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West Ham United are ‘willing’ to offer Paris-Saint Germain goalkeeper Keylor Navas a ‘higher salary’ to move to the Premier League, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Hammers making moves…

The Hammers and manager David Moyes are reported to be busy behind-the-scenes ahead of the summer transfer window’s closure on September 1.

Bids have gone in and talks are underway for multiple players, including Club Brugge star Hans Vanaken and Chelsea left-back Emerson Palmieri (ExWHUemployee).

As head of recruitment Rob Newman identifies and begins negotiations for targets, it appears a new one has come on to West Ham’s radar.

The Latest: West Ham ready to make bumper Navas salary offer…

Indeed, according to reports out of Italy, there has been a development involving PSG shot stopper Navas.

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La Repubblica, via West Ham Zone (Monday, 15:04), claim the Irons ‘undermine’ Serie A giants Napoli in the race for Costa Rica’s international star and there is ‘strong interest’ from Moyes’ side.

As well as this, West Ham are ‘willing to pay the player a higher salary’ to join them – potentially threatening to hijack Napoli’s deal for Navas.

The Verdict: Get it done?

Having just signed Alphonse Areola on a permanent deal, signing the 35-year-old arguably makes little sense when other areas of the squad need reinforcements badly – like defence for instance.

That being said, if West Ham do wish to sign Navas, his quality is evident with journalist Matteo Bonetti speaking very highly of him this month.

He claimed PSG’s ace is a ‘world class goalkeeper’ who ‘guarantees you extra points’ (Twitter), and it will be interesting to see if West Ham do indeed leapfrog Napoli in the race for his signature.

Newcastle United are potentially lining up a move for Rennes striker Gaetan Laborde, according to TuttoMercatoWeb (via Sport Witness).

The lowdown

Eddie Howe currently has two recognised centre-forwards to call upon in Callum Wilson and Chris Wood, but it seems that he wants to bolster his options in that department.

Laborde moved from Montpellier to Rennes last summer for £13.5m and is under contract until June 2025.

The 28-year-old scored 15 Ligue 1 goals last season and netted five times in the Europa Conference League, finishing just outside the top five in the tournament’s scoring charts.

The latest

According to TuttoMercatoWeb (via Sport Witness), Rennes are apparently working on selling players as the end of the transfer window approaches.

Either Laborde of Martin Terrier ‘could pack his bags’ before the transfer deadline. The former has attracted ‘many requests’, with Newcastle and West Ham both ‘on his trail’.

Laborde also has a domestic suitor in the form of Lille, along with a La Liga option in Sevilla.

The verdict

You can see why Howe might want to sign another striker prior to 1 September.

Wilson’s injury history is a worry – he has missed 35 games in two seasons since joining Newcastle – while they may not be able to rely upon Wood, who has only scored one non-penalty goal in 20 appearances since he arrived at the club in January.

Laborde is comparatively prolific, and he also records high volumes of assists (84th percentile among strikers in Europe’s top five leagues), pressures (83rd) and interceptions (72nd). Statistically speaking, he’s similar to Ollie Watkins at Aston Villa and Michail Antonio at West Ham, as per FBRef’s similar players model.

Newcastle fans may have come across Laborde earlier this year, when BT Sport posted a clip showing him scoring a Panenka penalty but then apologising to the goalkeeper afterwards.

Brilliantly intuitive and evidently a threat in the final third, he could be a very astute signing by the Magpies if they bring him in.

Fabrizio Romano has dropped an update on the future of Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier.

What’s the latest?

In a recent post on Twitter, the Italian journalist revealed that, following reports of Manchester United’s interest in the 22-year-old shot-stopper, Leeds have no intention of negotiating with Erik ten Hag’s side regarding a deal for the France U21 international – as the Whites consider the ‘keeper as “untouchable” and a crucial part of Jesse Marsch’s first team squad at Elland Road.

In his tweet, the transfer insider said: “Leeds have no intention to negotiate with Man United for Illan Meslier. The French goalkeeper is now considered ‘untouchable’ and a key part of the project.”

Good news for Marsch

Considering just how impressive Meslier has been for Leeds over the past two seasons, Romano’s suggestion that the Whites have no intention of sanctioning the sale of the Frenchman is undoubtedly good news for Marsch.

Indeed, over his 35 Premier League appearances in 2020/21, the £18m-rated talent was in remarkable form, keeping 11 clean sheets and making an average of 4.0 saves per game – the joint fifth-most and the second-most in the top flight respectively.

These returns saw the former FC Lorient starlet average an extremely impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.13, not only ranking him as Leeds’ third-best performer in the league but also as the joint 33rd-best player in the division as a whole.

And, despite the Whites’ shipping a whopping 79 goals last season, the £22k-per-week stopper still managed to catch the eye over his 38 Premier League fixtures, keeping five clean sheets and making an average of 3.8 saves per game – the most in the league last time out.

These metrics saw the 22-year-old average a SofaScore match rating of 6.87, ranking him as Marsch’s sixth-best performer in the top flight last season – a quite astonishing feat considering the volume of goals the club conceded in 2021/22.

As such, when taking into account Meslier’s age, coupled with just how impressive the Frenchman has already been for Leeds in what is arguably the most challenging division in world football, the news that Victor Orta will not be entertaining the sale of the ‘keeper this summer is quite clearly fantastic news for everyone involved at Elland Road – as it is clear that the shot-stopper very much possesses world-class potential.

West Ham United are in ‘ongoing’ talks to sign South American starlet Lazaro for manager David Moyes, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Moyes keeping busy…

Signing from Chelsea, left-back and Italy international Emerson Palmieri has become the Premier League side’s latest summer acquisition.

The 28-year-old becomes West Ham’s seventh summer capture after the east Londoners also completed deals for Nayef Aguerd, Flynn Downes, Alphonse Areola, Gianluca Scamcca, Maxwel Cornet and Thilo Kehrer.

These may not be the sum of their business, either, with reports suggesting West Ham could be set for a late ‘flurry’ after sealing a move for Emerson.

Club Brugge attacker Hans Vanaken is thought to be on the agenda with news now emerging on another target in Lazaro.

The Latest: West Ham in ‘ongoing’ Lazaro talks…

According to reports, West Ham are still trying to sign the 20-year-old from Flamengo.

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UOL claim the Irons ‘try to hire’ Lazaro and ‘conversations are ongoing’ over his signature – coming after West Ham tabled a £5 million bid for the attacking midfielder.

It’s added that the player is contracted until 2025, potentially gifting Flamengo plenty of breathing room in terms of negotiation and relieving them of pressure to sell.

The Verdict: Seal a move?

For the right price, Lazaro could be a very astute purchase as one to watch for the future.

Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig has called the Brazilian ‘versatile’ and ‘creative’, not to mention in a ‘similar’ ilk to Borussia Dortmund legend Marco Reus (Twitter).

Lazaro would come to the London Stadium with a glowing reputation, and in the next few seasons, could inject a real degree of class if the player keeps improving.

Journalist Dean Jones has made a late Tottenham Hotspur transfer claim involving Adama Traore as the Lilywhites look for a ‘right-sided’ Ivan Perisic.

The Lowdown: Spurs keep moving…

The Premier League side, having completed a plethora of major signings already this summer, are currently linked with a few more new additions including the likes of Daniel James and Yannick Carrasco.

This comes after Spurs completed deals for a host of new incomings, including a long-awaited permanent deal for star defender Cristian Romero.

Alongside the Argentine, Antonio Conte’s side have also added Ivan Perisic, Fraser Forster, Yves Bissouma, Richarlison, Clement Lenglet, Djed Spence and Destiny Udogie.

The Latest: Jones makes Traore claim…

Speaking to GiveMeSport, transfer insider Jones has now made a claim involving Wolves winger Traore as the deadline fast approaches.

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When asked who and what Spurs are in the market for, the reporter claims Barcelona’s ex loanee has been viewed as a late target alongside the likes of Carrasco and James.

He explained:

“Spurs are looking for a right-sided version of Perisic.

“Carrasco and James have both been viewed for that role. Adama has been too, but suddenly his value has shot back up to around £20million.”

The Verdict: Launch late move?

Called a ‘game-changer’ by ex-Leeds United striker Noel Whelan, the fact Traore could move on for just £20 million could be a solid last minute opportunity for Tottenham.

Once valued at £100 million, this new £20m sum actually presents a chance for sporting director Fabio Paratici and co to instigate a fairly reasonable deal – especially considering he averaged far more successful take-ons per 90 than any Spurs player last season.

Liverpool are plotting a move to sign Benfica midfielder Enzo Fernandez in January, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Nunes and Fernandez?

The Reds signed Arthur Melo on a season-long loan from Juventus in the summer to provide cover for the ongoing injury crisis, but that hasn’t stopped FSG from beginning their preparations for the upcoming window.

Matheus Nunes is believed to be one of the top names on Jurgen Klopp’s wishlist, but he isn’t the only player to have recently moved to a new club that is already being linked with an exit.

The 21-year-old Fernandez has just signed for the Portuguese giants from River Plate, but it appears that the Merseyside outfit are keen to bring him to the Premier League.

The Latest: Liverpool eyeing Fernandez

According to Brazilian outlet UOL (via Sport Witness), Fernandez is ‘being watched’ by Liverpool alongside the interest in Nunes, with his name ‘on the rise behind the scenes’ at Anfield.

The source reports that Jorge Mendes is the agent who completed his previous transfer from River Plate to Benfica, and he is claimed to have a ‘close and trusty’ relationship with Reds transfer guru Julian Ward.

The Verdict: Bellingham alternative?

Whilst Liverpool are known to be long-term admirers of Jude Bellingham, there are several clubs chasing his signature, so it’s probably wise to have a backup in case the deal falls through.

The Argentinian, dubbed an ‘orchestrator’ by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, currently averages 2.3 shots and 1.2 key passes per Primeira Liga game, and has already got one goal in six showings this term (WhoScored).

This ability to create chances and contribute from the midfield is something that Klopp desperately needs, and Fernandez could be the perfect alternative to Bellingham if the club were to have a change of heart.

Arsenal have been dealt yet another injury setback ahead of their Premier League meeting with Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday afternoon.

What’s the latest?

That’s according to Kaya Kaynak, with the football.london journalist revealing in a recent post on Twitter that, despite only recovering from an injury that saw him miss FC Zurich and Brentford fixtures prior to the international break, Cedric Soares has now sustained a fresh injury that will rule him out for between one and two weeks.

In his post, Kaynak said: “Cedric Soares has picked up a fresh knock and will be out for a week or two. Really unlucky for him just after coming back from an injury that saw him miss FC Zurich and Brentford before the international break.”

A dilemma for Arteta

While it is true that Cedric is not exactly a guaranteed starter at The Emirates – having been an unused substitute four times already this season – considering the fact that both Takehiro Tomiyasu and Ben White are also injury doubts for the north London derby this weekend, the loss of the Portugal international will nevertheless come as yet another blow to Mikel Arteta, who could now have a big dilemma over his options on the right-hand side of defence.

Indeed, should both Tomiyasu and White be ruled out of Saturday’s clash, Cedric’s unavailability will leave the Spaniard with no natural right-back for the visit of Tottenham – something that, considering the fact Spurs’ left-winger, Heung-min Son, is coming into the fixture on the back of a sensational second-half hat-trick last time out, would represent a disaster for the 40-year-old.

And, despite not being first choice, the £5.4m-rated full-back nevertheless impressed over his 21 Premier League appearances last season, scoring one goal, registering one assist, creating two big chances and keeping three clean sheets, as well as making an average of 1.8 tackles, 0.8 interceptions, 0.9 key passes and winning 3.0 duels per game.

These returns saw the £75k-per-week defender average an extremely respectable SofaScore match rating of 6.86, ranking the 31-year-old as Arsenal’s joint 15th-best performer in the top flight of English football last time out – proving his importance within the Gunners’ squad.

As such, the unavailability of Cedric will certainly come as another blow to Arteta ahead of Saturday’s fixture, with the Spaniard already missing Mohamed Elneny and Emile Smith Rowe, while Thomas Partey, Kieran Tierney, Tomiyasu and White are also doubts for the meeting with Arsenal’s most fierce of rivals.

Everton correspondent for The Liverpool Echo Joe Thomas has revealed an update on the potential takeover by Maciek Kaminski.

The Lowdown: Kaminski takeover bid

As per The Financial Times, Kaminski has launched a new takeover bid at Goodison Park, with the American businessman in talks with Farhad Moshiri over a reported £400m deal.

He was part of the group spearheaded by former Manchester United and Chelsea CEO Peter Kenyon who reportedly had a ‘phone call’ with Moshiri over a potential takeover in the summer, but that deal never materialised, with the Merseyside club’s owner thought to be reluctant to sell.

The Latest: No significant progress

When asked by a Toffees supporter if the club is still up for sale and whether Kaminski is indeed interested in buying, Thomas replied in a Q&A for The Liverpool Echo that while Kaminski still holds an interest, there has not been any significant progress since the summer, and Moshiri is keen to deliver the new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, which is set to cost around £500m:

“There is still an interest in Everton from Maciek Kaminski, though my understanding is there has not been any significant progress on his ambitions since the summer – when, of course, Farhad Moshiri said the club was not for sale.

“Moshiri has said he is interested in finding support in financing Bramley-Moore, so conversations about the club, the stadium and investment will be ongoing. ”

“Where they could lead, I don’t know, and currency fluctuations that improve the dollar against sterling will only increase the buying power of a potential US investor.

“But while I couldn’t rule anything out, I think Moshiri is keen to deliver the stadium if he can.”

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The Verdict: Time to sell up

While it seems for now that Kaminski’s bid is being put on hold, it would be best for the Blues if Moshiri were to sell the club.

Since increasing his stake as the major shareholder back in 2018, they have finished in the bottom half of the Premier League table in three of the last four seasons, including narrowly avoiding relegation last term (Transfermarkt).

Moshiri has also spent nearly £400m in transfers during that time as well, with the club accumulating heavy losses and flirting with Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations (Sky Sports).

Nonetheless, before things potentially get worse financially, along with the huge cost of the new stadium, now would be the best time for Moshiri to finally sell up.

Liverpool will travel to north London this afternoon in a Premier League clash against Arsenal, and Jurgen Klopp will be hoping his team’s midweek victory in the Champions League can inspire a positive result at the Emirates too.

The Reds are currently 10th in the league table and 11 points adrift of the Gunners at the top, so it’s incredibly important that Klopp’s side do all that they can to close the gap by taking all three points from their visit to the capital.

Despite the struggle for convincing performances in the Premier League, Liverpool have a fantastic recent record against Arsenal as they are unbeaten in their last five meetings in all competitions.

In terms of injuries, Liverpool will be without Arthur Melo, Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Andy Robertson and Curtis Jones this afternoon.

With that being said, this is how Football FanCast expects Liverpool to line up against Arsenal…

We predict there will be three changes to the team that beat Rangers on Tuesday, with the same 4-3-2-1/4-4-2 formation that was successful at Anfield.

The first change we expect to see is Ibrahima Konate reprising his role in the centre-back partnership with Virgil van Dijk in an otherwise unchanged backline of Kostas Tsimikas and Trent Alexander-Arnold.

The 23-year-old hasn’t started a competitive match since May but could replace Joel Matip at the heart of the defence. This would give the player not only an opportunity to shine at the Emirates Stadium after recently returning from injury, but would also ensure rest for Matip who will no doubt feature again in the Champions League clash on Wednesday as Liverpool aim for a comfortable finish in the group stages.

The second change we predict is Fabinho returning to the centre of the pitch alongside Thiago Alcantara. That would mean club captain Jordan Henderson would lose his spot in the starting line-up despite being “outstanding” – in the words of Curtis Woodhouse – during the win over Rangers.

The £180k-per-week Brazilian midfielder missed out during that victory but replaced Henderson in the 70th minute, but it would be no surprise if he gets the nod in the starting line up this afternoon.

Jurgen is a Red! Show how happy you are about it with this awesome t-shirt! Click here to buy…

The third and final change we expect to see is Roberto Firmino coming in as the fourth attacker alongside Diogo Jota, Mohammed Salah and Luis Diaz, replacing Darwin Nunez in the team.

The number nine is in incredible form with five goals in ten appearances, making him the joint top goal-scorer for the club this season so far. He has an impeccable record against Arsenal, scoring nine goals and delivering three assists in his 16 meetings with the Gunners.

With that being said, it would be no surprise if Klopp makes some little tweaks to combine experience with high quality across the pitch whilst maintaining that fresh formation that worked a treat in the Champions League.

Leeds United’s teenage defender Harvey Sutcliffe is set to be ‘sidelined for a number of months’ with an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

The Lowdown: Sutcliffe under Skubala

Sutcliffe, who signed professional terms at Elland Road over the summer, has been impressive under U21s manager Michael Skubala this season.

The 18-year-old has made five appearances so far, taking his U21 tally to 19. He has turned out at right-back and left-back, registering two assists in a 5-1 win over Nottingham Forest back in August.

Sutcliffe was forced off through injury against Sunderland on Monday, though, in what was ‘one of his best displays’ according to Leeds journalist Joe Donnohue, and it looks as if his knee problem is serious.

The Latest: ACL

The defender was on crutches and in a knee brace following the 1-0 win at the Stadium of Light earlier in the week.

LUFC Youth have since reported on Twitter that Sutcliffe ‘has suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury and will be sidelined for a number of months’.

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The Verdict: Unfortunate

The Whites are fairly short of left-backs in the first-team, with Junior Firpo struggling through injury, so Sutcliffe may have been hoping to catch Jesse Marsch’s eye, especially with a Carabao Cup clash at Wolves around the corner.

He appeared to be improving all the time under Skubala, but it looks as if he may now be out for the rest of the year in what is a disappointing blow for Sutcliffe and the U21s.

Sutcliffe will be desperate to make a full and swift recovery, and hopefully, he won’t have any complications over the coming months and can be back playing in 2023, looking to win instant promotion with the U21s back to Premier League 2 Division 1.