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West Bromwich Albion failed to secure promotion back into the Premier League next season so it will now be up to Steve Bruce to put them in a better position to challenge again and now another transfer target has been linked with a move to The Hawthorns.

What’s the latest?

Football League World reported on Tuesday that West Brom were competing with Watford to secure the signature of Newcastle United’s Sean Longstaff who was initially out of contract at the end of the season.

The report suggested that his current club on Tyneside had offered him a new contract with the player facing many for next season with opportunities to gain extra game time.

However, with the midfielder now signing a new contract on Wednesday afternoon, it seems unlikely a deal will be forced through.

Should a move ever occur though, they could land a big upgrade.

Better than Livermore

Bruce is no stranger to Longstaff after managing him during his days at Newcastle United so will be more than knowledgeable on how to deploy him.

Although Longstaff’s game time has been limited in the Premier League this season, he still offers more on the pitch than Jake Livermore in the glimpses he has given for this current club.

According to SofaScore, has scored one goal and contributed one assist, was successful in the majority of his dribbles (55%) and made 2.3 tackles on average per game in 24 appearances.

The Magpies midfielder scored more goals, won more ground and aerial duels combined (50%), made more tackles and has a better pass accuracy (81%) on average per game in 13 fewer appearances than Livermore at West Brom this season.

The £23k-per-week ace who was hailed “immense” by Chronicle Live journalist Charlie Bennett, was chased in January by Everton but the bid was rejected ahead of contract talks with Newcastle after the negotiations broke down when Bruce was in charge almost two years ago.

Ultimately, if Bruce could secure the signing of Longstaff it would be a major coup for West Brom and add a fresh perspective in their midfield set up.

AND in other news: In talks: West Brom on the verge of landing 1st summer signing, Bruce will love him

West Ham United manager David Moyes is stepping up his transfer push ahead of what could be an interesting 2022/23 Premier League season, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Moyes set for busy summer…

As per reports, the east Londoners seem set for a busy summer, with four departures already confirmed and the Irons’ manager increasing the tempo in attempting to land his targets (Evening Standard).

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Talks have been held over Rennes defender Nayef Aguerd and it is believed that a striker, central midfielder and left-back are ‘high’ on Moyes’ personal wish list.

This comes after West Ham’s failure to land much-needed upgrades in January, with the Scotsman seemingly determined to make sure they have sufficient depth for next season.

The Latest: West Ham set for imminent Lunin talks…

According to the print edition of The Sunday Mirror (via West Ham Zone), Moyes and co are set for imminent talks to sign Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin ‘this week’.

West Ham, and by extension their manager, are ‘stepping up their loan interest’ in the Ukraine international, who is personally ‘looking for a temporary move’ away from the Bernabeu.

The report claimed that a loan with the option to buy is possible as the Hammers eye a move for the 6 foot 4 powerhouse.

The Verdict: Surprising claim…

Reports have suggested that West Ham are actually ‘close’ to finalising a permanent deal for Paris-Saint Germain loanee Alphonse Areola, so we believe that this update comes as a surprising one.

Unless there has been an unknown twist to the tale, or if Moyes is planning to significantly strengthen his goalkeeping department to have three brilliant deputies for Lukasz Fabianski, a move for Lunin could make little sense when taking into account their alleged interest in sealing a permanent swoop for Areola.

In other news: West Ham now ahead of European giants in race to sign £21m forward! Find out more here

West Ham United are believed to keen on Argentine striker Giovanni Simeone, according to reports in Italy.

What’s the word?

As per Wednesday’s edition of newspaper Corriere di Verona (via Sports Witness), the Hammers have been named as one of the clubs who are keeping tabs on the 26-year-old, with a summer move seemingly on the cards for the five-cap international.

The forward spent the most recent campaign on loan at Serie A side outfit Hellas Verona from parent club Cagliari, although is expected to move on in the upcoming window even if his temporary switch is made permanent.

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Verona are believed to be able to complete the signing for a fee of around €10.5m (£8.9m), although will then likely sell him on for profit, with both West Ham and Newcastle United potentially set to pounce.

Better than Antonio

The former Fiorentina man – who is the son of Atletico Madrid boss, Diego – has put himself on the radar of a number of clubs across Europe following his remarkable goalscoring spree in the 2021/22 campaign.

In 35 league outings in the Italian top-flight, the £15.3m-rated marksman netted an impressive 17 goals while also laying on a further five assists, with only three players having scored more goals in the division.

Such form has also seen the £47k-per-week ace compare favourably to those in his position across Europe’s top five leagues, with the “fearless” forward – as he has been described by journalist Martin Mazur – ranking in the top 11% for non-penalty goals, while also showcasing his defensive qualities as he ranks in the top 7% for blocks and the top 16% for pressures made.

Although never truly prolific prior to this latest season, such a sensational season is hard to ignore, with the Madrid-born star potentially the man to fill the striking void at the London Stadium.

The Hammers currently have just Michail Antonio as their only senior, recognised centre-forward – having failed to replace club-record flop Sebastian Haller – with the Jamaica international himself admitting the need for increased competition.

Despite an early flurry at the start of the season, the 30-year-old has rubberstamped the belief that he is not a long-term fit to lead the line, enduring a notable dry spell in 2022 in which he scored just three league goals following the turn of the year.

His total tally of 13 goals in all competitions is his best return in a season for the club, although that remains a relatively underwhelming figure for a number nine, particularly when compared to Simeone’s haul last term.

Also – somewhat surprisingly – Antonio ranks poorly for his defensive work compared to the potential new arrival, ranking in just the top 47% for pressures made and the top 51% for blocks made.

That’s not to suggest that Moyes and co should dispense with him this summer, although a quality replacement is needed if the east Londoners are to really kick on next season, with Simeone seemingly the man for the job.

IN other news, GSB plotting bid for £13.5m-rated “revelation”, he could be West Ham’s next Sinclair 

An update has emerged regarding Newcastle United’s interest in Nottingham Forest winger Brennan Johnson heading into the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

Daily Mail reporter Craig Hope has revealed that the Magpies sent scouts to watch the forward in action against Huddersfield in the Championship play-off final last weekend.

He tweeted: “Diaby has been on Newcastle radar since January & is again on shortlist of wide targets (Brennan Johnson also watched, including at Wembley on Sunday). Schick staying & Hlozek arriving at Leverkusen might see movement on Diaby.”

It has been reported that the 21-year-old is valued at £20m but it remains to be seen whether or not that is still the case following Forest’s promotion to the Premier League.

Ryan Fraser upgrade

Dan Ashworth must now work hard to get a deal done for Johnson, as he would be a big upgrade on Scottish winger Ryan Fraser.

The Welshman’s former boss Michael Appleton once dubbed him “exciting”, and that is what he can be as a replacement for Fraser on the wing at Newcastle.

The former Lincoln manager went on to say about Johnson: “When you’re the opposition manager in League One or the Championship, hopefully soon the Premier League, he’s someone you’d take note of because he’ll always be one of the two or three teams that you’ll be aware of and be wary of.

“His development and the way it’s happened for him over the last couple of years suggests to me that he’s only going to end up going in one direction and that’s the Premier League.”

In the 2021/22 Championship, Johnson produced an astonishing 16 goals and 10 assists as he created a whopping 15 ‘big chances’ and averaged a SofaScore rating of 7.10. The 21-year-old phenomenon has shown that he can regularly deliver at the top end of the pitch in the second tier, and at his young age, he may have the potential to make the step up to the top flight.

Meanwhile, Fraser managed just two goals and three assists in 27 Premier League outings for the Magpies this term. He failed to contribute in the final third on a consistent basis and this is why Johnson – if he can adapt to the top-flight – could be an exciting upgrade on him in the wide areas if Newcastle sign the Welsh youngster.

Whilst the Scotland international could still be a useful option for Eddie Howe to call upon off the bench, the Nottingham Forest dynamo’s statistics suggest that he has the scope to make a much larger impact on results with his ability to score and create goals.

AND in other news, “I’m told…”: Journalist drops “exciting” NUFC transfer claim that supporters will love…

According to reliable journalist and northern correspondent Martin Blackburn, a Manchester City transfer development has come to light involving Brighton star Marc Cucurella.

The Lowdown: Guardiola eyes summer reshuffle…

Sky Blues boss Pep Guardiola, after guiding his side to a fourth Premier League title in five seasons, could be the architect of a serious summer shake up at Eastlands.

Raheem Sterling, Gabriel Jesus, Riyad Mahrez, Ilkay Gundogan, Nathan Ake and Oleksandr Zincheko, as per The Times, are linked with a possible exit from City while Barcelona also eye a move for superstar Bernardo Silva.

City have their eyes on potential incomings after the signings of Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez, perhaps most notably Leeds midfielder Kalvin Phillips and Cucurella.

Sharing news on the latter man, Blackburn of The Sun has an update for supporters.

The Latest: City prepared to double money…

According to his information, City are ‘prepared to double Brighton’s money’ for the Spaniard’s signing after they paid £15.4 million to sign him from Getafe.

Guardiola and co are also ‘confident they can fight off Chelsea’ to sign the 23-year-old but Etihad Stadium chiefs are currently looking to whittle down his £40 million asking price.

The Verdict: Priority target?

The left-back has been an untouchable for Graham Potter, playing the second-most league minutes behind goalkeeper Robert Sanchez last season (WhoScored).

Over that time, Cucurella was also Brighton’s third-best performing player –  averaging their second-highest rate of tackles per 90 whilst completing making the third-highest rate of key passes out of their squad (WhoScored).

ESPN journalist David Cartlidge has been quick to point out the defender’s ‘phenomenal’ evolution since leaving Barcelona and we believe he would be an ideal signing to balance Guardiola’s left-channel.

In other news: The Telegraph have just shared a major Man City update on Kalvin Phillips! Find out more here.

A big update has emerged on Newcastle United’s attempts to land their second deal of the summer transfer window after signing Matt Targett.

What’s the talk?

The Telegraph’s Luke Edwards has revealed that the Magpies are leading the race for Sven Botman and should find out what the player wants to do before next week.

He Tweeted: “On Botman nothing has fundamentally changed in last few days but as reported. NUFC believe they’re in pole position. We should finally get a decision this week. Until it’s done it’s not done etc. Howe returns from holiday soon. Ashworth watched player last night for Holland U21s.”

The Northern Echo’s Scott Wilson then added: “NUFC hoping to reach end game with Sven Botman deal this week after defender signs off from international duty. Looks like they’ve beaten off competition from AC Milan. Suggestions of PSG interest noted – but not regarded as a concern…”

Eddie Howe will love it

The Magpies’ head coach will love these updates on the club’s attempts to land the Lille enforcer for several reasons.

Firstly, he will be buzzing with the claim that a decision is now on the way. Having a final call from the player by the end of the week will either allow Newcastle to wrap the deal up quickly and in time for pre-season or give them over two months to find an alternative centre-back target.

He will also be delighted with the suggestion that the club have managed to beat AC Milan and PSG to the player, if they are now able to get this over the line. Both of those teams will be competing in the Champions League next season after winning their respective leagues.

Newcastle, meanwhile, have no European football on offer and it remains to be seen what targets Howe will set in terms of a realistic finish in the Premier League in 2022/23.

This means that they are set to land Botman in spite of having less to offer from a footballing point of view, which will delight Howe as it would show that the defender has faith in the long-term project at the club.

At the age of 22, the Dutchman is a player who can develop alongside the team in the years to come and be a part of the journey to, hopefully, securing Champions League football in the future.

AND in other news, NUFC can find their own Paqueta in deal for “glorious” £64m gem with “no weaknesses”…

La Liga giants Barcelona are ‘fully convinced’ they can sign Manchester City star Bernardo Silva this summer with Jorge Mendes running messages behind the scenes.

The Lowdown: Wanted to leave

The 27-year-old wanted to leave Man City last summer and revealed later that the pandemic had made him homesick, as opposed to it having anything to do with his affection for the club (via Manchester Evening News).

The Sky Blues did not receive any bids deemed acceptable for the player though, so the Portugal international remained at the Etihad this season.

The attacking-midfielder went on a fantastic run for Pep Guardiola’s side, having featured in 35 Premier League games this campaign, earning an average match rating of 7.28 – fifth out of the entire City squad (via WhoScored).

The Latest: Update from Catalonia

According to an update in the last 48 hours from Spanish journalist Helena Condis (via Football365), Barcelona are ‘fully convinced’ they will sign Silva this summer, using super agent Mendes to inform the player, who is expected to remain patient.

City are said to have placed an £80m price tag on the midfielder are not interested in any swap deals.

The Verdict: Huge loss

When compared with positional peers across Europe over the past year, the 27-year-old impressively ranks in the 99th percentile for progressive carries, touches in the attacking penalty area and progressive passes received (via FB Ref).

Having featured 11 times in the Champions League for City this season alongside his top flight heroics, Silva’s importance to Guardiola’s side cannot be overlooked, consistently relied upon to convert defence into attack.

If Silva pushes for a move away this summer, this will come as a heavy blow to City ahead of next season, as he has become one of the few mainstays in Guardiola’s often rotated starting XI.

In other news: Romeo Lavia could also leave this summer…

Tottenham Hotspur have not been shy when it comes to getting their business done so early in the current transfer window.

The Lilywhites have already secured deals for Ivan Perisic, Fraser Forster and Yves Bissouma in recent weeks.

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In addition to showing how eager the club are to get their business completed, it also demonstrates that they are not shy when it comes to signing players from other clubs in the Premier League, with the latter two joining from Southampton and Brighton respectively.

Another top-flight figure who has been linked with a move to north London is Everton attacker Richarlison.

Four years ago, the Toffees paid an initial £35m to sign the Brazilian from Watford. Since then, the 25-year-old has found the net 53 times and delivered 14 assists in 152 appearances across all competitions.

This shows just how deadly an attacking figure he is and how capable he is of playing in the Premier League.

In terms of a potential move to Spurs, one current figure in Antonio Conte’s squad who could make way for the Everton star is fellow Brazilian Lucas Moura.

In 34 league appearances last season, the 29-year-old only scored twice, against Norwich City and Crystal Palace back in December. This suggests that he is not a consistent goalscoring threat for the Lilywhites in the same way that Richarlison has been for Everton.

In fact, the Toffees dynamo – who has a reported price tag of £50m – took 70 shots at goal last season compared to Moura’s 38.

Despite being previously described by Eric Dier as a “nightmare” to train against, it seems as though the £80k-per-week Brazilian left his nightmarish attacking skills on the training field in recent months. On the flip side, former Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti described Richarlison as a player who “rarely misses a chance”.

With all that in mind, if Conte feels that he could do with an upgrade on Moura this summer, then securing a deal for the Toffees talisman could be another great bit of business from the Lilywhites and continue what has already been a rather productive summer transfer window.

In other news: Spurs in “discussions” over move for “extraordinary” £55m gem, Conte will be buzzing

After announcing the capture of Jed Wallace earlier on Thursday, West Bromwich Albion are not done there and are now eyeing up a third summer signing.

What’s the word?

That is according to journalist Alan Nixon, who revealed on Twitter that a third summer signing is still “in sights” for Steve Bruce and co.

Nixon was responding to the question: “You reckon West Brom will get any more signings done before season starts Al?”

To which he answered: “Two very good frees so far and the Leicester lad still in sights. Have to say that’s decent business.”

The ‘Leicester lad’ in question is of course none other than Hamza Choudhury, who could make a switch to the Hawthorns after struggling for game time at the King Power Stadium.

Supporters will be buzzing

As if the free signings of John Swift and Wallace were not enough for the Baggies faithful, a third signing is sure to bolster the promotion hopes within the fanbase.

West Brom’s transfer business thus far has been sensational. Despite a disappointing season in the campaign just gone, they have managed to lure quality signings who have shown interest in their promotion project, with a move for Choudhury perhaps the cherry on top.

The Leicester City youth graduate had a breakout season just two seasons ago, making 20 Premier League appearances under Brendan Rodgers back in the 2019/20 campaign.

However, his game time has consistently worsened in the two seasons since, with the former England U21 international making just 16 appearances over the last two seasons combined, with just six appearances coming in the latest campaign.

At the age of 24, he may look to take inspiration from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who managed to break into the Leicester City first-team last season, following a successful loan spell at Luton Town, and instead seize an opportunity to play for Bruce’s Baggies.

AND in other news: “Massive” West Brom transfer development now emerges, supporters will be buzzing

After tying down Mohamed Salah to a new deal at Anfield, Liverpool are seemingly set to offer Naby Keita a new deal to extend his stay at the club.

What’s the word?

The former RB Leipzig midfielder’s contract at Anfield is currently set to expire at the end of next season and the club are keen to extend his contract, or they risk losing him for nothing after paying £52.75m to sign him from the Bundesliga side in 2018.

In his latest article for The Athletic, James Pearce provided an update on the 27-year-old’s future at Liverpool, writing:

“Liverpool are looking to get Naby Keita tied down to a new contract and talks are ongoing. I know he divides opinion among fans but I thought for the most part he did very well in the second half of last season.

“As for his injury record, of course, it’s frustrating and he’s had a lot of misfortune. However, he still made 40 appearances in all competitions in 2021-22. As well as the fact Klopp still believes in him, a new deal protects the 27-year-old’s value.”

Supporters will love it

While Pearce is right in that Keita divides opinion amongst Liverpool fans, he was a key part of their success last season and impressed with his performances in the Premier League, averaging a solid 6.79 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

Since joining the club from Leipzig, the Guinean midfielder has endured some injury problems but has still made 116 appearances for the Reds, contributing 11 goals and seven assists.

His 40 appearances last season were the most he’s made in a single season, so he is clearly still valued highly by Klopp.

Meanwhile, at 27 he is one of the younger midfield options in Liverpool’s side, so could easily see more game time as the likes of James Milner, Jordan Henderson and Thiago decline with age.

If Keita can have another impressive season in the 2022/23 campaign, then supporters will surely be more than happy to have him at Anfield for the significant future, so will surely be delighted to hear that the club are set to offer him a new deal.

And, in other news… Liverpool could sign their new Mane as FSG eye move for “world-class” £34m dynamo