West Ham In The Race To Sign Zeno Debast

West Ham United are among a host of Premier League clubs who are interested in signing Anderlecht centre-back Zeno Debast this summer, according to a new transfer report.

How is Debast performing this season?

The 19-year-old is a talented emerging player who is currently making waves in Belgium, catching the eye with his performances for his club side. He has started 31 Jupiler Pro League games this season, averaging 2.2 clearances per game – which is the fourth-highest tally in Anderlecht's squad.

While Debast isn't out of contract until the summer of 2025, it could be difficult to keep hold of him beyond this summer should sizeable bids arrive for his services.

That's where West Ham come into play, with a fresh update suggesting the teenage defender could be a summer transfer target for bigger clubs around Europe.

West Ham manager David Moyes

Could West Ham sign Debast in the summer?

According to Voetbal Belgie [via Sport Witness], the Hammers are in the picture to sign Debast in the summer window, although they face competition for his signature. Leeds United and Brighton are also mentioned in the report, with all three clubs believed to be following the centre-back's progress "closely".

While the player himself is currently happy to remain an Anderlecht player for the time being, a "nice offer" from elsewhere could see him change his mindset. As per the report, while Anderlecht's asking price remains unknown, Debast is thought to be valued at €10m (£8.8m), which could ultimately prove to be a bargain over time should he reach his potential.

This is an important summer for West Ham in terms of new signings, and centre-back is an area of the pitch where they could do with an injection of youth. Angelo Ogbonna's future is up in the air and he is now 34 years of age, while Kurt Zouma turns 29 later this year.

It is vital that the Hammers continue to plan for the future as well as the present, and Debast could be a long-term signing who is seen as a future regular, having already racked up 53 appearances for Anderlecht despite his tender years. Three caps for Belgium at senior level also show how highly rated he is, and he has even been compared to compatriot Vincent Kompany in the recent past.

If he gets anything close to the level of the four-time Premier League winner, West Ham could have a gem on their hands should they manage to beat their rivals to his signing this summer.

"Towering" Man United Target To Leave For Free

Manchester United target Evan Ndicka will leave Eintracht Frankfurt for nothing this summer, Fabrizio Romano reports.

What’s the latest news on Ndicka?

Ndicka made the move to the Bundesliga side back in 2018 and has gone on to make 177 senior appearances for his current employers.

The 23-year-old, who can play as a centre-back or as a left-back, is now valued at a career-high €32m (£28m) by Transfermarkt and is out of contract at the end of the season.

A potential move to Old Trafford to join up with Erik ten Hag has been speculated in recent weeks as well as Premier League rivals Liverpool, and the Red Devils have been handed a boost in a possible swoop.

Romano took to Twitter in the last 48 hours to relay an update from Frankfurt on attacking midfielder Daichi Kamada, saying that the Japan international will leave the club on a free transfer in June as expected. The transfer expected then shared news on Ndicka, adding that the same will happen with the defender, who is also "set to leave on a free".

Eintracht Frankfurt defender Evan Ndicka.

Should Man United discuss pre-contract terms?

Due to Ndicka’s contract situation, United can actually discuss pre-contract agreement terms right now ahead of a free transfer this summer, and from the outside looking in, it appears to be a no-brainer of a decision ahead of Ten Hag’s second season in charge.

That’s because the United manager has reportedly given the green light to summer sales for defenders Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof, which could leave the manager with Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez as his only senior centre-back options.

Described as a “towering” defender by journalist Jacque Talbot, the Frenchman has been a solid performer in recent months, averaging a Bundesliga match rating of 6.68/10 this season, as per WhoScored, better than Red Devils defenders Varane, Maguire and Lindelof.

He has made more clearances per 90 than any Frankfurt and United player this season and also ranks highly for interceptions and pass completion rate, showing that he is also good on the ball.

Therefore, signing Ndicka for free could be a wise move, especially as he would provide a versatile option and appears to be at the top of his game with his market valuation. Doing so could then allow funds to go towards big-money midfield and attacking signings – areas that the club also want to add to over the coming months.

West Ham’s £90k-p/w Star Ruled Out For Rest Of The Season

West Ham United striker Gianluca Scamacca will be ruled out for around two to three months with a knee injury, having recently undergone surgery, according to a report from Gazzetta Dello Sport.

What's the latest West Ham injury news?

West Ham have a few injury doubts heading into Thursday's Europa Conference League clash against Gent, with Nayef Aguerd currently being assessed for an ankle injury, which he recently sustained in training.

The Hammers may be a little light on options in defence, as Angelo Ogbonna is also struggling with a back injury, which meant he was not included in the squad that faced Arsenal on Sunday, with Kurt Zouma and Thilo Kehrer getting the nod instead.

Club insider ExWHUEmployee recently revealed that Scamacca could be out injured for a "couple of weeks", however a new update indicates the issue is a lot worse than first feared.

According to a report from Gazzetta Dello Sport, who relay a statement from Policlinico Gemelli hospital in Rome, the striker is set to be out for around two to three months after undergoing surgery for a knee injury.

The Italian will be unable to feature for West Ham for the remainder of the season, as he completes his rehabilitation period, and he is currently said to be 'progressing satisfactorily' following the operation.

Will West Ham miss Gianluca Scamacca?

David Moyes has raised concerns about the forward this season, claiming that his "physical data" was not good enough to merit regular game time, however he has managed to impress intermittently.

In 27 appearances in all competitions, the "superb" 24-year-old has weighed in with eight goals, scoring in his last Premier League start prior to his knee injury, in the 2-2 draw against Leeds United back in January.

West Ham United striker Gianluca Scamacca.

Although he has not set the world alight in his first season at the London Stadium, the £90k-per-week marksman would be a nice option for Moyes to have at this stage of the season, particularly considering Danny Ings has struggled in front of goal in recent weeks, while Michail Antonio is without a goal in his last four Premier League games.

As such, it will be very disappointing news that Scamacca is unavailable for the remainder of the campaign, and the manager will be hoping that his current attacking options will be able to steer them clear of the relegation zone as we approach the end of the season.

Liverpool Must Bin ‘Special’ £35m Gem vs West Ham

Liverpool are back in Premier League action away to West Ham United later today, with Jurgen Klopp's men seeking to secure a third successive win after recent victories over both Leeds United and Nottingham Forest.

Having hit the Elland Road outfit for six last week, the Merseysiders were given a far tougher test against Steve Cooper's side at the weekend, albeit while ultimately running out 3-2 winners against the struggling outfit.

That frantic, thrilling victory at Anfield has ensured that the Reds can still harbour lingering hopes of securing a top-four berth, albeit with nine points currently separating them from rivals Manchester United in fourth.

If Klopp and co are looking to maintain their recent momentum against the Hammers this evening, then one notable change could potentially lie in the forward ranks, with January arrival Cody Gakpo needing to make way having not been 'at his very best' last time out, according to GOAL's Neil Jones.

Will Gakpo start against West Ham?

It has proven a promising start to life in English football for the £35m signing thus far, with the former PSV Eindhoven ace having begun to hit his stride after scoring five goals in just 14 Premier League games, notably bagging a goal and an assist against Leeds just over a week ago.

Hailed as a player with a "special skill set" by assistant coach Pep Lijnders, the 23-year-old was also the recipient of recent praise from manager, Klopp, who insisted that the new arrival is doing "exceptionally well".

Despite those plaudits, however, Gakpo will have to do more to truly cement his place in the side, particularly with summer signing Darwin Nunez waiting in the wings for a more prominent role, while Luis Diaz is also back in contention after his return from injury.

On the evidence of his performance against the Garibaldi, the towering Dutchman may have to cede his starting berth to one of that latter duo, as he 'couldn't make the most of his opportunities', as per 90min's Tom Gott.

Liverpool's Cody Gakpo

While the resurgent Diogo Jota bagged a brace and Mohamed Salah also got himself on the scoresheet, Gakpo was a far more muted member of that attacking triumvirate, with his tally of 29 touches even fewer than that of teammate Alisson in the sticks (45).

The 6 foot 4 ace's 60-minute outing saw him notably lose possession on five occasions and fail to register a single key pass, with the Liverpool Echo's Ian Doyle writing that the versatile asset had simply been 'smothered' by the Forest backline.

With that in mind, it may be time to give the likes of Nunez or Diaz a chance to impress this time around, with Klopp now having a wealth of exciting attacking options at his disposal.

Liverpool: Predicted XI & Injury News Vs Fulham

Liverpool host Marco Silva's Fulham at Anfield this evening as they aim to continue their four-match winning run in the Premier League.

The Reds have beaten Leeds United, Tottenham, Nottingham Forest, and West Ham in succession in recent weeks and can now move to within four points of the Champions League places with a fifth victory tonight.

Jurgen Klopp's men are heading into the game off the back of a stunning 4-3 win over Spurs on Sunday but could be without match-winner Diogo Jota after the manager revealed that the Portugal international is a minor doubt due to injury. Roberto Firmino and Naby Keita also remain sidelined with their respective injuries.

How will Liverpool line up against Fulham?

Despite potentially being without Jota, Firmino, and Keita, Klopp has plenty of options to rotate his side amid the busy Premier League schedule, with another match coming up on Saturday against Brentford.

Firstly, there could be two changes to the back four in front of number one goalkeeper Alisson with Kostas Tsimikas and Joel Matip potentially set to replace Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate.

Liverpool's Alisson and Joel Matip.

Klopp could make a change at left-back after the Scotland international endured a "horrific" spell against Spurs – as per Anfield Index's Dave Hendrick. FFC previously published an article explaining why the Greek defender should come in for him.

Konate, meanwhile, could be ditched after being exposed on several occasions against Tottenham. It was his poor positioning and lack of awareness that played a part in Harry Kane being left open for the first Spurs goal and then Son for the third, which could see him lose his place in the side.

The midfield could remain as it was on Sunday, particularly with Curtis Jones' goalscoring contribution, but Klopp may opt to alter his front three by bringing forward Darwin Nunez in from the start.

Luis Diaz only returned from his long-term knee injury last month and, with another game coming up on Saturday, the head coach could protect him by resting the winger to offer the "chaotic" – as described by journalist Dominic King – £140k-per-week ace an opportunity to impress.

Nunez has scored nine goals and provided three assists in 17 Premier League starts and could cause Fulham no-end of problems with his electric movement and energetic style of play.

Predicted Liverpool XI (4-3-3): Alisson; Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joel Matip, Virgil van Dijk, Kostas Tsimikas; Harvey Elliott, Fabinho, Curtis Jones; Mo Salah, Cody Gakpo, Darwin Nunez.

Crystal Palace Urged To Make £70m Transfer Sale

HLTCO host Dan Cook has claimed that Crystal Palace should take the "difficult" decision to sell Michael Olise this summer if a big enough bid comes in.

What's the latest Crystal Palace transfer news?

The good news for the Eagles is that they will be playing Premier League football again next term as Roy Hodgson has done enough to keep the club from relegation with three games to spare.

The bad news is that a couple of key first-team players could be leaving. First of all, Wilfried Zaha looks poised to leave Palace this summer when his contract expires – with Arsenal and Chelsea named as possible destinations.

On top of that, centre-back Marc Guehi has impressed plenty in recent times and looks likely to be a target for Tottenham Hotspur amid strong transfer links in the media.

Adding to this, it was now been reported by the Daily Mail that French Giants PSG are keen on bringing Olise to Ligue 1 next season as they consider a future beyond Lionel Messi and Neymar.

While most Palace fans won't want to lose any of the three above, Cook has reasoned that the club's 21-year-old winger was signed with the intention of one day selling for a big profit and so they would be unwise to turn down any major offers from the likes of PSG.

Speaking on the HLTCO podcast, the host explained (7:20): “It's very difficult, isn't it? Because you look at Michael, a jewel in our crown, but ultimately someone that we've signed with the intention of selling at some point in the future for an astronomical sum of money.

"I think we paid roughly 8 million pounds to sign him from Reading, which in the fullness of time has looked like an absolute bargain from our perspective.

“But if PSG are serious about taking Michael off our hands, then you've got to be looking to 60, 70 million pounds potentially, once the entire deal is shaken out.

"And if we can do that, then it is very much part of the business model, you know to buy low and sell high.

"And it might not be the most positive news story you will ever hear in relation to Crystal Palace. But as I've said throughout the last 12 to 18 months, we as a fan base have to get used to this as the long-term project us.

"You know, we need to manipulate the market in a way that suits us."

How much did Palace pay for Olise?

It's not hard to see why the 21-year-old winger has caught the attention of some top clubs. After all, with two goals and nine assists in the league this term, no Palace player has more direct goal contributions – with Eberechi Eze also on 11 with eight goals and three assists.

What's more, only Eze has a better average WhoScored rating than Olise in the entire palace – 6.96 compared to 6.94 – and so you can appreciate how important the young winger is for the Eagles.

But If Palace can turn a considerable profit on that £8m they paid for him back in the summer of 2021, now might be the perfect time to cash in and then reinvest that money in another undiscovered gem.

Tottenham Could Turn To 4-2-3-1 Nagelsmann Alternative

Tottenham Hotspur's caretaker boss Ryan Mason could reportedly have a chance of securing the position on a permanent basis, according to recent reports.

As per Sky Sports, the Lilywhites are seemingly not set to appoint out-of-work coach Julian Nagelsmann despite previous speculation linking the German with the vacancy, with the report suggesting that no meeting is set to take place with the ex-Bayern Munich man.

The piece thus goes on to name potential alternatives to the 35-year-old, with the aforementioned Mason seemingly among those who will be considered for the role, having taken charge in recent weeks following the dismissal of interim manager, Cristian Stellini.

The Englishman – who also replaced Jose Mourinho in the dugout on a short-term basis back in 2021 – has previously suggested that he would be "ready" to fill the void of Antonio Conte as the club's new permanent boss.

Should Spurs appoint Ryan Mason permanently?

There may well be Spurs supporters who would be rather underwhelmed at the prospect of handing the reins to Mason for the foreseeable future, particularly following the recent links to a "genius" such as Nagelsmann, as previously hailed by The Athletic's Raphael Honigstein.

While the 31-year-old has seemingly made a positive impression at N17 in recent weeks – having "instilled belief" in the squad, according to Ben Davies – it would appear to be a real gamble for chairman Daniel Levy to put faith in such a youthful figure, with ex-Spurs defender Alan Hutton previously expressing his concerns over that move, suggesting it would be "very difficult" for the up and coming coach to take on what appears to be a "huge job".

The one-time Hull City midfielder – who is said to favour a 4-2-3-1 formation – has also hardly set the world alight when he has been in charge of the north Londoners during his two caretaker spells thus far with just five wins from 11 games across all fronts.

As former Tottenham man Jamie O'Hara recently stated, giving the position to Mason on a permanent basis seemingly has "signs of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer written all over it", with the latter man having himself taken on the top job at Manchester United following an interim spell in charge during the 2018/19 campaign.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's final game in charge

A club legend at Old Trafford, the Norwegian was brought in to lift the mood following Jose Mourinho's departure in December 2018, subsequently going on to win 14 of his first 19 games in charge, including seeing off Paris Saint-Germain in a remarkable Champions League, last-16 comeback.

That fine start to life back in England saw the treble winner given a full-time contract somewhat prematurely in March 2019, although just over two years later the former Cardiff City and Molde boss found himself out of a job, having failed to win any silverware during that time.

Although Solskjaer did lead United to a respectable second-place finish in his final full season in charge, the manner in which his spell ended at the club – as he was sacked in November 2021 – rather soured the image of his time at the helm.

That "short-term thinking" from the Red Devils ultimately proved costly – as prophecised by talkSPORT's Simon Jordan – with Levy and co likely to be keen to avoid making the same mistake with an inexperienced figure such as Mason.

Arsenal: Arteta Wants "World Class" £55m-rated Caicedo Alternative

Arsenal seem set to lose Granit Xhaka this summer, willingly sanctioning his exit after a fine final campaign in north London.

The Swiss international has been instrumental in Mikel Arteta's engine room, but with the midfielder set to turn 31 at the start of next season, his five goals and seven assists are far from maintainable given his inevitable decline will likely soon start.

Such willingness to allow an integral cog of their success this season to leave marks confidence in quickly securing his replacement, with sporting director Edu Gaspar having seemingly narrowed his pursuit down to two targets: Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo.

What's the latest news on Declan Rice's move to Arsenal?

With two bids rejected for the latter in January, reports are claiming that the 21-year-old remains high on their wish list, and a raid of Brighton and Hove Albion could still be committed this summer.

Despite this, renowned transfer expert and journalist Fabrizio Romano recently spoke on his YouTube channel about the Gunners' alternative plans to move for the West Ham United captain, who has been touted at a cost of £100m.

moises-caicedo-arsenal-brighton-transfer

The Italian transfer guru noted that the 24-year-old machine remains a "top target" for the north London outfit, with conversations ongoing with the player and the club.

An official bid is expected from the Gunners in the coming weeks, though it is noted that the Hammers remain in no position to negotiate, despite David Moyes' recent admission that he may well leave in the coming window.

Should only one of these two midfield powerhouses be attainable for Edu and Arteta, there is no doubt as to which one should be preferred.

Is Declan Rice better than Moises Caicedo?

Although the Seagulls' star man may well be battling at the right end of the table, it arguably makes Rice's exploits within a relegation battle even more impressive.

To shine when his teammates are of such low quality, as opposed to thriving in a well-rounded and generally outstanding side, showcases true character and quality.

As such, the Irons ace has maintained a 7.19 average rating, with three goals, two assists and one key pass per game suggestive of the creativity creeping into his game, This seeks to build upon his already outstanding defensive work, which has seen him record 1.8 interceptions and 2.3 tackles per game, via Sofascore.

Although Caicedo might maintain similar stats to the £55m-rated England international, it seems that the resolute Roberto De Zerbi will remain keen on keeping his Ecuadorian general, especially with the promise European football is set to bring.

He too has maintained 1.3 key passes and three tackles per game, culminating in a 7.14 average rating, via Sofascore. Their respective skill sets are actually frighteningly similar, yet the pedigree and experience of Rice probably edges him as the better alternative heading into the summer window.

His consistently-impressive performances for years at the top flight have afforded him the experience to go with his country to a World Cup and a EUROs campaign, having starred in both.

It is no wonder the £60k-per-week star has been branded "world-class" by pundit and ex-Arsenal man Alan Smith, and therefore is no surprise that he seems set to be Edu's preferred midfield option right now.

Arsenal Now In Pole Position For "Unbelievable" £80m Star

Arsenal are now in pole position to sign Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo, and they are expected to reignite their interest in the summer, according to a report from Football Insider.

What's the latest Arsenal transfer news?

The Arsenal board will hand Mikel Arteta a summer transfer budget of £150m, according to The Independent, and the manager's main priority will be bringing in a new midfielder, with West Ham United's Declan Rice emerging as the main target.

Given that West Ham are expected to demand £100m for Rice, the England international is affordable, however signing him would deplete a large chunk of the transfer budget, leaving Arteta with limited funds to strengthen elsewhere.

As such, the manager could look at bringing in a lower-cost alternative, with Southampton's Romeo Lavia "on the radar", according to CBS reporter Ben Jacobs, while Caicedo is another potential option.

At the start of May, it was reported that the Gunners were set to make an offer for the Ecuadorian, and they seemingly have a good chance of landing him, with Football Insider now reporting they are in pole position for his signature.

Despite Chelsea also sharing a long-term interest in the Brighton star, it is the north London club that are currently leading the race, and they are expected to reignite their interest in the upcoming window.

The Seagulls are now resigned to losing the 21-year-old, who is valued at £70m – £80m, and they have already found a replacement in Bourssia Dortmund's Mahmoud Dahoud.

Should Arsenal sign Rice or Caicedo?

Caicedo could be as much as £30m cheaper than Rice, and there are indications he could be better than the Englishman, at least in a defensive sense, having made far more tackles in the Premier League this season.

The starlet has made the second-highest number of tackles in the entire top flight, while he has also recorded a superior pass-completion rate over the past year, averaging 88.4% per 90, compared to 86.3% from Rice.

Moises Caicedo

That said, the Ecuador international does have very limited attacking attributes, recording just one goal and one assist in all competitions this season, with the West Ham star amassing nine goal contributions.

As such, while Rice is likely to cost far more money, he is a more well-rounded player, and he is far more proven in the Premier League, having made over 200 appearances in the competition, while Caicedo has made just 42.

Tottenham Hotspur Shortlist "Bizarre" 38 y/o Manager

Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy has shortlisted Sporting CP boss Ruben Amorim, but he is set to take his time over a new managerial appointment, according to a report from Football Insider.

What's the latest Tottenham manager news?

Tottenham are still searching for a long-term heir to Antonio Conte, and it has now been reported that Graham Potter could soon contend for the job, as he still maintains a reputation as a top coach, despite being sacked by Chelsea last season.

Brendan Rodgers is also still a candidate, with recent reports even claiming that he has been formally offered the job, although Spurs will keep their options open, with Luis Enrique also believed to be of interest.

Roberto De Zerbi, Marco Silva and Ange Postecoglou have also been linked with a move to N17, and Football Insider have now provided an update involving the latter manager.

Postecoglou, Enrique and Amorim are said to be on Levy's new three-man shortlist, with the chairman keen to take his time over the appointment, due to the importance of appointing the right man.

Amorim is considered an attractive proposition by Spurs, having impressed during his time with Sporting CP, winning the league title during the 2020-21 campaign. At 38 years of age, the Sporting boss fits the bill as a "young, up-and-coming coach", which is of key importance to the Tottenham hierarchy, according to talkSPORT's Alex Crook.

Who is Ruben Amorim?

The Lisboa-born manager has made a name for himself over in Portugal, winning a total of five trophies during spells with Braga and Sporting, most notably winning the 2020-21 Liga Portugal title, and his side have shown some promising signs this season.

Although they were unable to compete for the title, Sporting achieved a respectable fourth-place finish, while they also performed very well in Europe, knocking out Arsenal in the Europa League round of 16.

Sporting's Ruben Amorim

Given his age, the Portuguese tactician is not yet the finished article, and he has received some criticism at times, with journalist Zach Lowy querying some of his "bizarre" man-management decisions.

However, other members of the media have heaped praise on the former Braga boss, with journalist Jack Pitt-Brooke describing him as "the most exciting young manager in European football" just over a year ago.

Appointing Amorim could be a risk, but his success up to this point indicates he may well go on to be a top manager, and a move to Tottenham could well be one to keep an eye on.

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