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West Ham are considering making a move to sign Bournemouth defender Jordan Zemura this summer, according to talkSPORT.

The Lowdown: Achieving promotion

The left-back was a standout performer at the Vitality Stadium last season, helping the Cherries gain promotion back to the Premier League at the second time of asking.

The 22-year-old only has just under 12 months remaining on his contract with Scott Parker’s side though and is yet to put pen to paper on fresh terms, leaving his future on the south coast up in the air.

The Latest: West Ham plotting Zemura raid

In a new article published by talkSPORT, it’s claimed that West Ham are ‘keeping a keen eye’ on Zemura, with David Moyes looking to ‘bring in young legs’ to provide competition for Aaron Cresswell.

It’s stated that the Cherries ace has ‘been discussed as a potential option’ for the Scottish boss, though it’s believed that Bournemouth will be ‘inclined’ to increase new contract talks with their man after ‘being told’ of the Irons’ ‘interest’.

The Verdict: Potential bargain deal

With Cresswell being 32 years of age, Moyes will be on the hunt for defensive reinforcements and it’s likely that whoever he signs next in that left-back position will be his first-choice long-term – Zemura has already shown that he more than has the potential to fulfil that duty.

The six-cap international, who’s been hailed an ‘excellent’ player by his manager Scott Parker, is an energetic full-back who is strong defensively but can also add pace down the flank, having averaged 1.5 tackles and 1.2 dribbles per league game last term, via WhoScored.

Given his contract at Bournemouth is set to expire next summer, there’s every possibility that the Hammers could snap him up for a bargain fee this window so should aim to get this deal wrapped up as soon as possible.

Leeds United look set to miss out on the signing of Club Brugge sensation Charles De Ketelaere this summer as he is thought to be on the brink of a move to Milan.

The Lowdown: De Ketelaere wanted by Leeds

Jesse Marsch continues to eye up summer reinforcements at Elland Road ahead of his first full season, having already acquired some impressive signatures, like Brenden Aaronson and Tyler Adams, among others.

Another player who Leeds have been linked with signing is De Ketelaere, who continues to mature into a formidable young player at Brugge, with Phil Hay reporting the Whites’ interest as ‘increasingly serious’.

The 21-year-old scored 14 goals and registered nine assists in the Belgian First Division A last season, providing huge amounts of end product from a mostly attacking midfield role.

The Latest: Whites ‘resigned’ to Milan move

According to Newspaper Libero, via MOT Leeds News, De Ketelaere was left out of Brugge’s squad to face Copenhagen in a pre-season friendly, in order to seal a move elsewhere.

Unfortunately, that destination doesn’t appear to be Elland Road, with Leeds ‘resigned’ to the fact that he will join reigning Serie A champions Milan.

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The Verdict: One that got away

This is an undoubted blow, given De Ketelaere’s obvious ability and long-term potential, but the size and prestige of Milan as a club are still too great to ignore for some players.

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Should the youngster head to Italy instead of England, the Whites must continue to look at midfield and attacking options, as Marsch aims to build a squad capable of pulling well clear of the Premier League relegation zone this time around.

Cody Gakpo and Adama Traore are said to be the club’s main alternatives to the Belgian, so it will be interesting to see if any news develops on that pair once Milan seal the deal.

Aston Villa have often struggled at the back despite having a seemingly solid selection of defenders to choose from.

Steven Gerrard acted quickly in the summer, swooping for Diego Carlos as soon as the window opened.

Perhaps he could dip into the market once more to create a formidable defence plucked from two big European clubs, as a statement of intent for the Birmingham club.

In the process, he could finally bin off Tyrone Mings, who has plagued the Villains with his stream of mistakes.

Pete O’Rourke had the following to say back at the start of July on a potential move for Alessio Romagnoli:

“I think Aston Villa are an attractive option to play for right now. You’ve seen the success they’ve had in luring Philippe Coutinho to the Premier League, obviously, they are among the biggest spenders now in the Premier League as well.

“The owners are backing Steven Gerrard in the transfer market with finances. Diego Carlos was also a big signing from Sevilla, so I think Aston Villa right now are an ambitious club seemingly going places. So, I’m sure that will be attractive to a lot of players, including Romagnoli.”

Last season, the 27-year-old captained AC Milan to their first Serie A title since 2010/11. Whilst he struggled with injury, he still managed an average SofaScore rating of 7.06. He is a leader, and far outperforms that of Mings’ 6.91 rating last term.

Likened to Lukas Klostermann and Ibrahima Konate on FBref, he has every chance of taking the Premier League by storm.

The £106k-per-week goliath boasted an 88.3% pass completion last season alongside making 1.9 tackles, 1.75 interceptions winning and 3.2 aerials per 90 last time out.

He is a defensive powerhouse with the capability to progress his team up the field, whereas Mings loses possession 10.3 times and made one mistake that led to a goal.

His teammate Fikayo Tomori labelled him one of “two great champions” in the Milan squad, and Gerrard should swoop to get this highly-rated powerhouse at Villa and replace Mings.

AND in other news: Gerrard can now axe “underwhelming” flop as Villa plot bid for “emphatic” £30m target

Liverpool centre-back Sepp van den Berg is ‘set to join’ Bournemouth on loan for the 2022/23 season, according to journalist Hannah Perkins.

The Lowdown: Van den Berg a promising talent

The 20-year-old joined the Reds from PEC Zwolle in 2019, coming in as a highly-rated teenager who could have a big future at Anfield.

Van den Berg has made four first-team appearances for Liverpool thus far, while he spent last season on loan at Preston, starting 43 matches in the Championship and averaging 3.2 clearances per game.

The Dutchman is currently back on Merseyside this summer but another loan move appears to be on the cards.

The Latest: Bournemouth move on the cards

Taking to Twitter, Perkins claimed that Van den Berg is closing in on a season-long switch to Bournemouth as Scott Parker’s side prepare for their return to the Premier League.

She tweeted:

“Sepp van den Berg is set to join #Bournemouth on a season-long loan from #Liverpool. The two clubs remain in talks but #AFCB in pole position to land the defender.”

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The Verdict: Perfect for defender’s development

This is an ideal move for Van den Berg, who will feel that he has a good chance of earning minutes at Bournemouth, even if he may not be a regular starter under Parker. He has been hailed as a ‘beast’ of a player by former team-mate Joe Rafferty and seems to have good potential.

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At Liverpool, the youngster has Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Joel Matip and Joe Gomez ahead of him in the centre-back reckoning, and barring the odd domestic cup game, it is hard to see where he would feature.

Another year away from the Reds is therefore the most beneficial option for Van den Berg’s development – at 20, he is still very young, and there is no rush regarding his trajectory into the first team at Anfield.

Newcastle United are reportedly now ‘ready’ to pay Maxwel Cornet’s release clause.

The Lowdown: Window heating up

The transfer window is certainly heating up at St. James’ Park, with just a few days to go until the start of the new Premier League season.

On top of their pursuit of Cornet, the Magpies have reportedly had a £40m bid rejected by Leicester City for attacking midfielder James Maddison, and so this promises to be an exciting next few weeks for the Toon Army.

The Latest: Cornet clause

Taking to Twitter, transfer insider Rudy Galetti has revealed that the North East club now want to ‘speed things up’ with Cornet, and are ‘ready’ to pay his release clause, thought to be around €20m (£17m):

“Newcastle want to speed up things for Maxwel Cornet and are ready to trigger the release clause set at around €20M.  

“NUFC’s aim is to beat the competition of the other EPL clubs for the Burnley left-winger.”

The Verdict: Get it done

Given the competition from a number of their top-flight rivals for Cornet’s signature, the Tynesiders need to get this deal done as soon as possible.

Dubbed ‘electric’ last term by The Athletic journalist Andy Jones, the winger shone in a relegated Burnley side with nine goals and one assist in the division (Transfermarkt).

He is capable of playing anywhere across the front line, and can even fill in at left-back if Eddie Howe really wants him to (Transfermarkt), making him a very attractive proposition for the former Clarets manager.

Manchester United will continue their push to sign Barcelona midfielder Frenkie De Jong, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Agreement ‘almost ready’

The Red Devils seem to have been working on a move for De Jong ever since Erik ten Hag was announced as manager in April.

United have made three signings over the summer, with the 25-year-old potentially becoming the fourth addition at Old Trafford.

Romano claimed last week that everything is ‘almost ready’ between United and Barcelona for the midfielder, but it looks as if personal terms are still the issue over a possible transfer.

The Latest: Romano’s comments

Talking to GiveMeSport, Romano said that nothing is advanced with De Jong currently, but the transfer expert stated that United will still ‘push’ for the Dutchman unless they are outright rejected by the player.

The Italian stated:

“At the moment there is nothing advanced for these players. I think they will insist on Frenkie de Jong until the end. They will try to push for Frenkie and then we will see what happens with a potential plan B in case Frenkie will say: ‘it’s definitely over’ and United will move on to other targets.”

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The Verdict: Never-ending saga

The saga with De Jong, who has been labelled a ‘genius’ by his manager Xavi, has been dragging on for months now, so surely United officials will have to call it a day soon and move on to alternative targets.

Ten Hag’s defensive and central midfield ranks are still yet to be bolstered this summer, and you could make an argument for that area being the position that United most need to enhance.

Attacking midfielder Christian Eriksen has been brought in, but a new holding or box-to-box addition could also be of use, so hopefully one arrives before September 1st, even if it isn’t De Jong.

West Ham United have pulled out of the race to sign Watford forward Emmanuel Dennis, according to talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook (via Hammers.News).

The Lowdown: Dennis links

Despite Gianluca Scamacca’s arrival at the London Stadium this summer, the Hammers have been linked with various other attackers as manager David Moyes reportedly eyes a second addition to his front-line.

Just two weeks ago, The Athletic reported West Ham’s interest in the 24-year-old Watford speedster. It was said that Dennis expects to leave the Hornets this summer and that he is available for a fee in the region of £20m, with the Championship club having agreed to allow his departure.

The Latest: Hammers pull out of the race

However, the Irons’ interest in the Nigeria international now seems to have dwindled.

According to Crook, Moyes’ side will look elsewhere for another forward before the window shuts.

In an interview with GiveMeSport, the talkSPORT journalist claimed (via Hammers.News):

“Now they’ve got Scamacca, I wonder if they’ve done some background checks on him because, from what I’m told, maybe he’s not necessarily the type of character that David Moyes wants to bring into the dressing room.”

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The Verdict: Could be solid cover

As per Watford’s reported £20m valuation of the player, West Ham could be signing an attacker who would provide strong competition for Michail Antonio and Scamacca – all for a relatively low transfer fee.

In 33 Premier League appearances last season, the Nigerian bagged ten goals and six assists, an impressive record for a striker playing in a relegation-stricken side.

Dubbed an ‘absolutely stunning player’ by journalist Josh Bunting for his contributions to Watford’s top-flight campaign last year, Dennis could have proven to be a terrific addition to Moyes’ squad, so this feels a strange decision unless GSB and Moyes know something about the player’s character we don’t.

Reports earlier this summer saw Glasgow Rangers linked with a move to bring one midfielder back to the club on loan, having previously been part of the youth setup at Ibrox.

The Premiership giants have since been handed a further boost in their quest to re-sign Billy Gilmour.

This follows reports that the playmaker is expected to secure a temporary move away from his current club in the coming weeks, having not been handed a shirt number at Chelsea.

The 5 foot 8 Scotland international – who has been tipped by compatriot Kenny McLean to become a future “superstar” – had only returned to west London after enduring a mixed loan stint at relegated Norwich City last season, where he made 24 top-flight appearances, registering just one assist.

Despite those recent setbacks over the past 12 months or so, prior to that the £28k-per-week gem had blossomed for both club and country, notably starring in his nation’s brief Euro 2020 voyage last summer, earning praise from serial-winning coach Jose Mourinho in the process.

A man of the match display against England at the tournament also drew comparisons to current Blues team-mate and midfield icon N’Golo Kante, having previously been described as looking like a “world-class player” by pundit Roy Keane after breaking into the Chelsea first-team in 2020.

For those of a Rangers persuasion, however, the most eye-catching comparison will have been to that of former Ibrox hero Paul Gascoigne, with Leeds United legend Johnny Giles insisting that the youngster’s ability to go past players and drive forward mirrors that of the England idol.

Gascoigne achieved cult status during his three-year stay in Glasgow, scoring 39 goals in 103 games and winning four major trophies, while also delighting supporters with his uniquely brilliant midfield displays.

Dubbed the “best player I’ve seen in my life” by former Lazio team-mate Luigi Corino, the charismatic Geordie maestro was an unpredictable, instinctive genius who simply had a rare natural gift, with team-mate Ally McCoist notably stating: “There is absolutely no doubt that Gascoigne has been one of the players to brighten up Scottish football in the last 30 or 40 years.”

The one-time Tottenham Hotspur man himself admitted that he “played some of the best football” of his career during his time in Scotland, having been revitalised after a difficult, injury-plagued spell in Italy.

Like Gascoigne, Gilmour is another talent who seemingly possesses that natural gift of being able to glide with the ball at his feet, while he too appears in need of a fresh start after a difficult last 12 months.

An Ibrox homecoming could well be an ideal solution, with sporting director Ross Wilson also potentially able to land the club’s next ‘Gazza’ in the process, if a deal can be struck.

Beren Cross has dropped an update on reported Leeds United transfer target Raphael Guerreiro.

What’s the latest?

In a recent Q&A on Leeds Live, the journalist suggested that, despite reports linking Victor Orta with a move for the Borussia Dortmund left-back this summer, he has not heard anything about the Whites’ interest in the 28-year-old.

Cross also stated his belief that nothing about the link appears to make sense, as it has been made abundantly clear that Junior Firpo will be Jesse Marsch’s first choice in the position this season, and it seems unlikely that the Portugal international would be willing to move to Elland Road simply to sit on the bench.

In response to a question concerning Leeds’ reported interest in the Dortmund defender, the journalist said: “I’ve not had any information on Guerreiro specifically, but nothing about that link makes sense.

“Firpo is their number one left-back, that’s been made abundantly clear to us, so a 28-year-old from Dortmund is not going to come in and sit on the bench or ask for backup wages. It just doesn’t tally with any of the business they’ve done this summer.”

“Amazing” prospective signing

Considering just how short Marsch currently is at left-back, in addition to Firpo having struggled with injuries and the pace of the Premier League in his debut campaign with the Whites last time out, the argument that Orta should make a move for Guerreiro in the coming weeks is an easy one to make.

Indeed, over his 24 league outings – only 19 of which came as starts – last season, the £10.8m-rated Firpo struggled to make any real impression on the left of Leeds’ backline. He averaged a disappointing SofaScore match rating of just 6.60, ranking him as the club’s seventh-worst performer in the top flight in 2021/22.

Furthermore, with the £42k-per-week defender missing a number of games last term due to injury, and having already been sidelined for the first two fixtures of the Whites’ 2022/23 campaign with a knock to his knee, it is clear to see that the former Barcelona player is not the most dependable option for Marsch to call upon.

As such, it would indeed appear a wise move for Orta to bring in backup at left-back prior to September’s transfer deadline, with Guerreiro very much looking to be something of a dream addition to Marsch’s squad.

Indeed, over his 23 Bundesliga appearances last season, the £22.5m-rated talent was in remarkable attacking form, scoring four goals, registering two assists and creating one big chance for his team-mates. He also made 1.2 key passes, took 1.4 shots and completed 1.1 dribbles per game.

The £57k-per-week defender also impressed in metrics more typical of his position, making 1.5 tackles, 1.1 interceptions, 0.6 clearances and 49.8 passes and winning 3.2 duels (at a success rate of 52%) per game.

These returns saw the player who Edin Terzic dubbed “amazing” average a SofaScore match rating of 6.91. If he had achieved that at Leeds last season, it would have ranked him as the club’s fourth-best performer in the Premier League.

As such, it is clear to see that the €25m-valued (£21m) left-back would very much be an amazing signing for Orta to get over the line this summer. Guerreiro would not only provide Marsch with much-needed depth, he would also appear a serious contender to become the Whites’ first choice on the left-hand side of their defence this season.

Tottenham Hotspur officials have been sent to San Lorenzo recently as the club and by extension director Fabio Paratici keep tabs on starlet Agustin Giay.

The Lowdown: Spurs preparing…

Spurs are fully preparing for life both under manager Antonio Conte and potentially even after the Italian departs by refreshing their squad with young and exciting talent.

The north Londoners have sealed a plethora of senior signings for Conte’s first full Premier League season in charge, brining in the likes Ivan Perisic, Fraser Forster, Yves Bissouma, Richarlison and Clement Lenglet.

However, they also haven’t abandoned their philosophy of bringing in young players with vast potential – as backed by their decision to bring in both Djed Spence from Middlesbrough and Destiny Udogie from Udinese.

The latter two, given their young ages and inexperience at the very top level, could be seen as signings for the future.

According to the latest out of South America, though, Paratici is seemingly keeping his eye on further talent.

The Latest: Tottenham officials sent to watch Giay…

Indeed, as per radio broadcaster El Método San Lorenzo, Spurs are keeping tabs on San Lorenzo starlet Giay alongside Man City.

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It is believed that officials from both the City Group and Lilywhites travelled to Argentina earlier this week, running the rule over Lorenzo’s exciting 18-year-old.

Emissaries were apparently in attendance to watch Giay as San Lorenzo beat Platense 2-0 on Tuesday.

The Verdict: One to watch?

The teenager, already captaining Argentina’s Under-20s side, is starting to amass quite a reputation across the Atlantic.

Journalist Gaspar Valderrama, for example, has waxed lyrical over the winger – calling him an ‘infallible’ member of San Lorenzo’s squad and ‘tractor’ on the flank (Twitter).

If Spurs take their interest further, this could well be one to watch.