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West Ham United boss David Moyes has reportedly snubbed the chance to sign Italian striker Andrea Belotti, despite the Hammers’ lack of centre-forward options.

What’s the word?

As per trusted source ExWHUemployee, the east Londoners have shunned the option of signing the 28-year-old this summer, despite the Torino man set to be available on a free transfer once his contract expires at the end of June.

Asked whether Moyes and co had actually turned down a move for the 44-cap international, the club insider revealed that the London Stadium outfit had in fact opted against making the switch: “Yes was told that a while ago”.

The 5 foot 11 marksman had been heavily linked with a move to the club in recent months, although it would now appear he is set for a different destination, amid links to Serie A champions, AC Milan.

Supporters will be gutted

That news will certainly not go down well with the club’s support, with many desperate to see a quality striker added to the squad this summer, in order to help shoulder the goalscoring burden alongside current number nine, Michail Antonio.

The Jamaica international has led the line impressively in recent years, although failed to sustain his early goalscoring form last term, eventually scoring just three league goals in 2022 – two of which came in the final three games of the season.

The 32-year-old has himself admitted the need for additional, centre-forward competition, yet at present the Irons have been unable to secure a suitable target, with the void left behind by Sebastien Haller still yet to be filled – 18 months on from his exit.

Having reportedly made a bid for Liverpool-bound Darwin Nunez back in January, the belief now is that Moyes is unwilling to break the bank for a new striker this summer, with one report suggesting that the club’s “best hope” of signing a striker is now Clermont’s Mohamed Bayo.

The Scotsman’s decision then to spurn the chance to sign a seasoned international in the form of Belotti appears to make little sense, particularly with the former Palermo man available to be signed for nothing, ensuring a relative risk-free deal for the club.

Once dubbed “better than Gabriel Bastituta” by coaching icon Fabio Capello, the £64k-per-week gem may not quite have lived up to the hype in recent years, although it is hard to argue with his outstanding goalscoring record, having scored 113 goals in 251 games in all competitions for his current side.

With a further 12 goals in 44 games at international level, the £18m-rated ace is clearly a proven goalscorer, hence the fury among supporters that the Hammers have passed up the chance to bring him to the club.

Such players don’t come available too often, especially not for free.

IN other news, “A chance…”: Ex drops exciting West Ham transfer claim, supporters will be buzzing

Aston Villa have been heavily linked with Brighton midfielder Yves Bissouma in recent months and it now seems as if they are among the favourites to sign the Malian this summer.

What’s the word?

After seeing a bid for the 25-year-old rejected by the Seagulls in January, it seems as if Steven Gerrard has reignited his interest in the former Lille man as he looks to strengthen his midfield options ahead of next season.

Although previous reports have suggested that he could cost as much as £70m and that Monaco were ready to submit a bid, journalist Dean Jones has claimed that Villa could be the favourites to bring him in over Tottenham Hotspur, who have also been credited with an interest.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “They’ll [Tottenham] have massive competition to sign Bissouma and it seems that he’s probably further along in negotiations with other clubs.

“Somebody like Aston Villa might already be in the lead with trying to get him.”

Should Villa sign Bissouma?

Of the Brighton players to make more than ten appearances in the Premier League last season, Bissouma was the top performer for Graham Potter’s side according to WhoScored, as they secured their highest-ever finish in the top flight.

This emphasises how important he is to the Seagulls and demonstrates why they value him so highly, but if Villa were able to convince him to make the move north, then they could have a top Premier League midfielder on their hands for potentially the next eight to ten years.

After an instrumental performance in a 1-0 win against Spurs last season, Potter sang the midfielder’s praises, saying:

“It is hard when you have a team performance like we did to single anyone out but tactically he was really good. He understood when to cover, release, put pressure on, and then you can see his qualities. His high-end actions are Champions League level. I think you saw the full array of his quality.”

If Villa do have European ambitions for next season, which their early signings suggest they do, then bringing in Bissouma could give them the extra quality in midfield they need to really push for a European spot, so supporters will surely be excited by this latest update from Jones.

And, in other news… Forget Suarez: Gerrard should unleash Villa’s “unsung hero” next season

Former Premier League striker Noel Whelan has made a claim involving Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou’s future. 

The lowdown: Unbridled success

Since taking over the managerial reins a year ago following the departure of Neil Lennon, Postecoglou has been a breath of fresh air in Glasgow.

The 56-year-old has transformed the fading fortunes at Parkhead and guided the Bhoys to the Premiership title, having lost their grip on the crown in 2021.

Coupling smart recruitment with an impressive tactical nous, the Australian has proven to be a sensational appointment and one that the club will surely be desperate to tie down beyond a current 12-month rolling contract.

The latest: Whelan urges Postecoglou contract offer

Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan has implored the Celtic hierarchy to offer Postecoglou a lengthy deal after the 56-year-old recently exclaimed that the Hoops are ‘everything I’ve ever wanted in a football club’.

The former BBC radio host said: “I think you always want that security in place with a manager. That way, he knows he has the backing to go into the transfer market and build the club over a number of seasons.

“He had a fantastic season and shut up a lot of doubters. I was one of them – I had no idea who he was when he came in. It was shambolic at the time, but he’s had an unbelievable first season – his transfer business has been spot on.

“He’s in a really strong position. I’m sure all the Celtic fans would love it if he signed a two or three-year deal.”

The verdict: No-brainer

Appointed as somewhat of a risk having never managed in Europe previously, Postecoglou has certainly silenced his detractors in his first year in Scotland.

Not only has the experienced coach guided Celtic back to Scottish top-flight glory after looking devoid of inspiration under Lennon in the latter stages of the Northern Irishman’s reign, he also ensured a return to the Champions League group stage and with it the ensuing financial windfall.

These feats alone should be enough to offer Postecoglou a lucrative new deal, along with full backing in the upcoming transfer window, having already proven to be an astute market operator.

In other news: Ex-Scotland manager makes Celtic transfer claim

Leeds United have been urged to pursue a deal to sign Chelsea striker Armando Broja in the summer transfer window… 

What’s the talk?

Journalist Pete O’Rourke has suggested that the Albanian international would be an excellent player for the club to bring in ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

The Lillywhites were linked with a swoop for the Chelsea man in January and the reporter has named him as someone who fits what the club are looking for.

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O’Rourke told GIVEMESPORT:

“He fits the profile. He’s young, he’s a goalscorer and he can lead the line on his own playing upfront.

“I think he would definitely be somebody who could prove to be a good signing for Leeds United if they were to get him, but he might cost a bit of money. So financially, it might be a hard deal to do, but Armando Broja has all the attributes to be a success at a number of clubs.”

Dream Patrick Bamford heir

Victor Orta can now land the dream heir to Bamford’s throne in the number nine position at Elland Road by bringing Broja in.

In the Premier League, the England international was restricted to nine appearances due to injury and found the back of the net twice. This was after he managed to score 17 goals in 38 games in the 2020/21 campaign, with the club missing his threat at the top end of the pitch as he struggled for fitness in 2021/22.

His injuries issues are a concern and signing Broja can mean that the club have his replacement in the door and ready to play if the problems persist into next season.

The Albanian national team assistant manager, Sergio Porrini, dubbed the striker “devastating” and ex-Premier League defender Micah Richards previously lauded the gem, saying:

“He’s fearless, he’s strong, he runs in behind, he can hold it up – just at the age of 20 as well. I’ve been really impressed with him.

“Sometimes when young players go on loan, especially in the Premier League, they come off the bench and he’s bided his time a little bit but when his chance came he took it with both hands. Every time that I watch him play I’m impressed.

“He holds the line by himself, his hold up play, constant threat running in behind, his aerial ability as well. He’s really growing in stature.”

The comments show how much he has caught the eye of pundits throughout the campaign and he has the statistics to suggest that he has the potential to grow into a star in the top flight.

Broja, 20, produced nine goals in 24 starts for Southampton – on loan – in all competitions as he proved that he has the quality to score goals at the top level. The youngster has shown great maturity at such a young age and this is why he can develop into being the dream heir to Bamford, whilst providing competition for him in the short term.

AND in other news, Huge transfer twist emerges that will have Leeds United supporters buzzing…

Wolves conclude their Premier League season with a trip to Liverpool this afternoon. The Reds can still win the league title if they beat Manchester City’s result against Aston Villa today.

What was on the whole an impressive first season under Bruno Lage for the West Midlands side, Wanderers have seen their campaign crash and burn over the final match weeks.

The Black Country outfit are winless in their last six matches, earning just two points, and it will be a tall task for them to leave Anfield with a result.

However, their chances will undoubtedly be bolstered with the inclusion of Daniel Podence in the starting lineup.

On the chalkboard

The £52k-per-week Portuguese winger has been out of action lately with a foot injury and made his first appearance since early April last weekend from the bench against Norwich City.

Goals have been at a major shortage under Lage this term with the Portuguese manager’s team scoring just 37 times in 37 matches, with only three sides scoring fewer.

This has particularly been the case of late with just four goals scored in Wolves’ last six matches.

By unleashing Podence, the West Midlands club can benefit from the 26-year-old’s attacking threat, with the winger scoring six goals and providing three assists in 30 appearances this term.

Labelled as a “mini Hazard” by teammate Pedro Neto, the Portuguese’s six goals make him the club’s joint-top scorer alongside Raul Jimenez, emphasising how little goal threat there has been from the Molineux outfit this season.

However, Podence’s inclusion will force Lage to make a decision as to who makes way for the 26-year-old with the likes of Jimenez, Neto and Hee-Chan Hwang given the nod last time out.

Although the former is Wolves’ top-scorer in the Premier League this season, he is without a goal in seven appearances whereas Neto is yet to score since returning from injury whilst Hwang has had some underwhelming performances of late.

Liverpool will undoubtedly boast the majority of possession which won’t necessarily be an issue for Wolves who pride themselves on their defending and will be able to remain compact at the back.

That also means that the visitors’ best chance of a goal will most likely come on the counter-attack where Podence can be a secret weapon for Lage and spoil the Reds’ party.

AND in other news, Wolves plotting bid for “special” £25m gem who “rules midfield”, Lage will love him…

Derby County goalkeeper Ryan Allsop has attracted interest from Cardiff City, according to a report from Football Insider. 

The lowdown: Allsop’s career so far

Signed from Wycombe Wanderers as a free agent in 2021, the ‘keeper has become somewhat of a journeyman across English football.

The 29-year-old started out at West Brom before spells with Blackpool, Bournemouth, Coventry and Lincoln City among others before eventually pitching up at Pride Park.

It now appears that yet another club could be added to the list in the near future, as his contract comes to an end at Derby…

The latest: Cardiff want to sign Allsop

As per a Cardiff source for Football Insider, the Bluebirds are ‘in talks’ to sign the experienced stopper.

It is claimed that ‘negotiations are underway’ over a deal which would take the Birmingham native to south Wales at the end of his current deal.

The report added that Cardiff are ‘well placed’ to reach an agreement for Allsop, who was described by journalist Jake Barker as being a ‘massive breath of fresh air’ in Wayne Rooney’s side earlier this season prior to relegation from the second tier.

The verdict: Another blow for Derby

Whilst such departures from Pride Park are inevitable following the drop into League One and the ongoing off-field issues surrounding the takeover, there is no doubt that losing Allsop is a damaging blow.

This season, the Englishman kept nine clean sheets in 33 appearances overall, earning a 6.92 Sofascore rating and making 2.7 saves per game in a valiant attempt to stave off relegation.

As things stand, Allsop’s departure would leave Kelle Roos as the last remaining senior goalkeeper at the club, albeit that there are likely to be additions over the coming weeks and months as the new-look squad take shape. That is another reason why it’s imperative that Chris Kirchner’s mooted takeover is brought to a swift conclusion.

In other news… a journalist has delivered this huge update on the potential sale of Pride Park

Tottenham Hotspur, and by extension Fabio Paratici, could be ‘in the mix’ to sign a £51 million star for Antonio Conte this summer, hints Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge.

The Lowdown: Lilywhites officials spotted…

According to a report from 90min, Lilywhites officials were recently sent on a mission as they were tasked with running the rule over certain transfer targets.

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Spurs scouts were allegedly in attendance for both of Villarreal’s clashes with Liverpool in the Champions League semi-finals recently as the Premier League top four chasers eye both defender Pau Torres and winger Arnaut Danjuma.

The latter man has been in fine form under Unai Emery in Spain since joining from Bournemouth last summer as transfer chief Paratici is now linked with a potential swoop.

The Latest: Bridge drops Tottenham hint…

Speaking to GiveMeSport, reporter Bridge of Sky Sports now hints Spurs, and by extension Paratici, could be ‘in the mix’ for Danjuma if he becomes available – despite not hearing anything ‘concrete’ concerning them yet.

He explained:

“I do think he would be [an upgrade on Bergwijn]. He’s a real talent and another level to Bergwijn.

“But I don’t think there’s anything concrete on Tottenham, I’ve not heard anything, but would they be in the mix if he became available? Maybe.”

The Verdict: Hopefully…

Depending on developments, Spurs joining the race for Danjuma comes as an exciting proposition.

Villarreal have apparently slapped a €60 million (£51m) price tag on his head given the ex-Championship forward’s sensational form this season, a valuation which could arguably be worth it.

Branded ‘near enough unplayable’ earlier this season by pundit Owen Hargreaves, Danjuma has racked up the most goals and assists combined under Emery domestically whilst also attempting the most shots at goal per 90 (WhoScored).

His signing would be a major upgrade for Conte in the forward positions and supporters could be hoping their side do indeed enter the mix.

In other news: Conte green-lights Spurs move as he now gives ‘unbelievable signing’ absolute priority, find out more here.

A former Glasgow Rangers manager is now targeting a move for Calvin Bassey in the summer.

The Lowdown: Solid season

Bassey has been a mainstay in the team that has managed to reach both the UEFA Europa League and Scottish FA Cup final this season, which his ability to play at both left-back and as a central defender coming very useful to both Steven Gerrard and Giovanni van Bronckhorst.

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He has managed a handy three assists in the Scottish Premiership, and ranks highly among his teammates in terms of aerial duels won and average tackles, clearances, blocks, passes, crosses and long balls per game (WhoScored).

Nonetheless, there will likely be no shortage of admirers for Bassey come the opening of the transfer window.

The Latest: Villa target

As per The Daily Telegraph, Gerrard is now targeting a move for Bassey for Aston Villa, as they seek a new left-back to give competition to Lucas Digne.

Aaron Hickey is also thought to be under consideration, but Bassey is certainly of interest.

The Verdict: Keep

With the money that they have gained from their European journey, added to the fact that Bassey is under contract at Ibrox until 2024, there is no need for the Teddy Bears to sell him this summer.

Dubbed an ‘explosive’ player who is ‘as quick as anything’ by his former coach and Leicester City U23s manager Steve Beaglehole (The Athletic), he can get himself out of a lot of difficult situations with his pace, which is a valuable asset to have as a defender for the Light Blues.

Incidentally, the 22-year-old shares the same agent as Villa star Jacob Ramsey, and so they may be confident that they can push through a move, but the Gers must not be bullied by the Premier League club.

In other news, find out what ‘really bad call’ RFC have now made here!

Celtic are likely to receive a transfer boost thanks to a Ryan Christie windfall off the back of Bournemouth’s confirmed promotion back to the Premier League, according to journalist Alan Nixon.

The Lowdown: Promotion clause triggered

The 27-year-old joined the Cherries in a three-year permanent deal from the Hoops last summer for a fee believed to be in the region of around £2.5m, as he entered the last six months of his contract at Parkhead.

Christie has been a big hit on the South coast, providing 11 direct goal involvements in 36  starts.

Scott Parker’s men officially secured promotion back to the top-flight following a 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest at the Vitality Stadium in midweek, and as result of the Glasgow outfit having a reported promotion clause in Christie’s contract, Celtic look to have earned a tasty sum as part of Bournemouth’s glory.

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The Latest: Bonus incoming

When asked if Postecoglou’s side would receive any money off the back of the midfielder’s recent success, Nixon took to Twitter late on Tuesday night and revealed:

“Potential 2m extra on promotion AND then survival.”

Whether Nixon meant the initial £2m depends on survival or that survival would grant an additional windfall is not yet clear.

The Verdict: Ideal for future transfer funds

The £8.1m-rated star had a very successful spell with the Hoops after arriving from Inverness back in 2015, making a staggering 85 goal contributions in just 151 appearances, via Transfermarkt.

And this news will undoubtedly come as a huge boost to chief executive Michael Nicholson, who will hopefully be able to use this fee to help fund any potential transfers that might be taking place in the summer.

With Celtic close to securing the league title, having already got their hands on the Scottish League Cup this campaign, a return to domestic dominance would surely attract some of the biggest names in football to make the move to the Bhoys in the upcoming window.

In other news… a Celtic ace has been backed to make a permanent move away from Parkhead this summer.

Manchester City have a lot going on at the moment in terms of what’s happening on the pitch over the next few weeks.

In addition to their Champions League semi-final second leg clash against Real Madrid, Pep Guardiola’s side can’t afford to drop points in the Premier League, with Liverpool breathing down their necks.

However, it seems as though things are quite busy behind the scenes too at the Etihad Stadium in terms of one potential transfer which could take place in the near future.

What’s the news?

According to a recent tweet from journalist Samuel Luckhurst, sharing a corresponding report for Manchester Evening News, City officials have been visiting Mino Raiola, the agent of Erling Haaland, in hospital to progress the negotiations which could see the striker move to the Etihad this summer.

Considering how Raiola was taken ill recently, the fact that the City officials have been in contact with the agent in hospital shows just how keen they are to seal a deal for the centre-forward.

Since Haaland joined his current club Borussia Dortmund in January 2020, the 21-year-old has been nothing short of a goalscoring revelation. With 86 appearances to his name for the German giants, the Norwegian has scored an impressive 82 goals and provided 23 assists along the way.

To further highlight how deadly a striker he is, only Robert Lewandowski (2.35) and Patrick Schick (1.82) have a higher average for shots on target per 90 minutes in the Bundesliga this season than Haaland (1.58).

Fans will be delighted

Even though City are currently top of the Premier League table prior to this weekend’s round of fixtures, there have been times this season where they have failed to find the net, notably in both clashes against Crystal Palace.

With that in mind, having a clinical figure up front such as Haaland could be just what the reigning champions need in order to continue being successful into the future, which would surely delight a lot of supporters.

If City are able to secure a deal for the Dortmund hitman in the coming weeks, this would surely be a massive coup for them and make them an even more fearsome opponent for the rest of the Premier League, and indeed for whoever they come up against in Europe.

In other news: Man City eyeing “swashbuckling” £12.5m starlet, could be Guardiola’s next Kyle Walker