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BBC:
Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea eye Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori, Brighton see target slip away, while Manchester United cool interest in Barcelona defender.
Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and West Ham are all interested in 22-year-old Italy defender Riccardo Calafiori but will have to pay in excess of £40m to prise him away from Bologna. (Express), external
A number of Barcelona's directors remain unconvinced about the merits of signing Spain's Euro 2024 star winger Nico Williams, 21, from Athletic Bilbao. (Sport - in Spanish), external
Brighton have been left frustrated after Chelsea agreed a deal to sign midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, 25, from Leicester even though the player had undergone a medical with the Seagulls and a fee was agreed between the two clubs. (Telegraph - subscription required)
Leicester are close to agreeing a deal to sign 18-year-old midfielder Michael Golding from Chelsea. (The Athletic - subscription required), external
Newcastle are trying to negotiate a deal to sign Nottingham Forest's Greek goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos, 30, as part of 21-year-old Scotland midfielder Elliot Anderson's move to the City Ground. (Daily Mail), external
Manchester United are unlikely to pursue a deal for Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo despite long-standing interest in the 25-year-old Uruguay international. (Football Transfers), external
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has made it clear in talks with the club's board that they should not look to cash in on Sweden striker Alexander Isak, 24, this summer amid interest from Chelsea. (Fabrizio Romano via Teamtalk), external
West Ham plot swoop for former Celta Vigo youngster Gabri Veiga
Tottenham are set to trigger an option to extend 31-year-old South Korea forward Son Heung-min's contract with the club until 2026. (Football Insider)
West Ham United are among a host of clubs that have indicated interest in signing Al-Ahli attacking midfielder Gabri Viega, according to Spanish outlet, Fichajes.
The former Celta Vigo prodigy sparked outrage over her decision to join the Saudi Pro League in 2023 despite receiving interest from some European top clubs. The 21-year-old has kept producing commendable displays for Matthias Jaissle’s side and has featured in 18 matches, with his performances drawing interest from West Ham.
According to Fichajes, the Hammers head coach, Julen Lopetegui, sees Viega as an archetypical player that suits his system and believes the former Spain u21 star possesses qualities that would be a valuable asset to the team.
The report also adds that West Ham plan to offer the midfield gem, a solid platform to continue his progress in the Premier League.
However, the Hammers face stiff competition for the Spaniard as Aston Villa and Juventus have also indicated interest in recouping the youngster.
Veiga’s contract at the King Abdullah Sports City will run until the summer of 2026 and is valued at €25m (£21m) by Transfermarkt.
Veiga faces an uncertain future in the Saudi Pro League. Although the youngster has stated his desire to return to his former club, the competition for his signature is ‘booming’ – and the next months could prove decisive on where he continues his career next season, according to the report.
West Ham have now thrown in their hat in the race for the youngster who was one of the most coveted youngsters in Europe during his time at Celta.
Lopetegui, who is renowned for developing youngsters into world-class players, is looking to add Viega to his list of developed talents – having earmarked the Spaniard as a fitting proponent for his style of play.
Viega’s keen eye for defence-splitting passes – and his overall technical qualities – could be massive for the team, while also providing the Hammers an economical asset; with top European clubs always keeping an eye out for their top performers.
Considering his immense quality and potential, Viega’s £21m transfer valuation could be an absolute steal if West Ham successfully beats their rivals to secure his signature.
- Football Talk
Jose Mourinho pull is fatal for West Ham plan to sign top Julen Lopetegui target
The pull of Jose Mourinho has proved fatal for West Ham United’s plan to sign a top Julen Lopetegui target.
Today marks the official opening of the summer transfer window for international deals.
So West Ham now have two months in which to complete the major rebuild for new head coach Julen Lopetegui.
Or six weeks if the Hammers want to have the new-look squad in place for the start of the new Premier League season.
West Ham are said to be eyeing another six signings. But more will be needed if – as is expected – further sales are made to raise vital transfer funds.
The list of players West Ham are being linked with grows longer every day.
Much like the alleged managerial target list before Lopetegui was officially appointed.
Mourinho comes back to haunt Hammers
One name that was mentioned on more than one occasion in connection with West Ham was Jose Mourinho.
When those rumours emerged a West Ham spokesman shot them down emphatically in a Hammers News exclusive.
Now, though, Mourinho could come back to haunt the Hammers in their bid to get one of their new head coach’s prime targets to the London Stadium.
Mourinho is now managing Fenerbache in Turkey.
The Mourinho pull proves fatal for West Ham’s plan to sign a top Lopetegui target.
According to journalist Rudy Galetti, it has taken just one phone call to ruin West Ham’s best laid plans.
The name was longstanding Hammers target Youssef En-Nesyri and it was presented to majority owner David Sullivan and Tim Steidten when he was being interviewed for the job.
Since our report En-Nesyri has been heavily linked with a move to West Ham at the third time of asking.
En-Nesyri was seen saying his goodbyes to Sevilla with reports claiming he is London Stadium bound.
Spanish publication El Mira also stated that West Ham would be reuniting Lopetegui and the Sevilla forward for just £17m this summer.
Marca also claimed En-Nesyri will definitely be sold for 20m Euros (£17m) – and most likely to the Hammers.
West Ham appeared to drop a clear En-Nesyri transfer hint on their own website recently.
The club has actually tried to sign En-Nesyri twice in the past only to be turned down on both occasions by the Moroccan striker.
There were claims En-Nesyri was still not sold on joining the Hammers this summer as they are not in Europe.
A couple of weeks ago, though, it emerged En-Nesyri is now open to joining West Ham.
‘Striker gives green light to Fenerbahce after Mourinho call’
But Galetti claims Mourinho called the striker and has convinced him to join Fene instead.
Now all that is left is for the Turkish club to agree a fee for En-Nesyri, with an offer imminent.
“Fenerbahce are ready to send an offer of around €15m (£12.75m) to Sevilla for En-Nesyri,” Galetti said.
“The club is open to letting him go for €20m (£17m): talks will continue in the next few days.
“Green light from the Moroccan for the transfer after receiving Mourinho’s phone call, as (Sevilla-based journalist Maximo de la Cruz Ramirez Ramirez said.”
- Hammers News
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