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According to a report by Foot Mercato, West Ham United are expected to sign Paris-Saint Germain goalkeeper Alphonse Areola this summer – but there’s also been a twist.

The Lowdown: West Ham in Areola talks…

As per numerous claims, including from the likes of Sky Sports and the Athletic, West Ham have indeed been in talks to seal a loan-to-buy deal for Areola.

The 28-year-old, who spent last season on loan at Fulham in the Premier League, is even thought to have his ‘heart set’ on joining David Moyes in east London, according to Football Insider.

Sky have also said that West Ham are prioritising the Frenchman following a failed £6 million bid to sign West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper Sam Johnstone (via Football Daily).

The Latest: Areola expected, but there’s a twist…

As per Foot Mercato, Areola is ‘expected’ to sign for West Ham this summer as Moyes looks to land his first major acquisition of the window.

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However, the French news outlet are also reporting that there has been a twist in the tale – with the two clubs now ‘far’ from an agreement over the player.

It is claimed that PSG want a straight sale while West Ham are after an initial loan deal, an aspect of the talks which could prove complicated.

The Verdict: Get it done, but don’t dither…

Lauded as an ‘exceptional’ player by former Cottagers boss Scott Parker last season, signing Areola would arguably be a brilliant move by West Ham and Moyes.

He is 28 years of age, which for a goalkeeper means he is only just entering his prime and could certainly be a long-term replacement for the 36 year-old Lukasz Fabiański.

However, given their need for a new striker and centre-back, West Ham can’t afford to dither if an agreement starts to look more and more unlikely.

Moyes and his squad enter the Europa League group stages next season in what will be an interesting 2021/2022 campaign, but as it stands, the club are up against the odds going by their lack of transfer activity thus far and need to start moving.

In other news: Talks opened – West Ham source shares news as Moyes transfer-lists yet another player, find out more here.

Southampton have been linked with Peter Olayinka and Daryl Dike ahead of the summer window but who would be the better addition to Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side?

Peter Olayinka

According to Premier League.cz, Southampton, Brighton and Aston Villa are all interested in signing the Slavia Prague forward this summer, with the Czech side expected to demand between £6m-£7m for his services.

The Nigerian forward, who features in a wide target man role for Slavia Prague but can also play through the middle, was one of the top performers for Slavia in their impressive run to the Europa League quarter-finals last season, as he contributed three goals and two assists in 11 appearances, averaging a solid 6.92 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

He also managed six goals and three assists in 24 appearances in the Fortuna Liga, which suggests that he could be a threat for Hasenhuttl’s side next season, especially from an aerial point of view, which is something that the Saints arguably lack in their attack.

Daryl Dike

According to TEAMtalk, Southampton are one of a number of Premier League sides monitoring the Orlando City striker after his superb performance on loan at Barnsley in the Championship last season.

The 21-year-old would contribute a superb nine goals in 21 appearances to help Valerian Ismael’s side secure a playoff finish, so it is no surprise that plenty of Premier League clubs were quick to take notice.

His performances with the Yorkshire side earned him the praise of experienced manager Neil Warnock, who said:

“I think they’ve probably got the best striker in the division in Dike. It’s said they’ve got a £17m buyout, so I would imagine if they go up, they’ll be buying him because he’s been unbelievable when I look at his clips. He scores goals, he’s big, strong and young. He’s got every attribute really.”

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Who would be better?

Although Dike’s buyout clause means that he would probably be the more expensive option, he is more of a natural striker than Olayinka and has age on his side.

The USA international looks to have a huge amount of potential, whilst Olayinka may have already hit his peak in the Czech league, so Dike could prove to be a great investment for the future by Southampton.

Therefore, Saints vice-chairman Martin Semmens should forget about Olayinka this summer and instead focus on signing Dike for Hasenhuttl’s side. He scored more this term, has a higher ceiling and is already acclimatised to English football.

This is a no brainer for the Saints hierarchy.

And, in other news… Southampton could repeat Armstrong masterclass with swoop for “outstanding” beast

A number of Liverpool supporters have been left frustrated by a report claiming that goalkeeper Adrian has been offered a new deal at Anfield.

The Reds finished their 2020/21 season in style on Sunday, picking up a 2-0 win at home to Crystal Palace and sealing a third-placed finish and Champions League football. It was a magnificent effort from Jurgen Klopp and his players, who won eight and drew two of their last 10 matches in the league.

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Now that the season is done and dusted, attention will turn to transfers, with Klopp no doubt eyeing up potential reinforcements. On the flip side, there are also those who could head the other way, being deemed surplus to requirements and enjoying a fresh challenge elsewhere.

Adrian could be one of those, having proven to be a divisive figure at Anfield – his performance against Atletico Madrid last season didn’t help – although the Daily Mail claimed that the Spaniard has been offered a new deal at Anfield.

It is stated that a return to Spain could appeal more, however, in order to enjoy more regular playing time.

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Liverpool fans react to Adrian update

These Liverpool fans aren’t happy about a potential new contract for the goalkeeper, taking to Twitter to call for Adrian to leave.

“FSG out”

Credit: @yaboi_kryp20

“I’ll pay for his flight”

Credit: @kajju

“Please return home”

Credit: @YSpecz

“Take our 3rd place away immediately”

Credit: @ricciardoszn

“We deserve relegation because of this”

Credit: @AC_LFC19

“Got home from work to this awful news”

Credit: @o_ameenat

In other news, James Pearce has discussed a Liverpool player’s future, providing a key update. Find out who it is here.

Ben Jacobs has dropped some worrying insight on the potential takeover of Newcastle United involving Mohammed bin Salman (MBS).

The Lowdown: MBS lobbying

Back in April, it was reported by the Daily Mail that Boris Johnson was personally lobbied by MBS with regards to the failed takeover at St James’ Park by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium.

KSA crown prince MBS urged the British Prime Minister (PM) to ‘correct and reconsider’ the ‘wrong’ decision which was made by the Premier League (EPL) to nix the deal between Mike Ashley and the consortium.

MBS warned Mr Johnson last year that Anglo-Saudi relations would be damaged unless the decision was reversed, as the PM asked senior aide Lord Eddie Lister, an expert on the Middle East, to take up the complaint, which he said he would ‘investigate’.

The Latest: Jacobs on MBS lobbying

Jacobs has recently been giving his thoughts on the reported lobbying by MBS on the Primer Minister, to which the sports journalist – who has been closely following the whole takeover saga – claimed that the lobbying ‘affects arbitration’ and that it is a ‘practical example of a lack of separation’ between the KSA’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) and Saudi Arabia, or at least that is what the Premier League will argue.

He added that for MBS to get involved is the ‘last thing’ that Newcastle want going into their arbitration case against the EPL.

The Verdict: Worrying sign

The reported lobbying by MBS is a worrying sign in terms of whether or not the potential takeover on Tyneside can be pushed through.

The EPL’s Owners’ and Directors’ Test (ODT) with regards to the bid is set out to determine whether PIF are a separate entity from the Saudi state, and if this is not found to be the case, then the takeover cannot go ahead.

MBS’ involvement does not help in this matter, and his reported lobbying on Mr Johnson would be hard to argue for this.

Nonetheless, the chances of the takeover happening should become much clearer once the results of the arbitration hearing are disclosed, but one cannot help but worry whether they will judge in the favour of the Magpies.

In other news, find out what big claim Luke Edwards has dropped on the potential takeover.

Gabby Agbonlahor has dropped a big Newcastle United transfer claim about Conor Hourihane.

The Lowdown: Hourihane impresses

Hourinhane certainly impressed while on loan at Swansea City in the EFL Championship in the 2020/21 season.

The Republic of Ireland international scored no fewer than five goals and made a further two assists from midfield in 19 games in total in the division (Transfermarkt), helping them to the play-off final, in where they lost out to Brentford for a place in the Premier League.

The Latest: Hourihane to Newcastle?

Speaking to Football Insider, Agbonlahor, who is now a pundit after playing as a striker for both Aston Villa and the England national team, has claimed that the St. James’ Park faithful ‘would love’ to have Hourihane in their team for the new term:

“I think he’ll definitely have offers.

“It depends what he wants to do. I think he’ll come back for pre-season, speak with the manager and take it from there.

“If he was to leave, he’d definitely have offers and there would be Premier League clubs after him.

“You look at the likes of Brentford, Newcastle. Steve Bruce knows him well. You look at Norwich, Watford, the teams that have come up. They would love to have him in their team.

“He won’t be short of offers. I just hope he gets the move that’s right for him.”

The Verdict: Sign him

Hourihane would certainly be a smart signing by the North East club, given that he would likely not cost too much money being 30 years of age and on the fringes at Villa after being sent out on loan.

His performances while at the Swans should not be ignored, as Steve Cooper, who is a highly-rated manager and who has recently been reported as the favourite for the vacant job at Crystal Palace, described him as ‘excellent’ after one of those displays back in January.

Bruce would also know how to get the best out of him, as the central midfielder played in 76 matches under the Geordie at Villa Park across three consecutive campaigns, scoring an impressive 14 times and supplying a further eight assists (Transfermarkt).

Nonetheless, signing Hourihane would be a shrewd piece of business by the Tyneside club.

In other news, find out what Mike Ashley has told the takeover consortium about arbitration here!

Former Southampton midfielder Carlton Palmer has told The Transfer Tavern in an exclusive interview that he cannot understand why Ralph Hasenhuttl is being touted for the Tottenham job.

Despite being linked with a whole host of managers, Tottenham are yet to appoint a permanent successor to Jose Mourinho.

It has led some to moot the idea of Spurs turning to Hasenhuttl, who has had some very good moments at Southampton this season.

The Austrian coach had the Saints sitting at the top of the Premier League table at one point and guided them to an FA Cup semi-final where they narrowly missed out to finalists Leicester City.

Overall, though, he has not done enough for Palmer, who is surprised to hear people suggesting him for the Tottenham job.

Speaking exclusively to TT about the former RB Leipzig boss, Palmer said:

“I just can’t get my head around it. Both the Southampton manager and the Brighton manager have been linked with the Spurs job, right? Correct me if I’m wrong, they’re both around 15th or 16th in the league, respectively.

“I just don’t get it, how they can be mooted to taking over at Spurs.”

Hasenhuttl has said he expects to see out the remaining three years of his contract at Southampton, so it will be interesting to see what happens if Tottenham do make an approach for the 53-year-old.

Wolves are set for their first bottom-half finish since being promoted back to the Premier League in 2018.

After back-to-back seventh places, Nuno Espirito Santo’s men currently sit 12th with five games remaining. They’re five points off the top half in the wake of Sunday’s wretched 4-0 home defeat to relegation-threatened Burnley.

Predictably, they have suffered in the absence of Raul Jimenez, who scored 17 Premier League goals and 26 in all competitions last season, at least 10 more than any of his team-mates.

However, he hasn’t played since the 2-1 win away to Arsenal at the end of November, when he sustained a fractured skull.

Fortunately, the Mexican is now on the comeback trail. Nuno told reporters on Sunday that Jimenez was ‘almost ready to go’ but hadn’t yet been given the all-clear to start heading the ball.

On Sunday night, the striker posted three images of him on the training ground, controlling the ball and conducting shooting practice. He added the caption ‘getting ready’.

The 29-year-old’s tweet drew a pained, wistful response from many Wolves fans who are desperate to see him back in action once he is fit enough to feature.

Jimenez a possible saviour in the eyes of Wolves fans

“Can’t wait to have you back but is there any need this season. Get fully ready for the start of next season, no risks needed for last few games.”

Credit: @WeemanRich

“We need you”

Credit: @jackhurdley_

“Please Raul we need you”

Credit: @wwfcglover

“Can’t wait for your return big man”

Credit: @BensPlaysGames

“Jimi, mate, we could have used you today.”

Credit: @cpj93070

“Can’t come quick enough big man”

Credit: @_DomRoberts1

“Please end this pain”

Credit: @lewis_wwfc7

In other news, some Wolves fans blasted this man’s performance in the Burnley defeat

Manchester City have entered the race for Leeds United star Raphinha.

That’s according to Italian transfer journalist Gianluigi Longari, who claims Manchester United and Liverpool are still interested, but they now face fresh competition from the champions elect.

City can win the Premier League title this weekend if they beat Crystal Palace and Liverpool beat Manchester United, so can soon start looking to next season’s transfer plans.

And Pep Guardiola is looking to beat Jurgen Klopp and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to the coveted signature of the Leeds winger.

Longari adds that ‘nothing is decided yet’ and that ‘LUFC want to keep him’, having signed the youngster from Rennes for £17million last summer.

Raphinha a revelation at Elland Road

Raphinha has been directly involved in 12 goals in his first season in the top-flight (six goals, six assists), an impressive return for a young winger on his first crack at the Premier League.

The Brazilian is in the league’s top six for chances created per 90 minutes, edged only by Luke Shaw, Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, Kevin de Bruyne and Jack Grealish. He’s also in the top 15 for successful dribbles per game with 1.9.

Such performances have even seen him labelled a ‘monster’ by his compatriot Lucas Moura.

Transfer Tavern verdict

Raphinha still has three years left on the contract he signed on arrival, so expect Leeds to demand a huge profit if they are to sell.

Intriguingly, though, this development comes shortly after a new winger emerged as a target for the Yorkshire outfit.

Football FanCast revealed this week that Director of Football Victor Orta had held talks with the agent of Rubin Kazan’s Khvicha Kvaratskheila.

The four-goal, eight-assist Georgian has predominantly been used on the left this season, rather than the right, but Transfermarkt list him as two-footed, so perhaps the Whites are plotting a contingency plan in case an offer for Raphinha is too good to turn down.

In other news, Leeds have been backed to pull off a mighty coup.

After seeing his Aston Villa side fall to a 3-2 defeat to Crystal Palace at the weekend, Dean Smith will no doubt be keen to ensure his team get back to winning ways when they take on Spurs tonight.

The Midlands club took the lead on two separate occasions against the Eagles in the first-half, before a late salvo saw Roy Hodgson’s men come away with all three points at Selhurst Park.

Villa were rocked before the game by the news that Tyrone Mings would be unavailable, and in his place, Kortney Hause came in from the wilderness to partner Ezri Konsa at the back.

And while the centre-back had a promising start and could have, and probably should have, scored in the first-half, his rustiness and lack of touch really told after the break when Palace turned the pressure on.

As per Sofascore, the £55k-a-week earning ace finished on a 6.4 match rating, the second-lowest of any Villa player, making no tackles or interceptions and losing possession 12 times.

And most importantly, he was beaten by Christian Benteke in the air for one of Palace’s goals, and that lack of sharpness really told in his decision-making.

Writing in his post-match player ratings for The Birmingham Mail, Ashley Preece gave him a five, saying: “In for his first start since December 28 and he started well and perhaps could have scored two as his headers from Traore’s corner sailed just wide of Butland’s post. Hause was good on the deck and fizzed in passes to the likes of Targett and El Ghazi.

“The centre-back was undone for Palace’s equaliser, though, as Benteke timed his jump to perfection to get above Hause before his effort nestled home. Hause was pick-pocketed by Schlupp in the second half as Palace almost took advantage. A bit rusty which was to be expected.”

With Smith confirming in his pre-match press conference that a late fitness check will be made on Tyrone Mings, the Villa boss will be desperately hoping one of his main centre-backs can pass the test and make his comeback against Spurs.

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Having a rusty Hause trying to deal with an in-form Harry Kane who’s eyeing up yet another Premier League Golden Boot is a recipe for disaster, and one that could prove very costly for Villa.

Meanwhile, Villa must land this “great leader” despite Lee Hendrie’s transfer verdict…

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, former Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Carlton Palmer believes Darren Moore has nothing to lose by signing Ravel Morrison, with The Examiner reporting that the Owls boss has refused to rule out a future move.

The 28-year-old is currently a free agent and had been training with Moore’s side as he looks for a new club following his release from Dutch outfit ADO Den Haag.

It is not the first time Morrison has been released by his team, with Wednesday’s rivals Sheffield United having done the same thing prior. The attacking midfielder also left West Ham in similar fashion back in 2015 after a spell in east London that had some very difficult moments, something his former manager Sam Allardyce spoke about last year.

Nevertheless, Palmer can understand Moore’s decision to take a look at the player and feels signing him could be worth the gamble.

“Darren’s in a difficult situation,” the ex-Wednesday player told FFC. “He’s out of contract, he’s a talented player, Darren took over the situation knowing that the transfer window had gone, knowing that he wasn’t able to bring in any players, so maybe Ravel can help him out from now to the end of the season.”

Palmer concluded by saying:

“Maybe he [Moore] just thinks what’s he got to lose. I’m sure he’s not looking at signing Ravel long-term, but what’s he got to lose short-term from now to the end of the season if he can bring him something different?”

With no transfer window and the predicament 23rd-placed Wednesday are currently in, by no means is it far-fetched for Moore to again consider the possibility of adding Morrison to his squad.