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West Ham United are interested in Lille midfielder Amadou Onana, according to French outlet Foot Mercato (via Sport Witness).

The lowdown

Lille only signed Onana from Bundesliga 2 outfit Hamburg last summer in a £6.3million deal.

He made 42 appearances in his first year at the club, but he only started 11 out of 38 Ligue 1 matches and two of eight Champions League games.

The 20-year-old has played the vast majority of his football up to this point as a defensive midfielder.

He still has four years remaining on the contract he signed on his arrival and is now valued at £9million by Transfermarkt.

The latest

The report states that both West Ham and their London rivals Arsenal have been monitoring Onana over the course of the campaign.

Lille need to ‘gather money’ through player sales, and Onana is one of those who has ‘a chance of leaving’.

The Hammers have yet to make a ‘concrete offer’ but they are thought to be considering it.

As well as Arsenal, they face competition from AS Monaco, who view Onana as a potential replacement for exit-bound Aurelien Tchouameni.

The verdict

What kind of a no. 6 is Onana?

Well, it would probably be best to characterise him as a ball-winner given that he ranks in the 94th percentile compared to positional peers when it comes to tackles per 90 minutes, and the 75th percentile for interceptions (via FBRef).

In terms of players already in the Premier League, he’s similar to the likes of Vitaly Janelt, Oriol Romeu and Abdoulaye Doucoure.

Tomas Soucek and Declan Rice would appear locked into the two midfield slots in David Moyes’ 4-2-3-1 but the manager needs depth, particularly with a Europa Conference League campaign potentially on the horizon.

Onana, billed a ‘huge talent’ by talent scout Jacek Kulig, would make the squad stronger and could potentially be a starter in the long-term.

In other news, there’s been a key update on a potential attacking target.

According to reliable journalist Pete O’Rourke, West Ham could be tempted to ‘listen to offers’ for Said Benrahma this summer after a ‘hit and miss’ season in the Premier League.

The Lowdown: Benrahma exit rumours

The Algerian arrived at the London Stadium on loan from Brentford in October 2020 and the Hammers ended up converting his move into a permanent deal the following January after an impressive spell under David Moyes.

Even though the 26-year-old still has four years remaining on his current contract with the Irons, it was recently reported by the Evening Standard that the winger could be offloaded when the transfer window officially opens, with his departure a real possibility.

The Latest: O’Rourke’s ‘big’ Benrahma concerns

O’Rourke has labelled Benrahma a ‘luxury’ player, something that he believes could make West Ham listen to offers for the Algeria winger in the coming weeks.

He told GiveMeSport: “They went through a lot of effort to lure Benrahma away from Brentford when they signed him. He’s been a bit hit and miss, and maybe David Moyes prefers other players, especially when they’re playing the top sides.

“He’s maybe a bit of a luxury player, he wants to attack and maybe not work as hard as some of the players in the starting XI, so big concerns that West Ham could listen to offers for him this summer.”

The Verdict: Important asset for West Ham

The 17-cap international may be viewed as more of an individualist than a team player at times, but he can be hugely effective in the final third. For that reason, the Hammers shouldn’t consider letting him go this summer.

The £58k-per-week ace netted 11 goals and provided six assists in all competitions for West Ham this season (as per Transfermarkt), with only Michail Antonio (13) and Jarrod Bowen (18) outscoring him. Despite suffering occasional dips in form, the 26-year-old is still one of the most creative players in Moyes’ squad and can clearly turn it on when at his best.

The Irons manager will already be preparing his squad for the start of the 2022/23 season as they look forward to an exciting campaign in the Europa Conference League. If he stays in east London, Benrahma could play a pivotal role in helping to guide his team to another memorable continental run like the one they enjoyed over the last few months.

In other news… one former Premier League goalkeeper has dropped this huge Jarrod Bowen transfer claim

Liverpool have been heavily linked with securing a deal for Darwin Nunez, and now a new update has been revealed on the next steps in the club’s pursuit of the player.

What’s the latest?

According to Italian journalist Gianluigi Longari, Liverpool have now agreed on personal terms with Nunez.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-liverpool-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-salah-gnabry-isak-romano” title= “Read the latest Liverpool news!”]

Taking to his Twitter account the journalist claimed:

“Liverpool close to reach an agreement with Benfica for striker Darwin Nunez. Agreement on personal terms.”

Longari then further followed up with another tweet stating: “Confirmed by some other reliable sources: Darwin Nunez has a total agreement with Liverpool on personal terms (2027). First offer from LFC to Benfica to find a total agreement.

“Darwin Nunez never been so close to Liverpool.”

Klopp will be delighted

With the unexpected news that Sadio Mane wants to Liverpool this summer, Jurgen Klopp will surely be delighted that FSG are making the right moves to replace the Senegalese winger’s massive goal contributions ahead of next season with Nunez proving to be more than capable of bagging crucial goals.

The Uruguayan striker scored 34 goals and contributed four assists in all competitions from his striker role for Portuguese giants Benfica this season, but it is the importance of some of his strikes specifically that make him a game-changer like his potential predecessor Mane.

In the Champions League, Nunez was the catalyst in his team’s progression through the prestigious European competition that landed Benfica their first quarter-final since 2016.

The 22-year-old scored big goals in big games against some of the most elite clubs in the tournament with two goals against Barcelona, a goal versus both Bayern Munich and Ajax, and two strikes over the quarter-final tie with Liverpool.

That said, despite his hard work was unable to knock out the Merseyside club and crashed out of the competition at Anfield.

Klopp spoke out on his admiration for the young goal machine in a Champions League press conference, saying (via Metro):

“Really good, really good. I knew it before but he played pretty much in front of me. Physically strong, quick, was calm with his finish. Really good. If he stays healthy, it’s a big career ahead of him.”

Following the comments from the German coach, Nunez probably would never have imagined he would become a target and potential player for the six-time Champions League winners and now he could sign a record-breaking deal reported to be worth €100m (£85.5m) making him the most expensive signing ever for the Reds.

AND in other news: Liverpool trying to sign £102m-rated “game-changer” as well as Nunez, he’s Mane 2.0

An update has emerged regarding Newcastle United’s interest in Joaquin Correa in the summer transfer window… 

What’s the talk?

According to Calciomercato, the Magpies have now entered the race to land the forward as Dan Ashworth plots a swoop for the Inter gem.

The report claims that the Serie A giants, who signed him for €30m (£26m), are looking for a club to take the striker off their hands, and the Toon are now attempting to pounce on the opportunity to sign him.

It is stated that the Premier League club have been hit with a number of rejections in their pursuit of a new number nine in the transfer window so far.

Kai Havertz 2.0

By snapping up the Argentina international this summer, Newcastle could land their own version of Champions League final goalscorer Kai Havertz.

The German scored the winner in European club football’s premier competition in 2021 for Chelsea, and FBRef lists him as one of the most similar players to the 27-year-old predator in Europe’s top five leagues over the last 365 days.

In 12 Serie A starts for Inter, Correa scored six goals and provided one assist as he struggled to make the starting XI on a regular basis. This comes after 17 goals and five assists in his last 47 league outings for Lazio prior to his move to the San Siro.

Simeone Inzaghi, who has managed him at Lazio and Inter, previously lauded the attacker, saying: “Correa is a formidable player, he is very intelligent tactically, he sacrifices a lot for the team. I am happy with his double, when he has no problems and can train continuously he always proves to be able to play at the highest levels.”

Both Havertz and Correa can play as an attacking midfielder or in a false nine role as they drop deep to collect possession and progress the play. The latter ranks in the 92nd percentile or higher in progressive passes, progressive carries and touches in the penalty area per 90, whilst the Chelsea man ranks between the 80th and 95th in those statistics – comparing them to other players in their positions in Europe’s top five leagues.

This shows that both players excel at driving their team forward by either playing forward passes or dribbling with the ball to start attacks.

Therefore, Newcastle can find their own Havertz in a deal for Correa. Eddie Howe will surely love to have a false nine/attacking midfielder who can progress the play whilst also chipping in with goals, as it would allow him to play another striker, whether that is Callum Wilson or a certain Frenchman from Reims…

AND in other news,  NUFC in the mix to sign “frightening” £528k-p/w “freak of nature”, Howe would love him…

West Ham United boss David Moyes has made a bold decision regarding the future of defender Arthur Masuaku…

What’s the word?

In Roshane Thomas’ recent report for The Athletic, the DR Congo international will be ‘handed an opportunity to impress’ the Hammers boss during pre-season, despite having failed to secure a regular starting berth in recent seasons.

As per the report, however, the east Londoners are ‘in the market’ for a new left-back this summer, with the 28-year-old – and teammate Aaron Cresswell – not set to be the ‘long-term options’ in the role.

This follows recent speculation that the London Stadium outfit are interested in Hoffenheim ace David Raum, while Juventus’s Luca Pellegrini is another full-back who has been named as a possible target of late.

Supporters fuming

While it may be an encouraging sign that the club are still chasing a new left-back acquisition, supporters will seemingly be fuming that Moyes could hand yet another chance to the aforementioned Masuaku, with the Lille-born man having never truly managed to perform on a consistent basis for the Irons.

There will be those wondering what the former Manchester United manager can learn about the £4.5m-rated dud that he doesn’t already know, with the former Olympiacos man having now been at the club for six years, with Moyes in charge for much of that time across his two spells at the helm.

The most recent campaign seemingly appeared to be the end of the road for the £43k-per-week flop as he made just six Premier League starts in total, with a rare, notable high point having been his fluky winner against Chelsea in the 3-2 thriller back in December.

Even with the club enjoying a lengthy run to the last four of the Europa League, the versatile defender was still rarely used in the competition, making just four appearances in total during that continental voyage – only two of which came as starts.

With academy graduate Ben Johnson proving himself comfortable on either side of the defence, Masuaku’s role has been inhibited even further, with it hard to understand just why Moyes would need the one-time Valenciennes man as part of his squad.

Having joined in 2016 from Greece on a £6m deal, the attacking full-back has had more than enough chances to impress in his 127 outings in all competitions – in which he has scored just twice and provided only ten assists – with the Hammers boss seemingly needing to be ruthless to finally wield the axe.

As it is, it looks as if Masuaku could remain something of a wage burner for at least another season, albeit with the player’s contract set to run until June 2024, with the option of a two-year extension after that.

AND in other news, Moyes plotting move for “special” £45m “baller”, he’d be a “superstar” for West Ham

Steven Gerrard reportedly now wants to reunite with Glasgow Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos.

The Lowdown: Contract expiring

The Colombian marksman has just one year left on his contract at Ibrox, casting his future with the Gers into doubt.

Given that the 26-year-old could leave for free next summer, Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s team now have a big dilemma on their hands over whether to cash in on him now or try to hold out for a new deal.

The Latest: Villa want Morelos

As per Estadio Deportivo, former Light Blues manager Gerrard ‘wants’ to sign Morelos for Aston Villa, as it looks like the Premiership club will allow him to leave.

However, the Premier League side may face competition from Sevilla for his signature, with the La Liga club having already submitted an €8m (£7m) offer, although that is likely to fall well below Rangers’ valuation.

The Verdict: Keep him!

If the Teddy Bears want the best possible chance of taking the Premiership title back from their bitter rivals Celtic next year, then they need to be keeping hold of their best players, Morelos included.

The £33,000-per-week star was their top scorer last term with 19 goals across all competitions, taking his tally for the club to 113 in five years in Glasgow, and he would simply not be easy to replace.

While Kemar Roofe netted 16 times last season, the Jamaican has been injury-prone, so he might not be the most reliable player to have as a marquee centre-forward.

However, the attraction of the English top flight and to play under Gerrard – who has dubbed him a ‘fantastic talent’ in the past – once again could be very difficult for Morelos to turn down, so Rangers may have their work cut out to keep hold of the Colombian hotshout.

Despite recent reports to the contrary, West Bromwich Albion are no longer believed to be interested in signing soon-to-be-free agent Tom Lawrence.

What’s the word?

That is according to an update from Joseph Masi (as per Express and Star), who believes that there is no truth to the reports linking Albion with a move for the former Derby County star.

Masi believes that the Baggies are not interested in signing the 28-year-old, with Bruce’s squad said to be “well stocked with players who can play on the right and left wing”.

It is instead claimed that the West Brom manager is searching the market for a striker who can compete with and provide cover for Daryl Dike.

Supporters will be gutted

Despite Derby’s dismal relegation to League One, Lawrence enjoyed a great campaign on a personal level, registering the highest seasonal returns of his career so far with 11 goals and five assists in 38 league games.

Albion struggled to find the net last season, finishing as the sixth-lowest scorers in the Championship with just 52 goals, and it was thought that Lawrence would join the likes of summer signings Jed Wallace and John Swift as established Championship assets who could come in and transform the Baggies’ front-line.

Considering the contrasting reports involving both player and club, West Brom supporters must now be gutted at the prospect of missing out on a player who achieved 16 attacking returns in the most recent campaign in the form of 11 goals and five assists.

Also, at the age of 28, Lawrence is approaching his prime footballing years, so there should certainly be more to come from the Manchester United youth product.

It’s a big twist in this transfer link and also serves as a big disappointment, if the claims by Masi are indeed thought to be true.

AND in other news – Bruce can land a huge Livermore upgrade with WBA bid for “excellent” £61k-p/w target

Liverpool journalist for GOAL Neil Jones has now revealed some transfer news involving Owen Beck.

The Lowdown: Rising star

Beck is one of the rising stars in Liverpool’s Academy, having played a total of 64 times at youth level over the past three seasons, scoring an impressive two goals and making a further nine assists primarily playing as a left-back (Transfermarkt).

Once dubbed a ‘super talent’ by Jurgen Klopp, the German manager handed Beck his senior debut in the Carabao Cup last term, where he made two appearances.

The Latest: Loan exit

Taking to Twitter, Jones has revealed that Beck is now ‘expected’ to join Portuguese Primeira Liga side Famalicao on loan ‘this week’:

“Young left-back Owen Beck expected to leave Liverpool on loan this week. He’s set to join Portuguese Primeira Liga outfit Famalicao for the season.”

The Verdict: Great move

Given that Klopp already has Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas at his disposal for next season, sending Beck out on loan is a great move for all parties.

The 19-year-old should be able to get more regular game time at Famalicao, a team that finished in a respectable eighth place in Portugal’s top flight last campaign.

Nonetheless, having been capped seven times for Wales at U21 level, Beck will be hoping to catch the eye so that he can be in the conversation for a potential shock call-up to the senior squad ahead of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Celtic have seen a number of young players make moves away from the Parkhead club over the past few weeks such as Karamoko Dembele, Luca Connell, Kerr McInroy and Ewan Henderson.

Another young player making a name for himself at one of Europe’s top clubs that has been mentioned with a reported £2m move to Glasgow this summer is Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Edouard Michut.

Having joined PSG’s youth ranks from Versailles back in 2016, the 19-year-old has gone on to make 17 appearances for the club across their senior and youth sides, chipping in with one goal and one assist along the way.

With eight senior appearances to his name for the French giants, five of them came during their previous Ligue 1 campaign, where he managed to assist a goal from Thilo Kehrer during PSG’s 1-1 draw against Olympique Lyon back in January.

To further highlight what sort of player Michut is, football talent scout, Jacek Kulig described the teenager as a “highly technical and creative playmaker” and a “fantastic” young prospect at PSG.

In fact, Kulig also spoke about the French starlet in the same breath as Barcelona youngster Gavi, in terms of their “natural football IQ” as well as their ability to “already have three passing options in their heads before even controlling the ball.”

At the age of 17, the Barcelona prodigy, who has a hefty market value of around €70m (£59m) according to CIES, already has 46 senior appearances to his name for the Spanish club.

In those appearances, Gavi has managed to score two goals and provide six assists in the process.

Hailed as an “erupting volcano” by Luis Enrique, the Spaniard certainly looks likely to have a big career ahead of him.

Taking all of this into account, if Celtic were able to land their own version of the Barcelona starlet in the shape of Michut, this could be a very exciting move for the Parkhead club to make.

With the several young players that have waved goodbye to the club in recent weeks, it’s safe to say that the Hoops have the space to add a young talent to their ranks that could have what it takes to force his way into Ange Postecoglou’s squad.

AND in other news: Ange can finally axe Celtic’s £4.05m-rated “monster” with move for “perfect” £3.4m gem

Rangers have been handed a huge boost over Ibrox gem Alfredo Morelos’ fitness ahead of the 2022/23 campaign…

What’s the talk?

Giovanni van Bronckhorst has revealed that the Rangers striker has made his return to training, after missing out on the recent pre-season friendly win.

He told the Glasgow Times: “We prepare now for a big week because we are playing two really good quality opponents. After that we prepare for the start of the season.

“Morelos is doing partial training with the team now, Filip is still not training with us he had a setback so we have to wait and see how that is developing.

“Fashion got a knock in training on Thursday. He trained Friday but wasn’t feeling 100 per cent so we decided not to take him. Alex is still in recovery.”

Supporters will be delighted

This update will surely leave supporters delighted by this news as it suggests that Morelos is closing in on a return to action for the Light Blues.

The striker suffered a thigh injury during the March international break last season and in April was ruled out for the rest of the campaign as he needed surgery on the knock.

This left Kemar Roofe as the club’s only recognised centre-forward, although Ross Wilson has moved to bolster that area of the pitch with a deal for Antonio Colak this summer.

Morelos being back will be a huge boost to the team as he has proven that he has the quality to make a big impact in the final third.

In the Premiership last season, the Colombian attacker scored 11 goals and provided seven assists in 25 starts as he averaged a sublime SofaScore rating of 7.32. He created 2.0 chances per game and nine ‘big chances’ in total for his teammates in the division, which shows that he offers goalscoring and creativity in the number nine role.

Morelos also caught the eye in Europe as he scored four goals in eight starts in the Europa League – including one goal against Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund. This proves that he is capable of performing in multiple competitions and can lead the line brilliantly for the Gers.

Therefore, fans will be delighted by his return as his statistics suggest that he will be the main man again for van Bronckhorst if he is fit, which may come in time for the Champions League qualifier against Union Saint-Gilloise at the start of August.

AND in other news, Wilson can land Rangers their own Jude Bellingham in £42k-p/w swoop…