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West Ham United are interested in a deal to bring Sven Botman to the London Stadium in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a claim made by ExWHUemployee, who revealed in a recent post on The West Ham Way that David Moyes’ side have made an enquiry with LOSC Lille ahead of a potential move for the centre-back in the winter window.

The Hammers insider went on to claim that the French market is one that West Ham will be looking to take advantage of in January, as a number of Ligue 1 sides are suffering from considerable financial difficulties this season.

In his post, ExWHUemployee said: “We have made an enquiry [to] Lille [for] 21-year-old centre back Sven Botman. As revealed previously we are very much looking at the French market as there are a number of clubs suffering financial difficulties.”

Fans will be buzzing

Considering the sheer amount of potential Botman quite clearly possesses, in addition to the fact that both Kurt Zouma and Angelo Ogbonna look set to spend a considerable amount of time sidelined due to injury, the news that West Ham are interested in a move for the 21-year-old defender is sure to have left fans of the club buzzing.

Indeed, over his 37 Ligue 1 appearances last season, the £27m-rated centre-back helped his side keep a whopping 20 clean sheets, in addition to making an average of 1.5 interceptions, 0.8 tackles, 60.6 passes and winning 68% of his duels per game.

These returns saw the Netherlands U21 international who Kevin Phillips dubbed a “Van Dijk-like signing” earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 7.08, ranking him as Lille’s joint third-best player in the top flight of French football on their way to securing the Ligue 1 title.

As such, should West Ham be able to get a deal for the £18k-per-week defender over the line this January, it would undoubtedly be a major coup for the Hammers, as well as a signing who would greatly increase the club’s chances of securing a top-four finish in the league come next May.

However, with it being reported that Lille are demanding a figure of around £40m in order to part with the youngster this January, whether or not the West Ham board cough up the funds very much remains to be seen.

In other news: Forget Ogbonna: WHU must seal swoop for £65k-p/w “monster” who’s “absolutely insane”

A major update has emerged on Giorgi Aburjania, regarding Sunderland’s pursuit of the midfielder.

What’s the talk?

According to Spanish newspaper Sport Cartagena, as relayed by the Sunderland Echo, Georgian international Giorgi Aburjania has agreed to sign for Sunderland upon the expiry of his contract later this week.

The report claims that Aburjania will leave FC Cartagena this week after opting against signing a new deal with the Spanish club. He is now poised to arrive on Wearside to link up with Lee Johnson and his squad ahead of the 2021/22 campaign.

He won’t cost a penny

Kristjaan Speakman could strike gold for Sunderland with this deal. Aburjania will arrive in England as an unknown quantity to opposition teams as he has never played in this country, spending the last six years of his career in Spain and the Netherlands with Sevilla, Lugo, FC Twente, Real Oviedo and Cartagena.

This means that he could surprise other sides who do not know the potential threat that he will be able to pose, unlike with any domestic signings who they will have likely competed against them in previous seasons.

The 26-year-old is a box-to-box player, who can play as a holding midfielder, a central midfielder or an attacking midfielder, and he has also been utilized on both flanks previously in his career.

This highlights his versatility and shows that Johnson could deploy him in a variety of roles across his midfield set-up, potentially making him a valuable option to call upon in League One if he is able to adapt to English football. If Johnson faces any injuries in a midfield position, he could trust that Aburjania is capable of filling in and doing a job as he has been able to play there in the past.

The 6ft 1 beast has plenty of experience playing at a high standard of football. He has played 88 matches in the second division in Spain and 16 times in the Eredivisie in the Netherlands, whilst he has also been capped on 22 occasions by his country, Georgia, on the international stage.

This shows that he has been good enough to consistently play at a higher level than League One throughout his career to date, suggesting that he could thrive at the Stadium of Light as he drops down to the English third tier.

Speakman could seal a bargain deal for the midfielder who will cost the club nothing in terms of a transfer fee. He is out of contract this week and Sunderland will not need to spend a single pennyin terms of a transfer fee to bring him in, with his wages and signing on fee the only concern as they do not need to negotiate with Cartagena.

AND in other news, Speakman must sanction SAFC swoop for “very brave” 13 G/A dynamo, Johnson needs him…

West Ham United are expected to have Angelo Ogbonna available for selection later this afternoon, leaving David Moyes with a decision to make in defence.

The Irons conceded a silly goal against Burnley last Monday but managed to come from behind to secure all three points thanks to a brace from the returning Michail Antonio.

With the 32-year-old Italian – who has played an influential role this campaign – likely to feature, Moyes can bring him in for either of Craig Dawson or Issa Diop, or else switch to a three-at-the-back system.

We’re backing him to do the former as the French centre-back was largely at fault for Chris Wood’s goal and struggled to cope with the physicality on offer from the Clarets.

Some of the Hammers faithful were far from pleased with Diop’s display, with some deeming him to be a “liability” and the only “weak link” in the side. He was also the man to concede an own goal during their defeat to Newcastle United a couple of weeks previously.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-latest-west-ham-news-transfer-rumours-and-the-latest-gossip-moyes-gsb-london-stadium” title= “Read the latest West Ham news, transfer rumours, gossip and more!”]

Moyes risks the same happening when Everton come to town in what is a must-win for their chances of qualifying for Europe. The Toffees are hot on their tail and can halve that six-point gap if they win, and they also possess a game in hand.

Carlo Ancelotti’s main threat will be Dominic Calvert-Lewin and he is another aerial beast and prolific goal machine. The England international has bagged 20 goals in 34 appearances, and is averaging 4.4 aerial duels won per Premier League match this term – that’s just 0.1 fewer than Wood’s average for the season.

By comparison, Diop has been a weak presence in the air, averaging only 1.5 successful aerial duels per game, which is behind both Dawson (2.8) and Ogbonna (2.6). Even Antonio (2.9) and Vladimir Coufal (1.6) are better in the air than the Frenchman.

Starting the £18m-rated defender could be a recipe for disaster as Calvert-Lewin could tear him apart, and that would only increase the pressure on Moyes’ attack to deliver once again.

It’s no coincidence that the 24-year-old centre-back did not feature when these two teams met earlier in the season, with Moyes opting for Dawson and Ogbonna, who went on to keep a hard-earned clean sheet at Goodison Park.

The 58-year-old must show no mercy and ruthlessly axe the former Toulouse defender.

AND in other news, Irons struck dream deal with “unbelievable” £35k-p/w gem who’s a “manager’s dream”…

A transfer claim regarding Manchester United’s chances of signing Frenkie de Jong this summer has emerged…

What’s the word?

Super-journalist Fabrizio Romano provided an update on United’s pursuit of the former Ajax starlet, ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window.

Romano took to his Twitter page to relay the claim which read: “Barca manager Xavi shuts down rumours on Frenkie de Jong leaving & Man Utd links.”

The Italian’s tweet contained quotes from Xavi on the potential departure of de Jong, with the Barcelona manager saying this: “Frenkie’s a very important player for me and for the club. He has to mark an era.

“I’m happy with him. If it were up to me he’ll continue for many years at Barca.”

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-man-united-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-and-more-nunez-ten-hag-nkunku-richarlison” title=”Read the latest Man United news!”]

Ten Hag will be gutted

With Ten Hag’s recent appointment at Manchester United amidst fluctuating game-time for Frenkie de Jong at Barcelona, it looked like this reunion was written in the stars for the Old Trafford side.

Since departing Ten Hag’s Ajax back in the summer of 2019, the Netherlands star has continued his development across his total of 136 appearances for the Blaugrana.

With Paul Pogba’s rumoured departure, a move for the 24-year-old looked like a sure-fire switch, with the Dutch coach enjoying unlimited success with de Jong – winning the Eredivisie title and Dutch Cup – in a season that saw Ajax reach the semi-finals of the Champions League in 2019.

The signing of the midfield maestro would have been the epitome of the next chapter for United, with the £63m-rated midfielder offering something completely different in the Red Devils’ engine room.

De Jong is quite simply a pass master, averaging an insane 90% pass completion total per 90, with an average total of 56 passes per match.

The Netherlands international is forward-thinking. His passing is productive and allows his side to progress the ball forward, whilst also creating a number of chances for his teammates – with his shot-creating actions total of three per 90 reflecting this.

Though, his style is much more offensive than defensive, with his metrics for the latter looking poor, considering his position.

As such, United may have had a lucky escape, as it is no secret that the lack of defensive solidity across the midfield has been one of the biggest issues for the side this season.

United need to identify a well-rounded and unselfish central midfielder who can cover both aspects of the game, as well as an outright central defensive midfielder who sits back and acts as the metronome.

It would have been nice to see de Jong reunite with Ten Hag, and although he may not be what the Red Devils need, it will be a big blow to the new boss nonetheless.

AND in other news: Ten Hag can instantly get OT rocking as MUFC plot bid for “top-class” £13.5m-rated gem – opinion

Some Everton fans have been left to react to a transfer update on Adrien Rabiot from Tuttosport.

As per the Italian news outlet, the Goodison Park faithful is a place that has ‘never faded’ as possible destination for the Juventus ace, currently valued at £28.8m by Transfermarkt.

Of course, Carlo Ancelotti has managed the 25-year-old before when he was playing at Paris Saint Germain a few campaigns ago, and so will know how to get the best out of his former player, while he is also someone who would add to his current options in the centre of midfield at the moment.

However, Rabiot has no previous experience of playing in the Premier League, and may demand a big wage having come from one of the most decorated clubs in football.

Everton fan reaction to Rabiot transfer update

These Toffees were split on Twitter on whether they should sign Rabiot, with one Blues supporter claiming that the France international is ‘super’ with his ball retention:

“He’s good, gents. Creative? More of a holding player, super with ball retention, very active when they have the ball, a bit of what we need for sure. Definitely a different level than everyone else we have in CM/DM IMO.”

Credit: @RyanSoccerAA

“And importantly this would be real depth at CM not something we have been blessed with for a long time”

Credit: @sludvigs

“I’d take him if true”Credit: @jay_smith1

“Doesn’t do enough for me you know Sean and I’ve seen him a lot as I regularly watch Juve. At times he looks disinterested too.”

Credit: @bracewellsboots

“Type of player we really don’t need, we need dynamic midfielders, not another Gomes type”

Credit: @efcBuggi

“Why? Just don’t think he’ll improve us at all”Credit: @JakeC98__In other news, find out what Paul Joyce update has been lauded by EFC fans here!

Reliable reporter Fabrizio Romano dropped a little under-the-radar update on Manchester City’s pursuit of Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish following England’s win over Germany on Tuesday evening.

And his post has a number of Aston Villa supporters talking on social media.

Grealish has been linked with a move to Manchester City for a number of months. The 25-year-old came off the bench and played a part in both goals at Wembley, setting up Harry Kane to seal a place in the quarter-finals.

Romano posted on Twitter following the win regarding a number of England players who have been linked with moves during the Euros.

One of those was Grealish, and Romano replied to a Villa fan after he shared a picture of a post from Villa reporter Ashley Preece, who suggested a new Villa Park deal for Grealish was ‘pending’.

The transfer expert claimed ‘nothing advanced and no official bid from City’, concluding it ‘won’t be easy for City with Aston Villa’.

Villa fans react

Romano, who has over three million Twitter followers, tends to get thousands of likes and interactions on his transfer posts. However, his reply to the Villa fan mentioned had a limited number of likes and interaction, seemingly flying under the radar with just 30 retweets.

Here’s what these Villa supporters had to say last night in response to Romano’s answer.

“Thats the stuff I love to hear! Ready to hear you announce Grealish’s contract to Aston Villa soon aswell.”Credit: @avfcIewis”Magnifique”Credit: @Pflipto”Preece mixing it with the big boys now”Credit: @jordstrangeAVFC”Villa want to win things, and have the money to compete. It’ll cost insane money to prize Grealish away. Especially considering his value just went up yet again.”Credit: @socraleese”After the Euros his value will have increased further still, and I don’t mean $. What he means to Villa is immeasurable.”Credit: @JayVtid”Villa don’t want to sell”Credit: @Davidomahony18

In other news: Villa interested in Man Utd defender, find out more here. 

Aston Villa’s transfer priority remains a number 10, with Arsenal’s Emile Smith Rowe a top summer target, according to The Athletic’s Villa correspondent Gregg Evans.

And plenty of Villa fans have been sharing their thoughts on the news on social media.

According to Evans, Smith Rowe is the club’s top choice regarding a number 10, whereas there is no rush to sign a striker.

Recent reports abroad claimed that Villa were in advanced talks with Chelsea over a move for Tammy Abraham, however, Evans revealed the forward isn’t on the club’s radar, for now.

Villa have already brought in Emiliano Buendia in a club-record deal and re-signed Ashley Young on a free transfer, but it seems as if there is still plenty of work to be done.

Villa fans react

@villareport shared Evans’ claim on Twitter on Friday, highlighting the club’s number 10 priority and Smith Rowe as a top target.

These Villa fans weren’t so sure on Villa’s thinking, though, with one describing the update as ‘strange’.

“We have the best number 10 in the world and have glaring problems in 3 positions. What are they doing?”Credit: @DOUGLASLUlZ”Don’t see this happening so it being the priority is a bit concerning”Credit: @M10Packed”Isn’t jack our 10? Strange”Credit: @bbqguy21″Should be prioritising a dm”Credit: @OllyAVFC_”It’s never gonna happen, irdk why were so driven to get him”Credit: @escapeinpixels”We’re still going for this? I don’t think Arsenal want to sell lads”Credit: @Tom_Price_AVFC_

In other news: ‘Absolute madness’, ‘Leave us alone’ – Many AVFC fans erupt at ‘garbage’ transfer news, find out more here. 

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Steve Bull, who is a Wolves Hall of Famer, believes that Jose Mourinho is not the same type of manager as he was at Chelsea, labelling him the “sheepish one”.

Mourinho has experienced mixed fortunes since succeeding Mauricio Pochettino at Spurs, but he does have a Carabao Cup final later this month which could be Tottenham’s first piece of silverware since 2008.

When he arrived at Chelsea for the first time, Mourinho labelled himself as ‘the special one’ which he backed up by winning back-to-back Premier League titles as well as an FA Cup and League Cup.

Speaking on how Mourinho comes across now and what has changed from the point of view of an outsider looking in, Bull told FFC:

“He came over here as the special one and made players want to play for him, but he’s not showing any glimpses of what he had at Chelsea.

“When he was at Chelsea he had that hunger, but he’s come back as the sheepish one at Tottenham without saying a word, not stand from his box and the players haven’t delivered for him.”

Spurs find themselves five points off the top four after draws with Newcastle United and Everton were sandwiched by a home reverse against Manchester United.

Mourinho has struggled to keep everyone on his side after falling out with both Dele Alli and Gareth Bale publicly known, and now players like Matt Doherty and Toby Alderweireld are being left out of the team and/or the squad.

Everton’s transfer plans this summer will revolve around strengthening their options in attack, but they also appear to be in the market for a new midfielder.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side have already been linked with the likes of Sander Berge and Ainsley Maitland-Niles but one target stands tall above the other options.

That happens to be Yves Bissouma, a man who has caught the attention of plenty in the Premier League this season.

The Daily Express claimed that Everton are in the race to sign the dominant midfielder this summer, with a £40m fee being touted, but they will face competition from Arsenal and Liverpool, both of whom Fabrizio Romano suggested were keen this week.

Bissouma has been a combative force for the Seagulls over the last two years and is one of the strongest tacklers in the Premier League.

With that in mind, Everton could finally replace the effervescent Idrissa Gueye.

The Senegal powerhouse drew comparisons to N’Golo Kante during his time in the Premier League and, as a result of his performances, he earned a move to Paris Saint-Germain.

Throughout the course of his career, Gueye has won 3.2 tackles per match, but he actually usurped that tally during his time at Goodison Park. During his first season with the Merseyside outfit, the midfielder won 4.1 tackles per match, a figure which increased to 4.3 by the time of his final year at the Toffees.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-everton-transfer-news-lukaku-leao-bissouma-berge-antony” title=”Read the latest Everton transfer news!”]

No Everton player has come close to that tally this season, with Allan managing 3.3 successful challenges per game. This is precisely why Bissouma would be such a valuable addition.

Described as “exceptional” by Gary Lineker, the 24-year-old won 2.9 tackles per match in 2020/21.That falls below Allan and Gueye, but it’s his reading of the play that also stands up in comparison with the former Toffees midfielder.

In terms of interceptions, he has made 2.2 interceptions per game during his senior career – a number Bissouma comes close to replicating with 1.8 this term.

A proven Premier League talent, he would be a marvellous capture for the Toffees this summer, and one which could propel them to a place in Europe.

AND in other news, Everton eye swoop for “dangerous” 20 G/A beast, he could be their new Kanchelskis…

West Ham will continue to monitor Kerr Smith after nearly signing him on transfer deadline day last month…

What’s the word?

That’s according to the ever-reliable ExWHUemployee, who delivered a fresh update on the situation on the recent episode of ‘The West Ham Way’ podcast.

He said: “A guy called Kerr Smith who we were close to signing on deadline day, he is one as well who we are keeping an eye on.”

The Irons were linked with the Dundee United gem during the summer, with The Sun’s Alan Nixon claiming that there was also interest from Premier League rivals Southampton and Crystal Palace.

It was even thought that manager David Moyes wanted the 16-year-old to come to London for talks over a potential move, which speaks volumes considering his age.

Moyes masterclass

The Hammers, and Moyes in particular, made some very smart signings throughout the summer, ranging from the arrival of Champions League winner Kurt Zouma to the addition of potential future star Thierry Nevers.

Smith would undoubtedly be a signing for the long-term but the fact that the 58-year-old would have liked to speak to him personally suggests that there is a first-team element in mind – and understandably so.

The young centre-back has already made his senior bow for the Terrors and has racked up a total of seven appearances since the start of last season.

It’s thought that Smith has a £500k release clause in his contract, which for a Premier League side like West Ham is peanuts. He has even trained with Aston Villa, Manchester United and Everton, as per the Courier, so he’s clearly caught the eye in recent years.

The vastly experienced Mark Connolly, his teammate at Tannadice Park, spoke glowingly about the teenager back in April this year.

“Kerr, who played beside me, was fantastic. He’s 16 years of age and it’s incredible,” he told reporters after a defeat to Kilmarnock. “It’s the way the football club wants to go, bringing young players through, and this boy’s ready.”

The 6-foot emerging talent would fit into the mould of what Moyes has been doing in recent times, having overseen the progression of academy talents like Ben Johnson.

If the Scotsman can secure one of the biggest talents from his home country, then he deserves to be lauded for pulling off another masterstroke in the transfer window, especially after being given the full authority over such decisions.

AND in other news, ExWHUemployee drops exciting transfer claim on West Ham’s interest in EFL “game-changer”…