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West Ham United should go all out to win the race to sign Lille defender Sven Botman, according to Get French Football News’ Adam White.

Botman was thrown into the limelight after playing a key role as Lille beat Paris Saint-Germain to last season’s Ligue One title.

The central defender made 47 appearances last term and is on the wishlist of numerous clubs thanks to his impressive form.

West Ham – along with Premier League rivals Crystal Palace, Newcastle United and Norwich City – are keen to sign Botman before the transfer window slams shut. Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Italian side Atalanta are also showing an interest.

Hammers boss David Moyes is eager to add strength in depth after guiding the east Londoners into the Europa League thanks to registering a club-record Premier League points tally last season.

West Ham have been turned down by Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma and French football expert White feels the Hammers should turn their attentions towards sealing Botman’s arrival at the London Stadium.

He told The Transfer Tavern: “Botman has so much potential and he is very much suited to the Premier League.

“Given the price tags that a lot of Ligue One players fetch, he could become a real bargain. If he settles in well and progresses as he should, he could be worth double or triple what they sign him for in a year or two.”

Former Everton striker Marcus Bent believes that Rafa Benitez would prove a success at the club, but doesn’t think he’s the right fit for the Merseysiders.

It’s been more than a month since Carlo Ancelotti swapped Goodison Park for the Bernabeu, with Everton yet to find a replacement despite talks with several candidates.

Nuno Espirito Santo looked likely to become the Italian’s replacement, but Benitez has since moved ahead of him in the race with The Athletic reporting on Thursday that he looks certain to get the job.

However, there has been a serious backlash surrounding the potential appointment of the Spaniard, who’s a legendary figure across Stanley Park having won both the Champions League and FA Cup during his six seasons at Anfield.

14 years ago, after a draw at Anfield in the Merseyside derby, Benitez hit out at Everton by calling them a “small club”.

And Bent exclusively told Football FanCast that he reckons that jibe from Benitez didn’t sit well with the Goodison Park faithful:

“Speaking to people behind the scenes at Everton – he’s always done well wherever he has gone.

“He could bring names in and would probably do well at Everton, but the problem is that he lashed out at Everton when he was at Liverpool saying they were a smaller club, so the fans wouldn’t be happy to see him appointed.

“I don’t think he’s the right fit for us, I think there’s other managers out there that could come in and do a good of a job as he can.”

Aston Villa are still being linked with a move for Burnley striker Chris Wood, as reported by Birmingham Mail.

Enjoying a productive 2020/21 campaign, the New Zealand international contributed with 16 goal involvements as he helped Burnley stave off relegation; namely 12 goals and four assists [Transfermarkt].

Dean Smith allegedly wants another forward signed, in order to take the sole goal-scoring burden away from Villains hero Ollie Watkins moving into 2021/22. Wood is seen as someone who is proven in the Premier League, as well as being an alternative mould of player who could make an impact at Villa Park [Birmingham Mail].

Wood would reportedly cost Aston Villa over £25 million if they were to successfully negotiate a deal for the 29-year-old.

Paying huge money for someone who will soon be in his thirties has not pleased the Aston Villa support, despite Wood’s impressive form this term. In light of this news, loads of fans took to Twitter to fume  at these latest developments.

Villa fans react:

Here is what some Aston Villa supporters had to say regarding the update:

“Doesn’t fit the Villa player profile, this is never going to happen if you ask me and I won’t lose any sleep over it either sorry to say.”

Credit: @FabledSage

“He will be 30 soon so a defo no!!!!!”

Credit: @bils85

“We definitely need a striker, but not him”Credit: @Liam_856″This is getting boring now why would we need a Burnley striker who is very average for them, give it a rest now lads it ain’t gonna happen.”Credit: @tw1708″No too old doesn’t fit into our recruitment policy defo not a step forward in my opinion”Credit: @scott38245738″Isn’t it time to call up@LouieBarry6 ? I belive we have a strong starting 11, it would be great to develop our young lions!”Credit: @villaboy147In other news, Aston Villa fans react to their interest in a midfield beast.

Noel Whelan believes George Edmundson has played his last game for Glasgow Rangers and will therefore leave the club this summer.

The Lowdown: Edmundson in the bad books

Edmundson put himself in Steven Gerrard’s bad books when he broke coronavirus regulations to attend a house party towards the end of 2020 – both he and Jordan Jones ended up receiving a seven-game as a result (BBC).

The 23-year-old was soon out of the door at Ibrox – he spent the second half of the season on loan at Derby County in the Championship.

The Latest: On his way out

Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan believes Edmundson’s career at Rangers is finished. He said:

“It was an easy sale when he got himself into bother. 

“He put himself in the shop window. Not through any performances but when you are ill-disciplined and you let the club down there is a good chance you’re going to be sold. 

“Money for a player you don’t want to have is fantastic. I think it’s best for both parties that he does leave in the summer. 

“I don’t think he has any hope of playing for Rangers again, he blew that opportunity. He brought the club into disrepute. 

“I don’t think Rangers will stand in his way and they have more than enough cover in his position.”

The Verdict: Hard to disagree

It is hard to disagree with Whelan in this case. Edmundson made 16 appearances for the Gers during the 2019/20 campaign, his first at the club, but even before his ban, he played just twice for the 55-time Scottish champions in all competitions last time out (Transfermarkt) – he was never really a major part of Gerrard’s plans.

Valued at £450,000 (Transfermarkt) and with two years left on his contract, the Gers should at least be able to bring in a six-figure fee if they were to sell Edmundson. Given he appears to have no future at Ibrox, that would represent a good piece of business for Ross Wilson and co.

In other news, Rangers fans laud this man’s display at Euro 2020.

Steven Gerrard has been handed a significant boost at Ibrox this week as Rangers star Ianis Hagi has been left out of Romania’s squad for the Olympic Games this summer, which should mean that the winger is available for the start of the new club season.

Rangers were reportedly set to prevent their player from representing his country at the Olympics in Tokyo this summer due to the clash with the Champions League qualifiers.

Whilst Gerrard’s side had no obligation to allow Hagi to leave, there was perhaps a worry among some Ger fans that it would cause a dispute between the 22-year-old and the club at a time when he is attracting interest from abroad.

The likes of Lazio and Sevilla are said to be interested in the former Genk man, who impressed in his first full season as a Rangers player, winning the club’s 2020/21 Young Player of the Season award for his performances.

However, fortunately for Gerrard, Hagi has now been left out of Mirel Radoi’s Romania squad, which should hopefully bring an end to any dispute between Rangers and the winger as he should now be fully focused on the season ahead at Ibrox.

The Gers kick off their Premiership title defence with a game against Livingston on 31 July, whilst their first pre-season friendly sees them take on Partick Thistle on Monday evening, so it is good news for Gerrard that Hagi will be available for selection.

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Last season saw the winger contribute an impressive eight goals and 15 assists in all competitions for the Light Blues, so his creativity will surely be key for Rangers next season if they are to retain the Premiership title and challenge in the Champions League.

Gerrard is certainly a big fan of the youngster, as he sang his praises in the 2019/20 season during his initial loan spell at Ibrox, saying: “Ianis is an outstanding talent and that stage was made for him.”

[freshpress-quiz id=“593776″]

Therefore, it is a huge boost that the Romanian will now be available for Rangers rather than travelling to Tokyo for the Olympics, and Gers fans will be hoping to see him carry over his form from last season into the new campaign.

In other news… Gerrard could be set for huge Rangers boost with “immense” Ibrox “mountain”

Celtic have reportedly made a bid for Elfsborg defender Joseph Okumu, according to Swedish outlet Sportbladet.

The Lowdown: Okumu at the top of his game

Okumu, who has seven caps to his name for Kenya, has made 41 appearances for the Swedish side after joining the club back in 2019.

His displays appear to have caught the eye of multiple sides, and it seems as if he is at the top of his game.

Okumu’s Transfermarkt valuation has rocketed in the space of 12 months, going from £180,000 in November 2019 to £1.08m in December 2020.

The Latest: Celtic not the only club interested

Sportbladet sources have suggested that five clubs have registered their interest in Okumu and offered significant sums for the defender.

Rangers, Gent, Reims and Lorient are the four other interested parties along with the Hoops, with the highest bid for the 24-year-old just over SEK 30 million (£2.5m).

The Verdict: McKay not waiting around

With no manager or director of football in place at Parkhead, new CEO Dominic McKay would have to be the driving force behind any reported bid for Okumu.

Should he move to Celtic Park, the towering defender could end up replacing Kristoffer Ajer, with the Norwegian linked with a move to Newcastle United.

Ajer made the move to Scotland as an unknown figure back in 2016 but has established himself as a Celtic star in recent seasons, making 176 appearances, so the club could be looking to do the same with Okumu.

It remains unclear as to which of those teams tabled the £2.5m bid for Okumu out of the five clubs interested, but it seems as if the Hoops are not letting their managerial vacancy hinder their early transfer plans with McKay already making moves.

In other news: Celtic hold talks with Ange Postecoglou alternative, find out more here. 

Carlo Ancelotti and his Everton side will have gone to sleep last night seeing claret and blue.

For the third game in a row, the Toffees will face a side donning those exact colours.

A week ago, Everton suffered defeat to Aston Villa in rather poor circumstances. Defensive mistakes were rife but they bounced back brilliantly against an in-form West Ham team.

The defence on that occasion were first-class as a solitary goal from Dominic Calvert-Lewin won them the game.

On the chalkboard

It would be a surprise if Ancelotti switched from his trusted three-man defence that did so well last time out.

The Toffees looked improved defensively and in Ben Godfrey, they had a man who led the charge both offensively and inside their own half.

He won a colossal 88% of his duels during that contest, showing a ruthless physicality that’s been missing from the Everton side of late.

When Ancelotti tasted defeat against Dean Smith just over a week ago, his side were lightweight and were made to look rather feeble.

Mason Holgate was shoved off the ball all too easily for Ollie Watkins’ opening goal and Andre Gomes was also weak in the middle of the park

During that match, the Portuguese midfielder won just two of his nine defensive duels.

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With that in mind, the manager could vastly improve Everton’s fortunes by turning to Abdoulaye Doucoure on Thursday evening.

The Frenchman returned to the match day squad at the London Stadium following a fractured foot but didn’t get his chance to earn any minutes.

That should change this weekend, however, because his qualities could terrify the Villans.

A typical box to box midfielder, the £120k-per-week earner is one of the strongest players in this Everton side. He combines a relentless attitude to burst forward and impact play in the final third with the ability to break up attacks from the opposition.

Speaking about his qualities shortly after he’d signed from Watford, Ancelotti commented: “Abdoulaye is a fantastic midfielder, a complete midfielder. He can defend well. He is a box-to-box midfielder. He can bring energy to the club and a different quality.

The Italian added: “We don’t have midfielders with his kinds of characteristics. We have midfielders with quality and midfielders who are tactically good. He is the only one who is box-to-box. I know him really well, what he did with Watford.”

With that in mind, it’s hard to see how he doesn’t have a bigger effect on proceedings than Gomes did in the 2-1 defeat at Goodison Park.

Well disciplined, Doucoure has committed fewer fouls (0.5) than many of his teammates in the middle of the pitch; Andre Gomes, Tom Davies and Allan are all intent on bringing down their man on a more frequent basis.

Not only does the 28-year-old have a powerful streak inside of him, but he can harness that without being rash and cynical.

He simply has to play on Thursday.

AND in other news, Everton must swoop for £300k-p/w “outstanding technician”, he’s shades of Tim Cahill…

Mel Morris is in talks with a number of interested parties regarding the sale of Derby County.

What’s the latest?

That’s according to The Sun journalist Alan Nixon, who claimed in a recent post on Twitter that there are a number of live bidders for the Rams, while also suggesting that the club’s impending points deduction may not be as bad as first feared – if new owners are in place upon Derby’s appeal.

Nixon said: “Derby County. Live bidders plural. Top insiders also hinting that points penalty could be less on appeal if new ownership in place down the line.”

Fans will be buzzing

Considering just how much their club has been through this season, having to endure the heartbreak of two failed takeover attempts and seeing their side barely scrape Championship survival after a number of catastrophic performances on the pitch, Nixon’s latest update provides Derby fans with a figurative light at the end of the tunnel.

With Morris appearing to be absolutely desperate to sell the club, the Rams cannot truly begin to move forward under Wayne Rooney with an owner who is not committed, either financially or emotionally.

Furthermore, with Nixon claiming that Derby’s pending points deduction for breaking the EFL’s Financial Fair Play rules will likely be reduced on appeal after the change of owners, there is even more incentive for a sale of the club to be completed as rapidly as possible.

And, it goes without saying that the chances of the Rams’ sale actually going through are dramatically increased by more than one interested party bidding for the club.

As such, the journalist’s update is something that is likely to leave fans of the club buzzing, as once their side have sorted matters off the pitch out, they can begin to plan for next season under Rooney, with the aim of putting on a much more respectable showing in the Championship than last time out.

In other news: Imagine him & Mengi: Rooney must seal Derby deal for £1.8m-rated “leader” this summer – opinion

Manchester City fans are desperate for Aymeric Laporte to stay at the club after his impressive performance for Spain against Portugal on Friday night.

City signed Laporte from Athletic Bilbao for £57m in 2018 (BBC), and he has proven to be a good signing for the club. During the 2018/19 campaign, he was particularly important, making 35 appearances in the Premier League (Transfermarkt) as the Citizens won the league by one point ahead of Liverpool (footballdatabase.com).

Last term, he did not play as big of a role, and therefore has been linked with a move away from the Etihad Stadium (mundodeportivo.com).

Born in France, £40.5m-valued Laporte (Transfermarkt) has decided to play for Spain after continually been overlooked by Didier Deschamps. On Friday, he made his debut for La Roja, and he helped his side keep a clean sheet, with one fan hailing his performance as a ‘masterclass’.

The City fans were delighted with his display, and they urged him to stay at the club as a result. They took to social media platform Twitter to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about Laporte below

“Great game aymeric, hope u stay and prove evryone wrong in our team”

Credit: @mcityfanpranesh

“Laporte masterclass on international debut… we can’t let him leave”

Credit: @NoContextSammm

“He needs to start with Dias next season”

Credit: @McfcNathan0

“mannn we cant let laporte go.”

Credit: @ManchesterBleu

“hope he stays he’s better than stones”

Credit: @MedAmineKarray

“Can’t let him go, need to get a run of games under his belt with Dias”

Credit: @FletchMcfc

In other news, Man City fans want to sign this Serie A midfielder this summer.

Fans of West Ham United have been reacting to a post on Twitter, in which the Hammers released a statement regarding the recent formation of a European Super League.

On Monday, it was confirmed that Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur were among the 12 clubs who had agreed to join a new European Super League – a midweek competition which aims to replace the Champions League.

However, the immediate reaction to the announcement was that the formation of the new league was being driven purely by the greed of the so-called big six clubs’ owners, and Chelsea, Manchester City and Atletico Madrid have reportedly started talks to pull out.

And, following a meeting of the 14 non-European Super League English top-flight teams on Tuesday, West Ham released a statement condemning the proposal of the ESL, with the club posting on Twitter: “West Ham United vehemently opposes the proposal for a Super League.”

In reaction, fans of West Ham flocked to have their say on the matter, with many appearing delighted at their club’s stance on the European Super League proposals.

So, what exactly did these West Ham United fans have to say in reaction to the club’s statement?

“Love to see it.”

@whugrace

“My club, you love to see it.”

@ScoutSoucek

“Lovely stuff lads.”

@whulouie

“YEEESSSSSSS COME ON YOU IRONSSSS.”

@AkiW_M

“My massive club.”

@SaintzzGB

“Gargantuan W.”

@OroWhu

In other news: ‘What a day’, ‘My club is massive’ – Many WHU fans gush as club in line to seal £21.5m signing – find out more here!