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Reliable club insider ExWHUemployee has now backed some promising transfer reports involving West Ham United and Manchester City star Oleksandr Zinchenko.

The Lowdown: Hammers eye move…

The Hammers and manager David Moyes are well in the mix to sign City’s versatile gem this summer with The Mirror claiming they are set to battle Arsenal for his signature.

Zinchenko has proved a brilliant asset for Sky Blues boss Pep Guardiola, as evident by his phenomenal contribution on the final day of their 2021/2022 Premier League season.

The Ukranian’s introduction in the second half of their dramatic 3-2 victory over Aston Villa, a title-clinching win, helped to change the game and add more balance on City’s left channel.

He added real threat and helped to turn the tide on a memorable afternoon, potentially prompting interest from West Ham as they eye his possible signing.

The Latest: ExWHUemployee makes Zinchenko claim…

Club insider Ex, speaking to The West Ham Way, has now backed these reports of Moyes’ interest in signing Zinchenko.

He explained:

“We are definitely very interested in Zinchenko. However the player has made it clear he wants to play a midfield role rather than a defender. So it could be that would suit us well with him filling in at left back if need be.”

The Verdict: Get it done…

The 25-year-old, as explained by 90min journalist Toby Cudworth, would be a ‘superb signing’ for Moyes, and we believe he should be a priority target.

Adept at playing further forward as an attacking midfielder and at left-back, Zinchenko’s addition would plug more than one hole in the West Ham squad.

One major obstacle could be the presence of Arsenal in the race, especially since manager Mikel Arteta already knows the player well from their time together at Eastlands.

In other news: ‘I believe…’ – ExWHUemployee has ‘great news’ for West Ham supporters…find out more here.

Sky Sports and North East reporter Keith Downie has confirmed that Newcastle United are now ‘keen’ to sign Nick Pope this summer.

The Lowdown: Five signings?

The Daily Telegraph journalist Luke Edwards recently revealed that the St. James’ Park outfit want to sign up to five new players this window, having already secured the permanent signing of left-back Matt Targett from Aston Villa.

They will now set their focus on other areas of the pitch, and given recent links to the likes of Alphonse Areola, it seems as if a new goalkeeper is being targeted to replace Martin Dubravka in net.

The Latest: Pope interest

Taking to Twitter, Downie has revealed that the Tyneside club are now ‘keen’ to sign Pope, who is ‘likely’ to leave Burnley:

“Newcastle keen on England goalkeeper Nick Pope, who is likely to leave Burnley following their relegation…”

The Verdict: Bargain?

Given the Clarets’ relegation from the Premier League, Pope could be available for a cut price. Despite their relegation however, the six-foot-six giant was hardly to blame, as fellow teammate Ashley Barnes hailed his ‘outstanding‘ performances towards the end of the season.

In fact, the England international was the second-best performing goalkeeper in the division after Liverpool shot-stopper Alisson (WhoScored), and will no doubt want a move back up to the Premier League in order to stay on Gareth Southgate’s plans ahead of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Pope actually shares the same agent as three Magpies players, and so this could further help push a deal through.

In other news, find out which ‘deadly’ colossus NUFC now ‘like’ here!

Craig Hope has now dropped some intriguing Newcastle United transfer news on Raphinha.

The Lowdown: In demand

Raphinha is a man very much in demand this summer, with reports of Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United all holding an interest in signing the Leeds United winger.

However, it could cost at least £65m to prize him away from Elland Road, which could make him unattainable for some clubs.

The Latest: Newcastle interest

Taking to Twitter, The Daily Mail journalist Hope has revealed that the St. James’ Park ‘would love’ to sign Raphinha, although the cost and competition for his signature is likely to prove ‘prohibitive’:

“Re Newcastle & Raphinha… they like him & they have watched him (inc. final day at Brentford). I get the impression they would love to sign him. But cost/competition likely to prove prohibitive.”

The Verdict: Dream signing

However unlikely it may be, Raphinha would surely be a dream signing for the North East club.

Dubbed an ‘unbelievable‘ player by pundit and former Whites goalkeeper Paddy Kenny, the 25-year-old was the club’s top scorer (11) and best overall performer in the Premier League last season, while he also bagged himself three assists and a team-high four man-of-the-match awards (WhoScored).

The prospect of the Brazil international linking up with countrymen Bruno Guimarares and Joelinton in midfield is a truly mouth-watering one for the Toon Army, but given his hefty price tag and the fact that the Magpies cannot offer him European football, a deal looks very unlikely at this stage.

Sunderland AFC face the tough task of replacing Black Cats main-stay Aiden McGeady, after releasing the veteran winger last month.

Despite struggling with a knee injury in the season just gone, McGeady still managed to make 14 appearances for Alex Neil’s side, chipping in with a healthy seven returns in the form of three goals and four assists.

Whilst he did not directly contribute to the Black Cats’ play-off success on the pitch, his experience in and around the dressing room would surely have helped the side to pull off such a feat.

McGeady has been there through thick and thin with Sunderland, joining them in the Championship and staying with them as they sunk to the third tier of English football.

Sunderland could surely make use of an experienced and clinical midfielder in what could be a tough survival campaign in the Championship this season.

And they can find that experience in the soon-to-be free-agent Robbie Brady, who joined Bournemouth ahead of the second half of last season, with rumours around a potential move to Sunderland growing, as per TEAMtalk.

The 57-cap Ireland international only made six Championship appearances due to injury though, with Scott Parker stating this last year via the Bournemouth Echo:

“Robbie has been probably one of the most frustrated out of everyone really. It’s been very stop-start. It’s been niggly for Rob, so he’s pleased to be back.

“We need to try and keep him back now, keep him ticking along, because he’s got big quality, big experience as well and he could help us for the run-in.”

Brady, who has scored “cracking free-kick”, offers a greater level of versatility, being able to occupy both advanced and defensive positions along the flanks, and if he can stay fit, could bolster Neil’s side having been a first-team Premier League player just two seasons ago.

Available on a free, Brady is worth a gamble from the perspective of the Sunderland boss and could offer a similar presence to club veteran McGeady.

AND in other news: Huge Sunderland behind-scenes development emerges, supporters will be buzzing

Tottenham Hotspur chiefs are now ‘set to meet’ for talks over a move for Torino star Gleison Bremer, according to a fresh transfer report.

The Lowdown: Spurs preparing…

It’s safe to say the start of this summer’s transfer window has been one of the most exciting in years from the point of view of Lilywhites supporters.

A trio of deals for Ivan Perisic, Fraser Forster and Yves Bissouma have been followed by reliable reports that they’re close to signing both Clement Lenglet and Richarlison.

It seems that Antonio Conte is getting the board’s full backing ahead of his first full Premier League season in charge of the north Londoners.

The Latest: Spurs officials set for Bremer meeting…

Amid these developments, it appears that Tottenham could have the chance to sign another player as news emerges on Bremer.

According to 90min, as also shared by journalist Sean Walsh on Twitter, Spurs officials are ‘set to meet’ with Torino for talks over the Brazilian, who is valued at €50m (£43m).

The Serie A club’s president Urbano Cairo has allegedly dispatched sporting director Davide Vagnati to London, with him being given the mission to meet with ‘officials’ from Spurs, Arsenal and Chelsea.

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The Verdict: Take the chance?

While Conte’s side are closing in on Lenglet, it is also claimed that Tottenham would like to sign two centre-backs (Alasdair Gold, Spurs Q&A).

Taking this into account, signing Bremer as a first-choice for the Spurs back three with Lenglet as backup could be a brilliant move.

The South American colossus stood out as one of Serie A’s most commanding centre-backs last season, averaging more interceptions per 90 minutes than any other defender in the Italian top flight (WhoScored).

He also ranked in the division’s top ten when it comes to clearances per match, and signing him for £43m could be a more than astute move by Tottenham transfer chief Fabio Paratici.

Everton are reportedly now ‘interested’ in beating Leeds United to the signing of Tyler Adams this summer.

The Lowdown: Leeds favourites for Adams

Leeds are seemingly favourites to sign the American on loan from RB Leipzig, with the 23-year-old having played 71 times under Whites manager Jesse Marsch.

However, while it is still early in the transfer window and a deal is not done yet, other clubs may feel that they can still swoop in for his signature.

The Latest: Everton interest

Taking to Twitter, Ben Jacobs has revealed that Everton are also ‘interested’ in Adams, as are Sevilla, despite the player wanting a move to Elland Road.

The CBS Sports Golazo journalist tweeted: “Tyler Adams really wants a loan move to Leeds. He’s already spoken to Jesse Marsch, who wants another midfielder despite landing Marc Roca. Leipzig open to a deal after Xaver Schlager’s arrival. Adams needs game time ahead of the World Cup. Everton and Sevilla also interested.”

The Verdict: Worth a shot

A move to sign Adams on loan is certainly worth a shot for Everton. If it does not work out, the Merseyside club can simply send him back to Leipzig at the end of the season.

However, there is no reason why he would not be a success at Goodison Park, as the United States international will have an extra motivation to perform with the World Cup in Qatar on the horizon, as Jacobs noted.

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Dubbed an ‘elite’ number six by journalist Andrew Stern, Adams won more aerial duels per game in the Bundesliga than Andre Gomes, Tom Davies, Fabian Delph, Allan and Jean-Phillipe Gbamin managed in the Premier League last season, while he also averaged more passes at a higher success rate than the Toffees’ midfield options.

The Leipzig ace is only 23 years of age, and he could further his development under Chelsea and England midfield legend Frank Lampard if he comes to Everton.

Antonio Conte has been heavily backed in the summer transfer window as Tottenham have made a number of additions to their side.

Fabio Paratici has brought in Yves Bissouma, Fraser Forster, Ivan Perisic, and Richarlison on permanent deals, along with Clement Lenglet on loan, and they may yet add more ahead of the 2022/23 Premier League and Championship campaigns.

If reports are to be believed, those four players will not be the end of the business at the club this summer as they eye further reinforcements.

One player who has been linked with a move to the London-based outfit is Barcelona centre-forward Memphis Depay.

It has been reported that the Catalan giants would be willing to part ways with him for a fee in the region of €20m (£17m), but it remains to be seen whether or not Paratici is willing to pay that after making an initial enquiry.

Tottenham’s own Karim Benzema

Spurs already have a top-class striker in Harry Kane and can now land their own version of Karim Benzema in a deal to sign Depay this summer.

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FBRef lists the Dutch striker as being similar to the Real Madrid superstar – who has been tipped to win the Ballon d’Or this year – and this shows the level of quality he could provide.

Journalist Usher Komugisha once dubbed him “extraordinary” and reporter Deji Faremi called him a “magician”, with these comments highlighting his impressive ability in possession of the ball.

His statistics in La Liga last season illustrate his qualities perfectly. He ranks in the 92nd percentile or higher in shot-creating actions, progressive passes made, progressive carries completed, dribbles completed and passes per 90 in his position across Europe’s top five leagues in the last 365 days.

This shows that the Netherlands international is one of the best strikers in Europe when it comes to progressing the play and being heavily involved in the build-up, whilst Benzema is also in that bracket as he ranks in the 95th percentile or higher in all of the aforementioned categories aside from dribbles.

Along with his progressive play, Depay has also proven that he has the end product to make a big impact in the final third. He has racked up a whopping 51 goals and 26 assists over the last four league campaigns for Barcelona and Lyon combined.

Therefore, Conte can land Tottenham their own version of Benzema to compete with Kane next season by snapping up the Dutch wizard, as he is excellent in the build-up and a goalscorer – just like the Frenchman.

AND in other news, Spurs could find Vertonghen 2.0 as Conte eyes deal for £50.5m “extraordinary talent”…

Nottingham Forest have already signed seven new players this summer and are showing no signs of slowing down in the transfer market, as Steve Cooper endeavours to build a squad fit to compete in the Premier League for the first time in 23 years.

The newly-promoted side have already lost a number of last season’s squad, with James Garner returning to Manchester United, Djed Spence completing a move to Tottenham Hotspur, Keinan Davis returning to Aston Villa and Brice Samba making a permanent move to Lens.

Nevertheless, Forest are wasting no time in their pursuit to maintain their Premier League status next season and are filling key positions comfortably despite deadline day being still over six weeks away.

After signing Dean Henderson on loan from Man United, despite reports linking Garner with a return to The City Ground, it would be impossible to complete a straightforward loan deal as Premier League clubs are not allowed to loan two players from the same club at the same time.

As a result, Cooper could land his dream replacement for the young Red Devils midfielder by plotting a move for a player who has already been linked with a move to Forest this summer, Amadou Onana.

The £50m midfielder – who was hailed a “huge talent” by Jacek Kulig – has put in some impressive performances and been a consistent force in Ligue One over last season.

Over 32 league appearances last season, Onana scored one goal and created three big chances, as well as made an average of 1.5 tackles and won 3.4 duels per game, in addition to completing the majority of his dribbles.

Tackling, ground duels and ball control are strengths noted by SofaScore, proving that he is a six-foot-five powerhouse with bags of potential to develop into a great player in the right team.

The Belgian 20-year-old is a very hot prospect and has been linked with a number of clubs this summer including Liverpool, Arsenal, Newcastle United and West Ham United.

With that being said, Forest will need to act fast if they do want to sign the Lille OSC midfielder this summer, as West Ham United have already reportedly tabled a £32.3m bid.

AND in other news: Bid made: Nottingham Forest in talks for £10m “nightmare”, he’s a big Colback upgrade

Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte has delivered a fitness update on a trio of players ahead of their upcoming pre-season game against Sevilla.

The Lowdown: Injury concerns

The Lilywhites kicked off their preparations for the new Premier League season with an emphatic 6-3 victory over Team K-League in Seoul on Wednesday, but were without two key first-team stars.

On assessment, Dejan Kulusevski and Ben Davies were both deemed unfit to play any part in the game in South Korea, but were pictured being put through their paces with some running drills during the team’s warm-up.

Ivan Perisic was another name missing from the team-sheet as he continues his recovery from a leg injury he sustained in his final match for Inter Milan before making the move to north London.

The Latest: Conte’s fitness update

Speaking in his pre-match press conference with the media ahead of Tottenham’s game against Sevilla on Saturday, Conte shared a positive update on the trio. He said:

“Kulusevski and Davies are available for tomorrow’s game. Perisic started to work with us. We have to go step by step because the injury was a serious one but it’s good that he started to work with us. When he gets back to London with us he can be involved in more training sessions.”

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The Verdict: A huge boost

Having Davies and Kulusevski back and available for selection again will come as a massive boost for Conte as he steps up his preparations ahead of the opening day of the new season.

It’s vitally important that the duo get as many minutes into their legs as possible in this run-in of games to build themselves up to full match fitness in time for the beginning of August.

It’s also hugely positive news that Perisic is slowly getting nearer to being involved in the action again, though it’s important that he’s not rushed back to avoid suffering any longer-term setbacks.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has suggested that Newcastle United could remain in the market for a striker this summer. 

The lowdown: Trying hard

The Magpies have already been linked with a plethora of attacking targets during the transfer window, so far failing to bolster that department at St James’ Park.

One of the most sought-after options to bring to Tyneside was Hugo Ekitike, who recently made the move to Paris Saint-Germain to finally end months of protracted speculation regarding the Toon.

Sporting director Dan Ashworth has also shown an interest in Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Ivan Toney and Armando Broja, whilst Euro 2020 winner and current free agent Andra Belotti is the latest centre-forward linked with a move to Tyneside.

The latest: Striker on Newcastle’s agenda

Speaking to GiveMeSport, transfer specialist Romano has claimed that Newcastle could still seek out a centre-forward in the time remaining in the summer transfer window.

He said: “I think it’s a possibility.

“I think it’s a possibility because they want to sign talented players, so they don’t want to invest only on names, but they want to invest on players who are part of the future project, as they did with Bruno Guimaraes and with many others.”

The verdict: New striker needed

Although the business carried out so far has been impressive as Eddie Howe now has Sven Botman, Nick Pope and Matt Targett to call upon, there remains a need for at least one genuine centre-forward to be added to the ranks.

As things stand, following Dwight Gayle’s £10m exit to Stoke City (BBC) and Joelinton’s transformation into a midfielder, Howe only has an injury-prone Callum Wilson and a misfiring Chris Wood to call upon as senior options to lead the line for the start of the 2022/23 campaign.

Furthermore, despite missing four months with a hamstring injury, Wilson ended as the Magpies’ top scorer in 2021/22 with eight goals, three ahead of his closest competitors Allan Saint-Maximin and Bruno Guimaraes.

Given the new-found levels of expectation amongst the fanbase and the likelihood of an arduous season ahead, Howe, Ashworth and PIF must add another central attacking option to the ranks, and fresh links to Barcelona star Memphis Depay could prove to be the preferred path.