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West Ham have been linked with a move for Ukrainian striker Roman Yaremchuk this summer and his signing could help to unleash Andriy Yarmolenko in David Moyes’ side next season.

What’s the word?

It was reported by EuroSport earlier in the summer that West Ham were seriously considering an offer for the Gent forward after his impressive performances at Euro 2020.

The 25-year-old scored twice and registered one assist for Andriy Shevchenko’s side as they reached the quarter-finals of the competition before a 4-0 thrashing at the hands of England.

It was also an impressive season for Yaremchuk at club level, as he hit 23 goals in all competitions for Gent, including 20 strikes in the Jupiler Pro League in just 34 appearances.

He was in top form at the Euros, being described as “phenomenal” by reporter, Zach Lowy.

Could Yaremchuk unleash Yarmolenko?

Yarmolenko was another key player for Ukraine at the European Championships this summer, scoring two goals and assisting twice in five appearances, which may have left many West Ham fans wondering why he isn’t able to produce those sorts of performances on a more regular basis in the Premier League.

Since signing from Borussia Dortmund in 2018, the winger has managed just ten goals and six assists in 54 appearances for the Hammers, whilst he managed no goals in 15 top-flight appearances last season.

The 31-year-old’s contract at the London Stadium is set to expire at the end of next season, so it would not be a surprise to see him sold this summer. However, the potential arrival of Yaremchuk could give him a new lease of life with the west London club.

The two worked well together effectively at the European Championships and could form an excellent partnership in Moyes’ side next season if he is given more opportunities to start in the Premier League.

Yarmolenko is clearly appreciated by those at West Ham, with Moyes singing his praises earlier in the summer, saying:

“Andriy Yarmolenko is a footballer with terrific technical ability and a mentality that allows him to thrive on such a grand stage.”

Therefore, if one of his international teammates is brought in, perhaps we will start to see the Yarmolenko who turns up for Ukraine, rather than the one who rarely seems to turn up for West Ham.

And, in other news… West Ham dealt transfer blow with £22.5m-rated “top player”, Moyes surely gutted

Transfer columns were filled with Leeds UNnited links to Rodrigo De Paul last summer after the Argentine reportedly agreed personal terms, and despite no deal happening former midfielder David Norris believes the player is still interested in moving to Elland Road.

De Paul enjoyed yet another stand out season with Udinese and it has not gone unnoticed as Liverpool are now interested in bringing the midfielder to the Premier League.

However, the possibility of working with fellow countryman Marcelo Bielsa will stand Leeds in a good place to materialise a move for their much sought-after transfer target, and De Paul could be the missing piece to the jigsaw that Bielsa needs to push Leeds into Europe next season.

Already, De Paul has been linked with a move to Elland Road this summer and that suggests both parties are still very much interested in each other, something Norris confirmed exclusively to Football FanCast:

“I think Leeds are still interested and he’s still interested in Leeds and it’s been ongoing for a long time now and I don’t think anything has changed so I think there’s definitely something there.

“I don’t know if there’s an overvaluation in the player that is holding it up and it might be that if Leeds want him then they’re going to have to suck it up and pay Udinese want.”

Leeds won’t be afraid to splash the cash this summer considering they spent £95 million last summer, and now that they appear comfortable in the Premier League after just one season, Bielsa may have an even larger transfer budget this time around.

De Paul would bring something Leeds don’t have – and that’s creativity in the middle of the pitch. Kalvin Phillips does a great job of transitioning the play from defence to attack, but then it seems to always go predictably out wide, with De Paul able to offer them another dimension and way of playing.

Marcus Bent has exclusively told Football FanCast that Ross Barkley should snap up the chance to return to Everton should the opportunity present itself this summer.

The England midfielder, who’s currently on loan at Aston Villa, left Goodison Park for Chelsea back in 2017, but has never been seen as a key player during his time in the capital.

He was favoured by Maurizio Sarri, but then restricted to a bit-part role under Frank Lampard, with a move to Villa Park used as a chance to help the midfielder rediscover his best form.

But besides an impressive run, which included goals against Liverpool and Leicester during the early stages of his loan spell, Barkley has found himself out of Dean Smith’s team.

Barkley will return to Chelsea this summer in a bid to try and impress Thomas Tuchel, but his Stamford Bridge career would appear to be hanging in the balance.

And former Everton striker Bent told Football FanCast that the 27-year-old could make a huge difference to the Toffees squad:

“Ross Barkley, for me, when he came through, and still is, an absolute talent, the problem being is that he hasn’t stabilised a spot at any team.

“If he were to go back to Everton, and I’ve spoken to Everton and they’re lacking that in midfield. He’s got skill on the ball, he’s like a Stevie G.

“He went to Chelsea at a young age and hasn’t done it, so going back to Everton, this is a chance to go home and get at a club that he knows well. The fans love him.”

Leeds United splashed the cash last summer and look set to do so once again as they look to improve on this season’s top half finish, and someone like Matheus Cunha would have to start at Elland Road if they could afford to attract the Brazillian, according to former Whites striker Brian Deane.

Cunha was part of the Hertha Berlin side that were almost relegated from the Bundesliga before a late revival saw them lose just once in their last nine games, albeit it was a meaningless final game of the season against Hoffenheim.

The Brazillian can play as either a winger or a striker but injuries have hampered him this season, however he’s still managed to return seven goals and six assists in 27 games for Hertha and despite this, he’s being linked with a £40 million move away.

With Marcelo Bielsa set to extend his stay with Leeds beyond this summer, signing someone like Cunha for such a large fee could be on the cards but Deane believes that he would have to start most games for Leeds to be worth that much money, as he explained exclusively to Football FanCast:

“Yeah, he would have to start because you don’t bring in a player for that kind of money and not expect to play him but you look at Rodrigo and he hasn’t really pulled up any trees, from a goal-scoring point of view.

“It’s always going to be difficult coming in, but I think there’s enough at Leeds to help support somebody new arriving at the club, as long as they are the right type of character as well.”

Cunha was only signed in January 2020 from RB Leipzig for a fee of around £16 million and during the second half of the season his five goals in 11 games helped Hertha put together a late, but unsuccessful push for the Europa League.

Leeds are certainly well stocked in attack with Raphinha, Patrick Bamford, Rodrigo and Jack Harrison all likely to be at the club next season, so another wide player may not be at the top of the club’s priority list.

Adama Traore can often look like one of Barcelona’s biggest mistakes but, other times, he looks like Wolves have found nothing more than an average player.

However, Wolves legend Steve Bull believes that he can be a world-beater on his day.

Traore’s best season in the Premier League was during the 2019/20 campaign, returning four goals and nine assists as Wolves finished 7th in the top flight. Those numbers saw him linked with a huge money move to Liverpool last summer.

But outside of that season, he has managed just three goals and five assists across four separate Premier League seasons, which highlights how frustrating a player Traore can be to watch, as he can turn a match on its head or could easily cost you multiple great opportunities.

There is no doubting that Traore has great talent and ability when he gets going at Molineux and despite those days being few and far between now, Bull still labels him as a world-beater and he made the bold statement exclusively to Football FanCast:

“He’s a talented player but he is also a frustrating player to watch because when he turns it on, he is a world-beater. He’s a world-beater more than the times he spends on the floor.” 

Traore has been linked with a move away from Molineux as the Wolves hierarchy find ways to raise funds for new manager Bruno Lage. Should he stay, though, you would expect Lage to utilise his talents.

Wolves boast an illustrious rank of wingers at the club with Traore, Pedro Neto, Daniel Podence and Morgan Gibbs-White, who can also play on one of the flanks.

Celtic look set to lose striker Odsonne Edouard this summer, with Leicester City thought to be closing in on the French forward.

The Lowdown: Edouard wants out

Reports last month suggested that the 23-year-old, who will have 12 months remaining on his deal in the summer, has his sights set on a Parkhead exit and won’t change his mind in regards to a new Hoops boss.

The Foxes are thought to be confident of landing Edouard this summer, beating Liverpool and West Ham in the race for his services.

Celtic reportedly want to receive around £20m for the striker, and just how much the Hoops will need to hand over to Paris Saint-Germain has now been revealed.

The Latest: Sell-on clause update

Reports over the last 12 months have suggested Celtic would need to give 40% or 50% of any deal to the French giants after they signed Edouard for over £9m in 2018.

However, according to the Daily Record, Parkhead chiefs need to give PSG 50% of any profit they make on the striker.

So, should a £20m deal go through for Edouard, Celtic would need to give PSG half of the £11m profit – £5.5m.

The Verdict: Bittersweet news for McKay

In our opinion, this isn’t the worst news for new Celtic CEO Dominic McKay.

It would’ve been better if it was 40% on any profit, but at least it isn’t a percentage on the whole fee. If it was, Celtic could have had to write a cheque for £10m to PSG, and that would put a huge dent in the kitty McKay and a new Director of Football would have to rebuild the squad.

Edouard’s representatives believed that an £8-10m exit from Celtic Park was achievable just last month, so really, if the Hoops can bank £14.5m after the sell-on clause, that could turn out to be great news given the circumstances.

In other news: Intriguing Patryk Klimala update emerges, find out more here. 

Many Wolves fans have been left to slam a managerial update as The Sun have reported that Jorge Mendes wants to get Nuno Espirito Santo to Tottenham.

As per the news outlet, Mendes, who is Nuno’s agent, has made contact with Spurs over a potential switch in the summer.

The super-agent is also believed to be working on bringing Bruno Lage to replace Nuno at the Midlands club should he move over to London.

While Lage is currently available having been out of the job since leaving Benfica last summer, several members of the Molineux faithful do not seem to be inspired about his potential appointment, and while they have endured a disappointing season so far, there is some confidence that Nuno can still turn it around in the next campaign given the return of Raul Jimenez and a good transfer window.

Wolves fans on managerial update

These WWFC supporters slammed the managerial update after it was shared on Twitter (via Talking Wolves):

“Bruno Lage is the last manager we should be looking at..”

Credit: @PaulBeest

“Just take Lage to Spurs! Simple as that”

Credit: @lauwolf79

“Bruno Lage will never get us anywhere”

Credit: @fowls21wwfc

“I am confident that Lage would be an absolute disaster appointment. Has a very underwhelming CV with limited experience. Started out well at Benfica before delivering their worst set of results in over 20 years. I would rather keep Nuno if this is the best they can come up with.”

Credit: @Kcb92

“Lol”

Credit: @DaveRos63040177

“I beg this isn’t true but then again it’s the Sun”

Credit: @Harley_V12

In other news, find out what transfer update has been lauded by Wanderers here!

West Bromwich Albion host their arch-rivals in what could be a pivotal Black Country derby later this evening.

It is a must-win game for Sam Allardyce’s men as they sit 11 points adrift of safety with only five games left to play, so a defeat would all but confirm their relegation back to the Championship.

The 66-year-old, who is yet to have such a dismal feat on his CV, will have to get his team selection spot on and they will be buoyed by the fact that they defeated Wolves when the two teams last met.

After turning a corner defensively since the January transfer window slammed shut, the Baggies have looked awfully susceptible at the back once again, leaking five goals in their last two outings.

The right-side of Big Sam’s back four looked particularly weak in both matches, so the Albion boss must consider a change there with Darnell Furlong surely facing the axe.

The 25-year-old has been inconsistent throughout the campaign, grading as their ninth-best player (6.65) as per WhoScored ratings but in these last two games, he has performed below that mean, picking up a disastrous 6.06 against Leicester City and a 6.61 last time out against Villa.

Against the Foxes, he was particularly wasteful in possession, losing the ball a whopping 25 times – comfortably the most on the pitch – and making only 36% of his 25 passes, as per SofaScore.

This was then repeated at Villa Park, where the former QPR star made just eight passes throughout 90 minutes on the pitch. That’s just one every 11 minutes.

BirminghamLive’s Joseph Chapman claimed that he struggled with the threat on offer by Anwar El Ghazi, and that could happen again with the likes of Adama Traore and Daniel Podence at Nuno Santo’s disposal.

The Baggies cannot afford to keep leaking goals when there is so much ground to cover in so little time. Perhaps it would be a wiser decision to opt for the more defensively sound Dara O’Shea, who is versatile enough to play through the middle and on the right.

Ex-Albion boss Slaven Bilic, who handed the young Irishman his debut, heaped praise on him, once claiming: “Dara is the future, and he can be present. Dara is one of the reasons why when I came to the club we didn’t sign another defender,” via BirminghamLive.

Furlong is currently holding West Brom back, so Big Sam must look to show no mercy and axe the £9m-rated right-back this evening.

AND in other news, “I’ve heard”: Pundit drops West Brom managerial claim, Dowling will surely be buzzing…

Watford have been handed a huge boost in their bid to bring Lewis Ferguson to Vicarage Road this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by the Daily Record, who claim that the 21-year-old has stunned Aberdeen by handing in a transfer request shortly after the club rejected a Watford bid for Ferguson – something which the midfielder’s agent Bill McMurdo claimed was disappointing.

McMurdo said: “I can confirm that Lewis has handed in a written transfer request to Aberdeen. When he signed the extension to his contract, he made it clear that he saw his future in the English Premier League.

“An English Premier League club has now made an offer, which has been rejected, but the club involved haven’t been given an asking price, which is disappointing.”

Xisco will be buzzing

The news that Ferguson has informed Aberdeen of his desire to move to Watford is something that will have left Cristiano Giartetta delighted, as the transfer request very much forces the Scottish Premiership side’s hand in moving the player on this summer.

Indeed, the development is also sure to have Xisco Munoz buzzing, as the Scotland U21 international would very much appear to be a fine addition to the Spaniard’s midfield ahead of their Premier League campaign next season.

Over the £2.7m-rated central midfielder’s 35 league appearances for Stephen Glass’ side this term, he scored nine goals, provided two assists and created three big chances, as well as making an average of 1.2 interceptions, 1.8 tackles and 0.9 key passes per game, culminating in an average SofaScore match rating of 7.19 – ranking him as the club’s best performer in the Scottish top flight.

However, at present, Aberdeen appear to be firmly against the idea of letting Ferguson leave Pittodrie this summer, with the club issuing a statement suggesting that Watford’s original offer for the 21-year-old was “insulting,” before going on to claim that the £3k-per-week man remains an “integral part of Stephen Glass’s squad.”

Although, as is typically the case when players demand a transfer, a move to Watford would now appear imminent for the midfielder whom Derek McInnes dubbed “outstanding,” with it simply being a matter of Giaretta negotiating a reasonable price with Aberdeen in order to get the deal over the line.

In other news: Giaretta must sanction Watford swoop for 21 y/o likened to Son with “ancient flavour” – opinion

Celtic’s pursuit of Eddie Howe has seemed to have taken a hit in recent days.

Reports had suggested that a deal for the former Bournemouth boss would be announced this week, however, that hasn’t come to fruition.

Howe’s representative moved to play down an imminent move to Parkhead on Wednesday, revealing the 43-year-old has no plans to return to the dugout until the summer.

Nixon replies to Howe-related tweet

Well-known reporter Alan Nixon, who writes for The Sun, has now responded to a question on Twitter, where he was asked what has changed for Howe and a move to Glasgow.

Nixon replied:

“A lot of panic over an anonymous quote… if he’s playing games to get his own men in that’s a risk… if he’s a bottler you’re better off finding that out now.”

Transfer Tavern take

Nixon’s comment ‘playing games to get his own men in’ is likely related to Richard Hughes.

Celtic want to bring in a director of football ahead of the summer, and it seems as if Howe wants to take Hughes (Daily Record) from Bournemouth.

Whether or not that is a deal-breaker remains to be seen, but it appears as if both the Hoops and Howe are reluctant to rush negotiations.

To us, that is the right decision, based on the fact Neil Lennon was offered the permanent Parkhead job in the shower back in 2019.

A more professional approach is underway this time around, which, in the long run, should be beneficial.

In other news: Celtic could release one experienced player this summer, find out who it is here.