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BBC pundit Noel Whelan has backed West Ham to make a ‘bargain’ move for Hull City ace Keane Lewis-Potter this summer.

The Lowdown: Hammers facing competition

Just last month, it was reported by Football Insider’s transfer sources that the Irons are set to battle it out with fellow Premier League rivals Brentford in the race to secure the 21-year-old’s signature, with David Moyes being spotted attending the Tigers’ game against Millwall over the Easter weekend to cast an eye over his potential transfer target.

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The winger still has one year remaining on his current contract with the Championship outfit, but former Leeds striker Whelan believes that the Scottish manager is the perfect candidate to help the young prospect make the step up to the top flight, where he has the chance to “do a Jarrod Bowen”.

The Latest: Moyes the mentor

When speaking to Football Insider about the possibility of Lewis-Potter signing for the Hammers, Whelan said: “Moyes is not afraid to go to the Championship and bring players from there, knowing that they can do the job in the Premier League and they’re good enough to do a Jarrod Bowen.

“That’s one thing you can’t question about David Moyes. Transfers, characters, people coming into the club, improving players individually and collectively as a team.

“He’s been building that environment and getting the right characters for the team. Getting the right players that fit into the squad they already have.

“He’s the man to get bargains and dip into the Championship to try to take the gems. Why not? It’s worked before, why would it not work now?

“Another young player, giving him an opportunity to play at a big club in London and showcase his skills like a Jarrod Bowen. Hopefully, he can do the same thing.”

The Verdict: Bags of potential

The England U21 international came through the ranks at Hull and has scored a total of 29 goals and registered 12 assists during his 121 appearances for the club in all competitions, as per Transfermarkt.

The £900k-rated starlet is very versatile and has the ability to play down both flanks, something which Moyes will no doubt be attracted to, and should an offer come in for Lewis-Potter from West Ham, the opportunity of playing at the highest level of English football, not to mention the chance of them claiming a European place next season, would surely be a move he couldn’t refuse.

Once hailed as being a “special talent” by his former boss Grant McCann, it wouldn’t come as any surprise to see the forward following in the footsteps of his ex-teammate Bowen to make the move to the London Stadium in the coming months.

In other news… West Ham have been tipped to register interest in a Premier League star this upcoming window.

Wolves are trying to persuade Ruben Neves to sign a new deal at the club instead of leaving this summer, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Lowdown: Neves’ future unclear

The 25-year-old has continued to be a key player for the Old Gold in the Premier League this season, having found his best form since the arrival of Bruno Lage and being hailed as ‘amazing’ by team-mate Jose Sa.

However, there is constant speculation surrounding Neves’ future at Molineux, with Barcelona continually linked with a summer move for the player, among other clubs.

Wolves would clearly love the midfielder to stay put, though, and a significant update has now emerged regarding the Portugal international’s situation in the Black Country.

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The Latest: O’Rourke on Neves’ future

Speaking to GiveMeSport, O’Rourke claimed that a new deal is in the offing for Neves at Compton Park, as Wolves try to keep hold of arguably their most prized asset. The journalist outlined:

“I think Wolves are going to find it hard to keep hold of him this year. Talks are ongoing over a new deal, but I think there’s a realisation on both parties here that maybe the time has come for them to move on.

“I’m sure Ruben Neves in the summer will have a big decision to make on his future.”

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The Verdict: Neves still likely to leave

While there is some hope that Neves will extend his stay at Wolves – and it would feel hugely significant if he does – it still feels as though a summer exit is more likely.

The lure of joining Barcelona could simply be too great to ignore, should an offer arrive, with few players getting the opportunity to play for such an iconic club.

Neves does seem to genuinely love Wolves, though, and if loyalty takes over and he sees positive progress under Lage, it may yet happen that he signs a new deal. If that does materialise, it would arguably feel more important than any new summer signing.

In other news, Wolves are eyeing up a move for one player. Find out who it is here.

Celtic have another opportunity to take a step closer to lifting the Premiership title this afternoon as the Hoops welcome Hearts to Parkhead for their latest league outing.

The previous league meeting between the two sides back in January saw Ange Postecoglou’s side pick up all three points with a 2-1 victory.

Goals from Reo Hatate and Giorgos Giakoumakis put the away side 2-0 up with 35 minutes on the clock before Liam Boyce pulled a goal back for his team in the second half. Hearts had the chance to equalise in the 73rd minute but Boyce ended up missing a penalty, much to the delight of Celtic.

Heading into today’s showdown, the Hoops will undeniably be looking for a win after failing to beat Rangers last weekend.

On the chalkboard

One man who started in the 1-1 draw last Sunday butt should not be in the team on this occasion is attacker Kyogo Furuhashi.

Celtic signed the centre-forward during the previous summer transfer window from Vissel Kobe in a deal worth a reported £5m. Since then, the £52.5k-per-week attacker has scored 17 goals in 30 games for the Bhoys across all competitions.

Despite his knack for finding the net since his arrival in Scotland, his previous performance may have jeopardised his place in today’s starting XI.

With 61 minutes under his belt against Rangers last time out, the striker failed to have much of an impact and arguably cost his side the chance to stretch the points gap between the two Glasgow clubs.

During his time on the pitch before being replaced by Giakoumakis, the 27-year-old had just 15 touches of the ball and could only complete five of the 10 passes he attempted. He also ended up giving the ball away six times, committing four fouls and losing four of the six duels in which he was involved, as per Sofascore.

Described as being an “absolute nightmare” to play against in training by team-mate Stephen Welsh, this is the opposite of what he was for the Rangers defence last weekend.

With that in mind, it could be Postecoglou’s best option to not start Furuhashi on this occasion and keep him as an impact substitute instead.

In other news: Enquiry made, then joined rivals: Celtic had the last laugh over “huge” 161 G/A dynamo

Burnley centre-back James Tarkowski would prefer to join West Ham over Everton this summer, according to Sky Sports pundit Paul Robinson.

The Lowdown: Moyes is a big fan

The 29-year-old’s current contract at Turf Moor is set to expire at the end of the season, making him a free agent for any potential suitors that might be interested in securing his services in the upcoming transfer window.

An Everton source has recently claimed that the Toffees would consider a move for the defender should they be able to avoid the drop, but it was previously revealed by Football Insider that the Irons have been monitoring Tarkowski closely ever since last year.

According to FI’s Irons source, David Moyes is personally a ‘huge admirer’ of the 6 foot 1 colossus and the player would ‘jump at the chance’ to join the Hammers.

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The Latest: West Ham hold the advantage

Reacting to the interest from the Blues, Robinson claims that West Ham will reignite their interest in the two-cap international at the end of June and win the race.

He told the outlet: “I think there will be a lot of others in for him though.

“Everton will struggle to get him. I know West Ham have looked at him in the past. We know how badly they need a centre-half. They struggled to put any out against Arsenal.

“Given the season Everton have had, they might struggle to get Tarky. He will have a lot of offers on the table as a free agent and I’m not sure Everton will be the most appealing one.”

The Verdict: An absolute bargain

The London Stadium outfit are expected to be on the hunt for a new centre-back ahead of the start of the new campaign given the club’s injury crisis, with the likes of Issa Diop, Angelo Ogbonna, and temporarily Kurt Zouma being ruled out of action, leaving Craig Dawson as the only fit recognised senior defender available at times.

Tarkowski, who was once dubbed an “outstanding” player by his former manager Sean Dyche, has been a rock in the heart of the Clarets defence this term, where he’s averaged 5.3 clearances, 1.8 tackles, and 1.5 interceptions per Premier League game, via WhoScored, showing just how assured he can be in the backline.

If the Hammers do have the opportunity to seal a deal for the Manchester-born talent in the coming months, then it should be an absolute no-brainer as they would be getting years of experience added to their squad for quite literally the price of nothing.

In other news… a journalist has made a huge claim involving one of West Ham’s proposed transfer targets.

Fabrizio Romano has dropped an update on reported Tottenham Hotspur transfer target Paulo Dybala.

What’s the talk?

In a recent post on Twitter, the Italian journalist revealed that, despite reports to the contrary, Tottenham have in fact not opened talks with the Juventus forward regarding a summer move, before the transfer insider went on to claim that Antonio Conte is set to meet with Daniel Levy in the coming weeks to discuss Spurs’ summer strategy.

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Regarding Tottenham’s links with the 28-year-old, Romano revealed the following twist: “Tottenham have not opened talks to sign Paulo Dybala, as of [Wednesday]. There are no negotiations ongoing – ofc, the situation for Dybala’s future is still open as he’s available on a free transfer. Antonio Conte will meet [the] Tottenham board soon to discuss future plans.”

Supporters will be fuming

Considering just how impressive a signing Dybala would be for Fabio Paratici to get over the line this summer, in addition to the vast number of clubs reported to be competing for the Argentina international’s signature, the news that Tottenham are yet to make contact with the forward concerning a switch to north London is sure to have left supporters fuming.

Indeed, over his 28 Serie A appearances this season, the £36m-rated attacker has been in sensational form for the Bianconeri, scoring ten goals, registering five assists and creating 11 big chances for his teammates, in addition to taking an average of 3.5 shots, making 1.4 key passes and completing 1.6 dribbles per game.

These returns have seen the £220k-per-week forward – who can be deployed in attacking midfield, on the right-wing or up top – average a rather breathtaking SofaScore match rating of 7.43, not only ranking him as Massimiliano Allegri’s best performer in the Italian top flight but also as the third-best player in the league as a whole.

As such, with it being abundantly clear what a coup Dybala would be for Spurs – especially on a free transfer – it would appear highly advisable for Paratici to make a move for the 28-year-old as quickly as possible, or else Tottenham could easily find themselves lining up against the Argentine when facing one of their Premier League rivals next season.

AND in other news: Conte can now axe “pathetic” £43m flop as Spurs plot £30m bid for “important” signing

Wolves should tread very carefully about making a move for Napoli attacker Hirving Lozano this summer, according to Italian football expert Conor Clancy.

The Lowdown: Wolves linked with Lozano

Bruno Lage will be keen to make new signings during the summer transfer window, and one player with whom Wanderers have been linked in recent months is Lozano.

The £31.5m-rated Mexican has made 30 Serie A appearances for Napoli this season, registering five goals and five assist, along with netting once in the Europa League.

Lozano also famously shone at the 2018 World Cup with Mexico, chipping in with one goal and one assist and catching the eye with his dazzling performances out wide. Indeed, it was he who netted the winner against then-world champions Germany at that tournament.

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The Latest: Clancy sounds Lozano warning

Despite that impressive summer in Russia, Clancy is not convinced about Wolves signing the 26-year-old, telling GiveMeSport that Lozano is too hit-and-miss as a footballer.

The Serie A expert warned:

“Lozano, he’s what you expect from a number 10. He’s small, he can create, he can really amaze you on his day, but his days are too few and far between.

“He’ll frustrate you; he’ll have moments of brilliance, but he’s not someone to build a project around, I would say.”

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The Verdict: One to avoid

While Lozano is clearly a talented player who is capable of match-winning moments on a big stage, Clancy’s assessment should act as a word of warning to Lage ahead of the summer.

Wolves need to be signing reliable players who are likely to perform in the Premier League on a consistent basis, rather than someone who will blow hot and cold all too often.

There could be some excitement if the Old Gold end up signing Lozano, given his pedigree at World Cup and Champions League level, but Lage could be better off focusing on the signing of a winger who isn’t going to leave the Molineux faithful tearing their hair out in frustration, as Clancy has suggested of the Mexican.

In other news, Wolves have been boosted in their quest to sign one player. Find out who it is here.

Celtic are interested in signing Metz midfielder Kevin N’Doram in the summer transfer window, according to a fresh rumour that has emerged.

The Lowdown: Midfield additions needed?

Ange Postecoglou is already working hard on making key summer reinforcements, including trying to tie down Cameron Carter-Vickers and Jota to permanent deals.

Midfield is certainly one area that Celtic will surely be looking to strengthen in, as Tom Rogic and Nir Bitton depart the club and leave a void in the middle of the park.

With a Scottish Premiership title defence and a return to the Champions League to focus on next season, a top-class addition or two is required there.

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The Latest: Hoops eye up N’Doram move

According to French publication Homme Du Match [via Football Scotland], Celtic are lining up a move for N’Doram, who has shone for Metz this season.

His current deal expires in the summer of 2024 and he could be available for a bargain £2million.

The Verdict: Strong midfield signing

N’Doram could be an excellent signing for Celtic, providing defensive nous and quality in his deep-lying midfield role.

The 26-year-old has made 19 Ligue 1 appearances this season, enjoying an 84.2% pass completion rate and averaging 1.1 clearances per game, and he could compliment someone like Callum McGregor perfectly.

Squad depth is vital ahead of what could be a relentless 2022/23 campaign and N’Doram is someone who could come in as a strong squad player, at worst, bolstering Postecoglou’s options.

In other news, Celtic are also keen on signing another player this summer. Find out who it is here.

Journalist Graeme Bailey has now shared an exciting Southampton transfer update involving Blackburn Rovers star Ben Brereton-Diaz.

The Lowdown: Semmens plan in place…

Under the new ownership of Sport Republic, Saints club chief Martin Semmens, who actively oversees their transfer business, has admitted that they already have their ‘plan in place’ for the summer (The Daily Echo).

This comes as a fair few squad members like Nathan Redmond, Theo Walcott and Moussa Djenepo head into the final years of their current deals as the St Mary’s side become open to offers for all three players (GiveMeSport).

Ralph Hasenhuttl, as a result, could see some fresh Premier League additions this window as he allegedly sets his sights on a striker signing.

The Latest: Bailey shares update…

According to journalist Bailey, writing for TEAMtalk, Southampton, and by extension Semmens, are now ‘in the running’ to sign Rovers star striker Brereton-Diaz this summer alongside Leeds, Brighton and Wolves.

This come as the Championship outfit decide to ‘cash in’ as they green-light his sale.

The Verdict: Finalise bid?

This report claims Rovers may ask for ‘slightly more’ than £20 million for any sides wishing to sign the Chile international, and going by his phenomenal return of 22 goals over 21/22, it could be a bargain.

Called a ‘beast’ by manager Toby Mowbray, the Ewood Park side could potentially be forced to accept a lower fee given Diaz is entering the final year of his deal.

Much will depend on Semmens’ negotiating power as he eyes some star recruits for Hasenhuttl.

In other news: Southampton emerge as frontrunners for ‘fabulous’ signing who’d suit Ralph ‘down to the ground’…find out more here.

Everton have been linked with Billy Gilmour ahead of the summer transfer window with his former boss Frank Lampard as manager, the connection is something the club can exploit to secure a deal.

What’s the latest?

Daily Star journalist Paul Brown has claimed Everton “need” a player like Billy Gilmour this summer.

Brown was speaking to GIVEMESPORT and said: “He is exactly the sort of player, in many respects, he is exactly the sort of player Everton need, someone who can just sit in front of the back four, dictate play, pick a good pass and keep the ball moving.”

Frank can land his own Xavi

Lampard is well aware of the strengths and talent of Gilmour after working with the young player at Chelsea and even made his Premier League debut under the Toffees boss at Stamford Bridge, so could make an instant impact on the team next season if he can bring the player to Goodison Park.

Roy Keane claimed that the 20-year-old has “everything” you want from a midfielder whilst doing punditry for Sky Sports during Chelsea’s game against Everton in 2020, hailing his “quality on the ball” and his “football intelligence.”

Gilmour has had a disappointing campaign with newly-relegated side Norwich City on loan, but was a standout performer in terms of his work ethic and consistency in-game with a 91% pass accuracy in his own half.

He made 1.7 tackles, 1.2 clearances and won 3.8 of his duels combined on average per game, proving that he is a solid force in midfield.

There are comparisons that can be drawn to Xavi from the style of play that the £28k-per-week youngster displays in the centre of the pitch. His high accuracy in being able to pick out a pass successfully and his ability to force himself as a dominating presence in midfield gives glimpses of the Barcelona legend who has become Gilmour’s inspiration.

The perfect manager to bring out that excellence and precision would be Lampard who is renowned as a Premier League great thanks to his career as a midfielder at Chelsea, so not only will his work previously with Gilmour help him develop the young talent but also his own experience in the position should only unlock the potential further.

With that being said, if Farhad Moshiri could even secure a season-long loan deal for the £10.8m-rated player it would be a major coup in Everton’s pursuit to improve their squad and would benefit the player massively in his development along the way.

AND in other news: Moshiri plotting Everton bid for “powerful” £25m monster, he can be Calvert-Lewin 2.0

West Bromwich Albion now look set to miss out on transfer target Joe Rothwell as talkSPORT correspondent Alex Crook revealed that the Blackburn ace is ‘on the brink’ of signing for Bournemouth.

The Lowdown: West Brom register interest

The 27-year-old first joined Rovers when he made the switch to the Championship from Oxford United, but failed to come to an agreement over a new deal at Ewood Park, meaning he will now become a free agent at the end of the month.

It was first reported by Alan Nixon that the Baggies had registered interest in the midfield maestro, alongside his teammate Darragh Lenihan, before the journalist provided a later update in May claiming that the Manchester-born talent was set to speak to all potential suitors ahead of deciding his next destination.

The Latest: Bournemouth set to sign Rothwell

In a new post on his personal Twitter account, however, Crook confirmed that it looks like Rothwell has chosen to join Bournemouth ahead of West Brom, after previously coming close to completing a move to the Cherries. He wrote:

“Six months after having a £2m bid rejected AFCB are on the brink of signing Blackburn midfielder Joe Rothwell as a free agent. Also working hard on other deals to strengthen the squad for Premier League return.”

The Verdict: Damaging for Bruce

With Scott Parker’s side now being able to offer Premier League football after recently gaining automatic promotion from the second-tier, it was almost an impossible battle for Steve Bruce to win as the opportunity of playing in the top-flight was too good of an offer for Rothwell.

Once dubbed a “super talent” by his former manager Tony Mowbray, the 27 year-old played 41 times in the Championship last season and provided ten assists, by far the most of any Blackburn player.

Bruce pulled off quite the coup in managing to bring former Reading starlet John Swift to the Hawthorns, but missing out on a Bosman deal for another player with such impressive creativity is certainly a damaging blow to his hopes of creating a promotion-worthy squad this summer.

In other news… West Brom have tabled an offer for one of Bruce’s main transfer targets.