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West Ham United are now in a race with Brentford to sign Hull City starlet Keane Lewis-Potter, according to a report by Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Lewis-Potter’s career so far

The 21-year-old has firmly cemented himself as one of the most exciting prospects in the Championship. In 44 league appearances for the Tigers this term, the attacker has netted 11 goals and produced four assists. This adds to his impressive overall tally for his boyhood club, which now totals 29 goals.

With the winger’s contract set to expire next summer, Hull will be desperate to hold on to their star man. If this isn’t possible and the player chooses to pursue a move elsewhere, then the Yorkshire club will likely cash in on the youngster this summer whilst his price is high.

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The Latest: West Ham in Lewis-Potter transfer race

According to a report by Football Insider, West Ham are in a race with Brentford to secure the services of Lewis-Potter.

It is claimed that Irons manager David Moyes was spotted at the Hull v Millwall game on Easter Monday as he cast an eye over the promising youngster. Bees manager Thomas Frank was also believed to be in attendance.

The Verdict: Shades of Bowen

This news will spark echoes of West Ham fan favourite Jarrod Bowen, who arrived at the Hammers from Hull in 2020, when the winger made the step up to Premier League football.

With Lewis-Potter playing in the same position and possibly coming from the same club, this will likely cause excitement amongst Irons supporters in the hope that the youngster can be something of a Bowen 2.0.

Labelled a “special talent” by former Tigers boss Grant McCann, the 21-year-old has been likened to Premier League legend Eden Hazard, with comparisons made to his “low centre of gravity” and his ability to cut inside and shoot.

Therefore, if Lewis-Potter can emulate what Bowen has gone on to achieve at West Ham, this would be a fantastic signing for Moyes if he can execute it.

In other news: David Moyes is eyeing a move for a defender from one of his former clubs

A big Rangers transfer claim has emerged over a player who could end up playing under Giovanni van Bronckhorst at Ibrox next season.

What’s the talk?

Transfer insider Pete O’Rourke has hinted at the possibility of a former Rangers player returning to Glasgow to booster the Gers’ squad for the 2022/23 campaign.

The player in question is Scotland international Billy Gilmour.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “I think a move to Rangers might be something that will be on his mind.

“I think he’s a boyhood Rangers fan as well, so if Rangers were able to pull off that deal, it would give them a huge boost going into next season.”

Gio van Bronckhorst will be excited

This claim will surely leave the Gers coach feeling excited for multiple reasons.

Firstly, Gilmour thinking about a switch to Ibrox and being a supporter of the club suggests that they have a realistic chance of landing him this summer.

His love for the Glasgow giants could give them the edge ahead of any other teams competing for his signature, with the prospect of playing at senior level for his boyhood club potentially being too hard to turn down.

Therefore, van Bronckhorst will be delighted as it shows that he would be getting a player who is desperate to do well for Rangers, rather than someone who has no connection to Ibrox and is only there to collect a wage at the end of the month.

The Dutch head coach will also be excited because of the quality Gilmour can bring to his team. If Ross Wilson is able to bring the youngster to the club then he will be an excellent addition to the side as he has shown great promise at such a young age.

He has caught the eye for Scotland at international level since making his debut for his country. In seven World Cup qualifiers, he has averaged an excellent SofaScore rating of 7.13 as he has shown that he can perform consistently to a high level on the world stage.

Gilmour also showcased his potential in the Champions League for Chelsea last season as he averaged a score of 6.95 across his two appearances in the competition. The Blues went on to lift the trophy and he can say that he played a part, however small, in helping them do it.

These statistics highlight the potential the 20-year-old has and why van Bronckhorst will be buzzing with the prospect of working with him at Rangers next season.

AND in other news, “Signals from the club..”: Rangers now dealt huge blow, it’ll have supporters gutted…

Celtic have the chance to secure the Premiership title tonight as they travel away from Parkhead to take on Dundee United.

The Hoops are currently six points clear of their rivals at the top of the league table and this means that one point will be enough to seal the deal, with only one match left in the division after today.

Ange Postecoglou’s team come into this clash off the back of a 4-1 win over Hearts at the weekend and will be looking to carry some of that momentum into this potential title clincher.

How many changes will Ange make to the team? Here is our predicted XI…

We are predicting that he will make three alterations to the side, with James Forrest, Stephen Welsh, Giorgos Giakoumakis and Tom Rogic all coming in.

Starting off at the back, Postecoglou may offer Welsh a rare chance to show what he can do at the heart of the defence next to Cameron Carter-Vickers.

Carl Starfelt was arguably at fault for Hearts’ goal at the weekend and has been dubbed “Sunday League” in the past by John Hartson. The head coach may opt to rest him, from the start, for this match as a result of that error and this would open the door for the young Scot to showcase his quality.

In the middle of the park, we are predicting that Rogic will be given the nod ahead of David Turnbull. It was the latter’s first start of 2022 after an injury-hit beginning to the year and he may drop to the bench to avoid breaking down again.

This will allow the Australian gem to return to the starting XI. Postecoglou previously tipped him to be “dominant” for Celtic and that is what he has been at times this season as he has plundered six goals and six assists in just 19 starts.

FFC published an article explaining why James Forrest should come into the starting line-up and the final change we are predicting is Giakoumakis starting in the number nine role. The Greek has scored 10 goals in as many Premiership starts this season and Postecoglou may look to his goalscoring prowess to clinch the title.

AND in other news, Forget Maeda: Celtic must unleash “frustrated” ace today, he’ll fire them to the title…

Celtic have another chance to take a step closer to securing the Premiership title on Saturday as Ange Postecoglou’s side welcome Hearts to Parkhead for the early afternoon kick off.

The Hoops’ previous outing saw them fail to secure a win over their Glasgow arch-rivals in last weekend’s Old Firm derby.

Jota put the home side ahead with 21 minutes on the clock, only for the visitors’ attacker Fashion Sakala to grab an equaliser which ultimately led to the two teams sharing the points.

Looking ahead to tomorrow’s clash, Postecoglou will undoubtedly be keen for his side to pick up all three points this time around.

On the chalkboard

One man who didn’t start against Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side last weekend but should be in the first XI on this occasion is Giorgos Giakoumakis.

Celtic signed the striker during the previous summer transfer window from VVV-Venlo in a deal worth up to £2.5m. Since then, the 27-year-old has scored 13 goals in 26 appearances across all competitions, showing how potent an attacking option he can be for the Hoops.

With 18 league games under his belt, the centre-forward has racked up 37 shots at goal in total, with 17 of those on target, making him a real threat for opposition goalkeepers.

The last time Giakoumakis played a full 90 minutes for the Hoops came last month in the 2-1 win over Rangers, when he also showed what he can offer his team.

Despite not having a shot on target that day, the striker made two key passes, one tackle and three clearances, highlighting how useful a figure he can be for his team both on and off the ball across the pitch.

Labelled a “deadly” player by Kris Commons, Giakoumakis certainly has all the right tools to be a terrifying prospect for Hearts to try and handle this weekend.

Since picking up an injury in the first half of Celtic’s 7-0 win over St Johnstone last month after he scored a goal, the summer recruit has not started a match.

Now that a few weeks have passed since the injury, it could be the ideal time for Postecoglou to finally unleash Giakoumakis and allow him to see out his debut season with the Bhoys in style.

Taking all this into account, the £1.8m-rated Greece international could be just what Celtic need if they are to ensure that they grab victory this time around and get even closer to the league title.

In other news – Enquiry made, then joined rivals: Celtic had the last laugh over “huge” 161 G/A dynamo

Newcastle United are reportedly set to walk away from a deal for Manchester United forward Jesse Lingard, according to reports.

What’s the word?

As per The Telegraph, The Magpies have backed out of talks regarding a move for the Englishman owing to his hefty wage demands, with the club not willing to upset their current wage structure by striking a deal.

The report suggests that the 29-year-old – who is out of contract this summer – has asked for £150k-per-week plus a signing on fee, with that figure believed to be too steep despite the notable wealth of the club’s new owners.

f Gareth Southgate’s 2018 World Cup squad, the Warrington-born gem has more than showcased his talent in recent seasons, with it fair to say he hasn’t been handed a fair crack of the whip at his current side this term.

Despite making an impact off the bench in the early weeks of the campaign, both Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick have routinely overlooked his talent, with his career at his boyhood club now petering out to a sad end.

It looks as if PIF are continuing to continue that trend of overlooking his quality, with their decision to snub a deal potentially being their first disaster since arriving on Tyneside.

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

The Athletic’s Aston Villa correspondent Gregg Evans lauded Matty Cash for his opening goal in their defeat against Manchester City this afternoon. 

The lowdown: So near but so far

Villa were so close to playing a huge part in the destiny of the Premier League title and causing a seismic upset after Cash headed Steven Gerrard’s side in front before Philippe Coutinho doubled the lead.

However, it wasn’t to be as an Ilkay Gundogan brace came either side of a long-range Rodri strike to consign Villa to defeat and break Liverpool’s hearts, with the Reds consigned to another runners-up finish.

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Despite what came afterwards, one reputable journalist was full of praise for the right-back after that opening goal…

The latest: Evans wowed by Cash goal

Taking to Twitter, Evans reacted instantly as the 24-year-old Poland international broke the deadlock in the first half.

He tweeted: “#MCFC 0-1 #AVFC (Cash) Wow. Huge shock on the cards. And some more VERY good Villa news on the way…”

The verdict: Capped off a fine performance

It was so nearly a monumental day for Villa, and indeed for the league as a whole, but instead it wasn’t quite to be for them or for Liverpool.

Despite the cruel manner of the defeat and the troubling aspect of three goals being conceded in five minutes, there are certainly positives to take from the match from Gerrard’s perspective.

Perhaps the biggest overall plus was the performance of the £19.8m-valued Cash, who made two clearances, won six duels and made one interception in a 6.7-rated display (Sofascore). His goal capped off what was a superb all-round showing from the 24-year-old.

In other news: Internal discussions held as Villa now eyeing bargain move for ‘outstanding’ player

Aston Villa have reached an agreement with Sevilla for the transfer of centre-back Diego Carlos, with Sky Sports sharing the development live on air.

The Lowdown: Quick start

NSWE and Steven Gerrard have made a head start on their summer business and have already secured permanent moves for Philippe Coutinho and Boubacar Kamara.

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Villa have turned Coutinho’s loan move into a full-time deal, while Kamara will officially be on the books in the Midlands from July 1 when his Marseille contract expires.

It now looks as if Carlos will be the next to officially sign despite links only first emerging on Wednesday morning.

The Latest: Carlos agreement

Villa confirmed on their official website on Thursday evening that they have reached an agreement with Sevilla for Carlos.

The Brazilian still needs to complete a medical and finalise personal terms though, and Sky Sports shared live on air that Villa are ‘on the verge’ of completing those finer details.

The Verdict: Big

Carlos is valued at £40.5m by Transfermarkt, but it looks as if Villa will pay just £26m for his services in what appears to be another big coup and a huge £14.5m saved.

Gerrard is clearly now at the heart of a major Villa Park rebuild, and it seems as if Carlos will have a big role to play in his first full season. The 29-year-old has bundles of experience at the top level in France and Spain as well as in the Champions League and Europa League.

His arrival could spell trouble for either Ezri Konsa or Tyrone Mings, with their futures thought to be up in the air, so Villa’s focus could soon be on exits before any more signings.

In other news: After Carlos: Sky Sports journo reacts as Villa close in on ‘phenomenal’ star; Gerrard’s ‘a fan’. 

Journalist Graeme Bailey has now shared an exciting Southampton transfer update involving Blackburn Rovers star Ben Brereton-Diaz.

The Lowdown: Semmens plan in place…

Under the new ownership of Sport Republic, Saints club chief Martin Semmens, who actively oversees their transfer business, has admitted that they already have their ‘plan in place’ for the summer (The Daily Echo).

This comes as a fair few squad members like Nathan Redmond, Theo Walcott and Moussa Djenepo head into the final years of their current deals as the St Mary’s side become open to offers for all three players (GiveMeSport).

Ralph Hasenhuttl, as a result, could see some fresh Premier League additions this window as he allegedly sets his sights on a striker signing.

The Latest: Bailey shares update…

According to journalist Bailey, writing for TEAMtalk, Southampton, and by extension Semmens, are now ‘in the running’ to sign Rovers star striker Brereton-Diaz this summer alongside Leeds, Brighton and Wolves.

This come as the Championship outfit decide to ‘cash in’ as they green-light his sale.

The Verdict: Finalise bid?

This report claims Rovers may ask for ‘slightly more’ than £20 million for any sides wishing to sign the Chile international, and going by his phenomenal return of 22 goals over 21/22, it could be a bargain.

Called a ‘beast’ by manager Toby Mowbray, the Ewood Park side could potentially be forced to accept a lower fee given Diaz is entering the final year of his deal.

Much will depend on Semmens’ negotiating power as he eyes some star recruits for Hasenhuttl.

In other news: Southampton emerge as frontrunners for ‘fabulous’ signing who’d suit Ralph ‘down to the ground’…find out more here.

Celtic have been circling Israeli midfielder Mohammed Abu Fani ahead of a potential summer move, according to Record Sport.

The Lowdown: Abu Fani’s career

Abu Fani has spent his entire professional career in his native country, where he currently plays for Israeli Premier League side Maccabi Haifa.

For the 2017/18 season, the midfielder was sent out on loan to second-tier outfit H. Ramat Gan, before returning and quickly heading straight back out to Hapoel Hadera, where he enjoyed two separate loan spells with the club.

All in all, the versatile midfielder has 18 goals and 11 assists in 182 club appearances.

The Latest: Hoops interested

According to a report by Record Sport, Celtic are keen to strengthen their squad further after their Premiership win and have identified Abu Fani as a potential arrival.

It is said that the Hoops are now circling the midfielder ahead of a potential summer switch.

As per Sport 5, Celtic will send scouts to watch Israel face Iceland and Albania in the UEFA Nations League, as they assess the 24-year-old before making a move.

The Verdict: Good signing for depth

Taking to Twitter, football analyst Julien San James has analysed the Israel international’s game, claiming that he has a ‘fearsome’ long-ball strike, and that he is ‘mobile and technical’ on the ball.

Following the departure of midfielder Nir Bitton, Hoops boss Ange Postecoglou needs to bring in a fresh face as a means of developing the squad’s depth, as the Glasgow side will look to make a push in next year’s UEFA Champions League.

Therefore, the Israeli’s arrival could prove useful for Celtic’s busy schedule next season, as rotation will be a key for success.

In other news: Alex McLeish makes Hoops transfer claim

Tottenham Hotspur have been offered the chance to bring Clement Lenglet to the Premier League this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a recent report by The Times, who claim that Barcelona have now offered Antonio Conte the chance to sign the centre-back on loan, with Xavi deeming the 26-year-old surplus to requirements at the Camp Nou.

However, the report goes on to state that the France international’s £170k-per-week salary could be an issue for Spurs, as the Premier League side have a strict wage structure in place at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Bastoni 2.0

While it is true that, following Xavi’s appointment as Barcelona head coach last year, Lenglet has become something of a bit-part player for the Catalan club, the defender’s metrics over the past 12 months would very much suggest that the 26-year-old could prove to be an extremely astute signing for Fabio Paratici to get over the line this summer.

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Indeed, according to FBref data, the £26m-rated talent ranks in the top 1% of centre-backs in Europe’s big five leagues for passes attempted per 90, as well as the top 1% for progressive passes, the top 1% for progressive carries, the top 18% for passes completed, the top 6% for assists and the top 10% for xA over the last 365 days.

Furthermore, the Frenchman who Andrew Gaffney dubbed a “special talent” also ranks in the top 15% for pressures per 90, in addition to the top 39% for tackles, the top 43% for aerial duels won, the top 20% for npxG+xA and the top 24% for progressive passes received over the last 12 months.

These metrics see FBref compare the 15-time capped international to some of the most prestigious centre-backs currently playing the game, the most eye-catching of which is well-reported Tottenham transfer target, Alessandro Bastoni.

As such, while missing out on a move for Bastoni this summer will undoubtedly have come as a gutting blow to Conte, should Paratici manage to get a deal over the line for Lenglet, it would appear the Italian could well have landed one of the best possible alternatives to the Inter Milan starlet.

AND in other news: “Information I have”: Journo now drops big Spurs transfer claim, Inzaghi will be livid