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West Ham United have made an excellent start to this summer’s transfer window, signing no fewer than three players who will all add quality to the first team.

David Moyes appears to be working tirelessly to rebuild his squad ahead of another crucial season in which he will look to guide the club to another deep European run and a top-eight finish in the Premier League.

It looks likely that there will be more arrivals at the London Stadium in the next few weeks, with Moyes looking at adding a striker to bolster his attacking options.

Chelsea frontman Armando Broja appears to be his first choice, although an alternative deal for a forward who plays in Serie A might become viable depending on a potential move for the Albania international.

Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness) claims that West Ham are keen on making a move for Justin Kluivert, and a fee of €15m (£13m) may be enough to secure his signature ahead of next season.

The Dutchman earned a move to Roma following a breakthrough season at Ajax in 2017/18 where he scored 11 goals in all competitions, however it’s fair to say he hasn’t lived up to his potential in Italy.

The left-winger has only scored nine times for Roma during his spell at the club, although he has impressed in a loan spell at Nice last season, netting six times and providing six assists as he looked to get his Ajax form back.

With Nick Mercadante saying that “his talent is nearly limitless”, Moyes might have an opportunity to sign someone who could offer something slightly different to the West Ham attack.

Imagine Jarrod Bowen on the right and Kluivert on the left, all the club needs now is a striker who can score 20 plus goals a season and they might have a great chance of doing better than last season.

For £13m, it’s a risk worth taking on the Dutchman as he looks to build on his early promise.

AND in other news: In talks: Moyes given green light for £10m West Ham deal, he’s “absolutely everywhere”

Everton have now made a ‘lucrative offer’ to sign Tottenham winger Steven Bergwijn, who is heavily linked with a move to Ajax, according to 90min journalist Sean Walsh.

The Lowdown: Nearly left in January

The 24-year-old was at the centre of a fluctuating transfer saga in January after a switch to the Eredivisie giants failed to materialise for the Spurs man.

As per The Athletic, the Amsterdam outfit had an initial £15m bid rejected for the Netherlands international but were reportedly willing to offer up to £18.3m before the end of the transfer window.

However, Tottenham were seemingly holding out for £20.8m, with a deal also dependent on a positional replacement.

The Latest: Everton’s interest

Whilst it has been reported that Ajax have renewed their interest in Bergwijn and are keen to sign him on a permanent deal this summer, Everton have now joined the race to secure the attacker’s signature.

Taking to Twitter, 90min journalist Walsh shared the news regarding the Toffees, claiming: “Everton want to beat Ajax to Steven Bergwijn, whether he’s part of a deal for Richarlison or if it’s a separate transfer. Toffees have made a more lucrative offer to the forward than the Dutch champions.”

In the accompanying article, it is reported that whilst the player had his heart set on a move to the Eredivisie outfit, he is still considering Everton’s bid.

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The Verdict: Great signing

When looking at Bergwijn’s underlying figures, it is easy to see why Frank Lampard is so keen on signing the Dutchman this summer.

When compared with positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past 12 months, the 24-year-old ranks in the 99th percentile for clearances, the 98th percentile for non-penalty expected goals and the 97th percentile for progressive passes received (via FBRef).

Hailed by Netherlands team-mate Virgil van Dijk as an ‘excellent’ player, it appears that the winger would fit perfectly in Lampard’s squad as a direct replacement for the exit-linked Richarlison, given his attacking and defensive abilities.

Therefore, this would be a great signing for Everton if they call pull it off.

West Ham United insider Claret & Hugh say ‘lots of talks’ have been held as GSB eye a ‘very clever’ signing for David Moyes.

The Lowdown: Hammers eye striker move…

After the arrival of Nayef Aguerd in a £30 million deal from Rennes, the Hammers are reliably tipped to carry that momentum long into the summer amid ‘very busy’ times at the club.

As backed by Sky journalist Dharmesh Sheth, Moyes and the club are seeking at least six new additions as they gear up for what will be a very intriguing 2022/2023 Premier League season.

The east Londoners narrowly missed out of Europa League football for next campaign and this may have come as a warning sign for West Ham who wish to keep chase with England’s elite.

The Latest: Insider shares ‘lots of talks’…

As per insider C&H, sharing a message from their source, it is believed that ‘lots of talks’ are being held through agents for one forward.

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Indeed, according to their information, Chelsea striker Armando Broja is indeed Moyes’ top target amid these regular discussions with intermediaries and the 20-year-old is open to joining the club.

West Ham apparently wish to pay £30 million for the Albania international but whether that proves to be enough will be found out soon enough.

The Verdict: Make the move…

Even though Broja tailed off towards the end of 20/21 on his Southampton loan spell, potentially signing him for £30m could be seen as good business.

He dazzled in all matches against West Ham last season and attracted plenty of praise over the course of his St. Mary’s temporary deal.

Pundit Noel Whelan, speaking to Football Insider, claimed an Irons swoop for Broja would be a ‘very clever’ signing for Moyes and we’re inclined to agree given he is still just 20-years-old and already proven in the top flight.

Tottenham Hotspur could end up turning to Barcelona defender Clement Lenglet as a ‘last resort’ this summer, Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge has claimed. 

The Lowdown: Conte’s centre-back search

According to a report from The Athletic, Antonio Conte’s side will be prioritising the signing of a left-sided centre-back this summer.

Reliable Lilywhites journalist Alasdair Gold has claimed that Fabio Paratici’s top two options are Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni and RB Leipzig’s Josko Gvardiol, although both players are proving to be difficult to secure right now.

This could mean that Tottenham are forced into exploring options further down Paratici’s list, with Conte viewing a left-sided centre-back as a necessity this summer.

The Latest: Bridge’s claim on Lenglet

Bridge has claimed that if Spurs end up becoming desperate towards the end of the transfer window, they could then look towards Barcelona’s Lenglet, who is said to have agreed to leave the La Liga giants ahead of next season.

Speaking with GiveMeSport on Sunday evening, the Sky Sports reporter claimed: “There’s talk about Bremer, the Torino defender, and then the one Barcelona have offered to every European club, Clement Lenglet. I think that could be a very last resort. Even a deadline day one maybe, if Tottenham really have not got anyone, but he’d be the last resort, I’d imagine.”

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The Verdict: Fallen stock

When Lenglet signed for the Catalan club in 2018, the Frenchman was highly regarded, having earned 15 caps for his national team, who are the reigning world champions.

However, in more recent times, the defender’s stock has fallen. In the 2021/22 season, the 27-year-old started only seven league matches and received an average WhoScored match rating of 6.30, ranking him a lowly 30th out of the entire Barcelona squad. Anyone who rated below him started two league games or fewer.

Therefore, if Conte is able to get the best out of Lenglet, then this could be a short-term option. However, as things stand, this transfer seems rather unlikely, and it’s not one that Spurs should feel too disappointed about missing out upon if that proves to be the case.

In other news: Media blown away by ‘massive’ transfer news

According to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal are now in ‘advanced’ negotiations to sign Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus.

The Lowdown: Jesus wants City exit

The Brazilian first arrived in the Premier League when he joined the Sky Blues from Palmeiras six years ago, but with just 12 months remaining on his current contract at the Etihad, his future at the club has been up in the air after the versatile forward informed City he wants to leave this summer.

As a result, the 25-year-old has been attracting huge interest, in particular from north London, and after a new update has emerged it looks as though Mikel Arteta’s side hold the advantage over their rivals in the race for his signature.

The Latest: Arsenal in advanced talks

Taking to Twitter, Romano confirmed that Arsenal are edging ever closer to completing a deal for their transfer target. He wrote:

“Gabriel Jesus deal update. Arsenal are working on it and negotiations are very advanced – Arsenal will now need to be fast on final, key details involving player/agents to get the deal done and avoid twists.”

The Verdict: Lacazette replacement

Following the departure of Alexandre Lacazette, Arteta will of course be looking for a suitable replacement in the final third, and Jesus has a fantastic track record to be the man to come to the Emirates and do just the job.

The 56-cap international, who was once hailed the “best in the world” by his manager Pep Guardiola, 28 league appearances for the Manchester outfit last term in three different positions, and still managed to make 17 goal contributions during that time, as per Transfermarkt.

A proven goalscorer is something that Arsenal have been without ever since Aubameyang fell out of favour, but bringing in Jesus would finally fill that void, with his return up top possibly being the difference between the Gunners securing or missing out on a Champions League place next season.

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing AS Monaco defender Axel Disasi, according to a report from Marca (via Sport Witness). 

The lowdown: Hot prospect

Signed by Reims for €15m (£13m) in 2020 (Transfermarkt), the Frenchman has so far spent his entire career in his homeland and is enjoying an upwards career trajectory.

Previously linked with a move to Spurs’ north London rivals Arsenal, Disasi has gone from strength to strength in Ligue 1 and has now amassed 92 appearances in the French top flight.

As Spurs manager Antonio Conte looks to add additional centre-back options to Cristian Romero, Eric Dier, Ben Davies and Davinson Sanchez, the 24-year-old could be on his radar…

The latest: Spurs ‘interested’ in Disasi

As per Marca, translated by Sport Witness, Tottenham are ‘interested’ in signing Disasi this summer.

It is claimed that Spurs have ‘been after’ the former France under-20 starlet for a prolonged period and could hold an advantage over fellow suitors Atletico Madrid in their pursuit.

The Lilywhites can muster an ‘important financial effort’ to sign the man praised for his by journalist Eduardo Hagn ‘insane strength and power’, due to Arletico needing to sell numerous players this summer.

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The verdict: Smart signing

Seemingly a player reaching his peak, snapping up Disasi would be a brilliant piece of business from Fabio Paratici, particularly with Conte craving improvements in the defence having conceded 40 goals in the Premier League last term, the most of the top-four finishers.

During 2021/22, the Frenchman – who can also play at full-back and has operated as a makeshift centre-forward previously – earned a 6.90 Sofascore rating, with 1.3 tackles and 2.3 clearances made per Ligue 1 outing and a 93% passing accuracy in his own half of the pitch.

Bearing a close stylistic likeness to Barcelona’s Ronald Araujo, Manchester United captain Harry Maguire and heavily-linked Villarreal defender Pau Torres (FBRef), Disasi would appear to be the ideal candidate for Conte in the grander scheme of things in terms of budget as the Italian looks to strengthen the entire Tottenham squad.

In other news: “Very recently” – Tottenham hold talks over signing ‘one of the top strikers in England’! Find out more here

Gianluca Di Marzio has revealed that Tottenham Hotspur are interested in a move for Sven Botman this summer.

What’s the talk?

In a recent article posted on his own website, the Italian journalist revealed that, despite AC Milan being believed to be in advanced negotiations for the signing of the LOSC Lille centre-back, Tottenham, Manchester United and Newcastle United are all keeping a very close eye on the situation of the 22-year-old ahead of a potential move of their own in the summer transfer window.

In his piece, Di Marzio wrote: “Both Tottenham and Manchester United could contest – together with Newcastle – the profile of Sven Botman at Milan – [who is in] negotiations with the Rossoneri. Both clubs have a sizeable budget to get to the defender. Even the Rossoneri club, therefore, must carefully monitor the current situation.”

Forget Bastoni

While missing out on the signing of Alessandro Bastoni will undoubtedly come as a huge blow to both Fabio Paratici and Antonio Conte, considering just how impressive Botman has been for Lille in recent seasons, it is easy to see why the Spurs sporting director could be targeting the Netherlands U21 international as an alternative to the Inter Milan starlet.

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Indeed, over his 25 Ligue 1 appearances in 2021/22, the £27m-rated talent was in astonishing form, helping his side keep eight clean sheets, as well as making an average of 1.0 interceptions, 1.0 tackles, 4.5 clearances and winning 4.0 duels – at a success rate of 66% – per game.

The £18k-per-week left-footer also impressed in an attacking capacity, scoring three goals and registering one assist, in addition to completing an average of 53.4 passes, 4.1 long balls and taking 0.6 shots per fixture.

These returns saw the player who Matt Spiro dubbed an “exceptional centre-back talent” average a quite remarkable SofaScore match rating of 7.10, ranking him as Jocelyn Gourvennec’s best performer in the top flight of French football.

As such, with Botman clearly being an incredibly talented left-footed ball-playing centre-back – not to mention a cheaper option at €45m (£38m) than the £54m Bastoni – it would indeed appear as if the Dutch defender would be a fantastic alternative to the Italy international for Paratici and Conte to pursue this summer.

AND in other news: Conte could land “dream” transfer alternative as Paratici now begins £50m Spurs talks

Manchester United have been linked with Real Madrid ace Marco Asensio recently and the Spain international could be the ideal man to replace Juan Mata in Erik ten Hag’s side at Old Trafford.

What’s the word?

According to reports from Spain, Asensio’s agent Jorge Mendes wants to bring his client to Old Trafford this summer as he eyes a move away from the Santiago Bernabeu.

Ten Hag will surely be in the market for attacking reinforcements given the departures of Edinson Cavani, Jesse Lingard and Mata so far this summer, as well as Mason Greenwood’s absence, and Asensio could provide some much-needed quality in attack.

The Red Devils managed just 57 goals in the most recent Premier League season and finished with a neutral goal difference, so the signing of Asensio would perhaps take some of the pressure off Bruno Fernandes as the chief creator in United’s midfield.

Mata 2.0

Mata joined United from Chelsea in January 2014 and went on to make 285 appearances during his time at Old Trafford, contributing 51 goals and 47 assists.

The Spaniard was capable of playing on either wing and as an attacking midfielder, which is where Asensio has mainly been deployed during his time at Madrid, so the similarities are clear to see.

WhoScored suggests that both Mata and Asensio’s strengths include their ability to pass and hold on to the ball, while the Madrid man is also adept at shooting from range.

Transfermarkt currently values the 26-year-old at £36m so he wouldn’t come cheap, but Madrid may be keen to move him on given that his contract is set to expire at the end of next season.

Last season saw the former Mallorca man make 31 appearances in La Liga for Carlo Ancelotti’s side, in which he contributed ten goals.

The Champions League-winning manager was full of praise for Asensio after his winning goal against Granada last season, saying:

“Asensio is very important for us. He has quality and commitment. He’s a very important player for us and we’ve won tonight via his greatest quality, his shooting.”

Given that recently departed interim manager Ralf Ragnick was critical of a number of players’ commitment at United, Asensio seems like exactly the sort of player Ten Hag will need if he is to improve his side’s fortunes next season.

Although Mata didn’t feature too much in his final season at Old Trafford, he will certainly leave a hole in the squad and Asensio might just be the man to fill it.

And in other news… United in ‘direct contact’ with former ten Hag favourite 

Speaking live on talkSPORT, former Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor has delivered a scathing assessment involving Liverpool and the likely departure of Sadio Mane. 

The lowdown: Move pending

Having initially remained quiet on where his future may lie after the season, it has since become apparent that the 30-year-old Senegalese star will leave Anfield in the summer.

Mane will end a six-year affinity with the Reds as both Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain eye up a move in the upcoming transfer window.

Leaving with a little over 12 months remaining on a deal at Anfield (Transfermarkt), one pundit has slammed the club for allowing the winger to leave at this stage.

The latest: ‘Ridiculous’

Discussing the future of Mane and Mohamed Salah live on air (Thursday, June 2 9.35am), Agbonlahor was critical of the Reds’ owners for not giving the attacker what he wants.

The 35-year-old said: “Liverpool allowing Mane to go, next season will cost them the title. Haaland is signing for Manchester City, they are becoming stronger.

“You’re going to let Mane leave, you’ve got Diaz and Jota, but they’re not going to get Mane’s numbers, he’s a goalscorer. The threat he gives Liverpool going in behind, making unselfish runs. Salah, they can’t lose, Mane they can’t lose.

“Yes, Liverpool have always had good recruitment, bringing in players. But the numbers that Mane gets, the threat he gives opposition defenders, helps free up space for Salah. For me first of all, Mane leaving is ridiculous. I don’t blame both of them, Mane and Salah the numbers they are getting year in year out – they want paying what they deserve.”

The verdict: Ruthless operators

Albeit there has been no indication the decision is solely down to finances, ultimately, the chances of Liverpool ownership group FSG being held to ransom or indeed succumbing to pressure and paying what they perceive to be over the odds was little to none.

So far, during their 12-year tenure at Anfield, the American owners have proven to be frugal operators when it comes to contracts, transfer business and decision making generally.

Whilst simply paying whatever the likes of Mane and Salah ask for is simple in principle, with it comes demands from elsewhere within the ranks and therefore the risk of upsetting a previously harmonious dressing room.

Despite proving to remain a player at the very top of his game in a 23 goal 2021/22 campaign, at 30, Mane – dubbed a ‘wild animal’ by Pierre Emerick Aubameyang – was never likely to be offered a lucrative new deal given the club’s Modus Operandi of signing young talent and a move this summer whilst the club can likely make a profit on their £34million expenditure would be best for all parties.

In other news: Liverpool identify ‘intelligent’ forward to replace Mane, read more here!

Tottenham Hotspur could turn to Yves Bissouma after suffering a blow to their chances of sealing a sensational return for Christian Eriksen…

What’s the word?

According to LondonWorld, Spurs will renew their interest in the Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder if they cannot bring the Danish playmaker back to Hotspur Way.

Well, as per Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridges, that does appear unlikely in a gutting blow to supporters. He recently told GIVEMESPORT:

“I did the Brentford Q&A awards last Thursday, and he kind of gave me the impression that [Tottenham] is a non-starter.”

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It’s not the first time that the Seagulls powerhouse has been linked with a switch to north London and after another impressive campaign in the big time, it could be time to make a bid, especially after missing out on Eriksen.

Midfield powerhouse

Spurs have plenty of priorities this off-season, including the additions of a new left-sided centre-back and a stronger right wing-back option. However, with the team in the Champions League next term, then strength in depth will be required.

There won’t be many better candidates to add steel to the engine room than Bissouma, who has proven his worth in the big time over the past 18 to 24 months.

As per WhoScored, he ended the 2021/22 campaign as Graham Potter’s highest-rated player (with 20 starts or more) on WhoScored, averaging a more than respectable 6.99.

His defensive output was pretty remarkable, having averaged 2.9 tackles and 1.9 interceptions per game, something that exceeded all of Antonio Conte’s current squad in the Premier League.

Not even stalwart Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (2.2 tackles and 1.3 interceptions per game) could match the Mali international’s numbers. The Italian head coach would love a player of that calibre, given his work rate and brute strentgh.

It’s evident that Bissouma, once lauded as a “wonderful talent” by ex-manager Chris Hughton and a “Champions League level” talent by Potter, is an upgrade on what Spurs currently have in defensive midfield and considering his valuation of £31.5m, he should be a very attainable target indeed.

He may be a vastly different style to Eriksen but if anything, that’s a better fit for Conte’s current system, where there is no room for a no.10. Bissouma just makes sense, so sporting director Fabio Paratici must look to pounce when the transfer window reopens.

AND in other news, Spurs now eye £54m-rated “phenomenon” after Perisic, he’s Conte’s dream summer signing…