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Liverpool are interested in signing Napoli and Italy superstar Lorenzo Insigne this summer, according to journalist Fabio Santini.

The Lowdown: Insigne shines for club and country

The 30-year-old has been one of Napoli’s star men over a number of years, having scored 109 goals in 397 appearances for the Serie A side.

Insigne has taken his club form with him to the international stage this summer, too, starring for Italy at Euro 2020 and scoring a sensational goal in their quarter-final win over Belgium.

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The Latest: Liverpool reportedly keen on move

Speaking to Area Napoli [via Sport Witness], Santini claimed that Liverpool are keen on signing the winger this summer, rivalling Atletico Madrid for his signature:

“To make the situation even more complicated is the intense competition for the player. I know for sure that there is a strong interest from Liverpool and Atletico Madrid on Lorenzo Insigne.”

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The Verdict: Hard to see move happening

While there is no doubting Insigne’s quality as a player, there seems to be little sense in the Reds bringing in the £43.2million-rated Italian.

At 30, it would be hard to justify paying a big fee for his services, with Jurgen Klopp more likely to bring in a younger rival to the likes of Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane.

The idea of Liverpool signing Insigne goes completely against Michael Edwards’ hugely successful approach in the transfer market, with players in their early-to-mid 20s signed and developed at the club, as was the case with Salah and Mane.

In other news, Liverpool are preparing talks with one Reds player – find out who it is here.

Wolves are planning to ‘test Fulham’s resolve’ with an offer to sign left-back Antonee Robinson, Football Insider claim.

The lowdown

Robinson started 24 Premier League matches for Fulham, who finished 18th and fell straight back down to the Championship, last season.

He averaged 1.6 tackles, 1.3 interceptions, 1.9 clearances and 1.8 dribbles per 90 minutes for the Cottagers (via WhoScored).

Robinson was the sixth highest-rated left-back in the Premier League in 2020/21 according to WhoScored’s metrics, ranking above Liverpool’s Andrew Robertson.

The Athletic reported last week that Wolves were on the verge of announcing the signing of another left-back in Rayan Ait-Nouri.

Bruno Lage’s side are set to capture him for £10million rather than the £18million option to buy that was included in their loan arrangement.

The latest

A Wolves source has told Football Insider that they are ‘plotting a raid’ for Robinson during the summer transfer window as well.

Robinson, who only joined Fulham last summer in a £2million move from Wigan Athletic and still has three years left on his contract, is apparently valued at £10million.

The verdict

Could Wolves really bring in both Ait-Nouri and Robinson? It’s not as counter-intuitive as it seems. After two ACL injuries, there’s certainly no guarantee Jonny Castro Otto will ever be able to recapture his best form when he’s nursed back to fitness.

Marcal is another who can play left-back for Wolves, but he’s now 32 and has suffered six injuries over the last two seasons, suggesting he can’t be relied upon.

Robinson performed well enough in a struggling Fulham side to merit another chance in the top-flight, and singing both him and Ait-Nouri for a combined £20million would sort out Wolves’ left-back position for the best part of a decade.

In other news, Steve Bull has urged Wolves to sign this defender as well.  

An update has emerged about Manchester United winger Dan James, regarding Leeds’ interest in his services.

What’s the talk?

According to the print edition of the Scottish Mail on Sunday (p129: 11/07), as transcribed by TBRF, Leeds are continuing to track Manchester United forward Dan James. Victor Orta has reignited his interest in the winger, over two years on from failing to land him in the January window of the 2018/19 campaign.

The report claims that United’s purchase of Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund could make James attainable for Leeds this summer.

Imagine him and Raphinha

Leeds coach Marcelo Bielsa could finally land the dream signing he wanted back in the Championship when James was plying his trade for Swansea.

Sancho arriving at Old Trafford could present Leeds with the perfect opportunity to swoop in and secure a deal for James, whether that be on a permanent basis or on loan. The England international scored more goals last season for Dortmund (17) than James has in his entire career (15) for club and country, whilst he is also two years younger.

That is not to disparage James and what he could bring to Leeds. The calibre of player required to play for United is higher than that of Leeds, at this moment in time, because of their participation in the Champions League. The Lillywhites are currently a few steps below that and James could help them move up one or two levels to eventually be competing with Man United.

The Welsh international is rapid when running up and down the wing and he could excite fans with his lung-bursting runs in the Premier League. Speaking in 2019, United’s Brazilian midfielder Andreas Pereira highlighted James as the fasted player in the squad and said that is “explosive” in his sprints to get to the ball. 

He told Manchester United’s official website:

“The fastest for sprinting? It is Dan James, for sure!

“He is so explosive and so fast. When you think about having to run to the ball, he’s very fast to it.”

This highlights the style of play Leeds fans could expect from James and it could lead to the tantalising prospect of seeing both him and Raphinha on the wings for Bielsa’s side.

Raphinha may not have the blistering pace you would associate with James, but he has the technical quality to glide past players and he is certainly no slouch himself. The Brazilian averaged 1.9 dribbles per game as he scored six and assisted nine goals in the Premier League last term.

Imagine Leeds breaking away on the counter and seeing Raphinha and James bombing towards the opposition goal. It could be frightening for defenders due to their combination of skill and pace, which is why Leeds bringing the United forward in could be a shrewd piece of business.

AND in other news, Orta must seal Leeds swoop for 17-goal “phenomenon”, he’s a big upgrade on Harrison…

West Bromwich Albion have been handed a boost to their chances of keeping Sam Johnstone at The Hawthorns this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by the Evening Standard, who claim that West Ham United are now no longer in the race for the Albion goalkeeper this summer, as David Moyes has been put off by the £10m+ asking price that the Baggies placed on the 28-year-old.

It has been reported that Arsenal are also keeping tabs on the situation of the England international ahead of a potential move this summer, while Valerien Ismael has claimed that he expects Johnstone to leave the club before the end of the window.

Fans surely buzzing

While West Ham backing out of the race for Johnstone in no way means that he will certainly remain a West Brom player next season, it is undeniable that David Moyes’ hesitation over a move for the shot-stopper has provided Albion with a considerable boost to their chances of retaining his services this summer.

And, considering just how impressive the ‘keeper was for the Baggies last season, should he indeed remain at The Hawthorns for 2021/22, it would undoubtedly provide Valerien Ismael with a much greater chance of going on to secure an immediate return to the Premier League at the first time of asking, as well as being something that would have fans of the club buzzing.

Indeed, over his 37 Premier League appearances last term, the £7.2m-rated man helped his side keep six clean sheets, as well as making an average of 4.5 saves and 0.4 successful run outs per game, in addition to making a total of 166 stops over the course of the season.

These returns saw the man Sam Allardyce dubbed a “magnificent” player earn an average SofaScore match rating of 7.03, ranking him as the Baggies’ second-best performer in the top flight of English football.

As such, keeping the £28k-per-week man at the club this summer would be a fantastic outcome for the club, perhaps even being one of the best pieces of transfer business Ismael could do ahead of next season, and, with West Ham no longer interested in the 28-year-old, the chances of his departure appear to have significantly decreased.

In other news: West Brom transfer news confirmed on “exciting” highly-rated gem, fan surely buzzing

Kevin Phillips reckons Steve Bruce is ‘having talks’ with Allan Saint-Maximin in a bid to persuade the player to stay put. 

The lowdown

According to The Mirror, former Newcastle United boss Rafael Benitez has identified Saint-Maximin as his preferred replacement should Everton star Richarlison follow Carlo Ancelotti to Real Madrid.

Having committed him to a six-year contract as recently as October, Newcastle have apparently slappeed a £60million price-tag on the Frenchman.

But Saint-Maximin has ‘warned’ the club that they must be able to ‘match his ambitions’.

Last season, he scored three goals and provided four assists in 19 Premier League starts for the Magpies (via WhoScored).

The 24-year-old comfortably led the squad for completed dribbles per 90 with 3.8 (compared to 1.6 for nearest challenger Joe Willock).

The latest

Former Sunderland striker Phillips says Bruce will be ‘fighting’ to ensure Saint-Maximin’s head isn’t turned by the reported interest from Goodison Park because he’s a crucial asset to Newcastle.

“When you lose one of your best players it’s a big blow because it’s very difficult to replace them,” he told Football Insider.

“So Steve will be fighting in the background. I’m sure he’s having talks with him, trying to keep the player from Everton’s clutches and to keep him happy.

“But he has signed a new deal so the Newcastle fans will be hoping that he’ll stay.”

The verdict

If anything, a £60million price tag seems a little generous. Saint-Maximin’s direct goal contribution numbers may not be spectacular, but his ability is there for all to see and he’d almost certainly go up a level at a side with more attacking intent.

With such a lengthy contract, Newcastle probably ought to make their demands even more prohibitive. A Richarlison sale to Real Madrid would put huge funds in Everton’s pocket too, all the more reason for the Magpies to play hard to get until they see an offer they simply can’t refuse.

The other possibility, of course, is that the club are being more realistic. With a ‘meagre’ transfer budget, perhaps they can’t rule out a mega-money sale as a means of investing more comprehensively in the rest of the squad.

In other news, read this key insight on Joe Willock’s potential move.

West Ham United are said to be keeping a keen eye on Southampton forward Danny Ings as they step up their summer recruitment drive, according to reliable insider ExWHUEmployee.

Enjoying a productive 2020/21 campaign, the England internationalist registered 17 goal contributions in 33 appearances; 14 goals and three assists [Transfermarkt].

Now, there could be an opening for the 29-year-old to leave the South Coast, following the news that he rejected a new four year deal with his current employers [Sky Sports].

ExWHUEmployee suggested that the Irons are keeping a keen eye on the forward in the latest episode of his podcast the West Ham Way.

In light of this news, these West Ham United took to Twitter to give their opinions to this intriguing topic.

West Ham United FC fans react:

Replying to popular West Ham United fan outlet West Ham Fan Zone’s own tweet about the matter, where it was suggested that Ings would not be a good signing for the Hammers, these fans gave their own thoughts about the England striker.

“I can see where you’re coming from but it’s better than going through the season with just ONE striker”

Credit: @whu_cal

“Great finisher but we had a great finisher in Hernandez before, we need a mini Antonio”

Credit: @HammerWelling

“Could do worse, he played most of last season and got 14 goals in a struggling team. I liked the look of Breel Embolo at the Euros, younger version of Antonio, might not be super expensive either?”

Credit: @TonySmi80928040

“Disagree. Would be a great signing so long as he stays fit.”

Credit: @Rob_S_Wilcock

“What’s wrong with his age, he is 29, has at least 4 years left in him, his game time is better than Antonio’s.”

Credit: @StuartDillon1

“At this point, I’d take him. However, he seems to only want Champions League football”

Credit: @LenaWHU

In other news, West Ham United fans react to a pre-season victory.

Many Everton fans have been left fuming as a transfer update emerged regarding Marvelous Nakamba.

As per The Daily Mail, the Goodison Park faithful, as well as Crystal Palace, are weighing up a potential move for the Aston Villa midfield player before the summer window shuts.

Given that he would be moving from a direct rival in the Premier League, Nakamba may not come cheap for the Merseyside club, and Villa may want to foresee a bidding war between the Toffees and the Eagles, which could turn out to be very expensive.

Nonetheless, the Toffees already have a wealth of options in his position, such as Abdoulaye Doucoure, Allan, Andre Gomes and Tom Davies, and so it is not a surprise at all to see several Blues supporters questioning whether signing the Zimbabwe international would be a good idea.

Everton fans on Nakamba transfer update

These EFC fans fumed as the transfer update on Nakamba was shared across Twitter:

“Can’t wait until this window is closed”

Credit: @EFCMatt1

“I’ve said it before but we are finished as a football club”

Credit: @dyldavies5

“Twitter needs to ban all Everton news”

Credit: @AntP1878

“The state of this club”

Credit: @IgnacioPosada_

“No”

Credit: @Josh03460489

“Seems like Everton are going backwards rapidly with all these links”

Credit: @bmc723272

In other news, find out what transfer update has been slammed by Evertonians here!

West Bromwich Albion ‘haven’t given up’ on signing Chelsea’s Trevoh Chalobah, according to a report from Birmingham Live journalist Joseph Chapman.

The lowdown

Chalobah spent the 2020/21 season on loan at Ligue 1 outfit FC Lorient, starting 24 games and making a further five substitute appearances.

He excels at dribbling, shooting from distance and above all interceptions, ranking in the league’s top 10 last season with 2.4 per 90 minutes (via WhoScored).

Chalobah, who can operate as a defensive midfielder as well as a centre-back, is said to be ‘realistic’ about his limited prospects at Stamford Bridge (via The Athletic).

He has two years left on his contract and is valued at £3.15million by Transfermarkt.

The latest

The report says that the Baggies remain hopeful of landing Chalobah during this summer’s transfer window.

The issue is that the player’s availability has apparently ‘alerted a number’ of potential suitors.

As a result, the competition for the 22-year-old’s signature is described as ‘stern’.

West Brom are closing in on another midfielder, though, in the form of free agent Adam Reach.

The verdict

It’s no surprise to see so much interest in a young talent like Chalobah, who shone in a Lorient side that only avoided relegation by two points.

In all likelihood, West Brom’s chances will depend on whether he’s been offered the opportunity to play regular Premier League football.

If not, then they’ll be able to land themselves an excellent replacement for Okay Yokuslu. And if they’re promoted, he should be able to make the step-up with them given his showings in the French top flight.

In other news, there’s fresh interest in this Baggies ace.

West Ham United could be closing in on a new summer signing, according to reports…

What’s the word?

The Irons have been linked with a move for West Brom midfielder Matheus Pereira in recent months, with the Express first claiming in May that he was an alternative target to Jesse Lingard.

It seems as if interest from East London has accelerated as the 25-year-old playmaker is “very close” to joining the Hammers, according to Turkish journalist Ekrem Konur.

The Brazilian has also been subject to interest from Saudi Arabia outfit Al Hilal, who are believed to have offered him a ‘life-changing’ contract to join them but their €8m (£6.8m) bid is way below the Baggies’ valuation.

Pereira has now made no secret of his intentions to leave the Hawthorns, confirming his desire for a move in an honest message to fans on Twitter this week.

Forget Lingard

As revealed by the ever-reliable ExWHUemployee, the Hammers’ chances of bringing Lingard back to the London Stadium are pretty much dead and buried.

The loan sensation, who provided nine goals and five assists during the second half of last season, is said to want to fight for his place at Manchester United or move abroad to somewhere like Atletico Madrid.

It means Moyes is in desperate need of a new no.10 to pull the strings behind Michail Antonio, with the new campaign less than two weeks away.

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Pereira has been mooted as the alternative choice following an impressive debut season in the Premier League, so it’s now on GSB to secure him because he’s a player that the Scotsman absolutely needs right now.

As per WhoScored, the £13.5m-rated dynamo delivered 11 goals and six assists, directly contributing to 48.5% of Albion’s 35 goals scored. Only Harry Kane’s influence was of more importance to his side (54%) in the big time.

He also averaged 2.1 key passes and 1.4 successful dribbles per 90 minutes, which was a better rate than Lingard, who managed an average of 1.1 key passes and 1.1 successful dribbles respectively.

If West Ham are indeed close to sealing his signature, then Moyes must be a very happy man as he’s evidently going to get an even more creative threat to lead his engine room.

Described as a “special talent” by football writer and journalist Colin Millar, Pereira is one of the very few that can produce something magical out of nothing, in some ways similar to that of Dimitri Payet.

Whatever the price, GSB must sanction this move.

AND in other news, ExWHUemployee drops update on “special” West Ham machine linked with summer exit…

Manchester City will be forced into selling some first-team players this summer if they are to afford Tottenham Hotspur’s Harry Kane, and Bernardo Silva should be the first to go.

What’s the word?

City have already cashed in on fringe players such as Lukas Nmecha, Jack Harrison and Angelino in order to fund a move for Jack Grealish this summer and Guardiola has suggested that if they are to sign Kane before the window shuts, then some first-team players will have to leave.

The Spanish manager also confirmed that the Portugual winger is keen on a move away from the Etihad, whilst he has been linked with the likes of Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich and Arsenal so far this summer.

After a disappointing couple of seasons, it is no surprise that the 26-year-old is being touted with an exit, as the addition of Grealish suggests that he will struggle for regular first-team football in Guardiola’s side this season.

Should Bernardo be sold?

Last season saw Silva manage just two goals and six assists in 26 Premier League appearances, averaging a solid 7.07 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

The winger has declined from the 2018/19 season, when he was one of the star performers in Guardiola’s side as they won the title, contributing seven goals and seven assists in 36 top-flight appearances, averaging an impressive 7.26 rating from WhoScored.

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His performances that season earned him some high praise from Guardiola, who said:

“Bernardo is having an incredible season, incredible. In the second half, he played like a holding midfielder.

“A holding midfielder…Bernardo. It doesn’t matter, he fought with Paul Pogba and everyone. It’s not just against United, it’s not just his goal, it’s all the season, it was a masterclass, a masterpiece every single game. It was incredible.”

Unfortunately, the former Monaco man has struggled to stamp his authority on games as much in the past two seasons and his lack of goals and assists mean that Guardiola has better, more consistent options in his squad.

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Therefore, considering he is currently valued at £63m by Transfermarkt, Guardiola should definitely look to sell Silva this summer, as his fee could go a long way towards securing a deal for a world-class striker such as Kane.

And, in other news… Guardiola could be set for huge Man City boost with star, he will “die for the badge”