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Journalist Paul Brown has delivered his verdict on the potential transfer activity to come at West Ham United this summer. 

The lowdown: Hotting up

Having made a quiet start to the summer, the Hammers have now completed deals to bring Rennes defender Nayef Aguerd, Swansea City midfielder Flynn Downes and Paris Saint-Germain stopper Alphonse Areola to the London Stadium on a permanent basis.

Meanwhile, club captain Mark Noble has retired, whilst Ryan Fredericks and Andriy Yarmolenko both left the east London club after the expiration of their respective contracts.

The only other significant transfer saw on loan defensive midfielder Alex Kral return to Spartak Moscow, but now one informed onlooker has shed some light on what could come next in the market for the Irons…

The latest: ‘West Ham are saying…’

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Daily Star journalist Brown suggested that David Moyes may not have the funds to land the amount or quality of signings required.

He said: “West Ham are saying they want to end the window having signed five or six players. It’s a strange situation at West Ham because there’s a lot of talk that they don’t have the money people thought they had, although they still seem to be targeting a quite high calibre of player.”

The verdict: Irons in the fire…

Although only three incomings have so far been confirmed, one of which was a loan move held over from last season, Moyes and transfer chief Rob Newman have certainly been actively pursuing targets.

West Ham have reportedly recently had an offer rejected for Lille midfielder Amadou Onana, been heavily linked with Chelsea striker Armando Broja and been named among the multiple suitors for free-agent forward Jesse Lingard – who spent a stellar spell on loan in east London in 2020/21.

With more than enough room in the current squad to accommodate further signings, any of the aforementioned trio would be welcome additions to the Hammers’ ranks, particularly Broja as Moyes simply cannot afford to head into another gruelling season with only Michail Antonio as a recognised senior centre-forward.

West Ham United are believed to be monitoring Stade Rennais forward, Martin Terrier, according to reports.

What’s the word?

As per club insider ExWHUemployee, the 25-year-old is believed to be a potential target for the Hammers this summer, amid reports that the east Londoners – as well as Leeds United – are tracking the Frenchman ahead of a potential deal.

Asked on Twitter about a possible move for the former Lyon man, the respected source stated: “Well I know he has been a target before as this article says from our podcast.”

The article in question – which comes from This is Futbol – includes quotes made by the transfer insider earlier this summer on the West Ham Way podcast, in which he stated:

“There’s a guy called Martin Terrier of Rennes who can play on the left wing as well, all of those forwards in France would have been looked at because I know we value that league for bargains.

“And the club, Moyes, the scouts, the recruitment, the chairman all feel that the French league is possibly the one that’s got the biggest track record of players being able to convert to the English League most easily. So I think we’ll be looking at players there.”

Massive coup

A deal for the £22.5m-rated gem could no doubt prove a major coup for David Moyes and co, with Terrier having been in prolific form last season in Ligue 1, netting 21 league goals and providing three assists in 37 league outings – all of which came from the start.

That goalscoring record saw him finish joint-third alongside compatriot Moussa Dembele in the goalscoring charts in the French top-flight, with their respective hauls having only been bettered by Monaco’s Wissam Ben Yedder (25) and Paris Saint-Germain sensation, Kylian Mbappe (28).

That position among the most deadly players in the league is even more impressive considering that the 6-foot menace isn’t even an out-and-out centre-forward, having largely featured in a left-wing berth during his time with Rennes.

His overall record at his current club now stands at 30 goals in just 71 appearances thus far over the past two seasons, with the £19k-per-week man set to add undoubted competition to the current forward options at Moyes’s disposal at the London Stadium outfit.

Not just a threat with the ball at his feet, the one-time Lille marksman is also devastating in the air, notably ranking in the top 7% for aerial duels won among those in his position across Europe’s top five leagues.

With Chelsea’s Armando Broja potentially also set to come through the door, the former Everton boss could well be able to form a new look frontline next term, with such clinical new arrivals set to ease the attacking burden on the likes of Jarrod Bowen and Michail Antonio.

Equally, with Terrier in particular, managing to poach a player who is clearly heading into his prime would represent a massive coup for the Irons, with the hope being that his former teammate Nayef Aguerd can tempt him into making the move to England.

AND in other news, Contact made: Moyes can unearth a new sensation as West Ham move for “complete” £39m target 

Reliable journalist Alasdair Gold has provided an injury update on Tottenham Hotspur duo Oliver Skipp and Ben Davies, touting ‘slightly optimistic’ returns for Southampton.

The Lowdown: Spurs’ PL opener

Spurs get their Premier League campaign underway next Saturday as Antonio Conte’s side prepare to face Southampton at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The Italian boss will be hoping for a strong start to the season after Lilywhites managing director Fabio Paratici secured six new signings for the squad, with further arrivals and departures still expected to take place.

The Latest: Gold’s update

In a QnA for football.london, Gold was questioned about the availability of Skipp and Davies ahead of Spurs’ opening clash against Southampton.

In response, the journalist revealed:

“Oliver Skipp’s injury was just a minor knock to his foot in training on Friday. He could be back for the match against Roma and if not then he’s expected to be pushing to be involved against Southampton.

“For Ben Davies, Conte hopes he’ll be ready for that Premier League opener although could prove to be slightly optimistic. The key is how the Welshman’s ankle reacts in the week ahead.”

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The Verdict: Fingers crossed

The return of Davies and Skipp will be seen as a huge boost by Tottenham fans, given their reliability last season.

The Wales international certainly stepped up to the plate, playing as a makeshift left centre-back in Conte’s preferred back five on 35 occasions.

For his fantastic efforts in the role, Spurs awarded the 29-year-old with a fresh contract which will keep him in North London until June 2025.

Skipp, who didn’t feature as regularly as Davies due to a serious injury, still managed to amass 18 appearances in the Premier League last season.

Having his first-team progress suddenly halted, the 21-year-old will be hoping to push on and establish himself as a mainstay in Conte’s team this year.

Leeds United employee Noel Whelan has been reacting to the club’s move for Sonny Perkins, Football Insider report.

The Lowdown: Perkins in demand

Perkins officially left West Ham at the beginning of the month and was linked with Leeds, Aston Villa and Tottenham. It was the Whites who won the race for the 18-year-old’s signature, though, with the club confirming a deal last week.

Perkins has signed a three-year deal at Elland Road and is set to initially link up with the U21s, with a fee involved possibly set for tribunal.

The Latest: Whelan’s comments

Talking to FI regarding the move for Perkins, Whelan said that there is ‘real potential’ for the youngster to follow in the footsteps of Joe Gelhardt and Sam Greenwood.

“I think it’s a really attractive proposition for players like him.

“There is that clear pathway from the Under-23’s into the first-team, and it’s not just filling spaces – there is real potential to be the next Gelhardt or Greenwood.

“Many young players at clubs around the country don’t really have that pathway in place, and that can be really frustrating.

“Leeds United have got that set-up in place.

“They’ve got a real successful track record of giving these kinds of players first-team football.”

The Verdict: Good to see

Leeds have put their trust in a number of youngsters over the last 12 months, making history with eight teenagers making their Premier League debuts during the 2021/22 campaign.

The club’s plans to sign and develop some of the best young players around appears to be working, and you’d expect that Perkins would have been fully aware of the pathway through to first team level in Yorkshire.

Hopefully, he’ll hit the ground running at Thorp Arch, and you never know, an impressive start could see him catch Jesse Marsch’s eye, which may result in a place in a first-team match-day squad sooner rather than later.

Wolves haven’t been particularly busy when it comes to adding new players to their squad throughout this summer’s transfer window in the same way that some other Premier League clubs have.

With Nathan Collins being the only new face to arrive at Molineux so far this summer, the Old Gold may be waiting for the final weeks of the window to get their business done.

Having only seen last season’s three relegated teams score fewer goals than them in the 2021/22 Premier League, it would make sense for the Old Gold to target someone who can help in an attacking sense.

One figure with whom the Molineux club have been mentioned and who could fit this bill is Borna Sosa.

Despite being a left-sided defender, the Croatian has shown he can be a very useful attacking figure, which could make him a smart prospective signing for Wolves and an upgrade on their current left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri.

Across 83 appearances for Stuttgart, the 24-year-old has three goals and an impressive 23 assists to his name.

To further highlight Sosa’s attacking talent, comparing his previous Bundesliga campaign with Ait-Nouri’s most recent Premier League season with Wolves, the Croatian racked up more shots at goal, shot-creating actions, goal-creating actions and crosses than the 21-year-old (via FBRef).

This shows that, certainly from an attacking point of view, the 24-year-old – who is currently valued at €13m (£10m) according to Football Transfers – would be a deadlier figure than the current Wolves full-back and give the Old Gold’s attacking players the chance to score on a more consistent basis.

It also backs up why Stuttgart coach Pellegrino Matarazzo said that the player has “huge potential”, and also why the club’s sporting director Sven Mislintat described Sosa’s left foot as a “weapon” for their side.

In terms of a potential move to Wolves, the departure of Fernando Marcal from Molineux this summer shows that they could do with adding another full-back to their squad.

Based on his clear attacking talent, the Stuttgart gem could be an excellent prospective addition to Bruno Lage’s side and make it easier for them to find the net on a more regular basis.

AND in other news: Steve Madeley drops behind-the-scenes transfer claim that’ll have Wolves supporters fuming

Nottingham Forest have ‘opened talks’ to sign Southampton striker Che Adams over a summer move to the club, according to a fresh transfer claim.

The Lowdown: Adams impresses for Saints

The 26-year-old may have been playing for a fairly uninspiring Saints side last season but he still managed to score seven times in the Premier League in total.

Adams has been a consistent performer under Ralph Hasenhuttl since arriving from Birmingham City in 2019, netting 20 times in 96 top-flight appearances, as well as being called ‘terrific’ by Scotland legend Ally McCoist.

The Latest: Forest eye up move

According to Football Insider, Forest have ‘opened talks’ to sign Adams as Steve Cooper’s big-spending summer continues.

They are reported to be ‘starting negotiations’ with the striker, as they look to beat Leeds United to his signature.

The Verdict: Proven PL quality

If Forest managed to get a deal for Adams over the line, it could be an inspired signing, considering how he has shown that he can perform in the Premier League.

The Scotland international would give the Reds that extra firepower that is needed in the top flight, potentially linking up a great effect with Taiwo Awoniyi and Brennan Johnson.

Whether or not Southampton are willing to sell, or if Leeds get there first, remains to be seen, but this update is proof of the huge strides Forest have made in such a short period under Cooper.

Wolverhampton Wanderers could be left to rue their inability to move on Ruben Neves this summer, according to talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook.

What’s the word?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the respected source suggested that the Midlands side are now facing a potential “problem” this summer, with fewer funds set to be available as they are yet to cash in on the Portuguese midfielder.

Crook stated: “That’s a bit of a problem for Wolves because at the start of the summer, when there had also been interest in January from Manchester United and Barcelona, they almost built their business plan around selling Neves for decent money.

“The fact that nobody has come in has obviously left them a bit short stocked.”

The Molineux outfit have been left somewhat in limbo with the 25-year-old – who has been the subject of interest from clubs across Europe – also yet to agree a new deal at the club, with just two years remaining on his existing contract.

Summer disaster

That fact has ensured that Wolves could be forced to sell the playmaker on the cheap next summer if he does not agree to an extension, with that a far from ideal scenario for a player whom manager Bruno Lage previously insisted could demand over £100m.

Bringing in something close to that fee would no doubt have enabled the former Benfica boss to rebuild the squad in his image, with key areas of the pitch undoubtedly in desperate need of bolstering.

While the club have signed the forward pair of Goncalo Guedes and Hwang Hee-chan on permanent deals this summer – the latter man having spent last season on loan under Lage – there is still arguably the need for a genuine, out-and-out centre-forward, particularly with Raul Jimenez currently sidelined with injury.

Equally, in a more general sense, there have long been concerns over the lack of squad depth at the club, with those fears potentially heightened having seen the likes of Roman Saiss and Conor Coady depart, despite also bringing in Nathan Collins from Burnley.

Recouping valuable cash with the sale of Neves would no doubt have helped Lage and co bolster their positions of weakness and fill such notable voids, although now it would appear that they will be lumbered with a player whose value is only set to depreciate the longer his contract saga drags on.

Not that supporters nor the club will wish to see the 30-cap gem depart, with the £58k-per-week ace having been so influential in the team’s rise in recent years, scoring 24 goals and providing 12 assists in 214 games in all competitions since joining on back in 2017.

That being said, it is seemingly the natural order of things that such an impressive figure is typically snapped up by an elite club, with Wolves likely having been banking on that fact, as Crook alluded to.

As it is, Lage will likely have to continue to field a player whose future remains particularly unclear, with it set to prove something of a disaster if his non-sale does impact potential incomings.

The Rangers Review journalist Jonny McFarlane criticised Connor Goldson’s defending as Glasgow Rangers conceded the opening goal on Tuesday night.

The Lowdown: Disappointing draw

The Ibrox outfit would have felt disappointed with a 2-2 draw in the end, having found themselves pegged back at 2-1 by PSV late on in the second half.

The hosts recorded more possession and shots on goal (SofaScore), but in the end it was not enough to take an advantage into the second leg.

The Latest: Goldson criticised

Taking to Twitter after PSV took the lead from a corner through Ibrahim Sangare, McFarlane criticised Goldson’s defending in the lead up to the goal, staying:

“Poor defending from Goldson there. Rangers have looked shaky at set-pieces so far this season and they were punished. Break of the ball unfortunate but that’s a big blow.”

The Verdict: Costly

Goldson’s mistake proved costly in the end, as Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s team had to settle for a draw rather than going to the Netherlands with a one-goal advantage.

The Rangers defender appeared to mistime his header, leaving the ball in a dangerous area in the penalty box before Sangare slashed home.

Goldson did not look comfortable during the game, picking up a yellow card just short of the hour mark, while he also lost five of his duels, recorded no interceptions and lost the ball a total of 18 times, the second-most of any player on the pitch (SofaScore).

The 29-year-old will have to perform better if the Gers are to come away with a win in the return leg and book themselves a place in the Champions League group stage.

Wolves have been boosted by the news that Raul Jimenez will reportedly return from injury for his side’s Premier League clash with Tottenham this weekend.

The Lowdown: Wolves head to Spurs

Bruno Lage’s side have made a slow start to the season, suffering defeat away to Leeds United before only drawing 0-0 at home to newly-promoted Fulham.

Next up for Wolves is Saturday’s trip to Spurs, in what is sure to be the biggest test of their credentials so far, with Antonio Conte’s side aiming for another top-four finish in 2022/23.

Ahead of the game, a big Wanderers update has emerged.

The Latest: Jimenez back fit

According to Mexican outlet Publimetro, Jimenez will be in contention to face Spurs this weekend, having recovered from the knee injury that has kept him out since pre-season.

Mexico Director of National Teams, Jaime Ordiales, says the Molineux icon is ‘already considered to play again this week’.

It is stated that he is now ‘expected to see minutes’, in what is no doubt pleasing news for Bruno Lage.

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The Verdict: Huge boost for Wolves

While Jimenez may arguably not be the player he once was – understandable, given the severity of the head injury he suffered in 2020 – he remains an important focal point at Molineux.

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The Mexican’s tally of 54 goals in 146 appearances for Wolves, not to mention 29 in 93 caps for Mexico, is proof that he can much some much-needed firepower back into the squad.

It would be a surprise if Jimenez started at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium but a second-half cameo could make sense, especially if Wanderers are in need of a goal.

Leeds United remain in talks with Celtic over a deal for Rory Mahady, according to The Daily Mail (via MOT Leeds News). 

The lowdown

Football Insider reported on Saturday that the Whites had already reached ‘full agreement’ for the 16-year-old goalkeeper. They also claimed that Mahady had already agreed personal terms with the Premier League side, paving the way for him to sign an initial scholarship deal.

The teenager has turned down the opportunity to sign a professional deal with Celtic, who will feature in this season’s Champions League group stage, and seems to a favour a move to Yorkshire over fellow suitors Manchester City.

The latest

As per MOT Leeds News, the Daily Mail’s Monday print edition [The Verdict, 22 August, pg. 14] suggests that the deal isn’t quite as advanced as has been reported.

They claimed that the Whites are still only ‘in talks’ to sign the ‘goalkeeping prospect’, so perhaps there’s still some work to be done from Victor Orta and co behind the scenes.

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The verdict

Will Leeds feel a great sense of urgency to get his deal done? If they havee already secured the verbal approval of the player, and they don’t have to worry about rival offers, then they might be patient.

After all, Mahady won’t be entering the first team setup straight away given that he only turned 16 last week.

Nonetheless, Leeds fans may be excited about this prospective long-term transfer, with the teenager looking like one of the best talents in his position and age group. Indeed, he has won international recognition, featuring for Scotland under-17s at the European Championships in May.

He also played so well for Celtic’s under-17 side last season that he caught the eye of clubs south of the border, including the reigning Premier League champions, a clear sign of the vast potential that he possesses.