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West Ham United are one of several Premier League teams eyeing a move for one of the Championship’s emerging stars, and no, it’s not Ivan Toney…

What’s the word?

According to Football League World, the Irons are registering strong interest in AFC Bournemouth winger Arnaut Danjuma ahead of the summer transfer window.

Southampton, Brighton and Hove Albion, Everton and Wolves are amongst the other top-flight teams mooted with a move for the 24-year-old attacker.

It remains to be seen how much Danjuma would command, and with the Cherries looking at back-to-back seasons in the second tier of English football, they could struggle to keep hold of his services.

Transfermarkt currently value the Dutchman at £10.8m, whilst he’s under contract at the Vitality Stadium until 2024.

Benrahma 2.0

If West Ham can win the race for the Bournemouth hotshot, then they could well be onto another winner.

We know that the East Londoners have had plenty of success when luring talent from the lower divisions, in which Jarrod Bowen, Craig Dawson and more recently, Said Benrahma have been a hit.

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In fact, the latter draws some similarities to Danjuma as he’s another player capable of producing something out of nothing – someone with that spark; a bit of magic.

The 5 foot 10 dynamo was in electrifying form this campaign, helping the south coast outfit to the playoffs by providing 17 goals and seven assists, including strikes in both legs against Brentford, But it wasn’t enough to see them into the final.

It’s no wonder that Cherries boss Jonathan Woodgate has waxed lyrical about his qualities, via the Bournemouth Echo, he said:

“He seems in a good place. He’s confident. He’s working really, really hard for the team now, which I think is important. If you add that to your game, you can only get better. He’s got a lot of ability,” before later adding: “Sometimes when games are 0-0 and it’s tough and it’s really tight in games, that’s when you rely on people like Arnie, Junior (Stanislas), Dominic Solanke to produce moments of magic. All three can do that.”

Also described as “exceptional,” Danjuma could be the Hammers’ next fine wing addition from the lower echelons of English football. He does have a little bit of experience in big time too, featuring 14 times prior to Bournemouth’s relegation, and has also picked up two caps for the Dutch senior side.

Furthermore, Danjuma’s 1.8 dribbles per game are only rivalled by Arthur Masuaku (2.4), whilst his 2.1 shots per outing are more than both Benrhama (1.2) and Bowen (1.4), so evidently, his skillset is an improvement based on their respective seasons.

This would be an astute signing from GSB and David Moyes, they must get it done this summer.

AND in other news, ÂMoyes set to receive major West Ham transfer boost…

Mohamed Salah wants more top players to join Liverpool in order to stay put at the club this summer, according to former Celtic striker Frank McAvennie, after he heard a recent claim from the forward.

The Lowdown: Salah’s future still unknown

The 29-year-old’s future has been one of football’s biggest talking points recently, with the Reds superstar seemingly no closer to signing a new deal.

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Salah has matured into arguably the world’s best player this season, tallying up a remarkable goal haul and getting into double-figures in terms of Premier League assists.

His current contract runs out at the end of the 2022/23 campaign, however, meaning there is a risk that they lose him for free next summer or he looks to leave before then.

The Latest: McAvennie reacts to Salah claim…

Speaking to Football Insider, reacting to the Egypt international’s recent message that it’s not all about the money when speaking on his contract, McAvennie claimed that Salah wants Liverpool to show ambition in the transfer market in order to stay:

“If it’s not money, then, my god, what is it? Maybe he wants a sign that more big signings are coming in to help Liverpool challenge.

“But they signed Diaz in January and by all accounts, he is brilliant, Jota too. Liverpool have one of the best squads in the world. The defence is ridiculous.

“Maybe Salah just wants to know they aren’t going to fall behind Man City and really, Liverpool should be making these signings anyway.

“Man City will spend and to keep up with them, Liverpool will have to spend. You just hope something can be agreed with Salah because he is unbelievable.”

The Verdict: A matter of time?

There is undoubted truth in McAvennie’s remarks – Salah is a born winner with high standards – but in fairness to Liverpool, they are already providing him with top-class teammates.

Luis Diaz’s arrival from Porto in January is proof of that and it seems highly likely that yet more renowned players will head to Anfield in the summer window.

We still feel as though Salah will end up signing a new contract but it would be handy if it could be sorted sooner rather than later, due to it acting as a distraction to Liverpool’s quadruple charge. The thought of him leaving is a grim one, considering the legendary Reds career he has forged.

In other news, Liverpool have been linked with a shock move for one player. Find out who it is here.

According to reports from Spain, West Ham United have been handed a massive boost in their pursuit of both Mariano Diaz and Luka Jovic this summer.

The report by Marca claimed that Real Madrid are open to offers for both Diaz and Jovic in the upcoming transfer window, with West Ham being linked with a move for the two players over the course of this season.

In November of last year, Defensa Central reported of David Moyes’ interest in the Real Madrid duo, while the Daily Mail reinforced West Ham’s interest in the pair back in January.

According to Milan News, Jovic would be available for around €35m (£30m) this summer, while Metro claimed in 2019 that Diaz would command an £18m fee.

Transfer Tavern Take

With Michail Antonio currently representing West Ham’s only option as an out-and-out centre-forward, it would indeed appear quite likely that Moyes will be in the market for attacking reinforcements this summer.

Also, considering the fact that the Hammers received £20.25m in January for Sebastien Haller’s sale to Ajax, a move for either of Jovic or Diaz – or potentially even both – would not appear to be out of reach financially for the east London side, particularly if they go on to secure Champions League football by the end of the season.

In other news: West Ham eye summer swoop for in-demand defender; GSB could land deal for £13m – find out more here!

According to 90min, amid all the noise surrounding pre-summer talks for Paulo Dybala, it appears Tottenham Hotspur have made contact to sign another superstar forward in Darwin Nunez.

The Lowdown: Nunez in demand…

Touted by reliable reporter Fabrizio Romano as one of the ‘big name’ players who could be on the move this summer, Benfica’s star striker is apparently attracting interest from across Europe and the Premier League.

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As well as Spurs, north London rivals Arsenal, Aston Villa, Newcastle United and West Ham are all harbouring an interest in Nunez, who could leave for £65 million this summer (90min).

This is significantly less than his release clause, which is estimated to be over £100m, and 90min believe that the Lilywhites are already making their first moves for the player before July 1.

The Latest: Spurs in contact…

While the links to Dybala are hotting up, according to 90min’s information, Tottenham are also in contact with Nunez’s representatives to find out what sort of agreement is possible to back manager Antonio Conte with the forward’s signing.

The report adds that Nunez himself is ‘ready to move’ this summer and a switch to England is very much ‘in his sights’.

The Verdict: Promising target…

While it will require a hefty investment on Tottenham’s part, the 22-year-old has been in scintillating form for Benfica this season, leaving little wonder why they are set to demand a hefty fee.

He’s racked up a quite incredible 20 goals in 22 league appearances over 2021/2022 with his young age and versatility across the forward line coming as yet more incentives for Spurs to attempt a move.

As Spurs officials allegedly make contact, this could be an indication that the club have real ambition to satisfy Conte.

In other news: Paratici sets sights on ‘phenomenal’ £100m man who Spurs have been offered before! Find out more here.

A number of Liverpool fans have been showing their love for Andy Robertson and Virgil van Dijk following a Twitter post from the Scotland left-back.

The Reds’ pre-season is now in full swing, with the start of the new Premier League campaign now less than three weeks away.

Jurgen Klopp’s men will be desperate to improve on their performances from last season, with returning centre-backs and fans at Anfield likely to help in that respect.

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Two men who will be vital to Liverpool’s chances of success in 2021/22 are Robertson and Van Dijk, both of whom are arguably the best in the world in their respective positions.

On Sunday, the left-back posted a touching photo on Twitter showing himself and Van Dijk back in training together, with the Scot having returned later after his Euro 2020 excursions. The 27-year-old’s post was accompanied by the captain “Reunited” and a heart-eyes emoji.

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Liverpool fans react to Robertson’s tweet

These Reds fans took to Twitter to react to the image, with positivity very much the order of the day.

“Tears in my eyes lads”

Credit: @_euanito

“My team is back”

Credit: @g1ed_

“The rest of the Premier League is shivering to see this”

Credit: @DJSspeaks

“Now we’re talking. Yes the boys”

Credit: @ghwilliams1

“This makes me beyond happy”

Credit: @leannef55

“The Barclays ain’t ready”

Credit: @97Jonesy

In other news, some Liverpool fans have been reacting to the exit of one Reds player. Read more here.

Crystal Palace have been credited with an interest in Norwich City star Emiliano Buendia.

And, the latest transfer link has had plenty of Eagles fans talking on social media.

According to Foot Mercato, Palace, Aston Villa and West Ham are all keen on the Argentine, who played a key role in helping the Canaries back to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

Buendia has scored 14 goals and registered a quite remarkable 17 assists in 38 Championship games this season and was named Championship Player of the Season as a result – that is a goal involvement in over 80% of his appearances, on average.

The report suggests that Norwich don’t intend to part ways with Buendia for anything under €40m (£34.5m).

That figure required could make him Palace’s club-record signing, with that accolade currently standing at £28.08m for Christian Benteke.

Palace fans react

@CPFCtransfersHQ shared Foot Mercato’s claim on social media on Tuesday evening.

It’s safe to say these Palace supporters were stunned at the links, with one describing it as a ‘dream’.

“Would be amazing but won’t happen”Credit: @CPFCMax03″PLEASE”Credit: @joe_cpfc_01″Absolutely no chance surely, but my god I’d love it. Should have gone for him last summer”Credit: @Phillyconcarne”Not a chance this happens but it’s good to be linked to these sort of players”Credit: @Callum_CPFC_”Can only dream”Credit: @CPFCH10″the things I’d do”Credit: @CPFC_Ollie_

In other news: Palace monitoring West Brom man, plenty of Eagles fans not happy, find out more here. 

A major update has emerged on Gillingham centre-back Jack Tucker, regarding Portsmouth’s interest in his signature.

What’s the talk?

According to The Sun journalist Alan Nixon, Portsmouth have tabled an opening bid for Gillingham centre-back Jack Tucker. In the printed edition of The Sun (20/06, p65), as transcribed by Football League World, it has been claimed that Portsmouth’s offer is worth £200k.

The report claims that Gillingham are not prepared to listen to offers in that region and are demanding £1m for the young centre-back this summer.

Last year, Gillingham boss Steve Evans claimed that Tucker has all the qualities he needs to be a quality player at centre-back. He told the Scottish Sun:

“Jack’s got everything.

“He’s been a little inconsistent lately after a lot of good publicity but I’ve seen that before with young players, the likes of Lewis Cook, now playing in the Premier League at Bournemouth, and Chris Wood who I signed for Leeds and is now scoring regularly at Burnley.

“Jack’s two footed, is good in the air and he’s a competitor. He’s got a bright future, make no mistake.

Cowley would love him

Pompey owner Michael Eisner needs to go back in with another offer for Tucker to make sure that he can bring him to Fratton Park this summer.

Jack Whatmough and Tom Naylor have both left the club to join League One rivals Wigan on free transfers, which has left a gaping hole in Danny Cowley’s Portsmouth squad ahead of next season. Eisner needs to add a centre-back or two to Cowley’s ranks and Tucker could be an ideal target for the club.

Tucker ticks multiple boxes for Portsmouth; he is young, has potential, is experienced in League One and has proven his quality at this level. In terms of his age, Tucker is only 21 and has plenty of years left ahead of him to develop as a player. Whilst £1m may seem steep at this stage, it could prove to be a bargain if Tucker is able to progress into a Championship or even Premier League standard player – with Evans admitting that he has a bright future ahead of him.

The central defender caught the eye in League One with some outstanding performances. He averaged an impressive WhoScored rating of 7.02 in 43 appearances for Gillingham in the season just gone.

For context, that is a higher score than both Whatmough and Naylor managed for Portsmouth and the same as Sean Raggett – who was ranked as Portsmouth’s second-best player overall. This is why Cowley would love to have Tucker at Fratton Park; he is a quality young centre-back who could be a great addition in the short and long term for Portsmouth.

AND in other news, Cowley handed transfer boost with “top drawer” starlet, Pompey fans will be buzzing…

Everton have been the epitome of frustration as far as a football club is concerned for a number of years now.

While many supporters would love to have the financial backing that the Goodison Park side have received in recent years, none would wish for their hierarchy to flutter away such vast sums so frivolously.

The likes of Morgan Schneiderlin, Davy Klaassen and Alex Iwobi have all arrived on Merseyside in big-money deals but ultimately failed to live up to expectations.

However, arguably none of the Toffees recent flops have left a bigger sense of frustration and disappointment lingering around Merseyside as Yannick Bolasie.

The Democratic Republic of Congo international joined Everton from fellow Premier League rivals Crystal Palace for a whopping £26m during the summer of 2016 after showing flashes of brilliance for the capital club.

During 2014/15, the tricky winger scored four goals and provided a hugely impressive 11 top-flight assists for a mediocre Palace side, highlighting his top-class potential.

Nevertheless, his purchase still represented a substantial risk for the Everton chiefs. While Bolasie clearly had the talent to become a more efficient forward, he had only scored 13 goals in 144 appearances for Palace prior to his sale.

The now 32-year-old made a fast start to life in his new surroundings, though, scoring one goal and laying on four assists for his teammates in his first 15 outings for the Blues in all competitions.

But then he suffered a devastating cruciate ligament injury which heavily impacted the future fortunes of his career. Bolasie only scored once more for Everton before embarking on a series of loan spells with varying degrees of success.

Short-term stints at the likes of Sporting Lisbon, Middlesbrough and Anderlecht failed to reignite his career, and he’s now plying his trade with Turkish outfit Caykur Rizespor.

Bolasie’s dramatic drop-off in form and fitness struggles saw him finally released on a free transfer this summer after a nightmarish five-year spell at the club. Sadly, both Everton and the player will be left wondering ‘what if’ for many years to come.

And, in other news…Fabrizio Romano drops exciting Everton transfer update that’ll have fans buzzing 

Crystal Palace have been linked with a move for Celtic midfielder Ryan Christie, as reported by The Daily Record.

The Lowdown: Christie’s Celtic career

The 26-year-old has been at Parkhead since 2015 after signing from Inverness. He has gone on to make 142 appearances for the Hoops, scoring 40 times and registering 41 assists.

Christie, who was hailed by Liam Gallagher last year after Scotland qualified for the European Championships, has won five major honours at Celtic Park.

It seems as if he could well be on the way out of Parkhead, though, and a former World Cup winner seems to be a big fan of the Scot.

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The Latest: Palace links

According to The Daily Mail, as cited by The Daily Record, Patrick Vieira will make Christie a priority target, with the Frenchman being announced as the new manager at Selhurst Park this afternoon.

Christie first caught Vieira’s eye during the 45-year-old’s time back in his native France, and it seems as if the Eagles could now swoop for the Hoops midfielder.

The Verdict: Sell

Should Palace come in with an offer close to Christie’s £6.3m Transfermarkt valuation, Celtic should not hesitate to take the money.

The 26-year-old has only six months remaining on his Hoops contract, so he could technically speak with Palace ahead of a free transfer in the New Year.

However, Palace need signings now after 11 senior players became free agents recently, while Celtic could do with the money this summer instead of losing him for nothing in January.

In other news: Celtic’s off-field limbo may cost them chance to sign versatile ace as update emerges, find out more here. 

Manchester United are reportedly eyeing a cut-price move for Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves as the summer transfer window enters its final few days.

What’s the story?

The Red Devils have been linked with a move for the 24-year-old maestro in recent weeks as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looks to add further reinforcements to his first team squad.

According to The Express, United remain keen to secure Neves’ signature but will need a reduction on the £40m fee that Wolves have previously quoted for their prized asset.

Bruno Lage has previously opened the door to his compatriot’s exit, saying: “Ruben is happy here, and we are happy with him. We are not thinking to let anyone leave, but every player has a price.”

Manchester United fans will be excited

After arriving on English shores four years ago, Neves has played a key part in Wolves’ recent success, scoring 20 goals and providing 10 assists in  178 appearances for the club.

He has helped the club claim the Championship title, record two consecutive seventh-placed finishes in the Premier League and reach the FA Cup semi-finals and Europa League quarter-finals since his arrival.

Neves has established a reputation for scoring the odd spectacular goal, while also showcasing an impressive array of passing throughout his career, earning praise from several pundits.

“It’s a magnificent pass; he’s a terrific player,” Jamie Redknapp said on Sky Sports (as per Daily Mail) in July 2020.

“I’m such a fan of Neves and the way he can just control the midfield. He can defend, he can attack, he’s so talented. He can do it at Wolves, but I think he’s going right to the top of the game; it’s effortless for him.”

Therefore, his prospective arrival at Old Trafford would surely excite plenty of United supporters who are keen to see midfield reinforcements arrive during the current window.

Whether Neves is a better option than those already available to Solskjaer is up to debate, but he’s an elegant player with a sizeable reputation in English football, something which should appeal to much of the Red Devils’ fanbase.

In other news… Fewer touches than De Gea: £40.5m-rated MUFC dud who lost 60% duels cost Ole on Sunday