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The 2024/25 campaign is a crucial one for Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United side as they aim to close in on a return to Champions League football.

The Magpies were desperately unlucky to miss out on all forms of European football after Manchester United beat Manchester City in the FA Cup final, clinching the final Europa League spot.

As a result, Howe desperately wants to bolster his Magpies side to improve their chances of a top-four finish in the Premier League this season, but the financial difficulties have made it a struggle, relying on outgoings before incomings.

Yankuba Minteh and Elliot Anderson both departed St James’ Park in recent weeks to Brighton and Nottingham Forest respectively, generating the club £68m but losing themselves two of their most promising talents in the process.

Howe could use those funds to invest in a new attacker to try and complete his attacking puzzle, with the Magpies and offered the chance to sign one star who would dramatically improve his frontline.

Newcastle in talks to sign £50m star this summer

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, Newcastle have held talks with Barcelona’s Brazilian winger Raphinha over a move to St James' Park this summer.

The 27-year-old has constantly been linked with a move back to the Premier League after his stint with Leeds United, which saw him register 29 goal contributions in his 67 appearances at Elland Road.

His impressive form at Leeds earned him his big-money move to Spain, but he's struggled to make an impact following the emergence of 17-year-old star Lamine Yamal, who won the Young Player of the Tournament at the recent European Championships.

Raphinha managed 37 appearances in all competitions last season, but is keen on a return to the Premier League, with the Catalan giants demanding a fee in the region of £50m for his services this summer.

Why Raphinha could spell the end for Almiron at Newcastle

Over five years on from his £20m move from Atlanta United in the MLS, Miguel Almiron has seen his importance on the Magpies’ squad decrease year-on-year, with the Paraguayan no longer at the level needed for a side pushing for the Champions League spots.

After his sensational goalscoring run in 2022/23 which saw the attacker score eight goals in just nine Premier League games, Almiron failed to replicate any of his good form under Howe last season, only scoring on three occasions.

However, despite his below-par campaign last season, he’s still attracting interest from Saudi Arabia, with journalist Keith Downie previously confirming that numerous sides are interested in signing the Paraguayan.

He’s also produced some stats that are way below potential new addition Raphinha, with the Brazilian potentially ending the 30-year-old’s stay on Tyneside.

How Raphinha & Almiron compare in 2023/24

Statistics

Raphinha

Almiron

Games

28

33

Goals + assists

15

4

Progressive passes per 90

3.8

3.6

Shots per 90

3.8

1.9

Take-ons per 90

1.6

1.1

Take-on success

52%

44%

Goals + assists per 90

0.99

0.19

Stats via FBref

Barcelona man Raphinha, who’s previously been dubbed as a “magician” by former teammate Dan James, managed to register a total of 11 more goal contributions, despite featuring in five games fewer.

He’s also averaged more progressive passes per 90, along with double the amount of shots, showcasing his ability to create carnage in the final third.

The Brazilian managed to complete 8% more of the take-ons he attempted last season, demonstrating his direct nature with the ball – a feature that would allow Howe to complete his attack.

Whilst he may be an expensive addition at £50m, he would provide huge quality and allow the club to finally part ways with Almiron.

With this campaign being a huge one in terms of their ambitions to return to the Champions League, Howe has to get his recruitment right, with Raphinha the perfect man to lead the Magpies’ charge.

Related Imagine him & Gordon: Newcastle battling PL giants for "monster" signing

He has a whole host of Premier League sides after him this summer.

Posts ByEthan Lamb Jul 17, 2024

As they edge closer to finally finding new owners, Everton have reportedly turned their attention towards potential reinforcements and a Premier League winger who outscored Dominic Calvert-Lewin last season.

Everton transfer news

The Toffees recently confirmed that a period of exclusivity has been granted to The Friedkin Group to progress talks over sealing a takeover from current owner Farhad Moshiri. That confirmation was then instantly followed up by more good news, with Everton also confirming the arrival of Tim Iroegbunam from Aston Villa in their first arrival of the summer transfer window.

Speaking for the first time since putting pen to paper, the young midfielder told EvertonTV: "I’m very pleased. Everton is an amazing club, a big club and I’m just really happy to join and I can’t wait to get started.

"It was a move that I didn’t want to pass by. I wanted to take the opportunity. When I spoke to Kevin [Thelwell], he told me more about the Club – its history, the future and where they see me playing. It made me feel very excited because there are big things coming, especially with the new stadium."

Everton make bid to sign "wonderful" talent who's perfect for Harrison

The Toffees are looking to bolster their ranks ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.

ByEthan Lamb Jun 20, 2024

Even after Iroegbunam's, however, those at Goodison Park could be in for another positive in quite the week. According to Sky Sports' Gianluca Di Marzio, Everton are in talks to sign Yankuba Minteh from Newcastle United this summer. The 19-year-old winger enjoyed an excellent spell on loan at Feyenoord last season and could now leave Newcastle on a permanent basis in a deal worth a reported €30m (£25m).

"Fast" Minteh can replace Calvert-Lewin's firepower

As Everton line up a deal to sign Newcastle's Minteh, the Magpies are reportedly closing in on a deal to sign Dominic Calvert-Lewin. The forward's departure would instantly leave a gaping hole in Sean Dyche's frontline, but whilst Minteh is not an out and out forward, his firepower could be more than enough to help fill that hole this summer.

Goals

10

5

Assists

7

2

Expected Goals

9.8

12.9

Key Passes

27

19

What's most impressive is that Minteh managed to finish in the ruthless fashion of a striker last season, whilst Calvert-Lewin was wasteful in a relatively poor campaign at Goodison Park.

What will make any deal for the winger that much sweeter for Everton is the fact that new Liverpool boss Arne Slot was full of praise for Minteh in charge of Feyenoord last season. Slot said via The Fatu Network: “He certainly doesn’t lack self-confidence. His willingness to give everything is enormous. When we see his statistics, it is really impressive. Minteh ran more sprint meters against Ajax in an hour than many players in the two games. He is incredibly fast. And he wants it so badly.”

Rangers have reportedly told a European side that they want to sign their £5m-rated “monster” for Philippe Clement this summer.

Clement and Koppen secure three signings for Rangers

The transfer window has only just officially opened, but that hasn’t stopped Clement and director of recruitment Nils Koppen in making a head start on the club’s summer business.

Already, those at Ibrox have secured moves for Jefte, Oscar Cortes and Clinton Nsiala and don’t appear to be planning on stopping there. Alongside the trio, Rangers are also leading the race to sign 20-year-old forward Yusuf Kabadayi from Bayern Munich in a permanent transfer and out-of-contract midfielder Connor Barron from Aberdeen.

Rangers plotting cut-price move to sign Euro 2024 forward ahead of Celtic

He was linked back in January.

By
Charlie Smith

Jun 12, 2024

It is promising to be a busy few months for the Gers ahead of the 2024/25 Scottish Premiership campaign, where Clement will be hoping to lift as much silverware as possible in what will be his first full season in charge. To help him do that, Rangers appear to be keen on finally securing a deal for a player they were first linked with back in November.

Rangers tell club they want to sign £5m defender

According to journalist Anel Avdic, Rangers have been in contact with Hammarby IF over a deal for defender Nathaniel Adjei. The Gers are also joined by RSC Anderlecht, with Hammarby wanting €6m (£5m) to sell the player this summer.

“Glasgow Rangers and RSC Anderlecht have informed Hammarby IF that they want to buy Nathaniel Adjei. A first suggestion is to wait shortly. Bajen requires just over six million euros to sell the centre-back this summer.”

Adjei, an out-and-out centre-back, spent the second half of the recent campaign out on loan with French side FC Lorient, making 15 Ligue 1 appearances. He's also made 32 senior appearances for Hammarby.

The Ghana U23 international could now be on the move again, this time in a permanent transfer, with Rangers seemingly keen on his services. The 21-year-old’s Transfermarkt valuation currently stands at €2.5m, so Rangers will need to pay more than twice that amount to secure his services.

Should he move to Scotland, Clement could be getting an imposing 6ft 2 centre-back who Kai Watson, founder of the Rangers Journal, dubbed a “physical monster” when analysing the defender following rumours of a move to Ibrox last year.

Rangers currently have Connor Goldson, John Souttar, Ben Davies, Leon King and Leon Balogun as their centre-back options, so Adjei could be viewed on an upgrade on a few of the names mentioned, making this a deal to keep an eye on once more.

Amid their widely reported agreement with Aston Villa over Ian Maatsen, it is believed that Chelsea chief Todd Boehly is prepared to offload a £175,000-per-week member of the squad as well.

Chelsea agree deal to sell Ian Maatsen to Aston Villa

Following on from Thiago Silva's departure from Stamford Bridge, it now looks as if left-back Maatsen, who helped Borussia Dortmund reach the Champions League final last season, will be the next high-profile exit.

Chelsea chiefs identify new top target in £85 million Duran alternative

Todd Boehly and co look like they’re moving on from the Colombian.

ByEmilio Galantini Jun 19, 2024

The Dutchman spent the second half of 2023/2024 on loan at Dortmund and earned rave reviews. He contributed both defensively and going forward, scoring two goals and adding another two assists in 16 Bundesliga appearances.

Maatsen also played a heavy hand on their run to the Champions League final with seven outings and a goal in the competition, but there is no place for him in Enzo Maresca's plans as Chelsea chiefs give the green light to offload him.

Dortmund 3-0 Freiburg

8.61

Dortmund 4-0 Darmstadt

8.49

Union Berlin 0-2 Dortmund

8.43

FC Koln 0-4 Dortmund

7.72

Dortmund 3-1 FC Bochum

7.47

Indeed, Aston Villa have agreed a deal to sign Maatsen from Chelsea, which could amount to around £35-£40 million. His move is subject to a medical, and the player has been offered a six-year contract in the Midlands.

This fee will do wonders to bolster Maresca's transfer kitty, as the Blues look to operate within the PSR limit and back their new manager with key additions. As well as Maatsen, a succession of Chelsea players are being linked with the exit door, and many more are expected to follow the 22-year-old.

Chelsea also prepared to sell Marc Cucurella this summer

According to reliable journalist Matt Law, one of them is fellow left-back Marc Cucurella.

The Spaniard, who earns around £175,000-a-week in west London, worked his way into Mauricio Pochettino's plans last term after spending the first few Premier League games on his bench.

Cucurella started all of Chelsea's final 12 top-flight matches, bagging two assists in that time, as Pochettino's favoured left-back option. He could've started more as well, if not for his ankle injury which kept him out for nine games midway through the season (Transfermarkt).

The former Brighton ace was praised for thriving in a late-season inverted role under Pochettino and has been called "perfect" for Maresca's system (Ben Jacobs). However, despite this, Law claims Chelsea would accept bids for Cucurella this summer and may let him leave.

“I’ve been told a lot of players will go," said Law on London is Blue, via Chelsea Chronicle.

"Casadei might go, and Datro Fofana will go, whether on loan or permanent. I think they would accept bids for Cucurella; whether they’d get any, I don’t know. Maatsen will go; he’s part of the Duran thing with Villa. I do think Chalobah will go.”

It will be interesting to see whether Chelsea do accept offers for Cucurella given his potential suitability for Maresca, but it appears the axe is swinging over the Italian's squad afrer Maatsen.

MatériaMais Notícias

O desempenho do Botafogo fora de casa na Série B do Brasileirão não é bom. Ao fim do primeiro turno, o time de General Severiano tem a quinta pior campanha da competição como visitante. Assim,após o empate com o Guarani por 1 a 1, no Brinco de Ouro, o técnico Enderson Moreira lamentou esse desempenho da equipe até aqui, mas lembrou que o calendário apertado recente dificulta o grupo.

>ATUAÇÕES: Navarro e Oyama são os destaques do Botafogo em empate

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– Conversamos muito sobre isso. Comigo são três jogos e nós fizemos quatro pontos. É claro que a gente tinha a expectativa de fazer mais fora de casa, mas a gente tem jogos extremamente difíceis, é uma sequência muito curta, três jogos em seis dias com duas viagens. Não estou dando desculpas, mas isso dificulta. Hoje os atletas tiveram que tirar forças para poder competir, correr… Nesse sentido, estou muito orgulhoso deles, eles deram uma prova de superação – disse o treinador.

> Veja a tabela da Série B

O treinador também analisou a partida do Botafogo. De acordo com ele, o time teve boas oportunidades, mas tomou algumas decisões erradas. Enderson ainda destacou que existia uma “ansiedade natural”, já que, com uma vitória, o Glorioso dormira no G4 da Série B.

– Eu acho que a gente teve uma boas oportunidades na construção de algumas situações de transição. Tomamos algumas situações equivocados, forçamos muito o jogo por dentro. O penúltimo passe foi equivocado, faz parte. Sabíamos da dificuldade do jogo, tinha uma ansiedade natural para entrar no G4, mas eu sei que teremos jogos extremamente difíceis. Não vamos conseguir vencer tudo, mas pelo menos vamos levar um ponto para casa.

Enderson Moreira também foi questionando sobre Cesinha, que chegou para integrar o sub-20, mas ganhou espaço entre os titulares na reta final da temporada passada, e Juninho, que é cria da base alvinegra. O técnico garantiu que eles podem jogare voltou a destacar que, pelo calendário apertado, havia uma preocupação em relação ao desempenho da equipe.

– Claro que esses atletas (Juninho e Cesinha) podem participar, são jogadores do clube. A gente fez algumas opções dentro daquilo que estávamos vivenciando. Tínhamos muita preocupação com esse jogo. Além da questão do adversário, também pelo fato de ter feito o terceiro jogo em seis dias.

– Fomos para Ponta Grossa em um campo pesado, depois contra o Brasil e viemos para cá praticamente sem treinar. Só pensamos em recuperar. Tinha muita dúvida em como seria o nosso desempenho em cima de todo o desgaste. Tecnicamente não fizemos um jogo tão qualificado como podemos fazer, mas muito em virtude dessa sequência.

Na caça ao G4, o Botafogo volta a campo no próximo domingo, no Estádio Nilton Santos, às 11h, contra o Vila Nova. A partida é válida pela 20ª rodada da Série B do Campeonato Brasileiro.

Newcastle United are confident of sealing negotiations for Eddie Howe's first summer signing this week, according to a new transfer update from The Telegraph.

Newcastle transfer news

The Magpies continue to be linked with a whole host of players ahead of next season, with veteran goalkeeper Asmir Begovic one of those to have been most recently backed to complete a move to St James' Park – he will be a free agent once his spell at Queens Park Rangers ends this summer.

Juventus centre-back Dean Huijsen is a highly-rated young defender who could have a big future in the game, and Newcastle are believed to see him as a strong alternative to Tosin Adarabioyo, who they now look set to miss out on. The 19-year-old spent last season on loan at Roma, making 13 appearances in Serie A and growing in experience.

It could be that Howe needs to replace certain outgoing figures in the summer transfer window, with Miguel Almiron one such player who falls into that bracket. Brentford winger Bryan Mbeumo has emerged as a reported target to come in for him, although Liverpool are also among the clubs interested in snapping him up.

Similarly, there is no guarantee that Bruno Guimaraes will definitely still be a Newcastle player once the 2024/25 campaign gets underway, with the Brazilian having the potential to leave a huge void in midfield. Nottingham Forest ace Morgan Gibbs-White has been backed as a replacement for him, following a strong season that saw him score five goals and register 10 assists in the Premier League.

Newcastle could sign £30k-a-week ace this week

According to The Telegraph, Newcastle will look to seal the signing of Bournemouth defender Llloyd Kelly this week, having seemingly failed to snap up Adarabioyo. They "will attempt to get a deal" over the line in the coming days and there is "confidence" it will happen, with the Englishman able to come in on a free transfer after his Cherries deal ends.

It is no hidden secret that the £30,000-a-week centre-back has been a primary target for the Magpies for some time now and the Adarabioyo news appears to have sped up the process, ahead of the Fulham man's possible move to Chelsea.

While not exactly a world-class player who is going to take Newcastle up a significant level, Kelly could prove to be really astute business by Newcastle, especially as Howe knows him from their Bournemouth days together. Another of his former managers, Gary O'Neil, has also hailed his defensive expertise in the past up against Mohamed Salah.

"I thought Lloyd was incredible. I think he had a 12-week ankle injury followed by a six-week calf injury. Didn't have much time in between, and then came back today having not trained much, to play left back against one of the best wingers in the world. I thought he showed everything, the potential he has to be a top defender. I thought it was a very, very impressive performance against a top attacker."

Related Newcastle eyeing move to sign "fantastic" Premier League record-holder for Howe

He’s an experienced player.

Posts ByTom Cunningham Jun 2, 2024

Kelly could fill in at centre-back and left-back, adding to the depth within Howe's squad, and even if the move ends up not working out, the fact that he won't cost a fee takes out the risk element compared to spending big on a defender.

After a debut season that promised so much for the future, Erik ten Hag's second season in charge of Manchester United can only be described as a disappointment.

They were knocked out of the League Cup and Champions League early and are sat sixth in the Premier League, and while they have made it into the FA Cup final, they will have to face the indomitable Manchester City for the second year running.

However, while the Dutchman certainly has to take a portion of the blame, he hasn't been helped by a mountain of injuries and a plethora of players who have seemingly forgotten the fundamentals of football this year.

One of the worst offenders has been Casemiro, who, after a brilliant first season at the club last year, has, in the words of journalist Isaac Seelochan, 'dropped off a cliff' this year. The good news for fans is that, based on reports, the club could be set to replace him in the summer.

Man Utd searching for Casemiro successor

According to recent reports from Spain, Manchester United are interested in signing Juventus star and French international Adrien Rabiot this summer to reinforce their midfield.

The good news for Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS is that with the 29-year-old's contract set to expire at the end of the season, they could land his services for free, thus allowing them to further invest in other positions as they look to rejuvenate the team.

However, a recent report from CaughtOffside has also claimed that Barcelona and Bayern Munich are keen on signing the experienced star, so while there would be no fee involved, the Red Devils might have to cough up a competitive salary package, although if they can offload Casemiro's wages in the process, then it might prove to be an excellent bit of business.

How Rabiot compares to Casemiro

Now, the biggest issue some might have with the idea of Rabiot coming in as a replacement for Casemiro, even as a short-term solution, is that the Brazilian has spent most of his career as a defensive midfielder, while the Frenchman has spent most of his career slightly further up the pitch as a central midfielder.

Ostensibly, this is true, but the Juventus ace has played a considerable number of games as a number six in his career – 76 to be exact – so there is no reason to believe that a player of his quality and one who possesses his experience couldn't adapt to play that role for a United side that is transitioning under Ten Hag.

Moreover, when comparing the pair's underlying numbers, while coming out ahead in some metrics, the former Real Madrid star comes out second best in most, including a few defensive ones. For example, he only produces more progressive passes, tackles and blocks per 90.

Rabiot vs Casemiro
Stats per 90	Rabiot	Casemiro
Non-Penalty Expected Goals + Assists	0.26	0.23
Progressive Carries	2.25	0.56
Progressive Passes	3.97	5.44
Progressive Passes Received	3.71	1.94
Shots on Target	0.49	0.39
Passing Accuracy	82.3%	81.4%
Shot-Creating Actions	2.21	1.83
Goal-Creating Actions	0.19	0.17
Tackles	1.95	3.56
Tackles won %	64.1%	64.0%
Blocks	0.86	3.61
Interceptions	0.94	0.83
Successful Take-Ons	0.94	0.44
Aerial Duels Won	1.80	2.00
All Stats via FBref for the 23/24 Season

However, the Brazilian makes substantially fewer progressive carries, succeeds in fewer take-ons, has a worse pass completion rate, makes fewer interceptions, takes fewer shots on target, produces a lower non-penalty expected goal and assists figure alongside far fewer shot and goal-creating actions and most surprisingly, he wins a slightly lower percentage of the tackles he makes, all per 90.

Ultimately, the "extraordinary" Juve ace, as described by French icon David Trezeguet, isn't going to be the long-term answer for United at 29 years old, but given how much better his overall statistics are and the fact that, in the words of Jamie Carragher, "Casemiro's legs have gone", it would likely be a good idea to get him in as a 'cheap' replacement for the Brazilian, at least for a couple of seasons.

Man Utd eyeing "big club manager" who could be their answer to Klopp

The “big-club manager” could be the man to steady lead Ratcliffe’s rebuild.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Apr 29, 2024

A close advisor of Arsenal sporting director Edu Gaspar has now told the Gunners to make a move for one £40 million Brazil international this summer.

Arsenal targeting four major signings with Edu ready to spend

It is believed by reliable media sources that Arsenal wish to back manager Mikel Arteta with four key signings across a variety of positions.

Arsenal now appear favourites to sign £60 million striker after agent talks

He’s been praised for having “everything”.

ByEmilio Galantini May 14, 2024

Indeed, Standard Sport reporter Simon Collings claimed last week that Arsenal are targeting a new goalkeeper, defender, midfielder and striker – with other reports claiming Edu could oversee a record-breaking expenditure on new signings this summer as well.

Defensively, it is thought that the north Londoners have had their eyes on both new full-backs and central defensive options. Arsenal are interested in Sporting Lisbon starlet Ousmane Diomande as an option for the heart of Arteta's backline, and the same can be said for Crystal Palace stalwart Marc Guehi.

At full-back, the north Londoners have been regularly linked with a potential swoop for Turkish defender Ferdi Kadioglu, and some there have even been some suggestions that the £30 million man has already agreed to join them (Yagiz Sabuncuoglu).

It remains to be seen if that audacious claim will come to fruition, but reports like this strongly hint that a new full-back could be on the cards for Arsenal this summer. Arteta is said to want additional cover at right-back, with Jurrien Timber's ACL injury earlier this season perhaps highlighting exactly why that position needs to be reinforced.

Ben White has starred in the role this season, being deployed as a right-back constantly ever since the rise of William Saliba at the start of 2022/2023, but the Englishman has admitted to his limitations.

"Some of the videos I have seen, maybe others don't see it, but if I lost the runner or if I don't do that, they will probably score. It comes back to doing anything to win," said White on his right-back role at Arsenal.

Arsenal 5-0 Chelsea

9.43

Bournemouth 0-4 Arsenal

8.48

Sheffield United 0-6 Arsenal

8.13

Arsenal 2-1 Brentford

7.77

Arsenal 5-0 Crystal Palace

7.56

"I know I'm not going to stop everyone and I know I'm not the best one-v-one defender, but I know I can do things to help the team in game situations against their winger.

"Every game, normally the winger is the best player so it's always a challenge and I have to do my homework and try and stop him. There's all sorts [happening at set-pieces], standing on your feet, elbows. It's OK. I just have to stand in the way and see what happens."

Arsenal urged to make Yan Couto move by Edu advisor

Arteta cannot be so reliant on White, despite his phenomenal form, and it is believed that they could look to Brazil international defender Yan Couto.

The £40 million ace, who has enjoyed a fine season on loan at Girona from Man City, is now being looked at. As relayed by Football Transfers, Arteta's side were rumoured to be closing in on a deal for Couto in 2020, but the 21-year-old opted for a move to Eastlands instead.

FT also state their own information that chief scout Paulo Xavier has told Arsenal to make a move for Couto this summer. Indeed, the ex-Real Madrid employee, who is a close advisor of Edu, is said to have pushed the South American forward behind-the-scenes.

It remains to be seen if Arsenal formalise that interest after being advised to, but Couto's age and price tag make him a pretty tempting target.

Fulham have been handed an update on the future of one of their transfer targets after submitting an opening bid, it has been revealed.

Cottagers set for summer of change

It has been a mixed season for Fulham, who have won just one of their last five outings but are well clear of relegation.

With a Premier League campaign that began shrouded in uncertainty around Marco Silva amid links to Saudi Arabia, and without Aleksandar Mitrovic, who had already made the move to the Middle East, the Cottagers have kept their heads above water for much of the season without ever looking like a standout side in the division.

They have discovered new talent in the form of goalscoring star Rodrigo Muniz, and managed to keep hold of Joao Palhinha amid interest from Bayern Munich, with a deal collapsing at the 11th hour before the summer deadline.

Related Sky Sports: West Ham considering exciting new manager not being mentioned

Tim Steidten is thought to be a massive fan.

Posts ByBen Browning May 1, 2024

But this summer looks likely to be one of change in west London, with Tosin Adarabioyo already confirmed to be leaving as a free agent and seemingly likely to end up at Premier League rivals Newcastle United.

There are also contract concerns over Willian, Bobby De Cordova-Reid and Kenny Tete, with all three on deals set to expire at the end of the season as things stand, while 12 of their squad are 28 or older.

Now, it seems that the Cottagers may be trying to address that with a teenage addition to their ranks.

Bid rejected as club demand "irresistible offer"

That comes in the form of Besiktas attacker Semih Kılıçsoy, who has shot to prominence in recent months.

The 18-year-old, who has come through the Turkish side's academy, forced his way into the side over the course of this season and has been finding the back of the net with increased regularity in recent months.

He has scored 10 times this season, with nine of his goals coming in 2024, and is capable of playing on the wing and as a central striker.

Semih Kılıçsoy's excellent season

Appearances

20

Goals

10

Assists

2

Minutes per goal

143.5

Shots on target per 90

1.32

As per Turkish outlet Sabah (via Sport Witness), his performances have been impressive enough for Fulham to place a bid for his services already.

It is claimed that they have sent chief scout Brian Talbot to Turkey to handle negotiations, and that he has offered €15m (£12.9m) to take Kılıçsoy to Craven Cottage.

However, Besiktas have not responded directly to the offer on account of it being too low, but have informed the west Londoners that they "would consider a sale if there was a higher offer".

A higher offer is precisely what is expected, too, with Fulham keen to get a deal over the line. The report adds that they "are likely to return with a new and improved offer", though it adds that Besiktas are also likely to stand firm unless an "irresistible offer" were to be tabled.

It remains to be seen exactly what constitutes irresistible, but given that the club's current record sale is the £19.5m Everton paid for Cenk Tosun, Fulham may not be too far away from it.

Say one thing about David Moyes, say he knows how to manage his team. West Ham United have their flaws, Moyes knows that. We all know that.

But the Scottish manager has cultivated a real sense of belief in London and for all the claims of his stylistic pragmaticism, Moyes has won a European honour and remains in the race for a fourth successive continental campaign, seventh in the Premier League after 31 matches.

A point against Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday evening must be met with positivity, but now shaped and used as fuel for the remainder of the year, where a purple patch is now a necessity to prevail against divisional rivals and overcome Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League quarter-finals – a tall order indeed.

It was a hard graft; the players put in a shift. But unfortunately, right-back Vladimir Coufal could not bounce back from his horrorshow during last weekend's shocking collapse against Newcastle United, instead flattering to deceive once again.

Vladimir Coufal's performance vs Spurs

Coufal has been an impressive, dependable figure in east London since signing for a small sum of £5m back in 2020, with the Czech international even being hailed as "one of the best signings that club have made in recent history" by Dan Woffenden.

But he's been a touch out of sorts recently and after struggling at the epicentre of Newcastle's comeback from 3-1 down to win 4-3 at St. James' Park on Saturday, he was branded with a 4/10 match rating by The Evening Standard's Malik Ouzia.

Vladimir Coufal's Stats vs Spurs
Stat	#
Minutes played	90'
Touches	55
Accurate passes	19/30 (63%)
Key passes	0
Tackles	0
Clearances	2
Duels won	0/2
Dribble attempts	0/1
Possession lost	20x
Stats via Sofascore

Well, it didn't get much better against Ange Postecoglou's Lilywhites, with Ouzia giving him a 5/10 score and writing: 'Run ragged by Anthony Gordon at Newcastle on Saturday and given a tough time again here by Timo Werner. Alert at the back-post to deny the German a certain winner.'

It's not great reading really, is it? Coufal might not have endured the calamitous display suffered against Anthony Gordon last weekend but he certainly left much to be desired.

Failing with both of his duel attempts and his one dribbling effort nullified much of West Ham's fluency down the right, also failing to create a single key pass for his teammates.

Perhaps it's time for the 31-year-old to move to the bench for a bit, especially with the fleet-footed Rayan Ait-Nouri up next as West Ham meet Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday.

Ben Johnson is clearly unfavoured by Moyes and is out of contract in the summer. However, up-and-coming talent Junior Robinson might just find an opportunity amongst the seniors given Coufal's nosedive in form.

Why West Ham should unleash Junior Robinson

With a name fit for a flashy American Football wide receiver, it's only natural that Junior Robinson is endowed with blistering speed and deft close-control ability.

The 19-year-old is comfortable across the different rungs of the right-sided ladder on the pitch and has impressed for a West Ham U21s side that currently perch in second place in the Premier League 2, posting a goal and three assists from 13 development league fixtures.

Last season, Robinson was beset by injuries that limited him to just five starting appearances, but he has since bounced back to showcase his powers of resilience, overcoming adversity at a young age that will have mentally prepared him for life on the senior stage, hardening him, fortifying his resolve.

His speed and boyish ebullience make for great tools to succeed in the English top-flight, winning five duels and two tackles in a 1-0 EFL Trophy victory over Newport County earlier in the campaign too, highlighting his budding defensive qualities.

Coufal has been a great servant for West Ham and will continue to play a part for Moyes' team, but perhaps Robinson should now be unleashed to leapfrog former academy star Johnson and fight for a starring spot on the right flank of the Irons' rearguard.

In The Pipeline

Football FanCast's In the Pipeline series aims to uncover the very best youth players in world football.