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West Ham United are on the lookout for a new attacking addition this summer.

It’s no secret that David Moyes desperately needs another frontline signing to challenge in all competitions next season, especially as they could land themselves a European berth.

The Irons sold marquee signing Sebastian Haller in January, recording a whopping £20m loss but the club’s hierarchy, GSB, failed to provide their manager with a replacement, meaning he has only had an injury-prone Michail Antonio at his disposal.

Several big-money names have been linked with a switch to the London Stadium, including Tammy Abraham, Ivan Toney, Duvan Zapata, and Adam Armstrong.

Eurosport believes Moyes will get £35m to spend on a new striker but that will take up the bulk of his transfer budget, you’d imagine and one player up top may not be enough.

Therefore, it could be wise for the Scotsman to dip his toes into the plethora of young talent available at his disposal in the academy set-up and there is one standout contender, Ademipo Odubeko.

The 18-year-old phenomenon could save GSB millions this summer if Moyes decides to unleash him in the first-team next season.

An attacking department of Antonio, a signing like Abraham or Toney, and Odubeko is certainly a mouth-watering prospect and would be one that could allow enough rotation across the Premier League, domestic cups and the Europa League to seriously challenge again.

The young Hammers gem has been in fine mettle this campaign, scoring ten goals in nine Premier League 2 appearances, on top of a pair of strikes in the FA Youth Cup and the EFL Trophy, as per Transfermarkt.

He was also handed his debut in the FA Cup earlier this year, playing just one minute from the bench against non-league Stockport County but then Moyes trusted him with nearly an hour’s worth of action against Manchester United in the next round.

Speaking about the teenager back in January, the Irons boss said, via football.london: “Mipo is somebody we are looking forward to working with. He is a young player we have big hopes for.”

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Whilst academy chief Ricky Martin hailed the striker after the East Londoners beat off competition to secure his signature.

“He is a promising player we are looking forward to working with and this move is a great opportunity for him to join us and continue his journey,” he said before adding: “It will naturally take Mipo some time to settle in, but we believe West Ham is the perfect environment for Mipo to flourish and fulfil his undoubted potential.”

Also dubbed a “special talent,” it seems Odubeko has all the attributes to thrive at the London Stadium as he’s “fast, dynamic, strong, he can score all sorts of goals and he’s good in the air,” according to his ex-coach Bernard Byrne, who further claimed to The Athletic that he’s “exciting” and a “proper centre-forward.”

It’s a lot to ask him to feature frequently next season but having the 18-year-old more involved will certainly be a good place to start and would mean they could bolster other areas, on top of finding that new forward in the transfer market.

Odubeko can save the Hammers a lot of money if so.

AND in other news, West Ham eye Jesse Lingard alternative in £18m-rated “genius” who’s a “delight to watch”…

Leicester City have been linked with a surprise move for Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham.

According to Fabrizio Romano, the Foxes are interested in the England forward and could potentially make a move should Chelsea be interested in selling in the near future.

He could actually be Brendan Rodgers and Jon Rudkin’s perfect solution to the Jamie Vardy conundrum.

Despite having scored 14 goals in all competitions this season, the forward has shown signs of slowing down. He has scored just once in the entirety of 2021 and at the age of 34, thoughts of replacing him could already be on the minds of the hierarchy at the King Power Stadium.

That is where Abraham comes in.

The Chelsea man has already displayed his eye for goal in the Premier League having netted 15 times last season under Frank Lampard, whilst he has also managed to find the back of the net on 12 occasions in all competitions this time around.

At just the age of 23, Abraham, who was once hailed as “exciting” by record Premier League goalscorer Alan Shearer, there is certainly potential to improve those numbers even more.

Whilst it could be argued that any deal for the Chelsea man would be unnecessarily costly with the six-time England international being rated at £36m and still having two years left to run on his current contract at Stamford Bridge, it could actually be easier getting him to move to the East-Midlands than first thought.

Since Thomas Tuchel arrived at Chelsea, Abraham has been restricted to the sidelines in favour of the likes of Olivier Giroud and Timo Werner. He was also left out of the Blues’ squad to face Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-final.

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Should he express a desire for first-team football and indeed to leave Chelsea, then Leicester could well profit by making a move.

The Foxes then should certainly be pursuing a switch for Abraham this summer.

AND in more news, take a look at how we rated the Leicester players in the FA Cup semi-final win against Southampton…

With Celtic currently lacking a manager, it’s perhaps a surprise to see so many new players being linked with Parkhead.

That being said, it’s positive thinking from a club who have done very little right this season.

On the chalkboard

The Hoops faithful are right to be scared about their current position. They have just lost the title for the first time in a decade and they didn’t even run their rivals close.

Neil Lennon is no longer in charge and thus, Dermot Desmond is searching for a new manager.

Whoever walks through the door could have to deal with a player exodus. Star striker Odsonne Edouard has long been linked with an exit, as too has Kristoffer Ajer.

Ajer has been a phenomenal addition since joining the club on a free transfer as a 17-year-old. He is now a matured international for Norway and that has undeniably come with its plaudits.

The centre-back was linked with a move to Tottenham last season while AC Milan have been monitoring his situation. If he does leave, it could leave a giant hole in the middle of Celtic’s defence to fill.

Christopher Jullien is out for the next nine months while Shane Duffy is due to go back to Brighton following the conclusion of his loan spell.

The solution

Celtic could well fill that gap with a certain Declan Gallagher. TEAMtalk reported this week that the Bhoys were ready to move for the Motherwell defender this summer.

They face plenty of competition for his signature with Cardiff, Barnsley, Aberdeen, Hearts and Dundee in the race to sign him.

Premier League clubs Burnley, Sheffield United and West Brom have him on their radar but it’s been claimed that Gallagher’s head has been turned by interest from Celtic.

At the age of 30, he is a seasoned professional and although the Hoops wouldn’t have much sell-on value, he’d be a fantastic acquisition.

Standing at 6 foot 6, Gallagher is a monster in the air and very rarely does he lose a defensive battle. The defender has won a colossal 3.9 aerial duels this term, a tally that betters every Celtic player apart from Duffy and Jullien.

Having won seven caps for Scotland, he has what it takes to play at a higher level and he’d certainly be able to do that at Celtic. After all, Gallagher possesses a similar never-say-die mentality to Ajer.

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Speaking about the Hoops-linked defender in January, Gary Holt told Radio Clyde: “I used to say we were fortunate to have players who were prepared to get hurt in both boxes. He’s prepared to get hurt. That’s what you like about him [Gallagher]. He’s somebody who’s going to do his job to the best of his ability. He’s kicked on massively since he left Livi.”

How Celtic could have done with more players like that this season. Ajer was been one of a few who were really prepared to put their body on the line for the team.

Therefore, if he leaves, it would be a bitter blow. Replacing him with Gallagher would certainly be no bad idea, though.

AND in other news, Better than Kenny: Celtic must sign “fierce” gem who’s made 89 tackles this term…

Former Glasgow Rangers striker Kris Boyd believes Alfredo Morelos, Glen Kamara, Kemar Roofe and Ianis Hagi may have all played in their last Old Firm.

Boyd makes Old Firm claim

All four of the aforementioned [did Hagi come on as a sub?] were in action for the Gers against Celtic on Sunday as …… .

Writing in The Scottish Sun prior to the match, Boyd suggested that the Ibrox quartet may not play against the Gers’ fierce rivals again. He wrote:

“Alfredo Morelos could be about to play in his last ever Old Firm game.

“For different reasons the same goes for Glen Kamara, Kemar Roofe and Ianis Hagi.

“Scott Arfield could have been another making his bow – but he will have to settle for watching on from the sidelines after picking up a season-ending injury.

“But if you ask me, there’s a real chance all these players will be on their way out of Rangers at the end of the season.”

Hopefully not

This summer promises to be a big one. The Gers have been in fantastic form this season, especially in the league as they have finally ended a 10-year wait for a major trophy by clinching the Premiership title. All four of the aforementioned players have played their part in that success, and as such, there is likely to be plenty of interest in their services.

Value at a combined £25.65m by Transfermarkt), the four could bring in plenty of money for the Gers if sold, but Steven Gerrard will not want to see them leave. The Gers will embark on a Champions League campaign next time out, and the 40-year-old will be desperate to retain all of his best players. While one or two could depart, surely Gerrard and Ross Wilson will resist the temptation of a mass Ibrox exodus.

In other news, Ally McCoist slams this man’s comments.

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, former Sheffield United striker Brian Deane has questioned his old club’s reported interest in John Terry.

The Yorkshire outfit are on the lookout for a permanent successor to Chris Wilder following his exit last month and it appears their search has taken them to Terry.

According to the Mirror, the Aston Villa assistant head coach is on Sheffield United’s shortlist to replace their former boss as the club prepares for life back in the Championship.

Terry has spoken in the past about his desire to become a manager, meaning this opportunity in the Bramall Lane dugout may appeal to him.

Deane, however, has sent a word of warning to his old side, picking up on Terry’s lack of managerial experience. On the subject, Deane told FFC:

“The club has to decide what direction they want to go in and part of that direction is, you know, do they want to go down a route where more of the club structure and infrastructure is club owned?

“Do they want to go down the route of kind of giving somebody an opportunity to come in and manage their club, you know, with relatively no understanding or no experience of the area, of what the fans expect, what kind of football? I don’t know what kind of football John Terry likes.”

The Mirror also reports that Villa are well aware of Terry’s ambitions to manage one day and will support him in his efforts to land the top job in a dugout, so it should not be too hard for Sheffield United to get him out of Villa Park.

Speaking to Football Insider, pundit and Sky Sports regular Paul Robinson has been blown away by the loan signing of Jesse Lingard for West Ham United – with the former England international calling it an ‘absolute masterstroke’ by manager David Moyes. 

The 28-year-old has been in the form of his life since joining the Hammers in January on a temporary deal from parent club Manchester United.

Scoring eight goals and assisting three others in just nine Premier League starts so far (WhoScored), Lingard has been central to West Ham’s push for an unprecedented European qualifying spot.

Robinson blown away by Lingard ‘masterstroke’

West Ham are within touching distance of possibly finishing in the top four and the previously unthinkable is now a very realistic proposition.

Robinson, speaking to FI, has showered the acquisition of Lingard with praise as a result – even comparing it to Leeds’ signing of Raphinha.

“Wow, it has just been a brilliant loan,” he told Football Insider.

“It is between him and Raphinha for the signing of the season.

“It has been an absolute masterstroke from David Moyes. He obviously knew Lingard well, the kind of character he is and the talent he possesses. Moyes knew he could get the best out of him and it has worked out amazingly well for West Ham. He has been nothing short of a revelation.

“They will struggle to keep hold of him in the summer but I just do not see where he fits in at Manchester United with Bruno Fernandes there.

“It is going to be down to the player but at the end of the day he was frozen out at Manchester United. Moyes has given him a new lease of life at West Ham.”

Transfer Tavern take

Reports have circulated recently over the Irons wanting to secure Lingard with a permanent deal at the London Stadium.

West Ham insiders Claret & Hugh even stated that GSB will ‘move heaven and earth’ to make it happen this summer.

If Moyes manages to guide his side to a Champions League spot, signing the English star is an absolute necessity for the club if they hope to maintain their impressive form next season.

One would have to assume that the player himself would be happy to stay as well if top four is secured, given the ‘new lease of life’ he has been handed in East London.

In other news: Harewood wants this towering striker at West Ham, find out more here.

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Newcastle United Hall of Famer, Rob Lee, has claimed that Ryan Fraser will never be a clinical goalscorer for the Magpies as he is still yet to get off the mark in the Premier League.

Fraser arrived as a free agent after he let his contract expire at Bournemouth last season, but he has picked up several injuries this campaign and he has missed 63 days through being injured since moving to Tyneside.

It has been a frustrating season for the £41,800 per week winger which has seen him handed just 10 league starts all season, as well as picking up an unnecessary red card in the Magpies’ embarrassing 1-0 defeat against Sheffield United.

Speaking on where Fraser could fit into Newcastle’s side when he is fit and if he will be able to find his form in front of goal that he had at Bournemouth, Lee exclusively told FFC:

“What he is best at is being a wide forward because I don’t think he will ever get you loads of goals, but he creates a lot of chances, especially with Callum Wilson.

“I’m not sure he can play as a number 10 because he’s not good with his back to goal. I think he’s better facing the goal so we need him back to the form that he had at Bournemouth.”

Newcastle have only lost once in their last six games which has coincided with Steve Bruce playing with wing-backs, which begs the questions, where could Fraser play for the Magpies?

Bruce has managed to guide Newcastle away from the bottom three as Fulham must now win all of their remaining games to have a chance of catching the Magpies.

Leeds could sign a potential upgrade on Patrick Bamford by landing Espanyol’s Raul de Tomas.

What’s the story?

According to Fichajes, the Whites are battling fellow Premier League clubs West Ham and Leicester in the race to sign De Tomas, with Bielsa keen on bringing another centre-forward to alternate with Patrick Bamford.

The report added that the departure of Spain international Rodrigo could help facilitate the arrival of De Tomas at Elland Road this summer.

Better than Bamford

Dubbed as a “pacey, competitive and technically-gifted goal-scorer”, De Tomas appears to have all the tools in his locker to be a real upgrade on Bamford at Elland Road.

In a bio written by his former club Real Madrid, it read: “A born-finisher with a great eye for goal, he is comfortable in any situation and lethal in both dead-ball situations and one-on-ones. Raúl also stands out for his mobility and the ease with which he can pass a player. His pace and technique make him a very complete striker.”

When you look at both De Tomas’ and Bamford’s figures from this season, then you can see why Leeds are so keen on fending off the competition to sign the former.

As well as scoring more league goals than the Leeds marksman this campaign (16 to 14), De Tomas’ underlying numbers in all the key attacking areas are far better than Bamford.

As per Sofascore, the Spaniard has missed far fewer big chances than Bamford despite playing the same number of league games, and also averages more key passes, more dribbles and more crosses per match.

The £9m-rated De Tomas appears to be the kind of perfect all-round striker with whom Bielsa would surely enjoy working at Elland Road, and it’s exactly why Victor Orta could sign a real upgrade on Leeds’ current number nine.

Meanwhile, Leeds could sign a perfect midfield partner for Kalvin Phillips in this star…

If Sunderland don’t achieve promotion this season, they will be desperately unfortunate.

At the moment, the Mackems are a winning machine. They haven’t lost since early February in the league, a run stretching 11 games.

Lee Johnson has led a phenomenal revival and we saw their fighting spirit once again versus Oxford United on Good Friday. The Black Cats went 1-0 down and then had to deal with a fired-up Karl Robinson, who was sent to the stands.

Sunderland fought back, though, eventually prevailing 3-1. It was a victory which keeps them in third place with just three points separating them and top spot. Johnson’s men also have two games in hand, meaning that promotion is well and truly in their own hands.

Life at the Stadium of Light is incredibly positive right now but, if you could pick one negative, it would probably be Callum McFadzean.

The left-back scored his first league goal for Sunderland in the 1-1 draw with Lincoln recently but, for the most part, he’s had a desperately poor campaign.

It all started when the defender gave away a penalty against AFC Wimbledon back in December. Since that moment he’s been danced around consistently by opposition wingers and full-backs.

McFadzean has been a constant scapegoat for Sunderland and showed again in the Papa John’s Trophy final that he’s not too adept defensively. On that occasion, Otis Khan completed a considerable four dribbles for Tranmere.

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Unfortunately, the 27-year-old was well below par again in the win over Oxford United. Writing at half-time, Sunderland journalist James Hunter said he was “being led a merry dance by Shodipo.”

Indeed, McFadzean was consistently caught out by the winger, who proved to be one of the opposition’s most dangerous players.

It was in possession where the defender was arguably the worst. He surrendered the ball on 18 occasions and completed a measly 57% of his passes. On top of that, he made just two tackles against the lively Olamide Shodipo.

It was a performance which will have left Johnson rather displeased. Time and again over the last few months, he has been let down by McFadzean. The manager can take solace in the fact that the 27-year-old may not be in the starting XI for much longer, though.

Denver Hume wasn’t ready for this clash but he completed 75 minutes in a behind-closed-doors friendly earlier this week.

With McFadzean in such torrid form, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him quickly usurped by Hume once the latter is back from injury.

AND in other news, SAFC flop has seen his value rise by £14.4m since leaving, he’s a “powerful” beast…

A number of Liverpool supporters have been downplaying Roberto Firmino’s much-lauded piece of skill against Aston Villa.

The Reds secured a third straight Premier League victory on Saturday afternoon, winning 2-1 at home to Dean Smith’s side. The champions left it late to secure the win, with Trent Alexander-Arnold’s stoppage time strike ending a terrible run of six straight home defeats.

In truth, the performance still wasn’t perfect, but there were some positive signs, with Firmino producing a promising performance leading the line. The Brazilian was more involved than he has been in recent months, with his all-round quality more noticeable.

One touch during the first half drew a gasp from Jamie Carragher on commentary and was also shared on Liverpool’s official Twitter account on Sunday.

Liverpool fans claim Firmino touch has been over-hyped

A number of Reds fans felt it was a routine piece of technical expertise that any professional football should be able to pull off, however, taking to Twitter to provide their thoughts on the footage.

“Basic ball control I would have thought”

Credit: @comberalchemist

“Admin clutching at straws here”

Credit: @punlingual

“Not exactly Ronaldinho level”

Credit: @huwmenear

“Carra went mad about it, nothing special”

Credit: @dav1djohnson

“Be worried if a footballer in the Prem couldn’t control a ball like that tbh”

Credit: @spam1987

“No doubt a good touch but nothing to gloat about!”

Credit: @RVKPOOL

In other news, Liverpool are set to seal an exciting piece of transfer business this summer – find out who the player in question is here.