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According to a report by The Daily Mail, a major West Ham United transfer update has now come to light involving Man United attacker Jesse Lingard.

The Lowdown: Hammers eye move…

Since the Englishman’s phenomenal spell on loan in east London, manager David Moyes has been eager to bring him back to West Ham on a permanent deal.

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Lingard looks set to leave Old Trafford as a free agent upon the expiry of his contract in June, potentially gifting the Premier League side a chance to re-sign him on a Bosman deal.

Big name players like Lingard and fellow midfielder Paul Pogba are edging closer to the Man United exit door and it is now claimed that Moyes has made an ‘early move’ for his former star.

The Latest: Mokbel shares big Lingard update…

According to The Mail, West Ham’s manager has in fact moved early ahead of the competition to try and seal a summer switch for the 29-year-old.

Indeed, with the Hammers ‘making an offer’ to Lingard, they’re now ‘looking to secure him’ as they seek to get ahead of the competition for his signature.

The Verdict: Promising…

Lauded as a potentially ‘huge’ and ‘massive signing’ at West Ham by pundit Paul Robinson, sealing an agreement for the soon-to-be free agent comes as a no-brainer for the east Londoners.

He is already proven under Moyes and knows the club well having thrived there for the second half of 2020/2021, not to mention the fact Lingard would arrive at zero transfer cost.

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Taking all of this into account, agreeing a move for the Red Devils ace should be one of Moyes’ first items on the to-do list as he prepares for a busy window.

In other news: Talks held: West Ham are also pushing to sign £20m ‘beast’ as club green-light summer sale…find out more here.

Leeds United correspondent Phil Hay has been reacting to Raphinha’s antics at the full-time whistle after the Whites secured their Premier League status.

The Lowdown: Survival

The Whites were involved in a dramatic final day at the bottom of the Premier League and secured a 2-1 win thanks to Jack Harrison’s effort in stoppage time. In the end, Jesse Marsch’s side were safe even with a point due to Burnley losing against Newcastle.

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Raphinha opened the scoring after winning and converting a penalty in the second half, however, Leeds were in danger of throwing it away after an equaliser from the home side.

The Brazilian led the celebrations at the full-time whistle and jumped into the away end to celebrate with family, and Hay relayed what he did after emerging from the Whites faithful.

The Latest: Hay reacts

Taking to Twitter, Hay stated that the 25-year-old walked the whole length of the pitch on his knees, saying ‘I don’t know what it means’.

Beren Cross even shared footage of the antics, adding that Brentford fans ‘are hating it’.

The Verdict: Parting gift?

That could well be Raphinha’s last outing as a Whites player after heavy links with a move to Barcelona. If it is his last appearance, then it is brilliant final display.

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He was SofaScore’s man of the match with an 8.3/10 rating, with his 11 goals and three assists across the year vital in the club’s route to survival. Ensuring a third season of Premier League football also means that a relegation release clause won’t become active, meaning the club would bring in a big fee if he is to leave.

In other news: Orta now eyeing Leeds swoop for exciting winger

Leeds United have been dealt a big transfer blow to mooted target Ben Brereton Diaz this week…

What’s the word?

Last month, TEAMtalk reported of the Whites’ interest in the Chile international heading into the summer. West Ham and newly-promoted Fulham have also been linked with a move, though they have all been dealt a setback in their pursuit.

Blackburn Rovers have triggered the one-year extension on his current contract, even despite manager Tony Mowbray leaving at the end of the season after failing to reach the Championship playoffs, as his deal was set to expire in the summer.

And the departing boss believes the 23-year-old marksman should be worth in excess of £30m.

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Gutting summer setback

Diaz had been in electric form this campaign after he became the first Rovers player in 57 years to bag over 20 goals by the end of the calendar year. He ended the season on 22 goals and three assists, with ligament damage disrupting the early parts of 2022.

He has provided the Lancashire outfit with more than just goals, though, he’s a huge threat in the final third both aerially and with the ball at his feet.

“Brereton with the ball at his feet is an extraordinary talent,” Mowbray once told reporters (via LancsLive). “He’s a wonderful footballer who can dribble with both feet, take people out of the game.”

Indeed, the Chile sensation won an average of 4.1 duels and 2.8 shots per game, via SofaScore, throughout the 2021/22 campaign.

Given Patrick Bamford’s own injury woes for the Yorkshire giants and a lack of a viable alternative, potentially missing out on a player of Diaz’s calibre is certainly going to prove frustrating for director of football Victor Orta, who has seemingly been eyeing the striker for a very long time.

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Along with ex-Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa, he was said to hugely admire the Rovers star, so the Championship outfit extending his deal certainly makes any summer move all that more difficult.

The Spaniard is surely gutted by this update.

AND in other news, Phil Hay drops big Jack Harrison injury update…

Leeds United have been dealt yet another injury setback ahead of their Premier League meeting with Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday.

What’s the latest?

That’s according to Phil Hay, who revealed in a recent article for The Athletic that, after being withdrawn in the 37th minute of the 3-0 loss to Chelsea on Wednesday evening, Jack Harrison now looks as if will be ruled out of the weekend’s clash with the Seagulls.

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Concerning the 25-year-old’s injury, Hay wrote: “Others are simply injured, like Harrison, who went down in the 37th minute and is probably beyond Marsch’s reach for the meeting with Brighton.”

Marsch will be fuming

With Leeds now in need of something of a miracle if they are to secure Premier League survival following their recent run of three straight losses, the news that Harrison could now be ruled out of what is undoubtedly a season-defining fixture this Sunday is sure to have left Jesse Marsch fuming.

Indeed, with Daniel James being ruled out for the remainder of the season after receiving a straight red card against Chelsea on Wednesday, as well as both Tyler Roberts and Crysencio Summerville being unavailable for the last two fixtures of the current campaign due to injury, the further loss of Harrison in the Whites’ attacking arsenal will undoubtedly come as a huge blow.

And, while it is true that the £13.5m-rated winger has not been in the best form of his career this season, the 25-year-old has still scored seven goals, registered one assist and created three big chances over his 33 Premier League outings – with the £60k-per-week forward being Leeds’ second-top scorer in the top flight this term.

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As such, with it now being absolutely essential that the Whites secure all three points against Brighton this weekend, it is clear to see that the loss of Harrison would come as a huge blow to Marsch’s chances of doing so – with a loss at Elland Road, coupled with a Burnley win over Tottenham Hotspur, being enough to condemn Leeds to the Championship.

AND in other news: Forget James: “Completely anonymous” dud should’ve just played his last game for Leeds

BBC pundit Carlton Palmer has tipped West Ham to register an interest in Watford forward Emmanuel Dennis this summer, if the Hornets are relegated at the end of the season.

The Lowdown: Standout performer

Roy Hodgson’s team are currently second from bottom in the Premier League table and look all but certain to be going down to the Championship following their 2-1 defeat against Burnley on Saturday.

Despite the Hornets having a disappointing campaign, Dennis has been a standout performer in a struggling side, having delivered some impressive individual performances, reaching double figures for top-flight goals in his debut season in England.

Former Premier League midfielder Palmer believes that several top-flight clubs will be monitoring the 24-year-old if Watford’s inevitable relegation is confirmed in the coming weeks.

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The Latest: Palmer’s thoughts on Dennis

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the ex-England international admitted that he expects West Ham to be among the clubs making a move for the striker over the summer.

Palmer said: “If Watford go down, then there’ll be quite a few players that a lot of clubs will be interested in. Emmanuel Dennis will be one of those that I’d have thought that a lot of Premier League clubs will be looking for.

“Their better players are going to be looked at by clubs like West Ham, and by clubs in the top six.”

The Verdict: Ideal Antonio alternative

The five-cap Nigeria international has racked up 16 goal contributions in 34 outings across all competitions for the Hornets this term, via Transfermarkt. For someone who has been so prolific in the final third, he could prove to be the perfect strike partner for Michail Antonio at West Ham.

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The £7.2m-rated star, who was described as an “intelligent” player by ex-Watford marksman Odion Ighalo in February, can play on both flanks and could provide David Moyes with a much-needed alternative to lead the line, with no recognised backup to Antonio at the London Stadium.

This additional squad depth would only be seen as a positive for the Irons, and should they decide to move for Dennis in the upcoming transfer window, his attacking prowess could help them in their bid to secure European football again next season.

In other news… GSB reportedly ready to back Moyes ahead of submitting bid for ‘superstar’

Former Celtic striker Frank McAvennie believes Rangers’ fatigue could play into the Hoops’ hands in their crucial Scottish Premiership meeting.

The Lowdown: Massive game at Parkhead

Arguably the biggest league game of the season takes place at Parkhead on Sunday afternoon, as Ange Postecoglou’s side host their biggest rivals.

Celtic are six points clear with four matches remaining this season, so victory for them this weekend would surely mean them regaining their league crown.

It promises to be a nerve-shredding occasion between two of world football’s biggest adversaries.

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The Latest: McAvennie discusses Rangers weakness

Speaking to Football Insider, McAvennie claimed that Rangers’ midweek Europa League makes the Hoops the resounding favourites on Sunday:

“I’m fairly optimistic we will get a result on Sunday. Celtic are well-rested and Rangers won’t be so we have to exploit that.

“I’m hoping we can blow Rangers away and I think with the crowd behind us then we will. Rangers just defended for their lives against Leipzig so that should tire them out.

“But the last time they faced us after a European game they won so we have to be at our best to get something. Hopefully there are goals, Kyogo will want an Old Firm goal to his name for sure.

“I think it will be a good game with lots of goals because Rangers need the win. If they commit men forward it will open them up at the back and we can swarm them.  Ange will want a bit of revenge after that cup loss as well but I do think we will get the job done.”

The Verdict: Celtic undoubted favourites

McAvennie makes a fair point, with Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side getting through a huge amount of work on Thursday night, as they lost 1-0 away to RB Leipzig.

On the flip side, Celtic have had an entire week to prepare for the match, affording Postecoglou time on the training ground with his players, as well as keeping them fresh.

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This certainly plays in their hands going into the game – it’s now a case of proving that they have more legs and quality, as they look for a priceless three points.

In other news, a pundit has reacted to a key Celtic transfer update. Read more here.

Newcastle United have now been dealt an injury blow on Jamal Lewis before they play Norwich City away from home in the Premier League this afternoon.

The Lowdown: Long-term injuries

The long-term injuries seem to be piling up for the St. James’ Park faithful, as more players join Kieran Trippier and Callum Wilson on the sidelines.

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Eddie Howe recently admitted to the media in his pre-game press conference that he is unsure whether Ryan Fraser will be able to play again this season, while he is hopeful that Isaac Hayden will finally return to full training soon.

The Latest: Lewis operation

In his pre-Norwich press conference, Howe also revealed that Lewis has had another operation recently, and is hopeful that he will return in pre-season:

“He’s had a few operations and recently had another one. We hope this one has fixed his long standing groin problem. It’s been frustrating for him because he’s not felt 100%. I’d love to see him back in pre-season and show us the player he can be.”

The Verdict: Blow

Given that it is not guaranteed that the North East club will sign Matt Targett on a permanent deal from Aston Villa, Lewis may still have a place on Tyneside, and so losing him to a potentially long-term injury is certainly a blow.

It works the other way as well, as if Targett is signed permanently, the Magpies will surely want to find a buyer for Lewis, but they may not receive any offers for the left-back if he is out on the sidelines.

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Either way, the fact that he continuously has to have operations is not ideal, and the Toon will just be hoping that his latest setback is not serious.

In other news, find out which ‘world-class’ magician is now a serious option for NUFC here!

Leeds United have been handed a boost in their bid to bring Haydon Roberts to Elland Road in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

In recent comments made to Sussex Live, Brighton & Hove Albion manager Graham Potter revealed that the centre-back will likely be leaving the American Express Community Stadium ahead of the 2022/23 campaign – as the 19-year-old is in need of regular first-team football in order to continue his development in the professional game.

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And, while Potter is likely referring to a season loan deal for the defender, the 46-year-old’s remarks will certainly have caught the attention of Victor Orta, who is reported to have a long-standing interest in the England U19 international – even seeing an offer for Roberts rejected in the summer of 2020.

Orta must move for Roberts

Considering the sheer amount of potential Roberts quite clearly possesses, should an opportunity arise to land the centre-back this summer, it is one Orta simply must do everything he can to take.

Indeed, Potter himself has previously revealed his excitement regarding the 19-year-old’s ability, stating back in September of last year: “He’s a really exciting player. He is obviously young and he has got a lot to learn but he has got some really interesting attributes.

“Very strong, very quick, very mobile. Powerful. Good with the ball, brings it out well. He’s got good courage so he’s got a lot of things that are really exciting, that fit how we want to try and do things.”

Furthermore, back in 2020, The Athletic spoke to a number of scouts about Roberts’ future in the game, with one even drawing comparisons between the Brighton starlet and the former Leeds loanee, Ben White:

“I like him. I think he’s a good defender. [The only question is] about his size to play there, but then again look at Ben White. You probably wouldn’t think he is so good in the air but he’s been outstanding for Leeds this season.

“One plus point with Haydon is he is left-footed. To have a left-footed centre-half is so much better. It offers variety. He’s got quality on the ball. He has played in midfield as well a few times.

“It’s good for young centre-backs to go in there, put themselves under a bit more pressure playing in other areas. I’ve seen him play left-back a couple of times for England. Whether he wants to play there is a question mark.”

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As such, while it is true that Jesse Marsch is not exactly short of options in the heart of his Leeds defence – with the likes of Diego Llorente, Robin Koch, Pascal Struijk, Liam Cooper and Charlie Cresswell in his first-team squad – the signing of Roberts would nevertheless appear to be an astute one for Orta to make this summer.

Indeed, with the right-footed Cresswell coming on leaps and bounds this season, forming a partnership between the 19-year-old and the £4.2k-per-week Roberts – who Andy Naylor dubbed a “talent” – could well prove to become the base on which the Leeds side is built for many a year to come.

AND in other news: Orta plotting Leeds offer for “under the radar” talent, it could be bye-bye Phillips

Rangers have been handed a big injury relief over defender Leon Balogun…

What’s the latest?

On BT Sport’s commentary of the match on Thursday night, Ally McCoist noted that the Nigerian may have been carrying an injury and suggested that he had a “niggle” as he was substituted in the second half against Braga in their Europa League clash.

However, Gio van Bronckhorst was asked about that after the game and he confirmed that the player was taken off as part of a tactical switch.

The Rangers boss said: “No, we wanted the left side to be a little more solid with Calvin [Bassey] coming inside. Borna has played that role in the past and also for Croatia as a wing-back.”

Relieved

This will surely leave Van Bronckhorst relieved, as he will surely be keen to keep the Nigeria international fit heading into the final weeks of the campaign.

Balogun was culpable for Braga’s winning goal as he misjudged his attempted clearance, but on the whole he has been impressive this season. One error does not make a player a liability and the centre-back has had plenty of good games to make up for that mistake.

In the Europa League this term, he has averaged a SofaScore rating of 7.06. He has made a whopping 4.3 tackles and interceptions per game, in comparison to Connor Goldson’s 2.4, and this shows that, more often than not, the 33-year-old offers a lot of quality at the back.

The ex-Wigan defender has also caught the eye with his strong showings in the Premiership. He has averaged a SofaScore rating of 6.98 across 18 top-flight outings, making 3.1 tackles and interceptions per match and winning 63% of his overall duels.

This shows that he has been able to dominate the opposition in most of his matches in the Scottish top flight, which is why having him available will be a huge boost for Van Bronckhorst. At the age of 33, Balogun may not be able to play every single match, but keeping him fresh and able to play in the important games is vital, as he has shown that he can put in excellent performances domestically and in Europe.

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Filip Helander has started ahead of him in two Premiership matches in 2022 and the Sweden international was hooked at half-time in both, recording SofaScore ratings of 6.5 and 6.7 against Dundee United and Dundee FC respectively.

This suggests that Van Bronckhorst does not have a top-quality player waiting in the wings to replace Balogun. Therefore, he will be very much relieved that the Nigerian defender has not suffered an injury problem and will be available to play in the upcoming matches.

AND in other news, Van Bronckhorst can save millions by unleashing Rangers teen who’s “like Theo Hernandez”…

According to Portuguese newspaper A Bola, via Sport Witness, some major Man City transfer news has emerged involving Sporting Lisbon star Matheus Nunes.

The Lowdown: Guardiola blown away…

After Pep Guardiola’s side hammered Sporting 5-0 away in the first leg of their Round of 16 Champions League Round tie, one opposition player who seemingly blew away City’s boss was in fact Nunes.

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Speaking to media afterwards, the Sky Blues head coach lavished praise on Sporting’s in-demand midfielder, even going on to claim he is ‘one of the best players in the world today’.

Guardiola’s rave review of the 23-year-old has prompted links to signing him in the summer window with A Bola (via SW) now sharing a promising transfer development out of Eastlands.

The Latest: Man City hold discussions…

According to their sources, City chiefs have apparently held ‘informal’ discussions with Sporting over a transfer for Nunes.

In perhaps the most exciting part of this story, the player himself is very keen on moving to Manchester, with there even being suggestions he ‘dreams’ of signing for Guardiola.

It’s also pointed that both Sporting and City’s ‘privileged relationship’ could boost them further in an attempt to land Nunes.

The Verdict: Make a move?

The Premier League champions already have a wealth of talent at their disposal in midfield, but given they could sign him for just €40 million (£33m), it appears there is little financial risk for City.

Called ‘unbelievable’ by former teammate Goncalo Santos, the player’s WhoScored stats point to someone who could actually be of use in Guardiola’s unique false-nine system.

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A superb ball-carrier, Nunes completes more dribbles per 90 on average domestically than any City star has in the Premier League – backing why they’re allegedly interested.

Given his quality and fairly cheap potential sum, the Sky Blues should at the very least consider a transfer this summer.

In other news: Man City officials sent to club as Pep now eyes ‘absolute beast’ alongside Haaland! Find out more here.