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Flocking to an official West Ham United post, plenty of Irons supporters were in awe of star midfielder Tomas Soucek after the club relayed news of his brilliant international hat-trick for the Czech Republic on Wednesday night.

The 26-year-old, who has arguably been manager David Moyes’ signing of the season, took his fine form abroad as he helped to dismantle European minnows Estonia.

Soucek enjoyed a lethal evening as his nation got off to a fine World Cup qualifying start, opening his account just 32 minutes into the game and adding two more strikes soon afterwards – cementing a well deserved hat trick in the resounding 6-2 victory.

West Ham United, in response, let Irons supporters know of Soucek’s masterclass against Estonia – resulting in plenty of Hammers fans worshipping the midfielder.

Coming just after he was named Czech Footballer of the Year, it’s safe to say he’s enjoying a fine campaign.

Find all of their best verdicts down below.

West Ham fans hail Soucek in club post response

“Sensational Soucek”

Credit: @IronessWest

“What a bargain he has turned out to be”

Credit: @allthingsirons

“Wow he’s just so good”

Credit: @nathware10

“Unreal”

Credit: @TheWestHamVault

“signing of the season”

Credit: @hammers_dave

“Different class”

Credit: @WHU_Nathan

“Best midfielder in the world”

Credit: @WHUNath8

In other news: West Ham fans were also lived at GSB, find out why here.

According to a report by Ian Ladyman of the Daily Mail, via City Xtra, the Sky Blues and Pep Guardiola are in the running for three star names – with Erling Haaland apparently destined for Man City, the Lionel Messi conversation not yet closed and Jack Grealish touted by ‘good sources’.

It has been quite the stellar campaign for City over 2020/2021, with a Manchester derby looming on Sunday after 21 straight wins in all competitions.

Guardiola’s men haven’t lost a match since their 2-0 defeat away to Spurs last November, meanwhile West Brom were the last team to take a point off them in the Premier League.

Regardless of their electric season, with City still fighting on all four fronts, transfer news for the summer window is already emerging as Ladyman brings this promising update.

Indeed, the Mail journalist has revealed that Haaland is ‘destined’ for City, meanwhile the Messi conversation is not yet closed and Grealish’s name has reappeared from trusted source.

Flocking to this news, plenty of Man City fans had their say – find all of their best verdicts down below.

Man City fans wowed as transfer news emerges

“OMDS”

Credit: @Saneologist

“Grealish and Haaland is what dreams are made of.”

Credit: @ThomasSowell90

“PLEASE HAPPEN

I think we are serious on £110M + deal”

Credit: @MayaMCFC

“PLEASE”

Credit: @MCFCAJ10

“Very very interesting”

Credit: @FAZZAAAAAHHH

“Oh my”

Credit: @Pricelesskevin

“OMG GREALISH AND HAALAND”

Credit: @SilkyCyrus_74

“Please get Grealish and Haaland I beg!!!”

Credit: @KDBinhoo

In other news: Man City fans also flocked to this Romano claim, find out more here.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly interested in signing Southampton centre-back Jannik Vestergaard this summer and the Saints must ensure that they don’t end with a repeat of the situation that has seen Virgil van Dijk become one of the best centre-backs in the world after leaving the South Coast club.

According to the Mirror, Jose Mourinho is contemplating a move for the 28-year-old ahead of the summer as he looks to improve his defensive options at the North London club.

The former Borussia Monchengladbach man has established himself as a key player under Ralph Hasenhuttl this season and has been one of the best performers in the top-flight, having contributed three goals in 21 top-flight appearances, which has helped him average an impressive 7.09 rating.

Only James Ward-Prowse has scored a higher rating in the Premier League so far this season, which emphasises just how important the Dane has become at the South Coast club, so it would be a big loss if the £13.5 million-rated defender were to leave.

Losing such a key defender would perhaps be similar to the deal that saw Van Dijk join Liverpool in 2017, with the Dutchman departing the Saints in a club-record deal and helping to revolutionise Jurgen Klopp’s side, helping them to success in the Premier League and Champions League.

Vestergaard’s performances this season have earned him comparisons to Van Dijk from Martin Keown and considering the 6 foot 6 man’s impressive ability in the air, it is easy to see why.

However, the Danish international has also developed his ability on the ball, averaging an 83.7% pass accuracy rate this season compared to a 77.1% accuracy during  the last campaign.

Hasenhuttl is clearly a big fan of the defender, having described him as a “role model”, whilst his partnership with Jan Bednarek at the back was a big part of Southampton’s impressive form earlier in the season.

Therefore, Martin Semmens should do everything he can to keep hold of the centre-back this summer, as he is clearly an important part of this Saints side, and losing him to a side like Spurs could well lead to a repeat of Van Dijk’s incredible rise after St Mary’s.

And, in other news… Forget Forster: Saints can sign serious McCarthy upgrade in £8.6m beast

This has been a rather troubled January for Leeds United. They have won just once and have failed to strengthen their ranks in the transfer window.

Though, despite Marcelo Bielsa insisting he’s happy with his squad, rumours of potential incomings are swirling around.

On the chalkboard

One of the names linked with Leeds in recent days has been Nottingham Forest youngster Brennan Johnson.

The winger is currently on loan at Lincoln City where he’s been tearing League One to shreds with five goals and six assists in 20 outings.

It’s an impressive record for a 19-year-old who is doing all the right things in terms of his personal development.

The Whites haven’t been afraid to strengthen their youth ranks in recent years and that was evident last summer. Victor Orta brought in the likes of Joe Gelhardt, Sam Greenwood, Cody Drameh and Crysencio Summerville.

Though, with a host of young attackers in their midst, signing another even if they are talented, fails to make much sense.

Unleash Poveda

There is no doubting the supreme talents of Johnson. However, rather than spending on new recruits this month, Leeds must look at unleashing someone already in their ranks.

That happens to be Ian Poveda. The 20-year-old signed from Manchester City a year ago but has only made one senior start since.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-this-weeks-latest-leeds-news” title=”Read this week’s latest Leeds news!”]

He has appeared ten times as a substitute in the Premier League this term but is yet to play from the off. Poveda’s only chance to shine from kick-off was against Crawley in the FA Cup.

Of course, that was a dismal affair for the Whites as they lost 3-0. However, the English winger was a ball of energy and if anyone could come away from the game with credit, it was him.

He was devastating in the final third and a wonderful piece of trickery in the first-half summed up his game. Poveda attempted four dribbles – two of which were successful – and also provided a key pass all within 58 minutes.

For various reasons, he hasn’t been given a regular chance in the Premier League but we reckon that should change in the back half of the campaign. After all, he possesses qualities that can frighten defenders.

Discussing the youngster earlier this season, Noel Whelan said: “You can see now when you talk about people changing games and bringing a different dimension, he’s very, very quick, got great feet, very tricky, likes to run at players. Very much like Raphinha as well.”

If Leeds really do have another Raphinha in their clutches, it can only be a good thing. The Brazilian has been a radiant ball of attacking quality since signing from Rennes and with three goals and three assists, is improving all the time.

It’s time Poveda was given a similar platform to try and do the same. Leeds would only harm his development further by bringing a player like Johnson to the club.

They must ignore him and unleash their own young players.

AND in other news, 3 new signings, Bielsa favourite axed: How Leeds’ XI could look after deadline day…

According to The Athletic’s Phil Hay, Leeds United are eyeing a summer transfer move for Stade Brest 29 left-back Romain Perraud.

What’s the story?

Marcelo Bielsa’s side had a quiet transfer window in January, with the Leeds boss choosing to stick with the same squad that has served him well thus far upon the Whites’ return to the Premier League.

But, attentions already seem to be turning towards their recruitment plans for the summer, with Hay revealing that the 23-year-old Perraud is someone who the club are genuinely interested in.

He adds that Brest were not willing to entertain any offers in the window just gone by, and that whilst they extended his contract just last week, Leeds will “consider tabling a formal offer for him once the season ends”.

He’s perfect for Bielsa

With the issues that Leeds have had over the past few seasons in trying to find a genuine, specialist left-back, it’s no surprise they’ve got their sights set on a summer move for one.

And in Perraud, they would be getting someone who appears to be tailor-made for Bielsa’s style of play at Elland Road. The 23-year-old is as dynamic as they come, with his heatmap from Sofascore showing someone who spends just as much time deep inside the opposition half as he does inside his own.

The Frenchman is a major threat going forward, bagging three goals and providing five assists in just 21 Ligue 1 games this season – in fact, his total of assists is the highest of any defender in the French thus far.

In fact, Hay himself wrote that Perraud “shows characteristics which would meet Bielsa requirements: a creative edge and a high number of dribbles and shots for a player at his position, combined with a very active role in pressing defensively.”

The £7.2m-rated gem could very well be the answer to Bielsa’s left-back question.

Wolves’ festive period has been a bumpy rollercoaster of a ride, one where they’ve rarely been able to string results together.

Fortunately, a New Year often means new results and for Nuno Santo, he’ll be hoping that’s exactly the case.

On the chalkboard

Nuno has been tinkering with his side over the last month or so, switching between a three-man and four-man backline.

It’s worked on a few occasions but like their results, it’s been an inconsistent method for the manager.

They have drawn with Spurs and beaten both Arsenal and Chelsea, but defeats have come against Burnley, Aston Villa and Manchester United.

Therefore, Wolves could do with some familiarity to their line-up, and that starts by keeping the vast majority of the side that lost to United the same.

Yes, they tasted defeat, but they held one of the title challengers for 93 minutes before finally conceding.

Unleash Vitinha

Wolves have moved their midfield around somewhat over the last month with the likes of Owen Otasowie and Vitinha being handed their first Premier League starts.

However, it was the latter who impressed the most and must now be unleashed on a regular basis. That starts with their clash against Brighton on Saturday evening.

The Portuguese is a vibrant midfielder who possesses a whole host of qualities that could frighten the Seagulls. Vitinha is capable defensively and crucially, he’s a thorn in the opposition going forward.

Against Man United last time out, the 20-year-old won 100% of his duels and completed 100% of his dribbles. Furthermore, the youngster was successful with 76% of his passes. Considering he was making his first top-flight start against such high-class opponents, it was a superb display and he now has to play more often.

Forget their current crop, this is their star of the future. You only need to look at quotes from Jornal de Notícias reporter, Nuno Barbosa. He said last year: “You’ll realise he knows what to do at every moment of the game, he’s very similar to Joao Moutinho.”

This is a huge appraisal, but it only gets better. After signing for Wolves, Jeff Shi labelled him a “special” talent.

We saw that shine through at Old Trafford – Vitinha now needs to establish himself in the senior team properly and build on his two starts in all competitions.

AND in other news, Shi must land Wolves upgrade in £25m “coach’s dream”, he destroyed Coady this year…

West Bromwich Albion are reportedly unlikely to sign Haris Seferovic in the ongoing January transfer window.

It was recently reported in Turkey that Seferovic is one of the options for the West Brom are looking at to sort out their issues in attack. Having said that, a new update has emerged about the Baggies’ interest in the striker.

Seferovic move unlikely despite West Brom interest

Express and Star have confirmed West Brom’s interest in Seferovic, but claimed that while Benfica need to sell some of their players this month, West Brom only have funds for a loan deal with the option to buy him in the summer.

With that in mind, the report states that a deal for the Swiss forward is unlikely this month even though West Brom and Benfica are still in talks for a potential deal involving the 28-year-old.

In the current campaign, Seferovic has scored seven league goals for the side, also picking up three assists for Benfica. In his Benfica career, the forward has scored 53 times, getting 19 assists in 146 games. He is also a regular part of the Swiss national team, playing 66 times and scoring 19 goals.

Seferovic would add goals for West Brom

Seferovic’s goalscoring exploits show that he can add goals to the Baggies team. Allardyce’s men have scored the fourth-lowest number of goals in the league this season – 15. Only Burnley, Sheffield United and Fulham have scored fewer goals than them (as per Whoscored). Matheus Pereira is their highest scorer with only four goals in the campaign.

Seferovic is clearly capable of scoring goals and has international experience too, so he could be worth a punt for the Baggies.

In other news, many WBA fans have been fuming at a news update about Matheus Pereira – read more here.

David Moyes is barking up the wrong tree in West Ham United’s rumoured chase of FC Barcelona’s £13million forward Martin Braithwaite.

What’s the word?

According to Sport, the Irons are beginning to show a renewed interest in a potential deal for Braithwaite to move to the London Stadium in January, having failed to get a transfer over the line in the summer market.

West Ham had looked to negotiate a deal with Barcelona chiefs earlier in the year, but ultimately walked away from the table after being informed the Catalan colossus were looking to recoup the full €18m (£16m) they had spent to sign Braithwaite from Leganes.

Braithwaite joined Barcelona as an emergency addition in February following a long-term injury to Ousmane Dembele, with the French winger ruled out for six-months, but has only offered one goal in 16 appearances across all competitions since.

Nevertheless, West Ham – along with Premier League rivals West Bromwich Albion and Leeds United – have requested further information on Braithwaite’s Camp Nou future ahead of the mid-season window, as his La Liga side are once again open to a deal providing the 29-year-old gives his ok to any move.

Barcelona would even accept lower sums for the striker come the New Year amid their desperate bid to raise funds, with offers worth €15m (around £13m) now considered enough.

But the striker’s desire to remain a Barcelona player could thwart any efforts, as Braithwaite is not believed to have any interest in leaving Catalunya as he is happy at the club despite being awarded all 37-minutes of his game time from the bench thus far this term.

The honour of working alongside the likes of Lionel Messi, Antoine Griezmann, Frenkie de Jong and Ansu Fati is an experience Braithwaite will not pass up on lightly, as the Denmark international feels there is no other side in the world where he can develop as much.

Barking up the wrong tree

West Ham’s interest in signing Braithwaite is a perplexing situation, as the east London outfit would be barking up entirely the wrong tree by renewing efforts to sign the 45-cap striker.

Braithwaite has never once boasted a lethal eye for the back of the net with any side of his career, with a goal every 6.4 games with Denmark, one in 16 for Barcelona, one every 3.6 matches for Leganes and one every 4.4 appearances with Middlesbrough before moving to Spain.

In that respect, how would he be any better than someone like Simone Zaza, who failed to score in 11 appearances before departing the London Stadium being described as a flop.

Former Boro boss Tony Pulis also launched a scathing attack on Braithwaite following his time at the Riverside Stadium, having disrespected the Championship side by ditching them just 36-hours after stating his intentions to help the club secure promotion.

“The biggest disappointment for me is he’s the highest-paid player I’ve ever worked with in the Championship,” Pulis said, via quotes by Gazette Live. “Steve Gibson bent over backward to give that lad everything he wanted to bring him to this club.

“To show the disrespect he’s shown to this club by saying he’s not coming back, to Steve Gibson, who’s made him a multi-millionaire, let’s make no bones about it, the wages and what he’s earning are astonishing.

“For him to show Steve Gibson that disrespect, and the supporters and his fellow players, it’s just amazing. I’ve dealt with players all my life; some can make your hair curl – not mine. But for him to come out and say that, it just puts him up there as such an ungrateful person.

“For a person who said twice he didn’t want to go, he wanted to stay and help the club get promoted, then within 36-hours when he knew the club from Spain was in for him, then he wanted to go.”

Braithwaite does not appear to have changed much in the 20-months to have passed since Pulis’ remarks, given he’s happy on the bench at Barcelona soaking up the presence of Messi. While his woeful output – never scoring more than 10 in a season since 2016/17 – raises serious questions as to why West Ham would consider him a worthy addition.

AND in other news, a West Ham gem with his “best years ahead of him” has been tipped for David Moyes’ axe this January.

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, former Premier League midfielder Rob Lee has revealed his doubt over the future of Lucas Moura at Tottenham Hotspur.

The 28-year-old Brazilian is one of several wingers available at Jose Mourinho’s disposal, but he has found minutes hard to come by in the top-flight so far this season, starting just four of their 11 outings.

Indeed, the £25m January 2018 arrival is behind the likes of Heung-min Son, Gareth Bale and Steven Bergwijn in the pecking order and now he has been tipped to face a struggle to get back in the Special One’s thoughts.

Lee told FFC:

“It depends if he can adjust to the way Jose wants to play. Jose plays a certain way and you have to be able to defend.

“Lucas Moura is more of an attacking sort of player that scores goals, we know that, but how does he fit into Spurs’ team? That’s what I would question.

“There’s only one position left because when Son’s fit, he plays. When Harry’s fit, he plays, so there’s only really one position left really. It’s just how he fits into that team. You have to work hard in that team.

“I think it’s difficult to see him fit in. I don’t see him fitting in. I don’t see him fitting into the way Spurs are playing under Jose.”

Since joining Spurs nearly three years ago, Moura has racked up 127 appearances for the club, delivering 28 goals and 13 assists, via Transfermarkt.

He is most fondly known for that night in Amsterdam when his dramatic second-half hat-trick steered the north London outfit into the Champions League final for the first time in their history.

The £110k-per-week dynamo was recently dubbed a “nightmare” to train against by Eric Dier, but evidently, that has not been replicated out on the pitch recently.

He has found life tough since that very moment having scored just once in the top-flight this campaign.

AND in other news, Mourinho could sign his new Hazard in £36m-rated speed demon…

Celtic may have been given a big boost in their pursuit of Fraser Forster after Southampton have shown interest in a new goalkeeper.

Accrington Stanley shot-stopper Toby Savin has caught the eye of the Saints, who could be looking to bolster their options between the sticks. Alex McCarthy is currently doing a grand job as Ralph Hasenhuttl’s first choice and bringing in the youngster could mean an exit for either Angus Gunn or Forster.

The Hoops will be hoping it’s the latter after enjoying having the England international back at Celtic Park on loan last season. Glasgow Live have reported that the club are keen to bring Forster back to the club.

Could Celtic sign Forster permanently?

At the moment, Neil Lennon is having a bit of a defensive nightmare. Vasilis Barkas has been dropped in favour of the elusive Scott Bain after some questionable performances. Celtic haven’t won a game since St Johnstone in the Premiership – their loss to Rangers has put the Hoops into a tough spot.

Speaking on the A Celtic State of Mind podcast, Paul John Dykes has discussed the 6’6″ powerhouse and the idea of him joining the club permanently.

“When you look at the impact that Forster had last year in particular in the League Cup final, he makes such a difference to the defence, he makes such a difference to the Celtic side under Neil Lennon,” he said.

Dykes went on to highlight the addition of Barkas, who joined the Hoops this summer for a fee of £2.9million. However, his disappointing start to life in Scotland has resulted in him being axed from the squad.

Last season, Celtic enjoyed yet another Premiership title and conceded just 19 goals with Forster in the net. They have shipped ten already this time round, despite having only played 11 games of the campaign.

With less than two years left on his current contract and valued at £4million, Nick Hammond could strike a very good deal to bring Forster back to Celtic Park for good. They will undoubtedly be keeping a close on Southampton’s business as they near the January transfer window.

In other news, Diego Laxalt stood out for Celtic against Lille with impressive defensive display…