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West Ham United are reportedly interested in a deal for Monaco defender Benoit Badiashile, according to the latest reports…

What’s the word?

As per Calciomercatio, the Hammers are believed to be one of the clubs keeping an eye on the 21-year-old, with Serie A giants Juventus and Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund also credited with an interest in the Frenchman.

Previous reports have suggested the 6 foot 4 colossus could be available for a fee in the region of £33m, with two years still to run on his existing deal at Stade Louis II, making him an attractive option in the upcoming window.

The France U21 international had seemingly come close to a Premier League switch in January, with Newcastle United heavily linked with securing his services, albeit with the St James’ park outfit eventually settling on a move for Brighton’s Dan Burn.

Ogbonna Upgrade

With a top-four place still potentially within their grasp and with a Europa League semi-final clash on the horizon, things are currently going swimmingly for David Moyes’ side, with the Scotsman having worked wonders since the start of his second stint in charge.

Much of the former Manchester United manager’s success has been in recruitment, with the 58-year-old continually making astute moves in the market after a scattergun approach under his predecessor Manuel Pellegrini.

In Badiashile, the Hammers boss could well have found his next perfect acquisition, with the youngster having previously been dubbed a “great talent” by Monaco vice president Oleg Petrov, following his eye-catching displays for the Ligue 1 outfit.

As evidenced by his soaring market valuation – the £14k-per-week star having seen his value rise from £135k to £25.2m in the space of just three years – the starlet is only seemingly going to keep progressing in the coming years.

At just 21, he also represents an ideal and timely replacement for current first-team favourite Angelo Ogbonna, with the Italian central defender set to turn 34 at the end of May and with possible doubts over what his level will be once he returns from his long-term absence.

Both left-footed and of similar build – with the more senior man marginally shorter at 6 foot 3 – the two have very similar playing styles, making the younger man a potentially ideal replacement for the long-serving veteran.

Equally, there is also evidence to suggest that the potential new arrival is already outperforming the one-time Torino man.

In the 11 games the current West Ham man has played in the top-flight this season, he has averaged just one interception and 0.6 tackles per game, as per SofaScore, while by contrast, Badiashile has registered 1.1 interceptions and 1.4 tackles per 90, in his 19 league outings.

Even in his youth, the Limoges-born star already offers a wealth of experience, having already made 114 appearances for his current side – chipping in with three goals and three assists in that time – since making his senior debut back in 2018.

With just three clean sheets to his name this season and a fairly meagre 6.93 match rating, as per SofaScore, in the French top-flight, there is obvious room for improvement, although Moyes has already shown he can coax the best out of those at his disposal.

AND in other news, Time to go: Moyes must ruthlessly axe WHU’s £61k-p/w “monster” as big claim emerges…

Despite it still being early days into the season, this weekend is undoubtedly huge for two of the main Premier League title chasers Liverpool and Manchester City, with the two sides set to face off against each other at Anfield on Sunday.

Jurgen Klopp’s side are currently top of the table with 14 points, having won four and drawn two of their opening six league games of the season, whilst also having scored more goals (15) than any other team in the league.

City, who are the current Premier League champions and boast the best defensive record of the season so far having conceded only one goal, are just one point behind the Reds with their first showdown of the season on the horizon.

On The Chalkboard

Going into the match, Liverpool will be without Thiago Alcantara through injury. In our view, that should pave the way for Curtis Jones, who is currently one of the Reds’ lowest earners with a weekly wage of £7.5k-per-week according to Spotrac, to secure his place in the starting XI to face Pep Guardiola’s side.

As well as Thiago, Liverpool are still without Harvey Elliott, who picked up a serious injury in their win over Leeds United after appearing in all of his side’s 2021/22 Premier League games prior to the clash at Elland Road, which could also work in Jones’ favour with the City match around the corner.

The 20-year-old is on an impressive run of form for Liverpool at the moment. He scored in their 3-3 draw against Brentford last weekend and earned an overall match rating of 7.5/10, higher than any other Reds player on the day according to SofaScore, and followed that up by providing two assists in their 5-1 win over FC Porto in the Champions League.

Taking into account this impressive recent run of attacking form, we feel that Jones, who was hailed as a “really talented player” by fellow Reds midfielder Fabinho after the Porto match, should definitely be in the starting XI to face Pep Guardiola’s side to see if he can continue proving himself as a potentially game-changing threat from midfield.

In other news… Report reveals exciting Liverpool transfer update, fans will be absolutely buzzing 

Evening Standard football writer Jack Rosser believes that Southampton are done in the transfer market unless any sort of miracle move gets presented to them, amid Ralph Hasenhuttl’s admission last week that the club are “not 100% finished” as the deadline looms.

Ralph Hasenhuttl has been busy in the window bringing in seven new players to St Mary’s this summer as Lyanco, Armando Broja, Theo Walcott, Tino Livramento, Romain Perraud, Dynel Simeu and Thierry Small have all signed.

After an opening day defeat at Goodison Park to Everton, the Saints bounced back and got a brilliant point against Manchester United at St Mary’s last weekend.

Jack Rosser believes that after the seven summer signings, Southampton’s business is done unless something gets presented to them that they cannot turn down.

“No, I think they’re done now, they’ve got Lyanco in from Torino, so I think Saints are done and dusted now unless any sort of miracle move gets presented to them,” Rosser told Football FanCast.

The Saints will also be delighted that captain James Ward-Prowse put pen to paper on a new contract at St Mary’s this summer, and Hassenhuttl will be hoping to get his Saints squad to gel quickly and put together a good run of form and look to improve on last season’s 15th-placed Premier League finish.

Aston Villa fans will no doubt be heading into work today with a massive spring in their step following their superb 1-0 triumph over Manchester United at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon.

Dean Smith’s side clinched a deserved three points when Kortney Hause rose highest from a late corner to thump a header past David de Gea at the near post.

And, writing in his post-match player ratings for The Birmingham Mail, Ashley Preece gave him a nine, saying: “Strong and powerful as he won key battles up against Ronaldo. Hause played centrally with Konsa and Mings either side of him. Hause was excellent and his bullet header won it. He loved it out there.”

Haue’s performance proved exactly why Villa struck absolute gold when they signed him from Wolves back in the summer of 2019 after an initial season-long loan spell at Villa Park.

The centre-back has since found game-time far more difficult to come by following the subsequent signings of both Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa, but the fact Smith has him as a potential rotation option, or now as someone who he can trust as the centre-most piece of a back-three, speaks volumes of his quality.

The 26-year-old has proven over the years that he is generally a reliable performer, with the pace and strength to mix it with some of the more athletic and quick strikers in the league.

As per Whoscored, he has an impressive average of only being dribbled past 0.3 times per game, which is actually the same as Mings, and only slightly worse than Konsa (0.2 times per match).

Writing on Twitter before the game against United, The Telegraph’s Matt Law lauded: “Just one of a number of players to have improved immeasurably under Dean Smith. Not enough gets spoken about how Smith improves players, or the fact Hause only cost #avfc £3m – a ridiculous bargain even for a defender who has often been a squad player. Hope he stars tomorrow.”

Even Law however could surely not have imagined just how much Hause would “star” at Old Trafford.

The now £4.5m-rated ace has etched himself into folklore with his winner at Old Trafford.

Meanwhile, Gregg Evans has dropped a transfer update on Aston Villa…

As West Ham United breezed past Genk at the London Stadium this evening, taking yet more control of Group H, many Irons supporters were blown away by the performance and contribution of defender Craig Dawson.

David Moyes’ men took a giant leap towards finishing top by beating the Belgian giants this evening.

Indeed, they have gone six points clear with their victory and, as per the new Europa League format, potentially finishing as group victors will guarantee West Ham a spot straight into the last 16.

Moyes rested a fair few first teamers tonight with the likes of Manuel Lanzini, Andriy Yarmolenko, Nikola Vlasic, Alphonse Areola and Dawson all coming in after the weekend victory at Everton.

Among all of these fresh faces, it was the latter man who garnered real praise on Twitter for his display – especially considering he opened the floodgates with his towering first half header.

He was also among the highest-rated West Ham players on SofaScore and it’s safe to say his ‘massive’ display didn’t go unnoticed.

Find all the reaction to his outing down below.

West Ham fans blown away by Dawson…

“Dawson you beast”

Credit: @RyanG33A

“Dawson!!!!! What a player”

Credit: @WestHamNews24hr

“Craig Dawson is the hero we never knew we needed”

Credit: @_Sam_Chaplin

“We are absolutely massive and Craig Dawson is absolutely massive”

Credit: @Lew_Fountain

“DAWSON YOU MAGNIFICENT SET PIECE ROBOT”

Credit: @chojinzoku

“can we just bring dawson on in games to attack corners because he’s disgustingly good at it”

Credit: @whuemma

“Craig Dawson!!! Fisted hand Guys so dangerous at set pieces so good in the air”

Credit: @JJ_Hannaway

In other news: ‘Yes yes yes’, ‘No brainer’…West Ham fans buzz as contact made to sign ‘big’ striker, find out more here.

Serie A expert Conor Clancy insists that reported Tottenham Hotspur target Joaquin Correa could frustrate supporters in England if he makes the move to the Premier League.

Reports in Italy have claimed that Spurs are interested in a swoop for the Lazio attacker in this transfer window, as new Director of Football Fabio Paratici looks to strengthen the squad of Nuno Espirito Santo.

He has already secured deals to sign Bryan Gil, Pierluigi Gollini, and Cristian Romero, and it seems that Correa would be an expensive acquisition.

Tuttomercatoweb has reported that he would cost £43m in this window, a large figure for a player who can play in a variety of positions.

The 27-year-old has the ability to play on either flank, as a striker, or as a No.10, and he has made a total of 117 appearances for Lazio, scoring 30 goals and registering 18 assists.

Clancy, though, believes that he can be a frustrating presence because he often has the tendency to play below himself.

The editor-in-chief of Forza Italian Football said: “Correa, he’s going to be the type of player that, whichever team he plays for, he might drive the fans a little bit mad at times because he’s not the most reliable, he doesn’t make the best decisions all of the time.

“He’s not always playing at the level that he should play at but there’s a lot of talent there and working under the right coach, as he showed under Inzaghi, he’s definitely a player who can make a difference.”

Leeds United are still eyeing up ‘three to four midfielders’ in the January transfer window, according to journalist David Anderson.

The Lowdown: Leeds desperate for a midfielder

The Whites have been plagued by injuries throughout this season and they currently look light in the middle of the park, in terms of options.

Kalvin Phillips’ hamstring injury has left a gaping void in that area of the pitch, while Adam Forshaw has to be managed carefully after a long absence of his own.

Leeds have been linked with signing a number of midfielders this month, including Cagliari’s Nahitan Nandez and Huddersfield Town’s Lewis O’Brien.

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The Latest: Journalist makes fresh claim

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Anderson claimed Victor Orta and co are looking at a move for a midfielder, even though money is hard to come by at present:

“What I’m being told is that they’re looking at three to four midfielders.

“They want to sign at least one. It’s a delicate one because they don’t have pots of cash because they don’t really plan to spend money in January. Normally they like to spend in summer.”

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The Verdict: At least one needed

It would be a huge surprise if January ticked by and no midfielder came in, with Phillips’ absence making it essential that more depth is added.

In fact, one signing should be the bare minimum, with a relegation battle potentially on the cards and another possible injury setback for Forshaw giving Marcelo Bielsa even fewer options.

The hope is that someone of Nandez or O’Brien’s ilk arrives in the coming weeks, in what would be a much-needed boost, with an injection of fresh blood required.

Both of those aforementioned players would add tenacity and quality, averaging two and 2.8 tackles per game in their respective leagues this season.

In other news, Leeds are reportedly ‘pressing’ to complete one piece of transfer business. Read more here.

Robin Koch could leave Leeds United in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to Danny Mills, with the former Leeds United right-back claiming in a recent interview with Football Insider that, after struggling to impress when deployed at both centre-back and central midfield, Jesse Marsch could look to sign an upgrade on the 25-year-old this summer – something that could subsequently see the Germany international depart Elland Road.

Regarding Koch’s position in the Leeds squad, Mills said: “He hasn’t really found a position. He’s OK here, he’s OK there and he’s decent there. You don’t look at it and go, ‘he is playing centre-half’ or ‘he’s playing defensive midfield.’

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“That is difficult for a player and also for a manager. Where does he fit in? Can the manager get somebody to do a specific job in that position who is maybe a little bit better?

“Sometimes being a utility player is great but it often means you are on the fringes. You are often second-choice in six or seven different positions.”

“The new manager will be looking to bring in two or three of his own players, players that he wants. If that means you have to get a couple out then so be it.”

Marsch can axe Koch with Luiz Felipe

While Koch is undoubtedly a player who boasts a significant amount of potential, it is undeniable that the 25-year-old has so far failed to live up to initial expectations following his £13m move to Elland Road in August 2020.

This has been particularly evident over his 14 Premier League appearances this term, in which the £15.3m-rated centre-back has made an average of 1.1 interceptions, 1.1 tackles and 2.1 clearances per game, in addition to being dribbled past 1.2 times and winning 4.1 duels – at a success rate of just 46% – per outing.

These returns have seen the £46k-per-week defender who Beren Cross dubbed both “horrible to watch” and “not good enough” earlier this season average a disappointing SofaScore match rating of 6.56, ranking him as the Whites’ sixth-worst player in the league.

As such, it is perhaps no surprise that Victor Orta was reported to have made a €30m (£25m) bid for Lazio centre-back Luiz Felipe in the January transfer window, nor would it be surprising for the sporting director to make a second approach for the 25-year-old at the end of the season – as he is set to leave the Stadio Olimpico upon the expiry of his contract this summer.

And, considering how impressive the defender has been in Italy in the current campaign, Luiz Felipe would very much appear to be something of a perfect candidate to replace Koch in Marsch’s side.

Indeed, over his 27 Serie A appearances this season, the £16.2m-rated Brazilian has helped his side keep five clean sheets, in addition to making an average of 1.2 interceptions, 1.4 tackles and 3.4 clearances per fixture, as well as being dribbled past just 0.5 times and winning 3.8 duels – at a success rate of 54% – per game.

These returns have seen the £24k-per-week defender who Jerry Mancini claimed possesses “significant pace” and labelled “quality” average a highly impressive SofaScore match rating 7.01, ranking him as Maurizio Sarri’s seventh-best player in the Italian top flight.

As such, if a deal for Luiz Felipe is there to be done this summer, it would indeed appear a wise move for Orta to launch an offensive for the Lazio centre-back – something which would subsequently allow the sporting director to move Koch onto pastures new.

AND in other news: Sold at £13m, now worth £100m: Leeds had a mare on 20 y/o “everyone is talking about”

An update has emerged on Giovanni van Bronckhorst, regarding the possibility of him replacing Steven Gerrard at Rangers.

What’s the talk?

According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Dutchman is set for talks with Rangers over the vacant managerial position this weekend.

He Tweeted: “Rangers have shortlist ready to replace Gerrard. The board will start official contacts during the weekend – talk scheduled also with Gio van Bronckhorst #RangersFC Former Rangers and Barça player, he’s in the list together with other 2 managers. He’s interested in the job.”

Delight

Rangers fans will surely be left delighted by this update from Romano for multiple reasons. Firstly, he is a familiar face who understands the club.

The retired Netherlands international played over 100 times for the Gers during his playing career in Scotland before his £12.15m transfer to Arsenal in 2001, which remains the most expensive departure from Ibrox in the club’s history to this day.

This shows that he is familiar with the club and will have a connection with the fanbase, through memory or the memories of their parents, and could form an instant bond if he gets the job.

Van Bronckhorst being, according to Romano, interested in the role could also leave fans delighted as it shows that he is keen to make the move and still has an affection for the club. He wants to take over from Rangers, rather than Ross Wilson needing to convince him to take the job.

They could also be buzzing due to the Dutchman’s impressive record as a manager. In four full seasons at Feyenoord, he averaged 2.03 points per game in the Eredivisie as his side finished third, first, fourth and third.

He also won the Dutch Cup and the Dutch Super Cup twice each, taking his tally to five trophies in four years at Feyenoord, showing that he has the quality as a coach to piece together a team capable of winning games on a regular basis.

Van Bronckhorst is also currently out of work, which means that Rangers would not need to pay any compensation to snap him up.

He could come straight in without any baggage from a job he just left and that could appeal to Wilson, as it would save money ahead of the January window.

AND in other news, Wilson could land Rangers an “exceptional” Gerrard replacement in “modern” 48 y/o boss…

According to a report from GhanaWeb, Celtic are closing in on the signing of Bayern Munich attacking midfielder Christopher Scott. 

The lowdown: Scott interest

The 19-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to the Glasgow giants in recent months and it would appear that interest is only going to grow stronger in the coming weeks.

Previously a rising star at Bayer Leverkusen, Scott made the switch to Bundesliga powerhouses Bayern Munich in 2020, where he has featured just twice for their first-team.

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Now as the German youngster’s contract heads towards a July expiry (Transfermarkt), Celtic could be set to swoop…

The latest: Fresh update emerges

As per GhanaWeb, the Hoops are believed to be ‘pushing to sign’ Scott, who has even been compared to Chelsea star Kai Havertz by the Bundesliga’s official website.

The report states that Celtic are hoping to ‘strike’ a £250,000 deal to bring the 18 time-capped Germany youth international to Parkhead at the end of the season.

Bayern are apparently willing to let the player leave, who has the option to pursue international football for either Germany or Ghana.

The verdict: Back the boss

Having already blessed the Hoops’ squad with an array of high-quality players since arriving, supporters can be excited by the prospect of any player coming to Lennoxtown to work with Ange Postecoglou.

So far this season Scott – who was described as ‘quick, strong and an excellent dribbler’ by ex-boss Hansi Flick – has scored six times and registered four assists in 14 appearances in the German fourth tier for Bayern’s second string.

Predominantly a central attacking midfielder, the talented teenager can also operate from wide and deeper positions and would therefore add exciting versatility to the Celtic squad.

In other news, pundit urges Celtic manager to recall attacking threat. Find out more here.