TalkSport Reporter Drops Update On Villa Target

Aston Villa target Brennan Johnson has been making the right "noises" to suggest that he'd be keen on a move to Villa Park this summer, claims journalist Will Pugh.

Is Brennan Johnson joining Aston Villa?

Things have been looking extremely rosy for Villa fans over the last eight months or so. The departure of Steven Gerrard and the arrival of Unai Emery has brought with it a sense that the club are on the right track to seriously challenge the 'big six' sides over the coming years.

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery.

With the Spaniard at the helm and Europa Conference League football coming to the West Midlands, the Villains have unsurprisingly been able to attract bigger names than ever before.

The recent signing of Pau Torres would have been seen as a pipe dream just a year ago, as the Spanish international had previously been linked to sides like Bayern Munich.

The most recent link, whilst maybe not as exciting, would still represent a good signing if the club can pull it off, Welsh international Johnson.

According to the Daily Mail, talks between Villa and Nottingham Forest have already taken place, and should the Claret and Blue match the asking price of £40m, the Welshman would be allowed to join the club, something he has been indicating he wants to do, per journalist Will Pugh.

Nottingham Forest forward Brennan Johnson.

He explained the situation on air, which was posted on TalkSPORT's YouTube channel, saying:

"Forest rejected a £30m bid from Brentford last month. The word out of Forest seems to be that £40m-45m would be acceptable to them.

"They're keen to sell just to ease some of their financial fair play concerns. Obviously, they've made so many signings over the last 12 months or so.

"I think it would be a good move, Johnson's camp is making noises that he'd be keen on the switch to Villa."

How good is Brennan Johnson?

While it was obviously a brilliant team effort to keep Forest up last season, they would likely have struggled a lot more had Johnson not been in the team.

According to WhoScored, he averaged a relatively decent rating of 4.49 across his 33 Premier League starts last season, scoring eight goals and providing three assists along the way.

Nottingham Forest attacker Brennan Johnson.

His underlying numbers, whilst lacking in some areas, paint the picture of a hard-working forward who, in a more organised team, could reach much higher performance levels.

According to FBref, who compare players in a similar position across Europe's top five leagues, he sits in the top 12% for progressive carries, the top 14% for tackles, the top 16% for blocks, and the top 38% for successful take-ons, all per 90.

His performances last season led to pundit Jobi McAnuff waxing lyrical about him on BBC Radio Five Live (via NottinghamForestNews), saying:

"He has really found his feet. What I love about him is his directness, his positive attitude when he's on the pitch.

"He's developing into a really top finisher and his second goal was a prime example of that."

brennan-johnson-nottingham-forest-everton-transfers

Should Villa stump up the cash required to bring him to the West Midlands, it could prove to be an excellent deal if he keeps developing at the rate he has over the last couple of years.

Fabrizio Romano: Forest Holding New Goalkeeper Talks This Week

Nottingham Forest will have talks with Manchester United this week over the signing of goalkeeper Dean Henderson, according to a fresh update from journalist Fabrizio Romano.

How much does Dean Henderson earn?

The 26-year-old, who currently earns £100,00 per week at Old Trafford, sees his future very much up in the air at the moment, in terms of being a regular for United.

While David De Gea is leaving this summer, Erik ten Hag seemingly doesn't see Henderson as his first-choice man between the sticks moving forward, with Inter Milan stopper Andre Onana looking increasingly likely to be the man who comes in and occupies that position.

There is the potential for Henderson to make a return to Forest this summer, having spent last season on loan there, making 18 starts in the Premier League and doing his bit to keep the Reds in the top flight, even though injuries did hamper him at times.

With Keylor Navas moving on at the end of last season, Forest are looking to have a strong No.1 to call upon again ahead of the new campaign, and an update has emerged over their interest in the United and England man.

Nottingham Forest loaneeDean Henderson

Are Forest signing Dean Henderson?

Taking to Twitter, Romano provided a new update regarding Henderson's future, with talks set to place over a City Ground reunion in the coming days:

"Manchester United and Nottingham Forest will be in contact again this week to discuss Dean Henderson permanent deal. This is part of Man United plan; let Henderson leave once Onana signs. Zion Suzuki, one of the options as new backup GK as called days ago."

This feels like an ideal outcome for all parties, with United clearly happy to dispose of Henderson at this point, and Forest see him as a great option to bring in, having already witnessed his quality close up last season.

At 26, the one-time capped England international is still a fairly young player, considering how goalkeepers can often peak well into their 30s, so a permanent move for him would potentially see Forest sort their situation between the sticks for many years to come.

Henderson was excellent in general last season, being hailed as "incredible" by former Tottenham manager Antonio Conte – he has also been described as "insane" and "exceptional" by Snader Berge in the past, during their time together at Sheffield United – and the Reds should do all they can do seal a reunion with him, this time on a permanent basis.

He is someone who can continue to push the likes of Jordan Pickford, Nick Pope and Aaron Ramsdale at international level, looking to force his way into Gareth Southgate's England squad for Euro 2024 next summer, and United letting him go could easily end up being a decision that backfires, considering how much of his career he still has ahead of him.

Granted, Henderson is unlikely to arrive on the cheap, considering his United deal doesn't expire until 2025, but given his long-term potential, he could easily end up being worth every penny, especially if he helps Forest become an established Premier League side again.

Wolves Could Sign £14m "Complete Forward" This Summer

Wolverhampton Wanderers are reportedly interested in Boca Juniors striker Mateo Retegui, as Julen Lopetegui prepares to bolster his squad ahead of the 2023/24 season.

The Spaniard will have a task in restoring the goals in his side, after the Old Gold ended last term as the Premier League’s lowest-scorers, however, the former Real Madrid boss could be onto a winner with reported interest in Retegui.

Could Wolves sign Mateo Retegui?

As reported by journalist Damian Iribarren, Wolves have made contact with an offer of $18m (£14m) for the striker, who is also being chased by Genoa.

The Italian side are reported to have offered a higher sell-on-fee, but the Midlands side could hold the power, with Iribarren claiming that the player ‘preferred’ a move to the Premier League.

Currently on loan at fellow Argentine side Club Atletico Tigre, it will be down to the clubs to decide what destiny would best suit the player.

How good is Mateo Retegui?

Born in San Fernando Argentina, the forward represents Italy at international level, gaining three caps so far for Gli Azzurri.

The 24-year-old has found his feet in South America, where this year he has netted 12 goals in 24 appearances in all competitions, as well as registering a single assist as Tigre’s favoured line leader.

Having once been hailed as a “complete forward” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the Italian could be the perfect acquisition for Lopetegui, as he plots a pathway to change his side’s fortune in the final third.

raul-jimenez-wolves

The Italian striker is a name known to some in England already, having netted against the Three Lions in the European Championship qualifiers in March during Gareth Southgate’s side’s 2-1 away win.

Wolves know well the fundamentals of having a reliable source of goals is in relation to overall team performance, with the club finishing seventh in their first two seasons following their promotion from the Championship.

During those two years, the Old Gold experienced the highs of European football thanks to the help of Raul Jimenez’s presence, where the Mexican scored 17 goals in the 2018/19 campaign and 27 in 2019/20.

Since those glory years, the 32-year-old has netted just 13 times in three seasons, attributable to his devastating injury in 2020, where his playing career and life was threatened by a skull fracture.

The adored striker failed to net a single goal in the Premier League last term for Wolves, leaving Lopetegui with little option but to find an appropriate successor to the once-clinical Mexican.

In Retegui, the Spaniard could hire an assured presence in attack, in a player that is live wire in the final third as supported by his 0.5 goals and 3.9 shots per game in the league for Tigres, via Sofascore.

Also likened to former Napoli and Real Madrid talisman Gonzalo Higuain by Kulig, the striker could repeat the scoring feats set by Jimenez in the Premier League, in a streak that could get the club back up the table after the woes of last season's form.

It’s integral that the Spaniard recruits a goal scorer this summer, which he could achieve in a financially friendly deal for Retegui, who at 24-years-old, is showing great potential in Argentina.

Howe Eyeing Bruno 2.0 With Newcastle Move For £21m "Steering Wheel"

Despite bolstering the ranks this summer, Newcastle United still look to be in the hunt for further midfield signings, and have identified Brazilian prospect Victor Hugo for transfer.

What's the latest on Victor Hugo to Newcastle?

That's according to Brazilian outlet Bola VIP, who claim that the midfield talent has left the Magpies enamoured after his performances in his homeland, with the Premier League outfit 'monitoring' his progress.

It's even believed that Eddie Howe's side will now look to invest in the dynamic midfielder, with a formal offer for the 19-year-old now said to be forthcoming.

Newcastle are expected to table a bid of €24m (£21m) for Hugo and expand the Brazilian core of their centre, with Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton already plying their trade at St. James's Park.

Who is Victor Hugo?

Guimaraes is not only Newcastle's starring Brazil international but one of the most impressive stars in the Premier League.

The magnitude of his arrival to orchestrate the long-awaited Tyneside renaissance cannot be understated, and each of his 57 appearances for United have succeeded in continuing the ascent since his £40m move from Lyon in January 2022.

His arrival coincided with the genesis of Newcastle's turnaround, just a few months on from the affluent PIF takeover and Howe's deployment in the managerial role, and he is now renowned as the centrepiece of the club's midfield, hailed as "magnificent" by Alan Shearer.

Hugo will hope to emulate his senior peer and utilise his own positional versatility, having played centrally in offensive and defensive roles this term – as well as occasional stints out wide.

Described as the "steering wheel" of his side for his sway over the Fluminense system by journalist Rodrigo Lima, Hugo might be in the early phase of his career but is already attracting attention for his performances.

Newcastle United's Bruno Guimaraes.

As per Sofascore, the teenage talent has produced an average match rating of 6.98 in the Brazilian top-flight this year, scoring a goal and assist from 15 appearances (just five starts), completing 88% of his passes, forging 1.1 tackles per game, winning 63% of his ground duels and succeeding with 72% of his attempted dribbles.

He bears the emblem of prodigious talent and is a rising star with a variegated ability to allow him to thrive at the highest level, also ranking among the top 3% of midfielders across Men's Next 8 divisions – behind the big European five – for progressive carries and the top 2% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref, which could serve him well on Tyneside if he does put pen to paper this summer.

Guimaraes plays more of a deep-lying role than his countryman, but thrives among a multitude of midfield roles and would be an apt mentor for Hugo to absorb the fruits of his craft, having been described as "world-class" by teammate Dan Burn for his impact at the club.

And he also ranks among the top 13% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues for shot-creating actions, progressive passes and successful take-ons, indicating his superlative technicality, which could be passed on to someone like Hugo.

Howe is making all the right moves to consolidate his squad's success last term and continue the meteoric rise into the fresh campaign, one that will hold heightened expectation and a return to European competition, and while Hugo would initially serve as an understudy of sorts, it might be the perfect time to sign him on and mould him into a first-rate phenom.

Spurs: Levy may just have dropped an indirect hint on Kane

Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy is 'coming round to the idea' of selling star striker Harry Kane this window as uncertainty over his future in north London continues to rage on, according to journalist Alex Crook.

Which club will Harry Kane go to?

According to Sky Sports, Kane expects to stay at Tottenham if he is not sold by the Lilywhites before their opening match of the Premier League campaign against Brentford on August 13th.

Bayern Munich are desperate to land the England international this summer and are expected to improve their £81.7 million offer for Kane alongside offering him a five-year deal to move to the Allianz Arena, though Spurs are holding out for a fee of £100 million.

The German giants sent chief Jan-Christian Dreesen and technical director Marco Neppe over to London for a meeting with Tottenham chairman Levy on Monday to try and seal a deal for the £200k-a-week ace, according to BILD reporter Heiko Niedderer via The Daily Mail.

TEAMtalk understand that Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal are considering submitting a world record bid for Kane after failing in attempt to land Paris Saint-Germain star Kylian Mbappe and Napoli forward Victor Osimhen.

Al Hilal believed that an offer in the region of £200 million may be enough to tempt Levy to sell Kane; however, the player has little desire to move to the Gulf region in the prime of his career.

Last term, Kane was in excellent form for Tottenham, registering 32 goals and five assists in 49 appearances across all competitions, as per Transfermarkt.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Crook thinks that Levy may have finally adopted a stance of acceptance with regards to potentially losing Kane's services this window.

Crook stated: "The fact Daniel Levy is even willing to sit down with the two guys from Bayern Munich suggests that maybe he's coming round to the idea of selling for the first time really.

"But I think they're still going to get near that £100 million figure and Bayern Munich will certainly have to pay a club record.

"I think what's been obvious throughout this whole process is that Kane and his advisors have certainly given the indication to Bayern Munich that they want to make the move.

"So it puts Spurs in a difficult position, because can they afford to risk hanging on to him and then him leaving for free next summer? Probably not is the answer, so it's not ideal."

What now for Tottenham Hotspur?

Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou has been dealt a relatively tough hand as speculation surrounding Kane continues to dominate the headlines in his debut campaign, though he will continue to scope out potential recruits for his squad in the meantime.

The Daily Mail report that Nottingham Forest striker Brennan Johnson could be a candidate to replace Kane in north London this summer for a fee in the region of £50 million.

Belgian publication Het Nieuwsblad via The Sun claim that Gent striker Gift Orban is another striker that is on the Lilywhites' radar and could compete with Richarlison for a central striking spot under Postecoglou.

According to The Evening Standard, Blackburn Rovers defender Ashley Phillips is poised to join Spurs by the end of the week in a deal worth around £2 million.

Arsenal Could Sign An "Outstanding" £34m Declan Rice Partner

Arsenal remain keen on signing a new midfield maestro, to compound their already bolstered engine room with one crowning jewel…

Is Douglas Luiz leaving Aston Villa?

Whilst Declan Rice will likely remain the biggest deal that Gunners boss Mikel Arteta accomplishes this summer, that's not to suggest that others could not prove as imperative on the pitch.

Kai Havertz showcased his usefulness in their Community Shield win, as he occupied space up front in Gabriel Jesus' absence, whilst Jurrien Timber was economical as an inverted left-back.

Read the latest Arsenal transfer news HERE…

However, all of these stars could be usurped should Football Insider's claims be true, as they suggest that Aston Villa are already working on a replacement for Douglas Luiz.

It is noted that the Midlands outfit have begun this process given the fact that both north London sides are reportedly keen on signing the player, who FootballTransfers value at €39.8m (£34m).

How good is Douglas Luiz?

The offensive attributes of the Brazilian in question could provide some much-needed firepower into Arteta's midfield for the coming campaign, to partner his England international who starred most recently as a defensive asset for West Ham United.

Maintaining a 7.19 average rating in the Premier League, the 24-year-old also recorded an 88% pass accuracy and six goal contributions alongside one key pass, 1.7 interceptions and 2.1 tackles per game, via Sofascore.

Only Thomas Partey could equal his tackling proficiency within Arsenal's squad.

To now pair the metronomic, calming yet combative presence with the all-action style of Luiz, and the two could form an instant partnership that allows the two to both push forward at opportune moments, safe in the knowledge that the other will be there to cover.

The 25-year-old's average rating during that term sat at 7.10, with his goal contributions rising to 12, pass accuracy dropping to 86%, whilst also managing 1.2 key passes, 1.1 interceptions and two tackles per game, via Sofascore.

declan-rice

It is clear that the former Manchester City man has that preference towards attacking, but that does not see him shirk his defensive responsibilities – as such, he was lauded by writer Martin Laurence, who suggested he had a truly bright future:

"Realise he conceded the pen (not a foul in my opinion) but Douglas Luiz is just outstanding. He's 22! Will play for one of the biggest clubs in Europe before long. Enjoy him while we can".

To make that move to the Emirates could see him realise his potential even sooner than expected, with all the aforementioned figures certain to skyrocket when surrounded by the endless improved quality on display within their title-chasing outfit.

One of the big issues Arteta faced last season was a lack of depth following poor form or injuries, and with Granit Xhaka now gone, Rice hardly profiles well to offer the goals that would be missed with the Swiss star's absence.

Luiz would not only offer this but also incomparable reliability, given he featured in 40 games across all competitions last campaign.

Should he and Rice hit the ground running as their respective play styles suggest they would, then it could truly provide a frightening foundation for the rest of the Premier League to try and compete with their energy, defensive work rate, creativity and ability to score.

Tottenham: Spurs Eye Late Bid For "Wonderful" Star

Tottenham Hotspur are "weighing up a bid" for Nottingham Forest forward Brennan Johnson this summer, and it could include players as part of the deal.

Who will Spurs sign?

New Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou has enjoyed a fairly productive pre-season as supporters catch a glimpse of his new-look attacking style, compared to the more dogmatic approaches of predecessors like Antonio Conte and Jose Mourinho.

The 57-year-old is tasked with reinstalling positivity and faith in this Tottenham side after Conte's era ended on a very sour note, with the Italian publicly lambasting his squad before departing.

There will be no European football at Spurs this season, unfortunately, and Postecoglou will be aiming to fix that by the end of the 2023/2024 campaign.

The Spurs boss has been boosted by a plethora of new signings to help in that regard, after the club completed deals for goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, youngster Ashley Phillips, defender Micky van de Ven, playmaker James Maddison, winger Manor Solomon and striker Alejo Veliz.

Read the latest Tottenham transfer news HERE…

Postecoglou, speaking to media recently, suggested that his side could add more defensive signings and urges Tottenham to do so – as he aims to play aggressively out from the back.

“It's not done yet," said Postecoglou.

"We need bolstering in that central defensive area. We need defenders who can work in an aggressive formation, defend well & behind them. We'll be looking to bring in a couple in that area in the coming days."

Tottenham have also been linked with signings further forward, including Forest winger Johnson, with a report by The Telegraph and journalist Matt Law sharing an update.

Johnson, who starred for Forest under Steve Cooper last season, is of serious interest to Spurs and could be at the centre of a unique late offer.

Indeed, it is believed Tottenham are "weighing up a bid" for the Wales international, and this approach could involve them offering one of Djed Spence, Joe Rodon or Bryan Gil in an exchange-type deal.

Not much else is said on when they could make this proposal, or if there is any money involved, but it comes as an interesting update given Johnson's potential.

How good is Brennan Johnson?

The 22-year-old stood out as one of Forest's key attacking players over 2022/2023. Johnson sat in their top two for attempts at goal and key passes made per 90, according to WhoScored.

He also racked up 11 goal contributions in the English top flight, eight goals and three assists specifically, with Wales national team boss Robert Page previously hailing the forward.

Brennan Johnson

Page, commenting on Johnson's form in 2022, said he's "almost the finished article" and a "wonderful" player.

"Brennan could potentially have had a move in January,” said Page (via The Independent).

“But he decided to stay because he’s at a club where he was going to play and enjoy his football.

“That speaks volumes about him. He didn’t go chasing the money. He’s almost the finished article now and Forest have got a wonderful player on their hands.

“I’ve been to watch him a few times and he’s playing with freedom. He’s really enjoying his football."

Tottenham Could Sign An "Ice-Cold" £68m Kane Replacement

Tottenham Hotspur and Ange Postecoglou have finally been dealt the unenviable task of replacing one of the best strikers in the world. Already the countdown has started regarding finding someone to stand where he stood, with one outstanding target surely the obvious candidate.

Who could replace Harry Kane?

It is a saga that has dominated the whole summer window, but in the end it always felt like this window would be the one where Harry Kane finally left north London.

A true servant of the club, the England captain featured 435 times for the Lilywhites, remaining as professional and prolific as ever. He certainly came a long way from being branded a 'one-season wonder'.

Read the latest Tottenham transfer news HERE…

But with the vast funds they are set to secure, and the time frame they have been handed to secure the man to step into the striker role, the north Londoners need look no further than a target of the past.

Whilst it was only reported late last month, perhaps now they could rekindle their interest in Eintracht Frankfurt forward Randal Kolo Muani. After all, the reported €80m (£68m) price tag would mark but a fraction of what they will earn from the Kane departure.

How many goals did Randal Kolo Muani score last season?

Firstly, to lose a player of his calibre is to also lose an obscene amount of goals.

Last season saw the England captain notch 30 in the Premier League alone despite all their struggles, breaking Jimmy Greaves' record to become Spurs' all-time top scorer, and moving to within 47 of Alan Shearer's all-time Premier League record. Had he stayed at the club, it was expected he would reach the latter with ease.

So, whoever is enlisted must at least offset that huge vacancy left with a few strikes of their own, even if they aren't an exact copy of Kane.

After all, who is?

He could score, create, drop deep and hold the ball up, with Steven Gerrard lauding him for these qualities: "He’s relentless, and people will always speak about his goals, but the reason why I admire him so much is every part of his game is strong.

“His hold-up play – it's not easy playing with your back to play when you’ve got big defenders breathing down your neck, but he’s so strong. His touch is fantastic.

"He's one of the best passers of the ball in the Premier League, and in world football."

However, in the touted France international, they would be swapping out his ability to hold up the ball for speed and willingness to stretch defences in behind or down the channels.

harry

After all, with 23 goals and 17 assists across all competitions last season, he could more than makeup for what they are set to lose.

In fact, his quality in front of goal has been outlined by none other than German legend Lothar Matthaus: "He has remarkable technical ability, he's ice-cold in front of goal and he really throws himself into challenges. The most impressive thing is that he's performing in every game. I can't remember a match where he's played badly. That's the mark of a future superstar."

With the ability to play on either wing, but a preference to star through the centre, his athleticism and dynamic play style will offer a refreshing change of pace to align with Postecoglou's all-action philosophy.

That versatility is best outlined through the claims of his special teammate Kylian Mbappe, who noted: "He is a striker who offers different game options to our team. He is very complete and has an impressive volume of play."

Should he translate his form and willingness to work into new surroundings in north London, it could take fans no time at all to move on from their legendary marksman and begin heralding a new hero in N17.

Liverpool Hold Talks Over Move For "Indispensable" £151k-p/w Star

Liverpool have now been provided with an update on their pursuit of Bayern Munich midfielder Ryan Gravenberch, which suggests the move could be getting closer…

Is Ryan Gravenberch signing for Liverpool?

According to a report from The Athletic, Liverpool have held a long-standing interest in Gravenberch, but a move has proven to be difficult to orchestrate, as Bayern have insisted that he is not for sale throughout the summer transfer window.

If the German champions' stance changes, the Reds will be a part of the conversation to sign the Dutchman, but they will face competition for his signature, with Premier League rivals Manchester United also said to be keen.

With both Erik ten Hag and Jurgen Klopp looking to sign a defensive midfielder before the transfer deadline, their respective clubs are embroiled in a tug of war over the Bayern Munich ace, who is valued at around £22m.

Having received contract offers from both clubs, the 21-year-old is set to hold showdown talks with his current employers about his future, and a season-long loan deal is not off the table, although it is unclear whether that would appeal to Liverpool.

The race for the central midfielder's signature appears to be open, but the Reds have now made some progress towards completing a move, having held more productive talks with Bayern, according to a report from the Daily Mail.

The Netherlands international is high on Klopp's list of priorities, and the Reds now need to finalise a fee with the Bundesliga side, with the player himself open to leaving, as he wants to play more regular first-team football.

In the same report, it is detailed that talks have also taken place over a move for Crystal Palace's Cheick Doucoure, with Klopp clearly very keen on strengthening his midfield, as the transfer window now approaches its conclusion.

Read The Latest Liverpool Transfer News HERE

How good is Ryan Gravenberch?

There are some doubts over whether the Amsterdam-born midfielder would be able to slot right into the starting XI at Liverpool, as he has featured sporadically for Bayern since arriving from Ajax, appearing for only 559 minutes in the Bundesliga last term.

However, the former Ajax man was a key player during his time at the Johan Cruyff Arena, being lauded as "indispensable" by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, in light of playing 91% of the possible minutes in the Eredivisie and Champions League.

There are indications the 6 foot 3 maestro could be a solid replacement for Fabinho and Jordan Henderson, given that he ranks in the 80th percentile for tackles per 90 over the past year, and the 78th percentile for clearances, when compared to his positional peers.

Given that the £151k-per-week midfielder could be available for just £22m, he could be a fantastic, low-cost addition to Klopp's squad, but Liverpool should not pursue a loan deal.

Unless there is a guaranteed buy option included in the move, it is not worth bringing in Gravenberch for one year, as they need a more long-term solution to Fabinho and Henderson's departures.

West Ham: Moyes Eyeing £30m Coufal Upgrade Before Friday’s Transfer Deadline

West Ham United have enjoyed a magnificent transfer window.

The crushing departure of Declan Rice has been swiftly forgotten thanks to the arrivals of Mohammed Kudus, James Ward-Prowse, Edson Alvarez, and Konstantinos Mavropanos.

On the pitch, it has also been smooth sailing for David Moyes’ side, who sit in the top four of the Premier League after impressively sweeping aside Chelsea and Brighton.

But after winning last season’s Europa Conference League, the club is after more success and is looking to add further reinforcements to their glimmering squad…

What’s the latest West Ham transfer news?

According to Tipsbladet, the Hammers, as well as top-flight rivals Arsenal, and Nottingham Forest are said to be battling it out for the signing of Benfica’s Alexander Bah this summer.

Read the latest West Ham transfer news HERE…

The Danish right-back is reportedly available for up to €35m (£30m) and the Hammers are supposedly leading the race for his signature.

Would Alexander Bah be a good signing for West Ham?

Bah only joined Benfica in June 2022 but has quickly established himself as one of the club’s most influential and efficient forces.

Last season, the 25-year-old made 42 appearances in all competitions – this included eight games in the Champions League in which the Portuguese outfit won six and drew two. Coincidentally, when Bah was ruled out of the quarter-finals against Inter Milan due to a knee injury, Benfica suffered defeat and was knocked out.

He also excelled domestically, averaging 1.2 key passes per game, 1.3 interceptions per game, and 2.1 tackles per game, as well as winning 56% of his duels in last term's Liga Portugal.

From a West Ham perspective, Bah embodies everything associated with the ‘modern full back’ – defensive solidity, attacking threat, and stunning athleticism.

alexander-bah-benfica-primeira-liga

Currently, Vladimir Coufal is Moyes' preferred right-back choice, but the Dane massively outperforms the Czech in forward metrics including xAG (expected assisted goals) per 90 (0.22 vs 0.10), shot-creating actions per 90 (2.99 vs 2.16), progressive passes per 90 (5.58 vs 3.24) and progressive carries per 90 (2.46 vs 2.03).

Since joining the London Stadium, Coufal has amassed a solid reputation for his defensive reliability, but Bah has demonstrated he can mirror this.

The nine-cap international outscores Coufal for tackles per 90 (2.81 vs 2.50) blocks per 90 (1.63 vs 1.12), and interceptions per 90 (1.63 vs 1.43).

Moreover, for all the aforementioned metrics, apart from progressive passes, Bah ranks within the best 12% outside of Europe’s top five leagues among his positional peers to indicate that he’s ready to make the next step in his career.

Retired striker Danny has commented on the defender’s accomplished profile, saying:

“From what I've seen, he's a player who does all the running. He attacks and defends very well. He's fast and has a lot of quality.”

Given the evidence above, Bah looks astutely capable of being ready for Premier League football and could be a notable upgrade on Coufal.

With West Ham facing a third consecutive season of European football, Bah could instantly become a first-team starter, whilst demoting Coufal to a valuable piece of squad depth.

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