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West Ham United are hoping to tie up a deal to bring Filip Kostic to the London Stadium this weekend.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Italian media outlet Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness), who claim that, following weeks of negotiations, David Moyes is finally hoping to reach an agreement with the Eintracht Frankfurt wing-back in the coming days – with the Hammers said to be in talks regarding a €15m (£12.6m) plus bonuses fee with the Bundesliga side.

However, the report goes on to state that Juventus are also set to make an offer of €12m (£10m) plus bonuses for the Serbia international in the next few days, something it is suggested could temp the 29-year-old more than a switch to east London.

Real coup

Considering just how impressive Kostic was for Eintracht last season, should West Ham manage to get a deal over the line for the defender ahead of Italian giants Juventus this summer, it would undoubtedly represent a real coup for the Premier League outfit.

Indeed, over his 31 Bundesliga appearances in 2021/22, the £21.6m-rated wing-back was in stunning form, scoring four goals, providing nine assists and creating 16 big chances for his team-mates, as well as taking an average of 1.6 shots, making 2.8 key passes and completing 0.8 dribbles per game.

These returns saw the 48-cap international average a quite remarkable SofaScore match rating of 7.25, ranking him as Oliver Glasner’s best performer in the league and the 15th-best player in the division as a whole.

The £43k-per-week talent was also in deadly form over his 12 Europa League fixtures last time out, scoring three goals, registering six assists and creating four big chances for his teammates, in addition to taking an average of 2.7 shots, making 2.1 key passes and completing 0.8 dribbles per game.

These metrics saw the Serbian sensation who Fredi Bobic dubbed “extraordinary” average a breathtaking SofaScore match rating of 7.33, ranking him as the joint sixth-best player in the European competition.

As such, it is evident just how much Kostic would add to Moyes’ current options on the left of his backline next season, leading us to believe that the Scot simply must do everything in his power to convince the 29-year-old of a move to the London Stadium ahead of one to Turin this summer.

Newcastle United are reportedly now plotting a move to sign RC Strasbourg striker Ludovic Ajorque.

The Lowdown: Great season

Ajorque comes off the back of a great season with Strasbourg in France, scoring 12 goals and making a further eight assists in Ligue 1 (Transfermarkt).

Hailed as a ‘beast’ by journalist Alessandro Schiavone, the six-foot-five striker has shown that he can now perform consistently at a high level, having also recorded 20 goal contributions in Ligue 1 in the 2020/21 term.

The Latest: Move plotted

As per Football Insider, the St. James’ Park outfit are one of a number of clubs in the Premier League now plotting a move for Ajorque, alongside both Crystal Palace and Leicester City.

Strasbourg have given the green light for his sale at the right price, and the Magpies are set to watch him in action against Liverpool this weekend in a pre-season friendly at Anfield.

The Verdict: Wood alternative?

Given his stature and the position he plays in, Ajorque bears similarities to Chris Wood, who unfortunately has not managed to hit the ground running in the North East, with just two goals since his move from Burnley in the January transfer window.

There have already been claims that the Tyneside outfit should shift the 30-year-old on, which would pave the way for Ajorque to come in.

A couple of years younger than Wood at 28, he could be the ideal ‘Plan B’ to Callum Wilson next season.

Aston Villa winger Anwar El Ghazi faces an uncertain future at the club…

What’s the word?

According to journalist Ashley Preece – in a Q and A for Birmingham Mail – the Midlands outfit are yet to receive an approach for the 27-year-old this summer, with it looking as if Villa could be forced to sanction another loan departure for the Netherlands international.

Asked if there ‘any takers’ for the former Lille man, the trusted insider responded: “Not just yet. Haven’t heard or been told of any interest. Villa might have to shake hands on a loan. His contract expires next summer (June 2023).”

The 6 foot 2 menace – who signed for the Villans on an initial loan deal back in 2018 – appears to be surplus to requirements under manager Steven Gerrard, having been shipped out on loan to fellow Premier League side Everton in the second half of last season.

El Ghazi has netted 26 goals and provided 16 assists in 119 games in all competitions for his parent club thus far.

Supporters frustrated

That news will no doubt come as a source of frustration for supporters, with most seemingly keen to see the £8.1m-rated man moved in the current window, both for the sake of the team but also for the player himself.

It would appear to make little sense to keep hold of a player who looks unlikely to feature under Gerrard next term, with it having been telling that the 42-year-old was willing to let the versatile forward depart in January.

El Ghazi could well have used that as motivation to prove the Englishman wrong during his temporary spell at Goodison Park, although was ultimately reduced to a bit-part role with the Toffees, making just two top-flight appearances for the club – both of which came from the bench.

That dismal stint on Merseyside has done little to enhance the £38k-per-week man’s status back at his parent club, with it difficult to see the one-time Ajax man managing to force his way back into contention, particularly with the wealth of attacking talent at the manager’s disposal.

In truth, it would be best for all parties if a move could be secured – even if it were to be another temporary exit – with frustration no doubt growing among supporters that Gerrard has not been able to trim what he described as a “bloated” squad.

Having to deal with possible outgoings could well hold up any potential incomings, with the sooner the ‘deadwood’ is moved on, the better.

AND in other news, Lange eyeing Villa move for £30m “goalscoring machine”, he’d be their own Darwin Nunez…

Tottenham Hotspur, and by extension sporting director Fabio Paratici, are now targeting a move for Inter Milan star Nicolo Barella as reports emerge from Italy.

The Lowdown: Spurs mean business…

Judging by their impressive summer window so far, Spurs mean business ahead of Antonio Conte’s first full Premier League season in charge of the club.

They finished last season in a coveted Champions League berth, potentially gifting the north Londoners some strong financial leeway to tackle this summer’s transfer window. ENIC granted a £150m equity increase which has subsequently been put to good use with an array of first-team signings as Conte is well and truly backed in the market.

Reports suggest that the club aren’t done there either, with news coming to light on Spurs and their links with Barella.

The Latest: Paratici eyeing Barella swoop…

According to reports, it is believed that Spurs and Paratici now have their eyes on the 39-cap Italy international.

As relayed and translated by The Boot Room, Il Messaggero reported that Tottenham are ‘also interested in Barella’, with this transfer window taking yet another turn.

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The Verdict: Ambitious…

Given that the 25-year-old is valued at around €90m (£77m), this may be a tricky move for Tottenham to pull off.

There is little denying his quality, though, with Serie A journalist Carlo Garganese calling him ‘world class’ and Conte himself branding Barella ‘perfect’ during their mutual time at the San Siro.

Barella’s marquee price tag appears to be the only obstacle to a move, and Paratici may need to do his fair share of negotiating to find a realistic agreement if Spurs enter official talks for the player.

A big claim has emerged on Sunderland and their plans for the remainder of the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

Black Cats boss Alex Neil has confirmed that the club are still working behind the scenes to improve the squad ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

The Scottish coach has revealed that he wants to strengthen his team to deal with a tough season in the second tier and said that things have been happening out of the spotlight.

He told the Shields Gazette: “We still have signings to make in a variety of positions so we know we have work to do.“We’ve worked well and quietly in the background to get players in which has been good but we understand that we have got more to do because it is going to be a long, hard, difficult season in the Championship.“It’s a tough level to operate at, particularly when we haven’t been there for a significant amount of time. I think it will open some eyes when we get there.” Supporters will be excited

These comments from Neil will surely excite supporters as they suggest that the club are set for a busy end to the window.

The season starts in just under two weeks and the Black Cats have until the end of August to get deals done to bolster their squad. This means that Kristjaan Speakman has around six weeks to bring multiple new signings to the Stadium of Light.

Fans can, therefore, look forward to an exciting few weeks as Sunderland make moves, and hopefully sign, players who can improve the team and help them to avoid relegation straight back down to League One.

Daniel Ballard has come in from Arsenal and if that sets the bar for the standard of player the club are eyeing then fans will be buzzing. The central defender is a promising young player who proved himself in the Championship last season.

He averaged a superb SofaScore rating of 6.95 on loan at Milwall, winning 64% of his duels and making 3.5 tackles and interceptions per match. The prodigy consistently delivered quality displays and has the potential to grow and improve over time, at the age of 22.

Hopefully, Sunderland can add a few more players who are also proven in the second tier and have the quality to make a big impact next season. For now, supporters will be hoping that is the case and will be excited by the prospect of more incoming business in the weeks to come.

AND in other news, Big blow: Sunderland dealt pre-season injury setback that’ll leave Alex Neil gutted…

West Ham are ready to battle with several clubs for the signature of Wolfsburg centre-back Maxence Lacroix.

 What’s the word?

That’s according to French publication Media Foot, who claim that the French defender has been tracked by West Ham.

Amongst the list of other potential suitors is Arsenal, and the player is said to be hotly followed throughout the Premier League.

Lacroix extended his contract last September until June 2025, so it will take a substantial bid to pry him from the German club. 

An upgrade on Diop

To coerce this highly-rated defender to the London Stadium would be a huge statement of intent, especially with the ever-growing list of other interested parties. It would go a long way towards convincing Declan Rice of the club’s ambition.

Not only this, but it would form one of the more mobile defences in the Premier League, with Kurt Zouma also possessing great speed as well as a sizeable frame.

This signing could however signal the end for another of his compatriots, as it would no doubt send Issa Diop further down the pecking order.

Last season, the West Ham centre-back only managed 12 league appearances as his playtime was further limited. He could not challenge Craig Dawson and Zouma and was subsequently sidelined.

Lacroix however featured 29 times and earned huge praise for his blistering pace and intelligent defending. His performances saw him garner a 6.99 average SofaScore rating; a fine return for the 22-year-old.

Oliver Glasner, his manager, had labelled the defender “outstanding”. He is well thought of amongst his Wolfsburg teammates.

Not only this, but the £61k-per-week star ranked in the 99th percentile for interceptions per 90. His incredible awareness matched with his speed helped him to snuff out any danger before it had even materialised.

He also ranked in the 99th percentile for dribbles completed, marking him out as a progressive carrier who enjoys having the ball at his feet.

David Moyes must certainly act quickly to snatch this fine asset from his rivals and replace Diop, further adding to his remarkable talent pool in central defence.

AND, in other news: WHU “really interested” in signing “exceptional” £43m-rated talent, imagine him & Rice.

Tottenham Hotspur remain interested in Anthony Gordon…

What’s the word?

That’s according to The Evening Standard’s Dan Kilpatrick, who claims that Spurs are still keen on the England U21 international despite Everton rebuffing their offer in recent weeks.

Only last week, Sky Sports reporter Lyall Thomas suggested that the Toffees had “indicated they did not want to sell him” this transfer window.

Now the north London outfit face stiff competition from Premier League rivals Newcastle United, who have now launched their own offensive over a potential £35m deal, as per the Telegraph’s Mike McGrath.

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Bye-bye Moura

If Everton now change their stance on the English talent, then it could open the door for Spurs to reignite their interest and ultimately, it’s something they should do.

And in doing so, it could force another winger to lose his place in Antonio Conte’s pecking order.

Steven Bergwijn is on the verge of completing a move to Ajax, so that leaves Lucas Moura on the periphery behind the likes of Richarlison, Dejan Kulusevski and now potentially Gordon.

Described as a “nightmare” to train against by teammate Eric Dier, the Brazilian wide man has struggled to make his mark at the club, witnessing his form dip ever since that euphoric night in Amsterdam.

The £18m-rated star, who earns a reported £80k-per-week at Hotspur Way, could be someone who garners back some money considering what the club have already spent this off-season.

He has managed only 19 goals from 137 appearances in the English top-flight and has averaged a goal contribution once every three matches in a Spurs shirt, as per Transfermarkt.

Last season, though, this regressed to one in every four games as he was limited to just two goals and six assists across 34 matches.

Gordon, meanwhile, is a far younger prospect and is still very much in the early days of his playing career at just 21 years of age.

“He would be the perfect fit for Spurs,” recently claimed former shot-stopper Paul Robinson to Football Insider.  “He is the type of player that Daniel loves signing for Tottenham. A young, talented English player.”

Whilst BBC Sport pundit Alan Shearer claimed the £18m-rated dynamo had a “fearless attitude” as he’s “not afraid to get stuck in” and can get forward to deliver crosses.

So, with Spurs said to be “very keen” on signing Gordon, as per Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge, it would make sense for sporting director Fabio Paratici and co to launch another attempt to seal his signature before the September 1st deadline.

In doing so, Conte could finally replace one of Spurs’ average long-standing with a long-term upgrade.

AND in other news, Spurs could land the “new Erling Haaland” as Paratici plots swoop for 19 y/o speedster…

Former Celtic striker Frank McAvennie has delivered his verdict on the future of Hoops defender Christopher Jullien. 

The lowdown: Surplus to requirements

The Frenchman returned to full fitness last season following a horrendous spell with injuries but failed to break into Ange Postecoglou’s plans, having been usurped by Cameron Carter-Vickers and Carl Starfelt.

The 29-year-old has found himself way down the pecking order at Parkhead, even behind academy graduate Stephen Welsh and potentially Osaze Urhoghide, who is set to return from a loan stint at KV Oostende. His involvement in 2021/22 was confined to a solitary 16-minute appearance against Raith in the Scottish Cup.

Clearly unhappy with his standing in the squad after one failed attempt to move to Schalke 04, an invested onlooker has given his take on the future of wantaway Jullien and what it means for the Hoops…

The latest: ‘Replace him’

Speaking to Football Insider, McAvennie – who represented the Bhoys on 106 occasions and scored 50 times – suggested that Postecoglou would need to sign a successor for Jullien, who may not be suited to the Australian’s system.

The 62-year-old said: “The manager has come in with this interpretation of football that, initially, nobody understood, but everyone loves it now.

“I was critical of it, I just didn’t know about it – two fullbacks playing in midfield, couldn’t get my head round it. But he knows what he wants.

“Letting Jullien go, he’s not been playing, even when he could’ve been on the bench he was in the stands, he’s a bit removed from the first team so I don’t have a problem with him going. I think the manager will bring another centre-half in to replace him.”

The verdict: Spot on

It seems highly likely that Jullien – who was hailed by ex-Hoops boss Neil Lennon for an ‘excellent’ display against performance against KR Reykjavik in 2020 – will move on during this transfer window, despite the apparent breakdown of a move to Germany.

Standing at 6 foot 4 and boasting impressive aerial ability (WhoScored), the towering Frenchman strengths lie very much in the defensive department, winning 2.1 tackles per game during his first Premiership season in 2019/20.

By contrast, both Starfelt and Carter-Vickers are comfortable with the ball at their feet and playing out from the back, posting 91.3% and 89.5% passing success rates respectively last term, something that Postecoglou is keen to see his centre-backs implement.

In terms of a replacement, having already been linked with Schalke youngster Malick Thiaw, it appears as though an incoming to Lennoxtown would be expected as and when Jullien leaves, with Postecoglou unlikely to put total faith in Urhoghide, Welsh and fellow youngster Dane Murray as backup options.

Liverpool have been stuck in contract negotiations with Mohamed Salah for a while now, and now a new update has emerged on the club’s stance on their star player’s future this summer.

What’s the latest?

According to 90min, Liverpool will now consider letting Salah leave the club this summer.

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As per the report, the Reds could allow the Egyptian winger to follow Sadio Mane out of the door at Anfield during this transfer window, providing they can find a replacement in an attempt to stop Salah from leaving for free when his contract expires in 12 months.

Klopp will be fuming

There is no doubt that Jurgen Klopp will be fuming at the thought of losing another one of his key players this summer, especially after Mane’s move to Bayern Munich was confirmed this week.

Salah has been a consistent and reliable performer for Liverpool over the last five years and was even dubbed “the best player in the world” for his performances last season by former left-back Scott Minto.

The £81m-rated star who was hailed “world-class” by Klopp has scored 156 goals and delivered 63 assists which has guided the Merseyside giants to a Premier League title, Champions League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup as well as the player winning several individual achievements.

Salah has won three Premier League golden boots and was named PFA Player of the Year this season for his contribution in Liverpool’s impressive run that saw them go to every final possible this season and take the league title race with Manchester City down to the last day of the campaign.

FSG have found themselves in a difficult position with the player as it was reported that Salah wants £400k-per-week to sign a deal to remain at Anfield ahead of next season, however, it would completely undermine the club’s tight wage structure and would put him hundreds of thousand pounds ahead of his hard-working team-mates.

Losing Salah is already unthinkable for supporters, but from a business perspective, it could be a disaster as he is a highly rated asset that would need replacing with solid investment, the idea that Liverpool might lose him on a free transfer and as a result not able to recoup funds to sign a player to take his position would be worrying.

With that being said, the powers at Anfield will be looking for a way that they can benefit from Salah’s departure should he make the decision not to resign for the club ahead of next summer, and selling him on either now or in the January transfer window may be the option that suits the club best financially.

AND in other news: Klopp given green light for “unbelievable” £60m LFC deal, it’d be an “unreal signing”

Reliable journalist Paul Brown has now dropped some exciting transfer news from Everton involving Conor Gallagher, Armando Broja and Levi Colwill.

The Lowdown: Chelsea trio eyed by Lampard

Gallagher, Broja and Colwill have all been linked with a move to Goodison Park this summer, as Frank Lampard looks to utilise his contacts at his former club Chelsea to get deals over the line.

The trio all impressed in loan spells at Crystal Palace, Southampton and Huddersfield Town respectively last season, so they could be set for further loan spells away from Stamford Bridge, or indeed permanent exits if the price is right.

The Latest: Brown’s transfer update

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Brown has said that all three players are ‘100% on the radar’ for Everton, although Gallagher would be more difficult to sign than the other two.

The reporter outlined: “All three are 100% on the radar, but Gallagher might be out of reach because I’m pretty sure he’s going to get a chance at Chelsea next season.”

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The Verdict: Exciting

The fact that Everton could potentially sign all three players is exciting for the club and their supporters.

Gallagher and Broja showed what they can do in the Premier League last term, where they managed a combined 14 goals and three assists between them (FBRef).

Meanwhile, Colwill was a mainstay in a Huddersfield side which almost gained promotion to the top flight, losing in the Championship play-off final to Nottingham Forest.

Even if Lampard could only sign one or two of these players, then he is sure to be a happy man going into the new campaign.

In other news, find out who Everton have now made contact over signing here!