Rangers: Beale Could Find "Strong" Goldson Heir By Signing 6 ft 1 Titan At Ibrox

Glasgow Rangers head coach Michael Beale has overhauled his squad throughout the summer transfer window after a disappointing 2022/23 campaign.

Who have Rangers signed this summer?

The Light Blues have reacted to their failure to lift a single trophy last season by snapping up seven new additions to date, in an attempt to bounce back next term.

Kieran Dowell, Jack Butland, Dujon Sterling, Cyriel Dessers, Sam Lammers, and Leon Balogun have all come through the door on permanent deals, whilst Abdallah Sima has joined on loan from Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion.

Two more arrivals are reportedly imminent as the club have agreed a £6m deal to sign Brazilian striker Danilo from Feyenoord and are set to land LAFC central midfielder Jose Cifuentes.

They could, however, extend their business into double figures beyond those two potential signings as they have recently been linked with an interest in Steve Biko central defender Dembo Saidykhan, who could be a long-term heir to Connor Goldson.

How good is Dembo Saidykhan?

The 19-year-old gem currently plays his football in The Gambia and is yet to test himself in a European league, which makes it difficult to gauge exactly how good he is.

However, the 6 foot 1 titan did showcase his talent at the U20 World Cup for his country earlier this year. His statistics throughout the competition suggest that the potential is there for him to be an exciting addition to Beale's squad, albeit not one with a view to the talented teenager being able to make an immediate impact next season.

Saidykhan averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.05 across four outings at the tournament and made 2.5 tackles and interceptions combined per match.

Meanwhile, Goldson, who made 2.3 tackles and interceptions per game, was the only Rangers centre-back to average a score higher than 6.96 across the 2022/23 Scottish Premiership campaign (7.29).

Saidykhan was also reliable in possession for his country, who were knocked out by Uruguay, with a pass completion rate of 89%, which stacks up well alongside the English colossus' 89% success rate at league level last term.

Rangers centre-back Connor Goldson.

This suggests that the Gambian ace could be an excellent option for the club if he is able to translate that form over to first-team football in the future.

It would be a big ask for a 19-year-old to come over to Europe, and Scotland, for the first time and produce consistently brilliant performances in line with his displays for his country's U20 team.

However, his outings at the World Cup for The Gambia show that the potential is there and that is why Beale could sign him as a long-term heir to Goldson's position on the right of a central defensive pairing.

The current Light Blues battler, who turns 31 in December, is 11 years older than the Steve Biko prodigy and could take the promising youngster under his wing for a couple of seasons to aid Saidykhan's development.

Therefore, the Gers target, who was described as "strong" and "agile" by journalist Hernan Pacheco, could be an intriguing signing for Beale to make with an eye on the future, rather than the here and now.

Tottenham Could Land Ange’s Next Kyogo In £80m Sensation

With the start of the new season now less than a month away, the major talking point at Tottenham Hotspur remains the future of record goalscorer, Harry Kane, with the England skipper attracting interest after entering the final year of his contract at N17.

Two years on from having angled for a move to Manchester City, the 29-year-old is now being coveted by Bundesliga giants, Bayern Munich, with the German outfit only recently lodging a bid of around £70m for the in-demand ace.

With it yet to be seen if Kane will still be on the books in north London beyond the September deadline, Ange Postecoglou and co are seemingly eyeing potential replacements for their free-scoring talisman, with Eintracht Frankfurt's Randal Kolo Muani among those being considered.

Will Tottenham sign Kolo Muani?

A report from French outlet Foot Mercato last week suggested that the Lilywhites may 'position' themselves to make a move for the Frenchman if Kane is to depart, with the 24-year-old having enjoyed a stunning first season in Germany after joining from Nantes last summer.

This follows a previous report from the Independent which also named Spurs among the list of possible suitors for the 6 foot 2 speedster, with the one-time Boulogne loanee set to command a fee of around £80m.

How good is Randal Kolo Muani?

There is no denying that it would be an almost impossible task for Spurs to try and replace Kane next season, with the long-serving sensation having notably bagged 30 league goals last season in what was a stunning individual campaign.

While Kolo Muani may not be of that ilk just yet, the "future superstar" – as hailed by German legend Lothar Matthaus – still posted "obscene" numbers last season, according to Transfermarkt's Stefan Bienkowski, after racking up 40 goal involvements in just 46 games in all competitions in 2023.

The nine-cap international has also begun to impress for his country of late, with national team boss Didier Deschamps having hailed the threat that he is able to pose in attack, stating: "He has a presence about him, runs in behind from deep and is a good finisher."

Celtic forward Kyogo Furuhashi.

That ability to stretch a defence is likely to appeal to Postecoglou, with the Greek-Aussie having notably reaped the rewards of utilising Kyogo Furuhashi through the middle during his time at former club Celtic, with the Japanese international having scored 54 goals in just 83 games under his watch.

The 28-year-old hitman – who had been tipped for a reunion with his former boss in north London earlier this summer – was notably hailed for his "outstanding" movement by Postecoglou back in March, having led the line superbly for the Old Firm outfit over the past two years.

Much like Kolo Muani – who has been described as "ice-cold in front of goal" by Matthaus – Kyogo is also able to provide that cutting edge when it matters most, having been branded "clinical" by ex-Hoops boss, Neil Lennon.

With the former Vissel Kobe menace having only recently signed a new long-term deal in Glasgow it does not appear as if he will be following Postecoglou to England any time soon, although by snapping up Kolo Muani, the experienced coach could land his next ruthless figurehead.

Transfer insider drops Arsenal striker update he’s been "told"

Arsenal have been linked with Porto striker Mehdi Taremi; however, he is not 'on the radar' for the time being at the Emirates Stadium, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

How good is Mehdi Taremi and who has been linked with signing him?

Taremi is a player with a knack of finding the back of the net and enjoyed a masterful campaign for Porto last season, registering 31 goals and 14 assists in 51 appearances across all competitions, as per Transfermarkt.

WhoScored take into account that Taremi was extremely consistent for the Portuguese giants in 2022/23, recording an average match rating of 7.47/10 in Liga Portugal alongside taking on 2.9 shots per game.

His clinical form in front of goal has attracted interest from the Premier League and O Jogo via TEAMtalk have reported that Arsenal and Manchester United among others are keen to secure the £29k-a-week ace's services in the off-season.

The Sun have picked up on a potential hint from Taremi's agent Borna Khoramdel, who is the CEO of Arvand Sport, that he could be on his way to join Manchester United following a post on Instagram that showed a picture of his representative at Old Trafford.

Sky Sport cite that AC Milan are big admirers of Taremi and claim that Porto have lowered their asking price for the Iran international to €20 million (£17.09 million) plus bonuses. Roma and Saudi Pro League outfit Al Hilal are said to be monitoring his situation.

Football Insider mooted back in April that Mikel Arteta could look to bring another striker to north London this window that possesses a different profile to current options Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah, targeting a physical presence in the frontline.

Nevertheless, transfer insider Jones doesn't think that Arteta will move to bring in an alternative forward to add to his options in the final third.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Jones stated: "Yeah, I mean, Mehdi Taremi is suddenly being linked with a lot of clubs. Whenever that happens, I'm always a little bit cautious about whether he's just being touted around and what the meaning is behind it.

"I haven't heard too much on this one in terms of Arsenal's genuine interest. As far as I've been told, a forward of this sort of mould isn't really on the radar at this sort of time."

What else is going on at Arsenal this transfer window?

The Gunners have already already secured their first signing in the summer in the form of Kai Havertz, who has moved across London from Chelsea for a fee in the region of £65 million, as per Sky Sports.

West Ham United captain Declan Rice and Ajax defender Jurrien Timber have both underwent medicals at the club and will be officially announced this week, according to The Evening Standard.

Speaking to The Residency quoted by 90min, Arsenal midfielder Jorginho admitted that he has 'no idea' when both deals will be announced.

Southampton star Romeo Lavia is another midfielder that is under consideration from Arteta as he aims to bulk up his midfield, as per The Guardian, signifying that some exciting times may be in store at the Emirates in the next few weeks.

Arsenal: Edu Now Set To Sign £34M Star For Arteta

Arsenal transfer target Jurrien Timber is set for a medical "in the coming days" as the Gunners agree an initial £34 million deal for his signing, according to reports.

Who are Arsenal signing this summer?

After weeks of talks, rejected bids and discusions over payment structure, Mikel Arteta is said to have finally sealed a move for West Ham United star Declan Rice.

The north Londoners have reached a compromise over the details of payment, with Arsenal set to give the Hammers an initial £100 million over 24 months for the midfielder.

The agreement includes a further £5m in add-ons as renowned transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano also gives his famous "here we go".

Rice's arrival is set to hand Arteta a major boost as the Spaniard looks to seriously contend for another league title next season, while Germany international Kai Havertz has already been confirmed in a deal worth £65 million from Chelsea.

“Kai is a player of top quality," said Arteta upon his arrival.

"He has great versatility and is an intelligent player. He will bring a huge amount of extra strength to our midfield and variety to our play.

“We welcome Kai and his family to Arsenal Football Club and we are all excited to start working with him when we start pre-season training soon.”

Ajax defender Timber, who has been targeted by transfer chief Edu as a versatile, elite defensive option, looks to also be nearing a move to the Emirates Stadium.

jurrien-timber-ajax

Arsenal have now reached an agreement for the Netherlands international, and if all goes to plan, he will become their third major signing of the window after Havertz and Rice.

That is according to Sky Sports journalist Dharmesh Sheth, who had an exciting mid-week update for Arsenal supporters on their pursuit of Timber.

"Just been confirmed to us in the past few minutes, Arsenal have now got an agreement in principle with Ajax to sign the defender Jurrien Timber," said Sheth (via Football Daily).

"The deal is worth an initial €40 million (£34m), plus a further €5 million (£4m) in performance-related add-ons.

"He's expected to have a medical in the coming days, and then finalise those personal terms, which effectively have been agreed as well.

"He's been a long term target for Arsenal. you'll remember last summer that Man United tried to sign Jurrien Timber, but Arsenal have been keeping an eye on him for a number of months, he will be signed predominantly as a right-back.

"I think Mikel Arteta really wants to strengthen that backline."

Why have Arsenal signed Timber?

The 22-year-old played more Eredivisie minutes than any other Ajax player last season, highlighting his real importance to them, with no other regular averaging a better passing accuracy (91.7%).

Seemingly a composed ball-player, Timber could slot into Arteta's fluid system perfectly, and the exciting young defender has received plenty of plaudits.

Journalist Antonio Mango, writing on Twitter last year, even claimed he is a "generational superstar".

"I can’t describe just how good Julien Timber is," wrote Mango.

"Only 20 years-old & been Ajax most reliable and consistent player this season. Mr Versatile.

"Along with Antony, he’s been Ajax POYT. Generational Superstar."

Man United Set For Crunch Talks Over £65m-Rated Star

Manchester United are set to hold club-to-club talks with Chelsea this week over the possibility of closing in on a deal for Mason Mount.

How old is Mason Mount?

The early signs of the summer transfer window have indicated towards a potential departure for Mount from his boyhood club.

There promises to be significant changes made at Stamford Bridge this summer with the arrival of Mauricio Pochettino promising a new dawn for the Blues.

However, it does seem as if the 24-year-old midfielder may not be around long enough to see how those changes develop.

Indeed, the England international has been heavily linked with a potential move away from west London this summer with Old Trafford mooted as a potential landing spot.

And it has even been suggested that the 24-year-old is keen on making the potential move to United this summer amid the links to the Premier League giants.

With other Premier League clubs like Tottenham Hotspur making moves for the likes of James Maddison already this summer, it seems United are looking to step up their attempts.

Indeed, speaking on his YouTube channel, Fabrizio Romano has claimed there will soon be some fresh talks to try and complete a deal for the midfielder:

"It's important to say that they are going to have a direct contact this week and will happen very soon with Manchester United about Mason Mount.

"So the two clubs will speak, you'll remember a few days ago, Chelsea offered Manchester United the chance to discuss directly about the Mason Mount situation and now, from what I understand, Man United decided to speak to Chelsea.

"So there will be a direct club-to-club contact to decide about the story on what they want to do. Man United insist to pay £50m + £5m in add-ons. Chelsea still want £65m."

How much do Chelsea want for Mason Mount?

The Chelsea midfielder currently has just one year remaining on his current deal at Stamford Bridge leaving the Blues vulnerable to potentially losing him for free next summer.

And considering the player is believed to be open to a possible departure this summer, the west London side have set their asking price for their homegrown talent.

Indeed, Romano has reported the Blues are now looking for a fee in the region of £60m/£65m for the 24-year-old.

james-maddison-leicester-city-transfer-gossip-kevin-de-bruyne-postecoglou-tottenham-hotspur

This comes on the back of Mount enduring a fairly underwhelming campaign with the Blues which saw him provide a return of just three goals and two assists in the Premier League (via Transfermarkt).

Perhaps in comparison to the £40m which Tottenham are believed to be paying for Maddison this week, Chelsea's asking price does seem slightly inflated.

The Leicester City man enjoyed a stunning return last season in what was a hugely underperforming side.

Yet, United could be set to pay considerably more for Mount this summer despite the Englishman having a season to forget.

Maybe United missed a trick in not pursing Maddison this summer, however, it seems they are keen to secure a deal for Mount this week.

Aston Villa Could Form Monster Duo By Signing £60m ‘Beast’

Aston Villa are reportedly interested in Manchester City defender Aymeric Laporte, as Monchi eyes his first transfer window masterclass during his first window in charge.

The Spaniard alongside former colleague Unai Emery will fuse together to ensure the Villans are in good stead ahead of next season, as the Midlands club prepare to endeavour on their first European journey since 2010.

Laporte has been on Villa’s radar since earlier this month, when 90min revealed the club’s interest in the central defender.

An update provided by Football Insider this week cemented the Claret and Blues’ desire to sign the 29-year-old, claiming that the club had ‘set sights’ on the Manchester City star and were ‘considering a move’.

The report adds that the Spaniard ‘ticks a lot of boxes’ wanted by Emery, with the four-time Europa League-winning manager hoping to sign a left-sided centre-back this summer.

Valued at £60m by the treble winners, as per the Mirror, the defender could be Villa’s record-breaking signing this summer, however, he’s not the only centre-back linked to Villa Park.

Indeed, Pau Torres looks as though he's also on his way to the Midlands, with reports emerging on Thursday that an agreement is in place to land the player from Villarreal.

The links to the two centre-backs is exciting news for the Villans, who could see a complete shift in defence with two experienced upgrades potentially incoming.

What could Aymeric Laporte and Pau Torres offer Vila?

While Ezri Konsa and Tyrone Mings have been a revelation at the back for Emery, the Spaniard could present Villa Park with two world-class signings in a rebuild of the defence this summer.

Hailed as the “best left central defender in the world” by treble-winning manager Pep Guardiola, the City star could be just what Emery requires to take Villa forward.

pau-torres-villarreal-premier-league-liverpool-transfers

Despite falling down the pecking order at the Etihad, Laporte possesses quality that could see him dominate in most defences in Europe, seeing him lauded a “beast” by journalist Muhammad Butt.

The 29-year-old won an average of 60% of his total duels in the Premier League last season, cementing himself as a competent defender before anything else, however, his attributes go way beyond his defensive capabilities.

Similarly to Torres, Laporte flexes a powerful progressive ability, acting as a defender that can transition the ball upfield competently, in skills honed by the genius of Guardiola.

When comparing the two Villa targets based on their respective seasons and minutes via FBref, it makes for fascinating reading for those associated with the Midlands club, who could see a complete revamp of the defence as they know it.

While Torres’ 4.30 clearances and 1.74 aerials won along with Laporte’s 2.72 clearances and 2.18 aerials won per 90 communicate their defensive knowhow, their competency on the ball highlights just how much they could add to Villa Park.

As per FBref, the Villarreal gem averaged a monstrous 5.81 progressive passes and 2.24 progressive carries per 90 in La Liga this season, closely followed by the City ace who scored an average of 7.70 progressive passes and 2.72 progressive carries per 90.

By introducing two experienced players in quality and efficiency, Emery could equip his side with strength that could bolster all areas of the field, with two players boasting the ability to move the ball and dictate play from the back. This is surely a mouthwatering prospect for everyone associated with the club.

Liverpool Could Sign “Xabi Alonso-Type” Midfielder This Summer

Liverpool target Kephren Thuram could be another Xabi Alonso-like midfielder at Anfield, believes Dean Jones.

The Frenchman has been linked with a move to Anfield this summer, and 'has got quite a few people excited' according to Jones.

Liverpool transfer news – Kephren Thuram

Liverpool remain in talks to sign Thuram this summer, but the midfielder's current club, Nice, would love a bidding war for the 22-year-old, according to David Lynch of Football Insider.

Lynch also reported that the Reds could turn their attention to Ryan Gravenberch if a deal for Thuram fails to reach completion in the coming months.

Currently, the young midfielder is playing into the final two years of his contract with the Ligue 1 side; providing Nice with some power over the future of the 22-year-old.

Given the fact that Jurgen Klopp has already welcomed Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton & Hove Albion this summer, too, it remains to be seen just how much is left of Liverpool's budget.

What has Dean Jones said about Kephren Thuram and Liverpool?

Speaking to Football FanCast, when asked about Thuram, Jones said: “Liverpool would love another Xabi Alonso-type player and I think Thuram’s got quite a few people excited I think.

"When you go through the normal list of players that Liverpool are pursuing, Kone is always on there, Thuram’s always on there.”

How did Kephren Thuram perform in Ligue 1 last season?

kephren-thuram-premier-league-liverpool-transfers

Thuram was one of the few bright sparks in a disappointing campaign for Nice as a whole, as they sunk to a mid-table finish.

The young Frenchman did enough to earn a potential Liverpool move, however, as further backed up by the statistics.

If Liverpool are to complete a move for Thuram, he'd offer them something crucially different from midfield. According to FBref, for example, the reported target completed 3.25 progressive carries per 90 last season. For context, Jordan Henderson completed just 1.61.

A player of Thuram's dribbling ability could help unlock defences where the likes of Henderson struggle at times, potentially handing the Reds' midfield a whole new dimension.

Defensively speaking, too, the Nice man fits Jurgen Klopp's pressing style, making 1.34 interceptions, and 1.80 tackles per 90, both of which are higher than the amount Henderson totalled in the last campaign at Anfield.

So, if Liverpool are to get Thuram, they could be getting themselves an upgrade in a midfield in desperate need of a rebuild.

Man City: Guardiola Eyeing Dream Bernardo Silva Heir In £129m-rated "Machine"

Manchester City have made enquiries to Real Madrid over the possible signing of midfielder Fede Valverde, per TEAMtalk.

Manchester City transfer news – Fede Valverde

The arrival of Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund to Real Madrid has meant English clubs including City have checked in on the potential availability of the Uruguay star.

TEAMtalk claim that the Premier League champions, as well as Chelsea and Liverpool, have all made enquiries with the LaLiga giants about Valverde and to those close to the player, but the message that Valverde does not want to leave, and that Real do not want to sell either.

Valverde has won a haul of trophies with Los Blancos, including LaLiga twice and the Champions League once. He also added the Copa Del Rey to his trophy cabinet this season.

Real Madrid's Federico Valverde in action.

This season, his game time was split almost equally between a central midfield role and one on the right wing.

With the potential for City to lose both Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva this summer, Valverde could be a perfect fit for Pep Guardiola and with newfound competition in the engine room at the Bernabeu, this rumour is surely likely to rumble on throughout the summer.

Valverde could be the perfect Bernardo Silva replacement

Valverde has been crucial to Real Madrid in recent years, this includes an assist for Vinicius Jr’s Champions League final-winning goal against Liverpool in 2022.

The 24-year-old machine joined Los Blancos' academy in 2016 from Uruguayan club Penarol for a mere £4.5m, and it is now worth an estimated €150m (£129m), according to CIES Football Observatory

England and Chelsea legend Joe Cole spoke glowingly of Valverde’s quality on BT Sport as he compared him to the incoming Bellingham.

“He’s at the top of the young players alongside Jude Bellingham, and he’s about to become the best," the pundit said. “We talk a lot about Bellingham in England, but this kid is as good as he is.”

Silva has been linked with moves away from the Etihad this summer, most notably to clubs in Saudi Arabia. Gundogan, meanwhile, is closing in on a move to Madrid's rivals Barcelona, meaning Guardiola will have a lack of options in midfield.

If the Spaniard does lose a player of Silva’s quality, Valverde would be one hell of a replacement.

It’s hard to understate the importance of Silva since his arrival at the Etihad Stadium from Monaco in 2017. The winger has played over 300 games for the Citizens, contributing as many as 55 goals and 59 assists, per Transfermarkt.

The wide-man has also made 82 appearances for his native Portugal, and has won almost all there is to win in English football during his time at the Etihad Stadium. Silva is a five-time Premier League winner, two-time FA Cup winner, and four-time League Cup winner. Now after defeating Inter Milan in the final in Istanbul, he is also a Champions League and treble winner with the Citizens.

If Silva does leave, Valverde must be a top priority, given the similarities in playing position and statistical profile.

Manchester City'sIlkayGundoganand Bernardo Silva

As per FBref, the Madrid maestro ranks among the top 5% of all midfielders across Europe's top-five divisions over the last year for non-penalty expected goals and assists, averaging 0.39 per 90. This is actually more than Silva in Guardiola's squad. Both are in the top 9% for progressive carries per 90, with the City man just getting the nod.

Having been lauded as an "absolute machine" by journalist Raj Chohan, the Uruguyauan star poses clear and obvious qualities that will be of interest to Guardiola and his coaching staff and if Silva were to leave the Etihad, then this tentative interest must be revisited with a firmer force.

If any club right now has the pulling power to change Valverde’s mind, it’s Man City and Guardiola.

Man United Favourites To Sign "Complete" 28 y/o

Manchester United appear to be in pole position to sign Adrien Rabiot this summer, with the Red Devils considered great favourites for his signature.

What’s the latest Man United transfer news?

Erik ten Hag seemingly wanted Rabiot at Old Trafford last summer ahead of his first season in charge. The United boss was reportedly on board with a transfer that would have been worth an initial £15m, however, a deal fell through and the midfielder remained at Juventus.

Rabiot was again linked with a move to Manchester prior to the New Year, and it seems as if he is still of interest to United officials after making 48 appearances for his current employers during the 2022/23 season, contributing to 17 goals.

Recent reports have suggested that a concrete offer has already been placed to the player, who is set to become a free agent in a matter of weeks when his Juventus contract officially expires.

Sport Witness have relayed a new update from Spanish outlet AS regarding Rabiot, citing Atletico Madrid’s interest in the player. However, they add that it is United who are the ‘great favourite’ to sign Rabiot at this moment in time in what appears to be a transfer boost for Ten Hag and co.

adrien-rabiot-juventus-man-united-transfers

Who is Adrien Rabiot?

Rabiot would provide Ten Hag with an experienced and versatile option in midfield, with the 28-year-old’s Transfermarkt valuation currently standing at €30m, so from a business perspective, a transfer appears to be a smart one.

He can play as a central, holding or left midfielder and was once labelled as a ‘complete player’ by legendary midfielder Andrea Pirlo, who said:

“He is a complete player, I have rarely seen someone so strong both physically and technically.

“He doesn’t even know the potential for improvement he can have, and we work on the mental side of things to make him understand that he is a champion. He is improving game after game.”

The Red Devils could lose a midfielder of their own this summer with Scott McTominay’s future up in the air, so Rabiot could be viewed as a solid addition after ending the campaign as Juventus' best-performing player, as per WhoScored.

He would bring a winning mentality to United’s squad alongside the likes of Raphael Varane and Casemiro who arrived from Real Madrid in recent years, with the midfielder winning an impressive 24 major honours during his career to date.

Rabiot has come off the back of a season where he has played plenty of football with Juventus, and who knows, his balance could make him a smart signing, possibly featuring alongside Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes next year.

West Ham Could Sign £40m Premier League Speedster

West Ham can look to next season with huge excitement and optimism. Their first major trophy in 43 years secured Europa League football and makes them a compelling option for any footballer looking to challenge themselves at a higher level.

After their £166m outlay last summer, David Moyes has demonstrated he isn’t afraid to be active in the transfer market, and the club is set for a busy summer.

One player who has been linked to joining the Hammers at this fruitful time is Brennan Johnson, who has been one of Nottingham Forest’s most consistent and productive players since their promotion back to the Premier League.

What’s the latest on Brennan Johnson to West Ham?

According to the Daily Mail, the 22-year-old is set to be the subject of an intense transfer battle between Everton and West Ham.

This outlet details that the Welshman is valued at £40m due to his massive effort to keep his side away from relegation.

However, with the added attractive option of European football, the East London outfit may have the edge to secure this talent.

How would Brennan Johnson fit in at West Ham?

The tricky attacker has been an indispensable component of a Reds side that gained promotion and kept their Premier League status.

In the 2021/22 campaign, the forward recorded 25 contributions in 46 appearances in the second tier and followed this up with 11 goal involvements in his debut season at the top level of English football.

Johnson appeared in every single domestic game and his manager Steve Cooper is a massive fan, saying: “He’s a fantastic player, we know he’s got qualities and is a great finisher.”

One of his most impressive attributes is his chameleonic ability to play across the frontline and his potential link-up with the dazzling Lucas Paqueta is a mouth-watering prospect.

West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta

The dazzling Brazilian ranks within the best 7% in Europe’s top five leagues among his positional peers for progressive passes per 90, and has averaged the second-most dribbles per game (1.2) in the West Ham squad.

Described as “simply sensational” by CBS’ James Benge, the former Lyon star’s impudent vision, skill, and passing, coupled with Johnson’s endless running and commendable athleticism could be a devastating method of attack next term.

The way Paqueta expertly slipped in Jarrod Bowen to win the final last night is a teaser of how Johnson can benefit from his creativity.

The 18-cap international was born in Nottingham and has been in the youth ranks at Forest since 2009 – to tempt Johnson to leave his boyhood club will take a humongous proposal.

The £30k-per-week man’s current deal expires in 2026, so it would certainly be an audacious swoop for the high-flying Hammers.

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