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As per Sport, a significant update has dropped involving West Ham United and Barcelona goalkeeper Neto as manager David Moyes plots to replace Lukassz Fabianski.

The Lowdown: Fabianski nearing end?

West Ham’s current number one is nearing the twilight phase of his career and they may have to start planning for the future sooner rather than later.

Having just retired from international duty with Poland, Fabianski’s career at club level is also a talking point with his current deal set to expire in 2022.

The Irons snapped up Alphonse Areola on a season-long loan with the option to make it permanent but it appears new transfer chief Rob Newman has alternatives in mind.

The Latest: West Ham ‘best placed’ to sign Neto…

As Barcelona seek to get the Brazilian powerhouse shot stopper off their wage bill, it is believed that ‘he may already have a foot and a half outside the club’, according to Sport.

Indeed, the Catalans will apparently let him go and it may well happen as soon as January, with West Ham now the ‘best placed’ to sign him if he does leave.

Moyes is apparently preparing to replace Fabianski and has one eye on the 6 foot 3 keeper.

The Irons could in fact ‘bet’ on a swoop for his services.

The Verdict: Right move?

Given their links to England international Sam Johnstone and the presence of Areola, we believe the potential signing of Neto isn’t exactly a headline-grabber by comparison.

At 32-years-old with just a handful of Barca starts over the last two seasons, he comes as an arguable back up at best to better options like Johnstone – who himself could leave for West Brom due to his 2022 contract situation.

In other news: Contact made: West Ham have already positioned themselves to sign 17-goal ‘real handful’ for Moyes, find out more here.

Tottenham Hotspur have endured quite a horrid time ever since their defeat in the Champions League final in 2019.

Mauricio Pochettino was sacked soon after, Jose Mourinho has been and gone. Ryan Mason even returned in a caretaker capacity.

And the north Londoners are yet to break back into the top four – a stark contrast from their run of three successive top-three finishes under the Argentine.

The squad had got very stale, with several players way overstaying their welcome. It was only this summer that the likes of Erik Lamela and Moussa Sissoko were finally moved on.

Player recruitment has always been questionable throughout chairman Daniel Levy’s time at the helm but he does deserve plenty of credit for perhaps their biggest shining light throughout these tough few seasons.

Last summer, the Spurs supremo managed to haggle Southampton for their skipper, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, who only cost £15m. The Saints had been wanting over double that (£35m) beforehand.

He has arguably been one of their best signings of recent times, an ever-present figure under Mourinho, Mason and now Nuno Santo. And in that time, his value has skyrocketed.

As per CIES Football Observatory, the Danish powerhouse is now worth €50m (£45m) – an increase of 200% from their initial investment. A true Levy masterclass.

In the 14 months he has been at the club, Hojbjerg has already amassed 64 appearances, scoring four goals and providing five assists, as per Transfermarkt.

Back in December, Mourinho lauded the central midfielder as a “phenomenal player”.

“Pierre is, first of all, very intelligent. He reads the game very well. He’s going to be a coach one day, for sure,” the Portuguese told reporters (via Goal.com). “Physically he’s very, very strong and technically he’s much better than people think. Because sometimes people think the guy that is good technically is the guy that does the backheel. The guy that is good technically is the guy that does something wonderful. But these are not my words. These are words from coaches of 30, 40 years ago. Simplicity is genius.”

Also dubbed a “monster” by one-time Denmark and Derby County midfielder Morten Bisgaard, Hojbjerg has been a real success story for Spurs and Levy in particular, especially when you contrast it to the investment in Tanguy Ndombele.

The Lilywhites chief certainly played a blinder over signing the 26-year-old beast last season.

AND in other news, Fabrizio Romano drops exciting Spurs transfer claim ahead of the January transfer window…

Many Southampton fans have been left buzzing as it was confirmed who will they will play in the Carabao Cup second round.

As per their official Twitter page, they will face Newport County away from home, who currently play their football in the EFL League Two.

Given that they are three divisions above them in the Premier League, this means that the St. Mary’s faithful should have a good chance of going through into the next round of the competition.

Perhaps more importantly in this instance, it gives Saints supporters a chance to go on a new away trip after a year of football without fans, and so it is not a surprise to see so many of them buzzing when they heard who they were going to face.

Southampton fans on cup draw

These fans buzzed as the draw was announced on Twitter, with one Saints supporter exclaiming it is a cup tie they can get ‘excited’ for, while another described it as ‘fantastic’:

“What a fantastic draw…! Better than Palace, Arsenal or Sunderland!”

Credit: @cj_garrett

“Can’t wait”

Credit: @ryanrd1905

“Away days are backkkkk”

Credit: @DanColmer

“Now this is a cup tie I’m excited for”

Credit: @Trimbleee_

“This’ll be a good away day #SaintsFC”

Credit: @T_2292

“Love that!”

Credit: @SaintsProgs

In other news, find out what club news has Saints buzzing here!

Newcastle United are reportedly now willing to pay big money in order to sign Ronald Araujo.

The Lowdown: Destined for greatness

Despite the trouble in which Barcelona have found themselves in recent times, having to let Lionel Messi go to Paris Saint-Germain and potentially not being able to qualify from their Champions League group, the emergence of Araujo is at least one shining light at Camp Nou.

Recently described as a ‘spectacular’ player by his new manager Xavi, the 22-year-old looks destined for great things, and his teammate Gerard Pique already thinks that he ‘has everything’ for a central defender despite his tender age.

One of the most notable qualities about Araujo is his physique, as he stands at 6 foot 2, and he is in ‘exuberant physical condition’ according to former Uruguay centre-back and fellow countryman Andres Scotti, making him a bit of a beast.

The Latest: Wanted

As per El Nacional, Newcastle now want Araujo and are ‘one of the most interested’ clubs from the Premier League in the race for his signature, along with Chelsea.

They would reportedly be ‘willing’ to put an offer of £60m on the table, comfortably surpassing the club-record £40m that they spent on Joelinton, as well as giving the 22-year-old a ‘big’ contract.

Ideally, Barcceloa do not want to sell, but the report claimed that they would ‘have to study’ a prospective offer of that magnitude.

The Verdict: Unrealistic

It does seem too unrealistic that a player of Araujo’s quality and promise would move to Newcastle this early in the project, especially as they are currently in a relegation scrap.

Eddie Howe’s preference for high possession and attacking football would certainly suit Araujo more than some of the other centre-half options in the Magpies’ squad, given that the Uruguay international has averaged more passes at a higher success rate per game than Ciaran Clark, Federico Fernandez and Jamaal Lascelles in their respective domestic leagues so far this season (WhoScored).

However, despite the kind of money that the Tynesiders now have at their disposal, it seems likely that Araujo would look elsewhere for now, perhaps to reigning Champions League holders Chelsea, until the long-term project at St James’ Park has developed further.

In other news, NUFC are also eyeing this ‘incredible’ beast

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly confident that they can sign Cristian Romero in the summer transfer window.

The Lowdown: Alderweireld leaves

As per BBC Sport, Spurs have reached an agreement to sell Toby Alderweireld to Qatari club Al-Duhail.

This means that Nuno Espirito Santo’s team will have to look for a new central defender as a replacement for the Belgium international, ideally before the 2021/22 Premier League season starts.

The Latest: Romero confidence

According to Tuttomercatoweb, the North London club are confident that they can sign Romero, as talks continue with Atalanta over a potential deal.

He is reportedly their top target, but the Serie A side want a fee in the region of €60m (£51.1m) for his signature, and the Lilywhites’ latest offer falls short of that value.

The Verdict: Sign

The reported fee is certainly a lot for THFC to pay, especially for a centre-back, but Romero could turn out to be a mainstay in the team for years to come.

Once dubbed a ‘phenomenon’ by Italian media after signing for Juventus, the 23-year-old has the potential to become one of the world’s best in his position, if he is not already.

Romero has played at the highest level in the UEFA Champions League last season, and helped Atalanta qualify for the elite European competition once more for the next campaign, a player who is made for the big stage.

Nonetheless, the Argentinian would certainly be a statement signing by Tottenham.

In other news, find out which ‘top-four quality- target Spurs have been backed to sign here!

Peterborough United Director of Football Barry Fry insists that Scott Parker will only join Bournemouth if he is convinced the club want to win promotion this season.

The Fulham boss has been heavily linked with a potential move to their Championship rivals following the Cottagers’ relegation to the second-tier.

The Daily Telegraph has reported that Parker is expected to leave Fulham this week and Bournemouth are subsequently set to approach him to become their new manager, with The Athletic reporting on Tuesday it looks likely to happen.

The report claims that the Cherries want a manager who is experienced at winning promotion to replace Jonathan Woodgate after the club failed in the play-offs this term.

Bournemouth finished sixth in the Championship and were beaten by Brentford in the semi-finals of the play-offs, losing 3-2 on aggregate, as the Bees went on to Wembley and beat Swansea City to seal their promotion.

Fry believes that Parker will only move if he knows he is going into a club with ambitions of automatic promotion, with the ex-Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United midfielder having guided Fulham into the Premier League in 2019/20 via the play-offs.

Speaking exclusively to The Transfer Tavern, Fry said: “Scott would want a club in the Championship that’s going to have a right go at going up. He wants to go up again.”

An update has emerged on Leicester’s pursuit of RB Leipzig forward Ademola Lookman.

What’s the talk?

According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Leicester have reached an agreement with RB Leipzig over a deal to sign winger Ademola Lookman, with the player now set to undergo a medical.

Sky Sports reporter Dorsett claimed earlier in the day that Lookman is keen on a move to the King Power, which suggests that there should be no issues when it comes to agreeing personal terms.

Excitement

Leicester fans will surely be excited by this update from Romano as it suggests that Lookman will be arriving at their club at some point on deadline day.

The Foxes have finally been able to reach an agreement with the Bundesliga club and fans will be delighted to see their side dip into their transfer war chest to attempt to improve their attacking line-up.

As long as the medical goes through as planned, Lookman will be a Leicester player by the end of the day and Brendan Rodgers will have another forward option to select in the Premier League and Europa League for the rest of the campaign.

Foxes fans should be excited by this news because of the level of player their side are bringing in. The 23-year-old spent last season on loan at Fulham and averaged an impressive WhoScored rating of 6.92, producing four goals and four assists despite the Cottagers’ relegation back down to the Championship.

Last season, ex-Fulham boss Scott Parker hailed Lookman’s ‘unbelievable quality’ and admitted that he was his main target in 2020. He said:

“You can see the quality the boy’s got. We knew that at the start of the window when he was the main one I wanted in – the main one I was calling for.

“I think you can see in a short space of time – at Brentford the other night and now here today – that the boy’s got unbelievable quality. He’s a big plus for us this year, and he’s going to be a big help for us. Hopefully, he can keep playing the way he is.”

Lookman knows how to perform at Premier League level so Leicester fans should be excited about the prospect of a young attacker who has already proven himself in the top-flight arriving at the King Power today, as he will provide excellent competition for the likes of Harvey Barnes, Marc Albrighton and Ayoze Perez.

In other news, Ex-Foxes defender hails Leicester star after he signs a new King Power deal

Helder Costa’s proposed last-minute move from Leeds United to Valencia could be off, following a late twist in the saga on deadline day.

The Lowdown: Costa tipped for Valencia move

The 27-year-old has been linked with a late move to the La Liga side, as he looks to enjoy a fresh challenge and earn more playing time.

On Tuesday, it appeared as though a switch to Spain could materialise for Costa, but that story has now taken a turn.

[freshpress-quiz id=“359346″]

The Latest: Deal looks to be off

According to Spanish journalist Hector Gomez on Twitter [via MOT Leeds News], Valencia boss Jose Bordalas has called off the move at the eleventh hour.

The ‘player wants to come’ but the manager has reportedly ‘stopped the operation’, which suggests Costa may end up remaining a Leeds player until at least January now.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-news-15/” title=”Latest Leeds United news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Huge blow for winger

This is a big blow for Costa, considering how hard he could find it to earn playing time at Leeds moving forward.

The Portuguese was having a tough enough time of things at it was, but the addition of Daniel James from Manchester United only heightens the chances of him warming the substitutes’ bench.

The hope is that some late business can still be done, though, in order for Costa to reach a happier phase in his career and the Whites to secure a fee for his services.

In other news, one piece of Leeds deadline day business is reportedly done. Read more here.

Liverpool midfielder Naby Keita could be set for an imminent Anfield exit after failing to produce his best form since arriving on English shores.

What’s the story?

According to Spanish outlet AS (via Sport Witness), the 26-year-old’s agent has offered his client to La Liga giants Atletico Madrid in an attempt to find him a new club this summer.

Keita has two years left to run on his current contract at Liverpool, but injuries and a lack of form (seven goals in 76 appearances) have seriously hampered his progress with Jurgen Klopp’s charges.

Klopp must axe him

The Guinea international joined the Reds in a £52.75m deal from Bundesliga outfit RB Leipzig back in 2017 but was allowed to remain at the Red Bull Arena on loan for a further 12 months.

After an encouraging maiden campaign on Merseyside, making 33 appearances in all competitions as Liverpool won the Champions League, Keita has struggled to make an impact since.

A miserly 16 Premier League starts since the beginning of 2019/20 has seen the African star fall down Klopp’s pecking order, although the impending departure of Gini Wijnaldum appeared to bring some fresh hope for the attack-minded maestro.

With the Dutch international set to join Barcelona on a free transfer over the coming months, a sizeable gap in the Liverpool engine room will need filling, and Keita may have been expected to be given a final chance to prove his worth.

However, that prospect now looks unlikely, with reports suggesting the club’s hierarchy are keen to offload a rare expensive flop purchased during their reign.

Atletico manager Diego Simeone is thought to be an admirer of the £120,000-per-week midfielder, and the six-time European champions are keen to take advantage of that admiration.

With Klopp reportedly needing to sell some fringe players to fund a rebuild of his first team squad, the German must ruthlessly axe Keita this summer in order to made improvements to his stuttering Liverpool squad.

Although Keita has put in a handful of top-quality performances over the last three campaigns, those displays have been few and far between, and he’s been unable to perform to the required standard on a consistent basis since his arrival.

Liverpool won’t be able to recoup the fee they paid for the former RB Salzburg man, but he should still fetch a significant price, allowing Klopp to reinvest and catapult his side back towards a title challenge next season.

In other news… Bye-bye Shaq: Liverpool should soon unleash their Shaqiri heir, he’s a “special” gem 

Former Aston Villa man Alan Hutton has been reacting to a transfer update regarding Rangers defender Filip Helander, Football Insider report.

The Lowdown: Helander links

Steven Gerrard is making a head start when it comes to summer transfer activity, watching targets Boubacar Kamara, Duje Caleta-Car and Geoffrey Kondogbia live over recent weeks.

A Villa source has recently shared the club’s interest in Helander, a defender who Gerrard signed for Rangers back in 2019 in a deal worth £3.5m.

The Sweden international will be entering the final 12 months of his Rangers contract in the summer, and it looks as if Villa are keen on a possible cut-price deal.

The Latest: Hutton reacts

Talking to FI about that update from a Villa source, Hutton, who contributes for Sky Sports, had this to say regarding the interest in Helander, labelling the pace of the Premier League as a ‘worry’ and labelling the step up to English football as ‘huge’.

“Helander is a player who reads the game and gets himself into good positions.

“Obviously the injuries haven’t helped but the thing I would worry about is the pace side of it. When you go down south in the Premier League, you’re playing against a lot of quick players.

“There’s quick movement round about you, at your feet. It’s whether he can handle that. It’s a huge step up.

“No disrespect to Rangers or anybody in Scotland but the Premier League is arguably the best league in the world. That’s the only thing that I would worry about.

“You look at the centre-halves Villa have got now. Konsa is quick, Mings is quick and they can still get caught out.”

The Verdict: A risk?

Helander has made just 11 appearances this season due to knee and foot problems and has missed a whopping 66 games through injury since moving to Scotland.

Gerrard reportedly has his concerns over Helander’s injury history, so a reunion in the Midlands could bring plenty of risks heading into 2022/23.

Bringing Helander to Villa Park as a potential back up option may well be a wise move, especially if Ezri Konsa and Tyrone Mings move on, but making him a marquee centre-back signing may not be the best idea given his extensive injury woes and arguably worrying lack of pace.

In other news: Source: Gerrard now happy for ace to leave Villa Park; he’s ‘central to a lot of the problems’.