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Liverpool are reportedly one of the clubs in the mix to sign AS Monaco midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni.

What’s the story?

This comes after Italian media outlet Tuttosport (via Sport Witness) recently published an article claiming that the Merseyside club, fellow Premier League side Chelsea and Serie A giants Juventus are currently interested in signing the midfielder at some point in the future.

A replacement for Wijnaldum?

In terms of recent incoming transfer activity at Liverpool, the latest summer transfer window saw the Reds bring in defender Ibrahima Konate for a fee of £36m from German club RB Leipzig.

Regarding Tchouameni, the player joined Monaco back in the 2020 January transfer window from fellow French club Bordeaux for a fee of £16.2m.

Since then, the 21-year-old, who is currently valued at £27m according to Transfermarkt, has made 60 appearances for the club across all competitions in which he has managed to score five goals and provide four assists along the way.

Given how Liverpool saw Georginio Wijnaldum leave the Merseyside club for a free transfer to Paris Saint-Germain over the summer, it’s understandable why the club would be interested in signing Tchouameni. He represents a long-term midfield option at a crucial point with Liverpool possessing the likes of Jordan Henderson and James Milner in their squad over the age of 30.

In his latest appearance for Monaco in their recent 3-0 Ligue 1 victory over Bordeaux, Tchouameni certainly showed what his previous club were missing.

He put in a near-perfect all-round display, demonstrating the type of qualities that Wijnaldum so regularly brought to Anfield.

Tchouameni scored a goal, hit the woodwork, made five tackles and won a whopping 13 of the 18 duels he was involved in. ultimately earning himself a very impressive overall match rating of 8.7/10, making him Monaco’s highest-rated player on the day according to SofaScore.

This alone shows why the likes of Liverpool, Juventus and Chelsea are apparently interested in snapping him up.

Looking ahead to the future, if Liverpool are keen on strengthening their midfield either in the upcoming January transfer window or the next summer window, we feel that Tchouameni should definitely be an option to consider bringing in.

However, with other big boys of European football also pursuing him, it could end up being rather difficult to sign the midfielder, but one that could be very beneficial for the club for the next few years.

In other news: Klopp masterstroke: £50k-p/w Liverpool gem has seen value rise by £49.5m in 3 years – opinion 

Champions League outfit Atalanta are interested in Everton winger Alex Iwobi, according to Tutto Mercato Web.

The report states that a move for Chelsea’s Tammy Abraham has been abandoned, but Atalanta remain interested in acquiring a Premier League attacker.

They have made enquiries for Liverpool’s Takumi Minamino, Aston Villa’s Bertrand Traore and Manchester United’s Daniel James, but ‘above all’ they’re keen on Iwobi.

One possible ‘hitch’ in any move, though, would be the player’s salary. He may have to agree to a pay cut if he’s to make the move to Serie A.

Iwobi has struggled to live up to Everton price tag

Everton signed Iwobi from Arsenal ahead of the 2019/20 season for a fee of up to £34million.

The Nigerian has gone on to make 65 appearances for the Blues, scoring only four goals and providing four assists.

His contract runs for another three years and he’s valued at £19.8million by Transfermarkt.

Fan feed Toffee TV relayed TMW’s report, and here’s what supporters made of it.

These Everton fans hopeful of Iwobi sale

“I’m free, I’ll pick him up in 20 mins”

Credit: @CharlesJones96

“Best news all day. Been bad since day 1. Gives nothing to the balance of the team. When he plays what is our W/L ratio?”

Credit: @waynec83efc

“Please lord be true”

Credit: @liamtownson

“Don’t get my hopes like this”

Credit: @_ch1878

“He’s all yours”

Credit: @DanielE25044152

“It could be the Atlanta Falcons and I’d still drive him there.”

Credit: @pauldaley73

In other news, Michael Ball has urged Everton to make this move.

Everton could be set to repeat their Thierry Small disaster after reportedly making no progress in their attempts to tie Lewis Dobbin down to a new contract.

What’s the story?

According to The Athletic’s Patrick Boyland, the 18-year-old could depart Goodison Park next summer, with his current deal set to expire at the end of July and fresh terms yet to be agreed.

The report states that: “He is set to be out of contract next July, with talks yet to resume since Everton’s initial offer made earlier this season.

“As things stand, the impasse means Dobbin would be free to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with clubs in continental Europe from January 1. Failing that, he would be able to move to a fellow English club when his deal expires this summer.”

Could repeat Thierry Small disaster

Unless Dobbin puts pen to paper soon, the growing fear that the teenager may follow in the footsteps of former teammate Small could become a reality.

Small was one of Everton’s brightest prospects in recent years, becoming the club’s youngest-ever player in an FA Cup fourth-round tie against Sheffield Wednesday, aged just 16 years and 176.

However, the full-back failed to return to Merseyside for pre-season training over the summer after making his intentions to leave clear, signing professional terms for Southampton after exiting his academy scholarship 12 months early.

And now, the Everton hierarchy could be about to make the same mistake all over again.

Dobbin has been one of the Toffees’ U23s standout performers this season and put in a stellar display against Brighton and Hove Albion last time out, bagging his second goal of the campaign in a 2-1 victory.

Preventing Everton’s top young stars from seeking pastures new needs to become a priority for director of football Marcel Brands, and the Dutchman will be desperate to start that process with Dobbin.

It remains to be seen if Brands can convince the versatile forward to commit his future to the club, but the fanbase will be hoping Small’s exit doesn’t pave the way for a mass exodus.

And, in other news…Imagine him and Godfrey: EFC must swoop for £45m-rated “monster” who fans would love

Flocking to Twitter, many West Ham United fans have raved over a fresh transfer claim as new head of recruitment Rob Newman seemingly sets his sights on a brand new target.

The transfer chief, brought in to work with manager David Moyes and identify a mix of first team stars and talent for the future (The Athletic), comes in with plenty of credentials.

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Having worked with some prestigious figures at former club Manchester City, including their sporting director Txiki Begiristain, Newman has been credited with playing a role in the transfer of Aymeric Laporte among others (The Athletic).

As he now looks to orchestrate West Ham’s dealings, it appears the 57-year-old has his eyes on a new target as ExWHUemployee shares news on Norwich City star Todd Cantwell.

The club insider, speaking on his West Ham Way Podcast, explains that the Irons have been linked with a move for the Canaries playmaker.

His contract expires at the end of this season, meaning West Ham could sign him as a free agent in 2022, with many supporters raving over this update.

West Ham fans rave…

According to WhoScored, only 2020/2021 star men Michail Antonio and Jesse Lingard averaged a higher rate of shots on goal per 90 than Cantwell domestically last season.

As well as this, out of West Ham’s squad, only Aaron Cresswell could match the 23-year-old’s impressive rate of 1.6 key passes per match in the final third (WhoScored).

Taking his creative quality into account, not to mention the fact he still has years ahead of him and could be on the move for absolutely nothing, it’s no wonder Irons supporters are raving over this link – even if his impressive 20/21 numbers to come from the Championship

Find all of their best verdicts down below:

“I think he would thrive under Moyes! Young, English, if we can get him for cheap/free it would be a steal!”

Credit: @WestHamNRU

“He’s a baller”

Credit: @prior19042000

“this makes me happy”

Credit: @WestHamAimee97

“Oh yes please”

Credit: @whualfie1

“Would love him tbh”

Credit: @Kayron27

“This is at the top of my wish list for us”

Credit: @SamSton13741567

“Yes yes yes”

Credit: @StefGoodridge

In other news: ‘Increasingly likely’…Sky reporter breaks news on ‘clinical’ striker in big boost for West Ham, find out more here.

Fraser Forster has reportedly rejected a new deal at Southampton, which will surely concern Ralph Hasenhuttl considering the lack of goalkeeping options at St Mary’s.

What’s the word?

According to The Scottish Sun, the 33-year-old shot-stopper has rejected a reduced deal at St Mary’s, which opens the door to a potential return to Celtic this summer.

The Hoops have been linked with the English ‘keeper in recent weeks after his impressive performances on loan there in the 2019/20 season, although Hasenhuttl had suggested earlier in the summer that he and Alex McCarthy would be competing for a starting spot in his side during the 2021/22 campaign.

Could Forster leave Southampton?

Forster is one of the top earners at Southampton but spent the majority of last season on the bench, before an impressive run of form in the FA Cup led Hasenhuttl to give him more opportunities in the Premier League.

The former England international would make 13 appearances in total for the Saints, eight of which came in the Premier League, where he averaged a solid 6.70 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

Southampton have already sold Angus Gunn to newly-promoted Norwich City, so if Forster were to depart on loan or a permanent deal this summer, it would leave Hasenhuttl with very few options in the goalkeeping department, with young Harry Lewis perhaps not ready to deputise for McCarthy.

It is no surprise that Celtic want Forster to return, given his performances there during the 2019/20 seasons, which led French defender Christopher Jullien to sing his praises in 2019, saying:

“There are no words! There are no words to describe that. He’s been unbelievable since he’s come here.”

“At the end of every game, I tell him he’s the best goalkeeper I’ve played with. I’m so happy to have him behind me. He just makes so many saves.”

[freshpress-quiz id=“594431”]

Therefore, unless Southampton can bring in a new goalkeeper, it is bad news for Hasenhuttl that Forster has reportedly rejected this new deal, as it would leave the Austrian’s squad looking even thinner if the 33-year-old were to depart this summer.

And, in other news… Southampton dealt huge transfer blow with “exceptional” transfer target

As explained in the Athletic’s scout report for Euro 2020, West Ham United are now one of the teams interested in signing VFL Wolfsburg striker Wout Weghorst this summer.

The Lowdown: West Ham in the striker hunt…

Manager David Moyes reportedly has three priorities for West Ham this summer in a new central defender, permanent deal for Jesse Lingard and a fresh centre-forward (Claret & Hugh).

Striker Michail Antonio suffered his fair share of injury problems over 2020/2021 and the Hammers are on the look out for fresh additions to their forward line.

West Ham have been linked with a host of attackers as another name now enters the fray.

The Latest: West Ham want Weghorst…

As explained by the Athletic in their scouting guide for Euro 2020, Weghorst is now attracting interest from West Ham.

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There is also an understanding that he will be allowed to leave if ‘certain conditions’ are met, namely his €30 million (£25.9m) price tag.

Wolfsburg are expecting concrete offers for their talismanic striker this summer, and with such a reasonable price tag, a move to the Premier League could beckon, as explained in the report.

The Verdict: A must…

Scoring a fantastic 25 goals in all competitions last season for the Bundesliga side, all while assisting nine of his teammates, it’s safe to say Weghorst is a monster up front.

Austrian tactician Oliver Glasner, who coached the 28-year-old last season, lauded him as the ‘most dangerous player in front of goal’ he has ever coached (Bundesliga).

Meanwhile, in an interview with FootballFanCast, Get German Football News editor-in-chief Daniel Pinder explained how he is ‘similar’ to legendary Premier League forward Ruud van Nistelrooy.

At around £25m, he could be a real steal for the Hammers.

In other news: Barry Fry makes claim on potentially ‘great news for West Ham fans’…find out more here.

Leeds United are eyeing a late transfer window swoop for Club Brugge starlet Noa Lang.

What’s the story?

According to recent reports from The Telegraph, Marcelo Bielsa’s side have been been watching the 21-year-old ahead of a potential move this summer, although they are set to face intense competition to try and land him.

And writing recently on Twitter, The Athletic’s Phil Hay said: “They like Lang and that’s a genuine link but they haven’t actually made a concrete move for him.”

Now, Sport/Voetbalmagazine (via Sport Witness) claim that Leeds remain interested in signing Lang before deadline day, but that Brugge are looking for a massive bid to let him leave.

Bielsa will be buzzing

Able to play anywhere across the frontline, Lang showed Jadon Sancho-like abilities in his loan spell at Brugge last season, bagging 17 goals and providing a further 11 assists in just 37 games, including netting in the Champions League.

With that impressive goal-scoring record, and the fact he still remains very young at just 21, a move for Lang would be extremely exciting not just for Bielsa but for the club’s fans too.

Dubbed a “phenomenon” by Belgian journalist Peter Vandenbempt, the winger made history when he became the first player in 60 years to mark his debut with a hat-trick for Ajax, while his teammate at Brugge, Cyriel Dessers, has even admitted that Leeds’ interest in the flier is not the least bit surprising.

He said: “He is absolutely ready for the Premier League. He was fantastic last season. Then it is logical that there is a next step.  I would love to see him in the Champions League with Club Brugge, but he has shown that he is one of the best footballers in Belgium.

“He is a graceful footballer, but he also works very hard. I often sat on the bench, so I could keep an eye on him there. But the way he works, I didn’t know he had that in him. He has really taken a step. The interest does not come out of nowhere. I know how Leeds work.”

If the Whites can pull off a late transfer window deal for Lang, then Bielsa will surely be buzzing.

Meanwhile, Leeds are eyeing this Premier League record breaker…

Crystal Palace are one of the clubs interested in a late move for Manchester United winger Daniel James, according to Alan Nixon of The Sun.

And a number of Palace supporters have been reacting to the links on social media.

Phil Hay admitted on Sunday morning that Leeds have a long-standing interest in James and Nixon added that Leeds, Palace, Brighton and Everton are in the hunt for the Wales international.

The Eagles and Whites have of course already gone head to head once this summer in the race for Conor Gallagher.

James, on £52,000-a-week at Old Trafford, is thought to be free to leave after Cristiano Ronaldo re-joined the Red Devils.

The 23-year-old was in line to receive a new United contract earlier in the window but could now depart on loan or on a permanent, should the right approach come in.

Palace are in the market for a winger who can operate from the right, a position James has featured in on 61 occasions, but the Eagles will need to pip a number of fellow top-flight sides, should they wish to bring him to London.

Palace fans react

@CPFCtransfersHQ shared Nixon’s claims regarding James on Twitter. This is what these Palace fans had to say in reply, with many wanting the club to act.

“Cancel Mateta’s loan. Bring in Edouard and Nketiah. Bring in Dan James. 10/10 window.”

Credit: @liamb0117

“Would love it if we could land him”

Credit: @BoyceDrew

“Get him”

Credit: @cpfcboiling

“Yes please”

Credit: @StewFuller82

“I’ll take this 100%”

Credit: @BRL__18

“I’d Deffo Take Him ”

Credit: @Djamel__1997

In other news: Many Palace fans buzz at links to Paris Saint-Germain ace. 

Former Rangers star Michael Ball says that the club will back Steven Gerrard if he decides to pursue Heerenveen midfielder Joey Veerman, in an exclusive interview with The Transfer Tavern.

The 22-year-old has been in fine form for the Dutch club this season, scoring seven goals and laying on 10 assists in 31 Eredivisie games.

Inside Futbol have carried quotes from Ferry de Haan, the club’s technical director, who is said to have confirmed that there is interest in the player.

He will cost around £8.5m, per the report, and Ball believes that Rangers will gladly back Gerrard if he decides to pursue a move.

Veerman is just 22 and he is a versatile presence, capable of playing in defensive and central midfield, as well as on the left of midfield.

A former Netherlands U21 international, Ball believes that a deal could well be done this summer, as the board look to back the boss.

Speaking to TT, he said: “They know the Dutch, how they are trained, and how they come through the youth system. His numbers are fantastic.

“He will probably cost more than Ryan Kent maybe, or around the same amount of money, so if Steven wants him as number one target, I feel the club will 100% back him.”

Liverpool are looking to open contract talks with defender Neco Williams this summer.

What’s the word?

That’s according to a report by the Liverpool Echo, who claim that the Reds are planning to hold talks with Williams at the end of the season, before making a final decision on the defender’s future at Anfield.

With the club making the 21-year-old available for around £10m last year, it has been a remarkable turnaround for the player.

There were no bids for Williams in the summer and this led to him joining Fulham on loan in January, where he has excelled.

Jurgen Klopp sees progress

The Welshman’s form in the Championship with Fulham – who were recently promoted back to the Premier League – has convinced Klopp to see what the future holds for the defender at Liverpool.

The £10m rated defender has played 14 times for his adopted side in all competitions and registered an impressive two goals and two assists during that time. A solid return for a right-back and this will surely have impressed a watching Klopp.

The manager is clearly a massive admirer of the defender, explaining that he “trained like a machine” with further compliments also coming from his international boss, Rob Page.

Page stated that Williams “had to be brave” to join Fulham from Liverpool in January, moving away from what could be a historic achievement if they win the quadruple and training with world-class players on a daily basis.

This move seems like it has paid dividends, however, with the news that Klopp could want the player – who Page also claimed is a “recipe for success” – to remain at Anfield after the summer transfer window.

There is no doubt there he is a talented player, his success already proves this, plus the fact he has been capped for Wales 18 times at such a young age.

And, should Williams continue his impressive form at Anfield next season, the right-back could well begin to challenge Trent Alexander-Arnold for his place in the Reds starting XI, something that would undoubtedly please Klopp greatly.

Indeed, with more competition for a starting role, the England international will need to be at his absolute best in order to remain as the German’s number one in the position – something that is only likely to improve Liverpool further next season, meaning Williams could indeed be Klopp’s recipe for success.

AND in other news: Liverpool now plot £67m bid for “sensational” 76k-p/w “winner”, imagine him and Salah.