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West Ham United have been linked with a move for Real Madrid forward Eden Hazard ahead of the January transfer window, with manager David Moyes eager to bolster his attacking options.

What’s the story?

According to The Express (who cite The Mirror), West Ham are one of two Premier League clubs interested in bringing the 30-year-old back to English shores following his disastrous spell in Madrid.

Everton are reportedly the other side keen to snap Hazard’s services, and Los Blancos could be set to make an £88m loss on the creative talent after listing him for just £21m.

Rob Newman can seal dream West Ham deal

If West Ham’s head of recruitment Rob Newman can entice Hazard to east London over the window it would be a dream deal, given his previous exploits.

During his time at Chelsea, the Belgium international established himself as one of the best players in world football, scoring 110 goals and laying on a further 92 assists in 352 appearances for the capital club.

Hazard also claimed two Premier League titles, two Europa Leagues, one FA Cup and one League Cup throughout his seven-year stay in west London, cementing his status as a club legend.

Former Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer previously claimed that the creative talent had the potential to become the best player in world football after lauding his “outstanding” 2014/15 campaign, while Jamie Carragher described him as a “superstar”.

However, Hazard has been unable to replicate the success he had at Stamford Bridge since arriving in Spanish football two-and-a-half years ago.

Injuries, illness and a severe loss of form have limited him to just 25 La Liga starts during his time in Madrid, with the £381,000-per-week gem providing just 14 goal contributions in his 54 outings.

But despite his recent struggles, it’s clear Hazard can still provide world-class moments of magic when on top form, and his arrival at the London Stadium would be a significant coup for the Hammers’ hierarchy.

With Said Benrahma potentially set to miss the entirety of January due to his participation in the African Cup of Nations, Moyes could certainly use some reinforcements in the final third of the pitch.

West Ham are currently sitting pretty in fourth place in the top-flight table, and the acquisition of Hazard may be the catalyst needed to secure a Champions League qualification spot come May.

And, in other news…Forget Zouma: Moyes must unleash WHU’s £13.5m-rated “monster” who’s “turned a corner”

According to a report by Turkish news outlet Fotomac, via Sport Witness, Galatasaray could open ‘official’ talks to sign West Ham United forward Andriy Yarmolenko once their new president is elected.

The Lowdown: Yarmo out of favour…

The Ukraine international barely featured for West Ham over 2020/2021 due to a combination of injury issues and other players being ahead in the pecking order.

Indeed, Yarmolenko started just one Premier League game all season under manager David Moyes and played out the vast majority of his appearances as a substitute.

The 31-year-old bagged three goals in six appearances across both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup competitions last year but that was the summary of his contribution.

The Latest: Galatasary come calling…

Fotomac, via Sport Witness, now bring the latest on Yarmolenko and his future in the English capital.

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The forward is now attracting heavy interest from Turkish Super League giants Galatasary who plan to be ‘aggressive’ in the transfer market this summer.

It is reported that they could even open official talks to sign Yarmolenko once some club issues are resolved, such as the election of a new president and the future of their current manager.

The 94-cap international’s agent even apparently confirmed that Turkish clubs are looking to sign him according to this report.

The Verdict: Time to go…

West Ham star Declan Rice once dubbed Yarmolenko as ‘really special’ in an interview with the club’s official website, but we believe now may be time for him to leave east London.

Yarmolenko played far more often over 2019/2020, scoring five goals in the Premier League, but he has cut a bit-part figure to say the least over these last six months.

The Hammers may need to adopt a sell-to-buy policy like many clubs up and down England due to the coronavirus pandemic and we can’t think of anyone better for the chopping block.

In other news: Barry Fry makes claim on potentially ‘great news for West Ham fans’, find out more here.

In an exclusive interview with The Transfer Tavern, Steve Howey, who made 271 appearances during his career, has claimed that Wilfried Zaha’s attitude on the pitch is what’s holding him back from a move to a bigger club.

Zaha did get his move to a big club when he was signed for Manchester United in 2013 by Sir Alex Ferguson, however he failed to make an impact at Old Trafford when David Moyes was appointed and eventually returned back to Crystal Palace in 2015.

The Ivory Coast international has once again been linked with a move away from Selhurst Park with Arsenal holding a strong long term interest in the 28-year old, who has two years left on his current contract.

Speaking on how Zaha keeps getting linked with big clubs and why his attitude on the pitch may be holding him back, Howey told The Transfer Tavern:

“He’s been linked with everybody and obviously he got his move to Man United which didn’t work out but now, as a player, he can be devastating on his day.

“Sometimes I don’t get a great vibe from him attitude-wise and I just think at times you look at him and I’m not 100% convinced. I think that’s what probably puts some clubs off him because he’s either breathtaking or non-existent.”

Roy Hodgson has given Zaha a lot more freedom to express himself this season having deployed the traditional winger as Palace’s main focal point through the middle.

This decision has resulted in Zaha having his second-best season in front of goal for Palace having scored nine goals and registered two assists in 23 league games.

Alasdair Gold has dropped an update on the future of reported Tottenham Hotspur summer transfer target Christian Eriksen.

What’s the talk?

In a recent video posted on YouTube, the football.london journalist revealed that Spurs have been in discussions regarding the possibility of bringing the 30-year-old central midfielder back to north London on a free transfer this summer.

Speaking about Spurs’ interest in the Denmark international, Gold said: “He would fit in there like a glove, in [Antonio] Conte’s 3-5-2, as he did with Inter Milan. He would bring so much to Tottenham.

“I know Spurs have spoken, have had discussions about bringing him in as a free agent – as in amongst themselves. I think there’s going to be a queue of competition for him.

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“I don’t think he left Spurs on the best of terms with the hierarchy at the club. But, he does love the club and he wants to stay in London, from what I understand, with his family.

“And it’s quite funny that Conte, when he just signed for Brentford, was very clear – no subtlety about it whatsoever – that he wanted to bring in Eriksen, maybe this summer.”

Supporters will love Gold’s claim

Considering just how impressive Eriksen has been following his return to the Premier League in January, coupled with the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium faithful’s undying love for the 30-year-old, the news Spurs are considering a move for the midfielder this summer is sure to be a claim that supporters will love.

Indeed, over his seven Premier League appearances for Brentford, the £13.5m-rated maestro has been in breathtaking form for Thomas Frank’s side, scoring one goal, registering two assists and creating three big chances for his teammates, as well as making an average of 2.1 key passes and taking 1.9 shots per game.

These returns have seen the Dane average a quite remarkable SofaScore match rating of 7.49, not only ranking him as the Bees’ best performer in the league but also as the third-best player in the division as a whole – above the likes of Mohamed Salah, Son Heung-min and Mason Mount.

As such, considering his history with both Tottenham and Conte, his undoubted ability with the ball and the fact he will be available to sign on a free, it is clear to see why Spurs would be interested in a deal to bring Eriksen back to the club this summer – as he very much looks to be the type of player the 52-year-old manager is desperately lacking in the middle of the park.

AND in other news: “His people claim..”: Gold drops behind scenes update, Spurs supporters surely buzzing

Celtic have no manager at present but that doesn’t seem to matter to the club’s hierarchy, who are busy tying up some pre-contract deals.

Liam Shaw has already agreed a move with the Hoops while they’re also targeting Kyle Joseph from Wigan Athletic.

What’s the word?

It appears that the Bhoys are making an effort to bring plenty of young talent to Glasgow over the summer. That’s because fresh reports state that they’re targeting another teenager embedded within the English Football League.

GIVEMESPORT reported that Rochdale’s flying winger Kwadwo Baah is a target for Celtic ahead of the next window. The 18-year-old’s contract expires this summer and thus, the Hoops will be able to sign him on a free transfer.

However, they face competition from both Manchester City and West Ham to secure his signature.

Timely move

With Cameron Harper now back in America and Karamoko Dembele set to wind down his contract (via reports relayed by The Scottish Sun), securing some more young talent is a timely statement from the Hoops.

Dembele has long been the darling of the Celtic academy but, after finding first team opportunities hard to come by, he is seemingly on the hunt for chances elsewhere.

It will be a shame, especially given his glowing qualities. The teenager made his debut as a 16-year-old but hasn’t really built on what was a very early glimpse of his qualities.

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Signing Baah would therefore seem an excellent addition in order to replace him. The two players possess similar characteristics, too.

In League One this term, the Rochdale forward has scored three times and provided two assists, but one of the most eye-catching aspects of his game is the ability to take on and beat a defender.

Like Dembele, Baah loves to leave full-backs in a tangle, something his 1.6 dribbles per match signifies.

Judging by their ages – Dembele is also just 18 – they are at a similar stage of development, too. That being said, the Celtic target has far more senior experience and exposure to his name.

While the Hoops prospect has made just five senior appearances, Baah has featured on 37 occasions for Rochdale, being praised highly in the process. Speaking in December, Dale manager Brian Barry-Murphy said: “He’s a very special talent, he’s going to attract the headlines – and rightly so because he’s a very dangerous player.”

Barry-Murphy clearly rates him highly, commenting after Baah signed a new deal a year ago: “His talent is exceptional and he’s someone we’re very excited about for the future. He’s made a huge impact on the squad already.”

In terms of the impact made at senior level, Baah is already ahead of Dembele. That should be music to the ears of Hoops supporters.

AND in other news, 108 aerials won: Celtic could replace Edouard with “special” 6 ft 7 colossus…

Aston Villa have joined Wolverhampton Wanderers and Arsenal in the race for Rangers full-back Borna Barisic, as reported by Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Aston Villa moving swiftly in the summer transfer window

Preparing the for 2021/22, the Villans have been one of the most active teams in English football as they aim to improve on a solid 11th Premier League finish last campaign.

Already acquiring former Norwich City talisman Emiliano Buendia for a club-record fee [Sky Sports], Villa have also been linked with a move for Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse [365 Football].

Wasting no time in identifying potential recruits, the Midlands side now look set to turn their attention towards 28-year-old Barisic.

The Latest: Villa, Arsenal, Wolves and Leeds all keen on the Croatia international

In the market for a new left-sided defender, Aston Villa have registered an interest in the Rangers talisman alongside Arsenal and Wolves [Football Insider].

He is currently on international duty with Croatia at EURO 2020. The Clarets have begun to plan a potential detailed scouting mission throughout his involvement within the tournament, to assess his capabilities as a potential acquisition [Football Insider].

Leeds United are also said to be monitoring the former Osijek left-back as a potential Ezgjan Alioski replacement [GIVEMESPORT].

The Verdict: Barisic won’t come cheap for Aston Villa; his contract runs until 2024

As the transfer merry-go-round escalates, Aston Villa will be desperate to build a side capable of pushing on next season,.

Undoubtedly, the Croat would represent a solid addition to the Villa Park fold following a season in Glasgow where he registered 19 goal contributions; five goals and 14 assists [Transfermarkt].

With pre-season firmly around the corner, Aston Villa will be looking to conclude any transfer dealings as swiftly as possible.

Rangers are unlikely to let Barisic go inexpensively due to his contract not expiring until 2024, meaning Villa may have to stump up a considerable sum in order to secure his signature [Transfermarkt], but for a player who influences games like the Croatian, it could be a wise investment.

In other news, Gabriel Agbonlahor calls for Aston Villa to swoop for a 22-goal striker.

Wolves are reportedly eyeing a move for Joao Palhinha in the summer transfer window, and Ruben Vinagre may be used as part of a deal.

The Lowdown: Vinagre not needed

Vinagre is clearly surplus to requirements at the Midlands club, given that he was shipped out on loan to two different teams in the 2020/21 season.

At just 22 years of age, the left-back still holds some market value, and so the Molineux faithful may be able to use this to their advantage.

The Latest: Palhinha priority

As per A Bola (via Sport Witness), Palhinha is reportedly a ‘priority target’ for the Wanderers, but his price may be a problem, as Sporting Lisbon want €30m (£25.8m) to prize him away.

However, Vinagre could be used as part of a deal to sign Palhinha, as Sporting are interested in his signature, but WWFC will face competition from Napoli for Palhinha.

The Verdict: Sign him

Bruno Lage will need all the help that he can get in his first season with Wolves and in the Premier League in general, and Palhinha would certainly be a welcome addition to his squad.

He was such a key man in his team’s domestic title win, winning no fewer than 9.1 duels per game, while also averaging a whopping 3.3 tackles, 1.5 interceptions and 1.2 clearances a match (Sofascore).

At 25 years of age, Palhinha has not entered his peak yet either, and by adding Vinagre as part of a potential deal, it could turn out to be a real bargain for a truly destructive player to sit just in front of the defence.

In other news, find out what transfer update has left Wanderers buzzing here!

Some Liverpool fans have been reacting negatively to Mohamed Salah’s comments about his relationship with Jurgen Klopp, fearing that he may leave the club.

The Egyptian has been one of the star players during this wonderful period at Anfield, scoring 119 goals in 192 appearances for the club.

In a season which has seen numerous players struggle, Salah has stood out for Liverpool, not only leading their scoring charts but also topping the pile in the Premier League alongside Harry Kane currently.

There appear to be constant question marks surrounding the 28-year-old’s long-term future at Anfield, however, and in an interview with AS back in December, he flirted with a move to Spain.

Fresh comments have now emerged from Salah, in which he discusses his relationship with Klopp, telling Marca:

“It’s a normal relationship between two professionals. That’s how I’d describe it.”

It isn’t exactly the warmest set of comments from Salah, perhaps suggesting he isn’t as close to the Liverpool manager as some of his teammates.

Liverpool fans react to Salah comments

These Reds supporters took to Twitter to provide their thoughts on the matter, with many concerned about what the future could hold.

“I feel Salah is gonna leave anytime soon, wherever he goes, I wish him all the best”

Credit: @oluwadhamendra1

“Yikes”

Credit: @Haashimlfc

“Wow…such love eh. I know which one I’d rather have at my club. Bye bye Mo”

Credit: @moustache_and

“Not exactly the great affection your hear from other players, is it? Wonder if one day we’ll find out that they were never that close. It happens, like Gerrard/Rafa, Fowler/Houllier”

Credit: @HenryJackson87

“Don’t care. Let him leave, we need the cash”

Credit: @RyShah3

“He can leave”

Credit: @DarkW0LF19

In other news, Liverpool are reportedly interested in snapping up a fellow ‘big six’ star this summer – find out who it is here.

Celtic youngster Karamoko Dembele has been waiting patiently in the wings for two years now.

It has been an arduous time for the Hoops prodigy, a player who broke onto the scene as a 16-year-old in 2019 but still only has seven first team appearances to his name.

The Bhoys have done well not to overexpose him but there is a fine line to be had. The truth is that Neil Lennon and now John Kennedy haven’t utilised him as much as they should.

Dembele has played so little that there are growing concerns over his future in Paradise. For a long while it was thought that the 18-year-old’s contract would expire at the end of the season, but Kennedy provided welcome news in the week that the teenager still has one year left on his deal.

However, if he doesn’t want to stick around, this will be their final opportunity to receive a fee for his services. If he still hasn’t signed by January, then Dembele will be free to speak to foreign clubs.

To lose a player of his calibre on a free transfer would be simply disastrous, especially now he looks set to make a proper breakthrough in Glasgow.

Dembele came off the bench in the 4-0 win over St Johnstone a few days ago to score his first senior goal. It has been a long time coming but it was taken like a player who’s been at the top for years.

David Turnbull played an inch-perfect ball into the teenager’s path before he burst away from the defence and calmly found the back of the net.

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He had a sensational impact and, if he doesn’t start on Saturday against Hibernian, it will feel like a crime against football, a devilish act deliberately made to trigger Celtic supporters.

The Hoops have nothing to play for on the final day of the campaign so this feels like the perfect time to finally unleash the winger. There is no pressure and no great expectation.

Speaking about Dembele in the week, Kennedy said: “Karamoko has been spoken about as the next superstar, but people develop physically at different rates. He is probably one who still has a bit of development, but is a terrific talent – we know that.”

Kennedy knows a flourishing young player when he sees one. He was crucial in the development of Kieran Tierney when he was coming through the ranks at Parkhead.

The left-back made a seamless transition to first team football, one that Dembele will now hope to follow. He has already made an impact at senior level and, if his goal on Wednesday tells you anything, it’s that he’s ready to start from the off.

Forget about Mohamed Elyounoussi, Celtic need to focus on players who will actually be at the club next season.

AND in other news, Howe set to be dealt big Celtic blow before he’s even arrived, McKay surely fuming…

Sheffield United have been dealt a blow in their bid to bring Robin Olsen to Bramall Lane this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Italian media outlet Calciomercato, who claim that the AS Roma goalkeeper is stalling over a potential move to the Blades, in the hope that a Premier League side firm up their interest in his services.

It had previously been reported that Slavisa Jokanovic’s side had identified the 31-year-old shot-stopper as their number one candidate to replace the recently departed Aaron Ramsdale, and were locked in discussions with the Sweden international – whom Jose Mourinho is believed to be open to parting with this summer.

Jokanovic will be livid

With it being all well and good that Oslen is stalling over his potential move to Bramall Lane due to his desire to play Premier League football, the goalkeeper’s indecision will nevertheless have left Jokanovic livid.

Indeed, with time running out for the 53-year-old to bring in a new first-choice ‘keeper in the summer transfer window, should a top-flight side indeed chose to make a move for the Roma man in the coming days, it would leave the Serbian with very little time to source another player in the position.

Furthermore, Olsen would very much appear to be a fantastic signing for a Championship club to make, as the 31-year-old highly impressed for both Everton and Sweden last season.

Indeed, over his seven Premier League appearances for the Toffees last term, the £2.7m-rated man kept two clean sheets, as well as conceding an average of just 1.3 goals and making three saves per game.

These returns saw the player Alexander Isak dubbed an “incredible” talent earn an average SofaScore match rating of 6.87, ranking him as the Toffees’ 12th-best performer in the league.

This fine form continued while on international duty, with the £14k-per-week shot-stopper conceding just four goals and keeping two clean sheets over his four appearances at Euro 2020 – with these metrics seeing the ‘keeper earn a highly impressive average SofaScore match rating of 7.05.

As such, while losing Ramsalde will have undoubtedly come as a blow for Jokanovic, if the Blades boss were to replace the youngster with Olsen this summer, it would certainly soften the hit – although, whether or not the Roma man ends up in Sheffield appears rather uncertain at present.

In other news: Jokanovic heading for his biggest SUFC transfer mistake to date, fans will be livid