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Leeds United are eyeing a summer move for Colombian starlet Santiago Moreno in the transfer window.

What’s the story?

With the Premier League season winding to a conclusion this weekend, all eyes will be on how Marcelo Bielsa’s side look to strengthen over the course of the summer transfer window.

The Telegraph have claimed that Leeds have their eye on 21-year-old Moreno, but the Whites are set to face significant transfer competition for him from the likes of Rangers and fellow Premier League side Southampton.

The report added that the versatile forward, who can play on either flank and through the middle, has shades of Liverpool superstar Sadio Mane to him, with some journalists already noting comparisons between the two.

Leeds’ own Sadio Mane

With six goals and four assists in 23 games in all competitions, Moreno is enjoying somewhat of a breakthrough season in his native Colombia with CD America.

The 21-year-old has already earned rave reviews for his performances, with South American football journalist Simon Edwards saying: “Excellent player. Can operate as a traditional winger with pace, skill and direct dribbling but also has the ability to drift inside and create. Really athletic and agile but also smart with good technique. A top player, would be a great buy with potential to sell at a profit.”

Just like Mane, Moreno appears to have the kind of speed, power and explosiveness which could see him light up the Premier League, with South American talent ID Twitter account Somos Cantera insisting that he has great potential.

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They said: “Raised, trained and developed in the ‘Escarlata’ stable, he is a very powerful striker, of good biotype and very easy to detect spaces between defenders; he has to improve his finishing, but he still has a very high ceiling.”

Dubbed as someone who’s “full of quality and promise, pace and skill”, Moreno could be the kind of inspired signing for Leeds which Mane has proven to be in the Premier League.

Meanwhile, Leeds must land this “explosive” Premier League star…

A number of Liverpool supporters want the Reds to sign Leeds United star Raphinha this summer, following some comments regarding his future.

The Reds managed to get something from a disappointing season last weekend, not only securing a top-four finish, but actually ending up third in the Premier League.

It was a superb effort from both Jurgen Klopp and his players, who dug deep during the business end of the campaign, winning eight and drawing two of their last 10 matches.

[freshpress-quiz id=“355458″]

Despite this, it is clear that reinforcements are required in the summer transfer window, as Klopp looks to freshen up his squad, especially with Gini Wijnaldum moving on.

Raphinha has been linked as a transfer target for Liverpool before, and in an interview with UOL Esporte [via Anfield Watch], he discussed his respect for the Reds’ interest:

“It is difficult to define how I feel when I hear speculation about giant teams like Liverpool and Manchester United interested in signing me. Man, I grew up watching these teams on television.”

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Liverpool fans want Reds to sign Raphinha

These Liverpool fans took to Twitter to talk up the idea of the Brazilian moving to Anfield, claiming he is a superb footballer – he was hailed as ‘incredible’ by Tony Cascarino back in March.

“Small feeling we gonna get him after Sancho goes to Utd”

Credit: @lfcfelix_

“He is a baller we should sign him”

Credit: @mrobimotala

“Him and Matheus Perreira. Make it happen”

Credit: @paulo060802

“Agent Bobby doing his thing!”

Credit: @RumzL

“So come to Liverpool!!!”

Credit: @adom_hk

“Join LFC”

Credit: @kopbappe

In other news, some Liverpool fans are keen on the Reds signing an exciting young attacker this summer. Find out who it is here.

According to a report by club insider ExWHUemployee, writing on his Patreon, GSB and West Ham’s plan to utilise the free transfer market this summer is ‘already in place’.

The Lowdown: Big 2021/2022 season for the Irons!

After securing qualification for the Europa League in what was a phenomenal 2020/2021 season which defied expectation, West Ham now need to gear up for next year as hopes rise.

The club reportedly have two main transfer priorities in a permanent deal for Manchester United ace Jesse Lingard as well as the signing of a new striker (Claret & Hugh).

Michail Antonio, whilst effective at times, was plagued with a variety of injury issues over last campaign.

The Latest: ExWHUemployee lifts lid on GSB transfer plan

As per the reliable ExWHUemployee, a GSB and West Ham United plan to use the free transfer market is ‘already in place’ as the Irons look to tackle a difficult transfer market.

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Indeed, clubs throughout the country are suffering from financial problems amid the coronavirus pandemic – meaning a lot of sides simply do not have as much money to spend.

As such, Ex says that the free transfer market could be an ‘interesting avenue’ for West Ham to explore and may ‘bolster the squad’ whilst spending significantly less.

He also says that there are a ‘number’ of interesting players available at Premier League rivals Crystal Palace when their contracts expire this summer.

The Verdict: Shrewd business…

Many top players will be available for West Ham this summer due to their contract situations, including striker Olivier Giroud, who has emerged as a target.

If GSB can utilise the free transfer market to their advantage and bolster the Irons’ squad this summer with little financial risk, it’s safe to say that would be ideal.

However, key deals to really kick on and challenge in Europe will also require significant investment – especially if West Ham want to complete the permanent signing of 2020/2021 loan sensation Lingard.

In other news: West Ham fans flock to this official club announcement, find out more here.

Former Leeds United ace Jon Newsome has revealed his disappointment at Marcelo Bielsa’s decision to recall Kiko Casilla for the final two games of the season.

The Spaniard made just one appearance for Leeds in the Premier League prior to the last pair of fixtures, against Southampton and West Bromwich Albion, when he played 180 minutes.

Casilla was found guilty of racially abusing Charlton Athletic player Jonathan Leko in September 2019 and was subsequently given an eight-match ban, per The Guardian.

Since then, he has routinely been left out by manager Marcelo Bielsa, prior to his surprise recall.

Bielsa did not exactly explain his decision but he did praise his behaviour as a player and a team-mate, per Leeds Live.

Newsome does not believe that the Spaniard’s selection can be justified, and felt that Bielsa’s decision reflected poorly on the club as a whole.

Indeed, Illan Meslier enjoyed a fantastic season in goal, keeping 11 clean sheets in 35 games at the age of just 21.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, Newsome said: “What happened and what he was found guilty of, it’s a really important issue in society, not just the game of football. I found it a very difficult decision to understand, really.

“Meslier has had such a great season. Is Casilla leaving? Was it his chance to say goodbye?

“Well, if that was the case, surely you just play him in the last game of the season like he did with (Gaetano) Berardi and Pablo Hernandez.

“So yeah, it was a difficult one for me. And I think I sit with the majority of the players scratching my head and wondering why that decision was made. I don’t think it particularly reflected too well on the club.”

Newcastle United manager Steve Bruce is eyeing a move for Arsenal centre-back William Saliba in the summer transfer window.

What’s the story?

After conceding a whopping 62 goals in the Premier League last season – only four teams had a worse record – it’s no surprise that the Magpies are keen to reinforce the centre of defence this summer.

According to the Daily Mail, Bruce has his sights set on Saliba, who is yet to play a competitive game for Arsenal after spending time on loan at Saint-Etienne and Nice back in his native France.

The report added that “the 20-year-old is waiting on a decision from Mikel Arteta about whether he figures in the manager’s first team plans for next season with interest mounting in the centre back.”

Fans would love him

Described as someone with “cold blood” for the way he defends so calmly and with intent, the £17m-rated Saliba is the kind of centre-back signing which would likely have Newcastle fans raving.

The 1.93m (6 foot 4) powerhouse has excelled in his time away from Arsenal, proving why he is one of European football’s most promising centre-backs – during the 2020/21 season with Nice in Ligue 1, he was dribbled past just once.

His former coach Fabio Frasconi once claimed: “William Saliba will go far, very far. He reminds me of Raphaël Varane”, whilst former Saint-Etienne teammates Yohan Cabaye and Mathieu Debuchy, both former Newcastle players, have also waxed lyrical about him to the Official Ligue 1 podcast.

Debuchy said: “I think he is a great player. He’s strong, with good technique. He’s quick, too. I think he has a lot of quality to play at Arsenal.”

Adrian Ursea, his coach at Nice, added: “You can see he has character and above all, he reassures the others. He’s not vocal, but he’s a leader in his own way.

“To see you a young lad who isn’t even 20 yet playing with such assurance against strikers like Wissam Ben Yedder and Kevin Volland, it really is quite amazing.

“He also gives off a calm air that the team needs. I’m not interested in age. The only question about a rookie is whether he’s a good player or not.”

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Given Newcastle’s struggles defensively last season, Saliba’s potential arrival could go a long way to giving the Magpies a real leader at the back and someone with a tendency to rarely ever be beaten by opponents.

Meanwhile, Steve Bruce must avoid a move for this Premier League star…

Crystal Palace will take on local rivals Charlton Athletic in a pre-season friendly, the club confirmed on Friday morning.

And, as to be expected, a number of Eagles fans have been reacting to the news on social media.

Palace revealed that they will take on the Addicks at Selhurst Park on Tuesday, 27th July.

The two sides faced off in a pre-season friendly prior to the 2020/21 campaign, with Eberechi Eze starring in what was his first appearance as a Palace player.

Eze won’t be available this time around, though, after he suffered a serious injury in training which will keep him out for at least six months.

The Eagles are still on the search for a new manager, and you’d hope the club will have found Roy Hodgson’s long-term successor by the time they take on the League One side next month.

Palace fans react

Palace shared the news on their official Twitter page, with a number of supporters giving their immediate reaction to the fixture below, with one describing the match as ‘tasty’.

“This might not end well”

Credit: @MattCPFC

“what a day”

Credit: @cpfcbennn

“Good game to try out our youth, respect to Parish for giving small local clubs a chance”

Credit: @bazbrown123

“Gonna be tasty but announce Ismael”

Credit: @CPFCMax9

“Let me be manager”

Credit: @eaglescpfcsam

“Should be good”

Credit: @cpfc_sean

In other news: Many Palace fans react as ‘positive’ transfer news emerges, find out more here. 

Former Southampton sporting director Les Reed has confirmed that Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans was once on the Saints’ radar and judging by his superb performances with Leicester City in recent seasons, it seems clear that it was a poor decision by the South Coast club not to pursue their interest in the Belgian any further.

Reed revealed in an exclusive interview with The Transfer Tavern that Tielemans was one of a number of current Leicester City players that was on Southampton’s transfer radar during his time with the club.

The Belgium international initially joined the Foxes on loan in January 2019 and after an impressive second half of the season, he joined Brendan Rodgers’ side in a club-record deal worth £40m.

In his time at the King Power Stadium, the 24-year-old has made 108 appearances, contributing 17 goals and 19 assists, which included a stunning effort in the FA Cup Final last season, whilst he has also established himself as a regular in Roberto Martinez’s Belgium side.

His performances have reportedly caught the eye of Liverpool and the Merseyside club could make an approach for the 24-year-old in the current summer transfer window, especially after they pipped Leicester City to a Champions League spot in the Premier League last season.

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Therefore, it seems clear that Southampton should have worked harder to bring in Tielemans back when they were interested in him, as he could have been an excellent player for the South Coast club.

You could certainly argue that Tielemans has been just as good as Saints captain James Ward-Prowse last season, as his 7.09 average rating from WhoScored in the Premier League was slightly better than the Englishman’s 7.07 average rating, and having two players of such quality in the middle of the park would have been brilliant for Southampton.

The Leicester City man would have been a superb signing by Southampton and fans should be frustrated that the club didn’t do more to bring him to St Mary’s back when they were interested in him.

And, in other news… Semmens signs Danjuma, no Djenepo: How Southampton could look next season

Liverpool are reportedly monitoring Real Sociedad striker Alexander Isak, leaving Reds fans very excited on social media.

Enjoying an outstanding season, Sweden international Isak scored 17 goals in 34 La Liga fixtures,  leading his side to a commendable fifth place finish in 2020/21 [Transfermarkt].

The Reds are said to be ‘keeping a close eye’ on the 21-year-old, who is seen as a potential replacement for forward Roberto Firmino as they re-shape for the future [Noticias de Gipuzkoa via Sport Witness].

Intriguingly, Isak has also attracted interest from fellow Premier League side Arsenal in recent months [90MIN].

Currently embroiled in an intense EURO 2020 group battle with his native Sweden, the Stockholm-born forward produced an exemplary performance in how to lead the line in his nations 0-0 draw with Spain earlier this week [BBC].

As you can imagine, loads of Liverpool diehards took to Twitter to revel in these latest developments.

Liverpool fans react:

Replying to Liverpool fan outlet The Anfield Talk, here is what some supporters had to say upon hearing latest developments:

“Would much prefer him than Daka”

Credit: @CaptainHendinho

“For once do your job and get him before his stock explodes
@LFC”

Credit: @AIcantara

“Think I’d love this”

Credit: @brianycomiskey

“He’s class”

Credit: @jacobda63653476

“I beg this happens”

Credit: @LovetLFC02

“Would be unreal.”

Credit: @TheVirgilEffect

In other news, Liverpool fans react to a Xherdan Shaqiri update.

Jesse Lingard should ‘be careful not to price himself out of the market’ by demanding a pay rise, Danny Mills has warned.

The former Leeds and Manchester City right-back was speaking to Football Insider about the 28-year-old situation with West Ham.

The lowdown

Lingard spent the second half of the 2020/21 season on loan at the London Stadium and the move was a huge success. The Englishman was directly involved in 16 goals (nine goals, five assists) in as many appearances for the Irons.

Football Insider claimed that West Ham are hopeful of signing the 28-year-old on a permanent deal, and that Lingard himself is reportedly keen on such a move. However, one of his conditions is said to be a salary hike which could potentially make him the club’s highest-paid player.

Andriy Yarmolenko currently tops West Ham’s list of earners with £115,000-per-week wages.

The latest

Mills has said that West Ham must be careful not to alienate other players by acquiescing to Lingard’s demands. He also questioned whether the 28-year-old has done enough to merit the improved terms, having previously fallen well down the pecking order at Manchester United.

The 44-year-old told Football Insider: “Of course he’s going to ask to be one of the best-paid players because his stock is high at the moment.

“But can you expect to be paid more than Declan Rice for example? No, you can’t.

“There are other players who would have their noses put out of joint if he earns more than anyone else.

“There’s no reason why he doesn’t deserve what he’s on. But I’m not sure who else is going to give him a rise or a big rise.

“Yes, you have to do what’s best for yourself but just be careful not to price yourself out of the market.”

The verdict

It’s a little surprising that Lingard wants more money. While he made a vital contribution to West Ham’s successful European bid, he seemed like a player who recaptured a pure love of football, often wearing a beaming smile during his time with the Irons.

If anything, you would have anticipated a willingness to take a pay cut to make a move happen.

The beauty for West Ham, though, is that the revenue boost of qualification for the Europa League might enable them to not only hand Lingard a pay rise, but to offer wage increases to a number of other key players as well, which should quell Mills’ concerns about noses being put out of joint.

In other news, Noel Whelan is wowed by this West Ham target. 

According to an update by reporter Jack Rosser on Twitter, of the Evening Standard, West Ham United are ‘keen to press on’ with a move to sign 2020/2021 loan sensation Jesse Lingard on a permanent deal.

The Lowdown: West Ham eye Lingard…

One transfer saga which is guaranteed to be ever-present this summer is Lingard’s possible switch to the Hammers.

The Englishman is said to be one of West Ham boss David Moyes’ major priorities for this window alongside the acquisition of a new striker and centre-back (Claret & Hugh).

Lingard really impressed whilst on a second-half season loan at the London Stadium from Manchester United, scoring nine goals and assisting four others in 16 Premier League starts (WhoScored).

The Latest: West Ham eager to make their move…

As reported by Rosser, sharing an update on the situation, the Irons are eager to make their move for Lingard but are waiting for him to make a decision on his Old Trafford future.

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West Ham are also not expecting any movement on that front until after the Red Devils finally seal the signing of former Manchester City academy star Jadon Sancho, who has been lighting up the Bundesliga.

Once Sancho arrives back in Manchester, Rosser believes this could change his position in regards to signing for the Hammers permanently, with Lingard thought to prefer staying at his current club as it stands (Evening Standard).

The Verdict: Anxious wait…

The 28-year-old’s practically unstoppable form at points in 2021 means West Ham should do all they can to seal a deal.

Sancho’s potential arrival at Man United could be a big boost for the Hammers going by this update and supporters will be hoping this will be enough to push Lingard out the exit door and down south.

Lauded as a ‘sensational’ by former West Ham man Nigel Winterburn (The Sun), it is clear signing Lingard permanently would be a real statement ahead of a busy 2021/2022 campaign.

In other news: Moyes tells West Ham hierarchy to sign this colossal 29-goal beast, find out more here.