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West Ham manager David Moyes likes Brentford defender Rico Henry, journalist Jack Rosser has told Football FanCast.

Currently, Moyes has Aaron Cresswell and Arthur Masuaku to choose from when it comes to the left-back position.

However, the latter is sometimes used further forward, while he has also had a few injury problems during his time with West Ham, so the Hammers could perhaps do with a new left-back coming in.

According to Rosser, that is something they have been looking at, with Henry one name in particular that has caught Moyes’ attention.

“It’s somewhere they’ve always liked to strengthen,” the Evening Standard reporter said. “They’ve looked at a few left-backs in the past and Moyes likes Rico Henry at Brentford, but he’s not alone in that.”

Henry played a huge role in Brentford’s promotion-winning campaign last term.

The 24-year-old made 30 league starts as the Bees went on to beat Swansea City in the Championship play-off final at Wembley to earn a place in English football’s top flight.

Given that, Brentford will not want to sell the Englishman this summer. However, West Ham look in need of a left-back, so they should at least try test the water with a bid for Rico.

Birmingham City are interested in a deal to bring Mathias Jorgensen to St. Andrew’s this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Turkish outlet Fotomac (via Football League World), who claim that Lee Bowyer’s side have made an offer for the Fenerbahce centre-back, commonly known as Zanka, following his impressive loan spell at FC Copenhagen last season.

It is reported that Preston North End also hold an interest in the £1.35m-rated man, although Birmingham now appear to be leading the race the defender, who is thought to have a year remaining on his current contract in Turkey.

Bowyer must move

Considering the fact that Mikel San Jose and the Blues have parted company this summer, the centre of the Birmingham defence is certainly an area in which Bowyer will be looking to bring reinforcements in the current transfer window.

And, after looking at Zanka’s performances while on loan at Copenhagen last season, he would certainly appear to be an apt replacement for the outgoing Spaniard.

Indeed, over his 26 Superligaen appearances for Jess Thorup’s side, the 31-year-old scored one goal and created one big chance for his teammates, as well as helping his team keep four clean sheets and making an average of 1.8 interceptions, 0.8 tackles, four clearances and winning 4.5 duels per game.

These metrics saw the £38k-per-week centre-back earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.80, ranking him as Copenhagen’s 11th-best performer in the Danish first tier.

However, it is not only last season in which Zanka has performed admirably, having averaged a SofaScore match rating of 6.83 over his 24 Premier League appearances for Huddersfield Town in 2018/19, as well as having been one of Copenhagen’s stars in the club’s 2016/17 Champions League jaunt, in which he averaged a rather remarkable SofaScore match rating of 7.53 over six fixtures.

As such, considering the experience the player whom David Wagner dubbed a “complete defender” has behind him, his signing would appear to be an extremely positive one for Bowyer to get over the line this summer, as Zanka very much appears to possess the ability to be something of a force in the heart of the Birmingham defence next season.

In other news: Bowyer heading for his biggest Birmingham transfer mistake to date, fans will be livid

Leeds United could be set for a huge boost as some major news emerges from Thorp Arch about Marcelo Bielsa’s future at the club.

What’s the story?

The Argentine has been an inspirational figure at Elland Road, guiding the Whites out of the Championship and steering them to an impressive first season back in the Premier League.

Now, Football Insider claim that the club “will start work this week on finalising new contracts for Marcelo Bielsa and his coaching assistants”, and that “United chiefs have held preliminary talks with Bielsa’s representatives over a new one-year agreement that will see him extend his spell to a fourth season”.

The report adds that a Leeds source has revealed the club are “confident” Bielsa will put pen to paper on a new deal now that the season is over.

Fans will be buzzing

When reports emerged back in April that Bielsa was close to signing a new deal, Leeds fans took to Twitter to voice their delight at seeing the Argentine commit his future to the club.

And while it seems to have taken a while, the fresh news that Bielsa is close to finalising that new contract will undoubtedly have fans of the Yorkshire club absolutely buzzing, especially given the incredible moments that he has given them as manager.

And, speaking exclusively to FFC, Lawrie Sanchez insisted he could always see Bielsa staying, saying: “Where does he go? He isn’t going to another Premier League club. I think he’s a bit like Roy Hodgson. He wants to work, doesn’t he?  He’s working now in the biggest league in his life, and as much as he comes across as not that interested in it, when people tap you on the shoulder back home and say, ‘I saw you on the TV the other week, your team did brilliant,’ it’s a massive boost to you.

“I think he will stay. They call him a maverick; he dances to his own tune, doesn’t he?  So, if he did leave you would say ‘that’s Bielsa’. But if he were to stay involved in football and having come all the way to Leeds and having seen how well the team has done this year, and obviously they will be backed next year, so I can see him staying.”

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News of Bielsa’s impending new contract is a major boost for Leeds just after the Premier League season has finished.

Meanwhile, Marcelo Bielsa is heading for a major early window howler at Leeds…

Charlton must act swiftly to land Gillingham attacker Jordan Graham this summer amid interest from League One rivals.

What’s the talk?

According to Football League World, the Addicks are interested in signing the attacker this summer to bolster their attacking options going into next season. The 26-year-old is out of contract at the end of the month and is set to become a free agent in July, allowing Charlton to potentially sign him for nothing.

However, Charlton’s League One rivals Lincoln have stolen a march on their rivals in the race to land Graham. Football League World’s report added that the beaten play-off finalists have already been in talks with Graham and have now firmed up their interest with a contract offer for the 26-year-old, with Charlton and Birmingham lagging behind the Imps in the transfer pursuit.

Gillingham manager Steve Evans was full of praise for the “outstanding” attacker in 2020 after an impressive showing against Burton. He told Kent Online: “He (Graham) was outstanding.

“Colin Daniel (the Burton left-back) is a great lad, he’s played for me (at Peterborough) but he didn’t know where he was when Jordan got on the ball, credit to Jordan.

“He is a confidence boy, you have to feed him and give him the ball, we have to get him to work a little bit harder but you could say that about every wide player in the world.”

Charlton must act swiftly

Charlton must act swiftly to make sure that they win the race to land Graham. This update suggests that Lincoln are racing out in front but there is still time for the Addicks to accelerate and overtake their rivals to secure his services for next season. Nothing is done and dusted yet and Charlton still have the chance to make their own offer in an attempt to snap him up, which they should be looking to do given his quality.

Graham caught the eye with a string of dazzling performances in League One for Gillingham and he could be a superb addition to Nigel Adkins’ squad. The former Wolves winger averaged a brilliant SofaScore rating of 7.20 in League One as he produced a whopping 12 goals and six assists in 36 starts. This shows that he has the quality to produce regularly at this level, which proves that he is good enough to make a big impact for Charlton in League One.

The £2,100-per-week dynamo outperformed Charlton’s wide players by some distance. Liam Millar and Graham Shinnie regularly played on the wings for Adkins and provided five goals and 12 assists between them. Creatively, both of them matched Graham’s tally of six, but Shinnie’s three goals and Millar’s two fell well short of Graham’s 12-goal haul for Gillingham.

This suggests that the 26-year-old could be a substantial upgrade on Adkins’ current wide options because of the goal threat he carries, so they must not let Lincoln snap him up without at least putting up a fight.

AND in other news, Claim emerges on “powerhouse” £5.4k-p/w dynamo that will have Charlton fans buzzing…

West Bromwich Albion have been credited with an interest in Blackpool talisman Jerry Yates, as reported by The Sun.

The Lowdown: West Brom plot signings ahead of 2021/22

As the Baggies gear up for 2021/22, revenge will be on their mind as they look to win promotion to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

Intelligent acquisitions in the transfer market will be crucial for exactly that, and West Brom have been linked with moves for forwards like Taiwo Awoniyi and Northern Ireland international Kyle Lafferty in recent times [Football League World].

However, it now seems that the Albion may be eyeing a different offensive option to spearhead their attack next campaign.

The Latest: Baggies interested in Yates; could cost around £5 million

West Bromwich Albion are rumoured to be interested in a move for 24-year-old Yates, who is quoted at being available for around £5 million this window [The Sun].

Additionally, Blackburn Rovers, Bristol City and Nottingham Forest are also rumoured to be keen on a move for the goal-laden frontman [The Sun], with Blackburn likely to need a replacement for Adam Armstrong.

The Verdict: Yates would be an ideal signing for West Bromwich Albion

Undoubtedly, Yates would be a positive signing for the West Midlands side as they rebuild for 2021/22.

This season, the Englishman notched an impressive 23 goals in 54 fixtures in all competitions, which helped Blackpool regain promotion to the Sky Bet Championship last month [Transfermarkt].

Labelled ‘outstanding’ by Seasiders manager Neil Critchley, he would most certainly bring an element of potency which was lacking at the Hawthorns last campaign – as well as promotion expertise [NewsChain Online].

As the Baggies plot ahead, someone of Yates’ ilk would fit the bill in terms of consistency, age and ability to convert in-front of goal. West Brom should be doing all they can to get the deal over the line.

In other news, West Bromwich Albion have made a shock off-field decision.

Newcastle United are reportedly plotting a move for Mallik Wilks in the summer transfer window.

The Lowdown: Wilks on fire this season

Wilks has been on fire for Hull City in the 2020/21 term, with no fewer than 31 goal contributions in 50 games in total over all competitions (Transfermarkt).

A player that is capable of playing anywhere across the front line, he would certainly add some welcome squad depth at St. James’ Park.

The Latest: Newcastle plot Wilks move

As per Football Insider, the Tyneside club are plotting a move to bring Wilks to the North East once the summer transfer window officially opens.

However, Crystal Palace also hold a strong interest in the former Leeds United product, as a recruitment source has told the news outlet that his form has caught the eye of many teams at the top of the English game.

The Verdict: Newcastle should sign Wilks

Even though Wilks has been playing in League One, two divisions below the Premier League, 31 goals and assists combined is not something to be sniffed at.

At just 22 years of age, the six-foot ace still has a lot of potential as well, and will be hungry to climb up the footballing pyramid as he continues his development.

Nonetheless, the Magpies could do a lot worse than sign up Wilks, whose proven end product would ease the attacking burden off of the likes of Callum Wilson and Allan Saint-Maximin.

In other news, find out what promising insight Lee Ryder has shared from takeover observers on arbitration here!

Former Glasgow Rangers manager Alex McLeish believes Ianis Hagi is unhappy at Ibrox due to his lack of playing time.

McLeish makes Hagi claim

Hagi has been in and out of Gerrard’s starting line-up so far this campaign. He has made 42 appearances in all competitions this term, of which 33 have been starts – the Gers have been involved in a total of 52 matches throughout the season (Transfermarkt).

Speaking to Ibrox News, McLeish believes the £5.4m-valued Romania international (Transfermarkt) will be upset. He said:

“He’s played cameo roles for most of the season. There were doubts about him at Genk, they thought he was just ok, but he’s a young lad.

“For a young player like that, I would say that a lot of the games he has contributed more in than at the beginning which shows his improvements. He’ll probably be upset that he’s not started that much or played.

“Steven has obviously got a game plan, and he is a little reluctant to disrupt that too much.”

More expected

This campaign has been far from a total disappointment for the former Genk man. He has managed seven goals and 12 assists in the matches in which he has played, and his performances have contributed to the Gers winning the Premiership title.

Having said that, he will most likely have expected to be a crucial player for the 55-time Scottish champions, and that has not really been the case. He has also come in for criticism from the club’s supporters, which will not have done his confidence any favours. He has been linked with a move to Lazio (Sport.ro), and that may well be on the back of his mind.

Hagi, though, still has plenty to offer. He is just 22 years of age, and there have been plenty of signs of his talent. If both he and Steven Gerrard can remain patient, the youngster could have a fantastic career at Ibrox.

In other news, Rangers are favourites to sign this striker.

Frank McAvennie has exclusively told Football FanCast that Ivan Toney was in the building and ready to sign for Celtic last summer.

Following his goalscoring exploits for Posh, the striker was a man in demand, with the Hoops one of many interested in signing him.

But Celtic failed to meet Peterborough’s asking price, and Toney joined Brentford instead.

And the 25-year-old has been in monstrous form for the Bees, scoring 30 goals in 45 Championship appearances to fire them to a top-six finish and leave him on course to win the second-tier Golden Boot.

Celtic, ended up signing West Ham flop Albian Ajeti instead, who’s scored just six times in the Scottish Premiership and has generally been a disappointing addition.

Meanwhile, talisman, Odsonne Edouard has failed to hit the heights of previous seasons, whilst Leigh Griffiths has been a bit part-player, netting just seven times.

And McAvennie told Football FanCast that it was a mistake from Celtic not signing him:

“They had him at Celtic Park. He was in at Celtic Park, that’s a fact, and they were arguing over half a million. And look at the boy now, he’s banging in goals.

“He would have done wonders for Celtic.”

Writing on Twitter, journalist Bruno Salomon, Paris-Saint Germain correspondent for Radio France, has shared what he has been told ‘internally’ regarding the rumours of Tottenham Hotspur talks for Mauricio Pochettino.

The Lowdown: Tottenham in talks for Pochettino…?

This morning, huge news emerged regarding the future of Pochettino and Tottenham’s hunt for a new manager.

Indeed, The Athletic first reported that Spurs and their former favourite are locked in talks over a sensational return to the club and Pochettino is attracted by the idea of a return to north London.

However, it will be very difficult to pull off given the 49-year-old still has one year left on his PSG deal and the Ligue 1 giants do not want the upheaval of another manager change.

The Latest: PSG journalist drops behind-scenes update

Writing on Twitter, Salomon, PSG correspondent for Radio France, has claimed he has been told ‘internally’ that the Pochettino to Spurs rumours are in fact ‘false’.

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“On this rumour of Pochettino who could not stay at PSG (because of the desire for a return to Tottenham or the freshness of relations with Leonardo or even departure at the request of Doha), I am clearly told internally that it is false,” he explained (translated via Twitter).

The Verdict: Blow for Tottenham…?

Given the noise surrounding Pochettino’s possible return to Spurs, information from this reporter could be a slight dampener on the mood in north London.

However, he is just one source and the managerial landscape can change very quickly – with Lilywhites supporters possibly hoping that the Argentine’s return to north London is indeed on the cards.

It has been said that Spurs want a manager in the image of Pochettino, so who better than the man himself?

If he can secure a sensational reunion with the Lilywhites, it’s safe to say the appointment would be big, but don’t get your hopes up just yet Tottenham fans.

In other news: Spurs now want to sign this ‘nearly unplayable’ ace, find out more here.

Crystal Palace endured a horrendous evening against Chelsea on Saturday evening as they were scythed apart 4-1.

It was a defensive horror show from Roy Hodgson’s Eagles as the visitors blew them away with three goals within half an hour. Christian Benteke did restore some faith in the second-half but that was snatched away as Christian Pulisic sealed the three points.

Whilst it is tough to suggest any of the home side came out of the game with any real credit, it was a particularly torrid performance from midfielder Jairo Riedewald.

Starting his fourth Premier League match in a row, the 24-year-old Dutchman failed to get close to the likes of Mateo Kovacic and Jorginho.

According to SofaScore, Riedewald won just one out of his attempted three duels whether that be in the air or on the ground.

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Frustratingly, the former Ajax man, who is paid approximately £55k per week at Selhurst Park only contributed a solitary tackle, whilst not providing a single interception, block or clearance according to WhoScored as Chelsea continued to cut the Eagles to ribbons.

Meanwhile, he also wasted the ball on numerous occasions as he had just 28 touches, fewer than Vicente Guaita, and completed just 20 passes throughout the entire game. Only Wilfried Zaha completed fewer of players who started the match for Crystal Palace.

Whilst not an attacking player, he still did not have a single shot or provide a key pass. Although, that was not a rarity in a Palace side that endured a woeful 90 minutes.

Riedewald’s dreadful evening was eventually brought to an end in the 58th minute of the clash as he was replaced by the returning James McCarthy.

It would be somewhat of an understatement to suggest that Hodgson will be bitterly disappointed by the performance of his midfielder.

AND in more news, take a look at which player has given Hodgson a huge injury boost…