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Leeds United are set to miss out on Stade Brest’s Romain Perraud as another Premier League side swoops in.

What’s the story?

According to previous reports from The Athletic’s Phil Hay, the Whites were eyeing a summer transfer move for the 23-year-old, before The Mirror’s David Anderson poured cold water on that suggestion by claiming recently that Bielsa’s side had actually moved on from their chase of Perraud, and that the Yorkshire club were “no longer trying to sign” him.

Then, according to French publication L’Equipe (via Get French Football News), it was suggested the Whites were actually in talks with Brest over a deal for Perraud, but that they were set to face significant competition from the likes of Newcastle and Southampton.

Now, The Athletic have claimed that it’s the Saints who are closing in on the signing of Perraud and that “Ralph Hasenhuttl has met with the left-back and it’s understood that Perraud has made it clear he wants to sign for the south-coast side”.

Bielsa will be gutted

Given reports had suggested that Leeds had identified Perraud as their “leading target” to replace Gjanni Alioski at left-back this summer, and that this decision had come after recruitment meetings between Bielsa and Victor Orta, it’s surely a major blow for the Whites to miss out on the Frenchman

Writing a profile piece for The Athletic, Hay previously said: “Perraud, 23, played for France up to under-20s level and his performance data shows characteristics which would meet Bielsa requirements: a creative edge and a high number of dribbles and shots for a player at his position, combined with a very active role in pressing defensively.”

And, as per WhoScored, Perraud outshone Gjanni Alioski in numerous key categories both offensively and defensively last season, averaging more interceptions, key passes, shots, dribbles and crosses, while also being dribbled past only half as often as the Leeds full-back.

While Junior Firpo’s arrival would offset Perraud moving to Southampton, Bielsa will surely be gutted at missing out one of his prime targets this summer.

Meanwhile, Adam Pope has dropped an exciting Leeds United transfer update…

According to a report by Portuguese news outlet O Jogo, West Ham and Everton have ‘collected references’ in an approach to sign Benfica forward Haris Seferovic – with the possibility of making a bid for the player now ‘open’.

The Lowdown: West Ham in striker chase…

Manager David Moyes is said to be keen on adding a new striker to his West Ham ranks with many links emerging over these past few weeks.

Gent striker Paul Onuachu is among the new names touted with a possible move (allnigeriasoccer.com), while Arsenal forward Eddie Nketiah is said to be on the Hammers radar (Fabrizio Romano).

Ukraine international Roman Yaremchuk is allegedly another option (Eurosport), with O Jogo now lifting the lid on a West Ham approach to sign Seferovic.

The Latest: Irons make Seferovic approach…

As per the website, West Ham and Everton have both been in contact for the 29-year-old Switzerland star and it is possible that either club could make a bid this summer.

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Seferovic impressed at Euro 2020, scoring three goals in five matches for the Swiss, with the towering 6 foot 1 powerhouse now being eyed by the Irons and Moyes.

New Toffees boss Rafael Benitez, however, has taken the same stance for Everton and it seems West Ham could face competition from them and London rivals Tottenham – who also hold an interest.

The Verdict: Good option?

Benfica’s president apparently values Seferovic at around €25 million (£21.3m), but he is quite a mixed option with many aspects of his transfer to consider.

At 29, the forward’s sell-on-value will diminish in years ahead as he approaches the twilight phase of an impressive career.

West Ham may only get a couple of top seasons out of Seferovic before he potentially starts to tail off – so GSB and Moyes must consider the age factor despite his head-turning 26 goals in all competitions over 20/21 (Transfermarkt).

His quality is evident going by his haul of strikes in Portugal last term and the fact he has attracted plenty of praise – former Portugal international João Alves explained back in April how he has become a ‘fantastic player’ (Bancada), but how long this form will last could cause West Ham a headache.

In other news: Journalist makes 11-word West Ham transfer claim involving ‘phenomenal’ striker, find out more here.

Crystal Palace are interested in signing Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah this summer as they plan for a mass squad overhaul.

What’s the story?

According to well-known journalist and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the Eagles are keen to acquire the 22-year-old’s services, although they’re set to face competition from fellow Premier League side West Ham United and German outfit Bayer Leverkusen.

Romano tweeted: “Crystal Palace and West Ham among clubs interested… and Bayer Leverkusen” in response to a tweet from account @ZRAFC, which revealed that Nketiah has rejected a contract offer from the Gunners.

Fans will be delighted

The former England Under-21 international has just 12 months remaining on his current contract at the Emirates Stadium and is now expected to seek pastures new after turning down fresh terms from his boyhood club.

Nketiah found game time hard to come by last season, making just four Premier League appearances for the capital club, with the likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette ahead of him in the pecking order.

News that he is set to be available over the coming months will surely leave the Palace supporters feeling delighted as they hope to see several new signings bolster the first-team squad ahead of the upcoming campaign.

Former Nice manager Patrick Vieira has recently been appointed as the new manager of the Eagles, and he’s faced with a daunting task in south London.

Several players departed on free transfers at the end of June after seeing their contracts expire and the ongoing impact of the coronavirus pandemic means Vieira is likely to have just a shoestring budget available to replace them.

Therefore, Nketiah would be an ideal transfer target for Palace. The youngster has bagged 13 goals in 65 appearances for Arsenal, although several of those outings have been cameo appearances from the substitutes bench.

His proposed switch across London could be ideal for all parties this summer, and he could become the first addition of the Vieira era at Selhurst Park, which would delight the club’s fans.

And, in other news…Vieira could generate success at Crystal Palace by signing “ferocious” £6.3m-rated gem 

West Bromwich Albion are interested in a deal to bring Matt Clarke to The Hawthorns this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by The Sun, who claim that Valerien Ismael is keeping a very close eye on the situation of the Brighton & Hove Albion centre-back ahead of a potential move in the summer transfer window.

The report goes on to state that the Seagulls may be open to parting with the defender ahead of next season, with Graham Potter thought to be demanding a fee in the region of £5m for the 24-year-old.

Ismael would love him

After impressing during a loan spell at Derby County last season, it is easy to see why Ismael is considering a move for the Brighton centre-back this summer, as he very much appears to be the type of player the Frenchman would love.

Indeed, over his 42 Championship appearances for Wayne Rooney’s side last term, Clarke helped his team keep 12 clean sheets, as well as making an average of 1.4 interceptions, 1.4 tackles, 4.3 clearances and won a whopping 8.1 duels per game.

These returns saw the man Potter dubbed a “quality” player earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 7.05, ranking him as the Rams third-best performer in the second tier of English football, a rather remarkable feat considering Derby were struggling at the wrong end of the table.

And, with it being reported that Ismael is looking to add a strong defender to his centre-back options at Albion ahead of next season, Clarke would very much appear to be a fantastic candidate for the role.

As such, it would appear highly advisable for the 45-year-old to do all he can to land the £2.7m-rated man this summer, however, with Sheffield United also in the mix for the 24-year-old, Ismael will certainly have his work cut out in getting a deal over the line for the defender.

In other news: West Brom table bid for “dangerous” £38.5k-p/w gem, fans should be worried

Writing for Eurosport, journalist Dean Jones has lifted the lid on a possible blow for new Tottenham Hotspur boss Nuno Espirito Santo involving star striker Harry Kane.

The Lowdown: Kane wants to quit…

As per Sky Sports, who originally broke the news, Kane has informed Spurs of his desire to leave north London this summer – with Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea all interested from the Premier League.

The 27-year-old has just enjoyed a fine Euro 2020 with England despite not being able to clinch the trophy at Wembley, which could potentially increase demand for him this summer.

The Latest: Jones shares Kane blow for Nuno and Spurs…

Writing for Eurosport, Jones has lifted the lid on a possible blow for Nuno as he drops a Spurs update involving Kane.

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Indeed, as per the reporter, Kane is expected to reiterate his desire to leave Tottenham this summer following his major tournament campaign with the Three Lions.

He also claims that ‘discussions are expected’ between the star striker, Spurs and Nuno before the end of his post-tournament break.

While Tottenham have no intention to sell, a stance which will be explained to the player himself, Kane is still understood to hold reservations over whether the club can indeed fulfil his ambitions.

On top of this, Jones believes that the Spurs superstar will publicly reiterate his desire to leave N17 when he receives assurances that suitors Man City are ‘serious’ about moving forward with a ‘significant’ bid.

The Verdict: Blow for Spurs…

It appears Nuno may have a huge battle on his hands to keep Kane at Tottenham this summer.

A disastrous start to his reign would be failing to keep hold of a forward who was pivotal to Spurs’ 2020/2021 campaign and by some way their most impressive player.

Averaging a phenomenal 3.9 shots on goal per 90, more than any other player in the Premier League (WhoScored), Kane also bagged a head-turning 23 goals and 14 assists over 35 English top flight appearances (WhoScored).

Indeed, news that he is expected to reiterate his desire to leave comes as a possibly devastating blow for Nuno as he begins his reign at Spurs.

In other news: ‘Yes yes yes yes’, ‘Oh jeez…’ – Many Tottenham fans erupt as Levy allegedly eyes ‘great signing’, find out more here.

Writing on Twitter, reliable club insider ExWHUemployee has now claimed that West Ham United have made an enquiry over signing West Bromwich Albion star Matheus Pereira this summer. 

The Lowdown: West Ham hunt Lingard alternative?

Jesse Lingard, following his sensational 2020/2021 spell on loan at the London Stadium, was tipped as one of manager David Moyes’ priority targets for this summer transfer window.

However, with a move away from Manchester United now looking more and more unlikely, attention has seemingly switched to alternative options in the attacking midfield position.

Chelsea midfielder Ross Barkley is one name that has been mentioned in recent days (90min), but as per ExWHUemployee, it appears Pereira is the main candidate.

The Latest: West Ham enquiry made…

As per the insider, writing on his social media, West Ham have now made enquiry over signing Pereira and are interested in securing his services this summer.

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However, talks are not advanced and the deal has not been agreed, with only an approach made thus far by the Hammers as they seek to strengthen in time for the 2021/2022 season.

West Ham will be involved in the Europa League group stages, having to play more matches in smaller timeframes, so bolstering Moyes’ options is an absolute necessity.

The Verdict: Get it done…

Pereira, in our view, could be the perfect alternative to Lingard who can provide a bit of everything.

According to WhoScored, he averaged more key passes per 90 in the final third (1.8) than any West Ham player did in the Premier League last season, even Lingard.

As well as this, he completed more dribbles on average (1.2) than the Red Devils ace (1.1) – potentially highlighting he can be just as effective in terms of attacking threat.

Pereira attracted praise for his performances over 2020/2021 as well, with Premier League pundit Kevin Campbell calling him ‘devastating’ in an interview with Football Insider.

Quite the goal threat from midfield, he has also managed 54 career strikes across 196 senior appearances in total.

Indeed, West Ham would be remiss if they didn’t prioritise him as their number one attacking midfield priority.

In other news: ‘Wow’, ‘Incredible’, ‘Please have truth in this’…West Ham fans flock to forward update, find out more here.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are reportedly interested in former Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey.

Gazzetta dello Sport (via Metro) say that the Midlands outfit are rivalling Spurs, now managed by former boss Nuno Espirito Santo, in the race for Juventus star.

Ramsey started 13 Serie A matches last season for the Old Lady, who slipped to fourth and surrendered their title to Inter.

He was directly involved in six goals (two goals, four assists) and averaged 1.1 shots, 1.4 key passes and 1.5 accurate long balls per 90 minutes (via WhoScored).

Could Ramsey take Wolves’ spending past £35million?

Ramsey has two years left on his contract in Turin and is valued at £12.6million by Transfermarkt.

Wolves have spent £23.6million so far this summer on five new signings. Rayan Ait-Nouri has joined permanently, Jose Sa has replaced Rui Patricio and Francisco Trincao has arrived on loan from FC Barcelona.

Youngsters Yerson Mosquera and Bendeguz Bolla have also been recruited.

Fan feed Talking Wolves relayed Gazzetta’s claim, and here’s what supporters made of it.

These Wolves fans call for Ramsey signing

“If he wants to take a 50+% deduction in wages, I’m all for this”

Credit: @cal_wolvesfc

“Get him signed asap then”

Credit: @JayWWFC

“Please and thank you”

Credit: @alexdunnesf

“Ohhhhhh please, for once be true”

Credit: @bo88om

“Don’t believe it’s true but would take him any day”

Credit: @KingGillyThe1st

“Dave Edwards get on the blower to your countryman to come to the wolves”

Credit: @MMBeats2025

In other news, Wolves are battling for this promising midfielder.

Tottenham Hotspur could secure their ideal heir to Toby Alderweireld this summer after being linked with a move for Fiorentina defender Nikola Milenkovic.

What’s the story?

According to The Athletic’s Tottenham reporter Charlie Eccleshare, the capital club are interested in signing the 23-year-old this summer, despite their reported pursuit of Cristian Romero.

He tweeted: “Nikola Milenkovic, who #THFC hold an interest in, would be a relatively straightforward deal. The player has one year left on his contract and is keen to play in the PL. Around €15m would do it.”

He’s a big upgrade on Eric Dier

With Alderweireld joining Qatari club Al-Duhail, new Spurs manager Nuno Espirito Santo needs to significantly strengthen his backline ahead of the upcoming campaign.

Milenkovic has established himself as one of Serie A’s most promising young centre-back’s in recent years, racking up 133 appearances for La Viola in all competitions.

His impressive performance have seen the 6 ft 5 beast likened to one of the Premier League’s greats in Manchester United legend and compatriot Nemanja Vidic, which will surely delight Spurs supporters.

“Milenkovic is better than Vidic with the ball at his feet, and he is much calmer on the field,” Mozzart journalist Dejan Stankovic told ESPN FC.

“He is the most talented centre-back Serbia have had since Vidic, and they definitely have one thing in common – both are fearless.”

While the youngster may still have some way to go in order to reach Vidic’s incredible levels on the pitch, it appears he would already offer a significant upgrade on one of Tottenham’s current options.

England international Eric Dier came in for criticism last season following a string of underwhelming displays, and Milenkovic’s underlying figures indicate he’s currently performing at a higher level than the 27-year-old.

As per WhoScored, Milenkovic managed 1.4 tackles per league game last term and 1.3 interceptions, bettering Dier’s tallies of 0.8 and 0.8, respectively.

And the Fiorentina ace showcased his ability with the ball at his feet as well, recording a passing accuracy of 86% compared to Dier’s 83.2%.

Spurs chairman Daniel Levy must swoop for Milenkovic this summer, and provide Espirito Santo with adequate quality and strength in depth for the new season.

The former Wolves boss frequently played five at the back during his four-year stay at Molineux, meaning he’d likel want a couple of centre-back’s through the door this summer. And with the Serbian’s lowly £12.7m asking price, his acquisition would leave plenty of funds left over for other signings.

And, in other news…Paratici heading for Spurs disaster with £12.6m-rated sicknote, fans will be fuming 

An update has emerged regarding Real Betis’ valuation of reported Wolves transfer target William Carvalho.

What’s the talk?

According to El Desmarque, Real Betis are prepared to sell the midfielder for a fee in the region of £7.6m-£8.5m (€9m-10m), despite paying nearly £17m (€20m) for him in 2018 from Sporting Lisbon.

This comes after a report surfaced earlier this summer claiming that Wolves have a long-standing interest in the Portuguese international.

Get it done

Wolves manager Bruno Lage must sanction a swoop for the defensive midfielder this summer as this appears to be a brilliant opportunity for the club. He is a long-term target and there may not be a better time than now to snap him up, with Betis seemingly willing to take a sizeable loss to raise funds of their own before the end of the current transfer window.

Transfermarkt value the 29-year-old at £13.5m and this suggests that Wolves would be picking up a bargain if they could get him in for between £7.6m and £8.5m. He is vastly experienced at the top level, with almost 200 appearances for Sporting, 86 for Real Betis and 68 caps for his country. This shows that he is a reliable operator in midfield and would appear to represent a safe signing at Molineux.

Former Portugal manager Paul Bento once hailed the midfielder as “extraordinary” whilst managing him at international level. He said: “He’s extraordinary and having a great season. He’s proved that he’s above average mature.”

Bento’s comments suggest that Carvalho has impressed for his country, whilst he averaged a solid WhoScored rating of 6.88 in the Nations League for Portugal last year. The holding midfielder would arrive at Wolves with pedigree and experience for a relatively modest fee, which is why the club must act on their interest to bring him in before the end of August.

It may not be a flashy £30m signing of a striker who could score numerous goals in the Premier League, but it the type of steady, shrewd addition on whom great teams can be built. Not every team has 11 superstars and you need reliable performers who can do a job when required, which Carvalho appears to be. This is why Lage must bring him in for a cut-price fee this summer to bolster Wolves’ midfield options.

AND in other news, “Wolves very much see..” – Journalist shares club’s stance on key player amid exit speculation…

Valerien Ismael’s first competitive game in charge of West Bromwich Albion did not get off to the best of starts on Friday evening, with his Albion side twice having to come from behind to salvage a draw against AFC Bournemouth.

Prior to kick-off, Ismael sprung a number of surprises with his matchday squad, with Cedric Kipre being awarded his first league start for the club more than a year after joining, while loanee defender Matt Clarke was absent from the team altogether, with the manager revealing after the match that the 24-year-old had a hip problem.

Romaine Sawyers was also absent from the West Brom side amid reports linking the central midfielder with a move to Stoke City, while the Frenchman only named six out of a possible seven substitutes for the clash.

Unfortunately for Kipre, it was his performance which grabbed attention for all the wrong reasons, with the 24-year-old looking as if he struggled to keep up with the pace of West Brom’s game, and generally demonstrating why he had not featured from the off before this fixture.

Indeed, the £14k-per-week defender got off to a shocking start, over-committing in a challenge with Bournemouth’s Jaidon Anthony in the 12th minute of the game, subsequently allowing the winger to burst into the Albion penalty area before squaring to Emiliano Marcondes, who duly put the Cherries 1-0 up.

Things did not get much better for the defender as the match went on, with the £900k-rated man being very sloppy in possession of the ball, completing just 19 of his 29 attempted passes with a success rate of just 66%, as well as losing the ball on 11 separate occasions.

The former Ivory Coast under-23 international also lost six of his 11 duels and committed one foul, with these metrics seeing the 24-year-old earn a disappointing SofaScore match rating of 6.6 – ranking him as the Baggies’ worst defender on the night.

As such, it would very much appear ad if Kipre did not repay the faith that Ismael – albeit reluctantly – placed in him in for the 2-2 draw at the Vitality Stadium on Friday, with the Frenchman surely hoping that Clarke will be fit for the visit of Luton Town next week.

In other news: West Brom dealt transfer blow on “tenacious” £4.5m beast, Ismael will be gutted