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According to a report by West Ham United insider Claret & Hugh, the first approach has been made for West Bromwich Albion attacker Matheus Pereira – with both clubs now talking.

The Lowdown: Hammers eyeing Lingard alternative?

West Ham’s hunt to sign Manchester United ace Jesse Lingard seems to be growing more and more unlikely by the day.

As per C&H, he was one of manager David Moyes’ main priorities for this summer window, but now he is looking more likely to remain at Old Trafford and fight for his place.

ExWHUemployee says that West Ham haven’t given up on signing the 28-year-old this summer, however, it will require a ‘substantial’ fee.

The Latest: West Ham make Pereira approach…

C&H, backing claims that a move for Lingard is now looking harder than ever, have also said that West Ham are earmarking Pereira as an alternative target.

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The ‘first approach’ has also been made with both West Ham and West Brom now ‘talking’, but as explained by the insider, negotiations haven’t gone very far at this stage and there is nothing advanced.

Moyes is also said to be personally very keen on Pereira, even though he has a tendency to change his mind when it comes to transfer targets.

The Verdict: Great alternative…

Scoring 20 goals for West Brom in total across all competitions over the last two seasons, along with a sublime 26 assists in that time (Transfermarkt), he could come as quite the Lingard alternative indeed.

One of his former coaches at Nurnberg, Nate Weiss, certainly knows all about the players quality – describing his ability as ‘unbelievable’ (Sky Sports).

Also younger than Lingard at just 25-years-old, Pereira could also have a superior sell-on value in years to come if he continues his great form.

In other news: ‘Blimey’, ‘I am salivating’…West Ham fans flock to ‘exciting’ club announcement, find out more here.

Liverpool midfielder Thiago has hinted that he is unhappy playing a deep-lying midfield role for the Reds, wanting more freedom in the middle of the park. 

The Lowdown: Thiago key for Reds

The 30-year-old joined Liverpool from Bayern Munich last September in what looked like a hugely exciting signing at the time.

Thiago took time to settle at Anfield, partly due to injuries, but by the end of the campaign, he was arguably one of the Reds’ best players.

The Spaniard was often used in a number six role by Jurgen Klopp, allowing him to sit deep and dictate games with his playmaking brilliance.

The Latest: Superstar hints at unhappiness

It appears as though Thiago wants more attacking freedom, however, after he told L’Equipe [via Sport Witness] that he likes playing as a number 10. He said:

“I would say it (his ability to create) has been more limited because of a positional issue.

“If I play number 6 instead of number 10, I’ll have less room to manoeuvre, less freedom to dribble, because I’ll have to take fewer risks.

“In the history of football, strikers have always been admired more than defenders. Because a defender can’t make a mistake, unlike the striker (who can try harder).

“So, for me, it’s a question of position.”

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The Verdict: No major issue

Not too much should be made of Thiago’s remarks, with the Spain international very much a team player who is happy to do what is best for Liverpool.

That being said, it seems fairly clear where he enjoys playing most, and there are occasions when his guile could be most devastating when he is let off the leash.

Thiago’s versatility can only be a good thing for Klopp and Liverpool, though, allowing him to excel across two different positions.

In other news, Liverpool are believed to be interested in signing a prolific attacking player this summer. Read more here. 

Aston Villa journalist for the Express and Star, Luke Hatfield, has claimed that John McGinn will not be leaving Villa Park this summer despite reported interest from Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool, who see him as a potential Georginio Wijnaldum replacement.

McGinn was a standout performer for Villa last campaign and his energy was obvious for everyone to see as he attempted and completed the most amount of pressures on the ball at the club, operating in several different positions.

His consistency and ability to perform in several positions has led to Liverpool admiring the Scotland international and being tempted to move for him, although a reported £45 million price tag may well put them off.

With Villa looking to build on their solid squad from last season with the addition of Emiliano Buendia and reports suggesting that Jack Grealish is to be offered a new deal, it would be unlikely to see McGinn leave, according to Hatfield who spoke to Transfer Tavern:

“I highly doubt it. McGinn is obviously a player who’s blossomed at Villa, similarly with Grealish but in completely different circumstances in the fact that McGinn was obviously doing a job at Hibs in Scotland before he made the move, and it turned out to be a great value move.

“I don’t think many people kind of expected him to bring what he does to the Villa side and he is so integral to them.”

Villa have their sights set on finishing higher than 11th in the Premier League and better last campaign’s performances, especially if they can manage to hold onto Grealish beyond this summer.

McGinn was deployed a lot deeper lasts season which may have frustrated him but it could well have increased his value as he demonstrated that he is capable of playing in several different positions very effectively.

West Ham United have been dealt a devastating blow in their bid to sign Jesse Lingard permanently…

What’s the word?

According to The Sun, the 28-year-old midfielder has told parent club Manchester United that he wants to stay at the club this summer following a candid meeting with manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

The Hammers are desperate to sign the 29-cap England international permanently after a very successful half-season loan spell, where his nine goals and five assists saw him go from a forgotten outcast to being back in Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions squad.

Whilst Lingard hasn’t completely ruled out a return to the London Stadium, it’s claimed that he would like to stay in the northwest.

Huge blow

This will come as a major setback to many in East London.

There have previously been reports suggesting that the £20m-rated midfielder was keen on returning to West Ham this transfer window but these fresh developments add a worrying twist to the saga.

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Following the final game of the season – a win over Southampton that secured a place in the Europa League – Irons boss David Moyes revealed his intentions over Lingard.

“I hope Jesse’s here, we’d like to keep him, he’s done an exceptional job for us but there’s no guarantees, he’s not our player,” the 58-year-old claimed, via the Evening Standard. “But I hope Jesse realises we’ve been good for him as well, and that he joined a club on the up.”He’ll certainly be gutted by this update.The Hammers faithful will undoubtedly be feeling the same way, too.When Lingard arrived for England duty last week, he was seen with a West Ham themed bag, which sent many supporters into raptures and you’ll struggle to find someone who doesn’t want him to stay after his lucrative exploits on the pitch.Therefore, this latest claim from The Sun will surely be received in a devastating fashion for the fans and Moyes too.

AND in other news, Moyes could deliver another West Ham masterclass amid big ExWHUemployee transfer claim…

Ex-Glasgow Rangers defender Alan Hutton believes Borna Barisic’s injury could be bad news for the 55-time Scottish champions.

The Lowdown: Barisic struggling

Barisic is currently away on international duty with Croatia on international duty at the European Championships and was expected to be his country’s first-choice left-back.

However, he missed his side’s opening match against England, and boss Zlatko Dalic revealed he had to have an MRI scan.

The Latest: Hutton worried

Speaking to Football Insider after that news emerged, Hutton believes this injury issue could have a negative impact on the Gers going forward. He said:

“Your back and your knees are probably the worst places to injure.

“Your back can come on with just a twist or a turn. It’s a bit of a nightmare injury so I do feel for him.

“Obviously he had an excellent season going into this tournament and probably wanted to show the world his skill set.

“Unfortunately, the back’s flared up again so from a Rangers point of view it’s not great. They would obviously want him to get over this issue and get ready and firing for the beginning of the season.

“Hopefully it’s just a tweak and he’ll play some sort of part in the tournament.”

The Verdict: Gerrard will be watching

Of course, Steven Gerrard will have an eye on Barisic’s situation at Euro 2020. The 28-year-old has been hugely important for the Gers, and the 14 assists he managed in all competitions last term – he has 56 throughout his career (Transfermarkt) – show he plays a big role in his team’s attacking strategy.

At this point, it does not make sense to speculate too much until the results of the scan are clear. But from a Gers point of view, it may be best to hope Barisic does not play a part in this tournament so that he is ready for their Champions League qualifying campaign towards the end of July.

In other news, Rangers fans are livid as this video emerges.

Some Liverpool supporters are desperate to see the Reds sign Leeds United star Raphinha this summer, following a report claiming as much.

Jurgen Klopp will be on the lookout for new additions in the next transfer window, as his side look to bounce back from a taxing season.

With Ibrahima Konate joining from RB Leipzig and bringing depth at centre-back, attention may now turn to signing another attacking player.

Both Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino fell a long way short of their best last season and even more competition for places could be healthy moving forward.

According to Futbol de Ingelaterra [via the Liverpool Echo], Liverpool are considering a £32million bid for Leeds winger Raphinha, who chipped in with six goals and nine assists in the Premier League last season.

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A number of Reds fans took to Twitter to give their thoughts on Raphinha potentially heading to Anfield, with many fully behind the idea and one even calling the possible signing ‘amazing’.

Liverpool fans react

“Please be true”

Credit: @parkthebus8989

“PLEASEEEEEEE”

Credit: @lfc_rhys

“Finally, these are the players we need to go all out for. Would be brilliant to come in too when Mane and Salah go AFCON”

Credit: @lfcxcathal

“£35m + Harvey Elliott on loan should do the trick”

Credit: @Nabyesta

“That’s more like it. Top class baller”

Credit: @ShaunlfcT

“Amazing signing if true, another piece in the 4-2-3-1 puzzle”

Credit: @LFCYan

In other news, one divisive Liverpool player has been linked with a summer exit. Find out who it is here.

Alan Hutton has dropped a big claim on the potential takeover of Newcastle United after a development involving Mike Ashley emerged.

The Lowdown: Ashley seeks to claim damages

As shared in documents that were made available to the public, Ashley has launched a claim accusing the Premier League of anti-competitive behaviour in their decision-making process on the failed deal between him and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) group.

The claim for damages is now another legal case against the English top flight on top of the pending arbitration case hearing between the St. James’ Park faithful and the PL relating to the Owners and Directors Test.

The Latest: Ashley is desperate

Speaking to Football Insider, Hutton, who is now a pundit after making numerous appearances in the top flight for the likes of Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa, has claimed that Ashley is showing signs of desperation by trying to claim back as much money as possible from the failed bid:

“A little bit of desperation. He’s looking to get money back off the league and all this.

“I think as a fan you’d just be sitting there thinking: ‘Oh, for God’s sake.’ It’s getting annoying now. I think if they can get this takeover over the line, whoever it may be, it would be best for everyone.

“It just leaves a bitter taste in your mouth. It’s rearing its ugly head always with Mike Ashley. They seem to be standing still at the moment. Mike Ashley just seems to be trying to squeeze every penny out from every angle possible.

“It must be frustrating for the fans but hopefully they can get it over the line, one way or another. Whether the league helps them out or not, we’ll have to wait and see.”

The Verdict: Potential worry for takeover

The fact that Ashley is trying to claim money back from the failed takeover suggests that he may not be confident with the result of his legal case against the league – if the takeover is not going to go through it would be huge hit to his finances, which could indeed lead to this.

This could be a worry for the Toon Army given Ashley’s previous showings of frugalness in the transfer market – the longer this uncertainty drags on, the more excuses he has not to spend anything to improve the side this summer.

Everyone on Tyneside is surely hoping for a positive result that can eventually lead to a path being cleared for the takeover as soon as possible.

In other news, find out what enticing claim a man once linked to a Magpies takeover has dropped here!

Talks are underway between Leeds and Manchester City over the permanent signing of winger Jack Harrison.

That’s according to Jeremy Cross, the Daily Star’s Chief Sports Writer.

The lowdown

Harrison has spent the last three seasons on loan at Leeds, who contractually have the first option to buy.

The 24-year-old has made 35 appearances in their first season back in the top flight. With a game still to play, he’s on a commendable tally of eight goals and eight assists.

No English midfielder has been directly involved in more goals in the Premier League this season.

Harrison starred in the 4-0 win at Burnley last weekend, scoring Leeds’ second goal before teeing-up a late brace for substitute Rodrigo.

BT Sport pundit Peter Crouch said Harrison had had a ‘fantastic’ season and had ‘to be in with a shout’ of featuring in Gareth Southgate’s England squad, while Chris Coleman reckons he would be a ‘joy to play with’ if you were a full-back.

The latest

According to Cross, Bielsa is said to be ‘desperate’ to keep Harrison and Leeds are looking to tie him down.

Cross reports that a £15million fee has already been agreed between the two parties with talks now officially underway to secure Harrison’s future in Yorkshire.

The verdict

Rightly, this looks to be Leeds’ first priority: secure Harrison’s future and then focus on the areas that need upgrading.

The Englishman has gone from strength to strength this season and at only 24, could make a huge contribution going forward.

£15million could be regarded as a snip for a player ranked as the club’s sixth-best performer this term.

In other news, a pundit has weighed in on the future of Illan Meslier. 

Fabio Paratici is ‘one step away’ from becoming the new sporting director of Tottenham Hotspur, according to emerging reports in Italy…

What’s the word?

Corriere dello Sport (via Sport Witness) claim talks between Spurs and Paratici are at an ‘advanced stage’ and he is set to be appointed in the near future, even despite the uncertainty over Antonio Conte, whom he worked with at Juventus.

The 48-year-old recently left his role in Turin, where he was a part of 19 major trophies in 11 years but is said to be keen to get straight back into the game.

Whilst Conte has stalled on taking the reigns in the dugout, it seems his Italian counterpart is on the verge of being hired.

Worrying endorsement

Spurs have sunk down the Premier League table in recent seasons, recording back-to-back finishes which are their worst since 2009, so it is interesting that Daniel Levy feels it is time for a change upstairs.

The North London outfit have not had someone in this role since Franco Baldini left in 2015. He was largely responsible for signings like Erik Lamela, Roberto Soldado, Christian Eriksen and Paulinho.

Paratici’s record at Juventus is undeniable and he, along with Conte, built one of their most successful teams together but he quickly became known for splashing the cash.

In 2018. he signed Cristiano Ronaldo from Real Madrid for €100m (£86m), where he signed a whopping £500k-per-week contract and a year later, he clinched young Ajax defender Matthijs de Ligt for €75m (£65m).

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By comparison, Spurs’ record signing is £55m and Levy has only paid a fee above £30m four times in his career, so you’d have to wonder if Paratici is a good fit for the club.

His transfer activity has recently been slammed by Forza Italian Football editor-in-chief Conor Clancy, who told Football FanCast in an exclusive interview that the director was “incapable.”

“It’s unbelievable that they had Joao Cancelo there, they let him go for Danilo.

“They had Miralem Pjanic who was one of the best midfielders in Italy and Europe. They did a weird swap deal with Barcelona that has worked out for neither Juventus nor Barcelona nor either of the players.

“And he has proven himself incapable of selling. He had all of these players on huge wages.”

A move for Paratici fails to make much sense without the arrival of Conte, either, especially given the names on Levy’s mooted shortlist.

As per The Athletic, Belgium boss Roberto Martinez, Brighton’s Graham Potter, Ajax champion Erik ten Hag, and the unemployed Ralf Rangnick are all being considered for the role.

None have worked under Paratici, nor has the Italian been able to see any of them first-hand. He could well have his own list of potential managerial candidates, meaning Spurs are some way off finding their next boss.

Levy is on the verge of making one simply unforgivable mistake here. On the above evidence, the appointment of Paratici – with or without Conte – just seems a recipe for disaster.

AND in other news, Fabrizio Romano reveals fresh twist in Spurs’ bid to secure Antonio Conte…

According to Vital Rangers, Ryan Gauld would be interested in a move to Glasgow Rangers from Portuguese outfit Farense.

Gauld would consider Rangers move

Gauld currently plays in the Portuguese top tier with Farense, who he joined from previous outfit Sporting Lisbon in 2019.

Now, it is being reported that the £3.15m-valued 25-year-old (Transfermarkt) would be interested in moving to Ibrox. He is out of contract at the end of the campaign, Vital Rangers also add.

Potential bargain

Gauld was once lauded as the next star in Scottish football. He started out at Dundee United as a teenager before moving to Lisbon, and was even likened to world superstar Lionel Messi (The Guardian). Initially, though, he struggled to match any of his huge potential.

However, his latest move has coincided with huge improvements to his game. Last term, he netted nine goals and provided five assists in 24 games, while this term he has eight and five respectively in 28 outings (Transfermarkt). Finally, he is showing in parts why so many expected big things from him.

Of course, Rangers would represent a step up in terms of the size of club, but the Portuguese league is superior in technical quality than the Premiership. Signing him on a free transfer would be a potential bargain.

In other news, this Gers star says he wants to stay at Ibrox.