe pulled off a masterclass back in January during his first transfer window in charge of the club.

The Magpies were on the lookout for a player to start at left-back in the second half of the season and then-Everton gem Lucas Digne was on their list of targets.

Luke Edwards, of The Telegraph, reported that the Frenchman and Romain Perraud were two of the players being eyed up by Eddie Howe to take Jamal Lewis’ position in the team.

They ultimately avoided a deal for Digne, though, and he ended up signing for their Premier League rivals Aston Villa in a deal worth around £25m.

Ironically, this opened the door for Newcastle to sign Matt Targett on loan from Steven Gerrard’s side on deadline day, as the former Toffees full-back pushed him down in the pecking order.

In the second half of last season, the Englishman averaged a WhoScored rating of 6.99 for the Magpies as he put in consistently strong performances at left-back, making 4.2 tackles and interceptions per match.

Digne, meanwhile, averaged a rating of 6.94 as he made 2.2 tackles and interceptions per game in 16 starts for Gerrard’s men in the top flight.

This led to Newcastle signing Targett on a permanent deal in the summer, with the Magpies paying a reported fee of £12m to snap him up from Villa Park.

He has been solid in his appearances so far this term and is averaging 3.4 tackles and interceptions per game and a WhoScored rating of 6.82 in the Premier League, featuring in five matches to date.

The Villa man, however, has struggled this season. He has averaged a rating of 6.56 and this suggests that the quality of his displays on the pitch have taken a nosedive since 2021/22, whilst the Toon gem has outperformed him considerably.

The Daily Telegraph’s Matt Law recently described Villa’s decision to sell Targett and replace him with Digne as “questionable” and the statistics suggest that it has been a poor piece of business by them.

Newcastle’s left-back has been putting in better performances on the pitch, is two years younger, and cost £13m less than the France international.

Therefore, Howe played a masterclass with that position as he avoided a costly mistake, in Digne, and picked up a bargain by snapping up Targett, albeit initially on loan, from the club that signed the player they wanted at first. From both a financial and footballing perspective, the head coach pulled off a blinder with this series of events.

Manchester City supporters have been handed a significant update on Phil Foden’s mooted new deal at the Etihad Stadium.

The Lowdown: Foden set for fresh terms?

The 22-year-old has been tipped to sign a new deal for the past year, with reports suggesting that he will put pen to paper on a blockbuster contract.

Since being introduced to the first team on a more regular basis at the back end of 2019/20, Foden has gone on to become a mainstay and a crucial player under Pep Guardiola.

The homegrown ace and boyhood City fan has totalled a fantastic 48 goals and 35 assists across 170 appearances in all competitions whilst also making crucial contributions towards the Sky Blues’ recent success.

As a result, Etihad chiefs are reportedly prepared to offer bumper new terms to convince Foden to remain in Manchester.

The Latest: Foden agrees new Man City deal…

Writing for the Irish Independent, reporter James Ducker of The Telegraph has shared an exciting update on the saga.

He claims that Foden has ‘agreed a deal’ which will more than double his current City salary to around £250,000 per week.

City are apparently ‘on the verge’ of announcing the midfielder’s fresh deal, which could tie him to the club ‘until 2028’.

Goal Machine! Show your love for Erling Haaland with this awesome t-shirt! Click here to buy… The Verdict: Brilliant news…

Foden allegedly being set to extend his stay comes as a real boost for the Citizens, given his quality and potential to be a one-club man.

At his current trajectory, the England international could go on to become a City legend if he decides to remain at Eastlands for the rest of his promising career.

Foden’s love for the club is well documented, and to us it is no surprise that this brilliant news has emerged.