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West Ham United have enquired about Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse, confirms Daily Star journalist Paul Brown.

The Lowdown: Ward-Prowse links

Reports from The Daily Mirror last week claimed Hammers are keen on signing the Saints captain this summer, who is valued at £43m by the CIES Football Observatory.

The links come after the 27-year-old had a great season leading the south-coast side, having been Ralph Hasenhuttl’s top scorer in the Premier League with an impressive ten goals from midfield.

Pundit and Arsenal legend Paul Merson has even urged the Gunners to sign the free-kick specialist, such has been the extent of his red-hot form, but it appears as though the Irons’ interest is the most concrete.

The Latest: Moyes loves him

Brown believes that West Ham are definitely interested in signing Ward-Prowse this summer and want him to go straight into the first XI, but it may be too difficult to get a deal over the line.

Speaking with GiveMeSport, he claimed:

“Ward-Prowse would be someone you’d expect to go straight into that team. How you’d get him in the system they play, I’m not entirely sure. It might require a bit of a tweak, but David Moyes is definitely a big fan and they have asked about James Ward-Prowse.

“That would not be an easy one to do and will probably cost quite a lot of money because he’s Southampton’s centrepiece, one-club man, captain, they want to build around him and the manager absolutely loves him for everything he does, not just on the pitch but off it as well.”

The Verdict: Great signing

Described as ‘phenomenal’ by former Saints teammate Charlie Austin, it is easy to see why the Hammers would be keen to partner Declan Rice with Ward-Prowse in the middle of the park.

When compared with positional peers across Europe over the past year, the 27-year-old ranks in the 92nd percentile for expected assists, in the 90th percentile for shot-creating actions and in the 88th percentile for non-penalty goals (via FB Ref).

Therefore, with such a range of brilliant underlying attacking numbers, Ward-Prowse could bring a perfect balance with the more defensively-minded Rice.

In other news: David Moyes is eyeing Mauro Icardi…

Everton forward Richarlison wants a move to Tottenham Hotspur this summer, according to a report from Football Insider. 

The lowdown: Spurs interested in Richarlison

Spurs have been heavily linked with the Brazilian over the last few weeks, and a fresh report from the Daily Mail has claimed that the north Londoners have intensified their pursuit.

The 25-year-old has also been linked with Chelsea and Manchester United this summer as a four-year spell comprising of 152 appearances and 67 direct goal contributions for Everton looks to be coming towards an end.

Despite the admiration from elsewhere, it has now been revealed that Richarlison may prefer to link up with Antonio Conte as Fabio Paratici attempts to add more signings at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium…

The latest: ‘Keen to sign’

As per Football Insider, the 36-cap Brazil international is believed to be ‘keen to quit’ Merseyside during the current transfer window.

It’s claimed that a ‘recruitment source’ has informed the outlet that ‘talks have taken place this week’ regarding the move for Richarlison who is ‘keen to sign’ for Tottenham.

The report added that the Toffees are ‘holding out for a fee of around £50million’ for the man described as “a really big player” by former Everton marksman Kevin Campbell.

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The verdict: Pay up

Valued at £43.2m and under contract until 2024 (Transfermarkt), paying the mooted asking price for the talismanic Brazilian would still represent superb value for money.

Richarlison scored 11 times and provided five assists in 33 appearances across all competitions last term despite a lengthy relegation battle, earning an impressive 7.02 Sofascore rating whilst winning 7.1 duels, taking 2.4 shots and making one key pass per Premier League outing.

The dynamic frontman is capable of operating on either wing as well as leading the line as a centre-forward, and he would therefore offer supreme versatility to Conte’s ranks and a much-needed foil for the goals of prolific Lilywhites’ duo Harry Kane and Son Heung-min.

Pundit Frank McAvennie has claimed that Rangers star Ryan Kent needs to be more consistent amid reported interest from the Premier League.

The Lowdown: Kent linked with England return

As per journalist Dean Jones, further relayed by the Daily Record, the 25-year-old winger is a target for clubs south of the border.

The reporter claimed that Jesse Marsch’s Leeds will make a move for the Rangers ace if Raphinha ends up leaving the Yorkshire club this summer. The Brazil international is at the centre of a transfer saga between Arsenal, Barcelona and Chelsea, with a reported outlay of £60m needed to secure the player’s services.

After signing for the Light Blues on a permanent deal in 2019 following an initial loan spell at Ibrox, the Englishman now has just under a year left on his Rangers contract, so there is a real possibility that he could leave Glasgow on a free transfer next summer, or for a reduced fee in the current transfer window.

The Latest: McAvennie questions Kent

McAvennie, who has five caps for Scotland, has claimed that Kent needs to become more consistent if he is to make the move to the Premier League.

When questioned whether the Rangers attacker would make Leeds’ first XI, the 62-year-old told Football Insider: “Yeah he’ll get a game at Leeds. They’re talking about selling players as well, if the right players go at Leeds I’m sure he’d get a game. If they’re going to pay money from him they’ll want him to do something.

“Kent will go for a bit of money just because he came from Liverpool. There’s no doubting the boy’s ability but my biggest problem with Kent is that he has to be more consistent. You have to have a standard.

“The good players aren’t great every week but they don’t go under a seven out of ten, they work their socks off and they try hard whereas Kent, when he’s having a bad game, he tends to be out the game and he’s got to work on that. But there’s no doubting his talent.”

The Verdict: Rangers must keep him

When looking at Kent’s underlying statistics, it is easy to see why he is so important to Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side and why they need to try and keep him if Leeds’ apparent interest is ramped up.

When compared with positional peers across Europe’s major leagues over the past year, the 25-year-old ranks in the 92nd percentile for dribbles completed and the 91st percentile for tackles (via FBRef).

Since coming to the Premiership, the forward has accrued 23 goals and 26 assists in 101 league appearances for the Light Blues.

Former Rangers boss Steven Gerrard was a big fan of Kent, having labelled the former Liverpool winger as a ‘sensational’ player during his stint in Glasgow.

Therefore, if Leeds are forced into the market for a winger this summer, Rangers fans should be worried, because it could be Kent heading out of the door.

An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their pursuit of Marco Asensio in the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

According to Spanish outlet AS, the Magpies are plotting a swoop to sign the gem as they want to make him a big part of their long-term project at St. James’ Park.

The report claims that Real Madrid have not given up on keeping him at the club and may use him for the remaining 12 months of his contract if they opt against selling him to the Premier League team.

It has been reported that a deal could be done for £34m this summer, although this latest update does not mention how much the La Liga side would want for him. 

Big Miguel Almiron upgrade

By securing a deal to sign Asensio, Newcastle would be landing a big upgrade on Miguel Almiron out wide next season.

In the 2021/22 campaign, the Paraguay international struggled badly on the right wing. He played in 30 of the club’s 38 Premier League games, starting 19, and produced one goal and zero assists.

The 28-year-old is, quite simply, not good enough to start games on a regular basis in the top-flight and must be replaced in the coming weeks/months.

This is where a swoop for the gem comes in as he has the quality to offer more than Almiron at the top end of the pitch.

Ex-Real Madrid players Guti and Raul have both hailed his talents in the past. The former said:

“Asensio is a lot better player than I was. He has an unlimited ceiling, his head is very well furnished and will depend on what he wants to do in the world of football. The future is in his feet.”

Raul added: “He has much to offer now and a great future ahead of him. He’s a young guy, eager to work and he’s currently doing very well.”

These comments illustrate the 26-year-old’s potential and his statistics in La Liga last term suggest that he is starting to live up to the hype.

In the 2021/22 campaign, Asensio scored ten goals in 19 league starts for Real, whilst also scoring once and assisting two in nine Champions League outings.

These stats prove that he has the quality to have a greater impact than Almiron in the final third, albeit that is not difficult based on the Magpies dud’s form last season.

AND in other news, Howe can land dream Ekitike alternative as NUFC plot bid for “powerful” £8.5m dynamo…

Barcelona ‘will not enter an auction’ for Aston Villa youngster Carney Chukwuemeka this summer, acting as a potential boost for Steven Gerrard.

The Lowdown: Chukwuemeka a wanted man

The 18-year-old is arguably one of the hottest young properties in English football currently, having impressed with his performances for Villa.

Chukwuemeka already has 16 first-team appearances to his name, registering one assist in that time, not to mention starring for England’s Under-19s in their UEFA Euro Under-19 Championship triumph earlier this summer.

Barca are one of the clubs linked with signing the midfielder, showing exactly how highly he is thought of around the elite clubs in Europe, but a key update has now emerged and it’s good news for Villa fans.

The Latest: Barca unsure over deal

According to reports in Spain [via Sport Witness], the La Liga giants ‘will not enter an auction’ for Chukwuemeka and have ‘other priorities’, in terms of summer signings.

Barca manager Xavi is keen for the move to happen but the club’s finances could ultimately hold the key.

The Verdict: Must keep hold of him

This has to be considered a positive from a Villa point of view, with the club having to do all they can to keep hold of one of their most prized assets in Chukwuemeka.

While it would be delusional to simply expect the teenager to remain at Villa Park for the rest of his career, Gerrard will be desperate for him to stay into his early 20s, maturing into a formidable player in the process and upping his price tag further to boot.

Chukweuemeka has been lauded as a ‘fantastic’ player by his manager and the 2022/23 campaign could be even more of a breakthrough one for him, as he looks to become a fixture in the team.

As things stand, it looks as though Barca are unlikely to get their man but Villa will be aware that bids from other clubs could easily come their way in the coming weeks.

Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg has ruled Tottenham Hotspur captain Harry Kane out of a move to Bayern Munich this summer.

The Lowdown: Interest from Bayern

The 28-year-old still has two years remaining on his contract with the Premier League giants, but has in the past seen his future uncertain after trying to push a move to Manchester City.

The forward has been attracting plenty of attention from the Bundesliga outfit over the past few weeks meanwhile, with the club reportedly confident that they can prise him away from the Lilywhites as a replacement for Robert Lewandowski.

Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano revealed earlier this week that Spurs are keen to open talks over a new deal in a bid to fend off the interest, but after a fresh update, it sounds like they have got nothing to worry about anyway.

The Latest: Plettenberg’s Kane update

Taking to Twitter, Plettenburg, Sky Germany’s top man for Bayern news, confirmed that they are no longer pursuing Kane and that the skipper’s representatives are happy about his position at Tottenham. He wrote:

“Update Kane: Bayern bosses have discussed him in this transfer period due to his qualities but he’s no longer a topic this summer. Things could change in 2023. Kane‘s management is relaxed. Been told they are not discussing any options for next year at this stage.”

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The Verdict: The past, present and future of Spurs

Kane is currently out in South Korea with the rest of the Spurs squad for their pre-season tour of Asia, and the fact that he occupies the armband is a clear suggestion that Antonio Conte sees the striker as a huge part of his long-term plans moving forward.

The 73-cap England international is a pivotal cog in the Whites’ starting XI and never fails to make an impact, having recorded an outstanding 306 goal contributions in 385 outings, as per Transfermarkt.

There has been nothing of late to indicate that Kane isn’t happy with his place at Spurs, so there’s no reason to believe that an N17 exit would be on the cards anywhere in the near future. The skipper is going nowhere.

A big Glasgow Rangers claim has emerged on Borna Barisic and his future at Ibrox beyond the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

Journalist Fraser Fletcher has revealed that the Rangers left-back is being seriously looked a.

The reporter has confirmed that nothing is imminent in regards to the Croatian’s future but there is at least one team ready to snap him up from Scotland this summer.

He told IbroxNews: “From what I know about Borna Barisic there’s a lot of chat about him and how he’s miserable and unhappy and all that stuff. That’s not true I don’t believe. That’s my opinion but I just don’t believe that to be true, it’s not what I’ve heard at all.

“Trabzonspor are really keen on him. They really like Barisic, and that’s not changed. That’s not changed. They do really like Borna Barisic but as things stand right now, nothing concrete and he’s a Rangers player.”

Gio van Bronckhorst will be worried

Particularly with the prospective sale of Calvin Bassey in mind, the Gers head coach will be left worried by this report.

Ben Davies is set to arrive from Liverpool in the wake of the Nigeria international’s exit and he is predominantly a centre-back by trade. This means that Barisic will be left as the club’s only natural left-back option unless Ross Wilson dips into the market to sign another one.

Van Bronckhorst will, therefore, be worried that this interest from Trabzonspor may turn his head and either cause him to lose his concentration or make him push for the exit door.

Losing him, with no replacement in the door, would be a huge blow to Rangers as he is a proven Premiership performer for the club.

In the Scottish top-flight last term, Barisic averaged a SofaScore rating of 7.29 across 23 outings – making 2.9 tackles and interceptions and 1.9 key passes per match. Alfredo Morelos and James Tavernier were the only Rangers players with more than one appearance to average a higher rating than the 29-year-old.

This came after he averaged a score of 7.40 in the 2020/21 title-winning campaign – chipping in with six assists from left-back.

These statistics illustrate the quality he offers to the team and how much of a blow it would be to lose him to the Turkish club in the coming weeks.

He knows exactly what it takes to perform at this level and selling him and Bassey in the same window would leave huge question marks over the left-back position heading into next season, which is why van Bronckhorst will be concerned by this news.

AND in other news, “Agreement in place..”: Journo drops major Rangers transfer update that’ll delight GvB…

Antony remains a top target for Manchester United this summer but it could prove difficult for Erik ten Hag to lure his former player to Old Trafford.

What’s the word?

The Red Devils have been strongly linked with the Brazilian winger in recent weeks, which is no surprise considering his impressive form under the 52-year-old at Ajax.

However, the Eredivisie champions have already sold star players Ryan Gravenberch, Noussair Mazraoui, Sebastien Haller and Lisandro Martinez this summer, so they are under no pressure to partw with Antony.

In a recent interview with GiveMeSport, Fabrizio Romano provided the latest update on United’s interest in the 22-year-old.

He said: “Antony has always been a top target, but Ajax have already sold many important players and the last one was to Manchester United – Lisandro Martinez, of course. This is why, at the moment, it is not easy to negotiate with Ajax.”

Supporters will be gutted

While Ten Hag has made three promising signings so far this summer, strengthening the defence and midfield, he is yet to bring in a new attacker.

Last season was a particularly disappointing one for United’s wingers, as Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford managed just seven Premier League goals between them.

Meanwhile, Antony contributed eight goals and four assists in just 23 Eredivisie appearances for Ajax, averaging a superb 7.47 rating from WhoScored for his performances, so he could definitely add some quality out wide for Ten Hag at Old Trafford.

The United manager will be desperate to add some more quality in the wide areas this summer, but with less than two weeks to go until the new Premier League season begins, it seems as if time is running out for United to sign Antony, unless they increase their bid for the Brazilian.

Given that Ten Hag has made it clear in the past that he wants to bring the former Sao Paulo gem to Old Trafford, supporters will be gutted to hear this update from Romano.

AND in other news: Man United have “genuine” interest in signing £25m “phenomenon”, forget about De Jong

Leeds United have been dealt a blow in their bid to bring James McAtee to Elland Road this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by the Daily Mail, who claim that, despite the interest of Premier League trio Leeds, AFC Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest, it is Sheffield United who currently lead the race for the Manchester City midfielder’s signature on a season-long loan.

The report goes on to state that the Championship side are now in talks with both Pep Guardiola’s side and the 19-year-old regarding the terms of his temporary switch to Bramall Lane, with the Blades hoping that the England U20 international will have a similar impact to that of Wolverhampton Wanderers’ midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White – who spent last season on loan at United.

Orta must move

While it is true that Victor Orta has already confirmed the signings of central midfielders Brenden Aaronson, Tyler Adams, Marc Roca and Darko Gyabi this summer, considering just how exciting a prospect McAtee undoubtedly is, in addition to the fact that the 19-year-old is incredibly versatile positionally, it would appear an extremely wise move for the Spaniard to launch a late move for the teenager.

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Indeed, the £2.7m-rated talent is one of the brightest starlets currently in City’s academy setup, having scored 14 goals and provided eight assists over 33 fixtures for the U18s, bagged three goals over two outings for the U19s and notched 27 goals and 19 assists over 52 appearances for the U23s – averaging a goal involvement every 90 minutes for the club’s youth sides.

Furthermore, while the vast majority of the £3.1k-per-week midfielder’s appearances have come from attacking midfield, the youngster has also been deployed 31 times in central midfield, eight times as a centre-forward, three times at left midfield, once at right midfield and once on the left wing – proving that he would provide Jesse Marsch with cover in a number of different positions next season.

As such, while it would appear as if Sheffield United are currently in the driving seat for the player who Jordan Elgott dubbed “stunning”, considering just how exciting a prospect McAtee is, it would appear highly advisable for Orta to do everything in his power to land the 19-year-old ahead of the Blades this summer, as the teenager would certainly make a stunning addition to Marsch’s options at Elland Road ahead of the upcoming Premier League campaign.

Manchester United are eyeing up a move for Red Bull Salzburg striker Benjamin Sesko this summer, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Dire start to the season

Erik ten Hag had a disastrous start to his reign as United manager on Sunday afternoon, as his side lost 2-1 at home to Brighton in their Premier League opener.

The Red Devils never really got going at Old Trafford and there was a lack of firepower on show, as the likes of Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford had quiet days at the office, managing just three shots between them (and none on target).

A new striker appears to be needed before the end of the current transfer window, and Romano has shed some light on one man that the Red Devils hope to bring to Old Trafford before the month is out.

The Latest: Sesko a potential target

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Romano claimed that Sesko is a possible target in the coming weeks, having been strongly linked with a move to United recently.

The Italian stated:

“He’s one of the targets, one of the names they have on the list. He’s a player really appreciated by Manchester United, they had conversations with these agents.”

The Verdict: Long-term acquisition?

Sesko looks like a hugely exciting prospect, scoring the only goal against United’s rivals Liverpool in a pre-season win for Salzburg, along with registering 20 goal contributions (12 goals, eight assists) in 39 competitive appearances for the Austrian champions overall.

At just 19, the Slovenian would represent a long-term signing by United if they get him, someone who can come in and be an important figure straight away while growing into an even more formidable player as the years advance.

Ten Hag needs to bring in youth rather than depending on someone like 37-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo, with past managers in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era buying ageing or expensive quick fixes too often who haven’t worked out.