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ExWHUemployee has dropped an update on reported West Ham United transfer target Amadou Onana.

What’s the talk?

In a recent post on Twitter, the Hammers transfer insider confirmed that, following Dharmesh Sheth’s tweet claiming that David Moyes is considering a second bid for the LOSC Lille defensive midfielder after seeing an initial €23m (£20m) offer rejected, this is indeed the case.

In response to a question asking whether the reports of West Ham’s interest in Onana are accurate, Ex replied: “Yes.”

In further comments made on The West Ham Way podcast, Ex went on to reveal that, while the Ligue 1 side are believed to be demanding a figure in the region of €60m (£51m) for the 20-year-old, the Irons are only willing to offer up to €45m (£39m) for the Belgium international this summer.

Regarding the club’s pursuit of the Lille midfielder, the insider said: “We put in a bid of around €23m. Definitely, 100% a target. Apparently, Lille are looking for up to €60m for him and want to encourage a bidding war with Arsenal to try and get the figure up as close towards €60m as possible.

“West Ham now have a dilemma as to whether they go back in. They won’t offer €60m for him, not for a midfielder who’s not proven. I doubt they’d pay €60m for a player like that, but if they could get him for around €40m or €45m then it might be something that we consider.

“I think it’s a deal that could be revisited, not in the near future as in this week but maybe next or in the not-so-distant future.”

Supporters will be buzzing

Considering just how exciting a prospect Onana looks to be, Ex’s claim that West Ham are considering a second bid for the 20-year-old is sure to be news that will leave the London Stadium faithful buzzing.

Indeed, following his €8.5m (£7m) move to Lille last summer, the £9m-rated talent highly impressed over his 32 Ligue 1 appearances in 2021/22, scoring one goal and creating three big chances for his teammates, as well as making an average of 1.5 interceptions, 0.9 tackles and winning 3.4 duels – at a success rate of 54% – per game.

Furthermore, according to FBref data, the £5.5k-per-week Belgian also ranks in the top 6% of midfielders in Europe’s big five leagues and European competitions for tackles per 90, in addition to the top 21% for aerials won, the top 24% for clearances and the top 25% for interceptions over the last 365 days.

As such, with Mark Noble having retired from professional football at the end of last season, coupled with both Declan Rice and Tomas Soucek being linked with moves away from east London this summer, it is easy to see why Moyes would be interested in a move for Onana ahead of West Ham’s 2022/23 campaign.

Indeed, the one-cap international who Jonas Boldt dubbed a “promising young talent” would not only appear to be a signing who will simply plug the Noble-shaped hole in the Hammers midfield next term, but he could well become the Irons’ first-choice in the position for many a year to come.

AND in other news: “All I can say is…”: Ex reveals huge WHU transfer update, supporters will be buzzing

Former Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper turned Sky Sports pundit Paul Robinson has made a claim involving Spurs and Anthony Gordon after Daniel Levy’s ‘meeting’ with his Everton counterpart Bill Kenwright.

The Lowdown: Levy spotted…

Last Tuesday, ex-BBC journalist Jon Sopel revealed that both Levy and Kenwright had dinner at Scott’s, having spotted them whilst being sat a table nearby.

As the pair held talks, potentially over the now-confirmed signing Richarlison at the time, their sit-down also came amid Tottenham’s strong links with Toffees winger Anthony Gordon.

According to reports, Spurs still hold a real interest in signing the 21-year-old, with The Mirror’s print edition (via Goodison News) having claimed very recently that Fabio Paratici is plotting a move for the player.

The Latest: Robinson makes ‘perfect’ claim…

Speaking to Football Insider, Robinson has made a claim involving Levy and Gordon as the Lilywhites eye a move to sign the youngster for Antonio Conte.

He explained that the England under-21 international is exactly the type of player that Levy ‘loves signing’ for the north Londoners and suspects that Gordon came up in conversation during the Spurs chief’s dinner with Kenwright.

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Robinson stated:

“There was a meeting. Daniel Levy and Bill Kenwright seemingly had dinner and I suspect Gordon was a player who came up in conversation.

“He is the type of player that Daniel loves signing for Tottenham. A young, talented English player.

“It would be similar to the way he signed me, Michael Carrick, Jermain Defoe, Aaron Lennon and Kyle Walker.

“Gordon would be that type of player – exciting with lots of potential. He would be the perfect fit for Spurs.

“I suspect there would have been a conversation about Gordon and his future. I’m sure that move will be revisited in the coming years.”

The Verdict: Push ahead?

While the prospect of Tottenham signing another one of Everton’s key players is arguably an uphill battle, in an ideal universe, an exciting move for move would certainly be ‘perfect’ for Spurs, to use Robinson’s words.

Able to help balance out the club’s worrying homegrown quota, the 21-year-old also possesses huge potential and is already well versed in Premier League action, having made 49 top-flight appearances.

Gordon stands out as one to watch, with Boreham Wood manager Luke Garrard even calling him ‘frightening’ after their FA Cup clash against the Toffees earlier this year.

Indeed, Tottenham landing the youngster would be a real coup, although it perhaps seems unlikely at this point given that they’ve already raided Everton for Richarlison.

Manchester City have shown over recent years that they are not reluctant when it comes to signing players from other clubs across Europe and beyond.

One player that the Citizens brought in from abroad fairly recently is Ruben Dias, who made his move to the Etihad Stadium from Benfica back in September 2020 for a fee of £65m.

Since then, the Portugal international has gone on to make 89 appearances for Pep Guardiola’s side across all competitions.

In those appearances, the centre-back has scored three goals, provided five assists and won two Premier League titles along the way.

Now, with the summer transfer window open, the Manchester club could have the chance to bring in what could be their next version of Dias to the Etihad.

Earlier this month, City were linked with a summer move for Juventus defender Matthijs de Ligt.

As a fairly young defender playing at one of Europe’s top clubs, the 22-year-old could well follow in Dias’ footsteps by making a move to the Premier League.

After working his way through Ajax’s youth ranks, the Dutchman made 117 senior appearances for the club before making his move to Italy in the 2019 summer transfer window for an initial fee of £67.8m.

The centre-back has now made 117 appearances for Juventus in which he’s scored eight goals and delivered three assists after finding the net 13 times and providing seven assists for Ajax.

To compare De Ligt’s previous Serie A campaign with Dias’ latest season in the Premier League with City, the duo both ended up winning more than 20 tackles as well as making a combined total of 76 blocks, 80 interceptions and 208 clearances.

Labelled as a player that “can’t be stopped” by Mino Raiola, De Ligt certainly has what it takes to have a similar sort of impact at City that Dias has had since his arrival.

Moving forward, if the Citizens want to plan for the future, then securing a €100m (£86m) deal for the Juventus star this summer could be a very smart investment for them to make in the same way that their deal to sign the former Benfica youngster was.

AND in other news: Terms agreed: Fabrizio Romano drops big MCFC transfer update that supporters will love

Having claimed the Scottish Premiership title last term for the tenth time in the last 11 seasons, Celtic appear keen to ensure that dominance continues by bolstering Ange Postecoglou’s squad even further this summer, with the 56-year-old having worked wonders in the transfer market last term.

As for the current window, the Old Firm giants have wrapped up the permanent signings of Daizen Maeda and Cameron Carter-Vickers, while recent reports have suggested that fellow loanee Jota could also be set for a long-term stay at Parkhead.

At left-back, Lanus youngster Alexandro Bernabei appears to be edging ever closer to a move to Glasgow, with the Hoops seemingly keen to add increased cover and competition across the park, ahead of another campaign that will see them compete both domestically and in Europe – this time in the Champions League.

An additional name who has also emerged as a potential acquisition to help bolster the ranks is former Aberdeen teenager Calvin Ramsay, despite the 18-year-old having only just signed on a £6.5m deal for Premier League powerhouse, Liverpool.

According to the Mirror, Postecoglou and co are interested in securing a loan move for the young Scot this summer, having seen his talents first-hand during his spell at Pittodrie.

Although the current belief is that the Anfield outfit won’t sanction a temporary departure for their new arrival, Celtic are seemingly ready to pounce should that situation change in the coming weeks and months, prior to the start of next term.

One factor in any decision regarding the £540k-rated gem’s short-term future could be the presence of fellow right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold at the Merseyside outfit, with the England international no doubt set to restrict the game time of his new teammate, such is his status at the club.

Ramsay is, however, tipped to emulate the 23-year-old in the coming years, with the player himself admitting that he is “similar” to the Reds’ academy graduate due to his style of play – a bold claim considering the more senior man has racked up a remarkable 45 top-flight assists in recent years and won a host of major honours.

That admission will no doubt pique the interest of those back at Parkhead, with the Scottish champions potentially set to have the next Alexander-Arnold on their hands, should a temporary deal be agreed.

Although it is still early days, the evidence would suggest that the “exciting” starlet – as he has been dubbed by Dons’ boss Jim Goodwin – possesses the same attacking intent as his new colleague, having chipped in with one goal and nine assists in his 33 appearances in all competitions last term.

That tally is better than the goal contributions of Josip Juranovic (14 goals and assists – with the promising talent likely to be able to challenge both men were he to be signed in the current window.

Dubbed a “special player” by pundit Willie Miller, the Scotland U21 international looks set to have a bright future ahead of him under Jurgen Klopp, although in the short-term he could well be better served earning regular minutes at Celtic Park.

IN other news, Deal Imminent: Celtic “very close” to big summer move, it’d be Ange’s best swoop yet

Rangers Review and Sky Sports journalist Joshua Barrie has now revealed some positive ‘talks’ which have now taken place inside Glasgow Rangers.

The Lowdown: Talks ongoing…

It has been reported that the Ibrox club held talks with Allan McGregor over his future with the Light Blues last week.

The 40-year-old is out of contract this summer, meaning that he can leave on a free transfer if his deal is allowed to run down.

The Latest: Progress being made

Taking to Twitter, Barrie has revealed that talks between McGregor and Rangers are now ‘progressing’, adding that both sides are ‘keen’ for a deal to be reached.

He outlined: “I understand that talks between Allan McGregor and Rangers are progressing with both sides keen for a deal to be agreed.”

The Verdict: One more year

McGregor’s performances last season, and his overall loyalty to the club, has meant that he is deserving of staying another year with the Teddy Bears.

The 40-year-old remarkably played more than 4,000 minutes of football in total across all competitions in 2021/22, keeping 17 clean sheets in the process, and he has showed no signs of slowing down as of yet.

In Rangers’ memorable Europa League campaign, McGregor saved a penalty, made no errors leading to goals and averaged 2.9 saves per game (SofaScore), being a key player in helping them to reach the final against Eintracht Frankfurt.

If the goalkeeper can continue playing at a high level, there is no reason for the Light Blues not to keep hold of him.

In other news, find out who the Gers are now battling Celtic to sign here!

Manchester United are interested in signing Inter Milan defender Stefan de Vrij, according to a report from Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness). 

The lowdown: De Vrij’s career so far

A vastly experienced operator, the 30-year-old Dutchman started out at Eredivisie club Feyenoord before moving to Lazio in 2014, where he made 118 outings and lifted the Italian Super Cup.

Signed on a free transfer by Serie A rivals Inter in 2018 (Sky Sports), the powerful centre-back has amassed 165 appearances for the Nerazzurri, playing a huge role in the team which lifted the Italian top-flight title in 2020/21 as he started 30 matches in that triumphant campaign.

As compatriot Erik ten Hag now attempts to begin a new era in charge at Old Trafford, De Vrij is seemingly among those being targeted to spearhead the transformation…

The latest: United keen on De Vrij

As per Gazzetta dello Sport, translated by Sport Witness, United are watching the 57-cap defender’s situation with intent.

It’s claimed that the developments will be ‘monitored in the coming days’ as Inter line up a replacement for the man who was hailed as a ‘brilliant player’ by team-mate Milan Skriniar upon signing for the San Siro giants.

Fast approaching the final 12 months of a contract and valued at £25.2m (Transfermarkt), the Red Devils could be given further encouragement in their pursuit over the coming weeks.

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The verdict: Make it happen

De Vrij continued to have an impact at the very highest level in 2021/22 as he earned an impressive 6.88 Sofascore rating whilst winning 3.9 duels and making 1.7 clearances, 1.3 tackles and 1.1 interceptions per game in Serie A, showcasing a prominent defensive mindset.

Standing at 6 foot 3 and boasting 436 senior outings overall, the powerful defender would bring further experience and a presence to a United team which often lacked assertiveness throughout the 2021/22 campaign, conceding a pitiful 57 league goals (the same number as they scored).

While signing the 30-year-old wouldn’t necessarily represent the start of the next generation in Manchester, the Dutch centre-back’s nous, quality and ability to lead a defence would make him a superb addition to the Old Trafford ranks as Ten Hag looks to fix the issues in that department.

In other news – Fabrizio Romano: Man Utd and Ten Hag are now in ‘new’ talks for ‘huge talent’ as well as De Jong

Fabrizio Romano has dropped an update on the future of rumoured Leeds United transfer target James Milner.

What’s the talk?

In a recent post on Twitter, the Italian journalist revealed that, despite the versatile central midfielder receiving three proposals from interested clubs this summer, the 36-year-old is now set to put pen to paper on a new one-year deal with Liverpool – seeing him remain at Anfield until at least June 2023.

This is likely to come as a blow to Victor Orta and Leeds, with Joe Donnohue suggesting in a recent article for the Yorkshire Evening Post that the Whites could well have been one of the teams to make an approach for the former England international – as Jesse Marsch’s side have been linked with a move for their academy graduate continuously over the past two years.

In his tweet, the transfer insider said: “James Milner received three proposals/approaches from other clubs but he always wanted to stay at Liverpool as priority. New deal will be valid until June 2023. Final details to be resolved soon then paperwork will be ready to be signed.”

Supporters will be gutted

With Stuart Dallas having been ruled out of action until the turn of the new year, it is easy to see why Leeds could have been one of the clubs interested in the signing of Milner on a free this summer, as the Liverpool midfielder and the Northern Ireland international appear to be cut from the same cloth.

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Despite his game time becoming more limited with each passing season, the £1.8m-rated dynamo nevertheless remains an incredibly important part of Jurgen Klopp’s squad – something the 36-year-old undoubtedly proved in 2021/22.

Indeed, according to FBref data, the £150k-per-week veteran ranks in the top 2% of midfielders in Europe’s big five leagues for progressive passes per 90, as well as the top 5% for passes attempted, the top 1% for xA, the top 13% for shot-creating actions, the top 3% for tackles, the top 14% for blocks and the top 22% for interceptions over the last 365 days.

Aside from these impressive metrics, it is Milner’s ability to operate in a number of different positions that makes him such a valuable asset, with the Englishman playing 20 games in central midfield, five in defensive midfield, four at right-back and one from left midfield over the course of the season.

This positional versatility would have very much made the former Leeds starlet a perfect replacement for the injured Dallas, who himself is adept at operating from a number of positions across the pitch, with the 31-year-old playing 15 games at left-back, 13 at right-back, six in central midfield, one in defensive midfield and one from left midfield throughout 21/22.

However, following Romano’s latest update, it now would appear as if any hope Leeds may have held regarding a move for Milner this summer have now been dashed, something that is sure to come as a gutting blow to Orta, Jesse Marsch and Leeds supporters alike.

AND in other news: Orta can seal “outstanding” Raphinha replacement with Leeds bid for £72k-p/w “machine”

West Ham United are believed to be monitoring Lille midfielder Amadou Onana, according to reports coming out of France.

What’s the word?

As per Foot Mercato, the Hammers have been keeping an eye on the 2o-year-old in recent times ahead of a possible move, with Premier League rivals Arsenal also believed to be credited with an interest.

The report suggests that despite only signing for the Ligue 1 outfit last year, the Belgian ace ‘could leave’ in the upcoming transfer window, with the French side potentially needing to cash in on their star assets after missing out on European qualification.

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Although no ‘concrete offer’ has been made by any interested party as yet, previous reports have suggested that the Senegal-born ace could be available for a fee in the region of £20m.

The next Tchouameni?

The report also named Monaco as one side who are interested in the former Hamburg man, with Philippe Clement and co eyeing Onana as a possible replacement for midfield talisman Aurelien Tchouameni, with the young Frenchman seemingly heading off to Champions League winners, Real Madrid this summer.

The fact that the Lille man has been identified as a possible replacement for the £54m-rated colossus is a sure sign of his talent, with Tchouameni currently one of the most coveted defensive midfielders in Europe such has been his stunning form of late.

The 22-year-old is arguably one of the best performing players in his position at present across Europe’s top five leagues, ranking in the top 1% for interceptions made, the top 13% for aerial duels won and the top 18% for tackles made, showcasing his steely quality in the centre of the park, despite his youth.

Equally, in an attacking sense the £19k-per-week brute is also no slouch, ranking in the top 13% for progressive passes and the top 15% for passes attempted, while he also netted three goals and supplied two assists in 35 league outings in the most recent campaign.

Although not at that level yet, Onana seemingly possesses similar attributes as the Madrid-bound star, with David Moyes and co potentially set to have their own, highly-coveted talent on their hands if a deal can be struck this summer.

The Belgium U21 international ranks in the top 6% for tackles made compared to his peers, while in the 2021/22 season he averaged 0.9 interceptions and 1.5 tackles per game, as well as winning a solid 59% of his total duels.

He may not yet be the man to come straight into the first-team at the London Stadium – having only started 11 league games in the most recent campaign – although he is already showing plenty of promise to suggest he can blossom into a standout regular in the future, potentially in the mould of the aforementioned Tchouameni.

That is an exciting prospect indeed for those of a West Ham persuasion.

IN other news, “Another target…”: Ex drops big WHU summer transfer claim that supporters will love

Liverpool have maintained a long-term interest in Jude Bellingham, and a new update has emerged on their pursuit of the player following speculation that the Reds have made an approach this summer.

What’s the latest?

Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano has given an insight on the 18-year-old’s immediate future and an update on Liverpool’s interest in his column for Caught Offside.

The transfer insider claimed in the report that the Borussia Dortmund star won’t be leaving the Bundesliga this year, although the Reds remain interested for the summer of 2023.

Romano added that, despite the interest Liverpool have shown, it will be an open race for the player to all interested parties, as there has been no official or definite move made by the Merseyside club as of yet.

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Supporters will be disappointed

Liverpool are in the market this summer to strengthen in the middle of the park, with a number of midfielders linked with a move to Anfield including Aurelien Tchouameni and Ibrahim Sangare, but supporters will surely be disappointed that Bellingham won’t join for at least another season.

The 18-year-old has been drawing attention to himself for a while now and did not disappoint for Borussia Dortmund this season, dominating the centre of the pitch and offering a solid presence in his team, impressing with both his defensive and attacking play.

As per SofaScore, the English youngster scored three goals and contributed eight assists, in addition to creating 10 big chances and recording 1.3 key passes, 1.6 tackles and 67.7 touches on average per game. He also won the majority of his duels (51%) and was successful with most of his dribbles (57%).

For a player who is so young, Bellingham already has an overwhelming amount of experience under his belt, with 134 senior club career appearances (61 in the Bundesliga, 16 in the Champions League). He was also part of the England squad which made it to a first major final in 55 years as they finished runners-up at Euro 2020, making three appearances at the tournament.

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson has been full of praise for the youngster, telling SPORTbible; “He’s a great lad, a fantastic player and I’m sure he’ll go from strength to strength as he gets older and matures. When I watch him, he plays with such maturity even now. The sky is the limit for him really.”

Signing Bellingham would be a major coup for Jurgen Klopp if it were to happen, as the teenager will surely only develop even further while he is still at Dortmund, but Liverpool must not squander their opportunity to sign him and lose out to another club. That would really leave Kopites feeling very disappointed.

AND in other news: Liverpool plot £42.5m bid for “spectacular” gem with “no ceiling”, he’s Bellingham 2.0

Newcastle United are reportedly set to have a free run at Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin, as fellow suitors Arsenal prioritise a deal for Gabriel Jesus.

What’s the word?

That’s according to Football Insider, who claim that the Magpies have been ‘given new encouragement’ regarding a deal for the England international, with their main competitors – the Gunners – focusing on their bid to sign the Brazilian Manchester City ace.

The report suggests that talks have been held between the St James’ Park outfit and the 25-year-old’s representatives, while the Merseysiders are seemingly open to a sale as they look to begin a much-needed squad rebuild under Frank Lampard ahead of next season.

While previous rumours have suggested that it could take as much as £70m to prize Calvert-Lewin from Goodison Park, the report outlines that a £45m offer would likely be accepted.

Better than Ekitike

A new centre-forward addition appears high on the agenda for Eddie Howe and co this summer, with one – or even perhaps two – new faces set to walk through the door, with Reims teenager Hugo Ekitike another name who could be on his way to Tyneside.

Although both could be added to the former Bournemouth managers’ squad ahead of next term, should it become a case of one or the other it would be wise for PIF to favour the more senior forward, with the £37.8m-rated marksman having shone for the Toffees in recent seasons.

Despite a gruelling, injury-hit 2021/22 campaign, the £72k-per-week striker had previously been a lethal presence for his current club, netting 29 Premier League goals in just two seasons under Carlo Ancelotti.

Having been less than prolific prior to the Italian’s appointment, even the serial-winning coach was forced to admit his “surprise” at the flurry of goals from the 11-cap international, as the former Sheffield United man eventually blossomed into a key player for the now Real Madrid boss.

Ekitike, by contrast, has caught the eye for his form in the most recent campaign after netting ten Ligue 1 goals, although is still raw in terms of top-flight experience, with it set to be a real gamble to fork out the reported £38m fee on a player who has never played in England.

Not that Calvert-Lewin is simply just a safe pair of hands, having showcased his lethal finishing prowess in recent years, leaving that man Ancelotti to dub him “cold” for his unerring composure in front of goal.

Having also been compared to Portuguese icon Cristiano Ronaldo by former Everton assistant Davide Ancelotti – Carlo’s son – Howe and co are seemingly set to have a real genuine talent on their hands should they progress their interest.

Ekitike remains something of an unknown quantity, while Calvert-Lewin is the real deal.

IN other news, Eddie Howe can now help NUFC sign “spectacular” £64m “nightmare”, he’s better than Saint-Maximin