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West Ham United are eyeing a move for soon-to-be free agent Andrea Belotti this summer.

What’s the word?

That is according to a report from Milan News. where it is said that the Scotsman is desperate to lure the centre-forward to the London Stadium in order to bolster his attacking ranks.

In the same report, it is claimed that the Hammers are a “concrete option” for Belotti this summer, with the forward set to leave Torino at the end of the month.

The next Zola

Being a technically gifted and prominent striker, Italian striker Belotti could well be the next Zola in the Premier League.

It’s been a while since we’ve had a notable Italian force up-top and the Torino man can fill that void, whilst also solving David Moyes’ depth issue at striker.

Like Zola, it’s Belotti’s ability to read the game that makes up for what is a lack of pace on the whole and truthfully, having endured his second-worst goal-scoring season in Serie A, it is time for the 28-year-old to move on and give his prime years to a more progressive side.

Belotti, who has been dubbed a “machine” who can “chop people down” according to Siavoush Fallahi on Twitter, bagged eight goals in 22 Serie A games this season and whilst that is still solid, it’s a far cry from his 26 goal haul from the 2016/17 season.

West Ham could well offer the Italian a platform in the Premier League with his only real competition being Michail Antonio.

He could go one further than Zola who managed West Ham and instead become their main bagsman.

For a player who is in his prime and possesses a market value of around £18m, according to Transfermarkt, it is a move that comes with little to no risk.

It’s a no-brainer for Moyes and co.

In other news: Enquiry made: West Ham could land a new £36m-rated monster by signing £21k-p/w gem 

Despite finishing in 17th place in the Premier League table, Leeds United were still a very capable attacking side at times this season.

In fact, the Whites racked up a total of 711 shot-creating actions throughout the campaign, which is more than a number of teams that finished above them in the table such as West Ham United, Wolves and Leicester City.

One figure that played a massive part in Leeds’ season in an attacking sense is Raphinha.

With 35 appearances under his belt as well as 11 goals and three assists, no other Leeds player managed to equal the number of shots at goal (85) or successful dribbles (59) the Brazilian made.

Now that their turbulent campaign has come to an end and Jesse Marsch has guided them to safety, the focus can turn to getting ready for the next campaign and making sure they aren’t involved in another relegation battle.

One figure that the Yorkshire club have been linked with that could benefit from having such a deadly attacking player next to him, such as Raphinha, is Blackburn Rovers striker Ben Brereton-Diaz.

Last August, Tony Mowbray said that he hoped the centre-forward would be “hungry for goals” for his current club, which is exactly what he turned out to be by finishing the season as their top scorer.

Specifically, the 23-year-old found the net 22 times in 37 league appearances, leaving only Aleksandar Mitrovic (43) and Dominic Solanke (29) scoring on more occasions than the Chile international in the entire division.

This shows just how capable he is of putting away goalscoring chances, which is why having a player like the Leeds star, who delivered 90 crosses in total throughout the campaign, could be so beneficial for him and the team in general.

With a reported price tag of £20m, it would surely be an investment worth making for Victor Orta as the striker would then give Marsch the chance to form what could be a formidable attacking duo in his side that could fire them to the top half of the table.

The opportunity to play at a big club like Leeds and show what he’s capable of producing in the Premier League would undeniably be a tempting prospect for the player.

In other news: Big update emerges on mega-money summer deal, Leeds United supporters will be fuming

Glasgow Rangers have now made an enquiry to bring Josh Tymon to Ibrox, according to Football Insider's sources within the club.

The Lowdown: Left-back wanted

With the futures of both Borna Barisic and Calvin Bassey in doubt, it looks as if the Gers are targeting a new left-back this summer.

They have scoured the English Championship for top talent on the cheap quite recently, notably pinching John Lundstram after he left Sheffield United, and Tymon could be another player to add to the list.

The Latest: Tymon enquiry

As per Football Insider, Giovanni van Bronckhorst's team have made an 'enquiry' over the possibility of signing Tymon, and a source from the Light Blues has revealed that they have officially registered their 'interest' in the Stoke City defender.

His current deal does not run out until 2025, but the Championship side may be forced to sell some of their top assets this summer, including Tymon.

The Verdict: Depends on Bassey and Barisic

Whether the Teddy Bears should make a move for Tymon will depend on if they keep hold of Bassey and Barisic. If one or both of them were to go, then the Englishman would be a worthy replacement.

Earning £10,000-per-week at Stoke, he would not be among their highest earners, and comes back off of a stellar season where he hardly missed a kick.

Tymon has earned plenty of plaudits, notably from his manager Michael O'Neill, who has noted how 'quick' and athletic he is.

His ability to beat players down the flank is second to none, and has even earned him the nickname of the 'Nutmeg King', after interestingly completing more nutmegs (14) than any other Championship player last term (StatsBomb).

Nonetheless, Tymon is still just 23 years of age, and so could flourish under van Bronckhorst's management for years to come.

In other news, find out who RFC have now been 'contacted' over signing here!

It has already proven a hugely promising post-season for Aston Villa thus far, with the Midlands outfit having already brought in three marquee arrivals, with that exciting, early business having taken place before the window has even officially opened.

The Steven Gerrard revolution appears to be in full swing as the Englishman seeks to reshape the Villa squad into his image, although the latest indication is that the Liverpool legend is seeking even more investment this summer, with NSWE seemingly set to back their man once again.

One area that appears in need of bolstering is in attack, with pundit Richard Dunne tipping his former side to sign Watford striker Emmanuel Dennis, with the Nigerian having caught the eye in his debut Premier League campaign last term.

In comments recently cited by Birmingham Live, Dunne stated that Gerrard and co should look to take advantage of the Hornets’ top-flight relegation by making a move for their leading marksman: “I’m sure clubs will start looking at [James] Tarkowski from Burnley and Dennis from Watford now they have gone down. They would benefit a few teams in Villa’s area.

“They [Villa] need another attacking player to give them more options up top and another central midfielder. They aren’t crying out for someone in any position but they are looking for that next level of player to push them up the league, they have a decent strong squad.”

The 24-year-old netted ten goals and registered six assists in a standout league campaign on a personal level, albeit with that form unable to prevent his current side avoid a swift return to the second tier.

The former Club Brugge gem – who made the switch to Vicarage Road on a reported £3.6m deal last summer – will likely be on the radar of a number of top-flight clubs, with West Ham United reportedly one of those, with a fee of around £20m having been mooted.

That would likely represent something of a bargain for a player who has compared favourably to those in his position across Europe’s top five leagues, ranking in the top 5% for aerial duels won and in the top 11% for dribbles completed, illustrating to both hold the play up as well as drive his side up the pitch.

That dynamism – as well as his obvious speed – could well evoke memories of a former Villan, with Dennis seemingly carrying similar traits to that of one-club man Gabby Agbonlahor, the forward-turned-pundit having at one stage been a real, lightning prospect for the club.

Having burst onto the scene back in 2006 at the age of 19, the three-cap England international went on to score an impressive 74 goals and record 34 assists in 322 top tier games during his lengthy spell at Villa Park, notably reaching double figures for goals in three successive seasons between 2007 and 2010.

The club’s leading scorer in the Premier League era, Agbonlahor would prove a tough act to try and replicate, although in Dennis the club could well find a fitting heir, with the “superb” striker – as he has been dubbed by one journalist – deserving of another shot in the top division.

IN other news, Gerrard can land AVFC’s next Southgate with move for “outstanding” £120k-p/w warrior

Manchester United’s era has hardly started with a bang under Erik ten Hag but some key decisions have already been made at Old Trafford.

What’s the word?

On Wednesday it was confirmed that Paul Pogba and Jesse Lingard would indeed be leaving United behind at the end of their contracts this summer.

It marks a sad end for the midfield duo but it’s now crucial ten Hag gets to business in the transfer market.

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One player he could sign is Real Madrid’s Marco Asensio with fresh reports dictating that his agent is set to offer the Spaniard to Man United.

That’s according to sources in Spain, via Sport Witness, who report that Jorge Mendes wants to take the 26-year-old to the Premier League in the coming months.

The player has not closed the door on an exit from the Bernabeu but it’s not known at this stage whether United actually want the player.

Asensio has a whopping €700m (£596m) release clause in his Madrid contract but Transfermarkt values the attacker at £36m.

Their own Foden

It will be interesting to see how ten Hag attacks the transfer window after being appointed the new manager of United.

It’s clear that a number of areas need reinforcing throughout the summer and they will need to unearth someone who can not only create more goal-scoring opportunities but also find the back of the net.

Only Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes surpassed double figures for goals in 2021/21 so Asensio could certainly help improve that.

He found the net 12 times throughout the current campaign, which included ten strikes in 31 La Liga outings.

Capable of playing on the wing or in a number 10 role, his versatility and overall qualities are similar to that of Manchester City’s Phil Foden.

The young Englishman is the very definition of a wonderkid and helped himself to a haul of 14 goals and 11 assists in all competitions as Man City won the Premier League title.

According to FB Ref’s similar players model, the pair are comparable and when you look at the stats, it’s clear to see why.

They both score 0.16 goals per shot and have the exact same xG per 90 minutes of 0.39. Furthermore, they are both similarly measurable when it comes to short pass success, with Asensio completing 89.3% compared to Foden’s 90.8%

Furthermore, the Madrid star makes 6.93 passes under pressure per 90 compared to the Man City starlet’s 7.37. There is a small gap but it still makes them incredibly alike.

To further illustrate how similar the offensive duo are, Foden produces 3.51 shot-creating actions per 90 compared to Asensio’s 3.38. Finally, their carries in possession of the ball are almost identical with the former registering 42.8 to the latter’s 42.3.

Although the Spain international is four years older than the Premier League title-winner, he’d still be a superb signing. After all, the attacker has been dubbed “magical” by teammate Casemiro.

This is certainly someone that ten Hag should be looking to build his new team around.

AND in other news, MUFC can sign their answer to Haaland in “magical” £222k-p/w gem who’s “like Maradona”…

Rangers ended the Premiership season in second place as they failed to retain their title after lifting it at Ibrox last term.

The Gers finished four points adrift of their arch rivals and there are a number of reasons why Gio van Bronckhorst’s men failed to get over the line.

A deep run in the Europa League could have diverted attention away from the top-flight, whilst injuries to key players like Ianis Hagi and Alfredo Morelos did not help.

At the end of the league season, strikers Morelos (11) and Kemar Roofe (10) were the only players in double figures for goals. The Gers lacked a third centre-forward to provide them with real competition, in the way that Jermain Defoe could have done at the peak of his Ibrox power.

The now-retired striker scored 32 goals in 74 games for Rangers, providing ten assists along the way, as he proved to be a useful player to call upon when needed. He had the quality to pop up with goals, as his record shows, and van Bronckhorst could do with his own Defoe.

Cedric Itten has not been that player as he has scored eight goals and managed three assists in 49 matches for the Light Blues since his move to Glasgow. He has not been an adequate option to provide competition for Morelos and Roofe at the top end of the pitch.

This is where Sunderland striker Ross Stewart could come in. He can finally replace Defoe at Ibrox and be the player to put the pressure on the existing forwards at the club to give van Bronckhort a much-needed boost in that part of the squad.

The Gers have been linked with a swoop for the Scottish number nine and he would be an excellent addition to the team.

He produced 26 goals and three assists in League One for the Black Cats this season as he has shown that he can be lethal in front of goal on a consistent basis, albeit that it is difficult to gauge the difference in quality between that and the Premiership.

He was dubbed as a player “who never gives up” by ex-Sunderland man Kevin Phillips and this suggests that he would work his socks off for the team. Couple this with his potential to be an outstanding goalscorer and you have a player who can finally replace Defoe and give van Bronckhorst a strong group of striking options to work with next season. 

Therefore, the club must work hard to strike a deal with Stewart, if possible, as he would be an exciting, excellent, signing for the team.

AND in other news, Gvb must brutally axe £2.7m “out the picture” Rangers liability, he’s not good enough…

Wolverhampton Wanderers look set to miss out on a permanent deal for Barcelona-loanee Francisco Trincao this summer.

What’s the word?

That is according to a journalist in Portugal, who claims that the 22-year-old winger has already decided his next move.

Taking to Twitter, the following statement was issued: “Sporting’s priority target, Trincão has already given the “yes” to being directed again by Rúben Amorim, with whom he worked at SC Braga. It is the ideal replacement for Sarabia. Talks for a 1-year loan are moving in a positive way – salary issues with Barcelona still need to be settled.”

The latest report echos the word ‘rebuild’ even louder around the Molineux, with Trincao yet another name who will leave at the end of the summer. Another face constantly linked with the exit door is Ruben Neves and it’s still uncertain whether he’ll be in the Midlands next term.

Wolves had an option to buy Trincao for around £25m, though Lage has not executed this and now it looks as though Sporting CP will seal a reunion between former Braga duo Ruben Amorim and Trincao.

Lage surely fuming

Having managed just three returns in the form of goals and assist across 27 Premier League games, Trincao has endured a rocky time at Wolves for the most part, but in fairness has shown glimpses of the quality that we saw in his final season at Braga, where he bagged goals and assists in 27 games.

His recent goal against Chelsea was one of these positive displays, though they have been few and far between for a player previously described as “magic.”

With the latest news around Trincao’s loan spell faltering to become permanent, Lage has a rebuild on his hands and this departure could add yet further complication.

In an ideal world, the Old Gold boss may have hoped for a straight swap deal between Adama and the £19.8m-rated Trincao, though, just like the option to buy, this is now not viable.

In this case, Lage will surely be kicking himself for his indecisiveness around a player who could have flourished next season, after taking this season to settle into what is such a fast-paced and physical league.

Tactically, it weakens the side, with a lack of inverted options at the right wing position, leaving just Pedro Neto as the only left-footed winger in the side. That’s a piece of news that will surely be gutting to Lage and his coaching staff.

In other news: Wolves now plot bid for “flourishing” £20m gem, he’s better than Moutinho 

Manchester United have been handed a boost over the potential signing of Benfica’s Uruguayan goal machine, Darwin Nunez.

What’s the word?

That is according to a report from The Mirror, who state that the 22-year-old has decided that he wants a move to the Premier League.

As per the report, Nunez’s advisors have given a positive indication on where his future may lie and believe his style could be well suited to English football. And United clearly think so too, with the Old Trafford side now monitoring developments around the 22-year-old.

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There is both a positive and a negative to come out of this report though.

On one hand, Man United should not suffer any threat for the Uruguayan’s signature from the likes of Manchester City, having just agreed to sign Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund.

Though, there is a potential sticking point that could make life difficult for United, and that is the lack of Champions League football for next season.

It is said that Nunez, who has a £130m buy-out clause could be prised from the clutches of Benfica for a figure of around £70m, and his reported ambition of playing Premier League football of course serves as a major boost for United.

Imagine Nunez & CR7

Whilst the lack of top European football for next season is annoying, if “Mr. Champions League” Cristiano Ronaldo can put up with it, then so can Nunez.

With Ronaldo looking as though he may stay at United for at least another year if Ten Hag confirms that he is in his plans, the partnership between Nunez and the great Portuguese forward could be unstoppable.

He may already be testing the efficiency of this system with the idea of putting both Nunez and Ronaldo up top in what would make for an unplayable strike partnership.

Having just won the Eredivisie title for the third time with Ajax, the last three games saw him deploy a 4-1-2-1-2 system and a 4-3-1-2 variation also. What’s the relevance you may ask?

The Dutchman has veered away from his usual 4-3-3 over the last three matches and has opted for two formations that utilise two strikers up-top.

With a combined domestic goals total of 44 – 26 goals for Nunez and 18 goals for Ronaldo – they could take the Premier League by storm, and with the latter’s underrated creative ability, we could well see a playmaking side to the Portuguese veteran that Nunez would most certainly benefit from.

The centre-forward has been described as a “diamond” by Steve McManaman, and indeed, that’s exactly what he’d be if he signed for United; a precious entity who can blossom next to Ronaldo.

In other news: Better than Pogba: MUFC can land dream Rice alternative in “exceptional” £50m monster