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West Ham United have been named among the suitors for Espanyol striker Raul de Tomas, according to reports from Spanish sources.

The lowdown: Striker needed

The Hammers are yet to find a suitable replacement for Sebastien Haller after the now-Borussia Dortmund star headed to Ajax in January 2021.

Instead, David Moyes has had to make do with only Michail Antonio as a recognised senior centre-forward, occasionally utilising Andriy Yarmolenko and Jarrod Bowen in a makeshift capacity as alternative options.

Having already been heavily linked with Chelsea sensation Armando Broja and Sassuolo talent Gianluca Scamacca throughout the summer, it has now emerged that another frontman could be on the radar in east London…

The latest: Long-standing admirers

As per reports from Spain, West Ham have been ‘following’ the four-cap Spain forward since he moved from Real Madrid to Benfica in 2019.

It’s claimed that De Tomas would ‘undoubtedly’ be one of the ‘main targets’ at the London Stadium, although there is competition from Premier League rivals Aston Villa, Newcastle United and Everton.

The report added that Espanyol would be willing to accept offers of €35m (£29.7m) for the man described as boasting ‘plenty of skill’ by ESPN editor David Cartlidge, marking a reduction in his asking price from previous transfer windows.

The lowdown: Smart option

A graduate of Real Madrid’s academy, De Tomas has 129 career goals in 316 outings across senior and youth/reserve team levels, with the well-travelled striker enjoy multiple successful loan spells before seemingly landing at an ideal home in Espanyol.

Sharing stylistic traits with Luis Suarez, Jonathan David and Joao Pedro (FBRef), the £22.5m- valued hitman boasts a well-rounded overall game and level of quality which would be a welcome addition to Moyes’ ranks.

De Tomas scored 17 goals and provided three assists in 34 La Liga outings last season, earning an impressive 7.09 Sofascore rating whilst winning 4.5 duels, completing 1.5 dribbles and taking 3.1 shots per game.

Signing a centre-forward before the 2022/23 campaign is imperative for the Irons, and the Spaniard certainly ticks plenty of boxes for the east Londoners, particularly at the freshly-mooted reduced asking price.

A claim has emerged regarding the future of Glasgow Rangers striker Kemar Roofe beyond the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

Sheffield Star journalist Alex Miller has claimed that a deal to take the Light Blues attacker to League One in England is not likely to happen ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

He tweeted: “Nothing particularly fresh in here, I’m afraid, but understand as per @reluctantnicko that Wednesday have had contact with Rangers over Kemar Roofe. Unlikely as things stand – but as ever, things can change quickly. Owls are keeping tabs.”

Sheffield Wednesday manager Darren Moore was recently asked about a move for the number nine and remained coy, saying: “I can’t be drawn into that because they are simply not our players to discuss at this moment.”

Gio van Bronckhorst will be delighted

This claim will delight the Ibrox head coach, as he will surely not want to lose the Jamaica international heading into next season.

The club sanctioned the sale of Cedric Itten earlier this summer and Ross Wilson acted swiftly to bring in Antonio Colak from PAOK to replace him. However, allowing Roofe to leave would put Rangers back in a tricky situation with two first-team strikers available for 2022/23.

Therefore, Van Bronckhorst will be keen to keep the ex-Leeds marksman, as it would prevent him and Wilson from scrambling about in the final weeks of the window – whilst the club play competitive matches – to source a replacement.

The Premiership campaign kicks off this weekend and the head coach may want a settled squad from hereon in order to build consistency within the performances.

He would also be gutted to lose Roofe, who has shown that he has the ability to make a big impact for the Light Blues when he is given an opportunity on the pitch.

Last season, the attacker scored 10 goals in nine league starts for the club, playing 21 times in total. He also scored two goals in four Europa League starts, which shows that the talent is there for him to be a real difference-maker for Rangers.

Roofe has proven that he can score regularly for the Gers domestically and in Europe, and that is why keeping hold of him would be a boost to the squad. Van Bronckhorst will be delighted that a move to Sheffield Wednesday is unlikely and may be hoping that it stays that way for the rest of the summer.

AND in other news, After Ridvan: Rangers make contact to land 8th summer signing, supporters will be buzzing…

An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their interest in Maxwel Cornet in the summer transfer window… 

What’s the talk?

Daily Mail journalist Craig Hope has revealed that the Magpies have been in contact with the Clarets over a potential deal to snap the attacker up.

The gem has a release clause in his contract and the Toon are seemingly attempting to restructure it so that they do not pay it all in one go.

He Tweeted: “Exclusive: Newcastle ask Burnley about winger Maxwel Cornet but compromise on price would need to be reached. NUFC prefer structured deal & not £17.5m release clause in one sum. Talks continue but one of few wide options being explored (inc James Maddison).”

Imagine him & Bruno Guimaraes

The Magpies can form an exciting partnership at the top end of the pitch this season by signing Cornet to partner him with Bruno Guimaraes.

Newcastle brought the Brazil international in from Lyon in January and he enjoyed a sublime first campaign with the club. The midfielder averaged an excellent SofaScore rating of 7.25 in 11 Premier League starts under Eddie Howe, which shows that he has the ability to consistently deliver brilliant displays in the top flight.

He also showcased his quality at the top end of the pitch as he ended the season with five goals and one assist – creating three ‘big chances’ for his teammates.

Guimaraes is an exciting player to watch in the middle of the park and signing Cornet would provide him with another excellent attacker to link up with in the final third.

The Ivorian caught the eye for Burnley in spite of their relegation from the Premier League last season. He was once dubbed a “fabulous finisher” by Owen Hargreaves and his tally of nine goals in 21 starts backs that up, as he found the back of the net on a semi-regular basis whilst playing for one of the worst teams in the division.

Cornet has also shown that he has the versatility to play in a multitude of positions on the pitch; including left-back, right-wing, left-wing, and up front. This means that Howe can use him in a variety of ways and he can link up with Guimaraes all over the pitch.

Imagine both of them lining up in Newcastle’s team this season and devastating opposition defences with their ability on the ball.

AND in other news, “As of today…”: Fabrizio Romano drops big NUFC transfer update, it’d be a major coup…

Back in 2003, a Spanish prodigy by the name of Cesc Fabregas joined Arsenal from Barcelona and since that very moment, the Gunners haven’t looked back.

His emergence on the Premier League and at Highbury saw a stream of technically gifted playmakers make a name for themselves in English football with Arsene Wenger covering his side in elite passers and elegant distributors.

The likes of Tomas Rosicky, Jack Wilshere, Aaron Ramsey, Mikel Arteta, Mesut Ozil and Santi Cazorla, among others, would all follow in the illustrious line of midfield maestros to dominate the middle of the park in Islington.

That said, not all got the farewells that their Arsenal careers deserved. Ramsey left under a cloud during the reign of Unai Emery, Rosicky and Wilshere were both injury prone, Ozil departed controversially and Cazorla never got to say goodbye after his injury hell.

He had a skin graft taken from his arm to repair his leg sufficiently and had it not been for that problem, the Spaniard may well still be at Arsenal to this day.

Such was his mesmerising qualities in the centre of the pitch that he is still a fine player in the year 2022, scoring and creating on a regular basis in the middle east at Qatari side Al Sadd.

However, with Arsenal looking to strengthen their options in midfield this summer, Arteta could find his own version of Cazorla in Leicester’s Youri Tielemans.

The Belgian has been fielding interest from the Gunners for a while now and providing Edu can clear out a few bodies from the squad, a deal that may end up setting them back £25m could be on the cards.

That’s certainly the word of journalist Ben Jacobs who recently said in an interview with GIVEMESPORT: “If they don’t sign him, it’s not because Tielemans doesn’t want to join, it’s not because the deal can’t be agreed with Leicester, I think Arsenal are very confident if they do come to the table and finally make a bid that they will be able to strike a deal with Leicester, it’s down to Arteta’s desire, and at the moment, he doesn’t want to move.”

Confidence is evidently rife in the Arsenal camp and if they do decide to open negotiations, a move could happen rather quickly.

It would be a tremendous signing too, with the Belgium international boasting Premier League experience and the abilities to influence play marvellously in the offensive third.

Like Cazorla, Tielemans is a marvel in possession of the ball and is particularly effective at scoring goals from a deeper position.

Last term, the 25-year-old found the net on seven occasions and also supplied five assists for his teammates during an impressive campaign.

With that in mind, it’s clear to see why he’s comparable to Arsenal’s Spanish magician, who contributed to 74 goals during his stint in the capital. The fact he was also dubbed an “elite-level distributor” by Statman Dave lends itself well to the comparison too.

Cazorla was a firm fan favourite in the eyes of many a supporter at the Emirates and it’s about time they replaced him adequately. Tielemans can do just that if he signs on the dotted line.

AND in other news, Fabrizio Romano: Edu can seal “phenomenal” £38m signing, he’d be Arsenal’s next Henry…

As transfer tales go, few have been more bizarre than that of Marco Negri’s time at Glasgow Rangers, with the Italian hero going from instant hero to anonymous wage burner in what was a truly head-scratching spell at Ibrox

Plucked from Serie A side Perugia in 1997 on a £3.5m deal, the Italian marksman hit the ground running in devastating fashion in Glasgow, netting 23 goals in just his first ten league games for the Old Firm giants, while reaching 30 by the end of December.

That blistering form was, however, halted in bizarre fashion as the Milan-born ace suffered an eye injury as a result of a squash match with compatriot Sergio Porrini, with that issue setting the wheels in motion for what would be an injury-ravaged remainder of his time in Scotland.

In the end, the 5 foot 11 hotshot would go on to make just 40 appearances in all competitions for the Gers before departing in 2001, largely becoming a forgotten figure after his brief early impact.

Such was the rapid decline of his time at the club, Negri was even included in The Guardian’s ten worst foreign signings of all time back in 2000, with the now-retired flop said to have been raking in a tidy £18k-per-week wage despite largely being restricted to the sidelines.

The fear will be that current boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst could be set for a repeat disaster amid reports that the Scottish Premiership side have been offered the chance to sign another Italian centre-forward, Patrick Cutrone.

Once signed for £16m by Wolverhampton Wanderers, the 24-year-old appears a player who could well prove another expensive mistake – like Negri – were he to be signed by the Ibrox outfit this summer.

The £62.9k-per-week menace has endured a dismal spell at Molineux since his arrival three years ago, having scored just two goals in 14 top-flight appearances for the Old Gold thus far, after spending much of his time at the club out on loan.

Those temporary moves have failed to revive the floundering career of a player once likened to AC Milan legend Filippo Inzaghi, with the 6-foot dud’s own agent having admitted that the striker had “gone into oblivion” during a disappointing loan spell at Fiorentina.

A goalless stint at Valencia was followed by only a slight improvement at Empoli last term – where he scored just three league goals in the Italian top-flight – with all the signs pointing to a player who is only on the decline.

Having previously netted ten Serie A goals in a single campaign while at the San Siro in the 2017/18 season, the one-cap forward may have a Negri-like prolific spell in his locker, although also like his compatriot Cutrone, has the ability to become an anonymous and costly presence for Rangers, as he has proven at Wolves.

Recent reports have seen Sunderland linked with a move for Manchester City-owned forward Marlos Moreno, with the Black Cats one of a number of Championship clubs who are believed to be keen on signing the 25-year-old.

Having returned from a recent temporary stint at KV Kortrijk in Belgium, the Colombian gem is currently training with French side Troyes – part of the City Football Group – although is keen on a stay in England this summer, having spent the past six years out on loan at clubs across the globe.

Signed by the Etihad outfit from Atletico Nacional in 2016 on a £4.75m deal, the winger – who has just a year remaining on his existing contract with Pep Guardiola’s side – is yet to feature for his parent club, with a departure, either permanently or on loan, seemingly an inevitability this summer.

Despite never managing to force his way into first-team reckoning with the Premier League champions, the £810k-rated menace has still blossomed elsewhere, notably enjoying a fine loan stint at Belgian second division side Lommel during the 2020/21 campaign, scoring six goals and providing four assists in 25 games in all competitions for the club.

That sparkling spell saw the eight-cap international lauded by journalist Sven Claes, who stated that he “was the best player of the league”, while also highlighting that the forward had so often “embarrassed” defenders with his mix of speed and trickery down the flanks.

A player with 40 goal contributions in 189 club career games thus far, the 5 foot 7 star is no doubt a real talent, with the fact having been emphasised by comparisons to Brazilian icon Neymar by South American expert Tim Vickery upon his signing for City.

He said: “There are no guarantees but not since the likes of Sergio Aguero, Alexis Sanchez and Neymar have I been so enthusiastic about a young player.”

Although that high-profile move has since failed to work out, it is still telling that Moreno was likened to a player of such magnitude in Neymar, with that perhaps illustrating a talent that simply needs to be unlocked.

While he has his controversies, the Paris Saint-Germain genius is a player that any manager would likely welcome into his side, with the 30-year-old having lit up European football over the last decade or so.

The 119-cap superstar – who is the second highest scorer in his nation’s history – has netted 278 goals and provided 174 assists in 466 club career games to date across his spells at Santos, Barcelona and at the Parcs des Princes, with such figures the envy of most in the modern game.

That electric form continues even as doubts creep in regarding his long-term, playing future, having registered six goal contributions in just two games thus far for the Ligue 1 champions in the new season, with the mercurial magician a truly unique asset.

While Moreno is far from reaching such heights, for those of a Sunderland persuasion it will no doubt be intriguing that they could have a Neymar-esque figure on their hands if the player can live up to Vickery’s past claim.

That assessment would seemingly indicate that the “wonderful” gem – as dubbed by Claes – has the raw talent to be a real success at the Stadium of Light, with so much potential there to be unleashed.

Nizaar Kinsella has dropped an update on reported West Ham United transfer target Emerson Palmieri.

What’s the talk?

In a recent post on Twitter, the Evening Standard journalist revealed that, following a number of reports linking David Moyes with a £13m move for the Chelsea left-back, the Hammers are now thought to be leading the race for the 28-year-old – with Nottingham Forest, Atalanta and Juventus also reported to be keen on the Italy international.

In his post, Kinsella said: “New info on West Ham’s approach for Emerson Palmieri. They’re favourites to win the race for the Chelsea defender now.”

Moyes badly needs him

With Moyes’ desire to add a new left-back to his first-team squad being well-known – largely due to West Ham’s pursuit of the now-Juventus full-back Filip Kostic this summer – it is not difficult to see why the 59-year-old is now targeting a move for Emerson prior to September’s transfer deadline.

Despite the 28-year-old having struggled to hold down a regular spot in Chelsea’s starting XI ever since his £20m move to Stamford Bridge back in January 2018, the defender’s form for AS Roma prior to his switch to west London, in addition to his returns while on a season-long loan at Olympique Lyonnais last term, suggest that the full-back would represent something of a fantastic alternative to Kostic for the Hammers.

Indeed, over his 25 Serie A appearances in his final full campaign for I Giallorossi back in 2016/17, the £12.6m-rated helped Roma keep seven clean sheets, registered one assist and created three big chances for his teammates, as well as made an average of 1.8 tackles, 1.8 interceptions, 1.2 key passes, 1.8 dribbles and won 6.5 duels – at a success rate of 68% – per game.

These returns saw the 27-cap international average a highly impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.16, ranking him as his club’s 10th-best performer in the top flight of Italian football that season.

The £75k-per-week talent once again impressed over his 29 Ligue 1 fixtures for Lyon last season, helping his side keep four clean sheets, scoring one goal, providing two assists and creating four big chances, in addition to making an average of 1.6 tackles, making 0.9 interceptions, 1.1 key passes, one dribble and winning 4.9 duels – at a success rate of 64% – per outing.

These metrics saw the 28-year-old average a SofaScore match rating of 6.91, ranking him as Peter Bosz’s 14th-best performer in the top flight of French football last time out.

As such, with it being evident that Emerson is a full-back who is extremely solid at the back, comfortable in his progression of the ball and effective in the final third, should Moyes believe that the Brazilian-born defender can replicate his previous returns following a potential move to east London, the Chelsea talent would not only look to be a fantastic Kostic alternative, but also a signing that the 59-year-old manager and his side very much need.

West Ham United are believed to be pressing on in their bid to land Club Brugge playmaker, Hans Vanaken, with negotiations currently underway regarding the Belgian giant.

What’s the word?

According to club insider ExWHUemployee, writing on Twitter, the Hammers are still intent on signing the 29-year-old before the window slams shut, with “talks to resume for Vanaken” in the coming days.

The player himself has already given his backing to the deal, having insisted that he is keen on making the switch to the London Stadium in what could be his “last chance” to seal a move abroad.

The 21-cap dynamo – who has three years remaining on his existing contract with the Pro League side – was reportedly the subject of a €10m (£8.5m) offer from the east London outfit last week, albeit with that bid having been subsequently rebuffed.

Catalyst

The east Londoners appear in desperate need of a positive boost following what’s been a dismal start to the new Premier League campaign, having slipped to three straight defeats thus far without scoring a goal.

Vanaken could well be the man to address that slump, however, with the £14.4m-rated ace potentially set to prove the “catalyst” – as he has been described by journalist Josh Bunting – for change for David Moyes’ side.

With goals in short supply, the “incredible” talent – as labelled by Brugge boss Carl Hoefkens – is clearly a figure who can both score himself but also play the role of provider, having scored 102 goals and provided 73 assists in 344 games for his current side over the past seven years.

That tally includes a haul of 15 goals and 12 assists from the 2021/22 campaign, with only Jarrod Bowen having registered more goal contributions among the West Ham squad last term, with the Englishman chipping in with 31 goals and assists across all fronts.

A real potent threat in his role as the link between the midfield and attack, the experienced ace could also prove to be something of a “leader” for the Irons this season, as dubbed by Bunting, with such an addition no doubt needed following the retirement of long-serving skipper, Mark Noble.

Equally, the arrival of the 6 foot 5 titan would also provide a much-needed alternative in a physical sense to Moyes’ current playmaking options, with the diminutive duo of Pablo Fornals and Manuel Lanzini the two men who typically line up in that role behind the centre-forward.

Adding in a monstrous, physical presence would add another string to the bow for the Hammers, as well as supplying a goal threat that has been sorely lacking so far this season.

It may prove something of a mad scramble to get the deal done as deadline day approaches, although it could well be a signing that kickstarts West Ham’s season.

Leeds United are reportedly looking to speed up their pursuit of Los Angeles FC midfielder Jose Cifuentes.

The Lowdown: Cifuentes linked with Leeds

The 23-year-old, who has admitted that a move to Europe is a ‘dream’ transfer for him, has been linked with a move to Elland Road this month.

Reports have even suggested that Leeds have already tabled a $5m (£4.1m) for the versatile central midfielder.

It isn’t just Leeds who are keen on Cifuentes from the Premier League, though, and it looks as if Victor Orta may try to push through a move for the Ecuador international.

The Latest: Cifuentes transfer update

The Boot Room relayed an update from The Sun on Sunday print edition (21/8; page 57) regarding Cifuentes.

They claimed that both Leeds and Newcastle have been alerted to Brighton eyeing up a £6m deal for the Ecuadorian, prompting the two clubs to speed up their pursuit of the 23-year-old.

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The Verdict: Not needed

Leeds could do with getting a new player in before the September 1 deadline but possibly not Cifuentes.

Jesse Marsch’s side are now well-stocked in midfield, and should Mateusz Klich remain at the club following rumours of an exit, a move for the Ecuador international doesn’t seem needed.

The final third is where the Whites could do with bolstering their squad due to Patrick Bamford’s injury issues over the past 12 months.

Although Cifuentes could be a shrewd prospective signing in the long run, it doesn’t look as if he should be a priority for Leeds in the final days of the current transfer window.

An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their interest in Cody Gakpo in the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

The Magpies are one of a number of teams eyeing up a deal to sign the PSV winger ahead of Thursday’s 11 pm deadline, as Eddie Howe looks to further bolster his squad.

Speaking on air, via The Sun, Sky Sports reporter Melissa Reddy said: “Southampton have had a bid rejected for him (Gakpo).

“Newcastle have been circling, there’s talk of Leeds registering interest. It’s not surprising that a lot of Premier League clubs are looking at him.

“One of the other names I was told to keep an eye out for is Arsenal, who have said they would like to enhance their offensive options.”

It has been reported that the gem will be available for a fee in the region of £38m this summer, although it remains to be seen how much the Toon are willing to pay for him.

Diaby alternative

Newcastle made Bayer Leverkusen winger Moussa Diaby their number one target to improve their wide options earlier this summer and were unable to get a deal over the line as he opted to remain in the Bundesliga. 

The Magpies could now land a dream alternative to the Frenchman by winning the race to sign Gakpo ahead of their Premier League rivals.

In the 2021/22 campaign, the Leverkusen man scored 13 goals and provided 12 assists in 32 outings in the German top-flight. He created 1.9 chances per game and averaged a SofaScore rating of 7.07 as he showed that he can contribute in the final third on a consistent basis.

At the age of 23, he is also a player with the potential to get better as he has many years left ahead of him to improve and develop as a winger.

Gakpo, meanwhile, produced 12 goals and 13 assists in 27 Eredivisie matches for PSV last term, averaging a SofaScore rating of 7.51 and making 2.6 key passes per game.

Content creator Ryan Haber dubbed him “unpredictable” and former Netherlands midfielder Theo Janssen previously lauded the gem in an interview with NOS: “That boy (Gakpo) has everything.

“Fine feeling for the ball, a good through ball, dribbles and is strong between the lines.”

The Dutchman and Diaby are both 23-year-old, direct, wingers with potential who have shown, in their respective leagues, that they can score and assist goals in almost equal measure.

Therefore, bringing Gakpo in could be a dream alternative to the Leverkusen man due to their similar qualities and profiles.