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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!

Giovanni van Bronckhorst faces a crucial first summer transfer window in charge of Rangers as he aims to keep the momentum high at Ibrox following a solid end to the 2021/22 season.

Narrowly losing the Europa League final and winning the Scottish Cup for the first time in 13 years gave the Light Blues something to cheer about after losing their Premiership crown to their Glasgow arch-rivals.

Although no incoming transfers have been completed yet this summer, there will surely be some activity as the weeks tick towards the first league fixture of the season on 30 July.

In order to spend money on players who will immediately improve the first team, there may need to be some outgoings. To that effect, with Borna Barisic being linked with a move to Trabzonspor, it might be the right time to sell him.

This could generate funds for Van Bronckhorst to make a move for Stoke City left-back Josh Tymon, although he will reportedly cost £6m.

Pete O’Rourke gave his views on the defender to GiveMeSport recently, saying: “I think Josh Tymon had a really good season for Stoke City; he’s got huge potential and is an exciting, young left-back. So, I think if Rangers were able to sign him, he would definitely improve the squad.”

Barisic wasn’t as influential last season compared to 2020/21. The Croatia international only registered three assists last time around compared to 14 in the Gers’ title-winning campaign. The 29-year-old’s goals have dried up too, as he failed to score last term following a five-goal season in all competitions prior to that.

On the other hand, Tymon helped himself to three goals and four assists in all competitions in 2021/22, and at only 23 years of age, he could be a shrewd investment for the future.

Perhaps more worryingly, Barisic proved to be a defensive liability in big games against Celtic earlier this year, twice being caught napping at the back post as the Hoops punished his lapses to find the net.

This prospective move will, of course, depend on whether or not Barisic, or even Calvin Bassey, is sold during the summer, with the latter also the subject of reported transfer interest.

With two years left on Barisic’s contract and the defender approaching his 30th birthday later in the year, Van Bronckhorst may decide to cash in on the underwhelming Croatian.

AND in other news, Bye-bye Morelos: Wilson must now seal Rangers swoop for “outstanding” 26-goal monster…

Wolverhampton Wanderers appear to be heading for a midfield reshuffle this summer, with manager Bruno Lage plotting new recruits amid uncertainty over the futures of some of his current stars.

Former Porto man Ruben Neves – who joined the club back in 2017 – appears set for pastures new as speculation builds regarding his future, while his fellow Portuguese Joao Moutinho could also be departing in the current window with just weeks left on his existing deal.

There are still hopes of a contract extension to keep the 35-year-old at the club beyond the end of the month, although the stall in negotiations will no doubt be a source of concern, with the Molineux outfit running the risk of losing their starting midfield pairing of recent seasons.

With that scenario potentially on the horizon, however, the Old Gold have seemingly identified one man to fill the void in Sporting CP’s Joao Palhinha – who would appear to be on his way to England – while another gem who could potentially join him at the club is Barcelona’s Nico Gonzalez.

The 20-year-old starlet is of huge interest to Lage and co, according to reports, with the Premier League side keen to secure a permanent deal or a temporary swoop this summer, as part of a switch that would see Neves head in the other direction.

The club’s links to agent Jorge Mendes – who represents young Gonzalez – could help to push through a deal, while the Nou Camp outfit’s financial woes may also help Wolves’ cause, as the La Liga side look to lighten their wage bill.

The two clubs seemingly already have a good connection, with Francisco Trincao having joined Lage’s side on loan last summer, while unique forward Adama Traore headed in the opposite direction in January in another temporary deal.

Should the Midlands side manage to secure the youngster’s services this summer, they would undoubtedly be taking on a player of huge potential, with the £18m-rated playmaker having been one of a crop of hugely exciting prospects to have emerged from La Masia in recent years.

Dubbed “highly gifted” by former youth team coach Fran Artega, the Spaniard may not be regarded quite as highly as current teammates and compatriots Gavi and Pedri, although is still a real, exciting talent, as demonstrated by his hugely impressive statistics of late.

In comparison to those in his position across Europe’s top five leagues, the £10k-per-week maestro ranks in the top 1% for dribbles completed and in the top 4% for progressive carries, while also in the top 7% for pass completion, showcasing his ability to both drive his side up the pitch as well as retain possession.

That gift has seen him tipped to be the heir to veteran teammate Sergio Busquets by former Barcelona B boss Francisco Xavier Garcia Pimienta, while Xavier Vilajoana – who also worked for the Catalan giants – went as far as to suggest that Gonzalez is “going to be better” than Busquets as he is “more complete”.

That is high praise indeed considering all that the 33-year-old has won in the game thus far, for both club and country, with few players seemingly more comfortable with the ball at their feet than the World Cup winner.

Gonzalez may wish to stay put in order to be moulded into a player of that ilk in the coming years and eventually usurp his colleague, although should Barca wish to cash in, it could prove to be a major coup for Lage and co if they can win the race for his signature.

The battle for his services would no doubt be intense, although from Lage’s point of view he will seemingly want to do all he can to land what could potentially be the next Busquets.

IN other news: Deal agreed: Big Molineux transfer development emerges, it’s great news for Wolves

Former Glasgow Rangers manager Alex McLeish has been left buzzing over some player news from Ibrox.

The Lowdown: New deal

As confirmed by the official website of the Light Blues, Goldson has signed a new four-year deal at the club after his contract was set to expire this summer.

He has followed both Scott Arfield and Steven Davis in extending their deals, as Giovanni van Bronckhorst looks to keep the core of his squad together ahead of the start of the new season.

The Latest: McLeish buzzing

Speaking to Football Insider, McLeish was buzzing when asked about Goldson’s new contract, claiming that it is ‘great news’ for the Teddy Bears:

“It’s great news because it stops them going and hunting for another one. The way Rangers are at the moment, they need ready-made players who are ready to compete to win that league again.

“Can you bring players who are not only as good as the ones you have but better? That’s the levels that you have to be at Rangers. When you lose all your best players and you replace them with ones not as good as them, you can only expect it to go one way.

“Giovanni will want to put his mark on the team in terms of selecting players he is knowledgeable about. Players that he is sure about.

“He has played at Rangers, he’s now manager, he know what it takes to play for the club.

“You would expect him to have his wee black book of footballers he feels who can enrich Rangers. He will be champing at the bit. If one or two are going to fall out of regular selection, he has to replace them with better ones.”

The Verdict: Relief

It certainly is a relief that Goldson has now signed a new deal, given that the situation was dragging on to the extent that it looked like he may leave this summer as a free agent.

The central defender ranked among the Gers’ seven best performers in the Scottish Championship and UEFA Europa League last term, and averaged more clearances and passes per game in both competitions than any of his teammates on the pitch (WhoScored).

Nonetheless, he was a mainstay in the side last campaign, and so it would have been devastating to lose him on a free transfer this summer.

In other news, find out which key RFC man is now set to leave here!

Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has revealed that West Ham are now in ‘talks’ to bring Rennes defender Nayef Aguerd to the Premier League during the summer transfer window.

The Lowdown: Moyes’ second time lucky

The Moroccan first joined the Ligue 1 outfit from Dijon in 2020 as he put pen to paper on a four-year deal with the Brittany club, making 80 appearances during his two years there.

Even though the 26-year-old’s current contract with Bruno Genesio’s team isn’t set to expire until 2025, his impressive performances have caught the eye of David Moyes, who made a move for the centre-back last summer but failed to prise him away from Rennes.

Fast forward 12 months, though, and it now looks highly likely that the Scot may be about to capture his target.

The Latest: Romano drops ‘talks’ claim

In a new post on Twitter, Romano confirmed that negotiations for Aguerd are “progressing” and that West Ham are very close to striking an agreement for the 26-year-old.

He wrote: “West Ham are now getting closer to reaching full agreement with Rennes for Nayef Aguerd, negotiations progressing.

“Talks are underway – final details about add-ons then the deal can be completed.”

The Verdict: Defensive cover needed

West Ham suffered massively from injuries this season, with Issa Diop, Angelo Ogbonna and Kurt Zouma all having long spells on the sidelines, so it comes as no surprise to see Moyes looking for cover in the centre-back department, and Aguerd could be the perfect candidate.

The 6 foot 3 colossus averaged four clearances and 5.6 long balls per league game for Rennes this term, via WhoScored, showing his ability to not only get stuck in at the back but also provide opportunities for his attacking team-mates at the opposite end of the pitch.

A long-time admirer of the Moroccan, the Hammers boss must now be buzzing to be so close to a deal for Aguerd, who would appear to be an ideal addition to Moyes’ squad ahead of the 2022/23 season, when the Irons can look forward to an exciting campaign in the Europa Conference League.

In other news… a journalist has reacted to news linking West Ham to this ‘interesting’ transfer target

Influential Wolves goalkeeper Jose Sa tweaked a medial ligament in his knee last weekend, injury expert Ben Dinnery has confirmed.

The Lowdown: Sa injured against Liverpool

The Portuguese colossus enjoyed a superb first season at Molineux, shining between the sticks and being described as ‘dominant’ by former Wanderers ‘keeper Matt Murray.

Unfortunately, Sa picked up a knee issue in last Sunday’s 3-1 Premier League defeat away to Liverpool – he was replaced by John Ruddy at half-time – leading to concern about the length of his upcoming absence.

A fresh claim now suggests that the 29-year-old could be set for an extended spell on the sidelines.

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The Latest: Dinnery confirms problem

Speaking to Football Insider, Dinnery, who features on Sky Sports, said that Sa’s injury could be a fairly serious one, acting as a big blow for the player:

“It looked like it could be an MCL based on what we saw with the mechanism of injury. He seemed to slip and extend his leg when he was kicking. He pointed to the inside of his knee when he was in discussions with the medical team.

“It was moments before half-time He tried to continue and ultimately couldn’t.

“So it does seem like there has been a slight tweak or strain of that medial ligament. It’s a shame to end on a setback because he has been very good for them this season.”

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The Verdict: Recover throughout the summer

While Sa’s injury setback is clearly a negative, it could certainly have happened at a worse point in the season, rather than in the final match.

It gives the Wolves shot-stopper time to work on his recovery rather than racing to get back, with Bruno Lage’s men not back in competitive action until August.

The hope is that Sa is available for pre-season in July, however, resting up for the time being but returning to his impressive top form again in 2022/23.

In other news, one Wolves player has been linked with a move to Spain. Find out who it is here.