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West Ham United have been dealt a knockout blow in their bid to bring Jan Bednarek to the London Stadium on transfer deadline day.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to David Ornstein, with The Athletic journalist revealing in a recent post on Twitter that, despite West Ham being heavily linked with a move for the Southampton centre-back, the 26-year-old has now actually agreed a move to Aston Villa.

In his tweet, Ornstein said: “Aston Villa have agreed to sign Jan Bednarek from Southampton on 1yr loan. 26yo centre-back has chosen AVFC & is heading to medical.”

Moyes should be gutted

Considering just how impressive Bednarek was for Southampton last time out, coupled with Craig Dawson appearing to be on his way out of east London in the coming hours, Ornstein’s update that the Poland international has now chosen a move to Aston Villa ahead of one to the London Stadium is sure to have left David Moyes gutted.

Indeed, according to FBref, the £25.5m-rated defender ranks in the top 4% of centre-backs in Europe’s big five leagues and European competitions for interceptions made per 90, as well as the top 10% for blocks, the top 11% for clearances and the top 13% for aerial duels won over the past 365 days – proving just how effective the 26-year-old is at the back.

Furthermore, the £20k-per-week talent also ranks in the top 4% for non-penalty goals per 90, in addition to the top 10% for non-penalty xG, the top 24% for shots, the top 28% for xG assisted – xG that follows a pass which assists a shot – and the top 34% for shot-creating actions over the last 12 months – demonstrating just how much of a threat the defender is going forwards.

These returns see Bednarek compared to one of the most in-demand centre-backs of the summer transfer window, with FBref listing Gleison Bremer – who was linked with both Tottenham Hotspur and Inter Milan before sealing a €41m (£34.8m) move to Juventus – as one of the Poland international’s most comparable players.

As such, it is clear to see that missing out on the 26-year-old is sure to have come as a gutting blow to Moyes and his West Ham transfer team – who will now have to turn their attention elsewhere over the remaining hours of the transfer window.

Leeds United could make a move for Southampton striker Che Adams this week, according to CBS Sports journalist Ben Jacobs. 

The lowdown

Leeds, Jacobs says, first tried to sign Adams back in 2020, only a year after his £15million move from Birmingham City to Southampton.

The Scotsman, now into the final two years of his deal at St Mary’s, played the full 90 minutes against the Whites in Saturday’s 2-2 draw.

Leeds may face competition if they do make a move, with The Athletic reporting that Everton are exploring a loan-to-buy deal.

The latest

Jacobs writes that ‘Leeds expect a busy week in the transfer market’, with a move for Adams seen as ‘a possibility’.

He’s ‘one of many forwards Leeds are considering’ as they seek to bolster their striker ranks.

Saints manager Ralph Hasenhuttl ‘doesn’t want to lose him’ but, significantly, the club’s board are ‘open to offers’.

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The verdict

Would Jesse Marsch have liked what he saw on Saturday?

Well it was actually a fairly quiet afternoon for Adams in some respects, with journalist Jacob Tanswell noting that he was ‘starved from any meaningful service’ in the first half.

Indeed, he only completed seven passes, and his solitary shot missed the target (via SofaScore).

On the other hand, though, the 26-year-old was able to draw two fouls, win four out of six ground duels, make two tackles and create a chance.

And Saints reporter Benjy Nurick also hailed his ‘terrific’ contribution in the build-up to their equaliser.

Adams, who’s scored 20 goals and provided 11 assists in his top-flight career, could offer a strong all-round contribution for Marsch – especially going by Rangers legend Ally McCoist’s praise for the player.

Indeed, the Scotsman called him ‘clever’ and even a ‘breath of fresh air’.

Newcastle United are believed to be eyeing a move for Stuttgart defender, Borna Sosa, albeit with the Croatia international also attracting interest from another Premier League club.

What’s the word?

According to Croatian outlet Index, the Magpies are set to try and gazump West Ham United in the race to land the 24-year-old, with the northeast side prepared to place a higher offer than that of the Hammers in order to get a deal done.

The report suggests the east London outfit have been in talks regarding a move for the 6 foot 2 full-back, with David Moyes seemingly prepared to pay around €20m (£17m) to land the six-cap star.

As for those at St James’ Park, this reported interest would suggest that the Tynesiders are on the hunt for another left-back addition, despite having already signed Matt Targett on a permanent deal from Aston Villa, following his promising loan spell at the club last season.

Howe’s own Andy Robertson

It is unsurprising that the former Dinamo Zagreb man is attracting such intense interest, such has been his sparkling form in Germany of late, with Sosa notably netting one goal and providing eight assists in the Bundesliga last term, while also averaging an impressive 2.2 key passes per game from his 28 outings – with that latter metric significantly higher than that of the aforementioned Targett (1.2) from the 2021/22 campaign.

Clearly a forward-thinking and creative talent, the £20.7m-rated man poses a real threat from his left-back/left wing-back berth, notably having been dubbed a “crossing machine” by journalist Ronan Murphy.

The statistics seemingly back up that claim as he ranked fourth in the German top-flight last term for crosses from open play, with 107 to his name, having finished second in the standings for the same metric the year prior (128), behind only the Juventus-bound Filip Kostic.

In that regard, the £15k-per-week ace – who has registered three goals and 23 assists in 83 games for his current side – seemingly mirrors that of Liverpool sensation Andy Robertson, with the Scotland skipper also a notable menace from the flanks.

The rampaging full-back ranked fourth in the Premier League last season for crosses made with 195, having previously finished behind only teammate Trent Alexander-Arnold for total crosses the year prior, registering 294 for the Reds.

There is seemingly a clear comparison to be made between Sosa and Robertson, with the pair sharing a number of statistical and stylistic similarities, as per FBref.

In the case of the Stuttgart man, he ranks in the top 5% for both progressive passes and progressive carries among his peers in Europe’s top five leagues, while it is a remarkably similar tale with the former Hull City star, as he ranks in the top 3% and the top 10% for the same two metrics, respectively.

That fact no doubt illustrates how both men adopt a front-foot attacking approach at left-back, showcasing their brilliance at getting their side into more advanced positions either as a ball-carrier or with an incisive, forward pass.

Such likeness will pique the interest of those at St James’ Park, such has been Robertson’s breathtaking form at Anfield of late, the 28-year-old, who pundit Kevin Phillips dubbed the “best in the world”, having registered 49 assists in his top-flight career thus far – a record only bettered by former Everton man Leighton Baines (53) among defenders in the competition’s history.

Should Sosa be able to replicate such feats, then Howe and co could well be in for a real treat.

Transfer insider and talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook has revealed that Joe Aribo is now ‘likely’ to leave Glasgow Rangers this summer.

The Lowdown: Contract expiring

The Nigeria international only has one year left on his contract at Ibrox, so Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side risk losing him on a free transfer next year if he does not sign a new deal with the Premiership giants in the meantime.

Therefore, the Rangers board will need to contemplate whether to cash in on him this summer, as his market value will surely start to decrease the closer it gets to his contract expiry date.

The Latest: Aribo exit ‘likely’

Taking to Twitter, Crook has revealed that Aribo is now ‘likely’ to leave Rangers this summer, and Southampton are among a number of clubs in the Premier League who are ‘interested’ in his signature.

The talkSPORT reporter tweeted: “#SaintsFC are among the Premier League clubs interested in signing #RangersFC midfielder Joe Aribo. Is into the last year of his contract so a summer move away from Ibrox is likely.”

The Verdict: Keep him!

Of course, the Light Blues run the risk of letting Aribo go for free next summer, but he is simply too important of a player to the team right now, so they must look to keep hold of him at all costs.

Hailed as ‘phenomenal’ for club and country by Vavel journalist Jack Koblitz, the Nigeria international played no fewer than 70 times last season, showing what an incredible engine he has.

He also ranked as Rangers’ third-best performer on WhoScored and boasted the team’s second-highest dribbling average (1.4) per match in the Premiership, so replacing the 25-year-old this summer would likely be a very difficult task for Van Bronckhorst and co.

West Ham United are in talks for an ‘amazing’ player who rejected manager David Moyes just last year, according to a report in the last 48 hours.

The Lowdown: Hammers eye deals…

After sealing a £30 million deal for Morocco international defender Nayef Aguerd from Rennes, it appears the east Londoners are aiming to keep that momentum by landing more of Moyes’ targets.

As explained by Sky journalist Dharmesh Sheth, West Ham are expected to be ‘very busy’ in this summer market and want at least six new signings for the 2022/2023 Premier League season.

They are reportedly closing in on a permanent deal for goalkeeper Alphonse Areola from Paris-Saint Germain, and according to a new report, the Hammers are also locked in other negotiations.

The Latest: West Ham in agent negotations…

Indeed, as per a recent claim from Italy, it appears West Ham are in negotiations with the entourage of Juventus defender Luca Pellegrini.

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Corriere dello Sport (via Sport Witness) state Moyes’ side are ‘in contact’ with the 23-year-old’s agent with discussions ongoing but an agreement is yet to be found on personal terms.

There have also been no talks with Juve over a fee, just talks with Pellegrini’s agents.

The Verdict: Take it further?

Irons left-back Aaron Cresswell is slowly entering the twilight phase of his career and Pellegrini would come as a potentially shrewd heir.

Called ‘amazing’ by Juventus journalist Max Aimé-Thierry, who founded independent club news page ‘Max Statman’, perhaps the Italian could come to the London Stadium as Cresswell’s potential understudy.

Still very young, Pellegrini would have plenty of time to adapt and improve under Moyes in the English top flight.

However, as per Il Bianco Nero, West Ham may have some convincing to do given the player rejected a move to Rush Green just last year.

Much has been made about Alfredo Morelos’ future at Rangers in recent weeks, with the Colombian striker once again linked with an exit from Ibrox ahead of his contract expiry next year.

However, one pundit believes that the 25-year-old could still commit his future to Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side.

What’s the word?

Morelos’ contract with the Premiership club is currently set to expire at the end of next season, so Rangers could well be forced to sell him this summer if they want to avoid losing him for nothing in the future.

However, speaking to Football Insider, former Aston Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor has claimed that the 25-year-old could yet perform a contract U-turn, similar to team-mate Connor Goldson, who committed to a new four-year deal at Ibrox recently despite heavy links with Nottingham Forest.

The talkSPORT pundit said of Morelos: “I think he will explore the offers, similar to Goldson.

“Goldson explored the options and maybe he couldn’t get a better deal than Rangers offered or Rangers put their deal up a bit.

“I’m sure he’ll be looking at different options, Morelos. He’ll maybe want to play in a bigger league.

“But getting to the final of the Europa League, that’s attractive for players to stay at Rangers and maybe do it again.

“It will be interesting. Rangers have got a good core of players so it’s a good club to stay at.”

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Supporters would be buzzing

If Morelos can be convinced to stay at Rangers, then the Ibrox faithful would surely be delighted, considering his superb record with the Light Blues since signing from HJK Helsinki in 2017.

‘El Bufalo’ has hit 113 goals and contributed 51 assists in 224 appearances for the Teddy Bears, while he also broke Ally McCoist’s record to become the club’s all-time top European goalscorer.

Given the Colombian’s immense contributions, Rangers fans will surely be hoping that Agbonlahor is right and he will consider extending his stay at Ibrox, especially after coming so close to winning the Europa League last season.

It would be a big blow to lose the 25-year-old ahead of the Champions League qualifiers next month, so Van Bronckhorst must do all that he can to keep Morelos at Ibrox. If the Dutchman can do just that, the Gers faithful would be buzzing heading into the 2022/23 campaign.

In other news… Rangers could repeat Ryan Kent masterclass with swoop for “bullish” £5.4m-rated gem

Sky Sports journalist Manuele Baiocchini has now made a promising Tottenham Hotspur transfer claim involving central defensive target Sven Botman.

The Lowdown: Bastoni alternative?

Inter Milan star Alessandro Bastoni was a top target for Spurs manager Antonio Conte but both the Italian and club chief Fabio Paratici were dealt a major blow on Wednesday afternoon.

The player’s agent confirmed that he seems set to stay at the San Siro with it now seeming like the Lilywhites must turn to alternatives if they wish to back Conte ahead of his first full Premier League season.

One of these possible targets is thought to be Lille star Botman who has been attracting serious interest from Newcastle United, Manchester United and AC Milan.

The Latest: Baiocchini shares promising update…

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Sky Italy reporter Baiocchini, sharing news on Twitter, has made a promising claim involving Spurs – going on to state that the north Londoners have emerged as ‘stronger and stronger’ contenders for Botman.

This comes as Milan fall behind in the race to sign Ligue 1’s sensation but Tottenham will still face competition from Newcastle and The Red Devils.

The Verdict: Battle on?

Still just 22-years-old, Botman has been a colossal defensive presence for Lille in the French top flight – making more clearances per 90 than anyone in their squad (WhoScored).

He also finished 2021/2022 as their third-best performer by average match rating, just behind star men Renato Sanches and Benjamin Andre (WhoScored).

The in-form Dutchman could also leave his current club for the very reasonable price of €40 million (£34m), potentially marking Botman out as a real standout alternative to Bastoni.

In other news: ‘Better and better’ – Insider says Tottenham could make announcement ‘in the coming days’…find out more here.

A huge Rangers update has emerged regarding Ibrox machine Connor Goldson heading into the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

Gio van Bronckhorst has revealed that the defender looks set to leave the club upon the expiry of his contract at the end of the month.

The Dutch head coach has not completely ruled out a new contract for the Englishman but is being realistic about the chances of the 29-year-old still being at Ibrox next season.

Van Bronckhorst told the Glasgow Times before the Scottish Cup final: “Regarding Connor, the club has been in talks with him to extend his contract. So far, he hasn’t extended it. The chance he will still be a Rangers player after tomorrow will be small.

“I would love to have Connor in the team next year. But as you see quite a lot, when players are getting out of contract, there are two possibilities – to keep playing or to move on and maybe have another challenge.

“I still have in my mind that he will be part of Rangers next year. That’s my feeling more than the reality. We will have to watch in the coming weeks. But I think Connor has been amazing for this team in all of his years as a Rangers player. Will it be his last game on Saturday? I don’t know right now.”

Supporters will be gutted

Gers supporters will surely be left feeling gutted by these comments from the manager, as they suggest that Goldson will be on his way out of the club this summer.

Van Bronckhorst states that the likelihood of the defender staying at Rangers is ‘small’, and this will be upsetting for fans as the centre-back has been a vital player at Ibrox in recent years.

In the Premiership this term, Goldson averaged an excellent SofaScore rating of 7.18 as he started 36 of the Light Blues’ 38 matches. He produced consistently brilliant performances at the heart of the defence as he made himself a reliable option for the head coach.

Last season, he started al 38 top-flight games and averaged a phenomenal score of 7.39 for the Gers as he helped the team to keep a whopping 26 clean sheets on their way to the title. He won an impressive 71% of his duels and made 2.2 tackles and interceptions per game as he played a pivotal role in their success.

Goldson also showcased his quality on the continental stage as he caught the eye in the Europa League, with an average Sofascore rating of 7.00 across 14 starts as Rangers fell short in the final against Eintracht Frankfurt.

These statistics illustrate how impressive he has been for the Glasgow giants and shows why the supporters will surely be gutted by his potential exit ahead of next season.

AND in other news, Ross Wilson plotting Rangers swoop for 16 y/o “teen talent”, GvB will be buzzing…

The pitch, the opposition, the heat were all peripheral to Kohli’s single-minded pursuit of runs – while Pant made batting fun to watch

Alagappan Muthu in Rajkot05-Oct-2018There was a scramble in the crowd as soon as the second Indian wicket fell. They had barely moved from the little pockets of shade afforded by the second tier stands in Rajkot, but now they careened into the sunshine, phones out, hands waving, and smiles as bright as the sun.Virat Kohli was coming out to bat.He wouldn’t have seen the stir he caused. The man gets into a zone when he’s batting where only he, the ball, and his routines exist. He came down the dressing room steps fiddling with his gear. Then he touched the turf, held the hand to his heart. Whether he asked for a hundred or not, he looked destined for it.Kohli’s made better runs before; tougher runs; more meaningful runs, but his 139 against West Indies was the perfect advertisement of the one quality that makes him a modern-day great. Keeping the noise out.His innings began when the spotlight was on Prithvi Shaw, who was busy making batting look easier than breathing. Kohli was new to the crease. He would need time to understand the pace of the pitch and the kinds of shots he could play. He waited until the 17th delivery for his first boundary – a risk-less straight drive against an inviting half-volley.Kohli spent 230 deliveries in the middle. Yet, according to Cricviz, his innings included only five false shots. This is where India’s captain towers over his peers. He puts in the work to get set and then rarely gives it away.Leading up to his dismissal, he was playing shots as if a voice inside his head was giving him imaginary targets to hit. “Long-off”. He turned a length ball into a half-volley with a superb stride. “Midwicket”. Hit against the turn off legspinner Devendra Bishoo. “Straight of midwicket”. The auto-pilot flick, head over the ball, wrists working smoothly. It all seemed like indulgence; as if he was treating himself for all the time he didn’t play an extravagant shot when he very well could have.