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Writing on Twitter, journalist Ekrem Konur has made a significant West Ham United transfer claim involving Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Alphonse Areola.

The Lowdown: Hammers eye new shot stoppers?

Despite current number one Lukasz Fabianski recently putting pen to paper on a one-year contract extension in east London, West Ham have been tipped by the press to target new goalkeepers in this transfer window (football.london).

The 36-year-old Poland international has entered the twilight phase of his career, so David Moyes and co may have to start contemplating who will be his eventual successor.

West Ham have been linked with a move for West Bromwich Albion ace Sam Johnstone (football.london), as well as Sweden international Robin Olsen (AS), but Konur has now dropped a major claim involving another target.

The Latest: Konur drops major Areola to West Ham claim…

Reports emerged yesterday of West Ham’s talks to finalise a loan move for PSG keeper Areola this summer (Foot Mercato).

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Konur has now dropped a big claim on the development, saying that the Irons are about to seal the 28-year-old’s temporary signing from France.

Taking to Twitter, the Turkish football reporter with more than 120,000 followers explained: “West Ham are about to complete the transfer of Alphonse Areola. Areola will be on loan from PSG for 1 year.”

The Verdict: Coup for the Hammers?

As a reinforcement for the goalkeeping department, we believe that potentially signing Areola on loan for the 2021/22 season comes a very worthwhile coup.

Starting 36 Premier League matches whilst on loan at Fulham last term, the 28-year-old proved himself capable between the sticks despite their eventual relegation. He kept nine clean sheets in that time for the Cottagers and pulled off some truly wonderful saves (Sky Sports), with former Fulham manager Scott Parker labelling Areola as one of his three ‘very experienced’ and ‘exceptional’ goalkeepers (Daily Mirror).

The three-cap France international could come as an astute acquisition if West Ham manage to pull off this deal.

In other news: ‘Superstar’, ‘What a player’…Many West Ham fans rave as ‘good news’ emerges, find out more here.

Everton will be expected to go into the transfer window with conviction over the next couple of weeks, as they have been, surprisingly, one of the most underperforming teams in the Premier League with only five wins and five draws from their last 17 fixtures this season so far.

The Toffees have been linked to a number of players over the last few months, but there was one signing in particular that was picked up by transfer insider, Fabrizio Romano, and the deal seems to be almost done.

What’s the word?

Ukrainian left back, Vitaliy Mykolenko is set to join Everton in January according to Fabrizio Romano, who tweeted out a transfer claim two weeks ago.

“EXCL: Ukraine left back Vitaliy Mykolenko is currently undergoing his medical as new Everton player, here we go! #EFC”

“He’s set to join Everton from Dynamo Kiev on a permanent move, final price around €21/23m. Personal terms agreed.”

Now Russian news outlet, YHAH, has claimed the full back is set to earn a ‘dizzying sum’ to join the Toffees on Merseyside in the New Year, with the report stating that the Dynamo Kyiv star will earn seven times his current salary at the Ukrainian club.

The report suggests that Mykolenko earns $50K a month currently, with a move to Everton improving his financial situation astronomically, as it is reported he will earn around £58K per week when and if he joins in the next few weeks.

Former Ukraine head coach Myron Markevych has heaped praised on the 22 year old speaking on the defender’s “desire to improve” in an interview quoted by the Liverpool Echo;

“By his dedication, his desire to improve, Vitaliy Mykolenko deserved such a challenge in his career. It’s really a real challenge for the 22-year-old, who has proven with his quality play recently at all levels that he is ready to test his capabilities in the world’s strongest soccer league.”

Bye Bye Digne

The signing of the Ukrainian international would only confirm further that Rafa Benitez has plans for current left back, Lucas Digne, to leave the club during the upcoming transfer window, with rumours already linking the Frenchman away from the club.

It would appear that making such a signing, with such a generous wage offering would only mean that the Spanish manager feel his differences with Digne as irreparable, which would surely leave fans gutted to see the Everton star leave after over three years and 127 appearances for the club.

It would clearly be an unpopular decision to let go of the full back, however, Benitez has come good with his signings so far for the Toffees, with both Andros Townsend and Demarai Gray joining the club during the manager’s reign, who also both happen to be the joint top goal scorers for the club right now.

In other news: Rafa must avoid losing Calvert-Lewin in the transfer window

Newcastle are expected to sign a number of players in the summer according to Sky correspondent Keith Downie.

What’s the story?

He said when speaking to This Is Futbol that he expects the Toon to be extremely busy when it comes to adding new faces to the squad ahead of next season.

He said: “I still expect four or five players to arrive, and that’s without me talking about anyone leaving. If players leave then it could lead to even more arriving.”

Despite still not having secured their Premier League status, the Magpies seem confident of their survival and seem to be planning ahead of next season already.

Who’s on their list?

It will be interesting to see who Newcastle are able to attract but it’s likely they will want to target some of Europe’s best players.

They have recently been linked with a move for West Ham United star Jarrod Bowen who has been their top scorer this season and is highly rated at only 25-years old.

A move for him would also see them weaken potential rivals next season when they’ll be looking to finish as high as possible.

Reports in the Daily Mirror also say that the club have already set their list of targets which includes Everton star Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Kalvin Phillips.

With Everton and Leeds both struggling this season, if either of them were to be relegated it would make it far easier for Newcastle to make these signings.

Targeting an English contingent of players may be a strategic move. They may be more willing to move to the North East due to recognising Newcastle’s stature and history perhaps more than players on the continent.

However, if they do go down this route then they will have to be willing to pay more for English talent. History has shown players from home tend to fetch higher transfer fees.

Ever since the takeover, it’s been expected that Newcastle would spend big to try and compete with the best in the league. Time will tell just how much they will spend but if you’re a fan of the Magpies then it should be an exciting summer ahead. This is certainly great news for the Toon Army.

IN other news: NUFC plot bid to sign £31.5m-rated star who’s on “fire”, he could be their own “Salah” – opinion

Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips will be fit for the Whites’ upcoming Premier League fixture against Crystal Palace on Tuesday night.

What’s the latest?

That’s according to a claim made by Leeds Live reporter Beren Cross, with the journalist revealing that, despite being brought off at half-time after appearing to struggle during the opening stages of the 0-0 draw with Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend, the 25-year-old does not appear to be a serious injury concern.

In his report, Cross said of the England international: “There was clear hobbling, there was clear stretching and a clear conversation with fitness coach Benoit Delaval just before the break which saw him pointing to his lower leg.

“The assumption had been an injury when he was withdrawn before the second half, but Bielsa refuted that notion entirely in his post-match press conference. Phillips was in his tracksuit at full-time, waiting for his teammates on the touchline to embrace them and pat them on the back, smiling. This was not someone off their feet and needing treatment.

“If Phillips is okay then the big plus is his availability for Tuesday’s clash, but the concern is, without an injury, Bielsa felt it was necessary to take his England international off the field. Phillips had not played well by any means, but it has been a long time since he was taken off in a tactical decision by Bielsa. We hope he returns to his best in midweek.”

Fans will be buzzing

Phillips did not enjoy his finest game in a Leeds shirt on Saturday, with the midfielder earning a SofaScore match rating of 6.8 for his efforts against the Seagulls, a significant drop from the 7.4 he earned against Tottenham the previous week. However, considering just how important he is to Marcelo Bielsa’s side, the news he does not appear to have suffered a serious injury is sure to have left Leeds fans buzzing.

Indeed, over his 29 Premier League appearances last season, the £36m-rated England international scored one goal, registered two assists and created five big chances for his teammates, as well as making 1.2 key passes, 1.6 interceptions and 2.6 tackles and winning 5.3 duels per game.

These returns saw the £38k-per-week midfielder earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 7.21, not only ranking him as Leeds’ best performer in the league but also the joint 17th-best player in the entire top flight.

As such, with Bielsa’s 17th-placed Whites very much in need of three points against Crystal Palace on Tuesday if they are to avoid being dragged into a relegation scrap this season, the news that Phillips appears to be available for selection will undoubtedly be a major boost for Leeds.

In other news: Time to go: Orta must finally axe “frustrating” Leeds dud as Bielsa drops transfer hint

Leeds United have handed a boost in their bid to bring Ryan Kent to Elland Road in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a claim made by Pete O’Rourke, with the transfer insider revealing in a recent interview with GIVEMESPORT that the Rangers winger has a release clause written into his contract with the Scottish Premiership side – reported to be somewhere around the £20m mark.

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Speaking about Leeds’ interest in the 25-year-old, O’Rourke said: “The Ryan Kent one is interesting; he’s been a long-term target for Leeds. Ever since they won promotion back to the Premier League there were links with Ryan Kent.

“He’s had another good season for Rangers, impressed especially in their European run as well. If Leeds did follow up their interest, there is a release clause in his contract.”

Kent can replace Harrison

Considering the fact that Jack Harrison has recently been linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur in the summer transfer window, it is easy to see why Victor Orta would once again be considering a move for Kent at the end of the current campaign.

Indeed, while Kent has not quite hit the heights of 2020/21 over his 24 Premiership appearances so far this season, the £12.6m-rated winger has still been one of Rangers’ better performers, scoring two goals, registering seven assists and creating ten big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 2.5 shots and making 1.8 key passes per game.

These returns have seen the £52k-per-week forward who Leon Balogun dubbed a “magician” and Andrew Dickson labelled “completely unplayable” average a highly impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.14, ranking him as Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s sixth-best player in the Scottish top flight – not bad for an off season.

As such, should the £60k-per-week Harrison – a player who has scored seven goals and provided one assist over his 29 Premier League appearances this term, as well as averaging a SofaScore match rating of 6.70 – indeed move on to pastures new this summer, Kent would very much appear to be an excellent replacement for the 25-year-old Leeds attacker.

AND in other news: Orta can finally axe “horrible” £46k-p/w Leeds flop with “significant” £25m signing

It was an unusually quiet transfer window for Everton over the summer, and new manager Rafa Benitez may be regretting missing out on some top targets.

What’s the story?

According to Italian outlet Calciomercato, the Toffees were eager to secure the services of AC Milan forward Rafael Leao during the summer transfer window in order to provide cover for Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

However, despite them reportedly showing an interest in the highly-rated 22-year-old, it’s claimed that a deal was never close to completion, and Everton have now missed their opportunity to sign the Portugal international.

The report claims that Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund are still linked with the youngster, while his agent Jorge Mendes is attempting to offer his client to fellow Premier League outfit Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Benitez badly needed him

Leao has cultivated a reputation as one of European football’s most intriguing young strikers in recent years after impressing for Sporting Lisbon, Lille and Milan during his short career.

Although he initially struggled to settle at San Siro, bagging seven goals and providing six assists in 40 appearances throughout his maiden campaign on Italian shores, the attacking talent eventually found his best form, catching the eye of former striker Rolando Bianchi.

“Leao is very young and is having a great season. Sometimes young people give the impression of mirroring themselves a bit, but his performance are that of a great player,” he said (via MilanNews).

“I had seen him at the U20 World Cup with Portugal, and he made spectacular plays. He has great speed, he has a touch of the ball. Milan have made a great purchase, and if they continue like this, they have great prospects.”

And Leao appears to have taken his game to another level this time around. In just 13 outings in all competitions, he’s scored five goals and laid on two assists, helping Milan climb to the top of the Serie A table in the process.

The £45m-rated gem’s eye-catching displays may be good news for the Rossoneri, but they’re likely to leave Benitez feeling absolutely gutted.

Calvert-Lewin’s current injury woes have left 32-year-old Salomon Rondon leading the line at Goodison Park, and he looks a shadow of the player that caused so much damage to top-flight defences during his time at Newcastle United.

He’s yet to find the back of the net in seven outings for Everton after arriving in the summer, contributing to their recent back-to-back defeats, in which they struggled in the final third.

Therefore, Benitez is surely ruing the missed opportunity to snap up Leao, and he’ll be hoping director of football Marcel Brands can make amends in the upcoming January window.

And, in other news…Club source reveals concerning update on key Everton man, fans may be worried 

A number of Wolves supporters are excited after Bruno Lage’s side were linked with a move for Sporting CP defensive midfielder Joao Palhinha.

Wolves are back in Premier League action on Saturday afternoon, making the trip to Leeds United for what could be an intriguing clash.

Lage’s men have won their last three league matches, including last weekend’s unforgettable 3-2 victory away to Aston Villa, meaning they now sit 10th in the table.

While Wolves are in good form at the moment, they are always on the lookout for potential new signings and a fresh update has emerged regarding Palhinha.

According to Calciomercato [via Talking Wolves], they are keen on acquiring his signature, with the 26-year-old winning nine caps for Portugal to date.

His a destructive presence in the middle of the park, winning an enormous 3.8 tackles per game this season in Liga NOS.

Wolves fans react to Palhinha latest

These Wolves fans took to Twitter to provide their thoughts on the news, with many reacting positively, as one supporter called him a ‘perfect’ transfer target.

“If there is a god”

Credit: @tod1877

“Him or Renato Sanches in in the January window would arguably be the best winter window Wolves have had since promotion”

Credit: @krittterrr

“The perfect midfielder for us after Renato Sanches”

Credit: @WolvesNumber37

“PORFAVOOOOOR”

Credit: @raulismo9

“Do it please”

Credit: @Finsabu

“Get it done before we miss out”

Credit: @Dan__Vincent

In other news, a journalist has hinted at one Wolves player leaving the club. Find out who it is here.

Alan Hutton has given his reaction as Glasgow Rangers managed to keep hold of their best players in the summer transfer window.

The Lowdown: Players linked with moves

A number of players were linked with moves away from the Light Blues during the window.

The Daily Mail had reported that Everton had made a late £8m bid to try and sign Nathan Patterson, while Marcelo Bielsa wanted to sign Ryan Kent for Leeds United and Alfredo Morelos apparently agreed personal terms with Porto at one point.

The Latest: Hutton on transfers

Speaking to Football Insider, Hutton, who is now a pundit after playing as a right-back for the Gers, has been left applauding Steven Gerrard’s team for managing to keep their best players at Ibrox after the window shut:

“I am surprised.

“I think Steven Gerrard will sleep a lot easier tonight knowing he’s kept hold of all his big-name players.

“If you sell two or three of those players to balance the books for the Champions League situation, you’re making it more difficult to retain the title. You’re getting rid of your big stars.

“As we sat here today and he’s kept them all, it’s absolutely brilliant. All Rangers fans will be breathing a sigh of relief after that.

“It’s good to see they’re heading in the right direction of the people. The people they have brought in have done well, along with the people that are already there which is excellent.

“The one main thing I’m happy about is Nathan Patterson staying.

“When that was really ramping up and the bids were coming in, I thought it might be enough for Rangers to sell.

“I’m glad to see him stay and hopefully he can kick on now.”

The Verdict: Great news

It is certainly great news that the Gers were able to keep hold of the likes of Patterson and Kent among a number of their best players.

When clubs from the Premier League come calling especially, it can be difficult for Scottish Premiership sides to turn down their advances, as Celtic have found out recently by selling Odsonne Edouard to Crystal Palace.

However, Gerrard will now have the best possible chance to win the title once more with the current squad, and also have a good crack at the UEFA Europa League, potentially increasing the values of the aforementioned players if they do eventually move on.

In other news, find out whose wages were a problem in him not leaving Rangers here!

Many Everton fans have been reacting to some news which has emerged on Lucas Digne.

Writing in his latest piece for The Athletic, Patrick Boyland has revealed that the left-back was dropped from the squad in the 2-1 home win against Arsenal on Monday night because of a ‘disagreement’ with Rafael Benitez about his role in the manager’s system.

He feels as if a more defensive approach affects his ability to influence the match, and that seems to show by his increase in defensive stats, with more tackles, interceptions and blocks averaged in the Premier League so far this season compared to 2020/21 (WhoScored).

However, he has no assists to his name this term, compared to seven in the last campaign (WhoScored), so being more defensive has certainly limited his attacking potential.

While some Everton fans feel as if Digne should be allowed more freedom to move forward, others believe he should respect Benitez’s decisions as his manager and superior.

Everton fans on Digne news

These supporters gave their reaction to the news as it was shared on Twitter, with one Toffees fan going as far as to call Digne a ‘tyrant’:

“No win in 8 [sic] and one of our captains, you would think he should be able to challenge the manager. Seems quite the tyrant, let’s hope @rafabenitezweb sees some sense.”

Credit: @g4j4s4

“Be shocking if this goes any further than a disagreement, he’s the best LB we’ve had since Baines, obviously massively out of form”

Credit: @daleando86

“@rafabenitezweb ridding the club of any quality. Almost as if he’s still being paid by Liverpool, either that or he’s the worst manager we have ever had, that includes Mike Walker”Credit: @keepitreal_82″Digne has quickly become one of those fullbacks who likes going forward but is dodgy at defending. If he’s kicking off about it, cash in on him in January.”Credit: @generalmont”Digne’s performances over the past two seasons clearly highlight it is his attitude or lack of effort that is to blame here. He’s been poor long before Benitez arrived so blaming Rafa holds absolutely no merit.”Credit: @SteWoodside48″He’s the manager, do what he asks. Simple.”Credit: @davidgilli10In other news, find out what off-field news has had these Evertonians talking

Fulham have been dealt a major blow in their bid to bring Leo Ostigard to Craven Cottage this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Football League World, who claimed that Stoke City have beaten off the competition to secure a loan deal for the Brighton & Hove Albion centre-back, with the 21-year-old having undergone a medical with the Potters ahead of his temporary switch to the bet365 Stadium.

Indeed, a host of Championship clubs were reported to have been keen on a move for the coveted defender, with Sheffield United and Middlesbrough, along with Fulham and Stoke, also credited with an interest in the Norway under-21 international.

However, it now appears as if Tony Khan will have to turn his attention elsewhere regarding additions to the Fulham defence in the summer transfer window, with Ostigard set to complete a move to Stoke in the very near future.

Khan will be fuming

With Fulham having lost the services of loanee Joachim Andersen at the end of last season, and the Cottagers’ director or football having so far failed to replace the 25-year-old centre-back with a new signing in the position this summer, Khan is sure to be fuming over missing out on a deal for Ostigard.

The 21-year-old impressed over his 39 Championship appearances while on loan at Coventry City last season, with the £2.7m-rated man helping his side to keep 11 clean sheets, averaging one interception, 0.7 tackles and 4.1 clearances and winning 6.6 duels per game.

He also chipped in for his team in an attacking capacity, scoring two goals, registering two assists and creating two big chances for his teammates, in addition to taking an average of one shot and making 0.2 key passes per fixture.

These returns saw the man who Mark Robins dubbed an “outstanding” player earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.84, ranking him as Coventry’s joint seventh-best performer in the Championship last term.

As such, it would very much seem as if Ostigard would have made a fantastic addition to Marco Silva’s options in defence ahead of a hectic Championship campaign. However, with Stoke appearing to have all but secured the signing of the centre-back, Khan must now turn his search elsewhere over what remains of the summer transfer window.

In other news: Development emerges on “superb” £70k-p/w machine which will leave Fulham fans gutted