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Newcastle United are reportedly eyeing up a move to sign Piero Hincapie in the summer transfer window.

The Lowdown: Newcastle after centre-back

The St. James’ Park faithful are clearly after a new central defender for the new 2021/22 season, having been linked to the likes of William Saliba from Arsenal and Kristoffer Ajer from Celtic.

The North east club conceded no fewer than 62 goals in the Premier League last term, and will certainly need to improve on that defensive record if they have any ambitions of climbing up the table.

The Latest: Hincapie eyed

As per Diario de Sevilla, the Tyneside club, as well as Atletico Madrid and Real Betis, are interested in signing Hincapie, who currently plays in the Argentinian top flight with CA Talleres.

He has a contract there until 2025, but Hincapie may well be persuaded by a move to a top league in Europe, and likewise Talleres may be willing to sell if a good offer comes in for him.

The Verdict: One for the future

Given that the likes of Atletico Madrid, recent La Liga winners and an established UEFA Champions League side, are interested in Hincapie, he clearly has a lot of potential.

He has been playing men’s football since 2019, despite being just 19 years of age (Transfermarkt), and at six-foot tall, may still have room to grow.

Currently starring in the Copa America with Ecuador, Hincapie is winning no fewer than 8.7 of his duels per game in the tournament, and is also averaging 2.3 tackles, 1.7 clearances and 1.3 interceptions, not to mention 1.7 successful dribbles per match (Sofascore), which is very impressive for a central defender.

Nonetheless, the Magpies would do well to prize him away out of the hands of the likes of Atletico.

In other news, find out what enticing claim has been made on one NUFC-linked manager here!

Christian Falk has dropped an update on the transfer situation of Liverpool reported summer target, Kingsley Coman.

What’s been said?

According to the SportBild journalist, Bayern Munich have informed Jurgen Klopp’s side that it will require a fee of €90m (£77m) in order to get a deal over the line for the 25-year-old this summer, before adding that the winger himself does not believe that a switch to Anfield is likely to happen any time soon.

In a post on Twitter, Falk said: “Message from Munich to Liverpool and United: Bayern want a transfer fee of minimum €90m for Kingsley Coman. Also, the player thinks this is unrealistic for this summer.”

Fans will be gutted

Considering just how impressive Coman has been for Bayern Munich in recent seasons, both the fact that the Bundesliga side are demanding such a large fee for the French international and the claim that Coman does not appear confident of a move to Liverpool this summer is sure to have left the Anfield faithful gutted.

Indeed, the £58.5m-rated winger was in particularly fine form over his 29 league appearances for Hansi Flick’s side last season, scoring five goals, registering 10 assists and creating a whopping 11 big chances for his teammates, as well as making an average of 1.6 key passes and taking 1.8 shots at goal per game.

These metrics saw the 25-year-old earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 7.11, ranking him as Bayern’s ninth-best performer in the top flight of German football.

The £141k-per-week man also impressed over his two appearances for France at Euro 2020, earning a SofaScore match rating of 6.8 in the 2-2 draw with Portugal and a 7.0 match rating in his side’s dramatic round of 16 exit against Switzerland.

As such, with Klopp hoping to build a team in the summer transfer window that is capable of going on to once again mount a title challenge next season, the addition of Coman would undoubtedly have been a huge step in the right direction for the German coach.

However, if Falk is to be believed, Klopp may well have to turn his attention elsewhere in the summer market, as a deal for the man Thomas Muller dubbed an “extraordinary” player appears to be unlikely at present.

In other news: Liverpool make an official offer for 26-year-old, Jurgen Klopp would love to have him

West Ham are continuing to hold talks with Vladimir Coufal’s representatives over a new contract with the club, according to Sky Sports’ Dharmesh Sheth. 

But the reporter has revealed that Coufal’s representatives are disappointed with what’s being offered by the Hammers, with his current deal expected to expire in the summer of 2023.

Coufal signed for West Ham back in 2020, and has gone on to make 36 appearances in total for the London-based side, catching the eye with some strong performances in the 2020/21 season and chipping with seven assists in his first season in English football.

West Ham boss David Moyes labelled Coufal as ‘brilliant’ for his performance against Leicester City during the 2020/21 season.

The full-back is currently on international duty with Czech Republic, who are set to take on Denmark for a place in the semi-finals of the European Championships.

Moyes’ side finished sixth in the Premier League table last term, and will be hoping they can go from strength to strength heading into new campaign, which is set to get underway in August, but the uncertainty around key players like Coufal and Declan Rice will not help.

Plenty of West Ham supporters took to social media to voice their frustrations on this update on the club’s efforts to tie Coufal down to a new contract.

Take a look at the best of the reaction from Twitter below, where one supporter labelled the owners as ‘disgraceful’…

“Does this club ever learn? The people who run us are a joke.”

Credit: @TalkinWestHam

“Lord help me.”

Credit: @Joshua_Mbu

“Why am I not surprised.”

Credit: @Champion_fit

“That is insane. They should try everything to keep him.”

Credit: @whulucas_

“First Rice and now Coufal just pay them what they want.”

Credit: @sam_doublal

“Hope people stop blaming Moyes for lack of transfers now, need to remember the disgraceful owners we have are the problem.”

Credit: @WestHam_Xtra

A number of Liverpool supporters are delighted with the news that exciting Reds youngster Harvey Elliott has signed a new deal at Anfield.

The 18-year-old is one of the most gifted young players at the club, with a very bright future predicted for him by many, including former team-mate Elliott Bennett, who dubbed him a “special special player” back in January.

Elliott spent last season on loan at Championship side Blackburn Rovers and caught the eye at Ewood Park, scoring seven goals and registering 11 assists in the league.

[freshpress-quiz id=“359326”]

The teenage forward is now back at Liverpool and hoping to impress in pre-season and it may be that he is considered a genuine squad option by Jurgen Klopp in 2021/22 – he has already played in nine senior games for the Reds.

On Friday, he put pen to paper on a new deal at Anfield, signing a long-term contract which outlines how highly he is regarded at the Merseyside club.

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Liverpool fans react to new Elliott deal

These Liverpool fans took to Twitter to express their delight at the news.

“He’s going to the very top”

Credit: @DarrenDunbar05

“Good news this”

Credit: @AS93_LFC

“Good vibes”

Credit: @KwekuDankyi

“The best signing Liverpool could’ve made this season”

Credit: @ZenithFTBL

“Immense talent! Very happy with this”

Credit: @LfcUday

“Wow so amazing”

Credit: @adakabre_kuuku

In other news, some Liverpool fans have been reacting to an exit rumour regarding one Reds player. Find out who it is here.

Aston Villa have been backed to sign Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe by Football Insider pundit Paddy Kenny.

And plenty of Villa supporters have been giving their thoughts on a possible move on social media.

According to Football Insider, Villa have been handed a huge boost in their attempts to sign the 23-year-old.

Talks between the two clubs have taken place, with United willing to listen to offers for Tuanzebe, should they land a replacement this summer.

Kenny was talking to Football Insider following the update and believes Dean Smith’s side has the ‘edge’ following the defender’s Villa Park loan stint, describing it as ‘brilliant news’.

Tuanzebe helped Villa return to the Premier League back in the 2018/19 campaign, making 35 appearances in the Midlands.

Villa fans react

Birmingham Live relayed Kenny’s comments in a story and shared that on Twitter, asking fans if Villa should do a deal.

This is what these Villa fans had to say in reply, with many excited at the possibility of a deal.

“Would love this signing, strengthens the squad depth which we lacked a little last season, would be yet another player who can push others for a first team spot and get even better.”Credit: @jenko2nd”Definitely was a good player for us and will only get better”Credit: @mattys666″1000% get him back in… Top young talent. Would push Mings and Konsa + would be an incredible insurance policy. We could even go 5 at the back and allow Targett/Cash to bomb forward — gives us formational flexibility if Deano’s ever feeling brave. Like Hause but Tuanzebe >>”Credit: @ror_rjp”I’d have gone back in a heartbeat, young so fits the DS model. Would he get in above Konsa or Mings?? Definitely an upgrade on Engels but expect would be £10m+ for a squad player.”Credit: @LeeWalks77″Yes definitely a good addition to the squad better than Hause”Credit: @KevGeo2011″This feels like something that will happen as soon as United sign a CB (Varane).”Credit: @LordMillman29

In other news: Emile Smith Rowe update emerges, Villa’s patience could be about to pay off, find out more here. 

Lots of Everton fans have been left to gush over an update involving Niels Nkounkou.

Writing in his latest piece for The Athletic, Patrick Boyland has shared that the left-back is set to called up to the France Olympics squad after some of the players in their original selection have suffered injuries.

The French are set to play Japan, South Africa and Mexico in Group A of the tournament, and Nkounkou could well play a part.

It will be a great experience for the 20-year-old, who is currently behind Lucas Digne in the pecking order at Goodison Park, and if he impresses Rafa Benitez, then the Spaniard may be inclined to give him some runouts in the first team ahead in the new 2021/22 season.

Nonetheless, Nkounkou will be hoping that he can play a part in trying to win the Gold Medal for his country in Tokyo.

Everton fans on Nkounkou update

These Merseyside club supporters buzzed as the update was shared on Twitter:

“Boss news”

Credit: @S34nR

“Big positive this, will help in his development”

Credit: @efc_alex18

“Great news”

Credit: @NeilA1878

“Go on lad”

Credit: @_EFCCarlos_

“Should be good for him that”

Credit: @EFCal97

“Good step for him going to the Olympics”

Credit: @richythepigeon

In other news, find out what Toffees update has Blues buzzing here!

Leeds United are set to face stiff competition for the signature of Valerenga goalkeeper Kristoffer Klaesson this summer.

What’s the story?

According to The Mirror, the 20-year-old is also wanted by a fellow Premier League side and La Liga outfit, although neither club was actually named in the report.

Marcelo Bielsa needs him

The Whites are in the market for a new shot-stopper after former number two Kiko Casilla joined Elche on loan earlier in the window, so bringing in someone to provide cover and competition for Illan Meslier is necessary.

Klaesson has been on Victor Orta’s radar since he made his first team debut at Valerenga nearly two years ago.

The youngster’s impressive performances helped the Oslo club to finish third last year in Norway’s Tippeligaen last season, and he was recently rewarded for his standout displays with a call-up into the senior international setup for the first time.

His continued good form has seen speculation over Klaesson’s future grow, but the 6 ft 2 beast appears to be relaxed about all the talk over his potential next move.

He told Norway’s Nettavisen: “To be honest with you, I have not heard anything about interested clubs. I have one-and-a-half years left on my contract with Valerenga, and I am committed to that.

“I have not given any signals that I want to leave, so I am doing well at Valerenga. There are a lot of enquiries of different levels of seriousness, so then my agent filters out what is nonsense. I, therefore, only look at what he informs me about, of specific offers.”

Whether Leeds make a concrete offer for Klaesson remains to be seen, but Bielsa certainly needs to sign another goalkeeper before the new season starts following Casilla’s departure.

The Scandinavian has already made 55 appearances for his boyhood club, keeping a respectable 13 clean sheets despite his tender years, highlighting his potential.

Adding another promising, highly-rated young keeper to Leeds’ ranks would be an exciting prospect for the West Yorkshire outfit, although it seems as though Bielsa may have to move quickly in order to secure his man as interest in him mounts.

In other news…Leeds must act swiftly to land £13.5m-rated magician, he’d be an upgrade on Klich 

Sheffield United right-back George Baldock is now Celtic’s top target, according to Scott Burns of The Daily Record.

The Lowdown: Baldock links

A number of Celtic officials will know plenty about Baldock. He was linked with a move to Parkhead back in 2019 when Neil Lennon was in charge.

Lennon spoke with Baldock, who was keen on a Celtic Park switch, however, he remained with the Blades.

The £10,000-a-week full-back has been linked with a move to Scotland again this summer, with Ange Postecoglou giving the green light to a transfer.

The Hoops boss has watched footage of the 28-year-old, likened to George Best by BBC pundit Garth Crooks back in 2019, and it seems as if he is now the club’s main target.

The Latest: Burns’ claim

Burns shared a story on the Hoops after their move for centre-back Carl Starfelt was announced on Wednesday evening.

The Daily Record reporter suggested that Postecoglou has now made a right-back his top priority and Baldock is at the top of the list when it comes to right-back targets.

It remains to be seen if Sheffield United will entertain any move, however, the defender has less than 12 months left on his Bramall Lane deal.

The Verdict: Needed ASAP

A new right-back is needed as soon as possible, to put it lightly. Postecoglou has just Anthony Ralston and Lee O’Connor as options in that area at the moment, with the latter yet to feature for the Hoops in any competition.

Jeremie Frimpong and Hatem Elhamed left earlier this year, and along with the money the Hoops received for Kristoffer Ajer, you’d expect there would be funds for a new right-back.

The Blades could make it difficult, but if Postecoglou wants Baldock, the Hoops must make their move over the coming days.

In other news: Sources share Odsonne Edouard latest, find out more here. 

Flocking to Twitter, many West Ham United fans are buzzing after Sky Sports dropped claim involving Liverpool defender Nathaniel Phillips.

Irons boss David Moyes is on the look out for centre-halves this summer as after the departure of Fabian Balbuena on a free transfer, with reports suggesting that is one of his main priorities.

West Ham face a difficult 2021/2022 season as they gear up to take part in the Europa League group stages and the club need to strengthen in key areas.

Sky Sports, dropping a claim on live TV (via Football Daily), now say that West Ham are one of the teams interested in signing Phillips this summer alongside Brighton, Burnley and Newcastle United.

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In reaction to this news, many Hammers fans have been left overjoyed in social media and believe he could be a brilliant signing.

According to WhoScored, out of Liverpool’s entire squad, Phillips averaged the most clearances per 90 (4.8) and won the most aerial duels (5.6) – leaving little wonder why some of these supporters believe he could be ‘perfect’.

Find all of their best verdicts, in reply to Westham_hub and West Ham Transfers, down below.

West Ham fans buzz over Phillips claim

“Yes! Perfect cb for us”

Credit: @Irons_Stuff

“Imagine”

Credit: @joe_matt6_13

“Happily take him here. Was solid against us, and nearly every time I’ve watched him.”

Credit: @Lawrenceee_B

“Yes please”

Credit: @whu_cal

“He’s perfect for us, hope we get it done”

Credit: @RobWaldon

“YESSSS SUIIIIIIII”

Credit: @USAWestHamUSA

“Now I like this”

Credit: @TalkinWestHam

“I really like this signing if I’m honest”

Credit: @DNXN90

In other news: ‘What a day’, ‘On my knees’…ExWHUemployee’s news has some West Ham fans talking, find out more here.

The Birmingham Mail’s Ashley Preece has dropped a major claim on Jack Grealish’s future at Aston Villa amid speculation linking him with a move to Manchester City.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent days and weeks have suggested that Pep Guardiola’s side are preparing a big-money bid for the Villa captain as they look to lure him away from Villa Park this summer.

However, Preece has now delivered an update on the situation, and it’s good news for Villa supporters.

Replying to a fan on Twitter, he said: “What will be will be, Jack. I expect Grealish to stay. I’ve got a good feeling about that. I’m sure that Jack doesn’t know himself about staying or leaving. He still needs to sit down with Villa; City yet to come on strong. That’s all there is to it, as it stands.”

Fans will be buzzing

If Villa stand firm on their intentions to keep Grealish, then they can rest assured that the England star won’t start sulking – according to The Express and Star’s Luke Hatfield.

Speaking to FFC, he said: “I don’t think Grealish would go and out throw his toys out of the pram and refuse to play for Villa, put it that way. We’ve seen that with some protracted transfers before where the player’s on a lengthy deal and he ends up saying ‘well, I’m not going to play for you then, I’ll just sit here and run out the contract’, and it gets very awkward.

“The issue is with Grealish, he’s club captain, he’s a Villa fan, a boyhood Villan, I don’t think he would ever put the club in that kind of position.

“I think there’s probably an agreement to be had there between the player and the club where if the player feels that a move is right, that the club would agree as long as the money was right as well.”

Make no mistake about it, Grealish staying at Villa Park this summer would be the biggest and best piece of business Dean Smith’s side could do, regardless of any new high-profile signings.

And it’s exactly why Preece’s optimistic claim that he expects Grealish to stay will be music to the ears of Villa fans everywhere.

Meanwhile, Villa have opened talks with this star…