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David Moyes can land his eventual Angelo Ogbonna heir with a move for West Ham United to sign Watford defender Francisco Sierralta this summer.

What’s the word?

According to Enzo Olivera, via Last Word on Sport, the Irons are interested in a swoop for Sierralta but could face Premier League competition for his signature.

The Hornets are reluctant to lose the 23-year-old after he emerged as a key part of Xisco’s defence, which has allowed the least goals in the Championship this term.

No side has conceded less often in the second-tier than Watford in 2020/21, with the Hornets allowing just 26 goals in 38 games as they vie for an immediate return to the Premier League.

Sierralta has significantly contributed to that record with Watford keeping 10 clean sheets during his 19 appearances, of which the defender has started 17.

The Chilean entered the campaign as Watford’s sixth-choice centre-half and played only three minutes in the club’s first 19 league games, before launching an incredible rise following an injury for William Troost-Ekong and bruised knee for Christian Kabasele.

West Ham could face rival competition for Sierralta with Crystal Palace also touted as a potential destination, after Enzo Olivera recently claimed that London outfits represented two of the four clubs who are closely following the £7,300-per-week enforcer’s situation.

Sierralta joined Watford from Serie A side Udinese Calcio on a three-year contract last September, and would certainly cost more than his £500,000 Transfermarkt valuation if any side wishes to lure him away from Vicarage Road.

Should West Ham sign Sierralta?

It remains to be seen how highly Watford would value Sierralta and what impact a return to the Premier League would have on the Hornet’s position, but the Chilean’s incredible turn of form to establish himself as a regular for Xisco is right to attract West Ham’s interest.

Sierralta has been dominating second-tier offences since his breakthrough at Vicarage Road in December, with EFL pundit Dean Ashton heaping praise on the 23-year-old after dwarfing Birmingham City last Saturday.

“Sierralta was absolutely outstanding today, and he has been outstanding ever since he walked through the door” Ashton said on EFL on Quest. “Seventeen starts for him now and Watford have only conceded ten goals!

“And today, up against [Lukas] Jutkiewicz, he won every duel, every header, most clearances. [It was a] dominating performance against a top forward.”

Sierralta won five out of five aerial duels and his sole ground challenge against Birmingham prior to the international break, while Jutkiewicz lost four of nine combined duels and fellow forward Scott Hogan lost all nine of his contests, per SofaScore.

The Watford star’s success in the duel led to Sierralta’s highest SofaScore match rating in 10 appearances at 7.5 out of 10, a score that the Chilean has only eclipsed on one occasion since moving to Vicarage Road with a 7.9 achieved against Barnsley in January.

West Ham successfully testing Watford’s resolve at the end of the season and signing Sierralta would seemingly give Moyes a strong long-term heir to Ogbonna, who will enter the final 12-months of his £70k-p/w contract in June and will turn 33 in May.

Moyes has lauded Ogbonna for his “magnificent” performances this season, but there is only so much longer that he can rely on the Italian so signing his replacement early could be a wise way to go if the fee is right.

AND in other news, West Ham are adamant a deal to sign a £100k-p/w “revelation” will be reached…

Tottenham Hotspur are making the addition of a central defender their top priority this summer, according to reports…

What’s the word?

Alasdair Gold at football.london claims that Spurs are looking to sign a new defensive leader for their back four ahead of next season, with doubts emerging over the likes of Eric Dier, Davinson Sanchez and Toby Alderweireld.

Jose Mourinho’s side have dropped 13 points from leading positions this campaign and despite having the third-best defensive record in the Premier League, a lot of their poor results have come from defensive errors.

One player thought to be admired by the north Londoners’ hierarchy is Brighton and Hove veteran Lewis Dunk.

Two birds, one stone

If Daniel Levy can make a move for the 29-year-old work this summer, then it’s one that could pay serious dividends.

In doing so, the Spurs chairman could kill two birds with one stone, as not only would he add the kind of leader that Mourinho is desperately craving but the 6 foot 4 powerhouse would also help aid their homegrown situation substantially.

The one-time England international came through the system at the Seagulls and has been there ever since, racking up 336 appearances, of which 136 have been in the Premier League, via Transfermarkt.

In that time, he’s transitioned from a budding prospect to Graham Potter’s colossal captain.

“He’ll be really important, and he’s getting better and better,” said the Brighton boss after Dunk’s recent omission from the national team. “It’s his second season as captain and he leads more naturally by example; he wears his heart on his sleeve and he takes on the responsibility of performing to the highest level and he’s been the best player since I have been at the club,” via The Argus.

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One stumbling block would be his cost, and that much remains to be seen, having only signed a five-year £57.5k-per-week extension amid interest from Spurs’ rivals Chelsea last season.

Transfermarkt currently value the Brighton star at £22.5m, though these days you often have to pay a premium for the very best British talent.

Previously lauded as an “absolute monster” by former central defensive partner Shane Duffy, Dunk sits amongst Potter’s top-five performers, earning a 6.85 average WhoScored rating.

He also currently holds the best passing accuracy rate of any player in the squad, making 89% of his attempts, an impressive return considering he fires off just under 67 passes each outing.

That’s better than every single player at Spurs, including Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (88%), Sanchez (85.4%) and Dier (82.5%), as per WhoScored.

Spurs saw his ability first-hand earlier this campaign, when he put in an impressive and resolute display against Heung-min Son and Gareth Bale, playing in Harry Kane’s absence. In fact, the Brighton man bullied the pair, winning 100% of his duels and never committing a foul, via SofaScore.

In Dunk, Spurs could find their next central defensive leader and at the same time, help meet the homegrown quota next season. Whatever the price, Levy must look to strike on this deal this summer.

AND in other news, Spurs dealt double injury blow ahead of Newcastle clash

Celtic could release striker Leigh Griffiths over the coming months, according to The Scottish Sun.

The report suggests that the 30-year-old is waiting to hear from the Hoops regarding a potential 12-month extension.

Transfermarkt claim that Griffiths is already under contract until 2022, however, it seems that is not the case.

Aberdeen and Hibs keen on Griffiths

Celtic have until April 30th to activate the clause, which could be worth close to £1m.

If they decide against keeping Griffiths on, the forward could move to either Aberdeen or Hibernian for nothing, with both sides thought to be keen on the Scot.

Transfer Tavern take

Griffiths, on £15,000-a-week, has been a brilliant servant to the Hoops, with Alan Hutton describing him as ‘excellent’ earlier this month.

He’s made over 250 appearances, scored over 120 goals and registered more than 50 assists during his Parkhead career, winning seven league titles.

However, he’s fallen out of favour this season, featuring in just 794 minutes of action, so it could make sense to allow him to move on over the coming months.

In other news: ‘I can exclusively reveal’ – Huge claim on Howe to Celtic emerges after worrying update, find out more here. 

A fresh report has revealed that Crystal Palace have seemingly stopped giving opportunities to younger players at Selhurst Park.

According to a study conducted by CIES Football Observatory, the Eagles are amongst just three sides in the top-flight to have not fielded a player under the age of 21 in the Premier League this season, alongside Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur.

The news should certainly be concerning for Palace as they aim to rebuild their squad ahead of the 2021/22 season.

As it stands, the Eagles have on average the oldest squad in the entire top-flight.

Within their squad, there are currently a huge 15 players over the age of 30, whilst only the likes of Jean-Phillipe Mateta, Eberechi Eze, Nathan Ferguson and Tyrick Mitchell are under the age of 24.

Whilst it is certainly not a bad thing to have experienced campaigners at Selhurst Park, that huge over-reliance on aged professionals could be hugely damaging once injuries start to take hold of players later in their careers.

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That is certainly a worrying consequence of Palace’s reluctance to give opportunities to young players in the present but it is in the future that it could have catastrophic reverberations for the Eagles.

With a sheer lack of young players to assume responsibility from those aforementioned aged professionals, it could leave the squad at Selhurst Park looking threadbare going into the next few seasons.

Whilst a few promising youngsters could make the step up from the academy, as supporters have seen in the past with Mitchell and current Manchester United defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka, there is surely not going to be a big enough crop to fill a full Premier League squad.

This would likely lead the club into the transfer market, potentially forking out considerable and avoidable fees to replace aged stars when they could have instead just blooded youngsters from the off.

Steve Parish then surely has to be furious as to how the club’s starlets have been so mismanaged by Roy Hodgson.

AND in more news, take a look at which Palace summer signing now finds his career in disarray…

Southampton have been linked with a move for Nantes striker Randal Kolo Muani, recently and if he were to make the move to St Mary’s this summer, it could prove to be bad news for Michael Obafemi.

According to French news outlet Foot Mercato, Southampton have already made contact with the player’s entourage ahead of a potential summer signing, whilst Watford and other clubs from across Europe are also said to be interested in the 22-year-old.

It is suggested that Southampton will have to pay at least €5m (£4.3m) if they want to sign the striker, which immediately seems to fit in with Ralph Hasenhuttl’s claim that the Saints will target players for under £10m this summer.

Kolo Muani, who is currently valued at £6.3m by Transfermarkt, has enjoyed a breakthrough season in Ligue 1 with Nantes, contributing five goals and five assists in 31 top-flight appearances. His only previous first team experience came in a loan spell at third-tier side US Boulogne last season, where he managed three goals and five assists in just 14 appearances.

Unfortunately, the 22-year-old’s impressive performances have not been enough for Nantes to enjoy a successful season as they are battling against relegation to Ligue 2, which could work in Southampton’s favour if they look to bring him to St Mary’s this summer.

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The French under-21 international would likely challenge for a first team spot in Hasenhuttl’s side, although he would presumably be behind Danny Ings and Che Adams in the pecking order initially.

He would add to the competition up front at Southampton and that could prove to be bad news for Obafemi who, after a bright start to his Saints career, has been surplus to requirements this season.

The Republic of Ireland under-21 international has made just one substitute appearance in the Premier League so far this season and looked set for a loan move to Swansea City in January before he picked up a season-ending injury.

Whilst he is just 20, Hasenhuttl has raised concerns about the striker in the past, claiming that he lacks professionalism; and considering his contract with the club is set to expire at the end of next season, it is difficult at this point to see him signing an extension.

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Certainly, if Kolo Muani were to arrive this summer, it would likely push Obafemi further down the pecking order at Southampton, and it would not be a surprise to see the Irish youngster depart permanently in search of more regular first team football.

In other news… Gao Jisheng could be set for huge Southampton blow as European giants eye “exceptional” gem

Southampton fans are far from happy with comments from Nathan Redmond ahead of their F.A Cup semi-final this weekend.

The Saints will travel to Wembley on Sunday to play Leicester City for a place in the final. Despite losing 3-0 to West Bromwich Albion on Monday, the St. Mary’s Stadium outfit will at least be happy to be playing a side who themselves are struggling for form in the Foxes – they have lost their last two games (lcfc.co.uk).

Redmond was speaking ahead of the clash, and he was discussing the contrast with Southampton’s last semi-final appearance in 2018. On that occasion, they were beaten 2-0 by Chelsea, and the £16.2m-valued 27-year-old (Transfermarkt) said that at the time there was no aspiration for success amongst the Saints players, although now they are in a far better position to prevail.

These comments were shared on Twitter by @SaintsExtra, and it is fair to say the fans were disappointed. They took to the social media platform to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about the comments from Redmond below

“Appreciate his honesty but what a disgrace. In a semi final and no aspiration to succeed?!!”

Credit: @saintdansmith

“Behave”

Credit: @BuildABonfire

“This is throwing it on the line. Saying how up for it everyone is and how good the atmosphere is after a 3-0 spanking by a poor team means if we don’t turn up then we have some very big questions to answer.”

Credit: @Andrew_Stokes_

“He knows people actually watched the West Brom match right!?”

Credit: @JamesBrooksAP

“Imagine saying that out loud in any other job? Let alone a well paid one.”

Credit: @papaschmoo

“how can he say this after the wba game”

Credit: @jahgsvlayso

In other news, Southampton fans slammed this man against West Brom.

Jacob Murphy may leave Newcastle United for Rangers in the summer transfer window, according to Kevin Campbell.

Speaking to Football Insider, the former Arsenal, Everton and West Brom striker has claimed that Murphy may be attracted to winning trophies and potentially playing in the Champions League, and therefore could make the move to Glasgow. The 51-year-old said:

“There’s a good chance for Rangers to get him.

“He hasn’t played that much this season, he’s a Premier League player and he’d be quite a big name to go up there. 

“To play, to challenge for trophies, to play in the Champions League, hey listen, that’s a big stage and it will turn his head. 

“Let’s face it, Newcastle aren’t going anywhere fast are they?”

Newcastle should keep Murphy

There is no doubt that, if possible, Newcastle should do all they can to keep Murphy at St James’ Park and not let him be tempted by a potential swoop from Steven Gerrard’s men.

The 26-year-old has emerged as a key player for Steve Bruce’s team playing in the right wing-back role of late, and given that he is a winger by trade, his added versatility is a very useful asset to have in the squad.

Murphy has contributed a goal and an assist in his last five games for Newcastle in the Premier League (Transfermarkt), showing that he can certainly provide in terms of key contributions.

Nonetheless, the Englishman still has a lot to offer to the Magpies, and selling him in the upcoming summer transfer window would not be a smart bit of business given his recent run of form.

In other news, find out what PIF claim has been dropped on the potential takeover!

According to TEAMtalk, Glasgow Rangers are said to be interested in Cameroon winger Moumi Ngamaleu.

Gers eye Ngamaleu

The Gers are said to be in pursuit of the 26-year-old, who currently plays in Switzerland for Young Boys.

They are not the only party with eyes on him, though, with Leeds, Brighton, Everton and Leicester all mentioned as prospective suitors.

Interesting option

Ngamaleu could very well be an interesting option for Steven Gerrard. While he is predominantly a left winger, he is quite versatile and can play anywhere across the front three (Transfermarkt). With Young Boys, he has a solid return of 32 goals and 35 assists in 166 matches and has picked up regular European experience during his time in Bern, including this season in the Europa League.

One performance in particular which showed what Ngamaleu is about came against Juventus during the 2018/19 Champions League. As Young Boys beat the Serie A champions 2-1, the winger created both of his side’s goals and was a general menace throughout the game.

Currently valued at £3.42m by Transfermarkt and with two years left on his contract, he may not come too cheap, but that should not mean he will be out of the Gers’ price range. With plenty of competition for his signature, Ross Wilson will likely have to move quickly if he wants to capture Ngamaleu.

In other news, Rangers are in advanced talks to sign this striker.

Manchester City took a big step towards the Champions League Final on Wednesday night as they came from behind to beat PSG 2-1 at Les Parc de Princes.

Marquinhos headed a dominant PSG side in front early on but the pendulum swung in City’s favour in the second half, as they produced an excellent display and completely nullified the threat of Kylian Mbappe and Neymar.

Kevin De Bruyne’s intended cross went all the way in for the equaliser, before Riyad Mahrez curled a free-kick through a weak PSG wall to give Pep Guardiola’s side the lead, before the French champions went down to 10 men after a horror tackle from Idrissa Gana Gueye.

The former Everton man was one of several PSG stars to lose their heads in the second half as they began to chase shadows and his foul on Ilkay Gundogan was perhaps in frustration that the German international completely ran the show in the second half.

As per SofaScore, the former Borussia Dortmund man would earn a solid 7.1/10 rating for his performance on Wednesday night, with only Mahrez (8.2), Bernardo Silva (7.5) and Phil Foden (7.2) rated higher of the City players who featured.

However, the 30-year-old midfielder had the most touches (116) and played the most passes (103) of any player who featured in the game, which highlights that he was key to City’s strong performance.

Gundogan has averaged just 77.5 passes per game in the Champions League this season, which emphasises just how impressive he was on Wednesday night, especially when you consider that this was arguably City’s hardest game in the competition so far.

He also broke forward well, completing all three of his dribbles in the game, which again is more than the 1.2 dribbles he has averaged in the competition so far this season.

Guardiola was full of praise for Gundogan earlier in the season, saying:

“Ilkay is an exceptional player in all situations. He can play more upfront and as a defensive midfielder.”

He emphasised this on Wednesday night as he also impressively won 5/9 of his duels and lost possession on just four occasions, which is impressive when you consider how successful PSG were with their pressing in the first half.

Therefore, whilst Mahrez and De Bruyne will earn the plaudits for their goals, it was Gundogan who kept things ticking over for City, which was vitally important in them earning the win.

And, in other news… Txiki heading for potential Man City disaster over 26-goal “winner”, Pep will be fuming

Writing on Twitter, reliable club insider has shared West Ham United team news with ace Angelo Ogbonna facing a late fitness test for the Everton clash on Sunday.

The Lowdown: Ogbonna injury issues

The Italian colossus has been out of action again recently following his latest injury issue, coming after he missed eight games for West Ham between February and April with an ankle problem (Transfermarkt).

Most recently, Ogbonna suffered a knock during West Ham’s 1-0 loss to Chelsea at the London Stadium and subsequently missed the Hammers’ last victory at Turf Moor.

Insider Claret & Hugh recently refused to rule out his inclusion for tomorrow, stating he has a ’50/50′ chance of returning for manager David Moyes.

The Latest: ExWHUemployee shares news on Ogbonna fitness test

Writing on Twitter, fellow inside source ExWHUemployee has shared what could be good news regarding the 32-year-old – going on to claim he ‘should’ be back for the Everton clash.

However, he erred on the side of caution, claiming he is facing a late fitness test and that will determine whether he is indeed involved.

Responding to a fan’s query regarding Ogbonna, he claimed: “‘Should’ be back but a late test will determine”.

The Verdict: Ogbonna return could be huge boost

The centre-back has arguably been Moyes’ outstanding centre-half throughout the 2020/2021 season alongside 2020 summer signing Craig Dawson.

He has made the most clearances per 90 on average out of every West Ham regular with 20 or more starts in the Premier League (WhoScored), and his return could seriously bolster the Hammers backline.

Moyes waxed lyrical over the centre-back recently and rued his loss as a ‘big blow’, calling Ogbonna ‘magnificent’ (Evening Standard).

West Ham fans, as a result, will be praying he is passed fit to feature.

In other news: West Ham fans erupt over this ‘best’ update, find out more here.