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According to reports by Voetbal24 (via SportWitness), West Ham are a ‘serious candidate’ for Club Brugge star Hans Vanaken, who is expected to make a Premier League move if he wins the Belgian Golden Shoe.

The Lowdown: Vanaken having a fantastic season

Attacking-midfielder Vanaken signed for Brugge in 2015, having already spent five seasons playing in Belgium – first at Lommel United, then at KSC Lokeren.

The Belgium international is currently having a fantastic campaign in the Jupiler Pro League, having scored five goals and producing two assists.

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He has also performed on the European stage, scoring three times and assisting once in six Champions League games this season – drawing international attention.

The Latest: Vanaken linked with the Hammers

The Hammers have long been linked with the midfielder, having previously been rejected by the player following a £15 million bid. Vanaken cited that if he were to move to the Premier League, he would want only want to do so to win trophies.

However, according to a report by Voetbal24 (via SportWitness), if Vanaken is able to bring home the Belgian Golden Shoe, it is expected that he will move to the Premier League, with West Ham now once again considered a serious candidate.

This arises after a previous report Voetbal24 (via SportWitness) claimed that the move was no longer out of the question despite the previous rejection.

The Verdict: A fine addition for David Moyes

The attacking-midfielder could prove to be a fantastic addition to David Moyes’ side, who have struggled for goals recently, with Michail Antonio failing to score in his last seven Premier League games.

Former teammate Onur Kaya has said that Vanaken has the technique of a much smaller player – he is 6 foot 5 – and believes that his friend ‘has his place at 16 of the 20 Premier League clubs’.

Current teammate and former Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet has even claimed that Vanaken is a better finisher ‘than Roberto Firmino’ and that he is of a ‘comparable level to Mo [Salah]’.

It seems that the Belgian beast could be the perfect fit for West Ham as an alternative goalscoring option playing off Antonio, so fans will surely hope to see this deal cross the line.

Gianluca Di Marzio has dropped an update on Tottenham Hotspur’s reported interest in a move for Lautaro Martinez.

What’s the talk?

In recent comments cited by FcInter1908 (via Sport Witness), the Sky Sports Italia journalist revealed that, following earlier reports suggesting that Antonio Conte has made the Inter Milan centre-forward one of his priority targets in the summer transfer window, there is a very good chance Fabio Paratici does make another move for the 24-year-old at the end of the current campaign.

Speaking about Spurs’ interest in the Argentina international, Di Marzio said: “Who will Tottenham go to if they qualify for the Champions League? Surely Antonio Conte wants another striker.

“We know that, even before he arrived in London, Fabio Paratici had tried to take Lautaro Martinez, but then Inter sold Lukaku and could not sell both.

“I expect a possible Tottenham offensive for him. Then it is true that he has renewed, but it is possible that Tottenham could present themselves again and we’ll see what kind of offer they might present.”

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Spurs supporters will love Di Marzio’s update

With backup and competition for Harry Kane having been something of an issue for Tottenham in recent years, with the club’s last permanent signing of a centre-forward being Fernando Llorente back in August 2017 – who subsequently left Spurs for Napoli just two years later – the suggestion that Paratici could pursue a deal for Martinez this summer is sure to be an update the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium faithful will love.

Indeed, the thought of the £63m-rated Argentine and Kane linking up in a front two in north London is an incredibly exciting one – not to mention being a duo that would somewhat replicate Conte’s devastating attacking two during Inter’s Scudetto-winning campaign under the 52-year-old.

Last season, in the Italian manager’s preferred 3-5-2 formation, Romelu Lukaku and Martinez scored 41 goals and registered 17 assists between them in the league, with Lukaku averaging an incredibly impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.32 and Martinez averaging a 7.17 rating – ranking the duo as Conte’s first and third-best performers in Serie A respectively.

As such, it is clear for all to see that the prospect of Kane – who himself has scored 12 goals, provided six assists and averaged a SofaScore match rating of 7.29 in the Premier League this season – taking the place of Lukaku in this tandem will be a thought that terrifies defenders up and down the country.

And, with it being reported that Inter will be willing to listen to offers beginning at €70m (£59m) for the €125k-per-week (£105k-per-week) striker this summer, a deal for Martinez is one that Daniel Levy could very much afford to sanction.

AND in other news: Conte can finally axe “horrendous” liability as Spurs plot talks for £17m “revelation”

Speaking to Football Insider after West Ham United images emerged of Declan Rice celebrating in the stands last weekend, pundit Paul Robinson has dropped a transfer claim involving the Englishman.

Rice is currently sidelined with a knee injury and had to watch from the stands as the Hammers pick up a vital three points in the race for an unprecedented European finish.

Goals from Jesse Lingard (x2) and Jarrod Bowen were eventually enough to fight off a Leicester City side determined to mount a late comeback.

Robinson drops Rice transfer claim

David Moyes’ men managed to cling on for a 3-2 win at the London Stadium, with images emerging during the encounter of sidelined star Rice appearing over the moon.

In reaction to these photos, Robinson has claimed the 22-year-old will be ‘licking his lips’ at the prospect of Champions League football next season and is very unlikely to go anywhere this summer amid transfer links. 

“I think the likelihood of being in Europe and potentially even the Champions League make Declan Rice’s decision easier,” explained Robinson to Football Insider.

“West Ham will be able to attract top players to the club this summer if they finish in Europe.

“They have made huge stride as a club this season and why would you want to leave?

“You can see that he is very happy at the moment and I am sure he will be licking his lips at the prospect of playing in Europe in front of a packed London Stadium.

“I cannot see him going anywhere this summer.”

Transfer Tavern take

As West Ham continue to exceed all expectations, we also believe that Rice definitely won’t be going anywhere.

The midfield maestro has been a crucial cog in Moyes’ system this season, making a brilliant two interceptions per game in the Premier League before his injury (WhoScored).

As a result, GSB and co reportedly value him at somewhere around £100 million (Sky Sports), and in this climate, it’s very unlikely any club will be able to afford that – even if Rice did want to leave.

In other news: West Ham eyeing this colossus, find out more here.

After a disappointing season for West Brom, currently 13th in the Championship, Steve Bruce has given an update on Andy Carroll’s future at the club ahead of the transfer window.

What’s the latest?

In an interview with Express & Star, the Baggies boss has confirmed that talks have been scheduled to make a decision on the striker’s future and whether his stay will be extended at the club or not.

Bruce confirmed:

“He has done well since he has been here and it’s great to see him fit. I’ve always said, when fit, Andy Carroll is a threat.

“I think it’s important in the next week or so that we sit down and make those big decisions which are never easy. We’ll see what develops.”

Time to go

Carroll was initially brought into the club to fill a gap in the striker role for West Brom after a freak hamstring injury to January signing Daryl Dike on his first full debut for the Baggies and has had an adequate impact on the side.

The £720k-rated star who was hailed “powerful” by former boss Alan Pardew, has delivered three goals in 15 appearances, scoring a goal in each of the two victories West Brom have picked up in their last six games, but with players returning from injury the striker has fulfilled his purpose and it is now time to go.

Dike returned to full team training last month but is yet to make an appearance in the team since he picked up his injury, and Bruce is hoping that he will be able to have a good summer working on his match fitness to reprise his star role as the striker in next season’s charge for promotion back to the top-flight.

With that in mind, keeping hold of 33-year-old Carroll doesn’t make sense in the club’s pursuit to rebuild and recharge for a chance to get back into the Premier League next season, and should be looking to invest in the future of the team, rather than prolonging the contract of a player who is nearing the end of his career.

West Brom needs to reflect on the nightmare season they have had in the Championship and re-evaluate what needs to be done to ensure they don’t find themselves in the same position again this time next year.

It is really important to keep moving forward in the best interests of the team, and accepting Carroll was a short-term solution and moving him on this summer could be the right decision.

AND in other news: Bruce can finally axe “lazy” flop as West Brom plot bid for “superb” 19 y/o sensation

Loads of Everton fans have been lauding an update from the Goodison Park faithful as Tom Cannon has signed a professional contract with the club.

As per the official website of the Merseyside club, the 18-year-old has signed a two-year deal that will keep him at the Toffees until the end of June 2023.

Cannon has impressed both at U18 and U23’s level for the Blues, scoring no fewer than 23 goals and making a further eight assists in 41 games in total over all competitions across the last three consecutive terms (Transfermarkt).

Carlo Ancelotti will certainly be keeping an eye at youth level for any talent that he can promote to the senior team, and the striker is one that will eventually be looking to break into the squad with more good performances for the rest of this season.

Everton fan reaction to Cannon update

These EFC supporters lauded the update on Twitter, with one fan even going as far to claim that Cannon is a ‘proper talent’:

“Congratulations Tom, well deserved for you and all the family…hard working starts now!!”

Credit: @PeterCronin00

“Got a bit of a swagger about him.”

Credit: @bernieo63

“This lad is a proper talent. Congrats mate!”

Credit: @NTylerVI

“Welcome Tom. Only the best is good enough.”

Credit: @gill_mcmahon

“Well done Tom, hopefully see you soon.”

Credit: @1878Johnny

“Best of luck Tom – what a great achievement”

Credit: @greenie1878

In other news, find out what early news before Burnley has left fans fuming here!

Former Premier League striker Marcus Bent has exclusively told Football FanCast that he believes that signing for Aston Villa would be a step in the right direction for James Ward-Prowse, who Football Insider’s Kevin Phillips believes would cost £35m+.

On the back of another excellent season for Southampton, in which he was one of just three ever-present outfield players, the midfielder has been strongly linked with a switch to Villa Park.

Ward-Prowse managed eight Premier League goals, his best career return, whilst he also added seven assists which meant he contributed to more than 30 percent of Southampton’s league goals.

Two of which were spectacular free-kicks in Saints’ 4-3 victory at Villa back in early-November.

Despite his excellent form, the 26-year-old narrowly missed out on being named in the final 26-man England squad for the Euro’s after failing to get the nod following Trent Alexander Arnold’s withdrawal.

But whilst Gareth Southgate wasn’t completed convinced, Dean Smith has been, with Villa hoping to make the midfielder their second summer addition following the club-record arrival of Emiliano Buendia of Norwich.

And Bent told Football FanCast that he believes it’s a move the Southampton man should make:

“Where Aston Villa have got a few talented players, it would be a good move for him.

“I think he’d probably, well not push for it but he’s the captain at Southampton. Could he play another season? Maybe, but I’m not sure if they’re moving forward.

“And Aston Villa are a big club, maybe he wants to move as a stepping stone so it would be a good move for him.”

The Birmingham Mail’s Ashley Preece has dropped a major update on Aston Villa’s transfer move for Ashley Young.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent days have suggested that Dean Smith’s side are keen on bringing the 35-year-old back to the club, years after his first spell  when he played 190 games for Villa.

And now, writing via his official Twitter account, Preece said that Young’s representatives are in talks with Villa, and “that one appears to be moving quickly”.

Fans should be buzzing

Given Villa have already clinched the signing of Emi Buendia from Norwich, the fact they’re now closing in on the signing of Young is a real statement that the club are keen to do their business early this window.

Not only will Smith be buzzing about seeing his second new player come in through the door, but the fans should also be very pleased with the knowledge that Villa are making real strides to improve the first-team squad as soon as possible.

Of course, aside from Young, news also emerged of Villa’s bid for Arsenal starlet Emile Smith Rowe, and while that deal seems unlikely, it remains an indication of the kind of aggressive approach that NSWE are taking to this summer’s transfer window.

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These are exciting times to be a Villa fan, and Young’s imminent arrival at Villa Park is yet another sign that the club are on the up and looking to give Smith the best possible tools to succeed in the Premier League next season.

The fans should be buzzing with Preece’s latest update.

Meanwhile, David Ornstein has dropped an exciting Aston Villa transfer update…

According to 90min, Tottenham Hotspur have already begun searching for a successor to Jose Mourinho, as the Portuguese isn’t likely to last past the end of the current campaign.

After a hot start that saw them sit top of the table at the start of December, Spurs have crumbled to sixth place, with the top four looking out of reach.

That makes their chances of qualifying for the Champions League – one of Daniel Levy’s key requirements – seem rather unlikely, having embarrassingly crashed out of the Europa League to Dinamo Zagreb last week.

As per the report, Spurs have compiled a long list of potential replacements.

Leicester City boss Brendan Rodgers is thought to be the front-runner but names like Carlo Ancelotti, Julian Nagelsmann, Massimiliano Allegri and Nuno Santo all feature, too…

On the Chalkboard

Aside from the obvious impact on the struggling fortunes of Matt Doherty – a £15m summer arrival from Molineux – it’s hard to see the fellow Portuguese making much of an impact in north London, especially given Wolves’ own problems this season.

The 47-year-old gem has had the most success at the Midlands outfit when deploying a three-at-the-back system, and that is something that could be a recipe for disaster at Spurs.

Of course, Nuno should be lauded for transforming the Old Gold into a stable Premier League club. The Athletic’s Tim Spiers claimed that he had done “special things” and that it was “unbelievable” and a “miracle” to see them in Europe.

A lot of Mourinho’s problems have come through defensive individual mistakes, with his usual culprits being his only options in the role. Indeed, the Spurs boss has struggled to cement down a proper partnership in his backline.

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Eric Dier (21 league starts), Davinson Sanchez (15 starts) and Toby Alderweireld (18 starts) have frequently rotated throughout the Premier League season, whilst Joe Rodon’s rare start last Sunday saw him throw his name into the equation.

The former two have been particularly calamitous.

Former Spurs midfielder Jamie O’Hara dubbed the duo the worst partnership in the Premier League and urged the club to get rid of both of them. He said to talkSPORT:

“I look at the team and the back-four is just an absolute shambles. I don’t know why Jose keeps playing [Davinson] Sanchez and [Eric] Dier because it’s probably one of the worst partnerships in the Premier League.”

A three-man defence requires a perfect mix of pace, ability on the ball and an excellent reading of the game. This is something lacking at Spurs right now.

Only Sanchez (85.4%) has a better passing accuracy rate than any of Wolves’ current backline of Conor Coady, Max Kilman and Leander Dendoncker.

An ageing Alderweireld and Dier isn’t the fastest defence by comparison, nor is the England international on the same wavelength for defensive ability, sitting behind the lot for tackles (0.8) and interceptions (0.9) per game, via WhoScored.

Despite taking Wolves the Premier League, and then the Europa League in the space of just two seasons, Nuno just isn’t the right fit for Spurs at the minute.

AND in other news, Alli’s transfer value continues to plummet under Jose Mourinho

Celtic are reportedly interested in Fleetwood Town defender Josh Feeney, according to the Daily Mail.

The Lowdown: Feeney fits Celtic’s transfer strategy

Feeney, who only turned 16 on Thursday, is wanted by both England and Scotland at under-16 international level. He has been on the bench in three recent first team games under Simon Grayson and appears to fit one of two Hoops transfer strategies.

The Athletic revealed back in January that Celtic are looking at ‘young-ish, UK-based prospects with high upside potential who are available either on a pre-contract, or for a nominal fee’.

Feeney appears to fit that mould, and the Hoops may hold the advantage over English suitors due to cross-border compensation fee rules.

The Latest: Hoops not the only side interested

As mentioned, a number of English clubs are also keen on the teenager. The likes of Aston Villa, Leeds United, Leicester City and Wolves have all contacted Fleetwood in recent months regarding Feeney.

Therefore, if the Hoops wish to get a deal over the line for the young talent, they may have to act fast.

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The Verdict: Could work out with club’s Lowland League plans

Celtic and Glasgow rivals Rangers are thought to be in discussions for their respective Colts teams to join the Lowland Leagues, which in our view could help the Hoops in their pursuit of Feeney.

Should a deal be reached where Celtic’s Colts side can play in the Lowland Leagues, that would give the Hoops the opportunity to lure Feeney to Parkhead with the appeal of senior game-time.

That could help his development, along with several other Celtic youngsters, which could then have a positive impact on the first team in the long run.

In other news: Source shares big Celtic transfer development; ‘magnificent’ star seems to have chosen new club, find out more here. 

After seeing the summer transfer window shut on Tuesday night, Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa will be glad to have gotten one final signing over the line in the shape of Manchester United’s Dan James.

But, one area in which the Whites failed to strengthen is in central midfield, with a move for Huddersfield Town’s Lewis O’Brien seemingly falling on its head.

In response to a question from a fan about whether the Whites would pursue a late move for the midfielder on transfer deadline day, The Athletic’s Phil Hay said on Twitter: “Not a matter of time. They’re not stretching to £8m+ for O’Brien.”

While Leeds may have baulked against paying that kind of fee for O’Brien, they may take some comfort in the return from injury of Adam Forshaw.

The midfielder has endured a difficult spell at Leeds for well over a year now, with injuries seeing him miss the entire Premier League season – in fact, his only appearance of 2020/21 came at Premier League 2 level when he was given a runout against Aston Villa’s under-23s back in mid-April.

Speaking towards the end of last season, Bielsa himself said of the 29-year-old: “He has basically been not playing for two seasons and to be able to play 90 minutes at a high competition after being healthy – there is still a while to go before you’re ready for that.

“He’s healthy, and has two months left of the season to prove that he is finally over his issues. We all hope it will be like this, because he is a very important player and he has made a massive effort to overcome the situation that he’s been through.”

With Leeds lacking natural cover for Kalvin Phillips, and a new central midfielder not arriving through the door, Forshaw’s comeback from injury is a timely one.

Writing for The Athletic, Phil Hay backed Forshaw to enjoy a redemption season this year, saying: “Can his body hold up? Could he adapt quickly to the pace of the Premier League? The thing about Forshaw is that he is one of Bielsa’s favourite players at Leeds; someone who Bielsa has genuinely been heard to describe privately as having the right attributes for a Champions League side.”

The £60k-a-week earning midfielder has been dubbed as “class” by former Leeds man Noel Whelan, while Bielsa himself has previously admitted just how influential he can be.

He said: “Forshaw is a player who, when he has played, he is always between the better players of the team.

“He has a feature that is very difficult to get. He defends similar to Kalvin, he attacks similar to Klich. What he does close to Phillips doesn’t impede, it is not a problem for him when he goes close to Klich to attack. You are not going to find a lot of players with this kind of characteristic.”

That is high praise indeed from Bielsa, and he will be hoping that this campaign could be the making of the 29-year-old at the top level.

Now that O’Brien isn’t here and the transfer window has closed, it’s finally time for Bielsa to unleash Forshaw in the Premier League.

Meanwhile, Phil Hay dropped a Leeds United update on deadline day…