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Speaking live on Thursday during Sky Sports’ The Transfer Show, as transcribed by West Ham Zone, Kaveh Solhekol has made a claim involving the Irons and Sevilla defender Diego Carlos.

The Lowdown: West Ham in defender hunt?

Despite summer signing Kurt Zouma edging closer to a return from injury, manager David Moyes and recruitment chief Rob Newman have still been tipped to potentially sign a centre-back this month.

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At one point, it was seen as more of a major priority for the Irons due to Zouma and Angelo Ogbonna’s absences from the squad with names like Burnley’s James Tarkowski and Liverpool Nathaniel Phillips repeatedly linked.

As the January 31 deadline looms, West Ham’s search for a major mid-season signing goes on, with Solhekol now sharing what he knows after speculation arose that the Hammers may be the unnamed London side to match Newcastle United’s bid for Carlos.

The Latest: Solhekol makes live TV claim…

Making on air claim involving West Ham and the 28-year-old, Sky’s reporter has moved quickly to quash any rumours that Moyes’ men are the mystery club.

“I know for a fact it’s not West Ham United,” he said (via WHZ).

“That leaves Chelsea, Spurs, Crystal Palace and I’m not sure Crystal Palace are looking to sign a centre-back or spend £30million on a centre-back.”

The Verdict: No surprise…

The colossal Brazilian, if West Ham had tabled the bid, would arguably excite fans going by his reputation – but the player’s price tag could represent too much of a hurdle for GSB.

Lauded as a ‘beast’ and ‘revelation’ by Spanish football analyst Domagoj Kostanjšak, Carlos has averaged an impressive 3.6 clearances per 90 over his 20 Spanish top flight starts this campaign (WhoScored).

By comparison to West Ham’s current crop, only Zouma has managed more in that time (5.2) – perhaps indicating he would have been an complimentary partner in Moyes’ central defence.

Alas, with the Irons not in contention after all, it appears the Scotsman may have his sights set on other defensive targets, and perhaps ones with a cheaper price tag.

In other news: ExWHUemployee: West Ham agreement to sign ‘world class’ £17.10m striker ‘there to be done’, find out more here.

Leeds United are reportedly showing an interest in Villarreal winger Arnaut Danjuma, sending scouts to watch him in action earlier this week.

The Lowdown: Danjuma impresses against Man United

Danjuma played in his side’s 2-1 defeat to Manchester United in the Champions League on Wednesday night, as they lost in the dying seconds at Old Trafford.

Despite the result, the wide man caught the eye for Villarreal, injecting pace and directness as well as providing an assist for Paco Alcacer.

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The Latest: Leeds eye up winger

According to Football Insider, Leeds had scouts present at the game, in order to keep an eye on Danjuma’s performance.

A Whites source has claimed that they are ‘monitoring’ the former Bournemouth man, ahead of a potential move for him in the future.

Liverpool are also believed to be keen on signing the 24-year-old, who has scored three times already this season.

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The Verdict: Shrewd potential signing

Danjuma could be an excellent buy for Leeds, providing more squad depth and potentially coming in to replace Helder Costa in the long-term, with the Portuguese on loan at Valencia currently.

He scored 17 goals in 31 starts for Bournemouth last season, which shows how prolific he can be, and at 24, his peak years should still be ahead of him.

His youth, pace with the ball and end product suggest he could be the perfect man to come in and compete with the likes of Raphinha, Dan James and Jack Harrison.

In other news, a pundit has claimed Leeds United would accept a big-money offer for one player. Read more here.

Everton failed in their quest for points today, as West Ham United got the better of them in a 2-1 affair that saw a Michael Keane red card as a result of two yellows.

The loss means that Lampard’s side have taken just three points from a possible 15, with their form potentially leaving them relegation-bound if they continue down this path.

The loss leaves them in 17th place and, although they are just three points away from the relegation zone, they do at least have two games in hand on Watford and Norwich respectively.

It is worth noting that whilst the Toffees find themselves four points above 19th place Burnley, the Clarets also have two games in hand on relegation rivals Watford and Norwich and could close the gap between themselves and Everton to just one point with a win when the two sides meet in three days time.

The next game against Burnley is crucial for Lampard’s men, and with the performance that he saw today, he will be no doubt be worried over the Toffees’ chances of ensuring their Premier League status, come next season.

Calvert-Lewin’s lacklustre display

Whilst it seemed like an odd decision from Lampard to bring off a player who has proven himself as an out-and-out goalscorer throughout the season prior, he had valid reason to do so.

Although he was replaced by Anthony Gordon with 22 minutes to go, Dominic Calvert-Lewin had plenty of time to assert his authority on the game.

But unfortunately for Lampard, he failed to repay his faith in starting him.

With just 23 touches, he failed to get into the game to the extent that both goalkeepers, Lukasz Fabianski and Jordan Pickford, alarmingly each had more touches than the 25-year-old.

Calvert-Lewin came close as he hit the woodwork, though it is worth noting that the shot had an xG total of 0.09 due to the crowded position that the Englishman struck it from.

Although they were in and around the same position, Richarlison had a much more positive impact on the game and registered 56 touches and 24 passes, as opposed to Calvert-Lewin’s measly 11 passes.

With Calvert-Lewin failing to score in yet another game, it means he is still yet to grab a goal in 2022.

Another disappointing display from Lampard’s Everton side, with the £72k-per-week forward offering very little.

In other news – Lamps can finally axe £30m “liability” as Everton plot bid for colossal 6ft6 ”monster”

Molineux was rocking for Nuno Santo’s very final game in charge of Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday but the players on the pitch were unable to send their manager away in style.

It was a tough ask for this Old Gold side as they faced a Manchester United team who had competed so admirably for the Premier League title this year.

Having supporters back in the stadium certainly helped their cause and spurred them on, however.

Nelson Semedo was rampant down the right-hand side and even popped up with a rare goal but Wolves ultimately fell short as they were made to rue Mike Dean and the dreaded VAR.

The Midlands outfit weren’t clinical enough in attack but they let themselves down defensively as they have done for large parts of the campaign.

Donny van de Beek enjoyed some bright touches in the middle of the park and it was the Dutchman that was brought down for a penalty the ultimately won United the game.

Romain Saiss clumsily dangled a leg out with a rash piece of play that cost Wolves the match and let Nuno down on his final match at Molineux.

That said, he wasn’t their worst culprit during the 2-1 defeat.

That honour, unfortunately, had to go to Leander Dendoncker. Fresh from being picked for the Belgium squad at the upcoming European Championships, he hardly sent a positive message to Roberto Martinez.

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Picked in the middle of the park over the more attacking Vitinha and Morgan Gibbs-White, it was a decision that ultimately didn’t pay off.

Dendoncker completed 93% of his passes but in terms of his physical game, he was way off it.

The £75k-per-week earner was anonymous as he somehow failed to involve himself in a single defensive duel.

That meant the Belgian didn’t win a tackle or complete an interception. The midfielder’s stats sheet from the game was full of zeroes with him making no key passes and not registering a single dribble.

This wasn’t the first time he’s let his manager down this season, though. He was skinned by Adama Traore when Wolves played Leeds back in March.

It feels that when the Old Gold play against teams on the counter-attack, Dendoncker seems to struggle with the pace and energy.

Nuno’s spirits won’t be too dampened by this performance but he can’t have been too impressed.

AND in other news, Imagine him & Jimenez: Wolves must swoop for £80k-p/w gem who is “similar to Neto”…

Will Celtic ever hire a new manager? The Bhoys have whittled down their list to replace Neil Lennon but a month on we’re still no closer to finding out who will be in the dug-out next season.

What’s the word?

Eddie Howe is the current frontrunner to become the new boss at Parkhead but claims have emerged regarding Roy Keane again.

Celtic were in discussions with the Irishman a number of weeks ago and were even reported to have held an interview with him. However, days after that, news emerged that he was now unlikely to take up the position.

Though, speaking about the former Sunderland manager this week, Graeme Souness fired a message to the Hoops.

Speaking to Off The Ball (via Glasgow Times), the television pundit said: “He (Keane) is desperate to get back. He’s a football man and I have spoken with him about returning to management. He is very keen to do that.”

Souness continued: “Can you imagine how good it would have been if it was Roy Keane vs Steven Gerrard in Glasgow?

“All of a sudden, it wouldn’t just be Scotland, Ireland and a wee bit of England talking about Scottish football, the world would be talking about it. It would have been great for Scottish football.”

U-turn to emerge?

Considering the farcical nature of Celtic’s saga with Howe, it wouldn’t be a great surprise if the Hoops reverted their attention elsewhere.

The 43-year-old has been playing the Bhoys like a fool in recent days with Dermot Desmond dealt repeated setbacks in his bid to lure the former Bournemouth boss to Glasgow.

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It’s thought that Howe isn’t keen on returning to management until the summer while he’s listed some hefty demands in terms of his backroom staff.

The Englishman wants a trusted figure in Richard Hughes to join him at Parkhead but it doesn’t appear as though Celtic are keen on that happening.

Crystal Palace and Brighton have since joined Celtic in the race for Howe and the longer time goes on, the less likely it seems he’s going to sign with the Bhoys.

With that in mind, Desmond may perform a U-turn and revive his interest in Keane. After all, further manager targets Lucien Favre and Jesse Marsch are also attracting suitors from elsewhere.

The Irishman isn’t a man in demand and considering he’s desperate to return to coaching. Thus, he could be an easy candidate to bring in.

Celtic supporters might not be too enthused by the idea but this news is exciting nonetheless. If only Howe could admit he was keen to come out of a hiatus as well.

AND in other news, Celtic dealt fresh blow in the hunt to find a new manager, Desmond surely stressing…

Everton are reportedly in a race with a Premier League rival to sign Rafael Leao in the summer transfer window.

The Lowdown: Back-up striker needed

The Goodison Park club certainly need a reliable back-up striker to ease the burden on Dominic Calvert-Lewin when it comes to goals.

The England international was the Toffees’ top scorer in all competitions last season with 21, and while Richarlison scored 13 (Transfermarkt), he often plays on the wing to accommodate Calvert-Lewin.

Given that the futures of Moise Kean and Cenk Tosun are uncertain as well, as they were both sent out on loan over the past year, the Toffees really do need to think about signing a new centre-forward.

The Latest: Everton eye Leao

As per Calciomercato, both Everton and Wolves are interested in signing Leao, and AC Milan would be willing to let him go if they can recoup what they paid for him, reported by the news outlet as €28m (£24.1m).

Marseille are also said to be interested in his signature as Milan look to sell the 22-year-old in order to help fund other targets.

The Verdict: Sign Leao

It is clear that Everton need to sign another striker, and Leao could perfectly complement Calvert-Lewin with his added pace and willingness to run in behind.

The Portugal youth international has previously been compared to both Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappe, and at just 22 years of age, still has the potential to reach the very top of the game.

Everton would get one over their divisional rivals Wolves by signing him, as he could well be the key for them qualifying for European competition in 2022 considering the Toffees’ lack of goals compared to other top-half Premier League clubs last term.

In other news, find out what managerial update has left these Toffees fans buzzing!

Several Crystal Palace fans have been having their say on James Ward-Prowse after the Southampton midfielder commented on a 2019 clash with Wilfried Zaha.

The Saints star went past 300 appearances for the club earlier this season and was shown some of his best bits in a video shared on the club’s official YouTube account.

Numerous goals and free-kicks were on show, but one heated moment included was between Ward-Prowse and Zaha in January 2019 during a 1-1 draw – a game in which both players were on the scoresheet.

Zaha was sent off after two quick yellow cards following an altercation with Ward-Prowse, who celebrated with the Saints fans after the Palace star was dismissed.

Ward-Prowse simply said ‘oops, second yellow’ when he watched the footage back, which seems to have irritated plenty of Eagles supporters.

The clip was shared on Twitter by Southampton fan @JoshW_SFC on Tuesday evening and has been viewed over 29,000 times as of Wednesday lunchtime.

This is what these Palace fans had to say, with many hitting out at the England international…

“Same club who lost 9-0 twice, irrelevant and always in Pompey’s shadow”

Credit: @joe_cpfc_01

“Never seen a club milk something so much, really weird behaviour”

Credit: @paIaceawayy

“This is incredibly embarrassing omg”

Credit: @cpfcpaddy0

“This is up there with the very most embarrassing things I’ve ever seen…”

Credit: @unknownbald

“Please tell me this is fake, he’s reacted to a moment in a meaningless 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace?”

Credit: @CiaranCPFC

“Celebrating a 1-1 home draw against a Roy Hodgson managed side tells you all you need to know. Wilfried Zaha is gargantuan and lives in their heads rent free.”

Credit: @SomePalaceGuy

“Memorable game, you drew 1-1 at home to ten man Roy Hodgson palace. We are massive”

Credit: @TalkCPFC 

Many Wolves fans have been left to flock to a transfer update involving Samu Costa.

As per Diario de Almeria, the Midlands club are eyeing a potential move for the Portugal U20 international in the summer window, but would have to pay a fee of €25m (£21.5m) for his signature.

Costa is certainly a promising player having represented his country at youth level, and helped Almeria reach the La Liga 2 play-offs while on loan from Braga, playing in 40 games in total over all competitions in the 2020/21 season, scoring two goals and making one assist (Transfermarkt).

However, £21.5m is certainly a bit excessive for someone who has not really proved himself at the highest level, and at just 20 years of age, is still relatively raw.

Wolves fans on Costa transfer update

These members of the Molineux faithful seemed split as the transfer update was shared on Twitter, with one WWFC supporter even going as far as to claim that it was ‘very underwhelming’:

“If this is first team squad signing then it’s very underwhelming. Not exactly an upgrade on anyone and not someone we’re exactly excited to see”

Credit: @GoldenWolves2

“Another garbage youngster from Portugal!!”

Credit: @SteveWiles20

“41 senior games. €25m. Make it make sense”

Credit: @Gary_Poynton

“Have I watched a lot of his videos on YouTube….maybe. But he’s got a great left foot by the looks, could offer great balance in midfield. Seems to love to run with it too. Very powerful. Only criticism is you could probs get Zambo same price. If that’s what you want. A unit….”

Credit: @ThePavFM

“I actually wouldn’t mind this. Only seen Almeria play a couple cup games, but he looks like a really promising midfielder and Braga fans seem to rate him. Could be a good squad addition if we’re desperate for midfielders”

Credit: @KingiMatt

“Good player tbf, decent left foot on him.”Credit: @YasWWFCIn other news, find out what Ruben Neves transfer update has got Wanderers talking here!

A number of Liverpool supporters have been laughing at rivals Manchester United, following claims that they tried to bring Ibrahima Konate to Old Trafford.

The Reds have made a positive start to their summer transfer business, signing Konate from RB Leipzig last month, in what looks an exciting move.

The young Frenchman is seen as a centre-back with huge potential and the hope is that he can be a top player for many years to come at Anfield.

It has been claimed by Anfield Central that United contacted Konate over a move to Old Trafford, only to find out that he had already agreed personal terms with Liverpool.

In many ways, it sums up the contrast in how both clubs are run currently, with the Reds mostly getting their business done smoothly and United often flattering to deceive, leading to the departure of Ed Woodward.

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Liverpool fans mock Man United

These Reds fans took to Twitter (via LFC Transfer Room) to mock their bitter rivals, having beaten them to the signing of Konate.

“Ha ha ha”

Credit: @possibilities86

“It’s happened again”

Credit: @ciangarrehy24

“It’s VVD’s episode all over again”

Credit: @DarthMaulVII

“Things you absolutely love to see”

Credit: @ZK_Sim

“United finished on and off the pitch”

Credit: @Ctsthtat01

“Ooops!”

Credit: @olori_lfc

In other news, some Liverpool fans are delighted after a key update regarding one Reds player. Find out who it is here. 

Members of the Newcastle squad are considering ‘face-to-face talks’ with Managing Director Lee Charnley as the threat of relegation looms larger, according to Football Insider.

The report claimed that the players were anticipating Steve Bruce’s dismissal in the wake of their desperately poor defeat at the hands of Brighton on Saturday night.

When it was revealed the following morning that Mike Ashley would once again stand by Bruce, there was apparently a feeling of ‘genuine shock’ among many of the players.

Newcastle in dire straits

The Magpies went down 3-0 at the Amex Stadium after a lifeless display which saw them amass an xG of just 0.09. They are precariously hovering just two points above the relegation zone with nine games to play.

Newcastle are also without a win in their last six matches, and at least some of the players are said to have ‘lost all faith’ in Bruce.

It should be stressed that these talks with Charnley wouldn’t be to demand that the 60-year-old be sacked outright, however. Instead, the players would pursue ‘more general answers about what can change’ as they look to stave off a return to the Championship after four years in the top flight. [Football Insider]

Transfer Tavern verdict

With fan action restricted in lockdown, the Toon Army will probably be pleased to see a group of players trying to hold the club’s hierarchy to account.

They are surely wondering what reasons Ashley and co. have to justify their consistent backing of Bruce, who is already a deeply unpopular figure among many Newcastle supporters and now, it seems, faces a possible backlash from some players too.

In other news, one Newcastle player’s season could be over.