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According to an evening report by The Daily Mirror, West Ham United are interested in signing Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse this summer.

The Lowdown: Ward-Prowse rumours

Back in January, the Spanish media reported that a number of Premier League clubs, including the likes of Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham, were all interested in signing the Saints midfielder this summer, who has been dubbed ‘unbelievable’ by teammate Oriol Romeu.

More recently, Irons insider ExWHUemployee has claimed that the Hammers are expected to make an offer for the England international over the coming months, whilst Spurs transfer chief Fabio Paratici is also keen on making a deal.

The Latest: Irons interested

According to a Wednesday night report by The Daily Mirror, West Ham manager David Moyes is indeed keen to bring Ward-Prowse to the London Stadium this summer.

After his side’s impressive semi-final run in the Europa League, Moyes is looking to strengthen his squad further for another season in Europe, and the Scotsman has identified the Saints midfielder as a stellar addition to his starting XI.

Following the retirement of club legend Mark Noble and with the uncertainty surrounding Tomas Soucek’s future, West Ham are hoping to secure another midfielder ahead of next season.

The Verdict: Great signing

Hailed by Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola as ‘the best free-kick taker’ he has ever seen, Ward-Prowse would certainly fit Moyes’ system, as the Irons could utilise a set-piece specialist to target the likes of Michail Antonio and Soucek – if he stays – in the box.

As per FB Ref, when compared with positional peers across Europe over the past year, the 27-year-old ranks in the 92nd percentile for expected assists and in the 90th percentile for shot-creating actions, the type of creativity any manager would love to have.

Therefore, if utilised correctly, Ward-Prowse could be a fantastic signing for Moyes, who is in need of additions after a dismal January window.

In other news: Sky Sports reporter reveals latest on Nayef Aguerd deal

As per reports in the last 48 hours, a major Tottenham Hotspur exit update has now come to light involving wantaway winger Steven Bergwijn.

The Lowdown: Summer of change at Tottenham…

The Lilywhites could be set for a very interesting 2022/23 Premier League campaign after Antonio Conte guided them to a place in the Champions League for next season.

Finishing in the top four on the final day of the last campaign has granted Spurs some real privileges, including a £150m equity increase courtesy of ENIC and three confirmed signings already.

However, in order to balance the books, Spurs transfer chief Fabio Paratici needs to offload a few players, and one man who is expected to leave north London is Bergwijn.

The Latest: Bergwijn transfer update…

The Netherlands international has openly admitted that he’s open to leaving Tottenham, with Football Insider sharing a big development on Tuesday afternoon.

According to their information, Ajax are eyeing a big-money move for Bergwijn, who they are keen to make their ‘marquee signing’ of the summer.

Negotiations are apparently ‘advancing’ and both clubs believe that an agreement could be imminent – so much so that all parties are confident that a deal could be in place by ‘the end of this week’.

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The Verdict: Sad end for Bergwijn…

Often a big-game player, Bergwijn’s stoppage-time heroics at Leicester City in January enhance the belief that he can really be of use to Conte on his day, despite drawing criticism from the likes of Graeme Souness in the past.

However, the Dutchman – who started just four league games last season – could struggle for game-time ahead of the in-form Dejan Kulusevski, or further potential summer additions, and we believe that an exit from Tottenham may suit all parties.

Paratici will need to agree outgoings sooner rather than later, with Bergwijn coming as a likely departure from N17.

Leeds United are about to make a bid for Club Brugge star Charles de Ketelaere, according to RTL Sport journalist Alexandre Braeckman.

The Lowdown: Busy summer

The Whites have already brought in three players this summer and appear to be closing in on a fourth addition in Manchester City midfielder Darko Gyabi.

A £5m transfer for the 18-year-old is separate from Kalvin Phillips’ pending £42m move to the Etihad Stadium.

De Ketelaere could become the fifth arrival in Yorkshire, with Leeds’ interest ‘serious’ according to Phil Hay, and it looks as if Victor Orta and co are about to make a formal bid for the Belgian.

The Latest: Braeckman’s update

Speaking to MOT Leeds News, Braeckman had this to say on Leeds and De Ketelaere, revealing that an opening €30m (£25.8m) proposal is set to be made ‘in the next days’:

“Leeds is about to submit a first €30m bid, it could be done in the next days, but I can’t tell exactly when.

“Bruges is expecting €40m, they know they could have a huge amount of money for this player. It could easily be the biggest transfer of the Belgian football (currently €27m for Jonathan David, from Gent to Lille).”

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The Verdict: Fingers crossed

Leeds view De Ketelaere as a forward, although he can also play in a deeper role or on the wing and has just come off the back of his best season with 28 goal contributions. [Transfermarkt]

Attacking reinforcements are needed in Yorkshire with the new season fast approaching and Raphinha’s future still up in the air, so hopefully the club can get a high-profile move for De Ketelaere over the line, especially with European giants AC Milan also circling.

James Marshment said that the 21-year-old moving to Leeds would be an “elite signing” for the Whites, and you’d like to think that the Belgian would improve Jesse Marsch’s attacking ranks straight away following his form in 2021/22.

Everton have been linked with a move for Steven Bergwijn this summer, and now there has been an update on the club’s progress in pursuit of the player.

What’s the latest?

According to Dutch news outlet De Telegraaf, Everton have tabled an offer to the Tottenham Hotspur attacker that is much more lucrative than what Ajax have put forward.

As per the report, the Toffees are making their fourth attempt to tempt Bergwijn with a move to Goodison Park this summer and seem willing to meet the transfer fee that has been requested by Tottenham Hotspur.

Lampard needs him badly

With the speculation surrounding Richarlison’s exit ramping up, Frank Lampard will be on the lookout for potential replacements who can come in and make an instant impact in the side, and the manager needs an attacker like Bergwijn badly.

The Dutch winger has had limited game time at Spurs as Bergwijn made 32 appearances in all competitions last term, averaging just 27 minutes per game, but during his appearances has shown glimpses of his talents and capabilities that could be a great asset at Goodison Park next season.

The £20m magician who was hailed “unique” by Nuno Espirito Santo, scored three goals, delivered one assist and created one big chance, with a pass accuracy of 88% in his own half over 25 appearances in the Premier League.

Bergwijn is also a consistent performer for his national team with 22 appearances, six goals and two assists, but Netherlands manager Louis Van Gaal has been concerned over the player’s lack of game-time.

Van Gaal claimed: “You don’t develop form at the Dutch national team, but at the club. Only not Bergwijn.”

“I can no longer maintain that players who play little at their club are no longer drafted into Oranje. Unlike twenty years ago, we are dealing with a generation that maintains itself well. That’s why it’s about the quality of the player.”

With that being said, Bergwijn will be desperate to find consistent game-time and first-team football in order to get into the World Cup squad at the end of this year, something Everton may be able to provide if Richarlison leaves the club this summer.

Lampard will be wanting to get his squad together in time to have a good pre-season to prepare for the Premier League season ahead, and Bergwijn could become a key player in Everton’s efforts to have a better campaign next season.

AND in other news: “My understanding”: Alan Myers drops Everton transfer update, supporters will love it

According to Sky Sports journalist Dharmesh Sheth, Flynn Downes is currently undergoing a medical at West Ham ahead of completing a move to the London Stadium.

The Lowdown: Irons facing competition

The 23-year-old only joined Swansea City from Ipswich Town last summer, but after an impressive debut season in Wales, has caught the eye of two Premier League clubs in particular.

Earlier this week, The Athletic reported that the Irons had registered interest in the midfielder, but were set to face competition from Crystal Palace, who at the time were favourites to secure his signature.

Following a fresh development though, it now looks as if the Brentwood-born talent is instead on his way to link up with the Hammers, who have already brought in Nayef Aguerd and Alphonse Areola on permanent deals.

The Latest: Downes having West Ham medical

Taking to Twitter, Sheth revealed on Wednesday that Downes was ‘close’ to tying up his switch to West Ham, writing:

“West Ham United close to finalising a deal for Swansea City midfielder Flynn Downes. Fee under discussion believed to be worth £12m. Told West Ham “increasingly confident” of completing move.”

The journalist then delivered a new update on Thursday morning, confirming that the maestro’s medical is now underway:

“This one is accelerating! Downes having second part of his medical.”

The Verdict: Noble replacement?

The Hammers are one midfielder down after Mark Noble retired at the end of the 2021/22 season and will be looking for a suitable replacement for their former captain, and Downes might be just the man that they need.

Last term, the starlet, who was dubbed an ‘incredible’ player by Swansea boss Russell Martin, achieved a pass success rate of 92.6%, higher than anyone else in the Championship, potentially a key factor as to why David Moyes has identified him as the perfect candidate to take control in the centre.

Downes, a boyhood West Ham fan, looks set to be unveiled in the capital soon and will become the Scot’s third signing of the summer, providing an option in a variety of midfield roles.

Southampton are reportedly interested in signing Tottenham midfielder Harry Winks and Lyon striker Moussa Dembele this summer, according to the Daily Mail. 

The lowdown: Southampton’s summer so far

The Saints have slowly but surely kicked into gear in the transfer window, completing the double capture of Gavin Bazunu and Romeo Lavia from Manchester City long with adding Armel Bella-Kotchap and Mateusz Liz to the ranks.

Ralph Hasenhuttl and CEO Martin Semmens also completed the signing of Joe Aribo from Rangers last week, whilst only Fraser Forster, Harry Lewis and Shane Long have left the club as things stand, all as free agents.

Now under the ownership of Serbian-born cable television tycoon Dragan Solak, this transfer window was always going to be a pivotal one for the club, and it appears as though their business hasn’t finished yet…

The latest: Winks and Dembele eyed

As per the Daily Mail, Southampton are believed to have ‘shown an interest’ in both Winks and Dembele.

It’s claimed that the south coast club are ‘keen on a move’ for the duo, with the Englishman seemingly deemed ‘surplus to requirements’ at Tottenham having been left out of their touring squad in South Korea.

The report added that the Saints ‘could look to take advantage’ of the contract situation surrounding Dembele – who was hailed as ‘one of the best strikers in Europe’ by his former team-mate Xherdan Shaqiri – as the 25-year-old Frenchman enters the final 12 months of his deal at Lyon.

The verdict: Smart recruitment

With current Saints frontman Che Adams linked with a move to Nottingham Forest, Dembele could be viewed as a prospective replacement for the Scotland international.

Last season, the former Celtic starlet scored 22 times and provided five assists in 35 appearances across all competitions in France, showcasing sublime form which would be welcomed to Hasenhuttl’s squad with open arms – Adams was their most prolific striker in 2021/22 with a mere seven league goals.

Even longer term, Dembele certainly backs up Shaqiri’s praises – he has racked up 137 senior club goals already and only turns 26 this week.

Meanwhile, Winks would bring with him the experience of 10 caps for England and 128 appearances in the Premier League, while his passing average of 88.2% last term was better than any Saints player, so he could improve their ball retention significantly.

Ultimately, both Dembele and Winks arriving at Southampton would represent further impressive pieces of business from the St Mary’s hierarchy, given the traits outlined above and, in the latter’s case in particularly, a willingness to sell.

Everton have been offered the chance to re-sign Ross Barkley from Chelsea.

What’s the word?

That’s according to The Mirror, who claim that Chelsea are looking to offload Barkley after what has been a disappointing stint in London.

Thomas Tuchel has reportedly lost faith in the midfielder and sees his future elsewhere with the player also offered to Aston Villa.

Despite leaving the Toffees in frustrating fashion back in 2018, he could be ready to return and provide the creative spark they have been lacking.

Lampard would love him

Back when he used to play at Goodison Park, Barkley would have been the perfect attacking midfielder for Frank Lampard to mould in his image.

However, it just so happens that at that time, Lampard was still playing professional football rather than managing.

It has been five years since he made the ill-advised switch to Chelsea that has seen a career destined for the stars dashed in the English capital, however, a return could be exactly what both club and player need.

Everton are crying out for a creative spark in their midfield, whereas Barkley is crying out for some faith and a run in a team. Perhaps now is the perfect time for Lampard to take him under his wing and squeeze out whatever talents have survived his Chelsea excursion.

Having only featured six times last season, the 28-year-old marked what could be his last appearance for the club with a goal on the final day of the season. This came after a 20-match run without an appearance, despite being on the bench for most of those games.

The season prior he did get a stint at Aston Villa where he managed to recover some of his old form, as he scored two in his first four before suffering a hamstring injury and never truly recovering.

Luck has not been on his side, but perhaps if Everton are to take a chance on this £100k-per-week pariah, his luck might just start to change.

Back when he used to manage both the club and the player, Roberto Martinez hailed Barkley as “an example to the new generation of English football.”

He continued to claim that “we all saw that he had the potential to be world-class” and that he was a “special talent”

Although it appears that he never truly fulfilled this potential, there was clearly enough there to demand such praise.

Hopefully, if he is to return to the Toffees he would be welcomed back, and it would provide the perfect fairy-tale story that would delight Lampard and supporters alike. Whether he would be welcomed back by Goodison Park is a completely different thing, however.

AND, in other news: Everton get green light to sign “incredible” £28k-p/w gem, he’d be their own Gallagher.

Journalist and reliable source Daniel Taylor of The Athletic has now backed a ‘surprise’ Nottingham Forest transfer twist involving former Man United star Jesse Lingard.

The Lowdown: Reds make move…

The Englishman seems set to be one of the biggest free agent deals of this window as he continues to attract interest from a host of clubs both in the Premier League and abroad.

ESPN recently claimed that alongside Everton, Tottenham and West Ham, clubs from the USA, Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi have all expressed interest in signing Lingard this summer.

A man in demand, the ex-Red Devils star is now also a major target for Forest and manager Steve Cooper with Jacob Steinberg of The Guardian recently breaking news that they’re advancing in negotiations.

The Latest: Taylor backs ‘surprise’ news…

Taking to Twitter, reporter Taylor of The Athletic has now backed this ‘surprise’ transfer twist out of the City Ground.

He explained:

“It’s true: Nottingham Forest really are trying to sign Jesse Lingard.

Talks underway and #NFFC willing to break pay ceiling for former Man Utd and England player. Lingard has been speaking to West Ham but Forest trying to close surprise deal.”

The Verdict: Ambition…

Having already completed ten major signings this summer, it appears Forest’s ambition is showing no sign of stopping after their long-awaited promotion back to the big time.

Signing Lingard on a Bosman, especially when factoring in his brilliant spell on loan at West Ham over 20/21, would come as a really shrewd piece of business and may well be the cherry on top of a fantastic window.

Leeds United are set to appoint former Borussia Dortmund assistant Rene Maric as Jesse Marsch’s new number two, according to reliable journalist Phil Hay.

The Lowdown: Marsch settling in well

Marsch replaced Marcelo Bielsa as Whites manager during last season, eventually steering his team away from the Premier League relegation zone in the final weeks of the campaign.

The American is now enjoying his first full pre-season as Leeds manager, working with his players on the training ground and also making several new signings.

It now looks as though an important backroom addition is also close to materialising.

The Latest: Maric appointment ‘close’

Taking to Twitter on Friday, Hay confirmed that Maric is on the verge of moving to Elland Road and becoming Marsch’s new assistant, having been dismissed by Dortmund back in May.

The Athletic journalist tweeted:

“Leeds United close to appointing former Borussia Dortmund assistant Rene Maric as Jesse Marsch’s new number two. Talks were held with Chris Armas but Maric is in line to join the coaching staff.”

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The Verdict: Exciting appointment

This feels like an exciting and fresh appointment by Leeds, with Maric just 29 years of age and only just getting started in his coaching career.

He already has plenty of experience, though, working as assistant manager at Red Bull Salzburg before Marsch arrived and also enjoying a spell at Borussia Monchengladbach, with more than 200 matches in the dugout to his name despite not turning 30 until September.

It is vital that the right individuals come in to complete Marsch’s backroom setup and the boss will likely be delighted if Leeds get Maric, having seemingly handpicked him over Chris Armas in the end.

Santi Aouna has dropped an update on the future of reported Tottenham Hotspur transfer target Nicolo Zaniolo.

What’s the latest?

In a recent post on Twitter, the Foot Mercato journalist revealed that, following a number of reports linking Fabio Paratici with a move for the AS Roma midfielder this summer, the Italian sporting director is in continued negotiations with the Serie A side regarding a deal for the 23-year-old – for whom Jose Mourinho’s side are reported to be demanding a figure in the region of €50m (£42m).

In his tweet, Aouna said: “Roma continues to activate. Ongoing discussions with Tottenham for Zaniolo.”

Conte will be buzzing

Considering that it has been reported Antonio Conte would still like to add a new attacking midfielder to his Spurs squad prior to the kick-off of the 2022/23 Premier League campaign next week, Aouna’s claim that Paratici remains in talks with Roma regarding a move for Zaniolo is sure to have left the 52-year-old manager buzzing.

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Indeed, it would appear as if the £33.6m-rated talent would make an excellent addition to Tottenham’s current options in the middle of the park, as the Italy international could provide the attacking spark that is somewhat lacking from Oliver Skipp, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Yves Bissouma and Rodrigo Bentancur.

Zaniolo proved this over his ten appearances in the Giallorossi’s victorious Europa Conference League campaign in 2020/21, scoring five goals – including the winner in the final – registering four assists and creating three big chances for his teammates, in addition to taking an average of 2.0 shots, making 1.1 key passes and completing 0.8 dribbles per game.

These returns saw the £76k-per-week Romanista – who can operate from central and attacking midfield, on either flank and up front – average a quite remarkable SofaScore match rating of 7.11, ranking him as Mourinho’s sixth-best performer in the European competition.

As such, Aouna’s suggestion that Paratici is actively working on a deal to bring the 23-year-old to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this summer is undoubtedly incredibly exciting news for everyone involved with the north London side – not least Conte himself – as the nine-cap international could well prove to be the club’s final piece of their midfield jigsaw ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

AND in other news: “Spurs absolutely love him…”: Gold reveals huge transfer update supporters will love