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West Ham United insider Claret & Hugh have shared a big transfer update for supporters involving left-wing-back target Filip Kostic.

The Lowdown: Hammers eye move…

Hammers boss David Moyes has already seen a fair few Premier League additions in east London so far and there is still over a month of this summer transfer window remaining.

West Ham have sealed agreements for defender Nayef Aguerd, midfielder Flynn Downes, goalkeeper Alphonse Areola and, most recently, Sassuolo striker Gianluca Scamacca.

The latter man represents the end of a long, drawn out search for a new striker and alternative to Michail Antonio, but despite the club’s great success in finally signing a fresh forward option, Moyes is by no means finished.

The Latest: West Ham make offer for Kostic, talks ongoing…

Indeed, club insider C&H have shared a major update on West Ham’s attempts to sign defender Kostic from Eintracht Frankfurt.

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They claim the east Londoners have made their opening offer, lodging a ‘first official bid’ for the 29-year-old amounting to around £12million.

While the Bundesliga side are holding out for a fee closer to £18m, West Ham are apparently ‘hopeful’ of agreeing a £15m deal and finding middle ground.

C&H add that talks ‘continue’ over signing Kostic for Moyes.

The Verdict: Make the move…

Lauded as a ‘phenomenal’ wing-back by journalist Ryan Taylor, the Serbia international was a revelation for Frankfurt last term and played a key role in their Europa League triumph.

He also grabbed an impressive 15 assists in all competitions over 21/22, backing why Moyes is very keen on his signing at the London Stadium.

With Aaron Cresswell reaching the twilight years of his career, snapping up the versatile Kostic to a deal anywhere around the £12-18million price range seems like good business.

Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson has delivered his verdict on the injury suffered by Liverpool star Ibrahima Konate on the eve of the new Premier League campaign. 

The lowdown: Konate takes a knock

Partnered alongside Joe Gomez for the final pre-season friendly ahead of the 2022/23 season getting underway, Konate was forced off in the second half against Strasbourg on Sunday evening.

After the match, it was confirmed that the 23-year-old France international would undergo a scan to assess the extent of the issue suffered in a collision that saw the giant centre-defender limp off soon after.

Upon hearing about the injury, one pundit has had his say on the impact being without Konate could have on the Reds…

The latest: ‘Blow’

Speaking to Football Insider, former Leeds United shot-stopper and Sky Sports pundit Robinson claimed that losing the two-cap ace would be a big ‘blow’ to Jurgen Klopp’s plans.

He said: “It would be a blow because he ended the season so well. You have to look at the strength in depth Liverpool have got though. Klopp will want a full strength squad available but that is not always the case.

“They have got plenty of players in that position who can cover. They can cope with it. Joel Matip and Joe Gomez are both top centre-halves. Losing Konate will be a blow though because he was a revelation last season.”

The verdict: Fingers crossed

Even though Joel Matip and Virgil van Dijk were seemingly being geared up to start the opening day clash with Fulham having paired up against Manchester City and Gomez is a more than capable deputy, the potential absence of the £36million valued Frenchman from the squad would be a major setback in the preparations.

A clear favourite of Klopp’s, it will be hoped that the injury isn’t a significant one, having already lost Diogo Jota and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain for the opening weeks of the new term.

Furthermore, any lengthy layoff for the man who earns £70,000 per week at Anfield could restrict the possibility of Nat Phillips getting a move away amidst links to newly-promoted Bournemouth and Fulham.

Last season, Konate earned an impressive 6.99 Sofascore rating whilst winning 5.0 duels, making 3.4 clearances and 1.5 interceptions on average per game in what was a superb debut campaign following a move from RB Leipzig.

Hailed as a ‘machine’ by Jamie O’Hara for a standout UEFA Champions League performance against Villarreal, the powerful defender will be desperate to return to full fitness and win his place back in Klopp’s starting XI as soon as possible.

Crystal Palace are one of several Premier League clubs after a striker from a European club…

What’s the word?

According to the Daily Mail, the Eagles have been scouting Olympique de Marseille forward Bamba Dieng.

However, they will have to battle it out with the likes of Nottingham Forest, Newcastle United, Leeds United and Celtic, who have all shown an interest in the attacker.

He may cost around £15m to prise away from France.

Better than Benteke?

Patrick Vieira will be keen to bolster his striking options after the departure of Christian Benteke.

Admittedly, Palace fans will probably be glad to see the back of the hulking Belgian who has underwhelmed following his £27m move from Liverpool in 2016.

Just 37 goals across 177 appearances during this spell, his Eagles career will likely be remembered for his numerous injuries and lack of proficiency in front of goal.

However, to replace him with this player dubbed a “serious talent” by reporter Graeme Bailey, who bagged seven times and assisted a further three last season for his side would be an incredible upgrade and a fine piece of business. After all, Benteke could only find the net on four occasions last term, demonstrating that he’s lost that golden touch inside the box.

At just 22 years old, the poacher will not be overbearing in his desire to force himself into the starting team, yet he will have the perfect amount of ambition to push those already at the club.

Having also missed nine big chances, which his youth and naivety will have played a big part in, it is clear that he is getting into the right areas. The finishing can always be taught, but that killer instinct to be in the right spot is pure instinct.

This can be further compounded by his total shots per 90, where he ranks in the top 2%, a stat Benteke ranks unfavourably in comparison, sitting in the top 21%. Defenders and goalkeepers must always be wary, as he poses an insistent threat that will surely create even more space for the trickier players around him.

Their exciting young talents would also thrive off his link-up play, as he ranks in the top 6% for aerials won per 90.

With the breath-taking speed of Wilfried Zaha running off his flick-ons, it could be a dangerous combination for Premier League defenders.

He could be more prolific and dangerous than Benteke, whilst also matching his aerial ability and link-up play. It marks a big improvement with plenty of room for further growth within the Senegalese ace.

Everton could add a ‘different option’ to their attacking ranks with the capture of Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke. 

The lowdown: Toffees linked

Recently, a report from 90min claimed that the Toffees are ‘in talks’ to sign Batshuayi this summer as Frank Lampard attempts to add firepower to the Goodison Park squad.

The need for additional striking options became all the more evident as talismanic frontman Dominic Calvert-Lewin was ruled out of the opening months of the season following a ‘freak’ injury suffered in training.

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Now, upon hearing about the links to Everton, one well-informed onlooker has delivered his verdict about what Batshuayi could offer Lampard…

The latest: ‘Definitely…’

Speaking to Give Me Sport, O’Rourke has claimed that the 28-year-old Belgium international would provide a ‘different option’ to the Blues squad.

He said: “Batshuayi, it just hasn’t really worked out for him at Chelsea.

“Not sure he’d be a prolific goalscorer for Everton because he hasn’t shown that so far wherever he has been. But he gives a different option to Frank Lampard in attack, and it’s definitely an area of the team that I think needs improving.”

The verdict: Do it

Although it’s impossible to legislate for the repeated issues suffered by Calvert-Lewin in recent times, Everton simply cannot rely on the Englishman and a veteran Salomon Rondon to lead the line for an entire campaign.

Therefore, signing Batshuayi would be a superb piece of business from the Merseysiders, particularly having already bolstered the defensive and midfield department with the captures of Conor Coady and Amadou Onana.

Last season, the 48-cap powerhouse – who was hailed as ‘top class’ by Lampard during their time together at Chelsea – scored 14 times and registered five assists in 33 Super Lig appearances whilst on loan at Besiktas.

Valued at £9million and in the final 12 months of a deal in London (Transfermarkt), any move for Batshuayi would be a wholly affordable venture and one Kevin Thelwell and the rest of the Goodison Park hierarchy should be pushing to get over the line.

Glasgow Rangers have enjoyed a busy summer transfer window of business coming in and out of Ibrox over the last few months.

Ross Wilson has brought in a host of new recruits and sanctioned the sales of Joe Aribo and Calvin Bassey to fund their own deals.

One player who the club must now look to move on before the deadline next month is outcast Fashion Sakala, as he has found himself out of favour.

The winger has not played a single competitive minute this season as he has been forced to watch the likes of Antonio Colak, Tom Lawrence, Malik Tillman and Rabbi Matondo – who all joined the club this summer – play ahead of him.

Journalist Josh Bunting once dubbed him “very raw” and “erratic” and his unrefined quality may be the reason behind van Bronckhorst’s decision to move him down the pecking order.

Whilst he scored nine goals in the Premiership, his performances in the Europa League were concerning as his lack of conviction in the final third let him down. In 11 outings in the competition, Sakala failed to score or assist a single goal for the Light Blues as he missed two ‘big chances’ and only provided two key passes.

This shows that his raw and erratic style did not allow him to make the step up to playing in Europe, which may have caused alarm bells to ring in the manager’s head with Champions League football on offer for the club this season.

It has been reported that the dynamo is set to stay at Ibrox after Burnley pulled out of a deal to sign him but van Bronckhorst could change his mind and sanction a sale if the club are able to bring in a replacement.

Genk winger Theo Bongonda could be that player to come in and allow Rangers to cash in on Sakala as he has been linked with a £6m (€7m) switch to Glasgow this summer and has caught the eye in Belgium.

In the last two Pro League campaigns, the winger has racked up a sublime 28 goals and ten assists in 57 starts as he has proven that he has the quality to be a match-winner. He can score or assist goals on a regular basis and that means that he has the potential to win games for the Light Blues.

Although, the Genk man does not boast a wealth of experience in Europe – with three assists and seven key passes in nine starts across the Champions League and Europa League.

It may be a small sample size but it is impressive in comparison to Sakala’s statistics and that, along with his phenomenal form in Belgium, suggests that he could be an excellent replacement for the attacker and that is why they must swoop for him.

He could add more quality in Europe, creatively, than the Zambia international and he could have a greater impact in the Premiership if he can translate his form in the Pro League over to Scotland.

Arsenal have been told exactly how much it’ll take to sign transfer target Pedro Neto this month…

What’s the word?

According to talkSPORT sources, the Gunners are hoping to sign the Portuguese winger before the 11pm deadline on September 1st but they will need to pay £50m.

They also face competition from Premier League rivals Manchester United.

“BREAKING: Wolves are demanding a fee of £50m for Pedro Neto.

“Arsenal hope to sign the winger, who has also been offered to Man United – talkSPORT sources understand.”

Arteta in dreamland

After game week three, the north London giants remain the only Premier League side with a 100% record, having defeated Crystal Palace, Leicester City and AFC Bournemouth to kickstart the 2022/23 campaign.

Arsenal’s hunt for a new winger goes on and manager Mikel Arteta would surely be in dreamland if he can add Neto to his current in-form squad before the end of the month.

The 22-year-old has started the season awfully quiet, failing to register a goal or assist as Wolves remain winless but there’s no denying that the Portugal international is one of the most exciting talents in the top-flight right now.

Neto missed a large chunk of last season due to a serious knee injury but in 2020/21, the 5 foot 8 dynamo provided five goals and six assists across 31 appearances and that included two goal contributions against the Gunners at both Molineux and the Emirates Stadium.

Last season in the Premier League, despite a lack of substantial minutes, the Wolves gem ranked within the top 1% of all wingers for crosses (4.44 per 90), the top 2% for key passes (2.51 per 90) and the top 3% for shot-creating actions (4.44 per 90), via FBref, who also liken his profile to Bukayo Saka.

Capable of playing on either flank or through the middle, it’s evident that Neto is a major threat on his day and one that Arsenal could benefit from as they look to move club-record flop Nicolas Pepe on.

Neto would need little time to adapt and the fact that he’s similar to Saka could mean he’s a perfect fit for the Spaniard’s system in north London.

As such, technical director Edu Gaspar must look to pay up for the Portuguese, who has been lauded as a “huge talent” by BBC pundit Alan Shearer and dubbed a “superstar” by Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher.

Given the start that his side have enjoyed so far, Arteta would surely be overjoyed at the prospect of signing Neto before the end of the summer transfer window.

AND in other news, Fabrizio Romano: Arsenal eyeing £25m “phenomenon” as “top” priority, Arteta needs him…

Leeds United have expressed a ‘firm interest’ in signing Wolves forward Hwang Hee-chan this summer, according to reliable journalist Liam Keen.

The Lowdown: Hwang linked with Leeds move

Jesse Marsch is still searching for a new striker before the summer transfer window ends, with injury problems continuing to plague Patrick Bamford.

Hwang is one player who has been linked with coming in and bolstering Leeds’ attack, having spent one season at Wolves after joining from RB  Leipzig.

Reports have claimed the player is keen on the move, and a fresh update suggests the Whites’ interest is very much serious.

The Latest: Interest is genuine

According to The Express & Star‘s Wolves correspondent, Leeds have indeed ‘expressed a firm interest’ in signing Hwang this summer, with a potential exit from Wolves on the cards.

Bruno Lage ‘wants to keep’ the South Korean but a reunion with Jesse Marsch could see a move to Elland Road appeal.

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The Verdict: Is he worth it?

Hwang is a good player who shone under Marsch during their RB Salzburg days together – he scored 45 goals in 126 appearances – but he is yet to set the Premier League alight, despite Ian Wright praising his ‘pace, skill, touch and awareness’.

After a bright start last season, the 26-year-old only has five goals in 35 matches for Wolves, so that lack of productivity in the final third could be a worry.

That being said, Marsch knows Hwang inside out as a player, and if he believes he can take Leeds up another gear, he has to be trusted. The signings of Rasmus Kristensen and Brenden Aaronson already look inspired, for example, suggesting the American knows what he is doing.

West Ham United have been dealt a big blow in their bid to bring Aaron Wan-Bissaka to the London Stadium this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a recent David Ornstein report for The Athletic, in which the journalist revealed that, despite both West Ham and Crystal Palace making approaches for the Manchester United right-back, Erik ten Hag knocked back both clubs’ moves for the 24-year-old – with it being believed the Red Devils are not open to selling or loaning the defender prior to Thursday’s transfer deadline.

A previous report by the Evening Standard had claimed that the former England U21 international could have been available for as little as £10m this summer, however, it would now appear as if both David Moyes and Patrick Vieira will have to turn their attention over the remainder of the summer transfer window elsewhere.

Moyes should be gutted

With Vladimir Coufal having endured a particularly torrid start to his 2022/23 campaign – averaging a SofaScore match rating of just 6.67 over his four Premier League fixtures this season – coupled with Ben Johnson being brought off in the first half of the 1-0 win over Aston Villa with an apparent hamstring injury, it is not difficult to understand why Moyes would have been interested in a deal to bring Wan-Bissaka to the London Stadium in the coming days.

While it is true that the right-back looks to have fallen down the Manchester United pecking order following Ten Hag’s arrival at Old Trafford this summer – having played just 10 minutes of league football so far this season – the £22.5m-rated talent has nevertheless proven previously just how astute a signing he would be for a club such as West Ham.

Indeed, over his 34 Premier League appearances back in 2020/21, the £90k-per-week full-back highly impressed going forwards, scoring two goals, registering four assists and creating two big chances for his teammates, as well as making an average of 0.9 key passes and completing one dribble per game.

The 24-year-old also caught the eye in metrics more typical of his position, helping United keep 13 clean sheets, in addition to making an average of 2.6 tackles, 1.8 interceptions, 1.8 clearances and winning 5.1 duels – at a success rate of 58% – per fixture.

These returns saw the right-back who Dan Gibbs dubbed “unreal” average an extremely impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.14, ranking him as United’s third-best performer in the top flight of English football that season.

Furthermore, while Wan-Bissaka did see his game time become more limited last time out – featuring in 20 Premier League fixtures in 2021/22 – the former England youth international still impressed when given the chance, with FBref ranking the defender in the top 2% of full-backs in Europe’s big five leagues for blocks per 90, as well as the top 3% for interceptions, the top 4% for dribbles completed, the top 18% for passes completed and the top 24% for tackles over the last 365 days.

As such, it is clear to see just how much Wan-Bissaka would have brought to West Ham, especially for a reported fee of just £10m – leading us to believe that Ornstein’s latest update on the right-back is sure to have left Moyes gutted.

Aston Villa could now hijack West Ham’s proposed move for Southampton defender Jan Bednarek, according to journalist Toby Cudworth.

The Lowdown: Bednarek saga

Bednarek, labelled as ‘underrated’ by journalist Zach Lowy, looked set to move to the Midlands after Villa reportedly agreed on a loan-to-buy deal.

However, it then seemed as if the Poland international would be joining West Ham, with the Hammers close to swooping in and reaching an agreement of their own for the centre-back.

It now appears to have gone full circle, though, with Villa seemingly looking to re-hijack West Ham’s proposed transfer on deadline day.

The Latest: Villa move back on?

According to Cudworth, Bednarek ‘could now be heading to Aston Villa on loan and not West Ham, citing ‘transfer deadline day twists and turns’.

The Verdict: Needed

Villa have already had a bid accepted for Wolves midfielder Leander Dendoncker, so Bednarek could be the second to arrive at Villa Park.

And you could argue that he’s actually the more important addition than Dendoncker due to a shortage of centre-backs following Diego Carlos’ injury.

Dendoncker can turn out in defence but has made a name for himself in midfield, so bringing in Bednareak as well would allow Steven Gerrard to use the Belgian in his preferred role, boosting the depth of the squad in multiple positions at once.

Sunderland are poised to officially add Mark Venus to Tony Mowbray’s coaching staff, James Hunter of The Chronicle reports.

The lowdown

As Hunter explains, the assistant coach role is currently vacant at the Stadium of Light after Alex Neil left the club to take over at Stoke City and brought his no. 2, Martin Canning, with him.

Mowbray, his replacement, oversaw his first game in charge on Wednesday – a 3-0 victory over Rotherham United.

Venus was a team-mate of Mowbray’s at Ipswich Town and has aided him in managerial roles at six different clubs – Hibernian, West Brom, Celtic, Middlesbrough, Coventry City and Blackburn Rovers.

Sunderland aren’t in action again until Monday, when they travel to north-east rivals Middlesbrough for the Tees-Wear derby.

The latest

Hunter took to Twitter to inform Sunderland fans of the imminent appointment.

“#safc expect to have Tony Mowbray’s longtime No.2 in place over the next 48hrs,” he wrote.

Venus has held productive talks with the club behind-the-scenes, and that could see him installed before the clash with Boro.

The verdict

Bringing in Venus will allow Mowbray to build on his strong start in the Black Cats’ dugout.

Sunderland are only two points off the automatic promotion places in the Championship, and so a sustained run of good form could generate considerable excitement.

Together with Venus, Mowbray nearly took Blackburn into the play-offs last season, but they finished eighth and just missed out.

Clearly, he feels that he wouldn’t be fully equipped to succeed at Sunderland without his trusted right-hand man – the new manager has already spoken positively about what the dynamic will be like in his backroom team.

He says the combination of Venus and incumbent coaches Mike Dodds and Michael Proctor will be ‘really good’, and explains that his long-time deputy offers a more pragmatic contrast to his ‘touchy-feely’ style.