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West Ham are keen on signing Bayer Leverkusen’s Jonathan Tah this summer as he seeks a move away from Germany.

What’s the latest on Jonathan Tah to West Ham?

According to Sport BILD, the German defender will be allowed to leave the Bundesliga club if his €18m (£15m) release clause is triggered by any suitors.

Therefore, West Ham has been named as a possible destination, and they are showing 'very concrete' interest in the 27-year-old.

The 6 foot 5 titan is seeking a new challenge and is reportedly 'pushing for a change' after spending eight years at Leverkusen, and he has described a move to England as his dream.

Tah’s contract runs until 2025, but the release clause must be activated by the beginning of July before it expires.

How could Jonathan Tah fit in at West Ham?

The 16-cap international has made a mammoth 47 appearances in all competitions this season and has been an integral component of Xabi Alonso’s side.

This is showcased by the fact that has averaged 1.2 interceptions and 3.5 clearances per game in the league, as well as only being dribbled past 0.2 times per game.

Tah is extremely reliable, competitive, and calm as he hasn’t made any errors that have led to a shot or a goal, and hasn’t committed any penalties.

His manager, Xabi Alonso, has described him as a “leader” and the player himself has highlighted on his own brilliant work ethic too, he said: “I work very, very hard on myself, it has always been like that. I step on the gas a lot, which many people might not realize. Now I'm reaping the laurels."

From a West Ham viewpoint, the £27m-rated target could potentially form a formidable defensive partnership with Kurt Zouma.

The Frenchman ranks within the highest 5% in Europe’s top five leagues among his positional peers for clearances per 90, as well as the best 28% for aerial wins per 90, to emphasise his dominant physicality.

Meanwhile, Tah sits in the best 10% for pass completion, so this ball-spraying ability, combined with Zouma’s defensive acumen, can make a mean centre-back pairing.

David Moyes has previously hailed the former Chelsea prodigy as a “colossus”, whilst ex-Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho dubbed him “fantastic” after a starring role in the League Cup final triumph over Tottenham Hotspur in 2015.

The thought of these two commanding pillars, both brimming with top-level experience and pedigree, could really be the next step to elevate West Ham back into the top half of the table.

The signing of the £48k-per-week titan could be crucial for the Irons next season, especially if they secure European football for a third consecutive year if they beat Fiorentina in the Europa Conference League Final.

An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their chances of landing Eric Bailly in the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

According to the print edition of The Mirror, Manchester United are attempting to offload the central defender in the coming weeks.

The report claims that PIF have been given the green light to seal a deal as they have been offered the chance to sign him from the Red Devils.

It is stated that the Premier League giants will now demand a fee in the region of £8.5m for the out-of-favour centre-back.

Eddie Howe would love it

The Toon head coach would love Bailly at St. James’ Park as it would give him the opportunity to turn the defender’s career around.

Although he has fallen down the pecking order at Old Trafford, the Ivorian has shown signs of promise over the years that suggest there is a talented player in there.

Howe has shown that he can revive a player’s career as he turned Joelinton from a misfiring striker into a steamroller in midfield. The Brazilian won Newcastle’s Player of the Season award for his efforts in 2021/22, after the head coach switched his position up during the first half of the campaign.

Now, we are not expecting Bailly to come in and be converted into an attacking midfielder but the Toon boss can work with him on the training pitch to help him find consistency in his performances.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer previously dubbed Bailly “immense” and his form in the Champions League last term offered a glimpse of what he is capable of. In two appearances in Europe, he averaged a SofaScore rating of 7.35 as he made five tackles, three interceptions, seven clearances and won 60% of his aerial duels.

He also showcased his quality at the African Cup of Nations as he averaged a score of 7.40 across three games in the tournament earlier this year. The defensive brute won 70% of his duels and made 3.7 tackles and interceptions per game, illustrating the impact he can have when he is fit and firing.

Therefore, Howe will enjoy trying to get the best out of Bailly as he has shown that he has the potential to be an excellent defender when he is at the peak of his powers. He may not have been able to show that in the Premier League for Manchester United, given their willingness to sell him, but the Magpies can now test their luck with the 28-year-old.

AND in other news, NUFC can unearth their own Abraham as Ashworth plots bid for “fearless” £25m bulldozer…

West Brom are interested in re-signing former striker Dwight Gayle during the summer transfer window, according to a new transfer report.

The Lowdown: Gayle a former Baggies hero

The 32-year-old spent one season on loan at the Hawthorns back in 2018/19 and he proved to be an instant hit with his goalscoring prowess in the Championship.

Gayle scored 24 goals and eight assists in 41 appearances for West Brom overall, helping them return to the Premier League before returning to Newcastle United.

Now, it could be that a return to the Baggies is on the cards for the Englishman, who has 103 goals across his senior club career.

The Latest: Hawthorns return mooted

According to The Northern Echo’s Scott Wilson, West Brom are interested in re-signing Gayle, although they face stiff competition from fellow Championship side Middlesbrough.

His current Newcastle deal doesn’t expire until 2024 but he could be allowed to leave this summer, having only featured for 34 minutes of Premier League action last season.

The Verdict: Still a strong option

At 32, Gayle isn’t necessarily the player he once was but he can still be a prolific presence in the Championship, scoring 59 of his career goals in the competition.

While the Premier League is arguably too strong for him, he is famed for his prowess in the second tier and he could be a good option for Steve Bruce, even if it is as a squad player.

Gayle has outlined his quality many times over the years – he was famously an influential player in the legendary 3-3 draw between Crystal Palace and Liverpool in 2014, scoring twice, and he has been hailed as ‘magnificent’ by Alan Shearer. It is surely worth taking a punt on him again at the Hawthorns.

In other news, West Brom are reportedly in advanced talks with one player. Find out who it is here.

Leeds United have made an offer for on-loan Bordeaux striker Alberth Elis, according to a report from L’Equipe (via Sport Witness). 

The lowdown: European adventure

Having made his name in the MLS with Houston Dynamo, Elis made the switch to Europe in 2020 when signed by Portuguese Primeira side Boavista.

After eight goals and six assists in 32 appearances for his new club, the 26-year-old Honduran was sent out on loan to recently relegated Ligue 2 outfit Bordeaux, where he continued to impress.

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Despite being set to return to Portugal in the coming weeks, it’s likely another move could be on the horizon ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

The latest: Bid made

As per L’Equipe, translated by SW, Leeds and Director of Football Victor Orta are among those to have shown an interest in the 53-cap ace.

It’s claimed Elis has been ‘attracting interest’ recently and is ‘expected to be sold’ in the transfer window after Bordeaux trigger a €7.5million (£6.4million) option to buy on the frontman. Bordeaux plan to make a quick profit on the forward hailed as ‘very fast and strong’ by compatriot and former Celtic defender Emilio Izaguirre amidst interest from Glasgow.

The report states that the French club have ‘been approached’ by suitors and Leeds have even made a bid already, although the nature of the offer is not known.

The verdict: Versatility is the key

Albeit the powerful attacker was unable to guide Bordeaux to safety last season, nine goals and one assist in 20 league outings is proof of an impressive campaign in the face of adversity.

Capable of playing on either wing and as a centre-forward, Fbref say Elis’ closest stylistic match is breakout West Ham star Jarrod Bowen, while the statistical analysis site also likens him to Watford’s Emmanuel Dennis and Liverpool linked Rennes’ hitman Martin Terrier.

Perhaps an unknown quantity to the Premier League, Elis is clearly a familiar name to Whites’ boss Jesse Marsch having crossed paths in the MLS and therefore should be a welcome addition to the Elland Road ranks given the backing of the 48-year-old’s judgement.

In other news: Leeds now eyeing move for ‘lethal and sublime’ gem, read more here

Leeds United are interested in a deal to bring Ben Brereton Diaz to Elland Road in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by the Daily Mail, who claim that Victor Orta and Jesse Marsch have discussed the possibility of making a move for the Blackburn Rovers centre-forward this summer – with the Championship side reported to be demanding a figure in the region of £15m in order to sanction the 23-year-old’s sale.

Further reports claim that West Ham United and Sevilla are also interested in a move for Chile international in the coming months, while Brighton & Hove Albion, Southampton, Wolverhampton Wanderers and newly-promoted Nottingham Forest are also believed to be keeping an eye on the situation of the striker ahead of a potential swoop.

“Could be the real deal”

Considering just how impressive Brereton Diaz was for Blackburn this season, in addition to it being reported that the signing of a new centre-forward is one of Orta’s priority targets in the summer transfer window, it is easy to see why the Spaniard would be keen on a deal to bring the Chilean to Elland Road.

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Indeed, over his 37 Championship appearances in 2021/21, the £14.4m-rated talent was in breathtaking form for Tony Mowbray’s side, scoring 22 goals, registering three assists and creating three big chances for his teammates, in addition to taking an average of 2.8 shots, making 0.6 key passes and completing 1.6 dribbles per game.

These returns saw the £6.5k-per-week striker who Matias Grez dubbed “unbelievable” and Matt Davies claimed “could be the real deal” average a SofaScore match rating of 6.94, ranking him as Rovers’ eighth-best player in the second tier of English football.

And, with Leeds only managing to hit the back of the net 42 times in the Premier League this season, something that was largely down to the continued absence of Marsch’s first-choice number nine Patrick Bamford, it is evident that the Whites could do with greater attacking firepower at Elland Road next term.

As such, it would appear extremely wise for Orta to do everything he can to win the race for the £15m Brereton Diaz this summer, as the Chilean sensation – who can also operate on either wing – could indeed prove to be the real deal in the Whites’ frontline.

AND in other news: Fabrizio Romano drops “key” Leeds United transfer update, supporters will be buzzing

Finance expert Dr Dan Plumley has been left reacting to some ‘very disappointing’ news that he has now heard involving Newcastle United.

The Lowdown: Ohio Cup cancelled

As per The Daily Mail, the proposed Ohio Cup pre-season tournament, in which the St James’ Park club were set to take part, has been cancelled by the organisers without much explanation.

The Magpies, who were due to play Wolves and two teams from La Liga – thought to be Villarreal and Valencia – were left fuming by the cancellation at such short notice, which has now left them scrambling over their pre-season plans.

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The Latest: Plumley reacts

Speaking to Football Insider, Plumley has given his reaction to the news, claiming that it is ‘very disappointing’ and a ‘blow’ for Newcastle to miss out on the cash windfall which would have stemmed from their participation in the Ohio Cup.

He stated: “It is a blow. They aren’t going to close the gap on the top four any time soon but they are trying to diversify and grow in other areas to boost their revenue and bridge the gap.

“This is really important for clubs like Newcastle who are going to be on the threshold of smashing the glass ceiling in future years.

“It might not be in the 20s or 30s of millions but it could be, maybe, £10m or so.

“A lot of planning and operation stuff goes into it. There is strategy and branding all tied into this. To have it cancelled without much in the way of the reason is very disappointing.

“They will now have to reset their planning, so you can understand the reaction.”

The Verdict: Not ideal

The cancellation of the Ohio Cup is certainly not ideal for Newcastle, even if it is just £10m or so that they have lost from its cancellation.

Eddie Howe and his squad would have already had plans in place for the trip, and they could have tested themselves against a Wolves side who finished above them in the Premier League table; and possibly Villarreal, who reached the semi-finals of the Champions League.

Nonetheless, they will now have to make new summer plans quickly, as they look to prepare themselves in the best possible way for what could be a big season ahead at St James’ Park.

In other news, one player is allegedly ‘close’ to joining NUFC

Leeds United boss Jesse Marsch is set for his first transfer window in charge of the club this summer after keeping the team in the top-flight.

He replaced Marcelo Bielsa at Elland Road and secured another season in the Premier League by beating Brentford 2-1 on the final day of the campaign, relegating Burnley in the process.

The Lillywhites boss will now have his first opportunity to bring his own players to the club as he starts to shape the team that he wants to build.

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One player who has already been linked with a move to Yorkshire is RB Leipzig’s Tyler Adams. MLS insider Tom Bogert has claimed that Leeds will be in for the midfielder in the coming months.

His own Joshua Kimmich

German manager Ralf Rangnick, most recently of Manchester United, previously compared the American international to the Bayern Munich star. He said:

“Like Joshua (Kimmich), Tyler has an unbelievable will to win. He wants to win every match and every training game. He wants to improve and listens. He’s never satisfied. The sky is the limit.”

Adams responded to these comments by saying: “It’s an honor to be compared with one of the best players in Europe. I’ve known Ralf [Rangnick] for some time now, and I highly regard his opinion because he’s an extraordinary expert in football. So, I’m flattered by his remarks.”

Kimmich has played 299 games for Bayern and won seven Bundesliga titles and the Champions League. He is also valued at £76.50m by Transfermarkt and this illustrates why it was a huge comparison for Rangnick to make at the time.

That is not to say that Adams will go on to be as good as the German international, or achieve as much, but he can be Leeds’ own version of him for where they are in the football food chain.

The Leipzig man already has four Bundesliga seasons under his belt by the age of 23 and has showcased his bite in midfield as well as his versatility. Like Kimmich, he can play at right-back and in central midfield and has made 3.1 tackles and interceptions per game on average throughout his career.

He is a young player with the potential to improve and a mentality comparable with a decorated midfield star and that is why Leeds must sign him this summer.

The machine can be an excellent addition to the team with his ability to win the ball back in the middle of the park and his scope to develop further in the years to come.

AND in other news, Huge transfer twist emerges that will have Leeds United supporters buzzing…

Aston Villa could have a big say on where the Premier League title ends up this season as they prepare to take on Manchester City on the final day of the campaign.

If the Villans can stop Pep Guardiola’s side from winning on Sunday and Liverpool win at home to Wolves, then Steven Gerrard’s former club will be crowned champions.

While the Midlands club will undoubtedly be aiming to get a result for themselves and their own fans rather than anyone else, it seems as though the Villans have been dealt a double injury blow which could impact their chances of doing just that.

What’s the news?

City’s defensive duo of John Stones and Kyle Walker are reportedly in contention to feature in Sunday’s clash after returning to training, having recently been sidelined with injuries.

Taking into account how Guardiola’s side have the best defensive record in the Premier League with just 24 goals conceded in 37 games, having two of their main defenders back in the frame will undeniably make them a tougher opponent for Villa to try and beat.

With Stones having one of the highest percentages for passing accuracy (93.2%) and has the highest percentage for aerial duels won out of players to be involved in more than two per game in the top flight this season, he will be a welcome addition back in City’s line-up.

The England centre-back is also listed higher than the likes of Aymeric Laporte, Ruben Dias and Nathan Ake in terms of overall performances this season according to WhoScored, with a rating of 7.13/10.

As for Walker, the fact that City have conceded 10 goals in the league throughout the 17 games in which he hasn’t played this season suggests that they are much better defensively when he’s in the team.

Taking this into account, if the league leaders are able to play both England internationals this weekend, it will be worrying for Gerrard and undoubtedly make it harder for Villa to end their season on a high note with a win against the title-chasing Citizens.

The Villa manager must now be hoping that his attacking players have what it takes to trouble City’s defence and give their travelling fans something to shout about after the 1-1 draw against Burnley on Thursday.

In other news: Gerrard already heading for big summer disaster at AVFC over £13.5m-rated “magician”

Everton are interested in securing the services of Bologna’s Swedish midfielder Mattias Svanberg this summer.

What’s the word?

That is according to Italian outlet 1000 Cuori Rossoblu, as per Sport Witness, who claim that the Serie A side have offered Svanberg a new contract but the Swede is not interested and is “the most likely young person to be expendable for a profitable sale in the summer.”

As noted in the report, the 23-year-old midfielder is wanted by Everton, West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur.

It’s also highlighted that Bologna refused an offer of €15m (£12.8m) last year, but state that this time around “it’s difficult for them to deprive themselves of him for a figure much less than €20m (£17m).”

Imagine him and Doucoure

Part of Everton’s downfall this season has been their ability to create chances, hence their status as the fourth worst goal scoring team in the league, having managed just 37 goals this season.

With Donny van de Beek injured and Fabian Delph filling in to form a partnership with Doucoure, the defensive stability is there, but there is almost no attacking threat.

With Van de Beek set to return back to parent club Manchester United at the end of the season, Lampard will need to find a more positive central midfielder who can look to cause more threat.

His average of 1.13 crosses per match also poses as an upgrade and would present a more composed option in the Toffees’ engine room who could look to ignite that creative spark for the forwards to benefit from.

This is where Svanberg, who has been described as “red hot” by Bologna’s official Twitter account, comes in, with his average of 2.14 shot-creating actions and average of 1.47 shots. In comparison to Delph’s numbers of 0.62 shot-creating actions per 90 and 0.15 shots per match average, they massively falter when aligned with the Swede’s metrics.

With that in mind, partnering him with the bullish Doucoure could be just the ticket that Everton need in order to make them a more menacing prospect in the middle of the pitch.

Lampard would be wise to look into the signing of Svanberg, though there are more creative assets out there so it would not hurt to look around.

In other news: “I’m told..“: Insider drops major Everton transfer claim, Lampard will be ecstatic 

Leeds United assistant manager Franz Schiemer is unlikely to remain at Elland Road ahead of Jesse Marsch’s first full season in charge, Joe Donnohue reports.

The Lowdown: Schiemer and Marsch

Marsch arrived at Leeds at the end of February, replacing Marcelo Bielsa with the aim of keeping the Whites in the Premier League.

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The American brought in both Cameron Toshack and Schiemer, with the latter previously working with Marsch for 94 games at RB Salzburg.

Leeds have picked up on the pitch under the new-look coaching team, taking 11 points from a possible 24, however, they are still in real danger of dropping down to the Championship with just four games remaining.

The Latest: Donnohue’s post

Leeds journalist Donnohue took to Twitter on Wednesday evening, sharing a story for The Yorkshire Evening Post, stating that it is ‘unlikely’ Schiemer will stay in Yorkshire beyond this season.

Donnohue added that Schiemer is set to return to Austria this summer, with his family not expected to make a permanent move to England.

The Verdict: Another?

It looks as if Marsch will lose star man Raphinha this summer, with the winger reportedly closing in on a move to Barcelona.

Exits may well not stop there on the pitch, with Kalvin Phillips also a man in demand, so this latest update on Schiemer isn’t ideal for the Leeds boss – the last thing he needs is a huge overhaul on and off the pitch.

Marsch even previously credited Schiemer with overseeing set-piece drills, an area where Leeds have improved in recent months.

Unfortunately, it looks as if the Austrian’s stay in Yorkshire will be a short-lived one, which could leave Marsch on the search for a new number two this summer.

In other news: Leeds want to sign ‘X-factor’ attacker despite possible relegation.